Penance is the Play

Chapter 4

"If we convince the Headmaster you need more private tutoring, there is no reason we can't continue spending a few hours together at Hogwarts," Snape said, tapping a finger against his tea cup. "Tell the Headmaster you find the defense lessons useful, and that you're not secure yet in using Occlumency."

Harry nodded. He wanted to continue to spend time with Snape when they were back at Hogwarts. He couldn't imagine not seeing Snape anymore after they'd spent half the summer together.

"You do realize we must be careful," Snape continued. "You are not to tell your friends a thing about what we do together, understood? If anyone asks, you're taking remedial Potions again."

"Yes, sir."

"And you must understand I won't treat you any differently in my class than I have done before."

Harry smiled. "I'm used to the insults now. The only thing that bothers me is that I won't be able to insult you right back."

"Oh, but you can. That way I can squeeze in a few convenient detentions," Snape said smoothly, his lips curving up in a suggestive grin.

"I have a feeling Gryffindor is going to lose a lot of points this year," Harry said, and laughed.

"Indeed."

Still snickering, Harry stared down at the table top. Snape's stained fingers curled around his tea cup. Harry looked at his own hands. Four weeks of working with certain potions ingredients had discolored his fingers as well. He didn't mind, though. It gave him a constant reminder of what had changed between him and Snape.

A crack sounding from the hallway announced Dumbledore's arrival.

"Good morning," Dumbledore said, cheerful as ever, as he entered the kitchen. "Oh no, don't get up, Severus. I'll find myself a cup."

"Morning, sir," Harry said as Dumbledore summoned a cup and joined them at the table.

"Ah, a cup of tea. I haven't had time yet to sit down this morning," Dumbledore said, leaning towards Harry as though he was sharing an important secret.

Harry smiled, and Snape looked as though he wanted to upturn the teapot over Dumbledore's head.

Sipping his tea, Dumbledore looked between Harry and Snape, taking his time to observe them. "Only two more days," he said. "Are you looking forward to returning to Hogwarts, Harry?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, good. I think Severus requested an evaluation of your summer lessons."

"Indeed, Headmaster," Snape said, straightening in his chair. "The boy has made progress, though he has requested we continue our Occlumency lessons at Hogwarts. And offering the boy remedial Potions also wouldn't go amiss. Merlin knows he'll need it to survive my N.E.W.T. Class."

Dumbledore nodded. "Harry, how do you feel about this?"

Harry cleared his throat. "I agree with Professor Snape. I'm still not perfect at Occlumency, though I am doing better than before. And yes, Potions has never been my strong point, and I'd really like to pass Professor Snape's class."

"I see no problem with any of this. You two can arrange your private lessons together. Do you have any objections, Severus?"

Snape looked rather sour, but he shook his head. "Perhaps we can also continue our defense lessons. I believe the boy found them useful."

"I did, yeah."

Dumbledore's lips curved up in a tiny smile. "I'm not sure that will be necessary. I can assure you, I've found a competent new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."