Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: This is the sequel to On the Flip Side and the interlude Glimpses…Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think!

Fifteen year old Harry Potter happily looked around Diagon Alley as he waited for his friends. The awe and wonder of magic never got old for him; he was still as amazed now as he had been when he had been eleven years old. This summer he had learned many new spells from his dad for his training. It was a lot of work but Harry liked learning advanced Defence and dueling, it was the kind of hard work he liked doing. The threat of Voldemort was still out there as Harry had had a few more strange dreams that woke him up with his scar prickling, although it had been a few weeks since he had suffered from one. Harry was hoping that whatever had caused it was over as his fifth year started in a couple of days and he didn't want any problems.

"Once your friends arrive, you have how long to get your supplies?" Snape asked briskly.

Harry sighed. They had already gone over this. "An hour and a half and not a second later."

"And are you at any time to separate from your friends?" Snape continued.

"No."

"Are you to go to any shops besides the ones where you will pick up your school supplies?"

"No," Harry replied in a bored tone as he gazed around.

Snape snapped his fingers in front of Harry's face. "Pay attention!"

"We've been over this, like twenty times," Harry complained. "And I still don't understand why."

"I have told you why," Snape snapped. "It is for your –"

"Safety," Harry finished.

"Do not get cheeky with me," Snape admonished.

"Sorry," Harry muttered. He sighed. "Voldemort is not back or anything and I haven't had any dreams in weeks."

"I do not care, you are my son, I am your father and this is for my peace of mind," Snape said stiffly. He was worried about the fact that Harry had been having dreams as well as his scar bothering him; it meant Voldemort was up to something or worse he had someone helping him. Either way, Harry wasn't safe and perhaps he was being overprotective but his son's safety was the most important thing to him. He crossed his arms. "Of course, I can always walk with you to the shops while holding your hand." He mused aloud.

Harry's eyes widened. "No, that's okay!" He said hastily.

Snape nodded in satisfaction. "I know you want to look around others shops with your friends but I would rather touch base first."

"For your piece of mind," Harry grinned.

Snape rolled his eyes. "So cheeky."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am –"

"Hey Harry!"

Harry turned to see Daphne, Draco and Hermione walking towards him. His emerald eyes lit up. "Hey guys," He greeted with a grin.

Hermione's eyes were shining with excitement. "Harry, guess what!" She said breathlessly. "I've been made a prefect!"

"Wow, congratulations," Harry said.

"So have I," Draco said smugly. "Naturally, of course."

Hermione rolled her eyes although she gave him an amused smile.

"I was too," Daphne said with a grin.

"That's brilliant you guys, I'm happy for you," Harry said sincerely, locking eyes with Daphne and smiling.

"What about you?" Hermione asked eagerly.

Harry shook his head. He had completely forgotten that a fifth year boy and girl from each house would be chosen for prefect.

"Hmm, I wonder who the other Gryffindor prefect is," Hermione frowned thoughtfully.

"Hello Professor Snape," Daphne greeted when she noticed her head of house standing behind Harry, casually watching them.

Snape inclined his head. "Congratulations to all of you on being made prefects." He glanced at Harry. "You do know why you were not chosen to be a prefect, don't you?"

"He's too much of a troublemaker?" Draco suggested innocently.

Harry scowled at the smirking blonde. His scowl turned into a grin when Hermione smacked the back of Draco's head.

"Ow!"

"No, that is not the reason Mr. Malfoy," Snape said with some amusement. "It would not be considered fair as Harry is a member of two houses."

That made sense and honestly, Harry didn't care about being made prefect. He already knew fifth year was going to be hard and stressful enough with them preparing to take their O.W.L.s.

"Professor Snape, who is the other Gryffindor prefect?" Hermione asked curiously.

Before Snape could respond, a loud voice interrupted. "Do you really have to ask?"

Hermione whipped around and her mouth dropped open. "You?"

Ron looked offended as he joined the group. "Yes, me. Is it so unbelievable?" When everyone nodded, Ron sighed. "Yeah, I was shocked too." He admitted. "My Mum was thrilled though."

"Congratulations mate," Harry grinned.

"Yeah, now I can take points from everyone who annoys me," Ron said gleefully.

"No, you can't. There are rules for being a prefect and one is that you can only take points from your own house." Hermione said primly. "You are not allowed to take points from other houses or prefects, and you can not assign detentions or award points. However, if you think a student deserves detention or a loss of points, you can suggest it to their Head of House."

"Where did you get all that information?" Ron asked exasperatedly.

"A pamphlet came with the prefect badge Ronald," Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Miss Granger is correct," Snape said.

Harry turned to his dad. "Have any of the prefects of other houses recommended that you take points or give detention to any of the Slytherins?" The thought amused him and he wondered if anyone in the past had been brave enough to try it.

Snape smirked a bit. "No, apparently I am found too intimidating to talk to."

"Shocking," Harry deadpanned.

"However, they usually tell their own Head of House, who in turn will tell me." Snape said with a slight sneer.

"Good idea, that's what we'll do," Ron said to Hermione.

"You'd be afraid to talk to my dad?" Harry made a face.

"No," Hermione answered.

"Yes," Ron said at the same time.

"Just tell one of us if a Slytherin is acting out and we'll take care of it," Draco said, indicating himself and Daphne.

"As enlightening as this conversation is, I have some errands to do." Snape said dryly. He glanced at Harry. "I will see you in an hour and a half at –"

"The Quidditch Supply shop?" Harry asked hopefully.

Snape didn't look thrilled but agreed before he departed from the group.

HP

"Where are Theo and Tracey?" Harry asked as they began walking to Flourish and Blotts to get new school books.

"Tracey already got her supplies earlier this summer since her grandmother is visiting," Daphne answered. "And I think Theo got his already too, before he went on vacation."

"He did," Draco confirmed. "He and his family get back tonight."

"Is Astoria here?" Harry asked Daphne.

"Yeah, she's with her friend Tabitha and my Mum," Daphne answered. "We may run into them later."

They entered Flourish and Blotts, and began looking through the books. There were a few schoolmates shopping as well that greeted them.

"How many new books do we have to get?" Ron asked.

"Only two," Daphne said as she pulled two books off of a shelf and handed one to Harry. "Standard Book of Spells, grade five by Miranda Goshawk and Defensive Magical Theory by Wilbert Slinkhard."

"The Defence books are over here," Hermione called from the other side of the shop.

"This year is going to be tough," Daphne said as they made their way across the store. "Our O.W.L.s determines what classes we can take next year."

"My dad already has informed me that I better acquire the required grade to take potions next year," Harry said, a little nervous at the thought. He had improved much since third year but he knew potions would be even more challenging this year.

"He only takes those who score an O, doesn't he?" Daphne asked a little nervously.

"That's the way it has been but," Harry looked around and lowered his voice. "Can you keep a secret?"

Daphne grinned and nodded. "What is it?" She whispered, stepping closer to him.

"My dad is going to allow those who score an E into his sixth year class as well," Harry said. "But he isn't going to tell the students ahead of time so that those who do want to continue on with potions will work hard enough to achieve O's." He rolled his eyes. "I'm not supposed to tell anyone unless I want to be turned in a Flobberworm."

Daphne laughed. "I won't tell." She assured him. "Why is he changing his rule?"

"Well, apparently Dumbledore has been trying to get him to change it for years," Harry answered. "The Headmaster thinks accepting only O's is too strict; he is the only professor who does it."

"Do you think he is also doing it so that if you get an E, you can still be in his class next year?" Daphne asked with a grin.

"Doubt it as he has informed me that he expects an O." Harry made a face. "Something about that I have the capability to achieve it and he expects nothing less than my best." Harry shrugged. "But maybe he did do it in the case that I end up getting an E. Or maybe he got tired of hearing the complaining of those who get an E and want to continue with potions. Or maybe I've made him soft, who knows." He grinned.

Daphne's eyes widened. "Don't let him hear you saying that!"

Harry chuckled. "I'm only kidding. Besides, I trust you not to tell."

Daphne smiled. "You can trust me," She assured him.

"Mum look! It's Harry Potter!"

Harry sighed as everyone in the shop turned and looked at him, whispering and pointing. Several people came up to him excitedly.

"Can I have your autograph?"

"Can we see your scar?"

"Tell us how you defeated You-Know-Who!"

Harry took a step back from the small group with a slight grimace. He hated it when situations like this happened; he had no idea how to react. He didn't want to be rude but he also didn't want their attention. He was about to respond when Daphne spoke up.

"Honestly, can't you see he is just trying to get his schoolbooks like every other student?" Daphne spoke up, glaring at the group. "Please leave him be."

"Humph."

"Who does she think she is?"

Harry tried to hide his grin as the group slowly dispersed. "Thanks Daphne. I hate it when people act like that."

"I know you do," Daphne said softly.

Hermione, Ron and Draco joined them with Hermione handing Harry and Daphne each a Defence book. "Are you okay Harry?" She asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Harry replied.

"Bet you loved that, didn't you Potter? Famous Harry Potter can't even go into a bookshop without –"

"Shut up, prat," Harry laughed as Draco echoed the words he had used before their second year. "At least Lockhart isn't here this time." He joked.

Draco shuddered. "Merlin, he was an idiot."

They bought their books and then went to Scribbulus Everchanging Inks to stock up on new quills and ink. Hermione and Daphne also bought some stationary for when they wrote home to their parents. Their next stop was Madam Malkin's to get new robes.

"Uh oh," Daphne muttered when they entered.

Blaise Zabini and his mother were in the shop, Blaise standing on a stool as Madam Malkin measured his robe.

"Let's see, this right sleeve could come up a bit more…"

Blaise sneered when he saw the group enter the shop. "Look who is here, Harry Potter and his fan club."

"Oh, shut it Zabini," Draco snapped.

Mrs. Zabini narrowed her eyes. "Watch how you talk to my son. As a Malfoy, you should know better." She said haughtily.

"The Malfoy's are not what they used to be Mother," Blaise said snidely. "Soon everyone will know it now that they associate with half-bloods and mudbloods."

Madam Malkin gasped. "Do not use that foul language in my shop!" She scolded.

Draco went for his wand, his face dark with anger but Hermione stopped him. "Don't, it's not worth it." She said softly, her hand on his arm.

"Oh, I think it would be," Draco muttered but he dropped his arm.

"Just ignore them," Harry said as he shot Blaise a dark glare.

"Pathetic," Blaise said with a roll of his eyes. "Ouch! Watch where you are putting your pins, woman!" He snarled at Madam Malkin. "Mother, do I have to get my robes here?"

"Of course not, especially as I now know of the scum they allow to shop here," Mrs. Zabini said hotly. "We will find better quality at Twilfitt and Tattings."

Madam Malkin raised an eyebrow. "Be my quest," She said, stepping aside as the Zabini's passed her.

"See you at school, losers," Blaise sneered. He stopped in front of Harry and gave him a mock sympathetic look. "I d hope seeing me shop with my mother doesn't make you feel bad that you can't ever shop with yours." He said nastily.

Harry lunged for Blaise but was quickly pulled back by Ron and Daphne. Blaise sauntered out of the shop with his mother, laughing.

"Relax mate, everyone knows he's a git," Ron said in a hard tone.

"He is a git who won't be getting any new robes today," Madam Malkin smirked. "Twilfitt and Tattings is closed for the week." She clapped her hands together. "Now, how can I help you?"

Harry stood by the window as Ron was first to be fitted. He felt a gentle touch on his arm.

"I won't ask if you are okay," Daphne said softly. "That was a horrible thing for him to say and you have every right to be upset."

"I know he's just trying to get me to react," Harry sighed. "And it worked."

"That remark would have made anyone react," Daphne said. "I know it is not easy to do, but try to ignore him and bullies like him. They just want to hurt you because they are weak and cowardly."

"Aw, you sound like you care about me," Harry joked.

"Of course I care about you," Daphne said with a slight flush. "I care a lot."

Harry blushed slightly. "I care about you too. A lot," He said quietly.

Daphne's blue eyes brightened.

"Are you two going to get new robes or what?" Ron hollered, stepping off the stool.

Harry made a face. "No need to shout," He muttered as Daphne stepped up on the stool.

"So what are we going to do about Zabini?" Ron asked as they waited.

"Ignore him," Harry said as he stood patiently for Madame Malkin.

"If I take points from him every time he is a jerk, we will be in the negatives by the second day," Draco said with a sigh.

"That's fine with me," Ron said cheerfully.

Draco rolled his eyes.

"I think Harry is right and we should just ignore him," Hermione said. "If we don't react, he will get bored and move on."

"All I have to do is let Professor Snape know when he acts out," Draco said. "He will be in detention for the year."

"Your turn Harry," Daphne said as she joined them, holding her new set of robes.

Once Harry was done, he realized it was almost time to meet Snape so they began making their way to the Quidditch Shop, talking about the upcoming school year.

"Have any of you started thinking about careers?" Hermione asked as they walked.

"Yes," Draco answered.

"Not really," Ron shrugged.

A group of young kids suddenly came running in their direction, laughing with each other and not paying attention. One was about to run into Daphne but Harry grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the way and closer to him. They had arrived at the Quidditch Shop when Harry realized that he and Daphne were still holding hands and that it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

"Two minutes to spare," Snape said from where he was waiting outside the shop. "How did it go?"

"Everything went fine," Harry said brightly.

"Except for Zabini," Ron added. "Luckily we held Harry back from killing him." His eyes widened and he shrugged sheepishly at Harry's annoyed look.

"Is that so?" Snape stared at Harry for a moment. "Well, go on and have your fill inside, I believe the rest of you will be meeting your parents soon." He said.

"Are you coming in?" Harry asked his dad before entering the shop.

Snape glanced inside where teenagers were being loud as they laughed and looked over the merchandise, throwing Quaffles at each other. "I do not think so." He said in distaste. "I will wait here."

"All right," Harry went inside to admire all the Quidditch supplies with his friends.

HP

Once Snape and Harry arrived home and Harry had put his purchases in his room, he wandered downstairs and flopped onto the sofa. He stretched out his legs and put his feet on the coffee table.

Snape walked by him. "Shoes, Harry."

"Oh, sorry," Harry put down his feet. "Did you get your errands done?"

"I did," Snape said in his chair. "The Apothecary had quite a few new ingredients in."

"You spent over an hour in there?" Harry asked though he wasn't surprised. An Apothecary shop was Snape's very own Quidditch shop, he thought with amusement.

"It flew by for me," Snape said airily. "The Quidditch shop however…"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to take so long in there." Harry grinned.

Snape waved his hand dismissively. "It is fine; I'm pleased you had a good time." He clasped his hands together and observed Harry. "What happened with Mr. Zabini?"

Harry shrugged. "The usual."

"I believe Mr. Weasley said something about holding you back," Snape said. "Will you tell me why?"

"He said stuff about the Malfoy's associating with half-bloods and mud-bloods," Harry scowled at the memory. "Then his mother called us scum and before leaving the shop, Zabini said how sad it was that I would never get to go shopping with my mother."

Snape felt a surge of anger at the Zabini brat. The best thing to come out of him not being a spy anymore, besides becoming Harry's father, is that he didn't have to act like he liked all of the death eater's children. "Whatever Zabini says to you, the best you can do is walk away unless you believe he is going to attack you, in that case I want you to defend yourself." He said firmly. "If he says or does anything, you are to tell me and let me deal with him."

"I know, you said that last year but I can't keep running to you and tattling when we are in school," Harry said.

Snape narrowed his eyes. "Really? Fine, I'm sure my new prefects will be more than happy to tell me," He said somewhat smugly.

Harry stared at him. "Is that why they were made prefects?" He asked suspiciously.

Snape gave him an innocent smile. "Now really son, they are for the most part very responsible and maintain high grades. Why shouldn't they be prefects, especially as I could not recommend you?"

Harry snorted. "Sure," He said. "Wait, recommend?"

"The Heads of House give the Headmaster their recommendations for approval," Snape explained.

"Oh," Harry said. "Well, I still think you had an ulterior motive for recommending them."

"Hmm," Snape leaned back.

"Do you know who the new Defence professor is going to be?" Harry asked. He already knew Moody was not returning for another year due to being asked to train new Aurors.

Snape frowned. "No, I have not heard yet. Either Albus is still trying to find someone or he wants it to be a surprise. Either way, I'm sure it will be another genius choice." He rolled his eyes.

Harry snickered. "Moody ended up not being too bad, just…really intense. Besides, whoever it is can't be worse than what we've already had, right?"

TBC: Reviews are welcome! =)