Author's Note: Well here we are on part two already. I'm sorry that the parts are so short, but unlike the other portions of this series, this one is being posted as it's wrote. Please be patient with me and I will do my best to get at least one part to you every week until summer break ends.
Author's Note #2: Be aware that as this was started before Book 6 it will continue to ignore the happenings of Books 6 & 7.
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"Ambrose! Do not throw mashed potatoes at Moria." Harry said as he glared down the long table at the children who were having dinner.
"Sorry, Harry. But she threw peas at me first!" Ambrose pouted as he hunched in his seat.
Harry sighed and shook his head, about to speak only to have Severus speak from the other end of the table. "Then you should have retaliated where Harry or myself could not see. That is part of being a Slytherin... You are only so good as long as you don't get caught. We did not see Moria throw her peas, we did catch you however. For that your play time is cut in half for the next week. Next time don't get caught." Severus said as he nibbled on his salmon steak.
"That isn't what you should be telling them." Harry said with a half glare at his soon-to-be bondmate.
"They're Slytherins, this is what they do." Severus told him in a simple tone.
"Yeah!" most of the younger ones said with a giggle, well used to Harry and Severus' snipping back and forth.
Harry shook his head and went back to his own meal, only to be interrupted by Moilyn popping into existence beside his chair. "Master?"
"Yes, Moilyn?" Harry was still having trouble getting used to being called 'master' by the servants in their home, but it didn't make him cringe the way it used to.
Moilyn held out a note. "Master Lupin contacted you, but had no time to talk so I have brought the message."
Taking it, Harry opened it. Remus' breaking and upset voice began to speak out from the magical message. "Harry, I'm sorry not to wait to speak with you personally, but there seems to be someone attempting to either sabotage or harm Black Manor. Who ever it is knows enough dark magic to get through most of the defenses. I wouldn't have bothered you, but... they left... a dead black dog on my bed." Here the message paused, as if Remus was trying to steady himself. "I don't know many people who would understand the reference... but you can see why I'm a little worried. I just don't know what to do. Any thought from you or Severus would be helpful. Good bye."
By the end of the message, Harry's eyes were wide and he was staring at Severus who looked a little uneasy himself.
Standing, Severus politely wiped his mouth on his napkin before nodding to Harry who was rising as well. "Children, listen to Amantha while we go see to this."
All of the children nodded and went back to their meals, privately wondering what a black dog could mean to Mr. Lupin.
to be continued...