Disclaimer: Harry Potter and related belong to JKR, if they belonged to me, would I be writing fanfiction?
A/N: Thanks for all the support for this story guys, you're incredible!
R/R
Chapter 6: The New Year
Dolores Umbridge was frustrated. She had been at Hogwarts for just over four months and nothing the Ministry wanted to come to fruition had happened yet. Harry Potter was training in some American facility and Dumbledore refused to give her the name of it, even though she'd demanded it. She needed to get control of Potter, Cornelius had practically demanded it of her, and who was she to refuse the Minister of Magic. She knew what Cornelius' plan was, and she had to admit she agreed with it. He wanted to prove that Harry had suffered abuse at the hands of those damn Muggles that Dumbledore had insisted placing the boy with, then once this was proven, Potter would become a ward of the Ministry and they could place him in whatever home they deemed fit. Of course, Cornelius had worked out who Potter would be placed with and subsequently married off to. The crux was, this whole plan only worked if they got ahold of Potter before he was of age, which was just two years away, less then that actually. If he hit seventeen without being under Ministry control, there was nothing they could do.
HP/SS
Harry and Severus had spent the remainder of the Holidays cooped up in Severus' chambers, except for times when they had to leave for lunch or to visit with the remaining Slytherins. However, now that students were returning from the Holidays, Severus had to resume his more normal duties and Harry had immediately -and gratefully- reverted back to his animagus form. Severus was still worried that Harry really wasn't coping with what had happened to him and his issues, though he wasn't willing to push the child just yet. Despite being fifteen years old, mentally Harry was much younger due to lack of affection and gross negligence and abuse growing up. Blaise had helped tons with Harry, spending time with the boy, talking to him. Harry still hadn't fully explained everything to his two new Slytherin friends, but Severus knew his snakes suspected how deep the abuse ran.
Severus was relieved that Harry did have Blaise, he knew there was something beyond friendship occurring between the two boys, but Severus wasn't sure what. On some level Blaise was like Harry's over protective older brother, but that analogy just wouldn't work when he saw that simple affection went a lot deeper between the two boys. Either way, Severus was just relieved that Harry had someone to talk to and to take care of him that wasn't just Severus. Not that Severus resent Harry needing him quite the opposite actually, but Harry needed someone else as well.
"Doing your rounds Severus?" Pomona's voice sounded from behind him. Turning the 'dungeon bat' nodded his head.
"As is my duty as a house head" He drawled, eyeing the dumpy woman before offering her a small smile.
"Ah yes, the duties of being a house head" The woman mused, returning the smile lightly. "Albus asked me to relieve you, he mentioned something about your familiar being ill still and that you didn't like being away from him long" She said when Severus arched an eyebrow, a silent hint to 'get on with it'.
"Ah, yes he's still a bit out of it from his little dip in the lake" Severus felt his lips twist into a sneer.
"Poor dear, well I'm here now Severus. You best keep an eye on that little kitten. Minerva was telling me that she overheard Dolores was going on about his safety again"
"Lovely" Severus muttered, nodding his head in thanks to Pomona before heading back towards the Slytherin Common room where he knew Silver was playing with Blaise.
HP/SS
Severus walked into the common room, instantly noticing his group of Slytherin fifth years sprawled over the furniture in front of the main fire place. He could hear Draco's soft laughter paired with Pansy's giggles and Blaise's much more deep chuckle. Obviously something had amused the group immensely. Theodore Nott was nearby, along with Crabbe, Goyle and Daphne Greengrass. He was happy to see the tight knit group though, especially being so relaxed. It was inside the safety of the common room that his students could truly relax and become themselves, and it was rather enjoyable to see. He watched as Blaise shifted, the tall Italian teen was lying on his side in front of the fire, giving him his first view of his little familiar. The little kitten was bouncing around, playfully attacking Blaise's fingers along with a few conjured toys it seemed. The dark haired teen was laughing as Silver batted at his hands and it seemed the others were laughing at Silver's antics.
"Hello Professor" A voice sounded from beside his elbow and he glanced down, smiling lightly as he saw a second year by the name of Michelle Canterbury. Her older brother had graduated in a few years previous and he had always liked the children of the Canterbury family.
"Hello Miss Canterbury" Severus responded, flicking his eyes up from the girl to the group of fifth years.
"What are you doing here Professor? I thought you were coming by for weekly discussions tomorrow night" The girl mused.
"I am coming tomorrow night as well Miss Canterbury, I'm just here to collect my wayward familiar" He nodded at the playful silver coated kitten.
"Oh" The girl grinned suddenly. "He cuddled with me today Professor" She confined. "Everyone says he only really likes the fifth years, especially Blaise. But while I was sitting doing my Transfiguration homework he came over and crawled in my lap" The girl's blue eyes were dancing with delight at her statement, and Severus grinned in return.
"I'm happy he's branching out. I'm sure he'll play with you much more now that he knows you better" He said, smiling as the girl waved and bounced away to join her friends. Yes this was why he liked the common room so much, it was the one place his snakes could be normal, happy children as opposed to the masks they presented the rest of the school. Walking over to the fifth years he seated himself next to Draco, nodding his greetings to his students.
"Hello Professor" Pansy greeted from where she was seated across from him.
"Miss Parkinson" The dark haired man intoned, turning his eyes to watch Silver and Blaise. The kitten was clearly worn out as he had curled up on Blaise's stomach and was sound asleep. Blaise had rolled onto his back a few minutes before when Silver had started using his lanky frame as a playground.
"I guess he wore himself out" Severus mused, watching as Blaise rubbed behind the small ears with a grin.
"He was rather rambunctious Professor" Blaise murmured, "He's still favoring his leg a bit though" The teen added, knowing his Professor would want to know that Silver was still in a bit of pain.
"I'll give him some mild pain potion later, hopefully that will help a bit" Severus murmured lightly, he despised how long it seemed to take his adopted son to heal. All the abuse Harry had suffered previously added up, and it seemed even with the help of spells and potions Harry's accumulated abuse led to longer healing periods since the potions and spells targeted everything as opposed to the immediate injury. Blaise nodded in understanding, knowing that the injury went beyond Silver and into Harry.
"I'll take him now Blaise, he should get some rest in our chambers" The Potion's Master murmured. The teen nodded, carefully lifting the kitten and handing him to his house head.
"Can I come by your office later Professor? I've been having some trouble with the latest Transfiguration assignment and I'd like to discuss it with you" Blaise asked.
"Of course, come by in about half an hour, that should give us enough time to talk before curfew" Severus murmured, cradling Silver to his chest as the kitten mewed in sleepy protest at the movement.
"See you then Professor" Blaise murmured, watching as the man left along with Silver.
"I didn't know you were having problems with Transfiguration Blaise" Draco murmured, giving his friend a look.
"Not a lot of trouble, I just have a question about McGonagall's essay and I have no desire to brave the Lion's den in order to speak with her" Blaise said, shrugging his shoulders as he stood up and stretched.
"I'd better gather my stuff, Professor Snape hates waiting" Blaise added, heading towards the shared fifth year boys dorm room.
"Right" Draco murmured, his eyebrows furrowing. The blonde was confused, Blaise was an awesome student and rarely needed help. Plus McGonagall's essay was fairly simple, so why would Blaise need help with it? Shrugging, the blonde pushed the questions to the back of his mind for now and turned his attention to the conversation going on between Pansy and Daphne about the latest fashions for the coming spring.
HP/SS
Severus sighed as he poured himself a cup of tea. He had finally gotten Harry to shift back to his human form and the small teen was curled up on the couch in a thick blanket, also sipping a cup of tea. Severus had needed him to shift back to he could try to alleviate the pain that the boy was obviously feeling.
"Blaise is stopping by in a few minutes" Severus finally murmured, Harry hadn't spoken much since he had shifted back, though he perked up at the mention of Blaise.
"Yea?" Harry shifted, moving as much as he could with the restrictions of the blankets, he seemed reluctant to lose the warmth. One thing Severus had noticed about Harry was his hoarding. The boy tended to keep hold of anything given to him and often was reluctant to lose stuff given to him. For example, the blanket the boy was wrapped up in was a gift from Severus and Harry often wrapped himself in the blanket, reluctant to let it go or even move far from it, as if he thought he'd turn around and it would be gone. Severus knew that this was a very visible reminder of the abuse Harry had suffered at the hands of the Dursleys. When he had asked Harry about it, the boy had admitted that his relatives would often taunt him with things that he needed, like food or warm blankets and clothing, only to take them away almost immediately. Harry knew he shouldn't accept, but often he was desperate and logics didn't fit in with survival.
A knock on the door roused Severus from his rather depressing thoughts and he rose to answer the door to his chambers.
"Hello Blaise" He murmured, stepping inside as the tall teen stepped inside, his bag slung over his shoulder, which he deposited beside the door as he wouldn't need it.
"Hello Pr-Severus" Blaise corrected himself when Severus raised an eyebrow.
"Hey Harry" Blaise loped over to the couch, sitting down next to Harry and carefully tugging the teen into his arms. Harry snuggled closer, smiling softly at Blaise.
"Hey" Harry murmured, his voice soft and hoarse from disuse.
"You feeling okay?" Blaise asked, his voice low as his arms slid around Harry's nearly skeletal frame.
"Yea, 'm just tired" Harry murmured, his head resting lightly on Blaise's shoulder.
"I bet" Blaise said, chuckling softly as he glanced at Severus.
Severus was always amazed with how Harry interacted with Blaise, he'd never seen the teen so comfortable and relaxed and he was rather pleased to see how close the two boys were. He watched as the two boys murmured back and forth, further solidifying his belief that the two were engaged in an romantic relationship over a brotherly one. He was happy about that, many would think that after everything Harry went through Severus would want to prevent any blossoming relationships with his adopted son, but Severus was happy. He was happy to see that despite everything Harry was able to be in a normal, teen-age relationship. Though he suspected that due to Harry's situation he would never engage in a frivolous teen-age relationship like most of the students at Hogwarts. He knew Harry was in this for life, and he only hoped Mr. Zabini realized that.
Despite Severus' fears, Blaise was very aware that his and Harry's relationship wasn't a short one. Even though Blaise's mother was known as a 'player' in some sense, Blaise was very much the opposite. He had no desire to date or be with multiple people, he wanted that one special person, someone he loved enough to spend the rest of his hopefully long life with. He glanced down at the raven-haired teen who had fallen asleep in his arms and smiled. It seemed, despite the odds, he had found that person, and he couldn't be happier. Oh he knew Harry had a lot of issues to work through, not to mention the fact that the Dark Lord wanted his head on a pike, but still, he was happy. He could handle all of that as long as Harry was with him. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over the dark hair, smiling as Harry wrinkled his nose and burrowed deeper into the blankets, cuddling against Blaise.
HP/SS
Harry woke later that evening tucked into his bed, his blanket that Severus had given him wrapped tightly around him. He yawned, sitting up a bit as he rubbed his eyes and reached for the ever present glass of water on the bedside table next to him. He frowned slightly, the last thing that he remembered was falling asleep against Blaise's chest. A goofy grinned touched his features as a light blush worked its way into his cheeks. He still couldn't believe that Blaise Zabini, noted by much of the student body to be one of the most handsome boys in school, wanted to be with him. He sighed, cuddling his blanket again, he knew it was ridiculously childish to have a blanket that offered comforts, but he'd never had one before and when Severus had presented it to him 'just because' he had fallen in love with the fleecy creation. He figured he could be forgiven for his childishness just this once, since he'd never had a 'blanky' as child like most kids had. Yawning again, Harry curled up in his bed, a small smile on his features as he drifted off thinking about everything Severus had done for him in the last few months. Besides taking over his guardianship and adopting him, the man had given him a home. His own home with his own bedroom, his own books, his own things. He'd never just had things before, little knick knacks or a soft blanket. He still couldn't believe it. As he drifted off, his thoughts turned to Blaise and the day Blaise had asked him out.
-Flash Back-
Harry was curled up on the couch in Severus' quarters. It was a few days after Christmas and he and Blaise had been spending nearly every moment together. Blaise told Harry everything about his life and Harry slowly opened up and told him a few things about his own, omitting a few deeper secrets for the time being. The more time the boys spent together the more they seemed to connect.
"Hey Harry?" Blaise asked, catching the smaller teen's attention from where he'd been reading.
"Yea Blaise?" Harry asked, closing his book, though he kept his finger on the page he'd been reading.
"I was wondering.." Blaise trailed off, blushing lightly. Harry had never seen Blaise this flustered before and he was intrigued.
"Well, these last few days we've gotten pretty close right?" Blaise asked, blushing lightly.
"Yea, I mean I feel pretty close to you" Harry admitted.
"Good" Blaise said, a bit of his ego returning at Harry's admission.
"What are you getting at?" Harry asked, punching the other boy lightly in the shoulder.
"I'm just wondering if you'll go out with me? I mean be my boyfriend" Blaise stuttered out, immediately looking away in fear of rejection. Harry didn't respond for a moment, a stunned expression dominating his sharp features.
"O-of course I'll be your boyfriend" Harry finally managed to spit out, his face flaming red as Blaise suddenly enveloped him in a hug, pulling him tight against his chest.
"Good" Blaise whispered in his ear, before carefully leaning down and kissing him gently. He had no desire to frighten Harry, and though no one had told him about Harry's summer and the rapes, he knew that the small teen would respond negatively to moving too quickly. This would be a very slow moving relationship, but worth every minute of it.
-End Flash Back-
HP/SS
Severus sighed, resisting the urge to rub his aching forehead. He had a pounding headache and this was only his second class of the day. Of course it was his fifth year Gryffindors and Slytherins and that class was always the most stressful, and not just because of Longbottom's amazing ability to explore even the least volatile of potions.
"Today you will be brewing a relatively simple potion, I imagine even you can't mess it up" He leveled a familiar glare at the class, smirking as many of the Gryffindors flinched and Longbottom even released a squeak.
"Today we shall be brewing a Strengthening Solution" Severus murmured, tapping the board behind him with his wand in order to magically transcribe the instructions.
"As this potion takes a few days to brew, we will be brewing the base today and allowing the mixture to mature over the next two days" Severus murmured.
"Can anyone tell me why we must allow the base to mature over the next couple days?" He asked, arching an eyebrow and studiously ignoring Granger's hand as it shot into the air.
"Miss Greengrass?" He asked, surprised to see the girl's hand in the air as she wasn't overly vocal in classes.
"Because the Salamander blood is explosive when mixed with Pomegranate juice unless the blood is allowed to dissolve into the rest of the potion over a two day period" The girl responded.
"Correct Miss Greengrass. Five points to Slytherin" Severus said with a nod.
"You have your instructions you may begin" The Potion's Master said, stepping over to his desk as the students converged on the ingredients cabinet. Once the class was situated at their desks, he began his customary walk around the classroom, prowling amongst the desks as he surveyed the students.
"You should be adding the mandrake root within the next five minutes, if you have yet to reach that step, you are behind" Severus growled about half an hour later, "You need five minutes of stirring after you add the Salamander blood, this is a crucial step, so you need to be on time with your brewing" He growled, watching as many frantic students, all Gryffindors hastily began adding roots to their potions.
"Miss Granger you are brewing this potion individually stop helping Longbottom" He snarled as he stalked past the Gryffindors.
"He is perfectly capable of following directions on his own, or do you believe that I am incapable of teaching and you are a better teacher then I am?" He asked, stopping in front of the girl's desk.
"No Professor" Granger stuttered, looking up at him for a moment before dropping her gaze to her potion again.
"I thought not" Severus sneered before returning his stalking.
"Ten points from Gryffindor Mr. Weasley" He snapped, "For speaking ill of your Professor" He added as Weasley opened his mouth to backtalk him.
He had, of course, heard Weasley hissing under his breath about 'the greasy git' and had of course deducted points.
Sighing, Severus cast a silent 'Tempus' spell.
"You should be done your stirring now" He said finally, "Collect your cauldrons and place them along the back counter. Then tidy your stations" He said, watching as they scrambled to do as he ordered.
Once the stations were cleaned to his specifications he dismissed the class, rolling his eyes at the antics of the Gryffindor students as they all attempted to escape his classroom. The Slytherins were much more composed and a few bid him good afternoon. Once the classroom was clear he cast a spell on the cauldrons, ensuring nothing happened to them until they were needed again. He didn't put it past any of his students to try and added things to the cauldrons, it seemed to be a favorite prank of a few students.
HP/SS
Severus sighed softly as he entered his chambers later that evening. Silver was curled up on the couch, sound asleep in front of the fire. He grinned lightly, amazed that despite his awful day, Silver was always able to cheer him slightly, as was Harry of course. He set down the rather large stack of seventh year essays down on the table before he made his way over to the couch, scooping up the kitten as he sat down and tried to relax. He was due in the Slytherin Common Room in about half an hour, but he wanted to relax for a bit first. Dinner had been its usual chaotic affair, amplified by the Weasley twins who had decided it'd be funny to put something in Dolores' pumpkin juice. The woman hadn't been able to speak after she took a sip, only able to croak, which had been rather amusing, except now he had to find an antidote for whatever the terrible twosome had drugged her with. Not to mention the woman's incessant croaking as she seemed to believe that if she persisted in talking she'd someone how revert back to English as opposed to toad.
Silver yawned, rolling over on Severus' lap and looking up at the man with his typical brilliant emerald coloured eyes.
"Brat" Severus muttered, stroking Silver's pale furred stomach affectionately as he looked over at the pile of essays.
"I'm going to the Common Room for a while this evening, would you care to come?" Severus asked, slightly amused by the fact that he was having a rational discussion with a kitten, even if said kitten was an animagus. Silver sat up, nodding lightly before meowing and batting at Severus' nose playfully.
"Hey" Severus growled, catching the tiny paw, though he was careful not to squish it. "My nose is not a toy" He said, though he had to admit it was adorable, though he'd never admit that to anyone except perhaps himself.
HP/SS
Sitting in the Common Room once a week was normal for Severus. He liked to spend time with his snakes, not only to address personal issues they might be having, but also to help with homework or answer generally education related questions. He knew Filius did the same thing, though Pomona and Minerva did not. He thought it was his duty, not only as a Professor, but as a head of house to make himself available to his students beyond his normal office hours, well at least the students in his own house.
"Excuse me Professor?" Mr. Nott murmured as he approached the chair the Professor generally set himself up in.
"Yes Mr. Nott?" Severus shifted, conjuring a chair for the young man to sit in.
"I wanted to speak to you about my Ancient Ruins" Nott drew out the appropriate homework, showing his Professor where they were having trouble.
Across the room, Blaise was seated with Pansy, Daphne, Draco and the usual body guards, in front of a smaller fire books open in front of them. Silver was situated in Blaise's lap, looking down at the textbook Blaise had spread on the table in front of them. The kitten batted at the pages every time Blaise tried to turn them, causing the Slytherin to groan in mock annoyance and catch the little paw to turn each page. It was a great game for Silver, though it definitely was making Blaise's charms homework take longer then normal.
"Little pain in the arse" Blaise growled, trying his hardest not to laugh as Silver shifted in his lap, rolling onto his back and began batting at Blaise's tie.
"I'd say the little bugger really likes you Blaise. I've never seen him play so much with someone" Draco mused, reaching over to rub Silver's stomach and earning himself a playful growl from the kitten before he began to purr.
"I'm glad, I rather like him" Blaise murmured, poking Silver's nose teasingly.
"We can tell" Pansy chirped from her seat next to Daphne as Millicent walked over and joined them.
"What can 'we' tell?" The girl asked as she claimed Theo's empty seat.
"That Blaise likes Silver and vice versa" Daphne supplied, smiling at the third girl of the little group.
"Ah" Millicent nodded, digging her own books out of her bag and beginning her Herbology essay.
Rolling his eyes, Blaise returned his attention to Silver, amazed at this feat of magic his boyfriend had managed. Harry had explained that he had practiced all through his third year in order to obtain his form, but he'd only been able to hold it for a few minutes at a time. That was one of the main reasons for the collar Severus insisted he wore, though Blaise was relieved. He couldn't imagine that the rest of the school, let alone Gryffindor and most of Slytherin would not be impressed to find out Harry had been hiding out in the form of the much loved and hated Slytherin mascot.
HP/SS
Ronald Weasley sighed, it was his first day back at Hogwarts since his suspension and he had just finished his detention with the dungeon bat. He hated the man for making his serve this stupid detention and making him lose his spot on the team. He scowled, stupid Snape and his bloody familiar. This was all their fault, he hadn't really even done anything wrong. Sure the cat had gotten hurt a bit, but it was a cat, who cared? He sighed, he knew Hermione did, once he had returned, just that morning, he'd been treated to a long, long lecture about animal rights and other nonsense. On top of that he'd had to make that stupid potion and lost points.
He shoved his book away, shutting it violently before storming off to the dormitories. He ignored Hermione's scathing remark on the treatment of books as he strode up the stairs, ignoring the catcalls from the twins and their friends as he slunk into the dormitory. Drawing the hangings around his bed he threw himself down, thoughts consumed with Snape's stupid pet and everyone else defending it. He couldn't understand everyone being so attached to the creature, it was a Slytherin familiar after all. Shaking his head he sat up, changing into his violent orange Chudley Cannons pajamas and climbed into bed, banishing thoughts of anything Slytherin related, he fell into a deep sleep, relieved to be away from his mother and her form of punishments for the foreseeable feature.
HP/SS
Blaise groaned, shifting his bag higher on his shoulder as he headed for Herbology. It was the last day of classes before the weekend and this was his second last class of the day, potions being the last where they'd be finishing the Strengthening Solution. He hated Herbology, but not for the reasons most expected. He had hay fever which always acted up whenever he was in the greenhouses, despite the potions Professor Snape supplied him with. Most thought, like Draco, he hated herbology because he got dirty, honestly he couldn't be fussed about getting dirty, he rather enjoyed some activities that involved dirt and grime. Pansy laughed as she overheard his grumbling as she tossed her dark hair over her shoulder.
"Did you take your potion?" She asked, arching an eyebrow at the dark haired teen.
"Yes I did, doesn't mean I dislike Herbology any less" Blaise responded, hitching his bag up again.
"Did Professor Snape say if he'd be bringing Silver to class?" Theo asked on Blaise's other side.
"He mentioned he might, seems the little guy's been getting into his ink if he doesn't keep an eye on him. Paw prints all over the seventh years' essays" Theo chuckled.
"What a brat, guess we all better watch our ink and essays from now on" Blaise said, smirking as he imagined Severus' face when he discovered that little present. It amazed him how adventurous Harry was when he was in his animagus from, Silver was outgoing and attention seeking in a good way, whereas Harry was shy, withdrawn and despised being the center of attention. Blaise rather enjoyed both sides of Harry, but the human one was nicer on most occasions, especially for conversations and other things.
"We'll be working in Green House three today" Professor Sprout called over the assembled group of students.
"We're going to be re-potting the Fanged Geraniums" The stout woman said, dusting her dirty hands over her apron.
"Dragon hide gloves will need to be worn, these plants do bite" She laughed, ignoring the slightly horrified expressions of a few of the students.
"Come on then, get your aprons on and we'll begin" She said leading the students into the aforementioned greenhouse.
"Biting plants" Draco moaned next to them, "Seriously, biting plants. Who comes up with this stuff? What self-respecting wizard would have biting plants in their gardens?"
Blaise laughed, "Maybe you can plant them in entrances and they keep people out. Like attack plants?" He suggested, laughing at the incredulous look on Draco's face.
"When I inherit the Manor I'm going to ban any biting plants" The blonde said, sticking his nose in the air playfully.
"Worried your own plants would attack your ugly face Malfoy?" Ron Weasley's voice drawled from behind the group of Slytherins.
"Go away Weasel" Malfoy groaned, throwing a look at his friends.
"At least I can afford biting plants if I want them. What does your family have in your garden again? Or do you even have space for a garden around your hovel?"
"Shut up" Ron growled, shaking of Seamus' hand as it was placed placatingly on his shoulder.
"I'm only asking you a question Weasel, you could be polite and answer" Draco said, arching an eyebrow at the redhead.
"Screw you Ferret" Ron hissed, hands plunging into his pocket as he searched for his wand.
"What seems to be the problem?" Professor Sprout asked as she approached the group.
"Mr. Longbottom has already succeeded in potting his first Geranium, you all need to get started" She leveled the group with a glare, watching as the all broke off into threesomes. Blaise, Theo, Draco in one and Pansy, Millicent and Daphne in the other.
Pulling on their gloves, the boys turned their attention to the 'biting plants' and began the aggravating process of digging them out and trying to put them into the larger pots next to them.
"Ouch" Blaise hissed, pulling back from the plant and grabbing his arm where his robes had been rolled up and gloves had slipped down.
He stared down at the angry, red bite mark, watching in annoyance as blood welled up where the fangs had punctured his skin.
"Off to the Hospital Wing Mr. Zabini, Madame Pomfrey will be able to heal that bite in a matter of seconds" Professor Sprout said as she examined the injury.
"Yes Professor" Blaise said, grabbing his bag and heading out of the greenhouse and towards the castle.
"Aren't you supposed to be in Herbology Mr. Zabini?" Severus asked as he stumbled across the teen as he entered the main doors. Thankfully Severus had a break this period, and was going on his rounds while accompanied by Silver who was riding on his shoulder.
"Yes Professor. I was bitten by a fanged geranium and Professor Sprout sent me to the infirmary, I'm heading there now" Blaise said, holding out his injured arm for inspection. Silver mewed softly, climbing down Severus' arm and onto Blaise's good one.
"I can heal this, come with me" Severus murmured, laughing quietly as Silver wrapped himself around Blaise's neck.
"Okay sir. Thank you" Blaise said, following after his Professor towards the potion's classroom.
HP/SS
"Hem Hem" A sickeningly familiar voice sounded from the doorway of the Potion's room. Glancing up from his healing, Severus resisted the urge to groan as he saw Dolores Umbridge dressed in violent pink dress.
"Yes?" He asked curiously, arching an eyebrow at her as he rubbed salve into Blaise's arm.
"I thought you were patrolling during your free period Severus" The woman said in her overly sweet voice.
"I was, when I stumbled across Mr. Zabini on his way to the infirmary after sustaining a bit from a fanged plant" Severus responded.
"Ah, and why is Mr. Zabini not in the hospital wing then?"
"Because the salve Madame Pomfrey would need is one I make" Severus said, showing her the jar of blue cream.
"Ah, well carry on then" She said, patting Silver's head rather roughly before sweeping out of the room in what she assumed was an elegant manner. It was rather distasteful. Rolling his eyes, Severus continued the application of cream, carefully rubbing it in before wrapping Blaise's arm tight with gauze.
Silver whined, batting at his own ears now, looking sickened.
"She is rather awful" Blaise agreed, flexing his fingers once his hand was free.
"He's not a fan of her, at all" Severus murmured, putting the salve away along with bandages.
"You might as well prepare for class Mr. Zabini, it begins in ten minutes" Severus added as Blaise set Silver down on the desk and moved to his work station, beginning to set out the rest of the ingredients for the Strengthening Solution.
HP/SS
The rest of the day went fairly well, it was the weekend so the students were rather anxious to get out Potions which resulted in a lot of botched potions, especially from certain Gryffindor students. Once the bottles were on his desk, Severus placed them carefully in a box before carrying them to his chambers. On fridays he had no office hours, and with Silver situated comfortably in his bag, he was able to head back to his rooms and relax without worrying about being bothered.
"You going to help me mark instead of ruin essays?" Severus asked as he put the crate down and freed Silver from his carrying case. The kitten mewed in a cheeky manner before rushing around the room to release the pent up energy he had accumulated from his stint in the case that Severus kept in him during potions.
Groaning playfully, Severus settled down at his desk, a sheet of parchment with students names and a quill sitting next to the box as he removed the potions and set about marking them. First he looked at colour and texture, if those were up to standards he'd actually test the potion, if they weren't, he wouldn't risk it.
Once the potion was tested, he'd mark based on the effectiveness of the brew. If the potions didn't pass the visual test, it was a fail grade.
Pushing the parchment away and moving the crate to the potions' cabinet in his personal chambers to deal with later, Severus stretched stiffly, relieved to have no more marking to do for the weekend. Now he could relax and enjoying himself, perhaps take Harry to Diagon Alley for some supplies the boy needed. Of course he'd need to be glamoured, but it might be fun for the boy. He might even ask Albus if Blaise could accompany them, it might be nice for the boys to get out and be around one another outside of his chambers.
It'd be nice for the boys, not to mention himself. Hogwarts had been extremely stressful as of late, and not just because of the ruse of having Harry as Silver, but OWLs were in four months, which caused many students, like Miss Granger, to panic. Not to mention the annoyance that was Dolores Umbridge and her habit of popping into his class nearly everyday to 'check on Silver'. Yes Hogwarts was indeed stressful and a day in Diagon Alley would do them wonders. Decided, he'd speak to Albus in the morning and hopefully take the boys on Sunday, it would be less crowded then.