Harry flicked aimlessly through a quidditch magazine in his room, he couldn't pinpoint exactly what had caused his mood to fall and this on its' own seemed to be making his bad mood even worse. He missed his parents, but in a different way to how he usually missed them. Normally Harry missed his parents because everything was going wrong and he wished for someone to comfort him and help fix what was wrong but right now everything was right; Severus and Draco truly had given him a family and with Sirius being free he only wished his parents were here to see it and to enjoy it with him.
His birthday a few days before had also been completely perfect, it was the first time Harry could every recall everybody he loved being in the one room and again he wished his mum could have been there, to give Severus a friend if nothing else.
He sighed turning his attention to how great everything was and he could feel himself getting angry at himself for being so ungrateful and emotional when nothing was really wrong.
"Is something wrong?" Severus asked appearing in the doorway and Harry jumped slightly, he had been so lost in thought he didn't hear Snape knock.
"Not really" Harry mumbled throwing down the magazine and sitting up to face his guardian.
"Are you sure?" Severus asked sitting at the edge of the bed.
Harry sighed lightly and looked away "I don't know what's wrong" he muttered.
Severus watched the teen carefully, it was clear by Harry's tone he really didn't know what was wrong "maybe you're having an off day" he suggested and Harry's head instantly shot up.
"An off day?" he repeated.
"Everybody has them" Severus confirmed 'more so hormonal teenagers' he said in his head instead of out loud not wanting to set the teen off. He remembered the 'off days' well from being younger and although nothing was wrong the only thing that ever helped him was his own bed and reading.
"Maybe" Harry shrugged.
Severus gave him a small smile and left the room, he made his way down to the living room trying to think of a way to cheer the teen up, normally Draco would be able to easily distract the teen but he was spending the evening at Hogwarts studying transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. Severus smiled in approval at himself as an idea shot into his head, with a flick of his wand all the lights in the living room dimmed down and he made his way into the kitchen. There was a small pop as Dolly appeared.
"Does Master Snape need food?" she asked watching him carefully.
"I'm just making a pizza" he said distractedly.
"Dolly can do that" the small elf said.
"It's okay, have the night off" he said dismissively, he wanted to make the pizza the same way his mother used to make it when he was having a tough time.
Within half an hour the pizza was in the oven along with some garlic bread Severus had decided to make last minute and he smiled to himself triumphantly before returning to the living room with two large bowls; one filled with popcorn and the other crisps.
Quickly he made his way upstairs to carry out the next part of his plan. He made his way into one of the spare rooms and began pulling all the covers and pillows off the bed before throwing them into the hallway.
Harry sat staring at the ceiling, he could feel his mind turning to Voldemort and he shut his eyes willing himself to snap out of his mood. He only sat up when heard the thuds form outside his room and he frowned lightly wondering what his guardian was doing, eventually curiosity got the better of him and he climbed off the bed to see what Snape was doing. His eyes widened at the mess in the hallway, there were multiple pillows on the floor and Harry's eyes widened further at the site of Severus throwing them all downstairs.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked cautiously slightly concerned the potions master had gone insane.
"Making a nest" Severus answered as if that was an ordinary answer for such a strange situation.
"A nest?" Harry asked, he had definitely gone insane.
"Yes"
"Like for a bird?" Harry asked watching as Severus threw the last few pillows downstairs.
"It's for us" Severus explained.
Harry stared at Severus expecting him to explain why they needed a 'nest' but his guardian only smiled back with no explanation "Are you feeling okay?" Harry asked and to his surprise Severus let out a small laugh.
"Follow me" he said simply and Harry quickly followed the professor downstairs and into the living room, he soon noticed Severus had enlarged the size of the sofa and it was filled with blankets and pillows, it looked like the comfiest thing Harry had ever seen.
"What are you doing?" Harry finally asked as Severus made his way into the kitchen.
A few seconds later Severus returned with the pizza and garlic bread and put them down on the table next to the bowls of popcorn and crisps "this is how you cure an off day" he said simply.
Harry suddenly felt a warm feeling form somewhere inside him as he smiled widely, Snape had trashed the living room for him?
"Off days require comfort food, comfortable bedding and comforting people" he said softly and Harry nodded blushing lightly at the effort Severus had gone to when nothing was truly wrong. "Settle down and I'll be back in a minute"
Harry waited patiently still taking in their 'nest'; it was that comfortable looing it was almost putting him to sleep. A few minutes later Severus returned with the levitating TV following closely behind, Harry's eyes widened as Snape levitated the TV in front of their huge sofa that Harry was now occupying. Gently he threw the remote to Harry who caught it and smiled "find a film" he ordered before sitting next to the teen and picking up a slice of pizza.
Soon they were both settled amongst the blankets watching "Jaws" and although it wasn't a film Severus had ever been particularly interested in watching he had fun watching Harry jump every time the shark appeared.
Harry sat contently cuddled into Snape's side with the popcorn floating in front of them; he slowly nibbled at the popcorn whilst using Snape as a shield during any scary parts in the film. "Thank you, Sir" Harry said looking up at the professor who smiled down at him. Although Harry had definitely thought Snape had gone insane when he started throwing pillows about the house it really had helped, it was nice being allowed to feel sad and not having to be strong all the time.
Half way through their second film 'The Gremlins' Harry felt his eyes close and Snape smiled lightly as he felt Harry's breathing change and he could tell the teen had fallen asleep. "Accio book" he whispered having lost interest in the creepy little monsters twenty minutes into the film. Contently he began reading with Harry still cuddled into him as the film continued to play in the background.
Snape didn't last reading for long; soon the book fell out of his hand as he relaxed into a deep sleep. He wriggled to get comfy now completely lop sided with Harry still curled up at his side.
Over an hour later there was a small pop from the floo "No Mr Malfoy we will not be playing exploding snap" Professor McGonagall said making her way into the living room, she had insisted on dropping Malfoy off to make sure he got home safely.
"Why not?" Draco demanded "you're here anyway"
"Mr Malfoy-" Professor McGonagall was stopped in her tracks at the sight of the living room "what on earth?" she muttered at the mountains of pillows and the huge floating TV, she almost didn't notice the two wizards sound asleep on the large sofa.
"Sleepover!" Draco announced.
"Shh!" Professor McGonagall scolded, she didn't want to wake the them but she also needed a few more seconds to take in the sight in front of her. Severus Snape was curled up asleep in a fort of pillows with Harry Potter cuddled contently into his side.
Severus blinked rapidly, after hearing Draco he was awake instantly hoping the boy hadn't caused any trouble during his evening with the Gryffindor head of house. He almost cringed with embarrassment when he noticed Professor McGonagall looking down at them both. "Hello" he said simply.
"Severus" she said trying to hide her smile "what have you both been doing?" she asked now wondering what had happened.
"We had an off day" he said looking down at Harry, he couldn't move without waking Harry and he didn't want to disrupt the teens sleep.
"Is he okay?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"He is now" Severus said simply and she smiled widely now taking in her colleagues efforts to cheer the teen up.
Severus' attention turned as the couch sank slightly as Draco crawled over beside them and began rearranging the pillows to suit himself.
"What?" he asked "I'm not sleeping upstairs by myself when you're both down here" the blonde said.
"Well you better brush your teeth and get changed" Severus ordered and the teen nodded before retreating to his bathroom.
"How was Draco?" Severus asked.
"He did well, let's catch up at a more suitable hour" Minerva said still smiling fondly at them both.
"I would show you out…" Severus said waving his hand in defeat.
"I know where the floo is" she said and after a quick goodbye she retreated from the living room "goodnight, Mr Malofy" she called upstairs and she heard a faint goodbye as she slipped through the floo.
. . .
Severus woke the next day from a cramping pain in his neck, he looked around to see the mess that cluttered the living room but his attention quickly turned to the teens both fast asleep on the sofa beside him. Harry was now sprawled out with his head resting against the couch while Draco was curled up using the arm rest as a pillow.
Quietly he began to put the living room right, with a flick of his wand the TV floated away and he began gathering up the pillows and blankets before vanishing them back to the bedrooms, he was too tired to do things the muggle way without his morning coffee.
He gathered the plates and made his way into the kitchen now mentally planning all they had to get done today and he could only hope both boys were in good moods. Distractedly he opened the daily prophet and took a large sip of his morning coffee.
"I'm never sleeping on a sofa again" Draco muttered entering the kitchen "I'm all cramped"
"I'm sure you'll live" Snape replied and Draco huffed before sitting at the table.
On cue large plates of bacon, sausage and toast appeared and Draco quickly lifted some onto his own plate and began eating almost instantly forgetting about his cramped body.
"Hey, Harry" Draco said as Harry entered the room.
Harry smiled contently, he felt refreshed and relaxed as he sat at the table next to Draco who was now pouring pumpkin juice.
"Let's fly today" Draco suggested and Harry's eyed instantly lit up.
Severus shook his head "we're going out today"
"Where are we going?" Harry asked curiously.
"To Hogwarts" Severus said and instantly both boys' eyes lit up and he felt almost bad "you both need to get a check-up at the infirmary" he added and he couldn't help but feel guilty as their faces dropped.
"Uncle Sev!" Draco protested.
"Why?" Harry demanded.
"Because you've been through a lot this summer and I want to be sure your body is recovering well from the neglect it was put through" he explained.
"But I feel fine!" Harry insisted.
"Then you'll have nothing to worry about" Snape said dismissively but Draco wasn't finished with the conversation.
"Why do I need to get one?" Draco asked.
"If Harry's going it makes sense to get you checked if we're going to be there anyway" Severus explained.
"Way to go, Harry!" Draco moaned.
"It's not my fault!" Harry shouted slamming his fork down.
"Right that's enough!" Severus snapped and they both shut up and looked down at their food to avoid their guardians glare "Apologise Draco"
"Sorry, Harry" he muttered now feeling terrible about what he'd said, it definitely wasn't Harry's fault "I really didn't mean that"
"I know" Harry smiled lightly "we'll go through it together"
"Or we could do a runner" Draco muttered biting into his bacon.
. . .
"Hello, my boys!" Madame Pomphrey smiled as the three of them entered through the floo. She would never admit it but she had been missing both the boys as they always seemed to end up in the hospital wing for one thing or another and without Snape constantly popping in with potions she had missed the regular chats.
"Hello, Poppy" Severus smiled "I hope you're well"
"I am, Severus" she replied before turning her attention to Harry "look at you!" she practically shouted, this was the healthiest and strongest Harry had ever looked, there were no bags under his eyes and he definitely had a glow in his cheeks.
"So both boys are here for a general health check-up?" she asked and Severus nodded "are they also receiving the injection today or when term starts?"
"What injection?" Draco demanded, he had never been good with needles.
"The dragon pox injection has been proving ineffective so we've updated the formula" she explained "it's one small injection that should cover you for life"
"Does it hurt?" Harry asked.
"I don't want an injection" Draco glared.
"Let's get the check up over with before we worry about the little injection" she said smiling lightly and both teens nodded.
"While you work I'm going to double check I've made enough potions for the coming term" Severus said before retreating into the medicine room.
"Harry would you like to go first?" she asked and Harry nodded lightly before jumping up onto the bed, for once he wasn't worried about having an examination because he didn't have anything to hide. No matter what he ended up in the hospital wing for he always found himself mentally listing excuses for various scars and bruises in case anybody noticed.
He sat perfectly still as he felt the diagnostic charm tingle through his body and he watched with hopeful eyes as Madame Pomphrey snatched the floating parchment and began inspecting it.
"Am I okay?" Harry finally asked breaking the silence.
"This is your best result to date, Mr Potter" she said smiling lightly "you have nothing to worry about as long as Severus keeps feeding you" she teased.
"Don't worry he will" Snape said sarcastically appearing in the doorway with a small list.
"Okay, Mr Malfoy" she said directing her attention to the blonde who was looking slightly nervous "on the bed" she ordered.
"Do I have to?" he asked looking at Severus who nodded.
"It doesn't hurt" Harry said offering the teen a small smile and Draco sighed before jumping up onto the bed, he didn't like people in his space.
Quickly Draco's examination was over and he couldn't jump off the bed quick enough after being told he was perfectly healthy "now about this injection" Madame Pomphrey continued "do you also wish to receive it today, Severus?" she asked.
Severus frowned, he hadn't quite thought of that but after looking at the concern plastered across the teenagers faces he decided he better go first to put their minds at rest "that sounds like a good idea" he said sitting on the bed confidently, he noticed Harry especially was watching him carefully while Draco stared at the door, subconsciously he had his wand up his sleeve ready to lock it if the teen decided to bolt.
"Those that have already had it have complained it hurts so be prepared" she said rummaging around in her supplies "the headmaster especially let out a small yelp"
Severus rolled his eyes, of course Albus would be a drama queen about a small injection, how bad could it be? Considering the various curses he had been put through at death eater meetings he wasn't at all fazed by what was to come.
Severus quickly took off his outer robes and rolled up his sleeve awkwardly whilst looking at the needle.
Madame Pomphrey carefully aligned the needle with the professors upper arm "again this might hurt" she reminded him and he nodded calmly.
"I'm sure it will be fine" Severus said simply and a few seconds later he felt the sharp needle pierce his flesh, he inhaled sharply as the liquid was injected into his body instantly causing a painful burning sensation.
"Almost over" Madame Pomphrey said and with a small tug she pulled she needle out and put a small plaster over the wound.
Severus sighed lightly with relief as the pain vanished almost instantly but the look on both boys face showed they had noticed the pain it caused him.
Harry watched his guardian with wide eyes, if Snape found it painful how was he going to cope?
"Who wants to go next?" Madame Pomphrey asked and both boys stepped back.
"I'm not going next!" Draco announced and Harry gulped lightly looking towards his guardian who was now adjusting his robes and looking completely unfazed by the experience.
"Mr Potter?" Madame Pomphrey asked.
Harry sighed and sat up on the bed waiting patiently as Madame Pomphrey prepared the injection. He had never been scared of injections before but he also hadn't been in any proper pain since the Dursley's and suddenly he didn't want to feel any pain "I don't want it!" he blurted out pulling away as Pomphrey approached him "please Sir, don't make me" he pleaded.
"Harry it's for your own safety, do you want dragon pox?" Severus asked and Harry shook his head.
"The pain only lasts a few seconds" Madame Pomphrey assured him and Harry held out his arm and turned away.
Madame Pomphrey carefully aligned the needle "breathe in" she instructed "and out" as Harry exhaled she inserted the needle as carefully as she could and she was surprised when the teen didn't even let out a small yelp.
Harry clenched his eyes shut at the burning sensation but he focused on not making a sound, if Severus could do it he could too.
"And that's it over" she said smiling widely "well done, Harry" she said as the boy jumped off the bed still rubbing his arm, surprisingly the boy had reacted less than Severus.
Draco was now cowering behind Snape; he had never been good with pain and after they had both taken it well he didn't want to look like a baby.
"Mr Malfoy" Madame Pomphrey said inviting the teen onto the bed.
Draco sighed and jumped onto the bed but as Madame Pomphrey approached him with the needle he screamed slightly and pulled away "no!"
"Mr Malfoy!"
"Please don't let her do it, Uncle Sev!" he begged frantically trying to scramble away, suddenly the idea of something sharp piercing his skin was too much.
Snape instantly jumped up onto the bed next to him and put his arm around the boys waist so his arm was still exposed for the needle "just close your eyes and focus on me" Snape felt the teen turn into him and Draco's forehead being pressed against his chest as the teen did his best to hide from the needle.
"In 1,2,3" Madame Pomphrey counted before inserting the needle.
Draco let out a small yelp and a whine but he was instantly calmed as Snape held him tighter and used his free hand to stroke the teens hair "it's over" Snape said when Madame Pomphrey took out the needle and put a small plaster over the teens arm.
"That wasn't that bad" Draco insisted pulling away from Severus who laughed lightly.
Severus quickly jumped off the bed "thank you, Poppy" he said simply "I've taken notes of any potions I need to brew and I'll have them with you within the fortnight" he said.
"Thank you, Severus" she smiled lightly as the three of them left the hospital wing, Draco still rubbing his arm.
"What are we doing now?" Harry asked curiously.
"I'm going to my office to work on some paperwork and restock my potions supply" Severus said simply.
"What about us?" Harry frowned.
"You're both going to see Hagrid, I promised Dumbledore a while ago I'd make sure he seen you over the summer" he replied not noticing Harry's face had completely lit up.
"Great!" Harry smiled.
"Stay out of trouble and the regular school rules still apply" Severus said firmly as he reached the steps that lead to the dungeons.
"We'll stay out of trouble" Harry insisted and with a small nod Severus gestured they could go.
Harry excitedly ran down to Hagrid's hut with Draco trailing behind, he wasn't ecstatic about visiting Hagrid; he had never been the nicest to the giant and after almost causing Buckbeak's death last year he was nervous. Harry knocked on the door and waited for a reply.
"'Arry!" Hagrid shouted grabbing the boy into a bear hug "I didn't know ye'd be visitin'" he smiled.
"Severus is working and the Headmaster had told him you wanted to see me more" Harry explained and Hagrid smiled inviting both teens into his house.
Draco looked around at the strangely decorated little hut "cool" he mumbled to himself, he was used to posh houses and manors but he had never seen anything so unique and with so much character. Harry smiled excitedly looking forward to the day Draco got to see the burrow.
"Tea?" Hagrid asked.
"Yes please" Harry smiled.
"Draco?" he asked and the boy flinched at the sound of his name and then gulped lightly at the sight of Fang who was watching him carefully.
"Yes please" Draco replied awkwardly sitting next to Harry.
"What have you both been up to?" Hagrid asked curiously.
"We had to get injections" Harry replied.
"Painful thing that, nearly cried myself" Hagrid said sipping his tea "is that why you look so white, Draco?"
Draco nodded but Harry rolled his eyes "he's scared of your dog, Hagrid" Harry informed him.
"Am not!" Draco protested.
"Awk Fang won't hurt ye! Friend of Harry's is a friend of ours and yer practically family so yer fine" Hagrid replied and again Harry smiled lightly. "Ye looking forward to school?" he asked.
"I can't wait" Harry smiled. "I'm seeing Ron and Hermione tomorrow" he added.
"Oh that's nice" Hagrid replied smiling widely as his eyes twinkled, he truly did miss the golden trio over the summer.
"They're staying over" Harry explained further "Professor Snape has even agreed that Hermione can 'pick his brains' for an hour" he laughed lightly.
"He don't know what he's let himself in for does he?" Hagrid chuckled.
Harry laughed and shook his head lightly "He thinks it will make her leave him alone but it's only going to get her more excited to quiz him more"
"He'll soon learn" Hagrid replied "what ye doing the rest of the summer then you two?" he asked.
"Practicing for quidditch" Draco answered finally breaking his silence.
"That doesn't surprise me" Hagrid laughed.
. . .
After a long conversation and a second cup of tea Harry and Draco made their way back to Hogwarts, the corridors were oddly quiet and peaceful and the rooms looked bigger when they were empty. "It's weird being here when it's so quiet" Harry said and Draco nodded.
"What should we do to kill time?" Draco asked and Harry shrugged but he could instantly tell what Draco was thinking by the smug grin plastered across his face. "Let's race around the castle"
"Won't we get in trouble?" Harry asked cautiously.
"I doubt it, we race at home" Draco shrugged and Harry nodded not needing much convincing "let's go!" he said and they both broke into a run towards the broom cupboard. "Okay once around the grounds, the first person back wins" Draco decided and Harry nodded eagerly as they both mounted their brooms.
Slowly both boys rose into the air and quickly Draco sprinted ahead before Harry even had a chance to count them in "Draco!" he shouted before chasing after the Slytherin who was already twenty yards ahead.
Quickly Harry caught up with Draco as they raced side by side over the trees towards Gryffindor Tower, Draco glared over at Harry wondering how he even caught up. "Bye!" Harry called as he pushed forward and shot ahead of Draco reaching his spot on the ground first.
"I really don't know how you do it" Draco said rolling his eyes as he dropped his broom to the ground.
. . .
Later that night Severus sat awake in the living room, it was only half past eleven but both teens had long retreated for an early night after such a long day. Sipping on his whisky he flicked through an old photo album he had inherited after his mother died.
Severus didn't have a large family; it consisted of his mother, his mother's parents who he only met a few times and his father who he didn't like to talk about. The majority of the photos consisted of himself and his mother; because they didn't have a lot of money his mother spent most of their summers trying to entertain a young Severus as there was no money to spend on books and toys, although Severus didn't mind if it meant spending time with his mother and she always remembered to capture their special moments.
Flicking through the album carefully he came across a Christmas photo, he was standing in front of the Christmas tree that was covered in homemade, paper decorations. Severus had spent hours helping his mum decorate the tree and his smile in the photo gave away how proud he was about all they'd created.
His thoughts quickly turned to the events after that photo, his father had come home from work desperate for a drink to 'cure his bad day' and once he found out his wife had spent their last ten pounds on an artificial tree his only alternative was to take it out on Severus.
Severus closed the book and placed it back on the shelf, his mind had a habit of turning against him if he spent too many late nights in his own thoughts so reluctantly he took himself upstairs towards his own room.
Gently he pushed the door open to Harry's room, the teen was curled up on his side sleeping peacefully and Severus couldn't help but smile, he hadn't realised how empty his life had been until Harry and Draco had filled holes he didn't even know existed. He enjoyed the company of living with other people, the simple things like having somebody to talk about your day with really made all the difference and it made him feel alive.
As long as Severus had Harry and Draco he knew he'd be okay.
So I finally got a chapter up! Sorry it's taken so long, life is so busy and finding time to write is tough!
So this is a new chapter and not an adapted one, sometimes I just think of random scenarios within a fic and then chapters like this happen. I don't feel like this is the best chapter because nothing really happens in it, but the next chapter is where everything kicks off and I just wanted them to have another few days of peace/normality first and to not completely rush into all the crazy stuff.
I have the next few chapters written, they just need edited so if all goes well I'm hoping to have another chapter up by this Sunday : )
Again I'm really sorry it's taken so long, I know a few people have messaged to ask if this fic was going to be added to again because it had been a while and I just want to reassure you all it definitely isn't abandoned : )
I'll hopefully see you all for the next chapter and some drama! Have a lovely day!
