Entering the dining room with a yawn, Harry almost stopped dead when he saw a familiar blond-haired Slytherin seated at the table with Snape. As it was, he did find himself pausing to stare at the unusual sight, unsure what to make of the disturbingly familial scene. Harry's usual chair was free and waiting for him, but that meant he'd be face-to-face with Malfoy when he sat down. When the other boy had mentioned that Harry would be seeing him again, he honestly had not been expecting it to be so… soon.

With a bemused frown, Harry reached the table and took his seat.

"Good morning, Potter," Malfoy said with a smirk. "Sleep well?" He had a gently steaming cup of tea sitting before him.

"Er—yes?" Harry replied, unable to stop himself from throwing a quick glance in Severus's direction, who was, as usual, reading the newspaper and paying them no mind.

"I hope you'll forgive my presence," Malfoy continued easily, lifting his tea to take an elegant sip. "My summer has indeed been spectacularly boring, I simply sought for a variation in company."

"It's… fine."

Harry felt odd.

There was nothing remotely dangerous about Malfoy being present for breakfast. It wasn't as if Harry felt threatened or anything… so why was the situation making Harry feel as unsettled as he did right then? He swallowed harshly, trying desperately to stop his heart from beating so fast.

It was different and it was making Harry feel ungrounded. Snape had promised that this manor was to be a safe place. He had gone out of his way to ensure that everything remained the same each morning—especially in the morning when Harry was feeling the most unsure and vulnerable. Keeping things the same at the beginning of each day gave Harry the reliant reinforcement he needed in order to feel safe and secure, ensuring the promise his professor had made him.

And Snape had changed the game. Without even warning him.

A sudden lump swelled within Harry's throat. He swallowed again, unable to shake the slightly perturbed sense of betrayal now a swirling torrent in his chest. Should he have expected less from Snape? Was there honestly no one that Harry could feel completely safe with? His heart began to gallop. A cold wash swept over him as sweat broke out all over his skin. Oh god, he needed to get out. Right now.

"I—excuse me," Harry mumbled. He did not look at either Snape or Malfoy as he pushed himself quickly from the table, needing desperately to get out of the room so he could breathe.

Malfoy watched, intrigued, as his godfather rose silently from his chair, catching Potter just before he was able to make his escape. He could not hear the gently spoken words Severus murmured to Potter—who honestly looked like he was about to pass out at any second—but whatever he said must have worked because within a few minutes, Severus was leading the Golden Boy back to the table.

At least Potter doesn't look as grey in the face anymore… Draco thought in mild amusement. He kept his mouth shut however, suspicions circling within his head at Potter's strange behaviour. Catching his godfather's eye, they shared a brief but extremely pointed look, to which Draco offered a minute nod, his suspicions confirmed. He made sure not to look at Potter as he retook his seat, and instead busied himself with taking another sip of tea and keeping his face respectfully blank. Thankfully, that was when Tokey popped into the room to serve breakfast, providing a suitable distraction. There were three loaded plates on her tray and she placed them before each of them with a squeaked "Good morning!"

Draco couldn't help but notice that Potter's food, although practically the same to his and Severus's, was prepared slightly differently. The tomatoes and mushrooms, which were both grilled and sautéed on his and his godfather's plate, were left uncooked on Potter's, and while the eggs prepared were standardly poached, they had been scrambled for dark-haired young man. Everything had also been efficaciously cut into bite sized pieces.

Well. That was certainly a given… Draco mused, placing his napkin across his lap and reaching for his cutlery.

Breakfast passed without incident, the conversation that arose was minimal and uncannily domestic. Potter picked half-heartedly at his food, a sheer sign of his uncertainty with Malfoy being present, but still answered the Potions Master whenever the man turned the conversation towards him. Severus inquired after each of them about their summer studies, and it wasn't until Draco observed that with each question his godfather asked him he would then ask Potter, that he realised how Severus was establishing a sense of normality, something Draco could see working when, with each casual inquiry, the Golden Boy relaxed just that little bit more.

And, of course, Draco was as smug as a hippogriff when he successfully coaxed a smile from Potter with one of his well-placed quips. Between the two of them, he and Severus had almost gotten Potter completely out of his self-contained shell, when an interruption broke the carefully established air of asylum. Both young men noticed when Severus involuntarily twitched, his left-hand clenching tightly. They turned as one, Harry frowning in confusion, Malfoy's eyes reflecting suspicion.

"I have been summoned," their professor stated. He lifted his dark gaze to Harry whose face was rapidly revealing his unease. "Do not leave the manor."

Harry nodded his understanding, the unease on his face morphing into panic as Snape got to his feet. "You're going?" he asked.

"I have to, Harry," Severus replied. "You know I do."

"But—" Harry worried his lip. "It seems too… coincidental." He winced, sending an apologetic look as he glanced at Malfoy.

"Be that as it may, I cannot deny the Dark Lord when he calls for me," Severus continued patiently. "Should something happen, you know who to call, yes?"

Despite the reluctance on Harry's face, the young man nodded. Snape found himself pressing a brief hand to the messy dark hair in reassurance before his dark gaze swept to Draco. Only the slightest hint of apprehension shone in the silver gaze, the placid mask of indifference firmly in place.

With a final inclination of his head Snape left the table, two pairs of eyes watching his form cross the floor and vanish through the doorway. A strained silence filled the room. Glancing guiltily towards Malfoy, Harry worried his bottom lip for a moment before speaking.

"I didn't mean to accuse your father, especially in front of you," he murmured.

"Don't be ignorant, Potter," Draco replied with a snort, "what else were you to think given the circumstances? Granted, as much as I hope that it is unlikely for my father to betray Severus, something may have happened which has forced my father's hand." There was a look of concern on his face that Harry had never seen before. It almost made Malfoy look human. The Slytherin seemed to realise this as well because he was quick to drop his stare to his half-eaten breakfast, piercing half of his tomato and cutting distractedly. "In any case… I suppose we'll soon have our answer."

Harry hummed noncommittedly, picking up his fork again and stabbing at a piece of sausage as his thoughts turned to more worrying ideals.

"I am sorry if my presence here this morning caused you distress," Malfoy uttered candidly, stunning the brunet from his musings. "Would you prefer it if I left?"

Harry stared at the male across from him for a moment. He shook his head.

"No. No, it's alright. I—" he cleared his throat, "I'd probably go mad if I was left alone right now. Besides, I suppose I need to get used to you being around sooner or later."

The smirk returned to Malfoy's face. "Yes. You will."

Harry groaned. "We're going to drive each other mad, aren't we."

"Without a doubt."

Lowering his fork to his plate, Harry reached for his mug of coffee, staring distractedly at the dark brown contents before lifting his gaze to catch Malfoy's. The blond frowned faintly at the questioning look on the Golden Boy's face and he too, lowered his cutlery, quirking his head to the side in an obvious inquisitive movement. He watched the emerald eyes swirl with a mixture of suspicion and uncertainty before it became all too much.

"What is it," Malfoy stated bluntly. He did not enjoy being on the receiving end of that stare.

"Something I remembered has made me question what you told me yesterday," Harry replied. "About your father."

"Everything I said to you yesterday is true," Draco began defensively. "I—"

"Tell me then," Harry quickly interrupted, "if your father is so intent on saving face and playing each side to his favour, why did he give Tom Riddle's diary to Ginny in second year? If your father truly plays each side, why did he assist in the almost-successful return of Voldemort?"

Silver eyes blinked in surprise. "I was not aware of the true extend of the danger," Malfoy admitted, "neither was my father, I suspect. To him it was simply a dark artefact, one with an obvious tie to the Dark Lord, that he needed out of his clutches and away from the Malfoy name. Why he gave it to Ginevra Weasley is based purely on one fact: my father is not a nice man. He would have planted the diary with the Weasleys with the malicious hope that they were caught with it."

"If that were simply the case, why did he not attempt to destroy it?" Harry asked.

"He dared not to," Malfoy replied. "He knew the Dark Lord had not been completely destroyed that night. It would be hard for him to slither his way back into good graces if he was caught destroying such a personal dark artefact of his old Master."

Harry ran his left hand distractedly through his hair, holding Malfoy's gaze. "Are you aware of what the diary was?"

Pale eyebrows pulled together in a frown. "What do you mean, Potter? It was a dangerous dark item—cursed no doubt."

An ironic smile twisted Harry's lips into an ugly grimace. "It was a fuck more dangerous than that, Malfoy," he bit out. "It is the reason why I questioned your father's motives in the first place." He watched, unsurprised as the familiar curl of a sneer appeared on Malfoy's face.

"Are you planning on gracing me with your unsurpassable knowledge then, Potter?" he drawled.

"Are you honestly unaware of the diary's true nature?" Harry shot back.

"It was just a cursed diary, Potter! Merlin, you are insufferable." Draco didn't have to pretend to show his disdain this time, Potter's presence was enough for the feeling to be genuine. He watched guardedly as the dark-haired male shook his head at Draco's emission but, when striking green eyes met his once more, Draco was surprised to see a swirl of prominent introspection within their depths.

"What I am about to tell you does not leave this table," the brunet ordered, and Draco felt a shiver run down his spine at the commanding tone. "I am taking a chance to trust you, Draco, don't make me regret it."

The intensity of Potter's sincerity shocked him. He nodded. Draco watched, eyes drifting over the male as Potter drew in a steadying breath.

"What do you know of Soul Magic, Malfoy?"

Soul Magic…? "The standard knowledge," he replied. "Soul-Bonds and the like, both Light and Dark rituals."

"Any rituals to do with immortality?"

"Achieving immortality is unfeasible, Potter."

"Then you will be disappointed to discover that Voldemort found a way," Potter stated bluntly.

Grey eyes narrowed. "That is impossible."

"Not for an insane, power-hungry mad-man." A sliver of satisfaction wormed its way into Harry's stomach as he watched a flash of doubt pass over Malfoy's face. He inclined his head knowingly, understanding the other male's hesitation.

"It is how he was able to return," Harry murmured. "The diary…" his voice trailed off, lips pressing together as he kept his gaze on Malfoy. A sliver of doubt had begun to grow, making Harry take pause on lunging so trustingly with such crucial information. Was this budding friendship worth losing a war over…? I've already said enough to get into serious trouble should Malfoy go to Voldemort with this information…

The Slytherin seemed to realise his predicament however. The disgruntled expression on Malfoy's face quickly smoothed into a mask of understanding, a knowing glint in his eye as he casually reached for his tea, taking a measured sip, before speaking.

"Look, Potter," he began, voice oddly gentle, "this can wait. Whatever this—" he waved a casual hand between them— "is between us is still new. I don't expect deep dark secrets to be shared on the first morning."

Harry took a moment to consider Draco's statement. He was right, really. They spent the better part of seven years loathing each other, it was a bit much to suddenly drag Malfoy in this shit with Voldemort, especially since it was too early to clearly determine Malfoy's loyalties, regardless of what he had announced yesterday.

"Let's move on to a cheerier subject, yes?" Draco suggested as he lowered his cup back onto the table.

Harry released a breath and nodded. "Yeah," he agreed. "And… you have a point. So—yeah, let's change the subject."

A humorous smirk twisted Malfoy's lips. "Severus told me you've taken quite a shine to Ladon, Nagendra, and Nyoka."

Harry felt his own mouth pull into a smile. "I suppose that is putting it mildly," he attempted to jest.

"Severus also accused them of favouritism since they will no longer obey him."

This time, a genuine grin broke out across the dark-haired male's face. "Entirely true," he remarked. "It isn't my fault that I'm so… charismatic?"

"Charismatic towards snakes…" Draco smirked ironically. "Indeed."

"I suppose you like snakes and all that, considering you're in Slytherin?" Harry asked, missing the odd glow in Malfoy's eyes.

"Being in Slytherin doesn't automatically mean you like snakes, Potter," Malfoy stated evenly. "Even if, coincidently, I actually do."

"Do you have a snake?"

Malfoy shook his head. "Unfortunately, I do not." But then he chuckled darkly. "Despite his connotations and… typical Slytherin flare… my father is rather averse to serpents."

Harry's jaw dropped as he gaped, eyes lighting up with mischievous glee. "You're lying."

"I assure you I'm not."

"Your dad is afraid of snakes."

"Exceptionally."

"This is the greatest thing I've ever heard."

"You'd be wise not to use that against him, Potter, lest he turn you over to the Dark Lord out of spite."

"It would totally be worth it."

The blond snorted. "Figures."

Harry chuckled down at his plate of food, actually feeling rather comfortable sitting here with Malfoy. The morning may have started out shaky, but Snape's placid reassurance had indeed paid off.

Go figure… Harry thought mildly.

The two young men finished off their breakfast in amidst light conversation, rounding up their meal with a final cup of tea.

"You are content if I continue to keep you company?" Malfoy clarified, draining the last of his drink.

Harry nodded. "Need to try and make this friendship thing work somehow, yeah?"

"Indeed." A gentle smile appeared on his face. "Well, while we attempt that, why don't we allow Ladon, Nagendra, and Nyoka a taste of freedom?"

Potter's face immediately brightened. "I can't imagine they would be opposed to that idea." He nodded towards Malfoy's plate. "You done?" he asked, and Draco nodded, picking up the napkin from his lap and delicately dabbing at his mouth. Harry tossed his own napkin onto the table top and pushed from the table just as Tokey popped back into the room.

"Sirs are being done?" she asked.

"Yeah, thanks, Tokey," Harry replied. "We're going to get the snakes and settle somewhere—probably one of the parlours."

The elf nodded her understanding. "Do sirs be wanting refreshments?"

Harry turned expectantly towards Malfoy who shook his head at the silent question.

"I think we're good for now thanks, Tokey," Harry said. "Maybe later?"

"Certainly!"

Harry sensed Malfoy fall into step beside him as they left the informal dining room. His mind was still reeling from the abrupt change of the nature of their relationship; to suddenly shift from hating the Slytherin with unadulterated passion to now willingly spending companionable time with the male…

"So, Potter, which of the three is your favourite?" Malfoy inquired, flashing him a brief, impish smirk. "I am rather partial to Ladon myself, he's such a beautiful specimen of death adder."

Harry turned to him, eyebrows drawn together in indignation. "You can't have a favourite, Malfoy," he scoffed.

The blond's eyebrow quirked upwards and he held Harry's stare unblinkingly.

Harry felt his cheeks heat.

"Nyoka," he grumbled, much to the Slytherin's pleasure, who chuckled.

"You're much too easy, Potter," Draco said good-naturedly as they entered the laboratory. "If it makes you feel better, Nagendra has already been claimed as Severus's favourite."

"I feel that it may be more the other way around," Harry replied as he sent an adoring look towards the terrariums. "Nagendra was rather adamant that I knew her love for her master."

"I'm not surprised," Malfoy stated, "she's terribly possessive. Took her a full year before she allowed me to touch her."

Harry felt a small spike of satisfaction as he lifted Nagendra's lid. She had, of course, taken to Harry immediately, but the dark-haired young man had to wonder if it was due to his ability to speak parseltongue, giving him the chance to gain their trust almost instantly. He hissed a welcome, complimenting her shiny scales which glistening beautifully, fresh from her recent skin-shed. She hissed a pleased thank you in return, slithering smoothly up Harry's left arm.

"I see Master's Cherished is with you," Nagendra noted, flicking her tongue towards the blond. "Is he a friend of yours as well?"

"Of sorts," Harry replied truthfully, lowering her lid before reaching for Ladon's. "We are trying to get to know one another." He had to bit his lip from laughing at the fact that Nagendra had referred to Malfoy as Snape's 'cherished'. It was much too adorable for the snarky Slytherin.

He greeted Ladon warmly and allowed him to glide smoothly into Malfoy's waiting touch. The blond took Ladon's weight with practiced ease, stroking his pale fingers almost lovingly along the pearlescent brown lamina. Harry found himself staring at the two, watching with a hint of fascination at the way Malfoy handled the snake so gently. An impatient hiss drew his attention and he turned towards Nyoka who was sliding eagerly up her favourite log, her nose nudging petulantly at the lid to her enclosure. Harry chuckled, offering an apology as he released her and enjoying the way she immediately sought to curl around his shoulders, her flickering tongue tickling the shell of his ear. Feeling comforted, Harry was content as he and Malfoy headed for one of the parlours, sharing quips and sarcastic barbs.

His worry for Professor Snape was just a gentle hum now.


Tokey was waiting diligently by the fireplace when Severus returned.

"Young sir and young Master Draco is being in the west parlour, Master!" she squeaked.

Severus blinked. "Draco is still here?" he asked and the elf nodded her head. Pleasant surprise warmed the professor as he made his way to said room, thoughts swirling in his mind. Perhaps Potter would adapt to small changes more easily than I originally anticipated…

He could not deny that the reason behind why Harry had allowed the change in the first place was due to his growing trust within Severus, something that the Potions Master knew he needed to maintain. Their building friendship was still a surprise to Severus; he honestly had not considered the chances of this occurring were even possible. And, Severus snorted at the reminder, how irritatingly pleased the Headmaster was going to be once he discovered how close he and Potter were becoming.

Snape caught the sound of conversation as he neared the open parlour doors. Entering the room, his dark eyebrows lifted in momentary surprise at the way his godson and his supposed arch-nemesis conversed in a friendly matter, his three snakes sliding between them as they revelled in the body warmth and freedom.

"How utterly domiciliary," he drawled, allowing the tiniest of quirks to lift the corners of his mouth.

Both heads turned as one and Snape had to pause for a moment, taken aback by the sheer genuine relief on Potter's face when the young man saw that he had returned unharmed.

"Father didn't throw you beneath the Knight Bus then?" Draco commented, arching an eyebrow as Ladon slid elegantly across his chest from one shoulder to the other.

"Fortunately, he did not," Severus replied, crossing the carpet. He reached out a hand for Nagendra to scent as she flickered her tongue towards him, taking her weight as she uncurled from around Harry's arm to glide up his, wrapping possessively around his shoulders. "I am happy to see the two of you have not resorted to killing one another."

"It seemed too predictable," Harry replied with a smile. "Probably messy, too. We couldn't do that to Tokey."

"Speak for yourself, Potter."

"You're just upset that Tokey likes me more."

Silver eyes rolled impudently as long fingers stroked along Ladon's scales. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Potter."

Harry chuckled softly before turning a curious gaze towards Snape as he sat down on the other end of the couch. His lips parted, a burning question on his tongue, when he suddenly paused, head tilting to the side as Nyoka flickered her tongue towards his cheek. A faint frown appeared on his brow before Harry responded, the silky tones of Parseltongue still strangely foreign to be falling from Potter's mouth. As the young man conversed with the snake, Severus glanced over towards his godson and refrained from rolling his own eyes; the heated look in Draco's gaze as he stared at Potter was difficult to ignore.

"Nyoka wishes me to ask you why you smell of Nagini."

Harry's voice broke his wayward thoughts and Severus returned his attention to his ward, allowing his dark gaze to drop to the green-coloured snake before returning to similarly coloured eyes.

"I suppose that would also explain as to why Nagendra was so persistent in reclaiming me," he replied.

With a small smile Harry nodded. "They could all scent the difference as soon as you entered the room. Nagendra was a little more… proactive in her decision to reclaim."

"I see." The Potions Master smiled wryly, unable to stop himself from stroking his serpent adoringly. "As for Nagini, the Dark Lord was most insistent on my milking her venom." The older man paused for a moment, fingers still stroking Nagendra as he withheld his dark gaze from meeting either Draco's or Harry's. He could already envision the curious but confused frown on the brunet's face, as well as the suspicious regard on his godson's.

At Severus's hesitation, Draco knew it was time to leave the two of them alone. "I will take that as my cue to depart," he voiced. Draco lifted a hand, gesturing towards his shoulders. "Potter, if you wouldn't mind?"

Harry hissed at Ladon as he extended his arm. The death adder unwound himself and slithered gracefully from one boy to the other, heading for his favourite spot beneath Harry's shirt to soak in the body warmth. Malfoy then stood from his chair and smoothed down his clothing, turning an expectant look towards the green-eyed young man.

"Yes to Friday, Potter?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah," he replied. "But I'm warning you, I'm absolute rubbish at chess."

"Have you learnt nothing from Weasley? Shame on you."

A grin grew on Harry's face as he chuckled. Malfoy maintained his smirk as he turned to bid his farewell to Snape before sweeping from the room. For a brief moment, Harry had almost forgotten why Malfoy had felt the need to leave in the first place, but turning to find such a grave expression on his Professor's face quickly returned those concerns.

"Has something happened?" Harry found himself asking, forehead creasing with worry.

Severus cleared his throat. "A… concerning development has arisen," he began. "The Dark Lord is making motions to procure the Ministry, and I am afraid he is closer to success than I originally anticipated."

"How—" Harry cleared his throat, throat suddenly dry, "how close, exactly?" he asked.

Snape's insistent stare was all the answer Harry needed. He felt his jaw tighten, a brief flare of fear erupting inside of him.

"An emergency Order meeting has been called for this afternoon," Severus continued, wincing internally as he witnessed Harry's eyes light up at the idea, the hope to accompany him to Grimmauld Place all too evident. He shook his head slightly. "You cannot come to the Order meeting, Harry."

Snape was surprised to feel a pang in his chest as he watched the boy's face fall, the eager light quickly dissipating into disappointed shadow. Sensing his sadness, Nyoka rubbed her head against his cheek, hissing comfortingly.

"I cannot guarantee your safety," Severus appealed, answering Potter's unasked question. "I realise that Grimmauld Place is unplottable and serves as a viable location of protection for the Order, however—" Snape pressed on before Harry could interject, "there are too many people who are able to access it; too many chances for someone from the Dark Order to take advantage of. Do you understand, Harry? It would be so easy for a member of our team to be under the Imperious curse, let alone us knowing the exact depth of people's true allegiances. Harry, I am not purposely trying to hurt you by denying you from going, I am simply trying to protect you to the best of my ability."

Acceptance burned regrettably in green eyes and the boy nodded, jaw clenching slightly. Severus found himself fighting a compulsive urge. He sighed.

"I will be happy to pass on a written message to your friends if you so wish." The words pushed passed Severus's lips before he could stop them, but the way Harry's face immediately brightened stopped him from snatching the offer back.

"I would appreciate that, thank you, sir."


"There is nothing more we can do," Kingsley concluded heavily. "Should Pius Thicknesse be successful in his attempt to become Minister for Magic, the Ministry will be completely out of our control. You-Know-Who may be pulling the strings, but without his actual presence the face of the Ministry, the public will see no reason to revolt against the change."

The Auror's words were met with an oppressed silence. Uncertainty hung as a palpable presence within the air.

"It is a blessing that Severus was able to give us the warning when he did," Kingsley murmured, his brown eyes landing on the dark-haired man who inclined his head in response. "We could have easily been blindsided by the attempt to overthrow Cornelius. As it is, we are now able to assist wherever we can. Cornelius may be an incompetent fool, but he is, at the very least, a Light Supporter."

"What is our next course of action, Kingsley?" Arthur Weasley voiced. "As far as the Order is concerned."

Shacklebolt shared a glance with Dumbledore who was sitting, albeit deceiving serenely, in his chair at the table beside Lupin.

"The Order is to stand by," Kingsley said finally. "There is not much we can do from outside the Ministry, everything will need to be handled by those already in a position to help manipulate the overthrow."

There was a gentle wave of hushed murmurs. Kingsley and Dumbledore shared another glance and the Auror nodded, calling for an end to their meeting.

"Progress will be kept up-to-date," he promised. "A standard meeting will be held in two weeks' time."

The crowd began to file out, leaving only a few select people remaining within the kitchen. Molly Weasley hurried quickly out of the room with Harry's missive so she was able to pass it on. The room remained quiet until she returned. With the door locked, warded, and the kitchen secured, Dumbledore turned to Snape.

"How is Harry progressing, Severus?" the Headmaster asked.

"As well as he is able," the Potions Master replied. "We are currently in the process of restoring motion and capability to his injured arm. It will be, however, a slow progress."

"And his magic?"

"Still currently unstable. I am in the works to conceivably amend this complication but until I am able to construct and put into motion my idea, there is simply no way of telling if it is to work."

"Would you care to elaborate, Severus?" Minerva asked pointedly, lifting a somewhat amused eyebrow at the usual way the dark-haired professor articulated so astutely.

The corners of Snape's lips quirked upwards in response to Minerva's pointed question. "I simply hope to construct a glove-like implement that will assist with the control of the boy's magic in his injured arm. Potter currently cannot even touch his own wand without his magic lashing out. With any luck, my hypothesised idea will allow the boy to once more control his magic and return full range of movement to the limb."

"Sounds promising," Minerva replied. "Let us know if there is anything we can do to be able to assist you."

"I will, Minerva, thank you."

The Headmaster smiled pleasantly. "It is good to hear of Harry's growing recovery," he stated. "And I daresay it has been a wonderful chance for the two of you to get to know one another, don't you think, Severus?"

Snape's lips burned with the instinctive automatic reply to the Headmaster's quip. Instead, he held back the retort in favour of informing the small group of what had transpired the previous day.

"Given the circumstances, there is something I feel I must bring to light."

"And what is that, my boy?"

Severus cleared his throat. "There has been a development," he admitted.

Dumbledore frowned faintly, the usual twinkle in his blue eyes fading somewhat. "How so, Severus?" he asked pointedly.

Snape subtly drew himself to his full height, refusing to allow any sense of hesitation to leak into his façade. He could not appear nervous about his decision, particularly since he knew there was in fact, no threat to Harry regardless of how it may seem.

"Lucius Malfoy was insistent to speak with Potter and the boy agreed to see him. He made the informed decision by no one's will but his own. The Malfoys were granted access to Prince Manor yesterday afternoon."

His statement was meant with an edgy stillness, gripping the room in an iron clasp of dread. The silence was broken only by a penetrating burgeoning growl.

"What," Lupin snarled, rising from his chair.

Dumbledore did the same, climbing to his feet with his wary eyes on his Potions Professor. "I'm afraid I am in the mind to agree with Remus, Severus. What is your reasoning behind entrusting Harry's safety with Lucius Malfoy of all people?" he asked.

"Because I know Lucius," Severus stated. "I know his place within this war and his reasoning behind speaking with Potter. There was no danger present."

Lupin reared back in disgust. "No danger present?" he spat. "You've revealed exactly where Harry is being kept!"

"There are several safety measures in place to ensure Potter's security," Snape retorted derisively. "Even with the risk of inviting Lucius to the manor, do you not think I had plans in motion? Even now the manor's security has tripled! Do not insult my integrity, Lupin! I would never intentionally bring harm to the boy!"

"But, Severus—"

It was Molly who spoke this time, her face crinkled with concern and worry for Harry. Usually her mothering nature irritated Severus but he could not help but feel a twinge of guilt at the desperation on her face—it would not do well to forget that Molly Weasley considered Potter one of her own.

"Please, it's not so much that we distrust your judgement," the Weasley matron continued, "but the mere idea of Lucius Malfoy wishing to see Harry… does that not strike you as odd? As… suspicious?"

Snape allowed his head to incline in acknowledgement. "I understand your fears, I had them myself," he admitted. "It is not my place to speak on Lucius's behalf but understand this, I would not have invited him to see Potter if I was not entirely sure of his intentions. His need to see Potter was to ascertain for himself if the boy is strong enough to defeat the Dark Lord. It also gave Potter the chance to realise that those who he had once thought were certain to follow the Dark Lord willingly, did not, in fact, wish that of any kind. I speak, of course, of Draco Malfoy."

The air was filled with an abundance of shocked gasped and snorts of disbelief. Severus pressed on with a subtle roll of his eyes.

"A classic example of perpetual prejudices," he sneered. "Which is exactly why Draco knew his best chance to seek help was from the Boy-Who-Lived himself. Potter has gained a strong ally and a greater perception of the ambiguities within war."

"And Harry… Harry is safe? Is happy?" Molly asked softly.

"Yes," Snape replied, tone gentler than before, "he is. And I promise you, Lucius Malfoy's invite to the manor was rescinded as soon as his family left. He is no longer able to gain access."

There was a beat of silence. Many of the people who still resided within the room seemed content to accept his reasoning. There was one person however, who was not.

"And we are simply meant to trust your word?"

The sentence was hissed with such fury that for a moment, Severus was unable to believe that it had been uttered by his usually docile ex-classmate. Lupin was still standing, his form leaning forward heavily on the wooden table, hands splayed in an aggressive display.

"As a trusted member of the Order then yes," Severus drawled angrily. "I have done nothing to dissuade this fact."

"Aside from allowing a known Death Eater into the very place Harry is meant to be safe!" Remus retorted immediately.

"Potter knew exactly what to expect when I delivered the request! He made his own choice to speak with Lucius!"

The scrape of nails digging into wood caught everyone's attention. Lupin's fingers were curled tightly into the table top, the wood splintering beneath his fingertips. "You should have brought Harry here," Remus bit out stiffly. "He has the right to speak for himself."

A muscle in Snape's jaw twitched. "You would be willing to bring him here, unknowing if it is safe, purely to prove a point?" Severus was livid and he felt his lips curl in a snarl.

"He's safer here than he is with you!" Lupin exposed his teeth as a growl worked up into his throat, his eyes flashing a wicked glow of gold. When he spoke next, the entire room could hear the underlying rumble of barely repressed werewolf fury.

The proximity of the next full moon became suddenly clear.

"Harry should never have been entrusted within your care!"

"Remus."

The name was spoken as a command, the regular softening edge Dumbledore added to his speech was prominently lacking. With a grunt, Lupin forced himself back and crossed his arms over his chest, fingers clenched into his clothing.

"You know very well I do not make my choices lightly," the Headmaster continued, pinning Lupin with his stare. "Harry is, and continues to be, safe with Severus."

But Remus was shaking his head, another growl rumbling in his throat. "Many of us haven't even seen Harry since the attack on his relatives' home and no one has seen him since you placed him in Snape's care. All we have is Snape's word." His upper lip had curled once more. "I demand to see him so I can judge for myself if Harry truly is safe! Harry deserves to be given the choice as to where he wishes to be."

The radiating fury emitted from the werewolf had Dumbledore turning to Snape apologetically, knowing Remus would not be placated until he saw Harry.

"Would it be acceptable for Remus and I to accompany you to Prince Manor, Severus?" the Headmaster asked.

Teeth grinded, lips pressed together. Bitterness was sour in Severus's mouth. Even still he nodded his head stiffly, feeling his dignity beginning to shatter at the mere accusation that he was not entirely trusted.

The distrust wasn't entirely new however… why on earth should I be surprised…?

Severus was well aware that it was more than that simple notion. It had taken a very intense altercation between him and Potter for the two of them to reach an understanding, to even establish a sense of trust. Now that he had it, Severus was loathe to allow it to be broken. But it would, wouldn't it? Why on earth would the boy wish to remain with him of all people if given the choice to leave? He was certain Lupin would convince Potter to leave the manor; twist the boy's perception of Severus until Potter hated him once again.

"Excellent," Dumbledore smiled, clasping his hands together jovially. "Molly, my dear, perhaps you would like to see how Miss Granger and Mr Weasley are faring with their response to Harry? Then Remus, Severus, and I can be on our way."

"Of course, Albus," Molly replied immediately, bustling from the room.

Severus could feel Lupin's penetrating gaze, his eyes burning a sizzling hole in the side of his head. Despite the itch to meet the werewolf's stare, Snape kept his eyes locked on the currently empty fireplace, blood bubbling with frustration and a sickening sense of failure.

The sooner they left, the sooner this could end.


A/N: I apologise for the delay on updating, I have been struggling something fierce with real life these past few months :( I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I apologise again if my writing seems off, I've been shifted between different medications and my concentration and muse has gone completely out the window.

Reviews are appreciated! 3