Spring break is amazing. Found a little time though and thought I would write a little something something.
Minerva sat in her wheelchair and just watched Harry study for a bit. She had shooed Severus and Albus out of the room and if she could catch Remus's eye she would shoo him out as well. She wanted Harry to herself for a few moments. To make sure that her little lion truly was ok.
When she had given up on Remus looking up from his book she cleared her throat to bring attention to herself. Remus looked up at her, but Harry seemed too engrossed in his studies to notice anything. Slightly smiling she gave Remus a pointed look and just nodded her head in the direction of the door. Her silent message was heard and Remus nodded and got up to leave, not before resting a giving her shoulder a small squeeze in support.
As soon as Remus left the room Minerva rolled her chair over to where Harry was sitting none to quietly. She didn't want to startle the boy, but it seemed that nothing was going to break the child out of his intense study session. Minerva heaved a silent sigh and then reached out and touched Harry's shoulder. Harry jumped and looked for whom had invaded his personal space.
When he saw that it had been Minerva he just about launched himself at her. Hugging her around the neck he rested his head on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry." Severus had filled her in on how Harry blamed himself for what had happened so she had somewhat expected an apology from the child even though it truly was not his fault.
"Harry I need you to look at me." Harry pulled back, but kept his head lowered so he was looking at the floor. Minerva gently reached forward and lifted Harry's chin so he could look at her. "Harry, this is not your fault." Harry looked at her in disbelief, he had not expected her to agree with Severus and Remus. He had been expecting to be pushed away again. She saw the disbelief in his eyes and her hand moved up so it was gently cupping his cheek. "No matter what happens Harry I will always be here for you. I will never push you away. I will never abandon you."
Tears filled Harry's eyes, but they never fell. He wanted to believe what she had said, but it was hard. So many others had said similar things to him and then left. If he believed her and she left him he feared that it would be the last straw, he would break. He knew his heart could bare no more hurt. The way Minerva was looking at him though showed only determination and kindness, no pity. She did not pity him like the others, something he was slightly grateful for. Could he really trust her when she said she would not leave?
Even through the tears Minerva could see every emotion pass through his eyes. When it reached the point she could see no more she drew him into a hug. "I know it's hard Harry, to trust someone after you have been hurt so bad for so many years. All I ask is that you try. Can you do that for me Harry?" Feeling a nod on her shoulder she hugged Harry even tighter. "Thank you Harry."
A few more moments passed and then Minerva released Harry figuring that bending over a wheelchair was not the most comfortable position for his back. When Harry pulled away he was surprised to see tear tracks down Minerva's face. Seeing the shock Minerva wiped the rest of the tears away and gave Harry a small smile. "I'm ok Harry. The pain potions they have me on makes me a little emotional." Harry seemed to relax a little, but still was giving her a concerned look.
"I am going to be fine Harry. I promise you that, I just have to stay in this chair for a little while. Annoying if you ask me and unnecessary, but when Severus is determined about something there is no way out." Minerva shook her head in amusement thinking about their "reunion" in the hospital. Minerva had surprised Severus when he came in with magical water balloons falling on his head. She had been in bed all morning and had to do something to amuse herself. Seeing Severus's face when the water had hit his head had been worth the scolding and dirty looks he had given her the rest of the morning. He had promised to keep an extra eye on her while she was confined to her chair and by the look he was giving her she knew it would hinder any further pranks for a few weeks. A shame really.
Little did most people know Minerva had quite the mischievous side. Oftentimes it was Minerva who pulled the pranks on the entire school and the Weasley twins just took the blame for her. That was why she always insisted it was her who scolded them. The Weasley twins were glad to take the fall for her "magnificent schemes" and in return their "detentions" was just glorified help with homework. All involved benefited really, Minerva got to play her jokes and the twins makes improved greatly with the help.
Minerva still saw a look of concern on Harry's face. "Hey Harry, I have an idea." A mischievous gleam took hold of her eyes. Severus wasn't in here so she could make life a bit more interesting. "Would you like to help me with something?" Harry nodded his head and Minerva conjured up a bucket of green goo. Much like the one Remus had dumped on her head all those years ago. It was time for a little pay back. "Can you keep a straight face Harry?" Obediently Harry nodded again. "Good. I'm going to hover this bucket of green goo above the door and I want you to get Remus to come in here. When he comes in I'm going to dump the bucket all over his head."
Harry stood there open mouthed for a few moments. "You want me to help you prank Remus?" It's not that Harry didn't want to help his head of house, it was just that he couldn't believe that she wanted to lay a prank. His strict head of house playing a prank?
Minerva's smile was stretching from one side of her face to the other by now. The look of astonishment on Harry's face was priceless. "Yes Harry. Let's say it's just a little pay back. You see when Remus was still in school he decided that the same green goo would look lovely in my hair and I think I should return the favor." Minerva gave Harry a wink.
Harry had to place a hand over his mouth to stop the laughter that was threatening to come out. After his "fit" had ended he gave his Professor a smile and nodded his head. "I should go get Remus now." They both shared a grin and Harry went through the door to "ask Remus a question about his homework".
A few moments later Remus came in the room leading Harry and explaining a theory. Looking at Harry behind him Remus wasn't paying much attention to what was going on in front of him, thus he missed the pail of green goo hovering precariously above him. Without any warning Minerva tipped the bucket over with her magic, spilling the goo all over Remus.
Hearing the giant splash both Severus and Albus had come rushing in the room only to stop mid-step at the site before them. Remus was quite a site to behold. He was a sticky green mess from head to toe. He was currently wiping a hand across his face trying to clear some of the gook away. Harry fortunately had the foresight not to stand too close to Remus and thus came out with not a speck of the stuff on him.
Severus finally closed his open mouth and looked sternly at a still giggling Minerva Mcgonagall. "Minerva Mcgonagall did you do this? Did you dump this stuff on poor Remus?"
Minerva gave Severus a fake wounded look and placed a hand over her heart. "My dear sir I am wounded by your words! Why would I of all people have reason to dump green goo on his head?"
Remus, Albus and Severus were now in full chuckles for Minerva had used almost the exact words Remus had used when he had dumped the same stuff on her head. Harry caught up in the adults antics was laughing as well, but not as hard.
Calming down for a moment Remus had decided it was his turn to weigh in on the situation. "I assure you Minerva I am officially paid back. Now would you mind sharing me some tricks for getting this stuff out of my robes and hair?"
Between the giggles Minerva shook her head. "I never had the luxury of knowing how to get the stuff out so you will get no help from me."
Sighing Remus shook his head. "Very well. I should go back to Grimmauld place then and start scrubbing then." With that Remus walked over to the floo and flooed home leaving green footprints behind him.
Severus calmed from his laughs and shook his head in amusement. "Harry can I ask you a favor? I promise it won't involve green goo in any way." Harry nodded his head. "Can you go out to the front hall and grab two buckets and mops? Even though the person responsible for creating this mess should be cleaning it up I think we can help since she has been sentenced to stay in her wheelchair." Nodding Harry left the room in search of the supplies.
Severus turned to Minerva and shook his head. "Was that really necessary?"
Minerva gave a small smile. "To see all of you laugh again, yes it was. I was hurt yes, but that does not mean that I need sad looks shot at me every few minutes. I am not that fragile, I will not break at a single touch."
Severus sighed. "You're right Minerva. I'm sorry, after seeing you in the ally way it's hard..." As Severus trailed off Albus patted him on the back. Minerva's face softened and gave Severus an understanding look.
At the moment Harry came in with the two buckets and mops. Severus cleared his throat. "Right then Harry let's get to work. You can watch Minerva, since you're the one responsible." Minerva sighed dramatically, but had a faint twinkle in her eye. Harry just nodded and set to work filing the buckets with water.
With the kitchen floor clean Minerva beckoned Severus over to her. "Severus a thought just came to me. As Harry and I did not get to finish our shopping trip and I am unable to go at the moment I was thinking that you might be able to accompany him. As you can see he is in desperate need of clothing and he still needs a suit for the trial. Maybe apply a glamor before you go?"
Severus gave her a glare sighed, but nodded in agreement. He had seen the state his clothing was in and he agreed that it did need to be remedied as soon as possible. Harry was currently washing out the goop filled buckets. Catching Harry's eye Severus waved him over. "Harry since your trip to Hogsmeade was cut short yesterday would you like to go with me? You still need new clothing." Harry's eyes got wide and looked at Minerva. Before Harry could ask his question or worry any further, Severus continued. "We will both wear glamors so that we will not be recognized and a repeat of yesterday will not happen. We will both be able to see each other as we really look, but others will see someone else. Can you let me help you get what you need?"
Harry nodded and came over to give Severus a hug. A mumble came from the area Harry's head was resting that sounded something like "thank you". Severus looked down at the messy black hair. "You are very welcome Harry."
Just thirty minuets later Severus and Harry were walking down the main street in Hogsmeade sporting glamors. Even though the glamors hid who Harry and Severus truly were Harry still held on to Severus for dear life. Yesterday kept replaying in his mind over and over again. When Harry's clinging started to bother Severus, he stopped and turned to Harry and gave him a gentle look. "I know you are nervous and a little scared Harry, but you're cutting the circulation off to my arm."
Immediately Harry's grip loosened and he sheepishly looked at the ground. "I'm sorry sir."
Sighing Severus lifted Harry's chin so that he could look him in the eye. "You don't have to be sorry Harry. I do understand." Severus took his hand away from Harry's chin and playfully ruffled his hair. "Now let's get some proper robes for you." As Severus turned to continue on to the shop Harry flashed him one of his rare smiles.
When they had arrived at Gladrags Wizardwear a woman came out who was almost as short as Filius. "Who do we have here? Someone who needs school robes this late in the year? Oh my..." She then saw the sorry state of Harry's clothing and gave Severus a glare that could compare with his own.
Severus knew where her thoughts were going and told her his well practiced lie. "Your thoughts are going in the wrong direction ma'am. One of Harold's friends thought he knew how to cast a simple burning charm on a piece of paper and he didn't. The things in Harold's trunk were unfortunately burned to a crisp and this was all we could find him on such short notice. Could you please help us re-stock Harold's wardrobe?"
The ladies face softened a bit when she looked at Harry, but turned back to Severus with a glare. "I should check that story out with Albus Dumbledore to make sure it's true and report you if it's false."
Severus gave her a warm smile. Even though she was being annoying right now he knew that her intentions were pure. It actually warmed his heart to see someone in a shop so protective of a boy she had never met. If only the shop owners Harry had met before had been like her. "You may contact Dumbledore if you wish. He knows of the situation and actually sent for me to help Harold replace his items." Sill glaring at Severus the lady turned to the floo and called the Headmaster.
Albus confirmed the story they had agreed upon and the lady came back to the two waiting patiently for her. "Fine, your story checks out." She then turned to Harry. "Come on sweetie let's get you measured and into new robes."
Harry obediently followed her to the pedestal that he was to stand on, but he looked over his shoulder just to make sure Severus was still there. Seeing Harry's nervous look Severus gave him a warm reassuring look. "I'm right here Harold if you need anything."
Measuring and Fitting complete Severus helped Harry pick out what color things he wanted. With the school robes they stuck with the standards, but they also got an assortment of casual robes and muggle clothing for him to relax in. One item they could not get appeared to be the thing they needed the most, the suite. When asking the tiny witch about it she gave him another glare.
"Why would you need something like that?" It was like she was sending daggers his way.
What would it take for this woman to see that he meant no harm to Harry? Sighing he took a quick look at Harry who seemed to somewhat enjoy Severus being grilled. At least someone was getting enjoyment out of this. "Harold has relatives that are muggles and has to attend a function with them next Tuesday. Would you like to check with the Headmaster again or could you just tell me where to find one?"
It looked like the woman was considering visiting the floo again, but didn't. Instead, she settled for another glare. "Fine, you can mail order it through this shop. Would you like to pick it up or have it sent to the boy at the castle?"
"The castle please." Severus then handed over how much he owed the woman for her services. "Thank you very much for your help. We both greatly appreciate it." Shrinking the items they had bought and storing them they left the shop as fast as they could.
Sighing when they got out, Severus turned to Harry. "Would you like to get some books to read or anything else?" Harry shyly shook his head no. He saw how much Severus had paid for his clothing and knew that he couldn't waste anymore on himself.
Severus knew what the child was thinking it as written all over his face, he had that thought often when he was young. "Harry, can I buy you some books for a late birthday present? I would like to buy you something you would enjoy."
Harry looked up at Severus shock and wonder written all over his face. "Really?" Severus nodded his head and pulled him into a sidelong hug. "Really."
The two then headed down the street to the place where the bookshop was. Harry was now walking beside Severus instead of behind him. Severus would never admit it, but he was happy to see Harry come out of his shell a little.
When Harry left the bookstore it was with three new book tucked under his arm and a smile upon his face. Severus saw the smile and no matter how hard he tried he could not hide his own. Harry was healing slowly, but surely and it warmed his heart.