Author's note: The updates are meant to be daily, but sixth form is much more work than I thought it should be and I really have to put that first. So, updates might be a bit sporadic, well…they might be every day for a while and then I might miss a couple of days and then they will be every day again. It will be mostly everyday anyway.
And the chapter title says 'rowing' as in arguing and not as in paddling around in little boats. Just wanted to clear that up, lol!
Thanks for the reviews!
Chapter fourteen: Rowing with Remus.
"Harry." Remus said warningly.
Harry folded his arms across his chest and glared at his guardian, it wasn't like he was asking to do something dangerous, he just wanted to go into the forbidden forest with Hagrid. He'd been asking forever but Remus had always said he wasn't old enough, and then Hagrid didn't ask again for such a long time. But Harry was ten now and Hagrid had asked again and Remus was saying no again.
"Why not?" Harry whined.
"You're only young, Harry, far too young to go into the forest. It's full of all sorts of dangerous things which could harm you."
"But I'll be with Hagrid!"
"But you always manage to sneak off somewhere and you'll get hurt."
"How old do I have to be?" At least then he would be able to count down.
"Of age!"
"But that's seven years away!"
"When you're of age you can go with Hagrid, at least then if you do wander off you'll be able to protect yourself."
"I won't wander off!"
"If you prove to me that you can stay glued to Hagrid's side and not going off by yourself then I'll consider it." Remus compromised at last.
"So I can go?" Harry asked hopefully.
"No! When you've proved you're responsible enough!" Remus said in exasperation.
"But how can I prove I'll stay by his side if I don't get to go?"
"Prove you are responsible and I'll let you go." Remus promised, shooting an apologetic look at Hagrid who looked like he was trying to keep as out of it as possible.
--
"It's so unfair." Harry moaned as the pair walked back to the castle.
"You're in a very whiny mood today." Remus commented.
"You're being unfair." Harry retorted.
"I just don't want you getting hurt."
"I won't, I'll be with Hagrid!"
"But you'll wander off."
"I won't!"
Remus sighed. "Do you want some dinner?"
"Not hungry."
"Do you want to read George's Marvellous Medicine?"
"Nah."
Remus was fast running out of options. "Visit Albus?"
Harry considered. "Will you let me have more than one lemon drop?"
Remus chuckled. "Two."
"Three!" Harry bargained.
"Are you going to stop whining about the forest?"
"I don't whine…yes."
"Three then." Remus agreed, swinging the boy up into his arms.
"Reeeemus! I'm too old for that!" Harry protested, but his wide grin contradicted his words.
In the shadows, Snape glared as the pair went past noisily. Harry squealing at the top of his voice and Remus chuckling too.
Distracting students from their work.
Causing a ruckus in the corridor.
It was a shame that the glare was hindered by his eyes which held a happy glimmer.
Sweet Merlin, Severus Snape was getting extraordinarily close to having eyes like Albus Dumbledore.
---
"Reeemus! Put me down!" Harry choked between giggles as Remus flipped him upside down.
With a plop, Harry landed back on the floor. Slightly disappointed, he looked up at his guardian questionably.
"Fizzing Whizzbees." Remus said clearly.
With a jolt of surprise, Harry realised they were standing beside the gargoyle which led to Dumbledore's office and which quickly sprang open.
Harry bounded down to the office, it wasn't so much Dumbledore he liked seeing. It was more Fawkes and sherbet lemons.
That was why Harry made a beeline for the cage in the corner. "Hey, Fawkes! It's me. Guess what? I get to have three sherbet lemons today. But Remus says he won't let me go into the forest with Hagrid and-"
"Harry, Remus, do sit down." Dumbledore greeted. "I had been just about to request a meeting."
Exchanging curious glances, Remus and Harry both sank down into chairs.
"I do have something I really ought to tell you." Dumbledore began.