Love In the Dark

So, lots and lots happening in this chapter. A bit longer than usual. Hope you can keep up. XD. Thanks for reading!

x-x-x

Harry was sitting in Severus' quarters. He was supposed to be reading one of the man's books, but found himself getting distracted. Severus was sitting at the other end of the loveseat. Harry's legs were lying across the man's lap, and Severus' hand was on one of his bare feet, stroking it absently. Harry shuddered at the man's touch, toes curling at the sensation.

Severus glanced down, hand snapping away as he realised what he'd been doing. He looked at Harry, and Harry grinned. "Yes?" Harry asked innocently, wiggling his toes again.

"You're supposed to be reading."

Harry pouted, looking at his book again.

"Seems like you and Miss Bulstrode are doing rather nicely."

"...yeah." Harry murmured. Their eyes met at this, and Harry felt a little guilty. "...Are you sure you are okay with it?" Harry asked in a small voice.

"I wouldn't have suggested it if I wasn't okay with it. She came by my office yesterday. You told her?"

"She saw my dagger."

Severus fixed him a look, and Harry smiled guiltily. "What? I knew she wouldn't tell anyone...I figured she should know."

Severus looked back to his book, frowning slightly. "Her...parents have been inquiring about you. Both of them."

"Oh?"

"Lady Bulstrode has been focusing on finding out information on your relationship with her daughter, as well as your financial situation and such."

Harry sighed roughly. "I will assume you told her about my starting to invest in things."

"I did. I told her to talk to Narcissa if she wanted to learn more, as I'm not your babysitter."

Harry snickered at this. "And Lord Bulstrode?"

Severus turned the page in his book, looking thoughtful. "Wanted to know what your hobbies were, what you excelled in in your classes."

"Oh."

"I think he knows that your relationship with his daughter is more about...convenience. The man is far from stupid."

"Is...he okay with that? With us just being..."

"I believe he is. He will most likely talk to you about it when you see them over the holidays."

Harry sighed roughly. "Do I have to go to that stupid ball?"

"Yes. It was a big enough scandal that the Malfoys didn't have their ball last year. There will be talk if they don't have one this year as well."

"...At least I have a date." Harry muttered, poking at Severus' thigh with his toes. He grinned. "Maybe you can be my date one day."

"...Unlikely." Severus said, glancing his way. Yes...them being together publicly just wasn't done. But maybe things could change, Harry thought hopefully.

Harry tilted his head, changing the subject. "How come you never smoke when you're at the school? Aren't you just dying for a cigarette?"

"...No. I don't want to teach children bad habits." Severus gave him a warning look.

"Too late." Harry sing-songed.

Severus glared at him. "You haven't taken up smoking, have you?"

Harry just turned the page in his book. "If you can find a secret place to smoke, so can I." He hummed.

"Where on earth did you get the cigarettes? If I find out you've been sneaking again..."

Harry stuck his tongue out at Severus. "No, I've been bribing Dean. He was more than happy to get cigarettes of his own while he was getting them for me."

Severus could only sigh. "You're already in trouble. You shouldn't be pushing it."

Harry gave him a challenging look. "What, are you going to punish me Professor?"

Severus growled in the back of his throat, making Harry blush. Quick as lightning, the man was grabbing Harry's wrist and yanking the boy over his lap.

Harry squawked in surprise as the first smack landed on his bum. He scrambled, clutching the armrest of the sofa. Severus' other hand was on his back, pushing him down so as to keep him still. Harry gasped as another smack landed on his bum.

"I" Smack! "Am" Smack! "Sick" Smack! "And tired-" Smack! "Of You" Smack! "Being" Smack! "A Brat!" Severus growled, and with one last smack, Harry laid there catching his breath.

His eyes were closed, and his heart was pounding. His backside was warm and achey, and he was completely relaxed. Severus' hand slid up his back, to rest on the back of his neck.

"It's not safe, Harry. While you needed to assert your dominance over the House, you should have done it another way." Severus murmured, tilted Harry's face up. The man used his thumb to wipe at Harry's cheek. Had Harry been crying?

"...I'm sorry sir." Harry croaked. He still found himself smiling, however. Only Severus would call him a brat when he nearly killed another boy.

Severus helped him sit up. "You can't let your anger get the best of you. Plan things out first before you act." He sighed roughly. "Like I'm one to talk. Are you okay?"

Harry nodded, snuggling into the man's chest, wrapping his arms around him.

"Well...I can tell you won't be reading tonight."

"Nope." Harry murmured dreamily.

"Alright, it's already after curfew. You should get to bed."

Harry stood, feeling a bit unsteady. Severus helped him up, watching carefully.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"Oh, I'm just fine."

"I'll have an elf send you some tea once you get to your room. Tell me if you're still hurting tomorrow."

Harry rolled his eyes, pulling on his cloak. "You worry too much."

"I'm just looking after you."

Harry blew Severus a kiss, and left the man's quarters. He was just outside the man's office, in the corridor, when he bumped into Lupin. Lupin stared at him strangely.

"It's after curfew. What are you doing here?"

Harry held up the book Severus had given him. "Borrowing a book from Professor Snape. You can ask him if you like. The dorms are just down the hallway."

Lupin frowned slightly. "I'll escort you there."

"No!" Harry bit out, taking a step away from the man quickly. "No, I'm good." He walked hurriedly towards the dorms, doing his best to ignore the pain on his backside. He could feel Lupin staring, watching as he went. At least the man hadn't followed.

x-x-x

It was the perfect Hogsmeade outing. It was the last before the holidays, and all of the students were shopping like mad for their last minute gift ideas. Harry had done most of his shopping by owl order, so he was walking along one of the outer streets, with Millie on his arm. They both had hot chocolates in their mittened hands. Luna had given them both mittens for Christmas- early presents, since she wouldn't see them during the holiday. Millie's mittens were navy blue, while Harry's were a light pink. It was kind of funny, actually, so they switched a glove each, so that they alternated colors.

They heard a whine in the alleyway, and the two Slytherins shared a look. "You hear something?" Harry breathed.

Millie drew her wand. "Yes."

Harry drew his own wand, slowly turning around the corner. A dog was rooting through the garbage bin. It was a large black dog, and it was dreadfully skinny.

The dog looked their way, pulling out of the trashcan. It took a step back, looking pitiful and half frozen.

"Oh, the poor thing..." Millie murmured. She knelt down. The dog looked at her cautiously as she went through her pockets. Harry knelt next to her slowly, watching the dog approach them.

Millie pulled out a small cake she'd gotten from Honeydukes. "Here boy...it's not much, but it's all we have right now..."

The dog snarfed it down quickly, tail thumping. It moved a bit closer, sniffing at them. He jumped at Harry, suddenly licking his cheek. Harry wiped the slobber, while Millie giggled. Harry pulled away from the dog slightly, staring into his eyes.

The dog wriggled and squirmed in his grasp, clearly happy.

"He likes you Harry."

"I can't keep him." Harry said with a frown. The dog whined at this sniffing at his neck.

"But look at the poor thing, he's skin and bones, and so sad...oh please Harry..."

Harry stared at the dog, frowning. He stood, and the dog moved away. It whined, and went down the alley way sulkily. Harry sighed, and glanced over at Millie. The girl was pouting. The two of them followed the dog down the alley way. It moved fast, for such a frail thing. The dog barked, going down into the open cellar of honeydukes. The two of them followed the dog in. Millie cried. "Bad dog, stealing candy from Mr. Honeydukes-" She gasped as a dirty hand grabbed her by the throat.

Harry's wand was at the man's head in a flash.

Sirius Black.

"Let go of her." Harry growled.

The man did just that, holding his hands up. The three of them stood in the crowded storage room under Honeyduke's. They could hear the store above them, bustling with activity.

"Sirius Black!" Millie gasped fearfully.

Harry's eyes narrowed. "Millie, go get the Professor." Thankfully, Severus was one of their escorts into Hogsmeade that day, and would undoubtedly not be too far away.

"Harry..."

"Go get him. Now."

"Yes Harry." Millie whispered, and left.

Harry pointed his wand at a nearby chair, half buried in crates. The crates were moved with a flick of his wrist, and Harry motioned to the chair. "Sit. Explain."

Black sat down. He was terribly dirty and looked skinny. But his eyes...he looked so hopeful.

"You don't think I'm guilty. Do you?"

Harry kept his wand on the man. "No. I don't think you're guilty. However, I'd like evidence. Sorry about this." With a flick of his wrist, ropes were tied about the man. Black didn't even fight it, he only wriggled slightly at the tightness.

"What do you want to know? I'll tell you everything."

"Was it Lupin?"

"Remus? No!" Sirius shook his head wildy, his long hair waving about. "No, Remus would never hurt anyone."

"He's a werewolf." Harry said flatly.

"Only three nights a month." Black pointed out. "He's a good man, no, it was Pettigrew."

"...The man you killed?"

"No. I didn't kill him. He framed me!"

Severus arrived then, looking out of breath. His wand was on Black instantly. "Black." The man sneered, lip curling.

"Snivellis." Black said, scowling.

Harry sighed. Sometimes, people never grew up. "Do you have veritaserum on you?"

"Of course." Severus bit out, taking out the small bottle.

Harry grabbed the bottle from him, and administered it to Black. They then proceeded to interrogate the man for the next half hour, until it wore off. Black was exhausted as Harry untied him.

"Okay, Sirius, we're going to get you some help."

"We are?" Severus said, not looking happy about that. Harry fixed him with a Look.

"Yes. I'm staying with 'Cissa now...you know Narcissa, your cousin?"

Black stared at him with wide eyes. "Why would you be staying with her? She's...she's one of them..." His eyes flicked over to Severus at this.

Harry shook his head quickly. "Narcissa was never marked. She and Lucius adopted me."

The man looked as though he was about to cry at this. Harry sighed. "Look, they know you're innocent too. I'm going to send you to them, so they can take care of you..."

"No! I'm not staying with dirty rotten Slytherins!" The man snapped.

Harry gave the man a cold stare, pulling his winter cloak to the side, revealing the Slytherin colors of his scarf. He was wearing dark green robes to match. "Am I a dirty rotten Slytherin too?" Harry whispered, face blank. The man's anger visibly deflated at this, his hands trembling as he reached for Harry.

Harry took a step back, and the man looked tragically lost.

"Oh Harry...I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you..."

"I know. But that will change. We'll find Pettigrew, and you'll be free. I swear it."

Severus took out a portkey from his cloak. "I will accompany you to the manor, so that I can tell Narcissa and Lucius what is going on."

Black took one more look at Harry, as though trying to memorize his face.

"You look so much like them...but so different at the same time."

Harry gave him a sad smile. "I know. Sirius, please rest, feel better. Narcissa is very nice...please trust her to take care of you."

Harry and Severus exchanged a look, and Severus gave him the slightest of nods as he activated the portkey. He would take of Black, just this once.

x-x-x

It wasn't that hard to find Pettigrew. Harry told Dean what was going on, and Dean grabbed Ron's rat Scabbers, a.k.a Peter Pettigrew, a.k.a Wormtail, and they sent him to the Malfoy's dungeons, in care of Severus.

From there, Sirius tortured the ex Death Eater, and then he was sent anonymously to the Ministry of Magic.

The very next day, Madam Bones announced that Peter Pettigrew was guilty of killing all those muggles and framing Sirius Black. Pettigrew died from his injuries inflicted upon him by Sirius, in St. Mungo's. Sirius was declared innocent, and Harry breathed a bit easier.

The morning that the students were to leave for the holidays, Lupin cornered Harry outside the Great Hall after breakfast. Millie was standing with him. The man looked rather nervous, for some reason.

"Mr. Potter...Harry, I heard that you've been in contact with your Godfather since he was declared innocent. I'm an old friend of his, and a friend of your parent's. I was wondering if you could pass a message along for me?" The man held a letter out to him.

Harry took the letter from the man carefully. "I will. Sirius...he said you were a good man. A good friend. I'm sure he would love to hear from you again."

Lupin's eyes looked suspiciously bright. "Yes, well...have a good holiday, you two."

He turned away, and Harry called out after him. "Have a good holiday, Professor."

x-x-x

The Manor was full of activity, everyone was preparing for the Ball. This time, Dean was staying for the entirety of the holidays. Draco was sulking in his room because of this. After Harry's little show in the common room, Draco had retreated in true Slytherin fashion. While he definitely wasn't friendly with the boys, he didn't antagonize them either.

The elves were working overtime to get everything ready. Narcissa had all three boys fitted for custom robes- she had insisted. The day of the Ball, Millie came over early, looking awful in a dark red dress that her Mother had clearly picked out. It was full of ruffles, ribbons, and bows, and she looked so miserable.

Harry took one look at her and dragged her to his room, not paying attention to the looks that he'd gotten for taking a guest to the family wing. They spent the afternoon in Harry's room, where he attempted to fix that dress of hers up, and she watched him get ready.

Harry was working on the floor, repairing one of her hems while Millie was looking at hair style magazines. There was a knock on his door.

"Come in." Harry called out.

Sirius poked his head in, looking much better. The man glanced at the two teens. "Huh. Narcissa wanted me to check in on you two, to see what you're up to. You've been in here almost all day." He raised a brow as he saw Harry working on Millie's dress. Millie herself was dressed in Harry's dressing gown.

"Millie's dress was simply awful." Harry made a face. "I just had to fix it."

Millie grinned at this. "Good thing Harry's good at mending things. How are you feeling, Lord Black?"

"Er...just call me Sirius, or Padfoot. Um, alright...that Dean friend of yours is bugging that Malfoy brat."

"They tend to do that." Harry murmured, cutting a thread. "Alright darling, this should be much better." He held up the dress. Indeed, it looked a great deal better, and it would suit her. He stood, holding it up, grinning to himself. "I did a fine job, if I don't say so myself."

He handed the dress over to the girl, who looked at it rapturously.

Harry turned to Sirius. "So, you invite Professor Lupin to the ball?"

"...Ah, yes. But we'll probably leave a bit early. This sort of thing was never our style."

Harry grinned, not terribly surprised. "Well, just make sure you don't leave too early. Narcissa will throw a fit if we don't network properly." He said, rolling his eyes. Sirius got a small smile on his face at this, and he watched Harry put some things away. He glanced around at his Godson's bedroom.

It was...different. Most teenage boys would have posters up of their favorite quidditch team, or maybe of a girl- Harry's room was decorated rather..femininely, and was rather tidy, for the most part. He noted the dressing table was filled with fancy looking bottles and things, and he saw an assortment of muggle clothes and robes in the full closet.

It was...odd. A teenage boy and a half dressed girl together in this room for hours, and said boy was sewing. They didn't even look like they'd been snogging.

Millie left for the loo, to try her dress on. Sirius looked at Harry's robes that were laid out on the boy's bed.

"Harry...mind if I ask you something?" He asked hesitantly.

Harry shrugged, and sat down at his dressing table. He started to brush his hair.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but...are you gay?"

Harry looked at Sirius in the reflection of his mirror. Their eyes met, and Harry's gaze went back to his face. He continued to brush his hair. Severus noted the brush was extremely fancy, it looked to be an heirloom.

"It's okay if you are. I mean, I'd be a hypocrite if I said it was wrong."

Harry paused at this. "Ah. I see."

"What?"

"You were with Lupin. No wonder things were awkward between you two. And that letter, seemed like a love letter to me..."

"...You read my letter?" Sirius frowned.

"I wanted to make sure he wasn't sending you a death threat or something. Don't worry, I won't tell." Harry grinned. "Look, Mil and I have an arrangement. We help each other out, and everyone keeps off of our backs in the meantime."

"So...you are?"

"Guess so." Harry sing-songed. "Not that it's really any of your business."

"I'm your Godfather, of course it's my-" Sirius cut himself off as Millie returned, dress in her arms. She was grinning.

"It looks great, Harry."

"Good. Now let's get to work on that hair of yours."

Sirius sighed, and left the room. He was in over his head. The last time he'd dealt with Harry, he was just a baby. He didn't know how to deal with him. He didn't know his Godson very well. Hopefully, that would change.

x-x-x

Dean cleaned up well, Harry thought, as he saw his friend. Dean was standing by the staircase, looking rather bored already. The guests would be arriving within the hour. Narcissa was fixing her son's hair- the boy wore black robes that were rather fitted like a muggle tux.

Dean was wearing a fitted dark blue athletic style robe, over a white shirt and matching blue trousers. His dreadlocks, which he'd been growing out, hit just at his chin. He was wearing new shoes, and Harry couldn't help but admire Dean's broadening shoulders. He would be quite the lady killer when they were older. He was talking to Sirius, who was glad to have a fellow Gryffindor about the place. They seemed to get on well.

Millie was wearing her fixed red dress, looking much happier at her clothes. All of the bows had been banished, and the neckline changed, the sleeves altered. Instead of the puffy shoulder things she once had, they had been taken off, and new long sleeves were attached, using some of the fabric from her skirt for a much more streamlined look. The skirt had been shortened from floor length to halfway down her calves. The neckline was wide, going nearly straight across her shoulders, accentuating one of her best features. Her shoulder and neckline.

Her hair was fixed, ala Harry, for a much more grown up look. It was in an updo, like before, but the banana curls had been vanished, replaced by a sleek bun. Her makeup had been completely redone- much more subtle. All in all, she looked quite grown up, and Harry was very happy to have her on his arm.

Harry himself was wearing black robes, with black embroidery. There were layers of transparent black fabric- it looked rather light and airy, but still suitable for winter. He hoped to catch Severus' eye sometime that evening, hopefully getting a kiss under the mistletoe, if they were alone.

The guests arrived, and Harry resigned himself for a rather boring evening. It wouldn't get to be fun until people's drinks started hitting them, and their lips loosened. Harry and Millie danced quite a bit, and they got more than one compliment on how well they looked together. Lady Bulstrode looked furious as she saw what her daughter had done to her dress, but couldn't say a word when everyone said how good she looked.

Harry found himself talking to Severus quietly in the corner, trying to get away from the old biddies that liked to pinch his cheeks. Severus looked very handsome tonight. Harry moved a bit closer to him, trying to hear better. Conversations were quickly growing loud around them as the night wore on.

Severus was talking about a new potion he was experimenting with. He was having a bit of trouble, but he liked the challenge. While Harry could follow him, he wasn't really all that interested in potions. He was more interested in how Severus talked about them. His dark eyes were glittering, and a small smirk was playing upon his lips- even the inflection of his voice changed. There was a warmth about him that most people wouldn't even notice, but Harry did.

Harry took a sip of his punch, lips lingering on the glass. Severus' words halted momentarily, his gaze dropping to Harry's lips. Harry allowed himself a small smile, feeling pleased. Hopefully, soon, Severus would just stop being a gentleman and ravish him thoroughly. Perhaps on the piano that stood nearby, Harry thought. As if sensing Harry's thoughts, Severus' gaze turned rather hungry, and he took a step closer.

Harry lowered his glass, looking at the man innocently. "Sir?"

Severus took a step back, and he shook his head, smirking. "Such a tease." He muttered.

"I suppose that garners a detention when I'm back at school, sir." Harry said softly, his voice lilting.

Severus gave him the smallest of smiles, and then it was gone instantly, his gaze falling on someone that stood not too far away. Harry turned slightly, and saw Sirius and Lupin, in their own little corner, talking away. The two of them were standing rather close, and he had never seen them smile so much. He sighed, and glanced at Severus. Shaking his head, mentally hating stupid little schoolboy rivalries.

"Fine then. Pay attention to them instead of me." Harry sniffed.

Severus looked back at him, looking rather ashamed. "Ah, excuse me."

Harry sighed. "I don't need to tell you to grow up, do I?"

"...Of course not." The man said with a frown.

"Alright then. Hey, let's go bother Lucius for a while."

x-x-x

The party was finally ending, and Harry found himself going to the loo to make sure no one was in there. One of the elves had found a guest in there asleep earlier, and he wanted to make sure that didn't happen again. He neared the door, and heard someone getting sick.

He knocked on the door briskly. "Hullo, are you alright in there?"

He heard the toilet flush, and the sink running. Harry stood, waiting patiently. He was very, very thankful for the elves that cleaned up after all this. Pureblood snobs were terribly messy.

The door cracked open, and out came Pansy. She looked rather pale, and her hair was slightly mussed. Harry looked at her in surprise. "I thought you'd already left earlier."

Pansy shook her head. "No, but I will be leaving soon."

He led her down the hallway. "Are you okay?"

Pansy gave him a small smile, but she didn't look all that well. "I'm fine, really." She stopped short as they entered the foyer, seeing some of the other guests there. She took a step back, so that the others couldn't see her.

Harry watched her worriedly. "Pansy?"

"Vania...she and her brother are still here?"

"Uh...yeah." Harry looked back to Vania. The girl was talking Narcissa's ear off, and the girl's older brother stood next to her, looking like he wanted to leave.

He looked to the girl, getting a bit more worried. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"Vania...is...annoying. I just don't want her to see me like this. I'm a mess." She sniffed.

Harry sighed. "I'll go head them off. You go find your parents while I distract them."

Pansy gave him a thankful smile, and he went off. He approached Vania, giving the girl a sugary sweet smile. He kissed her cheek. "Thank you for coming tonight, Vania."

"I'm glad we could come." Vania said, her own voice sugary sweet. Harry hated the two-faced bitch, but he wasn't about to say that to her face.

Vania tugged on her brother's arm, and the boy wrapped his cloak around her shoulders. He looked bored.

"Oh, this is my brother, Adrian. He graduated before you came to Hogwarts, Harry."

"Nice to meet you, Adrian."

The young man gave him a slight nod, but didn't say anything. Sadly to say, that was rather normal with the more stupid men of the pureblood set.

Vania said her goodbyes to the Malfoys, and the siblings left through the floo. Harry glanced around and saw Pansy with her parents, who were still talking to Lucius. Pansy gave him a grateful smile.

He saw the Bulstrodes were getting ready to leave now. He hugged Millie goodbye, accepting an invitation to visit them at their home in two day's time.

x-x-x

Harry was sitting in yet another room of the Bulstrode's Mansion, the day after Yule. This time, it was Aiden's study. There was a huge case full of trophies and tons of photos of his children. He did not have one picture of his wife, Harry noticed. Apparently this visit was with Aiden, not necessarily with Millie. The girl was with her Mother somewhere else, and Harry got the impression that whatever he and Aiden were to speak about, it was rather important.

Aiden poured himself a tumbler of whisky, sitting at his desk. He smiled at Harry. "I'd offer you some, but you're a bit young for that, my lad."

Harry smiled at this.

"I'm sure you're curious as to why I asked you to come. I know you and my Millie are good friends, and if the rumors are to be believed, something more. Am I right?"

Harry looked down at his lap. "Well..."

"I know my daughter, Harry. She's a sweet girl, and I always wanted her to be happy. I can tell you make her happy."

Harry watched the man stand, taking a sip of his drink. Harry watched him walk around his desk, sitting on the edge of it casually. He motioned to the pictures in the case. "My oldest works as English Hitwizard, just like me. My second son works with the ICW on...international hitwizard operations. My youngest son is studying abroad with...well, I won't get into that. Millie is the baby of the family, and our only girl. She had been a surprise for us, but a good one."

The man took another sip. "So you must know...if you hurt her, not only will I hunt you down, her brothers will as well. And we're not wizards to be trifled with."

Aiden was completely serious at this, and Harry did not doubt him.

"I understand." Harry said solemnly.

Aiden smiled. "Good." He sat down again, finishing off his glass. He exhaled, looking thoughtful. "I know that my Millie isn't the most femenine of girls, but I suppose that's what caught your eye on her."

Harry did not answer this, knowing what the man was implying.

"My Millie..." The man sighed. "I know you can't help who you love, but the scandal...I want her to marry right. I know she could be happy with you, at least for a little while. If...you two pursue your interests elsewhere... just make sure it's private. I don't want to know, and I certainly don't want her Mother knowing."

Harry sat very still at this. "We're still young. Only thirteen. People change."

"Aye. They do." Aiden smiled, but it did not reach his eyes. The man changed the subject. "So, Harry, have you been teaching my daughter how to duel?"

Harry nodded, just a bit.

"Good. Good. Her Mother wouldn't approve, of course, so we'll have to keep that between us." The man grinned. "While she wants Millie to be a proper lady, honestly, I don't think Millie is cut from that cloth. You know what I mean?"

Harry tilted his head. "Sir?"

"Millie's the kind of girl that likes to get her hands dirty, that likes a challenge. Kind of like her old man that way." The man chuckled. "You've been a good influence on her. I've been hearing things, you know." The man said, pouring himself another glass. "Rumors. You trained with Lucius' son and that Thomas fellow, yet you never duel in public."

Harry didn't say one way or another. He knew the man wouldn't say anything if he already didn't know for sure.

"And I know Lucius would never,ever put his son through training and let you skate on by. He'd want you to know how to defend yourself. And with that muggleborn friend, I'm pretty sure you've been dueling long before you joined the wizarding world."

Harry was feeling rather wary now.

"Flint's been training you. And I'm pretty sure Snape has too- I can tell by the way you interact that the two of you spend a lot of time together. Why so much training for a such a young man that doesn't seem to be interested in dueling?"

Harry felt tense. How did this man know?

Bulstrode just smiled. "Your Professor Snape isn't the only legilimense."

Harry cursed internally. While he was well aware of the Headmaster's habit of snooping, he had let his guard down with Aiden. It was a rare ability, you had to be very powerful to have that skill.

"I'm not going to hurt you, lad. I just have a proposition."

Harry's gaze turned wary.

"Stay with that daughter of mine, and train her up good. I don't know what you've been training for, but if it is what I think it is, I want her to be ready too. Mil's got a good head on her shoulders, and she would be a good asset for you. Perhaps, one day, you'd make a good team."

"Sir?"

The man just leant back in his chair. "I've already got men watching Thomas when you send him out. Don't worry, he's not in danger. We're making sure he stays out of the worst bit of trouble. He's...skilled. We might have use for him in the future."

"I'm going to take a guess here and say that you're not quite retired from the Hitwizard organization."

The man winked. "Aye, lad."

x-x-x

Minds blown? Or did you guys already guess?

Remus and Sirius finally make an appearance, and there was a little bit of fun between Harry and Sev too. :3 I hope you guys liked the chapter, please review! You guys are awesome.