Chapter Twenty-Six:

The Burrow

A/N: Thanks for your support!

Savoren.

Harry glanced up from his reading when he heard a knock on his bedroom door. Sighing softly, he put the Defense book down and stood to answer the door. Opening it, he saw Charles waiting patiently, a small smile lingering on his lips. Harry stepped to the side, allowing him entrance, "Hello Charles."

Charles entered the bedroom and went to sit on the couch, once Harry was seated, he asked, "How was the last two days for you?"

Harry nodded, keeping a smile planted on his face, "Fine. Mum and dad adopted me and I took their last names."

Charles smiled happily but rose a single eyebrow at his patient, "I heard they adopted you; that's fantastic! Are you sure your last two days were completely fine though?"

Biting his lip softly, Harry glanced away from his piercing eyes. "Yeah."

Charles sighed and began writing in his notebook, "That's not what I heard, Harry. Now, do you want to tell me what happened on Christmas Eve?" When Harry stayed silent, Charles pressed for information, "Let's start with this: why did you get in trouble with your parents?"

Harry sighed and played with the hem of his shirt, "I was disrespectful to mum."

Charles nodded, jotting this down in his notebook, "Why did you feel the need to be disrespectful?"

Here, Harry rolled his eyes, "Because she irritated me?"

Charles glanced up from his writing, "Is that a question or a statement?"

Huffing slightly, Harry answered him, "A statement. She irritated me because she brought up my marijuana addiction."

Nodding slightly, Charles continued to write, "And why did she bring that up?"

Harry crossed his arms over his chest and muttered darkly, "Because they won't let me live it down."

Stopping his writing, Charles sighed softly and looked at the boy, "I'm sure they are not meaning to, Harry. We can talk to them about this during our session today. Here in a little bit we will go downstairs to them. Does that sound like a plan?" Once Harry nodded, he asked, "How could have you handled that situation instead of being disrespectful?"

Harry shrugged nonchalantly, "Who cares? It's in the past. I was punished I don't even know why we are talking about this now."

Charles gave him a small smile, "It is important that we discuss this because it will help you from making the same mistake in the future. I know you were punished for your misdeed but we still need to talk about it. I am not disappointed in you, I am not angry at you and I will not reprimand you – I am only here to help you."

Harry stared at the man for a few moments before giving a small nod of his head, "Alright." Biting his lip softly, Harry thought about the man's previous question, "I guess I could have told her she was upsetting me."

Charles nodded, "What else?"

"I could have walked away."

"Good job. Now, I heard something happened at the family Christmas party. Care to elaborate?" Charles asked as he picked a fuzz off his cream shirt.

Harry watched him intently, He's not that bad. "Mum was grumpy from me disrespecting her and she doesn't enjoy the holidays. On top of that, Draco got drunk and offered me some of his father's alcohol. I told him no. I didn't drink any of it! But when dad found out he embarrassed me in front of everyone by making me blow in his face."

"Why did that embarrass you? From what I have gathered, you are reprimanded in front of these people quite often," Charles pointed out.

Harry sighed softly and gave a small shrug of his shoulders, "I mean, yeah, maybe I should be used to it by now and no one ever makes fun of me for it but it's still embarrassing."

Charles nodded and pressed for Harry to dig deeper, "Why exactly is it embarrassing?"

"Well, they were my professors before they were my family members. Also, I'm fifteen and mum and dad treat me like a four-year old." Before Charles could ask why he felt that way, Harry beat him to it, "They treat me like a four-year old all the time. They bought a grandfather clock that tells them exactly where I am all the time. I don't have freedom. I don't have space. They yell at me all the time for swearing too! I'm fifteen, if I want to swear I will."

Charles smirked softly, "Fifteen-year olds do not swear, Harry. As much as you like to think you're an adult, you are not."

Harry sighed and glared at the carpet, "That's what dad said too. . . Aunt Poppy got them a horrid gift for Christmas. She bought them a book that has a charm in it for children with swearing problems."

Intrigued, Charles asked, "What kind of charm?" Seeing Harry's blush, he reminded him, "You don't have to be embarrassed, Harry."

Harry's face flushed at that, "Right. . ." Sighing deeply, Harry kept his eyes locked on his feet as he mumbled under his breath, "The charm makes a h-hair brush appear and it smacks the child three times."

Charles had to force himself not to smirk, "You know, I shouldn't be telling you this but when I was a little older than you I struggled with swearing as well. My parents would have killed for that charm!" Once Harry smiled, he said, "I can see why you hate the gift so much. Do you know what you can do to keep yourself from experiencing the charm?"

Harry looked up at him, hopeful for a way out, "No. How do I do that?"

Charles smiled softly, "Don't swear." Seeing Harry roll his eyes, Charles told him, "It's a habit that can easily be broken. To break the habit you just have to train yourself to use other words in place of the swear word."

Harry huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, "They don't even like the word 'sucks'!"

Charles nodded in understanding, "Then we will need to find an alternative word for that as well. Do you have any ideas? The funnier the alternative word is, the more you will want to use it. Also, if it is humorous then it will immediately help you calm down."

Harry bit his lip softy as he thought over this information. "I. . . I don't know. I feel like I'd get yelled at for anything."

Charles smiled softly, "I think you might be thinking too much into this task, Harry. You do not have to keep the same word for each swear word. Just, when you are angry and want to let out a swear word, replace the swear word with something else. For instance you could say 'dangit', 'rubbish', 'prat', or even 'bubbles'."

Harry smiled and looked at him with a raised eyebrow, "Bubbles?"

Charles shrugged, "Really the word only has to be the first thing that comes to your mind. That isn't, mind you, a foul word. Do you think you can try this?" At Harry's nod, he said, "Good. Then I want you to try it and I will ask you about it in a week's time. Is there anything else we need to talk about before we go down to your parents?"

Harry kept his gaze locked on his feet, shamed. "I smoked pot on Christmas Eve after the party."

Charles kept his face emotionless, "Why, exactly, did you decide to do that?"

Harry sighed and bit his lip. "I was upset."

Charles gave a small nod, "What could you have done instead of smoking?" Seeing Harry still not looking at him, he said in a gentle tone, "Please look at me. I am not upset with you."

Hearing that, Harry looked up at him, "Why aren't you upset? You're trying to help me and I failed you."

Charles gave a firm shake of his head, "First of all, Harry, this therapy is not about me- it is about you. Secondly, you did not fail me and you did not fail yourself. Slip-ups and back-steps are normal when it comes to therapy. You cannot expect to be completely better after two therapy sessions, it is going to take longer than that. It is my job, as your therapist, to remain patient with you and understanding. So long as you are trying to keep getting better, I will never get upset when you slip-up." After Harry gave a wordless nod and his face didn't look as guilty, he re-asked his question, "What could you have done instead of smoking?"

Harry dropped his eyes again and tried to think about other ways he could have handled his negative feelings. "Well. . . I guess I could have talked to mum and dad about my feelings." At Charles' look to continue, Harry kept thinking of more ideas. "I could have read my book or try to focus on something else."

Charles nodded and took over, "You could have done many things, Harry. I do believe we need to work on coping skills."

Harry sighed and slouched in his seat, "Alright. . ."

Charles proceeded to list coping skills, "You could have squeezed an ice cube, do jumping jacks, journal your thoughts, or even work on a craft."

Harry bit his lip softly, "Alright."

Charles sighed, "Harry don't just say alright. Do you think you could try any of those coping skills? If not we can try to find something else that will work better for you."

Harry gave a small nod, "I can try them."

Smiling, Charles stood from the couch, "Good boy. In that case, let's go speak with your parents."

Very, very slowly Harry followed his therapist down to the living room. Once there, he flopped on the couch and immediately felt stiff as Charles sat beside him.

At their entrance, Minerva and Severus sat up straighter in their chairs.

"Firstly, I want you to speak your concerns and then I will tell you what we can try," Charles stated as he looked between the two parents.

Severus and Minerva exchanged looks before Minerva took the lead. "We are concerned about his lack of obeying the rules." She watched as Harry slouched on the couch, pink cheeked. "These rules include respecting his father and I and not swearing."

Charles nodded, "Anything further?"

Severus nodded, "Sometimes we feel as if, when we tell him not to do something, it goes in one ear and out the other. It feels like he doesn't care about our rules sometimes."

Harry bit his lip from arguing back. Maybe if your rules weren't so stupid!

Charles glanced at the frustrated looking teen, "As for the swearing, I spoke with him about that in his bedroom today. We have decided that he is going to try to replace foul words with other words. He told me about the present you received, are you going to use it?"

Minerva sighed softly, "We haven't decided on that yet. The charm will probably be a last resort."

"Alright. Let him try to replace the words first. Respect goes both ways. Harry, if they are respecting you then you need to respect them back. If they are not respecting you then you need to point that out to them. The same goes for you toward Harry. Communication is the key to a successful family." After a moment of silence for them to absorb this information, he continued, "Harry, what do you have to say about what your father expressed?" Seeing Harry's irritated stance, he reminded the boy, "Remain calm and respectful."

Harry shrugged his shoulders and glared at the floor, "I'm not used to having to listen to rules. Even the rules at school don't have to be followed all the time."

Charles frowned, Sounds as if he has a problem with authority. "Wouldn't you rather listen to your parents than get in trouble?"

Harry huffed but nodded his head, "Obviously I don't want to get in trouble! I just forget some things."

Severus rose a single eyebrow, "What about when you blatantly go against our wishes even after knowing how we feel?"

Harry dropped his gaze and focused on rubbing Godric's soft ears, "I don't know. . ."

Charles sat up straighter at hearing that, "Minerva, Severus, you must recognize that Harry is a teenager. Teenagers have the tendency to break rules from time-to-time. When he does this, reign him back in." He ignored Harry's glare. "I feel Harry might be trying to see how much he can get away with."

"Like testing his boundaries?" Minerva asked.

Charles nodded, "It would make sense. As he stated, his relatives did not keep firm rules around the house and he knows ways around the school rules. He is not used to consistency and so, now that he has it and parents to keep him in line, he is testing to see how much he can get away with." Looking at Harry, he asked, "Does that sound about right?"

Harry gave a nonchalant shrug as if this family therapy session was a waste of time, "I guess."

"When he tests his boundaries you need to keep consistent punishments with consistent rules. If you do this, his boundary line will be formed and his acting out should decrease," Charles explained.

Severus nodded in understanding, "Alright. Did he tell you that he smoked marijuana on Christmas Eve?"

Charles nodded, "He seems quite upset about that."

Minerva sighed softly, "We need your opinion on how we should go about handling that situation?"

Charles frowned, "What do you mean? Just go about it the way you have been. Be patient though, breaking addictions are very hard."

Harry cringed, knowing exactly what that meant for him later. "I am out of marijuana," Harry admitted suddenly.

Charles suddenly turned to look at him, "And are you having urges?"

Harry bit his lip and gave a small nod, "I've been tempted to order more."

Charles smiled softly, "I am glad you resisted that urge, Harry. Good job!" Turning to Minerva and Severus he said, "I need you to monitor his owl. Do not let him send anything without checking it over first. If he gets a letter or package you need to be there when he opens it."

Severus and Minerva nodded in understanding.

Harry frowned. He couldn't help but feel this situation was unfair, even though he understands that it is because they don't want him contacting someone for more marijuana.

Charles watched Harry's face closely, "With no marijuana, Harry may experience withdrawal."

With a pained expression, Minerva said, "We didn't want him to have to quit cold-turkey."

Charles gave a small shrug of his shoulders, "There is no choice. We do not want to risk his addiction getting worse by turning a blind eye to his ordering of more marijuana."

The rest of the family session was spent by Charles discussing Minerva and Severus' punishment styles – much to Harry's embarrassment.

Charles left the house with promises of bringing a list of alternatives to corporal punishment.

Harry stumbled out of the Weasley fireplace only to be caught and steadied by his father's two strong arms. Sometimes, he really appreciates his father's strength. Other times, he can't help but wish his father wasn't strong enough to keep him still over his lap. Luckily though, he didn't have to experience the strength of his father's hand today; his parents decided not to physically punish him for smoking on Christmas Eve. Instead, they punished him by making him feel guilty. Severus and Minerva spent over an hour expressing their love for him and their fears of his addictions. After they were finished, Harry felt like his eyes were waterfalls. His eyes still stung from all the tears he had shed!

Looking around the dining room of the Burrow, Harry left out a small breath. The Weasley residence felt like his second home.

Like always, his second home was not quiet. Ginny was screaming, obviously very angry, upstairs. The sound echoed throughout the Burrow like a cave.

Severus frowned, hearing the screams. What a lovely way to be welcomed into their home, he thought sarcastically.

Ron hurried into the dining room, "I thought I heard someone come through the fire! I'm sorry about the noise; mum won't let her scream like this much longer." Looking at his two professors, he nodded to them in greeting, "Welcome to the Burrow, Professors."

Minerva surprised the red-head by pulling him into a hug, "While not in class you may call us Minerva and Severus."

After being let go, he glanced at his Potions professor, "Are you sure, sir?"

Severus gave a stern nod of his head, "Yes, Ronald. You are my son's best friend. I am sure you will be at our house more than not and therefore, it is only appropriate if you call me by my given name. Though, if you dare call me by my first name on the school grounds or at the castle, you can guarantee a week's worth of detention. Do you understand, Mr. Weasley?" Seeing Ron nod his head quickly, he asked, "Where, may I ask, is your father?"

Ron led them into the living room and motioned for them to take a seat, "I'm not really sure where he is, Pr-. . . S-Severus." He glanced at Harry, obviously feeling uncomfortable. He bit his lip softly, "I'm sorry Professor but that is just too weird. Mum and dad raised me that respect involves referring to an adult as a title other than their first name. May I call you Mr. Snape and Mrs. McGonagall?" He read in the Daily Prophet that they had married and adopted Harry, he was looking forward to speaking to Harry about this incident.

Severus couldn't stop the smile from forming on his lips, "I actually prefer that title, Mr. Weasley." Minerva only nodded in response; she couldn't really care less what the boy called them so long as he didn't refer to them as Professors while they weren't working. Severus' thoughts were interrupted as the screaming upstairs suddenly got louder, a distinct swear word echoed through the house and was followed by a sharp slap. I know the youngest Weasley child has the biggest attitude of them all but she should at least have some dignity to not scream like that when guests are at her house.

The screaming did not restart. Harry flinched slightly and looked to his best mate. Ron too looked uneasy. In an attempt to get their minds off of what was happening upstairs, Ron asked, "So, how was your Christmas?"

Harry smiled broadly and bared his left arm, "Look! It's gone!"

Severus rolled his eyes at Harry's excitement. "I do hope you don't go around showing your bare left forearm in public, Harry. The press would just love that!"

Harry smirked, It could be worse. I could be showing another bare body part. Harry kept that little thought to himself as he allowed Ron to touch the spot where the Dark Mark used to be.

As Ron gaped over Harry's forearm, Arthur came into the living room to greet his guests. "I am sorry about the ruckus. This is terribly embarrassing! I do not know what has gotten into that girl."

Minerva gave him an understanding smile, "These things happen, Arthur."

Severus waved Arthur's concerns away, "It is no problem, Arthur. After all, it's not like I cannot promise this won't ever happen at our house."

Arthur smiled and nodded to Harry, who was blushing madly at Severus' innocent comment. "Hello, Harry! Did you have a wonderful Christmas?"

Harry nodded and returned the smile, "My Christmas was amazing, Mr. Weasley. It was the best Christmas I ever had. I got a puppy and I named him Godric!"

Ron's eyes brightened at the idea of a puppy.

Arthur came over and placed a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder, "Yes, well, I dare say I would not have had a Christmas if it were not for you, dear boy."

Harry immediately paled at the reminder of the vision. Mr. Weasley only had a few scrapes visible which made Harry feel a little better – it's not like the man was covered in dangerous cuts!

Minerva immediately felt her son's change in mood, she lightly placed her hand on his knee and gave him a tiny pat to remind him that she was there.

Harry gave a stiff nod of his head, keeping his eyes locked on the floor. He suddenly felt the desire to be anywhere but with Mr. Weasley. His guilt began rising in his tummy making him feel nauseous.

Ron seemed to have understood his feelings because a second later he jumped to his feet and asked his best friend, "Do you want to ride brooms?" Riding brooms always cheers him up!

Arthur gawked at his youngest son. "No. You will catch a cold if you go out in this weather!"

Harry glanced at his parents, praying they would say yes and convince Mr. Weasley to approve.

Seeing his look, Minerva frowned at him, "If Mr. Weasley said no to Ron do you honestly think our answer will be different? Definitely not! School will be returning in less than a week and I will not have you missing anymore classes, young man. You already need summer school, do not make it worse."

Harry frowned at his mother's reminder of summer school. "Fine!" He muttered irritably.

Severus rose his eyebrows at his son's tone, "Lose the attitude, young man."

Blushing softly, Harry looked to Ron with pleading eyes to take him away from the adults,

Ron smirked at his best friend softly, Harry is learning the hard way what a parent is like. He headed for the stairs, "We will be in my room."

Harry jumped to his feet and hurried after him slowing only when he heard Minerva's sharp voice telling him to slow down and not run in their house.

Once Harry was at his side, Ron whispered, "Mum found out that Ginny is dating Dean; she doesn't approve."

Harry grimaced at the thought of Ginny and Dean together. He closed Ron's bedroom door behind him and flopped on the bed beside him, "How was your Christmas?" He would rather talk about anything other than Ginny and Dean dating!

Ron allowed the subject change and answered his question, "It was good. I got my normal sweater – speaking of which, mum has yours too. She is going to give it to you before you leave. But anyway, I also got a lamb skin hat! It's so warm. Hey mate, what did your mum mean by summer school? Why do you have to take summer school?"

Harry sighed, "I have missed too much school. Mum and dad think it would be best if I made up those days in the summer."

Ron winced, "Rotten luck, mate."

Harry nodded in agreement, "Yeah. . . Oh well. Did you read in the paper that I was adopted?"

Ron smiled broadly and nodded his head, "Here, I kept the paper for you in case you didn't get it." Ron handed him a cut out of the article, "It also says your parents got married." Ron gave him an odd look at that, "I never would have imagined Snape and McGonagall marrying each other!"

Harry smiled and gently ran his fingers over the cut out, "Family will do miraculous things for each other."

Ron nodded in agreement, "That's for sure. I'm really happy for you, Harry. I know this is all you have ever wanted."

Looking up from the paper, Harry flashed his best mate a smile, "Thanks, Ron. What do you think about my name?"

Ron laughed and shook his head, "It's long!"

Ron's laugh seemed contagious, Harry laughed and nodded his head in agreement, "I know!" Frowning softly, Harry asked, "Have you heard anything from Hermione yet? She promised she would send a letter. It's odd for her to not send a letter on Christmas."

Shaking his head, Ron tried to calm his best friend's nerves, "She's probably just really busy. They are, after all, on vacation to see the Grand Canyon. Honestly, I don't really understand why people would want to go see a huge crack in the Earth. I guess it's a muggle thing. . ."

Harry laughed, "Yeah, I guess you're right. She's probably busy with her parents. The Grangers really do love their trips around the world. This is her, what? Tenth trip since we met her? I wish I could go to the Bahamas because of good grades."

Ron smirked, "You would have to earn those good grades first, mate." After Harry gave him a playful glare, Ron returned to being serious, "I find all their trips odd, to be honest. Her parents are muggle Dentists. How can they afford these trips all the time?"

Harry shrugged, "That's a good question. A family member must have left an inheritance to them. When Uncle Vernon's mother died she left them the rest of her money. Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Dudley went to Disney with the money. I stayed at Arabella Figg's house."

Ron looked murderous for a second, "Of course they wouldn't take you! Bastards."

"They're dead, Ron. . ." Harry quietly reminded him. "So you think she is alright?"

Ron quickly nodded, "Probably, mate. I'm sure she's fine. If she doesn't contact us soon then we can worry, alright?"

Leaving out a small sigh, Harry nodded, "Alright." Looking around the room, Harry saw Ron had a new chess set, "Want to play a game of chess before supper?"

"Hell yeah!"

"What is wrong with Harry? Why did he pale when I thanked him for saving me?" Arthur asked. He felt extremely concerned about this.

Severus sighed softly, "He feels guilty."

Minerva nodded in agreement, "He believes that because he had the vision that it is his fault you were attacked."

Arthur frowned, "That is definitely not the case though. The Dark Lord's snake is what attacked me, not Harry. Do you want me to talk to him about this after supper?"

Minerva and Severus exchanged looks before Minerva nodded her head, "That would be greatly appreciated, Arthur."

Arthur, Minerva and Severus' conversation was interrupted as Molly and Ginny entered the living room.

Ginny's cheeks were tear stained but her eyes contained an angry fire.

Minerva offered the fourteen-year old a kind smile.

Molly kept a firm grip on her daughter's arm, "Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Ginerva Molly Weasley?!"

Hearing her full name being snapped like that, Ginny felt her cheeks flame in embarrassment. Clenching her teeth, she tried to get her mother to loosen her grip as she snapped with attitude dripping from each word, "I'm not sorry! I'm fourteen and if I want to date Dean, I will! Know what else, mum? I'll snog-" She was abruptly cut off as Molly spun her around and landed six sharp smacks as fast as lightning on her backside. Yelping, she reached back to cover her already reddened bottom. "I hate you!" Ginny screamed as tears from embarrassment and pain poured down her face.

Severus rose his eyebrows, shocked at her stupidity.

Feeling uneasy, Minerva immediately looked at the bookcase, scanning the titles.

Molly's face was bright red as she snapped, "I gave you the chance to say you were sorry for your behavior when they arrived. If you had done so I was going to allow you to spend time with Harry. You just ruined your chance. I want you to go to your bedroom for the rest of the night. You will not be eating dinner with us, your father will bring your plate to your bedroom." Surprising the teen, Molly landed another stinging swat to her backside before turning her to face the staircase. She watched irritably as Ginny hurried to follow her mother's directions. Sighing sadly, Molly pinched the bridge of her nose, "I am so sorry you had to witness that! I don't know what her problem is lately! She started swearing and talking back like she's done it her whole life."

Minerva stood and helped Molly sit down, "Don't worry about it, Molly. You had to do what you had to do."

"She is a teenage girl, she could just be feeling angry. Try talking to her about it," Severus offered.

Kissing his wife's forehead, Arthur started toward the kitchen, "I am going to start the supper."

Severus quickly got to his feet and followed him, "I will help you."

Minerva sat down beside her and patted her knee, "We are having similar problems with Harry. If I have learned anything from Harry's emotions, it's that every emotion has a reason behind it. Has she befriended anyone knew lately?"

Molly sighed and gave a small shake of her head, "I have no idea, Minerva."

After Harry lost three times they decided to talk about Quidditch. This conversation was short-lived though because a half an hour later, Molly called up the stairs, "Supper is ready!" The two boys hurried to the dining room. Harry sat down beside Ron and watched as Fred and George ran into the room, almost bumping into their father.

Arthur gave them a stern look, "Sit down boys and stop acting like hippogriffs." With that, he returned to the kitchen to bring the rest of the food.

Fred's eyes lit up with surprise at the sight of their guests. "Oy! Bloody hell mate, didn't know you were here!"

George smiled and nodded in agreement, "With all the screamin' goin' on though we wouldn't have known if the Dark Lord himself was here!"

Molly threw them glares, "Mind yourselves, boys! Fred, if I hear you swear one more time I'll wash your mouth out with soap."

Fred and George exchanged smiles before exclaiming, "Yes mum. Sorry mum."

Amused, Harry glanced at Ron.

Once everyone was seated and had their plates full, Arthur looked at the boys and said, "Do you remember my Ford Anglia?" When they all nodded, including Severus and Minerva, he said, "One was brought in the other day at work. I miss that car," here he flashed Harry and Ron glares.

At the reminder of his son's incident in his second year, Severus said, "I was extremely mad at you two that day. You are lucky you weren't my son then," He said looking directly at Harry. "Not to bring up past punishments but were your relatives even informed?"

Harry blushed deeply and dropped his eyes.

Minerva answered for him, "I sent them a letter myself."

Harry shrugged, eyes locked on his plate of food, "They never cared about me or what I did. They probably threw the letter in the fireplace without even opening it and reading it."

Molly rose her eyebrow at that and muttered, "If I would have known that I would have punished you right along with Ronald."

Sensing Harry and Ron's uneasiness, Arthur quickly changed the subject. He hadn't meant for this conversation to go so negative. "So boys, quidditch will be starting here soon." He glanced at Severus and Minerva and gave them smiles, "Now you are going to realize why parents are always so jumpy." He threw Harry a smirk, "I dare say, Harry, you better stay away from any dangerous tricks until they get used to watching the game through different eyes."

Minerva gulped softy and admitted, "I have been avoiding thinking about quidditch."

Severus gave her a shocked look, "You of all people are avoiding quidditch? That's a first!"

Molly chuckled, "Oh, Severus! You will be sitting on the edge of your chair too! Don't make fun of Minerva for her nerves."

Harry and Ron exchanged amused looks, both plotting ways to scare their parents during the games. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the thought of causing Severus to grow grey hair!

After dinner, Molly set the children to work by telling them to clean off the table and put the food away.

Just as Harry was about to help, Arthur placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Do you mind coming to my workshop with me? I have a question about a muggle item. I want to know what it does."

Harry glanced at his parents, he felt uneasy at the thought of being alone with his victim. When his mum gave him a firm nod of her head, Harry sighed and followed him to his office.

Arthur handed him a muggle CD, "What is this?"

Harry glanced at the CD and smiled softly, "It's a Beatles CD, Mr. Weasley. A CD is a disk that holds music."

Instead of continuing to talk about the muggle object, Arthur said, "I saw the way you looked when I brought up the snake attack. It wasn't a good look, Harry. What's running through your head?"

Harry sighed softly and looked around the shop, seeing a teddy bear sitting on a shelf beside him covered in dust, Harry focused on the object and answered him, "I just. . . It feels like it was my fault! I was seeing the vision through the eyes of the snake, Mr. Weasley! It felt like. . ." Harry couldn't bring himself to admit his complete feelings to his victim.

"It felt like you were the snake?" Arthur offered for him. When Harry gave a small nod, extremely ashamed, Arthur pulled Harry into a tight hug. "I can understand why you feel that way. However, trust me when I say that it was not you. I saw who attacked me, Harry. The snake attacked me- the Dark Lord's snake. The Dark Lord wanted you to see what he wanted, he is toying with you. Don't let him rot your mind with lies and insecurities, alright?" When Harry gave another small nod, he asked, "Has your father talked to you about occlumency?"

Harry nodded again, "Yes sir. He said we would start lessons soon."

Arthur gave him a small smile and led him from the workshop, "Good."

The rest of their stay at the Weasleys went smoothly and soon they were saying their goodbyes. When the small family stumbled out of their fireplace in their living room, Minerva instructs Harry, "It is late. I want you to go shower and get ready for bed."

Harry didn't argue with her and quickly followed her instructions.

After showering he hurried to his bedroom. There, he noticed his lost-in-love owl, Hedwig, sitting on the branch outside his bedroom window. He quickly opened the window and allowed her entrance. Much to his disappointment, no sooner did he get the letter off her leg, Godric pounced over and started barking at her. Scared, she flew off into the night.

Harry sighed and gave Godric a stern look, "That wasn't very nice, Godric."

Jumping, Godric pounced off his knees, trying to catch Harry's fingers in his mouth.

Harry pulled his hands away from the playful puppy and opened the letter.

Harry,

Meet me at the Hog's Head at 12.

Olivia.

Glancing at the clock on his wall, Harry's eyes widened when he realized he had thirty minutes to decide if he was going or not.

A knock on the door interrupting his panicking thoughts. He quickly shoved the note in his pajama bottoms and hurried to the bed. "Come in."

Severus and Minerva entered the room.

Picking the puppy up, Severus put Godric on his bed, "You need to recognize his size, Harry. When you go to bed, put him in bed with you. He cannot jump up on his own."

Once on the bed, Godric hurried up to his master's arms and cuddled in.

Leaning over, Minerva placed a small kiss to his forehead, "Do you feel better now that Mr. Weasley has spoken to you?"

Harry nodded, "I do, mum. Goodnight, I love you."

Severus couldn't help but feel Harry was rushing their goodnights, "What are you up to?"

Harry glared at him, "Why do you always think I'm up to something?"

Minerva smacked Severus' arm and snapped, "Stop it."

Severus sighed and ruffled Harry's hair, "Goodnight to you too, Harry. I love you as well." With that, he followed Minerva out of the room and back downstairs where he retired to his bedroom for the night.

Listening closely, Harry waited until he heard both of his parents' bedroom doors close before hurrying over to the window and opening it up.

Seeing his master leaving, Godric started to whimper.

Cringing, Harry prayed he didn't wake his parents. Grabbing him, Harry held the puppy against him as he crawled down the vine. At the bottom, he put Godric on the ground and hurried to Hogsmeade, praying he wasn't too late.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Savoren.

TBC…