J.K. Rowling is still the owner of the Harry Potter Universe, and I still borrow her characters.

Snowballs and Potions

Chapter 29

At some point during the night Severus had turned on to his side and had Harry snuggled up against him with his back to his chest and his head beneath his chin. Severus woke to find himself in this very unfamiliar, although not uncomfortable, position. Severus also realized at some point during the night someone, namely Slinky, had covered them with a blanket. He looked down at his son, he looked so peaceful sleeping, so young, and so innocent that one could forget everything the child had endured at his young age. Severus did not want to move because he did not want to wake Harry, at least that's what he told himself. Truth be known, Severus wanted to enjoy this moment, because he didn't know if he would ever have another opportunity like it. Harry was eleven and he knew moments like this would be a rarity. Severus decided, What the hell? It's the holidays, I think I'll sleep in, and he did pulling Harry closer to his chest with the arm he had wrapped around him.

An hour later, Harry woke, startled for a brief moment until he gained his bearings. He had fallen asleep on the sofa and his Dad had fallen asleep with him. Harry realized the Potions Master was still asleep behind him. Had he slept like that all night? Harry decided he quite liked this feeling. He felt warm, safe, and loved. Harry thought he might want to get up, but he really didn't want to wake his father, plus he was enjoying this feeling. He wrapped his arms around Severus' arm, snuggling in closer and gave into sleep once more.

Their sleep was interrupted a few minutes later as Slinky apparated into the sitting room with a resounding pop causing both Harry and Severus to awake with a start. Severus jumped from the sofa immediately, wand at the ready, casting a shield over Harry who had flown from the sofa to the floor also with his own wand in hand, when Slinky appeared.

Once Harry had realized what happened he was laughing uncontrollably on the floor. Slinky was mortified with Severus' wand in his face, and Severus was glaring at Harry and Slinky. He couldn't decide if he should be amused at Harry's current state or if he should be angry at Slinky for scaring the life out of him.

Harry finally stood walking over to Severus, placing his hand on Severus' wand hand, and gently guiding it down.

"Slinky is sorry Master Severus. Slinky will punish himself immediately," Slinky said. He then began to knock his head against the coffee table in the sitting room.

Harry looked horrified and instantly ran over to Slinky stopping him by grabbing him by the waist and pulling him away from the table, and as quick as Severus could, he commanded Slinky to stop.

Slinky had a small abrasion to his forehead. Harry looked at Severus and received a small nod, curious if the Harry could heal the small being as elven magic was not the same as a wizard's, and Harry placed his hand over the cut and healed Slinky.

"There you go Slinky. Good as new. Why did you do that?" Harry asked clearly confused at the elf's violent display.

Severus answered for Slinky, "Harry, house elves are supposed to do everything to please their masters. If they believe they have done something to upset, displease, or disobey their masters, it is in their nature to punish themselves; however, I have made it clear," Severus adjusted his focus back to Slinky, "that causing physical harm to himself is unacceptable."

Slinky shrank back at the statement, "Slinky is sorry Master Severus."

"I know you are. Now that your injury has been healed, do you require a pain potion for your head?" Severus asked.

"No Master Severus sir. Slinky is being fine. Harry has taking care of everything," Slinky said beaming at Harry.

Severus rolled his eyes, "I see. I imagine you have come to prepare breakfast for us?"

"Yes Master Severus sir. Slinky was thinking you would be up at this hour and I was coming to prepare breakfast," Slinky replied.

"Very well. Now that we are all up Harry and I will shower while you prepare the meal. And Slinky," Severus said.

"Yes Master Severus sir?" Slinky answered.

"Never again harm yourself in such a manner. I will let you know what is acceptable and what is not. Understood?" Severus asked.

"Yes Master Severus sir. Master Severus is too good to Slinky. Slinky really likes Harry Potter sir, Harry Potter is taking care of Slinky," he said turning to the stove to begin preparing breakfast.

I am kind to the bloody elf and Harry still gets the credit. So help me Merlin, it's almost as if I have two children!


After breakfast Harry decided to share his findings regarding the wolfsbane potion with Severus and see if he thought he was making progress.

Harry and Severus sat side by side on the sofa and Harry placed his notes on the coffee table arranged in a well organized manner for Severus to see exactly where Harry was going with his research. Severus had to admit, Harry was taking this task quite seriously and had progressed much farther than he would have thought possible.

"So this is what I was thinking. I have removed every ingredient from the other potions which will react with the wolfsbane except for two. According to the Magical Healing book Poppy gave me Fluxweed and Graphorn powder will individually react with the ingredients in the wolfsbane; however, if you add silverweed to the mix it neutralizes the acidity in the fluxweed and Graphorn powder making it possible to add these two ingredients into the wolfsbane without causing an explosion," Harry finished.

Severus looked down at Harry's work. He obviously had spent countless hours in the library, most assuredly a direct consequence of being a friend of Granger, and had come up with something that might actually work.

Harry was studying Severus waiting for some sort of response. Finally he spoke, "You know Harry, I believe this might work." Severus then had an idea. Since the silverweed would neutralize the acidity, they could add mandrake root for the muscles. It would help not to strain them, but the silverweed would have to be replaced with a different neutralizer.

"The Graphorn Powder will help with the elongation of the bones as it is the primary ingredient in skele-grow, and the fluxweed will help with the joints. Did you have any idea for the muscles?" Severus asked.

"I had a few ideas, but each time I thought I might have something, I saw that it would either conflict with the wolfsbane, or with my solution to the pain relief to the skeletal system. I haven't been able to find anything that will do both, but I am still looking," Harry said determinedly.

Severus felt pride rise in him. Harry had the potential to become a Potion's Master at a very young age just as he did. "I know you will Harry. May I make a suggestion?"

"Yes, of course, please do," Harry responded excitedly.

"You will have to do the research, but mandrake root is used in a potion to unpetrify those who have been petrified. The madrake root affects primarily the muscular system in the body. You would not have had access to that particular potion as it is not ever taught here at Hogwarts, but I will allow you to use my book. You will only be allowed to use this book in our quarters, and you will never attempt to brew anything from that book without my express permission. There are many complicated and dangerous potions in the book. Is that understood?" Severus asked making sure Harry realized the seriousness of his words.

There were many potions that required strict concentration in that particular book, and Severus did not brew them unless he knew he had that time alone with no distractions. He did not want Harry getting hurt.

Harry looked like it was Christmas Day and nodded, "Yes sir!"

Severus scowled at Harry, and Harry said, "Ummm, yeah, sorry about that. I meant just yes, or yes Dad, or perhaps, yes father. Nah, that sounds too much like Malfoy. How about, yeah sure thing Pops?" Harry said smirking at Severus.

"Pops? Harry have you joined the Headmaster in going around the bend? Never, will you ever address me as Pops, even in jest Mr. Potter!" Severus said in mock anger. "I'll show you Pops," and Severus cuffed the back of Harry's head. "There's your Pops, now come along to the study. The book is there."


Severus allowed Harry to use his desk to research the Mandrake Restorative Draught, and Harry contentedly sat behind the desk pouring over the book.

Severus went to retrieve Harry from the study at lunch time. He quietly opened the door to the study to see Harry viciously scribbling notes on the parchment. Severus knew exactly how he felt. It looked as though Harry had so many ideas in his head that he was trying to will his hand to write as fast as his mind was working.

Severus cleared his throat gaining Harry's attention.

Then Harry started chattering so fast that Severus was having a hard time keeping up with him, "Hey Dad! This book is great! I think I may have found a solution to the problem. The mandrake root was a brilliant idea. But that's my Dad, Sev the Brilliant! I will have to take out the fluxweed, use murlap instead, then the silverweed which would have worked in the first scenario, but with the use of murlap…" Severus cut Harry off.

"Calm down son, I see that the murlap will work with the use of the mandrake, and I assume the silverweed will have to be replaced with another powder based ingredient, perhaps powdered Griffin claw?"

Harry looked at Severus, "Yeah! That's it." Harry thought for a moment, "How did you know?" Harry asked.

Severus responded tapping his finger against his head, "Potions Master remember, or perhaps my newly proclaimed title, Sev the Brilliant," Severus said smirking. "However, I would have never thought of that particular combination had you not brought the rest of your work to my attention. Using a third non-essential ingredient to neutralize a potion is extremely advanced and is typically only used in…" This time Harry cut Severus off.

"Healing Potions. That's what gave me the idea. Working with Poppy has been great," Harry said.

Severus nodded, "So when shall we attempt to brew this potion?"

"I want Remus to have it before the New Year, before Christmas even. The next full moon is the first part of January. Will I be able to stay with him to see if everything works out like I think it will?" Harry asked.

Severus paled and immediately without thinking shouted, "NO!" At Harry's startled expression he adjusted his tone, "No Harry. You are not permitted to be around Lupin during the full moon. In fact, if I remember correctly, he would not even tell you where he went during his transformation, and that is for a reason Harry. He did not want you to go looking for him. If something goes amiss with the potion, then the wolf is just that, a wolf, a predator, and looking for his next meal. If something goes amiss with the potion, he will not hesitate to harm you because he will not recognize you. You must promise me that you will never go looking for him."

As Harry was listening to Severus, he thought A simple no would have been just fine, but he listened on anyway without interrupting Severus. Harry knew the werewolf transformation inside and out by now through his research. When Severus was finished Harry nodded, "Yes sir, I promise. How will we know if the potion worked correctly?"

Severus, who was terrified of werewolfs since his sixth year said, "I will arrange to observe Lupin on the night of the full moon. I will arrange it so the Headmaster could join me so if the potion is not exactly as it should be, between the two of us we should be able to contain the wolf without harming him."

That answer satisfied Harry and he gave Severus a curt nod.


Harry and Severus had eaten lunch together and then set out to the grounds.

The grounds were covered in snow, and Harry had mentioned he always wanted to build a snowman. He had seen the other children build them when he was younger, and he wanted to give it a go. Severus agreed to go outside with Harry, but Severus was stopped in the corridor by Albus Dumbledore.

Severus instructed Harry to proceed outside, and he would join him momentarily.

Without complaint Harry headed outside. He was unsure how to begin with the snowman so he made a small snowball, then rolled it around in the snow it was gradually becoming larger, but Harry had an idea. He removed his wand from the holster and began moving the snowball around the grounds in a circle.

Once the ball had reached an acceptable size, Harry stopped it and repeated the process with the second, then levitating it on top of the first, and he was on the third and final snowball when he realized that Severus and now Professor Dumbledore had joined him out on the grounds. He could feel a different magical presence.

He looked up at Severus and Dumbledore and waved, "Hey Sev, what was that feeling I had a moment ago? It happened when I looked up and saw you and Albus. If felt like magic, but not mine or yours," Harry inquired.

Dumbledore and Severus exchanged looks, Dumbledore spoke next as if everything was normal and Harry had not exhibited another talent indicating he was to be a very powerful wizard, "Ahh Harry my boy, you got me. I cast notice me not charms around us so that we may spend time together undisturbed. The magic you felt was mine dear boy."

Harry nodded and levitated the head onto the snowman. Harry retrieved a carrot and several large round black buttons Slinky had provided him before he left the dungeons, from his cloak. He looked at the snowman it was missing arms.

Harry had an idea, he did not know if it was a good one or not, but he would soon find out, and he would find out in a hurry.

"Sev could you cut down a couple of stick from that tree so I can use them on the snowman?" Harry asked innocently enough.

Severus and Dumbledore were standing underneath a tree while they had been watching Harry, and Harry saw his opportunity as Severus turned to cut the limbs. Harry made a snowball, and seeing Dumbledore's eyes twinkle even brighter gave Harry that final bit of courage he needed.

Harry flung the snowball and struck Severus square in the back and Severus froze.


Severus had turned to cut the appropriate limbs for the snowman. Harry had done an excellent job with the snowman so not just any limb would do. Severus looked up in the tree and just as he was lifting his wand to cast a diffindo to cut the one he wanted he felt something smack him in the back, right between his shoulder blades.

What the….That brat just hit me with a snow ball. When I had my back turned no less. I bet he wouldn't do it if I was looking at him!

Severus turned around, and in true Gryffindor fashion, Harry flung another snowball at Severus hitting him in the chest. Or maybe he would. Harry froze in place looking at Severus, waiting for a reaction.

Uh-oh, maybe this was a bad idea. He doesn't look amused. Albus won't let him kill me at least. At least I hope he won't.

Severus' eyes narrowed, he holstered his wand and Harry took off running. He used his newly made snowman as a barrier between the two, but Severus was having none of that. He gathered a snowball, unholstered his wand, and levitated the snowman and popped Harry with one snowball then another and another.

Harry finally was able to control his laughter and he made another snowball and threw it at Severus hitting him directly in the face, causing him to drop the snowman, and it landed on Harry pinning him to the ground. The only part of Harry that was visible was his face, and Harry could not move.

Severus scooped up a double hand full of snow and towered over Harry, "I believe I am in a particularly powerful position right now Mr. Potter. I will ask you a question and you will answer it. If I am not satisfied with your answer, you will find the consequences…chilling."

"Aww come on Dad, let me up," Harry pleaded knowing that he would be wearing the snow in Severus' hands before he was allowed up.

"Tut-tut, I think not Mr. Potter. First question. Who is the most brilliant Potions Master in the wizarding world," Severus asked.

"That's an easy one Professor, Sev the Brilliant. Although I hear his personality is seriously lacking," Harry responded.

"I'll let that one go, but yes Mr. Potter you are correct. Next question. Who should you never challenge to a snowball fight again unless you most assuredly wish to lose in a most embarrassing manner, perhaps even end up pinned by a snowman of your own creation," Severus asked chiding Harry.

"Hey that's not fair. The only reason the snowman ended up on me is because you dropped him after I got you good. I planted a snowball right in your face! So this was luck," Harry said using his head to point at the snowman.

Just as Severus was about to drop the snow on Harry's face, Harry shouted, "You are! You are! I should never challenge you to a snowball fight unless I wish to lose in a most embarrassing manner."

Severus smiled and nodded, "Very good, you do have a sense of self preservation. Final question Mr. Potter. Who is the best looking Snape?"

Severus knowing he was the only Snape in the castle knew Harry really couldn't counter this one, "That's an easy one Dad… I am. Harry James Severus Snape…" and before he could get out Potter Harry's face was covered with snow. Severus dumped it on his head. "Perhaps you do not have a sense of self preservation after all."

Severus took pity on Harry and helped him up. It was then they heard Dumbledore laughing still standing beneath the tree.

Harry whispered something to Severus both took out their wands and pointed it to the tree and shouted a mild blasting hex at the limbs above Albus. The tree shook, releasing the snow from its branches, and covered the Headmaster with snow.

Dumbledore stopped laughing, but the twinkle never left his eye. He stared at both his boys and then with a smirk and a mischievious glint in his eye, "Ahh my boys have finally invited me to play."

Those words chilled Severus. Harry did not know what to say either.

Dumbledore raised both of his hands out to his sides and immediately about one hundred snowball rose from the ground on either side of him.

Severus looked at Harry. Harry looked at the lone snowball in his hand and thought Why not?

Harry flung the snowball and hit Dumbledore in the chest with it. Dumbledore looked extremely amused at Harry's brazenness. Proud even, but it would not stop him from what he was about to do.

Severus looked at Harry after he threw the snow ball and struck Albus, and cuffed him in the back of the head, "Have you lost your mind child?"

Harry half smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "I mean look Dad, it's clear we are going to lose, but at least I got one in. You've got nothing."

Severus had to concede his point, picked up a snowball and knocked Albus' absurdly bright hat off his head, and then the snowballs started flying. Severus began casting shield after shield, Harry followed suit, but there were too many snowballs. Dumbledore was arching them so they flew over the shield and hit them while some were coming in a straight line. There was no way to protect against them all in an open area. Harry had now sought refuge behind the Potions Master, laughing madly.

Once Dumbledore had his fill of fun both Harry and Severus were sweating and out of breath. They walked over to the Headmaster who was neither sweaty, and certainly not out of breath.

Dumbledore spoke, "Ahh thank you my boys. I haven't had a friendly snowball battle in years; that was most excellent!"

Severus growled out, "That wasn't a friendly battle Headmaster. That was a bloody slaughter."

Harry and Albus both barked out a laugh at Severus' choice of words, and the three of them trekked back to the castle, Albus with his hand on Severus' shoulder, and Harry leading the way in front of them.


Severus and Harry made their way back to the dungeons. Unfortunately, both of them needed to find dry clothing after their 'friendly battle.'

The rest of the day was quite uneventful. Harry had two more essays to complete, so Severus set him to task before dinner, and made sure that Harry completed at least one of them.

After dinner Harry and Severus showered and sat in the sitting area where they played chess by the light of the fire and their tree until it was time for Harry to turn in for the night.

After stuffing the brat underneath the covers Severus reflected on the day and realized he hadn't let loose like that in a long time. Severus had fun. A word that he didn't think he could associate with himself anymore, but he enjoyed the day with Harry, and loathe as he was to admit it, he enjoyed his time with the Headmaster too.


The following day saw Harry and Severus into Hogsmeade. Harry saw a reporter, but apparently word had spread, because he did an about face and never looked back. Severus and Harry exchanged a knowing look and both smirked. There would be no news of Harry Potter being in Hogsmeade over the holidays, and Dumbledore did not receive another owl from the Daily Prophet.

Harry had all of his gifts bought except for Severus, although he was sure he would be able to convince Remus to take him somewhere to solve that problem. Besides, Harry had no idea what he was going to get his Dad.

Harry had bought a pair of Chudley Cannon quidditch gloves for Ron, a charm bracelet with a small troll on it for Hermione, upon Minerva's recommendation four pairs of hideously colored/patterned socks which he would mismatch later for Albus as well as an adult sized pair of pajamas that Albus had shown interest in earlier in the year. For Minerva Harry found a red with gold trimmed plush bed perfect for a certain Tabby cat he knew, and for Remus, Harry purchased the necessary ingredients to improve the wolfsbane potion, and he planned to brew the improved version prior to Christmas. Harry also retrieved a wooden box with a place for a dozen vials. He planned to make a drawing on the lid of the box for Remus.

Harry asked Severus if a scarf counted as clothing for an elf, and Severus told him that anything of the clothing nature would upset Slinky. He would see it as an insult. Harry looked long and hard trying to find the perfect gift for his little friend, and he found a bracelet made of tan hemp rope and brown leather. He had Slinky's name engraved on the leather part of the bracelet. Severus rolled his eyes at the gift but approved of it.

Harry asked Severus if he could bake something for Hagrid and Mrs. Weasley since the two of them had done the same for him in the past. Severus told Harry that was a fine idea.

After returning from Hogsmeade, Harry had received an owl from Ron and Severus one from Molly. Molly had inquired if Harry could visit the Burrow during the holidays and she had enclosed enough biscuits for Harry and Severus to share. Molly had mentioned having a New Years celebration and also invited Severus to attend.

Ron in his letter asked Harry to come spend the entire week before the New Year's party. Harry showed his letter to Severus, and Severus hesitantly agreed to allow Harry to visit with the Weasleys' two days before the New Year. Harry accepted this without complaint. It would be his first time spending the night over with a friend. He was truly excited.

At Harry's request, and to Severus' dismay, after showers that night, he and Harry sat in on the floor in the sitting area by the tree wrapping presents. Once the presents had been wrapped, with the exception of Lupin's, they were placed beneath the tree, and Severus decided the gifts looked quite acceptable. Severus also needed to find time to retrieve a present for Harry.

That night Severus put Harry to bed with another story about Lily. Harry thought he could get used to that, the steady, baritone voice of his Dad telling him stories of his past with his Mum every night. Harry listened as Severus told him about Lily's love for drawing, how they would sit by the lake at Hogwarts, much like he, Ron, and Hermione did, and she would draw while he, Severus, kept her company. Harry drifted off to sleep comforted by Severus' even tone.


The next morning after breakfast, Harry and Severus headed down to the potions lab where they set to work on the potion. Severus hesitantly allowed Harry to take the lead in brewing the potion, but he stood beside him as they added each ingredient.

Once they had the wolfsbane created, Harry first added the powdered Griffin claw followed by the murlap, and just as he was about to add the mandrake root, Severus grabbed his hand causing Harry to flinch and jerk away, covering his face with his free hand, and Severus immediately released the hand that was in his.

Harry looked embarrassed, Severus had not seen Harry do that in a while and it caught him off guard reminding him he still needed to be gentle with Harry.

"I'm sorry sir. I didn't mean to do that," Harry said looking down.

Severus frowned, Sir but decided not to pay that any mind and gently asked, "What are you sorry for son?"

"I didn't mean to react that way. I just wasn't expecting that. It just caught me by a surprise that's all," Harry said.

Severus knew that he had reverted back momentarily to his old defense tactics when he covered his face, "There is nothing to be sorry for. I should not have grabbed you so suddenly, but if you add the mandrake root right now the potion will be ruined. What ingredient should be added next?"

Harry looked at the ingredients before him. He had went out of order, "Graphorn. I should add Graphorn powder first, then the mandrake root sir."

Severus inwardly sighed, "That is correct. You are doing very well; you brewed the wolfsbane perfectly without any help. Now go ahead and add the final ingredients."

Harry did so and once it was complete it was to simmer for the normal forty-eight hours.

Severus watched Harry as he added the ingredients. Harry looked despondent. Once the potion was simmering Harry took a seat on a stool and stared out the window. Severus pulled up a stool next to Harry and gazed out the window with him.

After a few minutes of silence Severus asked, "You know I would never harm you right Harry?"

"I know Sev," Harry said and he meant it.

Sev, well at least it's better than sir. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. Would you share with me what you were thinking, or perhaps what memory my actions caused you?" Severus said putting the blame on himself hoping Harry would see that he did not find any fault with is reaction.

Harry was still staring out the window and it took him a few moments before he answered. "Sometimes when Vernon wanted to have 'fun' with me he would grab me from behind so I wouldn't know it was coming. At first it was funny to him because I would yelp at the surprise, it was usually followed by a strike to my mouth as freaks were not allowed to make noise and disrupt his household. I didn't like that game much," Harry finished.

Sick, twisted, demented, obese, son of a bitch! I believe I may just have the perfect…gift for that bastard for Christmas! Severus did take note that Harry did not address the whale as his uncle for a change. That was definitely progress.

"I imagine not," Severus responded. "But you really have nothing to be ashamed of and you certainly have nothing to apologize for. You have come a long way Harry, and have adapted very well in a short amount of time. You should be proud of yourself son; I know I am," Severus said wrapping his arm around Harry's shoulders pulling him against his side. The two sat there looking out the window until Slinky apparated inside.

"Master Severus sir, Slinky is having a message from Master Remus sir," Slinky announced.

Harry and Severus both stood and Severus took the message from Slinky, "Thank you Slinky."

Slinky noticed that Harry didn't look particularly happy and walked over to him. "Harry is being ok?"

Harry smiled at the elf, "Yes Slinky, I am fine, thank you."

"Master Severus has not upset Harry has he?" Slinky asked attempting to be quiet, but as usual his 'whisper' could be heard by anyone nearby.

"No Slinky, Sev has done nothing to me other than help me," Harry said attempting to smile.

Slinky nodded, "Would Harry like for Slinky to show him something?"

Harry nodded curious. Severus who was reading the message looked up when he heard Harry giggling. Slinky was standing on his hands, and had straightened out his floppy ears and was now walking on his ears. About then, the knot in his cloth had come undone and was now covering his face and he could not see. Slinky lost his balance and toppled onto Harry and they were now both in the floor laughing.

Severus had never been more thankful for Slinky than he was in this moment. He allowed a smile to briefly cross his face then quickly schooled his expression. The last thing he wanted was for Harry to think he was feeling sorry for him, and put on his best glare and cleared his throat. Slinky and Harry looked at Severus from the floor.

"And what exactly are you two doing? Is this a playground or a potions lab hmmm?" Severus asked.

Harry still trying to quell his giggles while tying a knot back in Slinky's 'clothing' said, "Sorry Dad, but did you see that? That was brilliant Slinky!"

Dad, that's much better.

Slinky looked at Severus and apparated out of the lab.

Did the insufferable elf just wink at me? Hmmm perhaps I should find him something for Christmas this year as well.


Severus and Harry made their way back to their quarters from Sev's private lab. "Lupin wanted to know if you would like to spend the day with him tomorrow Harry?"

Harry saw his opportunity, he could get Sev's present, "That would be great."

Severus saw his opportunity, he would be able to go get Harry's present. "Very well. Tomorrow morning you can floo directly to his office after breakfast." Bloody wolf is good for something after all.

"Very well, after lunch would you like to take it to the quidditch pitch for a while. I could use the fresh air," Severus inquired knowing exercise would be good for Harry right now.

"That would be brilliant! I didn't think you would be able to fly with me since there are still students here," Harry said. Then it dawned on Harry, "Ohhh, you are going to cast the same charms Professor Dumbledore did aren't you. Can you show me how to do that?"

Severus thought about it for a moment. It may not be the best charm to teach Harry, he could get into a lot of mischief with that one, but it could also come in handy should he need to conceal himself from a certain professor. "Hmmm, I'm not sure if you are quite ready for that one, but I will teach you a warming charm to keep from becoming cold while flying."

"Sweet!" Harry exclaimed.

After lunch Harry and Severus spent the remaining hours until dinner on the pitch. Both of them understood that their time alone like this was limited at the moment and they enjoyed every second of it. It was while flying, Harry thought of what he was going to get for his Dad for Christmas. He would need help from Minerva, Remus, Albus, and maybe even Poppy. He was sure Severus would like it, but he needed to speak with Albus first.

The day flew by quicker than the previous two, and Harry was tucked into bed. For the first time in several nights, he had a nightmare, and for the first time in weeks he was unable to bring himself out of this one.

The wards alerted Severus that Harry was in distress and Severus knew his son was having a nightmare. Immediately, Severus was at Harry's bedside, and Harry was crying out in his sleep. Severus cursed himself. No doubt his actions earlier in the day had aroused Harry's memories about his uncle's love and care. He lifted his son up into a sitting position and slid in behind him so that Harry's back was to his chest, all the while talking to him.

"Harry, wake up son. It's me Severus. You are in our quarters, in your bedroom. It's a nightmare child; wake up. You are safe here. No harm will come to you whilst I am here with you," Severus comforted.

Harry was still thrashing about while Severus held him, pulling him tighter to his chest. Harry was pleading for his uncle to stop, and Severus went from cursing himself to cursing the Dursleys.

"Son, I need you to wake up," Severus said gently cupping Harry's face in his hand, tapping his cheek with his fingers. "You are safe here. No one will harm you here so long as I am with you. Wake up child. Wake up and look at me, look at Dad. I'm right here," Severus said.

The pleading had stopped, and it appeared Harry was struggling to open his eyes. Severus had released his face to allow him to move freely now that he was no longer thrashing about. "That's it child, open them. Open your eyes son. It's over. It was a nightmare. You are doing good Harry." Severus continued.

Harry opened his eyes and realized he was sitting up in the bed, and he could hear Severus talking behind him. Harry was embarrassed. Twice in less than twenty-four hours he had behaved foolishly. Harry turned to look at him, "I'm sorry."

Severus sighed, he hated that every time something out of Harry's control happened he apologized. He didn't want Harry to blame himself for those things. "What are you sorry for son?"

Harry shook his head, "For waking you up. I can usually make myself wake up now when I have them, but tonight, I just couldn't. I'm sorry."

So maybe his nightmares haven't become fewer. I will address that later. Tonight he needs rest.

"Harry you have nothing to be sorry for. As I told you earlier, you are doing remarkably well, and I am proud of your progress. You are a strong, brave young man. Do you want to talk about the dream now or later?" Severus asked.

"Later if that is ok with you?" Harry responded.

Severus figured he would say that, "Very well, but you do know we will talk about it. I will not forget."

Harry nodded in understanding and yawned. Severus slid out from behind him and tucked him in once again. "Will you be able to sleep now Harry?"

Severus could see that Harry hesitant to answer. "If you can't Harry it's ok, please just tell me the truth. That's all I ask."

"In that case, can you stay with me for a bit?" Harry shyly asked.

Severus smiled, "Of course I can."

Severus summoned the desk chair and transfigured it into a more comfortable chair and took his seat by the bed.

"Dad?"

"Yes Harry."

"Do you think you can tell me another story about Mum? I think that will help me sleep," Harry asked.

Severus sat on the edge of his chair and brushed the raven fringe, Severus didn't answer the question, he simply began talking. "It was the summer after our first year at Hogwarts. Your mother and I had decided it was best to keep it a secret from her sister that we couldn't perform magic since we were underage…" About halfway through the story Harry fell asleep, but Severus continued to tell the tale of a fond memory until he himself drifted off to sleep beside Harry's bed.


There ya go folks, another chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate them all!

I think the next chapter will be the first family Christmas dinner; however, if it is not the next chapter it will definitely be the next.