&Author's Note: Thanks for your patience guys….my muses have FINALLY decided to work with me again! YEAH! To answer a couple of questions:
Mistpetal: Remember, this story is NOT CANNON…things that happened in the books after a certain point are NOT guaranteed to happen here. There MAY (and probably will be) some more deaths…BUT, right now, things like Sirius dying, hunting the Horcrux, etc may or MAY NOT be in this story. That may change as the story progresses in my head. I'm not saying it will NOT happen, but don't expect me to "work in" things that happened in the actual books.
To everyone else, THANK YOU…I really appreciate the reviews..and I'm glad that the story makes people smile and laugh…..I try to add humor to my angst as often as possible. The story WILL CONTINUE…..it's just a matter of convincing Sev and co to cooperate!
Severus looked up from his desk and saw one of his third year students was apparently attempting to destroy the entire school…standing, Severus swept over to the unfortunate student who was hastily trying to make their potions stop expanding. Calmly, Severus waved his wand at the potion, removing it entirely before saying, his voice hissing,
"Mr. Adams…..if you are intent on destroying this school, then you may repeat that potion…however, if you intend to create a Growth Potion and NOT a bomb, perhaps you could be forced to read the instructions before you perform the steps? Fully read, I mean, and not glance and assume you are more knowledgeable than adult, experienced Potion Masters….." The student stood, head lowered, still covered in a thin layer of smelly smoke from his abortive attempt at a Growth Potion. The student said nothing, so Severus continued, "Can you tell me what you did wrong, Mr. Adams?" A miserable shake of his head and Severus glared and continued, "Then read the fourth line of the instructions…." The student raised his head and read the line, but said nothing, so Severus continued, his cold voice even more cruel as he said, "No idea, Mr. Adams? Really? FIFTEEN points from Gryffendor, Mr. Adams….Can ANYONE tell me WHAT Mr. Adams forgot in the fourth line that might have caused the near explosion we witnessed?" Several hands went up and Severus called on Peter Parkinson, one of his Slytherins, who said,
"He forgot to slice the tilla herb sideways, and add it with the mandrake…..he sliced it longways and added it separately…"
"Very good, Mr, Parkinson….ten points to Slytherin. Now, can anyone tell me WHY the Tilla Herb must be added WITH the Mandrake?" This time, no hands went up, and Severus paced back and forth through his classroom, then said, "No one? Fine….then that is your homework…I want 12 inches of parchment by the next class period on why adding Tilla Herb alone can damage the potion. Those of you who have managed to brew something resembling a potion may put it in your flagons, label it properly and come up to my desk. Then you may go." Severus was not in the mood to deal with the third years right now, he was worried about his sons, and would have preferred to be with them, instead of here. Unfortunately, there was a need for him to earn a living…thus teaching the little brats. Once all the students had turned in their flagons, Severus put them away in a protected cubbord to be tested later…suddenly he smiled. He had Mr. Weasley at detention that evening…what more perfect task for the Gryffendor. Still smiling, Severus made his way to his quarters, carefully locking up the Potions Classroom. Reaching his quarters, Severus heard the quiet voices of his sons and his smile widened a bit, as he opened the door and walked in.
Harry and Draco looked up, their heads, blond and black, close together over the chessboard, though neither were playing chess. Severus said, "Boys…ahh, I see one of you made tea….it's most welcome. How are you both?" Harry shrugged, not meeting his father's eyes, but Draco looked at him, his brow furrowed, eyes concerned, as he frowned, saying,
"I'm fine, Sev…Harry's not feeling very well….." Immediately concerned, Severus walked over to the two boys and placed his wrist on Harry's forehead, saying, "Harry? What's wrong…where are you feeling badly?" Harry shrugged, but didn't throw off his father's hand, just as he didn't make an attempt at removing himself from the hand Draco had resting on his forearm.
"I don't know…I'm sorta….not feeling well…..just sorta…out of it, ya know?" Severus frowned,
"Do you think it's due to your nightmare?" Harry shrugged,
"I don't know…maybe. Do you think it was….him?" Severus sighed, pulling a chair out to sit down next to the boys, saying,
"No, Harry….I don't think it was the Dark Lord…I think you were upset by your argument with Padfoot and you had a nightmare…..for a change it was just a normal, everyday, teenage boy happening….rare with you, I know…", his attempt at humor fell short, though Draco grinned a little, but Harry frowned and said,
"How did you know I had a row with Sirius?",
"Ron overheard and told us after you went back to sleep…", Harry got up, beginning to pace, irritated,
"It's not fair, Sev…..Sirius says I have to choose…him and Remus, or you and Draco…that's not fair….why can't he just be happy for me?" Severus sighed, this was the part of parenthood that still made him nervous….saying the wrong thing could damage Harry….but what was the right thing. He was saved from answering by Draco, speaking softly as he moved to intercept his brother, placing a hand on Harry's upper arm, Draco said, softly,
"Harry…it's not fair….you shouldn't have to choose between me and Dad and your Uncles….but Sirius is pretty immature….he's kinda like Ron, ya know? He's scared that if you have me and Dad, you won't need him. I'm not saying he's right to do this to you…he's not…he's a git and a prat…but like Dad said about Ron, maybe he just needs time…" Harry sank into the chair, his head down, not looking at either his father or brother, as Draco went on, a sly smile appearing on his face, "OR….we can hex him into next week and toss him into the room of requirement until he gets his head out of his arse…your call…." Not sure what Draco was meaning, Harry looked up, frowning and saw the sly little smile that usually meant Draco was teasing him. Despite his pain, he smiled a little and said,
"The hexing and locking him up might work….what do you think, Dad?" Severus had to swallow twice, not only at Draco's comments, but the fact that both boys were calling him Dad without even seeming to realize it.
"I would certainly go for it….but I'm not sure that Remus and Albus would agree…" At that moment, a new voice spoke, causing all three to start and reach for their wands before they recognized Remus Lupin who said,
"I don't know, Severus…locking Sirius up until he gets his head out of his arse is a great idea. How are you Harry?", Harry seemed hesitant, but Harry said,
"Fine, Remus….errr..how are you?" Not wanting to just get off topic, Remus sobered and said,
"Harry, I don't mean to interrupt your family time….I simply wanted to speak with you and remind you that Sirius does NOT speak for me. He may believe he does, and indeed, he has always believed he speaks for everyone else….but in this, he does not. I am happy that you've found a father..and a brother….and I would consider it a very special thing if you'd consider allowing me to be your God-Father." Swallowing hard, Harry said, hesitantly,
"Are you sure, Remus? I mean, Sirius is not going to like this at all….."
"Sirius has lost all rights to be upset by his predjudiced attitude to be upset by anything I do. Harry…", here Remus walked up to Harry, kneeling down on one knee and taking Harry's hand in his own, "you parents were two of my dearest friends…..and despite James' attitude, I believe he would welcome this change in your circumstances. And I know, for a fact, that Lilly would. There is so much resting on your shoulders, Harry…..so much that you're expected to do….if you can find a little happiness, then I, for one, am thrilled. And if Sirius weren't so single minded and obtuse, he would be as well. I still have faith that Sirius will come around…at some point…." Harry sighed, his eyes worried, forhead furrowed as he said,
"Remus….I don't know….I want you AND Sirius to be part of my life…..but I don't want to lose Dad or Draco either…."
"And you don't HAVE to lose anyone, Harry….you don't HAVE to choose…Sirius will come round….but if he doesn't, then that is his loss, not yours. Listen to me, Harry…please don't allow Sirius to destroy the happiness you've found with Severus and Draco…." Remus stood, sighing as he continued, "As I said, if you would have me, I would be honored to be your God-Father…. Severus…Draco…." Remus prepared to leave the room and Harry said,
"Thank you, Remus….I'd really love it if you'd be my God-Father….", his head turned, Harry missed the look on Draco's face, but Remus didn't. Knowing that Draco had less options than Harry in somethings, Remus said, "
"Draco…I'd also be honored to be your God Father….." Draco started, his eyes widened as he said,
"Mine? But…you're really Harry's….", but he was interrupted by Harry who said,
"That would be BRILLIANT! What do you think, Draco?", moved beyond words, Draco could only nod, and say,
"Thank you…Remus…I'd be thrilled, if Harry wouldn't mind…sharing you, I mean…." Harry shook his head,
"Nah…I think it would be brilliant for Remus to be both our God-Father…." Remus smiled, nodded and said, as he left,
"Well then…looks like I need two presents…." Draco perked up,
"Presents? We get presents?" Harry too, seemed more animated,
"From all our God-Parents? Or from Severus? Or…." Remus smiled at Severus who shook his head, a half smile on his face. Remus said,
"Well…it's an accepted tradition for each GodParent to give their godchildren presents, and for the adoptee to give their new parent a present…..as well as the parent to give the child or children a present."
Harry and Draco exchanged a look, as Remus exited, and Severus said,
"Don't worry about it, boys…your choices to allow me to adopt you is quite enough present for me." Both Draco and Harry looked horrified at that comment and Draco said,
"Sev! Of COURSE we're going to get you a present….it's TRADITION!" And Harry, said, "That's right, Severus…come on! We're going to get you the BEST present ever!" On one hand, Severus was glad that Harry was more like himself…but he was also worried. Once the two boys had sat back down, Severus placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and said,
"Harry…I know it's difficult to talk about…but would you please tell me what your nightmare was about?" Severus felt Harry still, and when he spoke, it was in a soft voice, so that Severus had to strain to hear him,
"Just the same as normal, I guess. Facing him…alone…..he cast Crucio on me….and I was all alone…and I knew that I was going to die just like that..alone…that no one would care." There was more to it, Severus knew, but before he could ask, Draco said, hesitantly,
"You were in a graveyard, right?" Severus and Harry both looked over at Draco, Harry was shocked, and Severus, while startled, managed to keep a calm, rational face. Harry said,
"Yeah…I was…Draco, how did you….know that?" Draco shrugged, looking pale and anxious,
"Cause I saw that…..I saw you standing there…and Sirius was there, but he didn't help you. And you kept saying you were going to die alone…but I kept telling you that it wasn't true….that you weren't alone…that loads of people care about you….." Harry looked between Severus and Draco, and said,
"Yeah….but HOW did you know?" Draco shook his head,
"I dreamed it….last night. I woke up and it all felt so weird, like I wasn't there,but I wasn't here either." Both boys turned to Severus and looked at him, hoping he could make sense of it for them. Finally, Severus said,
"It's happened before, boys…sometimes when one sibling or parent or other family member is upset the others share a dream….most people think it's an indication of how close they are…."
Both Draco and Harry looked torn between being mollified and upset, so Severus sighed and said, "Just don't dwell on it, either one of you…but I do think some lessons in Occulemency might not be amiss at this point. We'll work in a time for both of you to meet with me and begin your studies." Both boys groaned in a very teen age boy way and Draco said,
"But Dad…when will we have time? With studying for OWLs, classes and Quidditch….we're booked solid."
"Well," Severus hid the smile and continued, "I supposed that Quidditch could be eliminated for this…it's a matter of priorities, boys…if you truly do not have sufficient time for something this important…." Both boys looked alarmed and Harry said,
"NO! I mean, that's okay…we'll find the time, right Draco?" Nodding his pale head vigerously, Draco said,
"Yeah….we'll find it…no reason to infringe on Quidditch…" Severus smiled fully now, then said,
"All right boys…I have Mr. Weasley's detention…what are you two planning on doing?"
Draco sighed and began to gather his books and put them into his bag, "I wish I could hide out here, but we've got a study session in Slytherin in a few minutes….and if I don't make it, who will read the big words to Crabbe and Goyle?". Draco smiled, and Harry smiled back, then said,
"You guys have full house study sessions?" Draco shook his head, then said
"Naw…just fifth years. And only if they want to….we do one subject a session…tonight is Transfiguration. Don't you guys do it too? We got the idea from the Ravenclaws…" Harry frowned,
"No, mostly we just sit around all working in small groups….does it help?
"It helped Crabbe pass Charms last year….it works really good because you're all sharing ideas and things that work…we usually ask a seventh year to sit in with us, to answer any questions that come up…you guys should try it…." Harry nodded, packing up his own books as he said,
"Yah…I think I'll mention it to Hermione…it might help get some of us over the hump….." Draco frowned and said,
"You know…maybe we could set up a multi-house session….I mean, only if everyone wants….but I know that when you have different views, sometimes that helps clarify things. Severus? What do you think?" Severus smiled as he adjusted his robes and said,
"I think it's a great idea…anything that helps with helping the houses work together is bound to help with the animosity between houses. But since Gryffendor doesn't do them, Draco…perhaps start by talking to some Ravenclaw fifth years….they might be receptive…" The boys both left as Severus followed them. He warded his door, and the three parted with smiles at the stairs, Harry going up, Draco across to the Slytherin Common room…and Severus to his Potions class.
Ron groaned, even though he was not nearly as disgusted with the current situation, he still was not looking forward to the detention with Snape…..Professor Snape, he corrected himself. Entering the classroom, he found the Professor sitting at a student's desk, arranging a cutting board and knife, next to him was a small contained that seemed to contain some sort of worm. Ron cleared his throat and Snape, not looking up, said, "Good of you to be on time this evening, Mr. Weasley. Come over here and sit down…I'm going to show you what I want you to do…then you can start." Ron sat in a chair a few chairs down from Snape and Severus sighed, "Mr. Weasley…I assure you I will not do you bodily harm if you sit within 5 feet of me…and you'll want to be close enough to see what I'm doing." Ron frowned, but moved to sit next to Severus and watched as Severus said,
"Now, these are Klin Gon Worms, Mr. Weasley…."
"Ron" Startled, Severus look over at the student and said,
"Excuse me?", Ron looked embarrassed, his ears as red as his hair and stammered,
"You call Harry and Draco by their names out of class…since we'll be sorta related, I thought….errr….", Ron trailed off, not looking at Severus, who cleared his throat and said,
"Very well…Ron. As I was saying, these are Klin Gon worms…a close relation to Flobber worms. I need them for a potion I'm going to have the fifth years make our next class, and while I could have them cut them up, it's quicker to do it a head of time. Thus, for your detention, I'll have you do the work. Now…these worms have a difference or two from Flobber worms, M…Ron. Firstly, they have teeth. Thus, if you do not handle them properly, you WILL get bitten. They are not poisonous, but their bite can be unpleasant. So, I want you to watch how I handle them and do the same thing….ready?" Ron nodded and Severus made a half arch motion with his wand and said, Somulance. Ron noticed the worms in the large bowl, there must be nearly a dozen of them, all seemed to go limp. Then Severus reached in, picked up one of the worms carefully around the middle with his thumb and ring finger and placed it on the cutting board. Making sure that Ron was paying attention, Severus too the knife and made a quick cut about a quarter inch from one end, then did the same thing on the other end. Taking the small, exised pieces and putting them into a pail, he then carefully cut the worm, which was about as big around as a cigar, directly down the middle, turned each half open side down, and made three more cuts, basically quartering it; then he repeated the action on the other half. Once cut, he placed the pieces in a large, glass contained and looked at Ron, eyebrow raised. "Do you have any questions, Ron?" Ron shook his head and Severus said, "Very well…once you're finished cutting them up, you may leave…." Not believing his good fortune, Ron smiled,
"This is it? Just cut these worms?", by Ron's guess, there were a dozen or so worms in the container. He would be back at the Common Room in an hour or less. Severus smiled and said,
"One other difference between Flobber worms and Klin Gon worms is that these are territorial, Ron….thus…" Severus reached under the table and pulle out a huge, 40 gallon aquarium and placed it on the table, next to Ron, "…you can only put a dozen or so in the holding container at any time…when you finish the small contained, just use the scoop to scoop more into the small container and use the spell I showed you." Ron felt his happiness flee and sighed, nodding that he nudertood. With that, Severus moved to his desk and began working on grading some of his class projects.
&Two Hours Later&
Ron sighed, his fingers were sore, his eyes watered from the smell of the Klin Gon worms and his knife hand was cramping. He'd done probably a hundrend, though it felt more like a thousand, and it didn't look like there was even a dent in it. "Very well, Ron…I think you've done enough for tonight. Why don't you head back to your common room…" Ron finished the worm he was cutting and set the knife down carefully, stretching as he said,
"Thanks Professor…." Severus nodded at him and Ron noticed that while Severus' had made a dent, there was still hours of grading in front of him. Without thinking, Ron said, "wow….you really have a lot of work…can't you like, make a spell that will test all the potions or sumthin? Save you some time?" Looking up, Severus shook his head and said,
"Unfortunatly, Ron…that's not possible. Each potion and Essay must be checked individually; and you're correct that grading is quite a job. But like anything else, if it's worth doing, it's worth doing well….and making sure that the students have an understanding about Potions is a very important thing for their futures…" Ron frowned,
"I always hate it when we get homework…I guess I never thought that our homework makes homework for professors too…." Severus nodded, then said,
"Go on now, Ron…get back to your common room; and no dilly dallying this time, all right?" Reminded about what his conversation with Remus had caused, Ron frowned and said, "I'm really sorry about that thing with telling Remus about the adoption, Professor… I….I have a big mouth..but I never meant to get anyone hurt or nothing…." Severus sighed and said,
"I know that Ron…and so does everyone else. Just remember, sometimes what you do NOT say, carries more weight than what you DO. Now, enough talking, Mr. Weasley…..go to your common room, or do I have to take you there myself…..?" at his last words, his eyes narrowed and his voice dropped to a low, purring threat. Ron stood hastily and headed for the door,
"Nope…that's okay Professor….I know the way….Night!" Severus allowed himself a smile and shook his head; he'd better be careful or his fierce reputation would be ruined…and it was all his son's faults. At the thought of his sons, he frowned, then sighed; the wards around Harry's bed would tell him if Harry was having another nightmare…but he still missed the opportunity to check on both boys before he went to bed. Sighing, he shook his head and forced his attention back to the potion he was grading. If he kept lollygagging, he'd never get his work done; and he had a full day of classes tomorrow.
