Enjoy! And also a big thank you to ethulinda for all her help and inspiration for this chapter! Seriously without her my muse would have never made it through this one :)
Harry was sitting on the parlor floor. His books were spread out in front of him with a dozen pieces of parchment stacked up neatly next to them. He had been working for hours.
When he left Hogwarts he couldn't help but feel thankful that he hadn't gotten into any trouble for how late he had been. He had instantly decided that he was going to do as much school work as he could before Snape got home. The last thing he wanted was for the man to think he hadn't done enough and decide that he did need some sort of punishment. He had taken a break for all of forty-five minutes to eat dinner and then he had gone immediately back to his work.
His hand was starting to ache from all of the writing he had done. His eyes hurt from reading so much. But he had completed a lot of his work. The only subject he had left for the week was Divination. He literally groaned at the thought of it. It was easily his least favorite subject. He had practically begged Snape to let him take Muggle Studies instead but the man had been insistent that he wasn't allowed to do that. Snape had been adamant that having lived with muggles for most of his life it would be unfair of him to take that class. Harry had been insistent that he should be allowed to take it because he would do so well in it. So insistent that he had ended up spending a few minutes in the corner because of it.
Harry glanced up at the clock. It was just after nine. He glanced down at his Divination assignment, his eyes skimming the instructions. He could have cared less about tea leaves. He found himself wondering if he had the nerve to attempt to floo call Hermione before Snape got home. He was sure she was long done the assignment. He knew she would help him and when he really didn't understand it she would take pity on him and just give him the answers.
The thought had barely entered his mind when the floo roared to life and Snape stepped into the parlor.
Harry looked up at him frowning as he realized that the man was cradling his left hand in his right.
"What happened?" Harry asked as he moved to his feet. "Are you okay?"
"I will be fine," Snape replied as he walked towards the front hall.
"But what happened?" Harry asked once more as he followed his guardian. "You're hurt," he stated the obvious. His steps sped up as he peered around Snape attempting to get a good look at his hand. "You're bleeding!"
Snape nearly rolled his eyes at the words. "Groundbreaking observation."
Harry ignored the man's words as he followed Snape towards his laboratory. "What happened?" He asked for the third time.
"I was bit by a doxy," Snape finally answered the question. "Unfortunately I was out of the healing antidote at Hogwarts though I know that I have some here." He paused for a moment as he stopped to open the laboratory door. He glanced down at his son to see the concern on his face. "I will be fine Harry, just as soon as I apply the antidote."
The worry on Harry's face lessened but did not vanish completely as he stepped into the laboratory behind the man. He watched as Snape opened his supply closet and searched for the correct jar.
"What was a Biting Fairy doing at Hogwarts?" Harry questioned. "Did Remus have them there for something or Hagrid?"
"Doxies are far too dangerous to use in a classroom setting," Snape replied as he pulled the correct jar from the closet. He walked towards the tall table in the center of the room as he masterfully unscrewed the lid with one hand, holding the jar limply in his hurt hand.
"Then how did you get bit by one?" Harry asked curiously as he watched Snape dip his fingers into a thick black salve and rub it tenderly on the deep cut. He refrained from commenting that if he was a muggle he would likely need a few stitches to close it.
"I had to go into the Forest to collect some ingredients that I am nearly out of," Snape explained as he continued to tend to his injury.
Harry felt a smirk forming on his face. He couldn't help the cheekiness that came out of his mouth. "Pity you can't remember the definition of simple words such as forbidden." He leaned back against the table glancing over at the man.
Snape glared at the child as he heard Harry repeat the words he had said to him weeks prior. "Harry…" Snape warned as he finished applying the salve. He was hardly all that annoyed with the teenager. If his hand wasn't in so much pain he likely would have found him somewhat amusing - somewhat.
Snape was actually quite amazed that Harry could quote his words so accurately. Perhaps the boy really did listen to him when he spoke.
"It's true though Snape," Harry continued. "If you followed the rules you wouldn't get hurt...you would find yourself in far less trouble."
"Watch your cheek Harry or so help me…" Snape muttered as he walked back towards his supply closet searching for the vial that contained the potion that would take the pain out of his hand.
"Well if you would keep yourself out of places you aren't supposed to be you wouldn't find yourself in situations like this," Harry used another one of his guardian's lines on him before turning, his back now to Snape as he reached out and picked up a small glass jar that held what looked like thick blood. He moved it around idly in his hand watching as bubbles traveled through it.
Snape located the correct vial and quickly swallowed its contents before glaring over at the back of the child's head. The pain in his hand vanished in seconds. Despite his glare, he did have to admit that Harry's words were quite amusing not to mention impressive. Harry was quoting his own scoldings nearly perfectly.
"Perhaps some time in the corner would help you remember Snape?" Harry questioned fighting to keep his voice serious and not to burst into laughter.
Snape's eyes widened at Harry's words as he walked over to the boy. "You are getting far too brave with that cheek of yours," he commented as he landed a light swat to his backside.
"Ow!" Harry accused in an exaggerated tone. "That hurt!" He put the jar down as he turned around to glare at his guardian.
Snape rolled his eyes at the words. "Mind your cheek," he instructed a bit sternly. "Before you find yourself in the corner."
Harry scowled at the words as Snape turned away from him and started walking out of the laboratory.
Snape stopped in the doorway turning back to look at his son. "Let's go Harry James. I hardly think you want to find yourself dealing with the consequences of being alone in my laboratory for the second time in a few days do you?"
Harry didn't respond to the question. He wanted to point out that this time he didn't go in by himself, Snape would have just left him there which was hardly his fault. Instead he walked towards the doorway, waited as Snape closed the door, and then followed his guardian back into the parlor.
"Do I dare ask how much school work you managed to complete or is that a conversation that will end with your backside in serious trouble?"
"Nope," Harry beamed proudly. "I finished all of it."
"All of it?" Snape couldn't help the shock in his voice.
"Well all except for Divination," Harry replied. "I just finished everything else when you got home."
"Very good Harry," Snape nodded his approval as he sat in his armchair. "Very good indeed. I take it you plan on working on Divination now?"
Harry shook his head. "I was going to save it for tomorrow."
"I will be going to Hogwarts tomorrow morning to collect your work for the coming week," Snape replied. "I expect you to at least start working on that tomorrow as well."
Harry's shoulders slumped at the words. "Tomorrow is Sunday," he complained.
"I'm aware of what day follows Saturday," Snape replied dryly.
"Isn't just Divination enough for Sunday?" Harry asked as he sat down on the couch. He leaned back resting his elbow on the arm of the couch. A moment later his head fell into his palm, his elbow propping it up. He gave his guardian a pitiful look.
"That will depend solely upon how much work you are given tomorrow," Snape replied. "You need to get on a better schedule while you are home."
Harry refrained from whining about the words.
"Speaking of which," Snape continued as he glanced up at the clock. "I think it is time for you to head up to bed."
Harry looked up at the clock, his face instantly turning to Snape with a scowl. "It's only ten."
Snape raised a stern eyebrow at the words. "Which is more than late enough for you to be up. If you plan on doing your Divination homework tomorrow you need your rest."
Harry's frown deepened. He wasn't sure why he was trying to argue. He wouldn't win. Besides he actually was tired. His scar had him up the night before for over an hour and even when he had finally fell back asleep he hadn't slept well.
"Go on," Snape encouraged. "I will be up shortly to say goodnight."
Harry sighed softly as he pulled himself from the couch.
Harry stared down at his Divination assignment. He had been sitting at the kitchen table for the last twenty minutes staring at it. He yawned loudly. He was exhausted. He had been up half the night with his scar. Twice he had thought about going to Snape but he couldn't bring himself to do it. His scar hadn't hurt that bad. Besides he didn't want to wake Snape up in the middle of the night for something so stupid.
The man had left early for Hogwarts this morning. He had said that he had to pick up Harry's work for the next week and do a few things in his classroom. He had also said he wouldn't be long but that was nearly two hours ago.
Snape had instructed Harry to get his Divination work done while he was out. Harry chewed on his bottom lip as he stared down at the blank piece of parchment on the table in front of him. He wished he could come up with something - anything - to say about tea leaves.
A loud knock at the front door caused Harry to jump and Bane to bark widely.
Harry slowly made his way through the first floor of the house, curious and slightly apprehensive at who could be knocking on the door. No one ever did that.
Another loud knock came, causing Harry to walk a bit faster. He made a quick detour into the parlor and fetched his wand from the living room table, slipping it into his back pocket.
He approached the front door as Bane barked and jumped around at his feet.
"Calm down," he told him with a small giggle.
Harry unlocked the door and grabbed a hold of the door knob, opening it just a crack to see who was outside.
His stomach flipped as he instantly recognized the lady. This wasn't right! Snape hadn't mentioned this at all. And he wasn't even home. She shouldn't be here.
"Harry," she smiled brightly. "May I come in?"
Harry quickly weighed his options. He couldn't be rude to her. He just couldn't. Snape would bloody murder him if he was. Still, he wasn't sure he was supposed to invite her in either.
"Snape isn't here," he finally replied avoiding her question altogether.
"Oh I am sure he wouldn't mind if we just talked for a moment." Her smile got bigger yet. "I just have a few simple questions for you."
A soft sigh passed through Harry's lips before he nodded in agreement, pushing the door open wider. "Okay Ms. Armstead, you can come in."
Harry was sure that any questions from her - from the Ministry - would not be fun to answer but he didn't see where he had another option.
She stepped past him and into the house as Bane sniffed her feet before jumping up on her to say hello.
She nearly shrieked in reply.
"He's nice," Harry said quickly as he waved a hand at Bane trying to get him to put his two front paws back on the ground. "He just really likes people."
Ms. Armstead forced a smile as she gave Bane a rigid pat on the head before forcing the dog back to the ground.
"You said you have questions for me?" Harry asked. He was silently willing Minka or Kermy to get Snape. He wished he could call one of them and tell them just that but he didn't know how he could do that in front of her.
"I do. Could we sit in the parlor?" She asked as she looked around Harry into the room. She didn't wait for Harry to respond, she stepped around him and walked into the room seating herself in Snape's armchair.
Harry was tempted to tell her that she couldn't sit there but he stopped himself just in time. He would have felt like an absolute dolt if he did.
"Sit," she commanded with a smile.
Harry wanted to tell her that it was his house not hers and he would sit if he wanted to but he didn't. He was sure Snape wouldn't like it very much if he did. Instead he moved over to the couch slowly sitting down.
"How are you enjoying being home from Hogwarts? Surely you must be upset by such a decision?"
Harry blinked at her words. He had been hoping for more small talk. He hadn't imagined that she would just jump right into the questions.
"Uh it's not bad," he said feeling like an idiot for his answer. "I don't mind it. It's kind of nice to be able to work at my own pace and to be able to be home too. I'm not upset about it. I understand why I had to come home."
Ms. Armstead gave him a curious look. "That's a surprising answer Harry. You are away from your friends, Quidditch, all the fun of school and on top of that you are being made to look like a coward for leaving."
Harry shrugged at the words. "I still see my friends and Snape lets me fly here. I really don't care what people think about me either."
A quick look of annoyance flashed across her face before she cleared her throat. "Was Severus angry that you put your name in the Goblet?"
"I didn't put my name in the Goblet," Harry instantly replied. "I don't know how it got in there."
"Harry," she said in a sickeningly sweet tone, "Surely you don't expect me to believe that. If you didn't put it in yourself who else would have done such a thing? No one would want to see a child attempt to compete in such a Tournament. You can tell me. It could be our little secret." She winked at him causing Harry to want to tell her to sod off.
"There is no secret," Harry insisted. "I didn't put my name in and I don't know who did." He resisted adding that maybe someone at the Ministry did it since they were the ones trying to take him. It didn't matter how much he wanted to say it he knew he couldn't. He could feel his anger rising though. He hated this conversation. He wanted to tell her to leave. He was regretting ever letting her come in.
"Of course you didn't," she said with another wink. "Did Severus explain to you why you are home from Hogwarts?"
"Yes," Harry replied offering no explanation at all. "Listen Ms. Armstead you should probably go. I am supposed to be working on school stuff."
"Severus explained to you that the Ministry has your best interests in mind?" She questioned. "It is the belief of the Ministry that you would be in far better care there. You are a very special child Harry."
"I'm happy with Snape," Harry answered honestly through clenched teeth. "It's in my best interest to stay with him."
She narrowed her eyes at him, another flash of annoyance sweeping across her face for a moment as she stood, adjusting her skirt for a moment. "I suppose I should let you get back to your work."
Harry stood as he watched her walk back out to the front hall. He practically jogged to catch up with her.
"I hope that we see each other again very soon," she said as she opened the front door, her tone sweet once again.
Harry nodded in reply not trusting himself to actually speak as she walked out the door.
Harry let out a small sigh of relief. He was proud of himself for managing to keep his temper under control as well as for answering her questions so well.
"Harry!" The familiar voice called out causing Harry to jump at the sound of it.
He stepped back into the parlor to see Snape standing in the center of the room.
"What happened?" Snape questioned. "Where is she?"
Harry took a step backwards hearing the sternness of his guardian's tone. "She just left," he replied. "How did you know she was here?"
"Minka alerted me of the situation," Snape explained, the firmness of his face not diminishing in the least. "Why did you let her in the house?"
Harry gave the man a baffled look. "I thought I was supposed to," he replied. "You always say I can't be rude."
"Denying her request to come in would not be rude," Snape explained.
Harry remained silent at the words. He didn't want to be scolded for this! He wanted Snape to be proud of him for how well he had handled it! He was tired - exhausted even- and he hadn't been rude or lost his temper or anything. He crossed his arms over his chest as he glared at his guardian. "I was trying to do what I thought you would want me to do."
Snape felt his demeanor soften at the words. "What did she speak to you about?"
Harry shrugged. "The Tournament and being home from Hogwarts...she thinks that I put my name in the Goblet. I told her that I didn't but she kept acting like I did, winking at me and all."
"How long was she here?" Snape asked.
"Not long," Harry replied. "Maybe fifteen minutes at the most. She seemed mad when she left." He paused as he saw Snape's demeanor turn stern once more. "I wasn't rude to her or anything I swear! She was saying how the Ministry thinks I should be in their care and I just said that I wanted to stay in yours."
Harry watched as Snape's features softened once more. "I wasn't rude," he pressed. "I really wasn't Snape."
"If she or anyone else returns when I am not here you are not to let them in," Snape replied. "You are to tell them that they can contact me if they wish to speak to you. Understood?"
"Yeah," Harry nodded. "Understood."
"Thank you for keeping your temper with her," Snape said sincerely. "I am quite proud of you for that."
Harry couldn't help the small grin that formed on his lips.
"Did you complete your Divination work as well?" Snape asked as he headed towards the kitchen.
"Uh no," Harry admitted. "I kind of haven't done it yet."
Snape turned on his heel giving the boy a stern look. "Did I not make myself perfectly clear this morning that it was to be done?"
"It's so boring Snape. I hate Divination!" Harry said loudly. He wanted to take a nap or at the very least just be able to lie down for a little bit. "I'm not doing it," he dared to add in a soft tone.
"Harry…"
"I'm not!" Harry insisted. "It's stupid."
"Not doing it is not a choice," Snape replied as he took the step towards his son. He placed a firm hand on Harry's back and led him back to the table where his school work was.
Harry sat down effectively taking his bum out of the line of fire before he dared to reply. "It is a choice. I can choose not to do it."
Snape raised an eyebrow at the words. "If you would like to stand in the corner before you complete this work that can certainly be a choice that I make."
"Snaaape," Harry whined as he practically threw his head back in frustration. "Nooo don't!"
Snape closed his eyes tightly at the sound of the annoying whining. "Then stop with your infuriating defiance," he replied as he sat down in the chair next to Harry. "And tell me what exactly is frustrating you about this assignment."
"It's just stupid. I don't understand it no matter how hard I try. I am supposed to write a stupid paper on tea leaves," Harry shot a glare in the direction of his guardian. "You should have let me take Muggle Studies like I wanted."
Snape had been reading over Harry's assignment and missed the glare. "You are far too bright not to be challenged. Regardless of whether or not you care for Divination I expect you to put effort into it and do as well as you can at it. Now without simply stating that it is stupid, tell me what exactly about this assignment is difficult?"
"It's all difficult! I have never completely understood Divination and it just keeps getting harder," Harry complained. "You could talk to Dumbl- Professor Dumbledore. Maybe he could let me switch to Muggle Studies and -"
"Get Muggle Studies out of your head Harry James," Snape said in a no-nonsense tone. "It is not happening."
"So unfair," Harry muttered softly.
"This is a conversation that we have already had. Allowing you to take Muggle Studies would be unfair. Now either I can help you with this or you can sit here alone until it is done but either way it will get done. And if you cannot complete it without this cheek you are displaying than you will find yourself in the corner until I decide you have been there long enough."
Harry slumped down in his seat at the words. He swallowed a large yawn before motioning to the teacup next to his textbook. "I am supposed to study those tea leaves and write an essay about what they mean."
Snape forced himself not to cringe at the very idea of the assignment. He was no fan of Divination himself but he could hardly let Harry know that. Nor could he allow the boy to slack, he was struggling to keep up with his work as it was.
Instead Snape reached out and picked up the teacup, peering into it before holding it out for Harry to take.
Harry slowly took the teacup from his guardian's hand. "Once you see what a dunce I am at this you are going to want to put me in Muggle Studies."
"If I hear Muggle Studies come out of your mouth even once more…" Snape allowed his threat to trail off. "Now get started on your essay. What can you write about the tea leaves?"
"Be sure to mind your spelling," Snape reminded the boy from his spot in his armchair.
It had taken nearly two hours for Harry to complete his Divination essay. Snape had made sure he ate all of his lunch before suggesting that he begin his Charms work for the following week. It was one of the easier assignments he had been given consisting only of reading a chapter and answering several questions at the end of it.
Harry had put up a small fight about doing more school work but had eventually given in and read quietly. He had just pulled out a piece of parchment and picked up his quill. He was now hunched over the coffee table from his spot on the floor and working at answering the first question.
"I know," Harry answered in an annoyed tone. "You tell me all the time."
Snape resisted the urge to tell the child to watch his cheek. He wasn't quite sure what had gotten into the child but he had been a cheeky brat from the moment that his eyes opened that morning. Snape had threatened him several times to send him to the corner and he was sure that the very next time he would have no choice but to follow through. In the past he would have never let Harry's behavior go this far.
The floo roared to life causing Snape to turn his gaze away from his child and towards the fireplace. He knew who it was. Remus had told him that morning that he would be stopping by to drop off a study sheet that he wanted to put together for Harry before giving him an exam later in the week.
"Severus," Remus smiled brightly as he stepped into the parlor. "Harry."
Harry looked up from his work giving Remus a smile. "Hey Remus."
"I wanted to drop this off for you," Remus replied as he handed Harry the parchment. "As long as you know everything on this sheet there should be no reason for you to do anything less than outstanding on your exam."
Harry knew he should be thankful that Remus went out of his way to bring him a study sheet but he couldn't help his shoulders slumping at the idea of more school work to do. "Thanks," he forced the word out of his mouth as Remus moved to the couch, taking a seat behind him.
"Working on Charms?" Remus questioned in a friendly tone.
Harry nodded not trusting himself to speak. He was so tired. His eyes hurt. He just wanted to take a nap. He knew he couldn't just ask for that though. He never did such a thing. Snape would think he was sick or something. He was frustrated too. He didn't want to do more school work. He wanted a break. It was Sunday!
"We are attempting to get him ahead with his work," Snape supplied. "Rather than be suffering through a Sunday morning to complete a single assignment."
Harry scowled at his guardian's words. "If you would just let me take Muggle Studies," he muttered under his breath.
Snape's eyes narrowed in on his child as he leaned forward in his chair, his own face now inches from Harry's. "Do you need to spend some time in the corner?" He asked in a stern whisper.
Harry felt his face instantly burn in shame. Remus was literally right behind him! He shook his head slightly trying his hardest not to draw more attention to himself. He would have liked to ignore Snape's question altogether but he knew better than that.
"Then mind your cheek," Snape warned him in a whisper before sitting up straight once more.
Harry could still feel his face burning but Remus acted as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened at all.
"Harry is quite intelligent. I am sure that once a schedule is established he will not have an issue completing his work in a timely matter."
"That is my hope as well," Snape replied his eyes not leaving his child. He felt a small pang of guilt at the fact that he had just threatened Harry in front of Remus but he forced himself to ignore it. Harry had been warned numerous times so far that day. Besides it wasn't as if Remus was not aware of how Harry was punished. Snape was nearly certain that Harry knew that.
Harry hated that they were talking about him as if he wasn't even in the room. He hated that he couldn't even say anything about it because if he did he would probably end up in the corner.
"Can I take Bane out?" Harry asked his guardian forcing his voice to sound normal.
Snape eyed the child for a moment before nodding. "You may."
Harry was on his feet and out of the room in seconds. The further he could get away from both of them the better.
Remus waited until he heard the back door close before he cleared his throat. "I had a thought that I wanted to run past you though I will warn you Severus I'm not sure you will be fond of it."
Snape locked eyes with Remus. "A promising way to start a conversation."
"I urge you to see the positives of it though rather than the negatives."
Snape raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"With Harry home for the school year I can't help but worry about the trouble the boy could find himself in being all alone for the majority of the day. You said yourself that it was a worry you had."
Snape nodded in reply. He had said those words to Remus, more than once now. He knew that leaving Harry alone for hours at a time was asking for trouble. Even with Remus here twice a week for an hour or so it was still a lot of time for the teenager to be on his own. He knew his son well enough to know that boredom would not lead to anything good. In just one week the child had managed to go into his laboratory, hurt Remus, and get scolded multiple times for avoiding his school work. The prior week had included the child sneaking off to Hogwarts.
"You have a solution for this?" Snape questioned with a curious look.
"I was thinking that perhaps once or even twice a week Harry could benefit from spending time with Sirius," Remus said in a apprehensive tone.
"No."
"Severus you have to admit, despite your dislike for him, he is quite smart. He could easily work with Harry on some of his school work. He could even teach him defensive spells. And Harry would benefit from it. You have said yourself that you understand Harry's need for a relationship with him. That relationship can hardly flourish with my presence every time they are together."
"He will only get Harry into more trouble," Snape replied with a shake of his head. "I can only imagine the things he will teach him...ways to sneak around Hogwarts undetected, how to set off fireworks in the Great Hall, perhaps even a trip down Knockturn Alley."
"He wouldn't do any of that," Remus replied. "Sirius cares for Harry very much and is eager to spend as much time with him as he can. I hardly think that he would jeopardize that if given the chance to do so."
When Snape did not reply to the words, Remus continued. "Think about it Severus. It would give Harry something to look forward to each week and something to work towards. If he does not complete his other assignments then he does not go," Remus shrugged. "It would give him the opportunity to spend time with his godfather and get to know him - you said yourself that was important."
"Stop throwing my words back in my face Remus. I know that a relationship with his godfather is important to Harry however I am not sure that allowing them to spend time alone is wise."
"Just think about it for a day or so," Remus implored. "Before you decide. Think about how good it could be for Harry."
Snape thought about exactly that. He was sure that he was not wrong. Sirius Black was a menace at best. Leaving Harry alone in his care would be disastrous. Still, the boy did deserve a relationship with the man. He was his godfather after all. He knew his father in a way that Snape did not. Remus hadn't even been as close to James Potter as Sirius had been.
"I will think about it and let you know," Snape finally replied.
Remus smiled softly with a nod, "Thank you Severus."
"I think it would be wise if you read over a subject this evening," Snape suggested. "Perhaps Transfiguration...you could even study for your Defense exam."
Harry glared at the man as he spoke. He had been doing homework all day! He just wanted a break. He wanted to lay on the couch and close his eyes for a few minutes while Bane laid below him occasionally lifting his head and licking Harry's hand.
"I don't want to do anymore work," Harry complained from his spot on the couch.
The pair had just finished dinner. After taking Bane out Harry had finished all of his Charms work for the week before Snape had allowed him to go out on his broom for a few hours. Flying had been wonderful. Harry never felt as good as he did when he was on his broom. Gliding through the sky made all his problems seem millions of miles away. It also made him tired. Which was not ideal when he was already tired before he even started flying.
A loud bang of thunder caused Bane to whine from his spot under the coffee table.
"Remus will be here in two days to give you the exam. Don't you think it would be wise to study for it?"
Harry rolled his eyes at the words. "I know it all already."
"Then you will receive a perfect mark on it." It wasn't a question, it was a statement.
"Sure," Harry replied imprudently.
"Then you could read over your Transfiguration for an hour," Snape suggested as he picked up his own book from the table next to his armchair. "If you get a head start on it the end of your week will run much more smoothly."
"I don't want tooooo," Harry whined as he rolled off the couch and onto the floor. His hand reached out, rubbing Bane behind the left ear. "Can I take Bane out?"
"It is about to storm," Snape replied as he opened his book. "You are also in your pajamas. You are not going out there."
"Snaaaape," Harry whined in an annoyed voice. "It isn't even raining yet."
Snape looked down at the child. He was done. He had heard far enough of the whining. He had put up with enough of the cheek as well. He closed his book loudly, setting it back down on the table. "Bed," he spoke the single word.
Harry quickly sat up with a horrified look on his face. He glanced over at the clock before he glared at his guardian. "It's only eight o'clock!" He felt like an idiot. All he had wanted for hours was to lie down and now Snape was ordering him to do just that and he was arguing against it. "I'm not going to beddddd!"
Snape stood and easily pulled the boy to his feet despite Harry trying to resist his doing so.
"I said to go to bed young man," Snape said once Harry was in front of him. He spun the child around and gave him a light nudge in the direction of the front hall.
Harry spun back around and stomped his foot angrily. "It's too early for bed! I'm not going!"
Snape's eyes narrowed as he grabbed hold of the boy and spun him around once more this time landing a smack to his backside. It wasn't the hardest smack he had ever delivered but it was far from the lightest either. "Go! I have had enough of your cheek for one night."
A small yelp escaped Harry's mouth as Snape's hand made contact with his bum. Despite his miserable attitude he knew enough to walk away. It wasn't until he was at the bottom of the staircase that he replied to the man's words. "Yeah well I've had enough of you for a whole week!"
Harry moved up the stairs quickly as he heard Snape stand. A moment later Bane ran up past him.
"If I hear one more cheeky word out of you Harry James not only will you be going to bed but you will be going there with a very sore backside," Snape threatened.
Harry made a face at the words, thankful that Snape couldn't see it. He opened his bedroom door and without giving a thought to his actions, slammed it behind him.
Hot, angry tears started streaming down his face before he could do anything to stop them. He couldn't remember ever being so tired. He was so tired of his scar hurting. He wished he could tell Snape. He wished he had told him weeks ago when this all started.
He hardly had a moment to even comprehend that he was crying when his bedroom door opened once more revealing his angry guardian.
"If you ever slam that door again…" Snape's words trailed off as he saw the tears.
Harry turned his back to the man, lying down on his bed, his face buried in his pillow.
"Why are you crying as though the world has ended?" Snape asked, his tone now much more gentle. He walked across the room, pulling Harry's desk chair with him as he passed it. He sat down at the head of the bed, inches from Harry's head. "What is it?"
Harry shrugged but made no attempt to move his face out of the pillow or answer the question.
"I hardly touched you when I swatted you and you know it Harry," Snape said though he hardly thought that the amount of tears that Harry was crying were a result of that.
Harry shook his head, slowly turning to the side to face his guardian. "It's not that."
"Then what is it?" Snape asked in a concerned tone. "I cannot help you if I do not know what is wrong."
Harry thought about telling Snape the truth. He thought about telling him that his scar was hurting. He thought about telling him that it was starting to hurt worse and sometimes, like last night, he hardly slept because of it. He thought about telling him that it had been hurting and that he was sorry for not telling him sooner.
"I'm never going to catch up on all my school work," Harry finally muttered through his tears. He felt like a complete prat for being such a baby about telling the truth. It wasn't even like he had lied. He knew that Snape wouldn't see it that way though.
Snape leaned back in the chair sighing softly as he studied Harry for a moment. "You know that Remus and I are here to help you. All you have to do is ask us for help when you need it."
"It's not that," Harry whined softly. "I know how to do the work. It's just a lot to do and I'm here all by myself and I get distracted." He moved his right hand to brush the last of his tears off of his face before pulling his glasses off and placing them on his bedside table.
"Which is why when I suggest that you work on it you should do so. Honestly Harry I do not set out to make your life miserable."
"I know," Harry replied softly. "I'm sorry I've been such a prat about it."
Snape hummed softly at the words as Harry yawned widely.
"As I said downstairs, it's time for bed," Snape said as he leaned over and placed an unplanned kiss on the boy's forehead.
"It's so early," Harry said softly knowing that if he didn't argue at least a little he would be far too obvious.
"Consider it your punishment for your cheek as well as for slamming the door," Snape replied as he stood up and put Harry's desk chair back in its rightful spot. "If I were you I would wake up in a much better mood tomorrow. Hmm?"
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "Sorry for being so cheeky...and for slamming my door."
"It's okay," Snape said softly. "I'll send Bane in."
"Thanks," Harry replied fighting to keep his eyes open.
"Goodnight Harry James."
"Night," Harry murmured.
Thunder rumbled lowly outside the house, the soft pattering of rain hitting the windows. It was so often a calming sound.. soothing. Harry tossed in his bed however, his breathing ragged. He had been awake for near ten minutes now, his scar searing in pain.
He twisted his head into his pillow, knuckles white as he held the pillow close to his face. It wasn't fading. If anything it was hurting more! A sob passed his lips as he forced himself to sit up.
It had never hurt this bad! Harry pressed his hand to his scar, whining in pain as he kicked the covers off his legs. He stood, moving over to his door and leaning against the wall. He didn't want to tell Snape. He knew he'd have to explain how long it had been hurting.
A jolt of pain exploded behind his scar, nearly causing Harry to collapse right then. A sob shook his shoulders as he covered his face within both hands. This time it didn't fade at all. He suddenly didn't care how much trouble he got in. As long as his guardian forgave him eventually and made it feel better. "Snape..."
Harry stumbled into the hall, moving over to Snape's bedroom door. He leaned against it heavily as he choked on a sob, closing his eyes tightly as he rested his forehead against the door.
"Snape," he called, knocking on the door.
Nothing.
Desperation filled Harry's voice, his breathing shallow as he knocked louder. "Snaaaaape!"
Still nothing. Harry pushed the door open then- being met with an empty room.
Harry wanted to give up, pressing both his hands to his forehead to apply pressure to the scar. He felt light headed - he could hardly see as well. The combination of his glasses lying on his bedside table and the tears blurring his vision terribly.
He moved to the stairs, one hand gripping at the banister as he slowly made his way down the staircase Harry paused, sitting down on a stair for a moment as sobs shook his body. The pain was so strong. He was sure his head was going to either explode or burst into flames. "Snaaape.." Harry whined, a sob passing his lips as he forced himself to stand once more.
Harry stood on shaking legs, descending the rest of the stairs before he made his way into the parlor, looking around for his guardian.
Nothing.
Where was he? Panic started to rise in Harry. What if he was gone? Would he leave without telling him? The thoughts were not help. His breath hitching as a painful sob broke through.
"Snaaape," he sobbed out softly.
Harry closed his eyes tightly when no reply came. The pain was getting worse, making it hard to even breathe let alone stand up right or walk.
Harry turned around and hurried back towards the front hall moving towards the only other room he thought his guardian might have been in.
He approached Snape's laboratory door, not bothering to knock. He didn't care. He grabbed hold of the doorknob expecting to find it locked. He turned the knob and pushed the door open to see his guardian hunched over a large cauldron.
Snape looked up in shock at the sight of his child sobbing in the doorway. He was across the room in seconds as he watched Harry lean into the doorframe, the tears streaming down his face...dripping from his chin.
"What is it?" Snape asked the fear evident in his voice. It was only then that he noticed the boy's scar, the sight of it literally making his stomach turn. It was red and more inflamed than he had ever seen in.
"M-make it stop!" Harry sobbed, gripping at Snape's robes before he buried his head into his guardian's shoulder. "Please make it s-stop!"
Snape instantly sprung into action as he gently yet firmly pulled Harry's grip off of his robes. He moved swiftly to his supply closet pulling a small vial containing a pain reliever.
"Drink all of this," Snape instructed as he held the potion out to the boy. "It is flavored."
Harry took the vial from Snape's hand but he couldn't bring himself to drink it. Instead he cupped it in the palm of his hand before gripping onto Snape's robes once more with the other hand. "I caaaan't," he sobbed loudly.
The worry on Snape's face deepened as he silently summoned a cloth and enchanted it to stay cold. He pressed it firmly yet gently against the child's head praying that it would help in some way.
Harry fell forward towards Snape's hand, his head resting on his guardian's chest as the man held the cloth. It felt perfect to him and he couldn't get enough of it.
"Breathe," Snape encouraged him softly. "Deep breaths Harry, slow and steady."
Harry tried to do as instructed, coughing loudly instead. "Snaaape," he whined loudly through his tears. He closed his eyes tightly as he tried to take a deep breath once more, this time accomplishing the task.
"Shhh," Snape said softly as his free hand gently rubbed the boy's arm. "Don't talk, just concentrate on breathing for me."
Harry tried to nod but he couldn't bring himself to do so. Instead he did as his guardian said and just focused on breathing. The pain started to lessen and he felt his grip on Snape loosening.
"Starting to improve?" Snape questioned gently. "At least a little?"
Harry slowly nodded, sniffing as he did so. He still didn't want to speak. A sob felt like it was waiting in the back of his throat and he didn't want it to come out.
Harry let go of his grip on Snape and tightly wrapped his arms around his guardian, his head still leaning into the cloth.
"Okay," Snape said softly. "Drink the potion please Harry." He didn't want to push the boy too hard but he knew it would help immensely.
Harry nodded into the man but paused for another long moment before he made any attempt to obey. The coolness of the cloth felt so nice he hardly wanted to give it up. Slowly he pulled away from his guardian and twisted the lid off the vial bringing it to his lips and quickly ingesting its contents. He held out the empty vial to Snape and watched as the man tucked it into his pocket.
"Perhaps we should move to the parlor," Snape suggested. "You can lie down on the couch."
Harry nodded. The tears were still running down his face, dripping from his chin with no end in sight. Snape was going to be furious with him. He was going to be so disappointed. He had just been in trouble for everything with Remus and now he was going to be in trouble again. He was a right prat.
He leaned into Snape's side as the man slowly walked him into the parlor. Snape helped Harry lie down on the couch before gently lifting his upper half and sitting down, placing Harry's head in his lap. The moment he did so he placed the cloth back over Harry's scar, holding it firmly in place.
"Am I right to assume that this pain woke you?" Snape asked gently. "You weren't already awake when it started were you?"
"No," Harry answered honestly. "I was asleep and it woke me u-up," his breathing hitched through his tears.
"Calm down," Snape instructed softly. "All this sobbing is going to make you ill."
Harry tried to listen but he couldn't stop his tears from falling. He was so upset with himself. He should have stayed in his bed. Snape never would have had to know then. A nagging voice in the back of his head told him that he should have just told Snape the first time it hurt. He never would have been in this situation if he had.
Harry looked up at his guardian's face studying it carefully. The man was deep in thought. He looked like it almost hurt him to be thinking so hard.
"What are you th-thinking about?" Harry couldn't help but ask.
It took Snape a moment to answer. A moment to even register that his child had spoken and what he had asked. "I am just trying to decipher what caused this. Your scar hasn't hurt in quite a while and never this badly that I am aware of. It's just peculiar that it came on so strongly out of nowhere. Unfortunately being that you are the only one with such a scar I do not have the answers and I do not imagine that I will be able to find them."
Harry swallowed heavily, attempting to curl further into himself as he listened to his guardian's words. He hated this.
"Snape," he said as he looked up at the man, his face plastered with guilt. "I have to tell you something."
Snape could hardly help the stern expression that took over his face as he saw the guilt on Harry's. The scar had been hurting the boy, he would have bet his life on it. He could read the teenager like a book.
"You have my full attention," he replied unable to keep his displeasure from his tone.
Harry felt his lower lip quiver. Snape was mad and he hadn't even said anything yet. He raised a hand rubbing at his sore eyes. He never should have said anything at all.
"It's been hurting.. for a while.." Harry's shoulders tensed as he turned his head in an attempt to hide his face in Snape's cloak. Bringing the man's hand that was holding the cloth with him.
"Regardless of what else has happened tonight you had better have the respect to look at me young man," Snape said sternly. He instantly regretted the harshness of his words and forced his tone to soften. Despite the fact that he was far from pleased with his son he hardly wanted to speak so harshly to him after he had dealt with so much pain. "How long is a while Harry? A week? A month? Longer than that even?"
Fresh tears welled in his eyes as Harry forced himself to look up at Snape. "A little longer than a month.. but only once in a while!" A few of the tears escaped, slipping down his cheeks as Harry fought to keep his gaze up.
"Harry James." Snape's voice was gentle yet somehow still came out as nothing less than a harsh scolding. "Why didn't you come to me when this started?"
"It wasn't that big of a de-deal then.." Harry finally lowered his head back down, his eyes burning. His shoulders shook with soft sobs. "I'm sorry.."
Snape raised a stern eyebrow at the words despite the fact that Harry was no longer looking at him.
"What I just witnessed was certainly a big deal," Snape replied as his free hand reached out, a finger gently tapping Harry's chin. "You could hardly move Harry James. What exactly would you call that than? Hmm?"
Harry didn't move his face, whining instead at the tap.
"Harry", Snape warned.
Another whine slipped out of his mouth before he gave in and forced himself to look up at his guardian. He hated looking at the man when he was so disappointed.
"It wasn't a big deal before," Harry clarified in a mumble. "It really wasn't."
"We have talked about this young man," Snape reminded him a bit sternly as he waved an arm causing the lighting in the room to dim. "Trust," he spoke the word more sternly yet. "We have talked about you coming to me when something is wrong haven't we?"
Harry nodded as his body slowly relaxed at the lights dimming. He stretched his legs out keeping his gaze on his guardian. His hand traveled up brushing the tears off of his cheeks as he took a deep shaky breath. The tears had finally stopped falling from his eyes and he was thankful for it.
"Is this a topic that we need to revisit with a much more serious conversation tomorrow?" Snape questioned in a firm tone.
Harry quickly shook his head. He could imagine what that conversation would consist of. He was certain it wouldn't include much talking at all. "No Sir," he replied before swallowing. "I do trust you. I swear that I do. I don't know why…" he quickly stopped speaking choosing his words more wisely. He wasn't going to lie anymore - he couldn't. "I do know why. I didn't tell you because I was afraid you would go mental. I was afraid you wouldn't let me do anything because of it. The last time you wouldn't let me go with Ron and Hermione."
Snape sighed softly at the words allowing his tone to soften once more. "I cannot help you if I do not know what is going on. I don't care if it is as simple as a little cut on your arm, when something is wrong I expect you to come to me and tell me Harry. If there are plans with your friends we will work something out. Understood?"
Harry nodded. "Understood," he said through a yawn. He was exhausted. He didn't even know what time it was when he had woken up.
"Am I right to assume that this pain in your scar has had something to do with the cheekiness you displayed earlier this evening?" Snape knew that Harry had the tendency to be a bit cheeky at times but tonight had been more than a bit. It was out of character for him and Snape was still having a hard time believing that it simply had to do with school work.
"Yeah," Harry admitted softly. "I've just been so tired all the time because it keeps me up at night. Sorry for that too."
Snape resisted the urge to scold the boy once more for keeping things from him and instead replied with a single word. "Okay."
Snape silently summoned Harry's blanket and pillow. Quickly throwing the blanket over the boy and lifting his head for a moment to slip the pillow under him.
He waved his hand causing the room to darken completely. Clearly he was staying where he was this evening.
"Sleep," Snape instructed gently. "It's late and you need your rest."
"Are you mad?" Harry couldn't help but ask despite the fact that he felt like a prat for doing so.
"I am not," Snape replied as he leaned his head back allowing it to rest on the couch cushion. "However the next time I find that you are keeping something like this from me…"
"It won't happen again," Harry promised as he closed his eyes.
Snape's hand reached out gently ruffling the boy's hair. For a brief moment he silently scolded himself for not being sterner with the boy. Then, he quickly pushed the thoughts from his mind. The child had been in more pain than Snape had ever seen him in. He couldn't imagine being any firmer than he had. Harry had gotten the message loud and clear and in the end that was all that mattered.
TBC...