A/N: My final year at University has started so the update rate will decline.

The headmaster smiled softly as he watched a huge grin form on his ward's face as they apparated in the yard before Cottage House. The look on his face made the trek through the snow to Hogwarts' gates worth it. The look of delight on the boy's face was infectious and he chuckled lightly as the boy looked up at him before tugging lightly on his hand impatiently. It was clear that Harry wanted to reacquaint himself with the house as soon as possible. The headmaster looked toward the house, and, seeing the lights on within, he released his wrist, patting his head when he looked at him in confusion.

"Go on," he bid, "Severus is waiting for you inside."

It was the only invitation the boy needed for he took off running toward the house. Albus shook his head lightly as the front door opened as Harry neared. Severus leaned against the doorway, ruffling Harry's head when the boy stopped abruptly before him. Albus did not know what the potions master told him, but momentarily, Severus ruffled the boy's head lightly, and Harry ran past him into the house.

"Get out the snow, old man," the potions master called, "I won't be giving you a potion if you get a cold."

"Respect your elders, young man," he scolded as he past him.

Severus rolled his eyes as he followed. "Drumstick arrived a few minutes ago. He and the owl have been having a staring contest since."

"They still aren't getting along?" he asked wryly, removing his scarf.

"Not in the least," he said, taking the item from him and holding out his hand for the robe as well.

Once he had them, he walked off to deposit them. "Do you want some tea?" he asked as he returned to the living room.

"That would be delightful," Albus beamed, even as he tossed another log into the fireplace.

A magical one was so much easier to tend, however, he knew that Severus preferred a regular fire that crackled and snapped as the wood burnt.

"Good," Severus said, mirth evident in his tone, "feel free to pour me a cup when you make it."

"Severus!"

"I'll be in my room if you need me," he smirked, heading for the steps.

The headmaster glared after him, before he made his way to the kitchen. "That one has absolutely no respect for his elders," he grumbled. "I ought to give him a pile of coal for Christmas, but knowing him, he'll just toss it at me. Well then, I...fell for it," he ended with a groan as he found a steaming cup of tea waiting for him on the counter, along with other tea things. "He really is a good lad, miserable yes, but good nonetheless."

Upstairs, Severus smirked as he neared Potter's bedroom. Teasing the old man was always a pleasant pastime, especially given the stress he had endured during the past term because of him. He hesitated by the boy's bedroom door, hearing an odd sound coming from within.

"Potter," he said, knocking on the door. "What are you up to in there?"

"Nothing, sir."

"I'm coming in."

He found himself biting back a laugh a moment later at the sight that befell him. Potter was lying on the bed, clutching a pillow to his chest. Given the bed's mused state, and the boy's dishevelled appearance, he correctly deduced that the twelve year old had been rolling back and forth on it.

"Hugging the bed?" he asked dryly.

Potter blushed slightly, sitting up. "I'm just saying hello."

Severus allowed a chuckle to pass his lips at the boy's slightly defensive tone. "I take it that you're glad to be here?"

Potter nodded enthusiastically. "It's good to be home."

Severus claimed the edge of the boy's bed as he sat down. "It is a relief," he admitted. "There are no dunderheads here to deal with."

"I'm not a dunderhead then?" Harry teased.

"Of course you are," he smirked. "However, you are my dunderhead, and that makes a world of difference." As he said that, he leaned forward to press a finger against the boy's nose.

"The headmaster won't like that you think I'm a dunderhead."

"He shouldn't care," Severus shrugged. "After all, he is nothing but an old coot."

"Your old coot?" he pressed shrewdly.

The potions master huffed lightly, offering the boy a mild glare. He was too perceptive sometimes, he thought absently. "Now tell me. Have you had a good term?"

The preteen arched his eyebrow slightly, a silent indicator that he saw the blatant attempt at changing the subject.

"That won't work against me young man, I taught you that look."

"It works too," Harry replied. "Seamus called Hermione a bookworm last week. I did it to him and he went away. And do you know what he told Ron and Dean?"

"I'm certain you're about to tell me."

"He said that I looked scarily like you," Harry beamed.

"A greater compliment I have never heard," he said, drawing a laugh from Harry. "Now other than mimicking me, what else have you accomplished this term?"

"I have friends now," he replied immediately. "Plus, I did well in my practical work and I got to spend time with you and the headmaster. Plus I got Hedwig and Professor Sinistra is great and..."

Severus waited patiently until the boy's long winded explanation drew to an end. From his own perspective, he knew that Potter had had some difficulties, but apparently none of them mattered to Potter if his words were anything to go by.

"...and exams were good as well," he finished. "I think I did very well."

"I'm sure you did."

"Harry," Albus called cheerfully, opening the door. "Do you want – oh hello, my boy. I thought you were in your room?"

"I was on my way there," he replied. "Can we help you?"

"I wanted to see if Harry was interested in helping me with dessert."

"I am," he chirruped immediately. "Will you help, sir?"

"I do not make desserts, Potter," Severus said.

"Then you'll help the Professor with dinner, and I'll help him with dessert."

Severus growled lightly at the slight smirk the boy shot him. He certainly had him backed into a corner now. The brat was spending way too much time with him, he decided, even as he nodded.

"Good," Albus beamed. "It's so nice to see my boys together like this. Usually siblings fight but you get along so well."

"Have I mentioned that you are crazy, old man?" Severus snapped.

"What?" he asked. "You are both my boys so..."

Harry fell back against his bed with a snicker as the two men started squabbling. Everything was as it should be, he decided.

It was great to be home.

oOoOoOoOo

"Finally home?" Albus asked, a few nights later, as Severus stepped from the floo. "What kept you?"

The man glared at him, before softening the look as he caught sight of the tea tray waiting for him. "Thank you," he acknowledged, dropping into a comfortable chair. "The governors tried to slip in some draft policies in between all the Christmas letters. I decided to sort it out immediately, rather than give them more time to conspire.

"You make it sound like a battle," the headmaster chuckled. "Don't forget to forward those to me to double check."

"In a way it is," he shrugged, "one I am determined to win. How is Potter?"

"Fine. He was hoping to catch you, but I sent him to bed a while ago."

"Well, he'll see plenty of me in the morning. It's your turn to go in."

"I know," he agreed. "At least we'll be able to take some days off next week. Filius and Pomona can more than handle twelve students."

"Seventeen," he corrected. "Did you forget the Weasleys had a last minute change of plans?"

"I did. Anyway, do you have any definite plans? At least one shopping trip is a must."

"Nothing really," he said. "Although, why haven't you decorated the place yet?"

"You actually want decorations this year?"

"Potter will love it," he replied defensively. "Surely you saw his expression when Filius was putting up the trees in the Hall?"

"Yes. Harry was so excited when he allowed him to help. I suppose we'll have to get a tree. Do you think that Harry would want his room decorated as well?"

"Don't go overboard, old man," Severus warned. "He may enjoy a few things though, but there will be no fake snow or whatever else you can come up with."

"So mean," Albus sighed before nodding. "Fine, but that means I get to plan the Christmas menu."

"As long as I don't have to cook it, you can do as you please."

"You won't help?"

"I don't think I will have a choice in the matter," he huffed, "not with that Slytherin-in-training upstairs."

"He certainly is becoming quite cunning," Albus agreed, "especially when dealing with us."

"Yes. He has become quite an expert in defusing any situation between us."

"I wish there was nothing between us," the headmaster said before catching himself.

He tensed slightly, waiting for the potions master to launch into a tirade against him. When nothing came, he found himself tentatively looking toward him, surprised to see a thoughtful look on Severus' face. After a long moment, the younger wizard glanced at him, before directing his gaze toward the fireplace.

"We've come far," he stated. "A year ago I couldn't even stand being in the same room with you more than necessary. Now we do this..."

Albus nodded sadly, recalling those painfully awkward moments between them. He had always walked on eggshells around Severus, knowing that any word or gesture that was interpreted wrong could lead to an argument erupting. And anytime he attempted to be affectionate, he was rudely rebuffed. Things really had changed, he acknowledged, and Harry had laid the foundation for that change. He had given them a common goal to focus on, and the temporary truce they had settled on upon his arrival had evolved into something more.

Both men had changed. He had learned to restrain himself, to think of the consequences of his actions. It was a difficult pill to swallow, but he had also learned the importance of acknowledging his limitations and asking for help whenever it was necessary. Had he not developed such skills he was certain that Harry might have become a bitter child like Severus, for he certainly lacked the experience to deal with all his issues. But, he knew that Severus had changed as well. As his staff had noted, the potions master was considerably mellower. A perpetual dark air no longer hung around him. Although still reserved, it was no longer rare to see a smile forming on the man's face or to hear a slightly husky laugh from him.

"Things have changed," Severus continued, fingering his teacup lightly. "I'm not entirely certain I like the changes, but what I do know is that I don't despise you anymore."

The slight pang Albus felt at hearing how Severus had felt about him faded instantly at the knowledge that he no longer felt that way.

"It's a start," he said weakly, trying to keep his voice emotion-free.

Any hint of sentimentality from him, and the potions master would close himself off once again. Hearing him speak so candidly was a new experience, and the headmaster hoped to use it to get a better grasp of his elder boy's mentality.

"It is," he confirmed, "a big start given to how I felt about you before." Severus laughed dryly. "I never thought there would be a day when I didn't see you as a hypocritical fool. But then again, I could never have envisioned any of this. Living with you, working at Hogwarts, taking care of Lily's child...this certainly is not the life I had planned for myself."

"Do you hate it?" he asked curiously.

"What kind of question is that?" he scoffed. "I have no choice but to like it. The alternative would have been Azkaban."

"That's not what I mean," Albus said gently. "I mean...are you happy?"

"Happiness is highly overrated," he stated, before relenting at the dismayed sound the headmaster made. "I am content, old man. There are things I would change, but all in all, I am...happy."

"I'm glad."

"And you, old man? Are you happy?"

Albus' eyes widened at the question. "Why on earth would you ask me that, my boy?" he asked, before looking away at the pointed look Severus gave him.

"I've lived with you over ten years now, Albus," the potions master reminded him, "there is little I don't know about you."

"I thought you despised me."

"I did," he smirked, "it only irked me more when I found myself becoming privy to your personal life. Now, answer me, old man, before I decide to practice my hexes. Are you happy?"

"I am...content," Albus confirmed. "Things have improved greatly now that I have both you and Harry in my life. There is nothing I would change."

"That isn't exactly true is it?" Severus thought, setting aside his teacup. "I'm going to make us fresh tea," he said, rising.

"I'll do it," the headmaster stating, rising as well. "Why don't you go ahead and get changed?"

"Fine," Severus nodded, "I'll check on Potter while I'm up there."

"Just don't wake him."

"Obviously," he sneered, before leaving the room.

Albus stared up after him for a moment, a smile playing at his lips before he turned away, feeling considerably lighter now than he had in a long while.

"Don't just stand there, you old coot," Severus called, "I want my tea."

The headmaster snorted, before chuckling ruefully. "I really am glad to have you, my boy," he murmured before heading for the kitchen.

oOoOoOo

Harry bit his lip nervously as he waited for the potions master's pronouncement. The man had insisted that he re-brew the potions he had had difficulty with during the term, and now he was awaiting his judgement. Professor Snape had already approved three of his potions over the past few days, but the one he had spent his morning brewing was particularly tricky, and he did not want to re-brew it a third time.

"Is it good?" he asked tentatively.

"It could do with a hint more mint," Professor Snape said, eyeing him, "but other than that, it is perfect. Now, let's get it bottled."

"Yes, sir," Harry beamed, fetching the vials.

"Have you decided what you're going to do for Albus?"

"Umm, well, he really likes sweets," Harry responded, carefully corking a vial. "I was thinking of making him some – like in a basket maybe?"

"He'll love that," he acknowledged. "What kinds?"

"I can make fudge, toffees and fruit peels," he recited. "Oh and maybe I can make him some biscuits and cake? Actually, Neville might like those as well. I don't think he's ever had muggle sweets."

"And what of Miss Granger?"

"Her parents are dentists. She can only eat sugar-less candy and I don't know how to make those."

"I'm sure you'll think of something else for her then. Some of those things can be made a few days in advance, but if you want to make the biscuits and cakes, they'll have to be done at least a day before."

"Will you stay in the kitchen with me?" Harry requested. "The headmaster doesn't want me to cook on my own."

"I will," he promised. "And I'll ensure as well that he doesn't wander in unnecessarily."

"Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome. Now, I'm certain that you've had this discussion with Albus as well. What exactly is the old coot going to get me this year?"

A mischievous look crossed Harry's face. "I am not at liberty to divulge that information."

"Albus taught you that line didn't he?" he asked crossly, earning him a laugh from the boy. "Fine, be that way. Go ahead and amuse yourself until lunch, we're done for the day."

"Are you sure you don't want me to help clean up?"

"No," he said, "you've chosen Albus over me. I won't give you a reward."

Harry shook his head lightly as he left the potions laboratory. The potions master still teased him about enjoying doing chores. Nevertheless, when he thought about how he had successfully side-stepped his attempts to find out the headmaster's plans for Christmas, a chuckle passed his lips. He paused outside the headmaster's office, but, after remembering that he was away for the morning, he moved on.

Reaching the second floor, Harry tapped thoughtfully on his chin as he tried to think of an activity to do. There was that half-finished puzzle, but he wanted to build it with the potions master and, currently, the headmaster's tales were considerably more intriguing than anything he could find in a book. He entered the playroom and dropped down onto a rocking chair while he looked around the room. He had so many toys but truthfully they were not as fun as they could be, as he would have to play by himself. A term with Hermione and Neville had spoiled him that way, he supposed, rocking the chair faster.

Abruptly, an idea came to him and, with a small laugh he hurried to a shelf where a chess board resided. Setting it up, he tapped the side once as the headmaster had shown him, temporarily disabling the imbedded charms that animated the chess pieces.

"Fawkes," he called out hopefully.

Immediately the phoenix flashed into the room, landing nimbly on his shoulder before nibbling at his hair.

"Hey, I brushed it already, don't mess it up," he protested with a laugh. "Will you play with me? I know that you help the headmaster sometimes, but can you play on your own?"

The phoenix released the piece of hair he had been toying with before looking at the chess board. He jumped from Harry's shoulder and moved to the other side.

"You will?"

Fawkes only response was to reach down and nudge a pawn forward.

"Brilliant," Harry laughed before moving his piece.

Within a minute though, Harry realised that the bird was not playing as much as nudging anything that caught its fancy across the board. More than that, whenever Harry managed to capture one of his pieces, the phoenix would replace it immediately. Harry was not fazed though and started altering the rules to suit. Eventually, Harry declared himself the winner by virtue of having a queen, king and bishop left, which, he claimed were superior to the mere pawns that Fawkes seemed particularly partial to. Fawkes glared at him for a moment before, with a toss of his head, knocked over Harry's remaining pieces before eyeing him smugly.

Far from perturbed, Harry laughed loudly. "You're so silly," he chuckled before turning thoughtful. "I think I have some blocks. Do you think that you can knock them over?"

Fawkes looked at the boy indulgently while he went about gathering the required toys. He was endearing in his innocence, Fawkes thought. It was clearly evident that Harry knew next to nothing about him otherwise he would have known that he could lift many times his body weight. With that in mind, did the twelve year old really think some toys would be impossible for him to overcome? Nevertheless, when Harry returned and had stacked them into various heights, Fawkes decided that he would play alone. It was a good way to impress him after all. Maybe then he would stop fawning over that impertinent owl.

Thus, he decided to increase the 'difficulty' of the game by fetching a small ball and dropping it some distance away. As the boy eyed him curiously, he pushed it forward, trilling when all the blocks fell at once.

"You're so smart," Harry cooed, reaching over to scratch his head.

Now that was the reaction the phoenix wanted and so he leaned into the touch, making pleasurable sounds at the caress.

"Does the headmaster need you right now or can you stay with me for a while?"

Fawkes responded by nuzzling his head beneath Harry's chin.

"I like it when you're like this," Harry admitted, causing him to look up curiously. "Not when you bother Hedwig. Why do you do that? She's really nice you know and...Oww! No nipping!"

Fawkes huffed slightly as he moved away from him. He deserved it for even mentioning the owl. Had he not just proven (again) how much better he was than some owl? He was magical after all, had been around since before Merlin's time. He was a symbol of light and hope in their world and yet this boy of all people preferred a mere owl over him.

"Are you jealous of Hedwig?"

The question caught him off-guard and as such, his reaction was clearly noticeable.

"You are jealous," Harry discerned, causing the phoenix to turn his head away.

In an attempt to distract the boy, Fawkes rolled the ball toward him, but he would not be distracted.

"I think you are. You only nip me when I mention Hedwig, you're never nice when she's around and you always try to take the treats I want to give her. You're jealous! But why?"

Because I'm better than her, he thought darkly, before glaring at the boy.

"I like you both you know," Harry continued, reaching out to pat him soothingly. After a moment, the phoenix leaned into the touch. "You don't have to be jealous of her."

"But you're mine," Fawkes said, before tensing when the boy startled. Had he actually spoken that, he wondered.

Looking up was all the confirmation he needed. Harry's eyes were wide open and a hand was pressed against his forehead.

"W-was that you?" he asked shakily. "Did I just hear you in my head?"

Fawkes looked at him uncertainly. He had not meant to do that...had no plans of doing that for the foreseeable future. He briefly considered simply flashing out of the room, but, from what he knew of the boy, it would most likely send him into a panic, which was not something that he wanted. Resigning himself, he replied, "It was me."

"But how can I hear you?" he inquired next, although, to Fawkes' relief, he no longer looked as scared. Perhaps he remembered that the headmaster could 'hear' him as well and did not just receive the jumbled pictures he usually bestowed on other people. "Only Headmaster Dumbledore can do that."

"I can speak to those I choose," he responded wearily, wondering how best he could escape this situation.

The answer came a few seconds later when his sensitive hearing discerned approaching footsteps. It was the potions master undoubtedly he decided, and, with a happy trill, he fled the room, leaving it up to the man to answer the boy's questions.

oOoOoOo

"Fawkes," Harry called out as the phoenix flashed from the room. "Come back and answer me."

"Talking to yourself?" Severus asked as he opened the door. "And...are you playing with blocks? Why on earth did Albus buy them in the first place, and why are you encouraging him by playing with them?"

Harry was momentarily distracted by the man's words. "I've never been able to play with them before," he said softly. "Besides, I wasn't playing alone. I was playing with Fawkes."

"Drumstick?" Severus responded, looking around for the phoenix.

"He just left," Harry told him.

"Well, he would enjoy this sort of thing," Severus decided as he moved to a shelf and started picking through the items there. "Really," he tsked, "what was Albus thinking in buying some of these things for you? These are more suitable for a child much younger than you. Like this," he grumbled, lifting one. "This is more suited for a seven or eight year old. A lot of them are suited for..."

"Sir?" Harry looked up when the man's voice drifted off.

It wasn't like the man to stop complaining midway. But then, Harry saw the slightly shadowed look that crossed the man's face before he dropped the toy. "It's nothing, Potter," he said eventually. "As long as you enjoy these amusements, Albus may do as he pleases. Now tell me, what mischief did you manage to get in since I left you?"

"None, sir. Although, can I ask you something?"

"You may ask me something," he nodded, before claiming the rocking chair. "What is it?"

"Fawkes spoke to me just now. I heard him in my head. Do you know why?"

As Harry watched, a myriad of expressions crossed the man's face before a slightly bemused one settled on it. "I think this is a conversation for Albus," he said. "After all, Fawkes is his familiar."

"But you know the answer don't you?" he guessed.

"I do," he admitted, "but I don't think it is my place to explain it. Albus will be home earlier today. Ask him then. I must admit I am surprised by this, but then again, you are a special boy."

"I thought I was normal," Harry asked shrewdly.

"And I thought that I told you not to be cheeky," Severus mock-growled before reaching down to tousle his head. "Now, enough talk about the old coot and his Drumstick. Bring the puzzle here; we'll have some time still until lunch."

"Okay, sir," Harry agreed, content in the knowledge that he would have his answers soon.