June - Harry, age 11
Harry stumbled just slightly as the pair appeared in an open field, catching himself against Snape's side. He raised a hand as the sun shone brightly above, blinking several times as he looked over the area.
It was a relatively open field, a small cottage close to a large lake. He grinned at the sight, the year that had just ended behind him now. It was amazing to be away from school, away from home.
He was sure in this lake there would be no merpeople or giant squid or anything that would try to kill him! So, he could at least enjoy that. The child beamed up to Snape as they started towards the cabin, bouncing ahead a few steps. "Can I swim in this lake?"
Snape looked over the area before turning his attention to his child. "You may," he nodded as he placed a gentle hand on the back of Harry's neck and began leading him towards the cottage. "It may be a bit cold however."
The man felt the majority of his stress vanish as they approached the small house. He was certain that this trip was exactly what they both needed—that some time away would do them wonders. Despite Harry having been at Hogwarts for the past year, Snape missed having the child around constantly. He missed eating all their meals together and tucking him in at night. The man was hopeful that a week at the cottage would give them such much needed time together before Harry spent his summer with the neighborhood muggle children.
The child gave a nod at the words, pushing open the door to the cottage and holding it open for Snape until the man stepped in. Once he did, Harry quickly ran over to the windows within the sitting area and opened them up.
"Maybe we can come out here at the end of every year?"
"That could possibly be arranged." Snape followed the child into the parlor, looking around the room. "It is quite nice, isn't it?"
Harry sat on the couch that overlooked towards the lake, nodding with a hum. "It is!" He folded his legs as he leaned back, taking in a breath. "How long are we staying?"
"A week." Snape moved over to a stack of papers on a side table. He had sent all of their things with Nita earlier that day.
The man picked up the paper he had been looking for, his eyes scanning over the list of ingredients he hoped to find while away.
The child stood, moving over to Snape to peer over his arm to look at the list. "Can I help? Those are all ingredients, aren't they?"
Snape nodded as he looked down at the boy. "They are." He put the list back down, reaching out a hand to gently ruffle Harry's hair. "I am hoping to find them on this trip. Perhaps tomorrow."
Harry closed his eyes for a moment before he reached and picked up the list. He looked it over for a moment before placing it down again. "What can we do tonight then?"
Snape hummed softly as he shifted through the pile of papers. "What would you like to do tonight?"
"I dunno, I mean it's still light outside. Could we eat dinner outside? Like a picnic?" He rested a hand on the side table, giving a grin up to Snape.
"I think that there may be a picnic table out the back." Snape continued to shuffle through the papers. "Go see please."
Harry moved away from the table instantly at the words, quickly walking across the room and to the back door. He looked across the back yard, trees lining the field out in the distance. He grinned as he glanced around, spotting the picnic table several feet away from the house. "There is one!" Harry called, opening the door back up before he re-entered and rushed over to his guardian. "There is one."
Snape nodded in approval. "Then we can absolutely eat dinner out there. What would you like for dinner?" Snape set the papers done moving towards the back door.
"Roast?" He offered, following a few steps behind Snape. "And potatoes?"
"That sounds very good." Snape paused by the back door. "Go wash your hands and then we will eat."
Harry nearly rolled his eyes before he turned away from Snape, rushing down the small hall and to the bathroom. He wouldn't complain about anything this whole week! He would be sure of it, and make sure he didn't ruin it.
Snape waited for the boy to return before opening the back door and stepping outside. He made his way towards the picnic table with Harry at his side. "It was a good idea to eat outside this evening. It is quite nice out."
Harry moved past Snape, going to the table and sitting down. He was sure his grin hadn't faded since the moment they got there, and he forced his face to go slightly neutral. "We should more." He nodded, folding his arms across the table.
"We can do so while we are here as long as the weather remains nice." Snape sat down and then tapped the table causing their dinner to appear. "I think that is a fine idea actually."
Harry smiled once more, pulling his plate slightly closer to himself as he picked up his fork and took the first bite of the roast. "Yeah. I really like it here."
"I am glad that you do," Snape picked up his fork. "It is peaceful. I could see us coming here yearly."
Harry hummed, resting his cheek on his left hand as he continued to eat his meal. It was near perfect outside. A breeze, the sky clear as the sun set over the trees.
"And I can help tomorrow, right?" He glanced over to Snape.
"We shall see." Snape ate a bite of his meal. "I need to do some research this evening and see where exactly some of these ingredients are located."
The child nodded; his hope still evident as he pushed a bite of potato around before eating it as well. He wanted to do nearly everything tomorrow! But they had a week. Plenty of time to enjoy the time away.
Snape swallowed a mouthful of food. "If I had to guess I would say that nothing will be so dangerous that you cannot help." Snape took a swallow of his drink.
"I can't wait." He took several more bites before taking a large swallow of his own drink and placing the cup down. "We haven't gathered stuff forever it seems like."
"I have not needed to do so. However, here in Ireland there are ingredients that I cannot easily obtain at home." The man took a few more bites of his meal.
Silence fell over the two soon after as Harry ate, simply enjoying the time outdoors and away from Hogwarts and home.
After a while, he pushed his plate away slightly and fought off a yawn. He stretched his arms out in front of him before perching his chin on his left hand.
"An early bedtime tonight?" Snape finished off the last of his meal, tapping the table twice to clear it.
"Nooo," Harry whined softly as he shook his head, frowning at even the idea of it. "We just got here."
Snape raised an eyebrow. "Watch that whine please. You are far too old for that." The man's hand gently tapped Harry's.
He huffed, shrugging a shoulder as he looked down to his hand. "Sorry," the child muttered softly as he traced a pattern against the top of the table.
"That's quite alright." Snape kept his tone light. "What is it that you would like to do tonight? Perhaps a game of chess or a walk down by the lake?"
"Chess." Harry nodded at the idea. Tomorrow he could see about swimming in the lake at some point!
"A game of chess is fine." Snape tapped the table once more causing a cup of tea to appear. "Would you like dessert?"
"Yes! Some ice cream, please," Harry quickly added on as he sat up with a grin.
Snape tapped the table causing a bowl with a decent sized helping of chocolate ice cream to appear. "I suppose that since we are on vacation, I can allow a bit larger of a dessert helping."
Harry's face scrunched up in a wide grin, picking up the spoon and taking a large bite of the ice cream. "Thanks Dad." He hummed, resting his cheek back on his palm as he started to take several more bites.
"You are very welcome." Snape took another sip of his tea. "There is a village not far from here with several stores. I think perhaps we should take a walk down there later this week."
"Okay." Harry nodded as he took another large bite, glancing around the yard. "Maybe eat at a local place too?"
"I think that lunch out one day could be arranged." Snape took another sip of his tea. "I would like you to unpack tonight. I don't want you to live out of a satchel for the week."
Harry nodded once more, having taken several smaller bites before letting the remainder start to melt. "Caaan I swim tomorrow?"
Snape nodded as he took another sip of his drink before setting down the teacup. "You may, if you are able to stop with that whine of yours."
"I won't whine again all week." Harry grinned over to the man before he ate the remainder of his ice cream.
Snape smirked at the words as he tapped the table to clear it once more. "I will believe that when I see it."
Harry nearly scoffed as he stretched his arms out, unable to fight a large yawn that passed his lips. While apparition was the fastest way for them to travel, it often made the child tired. He at least got over the sickness feeling rather quickly, he hated the after effect of his body feeling exhausted.
"You are sure that you are up for a game of chess?" Snape raised an eyebrow at the child. The exhaustion was written all over the child's face.
"I wanna try to," Harry muttered, rubbing at an eye before he rested his head back down on his palm.
Snape stood as he waved a hand motioning for the child to follow. "Perhaps we should save chess for tomorrow night? You could take a nice bath and go to bed. You will need your energy if you plan on swimming tomorrow."
"But it's too early." He stood up as well, following after the man at the motion. Snape did have a point, however.
"It is a bit early." Snape walked back towards the house. "You have also had a busy day and apparition borrows energy from children."
"Can't I just rest on the couch for a little?" Harry stepped into the house after the man, closing the door behind him.
Snape considered the request for a moment before nodding. "You may." He opened the back door, moving to the side to allow Harry to walk inside first.
The child grinned at the agreement as he stepped in, stretching up once more before his left hand rubbed at his face. "Thanks," he muttered softly.
"However, you should likely go up to your room and change into your sleep clothing first." Snape walked inside, closing the door behind him. "Just in case you fall asleep."
Harry nodded, going up the small flight of stairs to the second floor. He wouldn't disagree, they weren't going anywhere else that night anyway.
He yawned once more as he got to his room, going to the bed where his satchel waited for him. He removed a pair of pajamas, deciding to leave the rest of his clothes to unpack later. It wasn't as if they were staying forever. They could wait.
Snape moved into the sitting room, picking up a book that he had brought along to read before he sat down in the armchair.
He waved a hand causing a pillow and blanket to appear on the couch for his child. The man did not have a doubt in his mind that Harry would fall asleep right on the couch.
Having dressed rather quickly, Harry came back down into the sitting room and moved over to the couch. He sat down, leaning into the corner of the arm slightly as he gave a hum of content.
Snape looked over at the child, his book set in his lap. "You seem more relaxed than you have in quite some time:"
"It's been stressful." He hummed, stretching his legs out as he turned his head to nestle against the back cushion. Harry blinked several times before his eyes fluttered closed. "It's nice."
Snape resisted the urge to point out that if the child hadn't run into trouble, he likely wouldn't feel quite so stressed. "It is no less stressful as a Professor."
Harry opened his eyes, staring towards Snape for a moment before he narrowed his gaze. "I mean...I didn't think professors kinda went through that."
"Perhaps not, however, it is stressful to run a classroom and to be sure that your students are learning all that they can and need to." The man gave the boy a serious look.
The child gave a small grin as he closed his eyes once more, pulling the blanket around himself. "I'd enjoy it I think."
"Perhaps you would." Snape hummed softly as he opened the book in his lap.
Harry nestle himself slightly further down within the couch, his cheek still pressed against the back of the couch. He gave a soft hum as he pulled the blanket closer to his chin.
He couldn't be more relaxed at being away from everything! That the year was even over and now he could enjoy his free time.
Snape hummed softly as he raised his book up, his eyes focusing on the words. "Goodnight Harry," he said softly.
"I'm not asleep," Harry whispered the words, turning as his body slid down completely and faced the back of the couch. Still, it took mere moments before the child's breathing evened out.
Snape sat in the shade, his book in his hands as Harry swam in the lake ten feet away from him. After a peaceful morning and a nice lunch, the man was sure that the soon to be twelve-year-old would not last another moment if he could not swim.
Snape was thankful that the weather was nice and the sun was out. It was going to storm later that evening and the man was sure that Harry would have been miserable if it had started early and prevented him from going in the lake.
Snape's eyes moved from his book to his child, pleased to see that Harry was still enjoying himself.
Harry dove under the water before rising once more. He shook his head as he moved slightly closer to the shore, still remaining within the water. He rolled over, allowing himself to float.
The sky was mostly cloudy, the promise of rain having not disappeared as Harry stared up towards the clouds. "Can't we stay here longer?"
Snape looked up from his book once more. "A week isn't long enough?" He glances up at the sky noticing rain clouds in the distance.
"Not if it's gonna rain!" Harry responded as he splashed slightly as he righted himself up into the water.
"Today is the only day with rain in the forecast." Snape's eyes moved back down to his book. "I am sure you will be able to swim every day."
"Still, another week would be best." Harry nodded as he moved slightly closer to the shore and sat upon the rocks to allow the water to move around his middle.
Snape hummed softly, his eyes remaining on his book. "Another week?"
"Yeah." Harry picked up a rock, looking it over before tossing it to the side. "I mean, why not?"
"I think that if it were up to you, we would stay here until September the first." Snape turned a page of his book.
Harry grinned, picking up another rock to glance it over before simply allowing it to fall back. "Well, why not?"
"We are not staying all summer." Snape looked up from his book, his eyes settling on the child. "I have things to do before school starts once more."
"Well. Then why not one more week?" Harry stood, shivering as moved onto the grass and sat back down.
"We shall see." Snape's eyes moved back to his book as he waved a hand causing a large towel to land beside his child.
The child picked up the towel, shivering as he wrapped it tightly around his shoulders. He wanted to press it, but he knew doing so could make the man say no.
Snape looked up once more at the sound of the child shivering. "We should get you inside. Perhaps a warm bath?"
Harry shook his head, adjusting the towel around himself slightly. "I'm fine. I'll warm up." He muttered, glancing up to the darkening skies.
"When it starts raining, we are both going inside." Snape looked over at his child once more. "Without argument."
The child gave a small grin as he rubbed at his arms. "You think I argue about everything."
"Not everything." Snape hummed softly as his eyes moved back to his book. Several moments passed before the man cleared his throat. "Did you enjoy yourself swimming?"
"I loved it." Harry hummed as he moved the towel up to cover his head. "Maybe tomorrow I can again? If it's okay."
Snape nodded. "As long as the weather cooperates you may."
The child nodded as he hummed softly, resting his covered head against Snape's shoulder as he moved closer to his guardian.
Snape turned his head, placing a gentle kiss on the boy's forehead. "We should head inside. It is going to start raining any moment now."
A shiver coursed through the child once more as he shrugged a shoulder. "But it's not yet."
"Your lips are turning blue." Snape looked down at the child.
Panic rose within Harry at the words, a hand raising to brush across his lips. "No, they're not... are they really?"
Snape swallowed a chuckle at the child's obvious concern. "They nearly are. It is obvious that you are cold." The man's hand gently tapped the boy's knee.
"I guess we should." The last thing he wanted was for his lips to turn color! Thunder rumbled in the distance as the gray clouds covered the sky, a few small droplets starting to fall.
Snape tapped the boy's knee softly once more before he closed his book and stood. "You need a bath."
"I mean I was just in water though!" Harry pointed out as he stood as well.
"I was not aware that you took a bar of soap in there with you." Snape's placed a gentle hand on the boy's back as he led him towards the house. The sound of the thunder getting closer.
"Mn...Snape I don't wanna take a bath if it's gonna storm." Harry frowned as he glanced over his shoulder, looking towards the sky.
"What does the storm have to do with it?" Snape pulled the back door open, allowing the child to enter first.
"I'll get struck by lightning." Harry stated it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. He entered into the house, rubbing at his hair with the towel.
Snape let out a small sigh at the words. He wasn't about to start an argument over such a thing. "Go finish drying yourself and get changed and we will have some tea."
Harry nodded as he went upstairs, going into his room and shutting the door behind himself.
He glanced out the window as rain started to hit against the window. The child started to dry himself off as he moved to the dresser and removed a pair of pajamas.
Snape moved over to the kitchen table tapping it and causing two cups of tea and a plate of chocolate biscuits to appear. The man sat down before casting a heating charm over the teacups.
After several minutes, Harry came back down and stepped into the kitchen. He sat down with a grin to the man, whispering a soft "Thanks," as he took a sip of tea to help warm himself.
Snape nodded in reply before picking up his own teacup as lightning lit up the room. "Perhaps tomorrow morning you would like to go to the village with me?"
"Yes!" Harry hummed as he held the cup close to himself with both hands, using the warmth to warm his hands.
"There are a few ingredients that I would like to look for." Snape pushed the plate of chocolate biscuits towards the child.
The child reached out, grabbing a biscuit and taking a small bite before sipping the tea once more. "Maybe we can eat out too?"
"Perhaps for lunch." Snape's took another sip of his tea. "I believe that there is a Quidditch shop there as well."
Harry finished up the biscuit, grabbing another with a grin. "So, we can go there too?"
Snape nodded as he took another sip of his tea. "We can go there as well."
The child grinned as he took a sip of his tea before placing the cup down and focusing on the second biscuit. Thunder rumbled outside as lightning lit up outside, causing Harry to glance to the window.
"I must say it is quite nice that you grew out of being terrified of storms." Snape took another sip of tea before setting his cup down.
"I kinda like them now. I mean not if it's a bad storm…you know?" Harry shrugged as he looked back down, eating at the biscuit once more.
"I am just pleased that I no longer need to spend sleepless nights with you every time a storm passes by." Snape have the child a knowing look.
The child's cheeks flushed slightly as he looked back down. "You were never scared of storms?"
"I was actually." Snape picked up his teacup. "And I am sure that my mother was quite happy when I grew out of it as well."
Harry smiled softly at the idea, finishing the second biscuit and sipping the tea. Still, a small shudder coursed through him as the house rumbled from the low thunder.
"Have you unpacked your things yet?" Snape raised a questioning eyebrow.
"Yes actually!" He huffed with a grin soon after. "I do listen sometimes."
"I was simply asking. There is no need for the cheek." Snape picked up his teacup taking another sip.
"I was just jokin'." Harry placed his cup back down before stretching his arms out, resting his chin on his hand as he stared out the window.
Snape hummed softly as he set his teacup down once more. "What are you going to do until supper?"
"Can we play chess?" Harry looked up to Snape, a hopeful smile across his lips.
"I suppose that we could." Snape finished off his tea.
The child stood, stretching as he moved towards the sitting room. "Or can we read? I really dunno what to do."
"We could read as well. Which would you prefer?" Snape tapped the table causing it to clear before he stood.
"Read then?" Harry sat on the middle cushion upon the couch, looking over towards Snape as the man entered the room.
Snape nodded. "Did you have a book in mind? I brought a fair few along." The man motioned to the table at the end of the couch. "They are there."
Harry moved across the couch, looking through the books before he glanced to the window as the rain pattered against the glass. He sighed heavily, looking back to the titles before sitting back down properly. "I dunno what to do."
Snape swallowed a chuckle as he moved across the room and sat down in his armchair. "It is your decision Harry." A loud rumble of thunder shook the house slightly.
"Mnn," Harry slumped down on the couch, looking towards the window as he watched the sky light up clearly. He shivered slightly, eyes focusing on the window. "I want to be outside."
"Which is obviously not an option." Snape waved a hand at the fireplace causing a small fire to roar to life.
The child looked over to the fire, sighing as he reached and grabbed one of the books. Lying down partly, Harry opened the book as he took in a deep breath.
"Would you like to read to me or do you plan to read silently?" Snape looked over at the child.
"I haven't read to you for a while," Harry grinned at the thought, the smile faltering slightly as thunder rumbled above them. "I can read to you."
"I would enjoy that." Snape leaned back in the armchair, his eyes closing slightly.
Harry watched Snape for a moment before he rested back down, looking back to the book. He started to read softly, pausing every few moments as the thunder rumbled before continuing.
Snape let out a low hum of content as he listened to the child read and the sound of rain hitting the windows. He knew that Harry would rather be outside, but the man could not think of a better way to spend the afternoon.
The child continued to read at a steady pace, pausing a few times to make sure he read correctly before moving on. He rested his cheek against the back of the couch as he turned the page.
Harry lowered the book slightly, glancing towards the window. Couldn't the rain just stop?
Snape was silent as he listened to the child read. He was nearly asleep when he heard something that did not sound quite right. The man cleared his throat softly. "Read that last sentence again please. You mispronounced a word."
"Huh?" Harry blinked as he looked back to the book, re-reading the last sentence within his mind before he spoke it much more slowly.
"Better," Snape hummed. "Much better." A particularly large bang of thunder shook the house.
Harry paused once more, lowering the book down completely. "Dad..."
"Hmm?" Snape hummed softly, his eyes remaining closed.
The child closed the book, sparing a glance to the window before he pulled his legs up slightly closer to himself. "I don't like this storm." He admitted softly.
"I know that you would rather be outside." The man's eyes remained closed. "It shall pass soon and as I said earlier, it is not supposed to rain again this week."
"That's not—" Harry fell silent as thunder rumbled once more, and he simply nestled his cheek against the back cushion, "—not what I meant."
Snape's eyes fluttered open as he looked over to the boy, concern on his face. "You are absolutely fine."
Harry shrugged, the book now resting on his lap as he stared down to the cover of it. "I know," he muttered softly.
"There is nothing to be afraid of." Snape's tone remained gentle as a flash of lightning lit up the parlor.
"I'm not afraid," Harry quickly stated, his shoulders tensing slightly. "I just don't like it."
Snape waved a hand beckoning the child. "Come sit with me." He sat up a bit straighter in the armchair.
Harry placed the book down as he stood, moving over across the parlor and to Snape. His shoulders slouched down slightly as he stood in front of the man.
Snape hooked his hands under the boy's armpits, easily lifting him to sit on his lap. "Now just relax."
Harry rested his head on Snape's shoulder, closing his eyes as a sigh passed his lips. "I am."
Snape waved a hand causing a blanket to appear. He plucked it from the air, carefully throwing it over his child. "The storm will pass and then we will have a nice supper."
Harry nodded, one hand grabbing the blanket and pulling it up closer to himself.
A loud rumble of thunder shook the house once more. "What do you want for supper?" Snape asked hoping to take the child's thoughts off of the storm.
"I dunno," he breathed, eyes remaining closed as he took in a slow deep breath.
Snape hummed softly as he moved his head, his chin rested on top of the boy's head. "Perhaps chicken and mashed potatoes? With some carrots?"
"That sounds good," Harry agreed softly as he moved his arm to wrap around Snape's middle.
"I suppose you will want dessert as well?" Snape's hand moved to gently rub the boy's back.
"Yeah, maybe chocolate pie this time?" He nestled his face close to Snape's chest as lightning lit up the room.
"Chocolate pie could be arranged." Snape's hand rubbed between the boy's shoulder blades.
Harry sighed as thunder rumbled in the distance, shifting his head away slowly to look up towards Snape. "Sorry."
"What are you apologizing for?" Snape's hand moved down the child's back, resting at the bottom of it. "Certainly not for the storm upsetting you?"
"You were so happy that I'm not scared of them, but—" His shoulders slouched down as he closed his eyes once more.
Snape sighed softly. "I am still pleased. I remember a child that would cry and cling to me and refuse to go to bed or even allow me to leave the room when a storm was occurring."
Harry couldn't help the small grin as he tightened his hold around the man slightly. He had to admit. He wasn't that bad at least anymore.
"This is quite nice compared to how you used to react to storms." Snape wrapped an arm around the child.
Harry hummed softly as he shifted his legs slightly, relaxing once again. The child opened his eyes to glance to the window, the rain dying down and becoming a softer patter against the glass.
"It appears the storm has passed." Snape's fingertips tapped the boy's back gently. "Perhaps if the rain stops, we can eat outside again."
"Alright." Harry nodded at the idea as he made no motion to actually stand. He was comfortable right then.
When the boy did not move, Snape leaned back in his armchair, bringing Harry with him. "Perhaps a game of chess after dinner? Or a game of Exploding Snap?"
"Chess," Harry agreed softly as he stretched his legs out slightly. His head remained resting against Snape's shoulder as the man moved.
"Chess it is then," Snape hummed softly as his eyes closed once more.
Harry quickly left the house, several feet ahead of Snape before he stopped within the sunlight and looked back at his guardian. They had just finished breakfast, the weather was perfect, and it was time to go out for the day!
"Let's go." Harry hummed, clearly excited for their busy day out. Harry moved back to Snape, forcing himself to calm down from his excitement. He always loved when they went to new places.
"Calm down." Snape's tone was gentle as he looked down at the child. "The village is not going anywhere Harry."
The man was pleased that the weather was nice once more. He was sure that if they had woken up to rain his child would have been in a miserable mood.
"Sorry." His grin remained as he settled next to Snape's side, shielding his eyes slightly as the sun broke through the few remaining clouds.
"Would you like to go to the Quidditch shop first?" Snape paused at a corner, looking up and down the street before crossing it.
"Yes! So, is this like a wizarding village? Different than Diagon Alley?" Harry remained at Snape's side as they crossed the street, glancing up to the man.
"Similar stores." Snape's nodded. "But different, yes. I am sure most carry different products as well."
"I can't wait!" The child moved ahead several steps before pausing, allowing Snape to catch up. After all, he had no idea the way they were going.
"You will not have to wait too much longer. It is just up there, around the corner." Snape motioned to a bend in the road.
Harry took a few steps ahead, nearly running ahead before he kept himself back. "And we can have lunch out too? Later, that is?"
Snape nodded in reply, pleased that the child refrained from rushing ahead of him. "We can have lunch there as well."
The child nodded as he kept a steady pace with the man, only taking a step or two ahead of him. "Did you decide if we can stay longer?"
"I have not." Snape looked down at the child beside him. "Why is it that you would like to stay longer?"
Harry shrugged a shoulder as he looked down to the path. "I have to have a reason?"
"No, you do not have to." Snape turned a corner, the shops now in sight. "I only wondered if you did."
Harry's shoulders slouched slightly, releasing a sight. "We don't haave to. I just want to."
"We shall see." Snape walked towards the Quidditch shop. "As I said, I will think about it."
The child's face lit up as he ran ahead to the window. Within it was a display sporting the Ireland Quidditch team items. Shirts, gear and a leprechaun dancing in the middle of the display.
Snape walked past the boy, holding the door open as he waited patiently for him. "Shall we go in?"
Harry nodded as he moved away from the glass, stepping into the Quidditch shop. His grin remained as he looked around the shop, moving slightly slower as he went towards the displays.
Snape followed after the child, as he looked at the various displays. "Quite different from the shop in Hogsmeade."
"Yeah." Harry went over to the Quidditch jerseys, looking them over before moving over to a few displays of quidditch items.
Snape continued to follow after the child, pleased that Harry seemed so thrilled by the shop. "See anything you would like?"
"I have to get one of their flags." Harry moved over to the display with several items of the Ireland Quidditch team. He reached a handout, carefully taking one of the small flags from their display.
Snape's nodded. "A flag is a good idea." The man looked down to a display of Jersey's neatly folded on a table.
The child moved around the large display table, looking at the different jerseys before he picked one up. It was a simple green one, a golden snitch that was outlined in white with green and gold wings, as well as "Ireland Quidditch" written across it. "I like this one."
"A fine choice," Snape nodded. "Did you want to look at anything else? Or shall we pay and move on?"
"Mm...we can go on." Harry hummed as he moved over towards Snape.
Snape gave a nod as he placed a gentle hand on Harry's back, leading the boy over to the cashier to pay.
He leaned slightly against Snape as they walked, placing his items on the counter. He stood off to Snape's side, watching as the items were neatly placed within a bag.
Snape paid for Harry's things before handing the bag to the child. "I would like to see if I can find a few of the ingredients that I am looking for." Snape turned and walked towards the shops exit with Harry at his side.
Harry lowered the bag to his side as he followed after Snape, staying just half a step being the man. He looked around at the shops, swinging the bag slightly.
Snape paused in front of a shop that looked like a large greenhouse before turning and walking towards the entrance.
The child looked up to the building as well before quickly trailing after the man. He looked around the building as he grinned, leaning against the man's side.
Snape placed a gentle hand behind Harry, his fingertips tapping gently against the boy's back a moment later. The man moved towards a large display of plants.
Harry moved along with Snape, looking over the plants before he moved away a few steps. He continued to stare at the plants, looking between all the different ones.
Snape glanced over at the child before moving down an aisle and picking up several vials on ingredients.
Harry looked up above them, several live plants hanging from above. He grinned at the sight, continuing down the aisle as well. "I like this store."
"Do you?" Snape looked back at the boy. "I thought that you might. It is quite interesting isn't it?" The man picked up a large jar, examining the contents of it carefully.
"Yeah." Harry reached out, carefully turning a jar before lowering his hand back down. He moved past Snape, looking up and down the aisle as he went ahead several steps.
Snape continued down the aisle plucking two more vials from shelves. "I need to pay for these. Are you going to continue to look?"
Harry nodded towards the man, glancing over his shoulder. "But I'll be in the next aisle." He made a motion with his hand toward the aisle as he started to head towards it.
Snape nodded in approval as he headed towards the register. The man paid for his items before heading back in the direction of his child.
The child had ended up at the aisle with smaller, live plants. He eyed them careful, unsure if they were really dangerous or not. Surely not. They were in a shop after all!
Snake walked up behind the boy, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Some of these are quite dangerous."
"Really? But they don't look that bad." Harry lowered a hand quickly to his side that had been ready to move a plant.
Snape hummed softly as he carefully turned the child and guided his towards the door. "Some can give you a rash while others can attack if you touch them."
"What?" Harry allowed himself to be turned away, glancing back towards the plants before settling at Snape's side. "But this is a store!"
"It is." Snape pushed the door open, guiding Harry back outside. "However, they are dangerous. You just have missed the sign stating not to touch them."
He remained a few steps ahead of the man as they exited the shop, falling back to Snape's side. "Sorry."
"That's quite alright." Snape's fingertips gently tapped Harry's back. "Shall we go to The Apothecary or see what the candy shop has to offer?"
"Or both?" Harry grinned up to the man at the words. They had the time after all!
"Perhaps the sweet shop first?" Snape was sure that Harry would be much more patient in The Apothecary if he was not anticipating rushing off to the candy store.
Harry nodded in agreement, his grin remaining as he looked down the street and at the buildings. "And I can get something from it?"
"You may." Snape walked in the direction of the candy store, his hand remaining on Harry's back.
Harry finally moved several steps ahead of the man as the candy store came in view. He paused, looking towards Snape to be sure the man stayed close. The last thing he wanted during this trip was to get in trouble. It would ruin the whole week.
"Go on," Snape nodded when the boy was a few steps from the store entrance. "I am right behind you."
With a wide smile, Harry was quick to enter the shop and looked around. It was very different than Honeydukes, though it did have several of the same sweets as well.
Snape followed the child into the store a moment later. He stepped to the side, looking at a large display of what appeared to be enchanted chocolate wands and brooms.
Harry moved to a display of a type of fizzing candy, showing various colors and flavors. They looked like a type of rock candy!
The child reached, picking up a brightly colored green one that was wrapped up.
"These look interesting." Snape moves over to a display of sour balls that were bouncing around on their own in a large marked off area.
"What if I dare you to get one and eat it?" Harry moved over to the small display, grinning to Snape.
Snape hummed softly as he looked down at the child. "I do not consume that much sugar, you know that."
"I know. That's why it'd be funny." Harry smirked as he moved away from the display.
A small chuckle passed Snape's lips as he followed after the boy. "I think not."
"Why not?" The child moved over to where Snape had been previously, looking at the enchanted wand and broom chocolates. "And I gotta have one of these!"
Snape nodded. "You may pick one more thing however, you are not eating them all today."
Harry nodded as he picked one of the wrapped-up wands, grinning as he did so. "Okay."
"And what else?" Snape's head turned as he looked around at the various displays.
"Mmm…I really just want a chocolate frog." He moved to another small display which had the containers, smiling.
"That is fine." Snape followed the boy over to the display of chocolate frogs. "Perhaps you should get two, save one for later in the week."
Harry hummed as he picked out two, holding his sweets within his arms as he nodded. "Thanks, Dad."
"You are welcome." Snape's hand moved to gently tap the boy's back. "Let's pay for your things so that we may move on."
He nodded, following Snape's guidance up to the front. The child placed the items onto the counter, moving to the side to allow Snape room to step up.
Harry rested his arms on the counter, smiling softly.
Snape quickly paid for the items, handing the bag to his child. "The Apothecary and then lunch?"
"Mhm!" Harry nodded as he took the bag, holding it within the same hand as the other. He turned, leading the way out of the store and holding the door open for his guardian.
Snape stepped outside behind the child, turning to walk in the direction of the store. "I believe the pub is up this way as well. I have heard they have excellent food."
"Have you ever been here then?" He settled next to Snape's side, looking around the shops before looking up at the man.
"I have, many years ago." Snape stopped in front of The Apothecary, pulling open the door and allowing Harry to enter first. He stepped in behind the child, allowing the door to close before he walked down the first aisle.
"What's your most favorite place you've been?" Harry followed after the man quickly, looking at all the vials and jars. There were some things he had never seen before and he paused as some paws within a jar seemed to twitch.
Snape hummed softly as he thought the question over. "Perhaps Australia." He leaned down to get a better look at a jar full of mermaid scales. "I quite like Ireland as well though."
"Australia is so hot though." Harry frowned as he paused next to the man, continuing to examine several jars.
"It is not always hot." Snape stood up properly once more, plucking the jar he had been examining from the shelf. "The wizarding community is quite fascinating there as well."
Harry gave a doubtful look to the man as he watched him pick up the jar. "What's that?" He eyed the items within it, tilting his head slightly in curiosity.
"Scales from mermaid tales." Snape held the jar out for the child to see better. "They are quite hard to come by and very useful with some potions."
"How do they get them?" He looked over the shimmering scales before looking up to Snape.
"Occasionally a mermaid will die on a beach rather than out at sea, or they will wash up after they have died and then their scales are taken," Snape explained as he began walking down the aisle once more.
Harry followed after the man, careful to keep his bags away from the shelves. He looked around as they walked, pausing at a small vial labeled as ironback teeth.
The child grimaced at the thought. Dragons. He looked back to Snape, moving rather quickly to get back to his side.
Snape picked up a large jar filled with bat blood, looking at it carefully. He failed to notice how quickly his child had moved towards him. "Bat blood is quite useful as well and very hard to come by."
"How? I mean bats are every where aren't they?" He eyed the jar, making a slight face as the thick liquid moved within it.
"Yes. However, there are different types of bats. This particular blood comes from mouse-eared bats which are quite rare." Snape spoke the last word before moving down the aisle. "I am hopeful to find unicorn blood as well."
Harry frowned softly as he followed after the man. "They actually sell unicorn blood?" He muttered softly, looking at the shelves that were his height. "I mean. Can't that be bad?"
"It can if used for poor intentions." Snape stopped moving to look at a display. "However, it can be quite useful as well."
The child moved carefully down the aisle with the bags, "How do they get it? Surely they don't kill them..." He had seen a dead unicorn once and he hated to think people out there would just slay them.
"No, they do not kill them. It is collected after they die." Snape turned down the next aisle. "Unicorns are much too valuable to slaughter."
"I'd like to see a live unicorn one day, and a fully-grown dragon!" Harry grinned at the words as he continued to follow Snape closely.
"Perhaps you will." Snape's picked up a vial, examining it carefully before placing it back down.
"So, when we go home, can I help you make a potion?" He paused, carefully picking up a small vial of some blue liquid, turning it slowly.
Snape nodded as he leaned down picking up a small glass container. "Unicorn blood," he said softly.
Harry quickly placed the vial down, moving over to Snape rather fast once more.
Snape held the jar out for the boy to get a better look. "This alone is worth the trip to this store."
Harry grinned, eyeing the silver liquid before Snape pulled it away. "So, have you ever made your own potions? Like not from a book."
"I used to experiment quite frequently." Snape made his way down the aisle and towards the register. "However, I haven't in quite some time."
"Why not?" Harry followed after his guardian, carefully minding the shelves as they stepped up to the counter.
"I suppose it has to do with time. I am quite a bit busier now than I was back then." Snape paid for the items taking the bag from the woman behind the counter before moving towards the door. "Experimenting takes a lot of research which takes a lot of time."
"You should again." He frowned as he fell into pace with Snape. "Maybe I could even help!" Harry ran a head a few paces to look up to the man with a grin.
"Perhaps one day later this summer." Snape looked down at the child. "As I said, I would need to do some research prior to our doing so."
Harry nodded as he looked back down towards the path, swinging his bags idly. "I can still help though." He pointed out. Leaning into Snape's side, the child grinned widely.
It was going to be the best week. Well, hopefully two weeks!