Harriet Potter was sleeping so soundly she didn't wake up when Leo tripped over her book bag or when he swore or when he turned on the light. She was sprawled out on the bed, his bed, fully dressed on top of the covers. Leo moved towards her immediately, something must be wrong but no her breathing was slow and steady, a quick diagnostic spell didn't reveal any injuries and her breath smelled like milk not poison or potions. As he lifted his head from smelling her breath, he noticed something glowing and calling out, "Harry, Harriet Potter" in her pocket. Leo fished out the small round mirror from her pocket with a thief's practiced dexterity and found James Potter's face glowering at him, "Leo? Where the hell is Harry? Do you know what time it is?"

Leo looked at the clock on the wall, nearly one in the morning, "Um she's here, Mr Potter. I just came in from a birthday party and found her asleep." He tilted the little mirror down to show Harry's sleeping form.

"Is that your bed?" James yelped.

"She's just sleeping, not hurt or anything," replied Leo deciding quickly that ignoring James Potter's indignation would be more productive than engaging with it. He continued as calmly as he could, "if you give me a minute I can wake her up and apparate her to your house."

Leo saw James glance at her sleeping daughter's form again and grimace, "She called at eleven to say she needed another half an hour to finish up. Then she hadn't picked up since. She was so angry this afternoon so I've been worried… she must have been really tired."

Leo watched him soften as he spoke. Leo reached out to shake Harry's shoulder when James interrupted, "No leave her. Merlin knows she barely sleeps these days." He paused, "If you don't mind of course."

Leo didn't mind, he didn't mind so much it hurt. Harry had barely been allowed to spend time in the lower alleys since her ruse was discovered. They had written but it wasn't the same. Leo hadn't realized how much he had been depending on spending time with her that summer until it had been snatched away.

"I don't mind," he replied, training his face into a casual expression, "My couch is pretty comfortable and I'll just send her through the Floo first thing tomorrow."

"Great," James looked relieved then a little sheepish, "actually we're going to be out tomorrow morning so the Floo will be warded. I'm sure Harry can entertain herself until lunchtime."

"I'll relay the message," Leo was really working to suppress a smile now. Maybe they would have time for some sparring, "Goodnight Mr. Potter."

"Good night Leo." James' voice was full of warning. Leo was sure it caused his subordinates to soil themselves but Leo was long beyond that.

He returned the mirror to the bedside table beside Harry and returned to the living room to write her a quick note explaining the situation. Then Leo settled onto the couch and fell asleep listening to the steady breathing in the next room.

Leo woke too early the next morning to muttered cursing.

"Harry?" he called, sticking his head over the back of the couch to peer into the bedroom.

"Leo? I can't believe I fell asleep, I was just sitting for a minute and then I don't know what happened," she reached towards the note and began to read it, "My parents are going to kill me… oh it looks like they won't."

Leo was already off the couch heading towards her to reassure her when she leapt off the bed and threw her arms around him. Leo held on in surprise, "It's okay lass no harm done."

"You don't understand how badly I needed a break," her voice was muffled in his chest. He felt her hot breath on his sternum and tensed slightly. It wasn't easy being this close to her. His heart was pounding and his body wanted to react. He could hear Rispah scoffing at his lack of control but Merlin this was hard.

"They're so disapproving and disappointed all the time. It's just so ridiculous that a man who constantly brags about how much he messed up in his youth can't forgive the transgression in his daughter."

She hadn't let go and Leo was sure that she would cry on him. Again. It wasn't that he minded. He really didn't. There was just still a little corner of him that hoped against long odds that someday he might get to hold her when she wasn't upset. But he knew it was extremely unlikely. He had said his piece and she hadn't reciprocated and now they were friends. And he wouldn't ask her again. He was almost completely content with her friendship except for the troublesome little corner of his brain that wonder What if? whenever she hugged him tightly.

Leo pulled himself together, and began to rub her back ready to listen to whatever was troubling her. Thus he was extremely startled when she stared at him with completely dry eyes and said, "but you don't disapprove and you're endlessly patient. You only asked questions when you knew something was going wrong and you don't know how much that means to me."

She dropped her gaze and stared at his chest, "How much you mean to me, Leo."

Leo's heart clenched, did she mean what he thought? No likely he just heard what he wanted. Out loud he replied, "I'll always be your friend lass."

"Just my friend?" she was watching him not bothering to hide her confusion and disappointment.

Leo still couldn't it, "Isn't that what you want?"

"Of course I want your friendship Leo," Harry's voice was still uncertain. Almost automatically she reached up and brushed a lock of hair from his face. Merlin. She was going to kill him if she kept up this closeness.

"It's just that last year before I went to school I thought you offered more and… I'd… I'd like that," she finished somewhat lamely.

Leo was still processing her words when she swiftly pushed up onto her toes and brushed her lips against his. Even the brief contact caused heat to course through him. Without thinking he stooped forward and kissed her. He tried to convey everything he felt with that one action. Of course the offer still stood, Leo would have been a fool to give up on someone as special as Harriett Potter. He felt her arms pull him closer and her body relaxed against his.

Without warning Harry jerked back and Leo thought he'd misread her. His eagerness had been too much too quickly and he'd scared her. He was still reeling when she suddenly pulled him towards her again and threw him onto the bed. She rolled onto the bed after him and before he could do more than chuckle she was trying to get comfortable in his arms. It clearly wasn't something she'd done before and she tried several positions before he reached out and guided her head to his shoulder. A good dueler always knows when they're beat and Leo one of the best. He chanced a kiss of her hair and relished how real it felt. Leo was pretty convinced that this was a cruel dream from which he would wake momentarily.

"Can I take you to dinner somewhere?" he asked and immediately cringed at the stupidity of the question. Of course she didn't want to go to dinner with him, she'd just pushed him away and thrown him onto the bed, he thought, on the other hand she was still nestled on his chest so maybe she would? Leo felt as though he was in a high stakes card game but no one had bothered to tell him the game, let alone explained the rules.

"I'd prefer breakfast," Harry looked up at him from his chest, "but first I owe you, Leo."

There was calmness and certainty about her that reassured him. Not to mention she'd just made a joke which meant there was hope for their friendship. Even if Leo messed this completely unexpected and fragile thing up. But he wouldn't mess it up, he'd wanted this so badly for years. Leo wasn't going to shy away, in fact…

"I intend to collect all those debts," Leo said, peppering her with kisses to emphasize his point.

Harry laughed and looked surprised at herself, "I meant information Leo. Ask me anything."

Leo didn't miss a beat, "How are you Harry? And don't you dare say 'fine'."

The fierceness in his tone surprised even him. Harry gaped at him, "That's your question? Something you could have asked me over breakfast? I meant it when I said anything. Not 'how did you kill a sixty foot long Basalisk?' or 'how did you remain in disguise for so long?'"

She looked at him expectantly. She clearly thought he was going to backpedal.

"Why would I waste my questions on those things?" Leo brushed a curl out of her face and smiled with self satisfaction, "Obviously you speak parseltongue and have re-lived that particular fight enough. Second you're a potions prodigy and from what I saw during the tasks have picked up some alchemy too. Those would be enough to furnish you with a disguise. So my question stands, 'how are you?' And don't think you can get away with deflecting again."

Harry pulled away and tucked her knees into her chest, wrapping herself into a neat little ball as she rested her chin on her knees.

"Honestly? I'm terrible. I'm pretty sure I've permanently ruined my relationship with my parents which was never great to begin with. My cousin skated through completely unscathed while I've lost my friends, school, apprenticeship and almost my job with Krait. I have no idea what I'm going to do the rest of the year because I've already finished my school work but Lily won't admit I'm ready to take the O.W.L.s. It's so frustrating to have made so much progress for four years and then to be completely stalled," the words poured forth like shaken ale shooting out of a keg and by the end Harry was clenching her fists in frustration.

This time Leo didn't mistake her retreat as something personal; he just took her hand and unclenched her fist. He held it in his while considering the trembling girl before him. She looked like she was ready to bolt.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Leo asked sitting up and drawing close to the little ball of stress that was Harriet Potter. She nodded solemnly and scooted a little closer as if there was some chance of them being overheard.

"The reason friends tell each other their worries is because those friends may just be able to help…" Leo broke off when Harry pushed him playfully.

"I know that you idiot," despite her insults she was still smiling.

"And if you had let me finish," Leo mustered up as much wounded dignity as he could through his smile, "you would also know that I have just the thing for you. Come on."

He got off the bed and was uncommonly pleased to see that Harry retained his hand as he led her to the living room.

"This came for you yesterday," he said, handing her the package wrapped in unassuming brown paper.

"A present?" Harry murmured looking at him quizzically.

"Not from me," Leo held his hands up defensively, "I checked it for traps and it's clean. But there's something powerful in there so do be careful opening it."

Harry nodded and held her hands out to check it herself. Leo suppressed a sigh; trust would not come overnight with this one.

"To Miss Harriet Potter care of Mr Lionel Hurst Lower Alleys London," Harry read the address, "Why not send it to my parents house?"

"Maybe your parents wouldn't approve," Leo waggled his eyebrows.

"You wretch! You know what it is," Harry cried, her green eyes sparkled and Leo could not help but think her completely lovely.

"It may have come with another explanatory letter," Leo shrugged casually.

"What is it?" Harry demanded.

"Open it," Leo said smiling again. She already looked healthier than the pale wane Harry of last night.

"I could make you tell me," Harry challenged, taking a swipe at his midriff. Leo caught her easily, spun her around and caught her in his arms.

"Wouldn't it just be easier to open it?" Leo asked his brain was beginning to feel quite scrambled with all the close proximity to Harry.

"When have I ever done anything the easy way?" Harry countered. And she pressed her lips to his again. Leo grunted without meaning to. He pulled back so she wouldn't feel his reaction.

Harry smiled at him, her hands loosely encircling his waist, "Me too."

Leo didn't think she could quite appreciate what it was costing him to keep his hands to himself. Her candor set her even further apart from all the other women of Leo's acquaintance. All the women of court would rather eat bubotuber pus than admit attraction. If they did they would make it appear as if they were doing the man (or woman) in question a huge favor. But Harry just admitted easily seemingly to put him at ease. It was remarkable and it just made things harder. He grunted again, "Just open your package lass."

She sat on the couch and removed the plain brown paper and two letters fell out along with a handsome emerald green box. Harry picked up the first letter that was labeled Harriet Potter 1. She slit the plain wax seal easily and pursued the contents. Her eyes grew wider and wider. Her breaths became shallower. Finally after reading it ten times she breathed, "It's from Professor Snape, Leo. He wants… he wants me to be his apprentice."

"What does Master Snape say?" Leo smiled with pride. He had an inkling when he'd received Snape's instructions to allow Harry to read the letter away from her parents. Harry began to read aloud.

Dear Miss Potter,

I find myself without an apprentice and with simply too much work to complete on my own. Your work on the healing kit has been exemplary. Thus I am writing to request your assistance the days of Monday through Wednesday beginning the second week of October. Upon your acceptance and with your parents permission I will register this as an official apprenticeship with the guild and you will be welcome to take your mastery after the traditional three years. Please give the second enclosed letter to your parents and write back when you've obtained their permission.

Sincerely,

Master Severus Snape

PS. I've enclosed something which I believe may belong to you.

Harry looked up at him incandescent with excitement, "They have to say yes. I could be the youngest potions master ever."

"What's in the box?" Leo asked, that Snape had anything that belonged to Harry troubled him slightly. It wasn't jealousy exactly; something about Snape's high-handed tone set him on edge.

Harry shrugged, "Probably something to do with the healing potions."

Leo felt better until she opened the box and promptly dropped it. The box tumbled onto the floor and a Boomslang snake tumbled out. It appeared groggy from a stasis charm and immediately tried to slither under the couch. Harry hopped off the couch, speaking in Parseltongue and soon came up with the snake wrapped around her arm. She cooed to it smoothly until it stopped writhing and affectionately rubbed his head against her hand.

"Snape knows," she was deadly serious again. Pale and shaking again. Leo winced as all the progress she'd made toward looking happier and healthier this morning slipped away in an instant.

Leo shrugged, "He clearly doesn't care if he's asked you to be his apprentice. He could have already turned you in but he didn't. Honestly Harry I wouldn't worry about it." Seeing her doubtful look he continued, "If you're determined to worry then the best thing you can do is to be his apprentice. I think the snake was a bit of leverage to make sure you didn't refuse."

Harry thought about it for a while and eventually said, "It's Treeslider."

"I beg your pardon."

"The snake is Treeslider only he says it," Harry broke off into hissing that Leo tried to follow.

"I bet he's hungry," Leo crossed to the window and summoned a fat mouse. If he was going to have a highly poisonous snake in his apartment then it was going to be well fed. He conjured a box and a stone in the sun of the windowsill and put a warming charm on the stone, "And honestly so am I. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to breakfast?"

He bowed slightly, knowing full well how ridiculous he looked still holding the mouse.

Harry giggled and then looked at the snake, "He likes you but he would like the mouse more."

Leo held it out internally steeling himself. The speed with which the snake struck was still a shock but Leo prided himself on only flinching the slightest amount. Harry set the snake and its prey down on the warm rock hissing all the while. Leo noticed she went slightly red during the exchange and it piqued his curiosity.

"I'm ready for breakfast now," Harry said, turning away from the snake. Her voice was small and slightly abashed once again.

"What did Treeslider say?" Leo asked, wondering how a snake could have possibly embarrassed her.

"Um, just the usual. He'll deign to stay here with your meager offerings of mice as long as there are more forthcoming," she replied.

"Wait until he sees the size of the rats around here," Leo snorted.

"Then he asked if you were my mate," Harry said, her voice soft again. Leo coughed at the snake's presumption. Leo desperately wanted to know the answer but was also terrified of how quickly the subject had come up. Harry looked up at him, a slight smirk on her face. She could probably sense his racing emotions, "I told him you were."

Leo gulped, "Are you sure?"

Harry smiled as she took his hand and led him towards Aroma alley.

HpHpHpHpHpHpHpHpHpHp

She had brewed and imbued a month's worth of potions for Krait in six hours after his last terse letter suggested that he was going to have to find another brewer. The letter had sparked an argument with her parents. They wanted her to quit her job and focus on her education and she had pointed out that she needed money to continue her education as they had cut her off from her school education account as punishment for her four years of deception.

She admitted to herself as she sunk down on the edge of Leo's bed that she could have been more diplomatic about it. Shouting that she needed money for her sixth year because she'd finished her fifth already hadn't been prudent. When they'd asked her what she had spent last month's money on she'd been even less prudent and shouted she had simply paid her patent attorney. Which of course had led to all sorts of questions about why she needed a patent. And why she'd neglected to tell them she had an attorney. They had continued to badger her until Addy started crying at which point they'd both turned to attend to her.

Harry had taken their lapse in concentration as an opportunity to storm out. She had told them where she was going, she reasoned with herself. Trying to suppress the guilt bubbling up inside. But it didn't take a genius to know that shouting that she was going to brew at Leo's wasn't exactly the sort of thing parents wanted to hear from the teenaged daughter.

Harry groaned and flopped back on the bed. She would be in so much trouble when she got home. She closed her eyes and took some deep breaths trying to calm down and then sleep claimed her.

She awoke in an unfamiliar place and swore as she saw the soft morning light. She would be in even more trouble now. The full implications of how much trouble she would be in hit her when Leo's tousled head popped up over the back of the couch and smiled at her.

"Leo? I can't believe I fell asleep, I was just sitting for a minute and then I don't know what happened," she noticed a note sitting next to her mirror and her glasse and reached towards the note and began to read it, "My parents are going to kill me… oh it looks like they won't."

Leo stood next to the bed grinning at her in his white t-shirt and gray sweatpants. She gave into her urge and tackled him with a hug. His chest was muscular and he smelled of laundry soap and something spicy. Hearing him call her lass in a tone that was merely fond wasn't enough. It lit a fire inside of her, she had to make him understand that things were different now. That she wasn't just Harry, the little girl whose potions crates he carried, anymore. She was older than he thought and he was one of two people on earth who knew for certain about Rigel. His support when she cried in his arms meant a lot to her.

They had spent the summer apart as her parents had barely allowed her out of the house and it had allowed Harry time to think. She had slowly come to the shocking conclusion that the only time she had felt alright since the conclusion of the tournament was when she had been in Leo's arms. Possibly even more shocking was the conclusion that he knew her, the real her, better than anyone and that meant more to her with each passing day. She decided that she wanted to mean something to him too. Preferably as much as he meant to her. They had traded letters all summer but she had never been able to put her desires into words. Now he was here and she tried to tell him how much she loved him but he just crinkled his eyes in endearing confusion and said, "I'll always be your friend lass."

Harry wanted to crumble into a supremely embarrassed pile of dust on the floor. He didn't understand. He probably thought she was a colossal idiot for even trying to maintain such a ruse and no one loves an idiot. He had moved on, she thought. It was his eyes that gave her courage again, she couldn't let this go without making absolutely sure he didn't feel the same way. So she tried again referencing their conversation from the year before and watched Leo go unnaturally still. Harry didn't think she'd ever seen him stand without fidgeting.

Her heart sank, he still didn't understand. Drastic action was needed. She planted her hands on his hips and bounced onto her toes to brush her lips gently against his. The resulting explosion in her gut quite took her breath away. Harry immediately began to wonder how long she could stay upright if they were to do that again. She surprised herself thinking that. If anyone had asked her six months ago if she would consider, much less want to, kiss someone a second time she would have laughed herself senseless.

And she didn't need to wait long, Leo stooped and planted his lips upon her. She pulled him closer and felt him tremble slightly. There was now a faint hint of perspiration in his scent. Without thinking or meaning to her body relaxed and her knees nearly gave way.

Dom started screaming at her to get a grip because she was ridiculously vulnerable right now. It startled her into getting a grip in the most Harry way possible. Instinctually she pushed her 'assailant' away, then threw them down. Luckily, Leo ended up on the bed instead of the floor. And Harry rolled in afterwards to cover her embarrassment.

Had she really just thrown Leo onto the bed? He must think her forward. She suppressed a groan as she tried to snuggle up next to him attempting to regain the easy equilibrium of their embrace but she was completely lost. Leo took pity on her and drew her to his side allowing her to once again rest her head against his chest. After a moment he kissed the top of her head. Harry was glad one of them had their wits about them.

"Can I take you to dinner somewhere?" he asked. Well maybe he was a little less collected than she thought. It made her feel better about her own inexperience. She had held back the few times she'd seen this summer over fears that he would view her as hopelessly naive and dismiss her. Maybe they were more alike than she had thought.

She said the first thing that popped into her head, "I'd prefer breakfast."

The clock on his wall chimed eight and reality returned to her with a crash. There were things about her, about Rigel, he needed to know before they got any closer.

So she added, "But first I owe you, Leo"

He didn't seem ready to be serious as he sprinkled her hair with kisses and agreed that she did owe him. Somehow she found she didn't mind being in his debt. How very un-Slytherian of her. She giggled at the thought. He slipped a finger under her chin and tilted it up until caught her lips with his. He didn't seem to be in a hurry to demand answers from her. And it made her love him all the more.

When he finally pulled back he was breathing deeply and his eyes were fixed upon her. She could see a hunger there and for a second it reminded her of Rosier.

He wants me. Like Rosier did, Harry realized belatedly. Rosier's gaze had always made her uncomfortable but Leo's made her feel heated. She would have to think about what that meant later.

"I meant information Leo. Ask me anything," she reiterated. It wasn't an offer Harry made lightly and she steeled herself to re-live some of her worst moments.

Leo didn't miss a beat, "How are you Harry? And don't you dare say 'fine'."

The fierceness in his tone surprised her. She almost couldn't look at him, cheeks flushed, hair tousled, t-shirt pulled snugly around his chest. He was beautiful and insolent. Casually asking her the question she least expected and one of the hardest to answer.

Why must he be so difficult? she wondered. She was aware of the irony in her thinking anyone was difficult. Perhaps he didn't understand her offer. Hadn't she had to spell it out earlier?

She reiterated, "That's your question? Something you could have asked me over breakfast? I meant it when I said anything. Not 'how did you kill a sixty foot long Basilisk?' or 'how did you remain in disguise for so long?'"

That was clear enough, she thought waiting for Leo to ask her something else.

Leo just smiled the unnerving smile he gave before he completely obliterated a deserving dueling opponent.

"Why would I waste my questions on those things?" Leo touched her face gently, his cocky smile in place. Harry leaned into his touch slightly and his smile widened into something real. As he explained why those weren't things he cared about Harry was struck again by how much he cared for her and how little he cared about Rigel's heroics.

Even with this newfound realization she couldn't help curling into a defensive ball. Leo was too used to going for the kill and she'd laid herself out on a platter. She knew this was going to be hard but hadn't anticipated it being this hard right off the bat. Then she looked up and saw the concern in Leo's hazel eyes and the words tumbled out before she could stop them. Some were sad, some were bitter, and some were jealous. It was an ugly side of her that escaped and afterwards she sat in her ball trembling and waiting for his disappointment. For him to remind her that other people had real problems. That she was just a spoiled child used to getting her way.

Instead he gently took her hand and sat up to face her.

"Can I tell you a secret?" Leo asked. Harry studied him closely looking for any sign that he was mocking her. When she knew he was sincere, she nodded and scooted closer to show she trusted him.

"The reason friends tell each other their worries is because those friends may just be able to help…"

He had been patronizing her, Harry pushed him playfully but there was a little anger in there.

"I know that you idiot," she replied, eyes flashing.

Why did his eyes have to linger on her flushed cheeks like that? Wasn't it enough that he caused it? Did he have to gawk at it too? Harry griped internally.

"And if you had let me finish," Leo mustered up as much wounded dignity as he could, "you would also know that I have just the thing for you. Come on."

Harry was intrigued and moved to follow Leo. She wasn't quite ready to lose contact with him and so she held his hand as he led her to the living room.

"This came for you yesterday," he said, handing her the package wrapped in unassuming brown paper.

"A present?" Harry murmured looking at him quizzically. Had he just had it waiting for her? She felt the heat rising in her again.

"Not from me," Leo held his hands up defensively. Harry checked her emotions; it was unreasonable to expect Leo might have a present laying around on the off chance she'd show up and kiss him. He must have thought the chances of that happening to be vanishingly slim before today. But still he'd hoped, as she checked the present for traps. Harry regretted leaving him in the dark for so long while working out her feelings.

She read the address aloud and saw Leo's knowing expression. She accused him of knowing what it was and found that where normally she would have been annoyed at his evasions this morning she found him charming.

"Open it," Leo urged as Harry reflected how her world had turned on its head as a result of her accidentally falling asleep. She didn't remember the last time she'd smiled this much. She almost didn't want to open the box. She wanted Leo's attention for herself and her undivided attention on him.

So she stalled with a teasing, "I could make you tell me." She was pleased that he used her ploy to hold her close once more.

"Wouldn't it just be easier to open it?" Leo asked, resting his forehead on hers.

"When have I ever done anything the easy way?" she countered slipping back into their playful banter. She silenced him with a kiss. Leo grunted without meaning to. He pulled away watching her intently.

She saw the lust had returned to his eyes and had felt his hand slip just slightly down her waist. It surprised her how little she minded. But she still hadn't told him her age or about some of her more disquieting magic abilities and that had to come first. She was reassured that he wanted her attention too. She was also reassured that he had pulled back.

"Me too," she told him. Just because his attraction was more obvious it wasn't fair that he should be ashamed of it.

Leo looked gratified at her admission and grunted again, "Just open your package lass."

This time she didn't hesitate. Two letters fell out both addressed to her but clearly labeled as sequential. Curious, she opened the first and froze at the sight of Professor Snape's spiky handwriting. She reminded herself to breathe and read the letter. Then she read it again. And again. Once she had convinced herself that it was real she looked up and relayed the news to Leo. His smile of pride and satisfaction caught her off guard.

She realized she had expected his reaction to match her own parents cautious and exasperated reactions whenever she announced a potions triumph. They certainly didn't beam at her, gently remind her of her cover, and ask her to read her idol's words aloud. Harry flushed with pleasure at reading his comments about her healing work. She finished still incandescent with excitement and babbling about being the youngest potions master ever.

Her mood dipped when she saw Leo frowning slightly be asking, "What's in the box?"

She wasn't worried, "Probably something to do with the healing potions."

She slid the drawer in the emerald green box open and promptly dropped the box and Treeslider. He was cold and groggy and complaining vociferously even for him. He tried to dart under the couch but Harry was able to calm him down with the promise of body heat and a mouse if he behaved. It wasn't until he was wrapped around her arm rubbing her hand affectionately that she realized the full implications of Snape's package.

She told Leo and he winced. Harry felt herself shaking. She would have to run for it if she didn't want to go to Azkaban.

Leo's reaction completely threw her. He simply shrugged, "He clearly doesn't care if he's asked you to be his apprentice. He could have already turned you in but he didn't."

Harry wasn't sure and her doubts showed because Leo kept reassuring her. She only half listened. Normally this would be the point where she would run away and try to fix things on her own but that hadn't worked out well in the past. She decided to trust Leo's opinion, mostly because she happened to agree with him. So she changed the subject, "It's Treeslider."

"I beg your pardon."

"The snake is named Treeslider only he says it," Harry repeated his name in Parseltongue. Leo clearly didn't follow but that didn't stop him from going to the window and summoning a fat mouse.

Treeslider smelled the mouse and raised his head hopefully, Isss that a moussse ssspeaker? I would like a moussse ssspeaker.

Harry smiled at Treeslider's antics. It felt like getting an old friend back.

Leo asked her to breakfast and she assented with a giggle. Leo bravely held out the mouse and Treeslider struck it with pleasure. Harry was impressed with Leo's composer and so apparently was Treeslider, Who issss thissssss ssspeaker?

My friend, Harry replied. Treeslider slid onto the warm rock and began to squeeze his mouse.

I don't know what friend issss but friend isss a good provider. Maybe friend isss your mate?

Harry felt herself flushing, yesss friend is my mate.

Good was all Treeslider said before becoming too engrossed in his mouse to say more.

Harry turned to Leo thinking it was amazing how quickly the snake intuited their relationship.

"I'm ready for breakfast now," Harry said, turning away from the snake, her voice small and slightly abashed once again.

"What did Treeslider say?" Leo asked, clearly wondering how a snake could have possibly embarrassed her.

"Um, just the usual. He'll deign to stay here with your meager offerings of mice as long as there are more forthcoming," she replied.

"Wait until he sees the size of the rats around here," Leo snorted.

"Then he asked if you were my mate," Harry said, feeling a little shy again. Leo looked at her hope and fear warring on his face. He wasn't bothering with his usual 'royal' pretense and it made her heart swell. She couldn't help smirking a little, "I told him you were."

Leo gulped, "Are you sure?"

Harry smiled as she took his hand and led him towards Aroma alley.