January- Harry, age 9
Snape stood outside the elementary school as the first snowflakes started to fall. The forecast was calling for over a foot of snow over the weekend and he was sure that Harry would be thrilled.
That was not the only reason he would be thrilled either. The nine-year-old had been exceptionally well behaved in the recent weeks and Snape was not against rewarding the child for good behavior when it was called for.
The muffled sound of the school bell hit Snape's ears as the doors opened a moment later and children began rushing out. His eyes scanned them for a moment before he spotted Harry saying goodbye to a friend.
Snape hoped that the child's day had been good and without incident as he planned to surprise the boy with a weekend at Hogwarts.
He gave a small nod as Harry rushed in his direction.
Harry grinned widely as he rushed over to Snape, his arms clasping around Snape's left as he stopped next to the man. "Hey Snape!" He looked up to the sky, giving just a small shiver as a few snowflakes landed on his cheeks.
He released one arm from around the man's arm, keeping his right wrapped around securely. With the promise of snow over the weekend, Harry had been thrilled, as had his other classmates, that they only had to study their spelling words over the weekend!
Snape took the child's hand in his own as he started towards the direction of their house. "How was your day?" He looked down at the child mentally scolding himself for not insisting that the boy took a hat to school this morning.
"Really great!" Harry beamed up to the man as they walked, taking a step ahead of the man so he could look up to Snape. "And it's supposed to snow a lot this weekend!" He nodded, falling back into step to the man's side.
"You were quite well behaved in school today, then?" Snape paused at a corner as a truck drove by before leading the child across the street.
"Well yeah," the child nearly huffed at the words. As if he wouldn't have been! He looked down the road as the truck passed before keeping up with Snape's strides.
"Do you have homework this weekend?" Snape turned a corner with Harry at his side. "Aside from your spelling words?" The child had a list of spelling words to study every weekend. Snape has made it a habit to go over them with him before dinner each night.
"Nope!" Harry leaned against the man's arm. "That's it!" He grinned as the snow started to fall a bit more heavily, shaking his head.
Snape hummed softly as they crossed the street that would put them on their block. "Would you like to spend the weekend at Hogwarts?"
Harry blinked, pausing and making Snape stop with him by still holding onto him. He stared at the man in what could be described as disbelief before a smile broke out across his face. "YES!" He jumped, moving back to the man and wrapping his arms tightly around Snape's middle. "You're not jokin'? We really can?!" He pulled away, pulling his best serious face as he looked up to Snape.
Snape nearly fell backwards as the child hugged him tightly mid step. "I am quite serious," he assured the child. "You have been exceptionally well behaved recently. I think that you are more than deserving of a weekend at Hogwarts."
"Thank you!" Harry remained latched to Snape's side, rubbing his face into the man's dark sweater as a shiver ran down his neck. Harry pulled away, focusing back on the path towards their home. "Well we gotta get ready! When are we goin'?"
"You need to pack." The pair turned to their front walk, the ground already covered in a light snow. "Make sure you pack your hat, gloves, and boots as well. I do not want to floo back and forth all weekend because things were forgotten."
"Okay!" Releasing Snape's hand, Harry nearly ran into the house before stopping and removing his shoes. Nodding, he dashed up the stairs and into his room.
"Do not forget warm clothing," Snape called up the stairs after the boy. "As well as your school bag." The man gave a soft smile as he moved towards the parlor.
"I won't!" Harry called from his room, gathering up several articles of clothing both warm and also some normal tee shirts. He hummed happily as he moved across the room, gathering up several items that he even thought he'd need. The last thing the child grabbed was his owl. "Okay!" He called, moving his bag to the hall before slipping on his school bag.
Snape made his way through the parlor and up the staircase. He stopped in the hallway, picking up Harry's bag. "You are sure that you have everything that you need?"
"Positive." Harry nodded as he tucked his owl against his side. He made his way down the stairs, his grin still wide.
Snape refrained from checking the child's bag. The worst case scenario would be him flooing home to fetch something, Certainly not the end of the world.
"Slow down before you fall." Snape made his way down the staircase with the child's bag. Snape stepped onto the first floor, waiting patiently for the child to put his shoes back on. "Perhaps we should take a walk and visit the Owlery before dinner?"
"Please!" Harry jumped up straight after adjusting his shoes, quickly going over to the man. He wrapped his free arm around Snape's arm.
"That could be arranged." Snape nodded as he moved towards the fireplace. "Just remember what we have talked about. The owls up there like it to be peaceful."
"Okay." He nodded seriously in return as he stepped into the hearth, closing his eyes as he leaned into Snape's side.
Snape placed a gentle hand on the boy's back and dropped the floo powder. A moment later the pair stepped out and into their parlor at Hogwarts. "Let's put your bags in your room and then we will go to the Owlery." The man started down the hall towards Harry's bedroom.
Harry shook his hair a brief moment before quickly following after the man. He grinned as he fell just behind Snape and into his room. He placed his school bag down, knowing that tonight it would be used. Moving over to his bed, he placed his owl down upon it.
Snape placed the boy's bag at the end of his bed. Typically, he would have made Harry unpack it, but the man was sure that allowing the house elves to do so just this once would not spoil the boy too horribly. "Jacket on and we will go."
Harry grinned as he slipped out of his fluffier coat to instead slip into a much comfier jacket. He pulled the collar of it closer to his neck as he placed the fluffy coat on the bed carefully. "I can't wait to get a real owl!"
"Just under two years from now you will." Snape placed a gentle hand on the boy's back, leading him towards the door. "Unless of course you change your mind before then and decide on a cat or a rat."
"Always an owl." He nodded, leaning against Snape's side as they stepped out into the dungeon hall. Harry smiled brightly as he pulled away, moving slightly ahead of the man.
"I have a feeling that you are correct, and you will in fact, always want an owl." The man started up the spiral staircase that led straight to the Owlery. The child had wanted an owl for as long as Snape had known him, and the man saw no chance of that changing.
As they started up the tower, Harry ran up the stairs before pausing and slowing down greatly. He waited for Snape to catch up before he stepped up onto the floor and grinned at all the owls that were perched into their areas. "Look at 'em all..." He breathed, stepping around the tower slowly.
Snape gave a nod in response as he stepped into the Owlery. The man walked across the room, leaning against a large wooden beam as he watched the child. "There are quite a few aren't there? It seems more first years brought owls this year."
Harry moved over to where a large owl sat, eyes closed before blinking and hooting at the intrusion. "How can you ever pick what owl to get? There's so many." He moved across the tower, smiling as a few smaller ones fluttered out of a nearby opening and towards the forest.
"I am sure that when the time comes you will be able to do so." Snape watched the boy walk around the Owlery. "I also think that tonight we may eat dinner in The Great Hall. I am sure the Slytherin students wouldn't mind you joining them."
"Really?!" Several owls hooted at the noise, causing Harry to flush and whisper much more softly "Sorry.. but really? I can sit at the Slytherin table?" He moved back to Snape, grinning widely.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the outburst but refrained from commenting on it. "You may," he nodded. "Though it goes without saying that I expect you to be on your best behavior while doing so."
"I will! I promise." He bounced on his feet slightly before looking back at the owls. "Bet it's nice here at night. When they're all active and hooting."
Snape hummed softly as he watched the child, his smile large as he looked at the owls. "Behave at dinner and perhaps we can make another trip up here tonight."
Harry couldn't believe the man, yet he latched his arms tightly around his middle. "This is the best day!" His excitement was muffled within Snape's front, keeping the owls calm.
Snape gently ruffled the boy's hair for a moment before his hand traveled down to lightly tap his back. "Alright. Another moment with the owls and we are going to go review your spelling words before dinner."
Harry smiled as he moved over to a gap within the tower, carefully resting a hand on the stone to look out over the grounds. "Did you ever come up here?"
"A time or two I suppose." Snape shivered slightly as the wind picked up, the snow still falling.
At the gust, Harry visibly shivered and stepped back away from the opening and over to Snape. He pressed against his guardian's side, shivering once more. "When I get an owl, I wanna be up here all the time with it."
"For now, we are going to get you back down to our parlor and in front of a warm fire." Snape pressed his hand to the child's back, turning towards the exit and bringing Harry with him. "We will come back after dinner."
"Okay," Harry agreed, looking over his shoulder towards the owls before descending down the stairs. He smiled and walked carefully down the spiral staircase with Snape at his side.
"Did you go over your new list of spelling words today in class?" Snape looked down at the child as they descended the staircase.
"Yeah." Harry nodded as they reached the bottom, sighing as just being within the proper walls of the castle helped warm him back up. "We did like a spelling bee with them."
"Did you do well?" Snape questioned as they stepped onto the bottom floor and walked towards their quarters.
"Of course!" Harry grinned as he jumped a few steps ahead. "I did really well!"
"Very good." Snape waves a hand causing their parlor door to swing open. "Go fetch your assignment book and your spelling list for me please."
With a nod, the child darted off down the hall and into his room. As much as he didn't want to work on them, the day had been going great! He wasn't about to ruin that. Opening up his school bag, he removed his assignment and the spelling sheet before heading back into the parlor.
Snape held his hand out for the book from where he sat in his armchair. "Let's go over these quickly so that we may go to dinner."
Harry moved over to the man, handing out the book and the word list before he stepped to the couch. "Okay," he nodded, removing his light jacket as he sat down.
Snape set the list of words on the table beside him before he opened up the assignment book to the proper day, his eyes scanning over the teacher's note. "Your teacher said that you were quite well behaved this week. Exceptionally nice to your classmates as well." Snape closed the assignment book and leaned forward placing it on the coffee table.
The child sat up slightly straighter at the praise, clearly happy with himself before he leaned against the corner of the couch. "I've been tryin' really hard!"
"It is very appreciated." Snape picked up the spelling list. "Keep behaving as you have, and you will find yourself spending many more weekends like this one."
Harry smiled before nodding once more. "Now c'mon! I wanna find Hannah and Conner and ask if I can sit with them tonight! They're seventh years this year!"
Snape chuckled softly at the boy's words. "Spell advice."
"Advice. Ad-vviiice," Harry repeated slowly before nodding. "A-d-v-i-c-e." He nodded as he rested back against the arm of the couch.
"Very good." Snape nodded. "Beetle."
He made a face at the word before grinning. He would often read the first-year potion book and that was a common word. "B-e-e-t-l-e!"
"I was going to say, you had best know how to spell that one." Snape gave the child a knowing look before his eyes drifted back down to the list. "Spell cried."
"Crieed.. c-r..i-d? No. C-r-i-e-d." He gave a nod once more.
"Very good. Do not forget that 'e'." Snape cleared his throat softly as he leaned back slightly in his chair. "Spell enough."
"E-n-o-u-g-h! I had to spell that one today!" Harry beamed happily before he stood and moved to sit on the arm of Snape's chair.
"Excellent." Snape nodded as he moved his arm slightly giving the child more room to sit. "Just a few more. Spell island."
"I remember that one like is-land. So i-s-l-a-n-d!" Harry shifted on the arm slightly and looked over towards the fire.
"Very good, little boy." Snape's hand moved to gently pat Harry's knee. "Only two left. Spell station please."
He took in a breath, looking down to the floor. "St-a-t-ion.. s-t..a..t-o-n?" He looked back to Snape, frowning.
Snape shook his head. "You are missing an 'i'."
"S-t-a-t-i-o-n?" He tilted his head before nodding. "Right?"
Snape nodded, gently patting the boy's knee once more. "Very good. Spell seashore and then we will go to dinner."
"Oh, that one is easy! S-e-a-s-h-o-r-e!" Harry stood up, stretching his arms up with a hum.
"Very good indeed." Snape leaned forward placing the spelling list on top of the child's assignment book. "Go wash your hands and we will go to dinner."
"Finally." The child moved away, going down the hall and into the bathroom. He reached up and turned on the water, turning it warm before washing his hands.
Snape stood up, stretching slightly as he waited for the child to return. He hoped that dinner would go well and that he wasn't making a mistake by allowing the nine-year-old to eat with the older students.
After a few moments, Harry stepped back into the parlor and grinned. "You're still gonna let me sit with them?"
"I am." Snape moved towards the door. "You are still going to behave while doing so?"
"Of course!" The child followed after Snape. "I'll be the best, you'll see. Maybe I can sit with them more!"
"If your behavior is acceptable, I will permit it." Snape opened their parlor door allowing Harry to exit first.
Harry rushed out, moving towards the spiral staircase to lead up towards the main floor before pausing and looking back at Snape. "Come oooon," he hummed, his grin remaining.
"You can go on ahead if you like. See if you can find the students that you would like to sit with, they may already be in The Great Hall." Snape started up the staircase. "I am right behind you."
"Yes!" Harry darted up the stairs, nearly tripping over his feet and continuing up. It was only recently, and only every so often, that Snape allowed him to go off ahead of him and through the castle on his own.
Snape nearly yelled after the child to behave but refrained from doing so. He had warned Harry more than once. He needed to give the boy the benefit of the doubt.
Reaching the main floor, Harry moved into the Great Hall and over to the Slytherin table. He grinned as he approached the front of it, spotting Hannah and Conner and speaking briefly to them before they scooted over and gave him room to sit between them.
Several moments later the man walked into the Great Hall. His eyes scanned the room, locating his child, sitting and eating. He gave an approving nod as he moved to the staff table to take his own seat.
Dinner went on without issue, Harry laughing and clearly enjoying the conversations with the students. He looked up to the head table, eyes settling on Snape before he grinned at the man.
Snape watched his child on and off throughout dinner, quite impressed with how well he was behaving. When the man was done eating, he moved over to the Slytherin table, stopping at Harry's side and tapping him gently on the shoulder.
Harry raised his head up at the tapping on his shoulder, turning slightly to look at Snape better. "Hey Snape."
Hannah and Connor moved back slightly, giving the child room to move. "Evening Professor," the girl smiled at the man as Harry turned fully on the bench with the new room.
"I am going down to our quarters, however, if you would like to stay here in the Great Hall for a bit longer one of the older students may walk you down." The man nodded to the students Harry was sitting with.
"Wait! Aren't we supposed to go see the owls again?" Harry frowned, shoulders slouching just slightly.
Another student sitting across the table gave a soft, "Aw," before quickly focusing back on her dessert.
Snape's eyes moved to the student across from Harry before they traveled back to his child. "If you would like to go see the owls then you need to come now."
Harry's grin returned and he stood, going to Snape's side. As if he wouldn't!
"Have fun, Harry," Hannah smiled as she watched the child. "We'll see you later."
Snape started towards the door with Harry at his side. "Perhaps you can go out in the snow with your friends tomorrow."
"Okay!" The child rubbed under his glasses for a moment before keeping up with Snape's steps. "Can I help with a potion while we're here too?"
"Maybe tomorrow." Snape started up a staircase. "Tonight, we are going to see the owls and then I believe it will be time for a bath and bed."
"M'kay." Harry followed after the man, hand moving to grasp at Snape's cloak, so he didn't get too far ahead.
Snape slowed his steps as the child grabbed onto his cloak. "We are not staying with the owls too long as you do not have a jacket. We will come back again before the weekend is over."
Harry started to shiver as they continued up the tower, leaning closer to Snape as he nodded. "Okay," he agreed as he smiled brightly at the man. "Thanks, Snape."
Snape's hand moved to gently tap the boy's back as they stepped into the Owlery. "Five minutes."
The owls were much more active than they had been earlier, hooting and fluttering across the tower and out into the sky. A few crooned towards the pair while several fluttered past.
"I can't wait to have one!" His tone was at his normal volume, not having to worry about disturbing the animals as they went about.
Snape hummed softly. "The moment you turn eleven we will see to purchasing you an owl," the man promised as he watched the child.
Harry reached a hand out to one of the barn owls, the animal nipping gently at the outstretched fingers before allowing Harry to rub at its neck. "Like. That day as soon as I wake up." He nodded, smiling brightly as he continued to rub the feathers softly.
"I am sure that could be arranged." Snape watched as a large snowy owl flew around the ceiling.
"That one. That one is really nice!" He pulled his hand away, pointing up to the snowy owl as it landed on a high bannister.
"She is indeed." Snape nodded as he looked over at the child, noticing that he was shivering. "We should get you down to our quarters and in the bath before you catch a cold."
Harry moved back to Snape slowly, pressing into the man's side and against his cloak. The last thing he wanted was to get ill on their weekend here!
"Come now." Snape started out of the room with Harry at his side. "We will visit the owls again soon." The man placed a hand on Harry's back, instantly silently scolding himself when he realized how cold the child felt.
He shivered sharply, attempting to stay at Snape's side while they walked. It was proving to be far too difficult and he pulled himself slowly from the heat under Snape's cloak.
Snape looked down at the child beside him. "Right into a warm bath and then bed." His hand moved to rest gently on Harry's shoulder.
"Kay," Harry muttered softly as they started down the staircase that led to the dungeons. Once they were on the bottom floor, he walked against Snape's side easily.
"I meant to tell you." Snape waved a hand causing their parlor door to swing open. "You were exceptionally well behaved at dinner this evening."
"It was fun." The child hummed as he stepped into the parlor and kicked off his trainers. A large yawn shook his body as he stretched his arms up.
"Shoes in your bedroom and then go get in the bath, please." Snape took off his cloak hanging it beside the door.
Harry nodded as he picked up his trainers, going down the hall and placing them next to his door within his bedroom. Moving further into the room, he went to his dresser and removed a pair of pajamas before crossing the hall and shutting the bathroom door.
Nearly half an hour passed before Snape heard the water draining from the bathtub. The man stood, moving towards Harry's bedroom. He could not help but feel proud of his child for how well behaved he had been. The man hoped that perhaps this was the start of Harry being in trouble far less often.
Harry came out of the bathroom a few minutes later, going into his room and instantly over to his bed. He grinned as he moved to Snape, wrapping his arms tightly around the man's neck.
Snape wrapped his arms tightly around the child before lifting him and setting him on his lap. "How was your bath?"
"Good." The child nestled his head against Snape's shoulder, yawning before rubbing at his face.
Snape hummed softly as his hand moved to gently rub the boy's back for a fleeting moment before traveling down to gently pat his rear end. "Come now, into bed."
Harry nodded, shifting off his guardian's lap and into the bed. He rolled on his side, grinning softly as he closed his eyes. "Been the best day..."
"I'm quite glad that you think so." Snape pulled the blankets up around the boy's shoulders, tucking them under his chin. "Roll onto your stomach and I will rub your back."
With a hum, Harry did so and tucked his arms under his pillow. "Can we have waffles for breakfast?"Snape hummed softly as he adjusted the blankets once more before his hand moved to rub between the child's shoulder blades. "With fruit," Harry quickly added.
"I am sure that can be arranged." Snape's hand moved down the boy's back. "Perhaps some hot chocolate as well?" The man could hardly believe he was offering such a thing with breakfast.
The child giggled at the offer, eyes remaining closed as he nodded into his pillow. A large yawn passed his lips before he settled down with a sigh. "Love you."
"I love you too, little boy, very much." Snape's hand moved to rub between the child's shoulder blades once more as he felt the boy's breathing deepen.
Being within the dungeons made it much easier to sleep in with the lack of sunlight being able to enter the room. This hardly stopped Harry from waking at a decent hour, having been far too excited to just sleep in.
He nearly fell while attempting to untangle himself from his covers. Giving a huff, he reached for his glasses sitting on the side table and placed them on his nose before leaving his room.
The child grinned as he entered the parlor, stretching as he moved into the kitchen. "Mornin'," Harry hummed softly, raising a hand and rubbing at both of his eyes before yawning widely.
Snape looked up from his morning paper as the child stepped into the room. His cheeks were still flushed from the warmth of his bed and his hair was still a mess. "Good morning, Harry." Snape tapped the table causing the breakfast that the boy had requested to appear. "Did you sleep well?"
Harry grinned widely despite his outwardly tired appearance. "Mhm!" He hummed once more, sitting in his seat next to the man and pulling his plate a little closer. "What are we gonna do today? Can we go play in the snow?"
Snape folded his paper, setting it on the table. "You may go out with the older students this afternoon and play in the snow if you like."
"You should come too." Harry grinned, picking up his fork and digging into the large waffle to take the first bite. "Please?" He continued after swallowing.
"We shall see." Snape picked up his teacup. "I have some grading that I need to complete this weekend."
'`You're always workin'," he muttered softly, taking a few bites of his fruit as he frowned. "Take a breaaak."
"Aside from grading some exams I am taking a break this entire weekend." The man set his teacup back down.
Harry nodded as he placed his fork down, reaching and carefully picking up his glass of juice to take a large swallow of it. "I can't wait to always be here." He placed the glass down, picking up his fork to take another bite of the waffles.
"I hope that enthusiasm remains when you are." Snape gave the child a knowing look.
"Why wouldn't it?" The child huffed at the thought. "I love it here! I can't wait to take classes too." He nodded, eating most of his fruit.
"I am sure you will excel as a student here." Snape nodded once approval as the child ate his fruit.
Harry grinned as he continued to eat, finishing up his meal several moments later and pushing his plate away slowly. "Done!" He looked towards the window, grinning at the water of the lake.
Snape tapped the table causing it to clear. "What are you planning on doing this morning? Perhaps playing with your toys?"
"Well…what are you doin? I guess grading?" His shoulders slouched down slightly, frowning at Snape.
Snape was silent for a moment as he considered the question. It had snowed quite a bit overnight and it was supposed to do so again before lunch. Still, if they used the floo they could spend the morning out. "Go get dressed." Snape picked up his teacup taking a long sip. Once he swallowed, he continued. "Dress warmly and be sure to put on your boots, jacket, hat, and gloves as well. We will go spend the morning in Hogsmeade."
"Really?" Harry jumped up, hands resting on the table. "Yesss!" There was no hiding his excitement as he rushed down the hall. He didn't need to be told twice! The child darted into his room, closing his door and going to his wardrobe.
Snape chuckled softly as the child ran out of the room. "Be sure to brush your teeth as well," he called after Harry before he stood. The man moved to the parlor, pulling his cloak from the front closet.
The child dressed quickly, but carefully. He had to make sure he dressed right! Sitting on the floor. He pulled on his boots before standing and slipping on his jacket. Grabbing his gloves and hat, Harry moved into the bathroom to do as he heard.
Within minutes he was back in the parlor, slipping on his gloves. "Help?" He moved over to Snape, holding out his hat.
Snape took the hat from the child, quickly yet carefully pulling it onto his head. "Did you brush your teeth?" The man turned and picked up a handful of floo powder.
"Mhm!" Harry followed after Snape, stepping into the hearth while grinning.
Snape stepped into the fireplace beside the child taking his hand in his free hand before dropping the floo powder at their feet.
A moment later the two stepped out and into the Hogs Head Inn. "You are buying no more than two treats today. Am I understood?"
Snape often bought the child a small treat or two when they went out for the day and Harry often argued or pleaded for more. The man hardly wanted anything like that to ruin their day.
Harry's shoulders slouched, holding Snape's hand tightly. Two sweets was hardly anything. Still, he gave a small nod of understanding. "Kay."
"Very good." The man started across the pub, leading the child past several men who were sitting at the bar drinking and towards the exit. "Where would you like to go? Honeydukes or perhaps Zonko's?"
"Honeydukes!" Harry exclaimed as he kept a tight hold on Snape's hand and led the way out. "I want a chocolate frog!"
Snape nodded as he pushed the door open, stepping outside behind the child. He paused for a moment, pulling Harry's hat down a bit tighter on his head. "Honeydukes, it is then." He led the child in the direction of the candy store.
Harry shivered at the initial step out into the cold before he quickly got over it. He grinned widely as they walked down the path, falling into step next to Snape. He would come here every weekend if he could! "When I start goin' to Hogwarts, can we come here more?"
"I suppose we could as long as your schoolwork was completed." Snape paused in his steps once more, leaning down to zip Harry's jacket up as far as it would go.
Harry frowned as the jacket was zipped up, whining softly. "Stoop.." His tone was soft, glancing around the street before pouting up to the man.
"It is freezing out." Snape stood up straight once more before taking the child's hand and continuing towards Honeydukes. "I do not want you getting too cold or sick."
"I wooon't." His pout faded as honey dukes came into view, speeding his steps up. "Can't I get two things here and one thing at Zonkos?"
"What did I say?" Snape looked down at the child as they walked up to the store. "Two treats today."
"Snape…" Harry frowned, looking at the window of the store before leading up to the store.
"I do not have to buy you anything at all." Snape stopped in front of the store, leaning down to put his face closer to the child's. "We can turn around and go right back to Hogwarts."
The child flushed, looking away as the man leaned down. "Sorry," he muttered softly, releasing Snape's hand and folding his arms.
"It is okay," Snape said softly before standing up straight once more. "However, two treats for today remains." The man looked down at the child beside him once more. "Now would you like to go get your chocolate frog or go back to Hogwarts?"
"Chocolate frog," Harry muttered, looking back to the store. They were already here…why would he want to go back now?
Snape pushed the door open, stepping to the side to allow the child to walk in first.
Harry glanced up to Snape, smiling again as he stepped into the building. He instantly went to the displays of chocolate frogs, resting his hands on the table. Of all the sweets, they had been his absolute favorite since the start!
"Go on and pick one." Snape's hand gently tapped the boy's back. "If you are sure that is what you want. Not a licorice wand or a chocolate cauldron? Perhaps peppermint toads?"
"Oh, peppermint toads." Harry paused mid-reach, looking over to where they would be. Okay, well, those were a close second. "Pleaaaase can't I get two things here and one at Zonkos? Pleeeeaaaase?" He whined, lowering his hand down.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the boy's whining. "What did we just talk about?" He leaned down, placing his mouth next to Harry's ear. "I hardly think you want to find yourself back in our parlor standing in the corner with a sore rear end. Do you?"
Harry turned his head away, his lip pouting out as he shook his head. "Then…peppermint toads."
Snape was silent for a long moment as he remained bent over, his face close to Harry's. "I will make you a deal however, any more whining and complaining after this will end poorly for you."
The child blinked and looked back to Snape, his shoulders slouched as he met Snape's gaze. "Okay," he agreed softly, lowering his hands fully to his side and off the table.
"You may get your chocolate frog as well as peppermint toads and something at Zonko's." The man gave the child a serious look. "However, you are only eating one treat today. One will be put away for another time."
Harry's grin broke out in full at the words, his arms quickly wrapping around Snape's neck while he was more at his level. It had been his plan anyway! "Thank yooou!" He hummed, tightening his hold for a moment before releasing the man and grabbing a box that contained a chocolate frog.
"No more whining." Snape's hand gently tapped the boy's shoulder as he stood up straight. He was sure that he was spoiling the boy absolutely rotten.
Harry shook his head as he moved away, his smile remaining bright as he led the way over to the peppermint frogs. "It's why I wanted two! Cause we don't come all the time."
Snape hummed softly as he followed the boy across the store, unsure as to whether he believed the child or not. He was sure if given the chance Harry would eat both in the same sitting.
The child continued to smile as he grabbed a box of the peppermint toads, turning to Snape with a nod. He would, of course, have liked more. But he was glad he was able to get two things and also another from Zonkos!
"Would you like to look at anything else while we are here?" Snape glanced around at the elaborate displays for the sweets.
"Not if I can't have 'em. These are my favorites." He held his hands up with both sweets.
Snape gave a nod, moving towards the front counter to pay. "I suppose we should pay for those so that we may go to Zonko's then."
Harry followed after the man, his eyes darting towards some chocolate wands before he shook his head and went up to the counter. He placed the items up on it before settling next to Snape's side.
Snape quickly paid for the child's items, picking up the small bag before turning on his heel and leading Harry towards the store's exit. "Are we stopping anywhere else today aside from Zonko's?"
Stepping into the cold air, Harry shivered as the wind struck his face before he shook his head. "Nah, I still gotta play in the snow too!"
"After lunch." Snape turned in the direction of the joke shop. "The sun will be a bit higher then."
Harry ignored the words, jogging a few steps ahead of Snape before pausing and looking back to the man. He grinned widely and waited until Snape was closer before grabbing his hand tightly within his own.
"I am continually impressed with your behavior, little boy." Snape gently squeezed the child's hand.
The child hummed happily, pressing his cheek into Snape's cloak as they walked down the path. He had been trying his best to not ruin anything! The last thing he wanted was for them to go home early.
Snape's hand wrapped around Harry, resting gently on the boy's back. "Shall we have lunch out or would you rather eat back at Hogwarts?"
"Lunch out!" Harry shivered, raising a gloved hand to rub at his cold cheeks. "I'd like some shepherd's pie."
Snape raised an eyebrow as he felt the boy shiver. "You aren't too cold, are you? We can always come back another day when it is a bit warmer."
"Nope." He shook his head, lips curling down to a small frown. "It's only gonna get colder! And we're here already."
Snape cleared his throat as the pair approached the front of Zonko's. "How many things are we purchasing here?"
Harry sighed, looking up to Snape. "One?" There was only a hit of disappointment within his tone, yet the child couldn't complain. It was his original want anyway. Two sweets, one toy.
"Very good." Snape pulled the door to the store open allowing the child to walk in before he stepped in behind him. "Any thoughts as to what we are looking for?"
"Mmn...no." Harry shook his head as he stepped into the shop, going to the far wall on the right to look along the shelves.
Snape followed after the child, his eyes roaming to several prank toys that he found to be absolutely ridiculous.
The child frowned as they walked the isles before he stopped at the inflatable tongue. "This!" Ideas raced through the child's head. Imagine using it at school! The other kids and teachers would panic! The idea alone made Harry giggle. "Please?" He turned back to Snape.
Snape picked up one of the small boxes, looking it over carefully. "What do you plan on doing with this?"
Harry simply shrugged a shoulder. "Scare you?" He grinned, looking at the box within his own hand. "Pleaaase?"
"Stop whining," Snape chided lightly as he turned the box over in his hand before placing it back on the shelf. "If that is what you want, that is fine."
"Yes!" Harry grinned widely, looking down at the toy before nodding. "Yup. I want this." He turned away, already moving towards the front with a content hum.
"Just see to it that you do not get yourself into trouble with it." Snape followed the boy to the counter to purchase the toy.
"I'll try." He grinned up to Snape as he placed the box on the counter.
Snape paid for the toy, picking up the bag containing it a moment later. "Are you ready for lunch or would you like to go to any more stores?"
"Lunch!" The child's excitement of the day was clear as he led the way to the front. "I've been wanting shepherd's pie and a butterbeer!"
Snape followed the child through the store and out the exit before heading in the direction of The Three Broomsticks. "Shepherd's pie does sound like a nice lunch." The man looked down at the child. "I may just have the same."
Harry fell back into step with Snape, curling his left arm into the man's right. He rested his slightly flushed cheek against the cloak, blinking as a few snowflakes landed against his face.
"We should likely head back after lunch." The pair approached The Three Broomsticks as Snape reached out pulling the door open. "Resting for a bit in front of the fire would probably suit us both."
"M'kay." With a nod, the child stepped into the building and quickly started to move over to an empty table near a window.
Snape followed the boy, sitting down across from him. "You should take your jacket, hat, and gloves off. I don't want you to overheat."
Harry remained standing, removing his jacket and placing it on the back of his chair and removing his hat and gloves. Sitting down, he placed the items on the table and shook his hair out.
"Harry!" Snape instantly scolded the child. "Do not behave like an animal."
"What?" Harry frowned, rubbing a hand through his hair. "I hate wearing hats…makes my hair feel weird." He placed his hand down, lowering his gaze down to the table.
"That does not mean that you shake it out at the table." Snape's hand moved to tap the child's hand a bit firmly. "That is not acceptable at all."
"Sorry," he muttered softly, sighing as he looked at his hand before pulling it away slowly.
Snape nearly continued to scold the child, but he quickly stopped himself from doing so. Overall, Harry had been quite well behaved, and the man hardly wanted to ruin the afternoon over something so small. "It is okay," he breathed as a waitress began approaching them. "Just do not do so again."
Harry nodded shortly, dropping his hand to his lap as he smiled up towards the waitress. He ordered for himself, quite proud to do so as his grin broke out in full once more.
Snape ordered after his child did. Tapping his fingertips lightly against the table as the waitress walked away. "Are the older students planning on going out to play in the snow today?"
"Well, when I said I wanted to play outside today, they said they'd join! So..." He grinned at the man, pulling one of his gloves to himself and folding its fingers inward.
"I want you to rest for at least an hour when we go back but then you may go play." The man's fingers continued to gently drum on the table as the waitress approached once more, setting down their drinks.
"I don't gotta rest, though." Harry shook his head, frowning for a moment before he smiled and pulled his drink to himself.
"You do not need to nap." Snape shook his head as his hand moved to pick up his teacup. "However, warming up in front of the fire for a bit will not hurt you."
The child sighed, taking a long drink of the butter beer before pushing it away slightly with a smile. "Will you please come outside too?"
"If I come outside then I will have to grade exams this evening." Snape raised an eyebrow at the child. "I would have thought you would rather I was free tonight."
"Can't you grade tomorrow?" Harry frowned once more, his shoulders slouching down as he stared at the man. "You grade all the time.."
Snape opened his mouth to reply but paused as the waitress placed their food on the table. Snape thanked the woman before turning his attention back to the child across from him. "Grading is important. It needs to be done by Monday. I cannot put it off all weekend."
Harry's frown remained as he looked down to his meal, slowly picking up his fork and taking a small bite. "Kay," he breathed softly, taking a much more normal bite.
Snape sighed softly as he picked up his fork and took a bite of his meal. The man watched the child as he chewed and swallowed before clearing his throat. "However, I suppose I could grade tonight after you are in bed."
He blinked, looking up as Snape spoke before his smile broke across his face. "Really?" He took another proper bite before reaching and taking a swallow of his drink.
Snape nodded. "However if I do not complete it all tonight you will not complain when I need to finish tomorrow." The man ate another bite of his meal.
"Okay!" Harry continued to eat, swinging his legs idly as he looked out the window. He could handle that. "Well…then maybe later tomorrow we could do a potion?"
"You would like to help me with a potion, or would you like me to find one that you can make on your own?" Snape ate another bite of his meal. The child enjoyed both and Snape was not sure which he would pick.
"Help you." He nodded, smiling as he took two more large bites. "I mean unless you want me to do one myself."
"Helping me is fine." Snape nodded as he picked up his teacup, taking a long swallow. "I quite enjoy it when you help me."
Harry smiled as he focused on finishing his meal before pushing his plate away. "Thanks, Snape."
Snape nodded at the glass of juice in front of the child. "Finish your drink please."
The child sighed as he pulled his glass to himself, drinking the remaining within several swallows. He pushed it back with his plate, smiling at Snape. "So, you'll really come outside too?"
Snape ate several bites of his meal as he thought the question over. "I will come outside for a little while."
Harry beamed happily to the man before looking back outside and to the steadily falling snow. The winter was always his favorite.
"I still want you to relax for a bit before we go out." Snape quickly paid the check as the waitress came over, declining dessert for both himself and Harry. "Put your jacket, hat, and gloves back on," the man instructed as the waitress walked away.
He nearly protested as Snape declined the dessert, frowning for only a moment before his face returned to a more neutral expression. Standing, he grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair and slipped it on before reaching for his gloves. Pulling them on, a soft whine of complaint passed his lips as he grabbed his hat. "Do I have to wear it?"
Snape raised an eyebrow at the child as he stood, adjusting his cloak. "You absolutely have to wear that hat."
Harry sighed dramatically, pulling the hat on and moving around the table to stand next to the man.
"You are going to need to wear it as well when you go out to play." Snape leaned down, zipping the child's jacket up to the top before pulling the hat down more securely on the boy's head. "Regardless of your dramatics over doing so."
The child bowed his head slightly as the hat was adjusted, giving a small huff at the words. "You don't wear a hat."
"Ah but I make the rules, little boy, you do not." Snape placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, gently stirring him towards the exit.
Harry frowned as he was guided to the exit, shoulders slouched. "That's not fair!" He declared, blinking as he opened the door to the winter air.
"One day you will be grown and then if you choose not to wear a hat you will not be forced to do so." Snape started in the direction of Hogs Head once more. "Until then however, you will wear one when I decide that it is necessary."
The child leaned against Snape's side as they walked, pressing his cheek into the cloak. Even if he didn't want to wear a hat, the sharp wind still burned his face as they walked down the path. "Do you like the snow?"
"I do," Snape nodded as he wrapped an arm around the boy. "I have always quite liked snow."
Harry smiled as he nestled closer, closing his eyes for a brief moment so Snape could simply guide him. Blinking, he raised his head back up and looked as they came closer to Hogs Head. "It's the best."
"It can be quite peaceful." Snape opened the door to Hogs Head leading the child inside. "Though I am looking forward to spending some time in front of the fire."
"Can we play some Exploding Snap?" He looked over his shoulder to the man, grinning as he stepped into the building.
"Exploding Snap hardly sounds relaxing to me?" The man led the child over to the large fireplace on the back wall.
"What about checkers? Or chess?" Harry moved to the large hearth, stepping into it and grinning at Snape.
Snape raised an eyebrow as he picked up a handful of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace beside the child. "Let's get home and we will see."
He rested into the man's side, wrapping his arms around Snape's as he stood next to him. With a huff of breath, Harry closed his eyes tightly as he nodded into Snape's arm.
Snape dropped the floo powder at their feet, a moment later guiding Harry out and into their own parlor. He turned on his heel, waving a hand and causing a fire to roar to life. "Take off all that extra clothing and warm up by the fire."
Harry stepped into the parlor, removing his hat first and simply running a hand through the messy locks. He grinned as he removed his gloves and coat, going over to the couch and carefully placing the items over the arm of it for future use. "M'kay." He nodded, going over to the fireplace once more and sitting down in front of it.
Snape removed his cloak, placing it on the hook by the front door before moving to his armchair and sitting. The man leaned back in the chair, his eyes closing.
The child looked over to Snape, grinning slightly before he scooted over to the man and leaned against his legs.
A small grin formed on Snape's lips as he felt Harry lean against him. "Feeling warmer?"
"Yeah," Harry hummed, turning his head to nestle his head against Snape's leg before he closed his eyes.
"Very good," Snape murmured softly as his head tilted back a bit more.
The child shifted his legs, raising a hand up to rub at his face tiredly before a yawn escaped him. He had wanted to play but he was suddenly feeling more tired than anything else.
"Is a nap in order?" Snape hummed softly, his eyes opening slightly as his foot gently nudged the boy's leg.
"Nooo," he whined softly, shifting his leg away slightly before releasing a huffed breath.
"Come up here and sit with me." Snape ignored the child's whining completely.
Harry rubbed at his face once more before slowly pushing himself up and crawling onto the man's lap. His head rested against Snape's shoulder as he slid between his guardian's side as the arm of the chair.
Snape waved a hand causing a blanket to appear. Plucking it from the air he draped it over the child before leaning back further in his chair, bringing Harry with him.
The child smiled softly, wrapping an arm tightly around Snape's middle as he closed his eyes once more. "Love you."
"I love you very much." Snape leaned down, placing a kiss on top of the boy's head.