I tried to make this a long one for ya'll :) And thank you to ethulinda for being my muse for this one! Enjoy!
Snape sat in his armchair, several papers in his hand, a copy of a letter from Albus to the Ministry as well as the rules and regulations involving Harry's upcoming trial.
An exasperated sigh escaped his lips as his eyes scanned them over. He would not be permitted to accompany Harry into the trial. That rule alone made his blood boil. At fifteen, Harry was not prepared to face the Ministry on his own. Under normal circumstances that would be preposterous. The Ministry had done nothing in the past year aside from try to take the boy. Forcing Harry to go into the trial alone only showed that they hoped the teenager would say or do something to allow them to do just that.
The man scowled down at the parchment. He had enough stress without this added to it. The Order of the Phoenix was reforming with meetings set to begin as early as the next evening. With Voldemort's return heavy on everyone's mind, protecting Harry was of the utmost importance. Sending him into the trial alone would only be a detriment to that.
Aside from that, there was the matter of the Death Eater meetings. His dark mark had burned several times over the past few weeks and he had ignored it every time.
Harry sat on the couch across from his guardian, legs folded as he stared down to the piece of parchment he had rested upon a closed book. His mind was a million miles away, drawing idle lines across the parchment with his quill in no certain order. He could feel the frustration from Snape; the sighs and overall the feeling in the room was stressed.
He swallowed, sparing a glance up towards his guardian as he continued to draw idle shapes on the parchment. There was no telling how all this would play out, not having Snape or even Remus at the trial to be sure the Ministry stayed in order.
Snape's eyes remained on the letter as he cleared his throat. "Your behavior in this trial had better be extraordinary." He let out a sound of frustration as he read over the list of rules once more. He would have to speak to Albus, see if something could be arranged so that at least someone could accompany the boy into the hearing. "I want to hear afterwards that you were nothing but polite and respectful."
"Course I will be." Harry rubbed at his forehead, pulling his knees up slightly higher so the book and parchment rested at a higher angle. His quill continued to scratch against the parchment while his eyes settled back down. He wasn't an idiot with ministry. The idea that Snape even thought he wouldn't behave was annoying.
Snape let out of a huff of annoyance as he attempted to concentrate on what he was reading. "Stop with that noise!" He nearly barked at the teenager.
Harry's hand froze, blinking at the harsh words from the man. "What?" He looked up to Snape, frowning.
"Stop making all that noise!" Snape's features grew stern as his eyes left the letters in his hand and traveled to his child. "Before you find yourself spending the better part of the afternoon in your room."
"I'm just sitting here!" Harry's own tone grew slightly as he huffed out a breath, looking back to his parchment and deciding to try his hand at drawing Hedwig. The man was mental, he was sure of it. He was barely making any noise at all.
"Watch that cheek," the man hissed as Bane moved into the room, lying down beside the teenager.
"You don't even know what being cheeky is then," Harry breathed in an annoyed tone, keeping his focus on his parchment rather than his guardian.
"That is quite enough. You can go stand yourself in the corner." The man placed the letters on his lap. "Now."
It was only then that the teenager lowered his book and the parchment with it. "For what? I hadn't even said two words to you before you got all... like this." He made a motion with the quill over to the man.
"And the few words you said were nothing but cheek. Now go." Snape's eyes narrowed on the teenager. He was in absolutely no mood for this.
"I only said I was going to behave at the trial!" He found his voice raising, trying to defend himself in some way. His throat tightened. Snape being upset with him for any reason was the last thing he needed.
"I am expected to believe that when you cannot even behave here?" The man stood, the papers on his lap floating down to the floor. He leaned down, taking hold of Harry's arm and pulling him to his feet, causing his own book to fall. The man gently but firmly led the child across the parlor. As they approached the corner, Snape's free hand raised, coming down in a stinging swat on the jean clad backside. "Thirty minutes in silence!"
Harry attempted to pull his arm free as he was moved across the parlor, yelping soon after as the swat met his backside. Tears burned behind his eyes as he was placed in the far corner of the room, taking in a shuddering breath as he stared to the floor. "What did I do?!" He turned towards the man, blinking as several angry tears trailed down his cheeks.
"I am not going to deal with this cheek of yours young man. You will stand there quietly or I will restart your thirty minutes every time a blasted word comes out of your mouth!" The man refrained from landing a second smack to the disobedient rear end. He knew how hard he had hit his child. His own palm was still tingling. "Now put your nose in that corner!"
"I haven't been cheeky until you told me to stop doing... NOTHING!" Harry felt his chin quiver, blinking as he stared at the man through blurred eyes. Snape wasn't being fair at all! "You're being a git," he breathed, raising a hand to rub the tear trails away as he turned his head.
Despite how hard he tried not to do so, Snape took a firm grip on the boy's arm once more landing a second hard swat. "If one more disrespectful word comes out of your mouth, you will find yourself coming out of that corner in thirty minutes and fetching the paddle. Are we clear?" His grip remained on the boy's arm.
Harry twisted away after the swat, a broken sob escaping as his bottom burned. His jeans offered little comfort with such hard smacks. He could only give a nod, taking in several shuddering breaths as he stared down to his sock clad feet.
Snape stared down at the boy for a long moment, nearly landing another smack before he released his grip on his arm. Turning on his heel, the man walked back over to his armchair. He leaned down, picking up the two letters before he sat down with a frustrated sigh.
Harry glanced over towards Snape as the man walked away, looking back towards the wall before the man sat and saw him. He took in a shaky breath, raising his hand up to remove his glasses to properly rub at his eyes. He couldn't help but feel sorry for himself. He wanted to turn around and tell his guardian to sod off before storming to his room but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Something was wrong. Snape was wrong. He didn't do things like this. He didn't act like this. Not anymore. He hadn't acted like this in nearly two years.
The man's eyes moved back to the letters as Bane moved across the parlor, sitting down beside him and pressing himself against Snape's leg. The man's right hand dropped, still tingling slightly, to gently rub behind the canine's ear. He was sure that the child had been cheeky enough for the punishment he had just handed out. A frustrated sigh passed the man's lip. The sound of the boys sobs was heartbreaking at best. Had Harry really been setting out to annoy him or had he managed to allow his frustrations boil over...
The man turned his head, glancing over at the teenager in the corner.
Harry kept his eyes towards the floor for several moments, swallowing in an attempt to silence himself. "Can I just go to my room?" He whispered, keeping his glasses to his side as he continued to rub at his eyes. If Snape was going to snap at him for nothing then he didn't even want to be around the man.
Snape sighed softly as he heard the question. The sound of the boys tears for the past ten minutes had caused the man's temper and annoyance to vanish completely. He was beginning to feel like a complete arse. The stress of everything had caused him to take it out on the one person who did not deserve it at all.
"You may not," Snape sighed softly once more. "You may, however, come here."
Harry lingered in his place, turning to look over towards Snape with a frown. Surely he hadn't done anything wrong while he was in the corner. He nearly asked if he was about to be walloped further, but the question died at his lips as he slowly moved away from the wall and towards the man. He paused a few steps away from Snape, eyeing the man for any more signs of annoyance. Finding none, Harry sighed and stepped up closer while rubbing his face.
The man frowned as he moved the letters from his lap to the table beside him. His eyes settled on the teenager for a long moment before he cleared his throat. "I owe you a very serious apology Harry." His frown deepened. "It is not an excuse for my behavior by any means, however, the amount of stress I am experiencing became too much for a moment. I took it out on you and I am sincerely sorry."
Harry found himself swallowing once more, blinking as he turned to place his glasses on the coffee table before looking back to Snape. "You don't think I'm stressed too?" There was no helping his words, voice cracking just slightly as he attempted to keep his emotions at bay. "I'm sorry," he whispered, looking down with a shake of his head. "I wish I could take... take everything back so none of this would happen."
Snape felt his heart hurt as he reached out, taking a gentle hold of the boy's arm. He pulled him forward, wrapping his arms tightly around the teenager. "I do not blame you Harry. Not in the slightest." He pulled the boy closer to his chest.
His arms raised, wrapping around Snape's neck loosely as his forehead rested down into his shoulder. "I do," he whispered softly, tightening his hold slightly as tears once more escaped without his permission.
The man sighed softly, lifting the child onto his lap, his arms wrapping around the boy once more. "I apologize for making you feel that way. I certainly did not intend to do so at all."
Harry was sure that he was getting too big for such a thing, scooting to sit more at the man's side while his legs rested over Snape's. His head lifted slightly to rest on Snape's shoulder as he stared off towards the wall. "It's not just you. I've felt like this for days."
Snape hummed softly at the words. "Perhaps we both need to work on our communication a bit more." The man's hand moved to gently rub the teenager's back. "Does your backside need healing? I know I was far from gentle."
Harry shook his head, keeping his head down with a sniff. "'M fine," he muttered softly, lowering his arms from around Snape's neck and shifting to rest his cheek down on the man's chest.
"This trial and the meetings starting back up," the man sighed softly. "I believe It has all proven to be a bit too much."
"I'm sorry," Harry whispered, raising his head to look at Snape properly with a frown.
"You have no reason to apologize." Snape's fingertips gently patted the small of the boys back. "I was horrible. I'm not sure I even deserve your forgiveness."
The words caused the teenager to blink, pulling away just slightly to narrow his eyes. Snape had treated him much worse before he came into his care, this was nothing compared to that. Even when he had first come to stay with Snape he was harsher than he had been just moments ago. He huffed, resting his head back down. "I'll always forgive you."
Snape could hardly help the small grin that formed on his lips. "I appreciate that immensely." He leaned forward, pressing a kiss on the teenager's forehead. "I will try my hardest to keep my temper under control as well as refrain from taking out my frustration on you."
"I'll try the same," Harry hummed, shoulders relaxing as his arm curled around Snape's back in a half sided hug.
"That's all we can ask then I suppose." He tapped his fingertips against the boys back. "We will get through this. Everything will be fine."
"I hope so." Harry breathed, closing his eyes as he did so. "I'm terrified," he admitted softly, briefly rubbing his cheek against the man's coat before opening his eyes once more to stare at his lap.
Snape hummed softly. The words did not surprise him. He would have been worried if the boy wasn't scared. "What is frightening you exactly?"
Shifting his legs, Harry shrugged before glancing up to Snape with a frown. "I guess... everything about it," he muttered. "Not you or Remus can be at the trial. He's back and what that means for you. Just everything."
"I believe Professor Dumbledore will be able to accompany you into the trial." The man's eyes moved over to the list of rules on the table beside him. "Or at least it appears that way. So you will not be alone."
"Yeah... but that's not the same as having you or Remus there." He frowned, raising a hand to rub across his scar idly. "I just want this year to end already."
"No," Snape agreed softly. "It's not the same. However, it is certainly better than going on your own." The man gave a soft sigh. "The year has hardly begun. I am sure that after this little bump in the road things will be better."
"I know, but if this is how the year starts, it needs to end on a damn good note. Sorry." He smiled softly before Snape could think of reprimanding him.
The man raised a slightly amused eyebrow at the teenager. "We will see to it that it does. Perhaps we will visit the seaside at the end of the school year."
"That'd be great, but that's forever away," Harry sighed loudly, resting his cheek back to Snape's shoulder.
"Unfortunately there is not much we can do about that." The man looked down at the teenager. "However, should you be able to behave yourself I may allow you to go spend some time with the Weasleys prior to school beginning. Molly sent an owl this morning inviting you."
"When were you going to tell me? And what type of trouble could I possibly get in?" He nearly rolled his eyes, smiling slightly.
"I have only known myself for a few hours." The man raised an eyebrow. "If only I could answer that question..."
Harry looked up, frowning at the words. "I've been behaving the best I can," he pointed out softly, looking back down to his knees.
"I know." Snape sighed softly. "I didn't mean to imply that you have not been well behaved."
"I know... it's just... you don't have to think I'll always find some sort of trouble. It's never like I enjoy finding trouble," he muttered softly, shrugging a shoulder up.
"I do not think that." Snape shook his head. "I simply want you to behave at the Burrow. That is all."
"I will," Harry breathed, closing his eyes as he rested his head back down on Snape's shoulder.
"If you want to go back to your drawing, you may." Snape's hand rested on the small of the boy's back.
"I'm here now and comfortable." He shrugged a shoulder. "Unless you want me to move."
"Not at all." The man adjusted the teenager slightly. "It is actually a fine time to discuss the meetings that will be beginning tomorrow evening as well as what is expected from you while I attend them."
"The order meetings? That I should be allowed to join," Harry muttered soon after while adjusting his legs with a stretch.
"The order meetings that are for adults." Snape's hand moved to tap the boy's chin a bit firmly. "We have been over this."
Harry released a breath, looking back down to his knees with a deep frown. They could argue all day and night over the matter and neither of them would budge.
"Molly and Arthur will also be in these meetings. Arthur thought it might be a good idea to allow his children to come along and stay upstairs while the meetings take place. He suggested that I should bring you as well." Snape's neck bent slightly in an attempt to see the teenager's face.
"Thought you were going to at least take me there anyway." He raised his head up, meeting Snape's gaze as the frown remained.
"That was not my original plan. However, if you feel as though you would like to do so, you may go and spend time with your friends." Snape gave a small nod. "You may even go a bit early and see your godfather if you like."
A smile spread across Harry's face, giving a nod at the words. "Yeah. I would love that. Maybe a few hours early so I can talk to Sirius?"
"I think an hour will suffice to start." Snape's eyes met the teenager's. "If that goes well we can talk about adding more time from there."
Harry's smile faltered just slightly. Sometimes it seemed all too apparent of Snape's feelings of his godfather and he couldn't help but feel it affected his choice. "Why wouldn't that go well?"
"I feel confident in saying that if it did not go well it would have absolutely nothing to do with you." Snape frowned slightly.
"What could Sirius possibly do? He hasn't done anything wrong." Harry couldn't help but feel the need to defend his godfather, a scowl crossing his face.
"Aha." Snape's hand moved, his fingers tapping the underside of the boy's chin one more. "I have my own issues with trusting your godfather and I will continue to do so until he proves to me otherwise."
"It'll be nearly two years this year and it's hard for him to prove himself if I hardly get to see him." He pointed out, tilting his head away slightly.
"As I said, if the hour goes well and without incident, I will allow it to become two hours." The man locked eyes with the teenager. "And before you say a word, I know that you will make sure it goes well. I need to trust that he will too however."
Harry's frown remained, watching Snape for a moment before slowly nodding in a silent agreement. He couldn't make Snape change his mind. Not then at least.
"Very good. Tomorrow I will send you to your godfathers at four and I will arrive at five for the meeting. While the meeting is taking place you will remain upstairs with your friends." The man's hand moved to tap the teenager's chin once more. "Understood?"
Harry nodded once more, forcing a faint smile as he did so. "Yes sir." At the very least he would be able to talk to Ron and Hermione about everything.
Snape hummed softly, allowing his expression to soften. "What is it that you would like for dinner tonight?"
"Fish and chips? I've been wanting that for a few days now." He gave a small smile, resting his cheek back down to the man's chest.
"Fish and chips can be arranged." The man's fingertips gently tapped the small of the boys back. "With what vegetable?"
"Celery?" Harry gave a shrug. He really didn't want a vegetable at all but he wasn't about to start an argument over it.
"If there is celery on your plate you will eat it?" Snape raised a disbelieving eyebrow.
"If there's a little ranch I can dip it in." Harry grinned. "Please?"
"I suppose that can be arranged," the man hummed softly. "I believe Remus will be joining us prior to that."
Harry grinned at the words, stretching out his arms slightly. "I just want this over...the trial I mean. I wish I could redo these whole past few months."
"The trial will be over before you know it." Snape glanced over at the papers on the table beside him. "Perhaps later when Remus is here we will go over the rules."
"Please," Harry nodded eagerly. "I should probably know them so I don't break any of them."
"A fine point." Snape gave a small nod.
Nearly an hour passed before the floo roared to life, causing Harry to raise his head from its position on Snape's shoulder and look over towards the fireplace. A smile broke across his face as Remus stepped in, glancing over to the pair with a curious expression.
The only reason Harry ever sat with Snape in such a way was if something had happened. Although at the moment, the teenager seemed fine. "Everything alright here?" He mused softly, stepping into the parlor and chuckling as Harry stood from his guardian's lap.
"Everything is fine." Snape nodded as the teenager stood. "Bit of a communication issue." The man picked up the papers beside him, holding them out for Remus to take. "Albus submitted a formal letter of request to accompany Harry into his trial. I also have a list of the rules of said trial."
Remus moved over to the man, taking the extended papers while following Harry over to the couch. He affectionately reached out to the child, ruffling his hair as Harry sat down first before Remus sat next to him, resting his arm over the back of the couch as he looked down to the papers."Are they accepting his memories on the matter?" He flipped to the paper with the rules, crossing his right leg over his left as he read them over slowly.
Harry leaned back into the couch, slightly leaning over to look over to the same paper.
"They are." Snape nodded as he leaned back slightly in his chair. "Though Harry has to sign a binding contract that he did not tamper with them. As if a fifteen year old would be capable of doing such a thing," the man rolled his eyes.
"Bet they won't believe me anyway...thinking I somehow bested even the contract," Harry muttered, folding his arms as he looked downward to his knee. "Bloody Ministry just hates me."
Remus frowned, lowering his arm from the back of the couch to rest over the teenager's shoulder, his thumb moving to gently brush his arm.
"Altering a memory is far too advanced for you to do so," Snape spoke before he turned his attention back to Remus. The man refrained from commenting on the boy's choice of words altogether. "Being that neither you or I can accompany him, Albus doing something would be beneficial. I am certainly not comfortable with the idea of him going alone."
"Nearly am still," Harry interrupted, frowning before releasing a huff.
"Having Professor Dumbledore there is not nearly the same as being in that room alone," Remus chided softly, tapping the boy's arm gently.
"I don't understand why it can't be one of you," the teenager muttered, sparing a glance up towards Snape.
"Nor do I, but it is clearly states in the rules that either a blood parent or the Headmaster of Hogwarts may accompany you with permission." Snape frowned. "It is fine, Albus will be permitted to do so. I am sure of it."
"Why wouldn't he be?" Harry once more spoke, leaning forward slightly as Remus remained leaned back. "What if they don't let him? You know the Ministry wants me out. Then they'll try to take me away or something."
"No one is going to take you anywhere." Snape looked at Remus once more. "The most important thing is going to be Harry keeping his temper and speaking respectfully."
Remus opened his mouth to reply, however, before he could Harry once more interrupted. The man gave a sympathetic look behind the teen as his hand moved to rub between the boy's shoulders. "They try to make me say something though. They always did last year," he pointed out, frowning.
Snape's eyes narrowed slightly on the teenager though he refrained from commenting on his words and instead focused on Remus once more. "I certainly intend to be at the Ministry regardless of whether they approve or not."
"I will be as well if that's fine by you." Remus rested his arm upon the back of the couch after tapping Harry's back gently.
"Don't care what they bloody approve anymore," Harry muttered softly.
"Temper," Snape breathed softly in Harry's direction before once more speaking to Remus. "Of course. I would appreciate your being there, as would Harry I assume."
"Course," Harry quickly responded, looking between the two as he leaned back and grinned at the man.
"I still think they'll do something. Try to make it seem like I faked it in some way," the teenager breathed, looking down to his knees.
"They will be hard pressed to do so with your memory," Snape sighed softly. The man could do without all the negativity. This was hard enough.
Remus glanced up to Snape, frowning before he looked back down to the rules of the trial.
Harry continued to speak, causing the man to spare a look to the teenager. "If they're not trying to take me away from Snape, then they want me out of Hogwarts and want to label me a liar."
"Harry," Snape said the boy's name sternly. "What did we discuss before Remus arrived? I could do without your negative input every moment."
Harry frowned, arms remaining folded over his chest as he looked to the man. "Well what is there positive?"
"I am positive that you are going to find yourself in the corner once more if the cheek does not stop." The man's eyes remained on his child.
Harry extended an arm out to the man in a clear gesture of 'Again?' with a glare of his own. They just got over this! He didn't need Snape to still snap at him for nothing! "I'm not even being cheeky!"
Remus chose to remain silent, narrowing his eyes slightly as he looked to the paperwork quietly.
"I am trying to work out the details of your trial and I would appreciate being able to discuss it with Remus without you interrupting us constantly." The man's tone remained stern. He held Harry's glare for a long moment before his eyes shifted to Remus. "I think perhaps the best thing to do would be to discuss this further with Albus."
"You're just in a bloody mood," Harry muttered, nestling himself towards the corner of the couch with a frown.
Remus cleared his throat, speaking before his friend could address the teenager once more. "I agree. Albus will know the best steps to take at this time."
Snape let out an annoyed huff of breath, forcing himself to ignore the teenager's words. "Perhaps the three of us can discuss it tomorrow evening."
Remus gave a nod, offering an assuring smile before Harry once more spoke. "What about me? I'm the one going to trial, shouldn't I be included?"
"I will let you know what is said." Snape gave a nod refraining from commenting that they did not need the constant interruptions.
"Then just let me go," Harry continued, frowning deeply at the man. "If I can't go to the Order meetings, which affects me, then I should go to anything about my own trial!"
"I will not attempt to speak to Albus while you constantly interrupt me." Snape shook his head firmly. "You will be upstairs with your friends."
"That's just stupid," Harry breathed, pulling his legs up onto the couch.
"Corner," Snape spoke the word harshly feeling the last of his patience vanish.
Remus raised a silent brow, deciding to busy himself into the letter from Albus while silence fell for a few moments.
The teen blinked, staring at Snape incredulously before shaking his head. "No. Why?"
"I am done with your cheek. Now either walk yourself over to that corner so that I may speak to Remus without being interrupted or I will give you incentive to do so." The man's eyes narrowed on the boy.
"I'm not being cheeky!" Harry huffed loudly, slouching forward as he stared at the man. "You take everything as being cheeky!"
"I am not going to argue with you Harry, your backside will thank you if you just stop and go." The man reached forward, tapping the boy's knee firmly. "Now."
"Maybe you are just being a git today." Harry pushed himself up, glaring at Snape as he moved around the couch and across the room rather quickly. He hadn't been cheeky earlier and he still hadn't been! They were supposed to be working on communication and instead he was being sent to the stupid corner again.
Remus cleared his throat, watching as the teen moved away from his side with a frown. Stress was nearly radiating from the child and his friend as well.
"Maybe you need to take a trip over my knee today. We can certainly discuss it further when your time in the corner is done," Snape hissed as his eyes fell on the boy.
"Severus," Remus frowned, clearing his throat once more. Certainly the man could see how stressed the boy was. "Perhaps we should speak in the kitchen for a moment?"
Harry took in a shaky breath, closing his eyes as he rested his forehead against the wall.
Snape slowly pulled his eyes away from the teenager, giving a small nod as he resisted the urge to tell Harry to stand up straight. The man stood, moving into the kitchen, letting out an exasperated sigh as he did. "I do not know what has gotten into that boy!"
Remus followed after the man, sparing a quick glance towards Harry as he did so. He frowned at the words, resting a hand on the counter as he stared at Snape. "Really? I could think of a few things, Severus."
"That is not an excuse for his cheek. We just finished having a discussion about it prior to your arrival." Snape shot the man a look. "He is fifteen. He knows better."
"And stress of any sort has never made you lash out in any way?" Remus simply returned the look with a raised brow of his own before offering a sad smile.
The man was silent for a long moment before a soft sigh escaped him. "I am overwhelmed. Beyond stressed. Between this trial and meetings starting on both sides and His return." The man shook his head softly. "Harry must hate me."
Outside of the kitchen, Harry shifted his head faintly against the wall as he listened to the pair speak. Now he was quite glad he picked the corner closest to the kitchen and there was no hiding the small smile that crossed his face as Remus spoke to his guardian, fading slowly. Of course he didn't hate Snape.
"You know he doesn't." Remus shook his head, resting back against the counter. "And don't take this the wrong way, Severus. But given all this is going on, have you been sleeping? You seem as though you are well past tired."
"Not nearly enough," the man answered honestly. "I know Harry has not been either, despite what he says. Both of our tempers have been short."
"Perhaps a day of just rest is needed for you both? A nice dose of Dreamless Sleep." Remus spoke softly, frowning at the confession.
Snape gave a slight nod before suddenly realizing that his child was still in the corner. The man cleared his throat before speaking loudly. "Harry James, come here please."
Remus smiled, tilting his head towards the side as he heard the steps move towards the kitchen.
Harry took in a breath as he moved around the wall, pausing at the entry and sparing a look over to Remus. He forced a small smile, allowing it to fade as he looked over towards his guardian.
Snape raised a hand, waving the teenager over to him. He was sure the boy wanted nothing more than to be as far away from him as possible. He only hoped that somehow the fifteen year old would understand.
The teenager stepped further into the room, eyeing the man for a moment. They had just gone through this and as much as he appreciated what Remus had done, he couldn't help but feel it would all just happen again. When he didn't move any closer, Remus reached out and gently pressed his hand against the boy's back. "His bark is worse than his bite," he hummed softly, tapping Harry's back as he urged him forward.
Harry wanted to point out that the bite was generally worse but smiled at the words as he moved towards Snape.
The moment the teenager was close enough, Snape reached out, taking him by the arm and gently pulling him into a tight hug. The man bent his neck, placing a kiss on top of the boy's head. "I am a grumpy old fool," he breathed softly. "I don't expect you to understand or forgive me."
Harry wrapped his arms tightly around the man as he was pulled in, tucking his head into Snape's chest while closing his eyes. He nearly wanted to drag it out, to try not to forgive but he already promised earlier he would. Shaking his head, Harry tightened his hold slightly. "Told you I'll forgive you."
"I think perhaps you were right, I am just an old git today." Snape held the teenager a bit tighter in his arms for a long moment before he loosened his grip slightly.
Now those were words Harry chose to not respond to. He certainly wasn't going to deny them. Instead he simply shrugged as he pulled away slowly, causing Remus to chuckle.
"Go wash up and we'll have some dinner." Snape's hand moved to squeeze the back of the teenager's neck affectionately. "I think it will be an early night for both of us."
He wanted to argue that he didn't need to sleep early, but if he had heard correctly, the whole thing had been Remus' doing. And Snape would sleep early too. "Okay," he hummed softly, breaking away completely and moving to leave the kitchen.
Before he left, Remus took hold of him and pulled him to his own chest. Harry grinned, wrapping his arms tightly around the man in a silent thanks before he was released. Patting his back, Remus watched the child head towards the stairs before looking back to Snape.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the man. "Perhaps I do need a good night's sleep. And perhaps I could do to be a bit more patient with him. However, he also needs to watch that cheek of his. He is fifteen, not five Remus. He knows better."
"And you're thirty six if I recall correctly. I heard a very frustrated teenager, Severus. I believe we both know that teenagers do not have complete control of their emotions." Remus frowned, glancing briefly towards the stairway.
"You are absolutely right, they do not. However, he knows when he is being a cheeky brat." Snape moved towards the table. "Are you staying for dinner? We are having fish and chips at Harry's request."
"I believe you are right, he does know when he is being a cheek brat. Just as you are aware of when you are being a batty git." The words were clearly humorous, chuckling as he moved towards the table. "And I don't wish to intrude on your dinner."
Snape raised an eyebrow at the words though he did not deny them. "You are never an intrusion Remus."
"Then I'll stay." He gave a nod, resting his hands against the back of a chair. "Thank you."
"You are always welcome Remus." The man sat down tapping the table and causing their dinner to appear. He waved a hand over it casting a heating charm. "There is no need to thank me."
"I can see to it that you both take a dose of Dreamless Sleep tonight." Remus smiled, as he sat down as well, looking up as Harry entered back into the kitchen. The teenager took his seat next to his guardian, sparing a small smile to the man.
Snape hummed softly at the words as he picked up his knife and fork. "I certainly do not need supervision in that department." His tone was light as he began cutting his fish. "Harry is going to shower right after dinner and get himself into bed."
Harry frowned, picking up his own fork as he cut into the fish. "Like I have a choice," he muttered, taking a bite of his meal. He hated when his choices were just made for him.
"Are you going to try and convince me that you honestly are not tired?" Snape raised an eyebrow at the teenager.
Harry glanced up to Snape, shoulders slouching slightly as he continued to eat and simply shook his head. He wasn't going to argue against the words at all and his eyes shifted to Remus as the man spoke soon after.
"When was the last full night of sleep you had?" The man tilted his head, concern clear as he eyed the teenager.
"It's been a few nights." Harry admitted softly.
"As I said, you will eat and then take a shower and get yourself to bed." Snape ate a bite of his fish. "A healthy dose of Dreamless Sleep will do you well also."
"Fine," Harry breathed, causing Remus to smile at the word. He certainly didn't want the two to argue over a simple matter of going to bed.
"I will be going to bed shortly after you do." Snape ate another bite of his meal. "Also make sure you take out your pet and feed him before your shower."
At the words, Bane stepped over to the table and rested his head on Snape's leg to watch the man eat. He was far from a puppy, but the puppy eyes were just as strong.
Harry nodded, eating at a steady pace. "I will," he hummed.
The man all but ignored the canine. Feeding him from the table was an absolute rule he refused to allow to be broken. "The meeting tomorrow evening is to start at five, is that correct?" The man looked to Remus.
"If everyone arrives on time." Remus nodded. "And I believe the plan is Molly wishes to make dinner for everyone prior to the meeting."
Harry sighed, resting his cheek on his hand. "I don't get why I can't join."
Snape ignored Harry's words altogether. "I have agreed to send Harry an hour prior and allow him to spend some time with his godfather. I will send word after dinner. I am sure that you feel this would be appropriate?"
"Of course," Remus smiled, "I'm sure Sirius would love that. He's been very... concerned."
Harry felt his shoulders slouch as he was ignored, looking down to his plate as he chose to eat in silence. He didn't want to argue.
Snape glanced over at his child, his free hand moved to gently tap Harry's arm. "We will discuss it further at bedtime. Hmm?"
The teenager nodded faintly, forcing a small smile as he focused on eating the celery and ranch. "I'd like to stay there one night."
"Perhaps one day in the future." The man turned his attention back to his meal, eating several more bites before he picked up his glass taking a long swallow.
Harry took in a breath. Snape hardly wanted him to spend an hour with Sirius. He couldn't imagine when the man would let him spend a night.
Remus gave the teenager a small smile, focusing back on his meal after being sure Harry was still eating as well. He certainly didn't want to bring it up in front of the teen, but he believed the boy's friends were staying a few nights at Grimmauld. Perhaps he could work it in such a way that Harry could as well.
"Perhaps right now you should focus on your going to stay at the Burrow for a few nights. That should make you at least a bit happy." Snape took several more bites of his meal before looking over to Remus. "How is your meal? Do you need anything?"
Remus cleared his throat as he listened, having taken several more bites of his meal before looking up with a hum. "Oh, no. It's perfect. Harry made a fine choice for dinner."
Harry smiled, finishing his own meal before pushing his plate away and standing. "Here Bane." He moved across the kitchen and to his pet's dishes, refilling the water before picking up the food dish.
Bane stood from his spot under the table, following quickly after the teenager, his tail wagging happily.
"It is a fine choice. It's been quite some time since we have had fish and chips." The man watched as the teenager tended to his pet. "Have you been up to visit with Hedwig at all? It may be a good idea to pay her some attention tomorrow."
"I will. I'll let her fly for a while in the morning." Dishing out the proper amount of food, he placed the bowl down and patted Bane's side as the dog started to eat.
Remus finished up his own plate, taking a swallow of his drink before looking over to the teenager.
Snape gave a nod of approval as he finished his own meal. "Tea Remus?"
"Please." The man looked back to Snape, giving a nod as Harry slowly stepped back to the table.
He frowned, leaning slightly against Snape to rest an arm across his shoulders. "Guess I have to go get ready for bed now?"
Snape turned his head to look at the teenager. "Would you like a cup of tea? If you would you may join us. However, in a quarter of an hour you are taking your pet out and going upstairs to get ready for bed."
Harry glanced up to the clock before nodding, moving to take his seat once more next to the man. "Sure, then."
The man tapped the table causing three teacups and a small plate of biscuits to appear. "Not too many of those." He gave the teenager a serious look.
Harry grinned, taking a biscuit as soon as the plate appeared and looking over to the man. "Four," he hummed, causing Remus to shake his head with a chuckle.
"Is two more than you will be having," Snape spoke before picking up his teacup and taking a long sip.
Harry frowned at the words, nearly glaring before he looked down to his tea. Taking a small bite of the biscuit, Harry leaned back into the chair. Two was hardly anything, and he was being made to go to bed earlier with a Dreamless Sleep. "I don't need a potion tonight." He shook his head, taking a sip of his own tea.
Remus lowered his cup down, raising a brow at the teenager. "That's non-negotiable Harry."
"You have said yourself that I have been a git today." Snape looked at the teenager. "Do you honestly think it is wise to argue about something so minor?"
Harry looked back down, releasing a breath at having both of them against him at once, and quickly. "No," he muttered, tracing the edge of his cup with his thumb.
"Honestly Harry, you act as though it is abuse to be made to go to bed early and get a full night's sleep." Snape picked up his teacup once more.
"This is only for one night. Tomorrow you will see Sirius and your friends." Remus smiled, reaching and gently tapping the top of the boy's hand. "I'm sure you don't want to be exhausted tomorrow. Hm?"
Harry looked up to Remus, meeting the man's grin with one of his own. "Guess not."
Snape's eyes moved to the clock as the teenager took his second biscuit. "Aside from that I want to take a Dreamless Sleep tonight and I will not do so unless I am sure that you are sleeping soundly as well."
Harry smiled, looking over to Snape. It did help quite a bit knowing he wasn't the only one taking a sleeping aid. In fact he hadn't known Snape to ever do so. He took a bite of the second biscuit, only nodding once.
Snape gave a nod of approval before turning his attention to Remus. "Thank you for joining us for dinner this evening. It was a welcome change. I am sure that Harry thinks so as well."
"Thank you for inviting me to stay for it." Remus hummed, looking over to Harry briefly as he noticed the teenager nod behind his cup.
"You are always welcome Remus. You should know that by now." Snape's hand moved to gently tap Harry's arm. "Finish your tea and take your pet out please."
Remus only hummed, smiling softly as he took a long sip of his tea.
Harry sighed, looking down at the final sip of his tea before raising his cup up and finishing it off in a swallow. Standing, he patted his leg towards Bane. "C'mon boy." He rested his hand against the dog's head as they both walked to the back door and stepped out into the evening air.
Bane bounded away from the teenager, a deep bark echoing through the yard as he ran to the tree.
"Aside from joining us for dinner this evening, I want to thank you for everything else Remus. It is truly appreciated." The man gave a small nod. He knew that his temper was an issue at times and he was thankful that he had someone to step in and tell him when he needed to take a step back and breath.
"You know it's never an issue. I hate to get in the way, but I do feel the need to step in at times." Remus rested his chin on his palm, looking over to Snape with a sad smile. "I know you would do the same."
"I appreciate it. I know that at times I am too set in my own ways." The man let out a low sigh, his hands wrapping around his teacup on the table in front of him. "I never want Harry to feel as I did with my father. Never."
Remus frowned, shaking his head as Snape spoke the words. "You know you are nothing like that, Severus. You're simply quite stubborn at times and need someone who that glare doesn't affect." He chuckled softly, raising his cup to take a sip.
A small chuckle escaped Snape's lips at the words before he grew serious once more. "I fear that sometimes I am too hard on him. Too quick to lash out."
"You don't feel you've gotten better since he first came in your care?" He tilted his head just slightly while holding the warm cup within his hands. "I believe you've come a long way and don't react near as quick or as harsh."
"I believe that was true up until very recently." Snape frowned at his own words. "All this blasted stress..." the man trailed off.
"That is understandable. I would be concerned if you were not stressed, just as I would be if he wasn't." Remus turned, looking out the window to see Bane and Harry run across the yard. "I'm sure you can be open with him, Severus, about being stressed." He looked back to the man, taking a brief sip of his tea before lowering it down. "And if you feel the need, let me know and I can take Harry out for a day to allow you to rest."
"I was up front with him before you arrived and then turned around and lost my patience with him once more." The man let out a sad sigh. "I hate to think how this evening may have ended had you not been here."
Remus frowned, rubbing his thumb across the cup. "If it concerns you, I'm more than able to stay for a few days until the trial is over. Once that is over, then I'm sure much of the stress will lift."
"I do not want to put you out Remus." Snape shook his head. "Harry and I will be fine. I simply need to work harder to keep my temper under control."
"The offer remains." He hummed, offering a smile as he did so. "You simply need to remember that he must be just as stressed in some way."
"I know." Snape nodded as he raised his teacup, taking a small sip. "I need to remember that I know, but I do know."
Remus nodded, tilting his head slightly as he heard the door open and the pattering of paws. He watched as Bane went straight for his water dish before smiling over to Harry as the teenager entered.
"Say goodnight to Remus and then upstairs and into the shower. I will be up shortly as I am sure that your pet will as well." Snape gave the teenager a nod.
Harry sighed, moving over to Remus who scooted back and opened his arms to the boy. He rested his arms around the man's neck, muttering a soft, "Thanks."
Remus hummed, tapping the child's back gently. "You're quite welcome," he whispered, pulling the boy back and patting his arm. "Goodnight. I'll be seeing you tomorrow."
Harry nodded, smiling as he pulled away. "Night." He glanced at Snape before he exited the kitchen and headed up the stairs.
Snape hummed softly as he listened to the footsteps disappear up the stairs. "And on occasion, he even listens without argument," the man smirked softly.
"Don't jinx yourself just yet." Remus chuckled in return, eyes glancing down to watch Bane step out of the kitchen and up the stairs as well. "There's still the matter of that Dreamless Sleep."
"He will take it," Snape nodded. "I would hope he would know better than to argue when we have already discussed it and why it is imperative that he take it."
"And knowing you will be as well," Remus hummed, leaning back into the chair.
"Precisely," Snape nodded. "And should he argue I am sure I can handle it just as I have multiple times in the past."
"Mm. I'm sure you can." Remus smiled, placing his now empty cup down. "Then I'll leave you to it. I will, of course, see you both tomorrow."
"Have a nice evening Remus and again, thank you for your help." The man stood as well, moving towards the parlor.
"You as well, and never an issue." Remus gave a nod towards the man as he stepped past him into the parlor and towards the fireplace. "Good night Severus." Taking a handful of floo powder, he stepped into the fireplace before disappearing into the green flames a moment later.
Snape moved through the parlor and towards the staircase. The sound of the water in the bathroom had stopped a few moments prior and Snape was sure that the teenager was in his bedroom by now.
He moved up the staircase, stopping at his supply closet, plucking a vial of Dreamless Sleep from the shelf before he walked to Harry's room. The man knocked once before pushing the door open. "How was your shower?"
Harry adjusted his covers around himself, as Bane moved, lying down and pressing against his legs. He looked over as the door opened, leaning back against the headboard with a small frown as he stared at the vial. He always hated forcing himself to sleep. "It was good," Harry finally responded, eyes shifting up to Snape before he removed his glasses and placed them on his side table.
"There was a discussion we were to have at bedtime, was there not?" Snape moved across the room, sitting on the edge of the boy's bed.
Harry gave a small smile, nodding as he watched the man sit. "About tomorrow?"
"That's right," Snape hummed softly as he reached out and gently patted Bane. "About the meeting tomorrow evening. You feel as though you should be allowed to attend?"
Bane raised his head up before flopping back down with a huff, rolling over slightly for a proper belly scratch.
"Well I mean... yeah." Harry frowned, resting forward as he stared at his guardian. "If anyone needs to be involved when it comes to fighting him, it should be the one he wants to kill."
"May I explain to you why I do not want you in these meetings without getting cheek in response to it?" Snape's tone was gentle as he scratched Bane's stomach gently.
Harry took in a breath, nodding as he slowly released it. "Yeah."
Snape hummed softly as he slowly pulled his hand away from the dog and back to his own lap. "You have a bit of a history. A history of learning information and running headlong into a dangerous situation."
Harry blinked, folding his arms across his middle as he shook his head. "I'm not an idiot. I wouldn't run head first to go find Him or any of his followers. I know better than that."
"I need to believe that before I allow you to attend these meetings." Snape shook his head sadly.
"You're not even giving me a chance," he breathed, continuing to watch Snape with a hurt expression soon crossing his face.
"I need several days to think this over." Snape's hand moved to rest on top of the boy's foot. "I need to see that you are listening and acting maturely. I need to speak to the other Order members."
Harry simply moved his foot away, glaring down to the covers as he shook his head. His shoulders slouched down, glancing up to the man. "But do you understand why I should be in the meetings?"
"I understand why you want to be in the meetings." Snape's eyes remained on the teenager. "Do you understand why I am apprehensive about it?"
"You think I'll run off," Harry scowled, reaching a hand out to slowly rub against Bane's side. "Which is ridiculous."
"As always Harry, you are entitled to feel however you like." The man reached out tapping the boy's knee softly. "Allow me time to think it over. Allow me to consult Remus and Albus and then we will discuss this again."
Sighing, the teen moved his hand up to rub against Bane's face. That wasn't a no forever and he was sure Remus would speak in his favor. "Fine."
"In the meantime, you will behave maturely and keep yourself out of trouble. Hmm?" Snape raised an eyebrow at the teenager.
"Yeah, of course." Harry pulled his hand back to his lap, looking over to the man.
Snape hummed softly as he held out the vial of Dreamless Sleep. "It is, of course, flavored."
Reaching out, Harry took hold of the vial with a sigh and looked down to the liquid. He was exhausted. To the point that he didn't even feel as tired. His thumb brushed across the vial before he finally raised the vial up and swallowed the potion in a few swallows.
"Thank you for being so cooperative." Snape took the empty vial from the boy, slipping it into his pocket. "Come now, lie down."
"And you're taking one too?" Harry slipped down, resting his head on his pillow and turning slightly towards the man.
"I am taking a dose as well." Snape nodded as he pulled the blankets up and over the boy's shoulder. "I think a good night's sleep will do us both a world of good. Perhaps it will even help me to be less of a git."
A proper grin broke across Harry's face as he closed his eyes, sighing softly. "Maybe," he hummed, releasing a slow breath as the potion worked with ease. He wanted to stay awake, but the exhaustion took over within moments.
TBC...