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A/N: Hope everyone is enjoying this fic! I'm actually having a blast writing it! Trying to get parts out as quickly as I can but with a 4 yr old that is not as easy as it sounds! Got a question for anyone bothering to read this note: Do you see need for a beta here? I haven't been using one because I haven't had much luck with them in the past. My main concerns are grammatical and spelling errors and lack of consistancy. Have you ever read a fic that contradicts itself three times in a paragraph? UGH!!! Anyway, let me know if you would be so kind.
Part 8
Harry was laying back on his bed trying to force himself to calm down and think rationally, It was proving to be quite difficult. Thoughts of the kiss he'd shared with Xander kept replaying in his mind. He was confused. He had no idea what was happening or why he suddenly felt so out of control of his own emotions. He hated that he could not reign in the effects the other boy was having on him but was at least comforted in the knowledge that Xander had seemed as confounded by the situation as Harry was.
After they had broken the kiss, both boys continued to stand there as if rooted to the floor. Neither could manage enough coherent thought to form a complete sentence. After several minutes of stunned silence, Harry had finally been able to back away to sit on his bed. That appeared to have broken the spell because Xander immediately followed suit and collapsed onto his own bed.
Several failed attempts to resume any normal conversation were finally interrupted by the entrance of a house elf. Xander had gone with only a "see you in a little bit" and Harry was left alone to sort out his thoughts.
'I never pictured myself liking boys before. I suppose that could be simply because none of the boys I know have appealed to me like Xander does. I wonder if he's ever been with another boy. Probably not, if his reaction is anything to go by. He seemed as confused as I am.'
So lost in his thoughts, Harry didn't notice the door of his room opening or the entry of his godfather and former professor. It wasn't until Sirius had jumped on his bed, bouncing furiously, that Harry was finally dislodged from his wonderings.
"Hey, kiddo!" Sirius ruffled his godson's hair affectionately, "Heard you had quite the adventure this morning!"
Harry flung his arms around the man and hugged him as if he never wanted to let go. "Sirius! I'm so glad you're here!! I didn't think I'd get to see you this summer!"
"You think I'd miss my own godson's sixteenth birthday?" He laughed as he had to pry the boy loose so he could breath again. "I was waiting for you at the Burrow with the Weasleys this morning when Albus let us know what was going on."
Harry sat back and took in his godfather's appearance. He was very happy to see that the man looked well. He'd never forget how thin and lost he had looked after his escape from Azkaban. Sirius was still a man running from the law because of the crimes of another but Harry swore that he would make sure his father's best friend would walk free one day.
"Remus! I didn't even see you there!" Harry jumped up from his place beside Sirius to give the werewolf a hug.
"Happy Birthday, Harry." Remus returned the hug smiling brightly.
Harry pulled back with a grin. "You know, I'd almost forgotten it was still my birthday! It's a quite confusing thing, travelling between time zones. One minute it was this morning and the next it was -- last night? And now I'm back in the day I started!" He sat back down in a show of utter exhaustion. "Xander must be dead on his feet right now. It's still the middle of the night for him."
Sirius and Remus exchanged a perplexed look at the sudden softness of the boy's voice.
"Xander? Oh! You mean this Alexander that Albus was talking about." Sirius was curious about the young wizard Harry had stumbled across. "So, what's this kid like? Must not be too bad if he was sorted into Gryffindor."
Harry, who had once again become immersed in his thoughts, couldn't help what happened next. He simply let his ruminations become words.
"Oh, he's quite lovely. He has the softest skin and eyes made of melted chocolate." He smiled wistfully as he spoke. "And his lips taste like heaven."
Neither man listening could believe their ears. As Remus looked like he was about to interrupt Harry's musings, Sirius held up a hand to stop him. He was more curious than ever to hear what his godson was saying.
And Harry obliged. "He moves like a tiger when he has to. He's so strong and brave. I've never seen anything like it, really. And I'll bet he's smart. I mean, he'd have to be to so he can keep his head in a fight like that, wouldn't he?"
This time it was Remus who stopped Sirius from saying anything to get Harry's attention.
"You know, the sorting hat took the longest time in placing him. He told me about it on the way to the tower. He's really remarkable." Harry finally broke out of his verbal thoughts with a small laugh and stared sightlessly at the drapery over his bed.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" Sirius could no longer hold back. "You've fallen in love!"
Jolted from his thoughts, Harry bolted upright on the bed. "W-what?! What are you talking about, Sirius?"
The escaped convict smiled and teased the boy good-naturedly, "Eyes like chocolate and lips like heaven! Merlin, Harry! You sounded like your dad when he talked about Lily!"
Harry blushed furiously as he recalled everything he had just said. He couldn't believe he'd told them all of that. "You're not mad? I mean, that he's a boy?"
Sirius and Remus sat on either side of the boy and hugged him reassuredly.
"Don't be ridiculous, Harry. Remus and I were just trying to figure out a good time to tell you about us."
"What do you mean?" Harry was beyond bewildered for a moment. "You mean, you two are-"
"Lovers," Remus smiled as he finished the boy's sentence.
Harry looked back and forth between the two smiling faces. "Well-that certainly explains a lot, doesn't it?"
********
"So you're not upset that I was sorted into Gryffindor?" Xander looked up at his father as they slowly made their way back to the castle.
"As much as I would have preferred to have you in my own House," Severus answered, "I suppose there are worse fates. Merlin forbid you end in Hufflepuff!"
Xander laughed at the look on the man's face. He'd been a bit worried since his father seemed opposed to any House but his own. He wondered if the difference would effect the amount of time they would be able to spend together getting to know each other. Curiosity getting the better of him, he voiced his concern.
"Of course not, Xander. While I do have responsibilites that require time spent with my Slytherins, you will undoubtedly find friends you'll want to spend time with in Gryffindor."
Smiling because he'd finally found a way to bring up the subject, Xander said, "I guess you're right. Harry's been really nice. Now I know I'll have the chance to get to know him, huh?"
Snape came to an abrupt hault. "Xander, I am more than grateful that Potter managed to find you in one of his brainless escapades, but I would really prefer you not to be influenced by him and his friends." He staightened his shoulders and motioned for their walk to continue. "Besides, a fine boy like you will have no trouble at finding more appropriate comrades."
Xander frowned at this. "But-I really like Harry. I know I'll meet more people when the school year starts but I don't want to have to give up my friendship with him. I know I just met him but I can't help but to feel kind of connected to him. Like we share something in common."
"Well, I find that highly unlikely. That boy has been mollycoddled his entire life. Raised by muggles who, I suspect, treated him like a king and then put on a pedestal and worshipped by the wizarding world. He has no respect for authority and rules and has done nothing but cause me headaches since his arrival at Hogwarts. No-I would suggest that you accept whatever companionship he offers you for now so you don't feel too out of place, but when the new term begins you would do better to find friendship elsewhere."
By the time they reached the entrance hall, Xander had become increasingly saddened by his father's words. His adoptive family had been horrible to him and he was thrilled that he never had to see them again, but never once had they forbidden him from having the friends he wanted. 'Well, that could be just because they didn't care,' his mind supplied. 'But shouldn't my real dad want me to be with people who make me happy? And what about the kiss? What if Harry wants to do that again? I want to, but can I even think about it now?'
Severus interrupted his thoughts, "I need to prepare your schedule for the lessons I'll be giving you. Why don't you go get ready for dinner and we'll meet back in the Great Hall?"
Xander gave a half-hearted smile. "Sure-I'll see you there."
Snape smiled at his son and gave him a hug. "I am so glad you're home, Xander. Now-I don't want you to worry about this thing with Potter." He pulled back and eyed Xander. The thought occurred to him that he could turn his son's interest in Potter around. "I'll tell you what-Go ahead and make friends with him. I trust you've got a good head on your shoulders and, in time, will find that I am right about him. Just be sure of one thing. Do not let him decide your opinions of others. That boy has managed to make a few enemies in this school that would not waste time to consider you fair game. I don't want you to let his enemies become yours. Does this arrangement suit you well enough?"
"It's perfect!" Xander smiled brightly at his father. He figured it would take some time, but he was sure he could prove the man wrong about Harry.
"Good. I'll see you at dinner."
********
It had taken Xander twice as long as it should have to find his way back to the portrait of the Fat Lady so he was relieved when he finally saw it. Making his way up to the sixth year dorm, he heard voices talking excitedly. Not wanting to interrupt, Xander quietly opened the door and peered in.
"Good! You're back!" Harry waved his new friend into the room. "I want you to meet someone. This is Sirius Black, my godfather and Remus Lupin, former professor." Harry turned his smile to the two men. "This is Xander."
Within seconds, the American boy found his hand being shaken by both men.
"Nice to meet you, Xander. Harry was just telling us about you." Sirius looked the boy over before winking at his godson. "Very nice, indeed."
At that moment, Harry was sure his blush would never retreat. Deciding he needed to get control of the situation before Sirius caused anymore damage, he ushered the men toward the door.
"I'm sure you both have something to do before dinner. We don't want to hold you up, do we? We'll see you down there. Bye!" And he abruptly shut the door. Turning slowly, worried that Sirius had managed to scare Xander out of his wits, Harry looked at the other boy and smiled apologetically. "Usually Remus can control him better than that. They're really quite harmless, I assure you."
Xander chuckled at the worried look on Harry's face. "Naw, don't worry about it. I've been attacked by people with worse intentions than embarrassment."
Silence reigned for several moments as each boy took in the sight of the other. Neither had any idea why but both knew there was something special between them.
After a bit, Harry saw Xander's eyes brighten.
"I met my dad!"
Gesturing for them to sit down, Harry looked at the other boy expectantly. "Well? Who is it? Is he nice? I bet he was happy to see you."
Xander dropped down on the bed next to Harry and smile radiantly. "He's great! I thought he was going to faint from shock when I walked into the headmaster's office. We walked around the grounds for a little while talking. He told me about how I ended up in the States and about my mom."
"So, is he going to stay here for a while so you can get to know him?" Harry was happy that Xander had met his father but found himself nervous at the prospect of meeting the man whose son he had kissed.
"That's the best part! He *works* here! I'll get to see him all the time!"
Shocked at this revelation, Harry couldn't even begin to guess who Xander's father could be. 'Helps that it's someone I already know, though.'
"So?? Who is it?"
Xander paused for a moment in the excitement. He remembered what his dad had said about Harry so he was worried the other boy wouldn't like him anymore when he found out. It was obvious that Harry was happy for him but he felt a bit scared of what his reaction would be.
"Xander, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, really. I just-it's just that I don't want you to-"
Confused, Harry allowed his hand to take gentle hold of Xander's. That seemed to give the American a bit of courage, because he looked into Harry's eyes and took a deep breath.
"I just get the impression that you and he don't like each other and I'm scared that you won't want to be friends anymore."
Harry's eyebrows shot up at this. "Xander, I know for a fact that we don't always end up like our parents. You didn't even grow up with your father so how *could* you be like him? I didn't know mine either-therefore, no influence, see? Although, ask Professor Snape and he'd tell-" At that, he saw Xander's head duck slightly. "Oh God-- you're Snape's son, aren't you?" He was taken aback for a moment at that but then he smiled reassuringly at his new friend. "Man-- you really weren't kidding when you said we didn't like each other!" Then a horrible thought struck him, "Xander, he didn't tell you we can't be friends, did he? I mean, the man *really* hates me!"
"Actually, he did at first. But then he changed his mind when he saw that I was unhappy about it." Xander smiled at the other boy. "I figure we just have to find a way to get him to like you. How hard could it be?-- Crap! If Willow and Buffy were here, they'd whack me on the head for saying that and jinxing the entire thing! It's going to be very hard, isn't it?"
Harry couldn't even voice his answer. He looked at Xander and nodded rather dejectedly.
TBC
A/N: Hope everyone is enjoying this fic! I'm actually having a blast writing it! Trying to get parts out as quickly as I can but with a 4 yr old that is not as easy as it sounds! Got a question for anyone bothering to read this note: Do you see need for a beta here? I haven't been using one because I haven't had much luck with them in the past. My main concerns are grammatical and spelling errors and lack of consistancy. Have you ever read a fic that contradicts itself three times in a paragraph? UGH!!! Anyway, let me know if you would be so kind.
Part 8
Harry was laying back on his bed trying to force himself to calm down and think rationally, It was proving to be quite difficult. Thoughts of the kiss he'd shared with Xander kept replaying in his mind. He was confused. He had no idea what was happening or why he suddenly felt so out of control of his own emotions. He hated that he could not reign in the effects the other boy was having on him but was at least comforted in the knowledge that Xander had seemed as confounded by the situation as Harry was.
After they had broken the kiss, both boys continued to stand there as if rooted to the floor. Neither could manage enough coherent thought to form a complete sentence. After several minutes of stunned silence, Harry had finally been able to back away to sit on his bed. That appeared to have broken the spell because Xander immediately followed suit and collapsed onto his own bed.
Several failed attempts to resume any normal conversation were finally interrupted by the entrance of a house elf. Xander had gone with only a "see you in a little bit" and Harry was left alone to sort out his thoughts.
'I never pictured myself liking boys before. I suppose that could be simply because none of the boys I know have appealed to me like Xander does. I wonder if he's ever been with another boy. Probably not, if his reaction is anything to go by. He seemed as confused as I am.'
So lost in his thoughts, Harry didn't notice the door of his room opening or the entry of his godfather and former professor. It wasn't until Sirius had jumped on his bed, bouncing furiously, that Harry was finally dislodged from his wonderings.
"Hey, kiddo!" Sirius ruffled his godson's hair affectionately, "Heard you had quite the adventure this morning!"
Harry flung his arms around the man and hugged him as if he never wanted to let go. "Sirius! I'm so glad you're here!! I didn't think I'd get to see you this summer!"
"You think I'd miss my own godson's sixteenth birthday?" He laughed as he had to pry the boy loose so he could breath again. "I was waiting for you at the Burrow with the Weasleys this morning when Albus let us know what was going on."
Harry sat back and took in his godfather's appearance. He was very happy to see that the man looked well. He'd never forget how thin and lost he had looked after his escape from Azkaban. Sirius was still a man running from the law because of the crimes of another but Harry swore that he would make sure his father's best friend would walk free one day.
"Remus! I didn't even see you there!" Harry jumped up from his place beside Sirius to give the werewolf a hug.
"Happy Birthday, Harry." Remus returned the hug smiling brightly.
Harry pulled back with a grin. "You know, I'd almost forgotten it was still my birthday! It's a quite confusing thing, travelling between time zones. One minute it was this morning and the next it was -- last night? And now I'm back in the day I started!" He sat back down in a show of utter exhaustion. "Xander must be dead on his feet right now. It's still the middle of the night for him."
Sirius and Remus exchanged a perplexed look at the sudden softness of the boy's voice.
"Xander? Oh! You mean this Alexander that Albus was talking about." Sirius was curious about the young wizard Harry had stumbled across. "So, what's this kid like? Must not be too bad if he was sorted into Gryffindor."
Harry, who had once again become immersed in his thoughts, couldn't help what happened next. He simply let his ruminations become words.
"Oh, he's quite lovely. He has the softest skin and eyes made of melted chocolate." He smiled wistfully as he spoke. "And his lips taste like heaven."
Neither man listening could believe their ears. As Remus looked like he was about to interrupt Harry's musings, Sirius held up a hand to stop him. He was more curious than ever to hear what his godson was saying.
And Harry obliged. "He moves like a tiger when he has to. He's so strong and brave. I've never seen anything like it, really. And I'll bet he's smart. I mean, he'd have to be to so he can keep his head in a fight like that, wouldn't he?"
This time it was Remus who stopped Sirius from saying anything to get Harry's attention.
"You know, the sorting hat took the longest time in placing him. He told me about it on the way to the tower. He's really remarkable." Harry finally broke out of his verbal thoughts with a small laugh and stared sightlessly at the drapery over his bed.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" Sirius could no longer hold back. "You've fallen in love!"
Jolted from his thoughts, Harry bolted upright on the bed. "W-what?! What are you talking about, Sirius?"
The escaped convict smiled and teased the boy good-naturedly, "Eyes like chocolate and lips like heaven! Merlin, Harry! You sounded like your dad when he talked about Lily!"
Harry blushed furiously as he recalled everything he had just said. He couldn't believe he'd told them all of that. "You're not mad? I mean, that he's a boy?"
Sirius and Remus sat on either side of the boy and hugged him reassuredly.
"Don't be ridiculous, Harry. Remus and I were just trying to figure out a good time to tell you about us."
"What do you mean?" Harry was beyond bewildered for a moment. "You mean, you two are-"
"Lovers," Remus smiled as he finished the boy's sentence.
Harry looked back and forth between the two smiling faces. "Well-that certainly explains a lot, doesn't it?"
********
"So you're not upset that I was sorted into Gryffindor?" Xander looked up at his father as they slowly made their way back to the castle.
"As much as I would have preferred to have you in my own House," Severus answered, "I suppose there are worse fates. Merlin forbid you end in Hufflepuff!"
Xander laughed at the look on the man's face. He'd been a bit worried since his father seemed opposed to any House but his own. He wondered if the difference would effect the amount of time they would be able to spend together getting to know each other. Curiosity getting the better of him, he voiced his concern.
"Of course not, Xander. While I do have responsibilites that require time spent with my Slytherins, you will undoubtedly find friends you'll want to spend time with in Gryffindor."
Smiling because he'd finally found a way to bring up the subject, Xander said, "I guess you're right. Harry's been really nice. Now I know I'll have the chance to get to know him, huh?"
Snape came to an abrupt hault. "Xander, I am more than grateful that Potter managed to find you in one of his brainless escapades, but I would really prefer you not to be influenced by him and his friends." He staightened his shoulders and motioned for their walk to continue. "Besides, a fine boy like you will have no trouble at finding more appropriate comrades."
Xander frowned at this. "But-I really like Harry. I know I'll meet more people when the school year starts but I don't want to have to give up my friendship with him. I know I just met him but I can't help but to feel kind of connected to him. Like we share something in common."
"Well, I find that highly unlikely. That boy has been mollycoddled his entire life. Raised by muggles who, I suspect, treated him like a king and then put on a pedestal and worshipped by the wizarding world. He has no respect for authority and rules and has done nothing but cause me headaches since his arrival at Hogwarts. No-I would suggest that you accept whatever companionship he offers you for now so you don't feel too out of place, but when the new term begins you would do better to find friendship elsewhere."
By the time they reached the entrance hall, Xander had become increasingly saddened by his father's words. His adoptive family had been horrible to him and he was thrilled that he never had to see them again, but never once had they forbidden him from having the friends he wanted. 'Well, that could be just because they didn't care,' his mind supplied. 'But shouldn't my real dad want me to be with people who make me happy? And what about the kiss? What if Harry wants to do that again? I want to, but can I even think about it now?'
Severus interrupted his thoughts, "I need to prepare your schedule for the lessons I'll be giving you. Why don't you go get ready for dinner and we'll meet back in the Great Hall?"
Xander gave a half-hearted smile. "Sure-I'll see you there."
Snape smiled at his son and gave him a hug. "I am so glad you're home, Xander. Now-I don't want you to worry about this thing with Potter." He pulled back and eyed Xander. The thought occurred to him that he could turn his son's interest in Potter around. "I'll tell you what-Go ahead and make friends with him. I trust you've got a good head on your shoulders and, in time, will find that I am right about him. Just be sure of one thing. Do not let him decide your opinions of others. That boy has managed to make a few enemies in this school that would not waste time to consider you fair game. I don't want you to let his enemies become yours. Does this arrangement suit you well enough?"
"It's perfect!" Xander smiled brightly at his father. He figured it would take some time, but he was sure he could prove the man wrong about Harry.
"Good. I'll see you at dinner."
********
It had taken Xander twice as long as it should have to find his way back to the portrait of the Fat Lady so he was relieved when he finally saw it. Making his way up to the sixth year dorm, he heard voices talking excitedly. Not wanting to interrupt, Xander quietly opened the door and peered in.
"Good! You're back!" Harry waved his new friend into the room. "I want you to meet someone. This is Sirius Black, my godfather and Remus Lupin, former professor." Harry turned his smile to the two men. "This is Xander."
Within seconds, the American boy found his hand being shaken by both men.
"Nice to meet you, Xander. Harry was just telling us about you." Sirius looked the boy over before winking at his godson. "Very nice, indeed."
At that moment, Harry was sure his blush would never retreat. Deciding he needed to get control of the situation before Sirius caused anymore damage, he ushered the men toward the door.
"I'm sure you both have something to do before dinner. We don't want to hold you up, do we? We'll see you down there. Bye!" And he abruptly shut the door. Turning slowly, worried that Sirius had managed to scare Xander out of his wits, Harry looked at the other boy and smiled apologetically. "Usually Remus can control him better than that. They're really quite harmless, I assure you."
Xander chuckled at the worried look on Harry's face. "Naw, don't worry about it. I've been attacked by people with worse intentions than embarrassment."
Silence reigned for several moments as each boy took in the sight of the other. Neither had any idea why but both knew there was something special between them.
After a bit, Harry saw Xander's eyes brighten.
"I met my dad!"
Gesturing for them to sit down, Harry looked at the other boy expectantly. "Well? Who is it? Is he nice? I bet he was happy to see you."
Xander dropped down on the bed next to Harry and smile radiantly. "He's great! I thought he was going to faint from shock when I walked into the headmaster's office. We walked around the grounds for a little while talking. He told me about how I ended up in the States and about my mom."
"So, is he going to stay here for a while so you can get to know him?" Harry was happy that Xander had met his father but found himself nervous at the prospect of meeting the man whose son he had kissed.
"That's the best part! He *works* here! I'll get to see him all the time!"
Shocked at this revelation, Harry couldn't even begin to guess who Xander's father could be. 'Helps that it's someone I already know, though.'
"So?? Who is it?"
Xander paused for a moment in the excitement. He remembered what his dad had said about Harry so he was worried the other boy wouldn't like him anymore when he found out. It was obvious that Harry was happy for him but he felt a bit scared of what his reaction would be.
"Xander, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, really. I just-it's just that I don't want you to-"
Confused, Harry allowed his hand to take gentle hold of Xander's. That seemed to give the American a bit of courage, because he looked into Harry's eyes and took a deep breath.
"I just get the impression that you and he don't like each other and I'm scared that you won't want to be friends anymore."
Harry's eyebrows shot up at this. "Xander, I know for a fact that we don't always end up like our parents. You didn't even grow up with your father so how *could* you be like him? I didn't know mine either-therefore, no influence, see? Although, ask Professor Snape and he'd tell-" At that, he saw Xander's head duck slightly. "Oh God-- you're Snape's son, aren't you?" He was taken aback for a moment at that but then he smiled reassuringly at his new friend. "Man-- you really weren't kidding when you said we didn't like each other!" Then a horrible thought struck him, "Xander, he didn't tell you we can't be friends, did he? I mean, the man *really* hates me!"
"Actually, he did at first. But then he changed his mind when he saw that I was unhappy about it." Xander smiled at the other boy. "I figure we just have to find a way to get him to like you. How hard could it be?-- Crap! If Willow and Buffy were here, they'd whack me on the head for saying that and jinxing the entire thing! It's going to be very hard, isn't it?"
Harry couldn't even voice his answer. He looked at Xander and nodded rather dejectedly.
TBC