A/N: *bows to the readers* I want to thank you so much for reviewing, you helped me over my goal of 200 reviews! *bows again* You guys are wonderful, now I have a few things to say to some reviewers in particular.
tina: I'm not telling if Sev's a mage, you'll just have to wait.
kaydee: I know there's a lot of hugging in my story and I have one thing to say to that. I HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO CUDDLE AND HUG!!! *coughs* I think you get the idea. Oh and your plot twist, it's in here, see if you spot it.
Belle: *shoves chapter at you* Here, DON'T DIE PLEASE!!! *sniffs* I hope you like this one.
FawkesnFlame: *inhumanly wide eyes* You added me to your fav list? I'm honored, thank you. Oh and don't worry about babbling, I like reviewers that babble.
Zi: I'm glad you like my story enough to review it.
Tirzah: Don't bug me please!!! I get enough of that as it is!
Meisako: You know what, you're right. From now on I'm calling him Severus instead of Snape. And don't worry, Harry will be calling Sev something else later too, but I can't tell you that would ruin the whole story. Darn it and I want too! What do you think the words on the cane mean, leave it in your review if you will.
Nightfall's Wing: Don't worry, I'll get around to that eventually. And you're right, that is going to be interesting.
Prophetess Of Hearts: Say it with me A-N-I-M-A-G-I.
emilie: One question: what's a francophone?
Remember: Peace, Love, and be a Marauder! I mean, why wouldn't you be?
Disclaimer: Do I look like J.K. Rowling? *everyone shakes their head* I didn't think so, so that means I do not own Harry Potter, although I do own Octavian, Rowena, and Silverhoof.
Chapter 14- Happy Birthday Harry!!!
Harry rolled over and pulled his pillow over his head to block out the sun that was streaming in. Who would be evil enough to wake him after the day he'd had yesterday?
"You're not staying in that bed forever childing. It's time to get up," a voice rebuked him gently. Ah, so it was embodiment of evil himself, Severus Snape. Well he could go jump in the lake for all Harry cared, /he/ was tired and sore and he didn't want to move. So he didn't. He heard a slight padding of feet and the mattress suddenly leaned slightly to the left, indicating someone had sat down.
"Childing you really have to get up," the voice called again, hands tugging at the pillow. Harry batted the hands away and pulled the pillow down tighter. He was /not/ going to be pulled out of this bed without a fight. He just barely made out Severus' sigh of frustration.
"Harry there is no possible way you can breath under all that." Hah. Showed just how much he knew, he could breath just fine. So why were there little stars dancing in front of his eyes? He realized he did have the pillow over his head too tight and loosened his grip somewhat. It was promptly snatched away from him. Muttering a curse of indignation, he hauled the blankets over his head, again burying himself. This action earned him another sigh.
"Harry why are you acting this way?" Severus wanted to know.
"Because I'm tired and sore and I just want to sleep some more. Why can't you let me?" came the muffled response. Harry knew he sounded like a petulant child and frankly he didn't care.
"Because it's your birthday fire child, that's why." Harry immediately poked his head out of the blanket cocoon and blinked blurrily up and at the man who handed him his glasses.
"It's today? With everything else that's been going on I totally forgot." Severus ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Yes well, luckily I haven't and you need to get up. Your friends are coming around noon to celebrate." Upon seeing Harry's confused expression he elaborated, "When you came in last night you were pretty tired, the term 'dead on your feet' is really the best description. There was a group of owls waiting and before you went to bed you untied all the letters and sent them back. You opened one from Ron I believe, because you went to bed muttering about a 'party' and that 'everyone would be there'. I went to talk to Albus after I got you to bed and he said that he'd invited Lupin, Black, Granger and the Weasleys here for a little get together. Personally I think he's asking for trouble bringing Black here and you staying with me, but you know Albus. Now do you see why you have to get up? Come on," he snatched the blanket away from Harry, "Go take a shower, breakfast should be here by the time you get through." The weight on the side of the bed ceased to be as Severus rose and left.
Harry lay there a moment longer after he left, wondering if he could go back to sleep. Finally he rolled out of bed and trudged to the bathroom, snagging some clothes on the way. Harry decided to forgo the shower and take a bath instead. A nice /hot/ bath; that aught to work the soreness out of his muscles. Once he got the water at just the right temperature he stripped off his clothes and eased himself down into the steaming bath, hissing as the water hit his abused muscles. Who ever knew the O.W.L.'s could be so painful? It was not like he'd been seriously injured, just a few pulled muscles. If he'd /really/ been hurt Severus would have had him up in the hospital wing in a flash. Of course, to say that he hadn't been seriously injured did /not/ mean he hadn't been hit. In fact, he'd been hit several times. As he soaked his mind drifted back to the day before.
The first exams of the day had been History of Magic and Ancient Runes. The History of Magic had been a purely written test and fairly easy he discovered as he breezed through it. Severus made history much more interesting, and pointed out things that Binns would have most certainly left out. That ghost really needed to retire. Half of his Ancient Runes exam had been written, the other half oral. Dumbledore had over seen his testing personally, grading every exam in the absence of the other teachers. He listened raptly as Harry spoke, jotting down words now and again but for the most part just listening. After Ancient Runes had come Potions. Here he'd had to brew a complicated Fortress Potion. If done correctly, the potion would be poured around a building. If the building was attacked, walls would spring up from the ground and protect it. But if you did not get it thick enough, which was the complicated part, the walls would crumble easily and in a short time. Harry, it was discovered, had a knack for potions, and when his was tested around Hagrid's hut the walls failed to fall under the continued onslaught from Severus, Dumbledore, and the twins.
Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures had been grouped together after lunch. Charms, Transfiguration, and Herbology were a lot alike, almost a review of everything they should have learned. During Care of Magical Creatures he'd had to rid the greenhouse that had held the mandrakes of Dugbog*, which had gotten a fair hold over the place in a few short months. Luckily only three mandrakes had actually been eaten; Harry hoped Professor Sprout would be happy about that.
Defense Against the Dark Arts, another subject in which Harry was quite adept in, had come right after dinner. With the help of the twins, who were quite versed in DADA, Dumbledore and Severus had constructed a maze, not unlike the one used in the Triwizard Tournament. All Harry had to do was get to the other side. Sounds easy right? Well it's not. The place had been teeming with traps, illusions, and creatures, but would be nothing to a person who'd had their fifth year training right? Wrong. Reflecting back, Harry figured he was lucky to have come out in one piece, only sustaining a few minor cuts, bruises, and burns. Though Severus assured him he'd done an excellent job considering most students never actually made it to the end before a teacher intervened. That had boosted Harry's spirits somewhat as he had allowed himself to be carried back to their rooms. Severus had insisted, though Harry didn't know why. He'd heard Dumbledore say as they headed towards the dungeons that he'd have everything graded by the next day.
'Which is today,' Harry thought as he dunked himself briefly underwater before getting out. Anymore time and he'd look like a prune. He re-bandaged his right arm where he'd received a rather nasty, deep gash from a creature's claw that he'd allowed too close.
'I guess I definitely paid for that little mistake, not to mention some of the others.' All together his injuries included: bruised ribs, a slight second degree burn down his back, three shallow cuts along his chest from a set of very sharp claws, and the gash on his arm, not enough to warrant a trip to the hospital wing thankfully.
'And Sev insisted on taking care of me himself, I know he wouldn't let the twins touch me when I got out of that hell hole they called a maze,' he remembered stumbling out of the maze and falling to the ground. Seconds later he'd been turned over and sat up gently. He'd recognized Severus' voice telling him they were going home but everything else had been a blur. Must have been the blows to the head he'd taken, he was sure he'd been hit at least twice. He pulled on a long sleeve red shirt to hide the bandage, he didn't want everyone asking questions, and a pair of blue jeans and then proceeded to brush out his very /long/, very /wet/ hair. He stopped for a moment and contemplated his reflection. His hair was now past his shoulders by an inch or two, and he'd put on a little muscle too he was pleased to see. His skin also had a slight tan to it as did Severus' since they'd taken up the habit of practicing Defense outside. As he continued to study his image a though struck him: he could be mistaken for Severus Snape's son. Why didn't this bother him? He no longer looked like a carbon copy of James Potter, which wasn't a bad thing. It was strange, he practically thought of Severus as his father and it didn't bother him. Another thought, this one quite amusing, came: if any one had said he'd /ever/ feel this way about the Potions Master a year ago, Harry would have told them to move into St. Mungo's and have their head examined. Now things were different. He quickly braided his hair and headed out for breakfast.
There at the table, reading the paper, was Severus. He looked up and smiled as Harry entered.
"Well if it isn't the birthday boy. Come on and eat. Maybe now you can read those letters from last night and open your first presents of the day," Severus' eyes twinkled as Harry gaped at the two neatly wrapped presents waiting for him. Harry shook himself and returned the smile and sat down, grabbing a piece of toast and the smaller of the two presents.
"That one's from Albus. He left it down here when he came by this morning," Severus said. Harry nodded and began to unwrap the paper. What was left was a small black box. He opened it and gasped. Inside was a cloak clasp in the shape of a golden phoenix in flight. Harry gently lifted it out of the box and peered at it closer. The eyes were set with tiny rubies.
"It's beautiful." Severus smiled.
"Albus thought you might like that and you can use it with this," he held out the larger present. Harry took it and unwrapped it. Again there was another box, he lifted the lid and pushed away the tissue paper. It revealed a clump of ruby red material of the finest Harry had ever seen. He lifted it out of the box and discovered it to be a cloak. It was the colors of Gryffindor, ruby red making up most of the cloak's body with a gold trim. Harry stood and put it around his shoulders and found that it fit perfectly. He grinned at Severus who grinned back.
"You like it? Albus knew what I was getting you that's why he got you the cloak clasp. Do you really like it?" he asked again.
"Like it? I love it! Thank you, it's wonderful," Harry gushed. Severus grinned sheepishly and watched Harry carefully fold the cloak and place it back in its box. Harry stared at the gifts for a moment before turning his attention to the letters. He selected one, it was from Ron.
Dear Harry,
Happy Birthday! I've got two presents for you. One: the entire family including Hermione, who is going to be staying with us for the rest of the summer, is coming to Hogwarts to celebrate with you. Isn't that great?! The second present, well that's a secret. You'll find out when we get there around noon.
Your friend,
Ron
"All of the Weaslelys are coming and Hermione's going to be with them," Harry informed Severus as he picked up another letter. Severus raised an eyebrow.
"The entire clan? They're a good family, all on the light side and willing to fight." It was Harry's turn to raise an eyebrow. He'd never heard Severus speak anything but ill of the Weasleys and this comes from him. Harry shook his head, the man would never cease to amaze him. The rest of the letters were much the same. One was from Hermione basically restating what Ron had already said, promising to be there. Remus and Sirius said that although they wanted to come, they could not.
"Well," Harry sighed, sitting the last letter aside, "looks like it's just going to be the Weasleys and us."
"You don't mind me being there?" Severus asked somewhat timidly. Harry looked at him in surprise.
"Of course I don't mind, why would you think that?"
"Harry we've been little more than enemies for the past four years! I was always a bastard to you and you up and forgive me just like that?" the man snapped his fingers. Harry was startled by Severus' question. Hadn't they put that behind them? He voiced this question. Severus hung his head.
"I'd hoped." Harry grabbed the older man's hand in his own and sent him a little of his energy. This perked the man up slightly and he looked at Harry who smiled.
"I think we have Sev, I think we have."
"Put those over there Dobby," Severus directed the bouncing elf that came out with yet another tray of food. The elf grinned and laid his burden on the long picnic table. They'd decided to set up the party outside in the warm sun. It was the perfect day for it too. Nice cool breeze, cloudless sky, couldn't ask for much more. The picnic table was under the shade of one of the mighty oaks that could be found in abundance on the school grounds. They'd even set out some blankets by the lake in case anyone wanted to eat there and put little charms around them to keep the bugs away. Harry did a quick survey, they seemed to have everything. Severus swung his arm around Harry's shoulders, startling him out of his thoughts.
"I think we're ready," he stated confidently. Harry nodded his agreement just as he saw Dumbledore running across the grounds towards them. Harry pointed him out and Severus watched him with a frown.
"Is something wrong Albus?" he asked in concern as the man stopped in front of them. Dumbledore's face was set in a grim mask.
"I'm afraid there is. One of our informants has been captured and is being held in a prison on the borders of Salazar's Realm. Severus I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to lead the rescue team. Voldemort isn't aware that we know yet and I'd like to retain the element of surprise in this case." Severus' face became as grim as Dumbledore's. He nodded gravely and watched the headmaster return to the castle. Finally he looked down at Harry sadly.
"It appears that I won't be able to be here, I'm sorry," he apologized, wishing he could stay. Harry shook his head.
"Don't worry about it, it's only a party. We're talking about a person's life here. Go and lead them but just make sure you come back alive and in one piece. Is that understood?" Severus grinned.
"You sound just like Albus when you say that," then he sobered, "I'll be back Harry, don't doubt that." With one last reassuring hug he hurried away. Harry watched him go in silence.
"I don't doubt it Severus, I don't doubt it."
"Harry!!!" He turned at the shout of his name. Running toward him was the entire Weasley family, Ron and Hermione in the lead. He grinned and hopped off his blanket to greet them. The descended down and surrounded him. The first people to get a hold of him were Ron and Hermione who crushed him in a two-sided hug.
"It's great to see you guys again but I can't breath," he wheezed and they immediately let go. He had a second to catch his breath and rub his offended ribs before he was engulfed by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Ginny.
"Oh Harry it's so good to see you again dear," Mrs. Weasley said happily.
"It's good to see you too Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ginny." When they let him go the twins both pounded him on the back. Bill, Charlie, and Percy shook his hand, the first two cheerfully and the third solemn.
"Let's go eat everyone!" he called over the noise. The group sat down at the long row of picnic tables. Ron and Hermione filled him in on everything that had happened to them that summer. Ron told what was going on at the Weasleys and Hermione told them of all the places she had been in Bulgaria, the cultural centers, historic sites and libraries. Ron was bored to no end but Harry found it fascinating. As he listened he mused over just how much of a bookworm he'd become, he knew he rivaled Hermione. Of course he joined Ron in his stupor when Percy started on about his job as the new head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. He was extremely young for the job but the only one that could really do it, he told them smugly. Everyone had long ago stopped listening, only nodding in the correct intervals.
"So Harry," Charlie said loudly, preventing Percy from starting up again, "what's your summer been like?" Harry laid down his fork.
"Really nice actually. It's great having the castle to myself," he answered truthfully. Except for Dumbledore, Severus, and the twins he did have the place to himself.
"Let Harry open his presents everyone, come on," Mrs. Weasley announced. Ron and Hermione each latched onto an arm and dragged him to the table were they had piled the gifts. He grabbed the first, wrapped in gold paper with red ribbon, and proceeded to unwrap it. Inside was a huge tin of Honeydukes best chocolate.
"I hope you like it," Ginny whispered shyly. He smiled at her.
"This collection could appease any sweet tooth, I know it will mine. Thank you Ginny." Ginny blushed furiously but smiled back all the same. The next one he grabbed was from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. He tore away the paper and found and a box containing an assortment of t-shirts and pairs of blue jeans.
"Thank you," he whispered softly and he meant it. What he wore now a days were a mixture of Dudley's old stuff and some sets that Severus had bought him. Now he could throw Dudley's stuff away. Mrs. Weasley hugged him again.
"Oh, you're welcome dear. I've seen the stuff those relatives gave you and Arthur and I thought you could use these. Good thing we got them long or you might not have been able to wear them. You're growing so fast!" He managed another stuttered thank you before picking up another box. Seeing the twins grin when he did he eyed it warily.
"Don't worry Harry, we didn't booby trap it," Fred assured. George nodded.
"Yeah Harry, we wouldn't do that on your birthday," he said, looking mortally offended that Harry would even think such a thing. Harry stared at the box a moment longer before beginning to open it. He decided he'd had a good, if bumpy, life. Opening this box would not kill him. He hoped. His breath swooshed out in a sigh of relief as the contents were revealed to be nothing more than an assortment of joke stuff the twins had invented themselves.
"We thought we'd give our silent partner a sample of everything," Fred whispered in his ear.
"Yeah," George whispered in the other, "if you need any more just let us know."
"Now you can play some wonderful tricks on the Slytherins and maybe even a couple on that slimy git, Snape," Fred suggested loudly. Most everyone laughed but Harry only smiled weakly and set the box aside. Hell no he wasn't going to play any pranks on Severus! The Slytherins maybe, but he could no sooner pull a prank on Severus than he could on Dumbledore, or Ron. He didn't want to hurt the man's feelings. The very /thought/ of hurting Severus made him sick to his stomach. Hermione noticed how Harry suddenly paled at the mention of the Potions Master's name and pointed it out to Ron who frowned. Neither decided to mention it, yet. Bill, Charlie, and Percy came forward next, carrying a /huge/ wrapped gift.
"We thought you might like this so we got together and picked one out for you," Bill said. Harry gave them all inquiring looks as he unwrapped it. It was a mahogany trunk trimmed in silver with seven silver locks. Charlie handed him the keys. He tested each lock and discovered it to be like the one Mad-Eye Moody had owned. The last one even had a sort of miniature dungeon. He thanked the three profusely before turning to Ron and Hermione. They both grinned at him.
"You're getting one present from both of us," Ron said, holding out a black box with holes in it. Hermione nodded.
"We both chipped in. We figured we'd get you someone you could talk to." Harry, now thoroughly confused, lifted the lid and peered into the depths. Two glowing eyes stared back at him. Harry looked closer and was surprised when an albino snake slithered out of the box, up his arm, and settled itself comfortably on his shoulder.
"Who are you?" Harry hissed at this snake. The snake regarded him with a benign expression.
"So you are the one the two humans bought me for. I, young fire mage, do not have a name. I never needed one before," the snake answered. Harry thought for a moment.
"You're a male right?" The snake nodded. "Then how about Octavian*?" The reptile thought about it then nodded in agreement. Harry turned back to the group who had been watching them intently.
"He's great you two, I don't know what to say." Ron grinned.
"You could start by telling us what you named him," he suggested. Harry laughed.
"Octavian," he informed them. Ron opened his mouth to say something when two owls swooped down, cutting him off. By the looks of both of them they were tired from carrying their packages. Harry relieved them of their burdens and sent them off to the owlery to rest. He grabbed the first envelope and tore it open. It was from Remus.
Dear Harry,
I know this is probably the second letter you've got from me but uh well.... Me and Padfoot forgot to send your presents with the first letters! So here's your gift. I hope you like it and I hope you're enjoying your time at Hogwarts.
Love from,
Remus
Harry unwrapped the brown paper, already having strong suspicions of what he'd been sent. His suspicions were confirmed when a large book fell into his lap. He picked it up and peered with amusement at the title: Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts: What They Don't Teach You in School. So far he'd been reading Severus' copy of this, he was glad to have his own. Along with the book came another note. It read:
Harry,
Since I'm the DADA teacher again this year I thought maybe we could get in a little extra practice during school.
Remus
Harry smiled, thinking of his little shock in store for Remus when he showed up. Considering he'd already taken his O.W.L.'s, a fact he wasn't going to tell the others until school started. He didn't have his scores yet and that made him really want to wait. Plus the fact he wanted to give them a little shock. He grinned to himself, he really did have a nasty streak. He tucked both letters inside the book and reached for the large cage that had come with the second owl. Wondering what in the world Sirius could have possibly sent him, he opened the cage door. A loud screech issued from inside and something, Harry wasn't sure what, flew out of it so fast that all that could be seen was a blur of feathers. The bird circled around them once before landing on his other shoulder. Harry looked up at it curiously and straight into the animal's eyes. His vision blurred for a moment and he could have sworn a feminine voice inside his mind said, "You are my master," before his vision returned to normal and he wasn't even sure it had happened. He gave his head a little shake and reached up to stroke her chest. She sighed in content and closed her eyes.
"Wow Harry, Snuffles sent you a falcon! It's lovely," Hermione breathed. Harry smiled as he stroked the bird.
"Yes, Rowena is lovely." He frowned to himself. Rowena? Where had that come from? And for that matter, how did he know it was even a female? One look at the animal's wise expression told him that he was right and that everything /fit/ her that way.
"So Harry, how has your summer been, /really/? Why did Dumbledore just up and decide to bring you here instead of letting you stay at the Dursleys?" Hermione asked. The trio had claimed a blanket for themselves close to the lake. Beside them laid empty plates that had once contained birthday cake.
"It's been okay," Harry answered, shrugging indifferently, "As for me being here, I'd rather not talk about it. Let's just say I'm safer here." Hermione traded worried looks with Ron and laid a hand on his arm. He jerked away, hissing in pain.
"Don't Hermione, that hurts." Hermione grabbed his wrist and wrenched up the sleeve. His entire forearm had been completely taped and there was even some blood seeping through the bandage. She let go in horror and Harry quickly covered it back up.
"What happened, who did that to you?" she demanded. Harry's face flushed in embarrassment but he said fiercely,
"No one, I did it to myself. I was just being clumsy." He shifted away from her and the neck of his shirt slid down to reveal a starburst pattern scar on his left shoulder. Neither believed that he'd been clumsy but let the matter drop.
"So Harry," Ron started, changing the subject to break the air of tension that had developed, "are there any other teachers here besides Dumbledore?" Harry nodded and bit his lip.
"Professor Snape," he said casually, glancing nervously at the Forbidden Forest and the castle as if he was expecting someone. His friends noticed this and tucked the fact away for later discussion.
"That slimy git! I feel sorry you Harry, I wouldn't want to be stuck my entire summer vacation with him," Ron said sympathetically. Harry squirmed a bit, seeming uncomfortable with the subject but answered none the less.
"It's not so bad with him around and I like being here, I really like being here." He was bursting to tell them about him and Severus but he had a feeling they wouldn't believe him and try to take him home with them.
"Hey guys, did you hear where the Quidditch World Cup is being held this year...."
"Good-bye you guys, have a good summer! I'll see you at the opening feast! Bye!" Harry waved madly as the Weasleys and Hermione packed themselves into two cars from the Ministry.
"Bye Harry, we'll see you soon!" Hermione called back as she closed the door behind her. Harry stood there and watched them grow smaller when suddenly a hand clamped on his shoulder. He looked back in surprise then in horror as he recognized an injured Severus.
"Severus! Are you alright? Damn, come on, we're going straight up to Dumbledore and I'm mixing you a batch of potion." Looping an arm over his shoulders, he supported the man as the trudged back to the castle.
Ron and Hermione watched the fading Harry continue to wave at them. Suddenly someone stumbled out of the forest towards Harry. Both immediately recognized the someone, Severus Snape. Snape made his way over to Harry and put a hand on his shoulder. As Harry looked back they could clearly make out his expression, one of horror, before they rounded the corner and the trees blocked their view. Both looked at one another with wide-eyed expressions.
"My room tonight after dinner," Ron whispered. Hermione nodded and they settled back in their seats to contemplate what they had seen.
"Here Severus, drink," Harry held the steaming tea up to the other's lips. Severus complied, reveling in the warmth the drink spread through him.
"Slowly child, don't choke yourself," Dumbledore warned from behind him. At present moment in time Severus was wrapped in a thick woolen blanket on Dumbledore's couch which had been moved in front of the blazing fireplace and snug between two warm bodies, Dumbledore at his back and Harry at his front. He sat at an angle to allow Dumbledore full access to rubbing his back and Harry to snuggle into his shoulder, which he did. Severus took another sip, more slowly this time, and leaned back into Dumbledore's back rub.
"Albus, you spoil me," he murmured sleepily. Dumbledore laughed softly and wrapped his arms around the Potions Master's chest, laying his head on top of the other's.
"Severus, child, you haven't been spoiled enough in you lifetime, a little isn't going to hurt you now. And I have another surprise for you, Harry got seventeen O.W.L.'s, he not only passed with flying colors but with the highest marks the school has ever seen. I guess that means you don't have to be nice to the students now."
"That's great. What do you think Harry?"
"Hmmm...." was all they got in response. Harry was on the verge of sleep. He was warm, safe, and the general atmosphere of love and acceptance lulled him into Morpheus' arms. He was still tired from the day before and now seemed like the perfect time to catch up on his missed sleep. A sudden yelp startled him awake from his doze and his pillow disappeared. He landed face first in the couch cushions with a slight thump, Dumbledore barely catching himself from landing on top of him.
"Child what is it?" Dumbledore asked in concern.
"The gift! The other half of Harry's gift, I haven't given it to him yet," Severus admitted, pacing back and forth in front of the fire. Harry propped himself up on his elbow.
"Can't it wait until tomorrow Sev? I don't know about you but I'm exhausted. I say we turn in early, you can use the sleep just as much as I can," he suggested but Severus shook his head.
"No I have to give it to you tonight. Albus," he gave the man a beseeching look. Dumbledore sighed in defeat.
"Alright Severus, take him to see her but don't exert yourself or I'll have you in bed for a week, got that?" Severus pretended to shrink under the headmaster's stern glare.
"Of course Albus, I wouldn't dream of disobeying you," he effected a rather believable whipped child but flashed a grin at Harry and dragged him out the door.
"Severus what are we doing out here?" Harry inquired politely, though it was obvious that he wanted to be inside. Severus had led him to the edge of the Forbidden Forest where they stood, waiting for something, though Harry couldn't fathom what.
"Shhh, I can't hear," Severus chocked his head to the side at the sound of rustling leaves and stepped forward, pulling back a branch.
"Finally, I was beginning to wonder."
"Sev, who are you tal...." Harry trailed off as the shadow emerged into the moonlight. There were no other words to describe this creature, Harry decided, it was gorgeous. It was from the unicorn family but of a kind that you didn't normally see. It was tall, Harry guessed between fourteen and fifteen hands high. It's coat was ebony and shone brightly against the moonlight. The hooves, mane, tail, and horn however, were pure silver. The creature's horn was crooked, almost the shape of a lightning bolt, and came to a /very/ sharp point. The feathers on it's wings could not have obtained a higher gloss than they already had. He stared directly into very blue and very intelligent eyes.
"Beautifully isn't she?" Severus asked, tenderly brushing her forelock out of her eyes. She wuffed at him and nuzzled his neck in a very loving gesture.
"I don't think beautiful even /begins/ to describe her," Harry breathed, reaching out but stopping short of actually touching her. He stood like that for a few seconds before letting his hand fall back to his side.
"Harry, do you know what she is?" Severus asked as he continued to rub her neck.
"A Barice unicorn. Related to the common unicorn but extremely rare," he bit his lip, his hands twitching to touch the glossy neck.
"Do you remember about their relations with humans?"
"They rarely mess with us. They're also one of those types of animals that chooses a human as their own, like a pet," Harry answered promptly. Severus smiled at him.
"Correct. Now I'm sure you're wondering what this has to do with your gift." Harry nodded.
"Let me tell you a story first. I met Silverhoof here while I was still a student. She's helped me out of quite a few scrapes because I tended to wander into the Forbidden Forest looking for potion ingredients. Well at one time she was injured badly so I helped her from the forest and hid her in the stables. I took care of her everyday, before and after classes thanks to the help of my invisibility cloak. She recovered quickly and was soon ready to go back out on her own. By then we'd become good friends and it made me sad to see her go. The night before she left she asked me if I'd be her pet, her surrogate foal if you will. I was flattered and excepted immediately. She bonded to me and left, with the promise that we'd see one another again. And we did. When Albus and I became close I introduced him to her. They bonded almost immediately too. That's why I brought you her tonight. To see if you wanted to become her pet also, and if she'll accept you. I have a feeling she will." Harry was astounded, touched, and scared all at the same time. That Severus would even /consider/ sharing this with him was overwhelming. Yet, he did so willing. As for the pet part, he didn't even have to think about that, he already knew the answer. But what if she didn't accept him?
"Yes, yes of course I wouldn't mind. I'd be honored," he bowed to the stately lady in front of him. That's the impression he got of her, a stately lady. She pulled away from Severus and stood just three feet from him. Harry raised back up and found himself staring once again into her blue eyes. He wasn't sure how long he stood there, it couldn't have been more than a few seconds but it felt like a few years. Finally she whickered softly and trotted forward, nuzzling his cheek. Harry burst with joy and flung his arms around her neck, hugging her tight. After a few seconds he glanced up at Severus who was smiling a distinctly proud smile.
"You did it Harry, I knew you could. Here, hop on her back and go with her. Both of you will enjoy that and it'll strengthen your bond." Harry looked at Silverhoof who simply kneeled to allow him on. He scrambled onto her back and held tight as she stood up and sprinted forward in a full gallop across Hogwarts' grounds. She headed directly for the lake.
"Look out for the lake Silverhoof, look out for the lake!" he shouted. She snorted and gathered herself beneath him for a jump. Just as they hit the edge of the lake she leapt up and spread her wings, catching an up draft and soaring high into the air. Harry loved flying, there was no denying that. That was why he loved Quidditch so much, it allowed him the chance to soar. When he rode Buckbeak he'd hardly considered that flying, it had been too rough, too jerky, to be enjoyable, but /this/. /This/ was flying as it was meant to be. There was nothing rough, nothing jerky in her movement. Everything was smooth, graceful, and wonderful. He closed his eyes and soaked up the experience, committing every last scrap of it to memory. He wanted to remember this forever. An eternity later Silverhoof touched down again. Harry opened his eyes and scratched the unicorn behind her ears.
"Thank you lovely lady, I don't think I'll ever forget that," he whispered, sliding off her back.
"I think I said something similar after my first ride," Severus commented as he came over to stand beside them. Silverhoof whickered at him and kneeled.
"You want me to ride?" he sounded startled. She gave him a look that said 'obviously'. Severus shrugged and swung onto her back but she stayed kneeled, giving Harry a meaningful look.
"You want me to ride too?" She snorted and gave him the same look she'd given Severus.
"Fine, I'm going," he climbed on her back and latched onto Severus' waist as she stood.
"Are you sure you can carry both of us?" Severus asked worriedly. Silverhoof snorted again and tossed her head. Translation: Yes, otherwise you both wouldn't be up there, now would you? Severus held up his hands in a sign of surrender.
"Alright, stupid question. You ready back there Harry?"
"I'm ready."
"Then let's go!" At this signal Silverhoof streaked forward at a full gallop. After a short sprint she gathered herself and leapt into the air. Harry sighed in content and laid his head against the Potions Master's back.
"Thank you Sev, this has been the best birthday of my life," he whispered softly.
"Your welcome Harry, you're very welcome."
"Did you notice anything different about Harry?" Hermione asked, leaning against the headboard of Ron's bed. Ron shrugged and continued to pace up and down the length of the room. It was close to nine o'clock now, a couple of hours before they'd have to be in bed. They had decided earlier to meet now when everyone else had something to do.
"Seemed a little skittish to me. I also got the distinct impression that he was hiding something," he admitted. Hermione's eyebrows furrowed together.
"Me too. And I get the feeling it has something to do with Snape." Ron sat down on the bed facing her.
"You think?" Hermione nodded.
"Did you notice how he paled at the very mention of that git's name?" Ron nodded, "Why would he do that? He's never been afraid of him before." Ron jumped up and began to pace again.
"You don't suppose that evil git's doing something to him, do you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know. Maybe he's using Harry as a guinea pig for his potions' experiments. Maybe he's threatened to turn him over to You-Know-Who. Or maybe," Ron dropped his voice, "he's hitting him." Hermione gasped.
"Abusing Harry! Right under Dumbledore's nose, that's suicide!" Ron stopped pacing and whirled around to face her.
"You brought this up! Besides, we know that slimy git hates Harry and Dumbledore can't be there all the time. How else would you explain his wound and that scar on his shoulder? Who knows what that man does to him when Dumbledore's gone. He might even...." he trailed off, giving Hermione a meaningful look. Her eyes widened as she caught his meaning.
"You don't mean rape him?!? Ron, how can you even suggest that?!" she whispered fiercely.
"I'm just looking at all the possibilities! Who knows, we could both be wrong and there getting along like a father and son! Hermione you saw the look on Harry's face when Snape touched him just as plain as I did." he pointed out. Hermione's face fell.
"You don't think he's really doing that to Harry, do you?" she whispered. Ron sat back down on the bed.
"I hope not Hermione, God I hope not."
* Dugbog-The Dugbog is a marsh-dwelling creature found in Europe and North and South America. It resembles a piece of dead wood. The Dugbog's favorite food is the Mandrake. Read the rest of this in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, that's where I got it from so it's not mine.
* Octavian- Don't ask. Octavian was the name of Caesar's heir to the Roman Empire. I went digging through my notes for an interesting name.
A/N: How about that for a plot twist, huh? That was for you kaydee, you wanted a plot twist, well you got one. Oh the possibilities....Anyhoo, did you like the little bonding session between Sev and Harry, did ya did ya did ya? *pokes the reader* Tell me! I, the almighty authoress, demand it! Hehe, that was supposed to be funny, but I'm sure it wasn't. Anyway...*holds out new and unfilled collection tin because her other was completely filled up* Please review, I need the encouragement. The rest of my thanks to the reviewers.
NOTICE: Please read my beta's story Paternal Instincts by Principessa. If you search by author it should be the first one that comes up and she only has one story. It's an answer to Severitus' challenge and REALLY GOOD! I'm her beta so I know what's going to happen. :)