For the disclaimer see previous chapters

A/N: For those of you who have been reading each chapter as I write them, I would advise that you go back and reread the last chapter. I was not satisfied with it and was trying to get to winter break too soon. I have rewritten it and you might want to read it before moving on. Thanks to all my reviewers. I know I will never be a great writer, but I have been enjoying writing this.

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The days were much the same to Harry – wake up, go to classes, go to detention with Snape or quidditch practice, do homework, go to bed. One by one the days passed each as monotonous as the day before. Harry tried to pay attention; he tried to realize that this is what would help him defeat Voldemort, but just could not bring himself to concentrate. Finally, it was the second weekend in October – the day of the first Hogsmeade weekend. Harry had already arranged to stay behind and discuss his lethargy with his father. He had sent Ron and Hermione on ahead. They thought that he didn't notice the look of relief that passed between them, but Harry knew. He had known for quite some time what was going on between them. He was not quite sure why they were trying to keep it a secret. He guessed that they thought he didn't need another worry on top of everything. He didn't care though. He was happy for them. He just did not feel like being a third wheel. He wanted to spend some time with Professor Snape. Maybe this was just what he needed so that he could get back into his groove.

Harry saw that the last of the people leaving for Hogsmeade had signed out with Filch and made his way to the dungeon. Professor Snape greeted him at the door. "Ah, Harry, I see that you are right on time. Step inside my quarters, Harry. We should not be disturbed today, and I have arranged so that we can eat lunch here. I know what you are feeling. I understand that we have placed an awful load on a boy of your age. Think of all that you have learned in just the past year – the prophecy, I am your father, your new abilities and looks. I don't believe that you have fully recovered from the shock of it all. I know that I haven't been able to be a good father even in this term so far. There are too many of Voldemort's spies watching my every move. Today I want this just to be about you and I. I want to get to know you better. I want you to know me. And I want you to forget about the Dark Lord, about your studies, about the prophecy. Today is just for having fun. Would you like to play a game of wizard chess with me?"

"Yes, father. That sounds like fun." Said Harry.

Snape was a little taken back as this was the first time he had addressed him as father, but discovered that he really did not mind it and even enjoyed it. The next few hours passed in intense concentration as father and son each tried to outwit the other. There was much laughing and talking. Finally in the end Harry won by a brilliant move. "Well done, Harry! You have already surpassed my abilities in this game. Your logic is impeccable. Come let's have lunch."

They sat down to a wonderful feast of a lunch, and Harry ate as he had not in many days. He was suddenly ravenously hungry where before he had barely an appetite at all. Only when there was absolutely no food left did Harry realized how stuffed he actually was. After Harry banished the dishes, Snape led the way to the couch in front of the fireplace. Only October and there was already a chill in the air. For the next few hours, Harry and Snape talked intensely about their desires, their wishes, their hopes for the future, and mostly about Lily and Snape's romance. About Lily when she was at Hogwarts. About the first time they met. About every little detail that Snape could remember. When finally it was time for the students to be returning from Hogsmeade, Harry was reluctant to leave. He found that for the first time in months, he was able to relax and enjoy himself.

"Harry, I have asked the headmaster if we may move you down to my quarters." Said Snape.

"Really? Oh, really? You'd want me down here with you?" cried Harry excitedly, looking very different from the boy who came in this morning. "But how is that going to work? Won't everyone be suspicious? What are we going to tell the students?" at this thought Harry's face fell.

"Dumbledore thinks it best if you we were to add on another bedroom here for you. We have already arranged about the students. Dumbledore has told Hermione and Ron to start a rumor that he moved you with me because he thought that you would be safer here with Voldemort on the loose. Likewise I have already told Lucius Malfoy that the old fool has moved you here at my request because he believed that I would protect you. I told him that it was a way to get more information out of you and possibly use veritaserum while you are sleeping. No one will suspect a thing. What would you like to do?"

"I want to stay with you!" Harry said emphatically.

"Very well," Snape said laughing. "We have connected your rooms from the summer to my quarters and eliminated the door from the hallway. The house-elves have already moved your stuff down. You and I will be able to continue lessons and I will make sure that you are completing your studies." Snape said glaringly. "Will this make it easier to concentrate?"

"Absolutely, I'm sure I'll be able to defeat Voldemort with you giving me lessons every night and helping me with all his secrets." Harry said with a renewed enthusiasm.

'Dumbledore said all the boy needed was a little confidence that he could defeat Voldemort. I guess that I will need to work on that while he is down here with me." Thought Snape. 'I guess he was just getting overwhelmed and thought that there was no chance of him against Voldemort. I know he can do it though. I know he can defeat the Dark Lord.'

"You know that you can talk to me about any of your problems, don't you… son?"

At this Harry teared up, the stress of the last few months taking a toll on him. He ran to his father and put his arms around him – sobbing into his shirt. Professor Snape, unused to this, awkwardly embraced his son, tears coming to his eyes at all he had missed in this boy's life – all because of one Dark Lord. Uncontrollable rage overtook the professor until he looked down at this boy. This sixteen year-old who needed so much love and so much taking care of. He knew that together, they would put an end to Voldemort's reign.