27 - The Study Date
The trip to Beauxbaton had gone better than Harry had expected. He had thought he might have to beg Charlet to attend the dance this Friday but she had readily agreed. He had no idea he was so popular with the girls, making him feel a little pleasure in that fact. He thought back to his life at Privet Dr. and was so grateful to never have to go back there again. School in the Muggle world had been filled with taunting and embarrassing moments. Whereas school here was looking better and better.
It suddenly occurred to Harry that just when life was getting good for him, he might not be here to enjoy it much longer. Life just wasn't very fair, why couldn't he ever catch a break?
Harry entered the Great Hall for lunch and spotted Ginny sitting with her friends. As he walked over to her he heard his name mentioned. But as soon as the girls saw him they started giggling. He had never considered Ginny as one of those silly, giggling girls but she had been acting so differently towards him lately.
"Hey Harry, how are you?" Ginny turned around on the bench and faced him. Harry actually took her breath away for a moment. She didn't think she had ever seen him looking so good. His hair was unusually neat and even though he was wearing his school uniform it just looked so much nicer then everyone else's. And that fancy cloak was rather dashing over his shoulders.
"Hi Ginny. I hope you don't you mind if we meet down in Professor Snape's quarters to study this evening?" Harry wasn't sure how that was going to go over with the professor but Snape had been insisting he think of the place as his too. And if Ginny was there then he wouldn't have to write in that black book.
Ginny really did not want to meet at Snape's place. The professor still scared her a bit with his sharp tone and severe mannerisms. But on the other hand she really did not want to give up her study date with Harry. She supposed that if she ever did get serious with Harry she would need to learn to tolerate the man.
"Sounds great!" was all she said. Inside, her nerves began to act up and she suddenly lost her appetite.
"Okay, why don't we meet down there after supper? See you then," Harry waved goodbye and went to sit with Ron. He took off his cloak, throwing it carelessly on the bench.
Ron looked up at him with surprise. "Hey Harry where've you been? You didn't show up for any of the morning classes and McGonagall was asking about you."
"Oh, um, I had some stuff to do. What did you tell her?" Harry forgot to come up with an excuse in case someone asked where he was.
"I told her you were with Snape. I think she bought it but she did say you should have let her know." Ron was looking at Harry with an odd look on his face.
"What? What's the matter?" Harry asked.
"Mate, I don't think you've been hanging out with Snape," Ron said with a grin.
"How do you know?"
Ron pointed at Harry's shirt collar and said, "You've got lipstick on your shirt!"
Harry flushed a crimson red as he grabbed his cloak and put it back on to cover his shirt again. He was really glad he hadn't taken the cloak off before he ran into Ginny.
"Erm, Ron I have to tell you something." Harry knew he couldn't tell Ron exactly why he had asked Charlet to the dance but he did need to let him know something. "I went to Beauxbaton with Hagrid to deliver the portkey and I asked a girl to the dance."
"Whoa Harry, how lucky can one man get! One man with all those girls! Who is she?"
"No one, I mean she's just a girl I met over the summer," Harry didn't want Ron thinking he liked Charlet but how could he explain without telling him more?
The rest of the lunch was filled with Ron questioning Harry about Charlet. Harry did the best he could answering questions. He was glad when lunch was over and he could get back to Gryffindor Tower and change his shirt.
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Later that evening Harry walked into Snape's quarters looking forward to spending time with his soon to be father. He couldn't help feeling as if a dark cloud was hanging over him every time he thought about confessing what he had done this morning. It was for Snape's own good but Harry knew the Potion Master would not see it that way. He figured he would tell Snape when Ginny left after they had studied together. The thought of the adoption and the study date brought a smile to Harry's face.
"You look pleased," Snape stated when he looked up from his book and observed Harry's smile.
"I was just thinking about some stuff," Harry threw his book bag on the console table and went to join Severus. He plopped down on the sofa, shoving the pillows out of the way and leaning a little against the professor's arm.
Severus put his arm over Harry's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze. " How are you feeling?"
"Good." After considering Snape's skeptical look Harry added, "My stomach is a little upset when I eat."
"Yes, that is to be expected. I will give you something to help with that after supper. I have ordered supper for us already." Snape got up and walked over to the dining table. With a flick of his wand the table filled with enough food to feed at least 5 people.
Harry laughed as he walked over and sat down looking at the fancy array of food before him. Wow, all of his favorites and some stuff he had never tried before. He took a big helping of a meat dish with sauce on the top and small roasted potatoes.
Severus watched Harry closely, trying to determine if the boy was in any pain yet. He wanted to make sure Harry ate but wasn't really sure what the boy would be in the mood for. Therefore he ordered everything he could remember Harry ever liking. The boy had good coloring, was in good spirits and was eating well.
"The potion I made to extend the effects of the antidote is now ready. Do you have any objections to taking it after supper?"
"Will it make me sick, like the other one?" Harry thought about his study date with Ginny.
"I do not believe it will upset your stomach quite so much, as it is only extends the effects of the antidote you took three days ago."
"How long do you think I'll have before … you know, it gets bad?" He was thinking he just needed to get through Friday night.
"I'm not quite sure but I do believe we might extend the time you are feeling well for a week." Snape gave Harry an encouraging nod before he continued, "Perhaps longer."
Harry knew exactly what Severus meant by fine but he sure didn't feel that way. If Severus really stuck to his own plan, it would put him in serious jeopardy of ending up in Azkaban.
"Severus do you mind if someone comes over to study tonight?" Harry quickly added, "I'll take the potion as soon as she leaves."
Severus watched as the boy nervously straightened his shirt and pressed the fringe down on his forehead. "Harry, I told you once before, this is your home and you may treat it as such."
"I know, it's just that at my old house I was never allowed to have friends over. Not that I would ever want to have friends over."
Snape's face suddenly became hard as an angry glint flashed in his eyes. Harry wished he hadn't of brought up the Dursley's.
"Yes, I see your point," Severus said as he softened the look on his face. "Please feel free to ask anyone you wish. May I ask whom your study partner will be this evening?"
"Um, Ginny Weasley. She asked me yesterday," Harry could feel his face begin to flush and he quickly looked down at his plate and pushed the potatoes around.
"She asked you? Interesting. I have noticed how orderly you look this evening. Is she perhaps the girl you favor?" Severus watched as the poor boy squirmed a little more. But wasn't a parent supposed to ask questions like this?
"I dunno, maybe, I mean yeah, I guess so. But she doesn't know, so don't make any comments about it."
"Rest assured Harry, I will keep my decorum at all times. I do have some potions to work on down in my lab when she arrives," Severus did not want to make the boy more uncomfortable by his being here.
"No, actually I was hoping you would hang around. I want her to get to know you when you're not in full teacher mode," Harry gave a quick glance towards the professor hoping he hadn't offended him.
Snape raised an eyebrow at that as he replied, "I am not exactly sure what that entails but I also have several papers to grade."
Just then the doorbell rang and Harry looked a little panicked. Severus pulled his wand out and cleared the table, then watched as Harry smoothed his shirt again and answered the door.
Harry helped Ginny with her book bag and led her into the living room. Snape was still at the dining room table and rose upon seeing the young Gryffindor.
"Miss Weasley, welcome. May I offer you a beverage?" Snape saw the look of shock cross the girls face but she quickly recovered and gave him a bright smile.
"Hi Professor. Thanks, I am a bit parched. I don't know how many times I walked by your door before I figured it was actually a door. I don't remember it looking like that last time I was here. But then again you escorted me so maybe I just wasn't paying attention at the time. But I thought there was a snake or something on it before," Ginny realized she had been rambling and closed her mouth. She noticed a small smile on Harry's face and punched him lightly on the arm. He broke out into a big grin as he sat down on the floor next to the coffee table.
"Will butterbeer suffice? It seems to be Harry's preferred drink." Snape watched as the girl recovered from her speech regarding the door.
"Yes sir, that sounds lovely," Ginny said as she sat down on the floor next to Harry.
Harry grabbed his Charms book and Ginny reached into her book bag. They spread their books and parchment on the coffee table before them. They agreed to start with Charms and work their way into Transfiguration. Ginny was actually a little ahead of Harry in Charms. It seemed to be her strong subject, so she was able to help Harry catch up a little.
After flicking his wand for the drinks to appear, Severus settled at the desk with his pile of reports to grade. He noticed how helpful Miss Weasley was in giving Harry direction.
Harry seemed a little more relaxed then earlier and conversation between the young pair flowed easily.
"Harry could you help me with something on my Potions report?" Ginny asked as she rifled through her book bag for the report.
"Well, I could try but that's not really my strong subject," Harry furtively glanced at Severus. He noticed the Potion Master's smirk as he continued grading reports.
"Yeah but I'm in fifth year Potions so you already covered this." Ginny pointed to a paragraph on her parchment and handed it over to Harry. "See this one part about dragon scale affects on unicorn hair. Did I get it right?"
Harry tried to remember back to when he had covered that last year. He wasn't quite sure and didn't want Ginny to get it wrong. He looked towards Severus and saw the man still had his head bent over his papers.
"Severus, can I ask you something?" Harry wasn't sure how helpful this would be but it was worth a shot. Ginny on the other hand looked like she was going to have a heart attack and shook her head emphatically at Harry.
"It's may I ask you something," Severus corrected, "Yes, you may ask."
Harry got up and walked over to the professor with Ginny's parchment. Ginny grabbed Harry's leg and tried to stop him. Harry twisted out of her grasp with a big smile on his face. He walked over to the desk and handed the professor Ginny's parchment.
The professor looked as if he may protest but changed his mind when he saw how mortified Miss Weasley seemed to be. He looked over the paragraph then commented, "Miss Weasley did you read chapter 13 paragraph 3 carefully?"
"Um, I read everything but maybe I missed something," Ginny said as her face flushed red. She was going to kill Harry for this later, when they were alone.
"Very well, then may I give you a suggestion?" Without waiting for her answer he went on to say, "Change boiling to steaming and this report will earn you a grade you will be most pleased with."
It took Ginny a moment to respond but she finally said, "Thank you sir."
Severus handed the report back to Harry. Harry gave him a big smile and mouthed the word 'thanks' before going back to join his study date.
Harry leaned close to Ginny and whispered, "See, it's not so bad studying here, is it?"
Ginny whispered back, "I never said it was."
"Yeah, but you looked as if I was asking you to study at Azkaban when I asked you to come down here earlier." Harry tried to hold back a snigger at the surprised look on Ginny's face.
"Yeah, but I changed my mind, I guess it could be pretty cool to have a dad who teaches here," Ginny said as she leaned into Harry. Her heart was racing as she sat close enough to smell his fresh scent and feel his strong arm against her.
Harry had to stop himself from leaning into the pretty redhead and kissing her. He looked back at his paper and took a drink of pumpkin juice to get his mind off the warm body touching his arm.
They both went back to studying, each trying to keep their mind off the other so they could get through their homework. A few minutes later Ginny glanced over towards Harry and noticed something on his cheek.
Severus had just finished up grading a stack of tests when he looked up and noticed the boy suddenly flinch back over Miss Weasley's touch. The girl had simply touched the side of his face to remove an eyelash.
"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to um, frighten you," Ginny said as she watched Harry take a deep breath.
"No, you didn't. I just thought it was a spider or something," his voice trailing off in utter humiliation. A sudden vision of Uncle Vernon had flashed in his memory and Harry hoped the panic he had felt had not shown on his face. The last thing he wanted was for Ginny to think he was afraid of spiders like her brother was. He glanced towards the professor and saw the analytical look on his face as he was watching them.
Brilliant! Harry knew this would end up in a conversation leading to the black book.
Snape thought back to the few other times Harry had flinched when someone touched him that way and knew he would need to get Harry to face that memory. Whatever had happened to the boy it had deeply affected him. As Snape continued watching Harry he saw how he held a hand to his stomach. It suddenly occurred to him that he had forgotten to give him something to settle his stomach after eating. He rifled through his potion satchel looking for the stomach relaxer when he noticed a few vials were missing. He double checked but was sure he had a dreamless sleeping potion and a pain potion on hand yesterday.
He looked towards Harry and saw how the boy quickly averted his eyes away from him. Why hadn't Harry just asked him for the potions? Surely the boy would know that he would not be denied. Severus took out the stomach potion and walked towards the coffee table where the Gryffindors were busy studying.
"Harry, I think this may help," Severus said as he handed him the vial.
Harry took it appreciatively, swallowing the whole thing in one gulp. His stomach had been acting up ever since supper but he was trying not to let it show. Obviously he had not done such a good job as Severus had figured it out. He noticed Severus going through his potion bag a moment ago and felt certain the professor knew what was missing.
Ginny watched him take the potion with concern, "What's the matter Harry? Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just ate something that didn't agree with me." Harry handed the vial back to the professor. "Thanks Severus, that really did help."
"You know that as your guardian and soon to be father, I prefer you come to me if you are ailing instead of taking potions without consent," Severus said in a firm voice, watching Harry squirm a little.
"Yes sir," Harry said and then pointedly looked towards Ginny.
Snape caught the message and decided to let the subject drop until Miss Weasley went back to the Tower.
Harry was saved from any further embarrassment as the fireplace suddenly turned green and Professor Dumbledore's face appeared.
"Sorry to disturb you but may I have word with you Professor Snape?" Dumbledore had a stern look and didn't even acknowledge the Gryffindors in the room. Harry wondered what could be so dire.
"Certainly Professor," Snape said and threw floo powder into the fireplace before stepping in.
Harry had a hard time concentrating on his homework as he began to wonder what the headmaster was so upset about. He didn't have to wait long as five minutes later the floo turned green. Severus stepped out with an infuriated look on his face. Harry felt Ginny tremble next to him and actually was a little frightened himself at the look of utter fury Snape was trying to mask.
It took every bit of occlumency skill Snape had to say in a calm but shaky voice, "Miss Weasley, I must ask you to leave. It seems I must speak with Mr. Potter in private on a matter I am sure he does not wish to disclose."
Oh, Merlin he knows about Beauxbatons!
Ginny quickly gathered her books and thanked the professor for the drink. Harry walked her to the door and she asked, "Are you going to be alright Harry? Professor Snape looks a little peeved at something."
"Yeah, I know what it's about. He'll be okay after I talk with him." Harry tried to sound nonchalant but his stomach was actually doing flips. He had no idea what kind of punishment this would incur. "I'll see you tomorrow." Harry slowly shut the door trying to postpone the inevitable.
He walked back into the living room and Severus was on him in a flash. He was roughly grabbed by the collar and shoved over towards the fireplace. Harry's heart raced with alarm.
Snape threw in floo powder then forced Harry in with a shove. Harry stumbled into Professor Dumbledore's office and barely had a chance to stand before Snape flooed in and was on him again. This time Snape grabbed hold of his arm and threw him into a chair. Harry landed with a thud and rubbed his arm where he felt sure he would see a bruise.
"Severus, perhaps you should distance yourself from the boy." The Headmaster noticed the look of fury on the Potion Master's face and Dumbledore quickly added, "Just until you have regained your deportment."
"Albus, I will discipline my son as I see fit. Obviously you have indulged his scheming plans way too long. Otherwise why would he feel no compunction at following through with what he did today?"
Severus looked over towards Harry and saw how he was still rubbing the spot on his arm where he had just been grabbed. It helped to lessen the anger he was feeling, slightly. He stood before Harry and said two words, "Explain yourself."
Harry knew better then to lie as it was obvious he had been caught. "Um, I just wanted to help and after you hear what I have to say and have had a chance to think about it then you might think it was actually a good idea."
"Please enlighten us," came the angry voice, just ready to snap any minute. Severus took a few steps back.
"Well, don't get mad but I was in your quarters this morning when you guys were talking about … the plan," Harry watched as both men gave him hard stares. "I think my plan is actually a lot safer for you Professor and it is already set into motion. I asked Charlet to come to the dance on Friday and she agreed. She's coming with Gabrielle."
It took a moment for Snape to react, "Of all the obtuse, dim-witted, totally Gryffindor things to do! You may have just ruined our entire plan in one fell swoop. You have no idea what harm you have caused to yourself!"
Harry stood up, gathering his courage, "No Professor, you're the one who had a foolish plan!"
Snape closed the gap between them in a flash. Harry backed up into the wall with fear in his eyes and instinctively raised his arm to cover his face. Dumbledore was up on his feet. Everyone froze for a second before Snape grabbed Harry's arm and lowered it slowly, gently. Then he turned on his heel and strode to the other side of the room with his long arms crossed in front of him. Harry stayed by the wall with his heart pounding in his ears.
Dumbledore's soft voice calmed Harry, "Now now, let us hear Mr. Potter out. It may well be too late to change the plans he has set in to motion." Dumbledore gave him an encouraging look and Harry continued.
"Well, um she's not going to let Madame Maxime know she's coming so Vespa won't have to be notified." Harry wasn't sure if Severus was even listening as the man still had his back to him.
"Exactly how is she going to accomplish that," Dumbledore asked with a bit of pride in his voice.
Severus spun around to face the Headmaster and laid into him with ferocity, "How dare you encourage him with these escapades he concocts! He is but a boy and you send him on life threatening missions! I will not have my son put in danger for the entertainment of some deranged old man!"
Harry couldn't believe Snape had just said that to the Headmaster. He hoped Snape wouldn't get fired over those scathing remarks. But the Headmaster seemed to just let it go in one ear and out the other as he replied, "Certainly asking a young lady to attend a school dance would not put your son at risk Severus."
"You obviously do not know my young cousin. She is a viper in sheep's clothes. She would just as soon kill Harry then to dance with him if that would benefit her in any way. No! Harry you will not follow through with this ridiculous plan and that is final!" Snape paced back and forth before asking, "How was Charlet going to get here without Madame Maxime knowing?"
Harry cleared his throat before answering, "Um, I left her my invisibility cloak. She's just going to join Gabrielle and no one will see her leave." Harry wearily watched as the professor continued pacing.
After a few long minutes Severus spoke in a much calmer voice, "I need to reflect on the matter some more. However, I am greatly displeased with your behavior Mr. Potter. I had thought you had more trust in me then to sneak off of school grounds. In the mean time we should be getting back home. I would like to administer the potion as soon as possible."
Dumbledore stood up again and said, "Yes, I feel a good night's sleep would do us all some good."
Snape gave Dumbledore a nod before once again taking hold of Harry's arm. Harry roughly shook him off and threw the floo powder in himself. When he walked into the dungeon living room he quickly headed for his bedroom. Snape flooed in and followed him into the room.
Harry paced back and forth in front of his bed staring at the ground, a jumble of emotions running through him. How could Snape treat him like that, like he had wanted to hit him?
Snape stood in the doorway with his arms folded, watching the boy pace. "Do you really feel that I would have struck you?"
Harry stopped pacing and turned towards the professor, "Why? Do you think that is such an absurd idea? Answer truthfully; did you want to hit me?"
Snape was taken aback as he knew that for a half a second he had wanted to strike the boy. But that was just out of fear for the boy's safety. Or was it? He didn't know how to answer that question as he could tell his answer was important to the boy. He opted to ignore the question altogether and pulled the vial of potion out of his robe.
Harry looked away and Severus couldn't tell what he was thinking any longer. He knew he didn't have an excuse for being so rough with the boy, his actions had come instinctively.
Severus shook the vial up and handed it to Harry. Harry quickly swallowed it and handed the vial back without looking up again.
Snape was at a loss as to what he should say at the moment. He was still angry over Harry's exploits but felt guilty over his reaction to hearing about it. Harry walked past him and went into the bathroom. Snape heard the shower running and went back out into the living room.
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A while later Snape went in to check on Harry. The boy was fast asleep on his back with one arm thrown over his head. Snape stepped closer to cover the boy and to his horror saw a deep red handprint on the boy's upper arm. He covered Harry with the blanket that had been kicked to the floor then walked back out to the living room and sat down heavily.
Severus covered his face with his hand as he thought about his relationship with his son. Harry deserved so much more than an angry ex-Death Eater for a father. How could he ever be everything the boy deserved and needed? It occurred to him that Harry never had anyone of real importance to compare him with. As far as Severus was concerned Black never had custody of Harry, never having to discipline the boy. Snape had plenty of experience dealing with the students in Slytherin but felt no attachment to any of the students. He had never put much thought into how the students felt when they were doled out punishments. Harry was his son now and he did not want to hurt the boy physically nor emotionally.
After an hour of contemplating on the matter Snape decided to floo call Arthur Weasley and ask for a little advice on the subject. At this point he knew he needed help in dealing with an adolescent boy with a mind of his own. If anybody knew how to deal with Harry it would be a father of six boys, two of which were notorious rule breakers.
Just as he picked up the floo powder Harry walked into the living room with his hair plastered to his head with perspiration and his t-shirt wet and clinging to him. He was rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands.
"What has happened? Did you have another vision?" Snape walked over to the sleepy teen and led him to the sofa.
"Um, I think I did have another vision but it was like the other ones. I just need some water," Harry said in a hoarse voice.
Severus studied the boy for a moment then flicked his wand. A pitcher of water and glass appeared on the coffee table. Severus handed Harry a full glass of water, watching as the teen moved further away from him.
"Harry could you tell me what the dream was about?" Snape pulled a handkerchief out of his robe pocket and handed it to Harry.
"I already told you, it's just like the other ones, you know about Ginny. This time she was being taken out of the Great Hall, so I already know it's not true. Why can't Voldemort just leave me alone?"
Snape thought Harry's voice still sounded hoarse and scratchy. Almost as if he had a cold. A thought occurred to him and he asked, "Harry have you been screaming?"
Harry looked uncomfortable but nodded his head briefly.
"So, you cast a silencing spell around your bed?" Snape knew the answer before Harry nodded his head once more. Snape thought about that before he said, "I wish you wouldn't do that while you're down here. You have no need to worry about anyone besides myself hearing you. As a matter of fact I would like to be there for you if you wake up in such a state again."
Harry looked at him with distrust clearly showing on his face. He felt a little embarrassed about the false dreams and didn't see any reason to let Severus know he was still having them. Besides, he wasn't feeling particularly friendly towards the man right now.
Severus moved over to sit next to Harry and watched as the teen leaned away from him.
"You are angry with me," Severus stated rather than asked.
Harry shrugged his shoulders and continued staring at his hands, "You wanted to hit me."
Severus could hear the underlie anger in the boy's voice, "My instincts at parenting are rather unsophisticated. My performance was unforgivable."
Harry looked up at the professor and saw how remorseful he seemed to be. It made him feel a little guilty, after all he really did deserve to be punished, "Don't worry about it. It's not your fault, I tend to push people to that point."
"Harry," Severus began in an exasperated tone, "my reactions are purely my own. I should have shown more restraint." He raised his hand up slowly and pushed Harry's wet hair off his forehead. He could see the scar had turned an angry red. Severus lightly brushed over it with his thumb.
"Does it hurt?"
Harry dropped his head in his hands then said, "Not so much anymore. But now I just know I won't go back to sleep. It takes me hours after ..." Harry ran his fingers through his damp hair and sat up straight again. Feeling frustrated over having to deal with Voldemort on top of everything else.
"That is unfortunate. You should be getting plenty of sleep while you are taking the potion I made."
"Yeah, well Voldemort doesn't seem to understand that. I just hate the evil bastard." Harry looked into the professor's eyes before asking, "Um, are you still mad I went to Beauxbatons?"
The professor took a deep breath, "There are two points I wish you to understand. The first point being that your safety means more to me than you could possibly fathom. The second being that your lack of trust in me is rather … distressful. Within the next few days we should receive the official documents stating that I am your legal Father. I hope by then you could let your guard down enough to trust me."
Harry felt horrible about hurting Severus like that. It really had never occurred to him that Severus would look at his trip to Beauxbaton's as anything other than him trying to help. Merlin, he just couldn't do anything right with this relationship. He actually did trust Severus. He probably trusted him more than any other person he had ever met. Then if that was the truth why couldn't he open up about Privet Dr.?
Harry made a sudden decision to show Severus just how much he trusted him. He got up and walked over to the desk, rifling through the papers until he found the black book. He walked back over to the sofa and sat down next to Severus.
"I trust you more than you know. I'm going to begin writing in the book tonight and I give you permission to read it. I just hope you still want me… after you read it."
"Harry, there is nothing that would be able to stop this adoption from happening. Anything you write in that book will not change the way I feel. It will only show me just how much you trust me."
Harry got up still holding the book in his hand. He gave the professor a small smile and headed into his bedroom to begin to open the vault of nightmares, otherwise known as Uncle Vernon.
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