36 - The Order
Harry pulled out all the reading material he had brought with him from his book bag. He was determined to do everything he was supposed to do to make up for pilfering through his father's memories earlier. He had never seen Severus so angry at him before, not even the time he had looked into his pensieve. The feeling of letting Severus down was a powerful one. It ate away at him all evening long, making it hard to concentrate on keeping his thoughts on what he was reading.
He only had a few minutes before dinner and decided to clean up and go down so he wouldn't risk being late. On his way down to the main dining room he saw several owls resting in the entryway. They must be waiting for responses to take back from Severus. Harry wondered what had taken place to have brought so many owls at the same time. He stopped by his father's study to see.
Severus was writing his last response to the events that had taken place and was folding the letter to send back when he noticed Harry standing at the door.
"Come in Harry and take a seat. I'll be right back," Severus gathered up the mail and departed for the entryway.
Harry sat down trying not to look at the open mail on Severus' desk. The last thing he needed was to get caught snooping in the professor's mail. He tried not to look towards the fireplace, knowing full well that there was a secret door hidden in the wall. His eyes drifted that way, studying the area surrounding the fireplace. Maybe it was behind the paneling under the mantel?
"Did you not learn your lesson?" came the cold voice from the doorway. Severus had noticed what Harry had been staring at. The room behind the fireplace was too dangerous to fathom having his son snoop through.
Harry swung his head around to look at his father asthe Potion masterstalked into the room with robes billowing behind.
"I haven't done anything, sir," Harry quickly explained.
"And you best not if you know what is good for you. I expect exemplary behavior from you the rest of this weekend."
"Yes, sir.I'll do my best," Harry said with a small smile. The professor looked at him with an eyebrow raised and Harry had the intelligence to stop smiling. He watched as the professor sat down behind the desk.
"Fine. Now I need to let you know the latest developments that have occurred. It seems that there was a breach of security at Hogwarts. Fortunately, no one was hurt. We will assume the perpetrators were looking for you as they were seen near Gryffindor Tower. Actually, they werescaling the wall on their way up to Gryffindor Tower. At this point we are just assuming since they were not apprehended. We are also to assume that they were followers of Voldemort since someone did claim to see the perpetrators wearing masks." Severus stopped to see what reaction Harry would have over hearing that. The boy sat without emotion sadly enough, as if he was used to this sort of thing taking place.
"The wards have been strengthened once again but we are beginning to believe that there is someone helping from the inside. I will interrogate some of the students in my house when we return," Severus said in an acerbic tone.
"Severus, that's twice now that Death Eaters have broken through the wards. Why are the wards weakening so much?"
Severus took a deep breath before answering, "Harry, I think you should know that Albus has not been feeling well lately. As he is weakening the wards seem to be weakening as well."
Harry was taken aback over hearing that. He never thought of Dumbledore being old but come to think of it the man was rather ancient. It saddened Harry to think of the powerful Headmaster in terms of becoming old. "Is that why the Death Eaters are becoming so bold to actually come onto school grounds?"
"I am not certain but they seem to be taking foolish risks in order to get a hold of you. Maybe it has something to do with you coming of age this summer or maybe it has to do with Albus. Once again we are speculating. Do you have any thoughts on this?"
"No, I mean I've never really had any dreams or anything about it. I just thought they were after me because of the prophecy. Severus do you think I will gain more power when I turn seventeen?"
Severus considered holding off answering that question but decided against it, "Yes I do. After witnessing the uncontrolled magic you possess I do feel that there is a reason you have that. Since seventeen is the age a wizard is considered an adult I believe many questions will be answered for you at that time. Now as far as returning to Hogwarts is concerned, I am not sure that is a wise choice. I am beginning to lose confidence that the school would adequately protect you from those wishing you harm."
"But, I have to go back. I mean, I've already missed too many classes and I have to catch up. " Harry really hoped his father did not intend to keep him here for safety reasons.
"Harry, you will do whatever I deem necessary to keep you safe. Albus has called an emergency meeting of the Order that I will host here tonight. You have strict orders to remain in your bedroom until everyone has left. Do you understand?"
"But,if the meeting is about me then I …" Harry saw the look on his father's face and changed his mind on what he had intended to say, "Yes, Sir."
They headed into the diningroom and ate dinner in silence. Harry was upset over being banned from attending a meeting regarding him. Severus was worried over the events at the school. He had been feeling the sharp call from Voldemort through the dark mark on his arm almost constantly the past few days.
There was definitely something big about to take place. It worried Severus to no end that his son was not prepared to handle a confrontation at this point. The thought of Harry facing Voldemort sent chills down his spine. Harry had just been rid of the poison and now he was having to face an attempted kidnapping. The Order meeting this evening would be discussing that problem. He still wasn't sure what the solution was but knew that something had to be done to prepare Harry before he faced Voldemort. His thoughts were interrupted by Harry.
"Severus, do you think I could just attend the meeting to hear what happened at the school? I could go up to my room after," Harry asked with force.
"I think it best that you go up to your room as soon as you finish supper. I will fill you in on the information I deem necessary for you to hear," Severus answered back with authority.He knew some Order members were bent on his son training at a private location away from the school. He could only imagine what sort of response that would evoke from Harry.
Harry held his anger in check, but it was hard. "Yes, Sir."
As soon as supper was finished Harry went up to his room as promised. He tried to concentrate on reading his transfiguration book but it became almost impossible. He could hear voices downstairs and knew that the meeting had begun. He heard someone raising their voice and then silence. He figured Severus must have cast a privacy spell because he couldn't hear anything more.
An idea suddenly occurred to him, it was a stupid idea but he couldn't help himself. Harry quietly snuck into Severus' bedroom and rifled through his closet. He knew that the invisibility cloak was in there. It didn't take long to find a package wrapped up in brown paper. Harry opened it to reveal the invisibility cloak his father James had given him. He wrapped it around himself and went down the stairs after casting a silencing charm on himself. It wouldn't be good to have someone hear him breathing or his footsteps.
Harry walked down into the large living room and saw that there were around twenty Order members present. Among them was Dumbledore, Shaklebolt, Lupin, McGonagall, Tonks, the older members of the Weasley family including Ron's brothers and Moody. Thankfully Moody was standing behind a marble column or Harry would have been seen with Moody's magical eye.
Moody was angry and raised his voice to get his point across, "The boy should be removed to a safer location until he is stronger. We can't protect him at that school, isn't that obvious by now!"
Arthur spoke up next, "We can not isolate him from a normal life. What do you want to do Alastor, train him into a soldier!"
"Alastor he is a sixteen year old boy who just wants the chance to be normal. But I see your point about offering specialized training. We all know what his destiny holds. " Lupin said.
"I agree with Alastor, he should be removed and taken to a secret location to be trained properly. I don't think we should concern ourselves with the idea that he should have a chance to be normal. The fact of the matter is that he is not normal, he is destined to fight the darkest wizard of our time," Shacklebolt emphatically stated.
Molly Weasley could not hold her tongue any longer, "That is the most ridicules thing I have ever heard! He is normal! He cannot help that he was marked. Harry deserves more respect than to just yank him from the family he has made for himself. "
"Family? That's a joke! He was adopted by a Death Eater! The ministry should have never allowed such a thing to happen in the first place!" Moody said with contempt.
Harry watched as Severus remained calmly seated without even contradicting Moody.
Arthur was up on feet in a flash though, "Don't you ever say that in front of Harry! If he heard you talk about Severus that way he would turn his back on you forever. Is that what you want Moody? Severus has been an exemplary father to him and Harry needs that more than any of you will ever know!"
Harry couldn't believe what Lupin said next, "His real father would have a fit if he knew that Harry was adopted by you! I too think the boy should be removed from this home and from Hogwarts."
Harry didn't think he would ever forgive Remus for saying that. It made him angry beyond words to hear these people talk about Severus as if he was still a Death Eater.
"Harry stays with me," Severus simply stated. He didn't feel the need to defend himself.
"Harry really should be trained," said McGonagall. "He has been rather distracted as of late. I'm not sure if he would be able to continue taking his courses and train at the same time Severus. Perhaps, a different location would be favorable. Perhaps Mr. Moody would be a stanch supervisor for Harry while he prepares."
"The boy needs discipline and to focus on defeating Voldemort!" Moody growled out.
Harry felt his heart race over hearing these people decide his fate. He didn't want to be taken away and trained. He wanted to go back to school and see his friends, play Quiddich, see Ginny! He couldn't believe they were talking about him like he was some science experiment and Severus was hardly trying to stop them.
"I know of a location that is unplotted and would serve as an excellent training facility," Shacklebolt offered.
Harry couldn't take it anymore! They were actually going to take him away from Severus! He felt the familiar sensation of magic build within himself. He tried to hold it back, tried to get control. The magic was building and he wasn't sure what would happen when it was released. He tried so hard to push it down.
Suddenly the room began to shake, almost as if there was an earthquake. The chandelier swung from above casting shadows around the room. The vases and statues clinked against each other. Everyone in the room stood up and pulled their wands out. They looked around frantically for the cause of the shaking as precious objects crashed to the ground around them.
A harsh voice cut through the noise in the room, "Mr. Potter, show yourself immediately!" Severus looked around knowing his son was here somewhere. "Immediately!" he said in the harshest voice he could muster before Harry caused more damage.
Harry was mortified as he dropped the cloak and walked around the statue. He looked at his father anxiously as the tremors in the room ceased. All eyes were upon him when he took a quick glance around.
Harry spotted Mad Eye Moody looking irritable, "Who the bloody hell do you think you are to talk about my father like that! You and your training can go to hell because you're the last person I would ever let teach me anything!"
Harry whipped around and looked at Remus, "And you! I thought you were looking out for me! You're no better than Moody! I don't ever want to see you again!"
Lupin was mortified and had to sit down.
People were trying to get Harry to settle down, but he didn't need their concern over him. He spotted McGonagall next, "How could you even think of taking me away from my friends! You know what they mean to me. Wasn't it bad enough that you sent me away with a murderer? Now you want to send me away from Severus? I'm sick and tired of you screwing up my life!" He could hear gasps all around.
Minerva's hand went to chest and she looked as if she could hardly breathe.
"That is enough!" came the cold silky voice that Harry most worried about. He felt his father grasp his shoulder in a vice like grip. Harry was harshly grabbed on the arm and dragged into the adjoining library.
"What gives you the right to speak to adults in that manner? These people are your elders, you must respect them for the positions that they hold. I have never seen a more disrespectful boy in all my life!"
"But what about what they're saying about you? How could you just sit there and let them say all that stuff!" Harry tried pulling away but Severus held tighter to his shoulder until it felt like it might break.
"You have crossed the line Harry. How dare you speak with such impertinence," Severus used his most severe voice to push his point across to the boy, "I am deeply ashamed of you."
Harry looked down feeling shame wash over him. Those words hurt more than any slap would ever hurt.
"You go out there this minute and apologize.You better hope they all accept your apology or you will be writing fifty page quests for forgiveness."
"But…" Harry started to protest but Severus grabbed him by both arms and yanked him so close that they were nose to nose.
"I said apologize!" Severus hissed into his son's face.
Harry dropped his head in total humiliation. He turned and walked back out to the livingroom. He addressed the group at large and mumbled out, "Sorry."
"This time with sincerity," Severus demanded.
This just couldn't get anymore humiliating. Harry turned towards the group again, "I'm sorry I interrupted your meeting and I shouldn't have said all those things," he glanced at McGonagall and she nodded at him.
He turned back to his father and asked in a quiet voice, "Severus you're not going to let them take me, are you?"
Severus stepped closer to his son and said in a soft voice, "Harry, when will you begin to trust me?"
Severus looked at Harry's slumped shoulders and defeated stance. He draped his arm over his son's shoulders, "Come sit down."
They sat next to each other on the long sofa and faced the rest of the group. Harry could hardly bring himself to meet anyone's eyes. He looked down at his hands as he nervously played with his wand.
Severus kept his arm draped over his son's shoulder in a show of support, "Harry will remain with me. I am fully aware that some think me a poor choice to parent Mr. Potter. Suffice it to say, that it matters not to me what others think."
Severus looked towards Moody before speaking again, "I know what my contribution to this war has been. I'll just leave it at that. Mr. Potter is not a commodity to be discussed with such disregard to his well being. He is my son and I will make all decisions regarding him from this point forward. I agree that he should have specialized training. However, he stays with me. That point is not open for debate. I believe that Hogwarts would be an adequate location to train him in defense. May I count on your support in this important endeavor?" Severus now looked from one Order member to the next.
One at a time they agreed.
Moody nodded his assent but mumbled, "It's obvious you hold all the cards."
"What does that mean?" Harry asked with irritation.
Moody gave him a stern look, "What it means Potter is that your allegiance is to your father, not to the Order Of The Phoenix. This in turn puts Severus in a powerful position."
"I've never been allowed to attend a meeting of the Order, so how could my allegiance even be to it?" Harry answered back with annoyance. "I want Voldemort to die just as badly as everyone else does. It just sucks that I'm the one that has to do it."
Bill Weasley asked, "Harry, what the bloody hell was that room shaking all about? Was that coming from you?"
Harry shrugged but answered, "I guess when I get really angry it just comes out sometimes."
The Order members looked at one another over hearing that.
Severus cleared his throat before saying, "That magic is what saved us from the beasts that I informed you about at the last meeting. I obviously did not describe the uncontrolled magic properly. It is rather amazing to behold when it is unleashed. Thankfully Mr. Potter had the good sense not to unleash it this evening."
Remus spoke up in a shaky voice, "If holding it back causes the room to tremor that way than I shudder to think what releasing it would cause. Now do you understand why we are concerned about your defense training Harry?"
"Yes Remus, I'm not as senseless as you obviously think I am. I know what my future holds." Harry answered back with strength and boldlyplaced a hand on his father's forearm. He knew this action would make some people uncomfortable as it was a true sign of where he drew his strength from.
Severus gave him an encouraging nod but remained quiet. He felt his son had to put forth his point in his own way.
Remus looked remorseful as he went on, "Harry, I can only plead stupidity in the way I spoke about Severus. I was unaware of the protective relationship he has offered you. I must ask your forgiveness Harry."
Harry looked towards the last Marauder with hurt clearly written on his face, "Do you really think my parents wouldn't want me to be happy? Because I don't care anymore what they might think. I've been alone for a really long time, Remus. "
That last sentence made several Order members teary eyed. Everyone knew exactly what the Potter family had sacrificed. This boy was the one paying the price.
"Harry, there is something that you should know, something that you should both know." Remus looked Severus in the eyes as he spoke, "Lily always trusted you Severus. She actually wanted you to be the secret keeper. James vetoed the idea but Lily was certain you were the one person who would never betray their location. She felt that if you were strong enough to fool Voldemort on a daily basis then you would never break under pressure." Remus looked at Harry, "So, to answer your question, I think your Mother would not only want you to be happy but would approve of your new family. I'm sorry I upset you Harry, you know how much you mean to me."
"Thanks for telling me that Remus. It really means a lot. I didn't mean what I said earlier," Harry gave him a small smile.
Severus sat frozen over hearing that new information. It meant more to him than anyone could ever imagine. Lily had always held a special place in his heart and now knowing that she trusted him made him feel whole. Adopting Harry felt even more right, if that was possible.
Harry noticed that Severus seemed to be caught up in his thoughts. He figured it had something to do with what Remus said about his mum. He leaned into him and whispered, "Are you alright?"
Severus composed himself quickly, "I'm fine."
Albus spoke in a calm voice which helped the group to refocus, "I would like to propose a new plan. The position of Defense Against The Dark Arts has become available. I would like an Auror to accept the position and along with teaching the students, privately tutor Mr. Potter. I would also like Harry to have private lessons in Potions, Charms and Transfigurations at a much higher level than he is taking now. I will excuse all other classes not relevant to his defeating Voldemort. If this is agreeable to you Severus than I ask that you choose the DADA teacher. If you would like the position yourself than that would be satisfactory as well."
Severus felt nonplussed for a moment as he digested the question before him. He had always wanted the DADA position, had asked yearly to hold the position. But now so much was riding on it. The real question was; what is best for Harry? Who could teach Harry the most?
With those thoughts in mind Severus announced, "I am quite certain that the best person to teach Mr. Potter would be Moody."
Harry stood up, "No way! I'm not going …" He was abruptly cut off as Severus stood up and grabbed hold of him from the back of the neck.
With a dead calm voice Severus said, "Sit down."
Harry sat but was bristling with rage over who his father had chosen. He gave Moody a filthy look, just daring him to accept the position.
Moody looked as if he was still trying to absorb that announcement. He nodded at Severus and said, "I accept." He then swung his magical eye to Harry before asking, "Do you disagree with this?"
Harry wanted to yell out, 'Hell yes, I disagree!' but he knew that Moody was the strongest Auror in the world. That he really could learn a lot from the man. More importantly that if he undermined his father's decision he would be essentially telling everyone that his father held no authority over him. He had worked too hard at making this relationship work to ruin it now.
Severus sat with his hands on his lap knowing that his son would make the right decision.
Harry looked at his father then at Moody, "I agree." Severus felt a rush of pride in the boy and placed his hand on his son's shoulder once again.
Moody leaned forward and asked, "Do you agree to do as I ask without question?"
Harry wanted to roll his eyes and leave but he knew that wouldn't go over well, "Yes sir."
Moody looked at Severus, "Are you planning on coddling the boy when he thinks lessons are getting too tough?"
Tonks spoke up, "Moody, I think it is quite clear that Severus doesn't coddle Harry! I'm thinking he's overly strict myself."
Harry shot her a look of gratitude.
In a composed voice Severus answered, "How I choose to respond to my son is not open to public debate. I do not intend to let Harry dictate the lessons in which you teach Moody. However, if I feel I should step in at any point then I will not hesitate to do so."
Moody nodded. "I can live with that. Alright then, you have yourself a new DADA teacher Albus." Moody stood up and shook hands with the Headmaster.
Harry couldn't believe this was happening. He was going to get stuck in a room for hours with a mad man that hated him. Shite, what had he got himself into now.
The meeting continued with decisions being made on keeping Harry safe during his training and where the classes should be held. Harry leaned back against the sofa and tuned everything out. He knew this was all being done for his own good but it still wasn't something he looked forward to. He felt his eyes getting heavy as he thought the energy it had taken to push down that uncontrolled magic had taken its toll on his body. Without meaning to he drifted off to sleep with his head resting on the back of the sofa and his face pressed into his father's sleeve.
When he awoke it was to Order members shaking hands and bidding each other farewell. Harry stood up, ashamed that he had let himself fall asleep like a child. He rubbed his eyes and made his way over to the Weasley's.
Molly took one look at his mussed up hair and tired eyes and wished that this whole Voldemort thing could wait until the boy was older. It wasn't fair that he should be put into this position. More importantly it wasn't fair that his childhood had been robbed so mercilessly.
"Harry, you firecall me anytime you need something. And be careful, alright?" Molly gathered her son's best friend into her arms and squeezed him soundly.
"Alright. And thank you for sticking up for me earlier," Harry said with sincerity.
As soon as he was released from Mrs. Weasley he was grabbed again but this time by Tonks.
"Hey Harry," Tonks released him and looked into his eyes. "I know you don't really like Mad Eye but I think Severus made a good choice. Moody's taught me things that you would never learn in the Auror program. Just try to give him a chance."
"Yeah, I guess I don't really have a choice, do I? Are you going to come train me too?"
"Sure am. I'm supposed to help you with charms. But I'm also assigned to watch out for you when you practice Quiddich and guard you at the games. Severus insisted that you not have to give up Quiddich," Tonks informed him. "There were some who fought against it for safety reasons but Severus wouldn't budge."
The thought of Severus standing up for him made him smile. "Good, cause I wouldn't give it up anyways."
Just then Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to face his father, "I heard you fought to keep me on the team?"
"Yes, I might live to regret that decision when Slytherin loses another house cup to Gryffindor though," Severus stated dryly.
"You have that much confidence that Gryffindor's going to win?" Harry asked with a big smile.
"No, but I do have confidence in the fact that you won't let Mr. Malfoy best you as seeker."
"I'll do my best."
When the last person left Harry walked upstairs with Severus and stopped him before he went into his own room. "Severus? Are you still angry at me for going to the meeting?"
"I am not sure. I am glad of the outcome but still feel that you deserve to be punished over the way you spoke to the adults. They have placed themselves in harms way to protect you. I thought I would speak to you regarding your conduct in the morning, after I have had a chance to reflect on the matter."
"Oh." That was not really the response Harry was hoping to hear. He didn't want Severus going to bed still mad at him. "Are you going to come in to say goodnight?"
"If you wish."
"Yeah, I do."
Twenty minutes later, Severus sat down on the edge of his son's bed, "Harry, I know that much is expected of you but that doesn't mean that you are allowed to make the decisions of an adult. You are six months from coming of age but not adulthood. You still have much to learn. I want you to think about that tonight and we will talk in the morning."
Harry wasn't exactly sure what point Severus was trying to make but he could still hear disappointment in his father's voice. "Are you still mad at me?"
Severus furrowed his brow, "Why do you ask that same question again?"
"I just want to know."
"It is quite late. Why don't we talk about this in the morning?" Severus raised his wand and all the lights went out.
Harry could still see his father's face in the light of the fireplace. "Remember what we promised?"
Severus turned to face his son, "To what promise are you referring?"
"When we said we weren't going to go to bed angry at each other. I dunno, I just thought it was a good thing to do." Harry shifted so he was sitting up now.
Severus nodded his head, "I am not angry at you Harry. I suppose I expect too much from you."
"Do you think you would have acted any differently if all those people were talking about me like they were talking about you?" Harry asked, now very curious to Severus response.
Severus thought that question put a new perspective on the situation, "That's a very good argument. I suppose I would have reacted in a similar fashion, minus the theatrical shaking of the room. But there are factors that you are not taking into account. As I told you earlier, the wards in the school are not as strong as they once were. That is most likely the reason that Lupin and Professor McGonagall wished for your removal."
"Maybe, but it sounded as if they wanted me to be taken away from you," Harry stated with an edge of anger.
"In Minerva's case I know that she is looking out for your safety. She is also trying to balance the safety of the school. With me on the premises the wards are much stronger. I can make no excuse for Lupin."
"Weren't you mad at McGonagall for giving me to Vespa?"
Severus moved closer and looked into his son's eyes, "I am quite certain she knows my feelings on that incident. We had a rather long discussion while you were in the midst of recovering. Try to look past the incident as I feel she intended no harm."
Harry wished he had heard what was said in that long discussion. "Severus, I'm sorry about all the trouble I caused today."
"Yes, you did have an exceedingly extensive day in mischief. Very well then, let us put this discussion to rest. I am officially closing the door on the events that took place today. Tomorrow we start anew. Better?"
"Yeah, but only if you mean it." Harry flopped back on his pillows and removed his glasses.
"I do. Goodnight son."
"Night," Harry pulled the blankets up and felt relief.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
The rest of the weekend was spent in relatively peaceful existence, with Harry catching up on his readings and Severus working in the laboratory. On Sunday night before they left Harry stood on the back veranda and looked at the huge expansive garden. He smelled the fresh air and wished that he had taken a break from reading earlier to go flying. Now they were packed and Severus was ready to go back to Hogwarts. He was interrupted from his reverie by an arm thrown over his shoulder.
"This place brings back many memories," Severus said in quiet contemplation as he looked across the property.
"Did you ever have fun while you lived here," Harry couldn't imagine Severus having the same sort of fun that he and his friends had.
"Oh, I suppose there were moments of satisfaction."
Harry looked at his father and felt sad for the lonely life he must have lead. It was getting a little to depressing for Harry's liking so he thought he would try and lighten the mood a little.
"What do you say we have a race on our brooms before we go back?" Harry asked with a mischievous grin. "Unless you're afraid to loose to a Gryffindor?"
Severus thought about protesting but realized there was really no reason not fly right now. It was such a lovely evening out. "Are you planning to protest when I defeat you?"
"Oh ho, you're pretty confident aren't you? I'll get the brooms!" Harry ran back inside and was back in a flash with two brooms. "I'll even let you ride my Firebolt since you out weigh me."
"Very well, let us race to the big hedge on the far side of the lawn and back again." Severus mounted the broom and waited for his son to give the signal.
Harry was grinning like a Cheshire cat, "Ready, steady …GO!"
Harry shot up and flew over the rose beds and well trimmed garden. He was shocked when he saw Severus fly by him in a black blur. Harry hugged his broom, pressing down as flat as he could against it. He knew this broom wasn't nearly as good as his own but thought it was probably even with Severus' extra weight. He was almost caught up with the professor as they made it to the large hedges.
Severus didn't really care if he beat his son but wanted to give it his best shot. He was amazed at the power this broom had verses his own broom. The fresh air felt good and he realized he was actually enjoying himself. He hoped this would be one of those happy memories he had wished for his son.
Harry was stunned at how well the professor flew. He watched as his father did a perfect hairpin loop to head back to the house. His father was good but Harry knew he was better. He almost thought of letting Severus win just to see him gloat but then decided he didn't want to loose. They were getting closer to the house and if he didn't make a move right now Severus would win.
Harry dropped back behind Severus and flew in the wind tunnel Severus was providing. Just as they were upon the house he shot out in front of the professor. He didn't leave enough room to slow down and land though. The house was coming at him at an alarming speed and he couldn't slow himself down in time. At the last minute before he was going to slam into the house he veered up in a sharp arch and looped backwards. The next thing he knew, he was falling from his broom.
Severus landed and immediately jumped off and pulled his wand out. He knew Harry hadn't left enough room to stop and hoped his son didn't slam into the house before he could buffer the impact. He was amazed that Harry not only didn't hit the house but had managed to loop backwards. He watched as his son came out of the loop unsteadily and fell from the broom.
Severus quickly raised his wand and yelled, "Aressto Momentum!"
Harry felt the tendrils of magic take hold of him and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Severus had saved him from another broken body part. What he wasn't prepared for was his landing. He fell into the large water fountain with the three cupids spouting water. His broom fell from the sky smacking him on the head. He pulled himself up into sitting position and was shocked to hear laughter. Not just a chuckle but a full on deep laughter. When he pulled his glasses off and pushed his soaking hair out of his eyes, he saw his father standing on the side of the fountain with his wand out and his head thrown back in the throes of unabashed laughter.
"Hey, stop laughing I could have been killed!" Harry said indignantly but when he stood up he was pushed back in by the chuckling professor. Harry jumped back up and used his broom to swipe at the water, sending a large wave towards the professor.
The water hit Severus square in the face, soaking his robes clean through.
Now Harry was the one laughing. He moved away when his father grabbed for him and kicked more water at the shocked man. Harry figured that Severus probably had never had a water fight before and wasn't sure what response the man would have. It didn't stop Harry from laughing and jumping out of the professor's grasp though.
By the time Severus grabbed Harry they were both soaked through with big grins on their faces. Severus pulled his wand out and dried himself off with the flick of his wand.
"Could you do that on me too," Harry asked optimistically as he stood in the cool breeze, shaking.
Severus raised an eyebrow and gave his son a slight grin, "No, I think not."
Harry ran after him into the house, dripping water all through the hallway imploring to be dried off.
"Come on Dad," Harry whined.
Severus stopped walking and turned around to face his son. He looked at him for a long moment before smiling, "I believe you know exactly how to manipulate me."
The professor raised his wand and Harry felt himself dry off instantly.
Harry knew this evening would be one of those happy memories he would think about in the hard days to come.
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