Mad Eye Moody
Monday morning Harry made his way into the Great Hall. He was looking forward to seeing his friends again. But he wasn't prepared for the reaction he got when he walked through the heavy wooden doors.
Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and Harry suddenly realized he hadn't seen anyone since the game. He sat down next to Hermione and several people gave him a pat on the back and congratulated him. Hermione told him that most people thought he was recovering from his injuries from the fall during the game. No one other than Ron, Hermione and Ginny knew anything about Vespa and the kidnapping. Harry was glad for that, it meant less questions to answer.
When Harry was finally left alone to eat, Hermione asked what had happened to make Professor Snape cancel their trip to the manor.
"I did something that made him really angry," Harry answered.
Ron and Hermione looked at him expectantly.
"I forced myself into his memories and revealed a secret passageway in the manor. He was upset because it led to Voldemort and he thinks I'm stupid enough to actually go after him." Harry looked up at the head table. His father was in deep conversation with Moody and he didn't look too happy.
"Oh Harry, how could you do that to the professor? You're lucky he didn't do something more drastic," Hermione admonished.
"What have you guys heard about the break in?" Harry asked to change the subject. He wasn't about to tell his friends how Severus had backhanded him to the ground.
They spoke about the break in, then Harry filled them in about the special training he was supposed to start. Ron seemed a bit jealous that Harry was going to get private tutoring to learn cool spells. Harry promised he would teach him everything he learned though.
Harry was actually a little nervous about attending a one on one training with Mad Eye Moody. He didn't trust him or think the man was going to cut him any slack. He vowed to himself to stay current on any readings he was assigned by Moody, even if it meant hanging out with his friends less.
As they were leaving the Great Hall, Ginny ran up looking very cute with her hair pinned up on the sides.
"Hey Harry, welcome back!" Ginny gave Harry a quick hug. Harry could smell her freshly washed hair.
"Hi Ginny. Sorry about canceling this weekend. Severus was in a bad mood over something I did."
Ginny gave him a questioning look but luckily didn't ask about anything further.
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Double Potions turned out to be a nightmare for the three Gryffindor. Snape was in a bad mood and Harry figured it was due to whatever conversation he had with Moody. Snape took points from every house except Slytherin. When Harry accidentally added too many blue bellied dragon scales and his potion started to smoke, Snape came storming over in a rage.
"Do you know how to read Potter?"
"Yes sir." Harry was trying not to give his dad any excuse to get mad at him after messing up so badly this past weekend.
"I expect better from you." Severus raised his wand and the entire potion disappeared. "Ten points from Gryffindor." Severus didn't say anything else but turned on his heel and strode to another impending disaster.
"What the bloody hell is eating him?" Ron asked.
"I think Mad Eye is grating on his nerves," Harry answered as he restarted his potion.
"I hope he doesn't act like this for the rest of the year," Ron said and pointed to Neville stuttering out an excuse about his potion turning black to the angry professor.
When potions class ended Harry decided not to stick around. He packed his book bag and headed out with his friends. Just as he made it to the door he heard his father's voice.
"Potter, get over here."
Harry gave his friends a look of frustration and turned back around to talk with Severus.
Severus waited until everyone had left before laying into his son. He walked around his desk and stood directly in front of him with his hands folded in front.
"Where was your head today? Do you know how many people are giving up their precious time to tutor you? I expect perfection and total concentration from this point forth. If I find out you've been anything less than first-rate you will suffer the consequences." Severus wasn't angry so much as being cautious for what the future held for Harry. He had just heard a report from Moody that Voldemort was offering a prize to anyone who brought Harry to him. Unbeknownst to Harry several more Aurors had arrived that morning to guard the school and most especially to guard Harry. The specialized training was his best defense.
Harry couldn't believe what a big deal Severus was making over this. He'd ruined tons of potions before and never been talked to like this. Maybe this whole special training thing was really getting to the professor.
"Sorry, I'll try harder Sir," Harry said and waited to be excused. He looked up at his father's face and thought he saw a flicker of regret.
"You may be excused."
After Harry left, Severus stood contemplating the task before them. So much was to be expected from the boy and he just didn't know if Harry was up to the task. Maybe McGonagall was correct in her assessment that Harry would rely on him to bail the boy out of trouble. It just bothered him the way that Harry seemed to be not focused today. Maybe he should step up the discipline a notch? Harry's life may very well depend on how much he could learn.
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After transfigurations class McGonagall called Harry over to her desk.
"Mr. Potter, I was disappointed that you were unable to transfigure that rock. I see no reason why you should not be able to focus and complete this. I am afraid that I will need to speak to Severus about your level of concentration," McGonagall held one of the granite rocks in her hand.
Harry hated hearing that Severus was going to be told. He didn't think it was fair because only five people in the class had been able to accomplish the task. He remembered Severus' warning from this morning. "Professor do you think I could have another go at it? I really don't want you to tell Severus."
McGonagall looked uncertainly at the rock in her hand but she relented and handed it over to Harry. "I do feel rather regretful over the incident with Professor Snape's sister. I apologize for not being more diligent with safety regarding you."
Harry nodded his head, not really accepting the apology but also not denying it. At this point he just wanted to put everything behind him.
Harry placed the rock on her desk and pulled his wand forth. He tried to occlude his mind of all other thoughts and just focus on the rock. He lifted his wand, "Cave canem!"
The rock grew a little hair but did not turn into a dog as it was supposed to. Harry tried again but this time it only grew a tiny tail. He panicked when he saw the professor starting to pack her bag to leave for supper. He knew that she would go straight to Severus and tell him.
He raised his wand again and this time not only imagined the dog in his mind but pushed forth the emotions he was feeling with force, "Cave Canem!" This time a large angry dog with silver matted hair stood barking on the desk.
McGonagall was caught off guard but quickly composed herself, "Very well done Mr. Potter. It seems that Severus may have a little more control over you than I once thought." She pulled her wand out and the dog vanished.
Harry followed her out to the hallway pleased that he would not get in trouble but a little put out over hearing the part about Severus having control.
During supper he looked up at the head table and Severus gave him a nod. He noticed that McGonagall had a small smile on her face. It bothered him to no end that she was trying to manipulate him by using Severus as a threat. The only problem was that it had worked. Just the thought of disappointing his father again made him try harder. He tried to push those thoughts out of his mind and finish his supper. He wanted to get started on all the reading he was required to do before Defense class tomorrow with Moody.
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The next day Harry walked into DADA with Ron and Hermione and was immediately thrown back by a body blast. He scrambled up and pulled his wand out and saw that Ron and Hermione had their wands out too.
Harry never noticed that two Aurors in the hallway had also pulled their wands to protect him.
Everyone relaxed when they realized that it was Moody who had thrown the blast at Harry. That is, everyone except Harry relaxed.
Moody stood at the front of the class mocking, "Potter, how do you know there wasn't a Death Eater waiting for you in this room? Heh, ever thought to be on your guard?"
Harry kept his wand out but made his way to his seat, rubbing the back of his head where it had just been bumped. Everyone else was looking from him to the professor and back again, waiting expectantly for something to happen.
Moody went on with class as if nothing happened and hardly spoke more than a few words to Harry. When it came time for an example of the Warrior blast to be demonstrated, Harry already knew who the professor would choose before he was called up to the front.
Harry stood up on the raised platform and held his wand in front of him. He had practiced all evening long to get this block down without hesitation. When Moody threw the first Warrior blast his way it was soundly blocked with ease. This seemed to rub the professor the wrong way and he threw three consecutive blasts at Harry. Harry countered each one, feeling his energy drain and his block weakened.
The professor called up three students, all of them Slytherins, including Malfoy. He instructed them to practice the Warrior blast on Harry. He didn't give Harry any instruction on how to block them but just stood back to watch.
Harry was in ready position when the first blast hit. He easily blocked three more but was starting to feel weak. There was something about that block that was sucking the energy from him with each try.
The three Slytherins nodded to one another and sent the blast towards Harry in unison. The blast came towards him in a bright gold arrow with so much power that Harry could feel it before it hit. His block was up and he pushed as much energy as he could muster into it. He knew before the curse hit his block that the block wouldn't hold. He saw the arch of light pass through as if in slow motion and tried to step to the side to avoid getting hit. He lost his balance and was hit in the arm with a terrible stinging sensation. He grabbed hold of his arm and accidentally dropped his wand.
Malfoy yelled out, "Expelliarmus!"
Harry's wand went flying into the Slytherins hand. The whole class was shocked when Malfoy raised his wand again and pointed it down on Harry yelling out another Warrior blast.
Harry got hit in the side and rolled away to get up on his feet. He was barely conscience of the fact that Ron was up on his feet and blasted Malfoy before the teacher could stop him. It seemed as if all hell had broken loose with blasts flying all over the room. The weaker students ducked under the tables.
Silence fell when Moody stood up and yelled, "Wands away!"
He limped up to the raised platform and told everyone to take a seat. Harry shakily stood up but fell back down when his body would not cooperate. Moody walked over to him and pulled him up by the neck of his robe. "Take a seat," Moody growled.
Hermione came up to help Harry and said, "He needs to go see Madame Pomfrey, Professor."
"He'll wait until he's on his own time," Moody growled out and pushed Harry towards a chair.
When Harry walked by Malfoy he grabbed his wand out of the Slytherins hand. Malfoy smirked satisfactorily back at him.
Harry threw himself in his seat consumed with dark thoughts about Moody. He couldn't understand why the professor didn't at least show him why his block had failed. The man was more mental than he thought. So, was this what he had to look forward to everyday? Getting his ass kicked by Moody and Malfoy! This wasn't on. There was no way he was just going to walk up there like some victim and wait to get hexed! And what was that Warrior blast all about anyway? His arm stung like a hundred bees had just attacked it.
Moody interrupted his thoughts by using his block as a bad example of what not to do. Harry listened intently to hear what it was he should have done instead. The man never really gave any clue but continued on saying how bad the block was. Harry tried to hold his anger in check forcing himself not to look at Malfoy reenacting his last Warrior blast for his friends.
Moody stopped Harry on his way out, "Potter, make sure you tell Pomfrey what spell we were using. There's a special pain potion you'll need to take." Moody limped off without another word.
Harry's arm was so swollen he had to roll up his sleeve to give it more room. He dreaded going to see Pomfrey. He hadn't seen her since the kidnapping and still held a fair degree of anger towards her. The other option didn't make him too happy either. He could just see Severus' face when he told him how he got his ass kicked by Malfoy. The pain forced him to choose the dungeons and he decided facing his father's disappointment would be better than facing Pomfrey.
As he opened the Potion classroom door he heard his father berating someone and suddenly realized he had walked in on a class. He stopped and tried to step back out the door but was stopped by his father's cutting voice.
"Potter, stop lurking around the corridor and get in here." Severus watched his son take an unsure step back into the classroom. He was going to ask what Harry needed but caught sight of the grossly swollen arm that Harry tried to tuck back under his cloak.
"Um, I could come back Professor?" Harry asked hoping to avoid an audience of goggling fifth years.
"No, come," Snape pointed to the front of his desk. "Let me see what injury you've brought about now." Snape grabbed hold of Harry's arm and shook his head. "To what spell do you owe this to?"
"Moody was teaching a Warrior Blast," Harry said trying to ignore the stares.
"And you did not practice the counter shield beforehand?" Snape sounded bothered as if he had failed it himself.
"Yes sir, I did practice it," Harry said, then quickly added, "I blocked Moody's spell three times."
Snape raised an eyebrow as if contemplating the truth in that statement, "Your arm does not reflect that."
Harry wasn't about to tell him who had aimed the spell that caused his arm so much grief.
"Severus, I mean Professor, could I just get something for it?" Harry glanced back at the students behind him. They had all stopped brewing to listen. Bunch of nosey sods!
Severus went to a locked cabinet and pulled forth a green jar of cream. He handed the jar to Harry before commenting, "You may keep that since I believe you will need it in the future. You must take a special pain potion to do away with the pain that blast causes. Just a sip is needed."
Harry thought a pain potion fixing the sharp sting in his side and arm sounded pretty good.
His father handed him a vial with dark green liquid and put a hand on his arm, leaning in close so no one else could hear, "I have a feeling your training will become rather harsh . Be careful to only use this pain potion when it is most necessary. Never more than twice in a week as it is known to cause addiction."
Harry hesitated taking hold of the pain potion. Maybe he didn't need it after all? But he already knew he wouldn't last much longer with that kind of pain pulsing through his side and arm.
Severus pushed it back into his hand before saying, "Just use it sparingly and only when vital. I know exactly what the Warrior Blast feels like; I venture to guess that you could probably use this right now."
Harry grasped the vial and stuck it in his robe pocket, "Thank you sir. I guess I'll see you later then. Sorry to have disturbed your class."
"As I have conveyed previously, I insist that you come to me whenever you have a need. It matters not whether I am teaching or otherwise engaged. You come first," Snape said matter of fact before turning to face the class with a sneer.
Harry thought it was nice to have someone care so much but just wished he hadn't conveyed that in front of the whole friggin class! He tucked his head down as he heard snickers from some of the guys.
Harry walked up to Gryffindor Tower impatient to get the stinging to stop. By the time he was safely behind closed doors in his dorm his hands were shaking with the pain emanating from his arm and side. He pulled the vial out of his robe pocket and drank a small sip. It was almost like magic the way the pain ceased to exist. He stuck his fingers in the cream and rubbed it on his red swollen arm. Then he did the same to his ribs. He felt so much better, and slightly euphoric. The sensation made him feel good enough to want to practice that counter shield.
Ron found Harry up in their room, practicing the shield with a silly grin on his face. "What's so funny Harry? I'd have thought you would be mad over what that maniac Moody did to you?"
"Nope, I'm not going to let him get to me," Harry said feeling like he was on top of the world.
"That's a right good attitude to take. Well come on then, let's go eat," Ron looked at him with confusion. He couldn't figure out why Harry was so happy after just getting pummeled by Malfoy and Moody though.
Ron sat next to Hermione while Harry sat across from them next to Ginny. They talked about DADA class with Ron and Hermione telling Ginny how unfair the whole class had been.
Ginny kept her eyes on Harry thinking he wasn't acting like himself. He seemed to be a little disconnected. Harry caught her staring at him and gave her a lopsided grin. She looked down as she felt a flush creep to her cheeks. When she looked up again it was into Harry's eyes. He had never looked away and seemed to be studying her face with a far off look. Finally, after a long moment of being stared at she reached over to him and playfully punched his shoulder.
"What are you staring at? Do I have food on my face or something?" Ginny laughed at the look Harry gave her. He seemed to be caught off guard as if he hadn't meant to stare.
"Oh um, actually I was just thinking about how perfect you are," Harry reached out and pushed a stray hair off of Ginny's face.
Ginny didn't really know what to say to that, not that she had a chance to say anything since her brother rudely spoke up.
"That's my sister you're lusting after mate!" Ron growled out and stabbed his roast with his fork viciously.
Harry sat up and tried to focus on the conversation once again. His head was rather foggy but in a good way. He felt somewhat happy all of a sudden and wished he could go for a long walk around the lake with Ginny. It wasn't until he heard Ginny say 'yes' that he realized he had asked that question out loud.
Ron gave him a warning look which he shook off as he stood up and offered Ginny his arm. They could hear their friends making rude comments about what they were planning on doing on the walk but they both pretended not hear.
Once they were outside Ginny took hold of Harry's hand. "Harry you seem kind of funny tonight."
Harry looked down at her with a mischievous grin, "Why, because I feel like taking the most beautiful girl at Hogwarts outside for a walk?" He was actually surprised at his own boldness; it wasn't like him to say things like this out loud.
Ginny blushed again but then teased, "So you think I'm the most beautiful girl but only at Hogwarts? I didn't hear you say anything about Beauxbaton."
"That's because all the girls at Beauxbaton are so hideous that I didn't think it fair to compare you to them. They wouldn't stand a chance around someone like you," Harry said half serious.
"Good comeback Harry. I think hanging out down in the dungeons around all those Slytherins is rubbing off on you. They do know how to suck up with the best of them!"
By this time they were down by the lake. Harry took off his cloak and laid it on the ground so they could sit on it. The weather was a perfect with a soft breeze and just warm enough to not need a cloak. They sat down next to each other looking out over the Black Lake. Ginny leaned into Harry and looked up at him expectantly.
Harry felt bolder than he normally would have and knew it was due to that pain potion. He leaned his face towards Ginny's and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. He felt a rush of adrenaline shoot through his body. This was the first time he ever felt like that with anyone. He placed his hand behind her head and pulled her face towards his. This time they had a long deep kiss with both not wanting to end it.
Ginny looked into Harry's emerald green eyes as she traced her finger down his jaw line. He was so handsome, so amazingly handsome that she pulled him close this time and they kissed again. This time it was Ginny that held the back of his head, then ran her fingers through his unruly dark hair. Her heart leapt at the thought that they had actually kissed! She had liked him for years and had never thought it was going to happen, yet here they were.
Harry lay back on the cloak and looked up at the stars just appearing in the dark sky. He pulled Ginny down next to him and she rests her head on his shoulder with an arm draped across his chest. Harry ran his fingers down her long ginger hair and grabbed a handful to smell. It was just as he remembered from this morning, sweet with a little hint of vanilla.
She looked up at him and moved so she could kiss him again. As their lips touched she realized how soft his were. He kissed better than any of the other boys that she had been with.
They had no idea how long they had been down by the lake but knew it was longer than intended when they heard Hermione calling their names. They sat up quickly and looked behind them as Hermione rushed over.
"Harry, you are in so much trouble! Professor Snape said you had an appointment with him an hour ago and he's on the war path looking for you!"
"Oh Bloody Hell! I'm supposed to start special training in potions with him tonight. Shit! Did he look angry?" Harry asked as he stood up and helped Ginny to her feet. He scooped up his cloak and swung it over Ginny's shoulders.
Hermione looked approvingly at that but answered, "What do you think Harry?"
Harry leaned down and gave Ginny a quick peck on the cheek, "I'll see you later, I better run."
Hermione and Ginny watched as Harry sprinted across the grass up towards the castle.
Hermione didn't waste anytime in grilling her friend, "Sooo, what happened?"
Ginny laughed but wasn't about to kiss and tell, "Let's just say that the six year wait has been well worth it!"
Both girls squealed with laughter on their way up to Gryffindor Tower.
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Harry stepped tentatively into Snape's dungeon quarters, looking around as if he might get the same body blast that Moody had given earlier. He spotted Severus sitting at the desk with his head bent over a stack of parchment. He stood in front of the desk, waiting to be noticed.
After several long uncomfortable minutes his father finally looked up with his face clearly reflecting disappointment.
"Our appointment was exactly seventy two minutes ago. I see you have all your limbs so I know you do not have a worthy excuse for being tardy. Would you like to profess justification?'
"No sir." Harry looked down not wanting to tell his father exactly what he had been doing.
Severus gave him a look of consternation, "Yes, I presumed as much. The potion I was planning on showing you this evening will take longer than I have time to give at this point. Since you show no remorse I feel an evening with Mr. Filch might be in order."
Harry looked up sharply as his father swept past him, "No, come on Dad."
Severus whirled around to look down on his son, "Do not try and get on my good side, because at this moment I do not have one. I will see you tomorrow after I have had time to reflect on a sufficient punishment. Try not to get hurt in Defence class tomorrow as I will be in a meeting with the Order. Now, you will find Mr. Filch in his office." Severus stalked to the laboratory door, slamming it closed behind him.
Harry stood in the middle of the room trying to figure out how he had forgotten the appointment and messed up so badly with his father. He really did feel horrible over missing it and wished he could make it up in some way. He pulled a piece of parchment out of the desk drawer and wrote a note to his father. He folded it and left it propped up on the desk so Severus would not be able to miss it.
On his way up to find Filch he thought about the brilliant evening he had with Ginny and found it put a smile back on his face.
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Harry rolled into bed just past two in the morning with aching hands and knees. He threw his glasses on the nightstand. He was so tired from scrubbing the prefect's two bathrooms and four school restrooms that he just flopped down on his bed fully dressed and closed his eyes. It seemed as if he had only been asleep for a few minutes when someone shook his shoulder yelling that it was time to get up.
Harry cracked one eye open and could see the blurry shape of Ron. He grabbed his glasses putting them on as he rolled out of bed. "Ron, why are you waking me up so early?"
"Harry, it's not early. You've already missed breakfast. If you don't hurry you're going to be late for Defence class."
"Oh, that will go over well with Moody!" Harry grabbed his change of clothes and headed for the bathroom. After a super quick shower he threw his clothes on and ran down to DADA class.
Ron and Hermione were waiting at the door for him with their wands out. Harry almost forgot about the surprise attack from yesterday but quickly pulled his wand out as well.
He threw up a fortress block as he walked through the door with Ron and Hermione following. The blasts came at him from all sides. The fortress block held but Harry had to plant his feet to avoid being knocked over from the force of the blasts.
He scanned the room spotting Malfoy, Goyle and Moody spread out strategically. Harry wasn't sure if they were done with the blasts so he held up his block until Moody spoke up.
"I suppose you do listen when it suits you. You may enter," Moody limped up to the platform and stood next to his desk. When all the students were seated he proceeded to tell everyone what block Harry had used and what other spells it was useful for.
Malfoy raised his hand, "Excuse me sir, but Potter never did learn the proper way to block the Warrior Blast. I would be willing to help out with that." Malfoy gave Harry a wicked grin.
"Very well then, Malfoy come on up to the front."
Malfoy strutted up to the platform pleased that he would get another free shot at Potter.
"Potter come on up then," Moody watched as Harry begrudgingly made his way up to the platform. The boy looked tired and worse for wear. Moody wondered what had happened to make him look so worn out.
"Wands up, you may begin," Moody watched Potter plant his feet and put the block up.
Malfoy angrily yelled out, "Bellatora!" The blast was spot on and hit Potter's block dead center.
Harry held the block but felt it draining his energy. The blast finally dissipated just as Malfoy yelled out another blast. This time Harry pushed all that he had into the block. He wavered for half a second but held on until the blast lost its energy. Just as the block ended Malfoy threw another blast. Harry hardly had any energy left and the block collapsed quickly. He was able to jump out of the way with only his arm getting slightly grazed by the blast. The pain was manageable but he still wished he hadn't gotten hit.
Moody watched with interest. He saw Potter struggling to hold on and knew before the shield collapsed that he would get hit. It was obvious that he hadn't grasped this block properly. He saw Malfoy's arrogant smirk and thought it might be time to put him in his place.
"Alright then Potter, I would like you to throw a Warrior blast at Malfoy," Moody watched Malfoy's face drain of color. "And be sure to put some power behind it."
Harry suddenly felt better and stood up straighter with his shoulders back. He planted his feet ignoring the pain from his arm, taking aim at Malfoy. "Bellatora!"
The blast came shooting out of Harry's wand almost buckling Malfoy's block. Malfoy looked a touch scared but held the block in place with effort. Soon the blast lost energy.
"Potter you need to put more feeling into the blast. Focus and try again." Moody knew this one would break the shield, he could tell by the way Malfoy barely held the last one.
Harry focused, remembering some of the horrible things Malfoy had said in the past. He raised his wand and this time yelled out, "BELLATORA!"
The blast broke clean through Malfoy's block and passed right through Malfoy's arm, hitting the wall behind him. The stones from the wall went flying through the classroom, leaving a huge crater in the stones. Harry put up the same block to shield the students in the class from getting hit with the stones and any residue left over from the spell. The shield effectively blocked his classmates as the stones hit the shield and fell to the ground.
After ducking the whole class were up on their feet cheering over such a spectacular display. Harry had his eyes on Malfoy as he watched the Slytherin squirm around on the ground holding his arm.
Moody was impressed with the power the boy had, "Very well done Potter! Now if you can just perform that well when it counts, then we will all be happy!"
Harry found it hard to find satisfaction with doing so well as he kept his eye on Malfoy in intense pain. He knew exactly what Malfoy was feeling right now. He looked up at the Professor hoping he would send Malfoy to the infirmary soon.
Moody watched as Malfoy sat nursing his arm, hissing out foul words under his breath. When he thought the boy was near tears he finally spoke up, "Alright then Malfoy, off you go to the infirmary. Potter escort him down."
Harry's eyes opened wider, "Um, do you think someone else might be able to take him, sir?"
"You hit him with the blast; you take him down to get healed. Now get going Potter."
Shit! The last person Harry wanted to see was Pomfrey! He grabbed hold of Malfoy's arm as the Slytherin began to wobble.
Malfoy pulled away roughly, "Get your filthy hands off Potter!"
They walked through the hallways silently. Malfoy was upset because he knew Pomfrey was going to have to tell his parents what happened. Just the thought of getting an owl from his father made Malfoy rethink the idea of going to the infirmary.
Harry was trying to think of a way to get out of walking Malfoy all the way into the infirmary. The last thing he wanted was Malfoy to witness the exchange between him and Pomfrey. Pomfrey was likely to let slip something regarding Vespa.
Malfoy looked at the Gryffindor, "Hey Potter, do you think Severus might have something to heal this instead of going to the infirmary?"
Harry remembered Severus' comment about being in an Order meeting during Defence. But then he smiled at his good luck, "Actually, Severus gave me some healing cream and potion yesterday after I got hit. I still have some up in my room."
The Slytherin looked dubious; he wasn't keen on the idea of taking a potion offered by Harry Potter. But the thought of getting an owl from his father made him take a chance.
"You better not be playing some trick on me Potter!"
Harry held both hands up, "I swear it's the same stuff Severus gave me yesterday."
They changed directions and headed up to Gryffindor Tower. Malfoy held his arm close, hissing with pain by the time they made it up to Gryffindor. They stopped in front of the fat lady and Harry turned to look at Malfoy.
"Um, do you want to come up or should I bring it out here?"
Malfoy looked as if he was ready to give a smart ass comment but changed his mind with the pain he felt.
"I don't care Potter. Just get me the bloody stuff!"
Harry knew the dorm would be empty for a while so he decided to have Malfoy come up to his room. He whispered the password to the Fat Lady and she let them in.
Malfoy stepped in and looked around contemptuously, "This place looks like my Grandma's parlor and it smells like it too."
Harry was in no mood to fight with the Slytherin, "Well, your Grandma must have a nice house then."
Harry led the way up the staircase to the sixth year dorm room.
"Hey Potter, what did Severus say when you told him I hit you with that Warrior Blast yesterday?' Malfoy had expected to be called in to get detention or something worse when Snape found out he had been the one to hurt his precious son. Severus hadn't said anything yet and Draco was wondering why.
Harry knew Draco was scared of Severus and thought he would put a little more scare into him, "Oh Merlin, he was mad! He said he was going to get you when you least expected it." The truth was Harry never did tell Severus who had hit him.
Draco's eyes got big and his voice got embarrassingly higher pitched, "He said that? Did he say what he was going to do?"
Harry smiled, "Nope, he just said he would 'take care of you', whatever that means." Harry almost felt sorry for the Slytherin, he looked like he was going to wet himself.
"Well, make sure to tell him that you hit me with the Warrior Blast today. Now we're even, you know."
Harry shook his head, "I don't think that's going to change anything for him."
Malfoy swallowed hard, "I've never seen Severus so bloody protective before. Do you know he made me clean the Slytherin bathrooms for hitting you during the last Quiddich game? I've never cleaned a damn thing my whole life and the man actually made me clean the toilets … and without magic!"
Harry smiled at the image of Malfoy on his hands and knees cleaning the toilets. "Well, it might make you feel better to know that I had to clean the toilets last night for being late to a potions lesson."
Malfoy raised his eyebrows, "He did that to you? I thought he treated you like a prince and bought you all kinds of stuff?"
Harry didn't reply to that. He saw the hoverboard on the floor and nudged it under the bed with his foot. He knelt down by his trunk and pulled out the healing cream and pain potion.
Harry handed the potion to Malfoy, "You're just suppose to take a small sip. I took it yesterday and felt like I had a couple of fire whiskeys, so just be careful."
Malfoy looked at the vial of green potion cautiously. He lifted the vial to his nose and sniffed, then twirled it in his fingers as if it were a glass of wine. "I don't know Potter. This could be anything. You do room with Weasley, don't you?"
"Don't be such a chicken Malfoy. I didn't get it from a joke shop, Severus gave it to me."
Malfoy shook his head and handed it back to Harry, "No, I don't trust you Potter."
"Look, if I take a sip will you trust me then?" Harry was still feeling the sting from the blast that had slipped through his last shield, so he reasoned with himself that he actually did need the pain potion anyways. He pushed the warning Severus had given him yesterday to the back of his mind.
Malfoy narrowed his eyes, assessing the truth behind Potter's offer. "Alright, you go first."
Harry rolled his eyes at Malfoy's suspicious nature. He took a small sip and immediately felt the effects. Harry smiled stupidly at the Slytherin and raised the vial up to Malfoy's face, "its good stuff!"
Malfoy grabbed the vial and took a small sip. His head swam a bit but he felt really good. The stinging stopped and a big smile spread across his face. "Yeah, this is good stuff!"
Harry handed the Slytherin the cream. Draco stuck his fingers in and swiped a big glob across his red swollen arm. The swelling instantly went down. He capped the jar and handed it back, "Thanks."
"Yup, anytime," They both found that hilarious for some reason and started laughing. Harry didn't know why that struck him as so funny but he couldn't stop laughing. They both had tears coming down their faces as they held their stomachs and laughed. Harry had never seen Draco in such an unguarded moment before and suddenly found that funny as well.
Malfoy stopped laughing when he had a sudden brainstorm, "Hey Potter, do you wanna have a broom race?"
Harry couldn't think of any reason not to, "Brilliant idea Malfoy!"
They made their way down to the Quiddich pitch, stopping at the lockers to grab their brooms.
Malfoy set the rules, "Okay, first one to grab a pine cone from that tree," he pointed at the tallest tree on the edge of the forest, "and back to that statue," he pointed the opposite way to the statue on the far side of the field, "is the winner."
"That's too easy," Harry slurred out, "let's say you have to fly upside down and put the pinecone in the statue's hand."
Malfoy looked at the statue of Helga Hufflepuff with her arm raised and her hand cupped up to the sky.
"Alright, ready, steady, Go!" Malfoy yelled out before Harry even had a chance to mount his broom. The Slytherin was off and in the lead. He tucked his body low and headed straight for the tall pine tree.
Harry tried to catch up by tucking in low too. He knew his broom was slightly better than the one Malfoy rode. He caught up with the Slytherin when Malfoy hovered in the air to pick off a pine cone. Harry stopped right next to him, "Cheater!"
Malfoy grinned at the Gryffindor and flew away with his pine cone in his hand.
Harry grabbed his pine cone then headed for the statue.
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Meanwhile up in Dumbledore's office:
Dumbledore had called this meeting with Severus, Remus and Arthur to discuss Harry's training. He wanted to get their opinion on Harry's emotional state before the private Defence training was to begin. He didn't want to push the boy past his capacity and risk hurting the boy's fragile emotional state. He also knew that these three men probably knew Harry's state of mind better than anyone else. They all had to take under consideration the severe abuse the boy had suffered and what that had done to him emotionally.
Severus was slightly put out that Lupin had been invited to join them. In his opinion Lupin had his chance to be a father to the boy and had shirked his duties in the past. As far as he was concerned, Lupin lost any say in what happened to Harry in the future.
Remus was upset because he felt that Severus had not been helping Harry heal from the abuse in a more timely matter. He couldn't believe that Severus had not been forcing the boy to reveal more about what had happened to him. And worse still he thought that Harry was relying on Snape for everything, both emotionally and physically.
"You know what Harry is doing don't you? He's pushing all that abuse down, trying forget it ever happened and you're aiding in that Severus. He's starting to rely on you for direction on everything instead of thinking for himself!" Lupin said accusingly.
Severus refused to lose his temper with the werewolf, "Oh yes Lupin, what would you have me do? Perhaps send him to Muggle therapy?"
Lupin looked surprised at that suggestion but thought maybe it was a sound idea.
"Maybe, if it would help."
Dumbledore folded his hands neatly on his desk, "Remus why do you feel that Harry is suppressing his feelings regarding the Dursley's and relying on Severus too heavily?"
Severus raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, "Yes, please do tell?"
Remus sat up straighter and looked the Headmaster in the eye, fully realizing he was not addressing Snape.
"I have witnessed some rather unsettling behavior from Harry. He seems to be acting far younger than a normal sixteen year old. For instance, when he was recovering from his recent kidnapping he cried out several times for his father. I'm not so sure he even meant Severus but as soon as Severus held him he quieted down. It was rather bothersome to witness a boy of that age being comforted in the same way a ten year old might be."
Severus sat frozen to his chair, afraid to speak lest he lose his temper. Of course the boy needed comfort!
"For goodness sakes Albus, you witnessed the way Harry relies on Severus! You saw it first hand at the last Order meeting. Severus had total control over every move the boy makes and Harry lets it happen. Just think about it; the way Harry was made to apologize, the way he was forced to sneak into the room instead of being a part of the meeting to begin with. Did you see the way Harry fell asleep leaning on Severus during the meeting? That behavior shows a definite regression in maturity. I feel that Harry is relying on Severus for everything. That is not the actions of a son of James Potter!" Lupin was shaking by the time he finished.
Albus breathed deeply, "Remus the last time we spoke you thought Lilly would be pleased with this arrangement. What has happened to change your mind since the Order meeting?"
Lupin looked down at his hands then back up directly at Severus, "He's changed. Harry's changed so much. He used to be like James but now … he just isn't. I feel he is afraid to do anything wrong that might displease Severus."
Severus checked his emotions before speaking, "Lupin, I don't suppose you have taken into account the boy's past six months? He watched his Godfather die and took that guilt on his own shoulders. He suddenly started to get beaten by the only family he has ever known. Which just happened to coincide with the death of Black which made him feel as though he deserved the punishment. He was poisoned and came very close to losing his life. He was kidnapped and almost died when creatures scarier than yourself when you are in wolf form, came after us and actually bit him. Not to mention Voldemort's lovely dreams. Now, what do you think happens to a mind when it is tortured in that way?"
Severus watched as Lupin looked away.
Severus spoke up without waiting for a reply, "When a sixteen year old boy has his life and emotions ripped to shreds like Harry has, he is in desperate need to have it built up again. It begins by showing him that he is worthy of being loved, that he is worthy of being cared for including being disciplined and that he is worthy of being allowed to do it in his own time. I know he has been relying on me to help him through his tortured dreams but I gladly accept that role. He is far too young to be made to endure that by himself. I don't think you realize what he sees in those dreams. And as far as the physical aspect in concerned, I know I am doing the right thing. Yes, it may seem as if Harry seeks out fatherly physical contact more than another sixteen year old might but that is only because he was so deprived of having it for so long. Harry continues to need the reassurance that he will still get it without being turned away. Do you know what he grew up hearing?"
Lupin shook his head again and Severus answered, "He grew up hearing that he was such an abomination that he was not worthy of being touched. That touching him might actually cause his family harm. Can you imagine what that must sound like to a five year old boy? So, you will have to excuse the 'unsettling behavior' from Harry but as far as I am concerned he may seek comfort from me anytime he is in need. I am the first father he has had that he can remember and I will not turn him away because it seems 'immature' for a boy of sixteen to need support."
Lupin looked back at Severus with tears in his eyes, "I had no idea his family told him that."
"That was not the worst of what his family made him believe. He is an amazing young man to have weathered all that he has this past year and I could not be more proud of him if he were my own flesh and blood. But make no mistake Lupin; he is still James' son. I feel fortunate to be given the opportunity to be a father to the boy but I know what the Potter's gave to get him this far. I will not let Harry forget who his real father is."
Arthur spoke up in a choked voice, "There is room for more than one person to claim the title of Father to Harry. Severus you are a true father to that boy and he knows it. He would not trust you as he does unless he realized that for himself. Even more profound is the love he shows for you. He knows for certain that you will be there for him always. I am proud of his emotional recovery and I know you are largely responsible for that."
Severus felt a lump in his throat and tried to swallow it. He knew how much Harry loved him.
Albus knew that Severus was Harry's best chance at having a good life. "Severus do you feel that Harry would be able to emotionally handle the challenges of an excelled Defence training?"
"Yes, with support and extra encouragement I do feel that it would be beneficial. It will provide him the best chance against Voldemort," Severus answered.
Albus looked towards Lupin now, "Remus, do you have any other concerns regarding Harry's advance Defence training?"
Lupin looked towards Severus then back at the Headmaster, "I just want to make sure he continues making progress emotionally. He has been through so much."
"I agree," Severus commented. The three other men looked at Severus with surprise.
"I plan on discussing his past with him in a more efficient manner. I too wish for him to heal from his past history," Severus said while looking at Lupin, then at Dumbledore. He noticed how Dumbledore's attention was on something outside his window. Severus stood up and walked towards the window to see what had the Headmaster so enthralled.
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Harry caught up with Malfoy and they reached the statue at exactly the same time. They both flipped upside down and tried to stick their pinecone in the statues hand. Malfoy tried to push Potter out of the way using his foot to kick the back of Harry's broom.
Harry hung on tight with one hand and almost let his pinecone drop into the statues hand when he felt his broom being kicked. He pushed back against Draco with his shoulder. Both boys' were oblivious to being watched by all four men in Dumbledore's office.
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Now all four men stood at the big window overlooking the vast lawn area.
"What in the world do you think they are doing?" Arthur said as he laughed at the sight below.
"It looks like some sort of contest," Lupin answered and tried to cover up his own chuckle.
Severus did not find the scene quite so funny, "Both boys are scheduled to be in Moody's class at this moment. Dobby!"
The house elf popped into the Headmaster's office, "Yes Master?"
"Dobby, go down to the lawn and tell Potter and Malfoy that I wish to see them in my quarters immediately!" Severus said in a severe tone.
Dobby popped out of the room and the four men watched as the house elf tried to gain the two boy's attention down on the lawn.
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Harry had his pine cone poised over the statue when he noticed Dobby jumping and waving his arms frantically below. Malfoy took that opportunity to push Harry out of the way and drop his pine cone in the hand of Helga Hufflepuff.
"Winner! Better luck next time Potter!" Malfoy noticed the house elf at that moment.
Both boys flipped right side up and landed beside the frantic house elf.
"Master Snape's wishes you both in his quarters!" Dobby blurted out.
The boys looked at each other in dread. Harry asked, "Dobby how does Severus know we are out here?"
Dobby pointed up to Dumbledore's Tower. Both boys looked up the tower until they spotted all four men in the window.
"Bollocks!" Malfoy exclaimed.
The boys walked silently down to their doom.
Harry finally spoke up as they reached the dungeon door, "How much you wanna bet that we're scrubbing the loo again?"
Malfoy looked pained as he answered, "I would take that bet except I have a bad feeling you would win."
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TBC
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I think I will continue with a very long fic instead of starting a sequel.