-1Note- No major cliffy, I revamped so I could get this out today without a cliffy
40- Decisions
Harry remembered the unlocking spell just as he heard the professor begin a conversation with a student in the classroom. If he unlocked the cabinet door right now he knew he would not be caught. The ramifications for unlocking the door flitted across his mind. But, the pain potion would feel like a healing balm for the all the raw emotions that overwhelmed him. He needed it, right? He deserved a little break from all the trauma this past year had been filled with. It wasn't like he was going to turn into some crazy wizard addict, for Merlin's sake! He just wanted one pain free, emotion free night to spend with his friends at a party for his girlfriend. He deserved it after all; he had to kill old Voldy one day.
Harry peered around the door and saw his father in the throes of giving an extensive reprimand to the Hufflepuffs. He walked back to the cabinet wringing his hands with a mixture of excitement and shame. He was ashamed of feeling anticipation over the pain potion. He pushed all thoughts of disappointing and stealing from the professor behind the heavy stone wall in his mind.
Raising his wand Harry whispered out, "Dehisco!" He watched as the locks turned and the door opened a fraction. Opening the door wide enough to see the contents inside, he spotted the small bundle of green vials sitting upright in a metal tin.
Harry reached in and took hold of two vials and stuffed them in his pocket. After closing the cabinet door and locking it, he walked back into the classroom.
The professor stopped lecturing the cowering Hufflepuffs and looked at Harry with concern. He had almost forgotten Harry was still in his office. Maybe the boy just needed more time to gather his thoughts before heading up to Gryffindor Tower?
"Harry, may I have a word with you?" Severus asked and walked towards his son.
For a split second Harry thought Severus knew about the potion in his pocket, then realized how ridicules that was and let himself relax. "Sure professor, what is it?"
The Professor reached down into his pocket and pulled out a handful of platinum coins. He held them out to Harry, "I have been rather negligent in giving you a weekly allowance. I know you plan to treat Ms. Weasley to a day in Hogsmeade tomorrow."
Harry looked down at the handful of money in his hand. There must be at least ten platinum galleons. He wasn't that familiar with Wizard money but he did know that platinum galleons were worth ten times the amount of a regular gold galleon. "Um Severus, I think this is too much for an allowance."
Severus looked irritated over that comment, "Nonsense."
Harry looked down at the money again and counted it up. It was the equivalent of five hundred pounds, "But, this is too much …" Harry didn't have the chance to finish his comment as his father swept to the front of the classroom and glared at the quivering Hufflepuff.
Harry wasn't sure what to do at this point. He felt guilty enough about stealing from the professor but to take this much money for doing nothing made everything worse. He decided to give most of it back. He walked up to his father with the money still in his hand, "Sir, I think I better just keep a couple and give the rest back." Harry put two platinum galleons in his pocket, knowing that would be more than enough for lunch, gifts and Honeydukes with money to spare.
Severus pushed Harry's hand away spilling a few coins to the ground. "You will keep what you are given and cease this vulgar conversation immediately!" The Potion Master said in a huff. Harry thought the professor was beginning to get angry at him, and he didn't want to risk having Severus change his mind about the grounding.
Harry retrieved the coins off the floor and saw the Hufflepuffs on detention open their eyes wider at the handful of platinum coins. He stuffed them in his pocket and gave his father one last look before heading for the door. Once he reached it he heard his Severus call to him once more, this time in a much softer tone, "Harry, your ethics are commendable. Have a good evening son."
Okay, now he felt worse than ever for stealing the potion. He looked at his father's face and wished the man had yelled at him instead of commending him. "Good night sir."
Harry stood outside the classroom door feeling very guilty. There was nothing he could do about it right now though. He had to take a sip of that pain potion to help clear his thoughts, then maybe he could think of a good way to pay the professor back.
The common room was buzzing with excitement as people whispered excitedly about the secret party tonight. Ginny was no where to be found so Harry decided to go up to his dorm and take a tiny sip of the pain potion. There was no sense in waiting any longer. His heart sped up with the excitement over feeling euphoric once again instead of the heavy misery he had been carrying around all day.
The dorm room was bursting with noise with people busy wrapping gifts and pulling out decorations. Harry found Ron going through a box of tiny decorations.
"What are those?" Harry asked as he saw Ron pull out a handful of tiny clear balloons.
"These my friend, are magical expanding decorations," Ron explained and touched his wand to one of the tiny balloons. The tiny clear balloon grew about two feet then filled with a rainbow colored swirling air and floated to the high beam ceiling.
"Spectacular!" Harry declared then lifted out a small string from the box. Ron prompted him to try it so Harry raised his own wand to the string. The string grew large enough to wrap around the entire canopy of Ron's bed then lit up into a beautiful shimmering blue.
"Do you want to see what the banner does?" Ron asked as he lifted out a tiny strip of paper.
"No, we better wait until we get up to the astronomy tower, otherwise we'll have to sneak these through the castle," Harry said as he stuck his hand in his cloak pocket and fingered the vials. "I'll be right back Ron."
Harry went into the bathroom, glad to have it all to himself. He didn't let his mind dwell on the possibilities this action could cause. Instead he uncorked the vial and took a swig. Immediately his mind cleared of the heavy emotions and he felt that familiar feeling of euphoria that he remembered. Oh it felt good to be so free of anything dark. He felt light like he could open the window and just fly on the gusts of wind. That thought made him smile then he begun to laugh over the thought of flying on the wind like a bird. Like Hedwig, the thought of him and Hedwig flying side by side sent him into hysterics. He stuffed his fist to his mouth trying to silence the laughter.
By the time he went back into the dorm room the guys were packed and ready to head up to the astronomy tower to set up for the party.
"Harry, you're in charge of getting Ginny up to the tower at ten o'clock. I think she went down to the library to study with Hermione," Ron said.
Harry was glad he'd have a little time alone with Ginny before joining up with the rest of the party. He wished them all good luck and headed down to the library to find Ginny. When he walked into the large room he spotted Hermione and Ginny sitting in the corner, deep in a hushed conversation.
As soon as the girls saw Harry they broke out into giggles. Ginny looked at her friend knowingly and Hermione gathered her books to go.
On her way out Hermione whispered in Harry's ear, "Remember one hour! Don't get caught up and forget!"
Harry nodded at the reminder as Ginny looked at him curiously. Madame Pince gave him a hard stare as he walked by.
"Ginny, do you want to take a walk in the courtyard?" Harry asked as he noticed a group of girls staring at him and whispering.
Ginny nodded and put her books in her bag. Harry carried the heavy bag for her as they walked out into the hallway. Ginny took hold of Harry's free hand, looking up and smiling.
"So, are you okay? I know the meeting must have been hard on you," Harry asked with concern as they rounded their way down the circular staircase.
Ginny shook her head, "Harry, I'm fine; it's you I'm worried about. Moody and Shacklebolt want to make you into some sort of weapon. Is that what brought out that shaking in the room?"
Harry shook his head, "I'm not sure yet. Severus thinks it has something to do with my wanting to protect people."
"Who were you trying to protect?"
Harry looked the other way and tried to change the subject, "Do you want to grab a cloak. It might be cold outside?"
"Harry don't change the subject; who were you trying to protect at that meeting?" Ginny asked again and pulled on Harry's arm to force him to turn and look at her.
"You." Harry said as he looked down at the tenacious girl.
"Me? I wasn't the one everyone was trying to send away," Ginny said as she pulled Harry to a stop and looked up into his face.
"I know but I saw you crying and I think it was over what they were saying about me. It just really got to me, how these people were trying to control my life and you know…"
Ginny looked down frowning, "Harry, don't let that happen again in front of those aurors. When professor Snape pushed you out of the room they started talking about what a danger you could potentially be. They wanted Dumbledore to force your dad into letting them take you that night. Dumbledore put his foot down though and said your dad had the last word. It was pretty scary." She couldn't stop the tears that began to flow at the thought of Harry being taken away.
Harry put the book bag down and gathered Ginny in his arms. He felt her tears on his shoulder and it made him want to go after Moody and hex him. The feeling passed quickly as the pain potion dulled the anger he had.
He leaned down and gently guided her face up to his. Her cheeks still had fresh tears on them as Harry kissed them. He rubbed his thumb across her cheek wiping the tears away. Ginny pressed her face into his hand, enjoying the closeness they had.
She turned slightly and pushed her mouth onto his, kissing him deeply as he pulled her closer. Then he heard a noise and looked up just in time to see a flash of shadow out of the corner of his eye.
He had completely forgotten about the two aurors following him throughout the school. Now that he knew he was being followed he had spotted them walking casually behind him during the day. The big question was; how would he loose them so he could get Ginny up to the astronomy tower? His invisibility cloak was still back at the manor. He looked towards the hallway they were standing in, just waiting to follow him wherever he went.
The pain potion made him bolder than he normally would have been. He whispered to Ginny to stay put then walked boldly around the corner and came face to face with the two aurors. He was surprised to see Tonks and a young Auror he had never met before.
"Hey Tonks," Harry gave her a quick hug.
"Wotcher Harry. This is my partner for the night, Hinkle," Tonks said and gestured to the short young man with blond hair.
Harry nodded at the man but then looked back at Tonks, "Could I ask you a favor?"
"You can ask but I don't know if I can do it,' answered Tonks knowingly.
"I need some time alone with my girlfriend," Harry stated.
"I can't do that," declared the Auror, "Severus would have my head if anything happened on my shift. Sorry Harry."
Harry breathed deeply, shaking his head, "Tonks, I need to be alone with Ginny for a bit. I can't be expected to live my life in a fish bowl with aurors watching my every move."
"I can't do that Harry. Your father may not scare you but I for one do not want to get on his bad side."
"Tonks, my dad is just being totally overprotective. Its hard living like this you know, always being watched and having all these people control my life. Can't you just give me a break and let me have one night alone with my girlfriend?"
Tonks looked as if she were having an internal debate before she said, "Alright, just head back to Gryffindor tower as soon as you can. You better not leave the castle and if anything happens to you, I swear I'll kill you myself."
"Thanks Tonks and don't worry, nothings going to happen," Harry kissed her on the cheek and she looked up with surprise before walking away with Hinkle.
Ginny waited nervously, knowing that they were being followed from the information she had heard last night. She saw Harry walking towards her with a big smile on his face. He grabbed her hand and picked up the book bag. "Come on, I have an idea."
He pulled her along until they came to the room of requirement. He paced in front of the blank wall until a door appeared. Harry grabbed the handle and opened the door, allowing Ginny to enter first. They walked into a room that looked just like his bedroom at Snape Manor. The fire was roaring and the lights were dim adding a romantic feel to the room.
Ginny walked into the center of the room and turned in a circle, "What is this room?"
Harry walked up to his girlfriend and wrapped his arms around her waist before whispering, "It's my bedroom at Snape Manor."
Ginny glanced around quickly taking in the fine drapery and ornate furniture. Her eyes settled on the thick rug before the roaring fire. She pulled Harry's hand towards it and sat down on the rug.
"Obviously you must be tired," she joked, "Or why else would your bedroom pop up in the room of requirement?"
"Yeah, I'm really tired," Harry said, playing along. He grabbed the pillows off the sofa and lay down in front of the fire, pulling Ginny down next to him. They wrapped their arms around each other with Ginny resting her head on Harry chest. Harry rubbed small circles on her back as she ran her fingers through his messy hair.
Harry turned his face and began kissing her. Deep long kisses that made him wonder how far he should go with her. A stupid thought popped into his head of his dad's ridiculous old fashioned notions. Severus had made his behavior with Ginny sound as if he were doing something wrong, but he quickly pushed that thought away and kissed his girlfriend again. Ginny pushed herself up onto an elbow and looked down into his face.
"Harry, I think I really like you. I just want to make sure we don't jump into anything we'll regret later."
"Ginny, I know I won't regret being with you. You're amazing and beautiful and smart and … and you're even good at Quidditch!" Harry said and they both broke out into laughter.
"Harry, you are adorable," Ginny whispered as she pushed herself on top of the worked up Gryffindor.
Harry wrapped his arms around her once again and pulled her into a perfect kissing position. They kissed again with Ginny unbuttoning his white school shirt. Before Harry even knew it, Ginny had his shirt off and was kissing his bare chest. He thought this might be a good time to put extra locking spells on the door. He gently pushed her back onto the pillows as he sat up and turned towards the door, revealing his back to Ginny.
She let out a sudden gasp and Harry quickly turned back towards her. "What?" Harry asked with confusion.
Ginny ran her finger along the angry raised scar on Harry's lower back, "What happened?"
"Um, well … ," Harry tried to come up with some reason other than Vernon but he wasn't thinking straight. He flushed with shame and plopped his head back down on the pillows as he threw his arm over his face. "It's nothing," he finally managed to say.
"Harry that's not 'nothing'. What happened?" Ginny asked again, totally unaware of the memories she was forcing her boyfriend to relive. "Did Snape's aunt do that to you?"
Harry shook his head with his arm still flung over his face, "Do you mind if we don't talk about it?"
Ginny frowned but said, "Okay, but I hope you tell me about it at some point."
Harry was quickly reminded of the many conversations he'd had with Severus that started out just like this. It made him want to get out of this room and just go fly on his broom to get away from those awful memories. Vernon; he hadn't thought about him for a long time. He thought of that particularly horrible day Vernon had pulled the sharp silver knife out of his pocket and waved it before his face. The thought of being flipped over while his hands were still bound. The thought of … NO! No, he wouldn't let this memory take him away from this night.
He felt Ginny grab hold of his arm and pull it away from his face. She was looking at him with concern, with compassion. He wasn't sure if he liked having her feel sorry for him. It bothered him when anyone pitied him but having his girlfriend feel that way was by far worse.
Harry grabbed his shirt and quickly put it on as he stood up. He reached his hand down to his girlfriend and helped her to her feet. "Come on, we have to be somewhere," Harry stated and walked towards the door.
"Harry, what's wrong? Did I say something wrong? Bloody hell, I should have never asked you about that scar," Ginny admonished herself.
Harry turned to look at her before opening the door, "Ginny, you know all the stuff that's happened to me, right? Well, it's really hard to talk about. So, just forget you ever saw it, okay?"
Ginny nodded her head and tried to give Harry a kiss. He pulled away needing a little space for a few minutes. He noticed her hurt look but didn't care. The thought of anyone touching him turned his stomach.
They walked up to the astronomy tower in silence, with Ginny giving Harry furtive glances. Harry wished he had taken a bigger swig of the pain potion earlier. Maybe he could sneak back down to Gryffindor Tower during the party?
Ginny didn't ask where they were going. She had no idea what that scar was all about but she intended to ask Ron when they went back to Gryffindor Tower. Harry stopped and had his hand on the door to the astronomy room at the top of the tower. He couldn't hear anything coming from the other side of the door but knew that Hermione must have cast hearty silencing charms so Filch wouldn't hear them.
"Ginny, nothings changed, right?" He hoped he hadn't blown it with her with his odd behavior.
Ginny shook her head, "No, nothings changed." She hesitated before giving him a hug but finally leaned into him as he did the same to her. They held each other that way for a moment before Harry released her.
He put his hand on the door knob again and whispered with a grin, "Happy Birthday Beautiful."
Harry threw the door open with a bang and all hell broke loose. The room was packed with all their friends yelling "Happy Birthday!" Ginny was swamped with hugs and presents. Harry stepped away, still feeling the need for some space. Ron handed him a tall glass of fire whiskey with a warning, "Don't drink it too fast mate." Harry took the glass gratefully and chugged the entire contents.
"Whoa Harry! You're not going to make it into Hogsmeade tomorrow if you don't slow down," Ron warned. Harry didn't care, he asked for another glass of the harsh liquor. The hot liquid sliding down his throat made him forget everything. He looked around the room for the first time and was amazed at the decorations.
Hovering in the air were hundreds of the rainbow balloons along with colorful streamers. The banner floated in the air with a large picture of Ginny from the last Quidditch match flying around the words; Happy Birthday Ginny! The cake stood off to the side of the room in all its majesty. The frosting changed colors as tiny fairies flitted around the ever lit candles on top.
Most of the girls were crowded into the middle of the room, dancing to the sounds of the latest popular wizarding group. Harry was pulled out onto the dance floor by a pretty fourth year Hufflepuff he had only met in passing. She was tall with long blond hair and smelled like she had used too much perfume. She pressed her hips into him, pulling him close as she gyrated. With the fire whiskey's effects Harry started to feel himself respond to her and quickly moved back out of her reach. She pulled him close again singing loudly to the music and running her hands down the front of his shirt.
Ginny saw the Hufflepuff girl forcing herself on Harry and thought she better go save him. She pushed her way through the throng of people and grabbed Harry around the waist. He turned quickly and she thought she saw a look of panic on his face but it was gone before she could be sure.
Harry looked down at Ginny, glad that she had come to help him with this willing Hufflepuff. He had been dealing with over eager girls at Hogwarts ever since the beginning of the school year. It usually didn't bother him but he didn't want to take any chances of making Ginny angry this evening.
Ginny turned Harry to face her and placed a deep kiss on his mouth. She could taste the fire whiskey and thought she might try some herself. The eager Hufflepuff said something rude and walked away.
"I think Margot fancies you," Ginny said as she raised her eyebrows.
Harry shrugged and took hold of his girlfriend's hand, "Sorry bout that."
"Sorry about what? That you were getting all hot and bothered over an incredibly beautiful girl?" Ginny teased. "Why would I get mad over that?"
Harry looked towards the Hufflepuff and saw her pointing at him and Ginny as she stood with a group of her friends. Whatever she was saying probably was not the most flattering comments as all the girls broke out into laughter.
Harry shook his head, "She's not beautiful. And, the only girl that gets me hot is you." That comment earned him another good round of snogging, much to the disappointment of the Hufflepuffs. By the time he and Ginny came up for air, the group of Hufflepuff girls were on the dance floor once again.
The night was filled with dancing, drinking and lots of snogging. Harry couldn't remember ever having so much fun. The party ended late into the night with Ginny falling asleep on Harry's shoulder as they sat with their close group of friends. Harry picked her up and said good night to everyone before heading down to Gryffindor Tower.
Once he got there he was unsure what to do with his girlfriend. He knew the girl's staircase wouldn't allow him up into the dormitories and no one else was around to help. He finally decided to sit on the sofa until Ginny woke up. But as soon as he sat down, still cradling Ginny in his arms, she woke up.
She looked up into his face with a big smile, "This was the best night of my life."
"Yeah, mine too," Harry said and meant it. They kissed once more before Ginny said good night and went up to her dorm room.
Harry sat watching her until she disappeared up the staircase. The night had been so perfect, Ginny had been so amazing. He walked up into his dorm room with a big smile across his face, feeling truly happy.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The next morning everyone got off to a very late start. Harry woke up feeling awful with his head pounding and eyes red and swollen. He rolled out of bed noticing Ron was still fast asleep. By the time he showered and dressed Ron finally woke up.
"Harry, why are you up so early?"
Harry smiled, "its not early Ron. If you don't hurry you're going to miss breakfast."
Ron sat up slowly holding his head in agony. "Oi, I shouldn't have had so much fire whiskey. Harry do you think you could nick something from your dad to get my head to stop pounding?"
Harry had been thinking along those same lines as his head still felt like it would explode if he moved too fast. He went to his nightstand and pulled out the green vial of precious liquid.
"I have something that might help," Harry said and took a small sip before handing it to his best friend.
Ron held the vial not even questioning what it was. He took a swig and within a few seconds felt better. He actually felt so good that he hopped off his bed and danced a little jig sending Harry into hysterics. The boys couldn't stop laughing for some reason. They finally calmed down enough to realize they were going to miss breakfast if they didn't hurry.
Ron gave Harry a high five as he skipped off to the bathroom, "This stuff rocks, Harry!"
"Yeah, I know," Harry said feeling a twinge of guilt that soon was forgotten.
During breakfast everyone was talking excitedly about the big day in Hogsmeade. Most everyone on the Gryffindor Quidditch team planned on heading straight for the new Quidditch shop. Ginny was complaining that she wished she could afford the new Firebolt but Ron was telling her how lucky she was to have his old broom.
"When I was in fifth year I had to use the school brooms. Anyway Mum said she'd have your broom refurbished so it would fly like new," Ron offered as he stuffed another banger in his mouth.
"Refurbished isn't going to help it fly faster. It might look nicer but I don't care how it looks," Ginny retorted with attitude.
Harry pressed his hand to his pocket, feeling the platinum galleons. He thought he might have enough to surprise Ginny with the new firebolt. He didn't care if it was an extravagant gift for a sixteen year old to give his girlfriend of just a few weeks. He didn't care about anything right now, other than making his girlfriend happy. The thought of Severus' reaction to the gift did pass through his mind, making him look up towards the head table.
He was surprised to see his father rise from the head table and make his way towards him with a scowl on his face. What was bothering him now?
"Good morning sir," Harry said hesitantly at the look his father gave him. Harry's first instinct was that his father found out about the party. Then his face must have turned white over the thought of his dad finding out about the pain potion.
"Good morning son. We need to talk," the potion master said ignoring every one else at the table. He walked towards the big doors without waiting for a reply.
Harry saw Ginny's nervous look and reassured her with a smile. "I'll see you later," Harry said and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
Ron and Hermione looked at each other with big eyes, both hoping the professor hadn't found out about the party last night. It wouldn't be beyond him to ground Harry from going into Hogsmeade today.
"I'd hate it if my dad worked at the school," Ron said and everyone agreed.
XXXXXX
Harry followed his father to the small alcove off to the side. Severus turned around and Harry could see he was indeed mad about something. Harry's insides were in a knot over the many possibilities this could be about, none of them good.
The nervous teen sat down on the bench and watched his father pace in front of him.
"Mr. Potter," Severus began and right away Harry knew he was in trouble just by the name alone.
"It has been brought to my attention that you foolishly disregarded the security that was in place for you last night," the stern voice gave no room for comment. "I can not fathom what was going through that small brain of yours other than to deduce that you were preoccupied with other matters. I am assuming your private meeting with Ms. Weasley was not of a nature you wished to be observed?"
Harry felt braver than normal, "That's private. I'm not sorry, if that's what you wanted to hear."
Severus raised an eyebrow over his son's impudence, "You are not sorry?"
Harry shook his head, "No," he leveled truthfully. "I hate being followed around and watched all the time. You know how much I hate it Severus, and you let them do it."
Severus seemed to become even more irritated with that last remark, "Your safety comes before anything else Potter! You leave me no choice but to detain you from leaving the dungeon this weekend."
Harry opened his mouth to argue but shut it quickly with the look his father gave him. Throwing caution to the wind, he spoke up.
"You know I already have plans to go to Hogsmeade with Ginny for her birthday," Harry said in his most controlled voice. He refused to loose it again and act like a petulant child.
"That plan will need to be altered. I will not take the risk of you doing something dim-witted while there are Death Eaters hunting you," Severus snapped. He didn't want to ground his son but he really did not trust the boy to comply with all the rules Moody would require to maintain his safety.
"Please don't do this. I promise not to do anything stupid dad," Harry pleaded.
He could tell his father was softening by his hard look starting to diminish into just a stern look. So, he was shocked when the Potion Master shook his head.
"No, I think not. You seem to think rules do not apply to you and I am not willing to take undue risks where you are concerned," Severus stated then turned and walked back towards the Great Hall.
Harry jumped up and followed him. "Undue risks! What the hell do you think I'm training for … a chess match! I'm going to be fighting Voldemort one day, so don't tell me about undue risks!" Harry said with anger.
"Control your temper Mr. Potter. I was not referring to your destiny, I was referring to your utter lack of control," Severus said in a calm controlled voice. They were standing just outside the Great Hall now and several students were milling around the entry way waiting for Filch to lead them into Hogsmeade.
"Severus I'm getting sick and tired of everyone telling me what to do all the time," yelled Harry, totally oblivious to the stares he was getting.
"Harry, I am not 'everyone'. You will abide by the rules I set forth because I am your father."
"I wish you weren't," Harry wasn't sure what made him say that because he didn't even feel that way. He had just wanted to hurt his father and this was the most direct way.
He saw the look of pain cross his father's face before the professor took on a stern demeanor once more, "I am sorry you feel that way."
The students watching their argument froze, not sure what would happen next. Just then Moody and his crew of Order members walked through the doors, ready for the trip into Hogsmeade.
"Ready Potter?" Moody barked in a harsh voice.
Harry stood looking between his father and Moody for a minute before saying, "Yeah, I'm ready."
"Alright let's go over the ground rules for this trip. Severus are you planning on joining your boy?" Moody asked.
Severus shook his head and went back into the Great Hall.
Harry couldn't believe he had just said that to his father, he hadn't meant it. The trip to Hogsmeade didn't seem very important anymore. "Professor Moody, I need to ask my dad something," Harry said to the ex-auror and went back into the Great Hall.
He saw his friends waiting at the table for him but just walked by them with his eyes focused on the head table. His father was talking with McGonagall when he walked up and he waited for them to acknowledge him.
Severus didn't even look at him but McGonagall stopped talking and looked from him back to Severus in confusion, "Yes, Mr. Potter?"
"I just need to speak with my dad for a minute," Harry said as he saw his father turn his head away.
McGonagall waited for Severus to acknowledge his son and when he didn't she knew something was going on between father and son. She bid them both a good day and left them to talk alone.
Harry stood waiting for his dad to look at him. When he didn't Harry finally spoke up, "I won't go to Hogsmeade. I shouldn't have said that because I didn't mean it."
"Perhaps you did," said the professor as he looked into his son's eyes.
Harry shook his head emphatically stating, "No! I didn't."
"Harry, I often feel that I am not skilled at parenting. It brings no surprise that you may feel that way at times as well." Severus said this with such sincerity that it made Harry want to grab the man and shake him.
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked. He had no idea why Severus would even think that. He had always been a great father.
"You have quite a crowd of people waiting for you," the professor indicated to the door. "Go, we will talk later."
Harry turned and saw all the aurors and his friends looking up at the head table expectantly.
"Go on son. Just be safe," Severus said as he turned to walk out the side door.
Harry was torn between following his father or going with his friends. The door to the hallway closed just as Ron yelled, "Oi Harry, let's go buddy!"
Harry stuck his hand in his pocket and rubbed the tiny vial. One small swig would make him feel so much better. It would erase all those bad feelings and put him into a much better mood. Yeah, a small swig would make his day in Hogsmeade a lot more fun.
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Hey all - I just found out I'm going to Paris next week and was wondering where I should stay? I'm tagging along with my four aunts so a hotel closest to the center would be best. They kinda like luxury with modern amenities. Any ideas? Let me know as soon as you can so I can make reservations.
P.S.
That is good news for you too because I'll be stuck on an airplane for fifteen hours with nothing but my little laptop! Maybe I'll get several chappys done.
PLEASE REVIEW!