Chapter Three
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters nor the scenery which you could recognise, the only thing I take credit for is the plot.
Pairings: None for this chapter.
Warnings: DarkHarry, Dumbledore, Hermione and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred and George).
Word Count: 5,957
Date Rewritten: 31/01/2021
True to his word, Severus returns just moments later with the Medi-witch, who is frowning over at the potion's professor suspiciously in tow and Harry wonders just what the other had said to get the Healer to follow him. As they approach his bed, Harry pushes himself slowly back into a sitting position eager at the prospect of leaving. Looking between the two adults, Harry bits his lips in thought before opening his mouth, only to snap it shut a second later. Severus, who is watching the child avidly smirks and winks at Harry before gesturing to Madame Pomfrey.
"Madame Pomfrey would like to do one final check-up to ensure your recovery before she releases you into my care, Potter."
Harry nods silently, showing his consent to the check-up. Settling back against the headboard, watching warily as the healer takes her wand out of her pocket, pointing it at him without a single warning. The swift action causes Harry to shrink back, fear flashing through his eyes as they grow wide, his shaking hands coming up to cover his head as his entire body begins to shiver. He feels instantly silly, knowing that the old witch would never hurt him, but he couldn't help the feelings inside him making him want to hide away.
He relaxes minutely when Professor Snape scowls at the woman's back, watching as she pulls back her wand in shock as her hand falls to her side limply as she watches the dour professor walk towards her patient. She watches in silent fascination as Severus, her closed off colleague, whispers something she can't quite catch into the young boy's ear causing his body to relax almost instantly and his hands to drop slowly back to his lap.
"I apologise, Mister Potter. I should have warned you beforehand, I didn't know that I would frighten you, though given what you have been through I shouldn't be surprised. I am just going to perform a quick diagnostic spell to make sure you are healthy enough to leave my care. Alright?"
Harry reluctantly nods his head, still wary of having a wand pointed at him as he stiffens his body, tensing his muscles to stop him from cowering away from Madame Pomfrey, to hide under the covers. He watches silently as he moves her wand in complicated patterns, muttering strings of Latin under her breath. A slight tingling spreads through his veins, fluttering over his skin before, as quickly as it began, it stops.
Smiling down at the boy from the foot of the bed, Madame Pomfrey quickly turns to face Severus, her face taking on a stern frown as she regards the potions master, not fully trusting him despite his earlier actions of calming the child down.
"He is, indeed, healthy enough to leave my infirmary, but I will need for him to go straight to bed once he arrives in your chambers, Severus, I suspect him to be exhausted still. He shouldn't be on his feet for too long and should take as much rest as possible. I don't want him attending any classes for the remainder of the week, though if he wishes, he may join the end of year feast."
Professor Snape, wanting nothing more than to leave the hospital wing with his young charge and get away from the incriminating glare of Madame Pomfrey. He crosses his arms over his chest, sneering down at the woman in distain. Shaking his head in what Harry presumes is exasperation which makes a small smile shape his lips, glad that he isn't the only one eager to leave.
"You seem to be under the impression, Poppy that I am incapable of looking after a small child."
Not one to be intimidated by Severus, Poppy returns his snarl with a stern expression of her own, brows furrowing deeply, she scowls up at the dark-haired man lips downturned as she meets the professor's eyes evenly. Hands being placed on her hips as a way to try and assert her authority within the hospital wing.
"Well Severus, with the way you have been treating the dear boy over the past year, I think I have every right to be sceptical. I am just trying to make sure that you know what you are doing and that you will not let past grudges prevent you from caring adequately for the boy, as much as he deserves anyway."
Snape's sneer quickly turns into an expression of icey distain, the look making Harry scoot back a little bit in fright, even though he knows that his professor would not hurt him anymore if only to prevent the Dark Lord from punishing him. It is still an intimidating expression to witness, with the familiarity of it usually being directed towards himself, even with him not being on the receiving end of such an expression.
"Are you trying to suggest, Poppy, that I would wilfully neglect and harm an ill child whom has been entrusted into my care? That I would deliberately make a young child suffer and abandon an innocent 11-year-old simply because I have the power to do so?"
Poppy relaxes her stance, releasing a deep sigh of resignation when she realises that she is not going to win against the dour man, and with the look of longing and hope spreading across young Harry Potter's features, she knows that something had happened between the two to set their hostility behind them. Smiling a little when Harry grins happily over at her, pleased that she is willing to let him leave with his professor.
"Of course, that is not what I meant, Severus. I know that you will take good care of Mister Potter."
Nodding his head once, Severus watches, unmoving as Madame Pomfrey walks back to her office mumbling all the while about stubborn professor's always trying to undermine her authority within the walls of her own Hospital wing. Her retreat, he takes as permission to finally take his young charge to his privately warded chambers. Once he is completely certain that the matron has indeed left him alone, Severus turns back to the small child, his expression visibly softening once he notices the small residing note of fear in the bright green eyes.
"Alright then Harry, are you ready to get out of here?"
Cautiously, as if he were approaching a startled animal, Severus approaches the bedside, showing his charge that he is not going to cause him any harm, no matter what Poppy seems to think. He relaxes his own muscles upon seeing the remaining tension bleed out of Harry, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Nodding slowly, Harry shuffles forward, throwing back the covers slightly to allow himself to swing his legs down over the edge of the bed with little to no resistance. He places his bare feet down onto the cold tiled floor shivering at the low temperature. Looking around his immediate surroundings, he notices with no small amount of disappointment that there is nothing to protect him from the cool evening air besides for the thin, white hospital pyjamas he is wearing.
Shrugging his shoulders, Harry pushes himself off the bed, mindful of his weak muscles from being stuck in bed for days. Stumbling a little when his legs give way due to the pins and needles running through his skin from lack of use. Though before he has a chance to hit the floor, a pair of strong arms wraps around his shoulders and waist, pulling him to rest against a warm chest. Looking up shyly, Harry smiles at Severus.
"Perhaps it would be easier for both of us if I carried you back to my quarters? Everyone should be at dinner now, so we shouldn't be intercepted."
Harry nods once more, a small grumble from his stomach making itself known in the quiet of the infirmary indicating to how hungry he is. Turning towards his professor, Harry flushes in embarrassment when Severus merely chuckles at him, ruffling his hair. Harry lifts his arms into the air in silent acceptance, waiting for Severus to pick him up, which he is happy to do.
Once he is situated comfortably on his professor's hip, Harry sighs and cuddles closer to the warmth he can feel, resting his head against the man's shoulder. Relaxing completely against his guardian when a hand cards through his hair. He allows himself to wrap his thin arms around Severus' neck as his legs wind tightly around his waist, his face nuzzling the junction between Snape's neck and shoulder.
"And perhaps some light dinner once we return?"
Harry nods gratefully, his stomach making more noise as if agreeing with the words.
Harry shivers against the cold as he is carried down the cooling corridors of the dungeon, goose bumps forming up and down his skin. He smiles when he feels the arms around him tightening, the thick material of Severus' cloak wrapping around his small form staving off the approaching evening air and enclosing him in a warm cavern. Pulling his face away from Professor Snape's shoulder, Harry looks around the unfamiliar halls spying many portraits of snakes alongside a stern looking man dressed in old fashioned green and black robes. The man inclines his head to Harry as he goes past which Harry responds to by waving shyly.
The young wizard listens disjointedly as Severus whispers a password to the portrait guarding his private chambers, tucking his legs closer around his professor to avoid hitting his knees against the door frame.
Feeling himself being place down on a comfortable sofa cushion, Harry looks around in fascination, smiling as he takes in the dark mahogany furniture, the numerous bookshelves lining the walls and the warmth from the fire crackling in the fireplace, keeping the evening chill at bay. He chuckles softly when he notices how all seating is smooth, black leather with hints of green detailing decorating many aspects of their surroundings.
"Missy."
Harry jumps when a loud crack bounces of the stone walls as a small strange looking creature with large pointed, yet floppy ears pops into existence before his professor. Its head bobbing back and forth as it bounces on the heels of its skinny feet. Clearly excited with whatever the man was muttering to it.
"House Elves."
Severus speaks once he focuses back on the small boy, a soft smile playing on his lips when he sees the open curiosity and confusion on his face at seeing such a strange magical creature. Harry looks up at his professor's words with questioning eyes, not quite understanding what the man is referring to but not wishing to look stupid by asking him to elaborate.
"That creature was a House Elf. A small magical creature that is bound to buildings, families or individual wizards; they are a serving race whose lives are dedicated to serving wizarding families. It is how they stay alive and how they gain their magical power. The more powerful their bonded master, the more powerful the elves magic."
Nodding his head in understanding, Harry watches in veiled trepidation as Severus makes his way back over to the portal hole."
"Now Harry, will you be okay staying here for a few minutes? I am just going to retrieve Mister Malfoy; he should be back from supper now. If you would like to lie down whilst you wait, Hogwarts has added a room for you. It is the third door on the right."
"Hogwarts made me a room. How?"
"Hogwarts has been around for 1000 years, and as the years progress more students enter her halls and practice their magic within her rooms. The school was infused with the founders' magic and through the year she has absorbed enough of the residual magic that she has become sentient in a manner of speaking. She will assist those she deems worthy."
Harry once more nods his head, wondering if Hogwarts found him worthy of helping him if he were to ever need it, he ponders this fact as he mutters a quiet 'thank you' Severus as he pushes himself to his feet. Slowly, aware of his wavering muscles, Harry makes his way through the corridor counting the doors under his breath as he passes. Taking a deep breath bracing himself for whatever is behind the door, Harry tentatively pushes open the door and steps inside, only making it as far as the doorway before he freezes.
The room is huge. Definitely much bigger than his cupboard and possibly even bigger than the Gryffindor dormitory. A double bed sits along the left-hand wall, a deep green duvet covering the mattress, silver lines creating beautiful patterns along the edges. A dark mahogany desk sits opposite, some of his school equipment already perched upon its polished surface. It's partnered bookshelf, with its top shelf filled with his school texts and other tombs pertaining to various other subjects, sits just beside it. A wardrobe stands proudly opposite the door, across from where Harry is standing, next to a door the boy presumes to be a bathroom.
"Harry?"
A soft voice calling his name break Harry from his stupor. Turning on the spot, much too quickly for his unstable feet to cater, Harry titters for a moment before he is able to regain his balance by gripping hold of the door frame. His wide eyes seek out his professor who quickly walks into the doorway of his room, making his way down the corridor when he doesn't receive an answer. Spying a head of blond hair out the corner of his eye alerts Harry to the arrival of Draco Malfoy as well.
"Harry, are you alright?"
The small boy feels a warm sensation filling his chest at the small gleam of worry he spies in the onyx eyes focuses solely on him, scanning his frame for any signs of distress or discomfort. Feeling his head nodding in response to the question, Harry looks towards the floor in embarrassment.
"It's just… I have never had my own room before. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon told me that freaks like me didn't deserve bedrooms, that I should feel grateful that they kept me and put a roof over my head instead of sending me to an orphanage. That I should be grateful for my cupboard I had instead of being a selfish waste of space…"
Harry looks up hesitantly, soft tears making tracks down his cheeks as he watches with trepidation as Severus makes his way towards him. Forcing himself not to back away in fear, Harry watches stunned as the potion's professor kneels on the floor before him, placing his much bigger hands on his shoulders gently, soothing his fears away.
"You deserve this and so much more, Harry. I want you to try and forget everything those despicable muggles told you because they lied to you. Your relatives were wrong to tell you those things and treated you in such a way that no child should ever be treated. Now, why don't you get settled into bed and you can have a quick chat with Draco, alright?"
Harry nods his head eagerly, wiping his eyes on the sleeve of his pyjamas as he feels himself being picked up once again as he is carried over to his bed. He sighs as he feels himself being placed down on the edge of the soft mattress. Knowing that he should be feeling embarrassed at being treated like a small child in front of Draco, Harry can't bring himself to care as a gentle hand cards through his hair. The young raven-haired boy looks around his professor, smiling shyly towards Malfoy who is watching him with a carefully guarded expression. Though when Harry gestures for the blond to come closer, his smile widens when Malfoy approaches without question.
Severus carefully pulls back the covers, ushering Harry to slip beneath them as he positions his pillows in order for his young charge to rest up while also still being able to talk comfortably with the Slytherin boy. Once he is situated beneath the thick covers, Harry watches as the small creature from before pops into his room, handing a small mug of steaming liquid to Malfoy before levitating a tray filled with food and a similar mug towards himself. Harry smiles gratefully at the House Elf, thanking her as his hands wrap tightly around the chocolatey drink before carefully taking a sip, sighing as the rich taste explodes over his tongue.
Severus and Draco both watch as Harry, completely oblivious to their gazes, stares down into the mug in his hands, his face lighting up with a brilliant smile as he takes another sip before placing it down on the bedside table to take a bite of his food, groaning in appreciation at the taste. He sits up a little, his eyes lifting to meet the slightly amused gaze of Draco causing him to flush in embarrassment. Turning his head to watch as Severus backs quietly out of the room smiling at the boys before turning to address Harry.
"I will be out in the living room, just call through if you have need of me. Otherwise, I will back in a little while to escort Mister Malfoy back to the dorms."
Receiving a short nod from both boys, Severus vacates the room making sure to leave the door ajar, leaving the two children t hopefully talk through their problems and establish some form of friendship. As soon as Professor Snape is out of the way, Draco puts his cup down on the table next to Harry's; turning his full attention to the raven-haired boy who is still picking at his food, eating slowly.
"So, Potter, Professor Snape says that you wished to speak to me?"
Harry nods his head, taking another mouthful of food, followed by a small sip of his drink, humming contentment as he gestures for the other to join him on the bed in an effort to stall for more time. As Draco moves, Harry begins to speak hesitantly.
"I do. I would like to know if your offer still stands?"
"And what offer would that be, Potter?
Draco regards the Gryffindor golden boy with a closed off, calculating expression, trying to determine why the boy is acting so different to his usually loud, brash, obnoxious self.
"Your offer of friendship. I know that I made a mistake in refusing your hand at the start of the year. I understand that I hurt your feelings by rejecting you and that I probably offended and disregarded some pureblood tradition as I did so. I was wondering if you would give me a second chance?"
Harry places his now empty plate on the table being mindful to not upset the drinks before he settles back against his pillows. Looking the young Malfoy heir over. Harry feels his cheeks heating slowly at the inquisitive gaze the other boy is directing his way as if he were an intricate puzzle which needed to be solved. He shifts his gaze to his lap, hands wringing nervously as he waits for the blond to answer.
"What happened to the Weasel and know-it-all? Are you not still friends with them?"
Malfoy's expression changes to one of confusion as Harry snorts lightly, a small smirk shaping his features as he gazes across to the far wall, reminding the young Slytherin very much of his Head of House.
"They were just useful pawns in the game to keep the old codger off my back this last year. Now due to some rather unforeseen circumstances of the past couple of days, they are no longer of use to me, and I would like to start making some true friends. I have wanted to be your friend since I met you in Malkin's but after hearing about Dumbledore and my status as the supposed saviour…"
Harry smiles at the stunned look on the older boy's face, sitting crossed-legged Harry shifts comfortably under the covers before extending his hand towards Draco.
"Would you consider starting again, Malfoy?"
"Alright Potter. I accept your offer of friendship, but I insist that you tell me all about these unforeseen circumstances, in turn, I will tell you why I was so offended when you rejected my hand."
Harry nods his head happily, a gleeful laugh bubbling up from his chest as he shakes hands with his ex-rival.
"It is very nice to meet you; I am Harry Potter."
Draco smirks at the younger boy, shaking the thin hand in return.
"A pleasure to meet you, Harry Potter; I am Draco Malfoy."
Releasing each other's hands slowly, Harry notices as a small shiver travels through Malfoy as a draft blows through the room. Gently lifting the covers, Harry motions for the other boy to climb under to keep warm. Draco nods his head in thanks before quickly slipping his shoes off and sliding under the blanket next to his new friend.
"Alright, Draco. These unforeseen circumstances…"
Draco sits in awed silence, giving his full attention to Harry as the raven-haired boy briefly explains the conversation between himself and the Dark Lord a few nights ago, laughing softly at the stunned look on the Blond's face. Harry snaps his fingers in front of Draco's face causing him to blink rapidly.
"Does this mean you will be introducing yourself as Riddle or Slytherin in a few weeks?"
After everything he had said, Harry wasn't prepared for Draco to ask him such an odd question, thinking that the other would focus more on the happenings in the chamber than his upcoming adoption ritual, he looks at the Malfoy heir, his mouth doing a good impression of a fish out of water.
"I guess so. I haven't really given it much thought to be honest. I would love to carry Father's name instead of the Potter's; I mean they did give up their lives to save me but Father is the one who is going to look after me and raise me so it would make sense. Do you think Father will want to make Harry Potter disappear? I mean we will have to come up with a story so that Harry and I are not seen as the same person, I want to be separate from the Saviour image…"
Harry frowns, deep in thought wondering what, if any, name his father would want to give him. He would need to speak to the man as soon as possible, maybe the day he came to collect him from his Aunt and Uncle's house this summer. Draco imitates his expression, looking at the Raven-haired boy as if he tries to consider the possibilities.
"But you are famous, why would you want to give that up?"
He questions, genuinely curious. He, himself would have loved to have all the attention Harry has, he would have loved to be recognised just by walking down the street, would have loved the special treatment Harry was given from everyone in the wizarding world. Though he did get most of that because of his family name and their wealth. What he doesn't expect is to see Harry's desperately wistful expression.
"I have never wanted the fame; not really why would I want it when it was all due to an event I can't really remember? The night I lost my parents. Due to something that happened on that one night, something no one is entirely too sure on, I am hailed as a hero, a saviour and am expected to defeat the Darkest Lord in history. If he ever were to return. I don't want that kind of pressure. They all have these expectations of me. Not only am I supposed to be just like my dad, a man I don't even remember but I am supposed to be the epitome of all things Light… I didn't even know I was a wizard until last summer. I just want to be a normal magical kid."
Harry's voice sounds so desperate, so miserable that Draco acts, for once, on impulse and pulls the younger wizard into a firm embrace, holding him tightly. An intense feeling of protectiveness flows through his veins as he looks down at his friend.
"It is alright, Harry. I am sure that if explain everything to your Father then he would be happy to make Harry Potter disappear and if he does then your secret will forever be safe with me."
Harry sighs into the embrace, wrapping his small arms around Draco's waist as he lets his head drop against the taller boy's shoulder savouring the warmth and comfort the positions gives him.
"Thank you, Draco."
Harry allows himself to rest against Draco for a few seconds, pulling back slightly he gazes up, his green eyes meeting silver as he cocks his head to the side, staring up at Draco.
"What's your full name? Draco is a nickname, right?"
The Malfoy smirks down at Harry, smug grin taking its place as he puffs his chest out.
"Draconis Lucius Malfoy. Draconis means Dragon, my mother is a born Black and it is a tradition for all children to be named after a constellation."
The pride shining in Draco's eyes makes Harry giggle softly, especially when Draco sticks his nose up in the air, an act of superiority and house pride.
"Wow. That is such a cool name. I wish I had a name like that. I wonder if Father will change it much when he adopts me."
"I am sure he will. -Draco consoles – I expect to be the first one you inform about your new name. Oh! You are going to have to come to my house as well during the summer. We can play Quidditch together and I can teach you all sorts of wizarding games. Along with our traditions and customs."
Harry nods his head eagerly, he had never been allowed to visit a friend's house before but then again, he had never been allowed to have friends before now. He would have to ask his father beforehand, but he is certain that there would be no problem. The Malfoy's were loyal to the Dark Lord after all.
"I would like that, thank you Draco."
Draco smiles softly at the younger boy still leaning comfortably against his side as he draws him tighter into an embrace. Happy that he could make his friend smile.
"No problem Harry, what are friends for?"
"Speaking of traditions, what exactly did I do when I rejected your hand on the Hogwarts Express?"
Draco regards Harry for a moment, pushing the young boy away so that he could face him properly, he sighs a little dragging a hand through his hair before looking down at his hands. Wondering how much he should tell his new friend. Glancing back up, Draco resolves to tell Harry all he knows, to explain why he was so offended and why he had begun to treat Harry the way he had.
"When I offered you my hand, my friendship it wasn't just that. In wizarding history, a handshake was seen as a way to show peaceful intentions, to show others that you bore no weapon. That you meant them no harm. However, it was also a way to offer a bond of sorts. When I offered you my hand, I was offering a shared bond between the Noble Houses of Malfoy and Potter and not just because you were the Boy-Who-Lived. Your Grandfather, Fleamont, his brother Charlus married my Great Aunt Dorea and even though she became a Potter Charlus, much to the displeasure of Fleamont, agreed with and took part in some of the Black Family Traditions. Charlus formed a bond between his family and the Blacks which extended to the Malfoy's when my Mother married my Father. I wanted to re-establish this bond and welcome you back into the Wizarding elite. Where you should have grown up in the first place."
"So, my Great Uncle Charlus married your Great Aunt and formed a bond. What is a bond between houses and what is a Noble house?"
"A Bond is a Magical contract between the two houses promising partnership and friendship through the ages or as long as the participants lived. The contributions within the Bond are determined by those involved and is magically binding. The one between the House of Malfoy and the House of Potter mentioned political alliance, Godparent rights, Guardianship rights of heirs and so forth. It meant that Charlus would back the Malfoy's and Blacks and in turn we would back the Potter's; it also meant that if something were to happen to the heir's then the other House would gain custody and raise them in accordance with Wizarding Traditions."
"Okay, that sounds like a good plan. What about the Noble Houses?"
"Nobility in the Wizarding World works a little differently than that in the Muggle world. Say for example if a descendant of one of the Founders was found and they took up their Lordship under that name then they would become one of the most influential and wealthy person in the Wizarding World. It is why the Dark Lord Voldemort was held in such high esteem by the rest of the nobility despite him being a Half-blood. It is why the Potter's have wealth almost as high as the Blacks and Malfoy's. It also depends on how long the family name is in existence. The Malfoy family came originally from France with Willian the Conqueror and so are officially the Most Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy while the Potter family is known as the Noble House of Potter. But the founding families will always have the title Ancient and Most prestigious House."
Harry's eyes sparkle as he listens to his friend talking about the Wizarding World and how it all came to be, how each house was established in Wizarding society. It was fascinating to learn more about his family history and how he was connected and possible distantly related to other wizarding families. Like the Blacks and the Malfoys.
"What if someone was a member of a Noble and Ancient House and also a founding family?"
"Then they could claim their Lordship for both Houses I suppose. Like you. The Potter's are the only known living family that can be traced back to the Peverell Family, and it is also well known that they have direct links to Godric Gryffindor as well. So, if Gringotts allowed it and there were no other living relatives then you would be able to claim their titles. Your official title would be Harry Potter-Peverell-Gryffindor, Lord of the Ancient and Most Prestigious House of Gryffindor, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Peverell and Lord of the Noble House of Potter."
"Wow, that is brilliant but what do the Lordships mean?"
Draco drains the rest of his Hot chocolate, too focused on the excited look in his new friend's eyes to notice Severus Snape standing in the doorway to Harry's bedroom arms crossed over his chest as he watches the two boys with fondness. Pleased that the two were getting along so well and that Draco was willing to sate the younger child's curiosity so well.
"A Lordship means that that family receives certain privileges within the society. They get VIP invitations to all of the Ministry Balls and Events; they get offered high standing positions within the Ministry and on the School Board of Governors. It also means that they have the funds to not only invest in or buy out businesses but create their own, increasing their monetary value. They also have seats on the Wizengamot which is the Wizarding World parliament where we can pass of Laws and preside over court cases."
"Wow, this all sounds so cool, I wish I had grown up in the wizarding world."
Harry sighs wistfully, his mind conjuring up what his life would have potentially been like if he had been adopted or taken in by another wizarding family because from what Draco had been telling him then most Pureblood families were in some way related to each other and so the Dursleys weren't his only living relatives and he hadn't have had to suffer through 10 years of abuse and neglect.
Yet, before he has a chance to ask his friend more questions about the social system within the Wizarding World Severus pushes himself off from the door frame and makes his way into the bedroom drawing the attention of the two young boys. A warm smiles shapes his lips when Harry beams up at him though he spies a slight glazing in his young charge's eyes and knows that it is time for bed. Stepping up to the bed, Severus ruffles Draco's hair before looking down at Harry.
"Alright Harry, you need to get some rest. You are still not fully recovered from your adventure and need your sleep. Draco, it is time for you to head back to your common room if you want to make it back before curfew."
Both children sigh unhappily not liking that their conversation was going to be put on hold for the time being, but they nod their heads in consent to the command. Draco pulls Harry into a brief embrace before untangling himself from the blanket. Sliding off the bed, he slips his shoes back on before giving a hug to Severus as he makes his way towards the bedroom door. Pausing long enough to wave over his shoulder to Harry.
"Good night, Harry. I will come see you again tomorrow."
"Good night, Draco."
Harry and Severus remain quiet for a moment listening to the sound of the portrait clicking shut behind Draco before Severus sits down on the edge of the bed. Shifting the pillows slightly so that Harry is able to lie down comfortably against the mattress, he runs a hand through the raven locks smiling down at the 11-year-old.
"I am so proud of you Harry, you did well today."
Harry looks up at his professor, eyes sparkling with happiness, a light blush dusting his cheeks. Sitting up quickly, the child throws his arms around the man's waist hugging him tightly, basking in the feeling of safety when strong arms wrap around him in return.
"Really?"
"Always Harry. You have managed to put the past behind you and become friends with Draco and I was incredibly impressed with how you handled yourself against the Headmaster earlier. I am positive that your Father will be immensely proud of you as well."
Harry snuggles closer to his professor, accepting the warmth emitting from the older wizard, there was just something about the man that felt oddly comforting and familiar.
"Now, it is time to sleep, Little Snake."
Severus pulls away gently, helping his charge to settle down beneath the covers, he brushes the raven hair away from the boy's forehead, placing a kiss to the newly exposed skin. Chuckling when he sees Harry leaning into the touch releasing a sigh of contentment at the feather-like affection.
"Night, Sev."
Harry mumbles as he burrows beneath the blankets, feeling Severus slipping his glasses from the bridge of his nose and placing them carefully on the bedside table; clearing away the mugs and plate, banishing them to the kitchens with a quick flick of his wrist.
"Good night, Snakelet."
Harry soon drifts off to sleep with a small smile on his face as Severus quietly makes his way out of the bedroom, turning off the lights before heading back into the living room, leaving the bedroom door ajar in case Harry had need of him during the night.