Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.

An invitation

Severus Snape was, predictably, in his dungeons brewing a healing potion when Draco furiously bursted inside without knocking. The Potions Master, not used to having someone come in his dungeons like this, accidentally droped the nepentes roots in the cauldron which ruined all of his precious work.

''What do you think you're doing? Out! Get out and enter when you are permitted!'' Severus yelled at his already annoyed student.

The young Slytherin rolled his eyes and went out. He did as he was told and knocked on the door but there was no response. Severus moved the cauldron and the ingredients cursing. He slowly stroded to his chair and sat down.

''Come in.'' Severus spoke after Draco knocked for the seventh time.

Draco stepped inside and much to Severus' surpsise threw a bag with the plant on his table. The bag would surely fell on the ground if Snape didn't stop it.

''Does this mean you finished your detention?'' Severus asked as calm as possible.

''Yes! This is the last time I ever did a detention with that blasted Potter!'' Draco shouted.

''I sure hope it is. You know how I hate giving detention to my own students but believe me, next time you do something similar you'll only wish to have detention with Potter.'' Severus rose on his feet.

''Fine, can I go now?'' Draco asked, he didn't want to test further his Master who already seemed to be quite angry.

''Yes.''

Draco excused himself and left the dungeons. Just when Severus sat in his chair to check the ingredient Draco brought, someone knocked on the door again.

''Damn it, who is it now?'' Severus cursed while he stood up to open the door.

''It's me.'' Harry didn't wait for permission to come in but went to put the bag on the table.

''Draco looked very annoyed, what did you do to him?'' Severus asked suspiciously.

''Why does everyone ask me that? I didn't do ANYTHING to him, okay?'' The boy shouted almost annoyed.

''I don't believe you, but we'll discuss it some other time. Tell me, did you have any problems with getting the ingredient?''

''Not really, though it took me some time to convince Malfoy to follow me... I'd love to stay and chat but I'm tired. Good night.'' Harry quickly muttered and left his father who looked surprised.

''Good night.'' Severus responded although Harry already left, he wasn't accustomed to this kind of behavior; students usually asked if they can go. He shook his head, Harry wasn't just a student.

More than a month had passed and there was still no news from Hermione. The boys wanted to contact her but didn't know how so they simply waited. Ron asked Harry several times what did he do to Draco because he wasn't around to annoy them anymore. Harry always avoided to respond. After every class with Dumbledore Harry was getting better in Defence Against the Dark Arts. For the first time in his life, Harry enjoyed classes with Severus. He was pleasantly surprised at how his potions almost every time turned out good. Both Severus and Harry were sure that no one suspected that they were anyhow related. The boys were now getting better grades, probably because Hermione wasn't there to give them her homework so they had to do it themelves. As much as they didn't want to admit it, it helped them.

''Harry, do you think we should try to write to her?'' Ron asked while he was putting his shoes on.

''I don't think so, she most likely won't get the letter and we could get her in trouble if her parents see an owl.''

''But they how can we know she's okay? Maybe she's in trouble or... or...''

''Hey, relax. I's sure she's fine.'' Harry yelled from the bathroom with a toothbrush in his hand.

''I hope so... Hurry up, we'll be late for Transfiguration.''

The end of the semester was near which meant more exams every week. Harry and Ron spent more time in the library than in common room, which managed to surprise not only madam Pince but Professor McGonagall too. Once she entered the library to get a book for her class and found Harry in front of a stockpile of books. She immediately ran over to him and felt his forehead. When he asked her what was she doing, McGonagall replied that she thought he was ill.

While Harry was getting better in Potions, Ron was definitely getting worse. Snape wasn't very helpfull on that matter either; once he caught Harry helping Ron he gave them both extra homework and took them 10 points. Despite that, everyone was surprised to hear that Harry was taking remedial Potions classes with Snape. Especially because they all knew about the mutual animosity between them and Harry's complete ignorance for Potions for the past five years. Of all the people, Ron was the one who was most surprised. He knew his friend very well, but just couldn't understand how he all of the sudden became so bloody good in Potions. He would surely be jealous on his friend if Harry didn't in the same time get worse in Herbology. That was now one of Ron's favourite subjects. Harry just never managed to find enough time for Hebology when there was so more important things to do. Such as practicing Quidditch. It was one of the rare things that could make him forget everything that was happening, especially with Snape. Not that it bothered him so much, but sometimes it was just hard to bare with something like that. He failed to convince Ron to stay in the team.

It was only two weeks left till Christmas holidays. It was Friday evening and Harry was getting back from the Quidditch practice. When he entered the common room he found Ron sitting in the dark.

''You're finally here. I've been waiting for almost half an hour.''

''God, you scared me.'' Harry turned on the light holding to his chest.

''How was practice?''

''Exausting.'' Harry threw himself on the sofa.

''Snape was here, he was looking for you.'' Ron said with a compassionate tone, Snape usually meant trouble.

''Really? What did he want?'' Harry quickly stood up.

''I don't know, he told me to tell you that he's waiting for you in his dungeons.'' Ron replied with a yawn. ''I'm going to bed.''

''Thanks, I'll be right back.'' Harry stormed out of the common room towards the dungeons. He almost tripped over Filch's cat which was sneaking around the corridors in the dark. Her ghastly eyes flashed in the dark and disappeared.

Harry was knocking on Snape's door in the next two minutes. He came in as soon as he heard his father's voice.

''Good evening.'' Harry greeted leaving the door slightly opened.

''Good evening.'' Severus looked up from the book he had been reading and took off his glasses.

''Ron told me you needed to see me.'' Harry sat down and pour himself a cup tea.

''Yes, indeed.'' Severus glanced towards his son, for a split second he was distracted by the boy's liberty in his presence.''I was thinking...''

''Yes?'' Harry raised his look anxious to hear to whatever his father wanted to say. It was amusing to see Severus Snape confused although Harry didn't know the reason.

''Well, the school is almost over and...'' Severus bit his lip nervously.

''And?''

''Harry, I wan't you to stay with me at the Snape manor during the Christmas holidays.'' Severus looked like he was relieved to finally get it out of him.

''What?'' Harry glared at him with his mouth opened.

''I think that we should spend Christmas together at my house, I am your father, after all.''

Harry didn't have the time to respond because the door suddenly shut. They both swiftly pointed their looks towards the door that was a second ago still opened. Severus and Harry shared a worried look and stormed out of the dungeons.


I'm so sorry for not updating sooner. Forgive me for my spelling mistakes , I don't have a beta.

Please leave a review, thanks.

Lily