Chapter 4 - A Hero Of Sorts

Harry made his way to Filch's office to report in for McGonagall's detention. He actually couldn't believe she had given him detention. She had been treating him like royalty since his return from the graveyard. It perturbed him that Severus had spoken to all the professors and asked them not to give him special treatment.

He had just reached the door when it flew open and Filch stood before him with a malicious grin.

The peculiar old man licked his lips in anticipation, "Follow me Potter. I've got somethin special planned for the Hogwarts hero." Filch cackled until his laugh turned into a harsh cough.

Harry followed along behind the decrepit squibb, keeping his mouth shut. He was going to do his time with Filch then forget this whole day ever happened. Filch kept looking back at him with an evil grin until they arrived in the Great Hall. The entry way was decorated with Christmas trees covered in real snow that never melted. There were giant wreaths hanging on each of the doorways with tiny fairies flitting around the cranberries. They walked into the Great Hall which was packed to capacity with students eating lunch.

Filch turned towards Harry and handed him a mop, "Start in the back and work your way towards the front. The house elves are gettin ready for the Christmas Feast tonight so they won't have time to clean the place proper like."

"Brilliant," Harry said under his breath as he took the mop.

Filch produced a bucket of water and pointed Harry towards the back "Do it the muggle way."

Harry struggled while he tried to hold his cane, the mop, and the bucket. He heard several people laugh but most were shocked over what he was doing. The Slytherins seemed to think the whole thing was hilarious but the Gryffindor were all in an uproar over the demeaning task he was assigned to. A few people actually had the audacity to take pictures. He ignored everyone and started in the far corner. He was forced to abandon his cane and use the mop for balance.

After a while the satisfaction of seeing the stone floor begin to shine became rather gratifying. It looked as if the floor hadn't been cleaned in years. He had always assumed the stones were a murky gray but now that he was scrubbing on them with the mop it turns out they were actually a rainbow of stone colors from black to veins of bright red mixed in amongst varying shades of gray.

Severus watched as his son mopped up the Great Hall floor better than a house elf. The boy was putting forth great effort and he felt a pang of concern over Harry's still fragile condition. He glanced at Minerva and saw her with a distressed look on her face as she watched Harry as well. The woman looked liked she was fighting an internal debate as she stood up then sat back down, then stood once more.

Harry had a good portion of the back corner finished when he finally made his way to the Hufflepuff table. The hardest part was struggling to lift the benches so he could mop underneath. Much to his relief the heavy wooden bench hovered in the air so he could mop under it. He looked around the room, wondering who was helping him out. Right away he spotted Hermione, Ron, and Neville with their wands hidden under the sleeves of their robes but pointing his way. Brilliant!

Before long several students had their wands out and were sneaking in occasional scourgify charms towards the stone floor. At this rate Harry was finished with a big portion of the back half of the Great Hall in record time. He began working his way towards the Ravenclaw table when he felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to face Professor McGonagall.

"Mr. Potter, it seems you have fulfilled your detention. Please take a seat and eat your lunch," Minerva said in a no nonsense tone of voice, feeling slightly troubled over the punishment Filch had dispensed.

Harry nodded then apologized for being late to class. He leaned the mop against the bench and thanked the professor before hobbling over to his cane. When he turned towards the students at the tables he gave them all a smile and thumbs up sign.

Filch shot him a dirty look as he walked by him but McGonagall was right behind and told the old caretaker that Harry was through with detention.

Harry sat down next to Hermione who already had a plate of steaming food waiting for him. He thanked his friends for helping him then tucked in to his waiting plate, suddenly feeling very hungry. When he was half way through he looked up and spotted Ginny sitting further down the table by herself.

"Why's she all alone?" Harry quietly asked Hermione.

"Her so called friends have been horrible to her. Ron and I asked if she wanted to sit with us but she refused. She didn't want you to feel uncomfortable around her," Hermione explained.

"That's rubbish!" Harry hissed out. "Her friends treating her that way is all because I broke up with her isn't it?"

Hermione looked at Ron then nodded, "And because she tried to kill you."

Harry couldn't let this go on any further. He didn't really blame Ginny for anything that happened that night in the graveyard. Maybe it was time to have a little talk with her. It bothered him that even the people from their own house had turned against her. He had to fix this situation today, before winter holiday break began. He realized his feelings for the youngest Weasley were still strong. He recognized how much he had missed her.

"Hey Gin," Harry sat down next to her and then looked at the group of girls staring at him.

Ginny looked up from her uneaten food with a surprised look on her face, "Hi Harry, how's your leg?"

Harry heard the sadness in her voice and knew it was mostly his fault, "It's okay. How are you doing?"

Ginny shrugged, "Alright."

"Really?" Harry asked. "You don't look like your alright."

Ginny sighed heavily, "Harry, what do you want anyway? I'm having a really hard time with everything that happened and it might be best if you just give me some space."

Harry felt horrible for causing her so much pain. He noticed all the girls staring at them and giving Ginny dirty looks of contempt. That was enough to push him into something he hadn't planned on doing. He quickly leaned closer to Ginny and kissed her soundly on the lips.

She looked back at him in shock. They both heard the girls around them begin to whisper.

"Harry, what in Merlin's name do you think your doing!" Ginny hissed in shock but not entirely sorry it happened.

"I don't know… I didn't plan it or anything. I've missed you Gin," Harry said and ran a finger down her arm.

"Yeah, well I've missed you too but that doesn't mean I'm ready to forget how you so casually tossed me to the side the minute you became a mega hero!" Ginny exclaimed, breathing hard with emotion. How dare he treat her as if he had the right to decide when they got back together.

"Ginny, no - I didn't break up with you cause of that … I was just - just so confused about everything."

"Confused that I was trying to kill you? Confused that I almost married Voldemort or confused that I thought you were really special for saving me? I know all about the way you hate it when everyone calls you a hero … but, well … you saved me. I can't believe you broke up with me because of that!" Ginny tried to hold back her tears of frustration and never intended on saying all these things in public. She couldn't help all the words that had come tumbling out her mouth.

"Gin, I was so stupid. If I could take it back I would …" Harry started to explain until Ginny stood up and rushed out of the Great Hall. Harry already knew he would never catch up to her with his bad leg. Bloody hell!

Ron and Hermione were glaring at him but both his friends waited for him to walk out the Great Hall together.

"What happened?" Hermione asked.

"I don't know."

"We saw you kiss her, so something must have bloody well happened," Ron said with a hint of anger.

"I didn't plan the kiss, it just sort of happened," Harry tried to explain. "I think she hates me."

"Well can you blame her Harry?" Hermione asked then went on when she saw the horrified look on her best friends face, "I mean you did treat her poorly when she asked you to go to the fireworks with her."

"I know but I had just been through something pretty dramatic and … oh, bloody hell, just forget it!" Harry wished more than ever that his leg was better so he could go flying and forget about this whole thing. His leg hurt so badly right now that he almost wanted to skip class. If this wasn't DADA with Remus teaching he would have skipped class but he really wanted to know how Sirius was doing. Sirius had been on his mind all day.

"Don't worry Harry, she'll come around. I'm not blaming you for wanting a little space either. I mean you did just kill Voldemort and … well, all that other stuff too. You're still coming over for our annual Christmas Quidditch match at the burrow, aren't you?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, if this thing is out of my leg I am."

"Harry, Ron's right. Ginny will see what stress you had been under at the time and she'll forgive you," Hermione said. "Would you like me to talk with her?"

"I guess so. I just want things back to the way they were. Thanks guys," Harry felt lucky to have such loyal friends.

They took their seats and waited for Remus to arrive. He came in ten minutes late with a big smile on his face. He immediately gave Harry a huge smile, a sign which Harry took to mean that Sirius must be doing pretty good. Well, maybe this day wasn't so bad after all.

Remus announced to all the class that the leaving feast would be a formal affair and everyone was to wear their dress robes.

Immediately the girls in the class broke out in whispers over what they would wear. It took Remus quite a while to calm everyone down enough to actually teach. After an hour he gave up and dismissed the class early, much to the girl's approval.

Harry hung around the classroom until everyone else left. Remus was hurriedly packing up his brief case as this was the last class before the long two week Winter Holiday.

"So how's Sirius doing?" Harry asked.

"Oh Harry, he's back! Our good old Sirius is back. I went to see him during lunch and he was like his old self again. I don't know what you said to him but whatever you said changed his whole outlook on life. He's trying really hard to get better so we can all spend Christmas together at Grimmauld Place. He wants to see you after supper tonight," Remus said with excitement.

"Oh, um I don't know," Harry stammered out, not at all convinced that Sirius was really better so soon. "I have to ask Severus."

"I already spoke to him about it and he said it was up to you. He said I could take you with me after the feast then drop you off at the manor when we're through."

Harry didn't have the heart to tell Remus about getting slapped by Sirius. After all, the man was so excited and maybe Sirius really was making incredible progress. Who was he to burst the man's bubble of hope?

"Okay, sounds great," Harry said feeling more than a little apprehensive about seeing Sirius again. His uneasiness set in forcing him to expend some pent up energy by walking down to the lake.

No one was around and he found the quiet to be very soothing. The air was frigid with the threat of snow but he found that to be comforting as well. So many thoughts were going through his mind. Was Sirius really getting better so quickly? Why was Severus in a bad mood today? Would this thing in his leg ever be healed? He noticed the sun beginning to set so he begrudgingly made his way back to the castle.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Harry went down to the dungeon to get ready. He was still not speaking to his father for assigning that detention and walked right past him. After showering, then putting on his dress robes and combing his hair he walked into the living room. Severus was waiting for him with a grim expression on his face.

"What? What have I done now?" Harry snapped with irritation.

Severus looked confused for a moment then snarled out, "Nothing. Did I say you did anything wrong?"

"No, but you looked as if you were ready to bite my head off with that mean look on your face," Harry answered back sharply. "I think I've been punished enough with a three foot parchment over holiday!"

"You earned that punishment with your blatant lie during class. Stop whining and let's get up to the Great Hall before we are late for supper."

"Why are you so grouchy anyway? You've been snapping at me all day," Harry asked refusing to move until he found out.

"That is not of your concern."

"It is when you're taking your anger out on me," Harry snapped back.

Severus thought about that for a moment. Maybe he had been rather sharp with the boy today. But as far as that three foot parchment on honesty was concerned, he had no regrets in assigning it. "Why were you late to Transfiguration? And, do not attempt to lie again."

"I don't want to talk about it," Harry flatly answered.

"Fine, then the three foot parchment stands. Now, let's get up to the Great Hall, seeing that we are already late."

Harry felt his leg throb with the anger he felt towards his father. The air became cooler.

He followed behind Severus refusing to talk with him during the walk upstairs. Severus wasn't in the mood to try to figure the boy out. He was having a hard enough time trying to wrap his mind around the very real possibility that Charlet would become his newest ward. He knew he should tell Harry sooner rather than later and vowed to tell him tonight, after the feast.

They stopped at the threshold of the Great Hall with Severus pushing the door open. The entire hall was decorated with tall pine trees lit up by thousands of tiny fairies. The tables were covered in deep green velvet table runners and had beautiful white tapered candles floating down the center. Snow fell from the ceiling but disappeared before landing on anyone or anything.

All this grandeur was lost on Harry as all he could focus on was the head table. The entire table was taken up by ministry officials. Sitting next to the headmaster was Minister Fudge. Professor Dumbledore looked slightly put out as he played host to the eager politician. Harry saw anther table filled with reporters.

As soon as everyone noticed Harry and Severus beginning to walk through the doors, the place broke out into wild cheering.

Harry froze on the spot. Apparently this was not only the Winter Leaving Feast but by the looks of the giant cake with his name on it, it appeared that this was also a congratulatory party for him as well.

Harry shot an angry glare towards Severus, "Did you know about this!" He stopped mid stride to turn around and leave but felt his father's hand on his back pushing him forward.

"No, I did not," Severus answered back unsympathetically, "Albus obviously did not see fit to let me in on this little celebration. Damned fool of a man knew I would not be pleased."

By this point the minister had stood up and was motioning for Harry and Severus to join him at the podium. It took every ounce of self restraint Harry had not to turn around and walk out the door. As a matter of fact if it hadn't been for his father standing right beside him he knew he would have left.

The Minster grabbed his hand and pumped it with enthusiasm as reporters began to take pictures. Harry couldn't force a smile on his face and just stood next to the pompous man with a look of irritation. Once the Minister began his long winded speech thanking Harry, even more cameras were trained on the-boy-who-lived. Harry stood next to the minister, as he was forced into hearing all the words of gratitude being spewed forth. His leg throbbed and he felt a cold chill in the air. The Minister must have felt it too because he wrapped his cloak tightly around his shoulders.

At the end of the minister's speech everyone waited for Harry to say a few words. He stood dumbly in front of the microphone unable to come up with anything intelligent enough to say. He looked around the room spotting the Weasley's and most of the Order members sitting at a table in the back. When the room pulsed with awkwardness he finally spoke up.

"Um, I didn't know I was going to have to say anything so I don't have anything planned but um … I would like to say thanks to my friends and the Weasley's," he saw the twins stand up and take a bow then he saw Ron and Hermione and Neville smiling up at him. His gaze finally settled on Ginny but she immediately looked away. "Also to Hagrid for always standing by me."

He felt his father's hand still on his back and was immediately grateful for the support his dad offered. "Um, Professor Dumbledore has always believed in me and made me feel like I could actually achieve this overwhelming task so… thanks professor. Remus - I mean professor Lupin and my Godfather have always been a great source of support for me as well. Tonks and the rest of the old crowd have given so much to get to this day." He ran a finger along the inside of his collar, "But the person who helped me out the most, is the person who literally saved my life too many times to count. I know I would never have had the courage or fortitude to face Voldemort without him. Of course everyone here knows I was adopted by professor Snape earlier this year."

Harry glanced at his dad before continuing, "I've known for a long time now that I would have to face Voldemort," the name still had the same effect on people and several students cringed, "but I never thought I would live through it. Once my father began to believe in me and show me how much he felt me worthy, I knew I had to fight with every last breath to win and to live through it." Harry felt a lump forming in his throat, he refused to cry in front of the whole school, "Um, without my dad I know I wouldn't be here today. So, I just want him to know how much he means to me." Harry immediately turned around and gave his father a fierce hug to thunderous applause.

Severus was becoming unhinged as emotion tugged at his heart. He loved this boy unconditionally. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Harry finally released his father and saw tears in the stoic man's eyes. He swallowed the lump in his throat and turned back towards the microphone to continue, once everyone settled down.

"My parents gave their lives to save mine. Several people died so that one day we would be free from Voldemort's evil. No one should thank me for saving them because it wasn't just me. I want this celebration to not be for me but for Cedric and my mum and dad and all the other people who died to make this day real. I know they are here in spirit. Um, that's all I have to say … thanks."

The applause were deafening, every single person, except some of the Slytherins, were up on their feet clapping loudly. Harry gave his dad one last hug as the reporters went crazy with pictures. He made his way down to the Gryffindor table. His friends all gave him hearty pats on the back and congratulated him for the great speech. Hermione held him so tight he could barely breathe.

He sat down, suddenly coming up with a handful of other people he should have thanked. That was soon forgotten as the food appeared out of no where. The smell of roast beef, turkey and prime rib wafted throughout the Great Hall.

After supper, cake was passed around in honor of Harry's triumph. Minister Fudge brought Harry the first piece of cake himself.

Harry thanked the minister then stood up with the cake. He spotted Ginny sitting alone and went to sit down next to her.

"Would you like to share?" Harry asked hoping Hermione had spoken with her and that she still wasn't angry at him.

"Only if you promise not to attack me with surprise kisses?" Ginny's heart raced.

"It will be hard to contain myself but I promise to keep my lips to myself."

Ginny took the fork and scooped a big piece of the white confection, "Mmm, this is good." Harry picked up a fork and joined her. Before long the piece of cake was gone and the two Gryffindor sat staring at each other.

"Gin …I miss you," Harry said quietly so just Ginny could hear. "I'm sorry I treated you that way. I was so confused and just overwhelmed with everything going on."

"I know Harry, Hermione explained. I guess I just thought I could be there to help you get through this but instead you pushed me away," Ginny looked down at her hands.

"I'm still feeling overwhelmed but I know I would be doing a lot better with you in my life," Harry bravely alleged as he pushed a stray hair from Ginny's face back behind her ear.

"I miss you too, Harry."

Harry knew he was being watched by several people but he suddenly didn't care. He leaned in and planted a kiss on Ginny's forehead. Ginny leaned into him and raised her face up to his. He kissed her on the lips.

"Will you come over for a visit during the holidays?" Harry asked as he rubbed Ginny's hand with his thumb.

"I don't know if my parents will let me out of their sight," she shot a look down to the table that her family was sitting at and sure enough, they were watching her. "As a matter of fact I think they just saw you kissing me."

Harry looked down at the table the Weasley's sat at and both twins waved while Mr. And Mrs. Weasley quickly looked away, pretending not to be staring at them. Harry boldly waved back but thought better of kissing Ginny again.

"Why don't you come to the burrow?" Ginny asked.

Harry looked up towards the table the teachers were sitting at and saw his father nod back at him. He wondered if Severus had seen the kiss as well?

"Yeah, I'll definitely come for a visit but I want you to come over to my house as well," Harry said. The burrow was great but there were always so many people about. Privacy was a hard commodity to come by with all of Ginny's brothers at home for the holidays.

"I'll ask but …you know how protective my mum used to be? Well, she's gotten ten times worse since … well, you know?" Ginny stammered wishing she hadn't referred to that awful time.

"Yeah, I know. But try anyway."

They were interrupted when several students from all four houses came up to congratulate Harry. He made sure to make a show of holding Ginny's hand, hoping people would begin to treat her better.

Remus came over and told him it was time to go before visiting hours ended at the hospital. He kissed Ginny once more, albeit a quick peck this time since everyone seemed to be watching. Then he said goodbye to all his friends with a promise to Ron and Hermione that he would see them during the holiday.

Severus walked with them up to Dumbledore's office so they could use the floo. He gave Lupin explicit instructions on keeping Harry safe while out in public.

"Lupin, you can not leave Harry's side for one moment. When you walk through the waiting room be sure to keep a hand on him at all times in case you need to apparate to a safe location. Furthermore you are not to leave him alone with Black for any reason. Do you understand Lupin!" the Potion Master felt very uneasy about letting Harry go out in public without him. Even though most of the death eaters were dead there were still several dangerous people about that would like to get their hands on Harry.

"Yes Severus, I do understand. For Merlin's sake, relax. I care for Harry as much as you do and promise to guard him with my life," Remus couldn't believe how nervous Snape was acting.

"Severus, I'll be fine. I do remember how to defend myself," Harry said in annoyance, feeling like his father was treating him like a little child.

"Indeed you do. See to it that you do not act imprudently," Severus warned. "And stay close to Lupin."

"Yeah and I'll be sure to look both ways before crossing the street. Bye Mum," Harry said then side stepped Severus' long reach as it came to swat at him. He laughed as he went through the floo. Remus followed right behind him with a small smile over Harry's retort, for he too thought Snape was acting quite motherly.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

Severus actually thought about following his son through the floo but changed his mind, feeling that it would send a message of distrust to Harry. After all he couldn't follow the boy every time he left school grounds. He would need to get used to the idea of letting others watch out for his son. At any rate he had to return to the feast and make sure his Slytherins arrived to the night train on time.

Just as he turned the corner to head back into the Great Hall, a fifth year Slytherin student stopped him.

"Excuse me sir," the dark haired teen said hesitantly.

"Yes, Mr. Sharp," Severus looked down at the brown eyed boy. The teen held a rolled up parchment that he was nervously squeezing in his hand.

"Um, this belongs to Harry," the boy passed the parchment to the severe looking teacher. "I just thought you should know that Jackson and a few of his friends were hassling him this morning and kicked his book bag to the ground. He picked up everything but he missed this."

Severus furrowed his brow over hearing this disturbing news. He unrolled the parchment and found it was the missing report Harry had been looking for this morning. "Were you present at the time this encounter took place?" Severus asked ominously.

"Y-yes sir, but I didn't do anything- I swear I just watched."

Severus took his wand out and pointed it at the quacking teen's head. He silently cast a Legilimens and watched the scene unfold.

He lowered his wand and poked it harshly into the teen's chest as he hissed out, "If you ever see anyone else disturbing my son you must come to me immediately. Is that understood Sharp!"

The boy practically hyperventilated with fear, "Y-yes sir, I will, I promise."

"Get out of my sight," Severus growled out and pushed past the frightened Slytherin.

Severus berated himself for missing this. His mistake could have cost his son his life. How could he have let a student with a death eater uncle remain at the school! Unbeknownst to Harry he had expelled every death eater's child from Hogwarts. It was the one condition he gave Albus before letting Harry return to class. He had seriously thought of taking Harry out of Hogwarts and tutoring him at home but was talked out of that scenario by Minerva. The irritating woman had claimed that Harry would be crushed if he had to leave all his friends. Now he wasn't so sure that he hadn't made a mistake.

He advanced into the Great Hall with a look of fury on his face and made his way over to the Slytherin table. He spotted Jackson sitting at the table drinking pumpkin juice and boasting about something to his friends. Severus strode right up to the Slytherin and grabbed him by the back of his collar. The teen practically choked on his pumpkin juice.

"Get down to the dungeon and gather all your belongings. Make sure you pack everything as you will not be returning!" Snape hissed into the teen's ear then tossed him away from the table.

Jackson sputtered out, "W-why sir? What did I do?"

That was the wrong thing to say. Severus had a hard time containing himself as he advanced on the retreating Slytherin. "You threatened my son. I thought I made it perfectly clear that anyone even thinking of harming my son would have me to answer to."

By this time most of the Slytherins were watching along with a handful of students seated close by at the Ravenclaw table. Jackson was at a loss for words but utterly terrified of the ex-deatheater. He had heard frightening stories of the man from his uncle. He quickly stepped backwards then turned around and fled the Great Hall.

Severus scanned the rest of the Slytherin table until his eyes settled on one of the other student who was in the group that morning as well. He knew the boy to be weak with little courage and felt he would not be a threat. Nevertheless he glared at him until the boy quaked with fear.

Hopefully this display of outrage had scared anyone else intent on hurting his son into having second thoughts. It would be a cold day in hell before he let anyone harm Harry!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Harry and Remus arrived at the hospital within moments. The stir Harry caused in the waiting room forced Remus into practically running for the staircase with his hand firmly gripping Harry's arm. Several girls tried to stop them. Harry's bad leg slowed him down and one lucky girl took a handful of his hair as a souvenir. They didn't stop moving until they were standing in front of the locked ward Sirius was being held in.

Harry rubbed his head and looked towards Remus, noticing the sweat dripping from his brow. Remus caught him looking and chuckled, "I guess Severus has more experience with your fans than I do. I never would have guessed they could be so … besotted! I suppose I owe Severus an apology for thinking him rather overprotective."

"No, he is," Harry replied flatly, then stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"Is your head alright?"

Harry rubbed at the sore spot once more, "Yeah."

They waited another moment before the doctor finally appeared and unlocked the door. Healer Fairchild looked to be in a much better mood to Harry than the last time he saw her.

"Welcome! It is good to see you again Harry, Mr. Lupin."

"How's he doing," Remus asked with a slight trace of worry.

"Wonderfully. Harry you are a miracle worker! Ever since your visit, Mr. Black has shown definite signs of improvement. He has been eagerly awaiting your visit," the healer unlocked Sirius' door and stood back.

Remus walked in first with Harry following close behind. Harry couldn't believe the difference in Sirius' face. The man was clean shaven and wearing a giant smile. They both walked towards each other with their arms open and collided with a big hug.

"Harry you look so handsome in those dress robes. Maybe I should have dressed into something other than these hospital pajamas!" Sirius joshed as he let go of his godson.

"Actually, a soft pair of pajamas would feel a far cry better than wearing this," Harry teased back and pulled off his tie. He could see that his godfather appeared to be so much better, so much healthier. Harry sat down on the bed while Sirius and Remus sat in the chairs and stared at him. He felt a little peculiar as if they were waiting for him to do something noteworthy.

"Um, Ms. Fairchild says you're improving," Harry blurted out.

"Yeah, I'm getting out of this place as soon as possible. We can all spend the holiday together at Grimmald Place. Remus said he'd fetch us a big tree and a bottle of fire whiskey!"

Harry was not about to bring up the fact that he would not be spending Christmas without his father by his side. Instead he smiled and listened to Remus lecture on drinking liquor before you became of age.

They sat and talked about all kinds of things from Quidditch to the most recent jokes the twins had come up with. Harry noticed how Sirius would slip up and refer to him as James from time to time but neither adult seemed to notice or say anything about it.

They stayed another half hour before Fairchild stuck her head in the door and announced that visiting hours were almost up. Harry saw how Sirius tensed up and begun talking a mile a minute with his thoughts muddled together in his haste. Remus looked concerned as he observed the agitation in his best friend beginning to escalate.

"Yes, yes Christmas is coming, I'll be out by then. A present, yeah lots of of gifts but what about Kreacher. Oh yes he's dead now. Can't help get the place ready can he? No, no. James you can stay at my place now, you too Remus. Just like the old days. No, that's right your leaving, leaving me here…"

"Calm down Sirius, we'll be back tomorrow, won't we Harry?" Remus said as he gently laid a hand on Sirius' arm.

"No, no Harry won't will you Harry? He's too busy with that bat at his fancy manor to come visit me," Sirius accused abrasively.

Harry was taken aback over the sudden change in his godfather and was grateful he wasn't alone with him. He quickly said, "I'll be here, calm down Sirius, I'll be here."

Sirius had the expression of a petulant child as he said in an accusing voice, "Sure James, sure."

"I'm Harry."

Sirius looked angry for a moment before his face settled into a look of regret, "Yeah, yeah, of course. James is dead, right. Dead … gone. He's dead. Shouldn't have died … no. Should have just ran. Should have just left them." The last sentence a mere whisper as Remus offered encouraging words to try to calm his friend.

But, Harry had heard the last sentence clear as day. He knew what Sirius was saying … James should have just ran … and left Harry behind. He suddenly felt as if a knife was twisting his heart. It was clear to him that Sirius wished his best friend hadn't sacrificed himself. His leg throbbed and the air became frigid.

Harry stood up and moved away from the bed. He watched as Sirius wrapped a blanket around his shoulders. Remus helped the troubled man into bed pulling more covers over him as he continued to utter words of comfort to the distraught man.

"Hush now Sirius hush," Remus said as he shot a look towards the door, hoping Fairchild wouldn't find his friend in this state. "Just close your eyes and go to sleep. We'll be back tomorrow."

Sirius grabbed the picture of the Marauders off of the nightstand and clutched it to his heart.

Harry barely whispered a goodbye as he awkwardly hobbled out the door with Remus following. They walked silently down to the floo, both in heavy contemplation.

Severus had opened his side of the floo, so they went directly to the manor.

They stepped out of the giant fireplace into the main living room of Snape Manor. Severus was sitting in a straight back leather chair reading a book and awaiting their arrival.

"Ahh, good, you are home and in one piece," Severus declared as he closed his book and inspected his son.

Harry looked at his dad then quickly averted his eyes down to the ground, "Yeah. Um, I'm kinda tired. I'll see you in the morning."

"Wait Harry," Remus quickly said, "What time shall I pick you up tomorrow?"

Harry could hear the urgency in Remus' voice and knew he was worried about Sirius. The words Sirius had spoken rolled around in his head until he felt completely undone.

Severus could see that something had transpired at the hospital, "How is Black? Does the healer feel it is advantageous for Harry to visit so often?"

"Yes! As a matter of fact she said that Harry was a miracle worker," Remus retorted sharply, upset that Snape was questioning Harry's visits. After all, the visits meant so much to Sirius. "May I pick Harry up at ten o'clock?"

"That is entirely up to Harry," Severus shot back with irritation.

Both men looked towards Harry. "Yeah, ten sounds good. I'll see you then," Harry said then quickly left the room, feeling close to breaking over those cruel words spoken earlier by his Godfather.

He could hear Severus grilling Remus over the visit and Remus getting defensive over his best friend. He walked into his bedroom and shut the door.

Oh Merlin, did Sirius really mean what he said? Yeah, he probably did. He knew how much Sirius missed his dad and didn't doubt that he wished James was here instead of him. His heart tightened as he slumped down to the floor with his back leaning against the bed.

He dropped his head into his hands and just let the words Sirius spoke wash over him until he wanted to cry. He wasn't sure how long he'd been there but he heard a quick knock on his door before the door opened to reveal his father.

Severus could see that something had definitely happened at the hospital. He walked into his son's room and knelt before the boy sitting on the floor. He noticed the chilly air in the room and flicked his wand towards the fireplace, then turned back to face his son.

"What has transpired? Did Black do something to you?" Severus grabbed Harry's chin and looked at his face for any signs of injury.

Harry yanked his face out of his father's grasp and looked down at the ground once more. "Stop it, alright. Nothing happened."

"Your conduct says otherwise."

"I'm okay," Harry replied, his voice tinged with sadness.

"Would you like to sleep on the sofa in my bedroom?" Severus asked as pushed Harry's hair off his forehead and ran his thumb over the fading scar.

"No thanks. I should probably get used to sleeping on my own anyway," his face heating with the embarrassment of being caught this morning at his father's door.

"There is no shame in requiring support. Harry," Severus waited until Harry looked up at him, "the trauma you have suffered through this whole ordeal will require time and help to get through."

"I don't know how you can help me. I just need time to get over this."

Severus wasn't sure if the boy was referring to his ordeal in the graveyard or what had happened at the hospital this evening.

"Did something happen with Black this evening?"

Harry took in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. He debated as to whether he should confide in his father over what Sirius had said, then thought better of it. He didn't want anymore animosity between his father and Sirius than there already was. No, he would need to get over this on his own. Those words Sirius had spoken were too painful to repeat anyway.

"No sir," Harry said. He felt so cold and didn't relish the thought of being left alone with his leg throbbing with evil. He wasn't sure how he would get through the night.

"I expect you are holding back something but I will pry no further. Just know that you are not alone."

Severus waited a few moments to see if the boy wished to tell him what had occurred. When his son continued looking at his shoes he decided to leave, "I will leave you to your rumination."

Harry continued looking down but his hand shot out and he grabbed his dad's arm, "No, stay. I don't want to talk about it but … just stay."

Severus was deeply touched. He moved and sat down next to his son, with his back leaning against the bed as well. Within a few moments he felt the room warm up and Harry's weight against his arm. They both sat there lost in their own thoughts but comforted by the other's company.

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