Here is the next chapter I'm sure you've all been waiting for! Nice and long for you. Enjoy!
"Potions Master Severus Snape, sir," a voice sounded from above him.
Severus groaned in his bed as he slowly arose from his sleep. There was a weight on his chest and he opened his eyes, staring directly into the large green eyes of a house elf.
"Ahh!" Severus sat up abruptly, startled, knocking the elf and Sam, who was wolf-sized, to the end of his bed. The elf looked at Sam (who had been restraining him before but had dropped him when Severus practically threw them) then tried to jump off the bed.
: Ah-ah! Sam barked, snatching the elf's jumper before he could escape. Sam dragged the elf back up to Severus, keeping a hold of the jumper in his jaws. Severus stared at the trembling elf, blinked, then rubbed at his head and eyes. He looked at the elf again. Sam just kept him still and waited for Severus to wake up completely.
"What is the meaning of this, Sam?" Severus snapped. It was too early in the morning for this.
: This thing, Sam began, yanking the elf back when the creature tried to run, has a fun little story to tell. Well? Get on with it! Sam shook the elf's jumper briefly, shaking the entire elf's body doing so.
"Dobby is sorry, Mr. Severus Snape sir," the elf began. "Fox told Dobby to come here or Fox would bite Dobby's arm off."
"Wonderful," Severus droned sarcastically, sliding out of the bed and away from the elf and fox. He moved to his wardrobe to find some clothes to put on, feeling uncomfortable lying in his bed with just shorts with the fox and strange elf.
Sam dragged Dobby to the end of the bed, jumping up on the raised footboard and hanging Dobby over it. Dobby struggled as the jumper choked him slightly, kicking his feet as he tried to pull out of Sam's jaws.
"Dobby is just helping," the elf continued. "Dobby works at Hogwarts and Fox found Dobby and made Dobby talk. Dobby didn't want to turn into fox food!"
Severus held back a snort at that as he found some trousers and pulled them on. Sam was quite the interrogation professional – though Sam did have personal experience with it, so that may be why. The things that fox will say though - too amusing.
: Tell him what you told me, Sam demanded. Explain to Severus why your scent was in this house!
Severus was pulling on a white tee, but he froze when he heard Sam say that. Scent? Was that what Sam had picked up last night while they were cleaning? That elf's scent? That might mean that . . . oh no.
Severus finished pulling on the shirt and now that he had clothes, he turned sharply towards the hanging elf Sam held.
"Your scent?" Severus snarled. "You were in my house? In my lab!?"
"Dobby is a bad elf for trespassing!" the elf, Dobby presumably, said. Isn't that the name Harry had mentioned? Dammit, dammit, dammit!
"Dobby is just trying to protect young Mr. Snape sir from danger. James Potter freed Dobby and Dobby swore to protect James Potter's friends and their families. If yous believed Harry Snape destroyed your lab, then yous ground Harry Snape from Hogwarts."
"You destroyed my lab!" Severus shouted at the small creature.
"I's is sorry! Dobby had to! There is danger!"
"You must have a god damn death wish, elf!" Severus snapped.
Dobby choked more, the jumper rising at his throat more. Severus glared at the elf, but he had so many more questions to ask before he decided to do anything about the damage this elf had caused. And Harry – what has he done!? The elf squeaked as he pulled at the jumper constricting his neck.
"Sam, drop him," Severus demanded.
Sam carelessly opened his mouth and allowed Dobby to fall to the ground, the elf landing harshly on his side as he had been unprepared. Dobby pulled himself up, glaring slightly at Sam as he rubbed his arm. Perhaps I should have been more clear, Severus thought, but he didn't feel much sympathy for the elf. He was too furious right now.
"Why did you destroy my lab?" Severus questioned.
"Dobby is protecting Harry Snape," Dobby explained, looking at Severus and nodding. "There is danger at Hogwarts. Yous ground Harry Snape from Hogwarts if yous believed he destroyed your lab."
Severus rolled his eyes at the poor logic of a house elf. His heart constricted as he thought about last night and how he had spanked Harry.
"Danger at Hogwarts, hmm?" Severus raised an eyebrow. "What danger? The school is perfectly safe." For the most part, Severus thought the last part. As long as no idiot teachers were around.
"Dobby is not sure. Something will happen – Dobby knows it! Dobby sensed danger; a dark power. I's just trying to keep Mr. Harry Snape sir safe. I's ruined your lab to make Harry Snape grounded and keep him from school. Dobby is sorry he can't get rid of Fox. Dobby tried!"
"You tried to get rid of Sam?"
: Hardly, Sam smirked down at the elf from the footboard. He jumped down, towering over the elf as he snarled at him. But you're very welcomed to try again.
Dobby cowered, and Severus figured whatever happened at Hogwarts was best left between the two.
"Down, Sam," Severus warned.
Sam backed up until he stood next to Severus then sat at his side, his three tails flicking aggressively.
"I checked my lab for any traces of elf magic," Severus said, frowning at the elf. "How could I not detect yours?"
"Dobby just used a simple find-me-not elf magic so yous would think it was Harry Snape," Dobby explained, tugging and twisting his large ears nervously.
"Of course, I'm such a dunce," Severus muttered. He had been thinking too complicatedly of these creatures last night. Of course, he'd forget to detect for such a simple, amateur maneuver.
Severus thought of several fancy words in his head as he thought back to the wrongful discipline he had given Harry. He felt horrible for what he did to Harry - he had truly thought his son had been lying. What a way to destroy the trust between them. That explained why Harry had been so furious with him after the spanking. Severus swore he'd never use legillimancy on his son without the boy's permission. But perhaps he should have done that just that once. Then he would have seen what had happened. He would have believed his son and kept the strong bond and trust sturdy. What have I done? he thought distressingly.
Furious with the house elf that destroyed his lab and purposely made it look like it had been his son, Severus summoned his wand and pointed it at Dobby.
"Please, Potions Master Severus Snape sir, Dobby is sorry!" Dobby backed away holding up his arms defensively.
Sam jumped behind the elf and grabbed ahold of Dobby's jumper once more, snarling as he kept him still for Severus.
Severus stared at the elf for a long moment, taking in his petrified state – wide eyes and his ears twisted in his fingers – before he lowered his wand. He sighed and said, "Let him go, Sam."
Sam released Dobby and sat by Severus again and waited. Severus stared at the elf for a few intense moments, Dobby wringing his ears repetitively.
: Just say the command and I'll eat him, Sam suddenly said, staring up at Severus, his ears perked.
"What?" Severus frowned down at the fox. "No, Sam, that's revolting!"
: Lucky you, Sam snarled at Dobby, though he dropped his ears in a foxish pout. Severus sighed and finally decided on what to do with the disobedient, trouble making house elf.
Severus made Harry's favorite strawberry waffles and added an extra dollop of whipped cream. He set it on the table and waited for Harry to come down. His mind was struggling with the guilt of just punishing his son for nothing. Nothing! He had wrongly accused his baby boy of destroying his lab – something he knew Harry would never do, never intentionally. Severus smoothed out his black robe before he sat in his usual place at the head and held his head in his hands, gripping at his hair. He felt . . . like the worst damn father on the planet.
Harry finally appeared in the dining room and Severus graced the boy with a small smile.
"Good morning, son," Severus greeted.
Harry said nothing, just stared down at his bare feet. Severus sighed. He deserved the silent treatment after what he did.
"I made your favorite," Severus said, pushing the plate towards Harry more. "Come sit down."
Harry didn't move for a long moment, simply continued to stare at his feet. Harry's stomach growled noisily, and he sighed and sat at his seat, picking up his fork and taking a nibble of just the whipped cream. Severus watched him sadly for a moment before speaking.
"Son, we need to talk about –"
"I don't want to," Harry snapped, picking up a butter knife and cutting at the waffle, refusing to look at his father at all.
"Excuse me, young man?" Severus frowned before taking a deep breath. Harry was just upset still, that was all. Even so, he deserved this behavior for his terrible actions. He needed to apologize for all the pain – physically and emotionally – that he had caused. He had to make things right. Hopefully Harry would hear him out. Sam walked into the dining room and sat down away from the table, watching the interaction, his ears falling back and his tails curling around him.
"Nevermind," Severus waved a hand dismissively. "I know you're upset with me and you have every right to be. I want you to know –"
"I don't care," Harry said. "I'm grounded. You told me everything last night. I'll go to my room, okay?"
"Harry, stop. You don't even know what I'm trying to say."
"I don't care what you have to say. I'm not listening. You don't listen to me so why should I bother to listen to you?"
"Harry Severus, cool it!" Severus snapped, his temper rising against his will. He hated the state he had put Harry in. The boy was distressed and betrayed. And it was all Severus's fault. "I am just trying to –"
"Just shut up!" Harry yelled, finally looking up at his father with angry eyes. "Shut up, shut up! I don't care what you want to say to me, you damn arse!"
Furious now, Severus slammed his fists down on the table as he stood. "Go to your room," he demanded, pointing towards the stairs. "Now! Go."
Harry slammed his own fists down on the table, mirroring his father as he stood and stormed away from the table, heading back to his room. Severus collapsed back into his chair and held his head in his hands once more. His eyes burned with unshed tears and he closed them tightly.
: That went well, came Sam's voice.
"Make yourself useful, fox, and take his breakfast to him," Severus said softly, fighting the hard lump in his throat.
: Oh, yes, Sam said moving towards the table and using his mind magic to lift the plate and have it hover near him in the air. Let me feed the hotheaded boy while you hide away and drown in your own misery. This will solve everything.
"Sam, I'm not in the mood," Severus growled, finding his voice once more, though he kept his head in his hands.
: Trust me, no one is, Sam continued, tilting his head and baring his teeth slightly. My father once said the fruit of a tree falls to its roots. If you cannot come to terms with your own feelings and express that to Harry, then how can Harry do the same?
Sam trotted away, the plate following him, leaving Severus to think over what the fox had said. Sometimes having a three-hundred-year-old wise fox around did ease tension – and sometimes, it simply made him feel like more of a failure. What was he going to do? He had shredded any trust between his boy and himself. Couldn't Sam offer wisdom on how to fix this instead of criticizing what he did? He was trying, honestly.
Harry threw himself down on his bed and screamed into his pillow, pounding the mattress with his fists repeatedly. Once he had gotten that out of his system, he laid on his bed utterly exhausted from his anger outburst. He wondered what he should do now.
Clearly, he'd have to stay in his room because his stupid father had grounded him. Or did he have to stay in his room? Could he slip out the window? Maybe he could walk to town and spend some time at Nathan's house – his parents wouldn't mind. Nathan's parents might actually be fair and listen to him for a change. That was it – he was leaving. Anything to be as far away from his father as possible.
Harry walked over to his window and pushed it up. There was a tree not too far away, but he'd have to jump from the ledge to reach it. Risky, but worth a try.
: Don't even think about, Sam snarled as he entered the room, using his mind to set a plate the plate of waffles down on Harry's nightside stand. I swear, if I have to chase you down and drag you back here, you'll feel my teeth in your hide the whole way home.
Harry glared at Sam and slammed the window shut. No need testing the fox's temper. It wasn't Sam's fault Severus was such an . . .
: Finish that thought and I'll send a bar of soup flying to your mouth, Sam snarled at Harry.
Harry seethed now. The fox was invading his thoughts! How could he forget Sam could read minds, especially ones as open to the world as his own. And Sam wasn't even on his side - that wasn't fair.
"You're taking his side!" Harry stomped his feet at Sam. Then he gave the fox a pleading look. "You believe me, don't you, Sam?"
: It's not a matter of whether I believe you or not – how you spoke to your father downstairs was –
"He deserved it! I hate him! I hate him so much."
: And I hate you, how does that sound?
Harry gasped and his eyes teared. "D-do you?"
: No, Sam sighed, ruffling the fur around his neck with a shake of his head as Harry wiped at his eyes, but I do hate your attitude presently. You didn't even give Severus a chance to talk to you.
"He was just going to remind me of my grounding like he always does." Harry crossed his arms and glared at Sam. "You have to do this. You're not allowed to do this. Be in bed by this! He's infuriating and I hate it!"
: So sure of that, are you?
"Positive!" Harry spat. "He accused me of something I never did and he punished me for it! How could he?" Harry's eyes teared once more, a couple escaping down his cheek. He rubbed it away and rubbed at his eyes angerly.
: Mistakes are inevitable, and in your case, considering the evidence available to your father –"
"To bloody hell with the evidence!" Harry yelled. "He should have trusted me! He should have believed me! I will never forgive him for this! Ever!"
: Your anger has blinded you. Your hurt has deafened you. Your feeling of betrayal has misled you. Though your father may have been in the wrong, that doesn't give you the right to treat him as such. He is still your father and you should always respect him as at least that. You should have swallowed your anger and listened to what he was telling you. You should apologize to your father for this. You may think you know what he was trying to tell you, but I will inform you that your thoughts are astray.
"Then what was he trying to say?" Harry challenged.
: You would know if you had listened. I am disappointed in your behavior today, Harry.
"Why my behavior?" Harry stomped a foot, looking at Sam with sad and angry eyes. He didn't want Sam disappointed in him. Sam was his best friend. "You should be on my side! You even agree that Dad was wrong! He's the worst father ever and you're taking his side anyway! Why, because you're both adults?"
: You're not listening to a word I'm saying, Sam barked exasperated.
"I'm done listening to you, you stupid fox!" Harry grabbed a pillow off his bed and threw it at Sam, who side stepped it easily, Harry's aim off by his blinding tears. "Get out of my room! You're just as terrible as my dad."
: Fine, Sam snarled with bared teeth. You can sulk in this room all day for all I care. And if you leave through that window at all, I'll grill your hide well done!
Harry glared at Sam with challenging but teary eyes. Sam turned sharply and trotted out of Harry's room, using his tails to slam the door behind him.
"That went well," Severus remarked from where he was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
: Kutabare Severus, Sam hissed, trotting past the man and misting away.
I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to be offended but I've no idea what that means, Severus thought as he walked back down the stairs, heading for his study.
Back in Harry's room, Harry charged the pillow he had thrown and punched at it, beating it into the carpeted floor. He hated everything! This was the worst – no, second worst day of his life! Last night had been the worst. He didn't want to hear from anyone else. He just wanted to punch everything. If his father dared to walk through that door, he would beat the man as best as he could. He may be small, but his anger was overpowering. Harry threw his pillow back on his bed and ran after it, punching it into his mattress now.
A loud pop sounded in the room.
"Mr. Harry Snape sir," said a soft voice.
Harry sat up on his bed and stared at Dobby. The elf was wringing his hands nervously as he stared at Harry.
"You!" Harry yelled, jumping off his bed and chasing after the elf. "You ruined my life! Come here!"
Dobby squeaked and ran around the room from the enraged boy.
"Dobby has come to apologize, Harry Snape!" Dobby squeaked out as he climbed over Harry's bed in an attempt to get away. Harry crawled after him, the effort slowing him down as the elf leaped away. Harry slid off his bed and still ran after Dobby.
"Dobby is sorry, so very sorry, he is! Dobby will do anything Harry Snape asks and Dobby has fixed Potions Master Severus Snape's lab!"
"Wait," Harry stopped running and stared at the elf. "You what?"
Dobby stopped as well, breathing heavily a bit before answering, "Fox bring Dobby back and Dobby told Severus Snape the truth. Dobby is a bad elf, bad, bad, bad!"
Dobby tugged hard on his ears each time he said 'bad.' Harry stepped forward and Dobby flinched but didn't move.
"I won't hurt you," Harry said, taking Dobby's wrists and pulling the elf's hands away from his tortured ears. "I'm sorry for chasing you. I'm just mad is all. What were you saying? You talked to Dad?"
"Dobby did!" Dobby nodded his head aggressively. "Severus Snape was furious but Severus Snape made Dobby fix the lab and Dobby will work extra hard at Hogwarts to pay for lost ingredients. Dobby will give all money to Severus Snape for many months. And Dobby will never return to Snape Manor and apologize to Harry Snape."
Harry just stared wide-eyed at Dobby. So his father knew the truth now. Then what had he been trying to tell him earlier? Oh no – had Severus been attempting to . . . apologize? And Harry had blown up in not only his father's face, calling him an arse, but in Sam's as well, calling the ancient and wise fox stupid. He felt like such a dimwit now.
"So, you fixed everything but the lost ingredients and potions?"
Dobby nodded, "All the holes in the walls, the tables, and cauldrons, Dobby fixed everything."
"And my dad knows it was you and not me."
Dobby nodded again, "Severus Snape sir is very kind for not killing Dobby or letting Fox eat Dobby!"
Harry's face fell as he realized Sam had been right that his anger had blinded him and his hurt had deafened him. He had just been so mad and betrayed that he took it out on his father – the cause for everything. But Severus had tried to make it all right again – feeding him his favorite breakfast (though chocolate chips would have really put the icing on the cake) and then trying to (Harry assumed) apologize to him. And instead of listening to what his father was trying to say, Harry jumped to the wrong conclusion and yelled at his father.
Now he felt even worse.
"Dobby thinks danger is still there," Dobby said. "But Dobby will protect Harry Snape at Hogwarts instead."
"No, Dobby, that won't be –"
But Dobby had already left after that. Harry sighed. He'll deal with that crazy elf later. He crawled back to his bed, lying on top and then just cried. He let out all his anger, frustration, and hurt out in his tears, soaking his pillow. He felt terrible for how he had behaved that morning, but he still was hurt by his father's actions. He was so conflicted! What was the right thing to do now? Could he forgive his dad? Should he apologize to him? Harry cried out that frustration too.
After several lonely, sad moments, he heard his bedroom door open and close softly. Footsteps slowly approached his bed and a hand rubbed his back soothingly. Harry hiccoughed and turned his head to see his father kneeling by his bed. Even after what he had done to his father, Severus was still providing comfort. He was the worst son ever!
"I'm sorry, Daddy," Harry said softly.
Severus frowned, looking surprised at that. He kept rubbing Harry's back as the boy sniffled and asked, "For what, baby?"
"For not listening to you earlier," Harry explained. "You were trying to apologize, right?"
"I was, yes," Severus confirmed, standing up, his legs starting to hurt from the squatting. "Here, move over."
Harry complied, and Severus laid next to his son and resumed massaging Harry reassuringly.
"Look, son," Severus began, "last night was rough on both of us. From my point of view, it did seem as though you were lying to me. I should have done more to make sure that there truly was no evidence of a house elf. I could have even waited for Sam to return; he's the one that discovered Dobby. And to be honest, Dobby was very close to James Potter, which meant your uncles could have even confirmed his existence."
"But weren't you friends with James, too," Harry asked.
"Not until sixth year," Severus answered, brushing hair away that had fallen over Harry's face. "And even then, I never really heard of or met this elf."
"Oh," Harry looked down, avoiding his father's eyes.
"Why didn't you just tell me there was an intruder in our home? Why didn't you come get me instead of chasing after the elf on your own?"
"I don't know," Harry shrugged. "I didn't think of that. And you probably wouldn't have believed me anyway."
"You don't know that for sure. But I guess my actions last night say otherwise, hmm?"
Harry nodded.
"I really am sorry, baby, I shouldn't have . . ." Severus sighed and rested his forehead against Harry's. "I don't ask for your forgiveness, you don't have to give it to me. But I want you to know that I truly am sorry for what I did to you. I broke your trust, hurt your feeling and you for a wrong you didn't commit. I know I'm the worst father and there are no words that can undo what I've done, but know that I regret it. Everything."
Harry sighed and moved closer to his father. His father sounded so sad and it made Harry feel just as miserable. His father didn't think he deserved his forgiveness? How terrible! Harry felt a couple tears escape his eyes. He loved his father – how dare he say all those mean words earlier! He just wanted to make everything normal again, but Severus still hurt his trust. What was he supposed to do?
"You smacked me for no reason," Harry muttered, "and it really hurt."
"I have a salve if it still hurts," Severus offered. "Would you like that?"
Harry stared at his father for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I'm okay."
Severus stared down at Harry before leaning once more to rest his forehead against Harry's. "That's good to hear," he said softly.
"I want to forgive you," Harry admitted. "But you didn't listen to me. What if you don't listen to me when I'm telling the truth again?"
"I might," Severus said, honestly, running a hand through Harry's hair, pulling the boy closer to him. "I'm not perfect, Harry. And though I strive to be a good father to you, I will fall short. I'm doing my best – I'm trying my hardest to do right by you. Half the time, I feel like I'm failing, and it scares me. I never wanted to hurt you like this. I never meant to break your trust in me. I'm so sorry."
Harry could see the tears in his father's eyes and it made him feel even worse. Harry rested his head against his father's chest.
"I don't know if I can completely trust you right now," Harry put plainly, fiddling with a button on his father's robe.
"I understand," Severus said, using his hand to pull Harry's hands away from the button. Harry tended to pull the buttons right off when he fiddled with them. Once Harry got the message and rested his hands under his head, Severus ran a hand through the boy's hair.
"But I can at least forgive you," Harry looked up at his father, meeting the man's eyes.
"You don't have to if you don't want to. I'll understand."
"I do want to. And you have to accept my forgiveness for yelling at you and calling you an . . . well, you know."
"Of course, I forgive you, baby. How could I not?"
"And how could I not forgive you?"
Severus smiled down at Harry and hugged him against his chest, placing a long kiss on the top of his head. "I love you so much my little cub."
"I love you, too, Daddy," Harry whispered and returned the hug.
The two remained there for several long minutes, just enjoying each other's embrace and love, both feeling secure and comforted. Severus massaged Harry's back once more, gazing down affectionately at his son. Harry kept his head against his father's chest, his eyes closed as his father kept rubbing his back. He nearly fell asleep when his stomach growled. He had never eaten finished his breakfast, though to be honest, he had never really started it either. But he didn't want to leave his father's embrace. This was so nice. Then his stomach growled once more.
Severus chuckled, his chest rumbling, and Harry smiled as well.
"Sounds like someone is hungry," Severus said.
"I guess," Harry agreed, snuggling impossibly closer to his father. "But I'm too comfortable to move."
"Then we'll sit up together," Severus decided, pulling his son up as he sat up and moved back against the headboard.
Severus reached for the plate of cold waffles and cast a heating charm on it, along with a spell that cut the waffles up. He handed the plate to Harry, who was snuggled up against his side. Harry accepted the plate and began scarfing the waffles down. Severus snorted.
"Slow down, son. You'll choke."
Harry smirked up at his father, but he slowed down enough for his dad to actually see a piece of waffle disappear in his mouth. While Harry ate, Severus decided to inform his son of Mrs. Weasley's offer.
"Mrs. Weasley owled me last night. She would like to know if you would want to stay at her place during the last week of summer. The twins and your friend Ron will be there to play Quidditch with and you can work on your homework as well."
"You had me finish my homework a week ago," Harry reminded, whipped cream all over his face from his shoveling.
"Indeed," Severus said, summoning a handkerchief and cleaning his son's face. "But there is no harm in double checking your answers and rewriting you work on fresh parchment."
Harry groaned at that. Only his father would think of such a thing. Why did he have to have a professor for a dad?
"But what about you?" Harry asked. "You'll be all alone for the last week. Won't you be lonely?"
Severus laughed, and Harry frowned at him.
"I'm a grown man who's used to being alone; I'm sure I'll be fine. Though I'll miss you dearly, I want you to enjoy your last week of summer vacation. I have a lot of work to do to prepare for this year's lessons, as you well know. I'll be busy, and you'll be bored."
"I thought I was grounded though."
"You are for a week for the bike incident. You will work on extra chores and help me in my lab for a bit. Bedtime for the week is eight sharp. I want you asleep by eight thirty. And if you ever want to see a bike again, you will remain on your best behavior these last few weeks."
"Yes, Dad."
"So, would you like to go spend the week with the Weasley's?"
"Yeah," Harry decided, nodding his head. "Yes, please. I would really like that."
Severus kissed his son's forehead. "I know you will."
"You know what this day needs?" Harry smiled up at his father.
"And what's that?"
"Ice cream!"
: Did somebody say ice cream? Sam said, sitting at the end of the bed, fox-sized. He wagged his three tails and perked his ears.
"You have impeccable timing," Severus remarked.
"Can we, Dad?" Harry pleaded. "It'll help heal my trust."
"You're going to use that on me for a while, aren't you?" Severus smiled softly.
Harry nodded cheekily.
Later that evening, Severus, Harry, and Sam were each enjoying an ice cream cone at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. Severus had a plain vanilla, Harry a triple chocolate, and Sam had a peanut butter one, which Severus held for the fox as he licked at it happily, ignoring hos the ice cream slowly melted down his hand. They discussed the trip to the Weasley's.
"Remember, your bedtime is still at ten by the latest," Severus said. "I will inform Mrs. Weasley of this and remember to pack your toothbrush. I do not want to have to deliver you any missing articles this time."
Harry remembered another night visit to the Weasley's when he had forgotten his toothbrush, pajamas, and a pillow. His father had delivered the items and embarrassingly scolded him in front of the Weasley's. He'd remember to pack his whole room to keep the man from having to deliver him anything ever again.
"Okay, Dad," Harry answered.
"And if I hear of any misbehavior, I will tell Mrs. Weasley to floo you straight home."
"Yes, Dad."
"I mean it, Harry. Any misbehavior and you'll be dealing with me."
Harry knew Molly well enough to know that she would sometimes let things slide like pranks gone wrong or flying brooms in the middle of the night as he and Ron had done before. She had scolded them about wanting to catch their deaths, but she saw no harm in what they did, saying all her kids had pulled this one before. She wouldn't tell Severus unless it was something life-threatening that he had done.
"Yes, Dad," Harry replied, refraining from rolling his eyes. "I know, I know. Can Sam come with me?" Harry smiled at Sam, who was too busy licking at the dripping ice cream cone Severus was still patiently holding.
"Lose your attitude," Severus warned with a slight frown. "And I'm sure Sam would love to join you. Wouldn't you, Sam?"
Sam wagged his three tails in response as he continued to focus on the large ice cream cone, licking happily. Severus took a bite of his own ice cream. He didn't bother licking to savor it, just ate the ice cream. He was the closest one finished, taking his first bite of the sugar cone. Then Sam chomped down on his entire ice cream cone, nearly biting Severus's fingers.
"Merlin's beard!" Severus yanked his hand away as Sam chewed and swallowed the cone. Severus frowned at Sam as he spelled his ice cream to hover so he could wipe off his ice cream covered hand with a napkin. "Warn me before you do that!"
: What's the fun in that? Sam tilted his head playfully, licking his lips.
Severus glared while Harry laughed at his side. He sniffed his hand. "Great, now my hand's going to smell like peanut butter."
Sam laughed in his foxy style while Harry laughed harder. Severus just shook his head at the two, snatching his ice cream out of the air to finish it.
Kutabare - Go to hell! Literally means "Drop dead!" I know this had a lot of tension between all the characters. I hope you enjoyed it! Please review!