A/N: I do not own Harry Potter
This chapter has been entirely edited and overhauled as someone mentioned significant grammar and punctuation errors and I wanted to make sure that wasn't the case. I do in fact, take great pride in my writing.
Chapter Three - Letters from Hogwarts
Harry's summer had been great; it had been filled with Appleby Arrows matches, what could be more brilliant than that? His Uncle Remus was taking him and Ron to the next game, and it was today. It was the semi-finals, and if they won, then that would mean the first weekend of Hogwarts he would be coming home for the final! It was likely to be against the Ballycastle Bats, and that would mean Harry would get to see his Grandparents too. He woke up groggily at first, and as he came around realising just the kind of day that he had in store, the excitement came. It was the Tutshill Tornados game. He reached over and marked the day off his calendar; it was also very close to when he would be leaving for Hogwarts. He ran down for his breakfast, a book in hand, skipping steps as he went.
The quiet family had a somewhat fixed morning routine; Mum would read the prophet, while Dad made the breakfast, Harry would arrive downstairs just as breakfast was served, and they would eat in a comfortable silence. Severus would look over papers for work, and Harry would reading whatever book he was working his way through. Today Harry was reading Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. He was currently learning about the 'Chizpurfle' a magical parasite while munching on his toast.
"Good morning?" Severus asked hitting a rolled up newspaper playfully on Harry's head.
"Morning," he replied half-heartedly frowning as he re-read the same line.
"You need to have a shower for your day out." His Mum stated, her voice a little firm.
"I'm trying to finish reading about the Chizpurfle, it seems like it would be important to know how to get rid of them just in case they decide to have a nibble on my wand!" he frowned again and cleared his throat. "Ok, I'm finished, the book doesn't mention which potions to use though, so that's helpful!" his tone uncannily similar to his fathers.
"Shower?" his Dad reiterated his wife's request.
"I had one yesterday."
"I know, it's something you repeat Harry, regularly!"
"Not every day! Surely"
"What, you thought if you stank enough it will keep the Chizpurfle's away?" his father joked. "Now, unfortunately, you have my genes, and by the looks of it we could wring out your hair and have enough grease to cook a full fry up!"
"Hay!" Harry complained.
"I have the same problem; you're gonna have to keep on top of it!"
"I will, but one would think every other day would suffice!" Harry was feeling just as stubborn as his father today too.
"Look in the mirror and say that again," his mother commented. "I get it, 'me teenage boy, me no like shower' but it's got to be done! Daily!"
"I think I want a Crup for Christmas," he diverted, his nose back in the book.
"Crups aren't as easy as you'd think, just because it looks similar to a Dog, its XXX classification." His dad commented.
"Yea, and so is a Kneazle," Harry retorted.
"You're point being?" Severus asked.
"They are loyal and cute." Harry pleaded.
"And they are known for attacking Muggles, which we have many of in our family. So, no. Also, that was a nice diversion, but it's time for that shower. Your Uncle Remus will be here soon, he's picking up Ron up on the way, so you need to be ready. It's a home game, the chances of winning are looking good?"
"I know, I think it's all down to Cotton!" Harry smiled.
"Yes, you would think that wouldn't you." His dad added, "Now get going!"
"One more, if we make the final, can Dudley come?" Harry grinned.
He knew things were a bit tense with family at the moment, Vernon and Petunia were not happy with how things had gone. Especially considering Grandad Frank and Grandma Rose were both doing everything they could to help Dudley and Harry stay in touch.
"I'll speak to Grandad if you get to the finals." He smiled smacking the child on the head again with the newspaper.
Harry finally relented running off to the bathroom.
"What are the chances with Petunia?" Severus asked Lily.
"I doubt she will be happy about it if my Dad talks them round, I wonder if it would be better if we left it a while, just let them simmer down."
"You know, you pander to that woman" Severus shook his head disapprovingly.
"And what exactly do you expect me to do? If Harry is going to continue being able to see his cousin, I have to work with her. I think you forget that she can stop it whenever she wants, and so can he."
"It doesn't mean you let them walk all over you, and this is how it goes - you let Petunia behave like a bigoted harpy, and she walks all over you continuously. The pressure builds and builds, and then you lose it and explode - and not necessarily in her direction!" his voice was firm as he looked over at his wife who gave him a stern replying look.
"And what do you suggest, oh wise one?" she mocked.
"Be your usual polite self, but don't give her a bloody inch! She insulted your son, make sure she knows that's not ok, because, it bloody well isn't!"
"I'm a bad mother; here I am just allowing that woman to do as she wishes after what she said to my boy, time passing doesn't change the fact -" she chastised herself.
"-You are not a bad mum, you're just polite to your own detriment. As far as flaws go, it is quite delightful! Petunia, however, is a bad mother, poor Dudley needs a diet!"
"Sev!" she scolded.
"I'm not insulting him, it's not his fault, it's that woman shuffling food down his throat all the live long day!" he glanced at her, "Oh my ickle Duddykins! Do you want third helping Diddydums! How about some Ice cream with that my precious little Duddy!"
"Your impossible" she smiled.
"I will tell you; there is nothing little about that child!"
"Hello?" came a call from the fire, Severus turned around to see Remus' face nestled within the coals. "Are we ok to come through?"
"Yea, have you had breakfast?" he asked, "there's plenty."
He watched as Remus' shoulders appeared out of the Floo and then one arm at a time, and slowly he pulled himself through.
"Oh, sweet Merlin that's uncomfortable! Next time remind me just to go back and come in the normal way!" the Floo roared, and there was Ron as well.
"I am afraid Harry is showering and getting ready, sit down, grab some food." Severus smiled. "So are you ready for the coming term?"
"Yea, I got everything, even got a new wand!" Ron smiled.
"That is fantastic news, but as I already knew, having seen you yesterday. I was asking Remus!" Severus smiled, and Ron's ears reddened at the edges. "Juice Ron?"
"Yes please."
"Remus?" Severus asked again.
"I have all my planning sorted, I'm sorry I couldn't make Harry's birthday, Albus had a very long staff meeting. We are housing some of the more interesting pets of Professor Hagrid!" he shook his head, "There was a lot of protective work that needed to be done before term started."
"What has he got in the castle now?" Lily grimaced.
"A pair of Erumpents, apparently one of his NEWT student's wants to study the mating habits of large African Beasts, and let's face it, Hagrid doesn't consider an Erumpent to be dangerous!" Remus laughed.
"They are, safe, right?" Severus asked, his tone tinged with worry.
"Oh yea, they are being kept in the dungeons, Flitwick and Minerva worked together to create a nice habitat for them. Pomona had managed to source and grow vegetation that they would need, and between myself and Albus, the dungeon area that they are in is very secure. Someone would have to be adamantly looking for trouble."
"You do realise you work in a school right?" Severus smirked, "Oh, and James Potter's son is starting this year, we saw him at the first Quidditch Match. Mini Potter seems to take after his dear daddy!" he sneered now.
"Sev, he's a child!" Lily reached over and grasped his hand, a contradiction to her tone.
"I'll keep an eye out; I won't let anything happen." He eased the man's unspoken fear because Remus knew that's exactly what Severus worried about, the fear that Harry might go through something similar to what he had suffered at James' hand. "And no werewolves are going to Hogwarts this year for him to befriend and then set on Harry, so that's positive right?" He tired a smile.
"I don't know; Werewolves make pretty decent friends."
"So did James Potter set a werewolf on someone once or something?" Ron asked, his mouth filled with scrambled eggs.
"No, just kidding..." Severus hurried, "Why don't you see where Harry is up to; you'll miss the game at this rate!" Ron hurried off.
"So what are you spending your day doing?" Remus changed the topic.
"What do parents do when their child isn't home?" Severus asked.
"Oh really?" He queried with a smile.
"Clean up after them!" Lily added with a laugh.
"That sounded like it was something worth being jealous over, but no, I think I prefer Quidditch!" He smiled.
"Have you not been out with anyone lately?" Lily asked in an overly mothering way.
"Lily, I'm not dating anyone, nor will I." he responded good-naturedly.
"Why? You are a catch!"
"I think it's the propensity to turn into a fully grown werewolf once a month if I'm honest." He snarked back.
"You get a wolfsbane delivery every month, how can it possibly affect you being in a relationship with someone?" Severus retorted.
"You wouldn't get it." He replied solemnly.
"You're an Animagus with no control over when you change!" he joked now.
"Until the time something goes wrong," Remus said his tone getting more and more stern.
"In your right mind, you would never do anything to hurt anyone," Severus added softly.
"Which is why, right now, in my right mind, I am not going to do a single thing. There could come a time when I'm not."
"Remus!" Lily almost begged.
"Leave it, Lil, he's not gonna budge until a hot young witch refuses to take no for an answer. You know there is a new student Auror in the Ministry!" Severus wangled his brows, "Metamorphmagus!"
"Ooo, what's her name?" Lily smiled.
"Nymphadora, but she likes to be called Tonks, very quirky, different colour hair every day!" Severus smiled.
"I'm a werewolf, not a dirty old man! I taught her at Hogwarts; she's just finished her bloody NEWTS!" Remus exclaimed.
"They already know each other then!" Lily joked, "A bit of history."
"If she decided she wanted a bit of Lupin, she wouldn't be taking no for an answer!" He smirked, "Very feisty."
"You're dirty!" Remus laughed now, "Imagine for a moment that you were a single professor, and I suggested you date her, the year after she finished her NEWT Potions."
"If she can do NEWT Potions and change her hair colour to a beautiful Auburn, hell yes!" He joked.
"Pervert!" he exclaimed.
"What I find interesting is that all he seems to want in a woman is my hair colour and ability in Potions!" Lily scolded lightheartedly. Severus smirked in her direction, going in for the kiss, she dodged, a wicked smile on her face.
"Oh no, he's all talk, there is no replacement for you." Lupin stated, "Lily, your husband is pathetically in love with you, and as a lonely single bachelor, I find it sickening, and he ought to rein it in!"
"You can't be a 'single' and a 'bachelor', a bachelor is by definition, single," He added pedantically.
It was during the banter than Ron and Harry finally appeared, they bounded into the kitchen more than eager to go. Harry was again clad in blue and silver, the same robes he had worn to every single game!
"We are ready!" Harry declared. "We need to be there early, like every other game, I want to try and sit in the same area, and I think maybe Remus shouldn't come!"
"Why?" Severus asked.
"Me, you and Ron, we have gone to every single game so far, and it's gone really well, I don't want to ruin the luck by changing something!" he declared, "Its nothing personal Uncle Remus, but I would hate them to lose, and it would be all your fault!"
"Harry, that is ridiculous!" Remus laughed.
"It's not, that's why I haven't let mum wash my robes once, they could be lucky. I have the same boxers on, the same socks, everything the same!"
"Please tell me you let your mum wash the boxers?" Severus winced.
"No, I hid them, I knew she wouldn't be on board with the idea; I hid everything after the first match! Anything could be lucky; I think you should come, dad!" Harry was deadly serious.
"You are changing your boxers, or you're not going - and your socks. I was wondering what smelt so foul!" Severus mock-gagged as he leant over to smell Harry.
"NO! It's Luck!" Harry as adamant.
"It's not; it's gross. The Arrows will win or lose based on how they play, not how nasty you smell! Your Uncle Remus is going with you. Just get a grip." Severus doled out instructions sternly.
"Fine, but if the Arrows lose I am blaming you, are you cool with that, Dad!"
"I'll be cool when I can't smell you." Severus held his nose.
Ron was in stitches.
"You haven't done something stupid in the hopes that it will increase the possibility of the Arrows winning?" Severus questioned.
"Cannons Fan; I learnt a long time ago that hoping and praying for a victory won't make it happen - no matter what crazy traditions you stick to." The red-headed boy said he was chilled about the whole situation. "Plus, I'm not bothered if the Arrows win, just don't tell Harry!"
They waited a few minutes before Harry came down, still in the same robes.
"You're not changing the robes?" his mother asked as she grimaced.
"No! I draw the line at the robes!"
"Fine!" Severus laughed, "Off you go, have a good time."
Remus, Ron and Harry were soon out of the door, leaving Lily and Severus to their own devices, mainly tidying the house, ensuring that they had everything they needed for Harry to go to Hogwarts, after all, it was less than a week. Lily, of course, had a lot of fussing to do before then.
The game didn't last as long as any of the others, and Severus heard when they got home; Harry slammed the door like nobodies business. The outcome of the match was obvious. He could never understand how Harry got so upset by the result of the game, but he did every single time.
"I am never trusting you … again!" he called into the kitchen as he stalked past and made his way straight upstairs.
Severus left the kitchen and found Remus and Ron in the kitchen. Ron had a slightly awkward smirk on his face. Remus too was restraining a smile.
"Just so you know, he's blaming you," Remus spoke first.
"Was it awful?" He asked.
"Cotton got hid in the head with a bludger in the first half an hour. They had to use their reserve Seeker - he was pants, and completely missed the Snitch five times! Harry was yelling the entire game!" Ron's smirk grew and grew as he described the game.
"Once Cotton got hit, he begged me to go home and switch places with you." Remus clenched the muscles in his face, trying to restrain any giggle. "Us finding it amusing didn't help."
"Oh great, the next week is going to be brilliant." He winced.
It didn't take a full week for Harry to get over the Arrows loss. Hogwarts was looming, and he was looking forward to that, Severus capitalising on this excitement had earned him forgiveness. He had managed to get Harry to move on by organising the morning out before catching the Hogwarts Express. Harry was up and ready bright and early, they were all having a cosy breakfast in the leaky cauldron. They talked about Hogwarts houses, dorm rooms, lessons. It was anything but the relaxed, everyone reading at the table breakfast he was used to, but it drove the excitement of the big day up.
It wasn't long before they were on their way to Kings Cross Station in a black cab. The driver eyed them wearily, mainly due to the racket that Archibald was making. It wasn't a long drive to the station, and soon they were piling the trunk and Archie on to a trolly, and they walked into the station, Harry now smiling widely in anticipation. They found the platform.
"Are you ready?" Severus asked
"Yea!" Harry beamed, Severus, put an arm around Harry.
"Running?"
"Definitely!"
With that, they ran towards the barrier and slipped through on to the hidden platform. The platform was busy, there were lots of children and families moving about the place, pushing trunks and hauling them onto the train. Harry looked around but couldn't see anyone that he recognised. Severus helped Harry with his chest into an empty compartment, and soon he heard friends milling around outside.
"Harry?" Severus called as he turned to go to his friends as mentioned earlier. "'Come here," his dad was smiling proudly, sitting in a chair by window furthest from the platform.
"Whats up dad?"
"I am so proud of you!" He smiled.
"Dad, I haven't done anything yet! I could get sorted into Hufflepuff and fail Potions yet!" Harry joked.
"You are a fine wizard, and you are going to be all grown up soon." He looked at Harry with the warmest expression.
"Dad, you're going all mushy on me!" But Harry's smile gave him away.
"I know, but you are going to Hogwarts, and I'm going to miss you!" Severus smiled, but there was a genuine sadness there.
"Dad," Harry glanced around and then when he was sure no one would see, he went over for a hug, "I'll miss you too! It's not scary getting sorted is it?"
"No, you will be fine, my little Slytherin." he smiled.
Still, in his dad's arms, he looked up, "you know I could end up in Gryffindor right?"
"You will still be my little Slytherin; no one is one thing, Harry." He let go of the child. "And don't worry about missing us, you write whenever you want, and if you want we can visit through Uncle Remus' floo, I'm sure Professor Dumbdore won't mind." He smiled down at the child who nodded and smiled. "Anyway, you might want to go and get Ron, make sure you get in the same compartment!"
The rest of the goodbye was a little more grown up, in front of Ron and his brothers Harry would not admit he was at all worried about being without his mum and dad. He had squirmed when his mum hugged him and laughed it off when Remus said he was going to miss him terribly. Harry helped Ron get his stuff on the train, and soon Severus and Lily watched as they were waved out of the window as the train pulled away.
"That's it, he's gone," Severus said forlornly as the train moved out into the distance, far past where they could see.
Lily and Severus' woke the morning after Harry had gone to Hogwarts, the routine was somewhat different. Severus had wakened rather naturally and gazed at his beautiful wife lying next to him. There is something about when the children are not home for parents, the fact that they don't have to use silencing charms, knowing that they aren't going to come knocking on the bedroom door, or any door for that matter. The sheets lay softly over her the subtle curve of her hips, the dip in her side was amplified beautifully. His eyes roamed over the gentle slopes of her creamy skin. His wife seemed to be quite tired this morning he thought with a smile.
His gaze only moved when there was an incessant tapping on the window; he had not realised just how late they had lain in. He pulled open the window, and it was Archibald, Harry's owl. He skimmed over the bed, dropping a parchment envelope as he went. He soared out of the room, presumably to Harry's room. Severus wasted no time in getting back into bed with his wife and picked the envelope up.
"Lily, wake up," he urged. When there was no response, he stroked a hand through her hair and caressed her face lovingly. "Lily," a little louder this time, and yet still she slept; which led to him giving her a bit of a shove. This at least got him a moan. "Wake up you lazy mare." She rolled over and blinked her eyes at him, her hands covering herself.
"Wheres the fire?" She asked sleepily.
"We have a letter from Harry?" He tried.
"Which I can read when my eyes are open." She whined, Lily was about as much of a morning person as Harry. But Severus had ways of rousing his red-haired goddess.
He placed his hand behind her neck, moving in to kiss her awake. He wasn't a particularly romantic man, but he always enjoyed the parallels between his wife and sleeping beauty. Waking her with a heart-stopping kiss, it helped so much more than this tale stemmed from a prince kissing a princess with Wiggenweld on his lips. As his lips moved against hers, he felt her wake; he knew he succeeded when her arms lifted and pulled him closer.
"Good morning."
"You said there was a letter?" she whimpered pathetically, finally succumbing to the waking world and pushing herself up in the bed. Severus wasted no time in opening the letter.
Mum and Dad,
I hope you haven't already spoken to Uncle Remus; I wanted to be the one to tell you where I was sorted. I'm staying up late writing so I can send Archie out with it as soon as possible! So, it is one of your houses. I'm wondering if you can guess? I don't know, because The Sorting Hat said I would do really well in both, he said I had talent and thirst, at this point I can guess that Dad is cheering and dancing around the breakfast table, assuming that it's Slytherin. The Hat also said that I was daring and that I was unafraid of standing up for what I thought was right; I liked that the most! I now know that Dad is possibly starting to panic, and honestly, I hope your not too disappointed Dad, I know there are very few Gryffindors you actually like, but here's to you having another lovable Gryffindoric Rogue in your heart!
Well, the train ride was alright, Ron and I played chess mainly, I managed to make it hard for him, but he still won! I met other kids on the train; there's a boy called Neville Longbottom, he was telling me that his Dad is an Auror, which sounds really cool! He was placed in Gryffindor with Ron and me. We also met a girl called Hermione, I think that she's alright, but Ron finds her to be a bit bossy, she's in Gryffindor too. We met Malfoy, yea that went well! I'm not proud to say that we had a bit of a disagreement which led to Ron and me shoving him out of the carriage, he was really rude to Ron! I guess I'm super loyal too!
Anyway, I can't really write much more, because I haven't even done anything yet! I will write again soon.
Love you, miss you
Harry
"I think you should get pregnant again? I am starting to feel outnumbered!" Severus joked, "Do you think he's anxious about me being disappointed?"
"You have been going on about him being in Slytherin for weeks."
"So whose writing back?" He asked.
"You should; I'm sure he's waiting to hear that you're proud of him."
"Okay, we can send it tonight, so he gets it in the morning. Do you have time to nip to Diagon Alley today?" he asked.
"What are you thinking?"
"I thought we could send him sweets, a bunch of stuff to share with the other kids in his dorm; you know Ron won't have much."
"Fizzing Whizzbees, Droobles and Sugar Quills?" she asked.
"Bertie Botts as well," He smiled.
"You're going soft!" she laughed.
Severus wrote the reply later in the day, at work, when the reading through of a new Health and Safety procedure for his Potions Development Department got so dull that he just needed a break. Lily read through and added bits herself when they both arrived home, and Archie was sent back with a letter and box filled with more goodies than they had initially intended.
Harry,
How can you ever think I would be disappointed? I have a soft spot for Gryffindors. It's our secret though, right? Definitely, don't tell your Uncle Remus. Seriously though, I am proud that The Sorting Hat described MY son as someone who is unafraid of standing up for what they believe is right. I am pleased that you are daring and loyal (Even if that is a Hufflepuff trait). I do not need The Hat to tell me of your talent, I already know it, and your thirst is evident for all to see. You will be a magnificent Wizard; you are a great wizard already to me!
Anyway, enough of the mushy crap! I have sent your mother out to get supplies; they are for sharing, if you eat all this yourself, no amount of magic will stop your teeth from rotting! Though maybe keep the sugar quills for yourself, very handy for during lessons. The Malfoys can be quite challenging to bear from time to time but try to get along. Draco can't learn that people that are different from him have value too if those people push him away. Imagine what I would be like without your mum, scary thought, right? I'm glad your making friends, work hard and let me know how your classes are. Professor Slughorn is an excellent teacher, and he will want to look out for you; he can seem a bit much, but he's harmless. Remember if you have any problems, go to Uncle Remus. You can even Floo us from his office if you need to. I love you, and I can't wait to hear from you.
Dad
XX
P.S.
You're dad said goodbye before I got to write! I'm so proud of you being sorted into Gryffindor, and like your dad said, were so happy you're getting along with everyone. Just try not to get into fights! And be safe, I don't want you getting hurt because someone throws a hex your way. And there's nothing wrong with being friends with someone that's a bit bossy; I wonder if you and Ron would need it.
Love you loads Mum
XX
They didn't hear from Harry all week. But then one Saturday morning, while they were otherwise engaged, the same tapping on the bedroom window could be heard, Archie again delivered a letter and a small parcel.
Mum and Dad,
So far Hogwarts is terrific, I waited for a week so that I could tell you about all my lessons! Firstly I would like to direct your attention to the parcel. As the son of two remarkable Portioners, I present my first potion, a cure for boils. If either of you is suffering from boils, I can assure you that this will do the trick, I got full marks! Professor Slughorn said that it was, and this is a quote; 'perfect'. Look out Dad; I am after your job! I did really well on the homework too, so I'm not just practically gifted, I am academically awesome too! There is a preserved flower of Asphodel there also, I didn't realise, but its actually a kind of Lily.
Secondly, Charms, this class was exciting, cause I picked up the charm reasonably quickly, Wingardium Leviosa, I believe you have the make the 'gar' nice and long! Me and Ron, once we both got the hang of it - had a competition to see who could get theirs the highest! There was a girl that managed to do it straight away; she was a bit too smug about it too, she's not doing so well in the friend department now.
Uncle Remus' class was the most fun, we did no note taking and learnt a few spells and was practising them. Ironically our homework was on curing werewolf bites! Haha Is that in case he gets a bit peckish? Don't tell him I said that!
I found Herbology a little bit boring, and I don't think it comes naturally to me. But the boy I told you about - Neville, he's been helping me with my work, I help him with Potions. Then there's Transfiguration! Sweet Merlin that one's hard! I can barely get my matchstick to change colour, but a girl in our class, Hermione, she's been showing off a bit because hers was pointy and silver! I'm not going to lie; I find it annoying. Really annoying!
I don't see the point of telling you about History of Magic; it sends me into a comatose state, I have no idea how people survive this lesson, I got through an entire sugar quill! I'm sure Professor Binn's bored himself to death in a lesson one day, surely this is a sign they should get a new teacher? Right?
I miss you both
Harry
P.S. The sweets really help ease the pain of not seeing you both every day!
Harry,
Luckily your mother and I are not currently suffering from boils or any other skin deformity! I am glad, as I would very much like to treasure your first potion! It is sitting on the desk in my office at work, call me sentimental if you wish! My colleagues say that I have gone soft! And your mother for that matter. It isn't accurate, and I am tempted to file for divorce if she continues to spread such nonsense! I am, however, a very proud father.
I am not to pass comment on Charms; your mother wishes to gush with pride over your evident skill in this area! I am glad that Remus is appropriately educating students on essential matters. And I agree, what if he gets a little hungry and there are some yummy looking first years about? Better get it sorted in the first lesson is my thinking! Are there any single teachers in your school that Uncle Remus spends a lot of time with? It's not essential; I just find that having you placed at Hogwarts is very handy for spying. If you can give me anything I can use against him, I would be very appreciative and would pay you off handsomely!
Do not ignore Herbology, it is crucial for potions, though it is the more dull subject! As for History of Magic, no one has died as of it yet. However, he doesn't notice much that's going on as he drones on and on, for this reason, your mother and I got away with playing many a game of hangman, even when we sat in the front row! And your Uncle Remus would sleep through most of the lessons. I do not condone this, pay attention and get excellent marks!
It's your mum now. I had to steal the Quill from your father before he started giving your more lousy idea's! History of Magic is essential - take notes; it will really help you to understand some of the more complex issues of the day. For example; think about how Goblins today must feel after the sheer amount of bloodshed caused by Wizards in the Goblin Rebellions? And all they wanted was equal rights!
I want to thank you for that beautiful gift, the Asphodel was such a lovely thought, and I will treasure it! Charms! I am so happy you're excelling at Charms, your dad can go on and on about potions as much as he likes, but day to day, you need Charms far more. Unless, like me, you chose to run an apothecary! My only pointers for you are 'focus and enunciate.' Tell me you beat Ron? As for Transfiguration, it is more about the concentration, and you also need to understand the theory behind it for it to work correctly, it really is exceptionally complex magic, so don't feel bad about not getting it right away.
Hermione sounds like a talented witch, maybe she just needs a friend to help her through? Often people who are smart can rub people up the wrong way by how they act, but usually, they are just looking for someone to see their worth. They might show it the wrong way, coming off as smug, maybe you should try talking to her?
We are both so happy things are going well, and we both miss you so much! Your father is soft; he just doesn't want to admit it, he misses you so much!
Love you,
Mum and Dad
Harry,
It's mum; we didn't get a letter from you, so I decided to write to you, your father states you are probably having a great time and far too busy so not to worry. But I am your Mum; I fear it's my job to worry! I hope all is well, how are you getting on with Transfiguration? Did you and Hermione make friends? I have sent some more goodies with my letter, particularly sugar quills if there's anything else that you need let me know. An update would be lovely.
Love you
Mum
XX
Hi Mum,
I'm fine, yea I hang out with both Neville and Hermione, she really helped me get the hang of Transfiguration too, Dads right, I have been really busy with homework and stuff.
Thanks for the Sugar Quills
Harry
X
The most recent letter had even Severus concerned, they had gone from reams of parchment to two lines. Severus noticed that there was no mention of Ron with who he hung around with now. It was with that he decided to write to someone else.
Remus,
I just wanted to check on how Harry was doing? He has been sending us letters, long ones, but recently we got a very dismissive letter, two lines long! It's not like Harry, and there was no mention of him spending time with Ron?
Severus
Severus
I will keep an eye out, I have noticed Harry spending less time with Ron, but he seems happy enough in lessons. His work has been brilliant by the way. I don't know if it's because he befriended a girl called Hermione, she didn't have many friends, and I don't think Ron took a liking to her, but there doesn't seem to be any animosity between Harry and Ron, I'll let you know if I notice anything out of place.
Remus
Harry,
It's Dad, it's been a while since you wrote, maybe I am going soft, but I have missed your letters. Are you running out of parchment? Ink? Quills? Is Archie so sick of your long messages that he has gone on strike? If any of those are the case, please find a package complete with more parchment, ink, new quills, and owl treats to bribe Archie with!
Love you kiddo!
Dad
Hi Dad,
Okay, I'm being honest with you, other kids don't write to their parents as much as I was writing to you, so I feel a bit like a loser! I figured I would write you a nice long one next week, do you know why? Flying lessons! There will be plenty to write about there! Archie thanks you for the treats, Hermione thinks your brilliant because you send school supplies! I told her she needs to get a life!
Harry
Hi Harry,
Noted, we will stop harassing you! However, wanting to keep your parents informed is not for losers! Send us a letter whenever YOU feel like it! Hermione sounds like a keeper!
Dad
Mum and Dad,
As promised, I am sending a nice long letter after my flying lesson! There is so much more to tell you that I thought there would be! It was amazing! I loved it; Madam Hooch said I was a natural! Anyway, let me start at the beginning, my friend Neville is very forgetful. The morning of the flying lessons he got a remembrall, and this kid in Gryffindor was making fun of him! I thought it was rude and said so. I am sure you will appreciate this overly Gryffindorish tendency, I did have the moral high ground after all!
So flying lessons start, and we were about to push off, when Neville kind of pushed off too early and he ended up falling and breaking his wrist, this is not the good part, I had to take notes for him for the next two days until it was feeling better. Anyway, he dropped the remembrall, and Draco picked it up and was even ruder than the kid from Gryffindor! So again, me and my moral high ground stood up for Neville, and Draco flew off with it, and he was all like 'Are you scared Snape?' and I was all like 'Er - No! Dragonballs!' which he didn't get, cause he's never watched cartoons.
Well, I flew after him, and I told him to give it to me back, or I would knock him off his broom. I went for him, and I didn't knock him off, just frightened him - so instead of facing me like an actual wizard! He threw it like the big fat chicken pants that he is! I dived, and I caught it, it was a fifty-foot dive! Everyone was cheering, and it was terrific! Then I thought I was going to be in deep, deep, deep trouble. Professor McGonagall came out; she's Head of Gryffindor and very strict! But she introduced me to Oliver Wood, who is the Quidditch Captain! And they offered me a spot on the team! ME ON THE TEAM!
The saga is not over yet! See the other kid, the rude Gryffindor kid, he complained, and said that he should get a chance too, so, they held tryouts for first years! I still got on the team! I AM THE NEW GRYFFINDOR SEEKER! The rude Gryffindor was quite good too, but Wood thinks he's more of a chaser and put him in reserve. On that note, please would you send me my broom! Oliver nearly had kittens when he found out I had the new Nimbus!
Can you come to the first game? It's just after Halloween! Please!
Love you both Harry!
Hi Harry,
Well, mixed reviews from home, sticking up for people? Good! Quidditch? Good! Breaking the rules? Not so good! Fifty-foot dive with no supervision? Rush me to St Mungo's my heart just stopped beating! I mean it, Harry, what if something had gone wrong, you are a natural and I can understand why Madam Hooch was so impressed, however, natural or not, your cranium is still susceptible to breakage under extreme force! Please bear this in mind for future endeavours!
We most certainly will be there for your first Quidditch match, and I will even wear a discreet, red and gold scarf for the occasion! Did I mention that it would be discreet? I intend mostly to tuck it under my robes, but when I see you after, I will show you that it was indeed there! We went through the floo and gave your broom to Uncle Remus this evening, if he hasn't sought you out yet, get it from him.
A final note from us here, please try and get along with all the students, Draco may not understand why you are calling him 'Dragonballs' in fact, I'm pretty sure he doesn't need to, to realise it was an insult! You are smart, use your brain when others try to start something. Your mother and I are writing this together, but the next line, I'm sure you will be able to see, is all her! 'Kill them with kindness.' You're a very kind and caring boy Harry, I'm sure when people see that, and your loyalty, your daring, your smarts. Let's not forget that wicked sense of humour (which you got from me, Dad); you will not have problems that need to be solved with arguments, fights or fifty-foot dives on a broom.
Love you
Mum and Dad
Mum and Dad,
Glad your coming, can't wait to see you,
Harry
P.S Can you see if Dudley can come to watch too?
Harry's letters again became infrequent leading up to the match, Severus guessed he was now swamped playing Quidditch, that was until he received two letters;
Lily and Severus Snape,
It's Horace Slughorn; I wanted to write and let you know that I have taken a keen interest in your son, Harry. He is a bright student, and very accomplished where Potions are concerned, not unlike both his parents I might add. That is not my concern, Harry started out the year, bright and bubbly, he was more than willing to answer questions. He always had a smile on his face; it is in recent weeks that I have noticed a change. Harry rarely offers the answer to a question, but when asked Harry is always correct, his homework and practical work are still impeccable. I have noticed Harry around the school, and he is no longer seen with his longtime friend Ron Weasley. He is far more withdrawn and has taken to spending breaks in the potions classroom, reading or practising with Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom.
Such a drastic change, I thought you ought to know. I have tried speaking to Harry; he maintains he is tired with all the extra work from Quidditch.
Kind Regards
Horace Slughorn
Severus, Lily,
I have been keeping an eye out - Harry is definitely down. He isn't spending time with Ron at all now; and as much as I try to ask him what is going on, he maintains that it's nothing. He says he's just tired and he did cheer up somewhat after getting on the Quidditch Team but since has become very subdued again.
I'll keep an eye out for him of course, but I wonder if maybe he will more likely open up with either of you.
Remus
Naturally Severus and Lily became more and more concerned at this rate. They read over the letters and noticed themselves Harry was not the same. He was more guarded than was usual. Harry was one for withdrawing when he was upset. They sat on the couch together; Lily curled up on his knee as she glanced over the letters again.
"Look, he withdrew very quickly, to be honest, apart from the Quidditch letter, there are only two proper letters here?" Lily glanced over the letters, tracing his words delicately with her finger.
"He could be busy and tired though," Severus pointed out.
"I'm sure, Remus knows Harry, and Horace Slughorn isn't one to look too deeply into something, it's going to be what he notices on the surface."
"I know, maybe we should ask Harry again, maybe Floo over and have a chat with him?" Severus asked.
"You think he will talk to us? He's good at keeping quiet when he wants to; he's too like you!" Lily fumed.
"I know, but part of me thinks if I can see him, I will know," Severus replied, his face careworn. "I don't want him to be going through Hogwarts, losing friends or being treated like a pariah, like I was."
"Do you think he and Ron have had a proper falling out?" Lily asked concerned.
"I hope that's all it is, maybe I could ask Arthur, I'll nip into his office tomorrow?" he paused, reading over the letters again, "Yea, I'm sure that's it. I'm sure that it's something we can easily help them fix - they have been friends for years."
The following day Severus Floo'd into work and got himself set up early. He held his staff meeting and got everyone on the jobs they needed doing, leaving himself open, not really free to work on his duties regarding running the department, but to have a chat with one Arthur Weasley.
He found his way to the dark corridor where the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts office was situated. The passage was quite shabby and there when you thought you had reached a dead end, there was a broom cupboard, and the door to the right held a tarnished plaque, brass, with the words 'Misuse of Muggle Artefacts'. Disturbingly, Arthurs office seemed to be slightly smaller than its neighbouring cupboard and was filled with filing cabinets. The walls were littered with pictures, showing just how obsessive Mr Weasley was about Muggle Artefacts. The desks were covered in files, files covering just about every surface in the small office.
"Arthur?" he called, wondering if the man were actually there. It wasn't like there was anywhere for him to hide.
"Severus?" Arthurs' voice came from some unknown location.
Severus looked for the location of the voice, then Arthur popped up from behind a rather large stack of files.
"Sorry, I was looking for a file on the biting teacup from last month, we are taking, who we think was the original owner, to the Wizengamot tomorrow." He finished.
"No worries, if it's a bad time?" Severus responded.
"Not at all, I won't find till the last minute I should expect." Arthur found a seat, "Have a seat, Perkins is off today, just when I need him as well."
Severus moved yet another pile of files off the only vacant seat in the office/cupboard, with nowhere else to put them, he placed them on the floor until he left.
"What can I do you for?"
"I was wondering if you heard anything from Ron?" Severus began, "It's just because we have been a bit worried about Harry, he's been very withdrawn. We got two letters from two teachers; they say he's not been spending time with Ron anymore, which in itself is strange. Apparently, he has really taken a step back, and if they had a fall-out, I was hoping to find out what about and maybe see if we could … fix it?"
"Well, my boys don't really write, and if something's happened I can imagine Ron is very stubborn and he won't tell me, but I think Fred or George might, so I will write them, and see what I can find out."
"Thank you; Harry can be a stubborn little bugger as well, not unlike" he paused, "I could say not unlike his mother, but we both know I'm more stubborn than her," he grimaced a little.
"The poor kid didn't stand a chance, Ron definitely got it from Molly, if I was ever stubborn, that woman drove it out of me, I find it much easier just to give in these days!" He smiled.
"Sign of a long and successful marriage Arthur!" he smiled, "Get back to me, and if you and Molly want to come for tea one night, no children around, we can make a night of it?"
"Sounds great, I will see if Fabian or Gideon can take Ginny for the night, would be lovely, let us know when."
With that Severus smiled and left the office. Feeling much better than he had something set in motion. And if he was to get something out of Harry, he knew he needed to get something that would make him relax, open up a little. Getting Dudley permission to go to the Quidditch match seemed like the perfect plan. He wondered if he would be crossing a line to get Frank to 'invite' Dudley for the day, then Severus pick him up from there and bypass 'tuney' altogether. He thought about asking Frank for guidance, but he was pretty sure that Frank would be all for it, maybe Rose would be more of a compromise? Lily, she would be against that plan. No doubt!
Rose Evans had been on Lily's side, of course, like mother like daughter! Frank and he had argued their point, which no harm would come to Dudley, and it's what Dudley and Harry wanted. However, Rose pulled out an excellent argument;
"How would you feel if Petunia and Vernon convinced Harry to lie to you?" She looked at him the very same way Lily did when she was cross, and honestly, neither he or Frank was willing to go up against that. And that led to a discussion between Severus and Vernon, mediated by Rose.
"Now, you both have to see the others side!" she chastised, and it seemed she had just the same impact on Vernon, lovely.
"Vernon, I just want Harry and Dudley to spend a bit of time together. It's a trip up to the school, half a day, at the most. Dudley gets to watch Harry play, spend a bit of time with him, and then come home. There will be nothing upsetting or dangerous going on in the school - they can't even use magic in the corridors." He assured.
"Where is this ruddy school then?" he grumbled, "Bloody Camelot? And how do you expect him to get there? You are not spiriting our Dudley away!"
"I hate to break it to you Vernon, but Camelot is fictitious." He said with a calm and easy drawl. "The school is in Scotland, there are two choices, he comes via magical transportation, and he's back for tea time. Alternatively, we can get the train on Friday afternoon, and then the train back, getting him home very late Saturday. We would stay in a pub in Hogsmeade, your choice."
"I don't think that's unreasonable, there is a plan, either way, whichever you are most comfortable with," Rose spoke delicately.
"What is the magical transport?" Vernon asked haughtily.
"That I would allow Dudley to chose, I can apparate him there, it will take seconds, it can be a little uncomfortable, or we can use the Floo Network which is via the fireplace."
"My son is not going in a ruddy fire!"
"That would leave Apparation, or I can try and get a Portkey authorised at work, but that's much the same as Apparation if I'm honest."
"Is there any risk to Dudley?"
"I would say not, but that is because it's like second nature to me now, I am very confident that he would not be harmed. However, generally speaking, there is a risk of splinching, I tell you this so you know I would never lie to you, I can promise you it won't happen to Dudley."
"What is Splinching?" Vernon asked with a scowl.
"The person doing the apparating doesn't focus hard enough, and they leave part of their body behind, there is no risk of splinching with a Portkey however," Severus explained.
"But you would need authorisation for that would you?" Vernon asked, with a malicious glint in his eye.
"Yes," Severus withdrew the information that as a Head of Department, he was able to authorise it himself.
"Well, he can go by the Port thingy or nothing. I don't want him gone all day, and I don't like your travel arrangements, and if he doesn't want to go, he doesn't go. I don't want you doing your funny business over him."
"Not at all, if you and Rose ask him when he comes home, Rose can let me know later?" Rose nodded, and Severus knew he had him, Dudley really wanted to go, he already knew as much. "I will let you know when I have authorisation; I wouldn't want Dudley to be disappointed if I can't get it." He smirked knowingly.
Harry,
Dudley is coming to the game, I didn't want to reply until I knew it would actually happen, so I'm sorry that it is late. We can't wait to watch you play! Your Great-Grandparents wanted to come too, but I thought it might be a bit embarrassing to have the entire tribe there shouting; 'Go Harry!' at the top of our lungs.
Putting that to one side, Your mum and I are worried about you. I know you said that other kids don't write home as much, but you have been relatively silent and a little withdrawn. I've also been told your not spending any time with Ron? Did you two fall out? Is there anything we can do? You don't seem as happy as you were when you left. If you want, we can Floo over at the weekend?
Love you so much, we are here for you.
Mum and Dad
Hi Dad, Mum,
It's great to hear that Dudley is coming, I can't wait, Ron and I are okay, honest. Ron just doesn't like spending time with Hermione, so people see me with her and Neville more and we study together. I can't be expected to smile while studying, right? Don't worry about me, and I'll see you soon, so no need to Floo, I'm just swamped.
Harry
This letter did not set either of their minds at ease, but it was coming up to Halloween, and they would be visiting soon. Lily and Severus would only be there for the afternoon, but they would be able to see Harry, and then, Severus thought, they would know. It was the evening of Halloween when Molly and Arthur were round for a meal and drinks that the most threatening letters came, one for the Weasleys and one for the Snapes.
Dear Mr and Mrs Snape,
I am writing to inform you of an incident that happened this evening at Hogwarts which your son, Harry Snape, was involved in with two other students. A situation arose where a magical creature of a more dangerous variety was somehow released into the central area of the school. There is a separate investigation into this, as the beast could only be set loose intentionally. Students were asked to go straight to their common rooms upon the realisation that the creature was free, and prefects were to accompany them. I am sad to say that Harry Snape did not follow this instruction and was found in a girls bathroom with one Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley, with the magical beast, a female Erumpent, in full heat, who was now, thankfully, unconscious.
Harry has informed me that you will both be attending his Quidditch match tomorrow? I would like very much if I would be able to discuss this with you more fully, we aim to keep all the students here at Hogwarts safe, and would appreciate parental support in this current matter.
Yours Sincerely
Professor M McGonnagal
Head of Gryffindor
Deputy Head of Hogwarts.
The letter was somewhat bittersweet, Harry was spending time with Ron, getting into trouble no less, pretty much business as usual for them, and surely this meant that Harry was ok, emotionally? But then there was the heart failing moment that they read the 'Erumpent'. There was no mention of injuries, and honestly, there was merely a request to discuss the matter further. Surely Harry and Ron hadn't gone looking for trouble? Evidently, they hadn't heard about a loose creature in the castle and gone to investigate? No, Harry and Ron were reckless, yes, and loved a bit if trouble, but they were not so crazy to go running into that kind of danger?
Severus true to his word wore the red and gold scarf, in fact, he didn't even hide it, he wore it proudly as he sat in that stand reserved for teachers and visitors. Lily sat next to him with Dudley; both decked out in red and gold, Dudley had also put red and gold face paint on! They sat on the edge of their seats as Madam Hooch walked out onto the pitch, followed by both teams. They watched as the two team captains shook hands, and both parents were a little concerned by how brutish the Slytherin team looked.
"Are you sure we should have allowed this?" Lily asked nervously.
"Our son would have disowned us if we didn't allow it," Severus replied.
The game started with Madam Hooch's shrill whistle and the Quaffle was released. Harry didn't see much action at first; it was mainly the chasers moving seamlessly through the rest of the players and the Quaffle flying here, there and everywhere. It wasn't long before Gryffindor was up by fifty points and Severus had to remind himself that this is who he was cheering for. It wasn't long before the Slytherin beaters did what they do best, and their chasers were playing dirty too - the score was soon evenly matched. Dudley was shocked to find that the rather brutal players on the other team would not be being sent off; that while there are consequences for fouls, the players don't tend to be removed. The score was 100 - 110 when Harry got more involved in the game. He must have seen a golden glint, because he shot off at full speed, the Slytherin seeker following close behind. Harry didn't manage to catch it, as both well-aimed bludgers were sent his way. He managed to dodge one of them, swerving to the side as it caught the other seeker off guard. However, it veered Harry off course and almost collided with the stands right into the sights of the second bludger and struck Harry in the shoulder.
'OH! Harry!" Lily cried out, and Severus winced.
Harry was hurtling to the ground, unable to gain control of his broom with the damage to his shoulder.
"We shouldn't have allowed this!" Severus said to himself as Harry used his remaining good arm to direct the broom, seemingly into a nosedive. He was already so high and falling fast; even Severus managed to spot the tiny snitch hovering near the ground. Severus was on the edge of his seat as Harry flew down at it pulling up only at the last second. Harry gripped the broom with just his knees as he used his bad arm to reach for the snitch. When he was unable he pulled the broom up with the bad shoulder, crying out in pain, his good hand reached out and grasped the struggling golden ball.
After that there was a flurry of activity; Lily, Severus and Dudley rushed down to the stands to find the entire Gryffindor Quidditch team lifting Harry on their shoulders, cheering. Harry saw his parents and beamed, pointing happily to the scarf at his father's neck.
"Let me down." Harry called, "It's my mum and dad!" Soon Harry was on his feet and running over. "Did you see?" his excitement was a joy to behold, particularly after all the worry they had over him recently. Their minds were almost set at ease. "I caught the Snitch!" he beamed.
"And broke your shoulder!" his mother scolded, "Hospital Wing, now!" she demanded.
"To the Hospital Wing!" shouted Fred and George, picking Harry up on to their shoulders and carrying him the entire way. At the hospital wing, the celebration continued, and Harry sat there blushing from the praise of his team. Wood gushed about how Harry had never missed a Snitch in practice and how his dedication, even with a broken shoulder, was awe-inspiring. Angelina Johnson, a Chaser, commending him on his flying and the way that he had dodged the bludger, and that managed to take out the Slytherin Seeker at the same time.
Lily was more concerned about the shoulder than anything, but Madam Pomfrey soon had him set right. Straight from their celebrations, Severus, Lily, and Harry were called to Professor McGonnagal's office, Dudley had no choice but to follow. Harry and Dudley waited outside on a couple of chairs. Inside, Severus and Lily sat waiting for McGonnagal to start.
"Thank you for coming," Minerva began, "I want to assure you that we have discovered how the creature escaped, and the person responsible has been dealt with."
"As far as we were aware these creatures were behind strong protective enchantments so that only students who were studying would be able to enter, with a teacher?" Severus asked his voice stern and questioning.
"Yes, well it seemed that a member of staff was more than a little curious and fancied themselves capable of dealing with them." Her lips pursed and her brow furrowed in displeasure, "Needless to say, the member of staff is no longer working here, the safety of the students cannot be compromised."
"And the chance of it happening again?" Lily asked, just as sternly.
"Slim to none, I highly doubt anyone else will have the clever idea after this incident." The female professor seemed to take issue that someone of her profession would so blithely put the student's lives at risk. "Now, the full details will be going out in a letter to all parents later this week with our assurances it will not happen again. That being said, we are here about Harry. The concern here is not that he attacked the creature," Lily's eyebrows raised at this comment. "I do not think Harry sought out the beast as he has admitted. Professor Lupin noted he was never in the great hall, and so he did not know it was loose or that he should be in the common room."
"But why would he lie?" Severus asked.
"That is precisely my concern if he is lying, and he feels this story is preferable to the truth, what he is hiding? That is not all, there have been changes in Harry that have concerned a few members of staff, myself included. When Harry first arrived at Hogwarts he was a very happy child; he has become more and more subdued. When I first noticed that he wasn't connecting with some of the boys in his dorm, I asked for him to go on the Quidditch Team even though he was in the first-year. I thought it would help some of the other boys in his year find a bit of common ground with him, and he did pick up a bit after this. However, he has very quickly withdrawn again."
"We have noticed ourselves through his letters, he really withdrew, and we wrote him about it, he maintains he's swamped and doesn't have time." Lily informed her, "Is he struggling with school work? Could that be the problem? He wasn't at the feast because he's catching up on work?"
"He did tell me that a lot of the other kids didn't write as much, and I think he felt like he looked a bit, babyish? He didn't want to seem as though he needed to write home as much." Severus reminded, "I wondered if any other students had said something to him about it?"
"Harry is not struggling with school work, he is a competent student, and there is no evidence that students are bullying him or even saying anything untoward. Both Professor Lupin and I have tried to speak to Harry with no luck." She looked at the parents, they both bore the same concerned expression as they each grasped the others hand. "I know Professor Slughorn has noticed as well and tried to discuss it with him. However, Harry is adamant that nothing is going on, in fact, he has gotten a bit 'touchy' when approached about it recently. He says he is irritated people keep bringing it up."
"Has anyone seen anything that might explain things?" asked Lily, concern coloured her features,
"Nothing concrete, the only thing that has been noticed is that Harry and Ron stopped spending time together. But we feel there is more going on than what we can see on the surface - we were hoping that a chat with yourselves might bring things into the light." She explained.
"Of course, we intended to speak to him anyway, we weren't really convinced by his insistence everything was ok." Lily's words tumbled out.
Minerva was making her way out of the office to fetch Harry. Poor Dudley sat outside on his own.
"Is this about Halloween?" Harry looked unsure as he spoke, "I know it was stupid, I won't do anything like that again." He promised.
"It is, and it isn't, but there are a few people that are really worried about you, not least, your mum and me. I want you to be truthful with me; how have you been these last months at Hogwarts?" Severus asked sternly.
"Fine?" he replied, "I don't understand why everyone is so worried, I'm fine."
"Harry, you weren't at the Halloween Feast, you didn't know to go to the common room, so why did you lie? Why did you say you went after the creature when you didn't?" Severus pushed.
"I-" he began, unable to make eye contact.
"Harry." He lifted Harry's face, so he was looking into his eyes, "Are you covering for someone?"
"No, maybe Remus just didn't see me or something." Harry fumbled.
"Harry, your Uncle Remus has been keeping an eye out. We have been worried for a while. Before Halloween you and Ron were not spending any time together; until this incident that is. He's been your best friend for years. You've been so withdrawn lately, Harry, and we are anxious about you." He reached out to Harry, trying to bring him closer. "Harry, why are you lying about Halloween?"
Harry backed away, "I'm not!" he began to get fidgety, unwilling to keep eye contact with his Dad. "Nothings wrong, me and Ron just spent time with different people for a while, and now we are hanging out again, that's all!" his voice went all high pitched as he continued to edge away, his eyes darting around.
"Why did you and Ron stop hanging out then?" Lily asked.
"We just did," he folded his arms, but still edged back.
"Whats wrong Harry? Your acting like we accusing you of something, we just want to help?" His mum asked gently.
"People just keep going on about it, and no one is listening to me." Harry was getting more and more agitated now.
"Harry, I want to listen, but you're not talking to me, why did you lie about Halloween?"
"Look everything is great now, can't you just leave it alone, your ruining everything!" He pleaded.
"So things weren't great before? But it is now? You would like us to drop it, lest we ruin it?" Severus asked.
"Yes, please just leave it alone" He begged.
"Promise me that if something happens again, you will speak to me, you will write to me and tell me about it?"
"Daaad!" He complained.
"Harry, you want me to drop it, I need your word!" His voice was stern now.
"Fine, you've got it, I will tell you if something is going on!" Harry was irritated by the conversation.
"Lily, are you ok dropping it for now?" Severus asked.
"Yes, but you have to talk to us Harry" she replied
"Fine, I promise, ok!" Harry was starting to get short with them now.
"Harry! We are here because we care, you do not speak to us like that!" Severus chastised.
"I feel like my word isn't good enough, no one believes me." Harry was still on edge and completely closed off.
"You haven't been talking to us about whatever has been going on, we have agreed to take your word it's sorted, but we need your assurances you will speak to us from now on. You have shown yourself to be someone that is hiding things from us and lying. So yes, when it comes to you confiding in us, the trust is somewhat broken, and that because you haven't shared anything. You have been withdrawn, and even now, you're asking for it to remain hidden!" Severus stared at the still defiant child.
"I said I promise, okay." his tone only a little gentler, he eyed his parents, both waiting for something, "I'm sorry, I'm just sick of talking about it."
"Had you talked about it the first time, the chances are you wouldn't have been badgered, and maybe you would have had some help," Lily responded, gently now.
"Or it would have gotten worse," he admitted, "but it doesn't matter now, I don't want to talk about it. I'm happy now - please don't ruin that." He wasn't defiant anymore, just desperate.
"Ok, we'll drop it" Severus gave in, "please talk to us Harry, write to us, let us know you're ok."
"I promise."
A/N: Thank you for reading, please review, this is a different kind of chapter for me, but I am hoping I am creating a bit of mystery by staying with parents who do not really know whats going on at Hogwarts.