AN: I love all of the wonderful reviews, so thank you again.
Winter Break
Part two
December 1996
The days before Christmas were full of studying for Harry. He went to sleep each night with magical theory and potion ingredients running through his head. When Christmas morning arrived, Harry was relieved that at least he'd have one day free from the N.E.W.T work.
He woke at his normal time of six, unable to sleep any longer. Deciding that if he couldn't sleep, he might as well wake the others, starting with Snape, he quietly slipped out of bed. Silently entering the room across the hall, Harry waited for a moment to make sure he was undetected. Snape was still asleep. Lying on his back, the man had one arm across his stomach, the other behind his head. Snape slept in only a pair of black silk sleep pants, and his bare chest was clearly visible in the soft light of dawn.
Harry was mildly surprised to see how well-muscled Snape's chest and stomach were. He'd known the man was strong, but never considered what that meant for his body. Tiptoeing to the side of the bed, Harry gave in to temptation. Gently, he lifted one strand of Snape's black hair, surprised to find it wasn't greasy at all, but very soft. He grinned as he used the lock of hair to tickle the long nose.
The hand that had been under Snape's head suddenly shot out, grasped Harry around the waist and tugged him off-balance onto Snape's chest. Before Harry could squawk in protest, he was roughly flipped over onto his back and pinned underneath Snape's hard body.
Looking down at the intruder, Severus groaned. "Potter, what are you doing here?"
"Its Christmas morning, time to get up," was the response. Severus glared down at Potter and ignored his traitorous body's urgings to keep the brat right where he was. Rolling off the warm body under him, Severus tossed Potter a pillow and said, "Go back to sleep, it's too damn early."
Harry snatched the pillow before it could hit him in the face. Pouting a little, he climbed under the covers and snuggled down, muttering, "If I could sleep I'd still be doing it."
"Be quiet. If you wake me again before eight I will fix it so that you never pass your N.E.W.T's," Severus drawled sleepily.
Harry rolled his eyes at the threat but lay quietly nonetheless. Closing his eyes, he was surprised to find himself drifting off.
Severus woke two hours later to find himself wrapped snugly around a warm body. He drew his bed partner closer while his sleep-fogged brain worked out who was in bed with him. Hmm…definitely male, he mused, dark hair… that leaves out Luc. Oh shite, its Potter…now I remember, the brat tried to wake me earlier. Carefully unwrapping himself from Potter's warm body, Severus got out of bed. He couldn't resist looking at the young man asleep in his bed.
On his side, with one arm stretched under the pillow, Potter had the other under his cheek, sleeping in nothing but a pair of red boxers. With the sheets kicked down around his knees, the firm young body was temptingly displayed to Severus' eyes. Shaking his head, disgusted with himself, Severus made his way to the loo. You old fool, he's sixteen and you're lusting after him. You should have sent him back to his own bed. Instead you gave in to the lure of having him sleep with you, if only in the most innocent of ways. He mentally berated himself.
Twenty minutes later Severus stepped out of the bathroom, showered and dressed for the day. Reaching down to the sleeping young man he gently stroked the soft hair, then he shook Potter's shoulder. "Potter, get up."
Harry rolled onto his back and opened his eyes. Stretching, he gave a sleepy, "Good morning."
Ignoring the alluring sight of rippling muscles, Severus turned and headed out the door, calling over his shoulder, "You should dress. I'll be in the study."
Swinging his legs over the edge, Harry reluctantly got out of Snape's bed. He ambled to his own room and dressed for the day in jeans and a black long-sleeved tee shirt. He quickly gathered up the gifts he'd gotten for everyone. Walking into the study a few minutes later, he saw everyone was present and offered a general, "Happy Christmas."
After he'd set the gifts by the tree they had decorated earlier in the week, Harry accepted a cup of hot chocolate from Spencer, and joined Gabriel on the couch. Everyone sat talking and sipping hot cocoa for several minutes until Devlin said it was time to open presents.
Severus watched as the Bar maneuvered Potter into a chair and prepared to give him his gifts. Devlin had mentioned that they were all determined that Potter have no further doubts of his place with them and that the brat enjoy this holiday. Severus fondly remembered the time they had done the same for him, the first Christmas he'd spent with them.
Handing Harry three packages, Devlin said, "These are from your friends. Your owl brought them last night."
Harry quickly tore off the paper on the first to reveal a leather-bound book, The History of the Wizengamot. Opening the cover, he saw a folded piece of parchment. Unfolding it he read a note from Hermione. She expressed her agony over his disagreement with Ron and that she didn't feel she could choose sides, but promised to talk to him when he returned after the break. Sliding the note back into the book, he decided to deal with it later.
The next present was a jumper from Mrs. Weasley with a large golden snitch on the front. Smiling, Harry slipped it on over his tee shirt. Obviously she didn't intend to hold his fight with Ron and Ginny against him. Also inside was a smaller box filled with items from the twins' store. The last box held a handsome wood and leather writing desk filled with parchment, quills and ink, from Remus and Tonks.
When Harry finished with the gifts Hedwig had brought, Devlin handed him a package. Harry eagerly opened it to discover it contained two hand-tooled dragon-hide sheathes. "For your daggers. One is for your boot and the other is designed to wear on your back, between your shoulder blades," Devlin explained.
"Thank you, they're beautiful," Harry rushed to say.
Luc nudged Devlin aside. "Mine next." He passed over his gift, and Harry carefully unwrapped it. You never could be too careful when it came to Luc's humor. He pulled out a seemingly endless collection of shirts, pants and accessories. "Merlin knows you can't be trusted to dress yourself; those should guarantee you look presentable," Luc said with a smirk.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Thanks, but you know, soon I'm going to need another room for all my clothes."
"Quiet, you two. Here, Harry, this one's from me," Vane broke in. Harry opened the box to discover a wand holster and an expensive set of dueling robes in a dark green.
"Wow, these are great, thanks." After quickly putting the holster on his wrist, Harry slipped his wand inside and tested the release.
"It's dragon-hide, so it should repel any attempt to summon your wand away from you," Vane said as he adjusted the fit of the holster.
Levitating a large wrapped parcel in front of Harry, Spencer said, "Hope you like it."
Harry grinned at the taciturn man before he tore off the paper. It was an exquisite trunk of ebony with silver fittings; his name was engraved on the latch. Inlaid on the lid were the Black and Potter crests divided by a diagonal bar. Harry reverently ran his fingertips across the crests of his families, all of them. Turning to Spencer, he smiled sincerely. "Thank you, Spencer. It is the most beautiful trunk I've ever seen."
Spencer waved aside the words. "A good trunk will be with you for life, it's a good investment," he said gruffly.
From his place, Sebastian gestured to a flat package under the tree. "That one's from me, but you'll have to get it yourself. I'm not moving from here till breakfast."
Used to Sebastian's habitual laziness, Harry got up and retrieved the gift. It was a long wooden box engraved with his name. Inside the box was a hand-forged sword made of steel with a black finish. Lifting the sword out its resting place, Harry was amazed to discover how well it fit him. For the first time, he felt comfortable holding a sword, the balance was perfect for him. "I heard you were having some difficulty with learning to fight with a sword. I thought, perhaps if you had one of your own it would help," Sebastian said.
Gabriel snatched the blade from Harry. Glaring at Gabriel and his obsession with weapons, Harry turned to Sebastian. "It's gorgeous. For the brief second I held it, I could tell it will be a tremendous help. Thanks, Sebastian."
"Oh this is perfect, it's so well made. I know this is what he's needed, why didn't I think of that!" Gabriel enthused. He took several practice swings and examined the sword from all angles until Devlin reminded him, "Gabriel, stop playing with the other children's presents. Don't you have something for Harry?"
"Okay, okay, here's your sword," Gabriel grumbled. "We'll have to practice later." He passed the sword back to Harry who gently replaced in the box.
"I do have something for you, but it's outside. Devlin wouldn't let me bring it in the house."
Devlin shrugged. "No I wouldn't. I think we'll wait for you two in here. I have no desire to freeze out there." The rest murmured their agreement.
Grabbing Harry by the hand, Gabriel led him to the door. "Cover your eyes, I couldn't wrap it and I want it to be a surprise."
"It's not alive, is it?" Harry asked nervously.
"No, now hush and close your eyes." Gabriel dropped his hand and opened the door to the garden. Stepping behind Harry, he placed his hands on the young man's shoulders and guided him outside. They walked for less than a minute when Gabriel stopped him and dropped his hands. "Okay, you can open your eyes now."
Harry slowly opened his eyes; sitting in the garden was a gleaming motorcycle. Wide-eyed, he turned to Gabriel. "Is that…"
"Yeah, that's Sirius Black's bike," Gabriel said softly.
Harry rushed over to the motorcycle and ran his hands over the leather seat. "Where did you find it?"
Joining Harry in looking over the bike, Gabriel explained, "Hagrid had it. He was just waiting for you to ask about it. I thought maybe you didn't know who had it. So I talked him into letting me give it to you." Pointing as he spoke, Gabriel continued, "I cleaned it up some. Hagrid had it stored in his shed, hadn't ridden it since you were a baby. Had to overhaul a few parts, but it runs great now."
Stepping back from the gleaming machine, Harry threw his arms around Gabriel and hugged him tight. "Thank you," he whispered.
"You're welcome," Gabriel responded softly, squeezing Harry back. "Now let's get inside before I bloody well freeze my bollocks off. I'll teach you how to ride it once it warms up a little."
Laughing, they made their way back to the study. Harry dropped back into his chair smiling, feeling at peace with the world when Snape thrust two boxes in his lap.
"Here, Potter," Severus said brusquely.
One of the boxes was moving, and had holes in the side. Anxiously, Harry opened it. Inside was a striking green snake with black markings that hissed angrily for a moment. Hissing back softly, Harry reassured the snake before turning to Snape. Slightly breathless with wonder, he asked, "What kind is she?"
"It's an emerald fer-de-lance; they are highly poisonous. But once bonded to a wizard, they will only strike when they feel their master is threatened. The venom is useful in a number of potions," Severus stated. "She?"
"Yeah, she said her name is Saoirse. Thank you… she's beautiful." Harry gently lifted the snake out of the box and let her wind around his arm.
Severus watched intently before saying, "She's a reminder that you should heed your more Slytherin instincts. I felt since you speak Parseltongue you should have a snake." He stroked the snake's head before saying softly, "The headmaster was wrong to discourage you; there is no shame in conversing with serpents. Indeed, many envy you that ability."
Sitting back, Severus gestured to the unopened parcel. "Open the other one, brat."
After settling Saoirse more securely on his arm, Harry unwrapped the present. Lifting a vial out of the box, he raised a questioning eyebrow towards Snape.
"Dolens Nex! And you scolded me for coating my blades with it, Severus. Yet you brew it for the brat?" Devlin taunted when he recognized the familiar poison.
Facing Devlin, Severus drawled, "Slytherin's blades deserve only the best, so naturally I brewed it for him." Turning his attention back to Potter, he said, "I will show you how to apply it later, for now keep it somewhere cool and dry. And, for Merlin's sake, don't confuse it with any of your other potions."
"Will you teach me how to make it?" Harry asked as he carefully replaced the vial in its box.
For once, Severus was unable to keep his expression blank, his astonishment clear to all. "You wish to continue studying potions?" he asked incredulously.
"I think I should be able to brew anything I'll be using at the very least," Harry began. "And I don't know Dolens Nex yet. So yeah, I want to keep studying."
Unsure as to exactly why Snape was so surprised, Harry added, "If you're willing to teach me anymore, of course. I'll understand if you don't, I know I'm not the best potions student." Maybe the man couldn't believe Harry had the nerve to ask for more help in a subject he was so bad at.
Hearing the insecurity about his intelligence Potter seemed unable to overcome, Severus decided to break one of his own rules and offer praise for no reason other than reassurance. "Potter, you are not a bad student. Admittedly, you have no natural inclination for potions and you'll probably never invent your own," he said dryly. "But you are a more than adequate brewer and have the capability to learn extremely complex potions. I am willing to teach you any potion you wish."
"Brilliant, thanks a lot," Harry said with a wide smile.
Waving away the unnecessary thanks, Severus spoke again, "You should take your haul up to your room. The headmaster will be here soon and I need to test your Occlumency skills beforehand."
"But what about your gifts? Don't you want to open them?" Harry asked with a frown.
"We'll open them later, Harry. We don't have time to fully appreciate them right now," Devlin explained.
Reluctantly, Harry gave in and carted his presents to his room, making sure to put them away carefully. He was deeply touched by all the thought that the Bar and Snape had put into the gifts. The feeling of belonging and friendship meant a great deal to Harry, so he treated his new possessions with a care just shy of reverence.
Keeping Saoirse on his wrist, Harry walked back into the study. He was surprised by Devlin's whispered, 'Legilimens,' but he was prepared. His Occlumency shields held. The only thoughts Devlin could access were the ones Harry had chosen for such an occasion.
Releasing the spell, Devlin smiled as he patted Harry on the back. "Good job, brat. Severus taught you well."
"I didn't know you knew Legilimency," Harry said curiously.
Devlin snorted and smirked, "Who do you think taught old sour puss there?"
"You get above yourself, Devlin; I already knew the basics of Occlumency. You merely assisted with selecting the thoughts I used to hide my deceit from the Dark Lord," Severus corrected, and added superciliously, "And I mastered Legilimency on my own."
"Yeah, right," Devlin muttered under his breath. Harry was barely able to keep a straight face; as Devlin said, "Harry's mind is shielded well. Dumbledore won't get anything important out of him."
"You say that like there's something of import actually in Potter's head," Severus drawled, eyeing Devlin warily.
"It's Christmas; can't you lay off the insults?" Harry started heatedly. "Wait, you were already friends when you were still a Death Eater?" He'd known that Snape had known the Bar for a while, but not that long.
The knock at the front door forestalled the conversation. Severus glared in the direction of the entry way and said softly, "I'll give you the history of my association with the Bar later. For now we have an act to put on." Turning his gaze to Potter, Severus asked intently, "Are you prepared to behave as you always have towards the headmaster, Potter?"
"Yeah, he'll never notice any difference," Harry said with assurance. He dropped into a chair, hissing softly to Saoirse, who quickly disappeared up his sleeve. His shirt rippled for a moment before the snake settled and wrapped securely around Harry's waist.
While Gabriel headed out to answer the door, the rest of the room's occupants settled into their customary places. Harry watched as Devlin's face transformed from the open, warm man he'd come to know to the cold, hard man he'd first encountered. "Let the show begin," Harry murmured softly to himself.
When Dumbledore entered the room at Gabriel's side, Harry got to his feet, prepared to carry out the script they had all agreed on. "Hello, Headmaster, it's good to see you." He crossed the room and held out his hand in greeting.
Smiling good-naturedly, Dumbledore took Harry's hand in both of his. "Harry, I hope you've had a Happy Christmas so far. I find I'm quite pleased to be here. Will you introduce me to your friends?"
Gently disengaging his hand from the headmaster's grip, Harry quickly introduced everyone.
When Harry finished the introductions, Devlin spoke. "Headmaster Dumbledore, allow me to extend the Bar Sinister's welcome. Won't you please have a seat?"
"Thank you… I must admit you have me at a disadvantage. It seems presumptuous to address you as Devlin, yet you have no last name I may use. Very disconcerting," Dumbledore said as he took the offered chair across from Devlin.
Smiling thinly, Devlin admitted, "Yes, I have often encountered that reaction." He went on to say regally, "I obtained my Mastery in Transfigurations, so if you find it more comfortable you may address me as Master Devlin."
With considerable effort Harry managed to refrain from choking with laughter at the exchange, barely.
"Ah, Transfigurations, that is my specialty as well," Dumbledore said. "Yet I don't recall having had you as a student at Hogwarts. Indeed, I don't believe I recall any of you attending Hogwarts." Dumbledore eyed Devlin with curiosity.
"You wouldn't have," Gabriel spat with barely restrained anger.
Devlin shot Gabriel a sharp, quelling look before saying smoothly, "The Ministry, in all their wisdom, felt it best that we not mix with others of our age. Something about corrupting them, I think it was."
"Ah, you are those children, the poor unfortunate ones that the Ministry treated so shamefully," Dumbledore said sadly.
Devlin raised an eyebrow in warning. "At one time we were. However, none of us are children any longer, Headmaster, nor poor or unfortunate," he said. Harry heard the silent admonition aimed at Dumbledore. He would gain nothing by treating the Bar paternally, as he did Harry. He knew it was the only warning Devlin would ever offer.
It seemed Dumbledore understood the unspoken message; he inclined his head shortly and said, "I disagreed with the Minister on that issue. Sadly, he refused to listen to my advice." Dumbledore steered the conversation in the direction of the topic he clearly seemed most interested in, "Yet, without a formal education you achieved Mastery in a complex field. I'm sure Harry is grateful to have such a qualified instructor, at least for one subject."
"We all have Masteries in the fields we're tutoring Harry in," Devlin stated coldly, before adding offhand, "Well, except for Luc."
Dropping his pretense of refined boredom, Luc lifted his head jerkily. "Hey, it's not my fault the Ministry doesn't offer Masteries in History," he said petulantly.
"Or in pompous traditions and dresser to the unfortunates," Harry said with a mischievous grin.
Luc turned to Harry, revenge dancing in his silver eyes. "Brat, next time a camera is nearby I'll make it my mission to see you dressed in a pinafore with matching bow," he promised gleefully.
Shuddering dramatically and drawing laughter from the others, Harry moaned, "Not that, anything but that. I beg your forgiveness, Luc. Please don't make me look like a little girl."
"You should have thought of that before pointing fun at your elders, insolent child," Luc drawled.
"Alright, break it up you two," Vane said from the couch. "I swear to Merlin I spend most of my time refereeing your bickering matches. Next time I'm just going to lock you both in a room and let you irritate each other to death for a change," he vowed tiredly.
Harry and Luc sat back with matching pouts, ignoring the renewed outbreak of laughter. Laughing, Dumbledore watched with twinkling eyes before commenting, "I see Harry has found a place here with you." He turned to Harry and said seriously, "See that you don't forget your old friends in your enjoyment of the new. However, I don't anticipate any difficulties in that regard. Your plans will keep you at Hogwarts for the foreseeable future, correct?"
Struggling not to tense, Harry dropped the pout and met the headmaster's eyes confidently. Now was the time to play his part. "Of course, Headmaster, where else would I go? I have always felt Hogwarts is my home, you know that," he lied smoothly.
Severus watched with pride as Potter deceived the headmaster with the skill of a Slytherin. All his work with the young man on Occlumency, tactics, and, most importantly, keeping up a front, were paying off.
"Potter still intends to pursue his Mastery in Defense, and the library at Hogwarts contains one of the finest collections of Defense material in Britain. We have discussed it and he will remain at Hogwarts until he's obtained his mastery," Severus intoned smoothly. It was the first complete and utter lie he had ever told Albus, yet he felt no regret. His choice was clear, Potter earned his trust and loyalty as no other ever had, by simply accepting Severus for himself.
Nodding in satisfaction, Dumbledore sat back and relaxed for the first time since he'd arrived. He allowed the conversation to flow how it would and seemed content to watch Harry interact with the Bar. Although he seethed inwardly at the grandfatherly display of concern, Harry did nothing to arouse Dumbledore's suspicion that anything had changed.
The remainder of the visit passed smoothly, everyone knew their parts and played them to perfection. Reassured, Dumbledore contented himself with telling stories over lunch. Later in the study, he engaged Devlin in a debate regarding the theory of inanimate transfiguration. An hour before dinner, the headmaster took his leave of the group, with the admonishment that Harry come to visit his office soon.
Late Dec 1996-Early Jan 1997
Harry spent the rest of the holiday feverishly preparing for his upcoming N.E.W.T's. When it was time to return to Hogwarts, he felt tentatively confident he would do well. Mostly he'd be relieved when they were behind him and he could concentrate on more pressing matters.
Harry and Severus returned to Hogwarts two days after New Year's. Three days after that, Harry sat his first N.E.W.T, History of Magic: despite his low O.W.L score, the Bar and Snape suggested he take it. Harry was pleasantly surprised when he discovered that he knew the answers; Luc was obviously a much more proficient teacher than Binns.
Later that afternoon, he sat the written part of his Potions test. Once again, he found the exam easier than he'd anticipated. Immediately afterwards, he did the practical portion, which was much harder for him than the written, but he felt he would pass nonetheless.
The next day, he completed the N.E.W.T's for Charms and Transfiguration. Both sped past and Harry realized how well prepared he had been. The Bar and Snape had taught him well, and there was things they'd taught him that weren't on the tests but improved his grasp of the subject.
Harry breezed through his Defense N.E.W.T the following day; he almost felt as if he could have passed it without the extra tutoring. The work he'd done with the D.A the previous year had advanced his knowledge on the subject further than he'd thought.
Now that the pressure of the N.E.W.T's were over, Harry turned his attention towards getting as much information out of Dumbledore as he could before moving to Sinister Place. Once he'd left Hogwarts, the headmaster would realize he'd lost his pawn. Harry wasn't sure what the old man would try to do to get him back, and didn't want to risk any of it until he was stronger.
Walking slowly to the headmaster's office, Harry tried to absorb the contentment Hogwarts always offered him, unsure if he'd ever again be able to walk these halls without fear of Dumbledore's interference. The castle seemed to sense his desire and Harry felt a sensation of warm acceptance embrace him briefly. Smiling ruefully, he reached the gargoyle and proceeded up to the office above.
Knocking softly on the door, Harry sent a mental prayer to whichever deities watched over him that he could pull this off. He had every confidence Snape would do his part, but the riskiest task fell to Harry.
"Come in, Harry," Dumbledore called through the door.
Harry entered the office and smiled his greeting. Taking the seat Dumbledore gestured towards, he declined the offer of tea; Snape had warned him about the calming draught. "I was wondering about possible applications of a Mastery in Defense and hoped you could point me in the right direction," Harry said.
Dumbledore looked pleased by the request, and Harry was grateful Snape was on his side; the man certainly knew what would reassure the headmaster about Harry's aims. Dumbledore started confidently, "My dear boy, I'm delighted that you're thinking of your future. There are many positions that would serve you well if…" he trailed off when the fireplace behind Harry flared green.
Severus' head floated in the fire and he called urgently, "Headmaster, Peeves has cornered Minerva in Animagus form in the trophy room; for some reason she can't revert to human. I can't get past the flying trophies to help her, and the Bloody Baron is unable to control Peeves." As soon as he finished speaking, Severus withdrew his head.
"Oh dear, Harry, please excuse me for a moment, make yourself at home. I must rescue our deputy headmistress." Dumbledore tossed a handful of glittering powder in the fire and called out, "Trophy Room." He stepped into the flames and with a flash of green fire was gone.
Once he was sure the headmaster was gone, Harry jumped up and rushed to the cabinet housing Dumbledore's Pensieve. He pulled open the doors and quickly located the vials holding the silvery memories; everything was exactly where Snape said it would be. Harry began pulling empty bottles from his pocket and setting them on a nearby shelf; concentrating, he chanted the spell Spencer had taught him to copy the memories.
He watched anxiously as at least thirty silvery streams duplicated themselves. Snape had only promised ten minutes; Harry had to be quick. When the spell finished, Harry waved his wand, sending the duplicate strands floating into the empty vials. Quickly sealing the tops, he stashed the vials back in his pocket. Sighing with relief, Harry closed the cabinet and exited the office.
If Minerva ever discovered his part in the debacle, Severus harbored no doubts about her reaction; he would die painfully. He'd been the one to cast the charm to hold her in cat form, and he'd suggested to Peeves where she could be found. Severus felt guilty about using his colleague in such a manner, but had seen no other way to ensure Albus left his office. Hearing Filch's gleeful crackle at the approach of the headmaster, Severus swiftly released Minerva from the spell with a discreet flick of his wand.
Severus ducked another viciously tossed trophy as Dumbledore entered the room. "Headmaster, I hope you can exert some control over that reprehensible poltergeist," he sneered.
Watching Dumbledore wandlessly freeze trophies as he attempted to reason with Peeves, Severus silently signaled the Bloody Baron. Floating over to Peeves, the Baron whispered something too low for the assembled group to hear. Whatever he'd said had Peeves squealing loudly and fleeing the room, knocking over trophies and suits of armor in his haste to leave.
McGonagall transformed back into her usual state, if more than slightly harassed looking. Still feeling remorseful, Severus tactfully handed Minerva a calming draught and stayed with her as Dumbledore questioned her on the recent events.
Harry slowly walked along the shoreline of the lake; he was leaving Hogwarts after curfew tonight. His feet automatically followed the path he'd traveled many times before, and he was not really surprised to find he was standing before the boulder he considered his. Harry climbed onto it one last time. Pulling out his cigarettes, he lit one and leaned back on his elbows, ignoring the chill from the frozen lake.
Harry stared at the sky as he pulled out the memories of his adventures at Hogwarts. He had no idea how much time had passed when he sensed someone approaching. Tossing aside his cigarette, he sat up and watched as Hermione's form coalesced out of the gathering twilight.
He made no move to meet her halfway; Harry was hurt she hadn't made some effort to stop Ron or Ginny from what they had done. When she failed to speak to him afterwards she hurt him further. Hermione scrabbled up the boulder to sit beside Harry, and for several minutes they sat silently, looking at the lake.
"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered. "I know I hurt you, Harry, but Ron needs me. I told Ginny what she did was wrong; she's not speaking to me anymore."
As he defiantly lit another cigarette, Harry silently challenged Hermione to lecture him about smoking. She wrinkled her nose, but didn't say anything. "So because Ron needs you it's okay to ignore me? Only to see me out here when no one's around, like you're ashamed to be my friend?" Harry questioned desolately.
Laying her hand on Harry's tense arm, Hermione squeezed softly and said, "I didn't mean to ignore you. Things just got out of hand before I realized what was happening." She smiled sadly, adding, "I'll always be your friend but you don't need me any more, not the way Ron does. You've finished your N.E.W.T's and are moving on, there's nothing I can help you with anymore."
Harry stared at the young woman incredulously; how someone so smart could completely miss the point was a mystery to him. He did need her; he needed Hermione as the last link to the innocence he'd lost. He needed her to keep him from becoming so lost in the plots and plans that he forgot why he was doing it all in the first place. Most of all, he needed someone to remind him of the Harry he had been before Voldemort had shaped his life.
With no words to explain what he needed from her, Harry turned away and accepted once again that he was alone. Feeling Hermione's intense stare, he said softly, "It's okay, don't worry about it. Just be there for Ron, I'll be fine."
"Ron will come around in time, he always does," Hermione said fervently.
Wanting the conversation over with, Harry rushed to agree. "Yeah, he always does."
"Did you read what Mr. Weasley and Charlie said to the Quibbler? They told the reporter that it had all been a misunderstanding."
Harry sighed. Hermione would never drop the subject until she was satisfied he agreed with her. "Yeah, I read it, and I'm really glad most of the Weasleys aren't angry at me."
"Ron and Ginny said the whole family was angry with them over Christmas. He said Mrs. Weasley spent most of the break lecturing them both," Hermione added.
Harry took a drag on his cigarette. "I know. Charlie came to see me on his way back to Romania a couple of days ago. Told me I had the family's support and that Ginny would be keeping her mouth shut from now on."
"I think Ron was so mad because you didn't take time to explain it to him properly," she chastised gently. "If you just tell him what happened I'm sure he'll come around."
Snorting at the statement, Harry said flatly, "Between him punching me, the holiday, and me taking the N.E.W.T's I haven't exactly had time to talk to him," he said ruefully. "Besides, I didn't do anything to Ron; I'm not apologizing for their mistakes. It's up to Ron and Ginny to make the first move."
"I don't know if he will, Harry. Sometimes Ron's just not that mature," Hermione said doubtfully.
When Hermione left several minutes later, Harry felt as if he'd just lost his last link with his childhood. If Hermione couldn't comprehend the depth of Harry's need for her friendship, perhaps he was better off without her, but the loss hurt him deeply.
With a heavy heart, Harry returned to Snape's quarters. He'd already sent his belongings to Sinister Place with Dobby and only had to say goodbye to Snape before he left. He walked into the sitting room to find Snape pacing restlessly in front of the fire.
"There you are, I thought you'd already left," Severus said shortly. He was relieved that he would have the opportunity to say goodbye, but would never admit it.
Harry smiled broadly. Maybe he wasn't as alone as he'd feared; Snape had always been there for him and Harry hoped he always would be. "I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye."
"I have no interest in sentimental farewells, Potter, I simply want to confirm that you leave without interference," Severus sneered.
Now that the time had come, Harry was reluctant to leave, but he couldn't put his finger on why. He knew it was the wisest course, but somehow it felt like he was leaving behind more than Hogwarts. "Well, I'll be going then. Thanks for everything, Severus. You know, it wasn't that bad living with you," Harry said awkwardly.
Uncomfortable with his disquieting emotions, Severus determined it was only sensible to send Potter on his way so he could ignore the feelings. "Yes, Potter, and you weren't the irritant I expected either," he admitted. "Now off with you, I'm sure Devlin is waiting for you." Severus crossed his arms across his chest to resist the urge to physically keep the brat with him.
Taking a handful of Floo powder, Harry tossed it in the flames and called out 'Sinister Place'. Turning back for a last look at Snape, he thought he saw something like regret flash through the black eyes.
Going with impulse as he always did, Harry stepped away from the fire and threw his arms around Snape's stiff body. Squeezing tightly for a moment, Harry was about to release the unyielding Snape, when he felt arms come around him.
Severus couldn't turn down the opportunity to hold Potter again. He held him for a long minute before turning the brat and pushing him into the green flames. Watching pensively as Potter spun away, Severus waited till he was gone from sight before saying softly to the cold fireplace, "Come back soon."