Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Thank you for reading and reviewing! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

"What!?" Severus hissed. His magic crackled around them in anger. The furniture could be heard rattling from the force of Severus's power. "How? How did this happen again?" He looked down at Harry and knelt down. "Are you hurt? Are you okay?" His eyes darted over his son checking for any injuries.

Harry leaned into his Dad's shoulder and shook his head. "I'm not hurt."

Severus looked up at Dumbledore. "Tell me what happened." He stood up, keeping Harry in a tight hug. Furious black eyes focused on the Headmaster.

"Mr. Weasley woke up and discovered Sirius Black leaning over his bed with a knife in hand. He yelled and Black ran out. Apparently Harry saw him too just as he was leaving." Dumbledore said somberly. "I will conduct another search of the castle tonight in case Sirius is lingering around, though I doubt he is. Also, I will be asking the Fat Lady to resume her post and she knows not to let Black inside even if he does have the password."

"Are you telling me Black did have the password this time?" Severus asked darkly. Despite his angry expression and tone of voice, he was gently rubbing Harry's back with one hand and smoothing down his hair with the other.

Dumbledore hesitated. "Yes. Apparently a student had a list of the passwords that he or she had misplaced."

"And which dunderheaded student did that?" Severus asked tightly. Oh, whoever it was would pay with the most gruesome detentions he could think of.

"I believe Minerva is figuring that out." Dumbledore said dismissively. Severus would eventually find out who had left out a list of the passwords but hopefully not until his temper had calmed somewhat. He had seen the look Minerva had given Neville and he felt for the poor boy. "I will take my leave now and send word if Black is found."

After Albus had left, Severus looked down at Harry who still had his face buried against him. He was trembling slightly. "Come on Harry." He said gently as he led Harry to his bedroom. He pulled back the bedcovers and helped Harry in. He summoned a washcloth. "Aguamenti." The cloth immediately moistened with cool water and he rubbed Harry's face gently with it.

"Do you feel up to talking about what happened?" Severus asked. "We can wait until morning if you do not. You look exhausted."

"I wasn't sleeping well before anyway." Harry said dully. He raised his emerald eyes up to meet his Dad's. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"What are you sorry for?" Severus asked in confusion.

"Everything. My horrible attitude the last couple of days, I didn't mean it. I don't know why I acted like that." Harry said miserably.

"Ah, I see." Severus said with a small chuckle. "You acted like many teenagers do when they don't get their way Harry. I didn't appreciate the attitude but I do appreciate the apology. I have not enjoyed the last couple of days being at odds with you."

"Me either." Harry said tiredly.

Severus frowned at the dark circles under his son's eyes. "You said you weren't sleeping before the incident with Black."

"I had a nightmare." Harry confessed. "I've been having nightmares. Because of…"

"Because?" Severus prodded.

"The Dursley's and the Dementors." Harry whispered. "And then tonight, I dreamed the Dursley's were saying how much of a disappointment I was and that now you realized that. And then a Dementor was coming for me and they were laughing and Sirius Black appeared and told me I wouldn't get away this time. And when I woke up I saw him running out of our dorm."

Severus pulled Harry to his chest and wrapped his arms around him. "You're safe. You are safe and I will not let anyone harm you." He shook his head, wising he had known his son had been suffering. "Harry, you are not a disappointment. Not at all."

"Even though I was being a total prat?" Harry mumbled. He couldn't help but smile when his Dad's chest rumbled from laughter.

"Never. You are never a disappointment." Severus confirmed. "Quite the opposite is true Harry. I am very proud of you. You are an amazing child and I can't imagine my life without you in it." Severus sighed. "Actually I can. Before the memory charm faded, I was lonely and bitter and angry all the time. Only someone special could change the fierce bat of the dungeons correct?"

Harry snickered. "Hmm, that's true. Although most students are still scared of you."

"Good, I wouldn't want that to change." Severus smirked. "But I am not lonely and angry anymore. My life doesn't feel empty anymore." He said sincerely.

"Mine either." Harry whispered. "I've missed you. I wanted to apologize earlier but I couldn't make myself do it and then I just felt worse and worse."

Severus patted Harry on the shoulder. "That would be the stubborn pride which you inherited from me and your mother." He said fondly. He watched Harry smile as his eyes began to droop. He wanted to talk more but he knew his son needed to get some real rest. He summoned a vial of Dreamless Sleep and held it up to Harry's mouth. "Take one swallow."

Harry obeyed and immediately felt peaceful waves of drowsiness overtake him. He closed his eyes and drifted off into a much needed sleep void of any of the nightmares that had been plaguing him. Before sleep completely claimed him, he heard his Dad say that he had missed him too.

HPHPHPHP

Severus stayed up, sitting by his son's bed the rest of the night. He had no desire to sleep and despite the fact that his quarters were heavily warded, he didn't want Harry out of his sight for the moment. It was too close, Black had gotten too close. Somehow that maniac had managed his way into Harry's dorm with a knife. What if…no Severus could not even think of it. Thankfully Black had been scared off. This time…

Severus watched Harry as he slept peacefully. He knew what he had to do and he was apprehensive of telling Harry that he would be moving into their quarters as he didn't want to create another row with his son. But just as with the Firebolt, Severus would be firm in his decision. He could only hope Harry would accept it without a fight.

HPHPHPHP

Harry woke up slowly, stretching and yawning as he did. Opening his eyes he remembered that he wasn't in his dorm and of the previous night's events. He sat up, wondering if there was any news on Sirius Black. He was also worried about Ron and hoped his friend was okay after last night.

Harry got up and dressed, realizing he felt more rested than he had in awhile. He wandered out of his room and stopped as he was hit with a delicious smell. Waffles. With a grin he hurried into the kitchen.

Severus was flipping waffles and turned at the sound of Harry sniffing appreciatively as he walked in. "I wanted to be able to talk with you so I hope you don't mind eating here instead of the Great Hall." He explained as he finished cooking and carried a plate of waffles to the table. There were already eggs and bacon as well, as Harry's favorite Pumpkin Syrup.

"I don't mind at all." Harry sat down and poured himself a glass of milk.

"How are you feeling this morning?" Severus asked as he sipped his coffee. He was relieved to see the dark circles were gone and overall Harry looked much brighter.

"I'm feeling fine Dad." Harry said as he took his first bite of waffle. Mmmm. "Is there any news on Sirius Black?" He asked eagerly.

"No. There isn't a trace of him anywhere." Severus said in frustration. He wished he knew how that maniac was managing to get into the school undetected. It was baffling.

"Do you know if Ron is okay? He must still be pretty shaken." Harry said in concern.

"I am sure he is fine. He has his brothers and sister, as well as Miss. Granger with him. They are no doubt keeping a close eye on him." Severus assured him.

Harry's face fell at the mention of Hermione.

"What?"

"I remembered that I need to apologize to Hermione too. She was trying to help me see your side of things and Ron and I kind of turned on her." Harry said quietly.

"I see. I am sure she will accept your apology Harry." Severus said assuredly. "Your friendship is quite strong."

"I know." Harry sighed. "You still forgive me right?"

"Yes, of course I do." Severus said patiently. "I don't regret my decision regarding the Firebolt but I wish I had taken more time to explain to you the basis behind my decision."

Harry shook his head. "You did. I just didn't listen."

Severus took a deep breath. "I have made another decision based on last night's events and while I will not waver from it, I am prepared to hear you out and talk about it."

Harry was silent for a second. "I'm moving in here until Black is caught." He guessed. He grinned at the surprised look his Dad gave him. "You already told me that I would be if anything else happened regarding Sirius, remember?"

"Yes, that's right I did. You are not upset?" Severus asked curiously. He was happy that Harry wasn't arguing the point and didn't even look upset about it.

Harry shook his head. "No, relieved actually. Last night showed me much danger I really am in and how much danger my friends are in. I didn't want everyone to think I was a baby by moving in here but at this point, I really don't care what anyone thinks. If word gets around that I'm not in the dorms anymore then Black won't try to get in there again and my friends will be safer." Harry fiddled with his fork. "Plus I like being here with you. And we are safe here right?"

Severus felt a rush of warmth at Harry's words. "I like being together too Harry. I can't imagine how parents deal with having their children gone for most of the year. And yes, there is no possible way Black could get into our quarters." He smiled as Harry's eyes brightened. "There is something else I wanted to talk about. Why have you not mentioned you were having nightmares? How long have they been going on?"

"Um, since I ran into the Dursley's. It's not every night though." Harry said quickly at the sad look that came over his Dad's face. "Are you mad that I didn't tell you?" He asked quietly.

"No not mad, a little disappointed though. I hate that you have been suffering from nightmares and I had no idea. Talking it over might help make the nightmares go away." Severus told him.

"It started after I ran into the Dursley's. I sometimes dream of them and they're telling me I'm worthless. And at the beginning of the year I dreamed that Dumbledore told me you were not my Father and that I would have to go back to them." Harry admitted.

Severus shut his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, they were full of pain and sadness. "Harry, you are my son. One hundred percent my son. But let's say that we found out that wasn't true. I truly would still consider you my son and would never, ever let you return to the Dursley's." He stared at Harry. "You are my son and I love you. You are not worthless, you are not bad, and you are not a disappointment. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded slowly. "Yes."

Severus looked uncertain. The years of the Dursley's treatment may have affected Harry to where he would never be able to fully understand that he was wanted and loved. Over time he will, Severus told himself. One day he will trust that he is cherished and treasured.

"Why did you not mention the dreams beforehand?" Severus asked. When will you fully trust me? He asked silently.

"You had just told me about Black and I didn't want to add to your stress. I thought they would go away but then I began dreaming of the Dementors too." Harry sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry." Severus leaned forward. "Just know that no matter how much stress you think I am under, you can talk to me. I will always make time for you, always. All right? You are my first priority Harry."

Harry nodded. "All right." He smiled. Suddenly his eyes went wide as he realized they had been talking for awhile. "Wait, aren't we both late for our first class?"

"Hmm, yes it would appear that we are. Of course, I can write myself a note excusing my absence. You on the other hand…" Severus raised one shoulder. He laughed at Harry's pout. "I informed your Professor's that you may not be attending classes today. The Headmaster offered to cover my class right now, terrifying thought that is." He shuddered at the image of Dumbledore having his students make a lemon drop flavored tonic.

"So I don't have to go to my classes today?" Harry asked.

"Not if you feel you need to rest more." Severus said seriously. "I wasn't sure how you would be feeling today."

"Oh. I'm okay though, especially now that we have talked." Harry said honestly. He also wanted to see how Ron was and apologize to Hermione as soon as possible.

"Good." Severus said in satisfaction.

"I need to get my books though." Harry stood up as he had finished with breakfast.

Severus sent the dishes into the sink. "Actually, I had one of the Hogwarts elves bring your things here already. Your trunk is in your room."

"Oh, okay. Thanks." Harry turned and went back into his bedroom where he noticed what he had missed earlier. His trunk was in the corner of the room. He threw on his school robe and put the books he needed in his bag. When he got back out his Dad was waiting for him at the door.

"Ready?" Severus asked as Harry joined him. "Are you sure you feel up to attending classes?"

"I'm sure." Harry nodded.

Severus dropped Harry off at his History of Magic class and Harry quickly sat at his desk which was between Ron and Hermione. Professor Binn's was talking in his monotone voice as he floated aimlessly in front of class. Most of the students were dozing, doodling or passing notes.

"You okay?" Harry asked Ron quietly.

"Yeah are you? Your stuff is gone from the dorm." Ron whispered back.

"I'm fine. I'm going to be living with my Dad until Black is caught." Harry told him. He glanced over at Hermione who was taking notes on the lecture but he could tell she was listening.

"I made up with my Dad." Harry whispered to her.

Hermione glanced at him and her eyes softened. "I'm glad." She said softly.

"I'm really sorry I was such a prat to you." Harry bit his lip. "You don't hate me or anything do you?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and handed him a piece of parchment from her bag. "Don't be silly Harry. Of course I don't hate you. I know I can be annoying at times and that I've been more stressed out this year. I didn't mean to act like a Professor or parent to you."

Harry looked at the parchment and saw that they were lecture notes from his first class which he had missed. "Thanks Hermione." He saw that Ron looked half asleep and laughed to himself. "Is Ron really okay?"

"Are you kidding? He is more than fine." Hermione snickered as she jotted down more notes. As usual, Professor Binn's didn't take any notice of his students talking or sleeping. "You weren't at breakfast so you didn't see but Ron is considered something of a hero."

"Really?"

Hermione nodded. "Oh yes, to hear him tell it he first engaged Sirius Black in a duel before scaring him away."

Harry bit his lip to keep from laughing.

"His story gets more and more grand each time he tells it." Hermione huffed although her brown eyes shone with amusement.

Harry chuckled as he tried to pay attention to the history lesson but he found his eyes drooping and soon Hermione was shaking both him and Ron awake. "Honestly you two." She sighed. "What if Professor Binn had called on you? Or had given a surprise quiz?"

"Binn's never calls on students or gives surprise quizzes." Ron rolled his eyes. "He just talks about the same thing over and over again."

Harry laughed, happy with the feeling that things were back to normal with his friends. He was also feeling content knowing that he had patched things up with his Dad. Sirius Black may still be out there but at least things were back on track with his family and friends.

TBC: