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

"Please? Please can I?" Harry pleaded. "I'll take care of him, honest!"

Severus frowned and put down the potions magazine he had been reading. "Harry, I have no idea what you are even talking about." He said.

"Oh." Harry blushed as he realized he had burst into their quarters without even explaining that Hagrid had not found Snuffles owners. "Um, sorry. Hagrid said he tried to find Snuffles owners but it doesn't appear that he has any. So can we keep him?" He asked eagerly.

Severus made a face. He had been hoping that Hagrid would find the mutt's owners so that he wouldn't have to make this very decision. "You already have Hedwig Harry." He replied carefully.

"I know. I still love Hedwig and will take care of her." Harry responded. "But I want Snuffles too. He needs a home. Please?" He gave his Dad a pleading look.

Severus sighed. "A dog in our quarters? I do not think so." He could just imagine the havoc that the dog would create by knocking over his books, tearing up the furniture and Merlin forbid if the mutt got into his lab.

Harry bit his lip. "Well, I already asked Hagrid if Snuffles could stay with him while we are at school and that I would go over there to play with him and help feed him. And we have a big yard at the cottage for him to play in. Maybe we could bring him inside if we made up a special room for him there?" He gave his Dad his best puppy dog eyes.

Severus narrowed his own eyes, trying not to be amused at his son's wheedling. And the way he was staring at him with those sad emerald eyes, the child was truly his mother's son. "I'll think about it." He said finally. Seeing the disappointed look on Harry's face he added, "Give me the night to think it over and to talk with Hagrid all right?"

Harry smiled slowly. That was as good as a yes in his book. He was going to get to keep Snuffles! "Thank you." He said happily.

"It's not a yes yet Harry." Severus warned though he knew he would likely let Harry keep the blasted dog. His son had had a rough year and this would help cheer him up. Besides, having a dog would teach Harry responsibility. Severus inwardly rolled his eyes at himself. Yeah right. He would allow it just to see that smile on his son's face.

"This will be great!" Harry said excitedly, obviously knowing it was a done deal. "I always wanted a dog. I remember Dudley asking for one and Aunt Petunia actually said no to him, claiming dogs were too messy. Then Uncle Vernon said they already had me for a dog and that cheered Dudley up. Instead of just ordering me to make dinner, it was go fetch dinner. Or instead of telling me to go to my cupboard, it was go to your doghouse." Harry didn't even realize he was babbling on about the Dursley's, he was so excited about keeping Snuffles.

Severus just stared at his son. Ever since he had run into the Dursley's this past summer, he was bringing up his time with them more and more. He had tried talking to Harry about his childhood many times before and Harry had told him some things but never really liked to elaborate. Severus closed his eyes for a moment. He wanted Harry to feel he could open up about his childhood anytime he needed to though it was hard for Severus to hear. They had thought they were doing the right thing by using the memory charm but Lily had died and his son had suffered for so long. "Harry." Severus said quietly.

"Yeah?" Harry looked up from the list he was making of things they would need for Snuffles.

"Are you okay?" Severus asked gently.

"Yes, why?" Harry asked, perplexed. Then he realized he what he had said about the Dursley's and he blushed slightly. "Don't worry, the dog jokes only lasted for a little while." He shrugged.

"That doesn't make me feel better Harry." Severus shook his head. "I am so sorry for how they treated you."

Harry fiddled with his parchment that he had been writing his list on. "You've more than made up for it." He said sincerely.

Severus just smiled sadly. He doubted he could ever make up for those horrible years Harry had spent with the Dursley's. All he could do now was care for Harry to the best of his ability's and show him all the love and care he could. "You are an amazing kid. I hope you realize that." He said finally.

Harry couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. "Thanks Dad." He said. "So….when do you want to meet Snuffles?"

HPHPHPHP

Later that day Severus and Harry went to Hagrid's hut where his Dad talked to the gamekeeper. Afterwards Harry convinced his father to finally meet their new dog. Severus looked down at the dog with some disdain. "Mangy little thing." He commented.

Snuffles growled and Severus narrowed his eyes at the stray.

"Snuffles behave." Harry admonished. "Honesty Dad, he's a good dog. You just have to get to know him. And he does need some fattening up…and perhaps a bath."

Snuffles had still been growling slightly at Severus but raised his head in horror at the mention of a bath.

Severus nodded in agreement. "If he is going to live with us I expect you to be responsible for his grooming, feeding and exercise."

Harry's emerald eyes lit up in excitement. "So we can keep him for sure?"

"I suppose." Severus sighed. He gave a rueful smile as Harry gave a happy shout and hugged Snuffles. Personally there was something about the dog he didn't like but that could be because he was more of a cat person. As long as Snuffles showed no aggression to Harry he would put up with the animal. Harry deserved some happiness.

"He stays with Hagrid while we are at school and I will give Hagrid some money for his food." Severus continued. Hagrid had been more than happy to help out with Snuffles so that Harry could keep him.

"He can go with us when we go to the cottage right?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Yes." Severus said reluctantly. "You better start training him." He warned.

"I think he was already trained." Harry informed his father. "Watch." He turned to Snuffles. "Sit!"

Snuffles sat.

"Lie down and roll over!"

Snuffles obediently lay down and then rolled over, then looked at Harry expectantly.

"Play dead." Severus joked. He was shocked when Snuffles gave a snort and flopped over, eyes shut and tongue hanging out. "Impressive." He murmured.

Snuffles got up and stared at Severus, his pink tongue sticking straight out.

Harry began laughing. "It looks like he is sticking his tongue out at you!" He giggled.

Severus rolled his eyes. "It figures, a cheeky son and now a cheeky dog." He ruffled his son's hair and laughed when Harry ducked away and smoothed it back down. Neither one noticed the growl Snuffles gave when Severus had said the word son.

HPHPHPHP

Everyone settled back into the routine of classes and homework and soon Harry was asking his Dad about resuming his Patronus lessons.

"I was planning on having another lesson with you tomorrow but I have a meeting I need to go to." Severus said when Harry approached him in the Great Hall after dinner. He was meeting with Lucius tomorrow to discuss finding Voldemort.

Harry sighed in disappointment. "Okay."

"I could give him a lesson."

Severus turned and glared at Remus, who was standing behind them with a kind smile. "That won't be necessary." He replied stiffly. He didn't fully trust Lupin and he couldn't help but remember how Harry had ended up in the infirmary the last time he had faced a boggart under Lupin's supervision.

"Aww, why not Dad? I really want to try and cast a Patronus again." Harry said eagerly.

Remus cleared his throat. "I'll be careful Severus." He said quietly. "I'll stop the boggart if it becomes too much for him."

Harry frowned. "I won't faint again." He muttered in embarrassment. "And Professor Lupin teaches me in Defense so why not this?" He looked at his Dad curiously.

Because I don't like him, Severus was almost tempted to say. He debated for a moment and then gave a curt nod. "Very well then."

Remus smiled brightly. "Thank you Severus. You can come to my classroom after breakfast tomorrow Harry. I can also share some memories of your Mother and James."

Harry remembered Professor Lupin offering to do that when he had first met him. "That would be brilliant!"

Severus gently pushed Harry towards the door. "Go catch up with your friends." He told Harry and then said over his shoulder, "He will see you tomorrow."

HPHPHPHP

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco spent the evening in the library looking through Harry's Quidditch book again. Actually, only Harry, Ron and Draco were looking through the book. Hermione was working her way through her pile of homework.

"Blimey, some of these moves are incredible." Draco muttered as he viewed the pictures.

Ron nodded eagerly, momentarily forgetting he didn't like Draco. "Can you imagine being a famous Quidditch player and making up new, brilliant moves that will become legendary?" He sighed at the thought.

"It would be brilliant." Harry agreed.

Hermione gave a loud sigh as she scribbled on her parchment.

"Maybe I should try some of these moves during our match against Ravenclaw." Harry mused as he turned the page of his book.

Ron snickered. "Your Dad would kill you."

Draco nodded in agreement. "He would, he always is strict on how the Slytherin team needs to play well but be safe in doing so."

"You just don't want Harry to try these moves because then he will be even better than you than he already is." Ron scoffed.

"I'm a good flyer Weasley." Draco snapped. "I've helped my team win plenty of games."

"Not against Gryffindor." Ron taunted.

"Hey, none of that." Harry frowned. He didn't want a fight to break out.

Hermione cleared her throat loudly as she flipped through one of her massive books.

"I'm still reading that section." Ron snarled when Draco tried to turn the page.

"Merlin Weasley, I didn't know you were such a slow reader." Draco pretended to look thoughtful. "I shouldn't be surprised. I've seen some of your grades when we get our essays back in class."

Ron's face began to turn red with anger. "Listen you slimy snake-"

Hermione slammed her book shut. "Would you two knock it off?" She said in frustration. "Some of us are trying to do our homework." She gave them a pointed look. "As the rest of you should be doing."

"Is she always such a nag?" Draco muttered to Harry.

"Oi!" Ron pulled out his wand and pointed in at Draco. "Harry and I can call her that because we are her best friends. You, on the other hand, do not have that privilege."

"Put your wand down Ron!" Harry hissed, looking around to make sure Madam Pince hadn't seen. "Let's just-"

"Why is he here anyway? We let him join us last night as it was." Ron grumbled as he put his wand away.

Harry sighed. "Come on you guys. Let's just enjoy looking through my book okay?" He pleaded. He looked at Hermione and frowned at all the books and papers she had strewn about. She looked quite frazzled. "Hermione, are you sure you aren't overworking yourself?"

"I'm fine!" Hermione snapped. "I just need to concentrate and you three won't be quiet! This is a library you know."

"Honestly Hermione, you need to relax a bit." Ron rolled his eyes. "You're more uptight than usual. What gives?"

Hermione huffed and began gathering her things. "I'm going to go and do my work in the Tower. You three just keep drooling over that silly book."

"It's not silly." Harry protested.

"Only Granger could ruin the fun of looking through a rare Quidditch book." Draco sniffed as he also stood up. "I'll be on my way before you two start arguing about your familiars again."

"Good riddance to both of you." Ron muttered as he pulled the Quidditch book closer to himself.

"And to think I helped you with that oaf Hagrid." Draco sighed. "And this is how I get treated."

"Don't call Hagrid that!" Hermione snapped.

Draco looked at her in amusement. "Well, he is. Maybe I shouldn't have had my Dad stop the execution." He said grumpily. "At least it would have been entertaining, especially watching that overgrown simpleton bawl his eyes out!" He laughed at the thought.

Thwack!

Harry and Ron stared at Hermione in shock. She had just punched Malfoy! Draco also stared at the girl in shock.

Hermione looked surprised herself but then shrugged. "Well, that felt good." She said sheepishly.

"Not to me! What did you do that for?" Draco complained, feeling his nose to make sure it wasn't broken.

Hermione threw up her hands. "You're being mean. That was a horrible thing to say!"

"It was just a comment." He snapped, though he had to admit he was also a little impressed. "Besides, you have been bad-tempered yourself! And you just punched me which isn't exactly a nice thing to do!"

Hermione flushed slightly. "True." She admitted with a sigh. Warily, she looked to see if anyone had seen her hit Draco. Thankfully no one had but she knew if he told she would get detention at the very least.

Ron still looked shocked. "That was bloody brilliant Hermione! Do it again!"

"Ronald!" Hermione huffed, though her eyes showed some amusement.

Draco glared at Ron and then narrowed his eyes at Hermione. "You'll be in detention for the rest of the year Granger." He threatened.

"No she won't because you aren't going to tell." Harry said cheerfully. "I mean, do you really want everyone to know that you were hit by a girl?"

Draco paled.

Hermione slowly smiled. "A muggle-born girl at that." She added sweetly.

Draco crossed his arms. "Fine." He bit out.

Hermione's face softened. "I am sorry I hit you Draco." She said softly, rubbing her hand over her face. "I'm stressed out with my classes." She admitted. "Now that the holidays are over they have gotten even more intense."

"You're taking too many subjects Hermione." Harry said with a shake of his head. "I don't know how you can attend all of the classes."

"It's complicated." Hermione said uncomfortably. She picked up her bag. "I'll see you guys later. Again, I apologize Draco." She quickly left.

Draco felt his still tender nose. "She has a strong arm." He commented.

Harry and Ron looked at each other and began laughing and soon even Draco joined in.

HPHPHPHP

Severus apparated to the Malfoy manor, which was as expansive and elegant as he remembered it to be. He knocked on the door and a moment later house-elf led him into the dining area.

"Severus." Lucius stood, dressed in fancy robes. "It is good to see you old friend." The house-elf brought in a tray with tea and set it down on the table.

Severus raised an eye-brow. "Is it? The last time we saw each other you were not exactly pleasant."

Lucius waved his hand dismissively. "That is neither here nor there. I was upset and felt betrayed."

"Excuse me?"

"You and I were friends Severus. At least I thought we were. Once you remembered you were father to the boy-who-lived why did you not tell me?" Lucius asked, his gray eyes dark. "I had to read about it like I was some regular person."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Arrogant as ever." His eyes darkened. "You sent that journal of Voldemort's into the school and it nearly killed two students, one being my son. You then got angry because you knew I was not a devoted Death Eater. Why in the world should I ever trust you?"

Lucius stiffened. "Indeed, I planted the diary with the Weasley girl. However, I never wanted the Dark Lord to be able to come back. I didn't even know that would be a possibility with the diary. I merely wanted to get Arthur Weasley out of the ministry as he has done nothing but cause trouble for me." He sighed. "I acted upset by the thought that you were not a follower to see if you indeed were truly not a Death Eater."

"Interesting. However, I will need to make sure of that." Severus pulled out a small vial filled with a clear liquid and handed it to Lucius.

Lucius eyed the vial carefully. "Veritaserum." He stated.

Severus nodded. "Freshly made." He leaned back in his seat causally and waited. He had spent the last month brewing a batch. The only things that could counter the potion was the antidote which had to be taken after ingesting it and Occlumency. Severus knew Lucius was not an Occlumens. "Three drops worth."

Lucius drummed his fingers on the table. He didn't like the idea of not being in control of what he said. But he disliked the idea of the Dark Lord returning to full power and controlling his family's life even more. He uncorked the vial and poured it into his tea. The two men sat in silence while Lucius drank enough of the tea for the potion to take effect.

Severus waited a few minutes while he sipped his own cup of tea. He set his cup down and leaned forward in his seat. "Now we can talk."

TBC: