Notes:
It occurred to me that I left Hagrid out of the story so far. This chapter will explain why.
As an American author, I will primarily use American terms. I might use "Mum" instead of "Mom," but otherwise, except the traditional American word. If this bothers any British reader to the extent that they cannot enjoy the story, please click on the "back" button.
For FFN reviewers: While I will not, at this time, restrict reviewers to those who register for account (or choose to sign in), I will not respond here to any comments/questions to "guest" reviewers who do not provide a valid email address.
Moving onwards...
While there existed little enough reason for Severus to visit the Hogwarts kitchens with any regularity, he had been there, on occasion, and certainly could find his way to and from with ease.
The kitchens were the unofficial domain of the house elves, as they spent a good deal of their day in this space. Enhanced magical abilities notwithstanding, preparing meals for hundreds of students and over a dozen teachers was no small task. To do so three times a day, every day, for ten months out of the year...Severus could understand why most spent their time there. Of course, as he knew from his mother's recollections of her childhood, house elves did require sleep, even if it wasn't as much as humans. They might live to serve, but they required humane conditions to be happy. Judging by the near jubilation he witnessed upon his rare visits, the Hogwarts castle was quite a tolerable place to work.
It would be a good place to venture for their first official use of the Potter invisibility cloak. Ever since Harry's mistake with using a school broom without Severus's permission, the child had been extra cautious. They had both begun to see a Mind Healer, and bits of Harry's past were slowly coming out in these sessions. One of which was that, on occasion, after Harry had been punished for some minor infraction or involuntary use of his magic, another might come later. Or, he would be confined to his "cupboard" for no apparent reason, and he would assume it was because the Dursleys had thought the first time hadn't been long enough. Despite Severus's assurances that he would never do this to Harry, he couldn't blame his child for acting cautious, even fearful. But in the few sessions they had spent with the Mind Healer, Severus rather thought he could see progress.
Severus felt particularly relieved that, a few days before the term began, he had approached the Gamekeeper and told him (in no certain terms) that he was not to spend any time with Harry outside of his company. Teachers, he trusted in his quarters alone with his son. He knew all of them very well. While Severus didn't exactly distrust Hagrid as a person, he didn't want Harry visiting him at his hut. Quite frankly, the half-giant had bizarre ideas involving appropriate pets and places to take students he formed a friendship with. It would be typical of the man who persuade Harry to go with him into the outskirts-or likely further-of the Forbidden Forest. That was no place for a student without the supervision of a real teacher, much less someone like Hagrid. If the man took offense to Severus's protective measures, at least he had obeyed them.
Unlike a certain Quidditch coach...
Severus wished to provide Harry with a treat, to give the child no doubt that he was loved, and begin to acclimate him to the momentous task of using the invisibility cloak wisely, when magic dictated it would be passed down to him. A late night trip to the kitchens for their favorite desserts would be a good starting point. Severus had set Harry's bedtime during the week at 8:30, and permitted him to remain up an extra half hour on Friday and Saturday. Severus, himself, rarely went to bed before 11:00, and was often up until nearly midnight. Delegate tasks as he tried, there was only so much he could pass off to his prefects and his marking assistant. He was pleased to find that the incidents he'd been required to deal with in personal were far lower than previous years. The threat of a week's worth of detentions with Filch for the first instance of being caught breaking the school rules, and twice that for every following one, was enough to deter outright foolishness.
Additionally, Severus had never been one to require ample amounts of sleep, and besides, he supposed he made up for a lack on the weekends. Between the colder weather and their quarters so close to the dungeons, it was a rare Saturday and Sunday that he and Harry rose before ten. At nine or so, Severus would join Harry for cuddles, usually tickling him awake beforehand, and they would lay together, the child curled against his guardian, until the need for sustenance overrode the need for rest. Even then, they remained in their night clothes for some time, enjoying the lazy mornings. Severus had issued a similar warning to his prefects not to disturb him, on such days, unless it was a literal manner of life and death.
This morning was particularly relaxing. Granted, Harry had experienced another nightmare, so Severus had remained with him throughout the remaining night hours. The Mind Healer had encouraged this in a private meeting with Severus. She'd explained that bonding with Severus was the most important part of Harry's development. If codependency developed later on, they would work on that. But she believed that this was a fairly unlikely and remote possibility. "Harry's safety, emotional as well as physical, should be your top priority," she reminded him.
Harry had fallen asleep shortly after Severus joined him, and Severus's himself shortly thereafter. It was after ten that morning when Severus awoke, and turned over on his side to study his sleeping child. Harry was so young, and looked far more so in his sleep. Innocent, in spite of his abhorrent treatment by the Dursleys. Severus began to card his hair, feeling the familiar warm, protective feelings gather their way to the top of his mind. If the Dark Lord could see into his mind right now, it would take all of Severus's Occlumency skills to push him out. But the Dark Lord was gone, at least for now, and his ward was right here.
Harry sighed, leaning his head in fully, eager for the ministration. "Hi, Dad," he whispered.
"Hello, owlet," Severus returned, softly.
Harry sighed again, then gave Severus a small smile. Severus returned it with ease. Laying there, eyes half closed, Harry looked absolutely adorable. His head was the only part of him visible under his three blankets, all of which contained a Heating Charm. It was not yet cold enough for a fire in the fireplace, but they were not far off from it. After Halloween, perhaps.
As Severus continued to card the boy's messy, yet very soft, hair, he mentally went over his plans for the day and the night. They would spend it together, of course, so Severus had already made the preparations with the elves. A little after ten that evening, he and Harry would arrive at the kitchens under the invisibility cloak. There, sitting on a couch Minerva had Transfigured for them, the two would enjoy a lovely dessert of hot chocolate, treacle tart (for Harry) and Holiday Blancmange (for him). A favorite dessert from childhood, Severus had been uncertain if the elves knew how to prepare it. But when he had visited the kitchens earlier that week, they had instantly known what he meant. Severus's mouth watered as he thought about it.
Harry's eyes were closed, now, and his cat crawled onto the pillow beside him. Severus generally preferred cats to dogs-they were more intelligent, and he appreciated their ability to think for themselves, especially those with kneazle blood-but not enough to seek out the company of one as a pet. Calla, as Harry had named his white kitten, was everything a cat should be. Loyal to him, affectionate to a fault, and not at all prone to hissing or scratching him. Not that Harry did much that would provoke such behavior. He didn't pull her tail, or speak loudly, or insist on holding her when she wished to be put down. Rather, the two had a good understanding of what was expected from the other.
As though on cue, Harry now arched his head towards Severus, which served the dual purpose of allowing him access to the once hidden part of his head, and Calla more of his pillow. The feline purred, Harry murmured some indistinguishable words denoting pleasure, and Severus let out a chuckle.
It was hardly a bad way to begin a weekend morning.
Before long, or so it seemed to Severus, their stomachs growled, and it was time to rise. The clock read nearly eleven, which wasn't exactly late, but it was hardly early. Severus was already wearing his dressing gown, and Harry put on his from its place on the chair in front of his desk. Calla raced ahead of them, waiting for Harry to feed her.
Meowing as though it had been months instead of hours since her last meal, she waited until the food fell from the can to her bowl. Harry washed his hands without being reminded, and then took his seat at the table.
"I was thinking of porridge," Severus mused. "With the downpour outside, it feels like a good day for it."
He waited for Harry's input. This had been something else the Mind Healer had insisted on. It was not enough simply to provide ample food, and food that Harry didn't mind. He should have some say in what he ate. Not that this meant he could opt to eat nothing but sweets, but if he had a hankering for eggs or toast instead of something Severus suggested, he should feel comfortable asking for it.
Today, however, Harry nodded eagerly. Well, that was easy enough. Severus gave his head a playful pat before setting to the task. Several minutes later, they sat in silence, savoring the warm, tasty meal.
"How would you like us to spend the morning?" Severus asked, once the plates were cleared and sent to the house elves.
Harry's face had perked up at the mention of a surprise, and now furrowed in thought. "Could we work on one of my birthday puzzles?"
Severus had observed that these had gone unopened in their time together. Last week, Harry had admitted that he'd worked on a puzzle, and worried he would not be any good at it. Severus, while reassuring him and promising they could work on one together, at their leisure, had inwardly cursed himself for his thoughtlessness. He ought to have chosen easier ones, ones that provided aid. In his attempt to purchase gifts that would not be too easy for Harry, he'd overwhelmed his child instead.
Calla's presence might have made the task of assembling a one thousand piece puzzle over several weeks an impossible feat. But that was where magic came in. Severus had performed a variation of the Shield Charm so that the kitten would be unable to approach the table which contained the puzzle. Oh, she would not be hurt, simply find herself jumping over the table, instead of on it. After a couple of misguided attempts to land on the table, Calla had been forced to admit defeat. When Severus and Harry worked, she contended herself with napping on Harry's lap, or playing with any number of her cat toys.
A quarter hour later or so, after dressing in the casual weekend attire-Severus did own a few pairs of such robes, but never wore them in public-they returned the sitting room, and immersed themselves in the puzzle. Having already assembled all of the edges, they were slowly making their way through the inner parts of the puzzle. Severus supposed that, working alone, he could finish it within a day or so. Harry's progress was far slower-and he had no previous experience. At such times, Severus felt a vague temptation to be impatient with Harry, but he clamped down on this. What did it matter if it took a year or longer? This was recreation, not creating a new potion.
Today, in front of a blazing fire as the rain turned into a torrential downpour, Severus and Harry were particularly pleased with their progress. After they stopped working on the puzzle for lunch, and to stretch their legs, Harry held Calla up to the window.
"Aren't you glad you're not outside today?" he asked, gently scratching her behind the ears.
"Meow!" Calla replied, repositioning herself so that she was draped over Harry's shoulders.
"Or you, owlet," Severus added, joining Harry at the window, and placing a hand on his shoulders.
Around now would be time for Harry's weekend afternoon nap, particularly when the weather was too inclement for him to be involved in outdoor activities. Neither were of a weak enough constitution that cold weather would deter them, but the rain hadn't slowed one bit. Severus wondered if the forecast had been incorrect. Now that he considered it, there had been quite a rain over the last month. Minerva and Pomona claimed that a good deal of rain in the fall signaled numerous snowstorms during the winter. If so, Harry would be able to have a great deal of fun playing with the other students, when the time came.
Severus usually tried to rouse Harry from his rest when he returned from teaching, or shortly thereafter. With a bedtime of 8:30, he might struggle to fall asleep if he slept into the evening. Tonight, however, Harry would likely not fall asleep until closer to midnight. A late afternoon nap, on occasion, would be appropriate. And if it threw off his sleep schedule for a day or so, the Ministry (or his health) would hardly fall to pieces.
"We're staying up far later than usual," Severus began, once they had seated themselves back at the puzzle, "so we'll eat an early dinner, around 4:30, and then you can rest for awhile."
"For the surprise?" Harry asked, looking up.
Severus nodded. "I won't give it away, owlet, but I will say it involves an official use of the invisibility cloak."
The child's eyebrows raised as he took this in. "Both of us?"
"Yes. I shall lead the way and I can either carry you, or you can walk best me," Severus offered.
Harry chewed on his lip in thought. "I reckon... would rather walk. It would feel too dark, otherwise."
"I'll need to close the front of the cloak, so you won't see out either way," Severus cautioned.
"Oh." Harry went silent. "Still, I reckon I would rather walk."
"Very well. When we return, if you wish me to hold you, I will," Severus promised, and Harry smiled at him.
Severus suspected it would come to that. Nap or no, it would be well past Harry's bedtime by the time they returned. Even spurred by the sugar of the treat-and Harry, thank Merlin, did not react to sugar with excess energy-he would be near exhaustion. But there was no other way to perform this expedition in secret, and a Saturday night was the best time for it. If Harry needed to sleep all of Sunday, it would be worth the adventure.
They returned their focus to the puzzle in quiet concentration. Harry had gathered up all of the pieces containing green in the past quarter hour, and was now working at trying to fit them together. Although they were not all to be fitted together in the same location, it was a good strategy. Severus was pleased by the boy's insight.
He was also pleased, and rather relieved, that Harry didn't pester him with questions regarding the night's upcoming activities. No doubt, he was curious, but accepted that any probing would be in vain. On the other hand, could that be another form of resignation? The way he had simply assumed he would be hit for his first instance of breaking Severus's rules? A quiet and polite child was generally preferable to a disobedient and rowdy one, but when you took Harry's trauma into account...
Then again, there was the possibility of over analyzing. Severus would discuss this, privately, with the Mind Healer. She might not possess every answer, but she would likely be able to tell if there was cause for concern.
They had assembled approximately one hundred additional pieces when Harry began to yawn. Severus felt for the child. Normally, he would pick him up and put him to bed, but it was only a bit after two. They still had at least another two hours to pass.
"I'm afraid you can't have a rest now," Severus told him, gently. "Not until after dinner."
Instead of sulking or pouting, Harry simply nodded. Then, he glanced outside. To his relief, and amusement, the rain had ceased entirely. With warm cloaks, they would be protected from the chill. Harry could always have his bath before dinner. The walk might rouse him from his drowsy state.
"Shall we take a brief walk?" Severus asked. "Outside, that is."
He didn't fancy strolling around the castle with Harry. Oh, nothing very terrible was likely to happen, but students were particularly rowdy during the weekends, and they would likely stare and whisper.
Severus's thoughts were interrupted by Harry asking a question.
"Can I fly? Please?"
"You may bring your broomstick," Severus determined, "and we shall see if it's advisable for you to use it."
Harry grinned, then hugged him. "Thanks, Dad!"
Several moments later, and feeling wonderfully toasty in his own heated cloak, they left the quarters. Once outside, Harry seemed to receive what Muggles called a "second wind," even running ahead of Severus once they reached the pitch. He was glad for this. Yes, the grounds were soaked, but the water didn't soak through their boots. Moreover, if Harry's talent for flying transferred into a position on one of the house teams (privately, Severus was hoping for a sorting of Slytherin or Ravenclaw's, but he would accept any outcome with grace), it would do him good to get used to flying in inclement weather. Matches were never rescheduled for mere rain...or snow. He recalled Lily reading about a match which had taken place during an outright blizzard. (He'd said it was a pity it hadn't been when Potter had played, and he hadn't been caught up in it. Lily, not yet interested in the toe rag, had giggled.)
Most of the students were inside, judging by the very few they had encountered. Those they did see murmured a greeting towards Severus, and a friendlier one towards Harry. Ordinarily, Severus would have merely nodded in response, but with Harry watching his every move, he had forced out a cordial greeting. Not that he wanted to stay and chat-an opinion that the students shared. Although, perhaps, had Harry been on his own, they might have pestered him about what it was like to live with the "bat of the dungeons." Severus had heard variations of this nickname during the past several years. Well, it was far better than the nickname given to him by Black, and later adopted by all of the Marauders-except, admittedly, Lupin.
But now was hardly the time to stew in the past. He turned to Harry, making sure to keep his expression kind, and spoke.
"Are you warm enough? Would you prefer an enhanced Warming Charm?" he asked, studying his child carefully.
Outwardly, the child showed no signs of discomfort, but that didn't necessarily mean he was at ease.
But Harry shook his head. "Still toasty, Dad," he said easily, smiling.
Severus gave him a pat. "Then, off you go."
Harry needed no further encouragement. The child was up in the air within seconds, clearly far more at ease than Severus had ever felt. Broomsticks had never been a source of amusement as much as a slow form of travel. Yet the expression of joy on Harry's face as he flew reminded Severus all too much of James. He forced down the memories. Yes, Harry had inherited his father's talent, but aside from that and his looks, little else. Harry was entirely his mother on the inside.
Still, it was rather uncanny how well he could fly, considering his lack of experience. No wonder Rolanda Hooch had pressed Harry to use a school broom...
"Those child models are just guidelines! Harry's an expert flier, and to confine him to one of those would be a travesty!" she'd protested, hotly.
"I hardly plan to confine him to one for the duration of his childhood," Severus had shot back. "But the fact remains that he has only flown for a month. I will not have him breaking an arm on a broom without protective charms."
She'd scoffed. "We can repair broken bones in a moment, and how else will he learn?"
They had agreed that Harry would be allowed to use a school broom with the supervision of himself or her (or Minerva) for the foreseeable future.
After nearly storming away, Severus felt rather guilty about having administered ANY punishment on Harry. Rolanda would not have taken "no" for an answer-and she had been an adult. Still, a few hours of helping with preparation of ingredients instead of flying had hardly been an egregious course of action.
Severus saw Harry would flourish with a more advanced broomstick. Perhaps, it would be like forcing a child to use training wheels on a bicycle long past the point of necessity. When Harry landed, Severus asked him if he'd like to fly for a bit using a school broomstick.
"Are you certain?" Harry asked, rather tremulously.
"Yes. I have observed you using one before," Severus reminded. "If you like, I shall fetch one."
It was true that Severus had observed Harry a handful of times. Usually, after he had finished teaching for the day, and Madam Hooch was already there.
This would be the first time Severus actually volunteered to supervise, though.
Harry hesitated for only a moment, then nodded. His face had taken on a slight pinched look, his tell tale show of anxiety, and it hardly took a Legilmens to see why.
Severus drew him into a hug. "It's all right, child," he murmured.
Harry clung to him for several seconds before letting go.
Yes, his expertise-for an eight year old-certainly showed with a school broomstick. There were times when Severus nearly held his breath, wand at the ready in case the child fell. But there were no slip ups, nor near ones. It was clear: Harry was born to fly. Yes, he'd land a place on the house team by third year, at the latest. He wouldn't do well as a Beater, nor as a Keeper. Chaser or Seeker, then. A Chaser was, statistically speaking, a safer position. They worked as a team, and the Beaters typically tried to keep the bludgers off of them. But James had been one of those...
Seekers had the most dangerous and difficult role to play. But Potter had not been one, even though he'd aspired to it. Each year, Lily said, he'd try out for that position. Each year, he was assigned to be a Chaser. Even upon making Captain during his final year, that Seeker had been so good that Potter must have known he could hardly replace him. If Harry became Seeker, he'd outshine his father. That was nearly worth the potential danger...
Well, in all likelihood, it was several years away. In the meantime, Severus could not exactly coach Harry (he hadn't the skills), but he could encourage him and not hinder his progress. While stressing safety as he practiced. His child would not perform those inane, reckless moves on his watch.
"Very well done," he said, proudly, after Harry landed. He glanced at his watch. It was already after four. "Time for dinner, now, and a rest. Are you tired?"
Harry leaned against him. "A bit."
After dinner, as was always his choice, he could choose between a few pieces of candy from his supply, or a dessert from the kitchens. Severus was relieved when Harry chose the former, and after happily consuming two chocolate frogs and two peppermint toads, it was time for a bath.
"Put on your nighttime attire afterwards. You won't need your robes for what I have planned," Severus instructed.
"Will I need my cloak?" Harry asked.
"Not this time. We won't be leaving the castle," Severus answered.
After carding Harry's hair for a few moments, the child was fast asleep. Tucking the blankets more securely around him, Severus smiled to himself as he left the room and headed to his lab. Today, there were no interruptions. Severus surprised himself by being able to brew not only two cauldrons of Stomach Soother and Fever Reducer, but one of Skelego. Those children unfortunate enough to need to take it found it the most vile of potions they would likely ever need to take. Brewing it was only slightly more pleasant. The fumes were such that, despite donning a pair of Muggle goggles he'd purchased several years back, Severus's eyes burned so much afterwards that he had to spend a full minute flushing them with water. His throat, too, ached-but this side effect would go away on its own within an hour. It was a very good thing that Skelegro only went rancid after five years, and was rarely used more than a handful of times a year.
Severus showered, as much to remove the fumes from his body as for the relaxation it would provide, and then donned his night clothes and dressing gown. It was time to rouse Harry.
"Harry," he murmured, running a hand over the child's hair. "It's time to wake up."
The boy stirred, and then his eyes opened. "Dad?"
"It's nearly ten," Severus reminded him. "Did you have a nice rest?"
Harry nodded, then sat up, stretching.
Wordlessly, Severus Summoned Harry's dressing gown, then added a Warming Charm. "The corridors are particularly drafty at night."
Harry accepted the dressing gown and pulled it over his night shirt. "Can you tell me where we're going, now? Please?"
But Severus just ruffled his hair. "You'll find out shortly. Now," he added, as he Summoned the invisibility cloak, "you don't want me to carry you? Rather walk, then?"
"I think so. Can I change my mind?" Harry asked, eyes on the shimmering garment.
"You may." Severus gently pulled Harry to his side, and carefully pulled the cloak around them. A moment later, Severus felt the child's hand in his, and squeezed it gently.
The cloak wasn't a cloak in the traditional sense of the word. Oh, it was longer than the kind Harry and Severus wore for warmth, but it was only about as warm as a bed sheet. Invisibility "over shift" might be a more accurate term.
Carefully, Severus made his way out of Harry's room, mindful that while he could see, Harry could not. Severus would be leading a blind child, keeping Harry nearly attached to him, until they reached the kitchens.
He walked the length of the hallway, far slower than usual, then the sitting room, and finally, opened the door. They crossed through, with Severus locking it behind him. Not that any student would be foolish enough not only to be visibly out of bed, but trespass upon his quarters. Such a thing would lose them at least a hundred points, and detention for the remainder of the year.
Still. Best to remove any source of temptation.
The usual trek from Severus's quarters to the kitchens took no more than five minutes when students were in bed. Severus was very much aware that it would be at least twice as long. First year students, on the occasion they had to follow Severus somewhere, nearly had to run to keep up with his strides. Harry, as far as his body went, was a bit more than half their age. Besides, this was meant to be a treat, not a race. Severus forced himself to walk much more slowly, to match his paces with his child's.
This wasn't necessarily a negative. Standing so close to his child, especially with an arm wrapped around him, was very intimate. Certainly, the two cuddled together, Severus slept next to Harry on occasion, and he gave him soothing back rubs at least once a week. Not to mention the moments Harry would simply curl up again his guardian during the day, often while he was grading papers. Physical closeness was no rarity. Yet, there was a clear and distinct difference between being close to someone while sitting or laying down, and walking together in such a manner. Severus could hear and feel Harry's breaths as they walked, his low murmurs when they nearly ran into a ghost or statue, his giggle when they nearly stepped through a ghost.
He was almost disappointed when they arrived at the kitchens.
The kitchens were close to the Hufflepuff tower. Severus spotted the painting of a bowl of fruit, and reached out to tickle the pear. It squirmed, giggled, and then turned into a large, green handle. Severus grabbed onto it before it could change back.
"Wow," Harry murmured. "How'd you know to do that?"
Severus chuckled. "Many students discover this secret before they finish school. I was among them, although without an invisibility cloak, it was rather much difficult."
The room was as massive as the Great Hall, which, being located directly underneath it, should surprise no one. Warmth filled the room, in part due to the massive fireplace against one of the walls. Pans and other cooking implements filled the walls. Most notably was the location of four long tables. Immediately above them were those in the Great Hall. During mealtimes, the food would appear there, sent by the elves. Now, of course, the tables were empty.
The house elves were expecting them, of course, and Severus immediately removed the cloak from himself and his son. He gave Harry's shoulders a squeeze, and the small child gazed around the large room with particularly wide eyes. A slow smile crept over his face.
Immediately, the elves nearest to Severus and Harry surrounded them. Harry, who had not removed himself from his guardian's side, pressed himself even closer, the smile vanishing. He must feel overwhelmed, even scared. There was, of course, nothing to fear-but being in the presence of a hundred elves-give or take an undetermined number performing other tasks to keep the school running smoothly-could give any child a start.
Especially since Harry had never seen an elf before. Severus gave Harry a squeeze, and the child relaxed against him.
One elf, perhaps the head (if such things existed...) moved in front of the others.
"Good evening, sirs!" she squeaked, bowing deeply. "It is an honor for Miffy and the elves to be serving yous!"
"Thank you, Miffy," Severus replied, making sure to keep an arm around Harry. "This is, as you are well aware, Harry Potter's first time here."
Loud murmurs of reverence came at the name of The Boy Who Lived, but when Miffy turned around, they ceased.
"And we is hoping everything will be to your liking and you will be back!" Miffy said, bowing again. "If you please, we shall be giving you a table and chairs to eat your dessert."
At Severus's nod, the items appeared immediately in front of the fireplace. He was pleased that each chair was roomy enough for them to be able to sit together with comfort.
"This way, child," Severus instructed, making sure to keep his voice reassuring.
"T-thank you," Harry said, in the direction of Miffy.
The elf bowed again. "Will you be eating your food now, sirs?"
They sank into the plush chairs, and Severus placed the cloak over the back.
"That would be much appreciated," he agreed.
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a group of elves came forward, carrying an enormous tray containing a teapot, two large mugs, and plates holding enough sweets to make them ill. Severus, once again, thanked Merlin that Harry was a relatively reasonable child when it came to sweets, and never ate past feeling full.
Severus turned to Harry, who looked less overwhelmed by the new setting and people, and more so by the very large treacle tart and ice cream in front of him.
"Enjoying the surprise?" he asked, with a grin.
Harry nodded vigorously, then grinned back. "This is so...it's brilliant, Dad!"
"It is, rather," Severus returned. Quickly, he added, "The elves are very kind creatures, all very happy to be able to work here, and it shows whenever they have visitors. I came last week to request our favorite desserts to be prepared for our jaunt. I didn't expect," he added, with a light laugh, "for the portions to be so large. Eat until you've had enough, and we'll bring the rest back to enjoy at our leisure."
"Even the ice cream?" Harry asked.
Severus tousled his hair. "I can charm it not to melt, owlet."
"Oh. That's right." Harry's face reddened a bit, but when Severus squeezed his shoulders, he smiled. "Thank you so much, Dad. This is incredible, really."
"You are most welcome." Severus cut into his dessert, and Harry followed his lead. "We'll do this again, on occasion. Additionally, I have other plans for us to use this cloak before it officially passes to you."
The child's eyes shone, tears beginning to flow, and Severus pulled him into a long hug. When Harry let down his arms, they began to eat.
The Holiday Blancmange was as good as the last time Severus had consumed it, over two years prior. Hogsmeade did not sell it, but now that Severus knew that the elves could make it, he would request it be a part of the dessert menu for Hogwarts feasts. Additionally, an occasional trip with Harry to the kitchens for this treat would be quite appropriate. Still, the amount the elves provided was far larger than the average portion size for anyone-except, perhaps, Hagrid.
Harry ate slowly, lingeringly, taking bites that would appear to be small for an adult, but were quite average for him. Severus was glad that Harry could enjoy his favorite dessert without needing to wolf it down. He had eaten rather faster than he did now when he'd first come to live with Severus, but his pace had slowed upon realizing that he would always be provided with plenty, and the plate would not be removed if he didn't finish in a predetermined amount of time. Clearly, neither had been true with the Dursleys...although, no, the latter was because of Dudley's inclination to topple over the table when he didn't get his way. Yes, anyone would eat rapidly under such circumstances...
The tart had more than three quarters left when Harry put down his fork and knife, and the same amount remained for the vanilla ice cream. He gazed up at his guardian, a contented expression on his face.
Severus, on the other hand, had not shown the same restraint as his son, but more than half was still left. It would last for two days.
"Would you like to go back, or see a tour of the kitchens?" Severus asked, casting a glance at the faces of the elves.
"Er, I am rather tired," Harry admitted.
"Perhaps next time," Severus reassured him. "We shall return before long."
Harry smiled sleepily.
After the elves bundled the treats into containers (adding others, among them, Severus guessed) and Severus had cast the necessary charms, he placed them in a bag with an Extension Charm.
"Thank you for the treats," Severus told Miffy, and the other elves by extension. "It was a very memorable experience."
"Yes, thank you so much!" Harry piped up.
The elves all bowed, of course, and there was a cacophony of how happy they were to serve, how Professor Snape and Harry Potter must return soon. Severus, promising they would return before long, lifted a sleepy Harry into his arms before maneuvering themselves under the cloak. After leaving the kitchens, Severus found himself able to make the trip to their quarters quite quickly. As he tucked the nearly sleeping child into bed before joining him, he felt a mix of contentedness and letdown that it was over. It hadn't exactly been an adventure, rather an outing, but exciting all the same. Enjoyable to plan, too. He could see why his former classmates talked so much about upcoming holidays and the trips their families would take, and then again once they were over.
But this was merely the beginning of such occasions, and while this particular one was over, many more would follow. Severus smiled to himself as sleep crept over him, aided along by the warm blankets and presence of Harry-and Calla-beside him.
A/N: I felt like this chapter worked best from Severus's POV. There was prep work for the visit involved, which might have worked if he had simply told Harry about it, but I rather wanted the audience to experience the whole thing from an adult (whose childhood, while in many ways was FAR better than Harry's, was still sorely lacking) creating an experience for his kid.
The next chapter-featuring Halloween-will also take place from his POV, but I hope to revert back to Harry's soon. We have a lot of "firsts" to cover.
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