Hey, everyone, glad to let out some more chapters on this one. I have made a good outline, but this was a lengthier chapter. I also added some stuff outside the outline, but eh, it was dope. I wanted to let anyone who is reading any of my other stories that this will probably be my last chapter for the week as I have some guests coming this weekend for my 22nd birthday. Promise, I am coming back probably on Monday night to give you all another update to this story and Farce hidden Father. Glad you guys are reading, and well have a good weekend, everyone!

Chapter Nine

Severus was pacing, waiting on the boy to join him for their afternoon lessons. He had gotten a book typically used for young children learning their letters and procured a practice quill for the occasion. He even had debated and decided to draw up some tea and biscuits for the too-small child. The slight boy could use some more meat on him, and Severus would only be doing what he should as the boy's mentor.

It was five minutes till when the boy knocked on the door as timidly as expected. Severus strode to the door and opened it slowly, allowing the easily startled child time to process the movement. He looked down as the door opened fully, taking in the child in his new clothes and his cheeks a tad red most likely from running down from lunch.

"Come in, Harry."

He stepped to the side and gestured the child over to a desk with a hand. The child settled down in the chair tall enough to reach the edge of Severus's desk, and Severus followed, sitting in his own chair behind the desk. The child was already smiling at him and seeming cheery in his presence. It was not what most children would consider a matter of cheer, but Severus was already aware Harry was different from other children.

"Well, Harry, I am glad you could make it here on time. As discussed before, we will be going over quills and writing with them. Now, show me how you hold your quill?"

Severus watched as the boy demonstrated his improper hold. Severus gently and carefully showed the child the correct form for holding the quill and then set him to doing repetitions of the alphabet. The child smiled and did as he was told while Severus spent his time completing grading he needed to have finished for the week.

The boy had finished two to three sheets, and Severus noted his competency increasing as he finished the lines. Severus tapped the child to gain his attention and gestured to where the tea and biscuits were waiting for them in the sitting area. The child jumped to his feet with a grin and sat in his blue chair. Severus joined the child in the chair of his own and set about giving the child his tea in the overly sweet fashion he preferred.

"Thanks, Professor. This is really great."

Severus inclined his head and took his own tea, sipping from the saucer. The child looked to him his teeth near biting his lip. Severus arched an eyebrow and saw the nervous glance to the biscuits on the tea service. Severus rolled his eyes and placed two of the treats onto a plate for the child. "Eat, you are much too thin."

The boy grinned all boyish and full of happiness as he ate the two biscuits. Severus wanted to flush at having caused such an innocent child such emotion. However, he was more in control of himself today and could negate that reaction. He was slightly pleased with himself to have caused such boyish excitement from the child.

Severus was unsurprised to hear the floo go off as his expected visitor arrived. Harry, who had not been expecting Lucius, jumped in his chair, nearly spilling his tea. The boy righted himself and looked nervously to the man that was walking to join them. Severus waved a hand at the boy and waved a wand to conjure another chair for their guest. He took the time Lucius used to strut to his place to ward the office and floo for privacy, not taking chances that the old codger would not be listening in on them.

Severus turned back to his guests to see the boy had sunk into his chair and seemed to be wringing his hands nervously. Severus tapped the boy's hands and watched the stare Lucius had had on the child turn to him. The man was incorrigible, smirking at him, knowing how that look made Severus feel.

Severus shook himself and looked to the boy, his face automatically softening. "Harry, this is my friend I mentioned. He is the one helping at the Ministry. He wanted to speak with you. Lucius, this is Harry Potter."

His partner extended his hand and allowed the boy to meet him halfway. Severus appreciated the man's ability to act slowly and carefully to stop the child from flinching. Harry grasped the man's hand with a wane smile and ducked his head. "Nice to meet you, sir."

Severus was surprised at the genuine smile on Lucius's face. "Nice to meet you as well, Harry. How are you today?"

Severus kept his eyes on the boy as the child grinned. "Great, sir. The Professor was just helping me with quills, and now we're having tea and biscuits. I even had two!"

His partner smiled at the child, and Severus was left to contemplate how excited one child could become from a mentoring session. "Ah, I am glad to hear it. Well, I came to speak with you about what I am doing for you within the Ministry."

That caused the excitement to fade from the child and for the boy to curl into himself. Severus was happy to see the child had not started with his anxious hand twining or his lip biting. Still, there was something more disconcerting about the child curling into himself so tightly. Severus found his hand already reaching for the child and settling gently on his too-thin knee in reassurance. "Try not to look so frightened, Harry. Lucius is only going to explain what he has done so far as well as get a feel as to what he will do next."

Severus glared at his partner to see how the man responded, and Lucius surprised him by already crouching by the child's chair with a kind face. "I do not wish to upset you, child."

Harry nodded to the man, and Severus was reassured when he unfurled a little. "I-I uh, know, sir. Sorry."

"Forget that. I was only trying to explain how I have taken the evidence your Professor gathered and made contact with a member of the Wizarding Department of Child Services."

The boy bit his lip, and Severus tapped the child's chin in reproach. "Who, sir?"

Lucius smiled kindly. "She is a kind woman, one who has been made aware of the need for discretion. She is working with a solicitor to declare the Dursleys unfit. She will then file the necessary paperwork with the Ministry without alerting anyone to the change."

The boy seemed to shake as he listened to Lucius. Severus was surprised that the child was not relieved to hear this, but he also knew the child was always capable of surprising him. Severus tilted the boy's ducked head with a finger to his chin and saw the tears in the boy's eyes. Severus sighed, gesturing for Lucius to sit back in his seat. Severus was surprised to see his partner listen to him, but disregarded the notion of being obeyed by the bull-headed man.

"Harry, are you alright, child?"

The boy nodded, his breathing slightly harsh as he stared at Severus. "I-I... I never thought it would be real."

"That what was real," Severus prompted.

The boy's eyes were teary, but they stared at him with so much emotion. "That people would listen to me. You... You got people to fight for me."

Severus flinched at the near admiration in the boy's voice. "Harry, I do not believe I... Anyone would do the same in my place."

The boy shook his head, his lip between his teeth again. "No, they didn't. They all listened to the Dursleys and thought me a liar. You... You believed me and made others believe me. Thank you, sir. Thank you so much."

The boy flung himself into his arms, and Severus caught the child in his arms. The tiny limpet clung to him, his teary face in his chest. Severus tried to avoid the eyes of his partner as the man watched their interaction with a smirk. Severus glared at him but was distracted as the child pulled away from him with a blush covering his face.

"M'sorry, sir. I shouldn't have done that."

Severus tried for a grin at the boy. "It's fine, Harry." He coughed as he realized his reassurance would have to come. "I have come to understand that comfort is something I can provide to you should you need it."

Severus watched as the child grinned at him, but to save himself from more sentimentality, he placed the child on his seat and took his own. "Lucius, have you anything more to discuss?"

The man smirked as he stood from his chair. "No, not at all. I think I will just take my leave. Nice to have met you, Harry. Please take care. Severus, if I could have a moment?"

Severus nodded and stood from the sitting area. "Harry, please wait here while Lucius and I speak. Afterwards, we can discuss some things regarding further lessons as well as this one."

The boy nodded, allowing Severus to lead Lucius over to the floo. He set wards to hide them from sight and sound before turning to the waiting man. Lucius was smirking and looked to where the boy should be sitting. Severus sighed, leaning against the wall as he regarded the man.

His partner crowded his space, his lips twisted into a mocking smile. "Oh, Severus, I can now see why you have begun to act with such predilection. Merlin, the child is adorable. Is that all it takes to get under the skin of one Severus Snape?"

Severus growled, stabbing a finger in the man's chest. "Do not mock me, Lucius."

The man's smirk turned into a genuine grin as he took Severus's hand from where it was stabbing him. Severus watched with confusion as the man took his hand and kissed it. Lucius smiled at him and gestured back to where the boy should be sitting. "I only jest, Severus. I am honestly taken with the way the child causes you to act. So protective and caring, and the way you reassure the child. Severus, I love you so much for doing this for the boy."

The look of adoration on the man's face caused Severus to blush as he had yesterday but for a completely different reason. "Stop, Lucius."

The man kissed him finally before pulling away. "Till later, love. Take care of the boy, though I know I have no need to tell you that."

Severus was still flushing as the man took the floo out of his office. The man had wanted under his skin as well and had promptly succeeded. The man was a menace, but Severus looked forward to seeing him later to discuss this 'adoration' the man had.

He came back to himself, taking down the wards he set for his conversation with Lucius. Severus returned to his seat with the boy to see the child happily sipping his tea, his legs slightly swaying where they could not reach the ground. Severus put another biscuit or two on the child's plate before going back to his own tea as he thought over what he would need to discuss with the child.

He allowed the child to eat his treats before tapping the table to gain his attention. The boy's whole body seemed to draw up as he turned his full attention to Severus. Still, Severus noted the boy had not become apprehensive. "Harry, I would like to discuss some things I have noted that we should cover in our lessons. As I will try not to take much of your time, we will have to cover those in our lessons and then have you practice on your own. That is not to say that you cannot come to me for help. I will always be able to help you should you come to me."

Severus noted the bright look in the boy's eyes as he nodded. "Yes, sir. I will practice as much as I can."

Severus pointed at the boy with a stern frown. "That does not mean you can slacken in your studies. I expect you to do homework and study for exams."

The boy seemed to hunch in on himself, his lip obviously between his teeth. Severus was about to prompt him when the child blew out a harsh breath as he released his lip. The child turned those fierce green eyes on him with determination, and Severus saw the same child that had scolded him. The courage must have come out of the child.

"I, uh, well, I don't know how to study, sir."

Severus nodded, calling a pad to his hand where he could make a note of it on his list. Severus turned the list to the child and left him to pursue it. Severus noted the boy blushing furiously and smirked to himself. "Well, child, any questions?"

The boy nodded. "Why... Uhm, not to say I am not grateful or anything, but what's wrong with how I use forks and stuff?"

Severus snorted. "Indeed, you may not be aware, but there is a proper way to hold utensils."

Severus conjured some cutlery and demonstrated for the boy. He handed the child the same pieces and had the child show him his understanding. Severus knew it would be awkward for a while though the child would undoubtedly try until he succeeded. "Good, Harry. I think that is enough for today. I will send you along with some sheets to practice your writing. We will meet again tomorrow during our free fourth periods to discuss more. Still, I think this was a very productive first meeting."

The boy grinned, and Severus gestured the boy to the door. Severus walked the child to the door and followed him with his eyes as the boy walked down the corridor. He was almost to the end of the hall when he turned and smiled back at Severus. "Bye, Professor. See you tomorrow."

Severus looked blankly at the child as he waved before fleeing from the corridor. Severus shook himself from the stupor before closing himself back in his office.

Harry

Harry had spent all his free time that week practising on his ability to write with a quill. When he wasn't doing that, he was doing homework and taking time out with Ron to play these new games he had learned called Gobstones and Exploding Snap. The other boys in their dorm also played, and Harry found Neville's quiet presence rather likeable when compared with Seamus's boisterous attitude. Dean was mostly normal, though he seemed to like football and knew a lot less about the wizarding world than Neville and Ron.

The five of them had spent meals together as well as with Ron's older brothers Fred and George, who to Harry seemed to be a little barmy. They loved playing pranks, and Harry had even seen them attempt one on his Professor. They hadn't succeeded and had ended up in detention with Filch, but they were still funny.

Harry was having a better time at mealtimes, even if the weird way his Professor showed him to use his fork and knife sometimes made his wrists feel funny. By Friday at lunch, Harry could eat at a reasonable pace with the new movements and had also been able to eat more. Harry grinned at his Professor as a treat hovered onto his plate, but the man wasn't looking at him.

Ron elbowed him and gestured to the doors. "We have to go, Harry. Flying class is this afternoon."

Harry's eyes widened. He had forgotten about the extra class they would have this week. Maybe he needed to ask his Professor for help, or maybe he should just go to class like everyone else. Harry shouldn't rely on the man for everything, or the man would find him a burden.

Harry followed Ron out of the room to the courtyard. Most of their year mates were already outside and in groups by their perspective houses. Harry and Ron joined the others from their dorm. Seamus and Ron immediately started to discuss Quidditch and their flying skills while Harry stayed near Neville, who seemed to be near panicking. Harry wasn't that nervous, not at all. He wouldn't give Malfoy the satisfaction because the boy seemed to be watching him with venom in his eyes.

Madame Hooch arrived and had them all line up with some brooms. Harry looked to see the old broom he had stepped beside. It didn't look like the most stable of objects, but Ron seemed excited. Harry was sure if his friend was fine that Harry could also be just as brave and ignore his nervousness.

They went through some exercises, and Harry was pleasantly surprised to find himself doing better than most. Using the broom almost seemed like second nature to him, and his success was noted admirably by Ron and with greater despise by Malfoy. They had just gotten to mounting when everything went wrong for Neville. The boy went flying through the air and fell from the broom onto the ground.

Harry wanted to run to the boy, but Madame Hooch had them stay where they were while she went to Neville. The boy seemed to favour an arm, and Madame Hooch was already herding him off to the Matron. Harry was confused at to why should we leave them there, but he wasn't allowed to think long on that as Malfoy had gotten his hands on a familiar object.

The blonde-haired boy smirked as the Slytherins gathered around him. "Well, guess, Longbottom must have forgotten this. Maybe if he had had it, he might have remembered to fall on his fat arse. Stupid squib."

Many of the Slytherins were chuckling while Harry pushed through the crowd to get to the boy. "Hey, Malfoy, give that back."

The Slytherin boy narrowed his eyes at him with a smirk. He took to the air, flicking the Remebrall in the air. "Or what, Potty? Gonna call the Professor and whine to him some more? You pathetic baby."

Harry flushed as his anger flared. "I'm not some baby, Malfoy, and give it back or... or I will knock you off your broom."

The other boy snorted, throwing his head back to laugh hauntingly. "Fat chance of that, Wee Baby Potty. No chance you come up here like a big boy when you could get the Professor to help you."

Harry snarled as he took off on his broom, shooting for the other boy. Malfoy ducked out of the way with a less confident smirk. The boy was looking at Harry with barely concealed shock, and Harry found himself glaring at the other boy. "Give it here, Malfoy!"

The blonde seemed to shake himself before glaring at Harry. "Go fetch, Potty."

The Slytherin threw the Remembrall, and Harry had a moment where everything faded. His body took over chasing after the object, his body pushing him to go harder before he caught up with the ball and snatched it from the air. His excitement at the catch hit him then, and he looked at his somewhat prize in admiration.

Harry shook himself from his internal celebration and landed with the rest of his class. Malfoy was there as well and was stalking toward him. Harry was startled from the feeling of success, realizing he might be in danger.

"Harry Potter!"

Harry and the rest of the class were surprised to find Professor McGonagall stalking toward them, her severe expression on her face. Harry gulped and handed the Remembrall to his friend before going to meet her. The woman looked down at him, an odd look in her eyes as she gestured for him to go the way she had come.

Harry ducked his head, keeping out of her reach as he went the way she directed. He couldn't stop from flinching as the woman put a hand to his shoulder. He didn't move as she settled her hand there to his shoulder and turned him in her direction.

Harry kept his head ducked as he looked up at her, grasping onto his robes to keep from twining his hands. He wasn't in the presence of his Professor, but he knew the man was trying to keep him from doing it at all.

"Harry."

Harry looked up to see his Head of House looking down at him, her face peculiarly blank. "I'm sorry, Professor. I know I shouldn't have done what I did, but Malfoy was going to break Neville's Remembrall. I couldn't let him."

Harry was surprised to see Professor McGonagall waving him off. "Enough of that, Harry. I am sure you won't do it again. I wanted to speak to you about a proposition I have for you."

"Proposition, ma'am?"

She nodded and waved him forward. They started walking down to the dungeons, and Harry was shocked to see her leading him toward his Professor's classroom. Was she going to tell his Professor? Why would she tell him? Why?

"I need Wood, Professor."

Harry was floored and felt his breathing pick up in pace. Was she going to beat him with something? Was that why they had come to his Professor? But, his Professor... He wouldn't! Would he?

"Ah, Professor McGonagall, and..."

Harry looked up to see his Professor standing in the doorway. Harry's lip felt like it was in a lot of pain, and he could feel something running down his chin. His Professor stepped forward, shutting the door to his classroom and waving a hand at the door. Harry was surprised to find the man's eyes on his own as he glanced up from where he had ducked his head to hide what he realized was a bit lip.

His Professor tsked, coming to his side. Harry stayed where he was as the man knelt in front of him and put a hand on his bleeding lip. The man was glaring at him sternly and pulling things from his robes. Harry saw the same potion he was given last time brought to his lip and smeared onto the cut. The man was just as gentle as usual though he did seem much more irritated than usual.

"What have I said about biting your lip, child?"

Harry slumped, feeling dejected for causing his Professor to be upset with him. "To, well, not to, sir."

The man nodded sharply before standing and placing his hand to his shoulder. "Now, why are you mutilating yourself, Harry?"

Harry flushed, looking away from the man and woman. He had just noticed Professor McGonagall staring at them curiously. Harry was ashamed now that he thought of what he had done at flying class, and he was sure his Professor would be even more displeased. He really didn't want to tell the man about it, but he would never lie to his Professor. "I-I heard Professor McGonagall ask for Wood, sir. I was scared she was going to punish me, sir."

The man still gripped his shoulders but was kneeling in front of him without the stern glare. He seemed to be trying to make his softer face, the one Harry knew meant he was trying to smile. Harry was unsure why the man would be doing that when he had been so naughty, but he wasn't unhappy to see the expression from the man.

"Harry, even if you had done something horrible, no one will ever hit you again. No one is allowed to punish you that way, and should anyone ever try, you will come to me so that I may deal with them. Do I make myself clear?"

Harry nodded, ducking his head as he could feel his smile try to overtake him. His Professor really was the best person he had ever met, and the man was going to protect him from even other professors. "I will. Thank you, sir."

The man nodded and gripped his arms, causing Harry to look to the man's eyes. "Why are you afraid of punishment, Harry?"

Harry wanted to bite his lip, but he kept his eyes to his Professor's and kept himself from injuring what was just healed. He had to be brave and hope that this didn't make him any less his Professor's exception.

"I flew in class, sir."

The man arched a brow. "Well, it is flying class, Harry. I see no reason to expect punishment if you were to be flying in class."

Harry winced. "Well, we weren't. You see, Neville had fallen from his broom and gotten hurt. Madame Hooch took him to get healed, and well, he dropped the Remembrall he had gotten this morning. Malfoy picked it up and was insulting Neville. I told him to give it back, and he made fun of me some. Then he went into the air and taunted that I wouldn't get it back. I couldn't let him hurt it. Neville had really been taken with it, and well, I didn't want to look like a baby. So, I went into the air, and then Malfoy throw it. I went flying after it and caught it."

Harry had tried to keep himself from making excuses. He knew he wasn't to make excuses. Harry was in the wrong, and his Professor didn't need to hear his whinging. He would even take whatever punishment the man dubbed if it meant Harry was still his exception.

"Severus, if I may?"

Harry looked up to see his Head-of-House standing over them with a small smile on her face. The expression was odd coming from her, but Harry found himself smiling as well. "What is it, Minerva?"

"I didn't come here to have the boy get into trouble, Severus. I was asking for Wood because I would like to extend Harry a position as Seeker on our team."

"He's a first-year! Are you mad?"

"Seeker?"

Harry hadn't meant to speak at the same time as his Professor, but the man didn't seem to even notice him as he glared at his Head. She was smirking at his Professor. "I am aware of his year, but if you just saw him, Severus! The boy is a natural!"

Harry was surprised at her words and felt a warm glow in his stomach. He was a natural at something, he was good at something. She wanted him to play Quidditch. Harry had never played on a team before, and he found the idea to make something close to excitement build within him.

His Professor had stood and was towering over his Head while one hand remained on Harry's shoulder. "I don't care how much of a natural he is. He could be hurt, and he has only flown the once."

"Severus, honestly, you sound like a mother hen. Hundreds of children fly before they reach Hogwarts, and Harry here is better than most of the fifth years I have seen. If you are so worried, we could always let him show you for himself."

Harry perked up at that suggestion since it seemed he needed to convince his Professor he could fly. He really wanted to fly again, and his Head-of-House seemed to want to let him fly more. Harry couldn't wait to show Severus everything he could do, and then he could play Quidditch on a team.

"I could show you, sir. Please," he begged, turning his hopeful eyes to the man.

His Professor seemed to soften at his look, and Harry was rewarded when the man seemed to sigh resigned. "Very well, I will finish this class and meet you with Oliver Wood at the pitch. I want to explain, no matter what the decision regarding your playing, Harry, we will have words on your exploits."

Harry nodded, his excitement curbed by the prospect of what punishment may be in store. His Professor left them to settle his class. While the other students exited the class, Harry and Professor McGonagall waited by the door for his Professor and Oliver Wood.

His Professor exited the room with a boy who must have been at least a fifth year. Harry could see from his robes that he was in Gryffindor, but Harry could admit he hadn't met very many upper years. The four of them walked down the corridor without another word.

Harry followed his Professor up to the main floor and then out onto the grounds. He hadn't spent much time there yet, but it seemed to be pleasant and green still even in mid-September. They went past the castle to the Quidditch pitch, and Harry waited with the two Professors as the other boy, Oliver, went to a supply closet.

The boy came back to them carrying two brooms. Harry was unsurprised to see them and took the one offered to him by the older boy. "Well, not sure why Professor McGonagall wants to demonstrate for Professor Snape, but I am up for seeing what you got, Potter."

He was gestured to go on, and Harry took the command and took the broom between his legs. He pushed off and felt less nervous than the first time. It showed as he carefully went into the sky, but it only was a moment later that he understood he needed to show off if only slightly. He took off, doing small turns at first and then feeling more confident. He took a few dives and turned in the air with a happy yell.

"Potter!"

Harry looked to see the other boy was in the air with him, and he could hardly contain the grin on his face. He smiled at the other boy, who looked shocked while grinning. "Well, it seems we might just have a seeker for this year, but Professor McGonagall asked me to let a snitch go."

"Snitch?"

Harry looked over to the boy's hand to see a fluttering golden ball with wings. It looked beautiful and kind of small, but Harry was already taken with the small orb. He wanted to feel it in his hand, but he assumed Oliver had something else planned. "I want you to catch this, Potter. This is the snitch, understand?"

Harry nodded, and not a second later, Oliver had let the snitch go. Harry followed it with his eyes and darted after it on his broom. The snitch was already bobbing and weaving away from him, but Harry wanted to have it in his hand. He needed to show his Professor he was good enough to be on the team, that he wasn't some little baby.

He went into a dive with the snitch before darting in an upward angle after the feisty ball. It was on that angle that he outstretched his hand and snatched the little ball in his hand. It stopped flapping its wings almost immediately and curled up back into a golden ball in his hand. He looked at it in surprise before whooping with joy. "I caught it! I caught it!"

He dove down and landed in front of his Professor, and with another shout, he jumped into the man's body, throwing his arms around the man. Seconds later, the man relaxed and hugged him back before pushing him away slightly. "You did well, Harry."

Harry felt his eyes tear up as the man praised him for his flying. He had done well, and he felt so proud and filled with happiness. He grinned up at the man, and his Professor's look softened. The look lasted a moment before the man looked past Harry to Professor McGonagall and Oliver Wood. "Minerva, will you give us a moment?"

Harry looked back to see his Head smiling at him. His fellow housemate was looking confused and curious, but he seemed to be quick to move away with his Head-of-House. Harry looked back to his Professor, who quickly led him to the benches at the edge of the field.

His Professor pushed onto the benches then knelt in front of him. "Harry, I want to discuss this with you before you make your decision as you are the only one who can."

Harry nodded his head quickly, wanting to talk with the man as well if he could get his Professor's opinion. "Okay, Professor."

"Good, now if you are to take this position offered to you, I want to be clear that will not negate the punishment for disobeying and acting out in class, understood?"

Harry nodded, his gaze fierce. "Yes, of course, sir. I will take any punishment, I swear. I just... I really want to play."

The man sighed, looking to the sky. "But why, Harry?"

Harry clenched his hands, keeping from nervously wringing them. "I-I want to be good at something. I want to help the Gryffindor team and make friends. I-I just have never been good at anything. Never."

His eyes had started to water near the end, and he stuffed the palms of his hands into them to stem the flow of his tears. His Professor tapped his shoulder and handed him one of his hankies, which Harry took to wipe his tears and blow his nose. He knew not to pass it back and stuffed it into his robe pocket.

"Thank you, sir."

The man waved off the thanks and gestured to the pitch. "If this is what you want, Harry, of course, I believe you should do it, but only if you think it will really make you happy."

Harry grinned as he thought of flying before focusing back on his Professor. "Yes, sir! It... it makes me feel so light, and when you told me I did good... well, I like that feeling, sir."

His Professor sighed as he stood from where he was kneeling. Harry looked curiously up at the man only for him to offer him a hand. "I fear I will be losing the Quidditch Cup this year."

Harry took the proffered hand while still looking curiously at the man. "What do you mean, sir?"

They began to walk back to the two others. "I only speak of how I fear with you as Gryffindor's seeker that this year's Quidditch Cup is already secured in your favour."

"Me, sir? I don't think I'm that brilliant."

His Professor smirked as he gestured to where Harry had flown. "I am certain that you are, Harry."

Harry paused, hearing more praise from the man, and before the man could stop him, he had thrown himself at the man again. His Professor caught him and hugged him to him. Harry was so happy to be embraced by the man that he decided to ignore the idea that he would be facing punishment. It seemed it didn't matter that he'd done wrong because his Professor still treated him as his exception.