Chapter Fourteen

Harry peeked out from behind the curtain, watching his Professor sweep past his cordoned-off bed before going to Madame Pomphrey's office. The man likely did not know he was awake, and Harry was more than happy to let him think that. Anything to put off what was obviously going to be a horrible conversation.

Harry couldn't believe he had been so stupid so many times and even told the man how foolish he was. His Professor promised he wouldn't give him away, and Harry trusted him to tell the truth. But now that those worries weren't taking up his anxieties in his mind, his new concern was over the coming punishments.

His Professor was a professor—and Harry had admitted to doing bad in class and slacking off because of headaches. What kind of punishment would his Professor, who was his guardian, give him? He could do anything to him, and Harry would gladly take it. He was a horrible fr– He wasn't meant to even think himself that word, but what else could Harry call himself to encompass how horribly he had behaved?

His Professor said no one could beat him. Harry had to remember that, and maybe having his food privileges revoked wouldn't be so bad. Maybe the man would lock him in a room for hours and hours without a bathroom like Aunt Petunia sometimes preferred—Harry could see the man wanting to keep from seeing him after the disappointment he was. Then, when Harry wet himself, Aunt Petunia would spray him with the water hose or hold him under burning water in the bathtub while he cried. Those weren't the worst punishments—sure, his thighs had itched and burned—but he didn't end up with huge welts from a thrashing or a headache that lasted for days like after the frying pan connected.

Harry could feel the stinging in his eyes and his breaths quickening before he felt a hand on his shoulder. He flinched from the touch and was interrupted from diving under the hospital bed again by the high-pitched "Eep" coming from behind him.

Harry peeked over his shoulder to see Hermoine behind him, her hair a little more curly and still in her hospital wing pyjamas. Harry felt his shoulders draw up and his stomach drop as the guilt from being reminded how he had treated Hermoine finally caught up to him. His Professor had even said they would have words about that as well, but Harry didn't need anyone to tell him how wrong he had been to stick with Ron as the boy bullied their housemate.

"I'm so sorry."

"Are you okay?"

The two cut themselves off with matching gobsmacked expressions. Harry wanted to continue, but he knew how much the girl liked to talk and would want to ask her questions more than he did. He nodded to her, and she smiled warmly at him. "Why would you be sorry, Harry? You helped Ron save me. It was really dangerous and utterly stupid, but I really am grateful, Harry."

Harry shook his head, his glasses going askew. "No, no, Hermoine. Please, don't thank me. I'm so sorry. I should have told off Ron and stuck up for you. And, I should have gone after you or checked on you or anything really more than what I did. I know we aren't really friends, but I still should have helped you. I know what it is to be bullied, and I don't want to be a part of that."

Hermoine's eyes widened, and she, for once, looked speechless. Harry wanted to feel the humour in her expression, but he still only felt guilt-laden in his stomach. The dark-skinned girl smiled faintly at him and then grabbed him into a hug. Harry flinched, but the girl was already clinging to him so tightly that it just knocked his cheek into her jaw. It didn't really hurt much, so he just stood frozen while the preteen girl shook a bit. Harry thought he also heard sniffles but felt too awkward to want to acknowledge it. Harry didn't really know anything about girls or how to comfort them anyway.

Hermoine finally pulled away with tear tracks on her cheeks, and Harry looked down to give her a minute to wipe them off. It was a nice thing to do. She cleared her throat, and Harry peeked through his fringe to see her smiling. "I accept your apology, Harry. Really, I know it can be hard. Maybe, to make it up to me, we could study together?"

Harry nodded immediately. "Yeah, of course! I'd really like that. I-um well, I haven't really ever learned how to study. I have a hard time in Transfiguration and no one else really studies in our dorm…"

Hermoine nodded with a grimace. "Not in mine as well. They just talk about fashion and boys and other frivolous things."

Harry nodded, not really knowing the word but understanding how frustrating that could be for Hermoine. "Ron doesn't care much for school, and well, he's my only friend. I don't want him to be mad at me, but I would like to do well. My… I need to ask if you saw me, last night, with Professor Snape?"

The girl nodded, looking curious. "He doesn't treat anyone else like that."

Harry nodded, a flush overtaking him. "No, he doesn't. H-he's my guardian."

Hermoine's mouth opened in shock before she caught herself and closed it. Harry saw too many emotions flash across her face before she chose caution. "Has he been your guardian long?"

"No, just a month or so. No one is really supposed to know."

Hermoine seemed more curious, and Harry felt frustrated at how bad he was at explaining things without making them more interesting. "Why?"

Harry shrugged. "The professor is supposed to act a certain way in class, and he can't be seen to favor me."

Her eyes lit up. "Oh like favouritism laws in the muggle world or nepotism that's it! Is that why?"

Harry shrugged. "Not really sure, I just know he has to act like he does because of Professor Dumbledore."

Hermoine didn't look satisfied with that answer but dropped the topic. They spent the next few minutes talking about their classes in primary school and how they compared to their magical subjects. Both loved science, but Hermoine was interested in all the subjects she was ever taught. Harry wasn't too keen on history in the muggle world either, but he humoured Hermoine's enthusiasm for the subject. Harry was just happy to finally feel like he could talk about classes without feeling obligated to complain about them with Ron.

Harry cut himself off abruptly when he saw Ron approaching with his face screwed up in confusion. "Harry, mate, what are you doing?"

Harry offered a tight smile to Hermoine in apology. "Could you give us a minute, Hermoine?"

She nodded before walking back to her hospital bed. Harry sighed when he caught the worsening look on Ron's face as he looked between Harry and Hermoine. "What was that about, mate? Why were you talking with that swot?"

Harry bristled. "Don't call her that! She's my friend."

"Why would you want to be friends with that little teacher's pet?"

"Didn't you learn anything? Why are you still being rude to her?"

Ron gaped. "She's a know-it-all, Harry, and all she does is study!"

"That's not a reason to be mean to her, Ron. She likes to learn and wants to do well. She might need to learn not to shout out answers, but you don't have to be a bully!"

The redhead's nose flared in anger, but Harry was feeling Gryffindor bravery flooding his veins in determination to see this through. "Why are you sticking up for her? I know it was bloody awful she got attacked like that, but it isn't like I made her go to that bloody loo and stay there!"

"You might as well have! You haven't stopped being horrible to her! And you make fun of people for studying and never like any of our classes!"

Ron seemed genuinely confused. "What's it matter if I don't like all the bloody homework or want to hear all the boring stuff in class I already know?"

"Because I want to learn too!" Harry flushed at the admission but barrelled on as his friend gaped like a fish. "I didn't grow up magical, Ron. I don't know all the things you know already, a-and I-I like learning. I never… The Dursleys wouldn't let me do well in school, but I read in the library all the time. I-I was a bookworm. I-I just want to do well here. I have the chance to do well, and I keep having to worry if you will suddenly start making fun of me. I don't want my best friend to be a bully, Ron."

The redhead gaped before seeming to flush to the tips of his ears. "Merlin, mate, I don't… I won't make fun of you."

Harry shook his head, frustration making his eyes sting. "That's not the point, Ron. I don't like bullies. My cousin bullied me all my life. I never had any friends because he wouldn't let me. Now, you bully people and don't want me to have any other friends."

Ron cringed, his eyes widening. "Harry, I'm sorry, mate. I-I just… I never had my own friends before you. Everyone was either friends with my older brothers first, and I was just their little brother Ron. I wasn't trying to make you feel like you couldn't have other friends. I just get, well, I get jealous, I guess."

"And the bullying? You'll be nice."

Ron grimaced while nodding. "Yeah, mate. I'll be nice."

Harry beamed, his anger leaving him in earnest at the other boy's concession. "Good. Now go apologise."

Ron's mouth dropped open, but Harry would not be moved. He wouldn't be friends with a bully and wouldn't expect Hermoine to be around Ron without an apology. It was only right. "Fine," Ron groused.

Harry watched, his arms crossed across his thin chest as the taller boy drug his feet to the other side of the hospital wing. Harry did not move closer but watched the two speak before Hermoine stuck out her hand to shake Ron's.

"Well done."

Harry jumped with a cut-off yelp. It took him very few seconds to realise the voice had come from his Professor, who was hovering a few centimetres behind Harry. Harry did not know how the man walked so quietly. It was only another minute to remind Harry why they were in the Hospital Wing and that the Professor was likely there to punish him.

Harry's blood drained from his face, and his breathing ticked up as the panic from before came back with a vengeance. His Professor's eyes widened before a hand slowly and carefully grasped his upper arms. Harry felt his body relax slightly at the contact, and his breathing steadied as he was herded back to his hospital bed. His Professor ushered him back into the bed and drew the curtains when he saw Harry's friends' worried faces gazing at them.

Harry was quietly relieved to have his next breakdown in private, which was further ensured when his Professor began to cast wards around them. Harry's breathing had not calmed completely, and his Professor wasted no time returning to his side to gently rub his back. "Relax, Harry. No one is angry with you. I have not gone back on my decision. You will remain with me. We will set some punishment, and then all will be well."

Harry found himself calming just from the soothing tones of the man's voice, but he still could not help that niggling of worry in the back of his head about what sort of punishment the man had in mind. Harry would hate to be locked away, but he would suffer it for his Professor. Whatever the man needed for him to forgive him, Harry would do it.

"Are you much recovered, Harry?"

Harry nodded, knowing there was no real use in putting off the inevitable. "I-I'm better, sir. I'm sorry."

The man's eyebrows raised, but he just nodded. Harry watched as he took a seat in a chair at his bedside. His towering frame still caused Harry to need to look up, but they were closer to eye level now. The need to fidget overwhelmed him enough that Harry stuck his hands under his pyjama-clad legs. The only sign of acknowledgement was a pleased smile that Harry basked in for the small time it could override his nerves.

"Very well. That was really well done, Harry. I am very proud of how you handled it."

Harry gaped at the man but found he had no words to respond. His Professor stood in a sweeping movement and gestured to the clothes at the end of Harry's bed. "We have much to discuss, and not a lot of time. Luckily, you are meant to be in my class this morning for a double period. You and your compatriots have been excused from the first half of class and will await me in my office to settle your punishment after I get your yearmates started. Get dressed in your uniform please, Harry."

Harry gaped, his mind whirling from both relief and more anxiety. Did the man give up on him? Was he just going to treat him like everyone else? Wasn't he the man's exception? Wasn't he supposed to be in trouble for more than just last night?

His Professor did not see all this as he had already swept away to inform Harry's friends. Harry gulped, feeling a thickening feeling in his throat and trying to swallow around it. He dragged himself through getting dressed and his morning absolutions before gathering at the front of the hall with Ron, Hermoine, and his Professor. The man nodded to them all and led them from the room to follow his stalking form through the corridors.

Harry looked at his feet the whole way, relying on the whipping robes in his eyeline to follow behind his Professor. The man stopped abruptly, causing Harry to run into the man's back. He stumbled back from the man and would have found himself sprawled on the cold dungeon floor if said man hadn't grabbed him and steadied him. Harry peeked from behind his fringe to see the man looking him over worriedly.

The man gestured for the other two Gryffindors to go inside before kneeling in front of Harry, the same concern still showing as he grasped Harry's hands in his own. Harry tried to look away from the man, failing as the man was directly in front of him and gave him a squeeze to his hands each time. "Explain what is going through that thick skull of yours, Harry."

"Are you… You brought… Am I still your exception?"

The man's eyebrows had continued to draw in confusion as Harry stuttered to place his thoughts and feelings into words, but on the last question, his Professor's face had changed to that soft, try for a smile Harry knew was just for him. The man smoothed his fringe with a careful hand, and Harry leaned a little more into the touch. "You are my exception. There is no doubt to that, Harry, and when you do have doubts, you are to come to me to temper them. Now, why have you gotten so worked up? I told you last night and many before that I will continue to be your guardian and that no one will lay a hand on you. Is there something more that worries you?"

Harry nodded, trying to curl into himself but unable with his Professor's grasp on his arms. "I don't know what's going to happen. A-and you didn't punish me or talk to me alone. It's like… I don't want to just be another student."

"I see. Let's address the second one first. I understand that might make you feel like you are not special to me, but that is not the case. I think our own talk is too important to relegate to a short period in an office. I have plans for us to discuss this matter after your herbology class this afternoon. Do you think that will be acceptable?"

Harry shrugged guilt from doubting the man again already eating away at him. "I'm sorry. I know I keep messing things up and being a burden because I'm so useless at all this. I just keep getting worked up for no reason!"

Harry shoved his hands into his hair, wanting to tear the strands out in frustration. All he seemed to do around the man was complain and cry. If he didn't shape up, the man wouldn't want to be around him. Locking him up would be the best choice the man ever made. Firm hands gripped his fingers and pulled them away from his hair, and Harry clenched his eyes shut to contain the tears wanting to escape.

Harry felt his chest expanding in frustration, anger with himself being the primary emotion he could feel as his Professor settled his hands at his sides. "Harry, please, look at me."

Harry huffed, opening his eyes to see the stern frown marring his Professor's face. "I am aware how frustrating this must be for you, but I want to be clear that you being hard on yourself is unacceptable. You have been through too much already in your young life, you have been dropped in a new world, you have been given a new guardian, and you are also a preteen. That is not getting worked up for no reason, and some grace to allow yourself to settle is something I will now enforce upon you. I am already aware of your background, Harry. I am not upset when you get worked up. I am not upset when you need reassurance. I am not even upset that I must give you consequences. I am your guardian. This is what guardians are meant to do, and I was very aware of that when I signed up for the position. Are we clear?"

Harry nodded, frustration bleeding out enough to make the tightness in his chest lighten. "I'm sorry. I just keep worrying I'll chase you away with being… I don't know. I've never been like this before. It's annoying. I barely even cried when Uncle Vernon would give me a thrashing or when Aunt Petunia held me under in the tub. But, no, I keep crying because you might be mad at me!"

His Professor rubbed his arms in comfort, and Harry felt the rest of the anger leave him hollow. He didn't much care what punishment he faced now, but he was tired of having to wait for it. His Professor seemed to be reading his face because he stood, bringing them both to the door to his office, though Harry noted he was allowed to stand in the shadow of the man's robes.

"Detention Weasley with Mr. Filch for three days after dinner starting Monday. Ms. Granger, no detention is slated for you; however, you are due to talk to your head of house after dinner tonight. Mind you, keep all that you learned a secret. Head to the classroom and inform the other first years that both sessions of class are cancelled for the day. I expect them to read the next chapter and to practice cutting techniques on their own time. Do not fail me."

The two both opened and closed their mouths a few times before hustling out of the open office door. They both glanced at Harry, but he kept his gaze on the ground and one hand in his Professor's robe. Herded to his usual armchair, Harry slumped into his seat and watched as his Professor used his wand to conjure a glowing doe.

The doe ran around the room, stopping to sniff at Harry and cause a pleasant warmth to shoot through him before going to his Professor. The man spoke in low tones to the glowing animal before it bounded away through the closed door. Harry gaped for a few more moments at the disappeared apparition before giving his focus to the man taking the seat in front of him.

Harry could see his Professor looked sad, his eyes searching Harry's gaze. "I realise I made a mistake, trying to divide your punishments for school as your Professor and as your guardian. I can tell it has caused your distress, and I am very sorry to have done so, Harry."

Harry didn't know what to say. He felt horrible for making the man look so sad. "It's not your fault, Professor. I really shouldn't have overreacted."

His Professor sighed, leaning his head into his hands. "No, Harry. We can both take some blame. We are both new to this. I fear we will continue to have learning moments such as this. We must continue to be honest with one another, understand?"

Harry nodded, his lip pinching beneath his teeth. His Professor tutted before taking his hand to tap Harry's chin. Harry complied easily. "No more, you already have a detention with me tonight due to hurting yourself, which as we agreed is the consequence. Now, onto lying and being honest with each other… Explain to me what went through your mind when you decided to keep your troubles in Transfiguration and the continued headaches in Defense from me."

Harry hung his head, trying to keep from feeling even more guilt from his Professor's disappointed gaze. "I didn't want to bother you."

"I know there is more, Harry. Please, I just wish to understand."

Harry picked at his fingernails, fighting with his nerves to explain to the man his feelings. "You said my studies were more important than our lessons. I worried you would cancel our lessons if I was doing badly… and then when I kept having headaches, all I could think was that I would be bothering you if I went to see you even more every week. I didn't want you to get sick of me."

"You needn't worry about bothering me, Harry. Though I may act a certain way in class, I do not believe I have ever scorned you when in my presence, correct?" Harry nodded, and his Professor inclined his head. "As we discussed, you are my exception. I do not mind seeing you. If you continue to want to stay with me, you will see me every day of the holidays and of summer as well."

Harry felt his whole body clench from the man's statement. "If. Professor, why do you always say that?"

Harry watched in confusion as his Professor seemed to flush. He didn't duck his head like Harry would, but Harry knew he was feeling embarrassed. "I am not an easy man, Harry. I expect you might want someone better once you realise how lacking I truly am as a guardian."

Harry shook his head as hard as he could. "No! That's just stupid! I won't change my mind! And I don't like it when you say I will!"

Harry realised he was shouting at the man and flushed as well. His Professor did not look cross, but he still seemed to have a sterner expression than before. "I am sorry that I have again caused you distress, but next time, you will not shout at me. Understood?"

Harry nodded. "Sorry."

And he was really sorry he had shouted, but Harry didn't want the man to think he didn't want him. Harry had picked him, even if the Professor hadn't. "I will not say it anymore. I will just proceed with the assumption that you are stuck with me. Satisfied?"

Harry peeked up at the man through his fringe to see him smirking. The man was teasing him, and Harry felt his chest lighten a degree. Pa-Guardians were supposed to tease you, or at least that was how it seemed from the little amount of telly he saw growing up. For his Professor to do so now, just reaffirmed that the man treated him differently, special. Harry grinned shyly up at the man and watched as his face softened in response.

"Hm, well, you might not be so happy to know you are further stuck with me in our quarters for the next two weeks."

Harry felt his face screw up in confusion. "Our quarters?"

His Professor nodded, gesturing in the next moment for Harry to follow him. Harry was completely flummoxed as they left the office and went toward the door to the man's quarters. But, his Professor called them their quarters… What did he mean by that? Harry followed the man closely as he took them past the sitting room toward the corridor where Harry knew the loo and his Professor's room to be. They went past both to the last door on the right, but rather than entering, his Professor crouched in front of him. Harry stared, still confused, as the man held his hands away from each other in the man's larger calloused ones. "I've been working on this for the past month, but I wasn't sure if it would be well received. Adults, too, have insecurities and worries, Harry, and well, one of mine has been about how well of a guardian I have been to you and how you might feel about me."

Harry was gobsmacked. "You were worried? But, sir, you're the nicest adult I've ever met! The only adult who ever listened to me."

Harry's declaration was met with a wince. "I wish that were not so, Harry, but I trust you are being honest. You will continue to be honest, and I will reciprocate."

Harry nodded and peeked at the door behind the man. The man caught his curiosity and smirked. "Would you like forewarning on the room or to be surprised?"

Harry gulped, nerves lighting in him. If it was what it seemed, he was pretty sure he was going to cry, but his Professor could be just leading him to think that. That was stupid to think; they had just talked about trusting each other, but Harry would prefer to have some forewarning, he thought. "I don't think I would like a surprise, sir. In case I was wrong."

The man nodded and gave his hands another consoling squeeze. "That is perfectly understandable. I spent this last month making your room in my quarters. I wanted to be sure it was tailored to you, so using our lessons, I began to prod into your interests enough that I think it should be to your liking. However, you will let me know if anything does not work, as well as if you need anything. Understood?"

Harry nodded, preemptive tears already pooling in his eyes. His Professor gave him another squeeze to his hands, and his eyes softened even more before he stood again. Harry felt his chest constrict as the man opened the door and stepped aside for Harry to see past.

The first thing he saw was the giant wall that seemed to show the Hogwarts grounds, which didn't really make sense when they were in the dungeons—but was just perfect to make him feel like he wasn't trapped. Right underneath was a desk and one each side of that a bookshelf—a few books already placed on the shelves and what Harry thought might be a few toys. On the far left wall was a double size daybed with an emerald green duvet and dark blue sheets—Harry's favourite colours and on a bed with three sides to make him feel more comfortable—and cornered to it was a nightstand. Across from the bed on the right wall was a wardrobe—no cupboard or closet in the room, and the doors stood open to show it already had clothing placed in it. Harry assumed the dresser on his right would have the same, and centred was a dark blue rug taking up most of what would be a cold dungeon floor.

It was simple, but it was taken with care to show Harry that the man had thought about him in every aspect of the room. There was even a roaring Gryffin figurine on the desk, a framed photo on the bedside table, and a stuffed snake propped on his pillow. Harry could feel the happy tears falling down his cheeks, his breath trying not to hitch. He turned into the hovering figure behind him, burying his face in the man's stomach. "Thank you, it's perfect. I don't deserve-"

"Stop." His Professor interrupted him, a hand stroking through his hair to comfort him. "You deserve this and more, Harry. I don't want to hear otherwise."

Harry nodded, using the man's robes to rub off his tears. He heard his Professor tsked before a handkerchief was shoved to his face. Harry quietly apologised and used it to wipe his face and blow his nose. He returned the used hanky to the man, who grimaced before spelling it away. "I think we can continue our discussion here."

Harry silently agreed, moving to sit on his new bed. His Professor took the chair from the desk and placed it backwards in front of Harry. The man settled onto the chair, his hands propped on the top in a pose that might have been the most casual Harry had ever seen his Professor. It made sense with what Harry knew of the man, the mask he said he had to wear to the rest of the world, even in the man's office.

"Well, we covered your coming restriction, but in regards to your marks in class, I believe our lessons will have to move to covering those topics in tandem with your study group with Ms. Granger."

"Hey, you were eavesdropping!"

His Professor smirked and inclined his head. "Of course. I was worried when I heard the girl yell out."

Harry crossed his arms across his chest. "I don't think eavesdropping is okay."

His Professor smirked but inclined his head. "So you say. I was worried about their reaction and wanted to be near in case they did not take it well."

Harry felt his grin stretch across his face; he was so pleased. He knew his Professor had a hard time being emotional, but the man admitted he was worried about something so small as how Ron took him apologising to Hermoine. It twinged oddly in his chest to feel this protected and looked after.

"So am I in trouble for last night? I feel awful about Hermoine."

Harry watched the man's attempt at a smile, but it seemed more natural on his face and had a hint of his signature smirk. "You are most assuredly in trouble. Your punishment as the non-perpetrator to the bullying is to write 2 feet on the bullying, the consequences of being a bystander, and not standing up for your beliefs. I expect you will have plenty of time to work on it while confined to these quarters for the next two weeks. I expect it by the end of your grounding, but it will come second to tutoring in your subjects. Understood?"

Harry nodded, relieved at the punishment he had been given. He wanted to be completely at ease but had to be sure. "Is that… Not that I want more, but is that all, sir?"

The man nodded. "You will only receive these sort of punishments from me, Harry. With the additional timeouts I might give you in times of tantruming."

Harry huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't tantrum, Professor. I'm eleven, not two."

His Professor smirked. "See that you don't. And with that in mind, we should discuss our holiday plans."

"Holiday plans, Professor?"

The man leaned forward, his chin propped on his arms. "Yes. You see I was thinking that you might like to leave Hogwarts, come to my home with myself… and Lucius."

"Mr. Malfoy? Does he live with you?"

His Professor stood, pacing slightly in front of him. Harry was nearly worried, but after all the worry of the morning, he was willing to wait for his Professor to explain more before getting worked up all over again.

"Harry, what do you know of same-sex couples?"

Harry mouthed the word, trying to figure out what his Professor meant, and when he couldn't, he shrugged at his Professor. "Very well. Mr. Malfoy and I are in a relationship. Does that make sense?"

Harry nodded, even while still trying to understand why his Professor seemed so worried. Harry knew Uncle Vernon had had nothing nice to say about poofs, but Harry knew his Professor thought he should disregard everything he said. Even without that, Harry couldn't see how having more people love each other was a bad thing. And Harry knew what it was like to be hated for who he was, and he just didn't think he could ever feel that way toward someone after a lifetime of it.

"Does that bother you at all, Harry?"

Harry shook his head avidly. "No, Professor. If Mr. Malfoy makes you happy, then I can only be happy for you. Will we get to spend time with him then? Or, does he not…"

His Professor moved so quickly that Harry cut himself off. He surprised himself by not flinching as the tall man took a seat beside him on the bed, a comforting arm going around his shoulders. "Lucius had asked me if he could spend more time with you yesterday."

Harry's eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. "What? Me? Why me?"

His Professor was doing his softened smile for him. "He would like to get to know you as my ward. He knows how important you are to me, and he considers that all the reason to know you better."

Harry gaped again, his mind reviewing his Professor's words. "Important to you."

His Professor squeezed him to his side, a faint sensation in his hair making him think he might have just been given a kiss there. "You are very important to me, Harry."

Harry buried his watery eyes into the man's side, his breath hitching as he said, "You're very important to me too, Professor."

The man rubbed his hair, and Harry relaxed into the comfort of the man's hold with a sign. "In regards to my title, I think it more appropriate for you to call me Severus when in our quarters. I don't think I will appreciate the respect in the comfort of our quarters. Furthermore, it will help us prepare for the coming holiday, where we will live in a home and will not be Professor and student."

Harry let himself mull over the words from his Professor, a blossoming warmth expanding in his entire body. It seemed like his Professor would just keep surprising him, wanting to be closer as his guardian, caring for him so much, and giving him everything he had never had. "Thank you, Severus."

The name felt off coming out of his mouth, but Harry wanted the closeness and familiarity of using the man's first name. "Yes, well, we will discuss more time with Lucius when he comes to meet us for dinner tonight, okay?" Harry nodded, and the Professor continued, "For the holiday, there is a high chance you will see Draco. I don't want you to be uncomfortable, so I want to ask now if we will need to arrange for us to do something else when Draco comes to the manor."

Harry pulled away from the man in shock. "What do you mean?"

"Well, he has not been kind to you, barring the past month of quiet, and I do not want your first holiday with me marred with upset from another preteen bully like so much of your childhood. So, I ask again, will you want me to make other arrangements?"

Harry stopped himself from immediately saying no. Draco had left him alone this past month, but he also hadn't apologised for everything he said and did before then. Harry wanted to say no, and he even felt it would be mean of him to say yes. Draco was supposed to be in the manor with his family, unlike Harry, who wasn't even family with the Malfoys. He didn't want to be a disruption or burden like he always was. He was sure he could at least ignore the blonde while he stayed there with them.

"No, I think I will be fine, sir."

His Professor raised a brow, but Harry stuck firm, his chin jutting out in stubbornness. Harry could deal with another Dudley, just so long as his Professor didn't blame him for bad things or think he started any fights with the bratty boy. He didn't know what he would do if his Professor wasn't on his side, but Harry knew he wouldn't let it get that far with the blonde.

"Very well, I will trust you to inform me if that changes. Our last discussion is regarding these headaches you keep having in Defense. Is there any other time you experience them or any worsening of the severity?"

Harry let himself focus on all the times his head had hurt in the last few months, and while he wasn't sure if he was correct, he could only inform his Professor of what had happened. "It was always worse the closer I was to Professor Quirrel, sir. Do you think I'm allergic to garlic?"

His Professor's face was grim, and Harry didn't like the dread creeping into his stomach. "I do not think that is possible, considering you are able to ingest it at meals. No, I think it is something much worse than that, but I do not want to worry you unduly, Harry. So for now, I will just say to be careful around the man and to not be alone with him under any circumstance. If he tries to make you, you will run to me, understand?"

Harry nodded, the dread not leaving as the severe look on his Professor's face made him feel more nervous about seeing the stuttering Professor. What could be wrong with Harry or with the man to make his Professor look this dower? He didn't know if he wanted to find out or let the man sort it out for him.

"I think now might be the best time to start tutoring as it seems we both are free until after lunch."

Harry sighed but agreed quickly, walking with the man back out of their quarters to the man's office. Harry was not looking forward to tutoring in Transfiguration, but there was too much on his mind to truly focus on how he didn't want to do badly in front of the man.