He couldn’t believe Christmas Holidays were already almost over. Today was the last day they would be spending at Snape’s family castle. Harry found he wished the holidays had lasted longer. Oh well, he did have summer holidays to look forward to, hopefully. He knew he was foolish in thinking this situation he found himself in would somehow end, but the thought still plagued him. He was packing his bags, trying to force many more items into his trunk than he had brought from school. He was still unused to getting so many presents from his friends, and now his family. The raven-haired youth finally had to sit on his trunk just to close it properly. He was still sitting on his trunk, breathing harshly and pushing stray hairs out of his eyes, when his bedroom door opened.

“Problem?” asked Severus. Harry could see his father was smirking at his predicament.

“Just a bit.” he answered, hopping up from his trunk and brushing off the back of his robes. “What’s going on?” he asked when his father stood staring at him for a bit longer than he found comfortable.

Severus walked completely into the room and shut the door softly behind him. “I’d like to speak with you for a moment, if you’re done packing?” he asked. Without waiting for an answer, he pulled out Harry’s desk chair and sat down. Sensing they would be having some kind of conversation whether he was done packing or not, Harry climbed the steps to his bed and sat down.

“What did you want to talk about?” asked Harry, nervously smoothing the creases in his plush maroon comforter.

“Well, Draco informed me that you had a sort of incident down at the lake before Christmas.” he began, but Harry was already growing red in the face.

“He told you about that?” he blurted suddenly. He hadn’t sworn Malfoy to secrecy or anything, but he had hoped the older boy would have kept his confidence and not told Severus about his sudden loss of sanity down at the lake. He still felt ashamed of himself for so completely losing it. What would Severus think?

“Inadvertently, I can assure you. He had wished to go swimming again. I asked him to see if you would like to accompany him. He said he didn’t think you would like to go again, especially considering what had happened the first time.” said Severus. “I pushed him to find out what exactly had happened. He refused at first, but I made him. If you’re to be upset at anyone, be upset at me.”

Harry sighed. “I’m not mad, really.” he said, not knowing how he felt at all. Still embarrassed, mostly, but he wasn’t going to tell his father that.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were still having difficulties with this past summer?” he asked. Harry could almost feel the concern radiating off his father. That felt nice, knowing the man cared so deeply about him.

“I’m not really. I just wasn’t expecting to be pulled under. And I had swallowed some water and couldn’t breathe properly. The combination threw me off balance and I just reacted badly. This is honestly the first issue I’ve had. I didn’t want to tell you because I didn’t think it was all that important. If I was having lots of flashbacks, I’d be sure to tell you, but this was only one.” he tried to explain.

Severus nodded. “If you’re sure?” he asked.

“I am, I promise.” replied Harry.

“You’ll tell me if you have any more of these episodes, however. I don’t want you thinking you have to deal with these kinds of problems on your own. You can come to me with anything.” said Severus, his voice firm.

“Okay, I’ll come to you if I have another episode. I doubt I will though, but I promise to come to you if I do.” he said earnestly.

“Very good. I need to finish my own packing now. We’re to leave tonight. The Headmaster will open his floo connection at 6:00 and we will proceed directly to Hogwarts. Be sure to be prepared to go by that time.” he instructed. “Would you pass this on to Draco for me? I believe he’s in his room now.”

Harry agreed. He had felt a flicker of apprehension when Severus had asked him to go see Malfoy. He had thought the Slytherin would still be swimming, but thankfully he wasn’t. Perhaps he had more issues with this past summer than he thought. He would be greatly annoyed if he developed a fear of water over this.

…………………………………..

It was now half past six. Harry had watched worriedly as Malfoy went down to the dungeons to unpack before the returning feast that night. Severus tried to assure him that Malfoy was more than capable of taking care of himself, but he still worried.

Severus had walked Harry to the Gryffindor dormitory. He had been asked not to tell his friends that Malfoy had spent his holiday with them. He wasn’t sure why that was so important, but he promised he wouldn’t tell. Maybe Lucius Malfoy was avoiding telling Voldemort that his son wasn’t going to be his newest slave. Then again, maybe his father was just trying to delay the inevitable explosion, which would occur once Ron and Hermione discovered he had spent his vacation with Malfoy, of all people.

Dumping his trunk at the end of his bed, (he’d unpack later) he made his way back down to the Entrance Hall. His friends should be arriving soon. The feast started at seven. No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than the great doors came crashing open. Students came milling forth and Harry waited patiently, watching for that shock of red hair that would announce his friend’s arrival.

“Oy! Harry!” Turning to his left, Harry finally spotted his friends. He waved and headed towards them.

“Hey you two. How was your holiday?” he asked. He stiffened as Hermione gave him a bear hug. She eyed him curiously.

“Fine, how was yours?” she asked. She continued to leave a hand on his arm.

“It was really great.” he said, sincerely.

The three eagerly headed for the Great Hall. Harry was starving. He caught a glimpse of Malfoy across the room and nodded faintly. The Slytherin raised a brow in return.

Harry glanced up at the head table and nearly fell off his seat. “Hey.” he said happily. “Look who’s here!” he nudged Ron in the ribs and got a scowl for his trouble. “Look!” he said, and practically shoved Ron’s face in the right direction.

“Blimey, mate! What’s he doing here?” he asked, excitement filling his voice. “Do you think he’s to become our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?” he asked.

Hermione looked up and smiled. “Probably.” she answered.

Harry grinned excitedly and waved when the brown haired man caught his eye. Remus waved back.

“Excellent. A descent teacher at last! We’ll actually learn something this time around.” exclaimed Ron. “Professor Dillard couldn’t have even known how to teach. He was bloody awful.”

Harry couldn’t help but agree.

Their suspicions were confirmed when Dumbledore announced to all that Remus Lupin would be their new DADA teacher. Cheers and claps resounded through the room.

……………………………………

With Remus here, Harry knew Sirius must be as well. As soon as the feast was over he waved good-bye to his friends and ran to catch up with the new Professor.

“Professor!” he called. Remus stopped and turned around.

“Ah, Harry. How are you doing?” he asked, waiting for the boy to catch up before he resumed walking.

“Oh, I’m great. We’re all so glad that you’re back!” he said enthusiastically. Remus chuckled.

“I’m glad too.” he said. “Would you care to join me in my office for a bit? Someone’s there who would like to see you.” he remarked quietly.

Harry grinned widely. “Sirius?” he whispered. Remus nodded. “Let’s go!”

Professor and student walked through the DADA classroom and up the stairs to Remus’ office. Harry waited patiently as Lupin unlocked the door. Before his professor had even unlocked the door it came soaring open.

“Harry!” whispered Sirius loudly. He grabbed Harry and pulled him inside the office, throwing his arms around him in a hug all at once. “I missed you! How did things go with Snape? Did he treat you alright? Did you get your presents? He didn’t keep you locked in your room the whole time, did he?” he asked quickly.

Harry waited until he was released from the hug before answering the assorted questions. “I missed you and Remus, too” he started, and received a smile from Sirius and Remus. “Everything went fine. He treated me fine, too. I got all my presents. Thank you, by the way. And no, I wasn’t kept locked in my room. What’s with the twenty questions?” he asked when he had finished.

Sirius shrugged. “I was just worried.” he said, pulling Harry into one more hug. Harry was beginning to really like all this affection people were showing him…as long as he knew it was coming.

“Don’t be worried. Severus treats me great. I’ve never been more happy, in fact.” he said, and faltered at the hurt look that appeared on Sirius’ face.

Remus noticed and quickly changed the subject. “Why don’t you go on back to your dormitory, Harry. We’re supposed to meet the headmaster in a few minutes. We really should be heading on up there. Would you like to come back and visit this evening?” he asked.

Harry nodded, still eyeing Sirius worriedly. He hadn’t meant to hurt his feelings. He felt his stomach bottom out at the thought. He loved Sirius, with all his heart, but he loved Severus too.

“Okay. I’ll see you tonight, then.” he said. He still felt deeply disconcerted as he left the office. He decided he’d have to do something to make Sirius realize he was just as important to him as Severus was. He just didn’t know what that would be.

…………………………………………….

Harry dreamed again that night.

He was walking along the cool, dark corridor, walking with a firm and purposeful tread, breaking occasionally into a run. At the end of the corridor was a black door. It swung open as he approached, and here he was in a circular room with many doors. He moved straight across the stone floor and through a second door…patches of dancing light were on the walls and floor and there was an odd mechanical clinking…but there was no time to explore…He jogged the last few feet to the third door, which swung open just like the others…Here was a cathedral-sized room full of shelves and glass spheres…His heart was beating very fast now…He was going to get there…When he reached the row numbered ninety-seven he turned left and hurried along the aisle between two rows…(1)

Someone was shaking him roughly. “Harry, wake up!”

Harry’s eyes shot open and he sat up in bed. He glanced around wildly, finding Ron and locking his eyes with the red head’s.

“You alright mate?” asked Ron. “You were muttering and twisting like crazy.” Ron looked really worried.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a bad dream, I guess.” he said, but Ron continued to look troubled.

“It wasn’t a vision, was it?”

Harry stopped to think. “I don’t think so. Just a weird dream.” he tried to console Ron, but couldn’t help but feel as if he was wrong.

That morning at breakfast, Harry was forced to explain his dream to Hermione, who looked at him curiously.

“The place your describing sounds familiar to me.” said Ron when Harry had finished speaking.

The raven-haired teen eyed his friend in surprise. “Really?” he asked, and began to wonder if he hadn’t had a vision.

“Yes. But for the life of me, I can’t remember why.” he complained, frustrated. Harry was too.

“Well, it will come to you eventually. Just try not to dwell on it, otherwise you’ll never remember what it is.” advised Hermione, her nose already stuck in a book. Harry nodded in agreement. He couldn’t count the number of times he tried to remember something important, but it kept slipping away from him.

After that, he silently ate the rest of his breakfast. He noticed that Ron would seem to think of where he had seen that corridor from Harry’s dreams, but then bang his fist on the table when he would lose it again.

“Stop dwelling.” reminded Hermione in her all knowing voice. Ron scowled at her impatiently. Harry smiled at the two.

…………………………

That night after supper Harry hurried back to Remus’ office, eager to see the two of them again. He had seen them just that morning, but it felt like much longer to Harry. He knocked on the door. A moment later Remus’ voice rang out.

“Come in!”

Harry quickly opened the door and stepped inside. The door shut and locked behind him. He looked around, confused.

“Where’s Sirius?” he asked, his heart sinking. Had what happened that morning really hurt Sirius that much?

“Hey, I’m right here.” said a voice from behind him. He turned quickly and found himself once more in the embrace of his godfather. “Are you alright?” asked Sirius, now holding Harry at arms length.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just thought you hadn’t come for a minute there.” he said, trying to brush it off.

“Why did you think I wouldn’t come?” asked Sirius.

Harry shrugged, looking towards Remus. He wasn’t sure if he should even bring it up. Remus looked at him reassuringly.

“I thought you might have been mad at me, you know, because I’m getting closer to Severus.” he said, and was surprised when he was lightly shaken.

“Harry, I will never, ever, be so mad that I wouldn’t come and see you. Nothing would keep me away from you. Even Severus. I know he’s now an important figure in your life, and I know you realize I don’t like him very much.” Harry snorted. That was more than obvious. “But, I will try my best to get along with him now that he is your…adoptive father.” he said slowly.

Harry could tell he was still feeling left out. He couldn’t imagine how it would feel to have your godson adopted by your worst enemy. “But you’re my godfather.” said Harry, intently. “And you’ll always be important to me. You were there first and I’ll always love you.” he said. A sudden lump forming in his throat made it difficult to talk. “But, now I have two father figures. Three really.” he said, motioning to Remus. He couldn’t leave him out, either. “And I want you to know that Severus really is treating me like a father would treat his son. The transition hasn’t been easy, for either of us, but things are going good. I don’t want you to worry about him, okay?” he said, eyes pleading.

Sirius nodded, wiping his eyes. “I love you too, Harry.” He said quickly. Sirius gave Harry one more brief hug. “Enough of this mushy stuff.” said Sirius, and Remus laughed at him. Harry did too. Knowing that Sirius no longer thought he was being pushed aside made Harry feel so much better.

“So, I hear you had an unexpected visitor over Holidays.” said Remus.

Harry gaped at him. “What?” he asked. How had they found out about that?

Sirius looked worried once more. “Albus told us during our meeting.” he explained. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

Harry cringed. “Well, it hadn’t really come up. And Severus asked me not to tell Ron and Hermione, so I guess I thought it wasn’t really an option to tell you either.” he said, waiting for an outburst, even though it seemed they had just accomplished so much with their earlier conversation.

“Why would he ask you to keep that a secret?” Sirius did not sound very happy.

Harry shrugged. “Probably because he hadn’t told the headmaster yet and he didn’t want anyone to know until then.” he suggested.

“That sounds plausible, Sirius.” Remus remarked reasonably.

Sirius continued to frown. “Just the same, Harry should be able to tell us anything, even if Snape doesn’t want him to.” he grumped.

“You’re supposed to be trying to get along with Severus.” mentioned Harry.

“He’s not here, I don’t have to get along with him if he’s not in my presence.” he grumbled. Harry rolled his eyes. “Okay fine, I’ll try harder.” he said.

Harry grinned. “That’s all I ask.”

“How is Draco?” asked Remus, looking slightly concerned. “I heard his father did a number on him. Is he taking everything alright?”

“Well, I suppose he’s taking everything okay. He didn’t really talk about his father too much, except to tell me he’s a right down bastard.”

“He said that?” asked Sirius.

Harry shrugged again. “Well no, but he is. Anyone who would beat their own kid just because they wouldn’t willingly take the Dark Mark is a bastard in my book!” exclaimed Harry.

Sirius and Remus both looked at Harry. “We agree with you, Harry.”

He could tell the two of them were concerned by his outburst. They knew what had happened with Professor Dillard and were probably wondering if he wasn’t associating Malfoy’s situation with his own. They were slightly correct. Not wanting to get into any kind of personal conversation about his past, Harry determined it was time to go.

“Well, I’ve got some homework I need to finish up for tomorrow’s classes. Will you be staying around, Sirius?” he asked.

“Yes, I’ll be here for the long run, I suppose. So, if you need to talk or anything, you know where to find me.” Sirius said.

Harry received a quick hug from both men. “See you tomorrow, then.”

After leaving the office, he made a quick trip back to the Gryffindor dorms. He had stayed longer than he’d thought. Curfew was in a matter of minutes. He was almost there when a blinding pain sent him sprawling to the floor…

A small gathering of his most faithful followers were bowed before him. He had failed him again. This insubordination would no longer be tolerated. But, where one had failed, another had succeeded.

“Lucius, come!” he hissed. A man to his immediate right stood and moved towards him. Bowing low, he lightly kissed the hymn of his robes. “Has it been discovered?” he asked.

“Yes, my Lord. We know where it is.”

He grinned maliciously at his follower. “Enlighten me.”

“The Department of Mysteries, my Lord.” Malfoy bowed lower, feeling his anger. He would not be able to get it himself. Others would do the task for him.

He stood, brushing past the man still kneeling. “Very well…”

Harry came out of his stupor gasping for breath. “Are you alright, Harry?” Someone had flipped him onto his back and brought him out of the vision. Thank goodness. Feeling the post-vision headache coming on, he shook his head no.

“I’m going to be sick.” he warned. Arms lifted him from the ground and a large white bowl suddenly appeared in front of him. Grateful, he vomited into it. Still supported by unknown arms, he sagged against whomever was holding him up. “Thanks.” he muttered, rubbing his temples. His head was killing him and he still felt nauseous, but didn’t think he’d throw up any more tonight.

“You’re welcome.” he said, and Harry finally recognized the voice. It was Fred. “What just happened? You were lying on the floor, twitching like you were in pain. It took me forever to wake you up, even though your eyes were open.”

Harry sighed. “Vision.” he whispered. The sound of his own voice was causing havoc on his aching head. “I need to see Dumbledore. Do you think you could take me to him?” he asked. He knew he’d never make it on his own, he already felt like passing out.

“Sure, mate. Hang on to me, I’ll pull you up.” instructed Fred. The redhead grabbed Harry under the arms and pulled him to his feet. Harry gripped Fred’s arms tightly as he wobbled dizzily. “Alright there?”

“Almost. Just give me a second and it should pass.” he said. Five minutes later and the two of them were walking slowly to the Headmaster’s office. As the Gargoyle loomed ahead of them Harry found himself wondering what the password was.

“Do you happen to know the password?” he asked.

“Damn. No. I take it you don’t either.”

Many failed attempts and nameless sweets later; Harry was the one who finally guessed the correct password. “Fizzing Whizzbee.” he grumbled, frustrated at this point. He was surprised when it actually worked and the Gargoyle moved aside. “It’s about time.”

Moving as one, the two of them quickly traversed the spiraling staircase and knocked hastily on the door. It opened immediately. Sitting inside were Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. Harry found two sets of inquisitive eyes staring directly at him. He was suddenly nervous.

“I had a vision.” he blurted out. Dumbledore was at once on his feet.

“Have a seat, Harry.” he motioned to the chair directly in front of his desk. McGonagall was eyeing him worriedly.

“What was this vision about?” he asked. Harry quickly told them what he had seen while collapsed in the corridor. When he was finished, both the headmaster and Professor McGonagall looked grim. “I see.”

“Have you been having any more visions, Harry?”

Harry shook his head. “No. In fact, this is the first one I’ve had since the beginning of term. I’d been surprised I hadn’t had any, actually. I just thought Voldemort was staying down wind of the Minister and such. It has been awfully quiet.”

Dumbledore sighed. “Quiet’s not always a good thing.” he said quietly.

Harry looked at them. “Is something wrong? Do you know something about this Department of Mysteries?” he asked.

“Yes. But for the time being, I’d like to keep this information to myself. When I’ve spoken with the other Order members, I’ll speak with you again, Harry. Don’t be worried.” he said. Harry could feel nothing but worried at present. But he could only agree with them. They wouldn’t tell them, he knew, so what was the point in trying to argue.

“Are you feeling alright, Potter?” asked McGonagall. Fred finally spoke up since they’d come in.

“He’s got a blazing headache and he got sick in the corridor. Are you sure he’s okay?” he asked, concerned. Now they were all giving him worried looks.

“Perhaps you should go to the Hospital Wing, Potter.” Harry was not doing that. Not over a headache.

“No.” he began, but the headmaster cut him off.

“Harry, I’d like it if you would at least let her examine you. It won’t take long. And you’ll get a pain relieving potion out of the deal.” He said. The pain-relieving potion was the only reason he would go.

He agreed. Dumbledore promised to keep him informed, but Harry didn’t hold his breath. Since when did they tell him anything?

Fred accompanied him to the Hospital Wing. It only took a few minutes for Madame Pomfrey to confirm for him it was a severe headache, something he already knew, and he was given a pain-relieving potion. Talking the woman out of making him stay took a bit longer, but in the end, he was back in the Gryffindor Common Room.

Ron and Hermione were deeply concerned about this vision and the headache that followed. “Are you sure you’re feeling all right?” asked Hermione for the fiftieth time.

“Yes, I’m fine. Now, please, I’d like to go to bed. It’s really late.” he pleaded with them. He knew they were just looking out for him, but it wasn’t necessary. He could look after himself. He’d been doing it for long enough as it was.

“Very well. But, if you have another vision, make sure to wake up Ron and come and get me.” Instructed Hermione.

Harry rolled his eyes. “Yes, ma’am.” he muttered. He could see the Weasley twins snickering behind his bushy-haired friend.

He went up to his dorm, Ron behind him, and climbed into bed. It felt so nice just to lie down. It took a bit longer to fall asleep that night. Finally, all thoughts drifted from his mind and he fell fast asleep. He had no dreams that night.

………………………………….

The next morning, he met his father for breakfast. He didn’t have to, but he wanted to talk to him. He also hadn’t seen Malfoy around too much lately, and wondered how things were going with him. Entering Severus’ quarters, he saw that his father was already at the table.

“Good morning.” he greeted. Severus waved him over.

“Have a seat. I asked that house elf, Dobby, I believe, to bring up some pancakes for you.” he said. Harry smiled. He loved pancakes.

The two ate silently at first. It was Harry who finally broke the silence. “I had a vision.” he said quickly. Severus looked startled.

“When?”

“Last night.” answered Harry.

The professor frowned. “Did you dream it?” he asked, and Harry guessed correctly that his father was wondering whether he’d been asleep or awake when the vision occurred.

“I was awake when it happened, just like last time. It happened in the corridor after I’d left seeing Remus and Sirius.” he said.

He watched curiously as his father stood from his seat and walked to his side. He wasn’t sure what he was doing, but it all became clear when Severus placed a hand on his forehead. “Did you react as you did after your last vision?” He was concerned for him. Harry smiled inwardly. It felt so nice to be cared about, especially by this man.

“Yeah, more or less.” he told him.

“Define more or less.” demanded Severus. His father was still hovering nearby, as if afraid he’d relapse right here.

Harry had been cutting into his pancakes the entire time he’d been talking to Severus. He looked down as he was about to answer and realized he’d mutilated his pancakes. He put his fork down. “Um…well, for starters, I puked this time.” His fathers’ frown deepened. “And the headache started immediately rather than later, like last time.” Harry remembered that he’d been in the Hospital Wing for a bit before his headache had kicked in at the beginning of the year. This time, it had hit almost immediately. “Dumbledore made me go to the Infirmary and yes, I had a pain relieving potion.” he said, answering the questions he knew his father was about to ask.

The Slytherin professor smirked. “Good. I take it you went to the headmaster after your vision?” he asked. Harry nodded. He explained how Fred Weasley had found him lying in the corridor and what followed. When he described the vision, Harry noticed he looked very concerned.

“You know about this Department of Mysteries, don’t you?” asked Harry, wondering if even his own father would keep him in the dark.

The older man sighed and sat down in the chair next to Harry’s. “Yes. I assume Albus wouldn’t tell you anything more?” he asked.

Harry sighed angrily. “Of course not. Why would he tell me? I mean, it’s not as if Voldemort wants to kill me or anything.” he said sarcastically. “And Voldemort is feeding me all these visions for no reason whatsoever.” he continued, not caring if Severus heard him or not.

“I expect he has his reasons for not keeping you informed, Harry.” he said.

Harry stood up and pushed away from the table. He hated it when they did this to him. “I have a right to know what’s going on.” he said, his eyes blazing. “What good is it going to do to keep me in the dark?” he ranted. And worst of all, Harry had a sinking feeling that something bad was going to happen. Keeping him in the dark about everything was making his blood boil. He needed to know!

“I would tell you if I thought you needed to know, Harry. But, it’s nothing you need to concern yourself with. Albus and the Order will take care of it, I assure you.” he said sternly, but it didn’t make Harry feel any better. Knowing he wouldn’t get anything else out of his father, he changed the subject.

“What’s on with Malfoy? I haven’t seen him.” He asked. Severus seemed almost surprised at the sudden change of subject, but grasped it immediately.

“As I suspected would happen, his other classmates have discovered his ‘betrayal’. Some of the student’s parents who are still amongst Lord Voldemort’s ranks informed their children just yesterday. Draco’s been having a hard time of it. He’s been harassed and threatened. Albus moved him into a secure wing of the castle. He will no longer be staying in Slytherin dormitories, it’s too dangerous.” His father’s concern over his godson’s welfare was obvious. Harry felt that little inkling of jealousy again. He immediately felt awful for it. Malfoy was in danger and here he was feeling jealous over his father’s concern for him!

“Is he okay?” he found himself asking.

Severus nodded. “Yes. Although, I’m inclined to believe he’s feeling betrayed himself. His friends have all turned against him. He’s not sure what to think about the situation.”

Harry could understand that. How many times had the entire school turned their backs on him? It wasn’t a pleasant feeling, and to be turned against by your own house? At least when he had found himself in that kind of situation, his friends had stuck with him…well, mostly. He was remembering the way Ron had reacted during the Tri-Wizard tournament. At least Ron had come to his senses. He had a feeling Malfoy wouldn’t be so lucky with his friends. “Maybe I could go and talk to him, sometime?” he asked. He couldn’t help but feel bad for him. And, Harry being Harry wanted to do anything he could do to help.

“I think that could be arranged.” considered his father. “I’ll speak with Draco to see if he would mind. Perhaps tonight?”

Harry agreed. Looking at the clock, he realized he was going to be late for class if he didn’t hurry up. “I’ve got to go dad.” he said. “Class starts in ten minutes!” he quickly grabbed his bag and dashed for the door. “See you tonight!” he yelled, the door shutting behind him.

…………………….

“Harry, would you mind staying after class?” asked Professor Lupin. Harry looked up. He’d almost been out the door when he’d heard Remus ask him to stay. He wondered what this was all about.

“Sure.” he said.

“Do you want us to wait for you Harry?” asked Hermione, shifting her bag from one shoulder to the other. Ron stood beside her. He knew they’d stay if he wanted them to.

“No, that’s alright. I might be a while.” he said. They agreed and Hermione shut the door on their way out.

He made his way back up to the front desk and stood before it. He didn’t think he was in trouble, but he couldn’t be sure. Remus just seemed so tense. Hesitantly, he spoke. “Did I do something wrong?” he asked.

“No! No, Harry, you’re not in trouble.” he said, ending Harry’s worry.

“Oh, good.” he muttered. “So, what did you want then?” he asked, more than a little curious now.

Remus grinned. “Not much.” he answered. “Sirius and I were just wondering if you would join us for dinner tonight? I fear he’s getting rather bored staying in my office or in my quarters all day long with nothing to do and no one to keep him company.”

Harry instantly felt awful for his godfather. He could imagine rather well how Sirius felt. “Sure I’ll come!” he said enthusiastically. “What time?”

Remus thought for a moment. “Perhaps 7?” he asked. Harry agreed.

“I’ll be there. Oh wait, are we meeting in your quarters, then?” he asked before he ended up in the wrong place for dinner.

“Yes, Harry.”

The emerald-eyed youth grinned.

“See you tonight.”

Harry ran down to the dungeons to tell his father he wouldn’t be stopping by after all that evening. He felt bad about it, but he couldn’t help but feel worse about Sirius. At least his father could go up to the Great Hall for dinner. Sirius didn’t have that luxury.

But, when he entered their quarters, Severus was nowhere in sight. He stopped by his classroom on the way back upstairs, but he wasn’t there either. He thought about running back and leaving a note, but didn’t want to be late. He’d just tell him later.

He knocked on Remus’ door.

“Hi, Remus.” he started, but stopped directly beyond the door. “Dad?” he asked, unthinkingly. Otherwise, he probably wouldn’t have referred to Severus Snape as his dad right in front of his godfather.

Both Remus and Sirius looked uncomfortable with him referring to the Slytherin as his father. Harry cringed. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

Severus smirked at the two remaining marauders. “Wolfsbane Potion.” he said, as if that explained everything, which it did. He looked questioningly at Harry. “And what are you doing here?” he questioned. “I asked Draco about you visiting him. He thought it was a fine idea. He asked if you’d be available tonight.”

Harry was feeling torn between the two of them, Sirius and Malfoy. He had technically said he’d visit with Malfoy before he even talked with Remus.

“I don’t think that’s a very good idea.” Sirius intervened.

“Why’s that, Black?” spat Severus.

Sirius looked angry. “I don’t trust that kid. He’s a Malfoy, or have you forgotten? His father is a Death Eater. What’s to say he’s not spying on Harry for his father and that snake-eyed bastard?”

Severus sneered. “He refused the Dark Mark, Black. He’s a far cry from spying on Harry.”

“You expect me to believe that? I don’t trust that kid as far as I can throw him. He’s always treated Harry like dirt, and I won’t have him hurt!” he said, furious at Snape.

“I wouldn’t allow Harry near him if I thought he were in danger. He’ll be perfectly safe.” he said. Harry was surprised his father was attempting to get Sirius to agree with him.

Sirius shook his head in denial. “I don’t care. I still don’t trust him. Harry, you’re not going.” he said.

Harry gaped. “What?” he asked.

“I said you’re not going to visit with Malfoy. Especially not alone. It’s not a good idea.” he said. Harry was even more shocked to see Remus agreeing with him.

“Listen, I know Malfoy was a total prat to me before, but he’s changed. He’s not like he used to be. I know more about him than you do, so trust me when I tell you that I trust him.” he said.

Sirius continued to look skeptical. He shook his head. “I still say no.” he remained adamant.

“But I say yes.” said Severus, his face hard. Sirius glared.

“And I agree with Sirius.” Remus spoke up for the first time since the argument had started.

Harry saw that Severus was none too pleased about the two of them ganging up on his decisions.

“Listen, Black, Lupin, I can understand that you’re worried about Harry, but quite frankly, it’s not up to you.” He spat out, looking quite vicious in Harry’s eyes. Severus was really getting angry.

Sirius bristled. “Excuse me?” he bellowed. “Not up to me?”

Harry immediately stood and got in between the two men. “Wait, wait!” he yelled, but his words were ineffective. The two men were beyond listening to him now. And it seemed that Remus was joining the fray as well. ‘Great.’

“I’m his father, Black, not you. I make the decisions when it comes to his well being!” Severus exclaimed. Harry sighed.

“Whatever happened to the mutual understanding you two had agreed to?” asked Lupin, trying to get into the conversation, fight rather, himself. “You said you would speak with Sirius about decisions concerning Harry. I’d have to say this concerns Harry.”

Harry scoffed. If it concerned him, then why weren’t they listening to a word he said? Trying again, “Do I not get a say in all this?” he asked heatedly.

“No!” all three said simultaneously. It was Harry’s turn to bristle. “Well, since none of you care what I think, I’ll just go then, won’t I?” he said, but none of the men even heard him, so caught up in the argument as they were. Harry sighed. He silently left the room, the three adults none the wiser.

He seriously thought of just going to visit Malfoy, but then it occurred to him that he had no idea where he even was. With that idea shot down, he simply walked outside. As usual when he was outdoors, he ended up on the rock overlooking the lake. It was quite peaceful this late at night. No one was out, they were all probably already getting ready for bed, and he was engulfed in quiet. He was still furious with his father, Sirius and Remus, but couldn’t exactly do anything about it until they had all calmed down enough to listen to him. He wondered how long it would take them to realize he was no longer in the room. He chuckled lightly at the thought.

He was truly tired and was considering going back inside, but he felt rather lazy at the moment. It was freezing outside, but he still didn’t want to move. He was so content with just sitting there and not paying attention to anything that he never noticed the footsteps coming up behind him. He never heard the rustle of robes as a wand was pulled from them. He did, however, feel the paralyzing panic set in as a wand was pushed viciously into his back and harsh words were whispered in his ear. “Scream, Potter, and I will take great pleasure in ripping you limb from limb.”