"Remember Albus and Poppy are coming for dinner tonight."

It was lunchtime on Friday and Harry had been slowly eating a ham and cheese sandwich. He still didn't have much of an appetite, but he was trying to eat a little more food anyway. Snape had told him to and Harry was determined to stay on the man's good side, if possible, and besides, it made sense that he needed to keep up his strength. Snape had been right when he'd said that Harry would need to be healthy to defeat Voldemort, and Harry was very determined on two points in his life right now. Whatever else might happen, he was going to beat Voldemort the next time they met, and then he was going to go be with Sirius and his parents.

So he ate, whether he wanted to or not.

Now, at Snape's announcement, he paused and looked over at the professor. He'd forgotten but now that Snape had mentioned it, Harry did recall that Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey were invited to dinner that night. But why was Snape telling him? Did he mean he wanted Harry to stay out of the way? Or could he mean...?

"They'll arrive shortly before seven. We'll meet them in the parlour." The professor studied Harry. "Of course it's not an occasion for dress robes, but you might want to wear something a bit nicer than jeans and a Quidditch jersey."

Harry swallowed his bite of sandwich. "You mean you want me to eat dinner with you, then?" He asked quietly.

Snape frowned. "Of course. Albus and Poppy are most anxious to see you. You know they will want you there."

He cleared his throat, and studied his own sandwich as if it were the most interesting thing he'd ever seen before saying, also in a very quiet voice, "And I would like for you to be there as well."

Harry stared at him in shock for a minute before managing to say, "Thank you."

He thought Snape almost said something else, but instead the professor just nodded. They finished lunch and then Snape went off to his laboratory while Harry went back to his room to finish reading about the Flame-Freezing Charm.

They met back in the front parlour a little before seven that evening, Harry dressed in the same dark green shirt and khaki trousers he'd worn on the first day he'd arrived at Prince Hall, and Snape in a dark shirt and trousers.

"How did you spend your afternoon?" Snape asked after a moment of silence.

"I practiced charms. I mean, I didn't really try to do them of course, but I read about them and practiced the wand movements," Harry explained.

"Did you go outside?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir. I went flying for a while this morning."

"Good." There was a long pause before Snape cleared his throat and said slowly, "I am aware that your birthday is coming up soon. Is there anything in particular you would like?"

For the second time that day, Harry could only gaze at him in astonishment. Was the world coming to an end? Had Snape...Severus Snape, the professor who lived to make Harry miserable...really just offered to buy him a birthday present? Surely Harry had misunderstood.

But Snape was watching him, with his lips quirked upwards, almost as if he were trying to smile, but didn't really know how to.

"Well?" The professor asked.

Harry blinked, still feeling completely befuddled. Was there anything he wanted? Well, he wanted his freedom. He wanted his family. He wanted to be free of Voldemort. But no one could give him those things.

Still, he should probably say something, shouldn't he? Wouldn't it seem rude to refuse Snape? But try as he would, he simply couldn't think of anything to ask for. And what if it was some elaborate trick after all?

Snape really did seem to be changing. But it was so hard to trust. What if Harry said something and then later Snape mocked him for it? You honestly believed I would get you a gift, Potter? As if I cared? As if anyone could care for a pathetic imbecile like you? Harry could just imagine Snape and the Slytherins jeering at him once they were back at Hogwarts.

He shuddered. "I don't know, sir," he said softly and then waited for Snape to rebuke him for being an ungrateful snob.

Instead there was silence, which was almost worse. Harry swallowed nervously. Now he'd gone and made Snape angry again, in spite of his determination not to. He should have just asked for something...anything. He waited tensely for Snape's rage.

But it didn't come.

Finally he risked glancing over to see Snape studying him quizzically.

"Well, give it some thought," the professor told him. "Otherwise you might have to make do with beetle eyes and dragonfly wings."

Harry stared. Was Snape joking with him? No, it was impossible. It had to be.

Before he could figure out how to respond, green flames flared high in the fireplace and Madame Pomfrey stepped out. For once she wasn't wearing her traditional brown healer's dress, but flowing sapphire robes instead. Harry had never seen her not in her uniform and for a second, he almost didn't recognise her.

"Severus, Harry, it's good to see you both again." She smiled at them and took Snape's offered hand.

Then the Floo roared to life again, and Dumbledore was there, in violet robes, smiling graciously at them. The skin on his right arm and hand was a little reddened, as if healing from a bad burn, but he no longer had to wear a bandage.

"Harry, it's wonderful to see you looking better." Dumbledore stepped close and asked quietly. "Are you feeling better as well?"

Harry hesitated. "Yes, sir," he said after a few seconds. It wasn't really the whole truth, but he did feel better physically than he had the last time he'd seen the headmaster.

Dumbledore peered keenly at him and Harry had the impression that the old wizard wasn't a bit fooled by his answer, but Dumbledore just patted his shoulder and said, "Remember, Harry, the darkest hour is just before dawn. An old Muggle proverb, and one that I have often found to be true. Have courage and faith."

Then he strode over to Snape and they clasped hands and greeted one another as Madame Pomfrey came over to Harry. Like Dumbledore, she was anxious to hear how he was doing, but she had more specific questions about how much he was eating and sleeping, and if he'd had all the doses of his potion.

Harry wasn't a bit surprised when she actually took out her wand and went through a diagnostic spell, before nodding and announcing in relief that his lungs were almost completely healed, and she believed that he would make a full recovery.

"You were most fortunate," she admonished. Then her eyes seemed to grow bright and she pulled him into a quick hug. "We all were."

There was a sudden popping sound and they looked over to see Zan standing in the doorway.

"Good evening, Madame Pomfrey, Masters. Dinner is served if you would like to come to the dining room."

"Thank you, Zan," Snape gestured slightly to the doorway. "Shall we?"

Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey paused to speak to Zan as they followed, and the elf accompanied them all to the dining room where Norie was waiting as well.

"Good evening, Madame Pomfrey, Master Professor Dumbledore," she beamed.

Madame Pomfrey thanked her, and Dumbledore nodded at the table.

"I'm sure you have prepared quite a delicious feast for us. But Norie, Zan, won't you join us?"

Norie and Zan both shook their heads at him.

"You knows we prefer to eat by ourselves in peace and quiet, Master Professor, sir," Norie said in a scolding tone. She shook her head again, this time giving an impression of a parent weary of repeating something to a tiresome child, before Dis-Apparating away.

"Norie is right, Master Professor Dumbledore," Zan said calmly. "We likes to have a quiet bite alone by ourselves." He gave a small bow before following Norie's example and Vanishing.

"You know they'll refuse, Albus. I've been trying for years to get them to eat in here with me," Snape remarked as they seated themselves at the table.

"Yes, I know, but I figured ‘what the hell, one day they might accept'," Dumbledore shrugged lightly as the first course, bowls of steaming mushroom soup, appeared.

They dined on chicken Cordon Bleu, creamy spinach and rice, with raspberry sorbet for dessert. At first, conversation was light, centered on inconsequential matters. Hagrid was thrilled at having acquired a pet Jarvey and was spending hours each day trying to teach it manners, to no avail. Mrs. Norris had disappeared for three days, leaving poor Filch in such hysterics that Madame Pomfrey had seriously considered taking him to St. Mungo's. Fortunately, the missing cat had returned to Hogwarts just that afternoon and the last Dumbledore had seen of Filch, the caretaker had been waltzing around the Great Hall, with his malevolent pet tucked under his chin, crooning lullabys and practically crying with joy.

But soon the discussion became more serious. Dementors were multiplying, attacks on Muggles were increasing, and even in the wizarding world, people were missing, Death Eaters were becoming more open with their activities, and there had been rumors of a ferocious werewolf named Fenrir Greyback roaming the country.

Harry was quiet for most of the discussion, just listening to the others talk, but at the last bit he had to speak up.

"Professor Dumbledore?" He asked when there was a momentary lull in the conversation.

They all looked at him.

"Yes, Harry?" Dumbledore paused from cutting a bite of chicken.

"I just wondered...is Remus all right?" Harry asked softly. He wished suddenly, fiercely, that he could see his father's old friend again. Remus never had let Harry get as close to him as Harry wanted, but he did consider Remus a friend, and he was concerned. Remus had always had a hard life, and it had to be an especially difficult time for him too, these weeks right after Sirius' death.

Dumbledore nodded. "He's away on a mission now, Harry, but the last I heard from him, everything was going well."

"Thank you." Harry tried to distract himself by turning his attention back to dinner. He missed Remus, but he just had to accept that Remus wasn't part of his life anymore. He had important work to do for the war, and even if he weren't busy with that, it wasn't likely that Snape would let him see Remus. The professor hated all the Marauders with a passion, with good reason Harry had to admit. Anyway, for all he knew, Remus wouldn't want to see him anymore anyway. He probably hated Harry for killing Sirius.

It seemed to Harry that one by one, he was losing all the people he cared about, and he abruptly set his fork down. Never mind about keeping up his strength right now, he wasn't going to be able to eat any more.

He didn't think anyone had noticed, but when dinner was over and they were heading back to the parlour, Madame Pomfrey came over to him and said quietly, "You didn't finish your dinner, Harry. You need to eat more, dear."

Harry tried to smile at her. "Yes, ma'am. I know. Professor Snape has talked to me about that, and I'm trying. But I just wasn't very hungry tonight."

She sighed and laid her hand on his arm. "Is there anything we can do to help you, Harry?"

He shook his head. "I'm all right, Madame Pomfrey. Don't worry."

She only sighed again.

In the parlour, Snape poured drinks for everyone...brandy for the adults and a butterbeer for Harry...and they settled themselves on the sofa and chairs. Madame Pomfrey and Snape began discussing healing potions, while Dumbledore came over and sat down in a chair close to Harry's.

"Harry, there is something I wanted to discuss with you this evening," he began. "I don't wish to pry, but are you and Severus getting along any better?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."

Dumbledore was quiet for a moment, as if waiting for Harry to elaborate, but Harry wasn't sure what else to say and after a brief pause, Dumbledore went on.

"Excellent, but what I need to know is if you would be willing to let him instruct you in Defense and dueling. I made a grave mistake last year when I forced the two of you into Occlumency lessons, and I don't want to repeat that. If you don't think you can work with Severus, I'll try to schedule time to come out here and teach you myself."

"But Severus is very capable and he would be able to work with you on a much more regular basis than I would, so if the two of you could manage, it would probably be better, for the summer anyway."

Harry hesitated. Occlumency lessons had been horrible, and he wasn't at all sure he wanted Snape giving him private lessons on anything again. But they had been getting along better lately, and if it would help him be more prepared to face Voldemort, how could he refuse?

Finally he said, "Yes, sir. I'm willing to try, but Professor Snape might not want to work with me."

"I think he will," Dumbledore smiled.

Harry frowned slightly, confused. It sounded as if Dumbledore intended for him to actually use magic, but how could he in the summer?

"Sir? Do you mean for me to really use magic? Because I'm still underage, you know."

Dumbledore nodded. "Oh, yes, I know, Harry. But as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I do have a bit of authority and I was planning to lift the Trace from you."

Harry stared at him blankly. "Trace?"

"It is a charm to detect the use of magic in children. It's what enables the Ministry to find out about underage magic. Of course with Prince Hall being under the Fidelius Charm, no one from the Ministry could reach you here, but we don't want any trouble once you come back to Hogwarts. So to simplify matters, I'd planned to release you from the Trace early. If that's all right with you?"

"Well, yes, sir. Should we ask Professor Snape, too, though?"

"Yes, we probably should," Dumbledore agreed. "Severus?"

He explained his plans and Snape listened in silence; then studied Harry.

"Are you agreeable to all this?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."

Snape seemed to consider the matter for a long moment before he inclined his head. "Very well, Albus. I have no objections."

"And you're willing to work with Harry and to help prepare him?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes."

Dumbledore beamed at them. "Thank you, my boys. I believe this will work out well for all of us."

He stood up and took out his wand. "Harry, if you will come here please."

Harry stood and stepped close. Dumbledore waved his wand in a complicated series of loops and flourishes over Harry's head.

"There. I believe that did it." He tucked his wand back into an inside pocket.

Harry didn't want to doubt Dumbledore's word, but he didn't feel a bit different. It seemed strange that such a momentous thing could be accomplished so easily and him not even feel anything.

"Should I have felt something, sir?" He asked.

"It's doubtful. I'm sure your Trace is gone," the headmaster assured him.

Snape spoke up. "Albus, do you think anyone from the Ministry will notice that Harry's Trace has been lifted?"

"I don't think so. Lifting a Trace early is very complicated and not many wizards can do it, if I do say so myself. Therefore the Ministry doesn't normally take any notice of when a Trace lifts. But if there should be any difficulties, I will take all the responsibility."

Soon after that, Madame Pomfrey thanked them all for a lovely evening, but announced that she was tired and was going to head back to Hogwarts. Harry curled up in his chair and tried to listen as Snape and Dumbledore discussed plans for his training, but he was tired, too, and the warm butterbeer made him drowsy. His eyelids flickered a few times before finally closing. Harry rested his head against the high side of the chair and let himself drift away into sleep.

***

"Is anything happening in the Order that I should know about?" Severus asked as he and Albus slowly sipped their second glass of brandy.

The headmaster considered. "It's not really Order business, but Narcissa Malfoy seems to have vanished from the face of the earth."

Severus frowned. "Narcissa? Is she planning something? So far as I know, she's never had much to do with the inner workings of Voldemort's circle."

"I don't know what's going on, only that no one seems to have seen her since the day after Hogwarts closed for the summer." Albus shook his head.

"Perhaps she's on holiday with Draco, and they simply kept it quiet?" Severus suggested.

"Apparently she sent Draco to spend the summer with friends at a resort near the Black Forest, so wherever she is, she's not spending the summer with him," Albus replied.

"Well, that's hardly surprising," Severus said dryly. "She's never spent any time with him, so why start now?"

"Yes, it is a shame that Draco has never had a positive parental figure. He might be a different boy if he had," Albus agreed.

Severus had always tried to keep his emotions buried deeply, but he felt a wave of sadness and guilt at Albus' words.

"I have tried," he said in a low voice. "But I couldn't do enough, and I fear I've lost him." He looked up and it was one of the rare times that Albus could see through his mask to the pain and remorse underneath. "I've lost so many of them, Albus."

Albus reached over and laid a hand on his arm. "It's not your fault, Severus. I certainly wasn't blaming you. You tried, and now that you don't have to maintain the charade of spying, perhaps you can do more to reach them."

"I hope so." Severus was quiet for a moment and then glanced over at Harry, curled up asleep in his chair.

"Do you have any plans for Draco, Albus? I do sympathise with him for all the obstacles that have stood in his way, but what he did to Harry is inexcusable, and he must be punished for it."

Albus raised his eyebrows. "Are you really Severus Snape? Did you just tell me that Draco Malfoy should be punished for harming Harry Potter?"

Severus scowled at him. "What are you wanting to hear, Albus? That I was wrong about Harry? Very well, I admit it. But you haven't answered my question. Yes, I acknowledge that Draco needs to be punished, severely. In many ways, Draco is a victim of circumstance, but he can't be allowed to go about harming innocent people, and if there is still any chance of saving him, he needs to learn that his actions have consequences. Too often, he's been let off because his name or family influence. I admit that too often I've let him off as well. Sometimes I did so because I could see myself in him and I sympathised. Sometimes I had to pretend to favour the children of Death Eaters. But no more of that. It's not going to help them develop any moral character."

Albus just nodded and drained his glass. "Well said, Severus. As a matter of fact, I do have plans for young Mr. Malfoy, assuming he returns to school in the fall, but I haven't decided on anything definitely yet. Perhaps we can discuss that later on in the summer. Right now it's getting late, and much as I've enjoyed this evening, I find myself longing for a soft bed and pillow."

They stood and Severus went over to Harry. He shook the boy's shoulder, but Harry never stirred.

Severus glanced over at Albus. "He didn't take his evening dose of potions. Do you think I should wake him?"

"Poppy said he was almost completely recovered. I imagine it would be all right to wait til morning," the headmaster said.

Severus nodded. "Good evening, Albus."

"Thank you, Severus. I'll be in touch." And Albus was gone.

Severus hesitated, but Harry was obviously not going to wake on his own, so he finally gathered the boy into his arms and carried him upstairs, noting that Harry was still lighter than he should be. He went to Harry's room and laid him carefully on the bed. He found a pair of pyjamas in the wardrobe, and frowned as he thought that Harry really didn't have very many outfits in there. Perhaps he should buy the boy some more clothes for his birthday.

He remembered their interactions that day as he eased Harry into the pyjamas...how surprised Harry had seemed at the idea of being included in the dinner, and how completely startled he'd been at the idea of Severus buying him a gift for his birthday. And Harry was still so quiet and submissive.

Severus just didn't know what to make of the child. Had he always been so humble? Was it part of Harry's personality that he'd somehow never seen through his own prejudices? Was it a legacy of an abusive past? For the more he remembered his visit to Privet Drive and the sketchy details of Harry's medical records, the more convinced he became that Harry had been abused in some way long before arriving at Hogwarts. Was it related to Sirius Black's death and/or the slavery curse?

Or was it a combination of all those things?

Severus wanted to try to talk with Harry about these issues. He wanted to know more about Harry's past and he wanted to reassure him again that he was safe at Prince Hall. He wanted to tell Harry that he...Severus...would never harm him again, and that he didn't think of Harry as a slave and he didn't want Harry to think of himself that way.

But he just didn't know how to say all the things he wanted to.

Severus tucked a blanket around Harry's shoulders and cautiously carded his fingers through the child's dark hair.

"Good night, Harry," he said softly and slipped across the hall to his own room. He got ready for bed and fell asleep quickly, but his sleep was broken in the middle of the night by harsh cries coming from Harry's room.