The smell of sausages and waffles and the dull hum of hundreds of students and staff were wafting through the corridors as Harry approached the Great Hall Sunday morning. He walked in and was making his way to his usual spot near the head table when he spotted Ron. Debating for only a few seconds on whether or not he should talk to him, Harry slowly approached the redhead and stood just off to the side. He cleared his throat. "Erm…do you, do you mind if I join you?" he asked hesitantly when Ron looked up.

Ron looked at Harry in absolute confusion. "Of course I don't mind mate."

"Thanks." Harry tentatively sat down.

"Why do you even have to ask if you can sit down?" He shoveled a piece of sausage into his mouth. "That's a stupid question."

"Is it? It just seems like I'm not really wanted around again." Harry plucked a waffle off the platter in front of him and scooped up some sliced fruit to add to his plate. "I haven't seen you or Hermione since Professor Snape released me Friday night. Where were you two yesterday?" He looked around the table. "Where's Hermione?"

"Oh, uh, Hermione is at home," he mumbled around a mouth full of sausage.

"What? Why?" Harry's growing anger at Ron diminished and was replaced with concern for Hermione. It was almost unheard of for a student to leave Hogwarts outside of the holidays.

"Her parents contacted Professor McGonagall yesterday morning. Hermione's aunt, uncle, and cousin were in a car accident, a bad one, apparently. They, um, they weren't sure they would make it. Her parents said they would keep in touch with their condition. After dinner last night, McGonagall came to the common room and pulled Hermione aside to talk. They both left together a few minutes later." Ron paused as he recalled Hermione's reaction. "Seems they didn't make it," he said sadly.

Harry stared at Ron in shock with his mouth hanging open. Poor Hermione. Here he was yesterday thinking only of himself and the fact that he was being ignored, when Hermione was dealing with something serious. He wished he could have been there for her, especially after all the times she was there for him in the past. He wished he would have known. But he could have known. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" he demanded, his voice carrying the hurt he was feeling.

"We tried to look for you but we couldn't find you," Ron replied.

"When yesterday morning did Hermione first find out her relatives were in an accident?" he queried.

"During breakfast."

"And you didn't think I would want to know then?"

Ron's ears began to turn pink. "Well, we didn't see you and, and Hermione was really upset so we left here and went to see McGonagall. Hermione wanted to see if she could speak with her parents. She was too worried to think about anything at all yesterday. She told me she spent a lot of time with her relatives growing up and that her cousin was almost like a sister to her."

"Why didn't you leave me a note? Why didn't you ask McGonagall to tell me what was going on?" Harry was furious and his voice was rising. "Don't you think I'd want to be with her too?" he yelled.

Ron looked around the Great Hall as it got very quiet with Harry's outburst. He waited until everyone went back to their breakfast before he began speaking again. "I know you would mate. I would have done more to look for you, but, I really didn't want to leave Hermione alone. She was so upset. You have to understand, Harry," he pleaded.

Harry looked at Ron for a few seconds. "Yeah, I understand," he said quietly. "I just wish I could have been there for her. When will she be back?"

"Not sure. Maybe a week? She said she'd send us a letter when she got more information."

Harry nodded. With his thoughts on Hermione, he began to eat his breakfast. The feeling of guilt over the anger he had with his friends was slowly disappearing. "Sorry I got mad at you Ron. I just miss hanging out with you guys."

"Don't worry about it. I know Hermione and I have been spending too much time together. We're still trying to work out our new relationship and our friendship with you. Don't give up on us." Ron gulped down the remaining orange juice in his glass then looked at Harry, studying him. "Er…where were you yesterday? Last night at dinner, Hermione mentioned that she saw you going down to the dungeons yesterday afternoon when she was coming back from speaking with her parents. I told her she was seeing things. There would be no way you would be heading down to the dungeons."

So much for not being seen, Harry thought. Now he had to lie. Luckily he had an excuse. "I, erm, I needed to see Professor Snape."

"Snape?" Ron interrupted. "What would make you want to see that greasy git?"

Harry bristled a little at the way Ron addressed the professor. "Where you not listening to me Friday night Ron? I told you guys that if I had any type of pain, I needed to see the professor."

"I honestly didn't think you would listen to him. Why didn't you just go to the hospital wing?" Ron couldn't imagine there to be any reason to voluntarily see the potions master.

"He asked me to come to him." When it looked like Ron was about to argue, Harry continued. "Besides, he's the only one who knows what happened to me. Madam Pomfrey wasn't there remember? I needed to see Professor Snape."

"I still think you're crazy. You wouldn't catch me going down there outside of class."

Harry kept quiet. He didn't want to defend himself anymore. Instead he cut a piece of waffle and swirled it in the thick sticky syrup on his plate.

Ron surprisingly let the subject drop and he went back to eating his breakfast as well. It was quiet for a few minutes before he spoke up again. "Oh, hey, some of us from the various houses are going to play a Quidditch game or two after lunch. It will probably last all afternoon. Want to play?"

A game of Quidditch sounded like fun. Harry couldn't even remember the last time he actually played since he had been banned from the game last year. It would also be the perfect time to try out the new broom that Professor Snape had given him last week. "Of course!" he said, his mood improving dramatically.

Ron finished swallowing the last of his breakfast. "Wanna play some chess before lunch?"

"Sure." Harry knew he was rubbish at the game, but he was glad that he was finally going to be doing something with one of his friends instead of moping around the castle.

~SH~

Ron had his broom in hand and was standing in the doorway to the dorm room waiting for Harry. "Hurry up Harry. Everyone is probably waiting for us. What are you doing?"

"Just a second. I want to get my jacket." He grabbed his jacket off the trunk at the foot of his bed, and a few of the books the house elf had placed there Friday night fell to the floor. He put the jacket on his bed, on top of his broom, and bent down to pick up the books. When he went to set them back, he spotted his Defense homework and the note that Professor Snape had written and attached to it. As he read the note again, a smile graced his face. Seeing those words written had felt so good when he read them the first time, and even now, they elicited the same feelings. He really wanted to see them written on his homework again. His eyes then moved to the rest of the stack of books. He never did finish his homework like he was supposed to.

"Come on!" Ron stated agitated. He was missing out on quality flying time.

Harry looked from Ron back to the books, weighing his options. As much as he wanted to play Quidditch and fly his new broom, the thought of not completing his homework and disappointing Professor Snape made him feel extremely uncomfortable and uneasy. Decision made, he stood up. "Go on without me. I can't go."

"What? Why?"

"I need to finish my homework." He turned around and faced Ron.

"Home…homework?" Ron bust out laughing. "Are you serious? You sound like Hermione. Homework!" He continued laughing.

"I'm serious Ron. I need to finish it. I promised Professor Sn…I need to have it done before classes on Monday."

Ron shook his head. "Next you'll be telling me you want to spend all your free time in the library."

"I really need to do this Ron. When I'm done I'll meet up with you at the Quidditch pitch. Maybe I can get one game in before dinner."

"You can do your homework after our games. You'll have all evening. We'll all be doing our homework before bed."

"I can't Ron. I really need to do a good job on it."

"You never cared before. Besides, weren't you mad at me this morning because you weren't hanging out with me and Hermione? And now that you and I can do something together, you say no?"

"You just don't understand. I really need to do my homework."

Ron looked at Harry and gave a huff. "Harry giving up Quidditch for homework." He shook his head. "I never thought I'd see the day. Well, if you're sure?"

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "I'm sure. I'll catch up with you later."

Ron shrugged his shoulders. "Okay. Bye mate!" He turned around and bounded down the stairs to the Quidditch pitch without a second thought.

~SH~

Severus was seated at his desk in his quarters working on his research paper. While flipping through one of the giant tomes he had on ancient potions, a rolled piece of parchment appeared above his head. He grabbed it and opened it up.

Professor Snape,

If it's not too much trouble, could I come down to your quarters in a half hour? I just realized I left some of my homework in the bedroom. I shouldn't be there more than a few minutes.

Thanks.

Harry Potter

Severus set the parchment on the desk and stood up. He didn't recall Harry leaving any homework in the room but decided to look again. Maybe he did miss it. He searched the room and desk and returned to his own desk with a slight smirk. He scribbled his reply on the parchment and sent it off to Harry.

Half an hour later there was a knock on the door. Severus got up and opened the door, already knowing who it was.

As soon as the door was open and before he stepped foot into the professor's quarters, Harry began speaking. "Sorry sir, I can't believe I forgot some of my homework. Thank you for letting me come by and pick it up." He finally looked up to Severus, as he had been staring at the ground. "I'll be gone in a few minutes."

"When I went in there earlier this morning I didn't see anything."

Harry's eyes went a little wide and he readjusted the book bag on his shoulder. "Oh, erm, I left it in one of the drawers."

Severus studied Harry and raised an eyebrow, but didn't comment. Instead he opened the door wide enough to let the boy in and closed it behind him. He followed Harry part way to the bedroom, stopping at his desk. He looked down the hall and at his work on the desk. He then faced the hall and began speaking loudly enough for Harry to hear in the bedroom. "I am working on a research project and should be here for a few more hours if you'd like to join me at the kitchen table to work on your homework."

With a few pieces of parchment in one hand, Harry walked through the hall towards Severus. He looked at the man trying to gauge if he was serious. "Sure," he replied, trying to not sound as pleased at the offer as he felt. His plan had worked. "If you don't mind, that is."

"I would not have asked if I did not mind."

Harry turned to the kitchen. Severus grabbed all his research and followed Harry. They sat down in the same seats they were in yesterday and began their work.

An hour later, Severus requested tea and biscuits from one of the house elves, completely surprising Harry. They took a break for fifteen minutes and enjoyed the snack before continuing with their work. A while later Severus looked up to Harry and found him scribbling away, looking much calmer and relaxed than he was all weekend. "Harry, you do remember I said you are more than welcome to come down here at any time, correct? That these are your quarters too?"

With his quill hovering above the parchment, Harry looked up. He nodded. "Yes, I remember."

"Then you need not come up with an excuse to come down." He watched as Harry turned red with embarrassment and then looked down to the tabletop. No doubt the boy thought he got away with his excuse. "Just tell me you want to come down. You can come down for homework, afternoon tea, to get away from your friends, to talk, for some quiet time, anything. I do not mind at all. In fact, I insist."

Harry raised his head and looked at the Potions Master. "Ok," he said quietly, his face slowly returning to its normal color. "I'll remember that."

Severus inclined his head towards Harry and returned his attention to his research.

Instead of returning to his homework, however, Harry sat there watching the professor. The man had a notebook open in front of him and was frantically writing in it with two large tomes opened around him. When the professor paused in his writing, Harry took the opportunity to ask a few questions. "What are you researching? Is it something for one of your classes?"

Surprised at the questions, Severus put down his quill and spent the next half hour telling Harry all about his research and work for one of Britain's potions journals and answering any more questions the boy asked.

Harry had no idea that the Potions Master was involved in anything outside of teaching at Hogwarts or trying to create new potions. Impressed with him, he went back to his homework. He was re-writing his Charms essay that the professor had marked up a few days prior. He completed it fifteen minutes later. When he stuck it away in his book bag, he thought about the History of Magic homework he had finished earlier that afternoon. He spent quite a bit of time on it, more than he usually did, but he wasn't sure it was enough. He pulled it out of his bag. "Professor Snape?"

Severus looked up, his finger marking the line in the tome he was reading. "Yes."

"I know you're busy with your research but, would you be able to take a look at my History of Magic homework?"

"Give it here." Severus marked his place in the tome and pushed it and his writing aside. "Have you completed your Potions homework yet?" he asked as he took the parchment from Harry's outstretched hand.

Harry shook his head. "No. Not yet. I was leaving the hardest for last." He looked at Severus sheepishly. "I was going to work on my Transfiguration next."

Severus picked up his quill. "Work on your Potions homework next. That way if you have any questions, I can help you."

Harry nodded and started to pull out his Potions text and notebook instead.

"I need to leave here in an hour for a meeting," Severus added.

His Potions book halfway out of the bag, Harry raised his head. "You do? Oh…okay." He tried to look and sound as normal as possible, though he was feeling slightly disappointed. He finished pulling his text and notebook out and opened the notebook to the page he wrote down the assignment on.

Severus observed Harry while he started on his Potions homework. He hand was propping up his head and he didn't look like he was as happy and relaxed as he was just minutes earlier. "You may stay here if you wish. I should be back before dinner."

With his mood improved, Harry nodded and began to work on his potions homework.

~SH~

An hour later Severus swept through the castle towards Minerva McGonagall's office with a scowl plastered on his face. The woman couldn't leave well enough alone. She had to keep asking about what went on last night with Harry. He had hoped she would have forgotten all about it, but it was the first thing she brought up upon seeing him that morning. This meeting may have been inevitable, but he need not feel happy about it.

He knocked harshly on her office door a few minutes later and waited only a few seconds before the door was opened.

"Severus," Minerva greeted with a smile. "Come in. I'm glad you came."

Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes; like he had a choice in being there. "You wanted to discuss…"

"Yesterday. Yes. Let's sit down." Minerva closed the door behind them and led the way to the sitting area. She took a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk while Severus took the other one. A tray with tea and biscuits was set upon her desk. Minerva picked up a cup of tea and took a sip. "Severus what is going on?"

"I do not know what you mean."

Minerva looked pointedly at her younger colleague. "You know perfectly well what I mean Severus. Mr. Potter. Last night you called the boy Harry." She took another sip of tea. "I have never heard you call him by his first name. And that excuse about him being injured? You had to know I wouldn't fall for that. Severus, I know you were extremely worried about his disappearance. I saw and felt you trembling before I left last night. What is going on?"

Severus opened his mouth to speak then closed it. The woman was too observant for her own good.

Minerva could see the internal battle going on inside Severus' head. "Severus?" She placed a hand on his arm.

Severus uncharacteristically ran a hand through his hair. He quickly stood up and began pacing. He knew she needed to be told. She was Harry's Head of House after all. And with Harry spending time in the dungeons with him, it was only right that she know. "Minerva," he took a deep breath. "Harry is my son."

The only sound heard in the room was the ticking of the clock on the mantle above the fireplace and Severus' erratic breathing as he continued to pace.

Minerva finally stood up. "Did I hear you correctly? Mr. Potter is your…your son?"

"Yes. That is what I said." Severus sat down again, clasped his hands together and stared at them.

"You expect me to believe that?" Minerva questioned a few seconds later.

"You can believe whatever you want."

"But he looks exactly like James."

"Does he?" Severus raised an eyebrow.

Minerva stared at the Potions Master, trying to recall what Harry looked like. She sank down when a picture of the boy eating breakfast this morning came to the front of her mind. "Why didn't you say anything before?"

"I just found out a few months ago."

"I really don't understand, Severus."

"It's a long story. I do not want to bore you with the details."

"I have all night. Enlighten me." Minvera looked at Severus expectantly. This was one story she wanted to hear.

Severus blew out a breath. "Very well," he said reluctantly. He relaxed slightly in his chair. "When I left the Halloween feast last year and returned to my quarters, there was a package sitting on my desk…."

Severus then spent over fifty minutes detailing everything that happened between him and Harry since that night last year and answering the various questions Minerva asked along the way.

Minerva was in complete shock after he finished speaking. "Does Albus know?"

"No. And you must not speak a word of this to him. To anyone," he said adamantly. "If this gets out, if word gets out that Harry is my son, I…I don't even want to think about what will happen."

"I will not say a word, Severus. You have nothing to worry about."

Severus gave a sigh of relief. He wasn't really sure what the strict professor would say. "Thank you Minerva."

"I'm glad Harry finally has someone. I know his relatives haven't made his life all that easy."

Severus clenched his fists in his lap. So even Minerva knew what went on at the Dursley household? Not wanting to get in to that conversation with her, he decided not to comment. "You do know the reason I informed you correct? It was not to share that news. It was because you will likely be hearing from me on various occasions. I do not want to have Harry out of his dorm or common room at times and not have you know where he was. I also wanted to let you know that since my quarters are now his and he has his own bedroom, he is welcome to stay down in the dungeons at any time."

"But the whole point…."

"Minerva, I know it is important for Harry to be with his housemates. I also think it is important that he spend time with me. I will allow him, if he requests, to stay Friday and Saturday nights with me down in the dungeons. I will also let him stay one night during the week. I also would like him to be able to come down whenever he feels the need outside of class."

Minerva studied Severus. She would rather have Harry stay every night in the dorm room, but completely understood. "I will allow it. But, if it starts to affect his studies…" She started to laugh. Knowing Severus, the boy's studies would be a priority. "Oh what am I saying? Of course he can stay with you when he wants."

"Thank you Minerva." Satisfied, Severus stood up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my quarters."

"Of course." Minerva stood and followed him to the door. Before she opened it, she stopped and gave Severus a hug. She knew Severus would be irate, he didn't like being touched, but she just couldn't help it. It was such good news. "Congratulations, Severus. To both you and Harry. And I do hope Harry comes around soon."

Severus remained stiff during the five second hug. And as soon as Minerva let go of him and opened the door, he walked out towards the dungeons without a word.

Minerva stood in her doorway shaking her head until Severus was out of sight. Sometimes that man still acted like the quiet insecure boy she used to teach.

A few minutes later Severus reached the dungeons and entered his quarters. He had been expecting to see Harry still sitting at the kitchen table working on his homework so he was a bit surprised to see the table empty, except for a piece of parchment, and Harry no where in sight. He walked into the kitchen and picked up the piece of parchment filled with Harry's untidy scrawl.

Professor,

I went down to the Quidditch pitch. Games have been going on all afternoon and I'd like to see if I can play in one before it gets too dark. I want to try out the broom you gave me.

I'd like to come back down here after dinner if you don't mind. I want to finish my homework. I'm almost done with it.

Harry

Severus stared at the note in shock. He could not believe it. Harry had actually chosen to come down here this afternoon and complete his homework instead of playing Quidditch with his friends. That was astonishing, as was the note itself. Never did he think the boy would be considerate enough to say where he went and why.

Without a second thought, he pocketed the note as he grabbed his cloak from his bedroom, and then headed out of the castle. He wasn't even out of the dungeons when he spotted a few Slytherins, after seeing him, change course and walk towards him. He plastered on his usual scowl and hoped that would deter the students from stopping him. It luckily worked and he was outside the castle a few minutes later.

As he approached the Quidditch pitch, he scanned the area looking for an inconspicuous place to watch Harry play. He spotted a row of seats in the stands high above the pitch that were cast in the shadows of the oncoming evening and made his way toward them.

After sitting down and seeing no one in the air, his eyes traveled to the ground in the center of the pitch. A group of about 25 students were standing around, brooms in hand. His eyes immediately scanned the group and landed on a tousle-haired Harry.

While he watched Harry and the group dissipate and begin to take to the air, his mind began to wander. Over the past six years, he had been to games where Gryffindor was playing, but his hatred for Harry back then clouded his opinion of the boy's talent. Not to mention that he had always looked anywhere but at Harry while at the games. Now, he didn't want anything to get in his way of watching Harry play. A whistle blowing from below caught Severus' attention and he focused on the game that just started.

Much to Severus' relief, the game had ended a little over an hour later, due to the darkness. His heart had almost stopped on several occasions by Harry's stunts in trying to catch the snitch, though he couldn't help but feel joy at Harry's beaming smile while he played. Harry truly did seem to love Quidditch. And he was an excellent player and flyer.

When the students began to land back on the pitch, Severus took the opportunity and returned to the castle undetected.

~SH~

Harry had finished re-writing his Potion's essay and looked at the clock in the kitchen in Severus' quarters. He then looked to the rest of the texts on the table. He only had one more assignment to complete. His eyes traveled to the clock again. It would be dark soon. Decision made, he reached in his book bag and pulled out a small piece of parchment. He scribbled a note on it and left it in the center of the table. Without wasting any time, he quickly packed all his books and homework into his book bag, left the quarters through the secret passage and headed up to Gryffindor tower. He dropped everything on his bed, grabbed his broom, and almost ran out to the Quidditch pitch.

When he arrived and walked onto the pitch, a game was still in play. He took a seat on one of the benches in the stands and waited for the game to end. Once the snitch was caught and everyone was beginning to land, Harry stood up and walked to the center of the pitch. Ron was the first to see him.

"Harry, you made it!" Ron yelled before he even had a foot on the ground. "I'm so glad you're here." He looked around him and Harry before continuing quieter. "Our team's seeker is awful. At least now we can win." He turned around towards the rest of the players. "I'm playing the next game and Harry's on my team." Everyone who had been playing, as well as students who had been sitting in the stands, all got together to see who would be on the next teams.

However, before any teams could be picked, Ginny spotted Harry's broom. "Harry, you finally got your broom back." She walked closer and began examining it. "I thought Umbridge would have done something to it."

Ron walked over to Harry and took a look at the broom. His eyes became as wide as saucers. "That…that's not the Firebolt you had from third year. That is the newest Firebolt! The best racing broom in the world." Everyone started huddling around Harry to examine the broom.

Harry was becoming slightly nervous. He had hoped his new broom wouldn't draw a lot of attention.

"Where did you get it?" a Ravenclaw student asked.

"Yeah, Harry. And why didn't you tell me you bought it?" Ron added, somewhat upset. "You always tell me everything."

"I…" Harry looked down to the broom in his right hand and back up to his friend. He had planned on telling Ron about the broom, just not under these circumstances. He pulled Ron aside. "I received it earlier this week. It was delivered to me when I was in the hospital wing."

"From who?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know? Are you crazy? You're going to ride a broom you received from a stranger? It could be hexed." Ron made a grab for the broom.

Harry jerked the broom back almost behind him. "You sound just like Hermione did during third year."

"Yeah, well. There's a reason for me to sound like this. You sent Lucious Malfoy to Azkaban almost a year ago and not to mention You-Know-Who is back. Don't you think it's a little odd to be receiving a broom? And the newest model out there too?" Ron looked at Harry's broom somewhat fearfully. "A Death Eater could have sent it with a hex to hurt you. Or worse, kill you."

"It is not hexed," Harry stated.

"How do you know?"

"Just take my word for it, alright? I wouldn't put my life in danger on purpose, you know."

When Ron continued to stare at the broom not responding to anything he said, Harry relented. "I know it's not hexed because Professor Snape tested it."

Ron jerked his head up. "And you believe that bat? Harry, where are your brains? He’s a Death Eater."

"Professor McGonagall looked over the broom too. It is not hexed Ron."

"Fine." He looked to Harry's broom again. Turning around, he walked back to the rest of the students. "Let's break off in to teams."

Harry, glad that Ron finally believed him, watched as the two teams were formed.

A few minutes later the fourteen players were in the air and the game had started. Harry was pleasantly impressed with the broom. Its speed was unbelievable and it caught him off guard on a few occasions. He played the entire game with a huge smile on his face. It had been a long time since he had played Quidditch, not to mention even being on a broom. If it wasn't for the professor, he probably wouldn't even be up in the air right now. Harry rounded the pitched and looked toward the castle. He really needed to thank the Potions Master.

The score was still tied as Harry glanced around the pitch looking for the snitch. Movement up in the one of the stands caught his eye. Thinking it was the winged ball, he leaned forward on his broom to gain speed, and flew in that direction. As he got closer to the stands, the snitch flew right in front of him and then headed down to the ground. Harry gave one last confusing look in the stands, turned his attention to the snitch and raced after it. Unfortunately his one last glimpse into the stands cost him to lose the location of the snitch and it disappeared from sight. Cursing himself for his stupidity, he flew high up in to the air to begin his search again.

At a whistle blow ten minutes later Harry looked down. Ron was standing in the center of the pitch. "Guys," Ron yelled, "It's too dark to continue playing. It's getting hard to see anything. Let's finish the game next weekend."

As much as Harry wanted to continue flying, he actually had to agree. He flew down to the ground to meet the others.

"What about the snitch?" a second year Gryffindor asked. "Won't it continue flying around?"

"No," Ron answered. "It's just a practice snitch. It's charmed to only fly when a game is going on. If no one is chasing it after a half hour, it stops flying around and goes directly to the changing rooms where the practice balls are kept."

"That is brilliant," the second year said. "I've always wondered." He then ran to catch up to his friends who were already heading to the castle.

Harry finally met up with Ron who was collecting the now still bludgers. "Good game Ron. You're a good captain."

Ron placed a bludger under each arm. "Thanks." His ears began turning pink at the compliment. "Yea, it was fun. I wish we would have won, though."

"Erm, sorry about that Ron." Harry looked down to the ground for a second. "The snitch was almost in my grasp, but I got distracted."

"I'm not blaming you, mate. You win some, you lose some. Don't worry. We'll beat them next weekend." Ron started walking towards the changing room. "Let me put this stuff away and then we can go eat dinner."

Harry found himself at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall forty-five minutes later. He was listening to Ron's conversation with Neville, and trying to concentrate on it, but his thoughts kept wandering to Professor Snape. At various times throughout the meal, he brought his eyes up to the head table and looked at the professor. One time, he caught the man's eyes. He then began wondering if it was okay for him to go back down to his quarters after dinner. Not hearing anything from the man, Harry took that as a positive answer.

He was brought of his thoughts by Ron shaking his arm. "Harry, you alright mate?"

"Oh, erm, yeah. Sorry. Just thinking about something." He looked to Ron.

"We're getting ready to go up to the common room to work on our homework. Are you coming?"

Harry glanced at the head table and then back to Ron. "Yeah, I guess. But I won't be staying to do my homework. I've got something I need to do."

Ron looked at Harry a little confused. He couldn't figure out what Harry needed to do. Then again, he hadn't been hanging around his friend in a while so he knew it was possible Harry was doing a lot of things he no longer knew about. Ron stood up from the table. "Let's go then."

Once in Gryffindor tower, Harry left Ron to sit with their dorm mates at one of the tables in the common room and went up to his dorm to get his book bag. He left the tower unnoticed and headed to the down through the dungeon corridors to the Potion Master's quarters. Luckily most everyone was still in the Great Hall so he didn't have to worry about being seen.

~SH~

"You are a very gifted flyer, Harry." Severus was pouring Harry and himself cups of tea in the living room a few hours after dinner. Harry had completed his homework and the two of them were now relaxing on the sofa.

"What?" Harry stared at Severus.

"And an excellent Quidditch player."

"How would you…." Harry stopped as images of the stands on the pitch earlier that evening came to him. "That was you in the stands?" he asked, astonished.

Severus took a sip of tea and placed the cup on the coffee table. "It was."

The professor had actually gone to watch him play? How many times while growing up did he want the Dursley's to watch him play some sport or another? Or even now at Quidditch games? He knew parents were sometimes allowed to watch the games and he always envied all the other students who had parents who were proud of them and wanted to see them play. His very first game, he had dreamed that he'd see the Dursley's sitting in the stands, though he knew that would never happen. People who didn't want you to exist wouldn't take time to watch you play a game.

But the professor had actually taken time out of his most-likely busy schedule to watch him play a game of Quidditch. A game only for fun, no less! Harry felt lightheaded at the thought and a warmth spread within his chest. He looked over to the professor. "Thank you. And thank you for the broom too."

"You're welcome." Severus grabbed the plate of biscuits and held it out for Harry to take a few.

While Harry finished his tea and biscuits, he was surprised at how natural it felt to be down in the dungeons spending time with the professor. It felt like he had no where else to be.

~SH~

Severus quickly ascended the spiral steps to the Headmaster's office late Wednesday evening. After gaining entrance, he walked over to one of the chairs facing the man's desk and sat down heavily, not waiting for an invitation.

Dumbledore looked up from the book he was reading and caught sight of the Death Eater robes and mask in Severus' hand. "I trust you were not hurt in tonight's meeting Severus?" the Headmaster asked after noticing the man didn't seem to be in any immediate pain this time.

"Yes. It was an informational meeting only. This time fortunately." Severus placed the Death Eater robes and mask on the chair next to him, robes covering the mask. "I have found out why there has not been an attack on the school like was planned late last year."

"And?"

"He found out, somehow, what we had planned to counter his attack. More than likely someone here at the school is providing the Dark Lord with information. At this time, I am unaware of who it might be." Severus stared hard at the Headmaster. The old man had to have some idea who the mole might be. "Am I to assume that only the professors knew about the wards being strengthened over the Christmas holiday?"

"That is correct, Severus, unless one of the students overheard our discussions. However I do not believe a professor is feeding the information to students whose parents are known Death Eaters. But one never knows."

"One never knows? I thought you were sure which side the professors here were on? Then again, with your track record…" Severus left the thought hanging. "If you are uncertain, then I feel it prudent that from this point forward, anything pertaining remotely to defeating the Dark Lord shall only be given to members of the Order. We do not need anything like this ever happening again."

"I agree completely, Severus. I hope this will be the last time we ever have a situation like this happen. I will strive to be more careful in the future."

Severus picked up his discarded robes and mask. "He is now beginning to question his trust in me. He's found out too many things without my aid and is getting suspicious." He stood up and walked to the door. "Good night Headmaster." He left the old man staring into the fire and he made his way down to his quarters.

~SH~

Death Eaters were assembled in a tight circle surrounding a body withering on the cold wet ground. Voldemort had his wand raised and was repeating various curses over and over at the person on the ground. Horrendously painful screams punctured the otherwise quiet night.

With a murderous smile on his face, Voldemort finally lowered his wand and took a step back from the body. He turned to the man on his left. "Wormtail. If you would, please allow for my followers to see who this once trusted follower and spy is."

"Of course, my lord," Wormtail squeaked. He bent over the twitching body lying on the ground and pushed away the black cloak that was covering it. The clothes the person was wearing had long slits and cuts throughout, almost like they were placed through a shredder and put back on. Blood was running down the body to land on the ground, beginning to form red sticky pools.

As Wormtail roughly removed the white mask to reveal a pale face with long dark lank black hair, Voldemort spoke again. "This is a warning to all who still dare go against me and try to trick me in any way. Anyone else proved to be a spy will meet this same death. However I won't be as lenient as I am to my most trusted servant." Voldemort raised his wand one final time. "Avada Kedavra."

A silent scream on his lips, Harry bolted upright in bed breathing heavily with his heart beating wildly. He ran a shaky hand down his sweaty face and stared at the wall across from him. The dream, or nightmare actually, seemed so real. It could have been a vision. It was almost like last year with the vision of Mr. Weasley.

Without a second thought, Harry quickly rose from his warm bed. Quietly, as to not wake his dorm mates, he rushed out the dorm room, down the stairs and out the portrait hole. With only one thought occupying his mind and not caring if he met anyone on the way, he ran through the corridors and descended the dark stairways of the castle towards the dungeons. He needed to see for himself…he needed to be sure the Potions Master was still alive. He knew the man attended a Death Eater meeting tonight. He had seen him leave just shortly after dinner started with a hand over his left forearm.

When he reached the professor's door, he just stood there. What was he doing? Was he stupid and crazy? The professor would definitely give him detention and probably more than one. For starters, he was out after curfew, not to mention the fact that the man would be extremely irate at having been woken up in the middle of the night. What time was it anyway? And the professor definitely wouldn't appreciate the conversation either. 'I'm sorry to wake you, professor but I just needed to see if you were still alive. I can see that you are, so good night then.' No, this was definitely a bad idea. Against his protesting stomach that was still uneasy from waking from the nightmare, and his mind which screamed at him to be sure the professor was alive, Harry turned around to head back to Gryffindor tower. He would just have to wait until breakfast to be sure the Potions Master was still alive.

~SH~

Grumbling under his breath, Severus turned the door knob to leave his quarters. It was his turn to patrol the corridors that night, relieving Remus of the task. After opening the door, he was met with the sight of Harry turning around from his door, clad only in pajamas and socks. "Harry?" he said astounded. Harry was the last person he thought he'd see at his door; especially this late at night.

At the sound of the professor's voice Harry froze.

"What are you doing down here three hours after curfew?" Severus asked.

Harry slowly turned around to face Severus, unable to say anything.

Severus was about to send the boy back to Gryffindor tower with loss of house points when he noticed the boy's face was extremely pale, he was shaking like a leaf and breathing rapidly. Severus was instantly on alert. "What is wrong?" he asked with slight worry, forgetting all about the boy being out of his tower after curfew.

Finally finding his voice, Harry looked up to Severus and answered. "Nothing."

Severus could see the scared, almost terrified, look in his eyes. And for some reason he could tell that it wasn't due to the fact that he was caught out after curfew. "I don't think it's nothing," he said seriously. After studying Harry for a few more seconds, he reached out and took the boy's shoulder and guided him inside their quarters. "Come along. It's cold out here. Get inside, warm up, then we'll talk." He brought Harry to the sofa and had him sit down. The minute Harry was seated on the sofa, he brought his legs up, wrapped his arms around his knees and stared at the fire in the fireplace. Severus gave him one last look and went to his bedroom to grab a blanket. He came back out and wrapped it around the still trembling boy.

Looking at the state Harry was in, Severus knew it was out of the question for him to continue with his assigned rounds of the castle. He knelt down in front of the fireplace to floo call the Headmaster, glad for once the old man always stayed up well into the evening.

"Headmaster," Severus stated the second Dumbledore's office came in to view. "I need a word."

"Of course Severus," came Dumbledore's reply a little bit later. The headmaster was sitting at his desk perusing the prior day's Daily Prophet.

"I'm afraid you'll need to find someone else to patrol tonight. Something important has come up which I must attend to."

"Is everything all right?" the Headmaster asked getting concerned. It wasn't like Severus to cancel on his duties.

"Yes, everything is fine. Head of House responsibilities."

"I understand." Dumbledore knew that it more than likely meant a student was in need of Severus at that moment. And that the student came first. "Well, I hope your student is okay. Thanks for letting me know Severus. I will see you tomorrow."

With those words, Severus got up and sat down next to Harry on the sofa.

In the time the professor was gone, Harry tried to stop shaking, but he couldn't. At seeing the professor in front of him, the details of his nightmare came to the forefront of his mind; all the pain and torture he watched the Potions Master endure and then his eventual death. Another death he was responsible for. How many more deaths would he be responsible for? A shiver racked his body.

Severus noticed Harry was still trembling, though covered with a warm blanket. Worried Harry was having some delayed effects from his injuries last week, he scooted closer to him and put his hand against the boy's forehead to check for a fever.

The feeling of his professor's hand on his forehead brought Harry out of his thoughts. He lifted his head up and looked over to man. "You're alive," he said quietly. "I thought you were…it seemed so real…you had to be…I saw him cast the curse. It was just like with Mr. Weasley." He began to shake more intensely. He pulled the blanket around his shoulders tighter.

Removing his hand from Harry's forehead, Severus looked at the boy extremely confused.

Harry knew he wasn't making any sense, and not just by the look on the professor's face. He needed to try again. "I saw it. I was there."

"Was where?" Severus interrupted, trying to understand what Harry was telling him. The boy was obviously distressed about whatever it was.

"A Death Eater meeting. Voldemort found out about another spy and because he was his most trusted follower, he used him as an example. He cast a lot of spells I've never heard of. They caused all sorts of cuts and pain." A tremble racked Harry's body, when he remembered the screaming. "Then he cast the killing curse." He paused and took a shaky breath. "He killed you. I saw it! I was there."

Severus stared at Harry shaken at what the boy just mentioned. It sounded like one of his own nightmares, especially considering the events of tonight's Death Eater meeting. Trying to push that thought aside, he was finally able to respond to Harry a few seconds later. "You said it was just like with Mr. Weasley?" At Harry's nod he continued, anger becoming more apparent than his uneasiness. "Why did you not go directly to the Headmaster? Are you or are you not to see him immediately when you get a vision?"

"I couldn't. I had to see if it was true. I needed to see for myself that you were still alive."

"You were to go to the Headmaster," Severus stated severely.

"But it wasn't a vision," Harry said more loudly. "I just needed to see…"

"You said it was just like with Mr. Weasley. That was a vision."

"But this wasn't!" Harry yelled.

"You didn't know that for sure. What if it was a vision and I was truly in danger? You would rather risk my life to come down here to see if it was true instead of going to the Headmaster where he could possibly provide help?" Severus knew he sounded selfish, but it was not his intention. "What if your dream was of Ms. Granger or young Mr. Weasley? Would you go look for them first or go to the Headmaster?"

"But I just…I needed…I had to…" Feeling a stinging behind his eyes, Harry quickly turned to the side, his back facing the professor. "You just don't understand," he finally said with a shaky quiet voice.

Truly uncomfortable with the situation, Severus said the first thing that came to his mind. "I think it's time you go back to Gryffindor tower."

"NO!" Harry shouted as he turned to face the professor. "Please don't make me go back. Please," he begged. He didn't truly know why, but he did not want to leave the presence of the professor. Not after that nightmare.

Severus was actually taken aback by Harry's request to stay. Whatever Harry witnessed before waking must have truly shaken him. "You must go back to your tower," Severus stated. When it looked like Harry was going to protest, he relented a little. "Just sit here. I'll be back with some tea. You obviously need to calm down before you go back."

Harry dropped his head, slightly disappointed, though he knew he was lucky to be able to stay for tea.

Getting up from the sofa, Severus glanced at Harry one last time, his expression softening slightly. Maybe this was a sign that the boy was finally accepting that they were father and son. Why else would he immediately seek him out after waking from a nightmare?

Severus went into the kitchen to make the tea and came back out a few minutes later carrying two cups. He handed one to Harry and sat down on the sofa with his. It was quiet while the two sipped their tea, neither really knowing what to say.

After seeing Harry yawn for the fifth time in as many minutes, Severus put his cup on the coffee table in front of him and reached for Harry's. "It's time for you to head up to your tower."

Harry shook his head. "No. Can I please stay down here tonight? I promise you won't even know I'm here," he implored. After the nightmare he had had, he really didn't want to be alone up in his dormitory. Well, he wouldn't really alone as there were four other boys there, but it wasn't the same. He couldn't really explain it, but he wanted to be in the presence of the professor, to be able to open his eyes and see that the man was indeed still alive.

"You need to go back to Gryffindor tower. There is no reason for you to stay down here tonight."

"FINE!" Harry yelled, hoping it hid how upset he was. He felt so betrayed. Just a few days ago the professor was telling him he was welcome any time, and now when he needed the man and wanted to be down in the dungeons for the first time ever, he was being kicked out. He knew it was a mistake to have come down here. He jumped up from the sofa, threw the blanket on the floor and quickly walked to the door.

Severus stood up and was right behind him. When Harry was almost to the door, he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop him. "Harry, wait!" he said quietly. He knew he didn't handle that well. Harry's nightmare, combined with the revelations from the Death Eater meeting earlier that night, just didn't sit well with him and made him feel uncomfortable. He knew he was mistaken in making Harry leave. He could not throw Harry out when he was obviously distressed over the nightmare.

Harry slowly turned around and stood in the doorway, his face a mask of indifference, even though he was really feeling upset about the betrayal and still slightly scared from the nightmare. He stared at Severus' chest, not able to make eye contact.

"Harry?" Severus was waiting for Harry to look up at him.

Harry continued to stand there, not moving from the door. Part of him just wanted to run back up to his dorm room, while the other part of him wanted to stay down here and yell at the man. He then thought back to what the professor said to him Saturday night. … you're probably scared and feeling even a little insecure at times. I am too. Remember, we're both going through this together. We'll just have to work through it all one step at a time, one day at a time. Maybe the professor wasn't sure what to do in this type of situation.

Slowly, Harry raised his eyes and met Severus'. He decided to ask one more time. "Can I please stay the night?"

"You may. I should not have told you to leave."

"Thank you."

Severus gently pulled Harry into his quarters. "Go on to bed, Harry."

"But I'm not tired." He tried to hide a yawn. "Can I sit out here for a while?" He wasn't all that comfortable with having the man out of his sight yet.

Obviously Harry was tired, but Severus understood. "Very well. Sit on the sofa and get back under the blanket. It's chilly in here and I'm not planning on stoking the fire. Severus re-heated his and Harry's tea and sat down on the other end of the sofa. He picked up a journal from the coffee table and began reading. He looked over at Harry five minutes later. Harry had his legs tucked under him with the left side of his body on the back of the sofa. He was facing Severus and was sound asleep.

Severus set the journal down and got up from the sofa. "Harry," he stated as he walked in front of Harry. "Go on to bed."

Harry slowly opened his eyes and looked to Severus, blinking a few times.

"It's time for bed Harry" Severus repeated.

"Okay," Harry said, without protest. He uncurled himself from under the blanket, stood up and walked sleepily to his room.

Severus gave Harry a few minutes to get in to bed and then walked down the hall. He stood in the open doorway. "I'll have your clothes brought down tomorrow morning and will wake you in time for breakfast in the Great Hall. If you need me at any time tonight, please don't hesitate to wake me. Good night Harry."

"Okay. Good night professor." After Severus turned off the light and closed the door, Harry sunk down into the blankets and pulled them up to his chin. With the comfort of knowing the professor was in the other room and was alive and well, his eyes began to get heavy. A few minutes later he was asleep.

After leaving Harry's room, Severus went out to his desk and sat down. He pulled a piece of parchment out and grabbed a quill. He needed to let Minerva know that Harry was staying down in the dungeons and he needed Harry's clothes before breakfast in the morning.

An hour later and Severus was ready to retire for the night. As he walked down the hall, he stopped at Harry's room. He quietly opened the bedroom door and peaked inside. Harry was sound asleep, lying on his stomach. He walked up to the bed, readjusted the blankets around Harry, and left the room, closing the door behind him. He then headed to his own room to get a few hours sleep before the start of the next day.

~SH~

After the nightmare on Wednesday night, the rest of Harry's week was pretty uneventful. Unfortunately Hermione was still at home with her parents and it didn't look like she would be back until sometime during the next week. And much to Ron's disappointment, Harry was busy working on homework until dinner instead of talking, wandering around the castle, or playing exploding snap like in the past every day. Though, they still played wizards chess after dinner.

As it got closer to Saturday, Harry was getting more and more excited for his trip with Professor Snape to Diagon Alley. He still didn't know what they would be doing for all those hours, but he didn't care. He could always find something to do in the alley. He always enjoyed spending time there.

And it wasn't until the mail delivery on Friday during breakfast that he received a note from the professor telling him when to be down to their quarters Saturday morning. Friday's classes couldn't go fast enough for Harry.