Harry had come to the conclusion long ago that life wasn't fair; the events of today seemed to reinforce that sentiment in him. Only this morning, did Harry think he was finally going to have a day of no worries…of feeling normal. But instead Harry had been blindsided again and here he was facing his godfather with news he wasn't sure he was ready to share while waiting…hoping…for Severus to return unharmed.

When Sirius finally asked Harry what had been bothering him, Harry told a half truth. Harry told his godfather about his true parentage. He didn't tell Sirius about the part of being worried about Severus to the point of distraction.

Ron's words still resonated in Harry's head…that the reason Harry was so worried about Severus was because he was afraid of losing his dad. Harry had to admit, his friends never ceased to amaze him. He hadn't realised how much it meant for them to accept his and Severus' building relationship or how attached he had actually become to Severus until Ron had said that word.

Dad.

Was Harry actually beginning to see Severus as Dad? Well…he was definitely beginning to feel like Severus' son, but was it the same? He was almost afraid to think the word. It was a small word, but meant so much.

As much as Sirius seemed outwardly to be supportive, Harry could sense that something wasn't quite right. For some reason, Harry thought that Sirius still didn't quite believe him about Severus. That somehow—Harry was mistaken or someone was playing an elaborate prank and Harry had fallen for it.

Harry had just told Sirius that he believed that Severus cared, but he could tell from the look on Sirius' face that his godfather didn't believe that either.

It was just then that the Floo had come to life and for an instant the room was ablaze in a fiery emerald light.

Harry's heart leapt into his throat as he anticipated the arrival Severus, but it sank just as quickly when the Headmaster stepped majestically through the Floo instead, his port wine damask robes gently settled around him as the green flames died down.

Sirius looked slightly put off for having their conversation interrupted. "Headmaster…What a pleasant surprise," Sirius said, sounding anything but pleasantly surprised.

"There is no need for exaggeration, Sirius," The Headmaster said good-naturedly as he smiled and looked to Harry. "As Hogwarts is presently in lock-down, I naturally assumed that Severus brought Harry here."

Harry wondered if there was anything the Headmaster did not smile about. Harry certainly could not see anything worth smiling over. The only reason Harry was here was because Severus was with Voldemort.

Sirius didn't bother to hide his grimace as he gestured for Dumbledore to sit in one of the chintz chairs. The headmaster obliged, and adjusted his robes before he spoke. "Harry…Has your father returned from his foray?"

Harry really wished the Headmaster hadn't said that. Not because he was averse to being reminded about his relation to Severus, but because it had obvious upset Sirius. Sirius had leapt from the couch and opted to lean against the mantle and brood as he watched over the conversation.

"Uh…no," said Harry as he suddenly put his hand to his forehead.

Something was wrong. A dull pain began to thud right behind his scar. It didn't hurt, really. It was just distracting more than anything else. He did not have a vision, only a quick flash of emotion that was not his. It did not feel like an invasion, but as if by sheer instinct, Harry pulled his conscious thoughts behind his shields.

The Headmaster's jovial demeanour suddenly turned grim. "Harry, are you Occluding?" The Headmaster moved from the chair and quickly took over the spot previously occupied by Sirius. Dumbledore took Harry's face into his hands, and with his aged thumb, gently traced the outline of Harry's scar, looking at it as if waiting for something to happen. Harry just nodded silently in affirmation to the Headmaster's question.

In a flash, Sirius was kneeling in front of Harry. His concern was etched on his face. "What is it Headmaster? I thought You-Know-Who wouldn't be able to mess with Harry's head once he learned this Occlumency you and Snape keep going on about," he said judgmentally.

"I don't think that is the case Sirius," said Albus, easily brushing off the younger wizard's criticism. "Harry? Do you know what is causing your scar to flare?"

Harry's heart raced and he was having a hard time not to panic. He suddenly felt as if his worry for Severus had just been justified.

Harry simply nodded and said, "I think so…I'm not having a vision, if that's what you're worried about," he reassured the two older wizards. "I think that I can tell what he is feeling, though."

"What who is feeling?" Sirius asked anxiously.

Harry and the Headmaster both ignored Sirius' question. The Headmaster kept his attention totally fixed on Harry and he gently coaxed, "What do you feel, Harry?"

Harry squeezed his eyes shut, and tried to remind himself to breathe. He said, "It was just for a split second and then I shut it out. I think he's angry about something, Headmaster."

Harry grabbed Sirius' hand and held on like a vice. "Where is he, Headmaster? Where is my Da…Severus?"

Sirius looked crestfallen and had withdrawn his hand. Harry wondered if Sirius was even aware of what he had done. Harry might have cried if he had the energy to do so.

Harry had almost called Snape 'Dad' and Sirius had obviously been offended. Harry hadn't meant to say it. It was just that between Dumbledore and Ron, Harry couldn't help but to think about it. Did Sirius' affections really run so shallow…did he really offer his love so conditionally? It broke Harry's heart to think so.

"Harry…do not be overly worried for your father," Harry's eyes narrowed in the same fashion as Severus'. That to—did not go unnoticed by Sirius and his heart sank at the implication. Harry had simply been spending too much time around the git…that was all. Sirius tried to convince himself that Harry had nothing in common what-so-ever with Snivellus Snape.

And Sirius would have to speak with the Headmaster. Poor Harry really believed that Snape was his father. No wonder with all of the reinforcement the Headmaster was giving. Harry had almost called Snivellus 'Dad'. Oh, how James and Lily must be rolling in their graves right now. It was too heart wrenching and an abomination to their memories and sacrifice. There was no way the line of bullshite Snape and the Headmaster was feeding Harry could be true. Lily had simply been too good and James too proud to ever pull off a lie such as Harry had just told him…and certainly James would have told his best friend.

Albus Dumbledore was known for his Machiavellian planning and that sneaky Slytherin Snape…Sirius would never trust him. Sirius was certain that the two conspirators had plans for Harry. No doubt Dumbledore would claim they were for the greater good, but Sirius was certain no good would come to Harry.

Sirius had to continue to bite his tongue as the Headmaster rambled on. "Your father's skills at subterfuge are unsurpassed. He has come out unscathed from more perilous situations, I assure you."

Sirius knew that Dumbledore's definition of 'unscathed' was open to interpretation and relative… and from the crestfallen look on Harry's face he was obviously still concerned. Sirius could not help but to feel bad for his godson. It was apparent to Sirius that he would have to talk reason to the boy later. For now, he would try to relieve Harry's anxiety the best he could.

He offered his hand back to Harry. Sirius hadn't even realised that he had pulled it away from his godson to begin with. Harry grabbed for Sirius' hand like a lifeline and squeezed until his godfather's fingers turned white from the loss of circulation. "Harry…I'm sure that Snape will be fine," Sirius said, trying to sound cheerful, but knew his reassurances sounded as hollow as they felt.

Dumbledore arose from the sofa and placed a hand atop Harry's head. "Harry…I assure you that your father will return none the worse for wear," he said soothingly. Sirius could not help but cringe when the Headmaster used that word in reference to Snape. Harry twitched too, which bolstered Sirius for a moment.

"How can you be so sure?" Harry asked dejectedly.

"Because with your limited training, I doubt you would be able to block out Voldemort so easily on your own had his wrath been targeted at your father."

Dumbledore's trademark smile returned to his face. It looked sincere enough, but Sirius was on to the manipulative old man. The Headmaster continued as if unaware of Harry and Sirius' discomfort. "Do you need any help Occluding your mind any further, Harry? I can help you, if you need it."

Sirius noticed that Harry's melancholy turned to fear as he quickly shook his head. "No! …I mean…I'm alright now, Sir. I'll just wait for Severus to return."

"Harry, I realise that you have come to trust Severus in these matters, but I assure you that I am fully quallifi…"

"No!" Harry shouted, but then his demeanour just as suddenly turned apologetic. "I mean, no thank you, Sir. I'm fine...honestly."

"I understand, Harry," Dumbledore said sympathetically. The exchange was enough to make Sirius' gut turn. "Just know that the offer stands if you should change your mind."

Harry numbly nodded his understanding. Sirius arose from where he was kneeling in front of Harry and moved to sit in the Headmaster's previous spot.

"Sirius, might I inquire as to where I might find Remus? I have business that I need to discuss with him."

Sirius blinked at the Headmaster—taken aback by the sudden change of topic.

Sirius was naturally perplexed as he answered, "Err…yes. He is probably in the study or down in the kitchen helping Molly."

"Excellent… And don't worry yourself, Harry. All will be well," Dumbledore said confidently.

Harry looked ill as he studied the knot in his shoelaces, "Thank you, Sir," the boy muttered dolefully.

In a flurry of garnet, the Headmaster swiftly left the room, apparently with a new agenda.

Sirius looked at his dejected godson and swallowed his pride. Harry looked so pitiful, and Sirius could not help but to feel for him, no matter who he was pining over. Sirius made an honest effort to sound sympathetic. "Harry…the Headmaster is right…Snape…Well…Snape will be fine."

"You don't have to sound like you care because of me," Harry said flatly.

"But that's just it, Harry…I do care because of you."

Harry looked up at him in confusion, his emerald eyes inflamed and bloodshot from pent-up tears.

"Harry…I cannot pretend that I like Snape…because I don't," Sirius said honestly. "But for reasons I cannot yet fathom… he is obviously important to you. I do not promise any miracles, but for you…I will try to keep my tongue civil."

"Honestly?"

"Yes…Honestly," Sirius held out his arms to invite Harry in. Harry never cried into Sirius robes, but Sirius feel the boy's rapid heartbeat against his chest and feel the warmth of his heavy breathing.

Sirius did feel bad. Though his words were true, he still felt as though he had just lied to his godson. Sirius would remain true to his word and keep his temper in check in front of Harry…but in his heart, he would never believe that anyone other than James Potter was the boy's father.

Albus and Remus had taken advantage of the solitude of Sirius' study. Albus had taken the liberty to explain the situation between Severus and Harry. As with everything else in life…Remus had taken the information in stride. True…he found the story amazing and he felt a definite sense of loss for James, but the past could not be changed…and Harry was still Harry, no matter who his father was.

It had been over an hour since the Headmaster's arrival. The two wizards were exiting the study. Remus could see two familiar silhouetted figures still on the couch in the sitting room across the hall. He smiled to himself. It seemed that his best friend had been able to swallow his pride for Harry's sake, after all.

Sirius had had been in prison for twelve years. He not yet begun to realise that much of the current war was centred around Harry…how Harry had been fighting off Voldemort since he first stepped into Hogwarts Castle. The thing harry needed was problems from the very people he trusted. The stronger the bond amongst Harry's loved ones, the more likely the boy would come out surviving this war.

The Headmaster's second piece of news had come as even more of a shock.

Remus held the door open for Albus to pass when he said, "Shall we go down to the kitchen and have a spot of tea while we wait for Severus, Albus.

"Gladly," Dumbledore congenially answered. As the Headmaster passed the sitting room door on his way to the stairs, he cursorily looked in, seemingly satisfied with what he saw.

The rest of the household had recently retired to their rooms and the place seemed eerily quiet. Remus questioned the Headmaster as they descended the stairs, "Albus, are you quite sure about this? I find it hard to believe that the Board of Governors acquiesced to your request so readily."

The two men entered the kitchen and Albus took his customary seat whilst Remus made his way to the stove to prepare the tea. "Darjeeling or Earl Grey?" Remus offered.

"Darjeeling, if you please… On the contrary," said Albus, not missing a beat from their former conversation. "There is no love lost between the Board of Governors and Minister Fudge. The witches and wizards on the Board are by no means dim-witted or foolish enough to fall for the Minister's poison and they will not be bullied into conceding to his demands…which quite frankly boarder on the absurd. Hogwarts is a private institution, after all, and the Board can hire whomever they choose. Suffice it to say, Werewolf or not, with your record they would have fought tooth and nail to keep the first competent DADA professor the school had seen in decades if you had not so hast…" Albus was stopped mid-sentence by the sound coming from outside. It was the familiar crack of displaced air that accompanied Apparition.

Albus and Remus gave each other knowing looks and abandoned their tea as they both made a dash for the door.

Remus knew something wasn't right when the arriving witch or wizard had not yet come in or at least knock.

When the Headmaster flung open the front door, Remus gasped in horror at the sight of the huddled heap of black robes lying in front of the gates.

"Back upstairs…the lot of you!" ordered Molly to her brood... plus Hermione as Remus carried the semi-conscious Severus easily up the stairs and into the sitting room.

Despite his weakness, Severus still managed to meekly protest, "Put me down, you mangy cur." Unfortunately for Severus, he was not a match for Remus' surprising strength.

"This way, Remus," Arthur directed to the sofa Harry and Sirius had just occupied.

Sirius stood with one arm firmly wrapped around Harry. Poor Harry looked as though all the blood had drained from his face. Remus could swear that the boy had mouthed a word that suspiciously looked like 'Dad'.

Arthur must have noticed as well, for he had an odd look on his face as his eyes went from Harry to Severus. Harry tried to break away from Sirius' grip and snapped at his godfather with an impatient, "Let me go!"

Severus' protests were growing even more vehement as Remus laid him on the couch and Arthur tried to position his legs. "Will you cease this mollycoddling, Weasley?" said Severus snidely as he weakly attempted to arise from the sofa. "I assure you that I am quite capable of moving my own damn legs!"

"From what I see Severus…the only thing you will be doing for the time being is staying still and you will do so or I will not hesitate putting you in a full Body Bind!" The tone in the Weasley Patriarch's voice left no room for argument and as Severus was in no shape to retaliate, he reluctantly gave in but not before he said something that put the entirety of Grimmauld Place into shock.

"Not before I assure my son that I am not on my deathbed."

Remus froze and looked up at Harry as did Arthur and Sirius. He thought that he might have been hallucinating earlier, but seeing the desperation on Harry's face to get to the surly Potion's Master and Severus' own confession…a confession that would never have slipped his lips if Severus had not been in his current condition, Remus realised he had not. Albus had told him, but what he had just witnessed confirmed the reality.

It was Arthur that gave Sirius a sharp look that said he needed to do what Severus asked. Sirius resisted for a moment, and then reluctantly let Harry go.

Harry ran to Severus and knelt down before the couch. He was about to throw his arms around the man when he stopped short. Severus' curtain of black hair was practically plastered on his pale and sweaty face from the pain he was still obviously in.

Instead, Harry reached out and gingerly touch Severus' hands. There was an obvious emotional struggle going on behind Harry's eyes as his voice quivered, "Da…Severus?"

Severus knew he was in worse shape than he originally thought he was. He could have sworn that Harry had almost called him…no…that was impossible.

Severus fought to sit himself up into a more comfortable position, "Harry… I assure you I am quite alright," he grunted as he struggled against the damn sofa cushions and batted away Arthur Weasley's helping hand. "I have endured greater injuries than this."

It was true. Thank heaven Harry hadn't seen Severus after the Dark Lord's initial return. Though the Dark Lord had eventually given his 'forgiveness,' Severus' two-hour delay on the night of his rebirth had resulted in a two-day stay in the hospital.

Severus had finally managed to work his way past his stiff and painful joints and sat up despite Weasley and Lupin's protests that he should stay still. Harry gave a little sniff and a nod and gingerly sat on the edge of the sofa. Severus attempted not to show his pain as Harry seemed to have a need to reassure himself that Severus was, indeed, going to be fine.

"Severus…what happened?" This time it was Lupin who spoke.

"It was a Death Eater meeting not a ballroom dance," Severus spat. Why did people have to ask the obvious? "What do you think happened?"

"He…he hit you with a Crucio, didn't he? That doesn't sound 'fine' to me," Harry said in alarm.

"It wasn't the Cruciatus that put me in this shape," Severus explained to Harry as he absently patted his son's hand. "The Dark Lord was not fixated on me. It was my own stupidity for Apparating three times after being subjected to the blasted curse that put me in this state."

"Severus, if you have put yourself at such risk to avoid surveillance, then perhaps you should debrief as soon as possible," the Headmaster interjected.

"Albus," said Arthur in protest. "Severus really should be getting…"

"No, the Headmaster is correct. It was my intention to do exactly that," Severus attempted to push himself off the hard sofa but instead, he nearly collapsed again as Harry and Mr Weasley caught him.

"Perhaps we could debrief here, Headmaster?" Severus said through his embarrassment.

"A prudent course of action under the circumstances," agreed Albus. "Now if the rest of you would be so kind as to excuse us."

The adult wizards in the room looked around at each other and began to reluctantly leave the room. Black lingered behind and waited at the door for Harry.

Harry was hesitant to leave and Severus found solace in his son's support. Severus gave Harry the most encouraging glance that he could manage, hoping that the boy would see that he would be okay.

Harry looked to Severus one last time. Black shot Severus one glance that was mixed with weariness and unadulterated hate before he quietly shut the door behind them. As far as Severus was concerned, the mutt should be thankful that Harry did not see it.

Step by step, Severus gave Albus meticulous detail of his meeting with the Dark Lord and the intention behind the use of the dark potion. Severus also told Albus the suffering that Lucius had been subjected to.

"Lucius was the one who discovered the potion, Headmaster," Severus said as impassively as he could…continuing with his debriefing. "I have no doubt that his curiosity would have gotten the better of him and he would have read over the instructions. He is as capable of reading ancient Latin as I am. He knows the significance of the Dark Lord's request, yet is too fearful to divulge this information to anyone else."

Albus nodded gravely. "Lucius Malfoy has always coveted power and he has participated in some despicable acts against Muggles and Muggle-borns, but I also know he would never willingly sacrifice his son to Tom.

"What can be done?" Albus suddenly asked. "If anyone knows our options in concern to Voldemort, it is you, Severus."

Severus flinched at the mention of the Dark Lord's name then shook his head. "I'm not certain that anything can be done. If Malfoy does not present Draco, The Dark Lord will Imperious Lucius to kill his entire family. I have seen it done before. The Dark Lord can implement the curse through his Mark. Either way, if we do nothing, Draco is dead…as well as Narcissa. There is nowhere Lucius can hide."

"Thank Merlin that you are amongst the fortunate few who are impervious to that particular Unforgivable," breathed Albus in relief. "But unfortunately that will be of little help to young Mr Malfoy," he lamented.

An insane epiphany struck Severus. "Perhaps there is a way." It was nearly impossible for him to contain his excitement as he said, "I convince Lucius to ally with us!"

"Severus…do you think you can?"

"I am almost certain of it." Severus was suddenly thankful for the pain in his abused body. Otherwise he feared he would be bouncing on the sofa like a giddy first-year. "Lucius may be a cold and distant parent, but he'd take on a rabid werewolf to protect his son!"

Albus' face slowly became sceptical and he asked doubtfully, "Then what, Severus…If Voldemort can curse Lucius through his Mark, what does he have to gain by joining us?"

Severus answered with a sly grin, "I will teach him Occlumency."

The ramifications of such an alliance had possibilities that even Albus was not aware of.

For the first time ever, Severus was staying overnight at Grimmauld Place. Neither he nor Sirius were happy with the situation. But as Severus was still too weak to travel, there was nothing to be done for it.

Harry was thankful though. Severus was home and though he wasn't in the best of shape, he was still well enough to bat his snark about like a well-aimed Bludger. Thankfully, it wasn't too sharp and wasn't aimed at Harry.

Harry was sharing his room with Severus. It was 1:30 a.m. Friday morning. The Headmaster had finally left and Severus (much to his very vocal protest) was helped to bed by Mr Weasley and Remus. Harry had to admit…his father could be rather…colourful when he was in a foul mood.

Harry couldn't help but giggle as he remembered the rather imaginative curses Severus had threatened the men with, and how exasperated Severus was when Remus and Mr Weasley never took the first one seriously.

Mrs Weasley offered Severus one of her own Pain Draughts, but the Potion's Master steadfastly refused. He told Mrs Weasley it was because the Headmaster would be returning in the morning with a specialised elixir that would not be effective if taken so soon after a standard Pain Draught, but Harry suspected that his father would simply not take a potion brewed by another's hand.

Much to Ron's chagrin, he had been moved in temporarily with Fred and George. One of their beds had been transfigured into a bunk so to make room for their younger brother. To be honest, twins weren't very happy with the arrangement either. Poor Ron was probably going to be keeping one open eye open all night.

Though Remus and Mr Weasley had left a while ago, Harry could tell by the rhythm of the disembodied breaths coming from the opposite side of the room, that Severus was still awake.

"Do you find something amusing, Harry?"

"Umm…no, sir...well yes, sir," Harry quickly amended then lied, "I was just remembering a joke that the twins told me earlier."

Through the blackness, his father's velvet baritone said, "Contrary to popular belief, I do enjoy the occasional humorous anecdote…would you care to share?"

Oh shite!

Now what? Harry's brain just froze and he couldn't think of a single joke. He was about to be caught in a lie. Granted…it was a little white lie, but Harry wasn't certain if Severus would see it that way.

"Umm…I'd rather not," Harry said sheepishly a he stared up into the inky blackness. "It was a little…well, you know."

There…that would just make it seem as if Harry were too embarrassed to repeat it in front of his father.

"Hmm…I see," Severus said pensively from across the room. "Perhaps I should have a talk with their mother about her children's blue humour. I can't allow them to corrupt my only son. Now can I?"

"No! Don't do that!" Harry said, panicked.

"Why ever not?"

Wait a second…Severus' voice came across a tad too innocent. His father was taking the micky out of him! He just knew it. But what was Harry to say?

"No really," Harry said nervously. "I don't want to get them in trouble…please don't involve Mrs Weasley."

From out of the darkness, Harry heard a low chuckle. It couldn't possibly bode well. "Perhaps not, I'm certain I could find a few extra points to deduct from the Demonic Duo during the course of the term."

"Demonic Duo?" Harry said unbelievingly, almost choking on the bad joke. "You call me and my friends the 'Golden Trio'. Where do you come up with these names?"

"Divine inspiration," Severus said sardonically.

Rather than keep on the subject and possibly dig himself deeper, Harry changed topics to something that had been haunting him since his father's return. "Severus…are you certain you're okay? I mean…how bad did he really hurt you?"

There was a moment of awkward silence. Harry heard Severus clear his throat before he answered, "Well…a Cruciatus isn't exactly the same as a Rictumsempra, now is it?" Harry could definitely relate to that. He noticed that Severus' answer lacked the hard bite that it would have had in the past. "But as I said earlier…his wrath wasn't focused on me. If the Headmaster thinks to bring my potion tomorrow, I will be recovered in no time…if not, I will simply be sore and cranky over the next few days, but I will recover nonetheless."

Cranky? Well that wasn't good. "Let's just hope the Headmaster brings that potion, then."

Severus scoffed again and said, "Indeed."

Staring up into the darkness from his bed, Harry asked nervously, "Um…Severus?"

"Yes, Harry," Severus answered wearily.

"How long are we going to be here? All of my clothes were left at Hogwarts." Now Harry felt stupid for bringing it up. It was obvious that Severus was ready for sleep and Harry had already been talking the man's ear off for the past half-hour.

"I'm sure we can make time to stop at Diagon Alley sometime in the afternoon." Though tired, Harry could tell that Severus was striving to remain uncharacteristically patient.

Harry was caught off guard by the statement. "No... That's okay. I can just wear what I have until we get back to Hogwarts. I can do a Freshening Charm on them."

"No you won't. You are out growing any decent clothing you had and I will not have my son traipsing about in those...those rags that Petunia forced upon you."

Harry knew he was blushing in the dark as he could feel his face warm when Severus called him 'son'. It was nice have an adult who cared, but Harry still had to be sensible. "But you can't escort me to Diagon Alley. We can't be seen together."

It may have been dark, but Harry could still hear the slight humour in his father's voice. "I am a Potion's Master, Harry."

"Oh yeah…but you don't have time to brew Polyjuice Potion," said Harry as he was half thinking to himself.

Harry could hear a low chuckle come from his father's direction again. It startled Harry. The Potion's Master was definitely chuckling…almost laughing. Harry would have never thought Severus Snape was capable of such sounds before this summer. He found his father's soft laugh rather warm. It was so odd...the dual natures of Severus Snape.

"It seems that you have already forgotten that I am also a spy."

"Oh yeah," Harry could feel his own smile creep across his face. Of course Severus would keep a supply.

Now Severus began to muse aloud to himself. "Perhaps I should also make a quick stop over at the estate sometime tomorrow evening…To give the house elves time to prepare for our arrival Saturday.

Harry sat up in bed. "We're going to the estate!" Now he was going to be too excited to go to sleep.

"Yes…I told you we would."

"Yeah…but I just didn't realise it would be so soon," Harry said. "Uh…can I ask you something?"

"Of course you can Harry…I can't poke you in the eye for asking a question… now can I?"

Harry gave a good natured scoff. "You might have a couple weeks ago," he said cheekily, but he soon adapted a contrite demeanour. He really wanted Severus to say 'yes.'

"May I invite my friends over…at least for one day? It would do them all good to get out of this gloomy house for a while," Harry pleaded.

He could hear Severus emit a heavy sigh from across the room. "I cannot say that I relish a pack of rabid teenagers running amuck in my home. But it is your home now, as well. Outside of any Death Eaters, I suppose you may invite whomever you wish."

My Home?

"Honestly… I can invite them?" Harry couldn't believe his ears. Harry never really had a place he could call home before. Yes, he would often tell people that Hogwarts was his home, but that wasn't really the case no matter how hard he had wished it to be...and Severus would allow Harry's friends to visit. Harry had always wanted a place of his own where he could invite his friends. It was a gesture with enormous implications and Harry knew it.

"Yes…Honestly," Severus added a bit of his own cheek and breaking Harry's chain of thought. Severus then cleared his throat and asked on a more serious note. "Now…do you need help clearing your mind tonight?"

"No…I think I can do it myself tonight, thank you."

It was true. Just having Severus back and talking to him so casually had done wonders for Harry…more than any mind-magic could ever do.

Severus hesitated, as if thinking on it before he said, "Very good, then I think it's time we bid each other good night, Harry"

"Good night..." there was a pregnant pause for a moment before Harry said, "Severus." The word was on the tip of his tongue but he couldn't bring himself to say it just yet.