27. Chapter 27

I want to thank everyone for their reviews and continued support. The previous chapter was a blast to write and it's so much fun to see everyone's wishes and speculations in regards to Maya and Snape. Thanks for that!

Chapter 27

Harry was the first one to wake up the next morning. But he had guessed as much would be true. For a moment, he contemplated making one heck of a racket as he went downstairs but he decided against it. Snape would no doubt be grumpy enough without Harry ruining his morning even further.

So instead, he went down to the potions lab and removed the stasis from his cauldron. He had Zippy bring down some sandwiches as he carefully imbued the plums he got from Luna with his innate magic, smiling slightly as they seemed to brim with life as he did. After he was certain that the magic took, he chopped the plums into small cubes and added them to the concoction.

Then came the most complex part of this particular potion. The stirring. Harry had realized that in order to 'confuse' the magic that would seek to repel muggles, he would need to lead it astray with a set of tricky stirring motions that he had been able to set up with Snape's help. He took the piece of parchment on which he had written down the instructions and started stirring.

Two clockwise. One counter. Four clockwise. One counter. One clockwise. Seven counter. And so on.

Harry didn't even notice when the door creaked open, nor when a large shadow was cast as Snape came down the stairs. He did notice it when the man finally approached him to watch what he was doing but he was not startled or brought out of his concentration.

Thirteen clockwise. Five counter. Two clockwise. Wait five seconds. Another two clockwise.

Harry was nearing the end of the text that described the move-set he needed to respect. As he stirred, the potion changed colour numerous time. Sometimes, it seemed to shift into two colours at once before they mingled slowly and turned into an entirely different colour. It was as if he was working with a liquid rainbow.

Until finally, he stopped. Not wasting any time, he hauled the cauldron off the fire and cast a freezing spell at the bottom, effectively draining all warmth from the potion.

"Nicely executed," Snape said evenly when Harry started bottling the potion.

"Thanks," Harry replied without taking his eyes off of what he was doing. "Good to see you're finally up. Did you come down here to find a headache reliever?"

Snape smirked. "Initially yes," he admitted, "But then I saw what you were up to and decided to stay and watch. But now that you've reminded me –" He walked over to the potion rack and grabbed a headache reliever.

Harry imagined that if the roles were reversed, he would be forced to suffer through the headache since it was self-inflicted but he dared not mention this to Snape. The happier the man was, the easier his life would no doubt be.

"Have you eaten?" Snape asked after he had downed the liquid.

"Breakfast," Harry replied, not sure of the current time.

"Then I propose that we share lunch," Snape said.

Harry chuckled. "Are you sure you can stomach food right now?" he asked.

"Don't be such a brat," Snape said grumpily.

A few moments later, both wizards found themselves seated around the dinner table, eating the lunch that Zippy had cooked for them. Harry noticed that Snape ate very little but drank a disproportionate amount of water. Harry enjoyed some eggs – sunny side up – with toast, completely undeterred by Snape's apparent lack in appetite.

"I still can't believe it," Harry said, "You know, how Maya ended up being Emma's sister. Or did you forget?"

"My memories are very much intact," Snape grumbled, "And yes, it is quite the coincidence."

"I think muggles should have a code word or something," Harry said, "I mean, Alex and Emma both knew about the existence of magic but kept it a secret from each other."

Snape groaned. "Really, Harry, how would that even work?" he asked, "On the other hand, don't answer that. I'm not in the mood for pointless chatter."

"Fine," Harry said, "In that case, let's talk about the potion."

"The muggle magicker potion, you mean?" Snape asked glumly.

"That's the one," Harry replied entirely too cheerful. "I am ready for another test phase."

"Do as you wish," Snape replied, "But could you hold off until tomorrow? I feel like I should be present to cast a cushioning charm should the need arise. And I don't feel up to it today."

Harry opened his mouth to protest but Snape's glare already told him that there was no point.

"Alright," Harry conceded. "Tomorrow."

Tomorrow had been fast approaching and the next morning, Snape had been entirely ready to get an early start again. His grumpy demeanour had once more deflated into his common snarky attitude and he found himself reading the newspaper long before Harry had even stirred from his slumber. The headline of the day was not in accordance with the Christmas cheer of the past few days.

Muggle Mayhem sullies Holidays

Last night, the muggle town of Little Hangleton was viciously attacked. A large number of muggles seem to have disappeared overnight while even more muggles have been murdered without any sign of external injuries. Auror Angsley suspects the use of the killing curse.

But not only muggles were the victims of these horrible attacks. A few resident wizards that have tried to stand up to the assailant in question, have also sadly fallen.

We can only assume that the culprit is one of the death eaters that are still at large. The last few that were arrested were taken in because of the hero of the wizarding world 'Harry Potter', but it is high time that we become able to rely on our Aurors rather than on the skills of a seventeen-year-old boy.

Snape sighed deeply and set the newspaper aside. This smelled of Rookwood and suspiciously so. It was almost as if the man didn't worry about being found out. His purpose here was not to instil terror – though he did so very well – but something entirely different. If only he could find out what that something was…

"Good morning," Harry yawned as he took the seat opposite Snape.

"Good morning," Snape replied. He intentionally covered the newspaper with his plate and handed Harry the toast. "Are you ready for your experimentation?"

"Absolutely," Harry said, grinning from ear to ear, "What I'm really hoping for –"

But whatever Harry was hoping for would have to wait until later because, at that time, Hedwig swooped in, carrying a package that was neatly wrapped. Another letter was tied to her foot. Harry welcomed her descent with a piece of bacon and released her from her encumberment.

"Is it from your cousin?" Snape asked flatly.

"Let me see," Harry said as he turned over the envelope. Indeed it was. He snorted when he saw that Dudley had once again written his return address on the back of the envelope. Muggle habits die hard. "Yes it is," he finally replied.

He decided to open the package first. He frowned a bit at first when he saw the blue blanket inside but when he extracted the item entirely from the box, he found the initials H.P. embroidered into it. It was soft and smelled clean as if someone had recently washed it. Harry set it aside for a moment before opening the accompanying letter.

Dear Harry,

My apologies that I took so long to write back. I know that I hogged your owl for a few days and I hope you didn't miss her too much, but I needed her to deliver this package. I promise you that I fed her well.

The reason it took so long is that I was aware of my mother having some of your possessions. Possessions that I think you weren't even aware of having. It took some bargaining and empty promises on my mother's part but I managed to at least extract the baby blanket you were wrapped in on the day you were left on our porch. I wasn't sure if you wanted it but I thought it best to leave the choice up to you.

I washed it first. It had been in the attic for a while and was rather musty. The embroidery looks really well done. Years ago I heard my mum complaining that her sister had always been better at crafts and how that wasn't fair. I see now that she was right.

I want to thank you for accepting my apology at least and appreciate that you're okay with keeping in touch. I understand perfectly well that you would have no desire to see me any time soon, if ever. Should you change your mind, feel free to contact me. I will be looking forward to it.

I hope you had a very happy Christmas.

Dudley Dursley

"It's my baby blanket," Harry said evenly, allowing his hand to caress the soft fabric. He wasn't sure what to feel at that revelation.

"It was kind of him to send it to you," Snape said softly, watching as Harry's fingers traced the letter H gently.

"I didn't know mum was any good at crafts," Harry said, laughing softly.

"She was," Snape replied, "And she was able to combine her artwork with charms in the most lovely way. There probably was a charm on that blanket as well."

"Do you think so?" Harry asked, eyes wide with wonder as if it was the first time he heard of the existence of charms.

"It seems very likely," Snape said, "Allow me." He raised his wand and gently traced the embroidery with it as he incanted a spell under his breath. A very pale, soft light revealed itself for a very brief moment before fading.

Snape smiled. "I should not be amazed that Lily's charm is still in effect – if slightly – but I still am."

"What does it do?" Harry asked.

"It's a warming charm," Snape revealed, "Quite simple but very elegantly applied. The fact that it survived for more than sixteen years – perhaps even seventeen depending on when she made it – proves just how capable a witch she truly was.

Slowly, Snape's smile fell as he lost himself in the past, now tracing the embroidered letter H with his long, potion-stained fingers. Eventually, he couldn't suppress a slight sigh.

"I know," Harry said as he placed a hand on top of Snape's. "I miss her too."

It was late in the afternoon when Alex finally came over after Harry had sent Hedwig to fetch him. He was all eager and ready to go, never even contemplating the possibility that they might be feeding him poison. A fact that Snape found to be very unSlytherin, not that Alex cared about that particular opinion.

"Okay," Harry urged as he held out the vial of potion. The liquid inside seemed to be swirling without prompting. "I think this might be the one. Are you ready?"

"Please," Alex scoffed, "I was born ready!" With an exaggerated movement, he snatched the potion from Harry's hand and downed it in three consecutive gulps. He grimaced terribly after doing so.

"That was ridiculously vile," he said, his face still contracting excessively, "Couldn't you have added some sugar or honey or anything?"

"It doesn't work like that, Alex," Harry told him. From his peripheral vision, he noticed Snape rolling his eyes. He smiled and regarded Alex carefully. "How do you feel?"

Alex looked at his hands and frowned a bit. "I don't feel any different," he admitted.

"No queasiness?" Harry asked, "No tingling in your nose or fingers?"

"My nose?" Alex asked, somewhat perplexed, "No, I feel nothing out of the ordinary."

Harry handed Alex his trust Firebolt, letting it go somewhat reluctantly. "Be careful," he urged, "This broom is very important to me."

"Oh sure," Alex said, "Your broom is. Never mind me, I'm sure I'll bounce if something goes wrong."

Harry chuckled. "Severus will make sure you will," he assured him, "Now, mount it and try to push off a little."

Alex mounted the broom and jumped, looking decidedly silly. He did so a few times and on the third try, he hovered in the air for a bit longer, as if he had taken the jump under water. Harry's eyes widened. "Yes," he said excitedly, "You've almost got it. Try again."

Alex jumped a fourth time and this time he stayed in the air, hovering a few feet high. For now, the Firebolt stayed firmly in place but in the air nonetheless. Alex was trying his very best to stay balanced, occasionally throwing an arm to his side as to not roll over.

"I'm doing it!" Alex shouted, "I'm flying!"

"You are hovering," Snape corrected, "But it's an impressive feat nonetheless. For a muggle, that is."

"Harry, this is great," Alex said in awe. The Firebolt lurched forward a few inches and Alex chuckled. "ho, boy," he told the Firebolt.

"I must admit that this potion is a stroke of genius," Snape said, "Well done."

Harry flushed at the notion of pride Snape exhibited and averted his eyes to look at Alex who was still fumbling somewhat. "I'll bring a second broom next time," Harry told him, "So we can fly together."

"Or you can bring two more and Severus can join us as well," Alex offered excitedly.

"I think not," Snape growled.

Thankfully, no accidents happened. Snape hadn't even needed to cast a cushioning charm. In the end, Alex – though he talked big – did not have the courage to attempt any actual flying. Instead, he had hovered to and fro while Harry took notes. In the end, he timed the potion's duration at seventy-eight minutes. Enough time for most quidditch matches, should that ever become important.

Harry was stirring the fluid in the cauldron gently as he waited for it to shift in colour. Once it did, Hedwig grabbed a cluster of lavender and hopped over to Harry, extending her foot for him to take the plant from her.

Harry chuckled. "You're such a clever girl, Hedwig," he said.

"She behaves like a true familiar would," Snape said. He too was brewing but he was focusing on a blood replenishing potion while Harry took care of the calming draught. Both were relatively easy to brew and Madame Pomfrey had run out. When Harry had questioned why Slughorn couldn't brew the potions instead, Snape had told him that he'd rather not hand over all of his potion-making duties. He would miss them far too much.

Harry was glad for it, really. Helping Snape brew like this was quite relaxing and fun. Knowing that it was for a good cause was merely secondary.

As Harry sprinkled some bicorn horn dust into his potion, Snape turned down the fire underneath his cauldron to allow the brew to simmer for a few moments.

"So, Harry," he said, wiping his hands on a cloth.

"Hm?" Harry responded distantly.

"I do wonder what your future plans are," Snape said. He placed two hands on his working station and leaned forward expectantly.

Harry chuckled. "What do you mean?" he asked, "Isn't it kind of obvious by now?" he said as he gestured toward his cauldron.

"That's not entirely what I meant," Snape told him.

"Okay," Harry said slowly, "Do elaborate, then."

"Have you given any thought to your romantic leanings?" Snape asked easily as he started chopping up some larvae of the Asian tiger mosquito, "You and Draco seemed to be rather close a few days ago."

"Hold it right there!" Harry protested loud enough for Hedwig to flap her wings in disagreement. "I don't know where you got the idea but I'm not into Draco or any other boy for that matter."

"Do calm yourself," Snape said, some amusement obvious in his voice, "I was merely enquiring."

"For your information, I'm not interested in relationships right now," Harry said in annoyance, "I'm too busy working on my potions." He threw in his poppy seeds as if to emphasize that point.

Snape chuckled. "I do disagree with you," he said, "As I've told you before, you need to spend time on things other than brewing and studying."

"I'm already playing Quidditch," Harry protested, "And I hang out with my friends. I don't see why you're making such a big deal out of this."

"I would simply hate for you to miss out, Harry," Snape replied, "You're in your seventh year and as far as I can tell, you haven't explored the possibilities at all."

"Oh please tell me you're not saying what I think you're saying," Harry said desperately, finally looking away from his potion to look at Snape imploringly.

"Need I spell it out for you?" Snape asked, raising a sardonic eyebrow.

"How would you even know?' Harry objected, flushing slightly. "It's not like I told you much about my relationship with Ginny."

"Ah, but you did," Snape countered with obvious ease, "You told me enough to know. And if that wasn't enough to go on, the current red hue on your cheeks is plenty obvious."

The direction the conversation had taken was mortifying enough by itself but the way Snape seemed to enjoy this current trajectory peeved Harry immensely. "Would you stop?" he snarled, "What's it to you if I've had sex or not?"

"I just don't want you to close yourself off just for the sake of brewing," Snape replied, not at all deterred. "It would be a pity if you –"

"What?" Harry interrupted, a mischievous smile now tugging on his lips, "Become like you? Do tell, Severus. How much experience do you have?"

"Do you really want to know?" Snape countered, crossing his arms. "Perhaps you would prefer if I showed you? How are your Occlumency shields nowadays?" The evil smirk on his face implied that Snape would follow through if Harry didn't let up.

"Never mind!" Harry replied quickly, "I retract that statement. But honestly, as far as I can tell, you haven't been with anyone at least since I started school."

"You would not be incorrect," Snape replied evenly. He grabbed a small jar of beetle eyes from the top shelf and shook it a few times, clearly starting to become uncomfortable himself.

"So when will you be bringing home a pretty woman?" Harry teased, "Or man, I don't judge." He leaned forward on the back of his chair, his stirrer dangling lazily betwixt his fingers.

"I am not interested," Snape said through gritted teeth. He sent Harry a deadly glare but the boy knew better than to flinch back by now.

"Oh, but that won't do," Harry said, "You shouldn't spend all of your time brewing and working. You need to be able to let loose. Much like a few days ago."

"Whatever do you mean?" Snape asked, momentarily stopping his chopping.

"What, don't you remember?" Harry teased. He leaned his head in his hands as if he was recalling a precious memory. "Professor Bell was all over you!"

"She was not," Snape sighed, "We were simply both somewhat inebriated." The darkening of Snape's cheeks did not escape Harry's attention.

"Perhaps," Harry teased, "But you did seem pretty happy."

"What part of inebriated don't you understand?" Snape countered harshly.

"I think she fancies you," Harry said in a sing-songy voice. He ducked just in time when Snape threw a rag at his head.

"I must admit that it is rather impressive how you've turned this conversation around to focus on me," Snape said, "But I concede. I will not force you into any romantic relationship of any sort. I simply wanted to express an interest in my son's life."

"Then why couldn't you just say so?" Harry asked in exasperation.

Snape sighed. "I would appreciate it if you kept me informed of your relationship status," he said, "Is that better?"

"I'll see what I can do," Harry said, "But there's nothing going on right now."

"As you say," Snape said."

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