23. Chapter 23

Thank you kindly for the reviews. I'm glad that you've all enjoyed the Occlumency.

Chapter 23

With the entire night spent due to Harry and Snape's outdrawn adventure, Harry found himself sleeping away most of the day. He had eaten breakfast before heading to his bed but had skipped lunch entirely in favour of his rest. When the time for dinner came around, he came to with the annoying sensation of someone urgently shaking him.

"Wha-?" he muttered, burying his head underneath his pillow in annoyance.

"Haven't you slept enough?" Ron asked, "It's time for dinner. Get up."

"I'm not hungry," Harry lied. In truth, he could eat but he would rather stay in bed where it was warm and comfortable.

"Snape threatened that he would come to get you if you weren't down for dinner," Ron warned him, "And I wouldn't put it past him to go through with the threat."

Harry yawned and smacked his lips. "Fine," he grumbled, "I'm up."

"You better be," Ron said, "If Snape finds my stash of dungbombs just because you were too lazy to get up, you're paying me back for them."

"I said I'm up!" Harry protested, chucking a well-aimed pillow directly into Ron's face.

"Come along then," Ron said as he tossed the pillow back onto Harry's bed. "This is probably the last time we'll see each other in a while. You're lucky I'm still here."

"Oh yeah," Harry said, finally getting up, "Hasn't the Hogwarts express left yet?"

"It has," Ron said, "But Dumbledore said that Ginny and I can take the floo."

Harry stifled a yawn as he trudged down the stairs, followed by Ron. "Why would he do that?"

"I think the old coot didn't want us to leave without saying goodbye to you," Ron replied.

"Us?" Harry asked.

"He offered Hermione the same," Ron explained, "But she didn't accept it. She didn't think her parents would appreciate her flooing directly into the living room."

"Muggles don't generally appreciate that," Harry said evenly, "But that's alright. It's only for a couple of weeks."

"Yeah, and she said she'll owl you," Ron added.

"So most of the students are gone already?" Harry asked, noting the empty common rooms. He climbed out of the portrait hole and waited for Ron to do the same before moving on.

"Yes," Ron said, "Some will get picked up by their parents and some of the seventh-years are just apparating home after dinner, like Draco."

Harry groaned. "I can't believe I haven't even begun to learn apparition yet."

"It's not that easy," Ron said, "I've been trying for a while now but it's a difficult skill. I can't believe Fred and George ever got the hang of it."

"I'm sure I could manage if I just found the time," Harry said, passing the sign that led to the great hall. "What kind of self-respecting wizard can't even apparate?"

"The school-going kind," Ron said easily, "Don't worry, Harry. We'll manage. Maybe Snape can teach you?"

Harry laughed. "I'm not sure where he would find the time to do that," he said, "I'm already his son and apprentice. When would he squeeze in apparition lessons?"

"I have six siblings," Ron said, "And still my dad finds the time to teach me. Surely, Snape would manage if you just asked?"

"But your father's got your mum," Harry pointed out, "Snape's just by himself."

"Ask him," Ron urged again. He turned the corner sharply to walk directly into the great hall where most of the tables were empty.

Ginny was sitting next to Luna and Draco was sitting by himself at the Slytherin table. A gaggle of seventh year Hufflepuffs sat in a huddle at their table, loudly discussing the next quidditch match and a few stray students of all houses sat spread out all over the great hall. Most of them sat by themselves.

"Well this is depressing, "Harry noted, "Why are they all sitting apart?"

Ron shrugged. "Beats me," he said, "Come on, let's join Ginny."

Harry would have declined politely had it not been for Luna who was sitting next to her. "Alright," he said, motioning to Draco as they walked over to the two girls. Draco nodded, took his plate and walked over to the Ravenclaw table as well, sitting down at the same time Harry and Ron did.

Ginny seemed surprised by the sudden interruption but Luna smiled knowingly.

"Good of you to join us one last time," Luna said, "Before the year is over in any case."

"Yeah, where were you during lunch, Harry?" Draco asked, "Ron said you were out cold but he didn't say why."

Harry groaned, "I've had an all-night… Occlumency session," he said, not sure how to phrase it otherwise. At the high table, he saw Snape looking at him, smirking in satisfaction. Harry wondered why he wasn't tired.

"Was Snape here for lunch?" Harry asked.

"Of course," Draco said, "Why wouldn't he be?"

"What part of all-night Occlumency don't you get?" Harry said irritably, "Or did you think I practised on myself in the mirror."

"Snape doesn't sleep much as it is," Draco said, ignoring Harry's rudeness, "And he always has a lot to take care of before the Christmas holidays. To make sure the Slytherins are looked after and all, you know?"

"That is very kind of him," Luna said honestly, "I know his students won't miss their home as much when they realize that someone is looking out for them here."

"But he won't even be here," Ron objected.

"He will be if something goes wrong," Draco pointed out, "It's rarely necessary but every Slytherin knows that when needed, Snape will come back from wherever he goes over the holidays. It's very reassuring, really."

Ginny snorted. "I never would've seen it in him, really."

"Really?" Luna asked incredulously, "I think there's no Professor here that cares more than him." She smiled as she looked at Snape, waving softly when she met his gaze. Snape simply quirked an eyebrow in response but Bell – who was sitting next to him – waved back enthusiastically.

"I like Professor Bell a lot as well," Luna said as she refocused her attention on her friends.

"Now that, I can understand," Ron said, "Just imagine her being your head of house."

"I think it would be great fun," Luna said dreamily as she built a tower out of her mashed potatoes.

"How are you getting home, Luna?" Harry asked.

"Oh, I'm not going home this year," Luna said, "My father is out hunting the curly-tailed Snarkolks. It will be a while before he's back since they only come out at the first sign of snow. He needs to be ready for it."

"What?" Draco asked incredulously, "I've never heard –" He oomphed when Harry elbowed him between the ribs.

"We can't all be as educated when it comes to magical creatures," Harry supplied smoothly, "But don't worry, Draco. If you pay attention, you'll learn."

Luna smiled knowingly. "I think Draco has already learned a lot lately," she said, "But I always knew that he could."

Draco blinked in confusion before sighing deeply and giving himself a second helping of roast turkey.

"I think you've embarrassed him," Ron teased.

"Anyone who isn't embarrassed by who they were last year," Luna said, "Simply isn't learning enough."

"Er… right," Draco said, "Well said, Lovegood. How's your uncle doing?"

Luna smiled at the obvious change in subject but allowed it. "He's busy as always," she said, "He's working hard to try and save people's lives every day. I am very proud and rather fond of him."

"Has he told you anything about the magical illnesses that seem to spread among the muggles?" Ron asked, now interested.

"He doesn't seem to know all that much yet," Luna said, "But I believe it has something to do with the mixing of wizards and witches and muggles."

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.

"Purebloods have always lived their lives separately from muggles," Luna explained, "Or as much as they could. It is a rather recent occurrence for people of the magical world to mingle with muggles. I think the muggles are simply not resistant to many magical maladies that we are already immune to."

"That sounds like a sound theory," Draco agreed, "Like when an animal from Europe is suddenly introduced to Australia. It might spell disaster for the animals there."

Luna nodded. "And yet," she said, "If we allow ourselves to intermingle more, we'll all be stronger for it in the end."

"Is this about one illness or multiple?" Harry asked, now interested.

"I'm not sure," Luna admitted, "My uncle hasn't really told me much. This is all just speculation on my part."

"A clever deduction nonetheless," Draco said, "I hope your uncle finds out what's happening soon."

"He will," Luna said easily, "He always does."

"So what are your plans for the holidays, Severus?" Maya asked. She stood leaning against the doorpost of his office, watching in amusement as he angrily shoved a few defence manuals back into their rightful place. Why they were catalogued near the books on magical law was beyond him.

"Ritually sacrifice some animals, I suppose," Snape deadpanned, "Perhaps claim someone's firstborn as payment for some past favour."

Maya snorted. She waltzed inside and picked up one of the graded papers that lay on Snape's desk, making herself comfortable in Snape's most uncomfortable visitor's chair.

"Perhaps if you could refrain from staring at Ms Davies' hindquarters, you would be able to discern the difference between a charm and a hex," she read aloud, giggling afterwards. "A bit harsh, don't you think?"

"I found it to be rather mild," Snape replied, "I still give him an A, did I not?"

"Oh, and look at this one!" Maya exclaimed as she grabbed the next one from the pile. "If you plan to copy someone else's achievements, try not to do so from The-Boy-Who-Lived. His exploits – as extravagant as they were – are well-known to all and only a dunderhead would claim these as his own. See me in detention."

Maya laughed out loud and Snape couldn't help but smile slightly at the sound.

"Did he really do that?" she asked, flipping through the pages. "Oh dear Merlin, he sure did!" She snorted, "Did he truly think you would believe him to have fought a mountain troll?"

"It would appear so," Snape said, not able to hide his amusement entirely, "First years often still believe they can take certain liberties."

"You will no doubt dissuade him of that notion," Maya pointed out.

"If I don't, I will hand in my resignation," Snape said solemnly.

Maya put the graded papers back and leaned back as she watched Snape pack. "But seriously, other than animal sacrifice, what are your plans? Please don't tell me you'll be brooding."

"I will be going home," Snape shared, "And I assure you that Harry will not allow me to brood."

"No," Maya agreed, "I don't expect that he will."

She remained silent for a while and while Snape understood the social construct that urged him to ask her the same question in return, he refused to abide by it. He never did care much for empty conversation and he hardly ever did it just for the sake of the norm.

"What have you come here for?" he asked instead.

"Can't your favourite colleague come and say goodbye to you?" she asked.

Snape snorted for multiple reasons. "I will merely be gone for two weeks," he said, "I am sure you will not miss my company that much."

"Perhaps not," Maya agreed, "But I will have to postpone my retaliation which is less than favourable."

Snape eyed her suspiciously and smirked when she just smiled innocently. "You know," he noted, "That innocent act does not have me fooled."

Maya tilted her head coyly. "Not everyone wears a mask, Severus," she said, "I'm really not that hard to figure out. All you need to do is look."

"I'm not really looking for anything," Snape replied. He grabbed the stack of graded papers and shoved them into his desk, locking the drawer with a non-verbal spell. Glancing around, he was pleased to be able to leave his office as neatly as he liked it.

"That might not stop you from finding something, though," Maya replied, "I hope you'll have a happy Christmas, Severus. And I wish Harry does as well."

"The sentiment is appreciated," Snape replied, nodding curtly. "I wish you the same."

"Good day, Sev," Maya said, winking. She was out the door before Snape could respond to the unwanted abbreviation of his name. he didn't deem the transgression important enough to give chase, though. Instead, he rolled his eyes and went back to locking his closets and drawers, finishing up by locking his door as he left.

Harry hadn't realized just how much he had missed his home until he stepped out of the floo, managing not to stumble, fall or otherwise injure himself. Snape was seconds behind him and seemed amused by that fact.

"You seem to be getting better at travelling by the floo," he said.

"I'm long overdue, I think," Harry said.

"Yes," Snape agreed, "Now hurry and go unpack."

Harry groaned. "Can't I do that tomorrow?" he asked, "It's already dark out."

"I believe you know perfectly well how to cast a Lumos, do you not?" Snape said evenly.

"Okay, but I want to ask you something when I'm done," Harry said. Snape raised a questioning eyebrow but Harry was already going upstairs, carrying his trunk with him as he seemingly forgot that he was allowed to use magic now. Snape shook his head fondly.

It couldn't have been more than ten minutes later that Harry came back down the stairs. Snape vaguely wondered when Harry had stopped racing down them two steps at a time and sighed as he silently contemplated the speed with which children grew up.

"Is everything alright?" Harry asked as he threw himself into his favourite plush chair.

"I'm fine," Snape replied, "Did you finish unpacking?"

"Yes."

"Zippy!" Snape called out. Immediately, the delighted house-elf stood wringing her hands in front of her master, looking up at him with glee-filled eyes.

"Welcome home Master Snape and Master Harry," she said, "I hope yous had nice floo travels."

"Delightful," Snape replied sardonically, "Bring me some tea and a hot cocoa for Harry."

"Right away!" she said happily before hurrying away.

"Hot cocoa?" Harry argued, "I'm an adult now. Adults don't drink hot cocoa."

"I still occasionally do," Snape shared, "And you can't tell me that you don't enjoy it. Or have you forgotten that I can see you eating every single day."

Harry flushed stupidly but was saved a reply when their drinks appeared on the table in front of them.

"Now," Snape said as he grabbed his tea and leaned back into the couch cushions. "What was it that you wanted to ask of me? If you desire a pet dragon or chimaera, I'm afraid I must decline."

"Well, if you're sure," Harry replied without skipping a beat, "I could settle for you teaching me how to apparate instead."

Snape looked at him thoughtfully. "Apparition," he repeated carefully, "That particular skill has indeed escaped my attention. It does seem a tad preposterous that you haven't learned how to, yet."

"I thought so," Harry agreed, "Even if I manage to travel through the floo without almost killing myself now, I still think I should be able to."

"It would have been useful that day in the forest," Snape agreed, "It was less than desirable for you to depend on the goodwill of a death eater to get out of there."

"It's a good thing that you're so devilishly charismatic," Harry pointed out, "You persuaded that Rabastan fellow quite well. I didn't keep him out of Azkaban, though."

"He knew that was never an option," Snape replied, "But ten years is awfully lenient. Lestrange aside, I do believe it would be prudent for you to learn how to apparate."

"Excellent," Harry said, sipping his hot cocoa contentedly. He relished the delightfully sweet mixture on his tongue. He really did like hot cocoa.

The next morning, Harry and Snape were having breakfast when someone knocked on their door.

"Gee," Harry said sardonically, "I wonder who that might be?"

"Perhaps we should leave him standing there for a while," Snape proposed, "Pretend that we're not home."

"I'm sure that he can see the smoke that comes from the chimney," Harry pointed out, "How else does he always know when we'll be back?"

"I imagine he has it marked on his calendar," Snape said.

"Right," Harry chuckled, "The date in a big red circle and every date leading up to it crossed off."

The knocking on the door persisted and Snape lazily rose from his chair. "It's too early for this," he mumbled.

"It's never too early for Alex," Harry said, "Come on, I know you missed him too."

Snape muttered something unintelligible under his breath and opened the door. Behind it – as expected – stood Alex, wearing that big flashy grin.

"Severus!" he exclaimed amicably. Without waiting for permission, he took a step forward and embraced the dour potions master who sighed wearily and allowed the contact for a few seconds before stepping back.

"Alexander," he said curtly, allowing the man entry. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"What, can't I come to visit my best friend?" Alex said cheekily. "I don't know about you but I missed - Oh dear God, Severus! What happened to your hand?!" Much to Snape's horror, Alex grabbed his injured hand and gasped at the missing finger. "Your little finger," he said sadly. "How did this happen?"

"It's what happens when you mingle with crazy women," Snape said evenly. Alex stared at him rather dumbfounded but Harry couldn't help but snort.

When Alex noticed Harry sitting at the table he rushed over. "Harry!" he greeted, "Good to see you." He ruffled Harry's hair and helped himself to a bit of toast.

"Alex," Harry said, "You look great!" It wasn't a lie. Where Alex had normally been dressed in worn-out hand-me-down's that didn't ever seem to fit him right, he was now dressed in handsome clothes from top to bottom that almost seemed tailored to him. Even his shoes were so shiny that they seemed new.

"I know I do," Alex replied cheekily, twirling to show off his new look. "And it's all thanks to you lovable wizards."

"I take it your new passion as a tour guide for the magical world is paying off?" Snape asked.

"Absolutely!" Alex replied happily. "I get about twenty visitors a day – though it was a lot more at first - and I charge five galleons a person. Three for a child under twelve," he added, "It's a price they all seem eager to pay just to hear of your amazing battle with Voldemort."

Harry thought it was rather odd to hear a muggle speak Voldemort's name so plainly, and gathered by Snape's wince that he thought the same.

"And as if that isn't enough," Alex said, "They almost always tip me very well afterwards. Apparently, they like listening to my recollection of things."

"I wonder how much you embellish," Snape said dryly.

"I don't," Alex said, seemingly sincere, "This is one story that does not need embellishment. It's crazy enough on its own."

"I hope you never pointed out our residence," Snape said in warning.

"Only the old, destroyed one," Alex said honestly, "Which usually earns me some more sickles for my trouble."

"It looks like the magical world is treating you well, then," Harry said, happy for the man. "I'm glad to see it."

"I even have my own owl now," Alex said, "Emma doesn't know that I do, and I've had to tell Bruce to only deliver my mail when I'm outside and alone, but it's necessary for when I need to book large parties in advance."

Snape frowned at the muggle standing before him, happily munching his toast.

"What?" Alex asked.

"I just find it supremely odd to find a muggle be so content in the context that is the wizarding world," Snape said.

"It's done me nothing but good," Alex said honestly, "Emma still can't figure out what tourists are doing here all of a sudden but she knows not to question a good thing when it so readily falls into her lap."

"How are you exchanging wizarding money into pounds?" Harry asked curiously.

"I am aware of how to use public transit," Alex said, "So I just head to the leaky cauldron and head into Diagon Alley once a month."

Snape practically choked on his tea. "Excuse me?" he said, "How do you know about that? How do you know how to get there?"

"Albus told me about it," Alex divulged, "He's a regular customer of mine, you see."

Snape groaned loudly. "That decrepit old goat," he growled, "What is his game?"

Alex chuckled. "Don't say that," he said, "Albus has been nothing but kind. He's a very amazing man. Needs a shave though. Anyways, he took me to the leaky cauldron once – by apparition, of course, - and introduced me to Tom. Now he gets me into Diagon Alley whenever I need to be at Gringotts."

"This is ridiculous," Snape sighed, pinching the bridge of a nose, "A muggle is now traipsing around Diagon Alley every month, exposed to everything magical."

"And I'm loving it!" Alex said enthusiastically, "It's a shame I can't use magic myself but it's already so amazing to be able to witness everything about your world."

"Did you ever go into Weasley's Wizard Wheezes?" Harry asked, ignoring the rest of his breakfast.

"How could I not?" Alex replied, grinning widely, "That shop is an eyesore if I ever saw one. But those twins –" Alex chuckled, "-They're to die for."

"I thought you might like Fred and George," Harry pointed out.

"I love them," Alex said sincerely. "They recently came up with this amazing candy! It gets you to speak in nothing but limericks for a few hours."

Snape snorted loudly at that and Harry couldn't help but grin.

"I didn't know it had hit the stands yet," Harry said.

"Not yet," Alex replied, winking at the boy, "But I was one of the first to test it."

"Figures," Snape said, shaking his head. "This is getting to be more and more absurd by the minute."

"So, where do you know them from, Harry?" Alex asked.

"They're my best friend's brothers," Harry said, "And they're my friends too. I used to stay over at their place a lot."

"Used to?" Alex asked.

"Well, it's not really necessary anymore now," Harry said, blushing slightly.

Alex seemed to pick up on the trepidation in Harry's voice and aptly changed the subject. "So, how are your studies coming along?" he asked.

Harry glanced at Snape who was smirking at him. "They're going well, I think," Harry replied, "I haven't really made too much progress on my potion yet, but I'm getting there. The rest of my classes are going fine."

"Did you play Quidditch yet?" Alex asked eagerly.

"One match," Harry said, "And I won, of course."

Alex groaned. "Of course you did," he said, "Oh, if there's one thing I would love to do, it's fly a broom. It's a pity, really."

Harry rapped his fingers on the table as he looked at Alex' face thoughtfully. "What if -" he mumbled more to himself than anyone else, "- I created a potion based on foxgloves.

"With what intent?" Snape asked.

"If I try and add them to a base of something acidic, I believe that would allow a muggle to be able to attune to magic for a period of time."

"Hmmm," Snape responded, "That's an interesting thought. He wouldn't need to be able to use magic to be able to fly a broom. He would simply need to be able to not clash with the magic of the engraved runes itself. That might work."

"Wait," Alex said, "Are you being serious? Could you get me to fly?"

"Possibly," Snape replied evenly, "But we can't make any promises."

"Man, if you could manage something like that, it would make me immensely happy," Alex said, "Not that your interference in my life hasn't made me the happiest man alive already. I mean, I –"

Alex seemed to choke on his words for a few seconds before continuing. "- I really don't know how I can ever possibly repay you."

"We'll call you the next time we have a leaky roof," Snape said dryly. Alex simply laughed.

"You're good people," he said fondly, "You have many fans among the tourists that come here. They asked me to give you their best wishes but I can't possibly remember all those people's names. Oh, which reminds me -"

Snape pulled a crinkled envelope from his pocket and handed it to Harry. "I know your mailbox is probably just for show and everything," he said, "So I took the liberty of taking this when I saw the mailman try and deliver it to your old, destroyed house."

Harry took the letter and saw his name on the front. Snape's old address was written beneath it. Frowning, Harry turned it over to find the addressee. He almost dropped the letter in shock. It came from Dudley Dursley.

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