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The next week passed in a blur; the Christmas holidays came and a generally startled school body opted to abandon Hogwarts for the holidays. Harry was seething, looking at the ceiling of the dormitory as he lay on his bed; his parents had whisked Adrian away to Merlin knew where for added training; this time, Harry didn't even feel guilty for what his brother had to go through. The first day after the Pettigrew incident and after he was discharged from the infirmary, Adrian had been demure, taking all the bashing from their parents -and Harry's glares- stoically. But as the week progressed, he had seen the whole affair just like another adventure and was happily chatting away on what he wanted to do for Christmas.
Apparently, almost getting killed wasn't enough to dampen his spirits; and even though he didn't wish for his brother to lose that sparkle, that energy he had always had, Adrian had even gone as far as to say he would have chased after Bellatrix Lestrange herself if she had been there and hadn't just sent Pettigrew. Harry had just sat across the common room and listened tiredly, his mind so numb he couldn't even form a rant. Neville, who would be leaving the next day for the holidays, had sent him a sad look from where he sat next to him, silently conveying that he knew the trouble Harry had talked about hadn't even began yet. He never pushed him for answers; Harry couldn't have been more grateful.
The next day his parents sent him a letter asking him if he could stay at Hogwarts this Christmas; the latest prophecy had apparently forced them to move on with Adrian's training faster than anticipated; not even Christmas could be spared for resting. Harry wrote back that he understood and waved his brother goodbye; he just hoped they would understand too -if they ever found out- that he'd spend the holidays at Silbreith with Severus. After all, Christmas was a family holiday.
He was feeling rather bitter over the way things had turned out; Pettigrew had escaped, a prophecy wanted him bringing the rise of Voldemort and Adrian didn't seem to understand how easy his life could be taken away. And no one in his family -Severus aside- had even stopped to think of him; he hadn't really expected to be offered a training along Adrian and he didn't even want that. But a simple thank you for notifying them of Adrian not being in the castle -even if it was mentioned in that stupid letter his parents had sent him- would have sufficed.
Well, truth be told, it wasn't that no one in his family showed they cared; he had heard Sirius arguing on his case with Prongs. The dog animagus had suggested Harry should join them, offering himself and Remus as his teachers, but his friend wasn't convinced. They had to hurry, he had said and Adrian was the priority. Sirius seemed dejected but acknowledged he could do nothing more to convince his ever stubborn friend; the look in his eyes however foretold that he wasn't ready to drop the subject just yet. And while it stung to have his parents dismiss the thought of him in favour of his brother, having Sirius and Remus on his side was a salve on a long time festering wound. It felt great to know his godfather hadn't forgotten of their conversation that morning before everything went to hell.
He had visited Dumbledore's office the same night, just before the Headmaster left to join the rest of the Potters wherever they were. He had easily gained permission to stay at Severus's house instead of Hogwarts and left, petting Fawkes softly while Dumbledore was preparing, shrinking and packing instruments in a small pouch; the bird leaned into his touch softly as if sensing he needed the comfort.
It was now a day latter and he was patiently waiting in his dormitory alone for the clock to strike five; there had been an incident during the last potions class before the holidays and Severus had to clean the mess before they left for home. The green eyed wizard pulled out his notes on blood magic and proceeded to study what he had jotted down the night before; time ticked by and soon Harry found himself walking towards Severus's office. It was a very annoyed Severus that welcomed him at the door.
"Harry." He simply stated, rubbing gentle circles on his temples as they walked towards the fireplace.
"That bad, huh?" The boy asked smiling at the vexed expression on Severus's face.
"The cauldron melted, Harry. It melted." Harry sniggered as he grabbed a handful of floo powder and threw it in the flames, stepping inside as they changed colour. He stepped out of the much grander fireplace in Silbreith's hall waiting for Severus to floo in. The potions master did just that, a few seconds later, immediately lifting the charms of his person. Harry did the same, smiling softly at his reflection in the mirror on the opposite wall. It had been months since he had really looked at himself on the mirror; it was halfway surprising to see how he had grown up.
"I think I grew taller." The teen commented randomly, approaching the mirror. Realizing there was no answer from Severus, he turned back to see what he was doing. He had just sat on an armchair and sulked as Minnie ran to welcome them home.
"Master Severus, sir! Young master Harry! Welcome home!" Harry walked closer to the small creature before swooping down and giving her a hug.
"Missed you, Minnie!" The house elf blushed and stepped back when Harry let her go to observe the "young master".
"The young master has grown taller." She said, a proud tone in her voice.
"That's what I just said!" Harry exclaimed chuckling. "But Dad is sulking in his corner and didn't pay attention I fear."
"I'm not sulking!" Severus exclaimed indignantly. "I'm…"
"You're brooding, we know." Harry commented drily, his lips twitching.
"Is something wrong, master Severus?" Minnie asked concerned.
"Nothing too worrisome, Minnie, no need to fret; just an incident in the potions' lab yesterday." Harry assured her.
"But no one was hurt?" The tiny house elf questioned in her high voice, examining her two masters closely for any scraps or bruises.
"No one was hurt, Minnie. Don't worry." Severus assured her in turn. "I had just planned to work over some details on the Wolfsbane so I could sit back and relax for a few days." Minnie shook her head exasperated.
"The master should rest more." She mumbled looking at her feet. Severus laughed.
"Maybe you have a point, Minnie." The house elf smiled tentatively. "Now why don't you go make us some hot chocolate; it would do both of us a world of good to enter the holiday spirit." Minnie nodded happily and left as Harry nodded emphatically. Merlin knew he needed a break from all the craziness that had been thrown their way lately.
HI GUYS IF YOU WANT READ 200 + CHAPTERS THEN VISIT
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