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It was three weeks into the summer and Hari Potter had to admit… it was a really good one. Which was confusing, since one H.J.Potter never had had a decent summer. Or at least a whole good summer. Between murderous house elves, actual threat of a mad man on a loose, aftercare of a soul sucking attack, being forced to kill the darkest wizard who have ever lived and the Durseleys there was simply no time for a fun holiday time.
To Hari’s disbelief no such thing had happen in the last 21 days and maybe, maybe this time he actually would have the chance to be a normal teenager? Seriously, things were good. He juggled the time between Sirius’s and Moony’s flat, Severus’s house and his friends, whose circle had broaden in the timescale of last ten months. Who cold have known not having the dark lord on the hunt for his head could do wonders for one’s social life?
Of course Ron and Hermione were, and always will be his best friends. That wouldn’t change in million years. Hari spent ungodly amount of time at the Burrow, either at the yard with Ron and him on brooms, or at Ron’s bedroom talking shit about nothing and everything. Though ‘Mione had a noticeable larger amount of holiday plans and trips(there is just no such time for catching up on your reading and exploring museums as the summer Hari!) they managed to meet up and Hari had for the first time been in the muggle London which he didn’t want to admit but was as cool as the magical one. Yeah, of course it was crazy he had never been there, having lived for twelve years just one hour from the city, but well, it was better not to imagine too much from his previous guardians.
Other than Ron and ‘Mione there was of course Neville. Hari liked spending time with him mostly studying or listening to Neville go about plants. Hari wasn’t sure Weather they were friends or mates since they were eleven, but found his presence soothing. And Neville was a great listener when Hari needed it. Maybe because he too grew up with family that didn’t understand him (Hari severely doubted his friend’s grandmother had bad intentions, but the fact remained) Neville somehow got Hari on a level he had not with Ron nor Hermione. He was also a person that Hari could talk freely about the dementors aftermath, for reasons not clear. And with his current family/custody/guardians situation (well,of course, Neville freaked out at first couple of weeks after hearing Hari literally was now living with potions professor).
But the biggest change in his friend group was Parvati. Even though they both had classes together every day for three last years they never really… talked before their fourth year. As it turned out the Gryffindor girl was just as sarcastic and judgy&eager for gossips sharp witted as Hari. And that kinda brought them together in the first place. Then they discovered they had the same taste in music, Hari really appreciated her magazines recommendations, and he got her (slightly) into his obsession in quidditch. The two of them became inseparable, much to Ron’s and Lavender disdain (but that thank Merlin was temporary, cause Hari was NOT going to survive fighting with Ron).Parvati and him just had never ending list of topics and Hari was honestly impressed he could get so honest, so him in such a short time. And then -drum rolls- they found out they were cousins. This just broadened the list of their jokes and reasons why they should absolutely stay after the curfew. Honestly, it was unbelievable to Hari that he actually had a living wizarding family who didn’t hate him, but at the same time, it would be impossible not to have anyone from his pure blood Potter side of the family still alive. And Hari and Parvati (and Padma obviously) did look similar, with the same black thick hair, prominent cheekbones and warm, brown skin. Harry was more than he would ever expect happy to find out about that.
So apart from their alone talkes and outings Parvati started getting Hari invited into all her and Lavender parties, and the next discovery of that year was that Harry actually did enjoy that. And that he maybe not had really known his class before. And it was fun to get to know them, maybe? In any given situation he and Parvati called each other their favorite cousins,to apparently many many Patil’s relatives displeasmenet and to Hari’s well, none, since Dudley didn’t really make a competition. Together they were probably annoying and loud and everything Harry had ever dreamed he could have.
So life was fun. Really. Apart from his friends he had not one, but two homes were no one was yelling or forcing him to do anything. Honestly, last week Sirius told him off for doing the dishes and waking before him and Remus to start on breakfast. Well, maybe Sirius’s housekeeping and diet (everyday is a pancake day) wasn’t the pristine ideal, but Harry was glad.
And there was Severus, of course, with whom it was not so …easy? As with Sirius or Moony or Parvati or Cedric or literally anybody Hari had bonded this past year. Nonetheless he was there, with his remarks and demands, but he was there for Hari, all this time. It was weird to have someone notice what he was feeling or exited about, not only how bad he messed up and what was the suitable punishment for it. And yeah, Hari still messed up. A lot, honestly. Especially as apparently there weren’t any rules of what does it mean to be someone’s son ward. And Severus(Hari a year ago would be mortified he was on first name basis with the potions master. Another crazy thing.) wasn’t also a ray of sunshine, or even a tornado of excitement as was Sirius, in the first place. Hari in so so many situations had no idea what he should be doing or feeling. But despite Severus’s short temper he rarely snapped at Hari, even when he thought it was in order. The main thing they argued was Severus’s obsession with Hari’s health and safety. Like honestly, there was nothing to be so freaked out about. Hari had long enough internship of taking care of for himself and when he said he was fine he really was. Whatever Severus said, he not Hari was the dramatic one.
Hari stayed by the counter sipping water from the glass. He was leaning and looking through the curtains on the street. It was weird, wasn’t it? Having the keys to Severus’s house, going to his friends whenever he wished (and told beforehand his guardian), even going to the kitchen to grab whatever he wanted in the middle of the night was strange by Hari’s standards. Nobody was counting the slices of bread, no one would punch him for taking the last package of yoghurt. Hari sometimes would pinch himself to check if he wouldn’t wake up in the cupboard again. And on top of that there was Sirius. The man of whom he was first scared to death , than yearned for his blood, and who now called him ‘his kid’, travelled to cheer on his every quiditch match and decorated a whole room just for ‘his favourite godson’ to visit. It was eerie to think all of that. And now Hari hoped with all his heart, that Sirius would have the guts to propose to Moony on their ‘spontaneous weekend trip to the mountain cottage’. My arse spontaneous, Siri was panicky planning and hiding every minute of said weekend for the last couple of weeks.He was carrying in his pocket the ring in a box with him for several months at least.
Deep in thought Hari almost didn’t hear someone coming from the front. The key rattled in the lock and was it? Yes, definitely there was some unknown to Harry voice along with Severus’s low tone. Hari stood up, and suddenly a bright light from Sev’s wand emblazed the dark kitchen along with blinding Hari.
“Hari? What are you doing here?” Severus sounded more confounded than Hari had ever heard.
“Er.. I” Hari pointed at the glass in his hand “Was just getting water, couldn’t sleep” He explained lamely, realizing it was nearing two o’clock and his guardian wouldn’t be happy to discover he just came back from a party.
But Severus wasn’t minding that apparently, caught on something else.
“You are not tonight with Black?” Okay weird. Not addressing Sirius as ‘mutt’ or ‘your beloved Azkaban escapee’ was a rarity.
“No, he and Remus are out of town, I just went out to Lavender’s” He was 100% sure he had informed Severus about that, but the man seemed to hear it for the first time.
“I must have missed that” He looked troubled. And uncharacteristically unsure of what to do next.
“Did something happened at your potion conference thing?’” He asked with concern (though he couldn’t remember did Severus had a potion or dark arts or teacher related event tonight)
‘“About that, “ He scratched the back of his neck nervously “I had a meeting with a … friend tonight, this is Vivienne Cohen “ Hari finally saw a woman in a dark cloak standing in the hall, with locks of dark honey hair and sharp features. “We were acquainted about a-“
“Three months ago, I think. At an alternative approach to curses convention. I am currently doing research work on the practices of Mayan witches in the tenth century, so I was a speaker actually.” She smiled, clearly proud of her work. “That’s not important thou, we thankfully didn’t have to attend any gala tonight.”
“Yes, Hari sometimes forgets I do not only go to work related meetings.” He smiled bit to his acquaintance, not Hari.
“Oh, sure.” Hari eyed them both perplexed. The only person he had seen before in their Severus’s private quarters was occasionally McGonagall. In those situations Hari also felt awkward, though he knew his head house professor and she was more than informed about his current living situation, but with this stranger in the corridor at two A.M. he was totally out of thoughts what to do. And there was something starkly different from McGonagall visiting then this Vivienne, wasn’t there?
“So you were walking her back?” Hari sacked confused
“No Hari, I was not” Severus replied weighting every word. Hands on Vivienne’s shoulder
Harry suddenly realised he was lucky not to meet Vivienne only in lingerie
“Oh,I..er. I’m sorry Severus. I-I didn’t know. I can be out, though. I’m really sorry” He started frantically explain. He was at once ashamed he was only in his pyjamas , but surely he could just grab a coat and be on his way.
“On your way to where exactly, mister?” Oh now Harry was sure Severus was angry with him. But he was in the exact moment trying to fix it, wasn’t he? He never wanted to spoil Severus’s plans with…ugh he definitely wasn’t going to think about the couple’s evening plans. How couldn’t have known Severus wanted him out of the house, but now he could just leave. Just leave don’t think about it.
“Err I can go to Sirius’s flat or to Burrow, I don’t mind. I’m really sorry. I didn’t want to er.. disturb you.” Harry could see how Severus’s face changes from bewilderment to exasperation . The man spat out angrily.
“You idiot child, don’t go even a step further. I am definitely not kicking you out of your home just because I brought someone over “ He looked around his shoulder to lay ayes on awkwardly staying in the corner woman, fixed his expression and added more calmly. “Harish, please, go to bed, it’s late enough, we’ll talk in the morning “. Again weird thing! Harry could count with the fingers on one hand how many times Severus said ‘please ‘ in the past year, or rather since Harry met him, even if it was just a figure, not an actual request. On another note, he was so confused. Should he stay, should he just leave. Both options seemed disrespectful now.Why did he even come home back at Spinner’s end tonight?
“But Severus, I really, really can’t just-“
“ And I really, really don’t want to hear that Potter.” He parroted Hari viscously “Go to your room, you idiot”
“Yeah,yeah. I’ll go upstairs. Once again I am sorry miss Cohen.”
“No, no. Its me who should be apologising, I didn’t want to cause-“
“Upstairs, Harish” Snape cut her in the middle, angrily tapping on the stairs banister.
———-
The morning felt even more cringey, if it was even more possible. The house seemed quiet, as it was only half past six. Hari wondered how likely it was for him to sneak out of the house , and decided he had the best chances as early as possible. He got out of his bed, changed into the first clothes that were laying on the chair, beside the desk. That turned out to be a pair of jeans and Holyhead Harpies jersey . Acceptable both in muggle and magical worlds. He guessed could hang a bit in the diagon alley, and afterwards meet up with someone. Maybe today was the day to invade the Burrow again? Ron wouldn’t mind another quiditch match, would he?
The problem with Severus could wait. Hari didn’t even pretend the man would forget it, but buying himself some time wouldn’t hurt.
He got downstairs after a quick and almost silent stop at the bathroom. Years at the Dursleys and hiding from ‘Harry Hunting’ thought him how to walk unnoticed even on the oldest staircases. Hari tied his sneakers and was almost at the door, when he hesitated. The house was so quiet, he was sure that Severus and his… friend were sleeping. After all they went home pretty late, maybe the deep sleep would unable them from hearing any noise. Having that in mind Hari turned to the kitchen to grab something. He was a bit hungry, he had to admit. The regular meals and nutrients potions he had for past year have developed in him a pinching sense of missing a meal. Something he never experienced before. He used to forget for how long exactly he didn’t eat, as he was between hungry or starving for the majority of time. As for now, he would be painfully aware if he haven’t eaten till late lunch. You could so swiftly get used to abundance. So quick breakfast it was.
In the dim kitchen he thankfully found bread and cheese for his sandwiches. He also started a pot of coffee, already sensing the not-so-long night. He drifted for a bit while waiting for the drink to sputter. His eyes were so fixed on the piece of cheese he didn’t realise somebody was stepping behind him.
“I see you haven’t abandon caffeine, despite my many explanations about its effects on young people.”
Hari was so startled he immediately got to his feet. Severus was studying him from the kitchen doorstep with a concern look on the face.
Also, Hari wasn’t the one here to drink about a gallon of black coffee each day without a miss.
“Sit down, finish your breakfast.” Severus ordered. There was also no grammatical sense in finishing something one hasn’t started, but Hari took it to himself.
“Yeah, you see, I was thinking of going for an early run anyway..” He gestured the clothing rack in the end of the corridor “So I will be out for at least-“
“No, Hari don’t “
“ But seriously I should get some exercise if I wanna be ready for the next season, you won’t believe how crazy Angelina will get if I don’t-“
“No, Harish you are staying” This time the voice was firmer, Hari sank his posture feeling there was no way out. Severus cleaned his throat. “ You are staying and we are having this conversation. Besides, I reckon we have talked enough times for you to remember to not avoid meals when you feel uncomfortable or-“
“I m not avoiding anything and I do not feel uncomfortable “ He spatted.
“Whether that is true or not” Severus took a pause that said whatever helps you sleep at night “I wanted to address what happened yesterday ‘s evening”
“Nothing happened, you are overreacting creating this agenda that I’m so so disturbed by” he hesitated” By you bringing-because you are -I-I m fine!” He threw his arms up
Severus rolled his eyes, but his voice was calm
“Yes, and that’s clear since your initial reaction was fleeting the house “
“I thought you wanted to-“
“Oh right, my sincerest apologies, I forgot my deepest hearts desires was to dump a fourteen year old on the streets”
“I told you, I would have gone to Ron’s or Sirius’s”
The boy was looking blankly at one spot on the counter.
“Harish , you know I-” wouldn’t have thrown my teenage son because I brought my girlfriend home? Severus was almost wishing Hari was shouting and throwing a fit. It was easier when he would be so emotional, not the empty staring and bland, polite tone Harish was hiding behind with. Severus hated how this happened in random places, making them suddenly so much worse and heavier. He could never guess when he would accidentally rake over an old wound. Honestly, the boy was more than capable of a classical teenage show of emotions. As was the case with Severus forbidding him from something, any interaction connected with the blasted quiditch, Severus maybe not so politely addressing Black, any assumptions about Hari’s love interests. But then there were things that made his ward act… not so idioticlly young.
“Hari, I just wished to tell you this differently, so you would take this calmly and-“
“I did not overreact! “ Hari bursted
“Yes, truly”
“ I am not so fragile that you have to treat me like a kid!”
“Once again, I am not accusing you of weakness, honestly I wanted you to meet Vivienne differently. If you are curious I was planning to tell you in the nearest future“
“So you’ve been seeing each other for a long time?”
“ If you consider about three months an eternity, then yes.”
“And you kept it from me since like April?”
“Also a time you wouldn’t told me why you were crying your eyes out over a certain seeker-“
“Okay, stop. This has nothing to do.” Hari gasped.
“Fine.” Severus rolled his eyes. “If you want to know, I needed time to judge if this.” He gestured vaguely “Relationship was serious, in the first place.”
“And it is?” Hari neared his maybe exited voice.
“Would you let me finish?” Now Hari rolled his eyes. “Thank you. As you may know, I spend 10 months each year in a castle in Scotland, which isn’t the best starter. Not only that, Vivienne’s career is even more demanding and forces her to constantly travel.”
“Are you going to quit being a teacher?”
“Not a chance till you graduate, brat. “ Hari scoffed. “And with all of that, we only decided to … get each other know better for a while.”
“Aha”
“So I just didn’t want to spring the news on you, while it may not be even permanent.” Hari opened his mouth to say something.”Yes, I’ve heard, you didn’t overreact. Nevertheless, I was not sure how are you going to take it.” He looked sincerely into his ward’s eyes. Hari fidgeted with his fingers.
A silence fell for maybe two seconds, after which Hari broke it in an uncertain tone.
“You know, I wouldn’t have minded. Like this weekend Sirius has taken Remus on a trip to literally propose. And I’m happy for them, so why wouldn’t I be for you?”
“I thought they did it in our six’s year.” Severus grumbled.
“Oh, they are going to love you said it.” Hari let out a laugh.
“Don’t you even dare.”
The teenager just laughed.
“Harish, I really wish you have a stable household, and I wouldn’t risk it because of my hearts fleeting desires.” Hari rolled his eyes. It was only Severus to name something ‘fleeting heart desires’
“I’m fine though. I never asked you to become a monk, just because I live here.”
Severus sighted, trying to muster a thought poured himself some coffee.
“Yes, you haven’t. The only thing I ask of you is to not act as you hold no value to anyone around.” He sighted finally.
“Last week you asked me to get ingredients from apothecary.” He pointed out helpfully “So technically it’s not the only thing you ask.”
“Merlin have mercy on me” Severus looked to the sky
Hari let out another laugh and was quiet for maybe two seconds.
“Can I now go for a run?” He pressed.
Can I let him go? He has a record of running away, but that isn’t the case now, is it? Is he alright or just pretending to be? Have I actually discussed everything or should we talk more? Severus rubbed his forehead eyeing the teenager with a frown on his face. At least he ate his breakfast. Yes, the disappeared cheese sandwiches were a win.
“Be back for lunch, you little idiot.”
Hari stood up.
“Are you ‘maintaining stability in this household’ by feeding me the same amount of insults every day?”
“Didn’t you have shape to build before next season?”
Hari gasped again and walked out waiving.
Good thing was Severus never asked for how long exactly did he stay out last night.