Walk the Shadows

defending that bete noire! How much lower could he fall? 'But I do know that he was fighting the Ministry, through Lupin, to have his rights as your godfather reinstated this summer. I doubt that . . . Before the events last month, with the Dursleys leaving, I doubt it would have happened anyway, since the Headmaster was so sure the blood wards were strong enough to keep the Dark Lord out, but you need to know that he cared about you, Harry.'

The boy's breath hitched in his throat, and Severus prepared himself to Accio a set of handkerchiefs. But Harry surprised him by just nodding and saying, 'All right. Thank you.'

Severus was willing to call that one a win.

A few minutes passed in companionable silence, then, 'Can we go flying, sir?'

The Firebolt was another gift from the Mutt, Severus remembered. He wondered, did Harry want to go flying because he wanted to fly, or because he wanted to get all maudlin over his Dogfather? Then he realized, it didn't really matter which, and the boy needed a distraction regardless. They hadn't flown for several days now, for one thing. Besides, he was not in a competition with the bedamned Mutt for Harry's loyalty or affection! Not even a little, tiny bit.

'Go on, get your broom.'

Harry answering smile could have lit up the room. But that it lightened Severus' mood was almost as good.

TBC . . . .

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A/N: Glorious readers and reviewers, one and all: W00t! We made it over a thousand reviews! Next chapter out by early next week.

*Chapter 35*: Chapter 35

Walk the Shadows – Chapter 35

By jharad17

Disclaimer: Not mine. I imagine I'll get over it.

Warning: Profanity.

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Aug. 26

Wow, any preconceived notions I had that he would go easier on my work because now he's my guardian just went flying out the window. Last night before dinner, he gave me back my summer work with a horrible sneer, and all my essays were covered in red ink, in that messy scrawl of his. And, I guess I shouldn't have expected him to say, 'Excellent job there, Harry. Keep up the good work . . .' But wow. I'd forgotten how horrible he can get.

Part of the problem, I think, was that I wasn't in the best mind set when I was doing my summer work. He crossed out huge sections of my Transfiguration essay, for one thing, where I'd basically written the same sentence (about Charms!) seven or eight times in a row. So I guess it's a good thing he went over it all. I can't imagine what McGonagall would have had to say about the work if he hadn't.

At least now I have something productive to do with my time for the next couple days.

And so . . . I may have been a bit angry during our dueling time this morning. I couldn't block for shit, but I certainly threw a mean Furnunculus. I hope he has a potion for that.

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'How are your essays coming along?'

Looking up