Walk the Shadows

Harry's head came up and he stared at Snape. 'He did?'

Snape did not look up from his book, but nodded, his dark hair a curtain that almost covered his face. 'He seemed to think you worked out some of your issues the other day, and thought you might be interested in seeing him for tea or some such nonsense.'

'Um, yeah, I guess. I . . . that would be all right.'

'Then you may meet with him after dinner.'

'Thank you, sir.'

Snape nodded again and turned the page of his book. 'How is your work coming along?'

'Fine.' When Snape cleared his throat, he added quickly, 'Better than before. I think I understand the Charms material now.'

'A distinct advantage when you write out your essays.'

Harry snickered softly. 'Is it dinner now?'

Snape glanced at him then. 'Are you actually hungry?'

'Yea . . . yes, sir. I think I actually am.'

'Alert the presses!'

'Ha, very ha. So . . . food?'

Snape chuckled -- he seemed to be doing a bit more of that lately, and Harry wondered about it. Maybe he was more relaxed now that Harry was his ward? Or maybe because he didn't have to spy for Voldemort anymore? -- and rose to call up the House-elves. In minutes, they were at the dining table with shepherd's pie and hot buttered bread and pumpkin juice. Harry ate two servings of everything.

'Do you want me to walk you to Lupin's quarters?' Snape asked as they finished. 'Assuming you still wish to grace him with your presence.'

'Um . . . No. I think I'll be all right.'

Snape held his gaze for a few moments, and then nodded. 'Remember your breathing exercises, and the counting one, too, if your temper gets the better of you, all right? And come home early if you need to.'

Harry smiled at Snape . . . Severus. It was possibly the first time he had ever been invited to think of this place as his home. 'Okay, thanks.'

'And be back before 11.'

'Yes, sir.'

'And don't forget--'

'To write? I'll only be a couple hours, Severus. I'll be fine.'

'Hmmph. Go on then, go see your Werewolf.'

With a frown at Snape's turn of humor, Harry watched him leave the room, then shrugged and headed for the door, and from there, up to the third floor and Remus' quarters.

Remus answered the door quickly when Harry knocked. His expression went from surprised to pleased in an instant, and Harry was glad he had come. 'Harry! Good to see you. Come in, come in.'

'Thanks, Remus.' He sidled through the door, and looked around at the sitting room, so different from Snape's, with windows looking out at the Quidditch pitch, oddly bright ambient light, and throw