Whelp II The Wrath of Snape

Harry slowly lowered his arms, chiding himself for forgetting that Father didn't mind magic, that Father would not beat him or lock him in the cupboard if he did any freaky things. 'You do it, Father. With books and potions and all . . .'

Father was quiet for a long minute, and Harry could not tell what he was thinking. His dark eyes were very hard to read right now. Then he nodded. 'Yes, but understand, Harry, I did not realize that you were capable of summoning objects.'

'I never done it before,' Harry admitted. One shoulder went up. 'I was just in a hurry, 'cause Tree's hungry.'

Father nodded again, this time with a slight crinkle around his eyes that meant he was smiling. 'Very well,' Father said. 'Best get that plate together for her then.'

Harry smiled back. 'Yes, Father.' He climbed back into his chair so he could reach the platters of food, and carefully broke a rasher of bacon into easy pieces for Tree to eat, then scooped scrambled egg onto the plate, too. After he'd set the plate on the floor and made sure Treacle had started in on it, he returned to his porridge, which had cooled considerably.

But Harry didn't mind. He liked porridge any way he could get it, even without honey, if Father had said no to that. He kept glancing down at Treacle, though, to make sure she was okay. He missed having her in his lap.

'Harry,' Father said when he was about half way through his porridge. 'Remember what we talked about last night, about needing someone better to watch you during the day?' He waited till Harry nodded. 'Well, I spoke to Mrs. Weasley after you were in bed, and she is coming to be with you today, and with several of her children, I believe. Regardless, she will look after you today, while I'm in class.'

Harry swallowed the bite of sweetened porridge he had in his mouth, and ducked his head again. He wanted to stay at Hogwarts! He didn't want to separated from his father. He didn't want to be with anyone else. But Father . . . he needed to work. And Harry didn't want him to think he was just a baby who would cry about being left behind.

'Harry,' came Father's gentle voice. 'Please look at me, son.'

Harry obeyed, though he didn't want to. He didn't want Father to think he was upset or anything. 'Sorry,' he mumbled.

'It's all right,' Father continued, still using his soothing voice, as Harry called it. 'She . . . Mrs. Weasley has many children, as you know, and she is very experienced in watching after them. She will be very good to you. And, as I mentioned, I think she will bring at least Ron with her, so you'll have someone to play with. Won't that be fun?'

Harry made himself nod. 'Yes, Father. But I don't know that place.'

'No, Harry. You will all stay here, today, so you can get to know Mrs. Weasley better, and her other children, if she brings them, too. I asked if she could stay here for a few days or so, to let you get used to her here, before we ever go to the Weasley's house.'

'Will . . .' Harry swallowed again. 'Will you go there with me?'

Father nodded. 'The first time, certainly. I won't make you go alone. I am, that is . . . I am concerned, Harry, about the level of supervision you've been experiencing since I had to start classes, and I want to make sure you're happy, too. The best I can.'

Father was trying his best. Harry knew that. And it wasn't fair of Harry to try and keep his father all to himself. Uncle Vernon had to work, and other kids' fathers, and some of their mums, too, he remembered from day school. 'Okay. It'll be okay, Father.'

'I hope so, Harry. If it isn't, I want you to tell me. I want you to be able to tell me if anything is upsetting you. Will you try and do that for me?'

No one had ever wanted to hear from him before if he was upset. And he'd learned years ago that no one really wanted to hear anything he had to say about stuff like that, that if he tried, he would be punished. Sometimes, a lot. But Father seemed to be telling the truth. 'I . . . I'll try,