to tell him about the incident with the cooker. He hoped such trust was not a one off thing. He would have to make sure it wasn't.
He left his bedroom door open, in case Harry had any more nightmares, but he hoped for both their sakes, that it was an unnecessary precaution.
---
Harry woke, feeling achy and tired, when someone touched his shoulder. Before he could draw breath he was out of bed and in a crouch halfway across the room.
'Harry,' said a familiar voice. 'It's all right, it's just me.'
Opening his eyes for the first time, Harry looked up and up to see his father staring down at him. Harry's face flushed and he looked down at his feet. His fingers fiddled with the hem of his pajama top. 'Sorry,' he mumbled.
'Come on then, time to get ready for the day.' Father didn't sound angry or even annoyed, so Harry chanced another look. His father's face was calm, but with that particular crinkle of his forehead that meant he was thinking hard, or maybe upset, and didn't want anyone -- like Harry -- to know. And then he held out his hand for Harry to take. 'Breakfast is waiting.'
With a huffed breath, Harry smiled a little and took his hand, letting Father pull him upright.
'All right there, Harry?'
Harry nodded. 'Yes, Father. Was just startled, is all.'
'I understand.' They walked down the short hall hand in hand. 'What kind of juice would you like?' he asked as if he didn't know.
'Pumpkin juice!'
Father chuckled softly. 'I thought as much.' He led Harry to the table and waited while he climbed into his chair. Then he piled eggs and toast and several sausages onto Harry's plate before he poured a good sized portion of juice. 'The Weasleys will be here in less than one hour, so I suggest you get started.'
Harry grabbed up his juice, holding the cup -- which Father called a goblet -- in both hands so he wouldn't spill. He took a long swallow, savoring the cool sweetness of the drink. He had yet to pick up his fork. 'Will I have lessons again?'
'Yes.' Father peered at him from where he sat. 'And today Mrs. Weasley has promised to help you with your writing. I told her you were still working on forming letters, and basic quill skills, so she will know better how to proceed.'
Harry bit his lip and did not answer.
'I want you to tell her if you are having any difficulty with the tasks she assigns.' Father paused. 'Harry, look at me.'
Harry snapped his head up, with a quick, 'Sorry, Father.' He knew he was supposed to look at Father's face when he was speaking, but it was so hard to remember sometimes.
Father waved a hand to dismiss the issue. 'Do you understand me, about Mrs. Weasley? She cannot help you to the best of
Harry nodded. 'Yes, Father.'
'And, do you promise to try and heed me?' Father shook his head a little when Harry gave him a confused look. 'I know it will be hard, admitting you need help, and asking for it. But I just want you to
With a tiny smile, Harry said, 'Yes, Father.' He could try. With that, he picked up his fork, and ate his breakfast, feeling a bit better about the day already.
