Harry wasn't exactly sure what 'hectic' meant, but was pretty sure 'really busy' was close. The next few days were 'hectic in the extreme,' according to Daddy. He had visits from Professor Dumbledore, Mrs. Weasley, Professors McGonagall and Flitwick, and some people from the Ministry and the Department of Magical Children's Services. The latter made Harry really uncomfortable with their questions, about the Dursleys and Mr. Black and what Daddy was like and how he treated Harry, asking about what he ate and what he wore and when and where he went to sleep. But Daddy told him he had to answer truthfully. He was pretty sure, from the looks they gave each other, that those people didn't actually want to hear the truth.
When he told Daddy his thoughts later, Daddy said he was probably right. And then he bought Harry an ice cream sundae at a place called Fortescue's, for being good and telling them the truth anyway.
All the Slytherins seemed to want Daddy's time, too. In the morning, in the evening, and even when they were eating breakfast or occasional lunches together alone in their rooms (they had to eat dinner and most lunches in the Great Hall every day.)
For instance, one time during lunch, while Harry was busy pushing carrot sticks to the side of his plate in favor of his chips, Daddy talked with some of his 'Firsties,' which was what he called the youngest Slytherins. It sounded like one of the boys at the door was homesick.
Daddy was firm about him needing to stay in school, but his voice was softer than when he spoke to the older kids. 'Listen to me, Mister Flint. I know this is a difficult time for you. You've never been away from home before and you miss your family. But you can make many good friends here, and you need to get used to going to your classes; skiving will not be tolerated any longer. If you have a stomachache in the future, you will need to come and take one of my special anti-stomachache potions. Is that clear?'
Eyes wide, Marcus nodded whilst braced between two of his friends. He had wiped away his tears and was pressing his lips together tightly as if Daddy would try to dose him with that potion right now, and Harry could understand. He had taken one of Daddy's special potions when his tummy was hurting. They were yucky. He never wanted to take one again.
His father continued, 'You will learn Magic here such that you could not learn anywhere else. You like magic, don't you? I hear you're a fair flyer, too. Maybe in a year or two you can try out for Quidditch.'
The boy nodded again.
'Good. I want you to think about that, think about all the magic you'll learn at Hogwarts, and about flying on your broomstick, every time you think about being homesick or lying about in bed all day. Can you do that?'
The boy gave another quick nod, and before Harry could gape at him too long -- for not being properly polite -- he added a 'Yes, sir.'
'Excellent. You will write a letter to your parents tonight, letting them know what new things you've learnt this week, and give it to me so I can post it for you.' Daddy patted Marcus on the shoulder. 'You'll be fine in a week or two. Everyone is a bit rattled the first time they're away from home.'
Marcus and the other two boys thanked Harry's father before they left, and Daddy came back to the table to finish lunch. He shook his head, and his long, dark hair hid half of his face. 'Firsties.'
Harry finished swallowing a mouthful of pumpkin juice. 'Why d'you call them that, Daddy?'
'It's their first year, son. First year,
'Oh.' Harry poked his fork at a carrot stick again, not sure if he wanted to eat it or not.
'Eat up, Harry,' Daddy said, making the decision for him. As he obeyed, his father wiped his mouth and stood from the table. 'I've several potions I need to work on. Will you be all right--'
'Can I come in and watch? Please, Daddy?'
It was the same every day. Father said he had potions to work on, and Harry asked to stay with him and watch. Every day, Daddy said yes, and most days, he even let Harry help.
'Of course, my little Potions Master.' Daddy gave him the wrinkle-eyed look that was one of his widest smiles. 'What shall we work on today?'
Harry didn't know the names of all the potions, but he had memorized a fair few. 'Amortentia?'
Eyes widening with surprise, Daddy said, 'I
