Whelp

Eyes shining with moisture -- was he crying? -- Father opened his arms, and Harry let himself be enveloped in a hug. He closed his eyes when Father kissed his forehead and then rested his cheek on Harry's head. He didn't know what to think about Draco, but for now, he just took strength and safety from his father's arms.

---

That night, when Harry had nightmares, he managed a Silencing to keep Draco from waking. But he also sent a message of light to Father, who came quickly so Harry could cling to his neck and cry softly against his shoulder. While Father held Harry and rocked him, he whispered over and over than everything would be all right, and also how proud he was, that Harry had finally asked him for help.

In the morning, over breakfast, Father told them that they would have another boy to play with today. He and his mother were expected late morning.

'Another boy? Who, Father?'

'His name is Ron. He's your age. I expect you'll make him welcome.'

'Yes, sir!'

Father smiled at Harry then glanced at Draco, who was scowling at his eggs. 'Draco?'

'Chess only takes two players, Uncle Sev.'

'Yes. But I have a set, too, so if you rotate a bit, or get a fourth player, you can have two games going.'

With a huff of displeasure, Draco said, 'All right, fine.'

'We can visit Hagrid!'

Father held up a hand. 'You will stay well away from the lake if you venture outside at all. And if you do go outside, Nelli or one of the other House-elves will be with you, and you will listen to their instructions. Am I clear?'

'Yes, sir!' both boys said together.

---

Ron came through the Floo with his mother into the Headmaster's Office. Another boy came through right after them. They all had the same red hair, and Ron had freckles all over his arms and face. The second boy wasn't too much taller than Ron, but Ron had a few inches on Draco.

Harry sighed. They were all taller than him. He tried his best not to scowl, especially when he was introduced to Mrs. Weasley, and she charged at him with her arms wide, like she was trying to herd cats. 'Harry, dear!'

Harry hid behind Father's leg, and was glad when Father let him.

'Severus Snape! What have you done to this child?' Her voice was lighter than Aunt Petunia's, and she didn't look as sour as Harry's aunt, but she was obviously mad about something. 'He's skin and bones, and look how pale and fearful he is!'

Father crossed his arms over his chest -- and Harry wanted to do the same. 'What have I done to my son? I have rescued him and prepared a home for him. Is that what you mean?' To the Headmaster, he said, 'I assure you, Albus, that I do not require assistance of this nature.'

'Now, Severus--'

'I refuse to be considered negligent from the outset. Let us get a few things straight, Madam,' Father said, and turned to Mrs. Weasley again. 'I have agreed to listen to your opinion on matters of child rearing, but under no circumstances will I tolerate interference in how I raise my son.'

From where he peeked out from behind Father's leg, Harry could see Mrs. Weasley looking Father up and down. Her face had pinked, but not nearly like Uncle Vernon's could get. Then, suddenly, she smiled, and there was an almost mischievous glint in her eyes. 'Of course, Severus. I do will do all I can to help.'

Father took a step towards her, but Harry grabbed at his robes, not willing to let him go, and not wanting to have anyone fight over him, or about him, or anything. While Father glanced down at him and touched his shoulder in acknowledgement, Mrs. Weasley crouched in front of him. To his surprise, she was right at Harry's eye-level, and her smile was much warmer. Kind, really. He gave her a tentative smile in return.

'There's a good lad,' she said, and didn't try to touch him again. Then she beckoned the other two boys forward. 'Harry, these are two of my boys, Ron, my youngest,' she gestured at the boy with all the freckles. 'He's seven, like you. And this is Charlie. Charlie's a bit older than you, he's in Hogwarts already, on the Quidditch team, too--'

'Aww, Mum, don't go on,' Charlie complained as his ear grew red and he ducked his head.

'Anyway, dear,' and she ruffled Charlie's hair, 'he'll be able to keep an eye on the three of you today, along with, Nelli was it?'

The Headmaster nodded. 'Indeed. I believe she is waiting downstairs, if you boys want to go and play . . . ?'

Harry looked up at Father, whose mouth was still twisted with annoyance with Mrs. Weasley. But when he nodded, Harry grinned over at Draco, who had stayed near the door the whole time. 'Come on, then! Draco, we can all go see Hagrid!' He raced to the stairs and led the other boys down.

Behind them, he heard Mrs. Weasley say, 'Oh, let them go, Severus. They'll be fine.'

TBC . . .

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Next chapter: Severus gets some much needed assistance, and a 4-pack of rambunctious kids takes on Hogwarts!