Harry Potter One Shots

Potionitis

All rights belong to the author, KristenHudson

Harry eyed the clock on the mantel for what seemed like the thousandth time. He knew Ron and Hermione weren't likely to be back from Hogsmeade yet, but it seemed like he'd been waiting for them forever. For what was definitely the thousandth time, he wished he could have gone with them, but he did understand that it was just too dangerous for him now. After his ordeal at the Death Eaters hands when they'd captured him the past summer, he was not going to take any chances on something like that happening again.

And truthfully, staying at Hogwarts hadn't been too bad. He hadn't felt nearly as frustrated and isolated as he had back in third year when he hadn't been able to visit the village. Ron and Hermione had given up several Hogsmeade trips to stay with him, and the other times he'd spent the day with Severus.

But today when he'd headed down to his guardian's rooms in the dungeons, there had been a note for him on the table. Severus was sorry, but he had to meet with a seventh year student who had missed some classes because of illness and help her prepare for her N.E.W.T.S. Harry was welcome to wait for him to return, but he might be gone for a couple of hours.

Harry had debated returning to the Gryffindor dormitory, but he really didn't want to trudge all the way back up to the Tower and he did want to see Severus, so he selected a book from the shelves along one wall and settled down to wait. Unfortunately, Severus had what Harry considered regrettably bad taste in reading material. Most of his books and journals were dry tomes on potion-making, and the book did nothing to hold Harry's attention.

He was so bored that he was actually considering getting started on the Potions essay Severus had assigned them for the weekend when the door opened and the professor came in, carrying several jars of ingredients in his arms. He didn't actually smile when he saw Harry curled up on the sofa, but the corners of his mouth softened. "I wasn't sure if you would want to wait."

"Well, we've been so busy, I've hardly seen you this week, except for class, that is. What are you doing?"

"I need to prepare some things for next week's lesson on the Draught of Living Death," Severus motioned for Harry to follow him as he led the way back to his private office and set the jars on the worktable.

"Can I help?" Harry asked.

Severus nodded, looking pleased, and cleared a space for Harry to work beside him. They took out scales and knives and set to work chopping and dicing. For a time they worked in companionable silence; then a thought struck Harry and he grinned.

"Something amusing you, Potter?"

"I was just thinking that if anyone had told me at the beginning of the year that I'd voluntarily be down here chopping flobberworms on a Saturday, I'd have said they were completely nutters."

"You and me both," Severus remarked dryly. He hesitated, then added. "I am glad you're here, though. I enjoy your company, Harry."

Harry ducked his head, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. "Me, too."

They were finishing up when they heard Ron and Hermione call from the living room. Harry felt another rush of affection for his guardian when he remembered how Severus had given the password to his quarters not only to Harry, but also to Harry's friends. It was another sign of how much things had changed between them, and that Severus really did want him to feel welcome.

He called back to them and started to clean up his work area, but Severus waved him away. "I'll clean up this time. Go visit with your friends."

Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent a pleasant couple hours talking about the Hogsmeade trip and munching on the bag of sweets that Ron had brought back from Honeydukes. Hermione sat at one of the sofa with her feet tucked under her while Ron lounged at the other end. Harry perched on an ottoman across from them, and marveled at how relaxed they all were. It really was like having a home of his own.