Cupid Wings

14. Godmother

That afternoon, Harry and Draco took Pads for a gentle walk, calling in on Hagrid on the way back for tea and rock cakes. When they arrived back at the staff quarters, Severus had also just returned.

'I've spent the afternoon in the library. Minerva directed me to a text in the restricted section; it's a most useful book, Draco. I think you should read it. It has also offered me some more information on the Selponta Potion. The key problem ingredient is Abraxan hair. I have contacted Madame Maxime and she has accepted my request but it needs to be cut at midnight on a new moon for its full potency. It'll mean a delay in brewing and I'll have to leave Hogwarts next week to travel to Beauxbatons. Minerva has agreed and requested, where possible, that you cover my classes, Draco. She also wishes to see you, Harry. She's on her way down.'

'Oh. Of course,' Harry said.

'And Harry, don't forget what I told you last night.'

'I haven't.'

'Good. Well, I'll see you both at dinner tonight.'

'Actually, Harry and I are going out for dinner,' said Draco, slightly smugly.

Severus surveyed them both with an eyebrow raised and a slightly self-satisfied smile on his face. 'Good!' he said. 'Though those fifth-year girls have a field day when they realise you're both absent from the top table. They do so love a romance to gossip about.'

Draco groaned, 'Maybe we should find Ms Blanchett more fulfilling entertainment. She was sighing over us during the Duelling Club too.'

Harry grinned, he'd quite enjoyed sighing over Draco during the Duelling Club too, especially when thinking of dark, blown eyes as Draco muttered 'don't be shy' in his ear.

'Harry, Severus, Draco,' Minerva's voice echoed along the corridor.

'Minerva,' they echoed in response.

'I'll see you at seven, Harry,' said Draco.

'At breakfast, boys, enjoy your evening,' said Severus.

It was with a sense of trepidation that Harry pushed open the door to his quarters and with some discreet magic sent a few rogue items to their correct place as he hobbled slowly into the room with Pads.

'Minerva, do come in,' he said, indicating to the armchair by the fireplace which he flicked into life.

'Thank you, Harry,' she said, sitting on the edge of the chair and patting Pads softly on the top of his head.

Harry didn't sit down. Instead, he moved to the window that looked out over the lawns where he'd been sitting that morning with Draco as Pads had his run around. He didn't look at her but heard her stand up and felt her presence as she joined him. He said quietly, 'Severus told me last night that my father asked you to be my Godmother but it was never fully officiated.'

'Yes,' she said, her Scottish lilt soft. 'James asked me at one of the Order's meetings but we never had a chance to perform the vow, things were particularly bad at that time and then your parents had to go into hiding. I'm sorry I could never do more for you, Harry. If I could have, I would have removed you from that awful family. I would have taken you in.'

Harry felt her touch his arm gently so he turned to her and pulled her into a hug, ignoring that she stiffened before relaxing only enough to pat him on back.

'Sorry,' he muttered, his head resting on her shoulder as he still looked towards the window. 'Probably highly inappropriate of an employee to hug their employer.'

'Harry, you're more than an employee.'

He let go of her and turned back to the view. 'These past two weeks I have regained my home and started a job I love, gained two Godparents I never knew I had, and a friendship I should have made all along. I've also been told I may die, shortly, again, agonisingly.'