As Potter is to Snape

Chapter 21

It was odd, Harry had thought the next morning, as he walked downstairs with Draco by his side. Neither boy had spoken to the other past a curt, "Morning," when they had met in the hallway. Harry had gotten up first and had been out of the bathroom before Draco had even gotten out of bed. He figured it would just be easier that way and it wasn't as if he cared much for sleeping in, in any case.

They entered the breakfast room and took their seats at the table, Snape, of course, was already there, hidden behind this morning's issue of the Prophet. Sirius Black stared at him from the front page and Harry quickly looked away.

"Morning, Uncle Severus."

"Morning, Snape." They both said stiffly as the food appeared on the table.

"Good morning, Draco. Harry."

Harry ducked his head but was unable to keep the small smile from his face at hearing the use of his first name.

"So what are your plans for today," Snape asked once they had both filled their plates with food.

"Flying?" Harry asked immediately and after a moment, Draco nodded his agreement.

Snape picked up his coffee cup and took a long sip before answering.

"As long as you stay within the wards. But don't forget that you have chores to do today as well."

Harry groaned. "I know, I know."

"You didn't do any at all yesterday," Snape said, his focus now back on his paper.

"Wasn't my fault," Harry grumbled, scowling as he stabbed a piece of sausage with more force than was necessary. Draco looked down at his own plate.

Snape lowered the paper once more and gazed down at the boy.

"I don't recall saying that it was. In fact, I believe my words were that you could go flying, provided that you stay in the wards and do your chores afterward. However, you can certainly do chores first if you would prefer."

Harry shook his head. "Sorry," he muttered, casting a wary glance at his guardian. Snape simply nodded and disappeared behind the paper.

Draco and Harry shot each other a look over the table before turning their attention on their food without another word. When they had finished eating, they waited until Snape had excused them and then they were quickly out of their seats and heading for the broom closet in the living room. They were in the air only a few moments later.

***

Snape watched the two boys flying from the window in his office and thought that he was glad that they at least had one thing in common. The Cleansweep he had borrowed from the school, however, was no match for Draco's own broom and Snape had a sudden urge to buy Harry a new broom himself. Harry had talked often over the last few weeks about saving up for his own but Snape knew it would likely take the boy years to earn enough and he would need one for quidditch this year.

Snape turned away from the window and sat down at his desk as he mulled over his options. He wasn't about to start showering the boy with presents but a broom was practical. It wasn't as if he wanted the Gryffindors to win matches, but would it really feel like a win if Harry was using an old, school broom? It wouldn't have to be the latest and greatest. Certainly not a Firebolt, but perhaps another Nimbus? The 2001 like Draco had?

Snape was already dipping his quill in the inkwell as he searched for a spare piece of parchment. He would simply write a letter to Quality Quidditch Supplies inquiring about prices and such. Nothing more. Just to see what the options were.

He finished the letter and sealed it before opening the window of the office and calling to Aegis, his tawny owl. The bird landed softly on the windowsill a moment later and Snape gave him a treat from a bowl that he kept nearby before attaching the letter to his leg.