Wings of Sun

A New Home For Summer

Severus was still seething as he and Potter walked down the corridor towards the dungeons. Of all the things the barmy old Headmaster could have done, and he stuck with him taking care of Potter. Him, the enemy of the boy's father.

But also his mother's friend, the voice chimed in again. He growled, telling the voice to sod the fuck off. Dear Merlin, he was going barmy.

Potter didn't seem to notice Severus' internal struggle, too busy petting the white feathers of the beautiful snowy owl on his shoulder; Hedwig, if he remembered correctly. She had fluttered in after Potter had gotten through with his examination, scaring Poppy half to death. It was quite amusing, watching the usually stern Mediwitch screech as Hedwig fluttered around, knocking into things, looking for her owner.

He stopped in front of a large portrait depicting a forest scene. It was definitely out of place in the dark dungeons, but he hadn't the heart to get rid of it after Slughorn had retired. He quite liked the portrait as well, but nobody needed to know that.

Potter bumped into him, still cooing to his owl. "Sorry, sir," he mumbled but not shyly. He had seemed to grow more attached to Severus on their trek down the dungeons, (much to Severus' annoyance) and therefore was more confident.

"It's alright," Severus said semi-nicely, his fake smile looking more like a grimace. If he had to live with the spawn of James Potter for two months, he had better make it as enjoyable as he could.

"Calla Lilly," he said to the portrait, and the painting swung open, revealing a brick wall.

Potter looked puzzled. "Sir? I thought there was supposed to be a door behind there?"

Severus gave an amused glance to the boy behind him. "There is. Watch." He placed his hand on the brick in the middle, and the area around his hand began to glow a pale blue. He plucked a feather from his wing and placed it next to his hand. The blue aura turned a lime green and the brick wall disappeared, revealing a dark oak wood door behind it.

"This is an extra precaution. My magical aura is channeled into the door so only I can access it. If someone who knew my password tried to get into my rooms, they would be met with a brick wall. If they tried to enter through force, an automatic warding spell will activate, stunning them immediately," he explained.

Potter whistled. "Awesome." Hedwig hooted her agreement.

Severus sniffed haughtily. "'Awesome' indeed."

He stepped over the threshold, Potter right on his heels. "I am going to gather my things, Potter. Stay right here and touch nothing, do you understand?"

Potter nodded. "Yes, sir." He mock saluted. He began to spin around slowly, taking in the living room. Hedwig flew from Potter's shoulder and perched herself on the back of Severus' favorite winged-back chair next to the fireplace.

Shaking his head, he left the bird and boy and began walking down the hallway to his room.

.'.

Harry took in the room with a sense of awe. He seemed to be doing that lately, but in his defense, everything was amazing.

The walls were a dark brick, which he kind of expected, seeing as it was the dungeons. The couch and chairs were a black leather that shone in the firelight. A green rug took up the floor and a dark wood table sat in the corner. Whatever space there was on the walls were filled up by shelves filled to the brim with books and bottles of various pickled animals.

A picture on top of the fireplace caught his eye. It was a rather light picture, compared to the darkness of the room and his curiosity peaked immediately. He had to look at this photo.