Wings of Sun

Meet the Grandparents

Harry wrote back to Hermione as soon as he got out parchment and a quill. He talked about his flying lessons, living with his new mentor, and about McGonagall; how she was outside of work and how amazingly fast she could fly.

He asked her about hearing voices, especially ones from the dead. He had a feeling he knew who the voice belonged too, but he had to get answers first. He didn't want to think he was crazy, although it was quickly coming to that conclusion.

By the time he finished his letter, it was dinner time. Snape and Harry ate in silence, each munching on their take out pizza without making eye contact. The only time words were spoken was when Snape asked Harry to pass the parmesan.

Harry went to sleep late that night. He couldn't stop thinking about his grandparents. Despite Snape's words earlier, he was still curious about their reactions when they would meet him. Would they hate him? Would they love him instantly? Did he look anything like them? Would they judge him based on his looks? What if they didn't like his dad and hated him because he looked like him? Those thoughts raced a mile a minute through his mind.

He felt like he had barely fallen asleep when Snape shook him awake hours later. He trudged along behind the older man, going through the motions of getting ready. He perked up when the lovely smell of french toast wafted under his nose.

He woke up completely when a warm breeze brushed across his face as they opened the front door. Harry wanted nothing more than to use his newfound flying talent and take off. He tugged on Snape's shirt, giving him a curious look.

"Sir? Do you think we could fly there? I know it's not far, but this would be the perfect day for flying!" he said. It was true. There was not a cloud in the sky to be seen, and the soft blue color of the atmosphere mixed with the warm sunshine made him feel extremely happy. It quelled any midnight thoughts he had the previous night.

Snape shook his head, although it looked like he wanted to fly as well. His wings twitched, itching to be at full span and take off. "It's only two blocks away to get to your grandparent's house. We can walk there. It would look odd otherwise if Muggles just see two people flying overhead anyway." Snape looked down at Harry, and at seeing his face, a thoughtful look crossed. "But, if you wish, we can fly when we get back, just as long as you stay in the backyard. "

Harry pouted, but agreed. At least he got to fly later. That's all he really cared about.

The neighbors were kind as they walked. One woman leaned out her window to wave, and another let Harry pet his dog as he was walking by. Harry felt like he was in a Disney movie. He honestly expected the people to burst out in song, like in the Beauty and the Beast.

Snape scowled a bit after he pet the dog. "You don't know where that dog has been, Harry," he said lowly so the other man couldn't hear. "When we get to your grandparents house, you will wash your hands straight away."

Harry just shrugged an affirmative. The dog didn't feel dirty, but he didn't want to argue with Snape. He had a feeling the man was on edge enough as it was. It seemed Harry wasn't the only one a bit nervous at meeting his grandparents, although Harry didn't know why. Snape had already met them, and seemed very close to them. Unless Snape was just as nervous as Harry about their reaction, which didn't quell Harry's jitteriness any.

They came to a block where nearly every house looked the same. The only differences were in lawn decoration, or the plants that littered the walkway. It looked way better than Snape's block, whose houses looked they would fall down at any moment, despite all the nice people. It was the complete opposite of Snape's road.

Harry saw a house that looked completely overgrown with plants. Vines grew up the side of the wall, although it didn't remind Harry of those run-down spooky houses that was constantly seen in scary movies. The vines gave this house an almost magical look, like they belonged there and would stay there. A full garden peeked out from behind, making beautiful smells fly in the wind.