Through your black hair, my hands

Chapter 152 - 160

152.

Bell walked into the common room through the portrait hole, a silver platter filled with fragrant cookies in his hands. "Hello Harry, these were finished just a moment ago, please try them."

Harry shook his head gravely, "Bell, can't you stop making trouble for me?"

Bell seems quite disconcerted as he responded, "Harry, I know you don't like Sofina but what would it matter just eating something she made? They're quite delicious." He licked his lips as he recalled the past treats that had gone into his, Snape's and Lucius' stomachs.

"I don't want to give her any hope, I can't give her anything and so I don't want her to misunderstand anything." Harry finally made it clear, "I mean it Bell, don't do this anymore, it disturbs me."

Seeing Harry so seriously stating his position, Bell finally reined in his own enthusiasm at matchmaking. The Harry in front of him was not just his housemate but the young master of the Death Eaters, Voldemort's lover, nephew and heir. Every word this Harry said must be obeyed. He took back the platter and made a solemn response, "Then should I take the cookies back Harry?"

Harry waved his hand dismissively, "No, there's no need to take them back after you've already brought them here, just don't do it anymore."

Bell stood straight with his head bowed, "Yes Harry, it won't happen again."

"Lucius isn't here today so he'll be missing out, you can share with Sev." Harry couldn't help laughing at the thought of Lucius whining about missing this treat when he returns from Ancient Runes.

"Now that we have Harry's permission, I won't hesitate." Snape immediately grabbed the platter from Bell and stuffed a handful of cookies into his mouth, "Um, delicious, just wonderful."

"Severus, that's mine!" Bell yelled as he rushed at Snape, the two rolling around as they fought over the cookies.

The afternoon might have ended on this light note if not for the beautiful Hedwig flying into the Slytherin common room at that moment, she affectionately nibbled on Harry's finger as she presented him with a letter. The writing on the letter was quite messy, as though the writer was feeling particularly flustered.

Harry,

I need to talk to you. Meet me at the Astronomy Tower.

James

James wants to talk to him? Harry's first reaction was to ignore this request. How could he meet with James after learning how the other boy felt? There was nothing for the two of them to discuss. But Harry thought of Rita Skeeter and decided that he should at least warn James about that vindictive woman. Voldemort might be able to restrain Rita and Harry himself can also guarantee that she doesn't try anything on him, but what about James? Even if his family was part of the upper class, they did not have enough influence to shut Rita up. With the Potter family having Rita thrown in jail for that article she did, that woman was sure to exact some revenge on James with her poison green quill. There was nothing for it but to go meet James.

After making sure that the still scuffling Snape knew that he was going out, Harry exited through the portrait hole and proceeded to the Astronomy Tower. Once there he found James waiting for him, pacing in agitation. At the sight of Harry, his already gloomy blue eyes showed more hints of irritation.

"Um, you... wanted to talk to me?" Harry asked before James could open his mouth, appearing quite puzzled as he smiled.

James' tone was explosive as he answered, "You know very well why I wanted to see you!"

"I don't understand James. I thought we were no longer friends, I don't believe anything that I have done recently would have had any relation to you." Harry answered steadily.