Malfoy Flavor

-4-

The next couple of weeks were an adjustment for both of them. They still had plenty of arguments, but the pointless insults seemed to be a thing of the past. They adjusted to living and working together, and after dinner continued as a time for them to be able to sit down and talk to each other a little about everything. Severus would pour them each a Scotch and they would settle in to discuss whatever topics.

The topics varied widely. They discussed more of Harry's past, both with the Dursleys and at school. They spent time going over whatever topic Severus was teaching him that day, going over what had gone well and what hadn't. Severus even began detailing information about the Death Eaters for Harry.

Dumbledore may not have thought it wise, but Severus finally seemed to realize the validity of Harry needing to know as much as he possibly could about the Death Eaters. The boy was expected to face these enemies, and already had on a few occasions. Why was he being expected to fight without all available known information?

On the occasions when Severus had to go to Order meetings, he came back and outlined all of the information that he had learned. Severus was still mildly surprised when Harry would ask intelligent questions about all the information he was receiving.

They also spent time discussing Harry's plans for the DA. Harry asked for Severus' input and Severus gave it. Severus was once again impressed that Harry had laid out his plans so well. Harry continued to work on them and Severus helped him refine them.

There were some serious topics, but overall the evenings were relaxing. During the day however, Severus was still very much the professor and Harry was very much the student.

Mornings were usually spent brewing potions. Harry found that he really wasn't as bad at potions as he had always thought. Or rather, maybe he was just learning it a whole lot better when Severus was treating him in a more humane manner. Harry supposed it also helped that there was no one around to sabotage his potions now. Whatever the reason, he made progress quickly now that he had the one-on-one instruction. Severus didn't say much, but seemed to be pleased.

The afternoons tended to be a lot harder. A couple of hours each day they would work on spells of all kinds—hexes, charms, curses, transfigurations. They covered it all. For the first few days, Severus drilled Harry on every possible spell that Harry already knew. Harry didn't realize he even knew that many spells. Any spells that he seemed a bit shaky on, Severus worked on it with him until he could do it right and do it well. After that they reviewed Harry's course books from his first few years.

In the late afternoons, Harry was usually reading. He was working through whatever books Snape gave him to read, which once again covered a wide variety of topics. They covered everything from wandless magic to the dark arts. He wasn't positive about all of it, but he was sure Severus expected him to be able to learn a lot of it this summer. He wasn't sure if he was really capable of doing wandless magic. As for the dark arts, he didn't know if Severus intended for him to be able to practice some of the dark magic or if it was just so he could learn more about his enemy. He just continued on with his reading for now.

Severus was also adding Occlumency lessons to Harry's schedule. This time around, Severus spent the extra time to explain things better and really make sure that Harry was learning. Meditation techniques and learning to focus became a regular part of Harry's daily routines. Finally he was making some real progress there. Harry was rarely even feeling a twinge in his scar now, which he was extremely thankful for.

Overall, things were intense, but Harry was glad to be learning so much. He was going to need it.

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