"Percy, I understand that you're supposed to show us all the dorms, but I've lived here since I was three. I know my way around." Harry started lecturing Percy Weasley during dessert. "So once the feast is finished, I'm going to go talk to Dad. I'll see you in Gryffindor Tower later tonight. Okay?"
"Harry, it is my job to escort the first years to Gryffindor Tower." Percy replied, stiffening. "I will not allow you to break the rules."
"I'm not breaking any rules." Harry said, imitating Percy's pompous tone. "I am speaking with my father. Is that not allowed?"
"Harry," Percy started.
"Percy," Harry interrupted. "Please understand that you have no say in this. I was only asking to be polite."
Percy looked furious. "Fine. Go speak with your father."
"Thank you." Harry said, turning to talk to Ron, who's face was turning purple with restrained laughter. "What?"
"You made Percy so mad!" Ron managed to choke out.
"And that's a good thing?"
"Um, yes." Ron looked at Harry like he was crazy.
"I've been making him mad for five years." Harry said thoughtfully. "I guess I've gotten so used to it I didn't realize that other people found it funny."
Just as Ron was about to reply, the dishes empties themselves, and Dumbledore stood up.
"Your beds are awaiting." he said. "Off you go."
There was the deafening scraping of the benches moving back as everyone stood up.
"First years, follow me!" Percy immediately shouted down the table.
"Ron, wanna come with me to talk to Dad?" Harry asked.
Ron shrugged. "Sure."
Harry and Ron scampered up to the staff table just in time to see Severus disappear through a side door. Naturally, they followed, and caught him just before the doors to his chambers closed.
"Dad!" Harry shouted, catching the door and stepping inside.
"Yes Harry?" Severus asked, turning around.
"We chased, you all the way, from the, Great Hall." Ron panted.
"And what are you doing in my chambers, Mr. Weasley?" Severus asked.
"Harry said I could come." Ron replied.
"Very well." Severus turned back to Harry. "What was it you needed, Harry?"
"I just wanted to talk to you." Harry answered. "Are you okay with me being in Gryffindor?"
"Well, I would naturally like for you to have been Sorted into Slytherin," Severus paused. "But I am fine with you being in Gryffindor."
"Really?" Harry asked skeptically.
"Really." Severus smiled slightly.
"What about all the times I've heard you talking about the Gryffindors?" Harry asked. "You said things like *******************************************************."
"Harry, where did you learn those words?" Severus asked.
"You said them to Dumbledore all the time." Harry explained. "I've known most of them since I was four."
"Harry, when would a memory wipe be convenient for you, and, now that Mr. Weasley's heard you say them, Mr. Weasley?" Severus asked.
"Let's say, next Wednesday?" Harry said. Turning away, he added to Ron under his breath, "If, by some miracle, we show up."
"Go to bed, Harry." Severus sighed, sitting down. Harry hurried to the door, leaving Ron staring around Severus's chambers.
"Take Mr. Weasley, Harry." Severus reminded him, and the two boys scampered off to bed.
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