Title: The Spirit of an Invitation Author:littleblackbow Characters: Severus, Harry, Alstromeria Rating: PG Summary: Harry is lonely without Jimmy, and pays an unannounced visit, much to Allie's excitement. Notes: Written for accioslash's birthday. I know it doesn't make much sense, but... oh well. You know me, I'm much more comfortable with art than words. :P
"Harry," Severus croaked in his scratchy, deep voice. "I was not expecting you."
As a general rule, Severus did not welcome unannounced visitors. Harry, for some reason, had become an exception to this particular rule, much to Severus' own dismay.
"Aah, yes, well, I've made some fish stew, and there's quite a lot, I'm afraid." He held up a large cauldron still bubbling with the vegetables and fish in a thick cream sauce. "I thought you and Allie might..."
"HARRY!" Allie came bounding in from the other end of the room. "Come in. Give that to daddy, and I wanna show you my potion! I'm making a potion! It's to grow my hair longer. Did you know potions could make hair grow longer? Do you think I'll be more beautiful with longer hair? Did you bring us dinner? Are you eating with us? Did you get a letter from Jimmy? I got one on Tuesday..."
"Thursday," Severus interrupted.
"...Thursday, and he said he's coming back in six days to stay for a week! Did you know that? Are you staying for dinner? Do you want to see my potion?"
Harry smiled as he listened to her long line of questions, and allowed himself to be pulled inside and over to the table where Allie's cauldron was simmering with brightly colored bubbles.
"It's lovely, Allie. And I don't know if I'm staying. I haven't really been invited, I was just..."
"I just invited you!" Allie said, picking up her pretend wand to stir her potion. "And you brought the food, so you gotta..."
"Have to," Severus interrupted.
"... have to help eat it!"
Harry smiled at her enthusiasm, then looked over to Severus again. "Well, if it's alright with your father."
Severus huffed as he put the cauldron of stew on his stove. "Suit yourself," he whispered.
Harry looked over and noted that he had already taken out three bowls, three plates, and three glasses and set them on the table. He smiled. "I'd like to stay, then."
Somehow Harry knew that he'd be welcome. Well, he had hoped, at any rate. With Jimmy gone back to his mother's house, the place was so quiet and lonely, he found it difficult to concentrate.
Besides, he knew that Severus and Allie were not doing well financially, and he wanted to help in any way he could.
"You're always welcome here, Harry!" Allie said, staring up into his eyes. "We like you, and we know you're lonely without Jimmy. But even after he comes back next week, you're welcome here still."
Allie smiled and ran off to help her father set the table.
Harry secretly wondered if he might not want to start occulmency lessons again.