The Elephant In The Room

Harry pointed his wand at the invader's chest and muttered the Reviving Spell.

"Rennervate," he whispered as a red beam of light quickly shot from his wand towards the chest.

James gasped as he gained back his conscious. As James sat up, he turned puppy dogs eyes towards his father. Harry chuckled slightly and got up to sit on the couch with his eldest son.

"What are you doing here mister?" Harry said, ruffling the messy hair.

"I missed you," James said quietly as he leaned sideways to hug him.

"I missed you too buddy," Harry smiled, letting a comfortable silence fall upon the pair as they continued to hug. "Does your Mother know you're here?"

James pulled away, looking shyly at the ground. Harry smiled knowingly at his son.

"No," he said quietly. "I snuck out."

"How?" Harry chuckled.

"I waited for Mum to fall asleep before I made my move. Firstly I sent Uncle Ron a letter via Hercules asking if he knew where you were and if he could help me see you. He said of course so I snuck out the window and went over to his house. He let me use the floo and here I am," James explained with a cheeky grin on his face.

"Did you Aunt Hermione know you left as well or was it just Uncle Ron?" Harry asked.

"Just Uncle Ron," James chuckled.

"Probably just as well. Otherwise I think your Mother would be over here right now taking you back home," Harry laughed as he ruffled James' hair.

James got up and looked around the room. Harry made his way over to the kitchen and poured two glasses of pumpkin juice.

"So this is where you'll be living from now on?" James asked, taking a sip of his drink.

"For now," Harry sighed. "I don't plan on teaching for the rest of my life."

Silence settled upon the pair as they sat back down on the couch.

"So Dad, are you going to come back home eventually?" James asked.

Harry paused. It seems like Ginny hasn't told the kids anything yet. How should he word this?

"James, has your Mother told you why I haven't been at home?" Harry asked cautiously.

James shook his head. The puppy dog eyes looking up to his father as he listened to him speak.

"Sometimes a Mother and a Father decide they don't want to be together anymore," Harry started awkwardly, trying to find the right words. "When that happens, they get a divorce and live in separate homes. It doesn't mean that I'm not you Dad anymore or that I don't love you. Because I'm definitely still your Dad and I love you so much."

James nodded his head while smile sadly.

"I think I understand," James said quietly. "And Dad?"

"Yes?" Harry looked at his son.

"I love you too," James smiled.

Harry hugged James as he tried to hold back his tears. He pulled away and coughed to clear his throat. Harry got up from the couch and went over to the fireplace.

"Finish up your drink while I have a quick talk to Uncle Ron," Harry said over his shoulder while grabbing a handful of floo powder.

Harry got connected to Ron's living room and found his best friend sipping on a glass of fire ball whiskey. Harry cleared his throat and Ron turned to him with a sheepish expression.

"Where's Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Asleep," Ron whispered, coming closer to the fire.

"James and I had a talk but he needs to go home before his mother finds out," Harry sighed. "Please escort him all the way."

"Yep," Ron said, his face going red. "Sorry mate. He just needed to see you."

"It's okay," Harry sighed again. "I shouldn't have waited this long to make contact with them. It's my fault."

"Try not to blame yourself too much," empathy lacing Ron's voice.

"I'm about to send him through. But I need to talk to you soon," Harry said.

Ron looked confused.

"Everything okay?" Ron asked.

"Mostly," Harry said. "I'll contact you within the next few days.

"Alright sounds good," Ron said. "Have a good rest mate and I'll make sure he gets home safely."

"Thanks," Harry said with a smile on his face. "Good night."

"Night," Ron said, getting off the floor and putting away his whiskey.

Harry came out of the fireplace and turned to his son. Harry held out his arms and looked at James. James came to Harry and embraced him in a tight hug. Harry hugged him back tightly.

"I love you mate," Harry whispered. "I do. I'll try and keep in contact more often."

"I love you too Dad," James whispered.

"Uncle Ron is going to take you home," Harry said, pulling away from the hug and holding onto James's shoulders. "Stay out of trouble young man."

"Yes Sir," James said smiling cheekily.

"Have a good sleep tonight," Harry pulled James into a hug one last time. "I love you buddy."

"I love you too Dad," James said pulling away from the hug.

James grabbed some floo powder and stepped into the fireplace.

"See you soon," James whispered before he left.

Harry sighed as he watched his son leave. He got up and collapsed onto the couch. Harry closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You are a good father," a deep voice said out of no where.

Harry jumped and turned to see Severus holding two glasses of fire ball whiskey in his hands.

"Thanks," Harry mumbled. "I just don't feel like the best one right now."

Severus came around the couch and passed Harry one of the glasses. He sat down right beside Harry and softly placed his hand on Harry's knee.

"Never doubt your ability as a father," Severus said lowly. "You are amazing and caring and loving."

"How long have you been here for?" Harry asked after taking a sip of his drink.

"I came just before James left," Severus responded.

The two stared into the fire, watching the orange flames flicker and pop. They stayed silent for a while.

"I need a shower," Harry yawned, sculling the rest of his drink.

"Shall I retire to my chambers for the night?" Severus asked.

Harry blushed as he got off the couch and stretched.

"Ah," Harry paused. "Maybe for tonight. But I want to cuddle and fall asleep with you again another time soon."

"That can be arranged," Severus said as he sculled the rest of his drink.

Severus got off the couch and stepped up to Harry. He placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned forwards to give Harry a kiss on the cheek.

"Have a good sleep tonight," Severus said as he pulled away.

"Thank you," Harry blushed. "And you too."

Severus nodded as he banished the two glasses and then left the chambers with a soft smile on his face. Harry sighed after the door closed before proceeding to have a shower and get ready for bed.

"What a night," Harry whispered to himself as he got comfortable in his bed.

Harry grabbed a second pillow and decided to hug it to his chest. The last thing he remembered thinking about before drifting of to sleep was the image of Severus smiling softly just before he left tonight.