What are you still doing here, old man? I would so hate for you to miss out on that tart," Severus drawled, ignoring the offer.
"Dessert will keep, Severus. Am I to assume it has been a challenging summer break?" the older wizard asked.
"You would need to ask that question of the Weasleys. The boy was under control whilst in my care," he said.
Dumbledore gave him a small smile – the irritating kind that would usually have sent Severus Snape off the deep end. Right now however, he had no energy for it.
"You and I both know that's not what I'm referring to, Severus. The blood wards–"
"–Are precarious at best," the potions master finished, resting his hands flat on the desk and looking the headmaster in the eye for the first time. "It is one thing my keeping the child out of trouble, but if those wards do not strengthen…"
"All in good time, Severus. I can assure you."
"You assured me that the wards could be replicated, should Harry see me as family," the potions master pointed out.
Dumbledore inclined his head. "And replicated, they were."
"At less than half their original strength."
"Come now, Severus. Surely even you understand that familial bonds do not form overnight. The stronger your relationship with young Harry becomes, the more protection the wards will offer," the older wizard assured him.