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Chapter Text

Severus paced slowly down Diagon Alley, contemplating his most recent potions purchases and whether he ought to pop over to see Master Aziz. He was in no hurry to return to Hogwarts; it was winter break and the student would not return for another two weeks. Severus had a head start on his potions and very much wanted to avoid another game of wizard's chess with Minerva. She had offered to accompany him like she usually did, but he wanted to prove he could handle it on his own. Just because he had a panic attack last time he left Hogwarts by himself didn't mean he needed a bloody chaperone.

Besides, the snow falling in the alley was quite pretty, and Severus embraced the calm brought by the cold and a lack of post-Christmas shoppers. Snow reminded him of his mental landscape when occluding--when he did not use water, he used snow to bury thoughts and feelings from the Dark Lord. Not that he had in the last 4 years. Nowadays his Occluding came in handy when dealing with Albus and the dunderheaded Gryffindors he was forced to teach.

Severus paused outside Flourish and Blotts and turned to view the whole of Diagon Alley --- and caught sight of a small figure darting behind a pillar. Too small for a Death Eater. One of his students, perhaps? They did tend to avoid him outside of class. He didn't see anyone, though, and after a minute continued on.

At the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron, he looked back one more time to see the snow lit up under the lanterns and drifting into the corners, and again caught sight of a small person – too small to be a student, even a first year – slipping behind a large pot.

His eyes narrowed. Slipping his wand half way out of the holster, he stepped toward the wall and slowly sidled along, watching the pot. A tiny shoe – a Muggle sneaker, surprisingly – stuck out. He waited just a moment longer, letting a straggling wizard walk past and into the Leaky Cauldron before making his move.

"What are you doing?" He made his voice loud and firm, but not loud enough to call attention to himself. The child – for it was a child, he had half been expecting a house-elf – gaped up at him, caught flat-footed.

The child did not seem inclined to speak right away, which Severus supposed could be attributed to healthy fear of strangers. He could not help but notice his eyes, though – bright, wide green eyes peeking out from under a grey knitted hat that covered his whole head except his face.

Blink, blink, went the eyes, then the child spoke: "I was following you, sir," and he beamed. At Severus.

"Where are your parents?"

"Dunno, sir," the child answered, lowering his head and drawing his coat more tightly around him. No, not a coat. A jacket. In the middle of wizarding London in a snowstorm. Severus saw baggy jeans pooling over the dirty Muggle sneakers. The bottom hems were soaked and ragged.

Snowflakes fell around them, and Diagon Alley was quiet with it. Severus saw no other wizards, much less any who seemed desperate about a lost child. Still, they could be inside. "Are you lost?"

"No, sir!" the smile returned, showing a missing tooth and a dimple on one cheek. "I was looking for you and I found you, sir!"

…what. "My name is not sir, it is Professor Severus Snape. And yours is?"

"I think it's boy, sir. That's what people call me, anyway."

Severus became aware of the snow gathering on his head and shoulders and the dark falling over the alley. So this was likely a homeless child, then. But there simply weren't homeless children in the wizarding world– either they were taken into a home or orphanage, or they lived in Muggle London, unaware or unable to use their magic.

"How did you get here?"

The child blinked as snowflakes clustered in his eyelashes. "I was with my aunt and my cousin while they were shopping, and I ... stopped to look at a picture in a window, and then they were gone! So I wished really hard to find them, and – " he stopped and bit his lip.

"Go on," Severus urged.

"And, well, I came here." The boy shrugged, apparently finished with his story.

So he was a magical child then, and had apparated with accidental magic. Severus suspected the aunt had been negligent, although he could make no accusations without proof. And yet, that did not explain why a child, who couldn't be more than four, who had suddenly appeared in a street lined with all sorts of magical wonders to catch a child's eye, would follow him.

"Who are your parents, child? I will contact them for you and return you home. No, first, come," and he turned and walked toward the Leaky Cauldron. Snow crunching behind him told him the child was following. What was he thinking, chatting out in a snowstorm? The child was freezing to death before his eyes.

Inside, Tom waved them to a table and nodded when Severus indicated to give them some time. Bless him. Severus pointed to a chair and sat in the other so he could see out into the room. The table was near the corner, and there were only a few other patrons lingering over their mugs, so they were mostly alone.

The child --- he could not call him boy, how did a child not know his own name? --- swung his legs and looked around curiously.

Severus cleared his throat and the green eyes snapped to him. "Your parents," he began. "Do you know their names? I will contact them and get you returned as soon as possible."

"I dunno their names, sir," the child said quietly. "My aunt said they died when I was little, and they were bad people. She said they were –" eyebrows wrinkled and lips pursed in thought "-- no-good lay-out drunks who never did a good thing in their lifes."

"Ah," Severus shifted. "That is…unfortunate. Your aunt then? Or your uncle? What are their names?"

"My aunt is Put-Petunia, and my uncle's name is Vernon, but he likes for me to call him sir, all the time."

Severus couldn't breathe. He was sitting at a table with a tiny child and he could not breathe, because this could not be him, he could not be this tiny child with Lily's eyes, not Potter's spawn, not the boy who changed history who ought to have been pampered and praised and spoiled for it.

Severus dragged in a breath, then another, but before he could muster up the courage for spoken words, Tom bustled up, looking like he wanted to frown at the child (homeless, he had thought he was homeless, how could this be –) but holding back for Severus' sake. Hogwarts staff were generally very respected. "What can I get you two? A spot of tea? Butterbeer?"

The child – could it be? -- stared at Tom, then swiveled his head to stare at Severus. As if on cue, a growling could be heard by all three. "Hmph!" said Tom. "Somp'n more substantial, then, beef and kidney pie, eh, Professor?"

"Yes," Severus said faintly. "One for the boy, black coffee for me. And…a bread pudding, if you have it."

"That we do, Professor, that we do! The wife always makes more than we can eat for Christmas, always says better safe than sorry. Wouldn't be Christmas without the bread pudding, says she, not that we don't have it the rest o' the year, now do we?"

"Thank you, Tom," Severus interrupted, knowing he could go on like that if he didn't. Tom nodded and bustled off, throwing over his shoulder, "I'll have it right up for ye, just you wait" and again they were left alone. Severus stared. Green eyes stared back.

"Um, sir? Er, Professor Snape, sir?"

"Yes," Severus answered automatically.

"You won't call my aunt, will you? I think she's probably really mad. And, maybe," the child took a comically deep breath, lifting his chest up and then whooshing it out all at once. "Maybe I could stay with you, Mr. Professor Snape sir? That's why I was looking for you, sir."

"And why were you looking for me?" Severus asked, because he could not say what else he wanted to say.

"My mum told me to!" The child responded brightly. Severus' heart skipped a beat, then started again, faster, like it had tripped and stumbled into a run. "She said I should run away when Aunt Petunia was distracted, and I should concentrate reeeeally hard and try to find you and you would help me!" Green eyes lowered to the table. "I asked her why I couldn't go right away but she said I would find you when it was the right time." Green eyes looked up. "Please, sir, could I stay with you? I don't wanna hafta find you again."

Severus thought about Petunia, hating Lily and everything about the magical world, hating him, trying to crush Lily's spirit with every interaction. He thought about Potter, bouncing his green-eyed, black-haired boy in Order meetings, making sure he was fed and warm and safe and happy, and Lily watching him with all the love in her eyes. Severus looked, looked at the dirty grey hat with snow melting on top and the worn jacket with holes in the too-long sleeves and the raggedy jeans and filthy sneakers. He looked, and then he reached, slowly, across the table, and slipped the hat off the little head. Black locks sprang free, tumbling over the lightning shaped scar that announced him the hero of the wizarding world.

The child watched as Severus placed the hat on the table and folded his hands to hide their trembling. "Your name," Severus began. His voice was steady. "Is Harry Potter."

Chapter Text

It was too late in the day to shop for new clothes, so Severus took him back to Hogwarts and headed straight for his quarters. He would need to tell Albus, but he would like Harry to be settled before that conversation.

After nearly an hour of answering Harry’s questions in the Leaky Cauldron – he was rather intelligent for such a young child – he Flooed them home and took Harry into the bathroom.

“You have need of a bath and clean clothes, Harry. I trust you can bathe yourself?”

“Erm…yessir…”

“If you need anything, simply call and I will come to you. I will place clean clothes on the counter.” Severus turned to leave.

“Wait!” The child, Harry, was blushing and fidgeting. “Do I hafta take a bath? I’m not too dirty, see?” He held up grubby hands.

“Harry, you need a bath. I have no wish to keep a dirty child in my quarters. When was the last time you bathed?”

More fidgeting. It was obvious how the hem of his shirt got so raggedy with all the twisting and pulling it went through. “Last week sometime, sir, I don’t remember ‘zactly, but it wasn’t very nice ‘cause it was real cold and I got water up my nose. I can bathe by myself!” he cried, defending his independence. His voice went quiet. “Just sometimes I slip and I choke on some water sometimes.”

Severus took a deep breath and nodded to himself. Alright, then. He filled the bathtub just halfway and heated it with a quick spell, then used a clever little charm (learned from Lily, his brain whispers helpfully) to produce multi-colored bubbles. Harry, watching, gasped in amazement.

“Get in, Harry. I think you will find this bath a little more pleasant than the ones you have had before.” Severus turned his back and summoned a towel and a soft pair of pajamas.

He heard Harry drop his clothes on the floor, then a gasp as he felt the water. A splash told him it was all right to turn around. An adorable sight greeted his eyes.

Harry was gazing in delight as bubbles of all colors floated in the air around him and popped in his hair. A dolphin, a ship, a mermaid appeared, teasing the boy to play.

Severus sat back on his heels and just watched this boy, this…Harry, doing accidental magic just for fun. It might not have been the first time, of course, but Severus felt as privileged as if Lily had invited him to watch. He wished she could see her child now. I’ll do it, Lils, he thought. I wasn’t there before, but I’m here now. I’ll take care of him for you.

Once Harry was sufficiently clean (and happily surprised at Severus’ non-painful treatment), Severus gave him the shrunken pair of pajamas and brought him into his small sitting room. Severus sat in his favorite chair and settled Harry in his lap. “Would you like me to dry your hair?”

The black head bobbed. A quick drying spell elicited a gasp. Harry felt his dried hair in wonder. He twisted around to look up at Severus. "Wow," he whispered.

Severus smirked. “Now, I will transfigure a bed for you, and you must go to sleep. I need to speak with the headmaster, and I will have no little ears listening, understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Professor Snape, Harry. Or…perhaps…” Severus weighed the pros and cons, then made a decision. “You may call me Severus, if you wish.”

Harry’s head thumped on his chest as he tilted his head back to look up at Severus. “Really?” Green eyes wide, blinking.

“Really.”

“Okay…Severus,” a little giggle. Severus smirked.

“Now, watch.”

The other chair in the sitting room became a child-size bed. A decorative pillow (green, of course) grew and softened. Severus looked around, hummed. The other pillow became a warm green blanket.

Harry laid down willingly, but his eyes followed Severus to the door. “Um, sir?”

“Yes, Harry? Remember, you may call me Severus.”

“Yes, sir, um, Severus. Are you coming back?”

“Yes, Harry, I am simply going to speak with the Headmaster, then I will return. You may go to sleep now.”

Severus expected another question – he had never met such a curious child – but Harry seemed satisfied and rolled over, closing his eyes and burrowing into the blankets. Severus watched until his breathing deepened, then he closed the door, cast a Silencing Spell, and went to Floo Albus.

Severus woke early Sunday morning, as usual, and immediately grabbed his wand to summon his slippers and a Potions Journal. As he sat up, a warm weight slipped down his chest and fell into his lap. What in Merlin’s… Harry.

Severus took a few minutes to recalibrate and then settled back against his headboard, Potions Journal in hand. He was in no hurry, after all. And the child had a late night. He seemed comfortable using Severus’ stomach as a pillow, so he let him be. His hair was quite soft, now that it was clean.

A few hours later, when his mind was full of potions and ingredients and possible innovations, Severus watched as Harry snuffled and murmured, then rolled over, burying his face in the potion master’s lap. He looked down curiously and tipped his head slightly to the side to see if he was awake. Green slits peered at him, then blink, blinked open. With his face sideways and his legs closer to the pillows than his head, Harry appeared to be rather confused.

“Hello,” Severus said, amused. “Sleep well?”

Blink, blink, nod.

“Are you hungry?”

Nod, yawn.

“We will Floo the kitchens and ask the elves to send some breakfast. Would you like toast and eggs or granola and fruit?”

Blink, nod, yawn.

Severus chuckled, surprising himself. “Alright then. A little of everything.”

A smile, with dimples.

“I will need to get up in order to use the Floo,” he informed the child, who was lying on top of his legs.

Yawn, look around, blink. Harry rolled over and sat up. He held his arms up.

Severus swung his legs out of bed and stood, summoning his robe. He looked at Harry. Confusion crossed his face. “What are you doing?”

Blink, blink, scrunch. “Floo?”

Ah. The child thought they would be travelling by Floo again – Severus had held him in Side-Along last night, not wanting to send a child by himself. “We will not be traveling by Floo, Harry, I will simply use it to call to the kitchens. You may come watch, though.”

Arms lowered, head nodded. Harry crawled to the edge of the bed and peered down. He looked up at Severus. He cocked his head.

Severus cocked his head right back. If it was too high for him to feel comfortable getting down, how did he get up? There was nothing he could have stood on. It could have been accidental magic. But that was usually caused by a strong desire or emotion. He must have climbed up using the headboard, he thought.

Harry looked down one more time and scooted away from the edge, apparently deciding not to risk it. He held his hands up again.

Severus heaved a put-upon sigh. “Oh, all right. Just this once.” He picked Harry up and propped him on his hip, then carried him into the sitting room.

Harry hummed and leaned his head against his shoulder. Severus was rather taken aback by the quietness of this morning as opposed to the chatter of last night, but he attributed it to the morning mood. Children were often quiet or grumpy in the morning. Heck, Severus was grumpy in the morning, and he tried to avoid talking before at least one cup of coffee. Speaking of which…

Severus made sure Harry was eating steadily from a plate of at least five different breakfast foods before he breached the subject of going out. “Harry,” he looked up, eggs halfway to his mouth. “How would you like to go shopping with me today? We can get you some new clothes and some books to keep you busy.”

“New clothes…for me?” Blink, blink, blink. Plop went the eggs.

“Indeed. We will go to Muggle London, as there are no shops in Diagon Alley that provide small children’s clothing.”

“Oh…okay, sir,” the child agreed. Severus bit back a sigh. These things would take time. Patience is a virtue. One he would have to find somewhere, apparently.

“Very well. We will leave once we are both prepared for the day.”

Chapter Text

Harry gaped, gasped, and giggled as he tried on clothes, shoes, robes, and, memorably, sunglasses. They ate lunch in Muggle London. It was no less busy than wizarding London but there was nearly no risk of anyone recognizing them. A little Distraction spell made those chances practically zero.

Harry perked up and filled the day with a stream of conversation, mostly questions from him and answers or evasions from Severus. 

After lunch, a quick stop at Gringotts transferred Harry’s magical guardianship to Severus, thanks to Dumbledore’s interference. Severus ensured that the Potter vaults were secure and that Harry had a trust fund for when he would start Hogwarts. It seemed the Potters were well prepared for the worst to happen. Severus pocketed the key and withdrew some extra Galleons from his account. Between selling potions here and there and earning a salary without having to pay rent, Severus could quite easily afford to support the two of them. There will be no need to touch the Potter accounts until Harry is of age, and I won't depend on Potter's gold to raise his son. Severus smirked as they exited Gringotts. He would spin in his grave if he could see us now.

After Gringotts, Severus stifled his pride, and they visited a toy store in Diagon Alley. He planned to let Harry look around and then buy just two things. The last thing he wanted to do was spoil the boy, even though he knew the risk of that was much lower than he had previously thought. But Harry surprised him yet again when he refused to leave his side and was reluctant to even touch the toys. Severus ended up getting a child’s toy broom (Let your little Quidditch star train safely with over a dozen safety charms!) and a mini potions set (Teach your little Potions Master how to brew up to ten different potions with quality, all-safe ingredients! No protection necessary–none of it can explode!).

He snorted at that one. There was not a single useful potion that did not have at least a little potential for explosion. And it was a little ridiculous to call someone a Potions Master when they could brew ten potions. I can brew at least 300 from memory, and that’s not including modifications. Harry would learn much better simply by helping me prepare ingredients at my side.

But Harry saw the kit and was instantly enamoured, therefore Severus was compelled to buy it. Hm, perhaps I should research to find out if children’s accidental magic can act as compulsion charms.

As they walked toward the front of the store – while Severus fielded Harry’s questions about exploding balloons of all things – a large section of stuffed animals caught his eye. To his amusement, a large green stuffed snake lay coiled up on the top shelf, its glass eyes gleaming.  

“Would you like a stuffed animal, Harry?”

“Really?” 

Severus nodded. “You may pick one.” He moved the snake to a lower shelf so Harry could see it. But Harry, after nearly five minutes of serious-faced consideration, chose a small black cat. 

“Can I have the kitty, sir? Iss not too much money, is it?”

“No, that is perfectly acceptable. Come along,” and they finally left the child-infested place and fled to the relative safety of Flourish and Blotts. 

In the bookstore, Severus helped Harry choose a few wizarding storybooks. Then he browsed and picked out some easy books to start Harry’s magical education. A new potions book caught his eye and he added it to the stack. Although, I'm not sure how much time I'll have left for reading or experimenting now that I have a child. Oh, flobberworms, I have a child...

By late afternoon, Harry’s feet were dragging, and though he didn’t complain, his questions slowed to five per minute, and Severus was satisfied with the progress they made. He Flooed back to Hogsmeade and carried Harry down the road back to Hogwarts. By the time they reached the dungeons, Harry was slumped quietly against his shoulder. Severus went to put him to bed in his room, but Harry popped up, green eyes wide.

“‘M not asleep! I wanna help you put the packages away! Please?” 

Severus studied the boy, noting his eyelids at half mast, but he did not want an argument. “Very well,” he conceded. “You may help me but then you must take a nap while I speak with the headmaster and others. Are we agreed?”

“What’s greed?”

Severus huffed a laugh. “A-greed. It means we have a deal. I let you help me with the packages, and you take a nap.”

“Oh! Yessir! We are A-greed!” Harry stuck out a little hand, and Severus schooled his face into an inscrutable mask as he shook it solemnly. 

“Thank you, Mr. Potter. Up with you now, we have work to do.”

First, Severus called a house-elf and asked for a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and a trunk to be delivered. He could Transfigure them, but he wanted to make sure they were high quality and would last more than a few years. House elf magic was much better at those kinds of things. He hovered them to the far side of his room for now. He planned to ask Dumbledore if the house-elves could add a room to his quarters for Harry. He was mostly sure he would agree – Dumbledore was supportive, if very surprised, when he broke the news last night – but Severus was still hesitant to ask for favors from the man. After all, he had only been a professor here for four years, and he knew he owed the man everything. Dumbledore could even take Harry from him if he wanted to.

Severus took a deep breath and pushed those thoughts away. He unshrunk their packages and managed a smile at Harry as he insisted on putting every piece of clothing away himself.

That done, the toys and storybooks went into the trunk. It still looked awfully empty, though. Severus reconsidered his position on toys and spoiling. He didn’t think that Harry would have gotten any presents for Christmas, which was just five days ago. Perhaps they can have a second Christmas. Merlin knows Minerva would love to spoil the boy with all the toys in Diagon Alley. He took another deep breath. He still had to tell Minerva and the rest of the staff that he practically kidnapped the boy who lived. 

Well, they can’t protest too much if Dumbledore approves, can they?

Severus directed Harry to the bathroom to put away his bathrobe, bubble bath, shampoo, and toothbrush. Harry regarded the green item with unusual curiosity. “Does this go in the kitchen, sir? Severus? So’s I can use it on the floor?”

“The floor?”

“I can clear the floor really good with it, sir, I promise.”

Severus really, really hoped that Harry wasn’t saying what he thought he was saying. He knelt down uncomfortably on the bathroom floor and took the toothbrush. “Do you know what this is, Harry?”

“Issa toothbrush, sir…Severus.”

He managed an approving smile. “And what is it used for?”

“Erm, for cleaning the floor, Severus sir. But…I dunno why it’s called a toothbrush, sir. ‘M sorry!”

“Sh-sh, it’s alright. You’re not in trouble for not knowing. But I am going to tell you some things and I want you to remember them, alright?”

“Yes, sir…Severus.”

The smile came a little easier this time. “First of all, I am glad you remember to call me Severus, but if it makes you uncomfortable you may call me sir.” Even if I want nothing less than to remind the boy of his Muggle uncle. He had not met the man but it was clear Harry was afraid of him. “Second, a toothbrush is meant for cleaning teeth. I will show you tonight how to use it and then you must brush your teeth every day, understand? Even wizards can get cavities.”

Harry nodded earnestly. “Cavities are bad. My cousin Dudders gets them all the time and he always howls when Aunt Tuney has to take him to the dentist.”

“They are easier to treat with magic, but I would prefer if we have no need for extra trips to the healers. That is what we call all kinds of wizard medical people,” he added, anticipating Harry’s question.

“Soo… you don’t use toothbrushes to clean the floor? You put them in your mouth?” Harry’s button nose wrinkled.

Severus chewed on his murderous rage and swallowed it down. “Oh, we still use old ones to clean, but that is usually a punishment reserved for whatever dunderheaded Gryffindor has managed to create mayhem recently. You will use your new toothbrush to clean your teeth and only your teeth, and I promise, if you do something that requires punishment it will be things like time-out and writing lines. You will never be forced to clean like you did at your relatives, understand?”

Harry’s eyes were wide at his forceful tone. “Umm…okay. Umm…what if I do something really bad?”

Severus raised an eyebrow. Maybe he's more like Potter than I thought. “Scheming already, are you?”

“No, sir! Just…my uncle says if I’m real bad he has to teach me my lessons.” Harry slowly – for the boy – reached his hands behind him to protect his bum. 

“I see.” Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “I will not spank you or hit you in any way, child. If you do something ‘really bad’, as you say, then your punishment will be adjusted to include things like restricted privileges.” He suppressed a groan at Harry’s blank look. Perhaps I will give the boy a dictionary for second Christmas. “For example, you will not be allowed to fly your broom for a week if you ride it without asking me first. Does that make more sense?”

“Yes, Severus.” Harry held out the ‘s’ a little longer than normal but didn’t add ‘sir’. That made Severus smile again.

“Very well, it is time for you to take a nap. Don’t give me that look, you are falling asleep on your feet. Ha ha, see?” Severus smirked when Harry gave a jaw-cracking yawn. He snapped his teeth closed and glared at Severus. He pushed Harry into the little bed and threw the covers over his head.

Harry clawed out. His black hair stuck up in all directions. He stuck his tongue out. “You’re a meanie.” Then he gasped and clapped both hands over his mouth, eyes wide.

Severus grinned. “And you’re a brat. Go to sleep.” He spelled the curtains closed and turned off the light, leaving just the natural light from the lake window to light the room.

Harry watched him with those perpetually wide eyes. Maybe that’s just his natural look. This time when he covered Harry he tucked the blankets up to his chin. The green blanket matched his green eyes, which matched the greenish light filtering in through the window. Severus shook his head at himself. I might be Head of Slytherin, but I didn’t mean to reflect it in my interior decor! 

Harry kept watching him, not looking sleepy in the slightest, and Severus cast about for a way to satisfy him. Children liked to sleep with soft objects, didn’t they? The Slytherin dorms next door were usually full of younger years with stuffed animals as well as the occasional familiar cat. (The older years kept their stuffies in their trunks or charmed them invisible. Severus would sometimes trip over them when he had to visit the dorms at night.)

Severus summoned the stuffed black cat from the toy trunk, wincing as it bangs shut. He offered it to Harry, who took it with a beaming smile. Watching Harry cuddle the toy close, Severus wondered why the boy chose it over all the other stuffed animals – most of which were magical and charmed to act like the animal they represented. 

“Harry? May I ask, what made you choose the cat?”

Harry considered his question with a thoughtful frown. “Erm…I think because he’s like me?” At Severus’ encouraging look, he went on. “‘Cause I’m a kitty, too, so I wanted to have a friend here at Hoggywarts.”

Severus choked down a laugh at the butchered pronunciation. Wait… “What do you mean, you’re a kitty, too?”

Harry looked uncertain. “Do you want…I mean, can I show you?”

Severus nodded.

Harry sat up, pushed off the covers, and turned into a black kitten, a mirror image of the stuffed animal next to him.

Chapter Text

Severus groaned when his wand buzzed under his pillow, pulling him from some strange dream. Why did I set my alarm on bloody winter break? He waved the alarm away and turned on the lights, rolling over to sit up. 

Harry fell off his chest and onto the pillows.

I literally made him a bed to sleep in. I hope this doesn’t become a problem…

Contrary to his internal dialogue, his hands reached out and pulled Harry to his chest, smelling that clean, sleepy scent he was beginning to associate with Harry. I can take a few minutes for a lie-in, he mused. The students won’t be back for another week…

But he knew he couldn’t, today. He had potions to brew, lesson plans to prepare, students and teachers to introduce to Harry, and irritating headmasters to talk to. Not that he would ever imply that to Dumbledore. But the man was remarkably Slytherin at times, as Severus had clearly seen in their conversation two days ago: 

“Ah, Severus, my boy, come in!” The Headmaster waved cheerily from a chair next to the floo where he was enjoying a book and a bowl of – what else? -- lemon drops. “Lemon drop, my dear?”

Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes and politely declined. “I have…a rather urgent matter to speak with you about, headmaster. I only hope you will not be…displeased.”

Dumbledore set aside his book and folded his hands calmly in his lap. “Whatever it is, Severus, I’m sure we can work it out, and I assure you I will temper my reaction. What is it you wish to tell me, Severus?”

Severus controlled his breathing and kept his face blank. “Are you aware of the current whereabouts of Harry Potter?”

“I checked on him but three days ago, and he seemed well enough with his relatives on Privet Drive. Such a happy family, sharing the joys of a bounteous Christmas…”

“Well enough?” Severus repeated. He was hesitant to speak angrily against the headmaster but he needed to make his displeasure known. “I hardly think they have the same ideals about childcare that you possess, Headmaster.”

Dumbledore actually looked surprised, although…it may have been fabricated. “Do you mean to tell me you have been in contact with Harry Potter, Severus?”

“I have, Headmaster.” Severus paused, but Dumbledore seemed to be waiting for him to continue. “It has come to my attention that the child’s relatives are neglectful at best, and abusive at worst. He cannot return to them. I will do anything, Headmaster, you know this…”

Dumbledore gazed at the flickering flames with something like remorse in his eyes. “Minerva suspected…and I hoped that they would find it in themselves to treat the boy as their own…I fear, Severus, that I have made a most grievous error.” His eyes sharpened as they returned to focus on Severus. “You have seen him. Where is he currently?”

Severus swallowed. “The boy – Harry – followed me when I was in Diagon Alley today. I believe he arrived there by accidental magic. He…er, approached me and, well, he wanted to stay with me, so…” blast it all, why could he always speak smoothly to the Dark Lord but be tongue-tied with the Headmaster? He wasn’t a student anymore!

Dumbledore leaned forward, his blue eyes intense. “Where is he, Severus? I trust you understood the necessity of getting him somewhere safe? There are too many dangers to count in Diagon Alley.”

“He is safe, Headmaster. He is here.”

Dumbledore leaned back, a twinkle matching the twinkling of the stars on his cap. “Here, Severus? I have heard nothing from Poppy or Minerva about the boy.”

“He is in my quarters. Currently. I gave him a bath and made a little bed for him…of course I understand if you want him to stay with you or Minerva, I just thought – he was very tired and I thought he should sleep before I talked to you –”

“Of course, Severus,” Dumbledore cut him off. He looked inordinately pleased. “As long as he is not injured or ill, I think he will be just fine staying with you until we find a more permanent replacement. Perhaps the Weasleys could take him in…?” Dumbledore mused.

Severus breathed a quiet sigh of relief as the headmaster failed to berate or scold him for his actions. He knew he had acted rather like a Gryffindor, practically kidnapping the child off the streets. But he remembered Harry’s reactions to the simplest kindnesses and knew he would never regret his choice. 

It surprised Severus how calm he felt about it all. He could almost imagine Harry staying in his quarters, sleeping in his little bed, protected from ex-Death Eaters and abusive relatives alike.

But it was impossible. Between his classes and Head of House duties, Severus hardly had time for his own brewing, much less caring for a child. Harry couldn’t stay in his quarters all day, nor could he come to classes with him. No, Harry would have to go to a nice, Light-aligned family that could give him the protection and spoiling he had originally assumed the boy had. A nice, loving family who would give Harry affection and let him play in the bubble bath and praise him for accidental magic and never get angry, like Severus inevitably would. He was not a patient man.

“Severus?” Dumbledore’s voice pulled him out of his musings.

“Yes,” Severus answered, although he didn’t remember if Dumbledore had asked the question or simply implied it. He was practically a Slytherin, anyway. “He must go to a family that can care for him properly as well as provide as much protection as is magically possible. I trust you will inform me when arrangements are made?”

“I do believe it will be impossible to get him settled before the beginning of term. The Weasleys, as my first choice, are on vacation and will return just in time for school to start.”

“The Weasleys, Headmaster? They have seven children, do they not? Are you sure it would be wise to ask them to take on another? They don’t have nearly the resources that other pureblood families do.”

“The Potters provided for every eventuality, Severus, and I believe there is a stipend that goes to his guardians. Of course, that will stop immediately,” Dumbledore added quickly, anticipating Severus’ angry response. 

Severus growled. “Still, with that many children, they might not be able to give Harry the attention he deserves.”

Dumbledore took a few moments to respond, causing Severus to look closer at him. Was that a hint of a smile under his beard? “The two oldest are currently students, and I’m sure you know – well, Molly is a very competent parent, and Arthur is not always as laid back as he seems. I think they would be our best option.”

Severus nodded slowly. “What of the protections?” Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, but closed it and gestured for him to go on. “Harry will not have the protection of blood wards anymore, and the Weasley’s home likely only has standard wards that need renewed regularly.”

“I will of course plan to put new wards in place. I would need your help, and Minerva’s. Of course, this is all assuming they agree. If not, we will look at some other options…”

Severus took a deeper breath. “Until then, Headmaster, where do you wish him to stay? I imagine you will want him here with you?”

“Actually, Severus,” and there was that blasted twinkle again, “I think Harry will be most happy with you, don’t you think?”

At the moment, Severus had disagreed vehemently, suppressing his subconscious feelings about the boy. No one would think the ex-Death Eater snarky dungeon bat of a professor would be the best option to care for a child. Sometimes Minerva even intervened to save her precious Gryffindors from his detentions! 

“Even if the Weasleys are able to take him in, Harry will need a new magical guardian until then. We cannot allow the Dursleys to keep that authority. You are the best person for this duty at the moment, Severus. I trust you will accept it and do your best to protect the boy?”

“I hardly think I am equipped to give Harry what he needs–” Severus had protested.

But Dumbledore had kept up his excuses and assurances, mostly empty platitudes and explaining that most of the other staff were away for the holidays, until Severus gave up out of sheer exhaustion and left, promising to return again soon to discuss details.

Now, a full day later, Severus felt slightly guilty for not calling Dumbledore last night to explain the latest development. Harry’s transformation had, well, stunned him. Of course the bloody Boy-Who-Lived is a natural animagus. After apparating from Surrey to London… But Severus couldn’t hold onto that for long. Harry wasn’t the Boy-Who-Lived any longer, he was hardly even Potter. He was Harry – the child that was determined to squash him in his sleep and give him heart attacks and didn’t know what a toothbrush was for and still didn’t answer to Harry most of the time. 

Nevertheless, he was Harry, and he was Severus’ first priority, which was why he hadn’t called Dumbledore or Minerva last night and had instead chatted (mostly calmly) about being an animagus and got Harry settled for a nap. 

They had spent the evening hiding in his quarters playing chess and talking about Hogwarts and the wizarding world. Harry had resisted going to bed, but ultimately Severus prevailed, thanks to his superior Slytherin cunning and manipulation.

Even though it required a cup of warm milk and a short bedtime story. But that was between him and Harry.

Severus looked down at the boy in his arms. Harry’s face was slightly flushed, and his cheek was squished against Severus’ chest. A puddle of drool was slowly spreading down his shirt. Gross. He seemed to be sleeping deeply, so Severus decided to let him sleep a while longer and see when he would wake up naturally. 

He carefully shifted until he sat against the headboard, a pillow at his back and another at his side. Harry radiated warmth across his chest, so he pushed the blankets off his legs. He summoned a pad of parchment and a quill and began making a plan for the day. 

Once Harry slowly woke up and began chattering, Severus got them both dressed (“No, Harry, you can’t wear sunglasses in the castle, yes, fine, you may take them for when you go outside. But only if Professor McGonagall will take you!”) and they left the safety of his quarters. 

First, they went to the Slytherin common room to check on the few Slytherins. Winter break always saw more Slytherins stay at Hogwarts than any other house. This year, there were seven. The two seventh years and the sixth year were studying at tables covered with books, parchments, and quills. 

“Hardy, Romford, Hempstead, I expect to see you all at breakfast in no more than fifteen minutes. It has already gone seven.” They all looked up at his severe tone, but smiled in thanks. (The brats. When did they stop looking scared of me?)

“Who’s that, Professor? A little small for a firstie, isn’t he?”

“This is Harry Potter,” Severus announced, loud enough to hear. “He will be here for the break only while arrangements are made for more permanent…guardianship. I trust you will allow him the privacy he deserves?”

“Yes, sir,” three voices echoed dutifully. Severus knew they were burning with questions, but he hoped they would have the sense to mind their own business…or at least wait until his ‘office hours’ to come pry for answers. Not that his snakes ever gave notice of his office hours. Little brats .

“Where are the others? Not all planning to skip breakfast, I hope.”

“Not if I can do anything about it.” Romford smirked. He was Head Boy this year, and despite his NEWTs did an adequate job of keeping track of his sneaky snakes. “Westcote, Compton, and Blockley are all at breakfast. I think they’re planning to go flying after. Green…” Romford sighed. “Leo is still in bed. He said he’s not hungry and his magic started acting up when I pushed, so I let him be.” 

“Hmm.” Leo Green was the only first year to stay, and it was apparent to Severus that he came from a “less than ideal” household, as Dumbledore would say. Despite being able to stay at the castle, the boy stayed in his room and refused to participate in the games his housemates invited him to. Severus had hoped he would warm up to him or one of his housemates, but it had been almost a week now and he was as reclusive as, well, as Severus wished he could be. 

The past few days with Harry had, unfortunately, driven most other things out of his mind. “Thank you, Romford. I will check on him if he doesn’t show up for breakfast. Now, please, take a break, get some food, and perhaps a bit of fresh air would wake up your brain?”

Romford sheepishly nodded. “Yes, sir.”

They ended up all walking up to breakfast together (except for Green), and once Severus had made introductions, Harry had three new best friends. The wild-haired boy rode triumphantly into the Great Hall upon his noble steed, Ollie (short for Oliver Hardy).

Severus kept a copy of his memory of the next moment as one of his most treasured possessions.

Jaws dropped almost unanimously around the single table in the Hall. Minerva stood up and dropped her fork. Hagrid gaped, letting a forkful of bubbly squeak drop into his beard as he began sniffling suspiciously. Septima Vector, the Arithmancy professor, did not drop her jaw but tilted her head with a suspicious look. Trelawney gasped loudly and flung a spoonful of pudding. It narrowly missed Minerva’s face as she stood up. Dumbledore just twinkled merrily. 

The other students – his three Slytherins, two Hufflepuffs, one Ravenclaw (the other three were probably already in the library…or still), and two bloody Gryffindors – mainly looked curious, although the bloody Gryffindors looked rather worried, as well. Severus made a mental note to take points later and approached the table calmly, sitting among his snakes. He took Harry down from Ollie’s – Hardy’s! -- shoulders and set him up with a plate of small servings. He slipped a nutrient potion into his pumpkin juice and got himself a cup of coffee. Ah, caffeine…

“And how are you and young Mr. Potter getting along, Severus?” Dumbledore asked from across the table. Most of the table fell silent, except for Hagrid explaining to Trelawney his methods of care for whatever dangerous creature he had adopted now. 

Severus stiffened at all the eyes on him, but answered calmly, “Quite well, Headmaster. We visited Diagon Alley for some clothing and other…essentials…" (Harry giggled) "and visited Gringotts as well.” He quirked an eyebrow and gave a slight nod in answer to the unspoken question. Everything went well…even the goblins are enamoured with the boy.

“And have you got Harry settled in your quarters? You do have a spare room, don’t you?”

Severus did not, in fact, have a spare room. Unless Dumbledore was talking about his private storeroom and lab...but those were obviously not bedrooms. “Actually, Headmaster…I was wondering if you could have the elves arrange a room for him? I, well, I don’t have much extra space.”

Minerva looked amused (and still wildly curious about Harry) but thankfully, Dumbledore only nodded. “I will have them start on it immediately. Thank Merlin for wizarding space – I do believe half the classrooms at Hogwarts wouldn’t be there if we didn’t have it!”

Severus felt a tug on his sleeve. “Sev’rus?” Harry whispered loudly. “What’s wizarding space? Is there magic rockets? Can we fly to the moon like ashernots?” 

Severus’ lips wobbled. Minerva snorted a laugh. He explained, “No, Harry, in that instance the Muggles are more advanced than wizards. Wizarding space is created by a spell that expands the space inside something, like a room or a bag, without expanding it on the outside.”

“Ohh,” Harry nodded wisely. He turned to Hardy on his other side. “Do you have a wizarding space in your bag? Cause you can fit so much books and stuff?”

Hardy nodded, surprised. “Very good, Harry. And it sounds like you’ll be sleeping in a room made with wizarding space. Cool, huh?”

“Yeah!” With that, Harry dug into his oatmeal with gusto.

Severus watched him for a moment as he chomped on the soft oats with ferocity, then gave up any chance at understanding and turned to his other Slytherins for more intelligent conversation. Not that I would ever tell them that.

Before everyone left the table for the day, Dumbledore called for their attention. “As you know, in two days we will be hosting our annual Yule Ball, with proper celebration of the New Year at midnight. The elves are working most diligently to prepare, and I urge you to ensure that your classrooms are in a presentable state for those parents who will be touring the castle. We are expecting quite a turnout, and of course the rest of the staff will be back as well. We will not have any meals in the Great Hall that day because of the preparations, so please be prepared to dine elsewhere. That is all, have a wonderful day, everyone.”

Severus intercepted the Headmaster before he could sweep out as the table emptied. “Headmaster, do you know when Poppy is planning to return? I would like her to give Harry a checkup as soon as possible.”

“She sent an owl two days ago saying she will be back tomorrow morning. Would you like me to owl her and let her know?”

“No, it’s all right, I’ll simply visit her when she returns.”

“Very well, my boy. I trust all is well with Harry?”

Severus hesitated. “I…have not seen any evidence of current injuries. But he has some scars and I suspect that some injuries in the past haven’t healed correctly.”

Dumbledore bowed his head and nodded slowly. “I will ask Poppy for a copy of his report once she is done. If I had known, Severus…”

“I know,” Severus said a tad sharply. “But what’s done is done. Now we can just do what we can.”

Dumbledore nodded again, and Severus turned away to get Harry.

Harry was gone. 

The students gathered in a tight huddle, laughing and pointing at something on the ground. Severus stormed up to them and pulled two of his Slytherins back, revealing…cats? A familiar-looking tabby cat with curious marks around its eyes, and a frankly adorable black kitten who was trying to catch the tabby’s tail. 

The tabby was having none of it as she washed Harry’s face, then she picked him up by the scruff of his neck and deposited him gently on Severus’ boots.

The black kitten mewed loudly and began climbing Severus’ black robes. They swung wildly, and Harry thumped against Severus’ legs. He leaned down with a fake scowl and grabbed the kitten gently, untangling the tiny sharp claws from his cloak. Harry meowed and reached out for Severus’ face, but he held him at a distance and said sternly, “What did I tell you about transforming without permission, Mr. Potter? Turn back now, please.”

A second later, Harry hung from his hands, looking disgruntled. Severus propped him on his hip and turned his glare on the assembled students and Minerva, who was watching in her human form, not a hair out of place. “I trust no students were teasing Mr. Potter?”

A chorus of “no, sirs” satisfied him, although they didn’t keep the distance that Severus thought his terrifying presence warranted. Surely having a child on my hip doesn’t make such a difference. Surely they’ve seen a child before!

He turned to Minerva.

“Severus Snape,” she began before he could open his mouth. “Do you mean to tell me that you have been keeping Harry Potter, who just happens to be an unregistered animagus, and you didn’t think to inform me before bringing him to breakfast in front of the whole – school?” Severus suspected she just barely kept from swearing at him because of the students. Then he noticed that they were all backing away, looking slightly nervous. Even his Slytherins! Traitors.

“Erm,” he started.

“Of course you will allow him to train with me over the break. Such talent is a wonder to see in a child so young, but that doesn’t mean he’s without risks. He needs to learn how to focus on his form so he doesn’t accidentally transform, or worse, get stuck in it! I’m sure you remember the many ways animagus transformations can go wrong.” She looked at him over his glasses.

“Yes, of course. Miner –”

“You can bring him by my quarters this morning, we’ll want to get started right away, won’t we, Harry?” Minerva beamed at him. Harry grinned back.

“In fact, I was just going to ask y–”

“Really, Severus, we’re going to have to talk about keeping secrets again. I’ll bring him to your quarters for lunch. Come along, Harry.” Minerva reached out her arms and Harry leaned forward without hesitation.

Severus tightened his arms around his legs. “Wait, what –”

“It’s all right, Severus, I know you have lots of potions to make. We’ll be just fine.”

Harry leaned forward again, and this time Severus let him go. His arms felt empty. “Um, all right. Be good, Harry!” he called as they turned to go.

As they left, Severus felt an inkling of either mischief or revenge. “Behave for your Aunt Minnie!” 

Minerva stopped in the doorway for a tense three seconds as the students (and Severus) held their collective breath. Then she continued forward and disappeared, her new favorite student in her arms.

Chapter Text

“Mr. Green.”

No answer.

“Mr. Green, it has already gone ten o’clock. I will not address you while you hide beneath your covers.”

No answer.

Severus grasped the top edge of the covers and yanked them off, not giving the boy time to react. He gasped and glared at Severus. 

Severus smirked. “That’s better. Now, would you care to explain why you are refusing to participate in any activities?”

Leo glared and scooted away. “I just don’t feel like it. There’s no rules saying I have to, are there?”

“No, but your housemates are worried, and it is not healthy for you to stay in bed and be alone all day.”

“Doesn’t bother me.”

“You have twenty minutes to be up, dressed, and in the Common Room Mr. Green. If you fail to make an appearance, or if you are simply too bored to entertain yourself, I am certain I can find tasks to keep you busy.”

Leo glared at him fiercely, and Severus met his gaze calmly. He knew Leo was having trouble adjusting, and he was pushing his boundaries, but it was one of Severus’ main rules as Head of Slytherin to set and keep clear boundaries for his snakes. That was how they remained safe and secure. 

Leo was the first to break eye contact, and he slid off the other side of the bed and under the curtains. He snatched some clothes from his trunk and darted at the door, scowling at Severus all the way. 

Severus sighed, and went to call Lucius.

“You kidnapped Harry Potter.”

“Not kidnapped! He followed me!”

“And you brought him home, told Albus Dumbledore, and adopted him the next day. Did you even talk to his relatives?”

“I didn’t adopt him, I just got guardianship. Dumbledore visited them and got their signatures. I have yet to pay those Muggles a visit.”

Lucius chuckled and sipped his tea. “Hmm, let me know if you need any ideas.”

Severus scowled darkly. “Trust me, I have plenty.”

“So…are you going to adopt him, then?”

“I…Merlin, Lucius, I don’t even know what I’m doing! It’s been two days! Dumbledore certainly seems supportive, and Minerva is delighted, of course, but you know I’m not meant to be a parent. I’m the last person who should have guardianship of that child.”

Lucius hummed lowly. He leaned forward. “Severus,” he began.

Severus looked at him.

“When Draco was born, Narcissa and I wanted to name you godfather.”

Severus nearly sprayed his tea. “What?! That would have been catastrophic. What changed your minds?”

Lucius shrugged. “You remember how things were at the time. Your position was still uncertain, and Narcissa wanted someone who would actually be able to take in an infant. The Greengrasses already had Daphne, and they agreed if Narcissa would be their next child’s godmother. We’ve been forming alliances with them more since the Dark Lord’s fall.”

Severus nodded, thinking back to those more dangerous days.

“But Severus, my point is, we both considered you because despite your, shall we say, ineptitude with children, we felt we could trust you to do what was best for Draco. And just from what I’ve heard from you so far, I doubt anyone needs to worry about Mr. Potter’s welfare.”

Severus gave a mild glare at the dig, but he had to admit to himself that the show of trust felt good. Both Narcissa and Lucius were ridiculously coddling and overprotective, and if they thought he could do well by their son…well, Severus already knew he would do everything to protect Harry. But what about the things outside of his control?

“Lucius…you know as well as I do that Harry will be in danger in the future. I’m more worried about that than my p-parenting skills,” Severus said. 

Lucius smirked at his stuttering. “I’m sure Narcissa will be more than happy to give you all the parenting advice you may need.” He ignored Severus’ groan into his hands. “As for future threats…it’s almost certain the Dark Lord will attempt to return in some way, and some of our associates would be willing to help with that. But what is not certain is how long that will take, or how powerful he will be.” Lucius frowned at his tea and waved a reheating spell. “You know I will do everything in my power to protect my family, and I think you will do the same for Harry Potter. And if there is any truth to that prophecy…”

Severus winced but looked up when Lucius didn’t continue. “If?” he prompted.

“ If the Dark Lord delays his return and if Potter has some kind of power that can defeat his again…it is only reasonable to align ourselves with the one who is most likely to ensure us success.”

Severus leaned back, mind racing. Would Lucius really offer his loyalty so readily? Perhaps he would be open to items of proof to help him along.

“The child has had some rather strong incidences of accidental magic,” Severus said slowly. “He apparated from Surrey to London and managed to get into Diagon Alley. I have seen him perform simple animations, and–” he looked sideways at Lucius, gauging his reception. 

“You believe he will be a more powerful wizard than most,” Lucius guessed.

Severus nodded once. “And…he is a natural animagus.”

It was Lucius’ turn to lean back with wide eyes. “Is he really?” A small smirk formed, sneakier than before. He took a slow sip of tea. “Interesting.” 

Severus tapped a finger against his teacup, then made himself hold still. Lucius had that look, the one he wore nearly all the time in Slytherin territory. He was gauging his options. 

“Severus,” Lucius began. He shifted casually. “You say Mr. Potter came to you just two days ago, yes? Am I correct in assuming you could put to use some children’s supplies? I believe Narcissa has more things than she knows what to do with, and Draco is growing taller every day.”

Score. Severus shrugged casually. “I would be glad to see her again and go over some things. I did get some clothes and a few things in Diagon Alley yesterday, but it appears children require much more than I originally planned.”

“Yes…they certainly surprise us, don’t they?” Lucius stood, offering an elegant hand. Severus accepted it as he stood, and their act was broken. “If you get tired of him, send him over to play with Draco. Cissa has been complaining about not having enough friends for him.”

Severus snorted. “Oh, sure, and then have Cissa Floo me in a rage because two boys ransacked her gardens? I’m not that insane.”

Lucius chuckled. “I’m sure Potter can’t be that bad, Sev. And the house-elves are remarkable child-minders.”

“Don’t call me that,” Severus muttered.

Lucius just smirked and grabbed a handful of Floo powder. “Write to Cissa,” he ordered. “And I want to meet the famous Mr. Potter. Schedule a dinner this week.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Severus shoved him into the fireplace. “Thanks, Luce,” he added as the blond man spun away. 

After several lovely hours of brewing, Minerva Flooed in with Harry, and she ended up staying for lunch in his quarters. She interrupted Harry’s monologue long enough to offer to keep Harry that afternoon so Severus could finish his potions. He gratefully agreed, and hours later, it took a house elf calling his name three times to get him to come to dinner in the Great Hall. 

The second he stepped through the door, Harry’s higher voice pierced the air above the rest of the conversations.  

“Sev’rus! Look! I drawed you a picture!”

Severus turned, along with every other occupant in the Hall, as Harry barreled up to the Head Table waving a paper wildly. Halfway there, he tripped on his shoelace and went flying.

It was inevitable.

Minerva was too far away to catch him, and Harry landed face first on the unforgiving stone. 

Severus reached him first. He thought his heart would burst out of his chest. Blood gushed from Harry’s mouth and nose, and he sobbed from pain. Severus marvelled that he wasn’t screaming like a banshee. “Hush, sh, Harry, it’s alright, you’re alright,” he gasped. He held Harry with one arm and cleared the blood with his wand in the other. 

Poppy came up and waved a simple diagnostic spell. “It’s just a split lip and a cut on his chin. Nothing to worry about, dear,” she assured him. Or Harry. Severus wasn’t sure, but he felt much better seeing his child not covered in blood. Wait, his child? What was he–

“Sev’rus? It hurts,” Harry sniffled. He carefully touched his chin. His lip wobbled. 

“I will give you a potion.” Severus tipped a shy half a dose of painkiller into Harry’s waiting mouth, and watched as Harry’s eyes cleared and brightened. 

“Better?”

“Uh-huh. Sev’rus?”

“Yes, Harry?”

“Will you kiss it better?”

Crickets filled the void. Severus became acutely aware of Poppy standing over his shoulder, Minerva a few feet away, and the rest of the staff and the few Hogwarts students shamelessly listening in. “Um.”

Harry sniffled again, even though he had already stopped crying. He looked up at Severus. Blink, blink. “It’s just, Aunt Tuney always used to kiss Dudder’s ouchies, but she never kissed mine,” he said sadly. 

Well. If it weren’t for the audience, Severus would perhaps be inclined to pamper the boy all he wanted. But he had a reputation. And everyone was watching. And he was 90 percent sure the child was using puppy-dog eyes on him!

How very Slytherin of him.

And, well, he couldn’t allow Harry to think he was the same as his relatives in any way, could he? Perhaps he could obliviate the rest of them later.

Severus planted a quick kiss on Harry’s chin, then stood him on his feet. “There. Alright? No more fuss.”

Harry probed his chin again, and a disappointed look crossed his face. “But I didn’t feel any magic!”

Honestly. What did the boy expect? “That’s because I did not use any magic, Harry. Madame Pomphrey already healed your injuries."

“But can’t you make a magic spell for a kiss, Sev’rus? Then you can really kiss it better!”

“Hm, interesting idea, Harry,” Poppy put in. “Severus has made spells before, did you know?”

Harry gasped. “Really? So you can make another one! Please, Sev’rus?”

Severus huffed. As if he could pull a new spell out of his sleeve just like that! The boy would need to learn that magic takes much time and effort, and does not bend to the whims of a child. He would need to learn that Severus would not say yes to everything. “Very well. Now come for supper.”

If he had created spells before, he could do it again. 

Severus was relieved to see Leo Green seated grumpily between Romford and Hardy. Harry insisted on sitting between Hardy and Severus, so he tried to make conversation with the first year. Leo was having none of it. His answers were concise and polite and it was like talking to a brick wall. Severus let him be. The dinner table was not the place for the discussion they needed to have. 

After dinner, Severus used all his spy skills to evade Potter’s fans and finally arrived safely in his dungeon. When Harry finished laughing at him, he punished him for his impudence by putting him straight in the bath and then into pyjamas. Once properly clean and sleepy-eyed, he allowed the child to pick only one story before bed. After such harsh treatment, Severus decided he could be lenient enough to allow him to sit in his bed for the story, even though his little green bed was still on the other side of the room. 

They read “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot”, and Harry insisted on repeating all of the wizard’s lines after Severus because Harry had blue pyjamas, just like the wizard. Severus thought Harry would be more appropriately dressed as the annoying pot, but Harry thought that was ridiculous. Severus comforted himself with the fact that he had a Potions Mastery and Harry didn’t.

By the third time through, Harry was asleep.

Chapter Text

“Ah! Welcome, Severus! It’s a pleasure to see you again! And this must be Harry Potter,” Narcissa said, extending an elegant hand toward Harry.

Harry stared at Narcissa, eyes huge. He paid no heed to Severus spelling away their soot. “Are you a princess?” he asked.

Narcissa made her tinkling laugh. “Merlin! No, Mr. Potter, but I am a lady, and I thank you for the compliment. I am Narcissa Malfoy. It is my pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Harry repeated, remembering his etiquette lesson earlier with Snape. He wiggled in Snape’s arms to be let down, then gave a short bow.

Narcissa laughed again. “Well, aren’t you a perfect gentleman! Do let me introduce you to my husband, Lucius, and our son, Draco. He is five years old, just like you, Mr. Potter! May I call you Harry?” 

Harry didn’t know what to respond to first, so he ended up bobbing his head at the introductions and the question. Mr. Malfoy was very tall, almost as tall as Snape…no, Severus…and his hair was long and very light, almost as pretty as Mrs. Malfoy. At his side was a boy with matching hair. He was taller than Harry and was bouncing a little bit on his feet.

Mr. Malfoy shook his hand like he was a grown-up, and then the boy, Draco, stuck out his hand to shake, too. Harry had never shaken a kid’s hand before. Draco said, “Do you really have a pet unicorn foal? And you got to ride a dragon for your birthday? I always want to ride a dragon for my birthday, but mummy says I’m too little. Do you really have–”

“Draco!” Mr. Malfoy sounded kind of mad. “Do not interrogate our guest in such a fashion. You will have a better conversation if you allow him to respond. Now, it is time to lead our guests to the dining table. Severus?”

Mr. Malfoy led the way to a beautiful room filled with an even beautifuller table with flowers and plates way fancier than Aunt ‘Tunia’s and shiny silverware. Severus helped Harry sit on a chair next to him and Draco. He leaned down to give a whispered order:

“Sit still and eat politely, and you may have dessert. You may speak with Draco while you eat, but remember the manners we talked about, and do not raise your voice. Alright?” 

Harry nodded obediently. “Okay, Sev’rus,” he answered. “I’ll be good.” 

Severus smiled with his eyes and patted his back. “I know you will.”

“The Yule Ball is in only two days. I’m sure the Greengrasses will be in attendance, although with their little ones they won’t stay very late.”

Lucius chuckled. “We’re in the same boat, Cissy. If Draco stays up past 9 o’clock, it’ll be a hard day for the house-elves, and they’ll already be busy with our ball.”

“You’re right. Oh, that reminds me, Severus. You will come to our Yule Ball on New Year’s Day, won’t you? And bring Harry? Of course it will be a much smaller affair than usual since Hogwarts is finally hosting again.”

“I am planning on it,” Severus responded, wishing with all his might he could answer the opposite. Two balls, two days in a row? He would rather pickle himself in a vat of runespoor slime. But he couldn’t say no to the Malfoys…especially since they were basically his only friends. 

Narcissa beamed. “Wonderful! And that leads me to a rather delicate question. Since you’ll be there, do you think it would be wise to invite Jane Atherston? I owled her once but haven’t yet received a reply.”

Severus leaned back and thought for a minute. Jane Atherston was the grandmother of Kalia Atherston, one of his…former students. She had been a seventh-year prefect along with Hank Stathern. A year ago, she had died under…unfortunate circumstances.

He pushed down the swirling feelings of guilt and sorrow and focussed on Cissy’s question. “I think an invitation would be appropriate,” he responded. “She may not accept it, but it may be beneficial for her to be remembered.”

Cissy nodded, and there was a moment of silence for the lady’s granddaughter. Lucius broke the silence. “Now, Severus, I’m sure you were drawn into doing your part in the preparations for the Yule Ball. Please tell me Dumbledore asked you to brew a double batch of cheering potion!”

Severus scowled half-heartedly. “No, but he did make me help decorate the halls…including the ones in the dungeons. I had to manufacture an emergency to keep him from putting bells on the door to the common room.”

Cissy snickered.

Harry said, “I think that sounds nice, Sev’rus. Can we get some bells please?”

Lucius shook with laughter as he anticipated the Slytherin’s reply. 

“Erm…” Severus prevaricated. “Perhaps if there are any extra when the Great Hall is done, you may have one.”

“Wicked!” Harry beamed and dove back into conversation with Draco.

But the adults were soon interrupted by Draco politely but loudly clearing his throat. “Papa? May I ask a favour?”

“Of course, Dragon. What is it?”

“Harry has never learned to dance but we are going to a ball. Can he please come over again so I can teach him how to dance?”

“May he,” Lucius corrected. 

“Oh, certainly!” Narcissa interrupted. “Severus, you must let Harry come and have a dancing lesson, and I can take him to get new robes as well! I haven’t had Draco’s made yet since I was still deciding on our wardrobes. And I’m sure you don’t want to have to take Harry shopping again and have a long visit at Madame Malkin’s,” she added slyly. 

Hm. That was true. Severus couldn’t help but feel like everyone wanted to spend time with Harry, though. He had barely seen him all day yesterday! But Cissy’s offer was too good to refuse…and it wasn’t like Harry was his son or anything, anyway.

“Thank you, Cissy. Would you like him to come tomorrow?”

“That would be perfect! Oh, Lucius, won’t you come with us? The board really doesn’t have a good reason to meet during the holidays!”

“Ah, you know I would love to, Cissy,” Lucius soothed. “But I absolutely can’t turn them down, and I’m quite afraid of what they will do if I’m not there. They’ve already agreed to allow muggles into Hogwarts for the ball! You will just have to manage without me.”

“Well, if you say so, Luce. But Draco will miss you very much…”

“Sh!” Lucius hushed his wife with a panicked glance at his son. Thankfully Harry was holding his attention fast. “He’ll get over it.”

Narcissa hummed.

A while later, Harry tugged on Severus’ sleeve until he looked at him. “Hey Sev’rus?” he whispered. “Draco says since I don’t have a mummy or a daddy that you can be my daddy now. Can I call you my daddy even though you’re not really my daddy?”

Silence fell over the adults. Lucius turned fuschia from trying not to laugh, and Narcissa elbowed him in the side. 

“I told him you’d be an awfully nice daddy, Uncle Sev,” Draco added helpfully. “‘Cuz you know loads and loads of stuff and you already know how to take care of me so you can take care of Harry too!”

“Eurgh,” said Severus. He coughed and sipped his water. His eyes met Lucius and begged, what do I do?

And Lucius’ eyes said back, this is the funniest thing since you tried to catch the giant squid and were stranded all night on the Black Lake!  

Which was not very helpful.

“Harry,” Severus began, hoping something coherent would emerge from his mouth. “I–am not in a position to be your–a father. At the moment, Headmaster Dumbledore is finding a nice family who can take you in. You will only stay with me until the hols are over.”

Harry looked up at Severus and blinked his big green eyes solemnly. “But I don’t want to stay with a nice family. I wanna stay with you.”

“Harry…” The Malfoys were watching, and Lucius looked like his favourite show had just come on. Not that he would know what that was. Now is not the time for this. “We will discuss this later. For now, why don’t you finish your dinner and keep talking to Draco?”

“I’m all full, Sev’rus.” Harry had eaten about half of what was on his plate, but that had been pretty normal, so Severus nodded. “You may have dessert when it comes, because you have been behaving very well.”

“Thank you!” Harry beamed. He dove into his pudding, but thankfully remembered his manners and ate politely.

Severus glared at Lucius.

Lucius cleared his throat and said, “So. Severus–the mighty headmaster is finding a family for Harry Potter, then? He will want to get ahead of the headlines. Assuming he chooses a wizarding family, the child will be reentering the wizarding world. Where will he go to school? Are they simply going to keep him in the muggle world until he comes to Hogwarts?”

“I don’t know,” Severus admitted. “The headmaster hasn’t told me any names yet, but I imagine he’ll want Harry to attend a magical school. But you have a good point about the publicity. The last thing we want is him to be swarmed by reporters and adoring fans every time he goes outside.” He couldn’t help the little sneer that snuck into his voice. 

“What if he went to the Academy?” Cissy said suddenly. The men looked at her blankly. “You know, Luce! Draco’s primary school! Their security is impeccable and you know we chose them for their ability to shield the students from the press and the ministry.”

“Right,” Lucius agreed. “The Academy. The Headmistress is rather open minded and has no problems accepting students from families of all…affiliations. I’ll give you her information.”

“Alright,” Severus agreed. “I’m sure Harry’s new…family will be happy to send him there.”

Lucius and Narcissa heard the hollow tone in his voice and looked at each other knowingly. Their friend was in for it now. They would bet that by the time the holidays were over, Harry’s request for a new title for Severus would be met.

For the first time in eleven years, Hogwarts was having a ball, and she had never been more excited. Her witches and wizards were decking her halls and charming the corridors with trees, garlands, tinsel, and bells. 

Hogwarts turned on her holiday music. It was an ongoing game with Flitwick, one of her favourite Charm masters. Every year he got closer to finding the source of her music-making charm. This year he made it to the right corridor. But success would not be his this season.

In honour of the special guest artists of the Yule Ball, Hogwarts had added Gentri to her playlist. They were a singing trio of wizards who had graduated just yesterday, it seemed. They were each from different houses, and besides the fame their inter-house cooperation brought them, their success was nearly entirely attributed to the Ravenclaw mastermind who composed all of their music. They had a special place in Hogwarts’ heart, since the fruit of their friendship would be enjoyed by millions. And tomorrow night, they would be heard ringing through her walls.

Her favourite Potions Master (but don’t tell Salazar) and his little boy walked her halls in the twilight hours after supper. They both had strong, beautiful magical cores that she trailed her magic in as they passed through to the dungeons. After a long day of shopping, little Harry Potter was ready for bed. Hogwarts would watch over them as they slept, just like she always did and always would for the wixen within her walls.

Severus wearily helped Harry into pyjamas and tucked him into his little green bed, which was still in the corner of Severus’ bedroom. The elves would have more time after the ball to make them a wizarding space bedroom. Harry rubbed his eyes sleepily but asked, “Read me a story please?”

So Severus sat beside him with his feet hanging off the foot of the bed and read a ridiculous book about a magical Christmas tree and Harry squirmed up close and tried to read along until his eyes were more closed than open and he snored for every word Severus read. Severus carefully slid out from under him and tucked the covers up to his chin and tried not to think about Harry wanting to call him Daddy and if Dumbledore had found a family yet and how this Christmas would be different from every other Christmas he had ever had. 

Severus went to bed with a head full of thoughts, and he woke hours later to screams.

Wand in hand, binding spell on lips, defensive stance, wandless lumos . 

No attacker.

Harry screamed again. Severus dashed over, heart in his throat. He sounded tortured. His blankets were twisted and tangled and the black kitty had fallen to the floor. “Harry,” he called. “Harry!”

Harry gasped awake and covered his mouth with both hands. “Harry, sh, it’s alright. You were dreaming. You’re at Hogwarts, in my quarters. Do you know who I am?”

Harry’s terrified eyes met his, tearfully. “Daddy,” he mumbled. He threw himself at Severus and burrowed into his stomach. He grabbed handfuls of his night robe and shook. 

Severus’ hands automatically cradled the boy, pulling him tighter into his chest. “I’m here,” he murmured. He cupped the messy black head with one hand and awkwardly rubbed his back with the other. “Shh, Harry, it’s okay. It was just a dream.”

“But it hurt, Daddy,” Harry sniffled.

Severus tried to pull Harry away to see his face. “What hurts, Harry?”

Harry shook his head frantically and held on tighter. He kicked the blanket away and climbed into Severus’ lap so he could latch onto his neck. Severus held on, too, and rocked back and forth. “Where are you hurt, Harry?”

“My arm, Daddy,” Harry whispered. If his face hadn’t been in Severus’ neck, he wouldn’t have heard. “An’ my tummy feels lots better but still it hurts sometimes.”

“Okay,” Severus whispered back. He rubbed up and down Harry’s back. The blue pyjamas were soft under his fingers. “Were you dreaming about when you got hurt?”

Harry nodded. 

“Can you tell me how your arm got hurt?”

Harry’s hands fiddled with his hair, tickling his neck. His breaths puffed on Severus’ neck. “I was runnin’ from Dudders and I falled down, an’ then I had to go in my cupboard and it kept hurtin’ worse and worser until it stopped. But when I dreamed, it didn’t stop,” Harry whimpered. “It just hurted and hurted.”

“Okay,” Severus sighed. Obviously he would need to do some serious diagnostics. Thank goodness Poppy was back. They would visit her as soon as this Yule Ball fiasco was over. But he needed to make sure Harry was okay now.

“Can you sit for one minute and show me your arm, Harry? I promise I won’t go anywhere.” 

Harry’s arms tightened for a second. “You promise?”

“I promise.”

His arms loosened. Severus set Harry on the bed and conjured a handkerchief…and when Harry looked clueless about it, he wiped his wet cheeks and red eyes and told him to blow. “Now,” he said briskly. “Which arm is hurt?”

Harry held out his right arm.

Severus held it loosely and cast a localised diagnostic spell, designed to show all past and current injuries of a delineated area. He frowned at the results. The arm had been broken once and healed a day later, and the wrist had been sprained twice, two years apart, before it was broken. He guessed that Harry had been dreaming about the break six months ago, which had healed incorrectly thanks to “pure natural magic”--or in other words, accidental magic. Because the child’s guardians had put him in a cupboard and neglected to deal with an actually broken arm. 

“S–Sev’rus?” Harry looked wary, backing away so his back was to the wall but not in the corner.

Severus quickly corrected his murderous expression and turned his hands face up on the bed. “I apologise, Harry. I was thinking of something else. Will you let me heal your arm?”

Harry frowned. “But it already healed itself.”

“Yes, your magic healed it, but the bone was broken so it healed incorrectly. I will need to rebreak it and heal it again.” 

Harry looked terrified now and started edging off the bed. “No, please, it’s already healed itself, it’s okay!” 

Severus bit back a sigh. “Harry,” he explained with fabricated patience, “I promise you, I will not hurt you. I will give you a potion so you don’t feel any pain, and you will just feel a funny pop in your arm. Will you let me help you, please?” He had found that telling his Slytherins what to expect usually made them more compliant, and they were just slightly taller children.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Harry looked at him, seemingly debating in his mind, and then nodded and scooted over until he was right in front of Severus again.

He moved back to kneel on the floor so Harry could sit on the edge of the bed. “Now,” Severus said, accioing a numbing potion, “drink one mouthful of this and then you can watch me perform the spell.”

Harry obeyed and simply looked fascinated as Severus carefully corrected the break in his arm. Another common healing spell showed him the bones inside the arm, and Severus was satisfied to see them all properly aligned. That done, he addressed the next issue.

“Does your stomach hurt now, Harry?”

“My stomach is my tummy?”

Severus nodded.

“Nope!” Harry said cheerfully. “Nothing hurts anymore! I like that potion. Even though it tastes like mouldy cheese,” he added. 

Severus smirked. “As it should. I will now perform a spell that will show me why your stomach hurts,” I hope , he added internally. “Can you lie down?” He wasn’t sure he knew enough healing to diagnose many stomach problems. He mostly dealt with upset stomachs from eating too much sugar or stomach bugs, or the occasional appendicitis (although he was working on some potions for that).

Harry lay on his bed and watched as the spell popped out a parchment. It didn’t have anything unusual, just a slightly weak stomach lining. “Hm. We will have to wait until we see Madame Pomphrey, then.”

“Is Ma’am Pomphy a doctor?”

“ Madame Pomphrey is the healer and mediwitch that takes care of everyone at Hogwarts. We will go see her after the ball. Do you think you can go back to sleep, Harry?”

“Madame Pomprey,” Harry repeated. “Yes, I can sleep.”

Severus tucked him back in. 

“Sev’rus?”

“Hm?”

“Are you mad that I called you Daddy?”

“I…no, I’m not angry. I just…I was angry about something else.”

“Oh. So…is it okay if I call you Daddy? Only I don’t want to go away an’ live with a nice family.”

“Why not?”

“Cause…cause ev’rybody says the Dursleys are a nice family, and Dudley is such a nice little boy, and I don’t wanna be with them no more.” 

“Anymore,” Severus corrected automatically. His throat was tight with anger and something else. “Harry, the Dursleys were not a nice family and the way they treated you was despicable. You should be treated with great care and have food and clothes and a bed, not whatever excuses they made for what they gave you. The headmaster will make sure you get to stay with someone who will l–” the word almost stuck in Severus’ throat but he forced it out “love you. And I can only take care of you temporarily until the students get back.”

Harry whispered something into his blankets.

Severus pulled the blankets away from his face. “Pardon?”

“Why can’t I stay with you permamently?”

“You…” Spell, Harry’s eyes were so green. “You will be happier with a real family.”

Harry looked away, his little brow furrowed. Finally he said, “I’m gonna go to sleep now.”

Severus recognized his dismissal and retreated to his own bed, noxing the lights and waiting until Harry’s breaths evened out to let himself go to sleep.

But sleep did not return easily that night. 

Harry was quieter than usual at breakfast, listlessly stirring his oatmeal and picking at his fruit. Severus sipped his coffee and felt like a failure. How had this boy become attached so quickly? Why did he have to ask for the one thing Severus couldn’t give him?

“So, Harry,” Severus tried awkwardly. “Are you excited for the ball tonight?”

Harry shrugged.

“Your friend Draco will be there, and you can dance with him,” Severus tried.

Harry nodded. He took a bite of melon.

“Erm…would you like to spend the morning with Min–er, Professor McGonagall?”

Harry quickly shook his head.

“Oh. Um…what about Hagrid? I think he has some baby kneazles.”

“No, thank you,” Harry said politely. He took a bite of oatmeal.

Severus sighed. “What would you like to do?”

“What are you doing today, sir?”

Back to sir, were they?

Why did Harry want to know–oh. Oh .

“Actually,” Severus casually sipped his coffee. “I was thinking of going flying.”

Harry finally met his eyes. “Really flying?”

“Really,” Severus answered. “Perhaps you would like to join me?”

Harry nodded, and kept nodded as he finally started talking. “Yes please! Can we go right now? Can I bring my kitty? Can we–”

“After breakfast,” Severus interrupted hastily. They would both need their energy.

Of course Harry loved flying. Of course he was a natural. He was a Potter. Severus would have hated the reminder of the older Potter, but he was too busy holding tight to Harry in front of him and listening to the sounds of pure joy of the little boy in his arms. Harry whooped and hollered and laughed, and they were only flying slowly around the pitch.

Severus sped up, pulling the broom up so they rode up and down in waves. Harry gasped and grabbed his arms. “Sev’rus! Can we fly upside down?”

“Not in this lifetime,” Severus answered dryly.

Harry apparently didn’t mind too much, since he leaned back into his chest and sighed happily.

Severus held him tighter. Was this what it could be like? A child who is happy with you just because you take them flying? That depends on you for every little thing and trusts you to give it to them? 

Harry pointed up at the owls flying around the Owlery Tower, his mouth wide in wonder. The wind blew in their faces, almost too cold. The sun sparkled on the snow. 

Could it be?

Chapter Text

Severus knelt in front of Harry and began tying his tie. It was green with a silver design to match his green robes. Harry had had some reservations about wearing what looked like a dress, but according to Narcissa, Draco quickly won him over. Now Harry was bouncing in excitement about his “real-life wizard’s clothes”.

“Settle down, Mr. Potter. You are not a flobberworm. Do you want your tie tied properly or not?” 

“Sorry, Daddy,” Harry clasped his hands in front of him and squeezed tightly. “Do you think Draco and his mum are here yet?” 

Severus glanced at the clock. It was a scant six minutes to eight, which meant they had to leave. “I have no doubt. The Malfoys are, above all, punctual.” 

Harry nodded seriously, although Severus doubted he knew the meaning of the word. “We should be punctual, too, right Daddy?”

Severus brushed his hands over Harry’s shoulders and stood up, taking his hand firmly. “Indeed. Punctuality is a basic necessity in polite society. What are the rules?”

“Stay close,” Harry began reciting obediently. Severus shut the door behind them, feeling the wards confirm that they were locked behind them. They started up the stone corridor. “Say hello and nice to meet you, but only say my first name. Severus?”

Severus hmm’d distractedly. They could hear faint strains of music now, and Severus was just now fully realizing that he would be in the company of lots and lots of people–including some of his…former associates. 

“What’s my other name again?” 

Severus looked down, letting them come to a stop. “Potter. Your name is Harry Potter,” he answered quietly. 

“Oh yeah!” Harry walked ahead, pulling on his hand. “And no eating nothing except if you give it to me.” 

“No eating anything,” Severus corrected nervously.

They turned the last corner and were greeted by a lively scene:

People filled the grand Entrance Hall, talking and laughing, while children ran around and between them. Wixen and Muggles were more alike than not. All the women wore long, fancy gowns, and jewels sparkled in their swept-up hair. The men were more sedate in their solid-coloured robes and suits, although a few stood out with their more…cheerful attire. Dumbledore would almost blend in tonight.

As the solid double doors swung open to admit more guests, snow swirled in, mixing with the magical snow falling from the ceiling to dissolve in thin air. Pine garlands and holly branches swooped from the rafters, creating a rustic atmosphere along with the decorated pine trees all around. Fairies and candles twinkled together with swirling, sparkling glass globes. From inside the Great Hall music could be heard, playing classical ancient melodies that Hogwarts had always known.

Harry stood gaping and then ducked back to hide behind Severus’ black robes. Well, they were trimmed with silver and green, of course. He wasn’t a Scrooge. He just liked black. He let Harry hang on to his robes as he started forward, catching a glimpse of Minerva in the crowd. 

Before they reached the laughing professor, a clock struck eight o’clock and a hush fell over the crowd. The music stopped, then began a rousing rendition of “The Holly and the Ivy” and the doors opened.

“Welcome! Welcome, one and all!” A beaming Dumbledore greeted them. His normal pointed hat had been replaced with a floppy red one with a white pom-pom. It matched his red robes trimmed with white. Every muggle-born child under the age of 11 cried, “Santa?” They gaped and he twinkled as people rushed in, filling the dance floor and falling upon tables of refreshments and wassail.

“Happy Yule, Severus! And little Harry. What smart robes you have!” 

“Thank you, Sa–sir,” Harry responded shyly. Severus merely nodded.

“Do enjoy yourselves, won’t you? I don’t want to see you leaving early like last year!” 

“I will stay as long as Harry does,” Severus replied drily, stepping past. Dumbledore couldn’t respond before he was set upon by a lady in a rather alarming hat. 

“Stay close, Harry,” Severus said and began looking for someone he knew. There! One of the fathers of two of his Slytherins. He could have a reasonably intelligent conversation.

Severus started through the crowd, but he had to stop every few steps as someone greeted him. Each time he stopped, Harry bumped into the backs of his legs. He would walk, stop, bump. Walk, stop, bump. He glared behind him. 

Harry looked up at him. “You said stay close,” he reminded him. 

Severus rolled his eyes and continued. A few steps later, a familiar face stopped him yet again (bump. “Sorry,” Harry whispered.) before he could reach his goal. 

“Professor Snape,” the elderly witch greeted him.

“Lady Atherston,” he said, surprised. “You look well.” And she did indeed, at least, better than she had last year at her granddaughter’s funeral. 

“You are very kind,” she responded with a slight, polite smile. “I trust you are well this season?” She glanced briefly behind him. 

“I am indeed. I am pleased to see you accepted the invitation. I believe you received one from the Malfoys as well?” 

The polite smile grew more fixed. “Indeed I have. But I am afraid at my age, you simply can’t do as much…I will have to speak with Narcissa; I really couldn’t commit myself.” 

Severus nodded, although he knew the woman was barely seventy, if that. But life had not been kind to her of late…

“I was unaware you had a son, Professor,” Lady Atherston continued, with another glance to the side. 

Severus reached behind him and drew Harry out. “It is a temporary situation, Madame, he is simply my ward for the time being. We are looking for a suitable home as his parents have passed.” 

“Aah,” the Lady said, nodding in understanding. Nearly all orphans were victims of the First Voldemort War–and there were quite a few of them. 

Severus bit back a sigh and hoped that she would not raise a fuss. “Lady Atherston, this is my ward, Harry Potter. Harry, remember what I taught you.”

Harry extended a hand to the elderly witch, who thankfully had the presence of mind not to show her surprise. “Nice to meet you, Lady Ather–Aster–”

“Atherston, my dear. Aren’t you a precious one? And you in your lovely green robes, just like–” she stopped. Severus shifted. Lady Atherston’s smile wobbled. “I had a granddaughter who wore robes just like these,” she finished. 

Harry smiled up at her. “Was she a Slytherin too? I’m gonna be a Slytherin when I’m big like Charlie. ‘Cept he’s a Gryffindor.” 

Lady Atherston shot an amused glance at Severus, even as she straightened and blinked back tears. “Yes, she was in Slytherin. Your Professor here took very good care of her,” she added firmly. “Ah, there’s Minerva. It was a pleasure to see you, Professor Snape, Harry,” and she sailed off, leaving a beaming Harry and a stiff Severus behind. 

“Daddy?” Harry tugged on his robe. Severus looked down, forcing his face into a neutral expression. “Who’s that on the stage?”

Severus looked over the see Gentri setting up amplifying sticks–magical microphones–on the stage. The small chamber orchestra who had been playing struck up “The Wassail Song”. As the three wizards began to sing, people filled up the dance floor. 

“They are Gentri,” Severus said. Seeing Harry’s blank look, he explained, “They are wizards who often perform in the Muggle world since there are more opportunities there. The headmaster invited them here to perform since they all used to be students here.” 

Harry gaped at the stage, but he couldn’t see over all the people. With a pout, he lifted his arms. Severus prevaricated. He didn’t want to completely ruin his reputation tonight. All of his current students, as well as many former and future students, were here. But then Severus looked down at Harry, so he picked him up and set him on his hip. “They all went to Hogwarts?” Harry asked. 

“Indeed. I had the great fortune of attempting to teach them while they attempted to brew while singing,” Severus replied sarcastically. Not that it was really a problem while brewing–most potions had a specific rhythm–but it had been distracting for the other students, which was never a good thing. At least only one was a Slytherin. “Can you guess which one was in which house?” It would be interesting to see if Harry had learned all the house colours and names yet.

Harry frowned thoughtfully, putting a finger to his chin in an adorable imitation of Dumbledore. “Hmm. I think…the one in the green suit is Slytherin?”

“Yes, that’s Brad Robins. Can you spot the Gryffindor?” 

Harry pointed to the singer in the burgundy suit. “Good, that’s Casey Elliot. Now what about the one in black? His name is Quinn Lever.” 

“Hmmm…” Harry watched the singer in black as he smiled and sang. He put a hand on Casey’s shoulder and grinned when a few people joined in on the chorus. 

Love and joy come to you

And to you a Wassail too

Harry patted Severus on the shoulder to get his attention. “I think he’s a Hufflepuff?” 

“Are you asking me or telling me?” 

“Asking,” Harry replied impatiently, surprising a laugh out of Severus. Usually that made his students stand firm in their answers, correct or not. Smart boy. 

“Very good. Yes, he was in Hufflepuff. The most annoyingly cheerful one I’ve ever met,” Severus muttered. 

Harry bounced a little in his arms as they started a new song. Severus saw Lucius with a group of wizards and decided to try to avoid them. He really didn’t want more connections to pure-blooded supporters of the Dark Lord…he wasn’t sure if Lucius was just keeping up appearances or if they were actually agreeing on something together. 

“Daddy?” 

“Hm?” At this rate, no one, not even Lady Atherston, would believe Harry was just his ward. Not that it would matter once the term started. Dumbledore would find the perfect family for him–-

“What about Ravenclaw?”

“What?”

“There’s only three of them. How come there’s no Ravenclaws? Don’t they like them?”

Severus shifted Harry a little higher so he could see the stage better. “Look behind them, at the piano. See the man in the blue suit?”

“Uh-huh!”

“That’s Stephen Nelson, a former Ravenclaw. He writes all of their music and plays it, wherever they go. He started experimenting with magical instruments at Hogwarts and now they use a transfigured piano that creates waves of magic as well as sound waves.” Severus stopped himself before he got too technical.

“Wow,” Harry whispered. He wiggled in Severus’ arms to be let down. “Can we go up there and see them?” 

“All right, just for a minute.” Severus took Harry’s hand in one hand and clutched his wassail in the other (definitely not spiked, thank you, Minerva). Harry towed him through the crowd until they reached the stage.

Harry stared, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, seemingly unbothered by the music blasting right in front of him.

The song ended, and Brad came to the edge of the stage and crouched down. “Hey there, little man. What’s your name?”

“Harry,” he replied, jumping a little as the microphone amplified his voice over the crowd. There was a hush as most people fell quiet. Severus edged closer and put a hand on Harry’s shoulder, not wanting him to be centre stage tonight. 

“Pleasure to meet you, Harry. I’m Brad, and this is Casey and that’s Quinn. Do you have a favourite song we can sing for you tonight?”

Harry gasped and looked up at Severus questioningly. He nodded, wondering what he would say. Harry looked back at Brad and leaned into the microphone he held down. “Can you play Deck the Halls?”

“We sure can, buddy. Steve? Light ‘er up!”

Harry grinned up at Severus as the song began, and he had to admit, the beat was catchy. 

Harry danced with the other five-year-olds, all waving arms and wild abandon. Severus noted that Harry took a while to warm up, though– as if he'd be scolded for being too active. He was pleased to see Draco pull him onto the dance floor and show him how to dance the can-can. Pansy Parkinson– another Slytherin if he ever saw one– showed him how to waltz.

The song ended, and Harry ran up to Severus at a small side table, breathless. "Wow, Daddy!" he exclaimed. "They're sooo good! I love dancing! Do you know how to dance?"

"I– " Severus began, caught between lying and the truth. He does not want to lie to his new son, especially not over anything so trivial. But to admit that…

"That's okay, Daddy, I can show you!" Harry grabbed Severus' hand and tugged, undeterred by his comparatively diminutive strength. "Draco's a really good teacher, ya know."

The problem was, Severus did know. At least, he knew Lucius was a good teacher, so it made sense that Draco was, too. Lucius had been teaching Severus dances and etiquette since he first took him under his wing at Hogwarts. And the dances were definitely not limited to the proper old-fashioned waltzes and such. But it had been five years since Severus had even tried…

"Please dance with me, Daddy?" Harry's eyes were big and wide, and Severus could tell he wanted to beg but was too afraid to ask for too much. That made up his mind. He would not say no to his son who had already heard it too many times. If dancing was all it took to make him happy, so be it.

The first beats of 'We Three Kings" had already started, and people were piling onto the dance floor again. Severus held Harry's hands and began a quick two-step. Harry tried to keep up, but it was too fast and people were pressing close, so Severus picked him up and held him close, holding his left hand with his right. He caught a glimpse of Lucius grinning knowingly and Narcissa smirking into her drink.

Harry wrapped his other arm around Severus' neck, and the music swelled into the chorus, and Severus thought he had never been this happy. It was like magic was swirling in the air.

Severus shook his head at his ridiculous sentimentality and stomped his foot, bouncing Harry up and down. Harry shrieked with laughter and pointed up at the ceiling. "Look! It’s so pretty!" he cried. Severus glanced up and almost dropped Harry. Magic was swirling in the air, golden spirals that Severus hadn't seen in 11 years. 

He looked around to see if anyone else had noticed, but no one was looking at them or at the ceiling above them. Huh. Lily could always see it, and Harry could, too, apparently. 

"Yeah, Harry, it is," Severus murmured. He was tempted to Occlude, but he counted his breathing and focused on Harry and it was okay. It was more than okay.

The evening wound on, and Severus made sure Harry sat down and ate enough food to count as dinner. After a while, Severus sat near a wall and watched Harry dance, not wanting to draw any more attention to himself. He would have to get back at Lucius for teaching him so many different dances. Even former spies didn't want to draw attention.

Poppy sat by him and handed him a plate with a few appetizers. "Harry looks like he's having fun, doesn't he?" 

Severus nodded, watching Harry shriek with laughter as the Weasley twins (Merlin save him when they turn eleven!) twirl him around. "Yes," he answered wistfully. 

Severus didn't see Poppy's knowing glance and smile, but he asked, "Will it be all right if I bring him by tomorrow morning for a check-up? I meant to bring him before but Narcissa insisted on taking him to get robes for tonight."

"Of course. Bring him by after nine and I'll be ready. Anything I should know beforehand?"

Severus hesitated for a long moment, fingers tapping on his glass, but only said, "Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow." 

Poppy nodded. "Save a dance for me later?"

Surprised, Severus nodded, and she watched Harry dance for a few more minutes before moving off to see someone else.

By 9:30, Harry was shuffling more than dancing, and Mrs. Weasley had already taken her youngest children home. Severus drained his wassail and came up to Harry. "One more song and then it will be time for you to go to bed, Harry." 

"Aww, Uncle Sev," Draco whined. "Can't we stay up until midnight? I wanna sing the Yule song!"

"You may stay up as long as your parents allow, but Harry will be going to bed at a reasonable time. Harry?"

"Will you dance with me 'gain, Daddy?" Harry held up his hands, smiling sweetly.

The strains of a gentle slow song started from the stage. Severus picked Harry up and held him close. Harry cuddled closer with delight, his little arms squeezing around his neck. Severus closed his eyes and began to sway.

All is well, all is well
Angels and men rejoice
For tonight darkness fell
Into the dawn of love's light
Sing Ale
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Let there be peace on earth
Christ has come go and tell
That He is in the manger
Sing Ale
Sing Alleluia
All is well all is well
Lift up your voice and sing
Born is now Emmanuel
Born is our Lord and Savior
Sing Alleluia
Sing Alleluia
All is well

By the time the last strains of the recorded orchestra faded away, Harry was fast asleep, a warm weight in Severus' arms. He slipped out of the Great Hall and wended his way to the dungeons, enjoying the dark quiet of the empty halls. Even most of the portraits were empty, the inhabitants having crowded into the frames in the Hall. 

Torches flickered to life as Severus passed, sending shadows dancing across the chilly stone walls. Strains of music followed them faintly until a secret shortcut took them too far away to hear. In the middle of the hallway, Severus tapped his wand on the brick that revealed his private quarters, and slipped inside, shifting Harry in his arms to slide his wand back into its holster.

In Harry's room, Severus carefully took off his shoes and dress robes to go back into his closet until graduation. He summoned Harry's pajamas–-the blue ones, just like the wizard with the hopping pot–-and spelled them on. He turned down the covers and tucked Harry in, smirking when Harry nuzzled the pillow just like he had nuzzled Severus' chest earlier.

He placed Harry's stuffed cat within reach and then cast several wards and alarm spells that would notify him if he woke up or had a nightmare. That done, he closed the door and left his quarters, making sure they were secure before heading back up to the ball.

As midnight drew nigh, Severus danced with Poppy as Gentri sang something about angels and shepherds. They chatted about her holiday, Harry, potions, and Harry. Severus ended up telling her what he knew so far. She was understandably angry (which made Severus a little bit nervous to be dancing so close to her) but she promised to be ready and calm for Harry. 

"Besides, based on what I've seen of you tonight, you're quite good for him," she added softly. 

Severus looked away. "It is only temporary. He should not get too attached."

Poppy hummed. They swayed a few steps closer to the open balcony doors where people were beginning to gather. "You know, Severus, I think you might be surprised at what is possible." 

Before Severus could think of a way to respond, the song ended and a gong began to toll. People crowded to the balcony, where the dark sky waited in anticipation. Poppy dragged Severus around the side where they could see the sky without being too crowded. The gong rang deep, and everyone began counting...ten, nine, eight...

Severus looked up at the sky and thought of Harry. Could it be? 

Three, two, one...

"Happy New Year!" 

As fireworks exploded and people kissed, Gentri and the band kicked up "Auld Lang Syne" and drinks began to flow. Severus took one last look at the sky, filled with more colours than he thought were magically possible. Anything seemed possible tonight. 

Chapter Text

Severus collapsed into bed just shy of two o’clock in the morning. Everyone had gone home except the staff and the few remaining students. His Slytherins and Harry were all safely in bed. The castle was finally quiet. Dumbledore had bid him a happy new year and rambled a bit about fortune before going off to bed with a concerning wobble. Severus made sure he had a few sobriety potions in stock in case he came to him instead of Poppy.

His wand buzzed a few hours later. Severus counted his regrets and wondered if Minerva had managed to spike the punch after all. It was the holidays, he could stay in bed…but he had to take Harry to see Poppy and do a half dozen other things to prepare for the new semester. Oh, and celebrate Christmas with Harry a week late.

First things first.

Harry was, surprisingly, still asleep in his little green bed, so Severus let him be and took a long, hot shower. When he began making a simple breakfast of toast and eggs, the pattering of footsteps told him Harry was awake.

Severus turned and intercepted Harry before he ran into the counter with sleepy, half-closed eyes. Harry hummed and leaned on his shoulder. He watched Severus make two plates one-handed, with coffee for Severus and milk for Harry. They sat down and Severus turned Harry around so he could eat. 

Halfway through, Harry seemed to finally wake up. “Last night, we danced?”

“Mm-hm,” Severus muttered into his coffee.

“And Dumblydore was Santa?”

“You could say.”

“And there were fireworks?”

“You heard them? You should have been asleep.” 

“Just a little bit,” Harry assured him. He shivered. 

Severus tightened his arm around Harry’s waist. “You were frightened?”

“Nope,” Harry answered quickly. “I was…nervous.” 

Severus hummed. “In the future, if you need me, you may call Blinky the house elf to come and get me.”

“Kay.” Harry shoveled another bite in. 

Severus finished his plate and watched Harry finish his toast with quick bites. He still ate quickly, but not quite as fast as he had when he first arrived. He seemed to have gained a little weight, too. “When you are finished, you will get dressed and we will go see Poppy–Madame Pomphrey–for a checkup.”

Harry stopped eating. “A checkup?”

“She will make sure you are healthy and growing properly, and we will see if you need to take any potions.”

Harry fiddled with his toast. “I think I’m okay? I don’t need a checkup?”

Severus tried to read his expression but he was looking down at his mangled toast. “You do not need to worry. It is standard procedure. Surely you–” Oh. Well. “Have you ever had a checkup before, Harry? Did you aunt take you to the doctor?”

Harry shook his head. “Nooo…but she took Dudders sometimes and he always howled and howled and said it hurted like the dickins.”

Severus sniffed. “Obviously your cousin is prone to exaggeration to further his spoiling. But you should know, Harry, that muggle doctors are rather different from mediwitches’ procedures.” At Harry’s little frown, Severus clarified, “Your checkup will not be the same as your cousin’s because we will be using magic. It should not hurt at all, but if it does, we will warn you before and do everything we can to make it better. Alright?”

Harry thought about this. He chewed on a piece of toast and asked in a small voice, “No prickly needles?”

Severus had had to reassure several muggleborn students with the same concern. “No needles, Harry, I promise. Just potions.”

“Nasty potions.”

“Brat. You’ve hardly had any yet.” 

“Are there more that taste better?”

Severus couldn’t answer in the positive. Harry huffed and leaned back against him. 

“Are you finished?” 

Harry crammed the rest of his toast in his mouth. Severus made a disapproving noise. “Do not stuff your mouth, you might choke. I will not take it away if you are still hungry.”

Severus made sure Harry chewed and swallowed, then gave him his cup of milk. “Are you still hungry?” 

Harry shook his head. 

Severus snorted and wiped away Harry’s milk mustache. “Up with you now, let’s get you dressed. No, you cannot wear your hopping pot pyjamas all day,” he snapped, and Harry clicked his mouth shut. 

Harry leaped in an incomprehensible pattern down the stone corridor to the Hospital Wing. When they reached the doors, he couldn’t open them and so was forced to wait for Severus to catch up. He glared fiercely at Harry’s impatient dancing. 

“Control yourself, Mr. Potter. We are not at a playground.” 

“Yes, Sev’rus,” Harry stilled obediently and slipped a hand into his. 

Severus covered his surprise (both at the hand-holding and Harry’s easy obedience) and they entered the wing. 

Poppy awaited them eagerly. “Good morning, Harry! It’s a pleasure to meet you properly. I am Madame Pomphrey, the mediwitch of Hogwarts. How are you doing today?” 

“Good.” Harry smiled shyly at her. 

“Wonderful! Severus, I thought I would ask if you want to do the checkup in my office or on a bed. Either way is fine with me.”

Severus considered Harry, half-hidden behind his leg. “Would you like to sit on one of these beds, Harry?”

Harry considered them and shook his head.

Severus cupped his hand over Harry’s ear and brushed his thumb across his cheek. “How about…if I sit with you?”

Harry nodded, and they sat side by side at the head of the closest bed. Severus stretched out his legs and watched Harry stretch his out, too, in a vain attempt to appear taller. Harry huffed. 

Severus smirked. “After you take some potions and eat lots of vegetables, you will grow up and have long legs like mine.” 

Harry considered their legs. “That long?” He sounded skeptical. 

“Indeed. Now, be good for Poppy.”

The medi-witch came over with a rolling table and a clipboard. She smiled at Harry. “Well, Mr. Potter, let’s have a look at you, shall we? Please hold still while I cast some spells.” 

Harry was remarkably obedient–unnaturally so, Severus thought–while Poppy ran several diagnostics and created his medical file. Severus sat back and watched, knowing they would discuss everything in detail without Harry in earshot. 

When she finished, she seemed satisfied if not pleased. “Good job, Mr. Potter, you did quite well. Would you like a chocolate frog for being so cooperative?” 

Harry looked like he didn’t know whether to be excited or grossed out. “A frog…made of chocolate?”

Poppy smiled and summoned a chocolate frog from her office. “Open it and see.”

Harry looked up at Severus, who nodded, so Harry wrestled open the box and squealed as the frog leaped out onto the bed. “Is it alive?” he whispered. 

Severus felt the urge to laugh. “It’s just a charm that makes it move. See, now it’s just chocolate.” 

Harry frowned at the frog in Severus’s hand. “You can have some, too, Daddy,” he offered generously. 

Severus wondered for a second about Harry switching between calling him ‘daddy’ and ‘Severus’, then he shrugged and broke off a leg of the frog. “There, see? Plain old chocolate.” 

Finally Harry took the frog and tentatively bit off another leg. His eyes widened in wonder. “Mmm! It’s yummy!” Then he added, “I never had no chocolate before.” 

“Any,” Severus corrected automatically, and met Poppy’s sad gaze with a glare. They needed to talk but he didn’t want to hear her go on about the ‘poor, deprived child’. Even if he was. 

“Sit here and finish your chocolate, Harry. I need to talk to Madame Pomphrey in her office, but we’ll just be a few minutes.”

“Oh…okay.” Harry was a little nervous but kept nibbling. It wasn’t like Sev’rus was going far. Never mind that last time they were apart, Harry had almost had a panic attack. Luckily, Aunt Minnie was really nice and had turned into a cat so he could be the kitty and calm down. She had even agreed that they didn’t need to tell Sev’rus about it since he was okay. 

Harry finished his frog and looked over at the windows, licking his fingers thoughtfully. What could he see out the windows? Sev’rus said to sit there, but he wouldn’t know if he left the bed, right? But the windows were kind of far from the bed. 

Harry looked at the office, and back at the windows. If he was fast he could just peek real quick and get back on the bed. Besides, he could hear yelling out of the window and it made him equally curious and nervous. 

Before he could lose his courage, Harry slipped down and dashed for the window. Way down below, he could see grass and some trees in the distance. To the right he could see the tall towers for kidditch and some big kids flying around. From this far away they looked as tiny as owls!

Harry took one more look–-was there something swimming in the lake?--and then ran for the bed as fast as he could. Then he waited, panting, legs curled up, for the office door to open. Would Sev’rus be mad? Could he tell that he moved?

But the office door didn’t open. Harry relaxed and looked around for something to do, but there was nothing except beds within reach. He was considering sneaking over to the door to eavesdrop when the big doors opened and someone came in.

When the person came closer Harry saw that it was Santa–or rather, the old man who twinkled like him. Today he wore sparkly blue and green robes that flashed different patterns when he walked. His eyes twinkled at Harry as he approached. 

“Well, hello, Harry, my boy,” the man said. His name was something funny, like bumblebee. Bumbledoor? No, Dumblydore. He came up to the bed and smiled down at him. “May I sit down?”

“Yes, sir,” Harry said shyly. He glanced at the office door. Still closed. 

“And how are you getting on with Professor Snape, my boy? I trust he is treating you well?”

“Uh-huh! He made me my very own bed and gives me food lots and lots every day, and he says I gotta take potions so I can be big and strong like he is and have long legs,” Harry informed the man.

“Very good, very good, my boy,” Dumblydore smiled, but he didn't seem very happy. “Harry, I'm sure you understand that Professor Snape is a very busy man with lots of important responsibilities. He did not plan to take care of a little boy when he became a teacher here. When the students come back, he will be very busy again, and he won't have time to give you the attention you need.”

Harry's stomach felt like a big heavy ball was sitting in it. He clutched at his knees and hoped that his Sev'rus would come out right then.

“We have been doing our best to find a nice family for you to stay with, my boy,” Dumblydore beamed. “Perhaps one with a boy your age that you can play with, hmm?”

This was even worse than Harry thought. A nice family, complete with a boy like Dudley? Why couldn't Harry just stay with Sev'rus?

“I--I can be real good, Mr. Dumblydore sir, I promise. I can cook and clean house and be super quiet, I won't bother Sev'rus at all, please can't I stay?”

“Oh, Harry, I'm sure you enjoy being here at the castle, and Severus doesn't mind having you for a few days. But once classes start again you will need to be with a family and go to another school so you can be ready to come to Hogwarts when you are eleven. Don't you want to live with a nice family, my boy?”

Harry shrugged, looking at his toes. Dumblydore seemed determined to send him away, and he wouldn't listen to Harry. Even if Sev'rus did want him to stay, Dumblydore would make him. Harry folded his arms and didn't look at the twinkly old man anymore.

Finally Dumblydore left, and Harry fell onto his side, grabbing the pillow tightly. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to breathe better. Sev’rus wouldn’t let him go away, would he? He gave him his own bed and clothes and toys and food. He said he wasn't Harry's daddy, but he didn't look mad every time Harry checked. He let Harry call him daddy at the ball and even danced with him. That meant he loved him, right? 

But he said you can only stay temp'rarely, a little voice in his head whispered. He said you would be happier with a nice family, too. So you’ll have to go to a nice family and cook and clean and be quiet just like at Aunt and Uncle’s. 

“No,” Harry whispered. “Sev’rus is strong, and he wants me to stay. He made me a bed.”

A bed made with magic can disappear with magic, too, the little voice scoffed. Besides, Dumblydore has more magic than Sev’rus. You can feel it.

“I know,” Harry whispered. If Dumblydore wanted to send Harry to a nice family, Sev’rus couldn’t stop him. And that meant that Harry had no hope. No hope at all. 

He buried his head in the pillow to muffle his cries.  

Severus finished the painful discussion with Poppy having finally reached a consensus on which potions to start when for Harry’s vaccinations, healing, and nutrition. He assured her that he was discussing the Dursleys with Dumbledore and that they would not go unpunished. Finally, just as lunch time was getting close, he was able to open the office door and head back to Harry…who was curled up, still as a mouse, on the bed where he left him. 

“Harry?” Severus rushed over and lifted Harry up to inspect him for injury. “Are you all right?” 

Harry hung limply in his arms and didn’t answer. His face was a snotty mess of tear tracks and red eyes, but he wasn’t crying anymore. 

“Harry?” Severus glanced worriedly at Poppy and sat Harry in his lap. But the tiny boy didn’t lean into him like he usually did. 

Poppy came around and cast a diagnostic spell. “Nothing wrong physically, it looks like he’s just upset about something.”

“Obviously,” Severus muttered, and tilted Harry’s head up to see his face. “Harry, can you tell me what’s wrong? I can’t do anything to help you if you don’t tell me.”

But Harry just shook his head and pulled away from his hand. 

“We're running out of options, my boy. The Brightons simply don't have the capacity for the high level of security that Harry needs. Of course, nothing can compare to the blood wards, but–”

“He is never going back there!” Severus protested fiercely. 

“Calm down, Severus, I wasn't about to suggest it. I just mean that most people, like the Brightons, can't or won't have their home be under the same protection as, say, Hogwarts.” 

Severus was quiet. “Is there no one else?”

“I have a few more contacts, so I haven't given up hope yet. But, Severus, perhaps you could be prepared to have Harry stay with you a little longer? If we don't find someone by the time the students return, maybe we can have the staff take turns watching Harry. Although, he should really be in school…” Dumbledore trailed off thoughtfully. He looked weary, and Severus felt a twinge of guilt that he couldn't explain. It wasn't as if there was anything he could do.

“We'll make it work, Headmaster. Just keep me informed. I'm going to go ask the house elves to make a temporary bedroom for Harry, but…” Severus trailed off.

“Yes?”

“I just--we can't let Harry think this is a permanent arrangement. He's already getting too attached.”

Dumbledore just smiled, eyes twinkling like mad. “I'm sure everything will work out, my dear boy.”

Harry remained listless and quiet, and Severus was reaching his wit’s end. They had another week before the students would return, and Severus hated the thought of sending Harry away without resolving the issue. He could leave Harry with Minerva for most of the next few days so he could brew potions and finish getting ready for his classes. He didn’t know how she was done already. It seemed like Severus had more to do every year. 

Well, maybe he added things to his list every year. In his four-and-a-half years of teaching, Severus had had a steep learning curve in how to deal with teaching classes, brewing potions, and (what Severus considered most important of all) being the Head of Slytherin House, which brought its own challenges. It was easier, in a way, now that all the students that had known him as a student had graduated. 

But it was harder, too, because they all looked up to him and trusted him and depended on him nine months out of the year. And there was only so much he could ask of his prefects. 

Speaking of which, Leo Green continued to avoid him and the rest of the Slytherin students. Severus had let him be, but he was determined to get through to the child before the next term started. 

Severus delivered a silent Harry to Minerva for the second day in a row and went to find Green before starting on unpacking potions ingredients. He checked the common room and found it occupied with most of his remaining students. Westcote, Compton, and Blockley were huddled in front of one fireplace discussing Quidditch strategies and complaining about the snow. Romford had his nose in a book in front of the other. His red-pyjama-clad legs stuck out over the edge of the chair.

“Mr. Romford.”

The legs kicked up in surprise and the book thumped. Romford's face appeared over the top of the chair. He rubbed his forehead and said, “Professor?” 

“Have you seen Mr. Green this morning?”

“Yeah. Er, yes, sir. He actually came down for breakfast and then disappeared. I don't know where he went, though.”

“Hm, thank you, Mr. Romford. And one more thing?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Get yourself some decently coloured pyjamas, will you? I won't have Gryffindor colours in my common room.”

Severus ignored Romford's snort of laughter and swept out.

Unfortunately, Green was better at hiding than Severus had time for. He wasn't in the Great Hall or library, and after checking a few other common first-year hangouts, Severus gave up for the time being. At least the snow meant everyone was trapped inside today. No picking ingredients either…

When Severus went to pick Harry up, Minerva was a little worried about his mood. “He's been quiet and listless all day, and he was quiet yesterday, too. I checked him for a fever but it was normal,” she fretted. 

Severus sighed and looked at Harry, waiting patiently–-or at least, quietly--by the door. “Harry? Would you like to tell Minerva what's the matter?”

But Harry just shook his head.

Severus sighed again and shrugged at Minerva, and they went home in silence.

That night, putting Harry to bed, Severus was surprised to hear a little voice call, “Sev'rus?” as he was leaving the room.

“Yes, Harry?” Severus asked hopefully.

“Did Dumblydore find a nice family yet?”

Severus swallowed. “Not yet, Harry. He said you might have to stay here a little bit longer. But I promise you will stay with someone much better than your relatives, all right?” And much better than me, he added mentally. 

Harry perked up a bit with his answer. “Okay. Good night, Daddy.”

Back to Daddy, now? “Good night, Harry.”

Severus sat by the fire with his class lists and reminded himself that he never asked for a kid anyway. It was only the presence of the little boy in his room that kept Severus from pulling out his bottle of firewhisky. Less than a week left, and Harry won't even look at me. Great job, Severus. He stayed up late that night, reviewing class lists, going over family names, and wondering why none of those families seemed like a good fit for the Boy-who-Lived.

“What do you mean, there are no better options? What about the Siegfrieds?”

“They moved to the States to teach at Ilvermony.”

“The Black sister, the one who supports the light and married a muggle.”

“They work full time and have a daughter of their own.”

“Spell, the Weasleys!”

“You said yourself they would not be able to give Harry the time and attention he needs, and besides, there are the issues of money and security. Yes, we can help with that, but it is too much to ask of Molly right now. And I don't have any more ideas.” 

Severus stopped pacing and spread his hands wide. “Isn’t there anyone?”

“Why, yes, Severus, I believe you’re forgetting the best option.” Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled merrily. 

“Who–wait. No. No, no, no. Harry would never be happy with me.”

“Interesting that you say that, and yet it seems to me like Harry is happier here than he has been in a long time.”

Severus glared. “And it is because of that ‘long time’ that he must be placed with a family who can properly care for him.”

“Severus.” Dumbledore stood up. He came around his desk with a parchment in hand. “I wish you would understand that one does not need to be in a conventional family in order to be happy and cared for. Furthermore, you should know that I have perfect trust in you to do what is best for Harry were you to adopt him.”

“Adopt–!” Severus gasped. 

Dumbledore handed him the parchment. 

Severus read it. 

Dumbledore waited.

“I can’t,” Severus whispered, but there was longing in his voice. 

“Talk to Harry,” Dumbledore whispered back. 

Severus stared at the parchment for a long minute. Then he turned and walked out the door, not even a by-your-leave left behind in his single-minded focus.

Severus put away the parchment out of sight, but it remained in his mind's eye all day as he brewed.

Severus knocked at Minerva’s door and was quickly greeted by a frazzled looking Professor. This was concerning in itself, since Severus had hardly ever witnessed a hair out of place on the stern witch. 

“Thank goodness you’re here! Harry, look who’s back!” Minerva called behind her, and gestured for Severus to enter. In a quick whisper she added, “He’s been rather difficult and unhappy. We had a small incident of accidental magic, but nothing to worry about.” 

“Oh? His bouts aren’t usually that small.”

"He just got a bit frustrated with colouring and decided to send the pencils all over the floor." Minerva sighed. “I don’t understand. He used to be quite happy to play or color, but I couldn’t get him to do anything today. He’s been like this since Sunday. Today he decided to hide under the couch in his animagus form, and I haven’t been able to get him out without forcing him. I didn’t, of course!” she added at Severus’s glare. “I figured if he wanted to hide that much, he could. I think he was just waiting for you.”

Severus made a skeptical noise but moved toward the couch. Based on Harry’s behaviour the past few evenings, Harry wouldn’t be any more interested in talking to him than to Minerva. But they had to get home and have dinner, so Severus knelt by the couch and called, “I’m back, Harry, time to go home.”

Harry mewed. 

“You know I don’t understand cat. Come out and change back, please.” Nothing. “Now.” Severus growled a bit more than he meant to. But it seemed to work because a tiny black snout appeared, followed by the rest of the kitten. 

Harry transformed and backed away from Severus’s knees, averting his eyes. Severus looked at him for a few moments in silence, then sighed. 

“Say goodbye to Minerva, Harry. We need to go have dinner, and I have something to discuss with you.” 

Green eyes flicked to his, then over to Minerva, who smiled patiently. “Thank you, Aunt Minnie.” Another glance at Severus. “Sorry I was bad.”

Minerva came closer and patted Harry’s shoulder. “You weren’t bad, dear, just a little upset. I’m sure Severus will make you feel all better.” She ignored Severus’s scowl and ushered them out the door with a whispered, “Good luck!”

Severus walked slowly beside Harry, who dragged his feet all the way to the dungeons. Severus used the time to think of how to phrase his question.

Do you want to live with me for years until you’re grown up? Do you mind if you have to stay in the dungeons just because they’re the safest place for you? Do you actually want me to be your daddy for real, or are you just playing an extended game of pretend?

Severus called for their meal and they ate in silence. Harry sat in the opposite chair and ate steadily until he stopped. Severus didn’t push him (he had learned quickly from that mistake) and picked at his food until Harry was done. He cleared his throat awkwardly and said, “why don’t we go sit in the sitting room?”

Harry shrugged and slid down from the chair. Severus sent their plates back to the kitchens and followed, stomach churning. Harry still wasn’t looking at him. He hadn’t smiled at him since…when was the last time? The ball? The morning after? It already felt like ages.

Severus sat next to Harry on the couch and began, “So, Harry, you know that the headmaster and I have been looking for a nice–-a good family to take you in.” 

Harry clenched his fists and tried not to think about throwing up. This was it. Sev’rus was sending him away to a nice family and he would never see him again. The man kept talking, but the words buzzed through Harry’s head like he just got whacked. 

Then Sev’rus was holding his shoulders and calling his name, looking all worried and caring. “Harry? Did you hear what I said?” 

Harry didn’t want to look at his nice face and the way he looked at Harry. “You’re sending me ‘way and I have to go now,” he repeated obediently. 

“That’s not what I said, Harry.” Severus shook his shoulders a little, not enough to hurt. “I asked you if you wanted to stay with me instead. Here at Hogwarts, I mean. Where you have been.”

Harry’s world screeched to a halt. He stared at Sev’rus’s face and felt his big hands weighing down his shoulders. 

“Unless you don’t want to, of course,” Severus knew he was babbling but he couldn’t stop. Harry’s green eyes were so wide he thought he might fall in. And he still wasn’t smiling or anything! This was not good. Blasted Dumbledore and his crazy ideas. “We can still find another family, it’ll just take a little bit of time. Until then I’ll have to be your guardian, but you don’t have to be adopted or anything, I know–”

“Adopted? So I can stay forever and forever?”

Wait. What?

“That is an option, yes,” Severus answered cautiously. 

Harry leaned closer. “You want me to stay? You won’t send me away to a nice family?”

“If that is what you want–”

“I want to stay. Please!” Harry cried desperately. “I’ll be quiet and good and do all my chores, I promise!”

“You don’t have chores,” Severus reminded him faintly. He thought in the back of his mind that Dumbledore would be twinkling like mad if he saw this. He always loved to be right. “If this is what you want, then I will…adopt you. Officially. As my son.”

Harry gaped and leaned into his hands so Severus was holding him up by the shoulders. “So you’ll actually be my daddy? Not just for pretend?”

“Actually and really,” Severus answered quietly. His heart was beating rather fast.

Harry studied his face, looking at every part as if searching for a hint of falsehood. Severus let him and simply waited. Finally–-finally!--Harry nodded and said, “kay.”

“Kay?” Severus echoed. Was that it? When his own heart was about to fall out of his chest? 

Suddenly, his chest was hit with a tiny black-haired child who wrapped his little arms around his neck in a pathetic attempt at strangulation. Severus’s hands, suddenly freed from holding shoulders, decided to continue working as patters and rubbers. Severus held Harry close and shushed him gently. His arms found their places around the boy quite naturally, and it felt right. 

After a minute of sobbing and soggy apologies, Severus sat back on the couch and summoned a blanket. Merlin knew they would be there for a while, and the dungeons were always cold. He rubbed Harry’s back and murmured, “You don’t need to apologize, I quite understand.” 

Harry’s sobs began to taper off and he moved his head over to Severus’s other shoulder with a sigh. One of his hands found its way to Harry’s hair. Severus noted it was a little long. He would need a haircut soon, he thought. Harry would still be here to get a haircut, he realized next. It was a heady thought. 

“Harry?’

“Yes, Daddy?” 

Severus hesitated to ask again if Harry really wanted to stay. He suddenly felt a little ridiculous asking for reassurance from a little boy. Harry had made it fairly clear that he didn’t mind living with Severus. “How would you like to have Christmas?” he asked instead. 

Harry’s head popped up. “Really and truly Christmas? And I maybe get a present?”

“I’m sure we could find you one somewhere,” Severus answered dryly. 

Harry’s eyes were wide as he whispered, “Wow.” He laid his head back down on Severus’s shoulder and tightened his arms around his neck. “I get to stay and I get Christmas. This is the bestest day ever.” 

Severus hugged his little boy and decided that he agreed. 

Chapter Text

After getting Harry ready for bed, they read stories until Harry fell asleep. Severus tucked him into the little green bed for the last time. Tomorrow they would set up his new room with–Severus shuddered–all of his new toys. At least he wouldn’t be tripping over them in his own room anymore. He made sure the little black stuffed kitty was tucked in next to Harry and set the usual monitoring wards. Then he set out with a few missions in mind. 

First, he checked in on his Slytherins in the library. 

“Romford.”

“Huh?” The seventh year looked up, bleary-eyed.

“Did you have dinner?”

“Er…no, sir. I forgot.”

“Lunch?”

“Er…” Romford looked around his book-strewn table. “I had some sandwiches? I think?”

“Romford. I made you Head Boy because you are responsible. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can I expect you to take care of the other Slytherins?” Severus made his voice stern, but he wasn’t really angry. The boy was under a lot of stress.

“Sorry, sir. I can go check on them now.” Romford got up, face red.

Severus waved him to sit back down. “I’ve got it, just let me know if anyone doesn’t show up before curfew. Tilly.” 

A house elf popped in.

“Bring a generous plate of dinner for Mr. Romford and a light snack later.”

Tilly nodded and popped out.

“Where do you think the rest of them are now?” Severus asked.

“Well, Hempstead is around here somewhere, and Hardy is playing Quidditch with the three others. Green was in the common room the last time I saw him.”

A steaming plate of food popped onto the table.

“Well, it’s past curfew for him, so he’d better be,” Severus said grimly. “If he’s not, I may enlist your assistance to find him. Make sure you keep an eye on the time, Head Boy.”

“Yes, sir!” Romford grinned and slid the plate closer. He propped a book open in front of him and began reading and eating at the same time.

Severus shook his head and left him to it. He found Hempstead studying nearby and also ordered him a plate of dinner, and on the way to the dungeons he watched the other four flying around the Quidditch pitch.

Leo was in the common room, watching the fish and Giant Squid through a window. He saw Severus coming by his reflection on the glass and turned around warily.

“I am pleased to see you keeping curfew. I merely wished to ascertain your well-being and inquire about your day.”

Leo gave him a strange look but said quietly, “It was fine.”

Severus waited.

“I visited Hagrid.”

“He is well-known for being friendly, especially to first-years. I trust you survived any encounters with his rock cakes?” 

Leo gave him an even stranger look.

Severus’ lip twitched. 

Leo smiled a tiny bit. “Yeah. Dipped in tea they aren’t so bad. I like his toffee, though.”

“It is slightly less dangerous to the teeth,” Severus agreed. He nodded toward the Black Lake through the window. “You are free to enjoy the view as much as you like, but please be in bed by ten o’clock. Come to one of the older years or myself if you need anything.” 

Leo looked down. “Yes, sir.”

“Leo.” He looked up, startled to hear his first name. “I mean it. If you need any support, no matter how small, I am here to provide it. That does not just apply to school affairs.” 

Leo stared at Severus for a long moment. Then he looked away, at the window. He didn’t answer.

Severus braced himself, just a little bit, before entering the staff room. Back in his first couple of years, a few staff members had made it clear that he wasn’t welcome. It was only when he and Minerva had started to understand each other better that he felt able to walk in casually. 

Now, a few of them even smiled at him. Minerva and Dumbledore, of course, and Pamona, surprisingly. She had been quite vocal in defending her Hufflepuffs from his “dubious influence”. Her language, which he had overheard last year. 

Apparently he was deemed worthy enough to be granted a Christmas smile. 

Severus slipped in and caught Dumbledore’s eye. The man nodded and cast a sonorous to be heard over the noise of the full room. Everyone was there, even Filch. 

“If I may have everyone’s attention. Severus has an announcement to make.” 

The room fell quiet. All faces turned to Severus.

His stomach twisted. Why did they all have to be here?

“I–” Severus’s voice cracked, and he cleared his throat, mortified. “I would like to make an announcement.” Dumbledore had already said that.

The headmaster nodded encouragingly. 

Severus strengthened his occlumency barriers and cleared his throat. No matter what their reactions were, they couldn’t stop the adoption, so it didn’t matter what they think. 

But maybe it would be better to ease them into it, maybe tell them a few at a time…no. Best to bite the bullet. Dumbledore wouldn’t let anything happen. “I’m adopting Harry.”

The room was silent for three long, heart-stopping seconds. Sprout blinked at him like a stupid, wide-eyed badger. Then Trelawney dropped her glass, shattering it and the silence. The room exploded with cheers. The staff went wild. They descended on Severus like a horde of birds, all smiles and shaking hands and “Wonderful, just wonderful news, it’s so touching–” Severus was already used to tuning out Charity Burbage’s sentimental babbling.

Trelawney passed around wine glasses and bottles of firewhisky, and Severus realized with horror that she meant to propose a toast. “Well, I’ll just be going then–” he began, but suddenly Dumbledore was in the way. 

“Not yet, my dear boy. A toast!”

Everyone held aloft glasses suddenly–magically–filled with bubbling firewhisky. 

“To family, to the joys of lost souls finding one another, to parenthood,” Dumbledore beamed at Severus, who was bright red. “To Severus and Harry. May they have all the happiness they deserve.”

“To Severus and Harry!”

As firewhisky was consumed, Severus really, really wanted to leave. But he had one more item on his agenda, and it had to happen tonight. He cleared his throat and tried to get everyone’s attention. Dumbledore helped him out again, and once again Severus hid a cringe at the scrutiny. 

“I have a small favor to ask. It concerns Harry.” As Severus explained, faces lit up with glee. Of course, Severus thought. I should have known they would do anything for Harry.

Severus snapped the door closed behind him with a dramatic flair and the rest of the staff looked at each other in astonishment. Minerva and Poppy met each other's growing grins while Filius and Pamona began twittering in delight. Minerva had anticipated this before, and maybe Poppy had, too, but the rest of the staff seemed blindsided by their youngest colleague's request. Blindsided, but very excited. Severus didn't know what he was asking for.

That evening, the professors descended as a horde on Diagon Alley to catch the shops before they closed. Minerva kept an eye on Albus, knowing how much he wanted to spoil Harry. Severus knew this too, because he had told the man “No more than three presents, Headmaster. Three. I am sure a wizard of your brilliance can manage that.”

Apparently, Albus had taken that as a challenge. The last Minerva saw of him before she went home was him haggling a shopkeeper over a complete set of charmed stuffed animals: “Could you wrap them up all in one package and make it look like they came together?”

Minerva hoped Severus knew what he was getting into.

The next morning, Minerva led her colleagues in a scraggly line down to the dungeons. They had all four heads of house, the DADA professor, Poppy, Binns, Trelawney, Kettleburn, Aurora, Septimus, and even Argus joined them halfway through with Mrs. Norris in his arms. She seemed resigned to the gold bow around her neck. Minerva knew how she felt. 

Albus tailed their procession, still trying to charm his robes and hat to coordinate in some kind of eye-watering design. Minerva had threatened to leave him behind when he dithered, trying to add more stuffed animals to the “set”. Finally he decided he had “a bare minimum” and shrank everything as they headed down the hall.

Severus answered Minerva's prim knock and froze for a split second at the site of them. She knew he hadn't expected this many, but honestly, that's what you get when you invite the staff in general and there are only a few days left before the students get back. Vacation made them all a little crazy. 

“Er, come in,” Severus swung the door wide. “Harry's just in the bedroom, I wanted…this…to be a surprise. He doesn't know we're doing it today.”

“Thank you, Severus. Should we put our presents under the tree?”

“That's fine. Tea?” 

A general murmur of consensus went up, and everyone crowded into the small sitting room. Albus conjured more chairs. Blinky popped in with tea for everyone while Severus went to get Harry. 

They chatted quietly, and Minerva tried to think of how to make this as quick as possible without being rude or disappointing Harry. She knew Severus hated having people in his rooms--spell, she had only been there once, and it had sort of been an emergency. The rest of the staff, besides Albus, hadn't been there since Severus moved in. 

Minerva caught a few comments about how different the decor was and hoped Severus wouldn't get offended. 

A gasp made her turn around, and a general coo went up at the adorable sight. Harry, in Severus's arms, rubbed his eyes in sleepy astonishment. He wore blue-footed pyjamas with cauldrons all over. Minerva held back a snicker. 

“It’s really Christmas?” Harry whispered to Severus, who nodded. 

“Hullo, Harry! Happy Christmas!”

“Well, aren’t you a lovely lad?”

“Harry Potter at Hogwarts for Christmas, isn’t it perfect?”

“Good morning, Harry…morning, Severus.”

Severus came in without comment and sat in the chair by the fire, which Albus had lit. He eyed the huge pile of presents nervously. It was a bit intimidating. It rather dwarfed the two-foot tree.

Harry waved shyly.

Severus cleared his throat and nodded at them all. He patted Harry on the back and said, “Well, Happy Christmas, Harry. Thank you…all…for coming.” 

“Of course, Severus!” Poppy cried. “We wouldn't miss this for the world! Little children make Christmas so much better, wouldn't you say?”

Murmurs of agreement came from all around. “Except for the ones we teach,” Aurora muttered into her cup. 

Severus smirked. 

“Why don't we take turns and give Harry our presents?” Filius suggested. 

Harry looked up at Severus suddenly with a painful-sounding thump to his chest. “Presentsss?” He whispered, holding out the ‘s’. 

Severus raised an eyebrow. “You don't think they came just for tea, do you?”

Harry frowned thoughtfully at them all.

Severus snorted and looked at Albus. “Headmaster? Why don't you go first?”

Albus beamed and summoned his pile of presents. He presented them grandly to Harry one at a time, and the small quarters were soon filled with chatter and laughter as Harry opened present after present. 

They settled into a routine, with Septimus taking a few pictures here and there. Severus hadn't wanted any but he never argued very long with Albus. Minerva gave Harry her presents--a few little cat toys and a pretend wand, which she had won an argument with Severus about–and sat back to watch the rest. 

Harry was shy at first but warmed up as he opened his presents. Severus reminded him to say thank you until he remembered it on his own. Harry was content to sit in the man's lap, and he handed each present to him after opening and inspecting it. Harry treated every present almost equally, and with abundant gratitude. 

His astonishment gave Minerva a lump in her throat. She heard Pamona sniffling suspiciously behind her a few times. Hopefully she would keep the waterworks under control. Severus seemed happy to take each present from Harry and set it aside, forming a growing pile. He engaged in conversation a few times but mostly watched Harry. 

By the time the presents under the tree had dwindled to a handful, Harry and Severus both seemed overwhelmed. Severus handed Harry another present, but before opening it, Harry looked up at him with a frown. “Daddy? Don't you have any presents?”

The room went quiet. 

Severus cleared his throat. “I already had my presents, Harry. Remember? Christmas day was before I--before you came here. This Christmas is just for you.”

Harry kept frowning. “Did you got lots of presents, Daddy?” 

Now everyone was looking elsewhere. Minerva knew exactly what they were thinking. This year, Severus had received exactly two presents. Well, maybe more, if any of his students had been brave enough to send one. Albus had given him a nice bottle of wine, and Minerva had given him a specialised cauldron and stirring rod that could be used with certain types of Transfiguring potions. After Severus’ scathing condemnation of Christmas and presents and holiday cheer in general during his first year teaching, everyone received the message loud and clear: Severus Snape would not appreciate presents from anyone, and you could be hexed at best and poisoned at worst if you tried. 

Severus glanced at Albus and then at Minerva. “I received several nice presents, Harry. Here, why don't you open this one from Professor Vector?” 

Harry stared at the rest of the presents under the tree, ignoring the one in Severus' hand. He looked up at Severus, chin trembling. "Are they all for me?"

"Yes. They all got presents just for you."

"Daddy," Harry whimpered, his breath quickening.

Severus quickly stood up, cradling Harry close. "Excuse us for a moment." They disappeared into the same room they had come out of. Minerva heard Harry begin to cry before a silencing spell went up. 

The staff generally felt rather awkward as they waited. They drank more tea and vanished some of the paper. Minerva continued her conversation with Aurora about her Astronomy classes while they waited.

A few minutes later, Severus and Harry came back out and sat down like nothing had happened. Severus handed Harry the present from Septimus. "Go ahead, open this one."

“Okay.” Harry carefully opened the present–a child's introductory book on runes–and then looked back up at Severus. “Maybe we can share, Daddy?” 

People covered chuckles as Severus stared down at Harry. “Err…all right. Maybe. Here, open this one.”

By the time Harry finished, it was nearly nine o'clock, and Minerva had heard several stomachs rumbling. As soon as Harry finished, she stood and clapped her hands. “Wonderful! You have a lot of playing to do, don't you, Harry? Now I think the house elves are quite ready to serve us breakfast in the Great Hall. Let’s not keep them waiting!”

“Will you two be joining us, Severus?” Albus asked.

Severus hesitated and looked down at Harry. Harry squirmed around in his lap until he could whisper something in his ear.

Severus whispered something back.

Minerva tried not to listen (Harry didn't want to go; Severus agreed) and everyone shuffled around awkwardly while they sent teacups back to the kitchen and vanished the wrapping paper and bows.

“I think we will eat in our quarters this morning,” Severus said finally. He stood and propped Harry on his hip. Minerva was suddenly struck by how natural he looked. Harry seemed completely comfortable, too, in a way he wasn't around Minerva.

“That's fine, my boy. It's a holiday for you, after all. Did you finish your lesson plans?” 

Severus nodded. 

“Very good, my boy. Let me know if you need anything, will you? Happy Christmas, then!” Everyone followed Albus's lead as they wished the pair Happy Christmas and trooped out the door. 

This time, Minerva was last, and she glanced back at them, hand on the doorframe. They seemed--small, in a way, clinging to each other. Harry leaned his head on Severus's shoulder and waved to her. Severus nodded and said, “Thank you, Minerva.” She smiled at them and closed the door behind her softly.

As soon as the door closed, Severus heaved a sigh of relief and looked at Harry. Harry looked at Severus. Severus raised an eyebrow. Harry raised both eyebrows, frowned, and held one side down while he lifted the other. 

Severus laughed. Harry pouted. 

“Hungry?” 

Harry nodded.

“What would you like?” 

Harry ducked his head shyly. “Can we have pancakes?” He whispered.

“Pancakes?” Harry had never asked for a specific food before. 

“I made pancakes for Aunt an' Uncle an' Dudders on Christmas before, but they ate them all up and I only had a burnted one,” Harry explained.

Severus wanted to squeeze every tainted memory out of Harry and never let those green eyes be sad again. “Of course you can. Pancakes with syrup and whipped cream and chocolate, I imagine?” He asked dryly.

“And strawberries?” Harry whispered. 

Severus hitched him higher and blew in his ear, making Harry giggle. “And strawberries.” 

They ate on the couch, Severus in his normal robes and Harry in his hopping pot pyjamas. Severus found that he enjoyed strawberries on pancakes almost as much as Harry did. 

They ate until they were stuffed and then sat and played with various presents. Severus repaired the immediate damage from Harry's practice wand (thanks a lot, Minerva), helped Harry build a train track suspended in the air, and made him chase the cat toys around the room. 

In the middle of the runes book from Vector, Harry fell asleep in his lap, and Severus accidentally joined him before he could decide what to do in the meantime. 

Severus woke to Harry poking his nose with the stirring rod from his child's potion set. Not a new one, but the one Severus got him, before. That made Severus strangely happy. 

However, he put on a scowl and snatched the rod away. “And what did I tell you about playing with potions equipment, Mr. Potter?” 

“Umm, not to? But I wasn't,” Harry assured him. “I was doin’ a happy Christmas spell.” 

“And that required poking my nose why?”

“So you can smell the yummy smells, obbioushly,” Harry answered confidently. 

Severus couldn't help chuckling. “And what smells are those, Mr. Potter?”

Harry sniffed. “Roast beef, and rolls, and maybe some trickle tart?” 

Severus suddenly realised that he could smell them, too, and looking around, found a covered tray on the table that the elves must have left. His stomach gave a loud grumble. Harry stared at it.

“Treacle tart,” Severus corrected him, standing up. He uncovered the tray and they both inadvertently smiled at the sight. 

“I know, it's my favourite too,” Harry said. 

They sat down and ate. It was already almost 2 o'clock so it might have been there for a while, but it was still hot and fresh. Harry bounced as he ate and hummed snatches of a song Severus didn't know.

“Daddy?”

“Hmm?”

“After lunch, can we make biscuits?” 

“Biscuits?”

“You know,” Harry said. He adopted a lecturing tone. “They're nice and crunchy and sweet and have lots of colours, but you gotta put your own colours on if you want them to be the best. Aunt Minnie said so.”

“And Aunt Minnie knows best,” Severus murmured, but he thought it was a decent idea. Not that he had ever made biscuits before–his mother usually didn't have either the money or the energy or both--but he was a potions master and an adult. How hard could it be? 

“All right, Harry. Finish your lunch and we'll see if the elves can get us the ingredients.” 

Harry cheered and fell on his food with renewed gusto.

This was a mistake. Severus really needed to look into the effects of children's accidental magic on unsuspecting adults, because Severus was sure that if he had been in his right mind he never would have agreed to this.

Flour covered the kitchen. Flour covered the floor, the counters, the walls, and the ceiling. At least the ceiling was already white. Flour covered Severus and Harry. . .and Severus was pretty sure that since the kitchen was very small–more of a kitchenette, really–flour covered part of the floor in the sitting area. 

Harry was unbothered. When Severus had bit back his first, second, and third responses to the flour explosion, Harry had taken his silence as consent and laughed so hard he almost fell off the chair. (Luckily Severus had put up protective barriers.) Harry had happily stirred the dough, distributing a good portion of it on the counter.

Then came the rolling and the cutting, which made Severus wish he had some of Lily's talent in Charms. Thankfully, Harry was content to do it the muggle way. 

Severus pulled the last batch of biscuits out of the oven and then watched Harry squirt a glob of green icing onto a vaguely tree-shaped biscuit. Then he grabbed the sprinkles and applied them with the same amount of care that Severus usually gave his more delicate potions. Severus held in a laugh as Harry's green-tinted tongue poked out of the corner of his mouth.

When Harry finished, Severus put the biscuit on the second plate, filling it up. “There. I think that'll do, Harry.”

Harry looked concerned. “But we still got more biscuits!”

“ Have more biscuits,” Severus thought quickly. “If we decorate them all now, we can't decorate any tomorrow. Besides, we have to let these cool first before we ice them.”

“Oh. Okay. Can we take them to Mr. Dumblydore and Aunt Minnie now?” 

“Headmaster Dumbledore, Harry. Although I'm sure he would be delighted if you called him Uncle Albus.” Actually, Severus wasn't sure that wouldn't get him a scolding look at least, but Dumbledore did dote on Harry a ridiculous amount. 

Harry looked thoughtful. “Uncle Albus. Do you think Uncle Albus will like the biscuits, Daddy?” 

“Oh, I’m quite sure he will,” Severus said. “He might even like them more than his lemon drops. But we can’t take them until we clean up.”

“Oh.” Harry’s shoulders drooped. He got down from the chair and pulled it over to the sink. He climbed up and looked around.

“What are you doing?”

“Lookin’ for a towel to clean up with,” Harry responded. 

“Harry.” Severus pinched his nose. He had a sudden mental image of a scrawny five-year-old Harry scrubbing the counters with hands red from scalding hot water. “You do not need a towel to clean up. We have magic, remember?”

“Oh yeah!” Harry exclaimed. He jumped down from the chair and ran over. “Can I watch you do magic, Daddy?” 

Severus cleared his throat. “Watch? You’ll do better than that, young man. I expect you to learn the spells and be able to recite them for me when we are finished.”

Harry giggled, then covered his mouth and tried to look serious. “Are you gonna troll me?”

“Troll you?”

“Like your essays,” Harry said, as if that made sense.

“Essays…? Oh, you mean grade , Harry. And yes, I will grade you. I expect you to get at least an Acceptable.”

“I’ll get an Accepable, Daddy,” Harry said determinedly.

“Acceptable,” Severus corrected.

“That’s what I said.”

“Nevermind. Watch. Scourgify .” Severus waved his wand over the countertop and flicked it diagonally down. 

“Scourgify,” Harry repeated obediently. He waved his hand in imitation.

Severus waved the dishes into the sink and flicked his wand at them. “Aguamenti. Lavarops. Ah, spell. Tergeo!” The water vanished from the countertop and the dishes continued washing themselves with more caution.

“Avamenti, lavaros, ah spell, tergeo!” Harry cried enthusiastically.

“Harry,” Severus scolded.

“What?”

“Nevermind.”

They watched the dishes fly back to the cupboards. “Did I do acceptable, Daddy?” Harry asked. 

Severus ushered him out of the kitchen area towards their room. 

“Exceeds expectations, I’d say. Go put on your shoes while I wrap these up. And your Christmas robes from Aunt Minnie!” he called after Harry as he ran down the hall.

Severus was glad Harry didn't see him need three attempts to get the wrapping spell right. Finally, he got them to look somewhat decent and they headed out into the castle.

Harry skipped beside him singing something about reindeer. Hogwarts played along as they walked through the halls.

They went to Dumbledore's office first and stayed for tea and lemon drops (for Harry). Dumbledore loved the biscuits as much as Severus thought he would. Harry preened under the attention.

Then they visited Minerva. Harry showed Severus what he had been learning from the tabby cat. Minerva transfigured some toys for Harry to play with in kitten form while they chatted about students. 

Severus brought up Leo Green, remembering how closed off he had been the night before. “He stays in his room or the common room most of the time, and I think he's avoiding me. I don't want to push him too hard, but this can't go on.”

“I saw him coming out of the library yesterday,” Minerva said thoughtfully. “Will he talk to you if you ask him about schoolwork?” 

“Yes, he'll be perfectly polite about it, at least in front of other students, but when I made him get up the other day he yelled at me. I'm afraid I haven't given him as much attention as he needs, lately.”

“He's probably testing your boundaries. See if you can get him to open up in your office or in his room before the students come back. It'll be best if he feels stable when the rest of the kids get back.”

Severus nodded and finished his tea. “Thank you, Minerva,” he said awkwardly. 

She smirked. “Anytime.”

On the way back to the dungeons, Harry held his hand and jumped from stone to stone. “Daddy?” he panted.

“Hmm?”

“When we get home, can we play a game?”

“What sort of game?”

“Umm…” Harry pretended to think, but Severus could tell he had something in mind. “Maybe we could play hide-and-seek or something?” 

“Alright,” Severus agreed, amused. That didn't require too much work from him, and if it got more of Harry's energy out, all the better. 

Harry jumped really far when Daddy agreed to play hide-and-seek and seek. It was that easy! Not even Uncle Vernon said yes to Dudders all the time. Harry had the best daddy ever.

Back at home, Harry put his shoes next to Daddy's and then said, “Ready?”

“Wait,” Daddy objected. He took off his shoes and outer robes, and helped Harry out of his dress robes. “Do you want to hide first or seek first?”

“Hide!” Harry cried. Obviously.

“Okay,” Daddy said, lips twitching. “What should I count to?”

Harry studied him closely. Daddy was really smart. “How high can you count?”

Daddy smirked. “So high you would be hiding all day. Higher than a thousand.”

Harry felt his eyes go big. A thousand ?

“Higher than a million, even.” Daddy's eyes were laughing.

Harry's jaw dropped. He didn't even know that was possible.

“Higher than a billion, if you can wait that long.” 

“Nuh-uh!” Harry cried. “You're teasing me ‘gain!”

Daddy laughed for real. “No, but I guess twenty is high enough, don't you?”

“Yeah,” Harry agreed, relieved. He couldn't even count to twenty yet. “Twenty is still a lot. Ready, Daddy?” 

“Ready. One, two, three…”

Harry ran.

An hour later, Severus sat calmly behind his armchair, using a handy little charm to spy on Harry, who stood in the kitchen with his hands on his hips. He silently turned another page of his book but didn't read yet, curious of what Harry would do next.

Harry pouted thoughtfully and turned in a slow circle. He peeked under the table again (that was the third time) and then stared into the sitting room with narrowed eyes. He started towards the room.

Severus held his breath.

Harry peeked under the coffee table and huffed in disappointment, then peered around the other armchair.

Severus could see the back of his head now, so he cancelled the charm and waited with bated breath. If Harry just turned his head...

"Found you!" Harry crowed triumphantly.

Severus knew his part well by now. He flopped dramatically to the floor and Harry pounced, little fingers scrabbling at his vest. 

Severus gave him a scant few seconds before he retaliated, tickling Harry mercilessly until he howled in laughter. Harry squirmed and wiggled, still trying to tickle the man back.

"Say uncle, Harry! Had enough?" Severus laughed.

"Never!" Harry screamed. He pounced on Severus' right arm and pinned it to the ground. Severus desisted for a moment, letting him think he'd won. 

Then he snuck his left arm over and attacked Harry's ribs until he howled for mercy. Finally, Harry sprawled on top of him, panting, letting out a stray chuckle here and there. 

Severus ran a hand up and down his back and pondered how he got here. Harry had found him a week earlier and Severus' life had changed with almost no resistance. Now, it felt completely natural to lie on the cold stone floor with his child on top of him, worn out from their nth game of hide-and-seek. 

The quiet of his quarters settled around them, and Severus wondered if Harry had gone to sleep.

His question was answered as Harry stirred and slid his arms around his neck. "Daddy," he whispered.

"Yeah?" he whispered back.

"I'm happy I found you."

Severus brought his arms up to circle Harry. His hair smelled like biscuits and little boy and home. "Me too, Harry," he whispered. "Me too."

Chapter Text

Now that they had everything ready for Harry’s room, it was time to set it up. Albus had sent two house elves after breakfast to insert another room in Severus’s quarters. Severus had convinced him it was necessary, since the other rooms were filled with potions equipment, ingredients, and books. It was all very organised and Severus didn’t want to rearrange everything if the house elves could make a new room more easily. 

Harry positively vibrated with excitement. “I’ve never had a real room before! It’s so big! I have to climb up on to my mattress!” For some reason, that was the funniest thing ever. As soon as the bed was set up (which took longer than Severus would like to admit), Harry clambered onto his bed and slid back down, bursting into giggles every time. 

Severus practised occluding his anger at Harry’s relatives while he worked. Instead he let his mind focus on storing memories of Harry’s giggles. He hovered a dresser, a desk, and a bookshelf into place, then called Harry over. “You get to choose how to put your things away. What should we put in the top drawer?” 

Harry frowned seriously. “Ummm…shirts. Then trousers.”

They put his clothes away together, Severus vanishing tags, folding them, and hovering them over to Harry, who stacked them neatly in his drawers. When Harry got distracted, Severus dropped a jumper on his head.

Harry fought his way out and glared at Severus.

He smirked. “Your hair is atrocious.”

Harry frowned. “No it’s not…What’s a trocious?”

“Atrocious. It means it’s the most horrifyingly messy hair I’ve ever seen.”

Harry patted his hair, which did absolutely nothing. “Aunt Tunia used to try to cut it, but she gave up after it kept growing back.”

“Oh?” Harry didn’t talk about his relatives very often, but Severus tried to listen when he did. He had a feeling he should get Harry to talk about them more, but he wasn’t really sure how to go about that.

“Yeah. And Uncle would always get mad.” Harry’s eyes darkened.

“What did he do when he was mad?” Severus asked quietly. Harry didn’t answer. “Harry?”

“He would just get mad. He didn’t like my hair neither.”

“What did he do, Harry?” 

Harry sniffed. “Had to stay in my cupboard an’ be quiet. Then he forgot about me an’ my hair for a while.”

“How long is a while?”

“Dunno,” Harry whispered with a shrug. He scrubbed his eyes with a fist. “Felt like a long time.”

Severus knelt in front of Harry and kept his arms open by his sides. “That was wrong, Harry. He shouldn’t have ever put you in the cupboard.” 

He shouldn’t have been neglected, or forgotten, like Severus was.

Harry shrugged again and looked away. “It was my room. ‘T’s where I was s’posed to stay if I wasn’t doing chores.” He scrubbed his eyes again.

Severus was at a loss. He felt the urge to hug Harry, but usually the boy initiated contact if he wanted it. And what could he say in the face of such neglect? He couldn’t change what happened. “I’m sorry, Harry.”

Harry looked at him, surprised. His teary green eyes were startling in their contact. “You didn’t do it, Daddy. You gave me a room. You don’t gotta be sorry.” 

“But I’m sorry you were hurt and neglected. And I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

“Oh.” Harry’s lip trembled. “I’m sorry ‘bout that too.”

Carefully, Severus reached forward and put a hand on Harry’s head. He pushed his hair off his forehead, only to let it fall back just as it was before. “Your hair’s not atrocious. It’s just part of who you are. I was just teasing you.” 

“Kay.” Harry kept looking at him under his hand. 

Severus cupped his hand behind Harry’s head and gently pulled him closer. Harry easily fell into his embrace, tucking his arms in like he was cold. Severus cuddled him close and considered putting him down for a nap, but it was still before lunch. Well, a little bit of quiet time wouldn’t hurt. And the room was pretty much done anyway. 

Severus held Harry with one arm and crawled over to sit on the floor with his back to the bed. He pulled a blanket off–it was covered in snitches, part of the Quidditch themed bedding set that Dumbledore had given him–and wrapped it around Harry. Then he pulled out his wand. “Watch, Harry.”

Harry watched as Severus magically unpacked and put away Harry’s new books and school supplies. The toys–oh, the atrocious number of toys!--he stored on part of the bookshelf. Last of all, he made sure the other shoes were arranged neatly in the closet and the night robe hung on the bedpost above the slippers. 

When he finished, he let Harry look at the room, content to sit in silence. Luckily, Harry’s tears had stopped, but he was still quiet.

If he didn’t say anything in ten minutes, Severus thought, he would suggest having lunch.

But for now? He would stay with Harry in his new–his first –bedroom. 

After lunch, which revived Harry’s spirits, Severus was determined to talk to Leo Green. They had two days before the students would arrive, and then he would have a thousand other things to worry about.

“Harry, how would you like to take a walk around the castle?” 

“Oh-kay!” Harry jumped down from the table and ran to get his shoes. “Are we going to see Aunt Minnie? Or Head-master Dumblydore? Or” Harry gasped. “Can we go see Mr. Filch and Mrs. Norris?” 

Severus snorted. Harry’s love for the cat was legendary–if only because no one had ever dared approach her before. It was really quite Slytherin of him to get on Filch’s good side. 

“We might see them, but right now we will look for a student of mine that I need to talk to. His name is Leo.”

“Kay,” Harry said agreeably. “Then we can visit Mr. Filch and Mrs. Norris?”

“If Mr. Filch is available, we can stop and visit.” Severus had begun to see more of the man now that Harry insisted on being friends with Mrs. Norris, and he found he didn’t mind the man’s gruff manner. In fact, they had very similar views about the students as a whole. 

They walked through the dungeons after checking the common room and the first-year boys’ dorm. Leo wasn’t in any of the open classrooms in the dungeon level, so they headed up to the main floor and checked the Great Hall. Empty. Severus growled impatiently.

On the second floor, they checked a study room and then headed for the library. Madame Pince smiled at them–well, at Harry, really–and went back to her book. Since she was at her desk and not back in her office, Severus knew there was at least one student in there. 

In the back of the library tucked in a chair turned to face the corner, they found him. Severus cleared his throat and prepared his “firm-but-gentle” approach. 

Harry had other plans. He broke away and ran up to the chair. “Hi!” he cried. “Are you Leo? My daddy said he’s looking for you. Are you hiding?” 

Leo scowled at Severus as he approached but answered Harry, “No, I’m just…reading. What’s your name?”

“I’m Harry and I’m five!” 

“Wait, you’re Harry and five? Which one is it?”

Harry giggled, and Severus smiled. Maybe Harry could do what he couldn’t. 

“My name is Harry and I’m five years old. How old are you?” 

“Eleven. And a half,” he added. 

“Wow,” Harry whispered. 

“Well, um,” Leo glanced at Severus. “If you don’t mind, I’ll keep reading–”

“Actually, Mr. Green,” Severus interrupted smoothly, “I would like to talk to you for a few minutes. Harry…” he frowned thoughtfully. He couldn’t very well leave Harry with Madame Pince. He didn’t know her, and besides, all the books in here were too advanced for him. “Let’s go to my office. Harry, would you like to visit Aunt Minnie again?”

Harry glanced between them. “But I wanted to walk with you.”

“We will walk some more after I talk to Mr. Green. Perhaps he would like to join you out in the snow?” 

Harry gasped. “Please, Leo? Will you come and play with me? And teach me how to build a snowman?”

Leo glanced between the two of them, shoulders tense. Severus tried to keep his face neutral. Finally, the boy sighed. “Sure.” 

Harry cheered.

Severus led them out of the library (Madame Pince frowned at him but smiled at Harry…how was that fair?) and dropped Harry off at Minerva’s office. She had been experimenting with transfiguration and seemed delighted to have someone to show off to.

Severus led a now scowling Leo to his office in silence, still trying to think how to get him to talk. “Sit.” 

He sat. 

Severus called Blinky and asked for tea. He let the boy make his own. He seemed nervous, tapping a finger on his leg rapidly. Severus decided to start easy.

“How have you been enjoying your break, Mr. Green? It seems you have found some good reading material in the library.” 

A shrug. Severus hated shrugs, they told him nothing. “A verbal answer, if you please.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What have you been reading?”

“My defense textbook.”

Severus nodded, it was a decent textbook for a mediocre teacher. “Do you enjoy defense?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Your grades in it have been quite good this term.” 

Leo tensed. Ah. Maybe they were getting somewhere.

“In fact, all of your grades have been quite good. Were your parents pleased about that?” 

Leo glared. “What’s it to you?”

“You are my student. It’s my job to be concerned about grades. What made you choose to stay at the castle for the holidays instead of returning to your family?” 

Leo snorted. “They’re not my family,” he muttered. 

Severus leaned back. That was a surprise. “Oh? You are related by blood, are you not?” 

Leo pursed his lips. “My mum, yeah. But not–my stepfather.” 

“I see.” Severus sipped his tea and waited until Leo sipped his own. “Do you get along with your stepfather?”

Tea sloshed in the boy’s lap as he leaned back. “It’s fine.” 

“I didn’t say it wasn’t. Has he written to you recently?”

“He–he’s got more important things to worry about. He don’t need me bothering him.” 

“Doesn’t,” Severus corrected gently. “What does he do if you ‘bother’ him, Mr. Green?”

Leo didn’t answer. His hands trembled on his cup. 

Severus backed off. "All right, Mr. Green, if you don't have any concerns about your homework, I'll just remind you to try to play with the other students tomorrow. I believe the Puffs and Ravens are planning a snowball fight showdown."

A tiny smile appeared as Leo set down his cup and stood up. "Yes sir. Can I go now?"

"Yes, go." Severus waved him off. He would have time later to find out more about Leo Green.

Severus kept his promise and took Harry and Leo out to play in the snow. They met up with Compton and Hardy on the way, and Harry was delighted to ride on ‘Ollie’s’ shoulders again. Dumbledore met them at the doors and turned around to talk to Severus. 

“I received an update from Lady Cantwell from the Family Services department,” he said as they watched the boys pushing an ever-growing ball of snow. “She had suggested a few names since she had placed several children after the war, but when I told her the circumstances she agreed to push it through.”

Severus looked at him sideways. “She will be properly discreet? The last thing we need is the papers involved before it goes through.”

“Of course, dear boy. She is delighted at the thought of surprising the wizarding public. She did, however, ask to meet you when we meet to finalise the papers.”

“Oh.” Something swooped in Severus’s stomach, but he pushed the feeling away. 

“Nothing to worry about. I will inform you when she’s ready. It will probably be in two days’ time–she understands our desire to get this settled before the students return.” 

Severus nodded. “Thank you, Headmaster. Oh, there’s another thing.”

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

“I will plan to enrol Harry in the Academy so he can start when the students get back. But I don’t have his records, which I think they will ask for.”

“Oh, yes. His school and medical records will need to be forwarded to you. I’ll have Lady Cantwell bring them when she comes. You should take Harry for a tour before the semester begins.” 

“Oh. Right. Yes. Meet the teachers and such.” Severus made a face before he caught himself.

Dumbledore chuckled. “It’s part of the parenting package, I’m afraid. Not to worry, my dear boy, I’m sure Mrs. Malfoy will be happy to go along and introduce you.”

“Yes, Lucius seems to approve of the Headmistress at least, despite her political inclinations. And it’s the security that matters most, anyway.”

Dumbledore hesitated like he was going to say something else. Severus thought he would say something about the Malfoys, but the old wizard just said, “Of course, my dear boy. Now I think I will go in and warm up these old bones.” 

Severus held back a snort. Dumbledore liked to act old, but Severus had seen him duel. He had more energy than Severus, most days.

Severus watched Harry pop Hardy in the back with a snowball and prayed to Circe that nothing would stand in Lady Cantwell’s way. 

Severus kept one eye on Harry and one eye on his book as Harry played with the train set from Dumbledore. The students would return tomorrow evening, and Severus had everything ready that he possibly could. They had had a quiet day so far. 

The quiet of the afternoon was starting to pull Severus nap-ward when a crash jerked him upright. A pile of trains and pieces of track nearly covered Harry. A surprised cry turned into an uncertain sob. 

Severus pulled Harry up and inspected him for damage. A few bumps and a little scrape on his arm was all. He suspected that Harry’s tears were more from shock than hurt. 

He sat back down and set Harry on his lap. “You’ll live. I’ll rub some salve on your bruises, all right?” 

Harry sniffled. “Okay.” He watched carefully as Severus applied the blue cream to Harry’s injuries. Then he inspected the scrape. It would be a simple fix. Severus drew his wand, then remembered something. 

“Watch carefully, Harry.” Severus put his wand away and drew Harry’s arm up close to his mouth. 

Harry suddenly looked wary. 

“Sanitatem oscula,” Severus whispered, and kissed the scrape. It healed instantly, as Severus knew it would. 

Harry gasped. “You did it! You made a healing kiss spell!” He contorted his arm to try and see. “I can’t see it no more!”

“Anymore,” Severus corrected. He smiled proudly. He hadn’t invented a spell in a while (much less a light one). And he had already resolved to never do this particular spell in the presence of anyone else.

“Anymore. Can you teach me, Daddy?” 

“Of course. Repeat after me. Sani.”

“Sani.”

“Tah-tem.”

“Tah-tem.”

“Oscula.” 

“Oshula?” 

“Oscula.” 

“Oscewla.” 

“Close enough. Sanitatem.”

“Sanitatem.”

“Oscula.”

“Oscula.”

“Sanitatem oscula.”

“Sanitatem oscula.”

“Very good.”

“Very good,” Harry repeated, and burst into giggles. 

Severus rolled his eyes. He stood up and set Harry on his feet. “Shall we go visit Headmaster Dumbledore, Harry? We can see if he has news on the adoption yet.

“Kay,” Harry agreed, but he didn’t seem too excited about it. 

Severus watched him as they got their cloaks and shoes on. “Do you not want to go see the Headmaster, Harry?” 

“It’s okay,” Harry said quickly.

“What’s the matter?”

“Just… before , when you weren’t there, he said I had to go to live with a nice family.” 

Severus frowned. “But you know I am adopting you now. You will stay with me.”

“I know.” Harry smiled trustingly at him. “But, what if Dumblydore still wants me to go ‘way?” 

“Has he said anything to make you think that, ever since I said I would adopt you?” Severus asked seriously. 

Harry shook his head.

“Then I think you don’t need to worry, because the adoption was his idea in the first place.”

“It was?” 

“Indeed.” Severus studied Harry, then stood up. “Come. Let’s go see him and he can tell you all about how pleased he is with our new ‘familial arrangement’.” 

Harry giggled and took his hand. Once they left, Harry lifted up his hands. “Carry me please, Daddy?” 

Severus immediately swept him up into his arms. 

POV Dumbledore

Albus was taken aback to learn that Harry was still wary of him, but he was delighted that Severus brought him to be reassured. While Severus browsed his books and eavesdropped, Albus sat Harry on his lap and had a delightful conversation about a variety of wondrous things. Harry shared some of his childish joys, and Albus assured him as clearly as he could that he wanted Harry to stay in the castle until he grew up (“as big as Severus”). 

When their talk turned to Severus’s parenting, however, the other wizard came over and interrupted before Albus could get any intel out of Harry. 

“Are you satisfied, Mr. Potter? I think it’s time for you to do some homework.”

“Aww,” Harry pouted, but he lifted his arms for Severus to take him from Albus’s lap. 

“Now, Severus,” Albus chuckled. “Harry has done a lot of learning with Minerva over the break, and soon he’ll start school. Perhaps you could take him to Diagon Alley for ice cream while you still have time?”

Harry gasped and looked at Severus. The man tried to hide his horrified glare.

“Ice cream? After you’ve stuffed him full of lemon drops?” 

Albus tried to look innocent. “Not stuffed , my boy. I’m sure Harry has some room left.”

Severus frowned.

Harry looked at Albus, then at Severus. The look on his face almost broke Albus’s heart. It was full of resigned disappointment, as if Harry knew he shouldn’t expect what he wanted. 

Apparently, the look got to Severus too. “Very well,” he sighed begrudgingly. “I suppose I can pick up a few more ingredients while we’re out.”

“Wonderful!” Albus cried. He beamed proudly at Severus, who looked away. 

“We will return for supper. Say goodbye, Harry.” 

“Goodbye, Harry,” Harry repeated obediently and burst into giggles. 

Severus just rolled his eyes. 

Chapter Text

Severus focused on keeping his eyes open. That meant not listening to what Professor Vector was saying, but it wasn't important anyway. If only Dumbledore would replace the weekly staff meetings with owl letters, then maybe Severus could get some sleep.

Harry played at his feet under the table. It was the only option for times like these where all the responsible adults were in the same place. Harry wasn't comfortable enough with any of the prefects yet to be left in their care.

His notes blurred before his eyes as Severus stared unblinkingly. The warm air combined with something twinkly in Dumbledore's robes on his right made the room feel otherworldly. If this meeting ended soon, Severus might be able to finish his patrol before midnight for once. And maybe his grading could wait another day...Severus tried to remember if he had already graded the second year Hufflepuff's essays...

Severus jerked to awareness as his forehead thunked on the table. Vector stopped talking and everyone looked over curiously. Face burning, Severus ducked beneath the table to check on Harry. He had started something with the wooden animals Hagrid had made him.

"Thank you, Septimus," Dumbledore said. "Now, I have one more thing to bring up for discussion."

Severus put on a blank face and sat up again, keeping his gaze down. Dumbledore put a hand on his shoulder, sending pulses of warm, calming magic into him. Severus stiffened but didn't pull away. 

"I believe I have made an error of oversight and have missed a need that some of you have. While some of you only have upper year classes, others of you have quite a large load on your plates. Why, just the other day Minerva told me she was considering using a time turner just to get everything done! And Filius, Pamona, you have quite a lot to do now that your houses are beginning to grow in numbers. This is why I would like to suggest hiring additional professors to assist those who have the heaviest workloads. What are your thoughts?" 

Severus kept his head down to hide his red cheeks. He knew this was about him. Dumbledore couldn't have made it more obvious by leaving his name out. While Severus would normally appreciate an extra hand...or three...he hated to be treated like a student among the adults. Hogwarts had never needed to hire extra professors before. 

Unsurprisingly, some of the other professors expressed doubts as well. "Is there room in the budget for four additional professors? I don't think I need one, personally," Flitwick said.

"I don't have time to train a new professor with all the greenhouse things. Would they be able to just teach? I would love to be able to focus more on some of my specimens." Sprout looked quite excited at the thought.

Minerva was pragmatic, as usual. "It's not that I don't need an extra hand or three," she began. Severus suppressed a smirk. "But this would be a big change, Albus. We would need to consult the charter for protocol on this, and there would be a lot of paperwork...and having the house elves open up more private quarters...I just don't know, Albus."

Dumbledore hummed thoughtfully. "I see. Perhaps we can revisit the topic later. For now, I believe it would be best if we change up our patrol schedule. I have been wanting to check on some magical resonances in the dungeons, Severus, so if it's alright with you, I'll take your area if you can cover mine?"

Swallowing, Severus nodded. Dumbledore's area of "patrol" consisted of the corridor that his office was in and one adjacent to it. Even the first years knew to avoid that area. Perhaps he could take some of his grading along.

"Very well, thank you everyone. It has been a successful first week, so let us continue in that same spirit. Good night," Dumbledore nodded jovially as the staff bid each other good night. 

Severus gathered up Harry and his toys. Harry cuddled into his arms and dozed off on his shoulder all the way to the dungeons, but of course he woke up to ask for a bedtime story. 

Severus recited the words to The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, since he couldn’t keep his eyes open. Once he was sure Harry was asleep, Severus desperately wanted to go to bed, but he dragged himself out to patrol and grade those bloody essays.  

***

They settled into a routine of sorts when the students returned. It was January, so of course the majority of the student body came down with Wizard’s Flu. Severus sanitised his classroom meticulously and took a steady dose of preventative potions. Luckily, they didn’t interfere with the Pepper-up and coffee that were becoming regular staples in his diet. 

Harry managed to stay entertained because he was passed from one professor to another throughout the day, and they began spending time in the staff room in the evenings. On this particular day, Severus brought Harry, some toys, and a huge stack of papers that he should have graded a week ago. He would have, but he had been spending every spare minute, even mealtimes, brewing potions for Poppy, and grading fell by the wayside, along with food and unnecessary sleep.

Luckily, Aurora was there. Annoying as she was, she adored Harry and he tolerated her, so it was an acceptable arrangement. Severus poured himself a cup of strong coffee and let them entertain each other while he worked. He had a whole peaceful evening ahead – perfect.

Severus jumped as a crash sounded in the peaceful staff room. The setting sun glared in his eyes after focusing on terrible handwriting for too long.

Harry was standing wide-eyed amid shards of glass and a pool of coffee. 

Aurora didn’t seem alarmed enough. “Oh my, that’s quite a mess. Just a minute, Harry, I’ll–”

Severus lurched to his feet and whipped out his wand. “Don’t move, Harry!” he commanded. A strong reparo brought all the shards back together, followed immediately by a scourgify for the coffee. Was Harry burned? The coffee was always too hot. Severus should have been more careful.

Harry whimpered. “Ow,” he said, holding up a bleeding hand.

Severus stepped forward to check on Harry, despite Aurora’s presence, and the room swayed strangely. He gripped his wand. Was he under a spell? Had he drunk a Dizziness Potion? His last thought before he crashed to the floor was ‘Maybe I should have eaten something today.’

Chapter Text

Severus groaned. He knew just by how well-rested he felt that he had slept in. He must have slept through his alarm…Harry would be creating a mess…Severus might have even missed his first class…if only he could force his eyes open…

Clothes rustled. Footsteps sounded close by, then a hand–small, gentle, a woman–patted his shoulder. “Severus? Are you with us?”

Minerva. Why was Minerva in his room? He had to make her leave.

“About time,” another female voice said, further away. Poppy. Severus said several bad words in his head.

A growl caught in his throat and he coughed. Minerva held a cool glass to his lips and he guzzled greedily. She pulled it away too soon, and then had the audacity to laugh at him when he complained. “Sit up for me, dear, and you can have some more.”

Severus forced his eyes open and squinted at the old cat. It was way too bright to be his bedroom. He was in the Hospital Wing. Drat.

Minerva helped him sit up with pillows behind his back. Severus felt like he had slept for hours, yet he was still exhausted. “What happened?”

“Daddy?” Harry’s voice came from the right, by the door. He let go of Flitwick's hand and ran to Severus’ bed. “Daddy, are you okay?” He had tear streaks on his face.

Severus automatically reached out and wiped his cheeks, then pulled Harry up into his lap. Harry immediately snuggled in, pressing a sloppy kiss on his cheek. What in Merlin’s name did he do to deserve this child? “I’m alright, Harry. You don’t need to worry.”

"Daddy," Harry cried. He snuffled into his neck. Gross.

Severus hugged Harry and looked questioningly at Minerva. “What happened?” he asked again. “I don’t remember a potions accident. I was just grading in the staff room…” he looked sharply at Harry. “Are you hurt?” he demanded. “Show me your hands.”

Harry held them up two inches from his face. “I’m okay, Daddy! I got some cuts but Ma’am Poppy fixed me up and gave me bandaids! See?” 

Severus pulled Harry’s hands away. Sure enough, he had a Muggle bandaid on each palm. They were charmed with kneazles and crups dancing around each other. He snorted. Poppy got asked for bandaids from Muggleborns so often she kept a supply, even though they were never actually needed after her expert care. Something about a visual reassurance or some rot. But Harry looked happy about them, so Severus wasn’t complaining. 

“You have magical exhaustion and mild bronchitis because you’re an idiot who doesn’t understand limits,” Minerva snapped. Her grey hair was frazzled and her fingers tapped furiously on her arm. 

Huh. Severus did that sometimes. Maybe he got it from her.

“Magical exhaustion? But I haven’t performed any majorly powerful spells. I suppose that one potion I’m working on could have–”

“Severus Snape! Of all the obstinate, bloody-minded Slytherins, of all the people who I thought would understand how magical exhaustion works, you are the worst! It wasn’t any single spell, it was using too much magic every day on too little energy! I told you to eat more, I handed you breakfast this very darn morning, and you still think you can subsist on coffee and Pepper-up alone! Well, listen to me, you great bloody–”

“Minerva!” Thank Merlin, Morgana, and Circe for Poppy Pomfrey. 

Minerva snapped her mouth shut with an audible pop and turned her glare on Poppy. “Don’t tell me you don’t agree with every single thing I’m saying!”

“Oh, I most certainly do,” Poppy said sternly. 

Severus gulped. Maybe he should take back those thanks. Harry wiggled, and Severus loosened his grip. 

“But my patient needs food and rest, not another blasted shouting match in my hospital wing. That is what your offices are for. Perhaps you can come back after dinner? With Albus gone there should really be at least two Heads in the Great Hall, and you know Pamona has her Great-Winged spider traps to tend to.”

Harry gasped. “Spider traps?”

Severus set Harry aside and swung his legs to the side. “I’m fine, I can go,” he offered. “No need for a tray, Poppy, I’ll just–”

Two wands in the hands of two powerful witches pointed at Severus, and his legs swung back up into the bed of their own accord. The pillows flew from behind his back except for one, and a force pushed him down onto it. The covers flew up and tucked tightly under his chin. 

Harry, now trapped next to him under the covers, gasped and giggled. “Issa tucking in spell! Daddy knows that one! Can you do it again, Ma’am Poppy?”

Poppy chuckled lightly as she summoned a tray and set it up in Severus’ lap. “Why don’t you have some dinner with your Daddy first, hm? You can make sure he eats all his vegetables.” She winked at Harry, who tried to wink back.

“Poppy,” Severus whined. “At least let me up so I can eat.”

“You’ll be lucky if we let you get up in a week,” Minerva snarled. 

“Minerva,” Poppy interjected calmly. Minerva huffed and folded her arms again. 

Poppy raised the bed and released the spell on his arms so they were free from the covers. His legs were still tucked tight. He looked pleadingly at her. “You will eat all the food on that tray and stay here for the night. In the morning we will have a discussion about proper nutrition and self-care. There are potions, too, take them after you eat.”

Severus nodded meekly, but asked, “Could I get a tray for Harry as well? Although, there’s enough for both of us…”

“No, here is one for Harry. I want you both to eat all of your dinner, do you hear? Good.” Poppy smiled at the two dark-haired boys tucked next to each other as they began to eat. “Call for Mimsy when you’re done, if you please. Minerva,” she canted her head towards her office. “Would you?”

“Certainly.” Minerva gave Severus one last glare before she swept away. It was only Harry’s presence that kept Severus from sticking out his tongue at her. 

Chapter Text

After dinner, Poppy agreed to let Severus work on grading for a few hours until ten o’clock. When he protested the early bedtime (even though his stuffy nose and pounding head begged him to agree), she scolded him into submission, despite the fact that Harry was right there listening. “I am not a student anymore, Poppy.”

“Once a patient, always a patient. Besides, you need to set a good example for Harry.” 

Severus growled, but subsided. He had to pick his battles.

Minerva brought some papers from his office, but he knew it wasn’t the whole stack. “I can finish these in an hour. Where are the rest?” 

“These were all the ones I saw, and you can’t do them in an hour! Don’t you read your student’s essays?”

“Of course I do,” Severus defended himself. “It’s just usually evident by the second paragraph what sort of grade they deserve. There was a stack of seventh year papers, I need those.” 

“They can wait, you know Poppy said ten o’clock.”

“Now you’re regulating my bedtime, too? I was doing just fine on my own!” He sneezed, then summoned a few tissues and blew his nose.

“Like h—” Minerva glanced at Harry, who was watching them from over the top of his colouring book. “You were not! You passed out in the staff room because you forgot to eat. I’ll force-feed you meals and give you a bedtime every night if that’s what it takes, you stubborn bat! Do you have any idea—for someone so Slytherin, you would think you had some self-preservation!” Minerva’s Scottish accent got stronger the longer she spoke. “You just be grateful I brought you any papers, and you better believe Poppy and I will be keeping an eye on you! I should have been doing so long before this!” 

Severus stared at Minerva for a moment, heart racing. She was clearly furious with him, but he was beginning to understand what she wasn’t saying. Keeping an eye on him…that she had brought any papers (some of his students would be receiving unusually high grades soon)…Severus coughed and looked at Harry for a distraction. “Can you take Harry to sleep in your quarters tonight? He usually goes to bed around eight.”

Minerva sighed and sat down on the edge of Severus’ bed, petting Harry on the head. Severus was sure that if Harry had been the kitten then, she would have been scratching behind his ears. “I am willing to, but I don’t think Harry is. He was quite worried about you, and I don’t think I could get him to stay out of the Hospital Wing without using magic to restrain him.” 

“No,” Severus said immediately. “You’re right, he won’t want to go. Can you transfigure a cot for him, then? Or, I suppose he can sleep in one of the beds…he’ll need his pyjamas, though, and his stuffed kitten, and a night-light—”

“I’ll get anything he needs,” Minerva interrupted, sounding amused. 

Severus flushed, realising how much like a worried parent he sounded. “He has school in the morning. And I have classes…” Severus didn’t want to ask for help, but his sore throat and stuffy nose told him he wouldn’t be able to teach any time soon. 

“We will see about your classes in the morning,” Minerva said, a bit sternly. “As for Harry…how is school going for him? I haven’t had a chance to talk to him or you about it yet.”

“It’s good,” Severus answered, relieved to have a change of subject. “The teachers understand his situation. Miss Retzel doesn’t treat him any different, but she proved competent with defensive spells…”

Minerva gave him a knowing look when Severus trailed off in thought. “Don’t tell me you challenged her to a duel at the parent teacher conference, Severus. That’s why you don’t do them here anymore.” 

“I don’t do them here anymore because I refuse,” Severus sniffed in fake indignation, then sniffed for real. “But no, I was perfectly polite. I simply found out that she had an O on her Defense NEWT, and she has a proper holster and quick reflexes. And the wards are strong,” he added. Lucius was a very useful friend sometimes.

Minerva chuckled. “And what about Harry? Does he enjoy it, has he made friends? He seems to get along with little Mr. Malfoy.”

“Oh, yes. Those two are a handful together. There are quite a few other purebloods there. I imagine I’ve met half of Harry’s future Hogwarts class by now. Miss Retzel said he gets along well with everyone, and he hasn’t had any incidents with accidental magic, or with his transformations.” 

Minerva had worked with Harry before starting school to make sure he could keep his animagus form a secret at school. This usually meant that he came home and immediately wanted to play as a kitten for a while…and snack on some sardines.

“Well done, Harry,” Minerva praised. Harry looked up and gave her a grin, but went back to his colouring, which was intensely orange at the moment. 

Minerva stood up with a sigh. “Well, I suppose I’d better get back to grading and detentions. I expect Albus will be along shortly, he said he would try to leave the Ministry as soon as possible.”

Severus snorted, pulling a stack of parchments over to begin grading. “That’s what he always says. I won’t wait up.” 

“You’d better not,” Minerva threatened. She patted Harry on the head and rested her hand on Severus’ shoulder, giving it a squeeze. 

A lump grew in his throat, so he only nodded goodbye as she left the Hospital Wing.

Hours later, Severus stared unseeingly at the dark windows while Harry slept at his side. The sound of a door opening drew his gaze to Dumbledore, who tiptoed over and sat down on the edge of the bed. 

Severus wondered why the man hadn’t simply conjured a chair, then figured he must just be tired. “How was the Ministry?” He carefully slid himself up to rest against the headboard.

Dumbledore smiled wearily, patting Harry’s foot under the covers. “Oh, bothersome as always, but at least I feel useful…if only because I declared that we had found a stopping point and sent everyone home for the night. How are you feeling, my boy?”

“I’m fine,” Severus responded. “I’m sure a good night’s sleep will get me back to full health. It’s just a little bronchitis.”

Dumbledore gave him a knowing look. “As well as a touch of magical exhaustion and low blood sugar, hmm?” 

Severus flushed. So he had talked to Poppy. 

“I was thinking back to our discussion in the staff meeting, Severus,” Dumbledore said. “I believe that for this term, at least, it would be beneficial to hire an assistant professor. And I believe I have found just the person.” 

“Sir,” Severus protested. “That’s not necessary, I can handle this! I don’t know what Minerva told you, but—”

“She hasn’t told me anything—”

“I don’t need extra help. Certainly not so much to require an extra person! I just got a bit behind, and bronchitis is going around the school. I can get caught up—”

“My boy, if you would—”

“None of the other professors need extra help, and besides, what would the students think? It would be confusing for them, it would throw them off—”

“Severus!”

Severus fell silent, clamping his lips shut. Dumbledore hardly ever raised his voice. Even then, he hadn’t really yelled–-just firmly reprimanded. Still, Severus’ stomach clenched and his heart beat a little faster.

Harry stirred, so Severus pressed a hand to his head to calm him. Harry murmured something in his sleep and tucked his chin up, like he often did in his kitten form. They both watched Harry for a minute, until they were sure he was sleeping peacefully. 

“Severus, my dear boy, I am not in any way suggesting that you are incapable of doing your job. Your many jobs, I should say. I have no complaints about your performance.”

Severus huffed, then coughed. “You may be the only one.” 

Dumbledore chuckled. “Minerva likes to complain, but she is actually quite as impressed as I am. She is fond of you, you know.”

Severus hummed, unsure how to respond to that.

“As am I. And the difference you have made with our Slytherins is simply immense. I know I was unsure about you when you first began, but I hope you know, my boy, that I feel very differently now.” 

Yes, Severus did know that. There was a measure of trust between them, and Dumbledore was no longer disgusted by him. No, he had shown a compassionate understanding of Severus’ past. 

“That’s why I have decided on this course, Severus. Let’s review your responsibilities for a moment, shall we? You have your classes, all four houses, all seven years, with two NEWT level classes. You have been brewing about 200 doses of potions each month for the Hospital Wing, as well as any immediate ones. You have your Head of House duties, which require at least two hours a week, usually what, four or five? You patrol at least once a week, and don’t think I haven’t noticed you taking other’s shifts at times. And last but not least—”

Dumbledore broke off as Severus coughed, which turned into a coughing fit that lasted a minute and left him breathless. The old wizard moved to pat his back. Finally, Severus laid back and accepted the glass of water. Dumbledore watched him drink it slowly, keeping a warm hand on his shoulder. Severus normally would have shrugged it away. For now, he hoped it would stay. 

“Last but not least, you have a sweet boy who needs all the rest of your time and attention, which isn’t much. If nothing else, Severus, I believe it would benefit Harry greatly to be able to spend a little bit more time with you after school and in the evenings. He won’t stay this little forever, you know.”

“I know,” Severus murmured, gazing at Harry’s peaceful face. He did want to have more time for Harry. The things they had done over the holidays had created wonderful memories, but they hadn’t played a single game since the students had returned. 

“He handles the student’s attention well,” Severus mused. “I don’t think he’s ever lonely, at least.” 

“No,” Dumbledore agreed. “But friends can only do so much for a child. He needs continued emotional connection with his parent, which only time can provide. And that is what I am helping you with, my dear boy. The rest, you are doing wonderfully on your own.” 

Severus swallowed, thinking. He sniffed and reached for a tissue—only because of his runny nose, of course. A wave of exhaustion came over him, and he leaned slightly to the side. 

Dumbledore adjusted the pillows and pulled Severus a little closer to lean into his side. “I think you will be pleased when you hear who has accepted the position,” he offered.

“You already hired someone?” Severus couldn’t find it in himself to muster any more indignation. “Who is it, then? A former Slytherin, I hope.”

“Indeed. Hank Stathern.”

Severus was quiet, thinking. Hank had graduated just a year ago and was working on his potions mastery. Severus was regularly in contact with him, but he hadn’t heard from the young man since before Christmas. He felt slightly guilty. “I agree, he is a very good choice. It will be good for him to come back, I think. Although it will be difficult as well.” 

“Yes.” Dumbledore’s voice was sad, and Severus hoped he wouldn’t bring up Kalia. Luckily, the man decided to let it be. “I have not yet heard back from him, but I believe he will want to come as soon as two days from now. I’ll have Minerva help you draw up separate lesson plans and other arrangements.”

Severus sighed, still not entirely happy with the thought of needing extra help. Dumbledore didn’t revisit the topic, instead shifting to help Severus lie back down. “I will let you know as soon as his owl arrives. For now, take some Dreamless Sleep so you don’t stay awake coughing all night.”

“I—I can’t take it anymore. I’ve adjusted to it.”

Sad blue eyes studied his for a moment. “Very well, Rochesters, then?” 

“If Harry—”

“Poppy will be aware of both of you. Go on, Severus, you need your sleep…there…sweet dreams, my dearest boy.” There was a clink of the vial, and Dumbledore tucked the covers over Severus’ shoulders. “We are all here for you.”

Chapter Text

Severus awoke the next morning feeling much better, but still exhausted. He shifted Harry carefully so he rested more naturally on his chest and let out a long, slow sigh. If only he had remembered to eat something yesterday morning, or at least taken another Pepper-up. He hated being in the Hospital Wing and having his coworkers fuss over him. It made him feel young and uncomfortable and — he just hated it.

“Good morning.” Poppy came out of her office with a vial of nutrition potion. She handed it to Severus and then, surprising him, sat on the edge of the bed.

Severus held the potion and crooked a brow at her.

"I want to talk to you a bit while Harry is asleep. If you would like some breakfast you may have that instead of the potion."

Severus shook his head quickly and downed the potion without a grimace. It was a bit too thick. Not his best work. 

"Severus..." Poppy fiddled with the covers, drawing them over Harry and Severus’s left arm. "You haven't been eating lately. I have noticed you have coffee in the morning and usually a few bites at dinner. Do you take lunch in your quarters?"

"Well..." Severus usually ordered food to eat while he worked. He just didn’t usually remember to eat it.

Poppy nodded. "You understand that lack of nutrition made your body draw on your magical stores for energy."

Severus nodded this time. "I took Replenisher, though, so I'm fine."

"Yes, but my diagnostics show that they didn't have enough time to take effect while you rested. You haven't been able to sleep lately?"

"It's not — I can't take Dreamless Sleep, you know that. But when I occlude I'm able to sleep fine."

"So what's keeping you from sleeping?"

Severus shrugged, wishing he didn't feel so...helpless. Stuck. "I just, I don't get to bed until late, because of patrols and grading and the prefects and potions — " Severus stopped himself and bit his lip. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to complain. Everything’s fine."

Poppy patted his knee over the covers. "It's alright. It sounds like you have a lot going on. The end of the term is a lot of work for you professors." 

"And for you," Severus reminded her. "With your inventory and everything. I was going to brew your blood replenishers today, but I can — "

"No," Poppy said firmly. 

Harry stirred a bit, and they both looked down at him. Severus brushed a hand lightly over his head and drew the blanket closer. 

Poppy pulled the blanket closer over Severus, too, and then laid a hand on his arm. "Severus." She waited until his eyes met hers. "You have been doing incredibly well with your duties as a professor, brewing for me, and now Harry on top of everything. Most people don’t suddenly acquire a child but you have adjusted amazingly well."

Severus opened his mouth to protest, but she shook her head. 

"Perhaps the other professors assume you can take on all these extra responsibilities, but I know Albus has been worried about you, and I am as well. Did he talk to you about hiring an assistant professor?"

"Yes, but honestly, Poppy, I still think it’s a bit excessive. I'm handling things. It's easier this year than last year."

"I know. And I think we should have done this last year."

Severus shook his head. "But none of the other professors need an assistant! Minerva is busier than I am!"

"Minerva has been a professor for more than fifty years, and she doesn’t have the extra responsibilities that you have. This isn't a slight about your abilities, Severus, it's a necessary measure we need to take so that you can keep doing the things that are most important."

Severus wanted to argue that all of his duties were important, but Poppy kept going.

"I know that it's hard to accept help, especially when you've been on your own for a few years. But please, Severus, try to understand that we just want to help you, and that we care about you."

"Why?" Severus couldn't raise his voice above a whisper. 

"Why do we want to help you, or why do we care about you?"

Severus shrugged. He avoided Poppy's kind gaze and rubbed a finger over Harry's forehead.

"We want to help because we care about you. Why we care about you...I can only speak for myself, but perhaps you can look at Harry to understand why I care." At Severus's confused frown, she smiled and said, "He hasn't done anything to earn your care, but you took him in simply because of who he is and that he needed you. And while you may not always be the most cheerful person" — Severus snorted — "I have come to care for you simply because of who you are." 

Severus thought about that as he absently played with Harry's hair. Poppy had always been quietly supportive, even before he was a professor. He hadn't seen her much lately this term, and it was good to be able to talk freely. But this conversation was making his chest feel tight and strange.

Perhaps this assistant professor idea wasn't the worst in the world. At least it was a student he had known — and liked.

"Has Dumbledore told you who he picked? Hank Stathern."

“Really?” Poppy leaned back, looking thoughtful. “I wonder how he’s doing. Albus said we’ll have a staff meeting tonight. Let me know if you want me to take any messages for you."

Severus looked up. "Wait! I have to stay here tonight? I'm fine Poppy, can't I go home?"

"I need to monitor you, Severus, your vitals aren't what I would like them to be. If they're better tomorrow morning we'll see about you teaching your classes."

"I have to teach, I can't just cancel all my classes! My NEWT students are — "

"Albus will teach your classes today and as long as necessary. You'll be fine, Severus, you've stayed here before."

"Not since — not since Kalia."

Poppy tilted her head, her gaze gentle. "You did what you could. Anyone with a brain knows that."

"You know what I think about the population with brains," Severus muttered. 

"Her grandmother forgave you, and that's what really matters.”

Severus didn’t want to talk about this, but he knew he couldn’t avoid it forever. “And Hank has as well, but I worry that coming back here will only make it more difficult for him. I don’t think he’s ready to face the memories.”

“Have you talked to him much?”

Severus nodded, sitting up the rest of the way. “I’ve been visiting him nearly every week and bringing him potions. But I haven’t seen him in the past few weeks.”

“Hmm, it’s no wonder, you’ve been so busy. Well, I think it’ll be good for him to have you here and close by. And I would like to have a look at his legs and see how he’s recovering.” 

“You say recovering, but as far as the healers can tell, there’s no chance of a complete recovery. He was under the rubble for too long.” Severus remembered finding Hank under the collapsed stone, covered in blood and nearly senseless with panic. And then he had found Kalia…

“I think it’s time to wake Harry up, he’ll need to go to school,” Poppy said gently, bringing Severus out of his memories. 

“Yes…of course. Harry. Harry, wake up, it’s time for breakfast,” Severus said, shaking Harry lightly. 

Harry grumbled and shoved Severus’ hand away. 

Severus grabbed Harry’s arms and lifted them up, then let them drop. “Harry. You can have breakfast…eggs and sausages and pancakes…” he began tickling Harry’s sides. 

Poppy laughed as Harry squirmed and burrowed closer to Severus. “Don’ wanna,” he grumbled.

Severus smiled, realising that this was a sign that Harry was adjusting. He used to wake up more quickly, thinking he had to cook breakfast for his relatives. Now it was much more amusing to wake him up. 

“Pancakes with whipped cream, Harry. And then you are going to school. Come on, sleepytime is over,” Severus coaxed. He blushed slightly, avoiding Poppy’s amused gaze. He lifted Harry upright in his arms and blew in his face. 

Harry yawned and curled his arms around Severus’ neck, laying his head on his shoulder. “Tired, Daddy.” 

“I know. But you have to go to school.”

“School’s stupid.” 

“Hmm, I can’t disagree, but you still have to go. If you ask Poppy nicely she’ll get you breakfast.” 

Harry slowly lifted his head. “Poppy?” 

“Madame Pomphrey,” Severus corrected himself. 

Harry yawned widely and turned to gaze at Poppy. “Hullo, Ma’am Pomphey. Are you visiting today?” 

Poppy chuckled, rising to her feet and patting Severus’ shoulder. “No, Harry, you are visiting me. Would you like some breakfast?” 

Harry suddenly looked at Severus, worried. “Daddy! Are you okay?” 

“Yes, I’m fine. Remember? Just a little bit sick.” 

“Ohhh,” Harry nodded. “With bronchitis.” 

“Yes, very good. And you need to take a potion so you don’t get sick, too.” Although the preventative potion didn’t always fully protect a patient, it was still worth it, especially with young children. 

“Yucky yuck,” Harry complained, sitting down next to Severus. He accepted the potion from Poppy and drank it down, screwing up his face. 

Once Harry was settled with his breakfast, Severus began working on some lesson plans for Hank. Poppy wouldn’t let him leave the Hospital Wing all day, but that didn’t mean he would waste any time. Dumbledore was teaching his classes, and he would have his prefects bring their reports to him in the evening. If Severus worked all day, he could have everything ready for Hank when he arrived the next day, if he accepted the post. Severus was quite sure he would. 

Harry was reluctant to go school and leave Severus. He made Severus promise to rest and eat his vegetables and be there when Harry got home. Severus accepted a few extra goodbye hugs and kisses and sent Harry off with Minerva to floo to his school.

Mid-morning, Severus snapped awake when Poppy re-entered the room. He straightened the papers in his lap and tried to focus.

“I just talked to Albus,” Poppy said, setting a tray of tea and light sandwiches on the bedside table. “He said to tell you that Hank Stathern accepted the position and will arrive tomorrow evening in time for dinner. Albus is teaching your classes and will stop by later. For now, I’d like you to have some tea and then take a break and get some sleep.” 

“Poppy,” Severus protested, accepting a mug. “I have to get this done before Hank gets here. I’ll go to bed early tonight.” 

“You certainly will,” she said agreeably. “And with a nap or two today, you might even be able to teach your classes tomorrow, if you eat well and don’t push yourself.”

Severus grumbled but began eating. “Dumbledore is probably teaching them how to make candy or something ridiculous like that.” 

“He wouldn’t do that…well, I believe he wanted to, but last I saw, he was very competently teaching your fifth years the Everlasting Elixir.”

Severus coughed and gulped some tea. “We did that last week. Although, most of them failed, so I suppose a little extra practice can’t hurt. I always plan to stay ahead, so one day won’t put them behind schedule.” 

“That’s a good idea, you never know what will happen. There have been less accidents this year than last.” Poppy pushed the remaining sandwiches closer to him.

Severus smirked. “They are finally beginning to understand safety, I suppose. If it takes a firm hand…” he shrugged. “Better that than the kind of accidents that used to happen with Slughorn.” 

Poppy groaned. “Oh, those were terrible. Honestly, I like Horace, but he could have run his classes a little better. Minerva might complain, but I noticed that even all of her Gryffindors passed Potions last year.” 

“Well, I’m not going to let Gryffindor idiocy get in the way of their success. Or my statistics,” Severus added. “I haven’t had a student fail their OWLs or NEWTs since my second year teaching, and I don’t intend to ever again.” 

“How do you think Harry will do when he starts?” 

Severus frowned at his tea thoughtfully. “Well, I’ve had him help me a few times with simple ingredient prep, and he understands the need for safety. I can’t imagine he’ll be as reckless as some of the Gryffindors now. And he will know better than to ignore my instructions.” In fact, Harry had surprised Severus with his capabilities and caution.

“Do you think he’ll sort into Gryffindor, then?” 

“It’s hard to imagine him anywhere else, isn’t it? His nobility and loyalty…if anything else, he might be in Hufflepuff. But then again, he’s only five.” 

“Yes, I imagine he will surprise us many times in the years to come,” Poppy said, banishing the dishes to the kitchen. “Now, some rest is in order. Ah!” She raised her hand to stall Severus’ protest. “You do not have to sleep, but you will lie down and close your eyes for at least thirty minutes. I will close your curtains so you aren’t disturbed if any students come in.”

Resistance was futile. After a trip to the loo, Severus was tucked in and his papers were put away. Poppy cast a darkening spell, which left it just light enough to see, and set a quiet alarm for thirty minutes, “only because you are the most stubborn patient I’ve ever had,” she added. She pressed a hand to his forehead, nodded to herself, and quietly left. 

Severus planned to spend his time thinking, but long before the alarm went off, he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Lady Cantwell was a woman of a long pureblood line who prided herself on her ability to get things done. She headed several charities and made her voice heard on every board she was on. She was often found at the Ministry, and while no one could say what exactly her role was, no one could deny that she was downright useful. 

On this cold January day, Lady Cantwell briskly stepped through the floo into Albus Dumbledore's office without getting a speck of dust on her.

“Ah, Cornelia! How lovely to see you again,” the man cried, offering a hand unnecessarily. “Thank you ever so for coming during the break.”

“The pleasure is mine, Headmaster,” she demurred, just keeping from rolling her eyes at his theatrics.

“May I introduce the young Mister Harry Potter, and his imminent guardian, Professor Severus Snape?”

This time it was Severus who tried not to roll his eyes.

Harry hid shyly behind Severus, as was his safety precaution.

Now Severus rolled his eyes. “He is not shy,” he informed the Lady. “Harry, say hello.”

Harry stepped forward and rocked on his heels. “I'm Harry and I'm five,” he said. 

“Five years old!” Lady Cantwell exclaimed. “Quite a capable wizard you are, then. Shall we get started, Harry?”

Harry looked astonished but nodded silently.

They sat, now around Dumbledore's desk, but by the fire in a cozy half circle. Harry sat in between Lady Cantwell and Severus, who sat next to Dumbledore. 

“I trust you were able to expedite the process sufficiently,” Albus prompted as he passed around tea and biscuits.

“Yes, I ended up pulling everything I could find, and I have the papers here. Of course, I must follow procedure with the interviews.” 

Severus swallowed, more nervous now. He knew what files she was talking about. His file—complete with his school record and criminal trial after the war, when Dumbledore saved his skin from Azkaban.

“Professor Snape, we'll start with you. Can you tell me how Harry came to be with you?”

“I found him!” Harry blurted before Severus could respond. “I got losted but then I used magic to find Sev'rus.” 

“Harry,” Severus scolded. “Wait your turn.”

“Sorry,” Harry blushed. “I didn't mean to.”

“You must learn to hold your tongue and be polite,” Severus snapped. He regretted his words a few moments later.

“Sorry,” Harry whispered again, shoulders hunching. He shrank down into his chair. Then he shrank a lot, suddenly transforming into a black kitten.

Lady Cantwell gasped. “Is he—”

“Yes, he is an animagus,” Severus said tiredly. He picked Harry up and cuddled him in apology. In his nervousness, he had forgotten how easily Harry still got scared. “We have not registered him for obvious reasons. The staff and a few students know but have all been sworn to safety. I trust you will keep this appropriately private.” Severus lowered his voice menacingly.

Lady Cantwell was not intimidated. “Of course, this whole procedure will be under the highest classification, and I will ensure that this…revelation…is redacted.”

Severus nodded, relieved. He leaned back and petted Harry, taking a moment to calm his nerves. It would be fine. She was on their side. “I am…sorry, Harry. That was uncalled for. It is alright if you talk.”

Harry began purring, so Severus set him back on his chair and gently told him to turn back. 

“In answer to your question, yes, Harry found me on the twenty-seventh. He had been separated from his aunt, who I have reason to believe was neglectful. He managed to find and enter Diagon Alley and followed me as I was visiting a few shops.” Severus looked over at Harry, who was swinging his legs but otherwise sitting quietly. “Once I found out who he was, I took him with me to Hogwarts where he has remained ever since.”

Lady Cantwell leaned forward. “You said you have reason to believe his aunt was neglectful. This would be Petunia Dursley, correct? Have you been in contact with her?”

Severus looked at Dumbledore to allow him to answer.

The ancient wizard stroked his chin with a glint in his eye. “Yes, I had contact with Petunia. The day after Harry arrived, I paid her a visit. She was notably unconcerned about Harry and did not ask where he was. When I suggested that Harry would stay at Hogwarts a while longer, she asked if he could remain here indefinitely.” 

The adults all looked at Harry, who stared at Dumbledore with some distress. 

“Of course, he will not be returning there at all, so there is no need for concern,” Dumbledore assured Harry. The little boy expressed himself by launching himself at the man and flinging his arms around his neck. Severus snickered at the pained look on Dumbledore’s face. He knew what that kind of hug felt like. 

Lady Cantwell nodded and tapped her papers firmly together. “I will report that there is sufficient reason for removal from household. Once we are finished here I will visit the Dursleys and have them sign the documents. Now, Harry, I have a few questions for you.” 

Harry turned around in Dumbledore’s lap and sat up straight, folding his hands properly. “Yes, ma’am.” 

Dumbledore didn’t quite seem to know what to do with a child using him as a chair. He hovered his hands around Harry and finally settled them on his sides.

“Do you want Professor Snape to be your guardian, or do you want a different guardian?” 

“Professor Snape.”

“Do you want to live with Professor Snape, or would you rather live somewhere else?”

Harry bounced a little, and Dumledore steadied him. “I live here now,” he informed the Lady. “I’m s’posed to live here with my Daddy.”

“Alright. Do you understand that Professor Snape will be in charge of you in all aspects of your life, including giving you food, clothes, and shelter, providing for your education, seeing to your emotional needs, and managing your discipline?” 

Harry looked at Severus. “Is discipline like…spanking?” 

“No,” Severus said automatically. “I mean, yes, but I won’t be spanking you, Harry. There are better ways to ensure proper behavior.” 

“That is good to hear, Professor,” Lady Cantwell added. “May I ask what you have in mind for your disciplinary approach? I imagine Harry keeps you on your toes.”

“I…actually, no, Harry has been quite good, I haven’t had cause to punish him at all. But I suppose, when the time arises, I will need to…I will give similar punishments to what I give students. Writing lines, scrubbing cauldrons, that sort of thing.” Severus nodded firmly, as if he had planned that response in advance.

Lady Cantwell nodded. “As long as you ensure they are age appropriate, and that you include plenty of communication to avoid misunderstanding. It will take time and practice, but I am assured you are quite committed to this course and are determined to do what is best for Harry.” 

Dumbledore must have told her that. “Yes, ma’am,” Severus said. 

Harry was getting bored with the proceedings, so he slid off Dumbledore’s lap and wandered over to Fawkes’ perch. The bird wasn’t there, but he examined some nearby magical devices while he waited for the bird to return. 

“Don’t touch anything, Harry, just look,” Severus called over.

Harry obediently squeezed his hands behind his back and peered at a seemingly empty box with a half-open lid. The adults kept talking in the background as Harry leaned forward to try to see inside…

Just as Harry would have lost his balance and fallen forward, Fawkes flashed onto his perch and trilled at the boy. Harry jumped over and began petting the bird’s head. Fawkes scolded him gently. 

“I was just lookin’,” Harry whispered. Fawkes eyed him beadily but allowed him to keep petting until Severus called him back over. 

“It is time to sign the papers, Harry,” Severus told him, lifting him into his lap. “Do you remember how to write your name?” They had spent a few hours practicing so that Harry could get acquainted with quills. 

“Yep,” Harry said confidently. “Do you, Daddy?”

Severus snorted. “I most certainly do.”

They signed the papers, one after the other. When they finished, Lady Cantwell spelled away a copy to her office and gave the other to Severus, who tucked them safely in his robes. “Well, that’s that,” she said briskly, rising to her feet. “I will send an owl to notify you when Mrs. Dursley has signed the papers and they are officially recorded. Do you have any other questions?” 

“No, but you have my thanks,” Severus said. He stood as well and looked at Harry. “Harry, do you have any questions?” 

Harry looked up at Lady Cantwell. “So, is Sev’rus my real daddy now?”

Severus choked on air. Dumbledore twinkled. Lady Cantwell smiled graciously. “No, Harry, but he is your guardian now and will remain so until you are all grown up.” 

“Oh, good. Daddy, can I have another biscuit?” 

Severus almost said no out of habit because Harry asked that question many times a day, but then he considered and said, “Certainly.” And he had another one, too, because worrying had taken a lot of energy. 

After Lady Cantwell left, Severus let Harry play with Fawkes while he had a private, warded conversation with Dumbledore. “With the new students coming, I wanted to ask about my…position.” 

Dumbledore looked a bit puzzled but said, “Go on.”

“Obviously it will soon be public news that I have adopted Harry. When I began teaching here, you mentioned the possibility of…the Dark Lord returning, and that I must play my role if that ever happens.” Severus knew it was likely; his Dark Mark hadn’t vanished, so he knew that a return was unavoidable.

“Oh, you will not return, of course!” Dumbledore looked surprised, then determined. “It is impossible, Severus. You now have a much more important job—protecting and raising Harry. We will deal with problems when they arise, but for now, you may certainly feel free to act as you have always wanted to in regard to your students. In fact,” and now, those blue eyes began twinkling, “you may be able to sway some of them to our side when you haven’t before…yes, there are many possibilities.”

Severus went quiet, thinking about those possibilities. How many students had he wished to warn away from the Dark Arts, but couldn’t because their parents had been loyal to Voldemort? How many students had not been helped because he wasn’t a kind, approachable person like Flitwick or McGonagall, or even—Merlin forbid—Sprout? Severus would never act as nice as a Hufflepuff, but he found himself looking forward to the chance to help his students more. 

“Let me know if there is anything I can do for you,” Dumbledore said, rising to his feet. “I have a meeting at the Ministry shortly, but I will return by this evening. It shouldn’t take too long.”

“That’s what you always say,” Severus said, rolling his eyes.

Dumbledore smirked at him. “I live in hope. Harry, if you would excuse Fawkes for a moment, I need to take him with me.” 

“Aww,” Harry pouted. Fawkes wasn’t too happy about it, either, and his beady-eyed look at Dumbledore said, More like I will be taking you with me.

“Come along, Harry,” Severus said. “Let’s go to the kitchens and see what the elves will give us for dinner.” 

“Yes elves!” Harry shouted, forgetting Fawkes in an instant. They bid goodbye to Dumbledore and watched as Fawkes flashed them away, then they raced each other to the kitchens (it was Harry’s idea) for the last dinner in the castle before the students would arrive.

Harry fidgeted while Severus straightened his robes. “Daddy, I’m hungry. Can I just have a little bit while we wait?” 

“The house elves only bring in the food all at once. They have to wait for Professor Dumbledore’s signal, which will be after his speech.” They were sitting at the staff table in the Great Hall, which had regained its normal four long tables. 

“When is his speech?”

“After the students arrive.”

Harry gazed mournfully at the empty hall and sighed dramatically. “But I’m hungry!”

Severus discovered a secret reserve of patience in his left big toe and used it. “I know, Harry, but you have to wait just like the rest of us. Here, have some water.” He poured Harry a goblet full and made sure he used both hands to hold it. He ought to ask the elves for some small plastic cups. If they even knew what they were…

At long last, which was in reality only about two minutes, the doors opened and students began streaming into the Great Hall. Harry stared and stared, scooting closer and closer in his chair until he was practically pinning Severus’ arm to his side. “There’s so much,” he whispered. “There’s so much students, Daddy.” 

“So many,” he corrected absently, watching his Slytherins. There were a few he had his eye on. Leo Green slipped in with two other second-year boys. He glanced up at Severus and then looked away quickly. Suspicious.

“I never saw so many people before,” Harry whispered. 

Severus glanced down at him in concern. He put an arm around Harry so he could lean closer. “There’s no need to be afraid of them. They will all be quite friendly; in fact, I am sure they will all want to meet you as soon as possible.” 

“Meet me?” Harry asked, in awe. 

“Indeed. You are the Boy-Who-Lived, after all.” 

Harry made a face. He still wasn’t sure he liked the title. He had asked Severus if he could change his name, but Severus said no. He was stuck being Famous Harry Potter.

The new firsties were ushered in and the Sorting began. Harry watched avidly for the first two and a half Sortings, and then he lost interest. He sank into Severus’ lap with a groan and wrapped his head in the black robes. Within minutes, he was asleep.

Severus fought back a smirk as he watched the rest of the Sorting. He had twelve new Slytherins; they would need guidance and direction and high expectations. 

Chapter Text

After Poppy ruthlessly tricked him into taking a nap, Severus woke up feeling well enough to work. He finished his grading and was almost satisfied with the lesson plans for Hank when he heard Harry’s excited voice coming up the hallway. Minerva had picked him up from school, and from the sounds of it, Harry had had an eventful day.

Severus barely had time to put his papers away before the door burst open, revealing a wildly enthusiastic Harry Potter, scarf askew and cheeks pink from the cold. Minerva followed behind at a more dignified pace, her expression a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

“Daddy, guess what?” Harry demanded, bouncing on his toes as he shucked off his coat.

Severus quirked an eyebrow. “You set another school record for the number of questions asked in an afternoon?”

“Noooo,” Harry giggled, shoving his mittens into his pockets. “But I learned about Batman!”

Minerva, handing off Harry’s school bag with a fond shake of her head, muttered something about “Muggle nonsense” before retreating toward the Floo. “I have to run to a meeting, Severus, but Floo me if you want me to take Harry to school tomorrow.” She Flooed out in a rush of green flames.

Severus blinked. “Batman?”

Harry nodded enthusiastically, flopping onto the foot of the bed as if he had just returned from battle. “He’s a hero, but he doesn’t have magic or superpowers or anything! He’s just super smart and sneaky and—” Harry paused dramatically, his green eyes practically glowing with mischief. “He dresses all in black and hides in the shadows and scares people just by looking at them.”

Severus leaned back, folding his arms. “Sounds like a rather practical fellow.”

“I know!” Harry grinned. “I told Kelly at school that I live with a professor who wears all black and sneaks around and glares at people, and she said, ‘Whoa! What if he’s Batman?’”

Severus huffed. “And what, precisely, was your response to this theory?”

Harry sat up straight and jabbed a finger in the air. “I said, ‘Oh my gosh, what if he is?’” He tilted his head, studying Severus suspiciously. “Are you Batman, Daddy?”

Severus tapped a finger against his chin as though considering. “If I were, would I tell you?”

Harry gasped, covering his mouth with both hands. “That’s exactly what Batman would say!”

Smirking, Severus pulled his wand and summoned over a tray of tea and sandwiches Poppy had left him. “Come, Detective Potter, I believe it’s time for an after-school snack. Growing boys need sustenance.”

Sitting cross-legged to face Severus, Harry took his self-appointed role as snack distributor very seriously. Severus, fully intending to just have a cup of tea and observe, found himself tricked into eating a small sandwich when Harry pushed the tray towards him with an expectant look.

“You have to eat too,” Harry said, hands on his hips. “Grown-ups need food, ‘specially if they’re Batman.”

With a sigh of long-suffering patience, Severus took a bite. Harry beamed. “Good job, Daddy!”

Severus snorted and nearly choked on his sandwich. Harry swung his legs happily under the table and continued munching on his own snack. By the time Severus had regained his composure, Harry had already moved on to talking about his schoolwork.

Before long, the door to the Hospital Wing opened to reveal Dumbledore in his usual absurdly bright robes.

“Ah, Severus, my boy!” Dumbledore twinkled, stepping inside. “I trust young Mr. Potter had a successful day of academic pursuit?”

Harry, hearing his name, scampered over. “I learned about Batman, and I made Daddy eat his sandwich!”

Dumbledore beamed. “Marvelous accomplishments both.”

Severus sighed. “Was there a particular reason for your visit, Headmaster?”

Dumbledore chuckled. “Indeed. I wished to discuss preparations for young Hank’s lessons. I am sure he’ll have no problems following your lesson plans, but I believe he’ll want a tour of the classroom and the storeroom, and his lab area.”

Severus nodded, already anticipating the work ahead. They discussed schedules and necessary materials while Harry alternated between doodling superheroes and interjecting with questions that occasionally veered into entirely unrelated subjects. By the time Dumbledore departed, Harry was restless, clearly tired of listening to adult conversation.

Severus took pity on him. “Come, let’s do your schoolwork before dinner.”

Harry perked up slightly at the promise of magic practice. He retrieved his homework from his school bag and climbed onto the bed beside Severus. “We’re s’posed to practice making our hands glow,” he explained, waving his fingers for emphasis. “Like—just a little bit of light, like a candle.”

Severus hummed. “A useful exercise for control.” He demonstrated, letting a small, golden glow emanate from his palm. “Like this.”

Harry scrunched up his nose in concentration and held out his hands. But nothing happened. “I can’t do it!”

“Focus on your magic and bring it to your hands,” Severus suggested, keeping his light going.

Harry frowned. “How do I do that?”

“Hmm.” Severus had never thought about how to teach someone to focus their magic. By the time students came to Hogwarts, they already had their wands, so they didn’t do this kind of exercise anymore. “Let’s try something else.” 

Severus sat up straighter and had Harry sit on his lap. Then he took his small hands in his larger ones and cupped them so they both sat facing up. 

“Close your eyes, Harry,” he directed, closing his own. His senses tuned in to the quiet of the Hospital Wing and the smells of cleaner, potions, and Harry’s sweaty head. “Focus on what you hear…and smell…and feel. Take a deep breath…good.” 

After a few minutes of quiet breathing (Severus was impressed that Harry could sit still and be quiet for this long), he murmured, “Now focus inward, where your breath makes your belly rise and fall. Can you feel your heart beat? Listen to it, feel it, imagine that you can see your heart sending energy throughout your body…it starts in the middle of you and spreads out…into your arms and legs…into your fingers and toes…” Severus opened his eyes and saw a gentle glow emanating from Harry’s hands. “Now slowly open your eyes and look at your hands.” 

Harry looked down and gasped. “I did it!” The next instant, his hands stopped glowing. “Oh,” he sighed. “Not anymore.” 

“That was decent for your first try, Harry. Let’s try again.” 

They spent about half an hour practicing, until Harry could bring up a faint light without needing to meditate first. He wanted to do it on his own one last time, so they sat facing each other on the bed. Harry held his hands out and concentrated as hard as he could.

A faint flicker of light shimmered over his skin before vanishing.

“Try again,” Severus encouraged.

With another determined effort, Harry managed a steady, soft glow. He gasped in delight. “I did it! Daddy, look!”

“Well done,” Severus murmured, watching the warm light reflect in Harry’s wide eyes.

After a few more attempts, Harry yawned and let his magic fade. “That was fun. I’m gonna show Kelly tomorrow, and Nate, and Dax—”

“Do you have more homework?” Severus interjected, before Harry could list off his entire class. 

“Just maths,” Harry said, making a face. 

“Maths is important, especially when you take Arithmancy at Hogwarts. Pull it out, I’ll check it for mistakes.” 

Harry groaned dramatically but obeyed, and Severus made him rework the problems until he got them all right. By the time they finished, Harry was nearly dying of hunger, to hear him complain. 

When Poppy came to bring their dinner and Severus’ potions, she ran a diagnostic spell while Harry dove into his bangers and mash. “The bronchitis is mostly clear, and your lungs are fine,” she reported. 

“So we can go back to my quarters now?”

“Well…I suppose so. After you eat all your supper. And come back for a check up tomorrow. And take the rest of your potions—”

“And bundle up nice and warm and wash your hands and get plenty of sleep?” Severus smirked. 

“Cheeky. You’d best believe I’ll come find you if you don’t,” she scolded, but she patted his shoulder before leaving them to eat. 

Finally, finally, Severus and Harry headed back to the dungeons. They left before dinner hour was over, so the halls were mostly empty. But they passed a few Slytherins who nodded at Severus and grinned at Harry. One of them had the audacity to ask when he was going to introduce Harry to the House! But apparently it was a tradition for Heads to formally introduce their families, so Severus decided to bring him to the next Sunday evening study session. 

Back in his quarters, Severus sent Harry to get ready for bed while he reorganised the papers and things he had brought to the Infirmary and checked that all was well after the stay away. 

“I’m ready, Daddy!” Harry hollered from his bedroom. 

Severus went in and loomed over Harry, folding his arms with a fierce frown. “What have I told you about yelling inside, Mr. Potter?” 

“Ummm…to use an inside voice?”

“Indeed. And was that an ‘inside voice’?” Severus made his voice deep and menacing. 

Unfortunately, Harry didn’t look intimidated. “I thought you couldn’t hear me, Daddy. ‘Cause of my door was closed.” 

“I can hear you wherever you are in my quarters.” 

“Really?” Harry looked at him suspiciously, for the second time that day. “Are you really Batman? ‘Cause I think he can hear really well.” 

“Would Batman read you a story?” Severus asked smartly, wandlessly summoning The Wizard and the Hopping Pot behind his back. 

“I dunno,” Harry giggled. “Maybe if he was you, he would!”

Severus sat down on Harry’s bed, shoving him over to make room. Harry snuggled under his arm and opened the book so he could hold one side of it.

“There was once a kind-hearted wizard,” Severus began, reciting the words from memory. He continued the story, letting Harry turn the pages. He closed his eyes, already exhausted and ready for bed. 

But even after two times through, Harry wasn’t even sleepy. Instead, he put the book aside and grabbed Severus’ hands so he could put his inside. “Can I practice my magic again, Daddy?”

“Just one more time,” Severus agreed, fighting sleep. He let Harry practice, dozing off in the quiet. 

Harry must have been distracted from his magical practice, because some time later Severus felt Harry playing with his hands, inspecting them and rubbing his small fingers over the scars and stains he bore. 

“You’ve got rainbow hands,” Harry observed quietly.

Severus raised an eyebrow. “Rainbow hands?”

Harry nodded. “There’s all sorts of colors. Some bits are lighter, some are kinda pinky, and there’s little blueish spots, like potion stains. What’s this one?”

Severus pried his eyes open to see which spot Harry was talking about. “Concentration of hellebore. Combined with phoenix tears, it healed the scar but left that purple mark.” 

“Hmm…what about this one?”

“What do you think? You just learned about it the other day in Herbology at school.” 

“Um…wonuberries?”

“That’s the one. Never mix them with salamander blood.” 

“Kay,” Harry agreed. He continued to inspect Severus’ hands, naming all the colours he saw, which were many. Severus had honestly forgotten about most of those incidents, and he was used to his hands, so it was strange to hear Harry’s reactions. 

“It’s like a rainbow,” Harry said, decidedly. 

Severus exhaled a quiet laugh. “A rather grim rainbow, I’d say.”

Harry frowned. “Nope. Rainbows mean magic, and you have loads of magic, so it fits.”

Shaking his head in amusement, Severus gently shifted so Harry could lie down more comfortably. “Go to sleep, Harry.” Within minutes, the boy was asleep, one small hand still loosely holding onto his.

Severus leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes for just a moment. If anyone asked, he was simply resting his eyes—not dozing off in the presence of his determined, excitable, entirely-too-precious charge. Not at all.

Chapter Text

Harry bounced on his toes with excitement as he waited for Hank to Floo in. His daddy stood around talking to Aunt Minnie and Uncle Albus at the staff table, but Harry kept his eyes fixed on the giant fireplace across the Great Hall. The crackling flames reminded him that he was safe in his new home, not with the Dursleys. They never had a real fire, just electric.

Suddenly the flames roared, turning into a giant green monster! Harry gasped and clutched his daddy’s hand. He wasn’t scared...just excited. 

Instead of a person stepping out, the green monster burped out a man in a wheelchair! Was this Hank? The man rolled right out of the fireplace and headed straight for Harry and the professors. He went faster and faster. The wheels spun so fast they became blurs. He was heading straight for Harry—no, straight for his daddy!

Just when Harry was about to try to use his magic to stop the man, he screeched to a halt right in front of them, almost to Daddy’s toes. 

The man winked at Harry and grinned up at the professor. “Hallo, Professor. It’s lovely to be back again. Headmaster, Professor Mcgonagall,” he nodded at the others. 

“Lovely to see you again, Mr. Stathern,” Uncle Albus said, shaking the man’s hand.

Aunt Minnie also shook his hand. She corrected Uncle Albus: “Or should we say, Professor Stathern? I’m very glad you’re joining us, your help is quite appreciated.” 

“I couldn’t say no to my favourite professor,” Professor Stathern said, winking at Harry again. Then he held out his hand to Harry. “And you must be Harry Potter.” 

“How did you know?” Harry asked, astonished. He was used to the students knowing who he was, but he didn’t think this stranger would. 

“Why, Professor Snape told me, of course! But you’re too young to be calling me Professor anything. Call me Hank.” He still held out his hand.

Harry caught on and shook his hand enthusiastically. So this was Hank! He was a lot younger than Harry had expected. He practically looked the same age as the old seventh years!

Then Harry thought of something. “Who’s your favourite professor?” He didn’t know who had asked Hank to come help his daddy, but it would be good to know. 

Hank grinned and glanced at the professors, who were watching them. He leaned closer to Harry and lowered his voice, even though he was still loud enough for them to hear, so Harry didn’t know why he did that. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours.” 

Harry giggled. That was a super easy question! “My favourite is Daddy, of course! I found him and he takes care of me all the time! Now tell me yours.”

“Okay,” Hank agreed. “Mine’s the same. Now, is it too late for a man to get some food in his belly? Beans on toast has nothing compared to the old house elves’ cooking.” 

“Of course,” Aunt Minnie said right away. She nudged Daddy with her elbow and smiled at him, and Harry noticed that he was smiling, too, a little bit. “Why don’t we show you to your quarters and you can get settled in? I imagine you’ll want an early night before your first day of teaching tomorrow.” 

“If you’re up for it,” Daddy added. He beckoned for Harry to come over and picked him up. Harry held on to his daddy and turned so he could keep looking at Hank. The man had really curly brown hair that looked like it would spring back if he pulled on it. “If you need a day to get adjusted, that's acceptable.”

“No need,” Hank dismissed the idea, turning his wheelchair and heading for the doors. Harry watched, fascinated, as he propelled the wheels to turn only using light pushes of his fingers. How did he do that? “I’ve been ready since yesterday. Er, Headmaster Dumbledore, I did have one question though…” 

They crossed the Entrance Hall and came close to the staircase that led to the dungeons. Harry knew this staircase because he climbed it every day. But as he kept watching Hank roll along in his wheelchair, Harry saw the problem. 

“How am I supposed to get around a castle with a hundred and forty-two staircases in a wheelchair?”

“I’m glad you asked, my boy,” Uncle Albus said. Harry looked at him curiously, and saw a twinkle in his eye. “I had quite a fun time with this little challenge. If you will watch carefully, I will teach you this little spell I developed the other day…” 

The ancient wizard raised his wand and pointed it at the staircase. He said some words in Latin (Harry was learning how to recognise the language) and waved his wand in a pattern. Harry watched in astonishment as the stone stairs turned into a slide!

“Whoa,” Hank said. He inched forward to the top, and looked up at Uncle Albus. “It’s just like at the skate park. I’m going to get some crazy momentum.” 

“Use a spell like arresto momentum when you near the end,” Uncle Albus suggested. “Go on, my boy. Try it.” 

Hank took a deep breath, pointed his wand at his wheelchair, and rolled down the ramp. He rolled down the hallway for a little way before spinning his chair around to a stop. He grinned up at the professors and Harry, who all cheered. “That was wicked!” he cried. Then he looked at the ramp with a little frown. “But how should I get back up?”

“Try a levitation charm,” said a familiar voice behind Harry. He turned to look over Daddy’s shoulder and saw Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout. “Welcome back, Mr. Stathern. I see you have already begun learning Albus’ new charms.”

“That one is great,” Hank called back. “Hold on, I’m going to float back up.” He cast a spell on his wheelchair, which slowly lifted in the air and rolled up the ramp, with the wheels barely touching. He was a little wobbly, but he ended up at the top with a wide grin. “I’ve been working on that one for a while,” he told them. 

Harry looked at the slide again, wishing he had a wheelchair so he could slide down. It didn't look as smooth as a park slide would be. Maybe if he asked Hank, he would let him borrow his chair…

“But what about when the hallways are busy, Albus?” Aunt Minnie asked. “We can’t have students sliding down staircases and getting hurt.”

“And what about the moving staircases?” Professor Sprout added. 

“That’s true,” Hank frowned. “I could just wait until the hallways are clear. I have to be early to classes anyway.” 

“Nonsense, my boy. You need to be able to move around just like anyone else. Never fear, that was only the first spell. You have an excellent grasp on what is practically self-levitation.” 

Hank's cheeks turned pink. “I’m still pretty wobbly and slow, though.” 

“I was thinking about a spell similar to a lift. Are you familiar with muggle lifts, my boy?” 

“I am!” Harry cried. He knew about lifts, he had ridden in one two whole times! “They’re big boxes that carry people up and down inside buildings! I thought it was magic until I learned about real life magic!” 

For some reason, the adults thought that was funny. Even Daddy laughed a little bit. Harry frowned at him. “I’m serious, Daddy. They seem really magicky.”

“Magical,” Daddy corrected him. He stopped smiling, but his lips still twitched, so Harry huffed. “You’re right, Harry, lifts carry people up and down in buildings, and that’s what Albus is going to do here.” 

“Watch the wand movement first, Professor Stathern,” Uncle Albus said. He showed Hank the pattern and then said the Latin. “It will create a side rail on any staircase, even the moving ones, that will attach to the side of your wheelchair and slide it up or down, which you can control with your wand. Give it a try.” He turned the slide back into stairs.

Harry sighed with disappointment. Maybe next time…

Hank did the spell a few times, going up and down the stairs, until he could go fast and smooth both ways. When he came up the last time, shooting up the stairs super fast, Harry and the professors cheered. 

Even Daddy smiled and said, “Well done,” which made Hank grin. Then Daddy said, “Now that you can get around, let us proceed to your quarters,” which Harry knew meant ‘enough time playing around, it’s time to go home’. 

Hank did the lift spell again and they followed him downstairs, then Daddy led the way to a door just down the hall from their own front door. Harry got so excited that Hank was going to be their neighbour that Daddy put him down because he wiggled so much! Harry had never had a fun neighbour before. And he had definitely never thought he could be neighbours with someone inside a castle!

After they showed Hank around his new house, Daddy called a house elf to bring Hank some food and said it was time for them to go. “Mr. Potter here has a bedtime even earlier than the first years,” he told Hank. “Harry, say goodnight to the professors.” 

Harry said goodnight and shook Hank’s hand again, giggling when the man slipped a piece of candy to him with their handshake. Harry had a feeling he would be a really good neighbour. Then they all left, and Harry waved goodbye to the professors as they went back out of the dungeons and he and his daddy went home. 

Harry was so excited about Hank that it took him a long time to go to sleep. Even after his bath and checking his homework for tomorrow and reading bedtime stories, he didn’t want to go to sleep. But Daddy said he had already been up past his bedtime, and if he didn’t go to sleep then he would chop Harry up for potions ingredients, so Harry closed his eyes and breathed deep while Daddy rubbed his back, because Harry loved helping with potions and he didn’t want Daddy to say he couldn't anymore.

After getting Hank settled and Harry put to bed, Severus went up to Dumbledore’s office, knowing he and Minerva would want to talk. He wasn't surprised to find Poppy there as well, since he hadn't been to see her yet.

“Hold still for a minute,” she told him brusquely, waving a diagnostic spell over his head. 

Severus tried to snatch the parchment as it appeared, but she got it first. She tutted over it and pulled a few potions out of her pocket. “You need to go to bed early tonight,” she informed him. “You can take a Pepper-Up in the morning, but only one. How is Hank?”

“Suppressing,” Severus said dryly. 

“Come over and have some tea, Severus. Will you join us, Poppy?” Dumbledore asked, setting up tea at his desk. Several chairs sat next to Minerva, who already had a cup in hand.

“I’d love to. Is this your herbal blend?”

“Yes, perfect for calming down before bed. It won’t react with any of your potions, Severus, so don’t worry about that.” He handed Severus a cup and waved him to sit down.

“What do you mean by that, Severus?” Minerva asked. “I know it’s only been six months or so, but he seemed quite happy today.”

“Thank you,” Severus said to Dumbledore, then responded to Minerva, “He seemed fine because Harry was there and we spent less than an hour with him this evening. I believe he will benefit from having a…support team, shall we say, and not letting him wallow alone in his quarters.” 

“You visited him quite regularly, didn’t you, Severus?” Dumbledore asked.

“I went over every week in the summer, and most weekends in the past term. Then, as you know, Harry happened and I didn’t visit him for a couple of weeks.” Severus frowned, guilty at the reminder that he had completely forgotten about his former student. 

“And did his physical condition improve in that time? I imagine he was doing quite a lot of physical therapy,” Poppy mused.

“Yes, he improved a lot in the summer. He likes to visit a nearby muggle skate park; he has some muggle friends who have taught him how to do things like, well, roll down ramps at high speeds,” Severus smirked. “That was the Headmaster’s idea, by the way.”

Poppy eyed Dumbledore. 

“While using arresto momentum, of course,” he assured her.

Poppy hummed. “And now? Most people don’t spend as much time outside in the winter. Does he look peaky? Is he eating enough?”

“Given that you plan to do a full inspection tomorrow, Madame, I’m sure I couldn’t tell you every detail,” Severus said with a quirk of his brow. 

“Cheeky boy,” Poppy scolded him. “Fine, I’ll visit him. Although Merlin knows he probably has had enough time with healers to last a lifetime.” 

The group fell quiet, drinking their tea and thinking about the newest addition to the staff. They all remembered Hank quite well, since he only graduated the year previous, but Severus knew him best, since he was in Slytherin. The incident with him and Kalia had shocked the whole school, but it was the Slytherins that Severus had had to reassure and spend time with and support. He had been glad to already have regular Sunday night study sessions by then, so he could be in touch with his house regularly. The incident had also caused most students to spend more time in the safety of the Common Room. 

Near the end of term last year, Hank and Kalia had been brewing a NEWT-level potion that had exploded dramatically. Kalia had been killed almost instantly, while Hank suffered injuries that left him paralyzed, even after magical healing.

“Weren’t they, Severus?” Dumbledore’s voice brought Severus back to the present. 

Severus blinked. “I beg your pardon?” 

“Hank and Kalia, they were betrothed, we were saying. They were probably planning to marry soon after graduation, weren’t they?” 

“Yes,” Severus answered. “In June. Before they even got their NEWT results.”

Instead, Kalia had never taken her NEWTs, and Hank had only taken his after a month at St. Mungo's. They had done everything they could, and studying was the only way Hank found to cope with losing the ability to walk. 

“You did everything you could, Severus,” Minerva said quietly.

Severus snorted. “That's what her grandmother thought, too. Her mother knew better.” And Severus knew better. If only he had established stronger safety protocols, and checked in more frequently on what they were brewing, and gone to that corridor just an hour earlier…

“The first death weighs the heaviest,” Minerva continued. She put her hand on his arm, sending warmth into his bones. “I'm not saying it gets easier, but you must allow yourself to come to terms with what happened. No one blames you for it.” 

“And you must work against blaming yourself,” Poopy added from his other side. Severus thought it wasn't quite fair for them to gang up on him like that. “Remember the healing training you had. You have to trust that you do your best in the moment, and that you can't save everyone.”

“I wasn't even there in the moment,” Severus argued, but he knew they had a point...about Kalia, at least. There was no questioning the blame that lay on his shoulders from his actions as a Death Eater.

“Severus, do you think Hank will be able to support you with the Slytherin House?” Dumbledore asked with a gentle change of subject. “If he needs more time to recover, we don’t want to ask him to do too much.”

Severus shook his head. “He is very eager to help, and I think his presence will be quite valuable with some students. And I believe the last thing he needs is more time alone. He needs to be busy and put his mind to work.”

“Very well,” Dumbledore conceded easily. “Let me know if you need anything from me.” 

Severus eyed the man and considered asking for the thing he had in mind, but he wasn’t entirely sure that Dumbledore meant his offer to be taken literally. The headmaster still tended to be biased against Slytherin quite often. Perhaps Severus could ask him later, if he felt the need for the man’s involvement.

The conversation turned to other topics, but they didn’t linger long, knowing that the morning would bring another full day of teaching. Severus bid goodnight to the professors and slipped away to the dungeons, where he knew Harry slept safely and Hank hopefully slept just a few doors away.

Chapter Text

The students overall accepted Hank with enthusiasm, and he was immediately popular. Severus had no qualms about his own popularity as a teacher; he had worked to obtain and maintain his reputation. He was gratified, however, when a few of his older students — and not just Slytherins! — indicated that they were glad he was still teaching their classes. It was probably just because they were used to him, though. 

On the next Sunday night, Severus officially introduced Hank and Harry to the House of Slytherin. Usually the House study nights were quite informal, but for this one he instructed the prefects to gather everyone in the official formation before he arrived.

He swept into the room and headed for the Floo, not too quickly because he knew Harry and Hank were following behind him. There were ripples of murmurs and giggles, and Severus frowned at the students. They settled down a bit, but there were still some giggles from students — students who, Severus realised, were looking at Harry. 

Severus folded his arms as he swept to a stop in front of the Floo, quickly glancing over his shoulder to see what Harry was doing. He did a double take when he saw Harry striding forward with comically large steps, his arms folded, with an adorable scowl on his face. Behind him, Hank’s face was red from trying not to laugh.

Harry saw Severus looking and immediately dropped the act, putting his arms behind his back and smiling sweetly up at Severus. “I’m ready, Daddy,” he said innocently. He stood next to Severus and slipped a hand into his. 

Severus narrowed his eyes at him but let it drop for now. He didn’t know how he felt about Harry imitating him. He was far from a good role model for anyone, much less Harry, and he didn’t know what to think about Harry looking up to him. He pushed away those thoughts and focused on the present and Hank rolled up next to Harry. The students had calmed down and watched him.

“Students of Slytherin House,” he began formally. “In accordance with custom, it is my pleasure to announce and present for your ratification my son, Harry James Potter, adopted according to law and magic, and heir to all that is mine, and my assistant professor, Henry Wilhelm Stathern, formerly of Slytherin House, Professor of Potions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and assistant Head of House to myself. You will treat Harry as one of your own — which I pleased to see that you have been doing — and protect him according to the ancient laws and in deference to your respect for me. You will respect Professor Stathern as you respect me, and every other professor at Hogwarts. 

“Harry James Potter,” Severus stepped behind Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. Harry looked up at him seriously. “And Henry Wilhelm Stathern,” Severus placed his other hand on Hank’s shoulder. “I present you to the Great and Noble House of Slytherin. May you be at home here, and may you strive together with all the students for greatness and honour. Let it be done.”

“Let it be done,” most of the students murmured in an echo. Some of them weren’t familiar with the ritual, and he had changed it to fit the circumstance, but it was enough for the magic to take hold. He knew the students wouldn’t cause any problems — at least, not for a while, and not while Severus was around. There were a few older students he was keeping an eye on, but he could handle them one-handed. The great majority of Slytherins had eagerly embraced Harry — as Severus was reminded as soon as the ritual was finished. 

After the ritual, the students fell out of formation and scattered all over the Common Room, pulling out books and parchments with the frantic air that comes every Sunday night. Several of them came up to Hank for help with homework. Severus went over to his usual couch near the center of the room, and Harry followed, bringing Hank with him. 

Across the room, Severus saw Leo hovering by himself, and he beckoned him over with a crook of his finger.

Leo rolled his eyes but obeyed. He sat on the couch next to Harry, who immediately offered to help him with his homework. 

Leo snorted. “Like I’m going to let you hold my wand. How ‘bout I help you with your homework?” 

“Okay!” Harry agreed easily, not at all put out at the switch. 

Leo grinned to himself as Harry got out his primary school worksheet. He knew Harry would end up trying to help him anyway, but Leo knew better than to let the five-year-old hold a wand. Not with his scary father sitting right there. 

As Leo worked on his Transfiguration homework, he mused about how Snape was so protective of Harry. He wasn’t like normal fathers, but maybe that was because Harry didn’t have a mother. Hmm, Snape is like Harry’s dad and mum, but overprotective and growly…like a bear! Leo stifled a giggle and looked over at Snape, who was helping a couple of fourth year girls with the Defense homework. He showed them how to put up a shield really fast, which made a few more students come over to watch. Snape growled at them to stand back before any spells were cast. 

He really is like a bear, Leo thought. A mama bear, sometimes nice but sometimes really scary. Leo wasn’t as scared of the man as he was when he first came to Hogwarts, but he was still intimidating. And he was really smart, and Leo worried that he knew more than he let on about his stepfather. 

Leo wrote down a few answers about Transfiguring a feather into a quill, then he looked over at Hank, who was explaining some kind of charm to a group of fifth years. Hank seemed really nice so far — in fact, if Leo had to guess, he would have said the man was a Hufflepuff. He was really cheerful and smiled all the time, even in the classroom. That didn’t mean he wasn’t strict, though. In Leo’s first Potions class with Hank, a couple of Gryffindor boys had goofed off, and he scolded them and took points. Maybe he could be Slytherin’s papa bear? 

As soon as Harry finished his homework, he slid off the couch and ran over to the group of older boys that had stayed over Christmas, including Romford and Hardy. He said something to them, and they all laughed and started putting away their homework. 

Ollie Hardy jumped up and whooped, grabbing Harry and tossing him onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. “Har-ry! Har-ry! Har-ry!” he chanted. Kids started following him, so he led a parade around the room, all chanting Harry’s name. 

Leo jumped up and joined in. Someone turned on a radio that played the Weird Sisters, and by collective agreement the study session was adjourned. Leo found Harry in the middle of the crowd, sitting on Ollie’s shoulders in his kitten form and wearing a Slytherin scarf. 

“Our mascot!” Dylan Thomas cried, waving a Slytherin Quidditch flag. He was Quidditch captain, and the team had a two-year winning streak so far. “With Harry at the game this weekend, we can’t lose!” 

Leo joined the cheer. A voice from the crowd called, “Better ask his da before you make any promises to the lad.” 

“Oh, yeah,” Thomas looked abashed. “C’mon, Hardy. Professor Snape!” The crowd surged over to Snape, who was talking to a few older students. “Professor, can Harry come to the game this Saturday? We need him, he’s our mascot!” 

“I was under the impression that the snake was our mascot,” Snape said, indicating the paper-mache snake on display that was always carried to the games. 

“Yes, but Harry is even better luck. Besides, it’ll be his first Quidditch game ever!”

Snape frowned at Thomas as he took Harry down from Hardy’s shoulders. “Don’t whinge, Mr. Thomas. Mr. Potter will attend the game…barring any unforeseen circumstances.” 

Once again Leo and the other students cheered. They knew by now that that meant ‘yes’ in Snape’s book. Harry turned back into human form and looked abashed at Snape’s stern look.

“Now, say goodnight to Harry. It’s his bedtime and first-years’ curfew. You all have classes in the morning, so don’t even think about staying up past midnight.” 

A few groans met this announcement, but most students knew better than to argue. They bid Harry goodnight with hair-ruffling and ‘secret’ handshakes and slowly began to disperse.

“That was fun,” Harry sighed, laying his head on Snape’s shoulder.

“Do not go to sleep yet,” the professor told him. “Don’t think I’ll forget that you changed without permission again.” 

“Umm,” said Harry. “Sorry?”

“We will talk about this later.”

Harry gulped and hid his face in Snape’s shoulder.

Snape met Leo’s eyes and crooked a finger to call him over. He handed Leo his bag, which he had left on the couch. “Would you be willing to meet with me in my office tomorrow evening?” he asked quietly. “I would like to speak with you, and I’m sure Harry would like to see you.” 

Leo bit his lip, looking at the ground as he felt nervousness swell within him. He knew Snape suspected something about his family, but he was tired of avoiding the man and always acting grumpy to push him away. Besides, there was Harry. The five-year-old trusted Snape, so maybe Leo could, too. He met Snape’s eyes. “Okay.” 

Snape’s eyes crinkled with approval, and he set his hand on Leo’s shoulder for a moment. “Thank you, Mr. Green. Seven o’clock.” 

Chapter Text

The next evening, Severus took Harry with him to his office after dinner before his meeting with Leo. “Sit down there,” he told Harry, nudging him to the chair in front of his desk where students usually sat. “We are going to have a discussion.”

Harry apparently knew what his glare meant, because he obeyed meekly and looked nervous. 

“Last night, you changed into your animagus form. Did you ask my permission first?” 

“No,” Harry answered slowly. “But —”

“Did you forget what I told you the first time you showed me your form?” 

“No.”

“What did I say?”

“That I’m not s’posed to change without asking you or Aunt Minnie first.”

“And did you ask me or Aunt Minnie?”

“No,” Harry said again. “I forgot, Daddy.” 

Severus remembered that it was harder for five-year-olds to remember than eleven-year-olds. “I understand that, but it doesn’t change the fact that you broke a rule, and now you have to take the punishment.”

Harry bowed his head almost to his knees. “Okay,” he whispered. “Are you gonna lock me in my room?” 

“No!” Severus exclaimed. “Never; Harry, I will never lock you in your room, no matter if you break a hundred rules. That is not a proper punishment for a child.” 

“Oh,” said Harry. He lifted his head to peek up at Severus through his messy hair.

Thankfully, Severus had thought this through already. “You will stand in the corner for five minutes, and then I will give you lines to write. I have a meeting with a student so I will be here, but you won’t be able to hear me. Understood?”

“I just stand in the corner?” Harry looked skeptical about Severus’ punishing capabilities.

“No speaking or moving around. It is hard but I am sure you can do it.” 

“Okay,” Harry said dubiously, and went to the corner.

Severus started a timer just as a knock sounded at the door. He opened it to let Leo in and waved him to sit down. “Good evening, Mr. Green. Don’t mind Mr. Potter in the corner, he is being punished but will not be able to listen in.” 

Leo looked at Harry curiously as he sat down, clutching his bookbag nervously. “What did he do?” 

“Is that any of your business, Mr. Green?”

Leo ducked his head. “Sorry.” 

Severus waved a privacy ward that would allow Harry to still see him but not look at him or Leo too closely, and blocked their conversation from reaching his ears. “Mipsy,” he called, and asked the house elf to bring tea for three. 

Leo accepted his tea and nibbled a biscuit. He seemed to know that Severus wanted to have a difficult conversation, but he looked so tense that Severus was hesitant to begin. 

“How have you been adjusting to classes? Now that we’ve begun the second term, most of your classmates have settled in. Do you feel the same?”

Leo shrugged. “Yeah, I guess.”

Severus gave him a look.

“Er, I mean, yes sir. I got good grades last term, and nothing’s too hard yet. I’m glad to be back.”

“Oh? And why is that? Most students would rather stay with their families than come back to school.” 

By the narrow-eyed look on Leo’s face, he knew Severus was goading him, but to his credit, he didn’t try to lie. “I’d rather be here. Home is boring and —” He stopped with a frown.

“And? You are an only child, but your parents are there to spend time with you.”

“Not parents,” Leo reminded him. “My mum got time off work so we got to go to a menagerie. I saw lots of cool animals.”

Severus sidestepped the change of subject. “Did your stepfather go with you?”

Leo snorted. “No way. He says menageries are dumb. I think he’s scared of the animals though.” He smirked.

Severus pressed, “What did you do with your stepfather over the break? Did he spend time with you or your mum?”

Leo tensed up. “Nothing. He just worked a bunch. Nothing is wrong.”

“Really? How does your stepfather treat you, Mr. Green? If nothing is wrong you should be able to tell me so.” 

“Nothing is wrong!” Leo shouted. He jumped up and put his teacup on the desk, then backed away quickly. “I’m fine, I don’t gotta go back for months anyways.” 

Severus pivoted. “It has not escaped my attention that you still haven’t received your checkup from Madame Pomphrey yet.” 

“I don’t need it, I’m fine. I told you my mum got me a checkup before.” 

“Yes,” Severus agreed. “But your mum works at the Ministry every day, and your stepfather usually works at home, doesn’t he?” 

“Yeah,” Leo agreed quickly. “Mum had to work some, that’s why she didn’t want me to come home.”

“Oh? And you didn’t want to go home if it was just your stepfather?” 

Leo took a step back towards the door. “He’s workin’ too.” 

“But you would still see your mother when she came home each day, wouldn’t you?”

“Yeah,” Leo whispered. “But it ain’t the same.”

“What isn’t the same?” Severus stood up and walked around his desk. 

Leo’s breath hitched and he kept his eyes firmly on the floor. “My mum. Home.”

“They’re different because of your stepfather.”

Leo nodded. Severus stepped closer and slowly put his hands on the boy’s shoulders. “What else is different? What is so wrong that you can’t go home?”

Leo’s shoulders shook under Severus’s hands. “Everything.” 

Severus gently, carefully tugged him closer, and Leo collapsed against him with a sob. Severus held his head close and rubbed his back. Finally, he had broken through with the boy. Leo’s defences had crumbled, and Severus could see that he was just a hurting little boy…kind of like Harry. 

Of course, it was the boy’s stepfather. Severus didn’t remember the name — he was a muggle, married to the half-blood Mrs. Green — but nine times out of ten it was a problem with the father figure in the home that had his students acting just like Leo. As Severus pondered his next steps, Leo’s arms tentatively came up around him and clutched his robes. 

Luckily, even though it was awkward, Severus had had some practice with crying students by now. He waited until Leo calmed down and pulled away, and averted his eyes as he cleaned up with one of Severus’s (many) handkerchiefs. Then he led him back to his chair and poured them fresh cups of tea. He pulled his desk chair around so they wouldn’t have the desk between them. 

Just when he was about to restart the conversation, the timer went off, signalling the end of Harry’s time out. Severus removed the privacy spell and went over to Harry, not surprised to find him subdued. 

“I’m sorry, Daddy! I'm sorry I didn't ask you first! Are you still mad at me?”

Severus crouched down so he could look Harry in the eye. “No, no, Harry, I'm not mad. I was just worried, okay? But you did your time out so now you just have to write your lines, then you'll be done.”

“Okay,” Harry nodded. “I won't do it again, Daddy, I promise. I'll remember.”

“Thank you,” Severus said, with no small relief. He really wasn't sure what he would do if Harry had refused to listen. 

He was about to stand up and go back to Leo, but Harry shuffled forward and leaned against him, slipping his arms around his waist. He sniffled a little and squeezed as tightly as his little arms could. 

Severus felt his heart go rather odd, as if he had just narrowly missed being hit by a spell. He picked Harry up and squeezed him gently, feeling his fragile warmth. He stood up and just held Harry for a minute. It was silly to think one little punishment would ruin things. He would have to make sure Harry never had a reason to believe such a thing.

Leo was still sitting by the desk, sipping his tea and pretending not to eavesdrop. He looked up when they came over. 

“Say hi to Mr. Green, Harry,” Severus said. He sat down and set Harry on his lap so he could drink his tea.

A plate of biscuits suddenly on the table made the boys’ eyes light up. 

“Hi Leo,” Harry said, squirming to snitch a biscuit. “What're you doing here?”

“That is his private business, Harry,” Severus said, but Leo flapped his hand as he took a jammy dodger.

“I was just talking to Professor Snape about some stuff. But we're done, right?”

“No,” Severus answered firmly. “When you are both finished, we will continue our conversation.”

Leo gulped but nodded, and he changed the subject to talk about Quidditch. Harry loved Quidditch so it wasn't difficult to keep talking. 

Soon enough, the tea and biscuits had been consumed, so Severus sent Harry back to his desk to write his lines ("I will remember to ask permission before changing forms" twenty-five times). Then he recast the privacy spells and looked back at Leo. 

“Leo,” Severus began, and he looked up with a little surprise. Severus was usually a stickler for last names and proper addresses, but he wanted to let it go a bit with Leo. “I am going to ask you a few questions, and I need you to answer me honestly, all right? And then we will discuss what, if anything, needs to be done. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” Leo answered nervously. He sipped his tea and smiled slightly.

“Do you get enough to eat at home? Three regular meals a day, any snacks?” 

“Um, yeah, we have Limpy, he’s our house elf, he makes all the food and stuff.”

“Good. When you are at home and your mum is at work, what does your stepfather expect you to do?” 

Leo shrugged, and Severus frowned. “Er, he just ignores me, most of the time. I just play with Spooky, that’s my crup, and fly sometimes, and play games.” 

“And when he does talk to you, what does he say?”

Leo squirmed. 

“For example, if you broke one of the rules, is he the one who punishes you, or does he let your mother do it when she gets home?”

“He, um, he usually does it. Mum’s really tired when she gets home so he says I shouldn’t bother her.”

“And how does he punish you? You can be honest. You are familiar with how punishments work at Hogwarts, and that will now change based on what you say.”

“I don’t get in trouble very much, I promise,” Leo whispered.

“I know. You have been quite well-behaved here at Hogwarts. But I need you to answer the question.” 

Leo addressed his teacup. “He just, he spanks me sometimes.” 

Severus waited in case there was more. 

“Sometimes he uses a paddle if I was really bad, ‘cause I deserved it.”

Severus pursed his lips but remained quiet. 

Leo glanced up. “Th-that’s all, it’s not that bad.” 

“I see. Thank you for being honest, Mr. Green. Now, technically there is nothing I can do about how parents discipline their children. But I will speak with both of your parents and see what I can do to help you feel more comfortable at home, I promise.”

Leo’s shoulders slumped and he looked fully up. “Thank you, sir.”

Severus nodded. “Drink your tea.” 

As they finished eating, Severus redirected the conversation to other topics, like school, and then Harry came back over wanting to play. Severus let Leo stay and play with the trains and keep Harry occupied while he got some grading done. It was a quiet and pleasant evening, and when it was time for Leo to leave before curfew, he gave Severus a sunny smile for the first time. 

Harry was ecstatic about having a friend who loved playing with trains just as much as he did. “Can Leo come back tomorrow an’ every day, Daddy?”

“Don’t push your luck,” he told him, but mentally assigned five points to Slytherin.

Chapter Text

Hogwarts watched as her Slytherin common room bustled with activity. Unlike most of the time, when everyone focused on schoolwork or teenage drama, they were united in one purpose: to plan the Annual Ostara Festival. 

It was one of Hogwarts’s favourite times of year. The students, with a little help from the professors, planned the rituals, asked the elves for food, and decorated the common room themselves (it was supposed to be a day of celebration for elves as well as wizards, so they tried not to ask for anything more than necessary). 

Little Harry Potter, with his lovely magical aura, ran from one group of students to another. He was too excited to stay in one place for long. Hogwarts watched, amused, as Harry acted as a messenger for Severus, as if he couldn’t very well see what all was going on. 

The new professor, Hank, sat with a group of firsties making a list of people to invite. All students were invited, but it ended up being mostly Slytherins and mostly pureblooded students who came — although Harry was doing his utmost to change that. As Hogwarts watched, Harry convinced them to add the headmaster, Peeves, Mr. Filch, and his Argus-eyed feline to the list. 

Harry gasped (a common occurrence) and ran back over to Severus. “Daddy! Can we also invite Fawkes? And also Aunt Minnie? And also Hagrid?”

“Yes,” Severus answered.

“Oh! And Draco and his mummy and daddy? And also Miss Retzel?” 

Severus hesitated. That was more people than he had originally planned. But he didn't have a good reason not to invite any of them…and Harry's eyes were fixed on him, all big and green and pleading…Severus felt compelled to say yes. A part of him worried that Harry was using accidental magic to compel him, but…

“Yes,” repeated Severus patiently. Hogwarts felt quite proud of him. “I suppose we ought to invite all of the staff at this rate. Perhaps I will also write to Master Aziz.” Seeing the question on the tip of Harry’s tongue, he added, “He is the Potions Master who taught me to become a potions master.” 

“Yes!” Harry cheered, and ran back to Hank and the first-years. 

The invitations were sent, and soon it was the day before the festival. Hogwarts watched as her students ran hither and yon, decorating the Slytherin common room and setting up tables for the next day. They weren’t certain how many people would come, since Harry had wanted to send more invitations than usual. 

Severus helped with everything, moving with a nervous energy that indicated inner tension. Hogwarts knew what that was about. She had seen how much he worried about his Slytherins interacting with the other houses.

Harry followed Severus about, doing his best to help and being mostly successful. His success was hampered by his desire to copy Severus. He kept trying to make his own floor-length black robes swirl when he walked, and he had found a short, thick stick somewhere to act as a wand. The students sneakily took pictures and tried to keep Severus distracted so he wouldn’t notice. He was busy enough that he didn’t, for a while.

Then Harry got distracted waving his stick and crashed into him, and Severus turned around and realised what he was doing.

“Harry! Stop that! We need to get everything set up, we don’t have time for games!”

“But I’m helping,” Harry reminded him with a smile.

“You can help without wearing robes that are too long for you. Where did you get those, anyway?” Severus reached for Harry’s robes.

Harry shrieked and ran. He wasn’t about to give up his costume that easily! Hogwarts watched as Harry dashed through the crowds of students, weaving in and out, narrowly avoiding a crash until…

Bang! Two fourth-year boys didn’t see Harry because they were carrying a large box of greenery, and they, Harry, and a tree’s worth of birch branches went flying. 

“Potter!” One of them cried in half-serious anger. Harry scrambled up and took off running again, and the chase was on. 

Several other people were similarly disrupted by the runners, and soon there was an all-out game of tag going on through the common room. 

Finding himself chased by several large and angry-looking kids, Harry looked for a safe harbour, and ran for it with all his might. 

Severus, used to ignoring chaos unless he heard injured cries, had gone back to sorting decorations. Therefore, he was rather surprised when a small monkey-like form jumped on him and began climbing him like a tree. He automatically tried to grab Harry so he wouldn’t fall, but there was little risk of that — Harry just clambered up until he sat triumphantly on Severus’s shoulders. An accidental kick of his heels made Severus wince and glare up at him.

“Haha, I win!” Harry crowed, grinning cheerfully at the students below him. “I’m safe!”

The students who had been chasing him drew up short of running into their Head of House. “Aw,” Romford grumbled. “Too bad we don’t have a safe spot.”

“We were so close, too,” added Ollie Hardy, reaching for Harry. 

Severus automatically stepped back. “What part of ‘safe’ do you not understand, Hardy?” he deadpanned. “Back to work, all of you. We need to finish everything tonight so it’s ready for tomorrow.” 

“Yes, sir!” they cried with varying levels of impertinence. 

Hank rolled up to him as Harry decided to climb down. Severus grabbed him so he wouldn’t fall and gently lowered him to the ground.

“Hi Hank!” Harry cried, not stopping for even a second on his way to a group of students carrying flowers.

Severus considered for a moment that Harry may have gotten his hands in some sugar, then turned to Hank. “Do we have an approximate number to expect yet?” 

“A hundred and twenty by my last count. But we were wondering, have you heard from the Headmaster yet? Because if he’s coming, he’ll likely be the one to officiate the ritual.”

Severus frowned. He had sent an invitation to Dumbledore by Harry’s insistence, but he didn’t expect the Headmaster to come since he never had before. It was always a disappointment for his Slytherins, but he and they were used to such letdowns. “I imagine he’s busy,” he said, hiding his feelings. 

Hank frowned. “Too busy for the biggest event of spring? He must know Harry will be disappointed, not to mention the rest of the students. Perhaps he didn’t see it? I know he gets a lot of mail, Minerva was telling me about how hard it is to keep up with sometimes.” 

“Perhaps,” Severus agreed noncommittally, then sighed. “I will mention it, I need to speak with him tonight anyway. I will let you know.”

“Great!” Hank exclaimed. He rolled away to help some students who were creating an arch of flowers over the altar. 

Severus watched him go, and sighed. Maybe Dumbledore would agree for Hank’s and Harry’s sakes…but Severus wasn’t going to get his hopes up. 

Albus sent his twelfth letter to the Ministry with a tap of his wand and sighed. It had been a long day, and tomorrow would be just as long. Although the students were excited for a week-long spring break, Albus knew it only signalled the beginning of the busiest time of year for him.

A familiar knock at his door reminded him of Severus’ regular visit, and he tapped for tea while he waved the door open. “Severus,” he greeted, trying not to sound too tired. “How is Harry?”

“Fine,” Severus said with his usual brevity. Then he narrowed his eyes. “Did you give Harry candy?” 

“No,” Albus replied automatically, then amended, “not recently, anyway…but I can! I found some lovely creme eggs at the shop the other day —”

“No,” Severus said firmly, but he didn’t look angry, which was almost as good as amused in his book.

Albus pulled them out anyway, because it was always good to try to get Severus to eat more chocolate. “Tea?”

“Thank you,” Severus responded, taking his usual cuppa. 

They chatted for a while about the usual things, such as grades and certain students. Albus was glad to hear that Leo Green had begun to trust Severus, and that the students were working together without too much infighting. As Severus talked about the grades from Hank’s classes, Albus sipped his tea and fought to keep from yawning. It had been a long day, but he didn’t want to signal that he wasn’t interested in the conversation.

Once their business was finished and tea consumed, Severus left and Albus allowed himself a moment to stretch and consider going to bed. But the stack of paperwork refused to be ignored, and with a sigh, he settled back in to deal with his many responsibilities.

Severus got to the end of the hall before he realised he had forgotten to mention the Ostara festival invitation. He walked back, then away, and back again. He finally stopped at the gargoyle. He drew in a breath to say “gumdrops”, but closed it and turned again. What if he said no again? That is the most likely scenario. But Harry and Hank — and really, most of his Slytherins — would be so happy if he came.

“Gum–” No. Dumbledore had brushed him off for the past four years; there was no reason he would agree this time. And hadn’t they just talked about how busy he was with preparations for the end of term?

At the end of the corridor, the faces of Harry and his Slytherins came to his mind, and Severus turned with a growl. Blast it, at the very least he would not allow himself to fail to do the utmost for his snakes. They had no other advocate. Severus glared at the stone gargoyle. “Gumdrop,” he snarled.  

The stairway lifted him up, he raised a hand to knock, and he hesitated again. This was a small thing to bother the Headmaster for, and he was likely busy for the rest of the evening. Perhaps he should ask him in the morning…

But mornings were always busy and the party was the next evening.

Severus gathered his courage to knock, but then the door opened as if that was enough. “Severus, my boy. Did you forget something?”

“Erm,” Severus began. He scolded himself. He was Head of Slytherin! He would petition even lacking hope. “Headmaster. I wonder if you received the invitation to attend the Ostara Festival tomorrow evening? I believe they would benefit from your attention and having you officiate.”

There. He had said his piece; now he would take the refusal calmly and leave.

Albus held back a groan at Severus’ request, the same as he had made every year since he had become Head of Slytherin. Didn’t he understand that Albus couldn’t just drop everything to visit a few students in one house, while so many other things demanded his attention? Yes, he was the youngest professor by far, but even Pomona, who worried the most about her students, didn’t ask him to personally visit with her students. And he had literally just spent an hour with Severus discussing plans for the week, the rest of the break, and the upcoming term. He knew how busy Albus was. 

Albus drew a breath to let Severus down gently while also communicating slight displeasure, when he took in the look on Severus’ face. It was not necessarily a new look; Albus had seen it often enough on the young man. But what caught Albus’ attention was that he had also seen that look on young Harry’s face, when he had asked Severus for ice cream.

It was a look of resigned disappointment. 

Severus was waiting for him to say no, just like he had every year. He knew he was going to say no, yet he still asked. Why did he ask?

“Severus,” Albus said gently. 

Severus’ face tightened minutely, but it might as well have been a flinch. 

“Of course I will,” Albus said.

The look on Severus’ face was just as good as the look on Harry’s had been. Albus felt his heart make room for this young man who had come so far. 

“We weren’t sure you saw the invitation,” Severus said. “Perhaps you should reconsider hiring a secretary?” 

“I have three already,” Albus grumbled, dodging the question. He had seen the invitation but had planned to subtly ignore it. “The Hogwarts charter doesn’t allow for a secretary.”

“The Hogwarts charter doesn’t allow for all the forms we have now, either,” Severus countered. This was a familiar argument. “Hank may be open to the idea, though. He has the time, and he has a good eye for paperwork. Perhaps you could discuss it with him tomorrow.” There was a knowing glint in the young man’s eye that said that he hadn’t missed Albus’ evasion, but he didn’t push it.

“Very well, I will,” Albus agreed, content to give in on this occasion. “I will see you tomorrow at the Festival, then.” 

“Thank you, sir,” Severus said, looking happier than Albus had seen him in a long time.

As the potions professor left, Albus felt a wave of affection for him, accompanied by an unanticipated conviction: he cared for that young man, as well as Harry, as if they had always been his family. Severus was coming to trust him, and Albus felt honoured to be part of their lives.

And Albus was determined to keep it that way. 

Chapter Text

As more and more students arrived, Severus got more and more tense. There were many students of other houses coming into the Slytherin Common Room, most of whom were purebloods. Severus tried to keep an eye on everyone to prevent any conflicts from breaking out. Why did he agree to this every year? It was just asking for trouble.

Harry was having the time of his life. In his dress robes and a traditional Ostara flower garland around his neck, he buzzed from one group of students to another. He clearly had them wrapped around his little finger — the girls especially loved to flirt with him. 

Most of the staff were there, except for the more reclusive ones like Binns and Trelawney. Even Filch was there. But Dumbledore still hadn’t come, and it was nearing seven o’clock. Severus mentally began preparing to begin without him and officiate the ritual himself. 

“He’s over here,” Severus heard Hank’s voice approaching. He rolled up with Harry hanging on to his handles. “We only have a few minutes, though.”

“Daddy! Come look! Ollie and Stan are doing magic tricks!”

Severus let Harry tug him through the crowd. “We are wizards, Harry, we can all do magic.”

“Not real magic,” Harry said impatiently. “Tricks like pretend magic! Except it is real!” He burst into giggles. 

Severus refrained from rolling his eyes and followed Harry to where a group of students was gathered around two young men. One of them, Ollie Hardy, held up a black top hat. His best friend, Stan Laurel, was passing a bunny to a first year girl. His Ravenclaw robes were covered in silver stars and moons, which reminded Severus that Dumbledore still hadn’t arrived. 

“And now,” Ollie cried magnificently, “I will turn this hat into a bouquet of flowers!” And he waved his wand, his lips tightly closed. The top hat turned into a bouquet of flowers: daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and lilies. Then he fumbled them, nearly dropped them, and tossed them in Stan’s face. 

As the students cheered, Stan gave Ollie a deadpan stare, then picked up the bouquet, grabbed Ollie by the back of his robes, and stuffed the flowers down his shirt. Ollie glared at him as the crowd laughed. He looked around, found the bunny (which had been passed around), and grabbed it. He transfigured it into a pan of whipped cream, which he calmly smashed in Stan’s face. 

Severus stepped in before it could escalate further. “That’s enough, time to get started.” He vanished the whipped cream and sent the bouquet to a vase on a nearby table. “Two points to Slytherin for excellent wordless transfiguration, Hardy.” 

“Thanks!” Ollie grinned at him. 

“I didn’t get to hold the bunny,” Harry said sadly. 

“Never mind that,” Severus said, looking for a distraction. “Here, come with me to the front. It is time to start.” The clock began striking seven, punctuating his remark.

Dumbledore hadn’t come. 

Severus pushed away his disappointment and went to the front of the room. This was no different from any other year. Even though Dumbledore had said —

“Welcome,” Severus began. “Thank you for joining us in the Annual Ostara Festival. We will perform the ritual first and then —”

The Floo whooshed to life. Out came Dumbledore, decked in flowers from head to toe. His robes had a bright pink and orange design, and he wore several flower garlands around his neck. A flower crown on top of his pointed wizard hat completed the look.

“My apologies!” he cried. “I was checking on the arrangements for our excursion and got quite entangled. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting?”

“We were just about to start,” Severus managed. He felt a strangely strong urge to laugh. Of course Dumbledore was just late. He stepped to the side, picking up Harry and cuddling him close. Of course he came. He’d said he would, hadn’t he?

“Welcome!” Dumbledore cried. His voice projected through the whole room, although he hadn’t verbally cast a sonorus. “Welcome to the one thousand eleventh Annual Ostara Festival of Hogwarts! Thank you for joining together to usher in the new season and celebrate this time of growth and rebirth. Please find a seat or sit on the floor as we begin the ritual.” 

Severus sat in a chair with Harry in his lap, knowing the boy would have a hard time sitting still. They were both quite curious about how Dumbledore would go about this.

The ritual was simple enough. Dumbledore placed a basket of various types of painted eggs on the altar, then bunches of lilacs and lavender. Then he took a branch of birch and held it over the altar, incanting a short spell in Latin. “At this spring equinox, we invoke the blessings of Merlin, Circe, and Lady Magic to bestow balance and harmony. To restore life and renew energy, to remove the old and invite the new. May our magic flow freely and may peace continue.” 

Murmurs of agreement from older students filled a pause. Severus murmured, “Aio,” which was the common response in Latin.

Then Dumbledore waved the branch like a wand, and all the lights — mostly from candles — dimmed until the room was nearly dark.

In Severus’s lap, Harry shifted nervously. Severus tightened his arms around him.

“At this time of equal day and equal night, we seek balance and equilibrium in all parts of our life, that our magic may flourish. Everyone please take a moment to reflect on what you seek.” 

For a long moment, it was nearly silent, as adults and children alike pondered. Severus closed his eyes. Where did he seek balance? He was trying to balance the scales of justice by atoning for his past mistakes that had led to Lily’s death. It was a hopeless endeavor, but a strong one. He tried to balance his muggle background and magical education, and avoid the pitfall of believing in magical supremacy. And every day was a struggle to balance the many requirements of his job with his responsibilities to Harry. That one was easier now, thanks to Hank. And he tried to balance work and rest, too. That was still hard, but Poppy had started checking up on him randomly, and that helped, although he would never admit it to her. 

Severus felt Harry’s head shifting slightly on his chest as they both breathed deeply. Then Harry lifted his head, and Severus opened his eyes to check on him.

To his wonder, the room was slightly lighter than before. Wisps of golden magic floated around each student, especially near their hands and hearts. Harry, too, was holding up his hands, playing with strands of light as they danced around his fingers. 

Although he had an urge to reject the possibility of being able to produce such pure magic, Severus held up one of his hands and let himself release a bit of the wonder he felt. Golden light swirled out of his palm, and Harry giggled lightly as he wiggled his fingers in it. 

As if the small sound of Harry’s laughter had brought him back to the moment, Dumbledore spoke again, softly. “As we invoke the blessings of Merlin, Circe, and Lady Magic to bring balance to us, we will see it in the return of light.” The lights began to brighten again, as the candles returned to their normal luminosity. 

“Just as magic has balance in light and dark, we find balance in the cycle of life: of the seasons, of the stars, of night and day. We offer this small token to represent our supplication.” Dumbledore laid the birch branch on top of the eggs and flowers. He drew his wand and intoned, “Ad vitum, ad naturam,” and vanished it all with a small blaze of golden light. 

For a moment, the room was just as still as it had been before. Then, it was as if everyone took a breath, and it felt normal again. 

“Let’s proceed with the Festival,” Dumbledore announced. “If everyone will follow me outside, you will find a few activities to do before sunset.”

Severus carried Harry, who was getting a bit sleepy, and they followed the crowd out of the Common Room and through a side door that was rarely used. It led to a small enclosed garden, where tables were set up with buckets of seed and flowers. 

“I managed to find several specimens that we will plant here. They are quite useful as potions ingredients, and they will also enhance the native landscape. They can be planted here in this garden or in the space outside this area. Now, those of you who don’t know the digging spell, I will teach you.” Dumbledore soon had a group of younger students gathered around him to learn the spell. 

“I want to learn it, Daddy,” Harry said, wiggling to be put down.

“You can’t do without a wand,” Severus told him. “But you can watch, and then have someone else do it for you, and you can put the seeds or the plants in.”

“Okay!”

The older students and staff wandered over to the tables and began selecting what they wanted to plant. Severus followed them and looked over each bucket of seeds, bulbs, and seedlings. 

He soon felt overwhelmed. Not only were there several specimens that only grew in a few spots on the grounds, but there were some that Severus always had to order from other sources. This would make quite a difference in the cost and effectiveness of his brewing.

Dumbledore came up next to him, his bright, flowery robes brushing against Severus’s usual black ones. “I apologise for being late this evening. I was trying to get one last plant, but it wasn’t eager to come.” He gestured to a bucket where a few seedlings were sulkily soaking their roots in water. 

Severus gaped at them. “Red Camellia?! How in Merlin’s name did you find that?”

“Summoned it out of the forest.” When Severus looked at him, Dumbledore shrugged nonchalantly. “It didn’t want to leave its nest of Hamilton’s Snare, but I convinced it by promising lots of perslips instead.”

“Naturally,” Severus deadpanned. “All this time, and there was one in the forest.”

Dumbledore patted his shoulder warmly. “You wouldn’t have found it, it was quite deep. And don’t worry, I’ll set up the charms so you don’t have to worry about tending any of these.” He waved his hand at the seeds and plants, which were rapidly diminishing as people took them to plant. 

“Thank you,” Severus said, looking at the old wizard. He tried to convey as much meaning as he could in his voice. 

Squeezing his shoulder, Dumbledore smiled gently. “You are most welcome, my dear boy.” 

A little while later, all the seeds were planted, and Dumbledore once again took charge. “If everyone will follow me, we will proceed to the hill to watch the sunset.”

The hill was a small rise high enough to give someone a good vantage point to the west, although it wasn’t high enough to look over the eastern wall. They were already on the eastern side of the castle, so the crowd only had to walk for a few minutes before they reached the top. Chairs and blankets were conjured, and Minerva summoned mugs of herbal citrus tea for everyone. 

Severus conjured a comfortable chair with armrests so he could support Harry in his lap. After all the excitement, Harry was quite sleepy, although it was only about eight o’clock. But as people chatted around them and the sky deepened from pink and orange to purple and red, Harry went quiet and soon dropped off to sleep. 

On his right, Hank was uncharacteristically quiet. He held his mug tightly but didn’t drink for several minutes as Severus watched him.

Finally, Severus quietly asked, “Alright, Hank?”

Hank looked at him quickly and took a deep breath, shifting in his seat. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m alright. Just tired.” 

“Hmm,” Severus responded. He believed that was true — Hank had been quite busy and active all evening — but he was sure there was more. “You didn’t expect to be back here for this year’s ritual. It’s been different from last year.” 

“Yeah,” Hank agreed quietly. “Last year was … good.”

Ostara had fallen earlier last year, and it had been just a couple of months before the accident that had taken Kalia’s life and changed Hank’s life forever. Severus remembered seeing them walk hand in hand towards the sunset and being envious of their bright future.

“She loved Ostara,” Hank murmured. He stared down at his mug, jaw twitching. 

“Yes, she did. I remember her love of flowers, especially,” Severus said, hoping to lighten Hank’s mood. Kalia had loved to conjure flowers everywhere in the weeks leading up to Ostara. She wore flower wreaths every day and spent hours in the greenhouses helping Sprout tend to them. 

“She would have loved the planting today,” Hank said, then went quiet. His throat bobbed up and down. His knuckles were white as he clutched his mug. 

Severus reached over and put a hand on his shoulder. The young man was aching, he could tell, and Severus felt he had the fortunate misfortune to be able to understand his pain. How many times did he think of Lily throughout the day, of how she would love to see Harry or the Ostara ritual or a million other things? Not often enough. Severus suddenly felt guilty. He promised himself to remember Lily more. He couldn’t slack on his penance. 

Hank took a shuddering breath, blinking his eyes, and Severus moved his hand to his other shoulder and kept it there, in a half embrace, almost desperately trying to comfort the young man who was so similar to him. Hank leaned slightly into his touch, and it was enough. 

Once the sun had set, everyone streamed back inside, where lights, food, and drinks revived everyone’s energy. Severus was hoping to put Harry to bed, but unfortunately, he woke up and wanted to stay, so he resigned himself to a late night. Not too late, though. It was a school night. 

Since dinner had been served earlier, there were only light refreshments, kindly provided by the house elves, who had insisted on making the food even though it was their day off. There were hard-boiled eggs charmed in different colours, hot cross buns with honey, and lemon lavender shortbread. There was also more herbal citrus tea, as well as pumpkin juice and butterbeer. 

Harry and Draco ran around with several other young children who had older siblings at Hogwarts. Miss Retzel, Harry’s teacher at the Academy, had found plenty to talk about with Aurora and Septima. Lucius and Narcissa mostly stuck to their circle of friends, but Severus saw Narcissa talking to several of the professors.

Severus himself tried to talk to everyone, as was his duty as Slytherin Head of House and host of the festival. It was a little easier this year than last. People were more respectful, more friendly. Harry was a good conversation topic to make people happy, and Severus used that knowledge freely. 

By the end of the night, however, Severus found it difficult to maintain his personable persona. When the grand old clock began ticking past ten o’clock, he caught Dumbledore’s eye, and the man nodded. 

A few minutes later, Dumbledore called for everyone’s attention. “Thank you, everyone, for coming to celebrate Ostara together. We are very glad that Professor Snape and Slytherin House have once again agreed to host us here in the Slytherin Common Room, and for their efforts to preserve this most special of traditions. Please, take as much of the refreshments as you would like, and have a wonderful night and safe travels home.”

Soon, people began leaving, and Severus sent the first and second years off to bed. He found Harry playing Exploding Snap in a corner with Draco and some students and told them to finish their game. As he made his rounds and said goodbyes, Francis Aziz, his former Potions Master, came up to him.

“Ah, Severus! It was wonderful to catch up with you this evening! Quite an event you had here, I’m sure it wasn’t easy to invite so many people,” he chuckled. Master Aziz was the kind of person who made you want to laugh with him.

“Tradition compels better than imperius,” Severus responded. It was a common wizard saying that served as an explanation for many of the strange wizarding traditions.

Aziz chortled, patting Severus on the shoulder. “That it does! Now, you seem to be adjusting quite well. I saw how you explained the uses of a few plants to some of your students. I knew you would be a great professor, with your intuitive understanding of potions ingredients.” 

Severus flushed. He still didn’t know how to accept compliments. “Most of teaching is simply repeating what they should already know.”

“Yes, but it really happens when you help them figure out how to learn. And that’s what I saw today, Severus. You taught them how to identify the plant’s properties, which is what will help them when it comes to their later years.”

Severus nodded and shuffled his feet. “I’m glad you were able to come tonight. Harry was pleased to meet you.” 

“He’s a delightful lad,” Aziz nodded emphatically. “And I’ll bet a box of Bertie’s that he’ll be a whiz at potions, too. He’ll hardly be able to help it, learning from you.” 

“It’s too early to tell,” Severus prevaricated. “He doesn’t have much patience.” 

“Ah, speak of a ghost and he shall appear! Hallo, Harry lad. Ready for bed, are you?”

Severus turned around just as Harry bumped into his legs.

“Yes, please,” Harry said, and yawned. He held up his arms and Severus picked him up. Harry laid his head on his shoulder and went limp. A moment later, he started snoring. How he could fall asleep that quickly, Severus would never know. 

Aziz chuckled again and patted Severus’s shoulder. “Well, I’ll let you get him to bed. It makes me miss the days when my children were young. Stop by the shop sometime, will you?”

“Of course,” Severus agreed, and saw the man out. 

Soon there were only students left in the Common Room, and it was close to eleven o’clock. Severus sent the third and fourth years off to bed and warned the fifth years to go soon. He made a slow circle of the room, vanishing trash and the remnants of the food to save work for the house elves in the morning. He left up the decorations, which traditionally would stay up for a week after the equinox. 

Finally, after giving instructions to his prefects, Severus slipped through his office to his private quarters. He changed Harry into pyjamas and cast a tooth-cleaning spell, then tucked him into bed. He sat for a moment on the side of the bed, brushing Harry’s hair off his forehead. 

His lightning shaped scar was a faint white line, barely raised enough to feel it. Severus summoned a jar of scar removing potion and rubbed a bit of the thick green mixture on the scar. It didn’t do anything, so after a moment Severus cast a healing spell. When that still didn’t do anything, he frowned and made a mental note to ask Dumbledore about it later. The last thing Severus wanted was for Harry to have a lasting reminder of that spell. 

Harry shifted in his sleep, murmuring something about Exploding Snap. His little fingers curled under his chin. Severus tucked the covers around him and then, giving in to a sudden urge, bent down and kissed his forehead. He felt like he could almost say “I love you” — but the words stuck in his throat. Instead, he rested his hand on Harry’s chest, feeling him breathe, and promised Circe and Merlin and Magic itself that he would do anything to protect this boy. 

Chapter Text

Severus stalked quickly down the corridor, letting his robes flare around him. A couple of Ravenclaw girls jumped out of his way, looking terrified, and he schooled his expression. He had just come from a meeting with Mrs. Delfina Green, Leo’s mother. Severus wanted to get his emotions under control before Harry came home from school.

Mrs. Green had been almost as tight-lipped as Leo, but to her credit, she had opened up and become cooperative for her son’s sake. She had defended her husband’s actions, clearly not willing to confront him and risk her marriage. But she had also disclosed her fears that the man went too far when punishing Leo, and she had been willing to discuss options for the safety of her son. By the end of the meeting, they had decided that a couple of people from the Ministry would come talk to him. Severus smirked at the thought of Lady Cantwell scolding the man into submission. He was quite sure that with her input, they would soon reach a solution that would keep Leo safe. 

Of course, he still had to talk to Leo and ask him a few questions. It would basically be a testimony for the Aurors, which would determine if Mr. Green would be arrested or sentenced.

Coming up the stairs into the Entrance Hall, Severus decided to go outside and walk to meet Minerva and Harry. But the door opened before he got there and they came in, their feet wet from rain. 

Harry ran up to Severus and jumped into his arms. He spelled him clean and dry. Rain repelling spells never really kept your feet dry. “Guess what, Daddy? I got to help brew potions today!”

“Really?” Severus quirked a brow at Minerva, who handed him Harry’s backpack. “Real potions, or like the ones in your play set?”

“Real ones, Daddy. An’ I chopped up flubberworms and measured bobotubor pus. It was sooo yucky. Blegh!”

“Flobberworms, and bubotubor,” Severus corrected. He added to Minerva, “I spoke to Delfina Green today. We’re working on an intervention.” 

She nodded. “Keep me apprised,” she said, and added, “Goodbye Harry, don’t forget to do your homework.” 

“Wait!” Harry cried. “I wanted to play kitty games today, ‘member?”

“Oh yes,” Minerva sighed. “What do you say, Severus? I have time.” 

“I have some potions brewing, so if you can keep him until dinner, that would be lovely.”

“There we are, then. Come along, Harry. Homework first, then games.”

In her quarters, Minerva sat Harry at her table where she didn’t normally grade. It would be easier to keep an eye on him this way, though. She set up her stacks of essays, her favourite quill, and a good pot of red ink, then helped Harry set up his homework — maths first, as always — with a beginner quill.

They worked quietly for a while. Minerva helped Harry when needed and checked each assignment when he was finished. By the time his homework was done, she had only done half a stack of essays, so she gave Harry a few blank sheets of parchment to colour.

“Can I have a quill too, please Aunt Minnie?” Harry asked politely.

Minerva fought to keep a straight face at the nickname, which always made her heart swell. “Of course, dear. And here’s your crayons if you want colours.” 

“I just need one,” Harry confidently assured her, kneeling up on his chair. 

Minerva eyed him but didn’t say anything. She spelled a ward around his chair to make sure he wouldn’t fall off and sat down to grade. Soon, the only sounds were the scratching of quills.

A while later, Minerva tuned in to the sound of Harry muttering. She looked over to see him scribbling all over his parchment with a red crayon, on top of the black marks he had made with the quill. Harry scowled at the parchment as he muttered.

It took all of Minerva’s skill as a professor to keep from laughing. Harry was muttering “dunderheads” and “idiots” and other things that Minerva knew Severus tended to say when he graded essays. Harry’s imitation was perfect. Severus would never live this down.

Minerva watched gleefully as Harry drew a big, careful P at the top of the page, set it aside, and began again with a fresh sheet of parchment and black ink. She shook her head and went back to work, already planning to share the memory with Severus as soon as possible.

Once she finished her essays, Minerva stood and stretched. “Well, laddie, would you like tea first or do you want to play?” 

Harry hummed, rubbing his chin — another of Severus’s mannerisms. “Do you have tablet?”

“Of course I do,” Minerva scoffed. “When do I ever not have tablet?”

“Then let’s have tea!” Harry crowed, giggling. 

They ate tablet and hobnobs at the table as they chatted about the important things in a five-year-old’s life. Soon Harry was swinging his legs and bouncing with energy. “Can I shift now?”

“What do you say?” Minerva stood and cleared the table with a few waves of her wand.

“Pleeeeeaaase,” Harry begged, widening his eyes.

“Very well,” she chuckled, and switched forms just as Harry did. 

Harry loved a lot of things, but one thing he loved best was being a kitty. The world looked different then — bigger, brighter, more adventurous. Aunt Minnie’s table was a towering temple. Caverns yawned underneath the cabinets, and the wooden legs of a chest of drawers looked temptingly scratchable. 

Before he could get over there on his small legs, Aunt Minnie nudged him with a paw and said, “Let’s go in the sitting room. We don’t have enough time to explore the castle today.” 

“Aww,” Harry mewed, but he followed her to the carpeted area, where a sofa and chairs promised blissful naps and the giant fireplace cradled a friendly little fire. But best of all were the toys Aunt Minnie kept in a basket which she tipped over and spilled.

Harry pounced on a frayed blue toy, which he was working on making unrecognisable as a stuffed gnome. But then a many-coloured ball rolled passed, so he chased it and tackled it down. A charmed wooden snake had him attacking and hissing until Aunt Minnie captured it with her big, capable paws. He looked up at her in awe.

“It is not a real snake, you know,” she said, amused. 

“Of course not,” Harry said loftily. “But I almost had it.” 

“Of course you did,” she responded. “You must learn to focus on one thing at a time without being distracted by other things. Every cat must be able to hunt.” 

Harry made a face. “You mean, like, mice? An’ rats? I don’t wanna hunt 'em, that’s gross!”

“Non-animagus cats would generally disagree,” Aunt Minnie said, in a funny way like Daddy talked sometimes. “Nonetheless, it is a valuable skill to put your focus and intent into a goal. This will help you perform magic when you’re older. Watch.” And Aunt Minnie transformed back into her big green — no, her human form. She waved her wand at the blue gnome toy, sending it to the other side of the rug, and then it started moving! 

Harry growled, wriggling in place to get ready to pounce. The blue gnome was no match for him!

Aunt Minnie transformed back into the tabby and laid a strong paw on Harry’s neck, keeping him in place. “Do not pounce yet. You are going to track it and creep up slowly, and only pounce when I tell you so. Ready?” 

“I’m ready!” 

“Follow what I do, and stay by me. Slowly — more slowly than that, Harry — good.” 

Harry’s heart pounded as they approached the blue gnome, which was scrambling back and forth, like a real gnome would be carrying bits of produce from one spot of a garden to another. He tried to go really slow so it wouldn’t realise they were coming, but Aunt Minnie kept pulling him back and telling him, “Slower.” 

When they got close, Aunt Minnie moved a little away and said, “Get ready now, when it turns back the other way, then you can — Harry!”

Too soon, Harry pounced, brushing the stuffed gnome with his paws. But the gnome was quick on his feet and scrambled with an outraged squeak, leaving Harry to tumble nose over tail and get quite tangled up in his paws. 

Aunt Minnie laughed as Harry sat on his haunches, shaking his head in confusion. “You were impatient,” she scolded lightly. “It saw you coming and got away. Next time you must wait until I tell you.” 

“Yes, Aunt Minnie,” Harry said meekly. 

The gnome, which had been charmed only to move and escape capture, ran until it hit the wall, where it scrabbled its feet on the floor until the charm wore off and it went still. 

Aunt Minnie came over and kissed Harry on the head with her rough tongue. “It’s all right. You are young. We will try again later. For now, you need to practice bathing yourself.” 

“Aww,” Harry pouted. “I just bathed a few days ago!”

“No, you fixed a spot when I told you to do it. Every cat must be able to bathe itself, and we are no exception. Come over to the fireplace.” 

On the warm hearthstones, Harry cleaned himself, while Aunt Minnie helped by licking the back of his neck. When he was done, he sprawled down, batting at Aunt Minnie’s fur. She batted his paws away, but gently, so he knew he could keep playing. They tousled lightly, nipping here and there, until Aunt Minnie pinned Harry down and grabbed his scruff, making him go limp.

Harry yawned and asked, “Can we have sardines?” 

“Hmm,” Aunt Minnie purred, “That would be a good dinner, but I believe your father is expecting his little boy back. You will have to be satisfied with human food instead.” 

“I could just eat sardines as a human,” Harry said reasonably. 

“Ask your father,” Aunt Minnie said wisely. 

They transformed back, and Harry was impressed as always to see that not a hair of Aunt Minnie’s head was out of place. His hair was sticking up in all directions and he felt a strange urge to lick it into place.

“Come pack up your school things, Harry,” Aunt Minnie said, heading back to the kitchen. “And why don’t you show your drawing to your father?” 

Harry looked at his essays skeptically. “They’re not very good,” he pointed out. “None of them even got an aseeds expectations.” 

“Exceeds expectations,” Aunt Minnie corrected. “And that’s all right, I think he will like to see them anyways. Your real marks are much better, after all.”

“I got an ex-ceeds expectations in maths!” Harry reminded her. He showed her his exam again, in case she forgot, and stuffed the rest of his papers in his backpack. 

“Yes, I know,” she said, giving it back and straightening his papers. “Let’s go tell your father, shall we?” 

“Yes yes yes,” Harry chanted. 

Minerva listened to Harry’s chatter with one ear as they walked down to the dungeons. Severus let them in immediately, since he was about to leave for dinner. “Harry has something to show you,” she reminded Harry, who had already forgotten.

“Oh yeah!” Harry dug through his backpack, messing up all the papers again. 

Next to her, Severus rubbed his forehead in exasperation. 

“Look, Daddy! I got an ex-ceeds expectations on my maths exam! See?”

Severus did in fact see, and expressed a proper amount of excitement — for him. Harry was satisfied, and he put away his backpack and ran to change his robes. 

“I have something to show you as well. A memory,” Minerva told Severus, letting her amusement show. 

Severus looked skeptical. “What is so important that you need a pensieve? Nothing happened, did it?”

“No, no, Harry’s fine. It was just funny. You’ll love it,” Minerva assured him. 

Severus eyed her as Harry ran back in. “If you say so.” 

They walked to dinner together, and Harry dominated the conversation because he needed to tell Severus about his classes and his classmates and doing his homework and being the kitty and hunting the gnome. 

“I practically caught it,” Harry told him confidently.

Minerva snorted. “You brushed it with your paws, more like.” 

“That’s better than nothing,” Harry said serenely.

After Harry’s bedtime that evening, Minerva joined Severus and Albus in the headmaster’s office, where they gathered around the pensieve. 

“This was after Harry did his homework this afternoon, while we were both working at the table,” she told Albus. She carefully extracted the memory and placed it in the stone basin. “Ready?”

They all dipped into the memory, and Minerva watched Severus’s face as he watched Harry. Right away, his face softened and a small smile tugged at his lips. He moved closer, looking at Harry’s parchment.

Minerva had only taken a short amount of the memory, so Harry started muttering almost right away. The look on Severus’s face was priceless. Minerva couldn’t help but laugh, and Albus laughed, too, all the way through the rest of the memory and after it spit them out. 

Severus was blushing and trying to pretend he wasn’t. “I didn’t realise he was listening,” he defended himself. “I don’t usually sound like that.” 

“Just most of the time, dearie,” Minerva cackled, patting his shoulder. She dodged his hand and put the memory back in her head. 

“There are worse ways for Harry to take after his new father,” Albus said, patting his other shoulder. Severus didn’t swat at him. “I think you ought to be very proud of him, he obviously emulates your high standards and strong work ethic.” 

“I just hope he doesn’t emulate my bad language,” Severus muttered. “So that’s what those papers were. At least he was working on his letters.”

“Yes, he’s getting quite good at them,” Minerva said, finally calming down, although a few giggles kept slipping out. “Why don’t we get some tea and sit down? We can talk about a few students and things.”

“Wonderful idea, my dear,” Albus said. 

They sat in comfy, overstuffed armchairs around the fireplace, and ate sandwiches and biscuits and fruit. Severus was well aware of their desire to make him eat more, but lately he was more inclined to go along with it. He still wasn’t sure about everyone caring about him, but this setting proved to be rather good evidence of it.

Minerva brought up the Ostara Festival. “It made quite a difference to have you there, Albus. We had more people than ever before, at least as long as I’ve been here. And the Slytherin Common Room was big enough to accommodate them all, wasn’t it, Severus?”

“Yes, there was plenty of room. I believe it would even expand if there were more than three hundred, which is the normal capacity.”

“Well then,” said Minerva, with the sort of air that said she was arriving at a pre-planned idea,” why don’t we put that to the test and invite the whole school to the next festival? I heard quite a few students talking about it afterwards, and it sounded like most of the muggleborns would have liked to go.” 

“A bold idea, I must admit,” Albus mused. “What do you think, Severus?” 

Severus shifted, thinking carefully. “I can see the benefits,” he said slowly. “For Slytherin to host a school-wide event, with the parents and other guests as well…if it went smoothly, it would be a significant boost to morale. But I can’t expect that there wouldn’t be conflict between some students, and I wouldn’t want to spoil the occasion for everyone.” 

“What if we were to invite everyone, but simply make it voluntary? Then no one would be forced to come.” Albus refilled Severus’s cup as he spoke.

“There are still some students who would sneak in to cause mischief,” Severus pointed out. 

“A simple intention ward, then,” Minerva suggested, passing Severus the plate of sandwiches for the fourth time. “It is basically copying the Hogwarts wards, which the outside guests have to go through anyway.”

Severus hummed and nodded as he took another sandwich. “That would work. Although, I believe this will only be relevant if you come and officiate again, Headmaster. Perhaps at the Samhein Festival?” Asking so directly made Severus’s toes curl, but he occluded a bit and took a bite. Ugh, watercress.

Albus looked at Minerva, who gave him a rather stern look. Then he looked at Severus intently. “I will be there, and very pleased to officiate, if you would like me to.” The weight of his words sent a magical shiver up Severus’s spine. Not an Unbreakable Vow, but a magical promise nonetheless. 

“I — yes. Thank you, sir. I — I would like that.” 

Albus nodded, politely looking away as Severus gathered himself and sipped his tea. 

“I was thinking of going to Hogsmeade this weekend,” Minerva changed the subject with Gryffindor subtlety. “Severus, is there anything you’d like me to get for you?” She had got into the habit of asking, knowing that Severus hated going out. 

“Actually…I was thinking of going as well,” Severus said. He punctuated his statement with a nod, since he had been on the fence about it until that moment. 

Minerva quirked an eyebrow and looked at Albus. They exchanged a few glances, having a silent conversation.

“You know I can see when you do that, right?” Severus asked drily. 

“Of course, dear,” Minerva said, automatically handing him a ginger nut. “Are you sure, Severus?” 

“It’s been more than four months since I last, you know. I think I can handle it now.” 

“It’s been only more than four months since you had a panic attack after leaving the castle by yourself, Severus,” Albus said gently. “It is all right for you to take it slow.”

“I know,” Severus answered, because he did. He could admit, even if just to himself, that he had been acting a coward lately by ignoring the issue. But for some reason, he felt ready now. “I was thinking we could go together,” he added, looking at Minerva. “Just — wherever you need to go, and I’ll stop at the apothecary, and it’ll be fine.” 

Minerva studied him, her blue-grey eyes steely but concerned. Then she looked at Albus again, and they had another silent conversation. Albus nodded, and Minerva turned back to Severus. “Alright, dear, we’ll go this weekend unless anything comes up. Is nine o’clock alright?”

Severus nodded and set aside his mug. “Is there anything else we need to go over?” 

Albus waved his hand lazily. “Oh, there are a few parents and random things, but nothing that won’t keep for a day or three. Go on and get some sleep, my boy.” 

“Take another biscuit,” Minerva said, and Severus rolled his eyes and grabbed the last Jammy Dodger. “Cheeky lad.” 

Severus hid a smile as he headed for the door. “Good night.”

“Good night, dear,” Albus and Minerva echoed in unison, and chuckled at each other. 

Now it was impossible for Severus to hide his smile, but he had his back to them and was going through an empty castle, so that was all right.