Detention that changes lives

Why did I of all people get stuck raising Harry Potter! I didn’t offer to shelter him I got forced to by Minerva. I’m a teacher, head of house and I am still spying for Dumbledore (which she knows) so how is he safe with me?

I absolutely can not take care of this child. Unfortunately I was left with no choice so I apperated to my private quarters were I spent a while turning my office into a space for Harry to sleep.

I summoned a toddler bed, and a few toys before realising I had no idea what kids needed. I sent a patronus to Minerva asking for help, when she arrived we worked together to make a sweet little room, apparently Weasley’s mother would be sending over some of Weasley’s clothes and toys for Potter. I did still summon some, adding some lights and a mat.

Moving into the kitchen some food for the boy was added to my cupboard and some milk in the fridge just in case. Some bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers were also summoned. Sharp corners were covered, because we didn’t want him bumping himself.

“Thank you for your help Minerva,” I said after we were done, and just in time to go get Potter from Poppy.

“Your welcome Severus, I am always happy to help you when needed,” She gave me a hug and started walking towards the door.

“It’s just that I am not sure how to take care of the boy,” I blurted out, unintentionally. “I am not good at looking after children,”

“You are head of Slytherin house, and the youngest potions master, Severus you are a brilliant mind, you will do wonders with the boy,” And with that Minerva was out my door.

It took second before I followed her, “Minerva,” I yelled out and she stopped in her tracks.

“Yes Severus?”

“I need to speak with Dumbledore, will you come with me? Potter is apart of your house after all,” I asked, I didn’t want to go there alone.

“Of course Severus, let’s go,” She said grabbing my shoulder and apperating us to the stairs of Dumbledore’s office.

“Shall we?” She said pointing up the stairs. We ride them up in silence, before stepping inside, the doors to his office open, expecting our arrival.

“Severus, Minerva, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Dumbledore asked from behind his desk.

“Its about Harry Potter, Albus,” Minerva said then pushed me forward.

“Sir, I do not understand why I should be the one to take care of the boy, he need his family and someone to love him,” I said, angry at being the one expected to care for Potter.

“Severus, I would have never suggested that he stay with you if I didn’t have full confidence that you could look after the boy. It also has the advantage of no one looking for him. Who would expect young Harry to be with one of Voldemort’s own followers,” He said nonchalantly.

“But Albus, I can’t give him what he need, plus the boy hates me,”

“The teenager may not respect you, but the one thing I know for certain about that boy, is he does not hate people, not even his own relatives,” How is he always so calm.

“Albus,” Minerva spoke up, “About Harry’s relatives. Poppy ran some tests that show they has been abusing him. Were you aware of this?”

“They are Harry’s guardians and shall do what they see fit to the boy, the blood wards are in place to keep him safe so that is where he shall stay,”

“So you have been aware of Potter situation and like all the abused children before him, you left him there,” I asked with more anger.

“Did you think they would be abusive when we dropped him off 15 years ago!” Minerva asked angry as well, Dumbledore looked horrified at the accusation.

“Well I didn’t think that they would treat him the way they did, not feeding him, the physical abuse and slavery. In saying this, it has made him appreciate the little things and not let his title get to his head,” Albus said trying to make himself seem innocent.

“Why on Merlin’s green earth would you leave him in a place that would only hurt him! He had Remus or any other parents from the order he could have gone with!” I yelled at my boss, why was he so blind.

“I did what I had to do to keep the boy out of the hands of death eaters trying to avenge their leader,” Albus said standing. “You mustn’t question my methods Severus, now go and pick up Harry,”

“Albus, you clearly don’t see my issue here, I can’t look after Lily’s child. I don’t know what I am doing!” Shame adding to my Anger.

“Severus Snape, you are looking after this boy, you will spend time with him, you can relate to the boy, treat him with respect and kindness, set boundaries. You will have help and you will feel the love he will give you. He has an infectious smile and a kind heart even after all he has been through. He may look like James but he has Lily’s eyes and an unseen personality. Just be there for him and you may surprise even yourself with your ability to love and care for him,” With that I was standing in the infirmary, small tears in the corner of my eye and less anger than before.

‘Okay Severus, you can do this, you have Minerva and Poppy to help. You can get Draco and Granger to help you. It will be fine’ I said trying to hype myself up.

“Draco, Granger?” I called out. Both popping their heads out, from separate locations. “I must talk with the both of you,” I said walking over to Poppy’s office.

“Poppy, before I take Potter I need to speak with these two, can I use your office for the minute?”

“If you must, I will go check on Harry, Ron has left with his mother,” Poppy got up and leaving the room after situating the three of us inside.

“Right, because you two got us into this mess I will need you both to help me look after Potter while I am teaching, or can’t look after him.

“Yes Sir,” said the both of them.

“I thank you both, I expect to see you in my quarters tomorrow after lunch to look after him while I teach,” with this I stood to go find Poppy.

“Right, thank you Poppy, is he already to go?” I asked entering his curtained off area.

“I believe he is, make sure he eats something before he goes to bed,”

“I can do that, thank you,” I said and looked at Potter, “Ah, Poppy?”

“Yes Severus?” She asked with a hand in my shoulder.

“Sorry, but do you have any advice for me in raising a child. Not my forte,” I said with a shrug.

“Best thing I can offer is patience, especially with an abused child. He may throw fits, act out or try to keep his old life going, show him love, kindness and understanding and help him adapt,” and with that she hugged me, “You’ll do fine Severus, stop over thinking it, just care for the boy,”

“I can only try,” I redirected my attention to Harry. “Hey Harry, I am Snape, I am going to look after you. Can I pick you up?” I asked, I knew I had to take him through the floo so he didn’t get sick or something while apperating.

He seemed afraid of me only letting me hold his hand while we went through the fire, not before saying good bye to his new found friends.