All my plot bunnies

“This will be your room.” Severus said as he opened the door and stepped inside. The enchanted lamps turned on and bathed the space in bright light. It was a decently sized room, only slightly smaller than his own which was right next door. The elves thankfully got it prepare while Severus dealt with finalizing the paperwork and running a few extra errands. They were placed in one of the family quarters just below the Hufflepuff dorms. Helga Hufflepuff apparently wanted to make sure that any professors that taught at the school could have a comfortable space to live and raise a family. Though his Slytherin side was slightly dissappointed at the absence of green and silver, his more practical side thought it adequate enough, at least for the time being.

He walked into the room and set down the bags beside the double bed which was over towards the furthest wall beside the window, covered in blankets and sheets of green and blue and entirely too many pillows with just one dragon plushie in the centre. There was a large brown chest at the side of the bed a dresser to the left beside the door leading to an attached bathroom, the closet door was just opposite to that and there was a desk and chair right in front of the bed.

Yes, this will do just fine.

He turned to the door and almost frowned when he noticed that the other figure was just standing there, staring at the room with wide eyes, his hands clenched on the edge of his jumper.

“Something wrong?”

The boy shook his head. Severus couldn’t help but think that he looked a bit like a drowned rat in the oversized jumper and loose pants he wore. Those unruly black locks were very clearly in need of a serious wash and cut and his glasses had a few scratches on them , he’ll probably need a new pair as well. New clothes; something that fit better and didn’t look like third generation hand-me-downs. Severus mentally listed off in his head before he spoke.

“Come in, dinner’s in an hour. You’ll need to have a bath first to help you get settled.”

The boy didn’t move.

“Harry-“

“This…” the boy’s arms tightened on his bag, “This is really mine?”

Severus nodded, “Yes.”

“Can I sleep on the bed?”

The potions master paused, “Where else would you sleep?”

Harry said nothing, Severus’ lips pursed for a brief moment, “Harry, when you lived with the Dursleys, where did you sleep?”

The boy went quiet, biting his lip hard and Severus frowned and spoke more firmly.

“Harry, where did you sleep?”

“In… the closet, under the stairs. There wasn’t any where else for me. Aunt Petunia needed all the other rooms.”

Severus had to fight back against the urge to glare darkly at the boy’s words. Yet another thing that Albus neglected to mention when the situation was finally explained to him.

“Well there’s more than enough room here, so yes, you will sleep on the bed.” Harry seemed to hesitate before he stepped inside and moved over to stop beside the man. “I’ll put your things in the closet and in the dresser. Can you bathe on your own?”

“Yes.” Harry nodded, Severus returned the gesture, “I’ll run you a bath, but I’ll come and help you with your hair. Is that alright?”

Harry just nodded, Severus nodded curtly in return.

“Good. Make yourself at home. This is your home now, Harry.”

Severus then turned on his heel and headed towards the attached bathroom, the lights beamed on. The room was covered in white tiles with blue accents, a sink with a cupboard and mirror to one side beside a white porcelain toilet and a large standing bathtub with a silver basket holding an array of soaps and shampoos. Severus almost scoffed. But he was grateful, Harry didn’t seem to have much in the way of toiletries, he’d neglected to think of that when he was running his errands the day before.

The potions master allowed himself a sigh as he took off his cloak and set it aside on the wicker laundry basket beside the basin and then folded up his sleeves to start running the boy’s bath.

The past few days have been… difficult.

It started at an Order meeting.

Severus had been surprised when Albus called him and told him that he was having a meeting for the Order. Since Voldemort’s fall, there hasn’t been a reason to have these meetings anymore. The ministry and Auror department seemed to be handling the Death Eaters that were still causing trouble in the aftermath of their lord’s fall relatively well. Most of the more dangerous followers were either dead or in Azkaban and Severus’ mark has been faded and pain free ever since that night… the night of Voldemort’s fall.

Really, the most interesting thing that’s happened lately is how a certain jailed mutt decided to start communicating with him for no clear reason. Of course, blaming everything that’s wrong in his life on Severus and absolutely no one else.

The last time there was a meeting, it was held because of the capture of Sirius Black and Dumbledore’s concerns since he had been named Harry Potter’s godfather. They needed to decide on how to handle the situation and exactly what they now needed to do with the boy since the war had practically ended at that point.

It was decided that Harry would be placed with Lily’s sister, Petunia. An idea that Severus heavily opposed since he remembered exactly what Petunia was like when they were younger. It’s true what they say, wisdom comes with age. But Petunia’s prejudice and intense hatred didn’t seem like something that would just fade with the aid of a few years.

But at the time, Severus was still a death eater. And despite his efforts to try and stop the tragedy that befell the Potters and his continued work spying on the dark side, no one cared for his opinion on the matter and so he let it go. Hoping that maybe Petunia had matured enough to be able to properly care for her sister’s child. He was hoping that the fact that Petunia had a child of her own would help. You know, maternal instincts and all that. Maybe he was wrong on his assessment and Harry would be well cared for.

Sometimes Severus hates it when he’s right.

A few days ago, Albus held a meeting because of disturbing reports that he received from Arabella Figg concerning Harry’s wellbeing. Albus didn’t go into any details about what those reports were, only that leaving Harry with Petunia seemed to be a mistake and that it would be best to have Harry placed elsewhere.

The Weasley’s offered to take the boy in. Other members of the order either didn’t have the time or the resources to be able to care for the child. Lupin had offered but, with his status as a dark creature, justifying such an adoption to the ministry would have been a difficult feat to achieve. Severus figured that the boy would go to the Weasley’s then. Molly and Arthur were more than capable of caring for the boy and taking him in, they practically had an entire litter themselves already. Bill and Charlie seemed to be very well behaved, from what Severus has experienced teaching the redheads so far. Harry would’ve been fine with them.

That’s when Albus mentioned a third, somehow, more likely option. Apparently, Sirius Black wasn’t the only person that had been named as Harry’s godfather in their will. Ministry records also had Severus Tobias Snape listed as Harry’s godmother.

Severus had been shocked into complete silence, the members of the Order started arguing against the idea, asking very vocally what on earth could have possessed Lily and James to make such a terrible decision. First to choose the man who would be responsible for their deaths as their son’s godfather and then Snape, an actual Death Eater, to be the godmother?!

It was insane!

Apparently, Albus disagreed.

“I was there and I was present when the documentation was signed and I assure you, both James and Lily were very much in their right minds when they made this decision.”

“But.” Lupin had risen from his seat, “James would never choose Snape-“

“It was his idea.” Silence fell over the room. Severus blinked and Lupin gaped. Albus continued. “Lily had faith in Severus, she believed that he would do whatever was necessary to keep her child safe.”

“But-But James knew that he was a Death Eater. Even in school he-“

“Apparently, that was one of the reasons he suggested it. Someone with the kind of knowledge that Severus possessed would be in a much better position to protect Harry.” Albus looked at the potions master, “Severus, he mentioned a promise you made in regards to Lily. He said that was the reason he believed Harry would be safe with you.”

Severus tensed at that, the older man continued. “Do you remember that promise Severus?”

The raven-haired man swallowed hard, “Yes.”

“Do you stand by it?” Albus asked looking right into his eyes and Severus had to fight to keep the emotions from his face, fight to resist looking at anyone else in the room.

“Where is the boy now?”

“With the Dursleys. At this point, you’re the only one with the legal right to take him away from them.”

Severus let out a soft sigh as he finally looked away, “Changes will need to be made, for the boy’s safety. He will not be able to live under my custody as the son of Potter. That alone will have Death Eaters hunting for both of us. My activities as a spy will be discovered. If I agree to this, he will need to live under my care as my heir.”

Lupin opened his mouth to protest but Albus silenced him with a raised hand, “Whatever you think is best Severus. We ignored you when you warned us about the Dursleys before, we won’t ignore you now.”

That shut up everyone in the room. Severus took in a deep silent breath.

“We will need a trustworthy contact at the ministry to assist with the paperwork.”

“I think I can help with that.” Arthur said with a slight smile, Molly blinked up at him in shock and he just waved her off, “I’m guessing it’s not adoption papers you’re after. You need birth certificates? Proof of parentage.”

“Yes.”

“I can manage that.”

“Good.”

“As soon as you can Arthur. I’d like to have this finalised as soon as possible. Alastor,” Albus started as he looked over to the Auror, whose face was contorting into all sorts of unflattering angles, “We’ll need an official escort there when Severus invokes his rights as Harry’s godmother. I hope you’ll assist with that.”

The man glared at Severus, looking ready to refuse only to let out a huff, “Yes.”

“Good. Once Harry’s been collected, Arthur, you’ll help us with the documents and he’ll be in Severus’ care. How long will that take?”

“If I can slip through the child care department then by… Thursday night.”

“Then we’ll collect Harry Friday morning. Is this alright with you Severus?”

Friday.

Too soon.

He still nodded.

“Yes.”

“Then Friday it is.”

The next two days were exhausting with Severus staying up to discuss the documents at length with Arthur at the Burrow. He’d be listing himself as a single parent, they’d be using the documents that Lily and Potter made naming Severus as the godmother as a basis, transferring the magic sealing those documents to seal Harry’s birth certificate.

“Though this will be very convincing, it will be a superficial change. It would be easier to blood adopt him.” Arthur mentioned, “His birth certificate would change automatically as well-“

“No, I…” Severus paused, “Blood adoption is irreversible. Lily deserves-… one day, once it’s safe enough… then the boy will deserve to have the option of knowing who his real parents are, what they sacrificed; finding some sort of connection to them, reclaiming his identity. I will not force him to live a lie for the rest of his life. He deserves the truth, one day he’ll have it.”

Molly had been in the room at the time, paused to place a hand on the potions master’s shoulder, Severus resisted the urge to tense. She gave him a small smile.

“If you ever need help with him dear, just ask.”

Severus didn’t say anything to that, just brought his gaze back down to the papers.

Thursday had gone more or less the same, with Severus trying to figure out exactly how he’ll deal with a child and also manage his classes once school starts at the end of the summer. He was told about the family quarters, given authority over specific elves that would help him with caring for the boy and getting the rooms ready. Most of the day was spent moving his things and then running errands to get things he might need, well, those that he could think of at the time.

Harry was five years old. Severus figured that he’d manage with whatever the boy had in his possession and just buy the rest later. Thankfully, he’s too old to still need things like diapers and formula… or at least, that’s what Molly told him on his last trip to the Burrow.

Friday morning, bright and early, Severus was standing in Albus’ office long before the older man came in. Moody arrived a few moments after that. They left school grounds and apparated to Privet Drive. Severus felt unbelievably nervous, but he hid it well. Chin up, back straight and with at least three layers of protection around his mind. Not that  he’d need it to deal with the boy, no, he just didn’t want to deal with Albus staring at him in concern the way he has been for the past few days.

They arrived at number ten didn’t have to wait long after knocking before Petunia’s husband opened the door, sneering in disgust before he opened the door and let them in.

They waited in the living room, with Albus already making himself comfortable as he sat down. Moody stood with his arms folded over his chest by the wall and Severus sat down stiffly beside the headmaster.

“Come to get the little freak ‘ave you?”

Severus glared hard. He noticed Moody twitch beside the wall as he glared as well. For once Albus didn’t have that incessant twinkle in his eye.

“We’ve come to collect Harry, yes. This is Severus Snape, he has custody of Harry and he will be the one taking him today. Alastor Moody is from the Ministry of Magic, he’ll be overseeing today’s proceedings.”

Vernon just rolled his eyes, “Petunia! Your guests are here!”

It was quiet for a moment before they heard footsteps coming down the hall. Severus braced himself, he and Petunia never got along. He doubted she’d be happy to see him in her house despite the many years that have passed.

The woman turned into the room, sneering as she took in the figures in her living room only for her eyes to fall on Severus and for them to go wide.

“You?!”

“A pleasure to see you as well Petunia.” He said dryly and she gaped.

“What the hell are you doing here?!”

“Severus has custody of Harry. He’ll be the one to take him from here.”

“A… Absolutely not!”

“Petunia-“

“You are not taking my sister’s child anywhere!”

“Unfortunately Petunia, you don’t have a choice.” Albus said clearly just as Moody pushed off the wall to stand by the headmaster’s side, “I’ve been made well aware of your treatment of Harry and if you think he will remain in your custody after all you’ve done then you are sincerely mistaken.”

Her mouth snapped shut and her face went red as her hands clenched at her sides, “And what you think this… freak will do a better job of it?! He’ll have a better time of it in a kennel I recon-“

“Thankfully your opinion doesn’t matter.” Severus said clearly as he stood up from his seat and spoke evenly, “Where is he?”

“I-“

“I didn’t come here to grace myself with your presence you brainless slag, I came to collect the boy. Where is he?”

“You have a lot of nerve you bloody-“

Vernon had gotten up from his seat only to stop right in his tracks when Moody suddenly had his wand out and aimed at the man.

“Tch tch tch. No need for violence there mate. We’ll just take the boy and leave. So where is he?”

It was quiet in the room for a moment until Petunia folded her arms in an indignant huff and glared at the wall.

“Kitchen.”

Severus broke the glare he had resting on her to turn and leave the room. Leaving Moody and Albus to deal with the Dursleys as he swiftly made his way over to the kitchen only to stop in the door way when he saw a head of raven hair sitting at the table, wearing a jumper and pants that were much too big for him, wearing his bottom lip between his teeth.

He paused because somehow he’d forgotten about this part; conversing with the boy and exactly how he should go about handling him. Taking in a silent breath he decided to go with a simple.

“Good morning.”

The boy’s head snapped up and he looked up with wide eyes. Severus almost stumbled back in surprise, firstly because the boy looked remarkably similar to his father. Honestly, if Severus didn’t know any better he’d swear he was looking at a miniature version of James Potter himself. But more than that were his eyes, those wide eyes were a bright emerald green. They were Lily’s eyes.

Severus had to look away to compose himself, “Harry.”

The boy said nothing as he just stared back at him, “My name is-“

“You’ve come to take me away.” the boy suddenly said and Severus blinked, “Aunt Petunia said… she said I’m leaving today.”

Severus paused, “Is that all she told you?”

Harry looked down and shook his head, “She said I’m going where I belong.”

Where he belongs. Severus could almost see Petunia saying that with a jeering smirk on her face.

Severus resisted the urge to glare.

“Harry… what do you know about your parents?”

“My parents?”

“Yes, your mother and father.”

Harry shrugged, “Aunt Petunia said that they died, in a car accident.”

That would be the simplest way to explain it in muggle terms, though Severus couldn’t help but feel annoyed at the fact that Petunia had managed to downplay an entire war and minimize it to a simple car accident.

He stepped closer to the boy, hesitated and then knelt down in front of him. Harry tensed, hands clenching in his lap.

“Harry, do you know anything about magic?”

The boy frowned, “Magic? Like… like on tv?”

Well there’s a whole new problem he’ll have to deal with. Explaining magic to a five-year-old with little knowledge of it.

Severus paused and looked away, “Who did they tell you would be coming to get you today Harry? Did they say anything?”

“I’m going where I belong.” The boy said, as if repeating what he’d heard. Severus gave a nod.

“Well, I am here to take you away and – in a sense – you will be going where you belong. My name is Severus Snape,”

“Severus Snape.” The boy repeated quietly and Severus had to fight off the sudden urge to smile.

“I…”

How does he say this?

He’s already resolved to raising the boy as his own but… how does he even begin to explain that.

“Your aunt said that your parents are dead. They told you your name was Harry James Potter.” Another deep breath.

Severus has done a lot of terrible things in his tenure as a Death Eater and a spy. Interestingly enough, lying to a child about his parentage wasn’t one of them.

Merlin forgive him.

“That wasn’t true.”

The boy just stared back at him.

“Your name is Harrison Snape.”

“Snape…” slowly those green eyes went wide, “You’re Severus Snape.”

“I’m your father, yes.”

Harry looked down at his lap, Severus could see the boy biting his lip hard again. Hands still clenched tight.

“I’m sure you must be upset. I’m sure you don’t want to leave your aunt with someone you barely know. You must have many questions. You might not even believe me but-“

Severus froze when the boy suddenly moved and wrapped his arms around his neck, holding him tightly… hugging him he realised. The potions master paused and then very awkwardly patted the boy’s back and hugged him back.

“You’re my dad.”

“Yes.”

“You’re not dead.”

Severus paused again, “No, I’m not dead…” Severus then swallowed hard, “I apologize Harry, that I didn’t come for you sooner.”

The boy shook his head and his arms tightened even more. It was just then that they suddenly heard a throat clear. Severus looked up and Harry pulled away slightly to look up as well.

Moody stared back at the two, cleared his throat uncomfortably again before nodding his head back.

“Everything’s set. We ought to get going.”

Severus nodded and then looked back at the boy.

“Harry, are you ready to go?”

“Yes.” He answered nodding his head before, “Wait.” He let go of Severus and hurried over to another corner of the kitchen to drag a duffel bag closer. Moody moved forward to pick it up only for the boy to flinch back and cling to the straps of the bag.

Severus paused, “Harry it’s alright. This is Alastor Moody. He’s here to help us leave. Let him take the bag. I promise you’ll get it back later.”

Harry seemed to hesitate before he let go and Alastor gave the boy a smile as he picked up the bag and turned to leave the room. Severus looked back at the boy and held out his hand.

“Let’s go.”

Harry immediately reached out to grab a hold of Severus hand with both of his and he led them through the hall back to the living room.

“There he is.” They looked up just as Albus stood from his seat and gave the boy a warm smile. Harry stared. And honestly why wouldn’t he with the ridiculous robes that the man insisted on wearing. Today Albus was dressed in blue robes with silver and white stars scattered all over them, making those twinkling eyes stand out even more.

Severus almost scoffed at the wide-eyed look on Harry’s face.

He’ll have to get used to this.

“Looks like you’re already getting acquainted.” Albus said as he took a step towards the boy who moved a bit closer to Severus, “My dear boy, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Albus Dumbledore.” He said holding out his hand and Harry hesitated for a brief moment looking up at Severus who nodded before carefully putting his hand in Albus’.

“Harry Potter-“ The boy blinked and then shook his head, “Harrison-Harrison Snape, sir.”

Petunia scoffed and Vernon glared. Moody just shook his head as he headed for the door. Albus chuckled as he gave the hand in his a brief shake.

“Very nice to meet you.” And then he stood up straight, “I hope we’re ready to go.”

“Yes.” Severus answered shortly.

“Very well. Mr and Mrs Dursley, we thank you for your time.” Albus said much more curtly than Severus was used to and he couldn’t help but stare at the man before he tugged at Harry’s hand.

“Come on.” The boy paused and hesitated as he looked back at his aunt and uncle.

“Bye aunt Petunia. Good bye uncle Vernon.” He called out but neither said a word as they simply turned away from him. Harry started to pout, Severus could see the beginning of tears in his eyes. He did the first thing he could think of.

“Harry.” He knelt down beside the boy and slowly picked him up. Harry wrapped his arms around Severus’ neck and stood to walk out the door with him in his arms. Moody shut the door behind them.

Briefly he heard the auror mutter a spell and then seconds later two screams came from the house. Severus decided that he didn’t want to know as Moody walked past him with an oddly satisfied smirk on his face.

“Aunt Petunia?”

“Don’t worry about them Harry.” Severus said as they made their way down the walkway towards Albus who was standing beside a light pole on the side of the vacant street. “You remember, I asked you if you know about magic?”

Harry nodded, “Yes.”

“I’m going to need you to do something for me. Hold on tight and keep your eyes shut until I say you can open them. Can you do that for me?”

“Why?”

“You’ll see. I need you to trust me.”

The boy’s lips pursed and he looked right into Severus’ eyes, “You’re my dad.”

Severus paused, “Yes, Harry. I am.”

Harry then shut his eyes and held on tightly to the older man. Moody gave them a worrying look and Albus looked at Harry in concern.

“Hogwarts?” Moody asked and Albus nodded, “It would be best to get him rested.”

Severus nodded, putting a hand to the back of Harry’s head only to notice that the strands seemed greasy. A bath is definitely in order.

Albus moved closer to put a hand on Severus’ shoulder.

“Remember, hold on tight.”

Harry nodded in response and seconds later they apparated. With Albus having unrestricted access they made it just outside of the castle in no time. Severus was grateful that he hadn’t had to apparate himself. Harry was holding onto him so tightly he could tell the feeling of apparition had him in distress, but he didn’t open his eyes, not for a second.

Once Severus himself felt steady enough he looked up and let out a sigh as he looked at the castle.

“Harry, you can open your eyes now.”

Slowly the boy opened his eyes and pulled back to look around himself. He gasped. Albus smiled and Moody scoffed.

“Where are we?”

“Hogwarts, it’s a school Harry. It’s where I teach and where you and I will be living.”

“But how did we get here.”

Severus looked at the boy and offered him a small, albeit awkward smile, “Magic.”

Harry’s eyes went wide and then he beamed.

The whole trip to Albus’ office Harry was oohing and aahing at his surroundings. Severus was grateful that there didn’t seem to be any ghosts about. He wanted to try and work up to that bit with the boy. They made it to Albus’ office where Arthur was waiting… with Molly.

Severus put Harry down and the mother Weasley immediately started fussing over him. He looked over to Arthur who gave a wry smile.

“Stampede of dragons couldn’t keep her away.” Arthur then gestured to a bag beside the desk, “We brought a few things. Some clothes, toys that the boys aren’t too fond of anymore. Thought they might help.”

Severus nodded, “Thank you… the paperwork?”

“Right!”

The next hour was spent on getting the documents finalised while Severus kept an eye on Molly and Harry. The boy seemed a bit uncomfortable at first but seemed to warm up to the older woman’s fussing the second the cookies came out.

Once everything was signed and completed Harry had to come closer so they could finish off, with Albus casting the final bit of magic necessary to complete the binding on Harry’s birth certificate. Harry had just stared with wide eyes as Albus waved his wand around them and bright white light glowed around them and the documents were set.

Arthur left immediately to deal with the documents, Albus managed to shoo Molly away and Moody left once everything was done. Severus then took Harry down to what would be the boy’s new home and started to get him settled.

Now he’s running Harry’s bath. Wondering for the millionth time and probably won’t be the last what on earth he’s gotten himself in for. He checked the temperature in the soapy bath filled with bubbles before going back to Harry’s room. Severus frowned when he found the boy standing exactly where he left him. like he hadn’t moved an inch.

“Harry?”

The boy jumped and Severus paused, “Your bath is ready.”

The boy nodded and quickly hurried into the room, looking around himself as Severus spoke.

“I’ll let you get changed and in the tub. You can use the soap in the basket and anything else you need, but call me once you’re ready to wash your hair. Alright.”

“Yes.” He said with a nod and Severus left him to it.

Still so awkward. But really, its going to be a while before they’re both comfortable with all of… this.

While Harry got started with his bath, Severus decided to finally check his bag to see exactly what the Dursley’s got for him and… it was all either too big or worn out and faded. Most of his clothes looked clean at least, but even the underwear seemed too big. Didn’t they ever get the boy any clothing of his own?

He could hear some splashing coming from the bathroom. Severus let out a sigh as he grabbed the bag from the Weasley’s found and found clothes that were much closer to Harry’s size, warm, well cared for. These will do fine for now. But for the underwear Severus slipped his wand out and transfigured a few pairs for Harry to wear from a light sheet he had in the room.

“I… I’m ready.” He heard Harry call out and Severus finished setting out a pair of warm blue pyjama’s he got from the Weasley’s before heading to the bathroom.

He opened the door and there was soap and water all over the floor. Severus had paused to just stare at the scene of the flushed boy in the middle of the tub and a short laugh bubbled up from his throat. Harry blinked and squinted at him, his glasses were in the basket by the tub.

“I see you’re enjoying yourself.” He drawled out as he walked over to the tub and Harry’s nose wrinkled as some of the soap bubbles in his hair fell into his face.

“It’s nice.” Harry said just as Severus reached for the bottle of shampoo, “Aunt Petunia never let me have a bath. I just washed in the sink.”

“Really.” Severus asked quietly, though he suspected as much. So much about Harry’s appearance reminded him of himself when he was a child. How he only got the clothes that his mother could make or afford by scraping together what little money she could. His dirty hair managed only with a bar of soap, leaving it more greasy and dirty than without. Though Severus always tried as best as he could. He could tell that Harry was trying as well.

He poured some shampoo out onto his hand and set the bottle aside to lather his hands and start washing the boy’s hair, as gently as he could while Harry played with the bubbles in the bath.

“You live here?”

He asked and Severus nodded, “Yes.”

“So now, I live here too. With you?”

“Yes.”

Harry started to smile a little, “This is a magic school. Can you do magic?”

Severus nodded, “I’m a wizard. I’m also a teacher here, remember?”

“Can I be a wizard too?”

Severus scoffed, “You already are.”

The boy blinked, “Really?! Can you teach me to do magic?”

“Once you’re old enough. You’ll go to school here and you’ll learn, just like me. But you’re still too young for now.”

Harry started to pout and Severus wondered if the boy hadn’t started to do any accidental magic yet but hasn’t realised it. He’ll have to keep a close eye on him.

“Close your eyes.”

Harry did as he was told and Severus reached out for the detachable faucet to rinse him off before grabbing a towel to dry his hair.

“It’s time to get out.” Severus said as he grabbed another towel and the boy got up he lifted Harry out of the bath. A little light for his age isn’t he? Severus only had a moment for that thought as he started to help him to dry off when he noticed… marks. Along his back and backside, switch marks he realised.

The potions master froze.

“Harry… Harry where did you get these?”

He asked gently and Harry’s eyes seemed to widen when he realised what the older man was talking about, he bit his lip and shook his head.

“Harry.” Severus said taking the boy’s face into his hands, “Did your uncle do this to you?”

It was silent in the room for a moment until Harry finally spoke, “I was bad. I didn’t listen-“

“Harry, has your aunt ever hurt you like this?”

Harry nodded his head and Severus shut his eyes and let out a sigh.

“Damn it.”

“I’m sorry!” the boy suddenly cried out and Severus’ eyes snapped open.

“For what… no, Harry you didn’t do anything wrong, I-“ taking a deep breath he pulled Harry close and gave him a hug, the boy hugged him back. “I’m not angry with you. You didn’t do anything wrong. You shouldn’t have been with those people for so long. What they did was wrong.”

“But-“

Severus pulled back to look into Harry’s eyes, “No one should ever hurt you like that. No matter what. If something like this happens again, I need you to promise you’ll tell me, understand?”

Harry nodded, “Yes.”

“I promise, you’ll never have to go back to those people again. Now,” Severus took a deep breath, “Did they ever hurt you anywhere else?”

Harry paused and shook his head.

“Harry, are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Severus wasn’t sure if he believed him.

“Harry, a long time ago I made a promise. I promised that I… would protect you with every fibre of my being. I promised I’d never let anyone hurt you and I’d do everything I could to keep you happy. Even if that meant that I had to stay away from you.”

“But-“

“I’m not going to leave, but I will protect you. I won’t let anyone hurt you again. So if it even seems like someone is trying to hurt you, I need you to tell me. Alright?”

“Yes. But… where were you, why didn’t-why didn’t you come before?”

Severus let out a deep breath, resisting the urge to look away, “I wasn’t given the option to before. One day, when you’re older, I’ll explain what happened. For now, I’ll do everything I can to make it up to you. I won’t leave you again.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.” Harry smiled and reached out to hug Severus again. Severus held him back before letting out a heavy sigh.

“Alright, come let’s get you dressed. Mrs Weasley brought you some clothes, you’ll wear those for now.”

He made a mental note to have a discussion with Albus on exactly what Arabella Figg reported on the Dursley’s treatment of Harry the second he got the chance. After applying some healing potions getting Harry dressed they sat down for dinner, which turned out to be much more eventful since the elves were serving dinner and Severus had to explain these small grey creatures that popped in and out of the room. Thankfully Harry didn’t seem scared of the elves, just confused.

Once dinner was set out, Harry just sat still and stared at the food, even after Severus poured out some food for him.

“Harry? You’re not hungry?”

The boy didn’t speak, Severus tried for a smile. “You can eat as much as you like, don’t be shy.”

Harry looked up at the man and then started to eat, slowly at first. Starting with rice and mash and then the chicken and then he kept eating, asking for seconds and if he could have more after those seconds. He seemed like he was starving. Severus remembered his first year at Hogwarts, how his heart had leapt right out of his chest at the large spread of food and how he’d so desperately wanted to eat as much as he could, finally having the option to do so.

But he looked around at the pureblood students around him and resisted the urge. Never eating too much and always minding his manners. Something ached inside of him as he watched Harry, he almost didn’t have the heart to make him stop. But eating too much too soon would only make him sick.

“How about you save your appetite for breakfast?” Severus said gently and the boy looked up at him with his face gleaming and those bright green eyes warm as he swallowed.

“Breakfast?”

“Is there anything you would like for breakfast? I think we can ask the elves for pancakes if you like.” Severus’ smile grew a bit more, “With syrup and whipped cream.”

Severus remembered first year again. He’d stared at that enormous stack of pancakes and cream for what felt like forever before just taking some jam and toast like the third year girl beside him had done.

Harry beamed at him, “Yes please.”

Severus shook his head with a scoff, “You’ll need to stop eating for now first.”

Next time he’ll have the elves prepare some dessert as well.

Around eight Severus decided to call it a night and tucked Harry into bed, though the boy seemed oddly unwilling to go to sleep just yet.

After getting the boy settled for the night he decided to retire to his own room to just collect his thoughts. Around ten o’clock he had one of the elves bring him a cup of tea before he took a bath and he still didn’t feel like his nerves had settled. It was just as he was getting his own bed ready that he suddenly heard a soft knock at the door.

The elves wouldn’t bother knocking.

“Harry?”

The door slowly opened and the boy peered inside, Severus frowned.

“Are you having trouble sleeping?”

Harry nodded. Severus sighed, “Come in. You can stay up with me until you feel tired enough.”

Harry seemed to beam as he quickly ran into the room, holding the dragon plushie he took from the bed and Severus opened the covers on his bed so the boy could get on the bed while he finished his own preparations. He settled into the bed moments later and decided to read a book until Harry fell asleep.

The boy was staring up at the ceiling with his head on the pillow beside him and Severus couldn’t help but ask.

“I suppose… with all the excitement today, it would be a bit difficult for you to sleep.” He then let out a sigh, “Do you have any questions?” He probably has thousands of questions under the circumstances, “Anything you want to ask right now?”

Harry looked over to the older man, “If you’re my dad, then… who’s my mum?”

Severus tensed, though he knew the question would come eventually, just not quite so soon. He thought about how he’d explain that whole thing to the boy, never really came up with a decent answer. The idea came to mind to tell him that Lily was his mother. That much would atleast be the truth, but that answer made him feel uncomfortable. On the birth certificate, it has him listed as Harry’s maternal figure – his bearer – since they used the godparent documents to seal it and it had him listed under maternal as well.

If Harry ever asked to see it, that’s how it would look as well. So inevitably, that would lead to so many more questions once Harry was old enough to question it. If Lily’s his mother then why isn’t she listed that way on his birth certificate, why is Severus listed as his maternal figure.

Briefly Severus debated the option of just giving up and telling the boy the truth right then and there.

He looked at Harry.

Potter’s face. Lily’s eyes.

The potions master sighed. After giving the boy hope that his parents were still alive, that seemed unnecessarily cruel. Then again only telling him the truth at a later stage didn’t seem like a great idea either. But it’s meant to be a secret, a secret to keep Harry safe.

“Harry, technically speaking at this point, I am.”

Harry frowned, “You are? But aunt Petunia said babies come from-”

“Yes… you see, there are many wonderful things you can do with magic Harry. And one of those things include men being able to have children of their own and that’s how I had you.” The boy’s face twisted as he took in the information and Severus prayed that he wouldn’t have to explain exactly how that process happened-

“You carried me, in your tummy?”

Severus internally groaned, “Yes.”

“So, then, you’re my mum?” he asked, he clearly had his parents looks but the wide eyed curiosity was somehow, adorably, all is own. Severus wanted to scream in frustration and annoyance, “So, who’s my dad?”

Right that’s the other thing.

“I’ll tell you… one day.” Once he’s thought of a believable lie, “Until then, it’ll just be you and me. Is that alright with you Harry?”

The boy seemed to think for a minute before nodded, “Yes.”

“Alright, try and get some sleep.”

Harry took his glasses off and set them on the bedside table, he clutched the dragon plushie to his chest and stared at Severus for an unsettling amount of time.

The potions master stared back, “What?”

“Nothing.” The boy smiled as he shook his head and then shut his eyes, “Goodnight Mum.”

Severus tensed tremendously and stared at the boy in horror, briefly debating the option of waking him up and ordering him to never call him that again. Instead he just sighed.

“Goodnight Harry.”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear Snape

Fucking ironic isn’t it? Here I am, a bleeding auror with plenty of citations and awards for catching evil scumbags under my belt, in Azkaban. While you, the slimiest evil scumbag of them all, isn’t?

Isn’t it fucking ironic? I was sure you’d end up in Azkaban some day. The second you got sorted in school, I knew you’d be rotting in prison, with no one caring or giving a single shite about you. Because that’s what you deserve. You deserve to be here not me. I didn’t kill those muggles. I didn’t kill Peter. I didn’t betray Lily and James. You betrayed them you fucking bastard. This is all your fault.

I SWEAR TO MERLIN THE SECOND I GET OUT OF HERE I’M GOING TO FUCKING KILL YOU!

***

Dear Snape

I’m a bit surprised you didn’t write back to my last letter. Then again you’ve always been a slimy coward, figures you wouldn’t be able to say anything to me. Can’t deny it can you, you bastard. It’s your fault James and Lily are dead. So why the hell am I the one in prison? Why is it that no one’s writing back to me? Why’s no one coming to see me? They know I’m innocent right? So why the hell isn’t anyone doing anything about it.

It’s your fault. I know it is. It’s always your fault. Anytime anything goes wrong its because of you. Because you’re poison Snape. You ruin everything you touch, like a disease like a blood curse. You’re poison. Just like my brother. Regulus would’ve been fine if he never met you, he would’ve been safe. But you had to ruin him like you ruin everything else. I know you were turning him against me. I know he only hated me because you were filling his head with all kinds of bullshit. And now he’s dead and I’m being punished for something I didn’t even do and everyone’s ignoring me.

I promise I’m going to get you Snape. Somehow I’m going to get out of here, and I’m going to destroy you.

***

Dear Snape

Why the hell aren’t you writing back? I know you’re getting these so its not like the owls aren’t reaching you or something. I know cause every other letter I write gets sent back, can you believe that shite. No one will talk to me! Not Dumbledore or McGonagall or Moody or Arthur or even Remus! Fucking Remus hasn’t written me back once or come to see me. He’s supposed to be my best friend but even he thinks I got James and Lily killed?! How can he be so stupid?! If anyone had a shot at betraying us its him. He was always running about with those wolves, almost as bad as you are with those scumbag friends of yours.

I wrote dozens of letters but they all get sent back! Yours are the only ones that don’t come back. Unbelievable isn’t it? The one person I hate is the only one that reads my letters. Fucking hell, that’s so pathetic. I don’t know how, but its probably your fault. You must be turning them against me, just like you turned Reg against me too. I remember how he was always talking about you. On the holidays when I went home, it was always Snivellus this and Snivellus that, he only stopped after I told mum that you were a half-blood. That put a stop to all that bloody fawning. He actually got mad at me over that. I wouldn’t have told her if he just shut up about you. He didn’t even know anything about you. He never knew anything about you, not like I do Snape. I know you better than anyone but for some reason you wouldn’t leave my brother alone you miserable prat.

I swear I’m going to kill you some day. Write back already you bloody cunt!

***

Dear Snape

News hit the prophet. They let us read it every now and then, it’s a few weeks old but at least it’s something. Anyway, its official; I am the last heir to the house of Black. Apparently the goblins only just got that whole mess sorted out even though Regulus died a while ago. There are officially no other members of the house of Black. Narcissa’s a Malfoy now, Bellatrix is a Lestrange. Everyone else was removed from the family tree. Can’t remember why I managed to survive the purge, I know my Mum would hate the fact that I’m in charge of everything now.

But yeah, I am the very last Black left. Fuck, I didn’t even know what to do when I read about it. It seems so weird fucked up. I’m the last one. I’m alone, what am I supposed to do now? Not like I could go and get some girl knocked up, leave this mind fuck of a legacy to anyone else. I’m trapped in here. I’m never getting out. I’m alone and I’m going to die alone. It’s worse cause Remus still isn’t reading my letters. No one is reading them, just you.

Merlin, I hate you Snape. I hate that you’re the only one who’ll listen. I want to kill you I need to kill you. I need to see the life fade from your eyes. I need to see you broken and destroyed. I need you to disappear.

Please write back.

I hate you

***

Dear Snape

You finally write back and all you say is piss off. Drop dead you slimy worthless slag! You should consider yourself grateful I’m even paying you any attention, probably more than anything you get from anyone else. I’m probably the closest thing you’ve ever had to a friend at this point. You know, I bet you’re still a virgin. Who would even think about touching a disgusting roach like you? Only an absolute freak would even give you the time of day.

Are you a virgin Snape? I bet you are. No way you’ve ever fucked anything but your hand. You’re too hideous for anyone to ever go anywhere near you.

Remember in school when James stripped you by the lake. Merlin, I’ve never wanted to blow chunks before in my life. You’re revolting Snivellus and those knickers you were wearing, I knew you were poor but I didn’t realise that you were so poor you couldn’t even afford bloody underwear. You’re skinny too, like skin hanging off of a pole, no wonder you always wore so much clothing. Did you ever eat anything? If you did you might’ve looked a bit better. Maybe even close enough to look like a girl. An ugly disgusting girl but close enough right? Maybe someone would’ve been willing to give you a pity fuck at least. Wouldn’t even have to look at you, just put a bag over your head to get it done.

I don’t see you even managing to land a bird. I bet you’re a pouf. I bet you’re so desperate for anyone to touch you that you’d probably be gagging for it. Bet you’d have your arse in the air if someone so much as looked at you. I bet you’d probably beg me for it if I offered.

Not that I ever would, I might be in Azkaban but even I have bloody standards.

***

Snape

I fucking hate you! This is all your fault, these stupid dreams. Your disgusting face won’t stop showing up in my head. Its cause I keep writing these stupid letter to you. Well fuck you! I hope you suffer and die in a hole somewhere you smarmy bastard!

I hope you enjoyed these Snape because I’m never sending you another one again.

***

Dear Snape

Why the hell didn’t you write back? It’s been months and nothing! You did before don’t act like you don’t know how now!

I read the prophet again. So you’re a potions master now, figures. That’s the only subject you were better at in school. Not surprised that you’re teaching at Hogwarts. Those kids would be better off though, bet most of their parents would shit themselves if they knew their kids are being taught by a murdering death eater.

Your life is just moving on like nothing fucking happened and I’m still in here, alone. I’m going to kill you. If I can’t move on then you can’t either. It’s your fault I’m in here. You’re not allowed to forget that Snape! I’m going to make sure that you never forget me! I’m going to be the only thing you think about from the moment you wake up till the moment you fall asleep.

James was right about you. He was always right. I didn’t get it before but he was right. We can’t leave you alone. You deserve every shitty thing you get and I’m going to make sure you fucking get it.

WRITE BACK YOU BASTARD!!!

***

Dear Snape

I’ve been thinking about James. It was kind of weird wasn’t it? He was always really focused on you, even after you fucked up and Lily stopped talking to you. I mean It’s not like I care. You’re a disgusting snake, you deserved everything that we did to you. It’s just sort of interesting that’s all. He thought about you a lot. Did you think about him a lot? I think you thought about Lily a lot, that used to drive him mad. Sometimes he’d look at you and just somehow know you were thinking about her. He hated it. I didn’t care obviously, I don’t give a shit about whatever you’re thinking.

Did you think about James? Ever? Or was it always just Lily? You know she didn’t want you right? She never wanted you. You were hideous what would she even want from you anyway?

Birds don’t suit you Snape. They’ve never suited you. You’d be better off with a bloke, come to think of it, James said that once. I think he was right. Plus you were poor. If you married some rich bloke you would’ve been set for life instead of marrying some bird and being stuck with her. Can’t see you married though. No, you’d do better as a prostitute. A dirty little kept pet. Throw money at you every now and then, suck a cock and let me someone rail you in return. That would make more sense. Did you ever do that for Malfoy? James mentioned it once, how Malfoy would only keep you around if he was fucking you. You’re a half-blood, it didn’t make sense that Malfoy liked you so much. Probably not though, Malfoy might be an evil git but at least he knew well enough to marry Cissa. Can’t see you with Malfoy, pureblood lot don’t seem like they’d know what to do with you.

You need a leash Snape, someone to force you to behave. Only way to deal with a vicious half-breed like you.

***

Snape

Stay out of my head! You fucking bastard, I know you’re doing it on purpose. You’re disgusting!

I HATE YOU!

James was right about you! He was right about all of it! You corrupt and pervert everything!

***

Dear Snape

Why haven’t you written back? I’m starting to get bored you know. You never write back and now I’m bored. Write back already. It’s been two years now and you haven’t said a fucking word since the last piss off. Write me back already. I’m bored and you’re the only one that’s taking these letters.

How’s Hogwarts? I figure you’re still teaching there. It hit me the other day, I probably would’ve done better in potions if you were teaching. James said he saw your potions book once, said it looked different from ours. Said you wrote all sorts of instructions on how to make the potions better. Then when he and Lily started dating she said it was true, that you know more than Slughorn does.

Bloody unfair. Potions wasn’t half bad, it was just so fucking difficult. Bet you’re a terrible teacher but at least better than Slughorn.

It should be around Christmas time. Must be snowing by now. Hogwarts always looked beautiful in the snow. Fucking tragic that you get to see all that and I’m staring at these ugly freezing walls. You’re such an ice-cold snake Snape, why can’t you be here instead of me?

Write me back or next time, I’m drawing you a picture of my dick.

***

Dear Snape

Die? Really, that’s all you’re going to say. You can do better than that.

Anyway, interesting thing today happened. They let us mingle a bit sometimes, not often mind you and not all at once, just random prisoners from random sections of Azkaban and only for about ten minutes. Ran into Lestrange, that was weird. Only saw him around Bella on the outside and then he’d always seemed off his rocker to me. He was quiet today, didn’t say much. Think the dementors have been hanging around his side for a bit, must’ve sucked all the madness from him for one day at least.

I asked him about the Death Eater lot, asked him about you. He said you were one of Voldie’s favourites. Said you were the only half-blood in the inner circle. Fancy that. The psychopath’s favourite little pet. What’d you have to do to pull that one off Snape? It can’t just be because of the potion’s thing. Maybe James really was right. Are you a good little whore Snape, take it nice and easy like you’re supposed to. I bet you are. I asked Lestrange if you were, he didn’t say anything to that. Just said my Mum would’ve been happier to have you coming home to her than me. Probably right. Precious Dark Lord’s favourite, that would’ve made her day. But I’m not like you Snape, I’m different. Different from you and anyone in my family. I’m better. I shouldn’t be in here, too bad no one will listen.

Write me back already, more than just one word this time. If you don’t I’ll wank off to you.

***

Dear Snape

Nothing again?

The dementors have been coming around my block. Can’t imagine why, they say they feed off of warm feelings right? No luck in finding that around here. All the bastards around me are miserable, downright suicidal. But they deserve it. The twisted fuck in the cell next to me kidnapped, tortured and murdered a family of muggles. He doesn’t even remember why, he said it didn’t matter why. You’d get on great with him Snape.

I’ve been dealing with the dementor’s alright. Not gonna tell you how. Bet you’d come down here just so you can out me and make my life more miserable than it already is if I did. Forgot to tell you last time, Lestrange said hello. He asked me why I was asking about you, told him I planned on wanking to you and sending you the cum and I needed some inspiration. I was joking by the way, not sure if Lestrange knew that though. Don’t think he really cared.

But really, write me back. Must almost be valentines day by now. I used to get a ton of cards and chocolates and shit when we were in school. Now I can’t even get a single bleeding letter from a sorry fuck who probably doesn’t have anyone in his life to begin with. Did you ever get anything for Valentines Snape? And no, nothing you got from Lily counts. I already told you she didn’t want you so don’t mention her. I mean something from a different girl. Or a bloke. I still don’t think you’re straight. If you are you shouldn’t be, you’d be wasting your time Snape.

***

Dear Snape

Suffer and Die.

That’s three words at least. The dementors have been around here again, still managing to deal with them. The smell is terrible though. They smell almost just as bad as you do and they suck the joy out of every room. Maybe you’re part dementor Snape.

I’ve been wondering about Harry. I figure that they’ve placed him with a new family by now at least. Is he doing alright? I’m his godfather you know, I’m supposed to be looking out for him but since James and Lily died I can’t even ask how he’s doing from anyone else. Makes me feel like a failure, especially since I haven’t read anything about him in the papers. Its like he just vanished, just like how Peter vanished. And James and Lily. Do you still remember James and Lily? Sometimes I think about them and I feel like I’m forgetting something. It hasn’t even been that long though.

Wish I could forget you just the same, but I can’t. Wouldn’t be right to anyway. If I have to suffer in Azkaban then you need to suffer too. I’m still going to kill you. It’s the one thought that’s been keeping me going. I’m going to get out of here and I’m going to end you Snape.

Write me back or this time I really will wank to you.

***

Dear Snape

Nothing again, it’s like you want me to get off to you. I really am going to do it you know. I’m in Azkaban right now, I have nothing to lose Snape.

We got to mingle a bit again today. This time I talked to Crouch. Bloody mental case that one. Completely insane. He kept going on and on about how he didn’t belong there and how he didn’t do anything wrong. I told him to spare me.

If anyone is innocent in here its ME!

I asked Crouch about you too. He said the same thing Lestrange did, that you were one of the special ones. I really am curious to know how you managed to pull that one off. From half-blood nobody to half-blood pet. Impressive I’d say.

If you don’t write me back then at least send me a picture. The only memories I have of you that are even remotely usable are from that day by the lake and I feel like a paedophile every time I think about that. Is that what you want Snape? For me to be a paedophile? Do you want me to get off on thoughts of a fourteen-year-old version of you?

***

Dear Snape

Still nothing? Alright fine, you asked for it. Lucky for you I won’t have to feel like a child molester. You didn’t send me a picture but there’s this bloke I met from the third floor in the serial killed ward; apparently he keeps all of those old copies of the Prophet we get sometimes. He said it’s because he uses it to track the aura’s of muggleborn sympathizers with them or some crazy shit like that. Anyway, I swapped some bread for a copy of the prophet he had. The one where they announced your potions mastery. So now I’m all set.

Seriously, write me back or I’m wanking off to that picture of you.

Still dealing with the dementors, thanks for asking. That trick I’ve been using has been holding out pretty well. Some of the guards are getting suspicious though, I’m not getting worn out as quickly as everyone else so they’ve been watching me more closely. That won’t help with much, I doubt they’d be able to figure it out.

Did you ever check to see how Harry’s doing? He should be around six by now right? Hope he’s doing well. If I could send him some money or something I would but, I’m not allowed to have access to any of my assets from here. I’d have to find a goblin willing to trek all the way to Azkaban for that apparently. I realised the other day that if I died, he’d probably get everything anyway. What with him being my godson and all. I’d be happy if that happens. Figure he’d probably put it to good use some day, start up a family, build a new home.

I never really thought about doing any of that for myself. James was always talking about getting married and having kids. I used to laugh since it seemed so stupid to think of those things when we were so young. Remus got sad about it, he talked about how he didn’t think anyone would want to have a family with him. But I never thought about it for myself.

I guess, it might’ve been nice to get married, have a kid and just have someone around. That unconditional love right? Someone who’d love you and be there no matter what. That’d be nice.

No chance for that in here though. Do you want kids Snape? Probably not, you probably wouldn’t even know what to do with a kid if you got one. I think we’re similar that way. I wouldn’t really know what to do with a kid either if I’m honest. But the thought is nice at least.

***

Dear Snape

You’re still not writing back. I started thinking that a piss off would be nice to get again. You’re not dead. are you? Of course not, the letters would’ve come back if you were. Besides, I doubt a smarmy snake like you could ever die. You’ll probably end up outliving us all you spiteful bastard.

The dementors are still circling, thanks again for asking. Don’t know exactly what I’d need to do to get rid of them and my little trick is starting to wear on me a bit. Don’t get excited, I’m not dying yet. I told you, I’m getting out of here so I can finally kill you. Just so you know, you’re not allowed to die until I kill you.

Talked to Lestrange’s brother yesterday, he’s even more quiet than his brother. Bit of a freak really, barely does more than stare in silence. When I asked him about you, he didn’t say much. He called you the potions pet, no wonder there I suppose. He said you were close to Cissa and Reg and Lucius. He said you were around Rosier a lot too. Why the fuck did you hang around him? He was an absolute mental case from what I heard, then again maybe that’s why you got on with him. A bit of a psychotic freak too, aren’t you Snape?

***

Snape

Exactly why did you get along with Rosier? I was thinking about exactly what Rabastan said. He said you went on a bunch of missions with Rosier, just the two of you. What the fuck is that about? You weren’t actually shagging the psychotic git were you? What would you even see in Rosier anyway, the loon was an absolute idiot, his marks were barely better than Peter’s weren’t they? So its not like he was smart enough for you to actually like him, right?

Did you ever get to choose who you did those evil missions with or did Voldie choose for you? He chose for you right? It’s not like you wanted to go with Rosier. He wouldn’t be your type right? Not that I care but, he was a psychopath, absolutely insane. Moody did everyone a favour my putting him down. So you weren’t fucking him right?

***

Snape

Seriously, were you shagging Rosier? Write me back damn it!

***

Snape

You’d better not have shagged Rosier. If you did, I swear I’ll kill you.

***

DAMN IT SNAPE ANSWER ME!

***

Dear Snape

After thinking about it for a while I realised that there’s no way you were doing anything with Rosier. It’d be impossible, you’re definitely still a virgin.

Things have been about as exciting as they usually are around here. Dementors still circling, guards still spying. Don’t have much to do except write you letters, they don’t even really give us much time for that either. I usually just sleep most of the time, stare at the walls. Wank while I think about exactly how I’m going to kill you. Haven’t really figured out a way I want to do it yet. Magic would be too easy, so is poison. I figure I’d just beat you to death but that might not go fast enough. I’ll decide once I get out of here.

By the way, I haven’t figured out that one yet either. A few days ago, I heard someone on one of the lower levels tried, managed to get outside of the prison before the dementors got hold of him and sucked him dry. Impressive though, that he even managed to get outside. Wish I knew how he did it.

Harry should be around seven by now. Could you at least tell me how he’s doing Snape? If you know, just tell me how he is.

***

Dear Snape

You actually wrote back this time. So Harry’s doing well, I’m glad. He deserves to be happy after everything that happened when he was so young. Wish you could give me a few more details than just that one sentence but, I’ll take what I can get.

I’m actually a bit surprised that you actually responded this time and that you told me about Harry. No one else will. I never asked but do you think I did those things Snape? Do you think I killed all those people and betrayed James and Lily? Or do you think I’m innocent? You’d be the only one that does at this point. The rest of the world thinks I’m mad enough to go on a random killing spree. It’s cause of my family. You know about that don’t you Snape? The Black family madness. Did Regulus ever tell you about it, I think he probably did.

That’s why everyone thinks I did it. They think Black blood finally caught up to me and I’m finally living up to my family’s legacy. Do you think so too Snape? Do you think I’m like the monsters in my family?

What was your family like Snape? All I really know about you is that you’re a half-blood and that you were poor. Your mum married a muggle, right? At least she wasn’t a pureblood fanatic like mine. You used to be friends with Lily too. What were your parents like?

***

Dear Snape

No response again. Well that’s fine. I talked to Lestrange again, he said your mum was Eileen Prince. Isn’t that something, got blasted off her family tree for marrying a muggle. Surprised that she did all that and was still somehow sorted into Slytherin.

Lestrange asked me why I was so interested in you. Told him I was still sending you wank letters and I have an easier time of it when I have an emotional connection to someone. He still didn’t seem to care. Seriously I think the dementors take turns just camping out side his cell or something.

As for me, I’m still holding out with the dementors. Still haven’t figured a way out of here yet. But don’t worry I’ll think of something. I haven’t forgotten my promise to you, I’m still going to kill you.

***

Dear Snape

Fucking hell, sometimes I forget that I put some of the people in here away myself. I ran into Yaxley yesterday. Bloody git tried to take my head off till the guards stopped him. He’s in solitary confinement, same place Bella is from what I heard. Seems a bit redundant though, most of Azkaban already feels like solitary confinement. But I heard there were charms or something around the solitary cells to induce nightmares or something, can’t quite remember. Yaxley deserves it though, did I mention that the bastard almost took my head off?

It wouldn’t have been so bad if he hadn’t attacked me right after dinner. The food here’s disgusting enough, do you have any idea how hard it is trying to keep it down and fending off a death eater? What’ve you been eating Snape? Bet it’s a hundred times better than the slop we get here. Lily used to say that you know how to cook pretty well, that you used to help your mum in the kitchen sometimes. She brought it up during dinner once, she didn’t usually talk about you though. Not sure if you know this but Lily was a terrible cook, James usually had the elves make dinner.

But its surprisingly domestic of you Snape. Cooking up a storm with your mum. Do you still cook for yourself? Don’t see anyone else doing it for you, unless you managed to get yourself an elf or something. What did you make last night? Go on, I know you’re looking for an excuse to torture me somehow. I think this is as good a way as any.

***

Snape

I hate you you smug bastard. A cookbook? Really? That little note you wrote in the front was cute by the way. Roast beef, potatoes and gravy for dinner, page twenty-five. I’m going to kill you. I wasn’t serious about you telling me what you ate let alone sending me a fucking cookbook. And its charmed so you can smell the food in the pictures too you fucking

I really do hate you.

Just for that, once I get out of here; I’m making you cook for me before I kill you. An entire twelve course meal and you’re serving it to me naked you greasy git! The one time you send me something and it’s this shit.

I’M GOING TO KILL YOU!

***

Dear Snape

Harry should be nine by now, almost time for him to start at Hogwarts. Has his magic come in yet? Do you know? Any accidental spells? I remember when I started doing accidental magic I was thrilled, just kept thinking about all the stuff I’d finally be able to do once I left home and went to Hogwarts. Merlin, things were so good back then.

Do you remember the first day on the train Snape? I still do. James and I met on the platform and hit it off immediately, charmed a third year’s shoelaces together just before we got onto the train and had a great laugh about it. Then we met Remus. He seemed a bit shy but happy that we managed to save him from the Ravenclaw girls he somehow ended up sitting with. Then there was Peter, wish we’d never met him. It hit me the other day that if you’d gotten sorted into Gryffindor, with the order of how we were placed, you would’ve ended up rooming with us. At this point, I would’ve preferred it to having Peter with us instead, maybe things could have turned out differently.

I still remember meeting you. I remember how pissed James got when you said that you wanted to be in Slytherin. It seemed a bit dramatic to me but I figured, since everyone in my family was sorted into Slytherin and they were terrible then maybe James was onto something. Obviously he was right. Look how you turned out, you became a Death Eater, one of Voldie’s favourite pets. But then Peter doesn’t make much sense does he? How the ever-bleeding fuck he ended up sorted into Gryffindor is beyond me.

Harry’s sure to get into Gryffindor, I just know it. Wish I could be there to see him off at the train station. But that’s still a few years away. Still some time for me to get out of here and make it right? I hope so.

***

Dear Snape

They tell me that a goblin from Gringotts its coming to see me soon, something about my assets needing to be discussed. He sent word about his visit because apparently he wanted to know if I had anything I wanted to have done while I’m in here. Transferring money and stuff like that, so he could bring the necessary paperwork. Told him I wanted to send something to my godson, he didn’t say anything to that. Not sure how much I want to send to Harry anyway. The world still thinks I killed his parents, it’d be weird if he suddenly got money from his parent’s murderer wouldn’t it. Probably scare him half to death.

I figured I could spend money on a lawyer, finally get someone who could take my case and help me get out of here. But I’m not sure who’d be willing to take me on as a client at this point.

Do you want any money Snape? Apparently I have plenty to spend and nowhere to go. It’s alright, I’ll send you some. But only if you write me back and also send me a fresh picture. The other one is getting a bit crusty. Or you know I could have marriage documents delivered. If you show up you could have the whole Black family fortune completely at your disposal. Not that I want to marry you, I just figure this’ll be the easiest way at making you feel just as miserable as I am under the circumstances. You’d have to come see me whether you like it or not too. Regular conjugal visits in case of imprisonment are part of the bonding spells in Black family Magix if you can believe it. Apparently my ancestors saw this whole landing in prison thing coming and thought of everything.

Before you ask, yes. At this point I am desperate enough to have you in my bed. Besides, we both know I’ll be doing you a favour. You’ll finally get your cherry popped, I think that’s more than enough reason to show. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for you Snape.

Write me back and I’ll send you some money. Or show up and I’ll give you something so much more fun.

***

Snape

I was joking about the marriage and conjugal visits thing.

Write me back if you know I was joking.

***

Dear Snape

The goblin came to see me today. I’m freaking out Harry’s gone! He came to discuss my inheritance, all my assets. I figure there’s some paperwork I need to do but then he tells me he came to ask exactly who my assets should go to once I die, since I’m serving a life sentence. I told him I want everything to go to my godson Harry Potter. He told me I didn’t have a godson! How can that be possible? I know James and Lily made me Harry’s godfather I was there when they were discussing it with Dumbledore. Do you think that they didn’t actually go through with it? Do you think they were just lying and picked someone else to be Harry’s godfather. But who would that be? It couldn’t be Remus. He’s a werewolf, the ministry wouldn’t allow that and then I remembered Peter. But it couldn’t be right?

Last time you said that Harry was fine. How do you know that? Did you see him? Talk to him at all? Did Albus tell you something? I know Lily had a sister, but she’d never want her to take Harry but I can’t think of anyone else that might have him.

I asked Fullheim, the goblin handling my estate to look into Harry find out where he is and how he’s doing. He agreed but only because I told him that I wanted Harry to be my heir and inherit everything. He said he’ll get back to me as soon as he has more information.

You said Harry was doing well. Snape, please tell me you weren’t lying. No one else will answer me. Please write back.

***

Snape

You miserable bastard! I know what you did!

Fullheim came back. He told me that he couldn’t find Harry. But that doesn’t make sense right. I almost thought that some evil Death Eater managed to get to him and something terrible happened but then Fullheim told me that it wasn’t that he was dead, its that Harry James Potter no longer seemed to exist. He told me that even he doesn’t understand that much because he knows the goblin that’s in charge of the Potter estate and that James Charlus Potter and Lily Evans Potter definitely married and sired a child, Harry James Potter. But that Harry just vanished. He looked into it at the ministry and Harry’s birth certificate was just gone, there was no record there of him ever existing. So then I had him look into you. See exactly what he could find on you. I thought you were lying about knowing how Harry was, maybe you really were dead and I was writing to one of Voldie’s followers and then he came back.

He said Severus Snape was alive and well. Said Severus Snape obtained the title of Potions Master and was working as a teacher at Hogwarts School of Magic and Wizardry. And then he said that Severus Snape was the FATHER TO HARRISON SNAPE, AGED NINE YEARS OLD!

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID YOU FUCKING BASTARD! YOU WON’T GET AWAY WITH THIS! I’LL MAKE YOU PAY!

Answer me Snape! Tell me what you did and how you did it! Tell me or I’ll ruin your life. If you so much as lay a single finger on Harry I’ll make you regret it. This is going too far, even for a scheming worthless bastard like you!

***

Snape

You’re not answering my letters. That’s fine.

If you won’t answer me and you won’t tell me what you did with Harry, then I’ll just make you.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It took a while for Harry to get settled in with Severus and for them both to become more comfortable with each other.

The first year had been an experience. Severus had to learn to navigate caring for a child and handling his teaching duties as well. He hadn’t anticipated that it would be so difficult. Harry seemed mostly self-sufficient for a five-year-old. He could use the bathroom on his own, brush his teeth, bathe and dress himself. Once Harry got used to the routine of sitting down for meals and bathing every night, Severus thought that he worst was over with.

In those first few weeks, Harry would sleep with him in his bed and Severus hadn’t understood it at first. It got to a point where Harry didn’t even bother going to his own room after he got ready for bed, just immediately got on Severus’ bed and quickly fell asleep. Severus would wake to the boy clinging to his side in the mornings. At first, he thought that Harry still hadn’t adjusted to the idea of having a room of his own yet, his very own things. But he clutched that dragon plushie the elves set on his bed constantly and seemed to almost preen in his new clothes. He never slept in his room and he almost seemed to follow Severus everywhere he went. At first Severus didn’t think much of that. A new place with new people and strange creatures, staying close to the most familiar person he knows would only be natural. Not to mention his shock and absolutely adoring awe whenever he saw Severus do magic. It wasn’t until the third week that he managed to figure out what was wrong.

Albus had been occupied in the last few weeks and Severus simply couldn’t pin him down. He wanted a moment to discuss Petunia Dursley’s treatment of Harry, so he could at least try and understand the situation better since he was only able to get bits and pieces out of the boy from time to time. It wasn’t until the third week that he managed to find the time.

Albus invited him and Harry out on a walk. In the few weeks that Harry was living with Severus, he’d managed to show the boy around a bit. to try and make sure that he became more familiar with his surroundings and hopefully wouldn’t get lost. They’d gone through most of the castle. From the library to the Great hall, the hospital wing and of course the kitchen. Harry was excited to see it all and of course the staff were simply charmed with the young boy. The only people that knew of Harry’s true parentage were Minerva and Poppy, the rest seemed to speculate among themselves about Severus’ secret child and exactly who the father of his child could be. Irma had very unhelpfully pointed out the boy’s striking resemblance to one James Potter, thankfully she hadn’t done so in front of the staff.

“I’m only saying Severus, it would certainly explain the animosity that was brewing between the two of you.” She said a bit nervously as she glanced at the child who sat on Severus’ right at the table as they ate. Severus let out a heavy sigh.

“Irma, believe me when I say that I would rather get a blood curse than ever bear Potter’s spawn.”

“But it would make sense. Though the timeline would be a little awkward, what with his marriage to Lily Evans, but it would explain a lot.”

Severus resisted the urge to glare darkly. There are a lot of lies he’s willing to entertain in order to keep this charade going, but allowing Potter close enough to be able to bear the egotistical twat’s cur was not one of them. The mere implication of his torment at the hands of that bastard being caused by anything even resembling unresolved sexual tension, was enough to have Severus fighting against the urge to vomit violently.

“It explains nothing. I did not give birth to Potter’s child and I’ll thank you to keep that ridiculous theory to yourself.” He hissed quietly before reaching over to wipe away the sauce on Harry’s cheeks. The boy looked up at him and smiled as he kept eating, Severus couldn’t help but smile back. He looked up at the woman who was giving him the most besotted smile, his resisted the distinct urge to roll his eyes.

He’d been showing Harry around the castle, they had yet to venture too far outside the school. Albus suggested that Harry might like to visit Hagrid’s hut, maybe introduce the boy to some of the creatures around the barn and stables that the half giant cared for.

“He seems to be doing well.”

“He is, all things considered.”

Harry was standing with Hagrid, staring in wide eyed awe as the half giant knelt down in front of him and held a baby hippogriff in his arms. The boy carefully reached out to pet the creature’s head before stroking its wings before looking up and giving Severus a smile.

“Mum! Look!”

“I see Harry.” He called back and Albus gave him that stupid little smile as he spoke.

“I’m glad to see you two are getting along.”

Severus sighed as he turned to the older man, “It’s going as well as it could be. But there’s only so much I understand about the boy since you never fully explained the situation. Exactly what did Arabella tell you about the situation with the Dursley’s Albus?”

The older man seemed to sigh as he nodded his head towards the path leading away from Hagrid’s hut and started walking. Severus turned to follow-

“Mum?”

He looked back and noticed the boy immediately move to follow as well. He gave Harry a reassuring smile. “It’s alright Harry, I just need to discuss something with the headmaster. I won’t be far.”

The boy’s lips seemed to purse together for a moment when Hagrid drew his attention just as the hippogriff in his arms opened its eyes.

They started walking again.

“Harry’s life wasn’t too different from your childhood Severus.” Albus shook his head, “I greatly misjudged Petunia Dursley, I thought her love for her sister would help her care for Harry the way that Lily wanted, I was wrong. Has he told you, about the closet?”

“That Petunia made him sleep inside of it, yes he did.” Severus said tersely and Albus nodded.

“She rarely gave him any blankets to sleep with even on the cold days. Hardly ever fed him. She had him cleaning and doing laundry and cooking on some days, when he made a mess she would punish him quite cruelly.” Albus shook his head, “Arabella hadn’t been sure at first. It all seemed fine. Petunia was a bit distant to Harry compared to what she was like with Dudley but for the most part everything seemed fine. It wasn’t until a few months ago that Arabella says things changed.”

“What happened a few months ago?”

“Harry was playing alone outside, with mud and rocks arranging them – you know, silly children’s games. Arabella said she noticed that some of the rock started floating behind him, she didn’t think that Harry even knew what he was doing but it looked like-“

“Accidental magic.” Severus resisted the urge to shut his eyes and curse loudly, “Petunia saw him.”

“Yes, that’s when her treatment of Harry changed for the worst. At first there was screaming and arguing, then Arabella heard Harry screaming and crying and she called me. I went to see them while Harry was asleep. I was able to read their thoughts on the… situation. Which is when I decided to have the Potter’s will looked at again. I remembered Lily had wanted you as Harry’s godparent but there was a slim chance that they decided to change them without my knowledge. I’m glad that she and James decided to move forward with their plans.”

Severus let out a heavy sigh, “I’m still not sure I believe that Potter approved of her decision, regardless of what he heard me say to her.”

Albus chuckled, “Yes well, I’ll admit I’m not entirely sure what was going through his head at the time. James always seemed a bit… confused whenever it came to anything involving you.”

“Confused?” Severus glared, “The bastard did everything he could to make my life miserable.”

“Severus, you were children-“

“That’s no excuse Albus.” Severus said sharply, “How is it that after all these years you’re still defending him?”

“I’m not defending him. I simply don’t enjoy speaking ill of the dead.” Albus said and Severus almost flinched back.

He did that on purpose.

“What’s past is past, I’d like to focus only on the future. Although, I cannot deny that more should have been done for you Severus and for not doing more to improve your situation I sincerely apologise.” Albus said, “But, with Harry I think there’s a second chance, for all of us to do better.”

Severus looked away and didn’t say anything to that.

Albus looked at him, “How are you doing with Harry? Really, I’m sure it must be difficult considering his resemblance to his father.”

Severus wanted to roll his eyes, “He’s a child. He’s not responsible for his father’s actions and in any event, Harry doesn’t seem to be anything like him… he’s a sweet child; kind, thoughtful.”

Albus started to smile, “Is that so?”

“Yes, I’m sure Potter must be turning in his grave to find out his son isn’t the same spoiled egotistical brat that he was.”

The headmaster sighed before he changed the subject, “Have you decided on how you’ll be handling your classes? You’re more than welcome to keep Harry with you, I’m sure none of the students will mind.”

Severus shook his head, “I’m not quite sure about  having him in my classes, especially with the sixth and seventh years. The potions they’re brewing aren’t to be trifled with and I’d rather not have the boy there in case something explodes.”

“Well, the elves should help you with that and if he doesn’t mind he can spend a few hours with me or Minerva. Irma seems smitten with him. He seems to be taking well to Hagrid as well.”

Severus scoffed. Irma maybe, at least with Harry in the library he won’t have to worry about him getting into trouble or getting hurt. Hagrid was a definite no. the half-giant seemed to be barely able to care for himself let alone an actual human child. Harry seems to like the animals though, so maybe Severus can take him out to see them every now and then-

“Mum!” a voice cried out and Severus looked up to find that he and Albus had actually managed to walk quite a distance, around the side of Hagrid’s hut and over towards the stables.

“Over here Harry!”

He called back, a few moments later the boy came running around the corner before running straight for him. Severus blinked when he saw the boy’s flushed face, tears just barely shining in his eyes. he frowned and crouched down just as Harry reached him.

“Harry what’s-“

Harry wrapped his arms around Severus’ neck and hugged him tightly, his form shaking ever so slightly. Severus started rubbing circles on his back.

“Harry what’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

Harry didn’t respond and just shook his head. Severus looked up at Dumbledore whose lips were pursed into a thin line and then up just in time to see Hagrid jog around the corner again and give a shrug.

“Harry-“

“I… I want to stay with you.” The boy said and Severus paused.

“Harry, I was just having a word with the headmaster. I didn’t go anywhere.” Severus said but the boy didn’t let go, “Would you like to walk with us?”

Harry nodded and Severus let out a deep breath, “Alright.”

He picked the boy up and ran a hand through his hair. Harry seemed to calm down a bit as he let out a sigh against Severus’ shoulder.

“Harry, we were just discussing Severus’ classes. You remember that he’s a teacher don’t you?” Albus started and Harry finally lifted his head, Albus gave him a soft smile, “I think, you’d like to spend a bit more time with Severus. You’re more than welcome to go to his classes.”

“Albus-“

“You might not be ready to be away from him just yet.” the older man said and Severus’ eyes widened with the implication clicked, “Some more time together, sounds just right. Would you like to meet some of Severus’ students Harry?”

The boy nodded, “Yes,” and then he looked at the potions master, “Can I mum?’

Severus looked back into those green eyes and smiled as well, “Of course Harry, but only for a few of them. With some of  my other classes, you’ll stay with Professor McGonagall or Madam Pinch.”

Harry frowned, “But I want to stay with you.”

“We talked about this Harry. Remember, magic can be dangerous and I don’t want you getting hurt. I promised I’ll protect you didn’t I?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’ll stay with Professor McGonagall and Madam Pinch for a few of my classes and I’ll come get you as soon as they’re done. Alright?”

“Yes, Mum.”

“But that won’t be for a few more weeks.” Severus said and he couldn’t help but reach up and brush a few of  those unruly locks out of the boy’s eyes, “Do you remember Mrs Weasley. She has red hair-”

“The lady with the cookies?”

Severus scoffed, “Yes, the lady with the cookies. She has a son about your age. Would you like to play with him? She said I could bring you over to meet him. We can do that after we get you a new pair of glasses.”

“And maybe a haircut as well.” Albus suddenly chimed and Severus wanted to glare in annoyance at that stupid twinkle in the man’s eye as he smiled at the two. Severus realised that he was still running his hand through Harry’s hair and abruptly stopped.”

“Well, I think that’s enough playing with silly creatures for one day.” The potions master said and Albus actually had the nerve to roll his eyes. “Are you hungry Harry?”

Once he understood the reasoning for Harry’s attached behaviour dealing with the boy became somewhat easier. But only somewhat easier. Severus was used to coming and going as he pleased, not explaining his actions beyond things needing to be done. But with Harry, he had to put in a bit more effort. He had to make sure that Harry understood that even if he disappeared for a few hours that he wouldn’t be gone forever. He’s just going to see one of the professors. He only needs to check on the cleaning of his potions lab for the new year. He needs to have a discussion with Albus but it won’t take long.

Eventually he came up with a solution that would keep Harry reassured and also help him monitor the boy when he isn’t around.

“What’s that?”

Harry asked as they sat on the couch in the sitting room and he stared at the silver pendant with the green stone in the centre.

“It’s a protection charm. It’s to keep you safe.” Severus started, “Harry, I know it’s been difficult adjusting to all of this and you feel a bit anxious when I’m not around. I thought this might help.” Severus then took the pendant from the box and reached over to secure it around Harry’s neck. “Professor Flitwick helped me make it.”

Harry stared at the pendant lying over his chest as Severus pulled back and reached into his own shirt, “It’s exactly like this one.” And pulled out what looked like the same silver pendant with a green stone.

“It’s pretty.” He said and Severus smiled.

“Hold it up to your ear and whisper your name.”

The boy frowned at him.

“Go on.”

Harry lifted the pendant up to his ear and whispered, “Harry.”

“Your full name.”

“Harrison Snape.”

Harry blinked when he suddenly heard a steady thudump-thudump pulsing from the pendant in his hand.

“What is that?”

“It’s my heartbeat. I can hear yours as well and look. ” Severus gestured to his own pendant, it was glowing a bright red, “This way, wherever you are. You know I’m safe and I’ll know you’re safe. And if you ever need me, use the pendant and I’ll come straight away.”

“Really?”

“Harry, I’m never going to leave you. And even if I go away for a few hours, you don’t have to worry because I’ll always come back to you. I’ll never leave you again. You’ll never have to go back to the Dursleys. I’ll keep you safe no matter what.”

Harry stared back at the man and then looked down at the pendant before he spoke.

“Can you do it too?” Harry asked as he gestured towards the pendant on Severus’ neck and he lifted it up to whisper.

“Severus Tobias Snape.”

Harry’s pendant started to glow and Severus could hear the steady thump of his heart beat.

“Then… I can protect you too.” Harry said and Severus’ eyes went wide and his mouth opened in a slight gape before he let out a scoff.

“That won’t be necessary Harry. I can take care of myself, you don’t have to worry.”

“But I can. I can protect you and you’ll be safe too.”

Severus shook his head, “I suppose you could.”

Harry smiled as he moved forward and hugged him, “Thank you, Mum.”

Severus let out a heavy sigh, swallowed back against the lump that suddenly formed in his throat, “You’re welcome, Harry.”

Things settled down a bit after that. Severus took Harry to Diagon Alley to get his glasses replaced and get him some clothes. He noticed the boy staring at an owl in the window of a store and briefly debated the option of getting Harry a pet before quickly realising that he should probably get use to this whole parenting thing before trying to bring an animal into the mix as well.

Molly brought Ron to the castle about a week later. Severus had been concerned at first but then the Weasley mother assured him that the only child old enough to even remember James and Lily was Bill and he didn’t really seem to remember Harry at all. As far as Ron and the rest of the Weasley children knew; professor Snape had a son and that’s about it. The play date went off well enough and Severus was honestly happy to see that the boy had made a new friend since-

“Uncle Vernon said I couldn’t play with other kids. When Dudley’s friends came, I had to stay in my room until they left.”

Severus decided to have Molly bring Ron over again a few days after that.

Time went by and then soon enough classes started.

Severus had been nervous that first night at the welcoming feast.

If he was going to have Harry in his classes then there wasn’t any use in hiding him. At the opening feast, the boy sat right beside him at the professors table at the front of the Great Hall. Most of the returning students stared and whispered about the young boy sitting at Professor Snape’s side. Thankfully, for the most part, Harry seemed entirely distracted by the bright lively energy that had suddenly filled the school smiling and waving whenever one of the students waved at him first.

After the first years were sorted, Albus made the usual announcements concerning the Forbidden Forest and the moving stairs before finally moving on to the topic that the students were really interested in.

“And now, for a most joyous announcement. I’m sure most of you have noticed the presence of a young boy in the hall with us tonight.” Albus said with a smile as he gestured towards Severus and Harry, “This young man is Harrison Snape. Professor Severus Snape’s son and heir and as such he will be staying at Hogwarts.”

Shocked silence. Everyone stared. Harry instinctively moved into Severus’ side to hide his face in the older man’s robes and Severus wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulders.

Honestly, is the news of him having a child really that shocking?

Severus sighed.

Of course it is.

“You’ll be seeing young mister Snape in some of your classes so please be courteous and kind and help him feel welcome. Harry welcome to our school.” Albus started clapping along with the professors. As for the students, Slytherin started clapping first and once the shock seemed to subside a bit the rest of the hall followed.

The rest of dinner was excruciating.

Severus was used to student just being generally annoying as they whispered and stared amongst themselves but Harry was visibly uncomfortable as they continued to stare and whisper about him for the remainder of the feast.

Severus had awful expectations for the next day, even as he dressed Harry in black school robes as the students in the school.

At first he thought of having Harry sit in his office for the day but decided that he’d rather not have the boy out of his sight like that for too long. Besides, they already knew about Harry. No point in hiding him now.

Harry sat behind his desk, Severus already had his colouring pencils and books out so he could occupy himself. Toys did in fact stay in the office. Severus didn’t want to go tripping over something once the boy started playing so that was his designated play area.

His first class for the day was double potions for sixth year Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.

This was usually his favourite class to teach. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were so much easier to deal with than the Slytherins and Gryffindors.

He didn’t have to worry about any fighting or pranks or house rivalries making things more difficult than they needed to be. The Hufflepuffs were just trying to make it through each class without blowing anything up and the Ravenclaws were focused on making sure their grades didn’t drop. They were always his most peaceful classes of the day.

And admittedly he had a soft spot for both houses. Hufflepuffs never judged the Slytherin students and didn’t go about calling them evil or anything of the sort. The Ravenclaws seemed to enjoy debating and getting into a few academic arguments with his Slytherin’s as well. Of course, there were a few incidents here and there but not nearly as many as there were whenever Gryffindor was involved. Usually things went well with his Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw classes

But Severus wasn’t sure how things would go now, with this new development.

As the students filed in, Severus expected more whispering and staring. What he didn’t expect was a group of three Hufflepuff’s walking up to him.

The brunette in the middle looked up at him nervously holding a small bag of what looked like candy in her hands.

“Good morning Professor.”

“Ms Holt.”

“We uhm…” she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear and the blonde girl behind her gave her a nudge. “Is it alright, if we give Harry… Harrison some sweets?”

Severus resisted the urge to blink in surprise. He simply took a deep breath.

“What kind of sweets?”

“Sugar quills and jelly slugs.”

“And chocolate frogs.” The blonde chimed, “Mandy brought Every Beans but he’s little so we thought he might not like those. So we have miniature treacle tarts too.”

“Quite.” Severus resisted the urge to cringe at the one time he decided to buy the sweets and ended up with a vomit flavoured one. He took out his wand and the three all collectively jumped. Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes, he did a quick check to make sure there was nothing nefarious in the sweets. Hufflepuffs can be sweet, but you never know which ones might not be as kind. A bit like Bertie Botts Every Beans.

They came up clean.

“Very well.”

The three collectively blinked, Severus resisted the urge to laugh, before they quickly scurried off to the boy behind his desk to introduce themselves.

Harry seemed a bit apprehensive at first, but after getting a nod from Severus he smiled and chattered back with the three beaming as they gave him their gifts. This went on as more students filed in with Hufflepuffs dropping every manner of candy and transfigured toy on the boy’s side of the desk. The Ravenclaws were visibly more restrained, though a few of them spoke to the boy on the way to their seats.

Other than struggling to hold their attention a few times things went very well indeed. Until the class ended and one of the students dropped yet another bag of candy in front of the boy before ruffling his hair.

Severus internally groaned. The sugar rush he’ll have to deal with once Harry actually starts eating those sweets would be monumental. As evidenced by the day when Molly brought Ron over with a tub of homemade ice cream and Harry lost his mind for what felt like several hours.

He walked up to the boy, “You can have one and only one bag off candy. The rest you save for later.”

The students were filing out. Harry started to pout.

“But-“

“Don’t even think about arguing with me. One bag, the rest get put away.” Then Severus sighed, “You can have another tomorrow. But just one for today.”

Harry was still pouting, “Yes, mum.”

Severus tensed tremendously.

The students were filing out, but there were still students in the class room and it was quiet enough for the words to carry throughout the room.

He looked up out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that a few of the students had stopped and looked back. Severus took a deep breath to brace for impact. He waited for the whispers and snickers to start…

He got a few whispers.

“So Snape was a bearer? That’s mental.” The brown haired Ravenclaw boy said and his friend seemed to shrug, “What’s wrong, scared the professor will start teaching us pregnancy potions?”

“Yes actually, you know what Alcard is like he’ll have us start trying before the end of the year. Merlin I can almost hear him; If professor Snape can, then so can I.”

“That’s what you get for promising to marry him.”

By lunch time, the rumour of Severus being Harry’s carrier had spread right across the school. Though no one seemed particularly bothered by this rumour.

Except for the Gryffindor’s of course.

Again. Double potions with Slytherin and Gryffindor was his least favourite class. Thankfully during his classes with the younger years, the students whispered and stared but otherwise behaved themselves during these classes. Severus had been hoping that his Slytherins would be a bit better about it, but other than a curt greeting towards the boy they didn’t interact with him quite as well as the Hufflepuffs did.

He expected more of the same from his fourth-year class unfortunately things didn’t go quite as well.

Charlie Weasley caused quite a scene. Which was quite shocking since the younger Weasley was usually very well behaved in his class, with very good marks as well.

It was just before lunch. Harry had fallen asleep just as the students got settled in their seats, so Severus picked him up and went to put him down on the couch in his office.

“Today we’ll be revising the potions and ingredients you studied last year. Prepare at least two feet of parchment for an essay to be handed in at the end of the second period. I’ll give you a topic on the essay at the end of the first hour.” He gently patted Harry’s head as he left the room.

He went over to the couch in front of the bookshelf and set the boy down before pulling a blanket over him. Once Harry was settled Severus went back to the class and pulled the door behind him but didn’t shut it.

Most of the students were rolling out their parchments and taking out their ink pots.

“First we’ll begin with Polyjuice solution.” A hand went up and Severus’ eyes narrowed ever so slightly. The girl almost seemed to cower a bit at the look in those dark dark eyes, “Ms Hartley, I’m sure you have an excellent reason for why you’ve decided to interrupt my lecture before its even properly begun.”

“I-I’m sorry professor. I-“ the girl flushed shrinking back in her seat a bit, “I-“

“Out with it Ms Hartley.”

She jumped, “We were just wondering about the rumours sir.”

“Who is we?”

She looked over to her friend who nudged her hard with a hiss, something to the effect of, “I told you asking him was a stupid idea.”

“It’s about the rumours about you being Harry – Harrison’s carrier sir.” The girl blurted out quickly, “I was just wondering sir.”

Severus took in a deep breath through his nose, alright time to stop the madness before it begins. There’s no way he’d be able to stop Harry from calling him Mum. Severus accepted that much two weeks ago when Ron came over and the redhead asked him why.

“Mum carried me in his tummy and he smells really nice, like a mum should and he’s really nice and-“

Severus can feel a headache coming on just thinking about the memory.

“You were wondering. And you decided to interrupt my class in order to stop this aimless wandering of the mind, instead of just being quiet and paying attention to the class.”

“I-“

“Ten points from Gryffindor, five from each of you and your wandering minds.” The girls both gaped and Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Not that its any of your business Ms Hartley, but yes I was in fact my son’s carrier.”

“Sorry professor.” The girl said and Severus just turned to the black board and waved for the enchanted chalk to start writing.

“To make Polyjuice solution one requires-“ Another hand went up, “Mr Weasley I’m assuming you’d like to supply the ingredients for Polyjuice solution.”

“Lacewings from flies, stewed for twenty one days. Leeches, powdered bicorn horn, knotgrass, fluxweed which was plucked on the night of the full moon and shredded boomslang skin. Once the potion is brewed you add a piece of the person you’re trying to turn into, it can be anything from blood to the persons hair.”

Severus arched a brow at the boy, “Fifteen points to Gryffindor.” He heard the two girls in the back sigh in relief, “But five points off of Gryffindor for interrupting me as I did not call on an answer from the class.”

And then a few sighs, he could hear a few Slytherin snicker on the other side of the room.

“Polyjuice is a simple potion to brew however, in the hand of a careless brewer a variety of things can go wrong. Who-“ Severus let out an audible breath, “Mr Weasley, attempting to answer my question before I’ve even asked, I see. I’m simply bursting with excitement to hear your answer.”

“I…” Charlie’s lips pursed as he looked right into the potions master’s eyes, “Who’s the father?”

Severus’ eyes widened a slight fraction, gasps echoed across the classroom.

Severus’ tone dropped, “I beg your pardon?”

The class had gone deadly silent.

“Harry’s dad, who is it?”

“I fail to see how that would be any of your business Mr Weasley and I’ll thank you to keep your inappropriate questions to yourself.”

“It’s just, well he’s in class with us, we should get to know that much right?” the boy said almost indignantly and the boy sitting beside him grabbed his arm to shake him hard.

“What the hell are you doing mate?!” he hissed quietly.

Severus glared, “And exactly why does my son’s presence in my class room require me to explain anything to anyone? Let alone you.”

“But-“

“Twenty points from Gryffindor for inappropriate conduct.”

Charlie gaped, “But-“

“Shall we escalate it to forty points from Gryffindor with the addition of detention, Mr Weasley?”

The boy’s mouth snapped shut and he sank back into his seat and Severus let out another deep breath. “Now, would anyone else like to question me on my private affairs?”

It came out like a threat because that’s exactly what it was, the rest of the class thankfully made sure to keep their mouths shut.

That’s how it went for the next few months.

It took a while for the Slytherins to start warming up to the boy. Though Severus was very aware that that was mostly because of Harry being the son of their head of house. Trying to talk to the boy during classes and even offering to watch him whenever Severus seemed busy. He didn’t have them babysit but he did allow them to dress Harry in Slytherin Green when quidditch season started.

When Severus was in fact very busy he’d leave Harry with Irma or Minerva or Pomona who had Harry coming back completely covered in dirt about every time he set foot in her class. Usually Severus didn’t need anyone to watch Harry for too long, its only when he had detention that he would stay away a bit longer. These days, Charlie Weasley was usually serving his detentions.

He’d become oddly unruly. Playing pranks in classes, low level pranks that didn’t hurt anyone but still had Severus feeling absolutely annoyed. He talked back more than just a few times and once he managed to blow up his potion.

How he managed that is beyond the potions master. They were brewing a boil healing potion. A potion so simple you could brew it without a cauldron in a pinch and the bloody redhead blew up his cauldron.

Severus had left the room for what couldn’t have been longer than ten seconds just to look in and check on Harry who was playing in his office when the cauldron suddenly exploded. He rushed back into the room and found the Weasley boy and his potions partner covered in soot as green smoke came from their cauldron. Severus didn’t even bother trying to scold them.

“Ten points from Gryffindor. Detention tomorrow.”

The Weasley’s friend started to protest, “But sir, we’re playing Ravenclaw and-“

“Mr Weasley should have thought about quidditch practice before he decided to cause an explosion in my classroom.”

It was all entirely too annoying.

It would be about a week before Easter break that he would find out exactly what the problem with the Weasley boy was when Bill came to see him after classes one day. Apparently Molly wanted to have Harry over to meet the rest of the children and asked her son to check if it would be possible.

Severus agreed, but then he remembered Charlie and his change in behaviour at which point the potions master started to reconsider. Bill frowned and asked if there was a reason why and Severus informed him-

“Your brother has been making every waking moment in my classes unbearable, I would rather not deal with unexplained teenage tantrums on Easter break as well.”

“Charlie’s been acting out?” Bill asked  as he leaned back against the desk, glancing over towards Harry who sat perched in his usual seat at Severus’ desk drawing on a piece of parchment and couldn’t help but smile a bit. “Can’t say I’m too surprised to be honest.”

Severus arched a brow at him, “And why is that Mr Weasley?”

The teen looked at him for a moment before giving a slight shrug. “He hasn’t been taking this situation very well.” He gestured towards Harry. Severus frowned as he glanced back at the boy.

“Situation?”

“Professor, please don’t misunderstand. Charlie has nothing against Harry specifically. It’s more of what he implies.” Bill paused and hesitated before he spoke, “It’s just… Mum and Dad used to whisper about your activities with He-who-must-not-be-named when we were younger.”

Of course they did.

Severus resisted the urge to growl in annoyance.

“I think Charlie and I were the only ones who were old enough to really remember. They used to make you sound vicious and deadly like the most dangerously cunning being. I’m sure you can only imagine his reaction to finding out that you have a child.”

“Does your brother think it’s unbefitting of a creature like myself to care for a child?”

“No, not at all.” Bill’s lips started to twitch, “After all, Hungarian Horntails make for the most wonderfully protective mothers.”

“What?”

“Well, my brother’s always been attracted to dangerous creatures Professor.” Now the teen was very obviously trying not to smile, “I think he’s less upset about you becoming a parent and more dissappointed at the prospect of losing the opportunity to… tame a dark creature.”

When the implication clicked Severus shut his eyes and let out a silent sigh, “Salazar help me.”

Bill let out a scoff before quickly covering his mouth. Severus opened his eyes to glare at the teen.

Severus has rarely had to deal with student crushes since he started teaching at Hogwarts. Most of the students either despised him or were purely terrified of him. It’s been a bit different lately, but Severus blames those changes on Harry. The last and only time had been with a Slytherin sixth year girl but he’d quickly snuffed that out before it could even begin to become a problem. Swiftly rejecting her when she bucked up the courage to ask for extra tutoring classes and quickly pushing her in the direction of one of his seventh-year advanced potions students instead.

How is it possible that this is happening again? Exactly what does he have to do to make himself less approachable?

“Are you sure he isn’t just having trouble accepting the fact that one of his adult teachers has a child?”

“No. Actually since word spread about you being Harry’s bearer its really only piqued his interest. The only problem is that its unclear if Harry’s other father is still in the picture or not. Kids have been whispering about who it might be. That’s what’s got him upset.”

Severus sighed out loud.

“Mr Weasley, I’m sure you’ll do your best to discourage your younger brother’s pointless affections so I can finally have order in my classes.”

“I’ll certainly try, Professor.”

He looked seconds away from laughing.

It was a very very long year.

One pleasant experience however, had been Harry’s birthday.

Severus had been occupied with classes for the most part, marking and setting assignments. When he realised that the boy’s birthday was coming up he hadn’t really planned on doing anything at first. His birthday was in the middle of the week, having a party for him was something that Severus didn’t even know how he’d handle. But he still decided that he should do something at least even if it was small.

So he got Harry a gift. A miniature broom made for children that only hovered a few feet off the ground. He’d often caught Harry watching the slytherin students fly about during practice, the longing look on his face. He unfortunately also remembered that Potter had played quidditch and seemed to love flying the arrogant bastard. But Harry isn’t like Potter and Severus was willing to focus on that and ignore everything else.

Then he decided to spend the better half of the previous night baking a cake, while Harry slept. He remembered the one time he baked a cake with his mother for his own birthday. His father was gone for the day and Eileen managed to get the necessary ingredients together, all but the baking powder unfortunately. But still Eileen managed to make it work, it’s the happiest birthday he could remember from his childhood.

He wanted to do a little better for Harry’s birthday, so Harry’s cake had icing and candles and Severus decided to cook their dinner that night himself.

During the day, Harry got gifts from the staff. Irma got him a few books to read, Minerva got him another toy dragon for what was quickly turning into a collection among the toys that Severus would get for him every now and then. Albus got him the most ridiculous bright purple and blue robes that Severus immediately decided to burn the second that Harry forgot about them. Flitwick got him a puzzle box that glowed and sparkled whenever one of the puzzles on the side was solved.

Bill Weasley brought Harry some candy along with a jumper that Molly knitted and sent via owl. Charlie surprisingly also brought the boy some sweets as well.

Overall Harry seemed happy at the days events so far only to seem a bit confused when they had dinner in their quarters and not the Great Hall as they’d been doing since school started.

To his own embarrassment Severus had been a bit nervous when he told the boy that he cooked their dinner this time. Even more so after he brought out the cake and which was lit up with six candles and covered in blue and white icing. It turned out he had no reason too be nervous.

Harry beamed and quickly moved off of his seat to rush over to Severus’ side and wrapped him in a tight hug.

“I love you Mum.” He said quietly and Severus felt a lump form in his throat as he swallowed hard and held the boy back, pressing a kiss into his hair.

“I… I love you too Harry.”

He said it back. He said it back because… it would seem odd not to right and-

Harry wasn’t anything like Potter. He didn’t even seem all that similar to Lily either, actually. Harry was sweet and kind and bright and after about a week at school seemed to have charmed every single one of the snakes in Slytherin house into submission. He was smart and so eager to learn that Severus just-

He’s never thought of having children before, the circumstances just never made it feel like such thoughts were ever appropriate. But if he did have a child, he’d want them to be just like this. He’d want to give them the world, everything that he’d never had himself and that included as much love as he could possibly muster.

So, Harry isn’t his. Not really anyway but, how nice it is to pretend for just a bit. That for once he – Severus Snape – could create and care for a being as maddeningly pure and perfect as this. Severus thought he could pretend, for just a bit at least.

Severus took in a deep breath of the boy’s hair and pressed another kiss at the top of his head.

Harry’s hug got even tighter and it felt like forever and not very long at all before the boy pulled back and turned around on Severus’ lap, leaning over towards the cake to blow out the candles.

Severus smiled as he pulled the plates a bit closer, “What did you wish for?”

Harry paused before he spoke, “I can’t tell, or else it won’t happen.”

“You’re not even going to tell me?”

The boy shook his head and almost whined, “I can’t tell.”

The potions master scoffed, “Alright, but tell me, is it a good wish?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s all that matters. Happy birthday, Harry.”

Yes a very pleasant birthday indeed. Unfortunately, Severus has learned that when there’s one good surprise, a bad one must always follow. One unexpected surprise came in the form of Remus Lupin.

The werewolf showed up at Hogwarts during Christmas break, apparently with Albus’ permission. He wanted to see Harry. Severus had immediately refused when the headmaster told him which is when Albus informed him of the fact that he had planed on asking Severus to brew wolfsbane for Lupin anyway and wouldn’t this be a great way to start their new arrangement?

Severus still refused. Until Albus proposed a pay increase along with the freedom to tinker with the potion as much as he liked. Severus mentioned the desire to experiment with Wolsfbane once or twice but since he didn’t really have access to a werewolf that would be open to his experimentation he hadn’t been able to. But now…

Severus then agreed. On the condition that Lupin not breathe a single word on Harry’s true parentage and also that Severus would be there to supervise.

So Lupin came to Hogwarts for Christmas and stayed for the week. Severus needed samples from the werewolf for his experiments and a bit of time to brew the potion, once the potion was finished it would be time for the full moon, after which Lupin would hopefully leave… until the next full moon came around.

Severus developed such the migraine.

The day that Lupin arrived, things were barely civil between them.

Flitwick was always adding more decorations to the castle’s Christmas décor, Severus sent Harry off with Poppy to help him while he dealt with Lupin. The werewolf came down to the family quarters while Severus collected the samples he needed. Albus supervised them just long enough to make sure that they didn’t start fighting before he excused himself to go get Harry.

Severus was just putting the cotton swap of saliva in a charmed bag when the werewolf spoke.

“You look different.”

Severus looked at the werewolf with an arched brow but otherwise didn’t say a word as he turned away.

“I… I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in anything that wasn’t black before.” Severus paused at that and almost felt self-conscious. It’s the holidays and he’s been spending most of his time with Harry in their home. Severus didn’t feel the need to dress in robes all the time and didn’t try to make Harry wear them either.

Dark slacks and a white shirt. Once Lupin was gone, he’d planned on sending the elves away and cooking dinner with Harry the way they’ve started to do once a week.

Severus just took a deep breath as he kept organising his instruments. Blood sample next, then hair-

“You know this would be easier if you at least talked to me.”

“About what Lupin?”

“Anything…” Lupin sighed, “What about Harry, how is he? Albus said that he’s been doing well. That Harry’s happy.”

“Did he? Well, I’m sure that must have come as quite a surprise. Did it come as a surprise Lupin? That I haven’t sold off his organs for potions ingredients or conducted some sort of terrifying ritual with him yet?”

“Snape-“

“It must be absolutely mind boggling that the slimy Death Eater hasn’t already fed off the corpse of your best mates kid-“

“That’s enough.” Lupin growled and Severus just glared back at him darkly, “Look, I know the last time we spoke, things hadn’t been civil. And I still remember what I said, but… it didn’t make sense for James to-“ He let out a sigh, “I’m sorry, alright. I apologise and I’m sorry so can we please just be civil now? I promise I’ll do my best to get along with you if you’ll do the same for me.”

Severus looked at the werewolf for a moment before he came closer, “You’re afraid I’ll tell him about your little secret, aren’t you?”

Lupin’s swallowed hard, “Well you don’t have to worry about that. I’d rather not give him the same nightmares that I struggled with for over five years.”

Lupin’s eyes went wide, Severus resisted the urge to sneer.

“Arm, I need a blood sample.”

Lupin hesitated before he held out his right arm and folded his sleeve up. Severus took the arm, more gently than the werewolf expected. “I know you’re not going to believe me Snape, but I didn’t have anything to do with what happened that night. It was all Sirius’ doing.”

“I believe you Lupin.”

The werewolf blinked, “You… you do?”

“Yes.”

“Then why-“

“It’s not what you did.” Severus said as he watched the syringe fill up with the wolf’s blood before he pulled it from his skin, “It’s what you didn’t do.”

Severus turned away, it was quiet between them and the potionsmaster let out a silent sigh just after he put the blood sample away.

“Harry doesn’t know who his other parent is or is supposed to be. I’ve promised to tell him later when he’s older, so under no circumstances will you mention that topic is that clear.”

“Yes.” Lupin said quietly and Severus turned to look at him. he was staring down at the floor beneath his feet. One had rubbing at the other wrist and Severus couldn’t help but think that he looked a bit like a kicked puppy that way. He shook the thought from his head.

“He likes dragons, well, Harry likes most magical creatures. He has a toy dragon named Maxwell, he never sleeps without it.” Severus started and Lupin looked up at him with a frown, “When the students play quidditch he likes to watch them practice. It’s not that he particularly likes the sport, he just likes flying. I let the Slytherin students fly him about, provided that they stay close to the ground.”

“Snape what-“

“What is the dragon’s name Lupin?”

The werewolf blinked and then started to smile, “Maximus.”

Severus reached out and ripped a truft of hair right from Lupin’s skull.

“OW!” the werewolf stood up and gave him a glare, eyes flashing amber gold, growling low in his throat. A week before the full moon. Severus tensed but didn’t look away, he stood up taller folding his arms over his chest and gave the werewolf a bored look.

“It’s Maxwell, you hair brained mongrel.”

Severus turned to put the hair sample away and Lupin huffed.

“You said it once.”

“I only have to say it once. Keep your mutt on a leash, if Harry gets so much as a glimpse at him; I’ll neuter you myself.”

Lupin seemed to pause, his eyes settling back to their usual blue. “I would never-“

“Good.” Severus turned and glared darkly at the other, “Because if you do, I’ll become your new nightmare.”

The door to the rooms opened.

“Severus, we’re back!”

He heard Albus call.

“Stay here.” Severus let out a deep sigh as he left the room and headed into the sitting room area. Harry was covered in pine needles and magical glitter. The boy beamed as Severus walked in.

“Professor Flitwick showed me how to make stars!”

“That doesn’t explain why you look like a Christmas ornament Harry.” Severus said as he knelt down and the boy came closer. He slipped his wand from the holster on his arm to mutter a quick spell to get rid of most of the glitter. “Someone’s going to need another bath.”

Albus chuckled, “Maybe later. You have a guest don’t you?”

Harry blinked, “A guest?”

Severus looked up to give the older man a withering glare before he looked at the boy, “Yes, a guest. He’s a… school mate from when I went to school here at Hogwarts. Would you like to meet him Harry?”

Harry paused, “Is he nice?”

“He’s a simpering pathetic excuse of a man in desperate need of a spine.”

Severus didn’t say that. He wanted to, but he didn’t.

“Yes, he’s nice Harry. He’s very excited to meet you.”

Harry nodded, “O.K.”

He stood up straight and took Harry’s hand.

“I’ll leave you to it. Enjoy the rest of your evening.” Albus said as he gave them a smile and left the quarters. Severus took in one final breath and started led Harry to his office.

“Are we still going to make dinner tonight?” Harry asked and Severus smiled.

“If you’re not too tired from helping professor Flitwick.”

“No, what are we making?”

“We’ll decide later.” Severus said softly as he reached for his office door and slowly opened it to reveal a man sitting on one of the chairs in front of the desk.

“Harry, this is Mr Lupin.”

Harry’s head gave a tilt.

“Hello, sir.”

Lupin beamed and seemed to hesitate as he made to get up from his chair before sinking back into it again, before he finally getting up.

“Harry.”

He came closer, Harry moved in closer to Severus’ side. The raven just watched as Lupin knelt down in front of the boy still smiling like some sort of maniac and Severus wanted to face palm in annoyance.

“You, just look at you. You look just like your dad.”

“My dad?” Harry asked with a frown and Severus tensed when the boy’s eyes went wide and he stepped away from the raven. “You knew my dad?”

“I… Of course I-“

“Mum, does he really know Dad?” Harry asked looking up at Severus with wide hopeful eyes and Remus blinked.

“Mum.” The werewolf asked incredulously and Severus finally sighed out loud in frustration as Harry stepped closer to the blonde now seeming to vibrate with energy.

“You went to school with Mum, did you go with my Dad too? What’s he like-“

“Harry.” Severus interrupted, “Mr Lupin had to travel a long way to get here. Why don’t you call the elves and ready the sitting room so we can have some tea? I’m helping him with a potion and we have a few things to discuss.”

“But-“

“Now, please.” Severus said sternly and Harry frowned before he turned.

“O.K mum.” The boy said giving the werewolf one more curious look as he left. “It’s nice to meet you Mr Lupin.”

“It’s-It’s nice to meet you too, Harry.” Lupin seemed to stutter out since Severus was giving him the darkest glare. The door shut and Severus quickly slipped his wand out of his pocket to cast a silencing charm.

“You absolute idiot, I thought I told you not to mention Harry’s parents.”

“I-I’m sorry I just slipped and I…” The werewolf stood up and stared back at Severus incredulously, “Mum, really?”

Severus rolled his eyes hard as he stepped around the other man to quickly start putting away the samples that he’d left on his desk earlier.

“I thought… I assumed that you’d say that Lily was-“

“Yes, well, I didn’t.” Severus said clearly as he turned to face the other. “I don’t have time for this. For now, know that Harry thinks I was his bearer, he doesn’t know who his sire is supposed to be, except that you know him and he apparently looks just like him.”

Lupin paused, “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry doesn’t fix this just,” One deep breath, “Keep your mutt on a leash, keep your mouth shut about his true parentage and if he asks about his father be as vague as humanly possible. I promised to tell him the truth about his conception one day and I plan on making good on that promise… but only once the time is right.”

He said that last bit quietly and Lupin seemed to frown at him. Severus’ glare returned. “In the meantime, you keep your mouth shut or Albus be damned I will end you myself.”

“I… You have my word.” Lupin stuttered out and Severus took in a deep breath before letting it back out.

“Good.” And then he turned towards the door. “Let’s go, I don’t want to keep Harry waiting.”

The rest of the night was… bearable. Harry kept staring at Lupin with wide curious eyes while Severus subtly glared at him, other than the odd swallow and glance every now and then the werewolf didn’t acknowledge the glare. He seemed to just keep his attention focused on Harry, who of course, kept bombarding him on questions about his Dad and what he was like and what he was like around Mum and-

Severus spent most of the evening valiantly fighting off a migraine while simultaneously doing his best to distract Harry and change the subject every time he started asking about his Dad. Lupin fumbled through most of the questions and Severus kept having to save him. Eventually, around the time that dessert came out, Harry stopped asking about his Dad and just asked about Lupin. About the help that Severus was providing. Those questions required quite a bit of navigating as well. But Severus managed to keep it all under control.

Harry wanted to play exploding snap after dinner. Severus felt awkward about the affair, especially with Lupin there but he didn’t need the boy asking anymore questions about why there was so much tension between them. He just kept his attention on Harry and tried to ignore the werewolf as much as he could. Even if the way Lupin stared at him just as Harry wrapped him in a hug, made Severus’ skin crawl for reasons that he couldn’t even begin to explain.

Eventually Harry was tucked into bed and Severus set about to start cleaning up. Lupin waited in the kitchen since he still had a sample to collect and a few questions to ask about Lupin’s habits around the time of the full moon.

“You know, I never would have imagined.”

“Imagined what, Lupin.” Severus said distractedly as he picked up a few more toys from the floor and threw them into the box just as the werewolf spoke, watching him from the kitchen table that he leaned against.

“That you’d be so… good with him. Harry adores you. It’s obvious that you spoil him and I-“ Lupin let out a sigh as he dragged a hand over his face. “I apologise Snape, for the things I said. James and Lily were right. You were the right person to take Harry. You’re doing a great job.”

Severus paused to look up at the werewolf before heading towards the kitchen, “I don’t need your validation, Lupin. I’m not doing any of this for you.”

“Of course not.” Lupin said as he watched the potions master move over to the sink, “Look I know this might be asking a lot, all things considered. But I’d like to see Harry again, with your permission of course.”

“Albus already informed me of your request to spend time with Harry. If I hadn’t agreed to it you wouldn’t be here right now.” He said shortly as he arranged the dishes in the sink. Lupin blinked.

“Well… thanks. I promise I won’t mention the other thing again.” The werewolf said with a vague gesture with his hand, “I have to say though, its impressive that you’ve managed to keep this all from him. I would have thought that he’d have found out about the Potters murders by now at least.”

Severus took in a deep breath, “He knows about some of what happened in the war, about some of the people that died. He just…”

“Doesn’t know his part in all of that?”

Severus glanced back at Lupin but said nothing, the werewolf paused for a moment as Severus cast a spell to get the dishes started before Lupin blurted out.

“I’ve been getting letters…. From Azkaban. From Sirius.”

Severus stopped, “And?”

“And I don’t… I don’t really know what to do. They keep coming and I just…” Lupin sighed, “You’re probably the last person I should be talking to about this but no one else will. And I ended up reading the last one and he mentioned that he’s been writing you and you’ve at least been taking the letters instead of sending them back.”

Severus turned around to face the werewolf with his eyes narrowed slightly.

“And?”

“And I-“ He took a deep breath, “I thought for sure that if anyone would reject any sort of correspondence from him it would be you, especially after what he did to James and Lily. It’s just… I’m not sure, you know. I don’t want to believe that he’d do it, but there’s so much proof. In the last letter he kept insisting that Peter’s the one that did it but Peter’s dead. How can I believe anything he says?”

The raven’s eyes narrowed down even further and his lips pursed, “Why are you telling me this?”

“I just… I don’t know.” Lupin dragged a hand through his hair and over his face, “I just thought since you of all people are taking his letters, then maybe. I don’t know what.”

Severus just continued to stare back at the werewolf.

The letters from Black, well. When Severus first started reading them it had only been out of curiosity to see what the bastard had to say to him. He wasn’t at all surprised to see the offensive drivel that Black hurled at him, of course blaming Severus for everything that was going wrong in his life.

Sometimes Severus would feel angry while reading them. That familiar sort of anger bubbling up inside of him that even after all these years the utter twat refused to leave him alone. That he was being blamed for things that he had no control over. He’d almost feel compelled into replying. Tempted to send some sort of scathing retort to mock and humiliate the mutt over his current living conditions and social status, but he didn’t.

Severus isn’t in school anymore and the events of the war affected him in more ways than he could ever possibly describe.

Not even twenty-five years old yet and he’s already exhausted. He was tired of fighting and didn’t see the point in fighting with Black of all people anymore. He isn’t even sure why he and Black ever started fighting to begin with. He remembers school, all of the awful things he went through and was forced to just deal with. But he still doesn’t remember doing anything that would have earned such ire from the Black heir that he’d resort to the sort of treatment that he chose for Severus. He used to think about it all the time when he was younger. He agonised over it.

For most of first and second he even blamed himself for it. Surely, he must have done something to earn that treatment, broken some unspoken rule that had Black, Potter and most of the school treating him the way they did. He’s only a half-blood after all. And his mother was only able to teach him so much about the wizarding world without angering his father.

Maybe he did something wrong. His clothes were all second-hand, his books tattered and frayed, his hair was greasy and stringy and he was generally speaking quite unattractive. Maybe Lily was right and he should be nicer to the Gryffindors that tormented him so often. Maybe if he was more polite. It could have been lots of things.

Maybe he’s wrong. Maybe it’s his fault.

It would only be later that he would finally realise that it wasn’t his fault. It took him two years to fully understand it. To realise that he’d done nothing wrong, that he was in fact being unfairly treated. That he deserved better and that revelation came curtesy of Lord Malfoy.

Lucius had his flaws. Severus wasn’t blind to the blonde’s blood supremacist ideals, classist attitude and general unpleasantness with those he deemed as being below him. But Lucius was also honest when it was necessary and loyal. And above all else Lucius despised those that rose above their station when they had not earned that right. Arrogance needed to be warranted. Respect, earned. It would be in Severus’ fourth year when Lucius would send him a gift. It wasn’t anything extraordinary.

Two sets of robes, a new winter cloak, a set of ink pots and quills, a few new books.

Severus adored the gifts. He’s never had anything so new before and made of such quality materials. He couldn’t for the life of him fathom what he could have possibly done to earn them and so he wrote a letter back asking just that. It would be a few days later than he would receive a reply.

Lucius’ letter was straight and to the point. He didn’t mince his words as he told Severus to grow a spine.

If you didn’t deserve my favour Severus, you wouldn’t receive it. Stop allowing those beneath you to trample all over your self-worth and for Merlin’s sake stop taking advice from that idiotic mudblood. We both know she has absolutely no clue what she’s talking about.

All I sent you are robes and stationary. If you don’t even believe you’re worth that much then I would like to request that you send them back, because clearly I was wrong about you.

His words were harsh and Severus didn’t like what he said about Lily but at the same time… it felt good.

There’s this feeling you get sometimes. When you’re told the same thing over and over again. Eventually you start to believe it because if everyone is saying it and they keep saying it; then it must be true.

But Lucius’ letter made Severus feel good. The realisation that he wasn’t worthless, that he hasn’t done anything wrong made him feel a little less… insane. Because he couldn’t understand what he had done wrong and he agonised over how to make it better. Considered Lily’s advice of trying harder and being nicer only for his pride to stop him right in his tracks, and he’d feel guilty and hate himself a little more for allowing his pride to interfere.

What Lucius said wasn’t spectacular. They were simple words, slightly offensive words, but they opened his eyes in a way. He could let out a breath of relief at the realisation that-

I’m not crazy. This is just wrong.

It made him feel leagues better and yet simultaneously filled him with…

Rage.

He craved vengeance, he craved justice for his mistreatment. Every time he spoke with Lily he’d feel anger bubble up inside of him since it almost felt like she was trying to drag him back to that place again. That place where he was wrong, its his fault and he’s crazy for thinking anything was wrong with what was happening around him.

He knew she didn’t mean it. She was just trying to help him fit in. Help him be a little cleaner, a little more sociable, a little less weird… less dark. Though sometimes it would feel like she wasn’t doing it for his benefit. Just so she wouldn’t have to explain herself and her relationship with him anymore because he’d be cleaner, more sociable, less weird and less dark. He’d finally fit in… with her.

Severus started losing his patience with Lily. His anger and hatred for the marauders grew… And then Lucius offered him a place in the Dark Lord’s following. A place among purebloods who wouldn’t judge or torment him. He’d have a place to go after graduation and he wouldn’t have to go back home.

It was a perfect storm. Severus wouldn’t realise it at the time. It would only hit him a few years later once he was able to actually process it. He was vulnerable, angry and afraid and the Dark Lord was offering everything that he could have ever asked for. Dumbledore, the professors at school, the school as a whole they kept rejecting him. Proving time and time again that he would never have a place in the Light. What could he do other than accept?

It wouldn’t be until later that he would realise that he’d been taken advantage of. That his anger and fear left him with a vulnerability that Lucius took advantage of.

He wanted to hate the blonde for it and on some level he did. But he couldn’t forget that one act of kindness that Lucius did for him. That one moment where he helped Severus feel sane when the rest of the world tried to convince him that he was anything but.

But the war is over now. Lily and Potter are dead and Severus is… raising their child.

But before he got custody of Harry, Severus was just tired and done. No one wants to be angry for the rest of their lives. No one wants to be bitter. So when those letters from Black reached him he had brief bursts of anger but as they kept coming he became less angry.

What would be the point?

Black is in prison, Lily and Potter are dead, the war is over. It’s all over. Why should he allow his past to torment him further?

He thought about writing a different letter to Black, saying just that. That he didn’t care anymore and wanted to be left alone. But he couldn’t bring himself to do it. The letters kept coming and Severus kept reading them, after a while they almost became amusing. The mutt’s frustration on his continued acceptance of the letters without a reply did in fact have Severus suppressing the urge to smirk when he received them.

Alright, maybe he still has some unresolved anger that he should – but probably won’t – deal with.

Then he received the letter on Regulus’ death and Severus felt…

Regulus was kind. One of the few friends that Severus had back in school and though he was younger than the potions master and somewhat annoying with the way he would sometimes follow Severus around.

He was still… quite lovely.

When he found out about the younger Black’s death, it was indeed a sad day. Made even worse by Narcissa’s reaction. The blonde had been heartbroken and Severus spent most of the day with her when she found out. Even more so since they never found his body. Aurors simply did a mortality test at Grimmauld place when called to confirm that the Black heir was no more. Walburga didn’t seem to react outwardly to her son’s death, some at the funeral whispered about her lack of empathy as an empty casket was lowered into the ground.

Severus would like to disagree. He spent the night in Grimmauld Place on Narcissa’s behalf, the Black matriarch barely even blinked at the half-blood seemingly spending the night under her roof.

Black decided to write Severus about his brother’s death and it struck a chord in him. So much so that he did end up responding. It wasn’t anything pleasant but he figured that anything he wrote to Black, no matter how sympathetic, would be seen as an insult anyway. So he just told Black to drop dead.

Black kept writing to him and Severus kept opening them.

How did he feel about Sirius Black… well, nothing particularly pleasant however, he didn’t want to be angry anymore. Anger has been feasting away and eating him out from the inside out for as far as he could remember and Severus was sick of it. And now, with Harry at his side… he just couldn’t anymore.

It’s one of the reasons why he didn’t want Lupin intruding on their lives. He didn’t want the reminder of his terrible school days in the form of a werewolf that almost killed him hanging around. He was moving forward, but Lupin is here and in all honesty Severus should have known that the werewolf would want to have some part in Harry’s life. He’s the naïve one for thinking Black’s letters are the only marauder related issue that he’d have to deal with.

“Lupin.” Severus started, “I’m trying to move beyond what happened when I was in school. I’m trying to move on beyond James Potter and Sirius Black and you.”

“I… O.K.”

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to do here. You want to spend time around Harry, fine. I’ll begrudgingly allow it. I don’t understand why you’d think that I’d want to have a discussion with you about Black.”

“It’s because I know how you feel about him – how you felt about us and you’re taking his letters. I just… do you think he did it, Snape? Do you think he’s responsible for their deaths?”

Severus’ jaw clenched, his hands tightened on his arms, “Yes.” He didn’t even blink.

Lupin did.

“Then why are you taking his letters?”

“Morbid curiosity, Lupin. Besides, he keeps regaling me with tales of his woe and suffering, how could a depraved creature like myself possibly resist.”

Lupin rolled his eyes, “Of course.”

Severus looked away to check on the dishes washing themselves in the sink.

“Of course, you’d rather be difficult than just tell me how you actually feel.”

“Are you done, Lupin?” He turned back to the werewolf, “I have a busy day, brewing potions for you, tomorrow. So, if there’s nothing else…”

The werewolf sighed, “I’m trying, you know, Snape. I want us to get along. I’m trying to make up for what happened in school with Sirius and-“

“How noble of you-“

“If you just gave me the chance then maybe I could.” Lupin growled in frustration before he took in yet another deep breath and stepped forward. “All I’m asking for is a truce. Like you said, school is over now. I’d like to stop pretending like we’re children.”

Severus gave him a very dull look and Lupin rolled his eyes again.

“Alright fine, how about this,” Lupin took another step forward, “There’s a pack I run with during the full moon sometimes. Dumbledore told me that you’ve been looking for test subjects, now obviously I can’t bring them here. But if you agree to a truce, to just letting me try to make it better; I can bring back any samples you want from them. Hair, blood, you name it.”

“Semen.”

“What?”

“I want semen as well.”

Lupin seemed to choke on his own saliva, “Al-alright.”

Severus just stared at him, “I need a sample of female ejaculation as well.”

“I uhm I don’t-“ Lupin cleared his throat his skin started to flush, “Alright fine, it just… it might take me a bit to get that.”

“As long as you get it done, then we have a deal.”

“Great. We have a deal.” Lupin’s face was red. Severus rolled his eyes.

“If you’re done Lupin, I do need to get some sleep.”

“Yeah, of course. Uhm… Can I come see Harry tomorrow?”

Severus let out a silent sigh, “Fine.”

“Thanks. Thank you, Snape.”

Lupin left. Severus spent the rest of the night trying to settle his nerves. He was just about to get into bed when there was a soft knock on the door.

“Harry?”

“Mum… can I sleep with you tonight?” The boy asked and Severus nodded.

“Of course.”

He pulled the covers back and Harry quickly shut the door behind him before he scrambled onto the bed. The covers went over him and Severus reached out to comb a hand through the boy’s hair.

“Did you have a nightmare?”

“No.”

Severus felt a smile pull at his lips, “Just trouble sleeping then?”

Harry’s lips pursed and his hands clenched on the blue stuffed dragon plushie in his hands, “Mum can I ask you something?”

“Yes?”

“Do you know Sirius Black?”

Severus blinked and tensed tremendously, “Harry-“

“I-I went to the bathroom and I heard you and Mr Lupin talking about him and-and James Potter. I just… aunt Petunia said my name is Harry Potter and I was wondering…”

Severus was frozen.

Shit.

“Is… is James Potter my-“

“Potter is a very common last name Harry.” Severus interrupted quickly.

“O.K but… did you know them? Did you know them in school?”

Did Harry know about the Potter murders? Yes. But only because the prophet ran stories on the tragedy and other events of the war on a yearly basis. An anniversary type thing celebrating the defeat of the Dark Lord and speculating on the disappearance on the Potter heir. At this point, it was assumed that he was in hiding, placed under protection from those who might try and harm him for defeating the Dark Lord.

Few pictures were used in these stories, the war was still a bit of a sensitive subject after all, so Severus didn’t have to worry about it too much whenever Harry managed to pick up a copy of the newspaper. But he would ask questions. Harry’s been practicing his reading and one of the things Severus would do was to have the boy read the paper. It was a good way to try and catch Harry up on the wizarding world and how things worked.

A few months ago, the anniversary of the end of the war was yet again front page and Harry asked questions. Severus would try to tell the boy as much as he could without revealing everything.

So much for that.

Admit what you can’t deny and deny what you can’t admit.

Harry knows the Potters died. He knows that, according to the papers, Sirius Black was responsible for their deaths.

“I… yes, I knew them in school.”

Harry’s head gave a tilt, “And they were friends with Mr Lupin?”

Severus frowned, “Harry, how long were you listening?”

“Not long, I promise Mum, I was just going to the bathroom.” Harry said sincerely and Severus could almost feel the panic rise from the boy beside him. Harry’s… sensitive to people’s emotions, always wary of upsetting them or making anyone angry. Yet another side effect to living with that harpy and her bastard of a husband.

“It’s fine, Harry. I’m not angry with you.” He said slowly reaching over to wrap his arm around the boy to pull him closer. Harry immediately moved in closer to him as well. “You haven’t done anything wrong.”

Lupin did.

Severus is going to slaughter the mongrel.

“Yes they were friends with Mr Lupin and yes we all went to school together.”

Harry looked up at the potionsmaster, “You didn’t like them?”

He looked at the boy and Harry just stared back at him, “I saw, you didn’t like having Mr Lupin here and you didn’t like talking about Dad.”

“Harry-“

“Was Dad friends with them?”

Severus took a deep breath, “In a way… Harry I promised I’ll tell you about your father when you’re older and I will. Just, not right now. When you’re… seventeen, I’ll tell you.”

“But-“

“Just do that for me, wait a little longer.”

Harry’s lips pursed for a moment again, “O.K. Mum.”

“Good, now get some sleep-“

“Mum, do you think Sirius Black hurt the Potters?... I heard Mr Lupin ask you that too.”

“Then you know what I answered.”

Harry frowned, “You really think he did it?”

Severus sighed he looked away, over to the nearest wall. A frown pulled at his lips.

“Mum?”

Severus didn’t look at the boy, “Sirius Black was cruel and violent. He was never kind to me for the whole time that we were in school together. He treated me terribly.”

“So… you think he did it?”

“No.”

Harry blinked, “You don’t?”

Severus looked over to the boy, “Sirius Black was a cruel and violent monster, but he was also dangerously loyal. He may have been able to… hurt them, but I don’t think he did.”

Harry shifted closer into his side, “But he doesn’t sound very nice.”

“You don’t have to be nice, to do the right thing sometimes. And sometimes, Harry, even nice people can do terrible things to you. That’s why you should be careful about who to trust and who to give your heart to, do you understand?”

Harry seemed to think for a moment before nodding, “Even nice people can be mean.”

“Exactly.”

“Was Mr Lupin ever mean to you?”

Severus took in a shaky breath, “Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because his friends were also terrible to me.”

“Why?”

Severus let out a scoff, “I don’t know.”

Harry frowned, “If he was bad to you then, I don’t want to see him anymore.”

The potionsmaster felt something oddly warm bloom in his chest but he still shook his head, “Harry, he came here because he wanted to see you.”

“But if he’s mean to you, then-“

“We were both in school, it was a long time ago and I… I’m not angry with him anymore so its fine. He promised that he won’t hurt you and I know that he won’t hurt me again. He-“ Severus shook his head, “Mr Lupin said he wants to make things better and for now, I’m going to let him try. So, you just be yourself and I’ll deal with the rest.”

Harry didn’t seem very convinced but he didn’t say anything. Severus leaned over to press a kiss on the boy’s temple, “Can you do that for me? Be nice to Mr Lupin?”

Harry’s nose wrinkled at the kiss and he started to smile only to immediately pout.

“O.K. But-but if he’s mean, to you again-“

“You’ll be the first one to know.” Severus chuckled as he pressed another kiss on Harry’s cheek.

“But what about Sirius Black?”

“I don’t think Black hurt the Potters. He may have been terrible to me but, Potter was his friend and he was completely loyal to his friends. He didn’t do it.”

“Then, why didn’t you tell Mr Lupin that?”

“Because I shouldn’t have to, Harry. Lupin needs to grow a spine and a mind of his own while he’s at it.” He muttered that last part quietly only to pause when he looked down to see the boy frowning at him. He shook his head, “That’s enough of that. You should get some sleep. It’s late Harry.”

“O.K – wait! One more, Mum.”

“What is it?”

“What’s female eje-ejacta-”

Severus blanched. “We will discuss that when you are older.”

“But-“

“When you’re older.”

And so, time moved on.

One year became two and then three.

Harry seemed to be getting better with every year that passed. He was happier so much so that Severus would look at him and almost feel like he was seeing the sun rise every time that Harry smiled.

His friendship with the Weasleys grew stronger. Ron became his best friend. His relationship with Lupin seemed a bit strained after their little talk but Lupin had in fact been trying to do… something since Severus started allowing him around Harry.

He was almost nauseatingly friendly to Severus and insisted on engaging him in conversation whenever he dropped in at the school. Severus just barely managed to stay sane. Harry started warming up to the man but only because even he saw how hard Lupin tried.

Severus just tried to stay sufficiently civil in return.

On Harry’s eight birthday, Narcissa just happened to send a letter and a gift. Severus nearly had a heart attack. He hasn’t been in contact with the Malfoys in years. Well, physical contact anyway. Narcissa sent letters but they haven’t seen each other since Draco’s naming ceremony all those years ago.

Apparently, Narcissa received word that Severus had a child and was insatiably curious to find out exactly how the potions master managed to pull that one off.

That was one of the moments where he realised that he really didn’t think this whole thing through as thoroughly as he should have.

But he’s here now… might as well make it work.

Narcissa insisted on tea and a playdate for Draco and Harrison. Apparently, Lucius was simply devastated that Severus wouldn’t inform him of his supposed child and was dying to see the little prodigy himself.

Severus refused.

He agreed to meet Narcissa for tea at a shop in Diagon Alley. Thankfully Lucius was out of the country anyway, so she had no qualms about meeting him at the shop.

They arrived at ten o’clock. Harry and Draco were introduced and then the boys were sent off to play in a nearby play area set up in the shop. Apparently created for mothers who needed to get their weekly shopping done without being tormented by their little monsters.

“What a handsome young man. Especially with that… windswept hair.” Narcissa said as she sipped from her lemon and honey tea, simultaneously glancing over to the play area where Harry played entirely too loudly with a toy car while Draco watched him with a frown.

“I’m aware.” Severus said as he sipped from his own tea and Narcissa gave a slight nod.

“That’s quite the mane of hair he has, isn’t it Severus? Difficult to maintain, I imagine. All those unruly curls.”

Severus glanced up at her for a moment, “Harry’s hair is actually very easy to deal with, thank you.”

“Hmm.” She hummed as she lifted a biscuit to her mouth to take a bite, she chewed slowly and then swallowed as she took another sip of tea, “And the glasses, he has a bit of a seeing impediment, I see.”

“I’ve taken him to the healer. They said glasses are best for his condition but he could look into having his eyes corrected once he comes of age.”

“Of course, of course.” Narcissa nodded she sipped some more tea, “I’ve heard from a few family associates; their children say that he’s quite fond of some of the students at school. Specifically the quidditch players.” Narcissa slowly set her cup down to refill it with tea, “You let them fly him around a bit on their brooms. I’m told he enjoys flying. A future quidditch player perhaps?”

Severus’ dark eyes snapped up to look at the blonde who completely ignored him as she put some honey and lemon into her tea and started stirring.

“Perhaps.”

She hummed again, looking out the window into the street as she took a sip of her tea, “Such, lovely green eyes.”

Severus tensed up tremendously, “Oh?”

“Well, I wouldn’t expect anything less. I’m told the Prince line had many heirs with green eyes.” She said simply and he blinked.

“They did.”

“Oh yes, if your grandfather were alive, I’m sure you would have been stunned. Bright green eyes, almost like emerald jewels.”

Severus resisted the urge to frown, “Oh, I wasn’t aware of that.”

“Well, bearing a child can be quite the task Severus. It makes sense for some things to escape your attention. As long as you remember the things that matter.” She said taking another bite from her biscuit and chewing slowly and taking another sip of tea. “Oh by the way, I wanted to be a bit more prepared so I could send Harrison a proper gift for his ninth next year. Tell me, what are his favourite colours?”

“He-“

“Wait, I think I can guess.” Narcissa gave him a vicious smirk, “Red and gold?”

Severus almost slammed his cup down on the table and glared hard at the blonde.

“Alright, you vindictive harpy, just come out and say it.”

“Say what?”

“You know what.”

“Severus, I swear I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. I’m simply inquiring on your wonderful handsome young son. You make it seem like I have some other horrible intentions with my completely innocent inquiry and frankly I’m insulted by the implication.” She huffed before taking a sip of tea. Severus huffed in frustration himself as he picked his tea up again to drink before setting it back down again.

“But, really Severus I must know.” She said reaching for a scone on one of the other plates.

“Know what?”

“There were rumours in school and I will admit that I’ve always been just a bit curious. So, I really must ask.” She sipped on her tea, “Did Potter have a birthmark on the left side of his bottom.”

Severus stared at her incredulously, “Pardon me?”

“You never heard the rumours?”

“What rumours?”

“About Potter and the birthmark on the left side of his arse.” Narcissa gestured towards the playpen, “I’m not sure if you remember, but a few of the girls in school had a bet going on who would be able to land heir Potter, thinking that they’d be able to steal him away from the Evans girl. And as a way to prove that he not only showed an interest in her, but that they’d had a bit of a mattress tumble Emily Clyde – sixth year Gryffindor – she claimed that he had a birthmark the shape of Bertie Bott’s Everybeans on his left buttcheek. Is that true?”

“What… How on earth would I know that?!”

“Well you gave birth to his child I’m assuming you saw it, unless your encounters had you keeping the lights off-“

Severus almost dropped his cup in his haste to set it down as he rolled his eyes to the high heavens, “What in Salazar-… Narcissa, have you gone insane?!”

“No, but clearly you’ve been an absolutely terrible friend keeping news like this from me!” Narcissa said as she set her own cup as a grin spread over her lips, “You were having an affair with a married man and you never told me! He was an enemy to our cause no less!”

“I was not having an affair-“

“Anyone with eyes can see that that is very clearly, James Potter’s spawn. There’s no point in denying it.” She huffed as she picked up her cup and took a sip. “You forget that we were all in the same school.”

“I…” He took a deep breath, “I did not have an affair with Potter.”

Narcissa just stared at him, “So it was a one night stand, then?”

“No, I did not-“ Severus cut himself off to lower his voice, “I didn’t have an affair with a married man and I most certainly didn’t jump into bed with James Potter of all people.”

“Oh Severus, there’s no need to get so defensive.” Narcissa picked up her cup and sipped from her tea, “So you slept with the married heir of a rich influential family, welcome to the world of pureblood matrimony.”

Severus glared, “I’ll say this one last time, he’s not Potter’s son.”

“Well then, who is his sire?”

Severus stopped himself from opening his mouth. He didn’t have a good answer anyway. Or maybe-

“It was just a muggle.”

“A muggle?” Narcissa asked incredulously before shaking her head, “That’s a terrible lie, Severus, try again.”

He glowered at her and Narcissa let out a scoff as she shook her head, “Fine, if you refuse to admit that you and Potter engaged in an illicit torrid affair-“

“I did not-“

“Then at least tell me how you managed to keep this all a secret.” She finished calmly as she picked up her scone, “Considering Harrison’s age and what was happening eight years ago, I think we can both agree that the timing must have been quite awkward.”

Of course, since he was a Death Eater and then a spy and then-

Merlin, he really didn’t think this through.

He looked at the blonde across from him, wishing he could just tell her the truth. But he can’t. Narcissa knows how to keep a secret, she was an unbreakable vault for the secrets of all those she loved and cared for, but-

Severus isn’t sure he can trust her with this.

Not when she’s married to Lucius.

“I simply, learned to make due. Occluded my mind when necessary. Protected myself whenever I could.”

Narcissa nodded, she paused looking over to the play pen for a moment, “I can imagine. You know, of course, Draco was conceived around… that time. I won’t ask you about the punishments.”

Severus took in a deep breath as he tried to ward off the memories of the crucios and the cutting charms, the burn hexes.

“I experienced a bit of that myself.”

Severus’ head snapped up at that, “What?”

“It… you weren’t there when it happened.” Narcissa took in a breath and let it out, “I was being punished for… just the most ridiculous nonsense. Not being allowed to leave my own house. Really?” She let out a humourless scoff and brought her hand down to her stomach, “It didn’t last long, just long enough to get the point across.”

“Where on earth was Lucius when-“

“He was there.”

Severus’ eyes went wide, “Narcissa-“

“You know what it was like Severus, there was nothing he could do.” She sighed and then shook her head, “I’d been so worried but, all’s well that ends well. Draco was born strong and healthy, nothing to worry about. Apparently, my magic helped me absorb the brunt of it so, it’s fine. Then again, I don’t need to tell you that.” She smiled as she reached over to take his hand and Severus felt the most disgusting wave of guilt just wash over him. “Bearers are meant to be strong, isn’t that right?”

Severus swallowed hard, “Narcissa-“

“No, no, enough of that. What’s past is past and I’d rather focus on the future.” She said giving his hand a slight squeeze before she pulled back, “Besides, you still need to explain how Harrison looks exactly like James Potter and yet somehow isn’t James Potter’s son.”

Severus shook his head, “I didn’t sleep with Potter.”

That much is the truth at least.

“Then who did you sleep with?”

Severus didn’t answer just picked up his tea to drink again. Narcissa let out a heavy sigh as she watched the children. Harry seemed to have finally convinced Draco to play with him though he wasn’t as enthusiastic about it.

“You know, if his hair was just a bit longer and his nose just a little different-“

“What?”

“A slightly more defined chin,” Her head gave a tilt, “Slightly lighter hair… I’d guess that he was Sirius’ son.”

Severus choked on his tea. Narcissa just watched him as he gasped.

“Absolutely not. Under no circumstances would I ever allow your cousin to come within two miles of me! The absolute mongrel can crawl into a burning pit with shards of glass and die for all I care.”

Narcissa arched a brow, “My my, that’s quite a strong reaction.” Her lips pulled into a smirk, “Severus, don’t tell me that you’ve been keeping a brand new darling little nephew away from me.”

Severus glowered at her, “Don’t.”

She let out a tinkering laugh only to suddenly stop, “Or… Regulus.”

Severus blinked as her eyes went back to Harry, “You were both so close-“

“Narcissa no, I… please don’t do that. It wasn’t Regulus.”

Her lips pursed and then she shook her head as she looked away, “Of course, I’m sorry, that was absolutely foolish of me.”

Severus let out a sigh, “Have you been back to Grimmauld Place since…”

“No. Even though Sirius is in Azkaban now, the doors are locked there are wards everywhere. He’s the only one that can authorise entry.”

“Have you tried contacting him?”

“No, and I don’t plan to.” She said shortly before taking in a deep breath and then letting it back out again. She gave a slight smile, “If you insist on keeping the identity of the sire a secret, the least you could do is tell me how Harrison was conceived.”

Severus gave her a dull look, “No.”

“Oh but Severus you have to tell me something.”

“No.”

“Mum!” Harry had suddenly run over to Severus’ side, his lips had pulled into a smile and there was paint on his face – Wait, there’s paint there too?

Severus looked over to the play area.

“Mum, can Draco and I have some biscuits?” Severus scoffed as he picked up the plate on the table. They aren’t going to finish them anyway, no use wasting anything.

“There.”

“Thanks Mum.” He leaned up to press a kiss on Severus’ cheek and the potions master couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re welcome.”

“Welcome indeed. Quite the charming little thing, aren’t you? One could almost say chivalrous.” Narcissa suddenly said, still smirking. Severus’ eyes narrowed down at her. “A future Gryffindor, perhaps.”

Harry’s head gave a tilt, “No, I want to be in Slytherin like Mum.”

Severus blinked at the boy in surprise, “Really?”

Harry smiled, “Yeah.”

“I suppose it could go either way for you.” Narcissa said. The boy frowned.

“Either way?”

“Since your mum is a Slytherin and your father… well.” Severus glared hard at her. Harry’s eyes went wide.

“You-you knew my Dad too, mistress Narcissa?”

“Oh I believe I knew him relatively well.”

“Narcissa-“

“Which house was he in?”

“Gryffindor. Quite the flier and an excellent quidditch player.”

“I-I like flying too.” Harry blinked, “Really Mum, Dad was in Gryffindor?”

Severus was giving Narcissa a dark glare.

“Mum?”

Severus took a very very deep breath and let it back out, “Yes.”

Harry looked down with a frown, “Remus was in Gryffindor too, right?”

“Harry, the biscuits, go play with Draco while I finish up with Narcissa.”

“O-Okay.” Harry took the plate, still frowning to himself while Severus’ eyes narrowed into a dangerous glare.

Narcissa rolled her eyes, “Severus please, we both know that look does absolutely nothing for me.”

Time moved on.

It took some doing but Severus was able to avoid running into Lucius. He avoided meeting with the blonde despite his insistence on meeting Harry. Severus just couldn’t risk it. Narcissa’s occasional visits were bad enough. For her part, she seemed to understand Severus’ hesitance to be in Lucius presence. Neither of them knew of his work as a spy, but things had gotten strained and tense between him and the Malfoy patriarch.

Despite all actions to the contrary, Narcissa didn’t actually enjoy drama, at least not the dangerous sort that those in their circle tended to get involved in. She wanted to create a stable environment for Draco and Lucius’ temper could prove quite unstable at times.

It was best that they stay out of each other’s way, so Narcissa usually only called when Lucius was either occupied in some sort of engagement or out of the country. Usually she’d bring Draco with her, which is how Harry and Draco also eventually became friends. And since Harry was friends with both Draco and Ron-

“I’m never going to forgive you for this Severus.” Narcissa hissed with a glare in her eyes as she sat across from him in the courtyard at school, while Harry played with Draco and Ron. They were playing hide and seek.

“You’re being dramatic.”

“Do you know what Draco wants to do for his birthday, Severus? Spend his day on a farm. A farm Severus!”

“The Burrow isn’t a farm… exactly.”

She shook her head, folding her arms over her chest, “This is revenge isn’t it? For telling Harry about his father?”

“Firstly, I didn’t sleep with Potter, secondly I do not have the time nor do I have the patience to sit around plotting to use your son in order to ruin your reputation.” The potions master said irritably while Narcissa continued to glare.

Ron grabbed hold of Draco a few feet away, dragging the blonde over behind a tree while Harry counted to ten. The redhead was beaming while Draco followed behind with a light blush on his face as he gave a pleased smile.

“I despise you.” Narcissa hissed and Severus rolled his eyes.

“Thank you, the feeling is mutual.”

But still, things were relatively calm. They were going well. The only slight hiccup of Harry questioning him on Blacks Azkaban letters of course.

The letters had been coming for quite a while. When Harry was younger, he was simply excited at the concept of having letters delivered by owl. As time went by Severus would sometimes allow Harry to open his letters and read them out loud to him. All except the letters from Black of course. Eventually Harry started asking why he couldn’t read the letters with the Azkaban stamp. He asked what Azkaban was. Severus explained that it was a prison. Harry asked why he was receiving letters from such a place.

Severus tried to be careful about his wording. He didn’t want to lie to Harry. The less lies he’ll have to apologise for later once he tells the boy the truth the better. So he simply told harry that he knew someone from the prison and they sent him letters sometimes.

“But if he’s in Azkaban, then he must be bad.” Harry said with a frown and Severus took in a deep breath before letting it out.

“Well, he certainly isn’t good.”

“But you still talk to him Mum?”

“You remember what I told you before Harry, even bad people can do good things sometimes.”

“And good people can do bad things.”

“Exactly.” Severus said with a slight smile as he combed his fingers through the boy’s hair, “But it isn’t anything you need to worry about, I promise.”

Severus really is lucky that Harry trusts him so much. It made explaining things and hiding others so much easier. He didn’t like deceiving the boy, but for the moment it was necessary.

It would be just a few months after Harry’s ninth birthday that things would come to a head.

Severus was sitting at the desk, reading through the next slew of potions essays and sighing in frustration since Charlie Weasley’s paper was actually so good it was almost painful to read. Briefly he debated his options. On the one hand if he gives the boy a good grade, he might interpret it the wrong way and think that Severus may potentially return his affections or something equally horrid like that. On the other hand he could give him a bad grade, in which case any one of the professors would be able to read his essay and know that Severus was grading him poorly on purpose, which might lead the Weasley boy to think that Severus was unjustly persecuting him which could have equally disastrous effects. The potions master was still debating his options when his door opened and he looked up to see Harry, holding what looked like a copy of the Prophet.

“Harry you can just set it down in the kitchen. I’ll read it later. You should get ready, Molly said she’d be bringing Ron over in a bit.”

He looked back down at the essays only to pause since Harry stayed right where he was. He looked up and frowned.

The boy looked off. He looked tense as he stood perfectly still in the doorway, biting his lip in a way that Severus hasn’t seen him do in a long time as his hands clenched around the paper in his hands.

“Harry? Is something wrong?”

The boy still said nothing. Severus got up from his seat and walked around the desk.

“Harry what’s wrong?”

He walked over to the boy and crouched down in front of him. Harry held the paper out to him and Severus’ frown deepened as he unrolled the newspaper to look at the front page only for his eyes to go wide and his skin to go pale.

“Mum.” Harry finally spoke, staring at Severus with terrified eyes, “Is it true?”

Severus looked at the paper and then looked at his son. His heart dropped right into his stomach and he just froze up for a moment.

HARRISON SNAPE-BLACK! BLACK FAMILY MONSTER SIRED AN HEIR!

He stared at the picture of Sirius Black on the cover of the Daily prophet. The same mugshot from nine years ago when Black was arrested in the first place.

“Mum?” Harry asked quietly and Severus did the first thing he could think of. He dropped the paper in his hands and wrapped Harry in his arms to wrap him in a tight hug. Harry hugged him back but still spoke softly into his Severus’ hair.

“Is Sirius Black my dad?”

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They took away his wand. Searched him for any magical artefacts or potions or anything dangerous he could use or give to someone else while he was in there.

Severus stood by the wall, arms folded over his chest as he glared at the door. The only place available to sit was the steel frame bed on the opposite wall. It looked about as clean as it could be, with only a mattress and a light blanket draped over it. Two moderately clean pillows at the top of the bed. The bedding was charmed to clean itself; Severus could tell. Which is why they were only moderately clean. It was a room reserved for Conjugal visits in Azkaban, Severus had to resist the shiver of disgust as he thought of exactly what kind of people were guilty enough and desperate enough to do whatever it is that they did on that bed. How many have there been?

No.

He’ll stand.

It was surprisingly easy requesting a conjugal visit with the mad murderer Sirius Black. Severus remembered Black mention conjugal visits being mandatory for spouses married into the Black family, he figured that that must at least be part of the reason why they were allowing it. The other reason probably had to do with Black’s stupid stunt with Rita Bloody Skeeter and the Prophet.

Severus wanted to growl in annoyance.

The mutt is going to pay.

It was just as those thoughts crossed his mind that he heard the heavy steel door open and in step two guards leading a prisoner into the room. Severus took in a deep breath to steel his nerves together as he lay eyes on Sirius Black for the first time in years.

The animagus looked different. He was still tall and broad shouldered though Azkaban had clearly done a number on the man as he seemed to have lost some weight at least. He appeared surprisingly clean, though his hair was much longer and tangled, down past his shoulders and his beard also quite unkept. Those dull grey prison robes he wore were somehow too long at the sleeves and yet still too short as they came up just a few inches too far above his ankles.  His hands were shackled with a long heavy chain connecting the binds on his hands to the ones around his ankles.

Those stormy grey eyes looked up to lock onto the potions master and Severus resisted the urge to tense as the man’s lips pulled into a smirk.

“You finally came.”

There was something different in his voice now. A deeper rougher texture that would have had a shiver of fear running down his spine if Severus hadn’t spent years under the charge of a man that spoke like a snake and had hundreds of unhinged murderers at his beck and call. Severus just glared at the other man.

The guards took the shackles off Sirius’ wrists and then took off the ones around his ankles.

Sirius rubbed his wrists as he looked at the guards before looking back at Severus. The one guard left the room while the other looked over to the potions master.

“You have one hour. These walls are soundproof so if you want to leave earlier, you have to knock on the door. That means we won’t hear you if you’re in distress and can’t reach the door. Are you sure you want to stay?”

“Yes.” Severus answered simply and the guard just turned to leave the room. “One hour, Black.”

Sirius said nothing as the door shut behind him and they heard the heavy locks slide into place. Severus just glared back at the other as he came closer, still rubbing his wrists.

“You have a lot of nerve-“ Before Severus could finish his sentence Black suddenly surged forward to grab a hold of the potions master’s robes and shoved him back against the wall. Severus gasped only for his eyes to go impossibly wide when Black kissed him, a tongue immediately entering his mouth. He lifted his hands up to Black’s shoulders to push him away, but the stupid twat was still somehow strong enough to grab a hold of Severus’ wrists and pin them against the wall as he tried to deepen the kiss trying to force a leg between Severus’ own to grind into him. Oh dear Circe he’s hard-

NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT!

First Severus bit the animagus hard causing him to flinch back and break the kiss and then he kneed him right in the groin. Sirius yelped and then let out a pained groan as he slowly slid down to the floor.

“Argh! I knew you were going to do that.” he hit the floor, curling into himself with his hands on his groin. Severus was breathing hard as he stepped over the inmate’s form, his face flushed and his eyes filled with rage.

“And yet you still decided to assault me you mangey mutt!” Severus roughly and repeatedly wiped his mouth on the back of his hand.

“It’s the first time I’ve been able to touch anyone in years. I figured it was worth a shot.” Sirius groaned, “How is this assault anyway? This is a room for conjugal visits you clueless prude.”

Severus’ glare got darker, “I only asked for a conjugal visit because I knew it would be the only way to ensure privacy you stupid…” Severus let rage take hold for just a brief second as he kicked Sirius in the side and the man yelped in pain.

“Ow! I’m already in fucking pain Snape!”

“Clearly not enough! You moronic twat!”

“Merlin, you’re insulting me and it hurts, why am I still turned on?!”

“Because you’re a disgusting wretch of a human!” he was huffing out panting breaths as he stepped back and away from the animagus, just as Sirius braced his arm on the bed to push himself up.

“What the hell is wrong with you?! What the devil would possess you to tell Rita bloody Skeeter that I had a child with you?!”

“Seemed like a good idea at the time.” Sirius croaked out and Severus glared hard.

“You pigheaded-…” Severus resisted the urge to kick the animagus again, “Oh and those little details you gave her were so intriguing. ‘why didn’t he tell anyone? Well my little minx, my Sev, is incredibly shy. But you know, he begged me for our beloved little Harrison. Pleaded on his hands and knees to fill him with my child because he just loved me so much, he wanted to share something with me forever’. You inconsolable bastard.”

“Seed.”

“What?”

“You begged me to fill you with my seed, not child. Bloody Skeeter must’ve censored me.” The animagus actually had the nerve to sound annoyed right then.

Severus moved forward and kicked him again.

“OW!”

“I’m going to slaughter you you miserable cur!” Severus stepped back again. “Why?! Why did you do this?!”

“Ngh.” Sirius groaned as he eased himself back down on the bed and it creaked slightly, he then wiped at the blood on his lip with his sleeve. “It was the only way to get you here, you slimy bastard. You kidnapped Harry. I wasn’t about to let you get away with that.”

Severus let out an audible breath, “I didn’t kidnap anyone you useless twit!”

“Harrison Snape, nine years old. Don’t even try to deny it Snape. You’ve got a lot of bloody nerve trying to raise James’ child as your fucking spawn.”

Severus wanted to roll his eyes hard, “I didn’t kidnap Harry.”

“Yes you di-“

“Lily and Potter made me Harry’s other godparent.”

Sirius paused, “What?”

“If you don’t believe me I’ll have Albus come up here and tell you himself. They made me Harry’s other godparent. Since you’re in here I was tasked with taking care of him.”

“No way, James would never-“

“Apparently he would.” Severus cut in with all the patience he could muster and Sirius just stared back at him with wide eyes.

“But… if you’re his godparent too then why did you change his name? Why are you listed as his only parent?”

“Because I’m a slimy Death Eater, remember? I couldn’t very well raise him as Harry Potter. All of my secrets would be revealed including the undercover work I was doing for Albus.”

“Wait, so you were working as a spy?! I… why didn’t James and Lily tell me that?”

“They didn’t know. Black, I don’t fully understand why they deemed it fit to name me as Harry’s godparent, but right now I’m doing all I can to keep him safe. You on the other hand seem intent on ruining that with your hair brained stunts!”

“I-“

“You told the world that I had a child with you. The little bit of anonymity I managed to create for him is shattered. Every Death Eater in Britain now thinks I’m raising your child, you’ve drawn attention to him! How do you expect me to fix this?!”

“I… why does it matter. Not like Voldemort is still around.”

“It does matter because even if he isn’t around, his followers still are and now I have to worry about them figuring out the ruse and coming after Harry because of you!” Severus let out a heavy sigh, “I still don’t know how I’m supposed to explain this to Harry.”

“How… how is he?”

Severus looked up at the inmate and at the desperate look of concern on his face Severus sighed, “Fine, healthy, happy; until a psychotic murderer decided to claim him as his son.”

“He thinks I did it too.”

“He doesn’t know what to think, only what he’s been told and what he reads in the papers.” Severus shook his head, “No, he doesn’t think you did it.”

Sirius blinked, “Really? Why?”

“They are still running stories in the paper on the fall of Voldemort and the murders. Harry asked me about what I thought, because… it has been implied that we knew one another in school. I made the mistake of telling him that though you’re a violent egotistical bastard who was capable of the crime, I didn’t believe that you did it.”

Sirius’ eyes went wide, “Snape-“

“But now, because of that and the envelopes from those blasted letters you keep sending me; Harry thinks the reason I said that is because I’m in some sort of relationship with you and that you are indeed his father, you brainless imbecile!”

“Oh.”

“Oh? That’s all you have to is, is oh?!” Severus gave him a dark glare, “If I could I would end your miserable life right now. Unfortunately, I need you alive to fix this mess.”

“Fix it how exactly.”

“Since your stunt has drawn attention to Harry and myself, there’s effectively no quiet way of dealing with this. Even if I try to tell the world that you’re lying the question will remain as to who Harry’s father is. There will be questions as for why you decided to try and claim my son specifically as your own as well. I cannot afford to let anyone have a reason to get curious and go digging at Gringotts or the Ministry... But when people think they already know the truth, they have no reason to go digging. It’ll be easier to play up to public perception than to fight against it.”

“What are you going to do?”

Severus took a deep breath and then let it out, “Harry wants to see you.”

“Wh-“

“I’ll be bringing him to see you next week. I’ve already cleared it with the warden.” Severus turned on his heal and headed for the door, “Find a way to get yourself cleaned up. I’d rather not scar him any more than he already is with your current appearance.”

He knocked on the door.

“Snape! Wait!”

Severus looked back at him, Sirius hadn’t moved from the bed though he looked like he very clearly wanted to, “Why-“

The door opened and Sirius cut himself off as a guard appeared at the door. Severus  just stared back at him.

“You’re his father, aren’t you?”

And then he left the guard paused to look back at the animagus, “That was fast.”

Sirius rolled his eyes before letting out a heavy sigh, “What can I say; I missed him more than I thought.”