The Little Bat 1 to 13

by elvirakitties

Harry's affected by the abuse more than Dumbledore ever expected or wanted. Note, Autism in this story is build on the science that is over 20 years outdated, as it takes place 1991, and remember the wizarding world is also backwards in some ways. Dumbledore bashing. Misguided Granger and Weasley

1. Chapter 1

Dumbledore was a bit worried. Hagrid reported back from his visit with Harry. It really couldn't be called a visit. Vernon Dursley had shot Hagrid, in the arm. Hagrid said he saw Harry, curled up in a corner, but that the Dursleys wouldn't let him near the boy and their own son was huge compared to Harry. Hagrid said Harry didn't even look like he was old enough to go to Hogwarts.

He was now waiting in his office for Severus Snape. If anyone could discover what was wrong with the boy, it would be him. Was it all a ploy by the Dursleys to keep Harry? He knew over the years that they had demanded more and more money to care for Harry, so maybe they were afraid of losing their source of money? He stopped his musing as Severus was announced.

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Severus Snape couldn't believe he was actually doing this. He was heading toward Petunia Dursley's house. How he hated the woman. Why Dumbledore left the Potter spawn there he would never understand. He found number 4 but he didn't feel any magic. He discreetly pulled out his wand and ran a scan. There weren't any wards on the house, or even in the area.

He put his wand away, headed up the walkway of said house. He wondered if they used a ruler to measure the grass. Knowing Petunia she most likely screamed every time the grass put a blade out of place. The whole area just screamed, "We want to make everyone believe we are normal". He was sickened by the whole neighborhood. He would also bet that there were at least three neighbors spying on him as he approached the pristine house. He knocked on the door. He heard a child scream "Mum, there is a freak on at the door."

Severus, if he was honest, wasn't a bit surprised by that. He would bet the contents of his vault that Petunia raised Potter and her son to be spoiled brats, and taught them that the world revolved around them.

"What do you want?" Petunia asked through clenched teeth. "We already told you the boy isn't going."

"Hello to you too, Tunney, I am here to speak to Potter."

"What didn't you freaks understand? We said no. He isn't going." She went to shut the door, but he pushed against it.

"Do I need to remind you that I am over 17 and can perform magic outside of Hogwarts?" Severus sneered. "Now, I want to speak to Potter. I will leave after that."

"Fine."

Severus resisted the urge to wipe his face. He followed Petunia into the house. He looked around, noticing the wall of pictures, he looked at them, and not one of them had Potter. They either contained the fat blob he could see eating ice cream in front of the telly, or a family of three. He could see out of the corner of his eye that Petunia walked to a door. Why was she opening a door to a boot cupboard? "Get out."

Severus watched as a small child emerged. The boy looked to be about 7 or 8. He was so skinny, Severus wondered if he could count the boy's ribs. The clothes he had on were huge, and Severus could see some bruises, some blood that dried on the clothing and skin. He felt his stomach sink as he finally looked at the face. It was Harry Potter. The boy had blue spiked hair, Lily's green eyes. "Potter?"

"Freak, tell him you are staying here." Petunia's claws squeezing the boy's shoulders.

Severus didn't even wait for a response. He stunned her and when she fell over, walked closer to the boy. He stopped moving when the boy started to retreat. "Harry, I promise you, I won't hurt you. I am here to remove you from here to someplace safe." Harry tilted his head, and Severus felt something strange caress his skin. "I knew your parents, and they would have never wanted you to remain here." He ignored the feeling, he knew what it was. He had the same gift. It wasn't an uncommon gift, but one that was usually found in magical children who were abused. Their magic developed a way to protect them, it would allow them to know who would hurt them or not. It didn't keep them safe from their abuser, but it did keep them safe from others who might do the same thing.

Harry slowly walked closer to Severus. He glanced at his fat cousin, who still hadn't moved from in front of the telly. Severus didn't move as Harry touched the dark mark on his arm. "You help Harry?"

"Yes." Severus still hadn't moved. "I'm here to take you to Hogwarts. Once there, we will get you healed, some food, some clothes, and a real room for you."

Harry glanced back at the still form of his Aunt. "She bad?"

"Yes."

"Uncle too?"

"Yes."

Harry walked back to the cupboard, pulled out a ratty blanket, and three toys. "Ready."

Severus saw the blanket that had HJP on the corner. It was the baby blanket he had given Lily for Harry the day Harry had been born. He got up and went to look inside the cupboard, hoping to find more clothes or even something to suggest it wasn't as bad as he was thinking it was. He found an old baby mattress on the floor, the cupboard was filled with cleaning supplies, and in the back corner, in crayon, was "Hary's room" written on the wall. He looked down at Petunia. "You will get yours. Karma."

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Severus had to give Harry a stomach soother on the Knight Bus. Harry was now curled up on his lap, playing with his robes. He was thinking of how to stop Dumbledore and his plans. He knew Dumbledore had to know what happened at that house. Dumbledore, after all, had been telling everyone for years how Harry was being well taken care of, how his relatives loved him; how they were making sure he was getting the proper training.

He also knew that Hagrid had been originally sent to retrieve the boy. That didn't make any sense, as only a Professor, preferably a Head of House, was required to inform students they were magical. Granted, technically, Harry should have already known that, but why Hagrid?

"What you called?" Harry tilted his head to look at his savior.

"Severus Snape. I am the Potion Master and Professor at Hogwarts."

"Pr'fssor Snap. You be my Pr'fssor." Harry snuggled into the man and went to sleep before Severus could recover.

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"He's still sleeping." Poppy explained as Severus and Dumbledore sat down in her office. "He is well below the average weight and height for his age. His back and legs are covered with scars, and from the scan I did, I found a lot of scarring on his head. I am not sure what caused the scars but I expect him to be mentally behind. Not just from the scaring but from speaking to him. I couldn't touch him. He flinches when I get close."

"He sat on my lap on the bus." Severus wasn't sure what Dumbledore's plans were but he knew they didn't involve a mentally disabled Potter.

"I know, he said it's because you are his." Poppy pulled out a scroll. "That is his history." Severus and Dumbledore read down the very long list of injuries. "I've seen healthier torture victims. What are we going to do?"

"Can he handle first-year material?" Dumbledore wanted to kill the Dursleys.

"I am not sure. Mentally, he is behind in everything; however, he also shows signs of being extremely intelligent. It's like his mind can't match up with what he wants to say at times. He knows what he wants to say but he can't process how to say it. He doesn't like to be touched, but isn't able to explain why."

"Autistic?" Severus and Poppy had both studied some muggle medicine and tried to kept up with the advances when they could, but they weren't up on all the new muggle advances. They knew in a lot of ways muggles were more advanced in science, and in some cases cures.

"I believe so. I did a bit of testing while I was healing him. Socially, he is at the lower end of the autistic scale. He won't have problems interacting on one on one, but he will not be able to understand social boundaries, or even understand why someone might want to hurt him. Mentally, he is at the level of 6 or 7 years old in regards to emotions, even speech patterns. However, he does understand complex words that I would place at a higher end of a teenager. It's like he has a dictionary memorized but doesn't know how to use the words correctly, or even able to match them to emotions or how to correctly respond to a question that would fit with the words. A good example is when I asked him if he was injured. I asked him is stomach hurt, as well as his rib cage. His response was "yep, Harry hurt." When I asked for clarification his response was "ribs ouchies, tummy sore."

"I see. Severus?" Dumbledore looked at the results again.

"He can't return and I agree with Poppy. I don't know why he trusts me enough to let him touch him. I told you about the house, you looked at the memory. I'm frankly not surprised. He could hear the telly from his cupboard, so he could have learned the words from there, and since he couldn't see the telly, and I am going to guarantee that they weren't teaching their son anything, Harry wouldn't have been able to use the words in his life."

"I looked at Harry's records from his primary school. They agree with what I have learned."

"Do you believe he can handle first-year material?" Dumbledore didn't even want to think of what he would do if his savior wasn't able to be their savior.

"Yes, he will need Severus' help. Harry won't be able to handle Minerva's stiffness, it will scare him more. Filius' gleeful attitude would scare him because he wouldn't know how to react to it. Pomona, while gentle and sweet, she doesn't have the ability to push him when needed and to back off and let Harry work out whatever is needed. Pomona wouldn't push him forward either, she would be entirely encouraging, but she is too touchy-feely for Harry also. He responded better to Severus because I believe Severus knows how to handle abused students." Poppy glanced at Severus. "Since he established a connection with Severus, Severus has the experience with abused students; Harry would do better with Severus."

"Why don't we wait until his sorting before we make that decision?" Dumbledore stated. "For now, he can stay in the Infirmary."

"I am afraid that won't work. He won't like the open space to sleep in. I had to give him a dreamless sleep potion. He is used to a small cupboard, Albus. He is in a strange place. He will need someone to be around for him, like Severus. I can't. If I get called away and he wakes up, I am not sure what will happen." Poppy knew Harry needed to be with Severus. Severus, coming from an abused background, would understand Harry better, not to mention, he was one of the few staff members who had his medical license and knew about muggle medical issues.

Severus knew what Poppy was doing and agreed with her. "I will set up a room for him." He didn't even give Dumbledore time to respond before he was out the door. He would have to order Harry's school supplies. There was no way the boy was going to be able to handle anyone who wanted to meet the Boy-Who-Lived. He also didn't think that Harry would be able to handle all the stimulation of Diagon Alley. The boy barely handled the bus, and he knew it was only because he had kept Harry on his lap.

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"Harry, I am going to stay with you." Severus was standing at the entrance to the Castle with Minerva. They were waiting for the boats to arrive.

Harry was bouncing in place, but wouldn't let go of Severus' hand. Harry had been a bundle of nervous energy all day. He had worn out Fang after lunch, while Hagrid and Severus worked on the garden. Hagrid's loud voice scared Harry at first, but the half-giant toned it down, and Harry got used to the man. Hagrid's gentle ways won him over, but still, only Severus could touch him.

Most of the staff over the last month had worked with Harry. They all agreed, he would be able to handle the work, but he would need help with social interactions and he would have to have someone with him all the time. They found a house elf, named Tina, who would follow Harry around, and they taught Harry how to summon the elf. They found Harry would spend time playing games with the elf, while Severus would brew.

"They here." Harry watched the students trudge up to the castle. He waved at his new friends. Severus had introduced him to Draco and some of his friends. Dumbledore had tried to get Harry to be friends with Ron Weasley but the boy scared Harry. Dumbledore had kept trying to force the issue until Minerva found Ron teasing Harry, and calling Severus names.

"They promised they would be my little bat." Severus reminded Harry. They ignored Minerva's snort.

*****Flashback*********

"Why are you living with the greasy bat of the dungeons?" Ron pushed Harry to sit down on the ground.

"Who?" Harry didn't like this boy. He was like his cousin.

"Snape, you know the mean old greasy bat of the dungeons." Harry went to get up, but Ron pushed him back down.

"My Pr'ffsor isn't that."

"Yes, he is. He's a Death Eater, a snake. All Slytherins are evil. Don't you know that? Are you that stupid?"

"Not stupid." Harry tried to get up again, he wanted to leave and find his Pr'ffsor.

"He is so. All Slytherins are evil, and he is the Head of Slytherin, so the greasy bat of the dungeons is the worst one."

"Mr. Weasley, my office now!" Minerva couldn't believe the boy. He had already been warned about his attitude.

Harry saw Severus and ran to him, wrapping his arms around the man's legs. "You bat?"

"They call me that." Severus answered.

"You bat, I little bat." Harry announced, smiling up.

"Yes, you are my little bat." Severus knew Harry was his.

End flashback

The sorting was to begin, but they all knew that Harry wouldn't react well to anyone staring or making comments if they knew who he was, so before any names were announced, Severus escorted Harry to the three-legged stool.

"Now?" Harry looked at Minerva.

"Now." She confirmed. They had already introduced Harry to the sorting hat.

Harry sat on the stool. "Well, Mr. Potter, I have been expecting you."

"Hi. I go with my bat."

The Sorting Hat snorted if you believe a noseless hat could do that. "Yes, I do agree. I see quite a mind there, and they will bring it out, you little bat. Let it be-" The Sorting Hat "-Slytherin."

Harry grinned and made his way to the Slytherin table where the upper years welcomed him. "I'm a snake and a little bat." He announced, rather proudly, as he sat down.

"Yes, you are."

Severus glanced at Dumbledore who looked like he swallowed a lemon. Severus hoped the man didn't think Harry would go to Gryffindor? The boy wouldn't have made it in the house of the lions. He glanced at Ron Weasley, who looked furious. He knew Dumbledore wanted Harry and Ron to be friends for a reason. Ron, however, wasn't subtle about being Harry's friend. He had heard Ron refer to Harry as his best mate. He also heard about how they would be going on adventures together, how they would have so much fun together. That had been the day Draco and Vincent had been over to visit. Draco and Vincent got along wonderfully with Harry. Both boys looked at Harry as if he was their little brother. He had heard Ron informing Draco about being Harry's friend, not some snake. Draco, surprised him by laughing and walking away.

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"You don't want to sleep in your dorm room?" Severus wasn't a bit surprised to find Harry following him out of the common room after he gave his yearly opening speech.

"No, too loud." Harry held up his arms to be picked up.

"You know you do have to sleep in there, eventually." Severus picked him up and started walked towards their quarters. "How about once classes start, you attempt it?"

"No classes, I here?"

"Deal, but you have to try."

Harry nodded his agreement and buried his head in Severus' neck. "Bat?"

"What?"

"Tired."

Severus carried Harry into his bedroom. The bedroom was painted to look like a forest with all different kind of animals, which Harry had made up stories about. Draco had helped pick out the theme with Harry. So there was even a dragon in the forest, and yes, of course, a bat and a baby bat.

Chapter 2

Dumbledore glared at the paperwork. Severus was now Harry's legal guardian. There was nothing he could do about it. He wanted to curse Vernon Dursley and his wife. They were found guilty after given truth serum, where they admitted to the physical and mental abuse of Harry Potter. A few members of the Wizengamot had gotten sick at what Vernon described what he had done to the boy. The boy was now protected by the Ministry, with Poppy's agreement concerning Severus, they allowed Severus become Harry Potter's guardian, and even Lucius Malfoy supported it.

Dumbledore was a bit shocked that Fudge and Madam Bones had tried to get charges against him. He was able to escape the charges because there was no evidence beyond the muggles words that showed Dumbledore's involvement. He was thankful that he never wrote anything down. Most believed that Vernon took his words the wrong way. He wasn't going to correct that assumption. Granted those who didn't support him knew what he meant when he informed Vernon Dursley that Harry was there to protect their family and that he couldn't leave until he was seventeen. That he shouldn't know about magic, as it might attract the eye of those who were after the boy. He was also able to explain the howler he sent about some accidental magic, where he was heard saying, "Remember my last, Petunia." He was thankful that he put them under a Vow giving them permission to abuse the boy, but keep him alive. He had threatened their son after they almost killed the boy. The Howler was a reminder to keep the abuse under control.

He was thankful his spy still would listen to him. He knew Severus would allow the boy to be trained the way he wanted him to be. He would use the retard boy's limited intelligence and Voldemort's return to get his way.

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Severus had spent the morning at Gringotts. He had toured the Potter vaults and found piles of letters, bills, and documents from Godric's Hollow in the vaults. He was already furious with how Dumbledore had been handling the Potter-Black estates. Ironclaw was going to be busy for a few days getting all the funds returned, stopping payments to the Order, Dumbledore, Lupin, and the Weasley family.

Ironclaw had shown Severus the Potters' Wills. Harry was to never go to the muggles; he was to be his guardian after Black. Ironclaw was going to hide most of what they learned, and blame the robbery for discovering the accounting errors. Accounting errors, if Dumbledore had kept control, Harry would have been in debt by the time the man was finished. Thankfully, Ironclaw had a good solid plan to fill the vaults not that getting the money returned wouldn't. The ones who were living in the Potter-Black properties were going to be getting bills for all the years they had lived there for free, and rental agreements. Severus and Ironclaw hid their smirks knowing that Lupin and the Weasleys couldn't afford to keep the houses they were living in.

As he sat with Lucius, in Lucius' office, he explained what he learned. He handed Lucius a letter he had read a few times. It had never been sent. He had wondered why. At Lucius' puzzled face, he pointed to the read. "Read it, especially the last sentence."

Lucius opened the letter:

Dear Padfoot,
Thank you, thank you, for Harry's birthday present! It was his favorite by far. One year old and already zooming along on a toy broomstick, he looked so pleased with himself, I'm enclosing a picture so you can see. You know it only rises about two feet off the ground, but he nearly killed the cat and he smashed a horrible vase Petunia sent me for Christmas (no complaints there). Of course, James thought it was funny, says he's going to be a great Quidditch player, but we've had to pack away all the ornaments and make sure we don't take our eyes off him when he gets going.

We had a very quiet birthday tea, just us and old Bathilda, who has always been sweet to us, and who dotes on Harry. We were so sorry you couldn't come, but the Order's got to come first, and Harry's not old enough to know it's his birthday anyway! James is getting a bit frustrated shut up here, he tries not to show it but I can tell - also, Dumbledore's still got his Invisibility Cloak, so no chance of little excursions. If you could visit, it would cheer him up so much. Wormy was here last weekend, I thought he seemed down, but that was probably the news about the McKinnons; I cried all evening when I heard.

Bathilda drops in most days, she's a fascinating old thing with the most amazing stories about Dumbledore, I'm not sure he'd be pleased if he knew! I don't know how much to believe, actually, because it seems incredible that Dumbledore

Lucius turned the page:

could ever have been friends with Gellert Grindelwald. I think her mind's going, personally!

Lots of love,

Lily

Lucius looked a bit surprised. Severus felt the same way when he read the letter. "I spoke to Bathilda; she still lives in Godric's Hollow. She had a very interesting tale to tell me."

"I find myself surprised, just from what Lily wrote, so what did you learn?"

"According to Bathilda, Dumbledore and Grindelwald, who is her grand-nephew, were great friends and planned on doing a world tour together. Dumbledore was 18 at the time, Grindelwald was 16. Apparently Dumbledore had strong feelings for Grindelwald, however, Grindelwald is straight."

"That would create problems." Everyone knew Dumbledore was gay.

"Exactly, she told me that there was a three-way duel. The duel was between Aberforth, Albus, and Grindelwald. Arianna Dumbledore was killed in the duel. Now, that in of itself is interesting. It turns out that Dumbledore's father died in Azkaban for attacking three muggle boys. The muggle boys weren't innocent, but no one knows exactly what they did to Arianna Dumbledore, but she was afraid of magic after that. The family moved to Godric's Hollow after the scandal."

"That means that the house the Potters were at didn't have old wards, like the ones that would have existed at Potter Manor." Lucius was wonder what would have possessed Potter to move away from an ancient manor to an unprotected house?

"It gets better." Severus was still trying to understand everything. "Arianna had killed their mother by accident. So Aberforth had been taking care of his sister. Albus had been ignoring them in favor of Grindelwald. So when she was killed because of the duel, Grindelwald took off, Albus got punched in the face by his brother at the funeral, and Dumbledore's phrase "for the greater good" was one Grindelwald and he had created in their ideal of the perfect magical world. She said that Dumbledore's attitude suddenly changed. He became a professor at Hogwarts, started working on the caring and loving image. He is the one who tried to ban her history books. The thing is, she has all the letters between Albus and Grindelwald, and they are in her vault."

Lucius processed everything as Severus drank some scotch. "We will need to dig into the complete history of them. The duel, the history of Tom Riddle, the history of the Potters there has to be a reason why he was so interested and against the Dark Lord when he was a student, it's so strange that when the Dark Lord graduated, that the duel suddenly happened."

"You think the Dark Lord was the first bid for control, and he is planning on doing the same thing with Harry?" Severus took a sip of his drink. "It would make sense. Tom was abused, powerful, smart, and Dumbledore was his first contact."

"It makes sense. You mentioned that course he wants everyone to help establish. I read about the robbery, I know the stone has to be at Hogwarts. I wouldn't be surprised if he set up Weasley to be friends with Harry, as a way to test Harry."

"It would make sense." Severus sighed. Since it was Saturday night, he knew he had to head back to Hogwarts soon. Harry would be expecting to spend the night with him. He knew that Draco, Blaise, Theo, Greg, Vincent, and surprisingly, Neville Longbottom were taking care of Harry. He was a bit surprised to have Neville as one of his snakes, but he thought it was because of Dumbledore's failed attempt at getting Weasley to be friends with Harry, and Dumbledore instead recruited Neville.

********************Flashback***************************

Harry was with Draco and Severus when Dumbledore arrived with Neville Longbottom trailing behind him. They had just finished eating a picnic at Black Lake, and Harry and Draco were playing with some Herbology flashcards. "Ah, a lovely day."

"Headmaster." Severus felt Harry lean against him. He knew Harry didn't feel comfortable around Dumbledore.

"I was just telling Neville about Harry. I thought Neville might enjoy meeting Harry."

Dumbledore was wearing a neon green robe with flashing purple spots. "Eyes hurt." Harry buried his head in Severus' robes.

Severus understood what Harry meant, the robes were making his own eyes hurt. Draco stood up, held out his hand. "Heir Draco Malfoy, a pleasure to meet you Heir Neville Longbottom."

Neville smiled as he took Draco's hand. "Pleasure is mine, Heir Malfoy."

"May I present Heir Harry Potter." Draco indicated Harry with his hand. "He is a bit shy."

"Heir Harry Potter." Neville tilted his head.

"I like plant boy." Harry giggled into Severus' chest.

"Mr. Longbottom, if you wish to join us?" Severus saw the twinkling eyes of Dumbledore. "We are helping Harry learn some Herbology."

Neville beamed a smile. "I have a greenhouse, my very own one. Gran lets me plant all kinds of flowers, herbs, even some bushes in there." Severus watched the three boys bond.

*************End Flashback*************

"So the old fool is still stunned that a Longbottom ended up in Slytherin?"

"Yes, he has been trying to get Augusta to ask for a resort, but surprisingly the old biddy refuses. She said she has seen a great improvement in her grandson since he became friends with Draco and Harry."

"She invited Narcissa to tea."

"I best head back. Harry still refuses to sleep in the dorms on the weekends, but he is now up to spending most of the week in the common room and dorms."

"Draco wrote home, he wants you and Harry to spend the holidays here."

"That is still a few months away. I will need to see how he does. He still can't handle the crowds. Tina has been popping Draco and Harry to their classes."

"He still calling you Bat?"

"Yes." Severus smiled.

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"My Bat, my Bat, look my Bat is here." Harry was bouncing up and down in place. "See Gemma he is here." He ran to Severus and wrapped his arms around Severus' waist.

"I see." Gemma Fay was one of his fifth-year prefects. "Hello, Sir." No one was surprised by Harry running and hugging Severus. They were all used to it.

"Miss Fay. Little Bat, are you going to spend the night with Draco in your dorm room?"

"No, no, no, Little Bat goes with his Bat. Can Draco and Neville stay?"

"If they wish too." Severus saw Draco and Neville already had their bedclothes in their hands.

"We would be honored." Draco smirked. This was actually a weekend thing.

"I need to make you two permanent bed, and give you space in the wardrobe." Severus told the two boys as he carried Harry out of the common room toward his quarters.

"It would be easier, Sir. I can ask my Gran to send you the items."

"I can ask Mother, she has already asked me if I needed extra toiletries."

"I will write to them."

"My Bat, can we have cocoa?"

"Of course, you did very well on your assignments this week." Severus and the rest of the staff spent two extra hours a week each working with Harry. The boy absorbed the information like a sponge, but they were still working on connecting the words, spells, and how to use them correctly.

So far Harry could do the spells, but instead of floating a feather, Harry levitated books, chairs, tables, and even Filius. Harry could do whatever charm Filius showed him, after some coaching on pronunciation. He even set the tea kettle and teacups to dance.

Minerva was impressed by Harry's skills. Harry transformed the matches into anything that didn't have a sharp point. They learned that Petunia would use sharp points, including her fingernails and stick Harry with them. So Minerva was working on teaching him that he would never be hurt in her class by a needle.

Potions, Harry loved, he was actually good at them, but he just didn't like anything slimy. He refused to touch anything slimy feeling, in Harry's mind. They were still trying to understand what exactly Harry meant by slimy but they were learning. They learned it wasn't just limited to just portions ingredients. Severus discovered it was the same with food, with clothes, even bedding.

Harry did very well in Herbology; the plants seemed to thrive with him around. Harry loved to touch them, caress the plants. Even the Devils' Snare loved to have Harry pet it. They were about to burn the plant when they saw the plant wrapped around Harry, but Harry was giggling and the plant set him gently down. Neville and Pomona spent a lot of time with Harry in the greenhouses.

History of Magic was a bit of a problem since Binns was a ghost. Severus pulled Harry from Binns class after Harry spent the class trying to figure out how Binns was a ghost. Severus actually started his own History of Magic class in the common room. It was easier after years of teaching it anyway. He knew Dumbledore would never get rid of Binns.

Severus also had two of Harry's classes he had to attend. One was Astronomy. The boy didn't mind Sinistra and loved lying down and looking at the stars, it was getting up there. Harry didn't like heights and refused to go up to the tower unless Severus was with him. He also refused to get on a broom, despite Dumbledore making the boy return each week to the class, which usually ended in a mental meltdown from Harry, requiring a calming draught. After three weeks, Poppy, Rolanda, Severus, and Minerva put an end to Harry attending the class. Draco had written home and Narcissa sent Draco's first broom to Draco for Harry. Harry didn't mind the child broom. Severus and Draco worked on Neville and Harry's riding skills. Rolanda was very impressed by the improvement and passed both boys.

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Severus biggest concern was right this moment was Dumbledore's insistence that Harry had to attend the Halloween Feast. "You know he isn't going to handle it well." Draco commented as Severus was trying to figure out what custom Harry would be willing to wear.

"I am aware. The Headmaster believes because Harry attends all the other meals he will be fine with this feast."

"Are you sure he isn't missing a few screws?" Draco had been learning some muggle terms from a few of muggle-born students in Ravenclaw.

Severus didn't respond, as he personally thought the man needed a wrap-around jacket. "I was thinking, he might want to go as a bat."

"It would make him feel safer." Draco picked up his own custom. "I am going to go as a dragon. Most of the first years and a few upper years are going to go as the animals they added to the forest." Severus knew Draco meant those who were friendly with Harry and had painted their favorite animals in the forest that was painted on Harry's bedroom walls. "You should go as a bat."

Severus arched his brows. "I believe I will dress as I always dress."

"Like I said a bat." Draco smirked.

Harry appeared in Severus' living area, covered in green slime, crying, curled into a fetal position. Tina was wringing her hands. "Master Snape, I sorry, I tried to stop it but that mean Weasley threw something at Master Harry."

Draco and Severus, knowing how the boy hated anything slimy, leaped into action. Draco ran to the bathroom, while Severus pulled a blanket off of the couch, rushed to Harry. "Get Madam Pomfrey." The elf popped away.

Wrapping Harry up in the blanket, he picked him up, saying nonsense as he rushed to the bathroom where together Draco and Severus worked on getting Harry into a bath. Poppy arrived as they were putting him in the tub. "Tina told me."

Two hours later, Harry was curled around Severus. Harry was finally sleeping. Draco had already returned to the dorm, he knew Draco was going to inform everyone what Weasley had done. "I need to speak to Minerva and Albus."

"I am going to join you."

Severus didn't argue, he picked up Harry and carried him to his bed. Tina appeared, holding a stuffed bat. Severus laid Harry down, giving Harry the stuffed bat. He was a bit amazed at times like this how child-like Harry was. He was going to speak to Poppy about an idea he had.

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Dumbledore, Severus, and Poppy were waiting for Minerva to bring Ronald Weasley. Severus was glaring at Dumbledore, who actually looked unsettled by what happened.

Dumbledore was furious. He wanted to kill Ron Weasley. He told the boy to leave Harry alone. That he needed the boy to trust him and get him into Gryffindor. Instead, the brat had pranked Harry with the one thing everyone knew Harry hated. He also knew that Minerva was going to want him to make an example out of him, and with Severus and Poppy backing her, he needed to do it. He couldn't have any student telling their parents or have someone mention it outside of Hogwarts, where Rita might find out about it.

Minerva arrived with a very defensive Ronald Weasley behind her. "Mr. Weasley, take a seat."

Weasley stormed to a chair. "So the little brat can't take a prank. He went running to his bat."

Dumbledore wanted to curse the boy, as Minerva and Severus were about to explode, but Poppy beat them to it, which surprised Dumbledore. "That prank wasn't a prank. It was mean. I know you know about his fear of slimy things and you did anyway. You, Mr. Weasley, are nothing but a bully!"

"I don't believe it was meant that way." Dumbledore tried to calm Poppy down.

"If he isn't suspended, I will write up a complete report and submit it." Poppy warned. She was a bit surprised by the actions of the latest Weasley. The twins, while they pranked, never did anything like this. The older Weasleys were actually a bit protective of Harry.

"I am already planning on doing it. If a student from another house did that prank, they would be already suspended." Severus paused "I will be adding detentions also since you like slimy things so much, I have a lot of potion ingredients that can use your assistance."

"I agree, Headmaster." Minerva had her hands on her hips, her wand was her hand.

"This is only a big deal because it's Potter." Weasley said the name Potter with utter loathing in his voice. "He's a traitor, a slimy snake. He needs to learn what it means to be a slimy snake. I just gave him a lesson."

Dumbledore quickly summoned the drawn wands, ignoring the raised voices of his staff. He laid the wands on his desk. Once there was peace, he looked at Ron, very disappointed. He was going to have to speak to Molly about getting the boy back to following their plan. "Mr. Weasley, you are suspended for a week. When you return, you will spend three nights a week in detention with Mr. Filch. One day on the weekend, with Professor Snape."

"Fine." Weasley slouched in the chair.

"Manners, Mr. Weasley." Minerva glared.

"Fine, Headmaster."

Severus picked up his wand. "Hopefully your mother will be able to correct your manners and put an end to your bullying, however, I am doubtful that she could achieve the desired results, ever."

Poppy rose and took back her wand. "Be thankful I am not for hurting anyone."

"I will escort Mr. Weasley back to his dorm, to assist in his packing, while Albus informs his mother."

Chapter 3

Lucius was reading the report from Severus and Poppy. The Board was meeting in an hour and he wanted to have it fresh in his mind. He knew Dumbledore was going to defend Ron Weasley, as Molly Weasley had thrown a fit about her son being suspended. She had sent numerous howlers until finally, the Board agreed to meet.

Severus had written that since Ron had never left Hogwarts, the boy was even ruder and meaner. Harry was his favorite target. Severus included copies of the detention reports and even included some of the students' concerns regarding Ronald Weasley.

He already heard from Lady Longbottom, who was not impressed by Molly Weasley's actions. Lady Longbottom, with other members of the Board, felt that Dumbledore was encouraging this action. Everyone knew the Weasleys did whatever Dumbledore wanted them to do.

He entered the meeting room and arranged his little area. He greeted everyone as they arrived and was a bit surprised when Poppy and Severus arrived on time for the meeting. He wasn't expecting them. Everyone else was sitting down; however, they were waiting for Molly Weasley and Dumbledore. No one was surprised by the lack of respect that Dumbledore showed by never being on time for meetings he called. The man was never on time for any meeting.

Dumbledore arrived with Molly Weasley. His face showed surprise at seeing Severus and Poppy. He settled into his seat as Molly took a set on the other side of Poppy. "Thank you all for attending." Dumbledore gave a grandfatherly smile, as his hands ran down his beard. "I believe we all know why we are here."

"Yes, and I'm still wondering why it got this far. Ronald Weasley should have been suspended." Lady Longbottom had heard all about Ronald Weasley from her grandson. "Just because his mother threw a hissy fit we are all being subjected to her rants and your "it's a slight misunderstanding" routine. I have better things to do than listen to a woman whose son is a bully complain."

"I do agree. I have read numerous reports. Mr. Weasley has been serving detention a lot for being a bully. Cursing three Hufflepuffs for being friends with Mr. Potter, five Ravenclaws went to the Infirmary after he started a fight with them, punched three in the nose. Four Slytherins, he cursed with a Bat-Bogey Hex, and his own house, most of them don't want him in the house. I believe they are saying how he complains and talks about beating up Mr. Potter. How Mr. Potter is a slimy snake and needs to be taught his place. How Mr. Potter needs to learn he was meant to be a lion. I believe a few almost mentioned how Mr. Weasley has repeatedly been telling Mr. Potter that his parents would be ashamed of him." Lucius picked up the reports and passed them to his fellow board members.

Ted Tonks usually followed Dumbledore, so did Lady Longbottom. Lucius looked at their faces and knew they weren't going to be letting Ronald Weasley off. He knew Ernest Greengrass was usually very neutral but for something like this he would follow Lucius. Doge and Jones were devoted Dumbledore people. If Dumbledore told them to jump off a bridge for the greater good, they would do it. Lady Parkinson was always with him. So he knew before the meeting was to happen Ronald Weasley would be suspended, but appearances must be kept up.

"While I'm sure the reports are accurate, I do believe it's all a slight misunderstanding between Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. I believe in time they could be friends." Dumbledore gave them all a slight smile.

"Albus, this report shows that Mr. Weasley covered Mr. Potter in slime, knowing full well that he was afraid of slimy things. Madam Pomfrey provided us with the details of Mr. Potter's abilities, his issues, and his known reactions to slimy things. Mr. Weasley was a witness to the previous events and did this prank with full knowledge of what would happen. How do you expect us to believe this was a slight misunderstanding?" Ted Tonks held up the numerous reports they had been provided with.

"My son would never do something like that. It's all that Potter boy's fault. His parents would be so ashamed of him, being a Slytherin. As for being abused, please. That boy had everything given to him on a silver tray and they-" She waved her hand towards Poppy and Severus. "-are just catering to his demands."

Ted and the rest of the board all wore shocked expressions, including Dumbledore who had been trying to get Molly to shut up by any means possible that didn't involve magic. "Mrs. Weasley, are you a healer?" Lord Greengrass had been reading the health report by Madam Pomfrey, and two St. Mungos healers, and one mind healer.

"No, but I have seven children. I know a spoiled brat when I see one."

"I see. Have you met Mr. Potter?" Lucius knew the woman had not even seen Harry.

"I haven't seen him since he was a baby, but I know what my son has told me."

"Mrs. Weasley, I'm going to make it very simple for you. Your son is a bully. We have health reports from Madam Pomfrey and two St. Mungos healers, and one of their top mind healers. All say that Mr. Potter has been severally abused. That the abuse both physical and mental, compounded by the lack of any physical comfort, has caused Mr. Potter to be autistic, with a high function mental abilities, yet low social skills, low emotional connections. We have reports from a variety of students and staff all stating how your son has been acting since they first saw him on the train, declaring that Mr. Potter was his best friend. We also have from numerous professors stating that Mr. Potter gets along well with everyone in all houses, while your son bullies everyone especially those in Slytherin House. He even bullies those in his own house. Miss Granger is one example." Lady Longbottom wasn't about to let this go. Harry was a good friend to her grandson, and surprisingly so was Draco Malfoy.

"I believe we call clear this up. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter have a slight misunderstanding and I'm sure if the two boys spent some time with each other, it will work itself out."

"No." Ted Tonks wasn't about to let an abused child anywhere near someone like Ron Weasley. "Albus, I worked with kids like Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter. Mr. Weasley will bully and intimidate Mr. Potter. Mr. Potter will retreat even further into himself if this is allowed."

"I also object to this idea of Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley spending time together. Mr. Weasley needs a mind healer, as well as his mother since it's clear where he is learning his bigoted attitude from." Lady Parkinson finally spoke. The woman was a kinder version of Severus Snape on a good day. She was blunt and didn't care if she hurt someone's feelings.

"My Ronnie would never do anything like that. Everyone is just catering to Harry Potter. You even have a Death Eater has his guardian. How is that going to make sure that the boy isn't corrupted? He should be with my family."

Dumbledore closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead as if a headache was building. He had warned Molly about this. He had told her to bring this in front of the Board was a bad idea. While he wished Harry wasn't abused as he was, he needed Harry to be on his side. Ron Weasley was ruining it. He knew Ron deserved the suspension and he believed that Harry and Ron could be friends if the boy stopped listening to his mother.

"Unless I'm mistaken, but wasn't it Severus Snape who removed Mr. Potter from his abusive home? Wasn't it Mr. Snape who has been taking care of him since that time? Also isn't Mr. Snape the one who is healing the scars and fixing Mr. Potter's physical abuse issues?" Lord Greengrass looked down at the variety of reports and wondered why they were even here.

"Yes. He has. Professor Snape has been a great benefit to Harry. He has provided Harry with a lot of support as he adjusts to our world." Poppy glanced at Molly. "Despite Mrs. Weasley's belief that Harry was spoiled or is being revered, Harry has a very level head on his shoulders. He does wonderful with students and staff, on a one to one basis. He is friendly with everyone and doesn't share the bigoted attitude concerning any house. He has shown he can handle the material that is being taught first years."

"That isn't an issue, he has, indeed, shown he can handle it." Dumbledore didn't want the board to remove Harry from Hogwarts.

"What is this about Big Bat and Little Bat?" Lady Longbottom had heard about it from Neville and wanted to see if the story was true.

Severus rose. "Mr. Weasley referred to me as the greasy bat of the dungeons. Harry asked if I was a bat, I explained I am called that at times. He decided I was his bat and he was my little bat. As Poppy could explain, connections to an autistic child are hard to create, so when one is created, we didn't want to destroy it. Harry has thrived under this connection."

"It's very true. He has. He has gained confidence, which Mr. Weasley seems determined to destroy."

"I have heard enough. I vote the suspension stays and based on this I would strongly suggest a mind healer for Mr. Weasley." Lord Greengrass used his and cast his agreement with the suspension.

"I also agree." Lucius had thought he would have had to push a bit more.

"I agree." Lady Longbottom, Lady Parkinson, and Ted Tonks cast their votes.

Doge cast his vote in agreement, while Emily Jones raised her wand. "I agree also. Actually, I would like to suggest two weeks, one week for suspension for his bully Mr. Potter. The second week, he can attend Hogwarts, but I want a mind healer to speak to him, and decide on a course of actions. During the second week, he will be limited to attending classes, and at the other times, he will be in his dorm. His brothers will be in charge of him. One of them, I believe is a Prefect." Auror Jones had carefully read each report and after listening to Molly, she knew the boy needed help.

"That is an excellent suggestion." Lady Longbottom wasn't about to let this opportunity to slip away. "I strongly support Auror Jones' idea."

The motion was passed before Molly or Dumbledore could come up with an argument against it. Severus and Poppy were happy with how this went. Ron Weasley would be forced to get help. Dumbledore looked defeated. He knew it wouldn't go this way, but he wasn't expecting Molly to be vocal about her feelings.

"What? My son is fine, it's Harry Potter you should be worried about. The boy is in Slytherin, who knows how is now being corrupted. He might go dark if he remains in that house with all those Death Eaters. You can't let a Death Eater raise the boy."

"She needs a mind healer." Lady Longbottom commented to Lucius.

"Albus, perhaps you can escort Mrs. Weasley home?" Lucius stood up. He really wanted to hex the woman.

"Yes, I do believe that would be a good idea." Dumbledore forced Molly out of the meeting room.

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"Bat, Bat, I did it. I floated a feather." Harry laughed as he saw Severus enter the common room.

"Very good." Severus took his normal chair and knew he would be spending time assisting his snakes, as Harry worked on his own assignments. He knew Harry didn't know he left, as the older students agreed to keep him busy, after his session with Filius.

"I got an O." Harry handed his essay to Severus.

"Keep this up and you will earn your chocolate this weekend." Harry beamed a smile, as he continued working on his assignments. "Let me see them after you are done."

"Always, Bat."

Chapter 4

"I think this is going to end badly." Draco was standing next to Neville. They were dressed in their costumes for the Halloween Feast. Draco was a dragon, while Neville was a Lilac Bush. Severus was walking a baby fruit bat toward them.

Since Weasley had been suspended, things had gone smoothly for everyone in the school. When he returned, everyone knew Percy and the Twins were at the end of their patients by the end of the second week, and the Twins decided to return the pranking favor and put spiders into Ron's bed. When Ron started screaming at them about knowing he was afraid of them. Everyone in the house yelled: "like Harry is afraid of slime. How does it feel?"

The Twins got a howler but everyone laughed, including the Twins. Everyone knew it was coming and everyone called Weasley a tattletale. After that Weasley turned his attention to Granger. The poor girl was always being called names by him. He lost points, earned detentions, but nothing worked.

All the staff agreed with mind healer that Weasley needed more sessions but Molly withdrew him after that week, saying her baby boy was fine. People now called him "Baby Boy" just to annoy him.

"No, I don't think it will either, though he did seem excited to be dressing up as a bat." Neville could see smiling Harry.

Severus walked the three snakes to their table. He put a Chocolate Frog on each of their plates, waved his wand and everyone had one. "Watch him." Severus ordered his prefects.

"We will, Sir." Gemma Fay smile at Harry. Harry was like a little brother to her and the older snakes. The feast was going well until Quirrell came in.

"Troll in the dungeons, just thought you should know." He promptly passed out.

Students started screaming and trying to run for the door. Dumbledore shot a firecracker into the air. "Prefects, calmly escort your house back to your common room."

"What? We are in the dungeons. That doesn't make sense." Draco pulled Harry to him. He wasn't leaving. The snakes all remained seated.

"Good, everyone stays here until I return." Severus ordered.

"Yes, Sir." They could see Poppy was leaning over Quirrell.

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"Albus, she was the girl's bathroom because of Mr. Weasley's picking on her, again." Minerva was getting very annoyed. "She could have died if Severus and I hadn't checked that area. The bathroom was destroyed."

"She is going to be in the Infirmary for at least a week." Severus couldn't believe Dumbledore was trying to keep Weasley from being punished.

"He didn't know she would hide in the bathroom."

"Isn't that the same excuse Mr. Mellcamp used last year when he was casting spells in a room and hit someone? That he didn't know they were in hiding in the room. He got suspended for three days. This is a continuing bullying problem." Minerva couldn't believe the man. "What are you going to tell her parents, when she tells them why she was in the bathroom?"

"I will speak to Molly. However, I don't believe the boy should be suspended for this."

"He almost got her killed." Minerva couldn't believe this.

"He did it with Black when he almost got me killed by Lupin, so this isn't a surprise." Severus was very disappointed in Dumbledore. "Look where Black is now."

Dumbledore clearly didn't like that remark. "I'm aware of where Sirius is. However, it's two different situations. Ron didn't send her to the bathroom. Nor did he release a troll into Hogwarts."

"No, he just torments Harry and Miss Granger, like the Marauders did to me. If he is like this during his first year, I don't want to be around during his fifth." Severus was starting to like the idea of withdrawing Harry but knew he would never get away with it unless he got some help.

"Albus, the boy is in my house, and I believe he needs to be suspended. Surely if I agree with Severus, you should know something is wrong."

Dumbledore knew he was beaten, he could tell this was going to go before the Board either way. His staff would do it or Molly. He knew, however, if he spoke to Arthur, it might be stopped. "A week and when he returns, he will do three months of detention, on the weekends, with Argus or Severus."

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"Bat, why does the man who smells funny have a black stuff on the back of his head?" Harry had returned from one of his normal lessons with Quirrell. He put his satchel on the small table by the door. He was standing in front of Severus' desk.

"I'm not sure what you mean." Severus guided Harry over to the couch. They sat down. "Can you explain it to me?"

"Yes, it's the same black stuff on your arm." Harry touched Severus' left arm.

Severus slammed down his panic. "Has he been mean to you?" Severus would speak to Filius and see if he could help determine if Harry could see magic. He wasn't about to let Dumbledore know.

"No, very nice. He explains everything to me. He showed me I was holding my wand wrong on one spell. See." Harry cast a very basic shield spell. "He explained how I needed to stay away from the mean doggie on the third floor and trolls. He showed me what a troll looked like."

Severus was a bit confused. It had to be the Dark Lord. He would be the only one he could think of who would be possessing Quirrell. It would explain the troll incident. It would also explain who Dumbledore was trying to attract to Hogwarts. He was going to kill the old fool. He put his son in danger. "My little bat, if he does anything you don't like, you run. You come and get me."

"OK, but he has been fun. He has a great snake. She calls me hatchling." Harry slid off of the couch. "You want to check my work?"

"Yes, please." Severus was going to be speaking to Quirrell real soon. Dark Lord or not, he wasn't going to hurt his son. Son? Where did that come from? He realized he thought it earlier. He did care a great deal for Harry in the short time he had been in his custody. He would have to think about that more. He now needed to focus on Harry and his assignments. "We will do a potion after dinner."

"Great, can I pick it, please? Draco and Nev showed me next week's potion."

"Yes, you can." Severus was happy with Harry's increased sentence structure but he knew it was because Harry felt safe with him, and these were routine questions and answers.

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"Bat, Bat, come with me." Harry ran down the dungeon hall. He saw Tina standing at the beginning of the hall.

"Harry? Are you hurt?" He would kill Weasley if he hurt one of his snakes.

"No, but come. It's vi..via..."

"I got it, lead the way."

Harry led him to Quirrell's office. He opened the door and Quirrell was on the floor. He quickly ran to the man. He was moaning in pain. "What happened?"

"Need stabilizer. This idiot drained his magic showing a seventh-year how to cast shield." The voice of the Dark Lord flowed from the back of Quirrell's head.

Severus didn't ask any more questions but began to work. "Bat, they ok?"

"We're fine, Harry. You did a very good job." The Dark Lord reassured Harry.

Severus was a bit surprised but agreed. "Yes, you earned an extra Chocolate Frog." He helped Quirrell back to his seat. "Harry, you can't tell anyone about this. Promise me."

"Why?"

"Because it would be very bad for anyone to find out about me." The Dark Lord spoke. "Remember what I said? It's a secret. Promise, and remember what I said about promises."

"Yep, I promise, and yes, promise only break if someone in trouble or agreed upon. Can I have hot chocolate tonight?" Harry clearly not bothered by what he was being asked.

"Yes, Harry. Go and see if Draco and Neville can help you study for Monday's test." Severus watched Harry wave bye, and at the door, Tina appeared to take him.

"We need to talk." The Dark Lord spoke. Severus quickly put up some wards. "We don't have much time. I will tell you, I'm not here to hurt Harry. I do need you and Lucius to aid me, but Severus, I will make a vow, I'm not here to hurt him."

Severus sighed. "I believe Dumbledore set a trap for you. He planned for Harry to know about the stone. He had originally sent Hagrid to get Harry, but problems arose. I was sent to get him instead. You have seen how Harry is, his relatives did it."

"No, it wasn't all them. Lily was worried about Harry. She was searching in the DOM, found something interesting, which we can discuss later. Lily thought Harry had a mild form of Autism. She wanted to get him checked but Dumbledore convinced James it wasn't necessary. He then moved them to Godric's Hollow."

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. "I knew something was off."

"We will speak later. I need to rest. Also, Harry will need you. Just know I'm not here to hurt him. I want him protected by you and Lucius until I can get my body back."

"We can speak tomorrow night. Harry, Draco, and Neville usually spend the weekend with me, but after they fall asleep."

"I will be there."

Chapter 5

Severus added wards to Harry's bedroom door and he had already refreshed the wards on Harry's bed. He didn't want any of the boys to wake up and find Quirrell in his quarters. He was a bit nervous about the Dark Lord being at Hogwarts, but if the man had truly wanted to hurt Harry, he could have done so already.

He opened the door as soon as Quirrell knocked. The Dark Lord had his wand out and cast wards in parseltongue. "To prevent a certain nosy headmaster from knowing what is going on."

Severus poured them some tea. He had a feeling he was going to need something stronger, but since he had three eleven-year-olds sleeping in the next room and a Dark Lord in his quarters, tea would have to do. He also had a feeling there was more that happened that night, things that Albus Dumbledore wanted to remain hidden.

"I'm not sure what you know, but I never killed the Potters. I was originally going to attack them, however, they were already dead when I arrived and Dumbledore was standing over Harry. Peter Pettigrew originally came to me a week earlier, he was their secret keeper. Something about how Pettigrew was acting made me nervous. I saw Lily at the DoM the next day. She didn't like how Dumbledore kept insisting that they add that Harry was to go to her sister if anything happened. They wanted Black, the Longbottoms, Minerva, and even you, though you were Lily's choice."

"I thought Black was their secret keeper?" He buried the lump of emotions that surged forth. Lily wanted him to have Harry.

"He was originally, but for some reason, Dumbledore convinced James Potter and Sirius Black that Black would be the logical choice, and Pettigrew wouldn't. Lily informed me that they already believed that Lupin was the traitor." The Dark Lord inhaled deeply. "At first, Lily and I were under truce agreement. We were both after the prophecy, which is why we were in the DoM."

Severus thought about what the Dark Lord said, and remembering the night he heard the prophecy, he groaned. "It's fake."

"Yes. Lily met with me the next day; she wanted to talk to James. I was to meet her at Gringotts. However, she sent me a letter, delaying our meeting. She explained she needed to do some research. Two days before they were killed, we met at the Leaky Cauldron. She brought Harry with her and felt she was being followed. She was very concerned about James and herself. I'm not sure what happened, but she was fearful that she was on potions and under spells. She knew there was something wrong with Harry. After seeing Harry, I agreed. We were going to arrange a time to go to Gringotts. She had been researching a few things and found some potions that can cause problems in children if the mother is on the potion during a pregnancy, including some darker love potions. She provided me with copies of all her research. The copies at are Slytherin Castle. Before we could continue, James arrived, he dragged them away. The night of the attack, Pettigrew arrived, paranoid about something. He kept telling me that Harry was alone at the house. If I had been saner, I would have realized what was going on. I realized when we discovered that the prophecy was a fake that something wasn't right with me. It's why I wanted to meet with you on the 2nd."

"Do you think he killed them?" No one but Dumbledore, Harry, and the Dark Lord knew what happened that night, well, perhaps Pettigrew.

"Yes, he wasn't surprised to see me." The Dark Lord didn't speak. He waited for Severus to process the information he had told him. "When I arrived, Severus, he wanted me to take the blame for their deaths. He wanted to have a symbol for people to rally behind. A battle cry, if you will. Lily didn't love James Potter that was why she was at the DoM. She was looking for answers. She felt that Dumbledore, Potter, and Black, were hiding too much. She wanted to know why they left Potter Manor. She really didn't care for how quickly they turned on Lupin. She wanted to find out what they did to Harry."

"Dumbledore believes that love protected Harry that night." He had never believed that theory and knew he wasn't the only one. While parents loved their children, he had seen many die willing to save their children, and it didn't prevent their children from being killed.

"It wasn't love. Lily used an old blood magic ritual from a book I had sent her. I had sent her a phial of my blood to use with hers for the ritual. When I arrived, Dumbledore was leaning over Harry. He was trying to pick Harry up, but Harry wasn't letting him. Harry was screaming so loudly it enabled me to approach Dumbledore without him knowing I was in the house. When he realized I was in the room, he pulled out his wand, we dueled, and I would need to review the memory of that night in a pensive to be positive, but I believe my spell hit a mirror, and as I was dodging one of Dumbledore, my own spell hit me."

"The house was almost completely destroyed so there wouldn't have been much in the way of evidence of what happened. Dumbledore would have covered his magical residue, leaving yours, and since I'm sure you used dark magic, he was able to create a story to cover the truth."

"From what I have heard and read about that night, yes he did. Severus, there is one thing I saw in Lily's research, something I know she would have told you. There is one thing in her research that she seemed to base her information on. It was your fifth year. She wanted to know why she never forgave you. She was concerned because you had been friends for so long. She also wondered why she was interested in a bully like James Potter." Severus had wondered why Lily was interested in Potter for years. He didn't think he earned her forgiveness for calling her such a nasty name. "She mentioned she loved you."

"What are your plans now?" Severus' felt lighter, happier, free from whatever chains he had placed around his heart, chains that Harry had been slowly breaking.

"I want to get my body back. I know he has the stone here for a reason. He had to do it for a reason, besides trying to trap me." The Dark Lord was tired. He didn't want another war, but he couldn't let Dumbledore destroy their world.

"I believe it's a test. He has been trying to get Harry interested in the stone, but Harry doesn't like him or Ron Weasley. He has tried to get Neville involved too."

"Protect them both. I will get in touch with Lucius. I don't need the stone, I have other ways to come back, I don't want him to endanger Harry."

"Can you access Lily's research?" Severus wanted to find out what was used on Lily. He knew there were a few different variations of love potions but using one on a pregnant woman would explain the chemical issues that could cause a variety of mental issues. The myth that a child that was conceived out of using love potions couldn't know love was actually wrong. That myth arose from Autistic children that families didn't understand what was wrong with their child, so they blamed potions.

"As soon as I get my body back I can. I placed it under some blood protection. I didn't trust Pettigrew."

"Why did he kill James if James was part of the plan?" Severus knew it wasn't making any sense.

"I don't think he meant to. When I arrived James' position looked like he was trying to prevent whoever attacked from going after Lily and Harry. Lily was upstairs in the nursery with Harry. She was lying dead on the floor while Harry was screaming and trying to get away from Dumbledore."

"Are you going to remain here for the rest of the year?" Severus had never told anyone he had been at the house, after the attack. The Dark Lord's admitting to him how he found them, confirmed to him that the man was being truthful. The stories always just said defending Harry.

"Yes, I will allow Dumbledore to think he has control. He won't expect anything until the end of the year." Dumbledore's theory about when the Dark Lord attack was going to work to his advantage this time. Dumbledore always forced the attacks before, now he knew why.

"Quirrell?"

"Will be heading back to Albania, his wife is eager for his return and I will return as Quirrell next year. I-"

They stopped talking as their individual wards started to go off. "It's Harry." Severus turned his head as the bedroom door opened and Harry exited the room, carrying his stuffed bat. "Harry?"

Harry climbed into Severus' lap. "Bat."

"What is wrong?" Severus checked to make sure Harry didn't feel hot. Some of the students already had colds and the flu.

"Draco loud snoring." Harry tilted his head. "Snaky, you better?"

"Yes, Hatchling, I'm better." The Dark Lord smiled. "I wasn't expecting to see you awake."

Severus tried to not to show his shock, but he knew his mouth was hanging open. "Draco snores."

"So I heard." The Dark Lord laughed. "I do believe it's time for me to return to my own quarters."

"Come on, Little Bat, I will put you back to bed, and roll Draco over." He was going to be reviewing this memory for a long time.

Chapter 6

Severus and Quirrell, aka the Dark Lord, were dragged into another staff meeting. Ron Weasley was still causing problems; however, he was leaving Harry alone. Severus knew it was because of the Weasley twins and other students making sure Ron left Harry alone. While they tried to protect all the students, Ron still managed to find trouble. They were here to discuss the latest issue.

"I'm still perplexed that they are friends." Severus quietly spoke to the Dark Lord. Since that night, Severus found himself dealing with the Dark Lord he originally knew, the version that wasn't bonkers.

"They banded together after Minerva forced him to collect her homework while she was ill. I believe he has been using her to get his own work done. The writing style is very similar." Quirrell didn't stutter when he spoke to Severus or Harry. Quirrell actually liked Severus and Harry.

Severus arched a brow. It explained the weird changes in sentence structures but he had tested it for cheating unless Weasley rewrote the assignments after Granger fixed them. Severus was about to see if Weasley did the same thing on his DADA assignments when Dumbledore and Minerva arrived.

Poppy trailed behind them, looking stressed, vexed, and ready to hex someone at the same time. Pomona poured tea for them as they took their seats. "As you know Fluffy got loose and attacked a few students."

Severus thought that was an understatement. The only reason no one was dead was that the Dark Lord and Severus killed the beast before it could.

*******Flashback******

Harry was spending the night in the dorm since it was a school night. Severus and the Dark Lord were researching different potions that Lily might have been on. While the Dark Lord didn't have access to Lily's notes, he did remember what he read.

The Dark Lord stood up, sending the book that he was reading to the floor. "Someone is in with that beast."

"Great, I told him it was dangerous." Severus and the Dark Lord didn't waste any time and made their way to the third floor. They were on the stairway to the second floor when they heard students screaming, and a loud bark, followed by growling. "It's loose." They started to run up the stairway as students were running.

They pulled out their wands and made their way to where they heard screaming. They got off of the stairwell, raced down the hall, and Severus slipped a bit on some blood, almost falling over a prone student, but managed to remain upright by smashing into the wall. Neither cared what Dumbledore would say as they started firing off the killing curse at the three-headed dog. The dog was throwing bodies around, as it went after anything that moved. The dog had made it to the second floor leaving a long trail of mangled students.

Severus sent a Patronus message to Poppy while he started healing, with the aid of the Dark Lord. It wasn't until they had all the students on the way to the Infirmary that Severus noticed a petrified Harry staring at Severus covered in blood.

Severus learned that several of the students had gone up to the library to get books and had been caught in the panic of students screaming. Harry doing what he had been told followed Gemma as she went to assist the running students. Harry had seen them kill the dog, as it threw a student to the ground.

*****************End Flashback*****************

"How many were injured?" Filius wasn't looking forward to writing letters to the parents of his Ravenclaw students injured.

"63 students, thankfully, all of them will make a full recovery, physically. The mind healers will arrive in a few days to talk to them." Poppy glared at Dumbledore.

"Do you know what happened?" Pomona had spent most of last night and this morning comforting her Puffs.

"It was a bit of a misguided adventure combined with a combination of a mispronounced spell with a correct spell. Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger decided to explore what Albus hid on the third floor. In their panic, Ron uttered a spell wrong, while Hermione opened the door at the same time. The spell Ron used released the chain holding Fluffy."

"Fluffy?" Severus closed his eyes. "Tell me that it wasn't one of Hagrid's pets?"

"I'm afraid it was. Hagrid is devastated by it." Dumbledore had spent the morning trying to figure out what happened, calming Hagrid who was full of grief and guilt. Grief his pet died, yet guilt that his puppy caused so many to be hurt.

"You allowed Hagrid to have that type of dangerous animal here; you placed it on the third floor, announced to a school full of dunderheads that the area you placed it in was off limits for fear of a painful death. I just want to make sure I have my facts correct." Severus really couldn't believe the old fool. He was suddenly very thankful that Harry wasn't a Gryffindor and wasn't friends with the dunderhead named Ron Weasley. He would strangle Dumbledore later, for even thinking about laying this test out for Harry.

Dumbledore wisely, for a change, said nothing. He had already heard from the Board. Hagrid was close to being fired, but Dumbledore was able to stop it. However, Hagrid was going to have to get rid of any pet not deemed safe by the Ministry. He had been issued a warning. If a student had died or do die, Hagrid and he would be up on charges.

"Hagrid has to get rid of anything not deemed safe by the Ministry. I will be the one approving any new pets he acquires." Minerva inhaled deeply. "Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger will be suspended once they recover. Their families will be paying for the medical expenses."

"What will it take to get Mr. Weasley expelled?" Mrs. Pince asked. "That boy has been nothing but trouble since he arrived."

"He is also cheating." Severus helpfully added. "He copies Miss Granger's works and submits it as his own."

"I'm aware of it, but I thought it was only my class. I had set up a meeting with his parents to discuss it with them for tomorrow." Minerva knew the only reason Ronald Weasley was still allowed at Hogwarts was because of who his parents were and what they meant to the Order.

"Mmmmiiinnne too." Quirrell piped in, as others agreed. No one really said anything before because they were aware of how Dumbledore treated his Gryffindors over the other houses, and if you were a favored Gryffindor you could do no wrong in the man's eyes.

Severus nudged the Dark Lord. They both felt it. Soon the lounge door was opened and Harry, carrying his stuffed bat entered. "Bat, bat." Harry did a running jump start and landed on Severus' lap. "Doggy dream."

Draco and Neville were right behind the boy. "Sorry, we tried to stop him, but-" Draco trailed off looking at the staff.

"That is fine Draco; I should have given the three of you a small dose of Dreamless Sleep." Severus had Harry latched onto him. The Dark Lord summoned a blanket, as it was a bit chilly to be out wearing just sleepwear. Draco and Neville had robes and slippers on. Harry just had his pajamas and nothing on his feet.

Poppy had ordered some Dreamless Sleep from St. Mungos because they were dangerously low due to the vast number of students who needed a good night sleep without nightmares. "I will see if we can get more from St. Mungos."

"I have already arranged for my seventh years to assist me in making more later today." Severus noticed several of the staff looking at Dumbledore as if to say this is your fault. "I will put him back to bed. Draco, Neville, come on, I will make you some hot chocolate."

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Severus was looking forward to the Yule holiday. Harry didn't seem excited by it, but Severus knew why. So the Dark Lord and Severus set out to make it the best first Yule that Harry could have.

It has been a rough few weeks. Students were slowly recovering mentally from their ordeal. Physically none of them were permanently damaged. There were a few who would have scars from the dog, but they hopefully would fade a bit.

Weasley was now officially on probation. It had taken a lot of work on Lucius' part, but the Ministry and a lot of irate parents forced the Board not to cave to Dumbledore and his "it was an innocent adventure gone wrong" attitude. The parents submitted their children's memories of the Welcoming Feast, and Weasley's attitude.

The Grangers issued a warning to their daughter, Minerva, and Dumbledore. Another event like this or any bullying they would be withdrawing their daughter. They paid for extra mind healers for students, in addition to offering to pay for any tutors that might be needed for anyone injured.

The Dark Lord and Severus kept on meeting and researching. They were a bit surprised at the lengths Dumbledore was willing to go. They weren't surprised, after all, he did kill the Potters, but to allow that beast into the school as a test for Harry was a bit extreme. They did wonder why Dumbledore didn't revamp the testing, but when they saw Neville talking to Granger, they realized Dumbledore was going to work on making Neville the next Savior if Harry couldn't be "fixed".

"Bat, it's snowing." Harry peeked into Severus' lab; the door was opened as Severus was only putting away ingredients.

"So it is."

"Bat, do I have to shovel all that?" Harry was clearly nervous about all the snow that was building up on the ground. He knew that vast amount of walkways Hogwarts had. He knew he didn't have to do anything when it was snowing during the week because of classes.

"What? No, Hagrid will take care of that. We could, however, build a snowman."

"Really?" Harry's eyes went big. "We get the pair and others to come?"

"I believe we can do that." Severus knew who Harry referred to. When Harry said the pair he meant the Dark Lord and Quirrell.

Harry started bouncing in place as Severus finished, asking all kinds of questions about snow.

Chapter 7

Severus and the Dark Lord guided Harry and his friends outside. Harry's friends just happened to equal about 75 percent of the students as the idea of building a snowman, and the possibility of a snowball fight spread.

Harry was laughing as he was rolling snow into a ball. Hogwarts looked like they now had a snowman army.

"I think we should have gotten more adults." Quirrell knew the students were going to take advantage of just him and Severus watching them.

"Bat, Bat, look!" Harry was covered in snow. "We need carrots for noses." He pointed to his snowman. "Look! We built it."

Draco and Neville were standing next to Harry. "Uncle Severus, we need something for eyes and a hat."

"It can be arranged." Severus began to summon the required items. Students seemed to have overcome any fear of Severus outside of the classroom.

Someone threw a snowball and a snowball fight started. Severus and the Dark Lord built walls out of snow and Harry and his snakes launched their offensive against the rest of the school. Severus helped set-up his snakes with a spell to launch multiple snowballs at once.

Harry leaned close to the Dark Lord. "Pair, we have hot chocolate after?" Harry spoke very softly.

"I am sure we can manage that." The Dark Lord answered softly. He really hated the stuttering.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Severus was sitting on his couch. The Dark Lord was sitting in the chair opposite him. "I'm exhausted."

"I believe they enjoyed themselves." Severus knew it was Harry's first Yule. "We still have presents to wrap and put together."

"I got him an animated book on all the different bats around the world." The Dark Lord had really bought the book and spent a few weeks animating the book. "Lucius and Narcissa have been collecting different holiday movies for them to watch over Yule."

"Narcissa sent me a list of things she wanted answers for, from his favorite food to what to avoid."

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

"Draco, you snoring, again." Harry had been trying to get Draco to roll over. Draco kept on snoring and sleeping.

They were staying at Malfoy Manor. Harry and Draco were sharing a room. Harry went back to his bed, grabbed his stuffed bat. His Big Bat would wake Draco up. Harry exited the bedroom and headed down the hall. He was trying to remember which room his bat was to be sleeping in. He thought he had the right door, but it wouldn't open.

"BAT!" Harry screamed. "BBBBBAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTT."

Every single door opened. "Harry, shhhh, I got you." Severus picked Harry up, wrapping him in his arms. Severus started walking back towards his bedroom, everyone following behind him. Severus kept talking calming nonsense to Harry as he walked him around his room. He wasn't sure what everyone else was doing but he could see them moving around. He couldn't really hear them because Harry was still being rather loud. "Harry, what happened?"

"Draco snores, he snores, so loud." Harry didn't stop repeating himself.

"Severus, perhaps a calming draught?" Narcissa didn't approach them but asked as quietly as she could.

"No, while they would calm him down, they don't actually stop the mental meltdown, it returns in a bigger force later." The Dark Lord explained.

"Little Bat, you're safe." Severus saw the Dark Lord was rearranging the blankets on his bed. The Dark Lord knew the routine and while Severus was working on calming Harry down, the Dark Lord was gathering Harry's comfort things. Harry's blanket was added to the side, Nagini was curled up at the end of the bed.

"I couldn't find you. You were gone." Harry tightened his hold.

"I'm here, I won't leave you." Severus reassured Harry. Harry was still muttering about Severus' being gone. "You're safe, see even the Dark Lord is here."

"The doors wouldn't open. Like being under stairs." Harry had his arms wrapped around Severus neck. The adults all understood what the trigger was. Harry had been locked in the cupboard by his relatives and it wasn't something he would be getting over with anytime soon.

"Lucius, Narcissa, why don't you take Draco and go back to bed." The Dark Lord could see that Draco was sleeping between Lucius and Narcissa on the settee.

"Is there anything we can do?" Lucius picked up Draco.

"No, he will be asleep soon." The Dark Lord escorted the Malfoys to the door, as Severus was still walking Harry, running his hand up and down Harry's back.

"Severus, he looks like he is sleeping." The Dark Lord said several minutes later.

"He is still awake, his emotions are calmer but he is exhausted." Severus carried Harry to his bed and tried to lay him down, but Harry wouldn't let go of Severus.

"I think you are going to have a limpet attached to yourself for the night." The Dark Lord pulled the blankets back further. Severus sat down on the bed, and the Dark Lord removed the man's slippers and helped get him out of his robe. "He might sleep late tomorrow."

"Draco will wake us in a few hours." Severus was grateful for the Dark Lord's assistance in getting into bed. As the Dark Lord went to stand up, he found that Harry had a death grip on his own bathrobe.

"Pair." Harry muttered a bit as he nuzzled into Severus.

"I'm here, Harry, you're safe." The Dark Lord kissed Harry on the top of his head. "Go to sleep, you have presents to open in the morning."

Severus settled into a comfortable position as the door to his room closed.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Severus groaned a bit when Draco knocked on his bedroom door. Harry was still curled into him. Harry had his elbow dug into his side. Harry was laying on his side, his head laying on Severus' chest. "Harry, it's time to get up."

Severus was looking forward to Harry opening his presents. They had put each present into a gift bag or box. They feared that Harry might not like the feel of some of the wrapping paper and also didn't want to overload him on all of the different types of paper. Simple was better with Harry. "Don't you want to see what Santa got you?"

Severus held up a groan as he got an elbow into his stomach as Harry sat up. "It's time, my Bat?"

"Yes, it's time to see what you got for being such a good boy this year. You did all of your assignments, you studied, and you didn't get into any trouble, you have been such a good little bat."

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Harry was holding onto Severus' hand, his eyes big as he took in all the newly put up Christmas decorations that the elves had put up overnight. The Christmas tree was twinkling; there were presents under the tree. Everyone was still in the nightwear.

"So pretty." Narcissa had decorated most of the Manor but left off the Christmas tree and lights until the night before. Part of it was to keep Harry from going into a sensory overload while waiting to make sure the boys enjoyed their Christmas.

"It's present time." Draco was very eager for his. He had woken his parents up an hour or so ago and wisely didn't try to wake the other three people in the house.

"Go ahead." Severus gave Harry a bit of a nudge toward the tree.

Harry gently touched the tree and the ornaments. He giggled a bit. "It's real."

"Yes it is, and so are the presents under the tree." Draco latched onto a present, read the tag.

"Start passing them out Draco, but no one opens a gift until everyone has one." Narcissa instructed. She knew her son well enough to know the boy would have all of his gifts opened before anyone ever got a present.

Harry was still petting the tree, as that would best describe his actions of gently running his hands over the tree branches. "Harry?"

"Dudley always got a tree." Harry continued touching. "I never got to touch it, without getting into trouble."

Harry sat down on the couch as Draco started to read the name tags of the presents. Harry was a bit surprised when Draco handed him a gift. "Me?"

"Yes, Batboy, you. See I told you." Draco gave Harry a grin. "It's from your Bat."

Severus ignored Draco as he watched Harry gently caress the box wrapped in silver paper, with black bats on it. He had gotten it at Halloween and thought Harry would love it for Christmas. "Go ahead, open it."

"It's really for me?" Harry quietly asked.

"Yes, so go ahead and rip the paper off and see what you got." Draco was almost bouncing in his own eagerness.

Harry, with a painstaking slowness that was going to kill Draco, opened his present. He stared at the box until the little black thing in the box meowed at him. "A kitty!" Harry picked up the kitten, cuddled it into his chest as the box fell to the floor.

"Draco helped pick him out." Severus and Draco had spent weeks looking for the right type of cat, not a kitten, which would be beneficial for Harry. Minerva had suggested a cat breeder. The breeder had a few cats that she felt would work and Draco and Severus gave it the Harry test. That meant that Severus made Draco carry the cat around for at least a good ten minutes, followed by sitting down and just kept petting the cat. "He is a little over a year old and his name is Chaos." Severus wasn't sure that the name fit the cat but he knew Harry loved his new cat.

"Chaos." Harry lost interest in the rest of the presents as he held his new cat.

Draco returned to giving out presents. They all got clothes, books, some personal items. "Harry, one last present. It's from Neville."

"Plant boy got me a gift." Harry touched the bright green wrapping paper that had dancing reindeers on the paper. Harry was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the gifts. "I got a gift from a friend."

"What we aren't friends?" Draco's voice took on a hurt tone.

"No, we not friends." Harry kept touching the present. Chaos was lying down between Severus and Harry. "We family. Bat is Mommy, Pair is Daddy, Cissa is Aunt, Luc is Uncle, your brother." Harry hadn't looked up but if he had, he would have seen a range of emotions from shock to joy.

Draco, not one to hold back, hugged Harry. "Too tight." Harry pulled away.

Chapter 8

"Bat, I don't want to go back." Harry was petting Chaos and they would be leaving in the morning to return to Hogwarts.

"Why?" Severus knew Harry enjoyed classes and friends. "We will be there; you don't want to stay with me?"

"I do, but that mean Weasel is there."

"Yes, that is true; however, we will be there, like always. You will have Draco, the Dark Lord, Neville, Chaos, and me. Let's not forget everyone at Hogwarts who would miss you."

"I get to keep my new name?" Harry looked at Severus.

"Always, my Little Bat."

*************Flashback**********************
Severus was waiting in Lucius' office for the man to return. He was hoping it would be good news. It was originally Poppy's idea but he wanted to do it.

"He's not back yet?" The Dark Lord entered Lucius' office. "Where is Harry?"

"No, he's not, and I'm worried about how long it's taking. Harry is with Draco, Blaise, Theo, and Neville down in the garden. Nagini went with them." He knew the Dark Lord would want Nagini to be with Harry.

"Severus, it will be done, one way or another."

Severus, who had been trying to read his new potion magazine, closed it. "If Dumbledore-"

"He can't do a thing." The Dark Lord sat down in the chair opposite Severus. "Severus, it will work out. Dumbledore will pitch a fit, but you have Poppy, Lucius, me, and everyone else behind you."

Severus felt some of his tensions release. "I still have to tell Harry."

"Like he is going to say no. He already calls you his, and he thinks of you-"

"Don't you dare say it; also remember what he calls you." Severus ignored the knowing smirked the Dark Lord gave him. The man had been very strange since Severus learned who was sharing a body with Quirrell. "When do you plan on doing your return?"

"Nice change of subject, but I was thinking the first full moon after we leave Hogwarts. I don't want the old fool to wonder what is going on."

"True, he has put the course in place, but not whatever he plans on hiding." Severus knew Dumbledore wasn't about to inform him of any of his plans.

"It's the Sorcerer's Stone; however, he has the fake. I already returned the real one to Nicholas Flamel, explained about Fluffy. He sent a rather lengthy letter back that basically said Dumbledore didn't have permission to remove it, and he would wait until the end of the year and confront Dumbledore about the stone." The Dark Lord had been writing letters to the Flamels since he stole the stone back from Hagrid. He had to stage the break-in to make sure Dumbledore thought he was returning.

"I wonder who he will try to con into doing the course. The Know-It-All and Weasel don't have any friends."

"Good, you're both here." Lucius entered his office. "Narcissa has gone to retrieve Harry." Lucius sat down on the couch.

"It got approved?" Severus was shocked. He thought Dumbledore would have done whatever he could have to stop it from happening. An elf appeared in the room with some tea.

"Yes, Dumbledore tried to stop it but Poppy submitted Harry's first medical exam and the one she did right before the Yule break along with other reports stopping his alternate arrangements. Poppy had gathered all of Harry's reports, his physical, mental, and even his educational. I had the Board send in the reports about the behavioral issues the Weasley family was having with their youngest son. Dumbledore's worst enemy was Molly Weasley. Apparently, Arthur Weasley informed her of the hearing, and she stormed in, I should add at a very good point for us. We were in the middle of discussing her son and she went on a tangent about her son trying to defend him, Harry Potter, Slytherin, and how ashamed the Potters would be about their son being cared for by Severus Snape."

"Dumbledore?" The Dark Lord wondered what Dumbledore tried to do to fix Molly's rants. Lucius had made sure they had the support for this plan before Lucius had presented it. Minister Fudge and Madam Bones backed this move, and that aided Poppy's idea.

"He wasn't very happy; however, it got the few who would have voted for Dumbledore and her to change their minds. Dumbledore tried to rally, but Lady Longbottom had some mind healers from St. Mungos near. They spoke on Severus and Harry's behalf. They explained about the connection Severus has with Harry, which the Mind Healers backed up with fact. They even provided some muggle scientific reports, which, when Dumbledore tried to counter by saying it wasn't verified and demanded an expert opinion on it, Lady Longbottom brought out three squib scientists and had them explain everything, which is what took so long." Lucius had been a bit surprised when Poppy had written him a few months ago, with her request for aid.

"Bat, Bat, look." Harry held up a jar filled with moss. "We make a potion later?" Narcissa was grinning from the doorway.

"Uncle Severus, we collected a lot of ingredients. Neville showed us all the plants we could gather." Draco held up a few different bags of ingredients.

"We even dug up some flobberworms." Blaise held up the jar filled with dirt and the worms.

"The gardens are wonderful. Lady Malfoy is going to send some samples home for me to grow." Neville already cut the samples for his greenhouse.

"Wonderful, why don't you put the ingredients in my lab, we need to speak to Harry." Harry climbed into his lap, still holding the jar. "Give it to Draco, Harry." Harry tightened his hold on the jar. "We will make a potion later."

Harry still didn't want to hand the jar over. "Harry, I will help too." The Dark Lord knew that would work. Harry loved when the three of them worked on potions together. "This is very important."

"Oh, sounds bad." Harry looked them, he face showed his confusion at seeing their happy faces. "You happy, so not bad." Harry was still working on figuring out positive emotions. He mastered negative emotions to survive the Dursley household.

"Yes, very good news." Severus watched Draco receiving the jar of moss. "Draco, I'm sure the four of you can put everything away in the right spots."

"We can, Sir." Theo reassured Severus.

"Go, I'm sure Narcissa will have some treats for a job well done." Lucius smiled as the four boys left.

"Me too, Bat?" Harry looked at the Dark Lord. "Pair?"

"You too, Harry, but after we chat." The Dark Lord smiled.

"Harry, how would you like it if I was your father?" Severus felt Harry tense.

"But you my Bat, I'm your Little Bat."

"That won't change. I will be your father so that no one can remove you from me." Severus felt Harry relax.

"But you the mommy, Pair is the daddy."

Severus glared at Lucius and the Dark Lord smirked. "Harry, you can call me your Bat if you want, but do not call me Mommy outside of this Manor, please. If you agree, your name will be Snape."

"It will! I want to be Snape, what will my new name be?" Harry bounced a bit on Severus' lap.

"Harry Snape." Severus watched Harry process the information.

"No, no, won't work. Need a new name for new name. Yes, new name, need new name."

They could see Harry was excited about the news. "Harry, there is a potion that will us true father and son." Severus made the potion to give Harry for Yule, but the paperwork wasn't approved, so he had held off giving Harry the potion and the news.

"New name for new son for new daddy...Yes, a new name. We need new name."

The Dark Lord wanted to laugh; Harry wasn't going to settle down until they got him a name. "What name do you want, Harry?"

"You and mommy pick, Harry gone, he now a Snape." Harry leaned back against Severus. "Pick."

Lucius started laughing.

****************End Flashback************************************

"Severus, how could you?"

Severus turned and found Dumbledore standing in his doorway of his office. "Excuse me?"

"You could have told me you were going to adopt Harry Potter." Dumbledore entered into Severus' office.

"It's Sebastian Snape." Severus didn't bother with his son's full new name. Dumbledore didn't need the information and he didn't want to give Dumbledore any name for him to use in a ritual.

"He needs to be Harry Potter. We need him to be our Savior. He needs to be able to defeat Tom when he returns."

Severus sighed. "Albus, I'm going to say this once. My son will not be involved in any scheme you come up with. I will not have him lead out as a lamb to slaughter. He won't be your lamb."

"I would never."

Severus slammed down the words he wanted to scream at Dumbledore. The words were about the abuse he knew students, including him, had endured because of Dumbledore. The abuse he subjected his son to endure for years. The stealing of monies from his son's vaults. Now wasn't the time. "He needed someone, Albus. I'm the one he connected with, not you. You have done everything in your power to alienate the boy by allowing Ron Weasley to torment him and his mother, no better."

"You could have talked to me beforehand. I would have aided."

"I heard how you supported it."

Dumbledore wisely said nothing about the meeting. "Is he returning here?"

"Yes, he is reading in my quarters with Draco and Neville."

"Good, very good." Dumbledore started to leave, at the door, he stopped. "Severus, I never wanted him hurt."

Severus knew Dumbledore meant that he never wanted Harry Potter unable to fulfill the role or course of action that Dumbledore wanted him to follow.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Severus woke up as he felt Bast climb into bed with him. Since it was Sunday night, Severus wasn't surprised.

"Bat, where is Pair?"

"I imagine he is sleeping in his quarters. It's late."

"Why don't you and he share room like Uncle Lucy and Aunt Cissy?"

Severus wasn't going to get over his son's nicknames, especially Lucius. He was sure that he and the Dark Lord would forever remember Lucius' face when he was called Lucy by Bast. He didn't think they would need a pensive to remember it. "Well, we aren't married."

"Oh, you best do it, soon."

Severus got hit in the face by his son's stuffed bat and felt Chaos jump on the bed. He waited for everyone to get settled. He wasn't in his favorite position or really in the most comfortable position for sleeping but he wouldn't give it up.

Chapter 9

Severus wished he had followed Sebastian's idea about not returning. He was sitting in his office after taking another headache potion. He looked up as someone popped into the room. He saw Draco, Neville, and Sebastian with Tina releasing them. "Uncle Severus, you look like something a cat wouldn't drag in."

"My Bat has old man bothering him." Sebastian was standing between Neville and Draco, Tina was now by the door waiting for Sebastian.

"Perhaps we better take Bastian to the common room." Neville wasn't afraid of Severus but had a feeling he needed some quiet time.

"I'm fine. I took a potion." Severus watched Tina pop away as his son moved around the desk. Sebastian began to pull out his books and put them on Severus' desk. "How were your classes?" Severus watched the books get stacked neatly on top of each other.

"Good, but Weasley and Granger have been trying to get Bastian to answer to Harry, they kept insisting that he was Harry Potter, despite everyone using Sebastian Snape. Bastian at one point stuck his tongue out and told them "no, no, my name is my new name." Draco had enjoyed the surprised look on Granger and Weasley's faces when Sebastian stuck his tongue out.

"Yes, Bat, they not bright. Look, I got an O again." Sebastian held up his Charms essay. "Little Professor said I did an excellent job, no spelling mistakes." Sebastian put the essay squarely on the desk, but the essay didn't touch anything else.

"Very good, you certainly are earning your Chocolate Frogs this week." Severus watched the faces of Draco and Neville. "What happened?" He knew Sebastian had his own way of doing things. Books always had to be stacked neatly on top of each other. Parchment couldn't touch the books or other things. Severus at first thought it was OCD, but after reading some more books recognized it for what it was. Sebastian had never really got to control his world with the Dursley's, and with autism, he developed certain habits to give himself some control.

"Granger was speaking to Weasley, in the library." Draco and Neville sat down in the chairs opposite Severus' desk.

"Yeah, she is loud." Sebastian pulled opened the top drawer of Severus' desk and got out the color pencils Severus kept in there for the boys to use when he had detentions. They would stay in his office, while he went next door to his Potion classroom to supervise the detention. The door between the two room would remain slightly ajar.

"Loud is an understatement, but we heard her mentioning that Dumbledore was going to try and get her hired to tutor Sebastian. Dumbledore is going to use the Board to get it official. She is going to be paid, Weasley laughed, commented about getting paid to babysit Sebastian while she did the work for Sebastian." Draco knew this information was important and knew the only reason why they heard it was because the library was quiet and the two idiots didn't realize they were on the other side of the bookcase. Sebastian was always quiet in the library, usually whispering when he spoke as he followed Mrs. Pince's rule about being quiet.

"I do my own work, my Bat and Pair would be upset if I didn't." Sebastian looked at Severus. "Bat never does my work."

"Yes, you do. I'll firecall Lucius and warn him." Severus knew the old fool was up to something when he kept showing up over the last two days asking him a variety of questions about Sebastian's education. He had believed the man was going to get one of his Order members to either review or watch Sebastian's work to make sure Sebastian would be able to remain at Hogwarts. Dumbledore didn't want Sebastian to leave and was fearful that if Sebastian couldn't do the work, that Severus might withdraw him. Minerva and each of the other staff members always spent time with Sebastian to make sure he understood everything. Minerva and Filius usually spent up to an hour or so a week with Sebastian. Severus and the Dark Lord worked with Sebastian on the weekends to make sure that he kept up with the rest of his year mates.

"See Bat fix." Sebastian had put out three sets of the colored pencils on the desk, pulled out the old parchment, and was now making sure the pencils had the same colors in each set and were sharpened. "Detention?"

"Yes, I have a few coming. Your school work?"

"You check, but we finished." Sebastian nudged his satchel, finished work always stayed in his satchel until Severus checked it, and then it went back in until he could turn it in. "Plant Boy and Dray done too. The library was quiet except for Mouthy and Red."

Neville didn't even try to hide his laughter at the new names, as Draco let out a small giggle. "What are we drawing tonight?" Draco moved to the smaller table that Severus set up in the room for them to use.

"We need to draw a few different plants for extra credit, why not them?" Neville wasn't the greatest at drawing but he did love plants.

"True and it would drive Granger bonkers if we turned them in before the deadline." Draco liked that idea.

"You decide what you want to draw. I'll be next door supervising. Professor Quirrell might stop by; let him know where I am when he does." Severus wanted to speak to the Dark Lord about Sebastian's idea that they get married.

"He coming soon, he promised to show me how to do the wand work for the new spells." Sebastian looked around the room as he held up his wand. "I have it."

Severus did a slight chuckle. Sebastian usually forgot his wand outside of classes or his session with a professor. He preferred his stuff bat or Potions to his wand. "Very good, now if you would carry with you all the time."

"I was thinking about that. Perhaps we could find a wand holder for his arm that he won't object too. Perhaps in his favorite color." The Dark Lord was standing in the doorway. They had tried some of the wand holders they owned but Sebastian didn't like them. The Dark Lord held up a purple wand holder.

"Pretty." Sebastian watched the Dark Lord walk toward them, his eyes on the wand holder. The Dark Lord held it to him. Sebastian didn't take it right away, but slowly touched it. "Oh, not hard" as he leather bent a bit. He moved it a bit more with his finger. "Mine?"

"Yes." The Dark Lord placed it on Severus' desk.

Sebastian prodded it, moved it around before he finally picked it up. "Soft."

Severus saw the holder was purple suede leather. He arched a brow at the Dark Lord. "I had Ollivander make one for his wand. He even dyed it purple."

"Wand guy made this for me? I wanted a purple wand. He didn't have any purple sticks for a wand."

******Flashback******

Severus was escorting Harry to get his wand. He had already ordered everything else using his own house elf and mail order, however, a wand was the one thing they couldn't mail order. They were currently walking to the apparition point outside of Hogwarts and Severus was going to apparate them directly to Ollivander's. They had arranged a time for Ollivander to allow them to apparate directly into his store.

"Bat, why wand?

"So you can do magic. While I know you have done magic before a wand will allow you to learn spells and use them." Severus had already experienced some of Harry's accidental magic when Dumbledore had tried to get Harry to stay with someone else.

"A stick does all that?"

"Yes, it does."

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

"I want a purple stick." Harry rushed his words out, as he leaned closer to Severus. "Messy, messy, messy. Auntie wouldn't like."

Severus put a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. He buried the fact that he really wanted to kill Petunia. "We need to find a wand that fits Harry." He knew this was going to be an ordeal. Harry had been processing everything Hogwarts was throwing at him fairly well. He got along with the Professors and other staff, as long as no one else touched him. Severus was the only one allowed. Harry was doing well on adjusting to Draco and Neville, which Severus knew would make it easier for Harry once the students arrived.

Draco and Neville were at Hogwarts almost daily and joined Severus, Minerva, and Filius on getting ready for Hogwarts. Minerva worked on getting theory down, while Filius worked on the concept of magic, and Severus showed the boys how to do basic potion ingredients and how to collect the ingredients while showing them that while they didn't need a wand to work potions, magic was indeed needed. The three Professors watched the confidence in Harry and Neville grow, especially when Draco praised Neville and Harry for a job well done.

"Yes, yes, Mr. Potter, I was expecting you to visit with everyone else, but no matter. Now, which arm is your wand arm?"

Harry tilted his head up at Severus. "Bat, I thought you said stick was wand?"

"It is, he means which hand you write with as that is usually what hand you hold your wand in."

Harry gave Ollivander a strange look as the man fretted a bit while Severus held up his own arm and pulled back his sleeve to show Harry his wand and wand holder. Harry held up his right arm. Harry's eyes bugged out when the tape measure flew into the air, he started to swat at it to keep it away from him. Harry started to run away from it, as the tape measure chased him.

"Stop the tape measure." Severus ordered as he intercepted Harry and pulled the boy into his arms, and using his back to keep the tape measure away.

"Oh dear." Ollivander corralled his tape measure.

Severus calmed Harry down, by running his hand up and down Harry's back. "You're safe, my little bat." He cast a glare at Ollivander when the man started to approach them.

"Mr. Potter, why don't you remain there, I'll get some wands and see if we can match you."

Severus kept his body protecting Harry as Ollivander disappeared from view. He used the time to soothe Harry. "No tape measure, Harry. It's gone." Harry looked around Severus but didn't move away from Severus.

Ollivander returned with some boxes. Harry looked at the boxes. "No purple?"

"I do apologize, Mr. Potter, but I have never been able to find a purple tree." Ollivander held out a wand. "Take it and give it a wave."

Thirty-five wands later, they found Harry's wand. Of course, it involved three screams of terror as the wands reacted to Harry's magic by setting off small fires, ten eyes bulging as Harry dropped the wands when they shot sparks out of the ends, two melted wands, and twenty wands that didn't do anything. Ollivander produced a wand made of Fir, with Horned Serpent Horn as the core.

"Yes, it fits Mr. Potter. Fir, as my august grandfather, Gerbold Octavius Ollivander, always called wands made of this wood 'the survivor's wand,' because he had sold it to three wizards who subsequently passed through mortal peril unscathed. I believe Mr. Potter is a survivor. Now, Horned Serpent Horn is usually used by Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry founder Isolt Sayre. I received this want years ago, as a gift, as the wands made from this core were exceptionally powerful. They were also sensitive to Parseltongue and will warn its owner of danger by emitting a low musical tone. It's 12 inches, a very good length for Mr. Potter."

Harry held the wand. "What's Parseltongue?"

"I will explain that later." Severus wanted out of the shop. While Harry wasn't about to have a total meltdown, he was still highly sensitive.

"Albus is going to be surprised." Ollivander muttered.

"What?" Severus heard the man; people never realized how important good hearing was when it came to catching students.

Ollivander held up a box. "I was to have Mr. Potter try this wand, but it's not meant for Mr. Potter. I knew that after the first three wands, the wood was all wrong for Mr. Potter."

"I believe I want the whole story." Severus still had Harry protectively wrapped under him. He should have known that Dumbledore had something planned for that wand and Harry. The man had been too helpful when Severus mentioned getting Harry a wand.

"This wand is Holly 11" with a core of a Phoenix Feather. It's nice and supple, but the brother of You-Know-Who's wand, the core tail feathers are both from Fawkes. I got the second feather a few years ago. Albus expected the wand to go to young Mr. Potter. He seemed sure it would. Shame, it's not often I get feathers from Fawkes. He has only given me three, one burned up shortly after I received it."

"Indeed." Severus was going to kill a certain Headmaster if he thought that he could control Harry. "Perhaps a wand holder?"

"I have a few varieties, but nothing in purple, just red, blue, green, and black."

"Black will do. How much?"

"The wand was a gift for me to sample the core, so free, the holder is two galleons."

"Can we make the stick purple?" Harry held it out to Ollivander.

"No, sorry, I don't have a way to change the color."

"So no purple?" Harry tilted his head up to Severus. "You fix?"

"No, it's not fixable, but since you have been very good, we can stop at Honeydukes and get a box of Chocolate Frogs like I promised." Severus knew it would change Harry's focus. He was also going to carry Harry. The boy loved to watch the Frog do their first jump and the cards. Harry liked to line the cards up and watch the people in them disappear.

"Two Frogs after dinner?"

"Perhaps."

**********End flashback*********************

Severus watched the Dark Lord put the wand holder on Sebastian's arm. He wasn't really surprised that Sebastian would let the Dark Lord do it. "Now put your wand into the holder, and I will show you how it works."

They heard the door to Severus' class open. "I will leave them in your capable hands." He watched Sebastian place his wand in the holder. He stood in the doorway as Sebastian followed the Dark Lord's directions on how to put the wand into the holder.

"Bat, look it's purple and soft." Sebastian held up his arm for Severus to see and touch. "I match Plant Boy and Dray."

"I see that. What do you say to Quintas?" He knew Neville and Draco had been trying to get Sebastian to wear a wand holder, but now they wouldn't have to keep track of Sebastian's wand.

"Thank you, Pair, I love purple." Sebastian kept touching the soft material. "Wand won't get lost and I won't forget it."

"You're welcome. Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Malfoy, and Mr. Snape, shall we move this to the Defense classroom, as I'm sure Severus would like his office to remain intact."

"I need some help with the shield spell. I can get it to form, but not stay." Draco liked this idea better than drawing plants.

"Me too. We can draw the plants tomorrow night." Neville needed help on Defense and wasn't about to turn down free time to learn get better.

"Pair, said we work on holding a wand."

"We will. Now, let's leave Severus to his detentions."

Chapter 10

Severus was sitting at the head table, watching the students as usual when he noticed Dumbledore was the one acting weird. Dumbledore had arrived late for lunch, and stopped at the Gryffindor table, to be exact, he stopped by Granger and Weasley, told them something that made them excited, and the duo glanced over to his son.

Severus knew what it was about. Dumbledore had been spending a few hours each day at the Ministry. "He thinks it worked." The Dark Lord quietly told Severus.

"Yes, I can't wait to see his face when it backfires." Severus had already met with Lucius, and together with Lady Longbottom, worked out the perfect plan to stop Granger or Weasley from getting near Sebastian. Sebastian, who refused to be called Harry, was sitting at the Slytherin table with Neville and Draco.

Severus watched as Dumbledore took his seat, greeted everyone. "Severus, I do need to speak to you after lunch."

"Certainly." Severus knew he was going to have to deal with Dumbledore throwing a temper tantrum after this. He ignored the low growl of the Dark Lord.

Since it was Friday, the Slytherins didn't have any afternoon classes, so Sebastian would go and spend the afternoon with either Severus or in the common room. "Do you think you can distract Bas? He will expect me to make a potion with them or be in the common room like normal."

"I will. Besides, I think, he, Draco, and Neville are working on a plan for us to have a date night."

Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He remembered the very unsettling conversation of a month ago.

***************************Flashback*****************************

Since it was Sunday night, Severus knew that Draco and Neville would be sleeping in the dorm, but Sebastian would be sleeping in his own bed, in Severus' quarters. It was the only way to guarantee that Draco didn't wake Sebastian up with his snoring. The Dark Lord was due to arrive any minute to talk about Sebatian's latest idea of them being married.

Severus made some tea, was about to place the tea tray down when he heard the knock. He glanced up and read Quirrell. He was going to have to ask how the man did that.

After tea was served, Severus wasn't sure how to bring the subject up. "I'm not sure if Bas mentioned his latest idea."

"Which one?" The Dark Lord leaned back and enjoyed the flush of embarrassment that went across Severus' face. He knew what Severus meant. Sebastian had already asked him about marrying Severus. Thankfully, Sebastian was aware of his surroundings more than most students were when he asked questions like that. Sebatian was very good at separating when he could speak to him as the Dark Lord versus as Quirrell.

"He believes we should get married. He actually told me we needed to hurry up and do it." Severus inhaled. "I just didn't want him to mention it in front of others." While Sebastian kept secrets, he didn't like this new idea and was afraid Sebastian would be vocal about his "parents" getting married.

"I see." The Dark Lord smiled. "I don't see why we can't?"

"What? I'm not getting married because my son wants it." Severus was a bit surprised. He had thought it was going to be a long conversation about how to get Sebastian off of the subject without revealing that they used to be a couple, until the prophecy.

"What if I want it? Severus, you know I never stopped-"

"Yes, I'm aware but that was then." Severus remembered how involved they were. It was before the prophecy was even spoken. It was before he knew the truth. It was when he believed that two people he cared about were going to be in conflict with each other, and he had believed that his Tom would kill his Lily.

"Yes, I'm aware of that, but it doesn't change my feelings. Has it changed yours? I do mean since you learned the truth and I've been back."

Severus was a bit surprised, he hadn't really thought about his feelings towards Tom since he had learned the truth. He thought about his feeling when he found Quirrell lying in the classroom. He didn't care about Quirrell, but he didn't hesitate to help his Tom. The one he had been confused about before that day.

"Severus, I'm not saying let's get married this week. I'm saying let me court you like I originally did. Let's get to know each other again."

"No pressure?" Severus needed to re-evaluate his feelings but he knew he did care about Tom, the Dark Lord, Tom, the person, and Tom, his boyfriend from his past.

"Severus, I promise no pressure. I never wanted to leave. I wish I had spoken to you about what was going on at that time, but Dumbledore was watching you and Lily to closely. Lily was worried about you, and so was I. She did love you like a brother."

"I did love her like a sister." Severus still missed Lily at times, especially when Harry did something that was very Lily like. Harry had a gentle nature about him, especially when he was holding or petting Chaos, who wasn't at all like his name.

The Dark Lord smiled. "So how about we do a Friday night date night, or Saturday if we are on duty. I can take you out on Hogsmeade weekends. We don't have to leave the castle if you think Dumbledore might have a fit."

"Hogsmeade works." Severus smiled.

**************End Flashback*************

Severus was heading out of the Great Hall, and he passed the Slytherin table when Sebastian stopped him. "Bat."

"Yes, Bas?"

Sebastian waved his hand, to tell Severus to come closer. When Severus leaned toward Sebastian, he whispered, "why are Mouthy and Red, looking and grinning at me?"

Severus wanted to curse, damn Gryffindors. "They think they have outsmarted us, but they haven't. Lucius and I have already fixed it."

"Oh." Sebastian grinned. "Bad lions thinking they can outsmart a snake."

"Exactly. Go to Professor Quirrell, he is going to show you, Draco, and Neville a new spell." Severus looked at Draco as he spoke. Letting him know it was indeed fine and that everything was handled.

"Come on, Bas. I bet we can get him to show us at least two more." Draco knew that would distract Sebastian. Neville grabbed some fruit for them to have later.

Severus was heading to his quarters to floo call Lucius when he saw him entering Hogwarts. "I figured he would wait to gloat until after lunch."

"He didn't. I knew something was up the minute I saw him." Severus was going to enjoy this. "Augusta?"

"I'm right here." Lady Longbottom stepped through the front doors. "Sorry for the delay. I was a bit delayed in leaving the house."

"Glad you could make it." Severus knew Lady Longbottom wasn't going to allow Dumbledore any wiggle room.

The trio headed up to the Headmaster's office and as they hit the fourth floor, they found Draco with his wand out, pointed Weasley, while Neville had his pointed at Granger. Tina was standing by a clearly distraught Sebastian, in a very protective stance. Sebastian was rocking back and forth. "Master, they hit Little Bat." Severus picked Sebastian up. He was covered in something.

"They did what?" Lady Longbottom wasn't very happy to hear this news.

"We were heading to Professor Quirrell's class when Granger grabbed Bas, pulled him around to face her because we were ignoring them. When Bas pulled away, told her no touching, and said his name was Sebastian. Granger then hit him, calling him Harry and told him his parents would be so disappointed in him, and that once she was teaching him, she wouldn't put up with this nonsense." Draco explained.

"Weasley is the one who threw something at Bas when Granger forced Bas around. He is also the one who tried to hit Tina with a stunner." Neville added.

"No, that isn't true. He refused to answer to his name. I wanted to set up a teaching schedule for him." Granger defended them. "They are the ones with their wands out, not us."

"It's true, Master, what Master Draco and Neville say. They did. I was going to pop Little Bat to you, but they already hit him." Tina was glaring at the two Lions.

"All of you come with us." Lucius demanded. He wasn't going to hold back. This was it. Dumbledore dug his own grave with this. "Severus, you know what they threw at him?"

"Yes, a compulsion potion." Severus had smelled it. "Idiots, you have to drink it, it doesn't work by throwing it at someone."

"March." Lady Longbottom was going to make sure this made it to the Board. Dumbledore was on thin ice and it was cracking.

"I'll send a Patronus to summon Poppy to the Headmaster's office." Lucius wanted the evidence and knew Dumbledore would find a way around it unless it was one of his "people".

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Dumbledore was a bit surprised when he saw the group enter his office. A group of very angry adults, a whimpering Harry, Draco, Neville, Weasley, and Granger, who was defending herself for hitting Harry. Dumbledore could see Harry was covered in the compulsion potion, and Weasley looked guilty. He groaned, inwardly. Granger hitting Harry was bad enough, but covering Harry with a potion and Severus smelling it, was going to make thing ten times worse. Seeing Lucius, Lady Longbottom, and Poppy made it a hundred times worse.

"Do cease your prattling, Granger." Severus had Poppy record the use of the potion. He knew he wasn't going to be able to put Sebastian down, so he held onto him and rub his hand up and down Sebastian's back. Poppy ran her scans, recording everything, while Lucius and Lady Longbottom gathered Draco and Neville's memories.

"I got it, Severus. Mr. Weasley care to explain why you threw a compulsion potion at Mr. Snape? Where you obtained it, to begin with?" Poppy stepped between Dumbledore and Weasley. "I'm waiting."

"I found it at home." Weasley stammered out. "I thought it was a prank potion the twins use."

"I'm going to request the memory of you removing it from home, bringing it to Hogwarts, storing it, and then using it on Mr. Snape." Lucius knew the boy was lying. The boy was a lousy liar.

"I don't believe it's necessary. No one was hurt and the potion isn't any good." Dumbledore inserted. He didn't want anyone to link the potion to him. Yes, he gave it to Granger, but he honestly thought she would have been smart enough to keep it away from Ron. Why did Ron throw a potion at Harry? Waste of a good potion and it would now make Severus even more cautious.

"Miss Granger hit Mr. Snape and Mr. Weasley threw a compulsion potion on him. I'm going to support the request, and I'm going to make sure Madam Bones hears about this." Lady Longbottom wasn't going to let Dumbledore get away with this. After numerous discussions with her grandson, she was revamping her opinion of Dumbledore, the Order, and how Dumbledore wanted to run Hogwarts.

"I will also be demanding an inquest." Severus added. His son had his face buried in Severus' neck, his hands had a death grip on Severus' robes.

"I will be aid my support." Lucius held up six scrolls. One for Dumbledore, one for McGonagall, one for Severus, one for Weasley, one for Granger, and one to be filed for the Heads of Houses to review. Their parents would have their own copies delivered today.

"We originally came here to issue a restraining order on Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley. I certainly wish it was in effect when it this happened, as I'm sure they would love a dose of their own bad behavior." Lady Longbottom enjoyed the surprise on Dumbledore's face. There was no way they were going to allow his pets near Sebastian. The duo was too violent and didn't care who they hurt. They had a very long detention record and many reports from staff regarding their behavior. "I'm sure Professor McGonagall will get her copy?"

Dumbledore nodded his agreement.

"A what?" Weasley looked confused, as normal.

"Why? You can't issue one against us, we haven't done anything to warrant that." Granger stamped her foot.

Lucius pulled out the smaller notices that would allow the staff to be aware of the situation without them receiving their own individual copies of the restraining order. He handed them to Dumbledore, Granger, and Weasley. The three of them would be responsible for giving them to any person they interacted with at Hogwarts and ones that Sebastian also interacted with. It would alert the staff not to put the three of them in close proximity to each other. "Actually, you numerous violations of respecting Mr. Snape's person is the reason. No one deserves to be hit, followed, or teased by anyone."

Dumbledore took the copy of the notices and began to read the original restraining order. He groaned. They used the detention records, letters from students, and memories submitted to get the restraining order passed. "It's legal. Hermione, Ron, you need to put a drop of your blood on your individual Orders."

Severus was still glaring at the pair. "It won't get you out of your punishment. If I knew that Albus wouldn't prevent it, I would be pushing for suspension for the pair of you for a week."

"Actually, I'm going to go to the Board and make sure they are suspended, if they aren't." Lady Longbottom glared at Dumbledore.

"I will back you." Lucius could see that Sebastian was calming down, his head was still turned to Severus, but his body wasn't as tense nor was it shaking. "Calming Draught?"

"I bought one with me." Poppy held up the potion. She carried a few in her medicine bag.

"So I'm not going to tutor Harry? I can't be suspended." Granger looked down at the Order and began to read it. "It's not true, I don't hit him. Yes, I did today, but it was an accident."

"Whatever gave you the idea that I would have allowed you to tutor my son, and his name is Sabastian, that is part of your problem Granger. You think you know what is best, and if someone disagrees with you, or you believe you are in the right, you hit them." Severus glared at Dumbledore. "You, honestly expecting a first-year to tutor another first year? Have the lemon drops gone to your head?"

"I was doing what I thought was best."

"I'm his father. You have no say in what is best for my son. You better remember that in the future, Albus." Severus noticed Sebastian was beginning to react to his anger. Poppy opened the Calming Draught and held it up for Sebastian to drink. He did. "I'm putting him to bed. I better not see you near him, ever, is that understood, Granger? Weasley?"

The duo was smart enough to realize that Snape wasn't joking. "Yes, Sir." They replied.

"Albus, expect a formal notice of the inquest later this week." Lady Longbottom waved Draco and Neville out of the room.

They followed Severus down to his quarters. Quirrell was coming out of the dungeons. He arched a brow at seeing them. "I'll explain as soon as I put him to bed."

"Draco, Neville, go to the common room." Lucius ordered as he followed Severus and the Dark Lord into Severus' quarters. Lady Longbottom trailed behind them.

"Well, Mr. Dark Lord, what are you going to do to get rid of that idiot of a Headmaster?" Lady Longbottom asked once everyone was inside. When they went to protest, she stopped them. "Lily told Alice. I think that is why they were targeted."

Chapter 11

Lady Longbottom laughed at their faces. "Well, it's not often I can get one over on not only one Slytherin but three." She sat down on the couch. "I wasn't sure exactly who I was going to speak with, but after reading Neville's letter, as well as the change I saw him during the Yule holiday, I knew who was responsible. Severus and the Dark Lord. Sebastian and Draco have been wonderful friends to him, which he needed."

The Dark Lord smirked. "Lady Longbottom, Lily spoke of Alice. Please call me Tom." The Dark Lord looked at Sebastian, he was covered with something. He arched a brow as he buried his anger. Someone had clearly hurt Sebastian and judging from Severus' lack of expression it involved Dumbledore and his pets. He knew that Severus must have given Sebastian a calming draught.

"Let me put him to bed, while you inform Tom of what happened." Severus headed to Sebastian's bedroom. "He won't sleep for long." He was going to find a way to make sure Dumbledore felt his displeasure. He used different potions to use on the old fool to keep him calm as he had walked here, and was still going through his list.

Severus put Sebastian on his bed, as Chaos jumped on the bed. The cat always seemed to know when it was needed and always managed to be there for Sebastian. Severus cast a quick cleaning spell and changed Sebastian into some fresh clothes. Severus summoned Sebastian's stuffed bat. Sebastian crawled under the covers, as Severus handed him his bat. Sebastian turned to lay on his side. He looked up at Severus. "You take a nap. We will be here when you wake up." Sebastian settled down once Chaos was curled up by his lower back. Severus brushed the hair out of Sebastian's eyes. He was still amazed at how much Sebastian had wiggled his way into his heart. He rubbed Sebastian's back until he was sure Sebastian was sleeping.

Severus entered his living area. The Dark Lord looked at him. "He won't sleep for long. What have you decided?" He was still doing his mental list. He was going to make sure Dumbledore's two pets would feel his displeasure when they returned to Hogwarts.

"Tom brought up a few valid points. Ron Weasley said he got the potion from his house, he thought it was one of the twins' potions. Based on his potion marks, and the fact that the twins are known for their pranks, he might have numerous memories." Lucius explained. "Molly is also known for making potions for healing. So I could see them having a potion storage area that Dumbledore or Ronald would claim that he found the potion mixed in, and thought the twins were pranking their family."

"Dumbledore would make sure of it. He would create the memories, by simply having the boy do it over and over again. There is no way to determine the time or dates." Lady Longbottom had been subtly fighting Dumbledore for years. "Even if we were to compare the potions, Dumbledore would have the boy take a few compulsion potions mixed in with other ones. Even if we had Severus review the memories clarifying what potions he picked up, it won't make a difference."

"He would. He knows how to cover up what he would consider a slight misunderstanding." Severus had a lot of experience with Dumbledore doing just that. "Also, he is knowledgeable enough about potions to craft a few prank potions that he would include in the memories."

"He would also use the fact that the magical restraining orders hadn't been issued, and now that they have it would resolve the issue." Lady Longbottom had been trying to think of a way around these issues. "My idea is that if we do the inquest, it would be useless. Dumbledore would use it against us later. He would claim that Lucius was dark and bigoted."

"Not to mention the Weasley-Malfoy feud. He likes to toss that out anytime I oppose anything Arthur Weasley submits, no matter how stupid the idea is." Lucius had been able to keep many of Arthur Weasley's ideas from being funded, the latest one was the function of rubber ducks. "Rubber ducks."

Lady Longbottom laughed. "Yes, that is an excellent example." Lady Longbottom had been one of the few Light supporters who voted against the funding. "Rubber ducks." Her vulture's head nodded its agreement. While she did agree they needed to keep track of what the latest advances in the muggle world, she didn't think they needed to spend useless money on things that didn't improve their world.

"So forgo the inquest, save it for later. We keep track of everything. Tom's right he will make it into a fight between Light and Dark or use the feud. Regarding Granger, he will say she is still adjusting to a new world, and how muggle-born need understanding and it would be muggle-born bias from purebloods. He wouldn't say anything directly but his words would paint a picture of it being Slytherins against Gryffindor." Severus knew first-hand how much Dumbledore favored his lions. "We are going to have to go slow."

"I agree. He came to my house the other day. He strongly hinted that since Neville was clearly not a squib and doing very well, that Neville had a great future in fighting against the dark. He hinted at that prophecy, but didn't mention them together."

"So he is going to switch Sebastian and Neville's role." Lucius glanced at the Dark Lord. "He has been saying you are returning."

"Yes, but I want to avoid a war. We don't need to spill any magical blood if we can help it. We have to find a way to get him out of power before the lemon drops fully rot his brain."

"Getting him out of power will take time, but it can be done. Augusta and I will have to be careful on how we play him in Wizengamot and on the Board, but we can influence a lot of others."

"Ted Tonks is one who has wanted to get a lot of classes returned." Lady Longbottom looked at Lucius. "We can set up a time to discuss how we want to do this."

"I'll have Narcissa send you an invitation to tea."

They suddenly heard Chaos meowing, rather loudly. Severus was up and in Sebastian's room, followed by the Dark Lord. Sebastian was rocking back and forth on his bed, his arms wrapped around his legs, crying. Severus slowly approached the bed. "Little Bat?"

Sebastian looked up. "You're here." He launched himself at Severus. Severus was able to catch Sebastian and keep them from crashing completely to the floor. Sebastian had his arms wrapped Severus. "Red kept saying you wouldn't want me. He said you I was a burden and that only they would take me." Sebastian tighten his hold. "I don't want to go with them. Don't make me go."

The Dark Lord let out a low growl he helped Severus to Sebastian's bed. Severus was whispering to Sebastian that he wasn't getting rid of him. Sebastian looked up at him, finally. "Pair, you mad at me?"

"No, Bas. I'm not mad at you. I'm upset that you go hurt." The Dark Lord gave Sebastian a reassuring smile. "Severus and I always tell you when you did something wrong. We would never be mad at you without explaining why."

Sebastian seemed to be thinking about the Dark Lord's words. "So you aren't getting rid of me like they said?"

"No, I'm not. I think Severus would string me up if I even thought of it. Besides, we're family, a family we selected to make and create." The Dark Lord was going to find a way to curse Dumbledore's office. Perhaps make his lemon drops taste like salt.

"Bas, I selected you to be my son, to be a Snape. Just remember they are dunderheads." Severus had Harry sitting on his lap, with Chaos rubbing Sebastian's leg.

"Dunderhead lions."

"Exactly." Severus knew that Dumbledore and the two idiots were going to experience a curse from the Dark Lord.

Chapter 12

The Dark Lord and Severus leaned over the cauldron. "Perfect. The other one will be ready in a few more minutes." Severus started to ladle the mixture into the candy molds. He watched the molds worked their magic and the potion turned into lemon drops. Lemon drops that were going to taste like salt, garlic, onion, beets, paprika, and curry all depending on which one Dumbledore took. However, the lemon drops would taste normal to everyone else.

"Dobby is waiting to replace them with his lemon drops." The Dark Lord already placed a curse on Dumbledore's office. The man was going to be permanently bald, beardless, and no matter what he wore it would feel like the itchiest, uncomfortable clothing imaginable. They wouldn't fit him very well either. Dumbledore thought the curse on the DADA position was bad; he was going to hate this curse. The Dark Lord made sure to do it in parseltongue so only he could remove it.

"Weasley and Granger are going to be getting a taste of their own medicine." Severus' plan was to make Granger feel like it was to be hit every time she hit anyone else. Weasley was going to feel the pain his own words caused others. "Hopefully, they will learn." Severus was ladling the potion for Granger and Weasley into phials.

The Dark Lord didn't respond, he knew Severus felt the same way he did. They wanted them to learn but each knew the chances were very slim they would. Granger had a better chance of learning since her parents weren't Dumbledore's stooges.

Dobby popped into the room. He had Dumbledore's candy dishes. "They empty." Severus and the Dark Lord started to fill up the candy dishes. "Extra for when gone, for mean Headmaster?"

"Yes, just keep an eye on the dishes and let us know when they start getting low. I expect he will toss out these when he tastes them." Severus pointed to the other cauldron. "We have the next batch."

"For Weasley and Granger, add this to their food and drink every morning." Severus handed over the phials.

Dobby looked excited, well more than he normally was as he bounced on his feet. Dobby had been eager to assist Severus and the Dark Lord. No one hurt the Little Bat as far as he was concerned. "Dobby will add it."

"Let me know when you run low." Severus instructed.

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Neville, Draco, and Sebastian were sitting in Charms. Granger and Weasley sat behind them. Draco and Neville knew this wasn't going to go the way the duo wanted. Since it was Monday, the duo had been trying to get close to them all day. Charms was the last class and somehow the duo managed to beat the other Slytherins to the class.

"Traitor." Weasley flinched a bit. He looked at Granger.

"Not this again." Neville rolled his eyes.

"They dunderheads." Sebastian quietly told them, he put his finger up to his lips as the bell sounded for the class to start.

Filius hid his smirk as he started the class. He knew he would be giving a detention to Weasley by the end of the class.

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Sebastian was able to avoid the duo all week, thanks to Tina popping the trio around Hogwarts. Sebastian, Draco, and Neville spent a lot of time with the older years in the common room if they weren't with Severus or the Dark Lord outside of classes. The Slytherin students closed rank around all of the first years. The Gryffindors were keeping themselves away from Weasley and Granger.

However, Severus wasn't so lucky. Friday afternoon he was summoned to the infirmary. He arrived to find Poppy arguing with Dumbledore about getting out of bed, while Granger and Weasley were adding their own problems.

Severus hadn't really seen Dumbledore all week, which he wasn't sure if that was good or bad. Bad because he wanted to curse the man, good because he knew if he did curse the man, he would be in Azkaban. Severus knew the Dark Lord would prefer that Dumbledore was dead, but knew now wasn't the time.

"Severus, thank Merlin." Poppy pointed to the trio. "Perhaps you can explain it to them since they don't believe my opinion."

"What is the problem?" Severus knew he was going to regret asking.

Dumbledore had been daily to see Poppy as he was still bald, all his clothes, and his precious lemon drops were all ruined. He had tried to change clothes, he even ordered new ones, nothing worked. He had tried to regrow his hair, but that didn't work, either. His lemon drops didn't taste right. Dumbledore used a variety of scans and nothing was revealed.

Severus wanted to put a muzzle on each of them as the duo joined Dumbledore in their ranting about what was happening to each of them. Granger about her variety of pain; Weasley whined about his ailments, each getting louder to try and outdo the other two.

Poppy held up her hand. They stopped talking. "Here is each of their ailments. What I have tried to do in order to solve their issues." She handed Severus some parchments. The trio of idiots started talking at once. Poppy cast a Silencio on them. "That is part of the problem. They can't be together without talking at once."

Severus wasn't expecting that side effect. He wondered if it was part of the curse or his potions. "Albus being bald, his clothes, and lemon drops?" Severus read down the list of scans that Poppy had done. He knew she was thorough, but he wasn't expecting her to run even a residue scan.

"Yes, I haven't found any potion residue in him, his clothes itch and don't fit, too. He said his lemon drops taste funny. I tried one, but they tasted fine, his clothes feel fine, too. So I've been in contact with St. Mungos and they aren't sure what is wrong. They are researching." Poppy walked to stand in front of Granger. "Ms. Granger keeps feeling pain in her arms, shoulders, and her back. It's not continuous. She has no bruises and nothing is showing up on my scans." Poppy stood in Weasley. "I have no idea. He just says he feels pain. He can't tell me where, but I have nothing on the scans."

"I see. I can't think of any potion that covers all those symptoms." Severus loved how he didn't even lie. He was going to have to make some notes on the potion and curse for future reference.

"I told them that, but Albus was insistent that I speak to you. He believes it might have been something dark." Poppy knew how biased Dumbledore was.

"Just because he isn't sure what is causing the problem doesn't mean its dark." Severus loathed how Dumbledore decided what aspect of magic was dark or not. If he couldn't explain it, it was dark. If he didn't like part of a ritual, it was dark. Dumbledore had never realized that using dark magic required a lot of training and skill. It wasn't for everyone. You had to have control over your emotions, which is why dark magic could be dangerous. Dark magic took years to masters and you never truly mastered it completely.

"I agree. If he was dark it would have a residue and it would have set of the Dark Arts' wards. Not to mention whatever is causing the problem isn't killing them or overall harmful. It's annoyance factors. I thought it might be pranks, but I've never seen pranks that would also react with other pranks." Poppy had already spoken to Minerva and the Weasley Twins, who were impressed by the pranks, but didn't do it.

"True. I can research, also. All I can do is offer to make whatever potions you deem they require." Severus would make sure the potions wouldn't count anything they had done to the trio.

"There really isn't anything I can offer them. I was going to release them, with orders to keep away from each other, but Albus wanted me to speak to you first. He was insistent that you would be able to solve the problem." Poppy had tried to tell Dumbledore that Severus wouldn't have the solution.

"Indeed. I will research, but I can't guarantee an answer that covers all three of them." Severus would be researching but not for a solution. He had another idea and was going to be speaking to the Dark Lord before they went out on dinner.

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"Bas, remember don't go anywhere without Draco, Neville, and Tina." Severus reminded his son one last time before the Dark Lord was due to arrive for their night out. Sebastian, Draco, and Neville were going to remain in Severus' quarters, with Tina.

"We won't. You bring us chocolate frogs?" Sebastian had Chaos on his lap. Draco and Neville were setting up a board game.

"I might since you three have stayed out of trouble." Severus wasn't worried about the three of them being alone in his quarters with Tina. He knew that between the Dark Lord and his own wards, nothing or no one would be able to enter without their knowledge. "If there is any problem, you call Dobby to come and get us. Tina, you remain with them."

"I will stay with Little Bats." Tina took her duty seriously. She didn't trust Dumbledore, Granger, or Weasley. She knew the other house-elves and ghosts didn't either.

The Dark Lord knocked on the door. Severus granted him entrance. "Pair, guess what?" Sebastian stood up with Chaos in his arms.

"What?" The Dark Lord glanced at Severus for a clue.

"We're going to stay here while you take my Bat out." Sebastian had walked to the Dark Lord and gave him a one-armed hug. Chaos was hanging from the other arm. The cat was still purring when Sebastian released the Dark Lord.

"I see that. It looks like you have some games to play too." The Dark Lord watched as Severus put more games down on the table.

"Yes, Dray and Nev are going to sleep over too." Sebastian headed back to his spot. "See, we even got games."

"We won't be long. I expect the three of you to behave." Severus issued his warning. He knew that the three boys would behave. Sebastian, Draco, and Neville were actually good kids, they weren't perfect but they weren't troublemakers. He believed it was because Draco and Neville took their friendship seriously and wanted to protect Sebastian.

"We will be back before you're bedtime. We are just having dinner." The Dark Lord wanted to have more time with Severus but knew as long as they were at Hogwarts he wasn't going to leave Sebastian for long without their protection. He already added some parseltongue wards and other protective spells to Severus' quarters.

Severus and the Dark Lord had skipped dinner in the Great Hall so that they could have their date night. Dumbledore had been staying in his quarters to avoid anyone seeing him in his present shape.

Sebastian put Chaos down, ran to Severus, and gave him a hug. "Have fun, we will. Tina watch us."

"We will." Severus picked up Sebastian, giving him a hug, while walking him back to sit on the couch.

Chapter 13

Severus and the Dark Lord didn't speak as they headed into Hogsmeade. Severus resisted the urge to look over his shoulder to glance at Hogwarts. Once in Hogsmeade, Severus stopped, as did the Dark Lord.

"It's just dinner, Severus. Tina is with them." The Dark Lord escorted Severus to The Three Broomsticks. He made arrangements with Madam Rosmerta to have dinner ready for them.

"I am aware." Severus let himself be guided into The Three Broomsticks.

"Your table is ready." Madam Rosmerta lead them toward the back of the pub. The table had a white linen tablecloth over it. The plates had the Peverell family crest in the center. The glassware had the crest etched into it.

"You arranged all of this?" Severus looked at the table. It was exactly set up like their first date they had at Peverell Castle. Severus looked closely at the hem of the tablecloth and saw the ivy from the Peverell crest along the edges. "The same meal?"

"Yes." Suddenly in front of them appeared their first meal, Truffle Oil Roast Salmon and Mushrooms. The Dark Lord filled their glasses with Gamay Beaujolais. "Severus, he will be fine."

"What? Yes, I know. I'm -" Severus wasn't sure why he was so worried. It wasn't like Tina would abandon Sebastian. Sebastian was also with Draco and Neville, both boys knew how to use the floo, how to get help, knew where they could go for safety.

"I know. I added extra protection to your quarters." The Dark Lord put the bottle of wine down. "It's also why I arranged to have everything ready ahead of time." This was going to be the fastest first date ever, which is what he planned.

"Dumbledore doesn't know we left?" Severus didn't trust Dumbledore.

"He is still visiting Poppy. I also arranged for him to remain there for the night." The Dark Lord gave Dumbledore the worst case of the flu by slipping the potion into Dumbledore's food at breakfast and lunch.

"The Moronic Duo?"

"They have detention with Flitch right after dinner." The Dark Lord had tried to make sure everything was handled, but he also wanted to return to Hogwarts.

Neither spoke, but they were just moving their food around on their plates. The Dark Lord stood up. Severus looked up from his plate. "Let's go check on the Little Bat."

Severus got up. "Thank you." It was possibly the fastest walk back to Hogwarts.

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Severus and the Dark Lord could hear the boys laughing, as well their own voices, as they approached Severus' quarters. "I put it up so that no one would know we were gone. The parsel wards would kill anyone who tried to remove them." Severus looked at the Dark Lord. "I know, its overkill."

"I thought I was being overprotective with the wards I added." Severus removed the wards he put up. Wards that if anyone else tried to remove, they would feel like their blood was turning into acid.

They entered Severus' quarters to find Chaos sleeping while Draco, Neville, and Sebastian were putting a puzzle together on the floor. There were some glasses of water on the table. Sebastian jumped up. "Look, Bat, we making a picture that matches the box." Sebastian hugged him. "Frogs?"

"I see. Yes, for being so good, you got each earned a chocolate frog." Severus quickly cast a summoning spell for the frogs. He gave them each one, but Sebastian didn't let go of him. He picked him up.

"Tina got the puzzle for us." Draco knew they weren't in trouble.

"That is fine. She knew where the toys were." Severus stepped over the puzzle sat down on the floor with Sebastian in his lap. The Dark Lord sat down opposite Severus. "We can get this done before bedtime."

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Severus heard his bedroom door open. "Bat?"

Severus lifted the covers. "Draco snoring?"

"He was, but Nev hit him over the head with his pillow." Sebastian curled around Severus. "When you and pair getting married?"

"How about you worry about your school work? I work on the relationship status with the Dark Lord." Severus felt the stuff bat on his chest.

"You worry about my school work, too." Sebastian yawned. "We family, family stays together."

"Yes, that is true of both statements. The Dark Lord isn't going anywhere." Severus knew that eventually, the Dark Lord would have them as a family soon. So much of his past feelings were resurfacing. Feelings that he thought were dead because of what happened on 31st of October. "You don't worry about us being together, it will happen when it happens."

"It better if it happens soon."

Severus didn't comment.