No one could ever have predicted that an infant Harry Potter would somehow find his ways into the arms of Severus Snape. However, that is what is unfolding in Albus Dumbledore's office shortly after the night of October 31.
The baby slept peacefully in a bassinet beside his desk, as Dumbledore rocked it softly with his toe, humming melodiously. "Minerva has assured me that the Dursley's are not only the worst sort of muggles she has ever seen, but openly despise magic. We have deemed them unfit guardians for Harry, and hoped that you, Severus, would become his guardian."
Severus sputtered. "Assuredly Albus, you can not be serious."
Albus frowned, "Lily thought very highly of you. She named you second godfather after Sirius, its all in her will."
Snape remained impassive, "The friendship between myself and Lily not withstanding, I can hardly care for a child. Much less the child of James Potter."
A loud sigh proclaimed Snape's discomfort at the calm stare Albus was regarding him with. "I see no reason that the werewolf can not take in the boy."
"But you've just said the reason, you know as well as I do the laws. Most regrettably, Remus is considered unfit by the ministry to hold legal guardianship over anything."
"I won't do it Albus. I've never had any desire to be a father, or I'd have sired a child myself."
Dumbledore nodded, "If you will not, then I am afraid he will go to Lily's sister."
"P-Petunia? You can not send the boy to Petunia, Albus, how often she discriminated against myself and Lily for being what we were, warning the children to stay away from us when I went home with her on breaks or we'd debase them."
"And from what I've heard from Lily, her husband is just as bad. Not to mention their spoiled boy Dudley. Only a year Harry's senior, though I doubt they'd grow as brothers. Alas, there is no other choice. They are family, and you and Sirius were named in the will. As neither of you are able or willing to take responsibility for young Harry, he will go to his only remaining family."
Blast. He was going to give in, Albus knew he was going to give in. Blast and blast again. The baby gurgled, waking and raising sleepy, pudgy arms into the air. Ladies would consider him disgustingly cute, as well as soft men. Severus though is not, and never will be a soft man. The baby gave a small cry as Albus lifted him into his arms. Oh blast. Blast it all.
"I'll do it Albus."
Blue eyes twinkled; Severus knew that he had known he would take him in all along. Harry was transferred from the frail looking, but looks can be deceiving, headmaster to the equally deceiving harsh, dark man. "I expect you've already sent things to my rooms?"
Albus nodded, "Only about an hour ago." A dark glare, and Severus left, baby bouncing in his arms.