DISCLAIMER: Yeah, if I owned it, Snape would be Harry's dad and Harry would've gotten married to Draco instead of Ginny.

Lily's Lie, Severus' Secret, and Harry's Surprise

Chapter Two

Saturday April 30, 1983

Two and a half years. Two and a half bloody years! I stared at the head of child services at the Ministry of Magic with a look of complete and utter loathing. The old woman shuffled through the papers on her desk and swirled a vile that contained my memories of mine and Lily's conversation that Harry was, indeed, mine. "Mr. Snape," she wheezed. "May I see your family tapestry once more, please?" Sneering slightly, I handed her the miniature version of my family tapestry. She looked over it once again. Her ancient eyes traveling down towards the bottom. There, she found my picture, along with Lily's. However, there was no line that indicated marriage between us. Then, right underneath our pictures, was Harry. In fact the name on the tapestry was "Harry Isaac Snape". "Well," the old woman said at last. "It would appear that Harry Potter is in fact your son." I cheered and did a little happy dance in my head. "Here is the warrant that enables you to claim custody and the warrant that gives you the right to take him away from his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin." She handed me the two papers and dismissed me with a wave of her shirveled hand.

Walking out of the office, I jumped and punched the air with joy. Once regaining my composure, I set off towards the exit. I was just in the Ministry lobby when I saw a head of white blonde hair. Smiling I called to my old friend and fellow spy. "Lucius!" He looked up and smiled at me, gently tugging a tiny blonde boy behind him by the hand.

"Severus," Lucius said, pulling me in for a brief hug. "What brings you to the Ministry?"

"My son. I finally have the papers that will allow me to go and get him." I told my friend, grinning ear to ear.

Lucius returned my grin. "Congratulations, Sev. You'll make an amazing father. You hear that, Dragon?" Lucius bent down and picked up his three year old son. "You're going to have a new friend soon."

Draco turned his cherub face towards his father. "Weally, Papa?" Lucius nodded. "Yay!" Draco clapped his hands and smiled. He turned his murcury eyes to me. "What my fwiends name, Sev'us?"

Smiling at my godson I told him. "His name is Harry, Draco."

"Hawwy," Draco repeated with a nod, as if trying to make sure he remembered the name. "When me meet Hawwy?"

"Soon."

"Well, Sev, it was good to see you, but I need to get upstairs to work." Lucius said good naturedly.

I glanced up at the clock and saw that I had, unintentionally, made Lucius late for work. "I'm sorry, Lucius. I didn't mean to keep you. I should be going back to school anyway. I need to make sure that everything's set up for when I go and get Harry this afternoon."

"Call us in about a week so Draco and Harry can meet and play." Lucius called over his shoulder.

"I will!" Striding up to the fire places, I grabbed a handfull of Floo Powder and tossed it into the flames. Stepping inside, I called, "Severus Snape's rooms, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!"

I opened my eyes just in time to catch myself on my mantel. No matter how many times I Floo, I always manage to fall! Please, let Harry be more lucky with Floo travel than I am. Looking around the living room, I smiled. If a student were to step into my rooms, they'd probably die of shock. Instead of cobwebs and torture devices that they expect from the dungeon bat, my rooms were done in nice, airy colors. The liviing room had a sand colored carpet, ocean blue walls, the chairs and sofa were a nice tan, and the coffee and side tables were made of silver metal and glass.

The kitchen was a modern Muggle kitchen, with all of the appliances running on magic instead of electricity. The dining room had a cherry wood table that was big enough for four people to sit at comfortably.

Walking down the hallway, humming to myself, I glanced to look at my bedroom. It was the only place that I allowed my Slytherin side to show through. The carpet was the same color of that in the living room, as was all of the carpeting in the rooms, the walls were done in a dark beige. On the walls, I had Slytherin banners and pennants hanging here and there. My king sized bed had a black wrought iron frame and emerald green silk bedding. I glanced towards the tank that was sitting on top of my dresser. Inside, was my beautiful rattle snake, Hydra. I walked up to the tank and removed the lid. Sticking my hand inside, I allowed Hydra to slither up my arm. "Hello, Hydra." The snake flicked her tongue out at me and rattled her rattle. "My son is coming here later today. You must be careful with him." My familiar butted her head against my shoulder and let her tongue flick my cheek. I took that as a good thing and placed her back into her tank, placing the lid back on top.

Walking out of my room, I turned to the door that was right next to mine. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. I smiled softly as I stepped inside. Harry's room. There was a full sized bed in the corner. On the opposite wall, was a dresser that was fully stocked with clothing and pajamas for Harry. At the end of the bed was a toy chest that was filled with toys for him to play with. Next to the bed, was a tiny bookshelf filled with both Muggle and Wizard fairy tales. The walls were white, as was the bedding. The walls and bedding would change to Harry's favorite color once he got here.

I exited Harry's room and went back to the living room. Glancing at the clock on the mantel, I saw that it was almost time for me to go and get Harry. I left the living room to go and take a quick shower and change into some Muggle clothes. Finally finished with my shower and changing, I made my way over to the mantel. Before I grabbed the Floo Powder, I grabbed a picture frame that was sitting on the mantel. Picture Harry smiled up at me. "I'm coming to get you, Harry. I'm sorry it took so long. But, Daddy's coming to get you." Setting the frame down gently, I grabbed the Floo Powder and threw it into the fire. Stepping inside, I hollered, "The Leaky Cauldron!"

Stepping into the pub, I glanced around and noted that it was fairly empty. I shrugged, knowing that everyone would be at work, and made my way to the back alley. Once there, I turned sharply on the spot, and Apparated to Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.

I appeared on an empty street. I took in my surroundings and shivered. It was so perfect, it was unnerving. I walked briskly passed the cookie cutter houses and made my way up the walk of Number 4. I knocked on the door three times and waited patiently. I felt in my jacket pocket and made sure I had both of the warrants. Thank Merlin, I really didn't want to go back and get them. I was brought out of my thoughts as I heard the door open. In the doorframe stood Petunia Dursley. "Yes? May I help you?" She asked polietly with a kind smile.

I smiled sheepishly at her. "Hey, Tuney. Remember me? It's Sevvie."

"Sevvie? Oh, my, goodness! Look at you! You're all grown up!" She put her hands on my shoulders and hugged me. She pulled back. "Well, don't just sit there like a bump on a log! Come in!" She stepped back and let me cross the threshold. Looking around at the place, I winced. It was just too clean for my taste. Sterile, like a hospital. Petunia led me into the living room. I saw that a very large child was playing with some toys in the corner. I looked around and didn't see any sign of Harry. "That," Petunia said, gesturing towards the large boy. "Is my three year old son Dudley. Isn't he precious?"

I glanced at Petunia out of the corner of my eye. "Down right...angelic."

"Thank you," Petunia giggled. "Would you like something to drink or eat?"

"No thank you, Petunia, I'm fine. I actually am here on more official matters."

"Official matters?" Petunia repeated, sitting herself down on the couch. She gestured for me to take a seat in a chair and I complied. "What do you mean?"

As I opened my mouth to speak, I was cut of by a loud wail. "No! That's my teddy! Give it back, fweak!" I spun around to face the corner that the child was sitting. Dudley was now standing over a small boy, who looked no older than one. The smaller boy was crying and clutching at his shoulder where he was hit.

"Harry!" Petunia shouted. "You leave Dudley alone and go finish the chores!"

My eyes widened and I felt the blood drain from my face when I heard Harry mutter, "Yes, Aunt Petunia, I sowwy." Harry stood up, sniffling and sobbing, and toddled out of the room towards what I assumed was the kitchen.

"Now, then," Petunia said, turning her attention back to me. "You were saying?"

I glared at the woman, dug in my pockets for the warrants, shoved the papers at Petunia, and followed after Harry. What I saw in the kitchen was awful. Harry, not even three years old, was standing at the sink doing dishes. He wasn't even tall enough to reach the sink, so he was standing on a chair. Harry's clothes were at least ten sizes too big and I deduced that they were Dudley's old clothes that didn't fit Dudley any more.

Once Harry was done with the dishes, he climbed off of the chair and headed off to a corner where a broom was kept and he started sweeping the floor. "Harry?" I called softly. "What are you doing?"

Harry looked up at me with wide, slightly fearful, eyes. "My chowes, siw."

"Why are you doing the chores? You aren't even three!"

"Have to. Uncle Vewnon get mad at me if I don't do chowes."

I was about to say something else, but Harry went back to sweeping the floor. Shaking my head, I left the kitchen and went back to the living room. I was trembling with rage when I saw Petunia. "Why," I asked in my most venomous voice that even had seventh years wetting their pants. "Is my almost three year old son doing the housework?"

Petunia shrugged. "Well, Vernon wouldn't let me keep the boy otherwise. Besides, I don't see you doing anything to get him before now."

I cracked my neck. "It took my two and a half years to get those warrants." I growled thourgh clenched teeth. "I have been trying to get Harry since the day Lily and Potter were killed!"

Petunia huffed. "Well, take him. Vernon and I certainly don't want him."

"I'll gladly take him out of this God forsaken hovel! Where is his room, I will grab his things and we will leave."

Petunia shrugged and stood up. Gesturing me to follow her, she led me to the stairs. I went to go up but she grabbed my arm and pointed to the cupboard that was underneath the stairs. Gasping slightly, I opened the door to find a blanket on the floor and a black teddy bear with green eyes next to the blanket. Both needed a good washing. I picked up the blanket and saw that it was Harry's baby blanket. Lily had monogramed it "HIS". However, I knew that to James it had read, "HJP". I stretched my arm and grabbed the bear. I smiled when I realized that it was the bear I had sent to Lily to give to him. I turned to Petunia. "Is this all?" She nodded, looking as though she had swallowed a lemon. "I'll get Harry and we'll leave."

I stood and went back into the kitchen. Harry was sitting crossed legged on the floor and panting slightly. "Harry?" Harry snapped his head up at the sound of my voice. Harry looked at the blanket and bear in my hands and his eyes filled with tears.

"No! Please no take blankie and Beba! I be good! I finish all my chowes now!" Harry was sobbing frantically at this point.

I rushed to him and dropped to my knees, sitting beside him. "Harry, I'm not taking your blankie or Beba. I'm here to take you away from here."

Harry sniffled and looked at me. Smiling at the little boy, I handed him the blanket and bear, to prove that I wasn't going to take them away. Harry wrapped the blanket around him and hugged the bear tightly to his chest. The bear was almost as big as him. "What you name?" Harry asked, nuzzling his face into Beba's fur.

"Harry, I'm your Daddy. I've come to take you to live with me at my home." I looked down at Harry. Not really knowing how he would react. I certainly didn't expect his actual reaction. He flung himself into my chest and started crying.

I wrapped my arms around the little body and held it tight. I grabbed the discarded blanket and Beba and stood up with Harry in my arms. I placed Harry on my right hip, supporting his bottom with my right arm, and handed him Beba. Harry held on to one of Beba's arms and continued to sob into my shoulder. I shrunk the blanket and placed it in my pocket, casting a spell on my pocket so the blanket wouldn't fall out. I sat down in a kitchen chair and pulled out my handkerchief. I tilted Harry's face up and started wiping his face of the tears and snot. Once Harry calmed down to where he only hiccuped now and then did he ask, "We go now, Daddy?"

Smiling lovingly at the boy, I nodded. I pocketed the handkerchief and stood up. Supporting Harry's bottom with my right arm and rubbing his back soothingly with my left hand, I walked out of the kitchen and back to the living room. Harry hid his face in my neck and clutched my jacket for dear life when he saw Petunia. What did these Muggles do to him? Glaring at the woman I hissed, "I'll be back with Ministry officials after I find out what you and your family have done to my son." She didn't answer me, she just held the door open for me.

I breezed past the horse like woman and sneered at her on the way out. I just stepped out of the doorframe when I felt the door hit my back as Petunia slammed the door shut. I looked down and saw that Harry was shivering. "Harry? Are you cold, son?" Harry looked up at me and nodded. "Okay, hold on." I walked down the path and onto the side walk. I set Harry on his feet and unzipped my jacket. Wrapping Harry up in the jacket, I picked him back up and he nuzzled into my chest.

"Tank you, Daddy." Harry muttered, sleepily.

I smiled at my sleepy toddler and kissed him. "Sleep for a little bit, baby. I'll wake you when we get home." Harry nodded and allowed his droopy eyes to close. I glanced around the street and spun on the spot.

I opened my eyes and looked around Hogsmead Villiage. I headed up towards the school at a comfortable pace, giving Harry some more time to nap.

I walked through the gates of the school and smiled brightly. At this point, I started quickening my pace. I walked by Hagrid's hut and saw him and Fang in his garden. "Harry," I whispered. "Wake up, Daddy wants you to meet a friend of his." Harry blinked blearily and grinned at me.

"Who Daddy?"

"Hagrid," I called to the half giant man. "Come here! I want you to meet someone!" Hagrid looked up at me and smiled. He lumbered over to where I stood and greeted me.

"Ello, Professor Snape. How are yeh this evenin'?"

"I'm good, Hagrid, thank you for asking. And you know you can call me Severus. There are no students around right now, they are either down in the village or they are all inside, eating lunch."

Hagrid smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know, Sev, jus' a force o' habit from when all o' the students are around. Now, who'd yeh wan' me to meet?"

I adjusted Harry so that he was facing Hagrid. "Hagrid, this is my son, Harry Isaac Snape. However, you may know him as Harry Potter." I watched, slightly amused, as Hagrid's eyes grew to the size of saucers. "Harry," I addressed the tiny child in my arms. "This is one of Daddy's friends and co-workers, Hagrid."

Harry smiled shyly at Hagrid. "Hi, Haggie." Harry waved a little then hid his face in my shoulder once more.

"I don' believe it, Sev. Harry Potter! Yer kid!" Hagrid rubbed his face with one of his hands. "Blimey."

"Yes, well, it looks like Lily wasn't as faithful to Potter that everyone made her out to be." I smiled ruefully.

Hagrid glared at me. "Don' go disrespectin' the dead, Sev."

"I won't. I'm sorry, I shouldn't've said that."

"Daddy?" Hagrid and I both turned our attention to Harry. "I no feel good."

"Okay, come on, Baby." I looked at Hagrid, apologetically. "I'm sorry, Hagrid. I'll talk to you soon, yeah?"

Hagrid smiled. "Sure. Now go on!"

Hagrid waved me on as I trekked up the hill towards the front doors of the castle. "This you house?" Harry's voice was full of awe.

I chuckled. "No, Baby. This is a school Daddy teaches at. When you're big enough, you'll go here, too. But, Daddy also lives here."

"Oh. Okay."

Harry rested his head against my shoulder. I looked down and noticed that his cheeks were slightly flushed. Frowning, I gently laid the back of my hand on his forehead. "Baby, you're burning up! Come on, let's take you to see Madame Pomfrey."

I rushed inside, scaring some Hufflepuff first years in the process. I rushed up the stairs as quickly as I could without jostling Harry. Finally, I made it to the Fourth Floor and the Hospital Wing.

Walking through the open doors I called, "Poppy!"

I walked over to one of the beds and sat on the edge, waiting impaiteintly. A minute later, a confused Poppy Pomfrey walked out of her office and into the Hospital Wing. Her eyes widened as she saw a child in my arms. "Severus...who is that?"

Gently carressing Harry's soft hair lovingly, I told her. "This is my son, Harry Isaac Snape. However, you would most likely know him as Harry James Potter."

"Impossible! Lily would never have an affair!"

I coaxed Harry's head away from my shoulder. Carefully, I pushed back Harry's bangs until the lightening bolt scar showed clearly. Poppy gasped audibly. "That proves who he is, but not that he's your son!"

Slightly annoyed, I dug in the pockets of my jeans and pulled out the miniature version of my family tapestry. I handed it to her mutely. She stared at it for a long moment, then nodded, clearly satisfied at last. "Alright, Severus, I believe you. Now, what's wrong?"

"Harry has a high fever."

Poppy just nodded and gently took Harry from my reluctant arms. I saw Poppy eye me up and down. Cocking an eyebrow I snapped, "What?"

Poppy shook her head and shrugged. "Nothing. You just look so much handsomer in colors instead of those dungeon bat robes you insist on wearing." With that, Poppy set Harry on the next bed over and began checking the toddler.

After what she had said to me clicked in, I looked down at myself. I didn't really see anything all that special to be honest. I wore a green T-shirt, dark wash blue jeans, and my work boots. My hair was pulled into a pony-tail at the nape of my neck. Self consiously, I reached up and pulled out the rubber band, allowing my long, ebony hair to fall into my face.

Hearing Poppy's noise of disgust shocked me out of my musing. I stood from the bed and made my way over to the perturbed witch. "What is it?"

Poppy turned her tear filled gaze on me. "He is malnourished, which explains why he looks one instead of almost three! He-as far as I can tell-has never been to a doctor before, meaning his immune system is dangerously weak! He has the flu, and that's not even the worst of it!" Poppy furiously scrubbed at the tears that had fallen.

"What do you mean 'that's not the worst of it'?" My heart clenched painfully. Do I really want to know? I glanced at Harry. So small, so helpless, so sick. I don't want to know; I need to know.

"Severus, those monsters beat him!"