Thanks so much for all the follow and favourites, and I'd especially like to thank everyone who reviewed. I asked for two and I got eight! Really wasn't expecting so many to like this. Here's the next chapter.

Augustus Prince was a man used to getting what he wanted. He had money, power and most importantly respect from his pureblood peers. Of course he had his family, well what was left of it. His wife had passed many years ago, a raid gone wrong so the ministry had claimed. Although quite frankly Augustus had been reluctant to believe it, after all the ministry certainly wasn't above killing those who wouldn't bow at their feet. His wife had been such a stubborn thing after all, he never could order her to do everything he asked, she'd always had that fire in her. At least on the inside.

His children of course, the two remaining that is, were both well on their way to living their own lives. Married with children of their own, his son in a high paying job and his daughter acting the part of the perfect pureblood wife. Of course this inevitably turned his thoughts to his lost Eileen, and of course the son she left behind. Severus, that was the boy's name, wasn't it? Such a harsh name for such a young child, but still it was such a noble name. A name fit for a Roman emperor.

Augustus found himself snapped from his thoughts at the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Lord Prince? This is your grandson, Severus. Say hello dear". A healer approached him, a small black haired boy trotting along beside her, hand in hand.

"H-hello sir". Severus greeted, careful to maintain eye contact. His mother had once mentioned how her father had hated it when people looked down at the floor while speaking. He considered it an appalling habit and unworthy of a pureblood status. Of course given his father, Severus was only a halfblood, but still he didn't want to risk making his grandfather angry. He'd only seen the man for less than a minute after all.

"My boy". Augustus greeted in response. Loathe as he was to admit it, he was impressed with the manners the boy held. Clearly he'd learned them from his mother. After all it wasn't like her good for nothing husband had anything to do with the boy being raised properly. No that was clearly the mother's job in the household.

The two stood observing each other for several moments, unaware of the silence that had begun to spread. "Um, we still have some forms we need you to sign Lord Prince. Before we can release Severus that is, it's standard procedure". The healer interjected, rather nervous as the man's cool gaze turned to her.

"I see". Those were the only words Augustus cared to speak, he wasn't one to waste words after all. Especially on what was essentially an errand girl standing before him.

With a nervous smile, the healer ushered both man and boy over to the nearby counter to sign the aforementioned forms. While waiting, Severus took the time to observe his grandfather. The man was tall, that was unmistakeable. He was rather thin as well, with silver hair tied into a low ponytail, the traditional style of pureblood males. He used a long ivory cane, though Severus hadn't seen any visible sign of an injury. Like the limp his old neighbour had whenever it rained. Before he was carted off to the old folk's home that is.

His grandfather also wore long emerald robes, trimmed with black. While at first they reminded Severus of his mother's dresses, the few she could afford to keep and not sell, he'd come to realise that what made a man a wizard was that they could wear a robe without looking silly. That was a very important distinction in Severus' mind. After all a muggle who wore robes would be considered quite strange. Why it's likely they'd be carted off to the loony bin.

Severus snapped out of his daze as he felt a hand wrap around his own. Looking up he saw his grandfather speaking briefly with the healer, before gently guiding him out of the door. "Come Severus, it's time we went home". Augustus said, aware that he ought to say something to calm the boy's nerves.

"Yes sir". Severus said obediently. He let his grandfather lead him away, looking back in time to see Poppy, Minerva and Kingsley waving at him from the lobby. With a shy smile he waved back. After all they were ones who saved him; they were the first people he knew he would always be able to trust.

As Severus turned once more he missed Minerva struggling to hold back a sob. The little boy she'd held in her arms leaving her possibly for good. It was more than the woman felt she could bear. Poppy was in a similar state. For while she had seen her share of abused children, having worked as a healer for a number of years, she'd grown rather attached to the little black haired boy now walking out the door.

Kingsley felt similarly affected, although he refused to let it show. In all honesty he worried about the lad; he was so tiny for his age, obviously due to his upbringing. Not to mention the rumours about how the lad's grandfather treated his daughter, it worried him that the boy would be living with such a man. Right now however he had more pressing duties to attend to. Like trying to calm down the two distraught women next to him. Joy.

Drippy couldn't help but feel excited. For the first time in years there would be a little one in the house again. Just the thought of chasing after an adorable little tyke filled her with glee, it was what she lived for. What could she say, she just adored children. But of course Drippy knew she had to be careful. Not out of fear for what her master might say or even do. No. She feared for how the littlest Prince would react to her. After all the child had been living among muggles, had likely never seen a house elf before. Oh how she hoped he would like her.

She flitted around dusting ornaments as she went. Her and her little helpers had already aired out the littlest Prince's bedroom, changing the sheets and filling it with toys and such from when there had last been children running throughout the house. Of course Lord Prince had placed an order for a whole new wardrobe. It wouldn't be proper for the boy to be running around in those muggle rags they all seemed to wear. Those had been delivered promptly, everything sized to fit a typical five year old boy. Of course everything had been charmed to fit the boy, should he be larger or, as Lord Prince suspected, far smaller than he ought to be. Drippy had personally laid out each garment, carefully ironed and folded to meet her master's high personal standards.

Drippy gave one last look around the room, checking that absolutely everything was in place. It had to be perfect. With a satisfied nod she closed the door, and with a loud pop she apparated to the foyer for her masters' arrival.

Augustus held his grandson close as he made his way out of the hospital to the awaiting carriage. It was truly a thing of beauty with its gilded edges and ebony panelling, the Prince family logo printed in gold above the carriage doors. Attached were four creatures Severus had never seen before, except perhaps in an old storybook his mother had once owned. They resembled winged horses, with golden fur and cream coloured wings. They reminded Severus of Pegasus, from the story his mother had shared with him. A noble creature of legend, fit only for royalty or those of equal standing. Standing nearby was a man in his late thirties, dressed in uniform with the Prince family logo clearly visible. As the two approached he opened the door for them, assisting his employer into the carriage.

"Get inside boy, I can hardly apparate us both to France, and the healers insisted you were not fit to travel by floo. Not that I would have wanted to anyway. Blasted things are nothing but a nuisance. Well hurry up, get in. We don't have all day now do we". Severus found himself carefully lifted into the carriage by the servant.

"Thank you". Severus said shyly, sitting next to his grandfather who wrapped an arm around him securely.

"Yes thank you Harrison. Take us home if you would". Augustus nodded to the man.

"You're welcome sirs. It looks to be clear skies tonight so we should be there within an hour or so". Harrison commented before leaving to sit at the carriage's front in order to steer the creatures.

Within minutes the two Princes felt the carriage jolt into action, picking up speed. With a slight lurch it soon found itself being lifted into the air, the creatures pulling it through the skies as Harrison clutched their reigns, protected by a multitude of protection charms. It wouldn't do to have the servants freeze after all, then they wouldn't be fit for service.

Severus gaped as he stared out of the window, looking down on the houses below them, illuminated by the lamps that lit the streets. In mere minutes Severus found himself unable to see the houses anymore as the carriage finally broke through the clouds. Augustus allowed a smile to slip through at the pure delight on his grandson's face. Even after what had happened, the boy could still act like the child he was, and so he should. He was only five after all, although you couldn't tell by looking at him.

'No', Augustus mused.

'You really couldn't tell, the boy clearly needed to up his weight. He was far too skinny, not to mention quite a bit shorter than he ought to be'. Augustus frowned, 'with any luck the boy wouldn't be permanently damaged by this. Not physically anyway. Mentally however, well, there was no telling what damage had been caused'. Augustus allowed a sigh to escape, yes I meant allowed. After all purebloods were taught from an early age that any emotions were to be hidden, unless they were displayed in a manner befitting of the person's high station.

"Grandfather?" Severus' voice shyly piped up, having turned from the window to meet his grandfather's gaze.

"Yes?"

"What's your house like?"

How to explain it to a child, Augustus mused. "Well it's not a house like you're thinking, I live in a manor. It's a very, very big house with lots of rooms, a garden that stretches all around, it has stables and a swimming pool and it even has an orchard. When we get there I'm sure you'll enjoy exploring". There that should be simple enough for him to understand, Augustus thought.

"What's an orchard?" Well perhaps not.

"You don't know what an orchard is?" What were they teaching children these days.

"No sir" Severus let his gaze drop to his clasped hands, afraid of what his grandfather would say. Knowledge had always been something he'd tried to obtain, he'd loved reading when they had the money for books. But sitting here in front of his grandfather, Severus felt every bit the five year old he was. A naïve child sat before his social better. He'd never felt quite so stupid as he did now, and he really didn't like feeling like that. Not one bit.

Augustus frowned as the boy seemed to droop right before his eyes. Had he been too harsh? While he certainly held no love for the boy's heritage, it didn't mean he didn't think of the boy as his own flesh and blood. The lad was family no doubt about that, and he certainly hadn't wanted to hurt his feelings. Not after everything he'd been through.

"An orchard is kind of like a forest, with lots of trees everywhere. Except in an orchard the trees are all fruit trees, like apple or pear trees. Understand?" It was the simplest way he could think to explain it to the boy.

Severus tilted his head slightly, thinking, before finally nodding. "Yes sir".

"Good. Never be afraid to ask questions. Knowledge is always important". Augustus advised, startled as the boy dared to lean into his side. Out of a need for comfort or tired from the day's events, Augustus wasn't quite sure of the reason. But honestly, and he couldn't believe he was thinking this, it was kind of nice.

'It was nice to feel needed again' Augustus thought to himself, wrapping his arm around the little boy leaning against him. After all his wife had long passed, his children had grown and he only saw them during their monthly meetings and of course during the holidays. Indeed it had gotten quite lonely living alone in that large empty manor, except for the elves and the staff of course. Secretly Augustus found himself hoping the boy would bring life into his life again, as selfish as that sounded. After all the boy had been through hell just a few short days ago. He needed to feel safe and loved, not used in order to entertain his grandfather. No. Severus deserved better. That, Augustus mused, was the one thing he was certain of.

Augustus was soon jolted from his thoughts as the carriage once again touched down on land. Harrison informed him of their arrival, not that he really needed to, as Augustus coaxed Severus into awareness.

"It's time lad, we're home". Harrison opened the carriage doors, assisting his employer out of the vehicle before carefully lifting Severus down onto the ground.

Blinking sleepily Severus looked around in ill-disguised awe. "It's so big" he breathed. Obviously work needed to be done on helping him disguise his emotions better. It was a lesson every other pureblood grew up learning after all. It didn't mean they were heartless, they were simply more dignified.

"Indeed, shall we go inside? I suspect you'd be happy to see your room and get some well-deserved rest. You can explore the manor tomorrow".

"Okay" Severus replied, too tired to say much else.

The two made their way up the steps and into the foyer. Once inside they were greeted most enthusiastically by Drippy and an assortment of the manor's house elves. Without being asked they immediately sprang into action, divesting the two of their coats and scarves, while Augustus was informed of their success in preparing Severus' room.

Severus watched the elves in curiosity, moving when prompted as they tugged his coat and scarf off. He remembered his mother's stories about growing up with house elves, so he knew he needn't be afraid of them. But his mother hadn't told him just how funny those elves looked. Their ears and noses were long and pointy, so unlike his own. They looked funny, but Severus knew better than to laugh. After all it wasn't very nice to laugh at others for how they looked. He knew he'd feel bad if anyone ever did that to him. Of course, not that he was aware, Severus would not have to experience such a thing in the future.

"Are you hungry Severus?" Augustus asked after dismissing the elves, noticing how his grandson appeared to be lagging behind.

"No sir. I had dinner just before we left the hospital." Severus answered tiredly.

"Then I think it's time we got you into bed. I'm sure you're very tired. Come along now". Augustus waited for the boy to slip his hand into his own outstretched hand, before guiding them both up the stairs.

Thankfully Severus' room was near his own, just down the hall in fact. Augustus opened the door, ushering Severus inside, smiling at the expression of disbelief on the boy's face.

"This is really mine sir?" Severus whispered, too stunned to do anything but gape.

"It is. This is your room from now on. Make sure you keep it tidy now".

"I will sir. Thank you. For everything". Severus turned and wrapped his arms tightly around his grandfather's waist. Giving him a squeeze he then stepped back with a wide smile. His old room was tiny compared to this. This room was like what a king would live in. It was amazing.

Indeed the room was impressive, a crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, as was the same in almost every other room in the manor. Severus' new clothes had filled a dresser and matching wardrobe, both a chocolate brown with gold edging. An antique rug was placed at the foot of the bed, where off to the side a large antique chest, filled with toys, stood just waiting for the boy to open it. A four poster bed, complete with crimson drapes stood at the far side of the room, end tables on either side. At the opposite end, a large bookcase filled most of the wall, an expensive looking desk stood beside it. But of course what Severus noticed straight away was the roaring fire covered by a metal grating, surrounded by a large marble fireplace. Upon further inspection Severus could see carvings, each depicting both magical and muggle legends. The stories they offered were guaranteed to keep Severus amused for days on end.

Suddenly overcome with emotion, Severus scrubbed his eyes trying to hold back the tears as the day's events caught up with him. Smiling softly at the boy Augustus pulled him close letting the boy gather himself together before leading him to yet another door. "You'll have your own bathroom; we don't want you getting lost in the night now do we? The fireplace has also been charmed for your protection; we don't want you burning yourself. Now I expect you to clean your teeth and wash your face. Then it's off to bed". Augustus informed him, Severus meekly nodding in response.

The bathroom, like the bedroom, was large. A giant tub currently filled with warm water and soapy bubbles filled a corner of the room. At the other end the toilet and sink stood. A cabinet attached to the wall held various shampoos, conditioners and soaps, as well as the mentioned toothbrush and toothpaste.

Drippy knocked on the door, announcing her presence; as Augustus gave the boy one last hug. "I'll see you in the morning Severus. Drippy will be there to wake you up and bring you down to breakfast, alright?"

"Yes sir, good night sir".

"Good, then I shall bid you good night little one". With that Augustus finally left the room, intent on resigning to his own room for the night.

Severus turned to the elf with a nervous smile; he wanted to make a good impression after all. "You best get those clothes off little master, then it's time for your bath". Drippy chirped, struggling to contain her glee at once again having a child to look after.

Severus nodded before tugging the clothing over his head. After a brief moment when his shirt got stuck, he was finally naked and soon found himself being levitated into the warm bath full of bubbles. Severus grinned as he saw the bath toys held in a little basket along the bath's edge. With an encouraging smile from Drippy, he grabbed a nearby toy ducking it in and out of the water as though it were alive. While he was distracted, Drippy gathered the needed shampoo, conditioner and soap. Giving Severus the soap to use, she tilted his head back wetting his hair before carefully massaging the creams into his scalp. She'd noticed how the boy's hair seemed greasy and dull, although she was sure that with a good diet and the right shampoo that little problem would soon be fixed. It was after all a necessity for purebloods to have long, shiny hair that made other's envious. Or at least that's what Drippy had been led to believe.

Soon enough it was time to get out. Drippy wrapped a large fluffy towel around the squirming boy as the bathwater drained away. Handing him his toothbrush she waited for him to clean his teeth while she fetched his pyjamas. Choosing a set of emerald silk pyjamas, Drippy returned to the bathroom. Severus quickly dressed, although he needed help with all the buttons, and then finally it was time for bed. Normally Severus struggled to sleep. With everything that had gone on it was no wonder. This time however, he felt safe. With that in mind, it took only seconds for Severus to fall asleep once his head hit the fluffy pillow.

Assured the boy was asleep; Drippy finished tucking him in before leaving the room for her own bed. Of course should the little master need her, she'd appear in an instant. Still it wouldn't hurt to sleep until that time.

End of chapter 3. I'm hoping to have Severus' early childhood finished in the next chapter or maybe two. I want to get to him attending school but I don't want to rush into things.

Anyway let me know what you all think.

KB