Harry Potter wasn't sure how he had managed to find himself in Professor Snape's private quarters. Harry wasn't sure of anything at this point. He had just needed to get away from Hermione, who kept pestering him about what had happened in potions. She had caught on that something was wrong, but was clueless past that as far as Harry was aware. He had gone down to the dungeons without really thinking about it, he had just wanted to get away from everything for a while and the dungeons would be the last place checked.
Harry walked down the halls aimlessly, passing the potions room without batting an eyelash. He hadn't been this far into the dungeons since his second year, but at this point curiosity took over any rational thought. And that's how he managed to find himself at a portrait of a dog, a large black grim.
"Padfoot?" He whispered, jumping slightly when the dog grinned and the portrait opened. He peeked his head into the room, his conservative Slytherin swearing at him for being so stupid and entering the unknown so recklessly, while his Gryffindor side encouraged to no end. He stepped into the room cautiously, the portrait quietly swinging shut behind him. The moment he stepped into the living room/kitchen area, he regret with every fiber of his being that he had listened to his Gryffindor side so easily.
"What, are you doing in my private quarters, Potter?" Snape asked sourly, although it lacked its usual malice.
And that, is how he had somehow managed to end up in Professor Snape's quarters, and was drinking tea that was probably laced with poison. It had been quiet for quite some time, due to Harry's bafflement.
"Professor, h-how do you know who Padfoot is?" He asked quietly, and Snape sighed softly.
"While it may come as a shock to you, Sirius Black had been my lover for years. His death hit me as hard as it hit you, Potter." He murmured, and Harry gaped at the man before him. Why hadn't Sirius told him? Granted, Harry wasn't and hadn't ever really ever been on good terms with Snape, so he probably wouldn't have taken this news so easily if it had been told to him at a younger age.
"It has been thought that I was in love with your mother, but that's not the case. Lily was like a sister to me, so I see you as a nephew. Not to mention my lover was your godson. You might ask why I treated you so badly, if that was the case. It wasn't exactly my choice." He stated wryly, and Harry felt light headed from all the information given to him.
"Dumbledore felt that if you knew of my familial liking to you, you'd want to live with me. And I'm sure you would, and I would've liked that. But he was determined to keep you at the Dursley's." He murmured, causing Harry to grow angry. Dumbledore. It was always Dumbledore. He let his head fall to the table with a loud thud, and Snape watched him quietly.
"Why was Dumbledore so intent on my childhood being ruined?" He asked quietly, surprising Snape. The anger was still there, but it's not like he could do anything about it. Dumbledore was dead, and he was a legal adult. His childhood happened, and he turned out mostly alright. He should get over it. But he couldn't.
"Harry," The sound of his first name coming from his professor startled him. He had never been called just Harry by Snape. It was always Mr. Potter or Harry Potter. Never Harry. "I don't think that was Dumbledore's intention. He was a strong believer in the greater good, and thought the sacrifice of love in your childhood was the best option when it came to protecting you from Voldemort." He stated softly, trying to help Harry understand it from Dumbledore's view. Harry thought about it for a minute before nodding.
"I think I understand what you're saying, but it doesn't mean it hurts any less." He replied, causing Snape to bite his lip. He knew Harry had a bad childhood, but never knew the extent of the severity of it. He suddenly wished he would've taken Harry in, forgoing Dumbledore's orders. This boy needed love in his life, and he would do his best to give him what he could now. He would be his father figure.
"Harry, I have neglected you most of your life and been intentionally cruel in most cases. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, I will try and be a father figure to you from now on. It will be awkward for the both of us, and much of a learning experience, but I think with effort on both sides we will succeed." Snape offered, talking slowly as he was unsure of how to put it. Harry blinked, barely processing the offer. He stared at Snape for a moment, a blank slate look adorned on his features. Snape stared back, looking more sure than he felt.
Suddenly, a small grin graced his features. "If you're willing to be the father figure of The-Boy-Who-Lived-Twice, who turned out to be gay for a certain Draco Malfoy, then I'm willing to accept." He replied, and a small smirk made its way on Snape's lips.
"Of course." He responded, and the atmosphere was immensely relaxed. A new bond had formed between Professor and Student, a familial bond one would not expect.
Harry was surprised at how well the day was turning out. He had thought he'd wake up sour, and end up in the bed the same way. But after a few questions from Hermione and Ron at dinner, they were easily appeased thanks to his new good mood. He was elated that Snape wanted to drop the anger towards each other, and over the moon he wanted to be his father figure. Granted, Snape was right. It would take some getting used to, for everyone. He could just imagine all the Slytherin's falling off their seats in potions when he and Snape act civil towards each other for the first time. Well, more like the whole class would. Speaking of which, he should really tell his friends. They were sitting in the common room, chatting animatedly between each other-unaware Harry had spaced out.
"Ron, Hermione? I have something important to tell you." He stated abruptly, but quietly. He didn't need the whole common room hearing them. He put up a silence charm around them for good measure.
"Professor Snape and I were talking earlier. We ended up being civil to each other, have been since this school year has started. He's decided to he my father figure and I've accepted." He fumbled out bluntly. Hermione stared at him thoughtfully for a moment as Ron gaped at him.
"Okay." Hermione replied, surprisingly not questioning anything.
"Okay? What do you bloody well mean okay?! Snape?! As Harry's father figure?! The slimy git will kill Harry!" Ron spluttered, and Hermione glared at her boyfriend, effectively shutting him up.
"Harry made the decision. You are his best friend. Either accept the decision and support him, or give your spot in his life to someone who will." She stated quietly, although her tone was deadly. Ron nodded meekly, and the girl marched.
"Mate, what did you do to make her so pissed?" Harry asked bemusedly.
"I dunno." Ron groaned, wondering how many galleons he'd be spending in flowers and chocolates this time around.
A/N: Thank you all for your reviews and follows! I hope you're enjoying the story