Once they got back to the castle Harry went with his Uncle Sev for the night. His friends had just nodded in understanding; for the past three years this had happened every time Harry had jeopardized his life. As the portrait swung open and Harry stepped in and followed his uncle to the couch. While he might have gotten his emotions under control, Harry knew that it was still eating at him inside that he could have been killed. Severus sat down first and then Harry sat down and curled against his side as Severus laid an arm across his shoulders.

"I'm sorry." Severus apologized and Harry felt even worse.

"You don't have to apologize, Uncle Sev. I'm the one that should be making an apology. I put my life in danger, again, and you had to rescue me, again. I'm sorry I drag you through so much." Harry apologized back.

Severus sat up and pulled Harry tight against his side. Ususally the two of them just sat there and ended up falling asleep, but it seemed they both needed more comfort tonight. "Do not apologize for that...ever. We both know that without you, I would be lost, kiddo. You are literally the only reason I made it this far. I can't even begin to imagine what would have become of me if I had lost all of you that night. You were the one thing that kept me intact when I felt like I was chipping away. Being your uncle and raising you is...a wonderful feeling, Harry. I thought I had lost it all that night until Albus placed you in my arms. I thought that there was no way I could be what you needed, but the moment you were back in my arms, I just knew. No matter how much it hurt, no matter how much it felt like my heart was trying to leave my chest, you would help me find a way to keep it there. I love you so much, cub." Severus concluded and pulled Harry against his chest.

Harry was silent as tears streamed down his face. He knew that Uncle Sev loved him and he loved him too, more than the man would ever realize, but Uncle Sev had never told him just how much he meant to him.

"I love you too, Uncle Sev. I'm really glad that Mom and Dad chose you to be my Godfather. I mean they set the foundation, but without you there every day to remind me what love was...I wouldn't be who I've become. You have done a great job, Uncle Sev, never doubt that. I know right from wrong because of you, I know how to stand up for myself, how to stand up for my friends and family, I know who my parents were, and I know how to love...and I know what it is because of you." Harry stated swallowing roughly.

Severus's arms tightened and he gently kissed the boy on the head. Then he flicked his wand and turned the couch into a recliner that he laid back against as he held his Godson and nephew close.