Harry hid half behind Severus watching as baby Dumbledore being left on the step of number 4 well after midnight that night. He didn't want to admit it but he was worried about how the old headmaster/baby headmaster was going to be treated. After all he'd grown up with them his whole life he knew what was going to happen but then he figured it might be worse for the new Squib because they'd been pissed when their slave had been taken and now that Duddley wasnt living there or even Tuny he knew full well what was going to happen.
"He's getting what he deserves." Severus said to Harry. "I'd like to talk to you more about what that man did to you at one point but I think I will wait for you to calm down first. "
"Severus!" Lucius caught up to them as they walked down the street. " Narcissa and I are getting a Divorce and I promised to stay away from the Manor for a few days do you mind if I stay with you?"
"You may stay ." Severus replied, noting that Harry blushed and clung to his side but kept glancing at Lucius."Under conditions. The main being you will not be alone with Harry. "
"That is of course reasonable. " Lucius smirked, " He is really too young anyway. "
Harry nodded rapidly in agreement and fled to his mama as soon as they were home. She held him and glared at Lucius she didn't know why he was here but she had a feeling she'd be throwing hexes soon.
"You have company, Harry." Lily smiled at him. "Remus stopped over not long ago."
"MOONY!" Harry cheered running toward the sitting when a lamp exploded. Remus had come out smiling he stopped and so did Harry. Harry looked guilty. But Severus patted his head and tossled his hair. Harry gave him a searching look before smiling and running to Remus. " Moony!"
"I just stopped by to give you those books we talked about." Remus replied with a chuckle handing them the books, " I better get back to the house..."
"Before Padfoot gets bored or hungry and trys to cook ..." Harry laughed,
"Merlin, help me that he doesn't burn down the house." Remus agreed joking with him. He then caught Severus' glare. "Well, I better get going then."
"Come visit again soon, Moony!" Harry called after him. "and thanks for the books!"
Severus growled at himself as the wolf left. Why the hell was he so jealous of those two spending time with his son? He absently put his hand on Harry's head and began playing in the boys hair. He felt Harry lean into the touch which alerted him to what he was doing. He could see Harry was happy and desperate for the attention and affection. Not for the first time he asked himself if he was doing this father thing properly or not.
They were in the sitting room. Harry was now curled up with him on the couch reading one of the Maruders infernal books. Lucius was in a chair across from them closer to the fire sipping wine, like he was, and reading the Evening Profit. He was reading the latest Potions Journal. He frowned for a moment arm around his son holding him close. Where the hell had Lily run off to?
He remembered her being at dinner but not seeing her after.
"Harry, do you know where Lily went?"
"Yes, Papa." Harry replied, biting his lip. "But I can't tell you, Papa cause Mama made me promise. "
"I see. " Severus hugged Harry to him. "It's okay, Harry , you don't need to tell me. Though if someone is getting hurt do to this promise ..."
"Not physically ." Harry replied, in a small voice. "Mama's just seeing an old friend. "
Severus frowned but didn't let Harry see. An old friend? Lily had been popular in school so that wasn't so hard to believe. Coming to the conclusion that he wouldn't worry unless given reason and that he was over reacting he went back to the Journal .
Severus sighed as he tucked a passed out Harry into bed. Lily was not back yet and it was almost 11. He set Nagi to watch Harry and did the same with vlad who was once again trying to escape being eaten by the demonic Camie who was now mewling at Harry's bedroom door and clawing at it. He shooed the cat as he slid out of the room then resorted to throwing a stinging hex to get it to go away. She hissed and took off. Harry hated the cat as much as Severus did. It had turned out to be demonic and clawed and hissed at everyone who was not Lily.
" Sickle for your thoughts, Severus?" Lucius asked, as Severus returned to the sitting room, " I'm here to listen if you need me to."
"It's not important." Severus replied, " we open early tomorrow so I'm going to bed, I've put extra wards on Harry's room you will not like what happens if you try to enter."
"I will not stoop to that level, Severus," Lucius laughed, " I was telling the truth Harry is too young. Even I'm not that perverted. He has to be at least 15 and willing before I'll do anything with him."
"That's very good to know." Severus replied harshly then sighed, " Am I doing this right?"
"There is no right or wrong way to be a father, Severus." Lucius explained, " Each father just goes by gut instinct when it comes to their children... " He put the paper down, " Lily's mind is till that of her 19 year old self, Severus. She was in a coma for 11 years remember. Just ..."
"That's what I'm afraid of, Lucius ." Severus ran fingers through his hair . " I remember how Lily was back then. She played Potter and I against each other all the time. She even got Black and Lupin involved more than once. There wasn't a guy who would turn her down. All she had to do was bat those eyes and they fell over themselves to do what she wanted..."
"I figured you never noticed."
"I noticed... too late." He sighed, "Way too late..." he shook his head roughly, " All that matters to me right now is Harry."
"That is exactly where your priorities should be." Lucius smirked, "Good for you. "