Disclaimer: Soooo, here we are again. Yeah, I own nothing.
Also, as usual I must shout out to my reviewers, followers, and favoriters? (If there is such a word) for their support and awesomeness. You people rock and make my day/ week/ month. You know all of it. I just want to remind people to tell me when I take
it a step too far, if I mess up just a little too much, and of course, if they love it. I'm an easy person to please.
Chapter Six
His father let him stay in his lap even after they had both gathered themselves together. Harry grinned as he sat there feeling safe and loved. His father kissed him on his head and rubbed the hair off his forehead. "We need to continue the discussion
I had planned as it is very important."
Harry blushed and looked down at his father's knees. "Sorry."
"No, son, I am not mad, and you did nothing that you could help. I did not mean to scare you."
"It's okay. I just overreacted. I was worried last night made you hate me, and your voice sounded different, and I was just really scared."
Harry knew he was babbling, but he wanted his father to understand. His father kissed his hair again. "I am very sorry, child. I was just thinking over what we would do next week."
"Next week?"
His father gave him a smile. "We are going to be taking a trip, child. We are going to have fun, do things like your cousin did with his parents. We shall go to parks and do all sorts of things. I just wanted to let you know that first because this way
I wanted us to become comfortable with each other."
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? Won't that cost money?"
"Harry, child, calm down. We are going to everything you want, and cost will never be an issue, son. I am very well off. I have created potions, written in magazines, and my mother's father left me a good sum of inheritance as his sole heir. Money is
never an issue when it comes to your happiness."
Harry found his face hurt he was grinning so much. "Thank you so much, sir. I trust you now. I know as soon as you have adopted me, I won't go anywhere."
His father gave him a soft look. "There are no need for thanks, Harry. You are my son and a precious gift. Having you with me is the best thing that could have happened to me. I want you to know that, and I love you."
Harry grinned up at the man. "When do we tell people?"
His father moved around where Harry leaned against the couch arm and his face was directly up at his father. "That is something I wanted to discuss with you, child. You see, Albus and I talked about you going to see the Weasleys so that you may inform
them of what has happened."
Harry felt his face light up. "I get to see the Weasleys?"
"If you would be okay with it and the Weasley matriarch will agree, then yes. Would you like for me to put in your request for tomorrow?"
Harry smiled wide and hugged the man. "Please, sir. I would love that. I can't wait to tell Ron all about my room, and I'll tell the twins all about how you scared Vernon, and I'll… Wait, you'll be there too, right?"
His father raised an eyebrow. "You would like for me to be there as well?"
Harry's eyes widened. "Of course. I-I like having you around."
He blushed and looked away from his father. His father grabbed his chin and steered him back toward his face. "I like spending time with as well, Harry. I shall be there as well in silent support."
Harry grinned up at the man and hugged him again. "Thank you, sir."
His father cleared his throat. "Yes, well, now I believe would be a good time for you to sit down and do your homework while you calm yourself."
Harry nodded as his father set him on the sofa. His father stood and wrapped the quilt off the back around his shoulders. Harry wanted to protest his need to sit alone, but he sat as his father went upstairs. The man came down a minute later with Harry's
school bag. His father set the bag in front of him and went into the kitchen moments later. Harry just waited once more until his father came out with a steaming mug. His father placed it on the table in front of him. "Drink this while you do your
work. It is hot chocolate, which has been known to provide a calming effect."
Harry nodded and began to get out his homework. He worked on History of Magic and Charms while his father read in his arm chair. Harry did as his father said by drinking the warm hot chocolate while he read his texts. It had the effect of calming him
down from his panic, but he really wanted to sit with his dad.
He worked quickly, finishing both the mug of hot chocolate and his two essays. He handed them over to his dad to look over while he gathered up his supplies. He turned in time to see his father smile down at his essays with pride. His father handed them
both back to him and nodded in appreciation. "Good work, Harry. Continue this level of work this coming year, and we may have a new head student."
Harry smiled brightly at the man and rushed upstairs to put away his things. He put his school bag on his desk and looked around at his room again, feeling the rush of love for his father all over again. He would never get used to the warmth he felt at
having a room decorated just for him and a dad who cared enough to do it. It made the warmth in his chest almost unbearable, and he really needed to hug the man.
He ran down the hall and down the stairs, ignoring his first instincts to never run in the house. His father looked up with confusion as he exited into the sitting room. He ignored the look before he lost his courage and ran at his father with a smile
encompassing his whole face. He flung himself at the man, who caught him easily while chuckling.
Harry could feel his father's deep, silky voice vibrate through the man's chest as he lied his head against it and wrapped his arms around the man. His father smoothed his hair down, which just made him relax more against the man. He felt so safe and
loved, and he wanted the man to feel that too as he buried himself against the man. His dad had given him everything, and he could almost convince himself it was forever.
"Harry, child, are you okay?" The concern made him smile brightly, and he just nodded against the man's chest as words were escaping him. "Alright. Do you want to get down?" Harry shook his head fiercely and buried his face deeper into the man's shirt
and wrapped his fists in it. "Okay. I thought not. Do you want me to read to you while we sit here? Other than that I find I have nothing else to do sitting here."
Harry looked up at the man in shock. He'd never ever been read to, not like Dudley. No one ever had held him while they read a book, but his dad had offered to do just that. Harry felt delighted just by the idea and smiled so wide at his dad that his
face hurt. He nodded his head and hugged the man again. He felt his father chuckle again and snuggled closer to the man. "Someone is a little leech or maybe a little snakelet. How would you like that?"
"Snakelet." Harry smiled as he rolled over the word. He liked his father had a name just for him and grinned up at the man. "I like it a lot. Thank you."
His father brushed his hair from his forehead again and leaned his back against his chest. Harry watched as his father opened his potions book and began to read to him. He found the silky tones comforting and even began to understand what his father was
saying. He just listened until he finally heard his father stop.
He looked up at the man in confusion. "Why'd you stop?"
"I need for us to go upstairs to go through your trunk before we have lunch."
Harry nodded and felt his father lift him onto his feet. He stood there and waited as his father set his book by his armchair. They walked upstairs together and went to Harry's room. His trunk had been left against the wall and was waiting there. He had
a thought as he saw his trunk and looked to his father. "Where's Hedwig?"
His father grinned. "I wondered when you would ask. She has been out in my personal owlery since you arrived. I have a spell that keeps her and my own owl fed and watered, but I am sure she would not be opposed to a visit from you."
Harry smiled and nodded. "Can I go see her after lunch?"
"It is may I, and yes, you may. After that though, you must take your nap as we have previously spoken about."
Harry nodded and went to his trunk. His father laid it down on the floor and flicked it open. Harry stared down at all his clothes and shuddered. His father scowled at them and levitated them away into a pile. Harry turned toward him in confusion. "What're
you doing, sir?"
"I plan to have a nice burning of past things soon if you think you could agree to that?"
Harry grinned at the man and nodded. "Yes, sir. Thanks."
His father nodded, and they continued on looking through his things. He had not grown much, but his father insisted they go to Diagon Alley soon to get him some things. His dad also promised to get him wizard clothes and toys while they were there. Harry
felt excited at the prospect of spending the day with his father in the wizarding world.
His father accioed him a bookshelf from somewhere and set all his old texts on the shelf before going back in for the last bit. When his father found his invisibility cloak, Harry was sure he would take it, but his father just raised an eyebrow at it.
"I see the Potter invisibility cloak has somehow slipped into your possession."
"Um… yeah. I got it for Christmas."
"Albus.," he heard his father growl. "Well, we now have a new rule. This year, you will not use this cloak for any sort of mischief or pranks or to disobey rules set by both the school or myself. Is that understood?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, sir. I understand."
"Good. I believe that is all we must do with your trunk for now." He sent it under his bed where it would stay and looked over to Harry once more. "Shall we go eat lunch?"
Harry nodded and followed his father thinking about the tone his father had used to give him rules. It wasn't the same as at school with none of the scorn but more of a paternal sternness that made Harry more afraid of disappointing his dad than fearing
the man. He followed the man to the kitchen table and waited while his father prepared their meal. His father brought it over, and Harry ate with little enthusiasm as he was starting to feel tired.
His father tapped the table in front of him. "Are you okay, child?"
Harry nodded. "Just sleepy."
His father nodded. "Finish your food, and you can have your afternoon nap."
"What about Hedwig?"
"You can see her after."
"Promise?"
His father gave him a smile. "I promise, snakelet. Finish up."
Harry nodded and finished his food. As much as he wanted to see Hedwig, he could barely keep his eyes open as he finished his plate of food. His father sent the plates away and led him to the couch. Harry looked up at him and smiled at the man allowing
him to take his nap in the man's presence. He would feel much safer that way.
His father pushed him down onto the couch and wrapped the quilt around him. Harry tucked himself up and lied his head on a throw pillow on the sofa. He felt his father rake his fingers through his hair and leaned into the touch as he closed his eyes.
They were pulled away, and he whimpered before it was replaced by a kiss in his hair. He sighed in contentment and drifted off. "Love you."
"I love you as well, Harry. Go to sleep child."
HPSSHPSS
Severus left the child and went to his floo. He threw in powder before calling out, "The burrow."
He only had to wait a moment with his head in the floo before Molly caught sight of him. She bustled over to him, picking up her own parlor as she made her way. He his a chuckle in a frown as he watched her. She bent down where they were face to face
and smiled. "Hello, Severus. How are you?"
Severus had to hold his own smile down from seeing this woman. She truly was a miracle worker with children like the twins. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Weasley…"
She huffed at him angrily. "It is Molly for the last time, Severus."
He sighed and rolled his eyes. "Yes, Molly, I understand. I wanted to call you as we have much to discuss. Things have happened since we last spoke."
She looked concerned and came closer. "What things, Severus? Are you in trouble? Is it You-Know-Who? Albus? Anything at all, and I shall be there."
Severus huffed. "Take a breath, woman, and let me speak. I will inform you of everything in due time."
She gave him a stern frown. "Would you care to come through? Having a lengthy conversation bent like we are is not as easy as it once was."
Severus shook his head. "I cannot leave my home at this time, but if you would be able to come to me, I would put on a cup of tea for us both, but I must ask you now for you to wait before you ask questions."
She looked concerned once more, but she nodded her head. "I will wait to ask questions if you will just let me through. I can leave Percy to watch over the younger ones."
"Fine. Come through when you are ready, I will leave it open."
She nodded her head and went yelling through her home for her children. He stepped back and waited, blocking view of his sofa from the immediate eye where she would not become too flabbergasted all at once. She came through moments later. Severus nodded
to her and put a finger to his lips. She looked confused but did as he said.
"I want to show you something, but please, hold in your surprise and questions until we enter the kitchen."
She nodded, and he took a step to the left where she could see his son. Her eyes widened, and she took in a sharp breath. He stepped closer to his son and ignored her presence as he pushed the hair from the boy's kissed the child's hair,
causing him to sigh in contentment. He looked back to see Molly was dying for answers.
He stood and crooked his head toward the kitchen. She nodded and followed him into the kitchen. He offered her a chair, put on the tea, and spelled the room where Harry could not hear them but they could hear Harry. He finished the tea and handed her
a cup and took his own to the seat across from her. She did not even act like the tea was there, just stared at him. "Well, Molly, you may begin."
She huffed. "Well, I certainly hope so, Severus. What was it I just saw in there?"
Severus arched an eyebrow at her. "What you just saw was a father kiss his son. Any other hard questions you need answered."
She just raised her own eyebrow in silent question. He knew he had to appease her and began his tale all over again. He explained how he had found Harry and what state he was in, bringing tears to the eyes of a mother. He comforted her before going on
with the hospital and what had been discovered while there. She had more questions, and he ended up explaining to her his relationship with Lily and their past. She understood of course as she too lost loved ones during the war.
He continued with what he had been doing the past three days with his son and all his issues. She was in tears when he had finished but whether they were from joy or sadness he did not know. He did know that he ended up being hugged tightly by the woman
and only relented for her feelings. She hugged him one last time before stepping back with red rimmed eyes. "Severus, I am so happy for you. I can see how much has changed in you in just these past few days. It is so nice to see you so happy."
He found himself smiling. "He is a special young boy. A lot like his mother."
She gave a pointed look. "I am sure he is just as much like his father as he is his mother."
He rolled his eyes. "Indeed. Well, I called you to inform you for a reason."
"And that would be?"
He rolled his eyes once more. "Will you ever allow me to finish?"
She scowled. "If you would just spit it out and stop trying to use your big words, I would not have to stop you."
He scowled. "Very well. I wanted to ask if Harry and myself could come to your home tomorrow where he may inform your sons about his newfound parentage. He was very excited at the prospect of seeing them."
She smiled brightly at him. "I would love for you and Harry to come over to the house. I am happy to also see you will be joining."
He nodded. "He was only wanting to come if I were there as well."
She smiled, and he felt heat rush to his cheeks. His son was making him turn into a soft man, but he was happy to put a smile on the boy's face and proud when Harry proclaimed he wanted everyone to know he was his daddy. He smiled at her. "This change
is good for you, Severus. I hope it goes over to school as well."
He scowled. "Molly, you are aware I teach a very dangerous subject. I do not need students making mistakes that cost someone their lives. I have to be strict, stern, keep them all reactive. It is my duty to protect them."
She nodded. "I understand. I believe I need to go. I have to finish cleaning the house for tomorrow."
He led her back to the floo. She stopped and looked to Harry. She turned back to him and smiled. "He is a sweet boy, Severus. You will make a great father."
He nodded. "Thank you, Molly. I shall see you tomorrow."
She flooed home, and he went upstairs to begin the paternity potion he had been putting off for a few days. He began the potion, leaving a warding on his son for when he woke up. He worked on the potion until he made it to the last step. He set up a stasis
spell on the potion and went to gather the last ingredient. He pulled a hair from his son's head and his own before he dropped them in the potion. If the potion turned red, it was positive.
He waited as he stirred the potion five times clockwise. It only took a few seconds for the potion to turn dark crimson. He smiled, getting the result he expected and wanted. He banished the potion and scourgified his station before walking back downstairs.
He saw his son was beginning to wake and waited in his armchair as the boy pulled himself from sleep.
He watched tired, green eyes look up at him, and a smile broke out across the boy's face. He moved forward with a smile of his own and sat by the boy as he sat up. "Good afternoon, child. Are you feeling better now?"
His son rubbed the sleep from his eyes and nodded. "Yes, sir. Much. C-May I go see Hedwig now?"
Severus chuckled and nodded. "Yes, you may. Use the back door in the kitchen to get out back. You can't miss the owlery."
His son jumped up from the couch and began to run outside before stuttering in his step and beginning to walk. Severus knew he was so close to getting his son to relax, and he could not be more happy about that fact. Soon his son would feel comfortable
enough with him. He stayed in the kitchen while his son visited with his owl. He did not know why the boy seemed so close to the owl, but he would ask.
The boy came back inside the house, and Severus handed him a glass of juice. His son had been outside in the heat and needed to cool down. "Thanks."
He nodded to the boy and directed him into a chair. "Did you have fun visiting your owl?"
The boy's happily wide eyes told him well enough but the boy nodded his head while he drank from his glass. The boy took a breath and set it down, grinning wide. "It was brilliant out there! Do you think I could play out there some time?"
Severus smiled at the child. "You may play out there any time you wish, child. Just let me know where you are and be safe. Also, your broom is in the shed out there as well if you want to go flying."
The boy's eyes looked ready to burst they were so wide. "You mean I can fly too?"
"Yes, child. I have wards that hide us from the muggles. You just have to stay inside of them."
His son jumped up and down in his seat and gave a delighted squeal. "That is so wicked! Can… um… may I go fly now?"
Severus smiled at the boy. "Yes, but only for an hour, Harry. You have to come inside after that to wash up for dinner. Do not go in and out either, Harry."
His son nodded adamantly. "Yes, sir. I won't. I promise."
Severus grinned and motioned outside. "Go on then."
His son ran outside, calling over his shoulder. "Thanks."
He heard something that suspiciously sounded like 'daddy,' but he could not be sure as he may have been biased to wanting to hear it. He waited as his son flew himself tired and came in with five minutes to spare of his hour of flying time. His son rushed
to the downstairs loo and came back to sit in his seat at the table with a too large smile on his son's face. "Did you have a nice time flying?"
His son was literally bouncing in his seat with excitement. "It was so wicked, sir! Can I do it again tomorrow?"
Severus smiled. "I would like to allow you to fly here, but I would think you would have more fun spending time at the Weasleys as we had planned."
His son's eyes widened, and his hyperactive state became more so than before. "So we get to go see Ron, the twins, and Mrs. Weasley."
"All of the Weasley brood shall be there I am sure. We will be informing them of what has transpired and spend our day there. Is that agreeable for you?"
His son nodded his head. "Yes, sir. That'd be brilliant!"
Severus nodded and went to retrieve dinner for he and his son. He removed it from the stove and divided the food onto both of their plates, making sure to give his son a due amount. His son went straight to eating his dinner, and Severus followed suit.
They both finished their meal quickly, and Severus cleaned up after herding his son toward the parlor.
He went to join him for a quite few hours. He spent them reading while his son also read one of the books from his many shelves. They spent those few hours in comfortable silence, and Severus found it much more comfortable with the child to keep him company.
Soon, he saw his son was yawning and smiled as he set his book aside and stood. "Time for bed, child."
His son rubbed his eyes and looked over at him. "B-but, I don't wanna go alone."
Severus smiled at the small bit of defiance the boy showed. "Then I shall come with you, but you are tired, and we have a very busy day tomorrow."
His son nodded and got to his feet. Severus herded the boy through his nightly routine before sending the boy into his bed. He pulled the comforter over the child and tucked it around him. His son grinned and looked expectantly up at Severus. Severus
smiled and kissed his son's hair before sitting beside the boy in his bed. He did not plan to sleep with him again tonight, but he would stay with the child until he fell asleep. "Lie back, child. I shall be here until you fall asleep."
The boy smiled and wrestled himself deep into the covers. He was about to tell the child goodnight when a pop of apparition was heard. He looked to see the set of letters Dobby had shown him now on the floor of his son's room. He walked over to them and
picked them up before walking back over to the boy with the letters in hand.
His son no longer looked tired as he sat up in bed with curiosity. "What is that, sir?"
"Letters."
He became distracted by familiar handwriting on one of the envelopes. It looked just like Lily's he observed as he picked it up. He studied it, and he was almost certain and shocked when he saw that it indeed was Lily's handwriting. He looked over to
his son observing him with concern. "What is it, sir?"
Severus cleared his throat of the lump forming. "A letter, from your mother."
The boy's eyes widened. "What? But?"
"Let's just open it. It may say something we do not already know."
His son seemed to steel in front of him and nodded his head. "Do it."
Severus felt pride at his son's strength and did as he was commanded. He opened the letter where both his son and he could read the words. His breath caught in his throat at her thin, curved hand so familiar. He read with his son,
Harry,
If you are reading this, then I and James have died. I know this is not fair to you what I am about to say, and I want to say more, but I have little time without James seeing this letter. If you have lived all these years as a lie, then I am very sorry
for what you have been through, but I am about to make known a secret I had almost taken to my grave.
James is first and foremost not your father. He is not aware of this fact, and I have made it my mission for no one to know. As soon as you were born, I created a mix of the polyjuice potion and the glamour charm that I placed on you to match you to James.
I did not do so to hide you from your biological father, but to protect us all from the wrath of Voldemort. I hid you away just as Severus did me so that you would not be persecuted for the decisions of your parents.
I cannot say I am a perfect woman, but I have done what I had to to help you and your father survive. Were anyone to know who your father was back then, we all would have been at risk of death.
Now, the reason I tell you now is that I cannot take this to my grave. My variation to hide your identity will be wearing off following your twelfth birthday. I know this is hard to accept, but I am sure your real father will be willing to help you through
this. Please, contact him immediately because this letter will be sent to him next following a charm I placed on it. His name is Severus Snape, and he is a good man. If you have any questions, you may ask him or Albus Dumbledore.
Now, I love you my son, and I wish I could say more to you. You are such a perfect gift. Please, go to your father and be safe. I am so sorry, Harry.
Love,
Mummy
Severus sat there after reading the letter slightly stunned into silence. He had not planned to ever read anything like this in his life. It was short, sweet, and to the point just like his Lily. She did not have the time to convey everything, but that
did not matter. He had seen his love's writing once more, read her sweet words again, and that fact brought tears down his face.
He looked down at the child pressed against him and saw he was unconsciously rubbing the child's back as he lied against his chest. The child was not crying but looking at the letter in shock. Severus could say he too was overwhelmed, but he now had answers
to questions that had troubled him. His son would look like him soon, that much was certain, and the boy was already supposed to contact him. His Lily had understood him to the end and wanted him to get to know his son. He was happy that he could
follow her wishes.
He lied the child back down and got to his feet. He tucked in the stunned child and sat back down on the bed as he waited for the boy to pull from his stupor and say something. He rubbed the child's head and raked his hands through his hair as he waited.
He did not wait long for the child to look up at him with confusion. "What does all of it mean, sir?"
Severus sighed and moved the boy's hair from his forehead. "It means, snakelet, that soon no one will need to be told you are my son. You will soon look like me."
His son nodded and looked down at his hands on his chest. They were wringing out themselves. "Is that okay, sir? That I look like you?"
Severus was stunned but rushed to reassure his little boy. "Child, I would love nothing more than for you to look like me. That is how it should have always been, and I am very glad to see you that way."
"It doesn't change anything?"
Severus shook his head and kissed his child on his head. "It changes nothing, child. Now, it is time for bed."
His son nodded. Severus had to let him know everything was okay, that nothing had changed between them, but the elation he felt over his child looking like him had him grinning as he kissed his son once again on the head. "Goodnight, snakelet."
His son sighed and curled up. Severus knew to wait for the child to go to sleep. "G'night, Daddy."
Severus felt the usual warmth but knew it was just because the boy was tired. He would have to wait to hear it in the light of day. He dimmed the lights to a nightlight as his child closed his eyes and went to go talk to Albus. He rushed downstairs and
threw in the floo powder, calling out for his father's rooms in Hogwarts. He stuck his head through and was blinded at the sight of Minerva and Albus sharing a moment.
He would deny until his death the noise he made when he saw this or the way he closed his eyes to hide from the sight. He was a grown man, but his father kissing his old Transfiguration teacher set him back. "Severus, really? You are well aware of a grown
man's needs, and I should not have to tell you that now when you have just discovered your own son…"
"Albus, stop! I have heard enough. I wanted to discuss with you about what I need to do to adopt Harry fully with my name."
Albus smiled and accioed something with the wave of his hand. Severus watched as the man grabbed the stack of papers and waved them in the air. "You mean these?"
Severus rolled his eyes. Minerva was smirking like the cat she could turn into, and Severus sneered at them both. "Yes, Albus. I mean those."
'Damn omniscient codger saw it coming.'
"Step through, my boy, and sign these papers where I may send them off to the Ministry first thing in the morning. I'll put a rush on them, and you shall officially be the son of Harry Snape by the next day."
Severus could not help but smile at his son's name. "Yes, thank you, Father."
Severus stepped through the floo and went straight to Albus. His father conjured a quill and ink pot and set the documents on his coffee table. Severus glanced at Minerva to see her grinning still, and he found it no longer bothered him as he signed in
all the right places. He found a grin plastered onto his face as he finished finally.
He looked to see his father grinning as well. "Congrats, my boy. We have now added another to the family."
"Officially. He is already family, Father."
"I am aware of that, but this is a great occasion. One we must celebrate."
Severus sighed but nodded. "The day after next. I have a meeting with the Weasley brood tomorrow."
Albus grinned and nodded. "Fine, my boy. We will do whatever young Harry wants tomorrow. Shall I arrive in the morning for breakfast."
Severus nodded. "That should be fine, Father. Well, I will leave you to it."
His father approached and hugged him once again. Severus sighed, but he allowed it for the old man's sake. He departed for the man and flooed back home to go to sleep, trusting his father to take care of the paperwork for the adoption since he had a bed
calling his name. He went up to his room to sleep. He needed all he could get for the day ahead of him.
HPSSHPSS
Harry woke up in his bed with a smile. He had not had any nightmares, no accidents, and his dad was still his dad even after everything that had happened. Nothing had changed, and he was home. He stretched and sat up in bed, looking around with a goofy
smile on his face. He was really happy, and he felt like nothing could break that.
He frowned as he remembered he'd be telling Ron and the Weasleys today. He really hoped they'd be understanding. Well, he only truly worried about Ron. The twins would take it as a chance to prank his father, Mrs. Weasley would just cry a lot, and well
Percy wouldn't really care. He'd never met Mr. Weasley, but Ron talked about him like he was great, so he suspected he would be nice as well. He really just had to worry about Ron. He was his first friend.
His stomach started aching again as he got out of bed to get dressed. He ignored the pain in his stomach as he put on a power rangers shirt and a pair of his jean shorts. He sat down on the ground and pulled on his socks and converse before he walked
downstairs. He was excited yesterday, but now all he felt was worry and his stomach aching. He walked downstairs and slid into his seat.
He kicked his too short legs aimlessly in his anxious state. His father came by him and ruffled his straightening hair. He just noticed what that meant and squealed. "Sir, my hair's straight!"
His father chuckled. "Just now noticing that, Harry? Yes, it is straight now. Can you think of why?"
Harry finally understood why. "I'm starting to look like you!"
"Very good, child. And, yes, you are starting to look like me, but do you see those curls at the ends of your hair?"
Harry pulled his hair away and noticed the curling his hair was doing on the end. "Yeah. Why?"
His father smiled. "Your mother's did that. Her entire hair was curly like that. It seems I might see more of her now as well."
Harry grinned at the thought of being more like his mother. She was a strong lady, and she had died protecting him. He hoped his father did not mind he wouldn't look just like him though. He probably wouldn't. So he just grinned at the man. "Now, I can
have more than just her eyes."
His father smiled. "You are much more like your mother than just your eyes, Harry. You are brave, sweet, and loving, just like she was. You put your quill in your mouth, just like she did."
"I do?"
His father nodded and picked him up into his arms. "You do, child. Now, are you feeling better now?"
Harry stared at his father in shock. "Do you read minds, sir?"
His father outright laughed at him. "No, I do not, child. Call it father's instincts."
Harry frowned. His father looked down at him in concern. "How are you, Harry?"
"I'm fine, sir."
His father matched him with his own frown. "Are you sure you are okay? We do not have to do this."
Harry shook his head. "No, I wanna be the one to tell them. We need to do it now before I… Well, you know."
He looked down and blushed. His father smiled. "I am very proud of you, Harry. That is very brave and loyal. Just like your mother."
Harry grinned at the man. "And my father."
His father blinked at him in shock. He had never seen the man so utterly stumped. Harry knew he said exactly what he meant. His father was a great man, and he wished everyone knew that just like he did. He wished he could show the man how proud he was
to be his son. He knew that there could be some way to show him, but he worried the man would not accept him when he called him daddy. The man had yet to reject him though.
He wanted to show the man he loved him and trusted him, but he was so scared. The man hadn't said anything when he had tested it out at night or when he had slipped into it yesterday. He hoped the man wanted him to do this, because he was going to grab
all his Gryffindor courage and call the man that. He hugged the man. "I love you, Daddy, and I'm proud I'm your son."
He thought he heard his father choke, but when he looked up, he saw his father had tears rolling down his face. He was confused until his father hugged him tightly and kissed him on his hair. Harry giggled and wrapped his arms around the man's neck. "Thank
you, Harry. That may have been the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."
Harry smiled shyly. "Does that mean I can call you that whenever I want?"
His father looked down at him with a serious expression. "Yes, snakelet, you may call me dad, daddy, papa or what have you whenever you want. I am your father, and nothing would make me prouder than for you to call me that."
Harry smiled and hugged his father again. He felt the man rub his hand through his hair and then kiss his forehead. "I love you, snakelet."
Harry hugged the man tighter and took a chance again to kiss the man's cheek. His father looked surprised but smiled to him and set him back in his chair. "It is time for breakfast, young man."
Harry nodded and got to eating the breakfast his father set in front of him. He was buzzing now after settling it all with his father. His father wanted to be called daddy, and he was proud he was his father. He smiled through his bite of eggs. His father
tapped the table in front of him. "Do not chew with your mouth open, child, and drink all of your milk. I put your nutrient potion in it."
Harry nodded as he took large gulps of his milk. He finished both his food and his milk before pushing the plate away with a gulp of air. He was trying to rush so he did not push it off, but he still had aches in his stomach. He pushed those off as his
father spelled the dishes and stood up. His dad came around to him and looped his arm over his shoulder.
His dad led him to the fireplace. Harry was confused why he was going that way, and he pulled back from his dad. "What're we doing, Daddy?"
His father smiled down at him. "This form of wizard travel is called the floo, Harry. It connects fireplaces of wizards all over the world. To use the floo, one must take some of this powder here on the mantel and shout very clearly your destination.
After that, you throw down the powder and are taken away immediately to your destination. It is best to do this first with your parents. That is if you can agree to that?"
Harry smiled brightly at his father. "Okay."
His father smiled and stepped forward into the fire place. Harry watched as his father had him hug him tight around the waist and bury his face in the man's chest to protect against dust. He still was amazed as his father called out, "The burrow," and
threw down the powder.
Harry felt himself go by more and more fireplaces before he felt himself slam feet first down onto floor. He would have fallen had his father not been holding him tightly to the man, who seemed to floo with grace. Harry buried his face in the man's chest
to catch his breath. He felt his dad rub his hands through his hair to calm him and took a breath. He felt his stomach calm and sooth after being against the man for a moment.
He looked up at his father and grinned. "Thanks."
"You are very welcome, snakelet."
They were halted from their moment by the sound of choking. Harry turned around to see the entire Weasley clan looking at them with wide eyes. Ron was making an imitation of a fish, Mr. Weasley (Harry decided from the man's age and red hair) was smiling
knowingly, the twins were halted with their eyebrows raised, Percy was too busy burying his nose in a book to see what was going on, and Ginny was blushing while looking away. Harry felt himself tense and looked back to his father. He motioned his
father to his height and cupped his hands to the man's ear. "Were they there the whole time?"
"Yeah, mate," (Fred?) answered.
"We saw the whole thing," George continued.
"We just want to know one thing."
"Did you use polyjuice?"
"Imperio?"
"The wrath of Merlin himself?"
Harry just stared at the twins as a smile broke out across his face. "Nothing."
"Then, mate, I hate to tell you."
"But, you have a big problem because you just hugged."
"A smiling Snape."
"You obviously."
"Are dying."
"In the next, say?"
"Five minutes," Fred finished, looking at an imaginary watch on his wrist.
"Boys, stop that nonsense this instant. I told you all before we sat down here that Severus and Harry came here to tell you something, so we are all going to hush," she said with a stern glare toward Fred and George. "And we are going to listen to what
they have to tell us with open minds and understanding. Do I make myself clear?"
The Weasley clan nodded and a collected, "Yes, Mum," was heard.
Harry grinned as she smiled at him with tears gathered in her eyes. She obviously already knew what had happened, and Harry found himself thankful she was there to keep the peace. He turned to his dad, who motioned them into the only two seats left in
front of the entire crowd of red hair. His father looked cool and collected, but Harry could feel as he grabbed the man's sweaty hand that he was nervous. He gave a reassuring squeeze, and his father turned to him with an eyebrow raised. "I believe
you are the one who needs the reassurance, child."
Harry smiled. "I know you're worried for me, Dad. Thanks."
His father nodded his head.
"Dad!"
Harry turned toward the shout to see Ron was looking at him in pure shock and confusion. Harry found himself steeling for this conversation and looking at the boy with determination. "Yes, Ron. We came here because you are my best mate, and I wanted to
be the one to tell you that Professor Snape is my dad."
All the childrens' mouths dropped open, but Harry watched as Mr. Weasley smiled at Severus and Mrs. Weasley wiped tears from her eyes. Harry was feeling slightly shy now after his announcement and scooted closer to his dad. Ron was the first one to react.
"What'd you mean he is your dad? Harry, have you gone bloody mental? This is Snape! He hates you, wishes you ill, tried to kill us! He's a greasy git, a dungeon bat! Arggghhh!"
Harry was happy when both of the twins finally covered Ron's mouth. They hadn't done it soon enough he realised as tears slipped from his eyes. He found himself in his father's lap with his head in the man's chest while he clung to the front of the man's
robes. He didn't allow his sobs to reach anyone's ears as he cried into his father's chest. What Ron had said hurt somewhere deep. He had known who his father was to him before, but now, his dad was different, and he wasn't going to let him insult
the man.
He pulled away from his father's chest and glared coolly at Ron. He felt his anger rise, and he sneered at the boy. "He may have been that way before, but you don't know anything about him, Ron. He is a hero. He saved lives and spied and risked his life
and gave up my mum to save dunderheads like you! I am proud he is my daddy, and he loves me. He's given me everything I have ever wanted! He has taken care of me, tucked me in, and comforted me when I cried! I love him, and if you can't accept that,
well you can just... sod off!"
He was breathing heavy, and he found he couldn't breathe again. He motioned to his throat, and his dad quickly grabbed his inhaler and had him take the two breaths before beginning to rub his back. Harry caught his breath and lied down against his father's
chest. He felt wiped out after all he had yelled at Ron, but he had to say it. He would have to get used to defending himself and his father from people like Ron. He saw the man look at him with concern and accepted the trouble he would have to go
through to have the best father he had ever known.