Important author's note at end.
"Harry?" Severus called from the living room, about a week later. "Dinner!"
Harry heard him, but couldn't leave yet. He was still bleeding.
He tried to stop, really he did. He told Severus he wouldn't hurt himself anymore, but it was all still too much. Dumbledore kept talking about the fate of the Wizarding World and the prophecy. His friends haven't written to him all summer. And he still wasn't sure where he stood with Severus. He gave up trying to keep his promise about two days ago. He couldn't stop himself.
"Just a minute!" Harry yelled, trying to keep his voice as steady as possible. He regretted saying anything at all; his voice was shaky and he immediately heard Severus's footsteps coming towards him. "Harry open up, now!" Harry kept trying to stop his tears, and stop the bleeding, but Severus used his wand to open the door and his eyes widened at what he saw.
"Please, I'm sorry, sir! Please don't be mad at me.." Harry choked out. He was crying hysterically by then. Severus took his wand and stopped his bleeding and pain, and took him into his arms. "It's okay, child. You'll be alright." he let Harry cry for a moment, just letting him relax. "Come with me." he then said. He led Harry to Severus's own bed room. He sat him down on the bed and let him cry once more. "Shh.. it's okay. I'm here."
Harry took a moment, but he stopped crying after awhile. "I- I'm sorry, sir. I just-"
"What have I said to call me?" Severus gently corrected.
"Right. Well, I'm sorry, Severus. I know I said that I would stop but I can't help it and-" he stopped talking; he would only start crying again if he kept it up. Severus held him tighter. "No, I'm sorry, Harry. I should have watched you closer. I should have talked to you.." Severus closed his eyes. Harry sat up and put an arm around him. "It's not your fault Severus. Please don't be upset."
"I'm not upset with you, child. I'm upset with myself." Severus said meekly.
"Well, don't be that either."
Severus only smiled. He forgets sometimes how young Harry really is, he acts so serious and depressed all the time. Severus said nothing, just wrapped his arms around the child.
"Erm, Sev?" Harry said as he finished up dinner late one night.
"Hm?" Severus said, glaring at the use of his nickname.
"Are you sure you, um, want to.. take care of me?"
Severus smiled slightly. "If I didn't, Harry, you wouldn't be here."
"Right. Well what if one day I get into big, big trouble like if I fail a test or I don't do my homework or.. or I mess up a potion and blow the whole school up? What about then? Cause surely I'll be too much trouble then and.." Harry closed his eyes, took a deep breath and stopped talking, realizing he was rambling.
Severus chuckled. "I think you're tired. Why don't you go brush your teeth and change, I'll wait in your room."
Harry did, and he found Severus waiting like he said. "Hi." he said sleepily.
"Harry, come lay down, will you?"
Harry didn't say anything. He went over to where Severus was sitting on the foot of his bed, and got under the covers. Severus took a folded piece of paper out of his pocket. Harry opened it and saw the guardianship certificate, with Severus's signature on it. His eyes widened.
"All it needs is your fingerprint, Harry."
"And, you.. you really don't mind?"
"Of course not, child."
Harry smiled.
"Now, are you okay with it, is the question."
Harry nodded, still smiling. He placed his finger in the little box on the paper, and it glowed bright. It stopped as quick as it started, and Harry jumped up to wrap his arms around Severus.
"Sev? It's like 10:00, why didn't you wake me- woah.."
The living room was decorated with red and gold streamers and a big banner that said "Happy Birthday, Harry!" There were presents on the table and a huge cake. Harry suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. "Happy birthday." Harry turned around and smiled. "Sev? Is this all.. for me?"
"Well, let's see," Severus said while walking around the room. "There are red and gold, Gryffindor colors, all over so it's definitely not for me. The cake is decorated with Quidditch players, and the banner says 'Happy Birthday, Harry.' I'm not sure but I think it just may be for you."
Harry laughed and went over and hugged Severus. "You didn't have to, Sev. Thank you."
"What kind of person doesn't throw their son a birthday? No, I didn't have to. I wanted to. Come, time for presents."
They sat down at the table. Severus handed Harry a package and smiled. Harry opened it to find a book. He opened it and saw his parents hold him as a baby. He flipped through and saw many pictures of his parents.
"I've had this for a while," Severus said quietly. "When I was friends with your mother we liked taking pictures, and she used to send me some of you when you were born. I think you could use them more than me."
"Thank you, Sev. This is.. wonderful." Harry said smiling.
Harry finished opening presents from Ron, Hermione, Neville, Hagrid, and a few more from Severus.
"Time for cake?" Severus said when they were finished.
"Sure."
They cut the cake, and spent the next hour eating and talking and having a good time.
"Hey, Sev?"
"Yes?" Severus said as he pulled the covers over Harry.
"I just want to thank you. This was the best birthday I ever had." Harry put his arms around Severus.
"Oh, Harry. It shouldn't be, but you're welcome."
"What do you mean?"
Severus sighed. "You've never had a good birthday. You had a horrific childhood and.. I hate myself for not rescuing you sooner."
"No. Sev, don't say that. Better late than never, and it really wasn't all that bad.."
"Yes, it was. Don't you ever say that. You were treated horribly, horribly, just look what they made you do to yourself," Severus looked at him sadly. "And you deserved none of it. Do you hear me?"
Harry smiled. "Loud and clear, Sev. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Harry. Sleep well."
"You too." Harry said.
A/N: Hey! So here's another chapter, and I have some bad news..
At my school they lend out laptops to use for the year, aaand since it's the end of the year, they took them away. I'm not sure how often I'll get to use the one I'm on now but I may have infrequent updates for the next three months. :'(
But please review and tell me what you think about this story and I'll be persuaded to update faster. Thank you! :)