"Harry, can I talk to you?" Severus said sadly one day, the day before the other students would arrive.

"What's wrong, Sev?"

He led Harry to the living room, sitting him on the couch, and looked straight into his eyes.

"As you know, classes will start in two days, after the students arrive and get settled."

"And...?"

Severus sighed. "You'll have Potions, and I will be teaching... "

Harry's face fell. He knew Severus would have to keep up his role as a spy when Voldemort returns, and being friendly with The-Boy-Who-Lived wouldn't do him much good. Severus wanted nothing more in that moment to curse Voldemort and his band of DeathEating idiots into oblivion. The look on Harry's face was enough to make anyone burst into tears.

"I know, you'll have to be a jerk to me again." Harry said, smiling slightly, but looking disappointed.

Severus put a hand on the boy's knee, and he was happy the boy didn't flinch or jerk away from the touch.

"No, I won't. I can't exactly be nice to you, Harry, but I will do my best to just.. ignore you." Severus said sadly. "I'm sorry, Harry. You know if it was up to me I wouldn't be spying at all."

"I know, it's okay."

Severus sighed, but patted his knee a few times comfortingly before getting up.

"How about we have a small lunch here? The others will be here for the feast in about an hour."

Harry only nodded. He was wondering how his friends would react to Severus being his guardian.

Lunch was a quiet one; Harry was looking apprehensive the whole time.

"What's wrong, child?" Severus asked gently.

"I.. it's nothing."

Severus sighed but said "Come here."

They walked into the living room. Severus sat Harry down on the couch next to him, and looked him in the eyes.

"Harry, there's obviously something bothering you. Would you please tell me? I may be able to help." Severus said, his voice soft.

Harry sighed, but answered. "I'm just.. it's stupid really but.. I'm scared to see how my friends will react to-"

"The dungeon bat being your father?"

Harry's eyes widened, but he had to smile.

Severus chuckled. "Maybe not officially, yet. But Harry, I'm sure they'll be fine with it. Maybe not at first, but they'll come around. If they don't, they aren't very good friends, are they now?" Harry smiled. "Thanks, Severus."

"Anytime, child. If you ever need anything, even just a shoulder to cry on, or an ear to listen, I'm here." Harry nodded, tears in his eyes. Severus took his thumb and wiped them away. "Don't cry. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just nice having someone.. taking care of me after all this time." Harry said a little sadly.

Severus sighed and took the boy into his arms. "Oh, Harry. I'm only doing what I should have done all along."

"Hey guys!" Harry said smiling. He was already seated at the Great Hall when everyone else arrived. Hermione and Ron had come running to him, hugging him and asking if he was okay, if and why he had tried to commit suicide. "Not now, guys." he whispered. The last thing he needed was more attention.

The train had arrived about a half hour ago, the sorting finished, and two other schools had arrived. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting in the great hall, listening to Dumbledore's start-of-term speech.

"Now that we're all settled in and sorted, I would like to make an announcement. Hogwarts has been chosen to host a legendary event, The TriWizard Tournament. For those you who do not know, the TriWizard Tournament brings together 3 schools to compete in a series of magical contests. From each school one student is chosen to compete. Now, please join me in welcoming the ladies of Beaubaxutions, and their headmistress, Madame Maxine." The doors opened and suddenly many girls were dancing down the hall. "And now our friends from the North, please welcome the proud men of Durmstrang, and their Headmaster, Igor Karkaroff." The doors opened yet again and the students of Durmstrang marched in.

"Attention please," Dumbledore said, standing next to a tall, gold tower. "I'd like to say a few words. Eternal glory. That's what awaits the student that wins. To do so they must pass three dangerous tasks. For your safety, the Ministry seen fit to impose new rule. Please welcome Mr. Barty Crouch."

"After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that to enter the tournament, one must be over 17. This rule in final!" Crouch said. The students started getting loud. "That's rubbish! You don't know what you're doing!" the twins shouted.

"Quiet!" Dumbledore shouted. "The Goblet of Fire." he presented. "Anyone willing to submit their name just write it on a piece of parchment and throw it into the flame by this hour next Thursday night. Do not do so lightly. If chosen, there is no turning back."

"Harry, let's talk. Are you okay? What's happened? What's with those letters?"

"Jeez, let him breathe, Hermione." Ron said back in the Common Room. Hermione and Ron were relentless, wondering what happened to Harry.

"Okay, guys. I'll tell you everything, but you can't tell anyone else."

"Of course we won't."

"Okay." Harry sighed. "You know that I lived with my Aunt and Uncle right?" he said slowly. They nodded. "Well, they didn't.. exactly.. treat me.. the best.. and.. I was sorta.. stressing out about the.. the prophecy.. and.. so I tried to.. you know.." Harry started. Hermione already had tears in her eyes, and Ron was looking upset. "Oh, Harry!" Hermione said quietly, wrapping her arms around her friend. "I'm so sorry. I never knew.."

"Of course you didn't Hermione. It's not your fault."

"But.. if we'd known.. we could've told someone. Why didn't you tell anyone they were abusing you? Where are you living now? You can't go back-"

"Hermione, I'm not going back. Well, you see, I was brought back to Hogwarts and.. somethings happened.. and now.. Snapeismyguardian." he fished quickly.

Hermione looked shocked for a moment, then confused. "I'm sorry, what was that? I don't think I heard you right."

"No, you did. Snape is my guardian."

"What?! Why? Are you being forced? Is he hurting you? Wh-"

"Ron!" Harry cut him off. "I'm fine. I'm not being forced. He is treating me way better than the Dursley's did, Ron, that's for sure. He's not that bad once you get to know him."

"Not that bad? Not that bad? Hermione, let's get him to the hospital wing, he's gone mental!"

"Ronald! I am happy for Harry. If he's finally found a good guardian, and he's happy, why can't you just let him be?"

"Because Snape isn't a good guardian! He's evil, a DeathEater! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"He is not!" Harry stood up. "He isn't a DeathEater, and he is a good guardian, you'll see!"

"No, I won't see. I'm sorry Harry but you need to come to your senses."

"What are you saying?"

Ron said nothing, just walked up to the dorms.

Hermione stood up and put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "He'll come around. He's just being an idiot." Harry only nodded. "I'm happy for you. And if you ever need to talk, I'm here. Okay?"

Harry hugged her. "Thanks, Hermione. But I need to go talk to Severus." Hermione nodded and smiled at him as he left.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Harry?" Severus said opening the door. "Come in, but next time please, don't knock. This is your home."

"Sorry, I was just wondering if we could talk.."

"Of course. Come here."

They both walked over to the couch, and Harry sat down next to Severus.

"Would you like some hot chocolate?"

"Sure."

"Dobby!"

Then Dobby appeared.

"Yes, Master Snape, sir? How can Dobby be helping Masters Snape and Harry Potter sirs?"

"Just two cups of hot chocolate, Dobby."

"Oh, right away, Master Snape, sir." A moment later, Dobby re-appeared with them. "Here you go Master Snape, sir."

"Thank you, Dobby. That is all."

And then Dobby was gone. Severus handed Harry his cup, and asked "So, are you okay? What did you need to talk about?"

"Well.. I don't know.. it's stupid really.. I don't know what you can do about it.. I mean.."

"Harry, something upsetting you this much isn't stupid. What is it?"

Harry sighed, and moved closer to Severus. He put his arm around the boy's shoulder.

"I told Ron and Hermione about you being my guardian."

"Ah. I take it they didn't react well?"

"Hermione did. Ron started freaking out, though. He's convinced you're a DeathEater." Harry closed his eyes; it was getting late.

"Well, he's.. not wrong.."

"Of course he is. You're not a DeathEater where it counts."

Severus just held him tighter. "Anyways, he'll come around. If you'd like.. I could have a word with him.."

"No, it's okay. I'm fine with it, I just wanted someone to talk with. Thanks." Harry said tiredly.

"Anytime," Severus smiled. "It's getting late, do you want to sleep here?"

"I can?"

"Of course. Go clean up, and I'll wait for you in your room."

Harry smiled and got up. A few minutes later, Harry walked into his room to find Severus sitting on his bed. He got up as Harry got into bed and he pulled the covers over the tired boy. Severus ruffled the boy's eternally messy hair. Harry put his arms around Severus, hugging him. "Goodnight, Dad." Harry said sleepily. Severus, a bit taken aback by these words, smiled, hugging the child back and whispered "Goodnight.. son."

A/N: Pleassee review! I want to see what you think of the story! :)