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Enjoy!
The special day for the soon-to-be eleven was nearing. Severus and Vernon stayed up a few hours before heading to bed. They spent the entire time decorating and wrapping up the gifts. Severus did make sure to invite the headmaster, Minerva, and someone important. It wouldn't be a simple task, but they managed to get it all arranged. Vernon was overjoyed to celebrate the child's birthday more personally and looking forward to see his face!
Severus and Vernon went to sleep at peace, leaving to the fact they did at the best they could pull everything together, and nothing left to do now. By the time morning arrive, they were on their feet before the boys could wake up. Vernon cooked the breakfast and Severus waked for the young Lamia to wake up.
The child was adjusted to sleep in once in a while. He curled up in his bed with blanket closely to his chest. Everything was safe area for Harry and Severus didn't dare to ruin the bedroom. He walked up to the bed and sat down on the bed. His fingers brushed the child's face and soothed him for a minute.
A hum alerted the man of his waking and caught the sight of the emerald eyes fluttering. The brows furrowed and departed.
"Good morning, Severus." Harry yawned and cuddled up in the blanket.
Severus smiled, "Good morning, Harry. Did you sleep well?"
He nodded, "Yes, sir. I dreamt something about chasing an animal and this one was playful. I don't know about an animal, but weird…it seems fun."
The man chuckled, "Perhaps you are seeing your future." He patted his messy bed hair, "Why don't you shower up and get dress? I'll meet you downstairs?"
Harry noticed the new tone and unusual behavior, but decided to play along. This man doesn't often wake him up and allowed him to sleep in from time to time. He wondered what this could be about.
Severus went downstairs and entered into the kitchen to see Vernon getting all the last things done. Dudley hadn't woken up yet, but he knew when his cousin would be awake and get ready to join the day.
Vernon noted the man's presence and used his spatula to point at the table.
"Your coffee, you'll need it." He smiled.
Severus hummed, "Nothing else?"
"What would I do? Drug you? And then have Harry all to myself today?"
Severus hummed, "Potions, drugs will have no affect on magical beings."
The uncle turned around, "Huh…aren't you a master at Potions?"
Severus took a sip, "Yes, but I do have drugs master, only in our world, but muggles…not so much." He hummed and sipped.
Vernon eyed the man, "But what about your potions to muggles?"
"It depends on potions. For an example, pain potion will help you, yet, truth serum potion will not have an effect."
"Truth serum potion? I thought you could use a spell to make someone tell a truth?" The man felt confused…
Severus chuckled, "Our magic can only do so much. The potion to brew can be powerful as doing a spell. However, using a spell can complicate what you are seeking and others can manipulate their magic. If I cast the truth spell on a wizard and they know what I hexed them, they can overcome it. A potion cannot unless you drank the antidote."
"And has anyone carries an antidote?"
"No. Not many could afford or brew it well themselves. Which is why potion is my area."
Vernon grabbed a plate and placed the hot potato pancakes, "And you teach potion. I don't understand why people won't brew it themselves."
"Because most potions requires heavily focus and skills, along side of patience. That is why I offer Harry and Dudley to learn, it gives a head start to learn."
Vernon nodded and went to prepare drinks for the boys. There were moving feet up above and the professor recognized the lamia's carrier. Then, his lamia was moving around again and it was easy to know it was their routine to make sure feeding was ready. The wizard kept an eye on Vernon, knowing that he would not learn yet…There were truth to Lamia giving access power and transiting, while transforming to become something. Since Harry came through a wizarding, Dudley would become a wizard after using magic for a few years and easily impossible to change. How to display the truth the man who kept them alive and more…there was uncertainty in the matter.
The moving feet caught Severus' attention and quickly set his cup down. Vernon noticed the rash movement and understood they're about to see the boy's face. They went into the hallway and saw the boys walked down the stairs. Harry turned his head and saw everything was decorated. His emerald eyes popped out and jaw dropped, unable to speak. His uncle and guardian knew how to surprise him and the reaction was priceless.
"Happy birthday, Harry." Severus spoke up.
Vernon nodded, "Happy birthday!" Almost overboard on the overjoyed, but it enough to show.
Dudley blinked, "Oh, right," He grinned, "Happy birthday, cousin! Today, it's all about you!" Gently patted Harry's shoulder.
The lamia saw so much decorating in the living room and the kitchen. Yet, he saw more than dozen of presents laying around the house. His heart raced so fast, he had no idea if he could feel it to know how he feels now. Unable to move, Dudley pushed him to continue to walk and allowed him to gawk in his birthday paradise. There were decorations he hadn't seen before and flying around about! It was like tiny fireworks going off at random times. There was some moving picture on the large poster for birthday.
Vernon walked to Harry and smiled, "It's time you deserves something better. I wanted to spoil you so bad all those years, but now, I have the chance. Severus and I worked out this special day for you, Harry."
Severus nodded, "So enjoy it. You will have a couple of guests coming over and one of the guests is someone you might like to meet."
Now that took his attention and he looked at his guardian. The child blinked his eyes and realized Severus invited someone that he doesn't know, but felt it was safe to meet otherwise.
"Thank you…" He whispered, almost afraid they'd tell him it was not for him and all for Dudley.
Vernon rested his hand on his nephew's shoulder, "Today, I made all your favorite breakfast. After all, birthday boy gets all his favorite food today."
To hear that he has a favorite breakfast made…he felt wanted.
"Potato pancakes?"
Vernon chuckled, "Yes, all ready to be eaten. Go in and help yourself, kid."
Harry grinned and ran out to the kitchen with his cousin following behind.
"He should have had a simple birthday…" Vernon muttered among his breath.
Severus glanced over, "He should have…but, you did whatever it took to keep him alive. The headmaster is much appreciated when he learned the truth of your doing."
Severus went into the kitchen, but unaware how shock to discover that the headmaster knew the truth now. Vernon spent all his years protecting Harry and to hear the truth from someone who happened to be in charge of Harry, it seems so real to believe it. He joined in the kitchen, dismissed the shock, and celebrated the child's birthday.
Harry filled up his plate, yet, Severus added a few more. Harry knew better to eat more, but he struggled to help himself. Dudley was grinning away with his cousin's birthday and he was happy to be involved.
… … …
Breakfast and lunch came and spent all day playing games that Harry never had to chance to do all those years. Harry found playing scrabble and monopoly more than other games. Severus was impressed to see how easily he picked up. He taught the boy how to play exploding snaps and got everyone involved to learn. It kept them busy for good two hours and forgotten about anything to worry about.
Vernon went to cook dinner while they played and Severus answered the door to find Minerva waiting. She came in and greeted the man.
"How is he doing today?"
He looked at her, "Well. He's happy and doing things that he hadn't experience much himself."
The witch smiled, "Went overboard, didn't you?"
Severus scowled, "No. He deserves it." His arms crossed.
She patted his upper arm, "Well, let me see the child and continue to make his day better."
Severus didn't respond, but she walked in and found them all in the living room. Harry was fixated on owning the property and paid his input. Dudley shook his head and they kept playing.
"Ah, Harry. Happy birthday, dear." She smiled at the boy.
The lamia glanced up, "Thank you, Professor McGonagall."
She chuckled, "Minerva, Harry…you aren't my student."
"But I am eleven, so I'm automatically your student?" His head tilted.
The witch shook her head, "And spending too much time with Severus personality." She tsked, "Make it challenging to know what house you will land in, his or mine."
Harry blinked and wondered what she referring to.
"How did you know today's my birthday?"
"Your father invited me the day after you were born. How could I forget?"
Harry was shock to hear about his father, it was a rare to hear about his biological father, and that must have meant he trusted her. He lit up with the smile at the witch.
"My father admired you as his teacher and still kept in touch after he left Hogwarts?"
She nodded, "Of course, a man who did well in my class and understood so much concept to transfiguration. There is a mind that he could have done anything."
Severus decided to head into the kitchen to forget the father of the child he's raising. The way Minerva spoke was not the truth, but it was for Harry's sake. The boy deserved the insight of his parents and knew absolutely nothing about them. Minerva was one of the people he felt enough to tell him anything.
There was another doorbell before Vernon could ask the potion master what was wrong. He went straight to answer it before others could have a chance. The witch and the boys were too focus on learning about James. He answered the door and found himself facing the former Gryffindor. The wizard in front of him sheepishly smiled and waved.
"I…erm, got your invitation for the boy's birthday."
Severus nodded, "Come in, Lupin." He gestured him in, "He doesn't know anything about you here, however, you are also one of the last link to his family."
Remus blinked, "You know his-"
"-doesn't count. Not a word about it. Just you. Be thankful you are involved now and I will not tolerate any excuses for you to be involved in his life. Is that clear?"
Remus nodded immediately, but he hadn't thought how he would meet Harry like this. It has been years since he met him and reuniting would be different. There were so many ideas how he looked like…would he have his mother's soft face or his father's energetic side?
Severus led him the way to the living room and waited for child's attention. The lamia sensed another person in the room and looked at his guardian. Severus noticed this focus he presented and felt this was an improvement.
"Harry," Severus smiled, "I'd like to you meet someone, Remus Lupin, he was one of your father's friends and one of the closest."
The lamia was bewildered when he saw Remus. To know someone who knew about his father, it felt impossible became possible, and he was overjoyed already. He went up to the man and offered his hand. The Lupin gladly shook his hand gently and smiled at him.
"Happy birthday, Harry. Your father would probably might have gone overboard on your birthday." Sheepishly smiled.
To hear the possibilities wouldn't have changed, "Cool! Did dad make breakfast? Uncle Vernon did today," He smiled.
Remus chuckled, "He'd probably burn the food, so your mother would probably do much better than him. James couldn't save his life to cook. Maybe take out or order out for your birthday."
"What does he likes to eat?"
Minerva and Remus had learned that Harry wanted to know everything about his parents, unable to care about his birthday going on. Vernon did finish up cooking dinner and called everyone into the kitchen. Thankfully, Severus expanded the room with a spell for the day to make it easier to have everyone eat in comfortably. Eventually, everyone was ready to give him gifts to shower him in.
There was so many, Harry couldn't keep up opening them all. He was shock to see toys he always wanted, but couldn't have. Then, toys where he should have from the wizarding world. He was fascinated, but not as nearly curious about his family. He understood more with Quidditch and what his father did during his years. There were books he opened up, both muggles and wizards, and it caught his attention that he could read anything. There were new clothes, things for his bedroom, and hobbies to try out. The last things he opened were a bike and a broom, which Minerva bought him.
Severus glared at the witch for bringing him that kind of a gift so soon. He was thankful that Harry wouldn't be riding it during his first year. Minerva was already pushing him towards Quidditch, more to be the father than let the boy be himself. Remus, however, gave him one book of creature. Severus suspected what he did was saved up the change until he had enough to get Harry something. This spoke volumes to his care and interests in the child.
By the time cake came, Harry was shocked to see he was getting his dessert for his day! He blew out the candle and ate his first piece. He truly loved the chocolate and Remus grinned. He commented that chocolates are good for wizards and witches, especially for their health. That caught Vernon's attention and thought about it for later.
After he ate his cake, Harry's head was rested against the table and knocked out cold. Dudley was shock to see how easily tired he was, but looked at the adults on this matter.
"First birthday for him and not awake until nine," Minerva awed, "Next year, he will be much excited to celebrate his birthday for a change."
Vernon grinned, "Exactly. He deserves the best from all of us."
Remus sighed, "I wish I knew from the beginning, especially the aunt. She never did like magic for some strange reason."
Severus snorted, "She was never right in her mind," Glanced at the sleeping child and collected him into his arms, "But, we're here now…for him." Severus went to the stairs to take his lamia to bed.
Dudley yawned and decided to follow upstairs to go to sleep. It was a long day and so much had happened. One thing for sure, Harry's room would be filled up with many things now and no longer seems emptied.
Minerva crossed her arms, "He won't be easily adjusted to the school, but he seems determine to fit in."
Remus agreed, "Perhaps we should let him know we are there for him."
Vernon stood up and collected the plates, "I have been doing that for him. Harry does talk about how he feels and what he has difficulty understanding. He's coming around. Everything is new to him, anyway." He shrugged, "He's doing fine."
Remus eyed the uncle, "But…I don't understand, how does he trusts you? You threw him out the snow."
"Because I knew we were being watched. I knew they would do something to save him. Petunia was at the end of her rope and she was about to drown him."
Minerva turned paler than a ghost, "Merlin! She's mad as you-know-who!"
A growl slipped the man's lips, "How could she get away with this? This is my cub she has been threatening!"
Vernon grimaced, "Join Severus. She left after finding out her own son is a wizard and refused to believe it. She was about to take Dudley for a fixing and I told her flat out no." He muttered how insane she was that day…how she claimed that freak will always be a danger.
"She calls him what?" Remus heard him.
The man was shocked, "You heard what I said?"
"Of course, sharp hearing almost. What did she call Harry?"
"A freak. I never did. Just boy or Potter."
The witch soothed Lupin's shoulder and his head shook. Severus walked into the kitchen and sat down to relax from a long day. He was truly worn out.
"Potter went through a lot, but Vernon looked after him well enough to survive." He sighed, "She will no longer be allowed to be close to this family, not unless she wants to be a wolf's meal."
"You're damn right. She comes here, I'll eat her."
Vernon tilted his head, "I don't think wizards can eat muggles?"
The magical beings looked at him, until they realize he didn't know the truth. Remus blinked and his cheeks turned red. He stammered and tried to find a way. Severus crossed his arms.
"Lupin is a werewolf. One of the best to have," He leaned on the table and looked at Remus, "Harry needs someone to know about his parents and another person to turn to. Since you aren't a professor, he sees you no threats. I am willing to offer wolfsbane and galleons, I do need time alone to brew and someone to look after Harry…not that I do not trust Vernon, but our times are often occupied more than expected."
Remus gasped at the offering and didn't think that was possible. His head shook and unable to accept.
"I-I cannot possibly accept that, Severus, not-"
His hand held up, "I was not finish. Aside from looking after him, I'd need some things for you to get and I will provide money. I am simply looking for an assistance and Harry-sitter, someone he trusts."
"But I'm a werewolf, why would you go this far to trust me to be alone with him?"
"You seem to have good control," Vernon commented, "I don't know much, but don't wolves have protective instinct if anything happens to their cubs, they do something about it immediately?"
Remus realized they were determined and Minerva smirked. She knew exactly what they were planning and she ended up witnessing it herself. Remus needed money, but also to be involved the child's life. There was no chance for Remus to deny Severus in such wonderful opportunity. Harry's birthday turned around much differently for everyone today and the future became brighter than ever.