Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Severus took a deep breath and tried to control his temper. He had wanted to assign detention for a month during Percy Weasley's little outburst but as it was summer, he could not. Come September though, he thought darkly. He turned to Harry who was staring at his mostly untouched plate. "Are you okay? Do you want to go home?"

Harry did, actually. He also wanted to follow Percy and scream at him for being such a pompous git and for his assumptions and also defend his Dad. He wanted everyone in the room to stop staring at him with looks of pity. And most of all, he wanted to break down and just cry.

"No, it's okay." Harry said instead, looking up into his father's worried eyes. He tried for a reassuring smile but it came out as more of a grimace.

Conversation started up at the table, everyone making small talk which Harry eventually joined in. The rest of dinner went smoothly and Harry was surprised when Ron and Hermione each handed him a present. "Belated birthday gifts." Hermione said warmly. "I hope you like it!"

"Open them up Harry!" Ron encouraged before taking another bite of pumpkin pie.

Harry obeyed; laughing at the disgusted look on Hermione's face as Ron practically devoured the pie.

"Cool, thanks Hermione!" Harry said happily as he held up the latest book on Quidditch moves.

Hermione smiled. "You're welcome. I was going to get you your own copy of Hogwarts, A History but decided to get you something you would actually read."

Harry snickered as he showed the book to his dad. Severus nodded politely as he looked it over yet all he could think about was what dangerous moves Harry would try to copy. He caught Albus giving him a knowing look as though he knew what he was thinking and Severus scowled in reply.

"This is from the whole family." Ron said as Harry unwrapped the next present. "Although we can take Percy's name off the card since he is such a prat."

"Ron." Mr. Weasley sighed, not wanting Percy brought up while Harry was back to enjoying himself.

"Well, he is." Ron muttered and even Hermione looked like she agreed.

"This is awesome!" Harry said as he held up the small wizard chess set. "I've been practicing." He informed Ron.

"Yeah?" Ron asked with interest. "We should play then." He had a competitive gleam in his eyes.

"Uh, I think I need to practice more first." Harry backpedaled, knowing he wouldn't stand a chance against his friend. He was still learning how to play properly from his dad, who was still able to beat him effortlessly. Harry was convinced his dad could be brewing a complex potion and beat him at chess at the same time.

Professor Flitwick cleared his throat. "I have a gift for both of you. When I heard your news I immediately went to find it." He handed a wrapped present to Severus.

Severus opened the gift which was a framed picture of the students in his newt's charms class. Severus and Lily were both in it and everyone was waving to the camera, although Lily was trying to make Severus wave as well.

"Ahh I remember this." Severus gazed at the photo fondly. "I had forgotten about this picture. Charms was Lily's favorite subject, potions a close second."

Harry laughed when he saw the picture and to his surprise, felt tears fill up his eyes. He shook his head to clear them and felt a warm hand on his shoulder. "She would be so proud of you Harry." Severus said softly in his ear. "Just as I am."

Not going to cry, not going to cry, Harry chanted to himself though he couldn't help leaning into his dad for a brief hug. "Thanks." He whispered, not caring that everyone at the table was watching them.

Ten minutes later Harry, Ron and Hermione had been given permission to walk around the school as long as they did not go anywhere forbidden.

"Blimey Harry, it's so strange seeing Snape being, well, a dad." Ron said as they turned the corner of a hallway.

"The way he acted tonight, it was as if he had always been your parent." Hermione added. She frowned. "I mean, he was always your parent but it was as if he had always known he was your parent. I mean-"

Harry laughed. "It's okay Hermione, I know what you mean."

"Why are we standing in the library?" Ron made a face as he realized where Hermione had slyly led them.

Hermione simply threw him a smug look as she took a book of a shelf and began flipping through it. "I need another source for one of my essays. It's finished but I wanted to add more information."

Harry and Ron exchanged an amused look as they sat down at one of the tables.

"I really am sorry about Percy." Ron said seriously. "He did act a little odd when we were told the truth but I had no idea he would react so strongly. I know he does think all slytherins are bad but we all sort of did." He shrugged. "I guess not all slytherins are bad."

Harry sighed. Percy's attitude, though surprising, was what he had to look forward to from most people. "Just because someone is sorted into Slytherin, it does not mean they are bad." He said. "My Dad isn't bad and like I said before, I was almost sorted into Slytherin. It's just like all Gryffindor's are not brave. I mean, the man who betrayed my mum and James was James' best friend and a fellow Gryffindor."

Hermione joined them at the table, her eyes thoughtful. "That must be hard; being sorted into a house and everyone else suddenly treats you as if you are evil."

"A lot of them act like they are." Ron said bluntly. "Like Malfoy." His eyes widened and a slow grin spread across his freckled face. "Blimey, can you imagine his reaction? He always acted like he was Snape's favorite!"

Harry grinned. "Yeah, I bet he was surprised when he heard! Can't wait to see how he acts at school."

"You don't think your dad will favor him over you still do you?" Ron asked worriedly.

Hermione huffed. "Of course he wouldn't! It's clear to anyone with half a brain how much Professor Snape loves Harry."

Harry stared at her. He knew that was true, that his dad did love him but it was the first time someone else had pointed it out. "He does love me." Harry said quietly. He told them about the pensive and the cottage and making potions with his dad.

"Wow Harry, you must have learned so much this summer! Getting to make all those potions and pastes for the infirmary." Hermione sighed dreamly.

"Do you guys think I should call him Dad?" Harry blurted out. He flushed a little at their surprised looks. "It is how I think of him but I haven't actually called him that yet."

"Just call him Dad when you feel ready." Ron said with a shrug. "He's not insisting that you do is he?"

"No. He said I could call him Severus for the time being." Harry answered.

"Do you want to call him dad?" Hermione asked with a compassionate look on her face. She figured Harry was nervous about it because he had never thought he would get to call anyone dad, ever. It must be a lot to take in.

Harry was silent for a moment. "Yes." He answered finally, his face relaxing slightly. "It's who he is now. I guess I was afraid to voice it because I worried that all this would somehow end."

"You do realize that with your dad being a professor we won't be able to get away with anything, don't you?" Ron remarked as they made their way back to the great hall.

"We won't be doing anything to get away with this year." Hermione informed him. "We will be good, obedient students. Right?"

"Sure Hermione." Harry agreed as he pushed open the door to the great hall. "As long as you don't tangle with any trolls or set any of the professors robes on fire."

Ron burst into laughter but quickly stopped and then paled. Harry and Hermione turned to see what had him so scared.

"Excuse me? It was you who set my robes on fire during that match?" Severus asked silkily, staring at Hermione.

"I, uh, um…" Hermione stammered, her face turning red with embarrassment.

"She did it to save me." Harry interjected quickly, thankful it was still summer and there were no points to take. "She thought that you were the one hexing me and wanted to help."

Severus glared at them for a moment. He could never figure out who had set his robes on fire and had since not given it much thought. He should have known though. He took a deep breath. "I see. I commend you for trying to save my son as well as performing a spell above your year. However, you might want to make sure that when you set a person on fire that they are actually the guilty party." He said sarcastically.

"I'm sorry Professor." Hermione said quietly, her face still burning.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Forget about it Miss. Granger. Just be careful about spell use in the future." He looked at Harry. "Arthur is getting ready to leave so you need to say your goodbyes."

Harry nodded. "Okay." He was grateful that his dad hadn't gone off on Hermione. He was a little surprised about it too. From the looks on his friend's faces, they were surprised as well.

"He knows you set him on fire and yet you still live!" Ron's mouth dropped open. "Seriously Hermione, start counting your lucky stars."

Hermione seemed to have recovered, though there was relief on her face. "Oh, shut up Ron." She grumbled.

Harry bit his lip to keep from laughing. He really did love his friends. "Thanks for coming you guys and for the gifts. I have to admit, I was afraid of losing you guys once you found out the truth."

Now it was Hermione's mouth that dropped open. "What, did you think that we would abandon you?' When Harry was silent she shook her head. "We are your friends Harry! We wouldn't do that!"

"Right insulting that is." Ron huffed but then gave Harry an understanding look. "I probably would have worried about the same thing if it was me mate. It was surprising, especially considering who your dad is. But we'll stand by you, don't worry."

Harry's face lit up and he gave both his friends a hug.

"Are you going to be on the train?" Hermione asked.

"Hmm, I don't know. I'm already here so…" He shrugged. "I'd miss being on the train with you guys but at the same time, everyone will probably be freaking out over my appearance. I'll ask my Dad what he thinks."

"I can hear the shrieks of terror now." Fred and George sidled up to them, their voices serious but their eyes sparkling with fun mischief.

"Hogwarts now has two Snape's! Run for your lives!"

Harry made a face. "Gee, thanks guys."

"Children, we should be going." Mr. Weasley said as he walked up to them, Ginny in tow. She gave Harry a tentative smile and then blushed when he returned it.

"Don't worry about Percy, Harry. We will talk to him." George said seriously.

"Yeah, maybe changing his prefect badge to say pinhead will teach him some manners." Fred added.

"I hope for your sake you are joking Fred." Mr. Weasley, who had been talking to Severus, called over his shoulder.

"I'm not Fred I'm-"

"Don't bother son." Mr. Weasley cut him off, amusement in his voice. He turned around and looked at Harry. "Hopefully we will see you soon Harry and congratulations again."

"Thank you Mr. Weasley." Harry said his goodbyes and thanked everyone again and then headed to his quarters with his dad. Severus was quiet as they entered their rooms. "Are you mad?" Harry asked in concern, hoping his dad wasn't still upset over finding out what Hermione had done.

"I'm not happy with a certain Weasley right now." Severus said his tone low. "I wanted you to have a good time and be happy at your party. I didn't count on that ignorant boy ruining it."

"It wasn't ruined." Harry protested. When his dad gave him an uncertain look, Harry went on. "It was a great party despite Percy. His attitude annoyed me but he isn't one of my best friends so it didn't hurt that much. And everyone else was great about it. I had a wonderful time!" Without hesitating he gave his dad a hug.

Severus hugged him back, feeling relieved that Harry had had a good time after all. He felt fiercely protective of his child and anyone who hurt Harry would have to deal with him. "You should go put your gifts in your room and get ready for bed. It's been a long day."

Harry nodded and started to walk to his room when he stopped. "Your gift was the best."

Severus looked confused. "I didn't get you anything today. Do you mean the gifts I got you on your birthday?"

Harry shook his head. "Those were great but I mean when you came and got me at the Dursley's and claimed me as your son. Having a Dad, that is the best gift."

Severus stepped forward and held his son for a few moments, content to just be with his child. "I love you Harry. I will do my best to be a good father to you."

"I love you too Dad." Harry said softly, looking up into his father's face.

Severus's eyes widened in shock and then warmth filled them. He called me Dad! He thought as his heart filled with happiness.

"I'll be a good son, honest." Harry said and then grinned cheekily. "I'll try to anyway."

"Little brat!" Severus huffed playfully and grinned to himself as he watched his son walk down the hallway to his room. He marveled at all that had changed since he had received his wife's pensive. At the start of this summer he had been a lonely, bitter man and now he had a family. Everything had changed for the better. "Thank you Lily. I love you always." He whispered. And though he couldn't be sure, he thought he heard a tinkling laugh flow through the room along with the words, "You're welcome Sev. I love you. Always."

TBC: Epilogue Next