Author's Note: Thanks for the great reviews on the last chapter! To answer some people's question: don't worry, Sirius and Severus get along later on, I just love writing Sirius and Severus fight scenes. I tried to make it as realistic as possible. Also, this story won't ever be slash (although I do enjoy writing Snarry too).

Harry and Severus were sharing a quiet meal later on that night. Neither of them wanted to really speak about what happened, but the silence was bothering Severus. Is it possible that the boy is reconsidering the guardianship? He wondered sadly to himself.

"Harry, what are you thinking about?" Severus asked softly. "You seem awfully quiet this evening."

Harry shrugged. "It's nothing." He said glumly.

Severus nodded sadly and absentmindedly pushed food around his plate. "Are you unhappy about our new plan? You can tell me if you don't want me to be your guardian. I will understand." Severus would never admit that it would crush him if Harry rejected his offer, so he tried to refrain from showing any emotion in his face.

Harry shook his head adamantly. "No, I'm so happy about that. You have no idea how happy…" He sighed. "I just don't like being in a fight with Sirius. We've always been so close. We've never had a fight before…" He trailed off.

"Well, you don't have to fight with him for my sake. Please do not think that I want that…because I don't. I want you to be happy." Severus reassured. "I did not ask you to argue with your godfather nor do I wish it to continue…at least not on my account."

"How could I not stand up for you after those horrible things he said? Did you really think I should just let it go without saying something?" Harry exclaimed and threw his fork on the table. "No, no. I had to. I had to!"

"Shhhhh, calm down. It's alright. I did appreciate what you said to him, but I think it's more important for you to forgive and forget. He obviously means a lot to you and you don't want to lose that." Severus said, wanting to vomit at the thought that he was actually somehow defending his nemesis. "Don't keep it going for my sake, please. I have too much guilt already; I don't need one more ounce of guilt for an entire lifetime."

"YOU didn't forgive and forget though. You still hate him…I know you do." Harry said softly. "But no matter what he says or does…I can't bring myself to hate him like you do." He looked down at his lap now. "I…I love him. He's like my family…I'm sorry…" He admitted so sadly that Severus put down his fork as well.

Severus shook his head. "I do not want you to hate him, Harry. Please. You have a right to love whomever you wish. Now, let's stop talking nonsense. When you are ready, I will bring you back to see him, you can make up, and resume as you were. No harm done. Alright?"

Harry nodded and brought his dish to the sink. "Do you want me to wash the dishes, sir? I don't mind."

"No, I'll do that. Why don't you do some studying?" Severus urged. "We have a potions test on Monday, don't forget." He said, giving Harry a classic Snape smirk. "Did you forget?"

Harry shook his head. "No, I didn't forget. I just don't feel like doing anything right now. I think I'll just go to bed." Harry said mournfully. He began walking towards his room, but turned around to look at Snape. He saw an unmistakable sadness in his eyes.

"Professor?" Harry called to him. Severus looked up with glassy eyes and Harry continued. "I'm very happy to be having you as my guardian. I can't wait, actually. Please don't think my feelings about Sirius will be changing anything, okay?"

Snape nodded and gave Harry a weak smile. "Good. I'm glad."

Harry returned the smile. "Goodnight, Professor."

"Goodnight, Harry." Severus took a small pause to collect his thoughts. "And I wouldn't worry about Sirius. No matter how much I dislike him…I cannot deny the fact that he cares for you a great deal. You two will be fine, I am sure of it." Severus said quietly.

Harry nodded and gave Severus a weak smile and went off to bed.

"Black." Severus stated in disdain as he sat across from the man at Grimmauld Place.

"Snivellus." Sirius spat. "Back so soon? Didn't have enough fun last time? I didn't think I'd have to look at your greasy face until the next meeting."

Anger welled up inside of Severus at his words, but he refrained from lashing out. He was not going to take the bait this time. "I've come only to discuss Harry."

"Right, right. I almost forgot Harry is like your best friend now. Tell me; is Lucius jealous that the Dark Lord's prey is now practically living with you? Last time I talked to Harry it seemed as though you have his full adoration."

"That is not what I've come to discuss." Severus said icily through clenched teeth. "Can't you think of someone besides yourself for five minutes?"

"I think of Harry first always, so don't you dare give me that." Sirius said accusingly. "Now, what is the problem?"

"Please just write to him or visit him or something. He is falling apart because he thinks you're mad at him. He was doing so well in school and now he botched up his last potions test. I think you owe him an apology." Severus told the man angrily. "Please. I know you won't do it for me, but just do it for Harry. He was finally feeling better and now he's all sad again. I don't like seeing him this way." Severus admitted.

"You know I would do anything for Harry." Sirius said curtly. "Floo here around seven tonight and I'll be here."

"Fine." Severus spat and flooed back to Hogwarts.

Severus watched through the kitchen door as Sirius and Harry were talking. He observed that Harry was laughing on occasion so he surmised that it must have been going well. Severus sighed to himself and began skimming the options on the bookshelf as he waited. Not seeing anything of interest to him (not a surprise, it was the mutt after all, he thought to himself), he began to wander about the house. He passed an old bedroom as he strolled along that he guessed must have belonged to Sirius. Deciding to be a snoop, he cracked the door open a hair only to find an aged bedroom in utter disarray. This could not have been the room he was currently residing in. He stepped through the room which had papers ridden all over the floor. Papers and books were sticking out of open drawers, the bed looked as though the linens had not been changed since the '70s, and a few glass figurines were broken and smashed along the floor.

He was about to leave when he realized that he recognized the handwriting on one of the letters. When he picked it up, his heart skipped a beat. It was a letter to James from Lily. Judging from the date on the postage it must have been from their summer before sixth year. Silently, he realized that the letter was from the summer directly after the year…the year he and Lily's friendship would be broken forever. A lone tear trickled down his cheek as he read the letter.

Dear James,

It was a blast getting to know you this year! I can't wait for school to begin, can you? I'm really starting to miss all of my friends. I live in a Muggle neighborhood, so it gets boring sometimes. I used to spend time with Severus over the holiday since he lives near me…but you know what happened. I know I can't forgive him, but I admit that I do miss him an awful lot sometimes. I don't know any other magical folk in this neighborhood. Anyway, I received my class schedule and it looks pretty good. I hope your summer is going well! Write me back if you're thinking about me too.

Lots of love,

Lily

Even though he knew it was uncalled for and completely childlike, he ripped the letter into pieces in an angry rage and threw them to the ground. James Potter. Severus thought angrily. Arrogant, spoiled, bastard… How dare he take away his best friend like that? His potential lover? As he watched Lily's girlish, yet mature-for-her-years handwriting fall like scraps to the ground, he suddenly felt very ashamed of himself. He knew it was his own fault that their friendship was ruined. He just wished she had given him one last chance to make everything better. If she had, maybe he would not have joined the Dark Lord and she would still be alive. Maybe we would even have had a child together. Severus mused. Wiping his eyes one last time, he headed back downstairs.

He poked his head into the kitchen and saw that Harry and Sirius had obviously made up. Harry was smiling and the two were sharing tea together.

"Almost ready to go?" Severus asked, not realizing his voice would come out so raspy from crying. He hoped the two would not notice it. "It's almost nine, it's getting late."

"Okay." Harry noticed the man's unusually red eyes and became concerned. "Are you alright, Professor? Your eyes…"

"I'm fine, Harry. I'll be in the other room. Come out when you're done." Severus said in a choppy voice and forced a weary smile.

After Severus turned to leave, Harry grinned widely at Sirius.

"I'm going to go now. Thanks for everything." Harry said and gave his godfather a big hug.

Sirius nodded. "It is no matter, Harry, but there is one last thing I would like to say before you go."

Harry turned around cautiously. "What's that?"

Sirius looked down at his lap. "I will sign the guardianship papers because you asked me to, but I still do not think it's what would be best for you. I just want you to know that."

"Why wouldn't it be best for me? I'm happy for once!" Harry exclaimed defensively. "Don't you want me to be happy? I don't understand…"

"He was a Death Eater, Harry. He constantly meets with the very person who is aiming to kill you. I just don't like it. I will never feel as though you are completely safe…with him…despite the fact that your feelings toward each other have changed." Sirius sighed. "But I'll sign the damn paper…can you go get it from him? I'm not up to a sparring match with Snivellus right now."

Harry nodded glumly and walked into the other room. He saw Severus staring into space, obviously in deep thought about something. He did not hear the boy come into the room, so Harry poked him in the arm awkwardly.

"Um, Professor?" Harry said to get his attention. "Sirius said he would sign the paper. Can I have it?"

It took Severus a few seconds to look up and hand it to him, although he did not say a word. He seemed deep in reverie.

"Thanks. I'll be right out." Harry spoke sadly, wondering what had gotten into his teacher.

Sirius reluctantly signed the paper and the pair flooed back to Severus's quarters. It was Saturday, so Harry happily got his blanket and pillow from his room and made himself a little bed on the couch in front of the fireplace. Usually on Saturdays, Severus would sleep on the other couch across from Harry's and the two of them would talk until one of them fell asleep…just talk about anything and everything. It seemed strange, but it only started because Severus was worried about leaving Harry alone directly after the abuse. Now that Harry was better, they just kept doing it because it felt nice. Two lonely people talking in the quiet of the night once or twice a week. But, on that night, Severus just went into his bedroom the second they flooed back without saying one word to Harry. Not even goodnight.

Harry did not know what to do. He was hurt that Severus would just leave him there without even saying so much as "goodnight" or speaking to him at all…especially since Sirius had just signed the guardianship papers. They had reason to celebrate! Harry decided to write him through the parchment. Maybe then he would get some answers.

Professor,

Are you okay?

You didn't even say goodnight.

When I came out of my bedroom you were gone.

Did I do something wrong?

~Harry~

Severus Snape was lying in his bed, tears flowing out of his eyes uncontrollably like a broken faucet. He had no idea why the letter from Lily upset him so much...only that it did…very, very much. The woman he loved all of his life had already been dead for fifteen years and yet just seeing those words in writing made him lose all control over his emotions. Suddenly, just as his sobbing began to finally subside, a light glowed on his nightstand. Harry was using the parchment. Even though they still used it once and a while, Harry slowly stopped relying on it eventually and now it was a rare occasion to see the parchment glow.

When Severus read it, his heart lurched when he realized it was Saturday. Harry. I completely forgot about Harry! Not bothering to write a response through the parchment, he threw on his robe and went out into the living room. He stopped in the doorway and smiled at the sight of Harry staring at the parchment, obviously waiting for a reply. Parchment in hand, Snape quickly wrote:

Look up, silly

Harry looked up and smiled when he saw Severus. Severus returned the grin, as best he could. "Did I wake you?" He smirked.

Harry blushed. "I thought you forgot about me….I mean, it's Saturday…"

Severus walked over to Harry and sat on the couch across from him. He summoned a mug of hot cocoa for Harry and a glass of wine for himself.

"I apologize, Harry. I was deep in thought about something…else." Severus's face suddenly turned solemn once again. "Something else… and I did not mean to abandon you when you were waiting for me."

Harry fidgeted before speaking. "I don't mean to pry, but…" He trailed off.

Severus answered his unasked question. "I found an old letter at your godfather's house…a letter to your father from your mother."

Harry was confused. Why would a letter cause such a strong reaction in the man? "Well…why are you upset about that? I mean, I know you liked my mom when you were kids… but it's just an old letter."

Severus shook his head. "I know that, Harry. Please let's just forget it. Now, what did you and your dear godfather discuss?" He added a classic sneer (as only Snape could sneer) as he spat out the word 'dear'.

Harry shrugged. "I just explained what happened over the past month or so and he apologized to me." He paused to collect his thoughts. "But…he did say he still doesn't want you to be my guardian."

"Then why did he sign the paper?" Severus snorted. "Didn't have anything better to do?" He asked sarcastically.

Harry shrugged. "No…he signed it because I asked him to and he knew I really wanted it…"

Snape put down his glass in a sort of angry motion. "What was his reason this time? My greasy face? My slimy hair? The fact that I enjoying reading? What?" Severus sneered and waited for Harry to answer, but the boy did not move to speak. "Well, what is it, Potter? What did the blasted dog say his reason was for not wanting to sign the paper? I'm waiting."

The use of Harry's formal last name made the boy twinge. "He said…because you used to be a Death Eater, that you meet Vold-You-Know-Who…as a spy…and that it might not be safe for me here." He paused as he watched anger grow on the man's features. "But, I don't listen to what other people say, Professor. I don't agree with him at all. I do feel safe here…with you." Harry blushed.

Severus composed himself and nodded. "Very well." He brought the wine glass back up to his lips and drained it all in one gulp.

Severus slammed the glass down and summoned another glass for himself. "I'm not feeling too well tonight, Harry. I apologize."

Harry shrugged. "I don't mind. I've been having problems ever since you met me. Of all people, I do not expect anyone to be perfect."

Severus smiled through his glassy eyes at the boy, and then shyly looked into his glass. They sat in silence for a little while before Severus spoke.

"What happened to your potions test this past Monday?" Severus asked quietly. "You were doing so well, I thought your glory days of T grade work was behind you."

Harry suddenly felt ashamed. "I'm sorry, Professor… I don't have an answer for that. I just didn't feel up to studying."

"Worried about Sirius, I presume?" Severus asked, already knowing the answer.

Harry nodded silently. "Yes, sir."

"Well, that matter has been closed, thank goodness, and you can get back to focusing on potions…and your other classes of course. I won't have any charge of mine failing out of Hogwarts…not even the chosen one." He smirked to show he did not really mean his words and it caused Harry's lips to curl up.

Severus spoke again, his smile now fading. "On another somber note….your occlumency, Harry…I'm afraid to say it's not up the level it should be at this point. If you keep having these visions it will make us all vulnerable."

Harry looked into his cocoa sadly and nodded. He looked up with watery eyes. "I am trying, Professor…truly, I am…"

"Shhh, child…I know you're trying. Don't fret." He cooed softly to the boy. "But, I think we need a new approach. There is more than one way to learn occlumency, Harry. Perhaps the methods I have been using are just not effective for you."

Harry shrugged. "Well, how did you learn it, sir?"

Severus was not expecting that question. "I'm a natural Occlumens." He stated flatly. "I think…" He sighed. "I think that because I did not have a teacher yet I am able to fool the Dark Lord, the greatest Legilimens of all time…it must be naturally part of my nature."

Harry smiled shyly. "So…hiding your emotions is part of your nature, you mean? Right?"

Severus allowed his lips to curl. "Yes, I do believe that might have something to do with it."

Harry sighed. "Is it because of what happened? You know…with your parents?"

Severus froze in shock, glass in hand, with its rim touching his lips. He removed it slowly and placed it back on the table. "My father…wasn't a very nice person, Harry, as you know. If you think I'm a cruel teacher, you've never met anyone like my father." He went silent for a moment. "He didn't like anything, didn't do anything, and didn't care about anything…and he hated when I whined or showed any kind of outward emotion. If I ever cried or complained…I was punished. Not in the same violent way you were punished, but still hit….slapped…and sent to my room without food. Similar to your situation…but not as severe."

Harry cocked his head to the side to show concern. "That's terrible…" He had no idea how to comfort the man. "I don't know what to say except I'm sorry."

"So, all in all, I suppose I would have to thank my father for my being such an excellent Occlumens. So, not all bad has come from it, right?" Severus tried to lighten the mood. "I have a new approach I would like to try with you, if you don't mind. Since we were not able to have our lesson tonight, how would you like practicing tomorrow? It is Sunday and you will be off the entire day. I think you'll be able to focus better in the morning rather than at night. That is, as long as you do not have too much homework to do tomorrow."

Harry nodded. "Tomorrow should be fine, professor."

Snape and Harry talked quietly into the night until Harry slowly dozed off around midnight. Snape gently covered the child with a soft blanket, removed the boy's glasses and placed them on the table, and gently carded his hands through the familiar messy black hair as he whispered goodnight in the child's ear.

It had become instinctual.