Still working for a living. Still don't own Harry Potter.
Chapter 21
Unexpected Change of Plans
The next morning Harry found himself anxious about the start of term, the train ride, the sorting ceremony, and living in the dorms. He was excited about it all, but a little scared at the same time. Severus had talked to him about the sorting, and he told Harry once again that it would not matter which house he was sorted into. He knew Harry would not be in Hufflepuff, but if his son was a puff that too would be ok.
Harry was up early, earlier than Severus for a change, and he dressed for the day and made his way into the sitting room. He was greeted by Slinky.
Harry stretched, "Good morning Slinky."
"Good morning Harry. How is Harry this morning?" Slinky asked.
"Fine, thank you although I am a bit nervous about today."
"Nervous. Why is Harry being nervous?"
"Well, today everyone comes to school. It's going to be different with everyone else here in the castle, and I have to go stay in the dorms," Harry replied.
"Oh yes, today is an exciting day. Us elves will be having much to do. Today is a great day for us elves!" Slinky exclaimed.
Harry nodded as Slinky continued to excitedly explain all the elves would have to do. He told Harry he would be in the kitchen most of the day preparing the feast, after cleaning the dorms one final time. Harry requested they make chocolate cake for the feast, and Slinky said he would make sure that if it weren't on the menu that Harry would have chocolate cake.
It was then Severus entered into the sitting room and observed Harry and Slinky talking animatedly about what today would hold for them both. He heard Slinky promise him chocolate cake and rolled his eyes.
"Good morning Harry, Slinky."
"Good Morning Master Severus."
"Morning Sev."
"Slinky would you prepare breakfast for Harry and me? He has to leave directly to meet with Lupin," Severus said.
"Right away Master Severus sir."
Slinky went to the kitchen leaving Harry and Severus together in the sitting room. Severus went over everything Harry would need to have packed in his trunk for school again, and Harry told Severus that he had it packed last night but he would let Severus go through it to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.
They then ate breakfast, mostly in silence, neither of them knowing exactly what they should talk about as they both did not want anything to change. They had become accustomed to each other's company and it would be strange not to wake up to one another in the morning. Hind sight being twenty-twenty, Severus would have allowed Harry to stay with the wolf overnight at least once so he…so Harry would be familiar to waking up in the castle without him being there.
After breakfast Severus went through Harry's trunk and true to his word, Harry had everything packed. It was organized though he was not surprised at this. He found a folder with Harry's notes from his studies, but there was a drawing that caught his attention. Harry had drawn a picture of himself and Severus flying throwing a quaffel on the quidditch pitch. Harry had titled the drawing 'Me and Sev.' Underneath Sev he could tell something had been erased but he could not make out what it was exactly, the only letter he could make out was a capital 'D.' He felt his chest tighten and placed the folder back in the trunk.
"It seems that you do have everything you need Harry," Severus said. "We have an hour before we have to be on our way to Lupin's office." Severus wanted to spend all the time he could with Harry before he left for the Hogwarts Express.
"Can we play a game of chess before we go?" Harry asked.
"Hmmm, I believe we could manage that," Severus answered looking down at Harry.
Harry grinned, "Brilliant!" and he retrieved the chess board and they proceeded to the sitting room.
After Severus had beaten Harry in a couple of games of chess, he informed Harry to retrieve his trunk so they could meet with Lupin. Severus gave Harry some pocket money for the train, much more than he needed really, and they proceeded to Lupin's quarters.
Severus was a very unhappy Potions Master. In all reality, he wanted to take Harry to the train himself. He wasn't jealous per se, that Lupin was going to take Harry to the Hogwarts Express; he simply felt it was his responsibility as a parent to do so. Clearly, Severus Snape would never willingly place himself in the midst of all the children at Kings Crossing unless he had to, so this was most definitely not jealousy rearing its ugly head.
Once they had reached Lupin's quarters, they were greeted by Lupin. "Harry, Severus, right on time I see. So are you excited Pup? After all there is nothing like your first experience on the Hogwarts Express."
Severus felt that blasted pang in his chest again. He still denied it was jealousy.
"Yeah! I feel much better about everything after talking to Sev this morning."
Severus felt a bit of comfort in that statement.
Ha! Take that wolf. You may be taking him but it was I who made him feel better about it!
Severus?
What Snape?
You are ridiculous.
Hmph!
"I'm glad to hear it. You will love it! The excitement of everything on the platform will capture your attention. I remember my first time. It was brilliant, Pup. The train is remarkable, and it is truly an experience you will never forget," Remus said.
Harry was now beaming, "What is it like?"
Severus felt that bloody pang in his chest again.
Blast this stupid feeling! A Snape should never be jealous of a wolf! This is down right degenerate!
And why not Severus? He is only taking your son to the platform. It will be a first experience that you will never be able to have with Harry. Once it is over, it is done. Nope, you can never have it again. Sure you may take him the next years, but the first time has been done. Poof…gone, nothing left to write home about, over… yep, Poof!
Snape! Shut it! You are not helping matters here!
Remus continued, "After you go through the barrier at King's Crossing and enter onto the platform, the change in the atmosphere is simply magical. All you young wizards have your trunks ready for the school year, the smell of sweets on the train, everyone is happy…"
Severus felt that blasted pang in his chest yet again as he watched Harry soak in the information like a sponge.
Remus was still talking, but Severus wasn't listening. He told himself he wasn't going to do this but, he could change his mind. He was Snape! Lupin continued talking, and Severus, seeing Harry's look of amazement and wonderment, he did it. Remus grabbed the back of his head, "Ow! Severus what…"
Severus you are not!
I can, I will, and I did so shut it Snape! I am taking my son!
Severus had snatched a hair out of Remus' head, pulled a flask from his robes, dropped the hair in it, and guzzled it down before he could change his mind, and in a few moments Harry was staring at two Remus Lupins.
"There has been a change of plans Lupin. I will be taking Harry to Platform nine and three quarters."
Lupin was smiling, "I see, what an excellent idea. But really Severus, all you had to do is ask."
"Hmph," was all Severus replied. He was not in the business of asking. He was in the business of doing.
Harry still not exactly sure of what was going on and why there were two Remuses, or was it Remi, standing in front of him. Severus gave Harry a brief explanation of the polyjuice potion, and they left Lupin's quarters, leaving behind a content Remus Lupin. As Severus and Harry were leaving Dumbledore was walking into the library and observed the two Lupin's. Severus/Remus nodded sharply at Dumbledore, not speaking, and he and Harry exited the library.
"A change in plans I see," Dumbledore said to the real Remus.
Remus nodded smiling and rubbing the back of his head, "An unexpected change in plans Headmaster."
Severus and Harry used the floo in the infirmary and arrived at King's Crossing. Harry immediately spotted the red headed family.
"Sev, that's Ron and his family!"
"Clearly," Severus drawled.
"Oi, hey Harry, I was hoping to find you before we boarded the train."
Molly approached who appeared to be Remus. "Hello Remus, you are looking well."
Severus having to maintain the wolf's identity took one of Molly's hands in his and bowed slightly, "Thank you Molly, and how are you?"
Molly smiled, giggling a bit, "I am fine. I see you are escorting Harry. This is Ron's first year too; it's good that he and Harry will be able to go through the barrier together."
"What is the barrier exactly?" Harry inquired.
"Oh yes dear, it's right here between platforms nine and ten. Fred! George!" Molly shouted.
"Yes mum," the twins responded in unison.
"Will you two be dears and show Harry here how to get to the platform. It's his first time here, and it can be a bit frightening."
"Hiya Harry," the twins said.
"Of course mum," Fred said started.
"We will be glad too," George finished.
"Don't get stuck Harry!" The twins yelled, and with that Fred and George, while running, disappeared into a brick wall.
"Boys!" Molly rebuked.
"Whoa!" Harry said.
Severus/Remus smiled at Harry's expression. He was glad he was not missing this.
"Now don't listen to them Harry, you will not get stuck in the barrier. It's just best to do in a bit of a run if you are nervous. Ron you're next, Harry if it's alright with Remus, why don't you follow right behind Ron."
Harry looked up for approval to Remus/Severus and he received a sharp nod. That was definitely Severus behind Remus' appearances.
Ron and Harry made it through the barrier followed directly by Molly and Severus/Remus.
Severus/Remus was studying Harry's expression. Harry had never seen such a sight as the Hogwarts Express. The locomotive was brilliant, and all the children were talking animatedly about the start of the school year. Remus was right. His nervousness was gone and he beamed up at Severus who returned a true smile since that is what the real Remus would have done.
They made their way to where the children would board. Molly was giving her children final instructions on how to behave, reminding Fred and George to keep their pranks to a minimum and she had best not hear from the teachers this year. They heard Molly mention something about not giving a certain Potion's Master a hard time this year, causing the Remus look a like to have a very Snape like smirk.
Fred, George, Ron, and it looked like an older brother, Harry thought he had heard Molly call him Percy, board the train. Harry turned to Severus/Remus.
"Well I guess this is where I get on," Harry said shuffling his feet.
"Indeed," Severus responded placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry not exactly sure what to say next just kept looking a Severus/Remus.
"Now Harry I have given you a bit of pocket money for the train. I expect you not to engorge yourself in too many sweets. There will be more than enough to eat at the feast. Remember what I said about the sorting. It truly doesn't matter what house you are sorted into," Severus said.
Harry nodded.
"And be on your best behavior on the train. If you want to avoid everyone trying to talk to you it's best you find a compartment quickly and stay there," Severus suggested.
"Yes sir," Harry responded.
"Hmmm back to sir already and you haven't even reached the school yet."
Harry smiled up at him, "Sorry Sev, it's just kinda strange to me still that you look like Remus."
"I assure you Harry the feeling is mutual," Severus responded. "Now go on. You don't want to miss the train now do you?"
Harry looked at the train then turned to hug Severus. Severus was glad he looked like Remus at this moment. He returned the hug freely but couldn't resist saying, "Is this really necessary, I will see you in a few hours."
Harry knew this was just Sev being Sev because he didn't make any movement to stop him from hugging him. In fact, Severus embraced him tighter before saying, "Alright Harry, don't forget to change into your robes before you reach the school."
"Ok Sev, and I'm glad you brought me here. It wouldn't have been the same."
Severus let go of Harry and watched him run to board the train.
Molly now standing with Severus/Remus said, "Harry seems to be very comfortable with you Remus. I saw him with Severus in Diagon Alley a while back, I am curious as to why Order members are escorting Harry around the magical world."
Severus would not have answered this except by saying 'it is what the Headmaster ordered,' but what would the wolf say? "Professor Dumbledore wants Harry to be escorted by us in order to keep him from appearing in all of the papers. He has been away from the wizarding world for so long; most would bombard him with questions, so we accompany him to prevent that from happening. The br…child didn't even know he was a wizard until a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure he was treated…fairly at home." Fairly! If that wasn't the understatement of the year, Severus Snape would wear those hideous pink robes from Diagon Alley during the Welcoming Feast.
Molly's eyes narrowed, "I remember Minerva telling me all those years ago that Harry was staying with the worst sort of muggles. The poor dear. I bet they don't even use owl post. I will have to send him some biscuits along with Ron," Molly said determinedly.
Severus/Remus rolled his eyes. Just what he needed, sugar hyped first years in Potions classes, but he had to remember he was Remus at the moment and not Severus.
"I believe he would like that Molly," Severus/Remus responded.
The two then began walking to the floo.
Severus began thinking about what Harry said, and he was right. It would not have been the same, there is only one first. Perhaps next year the wolf could bring him…perhaps.
Harry boarded the train, "Geeze mate, I didn't think you were coming! Hurry so we can get a good seat!"
Harry and Ron found a compartment to themselves and Ron had the quidditch magazines out. The train had left the station about a half an hour ago when a lady with a trolley full of sweets stopped in front of their compartment.
"Anything from the trolley dears?" The lady asked.
Ron reached to his side holding up sandwiches his mum prepared, "No thanks," he responded with a look of disappointment that Harry did not miss.
Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out several galleons Severus had given him. Ron's eyes went wide, "Whoa!"
Ron and Harry picked out several sweets each from the trolley.
Ron introduced chocolate frogs to Harry which he deemed to be his favorite, and they were talking about sweets, the start of the school year, and of course quidditch. Harry had asked Ron if he could have one of his sandwiches, and Ron quickly obliged. Harry complimented the sandwiches, and Ron didn't feel embarrassed about them anymore. They were both eating sweets and Ron was about to show Harry a spell when they were interrupted by a bushy haired girl. "Have either of you two seen a toad. A boy named Neville seems to have lost his," she said.
Ron and Harry looked at each other, "No we haven't."
"Oh so you're about to do magic. Well, let's see. Go on," the girl encouraged.
Ron had his pet rat, Scabbers, in his lap and with his wand in hand he cleared his throat, "Sunshine daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow," Ron finished tapping the rat. A small spark zapped the rat, but it did not turn yellow. Ron shrugged his shoulders looking at Harry who was snickering.
"Is that a real spell?" she asked taking a seat across from Harry and Ron.
"Don't know," Ron said stuffing more sweets into his mouth, "My brothers said it would work."
"Well it's not a very good one is it?" she asked.
The girl's eyes went wide, "I know you. You're Harry Potter. I'm Hermione Granger. I've read all about you." She then looked to Ron, "And you are?"
"I'm Ron, Ron Weasley."
"Pleasure," Hermione said. "Well we are almost to Hogwarts. You two should change into your robes. There won't be time once we arrive we will have to take the boats across the lake. I read it in Hogwarts a History," and with that she left the compartment.
"Bossy that one," Ron said and Harry nodded, but he decided he liked her. She hadn't even made it to school yet and she was trying to help someone out.
Ron and Harry changed into their robes, and Hermione was right. Just as they had finished changing, the train came to a halt.
Everyone exited the train and Harry heard a familiar voice above the rest, "First years this way. First years come this way!" It was Hagrid.
Ron looked up at the man. He had never seen anyone so big and tall!
"Hello Harry good ter see ya again!"
"Hey Hagrid," Harry said.
"You know him?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, he's great. He takes care magical creatures here. He's brilliant; you will like him," Harry assured Ron.
Ron nodded not questioning how Harry knew Hagrid and they all got on the boats to make their way across the lake to the school.
Once inside all the first years were instructed to gather in a hall atop a flight of stairs waiting for Professor McGonagall.
"So, I see you did come to Hogwarts. The Great Harry Potter has arrived," Draco said and the rest of the students became silent to watch the exchange.
"Malfoy," was all Harry said although he maintained eye contact with him. He did not want any trouble, especially the first day of term. Severus would be disappointed. That was a feeling he did not want to evoke from the man.
"I see you remember Potter. Yes, Draco Malfoy, and why shouldn't you my father…."
Ron snorted causing Draco's attention to shift to him.
"And you. No need to ask who you are with the red hair and hand me down robes. You are a weasel."
Ron turned red and began shaking in anger, but Harry stepped in front of him. "I see you don't remember. His name is Weasley or is it that too difficult for you to remember. Ron Weasley. I would have thought you were smart enough to remember that from Hogsmeade, but I see that I have given you too much credit. But no worries, it won't happen again."
Draco was affronted and a bit embarrassed, but before he had a chance to respond McGonagall made her presence known.
"All right first years. We will proceed to the Great Hall where you will be sorted into your houses. Once assigned…."
"Trevor!" Neville Longbottom shouted, and retrieved his toad from beside McGonagall's feet.
He received a glare from the Deputy Headmistress and sulked back into the background with the rest of the students.
"As I was saying, once assigned to your houses that is where you will be throughout the rest of your seven years. The houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. The students in your houses will be your family while you are here, so keep that in mind. Your triumphs will gain you points, any rule breaking, you will lose points. At the end of the year the House with the most points will win the House cup. The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily. Follow me."
The students followed McGonagall to the Great Hall. Even though Harry had been in it many times, the size and greatness of it still amazed him. It was full. The usually empty tables were full of students, and the Head Table was filled will all the professors. He spotted Severus easily.
Severus was searching the students when they made their way inside. He looked for the red hair, he knew Harry would be with the Weasley boy as much as he hated it, and he was not disappointed. In fact, Harry was already looking at him. His lips quirked up just a bit and he nodded sharply. Harry did the same back to him. The boy had picked up on a few of his traits in the last several days.
McGonagall left the students in a group and advised them to stop. She proceeded to the front of the house tables to a stool that had a very old looking, black hat on it. The hat then spoke,
"Gryffindor for the brave of heart,
Loyal is the Hufflepuff,
Cunning for the Slytherin,
Ravenclaw for the Smart.
Where I sort you now,
Is the house where you shall be,
Each has its strength and weakness,
And its members are your family."
McGonagall lifted the hat and the list. She called out, "Susan Bones."
A young girl made her way through the sea of first years where McGonagall indicated to her to take a seat. Amelia sat on the stool and McGonagall placed the hat on her head, and in just moments the hat cried, "Hufflepuff!"
The student body applauded, and Susan hopped off the stool and joined the Hufflepuff table.
McGonagall next called, "Hermione Granger."
Ron and Harry who were standing next to each other watched as she made her way to the stool talking to herself a bit. "Mental that one," Ron said.
Hermione took a seat on the stool, and the hat was placed on her head the hat cried, "Gryffindor!"
"Draco Malfoy," McGonagall called next.
Draco strutted to the stool, eyeing Harry, this was not missed by Severus, and just as the hat was about to be placed on his head it cried, "Slytherin!"
Several more students were called, and McGonagall called out, "Ronald Weasley."
Ron gave Harry one last look. Harry gave him an encouraging nod, and Ron took his seat. The hat cried, "Gryffindor!"
Ron relaxed and joined his brothers at the Gryffindor table.
"Gregory Goyle," McGonagall called next.
Just as the hat did with Draco it shouted, "Slytherin!" before it could even be placed on his head.
Next McGonagall called, "Harry Potter." The Great Hall went silent. Dumbledore scooted to the edge of his chair, Severus maintained his neutral expression, and Remus began fidgeting with his napkin.
Harry sat on the stool, and McGonagall smiled at him discreetly placing the sorting hat on his head.
To everyone watching, it seemed to take the hat a long time to make a decision. *Hmmm, a lot has changed in you, but you still have a thirst to prove yourself. Clever, yes. Powerful, yes. Brave, yes, and not a bad mind either. Hmmm what to do with you? Where to put you?*
Harry thought to himself, I just want to be with friends and family. Sev doesn't mind where I go so I don't either.
*Severus hmm? The Potions Master?*
Harry realizing the hat was reading his thoughts, Yes, that's the one. He's my dad now.
*A Slytherin he is, but he like you possesses remarkable bravery. I had a hard time sorting him as well. If family is what you desire Mr. Potter, the Slytherin house will not fulfill that for you at this time. So Better be 'Gryffindor!* the hat cried.
Everyone applauded and the Gryffindor table stood to greet Harry. Harry looked at the head table where Severus nodded at him. That was all the assurance Harry needed and he took his seat beside Ron.
Dumbledore opened the sorting ceremony with a few words, "Welcome first years, and welcome back to those of you who were here last year. I remind you that the forbidden forest is out of bounds for any students, and the third level corridor is also out of bounds for anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death." Ron and Harry exchanged concerned looks at the statement.
Dumbledore then said, "Let the feast begin," and he raised both of his hands and the meal appeared on the tables.
The feast was amazing and Harry, like Ron had seconds of everything, but Ron continued to have thirds and fourths. Hermione who was seated across from Harry and Ron had a disgusted look on her face at the amount of food Ron was putting away.
When it was time for dessert pudding appeared for everyone. Harry was slightly disappointed until he saw a slice of chocolate cake discretely materialize beside his plate. He grinned madly and shared the cake with Ron.
After the feast the students retired to their dorms. This was going to be Harry's first night since being rescued from the Dursleys he was away from Severus.
He was tired from today's events and unpacked his trunk. The other boys in the first year dorm were doing the same. Neville had been sorted into their house as well as Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan.
For another hour the boys talked about the newest broom, a Nimbus 2000. Harry didn't offer up the fact that he owned one, as it was still in his room in the dungeons. Ron had expressed his sentiments about being sorted into Gryffindor. He explained to Harry that he would have been ridiculed by his brothers if he had been sorted anywhere else.
After an hour of talking Harry thought he would be comfortable here. No one bombarded him with questions of his past, his parents, or questions of Tom. He quite liked it in the Gryffindor Tower. He took the dreamless sleep potion Severus had given him for his first night so he could sleep peacefully without fear of nightmares.
Severus had seen to his snakes, and now that he had down time, he was now thinking about Harry. He was not at all surprised that Harry had been sorted into Gryffindor. He thought Harry may have been sorted into Slytherin at one point, but Harry's need for survival had changed. He no longer needed to survive, Harry had said it himself; he now knew what it was like to live. If Harry had come straight from the Dursleys in the shape he had found him in those weeks ago, Harry most assuredly would have been sorted into Slytherin, and looking at it in that light, Severus was not… displeased Harry was sorted into Gryffindor. Besides Lily was a Gryffindor, so why not her son.
It was eerily quiet in the dungeons. Severus found himself in the sitting room with a cup of tea, staring into the fire, thinking about tomorrow's first year's potions classes. He had Gryffindor and Slytherin. Oh how interesting it will be! He never understood exactly why the old man thought it was a good idea to have those two houses have potions together. Defense yes, it would provoke the best of them, but in potions, disaster was certain at some point in the year.
He wondered what else had occurred between Harry and Draco to cause them to look at each other so fiercely at the sorting ceremony, or if it was still just the distaste left over from Hogsmeade. But knowing the Malfoy family as he did, Severus couldn't help but think something else occurred.
Severus heard a knock at his door. He knew it was the Headmaster.
"Enter."
It was unusual for Severus not to answer the door, or to stand up and greet him, but he knew what was bothering his boy.
"Hello Severus, mind if I take a seat?" Dumbledore asked.
Severus did not even speak, he just gestured at the empty chair, and Albus took it.
"Have you seen to your snakes already?" Dumbledore asked already knowing the answer but needing to gauge Severus' temperament.
"Of course Albus, I am not incompetent."
Well Dumbledore had his answer. He called him Albus and he was defensive.
"Of course, Severus, forgive an old man. What seems to be troubling your mind tonight my boy?" Dumbledore asked.
Severus sighed, "Is it that obvious Albus?"
"I'm afraid so. Pomona came to me earlier, said you mentioned something about burning the greenhouse down if she continued babbling about the new students. Professor Trelawney said something about an inner eye being rubbish and you could provide her with a third one to see clearly if she did not move out of your way. And Flitwick found a couple of students who were under the impression you would use them for potion ingredients if they were late to their dorms." Dumbledore then chuckled, "I must say, your reputation amongst the students is still as it was my boy."
Severus glared at Dumbledore, but his eyes continued to twinkle. Severus' glare had never had an effect on him. It mostly amused him, mostly. "So tell me Severus, what is on your mind? Harry perhaps?"
Severus sighed, the old man knew. He always knew. But Severus did not speak. "Hmmm, well I believe Harry is in perfectly capable hands. You and Minerva have worked out Harry's problems with nightmares. That leads me to believe that tomorrow's class and the…emptiness of the dungeons is what is worrisome. Am I right?"
Severus was looking at his tea as if it was going to aid him in escaping this conversation. He finally gave in. "You are correct on both accounts."
"I see," Albus said.
"Do you? What is it exactly that you see Albus?" Severus countered.
Dumbledore had a wistful smile, he really wished the adoption did not have to be kept secret, but it was the way it had to be for the time being. "I see that you wish you did not have to have yet another secret to keep in your life, and you did not believe it would affect you so deeply."
"Albus, nothing I have ever done has been normal, and I am not affected deeply as you claim," Severus denied. "However, in tomorrow's classes with Slytherin and Gryffindor, I will have to cater to the Malfoy boy, show him some sort of favoritism, when I know that my son, my son Albus, who needs my reassurance, will have to see the worst of me."
Dumbledore replied, "Harry has surprised you before Severus. He has accepted the worst of you when you did not think he would. He is strong and you both will make it through, though I admit tomorrow will be a most difficult day for you both."
Severus sat there emotionless thinking to himself.
Dumbledore sighed, "Severus, son, look at me." Severus did. "For many years, I have kept my promise to you that I would not allow others to know the best of Severus Snape. For years I have been called a fool because I have always seen what others have not, or perhaps what they would not. It pains me to see you in distress," Dumbledore held up his hand as Severus started to speak, "I know you deny it my boy, but do not forget how far we have come together. I know this affects you more than you will ever admit, and because of that I now make another promise to you. By the end of the school year, you will no longer have to keep the adoption secret."
Severus arched his eyebrow at the headmaster, "And exactly how do you plan on doing that?"
Dumbledore placed his thumb and forefinger on his chin, staring into the fire, "Give me the school year Severus. I have a strong suspicion that events may unravel to reveal positions, even without my meddling. I must admit Severus, watching you and Harry these past two weeks…" Dumbledore trailed off, unable to finish the statement, Severus was still watching his mentor intently. Dumbledore turned back to look Severus in the eyes, "I'll just say this, I do not make promises hastily nor those I do not intend to keep, least of all to you my boy."
Snape nodded. He knew what the Headmaster said was true. He remembered begging him to protect Lily and ultimately the entire family. Dumbledore did all he could do, and it wasn't Dumbledore who had failed in protecting Lily. Dumbledore said he would keep him out of Azkaban, and he did. Dumbledore offered him a second chance at life without Severus even asking for it. Severus had no reason to doubt the old man's word now.
"Thank you Headmaster, but do not expect me to apologize to Sprout and Trelawney. I would be more than happy to give the phony a third eye. It would be amusing and it may actually help her vision. Those glasses she wears are deplorable," Severus said.
"I would never ask such of you Severus," Dumbledore replied chuckling holding his hands up in defense.
Albus stood and this time Severus did too feeling a little better about the situation. They made their way to the door and Dumbledore stopped, "As for the emptiness of the dungeons," Dumbledore said, "I believe in due time you will have more than just Harry to look after down here. He seems quite taken to the Weasley boy, and now they are in the same house, you may receive the honorary title of Uncle after all my boy. Good night."
Dumbledore left the dungeons leaving a gobsmacked Severus Snape behind contemplating the implications of his last words. All of a sudden he thought he could almost bear the quietness of the dungeons he was accustomed to before Harry…Almost, and for the second time in many years Severus took a vial of dreamless sleep. He would need to be well rested for tomorrow's classes.
Thanks for reading and reviewing! I always look forward to what you guys think.
Next chapter classes begin!