I have been so inspired by all of the reviews I just had to update! Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful reviews! I am so glad you love the story as much as I do! I hope you like the next chapter!
"It came!" Harry shouted.
Harry looked over the parchment, drinking in the words it said. The owl that had handed him the letter through the window of his room gave a small hoot before flying away. Harry smiled at the retreating owl before reading the letter again. He had been waiting all summer for it, though summer had only started a few weeks ago. His smile grew bigger as he folded the letter and ran out of his room, stumbling over his own feet and hopping down the stairs.
"Dad, it came!" Harry shouted again, disturbing the quiet manor. "It came! It came!"
Harry ran into the library where Severus was reading a book in a comfy armchair. Severus glared at Harry as the noisy boy entered but it quickly faded when he noticed what Harry was carrying. Harry stopped at the side of his father's chair, his smile still spreading across his face.
"It came," Harry held out the letter to his father.
Severus glanced at his son's grin as he accepted the letter from Harry, setting his book down on the floor. With deliberate slowness, he unfolded the letter and read its contents, trying hard to ignore the excitement radiating off his son.
Dear Mr. Snape,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Severus tried to keep an impassive face but a smile was taking over. He felt a couple unexpected tears fill his eyes and he quickly blinked them away. His son was almost eleven years old and would be attending his first year at Hogwarts come September.
"We have to go to Diagon Alley, Dad!" Harry exclaimed. "There's a list of all my supplies here, we have to go get everything! Let's go!" Harry jumped up and down on his feet, pulling on his father's arm.
"Calm down, Harry," Severus smiled. "I have to pick up some rare ingredients on hold for me tomorrow. We will go around ten o'clock tomorrow morning, alright?"
Harry looked disappointed but smiled.
"Okay," Harry's smile grew. "I'm going to Hogwarts! This means I get my wand tomorrow and I can get my familiar! I want an owl!" Harry pictured Hedwig. He would finally see her again, alive and well. And this time, he'll be able to keep her that way.
"As long as you don't want a toad."
"Toads have purposes, Dad," Harry argued. He thought about Neville Longbottom's toad, Trevor. That toad had always been trying to hop away, so he probably wasn't a good example. He hoped Severus didn't ask him to name any purposes because his mind was drawing a blank.
"They do, indeed," Severus said. "In my potions."
Harry laughed. Severus handed back the letter. As Harry accepted it, Severus grabbed his son's wrist and pulled him forward, causing Harry to fall into his father's lap. Harry held the letter out so it wouldn't be creased or ripped as he landed on his dad's knees. Severus tickled him. Harry squealed and tried to stand back up.
"Dad!" Harry giggled. "Let me up! No - stop!"
"You can't possibly be old enough for Hogwarts. You're still far too ticklish."
"I'm old enough! I swear!" Harry cried. He tried to grab ahold of his father's hands to stop them from attacking his vulnerable ribs. That was hard to do with only one free hand.
Finally, Severus pulled Harry up and hugged his son who hugged him back.
"I'm happy for you, Harry. But you really are growing up too fast for me."
"I'll try and slow down."
Severus chuckled and ruffled Harry's hair before releasing him.
"You do that, son," Severus said, picking up his book. "Put that letter somewhere safe, then go outside or do something quiet indoors. I would like to finish a few more chapters."
"Okay," Harry ran back to his room to look over the supplies he needed, daydreaming about Hedwig and his previous first year at Hogwarts.
The next morning, after eating breakfast, Severus stood at the kitchen sink washing dishes. He kept thinking about Harry's acceptance letter and how old he was starting to feel. In about an hour, they would be heading to Diagon Alley to do some shopping for supplies before picking up his ingredients. He looked out the window in front of him to see Harry and Sam, who was currently wolf-size, sitting in the grass. He opened the window a bit to hear what they were discussing.
". . . McGonagall, charms with Professor Flitwick and potions with Dad!" Harry said, pulling at a few blades of grass.
: Sounds like you'll be busy, Sam responded, tilting his head and flicking the black tips of his ears. At least it'll keep you out of trouble.
Severus snorted at the comment. That was one benefit of sending Harry to Hogwarts.
"Ha-ha," Harry responded. Harry noticed a stick lying nearby and picked it up. "If I throw this stick, will you fetch it?"
: Why on earth would I do that? Sam showed his teeth, his ears falling flat on his head. I have told you that I am not a dog.
"Uncle Sirius would do it," Harry muttered.
: Your Uncle Sirius would also chase his tail and play dead on command. He has more brains of a mindless mutt than I do.
Severus laughed. He agreed with that. Ignoring the dishes, for now, Severus focused on his son and Sam with amusement.
"But it's a game," Harry whined. "And it's fun. It's like playing Frisbee with friends. Only it's a stick with a dog – or a fox, I mean."
: Nice save there. Sam snorted. And my answer is no. There is no sense in retrieving a stick just so it can be thrown away again. It would be like indulging a baby who keeps throwing his bottle. Why waste the effort?
"Please, Sam?" Harry gave Sam a puppy dog look. "There's nothing else to do out here. Just try it? For me?"
Severus smirked as he watched Sam's ears drop to the sides in an obvious foxish pout, the white tips of his tails flicking in annoyance as he tried to avoid Harry's eyes. You know logic won't work, Sam, Severus couldn't help but think, if I were you, I'd play a couple games before Harry uses his 'I'm so sad and lonely' look.
The fox's eyes met his in a glare, reminding Severus that Sam could hear his thoughts if they were open enough. Severus occluded his mind and thoughts (though he wasn't sure if this type of magic could stop the fox) and smirked at Sam, raising an eyebrow.
: Fine, Sam growled, throw the stick and I'll bring it back.
Harry smiled and threw the stick. Sam visibly sighed, then stood and trotted after the stick, elegantly picking it up in his mouth before trotting back to Harry. He dropped the stick at the boy's feet and sat back down, probably happy to think he had maintained all his dignity through it.
: There, Sam scratched at an ear with a black hind paw. Happy?
"You know," Harry pouted, "You could at least pretend to look like you're having fun."
: I will do no such thing.
Severus shook his head at the duo. He figured he should probably save Sam from any more silly games Harry thought up. He put a self-washing spell on the dishes.
"Come inside, Harry." He called to his son. "You need to get ready to go."
Harry stood and ran inside. Sam misted on the spot and flew through the open window. Severus sent Harry upstairs to brush his teeth and fix his hair while Sam decided to shift and dress in clothes the fox had more than likely stolen on a previous trip to Diagon Alley. Severus hoped the fox never caught the attention of the Ministry or any Aurors.
Severus fixed himself up and strapped his watch on. He had to keep track of time so he wasn't late to pick up his ingredients.
Harry watched as Severus counted out a few galleons and handed them to Sam, who placed them in a shirt pocket under the long, black cloak he wore. Severus had apparated them to an alleyway of Diagon Alley. He waited patiently as the two adults spoke to each other.
"Meet me back here in two hours," Severus said. "And try not to stir up too much trouble."
"Don't worry," Sam smirked. "It'll be as if I was never even there."
"Where are you going?" Harry asked.
"I'd like to explore this Knockturn Alley I've heard so much about," Sam answered.
"Why?" Harry asked, frowning. "That place is dangerous."
"Then we have something in common," Sam said, lifting the hood of the cloak over his head to hide his fox red hair and unchanged fox ears.
Harry could barely see Sam's face under the cloak, though the strikingly yellow eyes shone from under the hood. Despite being a little less than average height, Harry knew Sam was dangerous in either fox or human form and he could defend himself if anyone in Knockturn Alley tried to start anything. Sam took off in the direction of his destination. Severus led Harry into the busy street of Diagon Alley. Harry looked at his list.
"The first thing we're going to do," Severus said, "is get you your robes and hat."
Madam Malkin's was busy with several other students and everyday people. Severus and Harry had to wait fifteen minutes before they were seen. Harry was measured and fitted and his robes would be delivered to the manor later, along with a new winter cloak, dragon hide gloves, and a pointed hat. After, they went to Flourish and Blott's Bookstore, where Severus aided Harry in finding all the books he would need. Severus also had the books delivered by owl to the manor. Then, they went to Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment to find glass and crystal vials (Severus told Harry that both would be good to have), a set of brass scales, and a telescope. The two then went to a cauldron shop to purchase a pewter standard size 2 and a couple other cauldrons for Severus's use.
"Feel free to take a mini cauldron cake or chocolate cauldron." The young man behind the counter told them as they were checking out. "They are free today. Just some special going on."
The mini sweets sat in two different bowls on the counter. Harry smirked and reached for the bowl with the chocolate cauldrons.
"I want a chocolate one," Harry said.
Severus snatched his wrist before he could grab one.
"Absolutely not," Severus said, guiding Harry's hand to the bowl with the cauldron cakes. Harry took one, pouting at his father with a slight smirk as he ate the small treat.
"Kids," the man behind the counter grinned. Severus snorted in response.
After having the cauldrons owled to the manor, Severus led Harry back out into the busy street.
"I believe we should go to Ollivander's next," Severus said.
Harry nodded his head, excited to finally retrieve his wand. I wonder if it'll be the same. Or if James ended up getting that wand. What if it's different? This will be an interesting experience.
"Ello, Harry!"
"Hagrid!" Harry ran ahead of Severus and hugged the half-giant.
"Good morning, Hagrid," Severus greeted.
"Good morning ter yeh, too, Severus," Hagrid greeted, patting Harry on the shoulder. "I was just picking up somethin' at Gringotts fer the headmaster. What are yeh doing here, Harry?"
"Getting my school supplies!" Harry answered. "I'll be attending Hogwarts this year!"
"Naw, yeh can't be that old already?" Hagrid teased. "I remember when yeh were just a wee little babe. Hardly fit in the palm of my hand."
"As do I, Hagrid," Severus commented, smiling at Harry.
"Was I really that tiny?" Harry thought about the baby pictures his father had showed him. He didn't think he was that tiny, but in Hagrid's arms, he figured he would appear very tiny.
"Yes, yeh were," Hagrid said. "The tiniest. Now look at yeh ready to go learn at Hogwarts."
Harry beamed up at Hagrid.
"Well, we should finish our shopping," Severus said, glancing at his watch. "I have a deadline to meet and you still need a wand, Harry. Good day, Hagrid."
"Bye, Hagrid!" Harry said as he followed Severus.
"Goodbye!" Hagrid said.
Harry and Severus arrived at Ollivander's. Garrick Ollivander stood behind the counter and smiled at the family as they entered.
"Ah, Mr. Snape." Ollivander greeted. "12-inch ebony wood with a dragon heartstring core, correct?"
"Yes, indeed," Severus said.
"I like dragon heartstrings as a core to wands," Ollivander said, looking at his own wand. "And this young lad, is he here for his first wand? I take it you'll be attending Hogwarts this coming September?"
"Yes, sir," Harry answered, nodding his head.
"I take it you understand that the wand chooses the wizard?" Ollivander asked. A tape measure flew over to Harry and began taking measurements from several odd distances and places.
"Yes, sir, I do," Harry said, watching the tape measure fly around him.
"Very good, very good." Ollivander reached for a few boxes. "Here, try this one. Beech wood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. Just take it and give it a wave."
Harry felt a huge sense of déjà vu. He took the wand and waved it, but Ollivander snatched it out of his hand almost at once.
"Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try . . ."
Harry tried the new wand in his hand, his sense of déjà vu growing stronger. He had hardly raised his hand when the wand was snatched back by Ollivander, just like the first. The quick movement startled Harry and he let out a small gasp. He glanced up at Severus who was frowning slightly but gave him an encouraging smile and nod.
"No, no – here, ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy. Go on, go on, try it out."
Harry tried the new wand but it was also taken from him. As was the next wand. And the next. The pile of rejected wands on the spindly chair looked so familiar, as did the fact that the more wands Ollivander gave Harry, the happier he seemed to become. Severus had moved to sit in a vacant chair, looking slightly annoyed but interested at the same time. The whole experience could only be described as – well, a déjà vu.
"Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere – I wonder, now – yes, why not – unusual combination – holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple."
Harry gaped at the wand that was held out to him, his mouth dropping open. It was his wand! He took the wand and felt a warmth in his fingers. He gave it a swish of familiar red and gold sparks shot from the end.
"Well, it's about time," Severus commented, rising to his feet and coming to stand next to Harry.
"Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good." Ollivander cried. "It's curious, though. It's the third of its kind. Although the feather comes from a different phoenix, but still very curious."
"Why is it curious?" Harry had a feeling he had asked a similar question before.
"The first two were brother wands, having cores of phoenix feathers from the same bird," Ollivander explained as he but the wand back in its box and wrapped it in brown paper. "One was almost exactly like yours – belonged to James Potter. The other one, thirteen and a half inches, belonged to He Who Must Not Be Named himself. There is a great history behind them – you could read up on it in many books. How very curious . . ."
Harry frowned. He knew the history. Scratch that - he lived the history. He didn't need to read up on it.
"That's enough," Severus said abruptly. "How much?"
"Seven galleons," Ollivander said.
Severus paid the gold galleons and left the shop with Harry at his heel, carrying the new package.
"Here, Harry," Severus took the package and slid it in a protective pocket in his robes. "It took you quite a while to find your match."
"Yeah, I got a special wand, too," Harry responded.
"That's because you're a special boy," Severus said, ruffling his son's hair.
"Do you think what he said about the wand was important?" Harry asked.
"I think it is a coincidence," Severus said. "Some could argue that the wand chooses its owner the moment it's made. It just waits for that owner to come and pick it up. That wand was meant for you from the beginning and I'm sure you'll do great things with it."
Harry smiled at his father. He had already done great things with the wand, or James Potter's wand in this reality. He would just do even more great things. Severus looked at his watch.
"We need to head to the apothecary. Once we pick up the ingredients, we'll head home and have lunch . . ."
"Wait," Harry interrupted. "We have to go to Eeylops' Owl Emporium to get my familiar."
"Those ingredients they'll set out for me have to be transferred into a cool environment within an hour," Severus said. "After lunch, we . . ."
"Can't you just have them owled home?" Harry asked with a whine.
"No, I cannot," Severus said, frowning at Harry's tone. "I'd rather not have rare ingredients airborne and in the care of an owl. Anything could go wrong."
"But," Harry started to say. He thought about Hedwig. What if someone else decided to take her? If they didn't go today, someone else could easily buy her. She was a beautiful owl. He had to get Hedwig first.
"Harry," Severus scolded, "Let's not be late."
"I want to get my owl now!" Harry said.
"You watch your tone, young man," Severus leaned down and rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "We are going to the apothecary. It's closer and . . ."
Harry wrenched himself from his father's grip and ran off in the direction of the owl shop. He had to get Hedwig. He ran a few feet before an arm circled his waist. He struggled against the restraint.
"Harry, stop it!" Severus growled. Severus let him go and grabbed a hold of his wrist. Harry was pulled in the opposite direction of the owl shop.
"Let me go!"
Angry and frustrated, Harry threw himself to the ground, trying to break free of Severus's hold.
"Harry, stop this!" Severus hissed through gritted teeth.
Harry looked up at his father and noticed the man was turning a light shade of red, possibly with anger or embarrassment or even both. Harry suddenly noticed the stares from passersby. He knew he was a bit old for tantrums like this, but if he could get to Hedwig and at least have the man that works there put her on hold, it was worth the humiliation. Severus seemed to disagree.
Harry felt his father's hands grip his arms and hoist him up. He tried to drop back to the ground but Severus wrapped both arms around his waist and lifted him off the ground, carrying Harry towards their destination. Harry managed to slip out of his father's hands slightly before Severus's arms tightened around his chest just under his ribs.
"Put me down!"
Harry kicked at Severus's legs and scratched at his arms. He heard his father hiss in pain at one point, but he wasn't sure which action caused it. He continued to demand to be put down. They reached the apothecary in minutes, and Harry felt tears of frustration in his eyes as he realized that he would not get to Hedwig.
"Let me go!" He shouted as they entered the store. He felt his feet touch the floor as Severus adjusted his hold on Harry.
"Professor Snape," came a deep voice, "you're late."
"I know!" Severus snapped.
Harry noticed a man standing behind a counter through his tears. The man sneered at him and Harry instantly disliked the tall, light-haired figure. Severus lifted Harry up again and he struggled against his father.
"Would you like my office, Professor?" the man asked.
"If you don't mind," Severus answered.
Harry gasped. He understood the implication. He tried to pull out of his father's hold so he could stand and compose himself and hopefully fix the mess he made.
"Dad, no!" Harry cried. "I'm sorry."
They had somehow ended up in the man's office and before Harry had time to make a plea for his case, Severus had sat at the desk chair and pulled him over the firm knees. The first smack calmed Harry's anger considerably. The second smack brought new tears to his eyes.
"Ow!" Harry cried. "I just wanted my owl!"
"I don't care what you want," Severus growled in between smacks. "That tantrum you threw was unacceptable. You're almost eleven years old – not five. And then fighting me? You don't ever kick or scratch me or you'll find yourself in this position again. Do you hear me?"
"I hear you," Harry cried, his voice thick with tears. It was a bit hard to listen to his father with an increasingly warming bottom, but he did hear what the man was saying.
"You can't have what you want every second of the day, Harry," Severus continued, placing a few smacks on Harry's sit spots, earning a few yelps. "Your owl will just have to wait."
Harry hung limply over his father's lap, sobbing. Four more smacks were placed on his bottom before he was pulled to his feet and pinned between his father's knees. He wiped at his eyes. Severus grimaced and shook out his right arm before he pulled the sleeve of his robe up and revealed several red scratches traveling up his forearm, a couple slightly bleeding. Harry felt horrible for being the cause of the scratches, especially when his father glared at him pointedly.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, lowering his head.
Severus said nothing. Instead, he reached into his robes and pulled out a salve of sorts. He rubbed a bit of the cream-like potion on his arm and the scratches healed together, the red irritation fading. Severus put the salve back into an inner pocket of his robes.
"I really am sorry," Harry kept his head down. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Daddy."
"Oh really?" Severus snarled. "Didn't seem that way earlier."
Harry closed his eyes as he choked back a sob. More tears burned his eyes as he thought about how much Severus hated him now and he rubbed at his eyes, causing a couple tears to slide down his cheeks. He heard Severus sigh before he was pulled into a hug.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Severus said in a soft voice. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. Come here. Calm down."
Harry was lifted on to Severus's lap and he rested his head on his father's shoulder, trying to ignore his aching bottom.
"I'm sorry for hurting you," Harry said. "And for throwing a tantrum. I just really wanted to get my owl today."
"I forgive you," Severus ran a hand through Harry's hair, gently massaging his son calmingly. "Before you went into a full-blown fit, what I was trying to tell you earlier was that after lunch, we could come back and pick out an owl."
"Oh," Harry rubbed at his eyes. He looked up at Severus, keeping his head on the strong shoulder.
"However, after your little episode, we will not be returning at all today. Ah-ah!" Severus gave Harry a stern look as the boy opened his mouth to protest. Harry shut his mouth. "You have displayed atrocious behavior over getting an owl and I will not – cannot reward that. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait a while longer for a familiar."
A couple tears escaped Harry's eyes. Severus rubbed Harry's back, hating himself for his punishment. He wanted to take it back the moment the words left his lips and just buy Harry an owl but he knew how counterproductive that would be. Harry had been looking forward to having his own owl, his own pet, and Severus had just taken that opportunity from him for the time being. Yet Harry didn't show the behavior of a young, responsible pet owner.
After a moment of silence from Harry, Severus looked at his watch. Nearly twenty minutes behind schedule. So much for being on time. He had to get those ingredients home. He brushed some hair from Harry's eyes and tilted his son's head up with a finger under the chin.
"Have you composed yourself?" Severus asked.
Harry nodded at his question.
"I'm sorry," Harry felt the need to say those words again.
"I know," Severus responded, placing a featherlight kiss on Harry's forehead. "You're forgiven."
Harry slid off Severus's lap and followed his father out. The owner of the office smirked at him from behind the counter and Harry felt his cheeks burn, rubbing at his red-trimmed eyes. Severus glared at the man, effectively wiping the smirk off his face.
Harry leaned against his father as the men exchanged money and ingredients. Severus placed the jars and vials in inner pockets of his robe before leading Harry out of the apothecary. They returned to the alleyway they had arrived in. Sam was casually leaning against a wall, his hood lowered. His ears must have been up and alert because the black tips were visible despite the thick, bushy red hair.
"You two are late," Sam commented.
"We had a little tantrum problem," Severus said. Harry felt his cheeks burn again. "Ultimately, we are not getting a familiar anytime soon."
Sam looked down at Harry, noting the red-trimmed eyes. Harry looked down. Hoping to change the topic, he glanced up through the fringe of his hair at Sam.
"Did you find anything interesting?" Harry asked.
"I did," Sam answered, tilting his head as if he were still a fox, the black tips of his ears disappearing in the messy hair. "A couple new weapons to play with."
"Weapons?" Harry lifted his head up curiously. "Like what?"
"Like weapons for my knowledge and not the knowledge of a near eleven-year-old."
Harry frowned, though it looked more like a pout.
"Did you pay for them or steal them?" Severus asked.
"A little of both," Sam smirked
It was Severus's turn to frown but he held out an arm and apparated everyone home.
The evening of July 31 was quiet. It had been a loud day since Harry had invited the twins again to celebrate his eleventh birthday. Draco and Dudley also arrived, along with the accompanying adults. It had been fun playing with everyone and seeing their faces. Harry couldn't wait until he met Ron and Hermione. Then he could invite them over to his birthday parties as well. And he'd be allowed to go and attend theirs. It had been about two weeks since the incident at Diagon Alley, and Harry wondered if he'd ever be allowed to pick out a familiar.
There was a knock at the door.
Harry frowned. Severus was in his lab fixing up his stock. No one used the front door. People just popped in through the floo or apparated if the wards around the property allowed them.
Harry cautiously approached the door and hopped on his tippy toes to look through the peephole. He couldn't see any light at all. Whoever was out there was either purposely blocking the hole or was really big. Harry smiled as he thought about the only large person he knew.
He opened the door.
"Hagrid!" Harry greeted, hugging Hagrid.
"Ello, Harry!" The half-giant greeted. He returned the hug, nearly smothering Harry. "Happy birthday!"
When they both pulled apart, Harry noticed the motorbike in front of the manor. The flying motorbike that belonged to Sirius. He had seen it at Sirius's place before but had not been allowed anywhere near it. Being told to stay away from something never stopped Harry, though. He had accidentally hit a lever and was flying through Sirius's manor on the bike. It had been the second time Sirius had ever spanked him, though luckily for Harry, it had only been five swats.
"Good evening, Hagrid," Severus said as he walked up to the door. "What brings you here? Harry, invite our guest inside."
Severus snapped his fingers and the doorway expanded to Hagrid's height and size. Harry smiled at the magic.
"Come inside, Hagrid," Harry said.
Hagrid picked up an object that was covered with a blanket and entered the house. He sat on a chair that enlarged for him and set the object at his feet. Severus sat in an armchair and tapped the coffee table and tea appeared.
"Help yourself, Hagrid," Severus said, picking up a cup and drinking it as it was.
Hagrid picked up a cup and started adding lumps after lumps of sugar before taking a long sip. Harry sat on the couch and picked up a cup and added two lumps (which was all his father would allow) and then poured more cream in his before taking a sip. Then he quickly shoved a biscuit in his mouth and smiled cheekily at his father's mock glare.
"I believe you've had enough sugar for one day," Severus said. "Considering you just had to have two slices of cake, earlier."
"I'm not bouncing off the walls yet," Harry replied.
He reached for another biscuit. The plate moved out of his reach on its own, however. He glared at his father, who raised a challenging eyebrow.
"Did yeh hear abou' the break in at Gringotts, Severus?" Hagrid asked, taking a biscuit himself.
"I did," Severus said. "And the headmaster's task was successfully completed?"
"It was," Hagrid said. "It is in his possession now."
"This may be a conversation for another time," Severus discreetly glanced at Harry with his eyes. Hagrid followed the movement.
"Oh, yes, yes," Hagrid agreed. "That reminds me. I've got somethin' fer yeh, Harry. A present."
Hagrid picked up the blanket-covered object and held it out to Harry. Harry stood from the couch and took it. He wasn't aware of how heavy it was and nearly dropped it. Hagrid had only used one hand to carry it and pick it up. He should have known it would have been heavier than Hagrid made it look. Harry set the object back on the floor and looked up at Hagrid.
"Happy birthday, Harry." Hagrid smiled.
Harry noticed Severus smiling as if his father knew what it was. Sam had walked into the room at one point in fox form, the size of a large dog, and sat next to the chair Severus was in, wearing a foxy smile of his own.
Harry pulled the blanket off to reveal a bird cage. And inside the cage on a perch, sleeping peacefully with its head under its wing, was a beautiful snowy owl.
Harry's jaw dropped as he gaped at his old friend who had died protecting him in another world. The owl slowly lifted her and looked at Harry with large, amber eyes, giving a gentle hoot.
"Hi," Harry put a hand on the bars and the owl stretched forward and pushed against his palm with her beak. Harry smiled, a couple tears in his eyes.
"Take her out, Harry," Severus encouraged, his smile growing.
Harry opened the bird cage and held out his arm. The owl hopped from the cage to his arm, her talons gripping firmly. Harry was glad that Severus preferred formal parties since the sleeves of his robes offered a little protection and comfort.
Harry stroked the owl who closed her eyes in appreciation. Harry's look of surprise grew into one of joy and excitement.
"What are yeh goin' ter call her, Harry?" Hagrid asked.
"I'm going to call her . . ." Harry paused and smiled at the owl who gently nipped his finger affectionately. "Hedwig."
"Wha' a beautiful name, Harry," Hagrid said.
"Indeed," Severus commented.
: I approve, Sam dipped his head briefly.
Harry held his arm near the cage and Hedwig obediently hopped back on her perch. Then, Harry launched himself into Hagrid's arms for a hug.
"Thank you so much," Harry said. "I love her."
"Yeh're welcome, Harry," Hagrid said, patting Harry's back.
"Thank you," Harry said again.
After a long embrace, Harry released Hagrid and stood in front of his father.
"All the owl supplies you'll need for her are in your room," Severus said. "There is also a perch for her attached to your wall with a pan underneath, so there is no need to keep her in her cage."
Harry threw his arms around his father's neck. So, that was what his father had been up to when he disappeared from his party for nearly half an hour.
"Thank you, Dad," Harry said.
"You're welcome," Severus said. "Happy birthday, son."
Harry let his father go and dropped to his knees in front of Sam.
: You don't have to hug me, Sam informed Harry, his ears pivoting back.
"I know," Harry said. "I'm going to anyway."
Harry wrapped his arms around the fox's neck. Sam curled his head around Harry's shoulder.
: Happy birthday, Harry.
"Thank you," Harry said. He noticed that for the first time since Sam's arrival, the fox did not tense up when he hugged him.
Later that night, after settling Hedwig into her new home and feeding her a couple owl treats, Harry changed into pajamas and looked for his father. He found the man in his study sitting at his desk, reading a potions journal, though his eyes didn't seem entirely focused on it.
"I still can't believe there's a second one," Severus muttered as Harry walked in. "But how on earth . . . ?"
"A second what, Dad?" Harry asked.
Severus looked up at Harry who came to stand next to his chair.
"Nothing, son," Severus wrapped an arm around Harry's waist, pulling him close. Harry put an arm around his father's shoulders, leaning into Severus. "What are you doing walking around? You should be in bed. It's late."
"I know," Harry said. "I wanted to say goodnight to you. I think Sam already left to go hunting. Did you always know Hagrid would get me an owl?"
"Hagrid owled me about a week ago saying that he found you the perfect owl and would like to give it to you in person."
"I love Hedwig," Harry said. "She is perfect."
"Yes, she is," Severus moved his hand to the back of Harry's head and pulled Harry down so he could kiss his son's cheek. "I'm noticing that you're taller than me when I'm sitting."
Harry smiled at his father.
"Maybe I'll grow taller than you!"
"We'll see. But your mother wasn't too tall. I'd say you'd probably fall somewhere in between our heights."
Harry faked a pout, though he struggled to keep the smile off. Severus snorted at his face and pulled Harry into a hug.
"I just wish you'd stay my little baby boy longer," Severus said.
"I don't want to stay small forever!" Harry exclaimed.
"I know you don't. But I do," Severus kissed the top of Harry's head before releasing him. "But I also want to see you become a young gentleman."
"You can't have it both ways, Dad," Harry smiled.
"I know. Now, go get in bed. I'll be up in a moment to tuck you in."
"I'm getting too old for that," Harry said, though his tone didn't sound convincing.
"As long as you live under this roof, I'm tucking you in."
"Yes, Dad," Harry smiled.
Severus smiled at Harry's retreating form. Too old to be tucked in. Ha! Severus never wanted Harry to be too old for anything. He wanted Harry to always be able to sit in his lap, have his shoulder to cry on, to hug him, to kiss him, to tuck him in at night. He knew that when Harry was nearing puberty, he'd go through a rebellious stage where he'd want nothing to do with his old man. But Severus would be there for him regardless.
Severus set his journal down and went upstairs to tuck in his son and kiss him goodnight.
I hope you loved the chapter! Hogwarts is coming soon!