Dear GGGGG,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your review. Usually I reply to those reviews through a PM but since you are a guest reader I figured this would be the only way to address your concerns and ideas.

Yes, this story is about family. However, this family is different. This family was randomly thrown together – they are struggling. Minerva, Severus, and Poppy have no children and so do not know how to raise a child. They are making mistakes and correcting them as best as they can. Their situation gets worse by the fact that multiple negative things keep happening to the family (Harry's kidnapping and torture, Harry's addictions, the questioning of their rights as guardians, and even their sudden force of moving in together). All of these issues put a strain on their relationship.

The reasoning for Poppy explaining the book is a big part of a chapter that is coming up soon. Therefore, I do not want to go too deeply in that as to not give anything away. Just know though, this was thought out and I have my reasons. Everything that has happened in this story has been plotted in a way that will puzzle together at the end. I am aware that Severus and Minerva's punishments for Harry are sometimes too harsh (not matching his misdeed) I did this on purpose – Min and Sev are unaware of their harshness, though I hinted at Sev noticing it in the last chapter. I cannot explain my purpose as of yet but it will come to light throughout the story. No worries.

Harry is a highly confused child. He is not used to having consequences for his actions (as I said in the first chapter, his relatives did not care what he did, for the most part). He is at a hard age and trying to figure himself out. He is the Boy-Who-Lived, even though he doesn't want to be. He wants to be a normal child and since he can't have this he feels as if he doesn't have a lot of say in his life. The smoking and drinking are ways for him to feel as if he has some kind of hold on his decisions and life. He continues to misbehave so much because he has yet to settle down completely with his family – he still fears that they will drop their guardianship. He has yet to settle down because other things keep getting in the way and his mind gets busy with other, more important, issues. First he is pulled from his relative's guardianship and given to two of his professors (one of which, he has bad memories with). Then, he was given a completely new family – aunts, uncles, and grandfather. After that he experiences embarrassing moments that his parents are completely blind to causing (Harry finally straight out told Sev about his embarrassment in the last chapter and so you can assume that issue will start to dwindle down). Then, Harry found a friend whom his parents forbade him to hang out with; he is not used to worrying about adults approving or disapproving his friendships. This friend then continued to betray Harry in the darkest ways possible. Also during this time he realized a part of his life was a lie – he is related to Voldemort. Harry was saved only to realize he has to complete therapy – everyone knows how much Harry hates discussing his feelings. These are all huge issues to Harry and he doesn't know how to handle them. He is becoming frustrated and tired of dealing with his parents' tight hold on him (I showed this by Harry saying no to Sev's offer of tucking him in). Harry's breaking point towards his parents is coming (everything before this has been rising action). The rising action has been harsh, emotional, and confusing for the small family but I promise it'll be worth it in the end.

Thank you for taking your time to put all your concerns and feelings in your review and thank you for reading my reply.

Just remember, I have everything planned.

Sincerely, Savoren.

P.S: If I have missed any of your concerns please let me know :)

Chapter Twenty-Five:

A Very Merry Christmas

A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing! I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Savoren.

Harry awoke in the morning to the sound of Christmas carols floating through the house. Forcing last night's memories out of the forefront of his mind, Harry forced himself to try to be happy. It is, after all, Christmas. What could go wrong on Christmas?

Pulling on his grey slippers, Harry ran his fingers through his hair and made his way to the living room. When he entered the living room, he saw his parents relaxing in front of the fire.

Severus immediately looked up at him, something flashed through his onyx eyes that Harry couldn't comprehend. "Good morning, Harry. Did you sleep well?"

Harry nodded and sat down on the couch, pulling his feet up under his backside. He leaned back against the couch and looked into the fire. Feeling as if he had to keep the awkward conversation going, he asked, "Did you sleep well?"

Severus sighed softly, "Not really." He glanced at Minerva before saying, "I would have slept better if we had said our good nights on better terms."

That caught Harry's immediate attention, He slept awful because I was upset with him? Not knowing what to say, he stayed silent figuring his father would elaborate.

Severus stared into the warm fire, trying to figure out how to express his concerns. "Our small family has many problems."

Harry lowered his eyes sadly and whispered so neither parent could hear, "Yeah, and they are all because of me. . ." Harry felt as if his heart stopped beating. They're going to stop being my parents. They are going to give me to someone else. I guess I shouldn't blame them though. I wouldn't want to deal with such a troublesome child either.

Unaware of Harry's spiraling negative thoughts, Minerva jumped into the conversation. "Your father and I. . . Well, we don't know exactly how to raise a child. We have made mistakes and we can't promise that we won't ever make a mistake again. What we can promise though is that we will try our hardest to do better."

Harry felt his throat clench, They don't want me anymore. "I. . . I'll go pack my things." With that, Harry stood and started for the stairs.

Bewildered, Severus jumped to his feet and gently took his hand, keeping him from leaving the room. "What do you mean by that, Harry?"

Sniffling, Harry tried with all of his might to not show how much this affected him. I can't show them my sadness. I brought this upon myself. I don't deserve a family anyway. "I understand if you don't want to be my guardians anymore. Trust me, I understand. All I am is trouble. . ."

Minerva's heart broke after hearing her son mutter those words. She stood from her rocking chair and walked over to him, pulling him close. "Oh, Harry! Yes, you get in quite a lot of trouble but it is understandable. You are going through a lot. Please don't say that all you are is trouble. You are so many things."

Harry kept his gaze locked on the floor, refusing to meet either of their eyes.

Severus gently took hold of his chin, wanting to see his son's emerald eyes. "You are kind-hearted, loyal, humorous, sarcastic, brilliantly smart, sly, strong, hardworking and many other amazing characteristics. You are everything a father would want a son to be." He glanced at Minerva, he missed the look that flashed across Harry's face after hearing his last sentence. She nodded her head and he continued, "Your mother and I love you so very much. We have decided on adopting you."

Finally, Harry's emerald eyes caught his father's onyx ones. He quickly wiped away a tear that escaped. "But I'm bad. I make you mad all the time. Why would you want to legally adopt me? I'm a horrid, rebellious teenager that is addicted to alcohol and marijuana!"

Severus shook his head, "You are not bad, Harry. You find yourself in trouble, you make mistakes – that doesn't make you bad, that makes you human. Your mother and I, we make mistakes all the time. We have made a lot of mistakes when dealing with your misbehavior, we admit that. We do not know how to deal with a fifteen-year old. Being a professor is not the same as being a father or mother."

Minerva gulped softly, highly nervous that Harry would hate the adoption idea. "So, what do you say? Will you take our last names?"

A very small smile finally formed on Harry's face, letting both Minerva and Severus leave out breaths of relief. He gently nodded his head, "So, my name would be Harry James McGonagall-Snape?"

Severus smiled, "We were actually thinking about: Harry James Potter McGonagall-Snape."

His smile broadened at that, "I would be honored to have your last names."

Overwhelmed with these rare feelings, Severus pulled Harry close and held him tight. His heart swelled with pride and happiness – this just might be the happiest moment of his life.

Minerva joined the hug. The small family held on to each other tight, fully knowing that each one of them will make mistakes and accepting that fact.

This is the best Christmas present I could ever dream of, Harry thought to himself as he held his parents tight, not wanting to ever let go.

After a few minutes, Minerva and Severus left the boy go.

"Your father and I have discussed it and we want to know your opinion on this. What would you say about setting up some family therapy sessions with Dr. Grey?" Minerva asked, cautiously. Maybe Harry would find this weird.

Suddenly Harry's face dropped, the happiness disappeared and uneasiness appeared. He lowered his eyes, ashamed.

Confused at his son's sudden change in emotion, Severus forced himself not to jump to conclusions (Harry doesn't want this adoption. We pushed this on him too fast. He doesn't love us). "Harry, what's wrong? Why the sudden change?"

Harry shook his head softly, keeping his gaze down. I can't face them when I tell them this. I can't see their disappointment. "I. . . I made a huge mistake and you're going to be disappointed."

Severus glanced at Minerva, both adults were concerned about what their son was hinting at.

Gulping slightly, Harry bit his lip and stared a hole into the floor, "I smoked last night."

Conflicting emotions rose in Severus' stomach. On one hand he wanted to reprimand him, yell at him, punish him, and raid the boy's bedroom to get rid of all and any negative things. On the other hand, Severus could tell Harry felt ashamed. He could see Harry regretted his decision. Keeping his voice even, Severus did his best to remain patient and calm, "What did you smoke, Harry?"

Biting his lip softly, Harry dropped his gaze again. A deep crimson blush formed on his cheeks as he thought about the punishment he was sure to receive – and on Christmas at that!

Minerva tapped her son's chin gently, "Look at us, Harry." When he finally looked up, she re-asked Severus' previous question, "Harry, what did you smoke? Did you smoke a cigarette or m-marijuana?"

Harry heard her fumble on the word marijuana and knew it was because she despised the drug. Harry sighed softly, "Marijuana." Finally, he admitted it. Now, he felt panicked to right his wrong. "I'm really sorry. I know I shouldn't have. It was really stupid of me! Does this change your feelings about wanting to adopt me?"

Severus quickly put an end to Harry's worries. He kept his face stern but not too stern and said, "You couldn't do anything to make your mother and I regret adopting you, Harry. Ever. Do you understand?" When Harry nodded, he continued, "You are right, we are disappointed in your choices. However, I can see that you regret it terribly, am I correct?"

Harry nodded and muttered, "I'm so stupid."

Hearing that, Severus immediately snatched out and grabbed Harry's chin, this time a little rougher than the last. He forced his son to look at him. "Do not ever say that again, am I understood?"

Slowly Harry nodded, "Okay. . ." But it's true! I am stupid! I make stupid choices all the time!

Severus let go of his son's chin and said calmly, "We can deal with this tomorrow with Dr. Grey. He can help your mother and I decide on the best option of punishment."

Harry blushed softly, "Do you have to tell him?"

Minerva frowned, "He is your therapist, Harry. You know he is here to help you, correct?" When she noticed the hesitancy in Harry's nod, she said, "He only wants to help you, Harry. You can't hide things from him if you want to get better. You realize that, right?"

Harry sighed, "I hate when people know I'm in trouble. It's embarrassing."

Severus nodded in understanding, "And your mother and I have not been very helpful with that." He sighed softly, "What do you propose we do instead? Allow you to go unpunished?"

Harry shook his head, he knew that wouldn't fly. "I don't want him to help decide on my punishment. We can talk to him about me smoking but I don't want him being a part of my punishment. He's my therapist, he's not supposed to help decide on punishments, right?"

"I understand what you mean, Harry. We will not ask him for his opinion. Instead, we will listen to what he has to say about what happened and after he leaves your father and I will come to an agreement on what we should do," Minerva told him gently. "You have to realize, though Harry that your father and I are running out of ideas to make you understand. We have grounded you, put you on lock-down, and used corporal punishment. Nothing has worked."

Harry lowered his eyes, "You haven't tried understanding."

Severus frowned, "We do understand, Harry. What do you mean?"

Harry sighed and looked around the room, not wanting to meet their eyes. I have to choose my words wisely or dad will take it as I'm being disrespectful. I'm already probably on thin ice as it is. . . "I'm addicted, dad. Yeah, the punishments make me regret my decision and makes me feel bad at it. For a little bit I tell myself I'll never smoke or drink again because I didn't like the punishment. But when it all comes down to it. I smoke or drink when I'm at a loss of doing anything else. I'm spiraling when I do those things. A past punishment isn't going to stop the spiraling."

Minerva nodded, "So we should punish you when we think you are spiraling?"

Severus couldn't stop himself before he rolled his eyes at the older Gryffindor. Immediately he felt a little bad for doing so but he pushed past these feelings and said, "I think what Harry means is that punishing him won't make him stop. What he needs is more love. Am I right?"

Harry gave a small nod of his head, "I'm not trying to be cheesy but the only thing that keeps me from smoking or drinking right away is by thinking about how you two would be upset and how much you love me. You love me too much to want to see me addicted to those things."

Severus felt stupid, How did I not see this before?

Harry continued speaking, "I understand that you are both strict. You probably had strict parents growing up. I understand that you immediately want to take it out on my butt when I smoke marijuana. You don't want me to smoke, I understand. Do you really think I want to smoke still? I wanted to smoke before we became a family – it was my escape. Now I just can't stop! Why don't you understand?"

Minerva gently grabbed his hand and ran her thumb over his soft skin, "With Dr. Grey and your help, we will understand. It's hard to not want to punish you when you smoke. We don't want you making these decisions. You are fifteen-years old. Fifteen-year olds do not smoke cigarettes or marijuana. Fifteen-year olds do not drink alcohol. Fifteen-year olds do not swear like sailors. Fifteen-year olds do not run head-first into deadly situations. But you are not a normal fifteen-year old – your childhood was taken from you when you were one. As your parents it is our job to let you be a fifteen-year old. In order to do this we have to reign you in every time you misbehave. To us you only have to be Harry, we expect nothing more from you than to be the child you are."

Severus nodded in agreement, "When you try to act older than you are, we will not hesitate to smack your bottom – reminding you of your age. To us you are not the Chosen One. You are not the Boy-Who-Lived. To us you are our son. Our child. And we will treat you as such."

Harry choked on a sob, his shoulders shook as he managed to say, "That's all I have ever wanted. I didn't choose this life!"

Severus and Minerva immediately circled their son, holding him tight.

"Merry Christmas!" Poppy shouted into the house as she entered.

Severus and Minerva pulled away, giving Harry small smiles.

Harry frowned, not ready to leave their embraces. "Wait. So I'm not in trouble?"

Severus sighed softly, "Your mother and I will discuss it. Do not worry about it today, alright? It's Christmas."

Harry nodded, "Alright." Harry watched as Poppy entered the living room and with her was the cutest puppy Harry had ever seen. Quickly, Harry dropped to his knees and motioned for the dog to come to him. The blue eyed, calico pup came running to him as fast as his little legs would allow him, his ears flopping as he ran. Harry laughed and rubbed the soft puppy.

Minerva smiled and leaned against Severus, giving him a half-hug, "Merry Christmas, Harry."

Harry looked up with wide, excited eyes. "He's mine?"

Severus nodded, "Aunt Poppy was watching him for us. What do you want to name him?"

Harry's smile felt as if it would never fade away. First his parents tell him they adopted him, then he took their last names and now he has a puppy! This day is the best! "Godric. I think I will name him Godric."

Severus refrained from commenting by going to the kitchen and starting breakfast.

"Severus and I have some big news to tell you both. We will tell you over breakfast," Minerva told them excitedly. I think Harry will like this. Poppy will be amused, most likely. "After breakfast you can open the rest of your presents, Harry."

Harry perked up, "I have presents for you both as well!"

Minerva smiled, "Alright, we can do them all after breakfast. Come, let's go to the kitchen." She and Poppy went and sat at the table.

Harry remained in the living room, rubbing the puppy's stomach, "Today is the best day of my life, Godric." In response, Godric jumped up and licked Harry's face. Harry laughed and picked the puppy up, carrying him to the kitchen.

Minerva frowned softly and gave a small shake of her head, "Not at the table, Harry. Please put him down if you are going to sit."

Harry immediately followed her directions, her request wasn't horrendous anyway – dogs shouldn't be at the kitchen table, Harry completely understood. With Godric laying at his feet, Harry sat patiently at the table. He smiled broadly at his Aunt Poppy, "Guess what!"

Poppy chuckled, loving Harry's happiness. "What?"

Harry glanced at his parents, "Did you know mum and dad adopted me? I took their last names this morning!"

Poppy smiled and gave a small nod of her head, she pulled out a piece of parchment and handed it to Harry, "I know, dear. I am very happy for you. However, to make your name final I need you sign it on this parchment. Once the signature is on, the parchment will disappear in smoke so do not feel frightened when this happens, okay?"

Harry nodded and quickly signed his name on the parchment. Just like Aunt Poppy warned, the parchment disappeared in a pop of grey smoke. Harry smiled, excited, "So now it's official?"

Poppy nodded, I haven't seen him this happy in so long! She tried his name out, "Harry James Potter McGonagall-Snape. That is quite the long name you have there, Harry."

Severus laughed, "That's for sure. It will be a mouthful to yell," Here he gave Harry a playful smirk.

Nothing could ruin Harry's happiness at the moment. He laughed and agreed with his father, "Guess you just can't yell my full name anymore, huh?"

Severus smirked, "Try me."

Harry laughed quietly and reached down to pet Godric. "For being a puppy he sure is well behaved."

Minerva nodded, "He is ten weeks old. He's not just any puppy though, dear. He's a Vinkx."

Harry frowned, "What's a Vinkx?"

Severus placed the tray of chocolate chip cookies and sugar cookies on the table. As he went to get the milk and glasses, he answered Harry's question. "Vinkxes are rare to find nowadays. However, they are highly protective, loyal dogs. They grow an attachment to their owner and can sense their owner's emotions. They make good therapy dogs as well."

Harry smiled softly and continued to rub Godric behind his ears.

Poppy decided to add to his knowledge, "They also live for a very long time: they live the length of their owner's life. When the owner of a Vinkx dies, the Vinkx dies soon after. The life purpose of a Vinkx is to protect, love, and help their Human. Once their Human passes, they have no reason to stick around this world. They pass on and are reborn a few months later."

Harry frowned, "Then why are they so rare?"

Severus sighed sadly, "Well, there are some cruel wizards and witches in the world, Harry. You already know this. The blood of a Vinkx is said to give the drinker the ability of reincarnation. However, for this to work, the Vinkx must die for the drinker to possess their ability."

Harry frowned, "Isn't that why unicorns are almost extinct?"

Severus nodded, "Yes. When drank, unicorn blood keeps the drinker alive. There are consequences to doing this though. The drinker is cursed to live a horrid life."

"I know. Remember? When I had detention in the Forbidden Forest in my first year I saw Voldemort drinking from a unicorn." He noticed his father's uneasiness, he lowered his head slightly, "Sorry. I know you don't like his name."

Severus shrugged that off, "I still can't believe those types of detentions were allowed. Thank goodness Albus banned them after that incident."

Poppy couldn't agree more, "That was one of most dangerous ideas of detention Hogwarts ever had."

"Do you know if Albus is going to remove corporal punishment?" Minerva asked, trying to change the subject.

For his friends' sake, Harry hoped so.

Poppy shook her head, "He is debating it. He is weighing the pros and cons. Did you notice how low misdemeanors fell because of the new law?"

Harry rose his eyebrows, "Well obviously it would fall. No one wants to get smacked. . . Especially by their professors." Harry knew exactly how that felt!

Severus smirked and glanced at the two women, "I think you're turning out fine."

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn't help but laugh, "Very funny, dad."

Severus sat down at the table and poured himself a glass of milk, he took a chocolate chip cookie and used his wand to levitate the cookie down into the milk.

Harry smiled, watching his father closely.

Severus smirked after noticing Harry's watchful eye. "I don't like getting my fingers in the milk."

Harry laughed and shook his head, He will forever surprise me.

Not wanting to wait any longer, Poppy asked, "So, what did you want to tell us? You know I am impatient. Spill."

Minerva and Severus exchanged smiles. Severus put his wand down and didn't' move to grab another cookie.

"Severus and my guardianship over Harry was questioned and threatened," Minerva started to explain. She noticed Harry's big, confused eyes. She held her hand to keep any questions at bay. "We were questioned because he is being raised by two unmarried people. So, to fix this and keep Harry's guardianship, Severus and I signed a marriage license."

Realization dawned on Harry and he smiled, "So you are married? You married each other for me?"

Minerva nodded, "We would do anything for you, dear."

Severus reached in his pocket and handed Minerva a golden band, he put on his as she put on hers. "Our marriage is not going to be like a normal marriage though. Your mother has kept her last name and we are going to go about co-parenting you. Also, we are obviously going to keep our own rooms."

Poppy smirked and wagged her eyebrows at them, "Don't want to share a bed?"

Harry blushed fiercely, immediately wanting to leave the kitchen.

Severus smirked but Minerva's blush matched her son's.

"Do not speak like that in front of Harry," Minerva's voice was stern, even when directed to her best friend.

Poppy smiled and bowed her head apologetically, "I'm sorry, Min. It was an opportunity that was hard to pass up."

Harry ignored them all by focusing on eating his cookies and looking at Godric beside him.

After breakfast, they returned to the living room – Poppy returned to the castle to spend the holiday with the other staff.

"Well, go ahead and open your gifts, Harry," Minerva said as she sat down on her rocking chair, nursing a cup of hot tea.

Harry smiled, "I want to give you your gifts first." And so he did. He handed Minerva a gift first, "Open it."

Minerva smiled as she opened the box and saw the emerald necklace with the word 'mum' carved in the center. She quickly put it on and pulled Harry into a hug, "Thank you dear. I love it!"

Harry grabbed Severus' gift and handed it to him, "It's your turn. If you don't like it I can return it?"

Severus patted Harry's hand gently, "I'm sure I will love it." He could sense Harry was uneasy, nervous he wouldn't like his gift. Severus quickly opened and gift and saw the watch. Curious, he pulled it out and put it on. "This is really nice, Harry!"

Harry smiled, relieved that he liked it. "It also gives you the temperature outside and inside. On top of that, it is connected to the floo system."

Severus' eyes widened at that, "Really?"

Harry nodded, "The manager said it was like fire-talking. You can see the person but you can't go to them."

Severus nodded in understanding, "This is truly an amazing present. Thank you very much, Harry!"

"You're both welcome!" Harry felt so relieved, he hadn't realized how nervous he was until now. With that, he went and got the canvas and stood it between his parents, "This is for both of you."

Severus and Minerva stood and opened it together.

Seeing the painted family portrait brought tears to Minerva's eyes, "How did you get this done?"

Harry smiled into her shoulder, he didn't mind being crushed in hugs every once in a while. "Remus helped me."

Severus' mind was blown, this painting was amazing! Using his wand, he levitated the canvas up and stuck it against the wall above the fireplace. "It is perfect, Harry."

Harry felt proud, I did good.

Minerva pointed to the presents under the tree, "Now it is your turn. Open them up!" Harry laughed and did as she instructed.

Sitting down beside the tree, Harry opened each of the gifts. He got two stuffed animals for Godric, a golden snitch that flew when thrown and a bludger. He also got a red collar and leash that had flying brooms and snitches on them and an automatic filling food and water dish for Godric. He also got a Nimbus 2005, riding gloves, and riding boots.

Harry immediately put the collar on Godric. Godric repaid him with a kiss to his cheek.

Harry held the Nimbus 2005 in his hand, lovingly, "Can I go fly, please?"

Minerva frowned, "I don't know, Harry. It's cold out."

Harry glanced to his father, hoping he would say yes. "I'll bundle up. Please? Quidditch is going to start up again soon."

Severus sighed softly, "If your mother approves of your "bundle up" then I will take you flying."

Minerva shook her head slightly, "I can't believe I'm saying this. . . Go get warm clothes on!" Then she threw Severus a stern look, "You too!"

Severus smirked and went to get warmer clothes on. He waited for Harry on the porch.

When Harry exited the house, he looked like an Eskimo. Severus laughed, "I think she went a bit extreme."

Harry gave him a nod, "Ya think? Can I take at least two layers off when we get to the pitch? I'll leave the other two on."

Severus nodded, "Yes you may, but if you start getting cold you'll have to put them back on. Deal?"

Harry nodded. Finally he noticed Severus holding a broom. His eyes widened with excitement, "Are you going to fly with me?"

Severus smirked, "Of course. It's about time I teach you a lesson," here his eyes twinkled with excitement, "I'm going to fly circles around you."

Harry laughed, "Aright, dad. I want to see you try."

With that, they hurried off to the pitch.

Minerva watched from the window as they disappeared down the path, Please let them be careful.

Godric started whimpering and scratching at the door, Minerva smiled softly and opened it for him, "Go get him, Godric." She watched with amusement as the puppy ran off after his master; ready to prove his worth as a ten-week old protector.

Minerva shook her head, amused and returned to her rocking chair to read.

Hearing a knock on the door, Harry glanced up from his reading of the Defense book Draco got him.

Severus stood, stretched his legs and went to the front door (no way in Hell would he admit he was sore from flying with his son!) Opening the door, he greeted Lucius, "Welcome, Lucius. I'm glad you got my message. The potion is on the kitchen table, we were letting it cool. It should be cool enough to put on now, though." With that, he led Lucius to the kitchen yelling out, "Harry, it's time!"

Dropping the book, Harry hurried into the kitchen, eager to get this tattoo removed!

Minerva and Godric stood protectively from the doorway, watching nervously as the three men gently put the potion on the Dark Marks.

At first Harry didn't feel anything. Then, suddenly his left arm began compulsing. Fearful, Harry looked to his father and Mr. Malfoy, both were also shaking. Harry felt the rest of his body begin to shake, his body felt as if it were burning and his breathing slowed to an extreme. The strength of keeping his eyes open finally failed as he fell to the floor, unconscious.

Minerva watched with wide eyes as all three fell to the floor. She quickly sent her patronus to get Poppy and then she ran diagnostics over them.

Their heart beats slowed with each second that passed.

Poppy hurried into the kitchen seconds later. She dropped to her knees beside Harry and quickly began running diagnostics, trying to figure out what is wrong with them.

Godric whimpered softly as he nudged Harry's left forearm.

Poppy couldn't figure out what was wrong with them; their bodies were failing them.

Noticing Godric, Minerva crouched beside the puppy and finally noticed Harry's forearm. The Dark Mark was a bloody, dark red. She pointed this out to Poppy who proceeded to check Severus and Lucius' forearms, they were all the same.

After what seemed to be an eternity, their shakes slowed and their hearts began beating harder.

Minerva watched curiously as the crimson Dark Mark began fading. As soon as the Dark Mark disappeared completely, all three sat up and gasped for air.

Poppy quickly set about checking them over, they were fine – except for Harry, he was scared. She handed him a calming drought, "It's alright, Harry, drink this."

Harry quickly followed her instructions and then looked down at his left forearm, he smiled with relief to see his non-marked skin. His happiness was short-lived though as he suddenly felt exhausted. Closing his eyes, Harry laid his head on his mother's lap – too tired to care about anything - and fell fast asleep.

Minerva ran her fingers through Harry's brown, messy hair and levitated him up to his bedroom. Tucking him in, she placed a small kiss to his forehead. Standing from the edge of his bed, she reached down and put Godric on the bed with him.

Godric immediately curled in a ball at the bottom of the bed.

When Minerva went downstairs she saw Lucius fast asleep on the couch. "Is Severus sleeping as well?" She asked as she watched Poppy exit Severus' room.

Poppy nodded as she gently closed the bedroom door shut behind her, "I had to levitate them both. They both fell asleep on the kitchen floor. That potion must have been really strong."

Minerva nodded and motioned for her best friend to follow her into the kitchen. There, they made hot cups of tea and talked quietly.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope the Dark Mark removal wasn't too lame, haha. It was a little harder to describe than I anticipated.

Do you like Godric?

~Savoren.