.

.

Harry Potter And The Father

Chapter 26

Enter Eileen Snape - Harry's Sick

Severus sighed in agitation; hiding it from Harry he placed him in the corner. The corner was filled with all his toys, play books, magical trains, teddy's and an assortment of different toys. Severus didn't let Harry's toys be strewn all over the place. There was a corner for them and that's where they remained, there was also a box for them to be placed in once they were finished with for the day. The only chore Harry really had was to put his toys away at the end of the day. Once Harry was happily playing with his toys and teddies he magically opened the door and allowed his mother entrance.

"Mother…how can I help you?" asked Severus, smoothly his voice dark and dangerous. She had never entered his personal space before, and this was what this place was - his private personal quarters.

"You have been ignoring me!" she said indignation deep in her voice.

"Yes," drawled Severus, smirking in bitter amusement.

"How dare you Severus Tobias Snape!" she snapped angrily.

"Just remember I control the wards on my quarters I can throw you out." said Severus, emotionlessly. It was true, he could evict her from his rooms and she wouldn't be able to get in again unless he said so.

Eileen realized she couldn't continue down that path, no matter how angry or upset she was that Severus had ignored her. If she wanted to be a part of Severus and Harry's life she was going to have to apologize. Swallowing thickly, she let out a sigh of defeat and said to her son "Can I at least come in properly? And speak without sneering or snapping?"

"You were the one that started mother," said Severus smoothly he could never stop himself getting the last word. "Come in."

Eileen stepped in properly, looking around her sons living quarters curiously. She saw Harry in the corner with a colouring book and crayons in his lap. Those crayons didn't break, and didn't wear down as much as normal wax. They also had a very disgusting taste to them, so no child would ever willingly swallow them.

"Would you like some coffee?" asked Severus, once he sat down he gestured to her to sit down as well.

"If you don't mind." said Eileen that was a Snape way of saying please without saying the offending word. Thankfully Severus wasn't in all ways like his family, he didn't want Harry growing up emotionless and rude to people.

"Blinky?" called Severus, "Bring us a coffee pot and some biscuits please."

"Yes sir," said the house elf before disappearing as quickly as he came.

"What did Dumbledore say to you?" asked Severus sharply.

"He told me you let Harry be kidnapped, but he was stupid if he thought I didn't read the newspapers." said Eileen, her lip curling in disgust; she hated Dumbledore like most purebloods did.

Severus smirked in feral satisfaction Dumbledore truly was grasping at straws. He actually would have been furious with his mother if she had believed it. However, thankfully she hadn't brought it, and for that she wasn't going to loose her son and grandson for good.

"Here you are sir," said Blinky putting down the tray before disappearing.

"Harry would you like a biscuit?" asked Severus.

"Yes daddy!" exclaimed Harry's childish, wonder filled voice. He got up and hobbled over to his daddy. He took the chocolate biscuit grinning gleefully, before hobbling back over to his toys gratefully munching his biscuit.

"Why didn't you tell me about him?" asked Eileen, a sigh leaving her lips. She had wanted to ask that question for what felt like months, she had stood there and stared at her son's back shocked to the core that day. Lily Evans-Potter had been her daughter. The daughter she had given up, to protect both Severus and her. Unfortunately Tobias Snape believed in the old wives tale that twins share magical cores. She had regretted acting the way she had, the Tobias part of her brain had taken over. Not only Tobias part but her parents as well, she had been conditioned to think certain things all her life. Thankfully she had loved her unborn children more than anything, more than sharing magic or her parents or husband. Then the shock wore of and pride burst forth making her heart almost explode. She hadn't felt that much pride in anything since Severus had passed his mastery. She had realized that Lily her daughter, and her grandson had defeated Voldemort. The family magic was just as strong as ever, and Lily had gone on to marry into the Potter line. The one of the few pureblood lines left. Unfortunately Eileen did think that was important - keeping the lines pure or rather powerful and influential. It was a shame really, as Eileen cared nothing for power and neither did her son. Severus preferred brewing his potions and that was it really, although it was his name no doubt that helped him get the best potions Master available.

"I tried - unfortunately you began sprouting nonsense before I could say anything else." snorted Severus, in what could only be disgust. He was still furious with his mother for that, taking a lot of shit. It had made him undeniably sad that his mother would behave that way. She knew he wanted children, but believed he wasn't ever going to have one. She had been given a chance to be a grandmother and she threw it in his face.

"Why did you leave after telling me the truth? I didn't even get a chance to say anything." said Eileen, drinking her coffee. She didn't have much of a sweet tooth but took a plain biscuit regardless.

"Because I was furious, if I didn't leave I would have said some very unsavoury things." said Severus through gritted teeth.

Eileen nodded grudgingly knowing her sons legendary temper and tongue she was glad he had. Putting her cup down, she wondered why life had to be so damn complicated all the time. She was sure that her family wasn't normal with normal dynamic arguments. No they held on to grudges like children did with sweets.

"I am sorry for what I said Severus," sighed Eileen, she knew she was going to have to be the one to do it. She also knew she was in the wrong, she knew how much her son had longed for a child. She also never could understand why he didn't go out and meet someone. She also understood he was a very solitary man and didn't care much for relationships. Then she had gone and said he had done the wrong thing, just because he was a half blood. If only she could get a time turner and turn back time, she would have. Unfortunately those things were under lock and key in the Ministry of magic nobody could get them.

"It's alright," sighed Severus, he didn't want to keep arguing and fighting with his mother. It wasn't something he wanted Harry to see growing up; he had grown up seeing it. Perhaps that was why he didn't want to have a relationship maybe who knows. Plus Severus grudgingly acknowledged she was Harry's grandmother and she deserved to see him. Harry needed all the people he could get into his life.

"Really?" gasped Eileen, blinking in shock unable to believe what she had heard. Had Severus really just forgiven her for something? When he hadn't even forgiven her, for not standing up to Tobias Snape. Her son didn't realize she would have ended up thrown from Snape manor and divorced. She wouldn't have been welcomed back at Prince Manor, she would have been disgraced and her money cut off. She had no choice but to stay, and play the dutiful wife. Either way Severus Tobias Snape would have still been raised in Snape Manor.

"I'm doing it for Harry." said Severus a note of bitterness creeping into his voice.

"Thank you," she croaked, she was seeing for the first time just how much Harry had changed her son. It was obvious having a child was changing him, and for the better this time. It made the regret she felt ten times worse just seeing the results for herself. When she came out of her self pity she saw Severus was shaking his head bemused, looking in Harry's direction. Turning around curiously, a small smile spread out across her face. Harry was asleep curled up in a ball his head resting on his big teddy. Eileen had never seen such a sight in all her life, it was only then it truly dawned on her that this was her grandson. This was her lost daughter's child, the little girl she hadn't been able to know. Severus' nephew and new daddy by the looks of things. She wondered silently what Lily had looked like under that life long glamour's she had applied. She knew she had done the right thing but she regretted it more than ever. She would never get to know the girl she gave up, who had died terribly young for the little boy sleeping soundly on his daddy's lap right at this very moment.

"You seem happy son," said Eileen, her voice soft and almost wistful.

"I am," said Severus giving her a very peculiar look.

And so they spent the rest of the afternoon talking, about absolutely everything. Eileen explaining why she didn't leave Tobias, how she regretted having to give her daughter up, never telling him when it was apparent he could keep a secret. The regret she felt for saying what she did the day Severus had originally brought Harry to her. Telling him she wished she had a time turner to go back and change it all. She also told him her wishes, for to be a proper part of her son's life and grandsons too.

For years all she had done was write to him, seeing him on the odd occasion. She hadn't seen him for Christmas or birthdays in years, she was an old woman now and she just wanted to spend what life she had left with her family. She had failed her son far too many times in the past, by failing to stick up to Tobias. She had so many things to make up for, that she felt she could never atone for. Hell she felt ridiculous having to rely on Severus for money it wasn't supposed to be that way. However, on his fathers' death Severus had become the head of the family. The same went with the Princes; her parents had made sure of that.

They spoke well into the night; she even had dinner with her son and grandson. She eventually ended up staying the night on the transfigured (into a bed) sofa. The air had finally been cleared and for once mother and son were closer than ever.

Severus finally had the family he had longed for even if it was only a mother and son. He had people he was very fond off, Filius, Poppy and Minerva. Colleagues he had barely spoken a word to where always asking him about Harry and how he was doing. How he was - life was finally being kind to the sour and solitary man.

It was all thanks to one little black hair emerald eyed boy who thought he was the one that had been rescued. Perhaps together they would find out just what a normal life was.

"Severus?" asked Minerva from the fire.

"He is still asleep" said Eileen coming into view of the fire.

"Is he alright?" she asked concerned, Severus had always been an early riser.

"He's fine, but I think Harry has a bit of a cold, he's got a runny nose and a small temperature." said Eileen quietly.

"Then I suggest you wake Severus up, he will be furious if you do not." said Minerva seriously. If it was any indication on how it went yesterday, it must have been good for Eileen and Severus otherwise the woman wouldn't still be there. Minerva was glad Harry deserved all the family he could get, especially since his parents were gone and how the Dursley's had treated him.

"He deserves one lie in," said Eileen confused to why Minerva McGonagall was suggesting she wake Severus up.

"If you do not want to be on his bad side I suggest you do wake him up." she said sternly. She was doing this for Eileen's own good if she wanted to be a part of Severus and Harry's life.

"Very well," said Eileen taking her word for it. She didn't want to end up making Severus furious with her again. Not after just managing to have a decent conversation for the first time in years.

"Good, I shall alert Pomfrey…I do not even think he's had his immunizations." said Minerva quickly shutting that particular call off. She had Poppy to call, just in case it was wizard's flu because if Harry had that he wasn't protected from it. He could die; she chucked in another handful of powder and called for Poppy Pomfrey.

"Yes Minerva? How can I help you?" asked Poppy smiling softly, looking up from her work. Happy for an excuse to avoid writing down the potions she required from Severus. Now that he had Harry she wasn't sure if he would be up to making all her potions for the Hospital wing now. Plus it was Christmas soon it could wait.

"Did Harry get all his shots Poppy as a child?" asked Minerva speaking very quickly and urgently.

"Accio Harry's papers!" chanted Poppy quickly, after hearing the urgency in Minerva's voice she could only speculate that Harry was sick. Opening the papers she began reading through them at an alarming rate. Her fingers doing it with efficiency, she had been doing it for years after all.

"Only for the Dragon Pox Minerva…what's wrong?" she questioned, "Accio Potions bag!" she grabbed the bag in mid air never taking her eyes of the fire version of the woman she was close to.

"Harry's sniffling and has a temperature it might be a normal cold…or at least I'm hoping that's what it is." said Minerva her eyes alight with worry.

"Don't worry yourself until we know for certain, meet me down there." she said. Minerva nodded before pulling out of the fire, giving Poppy enough time to get to Severus' quarters before leaving herself. Floo powder already in her hand as she paced a few times urgently.

"How is he?" asked Minerva, as soon as she had made it down. Severus sat on the couch, Harry's head on his lap. Poppy was performing diagnostic charms. It was testament to how worried Severus was because he was still in his nightclothes. Neither poppy nor Minerva come to that had ever seen him without his robes on in all the years they had known him. Even late at night when they called through the floo he was dressed.

"Its wizard flu" said Poppy quietly, her blue eyes filled with worry.

"Surely Lily got him done!" protested Severus.

"He only received his dragon pox jab Severus…she never got the chance to give him anything else. When he was supposed to get his wizard flu shot he was in hiding…" Poppy tailed off.

"How the hell did he get the Wizarding flu?" snapped Eileen her onyx eyes filled with worry and fear.

"I don't know…nobody in the school has it that much I know." said Poppy otherwise they would have come to her. Wizarding flu symptoms were ten times worse than normal 'Muggle' Flu as it was termed. It affected the magic as well, hence why it was extremely dangerous and known to kill.

"Black…" hissed Severus his eyes narrowed in anger.

"Hold on a minute, I'll find out what I can." said Poppy, going over to the floo she grabbed a handful and called 'Grimmauld Place' and waited patiently.

"Poppy? What can I do for you?" asked Sirius extremely surprised to see her in his fire.

"Can you come to Severus' quarters please?" she demanded sternly before fading out on him before he could reply. He blinked and she wasn't there any more, worried about Harry now he grabbed the powder and left.

"What's going on?" asked Sirius Black coming out of the fireplace spelling the soot away with years of practice being brought up in a wizarding family.

Poppy was already running diagnostics on him increasing Sirius' confusion. No one else said anything, just stood there tense, Sirius could see Harry lying on Severus' lap he looked alright so Sirius relaxed and let them tell him whenever they wanted.

"He's a carrier too, but he's had his vaccinations so he will be fine…he only received it the same time Harry did…" said Poppy, her face grim.

"Lupin" snarled Severus furiously.

Harry whimpered in fright, his green eyes were very bright, his cheeks were rosy. His forehead was very arm, and he did not like how his father was being right now. His heard hurt, his eyes were itchy and sore, his throat felt hot, hurting and stuffy like the rest of him and his bones ached something firece. He had never been this ill before in his life, not even at the Dursley's. What Harry didn't know was that was the only

"Shhh…little one it's ok, I'll get you better I promise…sleep." whispered Severus against Harry's ear. Severus watched Harry relax and nod his head just slightly.

"I'm guessing we cannot give him the shot now?" asked Severus gritting his teeth to stop the anger and helplessness he felt becoming known to Harry.

"No, it could make everything worse," said Poppy.

"Fantastic" said Severus, his voice low and hissed.

"How about temporary stopping his magic?" asked Minerva.

"He needs his magic to fight it, that's the worst of wizarding flu you need your magic to fight it but sometimes the magic becomes infected and fights against its 'host' as it were." said Poppy grimly. Then the magic became dangerous and lashed out eventually resulting in the death of that said person.

"Harry's magic is probably very strong, will that hinder or help it?" asked Severus staring straight ahead his face emotionless his eyes alight with the helplessness of the situation. The knowledge he had of the prophecy ensured he knew just how magically powerful Harry was. Despite news to the contrary he had heard it all, and only reported what Lucius and Avery had heard. It had been a pity Avery had been there or the Dark Lord Voldemort would never have known the prophecy at all. Lucius had just received the news that Narcissa was pregnant when they heard it. It was a time for worry for his two friends, both praying the child wouldn't be born on July. They didn't want their son responsible for the death of Voldemort, nor did they want Voldemort going after him. They had been able to breath easier when he was born. He had been born in the nick of time where both parents were concerned the fifth of June. Severus himself had been relieved, and then it had all gone to hell when Voldemort proclaimed he was going after the Potter's and Longbottom's. Only Severus and Lucius knew why he had chosen to go after the Potters. Voldemort himself was a half blood, and so he knew just how powerful they could be. It didn't help that Dumbledore himself was a half blood as well.

"I don't know Severus," said Poppy swallowing thickly.

"What do I do?" asked Severus his voice thick with worry now.

"The best I can suggest is get him better the Muggle way, use the least amount of magical potions and spell as possible. That way it might have less chance of affecting his magic." suggested Poppy giving her professional opinion.

"As soon as he's better he's getting all his immunizations" said Severus grimly standing up telling them all without having to say anything he wanted them away. He didn't even contemplate that Harry might not be alive to get them. Neither did the others think about it, for they all loved the little three year old dearly.

I know I'm evil doing that to poor Harry and just before christmas too...he had been outside in the freezing cold shrieking shack for hours without a jacket and Lupin gave it to him or made him more suceptible to it. Will Harry's magic survive unaffected or will he be turned into a muggle? or his magic safe that he's almost like a squib? will the prophecy mean nothing? as Severus and harry have to leave hogwarts before harry becomes bitter that they can do magic? or will his magic help him along with lily's protection maybe? or will his magic go out of control almost killing severus and harry himself? will harry survive? R&R PLEASE!