My Dark Protector

Chapter 36

"You wish to leave Hogwarts permanently?" Albus stared at Severus completely stunned, oh, he'd known it was coming really, he had. He was just burying his head in the sand in hopes that he was wrong and that he wasn't about to lose Severus as both Head of Slytherin and his Potions Master. That and with everything going on, it was easier to put such idle thoughts aside as he worked hard within the Ministry and dealt with students at Hogwarts.

"I do," Severus confirmed, giving a grim nod, not at all concerned for Harry's safety, he was currently with Minerva and Poppy. With their upcoming move – whether Dumbledore approved or not – he wouldn't see them quite so often so they had jumped at the chance. "I am hoping you will allow it, Albus, so that I can take Harry home, if not I will most reluctantly spend the rest of the year here, before leaving." He had absolutely no intentions of signing another contract to stay on as a teacher at Hogwarts.

Swallowing thickly, shoulders hunching, "I see," if he didn't accept it he would lose more than just his Potions Master and friend, even if he would remain in Hogwarts until the end of the school term. Severus could hold a grudge like the best of them. "Are you sure this is what you want?" knowing without a doubt that Severus had indeed thought it through, he always did weigh the pros and cons before deciding something.

"Don't look at me like that, Albus, it wont change my mind," Severus muttered exasperated, honestly, he looked as thought someone had just kicked his phoenix after it just had a burning day. "At least you aren't going to have to find a new Potions Master in the middle of a school year, Slughorn will be more than capable of taking over fully, and I wouldn't be surprised if he should actually design to stay after the year is up." The old wizard was in his element, he was happier than he had been at the beginning of the year that's for certain.

Albus cocked his head to the side for a moment, silent conceding Severus' point, "You will bring Harry to visit won't you?" he added, he felt a lot of guilt and fondness for Harry. He was the reason for his state…he had placed Harry with the Dursley's and it would be his single most biggest regret to the day he died. Considering the rest of his…past, it spoke volumes that Harry was his biggest shame when it came to his own actions.

"Of course, definitely during the summer holidays," Severus agreed, Harry liked a few people in the castle, Poppy and Minerva specifically and Albus too. It might be because he was bribed with sweets, well, sugar free sweets his body could handle of course.

"When do you wish to leave?" Albus asked, sort of resigned to it all. He would never risk his relationship with Severus and Harry by trying to keep them at Hogwarts. Try to keep Severus there until the end of the year in hopes of trying to change his mind. Which would be impossible, Severus wasn't one for changing his mind easily if at all. He was bull-headed stubborn.

"As soon as possible, you should have seen him yesterday, Albus, you'd understand if you saw for yourself." Severus explained, giving a grim smile. He had sworn an oath to watch over Harry in Lily's name. He had failed so spectacularly in the past, he wasn't about to let anything come in the way of Harry's recovery. Harry was…like a son to him now, he would sacrifice his own life to see him live. He would sacrifice his own happiness if it came to that, but living in Prince manor was not a sacrifice. He'd never been a good teacher, never wished to be one, and this was…two birds one stone, he'd get to leave, get to brew, to experiment and make Harry happy too.

"Are you sure this is what you want, Severus?" Albus asked after a few moments of contemplative silence.

"Yes," Severus replied immediately, there was no doubt in his voice, he was determined.

"Very well, I thank you, Severus Snape, for your hard work and dedication as a tenure teacher here at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but your services are no longer required." And with that both glowed briefly, and Severus Snape was no longer a professor of Hogwarts. "You will receive full pension and your pay until the end of the year, part-time as your severance package." Giving him money, despite the fact he didn't think Severus needed it, still, he had worked hard for over a decade, he deserved it.

"Thank you," Severus said, his shoulders relaxing marginally, feeling much more freer than he had in a long time. Which was odd, considering he'd always thought of Hogwarts as a safe heaven, a sanctuary, his home. Yet he felt nothing but relief and marginal excitement at the unknown, his future…their futures. During that time, he would do his best to stay out of this war, or any manipulation going on between the Dark Lord and Dumbledore…hopefully though, it wouldn't be too difficult considering they now wanted the same thing.

"No, Severus, thank you," Albus said his tone soft and fond, before he pondered, "What do you intend to do regarding Sirius and Remus?" Severus still didn't like either wizard, and probably never would. He had not stopped either from visiting since the initial ban due to their ill health, which would have severely affected Harry's non-existent immune system.

"I am not going to stop them from visiting," Severus said dryly, as much as he'd like to keep Black and Lupin from his life, he knew he wouldn't be hurting them so much as Harry. Who was he kidding? Harry liked them well enough, but he doubted he'd be unduly upset over their disappearance, it would definitely hurt Lupin and Black more. He was a vindictive bastard, yes, but not a complete unfeeling bastard. Plus, he knew Black and Lupin would go to dangerous lengths if he went back on his word. If they went to the Ministry…Harry could very well end up in St. Mungo's for the rest of his life, and while Black and Lupin wouldn't want that…they wouldn't think the Ministry would do it. They were light wizards, they didn't see the Ministry for what it was, never could. Especially with Cornelius Fudge as Minister for Magic, any threat to his power – and make no mistake Harry was regardless of his state of mind – would be dealt with swiftly.

Albus let out a breath of relief, "I am glad for that, Severus…Sirius…isn't…one for thinking things through, the consequences could have been disastrous should he feel…slighted." He'd always been that way unfortunately, he was just very childish when insulted.

"You think I'm unaware of that?" Severus retorted darkly, he was more aware of Black's twisted mind greater than any other, he had been a victim of it repeatedly without mercy or aid.

Albus just gave him an apologetic look, not apologising, he had already done it, to do so again would just irritate the hell out of Severus. "I am proud of you, Severus, you did not let the past dictate your life," he was very proud of Severus for that. It couldn't be easy allowing Sirius or Remus anywhere near him, yet he did so every week because it would not only benefit them by keeping Remus and Sirius happy but it would allow Harry to be happy too.

He could only hope that Sirius didn't do anything spectacularly stupid to Harry should any situation arise. Well, other than the one time he'd scared Harry stiff the first time. Merlin, scaring him out of his sleep when he was unused to people…what on earth had he been thinking? That's the problem with the wizard, he just didn't think which made him dangerous to Harry's wellbeing.

Severus arched a brow, every day his past dictated his life, he'd never be free of his reputation as a Death Eater. Even though it wasn't 'common knowledge' it was known around certain circles. The Dark side didn't trust him due to his spying duties, and the light side didn't trust that he was truly a spy for the light. It was a vicious endless circle, but he wasn't alone anymore, he had someone to look after that didn't need his dark depressing thoughts. Someone who didn't care about his past and looked at him as though he was Merlin reincarnated. It made him feel…liberated.

Albus just stared right back, believing his words, uncaring that Severus couldn't see it himself. In time he would, Harry was…quite frankly the best thing that could have happened to Severus. In the long run, he prayed for a full recovery, but should the worst be realised and become a reality…Albus knew, knew that Severus would be there for Harry until his dying breath and make sure he had someone to love him after he was gone. He didn't need to worry about Harry's future at all.

"I should go, I have packing to do," Severus insisted, standing up feeling extremely awkward at the moment. He wasn't used to being praised or told anyone was proud of him. Try as he may to brush off any compliments he couldn't help but bask in them, usually in the privacy of his own quarters admittedly.

"Would you like some help?" Albus asked, "I would like to see Harry before you depart," he added knowing this would be the only way Severus would accept any help from anyone.

"Try not to give him too much in the way of treats," Severus told him wryly, in his own way teasing the Headmaster for his penchant for bribery.

"Perhaps a few pieces of fudge?" Albus offered.

Severus' lips twitched at how hopeful Albus looked, he didn't want to go down there without something due to the fact Harry was used to getting something nice from the elder wizard. It's what had drawn Harry into liking him, plus Severus believed it was due to guilt too. He probably thought one day, that fragile relationship would combust and Harry wouldn't want anything to do with him. The reality though, was that Severus didn't think Harry blamed anyone, not even the Dursley's. He was scared of them yes, terrified beyond recognition but no blame. Harry probably didn't even understand the concept yet. "Very well," he sighed, as if it was a long suffering problem he was allowing.

Albus beamed as if he had been given one of life's greatest gifts. "Then let us depart," he could deal with his friend later, and convince him to take over Potions full time, and if Severus was correct he might just have one for the coming few years. Who knows, by then he might actually step down and allow Minerva to take over once and for all and it would be up to her to find a brilliant Potions Master.

Although they'd never find another Severus, he was truly irreplaceable when it came to Potion Masters. He was the youngest Potions Master in the world after all.

"Forgive an old man, Severus, but I'd rather use the Floo, would that be acceptable?" Albus asked, he didn't see Harry every day, so he was unsure of his progress when it came to magic and what kinds of magic he would accept without panicking.

"We will go to my private potions lab," Severus declared, even on a good day he wasn't sure what could pull Harry back into his nightmare of a headspace where that horrific woman used him for his magic. Oh, he was much more comfortable around magic than he used to be, even used it some days, only to fill up Sevvy's water dish but it was still a work in progress.

Albus agreed, and both wizards left the Headmaster's office.

Severus found Harry, Poppy and Minerva on the sofa, Minerva was reading from one thousand magical herbs and fungi book. The book as the name suggested was filled with every magical herb and fungi in the magical world. With names in English and Latin as well as clear comprehensive pictures. They had clearly been at it for a while since they were all the way up to 'G' since they were looking at Gillyweed.

"Gillyweed is a magical plant that, when eaten, allows a human to breathe underwater. It is said to resemble a bundle of slimy, grey-green rat tails. When eaten, it gives the consumer gills, allowing them to breathe underwater, and webbing between the fingers and toes, allowing them to swim underwater with ease. Gillyweed is native to the Mediterranean Sea." Minerva's voice echoed around the room.

Poppy smothered an amused laugh by the look of revulsion on Harry's face at the sight of 'Gillyweed' which as stated resembles a rats tail. Evidently Harry understood what 'when eaten' meant, he was coming along nicely, able to retain information and understand it especially when it came to grammar. Perhaps his mental age could be kicked up to ten, but she'd need to observe more before declaring that.

"Good afternoon, would you all like stay for lunch?" Severus asked, hating to interrupt when Harry was learning.

"Can you?" Harry asked, looking at them with a puppy dog look, which somehow worked despite his age, especially with those soulful green eyes. "Please?"

"Of course," Poppy was the first to break, as she continued to go through Harry's workbook, correcting his work or ticking those that which were right. It was basic words, spelling, math and such, his writing was sloppy and childish, but readable, given time he'd be taught properly. Learning his ABC's and 1,2,3's was much more important than calligraphy. Between them all they were getting Harry through the difficulties of learning, or rather re-learning something he probably had already known before his hellish life. The most important of all things was that he was retaining information, it boded well for his future.

"Sev!" Harry said clearly perking up further – which was clearly possible with Harry when it came to his Dark Protector – very happy to see him. Nobody missed the stark relief hidden in those green depths either. It happened every time Severus was out of his sight, but they'd be happy to note it wasn't the same desperate desperation as it would have been a few weeks ago. He was beginning to trust that Severus would always return to him. "You're back!"

Progress. A work in progress.

"I did say I would be, didn't I?" Severus said calmly and simply, but before long Harry was eying Albus with wide eyes, knowing without a doubt a sweet was coming his way.

Poppy, Severus, Minerva and Albus couldn't help but chuckle at the look and the excitement that came across Harry's face at the sight of the small see-through bag of fudge. Just four small pieces, which by the way had been made with less sugar than normal teeth rotting fudge. Albus passed it over without another thought, as always, pleased with Harry's happiness.

"Harry?" Severus said, sitting himself down as Poppy and Minerva stood, they knew what Severus was going to discuss. Severus had spoken to them earlier before going to see the Headmaster.

Harry half way through chewing his first piece of fudge, paused and automatically sought out Severus' gaze. Swallowing down the piece of fudge with a moue of disappointment. "Yes?" preening at the pride on Severus' face, he loved nothing more than making his Dark Protector proud of him and yes, he understood that expression now, it was a good thing. He was good. A good boy.

"Did you like being at Prince Manor yesterday?" Severus asked, ignoring the conversation Albus was having with Poppy, regarding Harry's progress.

Harry nodded his head eagerly, looking like a bobblehead. "Can we go again?" he asked eagerly, he so wanted to see the pool again, it had been so much fun.

"We can," Severus agreed, "But how would you like to live there?"

Harry's brow furrowed as uncertainty crossed his features.

"You will still see Poppy, Minerva and Albus, but instead of living here you can live in Prince Manor, and you will be living with me and still have a room of your own." Severus calmly explained, telling Harry how it would be so that the uncertainty would wash out of his features. He was just beginning to like making choices and decisions, and Severus didn't want to overwhelm him and make him reluctant to do so again.

"I can use the pool every day?" Harry asked, a wistful hopeful note to his voice. It was calm and peaceful in the water, and didn't hurt his body so much when he moved around. He was always tired when he came out and had a nap, but still not the same way as walking had on him.

"You may," Severus agreed, and it was probably going to be a reality, Harry loved the water, quite frankly if he didn't already know he was fully human he'd think he was some sort of merman with his penchant and love for the water.

"And go outside?" Harry whispered, he'd enjoyed being outside too until it hurt too much, picking the fruit and eating it had been awesome. He didn't get to go outside here often, and he had noticed there was never anyone around. His Dark Protector was always worried too, he just didn't understand why.

Poppy, Minerva and Albus went quiet at the words, eyes dimming, sadness enveloping them. They knew right there and then that Severus was doing the right thing. Harry was beginning to notice and question a great deal of things. It didn't sit well with them.

"Any time you like," Severus declared, but he'd be warding the area so that Harry couldn't go too far. There were acers and acers of land, he wasn't risking Harry hurting himself or getting lost. He'd take them down when Harry was fully recovered and more familiar with the land.

"Okay!" Harry chirped happily enough, feeling very excited about it now. The pool all for him when he wanted and to go outside? It was a dream come true, so excitement and happiness bubbled within him.

"Why don't I help you pack up everything you'd like to take with you?" Minerva suggested, none of her inner heartbreak showing. Although, Harry's situation had come close to breaking her iron-clad composure more than once, in fact it had, when she first saw him. He looked nothing like that thin skeletal boy they'd brought back, although he could certainly use more meat on his bones.

Harry looked at Severus, not even needing to ask a question for Severus to understand what he wanted to ask.

"Yes, we can leave tonight if you like, your room is already made up for you," Severus explained, House-elves made things much easier for him when it came to getting everything done. He could if he wished, used House-elves to brew potions actually, since they were magical, but nobody except him ever got to brew the potions.

Harry scrambled to get up – still very slow but it was scrambling for him – shuffling towards his bedroom. Minerva stayed beside him the entire time. "What about Sevvy? We can't leave without her,"

"You won't," Minerva explained, smiling, he absolutely adored that cat, "She will settle with you at Prince Manor," although she'd obviously have much more places to explore and probably spend longer times away from Harry and explore and be a cat. She hoped Harry was prepared for that, they were always so close that she hoped it wouldn't feel like abandonment. She suspected Severus would keep him busy enough that he wouldn't notice.

"Promise?" Harry said, sounding impossibly young, young and vulnerable. It made her wish she had known, known and tortured that despicable woman before Severus disposed of her. She wanted to gut the woman like a pig, and she wasn't normally a violent woman.

"Definitely," Minerva declared, as if Severus would leave the cat behind, Harry adored the little – not so little anymore – thing. "Okay, let's start packing."

Harry immediately went to his bed and scooped up his soft toys, clutching them tightly as if fearing they would be left behind. Minerva opened the wardrobe door and realized that a great deal of the clothes still had their tags on them, and most definitely wouldn't fit Harry anymore.

"Severus, what should we do with the clothes? They're brand new, never even been worn." Minerva called out, keeping her voice light but loud enough that Severus would hear from the other room.

"They're too tight on Harry, he will not be wearing them," Severus informed them as he came into the room, absently beginning to pack up the shelves of books. They were mostly children's books, but Harry loved them nonetheless. With a little luck he'd have more advanced books on his shelves given time, but that wasn't to say he couldn't keep these ones. Some were collectables and books one has their entire lives, he certain still had his own copies of a few books he'd bought for Harry.

"How about Ginevra Weasley? Some are quite suitable for a girl," Minerva suggested, as she looked over the articles of clothing's. "I know of a few families that could use the more male suited attires." They would definitely be grateful for the clothes, it would allow them more leeway to buy other essentials. They wouldn't accept much in the way of charity, but the clothes would just end up thrown away and they wouldn't be able to accept that either and inevitably give in.

"Then take them," Severus answered, as he set the books tidily into the trunk, amused by the mess Harry was already making of the other side, as he put everything he loved in first, regardless of whether it was a priority – and it definitely wasn't – or not. "I'm sure they will be relieved to have them." and he knew that to be true, he had spent his entire childhood with second hand clothes, as his parents had been unable to afford anything better. Mostly due to his fathers alcohol intake, he didn't like thinking of that time in his life.

"Thank you, Severus, they certainly will," Already circling through what to give who, as she lay out three piles on the bed, and put what she was sure would fit Harry into his trunk. It was a shame none of it would fit Ronald Weasley, he was much too tall and broad for any of this to fit, but Ginevra would be able to wear them. Luna was another candidate as well as Sam Warren, his family were currently struggling as much as the Weasley's. They were trying to save up for Sam's Hogwarts tuition which wasn't easy, so these clothes would be a welcoming relief.

"NO!" Harry protested, grabbing his quidditch pyjamas, "Mine!" backing away from Minerva as if he was afraid of her first time in a long time. He did have his head tilted with defiance and determination. "No touch!"

"That's fine, Harry, you can keep them, in fact, Severus can make them fit again, can't you?" Minerva was quick to reassure Harry, knowing it would probably be the only thing Harry would trust – Severus' word – right now.

"Harry, what have I said about that tone of voice?" Severus warned him firmly, not indulging him like Minerva was at the moment. "There is a way to make your desires known without being petulant. Now apologise to Minerva for your behaviour." He refused to pander to Harry, not in this way, he wasn't going to have Harry turning into a younger version of his godson, who was barely coming out of the mindset of a spoiled brat these days but sometimes he still slipped up and stated 'wait until my father hears about this' in that infuriatingly haughty tone.

"They're mine!" Harry said, his tone a cross between desperate and whiny, he didn't want to give up his quidditch pyjamas.

"Yes, they are," Severus agreed, "But it's the manner in which you spoke and acted that I have a problem with." He told the boy, "You may keep them but I want to hear what you should have done instead." He added, and it certainly wasn't an afterthought.

Minerva kept out of it, knowing better than to exasperate the situation. Severus was…in essence Harry's father figure, not by blood but because he was raising Harry. At the end of the day, it was Severus' decision on how Harry was raised and perhaps it was a good thing. The rest of them would want to coddle him, and perhaps in the long run it wasn't what Harry needed. She felt awful when Harry looked ready to cry though.

"What should you have said?" Severus urged Harry, giving him an encouraging nod, to show that he wasn't angry with him just disappointed.

"That I'd like to keep them," Harry whispered, feeling awful, swallowing the lump in his throat. The anger disappearing leaving him feeling sad.

"Exactly," Severus replied, "Now why don't you put them in your trunk and apologise to Minerva for your attitude?"

"A lot of big words there, Severus," Minerva muttered almost under her breath.

"He's aware of their meaning," Severus confirmed, "He's smart," it caused Harry to perk up hearing that, a beaming smile was directed his way, and with that, the sadness and anger was a thing of the past. His emotions were all over the place, one minute he was happy the next confused by how he was feeling, having been supressed it was hardly any wonder really, Severus wondered if it was some sort of puberty hit that was going through Harry's body? If he'd been normal he'd have already gone through it…but Harry's situation was so far from normal there was no held to be had, everything they went through was unique to the situation and they were having to take it step by step.

"M'sorry," Harry said, now he was sounding sheepish.

"It's perfectly alright, I forgive you," Minerva replied, giving him a small smile, that was only for Harry. "Go on, let's get packing again."

And he did, the incident already forgotten as Harry eagerly helped, even while aching.

"You definitely are the best thing that could have happened to Harry," Minerva declared as they moved out of the bedroom and begun packing the living room of Severus' quarters, which was mostly books.

Severus' cheeks tinged red, but he shook his head, "You'd be the same way if you were responsible for him," and sometimes it felt overwhelming and he often wondered if he was doing the right thing late at night.

"Perhaps," Minerva conceded, she may be a little more stern if she was fully responsible for him, but she wasn't one hundred percent sure of that herself. "But regardless, you're doing a wonderful job, Severus, he's going to turn out wonderful you're a good father."

Severus waved off the compliment, even as it warmed him. It was good to hear that he was doing a good job, when he sometimes doubted himself.

"Or rather Dark protector," Minerva teased, yes, Harry still called him that from time to time.

Severus laughed, genuinely amused, shaking his head, out of all the things he'd been called, dark protector was definitely unique. "James Potter is probably turning in his grave." He said wryly.

"No," Minerva stated firmly and immediately, "No, Severus, he would be thanking you on bended knee, without reservation and thanking you. James loved his son so much, he would have thanked You-Know-Who on bended knee if it saved his sons life. Lily would just be proud of you, she knew you were capable of this,"

"Perhaps," Severus murmured, already knowing she was speaking the truth.

Between the four of them, they had the entire living quarters completely bare within the hour.

"Excuse me," Severus said, Harry had been rather quiet, so he wished to check on him.

As soon as he stepped into the room, the concern gave way to fondness. Harry had fallen asleep on his bed, with his favourite stuffed animal and his snitch pyjamas that he hadn't let go off. Unwittingly a smile crossed his usually dour features, as he stepped up, he flung a throw over Harry's body to keep him warm. Letting him sleep for a while, they didn't need to leave right away. He had done very well with his room, there wasn't much left to do. Absently brushing Harry's growing hair out of his face, it was soft, nothing like the straw like dowdy strands he'd had when he first came here. Emotional upheavals tended to tire him out more than physical exercise. His body was going through a lot, Severus never forgot that, but he hoped that he was doing the right thing.

It's how you should be with children, so why doesn't the same apply here?

"Is he…" Minerva paused, yes, Severus was exactly like a father. "Should I take the clothes?"

"Yes," Severus confirmed, "I'm sure he has all he wanted, and if I'm wrong I'm sure given time he will ask for it." Harry knew he could ask for anything he wanted. He'd give him it too, he was going soft in old age.

"Would you like help in here?" Minerva asked as she bundled up the clothes, she'd get a House-elf to take them to her Quarters where she could package them up and take them to the families.

"No, there's not much else left to do," Severus shook his head, only under the bed and his actual bedding are is all that's required to be put away. His clothes, toys, teddies and everything else had already been placed in his trunk.

"You're nervous," Minerva realized, as she leaned against Harry's bedroom door, watching Severus closely. Of course, he was going to be, Severus had pretty much spent his entire teenage-hood and adulthood in the safety of Hogwarts. This was probably as exciting as it was nerve wracking.

"Only a little," Severus replied, he had never enjoyed teaching, he would never be apprehensive of the fact he was giving up his career. It was the safety and comfort and normalcy that Hogwarts provided that he'd probably miss for a while as he realized he didn't need to live his life according to schedule. This was all he'd known except being a spy. He'd never thought he'd see the day where he actually went to Prince Manor with the intent of making it his home, let alone with a boy in tow, Lily's son of all people.

"Change is inevitable, it's a part of life," Minerva commented, "And you're too stubborn to let it bother you."

"Very true," Albus agreed joining the conversation, his blue eyes softening as they set upon Harry, curled up as he was, he looked a lot younger than his actual age. Not that he actually looked his age either, he looked three or four years younger than his actual age Albus reckoned. "I, for one, am going to miss both of you being here." And it would take months he reckoned for him to calm down and stop worrying twenty-four seven that they were alright.

"Do you intend to place the Manor under the Fidelius?" Poppy asked from the living room, "Refreshments have been brought."

Severus, Albus and Minerva made their way through, Minerva requested a House-elf to take the clothes away before she joined them in having a cuppa.

"No, but I will be securing the manor with a lot more wards than one probably sees," Severus admittedly wryly, much like he did with his own quarters.

"That will take months if not years, Severus, the manor is huge," Albus pointed out, "Would you like help?" knowing he would decline but offering nonetheless.

"No," Severus replied, ignoring the knowing look on Albus' face, "It might take time but I will get it done."

"Plus, you have Wizengamot meetings nearly every day," Minerva informed him, well aware of his schedule due to the fact she was having to adjust hers to accommodate his leaving Hogwarts at all hours. Thankfully, Albus seemed to have made it so that it was mostly in the evenings. Which was understandable, since a few of wizengamot members actually had second jobs.

"Yes, that is unfortunate," Albus conceded, it would make helping Severus quite difficult if he had agreed. "There are a lot of laws being changed as of late…and I do not want to miss anything." Normally he didn't mind, but to make change one had to sacrifice something…which just happened to be his time. That and even if they are passed…it would take years if not decades for it to be running smoothly.

"Do you think they will even leave a mark? We aren't known for gracefully accepting change," Poppy said, sipping her coffee, "Especially the Ministry," which was true enough. Not even when Albus Dumbledore was attempting to make those changes. Admittedly, she didn't know the ins and outs just what little titbits Dumbledore had dropped now and again talking to Minerva after long arduous meetings.

"It's going well in our favour, quite a few bills are in the process of looking ready to be passed but we wont know until the actual voting." Albus conceded, but it did look like it was going in his favour, especially with Ambrose backing him up. He'd looked him up, and he didn't have much in the way of history here in Britain, indicating he'd spent the majority of his life abroad. It explained why he hadn't heard of the wizard, which usually left him leery, but given the rumours he'd heard and the fact he was very fair in the courtroom warmed Albus to him.

"Our?" Poppy questioned.

"Yes, there's a young wizard who has taken his place within the Wizengamot, through his mother's line I believe a Mister Ambrose. He's quite…intelligent and eager to see the laws passed, given his past, if the rumours are to be believed it's not surprising." He shouldn't be telling them that, but he knew he could trust their discretion.

He completely failed to see the way Severus stiffened and gave off non-verbal warning signs.

"How many children have been failed?" Poppy sighed, the conversation turning darker.

"Too many," Albus croaked, and he was to blame, he'd forever have it on his conscience, he had failed too many people. He was working hard to right his wrongs, Harry, Severus…Tom, the list was probably longer than he wanted to admit.

Harry was by far his wake up call and his greatest regret.

Thankfully he had a wizard who would go to the ends of the earth to protect him. Kill for him, as he had already done.

My Dark Protector as Harry referred to him as. Very apt description.

Very tempted to end it here but it's not a real ending so I'm going to refrain from doing so :) it's just as I said before I'm finding it difficult to continue...and quite honestly going over wizengamot meetings isn't something I want to do...especially considering i'm going to be doing a lot of that with The Contract story...and maybe a bit with Embracing His True Self...and probably a few others The Leader too! I will keep this as a primary Harry being cared for story, just them, I think with Dumbledore and the law changing as a backstory. Will Harry recover fully and become a full functioning adult OR will we see it ending with Severus caring for a Harry who sometimes needs help but mostly lives a unencumbered life with a job of his own but still need in some care and supervision? THIS needs decided before I go any further I think...he did in the old story but that was awful really and unrealistic so yeah what do you think? Full recovery or partial recovery? R&R please