January - Harry, age 6
Snape stood at the bottom of the staircase as he called up the stairs asking Harry to please join him in the parlor for a moment. The child had been playing upstairs for most of the Saturday.
Snape had spent the majority of the morning speaking with Albus about finding someone to watch Harry that evening. A mandatory staff meeting was going to be held at Hogwarts and Harry could not come along. Snape knew that finding someone to watch Harry was the best option, still, the man could not help but worry. The six year old had been in his care for nearly five months now and Snape had yet to leave him alone with anyone else.
Albus had suggested asking a seventh year student to watch the child but Snape had refused. He was not comfortable with that idea or any other idea that had been suggested. Including sending the boys to the Weasley's for the night. Snape was sure that with seven children already running around that house, Harry would simply be lost in the crowd. It was then that Albus had suggested Remus Lupin. The Headmaster has been in contact with the man for several months now. Snape took into consideration the fact that the man had been friends with Harry's parents before he reluctantly agreed.
The man moved into the parlor, sitting down as he heard the small feet above him. Remus would be there in less than thirty minutes and Snape wanted to give the boy some sort of warning prior to his arrival.
Harry rushed around upstairs, having called back to Snape that he would be down soon. He returned back to his room, picking up the stuffed owl with a grin. It had quickly become his favorite toy of them all... his familiar. Until he could get a real one one day. He held it to his chest as he descended down the stairs, slowing towards the bottom before hopping off the bottom stair.
"Yeah?" He moved into the parlor, going over to Snape with a wide grin as he stopped in front of the man.
"Was all that rushing around up there you cleaning up your toys?" Snape raised a curious eyebrow as he leaned forward slightly.
"No. Was gettin' my owl! He's my favorite." He wrapped his arms around the stuffed animal, grinning at the man as his chin rested on top of the soft fur.
Snape gave a nod at the words before clearing his throat. "I wanted to discuss something with you for just a moment and then you may go back upstairs and play if you like."
"M'kay." Harry shifted around, moving back over to the couch and sitting down. He pulled his legs up, resting the owl within his lap.
Snape waited until the child was sitting before he spoke. "There is a staff meeting this evening at Hogwarts and unfortunately I cannot take you with me." The man watched the child carefully, quickly continuing before Harry could draw his own conclusions. "I have found someone to come stay with you for a few hours, his name is Remus."
The child's smile faded as Snape spoke, his shoulders slowly dropping down as the man continued on. Snape was leaving him there? With... who? And hours?! He had heard that before and those hours had turned into a day.
"Wh-what?" Harry's voice broke softly, the hold around his owl loosening slowly as he watched Snape. Tears quickly blurred the child's vision, raising a hand to rub at his face and pushed his glasses up. "Wh-why can't I goo?"
"It is a staff meeting. Children cannot be in a staff meeting." Snape sighed softly at the sight of the child's tears. He waved a hand calling Harry over to him.
"But..." Fear crept up within the child, slowly pushing himself up. He placed his owl on the couch, slowly moving over to Snape with a deep frown. "I wa-wanna go with yooou."
Snape hooked his hands under the boy's arms. He lifted him up and set him down on his lap before nodding at the words. "I know that you do but you cannot this time."
"I-I'll be goood! Don't leave!" Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Snape's neck, his shoulders giving a rough shake. He buried his head into the man's shoulder, a loud sob coughing past. "Pl-pleaaase doont.."
"This has absolutely nothing to do with your behavior." Snape's hand moved to gently rub the boys back. "I simply have to attend this meeting. I think that you will like Remus."
Harry could only shake his head, moving his head away while rubbing his face once more. Snape was leaving him. With some stranger? "I'd be q-quiet."
"I am sure that you would but you cannot go." Snape's voice was gentle as he continued to rub the boys back. "Remus was friends with your parents. I am sure you will have a lot of fun with him."
The child kept his face hidden, his hold tight around the man's neck as he sniffed. He doubted he would have much fun; what if Snape took that time to just not come back? The thought made his little arms tighten even further.
"You will be fine Harry." Snape spoke softly into the boy's ear. "You and Remus can play for a bit and then he will put you to bed and when you wake up I will be home."
"You're goin' to be gone thaaat long?" Harry rested his cheek on Snape's shoulder, whining softly.
A soft sigh escaped Snape at the child's question. "There is a possibility that I may be. I also may be home before you go to bed. I cannot be certain."
Harry shifted his head, nestling his face into the man's cloak. His hold lessened just slightly before dropping down completely. "I don't wanna stay heere."
"You are going to be just fine. There is no need for all this whining and fussing." Snape's fingertips gently tapped the boys back. Harry's reaction was not surprising to the man, still, that did not make it any easier.
"You'll really come back?" Harry questioned softly, pressing his forehead close to Snape's neck. It wasn't that long ago he expressed to the man he wanted to stay with him, but what if Snape changed his mind?
"Of course I will come back." Snape's tone was soft as he rubbed the boys back once more. "I would not just leave and never come back."
The child gave a slow nod, looking down with a shaky sigh. Still, he wasn't so sure himself. "Kay."
"And you will behave for Remus. Just because I am not here does not mean the rules will not be followed. Understood?" Snape's fingertips tapped the small back once more.
"Okay," Harry spoke slightly more clearly, raising his head up and rubbing at his face.
"Remus should be here any moment. Why don't you go up to your room and bring down some toys to play with?" Snape tapped the small back once more.
"I..." yet the child fell quiet, shoulders slouching down as he slowly nodded. "Kay," he breathed, standing up and away from Snape's lap and slowly moving over to the stairs. He spared a quick glance over to the man before taking his steps slowly up the stairs before pausing. Harry hovered at the stair and then looked back down to Snape. "Don't leave 'till I come back?"
"You have my word that I will go nowhere until you are back downstairs." Snape nodded
seriously. "Go on now."
Harry hovered still for a long moment before he disappeared upstairs. He doubted he'd be able to really enjoy his time that night, chewing on his bottom lip as he entered his room and looked around.
Downstairs the fire roared to life for a brief moment, Remus Lupin stepping from the flames and into the parlor. His eyes settled on his schoolmate, clearing his throat before glancing around a brief moment. "Severus." He greeted the man softly.
Snape stood as his old classmate arrived. "Remus," the man nodded. "Albus says that you have been well." The man motioned towards the couch, silently inviting Remus to sit.
Remus gave a chuckle, stepping further into the room and over to the couch at the silent offer. "As well as I can be."
He rested back, giving a thoughtful hum, "A very pleasant surprise to learn you are taking care of Harry. I suppose you're doing well then?"
Snape gave a nod as he sat once more. "Quite well. The child being here has been surprisingly nice." The man glanced towards the staircase. "He is just upstairs gathering some toys he should be down any moment."
Harry had paused at the top of the stairs, a few reading and coloring books within his arms. He heard the new voice down into the parlor and took a deep breath.
Snape was leaving.
Harry started down, slowly, and paused at the bottom of the stairs and looked into the parlor.
Snape's head turned as he heard the small footsteps on the stairs. "Come here and meet Remus, Harry." The man waved a hand to the child.
Remus turned, his expression softening as the child stepped further into the parlor. Near exactly like his father.
Harry moved over to Snape, his hold tight around the books as he leaned into the man's side. "Hi," he whispered softly, placing the books down on the table.
"Hello Harry." Remus smiled warmly at the child.
Snape placed a gentle hand on the child's back before he stood. "His bedtime is at 8:30. He does not need a bath this evening. I should be back by nine."
Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Snape's middle, giving a whine as the man spoke. He was sure he wouldn't sleep at all that night, not until he knew Snape would be back for sure! And- he had said he would try to be back before he went to bed! "Snaape."
"You will be absolutely fine." Snape's hand moved, gently rubbing the boys back. "I told you, Remus was friends with your parents. I'm sure he can tell you all sorts of stories."
"I was," Remus nodded as he spoke softly. "I was very close friends with them. I knew you when you were only a baby."
Harry's cheek rested against Snape's cloak, looking over to Remus as the man spoke. He studied Remus for a moment, arms slowly lowering from around Snape's waist before he looked up to his guardian. "You- you'll still try to come back before bed... right?"
"I will try." Snape nodded as he rubbed the boys back once more before moving towards the fireplace. "Behave for Remus. Understood?"
Harry's hand tightened a brief moment within Snape's cloak as the man stepped away. Still, he wanted to go! Nine wasn't that late!
Snape looked down at the child as he paused in his steps. "We talked about this Harry, you will be just fine."
"That's right," Remus added in a cheerful tone. "Would you like to show me your books?"
Harry's grip finally released Snape fully, his shoulders slouching down a considerable amount. He turned towards Remus, a clear dejected look across his face as he picked up his small pile of books from the table.
Snape picked up a handful of floo powder before stepping into the fireplace. The man was sure it was best to go quickly while Harry was distracted. Stating his destination clearly, he quickly dropped the floo powder at his feet and vanished in the green flames.
The child had turned in time to see the green flames, standing still as he felt the tears start to well up. It wasn't fair at all! His breath hitched slightly, looking back down to his books as he continued to move slowly over to the couch. He placed the books down before picking up his owl, holding it tightly as he sat down.
"I thought you were going to show me your books?" Remus questioned gently. The man was still a bit in shock at just how much Harry looked like James. He was also having a hard time digesting how much the boy had grown. "Would you like to read or maybe color for a bit before dinner?"
Harry slowly nodded, raising his right hand and rubbing at his face with the back of his hand. "Yeah... read," he breathed softly, sniffing softly as he tucked his owl next to himself. The child pulled a book to his lap, looking down to it with a pause. "...You really knew mum and dad?"
Remus smiled warmly at the child as he leaned back slightly on the couch. "I knew them very well. We went to Hogwarts together and then when you were a baby I was at your house quite often."
"Really?" He took in a shuddering breath, resting his head back against the back cushion. "You knew them t-that long? What were they like?"
"I did." Remus nodded as he looked down at the small boy. "Your father and I were best friends during our years at Hogwarts. He and your mum were amazing people. Very kind."
"Snape says he knew mum." Harry looked down to the book within his lap, frowning as he ran his hand over it.
"He did." Remus nodded. "I knew Severus at Hogwarts as well. We all went there together."
The child tilted his head slightly, sniffing softly as he spared a look over to the fireplace. He would have been fine if Snape was still there, but to just toss him to this stranger that said he knew his parents? He frowned deeply, looking back to the cover of the book. "Snape got this for me, Tales of Beedle the Bard. I like all the stories."
"I had that book when I was a child." Remus grinned softly. "Would you like to read some of it before we have dinner?"
A small smile finally pulled across his face, nodding as he opened it up to the first story. When he had first gotten the book, it had been Snape who started to read the stories to him. Harry had learned many of the words he originally didn't know and was still practicing himself on being sure all the larger words were said correctly.
"Would you like me to read or do you want to read?" Remus leaned in closer to the child in order to see the book better. He could hardly believe that he was actually spending the evening with the boy. He had feared for quite some time that he would never see Harry again.
"I wanna try." Harry found himself shifting closer, placing the book half on his lap and partly onto Remus' leg.
"Good." Remus gave a small nod. "I would enjoy being read to." The man carefully moved his arm to wrap around the child.
The child ran his thumb idly against the first page before he started the first story. He spoke clearly, obviously sounding out certain words as his finger led the way across the words. At one point, his head rested against the man's side as he continued to read softly.
The smile on Remus' lips never faltered as he listened to the child read. He was sure that he had never felt so lucky in his life. For the last five years he had been certain that he would not see the child again and if he did it would be years from now when he was grown. The man hoped that in the future Severus would ask him to watch Harry again.
Over an hour passed before Harry finished three of the five small stories, stretching his arms out while closing his eyes. He was quite proud of himself! There had been only a few words he had needed help sounding out correctly, and he was sure the next time he read them to Snape then he would get them right!
"That was wonderful Harry!" Remus beamed as he sat up properly, stretching out his back. "You are a brilliant reader!"
Harry beamed back at the words, smiling fully as he closed the book. "I love reading," he hummed, placing the book to his side and picking up his owl.
"It shows." Remus glanced up at the clock on the mantel. "I think it may be time for some dinner. What would you like?"
The child's smile faded slightly, frowning as he looked up to the clock as well. First it would be dinner... then all too soon he would be forced to go to bed. "I'm not hungry."
"Not at all?" Remus frowned slightly. He was sure that he could not send the child to bed on an empty stomach. "Not even for something small?"
Harry shrugged before he looked down to the top of his owl, shaking his head slowly. "No."
"You have to eat something before you go to bed. I'm sure Severus wouldn't want you to go to sleep hungry," the man tried in a soft voice.
Harry tightened his hold around his owl, staring down towards his feet with a deepening frown. "Maybe some roast?"
"Some roast would be just fine." Remus stood and held a hand out for the child to take. "Would you like mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes?"
"Mashed." Harry placed the stuffed animal down, reaching a hand out and taking Remus' carefully. He stood, sparing a glance towards the fireplace quickly.
"A very good choice." Remus squeezed the small hand gently. "And what vegetable would you like?"
"Carrots." He followed Remus slowly towards the kitchen, his own hand tightening slightly in return.
Remus hummed softly at the words as the pair stepped into the kitchen. "Your father liked carrots too."
"He did?" Harry's lips twitched slightly as he released Remus' hand, going over to his chair and pulling it out. "What else did he like?"
"He was quite fond of fudge. He liked muggle comic books. He really loved to fly on his broom." Remus sat down across from the child and tapped the table causing their dinner to appear.
A full blown grin spread across Harry's face, leaning forward slightly. "I love flying! Santa got me a broom for Christmas!"
"Did he?" Remus asked with a smile. "You must have been very good to receive such a nice gift!"
The child flushed, grinning softly as he looked down to his meal. "Yeah. I like it a lot. Snape says I'm a natural at it." He shrugged a bit, taking the first bite of his roast.
"I am sure that you are." Remus picked up his fork. "It's in your blood." The man ate a bite of his meal.
Harry ate silently for several minutes, pausing as he drank a large swallow of his juice. "Aunt Petunia always said bad stuff 'bout dad." He frowned with a huff, taking another small bite of his mashed potatoes.
"I hope that you don't believe a word of it." Remus paused in his eating. "Your dad was a wonderful person. As was your mum. I am proud to say that I was their friend."
The child smiled softly, raising his left hand to rub at his face. He missed them, even if he didn't remember them. Harry sighed, shoulders slouching down slightly as he pushed his food around slowly.
"Is your dinner not good?" Remus asked after taking another bite. "You need to finish eating so we can get you up to bed."
"I don't wanna go to bed." Harry shook his head, taking another bite once more. "I wanna wait for Snape."
"You heard him say that you were to go to bed at 8:30," Remus said softly.
"I wanna wait for him," Harry repeated, pushing his half eaten meal away slightly. His arms dropped down to his lap, shaking his head.
"I do not think he will be pleased to come home and find you still awake." Remus frowned slightly. The man hardly wanted to give Severus reason not to call on him in the future. "If you are done eating why don't we go up to your room and get your pajamas on?"
The child only shook his head slightly roughly, arms folding as he stared to the edge of the table. Dressing in pajamas meant bed and he was not going to bed until Snape was back!
"Why don't we go get your pajamas on and then you can come back downstairs for a few extra moments?" Remus tapped the table causing it to clear.
Harry continued to frown, eyes glancing up at the words. He stared at Remus for a long moment before giving a small nod. "Kay."
"Do you need help changing or do you want to go upstairs and put on your pajamas yourself?" Remus stood.
"I can," Harry scowled slightly, standing and pushing his chair in. Harry stepped slowly out of the kitchen, sighing loudly as he moved over to the stairs. He spared a look over his shoulder to Remus before he moved slowly up the stairs.
Remus swallowed a chuckle before he moved towards the parlor. The man picked up the child's book from the couch, placing it on the coffee table before he sat down in the armchair, waiting patiently for the child
It was close to ten minutes later when Harry finally stepped down onto the bottom floor once more. His shoulders dropped down a considerable amount as he looked over to the fireplace once more.
Snape still hadn't returned.
Harry moved across the room, sitting down on the couch with a soft whine.
"Is everything okay?" Remus looked over at the child. The man had been afraid that the night had gone just a bit too smoothly. He had been worried that bedtime would be an issue. "He will be back after his meeting," Remus assured softly, before the child could even question it. "He will be here when you wake up in the morning."
Harry shook his head, chin resting on top of the stuffed animal as he stared to the dying flames. There was no way he could sleep without his guardian there. What if he didn't return? "I'm gonna stay up till he's back."
"We already talked about that. I do not think Severus will be happy if he comes home to find you awake." Remus watched the child carefully. "Another few moments and we will get you up to your bed. I can stay with you until you fall asleep."
The child pressed himself against the back corner of the couch, blinking as tears started to form within the corner of his eyes. He sniffed, right hand raising to rub at his face while pushing his glasses up. "No." He didn't want to be bad for Remus but he just couldn't go to sleep without Snape.
"There is no need to cry over it. I've told you, when you wake up tomorrow Severus will be here." Remus leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"What if he does-doesn't?" Harry whispered.
"What if he doesn't what?" Remus stole a glance at the clock noting that in another moment or two he would get Harry up to his bed, even if it meant carrying him.
"Come back," Harry muttered, turning his front away as he closed his eyes.
"Of course he will be coming back," Remus instantly responded in a reassuring tone. "He would not leave you Harry."
The six year old tightened his grip around his owl, keeping himself hunched up as he only shrugged. He sniffed loudly, removing his glasses and placing them off to the side before hiding his face into the soft fur.
Remus stood before slowly moving over to the boy. "Do you want me to carry you upstairs or would you like to walk up? I can read to you for a bit if you like before you go to sleep."
"I'm not goin' up!" Harry quickly replied, blinking as he looked over to Remus with a shake of his head.
"Harry you heard Severus. You know what time your bedtime is." The man leaned down, hooking his hands under the boy's arms and easily lifting him into his arms. "He won't be happy if he comes home to find you wide awake past your bedtime."
"I don't care!" The child squirmed as he was lifted, his hold remaining around the owl with one arm while the other rested on Remus' shoulder. "Do-doooon't!"
"Okay," Remus said softly as he turned and sat on the couch with Harry still in his arms. "Just calm down."
Harry rested his head down against the man's shoulder, his hold still tight as Remus sat down with him. He sniffed, eyes closing once more. "I wanna wait."
"I know." Remus' hand moved to gently rub the child's small back. "But he may be home late. I cannot just allow you to stay up all night waiting."
"No! He promised he'd be back! Not be laaaate." Harry shifted around, releasing his owl and tucking his arm to his middle. Hot tears burned passing his eyes and landing on Remus' shoulder.
"There is no reason to cry." Remus' tone was gentle as he continued to rub the boys back. "He will be home as soon as his meeting is over and you will see him in the morning."
Harry shrugged up, shyly tucking his head close to the man's neck. Soon wasn't sounding to be soon enough.
Remus frowned softly at the silence as he moved to stand. "I will stay right next to you until you are asleep."
"Noooo Remuus," the child whined, lifting his head up as Remus stood up.
"You look exhausted," Remus mused softly. "I will not leave your side until Severus is home if you like."
Harry's hold tightened, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks and landing against the man's neck. "I-I wanna stay down heeeere."
A soft sigh escaped Remus as he paused in his steps for a long moment. Finally the man turned and walked back to the couch. "Okay, calm down." He could not force the boy up to his bed when he was in tears, he just couldn't .
The child sniffed loudly, rubbing his face against Remus' sweater before loosening his arms. He only wanted Snape back. Why was that so hard to understand?
"If you are going to stay down here with me, I at least need you to try and sleep." Remus sat back down on the couch with the child still in his lap. His hand gently rubbed the boys back. "Close your eyes."
Harry's arms lowered down to rest on Remus' chest, the words clearly calming him near instantly. At least he'd know when Snape came back. He sniffled, rubbing his forehead against Remus' shoulder. After a brief moment, he closed his eyes with a whine.
"There is simply no need for all these tears. Severus will be back." The man continued to rub the boy's back, his free hand waving and causing the lights to dim before he silently summoned a blanket and pulled it over the child. "Just close your eyes and relax."
The child shifted his legs slightly, head resting back on Remus' shoulder as the blanket was draped over him. "Hope he comes home soon."
"I am sure that he will but in the meantime Harry, you will try and sleep." The man leaned back into the corner of the couch, bringing the child with him.
Harry stretched out as Remus leaned back with him, shifting his head for a long moment before settling down against the man's chest. It was a strange feeling. As if he knew this man for years. He felt as though he didn't have to be nervous. "Mn...kay," he breathed, eyes remaining closed.
Remus remained silent as he continued to rub the small back. The man was hopeful that Harry would fall asleep easily if he didn't engage in any more conversation with him.
It took a near ten minutes before Harry's breathing evened out slowly, arms slacking down. Snape would be back. He had to be. He promised.
Remus nearly stood and moved the child up to his room but quickly decided against it, the last thing the man wanted was for the child to wake in tears once more.
The man glanced up at the clock, noting that with five minutes to go until nine, Severus would likely be back soon. He could not help but hope that he would see Harry again sooner rather than later. Bending his neck slightly, the man placed a gentle kiss on the side of the boy's head.
The child shifted slightly, his breathing remaining deep and even as Remus had moved. Sleep had come easily for him, a peaceful slumber even without his guardian there.
Nearly twenty minutes passed before the floo roared to life, Remus' grip on the child tightening slightly. "I apologize Severus," the man breathed softly. "He was in tears over going up to his bed."
Snape nodded at the words. He was not surprised by the information. "Aside from that he was well behaved I hope?"
The child shifted his head at the noise, moving his head up to rest on Remus' shoulder with a soft sound of complaint. Within moments, Harry calmed down once more, taking deep and even breathes.
"Of course." Remus looked down to the child within his arms. His hand trailed up and down the small back in a soothing manner, chin resting upon Harry's head. "He's quite attached to you. He seemed terrified that you wouldn't return at all."
Snape frowned at the words. "Perhaps I need to socialize him a bit more. I admit, this is the first time I have left him since he came to stay with me in August." The man took a step away from the fireplace. "Thank you for watching him."
"Anytime you need someone to watch him... please. I couldn't be any happier." Remus smiled softly as he looked back to Harry, brushing the boy's hair back carefully. "He's a good kid."
"I will be sure to keep that in mind and call on you in the future to do so. At the moment, however, I should probably get him up to bed." The man sighed softly. He was sure that Remus had enjoyed every moment of his time with the child.
Remus stood slowly, holding Harry close to disturb him the least amount possible. He pressed a soft kiss to the child's temple, smiling faintly as Harry's arms wrapped subconsciously around the man's neck.
"Yes... he's exhausted himself." Remus hummed softly, moving over to Snape to pass the child over.
Snape took the child into his arms, adjusting him slightly. "Thank you again for watching him. Perhaps in a few weeks you would like to do so again? It would certainly be helpful to Harry."
Harry's arms wrapped instantly around Snape's neck as he was transferred over to his guardian. There was a soft groan of complaint at the shift before the child settled down instantly.
"Of course." Remus released a breath, smiling softly as his eyes settled on Harry. "I look forward to it already." The man moved towards the fireplace, his smile remaining. "Have a good rest of your evening."
"You have a good evening as well." Snape remained where he stood as the floo roared to life once more, Remus vanishing.
The man moved across the parlor, leaning down to pick up Harry's owl from the couch before he adjusted the child in his arms once more.
Harry shifted around slowly as Snape moved, rubbing his face against his guardian's shoulder. A hum passed his lips, blinking and staring at the black shield of Snape's hair.
"Snaape," he hummed tiredly, arms tightening.
"It is time for you to move up to your bed." Snape adjusted the child once more before starting up the staircase. "Did you have a nice time with Remus?"
"Mmmhm." Harry tucked his head under Snape's chin, eyes closing with a sigh. "You're back," he muttered tiredly.
"I told you I would be back." Snape looked down at the child. "Did you honestly think I was not being truthful?"
Harry only offered a small shrug in response, keeping his hold tight around the man's neck. He had been used to being lied to. It wouldn't have been much of a surprise.
Snape hummed in response as he stepped onto the second floor. "Did you behave yourself for Remus?"
"Mhm." Harry nodded, resting his cheek up on Snape's shoulder. "I wanna stay with yooou."
Snape adjusted the child slightly in his arms. "You are staying with me. I am home for the evening now."
The child's hold started to slack down as Snape walked, giving a small shiver as he yawned widely. "Don't leave again."
"I will not leave again tonight." Snape walked into the child's bedroom. "You have my word."
The man paused next to Harry's bed, leaning down to pull back the blankets. "There was no need for your tears over bedtime however."
Harry's arms tightened as the man leaned down, keeping his head pressed up against Snape's neck. "Wanted you heere," he whined softly, exhaustion clear in his voice.
"I understand that." Snape's hand gently patted the boys back before he leaned down, placing him in his bed. The man pulled the blankets up to the child's chin before placing the small owl down next to him. "However, I told you when I would be back."
Harry rested his head down, blinking his eyes up to Snape with a small frown gracing his lips. "'M sorry... I didn't know," he whispered softly, arms curling around his stuffed owl.
"I am not cross." Snape sat down on the edge of the boy's bed. "I simply want you to understand that I would not just leave you." The man's hand moved to rest gently on the boy's back. "There may be times when I have to go out and leave you with Remus or someone else however, I will always come back."
"You really will?" Skepticism rose within the child's voice as he raised his head just slightly. Harry stared at Snape for a long moment before his cheek rested back onto his pillow.
"Of course I will." The man's tone was soft yet serious. "I would never just leave you Harry."
A grin broke out across the child's face as he held his owl tightly to himself. "Good," he breathed, tucking his face into the stuffed animal with a deep breath.
