Authors Note:A lot of reviewers suggested that Severus should have used a glamour and while it would be an obvious solution, some of you might have noticed that Severus never told Harry about the option to stay Felix any other time than when he goes to school later or when the two of them are alone, because he believes that Harry does need to learn to be a boy again after month of being Felix but for his psych he deems it even more important that Harry learns to be himself and not play a different role. He worries that if Harry just takes up a new look he might try to play a different personality to hide his insecurities instinctively behind those. Harry could try and bury his past with his old persona rather than working through it and that Harry will always play a part and deep down worry if "just Harry" is good enough.
If he lets Harry realize that changing his appearance is another option instead of just letting Severus go alone or with Felix on his shoulder he'll probably take it since he is scared of people in general especially while being Harry, proven by the fact that he hide himself as Harry but did stay as Felix when Albus came. And if Harry starts to hide, he might want to continue as much as possible and eventually prefer to stay that other person. You'll see in this chapter how Severus will try to talk him out of going as Felix. The point however is, that he wants Harry to relearn to be himself after month of being someone and even something else.
Also as one of my reviewers has pointed out, to Severus, someone who knew James well, it was obvious right away even without the scar who Harry is but most wouldn't recognize him right away. He deems it safe due to that and worse the risk especially since he assumes that there won't be too many people since the Hogwarts rush isn't going on at the moment and all students are at school. Only grown-ups and small children can be there and of those only very few would ever address him. The odds of those being there are slim enough, especially if he goes during the afternoon when most either are at work or minding the smaller children at home. I hope you all understand my reasoning.
Anyway, thanks for all the support in form of reviewing or such. And sorry about the mistakes that my beta must have missed. CaseLC pointed out to me that there are still some in here. I just suck at spellings even in my first language German which is why I was diagnosed with Dyslexia as a child and I'm very grateful for spell check on the computers and my beta to fix it to the point that it's hopefully not as noticeable as it would be otherwise. I hope you all still enjoy reading it.
Shadow Phoenix
Chapter 3
Friendship
Albus just left when Felix returns to his perch. Severus takes the parchment looking over the lines the boy had done and that were still not checked. He takes the same ink and quill the boy had used to correct a mistake and says "You forgot one o in good in you ninth sentence. Do try to stay more focused even when someone stops by. But I'm very proud that you made not a single consistency mistake."
"What are that?" Harry questions "Consisency mistakes I mean."
"Consistency mistakes means that you made the same mistake repeatedly or consistently meaning every time. Like if you had written good with one o every time you wrote good. That would imply that you didn't know better. This shows me you know how to spell the word you hadn't asked for and only made one mistake because you were distracted by our discussion and that is understandable. You need to learn to focus and try to do it right but just one little mistake is very good for a boy your age and I'm very proud of you."
Harry smiles before asking "So I still get the privilege to get ice cream?"
Severus smiles "Of course. As long as you try your best I won't punish a small mistake you made."
Harry smiles but then frowns. "Do I have to go as Harry? Can't I go as Felix?"
"Phoenixes don't eat ice cream and the more Felix acts like a boy the higher the risk that someone finds out that you're Felix." Severus explains "But I can try to avoid your name and you wear a hat so no one sees your scar. That way no one will bother us."
Albus does as promised and by lunchtime the elves are moving his potions lap into the spare room next to his private quarters. He will rearrange everything to his liking later when Harry is asleep. Severus is also Harry's legal guardian by the time lunch starts and has more gold than he earns a year but apparently, it is what the Dursley's had gotten in six months and that they had gotten half that much to buy everything they needed when Harry first came to them. Severus complained that it was too much and insisted that it is most certainly enough for the year or possibly two since, while Harry does deserve to get spoiled on occasion and today might be one of those, he still refuses to let the boy get as badly spoiled as Draco is.
Right after a light lunch, during which Harry happily eats some pork and potatoes with his vegetables, Severus transfigures those rags he's still wearing into warm robes and decides to go to Madam Malkin's first since the original fabric was so badly damaged that the Transfiguration won't hold for long without destroying everything without any chance of repair.
About two hours later the two can leave said shop and Harry is happily wearing new robes. Severus is glad that Madam Malkin's glare towards him lessened after Harry told her that Severus only saw him yesterday for the first time. She had commented about the state of the robes. Or rather the rags that had been transfigured into them and probably assumed that someone, namely Severus, was neglecting the boy.
Once that is done the two of them walk towards Flourish and Blots first. The elves would ensure that everything necessary would be in Harry's room by the time they return and Severus can easily transfigure the colour or general shape of proper things more permanently then with rags. Harry hardly leaves his side though and with a sigh Severus quickly abandons the potions section in favour of the kids' section.
Harry still seems shy while looking at the books and Severus picks some to show to him and tells him a bit about what is inside until Harry starts to ask about books and Severus encourages him to take it and look at it a little to find out. Hesitantly the boy does as suggested and smiles when he holds the book and no one said anything to complain to him about touching it. He looks at the cover and the back reading the text there before putting it back and holding his hand out towards another. He makes eye-contact with Severus and waits for a nod before taking it and doing the same again. It takes nearly 20 books before Harry finally takes one without making eye-contact and waiting for the nod.
After about an hour of this Severus asks him which ones he would like and Harry hesitantly picks one looking afraid. Severus just gives him a small smile and nods before telling him to pick some more. In the end, Harry has 10 books and even for those Severus has to constantly ask him if he wants another one after everyone he picked. After they are done there he goes with Harry to a toy shop where Harry clearly doesn't know where to go first.
Even after nearly ten minutes, Harry is still mostly hidden under Severus' robe due to the overstimulation of colourful and noisy toys he had never seen before. Severus tries to interest him in many of the toys and just pointed out the Dragon figurines he knows Draco loves, hopping that Harry will too since they are the same age, to finally lure the boy out of hiding, when he hears said godson's surprised voice from behind. "Uncle Sev?"
"Please refrain from shortening my name." Severus grumbles and turns to see both male Malfoys and curses his luck. He looks down and sees Harry's terrified eyes and reaches down to pick him up and whispers into his ear "It's fine, and you still may call me Sev, don't be afraid."
"Who is that?" Draco asks.
"My current charge so to speak. Felix is recovered enough to be gone more often than not." Severus replies.
"But I wanted to fly with him again." Draco whines.
"He's still around on occasion. If you stop by soon you might get to see him." Severus replies, "And since he really seemed to like you I'm sure he'll show up with you at some point too."
"He better." Draco grumbles. "Now who's that boy? And is he a baby that you carry him?"
"He's not a baby, he's your age just a little shy." Severus explains.
"So now Albus uses his teachers as babysitters?" Lucius questions. "I should have a word with him."
"It was my choice." Severus replies, "And I was the one to insist that I'd be named his legal guardian."
"What's that?" Draco questions.
"That means that for all intense and purposes your godfathers is that boy's father now." Lucius explains.
The child on Severus arms turns to look shocked towards Lucius and mumbles "Father? Sev's my father?"
"He doesn't like his name shortened." Draco grumbles.
"He has my permission to call me whatever way he pleases." Severus tells Draco who only frowns at his godfather.
"Why can't I call you Sev then?" Draco questions.
"Because you are my godchild," Severus explains, "He is, as your father explained to you, for all intense and purpose my son now and I'm sure your father lets you do things other children aren't permitted to do. I don't like you any less than I did last time I saw you Draco and I will still be there for you just the same but he needs me more right now."
Harry squirms a little and Severus lets him down. Harry looks scared towards Draco and his new father and back before saying very quietly and shaking, "Wanna look at toys with me?"
Draco looks surprised before his face changes towards sceptical but in the end says, "Fine." He still doesn't sound too happy about this development.
The two boys go towards the figurines, Harry just a little behind Draco and he turns towards Severus a few times to make sure that he can still see the man. "He's unusually shy." Lucius notices.
"He's been hurt recently and a bit weary due to it." Severus sighs, "But I'm sure he'll recover soon."
"How badly and by whom?" Lucius questions, "And is he a muggleborn?"
"His mother was." Severus sighs, "His father is a pureblood but neither are alive and his mother's muggle family was left in charge of him."
"And who hurt him how?" Lucius questions, "And why did I not hear of any charges pressed against whoever did this? I'm sure hurting a child enough to make him this shy deserves a punishment."
"Albus and I agreed that it be in the boy's best interest to leave it out of the paper so please, stay out of it." Severus asks him. "You still owe me."
"This is what you use the debt for?" Lucius questions shocked "They need to be punished and I doubt the paper will care."
"They do when he takes of that hat and shows his lightning bold scar." Severus whispers wand in hand. It's no point in denying it anyway. It will come out sooner rather than later that the boy is with him and Lucius did order Draco to befriend him in time and even if his loyalty hasn't changed yet, if they are careful around the blond man he won't do anything to risk his public status just to hurt the boy.
Lucius stares for a moment before he frowns towards the smallish child next to Draco. He had hoped for the boy to be powerful and able to protect his son should the dark Lord return but right now it rather looks like the boy needs magical protection. He sighs and decides to wait for a little longer before he decides if he should oppose the dark Lord. He won't risk his son's life by angering the dark Lord unless he is sure that it is the safer of his options. He does however agree to keep quiet about the boy for now and talks some more with Severus about the boy before changing the topic to Draco and a possible date for the boy to stay with Severus.
Neither of the man notice Draco dragging Harry out. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Harry questions terrified looking back towards the toy store he just got dragged out of.
"Don't be a chicken." Draco says, "I need a new broom and this way father will get me one for sure."
"But we can't just run off." Harry mumbles. "What if something happens?"
"What could happen?" Draco whines. "If I'm lost and father has to find me he always buys me whatever I want if I promise not to run off again."
"But then you promised before and shouldn't run off." Harry chides.
"How would I get anything I want than?" Draco grumbles. "You are such a wimp."
"But I don't want Sev to be mad at me." Harry whines. "I don't want him to hate me."
"He'll be way to happy to find you again to be mad." Draco insists.
"But what if he won't buy me ice cream?" Harry questions, "He promised he would but if he's mad he maybe won't."
"I'll get father to buy both of us some and now be quiet I need a new broom." Draco says, "And you better not annoy my Felix, I want to see him again when I next come."
"I promise you will." Harry says, "But please let's go back."
Draco suddenly pulls Harry into another ally and orders, "Quiet, my mother walks there. She'll bust us if she sees me."
"I wanna go back." Harry whines.
"You really are a wimp." Draco grumbles.
"But what if he sends me back?" Harry asks and Draco looks at him to quiet him but stops himself when he sees those big green eyes with tears in them, "I don't wanna go back to Aunt and Uncle. I don't wanna be slapped and locked up again. I wanna stay with my Sev who gives me food that I like and tells me to tell him when I'm sick and promised not to get mad when I am."
Draco looks surprised before he says, "They locked you up?"
"I want my Sev…I wanna go back." Harry whines and then Draco sees a blue light surround Harry and since he is still holding on to his arm from dragging him around the light surrounds him too and the next moment both boys are back in the toy store.
Draco's eyes widen and he mumbles, "Felix."
"Don't tell, Sev said not to tell." Harry whispers quietly and looks around, "Sev's gone…"
Draco looks too and sees that both grown-ups are gone and looks through the shop for a moment before saying, "Father knows me, he'll go to the broom shop, I'll take you to Uncle Severus and don't worry I'll make sure he knows it's all my fault."
"He'll send me back." Harry mumbles still with tears in his eyes that start to run down his cheeks.
"He won't, I promise." Draco says, "And if he dares I'll make father take you in."
Harry is still crying a little while Draco once again pulls him through the street and since he hurries he see his father and Severus go into the Quidditch store. By the time they reach it they hear Severus say, "They aren't here, where else could Draco have dragged him?"
"It's my fault Uncle." Draco says and Severus turns and rushes towards Harry to pick the crying boy up and hears him whimper "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, please don't send me away."
"Never my boy, now calm." Severus shushes him quietly while Draco looks at his father.
Lucius eyes him, "Where were you two? I thought you'd already be here?"
"I wanted to but that boy kept telling me not to and I had to drag him and then he got scared and told me that he's scared of having to go back to really bad people father, and then he, well, I'm not sure." He eyes the boy he now knows that he's the beautiful black bird that had saved his life. He had asked him not to tell anyone, so he says, "He made me go back but you were gone so I dragged him here since I knew you'd look for me here I'm sorry it's all my fault please Uncle Severus don't be mad at him."
"I'm not mad." Severus says, "Just don't drag him away again any time soon. He scares easily due to those bad people. But I'd NEVER send him back."
Harry slowly calms on his father's arms and holds on to him tightly. "I missed you. Daddy," He whispers very quietly and for a moment Severus isn't even sure if he heard right but then he sighs and says, "I missed you too and don't worry, I knew that you wouldn't have left on your own. It's fine my dear child."
"Father, buy him ice cream, he wanted ice cream buy him some now." Draco orders stomping his foot. "I have to make it up to him and it's my fault and I don't know how else then making you buy him ice cream so get him some."
"We're in a broom shop and you don't have a new broom yet, and want to leave for ice cream?" Lucius questions his son shocked.
Draco looks around like he just now notices where he is and then eyes a broom before he looks at the boy in his godfather's arms. Harry has calmed by now and is looking right into Draco's eyes, but his face is still covered in tears. "Yes," Draco replies sounding shocked himself. "I want to see him smile more then I want a broom."
"Sev?" Harry asks louder this time, "Albus gave you money from mine, right? Can I buy him a broom?"
"I'll get him a broom after I'll get both of you some ice cream." Lucius replies.
"Why go back and forth? I can wait." Harry says, "I'm…I'm a good boy."
"That you are." Severus praises him and holds him tight before whispering, "And I told you, you can call me whatever way you please."
Harry smiles at him and holds on tighter while Lucius tells Draco to pick whatever broom he wants. Draco runs off towards the newest and most expensive one and grabs two before he returns. Lucius raises an eyebrow towards the child when he sees it and Draco says, "One is for my new best friends. I don't think he has such a great broom yet." After that Draco looks at Harry and asks, "By the way, what is your name. After all, I must know my new best friends name right?"
Harry looks up at his father and after seeing a nod he whispers, "My name's Harry."
"Like the-boy-who-lives?" Draco asks.
"That is who he is." Lucius replies and takes both brooms from his son's hands and walks towards the counter to pay for them.
"He doesn't need that broom yet Lucius." Severus grumbles, "He's never been on a broom and I fear that it's too dangerous."
"I'll help him." Draco says, "I'm sure he'll be fine."
Harry whispers, "I can flash when I fall." Before he raises his voice, "Please, daddy."
Severus sighs. "Fine, but you won't fly without me around and stay close to the ground at first. And I'll ask Madam Hooch to oversee your first time flying on it since she is the flying instructor of Hogwarts she should be much better able to help should you fall."
"Thank you, Daddy!" Harry cheers. After that he turns to look at Draco's father and says, "Thank you very much for the broom sir. And I'm sorry for letting Draco drag me off and worrying you."
"You're very welcome and don't worry about Draco running of." Lucius replies, "I'm aware that Draco always runs off and that no one can stop the little rascal. I'm the one that should apologise that my son dragged you into it."
Harry just smiles a little and cuddles closer to Severus, "Now I believe I promised you two boys some Ice cream."
Severus carries Harry all the way to Fortescue's. Once there Harry is unsure what flavour to pick and Severus whispers eventually to just pick some and that he'll bring him back every weekend to try another if he's been good all week. Harry smiles and picks the same as Draco did.
Draco smiles happy that they have the same and starts talking about his toys and that he wants to visit Harry and practise his flying and that they can read and learn their numbers and that he has great books and will bring some toys to play with along with Harry's toys. Harry looks sad at that point until Severus says, "Don't worry Harry, we'll go back there."
After Draco happily chats with the boy for a moment Lucius interrupts his son asking, "By the way, how did you two get back to the toy store. You should have run into us on our way to the quidditch supply store.
Draco looks worried for a moment and then says, "We made a detour to avoid mother."
Severus and Lucius both notice the boy's strange way of replying but only Severus felt magic rush over their table before he heard Draco ask about some toy he sees a boy carry along the street past the ice cream parlour. Severus rises an eyebrow and looks around worried before noticing a blue light from Harry. The light, that he just than realises was a short burst of flames, disappeared as fast as it appeared and Harry is with his chair an inch closer to Draco. Right after that Severus feels the magic surrounding him and Harry lift and stares at the small boy. A notice me not spell. The very same one he had used to stay unnoticed on his way to the Dursleys with the bird. Harry just smiles a little sheepishly and Severus eyes Draco, this explains the strange behaviour. At least Draco is still trying to keep it from his father. The Boy must have realized that Harry is Felix and probably likes him that much more than before due to that. Lucius seems to have forgotten to ask about the boy's journey back and Severus just hopes that it will stay that way.
The only down side is, if Draco caves under Lucius constant questions while Severus isn't around he might not even find out about the other man knowing and who knows who'll hear about it.
A little later Lucius takes Draco to find his mother and go home together while Severus continues his toys shopping with Harry who isn't quite as scared of the shop anymore but still rather quiet. Even after the two of them get back Harry stay's quiet. "You're okay?" Severus asks after Harry ate slowly and with little to no enthusiasm at dinner.
"I'm fine." Harry says looking sad.
Severus sighs and motions the boy closer to himself. Once he is close enough Severus pulls the skinny boy on his lap and says, "I know that something is bothering you so please tell me what it is so I can make you feel better."
Harry fidgets but then whispers, "Are you very mad?"
"Why do you think I could be mad at you?" Severus questions.
"For running off with Draco?" Harry mumbles, "And for telling about Aunt and Uncle. They were always angry when I said something wrong. Or for flashing, I swear I didn't mean to. I just wished to be back there so bad and wanted to be Felix and flash but knew I wasn't supposed to change where strangers see and then I just suddenly saw blue and was with Draco back and he knew I was Felix. I didn't mean to. And I was really careful when I showed and looked around hoping that no one would noticed and everyone looked elsewhere so I real quickly showed so you'd know."
Severus stares. Harry hadn't noticed his own notice-me-not spell. He had done it completely subconsciously just wishing not to get seen while he flashes again. Severus sighs and holds him closer. "It wasn't your fault. You were very considerate to go with Draco to the toys so I could talk to Lucius. I did notice that you did that just for me even though you were scared and I'm very proud and grateful that you did that. And I know Draco and you well enough that it was completely Draco's fault to drag you out of that store so if I would be mad, it be towards Draco but I've already forgiven him when I saw that he regretted causing you that much distress. I'm also not mad about what you said. You may tell whoever you wish how badly you've been treated just be careful since some will try to harm you with that knowledge for their own selfish reasons. And about flashing, you are still young and untrained in the arts of magic. It is very normal for a young wizard to have accidental outbursts of magic and I consider this one of those. You are not at all to blame for anything so I have no reason whatsoever to be mad at you. On the contrary, I'm very proud on how well you handled everything."
Harry looks a little confused and sceptical while Severus just holds him for a moment until he whispers, "And I'm especially proud that a marvellous little boy like you deems me worthy to be called daddy."
Now the boy looks even more confused until he quietly asks, "What means deems me worthy and mavlus."
Severus smiles a little and replies, "Marvellous is an adjective that is used to describe someone or something that is extraordinary. Someone who is to be admired and is much more than just great." Severus smiles at the astonished look on the boy's eyes, and deeming someone worthy means to think someone good enough. So, what I meant is that I'm very happy that a child that is as great as you are, as perfect, a child that is strong and caring and so very well behaved like you, thinks that I'm good enough that you would want to call me daddy."
Harry now looks even more shocked then before and Severus just holds him closer and cuddles him for a while. Until the boy seems to relax some more before Severus asks "How about we have some cookies and I show you some pictures of your mother? I don't know how much your Aunt and Uncle talked about her and your father but I assume they didn't tell you the truth about everything."
"They said they were drunks and drove drunk and died in a car because that." Harry whispers.
"You know that's not true from Draco's story, right?" Severus questions.
"Yeah." Harry whispers.
Severus calls for a house elf and orders for some cookies and hot chocolate with cream for Harry. After that he summons a box with everything he has left from Lily, everything but the son he now has from her. He smiles a little at the though and tries to ignore the boy's real father for the moment. Harry is so sweet, that Severus would have to remind himself that he is connected to the cruel and spoiled boy his father had been. Harry is so much more like Lily.
He shows him all the pictures, some include Petunia but Severus ignores her presence in those. He is glad to see Harry smile on occasion. After about two hours of that Harry is nearly asleep on his lap and Severus lifts him and carries him to his knew room. Harry looks around it, the toys, books and clothes are already stored away by a house elf and Harry says, "It's so nice to have a room."
"Harry, what do you like best in the world." Severus asks the tired boy.
"You." Harry mumbles.
Severus blushes, "I'm honoured, but I actually meant a place you like. Like do you like the ocean or a forest or something like that."
"I like it here." Harry whispers and falls asleep mumbling, "And flying with Dra…."
Severus watches him thoughtfully for a moment and is happy to see that his hands are open. He is still curled in on himself and legs and arms close to his body but his hands are relaxed and open which is a start. A small one but a good start considering how little time Harry has spent as a boy so far. After a moment, Severus draws his wand and after another moment of consideration he focuses on a certain memory. Something he had seen in his seventh year and changes the picture in his mind a little bit before he casts the spell to change the walls. It takes a moment for the colour to pour along the walls. Different colours seem to flood it, a confused mess at first. One that spirals and moves until it settles into a clear picture along all four walls that makes it nearly seem like someone is standing on a hill close to the lake just outside the castle. One wall is nearly covered by the castle and the windows of it are slightly alight flooding the room in a soft and gentle glow. Another wall is mostly a nice view over the lake and the tentacles of the giant squid are poking out on occasion and playing in the waves. A third wall shows a field with a boy with blond hair on a broom and a shadow Phoenix flying circles around him while the last wall shows the forbidden forest with birds flying above it. In front of the tree are two animals. A stag and a doe. Severus sighs seeing the animal that will forever remind him of Lily and hopes that Harry will be pleased when he finds out that the stag is his father's animagus form, the one he had used to safe Severus from Lupin. Being an animagus already connecting the boy to his father even though the child's form is much more impressive.
Severus looks at the celling. He had hoped to get it at least somewhat to look like the one in the great hall but it is impossible since no one remembers how it was spelled that way in the past. All that is still known is that all four founders did it together. There are some stars on it adding to the gentle light from the castle. The shelfs are covering parts of the walls and by extension the pictures they display, just like the rest of the furnishing does, but it still looks amazing. Severus just left the room when he feels the walls tremble slightly. He's about to run towards Harry to grab him and make sure he's safe when the magic coming from the castle stones themselves and causing the shaking, stops again. He looks back into the room and stares at the celling. It's a perfect copy of the one in the great hall.
It took a while before he manages to fall asleep that night and is up as usual since he'll have to teach again that day. Harry is no were to be seen so he walks to the boy's bedroom and finds him staring open mouthed at the walls and the celling. It takes a moment before he even notices Severus in the doorway which is located exactly where the entrance to the castle is. Harry just stares at him for a moment before he jumps out of bed and runs towards him to hug him and says, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, sooo much! You are the best daddy in the whole wide world."
Severus holds the boy close saying, "The castle helped. I've never seen that happen before but it did. You truly are a very special boy you know. And I'm very happy to have you here with me, my Harry."
Harry looks up at him happily. He feels like he could fly even without turning into Felix but while he watches Severus prepare for class his mood goes down a little. Severus asks him what has him looking so sad again once he's ready to go to the great hall. "I can't be with you all the time." Harry says, "You said Felix had to leave at times."
"You can still be around some times." Severus says. "And if you need me, I'm always there. And as I said before, you, as Harry, may be with me whenever you want too."
"I don't have to stay Harry yet though, do I?" Harry questions.
"No, my dear, you don't have to." Severus replies, "We've got plenty of time."
Harry smiles a little, "Can I eat here then? I'll flash to the class room a little latter and then maybe to Draco a little?"
"Okay," Severus replies, "But do be careful, and if you notice Lucius knowing you come back to me at once."
Harry smiles and eats alone in his room looking at the walls some more and trying to see every detail of the moving pictures. He also reads a little and comes to the class room for a little right after an elf brought him some lunch. Severus just started his first afternoon class and says, "Hello Felix, I had been worried that you were gone so long.", and pets him gently, happy to finally see him, he really had been worried and been about to leave his class for a moment and run off to check on him. Harry stays until that class ends and then thrills before flashing out of the room again right before the last student leaves. Severus frowns unhappy that the boy seems to need him that little after all.
Harry reappears at Malfoy manor sensing where Draco is and is surprised to see him unhappily on a couch in front of his father. Draco looks up and smiles a little towards him while Lucius says, "Are you sure you won't answer me Draco? You wanted so badly to fly with that damned bird and I mean it, you won't get to touch that new broom before you tell me exactly how you really got past me and Severus in Diagon ally yesterday."
"I told you, we went another way." Draco insists. "And I told you I can't tell you how because I promised Harry."
"I'm glad you befriended him as I told you to do but family comes first and when I want to know something you are to tell me." Lucius orders.
"No." Draco insists close to tears. "I can't ever tell you."
"Then you'll never fly again." Lucius replies. "Draco please, I don't want to be mean to you. I only need to know as much about that boy as I can. You are keeping something so I assume this is important and I want to protect you from the dark Lord. He will return someday Draco and when he does he is very dangerous. I must make sure that you are safe and I don't know if that boy is the key or not. If there is any chance that he could be more powerful I gladly leave that maniac because following him could mean torture and death even IF he wins. On the light side, we are at least safe from our leader and most likely our brethren too unless they are traitors." Lucius sighs, "But if the boy is nothing but a lucky boy as Severus always insist, then the dark Lord might kill us for betraying him once the light side does lose."
"But I can't betray Harry." Draco whines.
"So you betray me instead?" Lucius thunders and the Shadow Phoenix can see a tear on Draco's face.
He flies between them and the moment his feet touch the ground it's not the bird standing there but Harry who looks at Draco and says, "Don't cry Draco. Please, you can tell him. I don't want you to be in trouble. I don't mind if my Sev will be mad at me as long as you don't cry so please. Sev promised not to send me away and I can deal with being punished. He's bad at it anyway."
Lucius stares at the Phoenix that just turned into a little boy. He remembers the story Draco had talked about and most of all, what little he knew about natural animagus. As a young boy, he had once read that Merlin was a dragon one and that it was considered a sign of his power that he could turn into a magical creature at a young age. He doesn't remember how young but is sure that it was in his teens and Harry is far from that.
He smiles a little and summons Draco's new broom saying, "Have fun you two, and Draco you know how far you may go make sure to stay within that boundary. Harry, you are welcome to stay as long as you please."
"No." He replies sad, "Sev said I had to go back when I know that you know about me. Sorry Draco." Harry hugs the blond boy. "I hope I'll see you soon but I have to go now."
A moment later Harry flashes from the room not even turning first and Lucius looks at the spot while Draco really starts to cry and whine that his best friend is gone and he might never see him again and Lucius has a very hard time to calm him. He tries to console him by promising to visit Severus that very evening and to let him stay the weekend, happy that it's Friday. But Draco is still crying when Severus' last class ends.
Due to that he is not surprised for long to find a very sombre looking Felix in his room after his class and only temporarily worries about the fact that he refuses to change into Harry. He only tries to talk Harry into telling him what's wrong for two minutes before Lucius walks into the room without knocking.
He stares at the two blonds, the older appearing more exhausted then ever while the younger one is a crying mess on his father's arm. "Please tell me you've got a calming draught." Lucius begs while Draco's cries increase after Felix quickly flashes out of the room and Severus just prays that he's in his room.
"What happened?" Severus questions and takes the smaller blond on his arm.
"I tried to be strict to force a truthful answer out of him about how on earth they got past us yesterday when your bird turned into Potter, told me everything to get Draco out of trouble and ran off because you told him to leave should I know about him and now Draco fears to have lost his new best friend."
Severus sighs and instead of giving the boy a calming draught he opens the door to Harry's bedroom and says. "You're not in trouble but please try to calm your friend."
He leaves seeing that Felix is flying from a shelf towards the bed Severus had dumped the blond boy on and walks back to Lucius. "I assume you'll leave Draco for the weekend?"
"Yes please." Lucius sighs Narcissa had been gone all day since she didn't agree to take the new broom to force Draco to speak and had feared the outcome since Draco hadn't talked the second Lucius had threatened to take the broom should he not explain things by that day. "And considering that boys power and that you being his guardian leaves Dumbledore a spy short I'd like to take the position. The boys being friends could be called your attempt to turn Draco and my ticket to reach Harry, or so I'll claim."
Severus looks sceptical until Lucius ads "Talk about it with the old fool but first talk with the boys. Harry heard how I told Draco that I'd rather be on your side but worried about the consequences should he lose. Considering that the child can flash back and forth between Hogwarts and my manor, both of those warded against apparation proves that I should rather be worried about him turning dark after his past than him losing to anyone."
"He is very kind and well behaved for his age. I very much doubt that he'd ever purposely hurts anyone." Severus replies. "And he seems very fond of Draco even though he hardly knows him."
In that moment said boy appears in the room right next to them and asks "Is it okay to interrupt adults if someone's ill because Draco's head is achy."
"His own damn fault." Lucius grumbles rubbing his temples.
Severus grins a bit at his old friend and says. "Or yours for trying to push the boy you usually spoil too much." He summons two vials and hands the smaller one to Harry. "This won't taste good but it will help with the headache, it also might make him drowsy. If he falls asleep, please let him and don't worry about not being able to play. Draco is staying for the whole weekend. And you did very well in coming to me and asking for help Harry. Well done."
"Yes daddy." Harry replies and disappears in a flash of blue flames.
"You do realize that you owe me one again considering that I helped with Draco." Severus grins before handing the older blond the second vial of potion.
"Let's say than this is for keeping quiet about Potter until now. Being a spy means I'll have to anyway, but staying quiet is hardly worthy of the life debt my family owns you." Lucius replies.
"It could save his live." Severus says.
"And without your aid, the day Draco was born, I'd be a childless widower." Lucius insists. "That is two lives."
"Then we're even for saving Draco since you helped protect Harry and this here is just between friends since I expect you to occasionally be nice to my new son too." Severus says.
"Draco might have my head should I not be nice." Lucius chuckles. "Would you mind telling me who's hurt that child enough to be as depressed as he is? It must have been bad the way he acts."
"Lily's muggle sister, her oaf of a husband and that child they raised to hurt the so-called freak in the house. Albus actually left the boy with them, knowing they hate magic but assuming they'd still be somewhat decent to the poor boy since he's family."
"You mean they abused him all this time? Considering his size, I'll assume they also starved the poor lad?" Lucius inquires.
"According to Harry he got a bit of old bread and cheese once nearly every day." Severus sighs. "His cousin was praised to be a good boy for hitting him and Harry believed it normal to tumble when slapped by his Aunt and that broken arm he had was his own fault for stupidly asking a question too close to the stairs since freaks aren't allowed to asked anything and are slapped for it. Meaning it's no surprise to tumble all the way down and getting locked up in his cupboard which doubled as his room since they needed a guest room for his Uncle's sister and their son needed two. No surprised, the way he looked he got Harry's food on top of his own. The Uncle looked the same though."
Lucius is thoughtful for a moment before asking "Were they at least poor and hardly able to support their overly large luxury in comparison to his? Not that it would excuse that they had more but being forced to live on much less than before might explain it to some degree."
"No." Severus replies, "And from what Albus told me they got money for taking care of Harry meaning they had more than they had before. I also know that Dursley, the Uncle is working in a big company somewhere in or near London." Both man smile to the other. The fishing was poorly enough disguised that Severus knew the man wanted information and Lucius notices that he has gotten just enough by now to possibly locate them and let a hint drop to the right person given some time. If they get killed by death eaters right after he joins the light side it would imply that he was involved somehow. Not that he'd dirty his hands with those muggles. But he'd hardly be forced to, considering that he knows at least 10 people who gladly try and kill the boy or at least some of his family to hurt him.
They are still grinning towards each other when Narcissa steps through the fire. "I thought you'd be here and in desperate need of a calming draught." She says looking towards Lucius before looking to Severus, "I hope he wasn't too much of a burden on you."
"Not at all." Severus replies, "He appeared just in time and he didn't need a calming draught, both of your man needed a headache reliever due to Draco's crying."
"And how did you calm him?" She asks knowing that the headache reliever can't be given with the calming draught.
"Harry did." Severus replies, "Didn't seem to take him too long either."
"I'm glad to hear." She replies.
"It was a success though." Lucius insists in his defence. "I did find out how the boys got past us."
"Because Harry showed up and felt sorry for Draco." Severus throws in. "The way Draco was distraught about having been found out makes me doubt he'd have betrayed Harry's secret even for the broom."
"I fear you're right." Lucius grins, "But nevertheless, I finally know how they did it and I'm certain that given some time, that boy will permanently kill the dark Lord and free us all. He must be more powerful then Merlin to do what he did!"
Narcissa raises an eyebrow and looks questioningly. Severus just grins proudly and says, "Since Harry will probably want to see Draco as often as possible I guess you have to know anyway. Harry is a natural magical animagus. A Phoenix to be precise. But weather that colouring is natural or due to the abuse he suffered until he came to me I do not know yet."
"You mean to tell me that Harry Potter is that Shadow Phoenix Felix that Draco kept talking about since his last visit?" Narcissa asks shocked before insisting towards Lucius, "And you better have a plan to revenge the abuse Severus just mentioned. I just hope it wasn't too bad."
After a worried look towards Severus, said man sighs, "He was locked up in a cupboard after hitting a picture frame with his food when tumbling down the stairs after being slapped for daring to ask a question and got sick in said cupboard and was then kicked out of the house and told he wouldn't be permitted back into it until he learned to be a good boy. His cousin was praised for being just that whenever he hit the freak, meaning Harry. The poor boy thought jumping of the garden shed might hurt the freak, meaning himself, enough to be considered a good boy or even better, let him go to his parents."
"You mean to tell me he tried to KILL himself?" Lucius and Narcissa say in unison.
"Yes, he did jump. But his magic brought him here. When he told me that, he said that he sadly got here instead of to his parents." Severus sighs, "He'd still rather be with his parents. I do hope however that he won't see the need to actually harm himself to get there."
Both Malfoys are fighting tears while Severus covers his face with his hands after saying that. Now that Harry isn't around he can't help the tears completely and rather not let them see that one or two might escape.
It is quiet for some time before Narcissa says, "He'll get better. He's got you now and you care so much that I'm sure he'll be very happy."
Severus wipes away the tears while removing his hands, "I hope so." He takes a deep breath before rising and saying, "I better have a look if they are okay now."
He goes and quietly opens the door to Harry's room and looks inside. He smiles at what he sees and silently motions the two Malfoys over to look too. Both smile as well when they see the boys sleeping on Harry's bed. Draco's arms protectively around the smaller boy and Harry's hands holding on to Draco's robe. Severus is particularly happy to see that Harry is nearly uncurled for once.
He silently closes the door again. "I wish I wouldn't have to wake them for dinner soon. But Harry needs his nutrients."
"And if you don't," Narcissa warns, "They'll be up at the crack of dawn or even in the middle of the night and full of energy." She looks towards Lucius adding, "We should go though. I'm sure Draco will be pleased not to see you for a weekend after what happened. But don't worry, he'll mostly have forgotten all about it by Sunday."
Severus doubted it but he probably will have forgiven his father by then. Both Malfoys say their good bye and leave. Severus leaves a note on a desk in case he is gone for longer and goes through the floo to Albus.
"What can I do for you my boy?" Albus asks cheerfully but surprised that Harry isn't with him.
"I've got good information's for you." He says, trusting that the man had been truthful about what he told Draco before he had known that Felix could turn into Harry and tell the potions master. "Lucius is siding with us now that he unfortunately found out that Felix is Harry. The boy accidentally flashed with Draco and while Draco had planned on keeping it secret, Harry had told the man to protect Draco from punishment for his secrecy."
"You think he's telling the truth?" Albus questions.
"I believe he does." Severus grins, "Seeing Harry's ability made him believe that he would win against the dark Lord given some time and he realises that even if he stays loyal, neither he nor his family will be safe even if the dark Lord wins. He cares for his family too much to risk them. He offered to be a spy since I won't be able to stay as one."
"That would be useful but we should stay careful around him." Albus cautions. "I believe you are right and that he'd rather be connected to us but I also believe that he would sell us out should that be the safer option at some point."
"I agree." Severus replies. "But for now, it will be helpful to have him."
"Yes." Dumbledore says, "Now, how is Harry doing?"
"Better than I assumed at this state." Severus replies, "He seems to settle in here rather well and is glad to have gotten away from the Dursleys but I doubt he is truly trusting the change just yet and until he does he won't truly heal."
Dumbledore sighs, "I guess that means we can't do more than wait."
"It seems that Draco's presence is rather helpful. Harry is fond of him and so is Draco of Harry. They seem to be good for each other and Draco's presence might help draw Harry out and with time he might even be ready to see the Weasleys where he'll have more than one child around himself and different influences than Draco." Severus explains. "I believe however that you were right saying that Molly's home might be too much. He hides away quickly and has a hard time saying no to something even when it terrifies him. Draco pulled him around Diagon yesterday and he was terrified and tried to dissuade Draco but not nearly forcefully enough to stop him. Considering what I heard about the Weasley kids I believe it be too much to be surrounded by so many strong-willed children that will probably walk all over the boy. He needs to learn to make himself heard first."
"Of course." Albus replies, "But maybe her youngest son, that is in the same age, could occasionally visit in time."
"In time, maybe." Severus reluctantly agrees, "But for now one friend is enough. He needs to have some time between seeing a friend and to focused on how to deal with that one child will be enough. To expose him to one that is so different and will react different might be too much. Harry has no experience with other children." Severus looks at the time. "You could also try and encourage the two older Weasleys that are already in school to spend time with him during the week. They are calmer than little children and probably be more mindful of his situation and I'm sure if you drop a hint to Molly that the boy is here she will force them to have an eye on him anyway. Maybe Charlie could introduce him to Quidditch. I heard he's the new seeker for Gryffindor. But for now, I should return to the children before Draco wakes up and pushes Harry to do something he'd rather not."
Severus returns to his rooms to find both boys still resting and watches them for a moment glad to still see Harry relaxed in the other boy's arms. After a moment he walks closer and sits down on the bed next to Harry. The movement of the bed is enough to awaken the boy and he sits up and looks around scared. "It's just me Harry. No need to be afraid." Severus says calmly.
Harry just looks at Draco before looking at him again, "Will he really stay? His father won't take him away?"
"He'll stay for the weekend." Severus replies, "His father obviously would miss him too much to let him stay forever but you two can play together this weekend and I'm sure Draco will be here almost every weekend considering how fond he is of you and how much he has his parents around his little finger."
"Can we fly again?" Harry questions. "Draco wanted to fly. Or doesn't he have his broom?"
"I don't know if he brought it, but if he didn't I'm sure we can use one of the school's brooms." Severus says. "They are not as good but good enough."
"He can have mine." Harry suggests. "Felix doesn't need a broom."
"We could do that." Severus agrees, "Or you'll both use a slower one so he can help you fly on a broom. I could ask Madam Hooch to teach you and I'm sure Draco would love to be around for that."
Harry looks thoughtful. "I don't know."
"I want to help teach you." Draco mumbles his eyes slightly open but his head still resting on the bed. He slowly moves up and stretches himself a little with a yawn before he says. "I want to help you learn to fly a broom and show you quidditch. We could even play it and go to the pitch and throw the Quaffle. I doubt Uncle will let us use Bludgers but maybe we can search the snitch."
"Okay." Harry reluctantly says.
"You don't have to if you are scared." Severus says, "We can wait until Draco is here next time."
"No." Harry insists, "I'm fine. I wanna play with Draco and Felix hasn't got hands to throw anything."
Severus nods glad that the boy is trying to overcome his fear but worried that he is only doing it for Draco and that it is too much too soon and will only be harmful to his psyche. "Can we come and ask that Hooch woman?" Draco asks. "We could eat in the hall with you, can't we?"
Severus sees Harry's terrified face. He knows how packed the great hall is and is probably afraid of so many people that will stare at him. Draco always loves that kind of attention and is usually sad that the kids don't look longer but with Harry they will stare longer, wondering who he is and why he's there. And he won't enjoy it at all. "No Draco. We'll all eat here today. You had a headache earlier and I rather have you relax down here for the rest of the day. I'll ask Madam Hooch when you two are in bed."
"I hope she's got time to do this." Draco says. "I want to fly with Felix but even more with Harry. I want to be helping him!"
"Don't worry Draco." Harry replies, "You can fly with Felix when I come see you when I'm bored while Daddy is teaching." He looks at Severus, "I may go see him again, right?"
Severus frowns "For now you may." He replies, "But do be careful and return should there be any trouble. I promise that Draco may always visit you no matter what. But it might be, that on occasion, some of Lucius' visitors wouldn't hesitate to hurt you. I don't think badly of Draco or his family, but you need to be careful when being there. Lucius would also have to pretend to dislike you on occasion and might have to harm you in some instances should some of those visitors be there and realize that you are present as well so please be very careful."
"I promise to be careful." Harry replies looking a little worried.
"Okay. Now boys, who's hungry?" Severus asks to lighten the mood a little.
"I am!" Draco replies instantly while Harry still looks a little worried. "Can we have ice cream for dessert?"
"Maybe." Severus says, "If you eat your vegetables first."
"Do I have to?" Draco whines. "And can we at least have somewhat nice vegetables? Preferably corn, and preferably in form of popcorn."
Severus just glares at the boy who sighs, "Carrots and pees?"
"Harry what would you like for dinner?"
"Carrots and pees?" Harry questions.
"And chicken." Draco says.
"And chicken." Harry repeats.
"Are you a parrot Harry?" Severus questions with a smile. "If I wanted to know what Draco would like I'd have asked him. Now please do tell me what you'd like. The elves usually have multiple things prepared and if you're lucky you both get what you want so you don't need to be considerate towards Draco. Just choose for yourself."
Harry is quiet for a moment before saying, "I liked cabbage the other night and I never had chicken. I'd like to try it if Draco likes it."
"I'll see what the elves have for us." Severus replies, "Now both of you go wash your faces and hands."
"Yes Uncle." Draco replies and runs off towards the bath room.
"Thank you, Daddy." Harry says and gives the man a hug before walking after his friend.
Severus sighs and calls for an elf to order their dinner glad that he can get both boys everything they wanted to have. Even including the ice cream for dessert.
Authors Note: Now before anyone one complains about it, Severus had been hopefull to tur Lucius for years in my story since they are close friends ever since Severus saved Narcissa and Draco which is why he was named godfather and Draco raised to be grateful and such ore favourable towards the man than other children are. Which is why Severus believed him easily. He also believes it pointless to wait with talking to Albus so he could check with Harry since it would be silly to lie about something that is so easily proven to be one. Lucius is smarter than that and most likely would have used a different lie if he had to lie at all.
And about no one noticing Harry and Draco flashing from diagon ally into a toy store, the ally wasn't overly busy but slightly busy. the normal every day kind of busy. And they were in a small side ally a dark corner to hide from Narcissa where no one was minding or watching the two boys and a bit of flashing in a wizarding shopping district probably wouldn't catch all that many eyes if any at all and by that time it would have been too late to figure out what or who had caused it and in that world not caused any alarm. (At least not with Voldemort gone.) Similarly, was the toy store packed with probably moving and flashing magical toys which is why the overstimulation was mentioned. No on would notice one of those flashes to be out of place and Harry instincts had flashed to a corner where he wouldn't get noticed since his flashing will mostly respond to him wishing to reach a certain place or person and by that it also includes a same place where he will be understood or a place where he'll stay unnoticed. Since he is still shy and wishes to avoid attention he doesn't show up someplace where he'd be noticed.
Next chapter you'll get to see how the first flying class will go but before we get to that very exciting part, Minerva and the other teachers will need to be informed that Severus might be seen with Harry Potter and most of all why. What do you think Minerva will do after she hears that she clearly was right to warn Dumbledore about the Dursleys and what happened to the poor boy after being there for so long. And how will the other teacher react? Will Minerva and the others trust Severus with a small abused boy right away?