Authors Note: Thanks again for all the support I can harldy belive how many seem to read my story.
Shadow Phoenix
Chapter 4
Being seen
Albus is sitting at his office when Severus once again appears through the fireplace. It's late and he assumes that the two boys that are currently in his care are asleep. "Hello my boy." Albus greats happily. "I should have let you raise a child much sooner. I've never seen you as much as I do now."
Severus glares at the cheerful man. "Draco and Harry would like to go flying and I would like to request Rolanda's assistance since I'm not the best on a broom myself and hardly qualified to teach Harry never mind protect him should something go wrong."
"I see." Albus replies happily. "I will request it of Rolanda and ask her to inform you tomorrow if it is possible during this weekend. I would ask you to let the boy's stay in your quarters for the morning and will inform the staff after breakfast that your foster son will be staying with you from now on and who that child is. I assume that it will be best to tell them the circumstances to ensure that they help with the angry mob that might appear at some point." Albus still grins at those words and rather looks exited at the prospect. "I will also inform Molly. She'd otherwise be the first to challenge your claim on the boy and everyone knows that and who doesn't know Remus enough will go to her to aid her or talk her into aiding them should they try. Remus already agrees to leave Harry where he is by the way. Some obviously will go to Malfoy should they be on that side of the war but I doubt that they'd bother trying considering that the outcry from our side would be even greater then with you should they only try."
"If you must." Severus replies, "Please make sure that Rolanda will contact me soon since Draco will be even more of a nuisance than normally until he knows. Now excuse me again."
Severus is gone even faster than usual after having been forced to see the Headmaster so often in the last couple of days. Albus just chuckles and sends Fawkes with a note towards Rolanda Hooch and request her to see him that night or early the next morning since he has a personal favour to ask of her.
Not ten minutes later there is a knock on his door and after Albus said "Enter." Rolanda walks right in. "Ah Rolanda. It's so good of you to stop by so promptly."
"I was doing my rounds anyway and thought I'd stop by." Rolanda replies.
"Thank you so much and do make yourself comfortable." Albus says cheerful as always and gestures towards his bowl of lemon drops. "Would you like some sweets?"
"No thank you Albus." She declines. "What is it that I can do for you?"
"I would like you to teach a young boy that is still five how to fly a broom." Albus sighs suddenly much less cheerful. "I know you disapprove of letting younger children fly too early on proper brooms but he wishes it and to be honest, I rather not deny him anything at his current circumstance."
"May I ask what those circumstances are?" She questions clearly disapproving of the idea.
"He is gravely depressed to the point that I fear he might be suicidal at times. Not constantly but he already had done something that could have killed him and not because in his young mind he was unable to see the danger. He was fully aware that he might die should he do what he did. But in that moment, he wished to die." Albus explains.
"Are you sure that flying is a safe thing to do for the child?" She questions. "being up in the air might make him decide to just…fall."
"That is what he did." Albus explains. "Not from a broom of course, he hasn't been on one so far, but from a rather big garden shed. His magic saved him and I have very good reason to believe that should he let himself fall the same thing would happen. I doubt that is a way he CAN use to inflict self-harm. Never the less, he is highly depressed and could use something to raise his spirit and he's with Severus now and Draco Malfoy is staying there too and so far, the child refused to be seen whenever possible and now, for the first time, has shown any interest to leave Severus' quarters. But only to fly. I'm begging you Rolanda, for this once. Let the boy fly and hopefully enjoy himself with Draco there too."
"Who is the boy and how could any five your old get that depressed?" Rolanda questions further.
Albus sighs and Rolanda is surprised to see him more serious than ever, even including the meetings they had during the war. "That would partially be my fault. He was my charge and I left him with his family. I thought his family would take care of him even if they are muggles and dislike magic. He is still family. I assumed they would be strict and possibly a bit too hard on him but I've never imagined it could be even close to what they did to the poor boy."
"I take it they abused the child?" She questions worried.
"Rolanda dear, Severus' father was great compared to them!" Albus replies and sees her pale a little. She had already been there when Severus had been a student and later found out how bad his home life had been.
It had been too late to do anything about it but she knows what Albus means right now but still would like to know more details. "How bad?"
"When the boy's magic brought him here he had a broken arm and a concussion and had just jumped of that shed. He didn't know his name since he was always called freak. He is still malnourished even after an extended care with Severus. It is getting much better but he still looks like a stick figure. God only knows what else they did." Albus explains clearly close to tears. "I can't change that I left him there, but the boy is now very fond of Severus and wants him as a father and I refuse to deny him anything as I said and Severus already helped him a great deal and has an understanding for his situation that I doubt many have."
"I agree." She replies. "But you still haven't told me the name of said boy."
Albus sighs again and says, "His name is Harry James Potter."
She stares at him for a moment and Albus can see that she is fighting the tears as well now that she knows whose son was hurt in such a way. Rolanda had been very fond of James since he was such a talent on a broom. "I suggest they meet me tomorrow at two on the quidditch pitch. I know that the Gryffindors will be there at three and maybe, if we'll leave out the bludgers, they would be agreeable to play with them a little before doing their proper training. I shall tell the boys myself tomorrow before breakfast. Now if this is all, I need to finish my rounds."
"Of course." Albus replies, "And thank you again for doing this. I know how much you disapprove of children that age being even on a kid's broom due to the dangers but I'm sure he has his father's talent and Draco has been on a broom for years and hardly needs any help at all."
"Let's hope he has his father's talent. If I remember correctly Lily was adequate but neither particularly talented nor interested in flying herself." Rolanda says.
"Harry definitely is interested." Albus replies, "And from what I heard of his first year, before this tragedy with his parents, he had already been on a kid's broom and already showed some talent on that. But as I said, he's never been on a real broom and not on a kid's one either since that faithful night. I doubt very much he'll remember anything." Albus grins, "But now I won't keep you any longer. Enjoy your night and I hope you have a pleasant time with the boys tomorrow."
The next day Albus has a staff meeting right after breakfast which is unusual for a Saturday morning and apart from Rolanda no one has even the slightest idea what it is about. As usual Albus starts the meeting by asking Minerva, "Is everyone present?"
"Severus is missing." She replies worried. Severus is usually very punctual.
"He's excused." Albus just replies and looks around. "This meeting is, partly, about him. Not in a negative way, just about a change in his life that you all need to be made aware of and I do hope that the whole staff will help him in his unique situation."
"And what situation would that be?" Minerva questions.
"Severus has taken charge of an orphan and is raising him from now on." Albus replies.
If a needle would drop in that moment, it would most certainly be heard. It seems like at least most of the staff is even to shocked to breath. All but Rolanda that is who just looks at Albus and asks into the silence, "Could I also be excused? After all you already told me of the circumstances and the child since I'm giving him flying lessons this afternoon. I would like to use the time for other things unless you have something else to discuss."
"Rolanda dear, I didn't even think about excusing you too but of course you may." He replies. "I do have some suggestions for further support that Severus might need but I think you already are helping with those lessons and I would appreciate it if you could give some more but I'll leave you to decide that after seeing if the child has any talent or not."
Everyone stares after Rolanda surprised that she agreed to give a child lessons unless he's already a first year and those get them anyway and don't need extra lessons.
"How old is the child?" Minerva finally questions.
"The boy is five." Albus replies. "And please, refrain from an I told you so later."
She raises her eyebrow in question while Filius asks the question most of them are wondering about, "Why on earth would Severus of all people take in a little boy? I always thought he hates children. We've all heard him complain about his godson Draco Malfoy whenever the boy was over more than once."
"The boy's magic brought him to Severus in a time of great need." Albus replies, "I fear Severus didn't have much of a choice but now is devoted to the child and is doing everything he can to help the boy."
"And what kind of need was it?" Poppy questions, "Is the boy healthy?"
"He is getting healthier now." Albus sighs. "I fear that when he came he had a broken arm, a concussion and was badly malnourished. So badly that the later, is still slightly the case but he is getting better in Severus' care."
"Why did I not see him when he was this badly wounded?" Poppy questions.
"Because he feared his own shadow and the exposure to too many people would have been harmful." Dumbledore replies, "Apart from that Severus was well capable to take care of everything himself so your aid wasn't urgently needed, which is why it was decided that he'll take care of it by himself."
"And why would the boy be that terrified?" Minerva wonders.
"Because he was abused." Albus sighs. "We decided to keep that a secret for a reason I'm getting to later, but the boy obviously couldn't be left in that environment which is why Severus took over after already taking care of the boy while he was healing. The two bonded rather well probably due to Severus' personal experience with child abuse. The boy cares for him and feels safe with Severus. I can't take that from him now that he finally starts to trust him."
"I agree." Poppy replies, "If the boy came to somehow like Severus and wishes to stay there than it is necessary that he is permitted to do so if Severus is willing to raise him properly. If the child was badly abused, he won't easily trust and being moved from place to place will only make it worse."
"How bad was it?" Pomona dares to ask what probably everyone is wondering but not daring to ask in fear of the answer.
"He didn't know his name until Severus told him." Albus replies, and with a heavy sigh explains more details about what little he does know for fact and that he assumes it to be only the tip of the ice berg and finishes with the luckily failed attempt to harm himself and why, but leaves out the details since there is hardly a dry eye left already.
"Please tell me he didn't mean to harm himself." Poppy begs.
"I fear he tried to jump of a rather high place believing that it might cause himself enough pain to be considered a good boy or even better, let him go to his dead parents." Albus honestly replies.
"This five-year-old boy tried to kill himself?" Minerva asks before paling. Albus had mentioned a cousin in the explanation and not to say I told you so and she only knew one boy that age whose parents were dead who was with an Aunt and Uncle who had a boy. "Oh please Albus, tell me it's not who I think it is."
"I fear it is." Albus sighs.
"Why?" Poppy questions seeing Minerva's pale face. "Who do you think it is."
"It can't be." Minerva says, "I knew they are bad but please tell me they weren't that bad. Please tell me that I didn't condone you leaving that child there only to let him be hurt as much."
"I'm sorry Minerva." Albus sighs, "But I'm afraid you did tell me that they are the worst sort of muggles."
"Who is it?" Pomona questions this time.
"It's Harry Potter." Albus replies. And once again the room is silent.
Minerva is still fighting the tears but Filius can't help but shed a tear or two. Pomona is also crying a little silently while Poppy seems too shocked for even that.
Minerva is the first to find her voice and says, "I insist to see the boy. I must see for myself that he is safe there. I trusted you last time even though I doubted your decision and let you leave him there. I won't make the same mistake twice. Severus hated James, still hates him actually. Who's to tell me that he won't abuse the boy. Harry might not even notice as long as his treatment is marginally better than what the poor boy is used to." She sees the surprised look on her colleges, "I'm not saying that I generally believe Severus able to do that and truly believe he won't but I had believed Albus that the boy's family wouldn't either and never even thought that it could take such degrees. I'm not going to take my chances again."
"I'm sure that can be arranged but I much rather have you wait a little or at least let Severus know so he can prepare the boy." Albus cations.
"So he can make the boy presentable or teach him what to say and not to say?" She questions. "No I insist to go there right away."
"Severus wouldn't hurt a child." Poppy calms her, "He might not be fond of them but he'd never intentionally harm one."
"I know that Severus is a good man that probably won't harm the boy. But he hates James with a passion." Minerva replies, "I fear he might let the boy feel that hatred just like the Dursleys hated anything they consider unnormal like magic. I'm not going to take it on faith that Severus wouldn't just because Harry is a child, like I took it on faith that they wouldn't just because he's family. No I insist to go there to be absolutely sure and nothing any of you can say will dissuade me of that."
"In that case I like to ask the rest of you to leave them alone for now at least when they are in their private rooms. I'd also like to ask you Minerva, Pomona and Filius to see to it that your students will be nice to the boy without letting them know how much he's been though. I'm certain Severus will do the same." Albus sighs. "I doubt I need to ask you to be nice to the boy should you see him around at some point. But as I mentioned Rolanda agreed to teach him flying already to raise his spirits a little and due to that he will leave Severus' quarters for the first time since he came here and while I doubt we will see a repeat of that anytime soon I do hope to be proven wrong and that he will come to feel comfortable and safe in the rest of the castle as well."
Once again it is quiet for a moment until Minerva questions, "Anything else? I'd like to see Harry."
Albus sighs but says, "The rest may leave and enjoy their Saturday but I'd like to discuss something else with you for a moment Minerva."
She glowers while the rest leave and once they are alone again she asks, "What is so urgently that I had to wait?"
"I have to inform you of one more thing and would like to do so now, before you go see Harry since it is about him." Albus replies, "But we, that means Severus and I, decided to keep it a secret as long as possible. Draco unfortunately found out and while he tried to keep it from his father it wasn't possible but thankfully it wavered Lucius to our side at least for the moment since it is proving the boy's great power."
"And what is it?" She questions unhappy that Albus now even seems to trust a Malfoy.
"Harry is a natural magical animagus." Albus replies, "That's how he managed to get to Severus. He's a shadow Phoenix, Felix to be exact. We didn't know it was Harry until recently but assumed him to be an abused boy for some time. It took a lot of time until Harry finally trusted Severus enough to change into Harry in front of him and is improving greatly since then. That was also partly the reason we couldn't just bring him to Poppy when he came here with a broken arm. At the time, it was a broken wing"
"Harry is Felix?" She asks shocked. She had seen that the bird had gotten close to Severus while being wounded. "I still insist on seeing him."
"Like I said, it seems like I can't stop you but don't be surprised if the boy is extremely shy. He hasn't talked to me yet and I only saw him as Harry as opposed to Felix while he was either sleeping or silently working on some lines he had to write. And before you get angry about that, the punishment was for calling himself freak and he had to write I'm not a freak I'm a good boy ten times partly to improve his handwriting and of course to get the message into his head a little better and Harry himself seemed to consider it lenient. At least according to Severus."
"Compared to what those muggles did it probably is." Minerva complains. "I still will go and unless you have anything else you can use to stall me I'll be taking my leave now."
Albus just sighs and indicates that she may go while after she left he raises to go to Molly Weasley hoping that she will be less likely to get upset about Harry's current placement. He sends Fawkes with a note to announce that he'll be coming by soon unless they don't have time and to please inform him in that case. A little latter Fawkes returns with a note confirming that they have time and steps right through the fireplace to see them.
"Is something wrong with Bill or Charlie? Your note sounded so urgently." Molly questions right away.
"Oh no," Albus smiles fondly at her, "Bill and Charlie are doing great. I don't know if Charlie already wrote you but he made Seeker for Gryffindor."
"Bill wrote us." She says proudly, "It seems Charlie had been worried that we would see us forced to get him a proper broom which we can hardly afford but we managed to get him one and send it just this morning. I assume he got it today at breakfast."
"They are truly wonderful boy's." Albus replies, "Which is why I wanted to ask you to ask them to do me a little favour. Or rather to just suggest to them to do that without telling them why. I promise it won't be too much trouble I'm aware that they probably have a lot to do anyway but Charlie in particular would be in the perfect position to help a child I'd like to be helped."
"What child and how?" She questions. Her motherly instincts kicking in the second she hears that a child needs help.
"It's about Harry Potter." He says, "I made a great mistake a few years back to entrust him to his muggle Aunt and her family."
"Why what happened?" Molly questions further.
Albus sighs, "They were dreadful to the boy. Worse than that. I'd like to spare you the details but they hurt him so badly and he's now shy and gets easily scared and hides away most of the time. He does however show a great interest in flying and Rolanda agreed to teach him already and try to see if he'd like to play with some of the Gryffindor team including Charlie. Maybe he can, only on occasion, invite Harry to play with him and maybe some of the team without letting it slip why the boy could need some extra attention. The last thing Harry needs is that everything will be plastered all over the Prophet possibly repeatedly. Whenever they find something else to write about him they might add in a reminder of this."
"The poor boy." Molly says sadly. "Where is he now? Who is taking care of him?"
Albus looks a little worried, "He is with Severus." Molly is about to say something but Albus quickly goes on, "Harry chose him. He came to him in a time of need I won't go into detail on why he needed it or how he got to Severus but that is where he ended up and they have bonded greatly before I even knew that he wasn't with his muggle family. Minerva is also mistrusting him but I'm sure she'll see how good Severus is for him soon. I beg you Molly, Harry wants to stay with Severus taking him away now."
"Would be wrong." She finishes. "I doubt Severus will be good but if Harry chose him and bonded with him than we are left with no choice I can see that Albus. I won't say I'm happy about his placement since I can't see Severus to be the best choice for any child and not due to ill will on his account. I don't doubt his intentions, it's his strict and cold personality that might be harmful in the long run. But until further notice I won't disapprove of it openly. I will however keep a very close eye on both and instruct my sons to do the same including to have them both try and find something to do with Lily's little boy whenever they've got some time to spare for him."
"I thank you for that." Albus sighs glad that the woman at least understands that Harry can't be forcibly removed from someone he wants to live with.
Albus leaves quickly after that and Molly starts writing a letter to both of her sons that includes that it came to her attention that Severus Snape has recently been appointed the guardian of Harry Potter and that she worries if he is the right choice to take care of a child and asks them to have an eye on the boy. She also mentions that he is supposed to be very shy and that it was the case before he came to the Professor and to see if that continues or even increases and to write her instantly should there be any other sign that the boy is hurt other than the extreme shyness that he supposedly has at this point.
Severus on the other hand is annoyed when he opens his door to find Minerva outside and fears to know the reason behind her visit. "What can I do for you."
"I want to see Harry." She says.
"I'm not sure that is a wise decision." Severus sighs, "But I assume I won't be getting rid of you otherwise so come in."
She steps into the living room and looks around. "Where is he?"
"In his room." Severus replies, "Playing with Draco."
"Are you sure it is wise to let him get this close to the young Malfoy? And to let them find out that he's Felix."
"I had hoped to keep it from them but Harry, on occasion, has trouble concealing which is how Draco found out and why I fear it won't stay a secret for long anyway. He was also the one to reveal it to Lucius to help Draco from getting in trouble when his father had found out the two of them where keeping a secret from him." Severus explains. "It also wasn't really an option anymore to not let them befriend each other since Draco had befriended Felix before I was even certain that said bird wasn't a real bird. And I can hardly deny my godson to spend some time with me without giving an appropriate reason."
Minerva just huffs, "I assume that he's got your guest room?"
Severus watches her walk towards it for a moment before saying, "The size was hardly appropriate. He's got the room that used to be my potions lap and Albus granted me a new one so I could still brew for the hospital wing." She looks surprised for a moment before turning towards the former potions lap. "You should give me a moment to warn him."
"I'd rather not." She insists worried what the man would tell the poor boy.
She just opens the door and sees a blond boy jump on the bed while a boy, that by his size can't possibly be five years old, is lying on the bed giggling. He looks towards the door when it opens saying, "Is already lu….." His smile disappears when he sees her and the next moment she only sees blue flames where the boy had been.
"Uncle Sev," Draco shouts out. "The Gryffindor lady scared Harry and made him flash."
"Please don't shorten my name and I'm aware of it." Severus replies calmly and Minerva turns around prepared to give him a good talking for being so calm when the boy just disappeared into blue flames but stops when she sees the same tiny boy halfway poking out from under the man's robes. "Harry, don't be afraid. Everything is fine Minerva may know about you being Felix anyway so don't worry about it." Severus says picking up the child gently. She watches as Harry moves his arms around the man's neck and how he looks terrified towards her before burying his face into the man's shoulder. "Harry, I'd like to introduce you to a college of mine that already taught your parents. It's professor McGonagall and I'm sorry I couldn't warn you but she just stormed into my private quarters without giving me a chance to but I promise it won't happen again."
For the first time in ages Minerva feels scolded and that by a man that is not only so much younger than herself but also a former student of hers. She looks towards the frightened boy and says, "Hello Harry, I'm sorry I scared you. I just wanted to make sure you're okay because I was very close to your parents and wanted to make sure their son is safe and happy."
The boy looks at her and frowns but doesn't say anything. Not even when Draco walks over to Severus' side and reaches up to take the smaller one's hand. "Harry," Severus says after a moment of silence. "You and Professor McGonagall have something in common. She can turn into an animal too."
Harry still just frowns while Draco asks, "What kind of animal? Is she a Phoenix too?"
"No, I fear I'm not something quite as special." She answers, "I'm a tabby cat. I can show you two if you'd like."
"Yes please, that be awesome." Draco says, "And can you teach me to? You are a teacher, right?"
"I am and I teach seventh-years how to transform if their grade in transfiguration has been outstanding and they have an interest in it." She replies before turning into a tabby cat.
"That's cool." Draco exclaims, "Look Harry she still looks like she got glasses."
"Cats eat birds." Harry mumbles still frowning.
She turns back and sees Severus sigh, "Birds eat worms but I dare say little boys don't and Felix liked everything you like so I'm sure Minerva won't eat you if you both are changed."
"Of course, not." She replies, "And even if I wanted to, which I definitely don't, I dare say a Phoenix would be way out of my league."
Harry still frowns at her and turns away after a moment burying his head into Severus' shoulder. Minerva still can her him mumble "Make her go daddy."
"Why Harry?" Severus asks. "She won't hurt you. She just wants to make sure that you're okay."
"Why now?" Harry mumbles, "She never did before."
"I know Harry, and I know that was a mistake." She replies, "I knew that they weren't nice people but trusted them to take care of their own family and due to that never came to see you and make sure of it. I just fear of making the same mistake again now that I know how badly they've been to you. I just want to make sure this time that you are safe because I fear to make the same mistake again."
"Daddy wouldn't hurt me." Harry frowns and holds on tighter, "I wanna stay with Daddy."
"I can see that and I'm very happy about it." She replies, "I know that Severus isn't a bad person but I feared that he might be overly strict with you and punish you too harshly."
"Daddy?" The boy asks confused. "Daddy is great and knows a lot but he really doesn't know how to punish good."
Severus grins a little and replies, "I told you before I'm feared for my punishments. It's just due to the overly bad punishing's form those dreadful people you are unfortunate enough to call family that you assume me to be lenient."
"What's unfortunate?" Harry questions.
"Un lucky." Severus replies, "In this case I mean that it is unlucky for you that they are part of your family because I really dislike them and wished you had nicer family."
"I have now." Harry says, "I have you Daddy."
"That you do." Severus says and pets the boy's head. "Even if we aren't a real family."
"We are now." Harry insists, "Lucius said so. He said that for all inten and purpur I'm your son."
"Intent and purpose." Severus corrects with a gentle smile. By now he finds Harry's pronunciation rather cute than annoying as he usually does. "But you're right, we are family and you know what, we are much closer than a normal one because we didn't just happen to be born together and forced to call each other family, we chose each other right?"
"Right." Harry cheers, "You're my Daddy and you'll stay my Daddy."
"That I will." He replies, "Now how about you two disappear back into your room and play together while I discuses some boring things with my college?"
"Okay." Harry replies and after Severus puts the boy down he takes Draco's hand and takes the disappearing part literal and both flash away. This time the flames being a bit of a mix of mostly blue with a bit of yellow in it.
Severus tares at it for a moment before smiling "I guess that is a good sign."
"I beg your pardon?" She questions.
"The flames just now weren't a pure blue." Severus replies. "And Albus assumes that Harry will change into a proper Phoenix rather than a shadow one when he's over his depression. It seems he has a fairy tale of a Phoenix animagus who was a shadow Phoenix while being depressed. I assume he named his Phoenix after it since the man that after dying became a full Phoenix was called Fawkes."
Minerva stares at him before staring towards the boy's bedroom. "He didn't really want to name him Fawkes at first." She says after a moment. "I was there when he met him and he had to try countless names before the bird seemed to approve of one." She looks back towards Severus saying, "He did look towards a bookcase before trying Fawkes and a few weeks later told me that Fawkes likes fairy tales about Phoenixes, or rather the only one he has about one and to look out for more so he could read that too him too."
Severus and Minerva stare at each other for a while before staring towards the boy's room in silence. "I guess that means Albus was right." Severus says after a moment, "In that fairy tale the animagus flashed while being a Shadow Phoenix and found just what he so desperately wanted and found happiness there. That is why he left Harry in my care. He flashed here. He came to me not even knowing me or anything about magic. His magic brought him to me for some reason none of us know."
"I understand." She replies, "I'm sorry for scaring him before. I'll leave for now and just hope that he'll give me another chance at some point."
"I'm sure he will once he's recovered some more." Severus assures.
During lunch Albus rose in the great hall and said, "May I have everyone's attention for a moment." He waits for the chatter to stop which quickly happens since it is rare for him to give a speech during the year. "I just want to inform you that one of our staff member have agreed to foster an orphaned five-year-old child that up to now had lived with his muggle relatives who are unable to take care of the boy any longer for different reasons that you don't need to be bored with. Just please be kind when you see the young boy and should you ever see him alone please return him to his foster parent Professor Snape who will most certainly be very upset should any of you let anything happen to little Harry Potter."
After that he sits down with a little grin while the hall is deathly silent for a moment before a rush of whispers make it hum like a bee hive. Albus sees Severus glare at the oldest of the former death eater children to ensure that none of them would dare to harm the boy and they all quickly avoid his glare clearly getting the message.
Shortly after lunch during which he reluctantly had left the two boys for a little while he gets them ready for their first flying lesson with Rolanda. Even Draco is excited because even though he is flying for some time, he's never had a real teacher tell him how to do anything. It had only been his father or Severus who had been with him and he had mostly been learning by doing.
Harry is also rather nervous and as soon as they reach the quidditch pitch Severus casts one protection charm after the other towards both children before Rolanda can even begin to tell them what to do.
Both boys prove to have talent by managing to summon the broom into their hands on their first try which usually gives the witch the first insight on how much help they are going to need and managing on the first attempt either means they have years of practise from before or are exceptionally talented.
A little later she knows that while both have some talent, Harry has even more than his father had. He hardly needs any instructions and figures things out faster than she can explain. She had considered giving the boys further lessons should they have some talent but now decided against it since they both are already at a level where, if they were first years in their first flying class, would be excused from further lessons in that subject and advised to try out for Quidditch later during their second year. Should they be picked in their first year she'd give them permission since according to the rules all first years need to be approved by her. Not that it had been needed so far since it doesn't happen all that often and not during her time. She mostly just watches the boys fly when the Gryffindor team arrives. She walks over to their captain and asks, "Would it be all right with you to leave the bludgers out for now and let the boys join you for a little? I think they have great talent."
They agree and a little later one of the chasers is turned into a keeper while the other two are divided into two teams with one beater and one of the two little boys in each team for a little match against each other. Only Charlie is looking for a snitch. Harry quickly gives up because he might be great in catching the Quaffle but his aim is way off and he's as likely to throw it to the opposite team members as his own ones.
He joins Charlie after a while and watches him look around for a moment before he dares to ask, "Why aren't you catching it?"
"Catching what?" Charly asks.
"The snitch." Harry questions. "I've seen it a few times."
"Do you see it now?" Charlie question and after a nod says, "Why don't you try then and I'll come after you like I'd do when an opposing seeker seems to have seen it and we'll see who gets it because I haven't seen it yet."
Harry looks at him for a second before he gives a nod and looks around. "Lost it again?" Charlie asks just before Harry dives down towards the ground. Charlie stares after the tiny boy for a second in surprise before coming after him. He can't believe how fast that kid is pummelling towards the ground and after a while screams at him to pull out of it because they are both getting ridiculously close. He tries to get closer to the boy to force him out of the dive and save him but eventually must pull up himself to avoid both of them getting hurt, glad to have seen some spells hit the ground beneath them and hoping that someone cast some really great cushioning charms.
Inches before he hits the ground, Harry reaches out towards the snitch only to spin his broom and skim, clinging to his broom like a slouch, over the ground before he pulls up safely, the snitch in his tiny hand.
Charlie and everyone else stares at him. Not even noticing the shivering Severus Snape in the stands. At least no one but Bill who was right next to him and tried to find out more about the boy since the letter from their mother has given him reason to worry. He now looks towards the shivering Professor who had thrown so many different charms that Bill didn't have a chance to figure out what they all were but knowing that some were cushioning charms. The Professor sinks back onto his chair after a moment mumbling, "That boy is going to give me a heart attack someday."
"Do I have to go to madam Pomfray to get a calming draught?" Bill questions since the man is still shaking. The Professor only glares and Bill looks back towards the pitch saying, "I'm not even here and most certainly didn't see a thing which means I won't be able to tell anyone anything." It is quiet and after a moment he dares to look back at the Professor. He still looks pissed but his hands are still shaking and clinging to his wand. Bill can't help but grin, it seems the man truly cares about that boy.
In that moment, the players start cheering for Harry and flying towards him only to have him look scared and flying towards the stands at a terrifying speed and jump from the flying broom into Severus' arms with enough force to make the man tumble backwards. Bill grins hearing the man mumble again, "Definitely going to give me a heart attack."
"I'm sorry." Harry mumbles.
"It's okay." Severus replies, "I know they scared you coming towards you together suddenly but they only wanted to congratulate you for your flying which you won't be allowed to do again. If I see you fly that close to the ground again I'm going to take your broom for a month!"
Harry looks confused before asking, "Why take it away for something they congratulate me on?"
"Because it was very impressive that you can fly so well and not get hurt trying to do it." Severus explains. "Most would have broken their neck and very possibly died from it which is why I don't ever want to see you try again because it scares me having to watch it and fearing you to get hurt."
Harry still looks confused before asking, "Is me dying bad?"
Severus pales and looks very sad before saying, "Harry, you dying is the worst thing I can imagine and I would be devastated to lose you. Remember that we are family! I chose you to be my family and I would be unimaginably sad should I lose you."
Harry looks at him for a moment before wondering, "You mean, like I'd be if you'd leave me like my real mummy and daddy did?"
"Yes." Severus replies, "Please don't ever let me see you fly like that and get that worried about you again!"
"I'm sorry for scaring you Daddy." Harry says and hugs the man. "I'm not going to do it until I'm playing in a real game."
"In that case, I'm very tempted to never let you join a team." Severus sighs. "Please, be very careful when on a broom."
"I promise I'll be extra careful to never get hurt when flying." Harry promises. "I don't want you to be worried."
Severus holds the boy closer again for a moment when he hears Draco call out, "Harry get back here. We're both going to play seeker with Charlie for the next game!"
Harry looks towards Severus who looks a little worried but says, "Have fun but do stay at least ten food above the ground!"
"Okay." Harry cheerfully promises before he returns to the players who have been chided by a blond five-year-old about scaring his little friend who isn't used to so many going at him at once.
After that Severus once again glares towards a grinning Bill who quickly turns to eye the game and repeating his earlier statement, "I'm not even here and most certainly didn't see a thing which means I won't be able to tell anyone anything." He's also desperately trying to stop himself from laughing and praying that his Professor will never find out that he's about to write everything in detail to his mother.
Authors Note: I hope those of you who were sure that Minerva would trust Severus from the start aren't too disappointed. In her (or my) defence, she was in shock after hearing what had happened to Harry and Severus does usually talk badly about children and how annoying Draco is and the hatred between Severus and the Marauders was, or rather is legendary.
To make up for Minerva's less than perfect reaction I'll give you a mini spoiler (more of a teaser really) meaning if you don't want it, don't read the rest of this Authors Note. During the next Chapter Harry will be a little older (but I will give you a summary of what happened during the missing years and how he got on) and go to Diagon ally with Severus again. What do you think will happen? Will they run into someone again or just have a peaceful day and meet some of Harry's friends that he might have by now? Or will they run into another death eater like with Lucius last time, and this time, not one who will turn easily? Or will Skeeter catch them this time and try to get an interview with Harry? What will that be about? And for the ears in between, have the Dursleys finally been appropriately punished? Will Remus be in Harry's life? Will he get along better with Harry than Minerva had? And will Minerva's relationship with Harry improve?
I'd also like to know what house you'd like to see Harry in. He won't be sorted just yet but what house would you like to see him get into? And do you want him to get adopted by Severus or not? I'm afraid what you'll write won't change anything since the story was written completely before it went to my beta for spell check meaning the "End" Was written before I uploaded the first chapter here, but I'm curious what you'd like to see. And for those that noticed the exclamations marks around the word end, I usually suck at writing ends I believe and worked hard to get one that I liked but my Beta wrote when sending the last chapter back "I'm not sure what you have planned but I think at least an epilogue would be a better way to leave this than how this chapter ends." I have to agree that an Epilogue would be nice, I don't know if I can write one and decided to upload the story without one and see if anyone can give me an inspiration for one and might add that at some point. I'll write why I have problems in another chapter since that would be a huge spoiler so you'll have to wait for that. But your thoughts on his house might already help me with it since reminiscing about his sorting might be included. So please write me lots and lots of reviews so I might be able to write an awesome epilogue a few days or weeks after the last chapter is up (and by the way, this story has 15 chapters but if I remember correctly this one is the shortest.