"I will do no such thing! How can you possibly expect me to take him in when the boy is a living copy of his father?"
"Ah Severus have you forgotten your promise?"
Snape knew he was left with no choice in the matter.
"Very well then I believe that's settled." Dumbledore said calmly.
"I don't think Harry will agree to this."
Dumbledore sighed, "You yourself have witnessed the treatment he has had to face at the hands of his guardians. I believe he will accept any sort of help."
"But the protection headmaster?"
It is important Severus, but not necessary. The child needs a parent. "
"And you expect me to play that role? Why not one of his father's friends?" Snape sneered.
"No one will allow Remus to have custody given his condition and Sirius Black is currently locked up in Azkaban."
"Well can you, as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, perhaps intervene-"
Dumbledore sighed once again, his fingers interlocked in front of him on the desk, as he looked at Severus sitting right across him in his office .
"No I'm afraid the decision has been made. It is either you or we will continue giving his custody to his relatives. And I believe even you are not this heartless despite the reputation you wish to uphold."
"I will take him in but if you expect me to spoil the child-"
"I am quite sure the child will not expect to be spoilt Severus given his current predicament." Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling through his half moon spectacles.
"I will take him in." Snape replied curtly.
"Do try to be just Severus and not let childish rivalries blind you. Harry may look like his father but deep down he is more like his mother than you might think."
"What I do or do not is none of your concern considering the child is now my responsibility headmaster."
"Ah of course Severus. Lemon Drop?"
"No thank you." came a cold reply.
And with that Severus Snape left the office, his black robes swirling in his wake.