NOTE:
*panting heavily, hat askew on head, scarf around mouth and suitcases bumping against knee* Gotta run, can't talk much, Dementors are after me 'cause I used the Imperius curse. *looks around, scared, then whispers secretly* But don't worry, I've got my laptop somewhere here. See ya somewhere around *sees a hooded figure behind a corner* YIKES! *dashes away, all belongings forgotten*

To:

ParanoiaIn2005 -- No, not corny at all :) I meant rewrite the tell-Harry-about-magic scene. But...eh...haven't got to doing it. *turns a bright red* And I love long reviews, write more!
Molly Morrison -- Hehe, yeah, I tend to speed things up a bit. Past three am! *shakes hand* I understand, I do. Completely.
AthenaKitty -- Ha! Severus would discover that Harry had read it off the desk. Work up some guiltiness...*jab jab*
Lady S, KC, YellowPost-ItNote, Theodred Prince, Atticus J. Finch, MiruSedna, Krylancelo, restless-soul, Kalliope, stargazer, Missa, Froboy, texasjeanette, Serebii, Tielle, sapphireskies, Yana5, T.L.Maraudett, Lyss33, Cold Flame2, Sarit Halivana and Fire Tempest -- Thank you! *hugs* You make me feel nice!
Shadowsnake -- Hey, maybe...after all we have still 2 months before term starts...
Japonica -- Urgh! No time to reply, I am on the run because of you! Haha! I think the body curse is Petrificus Totalus, *shrugs* lazy to check!
Elvett -- Oh, dear, pity you didn't get to submit the long one :( Ooh, yeah, DIEDIEDIEDIEDURSLEYS! SOON!
SiriKat -- *sheepishly* I thought of it. Stupid when I asked for ideas and got one meself...
blubb-blubb -- Haha! My curse worked!
Amie87 -- Yes, I love you! See Snape's? That's an interesting thought...
padfoot1979 -- Your certain werewolf is here!
Lory -- Too late, I'm already in trouble, haha! I haven't forgotten my promise, it'll be carried out at chapter...9!
Mikee -- Answered all in story! (you are a great mindreader!)
Harry's Muggle Sister -- Thank you for reminding me! I almost forgot Hedwig!
Kate -- Haha, I like you! You did? That's good!
Munch -- No plot? Really? I thought there was...*thinks hard* Everybody, really no plot? This is a crisis! I better look for one ASAP!

Me-Love-You Owl to KikyoGirl021989 -- *big smooch* I will if I run dry of ideas!

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With Time Comes Trust: Turning Eleven

Severus walked the slowest pace he could muster on his way back to the room he had put Harry in. Being emotional and caring was so not his trade and he didn't look forward in practicing it either. Thoughts were running through his mind and he was beginning to get tired and trapped. Like a hamster forever running on a treadmill. He didn't know what to think and yet he was thinking quite a lot of things he didn't even know he could think of.

Journey complete, he stood in front of the door to Sirius' chambers. Learning the password, never mind saying it, had been immense torture to him, yet it just tumbled out of his mouth, and he didn't realize it did until the door had swung open. Sirius rocks. Hell no.

He closed the door behind him and leaned on it for a moment before realizing that Harry was in the midst of a nightmare. Struggling with the bedclothes, Harry whimpered, curling up in a tight ball of sobbing misery. Without thinking, Severus half ran towards the bed and picked up the protesting boy. Hugging him tightly against himself, Severus winced but didn't say anything when Harry began kicking to free himself from Severus' hold.

"Shhh, Harry, it's okay," Severus said softly and as gently as he could. "It's okay. Nothing will hurt you. Nothing."

Harry didn't reply but he stopped kicking, only using his tiny hands to try pushing the older man away. He was awake, yet his terrified green eyes did not focus on anything.

"Harry, look at me, look at me!" Harry finally raised his eyes to focus on Snape's face. "It's alright, everything's over."

"You don't understand," Harry closed his eyes, slightly trembling.

"I do," Severus replied, his chest constricting painfully. "More than you know."

"Nobody does."

"Then make them," Severus answered. "We are now your family. We will share your grief and joy, give you the love you have always wanted. You just have to open up, leave the past. Come out from your relative's shadow, be yourself."

"It's not that easy," Harry whispered, his eyes tightly shut.

"No, it's not," Severus recalled the memories shared with him and shuddered. No one could ever forget those things. "But we'll help you. One step at a time."

Harry buried his face deeper in the professor's robes. "One step."

Severus didn't move, waiting for Harry to fall back into sleep before gently lifting the back of his shirt. The impact from the wall had gave him a bruise and he wanted to check Harry's back. Sure enough, a dark purple bruise had formed just below Harry's shoulder blades and Severus slowly pulled a vial from his pocket, trying not to wake the child lying on top of him.

Pouring out a dark green liquid, he gently rubbed it into the bruise, trying hard to ignore the scars that marred the little one's back. Harry shifted but didn't wake. Replacing the bottle in his pocket, he lifted Harry and tucked him back in bed.

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Severus burst into the classroom where he was brewing a potion before he was hit with the Leg-Locking curse. He had plainly forgotten about it and he was sure the fire hadn't been put out when he had walked out this morning carrying Harry.

Well, of course.

The cauldron had exploded and the gooey brown contents had splattered the whole classroom. Surprising that no one heard it. Something dropped on his head with a soft splat and he looked up to see gooey strands of brown stuff dangling from the ceiling.

Rats.

His hair started to fly up in all directions, sticking as high as they could go. He cleared the bird's nest on his head with a fast spell.

"Reparo," Snape waved his wand towards the cauldron, then "Scourgify!" The whole classroom was immediately rid of the half brewed potion.

"I love magic," he announced to the empty room.

Walking the whole length of the classroom to make sure nothing was out of order, he stopped by the desk where Harry had sat at. Pushing the chair back in place, he noticed the carving scrawled on the desk. Locomotor Mortis. Looking up, he noticed another carving on the desk in front he recognized as where Fred and George Weasely used to sit: Screw Snape. Waving his wand carelessly, the writing morphed to: Screw Gryffindor.

Feeling intense guilt for a minute for all this would not have happened if he had wrongly accused Harry for using the Leg-Locker curse on him, Professor Snape returned to the front of the classroom. Picking up bottles of ingredients, he returned them to the storage cupboard. He was not in the mood to re-brew another potion.

Conveniently forgetting to tell Sirius (who was sure to explode if he knew), the day's happening was secret between Harry, Severus and Dumbledore. However, bad memories may it have brought, Snape and Harry was undeniably closer and Sirius (as usual sensing a fish lurking somewhere) was taking every opportunity to jab Severus about his sudden change of behavior towards his Godson.

Harry hid his feelings pretty well (he was a pro about this after much practice for 10 years) but Severus knew that he wasn't all that happy as he portrayed himself to be, the rest of the day. But as he said, a step at a time would eventually lead to full recovery.

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It was exactly midnight when Sirius woke Harry from his sleep. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Harry rubbed his sleepy eyes and tried to get back into the bed but his Godfather had already taken him playfully by the waist and lifted him up. "It's not my birthday," Harry mumbled.

"It's the 31st of July, you are eleven, kid!"

"I don't care." Harry yawned. The previous day's event had left him exhausted and he didn't even know that it was his birthday.

Sirius frowned, setting Harry on a chair, standing. He proceeded to change the sleepy child's pajamas to a shirt and pants. "You are not awake yet."

He grabbed a wet cloth from the bathroom and wiped Harry's face quickly but not roughly. Having gone to bed only three hours ago, Harry surveyed his surroundings with red eyes. "What's going on?"

Sirius didn't bother to answer, scooping Harry in his arms and bringing him down to the Hogwarts garden. "TA-DAH!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARRY!"

Harry looked at Dumbledore, Minerva and Snape with an open mouth. Each of them wore a party hat on their heads and had on wide smiles.

"You are eleven now!" Minerva went up to Sirius and Harry, kissing Harry on his forehead. Harry blushed and Sirius put him down on the ground.

"In the first year of your second decade now, Harry," Severus knelt down to look at Harry. "Happy birthday."

Harry still looked a little awed. Nobody had ever celebrated or even remembered his birthday before.

"A big, big boy now," Dumbledore smiled down at him. Harry tilted his head to look up at the old man. "The days before you lies entangled with joy and laughter."

"Thank you," Harry said shyly.

"Now I'll like you to meet someone," Sirius guided Harry past his to-be professors who parted to let them pass. Harry suddenly realized a large man stood at the background, a hanky as big as a tablecloth clutched to his eyes.

"This is Rubeus Hagrid," Sirius said gently behind Harry, his hands on the boy's shoulders. "He was the one who took you from....never mind, the first one who held you in his arms."

"Harry!" Hagrid blew his nose loudly. "Oh, Harry!"

"Hello," Harry said awkwardly.

Hagrid suddenly swept Harry up in a hug, nearly suffocating him. "The first time I saw you, you a tiny little mite you were." He took Harry by the shoulders and held him at arm's length looking him over. "Still a little tiny, but... oh, Harry!" He drew Harry into another smothering hug.

"Uh, Hagrid," Sirius said worriedly. "Don't crush him."

"Eh? Oh, sorry," Hagrid released Harry down to the ground. Harry looked relieved. "I bought yer a present, I chose her meself."

Hagrid turned aside and picked up something covered with a white cloth. "Happy birthday, Harry."

Harry looked even more shocked. "For...me?"

"Fer you," Hagrid confirmed. He swiped at his nose again.

"Take it," Minerva nudged Harry gently.

With utmost fascination, Harry accepted the object and tugged off the cloth. A loud squawk nearly made Harry drop it, but before he could, he was eye to eye with a magnificent snowy owl.

"That's the best in the shop," Hagrid added excitedly. "Do yer like it?"

"Wow," was all Harry could say.

"Here," Sirius opened the cage and the owl flew out at once, soaring in the air for a minute before resting on Harry's arm.

"Good fer posts, these owls," Hagrid said. "Good pets."

"Thank you!" Harry said happily, admiring the pure white feathers.

"Do yer like it?"

"I love it," Harry answered.

"Tell me what yer decide to name her," Hagrid said.

"And this..." Sirius turned Harry around and he saw another man who was standing beside the Headmaster. "Is Remus Lupin. He was your dad and my best friend. We went everywhere together."

"Hello, Harry," Remus looked at Harry. His eyes held a flash of sorrow before patting Harry on the head. "Happy birthday." Bringing out a wrapped package from his robes, he handed it to Harry. "Treasure it."

Harry took the gift gently in his hands. "Thank you." Remus looked at him and smiled softly. Harry unwrapped the package and opened the lid of the box inside, and nestled in soft blue tissue paper, was a photo album.

"It holds photos of your parents," Remus said silently.

Harry opened the book, tears shining in his emerald orbs. He was going to see his parents for the very first time. The first photo revealed a handsome raven haired man with his arm around a beautiful girl. Both of them were smiling, waving their hands at Harry.

"Thank you," Harry raised tearful but joyful eyes to meet Remus' understanding ones. "Thank you."

Severus stepped forward with a large oblong packet. "Wouldn't want Remus to start hogging all the limelight now," he joked, trying to break the tension. "Happy Birthday."

Harry accepted the package, a smile on his face. "Thank you." With Snape's encouragement, he unwrapped it and revealed a broomstick. "To sweep the floor?" he asked.

Everyone burst into laughter.

"No, no!" Severus said. "That's a broomstick..."

Sirius snorted.

"And not just any broomstick, Harry," Severus said, his face now perfectly straight. "It can fly." He took Harry's hand and held it over the broom. "Say 'Up'."

"Up," Harry said obediently. The broom sprang into his hands and Harry nearly dropped it again.

"Climb on it," Severus said. "Don't worry, it wouldn't drop you."

Harry gingerly climbed on the broom. And before he could say anything, it...FLEW. It carried him high in the air, and Harry felt the wind brushing his face and could smell the night air. The moon spilled it's reflected rays around him and he smiled happily.

"It's wonderful!" he shouted down to his waving professors, Godfather, Remus and Hagrid.

"It's a Nimbus Two Thousand," Severus nudged Sirius sharply in his ribs. "Best broom."

"How do I get down?" Harry shouted from the sky.

"Guide it down!" Severus shouted. "No, just think down!"

Harry felt puzzled. "Down?"

Then the broom started to fly down, back to earth. Sirius lifted him off the broom and Harry ran to hug Severus. "Thank you!"

"I suppose I have to break a school rule, huh?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

"Rule?" asked Harry.

"No brooms are allowed for first years," Minerva said, smiling. "But look at Albus."

Everyone laughed lightly.

Minerva bent down. "And here's mine." She brought out a soft tiny ball of black fur from behind her back.

"A kitten!" Severus and Sirius began laughing. "How typical! She loves cats and even trans..."

Minerva shut her former students with a sharp glare. "Huh!"

"I love it," Harry said quickly. He cuddled the soft ball against his chest. The tiny kitten uncurled itself and blinked green eyes at it's owner. It licked Harry's palm then returned to sleep.

"Kittens need sleep," Minerva offered. She took the kitten away from Harry and set it on the soft grass where it continued it's peaceful slumber.

Harry watched her and was slightly startled when Dumbledore looped something around his neck.

"A protection charm made from a Phoenix's feather and dipped in the tears of an Ukrainian Ironbelly." Dumbledore silently explained. Everyone was quiet for once. "It will protect you when harm arises and take away all your nightmares and bless you with sweet dreams."

"Thank you," Harry said softly.

"Be a good boy," Dumbledore said. "Welcome to Hogwarts." A sad smile graced his lips, and rose to his feet.

Poppy gave him a huge wet kiss on his cheek. "Happy birthday!" She thrust a small package at him. "Phoenix tears!" She said proudly. "Cures all wounds."

"Bet she squeezed Fawkes for all he was worth," Sirius whispered loudly.

"Thank you," Harry said again, shyly.

"Well, Harry, ready to see mine?" Sirius asked gleefully. Without waiting for an answer, he gestured to a far corner of the garden where an old man with glass stood patiently, a large box behind him.

"This is Mr. Ollivander," Sirius said beckoning for the man to step forward. The box followed the man's every step. "He will help you choose your wand."

"A wand?" asked Harry.

"A wand," Mr. Ollivander agreed. He smiled a sinister smile. "Now which is your wand arm?"

As Harry let the old man measure him, Sirius explained. "It took me and Minerva almost 4 hours to convince him to come out here."

"Thank you." Harry said, radiant with happiness.

"Here!" Mr. Ollivander thrust a wand into Harry's hand. "Wave it."

Harry bought it down with a sharp swish.

"No," he snatched it back and gave Harry another. "Dragon Heartstring, 11 inches, great for Transfiguration." (Minerva nodded excitedly)

Before Harry had even lifted it, he found another one in his hand. "Centaur's hair, 8 inches, soft coral wood."

Harry started to bring it down but again, Mr. Ollivander snatched it back. "Hard customer. Good. I like it," he gave Harry another one.

"Phoenix feather, holly, 12 inches, strong and supple."

Harry brought it down and fiery golden sparks erupted loudly that he jumped. Everyone started to applaud.

"Good, good. That's a good wand," Mr. Ollivander packed up the rest of the wands. "But very strange."

Sirius shot him a dirty look.

"Strange?" Harry asked.

"Never mind," Mr. Ollivander said, catching the large hint. "A very happy birthday to you, Harry. May your days be enlightened with good fortune and health."

Before Harry could say 'thank you', the man had disappeared.

"Your ticket to the world of magical reality," Sirius beamed.

"Thank you," Harry hugged his Godfather.

"Now, gifts aside, let the party begin!" Sirius yelled with delight.

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Full to the extent, everyone had finally hauled themselves off to bed at daybreak, leaving empty plates and platters of jelly, cake, pudding and all assortments. Hagrid was sprawled on his big bed at his hut, a bottle of Butterbeer in his dangling hand. Severus and Minerva had fallen asleep on the way to their rooms and were sleeping together, arm in arm in one of the beds at the Hospital Wing (the nearest place they could reach). Poppy was on another bed, face in pillow, snoring daintily.

Sirius had carried a sleeping Harry to their room and managed to tuck his Godson in before collapsing into his bed. Remus had followed them, drooping with sleepiness and had also collapsed beside Sirius. Only Dumbledore remained sane as a thought kept plaguing his mind. He reached his office and sat heavily in his chair, head in hands.

Harry James Potter was eleven. According to the rules of the eternal protection Lily had gave her son, Harry had to return to his blood relatives a day after every birthday, once he was past ten years old, to renew it for a year. Sirius still hadn't broken the charm yet. How was he supposed to tell them all?

Fawkes gave a loud squawk and flew down to his master's lap. Dumbledore stroked the soft feathers, worry etched on his aging face. Meanwhile, he had more than half a day to tell everyone.

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I LÔVE YÔU,
YÔU LÔVE ME
WE ARE A HAPPY FAMILY
WITH A GREAT BIG HUG
AND A KISS FROM ME TÔ YÔU
WON'T YÔU PLEASE ®EVIEW THIS TOO