Wow. That's really all I have to say. 47 reviews?!? I thank you all so much for reading and responding. As a special treat, I'm combining the chapters. Harry growing up and the Sorting at Hogwarts. Don't you just love me?
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"I do not know the first thing about caring for a child!" Severus realized as Harry began waking. The young boy opened his eyes, focusing in on Severus. Garon stopped behind them, craning his neck to see his young master.
"Master Snape, would you be liking some tea, sir?"
"Yes, that would be fine, Garon. However, you may find the kitchen in disarray. I have not been here for quite a while." Severus cradled the infant in his arms, attempting to lull the child back to sleep.
"Garon will be cleaning, Master Snape. Just call Garon if you be needing him." The elf disappeared into the kitchen just as a loud bang resounded through the mansion. Several people flooded through the doors of the den, one of them the Minister of Magic, Harvey Cornwallis.
"An outrage, I tell you!" the short man yelled. "The Boy-Who-Lived under the care of the likes of you. I should have thrown you into Azkaban, Snape." Severus just barely managed to maintain his composure and call for Garon.
"Yes, Master Snape?"
"Go fetch the Headmaster. Tell him he is needed at once." The elf bowed and popped out, and seconds later, the Headmaster Apparated into the manor.
"What is the meaning of this, Minister?" Albus inquired. Cornwallis pointed an accusing finger at Severus, his face red with anger.
"How could you let him take Harry Potter! The boy deserves to be with his family, Albus! Not with a Death Eater!" The Minister looked near-seething, but Albus merely held up a hand.
"Severus has been vouched for by myself, and several others would willingly do so. He's fought against the Dark Lord, not with him. And young Mr. Potter is with family, I can assure you. It has been discovered that Severus is the boy's uncle, the half-brother of Lily Potter. Next time, Harvey, you should consider gathering facts about the situation, not opinions and rumors, before accusing others. Mr. Potter will be living here, however I think it most prudent if we did not openly advertise the fact. He will have a hard enough time growing up in our world, where everyone knows who he is, without the people dogging his every footstep. Let him enjoy his childhood, Harvey, as little boys should."
The Minister turned a scrutinizing gaze upon the pair before turning to his entourage. "Let's go, after all, we do have celebrations to plan. With the fall of You-Know-Who, wizards and witches can live in peace again." They began filing out when the short man whirled. "Oh, and Albus. There will be a large celebration in Glacier Park tomorrow. We've gotten the best anti-Muggle charmers from around the world together, and everything should be in order by tomorrow morning. Everyone is invited, so will I see you there?"
"Of course," Albus returned jovially, immediately changing his demeanor as the Minister left. "I am so sorry, Severus. I don't think I realized the consequences. Are you alright?" Severus nodded and looked down at the sleeping infant.
"I am fine, Headmaster, thank you. But I should be getting young Mr. Potter to bed." Dumbledore smiled and bid goodbye before winking out. Severus turned to Garon, handing the elf the child.
"Watch him for a few moments while I go upstairs and get his room together."
"Yes, Master Snape," the elf replied, watching as the elder man whisked away. "Though Garon is not knowing how to care for a child either," he added to himself.
Snape made his way carefully up the stairs, taking in the place from his childhood. Out of habit, he carefully tiptoed by the master bedroom to his old room. Opening the door, a scene from his past played over him in his mind.
"Severus, you were outdone in school by a Mudblood? My son can't even manage to match one of those filthy creatures."
"Father, you don't understand, Evans is—"
"Evans? As in the Gryffindor girl? I thought I told you to take care of that last year!" Something akin to a belt found its way into Augustus' hands, and soon Severus found himself over the man's knee, then standing before him, holding in tears. "I expect you to do better, Severus. Make me proud." With that, the door shut, and Severus heard his father enter his room.
Severus blinked, his eyes returning to the present. With a slight wave of his wand, the cobwebs disappeared, and he transfigured the bed into a couch. Another spell connected this room with the master bedroom beside it, creating a door in the wall.
"This will make an acceptable study," he muttered to himself. He continued down the hall, passing a guest room and a bathroom. Another set of stairs led up, and Severus climbed again, trying to remember what exactly was up on the third floor.
He found a library, dark and dingy, as it hadn't been used in years, and a small living area that his mother had used to entertain her few and infrequent guests, connected to a small half-bathroom. The white lace curtains were drawn, and Severus made his way across the old wooden floor. An ancient family rug lay in the middle of the floor, underneath an oak dining table and silver cabinet. Drawing back the curtains, he looked out over the garden. The moon lit up the overgrown area, casting shadows on the statuettes.
Turning, he strode out, closing the sliding doors behind him. He continued until he came upon a door at the end of the hall. He opened it up, noting the narrow staircase. The attic, he thought. Carefully, he ascended the steps, noting the durability of the old stairs. He came up into the attic, noting the spacious area was nearly empty, save a few old trunks and a wardrobe.
After emptying the trunks completely, he flicked his wand. The largest trunk he transformed into a double canopy bed with dark blue sheets. The walls became a light gray, brightening up the room immediately. Two other trunks he made into a dresser and a desk, both chestnut in color to match the wardrobe, and positioned them accordingly. He piled all the miscellaneous items into the last trunk and levitated it behind him as he made his way back down to the master bedroom. On his way down to the second floor, he made a note to make a special staircase leading only to the attic. Harry would like that when he got older.
He dumped everything rather unceremoniously into the study, then transfigured the trunk into a bassinet for the boy. Placing it in his room, he made to clean up when he heard a wail from downstairs, followed by another louder wail that could only belong to Garon.
Sighing dejectedly, he descended the stairs to see both of them in tears on the floor. Garon jumped up and hugged Severus' knees.
"Garon is sorry, sir! Garon is not making him cry, but is not knowing how to make him stop!" The elf wept into Severus' robe before the wizard shooed him off and picked up the child.
"Erm, there now, uh, no need to cry. What is it you need? Pfft, listen to me, talking to an infant as if he'll respond. He's probably hungry." He continued to talk to himself as he made his way to the kitchen, and Garon followed.
"Here is some milk for the baby, Master Snape," Garon handed Severus a bottle with slightly warm milk. "It will help him sleep." Severus took the bottle gratefully and sat down in the chair, trying to get Harry to take the bottle. Finally, the child succumbed, and when Severus set the bottle down on the table, Harry laid his little head on the man's shoulder.
After putting the young man down, Snape turned to Garon. "There is a small bedroom on the third floor, next to the parlor. I, unlike my father and predecessors, take up the Headmaster's view on house elves. You are not vermin, nor should you be treated as such." The little creatures' eyes filled with tears, and he began sobbing violently into Snape's robes.
"Master is kind and gracious. Some of the house elves is saying that Slytherins is all evil, but Master Snape has proved it false! Garon does not deserve such a master!"
"Shh! You'll wake him!" he gestured to the sleeping child. "Now, go. Breakfast is to be prepared at 7 o'clock." The elf bowed deeply, still sobbing quietly to himself, and scattered up the stairs. Severus followed the elf slowly up the staircase, careful not to wake the boy. When he opened his door, he was surprised to find all his belongings already in the room; Garon must have worked some magic after the Minister's visit.
He gently laid the sleeping boy down in the bassinet, his fingers brushing over the red scar on his forehead. Quietly, he stripped down, taking a quick shower, then laid down in the antique four-poster bed. With one last glance at the bassinet, he placed his wand under his pillow and drifted off to sleep.
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One year later…
"Uncle funny!" A three-year old Harry Potter giggled as he watched Severus' hair streak to snowy white. Severus, not having the slightest clue what the child was talking about, pointed at the boy's soup.
"Eat now, Harry, or you will not visit Lupin." Harry giggled into his spoon as his eyes darted from his bowl to his uncle. Finally, Severus could not take it and stood, moving over to the mirror.
"Harry!" he whirled, but the toddler was already sprinting down the hall to the stairs. Severus pulled his wand and stopped the boy mid-stride, easily catching up with him. "Harry James Potter that is not funny."
"Yes! Uncle funny!" Severus scooped up the boy and carried him up to his room.
"No, it is not funny, and while I am very glad that you've begun to show your magical talent, I am not amused by your antics. Now, you will stay in here," Severus set the boy down in the attic, "until dinner. I will call Lupin and inform him of your cancellation."
"No!" The toddler screamed, running to sit on his bed.
"Yes, and if you keep this up, you will go to bed with no dinner." Harry crossed his arms over his chest and pouted, as three-year olds do. Severus shut the door then locked it magically, to ensure his young charge did not come down the stairs and injure himself. Harry looked at the closed door a moment before picking up his bear from the bed. He hurled it across the room, and it landed in the dark cubby-hole next to the door. After a few moments of silence, the three-year old hopped off the bed and ran over, picking up the bear from the pile of toys. With tears, he noted the giant rip on the bear's front, and he carefully placed the stuffed animal on the bed, climbing up next to it.
"Fix!" he waved his hands at it, hoping his magical talents would mend the bear. When nothing happened, he hit the rip. "Fix!" He let out a cry and began slapping the bear, trying desperately to fix the rip. Finally, he threw himself down and cried into his sheets. The door opened, and Harry looked up into the face of his uncle. He thrust the bear into the man's face and smiled.
"Fix please!" he begged, but Severus shook his head.
"No, Harry. You broke it yourself, and I will not fix it just because you decided to throw a tantrum. It's ripped, and now you'll have to throw it out."
"No!" Harry hugged the bear close to him. He had gotten that bear last Christmas from Severus, and it was his most treasured possession. Severus stood as Harry returned to his lying position, crying on the bed. He left the boy alone, to throw his tantrum in solitude. Walking down the stairs, Severus sighed, reveling in the relative silence of the moment. After a few seconds, he walked over to the fireplace.
"Remus Lupin," he called. The man appeared, more ragged than Severus was used to seeing. "Are you alright, Lupin? I called to tell you that Harry won't be able to make it today. He's having a fit and I will not condone such behavior." Lupin nodded sadly.
"I was going to call you, anyway. Look, I uh, have to go away for a while. I mean, with the new Minister and all, I just don't think it's prudent for me to be here. I'm moving to Ireland."
"Ireland? Do they put up with werewolves there?" Severus hadn't meant it to sound so harsh, but Remus didn't cringe at the tone.
"Yes, more than here. Not many people know about my being a werewolf here, but unfortunately, Mikali is one of them. He's made it very clear that we are not welcome in the Ministry. Perhaps things will change in ten years, with the election of the new Minister, but until that time…"
"You run from your problems and leave me to tell the boy," Severus finished for him.
"Look, Severus, I know you don't like it, but what else would you have me do? I have to go. Tell Harry I'm sorry for me, and that I'll write him as soon as I can." With that, the man disappeared, leaving Severus with the biting retort on his tongue.
"Damn him," Severus muttered. "How convenient. The werewolf runs off leaving me the bearer of bad news." He sighed, knowing it would be foolish to delay. He ascended the stairs to the attic, pleased with himself that he finally completed their construction. He knocked lightly on the door and entered, finding Harry curled up on the bed with the ripped bear, fast asleep. Severus pried the bear from the boy's hands, pulled his wand, and carefully mended the bear.
"Harry?" he shook the boy to wake him, and Harry blinked as he sat up. Severus placed the bear beside him and sat down next to him. "Harry, I need you to wake up; I have something very important to tell you." The small child wiped his eyes and picked up the bear, hugging it fiercely, then turning the embrace upon his uncle. Severus wrapped a large arm around the boy, sighing.
"Thanks, Uncle Sevrus."
"Your welcome, Harry, but I did not do it because of your tantrum. You realize that?"
"Then why?" the boy asked curiously.
"Harry," Severus sighed again, "sometimes people do nice things to balance out bad news. And I'm afraid I have some very bad news, Harry. You see, Lupin won't be able to see you for a while."
"Why?"
"Because he has to go away for a long time."
"Why?"
Now Severus was beginning to get annoyed. "Because the new Minister wants him to go."
"Me not like him," Harry stated, crossing his arms, and Severus couldn't help but laugh.
"Me neither, Harry. Now, why don't you finish your nap, and I'll take you to the theater before dinner." The boy smiled, laying down immediately. "That's a good lad. Sleep well child." Severus pulled the throw from the end of the bed and draped it lightly over Harry, brushing stray hairs from the boy's forehead before leaving.
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Two years later…
"Lucius, as much as I'd love to finish this little chat, don't you have things to which to attend? I imagine the Ministry is in quite an uproar on those illegal curses being used in Surrey." The newly appointed Potions Master sipped his drink.
"Blowing it out of proportion, I assure you. I sent some of my best people there. Good day." Lucius left the tavern in a rush, somehow managing to shun everyone in his way.
"To fix it, or to cause it, Lucius?" Severus mumbled to himself.
"To whom are you speaking, dear boy?" Severus gave a slight nod as Dumbledore took the seat opposite him.
"No one Headmaster. To what do I owe the honor?"
"Bad news, I'm afraid. The attack in Surrey wasn't just a random use of illegal curses. The Ministry has identified the Muggles attacked as the Dursleys, Lily's sister and family." Severus stopped short at that and turned his full attention to the old wizard. "Unfortunately, Mr. Dursley was the only survivor, but he's in a bad way. It appears the Cruciatus was held on him for over ten minutes."
"Dear Merlin, Headmaster, he should be dead!"
"Yes, well, as it is, he is much like the Longbottoms: completely unresponsive to his environment. He laughed madly when told his wife and son were murdered, and lapsed into catatonic shock not five minutes later."
"You want me to tell Harry," it wasn't a question, but a fact. When the Headmaster nodded sadly, Severus pursed his lips. "He never knew them, Albus, nor did I speak of them often, and never in a good light. Perhaps it would be best if he didn't know."
"It is, of course, your decision. I trust you to make the right one. Good day." Severus stood with the Headmaster and walked out with him, parting from him to pick Harry up from school.
"Uncle Severus!" he whirled at the sound of his nephew's voice, and stopped the five-year old's running assault.
"Whoa boy, careful. You'll knock someone over!" Harry smiled as he grabbed his uncle's hand, walking quickly to keep up with the man's long strides. "How was school?"
"Fine," he said simply.
"Just fine?" Severus pressed.
"Yeah, what's for dinner?" Severus steered them into the Floo Station.
"Shepherd's pie. Do you have homework?" Severus asked.
"No, not on the first day. Can I play out back?" he asked sweetly as they arrived at the manor. Severus eyes the boy carefully, knowing there was something he was not telling.
"Fine, but not around the pool. I haven't gotten to putting up the fence." Harry smiled and bounded out back.
As Severus checked through the boy's bag (to insure that he, in fact, did not have work to do), he found a crumpled piece of paper. Harry emerged from the bathroom and made a flying leap for the paper.
"No! Don't look at that!" Harry made one more grab, but Severus stood, taking advantage of his full height. He opened the paper quickly to see a rather unflattering drawing of Harry, his glasses and scar emphasized gaudily on his face. Severus looked down at the boy, but Harry was staring at the ground.
"What is this?" he asked softly, kneeling down to Harry's level.
"They make fun of my glasses and scar. I keep telling them I got it from falling out of a tree like you told me to, but they keep making fun." He bit his bottom lip, determined not to cry. Severus picked the boy up and placed him on the couch, staying on his knees to look at the boy properly.
"Harry, what do you do when they make fun of you?" he asked sternly, almost dreading the answer.
"Well, of course I tell them that they're wrong, but they keep doing it. And I shoved one today." Severus sighed, both out of relief and a slight tinge of disappointment.
"Harry, you cannot get into fights with them. What if your magic were to exert itself during a fight? What would happen then?" Harry shrugged and sniffled, indicating he was indeed crying, though silently. "I'm only looking out for you, you know that. And though I'm a little disappointed you resorted to physical violence, I'm actually a little glad you're sticking up for yourself." Harry lifted his tear-filled eyes to his uncle.
"Really?"
"Of course, but next time they make fun of you, you must tell your teacher."
"I bet you never had that problem," Harry laughed. Severus raised an elegant eyebrow, rising to join the boy on the couch.
"As a matter of fact, I was picked on a lot at Hogwarts."
"You were? But why?" Severus swallowed; this was wandering into dangerous territory. He wanted to tell the boy, to calm his fears, but he also did not want to ruin the boy's image of his parents. Ha! Severus Snape wants to preserve the honor of James Potter. That's a switch.
"Well, Harry, I wasn't well-liked in school. I kept to myself mostly, or with Slytherins. You see, in those days, there was no interhouse mingling. Erm, students from different houses didn't talk to one another," he explained at the boy's perplexed look. "Well, kids made fun of my hair, my nose, my loner status, anything they could find. You know, kids who bully others only want one thing from you: a reaction. As long as they know they can get you mad, they will keep upon you."
"So, if I ignore them, they'll leave me alone?" Harry asked hopefully.
"A wise man once told me: 'The next time someone makes fun of you, or taunts you, smile at them. Nothing annoys them so much.' I say the same to you. Don't ignore them, but don't give them what they want either." Harry nodded and smiled, wiping away his damp tears. "Now," he picked Harry off of the couch and set him on the floor. "Why don't you go get ready for bed, and I'll be up in a minute?" Harry smiled and began to race down the hall, but as he exited the room he turned back.
"Uncle Severus, who made fun of you in school?"
"It's not important, Harry. They can't do it any longer. Now off with you." The boy continued his path, and Severus heard the telltale signs of Harry tromping up the staircase to the attic.
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Two years later…
"Come on, we must be going if we're to be back in time for the Headmaster's visit!"
"I'm coming!" Harry called from the stairs. Moments later, Severus heard him trouncing down the stairs before emerging in a red leisure cloak. "Ready!"
"Alright," Severus fastened the black cloak around himself and straightened Harry's clasp. "Remember what I told you while we're in Diagon Alley. If anyone approaches you?"
"Find you immediately," Harry responded.
"And if you get lost?"
"Go to Flourish and Blotts and wait for you there."
"And if you're kidnapped?"
"Kick and scream and cause a ruckus. Can we go now?" Severus glared at him, but shooed him toward the fireplace all the same.
"Remember to speak clearly. Diagon Alley!" Severus was whisked away in green flames, and Harry soon followed. The seven-year old boy stumbled out, but was caught by Severus. "Come, boy, don't dawdle." Harry scrambled to keep up while simultaneously trying to look around wildly. He didn't often come to Diagon Alley with his uncle; in fact, he hadn't been since he was four, so he didn't really remember. Severus kept a tight hold of his hand, for which he was grateful indeed. There were so many people bustling about that Harry wasn't sure if he could stay with Severus otherwise.
They entered the Apothecary quickly, and Severus exchanged a few courteous words with the owner. Harry began to wander, and soon found himself pushed out into the street by a fairly large family. He was almost sure his uncle would be furious, so he looked for the large purple sign that would indicate the book shop, and made his way there. Once inside, he began looking around; he loved the bookstore, particularly the sports section. Quidditch books of all shapes and sizes adorned the wall, and Harry began looking for one in particular; one he had seen many times in the mail order catalog.
"Everything You Need to Know about Quidditch," Harry read aloud, plucking the book from the shelf. He settled down on the floor, preparing to open the cover, when he heard his uncle's voice.
"Young man! What do you think you're doing?" Harry jumped up, slamming the book shut.
"I'm sorry, I got pushed out of the shop, and I'm not tall enough to open the door, so I just came here. I didn't think you would be mad." Harry looked down.
"On the contrary, quite proud actually. Not many young men would think so quickly. What have you got there?" Harry was so relieved that his uncle was not mad that he began talking a mile a minute about the book and how he'd always seen it in the catalog, and now he was actually holding it. Severus placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Alright, alright, come on. You're birthday is next week anyhow. Consider this your present." Harry launched himself at the man's middle, wrapping his thin arms around the man's waist.
"Thank you Uncle!" Severus paid for the book and pulled a grinning Harry back home. The boy immediately raced up his stairs and shut his door, determined to devour the entire book before dinner.
"Did I just see a smiling Harry racing up the stairs with a Quidditch book in hand?" came a voice from the den. Severus jumped and whirled, nearly pointing his wand at Dumbledore.
"Merlin, Headmaster, you gave me a fright! Yes, well, his birthday is next week. I told him that it was his present."
"How kind of you," Dumbledore mused. "He is turning eight next week, Severus. Have you anything planned?"
"He wanted to invite a few of his school friends over for a party."
"Splendid!"
"No, Headmaster, it is not splendid. They are Muggles, we cannot bring them here." Severus snapped his fingers, and Garon bounded down the stairs.
"Coming, Master Snape! What is it you be needing?" He stopped and bowed before his master.
"Dinner, Garon, something simple please." The house elf nodded vigorously and set off for the kitchen. The pots and pans clanging together told Severus that his order was indeed being carried out, and with a wave of his wand, an energy beam shot out to tell Harry that dinner would be in ten minutes.
"What about another place, Severus. Somewhere out there," he gestured grandly, but Severus knew he meant the Muggle world.
"Are you mad, Albus? What happens if –?"
"He will be fine, and you will be there to undo any damage the eight-year olds can cause. How about a small party in the park. The children can play on the new set, and we can plan your year." Severus closed his eyes, knowing he would not win this battle.
"Very well, Albus, but only if you must endure with me."
"Wonderful. Ah, Mr. Potter, how are you this eve?"
"Fine, thank you Headmaster. Will you be staying for dinner?"
"I'm sorry, Harry, but I cannot. I will see you next week. Farewell." With that, the old wizard popped out.
"What did he mean, Uncle?" Harry turned a curious look to Severus.
"He meant that next week, you may invite your friends to Thrasher Park. We will hold a small party there from noon to three on Friday." Harry small smile split into a beam as Severus escorted him to the dining table.
"Thank you Uncle!"
"Yes, your welcome, now tuck in to that. You have summer work to finish, as well as your primary magic studies." Harry nodded and picked up his fork, diving into his roasted beef.
Harry's birthday came and went, and the fall term began at Hogwarts. Harry often saw himself home at night and into bed. Now that his uncle had become Head of Slytherin House, he was needed at the school more often. He came home only on weekends and holidays, but otherwise Harry was sought after by Garon and himself.
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Two years later…
"Wake up Master Harry! It is the beginning of Christmas holidays! Master Snape will be home soon!" Harry smiled and jumped out of bed, quickly dressing in his green jumper. He heard the Floo fire up and raced down his staircase, careful not to knock Garon over in the process.
"Uncle!" Harry wrapped his arms around the man's neck briefly before helping him with the bags. "Welcome home! How was the term?"
"Insufferable as ever. Those damned Gryffindors are more annoying every year." Harry laughed.
"Hey, my parents were Gryffindors."
"I know," responded the Potions Master. Harry dropped the case on Severus' bed before hopping up himself.
"Uncle, what house do you think I'll be in?" Severus stopped unpacking for a moment, before continuing.
"Harry, I cannot say, I am not the Sorting Hat. I cannot get into your head and see who you are. All of them have their own unique qualities." Harry snorted.
"I thought you'd want me to be in Slytherin," he admitted.
"The thought has crossed my mind a time or two, I won't lie. But the fact that both of your parents were Gryffindors is a strike against you."
"Hey!" Harry chuckled with his uncle. "Better Gryffindor than Hufflepuff," he responded, to which Severus glared accusingly.
"Where did you hear that?" he wondered.
"You," Harry said, then his eyes widened and he made for the door, but it slammed shut in his face.
"Sit down, Harry." The boy cringed, knowing what was coming. "What have I told you about eavesdropping?" his uncle warned.
"That it's rude and ungentlemanly. But okay if you don't get caught." Severus hid a smirk behind his scowl. I've been a bad influence on him. If he gets into Slytherin, Albus will have my head.
"I don't believe I've ever told you that last part," Severus said mockingly.
"No, but you Garon said that you said that while you were at Hogwarts." Severus raised an eyebrow.
"What else has he told you about my school years?" he inquired.
"Not much really. Something about keeping your secrets. Stupid house elves," Harry muttered.
"Listen to me," Severus grabbed his shoulders. "There are things about my past that you would not understand right now if you were to hear them. I promise I will explain everything in time, if only you'll trust me." Harry shrugged and smiled innocently, and Severus knew then and there that Harry would be the death of him.
"Whatever you say Uncle. What are we doing for Christmas this year?"
"Nothing special, Harry. Just us." Harry smiled and opened the door.
"Cool." He ran out back to play in the snow until dinner, where warm hot chocolate awaited him. He smiled as he went to sleep, lulled under by the soft twinkling of the stars.
"Come on Uncle Severus! It's Christmas!" Ten-year old Harry pounced on his uncle's bed, bouncing up and down until the man unceremoniously shoved him onto the floor. "Umph!"
"I'm up, Harry. Go downstairs and start some coffee." Harry beamed and bounded down the stairs, yelling for Garon to start coffee and hot chocolate.
Severus slunk down the stairs moments later fully dressed. "Well, go on boy, they're not going to get any bigger." Harry rolled his eyes and grabbed all his presents, and one of them shifted indignantly. Severus smirked as Harry carefully undid the blue bow and pulled the top off of the box. Eyes wide, young Harry reached in and pulled out a pure white kitten with deep amber eyes. He looked up to his uncle for explanation.
"You will need something to take to Hogwarts next year. Everyone has an owl, and the only person you'd be in contact with is me anyhow, and I'll be at the school." Harry jumped up, kitten and all, and hugged his uncle.
"Thank you! He's beautiful! I think I'll name him…Archimedes!" Harry exclaimed, recalling a name from his magic history studies.
"A very suitable name. Here, I'll take him while you open your presents."
"But then you won't be able to open yours," Harry pointed out. Severus rolled his eyes slightly and set the cat on the floor as Harry handed him a rather odd-shaped box. Upon opening it, Severus found an array of pre-prepared potions ingredients.
"The Headmaster helped me prepare some of them. They're really common ingredients, but they're the only ones I'm allowed to touch. So I prepared them for you so you don't have to spend time doing it yourself."
"Thank you, Harry. This was obviously a thought-out gift. Now, if you're done with yours?" he gestured to the mounds of paper that had revealed books and a whole new quill and parchment set for school next year, not to mention a few pairs of slacks and new boots.
"Yes, thank you for them. I needed new pants anyhow," he looked down at his sweatpants, which were full of holes and covered in stains.
"Quite. However, you do have one last present out back." Harry jumped to his feet and scooped up the kitten, following his uncle obediently. As soon as the back door was opened, Harry dropped the cat and ran over to the broomstick.
"A Comet Three Sixty?! Why? How? When?" So many questions filled his mind, and he didn't know which to ask first.
"You will be receiving flying lessons next year, but I see no reason why you shouldn't have some experience beforehand. But you are only allowed to fly during the day, and then only when I am watching you." Harry nodded dumbly, and Severus wasn't entirely sure he was paying attention anymore. Severus spent the rest of the day teaching Harry the basics of flying, and even let him hover for a few moments.
"Can I fly tomorrow?" Harry asked eagerly as he snuggled down into his blankets. Severus turned out the lights and smiled as Harry's eyes focused on the night sky above him.
"We'll see." Archimedes jumped up into the bed and curled up on Harry's pillow. Harry smiled and softly stroked the cat until he fell asleep. Severus shut the door and made his way downstairs, insuring that the broom was safely kept away in the hall closet.
Harry awoke early the next morning. He looked out his window over the snowy white grounds. It's a beautiful day for flying, he thought happily as he pulled on a winter cloak and toboggan. He raced down the stairs, careful to not make too much noise, and opened the broom closet. Grinning ear to ear, he pulled it down slowly, not wanting to knock over his uncle's.
"I'll take it for a quick spin. He'll never even know." He glanced at the clock, noting it was about 5 o'clock in the morning, and grinned. He could be back in bed even before Garon woke up.
Harry mounted the broom and kicked off, hovering for moment. After a few seconds, he pushed himself a little higher, then leaned forward. The broom responded to his every command, and soon, he was zooming up and over the house. He made an abrupt turn, marveling at the unique feeling flying gave him. The cold winter air bit his face, but he didn't seem to notice as he flew faster and higher.
Archimedes watched his master from the kitchen window, a deeply troubled feeling rising up in him. Something bad was going to happen, and he bolted up the stairs and into the master bedroom. Quickly, he jumped up on the bed, landing squarely on the man's chest.
Harry was having the time of his life. He'd never felt so free before, and his love for flying was quickly overshadowing all others. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind caught his cloak, and he slipped from the broom. Thinking quickly, he reached up, grabbing the broom in a last effort to keep from falling off.
"Go away blasted cat! It is too early. Tell Harry to let you out if you have to go." Severus pushed the feline onto the floor, but Archimedes persisted, and Severus sat up to glare at the cat.
Harry looked down, but an early morning fog had begun to roll over the grounds. He could not see the ground beneath him, but he guessed he had about fifty feet to fall if he slipped. He could feel his hands going numb, and he silently prayed that his uncle would come outside now. He didn't care about getting in trouble; he just wanted to live to see Hogwarts. Tears poured down his face as he realized he could no longer hold on. With one last grab for the broom, he dropped…and landed in the pool.
The splash from the backyard woke Severus from his drowsy trance. Without so much as putting on slippers he raced out to the kitchen and threw open the back door. To his horror, he saw Harry flailing in the ice cold water of the pool. Pulling his wand, he pointed it out at the boy and pulled him from the freezing pool. Tearing his night cloak off, he wrapped it around the now-unconscious boy and ran to the fireplace, grabbing Floo powder with his free hand.
"Emergency! St. Mungo's!" he yelled, and immediately he was whisked away. He landed in the emergency room where a Healer was already waiting.
"What's happened?"
"He fell into the pool."
"It's freezing out!"
"Which is why he is blue and shivering!" Snape snapped at the man. The Healer helped Severus put the boy onto a stretcher and walked with him, discreetly smoothing the boy's hair over the scar so passers-by would not see. As soon as they entered the private care facility, Severus was pushed back by a nurse.
"You've done all you can, Professor. Please go wait in the common area." Using his size against her, he stepped forward.
"I will not leave his side until I am sure he is alright. I have a responsibility to that boy."
"Is he a student?" she asked worriedly.
"No, he is my nephew and—"
"Dear Merlin! It's Harry Potter!" the Healer exclaimed. Severus pulled his wand and placed a silencing charm around the room.
"What I am about to say does not leave this room, understood?" Everyone nodded as they worked on Harry. "Yes, that boy is Harry Potter, who also happens to be my nephew. No one is to know of our relation or where he is until he begins school next year at Hogwarts, where he is safe." Again, they nodded, and Severus lowered his wand.
From the side, he watched in horror as they removed water from the boy's lungs. Severus could have sworn the lungs had been full by the time they were finished. A heating charm, coupled with a few anti-shock potions, pulled the boy's temperature back to normal.
The Healer sighed and removed his gloves, walking over to Severus. "We pulled a lot of water out, as you can see, and his temperature was well below normal. We've stabilized him, but his is blood pressure is still very low, so we're going to keep him here for a few days to monitor him. I expect we can release him Saturday." Severus nodded his understanding throughout the speech, and when the Healer was done, he followed the nurses out to Harry's room.
He threw his cloak on the back of the chair and sat down next to the bed, watching his nephew. The nurse smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
"If you need anything, just ring for an elf," she instructed him. He nodded again, though his eyes remained focused on the boy lying unconscious in the bed.
"When will he wake?" he asked softly.
"It is…hard to say. We gave him a rather large dosage of Shock Reducer potion, so I wouldn't expect him to be awake until tomorrow. There's a cafeteria down the hall here to your right, and a firecall system to your left." With that, she left, and Severus scooted his chair closer, grasping the boy's hand.
"Foolish boy," he chided softly, "You'll be a Gryffindor yet."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following September…
"I don't know why I couldn't just go to the school with him," an 11-year old Harry Potter mumbled under his breath. He sat back in the plush compartment of the Hogwarts Express, his beloved Quidditch book in his lap. He watched out the window as children scrambled to say goodbye to their loved ones. He didn't know anyone, but he was fine entertaining himself with a Quidditch book and Archimedes. The white cat was currently curled atop the seat across from him, purring contentedly.
The compartment door opened and three red-headed boys bustled in. The twins stopped short at the sight of him, and the other gaped openly.
"Blimey! Harry Potter! Do you mind?" One of the twins gestured to the open seat. Harry shrugged and the youngest sat down next to him.
"Ron, we're going to the front of the train. Lee's got a giant tarantula. You'll be fine here." Harry watched as they clapped their younger brother on the back and took off. Ron's mouth remained agape, and Harry was beginning to get slightly annoyed.
"Ron, was it?" the boy nodded, "Could you please not stare at me? It's a little disconcerting." The boy promptly snapped his mouth shut and turned his head. Archimedes jumped down from the seat and up into Harry's lap, looking intently at Ron. Something inside Ron's pocket gave a sharp squeak and Harry could see his shirt moving.
The boy grabbed an old rat from his pocket, attempting to calm it down. "This is Scabbers, my rat. Percy made prefect, so Mum and Dad bought him an owl, and I got him." Harry nodded and stroked the cat.
"No, Archimedes, down." The cat mewed and jumped off his owner's lap, returning to his bed. Ron stuffed Scabbers back into his pocket and turned to Harry.
"So, which team do you follow?" he asked, gesturing to the book in the other boy's hand. Harry's heart leapt with the prospect of talking about Quidditch with someone his own age. He shut the book and turned in his seat.
"I've always liked Puddlemere. They seem to know how to balance the Chasers and the Beaters to have the ultimate team."
"No way! The Chudley Cannons are the best team ever."
"They might be able to contend if they could get a good Keeper. But if Johansen keeps missing the Quaffle, they'll never get far," Harry countered. They continued to argue good naturedly until the door slid open. A young girl with bushy brown hair stood at the opening.
"Have either of you seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one." They shook their heads and she continued on her way, shoving past a blonde-haired boy, who quickly took her place at the door.
"I heard Harry Potter was in here," he said bluntly. He looked down at Ron and sniffed, as if smelling something horrid. "Well, it's not you," he said nastily, sticking his hand out to Harry. "I'm Draco Malfoy, perhaps you've heard of me?" He sounded so very certain that everyone had heard of him that he didn't even notice Ron's look. Harry stood, taking the boy's hand politely, but briefly.
"Yes, I believe Uncle Severus has mentioned your father's name in passing. Lucius, wasn't it?" The boy nodded, obviously pleased with himself. He gave Ron a look, clearly stating he should leave, but Harry beat him to the punch. "If you'd like to join us, we were discussing Quidditch." Harry shooed Archimedes off of the seat, but Draco took a step back.
"I do not associate with Weasleys, Potter, and you shouldn't either." Draco seemed as if he were trying to reason with Harry, but the dark-haired boy's eyes narrowed.
"If you're going to be a prat, Malfoy, then you can leave." The aristocratic boy gave a sneer and turned on his heel, storming out in fury. Ron simply stared at Harry in awe.
"That was wicked, Harry! My dad says Malfoy is a bully at work; like father like son I guess."
Harry looked out the window, noticing the ever-darkening sky. "We should get changed; we'll be there soon." Ron nodded, and they shut the compartment door, quickly pulling on their robes. Harry's stomach clenched as he realized the Sorting was just a few moments away. He honestly didn't know what house he would be in, but he hoped that whichever it was, his uncle would be proud.
The train pulled to a stop in Hogsmeade and Harry filed out with Archimedes in his arms. He carefully placed the cat in his cage, to be taken up with the rest of his things to whatever dormitory he was to be in. His uncle had told him about the staff, so he wasn't at all surprised to see a rather large man, Hagrid if he remembered, greeting them at the train.
"Firs' years, this way! This way to the boats!" Harry walked down a path and jumped into a boat with Ron. They were joined by two other boys, one tall black boy, another shorter, with dark hair.
"I'm Dean Thomas, and this is Seamus Finnegan," the black boy introduced. Harry took the boy's hand firmly and nodded at his friend.
"This is Ron Weasley, and I'm Harry Potter." Their eyes flickered to his forehead before looking down embarrassedly.
"You'll get yer firs' look at Hogwarts in a momen'!" Hagrid called from the lead boat, breaking the uneasy tension in Harry's. They floated around a bend, and everyone gasped at the sight of the castle, illuminated by the moonlight. It seemed so huge, even from out on the lake, that Ron thought he might get lost just by looking at it.
It's larger than Uncle Severus described, Harry thought wondrously.
As they docked, the children piled out of the boats, huddling together around Hagrid, lest they get lost. As they followed the giant man up a case of stairs, and into the castle. After leading them to a large door, he turned.
"Wait here, please," he instructed, and he walked off inside, through another door. As they waited, Harry took the opportunity to look around and get a good look at his classmates. As expected, most of them were trying not to stare at him, and failing horribly. He sighed and turned back around as a stern-looking witch emerged with a scroll. From the talks he'd overheard between his uncle and the Headmaster, Harry deduced that this was Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress. His nerves were so shot that he didn't hear a word she said about the houses or points. Only when Ron nudged him did he focus in on her speech.
"Now, form a line and follow me."
Once, several years ago, Harry had been allowed to watch the sorting from the small staff room on the side of the Great Hall. It had seemed so simple then: sit on the stool, put on the Hat, walk to your table. But now, Harry found it was the most difficult thing he had ever had to face.
Professor McGonagall left them in a small room, crowded around each other, as she made sure the Hall was ready. As they stood there, white-translucent shapes began to swarm around them. As Harry looked closer, he recognized the ghosts of Hogwarts. Though he heard about them many times from his uncle ("That damn poltergeist!" or "The Bloody Baron thinks he's the Head of Slytherin House."), seeing them in person was most disturbing. He shied back as one of them came near him, studying him curiously. It looked as if it were about to say something when McGonagall came back.
"We're ready for you now." She began leading them, and as Harry walked through the doors, his eyes lit upon the ceiling. It looked as if the night sky were intruding upon the roof; the stars twinkled and the clouds rolled, as if greeting the students upon their return to the school.
"It's not real, the ceiling," Hermione told him quietly. "It's just bewitched to look like the sky outside."
"I know," Harry returned, "My uncle did something similar to my ceiling when I was six. I love Astronomy, so Uncle Severus charmed my ceiling to reflect the night's stars. They shift and change as the earth rotates and revolves." Hermione nodded, smiling at him. The congregation stopped as they reached the table, and Harry looked briefly up at his uncle.
His thoughts were interrupted by a new voice, singing a song of the school. Harry focused on the hat, watching as some of the other first years stared in awe. Harry listened as each house was described, and finally realized it hadn't mentioned a house for the faint of heart. Taking deep breaths, Harry began to calm himself, and the sick feeling in his stomach dissipated somewhat. After a questioning glance from his uncle, Harry nodded and refocused his attention on Professor McGonagall.
"Now, when I call your name, you will come up here, I will place the Sorting Hat on your head, and it will tell you to which house you belong." Harry noticed some of the other first years sighing with relief, and even heard Ron exclaim from behind him.
"That's it! Fred was going on about wrestling a troll!" Harry snorted silently, waiting patiently for his name to be called.
"Hannah Abbot!" The hat was placed atop her head where it seemed to be contemplating something. Before long, the Hat yelled to the whole Hall.
"Hufflepuff!" One of the tables gave a cheer as she ran to join them.
"Susan Bones!" Again, the Hat waited only a moment before crying out.
"Hufflepuff!"
And so it went, through the alphabet. The bushy-haired girl was sorted into Gryffindor, and Malfoy into Slytherin. Finally, the witch looked at him.
"Harry Potter!" Severus shifted a little in his seat, sitting up higher to get a better look. Harry swallowed and made his way to the stool, ignoring the whispers that were rippling through the Hall. Everyone was craning their necks to get a look at him, and he shut his eyes when the Hat was placed over his head.
Potter! My my, I was wondering when I'd get to sort you. Tricky one, you are. Let's see…hmm... I see you want to please your uncle, but you don't want to disappoint the memory of your parents either. Hmm, but where to put you?
Everyone expects me to be in Gryffindor because of my parents, or Slytherin because of my uncle.
Yes, but it is not up to them now is it? You are cunning, yes, and a quick thinker. Brave, yes, but not overly so. I think you'll do well in…
"Ravenclaw!" Cheers and surprised gasps filled the room as Harry hopped down from the stool, steadying his shaking knees. He walked slowly to the Ravenclaw table and sat down. Hermione turned around in her seat and patted him on the back, and he smiled gratefully at her. Terry Boot, who had been sorted into Ravenclaw first, clapped him on the shoulder.
"Welcome Harry!" Harry nodded at the blonde-haired boy, thanking him quickly. Finally, Blaise Zabini made her way to the Slytherin table, and Headmaster Dumbledore stood, raising his hands.
"I have a few start of term announcements to make. First, students note that the Dark Forest is off limits. Second, the caretaker, Filch, would like me to remind you that the third floor corridor on the right hand side is strictly forbidden to anyone who does not wish to die a most painful death." A few small chuckles emitted around the room, but Harry stared at Terry, who shrugged. "And finally, I leave you with these words. Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"
Harry raised a questioning eye at his uncle at the Head Table before piling his plate with food. The evening was filled with the older years explaining the house rules and usual first year classes.
Conversation stopped suddenly as everyone around Harry stared at a place somewhere above and behind him. He turned to see a mass of black robes and he grinned.
"Mr. Potter, a word with you after the feast?" Harry nodded respectfully and Snape swept off, leaving everyone in silence.
"What do you suppose he wants Harry?" Harry shrugged.
"He probably wants to congratulate me and introduce me to the teachers," Harry replied simply. The older students gaped at him, and spluttered out a question.
"You do know that that's Professor Snape? Head of Slytherin House, Potions Master, and –"
"And my uncle," Harry finished, before they could insult him. "You don't have to like him at all, but do not insult him in front of me." They all nodded and turned back to their food, their minds tumbling over this new information.
Harry stood, excusing himself, and made his way out the door. Before he reached the main hall, Severus stepped out of the shadows. Harry grinned and followed the professor silently down to his office. Once inside, he sat down behind his desk and Harry made himself comfortable in the chair.
"First of all, Harry, congratulations. I think you really threw some of them off." Harry beamed, looking down at his Ravenclaw badge. "Harry, a few things have changed now that you are at Hogwarts. You will see me more often, now that you are here, and we will still go home on some holidays, like Christmas. However, we will be here on weekends, not at the manor."
"Can I tell them?" There was no question as to what he was referring, and Severus sighed.
"Harry listen to me. You are my nephew, and I am very proud of you. But please, don't go around flaunting that fact. Many people will be shocked at first, and perhaps some downright angry. I will look out for you best I can, but I expect you to stay out of trouble this year."
"Yes, sir. But what if someone insults you?"
"Ignore them, or if it's bad enough, tell me. I won't lie; most of the students do not like me. I am not an easy professor, and I tend to favor Slytherins. But you do understand, don't you?" Harry nodded.
"Yes sir, you've explained. The rest of the world thinks Slytherins are all evil, so they treat them bad."
"Badly," Severus corrected.
"Yeah, badly. But they're not, and sometimes you have to favor them because no one else will." Severus nodded approvingly.
"Quite right, Harry. Now come, I will take you to the dormitory." As they exited, Severus explained to him what the first week of classes would be like, and even showed him some of the classrooms on their way.
"The Ravenclaw dormitories are behind a suit of armor on the fourth floor. Of course, your nearest the library."
"What about the other dorms?" Severus smirked.
"You don't need to worry about them. You will not enter another house's dormitories unless specifically invited by a member of that house." Harry nodded as they reached the knight. The armored head shifted to look at them expectantly, and Severus lifted his head.
"Professor Severus Snape, requesting the password for Mr. Harry Potter, first year Ravenclaw." The knight's head shifted down to look at Harry, then back up at the professor.
"Acutum," The knight nodded and stepped out, bowing before the entrance. Harry smiled at the professor before entering. "Good night Harry. I'll see you at breakfast."
"Good night Professor Snape."