Chapter 3

A/n: Yes, I'm back! I just had to get myself together… it's a long story.

Disclaimer: Not mine, don't sue.

Severus waited in the lobby for Harry to get there. He sighed and checked his watch again. He was a half-hour late.

"Don't worry Mr. Snape. Harry's normally always on time. Little Jamie is probably keeping him behind!" Harry's secretary told him.

Sev shrugged her off and plopped down the hard plastic chair and flipped through a magazine that was nest to him.

Harry panted as he ran into his office. James had thrown a fit in school, which was quite surprising for a child who loves school so much. Remus, out of town for a business trip, was unable to collect James at school. He had to run to the other side of town during his lunch break and had dropped James off at Hermione's.

"I'm so sorry I am late," he said to Severus, ushering him into his room. "I'll make it up."

"It's fine," said Severus dryly, sitting himself down on the plush red chair in front of Harry's desk.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "No, it's not and I apologize. It won't happen again. Now… tell me about yourself."

Snape cleared his throat. "Don't you know enough about me?"

"Not enough. You seem to talk about your son a lot. What's he like?" Harry asked.

Snape pulled out a picture from his wallet. "This is Lucifer."

Harry smiled. The boy had a huge grin and dark messy hair and the darkest eyes Harry has ever seen.

"What school does he go to?"

"St. Mary's," Severus replied, stuffing the photo back into his wallet. "I teach at the high school so I'm always nearby in case anything might happen…" he trailed off uneasily.

Harry nodded and smiled. "My boy goes there also. Gee, what a coincidence. We really should meet."

"I know… I didn't expect his mother to pick him up the other day." Severus said, frowning.

'Seems like a wonderful father…' was scrawled down on the notebook.

"Do you have to write down everything?" demanded Severus.

Harry smiled cheekily. "Yes, or else how will I know when you are progressing?"

Snape pulled out a cigarette, but it was quickly snatched away by Harry.

"Hey!"

"It's bad for your health. DO you know risk of lung cancer?" Harry replied.

Severus sighed and sat down. "You're right. You don't smoke?"

'Yellow teeth, unattractive caused by smoking.'

"Nope, although I did, a long time ago in high school," Harry said. "But I won't badger you because it is your life, your decision."

Severus smiled softly. "Thank you. I know it's bad… I should stop. It's bad for Luc too..."

"Now, Mr. Snape, it looks like our time is up. Same time, same place? And I won't be late again."

Severus got up and briskly shook hands with Harry. "Thank you."

Taking a swig of beer, Harry plopped down on his couch. James wasn't due back for at least an hour.

"I can't get totally drunk in an hour, can I?" he asked himself. He sighed and turned on the television. Why couldn't he be like Severus? Severus surely has been through a lot worse then he has! He's trying to quit smoking.

"I'm so sorry, James!" he sobbed into his arms, throwing the bottle across the room before passing out.

That is how Hermione found him. "James, go into the other room!"

"But Daddy…" protested James. "He's hurt."

"Call Uncle Remus… oh wait! He's not in town. James, just go to the kitchen. Let me handle this," she said sternly.

Once James padded out of the room, Hermione slapped Harry across the face, trying to wake him up. "Harry! Harry!"

Harry groggily opened his eyes. "What? Where am I?"

Hermione sighed. "You passed out again."

Harry groaned. "Not again…"

"Yes," she said gently. "James is in the other room… I think you need to get help."

Harry sat up. "I think you're right."

TBC

A/N: Yes, it's been forever, but I'm gonna try and finish all of my fics. I know this is a short chapter, but wait. I'm thinking of changing the title. What should it be?

I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed any of my stories. I owe them everything! So, Read and Review!