Summary: Can one person and fate make the difference in Severus' life?
Disclaimer: I own nothng but the plot, sue me and become poor.
A/N: This fic is AU, not canon. and thanks! to my beta Karri
Now to my reviewers!
Ceyxa: Again thanks, glad you can visualize it
Dragonero: Welcome to the fic and thanks!
Pure Black: ty!
AccioSeverus: You shall see how he takes it!
blonk: Welcome to the fic, glad you are enjoying it
mb: You would be surprised at his reactions all around I hope
Ruse: snickers
Elwen of Imladris: O.o yeah kinda like that
LadyLily3: You never know what will happen
Arkmage: Welcome to the fic
athenakitty: Severus books on child care! ahahah NO
juliedecarson: Thanks!
Now without further ado !
Chapter 9
Harry walked into the cottage, and went to change into his pyjamas. After returning to the sitting room, Severus motioned him over to sit beside him. "Harry I have something I want to talk to you about."
Harry began to back up, fear in his eyes. "You want me to go don't you? You are angry with me, I've upset you somehow." The tears running down Harry's face broke Severus' heart, but he calmed himself and pulled the boy into his lap.
Harry there is something I need to tell you, but first I need you to trust me. Severus pulled the small dagger from beside him, and Harry flinched. His mind drifted back to when his uncle had carved into his back, and he began to weep in Severus' arms. Severus wanted to comfort Harry, but first he pricked the boy's finger. Holding it firmly, he let the single drop of blood drip into the goblet on the table beside the couch, and then wrapped his arms around Harry.
Severus watched the blood swirl, and then he watched as the whole cup became a golden color. Severus gasped so loud, that even Harry looked up from his shoulder. "What is it?" he asked, his wonder at the mysterious gold liquid temporarily ceasing his tears.
"This, Harry, is a paternity potion. It means that you are my son."
Harry shook his head, the mop of messy hair falling over his eyes. "You're my Dad? If you are then why did you let my uncle hurt me? Why did you leave me there?"
Severus shifted Harry until the boy was sitting up and looking at him. "I would have never left you, if I had known. I thought deep down in my heart that you were James' son, and your mother never told me any different."
"Does this mean I can stay?" Harry said, his eyes showing years of pain.
"Of course, I am never letting you go again. Here drink this, and it will seal our bond. After that we shall talk more, and I will try to explain what happened."
Harry drank the golden drink, and suddenly felt himself feel warm and fuzzy inside. His stomach began to settle down from the urge to be sick, and he was soon nestled into the folds of his father's robes fast asleep.
He did not notice the tears roll down Severus' face, nor did he see the anguish from years of thinking he was alone melt away in the one instant. Severus laughed, despite himself. He was no longer simply the snarky potion master, or the Death Eater, or Dumbledore's spy. He was a father, and he meant to be a damn good one.
The wee hours crept up on Severus, and he soon found it to be morning, with the concerned face of Albus Dumbledore staring down at him.
"Ahhh Severus, this is something I thought my eyes would never behold. Is there something you wish to tell me?"
Severus invited the older wizard to sit down, and began to explain all that he knew, and all that had happened in the past week. He told him of the secret Lily had kept from him, and of his discovery that Harry was his son.
Dumbledore took this all in, and then turned a stern face to Severus. "You have bonded the boy to you, but are you prepared for what might happen if Voldemort finds out you have a son?"
"He will find out eventually. I will not hide my son from the world, but I will kill anyone who tries to take him from me," his voice growing edgy, and his grip on Harry becoming tighter.
"I would never picture you as a father Severus, but know I am here should you need any help. Now, I would think you would like to wake your son, while I go and file the proper papers."
Severus waited for Albus to depart, and then nudged the sleepy little head lying on his chest. "Harry, it's time to wake up."
Harry whimpered, and tried to curl up even tighter against Severus. "I don't won't to wake up yet, it's cold."
"Come now, I can't take you out to meet everyone else if you don't get dressed. We are going to Hogwarts to have breakfast today."
Harry's eyes lit up at those words. Ron had told him about Hogwarts, and that his twin brothers Fred and George, as well as Percy were going there now. "Are you still my Dad?"
Severus caught himself before he burst out laughing, and looked at Harry very seriously. "I will always be your Dad no matter what. No one can take you from me now."
Harry seemed content with this explanation, and he let Severus lead him to the bedroom and help him pick out something to wear to Hogwarts. A few minutes later, Severus dressed all in black, and Harry dressed in black slacks and a tan shirt left for Hogwarts via floo.
Harry stepped out of the floo, and into a strange looking place. He was in a big room filled with odd little spinning things, and the same old man was sitting behind the desk, that he had seen before.
"Welcome both of you, shall we go down so you can meet everyone else?" Dumbledore led the way, and went ahead to tell everyone Harry would be joining them, in order to explain a few things. Severus was going to stop by his dungeons to gather a few things that he would need back at the cottage until term started again in September.
As Severus walked down the corridor, he noticed Peeves hanging about the hall. He knew the poltergeist would frighten Harry, and as if to attest to this Harry let out a scream and hid behind his father, as the apparition drew near.
"Peeves, you would do well to go bother someone else today," Severus said glaring daggers at the poltergeist.
"Why should I? I want to see the ickle thing hiding behind you. Who is he, or better yet what is he?"
Severus raised his wand, and pointed it at Peeves. "This is my son Harry, and you have one more moment to leave us in peace or find yourself bound for a month to the owlery."
"Fine, I'm going, but who knew your cold hearted self could produce a child." Peeves drifted off fast as Severus looked ready to hex him into oblivion.
Severus went into the dungeon and gathered the items he would need back at the cottage, and soon both he and Harry were headed towards the Great Hall. Once they got there, Severus put out his hand to stop Harry. "Everyone inside is here to keep you safe, no one will harm you here, understood?"
Harry nodded, but grabbed his father's hand and squeezed it tight. Severus pushed open the doors and walked in proudly displaying his son, Harry Potter Snape.
Harry seemed to warm right up to Professor Flitwick, but as he only reached Harry's nose it was not a wonder. As Harry chattered away, Professor McGonagall stepped over, and leaned down to be face to face with Harry. Before Harry had a chance to say hello, she snatched him up and hugged him. This was a strange thing to do, but Harry felt as if he had seen her before somewhere. "If ever you need anything Harry, my door is always open."
Harry shook his head, and sat down at the table. Harry was suddenly very hungry, and he wondered where the food was. He had a plate, and a spoon and fork, but no food. "Dad, when is the food coming?" he whispered into his father's ear. The question was short lived as suddenly the table was filled with food, and Harry shrieked with delight.
Severus placed a pancake, and a slice of melon on Harry's plate, and Harry quickly dug in. He was happily chatting away when someone tapped him on the shoulder. Harry turned to speak to the new person who had come, but when he laid eyes on the half giant he let out a squeak, and slid from his chair onto the floor in a dead faint.
"I'm sorry Professor, I didn't mean to scare the poor tyke."
Severus waved Hagrid away, and picked Harry up cradling him in his lap. "Harry," he softly coaxed and soon Harry's eyes fluttered open. They did not remain that way, for quickly he squeezed them shut. "Dad, is he gone yet?" Harry whispered.
"Harry, you have nothing to fear. That is Hagrid, and he saved you once, and would never harm you."
"Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes waiting for something.
"I am positive Harry, now why don't you go over and say hello, but do not be long because you need to finish your breakfast."
Harry slid down from his father's lap, and walked over to where Hagrid had his head down. Tapping the man on the shoulder, Harry spoke. "I didn't mean to be scared. Dad said you wouldn't hurt me."
Hagrid looked up and smiled. "Never would I hurt you Harry." He reached down and gave Harry a hug, and wiped a tear from his eye. "It's good to see you again, now go on back and eat before your food gets cold."
Harry ran back, and sat down and ate. He was chattering away to McGonagall, and Severus snorted when Harry asked if she were his grandma. Soon breakfast was over, and everyone was getting ready to go about his or her day. Severus gathered up Harry and wished everyone a good day, and went to floo back to the cottage, but Dumbledore caught him in the hall.
"These are for you to sign, and return to me. Think long and hard on them Severus, you know what is at stake here. Voldemort will stop at nothing to get you to bring your son into the inner circle of Death Eaters."
"There is no thought to it, Albus. No one will take my son from me, not even the Dark Lord. Now if you will excuse me, my son and I are going home."
With a swoosh Severus and Harry disappeared in the flames, and Dumbledore was left to ponder what he had said. "Yes, if anyone tried to come between Severus and Harry they would see just how vicious Severus could be." Smiling, Dumbledore walked up the hall to his office, knowing that for now Harry was safe with his father.