-1Severus couldn't breathe for a moment as the words his son just spoke reverberated in his mind. He could tell his son was looking to him for strength, he could feel the anxiety Harry felt through the firm grip of his hands.
'I'm going to face him soon.'
Harry's words cut Severus to the core. He wasn't ready to see Harry battle Voldemort, he wasn't ready to let Harry meet his destiny and he certainly wasn't ready for the possibility of losing his son. With guilt he remembered back to when he had first taken the boy in, allowed himself the luxury of believing it was for his own good to help the boy. All to atone for the sins of his past. Then, the boy had broken through the hard shell that had encased his heart since he was a child. He was vulnerable now simply because he actually cared for Harry, loved Harry like the son he never had.
Christmas was only a few short weeks away with school letting out for the holiday in one week. Gifts had been ordered, arrangements had been made to make this a memorable first Christmas together as a family. Now, the threat of Voldemort would be lurking in the shadows, they would be waiting for the inevitable to happen.
Severus gathered his emotions and forced himself to look strong. The boy needed his strength, now was not the time for emotions. He had always known it would come to this one day but he just wasn't prepared for how much he would care for this boy.
Harry had never seen Severus look so frightened. It alarmed him. "Are you alright sir?"
Severus cursed himself for such a pathetic display of emotions having been exposed to his son. That was not what the boy needed now; he needed his strength, "Pardon my improper reaction. Your statement was unexpected. Are you certain that Voldemort is near?"
Harry slowly nodded his head, never breaking eye contact, "Quite certain, sir."
Severus gave a quick nod before dragging his eyes away from that expectant face. He felt himself let go of the firm grip his son had on his hands and stand up. He knew what needed to be done and walked across the room to his chest of drawers. He pulled forth a small box then went back to sit on the edge of the bed once again.
Harry watched as his father opened the box and took out a silver ring with a red stone. The ring was plain with just a flat red stone in the center, clearly a ring for a man without adornments.
Severus held the ring up before Harry, "When I first became a spy for Albus he gave this to me. It is actually a portkey that is strong enough to break through Voldemort's wards. There is no other ring like this one, it contains a powerful magic. I have had this ring spelled to bring you to the secret location you trained at with Moody, should the need ever arise. You must wear this at all times." He handed the ring to Harry and watched as his son slipped it on. The ring was too big but with a flick of his wand Severus spelled it to fit Harry perfectly.
"Thank you. I'm not exactly sure what I would do without you," Harry whispered, thoroughly undone by the gift. He swallowed back the lump in his throat before looking down at the ring, rubbing his finger over the smooth stone. "How does it work?"
"It does not require a wand to activate. You simply rub the stone and say "Emunio."
Harry stopped rubbing the stone before repeating the word out loud. He didn't fancy being sent back to the training camp right now. At his father's nod he smiled and began to get out of the bed until Severus pushed him back against the pillows.
"Where do you think you are going?"
"To bed sir," Harry answered warily. He fought the sleep that threatened to take hold. Voldemort's attacks always left him so tired.
"That is correct. However, I feel it best if you stay where you are. I would rather be in attendance should you require my assistance once again," Severus stated firmly as he sat down in a chair next to the bed.
Harry didn't have the energy to argue, beside the fact that he would sleep much better in here than by himself in his own room. He mumbled out his gratitude before dozing off into a dream free sleep. Severus sat watching his son's face relax. He couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that hovered in the air. He had no doubts that Voldemort would surface soon due to the dark mark flaring with pain on his arm. The last time he felt that much pain in the dark mark was when the Potter family had been attacked fifteen years previously.
Severus walked towards the window, flicking his wand to call his estate owls to him. He felt the chill in the air and noticed the first snow on the rolling grass before leaving the window partially open. It was with great consternation that Severus put into action the emergency plan he and Albus had meticulously put together. The first step in the plan would require Harry to have a body guard twenty four hours a day. Not just any body guard but specially trained bodyguards from the ministry that were loyal to Dumbledore. The ministry called these people the Unspeakables. A handful had joined the Order but never attended a meeting to keep their identity secret.
Severus sat behind the small desk in his bedroom and began writing the letters necessary to begin the emergency plan. By morning every Order member would be on high alert, ready to apparate to any location within seconds. He kept an eye on Harry as the boy slept through the arrival of several owls flying through the bedroom window. The boy didn't even wake up when Hedwig nipped at his hair, much to the Potion Master's dismay.
After shooing Hedwig away, Severus left the room for a moment to gather the emergency potions he would begin to keep on him at all times. He stored the vials in the lining of his black robe after showering and dressing for the day. By the time he came out of the bathroom he noticed his son stirring on the bed and went to his side.
Harry's eyes fluttered open. It took him a moment to realize where he was. In his half awake stage he sleepily mumbled out, "Thanks for staying with me dad."
Severus felt his heart beat harder but kept his face impassive as always. The boy would never know how that word affected him. "Good morning son. I expect you slept better the second half of the night?"
Harry rubbed his eyes and sat up straighter feeling awkward for having caused such a fuss last night. He pushed his hair back and looked his father in the eyes, "I slept much better sir. I'm sorry I let that happen. I was weak; I should have practiced my Occlumency and become stronger while I was away."
Severus saw the flush creep up his son's face and wanted to shake the boy. He hated the fact that Harry now felt ashamed over the attacks. Obviously the boy had no control over the situation. He ignored Harry's rigidity and placed a hand on each of his shoulders, pulling the boy closer, "Harry, you were not weak. Even the strongest Death Eater succumbs to Voldemort's mental attacks. You held him at bay until he gave up. There is nothing weak in what happened here last night."
Harry felt that treacherous lump rise in his throat but swallowed it down as he noticed a shadow pass by the professor's partially opened bedroom door. The thought of one of his friends seeing him so vulnerable made him push back away from Severus. He quickly mumbled out, "Thank you sir." He noticed Severus' look of discontent.
Severus stood up quickly trying to get past his son's refusal to allow himself to be comforted. Moody had done a brilliant job of turning Harry into a soldier. He hated that man and hated the fact that he had forced his son into that training.
Harry swung his legs to the ground and thanked his father once more before heading back to his room. When he entered his room he noticed the trail of blood still on the floor and on his bedding. Thankfully Kenzi would take care of that before his friends saw it. After showering and dressing for the day in his warmest jumper he went down to join his friends for breakfast.
Ron and Hermione were whispering furiously when Harry stepped into the room. They quickly stopped talking and looked at him cautiously. Harry stopped in the doorway assessing the situation. Obviously they knew something about last night by the look Hermione was giving him. She had that sympathetic mothering look to her.
"Good morning guys. How did you sleep?" Harry asked as he ignored their stare and sat down to eat. He piled pancakes and eggs onto his plate.
"Harry, what happened last night? I saw blood in your room this morning and … and Professor Snape hugging you this morning," Hermione blurted out before she lost her nerve.
Harry stopped eating, feeling more shame wash over him. He was just about to answer when his father stepped into the room and answered for him, "I was unaware of your highly developed spying abilities Ms. Granger. I must remember to re-enforce the alarms surrounding my quarters."
Hermione blushed furiously but did manage to say, "I wasn't spying sir. I saw blood in Harry's room and went to get you."
Severus arched an eyebrow, "Perhaps it is best if I enlighten the two of you on the current situation. Last night Harry's mind was attacked by Voldemort."
Both Gryffindor gasped and looked towards Harry.
"I'm okay guys," Harry assured them but quickly averted his gaze and studied his pancakes with extra attention. He really wished Severus wouldn't tell them but didn't want to argue over the matter.
Snape pulled the teen's attention back to him, "Harry conducted himself commendably during the attack. He was so strong that he actually kept Voldemort from entering his mind. However, he was able to ascertain the likelihood of an attack in the near future."
Both teens sat in total silence. This was getting scary.
"I have arranged a body guard to accompany Harry everywhere, and I do mean everywhere, he goes."
Snape was suddenly interrupted by Harry, "Excuse me sir, but I don't need a body guard."
Snape shook his head ignoring his son's plea, "It matters not what you feel you need. You will have a body guard with you twenty four hours a day. Albus and I feel it is for the best."
"No sir, I won't," came Harry's strong voice. He was not backing down on this point. There was no way he would be the cause for someone else dying to protect him!
"Yes son you will," Severus responded in a voice of steel, allowing no room for argument. "As a matter of fact your body guard will be here before the end of breakfast to escort you around the manor until Albus and I deem it unnecessary."
Harry stood up placing his palms flat on the table and leaning towards his father. He noticed Ron's look of alarm but pointedly ignored him, facing his father instead, "I will not have a body guard. You are entirely too over protective of me, sir. I will not be treated like a child!"
Severus glared across the table at his son, "You are not yet an adult and I am responsible for your safety. I am over protective of you because you seem to land yourself in a fair amount conflict, not to mention the information you acquired last night. This matter is at a close, son. Now sit and finish your breakfast."
"My safety?" Harry repeated incredulously with a hint of anger. "I think you gave up the right to be in charge of my safety when you left me stranded in a camp for six weeks with a madman!"
Severus remained seated but leaned forward on the table with a stern look but feeling that stab of guilt he seemed to be caring around since he sent the boy away, "I was unable to care for you during that time. You required constant supervision and training that I could not give you while I was ill. I believe you know my regrets over that particular situation. The body guard is non negotiable, you will accept."
Non negotiable? Harry couldn't allow this. "No, I can't accept! " When Severus ignored him he swept his plate from the table with fury. The dish hit the wall breaking into hundreds of pieces.
Hermione was in tears but Ron looked ready to faint over Snape's cold glare.
"I know my destiny Severus. No amount of body guards will stop it from happening. I refuse to put another person in the line of fire to protect me. Too many people have already died for me and I won't allow another. They would essentially be signing up for a suicide mission," Harry said in a tight controlled voice.
Severus was taken aback over the boy's complete understanding of what he would face and his total lack of fear, stupid Gryffindor. He let his own anger over the boy's refusal to comply take control, his voice took on a threatening edge, "As I said before Mr. Potter, this discussion is not open for debate. You either accept the body guard or you will remain locked up in your room until you do. Now, do we have an understanding?"
"No sir. You can't do that," Harry boldly stated much to the horror of his friends. Hermione had seen Snape's paternal side but Ron had just recently witnessed the Death Eater side and cringed in horror for his friend.
"You forget your place Harry. Now sit!" Severus growled out, his knuckles turning white over the firm grip he had on his fork. When Harry remained standing Severus stood up, leaning forward with a menacing glare, "Do not test me, boy!" No one seemed to breathe for a long moment before Severus filled with fury over the audacity the boy had. He threw his napkin down onto the table before striding over to his defiant son.
Harry's bravery wavered in the face of his angry father. But he couldn't allow another person to die for him, he just couldn't. "Please don't lock me up," came Harry's quiet voice, the anger gone, replaced with resignation over the punishment he would endure.
Severus was at a complete loss. Didn't the blasted boy realize he wasn't ready to face the Dark Lord yet? How could Potter be so stubborn? Severus knew his only purpose left in this life was to get the boy through this war. He didn't care if Harry hated him when this war was over as long as he got him through it, there would be time to heal when the war ended. With a heavy heart fueled by fear and more anger than he liked to admit, he grabbed Harry by his arm and flung him up against the wall.
Harry saw stars for a moment before his vision cleared and he saw his father's angry glare.
"Get up to your room," Severus hissed, hating the thought of punishing his son but knowing it was for his own good.
Harry couldn't believe Severus was acting this way in front of his friends. He swept out of the room without glancing at the looks of horror he knew his friends held. The walk up to his room seemed to last forever. Once they were standing face to face in his room he heard his father's petition.
"Harry, be reasonable. You are not ready, it isn't your time yet," Severus beseeched placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry shook his head and with remorse replied, "I'm sorry … I'm sorry I ever let you into my life because I'm certain you'll be hurt too. Just like everyone I love. Everyone dies to protect me. I shouldn't have let myself get so close to you Severus, I wish I hadn't."
Severus squeezed Harry's shoulder until the boy winced, '"Don't you ever let me catch you saying anything like that again. I'm here because I chose to be here. You were not responsible for anyone's death. If anything happens to me it will be because I chose to be here. Allow me to be a father to you, let me make decisions regarding your welfare."
"No sir, I won't put anyone else in danger," Harry flatly stated.
Severus was hurt over his son's flat out rejection. The little control he had left over his anger suddenly disappeared and he forced himself to step away from his son.
"Fine, then stay in here for the foreseeable future. It will certainly make keeping you safe much simpler," Severus alleged in a snide voice. "Be forewarned, if you try to cross the threshold to this room you will be shocked, literally."
Harry was left standing in his room knowing he made the only decision he could live with. It wasn't long before Ron and Hermione made their way up and came to console him. They didn't get a magical shock when they entered the room making Harry begin to wonder if he would get shocked if he tried to leave.
Ron and Hermione held their breath as Harry tested out the theory. He tentatively placed a foot across the door frame earning himself a zap. Merlin, he really was a prisoner!
"Bloody hell Harry, who do you think you are yelling at Snape like that? I saw him take out Moody with a flick of his wand! He could take you out with his eyes closed if he wanted to. Blimey Harry, I thought he was gonna throw you through the wall!" Ron exclaimed.
Harry snorted, "Ron, he's my father. He's not gonna kill me. Just because he beat the crap out of Moody doesn't mean he does that sort of stuff to me."
"Yeah Ron, Professor Snape treats Harry like a real son," Hermione chimed in, remembering the warm embrace she witnessed this morning. "Although, I must admit I was rather petrified for a few moments."
"Why don't you just take the body guard and ditch him when the time comes?" Ron asked as he made himself at home, stretching across Harry's bed with his shoes on.
"Cause how do I know when the time is coming? I can't risk having someone else killed. I have to figure out a way to get Severus to understand," Harry stated as he plopped down on a chair, his foot still feeling the after effects of the chastisement.
"Harry, I don't think professor Snape is being unreasonable on this. I understand what it is you're saying but he's your father and his first concern is you. Those Unspeakables and Aurors put themselves in combative situations protecting far less than someone like you," Hermione reasoned.
They debated the fact for a few more minutes before Severus rushed into the room with robes billowing. He had a handful of letters in his hand and looked about nervously. His gaze seemed to stop on Ron for a moment making the Gryffindor nervous he had his shoes on the bed. The Potion Master's gaze finally settled on Harry.
"I must leave. I am not sure how long I will be gone but I must insist you accept the body guard until I return. We will renegotiate upon my return. Keep your mirror and wand with you at all times," Severus hated leaving on bad terms but time was of the essence at this point. The news he had just received was grim.
Harry acquiesced simply because his heart was racing with fear over what had his father so nervous. Something big had definitely happened. "Yes sir," came Harry's dutiful voice. When Severus turned to leave Harry quickly asked, "What's happened? Are you going to be in danger?"
Severus didn't want to lie but the truth was too horrific to reveal, "Just stay inside and if you need assistance you can floo straight into Albus' office. Be safe son and be wise."
With that last statement he hastily walked to the door. With a few flicks of his wand he took the spell off the door and turned back to look at the golden trio. "I expect you all to act like adults and stay out of mischief." Severus stepped to the side as a very large man in a gray cloak with his hood pulled up covering his face, stood quietly at the door.
"This is Mr. Begoda, Harry. He will be following you today," Severus cast another look around before sweeping out of the room.
Mr. Begoda didn't say anything but turned and stood at the door with his back to the teens.
Hermione quietly began guessing what had happened. Ron thought maybe the school was under attack but Harry knew if it was then Severus wouldn't have told them to go there if they were in trouble. They were interrupted by a commotion in the hall. They all clutched their wands tighter and looked towards the door. A moment later the Unspeakable dragged in a very haggard looking Draco.
As soon as he was released Draco readjusted his robes and looked at the Unspeakable with irritation.
"Bloody hell Potter, now you've got body guards? I thought he was going to hex me until your house elf stopped him."
Harry saw the black eye and swollen lip Malfoy sported, "Did he hit you Malfoy?"
Malfoy quickly looked down, "No, these were gifts from my father." Malfoy shrugged and looked towards the Unspeakable at the door. "Where's Severus at?"
"An emergency came up," Harry said noting the nervousness in the Slytherin.
"Yeah, right. Then he knows already," Draco said and rubbed the back of his neck.
"Knows what?" Ron and Harry asked at the same time.
Draco looked at the body guard apprehensively, "Any chance we could lose the giant? I have something important to tell you, especially you Weasley."
Harry walked to the door and addressed the half giant, "Excuse me sir, do you mind if we close the door?"
The man didn't move from the threshold. He stood with his back leaning against the door frame, not about to budge as he kept his eye on Malfoy.
Hermione called Harry back and all four teens crowded into the closet. Hermione cast a privacy spell on the door and the boy's lit their wands for light.
Ron didn't like the anxious look in Malfoy's eye, "Okay spit it out Malfoy. What's goin on?"
Draco wasted no time, "About half an hour ago I saw a large group of Death Eaters entering our house with my father. I followed them down to the dungeons to see what was going on and discovered they had a prisoner."
Ron angrily spat out, "What's that got to do with me?"
Draco took a deep breath before answering, "The prisoner … was your sister."
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TBC
Hi All- Just wanted to let you know that I rewrote chapters 1 thru 10. The biggest changes are in chapters two thru 4. The rest of the chapters will be cleaned up and then I'll give them titles when I find them satisfactory. Please do me a favor and let me know what you think, pretty please …