Chapter Eleven

As she had for breakfast and lunch, Narcissa cast repelling charms on the boys' new clothes while they ate their dinner. Had she not, it was obvious both boys would have ruined them. Harry was still a cleaner eater, but even he spilt his food occasionally. All three adults ate as well, but only Narcissa and Severus spoke. Remus was still coming to grips with Harry's new condition and his attention was solely for the two toddlers before him. They were just finishing when a fire call came for Severus.

"I'll be right back to give you two a bath." Severus promised the boys and went to answer the floo.

"Professor Snape." Madam Pomfrey's voice said respectfully. "The vaccines have arrived for Harry. When will he be up to receiving them?"

"Tomorrow." Severus inclined his head. "Would it be best for Harry to have an empty stomach?"

"A light dinner is preferable. That way he can sleep off any side-effects, and give it at least fifteen minutes to digest before bringing him up."

"Then we will be there at seven. Be sure to have the infirmary empty."

"I will see to it, Professor. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Madam Pomfrey."

Severus straightened and made his way to the bathroom. The boys were naked and Narcissa and Remus had already gotten the bath water running. Draco held several toys and Harry was splashing softly at the slowly filling tub. Narcissa smiled at him and left, Remus following her. Severus rolled up his sleeves, scowling playfully at the boys, making them laugh.

"Alright. Let's try and not make a mess." He sighed and lifted them both into the warm water.

Ron waited impatiently. The library was closed, Madam Pince having left long ago for bed. The Slytherins said to meet them outside the library doors at ten o'clock, but it was getting close to ten thirty now. He shifted his feet nervously and promised himself he'd leave soon if the blonde oafs didn't appear in ten more minutes. Just as he finished thinking that he heard someone approaching. Ron stiffened and drew back more into a shadowed alcove by the huge double doors.

"Weasly?" Goyle whispered loudly.

"Here." Ron growled and stepped out into the open. The two blondes relaxed at seeing him and gestured for him to follow. Ron glared, but did as he was asked. "What took you so long?"

"Had to wait. Professor Snape is starting to patrol the dungeons again." Crabbe answered and pulled the door shut as the three entered a dark and empty classroom. "Did you get a copy of the medical report?"

"No." Ron flushed. He hadn't been able to bring himself to speak to the other Gryffindors yet. He was still too angry and hurt.

"We saw Draco." Goyle smiled. "He's little. Just like you said. His mother said she was taking him away somewhere to wait for the spell to wear off. They didn't mention Potter."

Ron frowned, "When's she taken him?"

"Already left. Last night from the sound of it." Crabbe answered.

"Can't be." Ron pulled out the map. The Slytherins had wanted to hang on to it, but Ron had refused to tell them the passwords so it was pointless to try and keep it. Ron showed them what he already knew, having been watching the map whenever he had a chance; in case something changed. Narcissa Malfoy was in a room off Snape's quarters and Baby Potter and Ray Malfoy were a few rooms down. The Slytherins frowned deeply at the map.

"Why are they still here?" Goyle rumbled.

"Maybe because they need to be here while the Professors figure out how to reverse the spell." Ron said thoughtfully. "By saying they were leaving, they were protecting themselves from attack. Hiding in plain sight, as it were."

The Slytherins shared a look before pulling their faces into puzzlement. They got the implications immediately without the redhead's help, but they couldn't let Ron know that. Draco was in danger more than Ron even knew. They both had received letters from their fathers asking what Draco's protections were at school, and if the blonde could be lured outside so they could be the ones to capture or kill the betrayer. They had been relieved to be able to send word that Draco was no longer at Hogwarts. They would have to be very careful not to let on that Draco was still here. Though they did wonder how the Professor would explain his involvement to the Dark Lord, or the fact that he had not killed Draco when he had the chance.

Hermione looked up when she heard the portrait swing open. Ron hesitated when he saw her, but climbed through with every intention of ignoring her. Of course, the girl wasn't about to let him go. Not when she had so much to say. She reached out for his arm, but froze when his blue eyes glared at her in warning. She choked back the tears she felt stirring and tried to speak calmly.

"Where were you?"

"What business is it of yours?" He growled, but softened at her stricken face.

"I was worried." She said softly, but then stood straight and held her head high. "I am also a Perfect, Ron, and you are out past curfew."

"What are you gonna do? Give me detention?" He asked, genuinely curious.

"No." She frowned. "But I will have to if you keep it up. Ron. Please. Talk to me. We're all worried. I even owled Professor Lupin. I thought if anyone, he might make it to Harry and make sure he is doing alright. I got a letter this morning and he said he was on his way to see Dumbledore. We might know more soon, and I thought you might like to know that Harry and Draco aren't in the infirmary anymore. We don't know where they are. I think its about time we confront Professor Snape on Harry's progress, as well, and even try to get him to let us see him."

Ron just looked at her, thinking. He knew where Harry and Draco were, but Hermione could know more about their actual condition, and that was more important than knowing where Harry was, wasn't it? Plus, Hermione looked exhausted and sad. He wanted to go to her, kiss her, but he was still mad. They had treated him like shit, why should he go back? But there was Remus. The ex-professor could learn key information and he wanted to know what it was.

"Ron? I'm sorry. We were wrong to exclude you. We weren't thinking straight. Please, forgive us?" Hermione asked hopefully when she saw him considering.

"Harry's my best friend. I let him down in fourth year. You know that. I can't do it again."

"I know." She whispered and took a step forward. He sighed and wrapped her in his arms. Hermione clutched at him and began to cry. Ron let her. "I missed you. I love you."

"I missed you too, Hermione. We'll work this out together." Ron sighed, though he knew he couldn't just drop Crabbe and Goyle. So he made up his mind to still meet with the Slytherins without telling the others. The big oafs might just be able to come up with something that the others couldn't. There was no point in refusing help, especially since this problem wasn't going away on its own.

Severus came back to his rooms after a short round of patrolling his dungeons. He usually did the whole school, but teaching on top of taking care of the boys, even with Narcissa's help, was exhausting. Remus was sitting on the couch alone. When Severus had left, Narcissa was sitting up talking to him, but it looked like she had already gone to bed. The boys had been tucked in hours ago, but he felt restless with the wolf there so he went to look in on them.

The boys were sleeping peacefully. Draco was curled up on his side, his head resting right next to Harry's, his breath gently caressing the brunette's cheek and making a few strands of inky hair sway. Harry lay on his back, his thumb resting limply in his mouth. Severus sighed and knew this meant Harry was still bothered by the scare with Dumbledore. At least he was having no nightmares. That was encouraging. Severus closed the door silently before heading back toward the living room.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay." Remus said quietly.

Severus didn't answer. He went past the couch and entered his room. He came back in minutes with extra blankets and a pillow. He handed them both over to the lean man, his face smooth of any emotion; "It is no problem."

"Goodnight." Remus sighed sadly.

"I will be up for a while working in my study. You can find me there if you need anything. Goodnight." Severus answered stiffly. He knew his manners. Remus was a guest and would be treated like one, but both men knew his heart wasn't in it. There was just too much history between them for Severus to be comfortable with the wolf in his home or near Harry. But he was allowing it and that was all that mattered to Remus.

Harry woke first and smiled as he felt the blonde's arms around him. He cuddled closer until Draco scrunched his face and opened his gray eyes. He sneezed as the baby's hair tickled his nose and Harry laughed. The blonde smiled and reached over to the bedside table. He could just barely reach the small black glasses sitting there. Finally, he was able to hand them over.

"Thank you." Harry said softly and tried to put them on, but his small fingers had a hard time.

Draco helped and between the two of them, got the black band around the back of Harry's head and the glasses on straight. Draco laughed as the baby scowled grumpily, annoyed with needing the things. Narcissa walked in and smiled at the boys who were sitting up and ready to start the day even though the sun was still not fully up above the horizon.

"Morning, Mommy!" Draco yelled happily and reached for her to lift him out of the railed bed. Harry levitated himself out of the bed shortly after.

"What do you want to wear today, Dragon?" She asked as she opened Draco's drawers and offered him the traditional three choices. The little boy picked dark blue shorts, white ankle socks, black dress shoes, and a white short-sleeved button-down shirt. Narcissa laughed as she gently helped him get into the outfit. "What's the occasion?"

"Just feel like it." Draco answered haughtily and his mother smiled down lovingly at him.

"Well, you look handsome."

"Thank you. Now Baby!"

"What do you want to wear, Harry?" She levitated three choices. The boy looked between them for a minute before pointing shyly at the middle. She laughed and handed the clothes to Draco so that he could help Harry dress. It took several minutes, but finally Harry stood there in his bright white sneakers, black dress pants, and bright yellow silk button-down shirt. Personally, Narcissa would have picked black shoes to go with it, but didn't say anything. They both looked adorable.

"You look wonderful, Harry. Now, are you two ready for breakfast?"

The boys nodded and Draco pulled Harry by the hand quickly out the door. Narcissa followed smiling. They entered the kitchen to find both Remus and Severus already up. The men smiled at Draco as he posed for them in his new outfit. Harry blushed at his side as the two men complimented them.

"You look very lovely, boys." Severus told them.

"Wow. You two look like little gentlemen!" Remus smiled. "What are you all dressed up for?"

"Just felt like it." Draco explained again and lifted his arms to tell his mother he was ready to be placed in his highchair. Remus reached for Harry without thinking.

Harry didn't shrink away as he would have had it been Narcissa reaching for him, but he did pout out his lower lip, reach one hand out toward Severus, and say softly "Want Daddy." Remus smiled and let Severus lift the small child. Harry hugged Severus' neck and laid his head on the older man's shoulder.

"How did you sleep?" Severus asked as he rubbed the small back.

"Fine, Daddy."

"Good." Severus placed him in the highchair and Harry settled with a happy smile. "What do you two want to do after breakfast?"

"I want to go shopping for new toys." Draco said as he carefully ate. "I'm tired of all those toys."

"They good toys." Harry frowned.

"We keep them." Draco assured. "We just get some more and we can play wi've them both."

"We didn't plan on a day out." Narcissa told her son, knowing they hadn't come up with a safe outside place yet. "Maybe another day."

"How about we play Hide and Seek?" Remus asked, speaking before the glaring toddler could explode angrily. "We could use all the rooms and not just the playroom."

"And later, after dinner, we have to go back and see Madam Pomfrey." Severus added. "She needs to give Harry medicine so that he doesn't get sick. If you're both good while we're there, maybe you will deserve new toys."

"But Baby not sick." Draco frowned confused. "Right?"

"I'm fine, Ray." Harry assured him, smiling again.

"Then why?"

"All babies get vaccines so they don't get sick as they grow up." Narcissa explained. "You had yours already."

"Oh." He nodded. "Okay."

The boys finished breakfast and then they all played a several hour long Hide and Seek game. The fast toddlers seemed to have the advantage, but the adults could out think them. Soon Severus' quarters were filled with silence as the adults and children snuck and hid and hunted, but it was often shattered as childish laughter rang out as the adults and boys raced about. The boys didn't mind when they were caught because they often got tickled (Harry even let Remus tickle him twice, but he still shied away from Narcissa). By the time snack and nap time rolled around, everyone was tired, the boys especially.

"Will you tell us a story?" Draco asked Remus sleepily. Severus had to leave to fix a problem between two fighting upper classmen Slytherins and Remus opted for the job of tucking them in since Harry was more comfortable with him. Narcissa didn't mind.

"Sure." He smiled, his amber eyes glowing happily as he sat. "What do you want it to be about?"

"Dragons." Harry giggled and kissed Draco's cheek. Draco smiled and draped an arm over Harry's chest.

"Alright." Remus ran his hands through both of the boys' soft hair and began his tale.

"What is going on here?" Severus demanded in a soft icy voice. He stood behind Theodore Nott who had his wand out and pointed at seventh year Terence Higgs. Neither boy lowered their wands or spoke as their Head of House emerged from the dark dungeon shadows along the corridor. "You will answer me. Dueling in the open where anyone can see, have you no pride? No intelligence? You are upper class Slytherin. I will not stand for you disgracing that name."

"We were just debating on that very thing." Higgs glared at the younger boy across from him.

"Feel free to speak your ideas of House honor." Severus drawled, his black eyes glittering dangerously. "Let us be sure that these differences are cleared before we leave."

"As Slytherins, we will respect our Head of House, no matter personal feelings. Under no circumstance are we to publicly give offense to the Head." Higgs said coldly, wand tip beginning to glow with his anger.

"I would respect any Head of Slytherin House." Nott sneered. "As long as it was a true Slytherin in such a position."

"You question me, Nott?" Severus slid forward.

"You let Draco go, didn't you?" The boy said quickly, backing toward the seventh year. "You know there is a price on his head. Our Lord wants him and you told Ms. Malfoy what has happened and she has taken him out of reach."

"You speak of what you do not know." Severus whispered. "You're a disgrace as a Slytherin. There is not only one motivation, cause, or goal to any action. You know this! Yes, the Dark Lord wants Draco Malfoy. But we were told not to expose ourselves in capturing him. I upheld my position, and I've gained Ms. Malfoy's trust, so that when I may, without causing suspicions to fall on me, I will be able to carry out our Lord's will. You are a pathetic child, Nott. Do not try and question those more powerful and intelligent than yourself. It will only cause you pain."

Nott fell to the ground, grunting in pain. His body curled up protectively as he was assaulted by powerful invisible kicks. Higgs watched impassively, though Severus could see awe in his eyes for the wandless magic. The seventh year nodded and turned to leave. Severus waited a few moments more before lifting the spell. Nott was panting, blood trickling out of his mouth where he had bitten his own cheek.

"You are lucky you are my Slytherin." Severus told him. "Otherwise you would have suffered under Crucio for questioning me, maligning my name. Go. And do not step an inch out of line. I don't wish to hear of you for a while."

The boy scrambled to his feet and limped as fast as he could away. Severus watched him go. His face was a blank mask, but inside he was sad. He saw himself in his students. Every year he watched as they made the same mistakes he made. And he knew not all of them would realize that it was indeed a mistake. It was painful to watch, painful to remember. But what else was he to do?

Narcissa watched Remus talk and play with the boys as they all ate dinner, but her attention was on Severus. The man had come back hours ago, but still hadn't spoken or lost that hard glint in his eyes. This was the Severus she had known for years. It was amazing to see again and it brought home just how much he was changing since he had been assigned to Harry's care. For the first time, she truly began to understand just how much Severus needed Harry. The young child was helping him heal when nothing, not even time, had been able to do the same.

"Done!" Draco said loudly with a smile.

"Come. Let's get you cleaned up." Narcissa smiled. "Then we'll go and get Harry his vaccines."

"Will it hurt?" Draco asked as he was set gently to the floor.

"Of course not. But it might give him a slight fever later. Hopefully he'll sleep right through it and never know."

"Are you done, Harry?" Remus asked the small boy. Harry nodded, his black hair swaying around his pretty smile. "Can I help you out so you can get washed up with Draco?"

"Daddy?" Harry looked to Severus.

Severus looked back, but his eyes were closed off. A sneer twisted his lips. "I've seen you let Mr. Lupin touch you, Harry. Go with him. You'll be fine."

"Yes, Daddy." Harry whispered, his green eyes glittering with the beginnings of tears. Remus frowned at the other man, but lifted Harry from the chair. The boy squirmed to be put down and ran to the bathroom.

"Severus…"

"Go." He said shortly. He stood and went to the sitting room without another word. He waited for the children to be ready and in a few minutes Narcissa came over with the boys following her. Remus was last. Severus picked up the floo urn.

Remus turned the tearful Harry to face him and knelt before the boy, "Harry, I'm going to go talk to some people. I'll be back in the morning, okay?"

"Okay." Harry nodded, voice a sad whisper. Draco came over and wrapped him in a hug and Harry leaned his head on his shoulder.

"You two be good." Remus smiled and ruffled their hair. He stood and gave Severus a meaningful look before turning to Narcissa. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She smiled and walked him to the door. "Can we expect you for breakfast?"

"Yes." Remus gave her a small bow and slipped out the door, heading away from the dungeons.

"Come here." Severus told the boys, not waiting for Narcissa to join him. Draco released Harry and came over, eyes wide. But Harry hesitated. "Harry. Come."

The boy walked over. With every step he began to shake more. Draco turned around to go back to him, but Narcissa grabbed his arm. She knelt and began whispering in his ear. The boy stood tense and stock-still, eyes glittering with unhappiness. But he didn't try to move out of his mother's embrace or go to his friend. Severus sneered at all this and reached out for Harry's arm. Harry let him, but began sobbing.

"What's the matter?" Severus asked coldly.

"P-please. I'm so-sorry. I'll be g-g-good." Harry begged.

"What are you talking about?" The black-eyed man snapped. "Stop crying this instant!"

"I'm s-s-sorry!" Harry wailed. "I'm sorry, D-daddy! Don't h-h-hurt me! I'll b-be good!"

Severus froze. He looked down at the hysterical child, who still wasn't trying to get away from him despite his fear. Then he slowly began to understand. He turned his head and looked at the fireplace. Painful clarity descended on him. He remembered what the house had shown him, remembered a three year old Harry being drug to the stove where Vernon punished him by sticking his little hands and arms against the red hot burners. Severus remembered Harry's screams, remembered the horrid smell. He remembered Harry fighting wildly. But Harry wasn't fighting now. Harry truly loved him and didn't want to disobey, not even if it were to save him pain.

Narcissa watched as Severus crumpled to his knees and wrapped Harry up in his arms. The man rocked the child back and forth, whispering that he would never hurt him like that. That he wasn't punishing him and that he wasn't bad. Harry clung to him, crying loudly. Narcissa shifted her position and with a shock she realized that there were silent tears rolling down Severus' face as well. She stood with Draco in her arms. He opened his mouth to protest, but she shook her head sharply in warning. The blonde relented and let himself be carried from the room.

After long minutes, Severus pushed Harry slightly away, "I was not mad at you, Harry. I was mad at other things. I promise I will always tell you if you do something to anger me."

"You still love me?" Harry asked tiredly, eyes bright as they stared into Severus' own.

"I still do." Severus promised softly and Harry smiled a beautiful smile.

"Is okay, Daddy." He promised, his little hands coming up to wipe away Severus' tears. The man started, surprised. He hadn't even realized he had been crying. "Love you too."

"Good." Severus hugged him tightly. "Now let's go wash our face. I'm sure Draco is going out of his mind with worry by now."

Harry giggled. Severus smiled as well and took him to the kitchen where Narcissa was talking to an unhappy Draco. The blonde's head snapped around when they entered and Harry allowed himself to be put on the floor. Draco ran to him and hugged him, glaring all the while up at Severus.

"I'm sorry, Draco." He told the child. "I will try not to frighten Harry any more."

"Better not." The boy glared and took Harry's hand to lead him to the bathroom.

"Will you floo Madam Pomfrey, Narcissa? I think we should put off the vaccines until tomorrow."

Narcissa nodded and Severus gave her a little smile before following the children. She watched him go, feeling very grateful for the special little brunette that was worming his way into their hearts and changing them for the better.

Remus sighed as he stepped out of the Gryffindor common room. It was just past dinner. He wondered if Harry's vaccinations had gone well. He wondered what was wrong with Severus. He hoped everything was alright. But he had things to do before he could go back to Harry. He had gone to the Gryffindors to tell them a little about Harry's condition and to assure them Harry was in good hands. H owed them that much since it had been they who told him Harry had been hurt.

With that out of the way, he made his way to Dumbledore's office. Every step had his self-control crumbling and his rage slipping free. By the time he was climbing the stairs behind the gargoyle, his eyes were glowing golden and his face was set in a hard cold mask. Dumbledore said nothing as Remus stalked to the front of his desk. The two men stared at each other, one waiting and the other struggling to regain control.

"Did. You. Know." He stated slowly, gold eyes burning on the ancient wizard.

Dumbledore sighed, "Remus, my boy, …"

"Did YOU?" Remus roared, and then visibly pulled a brittle calm back over his face. "Answer the question, Albus."

"No." He answered firmly, eye never wavering. "I did not. I was aware Harry was unhappy there and didn't like going home, but I never guessed it was as bad as it was. I would never leave a child purposely in such a situation."

"If you knew he was unhappy, why didn't you look into the situation?" Remus asked quietly. "Why didn't you do that anyway?"

"I couldn't bring attention to that house, Remus. You know that. Death Eaters were hunting for him and it's even worse now that Voldemort is back. The wards protecting him at his aunt's house would not have stood against a direct attack for long."

"That is no excuse." Remus bit out. "You could have found time, Albus, for one short visit. Five minutes to make sure he was alright. That was your responsibility."

"I know." Dumbledore seemed to collapse in on himself miserably. "I have failed him. But I was only trying to protect him, to keep him safe and alive."

Remus just stared at him, "And all the events while he was here? You were watching over him directly. What excuses do you have for allowing those situations to become as desperate as they did?"

"Remus, you can't believe that I knew of all that and did nothing?" Dumbledore frowned severely.

"Why didn't you contact me when Harry came back to school as he did? I am Harry's godfather now that Sirius is dead." Remus' voice had sunk to a low growl. "No. It's no matter, why or what your reasons are. I will take no more missions, Albus. I'm through working for you. Harry is my only concern. Tonight I return to the pack to tell them I will not be coming back."

"Remus." Dumbledore was sitting straight now.

"This is not up for negotiation, Headmaster." Remus said in a dangerous whisper.

Dumbledore didn't stop him as he turned and walked stiffly from the room. He stared after his ex-agent and sighed heavily. Things were falling apart. Fawkes trilled, but it wasn't as comforting as it could have been. Even Fawkes was worried. He frowned. The times were getting desperate. He'd have to act soon.

Severus sat bolt upright, his hair was mussed and his breathing was fast and shallow. His eyes pierced the shadows around the room, his ears strained to hear any disturbance. Nothing. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he realized what woke him. There was a pressure against his skin, a rhythmic thrumming that washed through him bone deep like some huge silent heartbeat. The air was filled with a writhing magic.

He scrambled from the bed and rushed to the boys' room. Narcissa was already there, banging on the door, occasionally shooting spells to try and open it. Nothing was working. Severus added his skill to hers, but no matter what he tried the door remained firmly locked. Narcissa was screaming for Draco to answer her, but they could hear nothing from inside the room. All they could do was wait.

Remus arrived at Severus' quarters at six o'clock in the morning. Severus opened the door, but hardly looked at him before turning and running back toward the boys' room. Remus' eyes widened and he stepped in quickly, pulling the door closed behind him. Magic immediately pressed against him, through him. Gasping, he took off after Severus.

"What happened?" He demanded. Narcissa was staring at the door with a fanatical look in her eye. She didn't answer. Severus ran his hand through his hair tiredly and told him all he knew. It wasn't much. Remus nodded and stood with them, all three worried and trying to will the bedroom door to open.

Chapter end.

A/N: Next chapter they become five years old! I plan on devoting only a chapter to each age from here on out. So in about twelve chapters they will be 16 again.

Review and tell me your ideas on what Dumbledore will do to regain some control over Remus and Harry!