Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
After viewing Black's memories as well giving him truth serum, Severus was reluctantly convinced of his innocence in betraying the Potters. He also believed that Black meant no harm to Harry. He still didn't like him, though.
"My boy, I am so sorry you were falsely imprisoned," Dumbledore said, a sad look in his eyes as he gazed at Sirius, who was slumped over in a chair.
"It's not your fault," Sirius said tiredly. "I shouldn't have gone after Pettigrew like that. I should have gone straight to Harry." He straightened. "I have to ask, how did Harry end up with you Sniv – er, Snape?"
"I asked Severus to check on Harry when he was five years old," Dumbledore answered. "I had heard that he wasn't being taken care of properly and since Severus knew Petunia, I thought it prudent he go."
"Petunia wasn't nice to Lily," Sirius frowned. "I remember her talking about it."
"No, and she wasn't nice to her son either," Severus said curtly.
Sirius's eyes widened. "What do you mean?" A dangerous look flashed over his face.
Remus stood closer to his friend, knowing Sirius's temper.
"The Dursley's abused him," Severus said, angry just to remember it. "They hit him, starved him and made him live in a cupboard under the stairs."
"I'll kill them!" Sirius roared, jumping up.
"Calm down, Padfoot -"
"Now Sirius -"
"This is the kind of impulsive behavior that got you sent to Azkaban!" Severus snapped. "Do you think I haven't already dealt with them? Trust me, I made my displeasure known."
"Oh," Sirius eyed him for a moment. "Good. But still, why did you adopt him? Considering how you feel about James... you hated him!"
"Harry isn't James," Severus said pointedly. "It didn't matter what I thought about his father, it didn't take me long to care about Harry. To love him and consider him my son. Besides, I don't hate James any more."
"You don't?" Remus asked in surprise.
"You don't?" Sirius's mouth dropped open.
"You don't?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mischievously.
Severus gave the headmaster a withering look before turning back to Black and Lupin. "No, how could I when he sacrificed his life to save Harry?" Severus was sincere in that. He hadn't liked the teenager James but the man who died protecting his family had his appreciation.
Remus smiled and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled even more brightly at that. Even Sirius couldn't help but feel moved and his eyes softened for a moment, before he remembered the problem they had. He paced the room. "What are we going to do about Pettigrew?" He demanded.
Dumbledore drummed his fingers on his desk. "If we go into the Tower, Peter will know we are after him and he could get away. Maybe...maybe Mr. Weasley could bring Scabbers to one of his classes. We'll make it known that familiars are to be brought in as part of the lesson. Transfiguration perhaps?"
"We need to make sure the children stay safe," Severus said.
Dumbledore nodded. "I will tell Minerva what is going on, she can stun Scabbers. Perhaps I will hide in the classroom, just in case."
"So, now that you know the truth will I get to talk with Harry?" Sirius asked hopefully.
"I suppose," Severus sighed.
"Draco also seems like a great kid," Sirius said. "Bit snooty at times, but a good kid." He grinned suddenly. "So you and my cousin are getting married, huh Snape? Makes us family, doesn't it?"
Severus's eyes widened. Merlin, it did! If he didn't love Narcissa and Draco so much, he might have re-thought their relationship. But he did love them and Harry loved them so that meant putting up with Black.
HP
Harry was supposed to wait for his dad before going to Quidditch practice. Oliver Wood had been mortified when he heard that his potions professor would be attending the practices but since it was the only way for their team to have their star seeker, he had grudgingly given in. Percy had dropped him off in the entrance hall and had told him to wait for his dad while he left to deal with a dual that could be heard breaking out past the stairs. Harry fidgeted slightly as he waited, hoping his team wouldn't mind having the head of Slytherin there. Oliver was going to warn them but what if everyone was upset? Maybe they should just use their reserve seeker... making a sudden decision, Harry ran outside and towards the pitch. He'd just make sure everyone was okay with it, assure them that his dad wasn't planning to spy for the Slytherin team and then come back. His dad would never know.
Harry could see his teammates already in the air and he smiled. He really loved playing. He was almost to the pitch when he heard someone call out.
"Harry! Help!"
Harry spun around but didn't see anyone. The voice sounded had sounded like Draco! He ran when the voice called out again, going around the castle. He gasped as he suddenly felt cold, so cold..no happiness..only despair.. He stumbled and fell. Suddenly he could hear voices in his head...
"Lily, he's here! Take Harry and run, I'll hold him off!" A male voice shouted.
"Stand aside, you silly girl!" A high pitched voice.
"No! Leave my son alone, kill me instead!" A woman pleading.
"Move!"
"I love you, Harry..." The woman whispered.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Harry heard more screaming and then realized it was him. Everything suddenly went black as he passed out.
HP
Severus growled to himself as he stalked towards the Quidditch pitch. No doubt his son was there, when he was supposed to be waiting inside the castle for him. When he had seen Percy without Harry, he'd known immediately that something was wrong. Percy had told him that Harry was supposed to be waiting by the entrance, while he had gone to deal with students who were dueling. Percy was searching the castle but Severus knew his son, Harry was at the Quidditch pitch. He knows he is not to leave the castle without me, he thought furiously. He may have to ban his boy from playing Quidditch for this transgression. He needed to know he could trust Harry to follow the rules put into place for his safety. Suddenly a piercing scream filled the air. Harry, he thought with alarm as he followed the sound. His heart almost stopped at the sight of his son laying on the ground surrounded by Dementors!
"Expecto Patronum!" Severus reached his son as his Patronus rid the area of Dementors. Harry's eyes were glazed over and his skin felt frozen to the touch. "Harry, wake up!" Not knowing how else to reach him, he pulled Harry into his arms and held him tight. "Harry, open your eyes. Please, son. I love you. I love you, Harry." He whispered over and over.
"Daddy?" Harry's weak voice was the sweetest sound Severus had ever heard.
"I'm here. You're okay," Severus lifted Harry into his arms and hurried for the infirmary.
HP
"How could this happen?" Poppy demanded as she ran a diagnostic on Harry.
"I don't know," Severus said as he kept his eyes on his son. He summoned the Headmaster, who had come with Remus and Black, in his dog form. They had been furious when Severus told them what had happened.
"They swarmed him," Remus said in an angry voice. "What if they had preformed the Dementors kiss?"
Sirius growled. Those disgusting creatures had hurt his pup!
"Why is this dog in my infirmary?" Poppy asked exasperatedly.
Dumbledore answered her. "Because he is Sirius Black, who we found out was innocent of betraying the Potter's and killing Pettigrew."
Poppy gasped. Her wide eyes fell on the dog, who let out a huff and instantly transformed into a man.
"Relax, Madam Pomfrey. I'm as harmless as a puppy," Sirius smirked before looking solemn. "How is Harry? Why did they swarm him like that? They're supposed to only go after me or Bellatrix?"
"I will be looking into that," Dumbledore said, a look of fury in his eyes. He detested those creatures and that fact that they had gone after a student...oh, he would be having words with Fudge.
"You know Dementors prey on your worst moments," Poppy said, recovering from seeing Sirius. "And poor Harry... he is in shock. Whatever they made him relive, he is traumatized."
"My parents," Harry's tired voice spoke up.
"Harry?"
"My dad, yelling for my mum to take me and run," Tears fell down Harry's cheeks. "And then my mum, begging Voldemort not to kill me, to kill her instead. She – she whispered that she loved me right before he killed her..." He broke into sobs and reached for his dad, who immediately pulled him into a hug.
Severus ran one hand up and down Harry's back. "Shh. It's okay," He said softly. His heart hurt to think of Lily in her last moments. To think of how scared she would have been for her son. And Harry, to have to relive that. Blast Fudge and those Dementors!
"Merlin," Sirius said thickly, thinking of James and Lily. His sad eyes met Remus's, whose own eyes were filled with grief. They both still missed their friends so much. He turned his attention back to Snape and Harry, watching with mixed emotions as Snape comforted his godson. I wouldn't have thought he could do comfort, he thought.
"Everything's okay," Severus murmured as he slowly rocked his son back and forth.
"Severus, he needs some chocolate," Poppy said. She held out a candy bar.
"Harry, you need to eat this," Severus said quietly.
"Not hungry," Harry said, shaking his head.
"How about some hot chocolate instead," Remus suggested.
Poppy left and returned with a steaming mug. "Drink slowly and carefully, it's hot," she cautioned.
Severus helped hold the mug for Harry, who was still shaking from his experience. He watched in relief as Harry visibly relaxed after taking several sips. "Good?"
"Mmm," Harry nodded.
"What were you doing? Why did you not wait in the entrance hall?" Severus tried to keep his voice calm but couldn't help the slight sternness that had entered it.
"Oh," Harry looked down. "I wanted to make sure the team knew you weren't going to be there to spy on them or something. I was afraid they would be upset so I thought I could quickly reassure them and then return to the hall. But then I thought I heard Draco calling me," He said. "Calling for help."
Severus frowned. He knew Draco was in their quarters, studying for a Charms test. "He wasn't out there, Harry."
"Oh," Harry said in confusion.
"There are spells to mimic someone's voice," Sirius commented.
"Here, dear," Poppy said, handing him a vial. "One swallow and then chase it down with another sip of hot chocolate." She looked at Severus. "Dreamless Sleep," she whispered.
Severus nodded. Once he was sure Harry was asleep, he spun around and glared at the Headmaster. "Albus, I want those creatures gone!" Severus hissed.
"I'm doing what I can," Dumbledore said calmly. "They will not come so close to the school again."
"The damage is done," Severus snapped. "He heard his parents the night they were killed."
Dumbledore looked grieved as he watched the sleeping boy. "I know, the poor child." He said softly. "I am sorry, Severus."
"Someone clearly lured him and arranged for him to be attacked by the Dementors," Remus said after a moment.
Severus nodded. This was no accident, someone had done this deliberately to his son. And when he found whoever it was, he would tear them apart.
HP
Harry slowly woke up, blinking blearily. Where was he? He reached for his nightstand to grab his glasses but there was no nightstand.
"Here you go, sweetie."
Someone handed him his glasses and he slipped them on, smiling as Narcissa came into focus. "Hi."
Narcissa smiled. "How are you feeling? Do you want some more chocolate?"
Harry nodded and she handed him a chocolate square. "Thanks." He looked around, realizing he was still in the infirmary. His dad slept in a chair next to his bed and Draco was sound asleep in a chair next to him. "You've all been staying with me?"
"Of course," Narcissa said. She had been furious to hear about what had happened to Harry. "I came as soon as Severus sent word about what had happened. I'm so sorry you went through that, Harry."
"Is he mad that I went outside by myself?" Harry asked in a small voice. If only he had stayed inside...
"Hmm," Narcissa gave him a small smile. "He's more angry about what happened to you but I would prepare myself for a lecture, if I were you." She winked at him.
Harry smiled ruefully before remembering something. "Did he tell you I heard my parents?" He asked softly.
Narcissa nodded, her eyes tearing up. She couldn't imagine what that had been like for the boy. "He did. Did you want to talk about it?" she asked gently.
"My dad tried to give us time to get away," Harry said sadly. "And my mum, she refused to move out of the way. She – she sounded so scared."
"She was scared for you," Narcissa put her arm around him. "Your parents were extremely brave, Harry. And they loved you so much."
Harry leaned into Narcissa, snuggling into her hug. "They would be happy for me, right? That I have dad, you and Draco."
"Yes," Narcissa said. And she meant it, the Potter's would be happy that someone had taken Harry from his horrid relatives and gave him a home full of love. "They would be happy and very proud of the young man you are becoming."
Harry grinned. "Really?"
"Really." Narcissa nodded. She smiled lovingly at him. "I know Severus is proud of you. And so am I, of you and Draco both. I may be biased, but I think you are both incredible."
Harry sighed into her embrace, enjoying the feeling of being hugged by a mom. "He told my mum to step aside...do you think she should have?"
"What?" Narcissa pulled back, her eyes wide with shock. "No. Harry, you were her baby, there was no way she would have been able to step aside. She loved you and protecting you until her last breath is what mothers do. Good mothers, anyway. I wouldn't have stepped aside."
Harry snuggled back into her embrace. "I miss them," he admitted. "But I'm glad I have dad, you and Draco. I'm glad I have a family."
Narcissa dropped a kiss onto his head. "I'm glad too."
HP
The next day Harry was pronounced as fully recovered, physically anyway, by Poppy and released into his father's care. He was sitting in their quarters, getting ready to do some homework when Severus sat across from him, observing him silently.
"Dad?"
"We need to have a talk, Harry," Severus said slowly. "First, I'm so sorry you encountered those horrible creatures. And what they made you hear, I can not even imagine how difficult that must be. Narcissa mentioned you said something about wondering if your mother should have moved aside?"
"Well, yeah," Harry said softly. "Then she'd still be alive."
"She wouldn't have survived losing you," Severus said. "I know because that is how I feel about you. I don't want you questioning that. She did the only she could do, she protected you to the best of her ability. Neither her nor your father would ever regret that."
"Okay," Harry gave a tentative smile.
Severus nodded. "Second thing is, why did you not wait for me in the entrance hall?"
Harry's face fell. "I just wanted to make sure my team knew you weren't going to be spying. I didn't want them upset."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "But you didn't mind if I was upset at your disobedience?"
Harry winced at the word. "I'm sorry. I thought I would be back before you knew..."
"Harry," Severus said sternly. "You are not allowed outside of this castle unless I am with you. No exceptions. You know that."
"Yes sir," Harry said.
Severus ran a hand through his hair. "You were led deliberately to those Dementors. Someone saw you outside and took advantage. You know it is not safe, that is why you and Draco are to remain inside! I'm very disappointed that you chose to disobey me."
Harry felt tears in his eyes and he looked away. "I'm sorry. If it makes you feel better, I paid for it. What those Dementors made me feel, what they made hear...I deserved it, I guess. I'm sorry."
"There is no disobedience that would ever deserve that, Harry," Severus scolded lightly. "Do not say such a thing again. Why do you think I put restrictions in place? Because I want to protect you, but it is difficult if you do not follow the rules." He sighed. "Look at me, please." When Harry lifted sad emerald eyes to his, he shook his head. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Forgive me?"
"Always," Severus held out his arms and Harry went into his embrace.
"I really am sorry," Harry said, laying his head on his dad's shoulder.
"I know," Severus held him tight. "I just want you safe, Harry. You have to work with me, okay?"
"Okay."
TBC: