Snape's Happy Christmas

"Mr. Potter," Professor Snape finally cornered his quarry. When Minerva had indicated a difficulty in obtaining the first year's status, Snape had been unimpressed. The first year had proven to be quite elusive and not the potions professor was almost impressed. "Professor McGonagall asked me to confirm that you will be going home for the holiday tomorrow. I will put you down for returning to your family as you have neglected to do so. Alright." It was not a question; Severus was already putting quill to parchment.

"No, sir."

"Alright then… I beg your pardon." The potions professor was shocked.

"I said, no, sir."

"Mr. Potter, due to certain circumstances, all students will be required to leave Hogwarts for the holiday. Therefore, you will be returning home." The first year sighed and seemed to shrink in on himself. Snape was perplexed. This was not Potter behavior. It was obvious that Harry was a clone of his father but this behavior… It was also Lily-like.

"I can't." The small boy whispered. "No one understands." Snape was shocked to see unshed tears. "No one cares."

Snape forced himself to look at Harry Potter and actually see the boy and not the boy's father. Harry was small. Smaller than the majority of his classmates. His clothing was threadbare and though the weather had turned cooler the boy had yet to begin dressing in winter clothing. "I believe," Snape reach out to touch a small shoulder and the boy flinched. "It is time that we got to know one another. Follow me, Mr. Potter." Snape was amazed that the boy put up no protest at being led away to an unknown location by his hated professor.

In his office, Snape eschewed the desk preferring to sit next to the boy hoping to appear more open and more welcoming. He called an elf and ordered hot chocolate and some biscuits. He also used his wand to stoke the fire noticing how Harry seemed to absorb the warmth gratefully. Over the course of the next hour, Snape learned a lot about himself and about Harry Potter. What he learned was unpleasant to say the least; on both counts. Had he really bullied an abused boy?

By the time Snape had finished his questioning, he could tell the boy was exhausted. He shepherded Harry into his quarters and settled the boy on the couch with a nice warm blanket. The small amounts of calming draught and dreamless sleep he had added to the last cup of hot chocolate combined to send the small boy into a deep sleep. Asking an elf to watch over the child, he sent a message to Minerva before heading to Dumbledore's office. The old man had much to answer for.

Snape sat back enjoying his tea. It was quite satisfactory to watch his colleague tear metaphorical strips off the headmaster. He would not be surprised to see Minerva change into her animagus form and literally tear strips off Dumbledore. The old man blustered about the greater good but Minerva was having none of it. Part, Snape was sure that part of her anger was directed at herself for not seeing the signs of abuse in a child of her house. That is was Harry Potter was surely part of it, given that Minerva had been close to James and Lily. Minerva was also embarrassed that she failed to notice the boy's lack of proper clothing.

Severus had anticipated having to argue and threaten the headmaster but was content to let Minerva handle it. By the time the woman has started to wear down she had wrung the desired concessions from the headmaster. Albus did look the worse for wear, Snape acknowledged to himself but had no sympathy for the elderly man who had endangered Lily's son.

Back in his quarters, Snape summoned a potions magazine and settled in to await Harry's awakening. When the boy woke, Severus encouraged Harry to eat a healthy dinner while he explained the changes to his new ward. Harry was surprisingly complacent. The greasy bat of the dungeon was the first person in the magical world to take an interest in Harry the boy and he latched onto his professor.

When the small boy launched himself into the professor's lap, Snape took a sharp breath but of their own volition his arm closed about Harry. There was much to do, a room, new clothes and other things but Snape took a few moments to savor holding his new child. It had been many years since he had known peace but holding Lily's and yes, Potter's son; he found it. For the first time in his many years, Severus knew he and his son would both have a Happy Christmas.

The End.