Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Thank you for the reviews and follows! =)

Once they were alone, Snape turned to Potter and folded his arms across his chest. "Tell me why you are not with your relatives." He demanded.

Harry bit his lip. "It's hard to talk about, even after two years," He murmured, almost to himself.

Snape sighed in frustration. "You can show me then, if that would be easier," He suggested.

Harry's eyes widened. "Show…Oh, you mean legilimency?"

Snape nodded. "Or we could get a get a pensieve and you could put any memories that apply inside so that I may view them. It may be easier, you won't have to relive them as you would if I legilimize you."

"Um, the pensieve then," Harry said a little nervously. Snape disappeared for a moment and returned with what looked like a metal basin with strange symbols carved into it. After setting it on the table, Snape stepped forward and put his wand to Harry's temple and waited. Harry focused and gave a nod and soon the pensieve was filled with a silvery substance.

Harry couldn't just stand there and wait as his memories were viewed so he wandered into the kitchen to pour himself a glass of pumpkin juice and waited for Snape to emerge from the pensieve.

Snape found himself in the Slytherin common room and saw himself glaring at Potter while Greengrass, Davies, Nott and Malfoy looked on. He noticed that Malfoy was smirking while Greengrass was looking very concerned. He focused on Potter and himself.

"Aw, poor baby Potty is afraid of the infirmary. I thought it was your home away from home, you end up there so much." Malfoy scoffed, causing Nott to laugh.

"Are you wearing a glamour Harry?" Greengrass finally asked.

Snape frowned and looked at Potter more critically. Hmm, something was definitely off. He watched as his memory self looked at Potter in surprise and stared for several moments before pulling his wand and casting a Finite.

"Po-Potter?"

Memory Snape stepped forward in concern as did present Snape, momentarily forgetting that he could do nothing in a memory. Potter's face was bruised as was his arms and his eyes were glazed over. The boy was extremely pale and much too thin. Snape stared at him in shock. He couldn't believe he had missed this, he was supposed to protect the boy! Really, he should have expected this. Why else would Albus remove Potter from the wards unless it was serious? And this explained why Potter would have run away from his relatives…

"Let's go to the infirmary Potter." Memory Snape said quietly.

"I don't want everyone else to see. Please." Potter whispered, looking embarrassed.

Snape remembered that feeling all too well and was relieved that his memory self restored the glamour so that no one else would see. Suddenly the scene faded and he found himself in the infirmary watching as he read over a parchment that detailed Potter's history. He peered over memory Snape's shoulder to read it, his eyes darkening as he read about the abuse the boy had suffered since he was a toddler. "Bloody muggles," He said angrily, not that anyone could hear him.

"Don't do that," Memory Snape was saying.

"Do what?" Potter asked, looking confused.

"Do not look embarrassed. The only ones who should be embarrassed are the ones who did this to you. Your relatives, I presume?"

Potter bit his lip and nodded slowly.

"It's not your fault," Snape said out loud, not caring that no one could hear him. He was taken aback as the scene dissolved and next he was standing in his own office, watching Potter looking vulnerable and his memory self looking a little irritated.

"Professor Dumbledore," Memory Snape stressed, eyeing Potter in disapproval. "is in agreement that you will not be returning to your relative's. Arrangements are being made for a new guardianship for you."

"Who?" Potter asked with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Does it matter as long as it isn't the Dursley's?"

Potter shrugged. "Not really. Even Filch would probably be better than them. Maybe."

Snape couldn't help but chuckle at that, admiring that Potter could still joke in what was a most difficult situation. It showed strength of character.

"Would I even be better than them?" Memory Snape continued.

Snape looked at Potter, waiting for his reaction.

"Well yeah, I mean, you hate me too but you wouldn't starve or-" Potter stopped. He stared at Snape. "You?"

"I do not hate you."

"You don't?" Potter's mouth dropped open in shock.

"No. You infuriate me but most children do." Memory Snape hesitated. "You need a guardian who will protect you no matter what as well as make sure you are properly cared for and trained to defend yourself…" He took a deep breath. "I can do that for you. The Headmaster knows he can trust me to protect you."

Snape sighed, realizing he had failed in his promise to protect the child. "I'm so sorry Lily," He murmured. He looked at Potter who although looked shocked, also had a different look in his eyes. Snape realized it was hope. He felt something in him clench painfully.

"So, I mean, you're willing to?" Potter asked.

"Yes."

Snape felt a bit unsteady as he found himself back in his own quarters with Potter looking at him anxiously. He took a moment to recover and then faced the boy. "I wish I had realized you were being mistreated at home sooner," He said slowly. "Usually I notice the signs in students…" He trailed off. You see what you want to see Severus…the Headmaster's voice echoed in his head. "Obviously you shouldn't be with your despicable relatives but I still don't see how I would be the right choice. As a temporary guardian, yes but as an adoptive father?" He shook his head at the thought. He wasn't a good man, he knew that. Potter would be better off with Black or the Weasley's.

"You are the right choice," Harry insisted. His heart sank as Snape continued to look doubtful. He could show him hundreds of memories of them bonding, of them being a family but the man standing in front of him didn't look capable of accepting it. "I don't mind starting over." He offered again, trying not to look as hurt and pained as he felt.

Snape stared at him for a moment. There was only one thing to do. "No."

Grief filled Harry's eyes and he turned away.

"I will take the potion. I need… I want to remember everything," Snape said with a sigh. He needed to remember…for Lily and his promise to her, for himself and especially for the resilient child standing in front of him.

Harry turned back and a grin spread across his face. "Really?"

"Yes."

HP

Snape sat in his quarters, staring at the fire that was burning softly. He sipped his glass of Firewhisky as he thought of what he had seen in the pensieve. It was painful to admit that he had been so blinded from the past to not see that something was wrong with Potter. The signs had clearly been there. The child had looked smaller than eleven and so thin, he never went home for Christmas…even disregarding the rules made some sense. He wasn't likely to trust adults after all. I didn't, Snape thought sadly. He hadn't trusted anyone except for Lily and then eventually Albus.

Snape put his glass down and leaned his head back against his chair. Had he made the right decision to take the potion that would restore his memories? Did he really want to remember coming to care for Potter, to adopting him as his son? He had to admit it didn't seem as crazy anymore; they had something in common at least. And the boy wasn't his father, Snape could finally see that. He shut his eyes, thinking he should just call it a night and go to bed.

He came to with a start and realized he had dozed off in his chair. He sat up and drummed his fingers on his armrest. Had that been a dream or a memory making itself known within his dream? He remembered handing Potter a document, one that showed he was now the boy's guardian. Potter had stared at it for a long time before looking up at him with eyes full of emotion as he thanked him and told him how much it meant to him.

"I am proud to call you my ward Harry. I want you to know that." Snape sighed as the memory replayed itself in his mind. Potter had hugged him after he had said that. He wanted to scoff at the thought but he couldn't. He had a feeling he was proud to call the boy his son as well. It was harder to laugh off the idea of him adopting Potter after seeing the proof in the pictures and how the faculty and students expected him to be different. Potter had clearly not only influenced him, he had had a positive influence around the school. Merlin, Slytherins and Gryffindors were even dating now! A chuckle escaped him and he shook his head as he stood up. He really should get some restful sleep as tomorrow everything in the world he knew would change. And the strange thing was, he didn't really mind anymore.

HP

The next morning in the infirmary, the potion had put Snape into a deep sleep while his memories were being restored. Pomfrey had explained to Harry that it would be too much for him to be awake while it happened. Harry sat by his dad's bed as he waited patiently for him to wake up. He tried to read his potions text book but his mind couldn't focus on it. What if the potion didn't work? Would his dad be willing to start over?

"Studying Harry?" Dumbledore asked in a gentle voice from behind him.

"Not very well sir," Harry admitted.

"Ah well, that's very understandable," Dumbledore said. "I know this has been hard on you but you have held up very well."

Harry fiddled with the pages of his book. "If the potion doesn't work and he doesn't want to be my dad anymore, what am I going to do?" He whispered. "I miss him. I don't think I can handle losing another parent. I don't think I can handle Voldemort coming back without him." His voice choked on the last few words and he felt Dumbledore's hand settle on his shoulder. "Who's going to scold me for not studying enough and for my room being a mess?" He tried to joke.

"I assure you that you can still count on me for that," Came a slightly groggy voice.

Harry leaned forward and took his hand. "Dad?" He asked hopefully.

Snape sat up slowly and unlike the last time he had been in the infirmary, when he had thrown off Harry's hand, he now gave it a reassuring squeeze. "The potion worked," He said as he looked at Harry with regretful eyes.

"Ah, very good," Poppy stated as she checked him over. "Any side effects to the potion that you notice?"

Snape shook his head.

"Good. Let me know if you do experience anything. Rest for a bit before leaving," Poppy said with a small smile. "It is a relief to have you back, I must say. I had forgotten just how surly and unpleasant you used to be." She teased.

Snape made a face as she walked off. He shook his head ruefully and then looked at Harry. "I'm so sorry Harry, for how I treated you the past few days," He said, disgusted with himself. He had been cruel and spiteful, just as he used to be. He had even tried to pawn Harry off to Black! Merlin, he had tried to kick Harry out of his own home! It made him sick to think about it.

"It's not your fault," Harry said in relief. "You were hexed."

"Yes," Snape said darkly. "Any word on who sent me that letter?"

"Not yet, I'm afraid," Dumbledore said apologetically. He smiled. "I'll leave you two alone. It is good to have you back Severus."

After the Headmaster left, Snape pulled Harry into a hug. "I really am sorry son," He said into the messy flop of hair.

Harry relaxed into the embrace. "It wasn't your fault Dad. I don't hold it against you or anything," He assured him.

"Always too forgiving," Snape said affectionately. He would have a hard time forgiving himself for a long time, he knew. "You really are an exceptional young man, Harry." He murmured.

Harry looked at him curiously.

"Your offer to start over," Snape explained. He winced inwardly as he thought of how difficult he would have made it for Harry, to begin again. "You showed me more consideration than I deserve."

"You do deserve it," Harry insisted.

Snape chuckled ruefully. So much like Lily, he thought fondly. Suddenly he sat up. "Have you had any more pain in your scar? Have you heard Voldemort since the last time in the Slytherin common room?" He asked. He detested the way he had treated Harry during that. He had been brisk and stern and not at all comforting or even slightly compassionate.

"No," Harry answered. "Even though he didn't say anything, his laughter was chilling enough. The fact that he was so happy was frightening enough." It felt good to talk like this, he had missed talking to his dad and feeling like he could tell him anything.

"We know he is getting stronger and has someone helping him," Snape said with a sigh. "That would be enough to keep him happy, I would think. However, if whoever is helping him was behind my memory loss, then he may have been taunting you about it." He pointed out.

"You think that's who it was?" Harry let out a frustrated breath. "What are they trying to do? Distract us? Amuse themselves? What?"

"All of the above?" Snape suggested dryly. "He's going to keep trying to get to you, Harry, to scare you, to make you feel unsettled. He loves mind games especially. But you are stronger than he is and you are not alone." His eyes were pained as he said the last part, thankful for the potion he had taken so that he would not have abandoned his son when he needed him most. "I'm sorry." He found himself saying again.

"You said that already," Harry frowned. "You don't need to apologize, you didn't hex yourself. Did you?" He grinned cheekily.

"Brat," Snape said, a slow smile on his face. "No, of course not. I wish I knew who did," He murmured darkly. If he found out who had hexed him, causing him to hurt Harry, they would pay dearly.

"Stop apologizing okay? It wasn't you the last couple of days," Harry said. "Well, not anymore anyway." He tried to joke. He personally just wanted to forget that it had happened.

"It must have been quite disturbing to be reminded of how I used to be," Snape said, looking intently at Harry.

"Actually, it made think that I've been taking you for granted," Harry bit his lip. It was true, even after a couple of days without his dad to lean on he had felt lost and alone. He hadn't felt like that in a long time. He needed to remember to appreciate everything his dad has done for him.

"You don't take me for granted Harry," Snape said gently. "I'll always be here for you. Always."

"It just reminded me how far we have come," Harry said after a moment.

"True," Snape agreed. "Still, trying to throw you out of your home and pawn you off on Black…" He huffed. "I suppose I will have to thank the dogs for helping. Black could have easily taken me up on my offer."

"I wouldn't have let him," Harry pointed out. "But I was surprised too," He admitted.

"I suppose we could send him a nice box of dog biscuits," Snape suggested.

Harry rolled his eyes, suppressing a grin. Yup, his dad was back.

"A raw steak?"

"No," Harry shook his head and laughed.

"A squeaky toy?"

"Dad!"

HP

Harry's friends had gathered in the Great Hall to wait for him and find out if the potion had worked on Snape. Hermione, Draco and Daphne were trying to study although they kept glancing at the doors anxiously. Ron and Theo were playing a game of chess and Tracey was practicing a new spell, Crinus Muto, to change Theo's hair style, although he didn't realize she was doing it.

Harry walked inside and stopped for a moment to watch his friends. He grinned to himself and then adopted a defeated expression. He walked slowly to the table they were sitting at. "Hey guys."

"Harry! How did it go?" Hermione asked eagerly.

"Did the potion work?" Daphne asked hopefully.

Harry let out a sigh and looked at his friends sadly.

"Oh mate, I'm sorry," Ron said.

"Maybe there is something else they could try?" Draco suggested.

"We could do some research in the library to help," Hermione offered.

"Harry, I'm so sorry," Daphne said, sadness in her eyes. "Is there anything we can do? How is Professor Snape acting about it?"

Harry couldn't take it and broke into laughter.

"He's gone barmy," Theo said in alarm.

Harry shook his head and tried to stifle his laughter. "Gotcha! The potion worked!" His eyes were bright with happiness.

"Harry you prat!" Daphne jumped up and pretended to choke him. She laughed and threw her arms around him. "I'm so happy that I won't even hex you. This time."

Harry hugged her and chuckled. "Sorry, I just couldn't resist."

"You have some nerve Harry," Hermione huffed though she didn't really look upset. "I'm happy for you and Professor Snape. He must feel bad for how he treated you."

"He does," Harry said. He shrugged. "I told him it wasn't his fault but I can tell he feels really guilty about it."

"Understandable," Tracey said.

"Make use of it, he'll probably buy you anything you want to make up for it," Theo joked.

Harry stared at Theo. "Why do you have a Mohawk?"

"Huh?" Theo asked in surprise and reached up to feel his hair. His eyes widened. "Ahh! What happened?" He jumped up, feeling his head.

"Sorry Theo, I was practicing a spell," Tracey said mischievously.

"Tracey! Change it back!"

"Nah, leave it. We could all use a good laugh," Draco smirked. He looked thoughtful. "Actually, use that spell on Harry. He deserves it after that cruel joke he just played."

Tracey turned to Harry and lifted her wand. "Not a bad idea."

Harry's eyes widened and he back away. "Come on guys, it was just a joke." He laughed nervously.

"Or we could reverse his hands and feet and see how he gets around," Draco suggested, also getting out his wand.

"The Jelly-Legs Jinx is a fun one," Hermione said with a grin.

"Okay guys, calm down," Ron said, standing up. "None of these ideas are the answer."

"Thanks mate," Harry said in relief.

"I'll just sic the twins on him," Ron grinned. "I know they have some new products they want to try out."

Harry froze for a moment and then grabbed Daphne's hand and ran from the room, his friends' laughter following them.

TBC: I can only do the angst so long and then have to return to the fluff lol