Beta'd by: Bombadilo Baby
Thank you so much for all your reviews, favourites and follows! I suuuuuper appreciate all of them! (who wouldn't?!) ^-^
I can honestly say that this is my first serious foray at posting a fanfiction story, and I can't believe the number of responses I've had so far! They've been amazing! It makes me feel guilty for not being able to post more frequently that once a week. . .
Anyway. . .
Wishing you all bedazzling weekends!
-G
Do I own any legal rights to Harry Potter? No. No, I do not. But cheers to J. K Rowling for dreaming it up! I would, very much, miss the Harry Potter sized hole in my life if she hadn't.
"S-Sir. . .?" a hesitant voice called out quietly from their left.
The adults all turned towards the doorway, bar Severus who instantly froze, his hand held aloft above the papers he'd unconsciously been reaching for.
"Can . . .can I c-call you Godfather? Please?" a voice came trailed off in a nervous whisper from the entrance.
After a moment that stretched for eternity, black eyes flickered up and met timid, agonizingly unsure, green orbs.
Severus' heart constricted painfully in his chest as he was met that gaze. They were yet another pair of green eyes that he could never be able to willingly disappoint. The whole room, including Severus, watched (completely absorbed) as Harry's face illuminated in sheer happiness when the potion masters head dipped in a nod.
Hesitatingly, dark eyes unsure, Severus opened his arm in an obvious invitation. Harry froze in shock, eyes wide with disbelief. The raven stumbled forward into the room; walking, then running towards the dark man. Harry willingly flung himself into his Godfather's chest, the warmest sensation of content brewing in his chest, as the man's arms carefully encircled him. Harry had never felt so safe and secure, and he prayed, to whatever god would listen, that for once (just once) this feeling wouldn't be snatched away from him again.
Don't leave me. Please, just stay with me.
The arms around him tightened, and Harry suddenly realised he'd spoken aloud, when his Godfather replied in a low soft voice.
"Always." Severus said, the word a promise to Harry and the girl who would always be his childhood friend.
Severus looked down at the ruffled black head of hair currently pressed against his chest.
He could hardly believe how quickly his life had been turned upside down since meeting Lily's child. He looked up in disbelief, catching Lucius and Narcissa's gaze. Minerva had departed back through the floo soon after being pulled through, sensing (despite her no doubt thousand questions) that now was not an appropriate time to intrude. Though the Scottish lady had given her friend a exasperated look, that quite clearly demonstrated her impatience for an explanation, before returning to Hogwarts.
The Lady Malfoy smiled reassuringly at Severus when their gaze met, easily perceiving how much her old friend was (most uncharacteristically) floundering.
Not that her reassurance brought him much comfort.
Severus could count on one hand the number of people whom he had cared for in his life, they were, perhaps not so coincidentally, the only people who had cared for him in return. Three of them were Malfoy's, and the two remaining had been his mother and his only childhood friend, Lily.
Severus was filled with trepidation at the thought of adding another name to that list, yet at the same time, he knew that Harry had already nestled his way onto it.
How he would ever be any sort of respectable parental figure Severus had no idea, but couldn't bring himself to decline the offer of Guardianship. Instead, he thanked Merlin for the knowledge that he would have the help and assistance of Lucius and Narcissa along the way.
He looked down at Harry, who was for the moment (and the fact caused Severus no small amount of astonishment) still curled up against him. He felt a jarring mix of fury and relief that Harry could still, so readily, open himself up at the merest hint of genuine affection from another person. How dare the Dursley's reject Lily's child! Harry's life shouldn't have been so barren of any affection that he would so readily welcome it from someone as (admittedly) emotionally stunted as Severus. Despite how well Harry seemed to take the news of Severus' status as Godfather, Severus knew that Harry, not unlike himself, would quite probably have some serious difficulties fully trusting others. Especially given how poorly those who ought to have protected and cherished him had abused him in the past.
The potions master continued to offer his silent comfort whilst he floundered on how best to broach the topic of Guardianship. Surely Harry would rather stay with the Malfoy's? Spinner's End was hardly a welcoming place for a child. Severus had numerous memories to know that truth first hand.
He frowned lightly. He had no desire to subject Harry to that house.
Realising this, Severus was extremely grateful that he'd managed to save quite a substantial amount of his earning into his Gringotts account. He'd have to consult the Goblin's and Lucius in regards to suitable property, and raising adequate protective wards of course, but with careful planning he knew that both Harry and himself could soon be settled quite comfortably.
Gently, he drew Harry away. As Severus saw the quickly concealed flicker of rejection and doubt in those green eyes however, he rubbed the back of Harry's shoulder reassuringly.
"We need to speak with you Harry, in regards to your Guardianship." Severus said, in a low smooth voice, that reminded Harry of wind through the tall tree's. "Lucius tells me that Madam Bones spoke with you earlier about it?" he wanted to confirm that Harry was aware of any future plans regarding him, knowing that discussing it behind him back would only make the young boy uneasy around them. He knew Harry had very little input regarding his life up until this point.
Harry nodded, his shyness quickly resurfacing when he noticed they'd garnered the complete attention of everyone in the room. Harry had learnt early on that drawing too much attention to himself was a fast way to incite Uncle Vernon's fury.
"Yes, Godfather." Harry confirmed, a warm bubble of happiness bursting in his chest when Severus (his Godfather!) smiled in response to the title. Harry suspected, despite what Madam Bones had said, that none of the adults would want to keep him around for much longer. So, he basked in the knowledge that, for the moment, his Godfather seemed to accept him.
Which was why the next words floored Harry's expectations completely, leaving him frozen where he stood.
"I understand that you would likely prefer to stay with the Malfoy's, but should you wish it Harry" the older man's throat bobbed "I would gladly accept the role as your official Guardian." Severus told the raven haired boy.
Harry's eyes went wide, unaware of his shaking voice as his response blurted from his lips. "Y-you'd let me stay with you?" Harry whispered, in muted awe.
Severus' serious black eyes met Harry's as he replied "I've already promised you that, Harry." He said, wrapping the eleven year old in his arms again "always." He murmured "Even if you would rather stay with the Malfoy's, I promise that I will never be far." He swore, knowing it was the truth. He would never let anything bad happen to his Godson again, not if he had any say in it.
Harry bit his lip. He'd loved every moment he'd spent so far with the Malfoy's, but he didn't want Draco to resent sharing his parents with Harry, or get bored by spending too much time with him. And, a quiet voice in Harry's mind spoke, if he were honest, Harry would admit that he longed to have someone just for himself. What his Godfather was offering him now, was everything he'd ever wanted. . .
Harry started crying quietly, hiding his face against his Godfather's black clothes.
"Sure?" he said quietly, his voice damp with tears. His throat was too logged with salty water and emotions to finish his sentence, but Severus understood anyway.
Harry would actually choose him.
Severus tightened his arms "Of course."
Narcissa smiled at the two, delighted for both Severus and Harry, both of whom had long deserved a loving family. With anticipatory glee, she wondered how long before Severus considered making his new role as Harry's (for all intents and purposes) new parent even more official.
Narcissa and Lucius shared a smug smirk.
Lucius, already anticipating Draco's disappointment at the now impending departure of his Godfather and friend from the Manor, plus several other factors, brought up a suggestion (aka. order) he hoped they would agree to.
"Congratulations" he said honestly to them both "You will both, of course, be staying here until you've organised appropriate accommodations Severus" Lucius affirmed.
Severus raised a haughty, albeit amused, brow. The potions master considered the offer and quickly realised that it was best for all involved parties, Harry could spend more time with the three Malfoy's, and Severus could ensure that Harry was well protected whilst he organised a suitable dwelling for them to move into. Severus frowned, contemplating potential complications that could arise from both the Order and remaining Death Eaters should their news somehow become public.
"I will of course assist you in finding a suitable property" Lucius continued, knowing that the potions master had long since sold the Prince family estate, having no desire to live on the property of the family which had so coldly turned its back on the man's mother: Eileen Snape nee Prince. "I'm sure Narcissa will also insist upon assisting us with refurbishing any interior rooms and grounds." Lucius drawled upon seeing the excited gleam that had sprung up in his wife's eyes.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing to the heavens. "Merlin, save me from another Malfoy shopping excursions." He appealed.
Harry, who's tears had dried as he listened to their conversation, let out a quiet laugh. He understood Severus' reaction, having already experienced a day in Diagon alley shopping with the Malfoy family. For Harry, who had never bought (or really owned) anything in his life, he'd been astounded by how efficiently and expensively the blonde trio had organised their outing.
Severus peered down in amusement at Harry's reaction, and quickly noted the hopeful gleam on the boys face. With a put-upon sigh, which was truthfully almost entirely faked, Severus agreed to Lucius terms.
Harry was startled from Severus' arms when a jubilant shout came from the doorway, all four of them turned as Draco flounced into the room. Lucius raised a light blonde eyebrow at show Draco's poor etiquette, but went unnoticed by his excited son.
"That means you get to stay for the rest of Summer, Harry!" Draco said smugly, vibrating with excitement "And we can board the train to Hogwarts together" the young blonde beamed.
In the background, unnoticed by everyone, Severus moaned before he started to grumble something about Malfoy's, renovations projects, and likely taking half a year.
Harry returned the smile with his own, albeit smaller one. The adults were curious to note that the raven-haired boy was quite decidedly not moving far from his newfound Godfather.
Harry still couldn't believe everything that had happened today, and was feeling overwhelmed and, quite frankly, dazed. But wedged inside his chest was a tiny glow of hope, a glow which made him both nervous and excited.
The small raven haired boy was still waiting for the other shoe to drop; had been waiting for the last several hours, and the anticipation was making him feel something almost queasy. Because, surely, it was going to happen? Good things didn't happen to him, or, when they did, they never lasted long. . .
Severus, as though sensing Harry's doubt, rubbed his hand in soothing circles on the ravens upper back.
A part of Harry wanted to melt into the reassuring touch, but the realistic voice in his head warned him not to truly get attached, not to trust, so quickly. He knew he was already dangerously close to believing what his Godfather and the Malfoy's kept saying: that they would stay, that he never had to return to Little Whinging, that hecould actually stay with them.
So, he'd made up his mind when the lady, Madam Bones, had come to talk to him: he would enjoy this dreamlike reality while it lasted. Then let it go when it left.
Harry was good at letting things go. At not caring too deeply. Not expecting too much.
The raven knew that watching his Godfather, Draco, even Draco's parents, leave would be one of the hardest things he'd have to do.
But he'd stay with them for as long as they wanted him.
So Harry observed everyone closely that afternoon, waiting for a sign that his time was up.
And if his eyes grew damp as Draco excitedly rambled about all the things they could do this summer now that Harry was staying for the last month;
And if his forehead tingled when Narcissa came up to him, gently brushing the hair back off his forehead as she discussed colour palate's with Severus;
And if a smile twitched at his lip when Lucius raised a haughty brow, before caving (not even a minute later) to Draco's requests that he come supervise the two boys flying in the field again;
. . . And if his heart shuddered violently when his Godfather signed his name onto the official documents of Guardianship, then turned quietly to Harry, seldom used smile-crinkles appearing in the corners of his eyes
. . . then Harry tried desperately to keep everything bottled up in his suddenly too tight chest.
The day wore on, but Harry's first night at the Manor was not what he expected.
After dinner, and a game of exploding snap with Draco, Harry had struggled to stay awake on the living room couch. After some laughter and gentle prodding from Draco, Severus had soon prompted the raven to bid goodnight to the Malfoy's before he calmly led Harry out into the hallway. Soon the pair had arrived in a vast room, next door to his Godfather's own, and apparently (though Harry was quite lost by this point) just around the corner from Draco's. It was a large open space, predominately occupied by a huge low bed and massive arched window overlooking the gardens. But what Harry marvelled at most, in his half unconscious state, was the roof. Littered above him were literally hundreds of pieces of hanging coloured glass, some quietly tinkling against each other. The sound was surprisingly soothing, and Harry soon found himself on weak-wobbly knees.
The raven-haired boy only returned slightly from his state of exhaustion by the fingers smoothed along his forehead, raking back through his dark locks. Green eyes fluttered slightly as sturdy arms guided him beneath cloud-like bedding. Harry noticed happily as his clothes were changed to comfortable pyjamas with an easy flick of his Godfather's wand.
He thought he managed to mumble out an audible thanks, though it may have been slightly sleep-garbled.
Though he was starting to drift off, Harry could have sworn he felt a kiss brushed against his forehead as the blankets were tucked warmly around him.
"Goodnight Harry." A low voice soothed.
Harry fell asleep with a smile on his face.
Draco crept quietly from his room when the first light of dawn inched through his bedroom window. Careful not to wake any of the adults, he snuck out the door and down the hall way in soft green socks, perfect for muffling sound, but not quite sufficient for keeping his toes nice and warm on the cold polished-marble floors.
With an eager small smile, Draco reached up a hand, tugging open the door into Harry's room. The Malfoy heir glanced around the bedroom, gaze falling quickly on the tangle of raven hair. He hurried over, climbing up onto the bed and burying his now icy toes into the blanket folds, as he moved closer to Harry.
"Harry." He whispered, "Harry, wake up." He said, eager to drag Harry down to the kitchens so that they could sneak some of Dobby's famous hot cocoa and cookies before his parents woke up.
Green eyes opened blearily, before fluttering slightly in surprise when he saw the other room occupant. "-raco?" he mumbled in sleepy confusion.
Draco frowned slightly, noting the silvery tear tracks down his friends face, and bright red scar on his forehead. A brief shiver shook Draco's body. "Shove over, Harry." He said, already burrowing under the blankets beside the raven, desperate to warm up his feet and hands.
"Why are you crying?" he asked once he'd regained some warmth.
Green eyes flickered away "Bad dream." Came the pillow-muffled reply.
Draco's frown increased. "…tell me about it?" Draco asked, quietly, facing towards Harry.
Harry turned his head, green eyes looking closely at Draco, before he slowly rolled to mirror Draco's posture. After a soft breath, Harry started talking.
…
When Severus walked in a couple of hours later to awaken Harry he paused, amused at the sight of the two boys burrowed together into Harry's bed.
Not to mention the fact that Draco had somehow managed to wheedle Harry out of the majority of his pillows.