A.N. ~ Well I don't own these characters. First fanfic so if you are going to review, please be nice. Constructive criticism is definitely ok, being an ass isn't. That said... Please leave comments, good or bad, so that I know what readers think. Thanks

Ch. 5 Home Sweet Home

The school year carried on much the same as it had before the holidays. Severus and Harry easily fell back into their daily routine. The only thing that changed was Harry's verbal skills.

Harry sat in his highchair behind Severus' desk, playing with his coloring book and wands. Tabby the house-elf was taking her turn to replenish Hogwarts kitchens and could not tend to Harry today. Severus walked around the classroom checking the students' progress, when he heard a tiny voice correcting a student. "No, not dat! Wings fewst dundewhead!"
Severus walked over to the student who had paused their work and was staring at Harry. "Hmm. You know, he's right. 10 points from Ravenclaw for being outsmarted by a toddler" Snape said as he walked back to his desk to sit by a very proud looking Harry.

"Minerva, you have no idea what happened today." Severus started as they sat down for supper.

"Oh, let me guess. You're letting your child take over your classroom?" Minerva smirked.

"Take all the fun out of it why don't you. I didn't even know he could comprehend any of the things I read to him. It was amazing Minerva, trust me. He's going to be brilliant. Just you wait." Severus beamed at her.

"You also realize that he helped that student. That's cheating Severus. It was an exam was it not?" Minerva stated plainly.

Severus growled and looked away from her. He loved Minerva like she was his mother, but come final exam time and she was nothing but business. He'd have to have the Ravenclaw retake the exam, without Harry in the room.

Soon enough the graduating class was gone and the rest of the students had only two days left before they would also be on their way. Severus could hardly wait. He was finally going to take his son home. Severus was very wary of calling Harry is son for most of their time together so far. It didn't feel safe. Like if he became too comfortable, it would all be ripped away. That all changed when he received a letter from Gringotts. It was a letter informing him that the Prince family estate had in fact been passed onto him. He needed only sign the scrolls included and they would vanish themselves back to the bank. Severus had everything he'd ever wanted. A family and a real home, the money that came with the estate was a nice bonus.

Tabby accompanied the pair to their new home, much to the delight of Harry. As they entered the foyer, five house-elves stood lined up, looking anxiously up at their new masters.

"Tabby, dey you fwens?" Whispered Harry to the elf who's hand he held.

"Tabby not be knowing these elves Little Master." She said squeezing his hand.

The first elf in line, and by far the oldest spoke up. "We is very pleased to be meeting you Master. I is being Prometheus. This is being Deimus, Iris, Eros and his mate, Phyche. There is being an infant that has no name. Prometheus is sure Mater be knowing it is his duty to name the infant."

The little family stood silently staring at the line of house-elves. Soon enough, Severus recovered and asked that the infant house-elf be presented to him. Eros and Phyche left with a soft pop, returning only moments later with a very small bundle.

"Alright, let us have a look at your child. We will see what name suits... it? May I inquire as to the sex of the child?" Severus asked as the couple unwrapped the tiny elf.

"Oh yes Master. Offspring is being a female. We is being very honored that Master wants to name offspring on first night home." Squeaked Phyche, holding out the infant elf to Severus.

"You are very welcome. Harry, why don't you come here and help me name her." Severus held out his hand for Harry to grab ahold of as he took careful steps.

Severus and Harry looked upon the tiny elf being held out by it's mother. Snape had no ideas as to what to name the little thing. It didn't really look like a proper house-elf yet. It almost looked like a small kitten. Severus smiled at his own thoughts when he heard Harrys name choice. "Kitty!" Harry all but yelled.

"Harry, I'm sure Eros and Phyche would appreciate keeping with tradition. I'm just not sure which goddess would suit her the best." Snape said, almost to himself.

"Kitty! Kitty! Kitty!" Harry chanted.

"We thinks Kitty is being a lovely name, Little Master. If Master is being pleased with the name, we is happy." Eros smiled up at Severus.

Severus sighed, but seeing Harry's eyes light up when he called that tiny house-elf Kitty was enough to convince him to keep the name. The rest of the resident house-elves congratulated the parents, letting them know that they would cover the couple's duties for the night. Severus learned the particular duties that each of the house-elves was assigned. Prometheus was in charge of house. He answered the door, managed guests and was the elf in charge as it seemed. Deimus was in charge of the grounds that surrounded Prince Manor. His duties included the stables, the owlery, and keeping the grounds looking presentable. Iris was in charge of the cleaning. Her duties were to make sure the manor was sparkling and to do the laundry, mending and altering of any clothing or linens. Lastly, Eros and Phyche. They worked together in the kitchens. They took turns going out to the markets, cooking, baking, serving the Masters of the home and any guests that happen to be at the Manor as well.

Prometheus showed Severus and Harry to Harry's room in the east wing. Harry let out a squeal when they entered the room. It was an exact replica of his nursery at Hogwarts. All four house banners hung from the wall up above the elegant dark wooden crib. Dark leather furniture was arranged close to the crib. On the opposite side of the room sat Harry's toys, all neatly put away in toy boxes or displayed nicely on the small table and chair set. Even the scenery outside the window was charmed to be the same. Severus was impressed with the house-elves thoughtfulness as to how Harry would handle the sudden change. Severus left Harry with Tabby in the nursery, and followed Prometheus.

Severus was lead down a long corridor to the west wing of the manor. Prometheus stopped in front of the door at the very end of the corridor, bowed to Severus and disappeared with a pop. Severus opened the door and stared into the master bedroom. It was done in the gothic style he loved, with warm brown leather and gold accents. The giant bed that was prominently featured in the middle of the room was nothing less than beautiful. The carved ebony canopy and frame supported a chandelier, the bedding was made of soft velvet in a caramel color with dark brown and gold accents and was covered with accent pillows of the same colors. Still not believing his eyes, Severus walked to the door he noticed on the far wall. Hoping it lead to a bathroom, Severus entered and once again, stopped short. The bathroom was opulent. The walls and floor were done in a brilliant white with gold accents. There was a tub that could easily double as a small swimming pool and against the far wall was a shower that could fit about five people. The air was scented with jasmine and honey that seemed to be coming off the large chandelier above the tub. The wall length mirrors and double sink were also accented in gold.

Letting out a sigh as he slid into the steaming tub, Severus couldn't help his thoughts that he was the luckiest man in the world at that moment.