Severus jerked awake his wand instantly in his hand, as he quickly scanned the room for intruders, he was alone. He didn't dare lower his wand as he shot out of the bed, grabbing a dressing gown and hurriedly pulling it on. He froze when he heard Harry scream for him, it sounded like he was absolutely terrified. What if someone was hurting him?

Severus ran from the room, his wand held out in front of him ready to hex anyone who hurt his son. Snape's thoughts froze for a second. Son? Where had that come from? He had only been taking care of Harry for a day. And yet, he knew it was true, he already loved Harry like a son, he wanted to keep him and protect him.

He entered the nursery, his wand drawn his eyes taking in every corner and shadow. There was no one here, he turned to Harry's crib and felt his heart thump painfully in his chest. Harry was crying, sobbing really as he writhed in the bed. Harry screamed out for him again and Severus moved forward, accioing a pacifier to him and gently easing it into Harry's mouth hoping to keep him asleep and try to calm him. But it only made Harry thrash more, Severus yanked it out and felt his heart stop completely at the words that left Harry's mouth..

"No Daddy! I don't wanna be 'lone! P'ease No... no no!" Harry sobbed still fighting the invisible force. "Daddy!"

Severus stared at Harry in horror for a moment, afraid to imagine what Harry must have seen that made him react like that. Severus knew he needed to get Harry up now before he made himself sick.

"Harry!" He cried and instantly the boy woke up, he locked eyes with Severus and began to cry all over again, reaching trembling arms up to him. Severus scooped him up and cuddled his little one close. He had no idea what to do, his parents had never cared if he had a nightmare. Was he supposed to put him back to sleep or keep him awake? He decided to start by calming down the child, who had begun to hyperventilate,

"Oh Harry, tell me what happened, talk to me baby." Severus pleaded, lightly bouncing him as he walked around the room. He was totally lost, he just went with his gut and hoped it worked.

Finally he got Harry down to just sniffling and the occasional hiccup. Severus decided that Harry needed to go back to sleep. He knew he wouldn't be able to get him to sleep in the crib again tonight so he offered for him to sleep in his bed.

At Harry's nod, Severus felt warmth spread through him at least he had done something right.

He carried Harry to his bedroom, leaving the lights off as he walked in. He wanted Harry to go back to sleep quickly and he thought keeping the lights off might help. Severus walked up to the bed and gently tried to lay Harry down but he wouldn't let go of his neck.

"No, Daddy, P'ease" Harry whispered his green eyes red and puffy from crying.

Severus gently extracted Harry's arms from his neck, "I'm not going anywhere, dove, but I would like to get you comfortable is that alright?" He asked gently, making sure his voice was low.

"P'omise?" Harry asked his green eyes wide and full of fear,

Severus ran a hand down his tear stained face, "Of course." Harry nodded and his body finally relaxed, Severus moved him around until his head was on a pillow and he was all snuggled up under the blankets, Cesar tucked under his arm and his blanket squished under his head. He watched Severus with sad eyes, his lower lip constantly trembling. Before Severus climbed in next to him he grabbed one of the extra dummies he had stowed away in his nightable, pushing it into Harry's mouth. A small smile curled on his lips as he watched Harry suck on it, his face going slack.

Severus climbed in next to him and pulled him close, letting Harry rest his head on his chest, his arm pulling him in. He was finally settled.