Severus' Story:
As Harry walked quickly down the street, he wondered if he should tell Hermione the truth. He wanted to with all his heart, but he was afraid. Would she think less of him? He knew that the abuse wasn't his fault, but not fighting back was.
Even though he had defeated Voldemort twice, he was still afraid of his Uncle Vernon to the very core of his soul. And was even more afraid of the man's belt and cane. What bothered him most was that he was almost twelve, so he should be able to handle getting a whipping. It was after all a child's punishment. Maybe he should just go back, but he was really afraid of what his Uncle would do. Running away was not allowed. The last time he had run away he was seven. That was a beating that he would never forget and the man promised to break his legs the next time he ran away.
Harry decided to shake away those thoughts and focus on the task at hand. He had to get away and he needed to find a phone, this would be all for naught if Hermione's family wouldn't let him stay with them. Fear kept him moving ahead, he couldn't let his Aunt and Uncle find him.
Two miles from home he finally made it to the bus terminal. He looked at the schedule quickly, before spotting the payphone. He ran over and grabbed the book searching frantically through the pages for Hermione's number. Finding it he reached into his pocket and took out what little change he had and dialed.
'Please let Hermione pick up," Harry thought over and over.
"Granger residence," Hermione's calm voice answered.
Harry almost cried in relief, but held himself together saying,
"Hi Hermione."
"Harry, I've been so worried. Why haven't you answered my or Ron's letters?" She demanded.
"I've been having some trouble with my family," Harry said. "I was wondering if maybe I could come and stay with you for a couple of days?"
"What kind of trouble?" Hermione asked.
"I promise to tell you the whole story but I don't have much change so I don't know how long I have until it hangs up," Harry said hoping to postpone the inevitable.
"Let me ask my parents, I don't think it will be a problem as long as your Aunt and Uncle…"
"Hermione, I ran away from home," Harry said quickly.
"Harry, you can't be out alone at this time of night. Do you know how dangerous it is?"
"That's why I'm calling you. Please Hermione, I don't have anywhere else to go," Harry said happy that she couldn't see the tears falling down his cheeks.
"I'll fix it with my parents so you can come," Hermione said hearing the desperation in her friend's voice.
"Thank you. According to the bus schedule I'll be there around two in the morning. I'll sleep at the terminal in London…"
"You will do no such thing. I'll meet you at King's Cross Station. Promise me that you will wait until I get there."
"I promise. Thanks Hermione."
Hermione hung up the phone and made her way back into the living room.
"Mum, can one of my friends stay with us for a while?"
"As long as it's okay with their parents they can," Monica said.
"Well, there's a problem…"
"What type of problem Hermione? Is the child in trouble?" Monica said looking at her husband for support. It was almost ten at night after all.
"It's Harry Potter Mum, and I don't know exactly what's going on, but if he asked to come here there has to be a reason. He's on a bus from Surrey right now."
"Hermione, I really don't appreciate you asking a child over without our permission," Wendell Granger said sharply
"I didn't invite him, he's in trouble. You're not going to make him sleep on the street are you?" Hermione asked.
"Of course not, but we'll talk to his parents tomorrow. I'm sure they're worried sick," Wendell said.
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Harry smiled when he saw King's Cross. He just hoped that Hermione's family would let him stay and that they wouldn't get caught sneaking back into her house at three in the morning.
Harry walked off the bus and was surprised to see Hermione waving with a smiling man standing next to her. She ran up and gave him a huge hug and said,
"Harry, this is my father Dr. Wendell Granger."
"Nice to meet your Dr. Granger," Harry said shaking the man's hand and tried unsuccessfully not to flinch when the man grabbed his chin to check out his black eye.
"How did this happen Harry?" He asked gently.
"I was wondering the same thing," Severus said silkily.
Harry jumped hearing the sound of his hated professor's voice. That voice only meant one thing, he was heading back home and by morning he would probably be dead or wishing he was.
"Hi Professor Snape," Hermione said cheerfully.
"Miss Granger. Mr. Potter, there is a question we are waiting for you to answer," Severus said sternly. He had already delved into his son's mind and was shocked by what he saw.
"I fell sir," Harry said looking at the ground.
"Mr. Potter, I don't appreciate getting lied to," Severs said sternly.
"I…" Harry stumbled.
"Why don't you let me help you? Your beast of an Uncle punched you because a house elf decided to dump a pudding on his business associates."
Harry looked at the man in astonishment. How did he know that?
"Don't look so surprised Mr. Potter, I am a wizard after all. Come, we have much to discuss," Severus said.
"I was hoping to stay with Hermione for the rest of the summer sir."
"I'm sorry, but you're coming with me," Severus said.
"No I'm not! We're not in school, so I don't have to listen to you," Harry said angrily.
Hermione didn't know what to do, so she looked at her father for help.
"Professor Snape, I'm Dr. Wendell Granger."
"Sorry for my lack of manners. Nice to meet you. I thank you for your help with Mr. Potter tonight, but I was instructed to pick him up and care for him."
"Are you taking him home? If so I must object. I will not allow him to return to an abusive home."
"I promise you that I will never allow Mr. Potter to return to those vile muggles. He will be staying with me."
"I'm not staying with you! You hate me."
"I don't hate you Mr. Potter. Please desist with the childish hysterics and come along."
"If Harry would like he can come to our home," Dr. Granger said looking at the distraught teenager.
"Unfortunately Mr. Potter doesn't have a choice in the matter. I thank you again for your help."
Harry stood there contemplating what to do, when Hermione walked over and whispered,
"I think you should go with him."
"But…"
"Harry, he saved you more than once last year. He's our teacher and I don't think he'll hurt you. Dumbledore probably sent him. He already promised that he wouldn't take you back to your relatives so that has to count for something. I promise to send Hedwig to you and if there is a problem my Dad and I will come and get you."
"I don't even know where I'm going."
"To one of my homes," Severus said. "Miss Granger, if it's ok with your father, I will send you a Portkey in two days, so that you can see that Mr. Potter is adjusting well to his new environment."
"That sounds wonderful," Dr. Granger said. "Are you fine with that Harry?"
"Yes sir," he said. He wasn't fine with this one bit. He hated Professor Snape and had no desire to go anywhere with the man. Just sitting in the man's class everyday was torture. He couldn't imagine how bad it would be going to his home.
"So it is settled. Come Mr. Potter, it is late and you and Miss Granger need your rest."
"Are we walking sir," Harry asked the second they were alone.
"No we are using a Portkey."
"What's a Portkey?"
"This is a Portkey Mr. Potter," Severus said pulling touching a obsidian ring on his middle finger, "and it will take us to our home."
"Our home?"
Severus activated the Portkey and seconds later they were in a large bedroom, without bothering to answer Harry's question. He wasn't about to stand on the street and tell the boy the details of their soon to be life.
Severus shook his head as he looked around the bedroom. Lucius went all out, as always. The room was a dark red, not quite Gryffindor colors, but enough to make Harry feel at home.
"This is your room, Mr. Potter."
"Why?"
"I thought it would be obvious. You need a place to sleep and this is it. Your bathroom is through that door and my room is across the hall."
"Is this your house sir?"
"We'll talk about the in the morning."
"Why not tonight?"
"We have both had a long day and you are a growing boy who needs his sleep. Would you like some tea before you go to sleep?"
"Yes sir."
"Gomo!"
A house elf popped into the room seconds later with a tray of tea and biscuits.
"Thank you Gomo," Severus said.
"You're welcome Lord Prince."
"Gomo, it's Professor Snape," Severus chided softly.
"I's sorry. You be Lord Prince, Master says."
"Yes, your Master likes his formalities. He also knows I hate that name and…" Severus stopped when he saw the eager look coming from his son. "That will be all."
"Why do you hate your title?" Harry asked.
"That Mr. Potter is a question for another night. I would like you to drink this and put this crème on your eye after your tea."
"What is it?"
"Dreamless sleep and a bruise reducer."
"Why?"
"Because I want you to sleep for the next eight hours and wake up refreshed and I feel a black eye is unbecoming. You're not a hooligan."
"Thank you sir."
"Your welcome Harry," Severus said as he shut the door.
Harry stood looking at the door in shock. Did Professor Snape actually call him Harry?
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Harry woke up the next morning feeling the plush bed and comforter feeling confused.
Why did Snape come and get him? Where exactly was he? And most importantly why was he here?
A slight tap on the door and Snape's voice interrupted his thoughts,
"Mr. Potter, time to wake up."
"I'm up sir."
"Good. Why don't you get ready and meet me in the hall in about twenty minutes. There should be some clothes in the wardrobe."
"Yes sir."
Twenty minutes later Harry walked out in a dark blue shirt and a pair of jeans. Harry was surprised when he put them on and they fit. He could've sworn these were Dudley's old cast offs.
"Good I shrunk them enough. Please tell me you forgot your good clothes at home," Severus said.
"No sir, these are my clothes."
"I was afraid you were going to say that," Severus said shaking his head. He knew Harry was in for a long couple of days of shopping with Narcissa. Something he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy, that woman loved to shop. Maybe he would ask Lucius to send Draco along to make it more bearable for his son. "You must be hungry. I have asked to be left alone this morning, but you will meet the other members of our household at lunch."
"Why do you keep saying our household? I don't live here."
"All will be explained. Let's have breakfast on the terrace."
Harry followed Severus out onto the terrace and smiled. This place was beautiful. The landscape was littered with flower gardens, trees, a beautiful blue pond, heck there were even horses running in the distance.
"Is that a Unicorn?"
"Yes the Lord of the manor loves his treasures," Severus said rolling his eyes.
"Your not the Lord?"
"No. You'll meet him later today, along with his family."
"Do I know them?"
"Yes, but well leave it at that right now."
"Why?"
"We have much to discuss this morning and Mr. Potter, I want you to be truthful with me. I despise lying and you will not like what will happen if I catch you in a lie."
"Are you going to tell me the truth?"
"I will answer all that I can," Severus said after thinking about it for a few seconds.
"I guess that will have to do," Harry said looking at the food Severus had just piled on his plate.
"You need to eat a balanced meal."
"I don't think I'll be able to eat all of that," Harry said honestly. It had been weeks since he had a decent meal.
"Eat what you can and I will give you a nutrient potion to make up for the rest."
Harry hated nutrient potions. Madam Pomfrey shoved them down his throat every time he was in the hospital wing.
The two ate in silence. Severus really didn't know where to start and decided that maybe the best place was at the beginning.
"Mr. Potter, this is going to be a long story and to be honest, it won't be easy for me to share half of it, but I'm going to. You deserve the truth and I'm going to give it to you like it or not."
Harry looked up from his eggs and said in a shaky voice,
"Ok."
"First thing you need to know is that I'm a Dryade."
"What's a Dryade?"
"A wood nymph. As a Dryade we are able to do earth magic with ease. I'm able to do earth magic without a wand."
"So you can control trees and stuff?"
"Exactly. Now let me continue. My Mother was extremely beautiful and when she was eighteen she met my father, who was a muggle. She fell head over heels for him and married him one week after she met him. My Grandparents were extremely angry and cut her off. As a nymph it's important to recharge and your home is the only place to do that. There is a tree in the center of our property that helps control our magic. When I was five, my Mother became very ill due to the loss of contact with the family tree. Her magic was overtaxing her and in all honestly was frightening my father."
"How did the it overtax her?"
"To help make ends meet my mother made herbs and spices for the local town. She used her powers to grow the plants, but the power was starting to get away from her. I remember one night I went to bed and the next morning there was a huge oak tree in the front yard. My mother slept for three days after that and my father forbade her from doing magic. The problem is that magic was at her core and she had to let it out. She died when I was ten. All of that could have been avoided if my selfish Grandfather would've let her come home," Severus said angrily.
"I'm really sorry sir," Harry said.
"Thank you, my life was pretty bleak until I went to the park and saw two sisters playing. The younger of the two jumped from a swing and fluttered to the ground. The second I saw her I knew she was a witch and the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen in my life. Her sister hated me on sight and to be honest I wasn't that fond of her either."
"Was the little girl my mother?" Harry asked. There had to be a point to this story.
"Yes. From that day on Lily Evans was my best friend. I told her all about being a wizard and Hogwarts. The day we both got our letter from Hogwarts was the best day of my life. That was until my father got home. He refused to pay for me to go. He said he wasn't losing me like he lost my mother and if he had to he would beat the magic out of me. That night he took his belt and beat me black and blue because I was a wizard."
Harry shook his head he knew exactly what that was like. His Uncle had beaten him so many times for doing what he now knew had been uncontrolled magic.
"The next morning I ran to the park and it was that day I met my Grandfather. He brought me to the tree and I was immediately better. He told me that one day I would be Lord Prince and all about being a Dryade. It was then that I realized that he had killed my Mother by not allowing her to come home. I hated him for that, but my Slytherin side took over. I knew these people were my ticket to Hogwarts and I was right. My Grandfather promised to pay my way and he gave me a Portkey for times that I needed the tree."
"Didn't your Grandmother try and do something?"
"No she died a few months before my Mum graduated from Hogwarts."
Harry shook his head feeling bad for the professor.
"On September 1st I boarded the train. It was the best and worst day of my life. My father said not to bother to come home for Christmas, after he tried one last time to beat the magic out of me. Of course it didn't work. When we arrived at Hogwarts Lily was sorted into Gryffindor, while I was sorted into Slytherin. Even with us being in separate houses, we were still the best of friends throughout our years at Hogwarts.
"In fact, Lily and I started dating during our fifth year at Hogwarts. She was my world and would be until the day she died. Of course, members of our houses were against it, but we didn't care. Everything was perfect until I went home for the summer between fifth and sixth year.
"During that summer my father finally went too far. During one of the beatings, he beat me until I was unconscious. It was that day that I learned of my Grandfather's newest betrayal. The man had died three months before and had given my inheritance to another, one that was supposed to keep me in line and determine if I would ever be worthy of the title of Lord Prince. You see my Grandfather had learned of my relationship with your Mum and wasn't going to allow the Head of the Prince family to marry a mudblood."
"Mudblood?"
"It's a foul name for muggle borns. It means dirty blood and if I ever hear you say it, you will become familiar with a mouth washing spell at the very least," Severus said seriously.
"I wouldn't use it, that's vile."
"He gave my title and fortune to Lucius Malfoy, who would keep it until I was deemed worthy. The only good that became of that was when Lucius walked into my home and took custody of me. He had sensed that I was in danger and came to my rescue. He forced my father to sign the papers even before I came to. He brought me here and this has been my home ever since."
"So Lord Malfoy is your father, now?"
"No, I consider him to be my older brother, but he does have the right to control my inheritance like a parent does. He also is the Head of our family," Severus said with a smile.
"Our family?"
"Yes, let me continue. When I was seventeen I did something completely stupid. Lucius had commanded me not to but, I was young and thought I knew better. I was following his example after all. So I took the Dark Mark."
"The Dark Mark?"
"The mark of Voldemort. To put it mildly Lucius was furious."
"Yes I was and tell him what I did," Lucius said walking in with an amused smile.
"I'd rather not," Severus said.
"I spanked him like the disobedient little boy he was," Lucius said giving Harry a wink.
"Thanks a lot Luc," Severus said frowning. "I'm trying to keep some shred of decency here."
"Not to worry, Harry won't judge you on foolish mistakes of the past. Especially when he learns that three weeks later you became a spy along with me."
"You were a spy? What did my mum say?" Harry asked wanting to know if this was the reason they broke up.
"Oh Sev didn't tell your mum right away. He tried to hide it from her. The problem was that was a young James Potter wanted Lily for himself, so he decided to spill the beans two days before Graduation," Lucius said.
"Lucius, is there a point to you being here?" Severus said annoyed at his older brother's interruption.
"Just wanted to see how you both were getting along. According to Draco, you both tend to grate on each other nerves."
"We're fine. Now may I continue?"
"Of course," Lucius said sitting down giving Harry another smile.
"Did Mum break up with you because you took the Dark Mark?"
"No Harry, we got married secretly instead."
"Wait you were married to my mom?"
"Yes for ten glorious months."
"What happened? Did you make him leave my Mom?" Harry said accusingly looking directly into the eyes of Lucius Malfoy.
"Harry, Lucius approved of the marriage. He isn't like my Grandfather."
"So why did you leave her?" Harry demanded. His temper was starting to get the better of him. Why would anyone leave someone as perfect as his mother?
"My job as a spy became more and more dangerous. Professor Dumbledore demanded that I break all contact with my friends who were fighting for the light, including Lily. He said that if I didn't she could end up hurt or even dead. For two weeks I tried to fool Dumbledore, but one night I came home and someone had broken in. They destroyed the place. Luckily Lily wasn't home. She had gone home to see her parents. The next night I told your Mum I wanted a divorce. Luc arranged for an annulment instead, saying that would be faster and it would insure that no one would know that I had been married to the woman I loved. Six weeks after she left, she married James Potter, much to my dismay."
"Wait if my Mum was so in love with you, how could she marry someone else just weeks after you dumped her?" Harry asked. This story didn't make any sense.
"Well, your Mum had a secret. One that I didn't find out about until last night."
Harry stared at Severus and got a sinking feeling in his stomach. He had a feeling what the next words that were going to come out of his mouth were going to be and to be honest he didn't know if he wanted it to be true or not. It would be wonderful to have a parent that was alive, but did he really want the dungeon bat to be his father?
"You're face tells me that you already figured out what that secret is. Harry, I'm your father."
Harry jumped out of his chair and stomped around the room as he ranted.
"That can't be true. I look so much like James Potter, everyone says so and I'm a seeker like he was. You don't even like me! How can you be my father? You're vile and evil and…"
"Harry, you have to calm down," Severus said.
Lucius on the other hand walked over to Harry and landed five hard swats on Harry's bum effectively ending the rant. The second he was released, Harry scrambled over to a chair to make sure Lucius wouldn't strike him again.
"Luc…"
"Sev, I don't want to hear it. The boy was out of line and you know it. It is my duty as the head of this family to keep our members in line."
"You're doing a bang up job with Draco," Harry mumbled. Getting a glare from both his father and Lucius.
"Mr. Potter, I suggest you adjust your attitude and mind your manners," Lucius said sternly.
"How are you head of the family anyway?" Harry snapped.
"This is your second warning about attitude young man. Trust me you do not want to reach three," Lucius warned before saying, "I am a Naiad, a nymph of lakes and spring and I was given the right by your Great-Grandfather and that of my birth. So I suggest you sit down and finish listening to your father. I would also suggest that you keep an open mind. The fact is you are a member of my household and I will be treated with respect, so will your father. Do you understand me?"
"Yes sir," Harry said looking down.
"Good. Sev, lunch is in an hour. I feel that the two of you need some time alone until then," Lucius said and walked back into the house.
"Harry, come here," Severus said.
Harry walked over to Severus and was surprised when the older man pulled him onto his lap and wrapped his arms around him. For some reason this brought tears to his eyes. He realized at that second, no one had ever held him like his.
Severus didn't know why he needed to hold his son, but it just felt right. Once Harry was situated, he decided it was time to continue.
"I know this is a lot to take in. I'm just getting used to it myself, but know that you are and will always be loved. I know you are probably angry at Lucius right now, but that man is going to love you more than life itself, as will I."
"But you don't like me," Harry said his eyes looking so young but Severus could see the hope.
"Harry, I've always liked you. I just thought you needed guidance. I honestly thought you were treated like a prince at home and I was afraid that the fame would go to your head. All of your adventures last year seemed to solidify my beliefs. But hear me well young man, if you pull half of the stunts you did last year, you will have a very had time sitting down and you will not have an ounce of free time."
"But it just happened."
Severus gave him a smile and said,
"Well I guess you need to try not to let it happen again."
"Yes sir."
"Are you ready for more of the story?"
"Yes sir," Harry said climbing off his father's lap and sitting next to him on the couch.
Severus took another deep breath, was now the time to tell Harry about Dumbledore? No the boy had enough on his plate. So he decided to continue with the Dark Lord's decision to attack Harry's family.
"As you know the Dark Lord decided to target your family."
"Do you know why?"
Severus debated for all of three seconds before deciding against telling his son about the prophesy. The boy didn't need that riding on his shoulders. In fact if Severus had his way, Harry would never know the true reason his house was targeted.
"Yes and no. Your father and mother fought hard against him and his followers. They had thwarted him three times in fact. To put it mildly the Dark Lord does not like to be defied. I told Professor Dumbledore that they needed to go into hiding so they did."
"If we were hiding how did he find us?"
"Your parents put their trust in the wrong man. He betrayed them to the Dark Lord."
"What happened to him?" Harry asked angrily.
"He's in a wizarding prison."
"Good."
"My sentiments exactly. He'll stay there for the rest of his life if I have anything to do with it."
"Where were you when my Mum died?"
"Trying to make my way to her. The Dark Lord had ordered me to work on a potion, knowing that I would not approve of his taking Lily's life."
"You didn't care about me or my Dad?"
"Of course I did, but the Dark Lord couldn't know that," Severus said squeezing Harry's hand.
Harry nodded his head.
"After Lily's death, I was lost. I felt responsible and still do to this day. I shouldn't have left her."
"I'm sure Mum doesn't blame you."
"Do you?"
"No. I still don't think you're my Dad though," Harry said honestly.
Severus sighed and handed Harry, Remus' letter. The boy would never read his letter, there was no way his son would ever in a million years know that his Grandfather was Voldemort.
Harry looked at him and said,
"Who's Remus?"
"A friend of your Mum and James."
"He's not your friend?"
"No, I have few friends. As you know I'm not a very nice man," Severus said honestly, making Harry giggle. "Come let's go to lunch. We'll continue talking after."