Of Unexpected Deliveries and Doorsteps

by molliehhhh

Stunned, Severus just stood there looking at the baby in the basket on his doorstep. What the ****! Why was there a child on his stoop? Befuddled he saw the letter stuffed into the side of the carrier and opened it. My take on what would happen if Petunia gave Harry to Severus. Warnings Inside! So please read them. The pairing is Lucius/Severus and eventually Theo/Harry.

6. Chapter 6

Author: HatefulRodeo

Story: Of Unexpected Deliveries and Doorsteps

Notes: Hello Lovelies! PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS A/U; meaning I can change or do whatever the hell I want. Another thing do not review and suggest to me what I should and/or should not do in my story! If you have so many ideas WRITE YOUR OWN FUCKING STORY! Anywho, THANKS TO ALL THAT REVIEWED, FAV'D, AND FOLLOWED!

Parseltongue looks like "This"!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I will make no money from the posting of this story.

Previously:

Harry nodded in agreement; his fathers would know what was going on. There was no reason to stress out just yet. He smiled at his dad, letting the man know he was alright and ready to continue on with their shopping trip. The onyx eyed man looked at him critically before deciding Harry was alright for now and turned toward Lucius who was just now leaving the wand shop.

The four of them stood together; Harry and Draco marveling at the shops in their vicinity while the adults discussed who would go where. In the end it was decided that Harry and Severus would get their books and potions supplies.

Lucius and Draco would get everything else on the list, including their owls. They would meet up at Madam Malkin's for robes before they went to Quality Quidditch; like they'd agreed on before. Harry and Draco smiled at each other while their fathers clasped hands for a minute before they separated to collect all their Hogwarts things.

~*~*~*Chapter 6*~*~*~

Two days had passed since Harry and his family went to Diagon Alley, which was absolutely amazing! Harry never knew how awesome the magical world was until he saw Diagon Alley. There was so much to see; he liked the bookstore the most! Flourish and Blotts he believed it was called. Harry loved walking through all the shelves of books, selecting all the texts he needed for school and those he wanted to read for fun.

Severus helped him by carrying the basket and making suggestions on which books would be best to buy for recreational reading. He'd also picked out a few simple books on Runes and Arithmancy. His blonde sibling was interested, as was Harry, in the subjects, mostly because of Potions.

His dad explained that Arithmancy and Runes could be used to strengthen a potion, making it more effective, or give it a longer shelf life. Severus hadn't gone too deep into the explanation of how this worked but it sparked Draco and Harry's interest. They wouldn't be able to take Runes or Arithmancy until third year but it never hurt to get a head start.

Then after the bookstore they went to Slug & Jiggers Apothecary; Severus refused to go anywhere else, citing that the other stores sold lesser quality ingredients at a far higher price. Harry just thought Severus liked the man who ran the place; his dad spent a good ten minutes just talking to the man behind the counter, Mr. Jigger. His dad, normally, didn't like to talk to anyone besides him, Draco, and papa Luc!

Once Severus concluded his conversation, which Harry tried to follow but it was quite over his head; something about stewing Aconite petals for a few hours as opposed to boiling them quickly would allow the brewer to extract more of the magical properties out of the flower.

The emerald eyed child had no clue why stewing would help but valiantly tried to keep up, if only to not look like a dunderhead. He was relieved when they began to shop for their needed potions ingredients and cauldrons. Mr. Jigger, as it turned out, did sell cauldrons and other brewing necessities but only to those he liked and found worthy.

Thankfully, Severus Snape's boys were on the list and they bought all their potions ingredients and equipment from there. It saved them a trip to the cauldron shop, which according to Mr. Jigger didn't give flying Nargle's foot about the quality of their cauldrons. Harry wasn't sure how accurate that was but he didn't say anything. His dad liked Mr. Jigger and Harry didn't want to upset his dad's friend.

When they'd stepped out of the shop Severus shrunk all of their potions purchases; none of the ingredients bought would react badly to magic. Some plants, Harry knew, couldn't be shrunk as the interaction between the plants magic and the wizard's would change the properties of the plant, making a once harmless plant quite toxic.

Purchases shrunken and in their pockets they made their way to Madam Malkin's; Lucius and Draco were arriving just as they were. Harry beamed when he saw the cages holding the owls the blondes picked out for them to take to school; one was snowy white with large amber eyes and the other was black with bright yellow eyes.

Both were gorgeous but Harry felt a tug toward the Snowy Owl; she seemed sweeter than the large black Eagle Owl. Besides Draco was sort of cuddling the dark bird's cage, stroking its chest lightly through the bars. Yup, that had decided it for Harry; the Snowy one was his and he happy they wouldn't have to argue about who would have which owl.

After Harry stroked his new owl, cooing at the pretty bird, they'd gone into Malkin's for their clothes for school. In the end both Harry and Draco bought school robes, shirts, slacks, sweaters, and new everyday robes for when they weren't in class. Most of their wardrobe at home was muggle; jeans, polo shirts, and sneakers.

Now, they needed dressier things for school; they couldn't look like urchins could they? But Harry planned on bringing all his clothes with him; muggle and magical. He didn't want to wear his good shoes and clothes to Herbology; wouldn't they get dirty? So he figured his old clothes could be used for lounging or classes he knew they'd get dirty in. He'd tell Draco to do the same thing.

After getting what seemed like three hundred pounds of clothes they left the robe shop and went to the best store Diagon had; Quality Quidditch! It was everything Harry hoped it would be! They had the best racing brooms and while Harry couldn't have a broom at school he still admired the broom; it was the fastest Nimbus model yet!

Maybe he could get one for Christmas or after the school year; they always got a present after the school year if they got good marks. Harry wasn't worried about his grades. He was smart and would work hard to make himself and his family proud. Draco would too. So there was no reason why they wouldn't get new brooms, besides their old brooms were getting a bit worn; they'd owned them since they were seven.

He still remembered Severus cracking and allowing Lucius to get them real brooms; two old Comet 140's. Where papa Luc found them was not known but he and Draco loved them. Up until they were seven they'd both used Beginners' brooms; a Beginners' broom was spelled to not go above a height of six feet, and couldn't go faster than twenty miles per hour. Lucius taught them how to control the broom and how to sit appropriately so they wouldn't fall off.

But Beginners' brooms sucked! However, Harry understood; real brooms were dangerous if not ridden correctly and his dad didn't want them to crack their skulls and lose whatever brain cells they had left. Once they'd received the Comet's Draco and Harry tore around the property like madmen, whooping loudly, and spiraling through the air. Their actions almost damn near giving Severus a heart attack until Lucius drug the man into a kiss, which shut the worrying Potions Master up.

Since then Severus mumbled curses at the brooms but never stopped Draco and him from taking them out for Seeker games. Harry believed that as much as his dad hated the brooms he enjoyed the peace and quiet he got when Harry and his brother were flying outside. Severus valued his peace and quiet very much and savored any quiet time he could get.

Now Harry believed he and Draco were more than ready for a Nimbus 2000; they were great on brooms and their parents knew it. But getting Severus to agree may be a challenge...that was okay he'd ask Lucius. The elder blonde couldn't say no to his sons, not when puppy dog eyes came into play.

Not to mention Lucius liked to get them the things they wanted; this was a win win situation for everyone involved. Well with the exception of his dad. Harry and Draco would get cool new brooms and Lucius could feel smug for getting them something they really wanted. His papa could deal with an irritated Potions Master afterwards. The emerald eyed teen almost felt sorry for his papa when he thought about the verbal beating he'd take from Severus but not quite enough for him not to ask for a Nimbus.

After an hour spent ogling the wears in the shop they'd left and made their way back toward The Leakey Cauldron; on the way Harry picked out all the stores he wanted to go to when they returned. He really couldn't wait to go back and explore the whole Alley. Maybe over Christmas? By then the world should be calming down about his reentrance to the wizarding world.

He'd have to ask Severus about it once they got closer to the holidays; he knew the man would never let two eleven year olds squirrel around the Alley but maybe he could be persuaded to come with. And if not Severus than papa Luc; the blonde man never seemed to be able to turn down shopping, something Severus took great joy in teasing the elder Malfoy about.

Upon their return home he and Draco had packed their trunks with everything they would need for the school term; with the exception of clothes and a few books. They would pack those the day before they needed to leave for the Platform. Now that things had settled back down in the house Severus and Lucius were going to sit Harry and Draco down to discuss his scar and why that affected his wand.

The visit to Ollivander's had shaken him a little bit. It made him nervous for some reason that he couldn't explain. He felt branded in some way by his scar. Where he'd never thought about it, or paid it any attention, he now always looked at it in the mirror. Harry didn't know why he wanted to keep observing it; maybe he was waiting for it to do something.

While he was nervous about the correlation between his wand and his scar he wasn't freaking out about it too much. Well not since Ollivander first dropped the tidbit about the Dark Lord's wand in his shop two days ago. His fathers didn't appear nervous, or fearful, about his wand so the emerald eyed boy figured it couldn't be too bad.

His sibling followed him into the sitting room where their parents were seated. Both men looked perfectly calm and composed; their actions set Harry even more at ease. When he and Draco sat down Severus leaned forward and looked directly at Harry, announcing without words that everyone should listen as this was important; "Harry, I know you've been wondering about your scar and how it affected the wand that chose you."

"Before I start I want you to know that everything I'm about to say is speculation. No one has endured something like you have, Harry. So, I have nothing to compare what's happened to you against. However, we," here Severus gestured between Lucius and himself with his hand; "believe that the night the Dark Lord attacked your parents and gave you your scar he also gave you something else."

"What that something is I can only guess. But it seems to be a connection of some sort between you and him. It is the only thing I can think of to explain why you can speak Parseltongue. Neither of your birth parents had the ability and it is only passed down through blood relations; mother to daughter, father to son, etc."

"This connection, of sorts, and what it means to, and for, you is unknown. So far nothing horrible has happened because of it but that doesn't mean that something bad won't happen. I don't want to scare you, Harry. But I want you to know what I believe is going on , as far as I know it, so you'll be prepared for anything."

"I must ask that if your scar acts in any manner that is abnormal that you tell me straightaway so I, or Lucius, can look into the reasons as to why it is flaring up. With this information we could possibly come up with solutions to make sure you scar doesn't bother you. Can you do that for me?" Harry was stunned, completely and utterly stunned! He was, possibly, connected to the Dark Lord? He was connected to the man who killed his parents!

He felt slightly ill; as if everything he knew was turned upside down and shaken. He cast wide emerald eyes at his dad, hoping the man would say something to make this better. What he wanted Severus to say was debatable; the best option was that he was just joking and that Harry wasn't possibly connected to his birth parents' murderer.

However, looking at his dad he didn't see that option happening. Conscious of how hard his heart was beating Harry took a deep breath and exhaled, continuing the process over and over again until he calmed down. He needed to think rationally about this connection; now was not the time to freak about this.

His heart back to a normal rate Harry looked at his dad again; "So, you're saying that the reason my wand chose me... well the reason the Phoenix feather chose me is because of my connection to the Dark Lord?" Severus nodded, encouraging Harry to continue working though his shock; "So, he and I have the same wand core; what does that mean?" Here Lucius joined the conversation; "It means, Harry, that you and he have brother wands; which is incredibly rare."

"No one quite knows how brother wands will act when they are exposed to one another. They may prohibit the wizards wielding them from harming the other; no one knows. Generally, from what little is known, brother wands are found within the same family, siblings usually. Whatever connection you have with the Dark Lord is strong, or will be if it is awakened any more than it already is."

Awakened? What on Earth did that mean? Harry looked at his blonde papa, pleading with his eyes and words for more information; "Papa, what do you mean by awakened any more than it is?" The elder blonde sighed; "Severus, and I, think the connection became active as you matured magically. The first time you could understand a snake was when you were ten; most young wizards' experience the most growth in their magical cores, not counting their time developing in their bearer's womb, beginning at ten and ending at thirteen."

"Another growth point is between fifteen and eighteen; which is why you O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.s are held in your fifth and seventh years. But I digress as I'm wandering off the topic. We believe that when your core began to grow the connection had enough power to become somewhat active and remain that way."

"Don't you find it odd that you and Draco encountered snakes when you walked with Severus in the woods before but you couldn't understand them until you were ten?" Now that Harry thought about it that made sense. He'd stumbled on a few snakes over the years and up until Ebony he couldn't understand them.

So, he had received his Parseltongue abilities from the Dark Lord. Harry had sort of come to that same conclusion as well; if only within his own mind. But to hear someone else say it was a bit more real.

But the connection couldn't be all bad! Without it he wouldn't have gotten to talk to Ebony and she was a great friend. And if the connection didn't affect anything else aside from that it wouldn't be too bad, right? He was feeling a bit better; still a little shaken but better. He still had questions for his parents, though; "Will the connection change anything else? Should I do anything to prevent it from affecting me more?"

Severus sighed, looking over at Draco. This drew Harry's gaze over to his brother; the blonde still looked just as shocked as Harry had a few minutes ago. The younger raven wanted to chuckle at seeing his sibling lose that vaunted Malfoy composure but couldn't find it in himself to do it. Draco was his brother, and best friend, he couldn't laugh about something this serious.

The Potions Master sighed; "Draco, are you alright? If you don't want to hear about this you can leave. Your father and I wanted you here so you would know what's going on with Harry; we want you both to be prepared for anything that could happen to him and our family."

The younger Malfoy closed his eyes for a couple of moments, probably trying to get a handle on his emotions, before he opened his grey eyes; "I'm alright." Here the younger blonde gave a shaky grin;" That was just very shocking. I knew you were going to talk about something big but I didn't see this coming. But I think I'll be alright. I don't want to leave. Harry's my brother and I want to be there for him if he needs me. So, please, continue."

Harry beamed at his brother, conveying all his love through his eyes. He really did love Draco and he couldn't imagine what it would be like if he didn't have the snarky blonde to keep him company over all these years. Severus made a noise in the back of his throat before turning to Harry again; "Now, Harry, the connection may change we do not know. As of right now the Dark Lord is not technically alive."

"Exactly what he is is unknown to all but Dumbledore and that man isn't telling anyone anything. What will happen if he becomes more powerful, or comes back completely, is questionable. However, there will be signs if he is indeed rising again. That is why I want you to pay attention to your scar, and tell me if anything happens. I don't care if it only twinges; you will tell me."

Harry nodded his agreement to Severus' plea and asked another question; "But what can I do to make sure the connection doesn't become stronger?" Severus sighed, almost looking like he was in pain from what he was going to say; "Nothing, there is nothing you can do. Maybe I can begin to teach you Occlumency but it will take at least two years for you to become proficient enough to block, at least partially, the connection you have with the Dark Lord."

"Even as a master of Occlumency you may never be able to block your connection with him completely. As I said before no one has any idea what will happen; you're the only person to ever survive the Killing Curse. As much as I want to tell you what could happen I can't. I will not lie to you, or give you a false sense of security, and tell you nothing will happen and then be proved wrong. I love you; Lucius loves you, too much to lie to you."

Harry nodded, feeling immense love for the people in the room. It felt good to know his parents wouldn't lie to him or say fake words of comfort or make promises they couldn't keep. He liked how they treated him like an intelligent person not a stupid child.

Many parents would sugarcoat things, or dodge the issue completely, but he was lucky to have his parents; they trusted him to be able to handle this information and he wouldn't disappoint them by acting out like a child. They were trusting him with very important information and he would be on his guard for any changes regarding his scar.

But he couldn't deny he was scared that the scar would hurt him in some way; "Dad, papa, my scar can't hurt me can it? I mean it gave me the ability to talk to Ebony so it can't be all bad, right?" Lucius and Severus looked at each other, silent conversation passing between them. Finally, they came to an understanding. Lucius turned back toward Harry; "It may be bad but it may not. We don't know, Harry."

"Just monitor your scar and let Severus, or myself, know about any changes. We can track them and maybe find a pattern or anticipate what else may happen to you. It is hard, if not impossible to predict, what may befall you as we don't know the depth of the connection you share with the Dark Lord. Learning Occlumency will help to shield your mind just in case he can access your thoughts and feelings."

Harry nodded, thinking hard. He knew what Occlumency was; it was another branch of magic that was considered Dark. Why Harry had no clue? How was making sure someone couldn't invade, and pick apart your mind, a bad thing? It was just another one of those it's the way you use it that makes it bad things and he shouldn't dwell on it for too long; he bigger fish to fry, as the muggles say.

"Dad, do you think I can learn Occlumency? You told us it was difficult and most don't start their instruction until they're at least thirteen. Can I really do it? Shield my mind I mean?" Severus tapped his chin; "I do, Harry. You show a remarkable amount of focus for one so young. I have faith that you'll be able to get the hang of it with enough instruction and determination."

"Draco," the younger blonde tore his eyes from Harry and glanced at Severus, showing his was paying attention; "I want you to learn along with Harry. Occlumency will do you both good in the future. It will not only be useful for helping your brother to shut down the connection between him and the Dark Lord but it will shield your mind from anyone who wishes to use your thoughts and feelings against you."

"The mastery of the art of Occlumency is achieved through meditation, which helps you clear your mind and order your thoughts, and intense practice. It is only through practice that you will know if the barriers erected around your mind are strong enough. But I will explain all that later on; for now I will give you both a book on Occlumency and I want you both to read it before we leave for Hogwarts. Once we are settled into the castle I will begin your lessons in Occlumency."

Harry perked up when he heard his dad's choice of words; "What do you mean 'Before We leave for Hogwarts'?" Severus smirked at his boys; "Well, if you must know, you're looking at the newly reinstated Potions professor, and Head of Slytherin House, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The younger raven jumped up and hugged Severus while Draco stood and moved to place a hand on his surrogate father's shoulder

Harry was happy that his dad would be there with him at school. He glanced at Draco and they beamed at each other; this was great news! Severus being at Hogwarts would make things so much easier for him, especially if his scar began to act wonky.

Also, it made him feel safe to know at least one of his parents would be around to help him should he need it. Lucius was chuckling next to them, quite amused at the scene in front of him; "Alright, Harry, I think Severus needs air." Harry sheepishly backed off, allowing the onyx eyed man the chance to catch his breath; "Salazar! Harry, you almost choked the life out of me!" The onyx eyed man spoke as he huffed out a laugh at his son's enthusiastic response to his news.

"But I'm glad you're pleased with my appointment at the school. Lucius will be there over the weekends, too. I'd like us all to meet for breakfast and dinner at least once a week as a family." Two blondes and one raven nodded their agreement to Severus' suggestion. Harry really would like to have a family breakfast and dinner at least once a week. It would be odd to not have meals with, or see his, family everyday like he had for so many years.

The only time they weren't all together was because Lucius had business somewhere or other and he couldn't make it home. The emerald eyed boy smiled at his family with love in his heart; he really loved them. The racing thoughts of connections to an insane Dark Lord were absent from his mind at the moment; for right now he wanted to enjoy his family.

~*~*~*Time Skip~*~*~*

The Morning of September 1, 1991

"Harry James Potter-Snape! Draco Lucius Malfoy! Get your behinds down here for breakfast or so help me Merlin you won't be going to Hogwarts on the train!

Lucius snickered behind his tea cup but promptly shut up when Severus glared at him. With a smug smirk on his face the onyx eyed man placed the breakfast dishes loaded with food on the table but stopped before placing the first plate down. He felt an odd sense of deja vu come over him just then but shoved it away as unimportant.

He finished settling the breakfast platters and began to serve himself, smiling when he saw two very excited boys plop down in their usual seats and begin to stuff their respective faces, gracefully of course. Severus didn't raise heathens who shoveled food in their mouth like some savage. Silence permeated the room while everyone sated their hunger.

Severus couldn't help but look at his family. Merlin he adored them so much and he would do anything to keep them safe and whole. Lucius looked like he was experiencing his own sense of nostalgia; those usually cool grey eyes were bright with love and the ghosts of years passed. It seemed like only yesterday they were moving into this place, both trying to work together to form something of a routine.

They fought, argued, and made love more times in those first six months than they had in their whole relationship. But in the end they'd settled down and truly became a cohesive, if odd, family group. Through the years he and Lucius had overcome many things; some things they never saw coming and some that were festering between them for a long time.

Most predominantly was Lucius' belief that pure-bloods were better than half-bloods and muggle-borns. Severus was proud that his lover was able to finally see past someone's blood status after so many years of brainwashing via his own father. Lucius' father, Abraxas Malfoy, was an ass of epic proportions and Severus was happy to see him go. The diagnosis of Dragon Pox had never been more welcomed.

Lucius now looked at Harry as he looked at his own son. Severus only saw pride, love, and protectiveness in those grey eyes. Harry was truly as much Lucius' son as he was Severus'. The truth could be said for Draco as well; Severus had taken an even bigger parental role over the young blonde when his mother stepped out of the picture completely.

After the divorce Narcissa abandoned her child and moved to France, at least he thought it was France or was it Finland? He didn't really care; he hated that woman with a fire that would rival the sun. Up until the divorce little Cissa would see Draco once a month and spend some time with him. While it wasn't much it was at least something.

Draco wasn't close to her but she was still his mother and he loved her for that reason. When she disappeared from his life the little blonde was upset and didn't understand why she didn't want him. Sure, she'd never shown him love like Lucius, or even Severus did, but she was still his mother. And weren't mothers supposed to love and support their children?

It took a little while for Draco to understand it wasn't his fault his mother was a cold-hearted excuse for a witch. Once he did though he and Harry formed another type of bond; a bond of loss. Both his boys had lost a parent, and gained a parent not of their blood, in one way or another. Draco now never asked about his mother; sometimes Severus believed the blonde didn't even want to think about the woman who bore him.

It was probably for the best; Narcissa wouldn't do anything good for her son. She tried to get custody of Draco but failed miserably. Lucius pulled no punches and showed every shred of evidence against her. The Malfoy Lord exposed her many affairs and the way she ignored her son in favor of parties and social events; let's just say the court wasn't too pleased by these circumstances and awarded Lucius sole custody.

His blonde lover was ordered to return Narcissa's dowry to her and once a month she was to receive one hundred galleons in support from Lucius. Also, an order stating that Narcissa would have to arrange any visits with her son with Lucius was handed down. Needless to say Narcissa never contacted Lucius once to arrange a meeting between her and her only child.

Despite the divorce, and Narcissa's subsequent departure from Malfoy Manor, the four of them never moved into the massive stone structure. They liked their quiet life in France; no one from Severus' or Lucius' past lives knew them here so they were free to live their lives how they wanted.

Also, Harry Potter wasn't as bid a deal in France as he was in Britain, this fact added another layer of protection for Harry. Besides, Severus knew people visited the Manor to see Lucius on occasion; the onyx eyed man refused to hide his raven haired son away whenever his lover was expecting company.

Oh and how could Sevrus forget the impromptu Ministry raids on the Manor?! Yes, Lucius was found innocent at his trial before the Wizengamot after the first war by pleading he was Imperius'd but that didn't stop the idiotic powers that be from being suspicious of the Malfoy Lord. The raids had calmed down over the years but they did happen.

All it would take was one Auror, or Ministry worker, to recongize Harry and their peaceful life was done. So, no moving into Malfoy Manor until his boys went to Hogwarts. Over the summer they would most likely stay in Lucius' family home but Severus would not be adverse to visiting their home on France; it would be nice to get away from it all.

Three chairs scraping back alerted him to the fact that everyone was done eating and getting ready to go to Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Severus was surprised he'd drifted off in his mind so deeply. Mentally shaking himself he looked down at his plate and was shocked to see it was empty. Had he really eaten and not noticed? Salazar this day was affecting him more than he thought!

Well it was to be expected wasn't it? The life he'd known for almost ten years was coming to an end and a new chapter was beginning. It was only reasonable that he would be pensive today. With a sigh he banished the remaining food to the trash and the dishes to the sink, where they began to wash themselves. Once they were clean they'd place themselves in the drying rack next to the sink.

Standing he smoothed his black robes down and fiddled with his sleek dark hair, recognizing the nervous habit for what it was he stopped his fidgeting. It wouldn't do to become unsettled and unnerve the rest of his family. His boys were already nervous as it was. As much as any child wanted to go to Hogwarts it was a nerve wracking experience.

He smiled; well at least he would be at the school with Harry and Draco. That should ease their feelings of homesickness. He'd left the school late last night so he could be here to eat breakfast with, and escort, his children to the platform. Once he sent them onto the Hogwarts Express he'd apparate back to the school and wait for the students to arrive.

Lucius would apparate back to their home and later on he would come to Hogwarts to see Severus and discuss their sons' sorting. Both men were interested to see where their hellions would end up; Slytherin was their best guess. Harry may be a Gryffindor at times but the boy was pure Slytherin at the core. He was too sneaky not to be; never had the world seen such an accomplished cookie thief.

Draco was, most likely, going to Slytherin. He was a Malfoy and Malfoys always went to the serpent house. However, the younger blonde's thirst for knowledge made him a prime candidate for Ravenclaw. But only time would tell where the two boys would end up. All Severus knew was regardless of where Harry and Draco ended up they would not drift apart. Those two were too tightly bound to separate now.

Lucius wrapping his arms around his waist brought him, once again, out of his thoughts. With a small smile he turned his face and placed a soft kiss to Lucius' cheek. The loud "EWWW!" from their boys was completely ignored by the elder males. After a few moments of snuggling into Lucius' strong, warm, body he pulled away.

"Alright, Malfoy-Potter-Snapes, let's get going. You boys have a train to catch." Two whoops of happiness were heard from one blonde and one raven. Lucius laughed; "Alright, Draco come here so we can floo." The younger Malfoy came to stand by his father and together they stepped into the floo.

Lucius grabbed a hand full of powder from the pot next to the hearth, and called out their destination; with a flash of green the two blondes were gone. Fireplace empty Severus and Harry stepped in. The elder male smiled when he heard his child hiss to the snake around his neck, letting her know that they were about to floo to the Platform.

He remembered how upset Ebony was when they'd floo'd to The Leakey Cauldron to buy the boys' school supplies. Once the hissing stopped he looked down at his emerald eyed son; Harry nodded letting him know it was alright to floo. The older raven threw a bit more floo powder onto the floor and spoke; "Platform Nine and Three Quarters, King's Cross Stations, London," with another flash of green flames they were gone.

~*~*~*POV Change~*~*~*

Harry was nervous when he and his dad emerged from the floo at Platform Nine and Three Quarters. There were so many people milling about! The sounds of chatter, owl's hooting, and a myriad of other noises were almost overwhelming to the raven haired eleven year old. Severus' hand on his shoulder grounded him, taking a deep breath Harry moved to stand with his papa and brother.

The little family of four made their way to the train; the red steam engine was beautiful to Harry and he couldn't wait to find a compartment and enjoy his first ride to Hogwarts! Draco looked equally as excited as he did. When their eyes met they both beamed at each other.

They were finally Hogwarts bound! Harry was sure they would be top of their classes; there really wasn't an alternative when you were raised with two incredibly intelligent men like their fathers were. But the emerald eyed teen wondered if he'd make other friends while at school? He loved Draco and no one would ever take the blonde's place but it would be nice to have other people around to talk to.

But he had to remember what his parents' said about the other kids and their families. He didn't want to get too close to someone whose family was close to either Dumbledore or the Dark Lord. He felt that was safer for him and Draco at the moment. The young raven had no desire to get involved in wizarding politics just yet; he just wanted to be a student for a while and enjoy his childhood.

Severus, however, told him that some people would be expecting things from him. They'd want him to act like some savior or something; that wasn't going to happen. He would be Harry. He would not some bloody knight in shining armor running off to save the day; no thank you! If people didn't like it well they could shove off and go away.

He was Harry James Potter-Snape; he was a son, a brother, and a damn good person. If some idiots couldn't see that more the pity for them. The raven refused to change just so people would like him. Harry wouldn't be someone he wasn't just to please the masses of wizarding people who idolized him for something he couldn't even remember.

A hiss broke him out of his internal pep talk and made him look down at the pretty black snake that was twisting herself around his neck; "Master, are you alright? I sense your unease." Harry smiled down at his bonded familiar with a small grin on his face, grateful that even if he made zero friends this year he would still have Draco and Ebony.

Their bonding had taken place a week before; it wasn't hard just a bit uncomfortable for the both of them. It was an adjustment to feel Ebony's mind merge with his so they could feel each other through their link. Once the discomfort, and disorientation, ended they'd played with the bond; it was amazing! Harry could see what Ebony saw when she was away from him.

Harry figured that would be a good thing to have if he ever needed to spy or have a lookout. His serpent familiar was a Titanoboa; he hadn't known until he'd stumbled upon her species in a magical creature book. They were recorded to grow up to fifty feet. But no one exactly knew when a Titanoboa stopped growing, or how big they could actually get due to the fact that once bonded, like Harry and Ebony were, they died when their human bonded died.

However, fifty feet was the recorded length of Sacaious Slytherin's Titanoboa; Sacaious bonded with his familiar at age seven. Both snake and man died when the Slytherin descendant was around one hundred and twenty. It was mentioned in the magical creature text that they may grow bigger than fifty feet; a wild Titanoboa has never been found above the length of twenty feet.

Why that was the Magi-zoologists didn't know but they speculated it was due to the larger Boas escaping deep into the tropical jungles they were native to. These tropical jungles were dangerous and deadly. Few went far into them and even fewer escaped with their lives. Maybe Harry could bring Ebony with him to Borneo when he graduated and explore the forests there? It would be fascinating to meet a Titanoboa that was fifty feet long.

Harry was glad that Ebony never bonded with her former owner. Once bonded a Titan couldn't bond again and any prolonged seperation between the wizard and Titanoboa would cause the snake to slowly wither and die. Ebony was convinced the man who owned her previously didn't know exactly what kind of snake she was.

The large black snake actually hadn't known exactly what kind of snake she was either. The shop in Knockturn Alley had her marked as a Reticulated Python; which was obviously wrong. Titanoboa were much larger than a Reticulated Python but Harry guessed you could make the mistake easily when they were smaller.

Also, Titanoboa were magical creatures where Reticulated Pythons were not. Ebony could shrink herself if she chose to but she didn't like to unless it was for a good reason. She obliged to make herself smaller so she could go visit Diagon Alley, and attend Hogwarts, with Harry; she couldn't survive her bonded being so far apart from her.

A soft scaly nose bopping his made Harry look down and almost go cross-eyed when he saw his snake staring at him; "Master, are you alright?" Harry snorted lightly; "I'm alright Ebony just a bit overwhelmed by all the people and the noise. And I'll be meeting new people and I hope it goes alright."

If a snake could sniff in disdain Ebony would be doing it right now. In a haughty hiss she replied; "Why are you worried if these other humans like you? Of course they'll like you! You're you and my bonded." Harry chuckled; leave it to Ebony to think in such a simple view. To her Harry was the best thing in this world. Anyone who didn't like him was considered dim and not worth knowing.

Severus squeezed his shoulder, making Harry turn toward his him and Lucius. The onyx eyed man looked at him with such care in his dark eyes, even if his face was blank; "Harry, I want you to be safe and behave when I'm not around. Any rule breaking and I will know about it."

The younger raven nodded and moved forward to hug his dad. Harry hugged his dad for a minute or two and after one more squeeze he pulled away. The eleven year old looked up at the man who'd taken him in and made Harry his own; "I will. I'll stay out of trouble if I can help it and if anything bad or weird happens I'll tell you. I love you, dad." Severus' thin lips stretched into a smile; "And I love you, my son."

Harry smiled and pulled away from his dad and exchanged places with Draco; all four of them ignoring the people around them, who were watching his family with great interest. Didn't these humans have anything better to do than eavesdrop on his family? Merlin! How annoying could you get? Pushing his irritated thoughts away he move in to hug Lucius and smiled against the older man's robes when he received two awkward pats on the back from the Malfoy Lord.

He knew Lucius didn't like being affectionate in public; he had not been raised that way but with his boys he dealt with his discomfort, for the most part. Once he'd hugged his papa he stepped away and looked up into the Malfoy Lord's grey eyes; "I'll see you next weekend won't I?" Lucius smirked; "Miss me already do you?"

Harry chuckled; "Nope, but I know Draco will so I had to ask." The elder blonde just cocked an eyebrow, practically radiating amusement and knowing full well Harry would miss him almost as much as Draco would. They were an incredibly close family after all. But Lucius didn't call the Harry on his bravado; "Of course, I'll count on you to reassure Draco if he is to become homesick."

The young raven nodded, giving Lucius an almost Malfoy like smirk; "Of course, papa, I'll make sure Draco's alright until we see you again." A small chuckled left the blonde; "Alright you little imp get on the train and behave yourself for once." Harry nodded, a mischievous grin on his face; "I always behave. Besides it's not against the rules unless you get caught, right?"

Lucius almost looked like he wanted to roll his eyes after Harry was done talking. The emerald eyed teen sniggered, wondering what Lucius expected. He'd been raised by two ultimate Slytherins; rules weren't so much rules as guidelines and nothing was against the guidelines unless you got caught. Done bidding his papa goodbye he moved to stand beside Draco.

The two boys gave their fathers one more smile before they boarded the Hogwarts Express and found a compartment for themselves. They'd arrived a bit early so they had their pick of compartments. Harry selected one in the middle of the train as the first few compartments were reserved for Prefects and the end of the train was already filling up with older students.

Once inside the compartment they stowed their trunks, which were spelled with Feather-light Charms, into the luggage racks above their heads and sat down. The two of them just sat there and soaked up the atmosphere surrounding them. It was so hard to believe that they were finally here!

However, after a few minutes of sitting there, looking like wide-eyed idiots, they decided to do something productive and pulled their reading material out of their pockets. Harry was reading a small book on Charms; which he found fascinating while Draco was perusing a Potions magazine.

They read for a while and only stopped when they noticed that the train began to move slowly out of the station. Both boys glanced around and then went back to their books. The sound of their compartment door opening brought Draco and Harry's attention to the door. A tall, golden blonde haired, boy stepped in, looking a bit nervous; "May I sit here?"

Harry smiled and waved his hand to indicate the free seats across from him and his sibling; "By all means come in and have a seat. I'm Harry Potter-Snape and this is Draco Malfoy." The blonde's eyes widened for a second before his face smoothed out; Harry knew the boy must be a pure-blood. No one except a pure-blooded child could smooth their facial features into that type of mask so quickly.

The boy gave him and Draco a nod; "I'm Theodore Malcolm Nott and it is a pleasure to make both of your acquaintance." Harry and Draco nodded politely and went back to their books. Ebony hisses in indignation at not being introduced which made Nott jump and look around. Harry chuckled; "Calm down, Nott, it's just Ebony. She's my familiar."

After he finished calming his new acquaintance he moved his hair out of the way and exposed the sight of Ebony's head poking out of his collar. Theodore looked a bit afraid but calmed himself down. The emerald eyed child admired Nott's ability to remain calm and not make a scene. With a smile at the new boy Harry went back to his book but not before he nudged an amusedly smirking Draco.

Together both siblings went back to their reading, leaving Theodore to his own devices. Apparently, Nott noticed there wasn't going to be any further conversation and fetched a book from his trunk which he'd stored in the free rack above his head when he'd entered.

Harry lifted his eyes and studied the newly arrived boy covertly. He remembered Severus detailing the names of people he would have in his year; Theodore Nott was the only son of Theodred Nott and the Heir to the House of Nott. Theodred was a follower of Voldemort but was not happy with the Dark Lord. Before You-Know-Who fell he murdered Theodore's mother in a fit of rage when she'd not performed her mission correctly.

Severus thought the Nott heir to be a safe choice in friend. The boy was from a Death Eater family but Theodred probably wasn't all to fond of his Lord at the moment. It wasn't an ideal situation but unless you were making friends with a muggle-born everyone generally had an allegiance.

The trick was finding those people whose allegiance wasn't absolute; Theo, and his dad, probably despised the Dark Lord for killing their mother and wife. By that conclusion they wouldn't turn traitor on Harry and sell him out at the drop of a hat. Well that was the hope anyway.

Also, Death Eater children were better than the kids of Dumbledore's supporters. The Dark Lord was gone and in no position to mess with Harry. Dumbledore, on the other hand, was very much alive and in a prime position to meddle with Harry's life. He'd take the Death Eater's children over Dumbledore's followers' spawn any day.

Harry wasn't a fan of Dumbledore; the man left him on a bloody doorstep for Merlin's sake! But he would be cordial to the old coot until he did something to raise Harry's hackles. Besides how often would he actually be associating with the Headmaster? He was first year! What would a man like Dumbledore want with him?

With a roll of his eyes he chastised himself to stop thinking of things that were of no consequence to him at the moment. Sometimes Harry thought he thought too much on things. With a small huff of exasperation directed at himself he refocused on his Charms book and began to read again.

They still had a ways to go before they reached the castle and the raven haired eleven year old wanted to finish this book before he got there. It never hurt to learn more about the subjects he'd be studying over the seven years he was at Hogwarts.

Alright, our boys have gone to Hogwarts! Next chapter the sorting and settling in with a few time skips thrown in. Also, our dear Dark Lord will drop in for bit.

Below is some fun information on the Comet 140; just in case anyone wants to read it. I chose this broom since it is one of the slowest brooms I could find. Harry Wiki is a great thing!

All Mistakes Are My Own!

Comet 140

The Comet 140 is a broomstick produced by the Comet Trading Company, and was released in 1929. It was designated the Comet 140 because it was the 140th model they had tested before its release. It was the first broom to incorporate the Horton-Keitch Braking Charm, which would mean Quidditch players would be less likely to stray offside or overshoot the goals. It quickly became the broom of choice for many British and Irish Quidditch teams.

Comet 140

Broomstick information

Producer

Comet Trading Company

Made

1929

Usage

Quidditch playing

Special Features

Included the Horton-Keitch Braking Charm

Speed

Up to 52 miles per hour