Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

"How could you let this happen?" Severus snapped at Remus.

"Severus, I did try to stop him but he really wanted to try it." Remus defended himself.

Harry felt a hand run through his hair and he leaned into his father's touch. Slowly he opened his eyes. "Dad?"

"I'm here Harry. It's okay. You're okay." Severus said in a soothing voice.

"I passed out again didn't I?" Harry asked as he became aware that he was in the infirmary. He felt ashamed that he was so weak.

Severus could tell immediately what his son was thinking. "You did but do not be embarrassed about that. We have discussed how horrible of creatures the Dementors are." He said quietly.

Harry looked away. "I heard the woman again. It's Mum." He whispered.

Severus paled. He had hoped when this happened on the train that Harry had only imagined hearing a scream. He hadn't wanted it to be Lily that Harry was hearing.

"She said, not my baby." Harry continued. He looked up at his Dad, his emerald eyes filling with tears. "She sounded so scared."

Severus put his arm around Harry and drew him into a hug. "It's okay son." He whispered as he held tightly to his child. Harry had heard Lily's last moments? Dear Merlin.

"He heard Lily?" Remus asked in a horrified voice.

"Severus." Poppy gestured that she wanted to check Harry over so Severus moved to let her work, however he didn't relinquish his hold on his son. Poppy ran a diagnostic and handed Severus a bar of chocolate. "He needs this and some rest." She said softly.

Severus broke off a piece and offered the chocolate to his son. "Here Harry, you will feel a lot better." He said gently. He relaxed when his son ate the chocolate and color began returning to his face.

As Harry nibbled on the chocolate, Severus turned his gaze to Remus. It may be irrational to blame the wolf for what happened but Severus did not feel like being rational. "Despite my personal feelings regarding you, I had at least thought you would be a somewhat decent teacher!" He spat out.

"How could I have known this would happen?" Remus argued though his voice was filled with guilt. "I thought his boggart would be Voldemort and I stopped him from facing it because I did not want to startle all the children." He said. "He waited until everyone but his friends had left and said he wanted his chance to face it."

Severus gritted his teeth and turned back to his son. Harry had finished his chocolate and though he looked better, his eyes were still downcast. "Let's go Harry. You can rest in our quarters until dinner okay?"

Harry nodded and got up.

"Harry, I'm so sorry." Remus said as father and son began to walk away.

"It wasn't your fault Professor. I'm the one who insisted on facing the boggart." Harry responded. He tried to offer his Professor a smile but had a feeling it came out more as a grimace.

Remus watched Severus and Harry leave with sorrowful eyes. Poor kid.

HPHPHPHP

Once inside their quarters, Harry went to the sofa and slumped down into it.

Severus regarded him for a moment and then went into the kitchen. He came out holding a tray of tea and chocolate biscuits. He had added a drop of calming draught to Harry's cup so that he would be able to relax and rest. "Here." He said as he handed Harry his cup and a biscuit. "Have this and then you should take a rest." He refrained from saying nap as he knew his son considered himself too old for naps.

Harry stayed silent as he sipped on his tea and nibbled on the biscuit. "I've always wanted to remember hearing Mum's voice." Harry finally said, his tone soft and sad. "But…not like that."

Severus sat down next to Harry and put his arm around him. "I'm so sorry Harry."

"She was so scared." Harry mumbled as the effects of the draught began taking effect.

"She was scared for you." Severus said. His heart tightened painfully but he kept his voice low and soothing. "All she would have cared about was saving you. And she did." He gave his son a reassuring squeeze. "There is a charm to repel Dementor's. It is quite advanced but you are very bright and I think you could learn enough to help you. It's the Patronus Charm."

"Patronus?" Harry yawned.

Severus nodded. "Yes. But we will talk about it later. For now, sleep. Think good thoughts of your Mother such as the stories I have shared with you and what you saw of her in the pensive."

"She was brave." Harry leaned into his father more and shut his eyes as he remembered that though his Mum had sounded scared, she had also sounded strong and determined as she tried to protect him.

"Yes she was. And so are you." Severus smiled slightly.

"You too Dad."

A couple of minutes later Harry had fallen asleep with his head on his Dad's lap. Severus just sat there with his child, running his hand through Harry's hair while lost in memories of a smiling, beautiful red-head. Once again all he could do was wonder and imagine what life would have been like if Lily had lived. His son wouldn't have had to deal with so much pain that was for sure. He carded his hand through Harry's raven hair again. "All I want is for you to be happy and safe." He whispered to the sleeping child. "I'm doing my best, I promise."

HPHPHPHP

Harry woke up right before dinner and assured his Dad that he felt well enough to eat in the Great Hall. He knew his friends would be worried about him and he wanted to assure them that he was fine.

"Before we go in, do you want to take Dreamless Sleep tonight?" Severus asked.

Harry hesitated. He wouldn't mind having some but not for the reason his Dad thought. He still got nightmares about the Dursley's but if he got used to taking Dreamless Sleep, his Dad would notice that he wanted to take it every night. "I think I'll be fine." He said finally. "I feel better, honest."

Severus nodded. "All right. If you need me during the night, do not hesitate to get Professor McGonagall to come and get me."

Harry stared at him horrified. "Are you mental?" He couldn't help blurting out.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"Um," Harry looked up at his Dad sheepishly. "Sorry."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Honestly Harry, if you need me you should not be embarrassed to tell your Head of House."

Harry smirked a bit. "Honestly Dad, if you can't see how incredibly embarrassing, how utterly humiliating, how mortifying-"

"Yes, you've made your point." Severus interrupted him. Hmm, perhaps he should look into a way for Harry to be able to let him know that he needed him. He'd have to think on that. "Very well. But I am always here if you need me."

Harry smiled. "I know that Dad. And I appreciate it."

Severus and Harry entered the Great Hall and as soon as Harry sat down at the Gryffindors table, Hermione and Ron looked at him with worried expressions. "Harry, are you okay?" Hermione asked.

"They wouldn't let us stay with you at the infirmary." Ron added.

"Don't worry guys, I'm fine." Harry responded. "It's just…remember how on the train I heard a woman scream?" When his friends nodded he continued. "I heard more this time. It was my Mum." Harry said softly. "She was begging Voldemort not to kill me."

Hermione's eyes looked teary as she reached across the table and grabbed Harry's hand. "Oh Harry, that's awful."

"I'm sorry mate." Ron said with an unusually somber look on his face. He didn't even make an issue out of the use of Voldemort's name. Suddenly he narrowed his blue eyes behind Harry. "What do you want?"

Harry turned in his seat and saw Draco standing behind him, looking paler than usual. "Nothing. I'm just going to my table if that's okay with you." He said but instead of sounding conceited like he usually did, his voice was slightly shaky.

Theo and Millicent joined Draco, both with smirks on their faces. "So Pott-I mean Snape, you fainted again didn't you?" Theo stood next to Draco with a gleeful look. "You were seen being carried to the infirmary!"

"He will do anything for attention." Millicent said snidely.

"Excuse me but didn't Nott have to be carried to the infirmary by Hagrid? And you were awake." Hermione pointed out smugly.

Harry and Ron grinned as Theo glared. "I was hurt."

"Your arm was slightly hurt, not your legs." Harry snickered.

Theo's face turned red with embarrassment and anger. "You know, you don't deserve to be the son of our Head of House even if he is a traitor. I still think of you as a Potter anyway."

"Maybe we should combine the names?" Millicent suggested with a cruel grin. "Like Harry Snotter." Theo and Millicent began laughing hysterically.

Harry started to stand up in anger but Draco whirled around on his housemates. "You two really are stupid aren't you? Do you really think Professor Snape won't make you pay for doing that? Do you really think he won't hear about it and find out it was you? Come on between the two of you, you should at least have a full brain."

Ron snorted. "Doubt it."

Theo took a threatening step towards Draco. "Whose side are you on?"

Draco huffed. "The side where Slytherin doesn't lose any more points because of you two." He turned and walked to his table.

"You better watch yourself Snotter." Theo hissed, looking back at Harry.

"Actually you better watch yourself." Ron nodded towards the Head Table where Professor Snape was staring at them.

Theo scowled and without another word, headed to the Slytherin table with Millicent.

"Horrible slimy snakes." Ron muttered after them.

Harry shrugged and reached for some rolls. "I have enough going on without thinking about those two idiots."

"Malfoy was being sort of nice again." Hermione shook her head. "I don't get it. Normally he would have been the one goading you." Her voice was thoughtful.

"If only there was a book we could research about it." Ron sighed dramatically.

Harry chuckled as Hermione shot a dark look at Ron for his teasing. He took a few bites of his dinner when he noticed that Neville kept glancing over at him. He put down his fork and gave him a questioning look.

"I'm sorry about earlier today." Neville spoke quietly. "My boggart, I mean." He gave Harry an apologetic look.

"Right." Harry frowned. He was still upset about that actually. He didn't exactly blame Neville as he couldn't help what he feared but he hated that his Dad had been made to look like a fool. "My Dad is not mean. He's not like he was our first year." He said finally.

"He's better." Neville admitted. "But he still makes me nervous. I'm not good at potions and Professor Snape is such a perfectionist."

"Neville, he has to be." Hermione said gently. "Potions is a really dangerous subject. And he definitely is much fairer to us than he used to be."

Neville shrugged. "I know." He looked sheepishly at Harry. "I still think he's scary though."

Harry couldn't help but laugh. His Dad could come across as very intimating and not someone you would want to cross but Harry knew how caring his Dad was. It was too bad that not everyone could see that. However, Harry knew his Dad would ground him forever if he ruined his reputation and told everyone how kind and nice his he was. Harry grinned at the thought. "It's okay Neville. I understand."

Neville looked relieved and nodded before rejoining the conversation Dean and Seamus were having.

Harry leaned back in his chair. "What a crazy year this is starting out to be. And escaped murderer, Dementors, Trelawney predicting my death, already had a trip to the infirmary…"

"Sounds like a typical year so far mate." Ron said cheerfully, ducking his head when Harry threw a buttered roll at him.

"You heard about Professor Trelawney?" Hermione asked.

"Um, yeah." Harry said with a quick glance at Ron.

"You told him?" Hermione asked Ron exasperatedly.

"He would have heard about it eventually!" Ron defended himself.

"He's right. Someone was bound to mention it." Harry told her. "It's okay. I just don't get why she is talking about me when I'm not even taking her class."

"She is ridiculous that's why." Hermione said bluntly. "I doubt she actually sees anything and knows that mentioning you will at least get her attention."

"Wow Hermione I never heard you speak so negatively about a Professor before." Ron commented.

"I'll give it a little more time but I have a feeling that I shouldn't have taken it." Hermione admitted. She took a sip of her water. "I take it there is still no news of Sirius Black?"

Harry shook his head and sighed. "Nope. And until he is caught, those Dementors are here to stay. My Dad did mention something about a charm to repel them though." Harry said as he vaguely remembered the conversation with his Dad before he had fallen asleep.

"The Patronus Charm." Hermione nodded. "I read all about it. It's very advanced though; there are adult witches and wizards that can't even do it."

"Oh." Harry responded. He doubted he would be able to master the Charm then. "My Dad just wants me to try, I guess."

"It will be amazing to be taught about that Charm either way." Hermione sighed. "I'm so jealous."

Harry chuckled and shook his head. His friends never failed to make him feel better just as his Dad never failed on making him feel safe and loved. With them by his side, he was sure he could face anything.

HPHPHPHP

A couple of days later Harry had just finished Quidditch practice for Gryffindors upcoming game against Hufflepuff when he saw that same stray dog standing at the edge of the forest, watching him. The Grim, Harry thought with a shiver.

"Hey Harry, are you coming?" Oliver Wood called as the rest of the team headed back to the castle.

"Um," Harry noticed Hagrid in front of his hut. "I'm going to visit Hagrid for a second. He can walk me back."

Oliver nodded. "Make sure he does." He had been instructed by Professor McGonagall that Harry was not to be left alone outside of the castle. He along with the prefects and Head Boy and Girl had been let on that Sirius Black was after Harry but they had been sworn to secrecy to not let anyone else know. "Great practice by the way Harry!"

Harry grinned in response and slowly approached the dog. "Hey boy." He said softly.

The dog wagged his tail.

"Or girl?" Harry took a step forward.

The dog growled which made Harry stop. "Boy, then." He relaxed when the dog began wagging his tail again. "I wonder what your name is. Are you lost?" He wondered out loud. He reached his hand slowly out and scratched the dog behind his ears. "Did you get separated from your family?"

The dog gave a whine.

"Come with me boy. I know someone who can help you." Harry walked over to Hagrid with the dog happily following him.

"Hagrid?"

"Arry! I saw yer practice, the team looks really good." Hagrid smiled. He then noticed the black dog standing next to Harry. "And who's this?"

"He's a stray. I think he may have been living in the forest." Harry said with a shrug. "I'm guessing he's lost, do you think you could help him find his family? He also needs food, he's really scrawny looking."

The dog gave an indignant bark.

Hagrid chuckled. "Sure, he can hang out with Fang while I ask around about him. Does he have a collar?"

"No." Harry answered after he checked. "I don't know his name."

"Hmm. I suppose we can make up a name until we know his true one." Hagrid suggested. "How about Fluffy?" He shared an amused look with Harry.

The dog sat down and sniffed showing his displeasure at that name.

"How about scrawny?" Harry laughed then yelped as the dog bit lightly at his leg. "I was kidding!"

The dog sat back down and sniffed again.

"Sniffles?" Hagrid suggested teasingly.

The dog tilted his head as if considering it and then gave a little whine.

Harry looked thoughtfully at the animal. He felt for it, he knew what it was like to feel alone and hungry. "Sniffy? Snuffles?"

The dog barked and wagged his tail.

"Snuffles it is." Harry decided. He watched as Hagrid introduced Snuffles to Fang and then fed them both. Snuffles ate hungrily. "Hagrid? Could you walk me back to the castle?"

"Sure 'Arry, no problem." Hagrid said. They were both amused when Snuffles followed them, running around them in circles and barking with excitement.

"If you can't find his family, I wonder if my Dad would let me keep him." Harry said hopefully.

"Yer can ask him. But wait until I see if I can find his home firs'." Hagrid said.

Harry nodded and looked at Snuffles who was still bounding around in excitement. He wanted Snuffles family to be found but if he had none, then he really hoped his Dad would let Harry keep him. After all, what problems could arise from having a dog?

TBC: Reviews are very much appreciated! Hint, hint! =)