Disclaimer: As always I do not own Harry Potter.

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Severus groaned after casting another tempus. He hadn't slept much the last few days. What he had read in his best friends will had weighed heavily on his mind. He had figured that James and Lily wouldn't have wanted their son to be raised by those muggles but he had no idea. Severus sat down on his black sofa in front of his fireplace waiting for Lucius to show up. He glanced down at the will on his coffee table. He reread the line that had robbed him of his peace of mind.

In the event of our death we request that Sirius Black and Severus Snape be given joint custody of our son Harry Potter.

The will went on to explain that James and Lily knew that Sirius would have been an excellent guardian but they also knew that he was immature in some areas so they wanted Severus to be there as well. Severus also guessed that being raised by each of his parents' best friends Harry would somehow feel closer to them. Severus closed his eyes and sunk back into the chair. He thought about this would mean. Black was currently serving a life long sentence in Azkaban so that would mean he would have to raise the boy himself. As much as Severus wanted to help the boy, he couldn't help feeling a little frightened at the idea of actually being responsible for the boy. He needed to talk to Lucius.

Lucius walked through the portrait to Severus' private rooms exactly at six. He was always on top but Severus secretly wished he had been there earlier. After offering him tea he sent one of the school house elves to bring them breakfast. Lucius sipped his tea.

"So I take it you've been thinking carefully about what the will said," he started cautiously.

"Yes. I just don't know," Severus admitted. "I want to help Potter, I really do but this."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. The house elf reappeared with their breakfast and set it in front of them before disappearing again. Lucius took a small bite of his toast before saying anything.

"You're scared," he stated. It wasn't a question but Severus nodded. Lucius was the only person he would ever admit something like that to. "I'd be surprised if you weren't. I remember when I found out Narcissa was pregnant, at first I was happy I would never have to touch her again but then I started to realize I was going to be a father and I lost my mind."

"I can't be his father," Severus cried.

"You don't have to. Harry already has a father, he just can't take care of him now. You just have to keep him safe, warm and fed," Lucius soothed.

"I don't know anything about raising a child. He's already been through so much," Severus pointed out.

"You've been through a lot too. You two have a lot in common and I believe this arrangement will be the best thing to happen to both of you."

Severus slumped over and looked down at his hands.

"Have…have you looked into other options," he asked. Lucius nodded.

"I have, but we both know it isn't necessary. You have never done anything half-assed in your life."

"How would it be half-assed to send the boy to live in a proper home," Severus growled. He glared at Lucius but his friend just rolled his eyes.

"Taking the boy from an abusive home but refusing the responsibility of taking care of him afterwards, sounds half-assed to me and don't give me that look you know I'm right," Lucius explained chewing on a piece of bacon.

"I did a hell of a lot more than Dumbledore did," Severus pointed out.

"Yes, we also need to talk about that. Unfortunately we can't find any evidence that Dumbledore looked at the will or even knew about it. I'm afraid at the moment we can't pursue any legal action. Dumbledore is just too well liked and all we have to go on is hearsay," Lucius said casually as if he was discussing the weather.

"But he placed a child at a home without even looking at what his parents wanted. How could no one find that in the least bit suspicious," Severus demanded finally giving into his hunger and started to eat his eggs.

"I did what I thought was best. I'm afraid I assumed the child would be happy with the only family he had left and could have a normal childhood away from all the people who knew his name and what he had done. I made a terrible mistake and hope I can somehow make amends," Lucius said mimicking Dumbledore.

Severus just nodded. Lucius was right. Everyone would sympathize with the old man who had become a sort of symbol for good. It would take nothing less than solid facts and evidence to have a case against the man. Severus thought about anything he could think of to incriminate the man as he finished his breakfast and tea.

"I think we're going to have to inform him about this," Lucius said suddenly.

"Inform who?"

"Dumbledore, I know we'd rather keep him in the dark as much as we can but this is stuff he's going to find out about anyway and being the headmaster we're obligated to keep him up to date about matters like this that involve one of his students."

"When would you like to do that," Severus asked.

"Since it's a Saturday I'm sure we can do it today, after the quidditch game of course. I want to see Harry's first game," Lucius said excitedly.

"Should Harry be there as well?"

"Yes since we're also going to talk about what's happening with his relatives as well."

Severus nodded and started to write a note to the headmaster to set up the meeting.

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Lucius had never seen a more stressful but exciting quidditch game in his life. He could tell it was more stressful then exciting for his friend. Severus' face was still tight from when they saw Harrys' broom start thrashing and jerking. It was clear someone had jinxed his broom. He had heard Severus curse out loud when Harry had almost fallen off. Lucius didn't want to admit but he had been close to dropping his Malfoy mask and start crying in fear right there in the stands. Unfortunately he had been taught that Malfoys never cry so he forced himself to keep a neutral face.

Severus was brilliant though and started muttering a counter curse that seemed to be calming down the broom enough for Harry to not lose his grip. Oddly enough it was shortly after when Severus' cloak had caught fire. He had jumped up and immediately started to stomp it out, knocking one of the other Professors out of his seat. Lucius had searched for something that might have caused the fire but there was nothing there. Luckily whoever was jinxing the broom had stopped and the boy was able to climb back on and continue the game.

The game ended with Harry actually standing on the broom handle to catch the snitch, a trick that was usually only accomplished by professionals. Lucius had noticed how tense Severus was as Harry performed the impressive feat. Lucius stifled a chuckle. Who was the man kidding? He clearly cared deeply for the boy. It didn't surprise Lucius at all when Harry caught the snitch but he had to admit that he hadn't expected him to catch it in his mouth. Much like his father had been, the boy was full of surprises. By the time the player left the field Severus looked as if he had been one of the ones playing. He had sweat on his brow and he looked exhausted.

"Lucius," he asked quietly.

"Yeah?"

"If I were to leave that boy alone, how long do you think it would be before he got himself killed?"

"Not long it seems," Lucius answered. He had heard about the incident with the troll on Halloween and it seemed like the boy was a magnet for trouble.

Severus gave a quick nod and turned and started making his way to Dumbledores' office where they were to have the meeting.

"That's what I thought."

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Harry was smiling as he walked out of the locker room with his teammates. Everyone was still celebrating and congratulating Harry on his first catch. Harry smiled as he saw Ron and Hermione waiting for them. He got a little worried when he noticed their serious expressions.

"What's wrong," he asked.

"Harry aren't you in the least bit concerned that someone put a jinx on your broom and tried to kill you," Hermione asked. Harry just blinked. With all the excitement of winning the game he and everyone else had forgotten it.

"Well I guess but I don't think it would have killed me. I'm sure one of the teachers would have saved me with a levitating charm," he reasoned.

"Harry, it was Snape," Ron said seriously.

"What?"

"We saw Snape jinxing your broom," Hermione explained in a low voice so no one would hear.

Harry felt a stabbing pain in his chest. No, that wasn't possible. Snape would never do something like that to him. He wasn't like his uncle. Snape would never hurt him.

"You're mistaken," he said angrily.

"Harry, I know a spell when I see one. You have to keep eye contact and he wasn't blinking," Hermione explained. Harry just shook his head.

"You're wrong! You don't know everything Hermione," Harry yelled.

Hermiones' eyes were wide and she looked stunned.

"Harry?"

"Why are you defending the bloody git who tried to kill you," Ron said angrily.

Harry was about to tell Ron to piss off when he noticed Professor Mcgonagall walking towards them. She had probably heard them arguing and wanted to see what was going on.

"Harry you need to come with me to the headmasters' office. We have some important matters to discuss," she said. Harry didn't even say goodbye to his friends before he followed her.

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"I was surprised by your visit Lucius," Dumbledore said sitting down at his desk.

Lucius gave him a glare. He always hated it when Dumbledore would use his first name but Severus didn't really care about that at the moment. He was waiting for Minerva to return with the boy. He had come to his decision while watching Harrys' first quidditch game.

"Professor Dumbledore, I have to ask. Did you read James and Lily Potters' last will in testament," Lucius asked in a professional tone. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't see a need. I had to put the boy where I knew he would be safe and away from the wizarding world. There isn't a witch or wizard that hasn't heard of him so it was clear he would be safer in the muggle world," Dumbldore justified. Severus refrained from snorting.

"But it is clear to us now that the boy was not safe in that house," Lucius said coldly. "The issue we find ourselves in is the result of your blatant disregard for not only proper protocol but the wishes of the Potter boys' parents."

Dumbledore gave him a sad look but didn't say anything. Everyone's attention was diverted to the door as Minerva and Harry walked in. Harry looked nervously over at them.

"Harry my boy, come in and sit. I wish we could have settled this nasty business but Lord Malfoy insists that you be here," Dumbledore said offering the boy a seat.

Severus didn't even bother to stop his snort this time. If anyone was supposed to be here it was Harry. It was his life all of this affected. Dumbledore gave him a stern look over his glasses.

"Now Malfoy, what is this about," Minerva asked. "I assume you have news about the upcoming trial."

Lucius nodded.

"There are a few things I must inform all of you. Firstly, earlier this week a group of aurors arrested Vernon and Petunia Dursley for child abuse and neglect."

Severus watched Harry as the information seemed to absorb. At first he looked relieved but then he seemed to realize something.

"Mr. Malfoy," he asked.

"Yes Potter?"

Harry looked confused but still continued.

"What happened to my cousin?"

"Dudley Dursley has been placed in the custody of his Aunt Margret," Lucius answered. He was barely managing to keep his act up. Severus could tell his friend hated having to act distant.

"So I take it you have all the evidence you need against them," Dumbledore asked.

"Yes. The trial will take place in a few weeks. We at the ministry are trying to handle this as quickly and quietly as we can," Lucius informed.

"Does the ministry also have a plan for the custody transfer," Minerva asked.

Lucius gave Severus a knowing look. Severus took in a deep breath and nodded.

"Actually that matter is really quite simple, especially since Harry shouldn't have been placed with his relatives to begin with."

Minerva looked astounded and Harrys' face seemed to lose all emotion. Severus was a little more than concerned. Lucius pulled the copy of the Potters' will out of his robes and handed it to Minerva.

"Who may I ask, was the boy supposed to live with if not for his only relatives," Dumbledore asked.

"Oh my," Minerva said as she read the document.

"What is it Minerva," Dumbledore asked losing patience.

Severus sighed and stepped up.

"The will clearly states that Lily and James wanted their best friends to raise their son. It says nothing about her relatives," he announced looking down at his boss.

"I'm sorry my boys, but I cannot allow that for obvious reasons," Dumbledore said sadly. Harry looked as if he was about to cry. Severus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and turned back to the headmaster. "All of James Potters' best friends are either dead, in Azkaban, or suffering from a condition that simply cannot allow them to take care of a child on their own."

"You seem to misunderstand headmaster," Lucius interrupted. "You forget that James wasn't the only one who had close friends."

Harry straightened up and looked up at Severus as if he had already figured out where this was going.

"Albus, this document says they wished for a joint custody between Sirius Black and Severus," Minerva informed handing the headmaster the papers. Severus watched Dumbledore read through the will but noticed a slight tugging on his arm. He looked down at Harry.

"Does this mean I'll be living with you?"

Severus actually allowed himself to smile down at the boy. Harry smiled back.

"Yes. At the end of the school year you will be returning with me to my home," he said softly.

"Are you sure you can provide for the boy Severus," Dumbledore asked.

"I can provide for Potter a hell of a lot more than his relatives did," Severus snapped. "Plus it's not like I don't have any experience with children his age."

"So as you can see headmaster, everything is going to be just fine and you have nothing to worry about," Lucius said with a cunning smirk.

"I see that. I am glad that all this unpleasantness will soon be behind us," Dumbledore said handing Lucius back the will.

"Good now I actually have some normal business involving school policy," Lucius informed.

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Harry quietly walked out of Dumbledores' office with his soon to be guardian. He glanced up at the man who was looking distractedly down the hallway. He had absolutely no idea what to say to him. Harry couldn't help but feel like this man had saved his life. Snape had taken him from his relatives and brought him to this magical world where he was able to learn and make friends. He had given Harry a completely new life. Harry smiled and allowed himself to have hope that everything was going to be fine from now on.

"Thank you," he said quietly. Snape turned to him.

"For what?"

"Ever since you've picked me up things have been turning out very well. You've done a lot for me and I wanted to thank you," Harry said suddenly feeling shy under Snapes gaze.

"You have nothing more to worry about," Snape said stopping in front of Harry. "I'll be taking care of you from now on. I'll be sure to give you a much better life than you had before and soon your life with those people will seem like a bad dream," he promised.

Harry felt like he was going to cry he was so happy.

"But since we are still at Hogwarts I want you to treat me as you would your other teachers just like I will treat you the same."

Harry nodded his understanding but there was something he didn't understand.

"Professor, did something happen to Mr. Malfoy," he asked.

"Well his wife seems to be spending more time at home recently but other than that I can't think of anything else," Snape asked looking a little confused at the change in subject.

"He just seemed a little distant. It wasn't like how he was when I met him," Harry said thinking back to the first time he had met the man. He hadn't even known Harry but he seemed so concerned for him. It was nothing like the cold man in Dumbledores' office.

"Oh that. Now there's something you need to understand Harry," Snape said looking somewhat sad. Harry leaned in to understand. "You've heard people call Mr. Malfoy lord right?"

Harry nodded.

"Well, the Malfoys are considered to be one of the wealthiest and influential families in the wizarding world. As a result they are expected to act a certain way in public. As a result, since Mr. Malfoy was a child his father would punish him if he did anything he considered undignified. So now every time he's in public or around people he's not comfortable with he puts on what we call his 'Malfoy mask' and adopts the personality you saw today."

Harry suddenly felt very sad for the man. He now understood why Mr. Malfoy had acted oddly eccentric when they were at his manor. He must be tired from having to pretend to be someone he's not so his house must be a sanctuary for him.

"Don't feel too bad for him. It's sometimes useful because a lot of people think he's intimidating and it helps him with his business."

"I guess but it still must be hard for him," Harry muttered.

"Yes, I could tell he was feeling guilty for how he had to act towards you. I'm sure there's a tight hug in your future," Snape drawled.

Harry burst out laughing.

"Harry?"

Harry and Snape both turned around to see Ron and Hermione run up to them.

"Hello Professor, we were just waiting for Harry," Hermione explained. Snape nodded and turned to leave.

"See you in class Potter," he said before walking away down the hallway.

"What was that about," Ron asked glaring at Snapes' retreating form.

"Harry, is there something between you and Professor Snape," Hermione asked. "You seemed awfully upset about what we were telling you about him."

Harry sighed heavily and looked at his best friends. Not only were they his best friends but they were his first friends and from what he had heard, friends weren't supposed to keep secrets from each other. He looked around before pulling his friends into an abandoned classroom.

"Okay, I want to tell you guys something but please keep it between us," he pleaded.

"Of course Harry, you can trust us with anything," Hermione encouraged.

"Yeah mate, we're here for you," Ron added.

Harry told his friends everything. Hermione had pulled him into a tight hug when he told them about his aunt and uncles' treatment of him. Ron looked slightly disturbed when Harry told them about how it was Snape who had picked him up and how he had spent the few days before school with him and the Malfoys. Harry finally ended with the meeting where he had found out that he would be living with the potions master.

"Bloody hell," Ron mumbled.

"I see. That's why you were so upset with us earlier. You trust Snape a lot don't you," Hermione said softly. Harry nodded. "I see. Then I guess we were wrong but we still need to be careful. Someone did still jinx your broom."

"It was probably just a slytherin upset because Harry was going to catch the snitch," Ron guessed.

"Okay but I'm still keeping an eye out," Hermione said before exiting the old classroom. Harry smiled as he followed his friends to their common room. His life had really turned around in the last few months. He was now going to have a new home where he was accepted. His friends supported him and he had a guardian who would actually take care of him. Perhaps his life was starting to turn around.

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AN: Ok, I would like to remind everyone that this is a romantic Snarry fic. It is just a little slow paced. Also, in case anyone is starting to get a little worried, I'm not going to rewrite every Harry Potter book like this one mainly because if I did, it would take forever to get to the good smexy stuff you're all waiting for. Thanks for reading!