Thank you once again to all of my readers, reviewers, and folks who put this fic (and/or me as an author) on their favorite and alert lists. This month, I offer you bonfire-roasted hotdogs and marshmallows.

Disclaimer: I do not own either Danny Phantom or Harry Potter.

Chapter 28

After Danny finished his homework and played a game of chess with Draco (Danny was really getting good at this!), Danny headed up to his bed and drew his curtains for privacy. He lit a ball of ectoplasm and made it stay above his head. It was Thursday, and he wanted to have a letter to send to Valerie before Vlad went to London on Saturday.

Morph curled into his lap as he pulled a college-lined spiral notebook from his book bag, balancing it on his legs drawn up. Using a ball-point pen (quills were cool, but besides the one the Weasley twins sent him, all the other quills needed ink pots, and Danny didn't want to deal with that just now), he started to write.

October 17, 1996

Dear Valerie,

I'm sorry it's been so long before I sent my first letter. It's taken a while for me to settle in, get used to the new school, get used to living with Vlad, get used to living in a different country. So what is going on over there? Who is left out of all the people we knew together? What is it like now?

My new school is very different. They think of electronics as a distraction, so there is little to no technology to speak of. (It's Tucker's worst nightmare, minus the desert island and… he told me not to tell about the other thing.) After class, Vlad tutors me in English and math. He says it is practically poetic to study Shakespeare together in the country where he wrote. Maybe over the summer, we'll visit the Globe Theatre, where he performed. (Well – not really, but it was rebuilt to look like the original.) And for the first time ever, I think I'm getting a hold of math. Vlad's a really good teacher.

It's kind of weird. I'm starting to think of him like an uncle now. Vlad Masters as my uncle! Who would have thought? Not me, but life happens.

I really miss my parents and Jazz, and Sam and Tucker. I'm kind of learning to cope. One of the teachers I'm closer to (we call them 'professors,' here) calls some of what I'm feeling 'survivor's guilt.' At least, I don't blame myself for not being able to stop the terrorists anymore. You were so lucky to not be at work on July 20!

I miss you. We had kumquats with lunch last week and I thought of you. Also, I've had a few lessons in Defense. You are still way better at it than most people I know, but my friend Harry might be able to give you a run for your money. To be fair, though, I never met anyone who was a 9th degree black belt besides you and my mom. Not even Harry.

Have a happy Halloween, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Danny

Danny looked over the letter. He managed to say just about everything he wanted to say without giving anything away. He was proud of himself. His penmanship wasn't bad, either. Tomorrow, he would have to ask Vlad for an envelope.

Friday morning, Vlad addressed his Sixth Year class. "Today, we are starting our unit on giants."

"Maybe we can bother Hagrid. Rita Skeeter let everyone know he was a half-giant during the Tri-Wizard Tournament," Pansy muttered.

Vlad was about to snarl about disrespect, but decided this was a teachable moment. "Exactly right, Miss Parkinson. Next week on Wednesday, we are taking a field trip of sorts. We will be visiting Hagrid, asking a few questions about his mother and half-brother. It will be most enlightening. Then we shall meet said half-brother. His name is Grawp."

The class gasped collectively. Vlad raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"

Harry raised his hand. "There's no problem, sir. I just…"

"Speak for yourself, Potter!" cried Blaise. "He's a giant. Don't you know how dangerous they can be?" Most of the class nodded in agreement.

Vlad smirked nastily. "Of course I do. And that is why you'll all be on your best behavior, and you'll treat him with respect. Hagrid's taught his brother English, so you will keep your tongues civil. It wouldn't do to have an enraged giant, hmm?"

With a raised eyebrow, he looked pointedly at Draco. "Oh, and Mr. Malfoy? Don't try to pull that nonsense you did in your Third Year with the hippogriff. Your father isn't available to fix a trial over the supposed misbehavior of a magical being."

Draco turned bright pink at this comment. "Understood, sir."

"Now, what was it you had in mind, Mr. Potter?"

Harry colored a little. "Ron, Hermione, and I met Grawp last year."

Vlad raised both eyebrows. "Interesting. And?"

"He can be very protective of people he's taken a shine to."

"Thank you kindly, Mr. Potter. Five points to your House. This is important to know. All of my Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Year classes will have a chance to meet Grawp in turn."

Ernie scratched his head. "But Professor, surely we're not all going at the same time!"

Vlad sighed. "No, Mr. Macmillan. Grawp isn't a museum piece to be gawked at. Each of these six classes – the four Fifth Year classes, this class, and the Seventh Years, will meet him during a regularly scheduled Defense Against the Dark Arts class period." Vlad smiled. "Further, those of you in Advanced Potions need not worry. I'm not sure how it's been arranged, but at this time next Wednesday, you will all be able to leave off your Potions midterm projects to go on this field trip."

The faces of any students looking to get out of the meeting next Wednesday fell. Vlad's satisfaction was evident.

Draco, who was still smarting over the last comment, asked, "Why is this so important to you, Professor Masters?"

Vlad stopped for a moment. It was a good question. "Because while giants are not exactly human, they are sentient and can be reasoned with. Their sense of reasoning doesn't match with human logic, unlike most of the 'Dark creatures' we've covered thus far, but they are far from brainless monsters.

"I understand that Voldemort used them in the last war. While knowing such things won't help in the middle of a battle, it does help to realize that, though not precisely human, giants are still people with families."

Draco huffed. "And what's that supposed to do but turn us soft against them?"

Vlad frowned. "Perhaps it will teach you to defend yourself if necessary, and realize that incapacitation would be better than killing one. Or, do you truly fancy a blood feud with such a person?" Draco paled. "Death happens in war. But if it is at all possible (which it might not be, but nonetheless…), it is always better to understand who you are dealing with."

Looking around the classroom, Vlad realized that he had the full attention of the class. Now he was ready to continue.

In History of Magic, Danny was the last one to class. 'This could be a problem.'

"Good afternoon, Danny," Terry called.

"Hi there, Terry." He started to put his head down.

Lisa asked, "What do you think of your uncle's trip to visit Grawp?"

Danny raised his head. "It sounds like a cool idea. Harry and his best friends already met him, and they seem to get along. Uncle Vlad said they don't have a human-type sentience. I wonder how that works, because Hagrid is just fine." Danny mentally kicked himself. He got himself involved in an animated discussion and wouldn't be able to…

His ghost sense went off. The four Ravenclaws stared at the blue mist escaping from Danny's lips in wonder. "Oh, crud!" he muttered.

Professor Binns entered the room through the chalkboard. "Good afternoon." He noticed the mortified look on his hero's face. "Is there something wrong, Mr. Fenton?"

"Uh…" Danny wasn't sure how to respond.

Michael, glad their plan turned up something interesting and unexpected, said, "I don't know that anything's wrong, Professor. Danny, what was that?"

For as long as he's been a ghost, Danny realized this was the first time someone not in the know paid attention enough to ask. "I, uh…" He would have to come up with something. He wanted to say that the temperature in the room lowered when their ghostly professor entered the classroom, but his brain and his mouth refused to connect.

Mandy studied him. "That happens in every History of Magic class, doesn't it? That's why you hide your head, right?"

Pained, Danny realized these four students caught on to his secret. Before he opened his mouth, Lisa said, "Listen. We saw your eyes turn green in Defense Against the Dark Arts during the Boggart lesson. We've pieced together that you're not entirely human." Danny's eyes wildly darted between all four students. "But we've also figured out that you need to keep your secret. Between the four of us, Ernie Macmillan, and Melissa Spradt, your secret – and we think Professor Masters' secret, too – is safe with us."

Danny groaned and dropped his head. Great. They knew. Well, they almost knew. They knew he was only half-human. They didn't know his other half was ghost. That would work for now. Even if it didn't, he had no choice in the matter. Looking up, he said, "Thanks, guys. That means more to me than you can know."

Professor Binns cleared his throat. "If you have finished interrogating Mr. Fenton, perhaps we can continue…"

Danny whispered, "Thanks."

The professor nodded. "And just in case you get too curious, I would suggest that you don't look into Danny's non-human half, as it might affect his safety. It is an issue the Headmaster and a few professors are aware of, and even knowing more might lead to a breach in security."

The Ravenclaws sat in wide-eyed amazement. The idea of knowing what else Danny is might be a security risk was not something familiar in any sense of the word.

Mandy needed to know, though. "Fair enough. We won't ask what that other half is." Terry, Lisa, and Michael nodded in agreement, and Terry planned to tell the Hufflepuffs in on their theory not to look into it. "But I want to know – is that other half Dark?"

Danny sucked in a breath. His future evil self was possible only because of his choices. His dark side revealed by Freakshow… he was being controlled. Danny answered honestly. "No. It's not inherently Dark. But like anyone else making decisions in life, the potential is there. But no – I'm no Darker than anyone else in this room."

Professor Binns crossed his arms. "I should say not! After some of what you've done, I would think that becoming Dark is impossible for you!"

Danny blushed. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Professor. I'll do my very best to keep to that expectation. I've made some promises to that effect."

Danny's classmates sat in disbelief. Professor Binns knew Danny's secret, and apparently he also knew of Danny's mysterious past. "But now, let's cover some history, shall we?"

Potions class was largely uneventful. Danny and Harry had a lot to add with temperature adjustments. Wolfsbane Potion was particularly tricky and it had to be made just so, or it would be poisonous to the werewolf it was supposed to help. Danny measured the aconite very carefully, sprinkling it as the directions dictated while Harry stirred counterclockwise seven times, then clockwise once, and the process was repeated.

Once the aconite was finished being mixed in, the stirring needed to continue. While Harry was busy, Danny looked to Professor Snape. He watched the professor and Harry. It looked like something beautiful and new was about to take place, and Danny was hopeful. Harry looked increasingly nervous as the period wore on, and Professor Snape informed them that their potion was the perfect color.

Danny was as proud of the potion as he was of the two former antagonists in their fledgling relationship. He wasn't sure why, but he kind of felt responsible – they were thinking of looking for a similar relationship to Vlad and himself, and he hoped it worked out.

At the end of class, Danny hung back for a little longer as the class filed out. "You can do this, Harry," he said, patting him on the back before he too left the classroom. Ron and Hermione looked up as they waited for Harry.

Harry closed his eyes and summoned as much of his Gryffindor courage as he could muster and then approached the Potions Master. "Professor?"

Professor Snape looked at him, a little surprised. "What is it, Harry?"

"Can we meet after dinner tonight? I … wanted to talk about something." He licked his lips. Man, this was hard.

Earlier this month, Harry said he would get back to him about the forgiveness and the guardianship. Maybe that was the upcoming conversation unnerving the usually stoic Harry. "After dinner is fine. I will be in my office," Professor Snape said softly.

"Thank you, sir."

At dinner, Hermione asked, "Harry, what was that about?"

Harry answered, "I need to see Professor Snape. We need to talk about a few things."

Ron jerked his head up. "What things?"

Playing with his food with his fork, Harry sighed. "I'd prefer to discuss it after my conversation with him. Then I'll tell you all about it." He looked across the Great Hall and caught Danny's eye. Harry nodded, and Danny smiled and flashed him a 'thumbs-up' sign.

Hermione followed Harry's gaze. "But Danny knows what this is about."

"Yeah."

Ron glowered. "I get that Danny's not a git, yeah? But why can you tell him stuff that really seems important that you can't share with your best mates of over five years?" Hermione winced at Ron's tone, but agreed with him.

Harry ate quietly as he thought of his response. "You guys are my best mates. That's not a question. But Danny has a different perspective than you, and it helps me sort a few things out."

Ron narrowed his eyes. "What? Because he's a Slytherin?"

Harry said gently, "Yeah. That, and he's also an orphan with a weird relationship with his uncle." Ron turned very red in embarrassment and Hermione gasped. "And he has a different perspective on Professor Snape, and he has some useful advice on that front."

Hermione started tearing. "I'm sorry, Harry! I didn't think…"

"Don't worry about it."

Ron gulped. "Yeah, Harry. I'm sorry, too. It's just… we're worried for you. Snape is still a git, but he's being nicer to you. I guess that counts for something."

Harry gave a small smile. "Yeah. Oddly enough, Danny is really the only one I know who has been through similar stuff as I have, and Professor Snape is the one to help him out of it."

Ron and Hermione looked at him. Hermione asked, "Will you explain it after your discussion?"

Harry thought for a moment. "Probably."

Harry and Danny met again in the Main Hall. "Good luck, Harry."

"Thanks. I'll need it." The dark-haired Gryffindor came to Professor Snape's office, took a breath, and knocked.

"Come in, Harry."

He steeled himself and entered, and took the seat the professor offered him. They sat in silence for a few minutes. Harry thought about this one last time, nodded to himself, and said, "I thought about what we discussed, and I talked to Danny. If I have the right of it, you want a guardian/ward relationship with me just like Professor Masters and Danny."

The professor nodded. "Yes."

Harry raised his eyes. "Why?"

Professor Snape looked down at his desk for a moment to gather his thoughts. Why, indeed? This was a major change from everything the boy had ever known. And, of course, it would obliterate any remnants of their former relationship. It was a perfectly valid question. The answer, while at once simple, would not be easy to give. But Harry deserved no less.

Taking a deep breath, Professor Snape locked eyes with Harry. "Your father and his crew tormented me within an inch of my life. Regardless of this, he loved you passionately and desperately, and would have done and did anything for you. Your mother loved dearly when she gave it. And both of them would have wanted you to be loved and happy. But more to the point, you deserve to be happy and… loved." Merlin, this was hard!

"It's no secret that I've willfully been blind to you before, as you look just like your father. I, and almost every other professor here, have, at some point, blurred the line of reality. They forgot that you are not just the Boy Who Lived, but are simply a boy. I've forgotten that you are not your father, for all that you look like him."

Snape studied Harry for a bit. "In some ways, you are like your father." Harry jerked his head up. "Besides looking like James," Harry held his breath. "You are courageous, and you fight for what you feel is right. Unlike your father, you have fought impossible odds with your very existence. Without a shred of decency from any adult you were supposed to be able to rely on, you have managed to discover the difference between right and wrong, very often choosing what you feel is right rather than what would obviously be far easier."

Harry shifted a bit. He really didn't want to hear about being the Boy Who Lived right now. He rather hoped that the professor would simply like him for himself. He closed his eyes to wait for it, whatever was said next.

Professor Snape realized how close he was getting to 'hero' territory, backed off, and switched tactics. The boy needed to know he had self-worth, far beyond the value of his purpose in this war. "Let me come back to Daniel for a moment." Harry opened his eyes in surprise. "What I'm about to say is confidential, so I trust you will keep what I'm about to say to yourself." Harry nodded vigorously, curious.

"For the past five years or so, our relationship has… hardly been worth mentioning. In the short year and a half, or more now, that Professor Masters and Daniel have known each other, Vlad has done things far worse and potentially more damaging physically and emotionally to Daniel than anything I've ever done to you. However, beyond all reason and comprehension, Daniel has chosen to give the professor another chance. What they have is strained, as some things will take far longer to heal than others, but they are working on it. Some day, what they will have between them will be beautiful beyond all reckoning."

Snape took another breath. "While what Professor Masters did was far more damning – really, don't worry about the details. They won't discuss it, and even I know precious little – it was also over a shorter span of time. Because of my blindness, I have hurt you for far longer. It might be beyond reason and rationality to expect it in any way, shape, or form, but nonetheless I request that you forgive me my sins against you, and ask that you give me a second chance."

Harry sucked in a breath. Based on his conversation with Danny, Harry figured that Professor Snape's reasoning might fall along these lines. However, Professor Snape said that he, Harry, deserved to be loved and happy, without mention of the adoration and adulation he received as a hero. (He could only thank the powers that be for this.) This, more than anything else the man said, helped him form his answer.

"I…" Nothing was ever easy, was it? "I forgive you. I guess I want that chance to be… loved as much as you do. I… it's not going to be easy, and like Professor Masters and Danny, it will be strained and it might take a while. There has been a lot of hurt, but if we work at it, I think we can make this go. Especially, you know, because… well, this is the first time anyone has ever told me they wanted me, besides Sirius." Quietly, Harry said, "I'd like that very much."

Professor Snape held Harry's upper arms gently. Harry practically glowed at the loving touch. Harry was right. Neither ever had anything like this type of love before, and it was glorious to think of having, such as it was.

Harry stirred. "Sir? Does that mean you'll take me in when the blood wards fall on Aunt Petunia's house when I turn seventeen?"

A warm smile lit the professor's face. "Indeed. And earlier, if I can manage it. There are all kinds of paperwork to be finished and filed on the matter."

Professor Snape was serious! Before emotion overwhelmed him, Harry said lightly, "So our relationship will more or less be like Professor Masters and Danny, huh? I don't think I'm ready to call you 'Uncle Severus' yet."

The professor looked at Harry, and for the first time, almost appreciated his cheek. "I can't say that I'm ready for that, either. But perhaps we can work toward it."

When Harry returned to the Common Room, he felt more content than he had in a long while. The last time he felt anything like this was when Sirius invited him to stay with him, before Pettigrew turned tail and fled. He was going to talk to Danny about this later. But now…

"Hi, Harry." Ginny smiled. For the first time this year, she wasn't sitting with Dean in her free time.

"Hi, Ginny."

Ginny smiled. "You look happy."

Harry said, "I think I might be."

Ginny nodded. Something warm in Harry's chest started to purr when she looked at him that way. He couldn't explain it, so he didn't try. But he smiled when Ginny said, "They're waiting for you by the fire, you know."

For a moment, Harry thought of staying right where he was, with Ginny. But Hermione and Ron were waiting for him. "Okay. I'll see you later, then."

"Fair enough." Wow, where had this feeling come from? Harry decided that Professor Snape's comment about him deserving to be happy and loved went straight to his head. He would have to spend time with Ginny later. If Ron didn't kill him first.

But now, he had a discussion about Professor Snape to attend to. Coming to their regular spot by the fire, Harry saw Ron beating Hermione yet again at chess. "Hi there."

"Harry!" Hermione cried. "How did it go?"

Ron added, "It couldn't have gone too badly. I haven't seen you this happy since you came back from a DA meeting."

Harry smiled. Ron and Hermione really did care. He thought they always did, but now Harry felt he was in a better position to appreciate it. "Professor Snape said…" While the sentence he had in mind was easy enough to say, it would not be received well at all. So he tried again. "You know Danny's weird relationship to Professor Masters?"

Ron and Hermione looked at each other. Ron ventured, "Yeah?"

Harry thought about what to say. He had been told a lot in confidence, but he figured there were a couple of things he could say. "Well, they didn't start that way. Professor Masters was a long-time family friend who took Danny in when… you know." They nodded, and Hermione's eyes glistened. "It's also true that Professor Masters didn't get along with Danny's father." Harry decided that the idea of his professor longing for Danny's mother was too weird to mention. "Still, for whatever reason, they found each other when tragedy hit."

Harry closed his eyes. He could do this. Opening his eyes, Harry said, "Following their example, Professor Snape told me that he wants to be my guardian."

Ron and Hermione sat in shocked silence. Professor Snape was a lot nicer to Harry now, but this was a little too much to be believed. Ron squeaked, "He said what?"

Harry braced himself. "He apologized again for being horrible to me, and he… asked me to give him a second chance."

Hermione found her tongue. "That's wonderful, Harry!"

Ron glared. "No, it's not 'wonderful.' With all the unfairness and points taken, and humiliation, and stuff, how could you give him one, Harry?"

Harry felt a little angry, but he recognized that Ron's question was a good one. He frowned for a moment, but then he was calm. "Because, Ron, while some people might like me, Professor Snape is the first adult to ever say that he wanted me, besides Sirius."

Noticing that Ron wanted to protest again, Harry plowed ahead. "This might be hard for you to understand. Especially because I don't talk about the Dursleys much – they're not worth talking about, though they are my only living family. And I use that term lightly." Ron snorted. Harry smiled – this had the effect he was going for.

"Ron, you saw what they did to me before Second Year. They've always hated me. While the feeling was mutual, still… it hurts to know that after my parents died that I was never loved."

Hermione jumped, and said, "Oh, Harry!"

Harry gave a small, crooked smile. "While it will probably take a while before either Professor Snape or I think of each other as family, it's kind of nice knowing that someone cares enough to just… I don't know, be there for me. Don't get me wrong, Ron – your mom is one of the best people in the whole world." Ron blushed and beamed. "She always kinda looked after me when she had the chance, and I'll always be grateful for that. But for someone to actually… be there, like a parent, permanently there for me…"

Harry blushed. "It's pathetic, I know, but he really seemed to care. And I really didn't want to say 'no.' I'm… kinda looking forward…" He stared at the fire.

Hermione's tears spilled over, and she grabbed one of Harry's hands. Ron said, "Harry, mate, that's not pathetic at all. That's… weird, 'cause it's still Snape, who is still a snarky git. But if he… is as good as his word and really cares for you that way, then I guess I'm happy for you."

Harry released the breath he didn't realize he was holding. "Thanks. Danny says that if Professor Snape decides to take care of someone, there's no better man for the job. He also said that Professor Snape is as good as his word, as he said he very well knows, but it might take me some seeing to believe it. Apparently, Danny experienced some of this care first hand." The idea that Professor Masters was formerly abusive to Danny might have something to do with Danny's firsthand knowledge of Professor Snape's care. Danny said so, and now Professor Snape confirmed it.

However, this much of the odd relationship appeared to Harry to fall under the category of 'confidential.' But otherwise… Ah, he had it. "Danny and Professor Masters knew what they were about once they first knew each other. Danny even told us when we first met him that Professor Masters was interested in Danny because of what he is. (I'm still not sure what that means, but obviously, they know.)

"Since I came here, Professor Snape has never really met me. We've been in the same place at the same time, but he's never taken the time to get to know me. Instead, he reacted as if I was my father, and apparently, they didn't get along when they were students here. But since he called me to his office and let me rant about how badly he's treated me, it's almost like he met me for the first time."

Hermione nodded. Everyone noticed the different way Professor Snape treated Harry. "It sounds like Professor Snape wants to start over again."

Harry shrugged one shoulder. "Yeah. That's what it looks like. And you know? If we end up anything like Professor Masters and Danny are now, that might really be worth it."

Ron thought about this. "It sounds like you'll be happy. But I wonder… If this works, you will be the ward of the Head of Slytherin. What do you think will happen?"

Harry smiled. "I'm not too worried. Draco and I have an understanding of sorts. And he's a prefect. Many Slytherins will follow his lead." The deeper implications of what this could mean just hit him. "Oh!"

Ron was concerned. "What's wrong?"

Harry spluttered for a moment. "I just… but that's… No way!" He refocused on Ron and Hermione. "When I was in his office earlier this month, Professor Snape actually called Voldemort by his name. He's never done that before. I asked him about it, and he said he'd come back to it, but it never came back up in that conversation. If Professor Snape becomes my guardian, he can't…" Harry looked around the Common Room. No one was near by, but he lowered his voice. "He can't work as a spy for the Order anymore. The children of Death Eaters would see us interact and…" Harry sighed sadly.

Hermione squeezed the hand she held. "Harry, if Professor Snape asked you and you accepted this new relationship, you should remember that the professor is an adult. This is his choice, as much as it is yours. And you know… The idea that he would prefer to be your guardian to working as a spy is a major recommendation. Good luck to you." She got up and hugged Harry.

Harry smiled. Professor Snape offered to be his guardian, Danny recommended Snape's care, and his two best friends seemed okay with this. This can only work for the good.

Professor Snape sat back in a chair in his private rooms, drinking a cup of tea. Harry had agreed to become his ward. A few things flowed through his mind at this new development. While it wasn't part of the first set of thoughts to enter Snape's mind when he thought of becoming Harry's guardian, it dawned on him now: it was the perfect revenge against James and Sirius. The one child they loved more than life itself would now get along with and hopefully learn to love the man they once despised.

The thought was too delicious to pass up. Of course, this also meant that he might have to spend more time socially with Lupin than he might otherwise care to, for Harry's sake. But out of all four Marauders, Lupin was the least objectionable. It was a small enough sacrifice.

Such were his thoughts when his fireplace lit with green fire. Professor Dumbledore greeted him from the fire. "Severus."

"Professor."

"May I step through? I have a few things to discuss."

"Of course, Headmaster." When Professor Dumbledore entered Professor Snape's room, Severus offered him a seat and a cup of tea. Both were accepted.

"Severus, Wednesday evening, the Diadem of Ravenclaw was found."

Professor Snape sat forward in interest. "Was it?"

Professor Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed. It came up in one of the special training sessions I have with Harry." Snape raised an eyebrow. "Once I finish checking it over to see that there are no Dark spells on it, I intend to put it into circulation, as Lady Ravenclaw intended it to be."

"Good to know. And who will it be available to?" It wouldn't surprise Snape if only Ravenclaws could use an artifact that once belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw, herself.

Professor Dumbledore smiled. "Any student clever enough to ask about it. The Grey Lady insisted on this."

Severus finished his tea and poured himself another cup. "While this is good news, and truly fascinating, I'm sure this isn't the whole reason for your visit, Professor."

"Indeed. During that particular training session with Harry, through no fault of his own, it came to my attention that your relationship with him is changing."

This conversation was inevitable, and Snape was glad it came about this way. "It is. After a great deal of consideration, it occurred to me to think over the many times you've told me to pay attention to who Harry really is. I have started to do so."

The older wizard looked at the younger one carefully. "And?"

Severus put his cup on the saucer. "I realize that you were right about him all along. I have apologized to him at least twice and… I have come to realize that we have a lot more in common than I recognized before." Dumbledore nodded knowingly.

"Masters and Daniel have given me a sense of perspective I've never had before. I… I asked Harry to give me a second chance, and to allow me to become his guardian."

Professor Dumbledore's eyebrows shot up. "Severus! Really? That's… remarkable." He sat back, thinking over the words of his Potions Master.

In voco sotto, Snape said, "It worked for Vlad. There's no reason it couldn't work for me." He sat quietly for a few minutes, taking up his tea again.

Professor Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled madly. "This is an interesting development. Of course, this means I can't send you back as a spy to Voldemort. You are needed far more wherever Harry will be."

Severus smiled. "I did realize this. I'm sure that the children of Death Eaters have already seen the change in my behavior to Harry. In for a Knut…"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Alright. And what has young Harry had to say about this?"

Looking down, almost ashamed, Snape responded, "Like young Daniel, Harry was far more kind than I deserve. He agreed." Dumbledore put a hand on Snape's shoulder, which made the younger wizard look up. "He asked if I would take him in when the blood wards fall on Lily's sister's house, and I said I would indeed. Earlier, if I could manage it. There is paperwork to be done…"

Professor Dumbledore beamed. "There have been many occasions where I've been proud of you, Severus, but none quite as much as this moment. I'll see if I can get Arthur Weasley to give me said papers. I realize it's not his division, but this is extraordinary. Anyone within the Ministry would be able to acquire said papers. But once you fill them out…" He chuckled again. "You will be the envy of half of the Wizarding World, and the demon of the rest of it."

Severus rolled his eyes. "And the boy needs someone to remember that he isn't just the Savior of the Wizarding World, but is a valued human being, regardless of the nonsense the media or the Ministry puts out. This is something poor Harry has lacked since he found his way back to the Wizarding World, with the possible exception of his closest friends, most of their families, the werewolf, and the two half-ghosts."

Albus sat quietly, soberly. There was a serious dimension of Harry's wellbeing he missed. "Indeed." Properly chastened by the youngest member of his faculty, Professor Dumbledore said, "I wish you both well on this endeavor. I give you my blessing, and any assistance you require or request."

This was an unexpected boon. "Thank you, Professor. Thank you very kindly."

15