Title: Lions and Lambs

Pairings: Harry Potter/Severus Snape

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I am most regretful as I say this, but I, Punkster, do not own the Harry Potter books, movies, characters, or setting. I am, however, an obsessed fan of the magical and wonderful series. It belongs to J.K. Rowling.

Warning: Not Beta-d. Any mistakes? Tell me if there are! You know the drill.

Dedicated to: The two guests and Flying Chrissy for reviewing the last chapter! I love you all.

Chapter 2

Meeting

Harry couldn't help but laugh at the look of awe on Mya's little face and her strawberry blond hair whipping around as she tried to take in every detail, the moving portraits, the suits of armor, and even which staircases had trick steps in them. Mya reminded him of how he felt when he entered Hogwarts for the first time. Harry had told Mya about magic before they had come, and she took it well, but this was the first time she had seen it for herself.

"This is the most awesome school ever, Daddy! I wish my school was like this one!" exclaimed Mya as she ran ahead of her father.

"Mya! Come back here! You don't want to get lost, do you?" Harry scolded. Mya didn't reply, but she slowed down so she was walking next to Harry. "That's better. Come on, we're almost there."

Harry was very glad that classes were in session because that meant there was no one in the halls except the occasional rebel. He just really hoped that Snape was in a free period during that hour.

As it turned out, luck was in Harry's favor. They had cautiously approached the sinister looking door that Harry knew well from his school days. When there were no sounds from inside, Harry stuck his head in. Not seeing anyone, Harry and Mya entered the room filled with potions supplies and made their way towards Snape's office at the back of the room.

BOOM!

The main door burst open behind the pair. Mya screamed and clutched at her dad who whirled around, pulled out his wand, and pointed it right at a very shocked Severus Snape.

Snape looked the same as he had five years ago. His billowing black robes and permanent scowl were as menacing as ever. The only differences Harry could see were a few more frown lines and a scar now visible on his neck.

No one moved. Harry stared at Snape. Snape stared at Harry. Finally, Mya broke the frozen scene by tugging on Harry's pant leg. "Daddy?" The nervous waver in her voice spurred Harry into action. He shook his head to clear his mind and sent a comforting smile down at his daughter.

"Hello, Snape." was the only thing he could thing to say.

Snape just raised his eyebrow and replied, "Hello, Potter. Why exactly, may I ask, are you in my classroom?"

"Well …. Uh … I was wondering …..um–" Everything Harry planned to say to Snape seemed to flee his brain right along with his courage in that moment.

"Illiterate as always, Potter." Snape sneered, "Answer my question, or you may vacate my room immediately."

"No!" Harry said loudly but quickly corrected himself when Snape's scowl deepened. "I-I mean, I really need your help."

"Why would The Great Harry Potter need my help?" Snape's mocking tone rang through the room. "Surely the Savior of the Wizarding World does not need to receive assistance from a cruel Death Eater."

"It's not me I'm getting help for. It's my daughter, Mya." At the surprised looked on Snape's face Harry said, "I adopted her about 2 year ago. A couple of days ago, she collapsed while she was playing outside. I took her to the hospital and they told me she has–"

He was interrupted by a quiet but confident voice from below him. "I have a hole in my heart, but Daddy says that doesn't mean I can't love people just as much as everyone else," Mya then put her hand up by her mouth like she was telling Snape a big secret, "I was worried about that."

Harry chuckled at both what Mya had said and the half disgusted, half amused look on Snape's face. He continued, "Yes, but the Muggle doctors said that can't fix it because of where it's located in her heart, so I came here because I thought you might be able to do something with potions to cure her. At first, I didn't want to see anyone from the Wizarding World because I don't want to be the 'Savior' or whatever else they're calling me these days. I knew you wouldn't care about that. I didn't want to go to the Hospital Wing because Madame Pomfrey always babies me and–" Harry's rambling was cut off with one look from Snape.

Snape studied Harry's face. Harry didn't know what he was looking for. Sincerity? Trust? Mocking or sarcasm maybe? Harry decided that showing Snape his helplessness and new found hope was the best bet. It must have worked, because soon Snape was approaching Mya.

"I will need to examine her. Most likely, she will have a treatment done then she will have to stay under my watch for a couple months, so you will have to live here. We will be back in a couple of minutes." Snape said in a resigned tone, unusual for him. Harry just nodded and gave Mya a little nudge, indicating it was safe to follow in the direction Snape was headed. 'I really hope this works'

POV change POV change POV change

Severus's POV

Severus could sense the little girl following him. As he entered his office, Severus pondered why he said Potter would have to stay with him. They could've easily stayed in a chamber near him. 'It's just more convenient for me' The argument sounded weak even to Severus himself. 'Whatever the reasons are, I am NOT going soft' Though Severus had to admit…Mya was pretty cute and he didn't want her to die. 'Doesn't make me soft'

The mental argument went on for quite some time and Severus groaned, thinking about the next couple months.

AN: I don't normally believe in bribery, but if I get 5 or more reviews on this chapter I will post the next chapter tomorrow ;)