I Don't Want to be a Hero - Second Year

Chapter Four

Harry's 12th Birthday - Part I

Professor Snape gathered the Quartet together, made sure that they had all purchased the books and supplies they were required to purchase, Harry showed off his new wand, and then they portkeyed back to Prince Island.

An hours time of napping was prescribed for each youngster, and their resultant groans, and excuses of 'I'm too old for a nap!' were all met with by a glare from Severus that warned he would institute points losses if they did not comply. They trudged with grumpy resignation to their rooms, and he smiled with a sigh of relief as he heard their doors close.

Severus settled in the living room, his legs stretched out and closed his eyes. He did not need a nap but he was about to open his home to a birthday party - a social event he had never celebrated. And, it was certainly not something shared with other people. He required at least an hour of peace before the hordes descended.

Simple meditation allowed him to fortify his Occlumency Shields within his mind to preserve his sanity against the clamouring of voices, inane comments, possible squeals of delight, and Molly Weasley's ever all encompassing hugs.

Severus's mental shield was changing from the near impenetrable fortress it had been during a time of war. It was still formidable but there was more a sense of peace to a valley replete with hundreds of English Oak that were repositories for memories and emotions. One tree was different than all the rest, an impossible tree that would normally not exist in England; a baobab tree from Africa. This large, somewhat whimsical tree, was for all the memories and emotions that were Harry. Within his mind Severus settled himself into a niche amongst the great roots. He leaned back against the comforting solidity of the baobab and allowed himself to drift amongst the more pleasant of those memories.

Just a few minutes before his hour of solace was ended Severus was brought out of himself by the tick-tick-ticking of owl feet upon the kitchen window. Rousing himself he walked to the kitchen to open the window to Minerva's owl, Circe. He gave Circe a few treats, sat at the kitchen table, and read the latest missive from Minerva.

SeverusThis morning has been a flurry of activity. Albus is home and to my surprise he kissed my cheek, and then handed me his formal resignation from the position of Hogwarts Headmaster. I immediately made a copy for myself, sent the original on to the Board of Governors and then a copy to the Ministry. I was again offered the position of Headmistress, and after talking at length with Remus and Albus I have accepted the position.I am now left with the position of Deputy Head to fill and I have sent a recommendation to the Board of Governors that you ought to be my Deputy. I hope you will consider the position and accept.Now, a touch of sad business; Albus will be living at Hogwarts. I learned that all the wealth he pretended to have was for naught. For eleven years he paid the Dursleys a 500 galleon a month upkeep salary for taking in Harry out of his own pocket. What remains is a meagre portion of galleons, knuts, and sickles, a few keepsakes. All the safe houses were gifts to the Order of the Phoenix from Xenophilius Lovegood. At this time we are unable to recover the houses due to the fact they were Muggle purchases so they were never registered at Gringotts, and the Fidelius markers for each one… well, poor Albus hasn't a clue to any of them. Xenophilius, dear, scattered man that he is, believes might have titles but he is unable to find them. Thus, Albus is destitute.I will not throw him to the mercy of the elements.I invited Albus to Harry's birthday, and I can hear your outrage even now, Severus. However, Albus declined to come with me as he feels he would be unwelcome by you and Harry.I shall speak to you at the party, Severus. By then you will be able to think upon your answer to me, and have it ready.Yours, Minerva McGonagall Headmistress of Hogwarts

Slowly Severus rolled the letter from Minerva back up. Deputy Headmaster. He grimaced. Could he really take on such a responsibility now?

"Dad?" a plaintive voice brought Severus from thoughts of Hogwarts and that of Deputy Headmaster.

"Harry? You sound upset. What is the matter?" asked Severus as he drew himself up, and went to his son who stood in his pyjamas, his little velvet slippers, and his school robe rather than his dressing gown over his pyjamas. His hair was mussed, and he was not wearing his glasses.

"Quirrell killed you, dad. The monster was after me. Could I get a hug before my friends wake up?" Severus held out his arms, and enveloped his son as he barrelled into him. Harry did not want to look like a baby in front of his friends, or anyone; he was after all twelve years old. Still, nightmares from his first year plagued him. If it were not Voldemort, or Quirrell than the other nightmare was Bellatrix LeStrange.

When Harry pulled away, his father caught his hand. "Come over to the sofa. I'd like your input on a decision I need to make today."

"Sure, dad."

Severus sat down on the sofa, and Harry slid right next to him. Once settled Severus explained about the offer of Deputy Headmaster. Harry frowned in thinking, tapped his chin with his index finger as his father often did, and frowned a bit more.

"It's lots more money, right?" asked Harry.

"Quite a bit more," agreed Severus.

"Do you still get to live in the dungeons?"

"I do," replied Severus. "However, I could move to an apartment near the Headmistress's tower."

"Oh no!" protested Harry. "I like the apartment you have and it's all connected to your private lab, and your classroom, and it's near the Slytherins. You don't have to move!"

"I must admit that within the dungeons though they may be, I am rather fond of my apartment. What do you think of the Deputy Headmaster's job."

"What kind of work is that? Will it mean a lot more for you?" asked Harry worriedly.

"Hm, I would welcome the first years, and do the Sorting, I would deal with the Headmistress's correspondence from students parents, students would come to me first before going to the Headmistress. I would be as her secretary, and I would go to those meetings to homes or to the Board of Governors she could not attend." Hearing himself outline some of the duties of Deputy Headmaster gave Severus pause; that was not even the full extent of what his new duties would entail. He would also have to continue as Head of Slytherin House, and teach Potions. Whenever would there be time for Harry?

"That's a lot of work, dad," said Harry heavily. "Would you still want me?"

"Still want…? Harry! You are my son. I adopted you. That does not end if something else comes along." Briefly he drew Harry into his arms and bestowed a kiss to his brow. "I intend to be your father until you are old, and grey, and have given me a dozen grandchildren. No matter what, you are mine, and I am yours."

Harry smiled slowly, "Even if I were the worst kid in the world?"

"It is doubtful you would be able to sit a broom if you were the worst, but even if you were the worst, you would be my juvenile delinquent. Now, go wake your friends, and get ready. We have a birthday to celebrate." Severus scooted his son off the sofa, and then watched as Harry ran up the stairs to wake his friends from their naps.