The Lily That Poisons the Snake
Chapter 17
Lily and James had been put in jail, and full custody of Harry Snape had been given to Severus. The father and son were staying in Lucius's guest room. Severus knew that he could go home now that it was safe to do so. He knew that he should, but he as reluctant to go back to the house that hadn't been a home to him in years. He didn't want to be confronted with the memories of the things that had happened in that house. He also didn't want to leave the comfort and familiarity of Lucius and his home. But he knew that he couldn't stay with the other man forever. I need to get on with my life, so he can get on with his as well, he thought to himself one night as he was packing up his and Harry's belongings, Even if I don't go back to that house.
"Maybe you and I can get a nice little flat," he said quietly to Harry, who was watching his daddy from where he lay in his baby swing, "What do you think?"
"I think that's a terrible idea. You don't wanna raise a growing baby in a tiny flat," said a voice in the doorway.
"I know it's not the best solution," Severus said, turning to face the blond.
"Babies should be raised in a house, a home."
"That may be, but I can't go back to that house, Luc. I can't."
"Of course not, Sev. Why are you even talking about going back there? Why are you talking about moving at all?"
"Because I can't stay here, and I have to find somewhere for me and Harry to live."
"Why can't you stay here?" Lucius asked, kneeling down in front of Harry's baby swing and smiling at the baby.
"Because this is your home, Luc. I can't keep intruding in your home."
"You're not intruding, Severus. You're my friend, and I want you to stay here with me and Draco."
"Really?"
"Yes, I'd planned on picking him up from my mum's tomorrow so you could finally meet him," Lucius said, looking up from where he was playing with baby Harry.
Severus was relieved but still a bit hesitant. He really hadn't wanted to leave Lucius's home, but he still felt like he was intruding a bit.
"You're not intruding," the blond man insisted as he stood up, making Severus wonder if he had said that last part out loud, "I want you and Harry to stay here. So unpack your stuff. We'll go get the rest of your stuff later this week before you have to return to work." The grey-eyed man slipped out of the room before Severus could protest.
"I guess we're staying here," he said to Harry, who was sucking on his fist.
"Mmfph," Harry gurgled.
"I know."
The next morning, Severus was sitting in the kitchen giving Harry his bottle when Lucius walked in holding a small boy, who was almost an exact replica of his father.
"I have someone I want you to meet, dragon," Lucius said softly to the little boy, who had his little head buried against his daddy's neck, "Can you turn around and say hello?" Lifting his head, he turned curious grey eyes to look at Severus and Harry.
"Hi," he whispered shyly.
"Hello Draco," Severus said, smiling at the adorable mini-Lucius.
"How you know my name?" the little boy asked.
"Your daddy told me about you."
Questioning grey eyes turned to similar grey eyes and Lucius nodded.
"Who're you?" Draco asked, turning back to the dark-haired pair.
"My name is Severus, and this is my son, Harry."
"Baby?" the little boy said, looking curiously at Harry.
"Would you like a closer look at the baby, dragon?" his daddy asked.
"Uh-huh," the little boy said, trying to wriggle out of his father's arms.
Chuckling, Lucius placed his son on the floor and watched the three year old toddle over to where Severus and Harry were sitting at the kitchen table.
"Hello baby," the toddler said, peering curiously at Harry.
Little Harry waved his arms around as he stared up at the blond-haired boy watching him.
Giggling, Draco held out one small pale hand for the baby to grab. "I like baby," he said, staring up at Severus.
"Looks like he likes you too," Severus said as Harry attempted to put Draco's fingers into his mouth.
"No baby," Draco said, shaking his head and pulling his hand away, "Fingers nasty. No nasty fingers in your mouf."
"I think he's still a bit hungry," Severus said, holding up the unfinished baby bottle.
"Can I help feed baby?" Draco asked eagerly.
"Sure," Severus said, showing the little boy how to hold the bottle.
"Daddy, I'm feedin' baby," the toddler exclaimed, looking at his daddy over his shoulder.
"I see that, dragon. I'm sure Severus is grateful for your help."
"Sev'rus gwateful?" the little boy asked, looking up at Severus.
"I am."
Once baby Harry emptied his bottle, Severus lifted him onto his cloth-covered shoulder to burp him.
"Good baby," Draco cooed, patting Harry's back also.
"Thank you for your help, Draco," Severus said, quietly, "Would you like to help me put Harry down for a nap?"
"Yeah, I help," the grey-eyed boy nodded excitedly.
Careful not to jostle little Harry, who was nearly asleep, Severus led Draco to what was now his bedroom, where Harry's crib was. Once Harry was asleep in his crib, his mobile playing softly over his head, Severus and Draco went to find Lucius. They found him sitting on the sofa in the sitting room.
"Come here, dragon. I need to talk to you about something," he said patting his lap. The toddler trotted over to his father and scrambled onto his lap.
Having a pretty good idea what the blond wanted to talk about, Severus took a seat on the other end of the sofa.
"So, you like baby Harry?" Lucius asked, running a hand through his son's hair.
"Uh-huh. I like baby."
"Well, he and Severus are going to be staying here with us."
"Baby's gonna live here?"
"Yes."
"And Sev'rus?"
"Yes. They don't have anywhere else to go, so they are going to stay here."
"They don' have a home?" Severus's pale cheeks pinked at the innocent question.
"This is their home now," Lucius said, looking at the blushing man.
"Yay," the little boy cheered before climbing off his daddy's lap to hug Severus, "I'm glad you and baby are gonna live here."
Sweet, but short, chapter. I'll try to do better!