Severus Snape sat on a beach and wondered what had happened to his life. His daughter had forced him into Gryffindor red trunks, refusing to allow him to wear his usual attire, stating that he'd look ridiculous, asking if he wanted her to be embarrassed to be seen with him? Manipulative little witch. And then, when he'd acquiesced after she had stared him down, she'd insisted on taking his picture in order to prove his entire wardrobe wasn't black. He had pointed out that actually, his entire wardrobe was black, he was being forced into these monstrosities, and the little witch had had the gall to inform him that she could always return for the Hufflepuff yellow pair if he wished to continue to complain.
And so now, he was stuck on a beach, watching Hermione as she and Potter played in the water like excited toddlers. Didn't she know he was abnormally pale? That his natural habitat was somewhere dark and cold, not warm and sunny? Did she have any idea how much Lucius would pay her for those photographs? Fuck he hoped not. He'd never live this down. And what the fuck was wrong with the woman next to him? She kept edging fucking closer. Who the fuck was she?
He heard Jean choke on a laugh. "I think you have an admirer, Severus."
An admirer? What? What the fuck was she on about? Jean inclined her head.
"She's been moving closer ever since you removed your t-shirt."
"What?" he asked, utterly bewildered. Hermione and Potter chose that moment to reappear.
"Was it always this crowded?" Hermione asked frowning pointedly at the woman next to them.
Jean and Richard stifled a laugh. "Not quite sweetheart. Your father appears to have….attracted a fan club."
Hermione wrinkled her nose as Potter laughed. Little sod. Oh, oh fuck the boy was opening his mouth. That never ended well.
"Well to be fair, he's sorted his hair and it looks loads better pulled back like that. Not to mention that clearly moving cauldrons isn't doing him any harm. I'd almost say you were attractive, Sir. Your body's certainly not to be sneered at. " Harry commented, gesturing vaguely towards Severus' exposed chest.
Severus felt himself freeze as Hermione whirled to face Harry, her eyes wide with horror, Harry's eyes widening too as he realised what he had just said and to whom. Jean and Richard were giggling beside him. Fucking blood hell. Had that just happened? He felt dirty and slightly objectified.
"Can we forget I just said that?" Harry asked, his voice aghast.
Hermione was nodding frantically. "Already forgotten."
Harry turned his wide eyes towards Severus. "Um….Sorry, Sir?"
Severus shook his head wildly. "We will never speak of this again, Mr Potter!"
Harry nodded at him, still looking horrified. "Good plan, Sir," he said quickly, racing back towards the water, Hermione still frozen in place. She seemed to shake herself as she blinked slowly, turning to face her parents.
"Well, I guess that answers the question about whether I was imagining him fancying Draco," she said lightly, a smirk beginning to form.
"Draco?" Severus asked, confused.
"Well, yes. Harry has a weird obsession with him. I've wondered for a while if it was something more."
Severus snorted. "Please. Please, Hermione, I am begging you, mention that in front of your Uncle Lucius."
"What? Why?"
"Because I'm not unconvinced that the attraction is not mutual. I may have mentioned Draco's unnatural fixation with Potter and he was horrified." Severus smirked.
"Because Draco might be gay?" she asked with a frown.
Severus snorted. "No. Because it's Potter. He asked me to attempt to steer Draco towards Mr Zabini. Apparently, he'd heard he was pretty."
Hermione laughed at him, "You're not serious?"
"Deadly." he drawled.
Hermione covered her mouth as she giggled, "Oh my dear god can you imagine? It'd be a constant fight over whose turn it was for the mirror and they'd never leave the house! Zabini is ridiculous! I'm also relatively certain he's straight given his overt appreciation of Miranda Rowles um…..more noticeable assets."
Severus choked on air as he contemplated his daughter. "How exactly would you be aware of what Mr Zabini is appreciating?"
Hermione gaped at him before she laughed harder. "Dear Gods, Father! I know you don't like students and you avoid us but I truly don't know how you missed it. He is not subtle."
Severus wrinkled his nose. "Lovely."
Laughing, Hermione ran off in search of Harry.
Later that night, the children dispatched to bed to watch a film, Severus finally brought up his odd discussion with Thoros Nott.
"Has Hermione been getting owls here?" he asked casually.
Jean laughed at Richards' frown. "A boy named Theo has been writing to her. This is the boy you were teasing her about over dinner?"
"Yes. I had an….interesting conversation with the boy's Father."
"Is this the betrothal nonsense? Hermione was fuming. Ranted for over an hour about the absurdity of making a decision you cannot reverse at fourteen."
Severus choked on a laugh, "Yes she made her feelings quite clear to Theodore."
Richard looked at him shrewdly. "There's a reason you're bringing it up though, isn't there?"
"Yes." he admitted softly, "Do not misunderstand me, I have no desire to see Hermione tied into any contract. However I thought that you should be aware, in case things with Mr Nott do progress. I made a promise to Thoros not to interfere this year and obviously Cissa will be discussing the behavioural expectations that both Mr Nott and Hermione will be expected to adhere to."
"Which are?"
"The main one is chaperones. Or perhaps more commonly now, public places. Neither she nor Theodore would be expected to allow themselves to be found somewhere compromising, meaning they should expect to be able to be observed. Outings such as Hogsmeade, for example, would be allowed as there are people there, if either were to visit the other's home, an appropriate chaperone would be expected to be present."
"Jesus. That's….extreme."
Severus shrugged, "Perhaps. However, the chaperone can be an elf, which can be invisible, giving at least the illusion of privacy. I imagine Lori will have something to say on the matter as she is Hermione's personal elf."
"It still seems extreme."
Richard was looking at his wife as if she had two heads. "It's not extreme! It's genius! We're all too young to be grandparents!"
"And Hermione is too sensible to be so stupid!" his wife retorted.
"Sensible doesn't mean accidents can't happen!" Richard shot back. Beside them, Severus froze in shock. Grandparents. Dear gods no. Not anytime soon. Adoption. He was going to recommend adoption. And abstinence. Definitely abstinence.
He cleared his throat. "Thoros has a family tapestry, most old families do. It was how my mother's family knew of my existence, to my shame, I must admit that it is not something I ever thought to check. Hermione is on it, however, it is not a room I venture into. Should Hermione ever become pregnant, " he paused, repressing a shudder at that thought, "Thoros will likely know before she does. He would absolutely insist on marriage. I am aware that children are thought precious by most, but in our world, it is almost fanatical. Pureblood families, especially the old ones, struggle with fertility. Draco was a miracle after multiple miscarriages. Narcissa wanted more children, but they were unable to have them. The Notts, the Goyles, The Crabbes, The Parkinsons, all of them have only children, none of them by choice. The Potters were the same, the Blacks traded their sanity for their multiple children, and the Greengrasses are rumoured to be bound by a blood curse in return for theirs. I could continue to list the old families and their dwindling progeny but I shall not, however, I do wish to impress upon you the seriousness of her considering the suit of the Heir of an old Pureblood family. It is a conversation I shall also be having with Hermione and one I imagine Thoros has already had with Theodore several times."
Jean and Richards looked horrified as they stared at him. "This man could insist on marriage?"
"Yes. If he were to petition the Wizengamot, he would win."
"He could force Hermione to marry?"
"If she were pregnant with his son's Heir, yes, he could."
"That's barbaric!" Jean spluttered.
"I am aware. Please understand, however, that there would be nothing any of us could do. If Thoros did not, I could demand the same of Theodore. I would not, clearly, as you said, it is barbaric, however, please know that I could. It's not sexist, it's just archaic. As it stands, I have been backed into a corner in terms of accepting that, at least for this year, I should allow Hermione to explore this relationship. I must ask that you assist me in ensuring she understands the risks."
Jean nodded frantically. "Of course. Jesus. I have no urge to see my teenage daughter married off because of a forgotten contraceptive. Not that she should be having sex any time soon. Perhaps I'll lead with that."
Severus and Richards' faces showed their wholehearted approval of that line of discussion.
"Are there other risks we should be aware of?"
"In terms of courting in general? Not particularly, Cissa will go over the rules with Hermione. Accepting jewellery, for example, is considered acceptance of a suit. It would take a lot for it not to damage a reputation if either party were to back out at that point. Short of a scandal, once jewellery has been gifted and accepted, the assumption is that marriage will follow. It's similar to an engagement ring, I suppose, just much more binding."
"Jesus." Jean breathed next to him.
"And in terms of the family themselves?"
"The Notts?" Severus sighed. "Thoros is…..unpredictable. He has very clear views on blood purity however it was also pointed out to me recently that he is attracted to power, and make no mistake, Hermione is powerful. That she is linked to three prominent families is only to her credit. Her choice of friends, affiliations aside, link her with other pureblooded and old families, all of which make her an attractive prospect. However, I am not entirely trusting of his motives. He appeared to genuinely want to see his son happy, however, I am unsure how far that extends. Hermione's best friend is Harry Potter, that is…..unpopular in some circles. As for Theodore, he is quiet, keeps his head down and appears to genuinely like Hermione. I intend to keep a close eye on him this year."
"Unpopular, how?" Richard asked.
Severus sighed, not entirely sure he wanted to have this conversation. "What do you know of Mr Potter's story?"
"You mean the madman who murdered his parents and wanted rid of all non-magical people?"
"Ah yes, that's the one."
"Well, that's about it, to be honest. He had followers, you were one until you turned spy." Richard supplied.
Severus coughed, they were better informed than he had anticipated. "Ah. Yes. Thoros was one of his inner circle."
Both of them stilled. "Our daughter is involved with the son of a man who believes we should be dead?"
Severus sighed. "I wish I could say otherwise, but yes. However, Lucius was also one of those people. Hermione has convinced him otherwise, she has the potential to, if not sway Thoros, at least still his hand. There is no way Theodore will not know that she would never tolerate those views. It ultimately comes down to how far Thoros is willing to go for his son should this be a relationship that continues."
"I don't like it," Richard spoke, before draining his glass.
"I must admit, neither do I. Thoros' motives are currently unclear. I had been going to suggest it before speaking to him however I would like to add wards to your home."
"Wards?"
"Magical protection, it would prevent anyone magical just walking in unless they were keyed to the wards. Obviously, they can be broken but I would feel it if someone were to attempt it."
Jean blew out a breath slowly. "You think it necessary?"
"I think I want my daughter and her parents protected even when I am not physically able to do it myself."
Jean nodded. "Ok. I trust your judgement. And Severus?"
"Yes?"
"You will find out what this man wants?"
"Yes."
She nodded decisively. "Good."
Severus groaned as he heard the overly chirpy voice of his daughter, giggling with Potter about….something. Dear Gods, it was only eight, didn't the girl know they were on holiday? It didn't help that by the end of the night the Granger's had helped him clear through his whisky stash, which was potentially why his head hurt so fucking much. He wandlessly summoned a hangover potion. Perhaps it was time to stop drinking so much. He was getting too old for this. He lay quietly while the potion did its job before rising and heading out in search of his daughter and coffee. Probably coffee first.
Cup in hand he spotted Hermione and Potter curled up together on the sofa under a blanket talking too softly for him to make out. He cleared his throat, making Hermione's head jerk up to look at him.
"Morning, Father."
"Good morning, Hermione, Mr Potter."
"Sir."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You two are ridiculous! Is it so hard to use given names?"
Severus snorted, ignoring her question. "Has the paper arrived?"
"Yes, it's on the table."
"Anything interesting?" he asked as he began to move towards it.
Hermione hesitated, watching him closely. "They've still not caught Mr Black."
"Why is it such a big deal? What did he do? He's on the muggle news too."
Severus froze at Harry's question. "You have no idea who Sirius Black is?" he asked as his brain whirled, contemplating how best to handle this.
"No. Should I?"
He saw Hermione glance at his face, clearly reading something in it given that she reached for Potter's hand as he sat down heavily studying the boy. "Frankly Mr Potter, yes, you should," he said finally. "Forgive me, I had assumed you knew. Someone should have told you"
"Assumed I knew what?" the boy asked warily, looking from him to Hermione. Severus contemplated how much was wise to tell him, cursing Albus and Petunia for telling him nothing at all.
"Sirius Black and your father were friends. Best friends." he began hesitantly, wondering if perhaps it was better for the boy to know everything, at least that way he'd be on his guard.
Harry froze, bracing himself for what was coming next.
"They say he was your parents' Secret Keeper, that he betrayed them to Voldemort and caused their deaths. They say he was a Death Eater, and that he confessed."
The boy's breaths were coming in sharp pants as he looked at him, a look of devastated loss on his face.
"They were betrayed by my dad's best friend?" he croaked finally. "Although I don't understand, what's a Secret Keeper?"
"So they say," Severus replied softly, watching as Hermione comforted him as best she could. He saw the moment his phrasing sunk in so continued before she could interrupt, "A Secret Keeper is the person who knows the location of a house under the Fidelius Charm. The charm allows an entire house to be hidden, only those the Secret Keeper discloses the location to will be able to see and therefore enter it. You could walk past a Secret Kept house and never know you had. They say that your parents chose Black."
"They say?" Hermione asked sharply, "You don't believe that?"
"I….I do not know. You must understand that to say I did not like them is a gross understatement but I also know that James Potter and Sirius Black were closer than brothers. Black was….ruthless when he wanted to be, but I must admit I struggle to believe he was a Death Eater. He turned his back on his entire family because they wanted him to take the Mark. His younger brother Regulus took it instead. Now, it may have been an elaborate ruse, but I do not think so. However I also cannot imagine the Potter's choosing anyone else as their secret keeper, so I am at a loss to explain it. Either way, it is believed he did it and it is believed that he murdered twelve muggles and another friend, Peter Pettigrew, just after the Potters. They say he confessed while laughing as they took him to Azkaban."
"Is there a chance he didn't do it?" Harry asked softly.
"Yes. There is a chance." Severus replied, "He was your Godfather, it is an incredibly difficult bond to break. You must swear an oath to protect the child, the contracts are signed and sealed in blood. I must admit, that alone would make me question it. It is, of course, possible to break the bond but it is not easy nor is it pleasant."
Hermione looked at him thoughtfully. "But they would have considered that, wouldn't they? When they sentenced him?"
"Perhaps. Although rumour has it that he never received a trial."
"What? That's barbaric!"
Severus sighed, conflicted feelings warring inside him. "Yes," he said softly. "Yes, I suppose it is."
"Is there a way to prove he didn't do it?" Harry asked.
"I…honestly, Mr Potter I do not know. Legilimency perhaps, however, the old families ensure their children are skilled in occlumency, veritaserum, but again, occlumency can help minimise its effects. Priori incantatem should have been used on his wand, but whether it was or not I do not know. There were no living witnesses. I imagine it would be very difficult."
Harry nodded, his hand still clutched in Hermiones. "Thank you for telling me, Sir," he said softly.
Severus inclined his head, leaving them to their thoughts he went back to his room to get dressed for the day, wondering if he had done the right thing.
The rest of the holiday proceeded as Severus expected, although he had managed to coerce Hermione into running with him after he convinced Potter it would benefit his Quidditch performance and she had decided she didn't want to be left out. He caught moments of worried contemplation on Potter's face when he thought no one was looking but on the whole, he seemed to be adjusting to the news reasonably well. Severus wondered what Black would make of him hosting his godson for the summer. The thought amused him slightly.
They parted from the Grangers on the Sunday night, all of them exhausted.
"Your room will be here, Mr Potter, next to Hermione."
Harry, who had yet to utter a word after arriving at the house, gaped at him."Are you sure?"
Severus would have laughed if it hadn't been so painfully obvious that the boy was serious.
"Yes, Mr Potter. I am sure. You are spending the summer in my home, you will have a room of your own. Now, it is late, I suggest you both get some rest, I expect to see you at seven thirty for that run."
Hermione groaned but threw her arms around him, murmuring "Goodnight, Father." into his buttons while Potter still looked stunned.
"Good night, Sir," he whispered, gazing around his room like he'd never seen anything like it. Given Petunia's treatment, Severus supposed he had not.
The following morning, the children were late. Severus set out through the house in search of them. Potter wasn't in his room which caused him a slight pang of alarm before he opened Hermione's door. On her bed were two human-shaped lumps wrapped around each other. He had to take a breath to calm down at the sight of his teenage daughter with a boy in her bed, forcibly reminding himself that she thought of the boy as a brother.
"Lori." he called softly, nodding to the elf as she appeared in the room, "Could you wake the children? I fear that if I do it I may murder the boy."
Lori scoffed at him. "The Young Miss sees hims as a brother. The elves can sees the bond. The Master has nothings to be worried about."
Severus looked at her curiously. "You can see the bond?"
"Yes, Master."
"A sibling bond?"
"Yes, Master. The Master bes knowing bonds are about intent. It's not being sealed, theys be needing the spell for that but it's there."
Severus sighed, on one hand, he was definitely relieved he didn't have to worry about the boy being in his daughter's bed, on the other, Lori had just confirmed that he was stuck with Potter in his life. Permanently. God damn it. Sodding sibling bond. Couldn't his daughter have picked someone, anyone else? He contemplated that for a moment before realising he could be stuck with a Weasley or Longbottom, perhaps he should count his blessings.
"Very well, I shall wake them." he replied resignedly.
"Mights Lori suggest water, Master?" the little elf said with a slightly sinister grin.
Severus hid his smirk as he cast an augmenti on their heads. They both woke up spluttering, jumping from the bed with their wands in their hands. He took a moment to be impressed with their instincts before he gave in and laughed.
"Father!" Hermione screeched as Potter looked at him like he'd never seen him before. "What was that for!"
Severus took a few moments to get himself back under control." You were late," he replied simply, "I was merely waking you up."
Hermione glared at him with her arms crossed. "I don't think I like you anymore."
"However will I survive?" he asked drily. "Now get ready. I expect you downstairs in five…" he glanced at his daughter's hair, "ten minutes."
She was still glaring at him when they returned from the run, however, he had discovered that a little anger did wonders for her endurance and they cleared his pre-planned route twice without either of the children uttering a word of complaint.
"I never realised how unfit I was." Potter wheezed, once they stopped, "You'd think quidditch would help."
Severus snorted,"What? Sitting on a broomstick? You're not even touching a ball until you catch the snitch. Beaters and chasers and I suppose to a lesser extent keepers at least get some sort of upper body workout. Seekers do not."
Potter frowned as he thought about that, "I'm going to have to run even when we're back at Hogwarts aren't I?" he said resigned.
"I would advise it. I cannot force you. You, on the other hand," he turned pointedly towards his daughter, "you I can force."
"I really seriously dislike you today, Father."
"Just today, my girl?" he asked, sardonically, arching a brow.
She huffed, as she rolled her eyes at him, hiding her smile as she made her way back to her room.
"I don't think that will ever not be bizarre." Harry mused.
"What?"
"Seeing you as human. You're entirely different around Hermione and it's clear she adores you. I wasn't sure, before. I mean, I trusted her judgement, but Hermione has the knack of seeing the good in people so I wasn't entirely sure what this summer would be like. I think I understand why she accepted it, you, so quickly. You're nothing like who you pretend to be."
Severus blinked at the boy, not entirely sure what to respond. The boy gave him a wry smile before disappearing up the stairs, presumably in search of a bathroom. Severus remained where he was for a moment, pondering the boy's words. He had always asserted that Harry Potter was exactly like his father, perhaps it was time to admit that maybe he had been wrong.