It's My Life

It had been an odd night for the Malfoy family and Severus Snape. It began with Lucius and Narcissa discovering the awful treatment of the Dursley's nephew, who turned out to be Harry Potter, and then Narcissa's motherly side raging out and insisting they take Harry away from the home. Next, Severus was called to come over with Draco, Narcissa and Lucius's son, to help Harry. Now, it had been revealed that Harry was suffering mentally and physically from his time at his aunt and uncle's house. Narcissa had informed that Harry had cried out for help, saying he couldn't do this anymore and just wanted it to end. It was very clear Harry was done with how he got treated and death seemed to be his idea of finally escaping it. Of course, Severus, nor the Malfoy's could let Harry reach that point; so they were now faced with trying to figure out what to do to help.

"Let's look at facts for a moment," Narcissa stated as she was sitting in Lucius's office with Severus and Lucius, of course. Draco had been instructed to keep watch on Harry, and get them if he started to wake up. "Severus, the night James and Lily Potter were murdered by Voldemort; why didn't Harry go to his godfather? We all know it is Sirius Black."

"Dumbledore sent Hagrid to get Potter from the house in Godric's Hollow, saying he would be safer with his aunt with the blood wards that he would erect. From what I understand, Black had shown up to take Harry, but Hagrid said Dumbledore had a safer place, so Black relinquished Harry to Dumbledore and then went after Pettigrew." Severus said. "And we all know that Pettigrew framed Black for his murder, and Black was sentenced without trial to Azkaban for twelve years."

"It was for life, if I recall." Lucius stated.

"Yes, but Black was freed during Harry's third year. Yes, he did escape that year, but after Black's recapturing…He ended up broken out and set free. No one knows where he is now." Severus stated. "I have a sneaking suspicion that Harry, in fact, knows where his godfather is. There is no doubt in my mind that he also knows how Black got out a second time."

"Perhaps we can ask him?" Narcissa suggested.

"We could, but after he's had some time to adjust." Lucius informed. "When he wakes, whether tonight or tomorrow morning; he will be confused and I know that myself, Draco, and even Severus are not his favorite people. There is bound to be hostility until it's explained."

"The situation at hand is what do we do with him?" Severus looked to his old-time friends. "Potter cannot go back to the Dursley's, that is absolute."

"And he can't stay here for the times Voldemort decides to pop in." Narcissa claimed.

"Dumbledore will try to send him back to the Dursley's," Severus remarked. "I would have suggested sending Harry to the Weasley's home, but it's not protected by any real wards. Dumbledore would show up, insist Harry is back inside the blood wards with his aunt."

"How about with you, Severus?" Lucius offered.

"I think not." Severus scoffed. "I deal with the brat enough during the school year. I will not be taking him into my care…"

"Then what is the point of us discussing how to help him. He won't be safe with friends, and he can't be here because of Voldemort. He will end up back with the muggles," Narcissa commented firmly. "You don't truly hate the boy that much, do you?"

"I…Don't hate him," Severus replied.

"Then why won't you take him in?" Narcissa pushed. "Harry would undoubtedly be safe with you, Severus. Your wards are as powerful as the ones here, so there is that form of protection since we cannot keep him here."

"I work as a double agent for Voldemort and Dumbledore…" Severus said.

"But your occlumency is stronger than anyone else's…So the boy would be safe behind your wards and from anyone getting into your head to learn the truth." Lucius said calmly.

Severus hated that they were right. At current, there was no place for the boy to go where he'd be safe from his relatives, Voldemort, and even Dumbledore. "Severus, you have to remind yourself that Harry Potter is not his father. Yes, Harry may look like him…But he is not the bully James was. Harry is very gentle, protective, and caring. He is Lily, both in eyes and personality. If anything…Use that to take the boy in with." Narcissa informed gently.

"I am not the parental type, and taking the boy in means exactly that." Severus reminded.

"You care for me when I'm over, and at school…" Draco mentioned from the door.

"Is he waking?" Lucius asked.

"No, but I think he's dealing with nightmares." Draco informed. "Uncle Sev, you can't say you don't parent because you do it for me. You wouldn't let any harm befall me inside and outside of school. You've ensured I'm always safe. You can do the same for Potter, and honestly, I think it would do him some good to have a father-figure in his life. Harry doesn't have anyone, except his friends and we all agree they can be pushy and probably the bad influences to most of their adventures over the years."

"Severus, you are the best choice for this. It would give you and Potter a chance to start over once you reassure him that you don't hate him for being the son to your bully during your time at Hogwarts. Not only that…But don't you owe James Potter a life debt," Severus grumbled when Lucius brought that up. "For saving you when Sirius Black sent you through the passage to the Shrieking Shack to come face to face with a werewolf, Lupin, if I recall?" Lucius reminded. "James saved your life and changed after that."

"And it's not like you haven't been watching out for the boy at school," Draco shrugged. "You were muttering the counter-curse to the jinx on Potter's broom in first year during the quidditch match. You put yourself between the golden trio, including Harry in that, and a werewolf in third year. You monitored him throughout the entire tournament last year." Draco stated.

"Do it for Lily, Severus," Narcissa said. "And the debt you owe to James," She added. "You weren't able to protect Lily from Voldemort, and you never got to pay back the debt to James. Do it now by protecting their son."

"Fine." Severus finally agreed. "I'll take the boy in. I still have no idea how to raise a child," He admitted.

"You've nothing to worry for, Severus," Narcissa gave a reassuring smile. "Harry is not a newborn, toddler, or boy. He is a young man, Draco's age. You haven't to concern yourself with diapers, dressing, toilet training, or picking up toys. That's the hard part."

"You've really only need to be there for him, Severus. Being a parent is one of life's greatest joys, if I may say so myself." Lucius chuckled. "You'll be fine."

"Just don't treat him like you do at school," Draco offered. "That's what he doesn't know how to do, Mother and Father. Uncle Sev doesn't know where to begin in associating with Harry beyond the student/teacher relationship they have at Hogwarts." He informed. "You have already done what a parent does for their child, Uncle Severus. You've protected Harry at school since he first came there at eleven. You just need to learn how to be a full time guardian to him, and the best way to do that is for you to see him as you see me. While I may only see you a few times a week, less at school unless there's classes or meals, this undertaking is you becoming someone in Harry's life all the time."

"So I let him get away with everything?" Severus stared.

"Not at all. We certainly don't let Draco do that. Yes, he gets whatever he wants because he's well behaved and keeps his grades up. Draco is well-mannered and respectful at the appropriate times. So we reward the good behavior. When he's gotten himself into trouble, we've punished him fairly but never raising our hands to him." Narcissa remarked.

"He's not going to accept this." Severus sighed.

"He will, with time. There's something in it for him, after all. He gets out of his aunt and uncle's house. I'm sure there's going to be some hesitation and worry about him going with you, but he'll agree and then it'll take time for you both to get used to being in each other's lives." Lucius mentioned. "You have to be patient, Severus. Change the dull tone and seem…Willing and accepting to the situation. Set some fair rules, give him a couple easy chores. He'll come around eventually when he sees he can trust you to take care of him. His whole life has been caring for himself, I expect, from a very young age. Ensure he knows you're there for him, that he can come and talk to you with a problem. Offer to help with homework."

"And we're right here if you need help or advice. The main thing that will need to be established is he's safe with you and us in his life. That won't come easy, but he'll be grateful. Sad to say, but obedience is more than instructed from his time with the Dursley's. He'll fall in line pretty easily, but while it's good for a child to be obedient and respectful; they need to have some freedom too. You just have to find the balance," Narcissa stated.

"And don't be so hard on him in potions. Remember he's got Weasley and Granger always distracting him from successfully brewing, but I've seen him studying in the library before. The only things he reads are potions books, Uncle Sev. I think he really enjoys it, and just needs the means to strive. It doesn't help when you're always insulting him, drives the self-esteem down." Draco suggested.

"Noted." Severus nodded. He didn't know Harry liked potions.

"And perhaps it would be beneficial to get on a first-name basis. No more calling him Potter." Narcissa ordered.

"There will have to be some of that in school. If I'm doing this, I can't be showing favoritism. I don't even do it for Draco." Severus reminded.

"But you do talk more calmly unless I've done something to make you get harsh. You can't just say, instructions on the board, brew away. We're there to learn, so you have to teach. Remember that Potter is a half-blood who grew up with muggles. He doesn't know as much as, say me, who grew up around this world and learning young." Draco explained.

"I shall…Bear it all in mind." Severus replied. This wasn't going to be easy, but the others were right. If this was going to work, Severus was going to have to readjust when it came to Harry being in his care. "Do what must be done to set this up," He told Lucius.

"I'll arrange the necessary legal change." Lucius nodded. "Dumbledore may try to intervene, but I think I can stop him with charges brought up on his endangering and neglect."

"Do what you must," Severus sighed. "If you are able, let's set up a meeting with Gringotts to ensure Dumbledore is removed as Harry's magical guardian too. I don't want him having access to anything of Harry Potter's. Dumbledore knows how to play dirty, even if it seems like he doesn't. He'll use other means to get Harry under his thumb, such as the incessant need to put that boy in danger."

"See, already talking like a parent." Narcissa smiled.

Severus shot her a glare. "I will take care of the legal things. For now, Harry will stay here to recover and we can talk to him when he wakes." Lucius informed. Everyone nodded and then there was a collective sigh from them all.

. . .

It was now Wednesday, the 2nd of August and about 8:30 am. The Malfoy family were all down in the dining room, which had a perfect view of Harry still sleeping on the couch. The boy hadn't woken once all night, and Severus had gone home eventually. Today, Lucius would be handling the arrangements for Harry to stay with Severus while Narcissa and Draco took turns keeping an eye on him and preparing for when he would wake up. As luck would have it, just as the family sat down and went to call for breakfast, Harry started to shift around and groan.

"Wow, just about twelve hours he slept," Draco mentioned.

"Ssh." Narcissa put a finger to her lips. "Maybe you two should stay out of sight; he knows you both and I assume, not with pleasant memories behind such. Let me talk to him. And Maybe someone let Severus know,"

Lucius and Draco nodded, staying out of sight as Narcissa went over to the seat near the couch Harry was on and would be easy for him to see her. It took a little bit, but Harry finally opened his eyes slowly and blinked them to refocus. Harry found himself in an unknown place, laying on a couch, under a blanket, and with new clothes on. Harry tried to sit up, wincing from yesterday's beating.

"Try not to move much, dear…You're still recovering." Narcissa said lightly. Harry immediately looked to see her sitting down near him. "I'm sure you're very confused and if you can stay still and calm, I'll explain." Reluctantly, Harry gave a small nod to the woman. "My husband and I were at your aunt and uncle's house last night for a business dinner, and I happened to overhear you asking for help. We opened the door with some force and found you unconscious on the floor, then demanded an explanation from your aunt and uncle, who told us you were their nephew and in little words that they never wanted you there." Narcissa explained gently. "My husband and I removed you from the home, and brought you to ours. We had a close friend get you looked over and administer some things to get you recovering. We also changed your clothes, you're wearing a set of my son's."

"I-," Harry didn't know what to say, but these people obviously went out of their way to help him and he was grateful. "Thank you, Ma'am." He finally spoke.

"You're most welcome, Harry," Narcissa smiled. "Such a well-mannered boy!" She beamed.

"You…Know my name?" Harry inquired.

"There isn't a wizard or witch alive today who doesn't know you Harry Potter," She laughed a little.

"I guess the scar is a dead giveaway," Harry agreed.

"Indeed. I admit, I didn't know who you were right away. My husband informed me, though." Narcissa enlightened. "My name is Narcissa Malfoy." Harry stared at her. Malfoy? As in Draco Malfoy's mother? Lucius Malfoy's wife? Harry suddenly felt nervous. "Please don't feel frightened, dear," Narcissa assured. "We did take you from your aunt and uncle's house, but I promise you are not here as a prisoner. We simply want to help."

"W-We?" Harry questioned.

"I'm sure you've assumed by now, but I am wife of Lucius Malfoy, and mother to Draco Malfoy." Narcissa informed. "They're both here, but I asked them to stay back while you came too more. I didn't want you to panic or think you were being held hostage in revenge." Harry tried to move again, but hissed in pain as he finally sat up. "Are you in pain?"

"A little," Harry lied. He was in a lot of pain, but this was all too weird for him and his defenses were up.

"Not to worry. We've got a friend coming who can give you something for that." Narcissa told him. "He should be here soon. In the meantime, would it be alright with you if I allow my husband and son to join us?"

"All due respect, Mrs. Malfoy…It's your house. You don't need my permission to move freely about it…" Harry admitted.

"Yes, but I'm sure you're already feeling uncomfortable residing here with us. I know you don't have good history with Draco, or Lucius." Narcissa told him calmly, motioning with her hand as Harry turned slightly to see Lucius and Draco coming closer and taking over seats across from him. "Sev coming?" She asked the boys.

"On his way, he'll come right to the main fireplace," Lucius nodded. "Hello, Mr. Potter…It's been some time, hasn't it?"

"Couple years, yes…" Harry replied.

"How are you feeling?" Draco questioned.

"Like I fell off my broom," Harry responded calmly. Despite the rivalry, he was in the Malfoy home and he wouldn't be disrespectful to them.

"Yeah, that hurts," Draco agreed.

"You've nothing to fear among us, Harry, if I may call you that?" Lucius hoped. Harry nodded.

"You said you wanted to help me, and forgive my misunderstanding of exactly what you're trying to help me with?" Harry looked at Narcissa.

"Lucius and I saw the state you were in last night, Harry. We were appalled at how you were treated and we simply couldn't just ignore it." Narcissa mentioned.

"Everyone else does." Harry shrugged.

"We're going to remedy that," Narcissa informed calmly. "You're never going back there to those awful people. Family-," She started.

Harry looked off to the side. "They're not my family, Mrs. Malfoy." Harry said, respectfully cutting her off. "I know my aunt is my mother's sister, and we're related through my mother…But that is all. We're related. They're not my family."

"Of course," Narcissa nodded. "But you won't be going back there."

"Dumbledore said I have no choice." Harry told her. "I've asked since first year to not go back with them."

"We'll make sure of it," Lucius told him. "Their behavior is deplorable, bordering criminal. It's completely unacceptable for them to treat you the way they did last night and I'm assuming, many others like it?" Harry only looked down. "I expected as much."

"Not to worry, Harry," Draco started as Harry was surprised that he called him by his first name. No jabs or sarcasm. "Father is going to ensure you don't go back there, and those involved face punishment for their actions against you."

"It's fine…" Harry said. "I'll survive, seems to be the one thing I can't fail at…" He muttered. "Really, you don't have to do anything to help me."

"We know we don't have to, Harry. We want to." Narcissa smiled. "Every child deserves a safe home. A comfortable bed, warm clothes, and three meals a day. Don't try to deny it, young man. The evidence is against you."

"I wasn't going to deny it, Ma'am. I just…Rather not discuss it." Harry admitted.

"Does anyone else know?" Lucius asked. "About what you've going through with those people? I don't need details of the events, but a straight answer on if anyone knows that you've actively revealed it to."

"Dumbledore. But he insists that there's nothing wrong with a little punishment." Harry replied.

"And that is true, but how they treated you wasn't punishment. It's abuse, Harry. It's neglectful, cruel, and endangerment. All of which are illegal for both muggles and us magic people." Narcissa remarked.

The floo flared green flames as Harry saw a familiar face walk out dressed in his usual. Severus Snape. "Good morning, Mr. Potter."

"W-Why are you here, Professor Snape?" Harry asked.

"Much like the Malfoy's…I am here to help you." Severus replied. Harry's eye's widened.