A5mia: Oh gosh, no, I love your long reviews! It helps me to understand what you like and do not like and hearing your theories/predictions makes my day. Severus definitely did step out of line with Rolanda and allowed his anger to bring out the worst of him again. Severus' confidence has been shot for a while as he's trying to figure out who he is now in a post-War world, and that is very difficult for him to figure out. Dawn's role now is currently as a concerned friend and wants to help him get back on his feet again, also hence why she offered such a proposition to help Severus understand that he doesn't have to feel 'stuck' where he is. That there is more out there. Severus is comfortable with Dawn, and she has much admiration for him. She does have a bit of arrogance, thinking she could do far more than her abilities and common sense allow. And as with Teddy…You're in luck! Enjoy this coincidental chapter =)

PearlM21: Thank you so much for your reviews! I am thankful you are still along with this crazy rollercoaster of a story! Severus has an anger within him about the injustice in the situation with his Slytherins, and we will delve more into that as we go along. His determination to not allow history to repeat itself is strong. Can't wait until you see you if your theory is correct =) I love hearing people guess!

Author's Notes: TW themes of suicide. Nothing active or graphic. And also, more revelations =)

"I believe that people can change. That they are made up of what they do. People are not good. People are not bad. That we rise or fall to the moment. And I believe that even if people don't change, they should be given every opportunity. That benefit of the doubt and compassion and love is the best way to bring out the best in people. That remaining cold in a frozen world is no way to increase its warmth. That we will never beat the darkness by being in the darkness. And that promoting kindness, patience, compassion, and love, is the only way to bring out the light."

– Kalen Dion

CHAPTER 32: The Longest Walk

February 23rd , 2003

[Severus Snape]

If Severus ever knew a headache would drive him absolutely mad as this one did, he would have knocked himself out pre-emptively.

Throughout the day he felt a thumping in his ear which sounded disturbingly like a foreign, second heartbeat. He wasn't sure if it was the blood pulsing within his neck through his carotid, but it didn't feel like his own. It was such an oddity, and he had no idea what was causing it. He knew at times the scarring at his neck and body would cause him grief, but this time felt different. It was like someone had stuck a helmet over his head and hit it with a hammer like Peeves would do to the Knights in Armor by the Great Hall.

The echoed rumble rattling through his bones was almost as bad as nails on a blackboard.

But he had to push through all that since he had a far more dire task to manage. During the following days, he made it his mission to sweep through the Slytherin Common Room in search of the same Dark magic-related items as the last time. He found nothing of the sort even despite his grueling intention to start their day lecturing them about the importance of not meddling with magic they do not understand. Of course, neither of them would say a single thing to him and he knew they didn't have much trust in him yet.

Fine.

That's why he enlisted Mr. Hastwell's assistance because his insight would be most valuable to help Severus solve the recent Slytherin despair. Cyrus could at least be his eyes and observe the things Severus himself was unable to. And this task would help the young student feel a part of something significant – that is, if Severus would ever be able to regain their strengths once again. The Slytherins had since lost hope and Severus needed to figure out a way to help them back on a better path. A future that desperately needed a clean slate and one Severus hoped to see in the time he was alive.

And then maybe the rest of the school would cease to look down upon them and view them as pathetic when they did not deserve to be. Considering their dark history, they had more inner strength than either of the other Houses. He knew some of them were guilty of following in the footsteps of Tom Riddle, but now they had a chance to turn their lives around to a better way.

Severus was proud of them for persevering, even at times even he had lost sight of that.

When Harry finally arrived back at Hogwarts over the weekend, Severus finally summoned the right willpower to re-commence Occlumency lessons with Harry. Using the Astronomy Tower as their primary location, Severus was able to seek and extract some of Harry's lost memories. Chipping through Harry's mind space full of iced walls beyond reach had become quite a tedious chore. Each lesson unearthed new, hidden memories, both painful and rewarding. Within that lesson, Harry was able to remember seeing Longbottom's parents at the Janus Thickey Ward – much to Severus' dismay at the state of them – and he was also able to uncover his initial meeting with Luna Lovegood.

With both sets of memories now within Harry's control, Severus felt satisfied that he was able to be of some use when at times he didn't feel as such.

With each lesson, he could sense Harry slowly recovering and beginning to heal what was shielded from him. His mind, albeit still fractured, had begun to piece together the moments that had safeguarded themselves. The pain of remembering sometimes was not worth uncovering. But with every hidden memory, and without these lessons, they may not have been salvageable. Traumatic moments often trigger a defense within the brain, hiding away those crucial moments which caused far too much pain for one to withstand. Harry was not strong enough for some of them but knowing now that he could still remember the faces of those close to him, enabled Severus to feel a sense of achievement that he could do something right, at least. Harry was no longer struggling with his memory and found that he was able to recall even the smallest of things that he never could before.

Harry, at least, was slowly able to heal his mind. Severus, however, had far more personal difficulties with that.

But strange things just seemed to pile up. On the following day, Professor Longbottom was attacked in Herbology as he was teaching a class about a plant that was always docile and subdued. Portions of which were used in anti-coagulant elixirs. But to hear of such an incident was preposterous. A docile plant, suddenly attacking. Something that never should have happened, but it did, much to everyone's surprise, even Pomona.

"A Fugwart plant! Fugwart! It's placid! It eats flies, for Merlin's sake!" Neville protested as the Healers attended to his wounded arm. He was more angered about the encounter than he was about the injury he sustained.

There was a small joke that Severus was tempted to crack at that point, but even he was restrained enough to know that now was not the time.

Pomona herself was shaking her head in disbelief, pacing around Neville's bed looking stricken in her soil-covered apron, "I don't understand – "

It took some time for several of the staff to wrangle the strangely behaved flora back into a manageable state, with the incident leaving everyone rather shocked. Thankfully, no one else was injured and Severus heard Pomona let out a frustrating string of profanities, ones he was sure never heard come from that woman before.

During the topic of heated discussion of the event the day prior, Severus decided to accompany Dawn into reinforcing the school wards again, which he found far easier than the first time. He had been studying her notes on the new incantations and the ancient symbols and he was able to absorb it fairly quickly earning a pleased nod from the seasoned Auror. On that fine, sunny day, he felt a calmness in her company, as both began talking about Muggle things, poetry, music, and constellations. It seemed to be such a random flow of conversation, but each one turned more engaging than the previous, and to be able to chip away at the life of this mysterious woman, brought him a measure of peace that she was no longer that of a stranger.

In fact, he may have even begun to put some trust in her as he felt their colleagueship change.

Dawn had such a sharp mind but a curious, almost playful, sense of humor. The more time he spent with her, the more of her quirks he began to notice. Her smile brightened when she talked about the things that she loves and the particular books she enjoyed reading. The passion for such subjects shone through her expressive eyes and that spark of energy, further invigorated him, too. She was incredibly passionate about the things that mattered to her, and yet Severus remained the same, usual dour sod he normally was.

He had to wonder why he found her so irritating initially because she appeared far from that now. Perhaps it was a Gryffindor thing – instant resentment from a House that seemed almost as important to him as the Slytherins, in an odd sense. Severus knew he didn't bother giving her a chance when they first met, so he ensured he was quick with the verbal lashings and hash dismissals. Perhaps he was being slightly unruly, but the idea of meeting anyone new was incredibly daunting to him, least of all someone who expressed curiosity into the life he wished remained a secret.

However, Dawn had such a way with words, which seemed to touch every fiber of his very soul, making him feel and think differently than he ever had before. The concepts she would suggest were thought-provoking, causing Severus to question a lot of what he thought he knew or simply to see things from another perspective. He remained stoic during his interactions and conversations with her, but inwardly, his heart felt weightless. He spent so many long years closing his mind off, that those walls around himself were slowly being chipped away again. Much like Harry had gradually done during those months after the War, slowly unraveling until a bleeding heart remained and was no longer isolated.

He hated it, though. Knowing he was losing the strength to revive those walls again, burned through him, but a part of himself wondered if there was any point in knocking them down. Harry himself barely could. But he was tired of struggling to keep them up. Tired of desperately holding those crumbling pieces together with his calloused, scarred hands, weakened from the strength he had to harness for so many long years.

What would he be if he learned to live without those walls? That protection he found comfort in for so many secluded years of his life. He didn't know what he would be without it, and that frightened him beyond anything he could ever comprehend.

Change had always scared him, especially one he did not have control over. But perhaps allowing himself the comfort of another's presence wouldn't be all bad. And he knew that's what he needed to feel something again, but taking that step was almost impossible when it felt like iron anvils weighing them down.

He left her company that afternoon feeling odd – a soft burning of his chest, eager to find another shred of hope to keep him going. Dawn's company seemed to give him that and that was what he needed for him to get through his day. Once she left, his world felt cold again, and he couldn't understand why. They weren't close. Perhaps they were even just friends, and she was at least more tolerable than the other nosey, ignorant members of staff. But he found a sense of fond comradery with her, that maybe, she was one of the rare few who genuinely cared about what he thought and felt. She didn't dismiss him as the others did and he found a sense of comfort in that.

She was able to see him beyond those walls and Severus really didn't know how to feel about it. He had never felt like this before. Such an alien, foreign concept that continued to prod at his mind in wonder.

The following day was met with panic during the beginning of one of his night patrols one of which he shared with Aurora who was covering the Herbology side. When Severus was striding through one of the halls as the last light of the day dissipated, one of his younger Slytherins breathlessly approached him, hair wild and windswept on her journey to find him. "Professor, Cyrus has gone to the Astronomy Tower – "

Severus' face paled; his breathing labored, "Explain."

"The Campbells attacked him again and he got upset…He ran right past me - " The student pointed to the other direction, which only led to one other significant place.

The Tower!

Without another word, he turned and dashed away with hasty strides. A fire burned within him. He felt sickened - he had to do something. Anything.

Because if he didn't act soon enough, Cyrus Hastwell could potentially lose his life.

Severus ran as quickly as his legs could carry him, but luckily enough, the familiar route was met with several shortcuts and a sneak through a hidden portrait to quickly get to his destination. Taking the stairs up two at a time, he halted at the top to find the boy standing at the ledge along the railing. His hunched form trembled with the sobs burning through him. Walking up slowly towards the Slytherin, he stopped beside him on the railing and made subtle glances to see him behind his messy dark hair. The boy's face was wet with tears and his clothes and hair were disheveled from the altercation he was prior informed of. Some sections of his robes were torn, and splatters of blood flickered across the fragile material.

And for a shocking realisation, he could have very well been staring at his younger self.

Breathing a large sigh of relief, the boy was deemed safe and alive, "Perhaps I need to have an urgent word with your parents."

Cyrus' eyes widened in a panic, soon realising who had joined him, "No, please…Don't do that. They'll think I can't handle it. They'll think I'm worthless…"

"Your parents are ignorant and refuse to see that you are being hurt here. A place that is supposed to be safe. If they value your grades over your well-being, then I will see to it they are appropriately reasoned with, " Severus sternly reassured, but deep down, he felt an anger simmer within him. The kind of justice he wished someone had for his own well-being as a child.

"I-I don't know…"

"Why are your parents dismissive of what you've been enduring on school grounds?" Severus asked calmly, knowing very well that the boy was adopted.

Cyrus shrugged, looking down at the floor, "They have very high expectations of me. They want me to pass with high grades – that's all they care about. But…It's hard to do so when I'm constantly having to look over my shoulder. I can't focus anymore, Professor."

"I will speak directly with Minerva on account of your safety."

"It won't make a difference, " The boy wailed, "They won't be expelled, and their parents already threatened her as Headmistress. They have more power in the School Board and the Ministry than I'm comfortable with. I won't have any Professor pardoned because of me."

"Listen to me, Cyrus – " Severus' firm voice, caused the boy's attention to redirect at him. He saw a new cut over his chin and blotches of freshly formed bruises on his face were beginning to appear. The state of the boy was indeed alarming. He withdrew his wand and began to trace over the visible injuries he could see. Slowly and neatly, the cuts were beginning to melt together, and he continued to talk whilst he worked on those wounds, " – You have far more resilience than they ever dare to understand, but I want to ensure you can better protect yourself. Safely. Have you been utilising the shield charm Professor Rheingold has taught you?"

The young Slytherin nodded, "Yeah, but they expect it now. They attack me anyway."

Severus paused to contemplate – He knew Dawn had taught him the shield charm, much to his relief. But somehow, it never seemed to be enough. He wanted to tear those insufferable Gryffindors limb from limb himself, but he needed to remain professional here. He needed to remain strong for this child, whose own parents cared not for his well-being but of academic success. That was a pitiful thought to be had and he knew he had to do something. He couldn't give up on him, because every bit of this boy reminded him of himself, and he couldn't turn away from that.

He couldn't turn away from him.

"Wednesday nights at seven, you will arrive at my office promptly and I will instruct you on non-verbal spells, " Severus said, feeling confident with the decision as he ever dared to be, "Any nosey students and you inform them it is remedial Potions."

"…Sir, you don't have to do this…"

"But I must. After your confidence in such dueling is efficient, I may even teach you one of my own."

Mr. Hastwell shook his head in confusion, "A new spell?"

"Passive, but disarming, " Severus' mouth twitched into a small smirk, "If the Campbell twins are deemed untouchable by their self-entitled parents who allow their children to attack others without remorse, then I will ensure that I give you the correct tools to defend yourself. I will not have you suffer as long as I remain here."

The boy appeared as if he was about to burst into tears, but a small smile was enough to convince Severus that he did the right thing. If anyone were to fight vehemently for the boy, Severus would gladly step in. And knowing Dawn was also on the boy's side, gave him a newfound vigor.

Mr. Hastwell brushed away falling tears, "Th-thank you, Professor. I'm just…at wit's end, here."

Severus folded his arms behind him rather curtly. He knew that the boy trusted him, and he wanted to do all he could within his power to retain that trust, "Any further trouble and you find me, understood?"

The boy nodded, quickly brushing his tears away.

"As your Head of House, I have a duty to ensure my students are well-tended to. And Mr. Hastwell, I do not want to see you up here again. Am I making myself clear?"

Shyly, the student nodded, "Y-yes, sir."

Severus' gaze lingered on the boy, but his face softened, "Now go back to your dormitory immediately. Filch will not take kindly to you wandering after hours. Remember, Wednesday at seven. Do not be late."

"Of course, sir…Th-thank you."

Severus watched as his Slytherin student scurried off and immediately felt a strange pull within him. He wasn't sure if he said or did the right thing.

But he hoped he did well enough.

Severus didn't leave his spot at the tower for quite some time, mulling over his encounter with his fifth-year Slytherin. He turned over the conversation in his mind multiple times in hopes that made the right choice and that he didn't say anything that may have further hurt him or made things worse. He knew how much words could hurt, and he didn't want to be yet another cause of a distressed child by his hand.

No, he had to approach things differently. Times were not the same as they were, and one must change with it. He had to. What good would ever come from remaining the same? He knew he had so much of himself yet to fix – if any of it were even still fixable – but he had to at least try. If not for himself, but at least for Harry who found solace knowing he had recognised his need to change.

Severus knew he had to – he wouldn't dare survive if he didn't. He had to adapt, as he always has. So why must these days be any different? He was sick of hurting. Sick of wallowing in his own pain. He knew he had to adapt…but those first steps….Oh, those first steps were the hardest journey of all.

And deep within himself he was scared of it all.

Careful footsteps broke him out of his reverie, and when he turned, his twisted, silent nerves settled soon realising Harry had found him.

"There was a bit of a panic earlier. Dawn saw Cyrus go back to his Common Room and he told us where he last saw you, " Harry settled beside him at the railing, "Minerva is dealing with the Campbells again and she may even be giving them a suspension. She's livid."

Severus could only nod – what else was he to say?

"Are you okay, Severus?" Harry must have detected his disturbance. He was mad at himself for making it so obvious.

Severus, get a bloody grip.

After a wavering breath, Severus spoke, "I suppose it's easier to approach a child who felt very much the same as I had last remembered at his age. I didn't need Legilimency to know that he was hurting much the same. It was all too familiar…"

Harry looked stricken, but he looked far more controlled than Severus was at that point, "You came here too once, didn't you?"

Severus only managed another nod.

"…Oh. Why, Severus? What – " Harry's voice broke and shuddered, not knowing how to proceed, " – What exactly drove you to that point?"

"You will not like the answer that I will give, " Severus spoke quietly and cautiously.

But Harry knew. He understood that very reason and something within his chest constricted in deep despair and discomfort that he knew wasn't his own, "It was because of my father and Sirius, wasn't it? Or even because of my mum when she didn't accept your apology."

Severus looked away and said nothing. He drew in a deep breath, trembling slightly as he did so. He couldn't fathom how this situation cut into him so deeply. The familiarity of it all hit all the wrong cords, and suddenly, he felt like he was back in his own fifth year again suffering from the effects of his own mistakes. The pain of it all and the suffering at the hands of the Marauders was something he could never truly heal from and resulted in the end of his friendship with Lily…

…He blamed himself for so much of it, even despite some of it is beyond his control.

Severus was shocked to find Harry's eyes had watered feeling equally heartbroken and destroyed by the wordless response – he knew what this implied. The fact that his own father, Sirius, and his mother were one of the main reasons he was so close to giving up his life in his youth, tore Harry to shreds from the inside and he knew it.

It hurt. It hurt so much, and Harry had to wonder if his own father ever really knew how much he affected him. How isolated Severus felt when he knew he had essentially lost any tether to life. Losing the only real friend he had, cut him terribly from within that he felt like death must have been the only other real option to escape that pain. When two of his tormentors almost literally drove him to the edge, causing a disastrous domino effect that essentially ended his childhood friendship, was the beginning of his end.

Severus soon turned back towards him and a moment between them passed when a look of shock upon his face told him more than he needed to know. He did not expect Harry to have shed a tear upon such a personal revelation, and for once, both remained speechless.

But Harry knew he had to say something. He very well knew Severus was expecting him to, but he had no idea how to even respond to that. Swallowing thickly, Harry brushed the wetness off from his face with the back of his sleeve, "I'm really glad you didn't go through with it. But I'm also really glad that you're here. Today, with us. With me, and not against me…"

Severus hesitated at the sentiment but looked away out into the deep purple horizon not wanting to look at Harry when he continued, "It seems like eons ago it was I who stood on this very ledge. I remember it being after my last OWL exam. Divination, ironically enough. I was here for quite a while, but I was weak and couldn't bring myself to do it. I contemplated the offer Lucius gave to me after Hogwarts and that was my morsel of hope for some sort of purpose. Whatever that even meant at the time. I wasn't old enough to know better as to how that decision would have ultimately ruined my life."

"I'm guessing that was the offer to join the Death Eaters?"

Severus nodded wearily, "Yes. They colored the appeal so magnificently, that it was far too enticing of an offer to refuse at the age that I was. They gave us hope that we could preserve the magical world and contain its blood purity. I was ignorant…naïve…weak…Little did I know the movement would have evolved into senseless extermination. I only wanted to cultivate my interests in the Dark Arts and expand on my knowledge. I had a specific skill set that apparently impressed Riddle, and he desired a potions expert among his ranks. I only ever developed a disdain for Muggles as it was more of a personal affair against my wretched father. I never initially developed a problem with Muggleborns – Hell, Lily was one. But as I spent more time with the likes of Avery and Mulciber, they somehow convinced me that Muggleborns would eventually weaken our magical link and our Purebloods and Half-Bloods would be far scarcer as the generations went on. I was a gullible fool."

Harry bit his lip, "I guess it shows how easily our friends and people around us can influence our decisions and ideas."

"Which is why the Slytherins have struggled for decades, to break free from that endless cycle of misguided ambition. With the rise of Riddle, they – we - were so pathetically easily manipulated into his image and forced to comply, to face a personal threat to their lives and that of their families. I want them to cultivate skills in healership and safe knowledge and build on that ambition. Not to follow in my footsteps and blindly follow a cause without a second thought. I want to lead their ambitions into innovation and leadership to help guide the magical world into something better. Not the shadowed fragments of a House lost in true honor and intellect and whose traditional hierarchy of respect was built on your blood status. This cannot happen again."

Harry's smile widened proudly, "Then let's work on this together. I have a lot to teach my own House, too, and making sure they don't continue to become prats towards your Slytherins, or anyone else, is going to be interesting to fix. Maybe if we can get Profe – Filius and Pomona to chat with their own House to encourage people to stand up for other students who clearly need help. I mean, Luna was bullied by her own House for years. There was nothing she could do, and she had no one in her house she could really confide in and stand up for her. We all need to just listen, and…well, do something."

Severus listened carefully and nodded in understanding. He felt incredibly weary but determined to fix such a horrendous Hogwarts issue. There was a measure of relief knowing that finally, something was to be done about it. He had support on his side now, something he didn't have before.

Severus' eyes softened and extended his arm to wrap around the back of Harry's shoulders, squeezing it gently. He just needed something – a presence he could safely confide in, "I never had a chance, but perhaps, these students will. And I can at least begin with Cyrus."

Harry placed a returning comforting hand on the man's upper back in return as he nodded, "We'll fix this…You have my word, Severus."

March 1st, 2003

[Harry Potter]

Harry was starting to notice a few odd things with Severus over time.

Granted, his days seemed to vary in mood, and he had to wonder what kind of mood that was, but it was made impossible to decipher given how stoic he usually kept his expression in public. Admittingly, he was always a little oblivious to the happenings around him and was usually one of the last people to know something. He wasn't that intuitive. But with Severus over the years, he was able to figure out more about the man who usually preferred his vulnerabilities hidden and was able to read him far better than he ever did.

It took him a while to gauge his reactions and although Severus was still doing his best to find his comfort back at Hogwarts again, one thing was certain – he was beginning to find some sort of silver lining. If that were ever at all possible.

Severus had told Harry the other day about his recent confrontations with Cyrus, and how much he desired to help him. Latest being the event at the Astronomy tower. Not only did the sentiment of Severus' willingness warm Harry's heart, but it shed some light on some of the personal issues he was working on. If not for his Slytherins, but for himself. Perhaps he even saw himself in that child who felt a little lost, and perhaps those similarities shook Severus into reality. It was obvious Severus didn't always have confidence in his own abilities to reach out, and he did better than he presumed he did. Well, from Harry's perspective anyway.

He knew the man still struggled with himself these days, but he found Severus more inspired each day. He was close to finishing the memory potion, which Harry was extremely ecstatic about. With the help of Hagrid and Neville, Harry was able to help provide some of the other rarer ingredients he had been seeking for weeks. The potion acted as an alternative to the Occlumency lessons he was still so vehemently dedicated to teaching Harry, but he also had hoped to regain traction and morale with the public again previously besmirched by the media who knew nothing about the man. He needed something to regain confidence in his abilities again, and with a potentially life-saving elixir, the community would learn to trust him again. Perhaps even retract their hate.

Severus always expressed that he didn't care what they thought, but Harry knew better. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been working so tirelessly for this potion to work.

Not only was the potion close to completion, but he also sensed something else with him. He noticed Severus' frustration towards Dawn had simmered down over the last few months, and in fact, they seemed to appear more on civil terms. He knew Severus harbored some resentment still for the Auror who initially wanted him captured, but as fate would have it, they appeared to be getting along well much to Harry's relief.

About bloody time, Severus.

Dawn was an intuitive witch, but also a loyal, wise-spoken one. If anyone would help knock more sense into him, it would be her. She also had this rare gift of being able to understand someone without judgment and her ability to console struggling people within Hogwarts was a blessing to the school and everyone in it. She could very well replace the counselor still employed with the school if she so desired, but perhaps she sensed Severus' troubles far better than even he could.

He noticed sometimes during the feasts that she would glance over to him, almost like she was checking up on him to appease some of her own concerns and peace of mind. Whether it ended with a satisfied nod or a look of worry. Either way, she was keeping an eye on him much like Harry was.

But he also observed something else rather extraordinary – Severus also appeared to glance over in her direction, too. Perhaps there was a sense of curiosity with a woman who appeared to develop an interest in him. Sometimes on a rare afternoon, he would even catch the pair exchanging a few words in the staff room, or even during the ward rounds insistent by Minerva. And after lunch, it almost seemed like a ritual for them to walk together.

And Severus appeared…comfortable.

Harry couldn't help but smile at himself in wonder if they developed a sort of friendship that he wasn't aware of. Severus never really spoke of her, but maybe there was a part of the man who simply didn't want to admit that he was indeed fond of her. From resenting the woman at first, to civil conversations…It was a change in Severus that really marveled Harry to see. Allowing someone else within his life would greatly do good for him since he spent so many years closing his heart off to so many.

And perhaps, his heart may not be so cold anymore.

Winter had since officially dissipated, giving way to the beginnings of Spring. The day was still cool and overcast, but knowing warmer days were ahead gave Harry an energised spring in his step. After breakfast that Saturday morning, he waited excitedly by the entrance bridge at Hogwarts in time for Ginny to stride through with Teddy jumping ecstatically at her side. Minerva had been more than happy to accommodate his wife and Godson for the weekend without question, which jolted Harry's day with excitement already. Having his wife together with him brought him joy and showing Teddy around the castle was something he greatly looked forward to.

Ginny arrived, soon pecking Harry on the lips, whilst hauling a navy suitcase at her side, "I'll have you know; Teddy did not sleep a wink last night. He was so excited about seeing you here, we ended up staying awake and playing exploding snap. Oh, and playing that with a Pygmy Puff…I do not recommend that."

He chuckled, throwing his arm around Ginny's shoulders, and pulling her closer, "So I get you two sleep-deprived?"

"Delirious, actually."

Teddy bounded towards Harry, wrapping his arms around his torso with his head reaching the middle of his abdomen, "Hey dad!"

He couldn't believe how tall the boy was getting, "Well, look at you, you little sprout. You're getting tall! What on earth is Ginny feeding you?"

His wife playfully tapped Teddy's shoulder, "This one is eating the entire house down. He's going to start munching on the garden bed, soon."

"I'm sure he'll be overjoyed with the Hogwarts feasts then."

Ginny chuckled, "Actually I didn't tell him. I wanted the joy of seeing his eyes bulge from his face in happiness for the first time."

Harry laughed, watching as Teddy bounded forward ahead of them across the entrance bridge. With the boy out of view, Harry paused to steal another quick kiss upon his wife's lips, "I've missed you."

She wriggled her nose in delight, "I've missed you too. Even though it wasn't that long ago since I saw you last."

"Any time apart is long enough."

They continued moving forward, soon entering the main courtyard, "Merlin, it's been ages since I was here. I told Hermione I'd be over this weekend, so she decided to arrive today."

"She didn't tell me she'd be here."

"Just Ministry business. She mentioned something about discussing the new werewolf law with McGonagall, " Ginny explained.

"Ah, right."

The three of them headed straight to Harry's quarters, getting the extra two occupants settled in. Harry had since transfigured an extra small bed for Teddy, which he was grateful to have the space for. Once the extra belongings were stored, the three of them began to walk instinctively through the corridors with Teddy hopping excitedly beside them. Ginny had since mused that nothing has changed and then a few groups of students turned their heads at the arrival of a Quidditch star earning a chuckle from Harry himself.

After teasing her sports star status with heavy irony, they seated for lunch in the Great Hall and grinned in amusement at Teddy's reaction to the food appearing on the tables. Since the weekends were sparse with students seated for meals – mainly due to Hogsmeade visits – they decided to settle on the edge of the Gryffindor table as if they were back being students again. He was so used to sitting at the staff table, that sitting back at their usual gave him a strange feeling.

When lunch was nearing the end and after Teddy's frightful session meeting his first ghost – luckily, it was Sir Nicholas as opposed to the Bloody Baron – they were greeted by Hermione who for the first time, wasn't her usual flustered self. Since becoming assistant to the Minister, she had exuded more confidence in herself and the demanding aspects of the job. She took her job very seriously, and despite some of its usual stressors, she enjoyed the difference she made. As humble as she was about it, she knew.

As Ginny mentioned, Hermione had just arrived from the Headmistress' office looking rather pleased with herself. Her smart, navy robes with the Ministry seal and bronze embellishments, made her appear very authoritative and almost regal.

She sunk down in the space across from the pair, "The Headmistress told me I'd find you here. It's so good to see you."

"You, too, Hermione. And here, of all places, " Harry reached for another sandwich quarter.

"Oh, I know! It feels so strange being here again, " Hermione answered thoughtfully, "I just arrived from discussing the werewolf law and guidelines with her. She has already begun the process of writing their Hogwarts letters. This is all very exciting! I hear there is about twelve of them so far."

"Hermione, this is brilliant. You are brilliant."

Hermione blushed, a little sheepishly, "It was something I had been working on for so long, and it's such a relief to see it almost in effect. Now to keep it managed when the next school year commences, really."

"Remus would have loved this, " Ginny interjected, reaching for a small blueberry muffin to add to Teddy's plate.

"Well, with our newest brewer on board, I may not have been able to commence it this year – " Hermione stopped herself cold, eyes widened in knowing she had spilled something she was not meant to.

Harry furrowed his brow, "Hang on, you told me you had trouble finding people? Who is the brewer?"

"It's…It's Severus, Harry. Only he didn't want you to know, " Hermione said quickly, looking a little guilty for the slip-up, "He approached me early in January in my office and agreed to contribute. A part of him trying to make amends, or something."

He gave a quick side-eyed glance to his wife, and sighed, "He told me he wanted nothing to do with all of that. He was angry every time I brought it up."

"He did initially, but you had him properly thinking about it. You must have somehow changed his mind. With Severus, that isn't easy since he is always set in his ways."

He bit his lip, not knowing how angry he wanted to be about it, because he still was deep inside, "I can't believe he kept this from me. This whole time I thought he just didn't care about it."

"You know him better than I, Harry. He'd do it even if that means no one else would ever know. Maybe he just felt bad for disappointing you, " Hermione gave a small smile.

"That's Severus for you, " Ginny said, with a small snort under her breath.

After they had their fill, Ginny, Hermione, and Teddy walked around the now-damp grounds, whilst Harry slipped away to host detention with one of the Ravenclaws who pulled a nasty prank on a young Gryffindor enough to put Peeves to shame earlier in the week. He sent them to the kitchens to assist the House Elves in scrubbing dirty dishes by hand, and when he was done, sent a quick letter to Severus since he couldn't stop thinking about what Hermione had said.

Severus,

You could have at least told me you accepted the Wolfsbane project.

I mean, when were you planning on letting me know? You made me think you weren't interested.

Really, thank you, but….dammit Severus! You and your secrets.

Harry

Harry didn't have plans to see Severus that evening, but it so happens that he found him leaving the Library with a few extra books in tow on his way up the staircase. He quickly joined him, and the pair walked together, despite Severus' unwillingness for the company in that moment in time.

"Sir, a response to my letter would have been great, " Harry asked, just as Severus shifted the weight of his books to the other hand.

Severus gave a small grumble, "I didn't want you to further pester me about it."

Harry stopped and stared at the man, "Severus, you agreed to the Wolfsbane…"

"Granger couldn't hold her tongue?" Severus spat, bitterly. He didn't look impressed.

"Why did you keep this from me? You were so adamant you hated the idea."

"I did…Was. Honestly, I do not know why I chose to accept it. After I rejected it from you, admittingly…I felt – " Severus paused to exhale deeply – his eyes flickered in uncertainty, almost as if he didn't want to share his reasonings. " - I knew how much that would have meant to you."

Harry's heart fell from his chest, enabling a small smile to reach his lips, "You didn't have to do that. I get it, really – "

Appearing uncomfortable now, Severus' eyes shifted away, "I accepted it because it was the right thing to do. After all, I'll be dealing with the cretins in the upcoming school year. My choice in the matter is complicated, however…I chose to accept it."

"It does mean a lot to me, and these kids will be so grateful for you helping them. Thank you, Severus, " Harry's smile seemed to deter Severus the moment their eyes met again.

"As you reiterated previously, " Severus appeared pained, as he struggled to speak, "I have a chance to do better. And I took it. Not another word about it, preferably."

Harry beamed, feeling such joy in this new revelation, and another morsel of vulnerability within the man that he was always captivated by, "I'm really, really happy to hear that from you, sir - "

Suddenly cutting through their brief conversation, two Hufflepuffs darted past the pair enough to cause Severus' cloak to flutter. Both with armfuls of books and appearing as if were caught stealing.

…Or maybe they did.

Severus stepped forward, allowing his voice to bellow and echo through the corridor, "Not so fast, Hufflepuffs!"

The students stopped dead in their tracks and turned to face their two Professors.

Severus glared at them with the coldest stare he could muster, and Harry could have sworn one of the students grew teary, "Miss Arden, I daresay Madam Pince is aware of your thievery?"

The accused Hufflepuff was frozen to the spot but could only shake her head in fright. "N-no, sir…"

"I thought so. Five points from Hufflepuff, " Severus sneered, "Return them at once, and I do not want to see another flash of yellow guilty sneaking books out again, especially within my vicinity."

The Hufflepuff pair darted away back to the library without another word, leaving Harry to chuckle, "Severus, relax. It's Saturday, cut them some slack."

Severus glared darkly at him, "It being Saturday does not excuse two students stealing books. It's no wonder many of them go missing because they fail to check them out appropriately."

"…You need to work on your student communication skills."

"Don't bloody push your luck, " With that, Severus turned on his heel, and strode swiftly away, leaving Harry to shake his head in bewilderment.

Some things may never change.

March 2nd, 2003

[Severus Snape]

Word of the newly joined Potter's spread through the school as quickly as his own mad scribbles to mark the rest of the Pyrexian Potion assignments. He was eager to get his classroom work done, so he could resume the afternoon essay-free and at least give his writing hand a break.

For a strange impulse, he was rather looking forward to having lunch and satiating his appetite. The headaches he had since intermittently been riddled with, gave him relief from it that day so his desire to be more productive overpowered his need to remain in his quarters feeling sorry for himself. He was, at least, doing well with his own personal project, of which was still timely and tedious. The current batches were set to automatically stir for the next three hours, allowing Severus to enjoy a rare moment away from his own lab.

His week had been rather busy, with much of his focus on Mr. Hastwell and his first lesson. Non-verbal spells were not easy to master, but despite the child's bullheadedness in the skill, he had much to learn. Patience, being one of them.

During lunch in the Great Hall, Severus was accompanied by Dawn who chose to sit beside him, which caught him a little off-guard. They had never sat together during any of the meals before and yet Severus felt an odd sense of ease with that. He was in such a strange, satisfied mood; he honestly didn't care.

"Oh, bloody hell, Balthazar is at it again – " Dawn had since flipped a page of The Daily Prophet with one hand, with a half-eaten croissant in the other, "Hear this – 'After an accident at St. Mungo's leaving a Witches' head transfigured into a moose's, the staff says that they demand specialised Healers in accidental animal transfiguration as they fear that their skills may not be efficient in reversing them' – I've been saying this for years!"

"Balthazar is an idiot and needs to stop wasting his time writing nonsense."

"I put in an anonymous report on him once for lousy articles. Didn't get a single response back, " Dawn's eyes scanned the rest of the page of the newspaper before she sighed boredly and slid the paper away, "Healers do a damn good job and not credited enough. Then you have this leech making a prophet over twisting their words around. Like Rita, he's never truthful."

"That's media for you."

"Yeah, well, I think they may as well write about how fluffy the clouds are because the rest of their articles are full of crock."

Severus tried not to choke on the mug of hot tea he had just taken a sip of, "That's why I have stopped giving them my attention, and are not worth the abysmal galleons they charge for it."

"I don't like seeing other people degraded, especially publicly – " Dawn nibbled on a bit of her omelette, before appearing to lose her appetite. She eventually took a sideward at him, "So, I hear you've been giving Cyrus private lessons."

He curled his upper lip, hoping it was to remain a secret, "How, pray tell, was that discovered?"

"He told me. Actually, I've never seen the child so pleased before. Good for you, Severus, " Dawn gave a satisfied smile, "He respects you."

"Is that at all possible?"

"Yes, it is. You've been patient and understanding with him, " She leaned back, resting her hands within her lap, "He needs that, especially from his own Head of House. I daresay he's never been confident with another Professor before. Horace wouldn't even give the poor child the time of day."

Severus wasn't at all surprised by that, of course, but he couldn't help but still feel slightly angry over that fact. Horace, seemingly, did nothing to help these children. That was his job while he was gone and yet he couldn't even take proper ownership of it. Now that mantle rests with Severus, and he was going to try and reverse this damage for as long as he remained at the school. But little did Dawn know that Severus found a bit of himself in this student – the similarities hit far too close to him, and enough to never be overlooked. If only he had someone to confide in, that Mr. Hastwell was able to.

He would have been far different. Better.

Amidst Severus' strange mood of the day, he was admittingly, avoiding seeing Mrs. Potter and Teddy for the reason that they were both here at Hogwarts. He was so used to seeing them within their home, or them at his, that a Hogwarts appearance made him feel slightly awkward. Perhaps it was a part of his life he'd much rather keep personal since he preferred not to have it all on public display. Not that it was any secret that he was on comfortable terms with Harry Potter now, but sometimes he felt like the long-lost deranged uncle that nobody cared to see.

Out of a strange new habit, he and Dawn walked together out of the Great Hall as if it was a perfectly normal thing. Well, not to Severus, really. They had been doing this for the past few weeks now and it was only just recently realising how strange that was, even for him. No one else recognised that, to his knowledge, but it seemed to be routine that they shared after lunch. At first, Severus was a little beside himself with that new tradition, but after some deep thought and self-deprecation, he didn't feel all that bothered about it.

And that surprised him immensely.

After Severus stoically cracked a dark sarcastic remark, and Dawn laughed, they rounded the corner to enter the Grand Staircase, where they were met with the Potters. Teddy was occupied with the portrait of a small child to notice the extra two people who joined to meet them.

Dawn's face lit up when she spotted Ginny and flashed a friendly smile, bobbing her head respectfully, "Ginny Potter – what a pleasure it is."

"Ah, so you're the infamous Dawn Rheingold, " Ginny's hand raised in a small wave, "Too bad you have to put up with my brother, too. Is Harry behaving, at least?"

"No, he's a menace, " Dawn said, with a gleam of amusement in her eyes. Severus had to bite his tongue from chuckling, as much as he agreed with the remark. Instead, he looked smug.

Ginny, in turn, grinned rather wickedly.

Realising he was being playfully attacked, Harry shrugged off an embarrassed chuckle, "Alright, you two conspirators, " He shot a look at Severus, "And not a word from you."

With a satisfied smirk, Severus raised an eyebrow, "I am well in agreement with Dawn."

Dawn's grin subsided to a serious smile, "You're fine, Harry. You just need a little more confidence at the front of the class, otherwise, I am very impressed by you. You've already handled several classes by yourself."

"Thanks, " Harry smiled.

At the corner of his eye, Severus caught Dawn's gaze wandering almost fondly to the giggling child at the portrait. Her eyes widened in adoration with a smile slowly etched across her face, "What a sweet boy. Is that Dora's son?"

"Yeah, he is. He'll be five in a few months."

Dawn smiled to herself, with her hands clasped in front of her, "His mother was indeed a live wire. Not in a bad way, of course. Energetic personality. A little clumsy, but she was charming and incredibly dedicated. I never knew anyone who loved the job as much as she did. A devastating loss to the Auror Department."

"Yeah."

She turned back to Harry, "You and your wife have done well to raise him. Even with the loss of his grandmother..."

"She was relieved that Teddy wouldn't be alone."

"And you've done remarkably well to honor that, " Dawn looked back at Teddy again, who was jumping around along the steps.

Harry had since wandered over to Minerva with Ginny, who had also decided to make her appearance, leaving Severus on unofficial child-watch duties. Severus himself, realised he was already watching the child closely from afar. Every near slip on the stairs sent his heart racing.

Idiot child, be careful!

Dawn was still smiling in fondness for the child, but Severus found that she had begun to steal curious glances towards him, "I feel like he might be a Hufflepuff like his mum."

Severus couldn't help but roll his eyes, "Good. Britain needs no more Gryffindors. I beg to differ."

She gave an almost comical sideward glance at him, and stared at him for some moments before a small smirk etched at the corners of her lips, "…You're fond of the kid, aren't you?"

He hesitated at the remark, completely thrown off guard by it, "What compelled you to say such a thing?"

"Because in the last five minutes, you've been watching him carefully as if he was going to tumble down the stairs at any moment, " Now she began to look a little smug, "You keep taking steps forward."

"I'm merely making sure the child doesn't clumsily lose his head, " Severus scoffed.

"Sure, sure."

"What? It's true."

"I'm an Auror, Severus. I notice these things."

"There's nothing to notice."

"There's always something to notice, " Dawn found herself blushing suddenly, feeling the heat reach the surface of her cheeks. Severus himself appeared speechless, but it was almost laughable how much he tried to hide it. His heart began to race, and he found himself averting his gaze from the crystalline eyes that were boring into his.

Severus, get a bloody grip.

When he looked around, he saw the child running towards him.

"Sev'us!" Teddy bounded towards him, once he had spotted the familiar face, and wrapped his little arms around his torso.

Severus had never felt this awkward before and he could have sworn a few of the observing portraits were grinning at him. Now he just felt humiliated, as he stumbled back in hesitation trying to pry the small child from his waist, "Not now, child - "

Beside him, Dawn tried to stifle a laugh, but it came out in amused squeaks, "Never thought I'd see the day."

"Curb your tongue, Auror, " Severus snapped, as he managed to detach the over-eager child away from him.

"Ar - or?" Teddy tilted his head in curiosity at the blonde-haired woman.

Dawn's smile broadened at the child, almost as if she was looking forward to talking with him. Her eyes seemed to light up with joy, "Yes, dear. An Auror."

"Aurors protect us. Like mummy did."

"That's right. Did Harry tell you that?"

"Yeah! Aurors look after everyone. Me, and you - " He pointed to Severus, who all but appeared grumpy with that scrutiny.

"Quite right, Teddy – " Dawn chuckled, soon noticing that Harry was beckoning to the excited child, "Hey, look, your Godfather is waiting for you."

She watched the child bound happily off, but soon her elated smile slowly faded away. Severus watched when, to his surprise, she had planted a single hand on her abdomen. But the woman was caught off guard by the instinctive gesture, soon pulling her own hand away after realising what she was doing. Severus' eyes flickered to hers which he noticed now hooded with a sudden sadness he could not place, and straightening her robes, she quickly bowed her head whilst tightly clasping the peculiar silver locket around her neck, "Do excuse me, Severus. I'm a little late with my markings - "

Without another word, she departed swiftly, leaving Severus wondering what on earth had happened. But then it struck him - the marks he had noticed when he had healed her, were stretchmarks over her abdomen. He heard of no mention of a child...Suddenly he was hit by grief, and not of his own accord. Grief for her and what she may have lost. He felt a strange sadness take hold of him and he could only watch on wondering how it came to be.

Severus didn't feel the same for the entirety of the day and a part of him hoped to be with her through her own sadness as she was there for him. But it wasn't in his place. He was all but a colleague to her – friend, even - and he had no permission to feel the way he did. His feelings towards her felt out of place, and his fear of overstepping gripped his heart like a vice. He be damned if he ever ruined another friendship again if he wasn't careful.

But this woman…There was so much that Severus did not know about her, and deep down, he desired to know more. Dawn's reaction to Teddy hit him so suddenly that he was left with an emptiness he couldn't fathom.

With every passing moment, Severus' fondness and admiration for her grew, and with that, his heart slowly learned to warm again.

If that were ever possible for him.