Hey, everyone, Happy Holidays! Happy New Year, especially! Thanks, everyone, for reading and keeping up with my story. Just finished chapter fifteen about two minutes ago and wanted to post it as a treat. I have sixteen thought out, but no writing yet, so please be patient. Regarding this chapter, please inform me in the comments if my rating changed. I didn't have any scenes or big moves from the couple, but I worry I am writing too much intimacy. I am a bit autistic (more than a bit), so I don't really understand an acceptable form of intimacy to write on the rating of this story (I contemplated writing those scenes as separate smut, tbh. Though I have never written smut). So... you know if I mess up, just let me know. Also feel free to comment any ideas you have or anything you might like to see in coming chapters. As I prefer these to be fifteen pages, I don't mind adding little snippets and runs of sub-plot here and there.
Chapter Fifteen
Severus stormed down the corridor, the scurrying students causing him to smirk as he passed them. He was irritated that he could not eat lunch with Harry after their lessons this morning, but Severus knew he could no longer put off speaking with the Headmaster. Severus had kept his secret guardianship for as long as he could; however, it was hard to ask an eleven-year-old as traumatised and in need of guidance to keep their relationship secret while having a panic attack.
Truthfully, it was not what Severus wanted for them either. Harry needed more than he could give if Severus always ignored the boy in classes or could not interact with him in public. While it would be fine in Severus's admittedly muggle summertime, Harry and himself were in the wizarding world for more than half the year. He would not go on as they were, and Albus too-many-names Dumbledore would have to accept that his spy was no longer available.
Severus had reached the gargoyle, who, aware of his usual mood and affinity for blasting spells, moved aside without the password. Severus smirked as he walked up the stairs to the office. He took only a tiny moment to compose himself before swinging open the door with a flourish. The elderly man did not look surprised, and Severus cursed the portraits in the office for warning the old fool.
"Ah, Severus, my boy."
Severus gritted his teeth at the moniker, but he reigned in his temper lest he use it on a matter not meant to be addressed. "I have come to speak with you regarding another abuse case, Albus."
The man nodded, his cheery disposition hardly fading. "Please, won't you sit, my boy."
Severus inclined his head and took the offered chair as the old man came to join him in his favoured armchair. "May we begin now, Albus?"
The old man nodded, his eyebrows raised to show his curiosity and attentiveness. Severus growled but beat past the annoyance the old man caused him. "I found another abuse case in September in one of our first years. He had severe malnutrition, poorly healed broken bones, a history of concussions, and was very skittish."
"Now, Severus, are you sure you aren't blowing this out of proportion? Boys are rather rough and tumble, and the family could be poor."
Severus growled before standing, beginning to pace to stop the urge to wring the old man's neck. "I used legilimency on the child and watched as they attempted to beat the magic out of the boy while using him like their own personal house elf. They taunted the boy daily, to the point the child thought his name was freak before finally going to primary."
The old man's face showed a hint of surprise at the continued abuse described, but Severus could see him trying to rationalise it. "Now, Severus, I know you feel a certain way due to your own upbringing, but there is nothing illegal about spanking a child. Further, with how you talk about lazy students, I would think you would welcome a hardworking child who was taught to take care of himself."
Severus slammed a fist onto the fireplace mantle, his teeth clenched so hard they ached. "He was taking care of the entire household, you buffoon! Not himself! No one was taking care of him, and he is a child! A child they called a freak and beat to near death! This has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Harry!"
There was a deathly silence, and Severus could see the man's face go carefully blank. Severus's heart, which he usually reported missing, felt like a chunk was being swallowed into a black hole. "You knew."
The old man remained serenely blank, which was as much of an admission as Severus needed. Innocent people would be outraged to be accused of knowingly allowing child abuse. Albus was never innocent of that.
"You left him with those monsters! You knowingly allowed your golden boy to be abused!"
The man's eyes seared with anger. "I did not know the extent, Severus. I knew he would be unloved, but what choice did I have?"
"You had all the choices, Albus! Hundreds of people would want to adopt him!"
"And what of his mother's sacrifice, Severus? Would we waste it?"
Severus's nostrils pulsed with each heaving breath. "She didn't sacrifice herself for your war! She did it for Harry to live, and he has not gotten that chance because you left him to be abused! He could have lived anywhere, with anyone, but you knowingly chose to leave him where he would be isolated and unloved! Why is that, Albus? Were you hoping for another Tom Riddle? Another Regulus Black? Another me?"
The old man sighed. "So this is about you then, Severus. You had a mother who loved you…"
"Do not speak of what I had, Albus! This is not about me! Harry had no one!"
The old man was on his feet, and Severus could not feel any fear when he saw the anger in Albus's face. Severus was far angrier and far more righteous. "I am working toward the greater good, Severus! If one child must suffer for the world, then so be it!"
Severus felt his world snap, listening to the man speak so callously about a child meant to be in his care. He had known the old man was like this, deep down—Too many years of trying to be saved from his own abusive childhood, trying for too many years to save other children by working around the Headmaster. He had known the old man did not see them as people but as pawns to be moved in his grand war, one of his own making.
Did he think recreating the variables and proving only Tom Riddle had the capacity to be a Dark Lord absolved him from what he created? It didn't matter. Nothing the old man thought or did would matter to Severus anymore. Not after this.
"No one deserved a childhood like his, and you no longer will get to decide that for Harry."
The old man arched an unimpressed brow, and Severus felt revulsion at the display. "Is that a threat, Severus?"
Severus sneered, finding his anger to balance himself in his swaying world. "No threats, Albus. You no longer have a spy as I have taken up the boy's guardianship myself. Months ago, and through the right channels. You no longer have a say in Harry's life, and if you want him to remain in this school, you will not speak to him outside your capacity of Headmaster."
Severus felt a thick wave of satisfaction at the gobsmacked look on the old codger's face. It tasted like victory, but what he really wanted was retribution. All in due time. He and Lucius would work toward that goal next.
"How could you, Severus? What of your vow?"
"My vow was to protect Harry, and I will, even from you. I have no guilt, I am resolved. What about you, Headmaster?"
The Headmaster just shook his head, putting on his patronising look of disappointment. Severus was unmoved. "How could you, Severus?"
Severus snorted and turned his back on the man. "Quite easily, Albus. How could you betray my promise as you did?"
Severus side-eyed the old man who looked downtrodden, but he was a master manipulator, and Severus was apathetic. The old man may have never abused a child, but Severus knew he allowed it to occur. Severus would no longer be complacent with the old man's wrongdoings. Severus would work with Lucius to bring them to light if he had to because Albus Dumbledore did not deserve a say in children's lives. Not when he used a school as a recruiting ground and a chess board to create the opposition by ignoring every House except Gryffindor and fed house prejudice against Slytherin.
"You will not contact me with anything outside of school matters or in my capacity as Harry's guardian. We are done, Albus."
Severus did not wait to hear the old man's reply, storming from the office before lunch had ended. After speaking so blatantly of the boy, he had an odd urge to see him, check on him at the least. As he swept into the Great Hall and saw the small child chatting with his friends, the little niggling worry released—and if when the boy caught sight of him and grinned so brightly that Severus's chest felt like it might explode—Well, no one had to know that but him.
Severus was settled in at his desk in his classroom while his ward spent the last few hours working on his cutting techniques to prep for the other first-year classes, which was meant to be a beneficial detention for hurting himself. While Harry had had considerable practice in his slavery to the Dursleys, Severus was guilty of wanting to give the boy a wider degree of skill over his classmates, but he did not care that this may be considered nepotism. Slytherins knew one must use all the tools in their arsenal to get ahead, and the boy was already hindered by not getting the muggle-born texts until Severus himself taught the boy about them in their lessons.
The aforementioned lessons would be halted while he instructed the boy in Transfiguration, but Severus could tell the boy was bright and would catch on quickly with an extensive explanation of more complicated laws than the first-year text covered. It was clear to Severus that the child was trying to comprehend Transfiguration from a previous background of science, and while that would be a superior thought for year three, first-year studies did not go as in-depth into the laws of nature and their effect on Transfiguration principles.
Even their first lesson today had caused some of the pinchedness in Harry's brow to lessen as he understood some of the foundations of his science learnings were still applicable in his magical tutelage. Severus was impressed by the way the boy's mind worked and was thrilled to have such a curious student. He rarely had a student who thought about the whys rather than read the book and implemented it without thought. If the boy wanted, he could be a great potioneer.
Severus allowed his mind to drift to his conversation with Albus and the thought that now was the time to tell the child that he could be open about their relationship—Well, so long as the child wanted to be more honest. Severus did worry how the boy might be embarrassed to be known as the Dungeon Bat's ward. Severus was not the most favoured teacher, and even if he had stopped being so vindictive in his insults to the children at Harry's behest, he was still unrelenting in his expectations and stricter than most. Severus was doing himself no favours worrying, and it wasn't even his decision. It was Harry who would make the choice, and Severus's worries would be damned.
"Harry," he called softly so as to not startle the child.
The boy's too-green eyes snapped to meet his, a niggle of anxiety already present in them, but he was not shaking, his hands were not twining, and he had not flinched at the sound, so Severus counted it as progress. "Come join me, child."
Even with the softened tone, the little boy looked ready to bolt at any movement as he settled into the chair to the side of Severus's desk. "Am I in more trouble, sir?"
Severus shook his head. "No, of course not, Harry. I wanted to discuss my visit with Albus."
The boy seemed to tense up more. "He's making you give me back."
Severus jolted from his chair, moving to kneel before the tiny first year. "Never, Harry. No one could ever make me give you to those monsters."
"They can't?"
Severus gathered the child to him, stroking his hair. "No, they can't. You'll be staying with me indefinitely."
Harry squirmed, and Severus allowed the child to turn, his face looking at him searchingly. "Okay, sir."
Severus doubted that was what the boy had wanted to say, but he would leave it alone for now. "I told him about the guardianship, and with him now aware, I wanted to inquire about your thoughts on telling the student body?"
The boy ducked his head, and Severus found himself worried. "You would be okay with all of them knowing."
Severus could see the blush covering the child's face, and it endeared him to know the child was just as worried as Severus, which he should have known given the boy's insecurities. "I would be proud for everyone to know, and well, it would allow parent teacher conferences to go much smoother if I can have them in the staff room."
The boy chuckled, even though his face showed his fear of the event. Severus would not lie to the child and say he would not be a taskmaster regarding school work, but Severus himself was a scholar. His own child would be passable in any class or at least hardworking.
"We could be nice to each other in class, and I wouldn't have to have Malfoy acting like he was holding it over me."
Severus nodded, his hand smoothing the messy hair again. "Yes. Which will benefit our holiday plans as well. So is that a yes, Harry?"
"Yes, please, sir. But, how will we tell everyone?"
"I do not think either of us want to announce it to the hall so brazenly…"
The boy shook his head avidly, and Severus smirked. "No, which of your schoolmates in Gryffindor is the gossip?"
Severus watched the boy's face scrunch. "Lavender Brown and Pavarti Patil."
Severus had noticed the little… They were very prone to speaking in his class, snickering and giggling. It was grating, but they would be useful. Pansy Parkinson was also to be a counterpart from Slytherin to spread the story. Severus would have to contemplate how they would break the news during one of their classes.
"I will think it over Harry and inform you of the plan. Is that suitable?"
"Yes, sir. I don't really mind so long as it isn't in front of the whole school."
Severus inclined his head and gestured to the ingredients the boy had been preparing. "Bottle those and label them with the preparation techniques while I finish up some paperwork. We will go to dinner after this, so be sure to clean up your workstation and yourself."
The boy nodded, hopping from Severus's lap to go to his tasks. Severus allowed the quiet work of the boy to soothe his nerves while he finished the grading he had paused. He was looking forward to the boy getting to speak with Lucius tonight. Severus hated to feel this jittery over the two meeting in a more social setting. Severus wanted two of the most important figures in his life to get along. He had already seen what the counter could do to a budding relationship, and while he and Lucius had worked through their issues after Draco's upset, they were still only together officially for two years.
Worrying would do him no favours. Besides, Harry was the most agreeable child to ever walk the planet—worryingly so, if Severus were honest with himself—but being aware of it, Severus was going to be sure the child did not get taken advantage of—even if their lessons on not being so trusting and unguarded had been a wash.
"Done, sir!"
Severus was startled out of his reverie by the tiny first year grinning beside him, his hair and glasses askew. The boy had certainly washed up, but he was dripping water. Severus snorted, taking a few seconds to conjure a cloth to wipe off the boy's arms. The child's grin turned sharply into open-mouthed wonder as he watched Severus clean him off. Severus did not let the flux of emotions running through the boy and subsequently affecting Severus stop him in his motions. He sorted the boy's glasses, using a handkerchief to wipe some smudges, and conjured a comb to run through the messy locks. The overcome child seemed to take in every movement with awe written over his face.
Severus finished, his throat tight at the slight tears in the child's eyes—blasted potion fumes were affecting them both. "Shall we move to our quarters, Harry? I think a change of clothes before dinner might be in order."
The boy nodded and followed obediently to the corridor and then to the portrait of their quarters. Salazar was a well-kept secret as he was in his animagus form, but the founder could shift at will to his human form. It was the mark of being a good Head of Slytherin house if Salazar introduced himself to you. Severus suspected Slughorn never got the pleasure.
Severus stopped before the portrait, hoping that the snake would change into the form of a person but willing to introduce Harry either way. "Harry, this is Salazar. He is the portrait of our quarters, and I apologise for not introducing you earlier. The password, as you might have heard before, is bezoar, but in cases of emergency, I will make sure Salazar lets you in immediately. Understood?"
The boy nodded and walked closer to the portrait. Severus was sure the sunshine child would introduce himself to the snake, but he was confounded when, instead of English, he heard the boy speak Parseltongue. The tiny hisses sounded less sibilant when coming from the child, but the lingering feelings caused gooseflesh to pepper his arms and a shiver to crawl up his spine.
Severus took a few moments while the boy chatted cheerfully to the snake to settle himself. He did not want to scare the boy, but they would clearly need to discuss his ability and promote caution when using it. Otherwise, people would likely treat the child like a leper, and Severus would not allow the shy, abused boy to be further alienated by the school populace.
"Harry." The boy peered back at him, his face guarded enough for Severus to think about his tone. "I apologise, Harry, I just wondered if you knew you were speaking Parseltongue?"
The boy cocked his head and looked back at the snake. "I was just talking to him, sir… I thought it was English?"
Severus shook his head and gestured for Salazar to open the door. The snake shifted rather than do his job and looked down at the gaping eleven-year-old with a smirk. Severus rolled his eyes, setting up wards around them without a word from the founder, as it seemed he wanted to be part of the conversation. The pre-teen looked shocked to see the snake turn into a human, but McGonagall had likely done her trick by now so that he was not too confused.
"You're an animagus!"
"Yes, Little Snake."
The boy was beaming until he frowned. "I'm not a snake… I was supposed to be, but I told the hat no."
The man cocked his head while Severus felt his world turn on its head. He had noted the boy's cunning, his ambition to earn praise and be well-liked, but he never suspected the boy might be in his House. "Ah, what made you say that, Little Snake?"
The boy frowned more. "Hagrid and Ron both said that Voldemort and all the bad wizards were from Slytherin, and I didn't want to be considered bad anymore. Worse though was Draco Malfoy, who made fun of Ron on the train and acted a lot like my spoiled cousin."
The founder nodded while peeking over the boy's head to Severus, who was redder in the face at the blatant smearing of his House. The boy was not to blame, but he would need to correct some misconceptions. It was the majority thought on Slytherin, but how were they to know the wizarding world's history when the one who taught only covered the Goblin Wars.
"They are not where all bad wizards come from, Harry, and I will make sure you learn about the others in our lessons. Maybe you can take what you learn to your study group?"
The boy beamed a smile at him, which always confused Severus when it was caused by him offering to teach the boy more than his normal school hours. "That would be brilliant, sir! I'm still glad I didn't end up in Malfoy's dorm. He might have hurt my things. I'd never had things before, and now, I really don't want anyone to hurt them."
Severus took note of that insecurity and made a reminder to himself to keep the boy's room locked from the younger Malfoy. Harry was spot on when he theorised the terror would hurt his possessions as that was the only object the little blonde understood. Harry deserved his privacy and safety after a lifetime of neither. "I am glad you are happy with your placement, Harry. Now, back to the topic at hand, you were speaking Parseltongue. Has that ever happened before?"
The boy's tongue poked out as he concentrated on the question, and Severus felt his chest pains again—he may need to see Poppy if this kept up. "I think when I would garden, but I just thought that was all made up in my head. And well, that time at the zoo too that I mentioned. When I let the snake out, it said thanks. And before that, I was talking to it, and it was nodding like it understood me."
Severus nodded, bending down to kneel before the boy. "This is a gift called Parseltongue, and it is very rare to be found nowadays. However, the most recent person known to have this gift was the Dark Lord."
The boy's eyes widened, and Severus was in perfect view to watch him go through his emotions of shock and trepidation. "Is… Is this a bad gift?"
"No, Little Snake. I believe your father is just trying to warn you of the reactions of the greater wizarding world should you use this gift in public."
Severus felt like he had been smacked. Father—what was Salazar playing at. The man had to know Harry was his ward. The boy was probably disgusted at the suggestion, but Harry was too polite to say so. Severus looked into the vivid green eyes to see the boy more guarded than usual. Severus wished to legilimize the child, but he knew how unsavoury that would be without permission. He would have to wait to hear what he had to say.
"Oh. So, it's not bad, but I should probably keep it a secret."
Severus was unexpectedly surprised. Maybe the boy had not heard Salazar—which, while unlikely, was preferable. Severus was also willing to act like he had not heard the man say something wildly untrue. Severus did not know if he would ever deserve the title of father, let alone to a child so courageous, just, and wonderful as Harry. Even Draco, who Severus had been around since he was born, would likely only ever see him as his Uncle, Godfather, or the trollop who broke up his parent's marriage. Severus had no idea why he was even thinking about this when the boy was standing there waiting for him to speak.
"Sorry, Harry. I was… Yes, a secret would be beneficial. I only worry how people will treat you with the knowledge that the history of Parseltongue is so unsavory. However, there is nothing evil about being able to talk to snakes. You are not bad for doing it, and it may help to practice with Salazar so that you do not do it accidentally."
The boy beamed, turning quickly to the portrait in his excitement. "Would you help me practice, Mr. Slytherin? Please?"
Severus felt his heart melt and pool in his stomach. The child was too kind for this world, and Severus wanted him to keep that innocence for as long as he was able. It would not make up for the childhood he lost with those monsters, but the boy was only eleven and could remain a child for a few more years.
"Of course, Little Snake. I will use the portrait in the office to join you in some of your lessons. It has been so long since I had someone to converse with in the snake tongue. Was I rusty?"
The boy giggled and shook his head. "You sounded fine to me, sir."
Severus was more shocked to see the portrait smile down at the child, which was the first time he had seen the man smile as he was usually glowering, smirking, or frowning. "That is very good, Little Snake. Well, I see you are coming from your detention and will need to wash up for dinner. I will speak with you more later, child."
The portrait popped open without another word, and Severus let the buoyant boy bounce his way to the bath. Severus shut the door back and glowered at the darker-skinned man. "What were you thinking?"
The man cocked a brow at Severus, and he had a feeling his mannerisms were being mocked by the founder. "To what are you referring?"
Severus growled, his hand shooting to run through his hair. "You called me Harry's father! You know he is my ward! What were you thinking? He was probably disgusted! You might jeopardise my relationship with him!"
The portrait no longer looked smug, his mouth pulling down at the edges. "Severus, he was not disgusted. He looked like he was waiting for you to yell at me, not like he disagreed with the moniker."
"Moniker! As if that was all it was? Father and guardian are not the same, and you very well know it! Harry and I have only been at this a month! If you scare him away…"
The man's jaw firmed. "He won't be scared away, Severus. I apologise for making these insecurities of yours overrun you, but you are acting like a mad man for no reason."
Severus growled. "Open the bloody door, Salazar."
The portrait must have noted it was a lost cause as the portrait hole was in front of him. Luckily, Harry was not in the sitting room to see his face still clouded with anger, and Severus knew he would need to temper his emotions before he saw the boy. He took the time the boy was washing up to take a shower himself, the steam and pounding pressure doing much to tame his anger with the portrait. By the time he was dressed in his more casual turtleneck and slacks, he was much more centred emotionally.
Severus went to the sitting room to wait for Lucius. He was sure Harry was already getting to his homework assignments in his room and the supplements Severus had assigned. The moment was enjoyable, as it was one of the few quiet times Severus had had in days. He was not upset with how his time had been spent or the company of those who took up that time.
The quiet was broken by the whoosh of the floo and a smiling Lucius entering. Severus smirked, standing from his chair to meet his partner. They greeted each other with a kiss, and Severus happily sat on the sofa with the man to speak about their days for a moment. Lucius gave a recount of his time at the ministry, the usual gossip he received from Margaret in the Minister's cabinet, and the Wizagmont review. Severus also detailed his day, focusing mainly on the talks with Harry. There was more he wanted to discuss regarding the day, but little ears were bound to come out of their room at any time.
"I'll have to work extra hard to outdo you with his room at the manor."
Severus rolled his eyes at the competitive blonde but also felt a stir at the challenge. "You can try as you might, Lucius, but no one gets to give Harry his first bedroom. Somehow, I think that will triumph over any monetary trinkets you try to throw at the child."
The other man smirked and pulled him in for another kiss. "Undoubtedly," he spoke into his lips.
Severus shivered at the sensation and drew back to see the peacock smirking at him. Severus glowered, but it likely had little effect. "So you conceded?"
The man scoffed. "Never. Prepare for the fight of your life, Snape."
Severus smirked at the man's bravado. "Bring it on, Malfoy."
The tension may have been getting too taunt, but luckily, Harry burst into the room at that moment, waving an essay overhead. Severus and Lucius put a few more centimetres between them, and the child slowed to a stop, looking between them curiously. "Oh. Um… Hi, Mr. Malfoy."
As much as Severus wanted to take over and help them along, he was aware it best they did this themselves. So, he sat back to watch his partner smile at the boy—definitely not his ministry smile, but the one reserved for family. It made something press against the inside of Severus's ribcage to see. "Hello, Harry. It is nice to see you again, but please, call me Lucius, if you do not mind."
The boy smiled shyly and nodded, his lip perilously close to his teeth. Severus cleared his throat and nodded at the action, making the boy flush with pinched lips—Adorable. "It's nice to see you again, L-lucius. Are you here to see my Professor?"
Severus was silently happy to hear the possessive of his title. It was one moniker he hoped the boy never grew out of as it was the first thing Harry had used to dub their relationship as special. "Well, I was more hoping to spend time with you, Harry. I had hoped we could get to know one another better."
The boy snapped his wide eyes to Severus, and he smirked at the boy. He had already informed Harry that Lucius wanted to get to know him, but the boy had not believed him fully. The slight confirmation made the bounce from before return, his messy, wet hair falling closer to his eyes—the boy might need a haircut. "U-uh, y-yes. That… Do you want to see my room? It's super cool and special, and my Professor made it just for me."
Lucius regarded the boy with an indulgent smile and stood to follow the boy back to his room. Severus took the time that Lucius was gathering intel to call for their dinner from the house elves. The chattering, while loud, was soothing to Severus in a way he had never expected. To hear the boy boasting about something so simple as a room made for him was both sad and heart-warming. The aching in his chest was back, but Severus chose to chalk it up to hunger or cancer.
The two joined him at the kitchen table—Lucius smiling down at the boy with adoration. Harry was beaming at Severus, and he found himself smiling brighter from the attention. They took their seats around the round table, and Severus immediately started dishing food onto Harry's plate. He was aware the child thought he was meant to go last, and rather than continue to beat a dead horse, he had started plating the boy's food before his own.
"Thank you," the boy whispered once Severus had finished.
Severus inclined his head, but his focus was taken by the attentive look Lucius had levelled on him. The man looked enthralled, but Severus had no idea what actions could cause the man to look so affectionate. They didn't say as much at dinner—not the adults. To counter his previous experiences and help the child to open up more, the two prompted Harry to speak about his day, his classes, and his friends.
Lucius steered some of the conversation to likes and dislikes—Severus saw right through him but did not wish to sabotage him so early in their competition. The boy was uncharacteristically a chatterbox, which was warming to see. Severus knew he was not the best conversationalist and welcomed Lucius's expertise in promoting Harry to be less timid. The man was a wonder with words and had the attitude to open anyone up to a chat.
Once they had finished dinner, Severus sent Harry to the sitting room to call for hot drinks and some dessert. Lucius took that moment to pepper him with affection, holding him from behind while Severus washed up. It was unnecessary due to the house elves, but Severus liked to be self-sufficient when he could. Lucius was aware of this and took advantage of the moment to get in his tactile needs while Severus was occupied.
Severus finished, dislodging his person from the limpet blonde and carting them both to join the small child waiting with hot chocolate and treacle tart. Severus sat in his armchair, Lucius taking the one aside from him and directly across from the sofa. Harry was too busy devouring his favourite dessert to continue his chatter, but Lucius filled it in by speaking about the bores of the ministry with Harry.
The boy was attentive and asked questions. Severus was happy to allow Lucius to give the boy a more in-depth understanding of their government, as Severus found it tedious on his best days and abhorrent on his worst. The boy was a great student, and Severus was relaxed enough to slump into his seat and listen to his love's tones and his child's responding chatter. The slight closing of his eyes and exhaustion in his posture were expected.
Severus was not shaken when a yawning Harry crawled onto his lap an undetermined amount of time later, slotting himself masterfully into the crook of Severus's neck. Severus's hand immediately went to cup the boy's head, carding through messy locks and detangling any knots from the boy's poor combing habits. The sound of a camera going off made his face flush, but he still kept his eyes closed to enjoy the quietness and closeness of the sleeping boy.
It might have been an hour or only several minutes later that Lucius shook his shoulder. Severus sighed lightly, trying not to disturb the sleeping child. He gathered the child close and stood with the too light boy held tightly to him. Lucius was also there, but Severus's light dose had done him well, waking him enough to cart the boy to his room and settle him under his covers. The tucking in of said boy and slotting the stuffed snake in his arms when he whined was irrelevant to the smile blooming softly over his features. He smoothed the messy locks back from the boy's eyes and lightly kissed them before turning on his heel and exiting as quietly as possible.
Severus found his partner on the sofa, a blanket draped across his lap and a welcoming arm thrown open to welcome Severus into his side. Severus snorted, pulling a pillow to his lap and gesturing for the blonde to lie down. The blonde flushed but followed instructions easily. While not tactile enough to be cuddled up to the man's side, Severus was very content to give his hands something to focus on by having the man in his lap. His hands were quick to work through the blonde tresses, carding and tangling into the stands and scratching at the man's scalp. Soft sighs and gentle moans accompanied his actions, and Severus smirked in triumph at his ability to pull those noises from the normally stiff pureblood.
"Are you still awake, love?"
"Yes, I dare not sleep and miss more of this, dear one."
"Shall I save our discussion for a later time?"
The man hummed and tilted his face to look at Severus searchingly. "Cliff notes, dear one."
Severus chuckled but conceded. "I informed Albus of my guardianship and have decided with Harry to go public with the information. However, as both of us like our privacy, we have decided to use the gossip mongers. Harry has headaches in Quirrell's class which I believe are nefarious in nature. We need to discuss what we will do going forward in regards to Quirrell. I discussed the holidays with Harry, and he agreed to be around Draco. We can discuss specifics and contingencies later. That should be everything pressing."
The man nodded, a slight pinch to his brow. Severus kissed him there and used his hands to smooth it out. "Worrying is for tomorrow, Lucius. For now, shall we move to the bedroom?"
The grin was uncharacteristic of Lucius around anyone but Severus. "Yes, let's."