Leaning back against the wall in a corner of the headmaster's office, Severus frowned as an auror administered the antidote to the Veritaserum Black had taken. The auror spoke softly to Albus before gathering up the collected evidence against Peter Pettigrew and taking his leave through the floo. Severus had been forced to stay around to give his side of events in a separate office before he returned to see how things were progressing with Black's interrogation. He couldn't say he was pleased that Black wasn't being dragged through the floo in handcuffs with the auror, though Black's face at the auror's orders to lay low and stay out of public eye a while longer made up for that.

When it was just Black, Albus, and Severus in the room, Black immediately turned to Albus.

"I want to see Harry," Black said. "If that's okay with you . . ."

"It's not the headmaster you should be asking," Severus snapped.

"What are you talking about, Snape?" Black fired back. "Albus has . . ."

"Absolutely no say in who may visit my son," Severus said. If there was anytime to inform Black of his relationship with Harry, now would be the time. "And I do not give you permission."

"Severus," Albus started to say.

"You're hilarious, Snape," Black said.

"Oh, this is no joke," Severus said. "I adopted Harry in his first year at Hogwarts. Of course, due to the sensitive nature of both parties involved, we could never publicly announce it, but Harry is my son, and what I say regarding his health and safety goes. And that includes denying you visiting rights."

"He's joking!" Black looked at Albus, and his face visibly fell at Albus's serious look. "No, no. Harry would have never agreed to something like this—he was probably forced into the adoption. Held against his will."

"Yes," Severus agreed nonchalantly, "he was under the imperius when he signed the papers."

"He probably locks him up somewhere dark and cold, so he doesn't have to deal with him."

"Every night."

"I bet you beat him!" Black nearly shouted, turning to glare at Severus.

"Within an inch of his life." Severus fought against a smirk.

"Severus," Albus scolded, "that's enough goading."

"What happened to living with his muggle relatives?" Black asked.

"They were not a good fit, Sirius," Albus answered honestly. "Severus stepped up for Harry when no one else had, and they have a very good relationship. Harry is happy with Severus."

"How can you be so sure? Clearly, Snape hasn't changed one hair on his head. This isn't what's best for Harry—he belongs with me. I was supposed to fill that roll for him when his parents died. I have to make this right. For him."

"I'm sure," Severus said, "that disrupting his life by challenging my adoption of him will do Harry a world of good."

"I'm afraid Severus is right," Albus said. "Harry is settled with Severus, and I do not feel he will be interested in changing his mind about his custodianship anytime soon. Any visitation with Harry will have to be approved by Severus, who I'm sure will be fair and understanding in your wish to get to know your godson."

Severus rolled his eyes at Albus's pointed look.

"And in the meantime, you must keep a low profile while the Ministry clears your name. Even when the statement is announced, there will be those that doubt its validity and stir up trouble. You need to find someplace to settle and get yourself acquainted with living among wizard society, that is your main priority. Getting to know Harry and spending time with him can be fit into that schedule."

Black's head was bowed and his face taut while his eyes swirled with dark emotions.

"It was supposed to be me," Black whispered.

"But it wasn't you," Albus said matter-of-factly. "And Harry is happy where he is. Now you can live with that and be a part of Harry's life in a way that keeps you both safe, or you can resent that and push Harry away by fighting Severus's custody."

Severus was not in a good mood when he left the headmaster's office. Spending the night going over every detail of what happened that evening with the auror had been draining and painstakingly slow and boring as the auror made sure he had every detail right. It was a shame Lupin couldn't have contributed his half as he had been stuck in his wolfish form until early this morning, though the auror did ask that Lupin report to the auror department to give his statement. Surely Lupin was on his way there now while Black and Albus had a private conversation in the headmaster's office.

That left Severus to check in on his son. Per Poppy, Harry had drained his energy casting the patronus charm that saved his godfather from certain death. He had inadvertently thrown every last bit of his strength into the spell, which was why he passed out and remained comatose through the night. Harry was still asleep as Severus entered the infirmary and approached Harry's bed.

Transfiguring a pillow into a chair, Severus sat down and watched Harry breath, contemplating Black's request to see Harry before he left Hogwarts that day to return to his old family home. He had said yes to a visit so long as Harry was alert and agreed to seeing Black in return, though he couldn't fathom Harry saying no. In all honesty, he was a bit worried about how much Harry may bond with Black and what that may do to their own relationship.

Harry stirred, his head turning away from the window where sunlight streamed into the room, and he slowly blinked his eyes open.

Severus gently rested a hand over Harry's forehead, checking for any fever, then brushed his hand back over Harry's hair. Harry smiled at him as he stretched before reaching around the nearby table for his glasses. Severus picked them up and handed them to Harry.

"How are you feeling?" Severus asked.

"I feel fine," Harry answered as he put his glasses on. His eyes widened as he recalled last night's events and he gasped and looked at his father. "Where's Sirius? Is he okay?"

Annoyance flickered within Severus, but he kept it out of his tone of voice as he said, "Black is alive and currently speaking with the headmaster. Are you sure there is no lingering pain? No headache? You used up every bit of your strength last night."

"No, I'm okay," Harry said. "What about Remus? And Hermione and Ron, are they okay? Can I see them?"

"Your friends were healed of their minor injuries last night and sent on their way to bed after questioning. I'm sure they plan on sleeping in. Lupin is most likely human again and on his way to the Ministry to discuss the events of last night. I was awake all night putting together the details of Pettigrew's escape and confirming memories along with Black and the headmaster. We've all had a long night."

"Sorry," Harry said with a wince. "You don't have to check on me if you'd rather catch up on sleep or . . ."

"You're misunderstanding me," Severus said. "I am merely informing you that visiting anyone at the moment may be difficult. As for Black, he has requested permission to see you before he leaves the castle tonight, and if it is alright with you, he may do so in our quarters."

"That would be great," Harry said with a small smile. "Does that mean I can leave the infirmary? Maybe have some breakfast? I am a bit hungry."

"I can imagine. I will find Madam Pomfrey." Severus stood up, then paused. "Ah, yes, one more thing."

Severus leaned over Harry and pointed a stern finger at his son. Harry sank back into the headboard, the smile on his face dropping quickly.

"The next time," Severus scolded in a low tone, "you have the audacity to point your wand at me, it better be a life-or-death situation, or I will smack you into next week where we stand in front of whoever is around at the time, is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," Harry answered quickly, the tips of his ears turning red. Harry frowned then asked, "Wait, what kind of life-or-death situation? When would something like that ever happen?"

"Hopefully, it never does."

The summer moved swiftly, and Peter Pettigrew remained at large. Severus heard little from acquaintances about any movement toward bringing back the Dark Lord, and he supposed that was a good sign. Besides, he had other worries to deal with at home, such as a smart mouthed teenager and a mangy godfather demanding visit after visit. Usually, Black came over to their small house and spent time with Harry walking through town or chatting at the small café across from the library. Only once had Severus been talked into allowing Harry to go to Black's residence. It had involved Black, Harry, Freddy, and Albus all having a few words with Severus on giving Black a chance to prove himself a responsible adult. In the end, the visit had gone well if Harry's smiles were anything to go by.

Which aggravated a nerve in Severus. He knew he shouldn't be so resentful of Black's relationship with Harry, but he couldn't help the growing jealousy. He was thankful when Black did not floo call his house for nearly a week in the middle of July, giving him some peace of mind and some time alone with Harry.

"I can't believe Remus isn't going to teach this year," Harry said as he picked through his lunch. "Why did he have to go and resign?"

"I've told you," Severus said from behind the Daily Prophet, "he felt that the incident at the end of last year was too close of a call. He forgot his potion, and had I not hand delivered it to him, who knows what chaos may have ensued. He doesn't want to risk anything happening this year."

"That's a stupid reason," Harry grumbled. "He was the best teacher we ever had for that class."

"The headmaster will find another, I'm sure."

"Won't be as good as Remus," Harry mumbled again.

Severus lowered his paper and gave his son an annoyed look, but Harry was digging through his greens on his plate, oblivious to Severus's look, or simply ignoring it. Severus cleared his throat.

"If you are quite finished making a mess of your salad, you are excused."

"Actually," Harry said as he set his fork down, "I did want to ask something."

"Go ahead," Severus said, returning some of his attention to the paper. He hoped it wasn't a request for another visit with Black. He was really enjoying the break from all that nonsense.

"At the book club today, one of the kids announced he was having a party at his place tonight, and I was wondering if I could go."

"A party, hmm?" That was not the question he had been expecting. "What kind of a party?"

"I don't know. He said just his friends from book club and then a few from school."

"And his parents will be hosting?"

"Actually, he said his parents were out of town for the night on business."

Red flags flashed before Severus's eyes, and he lowered the paper completely to give his son an unsure look.

"How old is this kid exactly?"

"It's Liam. He's fifteen, I think."

"And he's been a regular member of your book club?"

"Well, no, he joined this summer. After Hailey and Emma joined the club."

"Naturally. I do not feel comfortable with you attending this party."

"Why not? Giovanna's going. Her dad already said it was okay when he picked us up from the library."

"What Mr. Bassani allows his daughter to do is his prerogative, but you are mine, and I do not think it would be wise for you to go to some unsupervised party run by a bunch of teenagers. I am no fool to think that alcohol or even drugs won't be present, and with a mix of boys and girls—absolutely not."

"That's not fair! Everyone else is going."

"I doubt that."

"Liam said there won't be much, just snacks and music and maybe some games. It's more like a hang out than a party. You know Giovanna's parents would never let her do something they thought wasn't safe."

"You're not going, Harry. Now stop pestering. I've said no."

"Sirius would let me go, I bet," Harry mumbled under his breath.

That did it. Severus slammed a hand down heavily on the table, creating a resounding smack that made Harry jump in his seat. Severus pointed a stern finger at his son.

"Go to your room," Severus demanded. "Now."

Harry shoved his chair back as he stood up with a glare before he stomped his feet as heavily as he dared to his room.

"Slam that door and I swear—" Severus shouted after him but he was interrupted by the slamming door, and he growled under his breath as he stood up himself and headed for his son's room.

The doorbell rang, and Severus paused, staring at his son's bedroom door for a minute before he turned and walked over to the front door, peering through the door viewer to see who was outside. He blinked, then pinched the bridge of his nose before he took a deep breath and opened the door.

Carys Cardiff, the director of Solaris Family Services, greeted Severus with a smile, a clipboard cradled to her chest.

"Hello, Mr. Snape," Carys said. "I'm here for your yearly follow up. How are things going?"

"It's not a great time, really, but with a teenager in the house, when is?"

Carys laughed and nodded her head in understanding.

"I hear you. My nieces are trying their best to burn the house down while I'm gone, but hopefully it'll be standing when I get back. May I come in?"

"Of course," Severus stepped aside and allowed Carys to enter the house, and she scanned the living room with her eyes before pulling out her wand and performing a few spells. She nodded her head and checked off a box. Severus watched her for a moment, used to the routine of her visits.

"All clear here," Carys said. "Let's check the kitchen."

Carys walked into the kitchen and cast a few spells with her wand before she manually opened the cupboards and pantry, scanning the back walls with her wand. She then checked the fridge, scanning with her wand while moving items around with her free hand. She checked off a few boxes on her list before turning to Severus.

"All looking good so far. So, tell me, what is going on with Harry today?"

"He wants to go to a party where parents are conveniently not present."

"I see. One of the many dilemmas parents face with their teen children. Parties: to go or not to go?" Carys scanned the bathroom briefly before glancing in the mirror cabinet.

"What would you do in this situation?" Severus asked.

"I have girls. My answer is no, of course." Carys allowed Severus to lead the way to his bedroom and adjacent potions lab, where she scanned the walls and every shelf, nook, and cranny. "But my girls are learning about what could be present at parties like that and they have shown me time and time again that they are not easily persuaded by peer pressure. I suppose if my oldest insisted and she promised me to keep away from the alcohol and drugs, I might let her prove to me that she can be trusted in such situations."

"And if she fails?"

"Such is life," Carys said. "We must learn somehow. And our mistakes are often the most memorable lessons we learn from. If she failed and had a few drinks or got into a spot of trouble, at least I would know how to answer the next time she wanted to go to a party."

Severus hmphed agreeably at that while Carys checked the bed and the drawer of his nightside table. She paused at the sight of all the sobriety coins in the drawer. She smiled as she closed the drawer and made another checkmark.

"I'm afraid there's one room left I have to look in," Carys said.

"Must you?" Severus said. "Who on earth uses their kid's room as a hiding place for alcohol?"

"You be surprised."

Severus sighed as he walked up to his son's bedroom door and knocked firmly.

"Harry," Severus called out. "Carys is here. She needs to check your room."

There was silence for a few seconds before he door clicked open, but instead of holding it open like a respectable gentleman, Harry retreated back to his bed, sitting down and waiting. Severus resisted rolling his eyes as he pushed his son's bedroom door open and allowed Carys to enter. Severus leaned against the doorframe and watched Carys.

"Pardon my intrusion, Harry," Carys said, her wand out and already scanning the walls. She walked toward Harry's closet and allowed her wand to scan the inside.

"There's nothing in here," Harry said in a tired tone.

"I know. I must check anyway."

"It's stupid," Harry said. "Why do you have to check up on us anyway? It's the same every year. We're fine."

"Harry," Severus scolded, glaring at his son.

"Protocols, I'm afraid," Carys said. She slowly approached the bed, pausing next to it, then said, "I will need you to stand up for the spell, if you don't mind. Your presence is enough to block its signal."

"I do mind," Harry said. "I'm not hiding anything. You can mark that off on your clipboard."

"Harry James," Severus scolded once more. "Stand up and let Carys do her job."

Harry sighed irritably as he stood up and crossed his arms, glaring at Carys while she scanned his bed, checking under and within its structure at the same time.

"All clear," Carys said. "Thank you, Harry."

"Told you," Harry said as he plopped down on his bed once more.

Severus was tempted to smack Harry then and there, but he refrained as Carys walked past him, gesturing for Severus to follow her. Severus left his son's room, leaving the door open this time as he followed Carys to his living room. He closed his eyes and grinded his teeth when he heard Harry's door slam shut once again.

"Someone is prickly today," Carys commented.

"My apologies for his behavior," Severus said. "He's taking "no" pretty hard right now."

"No need to apologize. I completely understand and I do not envy your position right now. However, you did pass your check up, once again, so congratulations. I'm pleased to say that this was a final check-in for you to make sure you've remained sober, and it looks like you are doing really well. I'm sure Harry will be pleased to know that we will be seeing less of each other, if at all."

"He's about to be very unpleased in a moment," Severus said.

"Well, I'm pleased that you've stayed true to your word, Mr. Snape. There are very few who've managed to prove me wrong about people never changing."

Severus felt a small swell of pride in his chest as he bid Carys goodbye and shut the door behind her, but the feeling faded quickly as he turned around and headed for Harry's room at a brisk pace, throwing his son's door open, startling Harry, who was lying down on his bed. Harry had the good sense to look apprehensive and sit up slightly, but Severus was towering over him in a split second.

"How dare you," Severus snarled. He grabbed Harry's arm, rolled his son over, then pinned him down on the bed with a hand on his back and lit into his rear end, raining down smack after smack while Harry yelped and squirmed on the bed in an attempt to avoid the smacks.

"I have never been more appalled by your behavior," Severus continued. "Disrespectful, rude, defiant—I will not stand for that."

"Ow! Dad, stop, I'm sorry!"

"There is never any reason to treat our guests with such flippant, confrontational attitude. I better not catch you doing that again or you will face far worse consequences the next time. Is that clear, young man?"

"Yes, it's clear." Harry hissed at a particularly hard smack, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Please, I'm sorry."

Severus smacked Harry a few more times before he released his son. Harry slowly turned over, hissing slightly as he did so. He sat up on his bed, leaning back against the headboard. Severus sat down on the edge of Harry's bed and gave his son a disappointed look.

"Why would you treat Carys like that?" Severus asked. "I understand you are upset with me, but she did not deserve your lip."

"I don't know," Harry said softly, wiping his eyes. "I was just annoyed that she was here again."

"We haven't seen her in a year."

"I know, it's just . . . why she comes. What it all means. I know you haven't . . . you know, but if she finds something she doesn't like, she can end this all and take me away."

"You know she only comes to check in on how we are doing. There has never been a time she's considered anything other than my old habits to be cause for your removal."

"I know."

Harry didn't say anything else so Severus continued.

"She was quite pleased with her visit today, despite your behavior. This may have been the last visit from her."

"Really?" Harry asked.

"Yes. If you had simply been patient and understanding with her performing her job, she may have informed you of that herself. You don't have to worry about her finding anything now as she will not be back around. I hope that alleviates your worry over those visits we had with her."

Harry looked down at his knees, drumming his fingers against them slowly.

"It kind of does," Harry confessed. "Can I be honest about something?"

"Always," Severus said, frowning slightly at his son.

"I know you don't like Sirius," Harry said, "but he was supposed to be my guardian when my parents died. He told me that he was a mess when my parents died and he sought revenge instead of sticking around and making sure I ended up in a good home. If he hadn't gone after Pettigrew, maybe I never would have even known the Dursleys."

Severus gave his son a sad look. Honestly, it would have been better if Black had taken Harry all those years ago, as much as Severus didn't want to admit it. Anything was better than living with those awful relatives Harry had been forced to stay with. Severus would have preferred a spoiled Harry over an abused one any day.

"Sometimes I think about how different my life could have been if I had been raised by Sirius from the start." Harry wiped his eyes again. "Not that you haven't been a great dad, but . . ."

"I know," Severus said honestly. Even though hearing it from Harry's mouth stung a bit, he could understand the temptation. The dream of what could have been. "But it does not do anyone any good dwelling on what-ifs. In doing so, we often forget about what we have in the present."

They were both silent for a moment before Harry spoke up.

"I'm sorry about how I acted," Harry said, "over the party and when Carys was here."

"You are forgiven," Severus said.

"You're not changing your mind about the party, though, huh?"

"I am not."

Harry sighed but nodded his head.

"Perhaps, when you are a bit older, we can revisit the subject of you attending parties like this one," Severus said, surprising Harry, who's eyes widened.

"I'm almost fourteen," Harry said.

"Exactly," Severus said as he stood up. "And in another year, I'll have plenty of time to talk to you about underage drinking, drugs, and the birds and the bees."

Harry's face reddened.

"On second thought, muggle parties don't sound like that much fun," he said.

Severus snorted and ruffled his son's hair. At that moment, the doorbell rang again, and Severus was seriously considering blasting the wretched thing off his house. He left his son's room and made his way back to the front door, looking through the door viewer. He smiled, then called out, "Harry, it's for you."

Harry was frowning as he came out of his bedroom, glancing at his father who pretended to be more interested in the mail at the dining table. Harry looked through the door viewer, then smiled and opened the door.

"Hi, Harry," Giovanna said. She handed a card over to Harry. "For you."

"What is it?" Harry asked, opening the card and reading the inside.

"I'd hope that at your age, you would be able to read," Giovanna said, a smirk on her face.

Harry read what was on the inside of the card and he smiled.

"An invitation to your own party," Harry said. "What happened to the one Liam was having?"

"I decided I wasn't that interested in his party. Dad figured I'd back out of it. So, instead, we're going to have a party at my place. You and a few others from the book club. Mum and Dad will be home but they're letting me have the living room to myself. We'll have dinner, snacks, and maybe watch a movie, maybe an adaptation of one of the books we've read. It starts at four, so you have two hours to prepare. Don't be late."

"That sounds great," Harry said.
Severus agreed in his head, and he was glad that Giovanna's parents had the same thoughts as he did over this other party taking place without parental supervision. When Harry glanced back at him, he offered a small smile and nodded his head. Harry's own smile widened, and he looked back at Giovanna.

"I'll be there," Harry said.

Giovanna said goodbye and Harry closed the door, then ran over to Severus and hugged his father. Severus returned the hug, though he gave his son a curious look.

"I'm proud to have you as my dad," Harry said. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Severus felt his heart warm at those words, and every worry about Black that haunted him the last few weeks vanished. He placed a kiss on his son's temple.

"Neither would I," he said.