Severus Snape smoothed his tie as he checked his appearance in the mirror one last time. A fine tremor in his hand was the only outward sign of the nervousness he felt. The black Muggle suit was made of the finest Italian silk, the shirt startlingly white cotton. His boots gleamed; Severus was the very picture of wealth. His hand absently patted the left pocket, making sure he had the money.

Closing his eyes, Severus took a deep breath, Lily’s brilliant green eyes laughed at him. His Lily. The Lily he’d grown up with and had loved for so many years. The Lily who had come to him, seeking comfort when her husband was missing and presumed dead. The Lily who had secretly borne him a son and selflessly sacrificed herself to protect both him and Harry.

Be with me today, my sweet Lily. Severus sent a silent plea out. Today I will fulfill my vow to watch over and protect our son.

Retrieving a stack of legal documents from the table, Severus Apparated from his bedroom to the sitting room of a rented house on Privet Drive. Today he would achieve what had been denied him eight months before as Severus took legal custody of his son. In the aftermath of Godric’s Hollow, hundreds of wizarding families had petitioned to adopt The Boy Who Lived, as his son had been dubbed. Severus’ own claim of paternity had been disallowed without consideration when Albus Dumbledore had decreed that Harry was safest with his mother’s last living relative. Severus had been forced to agree, with no other option, and had made a vow of protection to the Headmaster of Hogwarts, one as binding as his vow to Lily to always protect her son.

Rage flowed through him and Severus struggled to control it. He’d even resigned himself to the fact that he would not be able to get to know his child until the boy started at Hogwarts. That lasted until Severus had given in to the overwhelming desire to see his son. At the start of the Yule holidays, Severus had journeyed to Surrey just to get a glimpse of the toddler – just to make sure Harry was alright. He had spent three days watching Petunia’s house before he’d finally caught a glimpse of a pale, thin Harry.

Unkempt and dressed in worn, overlarge clothing, the toddler had been tethered to a pram with a leash. A pudgy pink baby of about the same age sat swaddled in blankets, screeching. Petunia had stopped abruptly as she pushed the pram towards a car sitting in the driveway, causing Harry to fall. Instead of helping his son up, Lily’s sister had simpered to her blob of a child, handing him a sweet. She cuffed Harry on the back of the head as she berated him for his clumsiness. Even more disturbing was the fact that the child had endured the abuse with barely a flinch, as if used to the ill-treatment.

Impotent fury had gripped Severus that afternoon. He knew the protections Dumbledore had placed on the house in Little Whinging prevented anyone from forcibly removing Harry from his relatives' care. It further prevented anyone from hurting Petunia or the obese pig of a husband as well. No, somehow Severus had to find a way to persuade the Dursleys to give Harry to him, without coercion or force.

Severus had spent his entire Yule formulating and initiating a plan of action. Disillusioned and undetected, he had spent hours watching the house on Privet Drive and its occupants. He concluded that he would need to deal with Vernon, as there was a slim chance that Petunia might recognize him as the boy his sister had befriended a dozen years before. It would not do to have her identify him as a wizard.

Pooling his money and selling the house at Spinners End had allowed Severus to buy a small cottage in Hogsmeade and make a sizable investment in Grunnings. An introduction to a fawning Vernon Dursley was easily arranged after that and the ensuing months had set the stage for today. A number of less than subtle comments from Severus that he was seeking to adopt a black-haired baby as an heir had brought only speculative glances and one leering smirk had almost got the idiot hexed. It was the mention of a sizable adoption fee that had prompted Dursley to immediately offer his nephew as a possible candidate. Insisting that it be done legally and permanently had cost Severus additional money.

Papers in hand, Severus settled his face into an impassive mask and walked briskly out of the house. The private adoption papers were signed and notarized, all Severus had to do was hand over the fee as he took custody of the child, a child advocate witnessing the transaction. Only a protest from Petunia could prevent him from taking his son today, and Severus was sure her relief to be rid of the boy would outweigh any objections. He doubted she had even read the paperwork, only signing where her husband directed her to – Lily would be rolling in her grave at the thought of her baby being ‘sold’!

The walk up the pathway seemed to take an inordinate amount of time and Severus’ nerves were jumping as he rang the bell. An idiotic smile creased the face and multiple chins of Vernon Dursley as he threw the door open.

“Mr. Snape! Jolly good to see you and right on time,” Dursley simpered, eyes estimating the value of Severus’ expensive suit as he ushered him in.

Petunia sat stiffly on a pristine couch, serving tea to an over-dressed, over-made-up matron from the local child protection service. A pudgy, blond toddler sat in a playpen to one side of the couch, the child stuffing himself with bite-sized pastries. Severus exchanged a quiet greeting with the advocate, who had sped the adoption through the channels. Ignoring Lily’s sister in much the same way as he’d done years before, Severus refused both a seat and a cuppa.

“Well then,” Dursley rubbed his hands together, the greed showing so clearly that it turned Severus’ stomach. “Shall we get on with it?”

“By all means,” Severus responded smoothly, sliding the fat envelope out of his pocket. “Fifty thousand pounds, as we agreed. Where is the boy?”

“Boy! Er, Harry! Come in here,” Dursley bellowed, making the advocate jump as his sausage-like fingers caressed the large parchment envelope bulging with bills.

Severus’ eyes feasted on the tiny child who silently materialized in the doorway. Dressed in some type of playsuit the color of mustard, the clothing at least appeared clean and well-fitting. Harry clutched a paper bag which must have held his possessions and stared at his feet. Handing the copy of the official paperwork over to the matron so that she could witness it, Severus slid it back into his pocket before turning towards Harry. His hand shook as Severus stopped just in front of the child and reached out to gently brush back his fringe.

Lifting his head slowly, Harry’s brilliant green eyes were full of caution and Severus could not resist stroking his cheek.

“Lily’s eyes,” Severus wasn’t aware he’d spoken out loud until he heard Petunia gasp.

“Severus?”

Glancing over his shoulder with a sneer, Severus could see the woman’s eyes widen with recognition. Deliberately turning his back on her, Severus turned back to Harry, crouching down until he was at eye-level with the child.

“Hello, son,” Severus said quietly, his voice rough-edged with emotion. “I have come to take you home with me, if that is alright?”

Harry didn’t even glance at his relatives before he gave a small nod, and allowed Severus to lift him into his arms. The toddler’s stiff body slowly relaxed as Severus held him against his chest. He waited a moment, expecting either Harry or the Dursleys to say something, but his son just stared at him like he was an apparition. Turning slightly, Severus nodded at the smiling matron, ignoring the look of loathing on Petunia’s face. He could see her husband send her a glare.

“Dursley.” Severus barely stopped a disgusted sneer as he looked at the man who had sold him his son. “We’ll show ourselves out.”

Stopping only to reposition the small bag, Severus strode from the house just as the lump in the playpen began shrieking. Down the path and across the street, Severus held his breath that the wards would activate as he cradled his precious treasure to his chest. Harry had relaxed enough to loop his arms around his father’s neck, never looking back at the only home he could possibly remember.

Into the house he had let for the rest of the week, and Severus shut and warded the door with a flick of his wand. Taking the stairs two at a time, Severus moved quickly to the master bedroom and set Harry down on the edge of the bed. Those green eyes were wide and uncertain as Severus took off his suit jacket and waistcoat, tossing them over a chair. He unbuttoned his shirt cuffs before kneeling beside the bed, the sharp prickle of tears stung his eyes as his son flinched away from him.

“I can assure you that you will never have to fear that I will strike you, Harry,” Severus said clearly, holding Harry’s gaze. “A father should not hit his child.”

Those beloved eyes narrowed with suspicion and Severus bit back a sigh. Well, he hadn’t expected to be immediately accepted by Harry. Slowly, Severus drew Harry closer and he couldn’t help but wonder how soon he could remove the charms Lily had cast on their son to alter his appearance. They were only going to be in this house long enough to get Harry comfortable with him and their new situation before moving to the cottage in Hogsmeade. Harry’s appearance needed to be changed before he was seen.

“Da…Daddy?” Harry’s voice sounded rusty, as if from lack of use.

Severus smiled at him. “Yes, Harry, Daddy’s here now and I’m going to take good care of you.”

He brushed a hand through the toddler’s soft hair, taking in the wary look in Harry’s eyes. “I know you’re confused and it is hard to explain, but I am here now and I will never leave you again. I promise, Harry, I will always be here.”

Untying one shoe and then the other, Severus dropped them to the floor as he continued to speak softly. “I am going to give you a bath and wash away every trace of those people. I have new clothes for you and you can even pick out what you want to wear, alright?”

Severus laid the child back and began to unbutton the playsuit, pulling it off his arms and shoulders first. As he maneuvered the garish fabric down, Severus was startled to find nothing underneath.

“Harry, where is your nappy?”

The child looked fearful. “No nappy. ‘Rys bad!”

Taking a deep breath Severus wondered how much damage had been done to this innocent child in the past eight months. He had feared this, had even studied several books on dealing with abused children, but it was different when reality slapped you in the face. Stripping off the offensive cloth, Severus stroked a hand down Harry’s arm.

“You are not a bad boy, Harry,” Severus told him quietly as he moved to remove his socks.

A purple mark along the outside edge of one thigh caught Severus’ eye and he swore under his breath. Harry’s eyes grew round as Severus reached to carefully run the tips of his fingers down one leg and then the other. Other bruises in various stages of healing littered the child’s skin and Severus gritted his teeth, knowing an outburst would only scare his son. Reaching into the special pocket along the side of his trousers, Severus pulled out his wand; only to have Harry cry out sharply and scramble to the head of the bed.
“No! ‘Rhys be good!! Please…” Harry rolled onto his stomach and covered his head with his arms, as if preparing for a blow.

The back of his child’s thighs bore additional bruises and several thin scars marred the soft flesh of his backside. Working to get his anger under control, Severus finished removing his shirt before moving up to sit next to Harry. Setting his wand beside him, he lifted the boy and turned him so that Harry lay against his chest. One hand supported his back as the other cupped Harry’s head. Severus waited until the small body relaxed against him, wondering how in the world to deal with the effects of this level of abuse. The books, both Muggle and wizarding, had all agreed that time and patience were key to getting Harry over the abuse and the fear.

“Harry,” Severus said in a quiet voice, “I want you to listen to me carefully. You are not a bad boy. Your aunt and uncle were bad to treat you so poorly, and I have already promised you that I will not hit you, remember?”

The small head gave a hesitant nod, lifting slightly from where Harry had buried his face in Severus’ chest. “Stick”

“This is not a stick, son,” Severus told him, tilting Harry back slightly and picking up his wand. “It is my wand and it allows me to do magic.”

Something akin to panic lit the emerald eyes. “No magic!”

Holding him steady, Severus brought his wand closer. “Yes, magic, Harry, something your aunt always hated. Your mum and I were able to do magic and your aunt didn’t like that.”

The child’s eyes regarded him solemnly. “No bad?”

“No, magic is not bad, little one,” Severus opened his hand, allowing his wand to balance on his palm. “Feel it, Harry, see if you can feel the magic in it.”

Harry looped one arm around Severus’, reaching tentatively with the other hand and gingerly touched the dark wood with a fingertip. A single green spark shot out of the end, and Harry pulled back anxiously. When Severus did not pull the wand away, Harry laid his palm on it and Severus could feel his wand vibrate at the boy’s touch. If there had been any doubt in his mind that Harry was a powerful little wizard, it would have been wiped out as his own wand heated and shot a shower of gold and green sparks from the tip. Wonderful, a Slytherin Gryffindor, Severus thought with a relieved smile as Harry continued to stroke the wood.

“’ot!” There was a glimmer of something in those brilliant eyes and the beginnings of the very first smile Severus had seen from his son.

“Yes, the wand is hot,” Severus agreed, shifting Harry slightly and using his wand to silently summon a glass vial from a leather bag sitting on the floor. “I want you to drink some of this, Harry, it will make you feel better and then we will see about that bath.”

Harry wrinkled his nose at the taste, but drank the potion obediently. Handing the vial back, the toddler surprised him by snuggling back against his chest. Severus stood up carefully; the warm weight resting in his arms was feather-light. Sliding his wand back into its special pocket, Severus carried Harry through to the loo, halfway scared he would drop the child.

Flicking on the harsh Muggle lighting, Severus leaned down and opened the taps. Harry lifted his head from Severus’ shoulder and darted a glance at the toilet. Adjusting the water to the correct temperature, Severus caught the slight motion of his son’s head, and moved to set the child down next to it. Lifting the lid invitingly, Severus turned to pour a vial of bubbling potion into the water.

Harry still stood in front of the toilet, staring at the floor and Severus waited silently, at a loss to know what the problem was.

Woeful eyes looked up at him. “Rhys not ‘lowed.”

Severus blinked as his mind translated before drawing his wand as anger at the Dursleys flared again. Conjuring a small stool, Severus set it in front of the toilet before unzipping his own trousers.

“I believe we are going to make rules of our own, son. Therefore, if you wish to go without a nappy, you must use the loo properly.”

With exaggerated movements, Severus held his penis in his hand carefully and urinated into the toilet. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as Harry carefully climbed up on the stool and copied his movements exactly. Severus was relieved to see his son’s tiny genitals appeared to be whole and unharmed. He had feared the lengths the Dursleys’ might have gone to with the baby left in their unwilling care. He made a face at Harry’s less than accurate aim, but merely arched an eyebrow when the child sent him a fearful look. Tucking himself back in, Severus lifted Harry off the stool and into the tub.

“ ‘ot!”

Harry clung to his arms as Severus knelt on the carpet. He dipped his elbow into the water, only to find it was pleasantly warm. Another, more sinister thought arose in the back of his mind and Severus felt the now familiar surge of anger.

“Harry, bathwater is supposed to be warm.”

The toddler looked at him in disbelief but allowed Severus to settle him into the water. He held perfectly still the entire time Severus washed him, obediently ducking his head under the water for his hair to be shampooed. Swishing water up to rinse off the child’s chest, Severus accidentally splashed Harry in the face. For a split-second, a mischievous toddler escaped and slapped both hands down on the water. The splash caught Severus in the chest and splattered across his face. A giggle escaped before Harry crammed his fist in his mouth, his eyes wide with terror.

His heart in his throat, a reactionary scowl twisting his face, Severus did the first thing that came to mind. He splashed back. An astonished look flashed across his son’s face before Harry slapped the water again. Relief filled him as Severus sent back another wave, careful not to overwhelm the baby. They battled for several minutes, until the bathroom was covered in bubbles and water, his son giggling freely. The twenty-three year old Potions master couldn’t remember ever feeling so giddy or filled with love for the little person who blinked as the water droplets clung to his eyelashes.

Wrapping the still laughing toddler in a large towel, Severus withdrew his wand and cleaned the bathroom with a flick. Holding his son against his chest as he walked through to the bedroom, Severus pressed a kiss into the damp curls.

“Tis for Rys?” Harry pulled back astounded.

“Yes, a kiss for ‘Rys’,” Severus told him softly as he sat down on the bed, brushing the hair off Harry's forehead.

The lightning-bolt scar was a thin red line marring the perfect skin, a reminder of Harry’s survival. Severus ran his fingertip over the mark gently, surprised when Harry tried to pull away.

“Ugly!”

“No!” Severus bit out, chastising himself when the toddler flinched. “No, it’s not ugly, Harry. It is a mark of honor; your mummy’s honor as well as your…other daddy’s. They protected you because they loved you very much and you should think of them every time you see your scar.”

He kept his voice as soft and calm as he could, but it still tightened his chest to talk about his beloved Lily, to realize once again that she was dead. Severus knew he owed it to their son to get past the pain. Deliberately, Severus leaned in and kissed the scar. He was surprised when Harry wrapped his arms around his neck and gave him a sloppy kiss on his cheek.

“Rys tis Daddy, too,” his son told him shyly and then buried his face in Severus’ throat.

A feeling of warmth flooded him as Severus carded his hand through the damp curls and he closed his eyes tightly for a moment. Perhaps he could learn to be the parent he knew Lily would have expected him to be. Gently extracting the child, Severus stood him up on the bed. Carefully examining the small body as he dried the child off, Severus grimly noted more bruises on Harry’s back. Summoning a healing salve from his bag, Severus rubbed it into each of the purpling marks.

With a calming breath, Severus revised his time schedule as he dressed Harry in proper wizarding clothing. The child seemed to be taking everything Severus had told him well and didn’t seem to have any regrets about leaving his relatives behind. Severus could not undo the charms that altered Harry’s appearance here; the magic was too advanced and would undoubtedly be picked up. Spelling the soft leather boots to fit, Severus was startled to hear Harry’s stomach rumble. Casting a silent drying spell on himself, Severus slipped out of the trousers and into his everyday black trousers and robes.

Finger-combing the mop of drying hair back from his son’s face, Severus panicked. He had not given much thought to food, having brought only a baby bottle of milk. Readjusting Harry’s short outer robe, Severus realized the child was half-starved and the bottle might actually be the best place to start. Vowing to start on a nutrition potion the next day, Severus shook his own hair back.

“Harry, would you drink a bottle of milk for me?”

“A bottle for ‘Rys’?” Harry asked with wide eyes.

Severus nodded and was startled when the toddler immediately held up his arms toward him. Picking Harry up, Severus made his way to the kitchen to retrieve the bottle he’d stashed there the day before. The rest of the house was closed up, as Severus had only utilized what was necessary for the Child Services inspection. Casting a warming charm on the clear plastic, Severus sat down. Shifting Harry to lie back against his left arm and feeling very much out of his element, Severus handed his son the bottle. Harry seemed to be as unfamiliar with it and shifted the bottle several times before setting to drink.

Those incredible eyes watched him intently, almost as if judging how much trust his son could put in him, and a feeling welled up in Severus that he couldn’t readily identify. It was a combination of a fierce protectiveness and a deep-seated desire to make sure no one else ever hurt this little boy. Pride in Harry’s stoic ability to accept the changes going on around him and the sudden, deep knowledge that Severus would die for his son swirled inside. Something of the turbulent emotions must have shown in his eyes, a tiny hand reached up and wrapped tightly around Severus’ finger. Tugging his hand to the bottle, Harry wrapped it around the plastic and moved his own hand back to grasp Severus’ finger. Severus felt that hand wrap around his heart as Harry’s eyes grew heavy and closed as he fell asleep.

Harry slept as Severus wiped out all traces of his time in the house on Privet Drive, including banishing the small bag of worn, overlarge clothing. The only thing he kept was the filthy remnants of the quilt Lily had made by hand, the quilt Harry had been wrapped in the night he was left on the Dursleys’ doorstep. Gathering his suit and the clothing he had brought for Harry, Severus took a final look around before Apparating them both to the cottage.

The toddler awoke whimpering from the squeezing and pulling feeling, clearly scared of the darkness they had arrived in. Severus held him closer, rubbing a hand down Harry’s back in a manner he had already found soothed the little boy.

“We are home, Harry, in our very own house,” Severus told him quietly, his voice startling in the silence that enveloped them.

It was only mid-afternoon, but the canopy of trees that shaded the side of the cottage and the heavy curtains kept out the sunlight. With a wave of his hand, the curtains parted and soft sunlight filtered in as Harry looked around sleepily. Sparsely furnished, Severus’ bedroom had a large four-poster in it, with a matching wardrobe and dresser. The cherry wood was a perfect foil for the navy and emerald bedding and hangings, a touch of Lily’s influence. His best friend had loved the sturdy wood for its warmth and strength.

Severus cleared his throat. “This is my room here and we will share the bathroom between our rooms,” he told Harry as he walked through the loo. “This is your room.”

The curtains stood open, the filtered sunlight illuminating the soft blue walls and ceiling. A small cot stood against one wall and under the window was a child’s bed, as Severus hadn’t known which type of bed a toddler slept in. Another cherry wood wardrobe stood between the two, a rocking chair in the corner, and at the foot of the bed were a small set of matching bookshelves. Several children’s books and a few toys sat on the top shelf. Harry looked around the room slowly, his eyes taking in the soft green rug on the floor and the toys.

“For Rys?”

Severus hated the uncertain quality of the child’s voice, hated the fear Petunia and her walrus of a husband had instilled in his small son.

“Yes, this is your room, Harry, and these things are yours. No one is going to take them away from you,” Severus told him as he carried the child towards the cot. “You can sleep here or…”

Harry stiffened and gasped. “No! Noooooooooooooo!”

His son’s hand fisted in Severus’ robes as Harry threw himself violently away from the baby cot. Severus managed to catch him before he toppled to the floor, puzzled by his son’s reaction and carried him over to the bed. Sitting down, Severus was alarmed to find Harry was shaking as he clung tightly.

“It’s all right, son, you…”

“Bad man, Daddy, bad man ‘urt Rys!”

Harry’s face twisted in remembered pain as Severus’ heart thudded. Could the baby actually remember that night in Godric’s Hollow? Rocking side to side, Severus held Harry close and rubbed his back until the toddler calmed down. Swallowing the lump that had risen in his throat as his mind flashed back to that Halloween, Severus summoned the soft toy unicorn he had bought from the shelf. Easing Harry back, Severus moved the toy toward his son. The emerald eyes caressed the plushy before looking up at him.

“For Rys?”

“Yes, Harry, this is a unicorn,” Severus felt a little ridiculous as his son continued to look at him questioningly. “It is a present for you, something soft to hold when the bad dreams scare you.” Had the child never been given a toy?

“Toy for Rys?” the eyes opened impossibly wide and Harry put out a hesitant hand to stroke down the neck.

The truth hit him as Severus slid the unicorn into Harry’s hand. Of course the baby had never had a toy! How stupid could he be – they didn’t even feed him, why would those monsters have given him something to play with? Harry ran his hands carefully over the white fabric, fingers tracing the horn and mane, enraptured by the simple gift. Severus watched the play of fingers and the expressions that flitted across the expressive face and had never felt so appreciated in his life. An unfamiliar feeling of warmth swept through him and Severus leaned forward to press a kiss to the sweet-smelling hair.

“T’ank you,” Harry told him with a shy smile that threatened to melt something inside of Severus.

“You are welcome,” Severus stood and stood Harry on the bed, helping him to remove the soft gray outer robes. “Let me take these off you and put you in some play clothes, as I want to try and remove the charms your mum put on you.”

An apprehensive look crossed the toddler’s face. “’urt Rys?”

Smoothing a hand over his son’s rumpled hair, Severus could not help the frown that creased his forehead. “I do not believe it will hurt, but it may feel a bit strange when the spell is released.”

Harry didn’t say anything, allowing Severus to change him into a pair of soft cotton trousers and shirt, before he settled down on the bed as directed. Clasping the unicorn tightly, the child lay stiffly, his eyes watching Severus’ every motion. Taking a fortifying breath, Severus moved his wand in an intricate weaving motion as he incanted the counter-spells for Lily’s charm.

“Aufero Veneficus! Reverto Rectus!”

An aura of blue pulsed around Harry, his face paling as he felt the magical energy. A quiet whimper preceded a silvery shimmer and the pulse of magic was gone. Harry blinked up at him, a single tear trailing down his cheek and Severus reached down to pick him up.

“All done, I think,” Severus told him in a soft voice that was meant to be reassuring. “I am sorry if it hurt you, but you were a very brave boy.”

“Tis Rys?”

The impossible green of Harry’s eyes remained the same, much to Severus’ relief, as did Harry’s nose and mouth. The eyes were now almond shaped, more like Lily’s had been, and her chin softened the lean lines of the baby’s longer face. Severus could see himself in the more angular profile, high forehead, and the straight, fine raven hair, auburn highlights in its gleaming depths. Severus hugged his son, kissing his forehead obediently.

“Are you hungry?” Severus asked as his own stomach reminded him of its empty state.

Harry nodded slightly, fingers playing with his hair and Severus had to admit that had been the biggest change. Carrying the toddler into the bathroom, Severus stopped, standing his son on the counter in front of the mirror he’d hexed to silence the day he’d moved in. Wide eyes took in his own appearance, but Severus was not sure if that was because Harry had never been allowed to look in a mirror or because of the slight changes to his features. Green eyes studied Severus’ face for a moment, before Harry gave a tentative smile and lifted a hand to Severus’ cheek.

“Like ‘Rys,” his son announced and Severus was surprised to find an answering smile, just as tentative, on his own face.

“Yes, just like ‘Rys.”

His son lay curled in a fetal position as he slept, Severus observed as he stood in the doorway of their shared bathroom, almost as if the child expected to be attacked in his sleep. The level of trust his son had handed him was staggering, but Severus knew only time would get the toddler over the insecurity and perceptions of what was normal. Harry had acted like the scrambled eggs he had whipped up for dinner was the best thing he had ever eaten, which disturbed Severus profoundly. The toddler had also asked for a bottle before bed and Severus was sure it had been an excuse to be held, as Harry was asleep before he had finished half. It had been less of an inconvenience than Severus would have imagined it would be to sit and rock his son to sleep.

Leaving the connecting doors open, Severus made his way to his own bed. He had cast a monitoring spell on Harry to alert him if the baby needed anything during the night. Harry hadn’t stirred when Severus had clumsily put a nappy on him, so he was certain they would both sleep through the night comfortably. Sliding into bed, Severus felt suddenly exhausted, the tension of the last few weeks having taken their toll. The relief of finally having his and Lily’s son safe and under his care was overwhelming, and the former Death Eater would never have admitted to the tear that slid unnoticed down his face.

As tired as Severus felt, he found sleep elusive. Thoughts of what Harry had suffered through in the past eight months tormented him, as did the guilt of not checking on him sooner. Severus was well aware that Albus Dumbledore was going to be most displeased with him when he found out, but he felt justified in his actions, despite the Headmaster’s wishes. He could not, would not, allow any child – especially a magical child – to be raised in the circumstances Severus had found Harry in. A smile curved his lips, Harry…Rys would be happy here, Severus would make sure of that, he vowed. Although the way his son spoke of himself in the third person concerned Severus, calling him Rys Snape would also help distance him from Harry Potter.

Sleep had not long overtaken him when a sharp cry jolted Severus awake. It took a moment to remember where he was and what had happened. A second cry sent him jumping up and running through the bathroom. His son was thrashing violently on his bed, bedding kicked off to the side and trailing onto the floor, giving mute testimony to the violence of the child’s struggles. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, Severus reached out his hand to lay it lightly on Harry’s arm, but the toddler cried out, throwing himself away at the touch.

“No!”

“Har…Rys, its Daddy,” Severus told him awkwardly in what he hoped was a soothing voice. “I won’t hurt you.”

Emerald eyes snapped open, unfocused and frantic. “Daddy?”

“Yes, Rys,” Severus held his hand out, palm up.

With a sob, his son flung himself across the bed and into his arms. Severus shifted until he could settle the child against him, a hand rubbing his little back, trying to comfort him. Small arms snaked around his neck as Harry slowly relaxed; Severus could feel the moisture on his neck from the silent tear that had been shed.

“No one can hurt you here, little one,” Severus assured him, moving off the bed to sit in the rocking chair.

Harry sighed softy as Severus set the chair to rocking. “Bad man hurt Mummy.”

His heart stuttered in his chest and Severus had to take a calming breath. What should he tell his son about the night his mother died, when the baby obviously relived the nightmare regularly? Severus refused to lie to Harry as he knew that wouldn’t stop the memories.

“Yes, he did, but the bad man is gone now, little one, you made him go away,” Severus told him, rubbing his cheek against the toddler’s silky hair. “Your mummy loved you so much; she helped you make the bad wizard go away.”

“Rys?”

“Yes, you,” Severus emphasized the pronoun.

Harry pulled back, a solemn look on his tear-streaked face. He poked himself in the chest with a tiny finger, seemingly unable to articulate what he wanted to say. Severus tapped a finger lightly against the thin chest as well.

“Say 'me',” Severus instructed him.

It looked like the child was going to refuse, but hesitantly, Harry pointed to himself again. “Me?”

Severus smiled and nodded. “Yes, you, Harry James Snape.”

“’Nape?”

“Yes, Snape, because you are mine, Harry, my son for always and ever. We will call you Rys Snape if you would like.”

“Rys ‘Nape,” his son tried out the name then nodding in approval, before laying a tentative hand on Severus’ cheek. “My daddy.”

A lump managed to form in Severus’ throat, his gaze caught by the intensity in the green eyes. “Yes.”

“Tis?”

Severus brushed a stray strand of hair back from Rys’ forehead. “Say, kiss me.”

An impish grin erupted on the small face. “Tis ME, Daddy!” and his son puckered his lips.

Severus kissed him on those ridiculous lips, then his nose, and then his forehead, the toddler dissolving in giggles as he was peppered with kisses. Severus found himself laughing with his son, warmth suffusing his body. He couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed with pure glee, not since he and Lily had managed to ditch Petunia the summer before starting at Hogwarts had he felt this giddy. Perhaps this could be a turning point in both their lives, Severus thought as his son snuggled into his chest, a yawn cutting into the residual giggles.

Summoning the unicorn from the tangle of bedding, Severus settled both in his arms as he began to rock. His mind ventured back to the good and bad of his own childhood, picking out the little things his mother had done to offset his father’s violent temper and drinking binges. Lily had always been willing to share her holidays and celebrations with him, making him feel like he’d been a part of them, instead of just hearing of them. Severus wanted their son to have what he had been denied.

The next few days seemed to settle into a semblance of a pattern. Rys awoke early in the morning and crawled onto the foot of Severus’ bed to watch him until he woke up. The child was a quiet shadow. Speaking only when spoken to, the toddler followed Severus everywhere, as if he could not stand to have his father out of his sight. The toy unicorn became Rys' constant companion and Severus spelled it to keep it clean. His son was also fascinated by any display of magic and would make an excited sound every time Severus did something magical. It was astounding just how much magic he actually used on a daily basis, Severus discovered and he began to make notes to better understand how much exposure Rys was getting. The advantage that magical children had was even greater than he remembered as his thoughts flashed onto Lily’s bright-eyed reaction to magic as when they first met.

On Rys’ fourth morning living with Severus at the cottage an owl arrived, scaring the child until Severus had shown him the letter tied to the bird’s foot. Using an owl treat to ensure good behavior, Severus took the small hand in his and showed Rys how to stroke the owl’s feathers. Delight shone in the green eyes when the tawny owl stood still under his stroking fingers, before fluffing her feathers and taking off. The missive was an order for an expensive potion that Severus had developed for an aging witch that allowed her to appear twenty years younger. It would only take a couple hours of intense concentration to brew and the enclosed payment had been too generous to ignore.

Settling Rys down for his afternoon nap, Severus was already going through the brewing steps in his mind and he descended the steps into the basement. It was a comforting routine after the tension of the week and Severus was soon lost in the precision required by a demanding potion. Lost in his brewing, Severus failed to hear the frantic footsteps searching the cottage for him or the muffled sobs as his son tried to find him.

His workspace cleaned and the potion simmering under a stasis field, Severus made his way up the stairs into the kitchen. The cottage was silent and a quick look as his pocket watch showed him that he had been brewing for much longer than he anticipated. With a frown, Severus made his way up to Rys’ room, only to find the bed empty. Panic gripped him and Severus tore through the cottage, searching frantically but the toddler was nowhere to be found. Where could one small boy have gone? The wards on the outer doors were undisturbed, which meant Rys was still in the house, somewhere.

Sitting heavily in the rocking chair, Severus buried his face in his hands and tried to collect his frenzied thoughts. What could the boy have thought when he awoke to find Severus gone? Had he thought Severus would abandon him so soon? A harsh laugh escaped him, of course he would – no one had stuck by Harry for long in his young life. Merlin help him, perhaps Dumbledore was right and Severus was truly not cut out to be a father – a sharp pang cut through him at that thought. Severus had come to love the toddler more than he’d ever thought possible in the past few days and he’d be damned if he was going to give up!

A soft whimper brought his head up with a snap and Severus saw for the first time that the door to Rys’ wardrobe was ajar. He was across the room on his knees in an instant, ripping the door open and the sight that greeted him tore at his heart. Rys lay curled in a fetal position, his unicorn clasped tightly to his chest, eyes swollen from the silent tears that streamed down his face. Reaching in, Severus lifted his son out and settled them both into the rocking chair. The smell of urine told him that Rys had been so upset he’d wet himself and Severus whispered a drying charm. He had to calm the toddler down before he could clean him up.

He set the chair to rocking and tried to speak. His throat wouldn’t cooperate and for the first few minutes, all Severus could do was hold the toddler tightly against his chest and stroke his back. Slowly, a small hand unfurled from around the soft toy and inched its way up to curl in the front of his shirt. They rocked silently for twenty minutes before Severus felt his son finally relax in his arms. Relief welled up inside Severus.

“I will never leave you, my sweet boy,” Severus told him softly. “I was in the basement, Rys, working in my lab, but I promise that I won’t go down there again without telling you.”

His son sniffled, lifting his head up to examine Severus with those emerald eyes. “’cared, Daddy.”

“I am sorry I scared you, Rys, I truly didn’t mean to,” Severus said sincerely. “As soon as we clean you up, I will take you down and show you where I was working. All right?”

“Rys take a bath?” his son asked hopefully.

“I take a bath,” Severus corrected automatically.

Rys face lit with joy. “Daddy take a bath, too!”

Severus just laughed, not wanting to disappoint the toddler, and somehow, Severus even managed to find a potion to make bubbles in the bath.

The next week went by smoothly as Severus became more familiar with the young Rys. His son was a bright little boy with a naturally happy personality, much like Lily had been when Severus met her. He was eager to learn, but still abnormally quiet. For an only child who was not allowed to play in the colloquial way, it was a learning experience for both father and son. Severus found simple pleasure in teaching Rys how to kick a ball, set blocks on top of each other to form a building, and how to color a picture in one of the Muggle coloring books Severus had bought. It angered him to think that Petunia had hated this precious child so much that she had treated him as a sub-human.

Another owl arrived during breakfast one sunny morning carrying a scroll and a pouch filled with Galleons. The requested potion was a delicate one with intricate timing, but it also enjoyed a lucrative value. Rys was entertained by the large brown bird, carefully holding out a tidbit of bacon as Severus had taught him. A genuine smile curved the toddler’s lips as the owl fluffed his feathers before taking off.

“Come, let’s clean up and walk down to the village,” Severus told his son as he stood and began to stack the dishes.

Rys hurried to help him, still not comfortable enough to ask what Severus wanted him to do. Taking the plate from his small hands, Severus sent him upstairs to get dressed. Severus quickly dealt with the kitchen clean-up before going up to his room. Trousers and a shirt covered with a lightweight over-robe would be formal enough for the merchants of Hogsmeade. A glance into his son’s room showed the little boy struggling to button up one of his shirts, tongue hanging out the corner of his mouth as the toddler concentrated.

Moving forward, Severus knelt on the floor and helped Rys button his light green shirt correctly. Tucking it into his blue knee-length shorts, Severus secured a lightweight cloak in a darker shade of blue around the child’s thin shoulders. Rys looked up at him through his fringe, apprehension in his eyes. Reaching down, Severus smoothed the silky raven hair, truly glad his son’s hair had changed when Lily’s charms had been removed as he was sure that the wild mop of tousled hair would have been James Potter’s revenge. A frown creased his forehead as he spun on his heel, expecting the boy to follow him.

At the door to the cottage, Severus paused, holding the door open as Rys scrambled to keep up. Stepping outside, Severus set the wards with a silent flick of his wand before he took a step down the path. The sight of his small son standing absolutely still, his chin quivering, deepened his scowl. What was the boy’s problem? Tempted to just continue up the path and let the child figure out how to catch up with him, Severus whirled around to see that Rys was visibly trembling now. Suddenly, it struck him with the force of a Dark curse: his son was waiting for Severus to put a leash on him!

The toddler was in his arms before Severus was even aware of his intent to move. A whimper brought his eyes to the fearful look on Rys’ face and Severus eased the tight grip he had on the boy.

“We will not be using any form of restraint, Rys, and I trust you will stay within my visual range at all times,” he bit out, gentling his voice as Rys blinked at him. “Just stay where I can see you and everything will be fine.”

Rys nodded, the relief palpable in his expression; he slipped an arm around his father’s neck, relaxing against Severus. Severus did not have the heart to set the child down as he started off towards the village. It was sunny and warm, a typical July day in the Scottish Highlands, down to the puffy clouds already forming on the horizon.

Hogsmeade was bustling with mid-morning activity as people moved about doing their shopping. Setting Rys down, Severus felt a thrill of pleasure as his son slipped his small hand into his larger one, looking up expectantly.

“We have business to attend to at the grocer and the apothecary,” he found himself explaining before opening the door to the latter business.

The tiny face screwed up at the strong smells inside the shop, but Rys stayed silently beside his father as Severus made his purchases. Taking his purchases from the shopkeeper, he handed over the required Galleons before leading Rys back out onto the hard-packed street. Rys had relaxed enough to look around in wonder, taking in as many of the sights of the wizarding village that he could. A small boy flew by on a toy broom, an older child running alongside him. Another group of children had gathered around the window of Honeydukes, noses pressed to the window as they watched the sweets being made. Severus was forced into the street to get around them and glared at them in displeasure.

The grocer was mercifully quiet, with only a woman and a little girl about Rys’ age shopping. Severus waited patiently for the elderly witch who ran the shop to finish with the man at the counter. Rys let go of his hand to turn and watch the little girl, making sure he was standing right beside Severus’ leg. The proprietor turned her attention to him and Severus began going over the list he had made.

“But I want some biscuits, Mum!” A shrill young voice cut through the conversation he was having and Severus frowned in annoyance.

“No, Jillian, no biscuits!” The harassed woman answered distractedly as she appeared to search for something on the shelf of goods.

“I want some!” the child screamed and the woman threw up her hands in a violent gesture.

“Then you can just bloody well stay right here and find someone to buy them for you! I’ve had enough of your poor behavior, young lady! I’m leaving!”

Severus watched horrified as the woman stormed from the grocer's, leaving the still shrieking child to throw herself on the floor, kicking and screaming. Conducting his business and arranging to have the groceries delivered to the cottage, Severus held his hand out to his son. The toddler’s wide eyes stayed on the little girl as they walked out, before looking up at his father. Unable to school his expression as quickly as he should have, Severus knew his son had seen his expression of disgust. Deciding not to comment on the scene, Severus took Rys’ hand and led him out of the shop.

The walk home was peaceful, the birds chirping in the canopy of trees that lined the lane. Rys tugged at his hand and Severus released it, allowing the child to run ahead as he chased a brightly colored butterfly. A smile tugged at his lips as Severus watched the toddler giggle and laugh like a child should for the first time since he had come to live with his father. For a small child, Rys was still far too quiet, but it was nice to hear the sound of childish delight as he ran toward their home.

After settling Rys in for a nap after lunch, Severus went down to his potions lab to start the base for the commissioned potion. He left the door open as he had told the child he would, with instructions to come down when he woke up. It was the system Severus had worked out so that Rys didn’t panic again. A corner of the lab had a small cleared area for Rys to join him when Severus brewed potions that were not dangerous.

Pulling one of his old journals from the bookshelf in the small office adjacent to the lab, Severus walked to his worktable as he carefully found the potion he’d created that would enable the elderly wizard to excel at sexual prowess as well as father a child. A rejuvenation potion of sorts and one that Severus did not often brew due to the long life of most wizards. The commission came from a one hundred and forty year old man who had outlived his Death Eater son and grandson, and who wished to try once more for a pureblood progeny.

A smirk twisted his face as Severus thought of the war that had brought hate to a new level. Severus’ own culpability to that cause had lost him any chance of being with the one person he’d loved more than his own life. Only a twist of fate had given him the one living piece of her left in this world, their son. A child Severus had not been able to protect as he had vowed to Lily he would; the precious soul he was now determined to nurture and love, while attempting to repair the damage done in eight short months.

Shaking his head, Severus cleared his mind and began to prepare the ingredients for the complex potion. Timing was everything with this potion, as he would have to use the dragon spleen within an hour of preparing it or it would lose its potency. Lining everything up in order, Severus positioned the silver dagger and made his first cut just as a crash from the kitchen above startled him. Dropping the knife, Severus wiped his hands on a towel as he ran up the stairs. He stopped as he crossed the threshold.

Rys stood among the remains of the jar that had held the biscuits Severus served with tea. A jar that was stored on a shelf above the sink. The child’s face was a study in abject terror and Severus felt a flare of anger, at both the broken jar as well as the reaction.

“What did you do?” he snapped, pulling out his wand.

Something sparked in the emerald eyes and Severus was once again reminded of his best friend as his son lifted his chin. “T’at jar flew to Rys, but it broke.”

Severus blinked; Rys had yet to do any accidental magic, but… His eyes narrowed.

“Why did the jar come to you, Rys?”

The chin lifted another fraction. “Wanna biscuit!”

Feeling an eyebrow rise in reaction to the surly tone, Severus tried not to think of the dragon spleen seeping onto his worktable downstairs. “You made the jar come to you because you wanted a biscuit?”

“Yes!” Rys answered defiantly, but the terror was still evident in the green eyes.

The annoyance built as Severus struggled to try and comprehend why his son chose this particular time to act up. His first instinct was to pick the boy up and shake some sense into him, but Severus squelched that idea as quickly as it appeared. This was behavior that was not what he had come to expect from the little boy and it puzzled him. Severus frowned as he struggled to manage his irritation; he hated puzzles.

A half-sob broke from Rys’ throat, a tear silently slipped down his cheek. “Daddy… leavin’ Rys now?”

It all fell into place suddenly; the little girl left by her mother in the grocer. His son was testing to see if Severus was going to abandon him. Blowing out a frustrated breath, Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, willing the encroaching headache back. He brought his wand up as the little boy began to tremble.

“Reparo!”

The jar, once again whole, leapt back up to its shelf with a flick of his wand, Rys’ eyes following it raptly. Another flick cleaned up the mess on the floor and Severus pocketed his wand before crouching down in front of the teary-eyed, frightened toddler.

“Your timing is inconvenient to say the least, but I have a feeling you knew that, Harry James Snape. We will be discussing this further, but at the moment I have a limited amount of time, so suffice to say, again, that I will never leave you,” Severus gathered the child into his arms and stood. “And I would appreciate it if you would stop trying my patience.”

Relief flooded the emerald eyes with additional tears and Rys buried his face in Severus’ throat as he carried them both down to the lab.

“M’sorry, Daddy.”

Still trying to process all that had happened, Severus rubbed the thin back to let his son know he was forgiven as he moved through the doorway.

“I made magic, Daddy,” Rys whispered, almost as if afraid of his father’s reaction.

Severus settled the child into his corner, summoning his favorite toy from the kitchen floor. “You did and while I am proud of you, Rys, we will talk about it when I have finished preparing the dragon spleen.”

With a kiss to the scarred forehead, Severus cast a protective barrier around his son and went back to work. His fingers sectioned and sliced, independent of his turbulent thoughts, his mind trying to accept that his son still thought that he would be banished at the slightest provocation. The incident at the shop in Hogsmeade had undone more in one moment of a parent’s poor choice of action than the past two weeks of work. A sigh erupted from deep in his chest as Severus glanced over to see his son playing quietly with his unicorn. It was two weeks until Harry’s second birthday, perhaps by then he would feel more secure in Severus’ care.

“Severus?”

The young Potions master closed his eyes at the sound of his employer’s voice booming through the cottage. He’d just put Rys down for an afternoon nap and was hoping to work on one of several potions that he had commissions for. The preparation work always gave Severus time to think, his fingers moving automatically. He needed quiet time to reflect on Rys’ continued behavior, for the toddler persisted to be terrified every time he raised his voice or made a sudden movement. The damage Lily’s sister and husband had managed to inflict in just eight short months was astounding.

“Severus? Are you there?”

The strident voice of Albus Dumbledore demanded a response and with a sigh, Severus wiped his hands on a towel. He made his way up the stairs and into the sitting room, where he opened the Floo. The Headmaster’s head appeared immediately in the green flames.

“Ah, there you are, my boy,” the head said jovially. “May I come through?”

Severus doubted he really had a choice, nervousness making his belly clench. “By all means, Headmaster.”

The Head of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry stepped into his sitting room, bright blue robes swirling around him. Severus knew that any mundane instructions or communications with his employer could be handled by owl, and neither was this a social call. He carefully schooled his face as he offered tea and led the way into the kitchen to prepare it. The all-seeing blue eyes swept the room and Severus didn’t even bother to explain away the Muggle coloring book and crayons that still sat on the table. This confrontation had to come at some time, as the report of the child being with him in Hogsmeade would have gotten back to Dumbledore sooner or later.

The Headmaster seated himself at Severus’ table as if it was his own, but Severus refused to let it bother him. He steeped the tealeaves in the magically heated tea kettle, pulling Rys’ favorite biscuits down from the shelf even as the silence in the room lengthened and deepened until it grew almost unbearable. Albus Dumbledore may have given him a second chance after Lily had died with Potter in Godric’s Hollow, but he would not hesitate to use Severus again if the need arose. It had been an unspoken portion of the Unbreakable Vow Severus had sworn before the Headmaster, one he intended to honor, but not at the expense of his son.

Seating himself next to the coloring books, Severus poured the tea, sliding one cup across the table. He drank his hot and black, as bitter as his heart once was. Blowing across the top of the steaming liquid, Severus made sure his Occlumency shields were firmly in place before looking up to meet the piercing blue eyes of his visitor. Dumbledore held his eyes for several long moments as Severus grew increasingly tense but didn’t look away.

“You appear to be entertaining a young visitor, Severus.” The Headmaster gestured at the children’s books.
“I have a number of young relations, Professor, and like to keep them entertained,” Severus said as he put his teacup down. “I don’t believe you took the time to come here to inquire about my guests.”

Albus Dumbledore set his teacup down, his eyes hardening. “I had heard you were in Hogsmeade shopping with a child, Severus, and I was concerned…”

“In this instance, Headmaster, your concern in misplaced,” Severus stood abruptly, remembering the state he’d found his son in last December. “Now, I know your time is most valuable and I have a potion that requires my attention. Good day, sir.”

“Severus, I know how you feel about Harry…”

Severus rounded on the older man, barely reigning in his anger and tongue. “You have already elicited my Unbreakable Vow to protect my son from any harm, Headmaster, which I would do with my very life! Has something changed in his situation that needs my response?”

Dumbledore shook his head slowly. “Not that I am aware of, Severus, I simply wanted to remind you of your place and your vow, as well as the vow you made to Lily.”

“I am reminded daily by my own memories,” Severus snarled, his hands fisted at his side, “and I will continue to protect the child from whatever dangers are lurking. No one will hurt our son!”

“Calm yourself, Severus,” Dumbledore said dismissively. “There are no dangers lurking in the wilds of Surrey, I can assure you, although I am heartened by your commitment to what is best for young Harry.”

Severus lifted his head, allowing his fierce devotion to show in his eyes. “I have committed my very life to keeping him safe.”

“Excellent,” Dumbledore muttered, following Severus out of the kitchen. “Thank you for the tea, my boy and enjoy the remainder of your summer.”

Severus was shaking with anger by the time the green flame had died from the fireplace. He took a deep breath, knowing that when Dumbledore finally discovered what he had done in order to protect his son, he would be furious. Nevertheless, Severus would face the wrath of the most powerful wizard alive rather than leave Rys in that hellhole. Even after three weeks of being in his father’s care, the toddler still flinched at every loud sound and trembled anytime he thought Severus was angry. It irritated Severus to no end to feel as if his own son was afraid of him, but he knew it would take time for Rys to learn trust.

He stood silently for several minutes, reigning in his anger as he listened for any indication that the exchange with Dumbledore had disturbed Rys. Silence was all Severus heard and quietly he made his way down to his lab, intent on taking his excess emotion out on the ingredients that needed to be prepared. The Slytherin portion of his mind asserted itself and as his fingers worked independently of thought, he was attempting to figure out a sure way to ensure his son could never be removed from his care in either the wizarding or Muggle worlds.

~~~*~*~~~

Rys played quietly on the floor near the window in the kitchen as Severus cleaned up from their simple breakfast. He was glad that the toddler’s face had lost the gaunt appearance, but the boy was still deathly pale. Tiny baby teeth flashed as Rys gave him a shy smile when he noticed Severus’ scrutiny. His own lips curled up at the ends in an answering smile. Severus was once again surprised by the warmth that blossomed in his chest. Sweet Merlin, what was this child doing to him!

At least there was some visible progress, Severus thought as he wiped his hands on a towel, glad that his son didn’t flinch away from him every time he walked past. The night terrors still plagued Rys with all too regular frequency, but the little boy had learned that Severus was there to hold and comfort him, even though it still seemed hard for Rys to accept that Daddy wasn’t going to leave him. It was that uncertainty, despite his repeated assurances, that bothered Severus the most. How was he to convince his son that he would always be here?

“Daddy?”

Rys stood in front of him, questioning emerald eyes looking up and Severus knew he’d been lost in his thoughts. Severus reached down, pleased when his son lifted his arms to be picked up and immediately looped them around Severus’ neck. He wrapped both arms around the child and pressed a kiss to the soft, silky hair as he gently hugged Rys. Rys snuggled into his chest, burying his face in Severus’ shoulder. A powerful wave of love shot through him, matching the intensity of the protection he felt and it threatened to overwhelm Severus, who would readily admit to never having felt anything this intense.

Rys wiggled, no doubt uneasy with the strong emotions radiating from his father, and Severus shifted to settle the child on his hip. Sun poured through the windows in the kitchen, bringing with it a hint of the heat the afternoon would bring. Since Albus Dumbledore had already heard he was entertaining a child, Severus threw caution to the winds as his son looked up at him, green eyes huge in a pale face.

“Let us venture out into the garden, Rys, and see what mischief we can get into.”

Securing his wand in the special pocket in his trousers, Severus carried Rys out into the sun-washed yard. The herbs he had planted in the spring grew in neat orderly rows, as did the small patch of vegetables and the more common potion ingredients. Tending the garden was something Severus had done while Rys was napping, but the boy seemed to know already which plants were valuable and which were weeds as he bent to pull up one.

“Very good, Rys,” Severus told him, a hand reaching down slowly to pet his son’s hair. “And that one with the three leaves, see? It is also a weed, but the one over here with the dark spiky leaves is part of the nightshade family and is poisonous, so please do not touch it.”

Rys nodded enthusiastically. Pointing out which were the good plants and where the few weeds were, Severus was pleasantly surprised as the toddler paid avid attention. However, as tiny fingers expertly plucked a stray grass shoot from near the flowering lavender, Severus’ eyes narrowed. Something told him that Rys had already had a lesson or two on weeding, and a familiar anger welled. Someday, he vowed silently, Petunia Evans Dursley would pay for her actions.

Conjuring a smile for his son, Severus took the plant Rys offered to him. “Well done, sweet boy!”

He smoothed the toddler’s hair just as a large yellow and orange butterfly flitted by, catching Rys’ attention. As Severus watched his son, Rys’ eyes followed the colorful creature, transfixed as it landed first on one flower and then the lavender.

“Why don’t you see if you can catch the butterfly, Rys?” Severus urged the child. “It won’t hurt you, I promise.”

The toddler looked at him for a long moment and took one step, then another toward the butterfly, who seemed to be waiting for him. The bright wings fluttered where it sat, and it allowed Rys to get close enough to almost touch it with his finger before taking off. With a laugh, Rys charged after it, running in circles around the small patch of grass as the butterfly seemed determined to lead him on a merry chase. Severus watched his son’s face alight with laughter, his green eyes sparkling in the morning sunshine as he acted like any other almost-two-year-old. Arms raised to the sky, the baby laughed aloud as another butterfly joined the first in an aerial dance above his head and Severus watched in fascination, his own face split in a grin.

“Farsh!”

A female voice cut through the merriment as a streak of color broke through the hedge to one side of the yard and raced around Rys. Severus’ heart froze as he heard the barking, Rys scream shrilly, and he dove for his son as the dog pounced on the toddler, knocking him to the ground. Grasping Rys in his arms, Severus rolled to the side away from the dog, only to have a wet tongue lick his ear.

“Farsh! Stop this minute! You are scaring the baby!”

A female voice sounded very close and Severus opened his eyes to see a canine face smiling at him, tongue lolling to one side. Little pointed ears gave the dog a fox-like appearance, long body and short, sturdy legs furthered this impression as the little monster began licking Severus’ ear. A corgi, Severus identified, his eyes narrowing as his heart pounded in his throat. About to give a snarl worthy of a mastiff, Severus was stopped as he heard his son giggle. Glancing down to the toddler held fast against his chest, he was astounded to see emerald eyes crinkled in laugher. Loosening his grip, Severus allowed Rys to sit up and grunted as a stone of excited dog jumped on his chest.

“Farsh! Naughty, naughty puppy!”

A young woman dropped to her knees, grabbing the excited dog off of Severus. A little boy about Rys' age ran up behind her, laughing as the dog squirmed in the woman’s arms. His son’s eyes remained glued to the dog even as he still gripped Severus’ arm tightly, assuring himself of his security. Sitting up, Severus stood his son on his feet next to the woman and Rys leaned toward the puppy that immediately began to lap at the toddler’s face. Rys giggled and reached a hesitant hand towards the furry head to tentatively pat it.

“My profound apologies! Farsh heard your little boy laugh and came to investigate. He would never have hurt the baby, I swear!” The blonde woman apologized again, keeping an eye on the squirming dog.

Severus eyed the flash of small white teeth as the dog’s tongue continued to swipe at any part of his son. The toddler’s giggles were enough to curve Severus’ lips into a smile and calm his frantic breathing. Looking up, Severus took in the pale face and blue eyes of a woman about his own age, the little boy at her side looked older than Rys. His pudgy cheeks and blue eyes reminded Severus of Rys’ cousin and he had to fight the sneer that threatened to erupt.

Feeling at a disadvantage, Severus looped his arm around his son’s waist and stood. He was surprised to feel Rys wiggle in protest for a moment, before freezing. With a sigh, Severus lifted the toddler, hugged him briefly and settled him on his hip so that Rys could see the mangy creature that had enchanted him. With a shy smile that warmed Severus’ heart, his son leaned into him as they both watched the woman set the dog down and order it to sit.

“Again, my apologies.” She extended her hand. “Hannah Mays.”

Severus took her hand gingerly, cognizant of his son’s watchful eyes. “Severus Snape, and this is my son, Rys.”

Hannah smiled, pulling the pudgy little boy forward. “This is my son, Kyler, who’s three.”

“Rys will be two next week,” Severus supplied vaguely as his son looked up at him pleadingly and then back down towards the panting pup.

“We’ve just moved into the cottage next door. My husband is in training to be a healer at St. Mungo’s where he works long hours; his family lives in the large house at the edge of the village.” Hannah shrugged. “They wanted the baby and I close in case we needed anything.”

Severus nodded, trying to place the woman’s slightly flat accent. “You’re not from Scotland?”

“No, my family emigrated to Canada during the war and I did my schooling in Edmonton.” The blue eyes seemed to smile. “I understand you teach at the school, at Hogwarts?”

“Yes,” Severus confirmed as Rys wiggled in his arms. “You are certain the dog is harmless?”

“Oh, yes!” The blonde assured him, nudging her son in front of her.

Severus set Rys on his feet and watched as his son cautiously approached the dog. The other boy, Kyler, frowned slightly and Severus had the feeling that he did not often share his mother’s attention. As Rys approached the corgi, the dog jumped up in excitement and began to dance around him on his sturdy little hind legs. Kyler watched for a moment before he broke into a run, drawing Farsh attention. Barking, the dog chased the little boy around the yard as Rys stood watching.

With a glance at Severus for his nodded approval, Rys ran through the grass, his face lit with excitement. As he continued to exchange pleasantries with his new neighbor, Severus watched his son run alongside the other child as they raced the dog. The corgi, true to his breed, turned and attempted to ‘herd’ the boys back toward the adults. While it was clear that Kyler was used to this behavior, Rys delighted in trying to get around the puppy as he spun in different directions. The dog cornered smoothly, cutting back to give chase, leaving Kyler off to the side.

The delighted laughter of his son lightened his heart and Severus found himself smiling in a way he hadn’t since he and Lily were children. The ensuing years of mistakes and regrets had hardened him and threatened to embitter his very soul. This bright, loving being that his one and only love had given him was his salvation. His son would not have the barren, hellish up-bringing that Severus had suffered through.

“Stop!”

Severus’ head snapped up. Kyler had apparently had enough of not being the center of attention and decided to make his displeasure known. Unfortunately, the anger in the child’s voice had Rys dropping into a crouch, arms thrown up to cover his head in a defensive gesture. Farsh thought this was a new way to play and began to jump up on the toddler. More concerned about Rys’ reaction than the puppy’s antics, Severus moved to kneel at his son’s side, placing a hand on his shoulder. The toddler flinched.

“It’s Daddy, Rys. No one is going to hurt you here, all right?”

“Daddy!”

His son flung himself into Severus’ arms and he stood, pressing the child to his chest. Severus leaned his cheek on the top of the soft hair, just holding him close until the slight tremor he felt stopped. How deep did the scars go? How was he to help the toddler overcome the trauma on his own? Did he dare seek the advice of a complete stranger, and could he without raising suspicions about who had abused the baby?

The touch of a warm hand on his shoulder reminded him that they weren’t alone. Severus squeezed his eyes shut, trying to set his face into a neutral mask. He had been so secretive for so long, his first instinct was to lie, hold their little secret close. Rys whimpered quietly and Severus realized he had the child in a bruising grip. Pressing a kiss into the silky hair, Severus glanced up as he unconsciously rocked the child in his arms.

“My son and I were recently reunited. I was unavailable and he was unfortunately placed with his less than pleasant relatives after his mother’s death. I am attempting to overcome the…difficulties Rys experienced there.”

Dark blue eyes studied his face and Severus briefly wondered if Hannah was skilled in Legilimency or if, like Lily, she had that woman’s intuition that had served his best friend well. Kyler ran back towards the row of hedges, the puppy ran around him for a moment before trotting back over to where the adults were as Severus stood unflinching under the woman’s appraisal.

“My husband is specializing in the care of children, Severus,” Hannah told him quietly. “Perhaps he could offer some suggestions to you.”

Severus nodded, hoping she would take it as an affirmative. He had never been particularly gracious and only Lily had ever seemed to understand his brusque mannerisms. The dog, that had returned to sit quietly beside him, stood on its hind legs and used its snout to nudge at Rys’ shoe. The toddler giggled, jiggling his foot. Severus released his breath slowly as he met concerned blue eyes. Hannah Mays smiled at him and nodded in return.

“Kyler, get Farsh, please,” she instructed the boy who stood uncertainly beside her, sucking on his thumb. “Severus, perhaps Rys could come over tomorrow afternoon for pumpkin bread and juice. Phillip will be home by then for his night off.”

Severus inclined his head in a tight gesture of acceptance before turning back towards the garden. The whole exchange with their new neighbors had taken less than half an hour and Severus was determined to get back on course. Setting Rys down, Severus stirred him toward a section of the small patch devoted to medicinal herbs and plants. Pointing out the nettles and parsley, Severus explained to Rys how they were going to harvest each for the potions he would brew that night, his hand absently stroking through his son’s hair. Rys leaned against Severus’ leg as he listened to the instruction.

Phillip Mays turned out to be a large, quiet man who Severus vaguely remembered from his first year at Hogwarts. A Ravenclaw, Phillip had been in his seventh year when Severus and Lily had started school and he was not surprised that the blond man had no memory of him. Perhaps that was a positive, Severus thought as Rys clung tightly to Severus in the small, cluttered kitchen. It would mean that there were no preconceived opinions to color the man’s assessment of the toddler in his arms. Severus was able to coax his son into eating a small piece of pumpkin bread from his perch on his father’s lap, his green eyes enormous in his face as Rys looked around the comfortable room.

“I understand you’re a Potions master, Severus,” Phillip said as Hannah set tea in front of them, before joining them at the table.

Severus accepted the steaming cup, carefully setting it on the table away from Rys. “Yes, I seem to have a talent for it.”

Blue eyes watched him over the rim of a cup. “A talent for it, or a passion for it, if I might ask?”

Severus returned the gaze unflinchingly. “A passion, I suppose, as I enjoy trying to improve the effectiveness of the potions I am working with and create new ones when I have the time for research.”

Mays smiled suddenly. “Excellent! I have been looking for someone to assist me with some of the potions they are giving to the children at work. More specifically, the adult potions that they dilute, believing they will work the same for a developing body as a fully grown one.”

Severus nodded as Rys shifted on his lap, leaning over to look at the corgi puppy lying near the hearth, its brown eyes watching the boy. “I have encountered that attitude at the school and have been working with the medi-witch there on improvements.”

Rys dropped a piece of pumpkin bread and watched as Farsh caught it before it hit the floor. The toddler giggled and Severus saw him sneak a glance at him as Phillip continued to describe the adaptations he wanted for several common children’s potions. The dog nudged Rys with his snout and he responded by trying to lean down with the rest of his bread. Severus tightened the hand he was using to hold his son and Rys stopped moving immediately, green eyes darting up fearfully. Giving him a slight nod that Severus hoped conveyed that he simply wanted Rys to stay seated, he was grateful when he felt the small body relax against him. A small foot wiggled slightly, just enough to encourage the puppy into butting against it as the toddler quickly ate what was left of his pumpkin bread. Rys looked up at him with a grin and Severus felt his mouth twitch in return.

“He is very uncertain.” Phillip’s quiet voice drew Severus’ attention away from his son.

“Yes,” Severus managed to push out through suddenly clenched teeth and took a sip of tepid tea in an effort to relax.

“How long was he…away?”

“Eight months.” Severus’ answer was terse.

“He is two?” The large man asked in a conversational voice as he watched Rys lean down to tentatively pat Farsh on the head. “Does he remember, uh, anything from before?”

“He will be two next week and yes, with continuing nightmares,” Severus smoothed Rys’ jumper as the toddler sat up straight and reached for another small piece of bread, his bright eyes again darting up to his father’s face.

The corgi stood on his hind feet and stretched up, dancing in a circle. Hannah was bent over Kyler, wiping the remnants of his treat from his face as Rys giggled madly at the dog’s antics. Severus reached over and broke off a small piece of bread, handing it to Rys with a nod. Rys dangled it in front of Farsh and the puppy took it gingerly from the small fingers.

“Patience and reassurance, Severus; lots of reassurance, both verbal and physical will help.” Phillip watched as Rys patted the happy puppy on the head. “It will take perseverance and a fair amount of that patience to repair the damage.”

Severus nodded, finally acquiescing and lifting Rys off his lap. Kyler broke free of his mother and the dog barked happily as he ran between the two small children. Rys leaned against Severus’ leg as he watched Kyler let Farsh knock him over and begin to giggle as the puppy pounced on his head. A look of envy flitted over his son’s face and Severus stroked a reassuring hand through his hair without conscious thought. Phillip’s eyes never left Rys and he leaned forward, extending his hand in a non-threatening manner.

“Would you like to come and play, Rys?”

A small arm wrapped around his leg and Rys shook his head as he dropped his eyes to the floor. Severus knew his son was uncomfortable with the attention and smoothed his hair again, hating the uncertainty in the child. He met Phillip Mays' blue eyes steadily, looking more for reassurance that he was handling the situation in the proper way than anything. Phillip had explained that he was in the last phase of his specialty training and Severus acknowledged this man had the expertise to help.

“Passiveness is to be expected at this stage,” the large man settled back in his chair. “The level of trust he already has in you is exceptional, Severus, but there maybe separation problems when you have to, uh, go anywhere.”

That hit Severus in the chest like a physical blow, the memory of his son curled in his wardrobe, soiled and sobbing, flashing through his mind. He knew he would have to have arrangements eventually for Rys to be watched when the term began, but that was over a month away and Severus had been dealing with other priorities. If teaching wasn’t part of his vow to Albus Dumbledore, Severus would just take his son and disappear until Rys was due to start Hogwarts, but that was not an option. For the moment, Severus needed to concentrate on his son; he would worry about that after Rys' birthday.

Over the next few days, Severus did his best to be reassuring as Rys had been particularly withdrawn and clingy after the visit to the Mays, even though Kyler had behaved. As Phillip had pointed out, his son might be inordinately subdued, but that was better than reacting to his own abuse with the over-aggression that some children displayed. It was worrisome, Severus acknowledged, that Rys had not been pushed into anger and he wondered how his son would react if backed into a corner. Rys had given him some indication, mostly through accidental instances of magic, that he was a powerful little wizard, and that power, unleashed by anger, could inflict damage on any tormenter.

Mindful of the healer’s words, Severus made a point of leaving Rys alone for short periods of time. Initially, he simply stepped into the next room, as one would do daily, but it was enough for Severus to see the toddler fighting panic when he returned just minutes later. Each time, Severus would patiently explain that he would never leave Rys, he would always return. The panic seemed to ease as the days passed, especially as Rys learned that Severus was still within earshot and did immediately come back when he called. It became useful when Severus was brewing a caustic potion and could leave Rys in the warded kitchen with his coloring book and unicorn.

The morning of Rys' birthday came early as the excited two-year-old climbed onto Severus’ bed at dawn, clutching his soft toy. Magic seemed to fairly radiate from the boy despite his attempt to be as quiet as usual, showing Severus that Rys understood this was a special day. With a mock scowl, Severus lifted the edge of the blanket and beckoned to his son, who slid underneath with only a slight hesitation. Those little reminders that the baby was still cautious where his father was concerned tore at Severus’ heart and he gently tugged Rys against his chest, curling protectively around him. With a sigh, Rys closed his eyes and fell asleep as Severus lay watching him, his mind whirling.

Breakfast was messy as Severus allowed Rys to help him make pancakes, delighting the toddler with simple magic as he conjured flowers for the table and set the dishes to cleaning themselves. After breakfast, Severus directed Rys into the sitting room where he had a small stack of birthday presents. Upon seeing the colorful boxes that Severus had clumsily attempted to wrap, the toddler stopped, his eyes darting nervously up at his father.

“Come over here, Rys,” Severus told him, frowning at the child’s reaction as he settled himself on the sofa.

Rys shuffled over to stand beside Severus’ legs and stared at the packages, his breathing noticeably changing to rapid and shallow. Severus slowly reached for the closest gift, watching as Harry stiffened, breathing faster the closer the package came. When he turned to flee, full-blown panic in his eyes, Severus was ready. With a sinking heart, he dropped the present and looped his arm around the toddler. Waves of powerful magic poured off his son as he silently struggled and Severus turned him to cradle Rys to his chest. Grimly, he reined in his anger even as he wondered what had happened that the sight of a gift would elicit such a traumatized response.

“Rys…”

“No!” Rys screamed and tried to push himself away. “Not ‘lowed! Hurt Rys!”

Severus pulled his son closer, pinning the flailing limbs as he wrapped his arms around Rys. Despite a glancing blow to his cheek, Severus pressed his face against Rys head and began rocking side to side. Waves of magic made his skin tingle as Severus rubbed his cheek against his son’s fine hair and muttered soothingly in the manner he had learned would calm the toddler.

“Breathe, little one, breathe. Daddy has you and no one will ever hurt you again, my little Harry. Rys, you’re safe here, safe with Daddy.”

It took several minutes before his son stopped his silent struggling and sagged against Severus, who continued to speak softly as he rocked side to side. His child had somehow been traumatized and the sight of the colorfully wrapped presents had terrified him. That swine Dursley had hurt this baby, no doubt at Christmas time when any small child would have been tempted by presents around the tree. With a tremendous effort, Severus reigned in his anger and concentrated on the slight weight trembling in his arms.

Bringing one hand up to cup the back of Rys’ head, Severus tilted it up just enough to see wary but calm green eyes staring back. He waited until he was sure the toddler knew who held him, before speaking softly.

“My sweet boy, today is your birthday. These are my gifts to you, Rys,” Severus said in as soothing a manner as he could, eyes holding Rys’. “If you would like, I will take the paper off for you.”

Rys nodded slowly, the hands pressed against Severus’ robe curled into it tightly. A silent hover charm brought the smallest package slowly towards them. Keeping his movements measured and steady, Severus pulled the gift closer. He could feel Rys tense again and Severus banished the wrappings. With one arm still holding his son against him, Severus used the other hand to flip the lid off the small box and tip it towards Rys.

“Reach in and take out your present, son.”

Rys stared at the patch of white cloth that was visible inside the box for a long moment, before his eyes darted up to search Severus’ face once more. Severus could feel the toddler take a deep breath before reaching in and running a finger across the soft fabric. Rys ducked his head slightly, as if expecting a blow and when none came, he pulled his gift toward him. The little shirt unfolded with the movement and Rys gasped as a golden unicorn foal pranced across a meadow.

“Uni’torn, Daddy!” Rys let go of him to hold the shirt up and watch the antics of the foal.

Severus sighed with relief, offering a prayer to whichever gods watched over children. Perhaps he would be able to salvage the day after all. Without another thought, Severus banished the wrapping paper from the other gifts and shifted Rys to his lap. He admired the shirt and helped his son take off the one he’d chosen to wear, pulling the unicorn shirt on. With only a couple of instances of hesitation, the toddler removed the lids from the remaining boxes and exclaimed over each gift. The clothing he received Rys gathered around him; the soft dragon toy went to sit next to his unicorn, but his favorite appeared to be the small child’s cauldron Severus had ordered from Diagon Alley. Rys held it in his lap, one hand caressing it.

“My ‘tauldron, Daddy?” his son asked and Severus nodded solemnly.

“Yes, they are all yours, Rys. It is your birthday and one receives gifts on their birthday.” Severus told him, brushing a strand of hair out of the green eyes. “Do you remember your birthday last year?”

The little brow wrinkled in concentration but Rys shook his head. “No, Daddy.”

Severus hugged him and pressed a kiss to the top of his son’s head. “It’s all right, sweet boy. Did you know that special boys receive cakes on their birthdays?”

Rys looked up at him and shook his head, making Severus smile. He shifted Rys and his new possessions to the sofa before standing. A few flicks of his wand took care of the empty boxes and the magic brought a smile to the toddler’s face.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, Rys?” Severus replaced several books that had somehow been dislodged by his son’s accidental magic.

“Rys help Daddy?”

Severus frowned at the return of the earlier, stilted speech pattern. “Can you ask correctly?”

Rys frowned, his eyes narrowing in concentration. “Me help Daddy?”

“Can I help, Daddy?” Severus corrected him gently.

“Yes!” Rys answered excitedly as he slid off the couch, gripping the handle of his new toy.

The delighted look on his baby’s face returned the smile to Severus’ face and he held out his hand to the toddler. Together they went back into the kitchen, Severus’ mind wondering about the latest obstacle he’d discovered in his journey to heal his son. What other horrors had the baby endured in those eight months and how did he prepare for his son’s reaction when his memories of them were triggered? Perhaps Phillip Mays could help him, Severus thought as he began to gather the ingredients for a simple chocolate cake. It would definitely be better to know how to circumvent another panic attack and easier on Rys if Severus could identify the signs of impending problems at the earliest opportunity.

As with the pancakes, the mixing of the cake was a messy adventure that the usually meticulous Potions master would cringe at, but Severus found he enjoyed each shy smile that accompanied the spilled ingredients. The cake turned out lopsided and the frosting too thin, but Rys enthusiasm more than made up for the mess. By the time they sat down to tea that afternoon, Rys was chattering at his two stuffed toys, his voice happy, if indecipherable, and Severus found that he was pleased with how his son’s second birthday had gone, overall.

Just as the little boy had blown out the two candles with Severus’ help, a flash of fire heralded the arrival of Albus Dumbledore’s familiar, Fawkes the phoenix. Rys seemed to think the magical creature was another birthday treat as the over-grown pigeon preened, batting his head into the toddler’s questing fingers. It was the scroll of parchment that that Fawkes dropped onto the table that concerned Severus and he stared as it bounced, rolling against the edge of his plate.

It was a summons from the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Severus Snape strode out the gates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, his heels tapping out the anger surging through him on the flagstone walkway. The summons from Albus Dumbeldore was no more than the powerful wizard exerting his control of him, reminding Severus of his vow. The urgent meeting had been little more than the headmaster giving Horace Slughorn a forum to exalt his own talents as well as foist his preparatory duties for the new term on him. For Severus to be assigned the duty of preparing the potions bases for Slughorn’s O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. level students in addition to those for his own students was demeaning and designed to put him firmly in his place. To say the atmosphere had been tense would have been an understatement.

Taking several deep breaths, Severus kept walking as the sun hovered at the horizon. He wanted to be out of sight of the castle and its interfering headmaster before he Apparated to the cottage. His chest tightened as Severus thought about his son. Hannah Mays had been more than gracious about watching the toddler for him to attend the unplanned meeting, but Rys had been silent when Severus had left. He wondered if time had meaning for small children as Severus had been gone almost three hours instead of the one he had anticipated. Fear that Rys would be upset made his decision for him and without a backward glance, Severus Apparated home.

Hurrying out the door still clad in his teaching robes, Severus was at the Mays back door in a half-dozen long strides. Hannah looked relieved to see him and ushered him in without a word. Kyler sat in his highchair at the table, his face bearing the evidence of his attempts to feed himself. Severus looked anxiously around for his son, finally spotting him in the far corner by the fireplace. Rys sat with his face buried in his soft unicorn toy, Farsh lying next to him with his head in the toddler’s lap.

“He was fine at first, but then it was as if he decided you weren’t coming back,” Hannah told him quietly.

Severus nodded tightly as he moved to kneel beside his son. The puppy lifted his head and softly growled as if giving Severus his own opinion. Rys lifted his head slowly and Severus was aghast at the haunted look in his son’s red-rimmed eyes. In a blur of motion, Rys hurled himself into his father’s arms and Severus could only press the small trembling body against him. His arms gripped Severus’ throat tightly and he was sure that was what was interfering with his ability to speak. Laying his cheek on the silky hair, Severus rocked back and forth. Silent tears dampened his robes.

A touch on his arm brought Severus’ head up and he met Hannah’s concerned eyes.

“Take Rys home, Severus, we can certainly talk later.”

With a tight nod, Severus stood and made his way back to the cottage, his son holding on to him tightly, the toy wedged between them. Sinking down onto the couch in the darkening sitting room, Severus rubbed slow circles on to Rys’ thin back.

“I told you I would be back,” Severus crooned softly. “I won’t ever willingly leave you again, baby, I promise.”

Rys shifted and Severus eased him back until he could the toddler’s face. The green eyes met his, and Severus felt the barriers he’d held in place for so long slip as his son searched for some reassurance. Severus supported Rys with one hand while the other moved to cup his cheek. Imitating him, Rys brought his hand up and pressed it against Severus’ face.

“Wish, Daddy,” Rys whispered, “wish Daddy here a’ways!”

The anguish in the small voice tore at him. “A part of me will always be with you, sweet boy, I promise.” And Severus wished it to be true with his whole heart.

“Yes, Daddy! Rys wish, too!” His son brightened instantly. “Wish, Daddy, wish!”

The toddler’s face screwed up in concentration, as if his whole being was focused on his wish. Severus closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the child in his arms and the absolute desire that his son always know that Severus was there for him. A flash of heat preceded a sharp surge of magic and Severus’ eyes flew open. His son was haloed in a soft white light that seemed to extend to surround Severus himself, all except the black outlining the jagged scar on Rys’ forehead. In the beat of his heart, the light was gone and Rys’ face lit up with happiness.

“Tank you, Daddy.” Rys settled back against him, his soft toy suddenly back in his hand.

Severus could only sit and stare down at the smooth raven hair as his mind tried to decipher what had just happened. Had Rys evoked Wish Magic? One of the rarest and most difficult forms of magic, it required a deep seated desire and exceptional power to achieve the desired 

result. While he had no doubt that his child desperately desired the security of having him there, Severus wasn’t sure Rys had the magical power necessary at his young age to have truly perform wish magic. Surely even a combination of their magic couldn’t have made the flare of pure magic that Severus had seen.

“Daddy, Rys have ‘take?” A small, hopeful voice asked.

Pulling him from his introspective, Severus looked down into the bewitching eyes and smiled. He lifted Rys from his lap and kissed him noisily on the nose before standing in one fluid motion.

“May I have some cake?” Severus reminded his son as he moved towards the kitchen.

“Yes, Daddy,” came the solemn response.

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The nightmare surged within his mind and even realizing that it was a nightmare did not stop the terror from seizinghim in an iron grip. He was frozen in place, forced into watching in horror as Rys struggle to escape from Albus Dumbledore’s long-reaching grasp. Every time the child would begin to break away, the dark image of Lord Voldemort would emerge like a wispy vapor from the lightning bolt scar, pulling his son away from Dumbledore in a macabre type of tug-a-war. Severus struggled against the invisible spell that bound him tightly, the anguish tearing at his chest.

“Daddy?”

Small fingers prodded his eyes, attempting to open them for Severus as his started awake, his heart thundering in his chest. Silvery tears slid down Rys’ cheeks, gleaming in the predawn light. Seeing his father’s eyes pop open, the child awkwardly patted his face in an attempt to comfort him. Severus reached up, pulling Rys against his chest in a gesture of quiet desperation. 

Neither of them had much experience at being comforted, but he was able to recognize his son’s intent.

“Bad d’eam, Daddy?” Rys asked softly, one hand still patting Severus’ cheek.

“Yes, sweet boy, a very bad dream.” Severus told his son as he stroked the silky hair. “But you are here now and all is well.”

Rys slipped his arms around Severus’ neck and snuggled against him with a yawn. “Good, Daddy.”

The toddler immediately fell asleep and Severus slowly calmed down. Trying not to think of the implications his dream held, Severus was finally able to sleep with his son wrapped protectively in his arms.

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“Rys seems to have recovered from his distress.” Phillip Mays commented casually as he sipped his tea.

Severus’ eyes followed his son as he ran through the grass, playing with Kyler and Farsh. Delighted laughter floated back to the fathers as the boys chased each other and the corgi tried to chase both of them at once. His son had seemed to bounce back quickly from the incident two days before; Severus on the other hand was still a bit bewildered. Closing his eyes, Severus could feel the small pulsating kernel of magic that seemed to have taken root in his chest since Rys had made his ‘wish’ on his birthday. The magic reassured him that the child was fine and happy at the moment and was decidedly unsettling to Severus.

“Have you ever experienced wish magic, Phillip?”

The healer looked at him sharply before turning his eyes back on the two boys. “I’ve heard if it, certainly, and have seen a lot of accidental magic in children that is attributed as wish magic.”

“And if I told you that Rys wished on his birthday that a part of me would always be with him and now I can feel a link between us?” Severus still watched his son’s animated face.

There was a pause before Phillip seemed to answer with carefully chosen words. “I would believe with his history that your son is powerful enough and determined enough to be able to accomplish wish magic as well as a familial bond of that type.”

Severus’ head snapped up and he stared at the healer, as the true meaning of the words sunk in. A large hand settled on his arm and tightened slightly as Severus made to yank his arm away.

“You asked me to act as your son’s healer, Severus,” Phillip said quietly, “and that carries an oath as strong as any Unbreakable Vow. I merely put together the facts as I know them, from the inseparable friendship you shared with his mother; to the glimpse of the scar I saw when I examined him. Based on those observations and the strength of the magic young Rys has, I do believe that he could handily accomplish wish magic.”

Taking a deep breath to try and calm his thundering heart, Severus met the pale blue eyes, searching them for any deceit. “He and I have much to lose, as you know from your examination. I will do anything to protect my son.”

“As you should, Severus,” the healer dropped his hand but didn’t look away. “My parents chose to emigrate with my sister and I so that we wouldn’t get caught up in the Death Eaters rhetoric that turned my older brother against our family. My mother was Muggle-born, you see.”

Severus nodded his panic easing a bit at the healer’s words. It was not the first instance he had heard of the Dark Lord’s beliefs ripping families apart. His bastard of a father had his own perverse prejudices, hatred based on religion and genetics - much like Tom Riddle’s insanely 

fanatical beliefs of pure-blood supremacy despite being a half-blood. Yet, Severus had made no attempt to hide the fact that his father had been a Muggle, and it had never seemed an issue when he was serving as the Dark Lord’s chief potions Master.

“I remember your devotion to his mother, Severus, and hers to you. You loved her very much, it seemed.”

“Desperately,” Severus admitted softly, seeing Lily in his son’s flushed cheeks and eyes alive with laughter. “She thought her husband dead when she came to me for comfort. Lily would have never knowingly betrayed him.”

“Your son was conceived in love, Severus, which makes the bond that much stronger, despite the unfortunate circumstances of the past eight months.”

“He is desperately afraid that he will be sent back, Phillip,” Severus added, “which would make the wish to be with me always hold so much power for him.”

“Precisely,” nodded the healer as the two little boys shrieked with laughter again and headed back towards them. “His magic is very strong and has manifested itself early, no doubt due to his unique circumstance.”

“Daddy!” Rys squealed, throwing himself at Severus as the corgi nipped at his ankles.

Catching the little boy, Severus swung him around in a circle, his son’s jubilant laughter bringing a smile to his face. Rys wrapped his arms around Severus’ neck, giggling madly as his silky hair stuck to his damp forehead. Kyler ran around his father, dropping into the grass where the puppy jumped on him and began licking his face. Phillip Mays chuckled at his son’s antics as Severus ran his hand down Rys’ back, finding his shirt damp with sweat. The child needed play clothes like the light weight shirt and sturdy shorts Kyler was wearing, as well as a pair of trainers. Rys wiggled in his arms, leaning over to give Severus a sloppy kiss on the cheek.

Phillip bent down to pick-up his squealing son, groaning as he settled the barefoot three-year-old on his hip. “I’m going to be in trouble for letting him get this wound-up so close to tea time,” the healer muttered to Severus. “Next time I am home, I’d like to examine that scar a little closer, Severus, if I may – there is something odd about it, almost as if there is foreign matter imbedded in it.”

Severus nodded as he noisily kissed the toddler on the nose. Phillip reached over and patted Rys on the head before throwing Severus an encouraging smile and disappeared through the hedge, Farsh dancing at his heels. Rys turned his head and lifted his hand in a hesitant wave as Kyler waved enthusiastically back.

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The owl soared in through the open door as Severus was giving Rys his bath, the sleek black eagle owl as dignified as its owner. The bird perched unruffled on the edge of the tub as his son cooed and stroked the soft feathers with wet fingers. Wondering with a touch of apprehension at what his solicitor wanted, Severus took the thick scroll tied to the owl’s leg. Slipping it into his pocket, he wrapped the squirming toddler in a towel and headed for the kitchen as Rys had deemed it his responsibility to dispense owl treats. Socrates followed obediently and Severus smothered a smile as he gingerly took the slightly soggy treat gently from the small fingers.

It wasn’t until Severus had read Rys a story, something Hannah had suggested he try as a way to ease the child into sleep, and tucked him in that he remembered the message. Retreating to the sitting room, Severus poured himself a finger of firewhiskey and settled into his chair before he opened the scroll. is eyes

His eyes scanned rapidly through the salutation and the short paragraph that followed before blinking in surprise and going back to reread the missive slowly.

It seemed someone wanted to buy his interest in Grunnings. Severus’ eyes narrowed at the carefully worded message, reading the unstated urgency in what wasn’t said as he learned that an appointment had been made for the first thing in the morning. Summoning a quill, Severus used the back side of the missive to quickly pen an acknowledgement, before whistling for the owl 

who was still loitering in the kitchen. Fastening the parchment securely, Severus leaned back in his chair as he stared unseeingly at the last rays of the setting sun. Something about this news made him fear for his son’s safety and Severus shuddered as his mind conjured up possibilities.

Shaking his head, Severus stood and set his empty glass on the side table. Sitting here would not dislodge the dire thoughts swirling in his mind, but brewing might and he still had all the base potions to make for the coming term. A couple hours of concentration would keep his mind and hands busy, leaving him little time to dwell on nefarious, and imagined, plots. Rys needed some additional clothing and Severus wanted to get him some books as the toddler has been enthralled by the books Hannah had loaned them. How easily Severus forgot the existence his son had endured for the past eight months would have been devoid of anything that would have enriched him or encourage his intelligence.

Flooing directly to the Leaking Cauldron the next morning, Severus held Rys tightly against his chest. His son whimpered softly at the effect the prolonged spinning had on his empty stomach. Severus stepped gracefully out of the fireplace, keeping the light cloak in place that he’d used to protect Rys from the soot and marched out the front door into Muggle London. A wave of noise and unpleasant smells assaulted him as Severus moved determinately down the walk. Once he was sure they were no longer in sight of the pub, Severus slowed his pace. Lifting the cloak, Severus wasn’t surprised to see the wary green eyes that blinked up at him. A muttered spell shrank the cloak and Severus shifted the toddler to his hip to brush a hand reassuringly through the straight, raven hair so like his own.

“Daddy?”

“It’s all right, sweet boy,” Severus told him quietly, straightening the simple white shirt. “Is your stomach feeling better now?”

Rys nodded, leaning into his father’s side as he looked around curiously, content to let his father carry him in this unfamiliar place it seemed. There were a fair number of people already walking briskly along the sidewalk, all dressed similarly in dark suits and Severus barely 

contained a sneer at the Muggle sense of convention. Rys’ hand tightened where it rested on the sleeve of his frock coat and Severus felt a stab of guilt as he stepped back into the flow of pedestrians. A walk of several blocks brought them to the front of an elegant old building with a small Parisian-style café on the sidewalk. The morning was warm, despite the early hour and Severus chose a table in the far corner which would give him view of anyone walking along the sidewalk.

Seating the toddler beside him, Severus ordered a light breakfast from an impossibly cheerful girl no older than himself who fawned over Rys in excess. His son moved back from her when the girl looked like she was going to pat him on the head, both relieved as she walked away. Severus reached over and laid a reassuring hand on Rys’ arm and his son turned uncertain eyes on him. The apprehension visible in them was palatable and Severus couldn’t help but wonder if he was actually feeling the backwash of Rys’ anxiety through the bond the boy had initiated between them.

“It will be fine, sweet boy,” Severus reassured him quietly. “We will eat a bit and then go to my appointment. After that, I am going to take you shopping and we’ll get you some shorts like Kyler’s, all right?”

Rys nodded, his face lighting up and Severus was relieved to see some of fear fading from the green eyes. Did the boy think he was being sent back? He spoke quietly, pointing out all manner of things to the child who hung on his every word. Severus tried not to bristle at Rys’ obvious unfamiliarity with everyday sights and sounds. The smallest things seemed to matter the most to Rys, like Severus sharing his porridge and fresh fruit, allowing his son to ‘feed’ him. It was relatively easy to entertain the child even as Severus kept an alert eye on the crowds that flowed pass the café. The engaging, playful child that emerged from behind the wall of fear warmed Severus’ heart.

Leading Rys up the two flights of stairs, he stopped in front of the highly polished wood door, which delighted the toddler as it opened to Severus’ touch. The interior of the solicitor’s office reflected the lucrative practice that spanned both the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. Rys 

had a bemused look on his face as he sank down into the thick carpeting and gazed around at the antique fill reception room. Edging closer, his fingers tightening around Severus’, the child leaned against his father’s leg as a well-dressed man appeared in front of them.

“Good morning, Severus and who is this very handsome young man with you?”

Pride surged through Severus when Rys didn’t shrink back from the solicitor, his grip tightening on Severus’ trousers the only sign of his discomfort. “Good morning, Bernard, I would like you to meet my son, Rys.”

Severus hand smoothed the hair on the back of the toddler’s head as the other man crouched down.

“I am pleased to meet you, young Master Snape,” Bernard said formally and Severus felt Rys’ head nod against his leg, but the boy didn’t relinquish his grip on Severus’ hand.

His former house-mate stood and ushered them into his elegantly appointed office. Bernard McBride represented his clients in both the wizarding and Muggle world and did it very successfully. He’d been a year ahead of Severus at Hogwarts and had managed the Snape family funds since they had passed into Severus’ control on his father’s death four years ago. Although trained as a solicitor, Bernard had a remarkable insight into money management and Severus had profited steadily over the years. It had been Bernard’s wise investments that had enabled Severus to have the funds to free his son from his abusive situation. Settling himself in the comfortable leather couch, Severus lifted Rys to sit beside him as Bernard set tea and a plate of biscuits on the low table in front of him.

“He seems to be adjusting, Severus,” the solicitor handed him a teacup.

Severus took it with a nod of thanks and blew across the surface, before taking a cautious sip. “Slowly, there was even more…damage than I had thought, but he seems resilient.”

McBride sat back in a matching leather chair and carefully sipped his tea, his eyes never leaving Rys face. The child sat quietly, hands folded in his lap as he carefully looked at the room from under his lashes, amusing Severus with the show of curiosity. Leaning forward, he chose a shortbread biscuit and extended it to his son. The boy flashed him a small smile before carefully taking it and leaning back against him, looking around the room more openly.

“You said you had an offer for my shares of Grunnings?” Severus prompted the other man as he brushed crumbs off his fingertips.

“Ah, yes,” Bernard set his tea down and summoned a file from his desk.

A flick of his wand at the door, and Severus knew that a strong silencing charm had been cast it. He raised an eyebrow at his companion.

“The offer I received is for over twice the amount you paid, Severus.”

That surprised Severus as he had paid well over the market value for his fifty-five percent of the manufacturing company just over six months prior.

“Have they developed some sort of revolutionary new type of drill?” Severus didn’t try to keep the scorn out of his voice.

“Not that I am aware of,” Bernard replied dryly. “Also, the offer was made through Pollux Burke, without naming exactly who he is making the offer for.”

A frown furrowed Severus’ brow. “Pollux Burke? The pure-blood squib who is related to the Blacks and the Malfoys?”

“As well as the majority of the pure-blood Wizarding families, yes.”

It felt like a huge hand had taken his chest in a crushing grip as Severus’ mind whirled at the implications. If any of his former associates had found the whereabouts of Harry Potter, the Dursleys would be in jeopardy along with his secret. If Albus Dumbledore became concerned about his precious Boy Who Lived, then he and his son could be in danger themselves. An insistant tugging on his sleeve brought his focus back outward and he tried to offer Rys a reassuring smile. The toddler gave him a solemn look as he crawled up into Severus lap and leaned against his chest.

“How did they find out?”

Bernard shot him an incredulous look. “Do you think that the likes of Lucius Malfoy wouldn’t have been searching for the boy since that night in Godric’s Hallow? That the Dark Lord’s most avid supporters would take his demise philosophically and not try to exact revenge on the person who caused? What did you think they would do?”

“As my paramount concern was staying out of Azkaban, even as I was trying to ensure the safety of my son,” Severus said softly, bringing his arm around Rys. “I had also been revealed as a spy by Albus Dumbledore, which didn’t invite contact by the remaining Death Eaters.”

Bernard nodded his understanding before setting his teacup down retrieving a Muggle-style file folder. “There were those to whom galleons were means to exoneration and freedom, Severus. It is those same wizards, I am sure, who are now offering you an exorbitant amount of money for controlling interest in a Muggle manufacturing company whose director happens to be the uncle of the Boy Who Lived.”

“Exorbitant?”

“A bit over 300,000 galleons - after my fee, of course.”

“Of course,” Severus agreed automatically, his mind trying to sort through the more subtle meanings in offering such a staggering amount, even as a feeling of disquiet stole over him. “They believe they have found him.”

“Dumbledore’s placement of the child was no secret, my friend, but at the same time, the old bastard made it clear that the protections he had in place were too strong for anyone to break.”

Taking a deep breath, Severus concluded that it was now just a matter of time before someone attempted to breach the blood wards that Dumbledore had erected around the house in Surrey. “You accepted the offer, then?”

A shrewd smile curved the corners of Bernard’s mouth as he tapped a well manicured fingernail on the top of the folder. “Not the first offer, this is actually the second and yes, I accepted it on your behalf.”

With that kind of money, Severus wouldn’t have to be concerned about providing financial security for his son. It would be one less worry for him, especially after liquidating the majority of his assets in his scheme to gain custody of Rys. Now, if he could just be assured that same custody was irrevocable, Severus would feel more secure. It wouldn’t matter what Albus Dumbledore demanded if Severus’ claim was solid and gave him the upper hand. Regardless of the solidity, the money would also provide the means needed if an escape became necessary, Severus thought grimly.

“I took the liberty of splitting the funds and putting half in your Gringott’s vault and the other half in the Muggle bank account you have.”

Severus looked at his former housemate, wondering briefly if the man was a Legilimens. “Excellent idea, Bernard, and thank you for utilizing your exceptional negotiation skills, again, which leaves the only thing left to secure is that I am indeed Rys’ biological father.”

Leaning forward and wrapping himself protectively around his son, Severus tried to communicate the urgency he felt. “Is there a way to do that, Bernard? Have the Muggles come up with a way to establish paternity as a certainty? We need to do this quickly, before anything is found amiss in Surrey.”

The solicitor tapped his finger against the file folder thoughtfully. “There are some new tests that I recently had done for another case which use blood typing to determine paternity. I used it successfully in an inheritance challenge. I also think it a wise idea to place a copy of the abuse you witnessed and the condition you found him in as Pensieve proof is readily accepted if copied by a healer certified in mind healing.”

Shuddering at the idea of subjecting his son to Muggle needles and himself to a mind-probe, Severus nevertheless was determined to use any means available to him. “Can you make the arrangements?”

“Yes, I actually use an excellent Muggleborn healer from a private clinic here in London who can do both. I’m sure I could have her here by tea time.”

Rys squirmed in his arms and Severus lifted him out of his lap. The child slid off the couch to stand next to him, edging slightly towards the plate of biscuits. Completely oblivious to the seriousness of the discussion, the toddler was nevertheless staying close to Severus leg, even as he looked wistfully at the treats. So much had been denied the boy in his short life that Severus reached out and drew the plate closer, giving his son something he’d not often experienced, a choice. A shy smile lit the little face as Rys carefully chose a chocolate digestive. He looked up through a strand of hair to make sure Severus approved, before nibbling on a corner of the biscuit.

“Go, Severus, and enjoy your son,” the solicitor said with a smile. “I will see you at tea time.”

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Three hours later, Severus had a new respect for the unlimited energy wasted on small children. Rys tackled their shopping trip with seemingly boundless energy as he skipped around his father as they walked a number of long blocks into the heart of London’s shopping district. Still too quiet for a toddler, Rys had finally understood that Severus wanted him to indicate which clothing he liked better. The biscuits he’d consumed in Bernard’s office no doubt fueled some of the exuberance, but Severus himself was to blame when he discovered Rys had never before tasted ice cream. It was worth the price to watch the boy become alive.

Furtively watching the antics of other children in the posh London department store, Severus was appalled at the permissive behavior of some parents. A child of undetermined gender launched into loud screaming tirade when denied an expensive bobble of some kind. The boorish behavior had Rys clinging to his trouser leg in fright. Thank Merlin it was their last stop, Severus thought as he lifted his son into his arms.

It was only then that he noticed the hideous lime-green tee shirt that Rys had grasped tightly in his hand. The garish color made Severus’ eyes water and he opened his mouth to offer a scathing opinion of the shade, just as the toddler turned towards him with hopeful eyes. Hesitating, Severus realized for all Rys’ enthusiasm the child had not asked for anything all day. He had immediately deferred to everything Severus has suggested and it dawned on the Potions master that his son had never been allowed to ask for anything and had no idea how to.

“Would you like this shirt, sweet boy?” Severus asked softly.

Rys’ nodded, his green eyes huge in his solemn face. “Pwease, Daddy?”

Severus could feel the stiffness in the little body and knew that his son was terrified that he was somehow in trouble for daring to ask.

“If you are sure, son,” he held the toddler closer, “or you may chose another of any color you would like.”

“’tis one, Daddy.”

An over-helpful chit of a sales clerk encouraged Rys to wear the shirt out of the store and his son fairly glowed with happiness when Severus capitulated. It wasn’t until the toddler put it on that Severus saw the picture of a snake on the front, Severus rolling his eyes over the little boy’s head. It was only when Rys stumbled that Severus noticed the exhaustion etched into his face. Stepping into a shadowed alcove, Severus quickly charmed one bag with wizard-space and slid the other bags into it before lifting Rys into his arms. The little boy sighed and melted against him, rousing himself enough to kiss Severus on the cheek.

“T’ank you, Daddy.”

It was a relief to get back to the cool cottage outside Hogsmeade and Severus sighed as he stepped out of the Floo with Rys still sound asleep in his arms. Carrying Rys up to his room, Severus gently laid the toddler down, sitting on the edge of his bed to take off the new trainers. Leaning closer, he brushed a strand of fine hair away from the jagged scar on his son’s forehead. The angry redness of the mark had drawn the healer’s attention just as it had Phillip May’s and Severus had become suddenly concerned for both their safety as the woman bent to examine it closer. Bernard had stayed his wand hand and pulled him aside to assure Severus of the witch’s Unbroken Vow of Silence to him. It had been reassuring at the least.

Rys stirred in his sleep, throwing his arm out across the duvet and making the small puncture wounds in his skin visible. The slightly raised areas had some faint purpling and would soon fade. His son had taken the needle jabs in stoic silence, his hand tightening around Severus’ fingers the only sign of his discomfort. The healer’s dark eyes had softened at Rys’ shy manner and easy acceptance of her. Severus had been proud of the toddler’s composure and his heart had swelled at the way Rys had basked in his quiet praise. Severus was equally thankful when the child fell asleep as the healer began the preparation to copy the memories that were so critical to their case. It had been hard enough for Severus to pull them forward and relive them, reminding him of his failure to protect his son, even as Rys lay sprawled beside him on the couch, sleeping peacefully.

The witch had been appalled and angered by Severus’ tight-lipped descriptions of the scenes she was to copy, her own mouth set in a hard line as she used Bernard’s Penseive to verify each memory before sealing them in separate, marked vials. Severus was relieved by the professional demeanor the healer, introduced only as Lotus, displayed but he could see the stain of red displeasure beneath her dark skin. A terse reminder to him to check the toddler’s immunizations, both Wizard and Muggle, brought Phillip Mays’ name to his lips almost defensively and the witch had given him a slight smile as she nodded her approval. Severus made a mental note to check with the man as soon as he was able.

Leaning down, Severus kissed Rys’ forehead, before rising to begin to put away the clothing he’d bought. The thoughts that he had managed to suppress since that morning forced their way to the surface: Lucius Malfoy meant to kill Harry Potter. The implications were staggering and potentially deadly for them both. Purchasing the drill manufacturing plant was the first step in getting to the Boy Who Lived, as Severus knew. Had he not taken the steps he had last December, his son very possibly would have disappeared without anyone the wiser.

Severus made his way down to the sitting room and poured himself two fingers of scotch before collapsing into his chair. Leaning his head back against the high back, Severus stared at the unlit hearth. Albus Dumbledore had not check on Harry Potter since the night he’d left the fifteen-month-old on a cold doorstep in the middle of the night. It was just as obvious that whatever bloodwards the headmaster had set on the house didn’t depend on the child being there. Given that, there was no reason to believe that Dumbledore or anyone else would discover what Malfoy was up to, any more than he’d found out that his son had been gone for weeks.

Although something told Severus that a man of Lucius’ cunning would not simply stop at buying a controlling interest in Grunnings. Severus’ worry was the length that a trusted member of the Dark Lord’s inner circle would go to in order to seek revenge. Alice and Frank Longbottom’s fate flashed through his mind and Severus shuddered. He would go to any length 

to keep his son safe, Severus vowed, including going into hiding in the Muggle world far from Scotland.

His mind whirled with possible contingency plans as he tried to calculate how much time they had before Rys was discovered missing and how quickly he could put the necessary arrangements in place. Severus was unaware of the passage of time until a slight warm weight wiggled its way into his lap. Looking down, Severus found his son had divested himself of all his clothing with the exception of his new shirt. A pair of red shorts in the toddler’s hand told Severus what had happened and he felt inordinately thrilled at the absolutely normal thing for a two-year-old to do.

“Daddy?”

“Even new shorts require pants underneath them, son,” Severus said gravely, allowing a smile to curve the corners of his lips as he banished his frantic thoughts to the back of his mind.

Rys blinked uncertainly for a moment before erupting in giggles. Severus embraced him tightly, his heart swelling as the small arms slid around his neck, hugging him back. Cupping the back of the small dark head, Severus found he needed to take several deep breaths as long unused emotions welled up. They would manage, the two of them, Severus knew as he felt the strength of the love they were building and of the unspoken bond between them.

Standing, Severus patted the small arse gently. “Well, my son, shall we see to pants and then some tea?”

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The next week passed quickly but quietly, despite the unsettled feeling that kept Severus’ sleep restless. Knowing that the acquisition by Lucius could well be completed within days and the man wasn’t known for his patience, Severus began immediately with his own arrangements. Whatever nefarious plans were being laid, Lucius Malfoy would strike with the swiftness and 

deadly accuracy of the cobra the Dark Lord was always fond of. Severus knew he had to be ready.

It took three days to brew the potions he felt necessary and pack essential equipment. An owl to Bernard brought soothing reassurances that everything they had discussed was being taken care of and an elderly house-elf who transported Severus’ specialized potions and ingredients to a place his solicitor had deemed safe. A conversation with Hannah Mays reassured Severus that his son would have gotten his most important inoculations during his first year and Phillip would bring the few Rys had missed on his next weekend off. Those items with special meaning went into a small rucksack that Severus had charmed with Wizard space. Rys thought it great fun to put all his clothing into the bag with his Daddy’s.

Picking up on Severus’ worry, Rys had been clingy and Severus had done his best to assure his son that everything would be fine. One particularly stressful afternoon, Severus had lost all patience and snapped at the toddler and Rys had backed himself into a corner, silent tears streaming down his cheeks. The sight had brought a spasm of pain to Severus’ chest, and he’d joined his son on the floor, explaining as best he could the situation in. The little wizard narrowed his eyes at the possibility of someone separating them and Severus could feel the magic stirring in him.

“No, Daddy ‘tay with me!” His son insisted, climbing into Severus’ lap. “My Daddy!”

“Yes, sweet boy,” Severus hugged him. “I will always be here with you.”

“Good boy!” Rys patted his cheek, mimicking Severus and pulling a smile from somewhere deep inside him.

Saturday dawned bright and unusually warm, prompting Severus to put aside everything else and spend the morning in the garden with Rys. It was a relief to see the toddler running across the bit of lawn, chasing a small butterfly as Severus watched. The Mays were due home from London that afternoon, Hannah having taken Kyler there to meet Phillip. Severus had invited 

them all for tea, much to Rys’ delight, although he suspected it was as much for the fairy cakes and finger sandwiches he’d made up as for the company.

The babble of toddler-speak washed over him as Rys tried to coax the butterfly closer and squealed as it flew away. Severus took a deep breath, savoring the fragrance of the flowering herbs and bushes. Bernard had owled him an emergency Portkey yesterday, Severus’ fingers sliding into the pocket of his trousers for the hundredth time, to reassure himself it was still there. It was reassuring to him, knowing he had a method of escape should the worse happen. There had been no word from either Severus’ or the solicitor’s contacts in the Ministry and enough time had elapsed that Severus was feeling chagrined at his initial panic.

“Daddy? ‘M hungry.”

Rys leaned against his leg and Severus reached down to finger comb the tangled hair back into place. “I think a bit of lunch and then a nap would be good before Kyler arrives to play with you.”

Nodding enthusiastically, the toddler ran ahead of him and up the stairs to wash his hands. Severus headed into the kitchen to warm some of the stew they’d had for dinner the night before.

“Severus!”

Albus Dumbledore’s urgent voice rang through the cottage and Severus’ heart froze in his chest. Rys! His son was still upstairs with the most powerful wizard alive standing between them. Dropping the bowl onto the counter, Severus took a deep breath and stepped through the doorway to find his employer pacing uninvited in the sitting room.

“Professor Dumbledore, what brings you here?” Severus quickly checked his Occlumency shields as the piercing blue eyes turned on him.

“There seems to be a problem in Surrey, Severus,” Dumbledore spoke in an even voice just tinged with urgency. “I’d very much appreciate it if you would go sort it out.”

Severus slid his hand into his pocket, grasping the Galleon and forced out passed the heart now thudding in his throat. “A problem?”

“A source in the Ministry has advised me that the Dursleys have vanished, their house has been abandoned, and of Harry, there is no sign.”

A Ministry official, indeed. Severus knew Lucius’ handiwork when he saw it. He casually eased along the wall towards the stairs, keeping an impassive mask in place as Dumbledore began to pace again. If he could just get closer to the stairs, Severus knew he could grab his son and be gone in an instant, knowing that Rys had to have over-heard the older wizard’s raised voice.

“It seems the house was sold and vacated in the middle of the night…” Dumbledore said, as if it were beyond belief.

“What of the bloodwards?” Severus tried but failed to keep the sneer out of his voice, all the time slowly edging towards the steps.

“There was apparently no overt threat to trigger them, Severus. The protections in place had nothing to do with the Dursleys’ choices or actions, only something that directly threatened the boy’s wellbeing.” The blue eyes narrowed at him. “I need you to go immediately to Little Whinging and attempt to locate Lily’s son, Severus.”

Wincing at the pointed reminder more out of habit than anything, Severus inclined his head. “As you wish, Headmaster.”

“This is of the upmost urgency, Severus, and I do mean immediately.”

There was no benevolence in the usually jovial wizard’s demeanor and Severus drew his hand out of his pocket, Portkey held tightly against his palm. He was not leaving without his son, no matter what it took to get up the stairs. A movement midway up caught Severus’ eye and he silently pled with his son to stay hidden.

“Severus? Is there a problem?” Albus Dumbledore stopped his pacing in front of the hearth and turned to face him.

“Not at all, Headmaster, I simply need to get…”

Without so much as a blink from the old wizard, Severus found himself immobilized and the prod of forced Legilimency. Grasping the surge of panic and using it to augment his shields, Severus was able to withstand the agonizing probe. A gasp of pain from his left startled both of the adults and Severus struggled desperately with his frozen muscles.

“Hurting Daddy!” Rys stepped into sight, arms held rigidly by his side and his eyes fixed on Albus Dumbledore.

The blue eyes flickered over his son’s face, ready to dismiss the intrusion as unimportant until Severus saw the edge of lightning bolt visible through a strand of hair.

“No wonder you were reluctant to go check on your beloved son, Severus,” Dumbledore brought his wand up as he took a step towards the toddler. “You have already broken your vow to Lily and to me, which is unfortunate and ill-timed, but it does save me from looking for the boy. I will see that he is returned to the Dursleys without any memory of this adventure or you.”

Severus’ eyes shifted between the raised wand and his little boy, a sharp pain piercing his chest. Rys lost all the color in his face and his eyes seemed to glow with the anger Severus could feel welling inside him. The wand twitched just as Rys threw out his hand towards Albus Dumbledore.

“No! Go away!” The toddler screamed.

A look of bewilderment flashed across Dumbledore’s face and he was thrown back into the fireplace where he disappeared in a burst of green flame. Suddenly free of the body-bind, Severus dove for his son, scooping him into his arms as he sprinted up the step. Muttering reassuring words quietly in the trembling toddler’s ear, Severus summoned the soft toy Rys had dropped and shoved it into the rucksack. Slinging one strap over his shoulder, Severus held Rys tightly and pressed the Galleon against his hand as he whispered the word to activate it.

“Lily!”

A familiar tug behind his navel told Severus that he had succeeded in getting them safely away. Now, all he could do was hold on and wait to see where the Portkey took them.

The room Severus found himself in was dark; the air held the slightly musty smell of a being locked up for too long. Rys clung desperately to his neck and Severus could feel the dampness of the boy's tears leaking down his throat. Without conscious thought, his wand was in his right hand, the rucksack set on the floor at their feet, and his left lifted to rub his son’s back. Silently, Severus crouched for several long minutes, listening and allowing his senses to become attuned to the room around them. The tingle of powerful wards lingered on his skin and there was a familiar feel to the magic. It took a heart-stopping moment to recognize his solicitor’s magical signature.

“Daddy?”

Rys’ whispered voice shattered the silence and Severus slowly stood up. Allowing his son to slide down to the floor, Severus kept his left hand firmly on the boy’s shoulder as he examined the room. His eyes, now adjusted to the dimness, could make out the leather couch and armchairs set in front of a large hearth. Heavy drapes of some dark color obscured the windows along one side of the room and a doorway opened up at the corner of another.

“Daddy?”

Rys’ voice was slightly louder, making Severus flinch. The hand on the thin shoulder tensed and the boy froze. Casting several revealing spells, Severus concluded that they were in the right place, a safe place, just as Bernard had promised. A flicker of guilt went through him, both at his failure to trust the one man who had sworn him an Oath, and the way his son had reacted to him. Pointing his wand away, Severus crouched down to meet Rys’ eyes.

“I am sorry, sweet boy, but I needed to make sure this was a safe place for us.”

The green eyes beseeched him. “Good here, Daddy, but bad man hurt Daddy…”

Those eyes welled with tears and Severus was at a loss. After an awkward moment, it dawned on him that this little child had been frightened that he was hurt and Severus enfolded his son in his arms. Rys promptly burst into tears, burying his face in Severus’ shoulder. Warmth blossomed in his chest and he rocked the toddler back and forth.

“Daddy is…I am fine, Rys,” he rubbed his son’s back gently. “I’m not quite sure what happened at the cottage or where you sent the headmaster, but we are, for the moment, safe.”

“Rys’…’m in trouble?” The toddler asked, his face still pressed into Severus’ robes.

Severus snorted. “No, sweet boy, you are not in trouble for rescuing me. In fact, Albus Dumbledore may think twice before he attempts to separate us in the future.”

With a whispered spell, the draperies opened and filtered sunlight made the room visible. The furniture appeared of good quality, used but in decent condition, and the room was painted in a light color with dark wood trim. Shifting Rys to his hip, Severus moved towards the doorway and found them in a large kitchen, dominated by an immense table and fireplace. The room’s open beam ceiling and solid construction suggested they were in some type of old farmhouse. There was an unlit green candle in the middle of the worn wood and a piece of parchment propped against it. A spell showed that the note was harmless and Severus reached over to pick it up.

Severus,

Everything should be ready for you when you arrive, the cupboards are filled with stores and your lab is in a room just off the kitchen. This is a converted farmhouse which was purchased for you from the pureblood family of an elderly witch. It seems in her later years she was increasingly paranoid, so the house is Unplottable and undetectable, with Muggle avoidance spells and disillusionment charms. You will have to adjust the wards to recognize both your magic, but otherwise, I think it would be safest not to create any new wards and chance someone noticing your distinct magical signature.

You are on Beachy Head, quite near to Seaford in Sussex. There is a large wizarding community in Brighton and Hove where the majority of the Muggle population resides, but you shouldn’t have a problem where you are. The Muggle test came back with positive proof and that has been added to your file in the event you need it. Everything is in place, legally, in the event additional problems arise.

I will be alerted when the Portkey activates and will contact you once I have any information.

Bernard

Setting the note to the side, Severus surveyed the kitchen. It was definitely older, but appeared of solid construction and had been well taken care of. A door to the far side seemed the most likely place for his work area, as it stood opposite the single door to the outside and next to the door leading to the rest of the house. It was bright enough for a small child, and the high-set windows allowed a more defensible position as he could see an expanse of green outside. A patch of fog wafted by, obscuring Severus’ view.

Rys lifted his head and looked around, his grip on Severus not loosening. His son seemed to relax slowly as he recognized the purpose of the room, content that they were safe here. The toddler was convinced that the house was good, apparently, and Severus wondered again at the depths of his son’s magical abilities. The bond Rys had initiated with his wish magic throbbed within him, almost like another pulse, alive and reassuring. More than likely it was the bond that had alerted Rys to Dumbledore’s presence in the first place. Severus sneered; the meddling old bastard would think twice before he challenged them head-on.

The thought of Dumbledore made his stomach churn and Severus pressed his cheek against his son’s for just a moment. He had no doubt that the headmaster was seething, more angered by Severus’ seeming betrayal than the disappearance of the Dursleys. The accusation of breaking his Vow was unfounded, Severus knew, as it has centered primarily on keeping his son safe and secondarily being an oath of loyalty to Albus Dumbledore and his Order of the Phoenix. Neither of which Severus had violated in the truest sense of the words. Dumbledore might feel betrayed, but Severus’ continued existence proved that he wasn't. It wasn’t as if Severus had actually violated anything; Severus had simply taken the action he deemed necessary to ensure the long term safety of Lily’s son. The effects of a willful violation of a Wizard Oath or Unbreakable Vow would have been instantaneous and Albus Dumbledore, of all people, would recognize that.

That, of course, did not imply that the powerful wizard would acknowledge the fact, nor stop in his efforts to take Severus' son away from him. Harry Potter had always seemed to be Albus Dumbledore’s prize for fighting against the tyranny of the Dark Lord and Severus knew he would not give up control over the boy that easily. His only hope was to convince the headmaster that he and his son would not be separated and whatever plan Dumbledore had, would have to be adjusted to include Severus in it.

“’m hungry, Daddy.”

With a mock scowl, Severus tugged gently at the back of Rys’ shirt. “If you would relinquish your stranglehold on my neck, I will see what Bernard believes passes for food.”

Rys was reluctant to let go of him and Severus settled for shifting the toddler to his hip as he searched the cupboards. The usual staples had been stocked, as well as fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat, Severus was happy to see as he handed his son several carrots. The rest of the house needed to be checked before Severus would be able to completely relax, which meant appeasing Rys until he could feed him a proper meal.

“This should do for now,” Severus told the boy, “now, how would you like to ride on my back while we check the upstairs?”

~~~*~*~~~

The sun was just setting as Severus tucked the exhausted two-year-old into bed in the room across from his own. The farmhouse was spacious, each of the rooms twice the size of the rooms at the cottage. The smell of sea air was strong this evening as the breeze shifted and brought it on shore, the headlands blustery. The bed his son slept in was a standard four-poster and Rys looked lost in the expanse of bedding. Severus made a mental note to shrink it in the morning. Rys had returned to being the clingy, silent toddler that Severus had known during their first days, with the blessed exception of not being wary of him.

Severus stretched as he stood in front of the window of the master bedroom. The view of the headlands was spectacular, the sea churning in the distance. With a sigh, he turned back to the half-full rucksack on the bed and continued to unpack his clothing. Using non-magical means gave his hands something to do as his brain mulled over the events of the day once again. There had been no further word from his solicitor, which only meant that Bernard had neither heard anything, nor been contacted by anyone.

A smirk emerged as Severus once again pictured the look on Dumbledore’s face as Rys flung his hand out and sent the previously omnipotent wizard hurling back into the fireplace. Severus assumed that the burst of accidental magic had sent the headmaster back to his circular tower in Hogwarts – where he assumed the man had come from. It would have been the last point on the Floo network that had accessed their fireplace and seemed to be a logical assumption to make. The backwash of magic that Severus had felt was strong enough to have accomplished that, but hadn’t felt strong enough to have injured Dumbledore. Regardless, it should have given Albus Dumbledore a new perspective on the abilities and manipulations of his son.

Sleep proved elusive that night as each subtle noise and creak of the unfamiliar house had Severus on guard, wand in hand. Even Rys seemed restless, tossing and turning in his bed, settling only when Severus leaned down to whisper reassurances as he stroked a hand through the toddler’s hair. No doubt it would take them a day or two to become used to their home and to regain their sense of security. Severus could only hope that a return to familiar activities would help and he resolved to start the next day as if nothing had happened.

Rys seemed to be of the same mind as Severus woke to find his son sitting on the bed beside him the next morning, as he had every morning since Severus had retrieved him. Lifting the edge of the bedding, Severus smiled as the toddler scooted up and settled against him. Severus kissed the crown of tousled hair as Rys sighed into his chest.

“Good morning, sweet boy, did you sleep all right in your new room?”

“’morning, Daddy.” Rys squirmed closer and Severus rubbed his back. “’m bed is big.”

“I will make it smaller for you after breakfast,” he told his son, closing his eyes again.

“Pan’takes?”

A smile curved Severus’ lips at the mention of what was rapidly becoming Rys’ favorite food. “I might be able to accomplish pancakes, sweet boy.”

Going through the familiar routine of dressing and teeth-cleaning, as well as letting the toddler help him mix the batter in a small bowl. Severus was relieved to find the cupboards set up in a similar fashion to the ones in the cottage and silently thanked the house-elf who had taken care of it. As they sat down, Rys seemed reassured by something close to their normal habits. Something in Severus' chest relaxed as a tentative smile appeared on his son’s face as Severus told Rys about their new house.

“You may also come down and help me in my lab this morning, Rys, just as you have before. Would you like that?”

Rys smiled and nodded, Severus wincing at the pancake churning in the child’s mouth. Deciding the lesson on dining etiquette could wait; Severus took his plate and mug to the sink, setting the dishes to cleaning themselves. The toddler sat very still as Severus wiped his face gently and handed him the serviette to allow Rys to clean off his hands. Severus watched, amused, as Rys concentrated on cleaning the sticky off his hands with the tip of his tongue poking out the corner of his mouth. So eager to do everything right, so hungry for his father’s approval, and Severus was determined to give that stability to his son.

Finding the appropriate door, Severus led the way in, settling Rys into the closest corner with his toy cauldron and stuffed unicorn. Stopping to ward the area, Severus moved on to inspect the room. Situated just off the kitchen it was smaller than his previous lab, but it would nevertheless serve its purpose well. The walls were covered with a dark stone-like material and Severus could feel the protective charms woven into the surface. Having no information on the previous owner, Severus could only surmise that the room had been utilized in the past as a potions lab, or maybe a room for magical training where it could not be detected from the outside.

Gingerly laying a hand on the cool surface, Severus could feel the set spells to absorb and defuse wayward magical energy, including exploding potions. Shielded as it was, it would be a very safe room for his son to take refuge in if ever the need arose. Glancing back at the corner, Severus saw that the toy unicorn appeared to be taking a bath in Rys' cauldron, the toddler humming softly as he pretended to wash the golden fur. Seeing the small child engaged in a normal, child-like activity brought a warmth to his chest, easing the knot that been there since Bernard’s summons. Yes, Severus thought, with a few modifications, this room would provide a sanctuary for his son in a crisis situation.

The remainder of the lab was as precisely reconstructed as the kitchen had been, mirroring the cottage as much as possible and delighting Severus. Perhaps he would look into the acquisition of the elf from Bernard. Merlin knew he’d be a better master than Lucius Malfoy, whose tirades against his house-elves Severus had witnessed. With a shake of his head, Severus settled into the familiar habit of setting up to brew. Severus rechecked his inventory of stores and the potions he had completed within the past week. All of the potion bases Slughorn had sloughed off on him had already been brewed and delivered by the house-elf. The base potions that his younger students would need still needed to be completed, along with the perishable stocks for the hospital wing.

Severus felt a pang of remorse at the thought. Hogwarts had been a safe haven for him for a number of years, and while teaching might not suit his personality, he would miss the castle. Yet, Severus reasoned as his hands laid out the ingredients for a fever-reducing potion, Albus Dumbledore had a fair amount of Slytherin cunning in him for such an exemplary Gryffindor. The elderly wizard had hired him to teach despite his acerbic manner, and Severus was convinced that if it would benefit Dumbledore, the old wizard would accept Severus raising his son. In fact, the owl with the copies of all Severus’ paperwork, those filed both with the Ministry and the Muggle authorities, should have reached Dumbledore by now, who was no doubt furious. Severus couldn’t help but believe that with all his indignation, the Head of the Order of the Phoenix would still want to keep the Boy Who Lived where he could influence his upbringing.

Two thoughts struck Severus simultaneously: the first was that Albus Dumbledore was calculating enough to send a toddler to a loveless environment in order to mold him into a child who craved love and acceptance; the second was that the powerful wizard did not believe, any more than Severus did, that the Dark Lord was truly dead. Which meant by default that the Prophecy Severus had heard, the one he had dutifully reported to his master, the one that had killed his beloved Lily, had yet to be fulfilled. That was why Dumbledore had denied him his son: Harry Potter would have to have absolute faith in Dumbledore, and being raised by a father would divide the child’s loyalties.

All this struck him like an epiphany, and Severus set down his knife with a trembling hand. Moving slowly, he sank to the floor beside his son as Rys looked up from his play with a smile.

“Hi, Daddy.”

Severus held out his hands and Rys dropped his soft toy into the cauldron to crawl over. Gathering his son almost desperately to his chest without scaring the toddler, he buried his face in the soft hair.

“Daddy sad?” A small hand patted his cheek.

Pulling back, Severus looked into the brilliant eyes that seemed to peer into his soul. He hated the shadow of fear he saw there, even as the boy's love warmed him.

“No, sweet boy, I am very happy we are here and together,” Severus said past the emotion welling in his throat. “I love you, Rys.”

A brilliant smile lit the little boy’s face. “Rys…ME love Daddy, too!”

Severus smiled at Rys’ effort but the obstruction in his throat prevented his speech. Leaning forward, Severus kissed the jagged scar on his son’s forehead and was pleased to receive the exuberant hug and kiss Rys gave him. Rocking his child, Severus was content to stay that way for several long moments.

“Would you like to help me?” Severus smoothed the hair back from Rys’ face.

“Yes, Daddy!”

Transfiguring a spare cauldron into a high stool, Severus sat Rys beside him and retrieved his knife. Settling into a familiar lecture mode, the Potions master began to explain the properties of Echinacea and willow bark. He knew that the toddler wouldn’t understand but it was pleasant to have an eager, attentive audience and Severus chose to ignore the occasional giggle. Besides, they did wonders to ease the tightness in his chest.

~~~*~*~~~

It wasn’t until their third morning in the old farmhouse that Severus felt comfortable enough in their surroundings to venture outside. He’d grown increasingly agitated as he waited, wondering what scheme Albus Dumbledore might be developing. Rys was reacting to his tension in an adverse manner, believing he was the cause, despite Severus’ reassurance. Knowing that Bernard was scheduled to send Masly, the elderly house-elf, that afternoon with news and supplies, Severus decided they both needed a diversion.

Tugging a jumper over Rys’ head, Severus smiled at the face his rumpled son made. Taking the child by the hand, Severus stepped out the front door and down to the rock path. A brisk breeze whipped around them, coming off the bank of fog hanging just off the top of Beachy Head, but the sun was warm on their faces. Severus took a deep breath of the salty air. It set heavily in his lungs, moist, dense, and dredging up long forgotten memories of coming to Brighton as a boy. Memories of his mum from a happy time.

Rys tugged at his sleeve and Severus followed his pointing finger to a wild tangle of overgrown plants that grew alongside the house. Chokeberry and butterfly milkweed he recognized, along with many he didn’t, and bitter switch grass lined the edges. A butterfly took flight and Rys followed suit, laughing as he chased the yellow insect. Severus smiled as he watched, delighted to see the happy little boy emerge once more. Covertly, he began to check the edges of the wards, testing their strength along the low hedge that Severus planned to make Rys’ boundary.

They spent several hours outside, Rys alternating between trying to help Severus sort out the garden and running across the expanse of native grass. They were nowhere near the edge of the headlands, something Severus was thankful for – the last thing he needed to worry about was his son falling. By the time Severus took him inside for tea, the child’s eyes gleamed brightly and his cheeks were apple red.

Bernard’s house-elf popped in just as Severus set tea on the table. Assuring Rys that it was all right to go ahead and eat, Severus took the thick envelope that Masly handed him with no little trepidation. Quietly he murmured words of appreciation as the house-elf moved off on silent feet and Severus sat down at the table. Refusing to give in to his fear, Severus slid his finger under the flap and broke the seal, extracting a neat stack of parchment.

Severus,

The lack of information has been thunderous in its silence! I find myself very curious as to what happened that seems to have so caused an alteration of Albus Dumbledore’s plans.

Severus snorted derisively,

There was even an article in the Daily Prophet today in which the Hogwarts headmaster announced that old Sluggy was retiring at the end of this term and you were taking over his position as head of Slytherin house. It seemed a conciliatory gesture, especially with the unique timing.

Nevertheless, rest easy, as all the appropriate paperwork has been filed and should ensure that your son will remain in your custody through any legal challenge. I’ve included duplicates of the paperwork for you. I am also including a note from Healer Mays which was at the cottage when I went to secure the wards. I will forward any other correspondence as soon as it arrives.

I must admit to being surprised that there have been no inquiries into any of your affairs, official or unofficial. It would seem that Dumbledore is playing this one close to his chest.

Masly will be back in a week, Severus, please let him know if you have any special needs.

Bernard

Severus shuffled through the legal papers until he came to a sheet of parchment from his own desk with a hastily scrawled note.

Severus,

Kyler was upset that he didn’t get to share the fairy cakes, but he understands that tea was simply postponed. Let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you.

Regards,

Phillip and Hannah

Severus was touched by both notes. Lily had been his only true friend, from the time he’d been an awkward child and a sullen teenager until he’d pushed her away with his obsession with the Dark Lord. It stunned him that these people were willing to be his friends without wanting something from him. Granted, Bernard had started as an acquaintance and then a solicitor, but he’d proven himself as a loyal friend. He summoned parchment and a quill, scratching out short notes for Bernard and the Mays.

“Daddy? More mi’k, pwease?” Rys held his cup out hopefully.

“May I have more milk, please?” Severus coached the toddler as he moved to complete his son’s request.

Trying valiantly to pronounce the words, Rys held out both hands to carefully take the cup from his father. Severus smiled at the child’s labors and brushed his hand over the soft hair. Rys still had the windblown appearance of having played hard, his cheeks were rosy red and the brilliant eyes seemed glassy. Their excursion outside had tired the toddler more than Severus had thought and he decided an early bedtime would suit them both.

Something woke Severus from a sound sleep and years of spying kept him silent, listening. The gray light of dawn cast a silvery beam through a gap in the curtains, illuminating his open door as Severus slid his hand under his pillow for his wand. A rustling noise came from Rys’ bedroom and Severus strained to make it out. It sounded as if the toddler was restless, but nothing that sounded of danger. Yet something had awoken him and Severus eased soundlessly out of bed, creeping across the hallway to slowly slide into the room.

Rys moved restlessly, Severus noted as he quickly scanned the perimeter, but otherwise everything was in its place. Not taking his eyes off the door, Severus leaned down as he stroked his fingers through his son’s hair in an attempt to calm him, frowning as he felt unusual heat. Quickly, Severus moved past the bed on silent feet to make sure the rest of the house was secure. Knowing the wards hadn’t been disturbed, Severus concentrated his check on the doors and windows in the event an animal had awoken him, but there was nothing.

With a frown, Severus retrieved the vial of fever reducing potion that he had been working on for Phillip, a potion that contained no willow bark extract. The healer had mentioned that small children should not be given the standard potion due to the potential side-effects. Rys was still tossing twitchily when Severus returned to his bedroom and Severus frowned as he wordlessly cast the spell to check the child’s body temperature. How could it be so high in such a small body?

Sitting beside his son, Severus waved up one lamp and could see how flushed the toddler’s face was. Gently laying his hand across Rys’ forehead, he was astonished at the heat emanating from it even after he had seen the reading. Speaking softly, Severus lifted Rys up and positioned the child in his lap while he coaxed Rys to swallow the potion. Rys sputtered and coughed, spewing half the potion down his front, and Severus could only hope enough went into him to help. The child shivered violently and his teeth chattered as if he was freezing.

Casting a heating charm on the sheet, Severus eased Rys back under the bedding and stretched out beside him. Everything else seemed fine, Severus thought as he watched the steady rise and fall of the small chest. Rys was breathing steadily, didn’t sound congested, and didn’t appear to be in any distress. Severus could still feel the heat radiating off the little boy through the covers and tried to tamp down the bubble of unaccustomed panic that tried to well up in his throat. Severus had been around children for the past three years, becoming acquainted with various fevers and colds, but generally there were other symptoms that went along with a fever.

A soft moan drew his attention and Severus could see that Rys had curled up into a fetal position, still shivering. Severus drew Rys against him, the heat searing his chest as he waited for the potion to take effect. The wait seemed interminable to him, but finally, Severus thought his son’s fever had gone down a bit. Severus moved to get up, but stilled as Rys whimpered, allowing the child to curl against him. Severus dozed off finally, only to be to be awakened as Rys once again began to shake.

“Daddy?”

The green eyes were glassy and the toddler seemed frantic as he reached for him. Grunting as a small knee caught him in the ribs; Severus pulled Rys to his chest. The toddler’s skin was once again on fire and Severus frowned. The fever-reduction potion should have lasted several hours at least. It was too soon to give Rys more and Severus searched his mind for other ways to mitigate a high fever. It wasn’t as if he’d never dealt with a sick child before, but nothing readily came to mind.

The isolation of the farmhouse, both literally and figuratively, hit him suddenly. He was truly alone here with no neighbors, a Floo connection that could be traced back to him, no post owl, and a sick toddler. Trying to soothe his increasingly restive son with soft words and touches, Severus struggled against the panic that was rising inside him. There had been nothing amiss when he’d bathed Rys last evening or nothing that alerted him to the fact that the boy was sickening.

“T’irsty, Daddy.”

Pulled from his thoughts, Severus summoned the glass of water he kept on his bedside table and sat up so he could reposition Rys to drink. The toddler drank thirstily, water coursing down his chin and his pajamas. Automatically, Severus spelled everything dry as Rys leaned back against him.

“T’ank you, Daddy.” His son pressed his cheek to Severus’ chest. “M’ head hurts.”

Setting the glass aside, Severus gathered the boy close, carefully keeping him wrapped in the blanket while he brushed sweat-damp hair back from Rys’ scarred forehead.

“Do you feel sick anywhere else, sweet boy?”

Rys shook his head fractionally, leaning into Severus. The sheer heat radiating from his son’s skin frightened him even as Severus attempted to squash the anguish building inside him. Severus rocked the toddler shivering in his arms, trying to push his magic through the bond his son had created between them. Wish magic didn’t seem to be conducive to sharing strength, though, Severus thought with a grimace, knowing he had to do something to lower the boy’s fever.

Feeling helpless, Severus could only hold the boy as the shivering intensified. Wrapping the blanket tightly around Rys, Severus carried him through to the bathroom, wetting a flannel with cool water. Shifting Rys against him, Severus draped the cloth across the toddler’s forehead and cast a cooling charm on the blanket wrapped around him. He had to tighten his grip as Rys began to shake even more violently. Nothing seemed to work as Severus resumed pacing the hallway, an occasional whimper escaping from Rys was the only sound the toddler made. The distress in that plaintive noise tore at him, leaving Severus feeling helpless.

Only the gradual increase in light in the hallway alerted Severus to the passage of time and he made his way down the stairs towards his lab off the kitchen. A sharp intake of breath by his son was the only warning Severus had as Rys stiffened and began to convulse. Severus staggered and almost fell as he tried to hold on to the flailing child. Repositioning Rys so he was pressed to Severus’ chest, Severus supported the small head as it was thrown back but took a glancing blow to his thigh. He struggled to maintain his grip as he stumbled down the steps and sank to his knees on the landing. Rys seemed locked into his rigid pose forever, his limbs jerking wildly and all Severus could do was to keep him from hurting himself.

As suddenly as it started, the seizure stopped and Rys went limp in his arms. Severus’ heart froze when he couldn’t feel his son breathing. His world contracted to the too-still child he held and Severus didn’t stop to consider anything else as he shot to his feet. Severus’ wand was out, and the fire flared as he grabbed the pot of Floo Powder on the mantle.

“St. Mungo’s, Children’s Ward, Healer Mays!”

Rys’ forehead burned against his neck as Severus clasped him, kneeling in front of the hearth. The green flames swirled around him as the connection went through and Severus took a breath before putting his head into the fire. The bustle of early activities seemed to drown out his first call.

“Healer Mays!”

A passing Healer eyed him warily. “Healer Mays just left, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait…”

“Severus?” Phillip Mays was on his haunches in front of the fireplace. “What…”

“Rys had a convulsion and a high fever…” Severus found he had to force the words past the thickness in his throat. “He’s not breathing…”

The healer waved him to one side. “Lean back, Severus, so I can come through, but don’t break the connection!”

“But, Healer Mays, this is highly irregular…” an irritated female voice snapped.

Severus leaned back as Phillip stood and braced his hands on the fireplace. “It’s fine, Mona, Severus lives next to me; I’ll just walk home from there.”

He wasn’t able to make out the witch’s reply as in the next instant Philip was lifting Rys and carrying him to the couch. With wand and hands, the Healer examined the boy rapidly, muttering incantations that Severus couldn’t follow. His heart froze as Rys gasped and his body began to jerk again.

“Severus, I need that baby potion we were working on, please.”

Reacting without thought, Severus flew to his lab, finding the pale yellow vial of experimental potion on one of the neatly stacked shelves. Returning to the sitting room, Severus found that the couch had been transfigured into a freestanding bathtub and Philip was lowering Rys into the water, the boy stripped of his pajamas. Dropping to his knees, Severus set the vial on the low table and leaned over the tub as Phillip setting the child into it. Rys’ eyes flew open as he shrieked, arms flailing.

“No! No hurt! No hurt!” Rys sobbed, the sound tearing at Severus’ heart.

“The tepid water will help leach the heat from him,” Phillip raised his voice above the din, trying to hold on to the thrashing toddler.

Severus slid his arms around his son, freeing the healer to continue his ministrations. Rys alternated between sobbing and beseeching them not to hurt him, as if he had no idea where he was. Leaning closer, Severus began to speak quietly, calling his son’s name and reassuring him, over and over. Phillip asked him what had happened and Severus recounted the night’s events in the same quiet, calm voice as both watched Rys continue to shiver and sob.

Gradually, and Severus had no concept of the passing time, Rys’ sobs quieted into hiccupping breaths that seemed to lodge in his chest. Those brilliant eyes focused on Severus’ face.

“Daddy?”

“I’m right here, sweet boy,” Severus reassured him with a hitch in his own breath.

“Cold, Daddy…”

“Go ahead and lift him out, Severus,” Phillip directed him, “I believe the fever has broken.”

Severus cradled his son to his chest as he stood, heedless of the water splashing down his front. Rys was quickly dried and dressed in clean pajamas, wrapped in his blanket and dosed with the special baby potion. He whimpered when Severus tried to lay him down, so instead, Severus settled against the headboard as the Healer watched with approval.

“He has Roseola or infant measles, Severus, caught most likely from Kyler who has just recovered from the same illness. It is fairly benign, causing high fevers and a skin rash in infants and toddlers.” Phillip explained as he laid a hand on Rys’ head. “He will most likely continue to run a fever for the next day or two and then may develop a red rash, most likely on his torso. Just keep on treating the fever, make sure he gets plenty of rest and fluids, and he should recover within a couple of days.”

Severus nodded, relief making him aware of the weariness he felt to his bones. “Thank you, Philip. You have my undying gratitude for your timely help.”

Phillip Mays waved off his thanks, his mouth still set in a grim line. “Nonsense, Severus, this is exactly what I am training for. In fact, the potion worked perfectly and will help many other children with extreme fevers. I just hope…”

Severus frowned as Phillip took a breath.

“Coming through the public emergency Floo from St. Mungo’s may have compromised your safety, Severus, as that Floo is always monitored. If someone has been alerted, they will be able to trace my journey.”

The fine rash blossomed across Rys’ torso late the next evening, just as Phillip Mays had predicted it would and Severus had a potion ready to use.  Rys had been subdued in the interim, the fever finally breaking just before the rash appeared.  Severus wasn’t sure whether the boy still felt ill or was fearful that he’d caused too much trouble, but whichever it might be, he seemed content to allow Severus to minister to him.   His son leaned against him as Severus rubbed potion onto his chest.

“Daddy?”

“Yes, sweet boy?” Severus suppressed a smile as the toddler extended an arm next for attention.

“Rys sweep wit’ Daddy?”

Severus didn’t look into the brilliant eyes, knowing they would implore him with the look he was finding he had trouble refusing.  “May I sleep with you, Daddy?”

“May I sweep wit’ you, Daddy?”  Rys repeated obediently, his voice muffled as he leaned across Severus’ lap to present his back.  

Severus didn’t even try to curb the smile.  Perhaps his son was just still feeling his illness and had enough faith in Severus to know he wasn’t in trouble for being sick.  The thought of what Petunia Evans…Dursley would have done to the boy if he had gotten sick flashed through his mind - a raw image of a helpless, sick baby, soiled and uncared for - and rage surged in Severus’ chest.  Rys encircled his thigh with his arms, hugging it as Severus continued to coat the thin back with potion and struggled to contain his anger.  There wasn’t anything he could do about those horrid eight months but hope that they became a forgotten dark memory for his son. 

“Perhaps you should attempt to sleep in your own bed first, Rys, and if you wake in the night, then may come into mine.”

A noise from the kitchen made both of them jump, but Severus didn’t stop his ministration, knowing it was simply Masly puttering about.  The house elf had appeared this afternoon and promptly announced he was to stay and serve his new masters.  Severus had been too weary to argue, relieved to be able to leave his son safely in someone’s care so that he could double-check the wards on the house.  He’d shutdown and warded the Floo after Phillip Mays left that morning, but Severus knew if their location had been compromised, a warded Floo would be little protection against Albus Dumbledore’s magic.

The Headmaster’s continued silence had Severus worried.  Knowing the man’s methods, he would expect Dumbledore to make the attempt to locate the Dursleys and question them, but he also knew it was likely Lucius Malfoy had Obliviated them before sending them away.  Ministry connections could be utilized to trace the documents he had submitted, but doing so would bring out the truth of what had happened to the Boy Who Lived and undermine Dumbledore’s standing in the wizarding community.

The allegation that Severus had broken his Vow or the Wizard’s Oath he had made to Lily still stung.  Severus had promised Lily that he would protect their son at any cost, even that of his own life.  Dumbledore’s Unbreakable Vow had Severus vowing to protect Harry Potter with his life.  Breaking that Vow would be impossible and would kill him if he tried, and breaking a Wizard’s Oath would strip him of his magic – neither of which had happened.    He was guilty of defying Albus Dumbledore’s directive, Severus acknowledged, by going to check on his son, but that had not been part of the Vow he’d sworn.   

“Master Severus, would you be wanting Masly to carry young Master to bed?”

Too tired now to be startled, Severus glanced down to see that the boy had fallen asleep across his lap as Severus had been lost in thought.  Easing Rys up, Severus slipped his arms around his son and stood.

“If you would pull the bedding down, Masly, I will settle him and then go to bed myself.  You may retire as well.”

The elderly house-elf bobbed his head in agreement, but as Severus was beginning to learn, chose not to speak.  It took little time to straighten Rys' pajamas and tuck him into bed.  Severus spelled one taper in a wall sconce to burn low, softly lighting the head of the bed where the boy laid curled around his soft toy.  Leaning down, Severus brushed his lips on the small, thankfully cool forehead to kiss Rys good night.  When he stood up, Severus made his way to his own bedroom, barely noticing that Masly had changed his bedding and cleaned the room.  Stopping only to strip down to his pants, Severus fell into bed and was instantly asleep.

“Daddy?”

Severus hated the timidity that still resonated in his son’s voice, loathed the fear that the filthy Muggles had instilled in his boy, the fear he was still trying to assuage.  Each time Rys gathered himself to ask for anything, his body tensed as if ready to flinch away from a blow that might be struck. It was a step forward; Severus reasoned to himself, that the boy was able to ask at all.

“Yes, Rys?”

“Go outside, Daddy?” 

The brilliant eyes watched as Severus opened his mouth to automatically correct him and Rys hurried to interject.  “Pwease, can we go outside, Daddy?” 

A smile curved that small mouth, an increasingly frequent sight and Severus couldn’t help but smile back thankfully.  He looked up to see the sun through the window of the kitchen where they were eating their lunch.  The fog had cleared and sunshine illuminated the tall grass in the field across from the house.  There was no sign of the commotion that had erupted yesterday at the top of the cliffs, just visible through the fog, thankfully.  Beachy Head was known as an area that drew the despondent intent on leaping from its heights and Severus was sure many restless spirits inhabited the area around the cliffs.  Perhaps the residual magic of those poor souls could actually help mask the magic surrounding the farmhouse.

"Perhaps a walk would be in order."  Severus agreed and was pleased as Rys' face lit up.

It was warm in the afternoon sunshine and Severus allowed Rys to dress in his shorts and shirt, keeping a jumper in hand in the event that the fog returned during their sojourn.  Rys stayed close to his side as they walked down the dirt lane towards the only gate in the tall fence made of wood and rock.  Quietly pointing out various examples of the local flora and their practical applications in potions, Severus was startled by the small hand that slipped into his as they walked.  It was a trusting gesture, one that no one but Lily had ever shown him.  Severus knew that his son had never had reason to trust since Lily and Potter had died, but was giving him that gift.  He squeezed the hand gently before continuing his dissertation.

Out of the corner of his eye, Severus caught sight of a moving speck at the far tree line.  It moved steadily towards them, but he wasn't worried as the wards repelled any incoming post owls.  Looking down, Severus noticed that Rys was skipping to keep up with his longer strides and immediately slowed his pace.

"Are you still feeling all right, sweet boy?"

"Yes, Daddy."

The reply wasn't stilted, but it seemed a bit forced for the child, and Severus opened his mouth to speak when the sound of great wings reached his ears.  Spinning, and lifting Rys into his arms, Severus curled his body around his son as he prepared to sprint back to the farmhouse, only to freeze as Rys tried to climb over his shoulder.

"Daddy, warm bird!"

Turning slowly, Severus felt his breath leave him as he watched Dumbledore's phoenix slowly circling above them.  It wasn't unexpected, he reflected wryly, but if the old man thought Severus would allow his child to be taken from him, Dumbledore was sadly mistaken.  Readjusting his hold on the toddler, Severus wrapped a hand firmly around Rys thigh, so that no Portkey or Apparation spell could whisk him away.  Rys squirmed in his arms, trying to reach out toward the magical creature as if compelled to do so.

"Rys! Stop it!"  Severus snapped, fear making his voice sharper than he'd wanted and his son instantly cringed.

Cradling Rys tight against his chest, Severus beckoned the phoenix closer.  "I had thought you understood, Fawkes.  I must protect my son at all costs."

The creature's great eyes blinked slowly as it hovered at shoulder height and Fawkes began to trill softly.  The phoenix song seemed to relax the stiff little body in his arms and Severus was thankful that despite Rys' reaction to his tone he'd not tried to pull away.  Feeling himself relax slightly under the magically soothing sound, Severus knew he could not afford to let down his guard.  He eyed the great scarlet avian, remembering this creature could have compromised their safety once before, and had not given away their secret. 

A scroll of parchment was slowly extended towards him, almost if the intelligence in those eyes understood Severus' wariness.   A small hand reached out again, although hesitantly, as if desperate to touch the warm feathers while the phoenix continued to hover, huge wings flapping just enough to keep Fawkes suspended in front of him.  Taking a step closer, Severus gingerly touched the parchment scroll, before pulling back quickly.  Phoenix song continued to reverberate around them and Rys relaxed in his arms as Severus reached out again to take the scroll, then leaned close enough to let his son's fingers brush against the red-gold plumage.

The phoenix stretched his neck, butting against the tiny fingers like a cat wanting to be petted.  Delighted green eyes sought his approval and Severus, keeping one arm wrapped firmly around the boy, nodded.  Shifting the scroll to his other hand, Severus awkwardly retrieved his wand and cast several revealing spells over the parchment.  It was free of enchantments, with the exception of Albus Dumbledore's magical signature.   Severus nodded with grim satisfaction; the Headmaster knew what a suspicious git he was.

Severus,

It appears that you have managed to inspire great loyalty in those people you have chosen to take into your confidence, no matter the personal jeopardy in which this puts them or their families.  I am pleased and amazed, given the pattern of choices you have made in your young life thus far.

Severus' breath caught in his throat at the implications and the veiled threat.

Rest assured that I have allowed no harm, implied or from other quarters, to come to your friends despite their less than helpful attitudes.  The Ministry has been forced to acknowledge, through thorough documentation and Pensieve testimony, the paternity of the child in your custody.  Harry James Snape will legally remain in your custody, Severus, you have secured that much. That being said, I must remind you of your Oath to Lily and myself to keep the boy safe, and I can't fathom that would entail taking him away from everyone who cares for him.

Severus snorted bitterly.  The manipulative bastard must not have been able to find the Dursleys and had figured out appeasing him was the only way of keeping some manner of control over the boy.

I now realize that perhaps I should have heeded your concerns about Petunia, but the blood wards were to keep Harry safe from those who would harm him from without. It did not make sense to believe the danger would be from within and doesn't do to dwell on the unfortunate circumstances of the past. In tomorrow's Daily Prophet, Horace Slughorn's retirement will be announced, as will your appointment as Professor of Potions and Head of Slytherin House.  The Head of House appointment will require your moving back into Hogwarts.  The castle is at this time rearranging rooms between the Slytherin common room and your classroom.  Appropriate arrangements will be made for the care of the boy while you are teaching. You must remember that Harry is the child of prophecy, Severus, and has a destiny to fulfill, as we both know that the reign of terror created by Lord Voldemort has only been temporarily stilled. 

I await your return, my boy.

With a scowl, Severus let the parchment roll back up, dark thoughts directed at the man who had 'redeemed' Severus after he'd reported half of that vague prophecy to the Dark Lord.  It wouldn't have surprised Severus to learn that Dumbledore might have somehow influenced which boy the Dark Lord targeted as being the one in the prophecy he'd overhead.  If he ever found any proof of that suspicion…

"Look, Daddy!"  Rys fairly bounced in his arms, a small feather from the phoenix's crest clutched in his fingers. 

Slipping the scroll into his pocket, Severus brought his free hand up to gently cup his son's.  The deep red feather was about the size of his little finger and the edges seemed to be brushed with glittering gold.  Severus could feel the warmth of the plum seeping through his skin and glanced at the magical creature still lazily hovering beside them, still softly singing phoenix song.

"It would seem that Fawkes has gifted you with a symbol of loyalty and honesty, Rys, which is a great honor.  You will need to take special care never to lose this feather or the Phoenix might lose faith in you."

"T'ank you, Fawkes," his son said solemnly, then giggled as the bird moved to butt its head against Rys gently.

Severus watched with fascination as Fawkes seemed to rub his eye against the jagged scar on Rys' forehead briefly, before rising slowly away from them.  Fawkes allowed his singing to fade away as the ancient eyes bore into Severus', trying to convey a sense of safety and security to him, to reassure him that Fawkes meant no harm to either of them.  Severus could only nod, hoping he had interrupted the message correctly.  With a farewell burst of Phoenix song, the magical bird lifted above their heads and disappeared in a burst of golden flame.

"Oh!" Rys gasped, holding tightly to Severus, his eyes wide. 

"I think he has taken a liking to you, sweet boy," Severus said quietly, his eyes lingering on the spot where the phoenix was last visible, hoping Fawkes' approval was a good omen.

Two mornings later, Severus lay in bed watching the gray light of dawn creep across the floor.   The light had that watery quality to it that told Severus the fog layer had returned this morning.  Rys lay curled beside him, a nightmare having sent the frightened toddler scurrying silently into his father's room.   Unable to resist, Severus carefully brushed the soft hair back from his son's forehead and exposed the ugly scar, lightly tracing the puckered surface.  It was almost as if he could feel the Dark magic radiating from the slightly warmer flesh of the scar. 

Frowning, Severus bent down for a closer examination, pressing slightly against the marred skin.  Rys hissed, pressing his head deeper into the pillow in an attempt to get away.  Severus ran his hand down the boy's back and he stilled, slipping back into sleep.  Grimly, Severus made a mental note to have Phillip Mays look at the scar and see what he thought as soon as possible. 

With great reluctance, Severus slid out of bed, shivering slightly in the cool air.  He hurried through his morning ablutions and dressed in his brewing robes.  Rys still seemed frail to him, most probably simply the boy's thinness, but Severus didn't want to take any chance on him falling ill again.  Tucked up in his warm corner of Severus' lab would be best place for the child on this foggy, cool day.   Perhaps porridge would be a good, warm way to start the day, Severus thought as he made his way downstairs.

Masly gave an irritated sniff when Severus insisted on cooking breakfast, but relented enough to let the house-elf serve them.  Rys seemed sleepy when he came down to the kitchen already dressed in his favorite black shorts and ate in silence.  Severus reached over to lay his hand on the boy's forehead, but it felt fine.  The fear of illness was a new one for Severus, but he certainly didn't want to go through another incident like the first.  His son looked up with a lopsided smile and went back to spooning porridge into his mouth.  Severus found himself smiling back.

The first disruption in the wards came as Severus was opening up his lab, a deep resounding gong that reverberated throughout the old farmhouse.  It wasn't unexpected, not after Severus had banished the scraggily rat after that had run across the flower garden in front of them yesterday.  He had known the minute he'd used his magic to send the mangy thing to the woods behind the house and outside the wards, that his magical signature had been exposed.  Even if the Floo had not been traceable, it would have led anyone watching for him to the general area.  Severus also knew that he still didn't trust Albus Dumbledore enough to meet him with Rys beside him and potentially vulnerable.

"Rys!  I need you to come here, now!" 

Urgency made his voice harsh, and his son ran in from the kitchen with a fearful look on his face, his soft toy clutched to his chest and his Phoenix feather in his hand.  Gesturing with his hand, Severus was relieved when Rys scooted to sit down in the corner Severus had fortified and prepared for any possibility.  Masly had left to take the carefully worded letter to Bernard and the Mays, confirming what Dumbledore's missive had indicated. 

Stopping long enough to press a kiss to the top of the boy's head, Severus stepped to the door.  "Please, my sweet boy, do not come out until I come for you."

Sealing the door behind him, Severus cleared the kitchen with a wave of his wand before walking through the sitting room to the front.  Wand still in his hand, robes buttoned against the dampness, Severus stepped out the door and positioned himself on the pathway.  He could almost feel the ripples in the wards as they were dismantled in sections and he braced himself for the burst of flamboyant color to come into sight.  Wand at ready, Severus stood at ready.

Severus was not prepared for the sight of the white-blond hair and immaculate black robes of Lucius Malfoy seemingly parted the fog with his cane.      

"Ah, Severus, old friend," The pureblood wizard stopped when he caught sight of Severus.  "I find myself saddened at this turn of events."

The cultured voice was even, but laced with dry sarcasm and Severus allowed the neutral mask of his spying days to slide over his features.  "Sullying your hands, Lucius?  I thought you had Ministry minions to do that for you."

The hands clad in the finest leather curled tightly at each end of the serpent-headed cane and the aristocrat curled his lip.  "I had thought you brilliant when you convinced that old fool Dumbledore to testify on your behalf in front of the Wizengamot, had believed you were going to bide your time until our Lord could be resurrected into a new body… and then you steal the boy right out from under the Muggle-loving fool's nose with a brilliant move.  You seemed to be ahead of me at every turn, Severus, and I had applauded your Slytherin cunning, until my contacts inside the Ministry informed me that you were actually the father of the Boy Who Lived."

Severus felt his back straighten and his shoulders square proudly as Malfoy's tone slipped into disgust.

 "A Mudblood, Severus?  How low did you have to sink to crawl to Dumbledore for protection and claim your bastard?"

"It is even lower than you can fathom, Lucius – Dumbledore told the truth to the Wizengamot and I loved that woman."  Severus tensed for the response.

He didn't have to wait long as Malfoy burst into motion as the words sank in.  Severus twirled and lunged to one side as a hex brushed past his shoulder.  Spinning and coming up sharply, Severus began by casting a shielding charm even as he sent a volley of stunners at the his former collogue.  For the next several minutes both men were a blur of motion as they dueled across the fog-shrouded pathway.   Lucius had been tutored in the Dark Arts by his father, one of the Dark Lord's original followers, and he had even taken lessons from the powerful wizard himself.  He had a repertoire of hexes and spells that would make short work of most average wizards.

Luckily, Severus was a gifted wizard in his own right, proving that with fierce determination while he renewed his weakened shield as his slashing hex drew blood.  His eyes never left the flamboyant wand hand of his former house-mate, having learned over the years that Lucius Malfoy had a showy dueling style.  That, along with the spell light as his opponent cast his hexes, allowed Severus to anticipate and block most of them, but Malfoy was powerful, his magic tainted with Darkness. 

A searing pain exploded along his left forearm and Severus lost his concentration, his shield collapsing as he spun away from a blasting curse.  The hex caught his left shoulder, throwing him to the ground.  Panting, he lurched to his feet, only to find himself facing Lucius Malfoy's wand-tip and arrogant smirk.  

"Never attempt to duel with your betters, Severus," Malfoy sneered, drawing back his wand. "As you will always lose, but it's a mute point now, as I will be leaving both you and that abnormality you call a son dead when I leave this place." 

Severus held his wand loosely with its tip down, as his mind raced and his lungs struggled to pull in air against the pain.  Suddenly, Severus felt a surge of magical power race through him and knew instantly that Rys was pushing magic through their bond, as the blonde wizard started a familiar wand movement.

Severus spun to the right and dove to the ground, his wand-tip snapping up.  He could feel the flow of magic tingle his fingertips as he cast his spells.   

"Stupify! Petrificus Totalus!"

Lucius Malfoy dropped to the ground, the look of shocked surprise frozen across the arrogant features.  Severus took as deep a breath as he was able to and stood up slowly.  He stood next to the frozen wizard and without a qualm, kicked him hard in the ribs.

"My son is the reason you are laying on your arse in the dirt and weeds, Lucius - the mere son of a Mudblood and a Half-blood.  It is a pity that I can't allow you to keep the memory of this humiliation or to kill you now, as you intended to kill both of us, but there would be too many questions asked.  So instead, I'll leave you with a mysterious bruise and the vague notion that tangling with a Snape is a bad idea."    

Severus smiled dangerously, delighted when the blond's eyes widened with fear. 

"Obliviate!"

The cold gray eyes lost their focus momentarily and Severus immediately cast a sleeping charm on the prone figure. 

"Masly!"

The house-elf appeared at his side with soft pop.  "Master Snape?"

"Is my son all right?"  Severus asked and was relieved when the diminutive creature gave a jerky nod, protruding eyes locked on the prone form. 

"I would like you to take and deposit this," Severus curled his lip, "piece of filth in Knockturn Alley and dump him discreetly.  I would then like you to advise your master that I will be Fire-calling him in half an hour, please."

Masly bowed deep.  "As you wish, Master Snape."  

 Pressing a finger to the finely cut robes of the blond wizard with what appeared to Severus to be a grimace of distaste, the house-elf disappeared with another pop.  Ignoring the pain throbbing throughout his arm and shoulder, Severus made his way back into the house, carefully securing the door with wards as strong as the residual combined magic would allow.  Severus refused to take any further chances on the safety of his son, he thought grimly, and if Lucius Malfoy could find him then Albus Dumbledore knew exactly where they were.

Easing open the door to the lab, Severus braced himself for the impact of a small body, but it didn't come.  He found Rys huddled in his corner, face tear stained and his soft toy crushed against his chest.  The expressive eyes were round with fear and Severus' heart clenched, not able to tell if his son was afraid of what had happened or the way Severus would react to it.  Holding his left arm tightly to his body, Severus knelt down in front of the toddler.

"Thank you, sweet boy, for helping me," Severus said softly, extending his right hand towards Rys.

The boy dropped his toy and crawled the short distance separating them, carefully pulling himself up on Severus' uninjured arm.  His arms circled Severus' neck, clinging with silent desperation.  Putting his wand away, Severus slid his arm around his son and hugged him tightly, despite the flare of pain.

"Bad man hurt Daddy."  Rys whispered into the neck of his brewing robes, loosening his grip.

"I believe I will survive," Severus assured the boy as he stood, staggering slightly, before settling the boy on his hip.

Summoning the soft toy, Severus moved to one of the neatly ordered shelves.  "Rys, can you reach over and pick up the blue jar on the shelf in front of us?"

Looking at where Severus pointed, Rys reached hesitantly toward the correct vial.

"Yes, that's it," Severus assured him.  "Hold it carefully now."

The tiny fingers wrapped around the blue crystalline vial and Rys carefully lifted it down, bringing it in to cradle against his chest.  With a nod, Severus gritted his teeth against the pain and carried his son through to the sitting room.  Remembering to unward the Floo, Severus carefully sat on the couch and settled Rys to the side with the admonishment not to move as he turned slightly away.  Gingerly unbuttoning his robes, Severus peeled them back as carefully as he could; trying to shield Rys' from what he was sure would be raw, seared skin.  Hissing out a breath, he managed to pull the cloth back from his shoulder and get his garments down past his bicep before the pain made him pause. 

Swallowing a groan, Severus closed his eyes against the pain.  The couch shifted beside him as Rys moved, but Severus ignored it until he felt the small fingers working the buttons at the cuff of his shirt.   Opening his eyes to deliver a biting retort for the boy's disobedience, it lodged on the tip of his tongue as the sight of the small face screwed up in concentration as Rys carefully worked to unfasten his sleeve. 

His son looked up triumphantly as the cuff loosened.  "Rys help Daddy."

The boy's voice was earnest and quiet, and Severus swallowed anything he might have been tempted to say, reaching out with his right hand to stroke the soft hair.  Between them, they were able to get Severus' robes and shirt off, the ugly hex-trail revealed across the top of his shoulder.  Rys retrieved the vial that he'd set aside and held it tightly as Severus removed the top.  Applying it gingerly to the burned skin, Severus sighed in relief as the pain ebbed slowly.  Rys watched silently as Severus finally leaned back.

"Severus Snape!" 

Bernard McBride's voice boomed through the room, making Severus start and Rys jump in fear.  Severus managed to grab the boy's arm before he could flee.

"It is my friend, Mr. McBride," Severus explained as his shoulder throbbed anew.  "Will you go to the fireplace and tell him to come through, please?"

With a hesitant nod, Rys trotted to the hearth, squatting down to peer into the green flames.

"Daddy 'ted come here," Rys said and Severus had to smile at the boy's careful enunciation.

"Rys!  Step back, son, I'm coming through."

His son scrambled back to his side, and Severus realized that he'd not shown Rys how the Floo worked as the green eyes widened in surprise when Bernard stepped through the flames. 

"Sweet Merlin, Severus!"  His friend swore softly as he stepped closer to the couch.  "Are you sure that Malfoy got the worst of this?"

Severus couldn't help snorting.  "I'm not the one lying in an alley in Knockturn, now am I?"

Bernard shook his head as he sat on the low table in front of Severus.  "Maybe not, but you haven't looked this bad since that encounter…" his eyes shifted towards Rys as he knelt next to his father, carefully spreading the healing potion on a smaller burn patch on Severus' bicep, "in your student years."  

Severus looked down at the top of his son's bowed head, and the random thought of how like Lily this child was flashed through his mind.  "Speaking of students, Bernard…"

"Ah, yes, I believe congratulations are in order for your recent appointment, Professor."

There was a definite smirk in his friend's voice and Severus rebuked him immediately.  "You do wish to continue profiting from our friendship, Mr. McBride?"

The boy looked up at him as he heard the bite in Severus' voice and Bernard was almost successful in smothering the idiotic grin that kept attempting to emerge.  Fingers itched to wipe the mirth off the other man's face, but Severus knew Bernard didn't mean to be snide; it was just a sore subject for Severus at the moment.  Rys put his hand back on his injured arm and Severus reached across to smooth the hair back from the child's face.

"Don't worry, sweet boy, Mr. McBride is just being a prat."  Severus narrowed his eyes at his solicitor.  "I need a Heritage Amulet, Bernard, before I take Rys to meet with Albus Dumbledore, one with protective runes and a locator spell woven into it.  A ring or a bracelet, I am thinking, and the older the better."

It was Bernard's turn to frown.  "You can't be contemplating taking your son back to Hogwarts with you, Severus!  That's just what the old bast - fool wants!"

Severus met his friend's eyes.  "Rys, please show Mr. McBride the gift that Fawkes gave you."

Almost dropping the blue vial in his haste to do as his father asked, Rys turned and carefully slid the small scarlet feather out of the special pocket Severus had made for him.  Severus smirked as Bernard blinked at the small splash of color and reached out to touch it gingerly.  Rys gave him a tentative smile as he settled back down on the couch, and leaned against Severus' chest, stroking a finger over the feather.

"Albus Dumbledore's familiar gave Rys a crest feather?"  Bernard asked incredulously.

There was an undertone of wonder in the solicitor's voice and Severus nodded, wincing as his son's head lay at the edge of the burned skin. "Yes, when he brought the Headmaster's last message."

Bernard leaned forward and took the vial from his hand, re-stoppering it before setting it aside.  "Perhaps, then, the castle will also extend its protection as well, Severus, making it truly the safest place for both of you, regardless of the amulet."

Severus slowly manipulated his left shoulder, trying to judge the residual damage as Bernard's words sank in.  Rys leaned further across his lap, careful to stay out of the way as he put the feather away.  Finding that the skin seemed to have healed well enough and a pain-relieving potion would probably take care of the residual ache, Severus shifted Rys as he tried to put his shirt back on. 

"It sounds like you are suggesting the castle is a sentient being, Bernard."

His friend reached over and picked up his shirtsleeve, helping to guide Severus' arm back into his clothing.  "Not like a conscious awareness, Severus, more like a life-force, an emotional awareness of its surrounding as well as its occupants."  Bernard searched his face intently.  "Ask Masly or any other house-elf sometime, Severus, why it is that they serve witches and wizards when their own magic is as powerful.  You didn't really think that all those house-elves in the castle were there simply to cook and clean for the students, did you?  They also care for Hogwarts herself, and if Hogwarts chooses to protect your little one, the house-elves will do the same."    

Hogwarts itself could choose to protect his son?  Severus frowned, stilling the now squirming boy with a hand on his shoulder before silently Summoning the letter he'd received from Albus Dumbledore.  Handing it to Bernard, Severus laid his wrist in his son's lap, allowing Rys to help button up his cuff, amazed at the gleeful response it provoked from the boy.  The adrenaline from discovering Lucius Malfoy in his front yard had run through his system and Severus felt suddenly weary.  He had known that it wouldn't be easy when he'd made the decision to raise his son, but he'd hoped to avoid this type of difficulty until the boy was older and better able to protect himself.   Even as magically strong as he was at two years old, Rys was still just a toddler, and one that had been subjected to a level of abuse that could have left permanent scaring. 

" ' The Head of House appointment will require your moving back into Hogwarts.  The castle is at this time rearranging rooms between the Slytherin common room and your classroom.' " Bernard read aloud from the parchment, before looking up at Severus.  "That sounds fairly definite to me, Severus, although I'm not sure that Dumbledore realizes why the castle is being so accommodating."

Severus nodded, keeping his injured arm looped loosely around his son.  "Could you please do two things for me, Bernard?  The first is to find a Heritage Amulet and the second is to set up an appointment with Albus Dumbledore."      

His old friend nodded his head slowly, and Severus could feel the intensity of the scrutiny he was being subjected too.

"It's not like you to resign yourself to any fate, Severus…"

"I'm not resigning myself to anything!" Severus snapped, his arm tightening as he felt Rys jump.  He took a calming breath.  "I'm simply attempting to provide the best protection I can for both of us, with the least amount of interference from all quarters.  The last thing I need is the Ministry getting involved, which is what Dumbledore will instigate should I take the boy and disappear.  If I can be assured that he is safest there from the likes of Lucius Malfoy and the other rabid followers of the Dark Lord, than I can put up with Albus Dumbledore's attempts at manipulation and remain at Hogwarts.  Rys needs time to grow and heal, Bernard, and I will do anything I must to make sure he has that time!"

The solicitor gave into the grin that Severus suspected he had been hiding and narrowed his eyes at being deliberately provoked.  "Very well, I will be off to do your bidding, my friend.  I simply wanted to make sure that you were set on whichever course you were going to take."

Bernard stood up and brushed off the seat of his trousers as he moved to stand in front of the fireplace.  With a nod and a tiny wave at Rys, the solicitor Flooed back to his office, leaving Severus with his son and his thoughts. 

The boy was playing with his soft toy silently within the circle of Severus' arm, and he found himself giving into the temptation to kiss the top of the child's head just to see the brilliant smile Rys responded with.  The responsibility of keeping Lily's son safe and healthy sat squarely on his shoulders and Severus could only hope to meet the challenges that entailed.

Severus Snape watched the first rays of the sun paint the corner of his son's room through a gap in the curtains. The daylight signaled the end of a long, sleepless night for the young Potions master as he continued to have second thoughts about the course he'd chosen to keep Rys safe. The toddler shifted restlessly along his side, his hand tightening in Severus' nightshirt. The early light glinted off the silver bracelet on his son's small wrist, giving Severus the reassurance of the added protection the Heritage Amulet offered.

Bernard had outdone himself locating the rare matched pair of ancient Celtic bracelets, the silver surface had the rich, burnished look of age and was engraved with fine runes for health, happiness, and protection. Separating the runes for strength and protection was the elegantly etched image of a phoenix. Severus had raised an eyebrow at this, only to have his friend shrug.

"These date back to around the time Hogwarts was being built, Severus, and are layered with old magic. I don't for a moment believe that they have anything to do with Albus Dumbledore or his Order of the Phoenix."

Severus had to acknowledge the truth of Bernard's words as he considered Fawkes reaction to his son. Perhaps these bracelets really were destined for them. Rys had been delighted by the narrow band, running his fingertips over the etching as Severus spelled the matching bracelet to his own left wrist. The small fingers lingered over the phoenix and a pleased smile blossomed on his son's face as Rys softly thanked him. Bernard had been insufferably pleased with himself for drawing a smile out of the quiet toddler.

They had Apparated back to the cottage in Hogsmeade at dusk the night before, after Masly had gone first to check that all was well. It was Masly's stubborn assertion that no Dark wizard would even blink an eye at the appearance of an old house-elf that had reassured Severus about the upcoming meeting at Hogwarts. Everything appeared to be exactly as they had left it and Severus sighed with relief. Masly had muttered to himself about dusting, disappearing into the kitchen, and Rys had clung to Severus' neck with a quiet whimper. His son didn't particularly like Apparation any better than he liked the Floo, it seemed.

An abrupt gasp pulled Severus from his thoughts and he looked down at Rys, who had stiffened beside him. The silver band adorning his wrist heated slightly as his son suddenly flinched in his sleep. The hand in his nightshirt tightened for a moment before being yanked away as Rys jerked both hands up to cover his head in a protective gesture.

"No! No hurt!"

Rys seemed to curl in on himself, his night terror taking hold of him. Severus wrapped his arms around Rys, speaking softly as the toddler stiffened. Cupping the back of Rys' head, Severus sat up, rocking his son, until the toddler drew a shuddering breath and went limp in his arms.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, sweet boy?"

"Bad dream, Daddy, hurt…"

His son fell silent, but sadly, Severus had already worked out who had been terrorizing Rys' sleep. Severus pressed a kiss to the disheveled hair, firmly clamping down on the surge of anger he felt as he held the toddler tightly.

"Those people will never have the chance to hurt you again, sweet boy, I promise you that. Never again, Rys."

Severus felt the small head nod slightly and his son slowly relaxed in his arms. Laying his head back against the headboard, Severus closed his eyes, willing his body to relax like Rys'. They must have dozed off together, as the sun shone brightly when a small finger tracing over his nose next awakened Severus.

Rys gave him a tentative smile as Severus cracked open one eye and gave the boy a mock scowl. Severus moved suddenly, sucking the small finger into his mouth and pretending to chew on it, Rys squealing before dissolving into giggles as he yanked his hand back. Sliding one hand up, Severus attacked the particularly ticklish place under the boy's ribs, a smile curling his lips as Rys gasped with laughter.

"'top, Daddy!" Rys shrieked, throwing himself back.

Letting the boy fall back onto the mattress, Severus smoothed the hair back from Rys' flushed face, loving the playfulness his son displayed at these moments. Smiling, Severus stood, stretching the knots out of his back, while his son calmed down.

"Come, sweet boy, we need to get this day started."

Rys scrambled over the bed and followed Severus into the bathroom. Smothering a smile as his son mimicked his movements, Severus went about his morning routine. He stilled Rys' struggle with his hair by taking the small brush and running it through the chin-length hair, smoothing the stray strands as he did.

"'pe'tial tothes, Daddy?"

"Yes, Rys, you may wear your new 'special' robes," Severus told him, delighted that Rys thought of the very first robes he'd ever worn as special. "I will go downstairs and see what Masly has decreed suitable for breakfast."

Severus occupied himself with feeding his son breakfast and getting Rys ready for their meeting, not questioning the boy's quietness. He was able to hold his own emotions at bay, knowing that everything depended on him being able to articulate his requirements to Albus Dumbledore without allowing himself to get angry. It didn't help the solid knot of tension that sat tightly wound in the middle of his chest. Bernard joined them at the Apparition point just beyond the gates to the castle, where they exchanged quiet greetings. Rys clutched at his neck, his eyes opening wide as he gazed up at Hogwarts castle.

For Severus, it was an uncomfortable repetition of the journey he had made before his son was born, when he'd come to plead with the powerful headmaster for Lily's protection. It had been in the deepest, darkest part of the night that Severus had found himself here that time, and the bright daylight provided a sharp contrast now. Despite the sun, a shiver of apprehension ran down his spine and Rys tightened his grip around Severus' neck, leaning closer to kiss his cheek. Turning his head, Severus smiled into the brilliant eyes and paused in his stride to turn so that Rys could see the castle as it came into full view.

"There's the castle, sweet boy; isn't it magnificent?"

Rys' eyes widened as he took it in the ancient buttresses. "Yes, Daddy, 'nifi'tent!"

Severus nodded, resuming his journey as Bernard glanced back with a smile. As the great oak doors to the entrance came into view, Severus saw a figure in royal blue robes standing on the top of the steps. His steps faltered as Severus' memory flashed back to that day he'd begged for Dumbledore's forgiveness. That day the manipulative old wizard had worn blue as well, and Severus had begun to see blue as the color of redemption, just as he considered the brilliant green of Lily's and Rys' eyes as the color of love. His eyes narrowed as Rys clutched at his neck – Severus would not be manipulated again.

Striding ahead, Severus came to a stop a meter short of the steps. Let Dumbledore come to him this time. Slowly, Severus set his son down and Rys stood at his side, one hand looped around his thigh as the boy looked around in awe. Bernard came to a stop just to his left side, standing slightly behind him as befitted his status as a witness to the proceedings. His most neutral mask on his face, and his mind Occluded, Severus let his wand hand rest on Rys' head as a sign of his willingness to talk.

A burst of golden flame just in front of the Headmaster startled Severus even as Rys exclaimed in glee. Fawkes trilled softly as he circled over them once. Feeling the watchful eyes of the headmaster, Severus wasn't surprised that the phoenix hovered over his son, seemingly at the direction of Albus Dumbledore. His hand tightened as Fawkes allowed his tail feathers to brush the top of Rys' head, as if teasing the child to chase after him. But Rys seemed to realize now was not the time for play and with a burst of phoenix song, Fawkes lifted into the air to resume his circling above them. For some reason, the actions of the magical creature reassured him more than if Fawkes had made an open display of affection, as he had that afternoon on the headlands.

"Severus, my boy," the lined face was set in a welcoming smile as Dumbledore took steps towards the edge of the stone stairs, giving them a stiff bow. "Bernard, so good to see you again."

The barrister inclined his head as Severus watched the blue eyes sweep past his friend to finally acknowledge the toddler at his side – and the term 'prize' came to his mind. He stroked a reassuring hand through Rys' hair as the boy tensed.

"And young Harry," Dumbledore's smile didn't reach his eyes.

Severus felt his son tighten his grip and shift slightly, putting him just behind his father's leg.

"Albus," Severus acknowledged as Dumbledore stopped in front of them.

The powerful wizard slowly crouched down, bringing himself down to Rys' level. The child didn't loosen his grip, but he did move out from behind his father's leg as Severus continued to stroke his hair. It was clear from the tension in the small body that Rys remembered Dumbledore from the encounter at the cottage.

"We seem to have begun badly, so I thought I'd start over. Welcome to Hogwarts, Harry. I am Headmaster Dumbledore."

The tiny shoulders squared. "'m Rys, pwease."

Dumbledore shot Severus an inquiring look.

"The child's given name was used only in anger by Petunia and her husband. He requested the diminutive be used instead."

Something hardened in that ancient face, whether anger at the unspoken accusation or something else, but Dumbledore's voice remained jovial.

"Well, that seems unduly sensitive to me, but nevertheless, we do want to make the child feel welcome, don't we, Rys?" The headmaster straightened up. "Shall we continue our discussion inside?"

With a swirl of robes, Dumbledore turned and ascended the steps, assured that they would follow him. Lifting Rys into his arms, Severus worked to suppress the irritation he felt over the headmaster's attitude. Exchanging a glance with his friend, Severus walked slowly up the stairs, hesitating fractionally as he stepped over the threshold into the Entrance Hall. The thick stone walls were the same as they had been for years, yet Severus felt a welcoming warmth as he stepped into the castle. Dumbledore's heels clicked against the flagstones as he headed up the staircase and Rys' head swiveled as he tried to take in everything at once.

A small house-elf peeked at them from behind the doorway as Severus followed Dumbledore up the stairs, its large eyes lingering on Rys as they moved past. For some reason, this reassured Severus that Bernard's assumption might actually be true, and his chest eased just a bit. Rys twisted slightly to look back at the Entrance Hall and Severus shifted him to his hip, keeping his wand hand free. On the first floor landing, Severus saw a tabby cat watching from the shadows just down the corridor, and wondered what his former professor and now colleague thought of this latest development. Lily had been a particular favorite of Minerva McGonagall's and Severus wished he could count on her support, but the witch's loyalty to the headmaster was well known.

Not a word was exchanged as Severus and Bernard followed the headmaster up the moving staircases to the seventh floor and down the corridor to where the gargoyle seemed to watch them intently. Rys pressed against him as Severus walked by, as if he didn't want to take any chances with the stone creature. They stepped onto the moving staircase and allowed it to carry them up to the open oak door and the daylight-flooded office of the headmaster. Severus blinked in the bright light as he stopped just inside the door.

"Sit down, gentlemen," Dumbledore waved at the two chairs across from his desk.

Bernard moved in front of him and slid into the inner seat, leaving Severus a clear path to the door, if needed. Shifting his son, Severus sat down carefully and eased Rys to his feet in front of him. The boy stepped back until he could wrap an arm around his father's leg and glanced around him with interest. Leaning forward, Severus ran his hands down the dark blue robes Rys wore over a crisp white shirt and black trousers, proud of the way his son was behaving.

"Tea?"

With a flick of his wand, a house-elf appeared next to the large desk with a fully loaded tea tray. Rys smiled shyly at the diminutive creature whose eyes lit with delight at the sight of the child. Severus didn't look as Bernard shifted forward, taking the cup of tea that floated his way. Looking up, Severus found his own cup hovering at eyelevel and retrieved it as he stifled a sigh. He swallowed an irritated groan as Dumbledore dragged out the niceties of serving tea. Replacing the scone that had been handed to Rys with a small shortbread biscuit, Severus trained a glare on their jovial host.

"Ah, yes then, to the business at hand," Dumbledore brushed the crumbs off his fingers and leaned back in his chair. "I am very pleased that you have decided to accept your new responsibilities here, Severus, and I am sure that you will do a splendid job both as Potions professor and Head of Slytherin House."

Dumbledore sat forward and peered over his half-moon spectacles at Severus, who quickly checked his mental shields reflexively. "The castle has prepared a suite of rooms for you situated between the Slytherin dorms and the Potions classroom, and I am sure you and Harry will be quite comfortable. I have arranged for a qualified witch to attend to Harry while you are attending to your duties…"

Severus stiffened and Rys looked up at him as Severus leaned towards Dumbledore. "No!" He took a deep breath. "My apologies, Headmaster, for the outburst. However, I have already made arrangements for Rys' care whilst I am teaching, as well as having acquired a house-elf who will be accompanying us on our return to Hogwarts."

"Now, Severus, I simply can't allow you to be disturbing the delicate balance that the house-elves have in serving the occupants of the castle by bringing in your own," Dumbledore smiled sadly.

"I believe that is best left up to the house-elves to decide if it would be suitable, don't you agree, Headmaster?" Severus asked quietly. "It would also be greatly comforting to Rys to have someone with whom he has grown familiar around him."

Something hardened in the blue eyes. "The boy will only suffer from being coddled too much, Severus. Regardless of whose custody he is in, Harry is still the child of prophecy and that necessitates that he be raised in a manner that is conducive to fulfilling that destiny."

Severus felt anger welling in him, remembering the decisions made before Lily's body had even cooled. "Duty and responsibility can be imparted without having to neglect or abuse a child!"

As if oblivious to the fact that he was the object of the discussion, Rys glanced at Severus before inching away to reach for another biscuit from the tray sitting on the edge of the massive desk. Working to master his irritation, Severus looked up as Dumbledore stood from his chair and leaned forward, no longer trying to hide his own annoyance.

"Your allegations have been documented, Severus, although I doubt the experiences of a mere eight months will have made any lasting impression on young Harry here."

Dumbledore swung his arm toward Rys as the child reached for a biscuit. With a startled cry, Rys flinched violently away and threw up his hand as if to ward off the blow he believed was coming. A shimmering wall of magic seemed to form between the headmaster and the toddler, who immediately began to scramble backwards. Severus was on his feet as his son reached blindly for him and scooped Rys into his arms. Clasping Rys tightly to his chest, Severus curled his body protectively around his son and away from the threat. Without conscious thought, his feet carried him towards the door as the silent child clung to him. Severus could feel Rys trembling.

"Severus." Bernard's voice was sharp, demanding his attention.

Just inside the oak door, Severus stopped and drew a deep breath, turning back towards the massive desk. His friend was assisting the headmaster to his feet, a wry smile on his face as he met Severus' eyes. Something unclenched a bit in Severus' chest at the sight of a rumpled and ruffled Albus Dumbledore, a confused look on his face, being helped up from the floor. Silently standing his ground, Severus rubbed a reassuring hand along Rys' back. The headmaster shook himself off as Bernard went back to his chair. The previously silent portraits around the room began to whisper fiercely.

Dumbledore cleared his throat as he smoothed his robes with one hand. "I may have underestimated a few things, it seems, and may need to reassess my information."

Severus took a step towards him, his lips curling in a sneer. "Reassess, Professor? Perhaps that will help you to decide on a more appropriate course of action. Leaving a hurt and confused baby in the hands of someone you knew would resent having to care for him was a calculated move. A child who grows up without proper care or affection is almost certainly going to be overwhelmed by a society that views him as a hero when he finally escapes his oppressive environment. My son will not grow up like that, and I would suggest you find a new way to make him trust you enough to do what you deem is necessary at the appropriate time. As for this moment, you will either respect his and my wishes and have us both at hand, or I will resign my post and raise my son without interference elsewhere."

The blue eyes were shrewd as a look of contrition settled over the headmaster's features. "I firmly believe that it is very important that both of you remain within the protective walls of Hogwarts for your own safety. You have my promise not to interfere in the parenting of your son, Severus. Neither of you needs to be watching over your shoulders for those ardent followers of Lord Voldemort who managed to stay out of Azkaban."

Something inside told him to grab Rys and run as fast and as far as he could, but Severus walked slowly back to his chair, still holding his son tightly. "Then you will allow me to make my own arrangements for the care of Rys, as I have someone who will watch him while I am attending to my duties here. To accomplish that, I will need the Floo connection in my chambers to be connected to the cottage in Hogsmeade."

"I would prefer that the boy…"

"I believe you have made your preferences clear, Headmaster," Severus cut across Dumbledore's words. "And for the most part I am agreeing with them. However, I will supply my son with a care provider and Healer of my choice. I believe that the protections in place at the cottage and the Mays' residence can be strengthened enough to create a safe environment for Rys. You, of course, can add your own spells to strengthen them, if you are so inclined."

Rys shifted in his lap and Severus loosened his grip, allowing the boy to position himself with his back against Severus' chest so that he could see the headmaster. Soothing the disheveled hair, Severus was amused to see Rys study Dumbledore, as if trying to resolve whether this man was a friend or enemy. Rys lifted his chin when he saw that Dumbledore was looking back at him, one hand stroking his beard.

"I would be happy to be of service, if you insist on following that course of action," the blue eyes continued to study the toddler. "Ha…er, Rys seems to have developed his own unusually strong protective magic."

Tired of the scrutiny, Rys began to jiggle his foot, his attention having strayed, and Severus summoned one of the shortbread biscuits. Handing it to the boy, Severus' chest tightened as his son flashed him a bright smile as he took it.

"T'ank you, Daddy."

Severus laid a hand over the toddler's restless foot, and the movement stopped immediately. "Yes, it has developed since Rys was told that no one had the right to hurt him and that he was a wizard; that magic was normal for us."

The now familiar burst of golden flame heralded the arrival of the scarlet phoenix and Rys sat forward with a squeal of delight. Letting the toddler slide off his lap, Severus watched as Fawkes settled to the floor and allowed Rys to pat his head. Leaning to retrieve his forgotten cup of tea, Severus glanced at Bernard, who was watching the interaction with a smile. Severus knew the solicitor was making note of everything as he planned to draw up a contract of agreement for the headmaster to sign before Severus took up residency in the castle. They had a week before the Heads of Houses were required to be back to plan for the coming term. On Severus' part, there was no negotiating when it came to who would be caring for his son. Phillip Mays had proven himself a loyal friend and exceptional Healer, and while Severus knew that Poppy Pomfrey was an excellent mediwitch, she was another of those whose loyalties seemed to reside completely with the headmaster.

It was absolutely necessary for Severus to surround himself with only those who would be absolutely loyal to him, especially when the information was leaked, as he knew it would be, that his son was none other than the Boy Who Lived. While he would do everything he could to make sure that Rys Snape had the opportunity to be a normal little boy, Severus was well aware that it was only a matter of time before the truth was known. It was too much to expect that Rys would have the luxury of attending Hogwarts with anonymity, as Albus Dumbledore had his own agenda and Severus was sure it coincided with Harry Potter's arrival at Hogwarts.

"Fawkes seems to be taken with young Rys," Dumbledore said as he watched Fawkes preen as the small hands stroked his feathers, trilling softly.

"Yes," Severus agreed, but didn't offer further comment.

"Professor Dumbledore," Bernard spoke up for the first time. "Just to clarify the arrangements as Severus' solicitor; as I understand it you have agreed to allow Severus to make his own arrangements for the care of his son, including allowing his Floo to be connected to the cottage in Hogsmeade, without interference. In exchange for providing the safety of the castle and the rooms provided, Severus will teach Potions as well as assume the duties of Head of Slytherin House."

Dumbledore waved a dismissive hand at Bernard. "Yes, yes, nothing so unusual as to require a formal agreement."

"Actually," Severus set down his cup, "I believe it does, as I do not want any misunderstandings about our arrangement, Professor. By making this agreement, I reaffirm the Oath I swore to you to protect Lily's son with my very life – an oath you questioned not too long ago – as well as having you acknowledge that this child is my son, in a legal and binding agreement."

Dumbledore's eyes shifted to Severus' and he felt a momentary brush of Legilimency, gone before he could object. "Ever the Slytherin, Severus. Of course, draw up the agreement as you see fit, Bernard."

It was Severus' turn to feel he finally had an upper hand and he smiled slowly. "Perhaps a fealty oath would reassure Rys that you had his best interests at heart, Headmaster."

The clear blue eyes narrowed to chips of ice, Severus could almost feel the rage well up in the powerful wizard. Rys looked up from where he was still stroking Fawkes' feathers, a frown creasing the scarred brow as if the boy could feel the anger-fueled surge of magic. His son moved to stand pressed against his leg as the silence lengthened. Keeping his expression neutral, Severus waited as the tension mounted; knowing that any sign of weakness at this point would be a grave miscalculation. Even the portraits seemed frozen as they watched Dumbledore struggle with his answer.

"I will expect your son to swear the same loyalty oath that you did, Severus, to the Order of the Phoenix and the vanquishing of Lord Voldemort."

As well as to you, Severus thought sarcastically as he repressed an involuntary shudder at the mention of the evil wizard's name. "I am sure that when Rys has attained an age that such an oath would be binding, Professor, he will be able to make his own choice as to whether to swear an oath to the Order of the Phoenix."

Fawkes let out a burst of phoenix song, easing the tension as he flew over them to his perch and the portraits exploded into heated whispers as Severus held Dumbledore's eyes. It was apparent to him that a line had been drawn and for the moment Severus would savor the small victory he had made here this morning. He felt the actions taken had made it known to the headmaster that Severus was serious about raising Rys his way. Never again would his son be subjected to the misery he'd experienced over the eight months he was in the care of the Dursleys.

"Daddy?" Rys tugged lightly on his trouser leg and Severus broke eye contact to look at him. "'m need to go, pwease."

Dumbledore seemed to understand the boy's request, and seized the opportunity to escort them down to the dungeons, with a stop at the boys' washroom in the seventh floor corridor. Showing them to a solid oak door set in a short hallway just past the entrance to the Slytherin dorms, the headmaster excused himself to see to the arrangements they had discussed. Severus glanced at Bernard before he crossed the threshold into a dark room. Both knew that the castle walls of Hogwarts had ears and they would have to wait to discuss what had happened.

Wall torches flared to life as Severus carried Rys into a large room with Bernard following. The ancient stone walls were covered on three sides of the room with rich tapestries depicting what appeared to be the life and times of Merlin. The room was divided by groupings of furniture, with a sofa and wingback chairs arranged in front of a large fireplace at one end, and a large desk at the opposite end. Adjacent to the fireplace was a small dining area on one side and low bookshelves lined the walls under the tapestries. Three doors led off the main room and assuming they were the bedrooms and bathroom, Severus set a wriggling Rys down before walking over to check them.

It struck Severus as he did another, slower, survey of the rooms, that there wasn't a single portrait there. Rys wandered over to the large tapestry, tilting his head back as he took in the scene of an elegantly robed Merlin standing in front of a medieval castle. Bernard moved to stand beside him, a smirk on his face as he rolled his parchment notes into a scroll. Severus didn't need a spell to know that his friend was thinking of the meeting with Dumbledore. He was less than willing to believe that they had scored any kind of a victory until he was sure of the loyalties of the house-elves and the castle.

"Severus, have you looked at this?" Bernard was standing at one of the open doors, peering into the room.

Moving to join him, Severus was astonished to see a slightly larger version of his son's bedroom from their cottage in Hogsmeade. The small bed, the shelves with their books and toys, and even the curtains on the windows had been duplicated. Bright sunlight filtered through the windows and Severus wondered whether these were actually windows along the outside wall of the castle or windows that had been enchanted. The bathroom stood between the two rooms, exactly as it did at the cottage, and Severus knew without looking that his bedroom would also be replicated. The knot of tension in his chest that had been wound tight throughout their meeting, and which had loosened and retightened with the ebb and flow of the discussion, finally seemed to ease to a manageable state. Whether it was the castle or the house-elves or both, the message was that they wanted Rys to be comfortable and safe in his new surroundings.

A soft giggle from the main room drew Severus' attention back to his son and he brushed by Bernard in his haste to get to the boy, but stopped in the doorway. A crowd of house-elves filled the outer room, surrounding Rys as he stood in front of the tapestry. Severus had never seen so many of the diminutive creatures in one place before and felt a surge of uneasiness despite his son's delighted grin. Rys looked up instantly, his smile faltering as he felt Severus' reaction. The gathering parted and an ancient looking house-elf, looking almost regal in his impeccable Hogwarts' tea towel, stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Professor Snape, sir. I be Altor, elder to the younglings."

Severus inclined his head, acknowledging what he believed was the house-elf's rank among his people. "I believe I have you and the others to thank for the excellent work done in these rooms. My son will be particularly pleased with his bedroom."

"Masly is helping Altor and the younglings to make things perfect for the young master, Professor Snape, and they is glad to be helping Master Rys."

"My thanks, Altor," Severus was relieved that the other house-elves would accept Masly's presence among them, as he knew Masly would protect Rys with his magic and his life. "It pleases me that Masly will be coming to Hogwarts with us to watch over my son."

The great brown eyes scrutinized him with an intelligence that Severus had never attributed to the enslaved race of magical beings, but these eyes seemed to hold endless knowledge. Rys had edged his way to Severus, the young house-elves reaching to brush their fingers against him as he passed and the boy hesitantly patting them back. The group seemed to glow with happiness as Rys finally reached him, wrapping his arm around Severus' leg. Bernard stood on his other side, watching the exchange silently, nodding in agreement to Severus' statement.

"Professor Snape, the house-elves of Hogwarts serve her and those that reside within her walls. Hogwarts especially likes young Master Rys and his father, as does the house-elves. The house-elves won't be letting anything happen to the Professor or the young master."

Severus inclined his head again. "Your efforts on the part of my son are appreciated."

Altor took a step forward. "The Professor must not be relaxing his guard. There is those within the castle walls who would do harm to Master Rys if they is given the chance."

Severus surveyed the large classroom with satisfaction. With the assistance of Altor and Masly, the room had been cleaned of many years of residual soot and potions effluence that clung to the stone floor and walls. Slughorn hadn't allowed the house-elves into his domain to clean up the spills and splatters of his students, believing that assigned detentions were sufficient to keep up with the grime. It wasn't, and Severus was not going to allow his son in a room as filthy as this had been. He needed to remember to leave out another box of the Honeydukes chocolates that Rys had discovered the house-elves loved.

His stomach rumbled and Severus realized it had to be mid-afternoon. Setting the damp cleaning rag aside, Severus straightened the stack of lesson plans on his desk and picked up his outer robe from where he had draped it over the chair. Moving through the door that led to his office, Severus continued down the short corridor to his rooms. Plucking an apple from the bowl on the table, Severus hurriedly ate it as he collected a clean set of robes for his son. He'd learnt that, when left to their own devices, Rys would get every bit as dirty as Kyler when they played.

Flooing through to the cottage, Severus spelled the soot off his and Rys' robes before walking into the kitchen. A sandwich and a mug of tea sat on the table and a grumpy-looking Masly stood in front of the backdoor. With a roll of his eyes, Severus paused long enough to devour the food under the house-elf's watchful gaze.

Drinking down the perfectly prepared tea, Severus took the time to ponder the rest of the day. He was due to take Rys to meet Phillip May at St. Mungo's later for an in-depth examination, particularly of the curse scar on the toddler's forehead. Both Severus and Phillip believed there had to be a reason that the level of Dark Magic residue was so high in the scar. Severus was well aware of the Dark Lord’s focus a year ago, and shuddered at the thought that the evil wizard had manipulated the Killing Curse in some way that left some kind of residual darkness in his son's scar.

After the whirlwind trip into London, Severus was then taking Rys to Hogwarts to spend their first night in the castle. That included the very first dinner in the Great Hall, with the other members of the teaching staff. Altor's warning continued to plague Severus and he knew that somehow he had to find out who on the staff would hurt his son. Until Severus had some indication of whom he could trust, he had to suspect that everyone was capable of putting the toddler at risk.

Setting his mug down, Severus picked up the small robes and, with a nod to Masly, headed out of the door. The warm breeze greeted him as Severus strode the short distance between the two cottages, feeling the brush of the protective fields they had erected around Hannah and Phillip's home two days before. If Rys was going to be spending his days here, both Severus and Bernard had insisted the Mays allow them to reinforce the wards. Once that had been dealt with, Bernard had drawn up a contract giving Hannah the ability to seek treatment for Rys if he got hurt, as well as laying out a payment schedule for Rys' care and education. Hannah, who had trained as a teacher, had been delighted when Severus suggested she begin tutoring both boys in their letters and numbers. To keep him from getting anxious about the separation, Severus thought it best that his son's mind was challenged.

"Daddy!"

A dark haired blur impacted against his legs as Severus walked up to the Mays' backdoor, a smile erupting on Severus' face as he grabbed the doorframe. A red and white streak circled them as Farsh barked his own greeting.

"Mis'd you, Daddy!" Those brilliant eyes glowed as they looked up at Severus.

"I missed you too, sweet boy," Severus told Rys, reaching down to stroke a hand through the soft hair.

"Rys knew you were home before you rounded the corner of your cottage." Hannah told him from the kitchen doorway, Kyler in her arms.

Severus pried Rys off his legs and lifted him, kissing his nose before setting the toddler on his hip. "Were you a good boy for Mrs. May, Rys?"

Rys glanced at Hannah before nodding his head, leaning close. Severus shot Hannah an enquiring look.

"We might have had a bit of a bad moment when the boys woke up from their nap, but Rys figured out where he was pretty quickly."

Giving his son a gentle squeeze, Severus leaned down to kiss the silky hair. "That's my good boy. Are you ready to get cleaned-up and go with me to our appointment?"

Rys looked up and gave him a small smile, nodding his head before wrapping his arms around Severus' neck. With a snort, Severus stepped into the kitchen as Hannah beckoned him through to the sitting room, the corgi puppy following them. While listening to Hannah relay the boys’ activities that morning, Severus stripped off Rys' play clothes and put on his robes. The toddler's attempts to help hampered their progress, but Severus had learned to work with the little fingers getting in the way without getting irritated.

Finally smoothing Rys' little robes, Severus quietly bid farewell to Hannah and Kyler, settled his son against him, and stepped into the fireplace. Rys stiffened, burying his face in Severus' shoulder as they twirled. The Floo deposited them in a bustling waiting room at St. Mungo's, where a harried looking junior healer was waiting. Worried that the mode of travel had upset his son's stomach, Severus rubbed the boy's back reassuringly as the witch stepped forward.

"Mr. Snape?" The girl asked hesitantly.

Severus nodded his head graciously, recognizing her as a Hufflepuff who'd been several years behind him at Hogwarts, and followed her away from the noise. They walked down a quiet side corridor, before she silently ushered them into a small examining room.

"Healer May will be with you in a few moments."

"Thank you,"

Severus waited until the door closed softly before shifting Rys to his hip, forcing the toddler to look at him. The brilliant eyes were anxious as Rys cautiously looked around the room.

"Do you feel sick, sweet boy?"

Rys shook his head, his body relaxing slightly as he resumed looking around the room. A straight-backed chair stood in the far corner, on the other side of a small examining table in the center. A large window lit the pale green walls and Rys giggled as he caught sight of a flock of baby sheep frolicking near the corner of the magical mural. Severus tried not to pace as his anxiety grew with each passing moment. He had been plagued by nightmares of late about the Dark Lord's fanatical activities during the period just before he'd attacked Godric's Hollow, the potions Severus had been ordered to create alone had been terrifying in their purposes.

The snick of the handle turning sent Rys scurrying back to Severus' side, but both of them relaxed when they saw the smiling Phillip May step inside.

"Good afternoon, Severus," the healer’s deep voice greeted them quietly while he watched the boy’s grip on Severus’ leg relax. "Hello, Rys."

Severus stroked the boy's hair reassuringly and was pleased when Rys let go of him to take a step towards Phillip, offering the healer a shy smile.

"M'lo."

Rys didn't protest as Philip lifted him up and onto the examination table. Severus moved around to stand at his son's head as the healer gently urged him to lie down.

"That's a good boy, Rys," Phillip crooned as he used hand and wand to examine the toddler. "You're growing so fast!"

A small hand reached up toward Severus, who captured it in his larger one, squeezing it gently and giving Rys a reassuring smile. Only the brilliant eyes moved as Phillip continued to check over the boy, getting closer and closer to his head. Severus could feel the tension in the solid grip around his fingers. Using his other hand, Severus gently brushed the hair back from Rys’ forehead, exposing the jagged scar. The solemn eyes watched his face intently as Severus continued to stroke Rys' hair.

"You are being a very good boy, Rys," Phillip said softly, resting a hand on the tiny shoulder as his wand began an intricate dance over Rys' forehead.

As the wand tip came closer and closer, the fingers wrapped around his tightened, and Severus tried to reassure the wary toddler. The healer's lips moved in a silent incantation and Severus' focus was yanked towards the lightning bolt-shaped scar as it began to glow an eerie green, circled in black: it was the color of the Killing Curse.

The bracelet around his wrist warmed and Severus quickly resumed his stroking of Rys' hair, doing his best to give his son a reassuring smile. Rys’ face tightened as if in pain, but he kept his eyes focused on Severus'. Finally, Phillip stepped back and Rys seemed to launch himself into Severus' arms, clinging to him frantically as Severus held him tightly.

"Phillip?"

The healer seemed pale as he met Severus' eyes, tilting his head towards Rys before shaking it slightly. Phillip clearly didn't want to speak in front of the toddler and so Severus concentrated on calming his son by rocking him gently. Rys clung to him tightly and Severus allowed it, especially when he rubbed his forehead against Severus' shoulder. The healer watched silently for a moment before flicking his wand over the toddler’s head towards the door and the sound beyond the door became muffled. Another flick and all sound was gone.

"Silencing Charm?" Severus guessed as he continued to rock his son.

"Yes." Phillip met his eyes, face still a shade pale. "There is organic matter lodged in Rys' scar, Severus."

It was only by sheer determination that Severus didn't stiffen or stop rocking. He swallowed several times against a sudden dryness in his throat.

"Organic matter?" he repeated softly, glancing down at his son while the memory of what had happened the night Lily and Potter had died played in his mind.

"Yes, Severus." The healer watched him. "I have to assume the contributor is the person who cast the Dark curse that created the scar."

Severus could feel his heart contract and then expand; his lungs struggle to pull in air as the ramifications of Phillip's words sank in. A physical piece of the Dark Lord had struck his son, but didn't rebound as the Killing Curse had, but what piece? One didn't curse someone with their bodies; they did it with their magic. Severus was well aware of the many potions he had been ordered to brew during those dark days and instinctively he knew this had something to do with the Dark Lord's attempts to make himself immortal. Had either one of the potions or a newly created spell changed the Dark Lord's magic from ethereal to something solid and organic?

Rys lifted his head and Severus could see that his son's forehead was red from rubbing against the heavy robes. Although he knew it must be a play of the light, the thin, jagged scar seemed slightly raised from the rest of his skin. The brilliant eyes looked up at him solemnly and Severus attempted to give the toddler a reassuring smile. Bringing a hand up to cup the back of Rys’ head, Severus brushed a kiss across the blemished skin and was rewarded with a small smile.

"Is there a way to remove it safely?"

Phillip May tilted his head slightly. "I'm not sure. Possibly."

Severus nodded once. He knew he would have to research the effects of the potions he'd been ordered to brew, along with the other measures the Dark Lord might have employed in his bid for immortality. Albus Dumbledore undoubtedly knew more than he had ever told Severus, as did members of the Inner Circle such as Lucius Malfoy. There should be enough information left to for them to reason out what it would take to remove the organic matter – if he could find it.

Rys leaned in and wrapped his arms around Severus' neck. "Home, Daddy?"

Severus glanced up to get an affirmative nod from the healer. "An excellent idea, I believe." He met Phillip's eyes, seeing in them all the emotion he felt swirling in his chest. "Perhaps we can get together to discuss this…matter over tea soon."

"Absolutely."

Still feeling numb, Severus carried his son as he stepped from the Floo into their cottage. Tonight was the first night they would be staying at Hogwarts and Severus wanted to make sure they had everything they would need. Sweeping up the stairs, Severus worked diligently to dissect the news he'd been given and compartmentalize it behind his Occlumency shields. It wouldn't do to have Albus Dumbledore learn of their discovery before Severus had time to research what the Dark Lord had been doing in those chaotic days. There had been so much subterfuge going on, even among those who thought of themselves as the vaunted inner circle.

Rys squirmed as they entered Severus' bedroom. "Need to go, Daddy."

Setting Rys down, Severus watched as the boy disappeared into the shared bathroom. A glance around the room showed him that the book he'd been reading had vanished off his bedside table, telling him that Masly had already taken the last of their items to their new rooms in the castle.

"Severus?"

Bernard's voice filtered up from below as Rys came out of the bathroom, trying to pull the bottom of his robe out of his trousers. Severus automatically reached down to help.

"We are up here, Bernard."

His son gave him a small smile when Severus finished adjusting his clothing and kissed his hair.

"Ah, here you are!" Bernard swept into the room, still dressed in what Severus privately called his supercilious barrister robes, a scroll of parchment in one hand. "I thought I'd deliver you a copy of the signed agreement with Dumbledore before you attended your official meal at Hogwarts." With a broad grin, Bernard bent down, extending the scroll towards Rys. "Will you give that to your dad for me, Rys?"

With a quick look up at Severus, Rys walked over and carefully took the scroll with both hands. "T'ank you."

Severus let Rys hold the parchment as he reached down to pick him up. Bernard took the hint, leading the way out of the room and back down the stairs. They needed to Floo over to Hogwarts in time for dinner.

"What are you working on that has you in your grandiose finery?" Severus asked when curiosity got the best of him.

"Walburga Black wants to change her will again, but she is barking mad, so I just had to make an appearance in the courtroom."

“And this pertains to me, why?”  Severus asked curiously, smoothing a hand over Rys’ hair.

Bernard smiled as his eyes followed the motion. "Because Harry Potter is named as Sirius Black's sole heir and any change in the old bat's will would affect my young client."

The words caught Severus by surprise, even though it certainly made sense – he knew James Potter had named Black godfather for Rys, but the bastard's betrayal of Lily, Potter, and the baby had voided the bond as far as he was concerned.

"There was a contingent of Malfoy barristers there, supposedly to protect the interest of Narcissa and her son as Black relatives, especially with Regulus dead and Sirius in Azkaban." Bernard glanced at the Floo and took a step closer. "I believe they were petitioning to have Draco Malfoy named as the new Black family heir, but because Orion never disowned Sirius and Walburga, while she disowned him, didn't have the legal authority to change Orion's will."

Severus frowned. "Doesn't a conviction and sentence to Azkaban have any bearing?"

Bernard shook his head. "Sirius was never tried or convicted for any crime, Severus; he was simply thrown into Azkaban and locked away, not that Walburga noticed, I suppose. They say she went round the twist when Regulus' body showed up, mangled and blackened, dead by some incredibly Dark curse, the Dark Mark seared from his arm."

Watching as Bernard shook his head, Severus did his best not to sneer. He remembered when the younger Black was in Hogwarts, rich, pampered, and pompous, and had become an immediate favorite of their Head of House. It had been almost a social event when the prat had taken the Dark Mark at sixteen, proud mother beaming at his side. His stomach churned with the memory of the Dark Lord's incandescent rage just a couple of years later, when Black had become disillusioned. Swallowing thickly, Severus remembered seeing for the first time the effects of a potion he'd developed on the Dark Lord's orders...

"…and it has me curious now, Severus," Bernard was still talking, "but did you ever see Lily's will? Or Potter's for that matter?"

"No, I…" Severus cleared his throat, firmly pushing the memories aside. "I was told there weren’t any."

Frowning, Bernard cocked his head. "I find that hard to believe, given the extent of the Potter family holdings, so I would suspect Dumbledore was involved. I believe that I will see if I can find them, as they might be very informative."

Rys wrapped his arms around Severus' leg, clearly feeling the unease in him. Leaning down to lift the toddler into his arms, Severus made a snap decision.

"While you are searching, will you also see if Regulus Black left any type of will or other documents?"

Sending Bernard a piercing look, Severus held Rys tightly against his chest, arms wrapped protectively around the boy. "Philip found organic matter in the scar this afternoon, very Dark matter," Severus told his friend quietly.

Taking a step forward, Bernard laid his hand on Rys back for a moment, his expression somber. "I'll do my best, Severus. Take your son to dinner and leave this to me." Then the barrister grinned suddenly. "Besides, I look forward to managing Rys' assets, for my usual fee, of course!"

"Are you ready, sweet boy?" Severus asked his son, smoothing a non-existent wrinkle from the dark green robes and checking that Rys' fringe still covered the infamous scar on his forehead.

Rys eyed the huge doors to the Great Hall for a moment before tilting his head to look up at Severus. "Yes, Daddy."

Nodding his approval, Severus extended his hand and waited until his son had a firm grip on his fingers before waving his hand at the doors. Creaking open slowly, the doors parted and Severus started down the wide center aisle at a moderate stride, very cognizant of the small child beside him. The murmur of conversation dwindled as he approached the Head Table and then stopped altogether when his colleagues caught sight of the small child clutching at his hand. Rys had picked out robes as close in coloring as he could to Severus' jet-black teaching robes, the white button-down shirt and black trousers a match to his father's. Even Severus had to admit that at first glance the toddler bore a striking resemblance to him, the auburn highlights and almond shape of his son's eyes the only hints to his mother.

The sharp clatter of a spoon dropped into a porcelain bowl startled him and looking quickly, Severus caught the fleeting look of astonished recognition on Minerva McGonagall's face. It was quickly masked and Severus felt a tendril of unease as the Headmaster cleared his throat.

"Severus, so glad you could join us tonight."

It was all he could do not to sneer at the jovial tone – as if he'd had a choice in the matter – but Severus simply inclined his head in acknowledgement. Maneuvering behind Professor Sprout, Severus claimed the chair next to Filius Flitwick, transfiguring the legs of the chair between him and Sprout taller, and lifting Rys into it. The Herbology professor looked down at the boy and then nodded to Severus, before turning back to her bowl of soup.

"And who is this little tyke, Severus?" the diminutive Charms professor asked, looking across Severus to the silent child.

"This is my son, Rys," Severus said formally, scowling as he waited for the food to appear in front of them. "Rys, this is Professor Flitwick."

Flitwick smiled as Rys glanced at him long enough to nod, before dropping his eyes back down to stare at his hands clasped in his lap. "And the lad's mother, will she be joining us at Hogwarts as well?"

Severus' closed his eyes tightly for a moment and felt Rys lean against his arm. Opening them, Severus looked down and gave his son a reassuring smile.

"No, Professor, she won't be. She died last year,"

"Oh, terribly sorry to hear that, Severus!" Flitwick said in a mortified voice and turned quickly back to his soup.

There was a moment of heavy silence, which Severus ignored as he reached down to help Rys with his napkin. A buzz of conversation began at the other end of the table and slowly worked its way down as Severus prepared a small plate for Rys and then filled his own. Never far from his mind was the warning that Altor had given him, but Severus knew he need not worry about the food the house-elves prepared. He even suspected that the addition of several of the dishes, ones that lent themselves well to little fingers, had been for Rys.

"I see you've settled in, Severus." Dumbledore's voice cut through the babble around him. "Do you have everything you need?"

A subtle emphasis on words let Severus know that Dumbledore had received his copy of their signed contact and he swallowed the food in his mouth. "Yes, thank you, Headmaster."

"Severus," Sprout gestured with her fork over Rys' head. "I've used the small hothouse to plant those special herbs you requested and the Nightshade is flourishing in there as well."

Severus leaned closer as Sprout described the status of the various plants she was growing for his Potions classes. Rys ate quietly, his eyes on his plate for the most part with only the occasional glance up to look around. It was the first time they had been in a setting with so many other people and Severus knew that the boy was uncomfortable. Other than a bit more use of his fingers as cutlery, Severus was proud of the way his son was behaving and turned his attention back to Sprout while he ate.

Out of the corner of his eye, Severus saw Rys lean forward, reaching for the chocolate biscuits that he'd developed a great liking for. Severus saw the sleeve of Rys' robes brush against his cup of milk and the cup tumbled toward Severus' lap. Wide-eyed, the boy slammed himself back in the chair, a hand crammed into his mouth to prevent any sound from escaping as Severus watched the cup tumble over and over. It took everything he had to remain in his seat, to watch the cup land in his lap without spilling. The house-elves had spelled it, Severus thought, relieved.

The bracelet warmed against his skin and Severus looked over to see a terrified Rys, silent tears streaming down his face as he waited for Severus to react. The entire room had gone silent, but Severus ignored those around the table as he slowly, carefully set the cup back on the table and held his hand out to his son. In the blink of an eye, Rys was in his lap, face buried in Severus' black robes as his whole body trembled. Severus ran his fingers through the smooth hair as his other arm held the toddler close; the boy curled into him, grasping the front on his robes tightly.

As the tears eased, Severus could feel the tension slowly drain out Rys, but his hand continued to card through the silky hair. Feeling the weight of numerous eyes, Severus brought his head up, his face set in an emotionless mask. He returned each of the stares directly until each of his colleagues looked away, with the exception of Poppy Pomfrey who gave him a hard inquiring look and Minerva McGonagall, who simply looked stunned. Albus Dumbledore continued to eat the afters he'd chosen for himself without comment.

"Severus, I believe the tyke wanted one of these." Pomona Sprout held out one of the chocolate biscuits.

"Yes," Severus said, shifting slightly so that his son was leaning back against him, pointedly ignoring the mess his crying had made. "He's developed quite a fondness for them. Rys, Professor Sprout has a biscuit for you."

One hand still entangled in his father's robes, Rys dragged his other arm across his face before he looked up at Sprout and tentatively reached for the sweet. Taking it in his hand, Rys brought it back slowly, his eyes on the Herbologist.

"T'ank you," the boy said softly and Severus nodded his approval.

Severus allowed Rys to remain in his lap while he finished his dinner, the boy content to nibble on biscuits as the conversation resumed and flowed around them. He felt no need for an explanation, nor would Severus give Dumbledore any leeway to make some dramatic announcement. His son's identity as the Boy Who Lived would be revealed only when Severus was ready. Until he knew who he could trust and who he couldn't, Severus preferred anyone with ill-intent towards his son to remain ignorant of the boy's presence.

Childish giggles woke Severus from a sound sleep and he lay still for a moment, trying to convince himself that he'd dreamed the noise. Another burst of giggles had Severus on his feet, wand in hand, and running through the bathroom into Rys' room. The sight of his son's empty bed, illuminated by a single spelled-candle, made his heart stop, even as another burst of giggles came from the sitting room. Gripping his wand tightly, Severus silently made his way toward the sound.

The boy sat underneath the tapestry of Merlin, giggling as a tabby cat stood on its hind feet and licked his face. Someone or something had lit the torches, so Severus raised his wand, pointing it at the cat. The bracelet hadn't given any indication of danger, but Severus wasn't taking any chances. He moved closer, trying to figure out a way to snatch his son away from the intruder.

"Rys," Severus said softly, careful not to startle the boy. "Come to Daddy."

Both heads turned toward him and Severus almost gasped when he recognized the dark markings around the cat's eyes. Why would Minerva McGonagall be in his rooms at three in the morning, playing with his son?

"Daddy, look!" Rys tried to grab the cat as it danced out of his reach and Severus jumped, scooping the toddler up without ever lowering his wand.

Rys' initial cry of protest was cut off when Severus tightened his hold, pressing the boy into his shoulder while the cat watched. In a blur, the cat was gone and a disheveled Minerva McGonagall stood in front of him, wringing her hands. Holding his wand steady, Severus waited, desperately wanting to get Rys out of harm's way, but unwilling to turn his back until he knew what the witch's intent was. The Professor McGonagall that Severus had always known was a staunch supporter of Albus Dumbledore and Severus couldn't trust anyone with those ties.

"My apologies, Severus, it was unbelievably rude of me to sneak in at this hour, but I…"

Severus frowned as McGonagall's voice broke, while Rys stirred against his chest, trying to get a look at the talking cat, no doubt.

"Why are you here, Professor?" His voice was harsh.

"To see if this was indeed the baby boy I helped bring into the world," came her soft response.

Severus frowned as the dark eyes lifted to meet his. He knew that Lily had been exceptionally close to the Transfiguration professor when they were in school, so it was possible she might have confided in McGonagall. They had both been part of the Order of the Phoenix at the time James Potter went missing and Lily's only other confidant was Alice Longbottom, now a permanent resident of St. Mungo's Spell Damage Ward.

"I helped her with the charms when…your son was born." McGonagall didn't flinch from his scowl. "I was also the one who told Dumbledore not to leave the baby with those horrid Muggles!"

Severus could see the truth in her eyes and slowly lowered his wand as he shifted Rys to his hip. The toddler looked curiously at the woman and then around the room, no doubt still looking for the tabby cat he'd played with just minutes before. Severus was surprised at the way the woman's face softened when she looked at Rys. As his heart rate returned to normal, Severus realized that had McGonagall meant to harm the boy, she could have done so while he was still asleep.

Taking a deep breath, Severus set his son down and Summoned his dressing gown. Rys clung uncertainly to his sleep pants, one hand rubbing at a now sleepy eye.

"Change back, Professor," Severus suggested quietly. "Let Rys see that you are the cat."

There was a shimmer and Rys let go of him to reach for the tabby cat, only to stare at McGonagall in her tartan robes when she reappeared. The boy took a step closer, however, and the witch sank down onto the settee. Looking over his shoulder at Severus, Rys didn't seem to know what to do.

"It's all right, sweet boy," Severus said, wand now held down by his side.

Rys walked closer and then stunned the woman by stopping in front of her and placing his hand carefully on her knee. "You'r a kitty?"

"When I want to be," she told him primly. "Would you…would you like to sit on my lap?"

Glancing back at Severus again, the boy gave a slight nod, but held himself stiffly while he was lifted onto McGonagall's lap. Severus moved to sit beside them.

"Professor?" Severus watched as a silent tear slid down the weathered cheek.

"James knew," the witch said quietly, coaxing Rys to lean back against her. "Lily told him--not who, mind you--but she told him what had happened. He never asked, either, although I believe he suspected…Lily only had one friend she truly loved…James simply accepted, loving the baby and Lily."

Severus couldn't stop the bitter snort of laughter. "That doesn't sound like the Potter I knew."

The dark eyes flicked upwards to meet his. "Whatever happened during that month he was held captive changed him, Severus. James chose to accept the baby as his own and he truly did love him."

Rys reached out and tentatively patted McGonagall on the arm, allowing her to cuddle him closer.

"Surely Lily's will told you the story, Severus?" McGonagall frowned. "I know that Lily put a provision in hers to make sure you or Sirius Black, Har…the baby's godfather was given custody just to prevent him from ending up with those Muggles, that sister of Lily's was foul! It was also why they didn't make Sirius their Secret Keeper, James was afraid it would make him an even bigger target, especially after Regulus was killed!"

Severus watched as Rys finally relaxed and snuggled into the tartan robes while his mind mulled over everything Minerva McGonagall had just told him. As his son's eyes drifted closed, Severus made the similar decision to trust his old Transfiguration teacher.

"I haven't been able to find Lily's will, Professor," Severus said and watched her reaction carefully. "I actually paid a great deal of money to 'adopt' my son and am now trying to repair the damage done."

A horrified look crossed her face, settling into anger as Severus watched the witch's arms tighten around the boy.

"There are other ramifications as well, Prof…Minerva, but right now, my greatest challenge is to protect my son from all that would hurt or manipulate him," Severus emphasized the word delicately. "Would you be willing to help me protect him?"

A fiercely protective look settled over her face. "With my very life, Severus."