Severus continued his tale, “I was glad your aunt and mother were able to mend things between them, even if it meant I had to spend more time with Petunia.  After your birthday, the rest of the summer passed by in a flash.”  

“At this point, the girls were past the worst. They were mostly sleeping through the night (or at least a good deal longer). I felt bad for leaving your mother to look after the girls those first few months, but I was required to finish the school year. If it had not been so close to the end of the term, and students sitting exams, the Headmaster would most likely have granted me a bit more leeway. I made sure to have a very long and serious talk with him about these matters before your brother was born.”

“Now that there were three adults, as Lupin so often was over, that could dedicate 100% of their attentions to caring for the three of you we were able to do more things. It also helps the girls had reached a point where they were easier to take out. We adults took turns with alternating duties where possible. When it came to feeding, there are biological limits to the aide Lupin and myself can provide. We were doing our utmost to ensure that you, Harry, were not left behind.  I was exhausted even when there were three of us working to mind the three of you. I have no idea how people are able to do it single-handedly,” Severus sighed remembering just how exhausted he felt that entire summer.

“It was over the course of the summer your mother and I began to have a serious debate about your education. We originally planned for you to be taught at home. This is how I was educated before I came to Hogwarts. Your mother on the other hand, attended a Muggle primary school, your school in fact.” Severus told him.

“I know, Ms. Peabody said she remembered Mom from when she was a little girl. She said Mum once made the cake explode in a boy’s face,” Harry confirmed.

Severus laughed, “Ah, yes. Children often cannot control their magic and can make things happen. I am surprised a Muggle knew what happened.”

Harry shrugged. “I don’t think she did. I think she said Mum put something in the cake to do that.”

“I see,” Severus said. “With all the time and energy that it took to maintain the girls your mother and I agreed that it would probably be best for you to attend the Muggle school. We could deal with any sort of accidental magic that occurred. The joys of having multiple connections in the Office of Magical Law Enforcement, your mother included. Even with the risk of accidental magic, we thought it best for you to go. We did not want your education and social skills to suffer because of us.”

“Convincing you this was the best plan took some doing. You had no desire to go to a school that was not Hogwarts. The fact that you had not attended school for section year with the majority of the other children did not help matters at all. No, what finally convince you to go was your friend Liam from the play park.” Severus explained.

“You wouldn’t have made me go if I wasn’t friends with Liam?” Harry asked disbelievingly.

Severus shook his head. “You would have found yourself in that school jumper no matter what. You were simply  more willing to comply after talking with Liam.”

“Oh,” Harry said.

“Eventually summer came to a close. I prepared to return to Hogwarts. My duties as Head of House modified to ensure I was able to be home with my family as much as possible. The Headmaster offered us rooms in the castle. Your mother and I even considered taking them, but ultimately chose not to. It was for almost the exact reasons we kept you away from the wizarding world as much as we do now.” Severus explained.

“I hate people staring at my scar,” Harry grumbled.

“I know,” Severus said giving Harry’s knee a reassuring pat. “Unfortunately, it is something you will have to learn to live with. People will always see you first as The-Boy-Who-Lived. It is up to you to give meaning to that name.”

“My first day returning to Hogwarts was also your very first day of school,” Severus continued. “Sadly, it did not start out in a promising manner.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Severus had a towel over his shoulder to protect it from any sort of baby drool, if not spit up. Iris had been feeling a bit under the weather and thus was being particularly clingy this morning. Severus held his youngest child against his shoulder as he went to wake the oldest. Despite his initial hesitation Harry had been excited to start school. Severus wondered if this would remain the case as the day went by.

“Time to get up, Harry,” Severus said tugging on a blanket covered foot.

Harry did not even groan in response. Severus tugged again. Again, no response.

“Your brother is being rather stubborn this morning,” Severus commented to Iris. The baby bubbled back at him. “Very well said,” Severus agreed. “Perhaps we should tell him if he does not get up now it will be cold cereal for breakfast instead of pancakes.”

“’An’akes,” Harry muttered sleepily.

“There will be pancakes if you can be up and dressed in,” Severus turned his wrist to check his watch, “Fifteen minutes. That means bed made, uniform on, hair combed. You need not brush your teeth or wash your face. You may do this after breakfast, as you will likely end up wearing a good deal of it anyway. I will be back to check on you in a few minutes.” Severus said heading out of the room.

He returned five minutes later, baby-less. Harry was still balled up under the covers. Severus sighed. It was going to be one of those mornings. Harry was not very fond of getting up, but they were on a schedule today.

“Harry, get up now,” Severus commanded pulling the covers off his son.

Harry groaned, grabbing in vain for the covers.

“Now, Harry,” Severus repeated.

Harry sat up, rubbing his eyes.

“Get dressed,” Severus ordered.

Harry stumbled out of bed to the wardrobe. His new uniform hung on a hanger on the door.

“Don’t forget to change your pants,” Severus said excusing himself. “I will see you at the table.”

Harry stumbled out of his room seven minutes later. His hair was impossibly messier, his shirt  not nearly half tucked in, and he was missing his left sock. Severus frowned at Harry’s disheveled appearance.

“That barely qualifies as dressed,” Severus scolded.

“Let him be, Sev,” Lily objected. She kissed the top of Harry said as she put his breakfast down in front of him. “How did you sleep sweetie?”

Harry shook his head. “Not good.”  Harry said shoving Chaucer off of his chair.

“What was wrong?” His parents asked together.

Harry shrugged. “Scared.”

“Scared of what,” Lily asked.

Harry shrugged again.

“Will you please use your words, Harry.” Severus begged. He’d had more than his share of apathetic shrugs with his students. He would make sure his son could and would articulate his feelings.

Harry looked at his father, but did not say anything more.

“Harry, are you concerned about going to school?” Severus asked.

Harry nodded.

“What are you worried about sweetie?” Lily asked softly.

“What if nobody likes me?” Harry asked nervously.

“You need not worry about that,” Severus dismissed. “You already have at least one friend at school. Liam is in your class in fact. Maybe you will even get to sit near him.”

Harry relaxed slightly. He hadn’t known Liam was going to be there. Not in his class at least.

“What if the teacher doesn’t like me?” Harry asked, taking his breakfast.

Severus sighed. He could not dismiss this fear quite as easily. Harry had heard Severus talk poorly about enough of his students to know that teachers did not always like their students.

“I’m sure she will,” Lily promised.

“If she is unreasonable, we will look into your moving classrooms. But that only will be something we will look at in the future if things are intolerable.” Severus offered.

Harry nodded.

“Is there anything else bothering you?” Lily asked.

Harry mumbled something into his plate.

“What was that, Harry?” Severus asked.

“What if I’m not smart enough?” Harry repeated, only just audible.

Severus hoped that he had reached the heart of the matter. “Come here,” Severus said gesturing Harry over.

Harry pushed back from the table. He went to stand by his father’s chair.   Chaucer took the opportunity to hop into Harry’s now vacant and heated seat.  Severus had pushed back far enough away from the table so Harry could stand in front Harry easily guided to stand between Severus’ knees.

“Harry James Potter,” Severus commanded softly, but firmly. “You listen to me.” Severus pushed Harry’s head up with one long finger. “You are plenty smart. You know more about potions than many of my third years.”

“But that’s different,” Harry protested.

“Only the subject matter.” Severus soothed. “Even so, I know you will do well.” Severus reassured. “And even if you were to bring back a report card with nothing but T’s, your mother and I would still love you.”

“Really?” Harry asked.

Harry looked from Severus to Lily.

“Of course sweetie,” Lily promised.

“Indeed,” Severus promised. “Have you ever known me to lie about matters of such import?”

Harry shook his head.

“Then it must be true. Now,” Severus said turning Harry around, “Go finish your breakfast.” He added with the lights what to Harry’s backside.

Harry nearly skipped back to his seat. He pushed the cat off his chair once again before tucking into his breakfast with newfound relish. Meanwhile, Severus Summoned Harry’s missing sock and jumper.

“I’m going to go and call Sirius and Remus,” Lily said excusing herself from the table.

Harry finished the last bites of breakfast. “Why is she calling them?” He asked.

“They wish to accompany you to your first day of school.” Severus explained.

“Cool!” Harry agreed.

Severus hummed in acknowledgment. He wouldn’t have minded if it were just he and Lily taking Harry to school, but both of them had expressed an interesting coming. Severus was certain Black only wanted to come see what Muggle primary schools look like. Sirius had been privately tutored before going to Hogwarts. Lupin on the other hand, had attended a Muggle school. The werewolf remembered just how scary the first day had been. Remus thought the more people there were to support Harry, the less like he was to be stressed about going.

Severus handed Harry the missing clothing. “I believe you will need these.”

Harry sank into the extra chair pulling on the missing sock. He left the jumper on the chair.

“Go wash your facing comb your hair,” Severus ordered.

“I already did,” Harry protested.

“Harry, your face is covered in syrup. That is no way to meet your teacher,” Severus pointed out.

Harry sulked off. Severus cleared the table and put the dishes in the sink to wash. The walk to school should take them maybe ten minutes. Severus would have to leave almost directly from a school to get to Hogwarts on time.

The professors were supposed to report by ten this morning. No students would be there before the train arrived around seven. However, there was always an introductory staff meeting with all staff and faculty. Flitch would waste all of their time whining about the trouble and mess the students always brought. He would beg the Headmaster to restore corporal punishment. Dumbledore would of course refuse and that would be an hour gone. There would be general schedule questions answered and then lunch.

After lunch, Severus would meet with the other Heads of House. They would set the schedules for the Prefects and Head Boy and Girl. This meeting always dissolved into chatting about how everybody’s summer was and complaining about what a wasted opportunity the general staff meeting was.

From there, Severus would meet with Madam Pomfrey. She and Severus checked the inventory of potions and salves. If there was anything that was low, or nearing its end of use date Severus made a list to replace it.  This is normally done the first weekend of the month, but as he had time in the day before students had a chance to pull them away, it was a good use of time.

Harry returned a moment later. The syrup and dirt seemed to be gone, but his hair was still a mess.

“Did you even try to comb your hair?” Severus chided.

“I did,” Harry whined.

“Leave him be, Sev.” Lily scolded.

“Yeah,” Sirius defended. “He can’t help it if he got James’ wild mop.”

“Black,” Severus greeted.

“Snape,” Sirius returned. “You ready for your big day, Harry?” Sirius asked his godson.

Harry shrugged.

“He was a bit worried earlier,” Lily told Sirius.

“Oh no,” Sirius said. “What’s wrong kiddo?”

Harry gave another shrug. Severus sighed at Harry’s reaction.

“He had perfectly normal concerns about starting somewhere new,” Severus supplied.

“Let me guess,” Remus said entering the room, “You are scared you wouldn’t have any friends, the teachers wouldn't like you, and that you wouldn't be smart enough?”

Harry stared at him wide-eyed. “How did you know?”

“I was scared of the same things on my first day at primary school. Hogwarts too for that matter,” Remus explained.

“You did?” Harry asked. “What happened?”

“I made friends, the teachers liked me, and I worked hard to make good marks.” Remus replied. “You’ll be fine, Harry.”

“Okay,” Harry agreed.

“Are ready to go?” Sirius asked.

“We need to collect the girls.” Lily supplied.

“I’ll come with you,” Remus offered.

The two of them reappeared moments later each carrying a girl in their arms.

“Let’s go,” Lily urged.

Harry led the group out of the house, or almost did. Somehow in the rush of the morning he failed to put on his shoes. Shoes on, girls in his pram, the ragtag group headed out.

Harry babbled to his Godfather and Remus about all sorts of things. Severus frowned slightly behind the trio. He and Lily talk softly about the upcoming term at Hogwarts. The Headmaster had granted Severus special permission in his operation of duties as Head of House. Instead of living on campus it was up to the Prefects to inform Severus that there was something that needed his attention after hours. Severus was expected to be at school by 9 AM. Normally, that would be when the teachers would be starting their first classes, but Severus wanted to be able to see Harry off to school in the mornings. Students would have Potions no earlier than 10 AM to forward him this opportunity. Severus wasn’t sure how much the Headmaster like this concession, but Severus did not really care. He would not lose this time with Harry, nor put more strain on Lily if he didn’t have to.

Everything seemed to be going well until they reached the school. The yard in front was filled with children running around playing. Harry watched excitedly.

“Go on then,” Lily urged.

Harry shook his head.

“Are you going to say?” Harry asked.

“Stay?” A confused Severus repeated.

“Until we go in,” Harry explained.

Severus looked at his watch. He really needed to be going. He still had things he needed to do with the school.

“Please,” Harry pleaded.

Severus nodded.

“You’re supposed to be lining up, Harry.” Remus pointed out.

“I know.” Harry agreed, still do not move.

“Do you want one of us to come with you?” Lily asked.

Harry gave a small nod. Harry’s little hand latched onto Severus’ large one for dear life.

“Come now, my little lion, show us some of that Gryffindor bravery your House is so famous for,” Severus urged as they crossed the yard.

Harry was not the only one still holding on to a parent. Severus was glad for that. Although when they got closer to the place where Harry’s class was lining up Severus did not see any other parents. Harry’s hand squeezed Severus’ even harder.

“Do not worry,” Severus soothed.

Harry stopped dead in his tracks. “I don’t want to go,” Harry told his father.

Severus crouched down so he was eye level with Harry. “You need to go, Harry.”

“I want to go home,” Harry said.

Severus realized that tears threatening to fall.

“I know,” Severus said softly, “you need to go to school, Harry. You won’t be able to go to Hogwarts if you can’t read.”

“Moony, can teach me.” Harry protested.

Severus shook his head. “Lupin has other things he must you. No, you’re staying here at school. If you can stay the whole day and the teacher does not have to call home you can have a special treat after school. How does that sound?”

“Ice-cream?” Harry asked.

“If you like,” Severus agreed.

“With chocolate sauce and with cream and…” Harry began.

“Anything you like, Harry.” Severus said cutting off Harry’s list. “But only if you last the whole day and the teacher does not call home.”

“Okay,” Harry agreed.

The young woman was now standing at the head of Harry’s line. She dark curly hair and a kindly face. Severus hoped that appearances would not be deceiving.

“That’s my teacher?” Harry asked.

“She is,” Severus confirmed. “Would you like to go say ‘hello’?”

Harry shook his head.

“Harry,” Severus pleaded. Severus took a step toward the woman. Harry followed somewhat reluctantly, but at least he followed.

“Hello,” Severus greeted the teacher.

“Hello Mister… Mister?” the teacher asked.

“Severus Snape,” Severus said offering his hand. Having a hand on Harry’s shoulder Severus said, “This is my son, Harry Potter.”

“It’s good to meet you Mr. Snape. Hello Harry.” She said turning to Harry. I’m Ms. Southwell.”

“Harry’s a bit nervous this morning. Until now he has been educating him at home.” Severus explained.

“I see,” Ms. Southwell said. “We’re going to have a lot of fun today Harry, don’t you worry.”

Harry did not look at all reassured.

“Why don’t you say goodbye to your dad now so we can go and start our day?” Ms. Southwell asked softly.

Harry looked up to his dad.

“I will do my best to be here when you are dismissed.” Severus reassured. “Even if I am not here, your mother and the Marauders will be.”

Harry sighed sadly, “Okay.”

Severus pulled Harry into a tight embrace. “Be good,” he ordered the boy and dropped the kiss on top the boy’s head.

With that Harry followed his classmates inside. The day rushed by for Severus. He had been fifteen minutes late for the general staff meeting. Arriving just in time for the start of Flitch’s annual anti-student rate. The Heads’ meeting was filled with questions of the girls followed by stories about Harry and the girls. The meeting with Pomfrey was delayed so he could ensure all potions ingredients had arrived and were in good order before dashing back to Cokeworth.

Severus arrived just in time as Lupin prepared to collect Harry from school. Lily was going to stay home with the girls as it seems both were coming down with something.

Severus and Lupin walked the short distance to school chatting amiably about Severus’ busy day. Severus did not have high hopes for this year’s DADA instructor. The young woman was too focused on the theory of the topic and had very little firsthand experience in the field.

The wizards found the schoolyard much as they had the morning, full of playing children. This time though it took them several minutes to locate Harry among the crowd. Harry ran up to them red-faced, his hair sweaty from exertion.

Harry threw his arms around Severus’ waist.

“Good afternoon,” Severus said. “How was your day?”