Back at Hogwarts Umbridge was unaware that her head now had a bounty on it. Minerva was furious. That woman her hurt her lions, HER lions and she thought she wasn’t going to get away with it? She had marked the Weasely twins so she could tell them apart, curbed their spirit so to speak.

They were all just children how could she do something like that? She seethed angrily as she stared at Albus a glint in her eye. How dare she hurt Harry? That boy had alright been through so much? Was she trying to break the child? She shook her head and sat up; her tone more calm then what she actually felt.

"I'll take care of her Albus, leave it to me." She said firmly.

"Normally Minnie I would but this...she needs to feel real fear," Albus said calmly.
"And she will; I'm not a Transfiguration Mistress for nothing." She replied sternly.

"No Minnie, something much worse I have planned for her. She needs to suffer for what she did;" Albus said eyes still cold.

"I won’t transfigure her permanently just enough to scare her," Minerva relented.

"Very well, make sure she's still sane." Albus said tiredly.

"Of course Albus," Minerva said wondering if she should enlist the help of Flitwick and Pomona.

"No; they can’t know about this," Albus replied, immediately understanding the thoughtful expression on her face.

"Like hell Albus, she hurt their children too. I don’t know what deluded planet you’re living on but we both know Severus won’t stay out of this either." Minerva said pointedly.

"I know my dear, but won’t you all understand that I would like to be the one who puts her into her place?" Albus replied trying to get her to understand his position.

"And you shall, right after she’s transfigured, poisoned, charmed, and entangled in Devil's snare," Minerva said smoothly. She knew the witch was going down.

Albus grinned in spite of himself when he heard that, knowing already his heads of houses would no doubt do it.

"Just don’t kill her my dear; make sure the others know that," he finally said.
"We won’t Albus, we shall save her for you," Minerva said quickly getting up. She had some people to tell and a witch to hunt down.

~*~*~*~*~Diagon Alley~*~*~*~*~

Harry smiled with glee as he landed in the Leaky Cauldron. He was so excited to see how Diagon Alley looked for Christmas. He couldn’t help but see how sour his guardian looked but Harry didn’t notice really; since that was usually how Snape was anyways. He followed the man to the wall as he let them into entrance and gasped again. It was just like the first time he'd seen it only there were decorations galore, and soon their house would be covered in them as well.

He didn’t think much on that part, for now he could pretend that he was living with Snape forever, it was nice to call a place besides Hogwarts home. He didn’t know that when he declared that; the blood protection around the Dursely house fell which left Dumbledore and the order scrambling to Privet drive.

At the moment Snape had given him a potion before he left. He didn’t need to be Hermione to figure out that it was a disguise. Snape had said it would be dangerous for both of them if he was seen with Harry, and he understood that so he took the potion without thought. As he passed the store window he got the first glimpse of himself and gasped quietly. He looked like Snape, and he grinned. He frowned for a moment as he realized how young he looked. They made their way into Madam Malkin’s and he stood on the stool as she measured him. As she went to grab the clothes Harry turned to Snape with worried expression.

"Did you deage me? What happens when I get back to normal? Are my clothes gonna fit?" Harry whispered quietly.

"I didn’t deage you foolish child, the potion changed your features and that was all. Blame your appalling relatives for you being a 5th year and looking like a 2nd year." Severus said with a clench of his jaw.

"Can potions help?" Harry asked softly, as he frowned at his reflection.

"Of course, and before you ask yes I have been giving nutritive potions to you already. It’s been in your food and juice," Snape replied quietly.

"Oh ok," Harry answered easily as the lady came back out with robes and the likes.

He wondered where they were going to get the rest of the clothes from, everyday things. Madam Malkin’s only had dressy things, and he wanted jeans if Snape would allow it. Harry didn’t have any money on him because Snape hadn't allowed him to visit his vault. Harry figured he was taking his role of being his guardian a little too seriously.

He didn’t mind it though; he liked the fact that someone cared enough for him. At the moment he still needed to get his friends and now Snape a Christmas gift. He waited until Snape had shrunk the packages as they walked out the shop before turning to the man.

“I know you said I didn’t need to go to Gringotts to buy my own clothes. But do you think I could go so I could buy my friends some Christmas presents?” And you, Harry added silently.

“I knew I was forgetting something, no you may not visit your vault Harry. I told you I will take care of everything,” Severus said before pulling out a small bag of galleons and handing him to the child.

“Thanks Professor, I’ll pay you back as soon as I can,” Harry said sincerely.

“You don’t owe me Harry; I gave that money to you because I wanted to.”Severus said softly.

“Why, this is a lot of money sir?” Harry asked; he couldn’t understand why his teacher was just giving him money.

“Does your cousin ever pay for his things?” Severus asked taking another route.

“No, his parents give him money when he needs it.” Harry replied with a raised eyebrow similar to that of Snape’s.

Severus paused for a moment, as he inwardly grinned; they were clearly spending a lot of time in each other’s company. The boy was mimicking one of his expressions unintentionally.

“I am your guardian Harry; it is MY job to take care of you. If I want to give you money I can and will do so. So just hush child, and tell me where you want to go to first.” Severus replied.

“Well, maybe the bookstore so I can get something for Hermione. Professor; can we go into muggle London so I can get jeans and stuff?” Harry asked shyly, toeing his sneakers into the ground.

“We can, after lunch. Does that sound good?” Severus asked.

“Perfect,” Harry replied with a smile as they headed to their next destination.

It didn’t take that long to get his friends presents since he knew what each person wanted and soon they were standing back outside. Harry was currently smiling to himself as he snuggled into his coat. Snape had made good on his promise and even though there was snow on the ground, Harry couldn’t feel the cold.

The man even bought him a mittens and a hat which Harry had on as well. He was feeling quite spoiled, but he knew by now not to tell the man that. According to Snape clothes were a necessity not gifts, and he should have always worn the best; whatever that meant.

He heard Snape muttering about something and the next thing he knew they were standing in front of the ice cream place. Harry personally thought it wasn’t the right weather for it, but he wasn’t about to say no if Snape wanted to go in. Apparently the man had other plans as he turned to Harry.

“I need to pick up something in Knockturn Alley,” Severus explained.

“I don’t wanna go down there, I’ve been there before and I didn’t like it.” Harry confided with a shiver that had nothing to do with the weather as he remembered his second year.

“When did you go…never mind we will discuss that later. I wasn’t planning on bringing you with me. I need you to stand right here, I should only be gone for about 10 minutes or so.” Severus said feeling confident about leaving the child, but Harry didn’t seem to feel the same.

“You can’t do that sir; what if death eaters try to get me? What if I get hurt, I can’t use my wand outside of school, remember?” Harry said tone turning frantic.

“Relax child, I would never leave you here unprotected. First off, no one outside the order knows who you are right now; your disguise is flawless. Secondly, did you honestly think that Albus would agree for me to take you in Diagon Alley alone? He trusts me yes, but your safety is priority.” Severus clarified.

“Oh so there are order members watching us now,” Harry asked as he looked around.

“Yes, try not draw suspicion to yourself. Do you see that woman over there with lively red hair, eating an ice cream with that man with a black cap?” Severus asked softly, gesturing with his chin.

“Yes, I see them; who are they?” Harry asked curiously.

“Lupin and Tonks, as you can see child you will be fine. Just 15 minutes is all I need, you can have an ice cream after lunch. I don’t want you to spoil your appetite,” Severus said ruffling his hair instinctively before quickly disappearing down the darkened alley.

Harry watched the man until he couldn’t see him before leaning against the pole. His stomach growled and he looked longingly at the ice cream parlor, wishing he could have some now. He didn’t want to get in trouble, and make Snape mad at him. He just wanted to be a good boy for once, which gave him an idea.

Since he wasn’t allowed to clean up, he only needed to be on his best behavior all the time, and then maybe Snape would agree to take him in the summer. He could even volunteer to make potions, he was actually decent at them when Snape wasn’t breathing down his neck. The man’s very presence in class scared the heck out of him; he wondered if Snape would be nicer now. Harry shrugged as he waited wishing he had bought a watch.

He looked around the alley trying to see if he recognized anyone else when he spotted a black dog. He broke out into chills and he glanced over to make sure that Moony and Tonks were still there. This couldn’t be Sirius could it, he was freaking himself out he just knew it. The dog watched him from the alley, never taking his eyes off of him. This black dog had his nerves on edge and he jumped in fright when Snape finally appeared.

“Why are you so jumpy Harry? Are you alright, did something happen?” Severus asked concern in his voice.

Harry looked around to where he last saw the dog, but the animal was gone. Had he just imagined it, was it not really there? He frowned not wanting his teacher to think that he was losing it before shaking his head.

“You just surprised me all Professor,” Harry answered as casually as he could.

“Harry, be aware of your surroundings at all time; regardless of the order.” Severus stressed as they started walking back to the Leaky Cauldron for lunch.

“I will sir, sorry Professor,” Harry replied softly as he frowned and looked at his shoes.

“Don’t be sorry child, just promise to pay more attention.” Severus said kindly. Though he had to wonder about something; was this child always this sensitive?

They made their way into the pub and quickly took their seats ordering shortly after. Harry and Snape ate in a comfortable silence, occasionally talking about random topics, though they stayed away from the Durselys and Sirius. Halfway through the meal and on his 3rd cup of pumpkin juice Harry started to feel the effects.

“Am I allowed to go to the bathroom sir?” Harry asked, unsure of whether or not he could go.

“Do you really need to, or is this another ploy to get away from me like you did with Lupin?” Severus couldn’t help but ask. He needed to be sure, and the child was never a good liar at the best of times.

“I’m sorry about that Professor, but I really need too this time.” Harry replied with a blush.

“Alright, you may go. If you’re not out in 3 minutes, I will be coming in to get you. And Merlin help you if you decided to run away,” Severus warned, gesturing to Harry to go.

“I won’t run away sir,” Harry said as he quickly made his way to the bathroom.

He was heading for the urinal when he heard the door open and close behind him, he didn’t think anything of it until he started to get into position and he felt someone staring at him. He swallowed and turned around, and his eyes widen comically and in fright. How did he get pass Snape?

“Sirius, what are you doing here?” Harry asked turning around to look at him; he felt so at unease with his back towards the man.

“I needed to relieve myself same as you, do continue don’t let me stop you.” Sirius said as he had not a care in the world.

Harry couldn’t go even if he wanted to, he looked towards the door and back towards his godfather and swallowed as his throat was suddenly to dry. He chewed the inside of his lip, wondering if the man was going to do anything, he still didn’t know the real reason Sirius was here.

Surely Dumbledore didn’t allow Sirius to watch him even if he was in the order that meant that black dog he saw was his godfather. Harry breathing got shallow; he knew he should have told Snape about his suspicions. Wishing once again that he had a watch, Harry hoped and wished with all his heart that; 3 minutes had already passed.

“I don’t need to go anymore, it was great seeing you.” Harry said trying to edge his way around the man to the door.

“I’m not done talking to you Harry,” Sirius said reaching over and grabbing his arm roughly.

Harry vaguely wondered why the hell, no one else had come into the bathroom. It was lunch time; he knew that he couldn’t be the only one who needed to go.

“Please let me go Sirius,” Harry asked hoarsely.

“Why haven’t you told everyone the truth Harry? Did you think I had forgotten? You know what I think; I think that you wanna be a snake. You don’t care about me Harry, why do you wanna stay with Snape?” Sirius taunted.

“Because he feeds me, and I get my own room. He doesn’t hurt me, and he likes having me around.” Harry answered with a wince, knowing he was gonna get a bruise. When Snape found out he was not going to be happy that’s for sure.

“He likes having you around you say? Are you sure he just doesn’t like what he sees? You know I knew Snape in school, never saw him with a girl besides Lily. I think he prefers blokes; whose to say that he’s not touching you like that. And you still wanna stay with him? He wouldn’t want you around him unless he was getting something out of it.” Sirius rationalized, not noticing the horror in his godson’s face.

“He would never touch me like that, I trust him. Snape would never hurt me like that or like the way you did.” Harry finally yelled before gasping as the taunting look on his godfather’s face changed to one of rage. He had heard the comment about Snape and his mum and though he was curious to know more he wasn’t about to ask Sirius that. Harry closed his eyes as the man’s hand went back, and waited for the impact but nothing came. He slowly opened one eye to see Snape glaring at Sirius angrily his dark eyes piercing.

“What are the hell do you think you’re doing here Black?” Severus asked dangerously, as he held the man’s arm behind his back. He had no qualms about breaking it and had Harry not been in the room with him he would have.

“Talking to MY godson, he doesn’t belong to you even if he’s staying with you. Harry belongs to me and you should have never been able to take him from me.” Sirius replied furiously.

“Do you hear the shit pouring from your mouth? Harry is a person; he doesn’t belong to anyone, least of all you.” Severus said angrily as he looked at the frighten child across from them.

Harry was watching the scene with wide eyes wanting to be anywhere but there and it showed. He was much too upset to think on what Snape was saying but he would review that later, when he was home safe. He slowly inched his way to the door, not wanting to anger Sirius any more then he had.

“Let me go Snivellus you greasy bat,” Sirius yelled with so much hatred, Harry could literally feel it in the room.

“You’re lucky that Harry loves you, because I have nothing against stunning you and sending you to the ministry to get the kiss that you deserve,” Severus hissed out, though judging by the look Harry gave him the child had heard.

“Professor, please don’t,” Harry pleaded, his eyes wide in horror.

“I’m not you foolish child, go back to our table, Lupin should be there. Tell him that I have Black and show him that you are ok.” Severus said wanting to get Harry out of the room.

“And you won’t send him?” Harry asked softly.

“I promise you Harry, I will not.” Severus said with a small smile only reserved for Harry.

The minute the child walked out the door, Severus spelled the room with a privacy spell and locked the door before he smiled a cruel smile.

“I owe you a few things for hurting Lily’s child,” he said as he pulled back and snapped the man’s arm.

He was rewarded with a scream that sounded more like a dog howling. Considering what his animagus form was Severus wasn’t that surprised. He tossed the man on the ground and looked at him in disgust.

“I could never understand how grown men could abuse children. Is it because they can’t hurt you? You feel like hitting something, why don’t you hit someone that will fight back? This is for Harry, “Severus said not even bothering to use his wand as he punched the man in the stomach. The physical hits were much more satisfying to him and he relished in making the man hurt.

“Why are you so interested in Harry? Was I correct in saying that you only have him around for one thing?” Sirius asked with a cruel smirk.

“You sick bastard, I would never do that to any child. You’re the pervert who was thinking about it in the first place; who’s to say that you haven’t done it. If you have touched Harry in that way, I swear to Merlin that I will kill you right now where you stand.” Severus said angrily as he pulled out his wand.

“Why would I touch MY godson like that, don’t get your knickers in a twist Snivellus.” Sirius said as his arm lay limply at his side brandishing his own wand with his other hand.

Severus; though he wanted to hurt the man some more was eager to check on Harry, that his revenge on the man could wait. He silently casted a spell that forcibly made him transformed into his animal form before stunning him. He walked outside the bathroom and gestured to Lupin to come here.

“Your mutt is in there, once again Harry was in his clutches. If he does it again, I won’t be as lenient as I have.”Severus threatened with clenched teeth before walking over to the table where Harry was having a conversation with Tonks.

“Harry let’s go finish out our shopping trip.” Severus said making sure the angry expression was gone from his face.

“Alright, bye Tonks,” Harry replied happily as he stood up and followed Snape out of the pub and into the muggle world.

“We also will be buying a tree and some muggle ornaments; I already have magical ones at the Manor.” Severus informed his as they walked to the clothing store down the street.

“That’s great Professor, will you decorate with me?” Harry asked shyly the words slipping out before he could stop them.

“If that is what you will, then I shall,” Severus replied easily.

“I will,” Harry said before frowning. “I mean I do?” He asked confusion in his tone.

Severus’s lips twitched and guided him into the store and watched Harry picked out his clothes. He leaned against the wall as he watched him, feeling content at the moment. The anger at what Black had insinuated was just stirring underneath and he hoped that there wasn’t an order meeting anytime soon because he would not be able to control himself if he saw the man. How dare he accuse him of such atrocities?

Sooner rather than later Harry had picked out all his clothes and more at Snape’s instance and they headed down to the muggle tree lot. As the man let him pick out any size tree he wanted Harry figured that this was the best day ever. He couldn’t wait until they could decorate it together.