Weeks melted into one another in an undisturbed tranquility for Harry and Severus, following that transformative day in the graveyard. The rhythmic humdrum of their life resumed, tinged with an unexpected serenity. With an inward sigh of relief, Severus noted the diminishing frequency of Harry's dark days. Perhaps, in its peculiar way, that spectral Halloween night had been a salve for the boy's deep-seated wounds after all.

Severus had been fretting over the consequences of Harry's encounter with his parents' spirits. While their intentions were as pure as driven snow, he feared the episode might upset Harry's precarious emotional equilibrium, acting as a proverbial wrench in the works of his recovery. However, the subsequent days saw Harry display a subtle bolstering of self-confidence. He was opening up, sharing fragments of his tormented past with both Severus and Don, a promising sign of his healing process gathering pace.

Sauntering up the stone stairwell from the dank basement, Severus irritably scraped away residue of his recent potion concoction clinging stubbornly to his black robes. The residual potion dregs were the bane of his occupation. Every aspect of the brewing process adhered to him like a shadow; the reek of the volatile fumes, the eccentric medley of ingredients, the peculiar olfactory aftermath, and the repulsive byproducts of the potions. His very skin felt violated, suffocated under the relentless onslaught of the residue. His perpetually greasy hair was a running joke in social circles, but he would often wonder, had these wagging tongues ever braved the challenges of a rudimentary stomach draught? That alone would be enough to render their hair a greasy, unruly mess.

Brushing away these distracting thoughts, Severus meandered into the rustic kitchen, slumping into a chair by the solid oak table, while muttering imprecations about the general ignorance of people. Almost instantly, Maya materialised before him, armed with a glass of water and a radiant smile. The house-elf's uncanny perception of his needs, unspoken as they may be, always endeared her to him.

"Have a drink, Master Severus. Master Harry is still engaged with the Healer in his room," she announced with a gleam in her eyes.

Severus acknowledged her with a nod, accepting the glass she offered. With a jubilant hop and a snap of her fingers, Maya vanished in a swirl of sparkling lights. Severus couldn't help but shake his head in amused fascination at her display of elfish magic, taking a hearty gulp of the refreshing water. The musty basement had undoubtedly dehydrated him.

He downed the rest of the water, his thoughts spiralling back to his recent potion experiment. He had reluctantly agreed to brew the nauseating Wolfsbane potion monthly for a certain werewolf. The despised concoction was a veritable cocktail of elements that turned his stomach, none more so than the unsettling prospect of handling mice livers. A shudder coursed through him at the mere thought, even as he resolved to rid himself of the grime and odour with a refreshing shower.

As he ambled down the long corridor towards his room, he passed by the open door of Harry's room, his gaze falling on a heartening sight. There sat Harry, hunched over his desk, engrossed in writing, with Pam standing behind him, showering praises on his work. The private tutoring sessions with Pam had contributed remarkably to Harry's academic growth. His reading skills were now at par with his peers, even exceeding their level in some aspects. Harry's handwriting, too, had refined to a point where it put Severus' own to shame. The sight swelled Severus with pride for his ward, and he had to admit that Pam was proving to be an excellent tutor, exceeding any expectations he could have had.

Imbued with a sense of accomplishment, Severus continued to his room to rid himself of the lingering potion detritus. After a rejuvenating shower and a change into fresh clothes, he ventured back to Harry's room, stealing a glimpse through the slightly ajar door. Pam and Harry were now perched on the edge of the boy's bed, engrossed in a new spell. Harry, unknowing of the fact that these were spells his magical peers learned from infancy, took to them with eager curiosity, cherishing the thrilling sensation of mastering 'cool' new magic.

Harry successfully executed a cleaning charm on his shirt sleeve, and Severus couldn't help but applaud him from the doorway. Harry looked up, a blush creeping up his cheeks as he realised he'd been observed.

"Harry," Severus called out, unable to wipe the grin off his face. "I thought we could have lunch in the park today. Pam, would you care to join us? I'm sure Harry would appreciate the company, and Maya always relishes the prospect of cooking for an additional guest."

Pam returned the smile but declined the invitation. "As wonderful as that sounds, Don has planned something for us today," she responded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Severus's smile widened into a teasing smirk. "Ah, finally that dinner?" he couldn't help but quip, drawing an exaggerated scowl from Pam.

"None of your business, mister!" she shot back playfully, the banter lightening the room's atmosphere, much to Harry's amusement.

With a soft laugh, Severus patted Harry's head, disregarding Pam's mock glare. He relished these exchanges, knowing they brought much-needed levity to Harry's otherwise sombre world.

Turning his attention back to Harry, he proposed, "Do you fancy a trip to the park, Harry? The Duggens are expected to be there this afternoon."

The park visits, complete with Harry's involvement in the homeschooling playgroups, had become a weekly ritual. Not only did they provide Harry with opportunities for socialisation, they allowed Severus to acquaint himself with other parents, expanding his perspective on parenting beyond the insights he received from Albus and Don.

Harry responded with a tiny nod, then rose to retrieve a jumper from his dresser. A silent exchange of glances passed between Severus and Pam before he addressed Harry, "We'll meet you downstairs, alright?" Harry gave a silent nod in response.

Once alone, Pam and Severus settled into the plush couches in the sitting room, the former sharing a progress report of Harry's academic advancements and his growing connection with his feathered companion, Hedwig. In the comforting warmth of the conversation, Severus found himself slipping into a familiar pattern of justifying his decisions, a habit borne out of his numerous interactions with Don.

Their discussion was interrupted by Harry's arrival, armed with a scarf, gloves, and boots. Harry eyed the pair suspiciously, inquiring, "Is there something wrong?"

"Any stranger than normal? We are quite weird normally," responded Severus, a playful glint in his eyes.

"If you two were any stranger, you would be locked away in the looney bin!" Harry retorted, suppressing a giggle.

Pam, her face glowing with a hint of mischievous glee, arched an eyebrow and playfully reached over to tickle the giggling bundle of energy that was Harry. "That's right, you little maverick! Now, I must take my leave. You two, mind your manners!"

Her relentless tickling finally ceased, leaving Harry panting and flushed with residual laughter. His emerald eyes sparkled with mirth as he clambered off the couch, a roguish grin playing on his lips. He took an impulsive step forward, surprising Pam as he threw his arms around her in a rare gesture of affection. Though touch had often been a source of discomfort for Harry, he'd recently begun to break down those barriers, especially with Severus.

Pam, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected display, quickly softened and returned the embrace, her arms wrapping warmly around the boy. "My dear Harry," she said, "one would think I'm embarking on a long voyage. I'll return tomorrow, as I do each day."

Stepping back, Harry nodded sheepishly. "I apologize."

With a pat on his shoulder, Pam offered a comforting smile. "No need, Harry. It warms my heart to receive a hug from such a charming young man. Now, off you go to prepare for your adventure at the park. And don't forget to pelt Severus with a snowball or two on my behalf."

With a nod and a broad grin, Harry scampered off to the front door, readying himself for the anticipated outing. Severus watched him with an affectionate shake of his head. Harry's mood swings remained unpredictable, but thankfully, distractions often kept him from spiraling into melancholy. A simple interaction, like the one they'd just shared, would have once reduced him to tears. Now, he was bounding towards the door with an air of excitement.

Turning to Pam, Severus inquired, "Tomorrow, then?"

With a soft nod and a final wave, Pam disappeared into the emerald flames of the floo network.

Alone now, Severus headed to the kitchen, fetching the picnic basket lovingly prepared by their house-elf, Maya. Her uncanny ability to anticipate their needs often made him wonder if she possessed some form of mind-reading abilities, especially as he hadn't mentioned their plan to visit the park.

Dismissing the thought, Severus returned to the living room, basket in hand, to find Harry by the door, brimming with excitement. Wrapped in layers of winter clothing, Harry was a comically endearing sight, resembling a giant purple marshmallow bouncing with anticipation.

Severus raised an eyebrow at the fluff ball that was Arwen, Harry's pet cat, lounging by his feet. "Is Arwen joining us? It's quite chilly outside!"

Harry gave an enthusiastic nod. "She'll warn me about incoming snowballs. And her fur's thick enough to keep her warm."

Acknowledgeing this with a nod, Severus donned his own coat and boots. As he finished bundling up, a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. Holding the basket in one hand, he swept Harry into his other arm, transforming the bouncy purple marshmallow into a squirming bundle of joy.

"Hey!" Harry protested, his words punctuated by delighted giggles.

Unfazed, Severus stepped through the front door, deftly casting a weight-altering spell on Harry. "Public beware," he warned theatrically, "I have in my custody a purple people-eater!"

Harry's giggles intensified into full-blown laughter as Severus carried him to the front yard, chanting a whimsical song about a one-eyed, one-horned, flying purple people-eater. Upon reaching a large snowbank, Severus playfully tossed Harry into the fluffy white mound.

Harry, after a moment of struggling, looked up at Severus, mirroring his mischievous glint. A barrage of poorly shaped snowballs soon bombarded Severus, evoking a warm smile on his face. Dodging the incoming projectiles, Severus set the basket aside and retaliated with snowballs of his own.

In no time, they found themselves sprawled on the snow-blanketed ground, their breathless laughter echoing through the crisp winter air. Severus affectionately ruffled Harry's hair. "You little rascal."

"Meanie," Harry retorted, a broad grin on his face.

Severus playfully tickled Harry, helping him up. "If anyone at Hogwarts hears of this, you'll be cleaning cauldrons until your fingers are covered in warts!"

Harry, his smile undiminished, placed a hand over his heart in mock solemnity. "Scout's honor!"

Severus quirked an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "To the best of my knowledge, you've never been a scout."

"Nope!" Harry confirmed cheerily.

Still grinning, Severus pulled Harry into a warm hug. "You incorrigible imp. Come on, let's head to the park."

Harry happily retrieved the picnic basket, and hand-in-hand, they made their way down the snowy sidewalk, their journey punctuated by lighthearted banter and shared smiles.

Upon reaching the park, they settled on a familiar bench, strategically positioned near the playground. This allowed Harry to join the other children after finishing his meal and enabled Severus to maintain a watchful eye on him from a comfortable distance. A paranoia, perhaps, fuelled by the looming threat of Voldemort and his death eaters.

After finishing their meal, Harry ventured towards a group of children engrossed in crafting snowmen, while Severus looked on, his heart swelling with pride at Harry's budding social skills. He was finally making progress in interacting with others, a significant stride in his healing journey.

As he continued observing the children, a familiar figure approached. A striking woman, with almost platinum-blond hair and a radiant smile. Her two kids were part of the group Harry was engaging with, and to Severus' delight, they seemed to be forging a close bond.

"You've been away for a few days. How is Harry faring?" she asked, her soft voice breaking the silence.

Severus responded with a polite nod and a warm smile. "He had a difficult day yesterday, but he's doing quite well today. How have you and your family been?"

Glancing over at her kids, who were now gleefully rolling a giant ball of snow, she returned his smile. "We've been good, thank you. The children missed Harry. They truly admire him."

Severus acknowledged this with a nod. Her children were significantly younger than Harry, and they appeared to look up to him as an older role model. Their non-magical status was a blessing, Severus mused, as he could only imagine the hero-worship Harry would receive were they part of the magical community.

The woman's voice, now tinged with concern, interrupted his thoughts. "Severus, I hope you don't mind my saying so, but you appear somewhat overprotective."

The corners of Severus's thin lips lifted into a rare smile, softening his stern features. He was touched by the maternal concern shimmering in the woman's hazel eyes. The summer breeze toyed with the strands of his hair, as he turned his gaze to his boy - Harry - whose cheerful laughter echoed through the park. Harry was wholly absorbed in the simple joy of play, oblivious to the dangers his guardian knew were lurking. A sigh passed Severus' lips. "It's a complicated tale," he began, his voice graver than a cemetery at midnight, "I prefer not to delve into specifics. But there's an individual... pursuing Harry."

"Pursuing?" The woman's brows knitted, her green eyes reflecting confusion. "Is it some custody dispute?"

Severus shook his head, his black hair shrouding his face momentarily. "No, I have Harry's full custody. It's the man who assassinated his parents."

Her disbelief was palpable; her mouth fell open slightly, her gaze bouncing off Severus' hardened eyes. "Haven't they apprehended him? Harry was but a babe when he lost his parents, wasn't he?"

Affirming with a nod, Severus maintained his gaze on his ward. "Indeed, he was. The murderer eluded capture. The whispers of his return, and his quest for Harry aided by his followers, are beginning to spread."

"Can we help in any way?"

The somber shake of his head mirrored the resignation in his voice. "There are experts hunting him. Our task is merely to remain vigilant."

The woman nodded slowly, her gaze straying to her own children, their innocent laughter contrasting sharply with her rising anxiety. It wasn't Harry she worried about. Her own children - what if the murderer turned his sights on them while targeting Harry? Her maternal instincts roared into overdrive. She turned to face Severus, her eyes gleaming with resolution. "I know this might seem cold, but I must prioritize my children's safety. I think it's best we return home. I don't think we'll be frequenting this park any longer. It's not that I mistrust you, or feel any less for Harry. I just... what if my children get caught in the crossfire?"

Severus acted swiftly, almost undetectably. His wand appeared from the recesses of his sleeve. Before she could even rise from the wooden park bench, an obliviate charm was cast, wiping her memory clean of their troubling discussion. The last thing he wanted was Harry losing friends because he couldn't keep his secrets. He scolded himself mentally - his loose tongue was becoming a liability.

For a brief moment, her eyes held a vacant stare, but as Severus concealed his wand, she turned to him, smiling warmly as though nothing had happened. "We haven't seen you two in a while. How's Harry?"

The conversation thereafter flowed smoothly, with Severus careful to exclude any mention of Harry's pursuer. In retrospect, he should have held his tongue the first time, but he had hoped he could share his fears with her without the risk of her fleeing. Her intention to distance her children had thoroughly shattered that hope.

More than an hour passed, as Severus observed the children engaging in snowy frolic. Suddenly, he noticed a change in Harry's demeanor. The youngest of the three had said something that appeared to distress Harry. Despite the woman's reassurances of a typical childhood spat, Severus decided to intervene. He was always cautious when it came to Harry - his emotional fragility demanded it.

As he approached, he saw Harry's distress escalating. His breathing grew erratic, and then - Harry fled. The boy's footprints etched a frantic path in the snow, leading away from the park. He was running as though chased by a legion of dementors.

With a resigned sigh and a heavy heart, Severus gave chase. While he was a fast runner, he found himself falling behind Harry, who seemed fueled by primal fear. He estimated they had covered more than two miles before Harry sought refuge behind a large trash can. As Severus approached, panting and nursing a stitch in his side, he saw the frightened boy in the dim light. His fitness, or lack thereof, was now a pressing issue.

"Harry?" he called softly.

The boy simply pulled his knees closer to his chest and curled himself into a tight ball. Severus sighed, sitting down beside him, indifferent to the fetid odor of the garbage. A confluence of discarded seafood created a nauseating stench. He reached out, ever so gently, to pull Harry onto his lap. He cradled him, rocking back and forth in an attempt to soothe him. "There's no danger here, child. Nobody will harm you."

A chilling voice emerged from the shadows, startling both man and child. "You couldn't be more mistaken, Severus. I've come to escort you both to our master - or should I say, my master, Severus? He's greatly displeased with you. Imagine his delight when I present both the traitor and the boy! What a stroke of luck to stumble upon you while running errands."

The familiar sneer of Lucius Malfoy materialized in the dim light, his wand already in his hand. Despite the trembling child in his lap, Severus managed to draw his wand faster than Lucius, stupefying him on the spot. There was a reason he was known as a dueling master.

He glanced down at Harry, who was now struggling to break free. Severus knew they needed to return to the sanctuary of their home. Lucius, he was certain, would have called for backup as soon as he spotted them. Prioritizing the frightened boy's safety, Severus scooped Harry up, his chest heaving with panic, and approached the fallen blond man. Laying a hand on Lucius's shoulder, he Apparated them all back to the safety of his manor.

Upon arriving in the living room, Severus carried the terrified boy towards the floo network, calling for Albus Dumbledore. The boy clung to him, wrestling to break free. Severus knew that he needed help to calm Harry while dealing with Lucius. The Headmaster's face appeared in the green flames, and Severus swiftly instructed him to arrive posthaste with magical cuffs to nullify Lucius's magical capabilities.

Dumbledore, though surprised, complied without question. Moments later, he was standing in Severus' living room, staring agape at Lucius Malfoy lying stupefied on the floor. Yet, he quickly regained his composure, securing the magical cuffs around Lucius's wrists.

His eyes then landed on Harry, who was still desperately trying to escape Severus' grip. Dumbledore was torn. He needed to extract the full story from Severus, but he also wished to help calm Harry down. Making a split-second decision, he turned to the floo and called for Don, a Healer who could attend to Harry while he and Severus sorted through the chaos.

Don, arriving swiftly, immediately turned his attention to Harry, disregarding the out-of-place man lying unconscious in the living room. He knew he would get answers eventually, but for now, Harry's distress demanded immediate attention.

As Don moved to take Harry into his arms, the boy fought even harder, overwhelmed by the tumultuous events. No one, especially a boy of his age should have to go through what he did today.

As he held the boy, he could hear the screams and shouts from downstairs. It seemed as if the man was waking up from being stunned. What was going on down there? But for now, his focus was on the boy in his arms. The boy who had been through more than any boy his age should have had to deal with.

With a sigh, he pulled the boy closer to him, just hoping that everything would be okay. That Harry could get through this, and that whatever was happening downstairs could be dealt with swiftly. The boy in his arms needed peace, and he was determined to provide it, regardless of the chaos that seemed to be brewing downstairs.

After his tears had begun to subside, Don gently pulled Harry's head from the comforting nook of his shoulder. He gazed down at the wet tracks cascading down the boy's face, a sight that bore heavily on his heart.

"Harry, do you wish to share what transpired?" Don asked with a gentle voice, trying to instill a sense of safety.

Harry, with a quiet sniffle, averted his eyes and began to fiddle with the hem of his worn-out shirt. "Bobby...he...he said something," he managed to stutter out.

With a compassionate touch, Don brushed a few stray curls away from Harry's forehead. "And what did Bobby say, Harry?"

In response, Harry simply buried his face into Don's chest, the tremors in his body speaking louder than words. Sensing his turmoil, Don just enveloped him in a tender hug, deciding to patiently wait until Harry felt ready to divulge the details. Clearly, this wasn't the right time.

As the minutes passed like molasses, Harry finally disentangled himself from Don's embrace. He scrubbed at his puffy eyes with the worn sleeve of his shirt. "He...he told me that he didn't want to be my friend anymore...that he thought I was cool because I was older at first...but now…he met an older, cooler boy to play with..."

Don listened, his expression solemn. "That wasn't kind, I can imagine how much that hurt you. Did you respond?"

Harry hung his head, shaking it despondently from side to side. "No...I was hurt...I ran away..."

"Did you seek out your father?" Don asked, probing gently.

Again, Harry shook his head, but this time, a soft blush crept up his cheeks.

"Why not, child?" Don prodded gently.

Harry rested his head back on Don's shoulder and responded with a helpless shrug. "I...I was hurting so much I didn't really know what I was doing...I just wanted to get away. Why did he say that?"

Don flashed a gentle smile at the boy, his eyes brimming with empathy. He started to slowly sway, attempting to soothe Harry's frazzled nerves. "Bobby is just six years old, Harry. He's a little kid. He didn't realize how much his words would wound you, and I am sure the next time you see him, he'll want to be your friend again. Little ones sometimes say things they don't truly mean. It's like when a toddler bluntly mentions a girl has pimples all over her face."

Harry nodded thoughtfully against the man's shoulder. "So...so he will still want to be my friend?"

With a reassuring nod, Don smoothed back the unruly hair on Harry's forehead. "I'm certain he will. You're an exceptional person, Harry, and anyone would be foolish not to see that."

Harry, blushing crimson, glanced down, embarrassed. Compliments were always a tricky matter for him.

With a sigh, Don pressed forward. There were still questions that needed answering. "Where did you go when you ran away?"

"I...I dashed down the street...I needed a place to hide. I found a cluster of trash cans and tucked myself behind them. I...I think Daddy followed me and was there when Malfoy arrived...I heard him berate my Daddy, then...I can't recall much else, it's all a blur."

Don nodded gently and once again swept back Harry's hair, revealing the young face laden with vulnerability. "Did Lucius hurt you at all?"

Harry responded with a firm shake of his head. "I...I think Daddy intervened and then carried me back home."

As a precautionary measure, Don decided to cast a quick diagnostic spell on him. He couldn't afford to miss any signs of harm just because Harry wasn't forthcoming. He sensed that Harry was likely withholding information.

Once the spell indicated that Harry was physically unharmed, Don offered the boy a warm smile. He tenderly patted his shoulder, "Why don't you rest for a bit, Harry? I'll return later, and we can continue our conversation."

Harry nodded weakly against Don's chest. The day's events had left him drained. He wondered what Don would want to discuss next.

In a careful motion, Don lifted Harry up in his arms and rose from the cold floor. He carried the boy across the room and gently placed him on the bed. With a flick of his wand, he transfigured Harry's play clothes into cozy pajamas. He then pulled the blanket from the foot of the bed, tucking it securely around the boy who was already beginning to doze off.

Ensuring Harry was sleeping soundly, Don brushed a few stray locks from his face before removing the small spectacles perched on his nose. He placed them on the bedside table, within Harry's reach when he awoke.

With a final, tender stroke of Harry's hair, Don rose from his spot on the edge of the bed. He quietly navigated the room, unlocking the door before slipping out, closing it gently behind him.

Descending the stairs, Don halted at the entrance of the living room. Albus was kneeling beside an unconscious Lucius, his hands framing the man's head.

Don stepped further into the room, placing a comforting hand on Severus's shoulder to gain his attention. When Severus turned to him, his eyes weary, he spoke softly. "He's integrating my memories and altering Lucius's to match. That way, Albus can testify about what happened instead of me. They're more likely to believe him than I."

Don gave a small nod and gently guided Severus to take a seat on the couch. "Are you alright, Severus?"

Severus let out a long sigh and nodded, "I'm fine. How's Harry? He was very upset..."

Don offered him a reassuring smile, noticing the potent concern lacing his voice. "Harry's alright, Severus. But we need to have a talk with him after his nap. We must ensure he practices his breathing technique to calm himself instead of running away. It was fortunate you were able to follow him, and Lucius didn't find him alone."

Severus nodded, leaning forward to bury his face in his hands. "I understand. I was planning to talk to him once he had calmed down, but then Lucius arrived, and you know the rest. Harry didn't even try to use his breathing exercises; he just bolted."

Don empathetically pat Severus's back, "We'll talk to him, Severus. It'll be alright."

With a nod, Severus straightened up, "Is it my fault he ran away? Haven't we practiced his breathing exercises enough?"

"We only started the training a week ago, Severus. It'll take time for Harry to recognize when he's panicking and use the technique to calm himself."

Severus nodded, closing his eyes briefly before turning his attention to Albus, who had just stood from Lucius's side and was watching them with a soft gaze. "Are you finished?"

Albus nodded, "I am and should take him to the authorities immediately. However, I wanted to ensure you're okay before I leave."

Severus exhaled a heavy sigh. The constant questions about his well-being were starting to wear him thin, even though he understood the good intentions behind them.

Albus offered a sympathetic smile, placing a comforting hand on Severus's shoulder. "I understand, Severus. Such inquiries can be tiresome."

His eyes then shifted towards Don, his eyebrows arching slightly. Don had been worryingly persistent about Albus's health recently, to the point of being overbearing.

Over time, Albus had prepared Severus for the inevitable: the battle with Voldemort. However, Don had deduced the real reason behind Albus's solitary fight: Albus was ill. He had a condition muggles knew as Asbestos cancer. Poppy had informed him that this illness was rapidly becoming a muggle epidemic. It was caused by inhaling a harmful chemical known as asbestos, which led to damaging cuts in the lungs and subsequently cancer. Albus had been exposed to asbestos approximately three decades prior.

His primary concern, however, wasn't himself, but rather Severus, and now Harry. On learning about his illness years ago, he had immediately prepared his will, deciding it would be best to keep his condition secret. Why burden Severus more than necessary? Severus would no doubt insist on trying everything possible to prolong Albus's life, but with no cure in sight, Albus preferred not to spend his remaining time sick in bed.

Eventually, Albus revealed his condition to Don, explaining his refusal to undergo anything beyond a diagnostic charm for the past few years. Don, although sad, understood but still insisted Albus should attempt to treat the cancer. Albus, however, knew it was impossible and too late for any attempts. With some effort, he convinced Don to maintain his secret. Patient confidentiality, after all.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Albus acknowledged Don's understanding nod. He knew the healer understood his silent communication. With another gentle pat on Severus's arm, Albus declared, "I should now take Lucius to his cell."

Both men watched as Albus levitated the unconscious Lucius with a flick of his wand and guided him towards the floo network. As Albus stepped through with Lucius trailing behind, Don turned back to Severus, a warm smile on his face.

"Let's see what Maya is up to in the kitchen, Severus. We might be able to help her," Don suggested.

Severus nodded, thankful that Don understood his need for distraction. Cooking had always had a calming effect on him, akin to brewing potions, but without the mess and stress.

An hour later, they had successfully baked an angel food cake. As Severus admired their handiwork from a stool at the counter, Don walked over, his eyes falling on the cake. Although not particularly fond of angel food cake himself, he knew Harry would enjoy it.

"Ready to go talk with Harry now?" Don asked.

With a firm nod, Severus called for Maya, their house elf. "Could you fetch some strawberries and blueberries to go with the cake? I think Harry will enjoy that."

Excited, Maya squealed in joy before disappearing with a snap, leaving Severus and Don smiling at her enthusiasm. It was comforting to know that Maya could always bring a smile to Severus's face, no matter the circumstances.

Brushing some lingering flour from his robes, Severus turned to Don. "Lead the way." With that, the two men made their way upstairs to Harry's room.

Severus softly pushed open the door to Harry's room, revealing the young boy snuggled beneath the cozy blanket that Don had draped over him. The sight of the peaceful child evoked a tender smile on Severus's lips, even though he knew he had to disrupt Harry's sleep. The boy wouldn't be able to sleep through the night if he continued his nap now.

Approaching the bed, Severus gently perched on its edge, delicately shaking Harry's shoulder to rouse him from his sleep. As Harry turned on his side, his sleepy eyes fluttered open and brightened upon seeing Severus. "Hi Daddy," he greeted.

A soft smile tugged at the corners of Severus's mouth as he bent forward, planting a gentle kiss on Harry's forehead. "How are you feeling, child?" he asked, concern lining his tone.

With a wide yawn stretching his features, Harry nodded. "Alright. I had a funny dream about a large snake searching for something."

Severus frowned slightly, curiosity piqued. "Why was it funny, Harry?"

A second yawn escaped Harry as he shrugged his small shoulders. "It kept saying your name, Daddy."

Severus's heart clenched, and he shot a discreet, worried glance at Don. However, not wanting to alarm Harry, he quickly masked his concern with a reassuring smile. "Do you remember anything else, Harry?"

Shaking his head, Harry asked, "Is he still downstairs?"

With a soft, comforting smile, Severus picked up Harry's glasses and delicately placed them on his nose. "No, child. Albus took him to the Ministry to be locked up. He won't ever get out again."

The relief was palpable in Harry's nod. "It was really scary..."

"I know, Harry," Severus replied, his hand softly brushing against Harry's cheek. "I was scared too. I didn't want anything to happen to you."

Harry's gaze dropped, a blush creeping onto his cheeks.

Retracting his hand, Severus proposed, "Why don't you get changed? Then Don and I need to discuss something with you."

After a small nod from Harry, Severus rose from the bed and headed for the playroom with Don, leaving the door slightly ajar for Harry to join them once ready.

Upon entering the playroom, Severus swiftly transfigured the table and chairs into a comfortable couch, ideal for their upcoming conversation. He claimed one end of the couch while Don took the other, leaving a space for Harry in between them.

Seeing Severus's nervousness, Don reached over and gently squeezed his shoulder. "Breathe, Severus. Harry is fine. You saw that for yourself."

Drawing a deep breath, Severus attempted to steady his anxiety. He couldn't quite understand his nerves, but he speculated it had something to do with his fear of discovering why Harry had turned away from him earlier.

A few moments later, Harry's hesitant figure appeared in the doorway. With an encouraging smile, Severus patted the vacant seat next to him, inviting Harry to join them.

Harry nestled himself between the two men, fidgeting with the hem of his shirt in his lap. To soothe him, Severus wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulders, drawing him closer.

"Relax, Harry," he coaxed gently. "We just want to talk."

Acknowledging Severus's words, Harry leaned into his comforting embrace. Catching onto the boy's need for reassurance, Severus tightened his hold and tenderly ruffled Harry's hair.

"Don told me about your conversation with Bobby," he started gently. "I understand how upsetting it can be to hear such things. But remember, what did we teach you to do when you're upset?"

With his gaze fixed on his lap, Harry murmured, "My breathing exercises...I...I couldn't think..."

"It's okay, Harry," Severus soothed, tightening his embrace slightly. "But we need to focus on that."

With a soft nod, Harry mumbled, "I'm...I'm sorry..."

Don flashed a comforting smile at the child nestled beside Severus. "Harry, there's no need for apologies. What we need is more practice, so these exercises become second nature. Your Daddy here," he gestured towards Severus, "will help you every morning. I bet it'll be good for him too, perhaps even a nice calming routine."

The Healer's words ended with a playful wink in Severus's direction, causing the latter to feign indignation at the idea that he, of all people, might need help calming his nerves. Nonetheless, Severus couldn't deny that such exercises would not only be beneficial for them both, but also another avenue for strengthening their bond.

A soft chuckle escaped Harry as he watched the interaction, his gaze shifting from Don to Severus. The warmth radiating from Severus's side invited him, and he rested his head against it, letting out a content sigh.

Not wanting to ruin the moment, but knowing the conversation needed to continue, Severus softly began, "Harry, I need to ask why you ran from me earlier. You looked directly at me and then fled in the opposite direction."

Harry's response was to bury his face deeper into Severus's side, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."

Gently drawing his other arm around Harry, Severus enveloped him in a reassuring embrace. "It's alright, Harry. Can you tell me what was going on in your mind?"

With a small shrug, Harry confessed, "I...I thought...if he didn't want to be my friend anymore...then...then..."

As the boy's words trailed off, Severus tightened his hold, smoothing his hand over Harry's tousled hair. Looking across at Don, he offered the child words of reassurance. "Oh, Harry...I could never let you go...I could never leave you."

The warmth in Don's smile was apparent as he watched the tender scene. He understood why Severus had wanted him there – his friend was plagued with self-doubt about his parenting skills after Harry's abrupt escape earlier. Yet, it now seemed clear that Harry had merely been frightened and didn't mean to hurt Severus by his actions.

Severus gently drew back, looking at Harry directly. His thumb tenderly wiped away the few tears that had fallen from Harry's eyes. "Harry, know that you can always come to me with anything. I will always be here for you."

The affirmation brought a timid nod from Harry before he again found comfort resting against Severus's chest. Severus could only hope the child truly understood he was always there for him.

Pulling Harry back again, Severus looked into the boy's eyes with sincerity. "You can't run away like that again, Harry. It's dangerous. What if Lucius had found you alone? You could have been hurt."

Harry nodded, his voice small and trembling. "I'm sorry, Daddy...are you going to...punish me?"

A sigh escaped Severus as he pulled Harry back into his embrace. "No, Harry. But you can't do that again. You scared me."

At this point, Don leaned forward, placing a gentle hand on Harry's back. He knew it was time to lighten the somber mood. "I'll go set up the equipment for your physical therapy, okay, Harry?"

Harry simply nodded against Severus's chest, not quite ready to release his grip. He intended to draw as much comfort as he could from this moment, unsure if the evening would bring more of the same. He had made his decision.

Standing up, Don gently patted Harry's back before moving to the therapeutic toys, preparing them for the upcoming exercises.

After a while, Harry pulled back from Severus, offering a shaky smile. In response, Severus gave him one final hug before setting him gently on the ground. "Do you want me to stay here with you two?" he asked.

In response, Harry cast a shy glance towards the floor before nodding. "Could...could you help me stretch?"

With a warm smile, Severus stood up. "Of course, Harry."

Together, they crossed the room to the plush carpet designed for exercises. Sitting down, with Harry beside him, Severus started guiding the boy through a series of gentle stretches, his movements mirroring the boy's, as they eased their muscles into the routine.

Late into the night, long after Severus had kissed Harry goodnight and retreated, the young boy stirred restlessly in his bed. With a sigh, he pushed himself to sit up, letting his feet dangle over the edge of his bed. The moonlight filtering in through the window illuminated his small, tense figure. For a moment, he just sat there, his eyes heavy with a decision that weighed far too much for his tender years.

Gently, Harry slid off his bed, the floorboards cool under his bare feet. He paused to take a quiet look at his kitten, napping peacefully on the corner of his bed. With painstaking care not to wake the slumbering feline, Harry swiftly made the bed, straightening the covers and plumping the pillows.

His next task was at the foot of his bed, from where he fetched a spare blanket. He took a moment to fold it neatly before he turned his attention to his dresser. With a deep breath, he grabbed his backpack and began to fill it. In went the neatly folded blanket, followed by a few sets of clothes, their colors muted in the dim light.

Once he was satisfied with his clothing supply, Harry turned to the small drawer in his dresser. The drawer had been his safe haven, a place where Severus allowed him to store food to provide an added layer of comfort. A few sandwiches rested there under a stasis charm, and Harry carefully tucked them into his backpack. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.

Guilt seeped into Harry as he reached for the small box on his table. This box, provided by Severus, held emergency money and a vault key – not to be used frivolously, but reserved for critical situations. Taking one last look at the box, Harry placed the money and key into an outside pocket of his backpack, a silent promise forming in his heart to somehow replace it.

His essentials packed, Harry pulled out the small stuffed cat Severus had gifted him and a photo that held the memories of his parents. His heart ached as he placed them carefully into the backpack. They were more than just prized possessions; they were links to his past and present, connections he didn't want to lose.

With a final zip, Harry closed his backpack, surveying his room one last time. His gaze lingered on the sleeping kitten, and he whispered a quiet goodbye. Ensuring he had everything, he reached for his jacket and broom resting in the corner of the room and silently approached the window.

Donning his jacket, Harry cast a final glance at the room that had been his sanctuary, his eyes welling up with reluctant tears. But he knew he had to do this – his presence put everything he loved at risk, including Severus. Today's events had only solidified his conviction. He couldn't let his Daddy be in danger because of him.

Mounting his broom, Harry quietly closed the window behind him, his heart pounding as he launched into the night. The cool air rushed past him as he flew away, leaving behind everything familiar and secure.

His destination was unknown, his future uncertain. Perhaps he could find the Leaky Cauldron, a place Hagrid had once taken him and mentioned was an inn. Yes, he would start there and figure out the rest as he went along. And so, with a heavy heart, Harry Potter disappeared into the inky blackness of the night.