Harry made his way down the cramped tunnel trying his hardest not to think of the last time he had been down here and the chillingly brutal scene he had borne witness to.

He had seen his most hated Professor murdered in cold blood by Nagini, Voldermort's monstrous snake familiar on his orders. He had been left for dead with blood gushing from his neck wound like an unwanted, broken toy tossed in the trash and for some reason Harry could not explain he had been drawn to his side. To his surprise, he hadn't felt the emotions he'd expected: hatred, loathing and disgust instead he had felt sadness and compassion for his most hated Professor being dispatched in such a cold and detached manner.

He had knelt next to him holding his hand and maybe just maybe bringing him some comfort in his final moments and in return Snape had given him his most precious, private memories, surely an impossibly difficult thing for a man who so fiercely protected his privacy and yet he gave them freely. He shared his sad story and bared his soul, and that had proved to be the key to him defeating Voldermort which had allowed him to bravely face certain death knowing it was the only way to defeat him.

He recalled his last words "look at me!" see the real me, the good the bad and the ugly but above all look at me and see me for who I really am.

He did, he saw him in a whole new light after that. That wasn't to say that he could simply forgive him for all the years of hatred and sneered insults that would take time. His memories did not gloss over the truth and paint him in a more attractive light, he was hardly a saint, his story was brutal and ugly in its honesty but it laid bare the truth of the man flaws and all, showing his emotions in all their raw intensity and that not only explained so much of his behaviour but it made him so much more human than the stone-cold personality he presented to the world.

Here was a lonely, bitter man who had been rejected all his life, a man who had made many mistakes and lost himself in darkness but had sought redemption. A man who had suffered terrible loss because of his actions. A man who was perhaps never truly free, spending his adult life branded serving one master or another, repenting for his sins. Yet he had never shirked from his duties, he had been resolute and determined to destroy the one who he had once served, the one who had wrought such pain and destruction in his life and killed the one woman who meant the world to him. He had bravely returned to his former master's side playing the ultimate gamble in his role as a double agent, enduring intense punishment and knowing that if his treachery were discovered he would face torture with the worst kind of dark magic curses and a long, slow and painful death.

And he did it all not for Harry but for his mother, the one woman he had ever loved, the one person perhaps who had ever been a true friend to him who accepted him and treated him with kindness. The woman he could never have, never be with, the one life above all others that he could not save, the one death that would forever haunt his guilty conscience forever.

His was a different kind of bravery, he reluctantly killed Dumbledore, the benevolent, heroic leader of the light, on his request to save another soul. He spent his last years protecting him and Hogwarts in secret whilst knowing he was universally hated and distrusted by those people who he had worked with who he had come to consider a surrogate family. He had gone to his death believing the world saw him as a traitor, a murderer and a coward with no chance to clear his name, knowing the world would never know what he had done for them but he faced his destiny as always with a cold, emotionless mask.

Unfortunately, this revelation had come too late, by the time he knew of his former teacher's sacrifice and his bravery it was too late he was already dead. He realised how little he had truly known about his former Professor and wished now that he had a chance to reconcile with him to apologize and thank him for all that he had done in secret to keep him safe.

He also wished that he had a second chance to try again, not that he thought that he was to blame for the man's seeming hatred and acidic attitude towards him although he could see with hindsight how he may have interpreted his actions as being reckless and attention-seeking like his father, being allowed to break the rules without fear of serious punishment. Maybe if he'd had an adult in his life who he could trust and who cared about him, he might have learnt to value his life more instead of thinking he needed to save the day himself and rushing head first into danger.

No perhaps he was dreaming to think that they could ever have had a close relationship, particularly with his role as a spy and having to maintain his image and hide his loyalties in front of his Slytherin charges many of whom had close ties to the Death Eaters but maybe if he had known a bit more about him he might have tried to prove that he was worthy of his protection that he was not like his father a spoilt, arrogant and reckless bully but more like his mother kind and caring. He knew so little about her compared with his father it would have meant a lot to know the man who was once her best friend better, to hear his stories and his memories but it was never to be.

Severus Snape deserved better than the miserable life he'd been forced to endure, suffering so much reviled and dishonoured with no chance of recognition his body abandoned here while Harry himself fought in the final battle and dealt with the aftermath. Maybe he couldn't give him a second chance at happiness but he could at least give him a decent burial, he could honour him for the silent, hidden hero he was, he could clear his name for him and make sure the world knew the truth about his role in the war.

As he climbed out of the tunnel, he looked around the spot where he knew he had been slain and saw nothing more than a bundle of black robes. He looked around startled, where had he gone, surely the body could not have just disappeared he thought as he scanned the room back and forth until his eyes finally settled on something.

There in the far corner, there was something, he could hear something. He approached cautiously, there was a noise which sounded like a very quiet sobbing coming from the black bundle. He approached to get a closer look, surely he was imagining it but it looked like there was a small child with a nest of dark hair huddled and trembling wrapped in a sea of black robes that engulfed him making him look even smaller and more helpless and vulnerable.

He paused, shocked, wondering what the heck was going on and trying to make sense of this and at that moment the boy looked up at him. He looked somehow familiar, his young thin face unnaturally pale and tear-stained, but it was those dark eyes wide and fearful that so captivated him, he knew he'd seen eyes like that before. He had been about to put a hand gently on his shoulder but hesitated as the child gasped in shock and fright cowering away from him.

For a minute they stood frozen in that exchange, he decided to kneel so he was at the child's level instead of towering above him. Speaking softly and looking into his dark obsidian-like eyes he decided to try and reassure him "hey it's ok, I'm not going to hurt you" he said holding up his hands to show he wasn't a threat, the boy continued to eye him warily, perhaps introductions were in order "I'm Harry" he said holding out his hand.

The boy's eyes darted to his hand which he continued to eye warily before looking back up at him nervously "Severus" he said introducing himself.

"Snape!?" Harry breathed sitting back, his mind reeling from this new revelation. He took him in more closely. Of course, it seemed so obvious now. He looked different of course, he was much younger of course but there was still a striking resemblance when you looked closer.

His face was still rounded, not yet marked by the angular features, hooked nose or trademark sneer that had transformed his features so to make him look ugly and menacing as an adult. His skin was an unhealthy pale colour as though he were malnourished, but it had not yet acquired the sallow look he was familiar with. His hair was shorter framing his round face and almost hiding his dark eyes, it was still dirty and matted as though no one had done anything with it in a while but it looked slightly softer and less greasy. In fact, he was surprisingly appealing as a young child, almost cute, he shook himself internally, there was a word he never thought he would use to describe Snape.

The boy's head shot up at this and he looked at him astonished "that's right but how did you know that?" He asked, looking puzzled.

Harry stared at him wondering how the hell he could answer that. How could he even begin to go into that to start explaining the complicated and bitter man that had been Severus Snape, he wasn't even sure he knew himself the man was such an intricate web of mystery. No, whoever he might once have been this boy appeared to be an innocent child, he couldn't let him shoulder that burden. No, he decided it would be easiest to tell him a half-truth "I knew someone else who went by that name, one of my teachers. He was a very brave man, you remind me of him."

"Oh, ok" he said with a shrug, seeming to accept that, apparently heartened slightly by the fact that he shared a name with a brave man. There was silence for a minute as they tried to figure out what to do.

"I'm cold and scared, I didn't want to wear these clothes" he blurted out, startling Harry out of his revere and gesturing miserably at the blood-soaked robes that swamped his tiny frame, clearly ashamed at having to wear the stained garments, "but I woke up here and my clothes were gone."

"Hey it's ok, it's not your fault, we'll get you some warm clean clothes in a minute but for now ..." he got out his wand carefully so as not to scare him and cast a scourgify on the robes to clean them followed by a warming charm around him.

The boy looked at him in shock, his face a mixture of horror and wonder as though this small act of magic was something he'd only dreamed of witnessing.

"There, better?" he asked, the boy looked at him awestruck and nodded slowly as though in a daze "what's the matter don't your parents use magic?" he asked kindly in concern.

He looked up at him nervously "Dad doesn't like magic" he explained despondently "he gets angry and hits us if we use magic even if it's an accident like last night"

"What happened?" Harry asked him softly.

He needn't have bothered as he continued anyway, his eyes had glazed over and he had a faraway look in his eyes as though recalling a traumatic memory "didn't mean to do it, just floated by mistake, he hit me hard, I was screaming, begging him not to, she tried to make him stop, I pleaded with him, he hit her too, I screamed at him to stop!" he recalled his voice rising with emotion before deflating as he continued "I must have blacked out, next thing I woke up here, so cold, all alone" he stated his voice trembling and quiet, his small body shaking and shivering.

He listened his heart breaking for this poor little child, it was clearly a traumatic thing for him to remember and by the sound of it something which might be a regular occurrence. He felt the strong desire to hug him and hold him tight and tell him everything was going to be alright but he sensed that may be the wrong thing for a child who was quite possibly deprived of love and affection, instead he moved to sit next to him and put an arm around him gently, offering him comfort.

The boy froze at the contact until he realised that nothing else had happened and he wasn't going to be struck before looking up at him with sad tear-filled eyes. He leaned slightly into the comforting touch. "It's going to be ok, I won't let him hurt you" Harry told him, feeling just as awkward and unused to offering comfort having grown up for so many years without it.

He took this in with shocked wide eyes, before nodding and burrowing his head in Harry's robes and letting the tears flow, while Harry carefully rubbed his back. He looked down and noticed he was clutching onto something tightly "hey what's that you got there?" he asked.

He looked up at him in confusion before following his gaze "oh this" he said holding the object out "I found it in one of the pockets"

Harry took the object reverently. It was a wand, long and thin and made of pure black Ebony wood with an intricately detailed handle, he'd recognise it anywhere, he'd seen it in the hands of his potions professor often enough. It was beautifully crafted and elegant just like its former owner.

"It's a wand isn't it?" he looked up snapped out of his own thoughts and met the boy's wide hopeful eyes.

"Yes it is"

He nodded as though expecting this answer "I thought so, it felt warm when I touched it almost like it was alive and responding to me"

Harry thought that made sense, he could feel the faint hum of magic but it didn't feel warm or respond to him, yet another mystery or perhaps a sign that this boy was related to his deceased Professor.

"Do you know who it belonged to?" a tentative voice asked.

He looked down at the child "yes I do" he said solemnly "I think he'd want you to have this" he told him, noting the astonished hopeful look in his eyes, "but for now I think it's best if I look after it until you're old enough to control your magic, ok?" he sagged before eventually nodding "ok"

He looked around frowning at his surroundings and leaning further into Harry "where are we?" he asked nervously.

Harry looked down at him startled by the question before smiling "why we're at Hogwarts Severus"

He blinked at him with surprise written on his features before shaking his head looking confused "we can't be. My Mum says Hogwarts is an amazing place where everyone is happy. She says you're free to use magic and you can virtually feel it buzzing around you. This .. this place" he paused looking around and shivering, wrapping his arms around himself, "is creepy, it smells of death and sadness." he said shivering.

"Ok, you're right" Harry admitted "we're not actually in the castle, but we're on the grounds at Hogwarts, and yes you're right, this place is pretty creepy" he added thinking how he was right that it did have an overwhelming, almost claustrophobic atmosphere of death and sadness, hardly surprising given recent events and it's previous history holding a savage werewolf.

"I don't understand why? Why did she bring me here?" he asked after he'd taken that in, suddenly another more terrifying thought entered the boy's mind "where is she? She's gone isn't she?" he said, panicking.

Harry watched the confused and distraught child as he became more worked up as the inevitable conclusion came to him. He tried to imagine what to tell a small boy about his parents. The truth was he had no idea, he didn't know why he'd been brought back here, he had no idea what happened to his parents and whether or not they were even alive. It was possible he supposed, after all, Snape had only been in his 30's and he really didn't know anything about his family, but then again by the sounds of it the way his father treated him and his mother, it sounded like they would both be lucky to still be alive, for that matter would this boy even recognise them if they were alive.

Argh, he thought it was all too complicated. He decided an amended version of the truth was the best way to go. He knelt next to him and put a hand on his shoulder "honestly Severus, I don't know. I don't know what happened or why you're here, but if I was to guess I'd say that your Mum must have brought you here because she thought you'd be safe" he said hoping that would satisfy his curiosity.

"Safe?" he repeated, clearly confused, "from what?"

"There was a battle last night. An evil, dark wizard, who hated muggles like your Dad and his followers killed a lot of people he considered to be impure or unworthy" he told him, seeing his scared expression he ploughed on "don't worry he's gone now, we defeated him and his followers but I guess your Mum was worried he might come after you because of your father. She probably thought you'd be safe here at Hogwarts with all its protections and magic"

There he thought, it gave him an idea but hopefully didn't go into enough detail that it wouldn't scare him and perhaps it might even give him a different view on things. He was determined that this little boy wouldn't follow the same path and make the same mistakes that his namesake had, he would have a happy carefree childhood if he had anything to say about it.

"She's gone isn't she?" he was about to open his mouth to interrupt, but he continued, "She wouldn't have left me here all alone if she wasn't, she would have fetched me when it was safe. No one came, I heard the bangs and the screams and the flashes but no one came to find me and bring me back, she would have come if she was alright. I'm an orphan, aren't I? What's going to happen to me?" he asked sadly staring down at the floor.

His heart bled for this perceptive child who had spent all day and all night here unnoticed as everyone was too busy to attend to the body of the adult Snape they had all assumed would be there unknowing that instead there was a small child all alone and disorientated believing himself to be abandoned no doubt shivering both from the cold and fear as he heard people battling and dying in the near distance. It would have surely been a harrowing experience, it was hardly any wonder the poor child was terrified.

"Hey, it's alright, calm down. We don't know that your Mum's gone, she might just not have had a chance to come and get you" before he could raise any objections he ploughed on raising a finger to silence him "but even if she is gone then I'm sure she brought you to Hogwarts for a good reason. There are loads of people here who I'm sure would be willing to take you in and provide you with a loving home and family" he paused for just a moment, "including me, so don't you fret" he felt compelled to add, feeling somewhat awkward.

His head snapped up at that as he stared up at Harry in shock "you would? You'd be my family, I wouldn't have to go back and live with my Dad?" he asked in shock that someone might actually want him.

"Yes" he nodded, answering this time without hesitation "I would, I'll make sure you're safe and loved and I will make sure you never have to go back to your Dad. If you'd like that, that is?" he said the last part more uncertainly.

"I'd like that very much I think" he replied feeling tears welling up in him as he flung himself at Harry, who wrapped his arms around him, hugging him tightly and comfortingly.

"It's ok I'm not going anywhere so you don't have to decide right now, take your time and think about it ok?" he said softly to reassure him and felt him nod "I'm so sorry you were left here all alone, we didn't know you were here if we did we'd have come for you much sooner"

"It's alright, it's not your fault" came the mumbled reply.

"It kind of is though, I can't imagine how scared you must have been being here all alone but it's ok now you're safe. Now how about we go up to the castle and see if we can find out about your Mum and get you some nice clean, warm clothes and I'm sure a nice bath and a hot meal won't go amiss either hm?" he said and the boy was too worn down to do anything more than nod and mutter his assent or even point out that actually he didn't really like baths much.

As he bent down to pick the boy up he heard a voice coming from the direction of the tunnel and froze "Harry? Are you there? Is everything ok?"

He smiled, recognising the familiar voice, and noted the boy tensed up in his arms "it's alright it's just one of my friends" he whispered to him, gathering him up and wrapping the oversized robes around him as he turned around to see a familiar bushy head of hair coming out of the tunnel.

"Oh good, you're here, I hope I'm not interrupting anything but you've been down here a long time and we were … oh" she paused mid-speech as she emerged from the tunnel and took a proper look at Harry with the bundled up child in his arms peeking up nervously from Harry's robe.

Harry decided this was the best point to step in and rescue things before any damage was done, he smiled at her "I'm fine, I want you to meet someone. Severus this is my friend Hermione, Hermione this is Severus, I was just going to take him up to the castle" he gave her a pointed look to make sure she understood the implications of what he'd just said and didn't unintentionally blurt something out by mistake.

She looked at him in puzzlement as her mind sharp as ever quickly put the pieces together and jumped to the obvious conclusion and she gave him a look, asking the silent question, 'is this really who I think it is?' He nodded, giving her a look to indicate that they'd talk about it later. Shaking her head she bent down so she was at eye level with the boy who had been silently, wearily taking her in and was now looking at her more curiously "hi Severus nice to meet you" she said ina friendly voice.

"Hi" he replied shyly, blushing very slightly.

"So do you like books?" she asked as they set off, trying to think of a suitable conversation topic and remembering once hearing about her Professor's impressive library.

He thought for a moment then nodded "I like it when my Mum reads to me, she has all sorts of interesting books. My teacher says I'm good at reading" he added solemnly.

"Well that's good, in that case, I think we're going to get along quite well cause I really like books" Harry couldn't suppress a cheeky smile "no kidding" she ignored him, except to grin and give him a light swat on the arm "how about I read something to you later, would you like that?" she offered.

His face lit up at that as though being read a story was a rare treat "I'd like that, thank you." he said before looking embarassed at the attention.

"My pleasure" she said smiling "so what kind of books do you like to read?" she said.

"Um" he pondered "we don't have many books at home well except the ones Mum hides from Dad about magic, sometimes Mum tells me stories without using a book. I like those, they're special stories, I especially like it when she tells me about magic and Merlin stuff like that"

"Oh well I'm sure we can manage to find some stories about Merlin and magic, maybe even some about Hogwarts as well" she said sharing a smile with Harry who grinned right back knowing exactly what she was thinking.

Harry and Hermione continued talking to Sev as he carried him out of the tunnel and back up and out onto the grounds of Hogwarts. There was rubble and smoking ruins everywhere and they passed the smoking ruins of Hagrid's Hut and his garden. Some of the crops in the normally neatly tended garden had been devastated in the final battle but there were still signs of new life already emerging between the devastation.

"I think you're going to want to see this Sev, this is Hogwarts" Harry told him as they climbed up to the top of the hill and the grand castle finally came into full view.

They stopped and watched his face grow wide with amazement as he finally got to see the place of his dreams that he'd heard so many wonderful stories about, it was amazing a world away from the dreary streets of Cokeworth, he could practically feel the castle's magic surrounding him confirming that magic was real and not just some child's fairytale (as if there had ever been any doubt).

"I know it doesn't look like much now" Harry started apologising as he was aware that the castle had been heavily damaged with some parts reduced to piles of rubble until they could get everyone organised to repair it magically.

"It's amazing" Severus declared and meant it, the damage didn't matter one bit to him, it was still more incredible than he could ever have imagined. Harry exchanged a grin with Hermione as they just stood there for a minute.

"Uh Harry do you think you should use your invisibility cloak, otherwise we're going to attract a lot of attention, particularly with him" Hermione pointed out, gesturing to Severus.

Harry frowned, she was right he was now an even bigger celebrity and would undoubtedly attract a lot of attention as the place had recently been flooded with reporters all looking for an interview with the boy wonder who had survived the killing curse twice and defeated Voldemort and one sure way to draw attention to themselves would be walking into the castle carrying a small child draped in dirty black robes, who knew what kind of stories they'd come out with.

"Yeah, you're right, they'll have a field day if they see us and I'm sure he won't like the attention one bit" he said looking down at the boy in his arms and getting the cloak out "hey Sev want to see something amazing?" he said attracting the boy's attention with a curious stare "watch this" he said grinning as he draped the cloak over the three of them, watching as his eyes went wide as he realised what it was.

"Is that?" he started reaching out to touch the shimmering, silky soft fabric lost for words.

"It's an invisibility cloak, it'll allow us to get through the castle without anyone seeing us" he explained grinning.

"But I thought they were really rare?" he said astonished.

"They are but I got this one from my Dad, it's very special, it's helped us out of some tricky spots. Come on, let's get you inside" he said realising that he must still be incredibly cold from spending the night in the ramshackle shack.

They continued up towards the castle and paused next to the great wooden doors to the entrance hall. Harry placed a finger to his lips to indicate that he needed Sev to keep quiet, he nodded his understanding and they exchanged a smile before he very carefully pushed the door open enough for them to slip through silently.

As predicted, the entrance hall was crammed full of people, mostly reporters and photographers, and concerned family members who the Aurors were trying to keep under control. Sev pressed himself tighter into Harry's chest as though to protect himself from the mass of people, he really didn't like crowds, Harry rubbed a hand along his back in silent reassurance.

Using years of practice sneaking through the halls of Hogwarts they carefully weaved their way through the crowd on silent feet, being careful not to bump into anyone.

Once they'd cleared the crowd they hurried up the stairs towards the Infirmary and through the doors before flinging the cloak off and stashing it safely away.

They walked down past the remaining patients who were not well enough to be transferred to St Mungo's before calling out for the matron.

She quickly appeared out of her office "ah Harry there you are, I was beginning to get worried. Well, where is he? You did find him, I take it?" she said trying to look over his shoulder as though expecting to find the deceased Professor's body floating along behind him.

Harry cleared his throat, drawing her attention back to him and gestured subtly for her to look down "I did" he smiled in amusement as she looked down in astonishment at the little boy in his arms half-hidden in a nest of dark fabric "this is Severus, Severus this is Poppy Pomfrey our school nurse, she's going to look after you and make sure you're well"

Poppy looked on in astonishment, unable to take her eyes off the young boy who was now looking up at her in nervous fascination from behind a curtain of dark hair, clinging tightly to Harry. It was amazing, could it really be that this was the same man she'd worked with for so many years, the man who cared deeply about his students but kept his emotions hidden behind a cold hard facade and a stern mask, the man who they'd all thought they'd lost. The child so strikingly resembled the young boy that she'd treated so many times as a student that she could well believe it although all evidence suggested that it should be impossible.

She shook herself out of it, it didn't really matter if he was the former potions master or not she was a professional and still had a job to do regardless of who it might have been and that was to treat her patient no matter how improbable his existence might be and if it turned out that it really was the same man inside this child she could thank her lucky stars later for this miracle once she'd made sure he was safe and well.

"Right, why don't you both take a seat on one of those beds and I'll run a scan to see how you're doing" she said recovering herself and getting down to business, smiling at the young boy. With a quick wave of her wand, she scanned him up and down and soon a scroll appeared with the results. She frowned as she read the results, underweight and malnourished, deficient in several vitamins, possible signs of hypothermia, bruising particularly around his ribs, numerous sores of varying ages, all of which were red flags pointing to the fact that he'd experienced neglect and abuse probably on a regular basis if the results were anything to go by.

She had of course suspected it when he was a student but had never been able to get him to admit anything, being as withdrawn and shy as he was and of course, the fact that he managed to get into so many altercations with the Marauders hadn't helped any as many of his injuries had been dismissed as simply being the result of him 'roughhousing' with the other boys and not eating properly. That of course didn't make it any easier or any less unsettling to see the signs in a child that was so young, it made her heart bleed to think that such a young child had already suffered so much pain and heartache in his young life. The one silver lining was that at least this time she could do something about it and help make sure he was raised properly in a loving home before it was too late.

"Everything alright?" Harry asked startling her.

She looked up and composed herself "nothing that can't be sorted with some good food and potions and a nice warm bath" she reassured them putting on her professional smile, she wasn't about to tell them what she'd found when the child was in earshot, no point in distressing everyone. "now then let's get you cleaned up and out of those dirty clothes" she said turning her attention to the small boy who shied away from her hiding in Harry's robes, clearly he did not like the idea.

"I think it may be best if I try and sort this out" Harry said seeing the look of fear in his young charge.

Harry gave her a knowing look before glancing down at his young charge, she took in the way that the young boy clung to him for comfort and agreed he would be the best person to convince him. "Alright, I'll start running a bath" she agreed.

Harry waited until she'd disappeared, before placing Severus on his lap facing him "now then do you want to tell me what's wrong?"

He shook his head, no he didn't want to talk about it, how could he possibly articulate why he didn't want to have a bath, how horrible and humiliating bathtime in the Snape household was every time he had to strip and sit in the horrid metal tub in front of his parents, there were no words to describe it.

Harry sighed "I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong you know?" he was met with adamant silence and tears as the boy buried his head into his robes again, clearly talking wasn't going to work. It left only one option, much as he hated to do it to anyone, particularly such a young child, fortunately, his experience losing Sirius had spurred him on to make a concerted effort to learn Occlumency and in doing so he'd managed to master basic Legilmency. He was still nowhere near the level of Snape or Voldemort but he knew enough to be able to lightly touch the edge of his mind just enough to see the surface memories and see what was causing him such fear and distress.

He adjusted him on his lap so that the child was once again facing him "Sev" he said softly "I need to know what's wrong so I can help you if you can't tell me then I'm going to have to ask you to show me. This probably won't be particularly pleasant but I need you to look at me and focus on showing me why you don't want to have a bath?"

He shook his head, refusing to look at him, "Sev, what's wrong?" "too embarrassing" he mumbled, he liked Harry, he'd rescued him and taken care of him, but he still didn't want him to see something so embarrassing.

"You know I'm not going to judge you right? I'm only doing this because I want to help, please let me ok?" Harry said, gently rubbing his back before lifting his chin and forcing him to look him in the eye. Severus forced himself to look and saw the sincerity in his face, he really did just want to help, he nodded he could do this he could be brave for Harry.

Harry sat with him on his lap, he put a hand on his shoulder "hush it's ok, I won't hurt you. Legillmens" he whispered the incantation before entering his mind.

He opened his eyes to find himself in his mind. There was a scene playing out before him, a tired-looking woman who may once have been pretty was preparing a metal bath before a small fireplace, she called out to a child outside the room that it was bath time, there was the sound of running feet and she left returning moments later with an unhappy sobbing child under her arm. She removed his clothes, revealing a mess of sores and mottled bruising, covering his small thin frame and carefully placing him in the metal tub ignoring his protests and attempts to squirm out of her arms, she scrubbed him down and poured water from a jug over his unkempt hair. The scene flickered, revealing another person, a stocky man with closely cropped hair and stubble wearing stained work clothes, he settled himself on one of the chairs chugging from a bottle of beer, shouting obscenities and insults at them and even chucking a bottle which narrowly missed them shattering against the wall causing the boy to cower attempting to hide behind the woman clearly scared. The woman did her best to shield the boy from the worst of it before lifting him out and drying him, dressing him in mismatched ill-fitting clothes which were already well worn.

He carefully withdrew, he'd seen more than enough to get an insight not just into why he was reluctant to take a bath but to get a good picture of his home life, if this was anything to go by, it explained a lot. It made him so angry to see how little the adult Snape cared about his family and how violent and aggressively he acted towards them, that combined with the fact that he had clearly grown up living in poverty. It explained a lot of why the adult Snape had acted the way he did, no wonder he was cold and bitter after growing up in that environment, it didn't seem from what he'd seen of his memories that he'd been shown a lot of love well except from his mother and even that had ended in tragedy. Even his Aunt and Uncle hadn't made the experience of having a bath that unpleasant for him, well except when she'd hosed him off in the backyard.

He shook himself from his own thoughts turning to the boy his hand automatically straying to his back to comfort him "I'm sorry" he said apologising both for the horrible treatment he'd had to endure and for looking into his mind as he drew him close "you know bath time here won't be anything like that?"

"It won't?" he asked looking up

"No it'll be fun with warm water and loads of bubbles and toys for you to play with, we are at Hogwarts after all, even the baths are magical" he assured him, playing his trump card and making it sound as enticing as possible.

He carefully stood up sitting him on the bed "tell you what, why don't we go have a look and see what Madam Pomfrey's prepared for us then you can decide if you'd like to have a bath?" he coaxed holding out his hand.

Severus looked at him, biting his lip uncertainly, he still didn't like the idea of a bath much but he did like Harry and it did sound like it could be fun, he had to admit he was a little intrigued to see what it would be like, maybe just a peek wouldn't hurt. He made his decision sliding off the bed and grasping his hand, he could always back out if he didn't like it

They paused on the threshold to the room that Harry knew was a bathroom, he had to admit he was more than a little bit curious himself to see what the nurse had set up for them as he pushed open the door.

They both gaped as the door swung open and they stepped in with Sev peeking out from behind his leg. Harry looked around, it looked perfect to entice a child, the whole place was full of bubbles and the bathroom was well stocked with a stack of soft fluffy towels on one of the cupboards, bars of soap and a table full of potions, soothing salves and the wizarding equivalent of shampoo and conditioner all designed specifically with young children in mind, there were even some cosy looking pyjamas set out ready.

He peered down and noticed Severus trying to peek up and see inside the bath, he lifted him to his hip so he got a better vantage point and could see inside the tub.

Sev couldn't believe his eyes as he followed Harry into the bathroom. The first thing that struck him was that the whole room was full of bubbles, not just any bubbles either they were the most amazing bubbles he'd ever seen, all different sizes from tiny little to one to gigantic big ones that were almost as big as his head and shimmering all the colours of the rainbow. They appeared to overflow from the bath floating up and filling the air forming great cloud-like masses of bubbles so you couldn't see the ceiling.

He tentatively reached out to touch a big one and to his surprise, it didn't immediately pop. Maybe this could be fun he thought straining to see inside the tub, just then Harry looked down at him and lifted him up so he could see. The bath was indeed full of wonderful piles of bubbles, not only that but there were toys. Sat on the side of the tub was a little man sitting on the edge of the tub dressed in swimming shorts equipped with flippers and everything else you might need to go diving. The little man smiled and waved before turning so he was facing away from the tub and adopting a typical diving pose, he placed his mask over his face before saluting him and plunging backwards into the tub. Sev watched astonished as he disappeared underwater before surfacing a minute later and waving encouragingly at him.

That wasn't the only toy, there was a little boat chugging along the surface puffing out little drifts of bubbles as it went, there was a cheerful yellow rubber duck that quacked and several soft toy creatures partially submerged, it looked like there was a starfish, an octopus, a shark and was that a tiny kelpie floating about in the water.

Harry watched smiling, it appeared as though he was entranced by the toys and bubbles, he had to admit that it did look like a lot of fun "so what do you think shall we give it a go?" he asked.

Sev looked up having forgotten Harry was there "ok" he nodded shyly.

It didn't take long to strip the filthy robes from him, revealing a mess of bruises, open sores and tender red raw skin. Harry winced, he'd have to be very careful "it's alright" he reassured him, sensing he might be embarrassed at having him see his exposed and abused body.

He cast a quick socurgify on him to get off the worst of the grime and leaned in to check the water was a nice temperature and noted that it smelled slightly of Lavendar oil which he remembered was meant to be soothing. Satisfied that the water was a good temperature he carefully lifted the boy in letting him get comfortable and investigate the toys while he summoned what he needed some soft wash clothes and a sponge, shampoo and conditioner and a soothing body wash.

He talked quietly to him as he played with the boats and figures explaining that he was going to wash his body and hair. He used his wand to aim a gentle Aquamanti at his hair to wash the gunk and grease out of it before mixing in the shampoo and conditioner and rinsing each out before moving on to the rest of his body gently cleaning him all over and being careful not to hurt him or aggravate the sores all over him. Apparently, he liked the jets of water as he giggled while putting his hands up to shield himself causing Harry to aim some more and splash him in a playful manner at least until he discovered that some of the toys could squirt water at which point Harry found himself engaged in a water fight with the octopus.

Sev was having a great time playing with the toys and making up adventures with the little man fighting off the various sea creatures, and riding around on the back of the rubber duck or having him comb the bottom for buried treasure.

Harry decided to have a quick chat with Madam Pomfrey while he was suitably distracted and engaged with playing. He went over to the door which led into her office and rapped quietly on the door so as not to attract attention. She quickly opened the door and he motioned for her to join him just out of sight in the doorway where they could stand out of earshot and watch Sev playing his face lit up with the genuine innocent smile of a child discovering the simple joy of playing and having fun. Harry imagined that his own reaction would have been somewhat similar when he was that age, after all, it was hardly as though either of them had been given many opportunities to have fun growing up.

She discussed the results of the diagnostic spell with him and shared her concerns, he nodded his understanding brow furrowed in concern, it confirmed his suspicions. He resolved silently that he would make sure that he grew up happy and loved this time, he would have a better life than the seemingly miserable existence Professor Snape had endured. She gave him some salves and creams and explained how to apply them to treat all the sores and bruises that covered his body. Apparently, if this was really Snape then he had not simply been reduced to a child but his body had actually returned to the same physical state as when he was a small roughly 5-year-old child bruises and sores included. Fortunately, the salves were all designed with young children in mind to be fast-acting and gentle so as not to irritate sensitive skin. Harry summarised what he'd seen in Sev's memories and why he was reluctant to take a bath. She nodded her understanding, no doubt this wasn't going to be an isolated incident, they would need to be understanding and help him through it if he experienced further traumatic episodes.

It was with some reluctance that Harry eventually told him it was time to get out before lifting him out and quickly summoning a towel to wrap around him so he didn't get cold and start shivering, it was so soft and fluffy not at all like the rough scratchy ones back home. He rubbed him down, discovering in the process that he was quite ticklish as he squirmed and giggled, begging him to stop.

Harry's eye alighted ona wound cleaning potions "this might sting a bit" he warned before applying the purple liquid to the wounds causing him to yelp in surprise as it stung the open wounds smoking slightly as it took effect "hush it's alright, you did very well" he said rubbing his back gently, he felt slightly bad but he knew it would act as an antiseptic and prevent the wounds from getting infected. He looked over the creams and salves before gently rubbing them in making sure to cover all the sores.

Sev sighed with relief, enjoying the sensation of Harry's hands rubbing the creams all over him. They felt pleasantly cool against his inflamed skin and brought instant relief to the constant pain he'd grown used to. Harry was relieved to notice that the sores and bruises were already starting to heal and fade.

When he was sure he was dry he helped him into the pyjamas Madam Pomfrey had left out, they felt soft and cosy and didn't irritate his skin for which Sev was thankful, he sighed contentedly as Harry lifted him onto his lap and proceeded to run a comb through his now clean and fluffy hair, he could get used to this.

Minerva walked briskly through the corridors. The past few hours had been incredibly difficult she was still reeling in shock from all that had happened in battle there had been so much to do dealing with the aftermath of the battle sorting out the numerous casualties of war and the deceased the students who were now being sent home, placating the numerous reporters who had flocked like vultures to the castle when they heard the battle was over and then, of course, there would be the numerous repairs to the castle to organise before they could even think of reopening. She sighed, she certainly did not envy her predecessors Albus and Severus anymore.

Nonetheless, in spite of all the pressing duties, she had responded immediately when she had received the floo call from Poppy telling her that Harry had brought Severus home she wanted to see him, she owed him that much after the past year or more that he must have spent feeling very much alone and abandoned by his former friends and colleagues, she would be here for him now.

Looking back she was ashamed at how she and the others had treated him this past year. He had been her friend for many years and in spite of his cold demeanour and acidic tongue she had found that she enjoyed his company, his sardonic wit and cutting remarks hid an intellect just as sharp as Filtwick's and she had relished trading barbs with him. It was true they both tended to get a bit competitive and overprotective over their respective houses, but she had learnt to take it in good jest and see past the snarling facade he put on in public. She had missed his friendship this past year.

She had always seen the good in him from the first time she'd seen him as a small and scrawny first year (much like Harry now that she thought about it) and as she watched him grow up with his best friend Lily. She'd seen him get into scrapes as Albus called them dismissively (boys will be boys he always said) and felt a strong surge of protectiveness for him, wishing that he'd been sorted into her house instead, he had certainly proved himself brave enough. She had always done her best to help him gradually earning a small amount of trust from the wary young boy and that was saying something he was not known for trusting people easily.

It had hurt her to learn that he'd followed so many of his housemates and joined the ranks of Death Eaters, but she couldn't say that she was entirely surprised he was an angry young man who had been treated unfairly all his life, from an unhappy home life to being bullied at school and harassed by the so-called marauders even Albus had snubbed him, his Gryffindor bias fully rearing its ugly head. Behind his carefully schooled expression, he'd been desperate for someone to show him some affection and encouragement, to acknowledge his talent and time after time he'd been overlooked by those who should have cared most notably by his own head of house who was so caught up in his slug club that he failed to acknowledge the talented potions prodigy because he was an unimportant, uncharismatic half-blood.

To cap it all, he'd lost his only real friend, true he had allies in Slytherin filling his head with ideas but none of them really cared about him as Lily had. It was perhaps hardly surprising then that he'd been drawn to a dark wizard who offered him everything power, fame, recognition, acceptance and the false promise of creating a better world for wizards.

No in spite of his unhealthy obsession with the dark arts, she knew deep down that Severus was not a bad child, not evil like some people thought, just bitter and misguided. She had hoped that he would come back to the light eventually and a few years later she had been proved right when he turned up looking thoroughly ragged and distraught, flinging himself desperately on Albus's mercy she had wanted to believe he was sincere when it was announced that he would be acting as a spy for the light side.

The reason for his sudden change of heart was never revealed but she had some idea that it was to do with Lily. She was the one thing that she knew could make him turn if her life was in danger and she was sure that it was no coincidence when he was announced as the replacement for Slughorn to take over not only the role of potions master but also head of Slytherin at the tender age of 21. It was a massive responsibility for anyone let alone a man haunted by his own ghosts and sins, still grieving the loss of his best friend.

And after all those years of friendship, of laughter and comradery, when she thought she'd known him, it had hurt her so much more to learn from Harry that he had killed Albus apparently in cold blood. She'd trusted him to be sincere only to learn that he had apparently betrayed them all and returned to his former master. It had been like being stabbed through the heart how could he do this she had wondered? Sure, she had had her moments when she had doubted Albus when she had been blazing with indignant anger at him but for the most part, he had still been one of the greatest, wisest souls and teachers she had known, for him to die in that manner at the hands of a trusted colleague seemed so wrong she had not believed him capable yet the evidence spoke for itself.

Then last night her world had once again been turned upside down when Harry, who had accused him of murder with such hatred in his eyes, stood up and defended him. He had told the world the truth that he had always been loyal, he had been Dumbledore's man from the moment Voldemort decided to hunt down Lily and her family and he had killed Albus on his orders reluctantly as part of his grand plan, a mercy killing as it were.

It had shocked her to the core and she was still reeling from the revelations trying to process it all. To think that he had died cold and virtually alone in the Shrieking Shack, no doubt still believing that everyone despised him and that he would be remembered as a traitor his corpse discarded with all the other Death Eaters, made her feel so guilty. She had accused him of murder and forced him to fight her and flee. Would he still be here if she had not forced him out of the one place he could feel safe where he could claim sanctuary? No, he was a spy, a professional, she had to believe that he knew what he was doing and what the risks were that night that he might die in order to give Harry the information he needed to win the war.

Still, she couldn't help but feel guilty, he deserved better, he had always deserved so much better than what he had got in life and now it was too late to tell him how sorry she was, what she wouldn't give for just one more day with him.

She soon found herself in front of the hospital wing, she had to admit to being somewhat curious as to why she'd been called down, Poppy had been acting rather strangely. She entered the ward and looked around frowning as she checked the beds and saw no sign of a body, perhaps he'd been moved to a private room, yes, that would make more sense she thought as she spotted Poppy at the end of the ward chatting to Hermione who was assisting her.

She looked up in relief "ah Minerva there you are good"

"Harry found him then?" she asked anxiously still looking around for him.

"Oh yes, he's with Harry" she replied sounding surprisingly cheerful.

"With Harry? Can I see him?" She asked, feeling even more confused.

"Of course, they'll be out in a minute" she said leaving her puzzling over her strange choice of words.

What was going on? Why couldn't she see him, was Harry cleaning up his body, had the Aurors asked to examine his body? No, that was just being silly, she would have heard if that was the case. Could it be, did she dare hope that he might have survived, surely not Harry had been quite clear that he'd seen him die with his own eyes.

She turned to Hermione who was still standing nearby, watching with apparent amusement "I suppose you know what's happening Miss Granger?" Hermione smiled pleasantly and nodded, "I don't suppose you're going to tell me are you?" she asked sighing.

"I think it's best if you see for yourself Professor" she explained smiling kindly and encouraging her to sit on one of the beds.

"I see" she said harrumphing in frustration that everyone was being so evasive.

After a few minutes, which felt torturously like hours the door to the bathroom opened and she looked up as she saw Harry emerge from the bathroom. She noted he was carrying a small bundle and gasped in surprise when she realised what or rather who it was. It was a child with black hair and cheeks flushed pink, dressed in cosy looking pyjamas. He was resting snugly against his chest apparently quite content, Harry saw her and smiled, whispering something to the boy who raised his head, turning to look at her, she gasped again those black eyes were unmistakable.

For a minute she entirely forgot about the impossibility of it of the fact that this was just a child and was entirely overcome with the striking resemblance and the thought of seeing her old friend and colleague "Severus? Is it really you? I was so worried, we thought we'd lost you" she said tearfully, reaching out as though to stroke his cheek.

To her surprise, he flinched away as though scared, well admittedly it wasn't actually such a surprise. Severus had always shied away from human contact after all but still to see him so fearful shocked her and made her heartache.

Harry, seeing how Severus was looking increasingly upset and uncomfortable around this woman, who he clearly did not remember, decided to intervene "he doesn't remember" he whispered to her.

She stared at him dumbly as it took a minute for Harry's words to penetrate before she realised that she was right, in her haste she'd forgotten that this was just a little boy, a boy who saw her as a stranger and not an old friend.

"Sev, this is Professor McGonagall, I know you don't remember her but she used to know you quite well, she forgot that you may not remember her and might be overwhelmed meeting new people" he explained as Severus eyed her still looking incredibly wary of the new person.

Poppy chose that moment to intervene "well someone's certainly looking happier now. Why don't we order you some food? I'm sure you must be quite hungry by now" she said smiling at him.

Severus looked up at her, food did sound quite good although he'd gotten used to going without, not knowing when he'd be able to have a decent meal. His stomach decided to intervene on his behalf, rumbling its assent to his embarrassment, apparently, food sounded like quite a good idea.

"I'll take that as a yes then" the nurse replied looking amused "I'll just ask the elves to prepare something."

Harry sat him down on a bed, tucking him in and propping some pillows up behind him which all seemed slightly like overkill before putting one of the bedside tables in front of him and with a wand wave it lowered so it was at a comfortable height for him.

Harry sat down on the end of the bed and Minerva and Hermione followed his lead sitting on one of the beds opposite. A moment later a pop startled Sev as a tray appeared in front of him. He examined it cautiously, there was a red soup which he assumed must be tomato, it smelt good, there was a plate with some warm soft rolls and butter and a tall glass of milk. In addition, there was some yoghurt and a bowl filled with more kinds of fruit than he'd ever seen although he barely recognised any of them, there were apples and pears and an assortment of different berries which he'd seen occasionally when he went to the shops with his Mum. There were some small round fruit that were green and purple, bigger round things, orange, and even brown hairy ones, there were some that were long and thin and slightly curved and a big bizarre thing that looked spiky.

Finally, there was a murky green potion which he examined closely "do you know what it is?" he looked up to see the nurse and others watching him curiously. He picked it up thoroughly examining the bottle before uncapping it with some help and sniffing it.

"Uhm it's like medicine to help me with eating right?" he asked unsure how to articulate it better

She had to admit she was impressed, not because he had correctly guessed what the potion was, it was fairly obvious what its purpose was given that it came with a tray of food plus he had been brought up by Eileen Prince who had the knowledge to become a potions master herself and would have undoubtedly taught her son at an early age. No, what impressed her was the way he had examined the potion and even sniffed it attempting to thumb off the seal like a professional, in fact, it was very much reminiscent of his older self, which was what impressed her so.

"Very good it's a nutrient potion, you'll find that it will make it easier for you to eat. I think your diet was lacking in nutrition before which may have led to you becoming sick and stunted your growth, this potion will help make up for that, it will give you more of an appetite and make sure that you don't feel sick from eating more food. I'd recommend having that first, the taste can be quite unpleasant"

He nodded, remembering his mother giving him similar advice about how all potions tasted nasty. he held his nose and attempted to down it in one go, blargh he grimaced that really was disgusting he thought noticing the adults laughing in amusement. He reached for the glass of milk to wash it down and sighed in relief as it covered the horrid taste before moving on to the soup, it had been kept warm with a heating charm and was thick and tasty and slipped down easily, he ate quickly more out of habit then anything else, he couldn't remember the last time he'd had a meal like this he thought.

While he was eating Poppy asked him if he'd noticed anything about the treatments Harry had used on him. He thought for a minute, his mother had taught him about healing potions and had even occasionally used them on him when she had the supplies to make them, he knew that Dittany and Murtlap essence were common ingredients in healing salves and potions and told the nurse this who looked impressed by his knowledge.

Minerva sat watching the young boy eat, marvelling at the change from the man she'd known. She felt so embarrassed, she couldn't believe that she'd become so much by her emotions as to totally forget that he was no longer a colleague but just a child, a child who was scared of her, to him she was just another scary unfamiliar face.

So she sat and watched and wondered how she could try to earn his trust. Eventually, she decided to make her move as he was finishing his soup "Severus?" she started hesitantly causing him to pause looking up at her "I'm sorry if I scared you earlier, I wanted to start again and introduce myself. I'm Minerva McGonagall, I was good friends with your mother"

"You knew my mother?" he asked in astonishment, his soup forgotten.

"Yes, she started not long after I'd started teaching, she was one of my favourite students and we became good friends after she graduated, unfortunately, we mostly lost touch when she disappeared from the wizarding world although I knew she'd had a child hence my surprise when I saw you. You look a lot like her" she explained adding the last bit fondly after seeing his puzzled expression.

"Will you tell me about her?" Sev asked in an almost desperate tone.

"Certainly you are always welcome to visit me in my quarters if you'd like some tea and biscuits, I have plenty of stories. Let's see, your mother was a very talented student, very observant and studious. She did well in my class but potions was where she really excelled, I seem to recall that Horace had a soft spot for her, she was a member of his slug club and a founding member of the gobstones club, she was a champion player in her time you know?" he shook his head listening intently enthralled.

Harry leaned in "we were wondering what happened to his Mum, Sev was quite worried about her earlier" he said placing a hand on his shoulder for reassurance.

He looked up at Harry, then at the nice older woman with concern noting that she looked sad "is my Mum ok? Is that why she brought me here?"

She was caught off guard by the question, unsure how to answer without upsetting him "I'm afraid she is longer here but I know that she loved you and that she would want you to be happy" she told him.

"So it's true I'm an orphan" he said sadly.

"Hush now little one, I know it hurts to lose a parent but I'm sure there's a reason she brought you here, you see there are a lot of people here who I know would be happy to act as your family" she paused moving closer to comfort him "I for one would be happy to do so you could consider me to be like an Aunt if you would like?"

He nodded still sniffling "she's right you know, there are lots of people who care about you, I know I do, I know I can't replace your parents but I'd like to take care of you if you'll have me?" Harry asked, rubbing his back, Sev embraced him, clinging tighter in response, he would like that he could tell already Harry was a much nicer person than his father.

"How about I show you around the castle when things settle down? You can meet all the teachers and see some of the magical creatures" Minerva offered to distract him.

He looked up slowly, wiping his eyes as he looked at her "I'd like that Auntie Minnie" causing Harry, Hermione and even Poppy to smile and try to suppress their giggles, Sev blushed and lowered his head hoping he hadn't offended her with the shortened form of her name.

She knelt down next to him "good I think we'll both enjoy that, it'll give me something to look forward to, although I must admit that I'll have to get used to being referred to as Auntie" she said playfully, smiling at him. He smiled back glad that she wasn't upset with him.

The conversation resumed as Harry helped dish up some of the fruit into bowls that he passed around with some yoghurt for Sev. He pointed out and explained that there were grapes, bananas, oranges and satsumas, kiwis, which he unpeeled to reveal the fruit inside and pineapple and melon whose tough outer skin he removed using magic before magically slicing them into small chunks to Sev's wide-eyed delight. He dug into the fruit salad happily enjoying the strange mix of different tastes. Poppy explained that there would be more different fruit later in the year but that they tried to allow the native fruit to develop naturally instead of using magic or muggle methods to force it to grow faster although that wasn't a problem for the tropical fruits that were grown in and around Hogwarts as they were already grown in artificially heated greenhouses or magically sealed pods that replicated their natural growing environment allowing them to produce fruit most of the year-round.

He was feeling quite contentedly full by the time he'd finished the fruit, he tried his best to concentrate on the conversation going on around him but he found his eyes drooping as he felt himself nodding off.

"I think we'd better leave him in peace for the minute, he's been through quite a lot and I'm sure he needs to rest" the nurse said, moving to shoo the others away.

"I'm fine, I'm not tired" he objected even as he knew his body was telling him otherwise and he had to stifle a yawn.

"Nonsense young man, you're clearly falling asleep already" she insisted.

"You'd better listen to her Sev, you don't want to get on the wrong side of her" Harry told him winking at Madam Pomfrey who gave him a frosty glare.

"You won't leave me?" He asked, feeling anxious now, he didn't want to wake up alone again.

"No, I won't, I'll stay right here" Harry replied shifting him onto his lap and running a hand through his hair. The attention felt quite nice Sev thought and he was quite sleepy he supposed it was hardly as though he'd been able to get much sleep last night in that creepy cold shack he thought as he drifted off feeling content. When he was sure he was sleeping Harry lifted him and tucked him in under the covers, still running a hand through his hair as the boy shifted, pressing his face against his hand.

Poppy disappeared briefly into her office to floor call the other heads of house but quickly returned after checking on her other patients, she looked the small boy over fondly and made sure he was settled and sleeping soundly.

"I can't believe I made such a fool of myself" Minerva said when she was sure that he was asleep, covering her face with her hands in embarrassment. Hermione put a comforting hand on her shoulder "and I suppose you all knew?" She asked, looking around at Poppy and Hermione.

"I had no idea what had happened, I went to check Harry was alright. Harry saw me and warned me before I made a fool of myself and overreacted" Hermione explained.

"I'll admit I was somewhat shocked when I saw him, I was expecting him to be bringing back a body after all" Poppy added her voice to the conversation, "fortunately my years of medical training kicked in and I realised that I needed to treat him like any other patient" she said matter of factly.

By this point Professors Flitwick, Sprout and Slughorn had arrived and were gathered around Severus's bed while Harry explained briefly in hushed tones what had happened.

"Remarkable, I had no idea such a thing was even possible" exclaimed Professor Flitwick in hushed but awed tones.

"The poor dear, who would have imagined that was our Severus" Professor Sprout added, reaching out a hand tenderly to touch his cheek.

Professor Slughorn simply looked stunned at the young boy before Harry led them to a nearby bed while he sat down on Sev's bed ensuring he was close enough to offer comfort if he stirred or had a nightmare.

"So Harry, you never did tell us what happened?" he looked up at Hermione.

"Yes, I'm sure we're all curious" Minerva added.

He thought about it trying to decide how to answer "well I went down to retrieve Professor Snape's body. When I got there I looked around the room where it happened and I couldn't see him anywhere just a pile of his clothes, then I heard someone crying and I saw him, it was like he was in some kind of nest" he paused while they all gasped "I talked to him and he didn't remember anything of what had happened to him or how he came to be here just a less than pleasant memory of his Dad. He'd been there all night throughout the battle on his own. He was quite cold, scared and disorientated and he had no memory of being an adult so I tried to calm him and explain to him that he was at Hogwarts. That's when Hermione came looking for me so I introduced her and we went back through the tunnel"

"Poor dear, no wonder he was so scared that must have been awfully traumatic for him"

Harry paused, giving them time to digest this before he spoke again "I don't think his parents treated him particularly well, at least I don't think his father did, I think his mother was just making the best out of a bad situation. I saw a memory of him having a bath, his father was very violent and drunk, he was shouting and cursing them and even flung a bottle at him, I don't think he liked magic much either"

They all looked at him stunned before Poppy eventually nodded her agreement "my scans confirmed as much, he was covered in sores and bruises as though someone had been beating him with a belt. Not only that but he was terribly thin to the point of being malnourished and absolutely filthy, the poor child, no one should have to grow up like that" she said sadly.

"I suspected something of the sort when he was a student, unfortunately, it didn't help that he was constantly getting into fights with your father and his friends" Minerva added and Poppy nodded her agreement.

"And what's that supposed to mean, surely you're not suggesting this was somehow his fault?" Harry said angrily.

"No, of course not, it's just he was shall we say a reluctant patient and only came in when he'd been badly injured normally from fighting and more often than not because your mother had dragged him in by his ear" Poppy told him, causing Harry to smile at the image he could well imagine a stubborn young Snape trying to avoid the hospital and his mother intervening to ensure her friend was healed properly, "so that meant that his injuries were often dismissed by Albus as being nothing more than that. I tried to raise my suspicions with him, but without Severus actually confirming it that was all they were"

"He was very shy" Minerva confirmed and the others nodded their agreement.

Harry nodded, he could understand that he'd hardly wanted to talk about his childhood growing up with the Dursleys, he'd even assumed it was normal for people like him at least until he'd come to Hogwarts and made real friends. It was an incredibly difficult and embarrassing thing to admit even to yourself that you'd been neglected or worse still abused more so when it was by your own family who were meant to love and take care of you.

"We really did fail him, didn't we? Allowing him to be constantly bullied and go back there to be abused and then to fall into his clutches, he was an easy target for them in a way." Minerva said exchanging a significant look with Poppy "if only we could go back in time and change things"

"We may not be able to change the past, but we can change the future" Harry said causing them all to look up at him "we can make sure that we do things right this time and make sure that he grows up loved and cared for."

"I'll second that, I'm sure that between us we can provide him with as good a family as any" Filius chipped in.

"Quite although I must say that I'm getting too old to be chasing children around" Minerva added primly to which there were mutters of agreement.

"Well, I must agree that I'm a bit old to be taking on the role full time, but I certainly wouldn't object to mothering him from time to time as if he were one of my own cubs" Pomona added.

"I did quite enjoy it when he called me Auntie earlier" Minerva admitted smiling fondly.

"I was actually thinking of perhaps adopting him and making him my ward if he wants me of course " Harry admitted, causing everyone to turn around, "not that I'd deny any of you the chance to spend time with him if I did" he added hastily.

"Are you sure Harry, I thought you hated him?" Hermione asked.

"I hated Professor Snape" he corrected her, "and that was before I learned how he cared for my mother and everything he did to protect me. That doesn't mean that I can just forgive all those years that we hated each other but I see him in a different light now. Besides, he's not Professor Snape, whoever he was before he's just a boy now, an innocent boy who needs love and affection and a lot of care. He doesn't remember being an adult and I don't think that he should have that burden placed on his shoulders"

"Are you sure about this?"

"No, not entirely and I'm not about to rush into anything just yet, but even in a few hours I've grown attached to him and I think he has to me as well" he paused "he reminds me of myself at that age. I hope that I can give him what he needs and support him, with all of your help of course" he added turning to look around at the now smiling faces around him.

"Quite, you can count me in" "I'd love to help" and similar sentiments were echoed by all the staff.

Harry turned to Hermione looking questioningly. She answered "of course you can count on me Harry, I think it's wonderful. I think the two of you can do each other a lot of good, lord knows you both need a family and I'd be delighted to help you in any way I can."

It was true as well, there was something about the little boy that had instantly tugged at her heartstrings. Maybe it was the fact that he looked so small and helpless or reminded them so of Professor Snape but there was something about him that had drawn her and Harry and indeed all the adults in the room to him uniting them all with the common goal of ensuring he grew up happy and loved.

Harry had his own reasons for connecting with him and wanting to take care of him but she'd felt her own connection with him and she sensed that behind those solemn eyes there lay an incredibly gifted, intelligent and inquisitive child, she knew that if she could only encourage him to open up and help him he would be incredibly receptive and she would greatly enjoy raising such a curious child. She wanted to be a part of providing him with a family.

"I'm sure Sev will be happy to hear that, I think he's grown quite attached to you as well" he said smiling.

"Me?" she asked startled.

"Yes, you have to admit you are quite similar and he is missing his mother, I think maybe you fill that void a bit" he reminded her.

"I'd like that I think" at Harry's startled look "to help you look after him that is, you're right he does need a family" she clarified and he smiled at her.

worn out and the castle was in a state of disarray and it would take some time to create a room for him and indeed Harry if they were going to be staying at the castle for the immediate future. Severus however did insist on Harry staying with him as unsurprisingly he did not want to wake up on his own, particularly in the decidedly strange and clinical setting of the hospital.

To Severus's delight Poppy ordered a mug of hot chocolate for him, it was his first experience of the beverage and the sweet drink was an instant hit. She laced it with a few drops of a mild sleeping draught as she suspected he might suffer from nightmares after such a traumatic experience while Harry related an amended version of his first journey to Hogwarts after discovering he was a wizard. Before too long he was nodding off and Harry tucked him in before running a hand through his hair and along his cheek affectionately amazed by how he already felt such strong feelings for the young boy.

He settled down to sleep in a second bed that had been set up next to Sev's and hoped for a quiet night. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be as he was woken a few hours later by the sound of screaming. He blearily opened his eyes and turned over trying to determine the source of the noise before he remembered the events of the previous day causing him to wake with a start, he looked over at Severus whose face was contorted in pain and fear he thrashed around the bed moaning and whimpering as though scared.

Harry rushed to his side trying his best to gently wake him from whatever nightmare he was suffering. It wasn't that easy though as the dream had a strong hold on him and it took several attempts at calling his name and gently shaking him before he actually woke up.

He was pale and clammy and looked terrified. Slowly he looked at him in confusion "Harry?" he asked him in a strange way as though remembering him from somewhere else. Poppy soon joined him and looked over him with concern, he shouldn't have been waking up with nightmares after the sleeping draught she'd put in his drink.

"Hush, it's alright I'm here see, it was just a nightmare, you're safe now" he assured him looking around for a cloth to wipe his brow which was now damp with sweat as he looked at him feverishly.

"Was a snake and a man laughing with red eyes" he told him, clearly traumatised by the dream.

"It's alright it was just a dream" Harry reassured him gathering the still scared and shaking boy into his arms to comfort him.

"Felt so real, he hissed like a snake, then he ordered one to attack me, was like I could feel it" he insisted leaning into him for comfort.

"I know, it's ok it was just a dream, he can't hurt you" Harry told him, rubbing his back soothingly, although truthfully he was more than a little unnerved by the content of the nightmare and wondered if it was really just a dream or something more sinister surfacing.

"You're sure?" he asked worriedly.

"Yes, I'm sure he's gone, he can't hurt you. Now then how about I see if the elves will bring you up a glass of warm milk with a bit of honey?" he looked at him blearily before nodding. Harry summoned a House Elf who brought the milk for him. They sat together on the bed while he sipped the milk, when he was a bit calmer he decided to ask him something "Sev was that the first time you'd seen that man?"

"No, I saw him before in the shack before you came for me" he said sleepily, "why?"

"No reason, I was just curious, try not to think about him ok?" he nodded " think about something happy, like all the nice people you've met and finding out you're at Hogwarts" he smiled dreamily "now then what say we try and get some sleep now?"

The boy looked at him drowsily "you won't leave me?" he asked nervously.

"No, I'll be right here to chase away the monsters, if that man comes then I'll get rid of him" Harry promised.

He nodded "ok I'll try" and allowed Harry to tuck him in and sit with him until he drifted off again.

Severus continued to be plagued by bad dreams although he did not thrash or scream as much as before Harry was still aware of him muttering and whimpering in his sleep. He tried to soothe him by rubbing his back and whispering comforting words but nothing seemed to work so eventually he decided the best plan was to scoop him up and place him in his own bed where he seemed to settle slightly, seeming more content with the human contact. He allowed him to snuggle up to his side, grateful that they might both get some rest at last.

After a long and somewhat restless night, Harry and Hermione decided that while Severus was in their care that a trip to Diagon Alley would be in order seeing as how he only had the pyjamas and clothes that had been shrunk down to fit him and the castle was ill-equipped to entertain such a young child (although quite frankly it wasn't in much state to entertain anyone until more repairs had been carried out) it would also provide a much-needed distraction and give them both the chance to spoil him just a little bit. After shrinking some more muggle clothes and applying some glamours to subtly change their appearance and notice me not charms on Harry and Hermione, so they wouldn't get mobbed by the wizarding public and press they were ready to go and they walked across the grounds to the boundary and apparated a way to a quiet side street with Sev huddled tightly to Harry's chest as he experienced the unfamiliar and slightly nauseating feeling of being squeezed through a tube.

After checking that he was alright and giving him one of the stomach soothers that Poppy had provided him with they emerged onto a busy street opposite a big muggle department store, Hermione took the lead with Severus looking apprehensively at the big store. Harry sympathised with him, the Dursleys had pretty much gone out of their way to avoid buying him new clothes or taking him anywhere that he could be seen in public for that matter and clothes shopping had hardly been top of his priorities in all the years since he'd started at Hogwarts.

He gave Sev's shoulder a reassuring squeeze as they stood on the threshold and knelt to whisper to him "I know this is all a bit overwhelming but it's ok this is all new to me as well, let's go find Hermione before she gets to carried away" he stood up offering his hand as Sev looked up at him in a new light before accepting his hand. "Come on, we're men, shopping may be tough but we can endure this together" he told him teasingly.

He kept a close eye on him as they followed Hermione through the store watching as he looked around him in fascination as though he'd never been in a store like this. They soon arrived at the children's section and Sev looked around in amazement, this was a world away from the mismatched, ill-fitting second-hand clothes his mother bought him. It was all a bit much and he didn't know where to start, there was all manner of brightly coloured clothing and t-shirts adorned with unfamiliar cartoon characters. There were shirts, shorts, and trousers in all manner of different colours and styles, there was a whole section devoted just to jeans. It was a world away from the old worn and often ill-fitting clothes his mother had been forced to buy from the local thrift shop.

Fortunately, Hermione had it in hand and before he knew it she had gathered a whole pile of clothes together for him, always asking his opinion, he mutely agreed to whatever was placed in front of him. These clothes were much nicer than anything he was used to wearing. Luckily, she seemed to know what she was doing and smiled kindly at him before holding the garments up against him with a professional eye, dismissing those which were no good. The one consolation was that Harry ended up with a similar, smaller pile of clothes and true to his word he did seem almost as lost as Sev.

A few shops later, and with the addition of some nice coats and shoes, he began to feel like he might actually end up looking like a normal boy kitted out in his new wardrobe instead of some strange misfit. The adults shrunk their purchases before they headed into Diagonal Alley and their final stop for clothes was at Madam Malkins, even though he was a bit tired of clothes shopping this was probably the most exciting stop so far as he'd finally get his first set of wizarding robes. He was led to a stool where he was measured by a magic tape measure which tickled him under the arms and around his chest as it took its measurements in all manner of strange places, after that he was allowed to look through the different fabrics and colours and pick out the ones he liked best while the ladies discussed different options. His favourites were a rich emerald green and a deep royal blue. In addition to his new robes, they also bought him some additional clothes namely some pyjamas and t-shirts with animated designs.

By this point, they'd noticed that he was beginning to flag a bit and decided it would be an appropriate point to stop for lunch. Many of the shops were boarded up and Harry felt a pang as they walked past The Weasley's shop which was still closed, he thought of George, who must still be grieving the death of his twin. It had hit them all hard but he hoped that George would not give up on his dream, the world needed their laughter and creative genius right now. . Unfortunately, many of the smaller establishments had been damaged or forced to close during the war and the lack of choices meant the best choice was the Leaky Cauldron. Fortunately, for them, it was still fairly quiet as people gradually returned to normal life after the war.

After a hearty lunch, they made their way to the next stop, in a quiet corner of the alley was tucked away the most incredibly fantastical wizarding toy shop. Harry encouraged Sev to go in ahead of them, he stopped in amazement, looking around the toy store with wide eyes full of wonder at the amazing displays. Everywhere you looked magical toys were being demonstrated, there was a tabletop battlefield set up with an assortment of knights, wizards, warlocks, and druids doing battle against each other, there was a magnificent castle with a perfectly detailed train running loops around it puffing up little clouds of steam before disappearing through a tunnel, there was a whole corner dedicated to all manner of magically animated toys and the air was full of an assortment of flying toys. Dragons divebombed the battlefield unleashing puffs of magical but harmless fire, and miniature quidditch players from all different teams whizzed around the store smiling and waving as they wove their way around the customers as they engaged in an aerial game of chase.

Sev didn't know what to make of this store and slowly started walking around in stunned amazement, he'd never experienced anything even remotely like this before in fact he hadn't really had any toys to speak of growing up. His father had always got angry when he'd asked, saying that he wasn't spending his hard earned cash on frivolities such as toys and that children like him didn't deserve toys. This store was bright and full of sounds and flashing lights and things to catch the eye everywhere you looked and quite frankly it was more than a bit overwhelming.

Harry and Hermione shared a smile at his stunned reaction and Harry went to walk with Sev while Hermione silently conjured a basket.

Harry tried to encourage Sev to indicate which toys he liked but years of having to hide his emotions had left him nervous and a master of schooling his expressions. Harry soon realised that Severus would not actively point out which toys he wanted and that he would simply have to keep a close eye on him and watch for the subtle signs when he would reach out tentatively for a toy only to recoil his hand as though he'd been scolded or his eyes would linger longing on a certain toy before adopting a resigned expression and moving on. He subtly kept track of which toys he was drawn to and would turn to Hermione following them who would discreetly add the chosen item to their basket without Sev noticing. They also made a note of some of the toys so that they could come back and buy some things to put away for his birthday and Christmas.

Their first stop was to admire the model trains, he could see the amazement in the young eyes at the magnificently detailed trains running through the carefully crafted landscapes and knelt down next to him to watch it chugging along as a mini replica of the brilliant red Hogwarts Express and train tracks were added. They stopped to admire the duelling wizards and battling knights and a starter battle pack was added along with a set of realistic mini dragons, Sev's eyes lingered on the collectable figures of famous witches and wizards with trading cards, and particular attention was paid to a set featuring the four founders and another of famous potioneers.

The section of building toys was nearby and saw the addition of the wizarding equivalent of LEGO with a set that could amongst other things be used to build a decent sized castle complete with a selection of tiny figures. Like with older LEGO sets, it also included ideas for a whole variety of different builds, the minifigures were animated to interact with the child and each other and the picture would even change in response to what the user was thinking about building, showing them ideas for how to create what they wanted.

The sports aisle saw the addition of a few Quidditch players for both Harry and Sev as he seemed fascinated by the tiny players whizzing around him. They also had a display of junior brooms and quidditch supplies including child-friendly snitches and quaffles courtesy of Quality Quidditch Supplies. Harry couldn't resist, he felt certain that Sev had never been flying and he hoped that he might be able to share his love of flying with him which reminded him that he'd have to come back and order a new broom for himself since losing his precious Firebolt.

They went further into the store and quickly found the arts and crafts section where they demonstrated all manner of different products including magical colouring books with pencils and paints that shimmered and changed colour and animated drawings. They flicked through a selection of them, but the favourites were clearly a book of magical creatures and an educational potions colouring book where the potions would react to being coloured in fact some of them even reacted differently depending on which colour was used like a real potion. Some more activity books were added to this along with a comprehensive selection of different art supplies to complement them and some magical moulding clay.

Unsurprisingly, the toy cauldrons and children's potions sets drew Sev's attention along with the children's book of potions with a whole variety of different fun and safe potions to make, Harry made a note to look at the more serious children's books on potion making in Flourish and Botts as a suitable selection was added to the basket. The display of toy wands that could be used to produce different coloured sparks and emulate different spell effects was another source of fascination, according to the possibly exaggerated claims they could also be used to help channel a child's accidental magic to help them develop greater control.

They finally made it to the back of the store which was full of every imaginable soft toy. Every animal imaginable, both magical and muggle was there including of course the four representing the different Hogwarts houses and they both made a note to come back and purchase some more toys as he seemed to be attracted particularly to the lion, raven and badger figures, not mention the very nice dragon and of course the snake. However, what really caught his attention was the display of different teddies. After much tentative fur stroking and a bit of a talk Harry managed to convince him that he was not at all too old for a teddy in spite of his Dad telling him that he was too old and needed to grow up. Harry suggested that having a soft toy of his own may help him get to sleep at night without nightmares, Sev finally selected a lovely bear with soft golden brown fur and warm, empathetic brown glass eyes. It was clearly the right decision as he clung tightly to his new friend, keeping him hugged close to his chest and burrowing his face into its soft fur as though afraid to let him go in case someone might steal him from him.

Next to the teddies was a whole display full of costumes that you could dress your toy in, there were all manner of different dresses presenting the different occupations of the wizarding world and the four Hogwarts houses but the ones that caught Sev's attention most were a wizard's costume in the style of Merlin complete with a classic robe, pointed hat and plush wand although Hermione couldn't help but quietly point out the Potion masters outfit complete with familiar black robes, with hidden potions vials and a toy cauldron. They both shared their amusement at this and both outfits were discreetly added to the growing collection at the bottom of the basket.

Harry steered Sev to the counter where he paid for the teddy before leading him outside and distracting him with the promise of an ice cream while Hermione paid for the rest of the purchases and asked for them to be wrapped and sent over to Hogwarts so that they could surprise Severus with them later.

After they'd all finished their ice creams and cleaned up sticky hands and faces, they headed over to Flourish and Botts. Severus thought he might just have found paradise as he stepped in, sure the toy shop had been amazing but also overwhelming, this place felt different, it exuded calm and tranquillity. It was his first experience of being in a real bookshop but it felt cosy and inviting and reassuring to be surrounded by so many books like old friends. He tentatively ran his hand along the shelves marvelling at the sheer number and variety of books. Harry steered him over to the children's section where he hoped that they'd be able to find some suitable books, he was clearly quite advanced for his age with an inquisitive mind hidden beneath his timid shell.

While he was occupied picking out books, Hermione talked to one of the assistants asking him all about which books would be best, not only for Severus to give him a well-rounded muggle and magical education and prepare him for Hogwarts but also looking at parenting books on how to raise a magical child as this was certainly something neither her or Harry had any experience of. Before too long she was left with an impressive stack of books which she shrunk down before joining Harry and Sev. She was already flicking through some of the books and telling him excitedly about all the exercises they recommended for encouraging a child's magic.

She had also picked up a few children's books along the way and went to show Harry, who smiled when he saw her choices a copy of The Tales Of Beedle The Bard, a junior version of Hogwarts A History and a junior wizards encyclopedia with loads of animated pictures, she'd also found a book on wizarding fairy tales and Arthurian legends and of course plenty of junior potions books. Sev apparently appreciated the books as he ran a hand wistfully over the cover of Beedle The Bard, remembering that his Mum used to have a well-loved copy which she was careful to keep hidden from his Dad.

By the time they'd gotten back to Hogwarts, Sev was feeling decidedly worn out but he went to bed happy in their new quarters that had been set up near Gryffidor tower. He put on his new pyjamas that were animated with sparkling stars and settled with his new Teddy underneath the soft, warm covers of his new bed in the bedroom which had been created by the magic inside of Hogwarts and decorated by the House Elves with sheets and curtains that were decorated with an assortment of animated wizards, knights and dragons. Harry soon came in and tucked him in before reading to him from one of his new books. The bed was a four poster which meant that it had curtains in case he wanted to draw them around himself to make it into a smaller safer space and the ceiling and top of his bed had been enchanted kind of like the great hall to show the night sky full of softly twinkling stars which meant that there was just enough light so he didn't feel scared without it being too bright to sleep.

He reflected as he was nodding off that today had been one of the best days he could remember even if it was rather overwhelming at times not only had it been his first time having a meal out and ice cream but he still couldn't believe how kind Harry and Hermione had been buying him all those clothes and books and a toy of his very own, no one had ever done anything remotely as kind not to mention the fact that his Mum had barely been able to afford to buy him the ill-fitting and mismatched, second-hand clothes he'd been so used to wearing before. Then, of course, there was the fact that he had his own room at Hogwarts and Harry had tucked him in and read him a story, he reflected that overall life was pretty good.

The following night was just as trying as the first. Harry stayed with him until he dropped off before setting up some charms to alert him if Severus had another nightmare or was distressed in his sleep and soon found himself woken up to comfort an equally distressed and confused child. The only thing that truly seemed to help after that was when he settled down to sleep next to him, it appeared having the human contact was very soothing for him.

The next morning after he'd had a hearty breakfast and dressed in some of his new trousers, t-shirt and trainers he was surprised when he found the living area downstairs full of a pile of colourfully wrapped presents and several of the Professor's that he'd met over the past few days with Harry and Hermione. There was the stern-faced but kindly witch who had known his Mum, the plump and warm-hearted Professor Sprout and the cheery diminutive Professor Flitwick.

He looked at the presents in confusion before turning to Harry.

"They're all for you" Harry smiled in confirmation before giving him a gentle nudge towards them.

"But I can't" he said shaking his head and trying to find words to explain it, he'd never had presents before, poor children like him didn't deserve them, particularly not after they'd been so good to him yesterday and bought him so many things.

Harry saw his discomfort and led him away to one side away from everyone before kneeling next to him and casting a muffilato over them so the others couldn't hear "Severus? What's wrong?" he asked kindly.

"I can't accept them, I don't deserve presents" he blurted out "sorry" appearing on the verge of tears.

"Severus look at me, these presents are no less than you deserve. No one forced us to go out and buy these things for you, we bought these things for you because we wanted to, we want you to be happy and have fun like a normal child understand?"

"But my Dad, he said I don't deserve new things like toys" he started to say before Harry cut him off.

Harry stared at him baffled trying to think how to reassure him, he knew after all what it was like to be left out and made to feel like you didn't deserve anything nice and he didn't want Severus to ever feel that way. He put his hand gently on his shoulder "the same man who beat you raw with a belt and shouted at you and your mother?" he looked away looking ashamed and downcast as he nodded reluctantly.

"Tell me has anyone ever bought you anything nice before?" he shook his head, "I thought not" Harry sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder "my aunt and uncle were like that, they went out of their way to ensure I never had nice things like my cousin, I grew up believing I didn't deserve nice things because that's what the Dursely's drilled into me, but they were wrong jut like your Dad was, they lied to me and did everything they could to make me feel worthless. You deserve this Severus, and you deserve to be happy and have new toys, clothes and books and a proper bedroom just as much as every other child, what you've been given is no less than what you should have had to begin with"

Severus felt tears welling up as he was once again overcome with emotions that these people who'd barely known him were showing him such kindness "but I" he looked up at Harry desperately.

"It's a bit overwhelming isn't it?" Harry guessed what he was thinking, Severus, nodded grateful that he understood and allowed Harry to gather him up into his embrace as he let it all out. Harry was amazingly patient and rubbed his back, soothing him as he let all the tears and flood of emotions spill out of him until he felt as though he may be able to continue.

"Do you want me to help you open some presents?" he asked kindly, Sev nodded "come on then" he said getting up and holding out his hand, they walked over as the guests turned to look at them and Harry smiled reassuringly as though nothing was wrong.

He nervously approached the pile and picked out a parcel and with quivering hands, he nervously started to unwrap it, aware of the eyes subtly watching him. He couldn't believe it when he pushed back the paper to reveal the collectable figures that he'd been looking longingly at the day before but how he wondered, it wasn't as though he'd said that he wanted how did they know he thought as he looked up at Harry who gave him a knowing smile.

"Thank you" he said gratefully feeling tears welling up. Harry nodded at him and indicated that he should continue. Soon he had quite a pile of toys laid out in front of him tiny Quidditch players, colouring supplies, modelling kits, and building blocks to make a castle, he had his own potions set like he'd always dreamed, there were collectable wizarding cards, he had a train set and the magnificent and beautifully soft toy dragon he'd seen, he even had a children's broom of his own. To say he felt like the luckiest kid alive didn't even begin to describe how he felt, he was totally and utterly stunned by their generosity, was this what it meant to be a normal child that you had so many toys that you didn't even know what to play with first?

Throughout the next few days, things gradually started getting back to normal as more witches and wizards were brought in to repair the castle. Some of the staff stayed to oversee the work while others returned to their normal duties. Harry and Hermione showed Severus around some parts of the castle that were safe.

Fortunately, the greenhouses were one such area and Harry found Neville and Professor Sprout working their way through greenhouse 1 which was the first greenhouse in which students worked. Severus looked around in astonishment, he'd never seen inside a real greenhouse before let alone one with such an amazing variety of plants. They were both tending to the plant's needs but soon approached when they spotted them.

"Hi Professor, I hope you don't mind some company, but I thought Severus would like to see the greenhouses."

"Of course not dear, you're always welcome. So you like plants do you?" She asked kindly, bending down to talk to Severus.

"My Mum says they're really useful for potions. I've never seen any magical plants though" Severus explained looking around in fascination.

"I see, well we can soon fix that, how about I show you some of the plants I can always use an extra set of hands" she told him offering him his hand.

"Ok" he said shyly accepting her hand as she started explaining to him about all the different plants.

Harry and Neville stood at the end of the greenhouse watching them until eventually, Neville broke the silence "so that's really Professor Snape then?" he asked as they watched Professor Sprout showing him how to pot up some of the Puffapod plants.

Harry turned to him sighing, it was really getting a bit tiring going over the same ground, not that he could begrudge his friend asking "he's not Snape Nev, he's just a kid."

"I know, sorry that didn't come out right" he said apologetically.

"It's ok, I get it"

"It's just ..."

"What?"

"Well" he said turning to him, as Harry motioned for him to continue, "it's hard to reconcile the Snape I remember with the man you described. This past year's been well like hell, after the way he treated all of us we all hated him even more particularly when we heard that he'd killed Dumbledore. I don't know what to think anymore"

Harry looked at him sympathetically. Of course, it would be hardest for Neville to adjust, Snape had bullied him about as much as he had Harry, it had made him even more nervous which had led to him being more accident-prone in class. On top of that Neville had had to endure a year under his leadership leading the resistance when he'd thought Snape had been a loyal Death Eater.

"Yeah it really messes with your head, doesn't it?" He nodded "he was a good actor, though he had us all fooled that's what kept him alive as a spy. Between him and Dumbledore I really believed he'd killed him and turned traitor, I absolutely hated him for a long time, turns out Dumbledore engineered the whole thing and planned for him to kill him, presumably to prove his loyalty to Voldemort"

"But you don't now?" Neville asked, looking for confirmation.

Harry shook his head "no I don't" Neville looked at him waiting patiently for him to explain further, he sighed " something changed seeing Voldemort kill him so callously. I couldn't hate him much as I wanted to, it was like he was seeing me properly for the first time. He showed me his memories, that changed everything. He may not have been an exactly nice man but he cared about my mother and by extension me, he did a lot of things against his will because of his guilt and a promise he made to Dumbledore including protecting me. It's hard to stay angry with someone who's experienced so much loss and risked their life so many times to protect you, to protect all of us, in some ways he wasn't even free to live his life all because of one big mistake he made as a teenager"

Neville listened intently, digesting what he said, he nodded before turning back to watch the boy who was intently watching and listening to Professor Sprout's instructions, she appeared to be showing him how to plant some seeds, one of the safer jobs he supposed.

"He really is different isn't he?" Harry looked at him "I mean there is a resemblance, I guess he's got the same hair and those eyes are hard to miss but he's so well different like he's been stripped bare."

"Like I said he's just a kid, a lonely scared kid who needs a lot of love and a family, I don't think he's ever had that, not really, his parents didn't exactly seem like they cared much about him."

"And you want to give him that don't you?" he asked for confirmation.

Harry looked at him and smiled wryly "yeah I guess I do. Ironic isn't it, after all, we went through and how much we hated each other, who'd have thought, the little guy really knows how to tug on your heartstrings though" he said smiling.

"He's something all right, he certainly seems to have taken a liking to you"

"You think?" Harry seemed surprised by his comment.

Neville laughed, "Have you seen the way he looks up at you? He practically idolises you"

"Hm" Harry replied looking thoughtful, they stood watching them for a minute, "so you thought anymore what you're going to do next?"

"I think I'm going to stick around a bit longer. A lot of people I think are considering coming back and repeating the last year, it's not as though we learnt much last year, well except how to resist unforgivable curses and learning how to defend ourselves" he said bitterly remembering being the target for many of those curses when he refused to cast them. "I want to continue my studies in Herbology as well, maybe apprentice a master. Professor Sprout's keen for me to get more experience she says I'm a natural, I think she may even want to train me up to replace her at some point"

Harry was thrilled for him. Neville had really come out of his shell the past few years and proved himself to be a brave and loyal friend, a leader even, but he'd always had a green thumb and a real talent for Herbology "that's great Nev, I'm sure you'll make a great Herbologist, if anyone can take over from her I'm sure you can."

"Maybe it's quite different actually teaching something though" he replied blushing "what about you, have you thought any more about what you want to do next?"

"Well, Hermione's been telling me and Ron how she thinks it's important that we come back and complete our education. Ron's not all that keen but I think she might be right in this instance. I was planning to join the Aurors but now I'm not sure, I think I may have had enough of battling dark wizards for a while besides which now I've got him to think about" he said gesturing to where Severus was still helping Professor Sprout.

"Yeah, I guess you've got a bit more to think about if you're taking on a little one, can't just be putting yourself in danger constantly" he nodded his agreement, the thought had certainly crossed his mind, Severus had already lost one set of parents, he didn't want him to lose another person who had pledged to protect him.

"You know you did a really good job teaching the DA the other year, have you ever thought about teaching?" Harry looked at him and shook his head, "I think you'd make a great teacher, far better than some of the other defence professors we've had and if anyone would be able to break the curse I bet you'd be able to" he said encouragingly.

There was a thought he'd quite enjoyed teaching people but was he good enough to do it for real? It would certainly be fulfilling and something useful teaching children how to defend themselves "hmm I'll certainly have to think about that, guess I'll have to talk to Professor McGonagall and see what she thinks"

"I'm sure she'd support you, you'd be really good at it I'll bet" Neville encouraged him.

"I think Hermione's thinking about a career in teaching as well but she's not decided yet you know what she's like and there are so many subjects she's good at"

"I can see her as a teacher you know" Neville replied and they shared a knowing look, remembering all the times she'd tried to teach them and encourage everyone to study.

As they were talking, Professor Sprout and Severus made their way over to them "hey Severus been having fun?"

"Yeah, Aunt Sprout showed me some of the plants and let me pot some Puffapods and some herbs up. She said she could help make me my own herb garden just like my Mum always wanted full of plants for potions" he explained excitedly.

"Really that's great Sev" he smiled at seeing his face light up and him talking with such enthusiasm, he turned to Professor Sprout "are you sure that's alright, it's not any trouble is it?"

"Of course not, it's a wonderful idea actually to have our own herb garden it'll be a great space to help him relax and he can learn while he's tending to the plants. He's been a big help today, I've no doubt that he'll be a great student in a few years' time" she said causing Severus to blush at the praise, "now then this is Neville Longbottom, he's one of my best students."

"Hi" he said smiling and lifting his hand shyly.

"I was thinking that perhaps you'd like it if he gave you a tour of some of the other greenhouses while I tackle some of the more dangerous plants"

"Me?" he asked started, she nodded encouragingly.

"Go on Nev, I'm sure you'll be fine" Harry encouraged "besides it'll be good practice if you do decide to become a teacher"

Neville looked down at Severus who was looking up at him as though unsure what to make of him and if he wanted to trust this new person. Up close it was easy to see that he really wasn't like Snape, just a shy and nervous child more like he and indeed Harry had been as first years, he remembered what that was like when everyone had teased him for being awkward and clumsy and accident-prone, and felt a sudden urge to help and protect him.

"Uh ok if you're sure" he said fixing his gaze on the child "hi Severus nice to meet you, I'm Neville. Would you like that to have a tour with me? I can show you some of my favourite plants" he said kneeling down to talk to him before getting up and holding out his hand. He looked up at him cautiously with solemn eyes, clearly weighing up whether to trust him or not before eventually nodding and taking his hand, a tentative smile on his face.

"You'll be fine" Harry encouraged them both, and Professor Sprout nodded her agreement.

They watched as the two headed off Nevile awkwardly explaining about some of the plants before getting into his stride and talking animatedly showing him how to dodge the Venomous Tentacula. He turned to Professor Sprout "you think they'll be alright?"

She nodded, she'd seen the protective glint in Neville's eyes when he looked down at the boy "I think it will do them both good. He's come a long way, I remember when you were both shy, awkward first years not unlike him. I know you're very protective of him and that you want to distance him from his past but it's not so easy for those of us who remember him as a student"

Harry looked at her curiously, interested to hear what she had to say "I remember him as a first-year, scrawny little thing, very wary and constantly alert, ready to lash out at the slightest provocation. He was very advanced for his age, quiet and thoughtful but not very good with the other children, such is the curse of being gifted." she said with a sigh "there was always one person who could make him smile" he waited with bated breath having an idea who it would be, she caught his eye and smiled "that's right dear, it was your mother, he and Lily were quite the cute little couple, his face lit up when he was with her, a lot of people disapproved but they made it work"

She paused, lost in her reflection "you shouldn't judge him too harshly, he wasn't a bad child, just got caught up with the wrong crowd, hardly surprising really underneath the cold front that he put up, I think he was desperate for someone to show him attention and acceptance, it made him an easy target for the older students. I know I speak for Minerva and Fillius when I say that if we could go back and change things I think we'd do a lot of things differently"

Harry felt for her and put a hand gently on her arm "hey we may not be able to change his past but we can change his future, Severus will never have to go through that I'll make sure of that"

She smiled and nodded her agreement "we all will dear, I'm just glad we have the chance to be a part of it this time."

As they were talking Neville and Severus returned with the boy babbling happily, he immediately ran over to Harry when he saw him "Harry!"

"Hey Severus, you have fun?" he asked.

He nodded his head vigorously "Nevile showed me the Venomous Tentacula, they were so slimy and gross, oh and the Puffapods and the Flutterby Bush, it was amazing"

Harry gently interrupted him "that's great, Sev, it sounds like you had a great time with Neville. Say why don't we go down and get some lunch and you can tell me all about it" Severus nodded his agreement, he'd worked up quite an appetite but it had been an incredible morning "you coming?" Harry asked the other two who were smiling watching the exchange.

Later in the week saw Harry leading Severus down the hill towards Hagrid's hut, which had been much restored since he'd last seen it. He knew that Hagrid had been informed about what had happened to Severus and was eager to meet him and he hoped that the encounter would prove to be a good distraction for Severus.

As they approached they saw Hagrid hard at work fixing up his garden, he looked up from his work and spotted them walking over to greet them "alright there Harry and this must be little Severus" he said to the boy who looked up at him with wide eyes, he shifted a bit closer to Harry for safety choosing to peek out from behind his leg "I was wondering when you'd be coming round, how's Hermione?"

"Good, she said she'd join us later" he turned to Severus "it's alright this is Hagrid Severus, he may look big and scary but he's harmless, he's been waiting to meet you, why don't you go say hello" he said giving him a nudge forward.

"Hello" he greeted nervously as Hagrid beamed down at him and offered him a giant hand to shake, he looked at it in awe, one finger was as big as his whole hand.

"Nice to meet ya, Severus, why don't you two come and have cuppa tea while we wait for the others, I baked some rock cakes specially for ya" he said opening the door before anyone could react a black furry mass came running out aiming straight for Severus and knocking him down. Severus gave out a yelp of fear and surprise as the dog leapt on him before he realised that he was licking him. Shock and fear turned to giggles as his wet, rough tongue tickled him

Harry and Hagrid were so surprised froze for a minute before Hagrid moved into action, pulling the dog off of him "down boy get back in there" he ordered to the boarhound who was hanging his head, and whing miserably "sorry about that Fang's a big softie, but he can be a bit over-eager. You alright?" He said, offering him a hand up.

He nodded, wiping the slobber off his face, as Harry helped him to his feet and checked him over for injuries, he hadn't exactly met many dogs before in Cokeworth. He followed them in looking around the cabin. With Hagrid there, the space felt much smaller but cosy with a warm fire in the hearth, a giant-sized table and chairs in front of them, a stove with a whistling kettle on the other side and a giant-sized bed that appeared to be covered in patchwork quilt just visible in the corner and tools hung and stacked haphazardly in various corners.

He climbed onto one of the chairs as Hagrid puttered about stoking the fire and putting the kettle on all the while making conversation with Harry. Fang approached them somewhat more placidly, this time earning himself a good scratch behind the ear from Harry before coming over to Severus and giving him sad puppy eyes as a way of making up for earlier he thought, Severus, copied Harry's example and petted him.

Soon enough he looked up as Hagrid placed giant mugs of tea down in front of him along with a tray of rock cakes which he offered them, Harry politely refused, saying he wasn't hungry. Severus took one, it felt quite solid he thought examining it wearily before cautiously taking a bite. He was glad he hadn't bitten down too hard into it that thing was hard enough to break his teeth on. He looked at the mug of tea considering dipping it in then at Fang and decided to subtly slip it to him under the table, he sniffed it and pawed at it before turning away apparently even Fang knew better. Harry watched him out of the corner of his eye and smiled, remembering doing much the same on many occasions, Severus caught him smiling at him and suddenly wondered if Harry was more Slytherin than he'd first thought.

Soon Hermione joined them and they exchanged warm greetings. Now they were just waiting for one more person, Harry thought. He'd been growing increasingly concerned about Severus's persistent nightmares and he'd thought that maybe it was time to get an outside perspective and if there was one person who might be able to help it was his old friend Luna Lovegood.

Luna always had a very unique outlook on life and in spite of outward appearances, she was surprisingly perceptive and often picked up on things that no one else saw. Perhaps unsurprisingly relations between Luna and Hermione were at times strained as the two had quite different ways of thinking and Luna's outlook tended to conflict with Hermione's decidedly logical ways of thinking, fortunately, they had learnt to overcome their differences and work together and they all valued her as a friend.

A knock on the door announced Luna's arrival, Harry opened the door and everyone greeted her warmly, except for Severus who sat quietly looking at her "hi Luna, this is Severus, Severus this is Luna, she's a good friend of ours" Harry said by way of introduction.

She tilted her head to one side and looked at him curiously, smiling with that kind of faraway look she so often wore "yes he does seem a lot like Professor Snape doesn't he" she announced to no one in particular, as though she'd been having a silent conversation with someone else. Everyone else looked at her in shocked silence and Severus looked increasingly wary of her.

Harry noticed his discomfort and moved closer, squeezing his shoulder for reassurance "uh Professor Snape's dead Luna" he reminded her. He really liked Luna and though he had come to value her unique perspective there were times when she could be well a bit blunt. Not that he held it against her as she knew she didn't mean any harm and probably didn't even realise the effect of her words but it wasn't exactly creating the best first impression.

She turned to him "oh no he's definitely still here, I can sense his presence, it's only very faint mind you but he's definitely here."

There was an awkward silence after that as no one quite knew what to say, finally, it was Hagrid who broke the ice: "Well, if everyone's here, why don't we get going? One of the Thestrals gave birth just the other day and I thought maybe you'd like to see" he said enthusiastically.

"Uh yeah that sounds good Hagrid" Harry replied ushering Severus out.

Severus hung back while the others walked ahead before looking up anxiously at Harry "what did she mean when she said I was like Professor Snape?" he asked.

Harry sighed, he knew he'd have to tell him more about Professor Snape at some point but he wasn't sure that he was ready to place that sort of burden on such a young child's shoulders "nothing you need to worry about, she just meant that you look a bit like him" he still looked dubious "hey don't worry about it LUua can be a bit odd but she's really nice once you get to know her, now why don't you go see Hagrid, he knows a lot about magical creatures and I'll bet he'll tell you all about Thestrals if you ask him" Severus considered before running up to where Hagrid was chatting enthusiastically with Hermione.

Once Harry was certain he was ok with Hermione he caught up with Luna "hey Luna, I was just wondering what you meant earlier when you said that you felt Professor Snape's presence?" He asked, curious to get to the bottom of this.

"Oh yes, I can sense it but there's something interfering as though it's tangled up, it's only weak mind you almost as though he's lost or confused" she said looking in Severus's direction.

"I was actually meaning to ask you about something, you see Severus has been suffering from terrible nightmares ever since he arrived. We've tried everything we can think of to help him but nothing seems to be working, even the potions aren't having any effect. We were wondering if you might have any ideas?"

She looked thoughtful "I did sense a lot of Wrackspurts around him, they definitely seemed agitated, it's like there was another presence. The nightmares could be a manifestation of that, the only way to solve it is to remove the source of the problem"

It took Harry a minute to catch up and interpret what she was saying "you mean that he's got a part of Professor Snape inside him that's responsible for his nightmares?"

She gave him a wain smile in return which he took to mean that he was on the right track and replied mysteriously "I sense that he's haunted by his past" she siad mysteriously.

Their conversation was cut short as Hagrid as they followed Hagrid into a secluded glade that he'd never noticed near to the border of the forbidden forest. They'd all stopped and were watching the thestrals, there was a whole herd grazing nearby in the longer more open grass but what had caught everyone's attention was a lone mother and her young calf who was not more than a few days old and were stood just in front of them.

They both moved to stand beside Severus "do you see them?"

He shrugged "I can see something like a black winged horse but it's fuzzy" he explained.

Harry frowned at that wondering what that could mean. Meanwhile, Hagrid walked over to the Thestrals who'd been watching them with interest, the mother approached Hagrid who held out his hand. The Thestral appeared to sniff it cautiously before allowing him to pet her and rubbed her head against his hand. The new foal cautiously followed his mother's example as Hagrid fussed over him as well.

Hagrid turned back to them "would yeh like to have a go Severus?" he offered "uh" Severus replied hesitantly, clearly still a bit nervous of them "it's alright they won't hurt you" Hagrid said beckoning him.

"He's right" Luna added causing them to look at her startled, "people think Thestrals bring misfortune because of their appearance and the fact that only those who have experienced death can see them, but they're really quite gentle and very intelligent" she continued in her strange manner before approaching and petting the adult Thestral.

The foal looked at them curiously before calling out a strange high pitched noise, it looked up at its other who nudged it forward and it approached Severus who was watching looking mesmerised and just a little apprehensive.

"She's right, I thought they were a bit scary the first time I saw them but they were really a great help to me, they even let me and my friends ride them" Harry confided remembering the events of his 5th year with a twinge of sadness. Severus looked up listening to him before looking back at the small Thestral.

The foal stopped in front of Severus and called out again before butting its head up against him looking at him with eery white eyes as though asking him to pet it. Severus cautiously put his hand out and rubbed its bony head and it made an appreciative purring kind of sound and he smiled as he stroked the soft black mane.

Up close Severus could discern some more detail. The foal was a gangly thing, with thin limbs and an almost skeletal body with a strange head that was reminiscent of a dragon skull and bat-like wings which were still soft and flapped about awkwardly as though the foal had not quite got used to operating them.

"Well, look at that, I think he likes yer" Hagrid commented. He was right Severus thought it was kind of spooky looking but it was hard to be scared of something so gentle when it was allowing itself to be stroked and petted much like a normal horse.

He reflected that it had been quite a strange day as they walked back to the castle. He was still a bit puzzled as to how he could see the Thestrals as he was certain he'd never seen anyone die, well he supposed he kind of had but that was just a dream right? He didn't think that counted unless it was because his parents were dead but he wasn't sure that seemed right either.

He was so lost in his thought that he didn't notice someone beside him until she spoke up "you miss her don't you?" he startled and looked up at the strange girl Luna who was looking down kindly in his direction. "I miss her to my mother that sometimes, I feel very sad when I think of her but then I think of all the happy times we had together and I think that it's not goodbye forever, one day I will see her again."

Severus looked at her in surprise then looked down at his feet "I hope she's alright" he tried not to think about all the things which she hadn't been so good at, it wasn't her fault she was depressed and stuck with his father with little money to raise her son, he tried to focus on the good memories "she taught me all about magic and Hogwarts"

"I think she'd be happy for you don't you?" he looked at her surprised "you've got a new family and you're happy now, right?" He'd never thought about it like that, perhaps she was right, he hoped so.

They had hoped that the nightmares might be a one-time occurrence caused by spending the night in the Shrieking Shack and may go on their own. However the following week, Severus's nightmares did not get any better, in fact, if anything they seemed to become worse in both strength and frequency to the point where they were clearly distressing the young child who was beginning to dread bedtime. It was not easy to get him to talk about the nightmares and they didn't push him too hard but the mumbled descriptions that he did provide sounded disturbingly like events from Professor Snape's life, something which deeply troubling as a young child certainly should not be seeing such things.

It took its toll on Harry, who was suffering from sleep deprivation as he rarely got more than a few hours of sleep before he was woken by Severus screaming and thrashing and inevitably the only thing that settled him even slightly was letting him sleep next to him. Of course, if Harry was suffering the effects of a lack of sleep that was nothing compared with how Severus must be faring since he was the one having the nightmares they naturally took much more of a toll on him, he always appeared tired and withdrawn in the mornings and it was hard to know if this was a true reflection on his personality or just an effect of the nightmares draining him. Either way, it was clear that they couldn't go on like this much longer.

On Severus's part, he didn't understand the nightmares at all. They were far more vivid than his normal nightmares of things like bullies and his father, almost as though they had really happened to him. They started innocently enough with a girl with fiery red hair that shone in the sun and bright green eyes like emeralds. Things went downhill from there as he got brief flashes of being at Hogwarts, he got the vague impression of being unhappy and words resonated in his mind 'Snivellus' 'Slimy snake' 'Greasy git' 'Filthy Mudblood'. Things got steadily darker, there was a man with creepy red eyes, pale skin and skeletal fingers, he was kneeling before him surrounded by creepy hooded figures faces hidden by identical metal masks and suddenly he grabbed his left arm and it was searing with pain as though he was burning right through the skin, he wanted to scream but he knew he dared not. There were curses and jets of horrid green light and finally he was back in the shack and staring at the man from earlier, he looked worse with inhuman red eyes and deathly white skin, his hands were truly skeletal and his nose was nothing more than slits. He spoke in a hiss like a snake which sent shivers down his spine. Suddenly he said something the words of which he didn't understand but the meaning was clear as a gigantic snake leapt to attack him. it felt so real, he could feel it, the fangs sinking into his neck, the poison flowing through him, the blood pouring out uncontrollably and he was so scared that he really couldn't help screaming this time until his throat was so raw he couldn't scream any more.

That was normally the point where he normally came back to awareness with Harry trying to wake him. He'd come to soaked in his own sweat, sobbing into Harry, who was always so patient and kind rubbing his back and giving him warm milk and honey, and he'd sit and drink it dreading when he'd have to try to sleep again because he knew that nothing helped when he closed his eyes and it would just start again like a tape stuck on a constant loop. The only thing that seemed to remotely help was when he felt someone lift him up and pull him close, it didn't stop the nightmares but somehow the feeling of laying next to another person feeling their arm around him or their chest rise and fall and listening to the steady beat of their heart calmed him and made it that little bit more bearable knowing he wasn't going to wake up all alone again.

While he was trying to resolve this problem and look after Severus, Harry was also trying to make sure Professor Snape was remembered and honoured for the part he played in the war and not simply treated as some common Death Eater. Part of that involved campaigning to have a portrait of Professor Snape installed in the Headmaster's office, the trouble with this was that to the best of their knowledge he had never had a portrait commissioned before his death. This was hardly surprising, there had been little time for such trivialities and Severus was hardly a handsome or vain man, he'd had other more important things on his mind, like trying to carry out Dumbledore's last instructions to keep the students safe and assist Harry in secret.

Professor Flitwick was unbeknownst to many quite a talented artist and was certain he could capture Severus's likeness on canvas, however without any memories to go with it he would be little more than an unmoving muggle painting. There was of course the small vial that he'd gifted Harry as he lay dying but there were not many and Porfssor Flitwick was not sure that it would be enough to build up a full picture fo him given the state he'd been in when he had given the memories.

They had all gathered in the headmaster's office and were still pondering what to do when suddenly a solution presented itself to them.

"But what can we do for him, if these are memories of his past life then normal methods to block or prevent him from having nightmares simply won't work will they? We've already tried that and yet they only seem to be getting worse and more frequent as though his memories are returning to him gradually, it's too risky to give him Dreamless Sleep at his age and I'm not sure if Occlumency would even work. Is there any way that we can actually remove the memories?" Harry said, pacing the headmaster's office in exasperation.

Poppy Pomfrey pondered this: "Well, it might be worth taking him to St Mungo's. They have a specialist team of healers who are used to healing trauma as well as dealing with all sorts of problems involving the mind, if anyone would be able to remove those memories safely then it would be them although, of course, the situation would have to be handled delicately and they would have to be sworn to secrecy given his particular circumstances if word got out what had happened to Severus it would be a disaster"

Harry listened and nodded his agreement. It seemed like their best option at the moment, they certainly couldn't go on like this indefinitely and it pained him deeply to see the sweet innocent young boy who he was increasingly beginning to think of as his own child suffering so much. That being said, he wasn't about to risk word getting out about Severus's true identity, that would be a disaster, the last thing a traumatised child needed was all that attention and cameras and journalists in his face pressuring him to talk about a life he didn't remember.

Minerva broke the silence "do you know anyone who could be trusted with this task?"

She thought on this for a minute "yes I do believe I do, one of my fellow healers was at Hogwarts at the same time as me, we were good friends and became close when we were both studying. I happen to know that he went on to study to become a specialist mind healer, I have referred several more delicate cases to him and I trust him and his team to treat them with no questions asked. I am certain we can trust him with Severus's case"

"What do they do with the memories after they have removed them?" Harry asked as a thought occurred to him.

"Well honestly I don't really know, I can't say that it's an area I have a lot of knowledge about, I think it depends on the patient and the nature of the memories but I believe that they are normally obliged to store them in case they change their mind and wish to retrieve the memories. I believe that they use special phials much like you have seen Albus and Severus use when they have removed their memories before transferring them to a pensive. If the patient or their close family or friends don't want the memories then I believe that they are sent to the ministry and placed in storage in a secure location"

Harry nodded, remembering the sessions with Dumbledore all too well. He turned to Professor Flitwick, who had been sitting listening thoughtfully to the conversation "I see, Professor, would we be able to use the memories that we remove from Severus to animate a painting assuming we are allowed to take them?"

The Professor looks thoughtfully at him for a minute before looking quite excited "That is a splendid idea Mr Potter, a wonder I didn't come up with it myself. Yes, if these are indeed Professor Snape's memories that are surfacing then I believe that we could use them along with the memories that he bequeathed you in the Shrieking Shack would provide a good enough mix of memories to recreate his character that would certainly kill two birds with one stone is that not the phrase muggles use?"

They all agreed that it was a good idea and Poppy said that she would get in touch with her colleague immediately to see if he could see them as soon as he had a free slot.

Hermione took him to one side as they were leaving "Harry have you contacted Ron to explain things?"

Harry ran his hand through his hair uneasily, he knew Ron and Snape's history was almost as volatile as his own and Rom had quite the temper, he wasn't looking forward to trying to explain things to him "not yet, I'm not sure how he'll react when he learns about Severus and what with trying to get him settled in and figure out his nightmares I haven't had the time to contact him."

"You're worried he's going to explode or say something stupid or insensitive in front of Severus aren't you?"

He nodded "he's my best friend and I want to be able to spend time with him but not if it's at the cost of upsetting Severus, I don't want to choose between them but I won't tolerate that"

She nodded understandingly "you're right but I think you need to have a talk to him and explain that, make him clear that you're not going to tolerate that anymore and then give him time for everything to sink in. I know Ron can be a bit rash but I think once he's seen him with his own eyes and had time to think things over he'll be ok with it. Anyway, I don't think you should leave it too long, perhaps we should go visit?"

He smiled she was right as always and besides he'd been feeling a bit guilty about not getting in touch and neglecting his friends and their family "yeah that would be good. I tell you what, just try and sort these nightmares out with Severus and then I'll get in touch, I don't think it would be fair to introduce him to more new people right now until he's more settled"

She smiled her understanding "that's true but I'd still write them a quick letter, perhaps you could write to Mr and Mrs Weasley and explain things with Severus then they can talk to Ron and the others and prepare them."

"That's a good idea Hermione, thanks I might just do that" he smiled feeling much better about it than he had before now they had a plan in place.

A few days later after Harry, Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall had met with the healer and explained the situation, he agreed to help they brought Severus to his office for treatment.

Harry and Severus were sat in the waiting room using the aliases of James and Henry Evans and the glamours that they'd decided to use when they went out into the wizarding world and would be exposed to the wizarding world. The glamours made their eyes and hair appear dark brown and shorter and in Harry's case somewhat smoother although it was long enough to still cover his infamous scar.

"Mr Evans, the doctor will see you now" the secretary a pleasant slim dark-haired woman announced. He got up placing a hand on Severus's shoulder for reassurance before following her through as she ushered them into his office a relatively plain room furnished with a couch and a few other comfy chairs.

The doctor got up to greet them "a pleasure to meet you Mr Evans, and this must be your son Henry, how can I be of assistance?" he asked pleasantly.

"He is suffering from nightmares, I believe Madam Pomfrey explained the situation to you?" Harry explained keeping his hand on Severus's shoulder.

"Ah yes, of course, I remember now quite a nasty business, well please take a seat and we'll discuss it further" he said shaking his head sadly.

"Before we continue I must have your word that you will keep what I am about to tell you confidential and not discuss our conversation with anyone"

"Of course Mr Evans, as a mind healer I am sworn to never reveal details about my patients without their express permission or the permission of their guardian if they are unable to give consent themselves"

"Your oath Dr Smith" Harry said seriously not willing to take any chance. After the Dr had gotten out his wand and sworn his oath of confidentiality, Harry removed the glamours from himself and Severus.

He looked up at the Dr who appeared quite shocked by their transformation "I am Harry Potter as I'm sure you've gathered and this is my ward and soon-to-be adopted son Severus Snape. I apologise for the deception sir however it was necessary I'm sure you can imagine the commotion it would cause if word got out about Severus and his current condition, I do not want him to be exposed to that or put on show like some freak of nature"

"Of course, please take a seat" he said gesturing them to the sofa "How may I be of service?"

"Well, as I'm sure Madam Pomfrey has told you, he has been suffering from some quite persistent and troubling nightmares. We have tried various methods to alleviate this problem and have found nothing that works. We believe that these may actually be memories of a past life resurfacing. We are at our wit's end these memories or nightmares are very traumatic for him and causing him a great deal of distress. We are hoping that you may be able to help him"

"Of course, now then Severus, is that correct?" he nodded miserably "they are causing you a great deal of distress?" another nod

"He has been having a lot of trouble sleeping" Harry explained.

"I see, I take it you would like me to remove them for you?"

"You can do that?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes I believe so, I just need to take a quick look inside your mind to see what I'm dealing with first, if you just want to take a sip of this then it'll make it much more pleasant for you" he said handing him a bottle of calming draught.

"That's it" he said after he'd taken a sip, "now hold still, I'll try to make this as quick as possible" he said before casting a spell similar to "legilmency" and carefully looking through his subconscious memories. After a few minutes, he'd seen enough and withdrew.

He sat back thinking for a minute before turning to Harry and Severus "yes, I see what you mean, a most unique case. Those are not memories any child should have and certainly don't belong there and could in fact cause him a lot of problems if they're not removed"

"So you think you can help him?" Harry asked, hopefully drawing the boy closer.

"Yes certainly, but it will be a long and stressful operation due to the delicate nature of the work and the sheer amount of memories to be removed, it is risky but the alternative is worse"

"When can you do it?" Harry asked, leaning forward eagerly.

"I would like to start immediately if that is alright, the longer we leave this untreated the more chance there is of him suffering unnecessary mental trauma as he has been doing or worse. Is that agreeable to you?"

"Of course, I only want what's best for him to make sure he's happy and not suffering" he said drawing Severus closer and squeezing his shoulder tighter.

"Very good. I would recommend giving him this, it contains a calming draught and a mild sedative, not enough to put him to sleep as it is necessary for him to remain partially conscious but it will make him drowsy enough that he will not be truly aware of what is happening in a semi dream-like state" he said passing over a bottle "give him a few sips for now, it should be effective for at least an hour"

Harry did so as Severus looked up at him, clearly scared by what he had understood of the conversation "Harry?" ""Hush, it's going to be alright" he said his voice breaking slightly with emotion, he held him close as he began to go limp under the effects of the potion.

"You may want to hold his hand, he will likely be aware of your presence and will find it soothing if he's aware that you're there with him" Harry nodded and sighed, here we go he thought hoping this would work.

Severus began to slip into unconsciousness. When he awoke he stared around in confusion, he was in a place that reminded him very much of the place Harry had called the Shrieking Shack, it was dark and creepy and cold he thought shivering as he rubbed his arms and looked around, he definitely didn't like this place.

He closed his eyes as he heard a soft voice whispering to him chanting, he didn't question the voice even as he felt some unknown force pulling against him, he screamed as he felt a force pulling him as though he was being ripped in two until suddenly it was over. He collapsed to his knees momentarily recovering his breath, he felt a soothing presence beside him which gave him the strength to look up. He frowned in confusion, the space he was in was now like a blank canvas, a calming space, quiet and peaceful.

He looked up and saw dark spirits whirling around above him, his nightmares he thought. He watched them nervously for a minute until some strange unknown force seemed to suck the darkness out of them, he watched fascinated until all that was left was were tiny little wisps like ghostly spirits they circled around his head and he flinched at first until one came close enough to touch him. He giggled as the spirit passed through, tickling him with its touch, he could sense somehow that something had sucked all the darkness out of them, they weren't scary, just whispers of the past that could no longer hurt him.

It was then that he became aware of another presence there with him. He looked around and spotted some dark, vaguely human-shaped, creature a distance away. The thing was covered in black robes that appeared shredded and hung off of it, its face was also covered in a black curtain of hair that hung limply, giving it the appearance of a wraith-like creature. He watched in fearful awe unsure as of yet what to make of the creature when suddenly it let out a scream throwing back its head and writhing in pain as dark energy emerged rising like some malevolent gaseous spirit ripped out of him, it was like watching some strange kind of exorcism.

It cried out as if in pain until suddenly it was over, the dark cloud seemed to dissipate and the creature swayed slightly before collapsing to its knees. He hesitated, feeling sorry for it and wondering if he should approach as it knelt with its hands out in front like a man trying to catch his breath, it stayed like that for a minute before it suddenly lifted its head, hair falling away from its face.

He gasped, it was a man, a man with a pale face and lank black hair. Their eyes caught briefly and the man stared at him with dark eyes before looking back down to the ground and concentrating on getting up, slowly he rose to his feet, it was clearly painful for him but he took his time retaining his dignity as he stood and brushed the dust off his robes, looking around him with confusion and mild interest.

His eyes fell back on Severus and he walked over to him. Severus froze, entranced by him, drawn in by his startling familiar black gaze as he approached gracefully, his black robes no longer torn sweeping and billowing behind him. He stopped a short distance away still staring as though fascinated by the boy, he reached out tentatively as though to touch him to check he was real and not some illusion, before apparently shaking himself out of it and withdrawing his hand sharply as if thinking better of it.

He then looked up noticing perhaps for the first time, the little wraith-like spirits circling around Severus. He watched them intently for a minute before carefully withdrawing a black wand that felt strangely familiar from a hidden pocket, the wand sang to Sev as he raised it and carefully lifted it to the little ghost-like spirit which came away attached as though attracted like a magnet and the other spirits joined to form a strange kind of train trailing behind the wand. The man carefully lifted the wand till it was touching his forehead while muttering an incantation with his eyes closed and the spirits appeared to disappear as though melting into him. He gave out a soft sigh of relief as though he had retrieved a part of himself that had been missing and slowly opened his eyes, his dark gaze turning back to rest on him again.

"Who are you?" Severus asked.

"The man smiled "I am Severus Snape" he replied looking at him thoughtfully, "and you remind me of myself when I was a young boy" he mused, reaching out a hand as though to touch his cheek but paused as Sev flinched away instinctively. He put his hands up, "I promise I won't hurt you" he said gently and instinctively he trusted him, whatever darkness had been inside him had been purged, leaving the man cleansed, and calm energy now radiated from him. He tried again and gently touched his cheek stroking it with great care using his long slender fingers and carefully brushing his long hair off of his face.

Sev stared at him in puzzlement, wondering who this man was. Why did he share his name and why did he seem so familiar he thought. Then suddenly the pieces seemed to slide together. One of the things that had scared him so much about his nightmares aside from the obviously traumatic nature and content of them was the strange disconcerting feeling as though he was watching someone else's life, and he knew suddenly that this man was the focus of his dreams.

"It was you" he gasped in shock as the realisation hit him, "you're the man from my nightmares!"

"What?" the man recoiled, clearly horrified by the thought that he was the subject of a child's nightmares.

"The dreams I had were like viewing someone else's life, their memories" he continued lost in his own thoughts.

The man's face paled, draining of colour "my memories" he finished his face grim, he turned and started pacing "I see" he said looking troubled before eventually regaining his composure "I'm sorry those memories were not something anyone else should have to see, particularly not one so young" he apologised grimacing.

"So what just happened, what did you do to them?" Severus asked, wondering what he had done to the memories.

"I placed them back in my mind, where they belong" he smiled knowingly, "as for what happened, I do not know, although I could perhaps hazard a guess, the last thing I remember was ..." he paused apparently frozen reliving something traumatic, "unpleasant to say the least" he stated eventually a look of distaste crossing his face "I do not know how I ended up here, I was hoping perhaps you could fill me in. Perhaps it is time for some company" Severus frowned at him, "it is alright Mr Potter, you may join us now if you wish" he said stepping forward and addressing the room as a whole.

Severus looked around puzzled he had been vaguely aware of Harry's presence but he had been separated as though watching them through a hidden window. Then he suddenly appeared out of nowhere, he looked around astonished.

"Harry!" Severus shouted, catching his attention as he ran towards Harry who turned, his astonished expression turning to a wide smile as he caught him and lifted him in his arms.

"Sev" he said with obvious affection as the boy buried his head into his chest.

"Potter" Snape acknowledged curtly, causing his head to snap up to meet the gaze of his former Professor, wearily he walked towards him. Severus caught the unspoken tension and sensed the change in Harry as he tensed up. He scowled, catching the man's gaze, he didn't like anything that made Harry react like that.

The man caught his eye and looked away embarrassed "ah, I'm sorry, old habit" he explained clearing his throat awkwardly "Harry" he tried again curtly, testing the words as though they were unfamiliar on his tongue.

Harry smiled at this, amused as well by the change and the fact that Severus elicited such a response from the cold Potions Master "Professor" he replied warmly he reached out and embraced him somewhat awkwardly considering startling the older man "is it really you?"

"Of course it is me" he snapped with a hint of a snarl, Harry smiled, some things never changed.

"We thought we'd lost you, I thought I'd never have the chance to thank you, your memories explained so much. I misjudged you, I'm so sorry" he said sincerely.

This apology appeared to shock him for a moment before he regained his composure "no Harry. It is I who should apologise, I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and blind me, I should have been able to see past that and act like a responsible adult" he said somewhat awkwardly.

"It's alright I get it you were under a lot of pressure and acting as a spy, you couldn't afford to be kind to us in front of the Slytherins"

"No Potter, it's not alright the way I treated you" he replied more angrily.

Harry, aware of the increasing discomfort of the child in his arms who did not understand their shared past, chose this moment to interrupt "Sir, I don't really think we should be discussing this in front of him" he said indicating Severus "besides I forgave you when I saw your memories, it is the past let us move on" he said placing a hand gently on his arm.

He looked at the boy briefly then looked away and sighed "I am sorry, perhaps you are right I just, hindsight is a wonderful thing, I regret that I did not act differently"

"And I told you I forgive you, Severus, you have had enough torment in your life and paid for your mistakes, please accept my forgiveness" his shoulders slumped forward and after a minute he nodded his assent before lifting his head looking as emotional as Harry had ever seen.

"What happened? The last thing I remember was lying in the Shrieking Shack with you"

"Harry smiled "he happened" he replied gesturing to the boy in his arms, Severus blinked at him in astonishment "I went back to retrieve your body and found him. He was alone and scared I took care of him" Harry continued.

Snape stared at them in astonishment, trying to get his head around it, did that mean the boy was him, that he wasn't truly dead? He peered more closely at the boy. Yes, there was certainly something familiar about him, that distinctive black hair, dark obsidian eyes and pale skin were unmistakable. The signs of neglect were apparent, he appeared too thin and small by far and clung to Harry like a lifeline and yet there were also signs of recovery as though someone had been taking care of him. His hair looked softer and there were signs already that he was beginning to fill out slightly and someone had put care into making sure he was wearing nice clothes, it was all more than he could have hoped for when he was his age.

"So where are we now?" he asked.

"In his mind, if I'm not mistaken" he grinned, at his astonished look he continued "he was having bad nightmares, we figured they were your memories. The only solution we could come up with was to remove the memories"

"I see that explains it" he said numbly, clearly still in shock.

Severus frowned as he struggled to keep up with the adult's conversation, trying to puzzle it all together, clearly, the two knew each other and this man was supposed to be him? "so you're me in the future, does that mean I'm going to grow up to be you in the future?" he asked worriedly he liked the strange man in black. Sure he looked scary and intimidating but he had been kind and spoken softly to him, and he clearly had a unique sense of humour but in spite of that Sev wasn't at all sure he wanted to end up becoming him when he was older he could tell instinctively that something very bad had happened to him he carried the sadness around him like a shadow.

"No!" Harry answered more sharply than he'd intended, startling both of them. Professor Snape glared at him and spun on his heel, clearly the way he'd said that had offended him and brought back the old hatred. Harry sighed and lowered Sev to the ground "I'd better go deal with this wait here" Severus nodded watching him curiously as he approached the dark man who was meant to be him.

"Professor Harry called out only to be ignored "I'm sorry, please I didn't mean it like that"

"Really Potter" he said his voice as acidic as it had ever been in life, "because it certainly sounded to me like you resented the idea of him growing up to be me, guess you haven't entirely buried the past hey Potter?" he sneered "arrogant just like your father" he thought he heard him mutter.

Harry looked at him in shock "no that's not it at all. Look, I know we didn't get along well before and I'm only just now coming to terms with who you are and beginning to appreciate the brilliant, brave creative genius that you are"

Snape snorted derisively at that, clearly not believing it "no really I mean it whether or not you believe me" Harry insisted angrily, "I really respect you and I want to honour you for everything you've done Sir but Severus deserves better than to grow up with that legacy hanging over him don't you think?"

Snape still seemed to be largely ignoring him, so he decided to try another tactic "tell me something do you want Severus to grow up like you? Alone, bullied and shunned by virtually everyone, neglected, abused" he said coming up behind him emphasising each word and he could see the impact it had on the man, he visibly winced at each word, clearly it was painful to be reminded of his own childhood.

He eventually snapped and span round angrily, causing Harry to back away "of course not! No one deserves to go through that"

"Even me?" Harry asked before looking away, causing him to pause. Snape looked at him in shock before recovering himself.

He leaned down and gently lifted Harry's chin "especially you" Harry looked away unable to meet his eye " listen, Potter, I mean Harry if I'd have known sooner I would have done something maybe not publicly but I would not have allowed you to return there. As it was I only began to realise the truth when I saw it in our Occlumency lessons, it took time for me to believe what I was seeing was true" he sighed "by that time the damage had been done, we both loathed each other, I believed our relationship was broken beyond repair and we both had our roles to play it was too late to change things between us."

"It's ok we were both blinded by our own hate, I thought the worst of you as well" Harry said wiping his eyes.

"Potter, I was not blind" he warned but one look at Harry's face stopped him in his tracks "alright I was blind as well, I saw only what I expected to"

"Right, look, we're getting off track. What I was trying to say is Severus is a part of you but you are not the same person, not anymore, you may have been him once but he is changing and I am determined he is going to grow up to be happy, he will have the life you always should have had first time round, he deserves the chance to live his own life. You played an important part in my life and in the war, I want him to know about you but he doesn't deserve to grow up burdened by your legacy weighing him down"

"You would raise him even knowing he is me and after all, I did to you?" Snape asked incredulously.

Harry turned to him eyes burning "yes I would, he's an innocent, traumatised child who needs a loving family, a family that I'm more than willing to provide and love that I want to give him, he's like a son to me. I would do this for you as well Severus if I could, you both deserve a second chance at life and happiness regardless of what you may think, you made mistakes that does not make you a bad person and does not mean you do not deserve forgiveness or a second chance"

He looked at him glowering in annoyance before smiling and shaking his head "well we will have to agree to disagree on that front however it appears I have misjudged you, Potter, much as it pains me to say it you are a far better man than your father in fact you remind me much more of your mother you certainly have her kind heart" he told a gobsmacked Harry.

He put a hand on his arm "thank you, you have no idea how much that means to me" he said sincerely, Snape nodded curtly and Harry knew how hard it had been for him to say that.

They approached Severus who had been watching them with interest "sorry about that Severus. What I meant was that he is not you, not anymore. He will always be a part of you, but think of him more like a close relative like an Uncle" at Severus's puzzled expression, he rubbed his brow, trying to think how to explain it so he would understand.

"The man you see here is a result of the many decisions he has made over the course of his life, you have a chance to shape your own future to be whatever you like"

"He is correct. I have not had a good life, I've made poor choices and paid the price for them. I do not know what has happened but you have been given a second chance, that is a wonderful blessing, use it have a happy life do not make the same mistakes I did" the man said sternly before smiling at him.

Sev looked from one to the other in astonished confusion "but how, how will I know? Will I see you again?" He asked, turning to the man in black who was meant to be him.

"I will be here, it seems I will always be a part of you" he said touching the boy's cheek tentatively.

Suddenly something occurred to him, he knows he has asked other people and been given an answer but he felt the need to confirm it from this man who knows him better than anyone "she's really gone isn't she?"

Snape looks at him in confusion, he can't surely mean Lily he's too young to have met her so there can only be one other woman who he would care about enough to ask about, his mother he thinks as his heart clenched for this boy in memory of her, he looked at Harry for confirmation, he appeared to understand and nodded.

He turned back to Severus "your mother?" he nodded sadly, he sighed wondering how he could break it to him "yes, she's gone, she died a long time ago." The boy appeared to be prepared for that answer but is clearly still upset at the confirmation "I know it's hard. Our mother was a brilliant woman, she was a very talented witch, she taught me all I know about potions, and I got my passion for them from her. She loved us with all her heart and cared a great deal about us, she was just unfortunate that she married the wrong man. Don't ever forget how much she loved you" he told him as he tried hard to be brave and stifle his tears.

"So it's true, I'm an orphan, I'm all alone" he replied sadly.

"Hardly" Snape snorted, they looked at him questioningly, and he rolled his eyes before continuing, "you clearly have a lot of people who care about you who will act as a surrogate family."

"He's right, you've got a lot of people who care about you and you've got me" Harry said firmly, "and I would very much like to take care of you if you'll have me that is?"

"Like a parent?" Sev asked looking up hopefully.

"Yes, very much like a parent or a guardian if you'd prefer it's up to you." Harry assured him, hoping he'd be able to do a better job than Sev's parents or his aunt and uncle for that matter. Sev burrowed his head into his chest in response, he could feel him nod his head and took that to be his acceptance as he lifted him up.

"Well it appears that you already have a family to guide you to make good decisions, something I found myself lacking, I trust that you will make good use of this chance and not do anything stupid like I did" Professor Snape told him, smiling.

"I'll try. Will I be able to talk to you again?"

Harry interjected, lifting Sev in his arms once again, comforting him "I certainly hope you will" at Snape's inquiring look he continued "we intend to use your memories to create and animate a painting of you in the Headmaster's office, so you see Sev, you'll be able to talk to him any time you like."

Snape looked lost for words "I don't know what to say, you do me a great honour, I don't deserve this."

"You deserve it more than most, after all, you have done for us all " Harry insisted firmly, cutting him off before he could protest, "and no amount of self-deprecating speeches will convince me otherwise, so you're just going to have to accept it" he informed him sternly before smiling.

"Well it appears even in death I am stuck with you Potter" he smirked winking at Sev.

"Wouldn't have it any other way Sir" Harry replied cheekily.

"I'll miss you" Sev said tears starting to fall.

Harry, with Sev in his arms, embraced the older man, who had once been his teacher, in one last hug before reluctantly pulling apart "now I think it's time for you to wake up mister" he told Severus who waved shyly at the older man "take care of yourself Severus"

"And you Mr Potter, Mr Snape" he acknowledged with a last smile, bowing to them stiffly before fading away.

Harry woke first and looked down at the little boy who appeared to be still sleeping peacefully in his lap. He shook him gently, till his eyes started to flutter open and he stared up at him in confusion "Severus are you ok? How do you feel?"

He thought about it for a moment, he felt somehow lighter and more at peace "good" he stated although he couldn't help feeling as though there was something he'd forgotten.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief before turning to the Doctor "did it work?"

He smiled and nodded, holding up several small vials full of the same gaseous substance he had seen Professor Snape expel in his final moments. They both stared in fascination at the vials "I removed all these memories that didn't belong, I am certain that you shall be sleeping much better from now" he said addressing the last part to Severus before looking intently at Harry "the boy has suffered a lot of trauma already in his young life, I would suggest making some appointments with a mind healer, I would be happy to continue working with him if you'd like?"

Harry looked at Severus "what do you think Severus?" he shrugged, this Dr had seemed alright and he was feeling much better, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to see someone about the trauma in his life.

"If I may add my own two cents, it may be difficult at first talking about your experiences but we are used to working with children and making the experience enjoyable and I believe it will be beneficial in the long run for you to overcome your demons and starting at a young age will be far better than burying these emotions"

Severus felt all eyes on him, and he wasn't sure now whether he wanted to talk about his past, but the Dr did make it sound like it might be fun and not scary "uh I guess could give it a go" he conceded.

This answer seemed to please them "at a boy, I'm proud of you" Harry praised him.

"Very good, I'll get an appointment set up for you. In the meantime if there are any problems, please do not hesitate to contact me" he said getting up to shake their hands.

That night, as Severus was settling down for the night after going through their normal ritual, he realised what he'd forgotten, he and Harry had left that strange man in his mind without a care in the world. He wondered what had happened to him, was he still there, was he ok? He decided to check and called out in his mind.

"Professor Snape?" he waited and there was no response, he began to panic, what if he wasn't there? Sure the man was a bit scary and intimidating, but at the same time, he somehow radiated an aura of calm from him.

Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, there came a reply "child? Are you alright? What's wrong?" the voice sounded concerned.

He breathed a sigh of relief, he was still there "I'm fine, I just wanted to check you were still there"

"Of course, I am still here foolish child" the voice said sounding slightly exasperated but also with a touch of fondness like a parent "I am afraid you are stuck with me whether you like it or not. Now try to get some sleep"

Severus gulped, feeling slightly nervous for the first time since he woke up "what's wrong?" "Uh it's nothing" he replied twiddling his fingers not wanting to admit he was still a bit scared to go to sleep after all the nightmares he'd had the past week.

Apparently, he didn't need to say anything though "I see. Do not worry child, I will protect you and guard you against bad dreams now sleep" the voice told him softly and he felt waves of calm energy engulfing him, he had the vaguest sense of his presence, of his dark soft robes and the smell of dried aromatic herbs that reminded him of his mother and he knew he meant it when he said that he'd protect him against bad dreams.

Severus smiled as he felt himself nodding off. He was glad he would be there with him, right now he felt like the luckiest boy ever, something he'd never expected to say. Not only did he have Harry and Hermione who were kind of like a Mum and Dad but he had all the Professors and all Harry's friends who were like Aunt's and Uncle's like one big family and not only that but now he had a very special guardian who he knew would always be with him watching over him and guarding him from harm. He went to sleep finally feeling happy and content. When he woke the next morning it was too bright warm sunlight streaming in through the window, he felt well rested and realised that he'd slept all the way through the night without any bad dreams, he grinned thinking that it had been the best night's sleep he could remember having in a long while.

Severus was waiting nervously, he'd dressed in some of his best clothes slacks and a smart pair of shoes with a deep green shirt and a robe that was dark blue verging on black. Today was the day when Harry had told him that they were going to visit his best friend and their family and he couldn't help but feel nervous.

It was true that he'd been gradually getting used to meeting new people and he enjoyed spending time with his new family helping and learning from his Aunt Poppy when he had a check-up, watching his Uncle Fillius entertain him by animating simple objects like the tea service to dance, or tea and shortbread biscuits with his Aunt Minnie or Sprout who both spoiled him rotten when they weren't showing him new spells or letting him help out in the greenhouse with Harry's friend Neville. Hagrid had even introduced him to some more creatures such as the Bowtruckles and Fairies who'd eventually been brave enough to climb all over him or in the case of the Fairy's flitter about only to tease him by flying out of reach when he got close enough to touch them.

But even though he'd made great strides, he was still naturally very shy and withdrawn, and the Weasley family sounded like they were quite large and boisterous. The prospect of meeting such a large family all at once was scary and more than a little bit overwhelming and he hoped that they were all friendly. He'd felt too queasy to eat much at breakfast and knowing that they would be flooing there had made him think that maybe eating lots of food wasn't the best idea in case he couldn't keep it down and embarrassed himself.

"Severus?" he turned startled by the soft voice. It was Harry standing there equally smartly dressed, he smiled at him and Severus managed a nervous smile back. "You ready sport?" he turned and ran to his bed. He wasn't sure if he needed any toys to keep him entertained but he didn't want to go anywhere without his teddy to cuddle.

Harry smiled at his antics and held out a hand for the nervous boy, he squeezed it comfortingly as they made their way to the fireplace in their quarters. Hermione was there waiting for them and gave him a reassuring smile. Harry knelt to pick him up thinking it would be much safer to floo with Severus in his arms so he didn't get lost like he had the first time he'd used the floo and ended up in Knockturn Alley by mistake plus it would offer him some much-needed reassurance. He knew Severus was understandably nervous about meeting so many new people but he hoped that it would be a good thing for him once he got used to it, the Weasley's were after all a very loving family once you got used to them.

Severus cuddled up close to Harry watching as the flames whooshed and turned green, he burrowed his head into his chest as he spoke their destination "The Burrow" and tried to ignore the slightly nauseous sensation he felt as he stepped through and they spun away somewhere new. He heard voices in the distance as Harry stepped aside to let Hermione come through "oh look they're here" more words he couldn't make out and then the same voice, a woman's voice he realised "Harry dear you're here, let me have a look at you" she exclaimed as harry rubbed his back comfortingly.

Harry gently placed him on the floor and he looked up. He realised there were several people now stood around them, he backed up, moving closer to the safety of Harry's leg where he could observe them from a safer distance.

Harry saw the Weasley matriarch coming over to greet him with her arms wide open, and decided that he'd better set Severus down for the minute, lest he be caught up in a bone-crushing hug as well. "Hi Mrs Weasley, I hope you're ok, sorry for visiting sooner, how're you coping" he said as she embraced him in a warm motherly hug, he allowed himself to relax into the embrace.

"Nonsense dear, we all understand you've had a lot to deal with, the important thing is that you're here now" she said before moving on to greet Hermione. He looked down and saw Severus peering out from behind his leg. He caught his eye and opened his arms so he could lift him up again giving him a better view of the people around him.

Severus looked around examining the woman first. She was a plump woman with rosy cheeks and short red hair and she was dressed like many of the women he'd known in Spinner's End in a simple dress with a pinny over it. When she spotted him she immediately came back to greet him "and you must be Severus, we've been looking forward to meeting you dear" she said warmly moving in as though to hug him or pinch his cheek, he shied away in fright not quite ready for that sort of physical contact. He looked and noticed the woman looked quite shocked and a little upset at his reaction and he instantly felt guilty and ashamed of himself for being so scared.

"Now then Molly leave the lad alone, he's clearly shy and not quite ready for that yet" another voice interrupted. This one was a man's voice and he looked up to see a middle-aged man with short thinning red hair and a kindly lined face dressed casually in a shirt and cardigan approach and place a restraining hand on her shoulder. He lowered himself so he was at his eye level and smiled reassuringly at him "hi there I'm Arthur and this is my wife Molly. You must be Severus?" he asked, Severus nodded, feeling slightly reassured by his calm voice, he offered him his hand, Severus hesitated before shaking it. "Sorry if my wife shocked you, I know this must all be a bit much to take in but we're really hoping you'll have a good time here"

He gave him a moment to take that in before continuing, "These are my children" he said indicating a group of redheads, five boys and two girls who stood off behind him, looking at him with various expressions varying from shocked gawking to neutral and smiling faces. The girl noticed the way her brother was staring at him open-mouthed and stood on his foot, he glared at her, she whispered something to him before he blushed looking away contritely.

"Do you want me to introduce you to them?" the man asked. Severus considered then nodded "alright this is my eldest son Bill and his wife Fleur. Bill works as a curse breaker for Gringotts" he told him.

The tallest of the boys stepped forward, he was dressed smartly and had long hair that went down behind his shoulders. He was quite handsome Severus thought until he got closer and he saw that the left side of his face was disfigured with what looked like two long claw marks that ran diagonally down his cheek and some smaller marks around his eye. His mouth dropped open in awe and he tried not to gape at him, suddenly he was all the more impressive for his scars, curse-breaking must be dangerous work he thought. Apparently, the man didn't mind him staring as he smiled at him pleasantly before offering him his hand "hi Severus nice to meet you" he greeted. Severus hesitantly shook his hand.

Next, the woman who was his wife came up. He thought she was very pretty with long blonde hair and soft-looking skin. She smiled pleasantly at him before greeting him in what he thought was a french accent "hello Severus, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"This is Charlie, he works with dragons in Romania" Arthur continued introducing his next son.

Severus looked up and was if anything even more in awe of the next man. He also had long hair like his brother but his was tied back in a neat ponytail. He wore clothes that looked to be both practical and hard-wearing with a metal pendant of a curled-up dragon with an emerald green eye hanging down and a bandolier slung across his chest that appeared to be full of useful tools and ingredients. The short-sleeved top that he wore exposed his arms, which were broad and well-muscled, and like his face were tanned and weather-beaten and littered with faded scars presumably where he'd been bit or burnt by the dragons. "Hey little dragonlet, nice to meet you" he greeted cheerfully offering him his calloused hand to shake, Severus blushed at the endearment as he shook his hand.

"This is Percy, he works with me at the ministry"

Severus frowned, this next one was smartly dressed and had a frizzy head of curly red hair, he seemed more serious and reserved but nonetheless, he held out his hand and greeted him in a very proper manner "pleasure to make your acquaintance"

"This is George he runs a joke shop"

Severus examined him as he walked over somewhat wearily, he didn't look like the sort of person who made a living selling jokes. He was smartly dressed with short red hair and he looked very tired and sad he thought. Still, he attempted a smile "hey squirt nice to meet you" he said and he sensed there was a more mischievous side to him buried below the surface.

"This is our youngest son Ronald"

The boy approached seemingly begrudgingly and Severus recognised him as the one who'd been gawking at him before in apparent shock only now he appeared to be scowling. He had shoulder-length hair and appeared to be a similar age to Harry and he wondered if the two were good friends. Reluctantly, it seemed he held out his hand "hey nice to meet you" he mumbled seemingly slightly shocked that Severus actually shook his hand, he looked up at something beyond Severus before looking more sheepish and beating a hasty retreat.

Finally, Arthur introduced the last of them "and this is my youngest, our only daughter Ginerva"

He looked at her, she was pretty with long red hair and brown eyes. He was suddenly reminded of another pretty girl with fiery red hair and green eyes. He was positive that he personally hadn't met her but felt irrationally strong feelings for her. He shook himself out of it wondering if that was one of the Professor's memories, he'd have to ask him about it. She smiled mischievously at him before speaking kindly "hi Severus nice to meet you" she whispered more quietly "oh and you can call me Ginny" she added winking. He decided he liked her as well.

Ginny walked away waving to him and Mrs Weasley slowly approached, looking embarrassed and dabbing her eyes with a hanky "I just wanted to apologise for earlier, I didn't mean to startle you, I guess I'm just used to mothering people and well my own brood are so rowdy and boisterous and I forgot that you may be a bit more sensitive"

Severus felt decidedly embarrassed now about his earlier outburst "it's ok really, I'm sorry I reacted like that."

Harry decided to interject "he's much better than he was when we found him but he's still not used to much physical contact, I'm sure it was nothing personal, you must have startled him, you're a great mother."

"Thank you dear" she said to Harry, "well I guess I'd better get lunch ready" she said before turning to Severus. "I hope someday you will allow me to show you some affection" he nodded blushing he would like that if he could ever get over his anxiety about being touched. She seemed a world away from his own mother who had been very withdrawn.

Harry was relieved to get that out of the way. Now that was sorted he switched his attention back on Ron. Whilst his friend hadn't been actively hostile or said anything unpleasant, he hadn't liked the way he'd been gawking and glaring at Severus and he was sure that he'd picked up on the silent tension. He decided it was time to nip this in the bud before it got out of hand.

He put Severus down and knelt in front of him, he'd noticed how he seemed to be in awe of the oldest Weasley's Bill and Charlie and thought they'd be able to distract him while he had a word with Ron "hey you ok Severus? Bit overwhelming huh?" he looked up and nodded "it's alright the Weasley's are nice, but they do take a bit of getting used to. Tell you what, I just want to go and have a quick chat with Ron, while I'm doing that why don't you go chat with Bill and Charlie? I'm sure they've got loads of good stories"

Severus bit his lip looking across the cosy room full of squishy mismatched furniture to where the two men were sitting idly chatting. He was torn, he did want to meet them as he was sure that they'd have exciting stories but he didn't particularly want to leave Harry who was like a safety net.

Hermione, who'd been standing nearby the whole time and was listening, decided to help Harry out "Tell you what why don't I come with you?" She said he looked up and decided that would be an acceptable compromise as she gently ushered him away. Harry smiled gratefully at her.

"Hey little man you alright?" Bill greeted him.

Severus stood looking at them with awe before Hermione decided to intervene "Harry thought he may like to hear some of your stories, I'm sure you've had loads of adventures you can share with him?"

The brothers looked at each other before sharing a knowing smile "I'm sure we can oblige. Say Severus have you ever heard about the time Harry had to battle a Hungarian Horntail?" Charlie asked Severus shook his head intrigued.

Harry watched as the two men greeted Severus enthusiastically and Ginny also made her way over, sitting down next to Hermione. He grimaced as he overheard them mentioning his name, Severus would be fine after all Bill and Charlie as the eldest of the brothers had plenty of experience looking after and entertaining young children.

Harry approached his best friend "hey Ron, can we have a word?" he asked.

Ron looked up at him "sure" he said as Harry led the way outside and sat down on the bench outside, "so how are you coping? I'm sorry I haven't been in touch but things have been a bit hectic"

"Ok I guess, I still can't believe he's really gone, the place feels empty without him" he said sighing.

"Yeah, it seems strange seeing George there without Fred. How's he coping?"

"He still seems a bit shellshocked, guess it must have hit him harder seeing as how close they were. I might see if he'll take me on at the joke shop over the summer, at least if he gets back to inventing and selling things it'll take his mind off things" Harry nodded his agreement, he'd noticed how despondent he looked and hoped Ron was right and that going back to the shop didn't bring back to many bad memories.

There was awkward silence for a few moments before Harry spoke "I actually wanted to talk to you Severus"

Ron looked up "I still can't believe you're looking after Snape after everything that git did to you"

Harry sighed he knew this wasn't going to be easy "Ron he's not Snape" at his disbelieving look he amended "not anymore, he doesn't remember being an adult. He's just an innocent traumatised boy, it's not fair to judge him for things he doesn't remember. Besides, I don't hate Snape anymore. Seeing his memories and him lying there dying kind of puts a new perspective on things, he saved my life more times than any of us ever realised and all in secret and did we ever thank him? No all this time he's been protecting us while everyone hated him and I always thought the worst of him I never even bothered getting to know him"

Ron looked at him before biting his lip "Harry, I'm sorry, it's just hard not to think of him as Snape after everything" he shook his head "I just can't believe you're adopting Snape" he said voice still full of disbelief.

"Firstly he's Severus not Snape" Harry corrected him "second Snape had a miserable life and a miserable childhood, just like me I'm determined that Severus won't have to go through that again, I owe it to him. He needs a family who'll give him all the love, care and attention he deserves just like you and your family did for me. He has a chance to grow up and be a much better person than Snape without living in his shadow but the more he's surrounded by people comparing him to Snape and hating him without getting to know him the more chance there is that he'll grow up to be bitter and learn not to trust people just like Snape did"

"You're my best friend Ron, I don't want to have to choose between the two of you but I'm not going to expose him to people who are going to be insensitive or thoughtless or judge him based upon Snape's actions. I'm not going to let him grow up like that again, I won't tolerate it, he doesn't need people shattering his confidence like that when I've worked so hard to build it up. Think about that Ron, look at how happy your family is to see him, you wouldn't want to deny them that chance to spend time with him? Please don't make me choose between you"

Ron sat in silence thinking about what Harry had said. All week since his parents had told him that Snape was back and that Harry was looking after him, he'd been trying to get his head around it, he just couldn't believe that he'd willingly adopt Snape after everything he'd put him through and then when he'd seen the boy he'd been so shocked he just couldn't help but stare the resemblance was so striking that at first glance he looked like a mini Snape. But what Harry said made a lot of sense he supposed he was just a little kid, a child who'd seemed nervous of meeting them all. He didn't act like Snape he thought, he was even likeable if he was being honest with himself.

It wouldn't be easy to forget about Snape but if Harry could manage to forgive him he supposed he could try as well. Harry was right he could see how much of a difference the child had made already, how his parents and his brothers and sister's faces had lit up when they'd seen him, with the war and the loss of Fred he'd not seen his mother smile like that in a long time, she always was at her best when she had someone to mother. Could he really deny them that, the chance to have someone else to shower with affection over an old grudge?

"Look Harry mate, I don't know what to say, I guess you're right, I'll try ok?"

He looked up, Harry smiled at him "that's all I ask, just give him a chance and be open-minded" he nodded.

Harry headed in and found Charlie telling Severus about Hagrid's dragon Norbert. He was happy to just stand there and watch, Bill and Charlie would definitely be good role models for him. Eventually, Severus became aware of his presence and looked up, "Hey little man, having a good time?"

"Uh huh, Bill was telling me all about some of the curses he's broken, he says he's even seen a real-life mummy and Charlie was telling me all about some of the dragons he's looked after, did you know Hagrid tried to raise one once?"

He couldn't help but smile at that "yes I do I was there, it was quite the experience"

"I still can't believe he won a dragon egg in a card game" Hermione commented.

"Or that he had a Cereberus name Fluffy" Ron added.

"Don't forget Aragog" Harry pointed out.

"Don't remind me, that spider still gives me nightmares, follow the spiders he said, whose great idea was that?" Ron moaned, shuddering. Harry and Hermione smiled at his reaction while Severus just looked blankly between them.

Shortly after that, they were called over for lunch. Severus sat down next to Harry and looked at the table and he couldn't believe his eyes. There was so much food he couldn't believe it there were all manner of salads and pies and freshly baked bread that was still warm and he could tell it was all homemade. It smelled good he thought as Harry helped him fill his plate, it tasted good too, better than anything he was used to not that Hogwarts cooking wasn't good, but there was something about homecooked food he thought as the adults chatted around him.

After lunch, they all decided to go flying and headed out into the garden to fetch the brooms. Severus looked around in amazement at the expansive grounds, it wasn't like the grounds of some posh manor but there was a wide expanse of lawn in front of the house and he could see an orchard beyond that and a vegetable garden around one side full of useful plants and pens full of animals as well. It looked perfect for a child to play and explore he thought. Suddenly his ears picked up voices, he turned to where the sound was coming from and saw Harry with the younger Weasley's who were walking over to a shed, intrigued he wandered over listening to the conversation.

"You fancy a game of Quidditch Harry?" one of the redheads asked, he wondered what Quidditch was like he'd only vaguely heard the name from his mother.

"Uh yeah sure it's been a while since I've played a game be good to get back up there" Harry replied casually.

"I'm surprised you haven't got the tyke up on a broom yet, I would have thought it'd be the first thing you'd do with them" someone else said as they started passing brooms out.

Harry laughed "I've been meaning to, I even got him his own broom and practise Quidditch set I just haven't had the chance to teach him yet and I left his broom back at Hogwarts"

"Maybe you could have a go while you're here unless you want to do it somewhere more private"

"Yeah, I'm sure we've got one back here he could use, I think Mum kept all our old ones" there was the sound of rummaging "here we are see" Bill said passing out a much smaller ancient looking broom "it's seen a lot of use this one, I think we all learnt on it at some point, it's no Nimbus but it still flies alright"

Harry examined it with interest "brill, I'll see what he thinks later if he's up for it"

They made their way down to the makeshift quidditch pitch, which wasn't anywhere near the scale of the one he'd seen at Hogwarts, but was still impressive, then split up into teams. Harry and Ginny acted as captains and seekers, Ron was playing keeper along with Bill and George and Charlie were acting as beaters and with a bit of persuasion, they managed to convince Percy and Fleur to fill in as chasers.

Arthur, who was acting as the referee, spotted Severus watching and came over "this your first time?" he nodded, Arthur smiled reassuringly "I'm sure you'll love it, why don't you go sit with Molly and Hermione, they'll look after you" he did as he suggested, and went over to where they'd set up a picnic blanket.

He watched as Arthur released the balls and the players rose into the air while Hermione explained the different balls and what each person did. It was quite interesting watching them play, Fleur seemed to be doing the better job as chaser but Ron clearly knew what he was doing as keeper and Percy although not as athletic was quite competitive with his siblings then again Bill wasn't exactly a slouch either but he seemed to not to have played in a while and a few balls got in. Charlie was well buit for hitting the bludgers back at the opposing team but not as good as George who was on fire. Then there was Ginny and Harry flying above everyone, they almost seemed as though they were teasing each other or playing an ariel game of tag constantly looking out for that flash of gold that was the snitch. The game continued in that fashion for a while until he spotted something glinting in the distance, Harry and Ginny must have spotted it too as they both flew after it from opposite sides of the pitch, suddenly the smiles were gone, Harry's face was intent and serious as he flew low on the broom and dove after the snitch with Ginny hot on his tail, it was neck and neck. Severus watched riveted he couldn't predict who would reach it first but Harry flew like it was second nature and plucked it out of the sky even as Ginny fingers brushed against him.

That was it, the game was over and Harry's team piled on him congratulating him as his catch had put them ahead. Severus ran over as Harry laughed with the others and complimented Ginny on her flying, it had been an amazing first game and he couldn't believe how well Harry had played. "Harry!"

"Hey, Sev you enjoy that?" he said catching him and lifting him in his arms.

"It was great, you were amazing, you all were" he amended.

"That's our Harry for you, youngest seeker in over a century"

"Did you know he almost swallowed his first snitch?" George told him proudly.

Severus shook his head "you want to have a go at flying?" someone asked him "uh"

Harry picked up on his nervousness "tell you what why don't I take you up on my broom?" he offered.

He looked up at him "I won't fall off?" he asked.

"Nope, I'll have my arms around you so you won't be able to fall and I can use a sticking charm on you to make doubly sure you won't fall. We won't have to go to fast or too high if you don't feel comfortable"

"Ok" he agreed nervously allowing Harry to stick him on the broom he'd been using in front of him. He waved his wand muttering an incantation and Severus suddenly found that no matter how much he tried to wriggle about that he couldn't actually get up, it really was as though his bum was stuck to the broom he thought feeling a tad bit uncomfortable.

Then Harry sat down behind him, he felt his bigger legs around his own and his chest supporting his back, Harry's strong arms wrapped themselves around him as he gripped the broom. "Ready?" he asked kindly, Severus looked up at him and nodded, he was as ready as he'd ever be to fly on a wooden stick, this was it he thought.

He shut his eyes as Harry commanded the broom up into the air and he felt the strange sensation of drifting up into the air "you alright there Severus?" he heard Harry asking him. He slowly opened his eyes and took in the view, the Quidditch pitch and all the people down below looking more like his little figures than real people, the garden and the higgldy pickldy construction of the Burrow standing precariously nearby and the rolling countryside and green fields beyond leading down into the village, a settlement dotted with tiny cottages. It was amazing the landscape stretched as far as the eye could see.

"Quite something huh?" he looked up and nodded, it certainly was, "You want to go for a ride around the block?" Harry offered.

"Ok" he agreed quietly.

"Alright, hang on" Harry instructed before leaning forward, the broom reacted instantly to him, propelling them both forward. It was hardly the fastest broom in the world but nonetheless, Severus gasped at the speed they picked up as the wind ruffled his hair and caused his clothes to flap in the breeze, it could have been scary or even made him feel sick watching the countryside pass by in a blur but with Harry's arms wrapped around him, he felt secure and suddenly grateful for the sticking charm. It was actually quite exhilarating he thought as Harry flew them lower, passing so close to the trees that he could almost reach out and touch them

He couldn't see Harry's face but he could tell he was a natural flyer and thought that he must surely be enjoying this every bit as much as he did, flying made him feel free in a way nothing else had the power to and yet all too soon it came to an end as Harry brought them in drifting lower and lower until the broom was almost touching the ground. He dismounted before removing the sticking charm and giving him a hand off "enjoy that?"

He smiled at him and his whole face lit up beaming and slightly pink from being up so high "it was brilliant, can we do that again?"

"Sure, we've got a whole load of brooms at Hogwarts and here at the Burrow, we'll have you flying your own broom in no time my little speed demon" he said smiling encouragingly and squeezing his shoulder.

Harry noticed Ginny watching him as they made their way inside and he realised that he hadn't exactly had a chance to talk to her alone for a long time, even when he returned to Hogwarts he'd been so overwhelmed with people wanting to greet him that they hadn't exactly had any time alone to talk with everything else going on.

He decided to rectify that and approached her, she'd changed a lot in the space of almost a year it had been since he'd last talked to her before setting off on the hunt for Horcruxes but she was still as beautiful as ever, he gulped summoning up the courage he needed, surely if he could face death and defeat Voldemort surely talking to a girl was nothing "hey Ginny, can we talk?"

She looked up at him and smiled "sure" she said leading the way up to her bedroom. They sat on her bed and Harry nervously tried to think how to start the conversation. Eventually Ginny spoke "so did you miss me?" she asked.

Harry looked up startled "what? Of course, I did, there wasn't a day that went by when I didn't think of you"

"Really cause it sure felt as though you'd forgotten all about me" she said pretending to be insulted.

"Ginny, I could never forget about you" he said putting his hands on hers, "it's just things have been pretty hectic lately."

"Yeah, I know, I can see that" she said smiling mischievously at him, "you and Hermione certainly seem to be quite close now" she added watching his reaction carefully.

"Yeah well we spent a lot of time together just the three of us this past year, we kind of had to learn to rely on each other to survive and well Severus really likes her. They get along really well and she's been a great help looking after him, I think she reminds him of his mother"

"Yeah, I can see how that would work" she said thinking about how intelligent Professor Snape had been "I guess I could forgive you" she teased.

Harry smiled "so what do you think of him?"

It took her only a minute to realise who he meant "he's cute, a real character not at all like Professor Snape although I guess I see a little bit of his personality in there and those looks are hard to miss. You know he was hanging off Bill and Charlie's every word."

"Yeah, he's a good kid, you wouldn't believe how many people I have to remind that he's not Snape"

She nodded her agreement "so there's nothing going on between you two?"

"No, not at the minute anyway. Don't get me wrong I mean I like her and I've come to appreciate her a lot more but I guess I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about her. You've not been seeing anyone have you?" he asked with concern what if she'd forgotten him after so long apart.

She shrugged "not exactly been the ideal time to be seeing anyone with the war and Death Eaters practically running Hogwarts torturing everyone and half the students not even being allowed back. So what about us? Do you still love me?"

"Of course, I care a great deal about you, it's just ..."

"What?"

"Well I just think after everything that happened I just need some time to get back to normal and figure things out, I'm not sure I'm ready to go back into a relationship yet" he was met with silence and looked up at her "you understand right?"

"Of course, you're right I guess it would be a bit strange jumping straight back into things after everything that's happened" she said although he detected a slight hint of disappointment. He put his hand on her elbow till she looked up at him and smiled at her letting her know everything would be alright.

Meanwhile, while Harry was talking to Ginny Severus looked around and saw everyone was sitting in small groups talking to each other, well almost everyone. The man he'd noticed earlier (George he thought his name was) was all on his own and looking as despondent as ever.

He approached nervously and he looked up at him, attempting a smile "hey squirt what's up?"

Severus looked up solemnly "you look sad" he stated simply feeling concerned for him "are you ok?"

George looked at him in surprise before patting the seat of the well-worn sofa next to him. He waited until he'd seated himself before replying, "I guess you could say that. Has Harry told you about the battle?" he nodded "well me and my brother Fred fought in the battle."

Severus scrunched up his face in confusion, he couldn't remember Mr "Weasley mentioning someone called Fred. At his confused look, George continued to explain "Fred was my twin, he got hit while we were fighting, he didn't make it."

Severus looked at him in shock that explained it "oh, I'm sorry, you miss him don't you?" he asked already knowing the answer.

George laughed slightly, although it was a sad kind of a laugh "yeah I do. He was more than just my brother, it's like losing half of myself, we always used to joke about and bounce ideas off of each other, we always knew what the other one was thinking and finished each other's sentences, I feel lost without him" he admitted.

Severus put his small hand on his arm in a gesture of sympathy, he didn't know what it was like to have that kind of connection but he knew what it was like to lose someone you cared about and had a deep bond with "that must be hard, I lost my parents to"

George looked at him "yeah I heard about that, you must miss them huh?"

He shrugged "I guess, I miss my Mum but not my Dad"

"He didn't treat you so good huh?" George asked.

He shook his head "he hated me and Mum for having magic I think" he said, after years of confusion when he'd tried his best to please his father he was only just beginning to understand why he hated them, he didn't want to tell George about how his father came home drunk, shouting and swearing and hitting them.

George winced in sympathy, understanding what he was saying "that's rough kid. Still, you've got Harry now and I reckon he's going to be a pretty good Dad, he certainly seems very protective of you."

"Yeah" he didn't need anyone to tell him that he could already tell Harry was a world away from his father, he and Hermione and all his new extended family had already done so much for him.

"You know Harry's relatives didn't treat him so good either" George said thoughtfully.

"They didn't?" Severus asked, looking up in shock, he knew Harry had hinted that he hadn't had a good childhood and that he could relate to how he grew up but he'd never really gone into details discussing his childhood.

"Yeah he didn't like to talk about it either but we knew his relatives hated him for having magic. They treated him terribly, like a House Elf and even his bedroom was like a prison cell. We were so worried his first summer we went over and rescued him in Dad's flying car"

He looked at him horrified "you did? Wait, you have a flying car?" Severus asked in shock, he'd only ever heard of such things he'd never actually seen one.

"Yeah, we did, me and Fred and Ron. Unfortunately, we don't have a flying car anymore. Ron and Harry couldn't get on to the platform that year to board the train so instead of waiting for someone like our parents, they decided to fly it to school and then crashed it into the Whomping Willow. The car kind of went feral after that and disappeared into the Forbidden Forest. They almost got expelled for that I'll tell you, in fact, I'll bet they would have if Professor Snape had had his way, we all thought he was going to explode or chop them up and use them as potions ingredients that time"

Severus listened in shock he'd never heard that story before "you alright?" George asked him "yeah"

George followed his gaze to where he was looking at Ron with a frown on his face, he frowned to himself he knew what his brother could be like saying things without thinking and hoped he hadn't upset the little guy "he's not been bothering you has he? Cause if he has I can get him back for you"

"No he's been alright it's just earlier he didn't exactly seem happy to meet me and I don't know why it's not as though I've ever done anything to him, I haven't even met him before"

"Ah well, you see that's a bit complicated. You see Ron, with our Harry and Professor Snape didn't get on very well, in fact, I think it's fair to say they hated each other a lot of people did, he wasn't exactly Mr Popular. Me and Fred got on ok when we reached a sort of understanding, he saw that we were quite talented when we were motivated so he helped us with our experimental potions in secret and in return, we agreed to try not to get into trouble with him and to knuckle down in class. He must have saved us from blowing ourselves up several times over. I guess you must remind him of Snape"

Severus was surprised by this revelation "but Harry doesn't hate him now does he?"

"No Harry doesn't but Ron well let's just say it may take him a bit longer to get his head round it. Also, I think he's maybe a tad bit jealous seeing you spending so much time with Harry. The two of them and Hermione were best friends all throughout school having adventures and getting into trouble together, it must be strange for him seeing Harry suddenly growing up and spending so much time with you"

At Severus's sad face, he decided to try and cheer him up "don't worry about it, he'll come round when he realises you're not like Professor Snape, Ron may be an insensitive git at times but he generally doesn't mean any harm, his bark is worse than his bite. Besides" George added leaning in and whispering to him conspiratorially, "if he ever acts like a berk just let me know and I'll sort him out with one of my products" he said grinning mischievously.

"Your products?" Severus asked, feeling confused but grateful for his support.

"That's right, of course, you don't know about our joke shop do you?" he said feeling like an idiot for not realising it, Severus shook his head "me and my brother set up Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, the premier shop for all your joking needs" he announced like a consummate salesman announcing his wares and smiling broadly. Suddenly a thought occurred to him and he smiled a crafty smile "say Severus you like potions don't you?"

"Yeah" he said feeling a bit uneasy "my Mum, knew a lot about potions, she was just starting to teach me about ingredients and how to brew them" he explained "why? he asked suspiciously.

"Oh no reason, just I could use someone to help me out with brewing now Fred's gone. he looked at him appraisingly "I guess you're still a bit young, but maybe when you're older, if you ever want to help with brewing experimental potions, assuming, of course, Harry agrees to it."

Fortunately, Severus was saved from answering at that minute by a voice behind him "assuming Harry agrees to what?" causing both of them to look up and Severus to spin round to see Harry himself standing behind him.

"On nothing, just wondering if little Severus here might have inherited the old Snape talent for potion making and might be interested in helping me with brewing at some point when he's older of course, and with your permission" he added hastily.

"Yeah, maybe when he's older" Harry agreed knowing that Severus would probably jump at the chance to experiment with potions and that he was still far too young, particularly considering how volatile some of the twin's inventions could be. "Well, I think we'd best be going, it's getting late" he said smiling and putting a hand on his shoulder to emphasise the point.

"Alright bye, little Snape, good to meet you" George said before leaning closer and whispering to him, "Stop by our shop at some point and I'll show you some of our best products" he said grinning and winking mischievously.

They'd soon said their farewells to everyone and even Ron had made somewhat more of an effort to be friendly and attempted to smile at him when they got to the Mr and Mrs Weasley. He could tell Mrs Weasley was doing her best to hold back from touching him or hugging him "it was lovely seeing you all dear, Harry, Hermione, Severus, I hope you'll come by again soon" she said her gaze lingering on Severus.

"Of course, we'd love to, right Severus?"

"I'd like that" he agreed still feeling guilty about his averse reaction earlier "I'm sorry about earlier, I'll do better next time."

"Nonsense dear, no need to apologise it wasn't your fault you just take your time, no rush" he nodded.

Finally, they moved on to Mr Weasley who smiled at him "it was good to see you again Harry, Severus it was nice to meet you, at last, I hope we'll see you again soon"

Severus smiled and nodded his agreement, he liked the laid-back man.

Severus was waiting nervously, he'd dressed in some of his best clothes slacks and a smart pair of shoes with a deep green shirt and a robe that was dark blue verging on black. Today was the day when Harry had told him that they were going to visit his best friend and their family and he couldn't help but feel nervous.

It was true that he'd been gradually getting used to meeting new people and he enjoyed spending time with his new family helping and learning from his Aunt Poppy when he had a check-up, watching his Uncle Fillius entertain him by animating simple objects like the tea service to dance, or tea and shortbread biscuits with his Aunt Minnie or Sprout who both spoiled him rotten when they weren't showing him new spells or letting him help out in the greenhouse with Harry's friend Neville. Hagrid had even introduced him to some more creatures such as the Bowtruckles and Fairies who'd eventually been brave enough to climb all over him or in the case of the Fairy's flitter about only to tease him by flying out of reach when he got close enough to touch them.

But even though he'd made great strides, he was still naturally very shy and withdrawn, and the Weasley family sounded like they were quite large and boisterous. The prospect of meeting such a large family all at once was scary and more than a little bit overwhelming and he hoped that they were all friendly. He'd felt too queasy to eat much at breakfast and knowing that they would be flooing there had made him think that maybe eating lots of food wasn't the best idea in case he couldn't keep it down and embarrassed himself.

"Severus?" he turned startled by the soft voice. It was Harry standing there equally smartly dressed, he smiled at him and Severus managed a nervous smile back. "You ready sport?" he turned and ran to his bed. He wasn't sure if he needed any toys to keep him entertained but he didn't want to go anywhere without his teddy to cuddle.

Harry smiled at his antics and held out a hand for the nervous boy, he squeezed it comfortingly as they made their way to the fireplace in their quarters. Hermione was there waiting for them and gave him a reassuring smile. Harry knelt to pick him up thinking it would be much safer to floo with Severus in his arms so he didn't get lost like he had the first time he'd used the floo and ended up in Knockturn Alley by mistake plus it would offer him some much-needed reassurance. He knew Severus was understandably nervous about meeting so many new people but he hoped that it would be a good thing for him once he got used to it, the Weasley's were after all a very loving family once you got used to them.

Severus cuddled up close to Harry watching as the flames whooshed and turned green, he burrowed his head into his chest as he spoke their destination "The Burrow" and tried to ignore the slightly nauseous sensation he felt as he stepped through and they spun away somewhere new. He heard voices in the distance as Harry stepped aside to let Hermione come through "oh look they're here" more words he couldn't make out and then the same voice, a woman's voice he realised "Harry dear you're here, let me have a look at you" she exclaimed as harry rubbed his back comfortingly.

Harry gently placed him on the floor and he looked up. He realised there were several people now stood around them, he backed up, moving closer to the safety of Harry's leg where he could observe them from a safer distance.

Harry saw the Weasley matriarch coming over to greet him with her arms wide open, and decided that he'd better set Severus down for the minute, lest he be caught up in a bone-crushing hug as well. "Hi Mrs Weasley, I hope you're ok, sorry for visiting sooner, how're you coping" he said as she embraced him in a warm motherly hug, he allowed himself to relax into the embrace.

"Nonsense dear, we all understand you've had a lot to deal with, the important thing is that you're here now" she said before moving on to greet Hermione. He looked down and saw Severus peering out from behind his leg. He caught his eye and opened his arms so he could lift him up again giving him a better view of the people around him.

Severus looked around examining the woman first. She was a plump woman with rosy cheeks and short red hair and she was dressed like many of the women he'd known in Spinner's End in a simple dress with a pinny over it. When she spotted him she immediately came back to greet him "and you must be Severus, we've been looking forward to meeting you dear" she said warmly moving in as though to hug him or pinch his cheek, he shied away in fright not quite ready for that sort of physical contact. He looked and noticed the woman looked quite shocked and a little upset at his reaction and he instantly felt guilty and ashamed of himself for being so scared.

"Now then Molly leave the lad alone, he's clearly shy and not quite ready for that yet" another voice interrupted. This one was a man's voice and he looked up to see a middle-aged man with short thinning red hair and a kindly lined face dressed casually in a shirt and cardigan approach and place a restraining hand on her shoulder. He lowered himself so he was at his eye level and smiled reassuringly at him "hi there I'm Arthur and this is my wife Molly. You must be Severus?" he asked, Severus nodded, feeling slightly reassured by his calm voice, he offered him his hand, Severus hesitated before shaking it. "Sorry if my wife shocked you, I know this must all be a bit much to take in but we're really hoping you'll have a good time here"

He gave him a moment to take that in before continuing, "These are my children" he said indicating a group of redheads, five boys and two girls who stood off behind him, looking at him with various expressions varying from shocked gawking to neutral and smiling faces. The girl noticed the way her brother was staring at him open-mouthed and stood on his foot, he glared at her, she whispered something to him before he blushed looking away contritely.

"Do you want me to introduce you to them?" the man asked. Severus considered then nodded "alright this is my eldest son Bill and his wife Fleur. Bill works as a curse breaker for Gringotts" he told him.

The tallest of the boys stepped forward, he was dressed smartly and had long hair that went down behind his shoulders. He was quite handsome Severus thought until he got closer and he saw that the left side of his face was disfigured with what looked like two long claw marks that ran diagonally down his cheek and some smaller marks around his eye. His mouth dropped open in awe and he tried not to gape at him, suddenly he was all the more impressive for his scars, curse-breaking must be dangerous work he thought. Apparently, the man didn't mind him staring as he smiled at him pleasantly before offering him his hand "hi Severus nice to meet you" he greeted. Severus hesitantly shook his hand.

Next, the woman who was his wife came up. He thought she was very pretty with long blonde hair and soft-looking skin. She smiled pleasantly at him before greeting him in what he thought was a french accent "hello Severus, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"This is Charlie, he works with dragons in Romania" Arthur continued introducing his next son.

Severus looked up and was if anything even more in awe of the next man. He also had long hair like his brother but his was tied back in a neat ponytail. He wore clothes that looked to be both practical and hard-wearing with a metal pendant of a curled-up dragon with an emerald green eye hanging down and a bandolier slung across his chest that appeared to be full of useful tools and ingredients. The short-sleeved top that he wore exposed his arms, which were broad and well-muscled, and like his face were tanned and weather-beaten and littered with faded scars presumably where he'd been bit or burnt by the dragons. "Hey little dragonlet, nice to meet you" he greeted cheerfully offering him his calloused hand to shake, Severus blushed at the endearment as he shook his hand.

"This is Percy, he works with me at the ministry"

Severus frowned, this next one was smartly dressed and had a frizzy head of curly red hair, he seemed more serious and reserved but nonetheless, he held out his hand and greeted him in a very proper manner "pleasure to make your acquaintance"

"This is George he runs a joke shop"

Severus examined him as he walked over somewhat wearily, he didn't look like the sort of person who made a living selling jokes. He was smartly dressed with short red hair and he looked very tired and sad he thought. Still, he attempted a smile "hey squirt nice to meet you" he said and he sensed there was a more mischievous side to him buried below the surface.

"This is our youngest son Ronald"

The boy approached seemingly begrudgingly and Severus recognised him as the one who'd been gawking at him before in apparent shock only now he appeared to be scowling. He had shoulder-length hair and appeared to be a similar age to Harry and he wondered if the two were good friends. Reluctantly, it seemed he held out his hand "hey nice to meet you" he mumbled seemingly slightly shocked that Severus actually shook his hand, he looked up at something beyond Severus before looking more sheepish and beating a hasty retreat.

Finally, Arthur introduced the last of them "and this is my youngest, our only daughter Ginerva"

He looked at her, she was pretty with long red hair and brown eyes. He was suddenly reminded of another pretty girl with fiery red hair and green eyes. He was positive that he personally hadn't met her but felt irrationally strong feelings for her. He shook himself out of it wondering if that was one of the Professor's memories, he'd have to ask him about it. She smiled mischievously at him before speaking kindly "hi Severus nice to meet you" she whispered more quietly "oh and you can call me Ginny" she added winking. He decided he liked her as well.

Ginny walked away waving to him and Mrs Weasley slowly approached, looking embarrassed and dabbing her eyes with a hanky "I just wanted to apologise for earlier, I didn't mean to startle you, I guess I'm just used to mothering people and well my own brood are so rowdy and boisterous and I forgot that you may be a bit more sensitive"

Severus felt decidedly embarrassed now about his earlier outburst "it's ok really, I'm sorry I reacted like that."

Harry decided to interject "he's much better than he was when we found him but he's still not used to much physical contact, I'm sure it was nothing personal, you must have startled him, you're a great mother."

"Thank you dear" she said to Harry, "well I guess I'd better get lunch ready" she said before turning to Severus. "I hope someday you will allow me to show you some affection" he nodded blushing he would like that if he could ever get over his anxiety about being touched. She seemed a world away from his own mother who had been very withdrawn.

Harry was relieved to get that out of the way. Now that was sorted he switched his attention back on Ron. Whilst his friend hadn't been actively hostile or said anything unpleasant, he hadn't liked the way he'd been gawking and glaring at Severus and he was sure that he'd picked up on the silent tension. He decided it was time to nip this in the bud before it got out of hand.

He put Severus down and knelt in front of him, he'd noticed how he seemed to be in awe of the oldest Weasley's Bill and Charlie and thought they'd be able to distract him while he had a word with Ron "hey you ok Severus? Bit overwhelming huh?" he looked up and nodded "it's alright the Weasley's are nice, but they do take a bit of getting used to. Tell you what, I just want to go and have a quick chat with Ron, while I'm doing that why don't you go chat with Bill and Charlie? I'm sure they've got loads of good stories"

Severus bit his lip looking across the cosy room full of squishy mismatched furniture to where the two men were sitting idly chatting. He was torn, he did want to meet them as he was sure that they'd have exciting stories but he didn't particularly want to leave Harry who was like a safety net.

Hermione, who'd been standing nearby the whole time and was listening, decided to help Harry out "Tell you what why don't I come with you?" She said he looked up and decided that would be an acceptable compromise as she gently ushered him away. Harry smiled gratefully at her.

"Hey little man you alright?" Bill greeted him.

Severus stood looking at them with awe before Hermione decided to intervene "Harry thought he may like to hear some of your stories, I'm sure you've had loads of adventures you can share with him?"

The brothers looked at each other before sharing a knowing smile "I'm sure we can oblige. Say Severus have you ever heard about the time Harry had to battle a Hungarian Horntail?" Charlie asked Severus shook his head intrigued.

Harry watched as the two men greeted Severus enthusiastically and Ginny also made her way over, sitting down next to Hermione. He grimaced as he overheard them mentioning his name, Severus would be fine after all Bill and Charlie as the eldest of the brothers had plenty of experience looking after and entertaining young children.

Harry approached his best friend "hey Ron, can we have a word?" he asked.

Ron looked up at him "sure" he said as Harry led the way outside and sat down on the bench outside, "so how are you coping? I'm sorry I haven't been in touch but things have been a bit hectic"

"Ok I guess, I still can't believe he's really gone, the place feels empty without him" he said sighing.

"Yeah, it seems strange seeing George there without Fred. How's he coping?"

"He still seems a bit shellshocked, guess it must have hit him harder seeing as how close they were. I might see if he'll take me on at the joke shop over the summer, at least if he gets back to inventing and selling things it'll take his mind off things" Harry nodded his agreement, he'd noticed how despondent he looked and hoped Ron was right and that going back to the shop didn't bring back to many bad memories.

There was awkward silence for a few moments before Harry spoke "I actually wanted to talk to you Severus"

Ron looked up "I still can't believe you're looking after Snape after everything that git did to you"

Harry sighed he knew this wasn't going to be easy "Ron he's not Snape" at his disbelieving look he amended "not anymore, he doesn't remember being an adult. He's just an innocent traumatised boy, it's not fair to judge him for things he doesn't remember. Besides, I don't hate Snape anymore. Seeing his memories and him lying there dying kind of puts a new perspective on things, he saved my life more times than any of us ever realised and all in secret and did we ever thank him? No all this time he's been protecting us while everyone hated him and I always thought the worst of him I never even bothered getting to know him"

Ron looked at him before biting his lip "Harry, I'm sorry, it's just hard not to think of him as Snape after everything" he shook his head "I just can't believe you're adopting Snape" he said voice still full of disbelief.

"Firstly he's Severus not Snape" Harry corrected him "second Snape had a miserable life and a miserable childhood, just like me I'm determined that Severus won't have to go through that again, I owe it to him. He needs a family who'll give him all the love, care and attention he deserves just like you and your family did for me. He has a chance to grow up and be a much better person than Snape without living in his shadow but the more he's surrounded by people comparing him to Snape and hating him without getting to know him the more chance there is that he'll grow up to be bitter and learn not to trust people just like Snape did"

"You're my best friend Ron, I don't want to have to choose between the two of you but I'm not going to expose him to people who are going to be insensitive or thoughtless or judge him based upon Snape's actions. I'm not going to let him grow up like that again, I won't tolerate it, he doesn't need people shattering his confidence like that when I've worked so hard to build it up. Think about that Ron, look at how happy your family is to see him, you wouldn't want to deny them that chance to spend time with him? Please don't make me choose between you"

Ron sat in silence thinking about what Harry had said. All week since his parents had told him that Snape was back and that Harry was looking after him, he'd been trying to get his head around it, he just couldn't believe that he'd willingly adopt Snape after everything he'd put him through and then when he'd seen the boy he'd been so shocked he just couldn't help but stare the resemblance was so striking that at first glance he looked like a mini Snape. But what Harry said made a lot of sense he supposed he was just a little kid, a child who'd seemed nervous of meeting them all. He didn't act like Snape he thought, he was even likeable if he was being honest with himself.

It wouldn't be easy to forget about Snape but if Harry could manage to forgive him he supposed he could try as well. Harry was right he could see how much of a difference the child had made already, how his parents and his brothers and sister's faces had lit up when they'd seen him, with the war and the loss of Fred he'd not seen his mother smile like that in a long time, she always was at her best when she had someone to mother. Could he really deny them that, the chance to have someone else to shower with affection over an old grudge?

"Look Harry mate, I don't know what to say, I guess you're right, I'll try ok?"

He looked up, Harry smiled at him "that's all I ask, just give him a chance and be open-minded" he nodded.

Harry headed in and found Charlie telling Severus about Hagrid's dragon Norbert. He was happy to just stand there and watch, Bill and Charlie would definitely be good role models for him. Eventually, Severus became aware of his presence and looked up, "Hey little man, having a good time?"

"Uh huh, Bill was telling me all about some of the curses he's broken, he says he's even seen a real-life mummy and Charlie was telling me all about some of the dragons he's looked after, did you know Hagrid tried to raise one once?"

He couldn't help but smile at that "yes I do I was there, it was quite the experience"

"I still can't believe he won a dragon egg in a card game" Hermione commented.

"Or that he had a Cereberus name Fluffy" Ron added.

"Don't forget Aragog" Harry pointed out.

"Don't remind me, that spider still gives me nightmares, follow the spiders he said, whose great idea was that?" Ron moaned, shuddering. Harry and Hermione smiled at his reaction while Severus just looked blankly between them.

Shortly after that, they were called over for lunch. Severus sat down next to Harry and looked at the table and he couldn't believe his eyes. There was so much food he couldn't believe it there were all manner of salads and pies and freshly baked bread that was still warm and he could tell it was all homemade. It smelled good he thought as Harry helped him fill his plate, it tasted good too, better than anything he was used to not that Hogwarts cooking wasn't good, but there was something about homecooked food he thought as the adults chatted around him.

After lunch, they all decided to go flying and headed out into the garden to fetch the brooms. Severus looked around in amazement at the expansive grounds, it wasn't like the grounds of some posh manor but there was a wide expanse of lawn in front of the house and he could see an orchard beyond that and a vegetable garden around one side full of useful plants and pens full of animals as well. It looked perfect for a child to play and explore he thought. Suddenly his ears picked up voices, he turned to where the sound was coming from and saw Harry with the younger Weasley's who were walking over to a shed, intrigued he wandered over listening to the conversation.

"You fancy a game of Quidditch Harry?" one of the redheads asked, he wondered what Quidditch was like he'd only vaguely heard the name from his mother.

"Uh yeah sure it's been a while since I've played a game be good to get back up there" Harry replied casually.

"I'm surprised you haven't got the tyke up on a broom yet, I would have thought it'd be the first thing you'd do with them" someone else said as they started passing brooms out.

Harry laughed "I've been meaning to, I even got him his own broom and practise Quidditch set I just haven't had the chance to teach him yet and I left his broom back at Hogwarts"

"Maybe you could have a go while you're here unless you want to do it somewhere more private"

"Yeah, I'm sure we've got one back here he could use, I think Mum kept all our old ones" there was the sound of rummaging "here we are see" Bill said passing out a much smaller ancient looking broom "it's seen a lot of use this one, I think we all learnt on it at some point, it's no Nimbus but it still flies alright"

Harry examined it with interest "brill, I'll see what he thinks later if he's up for it"

They made their way down to the makeshift quidditch pitch, which wasn't anywhere near the scale of the one he'd seen at Hogwarts, but was still impressive, then split up into teams. Harry and Ginny acted as captains and seekers, Ron was playing keeper along with Bill and George and Charlie were acting as beaters and with a bit of persuasion, they managed to convince Percy and Fleur to fill in as chasers.

Arthur, who was acting as the referee, spotted Severus watching and came over "this your first time?" he nodded, Arthur smiled reassuringly "I'm sure you'll love it, why don't you go sit with Molly and Hermione, they'll look after you" he did as he suggested, and went over to where they'd set up a picnic blanket.

He watched as Arthur released the balls and the players rose into the air while Hermione explained the different balls and what each person did. It was quite interesting watching them play, Fleur seemed to be doing the better job as chaser but Ron clearly knew what he was doing as keeper and Percy although not as athletic was quite competitive with his siblings then again Bill wasn't exactly a slouch either but he seemed to not to have played in a while and a few balls got in. Charlie was well buit for hitting the bludgers back at the opposing team but not as good as George who was on fire. Then there was Ginny and Harry flying above everyone, they almost seemed as though they were teasing each other or playing an ariel game of tag constantly looking out for that flash of gold that was the snitch. The game continued in that fashion for a while until he spotted something glinting in the distance, Harry and Ginny must have spotted it too as they both flew after it from opposite sides of the pitch, suddenly the smiles were gone, Harry's face was intent and serious as he flew low on the broom and dove after the snitch with Ginny hot on his tail, it was neck and neck. Severus watched riveted he couldn't predict who would reach it first but Harry flew like it was second nature and plucked it out of the sky even as Ginny fingers brushed against him.

That was it, the game was over and Harry's team piled on him congratulating him as his catch had put them ahead. Severus ran over as Harry laughed with the others and complimented Ginny on her flying, it had been an amazing first game and he couldn't believe how well Harry had played. "Harry!"

"Hey, Sev you enjoy that?" he said catching him and lifting him in his arms.

"It was great, you were amazing, you all were" he amended.

"That's our Harry for you, youngest seeker in over a century"

"Did you know he almost swallowed his first snitch?" George told him proudly.

Severus shook his head "you want to have a go at flying?" someone asked him "uh"

Harry picked up on his nervousness "tell you what why don't I take you up on my broom?" he offered.

He looked up at him "I won't fall off?" he asked.

"Nope, I'll have my arms around you so you won't be able to fall and I can use a sticking charm on you to make doubly sure you won't fall. We won't have to go to fast or too high if you don't feel comfortable"

"Ok" he agreed nervously allowing Harry to stick him on the broom he'd been using in front of him. He waved his wand muttering an incantation and Severus suddenly found that no matter how much he tried to wriggle about that he couldn't actually get up, it really was as though his bum was stuck to the broom he thought feeling a tad bit uncomfortable.

Then Harry sat down behind him, he felt his bigger legs around his own and his chest supporting his back, Harry's strong arms wrapped themselves around him as he gripped the broom. "Ready?" he asked kindly, Severus looked up at him and nodded, he was as ready as he'd ever be to fly on a wooden stick, this was it he thought.

He shut his eyes as Harry commanded the broom up into the air and he felt the strange sensation of drifting up into the air "you alright there Severus?" he heard Harry asking him. He slowly opened his eyes and took in the view, the Quidditch pitch and all the people down below looking more like his little figures than real people, the garden and the higgldy pickldy construction of the Burrow standing precariously nearby and the rolling countryside and green fields beyond leading down into the village, a settlement dotted with tiny cottages. It was amazing the landscape stretched as far as the eye could see.

"Quite something huh?" he looked up and nodded, it certainly was, "You want to go for a ride around the block?" Harry offered.

"Ok" he agreed quietly.

"Alright, hang on" Harry instructed before leaning forward, the broom reacted instantly to him, propelling them both forward. It was hardly the fastest broom in the world but nonetheless, Severus gasped at the speed they picked up as the wind ruffled his hair and caused his clothes to flap in the breeze, it could have been scary or even made him feel sick watching the countryside pass by in a blur but with Harry's arms wrapped around him, he felt secure and suddenly grateful for the sticking charm. It was actually quite exhilarating he thought as Harry flew them lower, passing so close to the trees that he could almost reach out and touch them

He couldn't see Harry's face but he could tell he was a natural flyer and thought that he must surely be enjoying this every bit as much as he did, flying made him feel free in a way nothing else had the power to and yet all too soon it came to an end as Harry brought them in drifting lower and lower until the broom was almost touching the ground. He dismounted before removing the sticking charm and giving him a hand off "enjoy that?"

He smiled at him and his whole face lit up beaming and slightly pink from being up so high "it was brilliant, can we do that again?"

"Sure, we've got a whole load of brooms at Hogwarts and here at the Burrow, we'll have you flying your own broom in no time my little speed demon" he said smiling encouragingly and squeezing his shoulder.

Harry noticed Ginny watching him as they made their way inside and he realised that he hadn't exactly had a chance to talk to her alone for a long time, even when he returned to Hogwarts he'd been so overwhelmed with people wanting to greet him that they hadn't exactly had any time alone to talk with everything else going on.

He decided to rectify that and approached her, she'd changed a lot in the space of almost a year it had been since he'd last talked to her before setting off on the hunt for Horcruxes but she was still as beautiful as ever, he gulped summoning up the courage he needed, surely if he could face death and defeat Voldemort surely talking to a girl was nothing "hey Ginny, can we talk?"

She looked up at him and smiled "sure" she said leading the way up to her bedroom. They sat on her bed and Harry nervously tried to think how to start the conversation. Eventually Ginny spoke "so did you miss me?" she asked.

Harry looked up startled "what? Of course, I did, there wasn't a day that went by when I didn't think of you"

"Really cause it sure felt as though you'd forgotten all about me" she said pretending to be insulted.

"Ginny, I could never forget about you" he said putting his hands on hers, "it's just things have been pretty hectic lately."

"Yeah, I know, I can see that" she said smiling mischievously at him, "you and Hermione certainly seem to be quite close now" she added watching his reaction carefully.

"Yeah well we spent a lot of time together just the three of us this past year, we kind of had to learn to rely on each other to survive and well Severus really likes her. They get along really well and she's been a great help looking after him, I think she reminds him of his mother"

"Yeah, I can see how that would work" she said thinking about how intelligent Professor Snape had been "I guess I could forgive you" she teased.

Harry smiled "so what do you think of him?"

It took her only a minute to realise who he meant "he's cute, a real character not at all like Professor Snape although I guess I see a little bit of his personality in there and those looks are hard to miss. You know he was hanging off Bill and Charlie's every word."

"Yeah, he's a good kid, you wouldn't believe how many people I have to remind that he's not Snape"

She nodded her agreement "so there's nothing going on between you two?"

"No, not at the minute anyway. Don't get me wrong I mean I like her and I've come to appreciate her a lot more but I guess I'm still trying to figure out how I feel about her. You've not been seeing anyone have you?" he asked with concern what if she'd forgotten him after so long apart.

She shrugged "not exactly been the ideal time to be seeing anyone with the war and Death Eaters practically running Hogwarts torturing everyone and half the students not even being allowed back. So what about us? Do you still love me?"

"Of course, I care a great deal about you, it's just ..."

"What?"

"Well I just think after everything that happened I just need some time to get back to normal and figure things out, I'm not sure I'm ready to go back into a relationship yet" he was met with silence and looked up at her "you understand right?"

"Of course, you're right I guess it would be a bit strange jumping straight back into things after everything that's happened" she said although he detected a slight hint of disappointment. He put his hand on her elbow till she looked up at him and smiled at her letting her know everything would be alright.

Meanwhile, while Harry was talking to Ginny Severus looked around and saw everyone was sitting in small groups talking to each other, well almost everyone. The man he'd noticed earlier (George he thought his name was) was all on his own and looking as despondent as ever.

He approached nervously and he looked up at him, attempting a smile "hey squirt what's up?"

Severus looked up solemnly "you look sad" he stated simply feeling concerned for him "are you ok?"

George looked at him in surprise before patting the seat of the well-worn sofa next to him. He waited until he'd seated himself before replying, "I guess you could say that. Has Harry told you about the battle?" he nodded "well me and my brother Fred fought in the battle."

Severus scrunched up his face in confusion, he couldn't remember Mr "Weasley mentioning someone called Fred. At his confused look, George continued to explain "Fred was my twin, he got hit while we were fighting, he didn't make it."

Severus looked at him in shock that explained it "oh, I'm sorry, you miss him don't you?" he asked already knowing the answer.

George laughed slightly, although it was a sad kind of a laugh "yeah I do. He was more than just my brother, it's like losing half of myself, we always used to joke about and bounce ideas off of each other, we always knew what the other one was thinking and finished each other's sentences, I feel lost without him" he admitted.

Severus put his small hand on his arm in a gesture of sympathy, he didn't know what it was like to have that kind of connection but he knew what it was like to lose someone you cared about and had a deep bond with "that must be hard, I lost my parents to"

George looked at him "yeah I heard about that, you must miss them huh?"

He shrugged "I guess, I miss my Mum but not my Dad"

"He didn't treat you so good huh?" George asked.

He shook his head "he hated me and Mum for having magic I think" he said, after years of confusion when he'd tried his best to please his father he was only just beginning to understand why he hated them, he didn't want to tell George about how his father came home drunk, shouting and swearing and hitting them.

George winced in sympathy, understanding what he was saying "that's rough kid. Still, you've got Harry now and I reckon he's going to be a pretty good Dad, he certainly seems very protective of you."

"Yeah" he didn't need anyone to tell him that he could already tell Harry was a world away from his father, he and Hermione and all his new extended family had already done so much for him.

"You know Harry's relatives didn't treat him so good either" George said thoughtfully.

"They didn't?" Severus asked, looking up in shock, he knew Harry had hinted that he hadn't had a good childhood and that he could relate to how he grew up but he'd never really gone into details discussing his childhood.

"Yeah he didn't like to talk about it either but we knew his relatives hated him for having magic. They treated him terribly, like a House Elf and even his bedroom was like a prison cell. We were so worried his first summer we went over and rescued him in Dad's flying car"

He looked at him horrified "you did? Wait, you have a flying car?" Severus asked in shock, he'd only ever heard of such things he'd never actually seen one.

"Yeah, we did, me and Fred and Ron. Unfortunately, we don't have a flying car anymore. Ron and Harry couldn't get on to the platform that year to board the train so instead of waiting for someone like our parents, they decided to fly it to school and then crashed it into the Whomping Willow. The car kind of went feral after that and disappeared into the Forbidden Forest. They almost got expelled for that I'll tell you, in fact, I'll bet they would have if Professor Snape had had his way, we all thought he was going to explode or chop them up and use them as potions ingredients that time"

Severus listened in shock he'd never heard that story before "you alright?" George asked him "yeah"

George followed his gaze to where he was looking at Ron with a frown on his face, he frowned to himself he knew what his brother could be like saying things without thinking and hoped he hadn't upset the little guy "he's not been bothering you has he? Cause if he has I can get him back for you"

"No he's been alright it's just earlier he didn't exactly seem happy to meet me and I don't know why it's not as though I've ever done anything to him, I haven't even met him before"

"Ah well, you see that's a bit complicated. You see Ron, with our Harry and Professor Snape didn't get on very well, in fact, I think it's fair to say they hated each other a lot of people did, he wasn't exactly Mr Popular. Me and Fred got on ok when we reached a sort of understanding, he saw that we were quite talented when we were motivated so he helped us with our experimental potions in secret and in return, we agreed to try not to get into trouble with him and to knuckle down in class. He must have saved us from blowing ourselves up several times over. I guess you must remind him of Snape"

Severus was surprised by this revelation "but Harry doesn't hate him now does he?"

"No Harry doesn't but Ron well let's just say it may take him a bit longer to get his head round it. Also, I think he's maybe a tad bit jealous seeing you spending so much time with Harry. The two of them and Hermione were best friends all throughout school having adventures and getting into trouble together, it must be strange for him seeing Harry suddenly growing up and spending so much time with you"

At Severus's sad face, he decided to try and cheer him up "don't worry about it, he'll come round when he realises you're not like Professor Snape, Ron may be an insensitive git at times but he generally doesn't mean any harm, his bark is worse than his bite. Besides" George added leaning in and whispering to him conspiratorially, "if he ever acts like a berk just let me know and I'll sort him out with one of my products" he said grinning mischievously.

"Your products?" Severus asked, feeling confused but grateful for his support.

"That's right, of course, you don't know about our joke shop do you?" he said feeling like an idiot for not realising it, Severus shook his head "me and my brother set up Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, the premier shop for all your joking needs" he announced like a consummate salesman announcing his wares and smiling broadly. Suddenly a thought occurred to him and he smiled a crafty smile "say Severus you like potions don't you?"

"Yeah" he said feeling a bit uneasy "my Mum, knew a lot about potions, she was just starting to teach me about ingredients and how to brew them" he explained "why? he asked suspiciously.

"Oh no reason, just I could use someone to help me out with brewing now Fred's gone. he looked at him appraisingly "I guess you're still a bit young, but maybe when you're older, if you ever want to help with brewing experimental potions, assuming, of course, Harry agrees to it."

Fortunately, Severus was saved from answering at that minute by a voice behind him "assuming Harry agrees to what?" causing both of them to look up and Severus to spin round to see Harry himself standing behind him.

"On nothing, just wondering if little Severus here might have inherited the old Snape talent for potion making and might be interested in helping me with brewing at some point when he's older of course, and with your permission" he added hastily.

"Yeah, maybe when he's older" Harry agreed knowing that Severus would probably jump at the chance to experiment with potions and that he was still far too young, particularly considering how volatile some of the twin's inventions could be. "Well, I think we'd best be going, it's getting late" he said smiling and putting a hand on his shoulder to emphasise the point.

"Alright bye, little Snape, good to meet you" George said before leaning closer and whispering to him, "Stop by our shop at some point and I'll show you some of our best products" he said grinning and winking mischievously.

They'd soon said their farewells to everyone and even Ron had made somewhat more of an effort to be friendly and attempted to smile at him when they got to the Mr and Mrs Weasley. He could tell Mrs Weasley was doing her best to hold back from touching him or hugging him "it was lovely seeing you all dear, Harry, Hermione, Severus, I hope you'll come by again soon" she said her gaze lingering on Severus.

"Of course, we'd love to, right Severus?"

"I'd like that" he agreed still feeling guilty about his averse reaction earlier "I'm sorry about earlier, I'll do better next time."

"Nonsense dear, no need to apologise it wasn't your fault you just take your time, no rush" he nodded.

Finally, they moved on to Mr Weasley who smiled at him "it was good to see you again Harry, Severus it was nice to meet you, at last, I hope we'll see you again soon"

Severus smiled and nodded his agreement, he liked the laid-back man.

Creating a portrait of Professor Snape was a long and time-consuming process as Harry and Severus were discovering. While they were waiting they found many ways to keep themselves occupied with Harry showing Severus around all the secret passages and hidden crevices of Hogwarts and working on plans for a hidden herb garden for Severus with Neville and Professor Sprout.

One day at breakfast Harry received an invitation from Andromeda Tonks to come and visit and see his young Godson. Harry was delighted as he had not yet had the chance to meet Teddy and immediately replied that they would do so when it was convenient. That night Harry sat Severus down for a talk to explain things before reading to him.

"Tomorrow we're going to be visiting someone very special" Severus looked up at him questioningly. "my Godson Teddy, his parents died in the war and his grandmother Mrs Tonks is looking after him" he explained.

"Godson?" Severus asked, wondering what that meant.

"That's right, his parents were good friends of mine and made me his Godfather when he was born. That means that if something happened to them that they have nominated me as one of the people who they would like to look after him and act as a parent figure to him kind of like I have done for you" he explained smiling a faraway look on his face, Severus nodded feeling sleepy and only partially taking in his explanation "I think you'll like him Sev and Mrs Tonks" he said this time smiling down at him, he started reading from one of his favourite books about Merlin and King Arthur and before long Severus was sleeping peacefully. Harry gently caressed his cheek and brushed his hair off his face before tucking him in grateful that he was no longsuffering from the nightmares that had plagued him.

The next morning dawned bright and Harry helped Severus clean up and smooth out his hair and selected his best robes. He looked him over satisfied, he wouldn't like to admit it, but he was probably almost as nervous as Severus, he'd barely met Mrs Tonks before and with everything going on searching for Voldemort's Horcruxes and the subsequent battle he'd not yet had a chance to meet his godson. Hermione met them downstairs and gave his hand a squeeze sensing his nerves, Harry looked thankfully at her and scooped Severus up ready to use the floo.

A few moments later as they stepped out of the floo, Harry looked up to see the smiling face of Mrs Tonks approaching. For a moment he was reminded fo the first time he met her when he had been struck by her striking resemblance to her older sister Bellatrix but looking closer it was easy to see that the two sisters were a world apart in both looks and personality, whereas her sister's hair was dark and wild like her personality hers was a soft light brown and was neatly tied back off her face. Her eyes were a warm brown colour and surrounded by laughter lines and she walked with a grace and poise which reflected her upbringing.

"Harry" she greeted him warmly "it is good to see you, and you must be Severus" she said turning to him "it is a pleasure to meet you" she said politely smiling at him.

"And you ma'am" he replied shyly, grateful that she didn't rush to hug him.

Harry lowered him to the ground as she greeted Hermione "it's good to see you to Mrs Tonks" he said allowing her to embrace him briefly "how are you coping?" he added in a lower voice.

"Oh not too bad dear, we cope, please call me Andromeda" she continued leading them through to another room "come on through and have a seat" she said leading them through to an airy living room with several couches and a crib. She noticed that this was what had caught her guest's attention and motioned them over, talking quietly "and this is your godson Edward Lupin or Teddy as he has become affectionately known."

Harry looked down in amazement at his godson who was lying on his back looking up smiling and making baby noises to himself. He had a round face, tufts of ginger hair and slate blue eyes that reminded Harry of his father Remus Lupin who had been such a good friend and teacher to him. He stared mesmerised at the baby whose attention had shifted to him and was now staring curiously at this strange new person "hi" he eventually managed.

Severus crept forward trying to peek over to see in as well. He'd never seen a real baby before, at least not up close like this and was startled by how small he was with chubby, rosy cheeks, big wide eyes and pudgy little fingers. He wondered if he'd looked like this once. What was perhaps more startling was Harry's reaction to him, he appeared mesmerised by the baby and he wondered if there was something wrong with him. He was broken out of his thoughts by a voice.

"Oh my, it looks like he's picked up his mother's metamorphagus abilities, his hair was almost black when they brought him home but I swear it's a different colour every time I pick him up " she said laughing "would you like to hold him?" she asked Harry.

He startled before looking up at her "oh yeah sure" he replied nervously hoping he wouldn't do it wrong or drop him since he'd not had much experience with such young children.

She bent down and lifted Teddy out of his crib before approaching Harry and carefully placing him in his arms whilst instructing him on how to hold him properly to support his small body.

Harry stared down in wonder at the little body he was cradling and who appeared equally mesmerised by him and felt a strong urge to protect him like he had for Severus "hey little fella, I'm Harry your godfather, I knew your parents, they were good people, they died fighting so you could grow up without knowing the dark times they did, they can't be here with you now but I now they'd want to be and they'd love you just as much as I do" he told him in a soft voice as he walked over to one of the sofas.

He sat down and looked up to see Severus frozen in place watching him with a strange look on his face. He hoped Severus would like Teddy and maybe even someday come to see him as a little brother "hey Severus you want to come over and meet Teddy?" he urged him, he just stood there for a minute and shook his head. Harry was puzzled, he wasn't sure what was wrong but he seemed as though he was upset by something and might be on the verge of a panic attack, suddenly without warning he turned and ran out of the room.

"Severus, what's wrong? Wait!" he called trying to get up and go after him, handing the baby over to the person nearest to him when he felt a restraining hand on his shoulder he looked up at Mrs Tonks she shook her head.

"The poor dear's upset, I'd give him a few minutes to calm down first" she told him, he was about to protest, how could he let him run off like that when he had no idea where he'd gone, none of them knew the house or grounds or what trouble might present itself for an unsuspecting child.

She appeared to understand his unspoken concerns as she called out "Sobby" a moment later the familiar pop announced a House Elf apprating and stood before them was a relatively old distinguished-looking House Elf dressed in a smart tunic.

"Yes Mistress, how may Sobby be of service?" he asked in a polite voice that was somewhat lower than the excited high pitched tones he was used to.

"Sobby one of our guests, a young boy named Severus, has just run off. We have no idea where he may have gone, please go find him and make sure he doesn't get into trouble. We suspect he may be upset about something, please wait until he appears to have calmed down and then return and let us know where he is"

"Sobby understands he will do this Misstress, he will keep an eye on the young master and make sure he is not being seen so as not to frighten him"

"Very good Sobby go now" she told him, he bowed his head respectfully before popping away, leaving them to wait nervously for news.

Severus ran without having any idea where he was going. He ran through the small manor house until he reached some glass doors that appeared to lead out onto a garden. Cautiously he pushed the door outwards and walked out, he looked around not really taking in the lush lawns and well-tended flowerbeds and lowered himself to sit on the top stone step.

He wasn't sure what had happened, he'd just known that he'd needed to get out of there, it suddenly felt too constricted in there as though he couldn't breathe and he didn't know why just that it was somehow connected to how Harry had responded to the baby.

He tried to sort through his feelings he'd seen the way Harry had stared mesmerised, lovingly at the little baby and he'd felt what? Jealousy? No, he didn't think he was jealous, well maybe a little, he knew what it was like back in Cokeworth to see other families going past or playing in the park with their nice clothes and toys or ice creams and their happy families and feel a pang of envy for he knew that he'd never have even a little bit of that or so he'd thought. He didn't think that was specifically what he'd felt.

It was something else like a kind of panic that built up inside him watching Harry look lovingly at the baby brought up his insecurities. He was so used to that feeling of abandonment, well maybe not quite that but feeling unloved and being left to fend for himself, he still found it hard to believe that Harry really wanted to look after him and might even love him enough to adopt him no matter how many times people told him. This just made him feel confused, it made him worry, what if Harry loved this other boy more than him? What if he forgot about him? What if he changed his mind and decided he wanted to keep this other boy instead of him?

He'd experienced so little love and affection he was terribly afraid to lose the little amount he had if Harry suddenly decided to change his mind and that he didn't want him. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his one chance of a real family now that he was finally beginning to realise it was a possibility.

All these thoughts whirled around in his head making him feel dizzy like he couldn't breathe as he tried to calm himself down. He looked around and realised he was lost and the fear intensified, he felt so stupid running off like that he thought as he looked around the garden. It was a total contrast to the way he felt. It was a calm space with neat beds full of plants that flowed over onto the lawns and the only sounds were the bird song and the distant sound of running water, it was peaceful he thought as he began to calm down slightly.

Unknown to Severus, the little House Elf had made himself invisible and was watching and waiting while he got his emotions somewhat under control Satisfied that he was beginning to calm down Sobby popped silently away reappearing in the living room and startling Harry and Hermione.

"Ah Sobby, did you find him?"

"Did you find him?" Harry blurted out anxiously.

"Yes mistress, Sobby has found the young master"

"Where is he?"

Sobby turned to Harry "he is in the back garden. Would master Harry like Sobby to take him to him?"

"Yes please do" Harry confirmed anxious to find his child.

"Follow me sir" Sobby said leading the way. Harry nervously followed him down the corridor, he paused just before some glass doors and turned around putting a long knarled finger to his lips to indicate that he should approach quietly. Harry nodded as he turned back to the glass doors, he followed his gaze and saw a boy sitting on the top of the stone steps, Severus he thought relieved to see he was ok, Sobby watched him approach silently and soundlessly popped away.

Harry opened the door careful not to make any noise "hey you alright?" he called out softly from behind Severus, keeping his distance so as not to startle him. Even so he jumped slightly and whirled around as though startled he looked up at him briefly and then looked away as though he was embarrassed or expecting to be in trouble.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, Severus shrugged non-comitally. He lowered himself down next to him and glanced across at the boy, he looked upset and worked up "you know you had us worried there running off like that?" he told him pretending to look out at the garden whilst watching out of the corner of his eye.

Severus glanced up at him before drooping his head guiltily "I'm sorry"

"It's alright, the main thing is you're safe but it's not a good idea to go running off without telling someone where you're going, particularly when it's somewhere you've never been before" Severus nodded his agreement, he'd realised that the hard way, he was embarrassed by it but relieved someone had found him quickly.

There was a moment of awkward silence, as Harry realised Severus wasn't going to tell him what was wrong on his own "so you want to tell me what's wrong?" he asked

"It's nothing" came the embarrassed reply.

"Oh? I doubt it's nothing if it's got you so upset that it makes you feel like you need to run off it must be something important"

"It's silly you'll just laugh at me" Severus insisted feeling increasing embarrassed at his outburst and as though he just wanted to hide away.

"Come on I doubt it's silly if it's got you so upset, besides have you ever known me to laugh at you?" he shook his head, Harry did laugh at him when he was being silly of course but he'd always taken him seriously and never laughed when he was talking to him.

Slowly he lifted his head to look at him through blotchy tear-stained eyes "it's just when I saw you with him and you were looking at him like that, so ... so lovingly, I just felt ..." he paused unsure how to articulate it.

"Jealous?" Harry prompted.

He shook his head "no, well ok maybe a little but that's not it, I just it's stupid" he said not wanting Harry to know how afraid he'd been of losing him.

Harry placed his arm reassuringly on his shoulder "I'm sure it's not stupid."

Severus looked at him and felt fresh tears welling up "I just guess I was afraid you might love him more than me and you might not want me anymore and forget all about me" he blurted out his words spilling together.

Harry blinked at him in shock as he tried to understand what he'd just said. When he managed to piece it together he felt so guilty as he imagined how distraught he must have been feeling. He reached out and brought him in closer to him and hugged him tightly allowing him to sniffle into his chest, he realised how insecure his little boy really was that he still had fears about Harry abandoning him, then again he supposed he'd have been the same at that age if someone had offered him a real loving family.

He sighed "oh Sev, I'd never abandon you or leave you for someone else. I said I'd adopt you and I meant it" he said rubbing his back and thinking that they really needed to try to move the adoption along as quickly as possible to provide him with the reassurance he needed that he was serious about the adoption.

"You remember what I said to you last night about Teddy being my godson?" he nodded, he kind of half-remembered it "well you see Teddy was born during the war. Me and Hermione were away doing important work for the war and when we got back we headed straight into battle so this is the first time we've seen Teddy since he was born, he lost his parents in the battle so now he's an orphan just like you" he explained causing Severus to feel a pang of guilt.

"We both knew his parents, they were both good friends of ours, and his father was best friends with my Dad, they fought bravely and sacrificed their own lives so we could win the war and Teddy could grow up in a world free of conflict and evil"

Severus listened intently, feeling even more guilty "I'm sorry I messed up your big day, I didn't mean to cause so much trouble and mess everything up."

Harry placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "hey it's ok you didn't ruin anything and I'm not mad at you"

"You're not?" he asked looking up startled.

"No I'm not" he confirmed " I'm not mad at you for running off but we were all very worried about you when you ran off, we thought you might have gotten into some serious trouble" his head drooped at the reminder "you're not in trouble this time cause you were upset and it was a misunderstanding, but you can't go tearing off like that in the future, alright?"

Severus nodded his agreement, relieved that he wasn't in trouble "you could have got hurt or got lost and we may not have been able to find you, I don't like doing this but if you do that again then I will have to punish you ok?"

"Teddy may be pretty special to me because he's my godson and because of who his parents are but that doesn't mean he'll ever replace you and no matter how much I love him it doesn't mean that there isn't space in my heart to love both of you"

"Babies they just demand more attention, particularly when they're little like Teddy, that's why Mrs Tonks has been looking after him. You see us adults, we tend to go a bit gaga over the sight of a baby" Harry tried to explain, thinking about how he'd never really seen a baby before, certainly not one as small or as young as Teddy.

You see they can't do anything by themselves so they need someone to help them do everything. That's why every little thing they do is a big milestone and cause for celebration. Did your parents ever celebrate when you first learned to walk and talk for yourself?"

Severus shrugged, he couldn't exactly remember that far back "ok bad example, what about when you learned to read or write or tie your shoelaces?"

He pulled a face, no, he remembered there wasn't exactly a big celebration with the way his father spent money they couldn't always afford essentials let alone spending money on him "hmm my family never exactly celebrated my achievements either, well I'm sure they must have been proud?" Severus frowned, he remembered his Mum being with him those times, she always seemed tired and drawn but he noticed how her face lit up when he learned to read and write, he could tell that she was proud of him calling him her little scholar.

"Didn't you ever have a proper birthday party?" he shook his head, he'd never had anyone who wanted to be friends with him to invite for a party "cake? presents? cards?" he shook his head each time they'd never had the money to spare on such frivolities, he was lucky if he had a full belly on his birthday "yeah me neither" Harry admitted.

He sighed "oh Severus, I'm sorry life's not fair, I wish I could have been there for you sooner"

"It's alright it's not your fault" they both knew it, it was no one's fault that he'd come back as a five-year-old instead of as a younger child but it didn't make it any easier.

"I know but still I just wish you hadn't had to go through all that on your own, if I could have been there I would have. Well no more, we're going to make up for lost time, this year we're going to have a proper celebration for your birthday and a real Christmas and we're going to celebrate all your milestones from now on" he said determinedly.

"Thank you" Severus whispered overcome with emotions that someone would care that much about him.

They sat in silence for a few minutes both lost in their own thoughts until Harry tentatively broke the silence "you know someday when Teddy's older he might come to stay with us some of the time since I'm his Godfather, it'd be like having your own brother, would you like that?"

Severus looked at him in shock. He'd never thought about that, it was one thing coming to visit and maybe even playing with him here in someone else's home but having him stay in his own home was quite a different matter. He shrugged, unsure what to think of this, he'd never had any siblings after all although he'd seen plenty of kids playing together in the street and the park and they always seemed like they were having fun. He wasn't sure that he wanted Harry's love and affection to be split any more than necessary but then again he supposed that he'd always wondered what it would be like not to grow up alone to have someone to talk to and play with and just keep him company, maybe it could be fun.

"Guess you've never had any brothers or sisters huh?" Harry asked him.

He looked up and shook his head "did you?" he asked.

"Well, I grew up with my aunt and uncle and my cousin so I guess he was kind of like a brother" Harry said thoughtfully then thought of Dudley, who was always spoilt blaming him for everything, bullying him and Harry hunting. Hardly the best example of what a brother should be "on second thoughts scratch that he wasn't much of a brother. I never really had much idea of what it was like to be part of a family until I arrived at Hogwarts and met Ron and his brothers. He was my first real friend and he and his family accepted me without question and treated me like I was one of their own children. Suddenly it was like I had more brothers than I could imagine and even a sister, Fred and George were like the perfect fun older brothers always standing up for us, me and Ron were as much brothers as best friends, sure we bickered some but we always made up in the end and he nearly always had my back"

"So we'd be like a family even though we're not related?" Severus asked uncertainly.

Harry smiled at him "potentially yes, we'd be one big family. Family is about more than just blood Severus, my aunt was related to me by blood but she hated me just because she had never come to the terms that my mother had magic and was part of a world that she could never comprehend. The Weasley's, my Godfather Sirius, Remus and all my friends they accepted me without question, they stood up for me and fiercely protected me, they were my true family. You and Teddy may not be related but you were both orphaned and now you are both my children and that makes you like brothers"

"You know, being a big brother is a very important job" Harry told him, watching his reaction out of the corner of his eye.

Severus looked up at him in surprise "it is?"

"It is" he confirmed "Teddy will look up to you as his brother, he'll be able to relate more to you as you're nearer his own age and look to you to show him how to do things you take for granted, like tying your shoes, and it'll be your job to stand up for him and make sure no one picks on him. It's a big responsibility but I bet you can do it right?" Severus looked up listening intently, he wasn't sure he could but he suddenly felt a strong desire to protect him and prove to Harry that he was up to the responsibility.

He nodded suddenly, feeling determined to be a good big brother "good I knew I could rely on you" he said noting how his chest puffed out in pride at the praise "come on, I think we should get back to the others if you're ready? I'll bet they're getting worried about us" he said getting up and holding out his hand to him, Severus agreed and allowed Harry to lead him back to the others.

Andromeda looked up and greeted them as they entered "ah Harry, Severus there you are. I trust you sorted everything out?"

"Yeah we're good right Severus?" he replied giving his shoulder a squeeze and looking down at him for confirmation.

He nodded, feeling embarrassed "sorry for running away."

"That's quite alright dear, the main thing is that you're alright, now do you want to meet Teddy?"

He bit his lip hesitantly, looking up at Harry who smiled encouragingly before nodding determinedly.

Harry led him over to the sofa and put a hand reassuringly on his shoulder as Andromeda picked Teddy up and brought him over. She bent down to where he was lying on his back at the playmat reaching up to the toys dangled above him. She brought him over and with some help from both adults, showed him how to position his arms and support his neck and back as he held the baby.

He looked down as the adults stepped back and took in the little round rosy-cheeked face with the tuft of hair that was now a dark blue that was now peeking up at him, appearing equally fascinated by him. He was still only young but he filled up most of his lap and Severus was surprised how much bigger he looked than he had in the crib.

"Hi" he managed to croak out, "I'm Severus, Harry says I'm like you're big brother if you'll have me that is, I've never had a brother" he found himself explaining as the baby watched him intently, as though not sure what to make of him. Suddenly his face broke into a wide smile and he started to gurgle and make happy baby noises and reach out with his tiny pudgy hands. He looked up at the adults for guidance who nodded encouragingly at him and he adjusted him so he could reach out one of his hands to him. Teddy reached out and clasped his hand round one of his fingers, Severus looked down in amazement as he tried to get the finger in his mouth.

"Looks like someone's hungry, I'll get one of the House Elves to make him up a bottle and prepare us some lunch while he goes down for a nap"

"It looks like he likes you Sev" Harry said smiling, Severus looked up at him astonished, "you want me to take him for a bit?" he asked.

Severus nodded only slightly reluctantly, for a small baby he was surprisingly heavy (at least for a small child) and his arms were beginning to get a bit tired. He gratefully passed him back to Harry as Mrs Tonks appeared with a bottle.

"You want to have a go at feeding him Harry?" she asked.

"Uh sure" he replied and Severus watched as she showed him how to feed and burp him and hold the bottle so he didn't drink it down too fast. It was fascinating watching him guzzle it down greedily.

The rest of the day passed in a blur and before they knew it they were flooding back to Hogwarts with a thoroughly exhausted child and Andromeda insisting that they come and visit again soon. The next day Harry and Hermione took Severus down to visit Hagrid and while he was exploring the long grass for rare creatures and plants that could be used in potions with Fang the adults sat down to chat and watch him from a distance.

"So how's he doing, is he settling in alright?" Hagrid asked.

"Better since we dealt with his nightmares but he still has issues with confidence and low self-esteem I think, he still worries that I may change my mind about adopting him and abandon him, he thought I may forget about him when he saw me with Teddy" Harry explained.

"Hm mighty shame that still it takes time to get over trauma like what he's been through and build confidence"

"You got any ideas Hagrid?" Hermione asked.

He looked thoughtful for a minute as he scratched his bushy beard as he watched him playing "you could get him a pet reckon that'd distract him and take his mind off of things."

Harry and Hermione exchanged sceptical glances before Hermione looked thoughtful "uh are you sure that's a good idea Hagrid I mean owning a pet's a big responsibility"

"Actually I think he may be on to something, studies have shown that it's good for children to have a pet growing up, it's a good way for them to learn about what it takes to care for an animal and be responsible and it helps them build confidence"

"Ah nonsense, Hermione's right having a pet'll do him a world of good, I always had pets when I were a wee nipper and they never did me any harm" they looked at him skeptically, the memory of Hagrid hiding Aragog in the castle sprung to mind.

"Uh did you have any ideas what sort of pet?"Harry asked worried about what kind of thing Hagrid might think was an appropriate pet.

He scratched his beard again "hm well I've got one or two ideas but I'll have to get my thinking cap on for that I reckon, give me a bit of time to call round some of my old contacts and I'll get him sorted with something don't yer worry"

They exchanged nervous glances, not feeling totally reassured by this and wondering what he might come back with "uh ok Hagrid just remember who we're dealing with, alright, it's got to be something child-friendly" he said emphasising the last part.

"Don't yer worry, I know what I'm doing, you just leave it to me and I'll get him sorted with the best pet you've ever seen" Hagrid promised looking far too happy and eager for comfort. Harry exchanged a look with Hermione and wondered just what they'd agreed to.

Creating a portrait of Professor Snape was a long and time-consuming process as Harry and Severus were discovering. While they were waiting they found many ways to keep themselves occupied with Harry showing Severus around all the secret passages and hidden crevices of Hogwarts and working on plans for a hidden herb garden for Severus with Neville and Professor Sprout.

One day at breakfast Harry received an invitation from Andromeda Tonks to come and visit and see his young Godson. Harry was delighted as he had not yet had the chance to meet Teddy and immediately replied that they would do so when it was convenient. That night Harry sat Severus down for a talk to explain things before reading to him.

"Tomorrow we're going to be visiting someone very special" Severus looked up at him questioningly. "my Godson Teddy, his parents died in the war and his grandmother Mrs Tonks is looking after him" he explained.

"Godson?" Severus asked, wondering what that meant.

"That's right, his parents were good friends of mine and made me his Godfather when he was born. That means that if something happened to them that they have nominated me as one of the people who they would like to look after him and act as a parent figure to him kind of like I have done for you" he explained smiling a faraway look on his face, Severus nodded feeling sleepy and only partially taking in his explanation "I think you'll like him Sev and Mrs Tonks" he said this time smiling down at him, he started reading from one of his favourite books about Merlin and King Arthur and before long Severus was sleeping peacefully. Harry gently caressed his cheek and brushed his hair off his face before tucking him in grateful that he was no longsuffering from the nightmares that had plagued him.

The next morning dawned bright and Harry helped Severus clean up and smooth out his hair and selected his best robes. He looked him over satisfied, he wouldn't like to admit it, but he was probably almost as nervous as Severus, he'd barely met Mrs Tonks before and with everything going on searching for Voldemort's Horcruxes and the subsequent battle he'd not yet had a chance to meet his godson. Hermione met them downstairs and gave his hand a squeeze sensing his nerves, Harry looked thankfully at her and scooped Severus up ready to use the floo.

A few moments later as they stepped out of the floo, Harry looked up to see the smiling face of Mrs Tonks approaching. For a moment he was reminded fo the first time he met her when he had been struck by her striking resemblance to her older sister Bellatrix but looking closer it was easy to see that the two sisters were a world apart in both looks and personality, whereas her sister's hair was dark and wild like her personality hers was a soft light brown and was neatly tied back off her face. Her eyes were a warm brown colour and surrounded by laughter lines and she walked with a grace and poise which reflected her upbringing.

"Harry" she greeted him warmly "it is good to see you, and you must be Severus" she said turning to him "it is a pleasure to meet you" she said politely smiling at him.

"And you ma'am" he replied shyly, grateful that she didn't rush to hug him.

Harry lowered him to the ground as she greeted Hermione "it's good to see you to Mrs Tonks" he said allowing her to embrace him briefly "how are you coping?" he added in a lower voice.

"Oh not too bad dear, we cope, please call me Andromeda" she continued leading them through to another room "come on through and have a seat" she said leading them through to an airy living room with several couches and a crib. She noticed that this was what had caught her guest's attention and motioned them over, talking quietly "and this is your godson Edward Lupin or Teddy as he has become affectionately known."

Harry looked down in amazement at his godson who was lying on his back looking up smiling and making baby noises to himself. He had a round face, tufts of ginger hair and slate blue eyes that reminded Harry of his father Remus Lupin who had been such a good friend and teacher to him. He stared mesmerised at the baby whose attention had shifted to him and was now staring curiously at this strange new person "hi" he eventually managed.

Severus crept forward trying to peek over to see in as well. He'd never seen a real baby before, at least not up close like this and was startled by how small he was with chubby, rosy cheeks, big wide eyes and pudgy little fingers. He wondered if he'd looked like this once. What was perhaps more startling was Harry's reaction to him, he appeared mesmerised by the baby and he wondered if there was something wrong with him. He was broken out of his thoughts by a voice.

"Oh my, it looks like he's picked up his mother's metamorphagus abilities, his hair was almost black when they brought him home but I swear it's a different colour every time I pick him up " she said laughing "would you like to hold him?" she asked Harry.

He startled before looking up at her "oh yeah sure" he replied nervously hoping he wouldn't do it wrong or drop him since he'd not had much experience with such young children.

She bent down and lifted Teddy out of his crib before approaching Harry and carefully placing him in his arms whilst instructing him on how to hold him properly to support his small body.

Harry stared down in wonder at the little body he was cradling and who appeared equally mesmerised by him and felt a strong urge to protect him like he had for Severus "hey little fella, I'm Harry your godfather, I knew your parents, they were good people, they died fighting so you could grow up without knowing the dark times they did, they can't be here with you now but I now they'd want to be and they'd love you just as much as I do" he told him in a soft voice as he walked over to one of the sofas.

He sat down and looked up to see Severus frozen in place watching him with a strange look on his face. He hoped Severus would like Teddy and maybe even someday come to see him as a little brother "hey Severus you want to come over and meet Teddy?" he urged him, he just stood there for a minute and shook his head. Harry was puzzled, he wasn't sure what was wrong but he seemed as though he was upset by something and might be on the verge of a panic attack, suddenly without warning he turned and ran out of the room.

"Severus, what's wrong? Wait!" he called trying to get up and go after him, handing the baby over to the person nearest to him when he felt a restraining hand on his shoulder he looked up at Mrs Tonks she shook her head.

"The poor dear's upset, I'd give him a few minutes to calm down first" she told him, he was about to protest, how could he let him run off like that when he had no idea where he'd gone, none of them knew the house or grounds or what trouble might present itself for an unsuspecting child.

She appeared to understand his unspoken concerns as she called out "Sobby" a moment later the familiar pop announced a House Elf apprating and stood before them was a relatively old distinguished-looking House Elf dressed in a smart tunic.

"Yes Mistress, how may Sobby be of service?" he asked in a polite voice that was somewhat lower than the excited high pitched tones he was used to.

"Sobby one of our guests, a young boy named Severus, has just run off. We have no idea where he may have gone, please go find him and make sure he doesn't get into trouble. We suspect he may be upset about something, please wait until he appears to have calmed down and then return and let us know where he is"

"Sobby understands he will do this Misstress, he will keep an eye on the young master and make sure he is not being seen so as not to frighten him"

"Very good Sobby go now" she told him, he bowed his head respectfully before popping away, leaving them to wait nervously for news.

Severus ran without having any idea where he was going. He ran through the small manor house until he reached some glass doors that appeared to lead out onto a garden. Cautiously he pushed the door outwards and walked out, he looked around not really taking in the lush lawns and well-tended flowerbeds and lowered himself to sit on the top stone step.

He wasn't sure what had happened, he'd just known that he'd needed to get out of there, it suddenly felt too constricted in there as though he couldn't breathe and he didn't know why just that it was somehow connected to how Harry had responded to the baby.

He tried to sort through his feelings he'd seen the way Harry had stared mesmerised, lovingly at the little baby and he'd felt what? Jealousy? No, he didn't think he was jealous, well maybe a little, he knew what it was like back in Cokeworth to see other families going past or playing in the park with their nice clothes and toys or ice creams and their happy families and feel a pang of envy for he knew that he'd never have even a little bit of that or so he'd thought. He didn't think that was specifically what he'd felt.

It was something else like a kind of panic that built up inside him watching Harry look lovingly at the baby brought up his insecurities. He was so used to that feeling of abandonment, well maybe not quite that but feeling unloved and being left to fend for himself, he still found it hard to believe that Harry really wanted to look after him and might even love him enough to adopt him no matter how many times people told him. This just made him feel confused, it made him worry, what if Harry loved this other boy more than him? What if he forgot about him? What if he changed his mind and decided he wanted to keep this other boy instead of him?

He'd experienced so little love and affection he was terribly afraid to lose the little amount he had if Harry suddenly decided to change his mind and that he didn't want him. He couldn't bear the thought of losing his one chance of a real family now that he was finally beginning to realise it was a possibility.

All these thoughts whirled around in his head making him feel dizzy like he couldn't breathe as he tried to calm himself down. He looked around and realised he was lost and the fear intensified, he felt so stupid running off like that he thought as he looked around the garden. It was a total contrast to the way he felt. It was a calm space with neat beds full of plants that flowed over onto the lawns and the only sounds were the bird song and the distant sound of running water, it was peaceful he thought as he began to calm down slightly.

Unknown to Severus, the little House Elf had made himself invisible and was watching and waiting while he got his emotions somewhat under control Satisfied that he was beginning to calm down Sobby popped silently away reappearing in the living room and startling Harry and Hermione.

"Ah Sobby, did you find him?"

"Did you find him?" Harry blurted out anxiously.

"Yes mistress, Sobby has found the young master"

"Where is he?"

Sobby turned to Harry "he is in the back garden. Would master Harry like Sobby to take him to him?"

"Yes please do" Harry confirmed anxious to find his child.

"Follow me sir" Sobby said leading the way. Harry nervously followed him down the corridor, he paused just before some glass doors and turned around putting a long knarled finger to his lips to indicate that he should approach quietly. Harry nodded as he turned back to the glass doors, he followed his gaze and saw a boy sitting on the top of the stone steps, Severus he thought relieved to see he was ok, Sobby watched him approach silently and soundlessly popped away.

Harry opened the door careful not to make any noise "hey you alright?" he called out softly from behind Severus, keeping his distance so as not to startle him. Even so he jumped slightly and whirled around as though startled he looked up at him briefly and then looked away as though he was embarrassed or expecting to be in trouble.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, Severus shrugged non-comitally. He lowered himself down next to him and glanced across at the boy, he looked upset and worked up "you know you had us worried there running off like that?" he told him pretending to look out at the garden whilst watching out of the corner of his eye.

Severus glanced up at him before drooping his head guiltily "I'm sorry"

"It's alright, the main thing is you're safe but it's not a good idea to go running off without telling someone where you're going, particularly when it's somewhere you've never been before" Severus nodded his agreement, he'd realised that the hard way, he was embarrassed by it but relieved someone had found him quickly.

There was a moment of awkward silence, as Harry realised Severus wasn't going to tell him what was wrong on his own "so you want to tell me what's wrong?" he asked

"It's nothing" came the embarrassed reply.

"Oh? I doubt it's nothing if it's got you so upset that it makes you feel like you need to run off it must be something important"

"It's silly you'll just laugh at me" Severus insisted feeling increasing embarrassed at his outburst and as though he just wanted to hide away.

"Come on I doubt it's silly if it's got you so upset, besides have you ever known me to laugh at you?" he shook his head, Harry did laugh at him when he was being silly of course but he'd always taken him seriously and never laughed when he was talking to him.

Slowly he lifted his head to look at him through blotchy tear-stained eyes "it's just when I saw you with him and you were looking at him like that, so ... so lovingly, I just felt ..." he paused unsure how to articulate it.

"Jealous?" Harry prompted.

He shook his head "no, well ok maybe a little but that's not it, I just it's stupid" he said not wanting Harry to know how afraid he'd been of losing him.

Harry placed his arm reassuringly on his shoulder "I'm sure it's not stupid."

Severus looked at him and felt fresh tears welling up "I just guess I was afraid you might love him more than me and you might not want me anymore and forget all about me" he blurted out his words spilling together.

Harry blinked at him in shock as he tried to understand what he'd just said. When he managed to piece it together he felt so guilty as he imagined how distraught he must have been feeling. He reached out and brought him in closer to him and hugged him tightly allowing him to sniffle into his chest, he realised how insecure his little boy really was that he still had fears about Harry abandoning him, then again he supposed he'd have been the same at that age if someone had offered him a real loving family.

He sighed "oh Sev, I'd never abandon you or leave you for someone else. I said I'd adopt you and I meant it" he said rubbing his back and thinking that they really needed to try to move the adoption along as quickly as possible to provide him with the reassurance he needed that he was serious about the adoption.

"You remember what I said to you last night about Teddy being my godson?" he nodded, he kind of half-remembered it "well you see Teddy was born during the war. Me and Hermione were away doing important work for the war and when we got back we headed straight into battle so this is the first time we've seen Teddy since he was born, he lost his parents in the battle so now he's an orphan just like you" he explained causing Severus to feel a pang of guilt.

"We both knew his parents, they were both good friends of ours, and his father was best friends with my Dad, they fought bravely and sacrificed their own lives so we could win the war and Teddy could grow up in a world free of conflict and evil"

Severus listened intently, feeling even more guilty "I'm sorry I messed up your big day, I didn't mean to cause so much trouble and mess everything up."

Harry placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. "hey it's ok you didn't ruin anything and I'm not mad at you"

"You're not?" he asked looking up startled.

"No I'm not" he confirmed " I'm not mad at you for running off but we were all very worried about you when you ran off, we thought you might have gotten into some serious trouble" his head drooped at the reminder "you're not in trouble this time cause you were upset and it was a misunderstanding, but you can't go tearing off like that in the future, alright?"

Severus nodded his agreement, relieved that he wasn't in trouble "you could have got hurt or got lost and we may not have been able to find you, I don't like doing this but if you do that again then I will have to punish you ok?"

"Teddy may be pretty special to me because he's my godson and because of who his parents are but that doesn't mean he'll ever replace you and no matter how much I love him it doesn't mean that there isn't space in my heart to love both of you"

"Babies they just demand more attention, particularly when they're little like Teddy, that's why Mrs Tonks has been looking after him. You see us adults, we tend to go a bit gaga over the sight of a baby" Harry tried to explain, thinking about how he'd never really seen a baby before, certainly not one as small or as young as Teddy.

You see they can't do anything by themselves so they need someone to help them do everything. That's why every little thing they do is a big milestone and cause for celebration. Did your parents ever celebrate when you first learned to walk and talk for yourself?"

Severus shrugged, he couldn't exactly remember that far back "ok bad example, what about when you learned to read or write or tie your shoelaces?"

He pulled a face, no, he remembered there wasn't exactly a big celebration with the way his father spent money they couldn't always afford essentials let alone spending money on him "hmm my family never exactly celebrated my achievements either, well I'm sure they must have been proud?" Severus frowned, he remembered his Mum being with him those times, she always seemed tired and drawn but he noticed how her face lit up when he learned to read and write, he could tell that she was proud of him calling him her little scholar.

"Didn't you ever have a proper birthday party?" he shook his head, he'd never had anyone who wanted to be friends with him to invite for a party "cake? presents? cards?" he shook his head each time they'd never had the money to spare on such frivolities, he was lucky if he had a full belly on his birthday "yeah me neither" Harry admitted.

He sighed "oh Severus, I'm sorry life's not fair, I wish I could have been there for you sooner"

"It's alright it's not your fault" they both knew it, it was no one's fault that he'd come back as a five-year-old instead of as a younger child but it didn't make it any easier.

"I know but still I just wish you hadn't had to go through all that on your own, if I could have been there I would have. Well no more, we're going to make up for lost time, this year we're going to have a proper celebration for your birthday and a real Christmas and we're going to celebrate all your milestones from now on" he said determinedly.

"Thank you" Severus whispered overcome with emotions that someone would care that much about him.

They sat in silence for a few minutes both lost in their own thoughts until Harry tentatively broke the silence "you know someday when Teddy's older he might come to stay with us some of the time since I'm his Godfather, it'd be like having your own brother, would you like that?"

Severus looked at him in shock. He'd never thought about that, it was one thing coming to visit and maybe even playing with him here in someone else's home but having him stay in his own home was quite a different matter. He shrugged, unsure what to think of this, he'd never had any siblings after all although he'd seen plenty of kids playing together in the street and the park and they always seemed like they were having fun. He wasn't sure that he wanted Harry's love and affection to be split any more than necessary but then again he supposed that he'd always wondered what it would be like not to grow up alone to have someone to talk to and play with and just keep him company, maybe it could be fun.

"Guess you've never had any brothers or sisters huh?" Harry asked him.

He looked up and shook his head "did you?" he asked.

"Well, I grew up with my aunt and uncle and my cousin so I guess he was kind of like a brother" Harry said thoughtfully then thought of Dudley, who was always spoilt blaming him for everything, bullying him and Harry hunting. Hardly the best example of what a brother should be "on second thoughts scratch that he wasn't much of a brother. I never really had much idea of what it was like to be part of a family until I arrived at Hogwarts and met Ron and his brothers. He was my first real friend and he and his family accepted me without question and treated me like I was one of their own children. Suddenly it was like I had more brothers than I could imagine and even a sister, Fred and George were like the perfect fun older brothers always standing up for us, me and Ron were as much brothers as best friends, sure we bickered some but we always made up in the end and he nearly always had my back"

"So we'd be like a family even though we're not related?" Severus asked uncertainly.

Harry smiled at him "potentially yes, we'd be one big family. Family is about more than just blood Severus, my aunt was related to me by blood but she hated me just because she had never come to the terms that my mother had magic and was part of a world that she could never comprehend. The Weasley's, my Godfather Sirius, Remus and all my friends they accepted me without question, they stood up for me and fiercely protected me, they were my true family. You and Teddy may not be related but you were both orphaned and now you are both my children and that makes you like brothers"

"You know, being a big brother is a very important job" Harry told him, watching his reaction out of the corner of his eye.

Severus looked up at him in surprise "it is?"

"It is" he confirmed "Teddy will look up to you as his brother, he'll be able to relate more to you as you're nearer his own age and look to you to show him how to do things you take for granted, like tying your shoes, and it'll be your job to stand up for him and make sure no one picks on him. It's a big responsibility but I bet you can do it right?" Severus looked up listening intently, he wasn't sure he could but he suddenly felt a strong desire to protect him and prove to Harry that he was up to the responsibility.

He nodded suddenly, feeling determined to be a good big brother "good I knew I could rely on you" he said noting how his chest puffed out in pride at the praise "come on, I think we should get back to the others if you're ready? I'll bet they're getting worried about us" he said getting up and holding out his hand to him, Severus agreed and allowed Harry to lead him back to the others.

Andromeda looked up and greeted them as they entered "ah Harry, Severus there you are. I trust you sorted everything out?"

"Yeah we're good right Severus?" he replied giving his shoulder a squeeze and looking down at him for confirmation.

He nodded, feeling embarrassed "sorry for running away."

"That's quite alright dear, the main thing is that you're alright, now do you want to meet Teddy?"

He bit his lip hesitantly, looking up at Harry who smiled encouragingly before nodding determinedly.

Harry led him over to the sofa and put a hand reassuringly on his shoulder as Andromeda picked Teddy up and brought him over. She bent down to where he was lying on his back at the playmat reaching up to the toys dangled above him. She brought him over and with some help from both adults, showed him how to position his arms and support his neck and back as he held the baby.

He looked down as the adults stepped back and took in the little round rosy-cheeked face with the tuft of hair that was now a dark blue that was now peeking up at him, appearing equally fascinated by him. He was still only young but he filled up most of his lap and Severus was surprised how much bigger he looked than he had in the crib.

"Hi" he managed to croak out, "I'm Severus, Harry says I'm like you're big brother if you'll have me that is, I've never had a brother" he found himself explaining as the baby watched him intently, as though not sure what to make of him. Suddenly his face broke into a wide smile and he started to gurgle and make happy baby noises and reach out with his tiny pudgy hands. He looked up at the adults for guidance who nodded encouragingly at him and he adjusted him so he could reach out one of his hands to him. Teddy reached out and clasped his hand round one of his fingers, Severus looked down in amazement as he tried to get the finger in his mouth.

"Looks like someone's hungry, I'll get one of the House Elves to make him up a bottle and prepare us some lunch while he goes down for a nap"

"It looks like he likes you Sev" Harry said smiling, Severus looked up at him astonished, "you want me to take him for a bit?" he asked.

Severus nodded only slightly reluctantly, for a small baby he was surprisingly heavy (at least for a small child) and his arms were beginning to get a bit tired. He gratefully passed him back to Harry as Mrs Tonks appeared with a bottle.

"You want to have a go at feeding him Harry?" she asked.

"Uh sure" he replied and Severus watched as she showed him how to feed and burp him and hold the bottle so he didn't drink it down too fast. It was fascinating watching him guzzle it down greedily.

The rest of the day passed in a blur and before they knew it they were flooding back to Hogwarts with a thoroughly exhausted child and Andromeda insisting that they come and visit again soon. The next day Harry and Hermione took Severus down to visit Hagrid and while he was exploring the long grass for rare creatures and plants that could be used in potions with Fang the adults sat down to chat and watch him from a distance.

"So how's he doing, is he settling in alright?" Hagrid asked.

"Better since we dealt with his nightmares but he still has issues with confidence and low self-esteem I think, he still worries that I may change my mind about adopting him and abandon him, he thought I may forget about him when he saw me with Teddy" Harry explained.

"Hm mighty shame that still it takes time to get over trauma like what he's been through and build confidence"

"You got any ideas Hagrid?" Hermione asked.

He looked thoughtful for a minute as he scratched his bushy beard as he watched him playing "you could get him a pet reckon that'd distract him and take his mind off of things."

Harry and Hermione exchanged sceptical glances before Hermione looked thoughtful "uh are you sure that's a good idea Hagrid I mean owning a pet's a big responsibility"

"Actually I think he may be on to something, studies have shown that it's good for children to have a pet growing up, it's a good way for them to learn about what it takes to care for an animal and be responsible and it helps them build confidence"

"Ah nonsense, Hermione's right having a pet'll do him a world of good, I always had pets when I were a wee nipper and they never did me any harm" they looked at him skeptically, the memory of Hagrid hiding Aragog in the castle sprung to mind.

"Uh did you have any ideas what sort of pet?"Harry asked worried about what kind of thing Hagrid might think was an appropriate pet.

He scratched his beard again "hm well I've got one or two ideas but I'll have to get my thinking cap on for that I reckon, give me a bit of time to call round some of my old contacts and I'll get him sorted with something don't yer worry"

They exchanged nervous glances, not feeling totally reassured by this and wondering what he might come back with "uh ok Hagrid just remember who we're dealing with, alright, it's got to be something child-friendly" he said emphasising the last part.

"Don't yer worry, I know what I'm doing, you just leave it to me and I'll get him sorted with the best pet you've ever seen" Hagrid promised looking far too happy and eager for comfort. Harry exchanged a look with Hermione and wondered just what they'd agreed to.

Painting a portrait turned out to be a long complicated process which involved a mixture of complex charms and potions to bring the subject to life. Harry and Severus both watched mesmerised as Professor Flitwick meticulously prepared the canvas for painting while Professor Slughorn brewed the potions that would make the paint react with Snape's memories and animate the painting.

The resulting solution was mixed with the memories to create a strange gloopy translucent substance that Professor Flitwick would dip his paintbrush into before applying the paint to the canvas. Slowly the portrait took shape, and they had decided that since his final year as headmaster was undoubtedly an unpleasant and deeply stressful time that he should be portrayed instead relaxing in his own dungeon quarters. He was pictured relaxing in his quarters in a comfy-looking recliner with a book in his hand and a warm fire blazing behind him, the stone walls giving the space a cool but cosy feeling of home.

Professor Flitwick, it turned out, was quite a talented artist as he successfully managed to bring his subject to life. He somehow managed to capture the stern and foreboding character of the man as well as the grace and elegance of his poise and movements. It was hard to describe but he somehow managed to portray him in a more attractive light so that he looked realistic but not ugly. He captured the profile of his long face and hooked nose and made them prominent features, he replicated his pale skin tone without making it appear sallow and ill-looking and added just enough of a hint of colour to give his complexion a healthy glow, and he made his long hair shine without looking greasy and hanging lank around his face like curtains and of course, he captured his intense dark stare with eyes that were so deep brown that they appeared almost black like smooth pieces of onyx.

Harry and Severus both watched mesmerised as the tiny Professor slowly brought his subject to life, they both for their own reasons felt a deep connection to the man who was taking shape on the canvas. Severus was anxious to speak again to the man who he shared such a deep connection with, while Harry was nervous to see how the memories they'd extracted affected this Snape and whether he was at all like the Snape he'd seen inside Severus's mind.

Finally, the painting was done now the only thing left to do was to animate it. The assembled audience of Harry, Severus, acting headmistress Professor McGonagall and the other heads of house waited with bated breath as Professor Flitwick completed the complicated incantation "animata effigies" with a final flourish he tapped his wand against the portrait before levitating the painting into its final position on the wall next to Dumbledore's portrait.

It seemed as though no one dared breathe as they waited this was it the moment of truth when they would find out whether it would work or not. Slowly almost imperceptibly he stirred blinking as he lifted his head, looking around in confusion as he absorbed his surroundings, apparently surprised to find himself in such familiar and peaceful surroundings.

"Ah Severus, my boy, it is good to see you restored to your former self and both of you in such good health again" a voice announced in its usual jubilant tone startling everyone including the occupant of the painting, as he spun around to detect the source of the voice and his eyes settled on his former employer.

"Headmaster" he greeted stiffly, ignoring his confusing statement, he clearly had not having forgotten the many arduous and morally questionable tasks he had been forced to perform whilst carrying out his instructions.

"Severus I must beg your forgiveness for my treatment of you I asked too much of you I am truly sorry for what I asked you to do, I could see no other way"

He grunted dismissively, waving him away but eventually broke the tense silence as his curiosity seemed to get the better of him "where am I? What happened?" He asked, looking around before suddenly looking down his hands going immediately to his neck which had been painted smooth and flawless. He seemed surprised and more than a little relieved to find his trademark black robes clean and his neck once more intact.

"Do not worry you are safe child, you are among friends" he replied causing him to visibly sag in relief, "speaking of which I think there are people here far better equipped to answer your questions."

Severus watched this exchange warily, he still remembered his first encounter with the elderly wizard a few days past.

He had been exploring the headmaster's office, he had walked around gazing in awe at the floor-to-ceiling shelves full of old tome of books, puzzling over what kind of bird could possibly use such a magnificent perch and staring in wonder at all the strange and bizarre gadgets and gizmos that still decorated the headmaster's desk when he was startled by a voice from above him.

"Ah you must be Severus, it is good to see you looking so well, my child, I have been very much looking forward to meeting you"

He looked up at him in shock and confusion, it was the first time he'd encountered a talking portrait "who are you?"

"Forgive me I didn't introduce myself, I am Albus Dumbledore"

Severus gawped in amazement, this man dressed in light blue robes with a long flowing silver beard and hair and bright blue eyes was Albus Dumbledore, he'd heard a lot about him from his mother, he was meant to be a very powerful wizard, he'd defeated Grindelwald and even worked with one of the world's most famous alchemists Nicholas Flamel and now Severus was talking to him "you're Albus Dumbledore? You worked with Nicholas Flamel"

The old man's blue eyes seemed to positively twinkle in amusement as he smiled fondly at him "yes I am and I did. You probably don't remember me but I knew you quite well, I considered you a good friend but I made a lot of mistakes. I regret that I did not recognise your talent and I would like to start again and make it up to you if you're amenable" he nodded his agreement and was soon engaged in a fascinating conversation with the old headmaster.

That had been one of his most surreal experiences so far, although he thought this might top it though talking to his older former self as a portrait.

"Severus" the voice startled him out of his musings and apparently it startled his painted self as well as he looked around before looking down at the assembled crowd below his portrait and at Minerva who had stepped forward and was looking up at him tearfully.

"Minerva" he gasped, looking shocked to see her and looking so upset, this was not at all what he expected after his last encounter with the formidable Scottish witch.

"Severus I'm so sorry, I feel so awful the way we treated you, I can't believe we misjudged you, can you ever forgive me?" she said through her tears.

He looked shocked and speechless, unsure how to react to her emotional breakdown.

The other Professor's moved forward comforting her "we all did, you are a far braver, stronger man than we ever gave you credit, I would have been proud to have you in my house, I'm sorry I accused you of murder" added Professor Flitwick.

"I'm sorry to dear we shouldn't have doubted you, you did all you could to protect our students and get us through a difficult time and none of us realised that shows true loyalty and determination" Professor Sprout added.

Professor Slughorn cleared his throat awkwardly "I'm sorry for the way I treated you, I overlooked you as a student and did not do enough to acknowledge your talent, that was a mistake, I realise that now. You are a credit to Slytherin house, my boy."

He was clearly still feeling awkward and unsure how to deal with all their praise and kind words "I ... I don't know what to say, I don't deserve this, you had every right to hate me, that was my role."

"But you thought we hated you, I felt so guilty knowing that your final moments would be spent that way, abandoned and hated by those who were meant to be your family and colleagues. What you had to do wasn't right, he asked too much of you" she said glaring at Dumbledore's portrait, who seemed unfazed by the sudden attention.

He choked up, "I did what I had to so we could come out the other end, we all made sacrifices."

"You would have died as a traitor if it wasn't for Harry defending you you would have been buried as a Death Eater! You would have been alright with that?!" she continued growing increasingly frustrated.

"I knew what I was getting into, I anticipated I may not survive, it was necessary for you to hate me to maintain my cover, I don't hold it against you" he replied flatly although it was clear that he was becoming more uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation and the emotions it brought up, he never had been much good at handling emotions or people giving him praise.

"Damn you Severus why must you always be so" she wrung her hands flinging them in the air in exasperation as she tried to find the right words "so shut off and emotionless and self-deprecating, always believing so little of yourself, you allowed us all to believe the worst of you to think you were a traitor for a year only to find that you were really on our side. I feel so guilty, so awful about the way we treated you and you're just so matter of fact and dismissive about it as though it was nothing"

The painted Snape looked uneasy "I think it's the only way he knows how to deal with it, with his emotions" Harry who was still half-hidden behind everyone, whispered to her, putting a hand reassuringly on her shoulder, she nodded, dabbing her eyes with a hanky.

After a moment Snape cleared his throat and spoke uncomfortably "as interesting as this conversation has been it still doesn't answer my original question of what happened and where am I?" He asked, looking at all of them.

"Professor" Harry stepped forward.

"Potter?" he stared at him in disbelief as though he was a ghost "you survived, how?"

"That's a long story, Dumbledore thought it was because I gave my life willingly so the curse targeted the Horcrux in my scar" he said pointing to it.

"I should have guessed the old meddling fool would only tell me half the story always withholding things" he muttered to himself before looking back at him "Potter, uh I mean Harry, I'm sorry the way I treated you it ..." he rubbed the back of his neck looking awkward "I regret it"

"It's ok, I forgave you a long time ago, we both could have tried harder" he said shrugging it off.

"You remind me of your mother" he added quietly shocking Harry, "you have her kind and forgiving personality, everyone always told me but I refused to see it until the end" he clarified.

"And her eyes?" Harry added.

He froze for a moment "yes, her eyes, it was very hard for me, seeing her in you as well as so much of Potter" he said softly, voice barely above a whisper, his eyes closed as if in pain.

"Thank you" Harry told him, grateful for this acknowledgement, which was neither praise nor an apology but somehow meant so much more. After a moment he spoke again "Professor what is the last thing you remember?" He asked, watching his reaction intently.

He stared at him "I" he started before freezing as his mind went back to that night "I was dying, you were there. I'd been searching for you. The last thing I remember is your eyes"

"I wanted you to be honoured the same as the other headmasters" he told him.

"I ... I don't deserve that, not after all the things I've done"

"You do. You made a mistake, you have more than made up for your past. Besides you were the only one who could do what you did, no one else would have been able to run the school and protect the students while appearing loyal, I, we owe you a great debt" Harry insisted "I managed to gather enough memories to animate you, Professor Flitwick painted your portrait and Professor Slughorn brewed the potions to bring you to life"

"We thought you would be more comfortable painted in your own quarters" the tiny Professor chipped in kindly.

"I don't know what to say, you were correct thank you, this place brings back unpleasant memories" he said, Harry and the others nodded sympathetically, they could only imagine what kind of memories this place would bring back. "But how surely I did not leave you enough memories?" he said sounding truly confused.

"Ah well, you see we had some help. I'd like to introduce you to someone" he encouraged Severus, who had been hidden watching the exchange with a mixture of horror and fascination forward "it's alright" he whispered before putting his hands on his shoulders, "Professor, this is Severus."

He stared down in shock from his portrait leaning forward out of his chair as though to get a closer look before blinking and looking at Harry in disbelief "you named a child after me? How long have I been out?" he wondered.

Harry laughed as he realised what he was thinking "only a few weeks. No, I didn't name him after you, his name actually is Severus"

It took a moment for Snape to comprehend "you mean he is me?" He asked, stunned.

"In a sense. He was you but now he is his own person" he corrected "I found him when I came to retrieve your body, he was scared and alone, I vowed to look after him and I am going to give him a better life and a family. He gave us his memories when we removed his nightmares" he explained looking at him meaningfully.

"I see and you're looking after him?"

"I am, I intend to adopt him and provide him with the family he deserves" he said sincerely.

"Incredible after all I've done to you and you want to take care of him. Are you sure that I have not woken up in some parallel reality?"

Harry laughed again "quite sure Sir and I told you I forgave you, you spent all those years protecting me now I guess it's time to return the favour besides I like looking after him"

Harry nudged Severus forward, encouraging him "hi, I'm Severus" he introduced himself awkwardly, realising this wasn't quite the same relaxed man he'd met inside his mind.

The man looked down at him in wonder and disbelief as though unable to believe the child was real and not some illusion "yes I gathered. Well let me get a better look at you child" he said sharply, but without his usual malice.

Severus nervously stepped further forward so he was in a good position for the man to see him and looked up from behind his long hair at his older self.

Professor Snape at the same time scrutinised the child closely, he barely remembered being so young and small and had never cared to look back through the few photos his parents had taken to remind himself of his miserable childhood but he could tell that there was a definite resemblance, the boy certainly had his distinctive long dark hair and eyes and his pale skin. It felt decidedly odd being face to face with his younger self, he had never expected that he would be brought back as a painting let alone as a small child as well.

He nodded approvingly unsure what to say "yes well I suppose there is a certain resemblance. Tell me is Potter looking after you well?"

"Yes, he makes a good Dad, he looks after me and comforts me when I have a bad dream, he tells me stories and he bought me loads of clothes and books and more toys than I've ever seen!"

He had to admit he was surprised by the boy's enthusiastic response "I hope you're not spoiling him, Potter?"

"Well maybe we did go a little overboard but since it was his first time being bought new clothes and toys we figured it would be alright this once but don't worry we don't intend for him to grow up being spoiled rotten" Harry explained, not like my cousin he thought.

"Hmm good"

"He's teaching me how to fly but he's not very good at potions" Severus added.

"We hoped you'd be able to guide Sev" Harry suggested trying to direct the conversation in a different direction.

"He said to think of you like an Uncle" Severus piped in.

"I don't know what to say, I don't deserve this" he said looking away.

"You do" Harry told him.

"I'm not a good man, nor am I a good role model" he insisted.

"No!" the voice that responded startled them as they looked down at Severus "you are a good man. I've seen it" at the Professor's confused look he clarified "in my mind" he said pointing to his head "you were surrounded by darkness, it consumed you but something chased it away. I saw you as you really are, you are good inside" he insisted "you are a good man, a good guardian to me" trying to make him understand through his frustration.

He shook his head in denial, Harry came forward, putting his hand on his shoulder "he is right. You allowed yourself to be knawed away by your guilt and grief until the darkness and hate consumed you, please no more Severus do not cling to it, he needs you, I need you, we all do" "

"I don't know, I still don't think ..."

"You don't need to be a role model dictating how he should live his life, but you can guide him to make better decisions, if not for me do it in memory of Lily and the happy times you spent together as children." Harry suggested appealing to the one thing he knew he would not be able to refuse.

"I like you, you have a funny way of talking and you're really smart, I was hoping you'd teach me potions" Severus chipped in.

He gaped at him "my mother taught me" he said before realisation hit him that his boy had no mother to help him, to teach him to brew as he had "she's gone isn't she?" Severus ducked his head in uncomfortable acknowledgement.

"Harry said you taught potions"

"Yes, although I don't know how much I can teach you from in here" he said gesturing to the confines of his painted environment, Severus looked disappointed, "but I can try to instruct you, I can pass on my knowledge and oversee you brewing."

Severus looked up hopefully "really?" he said excitedly.

"Yes" he promised "I just hope you're a better brewer than your adoptive father although if you really are me then I'm sure that you will have no problems"

"Was he really that bad?" Severus asked.

"Atrocious" he answered without hesitation "how you ever managed to get into NEWT potions is beyond me"

"Well personally I blame the teacher" Harry retaliated cheekily "if I had had a far teacher who didn't hate me I reckon I would have passed with flying colours."

"I treated you harshly in class because you didn't put in the effort" he pointed out.

"No, you had already decided you hated me before I stepped in the classroom and bombarded me with 20 questions. That had nothing to do with my performance and everything to do with who I was"

"Perhaps, but I had a role to play. It was important that I was seen to hate you and favour my own students. You also gave me no reason not to dislike you, you did not pay attention and acted as arrogantly as I expected when I asked you simple questions which you should have known as part of your reading"

"I was taking notes on your speech Sir and my relatives hardly gave me much chance to study before term started" before he could retaliate he held up his hand as he remembered Severus was listening to their conversation "look we both misjudged each other, if I could go back I would like to do a lot of things differently, agreed?"

He looked at him speechless for a moment before he sighed and replied somewhat reluctantly "agreed"

He felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down to see Severus looking up at him, he knelt down and Severus spoke quietly to him "was he really like this before?" "uh" he started hesitantly, wondering what he could tell him without ruining his impression of his older self.

"Potter" he looked back up at the portrait in surprise, grateful for the interruption "there was something else I wanted to talk to you about since I'm here."

"Yes"

"Well, you see, when I died I didn't have time to make a will. I have no family to speak of with the exception of Draco who is my godson, or so I thought" he paused clearly finding this a difficult topic, Harry prompted him to continue, "I doubt Draco would have much interest in my belongings except perhaps the odd personal effect. I was uh considering leaving everything to you"

"To me?" he said in surprise, whonwould have thought his most hated teacher would consider leaving anything to him.

"Yes, you are Lily's son, I thought some of the things I saved might be of interest, I hoped she would approve. Now, of course, there is him" he said jerking his head towards Severus, "if he is truly me then my things are rightfully his, it is only fitting to pass them onto both of you."

"I don't what to say, uh thanks, it means a lot that you would consider me in such a way and Severus of course"

"Please don't go all sentimental on me" he said dismissively, "there is one thing though."

"Yes anything"

"Promise me that you will go through my things and remove anything that is inappropriate for someone his age, it would not do for him to get his hands on some of my uh more dubious belongings at least not until he is older"

Harry felt relieved that that was all he had asked of him, he thought of the Prince's textbook which had been at once so useful and yet so dangerous and wondered what else they may find in his belongings "you are right of course I will"

"Good I am trusting your judgement. Most of my things are in my private quarters or at my old home at Spinner's End, I will give you the password"

"Or I could hang a blank painting in your quarters so you can oversee things and advise me on anything 'dark'" he suggested smiling.

He looked surprised for a minute "that would be agreeable" he conceded.

Suddenly their conversation was interrupted they heard a strange trilling song that caught everyone's attention as they looked up for the source of the calming song when a great shadow passed over before swooping through the open window. Everyone watched as the shape materialised into a red and gold blur that circled around the high room before descending and landing on the old bird perch.

"Fawkes" Harry gasped in recognition as the magnificent Phoenix settled and locked eyes on him before his intelligent black eyes settled on Severus, he cocked his head curiously to one side as though determining who he was.

"It is good to see you old friend"

"Ah Fawkes you have returned at last, Hogwarts ahs not been the same without you" Dumbledore greeted fondly from his portrait, Fawkes cocked his head before trilling at him and turning his atention to Snape who was gazing down in astonishment looking more than little guilty but apparently Fawkes did not hold a grudge.

Severus stared fascinated at the beautiful bird whose colourful plumage practically appeared to glisten as their black eyes locked, it was strange he almost felt as though he somehow knew the bird. The Phoenix trilled at him and motioned as though inviting him to come closer. Severus looked up astonished at Harry as if seeking confirmation, he looked equally surprised but slowly nodded. Severus approached, stopping just short of the impressive bird.

Harry followed, coming round to the side of his adoptive son "hey Fawkes" he said softly, causing the Phoenix to switch his gaze to him "it's good to see you old friend" he said slowly extending a hand watching to see how he reacted to him. Slowly, when he was certain that Fawkes recognised him and was comfortable around him, he lowered his hand and gently stroked him, showing Severus not to be afraid.

He looked to where he was watching before stepping back and giving him space. "This is Fawkes, he was Dumbledore's familiar and one of his feathers ended up forming the core of my wand"

His mouth dropped forming a wide o "wow" he breathed. Slowly he approached, lifting up his hand "hi" he greeted nervously, keeping his eyes focused on the bird's black ones "can I stroke you?" he asked. In response, Fawkes lowered his head so that his neck was at a better height for him to reach.

Carefully he lowered his hand and ran it through the soft feathers, he was surprised to find that the feathers felt warm to the touch and he almost pulled his hand back but Fawkes trilled softly in his ear after a moment he got used to the warmth when he realised that he wouldn't be burnt. He noticed that the brilliant red and gold feathers felt incredibly soft to the touch and Fawkes immediately seemed to relax into his touch, rubbing his neck against his hand.

He was shocked to find a feather in his hand when he lifted it and stared in wonder at Fawkes. It was warm to the touch and a beautiful rainbow of bright red, fiery orange, and glistening gold that made it look like it was on fire "Severus, you ok what's wrong?" Harry asked, he turned round still in a daze and showed him the feather "a phoenix feather?"

"Incredible" he looked up to see the Professor had been watching the encounter seemingly as amazed as they were "Phoenix's rarely give up their feathers willingly"

"Professor Snape is right" he looked up again, this time to find it was the old headmaster Dumbledore speaking " it is said that a Phoenix will only give up its feathers to those that they trust implicitly. I would say Fawkes likes you"

"He likes me?" he said stunned by this revelation.

"Yes, he always did have a soft spot for you" he said smiling at Snape's portrait "it is an incredible honour to be given such a rare gift and I hope that you will treasure it forever and keep it safe"

"I will Sir" he promised solemnly, feeling now even more lucky to be honoured with such a gift.

"It is also an extremely rare and valuable item" he looked back up at the Professor's portrait "phoenixes are quite incredibly powerful magical creatures, their tears have powerful healing properties and can be used in a variety of different potions" he said going into lecture mode. Severus nodded he could feel the magic that it was giving off now that he was aware.

"He's right Fawkes has used his tears to heal me on more than one occasion, first to counter the basilisk's venom and then to counter the acromantula's venom, they are quite incredible and very fast acting" Harry confirmed stroking his head in thanks.

Fawkes nudged Severus meaningfully until he took the hint and resumed stroking him, he fixed his gaze on Harry before spreading his wings wide and straightening up. Harry stared at him in astonishment for a moment before realising what was happening and rushing to grab hold of Severus as the magnificent Phoenix rose and disappeared in a golden flash, taking an astonished Severus and Harry with him and leaving the teachers gaping at where they had been standing.

The journey was over in a flash Harry realised as he cautiously opened his eyes and stood up looking around, the place where Fawkes had brought them felt cosy and decidedly familiar he thought "you alright there?" he asked as he looked down at the boy who had wrapped his arms around him whilst still clinging to Fawkes, he looked up and nodded.

"Well ello there Fawkes, Harry, Severus? Wasn't expecting to be seeing you so soon" he looked up to find himself greeted by the surprised but familiar bushy face of Hagrid and on the table in front of him were not one but two phoenixes. The second phoenix who was sat near the fire appeared slightly smaller and more delicate, as though younger, and greeted Fawkes warmly rubbing up against him, giving Harry the distinct impression they were a pair.

"Well, I guess that explains where you've been all this time" Harry teased, Severus looked up in confusion.

"Aye they returned just a few days ago, proper pair they are been meaning to tell you I was. Gues they like it here since they know I keep the place so warm" Hagrid announced.

Fawkes looked at his mate who examined Severus before moving, revealing something beneath her that was round and glistened like molten lava.

"Is that?" Harry gasped in wonder.

"A phoenix egg" Severus completed sounding equally amazed, and Harry nodded his agreement.

"Aye reckon it is" Hagrid agreed.

Fawkes nudged Severus, butting his head against his hand as though directing it towards the egg.

"Reckon he likes yer" Hagrid commented startling him "wouldn't let just anyone touch their egg."

He looked at Fawkes in question "is that true do you want me to touch it? Are you sure that's alright?" Fawkes nudged his hand again, letting out a soft noise in answer.

Cautiously he placed a hand on the egg. It was hot and almost seemed to be pulsating and it almost seemed to be getting hotter as though in response to his touch till it felt like it was burning him. He let out a slight yelp and tried to remove his hand but it wouldn't budge as though it was stuck. Then suddenly without warning, it got so hot it that it burst into flames. Severus put his free hand in front of his face to shield it from the heat but in a moment the whoosh of flame had died down to embers, Severus examined his hands and was surprised to find they were not at all burnt or painful. He looked down into the embers, there was something in there and he delicately pushed some away, revealing a tiny pink bird resembling a miniature version of the plucked turkeys he'd seen in shop windows at Christmas, although he could already see signs of powerful claws and a magnificent dark beak and soulful black eyes in the baby bird.

"Well aint that someat, a real life Phoenix. I've never heard of one doing that before" Hagrid said sounding stunned, Harry gave him a puzzled look "seems to me like Fawkes has decided to bond yer with his hatchling" he stated proudly as the two adult Phoenix's started preening the hatchling.

"What?" Harry exclaimed in surprise at the same time that Severus looked up.

"Aye that's right seems like his touch was the final thing this little un needed to hatch was contact with the one who it were bonded with" .

"But why me?" he asked.

Well, tis a special thing, a Phoenix only bonds with those who are pure of heart. Guess you two are kind of like a phoenix, coming back from the brink of death and all' kind of like a sort of rebirth"

Harry noticed Severus backing away slightly from Hagrid looking slightly creeped out "uh Hagrid"

He looked down and noticed Severus's reaction, he looked suitably sheepish "uh right sorry, forget I said that. Well it's like I always said he were a good man Professor Snape, Dumbledore always said to trust him and Fawkes here's a very wise bird he sensed that before anyone else, even when other people said he'd turned he always greeted him like an old friend, he wouldn't do that if he were truly dark, used to baffle Dumbledore to no end when he were a boy"

"But I thought that is that everyone said he immersed himself in the dark arts?" Harry questioned, puzzled.

"Aye that's right but that in itself doesn't make someone dark, it's what's in your heart that counts and a phoenix can see inside, goes to show that even after everything he were still good where it counts"

"So is he going to be like his familiar?"

"Near as I can figure or at least he will be. He or she'll be dependent on its parents for quite a while till it's grown big enough to fend for itself and fly the nest. Still, there's no reason why he can't bond with the little un, they seem happy enough to have him near their baby" he observed watching as Severus alternated between petting the adults and gently stroking the newly hatched baby.

While he was distracted, Harry sidled up to Hagrid "uh Hagrid when we asked you to get a pet for him please tell me this wasn't what you had in mind?" he said quietly enough so Severus wouldn't hear them as he offered them a handful of the seeds Hagrid had left out for them on the table.

"Nah course not" he said waving it off before lifting his hand as though to whisper to him "I've got it in hand, but the bloke says it'll be another few weeks before he can bring em up" he said mysteriously.

"Uh Hagrid, I hope you don't mind me asking but what exactly are you getting him?" Harry asked worriedly.

"You'll just have to wait and see, it's a surprise" he said conspiratorially.