“Severus?”

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

“Severus? Are you there?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~~~*~*~~~

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

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

“Daddy?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Farsh!”

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

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

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

“Farsh! Naughty, naughty puppy!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Stop!”

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

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

“Daddy!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“How long was he…away?”

“Eight months.” Severus’ answer was terse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Rys…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Daddy?”

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

“Rys help Daddy?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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