As soon as the next Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson rolled around, Harry tried to talk to Lupin. But his uncle only frowned and stiffly said "Your guardian does not want me to have any extra curricular lessons with you, nor does he want me to speak to you unless it is class related."

Harry opened his mouth in shock but Remus only slumped his shoulders and gave him a defeated look. This had quite a strong impression on Harry, as Lupin already looked half dead because it was shortly after the full moon.

"But that's so unfair!", Harry said shrilly and Lupin shook his head. He only said "Please Harry." and then turned away. Harry left the classroom with drooping shoulders and in his preoccupation ran into Parvati, who was standing outside. He just wanted to say sorry when she quickly said "Oh! Sorry.", sounding quite flustered and left as fast as she could. Harry didn't wonder about this for too long, he had better things to think about.

As soon as classes ended, Harry stormed down to the dungeons under the cloak and let himself into his Papa's living quarters. A moment later Snape looked in from his office, alerted that somebody had entered his rooms and when he didn't see anyone, said "I'll be back in a minute, take off the ridiculous cloak."

Harry did and sat down, waiting for Severus to re-enter his rooms.

"Is everything alright?", he asked as soon as he entered, worried because he had already seen Harry twice today and something must have happened for him to seek him out again.

"No!", Harry said and looked at him, his eyes blazing with anger "Why did you tell Uncle Remus he can't talk to me? And he can't give me any lessons either, am I supposed to fall off my broom again?"

"No.", Snape said, understanding spreading over his features as he sat down "I will tutor you in the Patronus charm as well, you will make fast progress I am sure."

"Stop that!", Harry said irritated, he knew Snape was only complimenting him to take his mind off the subject and lessen his anger "Why can't he talk to me?"

Snape leaned back in his chair and crossed his legs "Because, as I told you before, I do not trust him. Black entered the castle – how do you think he managed that? It can only have happened with inside help."

Harry opened his lips in disbelieve "You think Remus...? But..."

Snape saw his mistake, but it was too late. Remus was one of the few adults Harry had started to trust and Severus was taking this away from him.

"I cannot be sure, but I can't take chances either."

"That's a really good excuse, isn't it?", Harry spat and jumped up "I can't go to Hogsmeade, because of Black, I can't talk to Remus because of him and now I can't have Patronus lessons with anyone but you – because of Black! You know what I think? You are jealous of Uncle Remus and want to separate me from him."

"SitDown.", Snape said dangerously, anger flaring up in his chest. At first Harry was unsure how to react – Snape had no right to order him around – but that wasn't Snape. That was Severus, his Papa and even though Harry was angry with him, he also respected him. He settled for sitting down and glaring at him "You will not speak to me in this manner. I admit that I sometimes feel jealous of your relationship with Lupin but that has nothing to do with this. As before, when Black is caught and Lupin is proven innocent, I will have no reserve against letting you two spend time together. Until then, he remains a danger."

"You can't be serious! If he wanted to sell me out, he would have done so a long time ago."

"You realize that other parents don't allow their children to spend time with a werewolf at all and I let you stay with him alone during the summer...", Snape stopped as he saw Harry's white face, he couldn't say what had caused it but something he said had made Harry look as if he was going to be sick "What?"

It took Harry a moment before he looked up and said "I am not your child and you are not my parent."

"I am as good as..."

"No, you're not!", Harry said loudly, then his voice dropped down again "You are not even my guardian. You are someone who has taken pity on an orphan, that's all."

"Harry, you know this isn't true... I..."

"You love me?", Harry asked, looking up challengingly "You care for me? Do you?"

"Of course, I told you.", Snape said, taken aback and staring into Harry's hard eyes

"Well I've been told a lot in my life.", Harry whispered

"You don't have to believe my words.", Snape said, his tone rather harder than he wanted, because he was hurt by Harry's words "But you can see it, can you not?"

"You have done a lot for me.", Harry admitted and then said, without looking up "But you're not my parent, you're not my guardian. Any time you want, you can turn away."

Snape thought about this; Minerva's, his father's and Marty's words coming back to him. Making this official, it would cement their relationship. It would make him Harry's father – a thought that filled him with longing and fear in the same amount – and give both of them security. What reason would he have to be jealous of Lupin, when Harry was his son?

And at that moment, looking into Harry's forlorn gaze, he realized that he was hurting this child. He was hurting his child. The same way that the Dursleys had hurt him and before them Voldemort and his Followers. He had been running away from Harry and disappointing his hopes, everyday, each day, Harry had been looking at him and hoping that he would take responsibility. And he had disappointed him each and every time.

"You are right.", Snape said and heard Harry sigh, because he could not look at him. "I wish you could trust me but I understand why you can't.", he sighed himself "I will take your custody."

Harry looked up surprised "You want to be my guardian?"

"Of course. You're a pest, but you are my pest.", Severus said fondly "Seriously, how can you doubt that I would want to take you?"

Harry shrugged and looked away again "But what about your job for... Him, when he returns?"

Snape took a deep breath and stared at Harry for a while "You are infinitely more important to me. Dumbledore will have to find someone else if it all comes to light."

"If?"

"Albus is very well connected. There is no reason anyone should doubt him being your guardian and no one would ever suspect it was me. It is possible that we could stay undetected and I could stay a..."

"What?", Harry asked when Snape stopped "What did you do for Professor Dumbledore?"

"I was a spy. Actually I was a double agent, giving information to both sides. But my true loyalties lay with the..." he stopped himself before saying 'Order' "with Dumbledore after your parents' death."

Harry nodded, too preoccupied with everything else happening to process this information as well "But I still can't talk to Remus?"

Severus pursed his lips "You... cannot be alone with him. Please try to understand that."

"What if Hermione and Ron where there with me? Can I talk to him then?"

Snape wanted dearly to refuse but didn't want to endanger the rapport they had developed "Yes, but please be careful, Harry."

Harry nodded, understanding how much it cost Snape to allow him as much. He felt he needed to do something to show Snape he appreciated it and his readiness to take him. He crossed the room to the man and gave him an awkward hug, while he was still sitting. "Thank you.", he said quietly and then quickly let go.

"I should go, still have a lot of homework.", he said, gathering up his cloak and leaving as fast as he could without looking back. Thus he missed a softly smiling Snape watching him escape.

"Not that I don't enjoy your company, Severus, but do tell what's on your mind.", Dumbledore said amiably after looking at his silent Potions Master for a few minutes.

"I would like to be Harry's guardian.", Severus answered, still in a bit of a daze

"You are."

"Yes... I mean officially.", Severus said, snapping out of his half dream state

"But why?", Dumbledore arranged his glasses on his nose "Are you unhappy with the way we dealt with the Dursleys?"

"No, no that's not it.", Severus assured "Its more... Harry has told me, and he is quite right, that the way things stand as of now I could abandon him any moment without looking back. There is no obligation I have towards him. There is no blood and no law that could stop me, other than morality and...", Snape gave a dry laugh "My morality is somewhat questionable."

"I very much doubt Harry said the last, but I do understand his worry. He has had no stable relationship to an adult he could count on and of course he wishes to have more security. It is quite relatable."

Severus remained silent

"You are... unhappy with the request?", Dumbledore probed carefully

"He does not trust me."

"Why should he, Severus?", Albus asked softly

"I have taken him out of the Dursleys' home, I gave him a new home with me. I have done everything to accommodate him, to make him happy. I... care for him. What else am I supposed to do?", Snape asked, finally giving in to his anger and disappointment

"You are doing everything in your power.", Dumbledore said with a nod "And I believe Harry is quite confused with this. He has never known love or care, or rather he does not remember it. He has only known how it is to be a burden, quite a parasite. He is confused as to what you provide and what he can ask for. And he limits himself as to the latter, because he feels insecure about your intentions. I believe he will feel bad about requesting the guardianship as well."

Snape stared at his hands, deep in thought.

"It is quite understandable that he'll need that security, of course. The question is how to proceed?", Dumbledore asked

"I thought... maybe you could arrange it so that I would be his legal guardian but it would stay undetected.", Severus said, looking at Dumbledore with a mixture of doubt and hope.

Dumbledore turned his head from side to side, thinking about a possibility and then concluded "I will try my best. But you will have to decide now if it is to be a guardianship or an adoption. We cannot keep doing this, those files are better kept untouched and in the dark as long as possible."

Snape's head snapped up at those words and he looked unsure "I don't... I feel inadequate."

Dumbledore smiled "A moment before you were stating all you have done for the child and now you feel inadequate? I believe you two have made quite some progress and he would benefit from this immensely. If I may suggest something: Please don't surprise him with this. Ask him what he prefers and tell him what you wish. Then give the decision up to him and let him decide. And do give him a few days to consider and bounce back the idea with his friends and confidantes..."

Severus thought of Remus and stiffened

"I believe he will want to ask his two best friends, who have been so instrumental in bringing this about. As well as, of course, the Weasleys."

"The Weasleys?", Snape asked surprised

"They have taken an interest in Harry's well being and accommodated him not only during the time the charm was still in effect but also the summer before. They are two adults, parents as well, Harry would want to ask. You may even give him the advice to do so."

"And Lupin.", Snape added, trying to keep emotion out of his voice

"And Remus, yes.", Dumbledore leaned forward "He may be angry with you – as you are with him – but he will give Harry the advice he thinks will benefit him most. He cares for the child deeply and keeping them apart will only damage your relationship with both." Seeing Severus cross his arms and look like he wouldn't listen to another word of this, made Dumbledore change course "The more choice you give Harry, the greater the respect and love you will earn from him."

Severus still looked put out but nodded "I will heed your advice and come to you with our decision."

"Very well, I wish the best for you and your son."

Snape cleared his throat embarrassed and then left quickly.

"Guys.", Harry said after dinner a few days later "Can I talk to you two?"

Ron and Hermione looked surprised but nodded

"We can go to the experiment room.", Harry said, leading the way. Snape had prepared a room where they could use different trial Molotov potions for his project. Harry had had a lot of fun throwing things at a screen and watching them shatter and burn. He had not yet found a lot of potions that worked, some of them did not have enough spreading others were to dangerous, burning too long and out of control. When they entered, Ron whistled impressed with the damage Harry had done to the screen.

"Wow, that looks cool.", Ron said, going up to the screen and touching the burned holes.

"Ron, concentrate.", Hermione said and turned to Harry "You wanted to talk?"

"Yeah... well... Severus, he said that...", why was it so hard to just come out and say it? Harry gritted his teeth and then rushed "He wants to adopt me."

The response was quite unexpected as Ron's jaw dropped, before he grinned widely and Hermione gave girlish scream, throwing her arms around Harry. Flustered, Harry patted her back and let go quickly, looking at Ron

"So you think its a good idea?"

"Yeah mate, a blind man can see how good he is for you. You have proper things now and you can go to him whenever you need him.", Ron pointed at the screen "And he lets you throw and burn things. What are you waiting for?"

Harry laughed at that and turned to Hermione, who, to his horror, had tears in her eyes.

"This is so wonderful Harry. That's what I always wanted for you! Are we the first people you ask?"

"No.", Harry admitted quietly "I asked Hagrid first."

It was hard to understand, even for himself, but the first person he had gone to was the kind half giant. He felt like no one on the Hogwarts grounds – maybe the whole world – could understand him in this matter the way Hagrid could. And as expected he had not reacted exuberant to these news, but quite seriously considered them. His protectiveness towards Harry and himself being orphaned early in his life made him the right person to ask. He had gone quiet, asked Harry a few questions and then not only told him to go ahead but offered to always be there to talk to. Harry had felt as connected to him as he never had before and quite grateful to have Hagrid in his life.

"But after him you are the first.", Harry added, they both nodded in understanding, even though Ron looked a bit miffed. After their whole hearted affirmation of the situation he turned to write to the Weasleys as Severus had suggested. He was unsure of how to put his question but managed to draw up a letter after a few attempts, he went to Professor Lupin with it, a bit annoyed at having to have Hermione and Ron in the room.

"Uncle, can you read this through and tell me if that's alright? It's a letter to the Weasleys.", he wanted to combine having his uncle's opinion on the letter as well as his opinion with the matter.

Remus took it and then read it through, he stopped at the end and didn't look up for a moment. When he did, Harry could see his eyes were full of emotion but could not identify it.

"I... believe it is a very good letter.", he said and gave it back.

"Uncle... what do you think, about all of it?", Harry asked, shifting on his feet, Remus looked at him for a moment, then smiled softly

"You have taken on a few Slytherin traits, Harry.", he said in an obviously amused tone "If you hadn't had me read the letter I might still be biased, but this way, all I can say is: I believe this would make you happy and this is why I agree with it wholeheartedly."

Harry beamed at him, relief washing over him. He had been so afraid of Remus' reaction but now he felt surer about the whole thing. If Remus, even though he was angry at Severus, could still see how good this would be for him, there could not be much to speak against it. For some time, Harry had felt like Remus was the last advocate of James' wishes for his son and if he agreed, he felt like this would be the right thing to do.

"Severus.", Minerva said crisply and her colleague turned on his way down to the dungeons "There is a matter we need to discuss."

Severus raised an eyebrow but followed her up to her office, inside she turned around on her heels and said in a clearly disappointed tone "Why did you not tell me?"

"About what?"

"That you want to adopt Harry."

Severus raised his eyebrows "Who told you?"

"Harry."

"Harry?", he asked surprised

"Harry.", she said, nodding "He came to me, asking for my advice."

"Who else has he asked?", Severus muttered, surprised at Harry's daring to ask the formidable Gryffindor Head

"I was astonished that Harry would consult me but you wouldn't even inform me!", she said in a wounded tone and settled down

"I would have.", Severus said, putting his hand on the back of a visitor's chair "As soon as the matter was settled. There is no question in my mind as to what I want. He is... my child, with or without the adoption."

Minerva smiled fondly at this

"But he needs to be sure, so I allowed him to ask the advice of the people he considers... important and knowledgeable enough to give it."

Minerva's smile turned quite smug at this "And he came to me."

"Indeed.", Severus said and then teased "I am as surprised as you are."

"Oh, be quiet, you!", she snapped back and made him laugh

"What did you say?", he asked anxiously, sitting down and accepting a cup of tea

"What do you think?", Minerva answered and turned the discussion away from her obvious answer "He told me he consulted his two best friends, Remus, Rubeus and the Weasleys as well. I wanted to make sure the matter had not gone out of the Order."

Snape nodded, sipping his tea "What do you think they told him?"

"I do not believe any of them discouraged him.", she began and at his disbelieving expression added "Not even Remus. Harry came to me last and even though he seemed relieved at having my approval, he did not look troubled or very anxious about the matter."

"He was relaxed?", Severus asked curiously

"Quite.", Minerva answered, smiling into her tea "I congratulate you on the decision, it is as good as made up and I really think it will make you both a lot happier."

Severus leaned back, relaxing into the chair. He felt a lot better. He had been nervous since giving the child the choice, but now he felt content. Harry seemed made up on the decision and it was in his favour. He was relieved, glad and could finally have a relaxed conversation with Minerva about other, rather irrelevant topics.

"Chitchat in the staff room has it, there is romance in the air.", Minerva stated, trying hard to contain her grin

"Really?", Severus asked disinterestedly, choosing his favourite cookie and biting into it

"Indeed, there is a certain dark, brooding character and an equally dark beauty engaging in... ah... the dance of..."

"Nothing!", Snape interrupted angrily, red spots appearing on his cheeks "Dance of nothing. There is absolutely nothing..."

His sentence was drowned out by Minerva's laughter.

Arthur was reading the Daily Prophet with his morning coffee when he spotted a white dot in the distance, coming closer at high speed "Molly, isn't that Harry's owl?"

Molly looked up from the dishes and opened the window for the beautiful snowy owl, that landed gracefully on the kitchen table

"I hope everything is alright.", Molly said, worriedly wiping her hands on her apron and untying the letter. She opened it and sat down to read the writing she had never seen before now. Soon her eyes were quelling with tears and she had a hand over her mouth "Oh Arthur! How very... how... oh, there are no words, read it."

Alarmed and confused Arthur accepted the letter while his wife wiped her tears away. He smiled when he finished it and looked up "He is a good boy, Harry is."

"Oh, yes, he is such a good boy and he deserves this.", she smiled, having conjured up quill and parchment "Lets write him back with return owl and have him know how great we think this is. What a wonderful, wonderful child, what a beautiful thing to happen to him!"

Arthur smiled fondly at his wife, then he looked over the letter again and read it over for the second time.

"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,

I know you will be surprised to hear from me and first of all I want to thank you, for always being so kind to me. I really appreciate all you've done for me and I will never forget it. And I think, more than any other adults in my life, you know what it means to be a parent and you can judge who would be able to be a good one. Again, I feel very lucky that you gave me a glimpse of that. The thing is, even though I am nothing more than you're son's friend, I wanted to ask your advice in a matter that is very important to me. You know there are few adults in my life I trust and none other than you have children.

The thing is this: Professor Snape has offered to adopt me, but instead of accepting my answer right away, he asked me to take advice from people in my life I trust. I trust that you two will give me advice on what to do.

I lost my parents when I was very young and don't remember them any more. I have never known what it's like to have a parent, someone who cares for me. Not until I had Severus take that part. I don't think, if I would refuse, I will ever get the chance to have this ever again. But I don't want to choose this because I have no other choice. I really care for Severus and he cares back. That's the best thing that ever happened to me. But of course I'm scared as well. As I said, I never knew real parents, I only got a glimpse when I met your family. That is why I trust you to give me the advice I need: Is Severus a good parent? Will he be the right choice for me?

I believe I know the answers, but I cannot be sure.

Forever gratefully yours

Harry Potter."

"You write to him.", Arthur said, taking one parchment and quill for himself "I will write a short missive to Severus."

And this is how, at the same time, Severus and Harry opened letters from the Weasleys that made them smile. Harry immediately showed his to his two best friends, who were equally glad with the Weasleys' response. Severus folded his up and tucked it inside his pocket, sipping his coffee and looking quite content.

"That letter made you happy.", Minerva commented over her tea "Was that Arthur's writing?"

"Yes, it was.", Severus said, taking another sip.

"Well, what did he say?", Minerva asked

"Curious, are you not?", Severus teased, his lips twitching upwards, Minerva scowled "He wrote to inform me... ah... he is quite happy I offered... the child what he needs."

Minerva smiled at that and said "So they gave him a positive response as well."

They both looked at the Gryffindor table, where the three friends were whispering excitedly, smiles plastered on their faces.

This year when Professor McGonagall took the names of those who'd stay at the castle over Christmas, Harry felt quite happy not to volunteer. When Christmas rolled around, he would already be Severus' son and would spend it with his dad. Everything, the snow on the grounds and the decorations in the Great Hall looked ten times more beautiful, the chatter in the common room tons happier. To perfect his mood, Ravenclaw had beat Hufflepuff – some bad tongues said "beat to a pulp" – which heightened their chances for the cup considerably. Harry had been spending so much time with Severus, brewing and learning the Patronus Charm, that he felt his time was divided up only between him and the rest of the school. He didn't mind that at all, after the adoption offer. When he went down today he entered with a wide grin

"Are they there yet?", he asked, the way he had for a few days now

"Yes, you insufferable little beast, they have arrived.", Snape answered, less annoyed than he sounded, Harry's heart dropped to his knees nonetheless

"Can I see?", Harry asked quietly, dropping his bag and coming closer to the desk, which was littered with papers, Snape was filling out. Snape raised an eyebrow and then waved an inviting hand over the papers

"Be my guest. What would you like to read first? My financial status or my remaining relatives?", he held up two papers, first indicating the left then the right. Harry actually reached for the left before receiving a playful swat and laughing.

"What does a Hogwarts professor earn?", Harry asked curiously, sitting down in front of Severus

"Insolent brat.", Snape scolded, continuing to fill out the forms while he answered "Not much, as accommodation and provisions 9 months a year are included. Teaching at Hogwarts is a question of prestige as well, it is a high ranked position in our society and the world of science, as professors from Hogwarts have historically always provided science with valuable contributions. But do not worry your sweet little pumpkin head, I am well off."

Harry shuddered at the ironical title he had just received "How are you well off then...? Spinners End..."

"...doesn't look the epitome of wealth, I know. I got Spinners End from my father, he had received it from his. I don't need more than a house with a few rooms, as I don't live there for most of the year. But I inherited the Prince estate from my mother's side of the family. There was no other heir left and my grandparents died after my mother. I did not want a grand estate and expensive finery, when those people had left my mother with no support at all. They had even refused to come to her burial."

Snape looked bitter for a moment, staring at the parchment in disdain "I buried them alongside their pureblooded ancestors and sold the whole lot with the house."

Harry blinked, surprised at the venom in his Papa's voice, a man who had joined the Death Eaters and at one point must have thought well about pure blood as well. He did not point this out, however.

"And the money from that is in your Gringott's account?", Harry said "Then why do you work here?"

"For Dumbledore and my mission.", Severus answered, finishing one of the forms and taking up the next "You may already have guessed: I don't enjoy this job much."

Harry grinned at that, trying to steal a glance at the paper with the financial accounts. Severus casually turned it face down and continued with his forms. It took Harry a few minutes but then he relaxed enough to take out his homework and start working on it. When Snape hadn't finished after his second essay, Harry tried to distract himself by reading something for his Advanced Potions project. But he simply couldn't concentrate, so he settled for chatting with Ophion.

"Harry, can I go out?", the little snake asked, getting comfortable on his wrist. Ophion asked frequently, when he could go out.

"I'm sorry Ophion, but there are a lot of owls in area, I don't want you to be eaten.", Harry explained again

"Harry can come with me.", Ophion suggested, rubbing his face on Harry's wrist in a way that could best be described as 'snuggling', Harry smiled apologetically

"I'm sorry, friend, but I cannot go out.", Harry answered "There is a... predator after me."

Even though it felt ridiculous to call Black a "predator" he had no better translation for "murderer". Ophion stopped snuggling

"I will bite him."

Harry laughed at that and received a little bite from Ophion in response "Ow! Sorry, I didn't want to insult you."

"Harry!", he suddenly heard Snape's exasperated call "Stop hissing, I can't concentrate."

"Oops.", Harry said and retreated into his room, where he finished his conversation with his pet, then put him back in his terrarium. As Ophion was still a bit annoyed that his master had basically laughed at him, he was treated to a warm shower. Harry sprayed a bit of water onto the little snake and gave him a treat in the form of a Flubberworm. Harry had realized that Ophion loved the Potion ingredient and would eat a whole box if Harry let him. He looked into the terrarium for a while, watching his friend slither to his favorite spot, a little cave decked inside out with moss. Harry watched Ophion enter and settle down, possibly going to sleep and suddenly felt bad for him. The poor creature had no one for most of the time. Even though Ophion was quite often found sleeping peacefully, he missed his master most of the time. It was his highlight whenever Harry took him out for a conversation. Harry had a burst of bad conscience. He had trapped the little snake into a glass cage and cut him off of his own kind, just the way he had been cut off from the Wizarding world. He really wanted to take Ophion out and have him breathe fresh air and meet someone of his own kind... Maybe he'd even find a lady snake. Harry grinned at that thought and jumped a little when Severus called him back into the living room.

"I wanted you to read this.", Severus said, giving Harry the last page of the forms. Harry read

'I hereby accept the aforementioned child or children as mine. I will provide them with all necessities and include them in my inheritance. The child will henceforth be my charge and I will be responsible for all its needs and wants. I will guide him/her/them to the best of my ability and provide them with all the care I can give. If so desired the child will change its name as mentioned under paragraph...' Harry jumped over this, as he would stay a Potter and then stared at Snape's spidery handwriting.

He could not do anything but stare at the letters. They were closely connected, written with light pressure with rather small lettering and not slanted. He stared and stared at the words "Severus Tobias Snape", as if they told him everything he needed to know. He wondered briefly why Severus had written "Tobias" with what looked like a small "t", it looked wrong.

"Do you plan on becoming a graphologist?", Snape joked and Harry gave him a weak smile even though he didn't understand what that meant "They examine hand writing and try to tell you the personality of the person."

"Does it work?", Harry asked, putting the paper back carefully and avoiding Snape's eyes

"I don't trust it that much.", Snape answered casually leaning against his desk "Are you really that interested in graphology or are you avoiding to talk about this?"

Harry shrugged

"I know it must be scary.", Severus whispered reaching out his hand and taking Harry by the arm "I am scared too."

Harry looked up surprised

"I've tried my best thus far and I think I have managed... tolerably. But there is so much that can go wrong. When I think about my father's legacy..."

"You won't hurt me, I know.", Harry said, looking at him with honest trust "I... don't know how to be anyone's son so... I think I'll do stuff wrong and mess things up..."

"We both will.", Severus agreed, squeezing the arm in his hand reassuringly "But I promise you, I will never intentionally hurt you and I will try my best to be your father."

Harry gulped at that and then leaned forward, leaning his forehead on Snape's chest. Snape casually put his arms around Harry's shoulders and rested his chin on his head. Harry turned his head sideways so he could hear Severus' heartbeat, that was going at a frantic pace. Harry relaxed his muscles at that and hugged his Papa back. Severus was as scared as he was, his own heart was beating at high speed for his fear of failing. He didn't trust himself to speak, so he kept his mouth shut until they had relaxed from their fear and let go of each other.

"My father will be quite pleased.", Severus said, cupping Harry's cheek and the child smiled at him

The following weekend when all official channels had approved of the quiet adoption, Snape took Harry to the hospital, where Tobias had been transferred to. Harry hadn't gone for a while now and felt nervous to meet his grandfather again, now actually being his grandson. He knew Tobias would probably be happy, but he still couldn't stop fidgeting.

"Stop that!", Snape finally said, swatting his hand from the hem of his shirt "And put your shirt in your trousers before I do!"

Harry complied hastily before they got off the elevator. He followed his father to a single room at the end of the hall. Severus entered and was greeted enthusiastically

"My boy!", Tobias took him by the arm, making him sit on the bed beside him, facing him. He looked a lot weaker than the last time, Harry noticed worriedly "And who is this?"

Harry stopped in his tracks and saw his dad's back stiffen. Severus cleared his throat and reached for Harry, pulling him to his side

"This is Harry, my son.", he said softly "I adopted him a little while ago..."

"What?", Tobias snapped, his eyebrow drawing together "You adopted some kid off the street?"

"No, he is a student where I teach, an orphan.", Severus tried to explain again, keeping Harry firmly pressed against his side, trying to comfort him silently. Harry felt confused and hurt. He knew about Alzheimer, but to have Tobias, who had so readily welcomed him the first time he saw him and always been so kind, act like this... It felt horrible. "You remember Lily? Lily Evans?"

Tobias squinted at Harry, who silently stared back "He has her eyes."

"Yes.", Severus said, relieved "We got close during last year, he is talented in my subject and I found he wasn't being treated right by his family. So I took him."

Tobias grunted, still looking unforgiving and very much like the man Severus had described from his childhood. But the arm around Harry's shoulder had steadfastly stayed there, warming him.

"You... got to know him better during the summer and have been nagging me since then to make him my son.", Severus said and Harry felt how stiff and careful he was, when he said that. Harry soon realized why

"What?", Tobias growled, fixing his attention on his son "I never did that! Stop lying you ungrateful little wrench. What didn't I do for you? And now, instead of giving me a real grandchild, you take in some useless little creature. But of course, he is just as scrawny and meaningless as you were."

Harry felt cold and dreadful. It was like staring into Vernon's face again, angry, red and spitting. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. Before Severus could answer they heard steps coming closer fast. A nurse entered and assessed the situation quickly.

"What is going on here?"

"Throw them out!", Tobias shouted angrily "Out! I don't want to see them again."

"As you wish, Mr. Snape.", the nurse said, trying to sooth him and turned to Severus "Will you please come with me?"

But Severus had already stood up and was leading Harry out of the room. Harry felt horrible, he had made Tobias aggressive with his presence alone. But he didn't know what he could have done differently. And he felt so bad about hearing those words about his father. He was angry and wanted to confront Tobias, to ask him how he dared, after all he had done, to say something so hurtful to Severus. After they had walked a few steps into the hall, Harry realized that Severus hadn't let go of him yet. The nurse came out after them, closing the door quietly

"He is worse?", Severus asked immediately and Harry felt surprised at that. His father wasn't angry at all

"Yes, I am afraid so.", the nurse said, sympathetic "I have to tell you, his situation is worsening gradually."

Severus rubbed his face with his free hand in agitation and Harry looked helplessly at him.

"What was the source of his... anger?", the nurse asked, Severus glanced at Harry and answered

"He could not remember my son any more."

The nurse pursed her lips and nodded, understanding. "Try to go in again in a few minutes without him."

"Is it so bad?", Severus whispered, looking desperately into her eyes and she only nodded and turned away.

"What did you mean?", Harry asked, scared of the answer

"In a few minutes he may have already forgotten we were in there.", Severus answered "When I go in, shall I ask him if he remembers you and call you in, if he does?"

Harry shook his head "You are going to make him angry again. If he remembers he'll ask for me, won't he?"

"He did every time before.", Snape agreed and finally let go, he fondly ruffles Harry's hair and said "Don't take it too hard, you didn't do anything wrong."

After that he disappeared into the room and left Harry in the waiting area. A few minutes later the nurse gave him a cup of hot chocolate with a sad smile and only when he had already finished, did his Papa return. Severus looked worn and older than before they had entered the hospital. He seemed deep in thought, when he waved for Harry to follow him and the scowl didn't lift off his face all the way down to the exit. Harry was acutely aware of the fact that he hadn't come out and brought him back into the room. Tobias had forgotten about him.

"Was he better then?", Harry asked quietly

"A bit grumpy, but yes.", Severus answered and seemed to snap out of his thoughts, he studied Harry intently for a while and then said "Listen, it was not your fault, understood?" Harry nodded without believing him "Things like this have happened before. He wouldn't recognize nurses that had been with him for years."

"Did he ever forget you?", Harry asking, staring at the tips of his shoes

"No, not yet.", Severus answered "But it is quite random, don't take it personally."

"The way he was, in the end. Was he like this when you were a kid?"

Severus looked at Harry, the truth was that he had been worse "Similar, yes."

Harry pursed his lips "How could you forgive him?"

"I... I had to let go of my anger after I decided to help him. It was about being practical. I couldn't harbour him ill will and still care for him. The first thing in my mind was to make him as comfortable as possible, the way I had promised my mother. The anger fled when I realized how sorry he was and how much he had changed."

Harry hummed and then said "I can't forgive him for being mean to you."

"Yes, it is far easier to forgive crimes against oneself rather than crimes against people we love. It took me considerably more time to forgive him for the way he had treated my mother. I do not believe I will ever be able to forgive the Dursleys, even though I encourage you to leave it behind for your own sake."

They walked in silence for a while until they reached the apparition point, Snape took Harry by his arms "These are his last days. The kindness I have shown him, as grudgingly as it was provided, I believe it led me to you. Harry, please learn from this. Your past was overshadowed by the Dursleys, don't give them the power to control your future. Forgive them and go on, not for their sake, not because they deserve it, but for yourself."

Harry looked up at his father, infinitely glad he had chosen him as a parent. He stepped up and hugged him closely to apparate.

"Thanks Dad."

He felt arms come around him and Severus blow on his messy hair playfully, before they apparated away. Severus regretted deeply how this meeting had gone, but Harry had been lucky that Tobias had remembered him every time before today. It was no one's fault but he couldn't stop the bad conscience coming up in him. This was a day they had wanted to celebrate, for now Harry was officially his. But it had turned out to be a lesson in life. That things never turn out the way you expect them to. Severus had thought he had learned that lesson long before now – he had been wrong.