“Is there a reason you have the Daily Prophet before I’ve even had a chance to look at it?” Severus asked, glaring down at the boy sitting at the table. Since when was Harry awake before he was?

               “Sorry,” Harry said, folding the paper and sliding it to the head of the table as Severus sat down. “I couldn’t sleep well last night. Guess I’m ready for classes to start up again tomorrow. I was looking at the page with the cartoons and riddles.”

               “By all means, finish them,” Severus said, pushing the paper back to Harry.

               The boy smiled but went to the kitchen and came back with two plates of breakfast.

               “I made breakfast,” he said as he set two plates of scrambled eggs and toast down in front of himself and Severus. Severus raised an eyebrow.

               “Eggs again? You go through a carton of eggs faster than Hogwarts kitchen.”

               “I like eggs.”

               “So I see.”

               Harry opened the paper back up to the cartoon page and smiled at the riddles. Severus almost asked Harry to set it aside and eat first, but Severus himself would often read and eat at the same time, so he refrained. Having nothing to do since Harry had the paper, Severus watched Harry smile at the jokes and riddles he was reading while he ate.

               “Hey, Professor,” Harry asked, a big grin on his face.

               “Hmm?”

               “What do you call a wizard from outer space that can fly?”

“An unconventional phenomenon.”

               “A what?” Harry frowned.

               Severus snorted, a small chuckle escaping his lips at Harry’s confused face. “I don’t know, Potter. What do you call a wizard from outer space who can fly?”

               “A flying sorcerer!”

               Severus smiled at Harry. The thought of riddles reminded Severus that he had his own riddle problem to complete. He had a few more vials of poison and nettle wine to collect for his contribution to the stone’s protection in the castle. He would have to drag Harry along on his trip.

               “When you are finished with your breakfast, head upstairs and dress for the day,” Severus told Harry. “I need to make a stop at Diagon Alley and seeing as it’s a little late to arrange for a sitter, you will have to come with me.”

               “Really?” Harry smiled, then made a face. “I wouldn’t need a sitter. I’m not a baby.”

               “I do not believe I said a babysitter, now did I?”

               “I don’t need a sitter at all. I’m too old for one.”

               “I would not leave you here alone.”

               “Why not? I’d be good. It’s not like I’d leave or burn the house down or go in your lab or something.”

               “The very fact that any of those ideas crossed your mind is concerning enough. Now, finish your breakfast and do as I’ve said.”

               “Yes, sir.”

               Harry pushed the paper aside and finished his food before heading to his room to dress. Severus pulled the paper to himself and folded it to the front page to read the news while he waited for Harry to return. Once Harry was ready, Severus pulled a cloak over his shoulders, making sure Harry had one, and led the boy to the floo and called out their destination, keeping a firm grip on Harry’s shoulder. Once they arrived at their destination, Severus quickly tapped Harry’s head with his wand, changing the boy’s hair to a lighter brown and his eyes turned blue. The boy’s glasses squared out a little and the scar concealed itself.

               “Why . . .?” Harry looked in a mirror at himself.

               “I do not have the time for incessant questions from nosy passersby nor do I want a fan mob slowing us down.”

               “Oh. So why are we here?” Harry asked eagerly as they walked into the busy street of Diagon Alley, wizards and witches alike calling out to each other, children whining about the grocery lists and the want for candy, several owls flying above everyone with parcels and letters.

               “I am stopping at the apothecary for a few essential ingredients I need.”

               “What for?”

               “That is none of your concern.”

               Harry huffed but said nothing. Severus noted that Diagon Alley was busier than usual, possible due to Hogwarts starting back up again and students collecting a few extra items beforehand. He reached out and pulled Harry close to his side.

               “Stay close and do not leave my side.”

               “Yes, sir.”

Severus continued to the apothecary, occasionally looking down at Harry to make sure the boy was still with him. Harry seemed intrigued by the magic all around him, even after attending Hogwarts for the past four months. His eyes were wide and his attention elsewhere, and Severus had to snap at the boy to watch where he was going a couple times.

Finally, he two arrived at the apothecary and Severus pulled Harry inside, reminding the boy to stay close. Harry sighed, but did as he was told. Severus searched the aisles for what he needed. Nettle wine, it was usually on the third shelf near the front of the store – there it was. Severus eyed the vials of the ingredient. He then spotted the wall that had a collection of venoms and poisons. He studied every name carefully. He wanted to pick a good poison, perhaps one that didn’t kill right away. Arsenic would have been his first choice, but maybe he didn’t want to kill whoever went after the stone at all. Was there a poison that would debilitate the man long enough for someone to catch him in the act? What about more muggle poisons – antifreeze came to mind. Sweet tasting, that would through anyone off when they first drink it, but . . .

Severus shook his head, shaking the thoughts away. Sometimes, it paid to have so much knowledge. A basic poison should do the trick fine. He collected a few and headed to the counter to pay for them. Once he was finished, he suddenly remembered Harry and looked down.

Harry was not at his side.

Severus swiveled his head around, trying to spot the boy in the store somewhere. But Harry was not in the apothecary with him.

That insolent, trouble causing brat.

Severus pulled out his wand and cast a locator charm. “Find Harry Potter,” he hissed through his teeth, moving out of the shop. His wand tugged him own the street. He followed, feeling his heart quicken when the tug pointed at the narrow alleyway that led to Knockturn Alley. He lowered his wand to his side inconspicuously but continued to follow it, lifting the hood of his cloak over his head. He turned down the less busy street of the retched alley, no one paying him any mind.

He spotted Harry up ahead, a few witches laughing and mocking the young boy, a couple wizards eyeing him from where they leaned on a nearby building. Harry seemed uneasy and a bit frightened as he searched for an exit.

Severus stalked forward slowly and watched as a couple wizards walking down the alley smirked at the child, veering toward Harry. Severus hurried his steps and managed to come up behind Harry, covering the boy’s mouth with a hand and grabbing the boy’s arm with his other hand. Harry squeaked as he brought his hands to the hand over his mouth to pry them away.

“Make any sound and you’ll find yourself chopped to pieces for use in several potions,” Severus said, loud enough for the few witches and wizards to hear, who snickered and walked on, leaving them. What happened in Knockturn Alley, stayed there.

Even with the threat, Harry visibly calmed at Severus’s voice. Keeping a grip on Harry’s arm, Severus turned and dragged Harry back to Diagon Alley. He didn’t release the boy until he had found a public restroom and entered, pushing the boy inside. Severus felt a wave of anger hit him as he turned and locked the door behind them, leaning up against the door in sagged relief. Harry was okay and safe. In deep trouble, but safe.

“Do you think they’ll try to come after me?” Harry asked, a bewildered look on his face at Severus’s actions.

Severus turned and glared at Harry, pulling the hood off. He crossed his arms as he stepped over to the boy with purposeful strides.

“They’re the least of your worries,” Severus growled. “I told you to stay with me.”

Harry backed up slightly, suddenly finding himself pressed back against the wall.

“But . . .” Harry bit his lower lip, hunching his shoulders as Severus stepped closer. “I didn’t mean to . . . I was just going . . . Professor, wait.”

Severus didn’t give Harry any chance to explain himself before he yanked Harry to him, pinning the boy against his side and bringing his hand down repeatedly over the boy’s bottom.

“Ow! Professor, stop.” Harry struggled in his grip. “Not here, please. Ow, someone might hear.”

Severus ignored the boy, eavesdroppers being the least of his concern.

“I told you to stay with me,” he said again. “Not take off to Knockturn Alley of all places!”

“I didn’t know bout that place,” Harry reasoned, still struggling to move his bottom out of range. “I just wanted to – I mean I thought . . . ow! Professor, please, I’m sorry.”

Harry was softly crying by the time Severus pulled the boy up, keeping a hand on Harry’s shoulder.

“Explain yourself this instant.”

“Why?” Harry sniffed miserably. “You already smacked me.”

“And I will do so again if I don’t get some answers out of you. What were you doing in Knockturn Alley?”

“I didn’t mean to go there. I was standing with you when I saw someone carrying a book called The Beauty of Alchemy by Nicolas Flamel.”

“And what does that have to do with you or anything from school?”

“Well . . .” Harry gulped. “I thought I could ask the witch carrying the book some questions about err – alchemy. I was curious.”

“So, you though it best to follow that witch, leave my side which I told you numerous times not to, and end up in a dangerous part of this area all for a silly question that you could have easily asked me!”

“I’m sorry.” Harry had tears sliding down his cheeks. “She vanished around some corner and I got lost. I just want to know what that man has to do with the three headed dog.” Harry gasped and slapped a hand over his mouth.

A lightbulb went off over Severus’s head, though he had had his suspicions. He pinned Harry with a stern glare, looking down his nose at the boy as his hands rested on his hips.

“And the truth spills out. You know about the dog? Dare I ask how you found out? In fact, that night at the library had nothing to do with transfiguration, did it?’

“No, sir.”

“You were looking for more information about Nicolas Flamel and what he may have to do with the dog. How did you learn of the name?”

Harry shook his head, more tears falling from his eyes.

“Potter,” Severus growled.

“Hagrid said it – but it was an accident, he didn’t mean to tell us – I mean me. Honest. And I accidentally went to third floor corridor and saw the dog. I didn’t mean to, honest!”

Severus was furious with himself, with Hagrid, with Albus – obviously the Golden Trio knew about Nicolas Flamel and the dog in the corridor. Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I find it hard to believe you are being completely honest when all you’ve done is lie to me thus far, Potter.”

“I am though, sir. And I’m sorry. I was just trying to find more information.”

“Let me tell you this, young man,” Severus said, pointing a stern finger at Harry. “You will no longer concern yourself with Nicolas Flamel, he has nothing to do with you or your friends. You will stay away from that corridor and the dog, do you hear me? If I find that you have been messing around with Nicolas Flamel or have gone near that corridor again, what I just gave you will feel like love pats in comparison to the spanking you’ll get, understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Harry said. “But can’t I know anything? Why is there a three headed dog in the school? It has to be guarding something, right?”

Severus looked off to the side, debating if it would be better to keep Harry in the dark or not. For all he knew, the boy would be back searching for answers once they were in Hogwarts.

“It is,” Severus answered. “Something that is of no concern to the students and will hopefully be relocated out of the school soon. You have nothing to worry about with what the dog is guarding or the dog itself. You will not pursue this any further, is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

Severus dragged a hand down his face, watching Harry reach back and rub his bottom, wincing slightly. He felt a bit guilty to be the cause of the boy’s discomfort. He blinked as he recognized the feeling. Before he had never felt such a way after disciplining Harry. In fact, he had felt satisfaction. Now, he really didn’t enjoy smacking the boy. Harry tried so hard to be good and please the adults around him. Now, when he smacked Harry, he just felt . . . disappointed. Harry sniffed loudly and used his sleeve to swipe at his nose.

“Use a tissue,” Severus said, pointing to a box resting on the sink counter. Harry did so, blowing his nose. Severus watched him for a moment before saying, “I am very disappointed in your behavior this morning, young man.”

Harry froze and stared at Severus, his lower lip trembling and his eyes watering. Severus ignored it, knowing the impact those words alone could have on a young child.

“Pull yourself together so we can leave this restroom,” Severus said gently.

Harry used a tissue to wipe at his eyes before he followed Severus out of the bathroom and back into Diagon Alley, keeping his head down to avoid any looks.

Later that night, Severus sat in his living room drinking a nightcap, a warm, crackling fire in the fireplace. Just a nightcap tonight. One glass of a muggle beer, no more. He drank it slowly, trying to satisfy his urge to drink more. His body felt like it needed more alcohol running through it – it would take days to wean himself off the large amount he had drank before and even longer to wean himself off alcohol completely. Which was probably in his best interest.

It had been a long day. Once they had returned home, Severus sent Harry to his room to finish packing for tomorrow. The boy had been very quiet the rest of the day, finishing up homework and making his bed. Severus felt bad for how hard he had been on the boy at Diagon Alley. He had reacted in fear and anger when he had smacked the boy in the restroom, something he probably shouldn’t have done.

               Noise from the stairway caught Severus’s attention and he looked up, seeing Harry halfway down the stairs. He motioned to the boy to come down all the way, waiting until Harry stood in front of him.

               “We return to Hogwarts first thing tomorrow morning. You should be asleep.”

               “I couldn’t fall asleep.”

               “Sit,” Severus said, patting the empty space next to him. Harry sat down and looked up at Severus.

               “I just want to apologize for my behavior this morning,” Harry said so softly Severus had to lower his head slightly to hear him. “I didn’t mean to disappoint you.”

               Severus hummed softly, resting an arm on the back of the sofa behind Harry.

               “You have been very well behaved since this morning, albeit a bit withdrawn. I don’t want you to lose your spirit, but I do need you to think before you act. Taking off like you did today was very dangerous. You ended up in Knockturn, which is a place full of dangerous people and very shady practices. Anything could have happened to you, you could have been kidnapped. And what if someone broke my concealment charm I had placed on you? They would have found out who you are, and I assure you, they would want more than just an autograph from you.”

               “I’m sorry.”

               “I know, and you are forgiven.”

               “Thank you.” Harry smiled. “And thank you for letting me stay with you. I really liked it here.”

               “And I enjoyed having you here,” Severus admitted, pausing to take a sip of his nightcap. “However, I must warn you: when we return to Hogwarts, I will treat you as I always have in the classroom.”

               “Really? Why?”

               “For reasons I won’t delve into now. But I need you to understand that what I will do is not honest or with malicious intent. It’s just . . .”

               “Acting?” Harry supplied.

               “Yes. Acting. It is something I need to do to keep you and everyone else safe, including myself. Do you understand that?”

               “I guess,” Harry shrugged, looking down at his bare feet. “You are pretty good at acting. You did that in Knockturn Alley when you found me, right? So no one would suspect who you were or question what you were doing?”

               “I’m sure many people questioned my actions, but in that alley, no one would say a word to stop me. Nor would they say a word to stop anyone who dared approach you. Hence why you should never have been there or left my side today.”

               “I’m glad you found me,” Harry said.

               “I am, too.”

               “I’ll hate it at school. Does this mean you’re always going to be mean to me?”

               “Remember, it’s just acting. And no, if you absolutely must, you may come down to my office or my quarters whenever you need to. You know where they are.”

               “Really? Anytime?”

               “Not after curfew. Unless you have a very good reason.”

               “Yes, sir. Thank you so much, sir.”

               Harry slowly rested his head against Severus’s shoulder, seemingly glad when Severus didn’t shrug him off. Harry smiled softly and closed his eyes, Severus lowering his arm from the back of the sofa to wrap around Harry’s shoulders. The man took another swig of the nightcap, enjoying the warmth of the fire with Harry at his side.

               “I’m going to miss it here,” Harry said softly, his eyes still closed.

               Severus looked down at the boy, a small smile on his lips.

               “Perhaps this won’t be the last time you visit.”

               Harry’s head snapped open, bright eyes meeting Severus’s. “You mean it?”

               “I will not make any promises, but I will look into it. We could make this a permanent thing. And you’d never have to go back to your relatives, not even come summer.”

               Harry blinked at the man. “You mean like . . . I stay here with you?”

               “I could apply for guardianship – but it would have to be done under secrecy.”

               “No one can know.”

               “Few people would – your relatives would have to sign guardianship over to me, and the Minister of Magic would need to make it official, as well as a witness observing everyone’s signatures. But no one else would know. Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, there is a lot of paperwork involved and this is if I am eligible to pursue guardianship. There is potential that I may be declined and – oof.”

               Harry had jumped up and latched his arms around Severus’s neck, squeezing tightly. Severus reached around the boy, if only to encourage him to loosen up.

               “Thank you,” Harry said. “I would love that.”

               “Did you hear what I said, Potter?” Severus said, patting the boy’s back.

               “I heard,” Harry said, pulling back some. “Even if it doesn’t work out, you at least want me. And you want to try. That’s more than anyone else has ever done.”

               Severus sighed and smiled at the boy, bringing him back in for a tight embrace. After a moment, they pulled apart, Harry sitting against Severus’s side again.

               “You should head to bed,” Severus said.

               “Okay,” Harry stood and stretched his arms up, yawning. “Goodnight, sir.”

               “Goodnight, Harry.”

               Severus waited until Harry was back up the stairs before groaning to himself. What was he getting himself into? That child had Severus wrapped around his finger. And now he was applying for guardianship. Wonderful. Severus stared into the flames and smiled, knowing he wanted this as much as Harry did.