Thank you.  Yes Snape has to get past the shields that he's built up over the years, to protect his psyche from the horrors that he's witnessed while being in Voldemort's circle.  Now, he has to realise that he doesn't have to hide his feelings anymore, and that he can allow himself to care for Harry.  Unfortunately, it's just not that easy.  How do you change such ingrained behaviour?  It's just not going to happen overnight.  I do think though that when Harry was hurt, it brought to the surface some instinctual paternal instinct to protect his son. Snape is trying to fight his feelings, because he has been conditioned to think that to allow himself to feel affection for Harry, will somehow make him weak.  On the other hand, he knows that he must make an effort to be a father to Harry, not only for himself, but for Lily's sake. So the end result, is a raging battle within him.  This is why we are seeing such a roller-coaster of emotions from Snape.

 As for the reference to responsibiiity, I think he feels more a responsibility towards Draco and his Slytherins.  Also, feeling responsibility for Harry, is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as it is fueled by deeper emotions, and it is obvious that Snape feels much more than just a duty to take care of his son, despite his attempts to deny it to himself and Harry!

 Yeah Harry, is being quite mouthy and defiant, but there are two factors at work here. First of all, Snape treated him very badly for many years, and Snape can be very controlling at times.  Harry is afraid to allow himself open to possible rejection again.  Also, the Dark Magic is partially responsible for some of his snotty attitude.

 Thanks very much for taking the time to read my story, and especially making the effort to review.  It is very much appreciated.

Yeah, that's why Dumbleydore was dumbfounded!  Gratitude from the snarky git of the dungeons!  Unheard of!

 Snape is really having a difficult time coming to terms with his feelings.  They are really foreign to him, so he's fighting against them, while giving into them at the same time.  He's certainly making it very difficult for everyone to know what to expect next. Will he bite their head off, or will he perform a kind act out of the blue; who knows, so everyone's walking on eggshells with him!

Oh, I'm glad that you like that line; I just thought that it was something Snape would say. 

Yes, Severus won't admit it out loud, but reality has hit him smack dab in the face.  He has a son, and with fatherhood comes worry and a feeling of responsibility; no matter how hard Sev tries to forget that fact.

 Harry perhaps could be a little more responsive to Sev's efforts, but that wouldn't be any fun, would it! Severus deserves a little bit of a hard time for the way that he treated Harry.  Maybe, just maybe, they'll both learn to come to terms with their new relationship, and both make comprimises.

 Well, I know that both Severus and Dumbledore are both knowledgeable in Defence, and Severus in the Dark Arts, but Slughorn has had past experience with Horcruxes, and Tom Riddle himself went to Slughorn for advice on how to create one, and Dumbledore did consult with him also, when he wanted to learn more.  Also, Slughorn was Severus' teacher as well, wasn't he?  And Head of House, so perhaps he could offer a new perspective on the matter.  I think that Severus, while a very intelligent knowledgeable man, is too close to the situation to be objective right now, and Albus is merely a portrait, so I think a fresh point of view would be beneficial to Severus and Harry. Besides, maybe Slughorn can act as a referee between stubborn Harry and hard-headed Severus!!

 I'm going to read your new story, now that I have the internet, (or sort of) at home.  I'm anxious also for updates on your other two.  I hope also Lesley that things have calmed down a bit for you with regards to the wildfires, and I'm praying for you and your countrymen (and women)!

Yeah, Draco is a sneaky one, isn't he/

 Yeah, It's about time that Severus is protective of Harry.  He really is beginning to see that his attitude towards his son needs to change.  It is very sad that he has missed all those years with his son.  Hopefully, they can begin to come to some understanding.

 If anyone can help Harry, it's Severus, and his potion has had remarkable results with other patients.

Great, I always love to read a good Sev kicking someone's butt story, especially that idiot Thockmorton!

Oh thank you. Yes, Sev has a ways to go before he'll feel really comfortable expressing his feelings, but he is beginning to feel really protective of Harry now.  Yeah, I wanted to describe Harry as looking younger and smaller than seventeen, because I think that it provokes more of a protective feeling from Severus.  Perhaps if Harry were big and sturdy-looking, then Sev would be less apt to feel the need to protect him.

Yes, seventeen may be the legal age in the wizarding world, but let's face it, Harry's still just a kid to someone Severus' age.  They still have many years together, but of course Severus will still feel that regret at having missed his earlier years.

 I would say that the kind of abuse that Harry suffered at the hands of the Dursleys' will definitely have long term affects. He'll always look younger and perhaps sickly looking, as his body lacked nutrition to grow to his full potential.

 How was your vacation?  I can't wait for YOUR next chapter!!