Chapter Text
Warmth flooded the room as the sun began to rise. The room a pale yellow, dinosaur decals decorating the walls, and Harry’s favorite, his nice and comfortable bed. At the Dursley’s, Harry never had such a thing. His cupboard was dark and dusty, no matter how much he cleaned. It felt like someone placed a dirtying charm on the small space, but really it was due to Dudley running up and down the stairs. Dust and debris would go flying around the small space at random times every day, so Harry learned to always cover his face with his thin scrap of a blanket as he slept, no matter how suffocating it felt. Harry never felt as if he would have a home, until he met the one and only, Severus Snape. Harry would always think Severus was his guardian angel, the way he saved him from a horrific near death experience. As Severus slowly rocks Harry in the plush rocking chair, he can’t help but think back to that night.
It had been Harry’s 11th birthday, 12am on the dot. Severus had an ache in his chest, it felt as if Lady Magic was tugging on him to go somewhere. Of course, he thought, just what I need. He attempted to ignore it, but the sensation got stronger and stronger. Not even the glass of fire whiskey clutched in his hand was helping. At last, he allowed himself to close his eyes and allow Lady Magic to take him where he needed to so desperately be.
“Number Four Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey” A voice in his head whispered urgently. He immediately recognized the address, The Dursley’s. Albus had given him the address in means to check on the Potter boy years ago. What a wretched family that one was, especially Tuney. He remembered how much she hated magic,, but interrupting his thoughts was that painful ache in his chest. Stabilizing himself, he apparated into the abnormally alike neighborhood.
Severus attempted to gently knock on the door, when he received no answer he quickly recited an unlocking spell and stepped into the house. The house was dark, the only noises to be heard were loud snores. Severus wrinkled his nose in disgust and continued to wander around, searching for any sign of endangerment. What he saw next took his breath away. There was a small door to a cupboard underneath the stairs, with several locks and what looked to be a flap at the bottom of the door, like a doggy door. He wondered if they had a pet, and if they did, they sure wouldn’t have one anymore after Severus had his way. He liked to consider himself an animal lover, but nobody needed to know that. A lot of people didn’t truly know Severus outside his snarky persona. Casting the unlocking spell once again, Severus nervously opened the door. Inside was the wizarding worlds savior, Harry Potter. He laid curled into a ball on a small bloodied mattress, his clothes nearly shredded with various wounds peaking through. How could Albus let this happen? He had always assured Severus and Minerva that the boy was well taken care of. Sure, Severus never cared too much because he was the Potters spaw-
Interrupting Severus’ thoughts once again was a small whimper coming from the boy. Severus sighed, and looked at the deathly thin boy. Bright green eyes looked at him with fear.
“I won’t ask you what happened right now. I’m taking you to my home so I can heal you, understood? You can trust me.” Severus spoke gently, as to not scare off the poor boy. Harry nodded and winced, feeling the long cut on his neck tear slightly. Severus gaped at the horrific wound he hadn’t quite seen before. Quickly pulling out his wand again, he held it over the wound and chanted healing spells. If he hadn’t done something sooner, he could have bled out. Harry’s eyes widened at sight of the wand and the glowing coming from it, but as he felt his neck heal, he couldn’t care less. As long as he didn’t die, that’s what mattered to him most. Completely out of it, Harry snuggled into the scary man as he made his pain go away.
Severus felt a warmth bloom in his chest as the boy cuddled into him, he didn’t deserve this sign of trust but he’d take it any day. Taking a look around the cupboard, he quickly decided he would buy Harry brand new clothes and toys. Nothing in the space seemed of any importance, and seeing any of that junk could set their progress back a step. “We’re going to apparate to my home, it won’t feel too nice but it’ll be over before you know it.” Severus said quietly, but Harry was already asleep in his arms. Smiling, Severus apparated the two to Prince Cottage. It was the size of a comfortable home, 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms. Laying Harry on the bed, he healed his wounds and broken bones. How any person could do this to a child was completely beyond him. It made him feel sick to his stomach, especially because he had no clue how hurt he was mentally. It would be a long time before Harry would even be near 100% okay again.
But here they were; Harry snuggled up to his Papa as he basks in the warmth he felt as Severus played with his hair and occasionally tickle underneath his chin. Severus knew just how to make Harry feel safe and loved, he knew exactly what he needed.