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Early November 1987…
Harry stared up at the ceiling of his cupboard, clutching his stomach. He didn’t understand why his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon got so angry at him when weird things happened. It’s not like he’s the one that does it. He doesn’t know why his teacher’s wig turned blue last year. He doesn’t know how his hair grew back overnight, and he doesn’t know how he ended up on the school roof when Dudley and his friends were chasing him at school last week! He always gets punished when strange things happen, but he doesn’t know why .
Earlier this morning he came out of his cupboard to make breakfast and when his aunt woke up, she screamed. Harry wasn’t wearing his glasses. His skin was paler. His hair was laying flat, his hair never lay flat. Aunt Petunia even said he was taller and lankier - whatever that meant. Uncle Vernon got so mad at him.
He clutched his stomach harder- it hurt so bad- and rolled on his side. He forced himself to sit upright when his aunt swung the door to his cupboard open. “Get up. If there is anything in here you value, bring it with.”
With a frown, Harry picked up his two broken toy soldiers and Dudley’s old watch that his Aunt gave him last year- to make sure he was up on time to make breakfast- and followed her outside and into the car.
They arrived at their destination at 1pm. A 3 hour drive “Get out, follow me.” Aunt Petunia ordered him. “Quickly, freak. I don’t have all day!” She grabbed his arm and dragged him to the front door, then she knocked. A woman with red hair and a kind smile opened the door. “Mum.”
“Petunia! Who is this, dear?”
His aunt sniffed, then pushed him towards the woman with red hair. “It’s Lily’s. Her freak spawn. I found him on my doorstep with this note, 6 years ago.” She handed a fancy envelope to her mother. “He’s starting to look like… him out of nowhere. He doesn’t even need his blasted glasses now! I can’t handle it anymore. You take him, or he’s going to an orphanage.”
“Are you serious, Petunia? You would just abandon a child? Just like that?”
She pushed Harry into his grandmother? “Vernon keeps losing his temper on the little whelp. He’ll end up killing him. I-I can’t do it mum. The little freak barely speaks and-”
“ Enough !” Petunia’s mouth snapped shut and her mother crouched down. “Hello love.” He flinched when she touched his shoulder. “Harry, isn’t it?” He nodded. “I’m your Gran. How would you like to stay in your mummy’s old room?” She turned to her daughter. “Wait for me in the sitting room.” Then she led him to a room and got him set up at a desk with a colouring book and crayons. “I’ll come up to fetch you after she leaves, darling.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to dad’s funeral.” Petunia said, as soon as her mother entered the room. “I had just learned I was pregnant and-”
“I don’t need your excuses Petunia. If Lily and Severus could both see past their differences for your father’s funeral, you could have done the same. I reckon that’s when that sweet boy was conceived.” She shook her head. “You said that man has been losing his temper on that little boy. Are you meaning to tell me, you watched a man as large as Vernon beat that boy and you were okay with that? That is your nephew, Petunia Daisy Evans!”
“It’s Dursley, now.” Petunia said coldly. “I want nothing to do with this family. I tried with the boy, but he’s a freak, just like Lily was. So yes. I let Vernon try to beat it out of him. It didn’t work.”
She glared at her with tears in her eyes. “When did he last eat?”
“It’s been a while. He’s probably hungry. Goodbye mum.” With that, Petunia left.
“Do not come back!” She yelled from the doorway. “Unless it’s with a proper apology!”
She ran her hands over her face and penned a letter to her late-daughter's best friend and ex-lover(?).
Severus,
I know it’s been a while, darling. How have you been? I sure hope you’re being nice to all those precious kiddos.
I know you’re off at school teaching, but if you might have time for tea in the near future, we need to have a discussion.
Dahlia Evans
“Iris.” She called with a whistle and a black raven flew into the kitchen window. It was a gift from Lily about a month before she died. “I know it’s been a while. But do you think you can get this to Severus over at Hogwarts?” Iris held out her leg for Dahlia to tie the letter to. “Thanks girl.” She pushed a plate of leftover eggs from breakfast and gave them to the raven. “For the trip.”
Once that was done, she made herself and Harry a sandwich and went to go fetch him from Lily’s room. “Harry, darling?” The small boy was still sitting at Lilly’s desk, but he hadn’t touched the crayons, he was looking around the room with wide eyes. “I made us some sandwiches. Are you hungry? Cranky Tuney said it’s been a while since you’ve eaten.”
The boy giggled at the nickname, then slapped a hand over his mouth. “Sorry.” He mumbled.
“It’s quite alright, darling. You have a lovely laugh, you know?” He smiled shyly at her. “What do you say? Sandwiches?” She asked, holding a hand out.
Harry grabbed her hand. “Yes please.” He whispered.
~~~
Severus was at lunch Saturday afternoon in the great hall, when a familiar raven swooped in and gave him a letter. He read the letter with furrowed brows, then looked up at Iris, Lily’s old raven. She gave her mother the raven after they went under the Fidelius Charm, so she could keep in contact. He leaned over to Minerva. “Do you think you’d be able to cover my evening patrols?”
“I don’t see why not. Got a date with Charity ?” She asked with a grin. He rolled his eyes. Nosey woman. He handed her the missive. “Merlin’s balls.” She breathed out. “Why…?”
“I don’t know. But she knows about my falling out with Lily. So she wouldn’t write unless it was important.” He flipped the missive over and scrawled on the back of it.
Mrs Evans,
I have been well, thank you. I will endeavour to be nice to the children, when they learn to be nice to me. I shall make myself available for tea tonight. I know it must be important.
Severus Tobias Snape
Potions Master
Head of Slytherin House and Potions Professor of Hogwarts
He tied the letter to Iris’ leg and gave her some bacon.
~~~
Severus and Dahlia were in the sitting room, sipping on their tea. “Petunia came by today.”
“Was she as charming as always?”
Dahlia snorted. “Even less so. Did you know they sent Lily’s little boy to live with her?” Severus’ head snapped up with a wild expression on it. “I’ll take that as a no. Sev- darling- he looks just like you. Petunia said his appearance changed overnight.”
He stared at her with wide eyes. “It- It’s not possible. There’s no way… it was once and-” He ran his hands over his face. “Bloody hell.”
“I’ll be right back.” Moments later, she returned with a little boy. A little boy with straight black hair and pale skin… and with Lily’s eyes. “Harry, dear. This is Severus.”
“Hello.” The boy whispered.
Severus stared at those eyes. He was staring at a carbon copy of himself but with Lily’s eyes, there was no way this was James Potter’s son. “Fuck.”
The child giggled. Dahlia glared at him. “Language, if you will, Sev.”
“Right.” He looked at the child. “Don’t… er, don’t say fuck?” He grimaced and looked at Dahlia for help. “Er-”
“Severus. For Christ's sake, you work with children .” She rolled her eyes. “Harry, I suppose you know better than to use language like that?”
He nodded at her. “Yes Gran.” He whispered.
“Your dinner is sitting on the table, dear.” He nodded, then ran off to the dining room. “Believe me now?” Severus nodded slowly. “They’ve obviously neglected him. Petunia said that her husband tried to beat the magic out of him .” Severus jumped up. “Oh sit down. I’ve called the police, they were arrested. Their son is being sent to live with that idiot’s sister.”
He sat back down and ran his hands over his face. “She lied to me. I asked her if he was mine when I learned of her pregnancy.” He scoffed. “I can’t even be upset about it. I hadn’t turned spy yet. Bloody fucking hell.”
“He doesn’t talk much, when he does talk, he whispers. I think he’s running on the mindset of speaking only when spoken to. I think he’s hurt, but I know that muggle treatments don’t always work with wizards.”
“I’ll take him to St. Mungos. Have you told him about magic? I’ll have to apparate him.”
She nodded. “I did. I don’t think he fully believes me though. Harry, darling! Come here for a moment, will you?” The boy was in the room shortly after. “Severus is going to show you magic.”
Harry’s wide eyes snapped to Severus. The man pulled his wand out and pointed at the pillows on the couch. “ Wingardium Leviosa .” The pillows began to float. “ Diffindo .” The pillows shredded.
“Severus Tobias Snape!”
He smirked. “ Reparo .”
“Woah.” Harry whispered. “It’s really real? M-m-magic, I mean? It’s real?”
Dahlia smiled. That's the most the poor child has spoken all day. “Told you so.” She brushed his hair behind his ear. “Severus is going to take you to see a magical doctor, okay?”
“I need to pop over to my house down the street to grab a few stomach soothers. Apparition is unpleasant the first few times. Your gran can explain what it is while I’m gone.”
15 minutes later, Severus returned. “I apologise for the delay. I had to contact some acquaintances of mine that work at St Mungo’s to determine if they were on shift.” He handed a vial to Harry. “Drink that before we leave.”
The boy obliged. “Eugh.” He said, scrunching his face up.
“Apologies. Perhaps I should have forewarned you of the taste.”
Dahlia handed him a glass of water. “You be a good boy, yeah?”
“Yes Gran.” He walked over to Severus.
“I will be required to… hold… you.” Dahlia snorted and Severus shot her a half-hearted glare, he glanced down at the boy, who was holding his arms up. “Here goes nothing.”
~~~
“Hello there.” A woman with a short light-brown bob and wide kind eyes greeted them. “You must be Harry. My name is Andromeda Tonks. Now, I’m going to wave my wand at you and a piece of paper is going to pop up and it’s going to tell me anything that’s hurt, alright?”
“Okay.” He whispered.
Soon enough, a very long piece of parchment appeared before their eyes. Andromeda summoned a children's vial of dreamless sleep. “Drink this, sweetie.” As soon as he complied, his head hit the pillow. “Minor dosage. He’ll be out for 2-3 hours.” She handed Severus the parchment. “Read this while I work, Severus.”
Age- apox. 7
Malnourished
Broken left rib
Broken right rib
Fractured left rib
Improperly healed broken left wrist
Improperly healed broken right index finger
Internal bleeding
Bruised liver
Several back lacerations
“I will kill them.” He growled, clutching his hair. “I will-”
“That will help nothing, Severus Snape. Tell me about him while I heal him. I need a distraction, so I don’t start crying all over this little boy.” He sighed, then told her everything. She was finished after 90 minutes. “He’ll be sore for the next week or 2, after you apparate him from here, no more magical travel for at least 2 weeks. He will need to take nutrient potions, at least for the next month.” She sighed. “What kind of monsters do this to a defenceless little boy?”
“A spiteful magic-hating muggle and her husband.” He answered darkly.
She sighed sadly. “Once the dreamless sleep wears off, I want to check his mobility, then he’ll be good to leave.”
~~~
Severus apparated back to the Evans’ residence with a dozing Harry in his arms, Dahlia swung open the door and ushered them inside. “Where is he sleeping?” Severus whispered.
“Lily’s room.”
He nodded and slowly made his way up the stairs, Dahlia following closely behind. “Goodnight Harrison.” He whispered, brushing his hair out of his face.
“Goodnight Harry darling.” Dahlia said softly, pressing a gentle kiss to the boy’s forehead, then she and Severus re-convened in the sitting room. “You guys were gone for a while.”
He pushed his hair out of his face. “It was bad. She had to put him to sleep to heal everything. I have a list of injuries…” He pulled the parchment from his pocket. “It's a lot.”
Her face crumbled and she held out her hand. “Let me see.” Hesitantly he placed the list in her hand. “How? How could she let this happen?” She asked brokenly.
“Healer Tonks said she doesn’t want me moving him for at least 2 weeks. She wants him resting for the most part for the next week.” She nodded. “Once he’s able to travel, I’d like to take him to the castle. Get to know my… son… if you’re amenable, of course. I’ll have to speak with the headmaster and Minnie and get some kind of schooling set up, but-”
“Severus. I would not keep you from your son. And I’m certain Lily wouldn’t have in the long run.” She patted his leg. “You’d better bring my grandson to visit me, though.”
He nodded. “Absolutely. I… I would like to come see him. As often as I can get away from the castle in these next two weeks. I’m sure once I brief Albus and Minnie on the situation, it won’t be an issue. I’ll need to tell him I’m his father, oh Merlin’s beard. Charity! My… girlfriend… bloody hell.” He stood. “I will write to you once there is a plan of some sort. But I really should talk to Albus and Minerva.”
~~~
“Severus, my boy. What is it you wished to speak with us about?”
He handed the slip of parchment from St Mungo’s to Albus, Minerva moved behind him so she could look it over and gasped. “Who?”
“My… son.”
Minerva gasped. “You mean…”
Severus nodded and looked at Albus. “Harry Potter is my son.” He stepped forward. “You placed him with Petunia, Albus! What were you thinking?!” He began pacing the room. “In two weeks, when he is fully healed, he will be coming to the castle to live with me.”
“I told you, Albus.” Minerva whispered. “I told you they were the worst sort of muggles!”
“You knew?” Severus whispered.
Minerva nodded. “I made an unbreakable vow, to mention it to no one who wasn’t already aware.” She glared at Albus. “You never checked on the boy?”
“I thought… She's his family.”He shook his head. “You’re his father?”
Severus nodded. “Rowan Evans funeral. We were twenty and we- Lily and Potter were separated at the time, stop looking at me like that.” He huffed. “We were both rather upset at the time- with his and Regulus’ deaths so close to one another- and we went out for drinks. I shall let your imagination do the rest.”
“You went to her father’s funeral?”
“Yes, Albus. We grew up together. Her father gave me a summer job- after Lily and I had our falling out- to ensure that I still had an escape from my drunk abusive father. Mr Evans probably saved my life. So yes. I went to his funeral.”
“My boy, I apologise. I truly thought Petunia would raise him as her own. I never thought… how did you learn of the boy’s parentage?”
“He woke up one morning looking nothing like Potter, and exactly like me. Petunia drove him to her mothers home and left. Mrs Evans wrote to me this morning, inviting me for tea. When I arrived, she told me the truth. Mrs Evans reported her daughter and son-in-law. If you could just ensure that they don’t weasel their way out of it, I would be most thankful.”
“Yes Severus, of course. Anything else?”
He nodded. “Oh yes. Plenty. I will need an extra room in my quarters. Mrs Evans fireplace will need to be connected to a private floo network, so that Harrison may visit whenever he so pleases.” He turned to Minerva. “Can I count on you to help me find someone to keep an eye on him while I’m teaching?”
“Of course.” She grinned. “Severus?” He raised an eyebrow. “It’s a boy!”
“For the love of-”
Albus clapped. “Yes! I’ll alert the staff! A baby shower!”
“He’s seven.” He drawled.
They waved him off. “A young-boy-shower, then!”
“Merlin, help me.” He muttered. “He will not be bombarded when he arrives, am I understood?”
“Oh Minerva, he’s already an overprotective father!”
“I hate you. Both of you.” He rolled his eyes. “I need to speak with Ch- Professor Burbage.”
~~~
Severus knocked on the door that led to Charity’s quarters. She swung open the door after a few minutes. “Sorry Sev. I wasn’t expecting you tonight. Staying here?” She asked, stepping aside so he could walk in.
He pushed his hair out of his face and sat on the sofa. “We need to talk.”
“O- kay … What's wrong?”
He stared at her. Just spit it out, Severus! “Harry Potter… is my son?” Silence. More silence. “I only found out today. I was contacted by Dahlia Evans- Lily’s mother- this afternoon. He was placed with his aunt and uncle after she and Potter passed. They’ve abused him. And then they abandoned him.” He looked at her. “He looks just like me. I wouldn’t have believed it… but Char, he looks almost exactly as I did at his age. Please say something .”
“I’m happy for you Sev.” She said softly. “Just to be clear, you’re not ending a 3 year relationship because you found out you're a father, right?”
“What? No! Why would you-”
She punched him on the shoulder. “ We need to talk, is code for I’m breaking up with you !”
He rubbed his shoulder. “Ow. Sorry.” He grimaced. “As soon as I met the child I said fuck.” She snorted. “Oh, it gets better. When Mrs Evans scolded me… I told the child not to say fuck.”
“Shall I contact Molly Weasley? I’m sure I could set up some Parenting 101 classes with her.”
“I will feed you to the giant squid.” He muttered, closing his eyes, and leaning back on the sofa.
She chuckled and curled up next to him on the couch. “Are you staying here tonight?” She was met with silence. “Sev?” She looked up at his face, only to realise he was already asleep.
~~~
Severus pulled Lily’s old desk chair up to the bed where Harry and Dahlia were sitting. “Gran says you’re my dad.” Harry whispered. “Is that true?”
“It is. If I had known earlier… I never would have let you go with your aunt and uncle.”
Harry nodded. “Where will I live?” He asked softly.
“Until you’re fully healed, here. Afterwards you will move into Hogwarts with me during the school year. During the summers, we will live down the road at my house. You will- of course- come see your Gran anytime you wish.”
Harry smiled, feeling his eyes well up with tears, and his Gran pulled him into a hug. “I have a dad.” He whispered, clinging to her.
Severus reached over to pat his leg, the next thing he knew, there was a small sobbing seven year old launching himself at him. “Oh uh.” He sent a panicked look at Dahlia, who was quietly laughing at him. He awkwardly patted the childs… his son’s back. “There, there.” He slowly looked up when he heard the shutter of a camera.
Dahlia was grinning like a Cheshire cat. “I think I’ll make use of Iris again. Send this lovely picture to… what were their names again?... oh yes! Albus, Minerva… and… Charity!”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
She smiled. “Yes I would. Stay with Harry while I pop out and make copies of this will you?”
“Who are those people?”
“Albus is my boss. Minerva is my closest friend. And Charity… is my girlfriend. She can’t wait to meet you.” By the time Severus finished telling Harry of his 3 closest companions, Dahlia was gone. “Oh that sneaky-” Harry was giggling. “Did you just conspire against me?”
“Uh-huh.” He confirmed.
Severus ruffled his hair, then lowered him back into bed. “You- sir- are supposed to be on bed-rest. Worry not, I shan’t tell Healer Tonks you were out of bed.”
Harry’s eyes widened. “I forgot.”
“It’s okay, Harry.” Severus assured him. “Shall we read a book?” The boy's grin told him all he needed to know, so he made his way over to the bookshelf, to look through Lily’s old books.
~~~
“Severus. His room is perfect.” Charity said with a laugh, watching him examine every inch of the child’s new bedroom. “Go pick up your son. I’ll get started on dinner.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him over to the fireplace. “I’m making shepherd's pie. Dahlia says he’s a fan.”
Severus kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be back shortly.” Then he disappeared in the green flames. “Hi daddy.” Harry whispered, jumping off the couch.
His eyes widened. That was the first time Harry called him ‘daddy’.“Hello son. Are you ready?”
“Yeah. I’ve got my toy soldiers. And Gran got me a new watch, ‘cause she said Dudley’s old one won't work at Hogwarts. And my new clothes are in the bookbag Gran got me. Gran says we can come back later for the books you brought me.”
Severus smiled down at the boy. “Your Gran would be right. You’d better go tell her bye.”
Harry ran over to Dahlia and hugged her. “You be a good boy for your daddy, okay? And make sure you don’t forget about your Gran, you hear?” He nodded into her shoulder. “You visit me all the time, young man. Don’t turn into a grumpy old man like your dad.” The boy giggled and Severus rolled his eyes. “Your mummy would be so proud of you, my sweet darling Harry.”
“Don’t cry, Gran. Daddy and Charity and me will come to visit loads, right daddy?”
“Absolutely. Please make your eyes stop leaking. It’s making me uncomfortable.”
She huffed, wiping her eyes. “Okay, you boys best be off. Harry, make new friends. Sev, be nice to those innocent little cutie pies you teach.”
“Innocent.” He scoffed. Then he chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Come, Harrison. Charity is preparing shepherd’s pie.” Then the duo walked into the fireplace. “We will see you soon, Dahlia.” He promised.
“You’d better.” She sniffed. “Okay, now leave before I start crying again.”
The End