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Chapter Text

It was early November.

The last remnants of autumn peppered the frozen grounds of Hogwarts. Crisp leaves whisked by the windows of Albus Dumbledore’s office as Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonnagal, and Severus Snape were gathered around the hearth.

Dumbledore sat at his desk, his withered hands clasped in front of his chin, staring down at a thick piece of parchment stamped with the Ministry seal:

To whom it may concern,

This letter serves as official documentation that HARRY JAMES POTTER, (Birthdate:  31, JULY ,1980.) is legally classified under the surname: EVANS, effective as of NOVEMBER 5TH, 1982, per the request of ministry sanctioned guardian, SEVERUS. T. SNAPE.

All future records will be filed under the newly established surname, as stated above.

Rolinda Halstate
Department of Magical Identification

“You cannot simply erase the boy’s name, Severus. His family legacy is not yours to tamper with.” Albus said calmly, his eyes still focused on the parchment.

Severus sat on the tufted sofa in front of the hearth, his cheek resting on his palm, weary and exasperated.

A two year old boy sat on the cushion next to him, dressed in a maroon t-shirt with an embroidered lion on the chest and matching pants. A wound trailed down his forehead that was just starting to heal, babbling as he chewed on a stuffed hippogriff. 

“Legacy?” Severus scoffed, glancing at the toddler, “You mean the fame thrust upon him without his consent? A fame that will paint a target on his back before he can even speak a coherent sentence?”

Minerva narrowed her eyes, standing up from her arm chair and turning to face the room, “The world already knows him as Harry Potter. Stripping him of that name is –”

“Exactly,” Snape cut in sharply, “The world knows Potter. They do not know Evans. With his mother’s name, he is protected. Besides, it was her sacrifice that saved him, not James.”

Remus’ expression tightened, his scarred fists clenching in his lap, “That isn’t fair, Severus! You don’t get to decide who was more of a parent! You aren’t the boy’s father!”

Snape lifted his face from his hand, staring at Lupin coldly.

“Last I checked, Lupin, I am the boy’s legal guardian while your dear friend rots in Azkaban. The ministry gave me that right, whether you approve or not.”

Remus surged half-way out of his chair before Minerva put a hand on his shoulder.

She spoke with a quiet sternness,

“You cannot shield the boy from his fame forever, Severus. The name, be it Potter, Evans, or bloody Merlin won’t make him invisible. Should someone seek The boy who lived, they will find him - no matter the name on the parchment.”

“Albus, please – I promise I will go to the ministry on full moons. I can take Harry.” Remus looked to Albus, a desperation in his eyes, “This isn’t what they would have wanted.”

Snape opened his mouth to speak, but was swiftly cut off by Albus.

“Remus, while I admire your dedication, I simply cannot allow you to care for the boy. It’s far too dangerous, even with precautions.” Dumbledore paused, looking over to Harry on the sofa, “Since Petunia refused guardianship, Severus is the only viable option. He has the protection of the Order and resides at Hogwarts, where Harry will be most protected.”

“Lily hasn’t spoken to Severus in years! She wanted nothing to do with him after –” Remus nervously looked at Snape, then back to Dumbledore, “There has to be someone else. Someone more willing.”

Snape rose from the sofa slowly, “ Trust me Remus, I take no pleasure in raising the son of James Potter, however - there is no one else. Do you consider yourself a more suitable guardian? A lycanthrope who could forget the moon cycle and tear the boy limb from limb? With the company you keep, the boy would be passed between troll nannies and vampiric babysitters. He’d be lucky to survive a week.”

Remus clenched his jaw, taking a deep breath, “Albus – this isn’t right. This isn’t what they wanted.”

He looked away and turned towards the hearth, tears brimming in his eyes.

“Both of you, enough.” Albus said firmly, “Your schoolboy grudges are irrelevant. Remus, while I agree that James and Lily would have wished for someone nearer, the options are limited. Harry’s safety is our priority.”

“Grudges.” Snape repeated dryly, “If you call attempted murder a mere grudge, Headmaster, then perhaps I ought to lower my standards.”

Minerva pressed her lips into a thin line, her hand still on Remus’ shoulder as he stared into the fire, teary eyed.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone, Severus. Some sensitivity wouldn’t hurt.”

Severus did not reply, instead, he looked at Harry, who was inching towards him on the sofa, holding out the drool-covered Hippogriff.

Severus sneered in disgust at the sight of the toy, pulling a black silk handkerchief from his pocket and using it as a barrier to push Harry’s small hand away, tossing the contaminated handkerchief on the coffee table.

Harry frowned before shoving the toy back in his mouth, chewing while babbling nonsense up at the ceiling.

“He will be known as Evans and that is final,” Snape said, “Not a soul outside of this room will know he is in my possession. As far as the Dark Lord knows, he resides with the Dursleys in Little Whinging.”

Severus looked towards Remus, who was sniffling quietly, “Consider it an act of sensitivity to allow Remus to visit the boy…supervised, of course. For safety.”

Remus barked a bitter laugh, “How generous of you, Severus.”

Minerva looked at Albus, concerned and silent. At times, she still saw Remus and Severus as her own students. Precocious children getting involved in adult business.

Minerva  still had to remind herself that Remus and Severus were no longer teenagers hexing each other in the courtyard, but war-torn adults, fighting for the orphaned son of their fallen friends.

“So it is decided,” Dumbledore declared quietly, rolling up the ministry letter, “The boy shall be known as Evans. I hope this decision proves to be beneficial, Severus.” He stood up slowly and walked across the room, his blue robes swishing against the floor as he joined them in front of the hearth, handing the letter back to Severus.

“Thank you, Headmaster,” Snape replied, taking the letter and tucking it away in his robes, “ The boy will reside in the staff quarters with me. Surely, he has had his fair share of creature encounters while living in Hagrid’s hut over the past week.”

Remus gave a dry huff, wiping his face, “Yes, Merlin forbid the boy know what sunlight is. Do try to let him out of the dungeons once in a while, Severus. I hear children thrive on fresh air.”

Severus rolled his eyes then looked back at Harry, now laying on his back, his bright green eyes shining up at the ceiling, oblivious to the weight he carried. 

Chapter Text

Severus carried Harry in his right arm as he made his way to the staff quarters.

The portraits crooned and waved as Severus passed, with Harry giggling and waving back.

“Enough of that,” Snape said coldly, pushing Harry’s arm down, “Stop drawing attention to yourself.”

Harry immediately raised his arm again to wave at a large portrait of a woman in a pink ballgown, who cooed at him in french.

“No.” Severus demanded, firmly shoving Harry’s arm down once more as they ascended the staircases.

Harry stared blankly at Severus, stunned, taking a moment, before bursting into tears.

Severus' eyes widened in panic, tensing as he hurried his pace.

“No, no, no…none of that either!” Severus said in a panic, drawing his wand from his pocket, “Silencio.”

Harry’s cries ceased, despite his small face still wailing.

“Easy enough,” Snape muttered to himself, arriving at the large wooden door, a silver plaque was nailed to the front which read:  “STAFF QUARTERS: NO STUDENTS (OR GHOSTS) ALLOWED!”

Severus cast the unlocking spell and quietly whispered the password before pushing open the door with his free hand and heading to his room.

“Trust me, the feeling is mutual.” Severus murmured to Harry, still silently sobbing as they entered.

Severus waved his wand , igniting the torches and candle lit chandelier above.

Severus’ room was expansive, yet simple. Dark leather furniture surrounded his fireplace and Slytherin iconography spread across his walls. 

The walls had been painted black, making the room feel much smaller than it actually was. The long black curtains were drawn over all of the windows.

Despite being above ground, his quarters felt more like a dungeon than the actual dungeons of Hogwarts.

The air was stale with faint hints of potion ingredients. Severus set Harry on the sofa gently.

“Are you going to stop that incessant racket?” Snape asked, looking down at the boy, still silently crying.

Harry clutched the toy Hippogriff, tears still streaming down his face.

Severus sighed with defeat and lifted the silencing spell. Harry’s shrill cries filled the room.

“You must be able to calm yourself, child!” Severus yelled over him, kneeling down to Harry’s level on the sofa.

“Ma-ma…” Harry mumbled, chewing on his fingers as he looked at his new surroundings, “Da-da…”

Severus’s breath hitched quietly.

“They’re not here.” Severus said simply, his tone softening, “It’s…just you and me, now.”

“Pah-foot…” Harry sniffled, pointing past him.

Severus turned. In the shadowed forest of a painting on his wall, a black wolf lingered at the treeline, watching.

“He’s not here either,” Snape said sharply, rising to his full height, “It’s late. You need to sleep.”

Severus picked up Harry and took him to another room. It was completely empty, aside from a crib against the far wall.

Severus set the boy down in the crib. Harry quickly got to his feet and held on to the bars, looking up at Severus.

“Pah-foot…” He sniffled once more.

“No.” Snape said simply, but not as harsh as before, hoping to avoid another crying fit, “Go to sleep.”

He turned on his heel to leave the room, but Harry began to wail once more.

Severus let out a defeated sigh.

“Accio chair.” He said, flicking his wrist, an arm chair flew into the room, landing softly next to Harry’s crib.

Harry stopped his wailing as soon as he saw the chair hurling through the hair, staring at Severus as he sat in it.

“Vroooom…” Harry babbled, waving his hand wildly in the air, his other hand still squeezing the bar of his crib.

“Hm,” Severus huffed, studying Harry’s waving arm,“Your wand hand will be your right, I think.”

“Wand Pah-foot…” Harry replied, plopping down on his bottom, “Da-da wand…ma-ma wand…no touch…” He pointed at Severus’ wand resting in his lap, “Bad.”

“Yes, very good. Never touch a wizard's wand.” Severus nodded, resting his cheek on his palm, watching Harry wearily.

“Where broom?” Harry asked, pulling on the bars, “Vroooom!” He babbled once more, dropping the hippogriff toy and miming a mounting motion with his small fists, “Pah-foot, Moony say go fasssttttt!”

Harry grinned, pretending to hold an imaginary broomstick, “Da-da go fast! I have it?”

“I don’t have a broomstick, Pott -” Severus hesitated, correcting himself, “-- Evans.”

“Why?” Harry tilted his head.

“Enough questions. No broomstick. Sleep.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.” Severus said sharply, but Harry only giggled, drooling down his chin.

Severus sighed, listening to Harry’s babbling well into the night until he fell asleep.

He could have given him a sleeping potion or knocked him out with a spell – but he couldn’t bring himself to.

Instead, he watched the last remnants of Lily exist organically, infant nonsense and all. 

Even after Harry fell asleep, Severus did not move from his chair.

He watched each breath rise and fall against the small Gryffindor t-shirt, ensuring the rhythm continued.

Why him, Lily? Severus thought bitterly. He got you killed. He orphaned your son. If you had listened to me—anyone other than Potter—and you would still be here.

Tears welled in his dark eyes, but he refused to let them fall.

“I tried.” Severus whispered out loud without realizing, “And I’ll keep trying. I swear it.”

Chapter Text

There was a knock on the door of Severus' office.

“Enter,” Snape said coldly, turning to Harry, handing him a juice pouch, “Don't spill it this time.” 

“Okay, Pohfessor.” Harry mumbled, sticking the straw in his mouth and sipping, “Uncle Moony here?”

“Yes, yes. He's here,” Severus replied under his breath, “Unfortunately.”

Harry began to stomp his feet with excitement, spilling juice on the sleeve of his robes as Snape opened the door, revealing a disheveled looking Remus.

“Hello, Severus. Hope I'm not too early.” Remus nodded politely.

Severus did not reply, he simply gestured to Harry before whisking away to his bookshelf.

“Hi, Harry!” Remus smiled, setting down his bag and kneeling to his level “Whatcha got there?”

“Dooce!” Harry beamed, holding out the squished, sticky juice pouch.

“Ah, yes…well it certainly was juice, hm?” Remus chuckled, taking away the sticky pouch with two fingers and tossing it in the bin.

“Where Pah-foot?” Harry asked, looking over Remus’ shoulder.

Remus tensed, looking away.

“He's just been busy, but you've got me, Harry.” Remus forced a smile, quickly changing the subject, “Tell me, how do you like living in the castle?

“Good,” Harry wiped his mouth with. his sleeve and looked over at Severus, “Pohfessor and me make potion.”

Remus furrowed his brow and looked at Severus.

“You make him call you Professor?”

Severus paused, his palm pressed to the page of a tome, “Because that's what I am.” 

He slammed the tome closed with a harsh snap before placing it on the shelf.

“He's not your student, Severus. He's a child.” Remus replied defensively.

“Better he learn respect early than mimic your tactless informality.” Snape shot back, looking over another tome.

“Pohfessor say no!” Harry waved his finger in the air and laughed, “Be quiet!”

Remus frowned, glancing from Harry to Severus.

“You do sparkles, Uncle Moony?” Harry chimed in, pointing to Remus’ pocket.

“Sparkles? You sure?” Remus grinned, rising to his feet and taking out his wand.

“Yeah, yeah!” Harry grinned.

“Manners.” Severus cut in sharply.

Harry’s eyes widened, briefly looking at Severus before meeting Remus’ gaze once more, “Peese.” 

“That was unnecessary, Severus.” Remus replied, exasperated, sending a shower of rainbow sparks to rain down over Harry, who jumped and squealed, raising his arms to grab them.

“For your kind, perhaps.” Snape retorted under his breath.

Remus inhaled sharply and decided to hold his tongue. As the last spark faded, Harry hurried over to Severus, tugging at his cloak, “Uncle Moony, see my potion? Peese?” 

“Well it's nothing remarkable, but yes. I suppose you can show him.” Severus opened a nearby cabinet and handed Harry a small corked bottle. “Do not run. Walk. Don't drop it.”

“Okay, okay!” Harry beamed, walking comically slow, holding the potion out to Remus, “I made dis!”

“Wow, that's amazing, Harry!” Remus grinned, holding out his hand and taking the vial.

“He tossed the pre-cut ingredients into the cauldron. It's a simple pepper-up potion, not that I'd expect you to know.” Snape added, crossing his arms, carefully observing Harry.

“What an accomplishment!” Remus grinned, shooting a dirty look to Severus, “You're getting so big, Harry.”

“Harry, Berry, Pumpkin, Cherryyy” Harry sang, grinning as Remus admired his potion, “Ma-ma song.”

Remus swallowed hard, Lily's voice echoing in his memory.

“Yes, that was mama's song for you.” Remus said quietly, the smile fading from his face as he handed the potion to Severus.

Harry continued to sing and babble, wandering throughout the office.

“So, are you enjoying parenthood?” Remus asked Severus dryly.

Severus’ eyes slowly looked up from his tome, “Why yes, I am enjoying my salary, home, and my purpose. Can you say the same?” 

“Ah yes, Severus. How could I forget? You are what every boy strives to be. A teacher who broods alone in a dungeon. What are your dear Slytherin friends up to, might I ask?” 

Severus gripped the sides of the tome, “Need I remind you that I have full control over who the boy interacts with?” He nodded towards Harry, who was twirling around and clutching a stuffed Niffler.

“Evans, Uncle Moony has to go soon.” Snape added calmly, a mocking tone in his voice, his eyes locked on Remus, “Better play while you can.”

Harry stopped spinning and turned towards Remus, “No! Where go?”

He ran up to Remus, leaning against his leg, “See Pah-foot?” Harry looked up at him, his eyes wide with concern.

“Yes,” Snape chimed in with a sinister glee, “He has to go see Padfoot.”

“Oh no…” Harry whined, pulling at Remus’ pant leg, “I go?”

Remus felt his heart drop, quickly looking away from the son of his best friend.

“Don't,” Remus snapped at Severus, “That's low, even for you.”

“Well as a simple teacher who broods in a dungeon, one might say I'm used to being low.” 

Remus bit his tongue and kneeled down to the floor, “I'll see you soon, Harry.” He whispered, gently wrapping his arms around him.

“Nooo don't go, don't go! I go, too! I see Pah-foot!” Harry began to cry.

Remus quickly stood up, his throat burning with devastation. He turned away before Harry could see the tears, leaving the office as quickly as he could.

After the door closed, Harry ran towards it, grasping weakly at the doorknob.

“Moony! Uncle Moony! Uncle Pah-foot! Da-da!” Harry sobbed, slapping the old door with his small hands.

Severus took a deep breath and made his way over to the boy, each of his words like a blade in his ribs.

“Come now, enough of that.” Severus kneeled down and put a hand on Harry's arm, “You…” he hesitated, hating the words he was about to say, “...will see him again, soon. It's alright.”

Harry continued to sob and pressed his forehead to the door, his messy curls flattening against the wood. 

He turned towards Severus and wailed into his shoulder, gripping his cloak.

For a moment, Severus froze, feeling the weight of everything in that very moment. He pushed the feeling aside and hoisted Harry up in his arms, “It's alright. Hush, now. It's alright.”

Severus sat behind his desk with Harry on his knee, “You can help me grade, if you like.” Severus said quietly, picking up a quill, “It's rather new to me as well.”

Harry continued to cry and sniffle, but slowly calmed down, soothed by the rhythmic scratching of the nib against parchment.

“It's all quite strange, really.” Severus continued, “Not that long ago, I was a student here. Now, I teach.” 

Severus swallowed hard, thinking of how much had changed in so little time. 

He was twenty-two, with bodies on his wand, and a child on his knee. 

This was never what he wanted.

Harry listened quietly, his cheeks red and tear-stained, watching Snape's hand circle and underline on the parchment.

“It's odd how we can return to our old ways with a new perspective.” Severus said, his tone softening, “That's what we must keep in mind, Evans. Perspective.”

“My name Harry,” the boy sniffled, leaning back against Severus.

“Yes, yes. Harry Pott-” Severus stopped himself, the word bitter on his tongue, “Harry Evans.”

“Harry!” The boy emphasized with a grin, whacking Severus’ quill, causing it to streak across the page of an essay.

Severus swore under his breath and cleared the mess with his wand.

“Yes, I suppose you're right.” He grumbled, annoyed.

“Yeah,” Harry nodded with satisfaction, settling back against Severus as he continued to grade, “Your name Pohfessor.”

“Yes, that is indeed my legal name: Professor.” Snape replied dryly, finishing a scathing review of a third year's essay on antidotes.

Harry giggled. Severus’ hand paused in his inkwell.

“Think my name’s funny, do you?” Severus subtly smirked, "Don't laugh, or I'll turn you into a bowtruckle”

“NO, NO!” Harry squealed, pulling at Severus' collar, “I'm Harry! Not bow tuckle!”

Severus let out a small huff of approval, “Ah, thank you for that clarification. I was worried you were a bowtruckle for a moment.”

“You silly, Pohfessor.” Harry grinned, pulling at a lock of Severus’ hair.

Severus scoffed and pulled his hand away.

“You are perhaps the only person to ever say such a thing.” Severus rolled his eyes, glancing down towards an essay that surely only deserved an Acceptable…but after a brief moment, his quill hit the parchment, scribbling in the corner: Exceeds Expectations.

Chapter Text

Harry's feet hit the courtyard pavement with a harsh thud. He had to beat his best time. Five laps in five minutes.

He rounded the corner of the courtyard, his graying trainers skidding against a particularly smooth stone.

“Yes!” He cried out as finished the lap just as the egg timer began to ring.

He panted heavily, turning off the timer and tossing it on a nearby bench.

Surely, he'd be the fastest runner in his kindergarten class. 

None of the other kids had been able to run around a castle for their entire life.

He sat down on the bench, wiping the sweat from his brow as the sun set over the black lake.

After catching his breath, he gathered his robes in his arms and began making his way back into the castle, but just as he arrived at the dungeon stairs, he ran into Severus.

“Oh!” Harry yelped in surprise, “You scared me.”

Severus raised a brow, confused at Harry's exhausted, sweaty state.

“Muggle clothes? Were you running around again?” Severus asked curiously.

“I beat my time, Professor! I swear it! Five laps in five whole minutes!” Harry beamed.

“I see…and you appear to have left your tailored robes in the dirt.” 

“Oh, uh - well, we can clean them later. I beat my time!”

Severus gave him a disapproving look, taking the robes out of his arms and sighing.

“You do realize that school is not an athletic competition, yes? You go to school to learn, not flail around like a frightened parrot.”

Harry frowned, looking to the floor, “I mean, we'll have recess and stuff. I'll be the fastest in my class.”

Severus huffed, tucking the dirt stained robes under his arm, “Five minutes, you said? Impossible…unless you cheated.” 

Severus turned and began striding down the corridor, hiding a smirk.

Harry hurried up to his side, grinning “I didn't, I swear! Take my memory to Dumbledore's pensieve, you can see for yourself!”

Harry stood in front of Severus walking backwards as they meandered down the long hall, “I could do it with my eyes closed! Backwards, too!”

“Could you potentially run around like a maniac without ruining your robes?” Severus replied, flicking his wand and sending Harry's robes flying down the corridor.

“I took them off this time!” Harry replied, brushing a dark curl away from his forehead, jumping to grab the robes mid-air, just barely missing as the robes flew down to house elf quarters for laundering.

“Yes, well try to keep your sweating and rough housing to a minimum tomorrow. Your teacher will not be pleased if you use her classroom as a jungle gym.”

“Do any of your kids run around the classroom?” Harry asked curiously, shoving his hands in his pockets still walking backwards to face Severus.

Severus let out a scoff, “What do you think, Evans? The only child who dares to muck about in my presence is you.”

Harry grinned, missing a bottom front tooth.

“Close your mouth, child. You look like a jack-o-lantern.” Severus smirked.

Harry laughed, covering his mouth with his hand, turning and lingering to walk at Severus’ side.

Chapter Text

Harry slung his backpack over his shoulder, gritting his teeth.

“Bye, Harry!” Patricia Reelston called to him, a fellow six-year girl in his class with long dark braids.

“Bye, Patty.” Harry muttered to himself, walking out of the classroom into the corridor.

He burst out the door into the spring sunlight, averting his eyes away from all of the children hugging their mums and dads.

Then, he spotted the gray tabby cat sitting on the stone stoop of the school.

“Hi, Professor McGonnagall.” Harry whispered quietly.

The cat replied with a chirp before leading Harry down the sidewalk.

Harry gripped the handles of his bag tightly as he followed behind Professor McGonagall.

He squinted in the sunlight, brushing a curl out of his face.

Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry… Harry repeated in his mind.

He’d never let him live it down if he came home crying.

Once the coast was clear, the gray tabby cat transfigured back into Professor McGonnagal, who smiled down at him, offering her arm for a side-along apparition.

“Good day today, Evans?” She asked kindly as Harry took her arm.

He closed his eyes, preparing for the stomach lurch as he gripped her forearm.

Harry heard the familiar loud crack, followed by the tornado of color behind his eyes, and finally, they landed at the gates of Hogwarts.

“What did you learn today?” Professor McGonnagal asked, unlocked the gate and beckoning him to go through.

“Nothing that interesting. Basic properties of spells. Magic safety. Writing. Addition.” Harry said passively, biting the inside of his cheek.

Minerva could tell something was off. She narrowed her eyes, studying Harry.

“Hm…anything else?” She asked gently.

Harry shook his head, pushing open the door of the castle and rushing down the corridor towards the staff quarters.

“Hold on, Evans!” Minerva called from behind, rushing to keep up, “Slow down!”

They arrived at the staff quarters door, where Minvera huffed and opened the door and allowed Harry inside.
“Don’t run like that. It’s reckless.” She advised, her cheeks slightly pink as she watched Harry climb the stairs and disappear out of sight.

He walked to the doors with the sign that read “SNAPE, S.” above the door, one of the few words he could truly recognize.

He muttered the password (Stargazer) and the door swung open. He stormed through the door, threw his bag on the ground. He walked towards the hearth and ripped a pillow from the sofa. He buried his face in the fabric, and screamed.

Severus slowly appeared from the hall, silent as smoke.

Harry lifted his head from the pillow, sniffling.

“Do you usually scream into the furniture or is today a special occassion?” Severus said quietly, causing Harry to nearly jump out of his skin.

“I-I thought you were in your classroom!” Harry stuttered, throwing the pillow on the sofa out of embarrassment.

Severus raised a brow, “Yes, I was…but I returned. I do that, you see.”

“Whatever.” Harry muttered under his breath, turning away and hurrying to his room.

“Wait.” Severus demanded.

Harry stopped in his tracks and tensed.

“Come back.” His tone left no room for argument.

Harry swallowed hard and slowly turned back.

“Explain yourself, Evans.”

Severus looked down at Harry with a look that pinned him to the floor.

“I don’t want to,” Harry said quietly, lowering his gaze.

“I don’t care what you want, you will do as I say. Now, explain yourself.”

Harry pressed his lips into a thin line. It had already been a terrible day.

“It’s mother’s day this weekend.” He mumbled, “And…we all had to talk about our mums at school.”

Severus’ expression subtly softened, “Go on.”

“...I-I said I don’t have one, that my mum died in an accident and…then everyone said “oh, just write about your dad!” but…I don’t have one of those either and…” Harry’s voice began to shake. 

He couldn’t cry, it was highly prohibited in this house.

He took a deep breath.

“I didn’t know what to say. I just said I lived at a school.”

Severus felt his stomach drop. 

How could he forget to address this, for school purposes?

“We had to make these stupid cards,” Harry ripped a crumpled up piece of paper from his pocket, clutching it in his fist, “-- and I couldn’t make one for someone named Professor.”

“Ah,” Severus said quietly, looking away, “I…see your conundrum.”

“Can I go to my room now?” Harry asked, barely holding it together.

“Uh, yes, I suppose.” Severus responded, unsure of what to say.

Harry turned away, tossing the crumbled paper into the bin before rushing down the corridor and slamming the door of his room.

Severus waited for a moment, before going towards the bin and picking up the crumpled paper.

It was a crayon drawing of flowers with the words HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY written in Harry’s hand – the letters sloppy and backwards. A red X had been drawn over the word “mother.”

Severus stared at the card, shaken by the sheer implications of one small symbol.

He recrumpled the paper and tossed it back in the bin, heading down the corridor and knocking on Harry’s door.

“Go away…” Harry called out, before quickly adding “...please.”

Severus rolled his eyes, “No. May I come in?”

“You’re going to come in no matter what I say.”

“Yes, but I thought I’d be polite.”

“Fine.”

Severus opened the door, finding Harry curled up on his bed, holding a quaffle in his hands, lightly tossing it in the air, attempting to appear non-chalant despite his eyes being bloodshot.

Severus sat down in the small chair at Harry’s desk, making him look like a giant.

“It is strange, not having a mother or father.” Seveurus said slowly, leaning forward in the chair, “I won’t lie to you and say you’re normal, Evans. Because you’re not.”

Harry subtly moved the quaffle to hide his face.

“...not many children live in a school. Nor do they live with someone who they aren’t related to. It’s complicated, but I have my reasons for my white lies.”

“You’re not even my real uncle, why did you tell my teacher that? I don’t call you uncle. The only uncle I have is Uncle Moony and he doesn’t even come around anymore.”

Severus felt the sting of Harry’s words in his chest.

“While I may not be your blood relative, Evans – you have an adult in your life, just like every other child.”

“You’re a teacher. I don’t even know how you got me after my parents died.” Harry said painfully, “All I know is they died when I was a baby and I ended up with a teacher at Hogwarts and that was it. I can’t even tell anyone I live at Hogwarts, even though it’s the best place ever.”

The corner of Severus’ mouth almost ticked into a smile, at least Harry enjoyed the castle, despite the complexities of his situation.

“It’s a long, complicated story.” Severus sighed, “I knew your parents. We were friends. That’s why you’re in my care.”

“Yeah, but…” Harry hesitated, then exhaled in defeat, “I know.”

“I may not be a parent or uncle, so to say…but I have sworn to be your guardian.”

“It’s just…weird and no one else follows a cat home from school.” Harry said, frustrated, “They have their parents get them. Some even have brothers and sisters that are so old that they can come get them. I just…” Harry stopped himself, still hiding behind the quaffle, “It’s just me, Professor…and no one else has a professor.”

Severus heard Harry’s every word – and he understood.

“No. No one else has a professor raising them. You have a lot of things no one else has.” Severus paused, catching a glimpse of Harry’s scar on his forehead, “ –now let me show you why that’s a good thing.”

Harry peeked out from behind the quaffle, watching Severus rise to his feet and swiftly leave his room.

There was no other option but follow – so Harry wiped his eyes and trailed along, and the two of them left the staff quarters, where Severus led him up to the astronomy tower.

“Tell me, Evans. How many of your classmates have an astronomy tower in their homes?” Severus called out to Harry, helping him climb up the ladder to the highest point in the castle, where they both stood on the platform and looked out over the grounds.

Harry had rarely been up this high with Severus before, “None of them. But they don’t know I have it either.”

“Well, that’s the best part, isn’t it?”

Harry and Severus both watched the thestrals soar above the forbidden forest. 

The cool May breeze swept through their hair and Harry swore he could have grabbed a cloud.

Severus pointed out different parts of the grounds: where the best herbs grew for potions, the origins of the black lake, the protective charms over the perimeter, and other random bits of knowledge.

Harry listened, watching the giant white clouds glide across the sky.

“Have you lived here since you were a kid too, Professor?” Harry asked curiously.

Severus paused, “Yes, in a sense.” He fidgeted with his robe sleeve,  “Not in the same way as you, but…I have been here most of my life.”

“And you still like it?”

Severus looked at Harry and then back over the grounds, “Yes. Despite it all, I still like it.”

Harry leaned against the railing, the wind tossing his curls.

Maybe strange wasn’t such a bad thing.

Chapter Text

“You're telling me he broke all four of those windows?” 

“Yes, unfortunately.” 

Severus stood in the middle of Harry's primary school classroom, staring blankly at the shattered windows.

“When was this exactly, Miss Pimm?”

Miss Pimm was a petite young woman, dressed in lavender robes and her blonde hair tied up in two buns. She was a less experienced teacher, a recent graduate from Beauxbatons.

“Around noon. Lunch time.” She said, a mix of fear and embarrassment in her voice.

“I see.” Severus nodded, waving his wand to repair the windows, “and what exactly was he doing?”

“He was talking to some of the other kids as usual, then he got really quiet, stood up to look out the window, and boom. Everything exploded.”

“Noted.” Severus replied curtly, lost in thought.

“We spent the rest of the day in the rubber room, just in case. It's where we usually go if there's a particularly big incident. I've been trained to deal with unexpected episodes of magic, but this was…unlike anything I've seen. ”

“Give it time. You'll see much worse.” He said flatly, “I will speak with him and will send you an owl. Good day.”

Severus swept out of the classroom without another word, leaving Miss Pimm lost and confused.

When Severus returned to the castle, he found Harry cozied up in his office chair, looking through a potions book.

“Am I in trouble?” Harry asked as soon as Severus walked in.

“Depends.” Severus responded, “Explain yourself.”

“I was just talking to my friends and they started talking about their blood lines. Pureblood this and mudblood that and –”

“Don't use that word!” Severus interjected loudly, slamming his fist on his desk, shocked how it had so effortlessly slipped off Harry's tongue.

Harry jumped, throwing the book aside, leaping up from the chair.

“That's why I got mad, Professor!” Harry blurted out, “They wouldn't stop talking about it! They said since we're in fourth year we can talk about blood. I didn't mean to do it. I got up to get away from them and then the windows just…” Harry lost his words, feeling as if his life were on the line.

“Never say that word again, Evans. No matter the circumstance.” Severus replied with venom.

“I'm sorry –” Harry took a step back, glancing at Severus’ fist on the table, “I can fix it. I'll help Miss Pimm clean up, it was an accident.”

Severus paused, seeing the look of utter fear spread across Harry's face.

He slowly lifted his hand from the table and placed it in his pocket and took a deep, quiet breath.

“Yes, it was an accident.” Snape paused, speaking to himself as much as Harry, “But you have to remember what I taught you. Calm yourself and control your thoughts. Untethered emotions are what cause these incidents.”

Harry nodded, looking away in shame.

“Never use that word again. Not even in passing. It was born out of hate.” Severus said quietly, lost in his own regret, “Now get back to the staff quarters, Evans.” 

Harry obeyed, and hurried out of the office, closing the door behind him.

Severus lingered, hands in his pockets. 

Every day was a constant reminder.

Of her. Of him. Of himself.

Chapter Text

“How many spells can you name? Quick, you have thirty seconds! One, two, three…” Harry crossed his arms and continued to count, grinning at the portrait of Sir Remington the IV, who was completely startled by the question.

“Spells? Why dost thou demand such a thing from me, child? Oh, oh! Let’s see…”

“...eight, nine, ten…” Harry continued to count, grinning as the other portraits began to join in.

“Shouldn’t you be studying?” Called a portrait of a mermaid, her long dark hair glistening in the oil painted sun, “Severus is going to be angry with you for wasting time.”

“It’s a Saturday, Alesia. He can’t expect me to study on Saturday.” Harry responded, rolling his eyes and miming wand movements with his right hand.

The portrait of Sir Remington the IV continued to reel off spell names, counting on his fingers.

“Just don’t get in trouble,” Alesia responded, swimming closer to the front of her portrait, “Are you excited to go to Hogwarts this fall?”

“Of course I am!” Harry beamed, “I’ll finally be able to be a student. Sometimes I feel like I’m just another ghost here.”

“Oh don’t say that, Harry…” Another mermaid chimed in, swimming into view, “You’re far more than a ghost! You’re a living, breathing boy! You’re quite lucky.”

“Thanks, Cliodna.” Harry shrugged, pacing back and forth, “I hope to make some more friends. It’s different at primary, everyone goes home at the end of the day…but here, I’ll eat, sleep, and study with everyone else. It won’t be so empty.”

“Thou shall always have us, Harry!” Sir Remington the IV added, “Additionally, I hath named twenty spells!”

“Good job,” Harry laughed, swishing his robes out of boredom, “What house do you think I’ll be in?”

All the portraits exchanged glances, all of them muttering something different.

“Ravenclaw, you’re far too clever to not be a Ravenclaw!”

“Hufflepuff! Kindness and fairness are your strong suits!”

“Slytherin, no doubt. Look at who raised you!”

“Gryffindor, just like your parents! Brave and strong, you can’t go wrong!”

Harry’s eyes darted around to each portrait, all of them spewing different answers and bickering with each other.

“Alright, alright…” Harry waved his hand in surrender, “I guess it will be up to the hat in the end.”

“Do you have a preference, Harry?” Alesia the mermaid asked, leaning against a large rock to bask in the sun.

“Well, I think I’d be best in Slytherin,” Harry replied thoughtfully, “That’s what Professor Snape wants, anyway. It makes the most sense. I basically grew up in the dungeons.”

Harry paused, pulling an empty potion vial out of his pocket, repeatedly pulling the cork, “But I’m not sure I like Slytherin all that much. Lots of my primary school mates had Slytherin parents and…they’re not the nicest.”

Harry continued to pace in front of the wall of portraits, “I want to see the other common rooms. A change might be nice…but Professor Snape would kill me for being anything but a Slytherin.”

“You know, Sirius Black broke a five hundred year streak of Slytherins in his family, he was a Gryffindor!” Sir Remington the IV chimed.

“Yeah and look where he ended up,” Harry said sharply, gripping the potion vial tightly.

All of the portraits shifted uncomfortably.

Cliodna swam closer and cleared her throat.

“You’re going to do great, wherever you end up.” She smiled, her dark eyes shimmering in the light.

“Thanks,” Harry responded, wanting to push the thought of the sorting ceremony out of his mind.

“I’m really looking forward to getting my wand, actually. Professor Snape says he’ll take me to Ollivander’s in a few weeks.”

“Oh how exciting!” The portrait of a monk spewed out, “I remember my first like it was yesterday. Being chosen by your wand is the best feeling in the world, if you ask me.”

“Yeah,” Harry smirked, “Professor Snape says I have to act like I’ve never touched a wand before in my life. He says I also have to pretend to not know the layout of the castle.” Harry muttered with a bit of confusion, “Apparently no one is supposed to live in the castle outside of staff, so I have to keep it a secret. Same with him being my…” Harry hesitated, the word tasting hollow, “-guardian. None of the teachers are supposed to have kids here. It’s not fair, I guess.”

“In all my centuries here, I have never seen a child live in the castle, let alone be raised by a staff member.” A portrait of a portly woman in a pale green gown added, adjusting her opera glasses to get a better look at Harry, “You must be remarkable, Harry Evans.”

“Or incredibly odd,” Harry retorted light-heartedly, “It’s such a big secret and I don’t know why. I guess they don’t want the other kids thinking I get special treatment, but is it really that special?”

Harry looked around the big empty corridor, his own voice echoing off the walls.

“It’s not like Professor Snape goes easy on me. He’s had me do homework that he writes every summer! I do my primary school homework, then his homework, and at least an hour of reading a day!” Harry complained, exhaling, “Other kids have parents who take them out to do fun things and…” He paused, “Professor Snape can be so mean, sometimes.”

“He cares an awful lot about you, Harry.” Alesia cut in, a sympathetic smile on her face, “He fought very hard to keep you.”

“Yeah, I guess…At least Uncle Moony wanted me. He was nice when he came around…” Harry paused, his voice growing quiet, “Maybe Professor Snape was right about him being unstable.” Harry shrugged, feeling a deep ache as he thought of his early memories with Remus.

“Cheer up, Harry!” A young knight on a mighty stead called out, galloping into the frame with the mermaids, “Remember, you get to be a real student this fall! This castle has much in store for you, I can feel it in my bones!”

Harry nodded, shaking the melancholy from his thoughts, “You’re right, Sir Percival. It’s going to be great. It has to be!”

Harry forced a smile to his face, ignoring the dread lingering in the back of his mind. 

Chapter Text

It was the last Saturday in June when Harry was awoken by all of the candles flickering on in his room.

“Time to get up, Evans.” Severus announced, standing in the doorway.

“Merlin, it’s so early…” Harry grumbled, rolling over in his bed and putting on his glasses, “Can’t I sleep a little longer?”

“Absolutely not. Great Hall for breakfast in fifteen minutes. Don’t be late.” Severus turned away from the door, his cloak billowing behind him as he left the staff quarters.

“But I’m not hungr -” Harry propped himself up in bed to protest, but Severus was already gone.

He groaned once more before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and lazily throwing on his robes, not bothering to comb his hair.

Surely Severus was going to quiz him all morning on wand technique or potion theory or some other random subject…

After brushing his teeth and splashing cold water on his face, he made his way down to the Great Hall, where the sun had just started to rise over the horizon.

It was completely empty, each of Harry’s footsteps echoing against the floor as he approached the Head Table, taking a seat next to Severus.

Harry reached for a pot of coffee on the table and began to pour into a cup, sipping slowly.

“Long night?” Severus asked curiously, his eyes scanning the Daily Prophet.

“Yeah, with all that reading you gave me. I didn’t get to bed until 2am!” Harry whined, pouring milk and an excessive amount of sugar into his cup.

Severus gave a small huff, “Get used to it, Evans. Sleep is a luxury in academia.”

Harry rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair as he stared out over the empty hall.

Then, the flutter of wings could be heard in the distance. A large barn owl soared into the great hall, a letter tight in its beak. It landed gracefully at the edge of the high table and perched in front of Harry, holding out its leg.

Harry immediately perked up and leaned forward, “Mail? For me? I never get mail.” he said incredulously.

“Well, then it might be important. Best you take the letter, Evans.” Severus said casually, sipping his own coffee.

Severus pulled a Knut out of his pocket and dropped it into the small pouch tied to the bird’s leg.

Harry took the letter, which was addressed in neat scrawl:

Mr. Harry J. Evans
The Great Hall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry flipped the letter over, ripping open the familiar Hogwarts seal, and began to read:

Dear Mr. Evans,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment…

Harry looked up at Severus, his eyes wide.

“I…didn’t think I’d actually get the letter.” He said quietly, looking back down at the parchment.

“And why is that?” Severus asked, not looking away from the Daily Prophet.

“Well, because I live here. I didn’t think I’d get one because it just seems…obvious that I’m going to be a student at Hogwarts, and…” Harry looked down at the letter, rereading the list of supplies and the signature from Professor McGonnagal.

He was touched. A small act of normalcy that reminded him that he was just like any other kid.

“You’re a talented wizard, Evans. Of course you’d get an acceptance letter.” Severus folded up the Daily Prophet and tossed it aside, “Best you write your return owl now, that is…if you choose to accept the offer.”

Severus pulled out a quill and piece of parchment, the barn owl waiting patiently at the edge of the table.

“Oh that’s silly, there’s no need to write a reply.” Harry chuckled, “Professor McGonagall knows I’ll be in attendance.”

“Does the letter not read ‘We await your owl by no later than 31 July.’?” Severus replied sharply.

Harry raised his brows in surprise. He was dead serious.

He took the quill and quickly wrote a simple phrase: 

I, Harry J. Evans, hereby accept the offer to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry shook his head slightly, addressed the letter to the office of admissions, and handed it to the owl, who graciously took it in its beak and flew away out of sight.

“That was silly,” Harry muttered, smiling as he began to eat his breakfast, which had magically appeared in front of him as soon as he sent the letter.

“Silly, you say?” Severus replied, “Being a responsible student is silly?”

“No, it’s not that, it’s just –” Harry smiled down at his plate, thinking for a moment, “Thanks.”

Severus glanced at him, giving him a curt nod. “Welcome to Hogwarts, Evans. After meeting the dunderheads I have to teach on a daily basis, you’ll realize you’re not so abnormal after all.”

Harry laughed, spreading jam on his toast as the sun fully emerged over the horizon, bathing the great hall in brilliant, golden light.

Chapter Text

Diagon Alley was a swarm of energy.

Severus was far more irritable than usual due to the crowding, but Harry was radiating with joy at his side.

“Just a few more things,” Harry muttered, licking his chocolate frog ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, “Still have to get new robes, a cauldron, and my wand.”

“There are plenty of cauldrons for you to use at home, I’m not buying another.” Severus replied, glancing over the list once more, “Also, you are not getting fitted for new robes with that monstrosity of a sweet dripping down your palm.”

“It’s delicious, want some?” Harry grinned, chocolate smeared on his face as he held out the cone to Severus, knowing for a fact he despised rich sweets.

Severus rolled his eyes and pushed Harry’s hand away, “Finish the damn thing and we can go get your robes.”

They sat down on a nearby bench, people watching while Harry made his way through his ice cream.

He looked over at Severus, tense and exhausted. He didn’t get home until late last night.

“What kept you out so late last night?” Harry asked, chomping on a chocolate frog piece.

“That’s none of your concern, child.” Severus replied coldly, “Why weren’t you asleep when I came back? It was 4am.”

“Too excited. I love Diagon alley.” Harry smiled a messy smile, to which Severus reacted with a quick scourgify. Harry winced as the spell scrubbed his face clean, wiping his face with his sleeve.

“I’m not a baby, you know!” Harry said indignantly

For a moment, Severus saw the freshly scarred two year old, chewing on a hippogriff toy in his quarters.

“Then stop eating like one.” Severus shot back, looking down at his hands, scarred from years of reckless brewing.

Harry finished the last bite of his cone and dusted off his hands, “Ready.” He mumbled, mouth full.

“Sure you don’t want to eat a pound of sugar, too? Maybe a hundred lemon drops?” Severus said dryly, slowly getting to his feet and stretching.

“No, I’ll save the pound of sugar and lemon drops for dinner.” Harry beamed, running ahead towards Madam Malkin’s.

“My, oh my! You’ve grown so big, Harry!” Madam Malkin beamed as soon as he walked through the door, “You’re going to need some extra length this year! Go stand over by the mirrors and I’ll be with you in a sec.”

“Hi Madam Malkin,” Harry smiled shyly, looking at all the fabrics lined up on the shelves as he made his way to the mirrors to be fitted.

“I’m going to run across the street to the apothecary,” Severus said to Harry, lingering near the door, “If you do any damage, run as fast as you can.”

“Will do.” Harry said absentmindedly, giving a quick wave.

Harry waited patiently in front of the mirror, when another boy walked over next to him.

He had bright blonde hair, nearly white. He had a mousy appearance, with his nose stuck up in the air.

“Hogwarts, too?” The boy asked Harry.

“Yeah,” Harry responded, looking at his shoes.

“Nice. I’m hoping to be in Slytherin, my whole family has been.” The boy added, “What’s your name?”

“Oh, uh - Evans. Harry Evans.”

“Ha, for a second I thought you were going to say Harry Potter.” The boy chuckled, “He’s supposed to be a first year, too.”

Harry blinked, confused.

…because he was Harry Potter, in a sense. He had just taken his mother’s last name.

“Oh, yeah. I heard that, too.”

“Get ready for Dumbledore to have a new favorite,” the boy scoffed, “I’m a Malfoy, by the way. Draco.”

Harry had heard of the Malfoys in passing from Severus. A very influential family from the wizarding world.

“Oh, nice.” Harry replied awkwardly as Madam Malkin came over and began taking measurements of the both of them, unable to hold back her comments at how much they had grown and how proud she was.

“Well, see ya at school.” Draco shrugged, turning away and heading towards a woman with long blonde hair, who Harry assumed was his mother.

Harry left the shop, his mind reeling.

Harry Potter. That was his name…why did that boy know who he was?

Harry walked into the apothecary, where he saw Severus leaned over the counter, talking in hushed voices with the shop keeper.

“Professor, a word?” He asked politely.

Severus turned towards him, irritated by the interruption.

“Just a moment, I’ll be back later.” Severus muttered to the shop keeper before heading towards Harry.

“What did you do?” Severus demanded angrily.

“Nothing. Everything was fine with the fitting…I just…” He looked around at the other patrons in the apothecary, “Something strange just happened.”

Severus’ brow furrowed and he quietly led Harry out of the shop.

“What happened?” Severus asked, concerned as they walked to a less crowded area of Diagon Alley.

“A boy in the robe shop said something about Harry Potter being in our year…I mean, isn’t my Dad named Potter?”

Severus froze mid step.

He had taken every precaution to shield Harry from his name and his legacy. 

The scar was always covered. His name had been changed.

He knew this was coming, just not this soon.

“The boy said Potter, specifically? Are you sure you didn’t mishear him?”

Harry shook his head no, “That’s what he said. He said his name was Draco Malfoy. When I told him my name was Harry, he said he thought I was going to say Harry Potter and he laughed.”

Severus took a sharp inhale.

Of course. 

Lucius’ son was starting at Hogwarts this year.

“Ah.” Severus huffed quietly, “Your name is Harry Evans. He was mistaken.”

“Who’s Harry Potter, then? Why would he know about my Dad’s last name?”

Severus swallowed hard, tensing.

“It’s a long story,” Severus said quietly, growing pale, “Best not one to tell in public.”

“Do people know me because of my Dad? I know he was Head Boy but I don’t think that makes someone famous.” Harry asked, growing more confused by the minute.

“Come on,” Severus sighed, “We need to talk.”

Harry felt his stomach drop, hesitated before following Severus’ long stride.

They apparated out of Diagon Alley, where Severus led Harry to the banks of the Black Lake.

“Sit.” Severus said, pointing to a shady patch of grass.

Harry obeyed and sat down, his shopping bags crumpling beside him.

Severus sat on a nearby rock, looking out over the waters.

“Have you ever heard the name you-know-who, Evans?”

“Yeah, once in a while. I thought it was adults being dramatic about something.” Harry shrugged, pulling up wads of grass anxiously.

“It is a term used for Lord Voldemort, a wizard so dark that no one dares speak his name,” Severus continued plainly, looking out over the horizon.

It was a beautiful sunny day in the middle of July.

Severus hesitated, knowing his next words would change Harry’s life forever.

“He killed your parents,” Severus said quietly, “They were part of the resistance against him.”

Harry’s hand stopped, his fist full of grass, “I thought you said my parents died in a spell accident.”

Severus shook his head, unable to look at Harry. Instead, keeping his eyes locked on the shimmering waters.

“No. That was a lie to shield you from the truth. They were murdered in cold blood.” Severus paused, each word feeling like a line of a story, not reality, “Lord Voldemort attempted to kill you as well, but he failed.” Severus' voice began to subtly waver, “Because your mother sacrificed herself for you, and her love  cast a spell so strong -” Severus paused, taking a deep breath, “It saved you from the killing curse. You are the only person ever known to have survived it – and you were only two years old.”

Harry stared at the side of Severus’ hair, his hair blowing in the wind, waiting for the reveal that this was some elaborate story he made up, but Harry knew he wasn’t joking. Severus didn’t joke.

“I knew I would have to tell you soon, but I didn’t think it would be today.” Severus ran a hand through his hair, “The killing curse backfired off of you and on to Lord Voldemort himself, and it killed him.”

Severus ran his palms over his thighs, struggling to summarize the events that changed his life forever.

“You were revered as a hero. Harry Potter: the boy who lived.” Severus said quietly, “It was an ironic fame that you never asked for. Something I didn’t want you to suffer through. I was the only viable option to raise you, as the last known associate of your parents – and I changed your name.”

Severus looked back at Harry, weary and broken, “The world knows Harry Potter, but only I and a handful of others know Harry Evans.”

Harry’s mouth was slightly parted in shock, staring up at Severus in disbelief.

“My parents…were murdered…and I was almost…” Harry looked away, “You told me no one has ever survived the killing curse. You lied to me.” 

Harry got to his feet, hurt and confused.

“You all lied to me. Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore – all of you treated me like I was just some pathetic orphan you were forced to take in after an accident!” Harry’s voice became shrill and cracked, “And you took away my name?! You told me my Mother was insistent on me taking her last name!”

Harry’s cheeks had grown red, his breathing fast and hard in his chest.

“Evans…” Severus said calmly, “I didn’t lie to harm you, it was for your -”

“My name isn’t Evans! It’s POTTER!” Harry shouted, his face contorting in rage.

Severus tensed and closed his eyes. At that moment, all he saw was James.

“I thought your name was Professor until I was about five!” Harry spat bitterly, “Is anyone who they say they are? Even this Lord Voldemort has a fake name you all use! You-know-who…” Harry scoffed, “AND HE KILLED MY PARENTS!”

Severus did not interrupt, he held his forehead in his hand.
“MY PARENTS WERE MURDERED! I SURVIVED THE DAMN KILLING CURSE AND YOU NEVER TOLD ME! NONE OF YOU DID!” Harry shouted, his voice growing hoarse.

The waters on the black lake began to stir and swell – and the sky began to darken.

Harry continued to shout, with Snape rising to his feet, attempting to calm him down.

But the more Harry screamed, the higher the waves rose behind them.

“I was trying to protect you! You have no idea what it was like back then!” Severus yelled back.

“Protect me?! My family is famous for being murdered by a maniac and you thought you could protect me by making me into someone I’m not?!” Harry’s breath was heaving in his chest, “You stole my family name! The only thing I had left of my dad! A NAME THEY SHARED!”

As Harry spewed out his words, a fifteen foot wave had risen in the black lake.

The monstrous wall of dark water crashed over Severus and Harry, drowning out the world as they were submerged.

The wave ceased, leaving them sputtering and soaked against the ground.

“EVANS, YOU DAMN FOOL!” Severus spat out, coughing the water out of his lungs as he lay prone on the grass.

Harry laid on his back nearby, his glasses washed from his face laying next to him. No longer screaming, but sobbing violently.

Severus brushed his sopping wet hair from his eyes and crawled over to Harry.

“Are you alright?” He choked out in a panic, trying to catch his breath.

“Get away from me,” Harry sputtered, rolling over to pick himself up, palming the wet ground, looking for his glasses.

Severus grabbed them and handed them over. Harry shoved them onto his face, sobbing and gasping for breath.

Severus seized him by his shoulders, pulling him to his chest in a tight embrace.

Harry beat his fist against him, “Let me go, you damn liar! I was supposed to get my wand today!”

“I’m sorry, “ Severus responded quietly, his voice shaking, “Just…calm down. I’m sorry.”

Harry sobbed into Severus’ cloak, cursing his name and everyone who had ever lied to him.

Severus simply held him, silent and drowning in guilt.

Chapter Text

Severus stood outside Harry’s bedroom door, struggling to bring himself to knock.

He had barely seen the boy in days. During the day, he hid in the castle and as soon as he returned, he hid in his room.

Severus could have put a stop to this behavior, but how could he?

Harry needed to come to terms with his life in his own way.

Finally, Severus lifted his fist and knocked.

“Go away.” Harry replied from within.

“You know I won’t.” Severus replied curtly, “Are you ever going to speak to me again? Or do I have to wait until you’re in my classroom?”

Harry did not reply.

Severus knocked again, “Hello? Answer me.” 

Nothing.

Severus sighed, “May I come in?”

“You’re going to, anyway.”

“Yes, but –”

“I wanted to be polite,” Harry mocked from behind the door, “Yeah, you’ve always been so polite.”

Severus gripped the doorknob, tensing his jaw.

“So is that a yes?” Severus responded, trying not to snap.

“Fine, I guess. Doesn’t mean I’m going to talk to you.”

Severus rolled his eyes and opened the door.

The room was a mess. Robes, trainers, and clothes strewn about. Quaffles had been attached to the ceiling with spellotape and a spare snitch was darting around the room, bumping into Harry’s quidditch posters.

Harry did not look at Severus. He stared down at a book in his lap, sitting cross-legged on his bed.

“Your dorm mates won’t be pleased with you being a slob, you know.” Severus said passively, leaning against the door frame.

“I don’t care.” Harry responded sharply, “I’ll just tell them I’m Harry Potter and they’ll worship the ground I walk on.” 

Harry slammed his book closed, the title reading “MODERN MAGICAL HISTORY” in gold foil letters.

“I just finished my section. Figured out your censorship charm. All the books that mentioned Harry Potter were sorting themselves behind Madam Pince’s desk.”

Severus stared at Harry, shocked. 

Not only had he discovered the censorship charm, he found all the banned material.

Part of him wanted to strangle him and another part was reluctantly impressed.

“Go on then,” Harry added, crossing his arms, “Yell at me or ground me or whatever it is you’re going to do.”

“I could, and I still might. Or…you could tell me what you’ve learned.”

Harry looked at him, confused.

“Why? It’s exactly what you told me. Turns out you were telling the truth.”

“With what evidence?” Severus said casually, walking into the room and sitting at Harry’s desk.

“Well, according to the sources you didn’t want me to see, my mother and father were head boy and girl, my father one of the best chasers for Gryffindor.” Harry began, reeling off the facts bitterly, “They were married in June of 1979 in a private ceremony. They joined the Order of the Phoenix as students. I was born at Saint Mungo’s on the 31st of July, 1980…” Harry paused, furrowing his brow in thought, “...I was only two when they were murdered on Halloween of 1981 and…”

Harry paused.

“...I was left with nothing but a scar. The world celebrated the fall of Lord Voldemort.”

Severus nodded, his expression unreadable.

“Harry Potter,” Harry continued, quoting one of the texts, his tone lowering,  “No one knew of his whereabouts after that night. A mystery lost in the night.”

Harry looked over to Severus, “No one knows I’m here. The world has been looking for me and I’ve been right here.”

Severus sighed and shifted in his seat, “Yes. The world has been looking for you. To praise you, adore you, and kill you, Evans. You ended the life of the most infamous dark wizard of all time and his followers are still livid.”

Severus adjusted the sleeve on his left arm and leaned forward.

“I read all about Lord Voldemort,” Harry scoffed, “He sounds like a pathetic prick.”

“Then surely after all this research, you realize that it is a taboo to say his name,” Severus advised.

“I don’t care.” Harry shrugged, “I killed him. I can say his name.”

Severus held back a bark of laughter. Harry’s deadpan tone caught him completely off guard.

He cleared his throat, “Well, I wouldn’t go around declaring you’re a murderer. That’s not accurate.”

“Whatever.”

Quiet settled between them.

“Why you?” Harry asked softly, breaking the silence, “Did…I really have no family left?”

His tone was no longer angry, but wounded.

“You…did have family left,” Severus replied, “But they refused to take guardianship. They were muggles. Your mother’s sister, your aunt, outright refused to take in a wizard child. Your father was an only child. Both sets of your grandparents passed during the war. Dragon Pox was running rampant.”

Harry nodded, quietly absorbing the loss.

“...Last time I saw Uncle Moony, he said you and my mum hadn’t talked in a long time. That you didn’t even know I had been born.”

“Sometimes that happens as you get older,” Severus swallowed hard, a solid weight sitting in his stomach, cursing Remus in his mind, “Sometimes friends grow apart as they grow up,” Severus looked to Harry, knowing that his innocence was rotting right in front of him, “but…I had always been her friend. Even when we were little.”

Severus looked down at his hands in his lap. There was so much more to it than that.

Harry looked as if he was going to say something, then quickly changed his mind.

“Yeah, well…” Harry fidgeted with his robe sleeve, “I guess I know a lot more now.”

“You certainly do.”

“Any other life changing knowledge you'd drop on me while you’re here?”

Severus gave an amused huff, “No, not today at least.”

“Figured.”

A moment of quiet passed, with Harry’s clock ticking being the only sound in the room.

“You know, Evans.” Severus said, rising out of the seat “We still need to get your wand from Ollivander’s.”

“Is that a bribe?” Harry asked, his green eyes looking at Severus over the rim of his glasses.

Severus scoffed.

“I’d call it a peace offering. A wand is a rather necessary tool for a wizard, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Harry slid off his bed, shoving his hands in his pockets, his gaze lowered to the floor.

“Stop moping around, then. We have some shopping to do. Go put your shoes on.” Severus said, leaving the room without another word.

Harry rolled his eyes and followed, his stride long and filled with a new purpose.

Chapter Text

“I think you should go in alone,” Severus said quietly, standing at Harry’s side outside of Ollivander’s wands.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked, worried, “What if he gives a wand made of solid gold or something and we can’t pay for it?”

Severus’ mouth ticked up into a half smirk.

“Yes, because there are such things as wands made of gold.”

“You know what I mean.” Harry grumbled.

“Whatever chooses you, will come home with you. It’s as simple as that.”

“You sure you don’t want to come with me?” Harry pleaded nervously.

“I think it’s something you should experience alone.” Severus said simply, “Besides, I still have a couple errands to run.”

“If you say so,” Harry turned and walked towards the door of the shop, looking back at Severus one final time before going inside.

Harry was shocked when Ollivander knew exactly who he was, including his real name and story  – something he had only learned himself days before.

It sent a chill down Harry’s spine as he tried wand after wand, when finally – his wand chose him.

The twin wand to Lord Voldemort had chosen him.

A detail that Harry would keep secret. It felt wrong. Evil, even.

Harry left the wand shop with a newfound joy and dread, his shopping bag swinging at his side as he looked around for Severus.

Not far from Ollivander’s, Severus sat on a bench with what looked like a large round parcel.

He saw Harry approach and gave him a curious look, “Done already? How’d it go?”

“Fine. I broke some stuff but it worked out.” Harry handed over the bag.

Severus took the wand box out of the bag and observed it closely, while Harry’s eyes were drawn to the oblong burlap sack next to Severus, which was making a lot of noise.

“What is that?” Harry asked, pointing to the noisy parcel.

“Oh, this?” Severus set the wand back in the box, and quickly pulled the burlap sack off, revealing a steel case containing a fluffy snowy owl.

“Oh no, you’re not going to kill it for ingredients are you?!” Harry exclaimed.

“Of course not, you idiot.” Severus quipped lightheartedly, “It’s yours.”

“What?”

Harry couldn’t believe what he was hearing. 

A real owl? For him?

“Owls are useful for communication. Personal owls are more reliable than the Hogwarts owls. The bond makes them more loyal.” Severus said simply, handing a wrapped parcel over to Harry, “Here’s her food. She’s your responsibility. Neglect your duties and she will be returned to the shop.”

“Professor, she’s wonderful!” Harry beamed, kneeling closer to the cage to get a better look at the stunning white bird.

“Yes, she is a rather remarkable specimen.” Severus gently tapped the cage, causing the bird to look in Harry’s direction with bright amber eyes.

“Thank you,” Harry smiled, “...this doesn’t fix everything, but it was a good move.” He said slyly.

“Oh shut it, before I take it back,” Severus huffed, standing up and grabbing Harry’s bag, “You’re carrying the cage.”

Harry chuckled, gently pulling the bag over the cage and grabbing it, the weight throwing him off balance as they made their way through the alley.

“You have to clean that room up before you even think about letting her out,” Severus warned, putting a hand on Harry’s shoulder to counteract the weight.

“I will,” Harry smiled, forgetting Ollivander’s ominous words with each step he took.

Chapter Text

Minerva smirked as she held her tea cup to her lips. Stacks of parchment were stacking themselves on the counter of the staff room, making copies.

“You’re really going to take him all the way to London just to ride the Hogwarts express?”

“Yes,” Severus said sharply, sorting through a stack of textbooks, “It is required that every student take the train, regardless of where they live.”

“I am well aware, but I do believe there can be an exception for the boy who lives in the castle, Severus.” Minerva sipped from her tea cup, swishing her wand to organize her copies into neat stacks, “It’s rather unnecessary.”

“In the coming years, his classmates are going to question why they don’t see him on the train at the start of term..” Severus replied.

“Hm, I suppose I never considered that.” Minerva shrugged, sipping her tea, “You’ve thought of everything, it seems.”

“The boy doesn’t exist outside of this castle. Trust me, I’ve had to think of everything.”

“But he knows now.”

Severus froze, straightening his posture.

“Yes. He knows of his origins and his…legacy.” Severus sneered, as if the words were poison on his tongue, “Against my will, mind you.”

“I told you this years ago – you can’t shield him from his destiny.”

“Destiny?” Severus scoffed, turning towards her, “You think being known as the boy who lived is his destiny? Absolutely not. As far as the world knows, Harry Potter disappeared the same night as the Dark Lord.” Severus paused, “Evans is a completely different child, who has the entire world at his finger tips.”

Minerva looked into her steaming cup, a sad smile on her face.

“He’s been good for you,” She said gently, “I can see it.” Minerva set her teacup down on the counter, “And you’ve done a damn good job at keeping him safe…but he can’t be your secret forever. One day, the world will find Harry Potter – and you must be prepared for that day.”

“I’ll prevent it for as long as possible,” Severus snapped.

“You expect the boy to keep his mouth shut? Now that he knows?” Minerva asked incredulously.

“He knows his life is at risk if he dares to speak the truth to anyone.” Severus shot back, “He’s not stupid. He is well aware of the severity of my punishment, should he disobey me.”

Minerva nodded, her expression growing glum.

“Well, I suppose you know best, Severus.” Minerva said passively, “Still positive he’s going to be in Slytherin?”

“Absolutely,” Severus replied firmly, “He possesses every quality of a remarkable Slytherin. Intelligent, cunning, self-preserving.”

“Ah yes, cunning and self-preservation. Also known as manipulation and cowardice.” Minerva shot back, sipping her tea, “Personally, I could see Ravenclaw.”

Severus’ eye ticked at her jab.

“Ravenclaw?” Severus scoffed, “Pretentious with no tact? Ravenclaws are book smart, but lack the ability to think for themselves. They treat every text as if it were gospel and if you deviate at all from preconceived notions, they panic.” Severus shook his head, “Evans isn’t like that. He can think creatively.”

“Now, now Severus…we aren’t supposed to show our bias.” Minerva tutted half-heartedly, “Don’t be so harsh on the Ravenclaws…although, I don’t entirely disagree.”

They exchanged a subtle nod of agreement.

“Try not to faint at the thought of Gryffindor, you have to remember who his parents were.” Minerva added, sipping from her cup once more.

“Don’t remind me.” Snape said sternly, pausing for a moment, “He isn’t reckless and arrogant like his parents.”

“Funny…those sound more like Slytherin qualities to me.”

Severus took a sharp inhale, “Remind me how many quidditch matches Gryffindor lost last year, Minerva?”

She huffed and smirked, “A few. Since we’re jogging memories, remind me which house won the house cup last year?”

“Fluke,” Severus replied, rolling his eyes, “You’re far too lenient. Oliver Wood could sneeze and you’d give him a dozen points for courage.”

“And you’d deduct ten points from a student for breathing.”

“I command respect and discipline at all times, you adjust your preferences based on circumstance.”

They narrowed their eyes at each other.

“You’ve changed a lot over the years, Severus.” Minerva said, “But at the same time, you’re still the same incisive teenager in the courtyard.”

“Consistency is my virtue.”
Minerva huffed, the corner of her mouth twitching upward, “Good luck with Evans, Severus. You’ll need more than virtue.”

She grabbed her copies with one sweep of her arm and sauntered out of the staff room, always having to have the last word.

“Typical,” Severus muttered to himself “Even her exits are self-righteous. Head of Gryffindor was inevitable.” 

Chapter Text

“Robes?”

“Check.”

“Textbooks?”

“Check.”

“Cauldron?”

“Check.”

“Wand?”

“Check.” Harry groaned, “Professor, I have everything. I’m positive.”

Severus crossed his arms, standing outside the Hogwarts gates with Harry, a giant trunk at his side.

Severus appeared to be a stranger, a man in his mid forties with short brown hair. Polyjuice. For safety.

“I live here.” Harry said insistently,  “Did you really need me to pack up my whole room? I could just go upstairs and get my supplies from our –”

“No.” Severus interjected, “You no longer live here, Evans. As of today, you are a student. You’ve never stepped foot in this castle and everything is a wondrous new experience.”

Harry frowned, kicking the dirt with his shoe.

“This is so ridiculous. No one is going to inspect my trunk or watch my every move.”

“I take zero chances, Evans.”

Harry sighed, “Can’t believe I’m apparating all the way to London just to ride a train to come right back here.” 

“I could make you take public transport like a muggle if you don’t watch your damn tone,” Severus said sternly, his expression going cold.

Harry rolled his eyes, calling his bluff.

“I hate pretending,” Harry said softly, his gaze lowering.

“I’ve spent over a decade pretending so I could keep you safe, “ Severus shot back, “Now, let’s go.”

Severus offered his arm and Harry reluctantly took it, his hand on his trunk with his snowy owl (who he named Hedwig) securely attached.

With a loud crack, they were sucked through the atmosphere, landing steadily outside of Kings Cross Station.

“Platform nine and three quarters. I’ve shown you the barrier.” Severus said, as if reminding himself, as he adjusted his collar, “Don’t talk about your family unless absolutely necessary. Remember the family you crafted and stay consistent with your home town and family members.”

“I know, I know!” Harry exclaimed, frustration and anxiety bleeding through his voice, “Just let me go.”

Harry grabbed his trunk and took his first step towards the station, when Severus put his hand on his shoulder.

“Evans,” Severus said quietly, “Be careful…and…” Severus paused, exhaling, “Do try to enjoy it.”

Harry looked over his shoulder, giving Severus a small smile.

“I’ll see you again in a few hours.” He chuckled, “I’m taking a train, not flying across the world.”

“I know, I’m just –”

“Yes, it’s a wondrous experience that I’m stepping into.” Harry mocked lightheartedly, “I’ll see you at the sorting. Try not to kill me if I’m not in Slytherin.”

“I’ll be merciful, you’ll feel no pain, I promise.” Severus retorted, giving Harry’s shoulder a tight grip before letting him go.

Harry laughed, brushing his hair out of his eyes before turning away with his trunk.

Severus lingered until Harry disappeared from sight. 

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small toy hippogriff, its features faded with time.

He ran his finger over the toy, “Don’t you dare ruin yourself, Evans.” Severus said to himself, shoving the toy back into his pocket before apparating away.

Chapter Text

Harry settled into an empty train car, setting his trunk up in the upper compartment.

He sat near the window as other students ran up and down the train.

So stupid, he thought, staring out the window as families said goodbye to their children, It’s a damn train.

“Mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full.”

Harry was snapped out of his thoughts. A lanky boy with flaming red hair and freckles was standing in the doorway of his compartment.

“Oh uh, yes. I suppose.” Harry replied awkwardly.

“Thanks,” The boy smiled, shoving his trunk in the overhead compartment, “First year?”

“Yeah,” Harry nodded, hating being forced into conversation.

“Me too! I’m Ron, by the way. Ron Weasley.” He smiled, sitting across from Harry.

“I’m Harry. Harry Evans.”

“Oh!” Ron exclaimed, “As soon as you said Harry, I  thought Potter!” Ron chuckled, “He's actually supposed to be in our year, but I heard he’s at Durmstrang.”

“Oh, yeah…I heard that, too.” Harry replied, feeling his chest tighten.

It was already starting. Would this happen with everyone he met?

“My brothers think that Harry Potter became a feral child in the forbidden forest,” Ron added, “Raised by the werewolves or something.”

Harry smiled politely. He wanted to run off the train.
“So uh –” Ron shifted in his seat, “Know what house you’re going to be in?”

“Not sure.” Harry shrugged, “Any of them, really.”

“You think?” Ron’s eyes widened, “My whole family has been Gryffindor, so that’s my bet. You really have no idea? What house were your parents in?”

“Gryffindor,” Harry said, feeling a foreign ache in his heart, “But my family is a mixed bag.”

Ron nodded, “ Fair enough. Sometimes it’s hard to tell. Let’s hope not Slytherin, though.”

“Why not?” Harry furrowed his brow.

“Oh, uh –” Ron shifted awkwardly, “I mean, Slytherin doesn’t have the best reputation, you know. Sure, there are good Slytherins but…”

Ron’s cheeks began to turn pink, “I just think the other houses are a bit more…accepting.”

“You’re not wrong, there.” Harry nodded, knowing about the extensive dark history related to Slytherin. But he couldn’t help but feel like it was a bit unfair. 

Not all Slytherin’s were bad…just abrasive. He thought of Severus - feeling a sharp tug of loyalty he couldn’t explain.

“If your parents were Gryffindor though, that’s probably where you’ll be.” Ron added, trying to save face.

“Yeah, we’ll see. It doesn’t matter that much, in the end.”

“Some people get super heated over it. I heard Sirius Black broke a five hundred year streak of Slytherins. He ended up in Gryffindor, if you can believe it. His family nearly killed him, but…maybe he should have been in Slytherin.” Ron grumbled, “But it’s good you’re not dead set on any house. It ruins people's lives sometimes.”

Harry swallowed hard.

Were all of his classmates going to be this invasive?

He rubbed his sweating palms on his thighs.

“So uh, where are you from?” Harry blurted out, asking the first question he could think of.

“Not far.” Ron shifted in his seat uncomfortably, “You?”

“Same.”

Ron smiled.

“Oi, wanna see something?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brown fluffy mass.

A rat.

Harry’s eyes widened, getting flashbacks to Severus cutting up rat carcasses in the potions lab.

“His name is Scabbers! He’s been in my family for years.” Ron beamed, letting the rat scurry across his lap.

Harry pointed up to Hedwig’s covered cage in the overhead compartment, “I have Hedwig! She’s my owl.”

Ron smiled, relieved at the shift in conversation, “Cool! I wanted an owl, but my parents didn’t think we needed another. What kind is she?”

“Snowy owl.”

“Really?” Ron glanced up at the overhead compartment, “Those aren’t common. You’re lucky. Their feathers make great quills.”

“Yeah, she’s given me quite a few.”

“I bet.” Ron pulled his wand out of his pocket, “Want to see a spell my brothers taught me?”

“Sure!” Harry beamed, the tension starting to leave him.

Ron set Scabbers on his lap and cleared his throat, the incantation on his lips, but they were interrupted by the compartment door sliding open.

“Have either of you seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost one.”

A girl with frizzy brown hair and buck teeth stood in the doorway, scanning the compartment as if they had contraband.

Harry and Ron both shook their heads no.

“Oh are you doing magic? Let’s see!” She said excitedly, looking expectantly at Ron.

Ron blinked and adjusted Scabbers, shooting Harry a concerned look,  “Uh, alright…”

Then, Ron failed miserably at attempting to turn Scabbers yellow.

“Hm, I don’t think that’s a real spell. I’ve never heard of it and I already read through our Charms textbook.”

“Uh, alright?” Ron said, unsure how to respond.

“I’m Hermione. Hermione Granger.” She added brightly, “Good luck with your spell. I’m going to go hunt down this toad.”

She closed the compartment door and disappeared down the aisle. 

“Blimey,” Ron sighed in relief, “Didn’t realize I was going to be tested before we even got to Hogwarts.”

Harry laughed.

At the very least, the journey wouldn’t be boring.

Chapter Text

Harry played along and took the boats across the black lake to Hogwarts.

It was beautiful until it had started to rain. Severus would certainly hear his displeasures later.

But, when they arrived inside, Harry felt out of place.

Even though he had seen the Great Hall filled with students in passing, he had never been allowed to join them.

He was finally allowed to be here – in the giant, warm hall he had spent years running through. He was part of it now.

He listened to the frayed hat sing its silly song and finally, his name was called.

He caught Severus’ eye just before sitting on the stool, giving a nod, and smiling up at McGonagall as she placed the hat on his head.

The hat grumbled and muttered to itself as Harry felt his heart race in his chest.

“Maybe not Slytherin?” Harry thought quietly, glancing at Ron and Hermione in the crowd. 

He had grown fond of Ron – he didn’t want him to think Harry was bad. 

What if he was his only chance at having a friend?

“Not Slytherin, eh?” The hat said aloud.

Harry’s heart stopped. Everything in him wanted to turn around to look at Severus, but he knew he couldn't.

“You could be great, you know. You were almost raised by the serpent, you see…” The hat said ominously, “How…disloyal.” It muttered quietly, only loud enough for Harry to hear.

His stomach was turning in knots.

“I take it back, just put me where I belong. Just don’t make a scene.” Harry pleaded with the hat in his mind.

“Oh?” The hat chuckled, “Now you want me to decide? How sweet of you. That is my job, you know…” The hat whispered, humming to itself, “You have the cunning, the intellect…but I see something much more prevalent. Courage. Strength. A good moral compass…oh, this is going to break some hearts, but…better be…”

Harry held his breath and closed his eyes, his heartbeat loud in his ears.

“...GRYFFINDOR!”

Harry’s eyes shot open and his heart skipped a beat.

Professor McGonagall beamed with joy, picking the hat off of Harry’s head as the room erupted in cheers.

“Congratulations, Evans.” She said quietly, beckoning for Harry to join the Gryffindor table.

Harry could see Ron and Hermione cheering from afar, and he couldn’t help but smile.

He didn’t dare look up at the staff table, for he knew Severus’ eyes would burn straight through his soul.

He took a seat between Ron and Hermione, who both patted him on the back.

“Glad you’re here, mate!” Ron grinned, shaking his shoulder, “Looks like it runs in families, after all!”

Harry nodded, not daring to turn around. He could already hear Severus’ voice in his head.

He was going to pay for this later.

Chapter Text

The sun had just set on the first day of term. 

All of the students had been tucked away safely in their dorms, the buzz of excitement fading into the night as the castle grew quiet.

Severus sat alone in his office, writing vigorously on a piece of parchment as a cauldron bubbled behind him.

There was a knock on the door.

“Enter,” he snapped, not looking up from his writing.

The old door creaked open, revealing Professor McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore

“May we come in, Severus?” Albus smiled gently.

“Yes.” Severus replied, his quill still rapidly scrawling across the page before setting it down in his inkwell.

Minerva and Albus exchanged a knowing glance before closing the door behind them.

“If this is about Evans, I assure you, I don’t need any support.” Severus said firmly, rotating his seat away from them.

“Oh come now, Severus. I saw the look on your face,” Minerva said sympathetically, lighting the fire with her wand and taking a seat on the green sofa, “It’s not the end of the world.” 

Severus did not move, his back to them.

“It’s in the boy’s blood,” Albus added, clasping his hands in front of him, his bright purple robes glittering in the fire light, “You can’t be too cross with him.”

“Cross?” Severus scoffed, rotating his chair to face them, “I am not cross. I’m disappointed.”

“His house doesn’t define him,” Minerva added softly, summoning a tea service out of thin air with a flick of her wrist.

“Oh please. One’s house is like a parent. It molds you.” Severus replied, watching as a tea cup came hovering toward him. He narrowed his eyes, hesitating before taking it.

“I agree.” Albus nodded, taking a hovering cup from the air as well, “And Gryffindor has produced some wonderful wizards, if I do say so myself.” Albus winked at Minerva.

Severus rolled his eyes, rising up from his chair and sitting in an armchair in front of the fire.

“I don’t understand,” He muttered quietly, “Surely the hat must be senile by now. Evans is a Slytherin at heart.”

“Apparently not,” Minerva raised her brow, smirking slightly as she sipped her tea, “Don’t punish the boy for the hat’s decision, Severus.”

“Yes, Severus. We’ve come to advise you to not chastise Harry for this. It was out of his hands.” Albus added calmly, sitting next to Minerva and adding five sugars to his tea.

“This changes everything,” Severus sighed, “I can’t watch him as closely as I need to.”

“I can,” Minerva chimed in, smiling.

Severus shot her a dirty look before looking towards the fire, “He’s carrying a secret that his life depends upon. Gryffindor could easily influence him to be reckless and idiotic.”

Minerva set her cup down on her saucer with a harsh clink.

“Or perhaps his guardian has instilled in him a strong will.” Albus added, “You did not raise a boy that is easily swayed by others, Severus.”

Severus lowered his gaze, nodding. He rose from his seat, and stood in front of the fire, warming his hands.

“He’s still under my care, regardless of house. He follows my rule.”

“And he always will,” Albus said, “But remember, the boy must grow up. You can’t be at his side forever.”

“He’s eleven. Nowhere near an adult.” Severus shot back, “Now I have to watch from afar, do you realize how much of a liability that is?”

“He is in good hands,” Albus nodded at Minerva.

“You need not worry, Severus. As much as you despise Gryffindor, I promise I will not let the boy fall out of line.” Minerva said reassuringly.

“You best not,” Severus replied, his fists now clenched in his pockets.

A beat of silence passed between them.

“Have you spoken to Harry at all this evening?” Albus asked calmly.

“Obviously not,” Severus replied sharply, “He is to act as if we have never met.”

Albus nodded, “I see. You take his anonymity very seriously.”

“I must.”

Minerva frowned, staring into her tea cup before glancing at Albus.

“Well, despite his new role as an oblivious student, surely he is absolutely mortified by the hat’s decision. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to hunt you down soon.” Albus took a long sip of his tea, unbothered.

“Absolutely not. He knows not to seek me out unless it is safe to do so.”

Then, like a mystical ghost of irony, there was a knock on the door, followed by a trembling voice.

“Hello? Professor Snape?” 

Severus’ head snapped towards the door.

Harry.

“It’s the first day of term and he’s already out of bed?” Minerva whispered, appalled, “Merlin help me…”

Severus stormed towards the door and ripped it open, grabbing Harry by his collar and yanking him into the room.

Harry gasped and stumbled inside, going pale as soon as he saw Dumbledore and McGonagall.

“I - Professor McGonagall, Headmaster, I -” Harry stammered, his gaze darting back and forth between them all.

“Are you insane, Evans?!” Severus bellowed, “Out of bed on the first day of term to come find me?! Five points from Gryffindor!”

“Hey now!” Minerva set her teacup down on the coffee table, almost rising out of her seat, when Severus shot her a look that instantly silenced her.

“Professors, I didn’t think you’d be here! I’m sorry, I just had to say –” Harry blurted out, his voice starting to shake as he turned towards Severus, “I had to come see if you were angry with me and I wanted to say I’m sorry!”

Severus scoffed and shook his head, “You couldn’t even wait twenty four hours before putting yourself at risk, could you? Of course you were placed in Gryffindor. You inherited such impulsiveness from your parents, because I certainly didn’t raise you to be a fool.”

“I took a secret passageway down here, no one saw me!” Harry exclaimed, sweat beading on his brow.

“Alright, alright…let’s all calm down.” Albus interjected, “Harry – you should not be out of bed. That is school rules. You are no exception just because you reside in the castle.”

“But –”

“No exceptions.” Albus said with a gentle firmness, looking at Severus, “However, Minerva and I have some business to attend to. I am assuming Severus, as a staff member, you are fully capable of handling this issue properly.”

Severus’ lips pressed into a thin line, rage barely contained beneath the surface, “Yes, Headmaster.”

“Good, then I expect Harry to return to his dormitory soon.” Albus nodded, taking Minerva’s arm as she shot Severus one last harsh look, leaving Harry and Severus alone.

“Don’t kill me.” Harry said, tears welling in his eyes as soon as the door closed.

“Kill you? Oh no, Evans – you’re going to wish you were never born.” Severus said coldly, stopping himself.

“I didn’t make the decision!”

“The blasted hat is irrelevant—your life is what matters.” Severus sighed, “I don’t want that house of fools to…” He stopped himself, “You…are better than them.”

Harry’s shoulders relaxed, his heart growing heavy at Severus words

“Maybe I’m not.” Harry muttered, “I’ve…already made friends.”

“Of course you have,” Severus said bitterly, “A Gryffindor’s heart is as open as a book. Far too available. It can put you at risk.”

“Or it could be nice to know other kids!” Harry shot back, “Not everyone has bad intentions, Professor. Some people just exist without ulterior motives.”

“You’re still so naive,” Severus shook his head, turning away.

“No, I’m not. You should know that.” Harry snapped, growing angrier with every second, “I can handle myself and I’m not some helpless, impressionable kid. I don’t follow idiots into the dark.”

Severus’ eyes ticked and his expression softened.

How the hell was he sorted into Gryffindor?

“You’re right. You don’t – and you never will. Because if you do, there will be hell to pay.”

“I know.” Harry replied, “And maybe you should think about all the good Gryffindor has done before you slap a label on me.”

Severus looked at Harry, his green eyes catching the fire light, watching Lily’s own soul stare back at him.

“The good…” Severus repeated dismissively, “Right.”

Silence hung in the air.

“Get back to Gryffindor tower, Evans. Or don’t. See if I care if you plunge Gryffindor into the negatives before term even begins.” Severus shrugged.

“If you weren't so mad about Slytherin, I wouldn’t have bothered coming down here to see if you offed yourself because of my sorting.” Harry smirked, heading towards the door.

Severus nearly let out a snort of laughter.

“Go, before I decide to actually punish you,” Severus muttered, the ghost of a smile tugging at his mouth. 

But when Harry turned to leave, the smile fell, and the fire reflected only in his tired eyes.

Chapter Text

The next few weeks of term flew by smoothly.

Severus saw very little of Harry, other than glimpses in Potions class and the corridor.

It was a strange feeling. Empty, foreign, and uncomfortable.

He had grown close with Weasley and Grange, unexpected choices but not the worst.

Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy had proven to be the model Slytherin – everything Evans should have been.

He was respectful, intelligent, and unwilling to sacrifice himself for anyone.

Minerva has been giving Severus private updates and Harry’s strongest suit appeared to be Defense Against the Dark Arts. At least he wasn’t obsessed with muggle studies.

It was a beautiful September morning – and Ron, Hermione, and Harry were all bent over tomes in the library.

“I think Snape is trying to kill us,” Ron groaned, tossing down his quill, “I hate potions.”

“It’s not that bad,” Harry shrugged, folding his finished potions essay and tossing it in his bag.

“Says you, you’re brilliant at potions.” Ron grumbled, resting his cheek on his hand.

“Harry studies, and so do I.” Hermione said smugly, “You should try it some time.”

“Snape isn’t a normal teacher,” Harry added, glancing out the window at the quidditch pitch, “I understand, Ron.”

“That’s an understatement. He has it out for Gryffindor – plus, he hates teaching potions! The Dark Arts is what he fancies. He’s wanted Quirrell's job for years.”

Harry furrowed his brow, “What do you mean?”

“He’s the head of Slytherin, Harry. He doesn’t have the cleanest history…” Ron said, lowering his voice, “I don’t trust him, honestly. My Dad says he has a lot of connections with you-know-who’s followers.”

“Dumbledore would never hire someone with bad intentions, Ron.” Hermione interjected, “He’s just strict.”

“Bill, Fred, George and Percy have told me that Snape takes it out on everyone that he’s stuck teaching potions,” Ron huffed, “It’s not fair that he takes his failure out on us.”

Harry’s eye ticked. 

“Failure? You’re the one who can’t make a basic Wiggenweld potion, Ron. That isn’t Snape’s fault.” Harry snapped.

Hermione and Ron both raised a brow. 

Harry’s cheeks flushed. He hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, but the words had slipped out before he could stop them.

“He’s got a point, Ron.” Hermione responded, “Snape isn’t all bad if you just do your work.”

“Oh whatever, why are you both defending him? He’s a creep.” Ron rolled his eyes, going back to his essay.

Later that afternoon, Harry would have a flying lesson that would change his life forever.

Chapter Text

“Minerva placed you on the quidditch team?!” Severus said through clenched teeth, “I swear, that woman…” Severus trailed off, rubbing his eyes.

“She said it’d be better I told you myself,” Harry grimaced, sinking into the sofa in Snape’s office.

“Youngest seeker in a century.” Severus scoffed, “You were rewarded for breaking the rules and nearly killing yourself over a remembrall.”

“Malfoy was being a prat! He stole it from Neville and took off, so –”

“Longbottom is none of your concern!” Severus exclaimed, pausing to take a deep breath, “Evans, don’t get too comfortable with this arrangement, Minerva and I will have words.”

“I’ve already met with Oliver Wood! He’ll die if you try to take me out now!”

“Then he better start planning his funeral because you’re not playing. If you fall, Evans, if something happens to you on that pitch…”

“I want to play, Professor.” Harry refuted.

“You’re not going to.” Severus said with finality, “You can wait until your second year like everyone else.”

“You’re not my head of house, you don’t get to decide.” Harry surged from his seat, his fists clenched at his side.

Severus gave Harry a look that could have melted iron.

“We’ll see.” Severus said, turning away, “You’re dismissed, but mark my words, Evans—this is not over.”

“We’ll see.” Harry repeated dryly, whisking away out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

Harry returned to the main floor, finding Ron and Hermione in the Great Hall for breakfast.

“Morning, Harry.” Ron beamed, “You alright?”

“Fine,” Harry snapped, filling his plate passive-aggressively.

“Did you tell your parents about becoming seeker?” Hermione asked, opening the Daily Prophet.

“Yes,” Harry replied quietly, “They don’t want me to play.” He pushed his eggs across his plate.

“WHAT?!” Ron spat, “You’re brilliant! They should be proud that McGonnagall is breaking the first year rule for you! They have to let you play!”

“They think it’s dangerous, even though I’ve wanted to play my whole life,” Harry grumbled, lazily picking at his eggs.

“Quidditch is really dangerous,” Hermione added, “I don’t blame them.” 

Her gaze lingered on Harry, studying him.

“Oh shut it, Hermione – this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!” Ron exclaimed, outraged.

“I want Harry to play too, Ron!” Hermione shot back angrily, “But I’d also like Harry to live a few more years.”

“Hardly anyone dies playing quidditch,” Ron replied, turning back to Harry, “You gotta convince them to let you play, Harry. You have to!”

“I know, I know…but they want to talk to McGonagall…” Harry sighed.

“Don’t let them! Hermione, cast a spell on them or something, or Harry, you could brew something to make them agree with McGonnagall, some sort of disillusionment potion!” Ron pleaded.

“Have you gone mad, Ron? No one is using magic to convince Harry’s parents of anything.” Hermione declared, annoyed, “It’d be great if Harry could play, but if his parents don’t want him to, there’s nothing we can do.”

“I’m going to play,” Harry said suddenly, a new found determination, “My parents aren’t here and I can do what I want.”

“Atta boy, Harry!” Ron grinned, shaking his shoulder, “Slytherin isn’t going to know what hit ‘em!”

Harry grinned, ignoring the anxiety twisting in his chest. If only it could be that simple.

–

Severus stormed into Minerva's office that evening.

“Who do you think you are?!” Severus demanded, standing over her desk, glaring down at her.

“Head of Gryffindor House, Deputy Headmistress, and proud representative of the youngest seeker in a century,” Minerva reeled off seamlessly.

“He's not playing.” Severus declared angrily, slamming his fist down on her desk, causing her inkwell to shake, “I refuse to let him break his neck out there on that pitch!”

“You didn't see him out there, Severus.” Minerva responded, unfazed by his outburst, “He's a natural. Absolutely brilliant on a broom. Unlike anything I've seen.”

“I don't care if he's a damn God in the sky, you don't make decisions for my –” Severus stopped himself, swallowing hard,“ -for Evans. I do.”

“The boy has every right to play. Would you be this outraged if he was playing for Slytherin?”

Severus hesitated, shifting his stance, “Irrelevant.” Severus muttered, “He's not getting on that pitch.”

“Well, he already has a broom from yours truly, and a uniform currently being tailored. You might have to restrain him to keep him away.”

“BROOM?!” Severus exclaimed, outraged, “I will take this up with Albus and the damn minister of magic if I have to!”

“That won't be necessary,” Dumbledore’s voice interjected, standing in the doorway of Minerva's office, “Minerva has my approval.”

Severus startled, turning around to face the doorway, where Dumbledore stood poised and proud.

“You can't be serious,” Severus huffed, “I spent over a decade keeping him alive and now you both want to watch him break his neck over a damn snitch.”

“Harry has been bestowed the same skillset as his father and I see it as a worthy connection to his past.” Albus said smoothly, “There have been very few serious injuries during quidditch matches. Surely this isn't related to your dissatisfaction with Harry's sorting?”

“Of course not,” Severus responded immediately, “He's only a first year and he needs to focus on his studies. Breaking the first year rule is going to cause outrage among the students and draw unnecessary attention to him.”

“I don't think Harry minds,” Dumbledore smiled, “Besides, he's Harry Evans, Severus. Just an ordinary boy with extraordinary talent on a broom.”

“If anything happens to him, I swear –” Severus clenched his fist at his side.

“Nothing is going to happen to him.” Minerva reassured, “Other than him crushing Slytherin on the pitch, of course.”

Severus turned towards Minerva, “If anything, and I mean anything happens to him – I am holding you responsible.” He said coldly, pointing a slender finger towards Minerva.

“As you should, he is a Gryffindor afterall.” Minerva muttered, raising a brow slyly.

“Alright, alright,” Albus intervened, “No more of this petty banter. Harry will be brilliant, Severus. He is well looked after.”

“I suppose I have no power here, do I? I’m just the boy’s guardian, after all.” Severus said dryly.

Minerva rolled her eyes and stood up, “You’re going to be impressed. Trust me.” She put a hand on Severus’ shoulder and nodded at Dumbledore, who left his office without another word.

“Gryffindor always breaks the rules whenever it’s convenient,” Severus huffed to himself in the silence of his office, returning to his grading, gripping his quill tighter than before.

Chapter Text

It was only a couple days until Halloween.

It had been a long, hard day of classes. 

He had been especially harsh on Harry during Potions that day, which he theorized had something to do with the Nimbus 2000 that landed on the Gryffindor table at breakfast that morning.

“Who sent you the broom, Harry?!” Ron asked as Harry tucked the parcel under his crimson four-poster, “Are your parents finally okay with you playing?”

“Uh…yeah!” Harry replied, Severus’ disapproving glare flashing in his head, “They’re alright with it, now. My aunt, bless her,  convinced them to let me play.”

“Wicked! Where does your aunt live? I’d love to send her chocolates.” Ron grinned, plopping down on his bed, “Can’t believe it…a nimbus 2000 for a first year. You’re living the dream.”

Harry gave a sad smile as he sat on the edge of his bed, “I suppose so.”

“Aren’t you excited?”

“Of course!” Harry said slightly too loud, “I love quidditch. I always have. My parents are just…strict.”

“They’ll get over it once they see you out there. Are they going to be at the game?”

“No, no.” Harry shook his head, “They’re uh, not fans of crowds.”

Harry imagined the wind blowing through his hair, the sensation darkened by Severus’ shadow in the stands.

Ron furrowed his brow, eyeing Harry suspiciously, “Oh, I see.”

An awkward silence settled between them.

“Will you let me borrow it sometime?” Ron nodded towards Harry’s broom under his bed.

“Oh absolutely,” Harry beamed, “Anytime.”

“Wicked.” Ron nodded, he glanced at Harry for a brief moment before looking away, “Oh! I just remembered I need to return a book from the library. Due today. I’ll be back later.”

“Sounds good,” Harry replied, staring up at the canopy.

After Ron left, Harry was left alone with his conflictions.

He loved flying – and he couldn’t wait to see the look on Malfoy’s face once he saw him on the pitch.

But he would have to pay the price with Severus.

Constant surveillance, paranoia about him getting hurt, and choking down healing potions as preventative measures.

It wasn’t fair. Severus had known that Harry had adored quidditch from the moment he could walk.

Why was he so outraged at him playing?

It had to be because of Gryffindor. That was the only logical explanation.

But Severus wasn’t his guardian during the school year – not entirely.

Severus Snape was supposed to be nothing more than the Potions Master. 

Before September 1st, they had never met.

Harry was on his own in Gryffindor tower, living as any other student.

Severus couldn’t get to him all the way up here – and the possibilities were endless.

–

Meanwhile, Ron was sneaking down to the library, where he found Hermione tucked into a corner, deeply engrossed in a textbook.

“Oi,” Ron called to her, causing her to look up.

She scrunched up her nose, irritated.

“I'm not doing your charms essay for you, Ronald.”

Ron rolled his eyes, “Oh come off it, that's not why I'm here.”

Hermione eyed him suspiciously before slowly  closing her book, “What is it then?”

“It's Harry…” Ron said quietly, sitting across from her, “Have you noticed that…” Ron paused, trying to find the words, “He's really weird about his parents?”

Hermione's eyes widened and she leaned closer, “Yes, actually.” She replied, “I thought I was overthinking it, but he seems to be…”

“Afraid of them?” Ron interjected, “Kinda…sad…when he talks about it?”

“Yeah,” Hermione agreed, “...they do seem awfully strict.”

“Anytime I mention his parents, he freezes up.” Ron added, frowning, “My parents would be ecstatic if I was allowed to play quidditch. Harry acts like he's been given a death sentence.”

“Maybe his parents don't approve of Dumbledore or Hogwarts in general,” Hermione shrugged, “A lot of Slytherins think Hogwarts is a low-tier school because of Dumbledore being made Headmaster.”

“Harry isn't a Slytherin,” Ron said firmly, lost in thought, “I'm worried his parents are…hurting him, or something.”

Hermione glanced around nervously.

“If he ever says he’s being hurt, we tell McGonagall. No question.” Hermione’s voice was low and steady.

Ron snorted. 

“And what—have her drag him off to some orphanage? No chance. We’ll handle it.”

“You can’t be serious,” Hermione added, “What on earth would we do?”

Ron paused, thinking, “We’d figure something out. Maybe make sure he has to stay at the castle during holidays?” 

“Have you talked to Harry about this at all, Ron?” Hermione asked incredulously.

“Well, not exactly…I thought you might have.”

“Well, I haven’t.” She said firmly, her tone growing more concerned, “You share a dormitory with him. You should talk to him and see what you can find out..”

“I’ll do my best, but I don’t want him to think I’m going to tattle on him or something.”

“Just be careful. Casual, even. Maybe mention your parents making you gnome the garden and see if he replies with a story of his own.”

Ron ran a hand through his fiery locks, “I’ll see what I can do…but not until after the first game. Don’t want him to get all riled up before he has to –”

Hermione shot him a disapproving glare, stopping him mid-sentence.

“Alright, alright…I’ll see what I can find out, but don’t expect him to tell me his life story.”

“Good.” Hermione shoved her book in her back, “Once you find out, do let me know.”

“Yeah, yeah..” Ron mumbled, lost in his thoughts as he stared out the library window.

Hermione shook her head and rolled her eyes as she strolled out of the library, “Honestly, boys and their sports.”

Chapter Text

Harry was elated to be spending Halloween with his fellow Gryffindors.

Halloween had always been a rotten time with Severus. 

He would shut himself in his study, the door warded against even Harry’s knock. Harry learned early that October 31st wasn’t for celebrating, but for silence.

Harry noticed Snape shifted his weight awkwardly as he swept down the corridor the past week. Random aches and pains would only add to the misery.

Today, he was stuffing his face with candy, making pumpkins explode in charms class, and spooking other students by dropping popping galleons in the corridor – fake coins that exploded into puffs of smoke when someone reached down to grab them. Harry’s own design.

“Aw man,” Ron laughed, throwing a hand over Harry’s shoulder as they watched Pansy Parkinson shriek as a coin exploded, “We have to tell Fred and George, they’ll have a fit.”

Harry grinned ear to ear, clutching his side. It had been the best halloween of his life and the day had barely just begun.

“Seriously. It’s brilliant. We should put them in the Slytherin stands at the game.” Ron added, wiping away a tear as they strolled into the great hall for lunch.

Harry’s stomach dropped at the thought of the first quidditch game next week.

No. He wasn’t going to let Severus’ disapproval ruin this.

“We should!” Harry replied as they both sat down at the table for lunch, “Where’s Hermione?” Harry asked, looking around the table.

Ron shrugged, “She’s been quite the nightmare lately. Constantly correcting Professors in class and being miss perfect.” Ron mocked casually as he poured pumpkin juice into his goblet, “She hasn’t made any friends all term – other than us, if we even count.”

Harry glanced up at the Head Table, where Severus’ chair sat empty.

“Yeah,” Harry replied half-heartedly.

Ron caught Harry’s gaze, “She’s probably holding Snape hostage in the Dungeons because she only got a 101% on the test, when it should have been 102.”

Harry chuckled politely. Hermione wasn’t all bad, she was just trying too hard – and perhaps a bit lonely. Something Harry could relate to.

Harry and Ron finished their lunch, slightly nauseated from the amount of licorice whips and chocolate frogs they consumed, and carried on with their classes for the rest of the day.

Fred and George had cornered Harry in the hall, asking about the popping galleons.

It felt nice to be recognized for something so simple.

Finally, it was time for the halloween feast.

Jack-o-lantern’s hung from the ceiling, their toothy grins a stark contrast to the dark stormy ceiling. 

The tables had been decorated with cornucopias stuffed with apples and fall leaves – and The bloody baron was looming about, playing an upbeat tune on a ghostly violin.

When Harry returned to Ron’s side at the Gryffindor table, Hermione was still nowhere to be found.

Even after the feast began, Severus’ chair remained empty.

As they dug in, Ron and Harry overheard Padma and Parvati Patel mention Hermione.

“Granger has been crying all day in the bathroom.” 

“She even missed herbology!”

Ron and Harry exchanged worried glances.

Crying all day? Skipping classes? Harry’s fork froze mid air.

Whatever happened must have been terrible.

“Knowing her, Snape probably put her in her place and she can’t handle it.” Ron said nonchalantly.

“No, that wouldn’t be it.” Harry replied, glancing up at Severus’ chair.

“You’re right, She’d fight Snape to the death over whether or not nightshade has an antidote.” Ron laughed, turning around as Fred and George came up from behind.

“Happy Halloween,” They beamed, “We’re thinking about dropping some of those coins down in the dungeons just outside the Slytherin dorms.”

“People are starting to catch on, unfortunately.” Ron sighed, “Need to switch it up.”

“We did!” Fred replied, holding out a handful of what looked like silver brooches, “We transfigured them into prefect badges, so only the true prats will reach for them.”
Harry stared up at Severus’ empty seat, losing track of the conversation.

Severus had hated Halloween, but his absence was gnawing at him. Something wasn’t right. 

But Harry’s thoughts were interrupted as the doors to the great hall burst open and Professor Quirrel ran frantically down the aisle, screaming at the top of his lungs:

“TROLL IN THE DUNGEON! TROLL…IN THE…” He stopped in front of the head table, panting, “Thought you ought to know…”

Then, Professor Quirrell fainted, collapsing to the floor like a discarded marionette.

For half a heartbeat the hall was stunned into silence—then benches screeched, goblets toppled, and the roar of hundreds of voices rose all at once.

Ron and Harry thought of Hermione – with Harry sparing one last glance at Severus’ empty chair as they were ushered out of the great hall.

Chapter Text

An unconscious troll lay at the feet of Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

The shattered sinks and toilets flooded the floor, leaving them standing in an inch of standing water.

“Is it…dead?” Hermione asked, her hair sticking up at all angles and her cheeks bright red.

“No, just knocked out. Nice one, Ron.” Harry breathed, wiping his brow.

“No problem,” Ron grumbled, wiping the troll bogeys off his wand.

Finally, a storm of staff arrived in the destroyed bathroom.

McGonagall, Quirrell, and…

Snape.

Harry felt a mixture of relief and terror at the sight of him.

“I…Oh merlin, explain yourselves!” Minerva blurted out, her eyes darting all over the room, eventually landing on the troll.

Quirrell immediately ran into a stall, where his knees buckled and he began to vomit.

“Perhaps it might be best you return to the staff quarters, Professor Quirrell.” Severus said calmly, clasping his hands behind his back, avoiding Harry’s gaze

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all began to talk at once, with Hermione’s voice finally dominating the conversation.

Harry and Ron nearly threw up themselves when Hermione took the blame, making the outrageous claim that she had gone looking for the troll – and that Ron and Harry were hunting her down to talk her out of it.

Harry could see the disbelief in both Minerva’s and Severus’ expression. He had grown up with them – and they didn’t buy Hermione’s story for a second.

After they were properly scolded Severus ’gaze lingered on Harry before turning away.

“Come on, let’s get out of here before it wakes up.” Harry said to the others, sighing.

Hermione, Ron, and Harry were on their way to the common room, when the staircase unexpectedly shifted.

They were on the third floor.

And a monstrosity lay just beyond their reach.

–

“What the bloody hell was that thing?!” Ron repeated for the fifteenth time as they entered the Gryffindor common room.

“A guard dog,” Harry panted, out of breath as they plopped down onto the sofa, “It was standing on a door.”

“I noticed that too,” Hermione exhaled, running her hands over her frizzy hair.

“Oh I guess I was too focused on the three heads!” Ron spewed out dryly, throwing his hands up, “Are we just going to ignore that?!”

“I’m sure we can ask Hagrid about it tomorrow,” Hermione added, biting her nail, “There has to be a reason it’s here in the castle.”

They all paused, staring into the dying embers of the fire.

“I can’t believe we didn’t get expelled…and now we’ve found a three headed dog.” Ron said, shaking his head, “Hermione, try not to get killed for the rest of term. I’m not sure how much more luck we have.”

Hermione rolled her eyes, “You both were incredibly stupid to come looking for me, but I’m glad you did.”

“Us too,” Harry gave a weak smile.

Hermione then bid them goodbye as she went to the girls dormitories.

“Remind me to never go out of my way for her again,” Ron huffed light-heartedly, plopping down on the red sofa of the common room, “I was positive McGonagall was going to skin us alive. Snape was too stunned to speak.”

Harry nodded, staring into the flames, still reeling from fear and adrenaline.

“You alright, mate?” Ron asked, concern flashing in his eyes.

“Yeah…I just…need to talk to my parents before McGonagall does.” Harry said quietly.

“What? McGonagall isn’t going to write to our folks…is she?” Ron’s eyes widened as he sat up straight.

“I don’t know, but I think I need to go to the owlery.” Harry turned away and headed to the portrait hole,

“Woah, woah! Harry! You can’t be caught out of bed now! After what just happened?! What if Snape catches you?!”

“It’ll be alright, I’ll be careful.” Harry said quickly, slipping out of the common room before Ron could stop him.

Ron’s mouth hung open to protest, but Harry was gone.

“...Bloody hell, what are they doing to you, Harry?” Ron whispered to himself, before leaning back on the sofa and closing his eyes.

-

Harry snuck through the castle through a secret passageway up to the staff wing.

As Harry entered Severus’ quarters, he was struck by the silence.

It was neat and tidy. All of the furniture was meticulously aligned, dusted, and polished.

The rugs were spotless and the torches on the black stone walls flickered, causing the shadows to dance.

 Any sign of Harry’s existence had been erased. None of his trinkets, keepsakes, or pieces of clothing were in sight.

“Professor?” Harry called out nervously, sitting down on the leather sofa in front of the hearth.

“You’re lucky that troll didn’t kill you,” Severus’ voice rang out in the dim light, cold and taut.

Harry’s stomach dropped.

Severus slowly emerged from the dark hall. Harry launched himself up from the sofa.

“I needed to help Hermione, she was going to get hurt.” Harry declared nervously as he faced Severus.

“Enough.” Severus interjected icily, “There is no valid excuse for your carelessness. Gryffindor has already given you a hero complex.”

“Professor, I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do. We were trapped.” Harry took a step forward.

Severus flicked his wand and sent Harry stumbling backwards into a nearby chair.

“If it were up to me, you would never step foot on that quidditch pitch.” Severus said sternly, lowering himself to be on Harry’s level, “After everything I’ve done to protect you and keep you alive…”

Severus clenched his teeth, turning away.

“That broom is to stay in your dormitory unless absolutely necessary. You are to return to your dormitory immediately after classes and I will know if you don’t. You will receive extra assignments for potions and I expect them on my desk by the end of the week. No common room quidditch celebrations. You will spend your time studying and cleaning the potions lab, upon request.”

“Professor –” Harry protested, rising from the chair.

“Silencio,” Severus cast seamlessly, silencing Harry and slamming him back into his seat.

“If necessary, I may go as far as ensuring you, Weasley, and Granger have limited contact – and yes, I have the power to make that arrangement.” Severus continued.

Harry flailed his hands, his mouth moving in protest but no words coming out.

“This never would have happened if you were in Slytherin,” Severus said venomously, his voice lowering.

Harry froze.

He knew it. Severus did resent him for being a Gryffindor.

Severus waved his wand, lifting the silencing spell.

“You’ve wasted enough of my time. Get out of my sight,” Severus snapped, ignoring Harry’s pleading as he disappeared down the hall and slammed his study door.

Harry ran to the study door and slammed his palm against the door.

“You didn’t even listen!” He shouted, teary eyed.

Harry stormed out of the staff quarters, hurrying back to Gryffindor tower.

-

When Harry returned, Ron was still waiting in the common room.

“Alright?” Ron asked from the sofa, perking up.

“Fine,” Harry muttered, sniffling as he headed towards the stairs.

“Woah, slow down mate.” Ron called, rushing towards Harry at the bottom of the stairs, “Did you get caught? You seem…” Ron paused, “...off.”

“I was nearly killed by a mountain troll,” Harry replied sharply, staring down at Ron from a few stairs ahead, “Of course I'm feeling a bit off.”

Ron nodded, looking away, “Yeah but…you seemed more worried about your parents than the troll.”

Harry felt an ache in his heart.

Parents. 

What a joke.

All he had was an undertaker looming in the shadows.

“Yeah, well they aren't going to be happy with me.” Harry replied, “They were already cross about quidditch and this isn't going to help.”

“Harry…” Ron said quietly, “...can I ask you something?”

“What?!” Harry snapped.

“...are your parents…” Ron hesitated, looking away, “...bad, to you?”

Harry blinked, furrowing his brow, “What do you mean bad?”

Ron's ears began to go pink, looking down at his hands, “…they don't hurt you, do they?”

Harry's eyes widened, his expression softening. He took a step down towards Ron.

“No.” Harry replied gently, “They don't hurt me. Not in the way you're thinking.”

“You promise?” Ron asked earnestly, “I just want to make sure you're alright.”

“I'm fine,” Harry said too quickly, “My parents are just…strange and particular.”

Ron nodded, “Well, at least they're not here. You've got your freedom at Hogwarts.”

Harry scoffed quietly, “Yeah. Freedom.”

Harry bid Ron goodnight and went up to their dormitory.

He closed the curtains around his four poster and laid under the covers, tears staining his pillow as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

“Heard you got lost trying to help the Granger girl last night," Draco Malfoy smirked as he handed Harry a vial of rainwater.

Today in Potions, Severus had put them in pairs, and of course Harry had been paired with Malfoy.

“Is she your girlfriend?” Draco mocked, glancing at Crabbe and Goyle at the other table, who grinned back.

“No,” Harry replied sharply. “And lower the flame. It's too high, you’re going to burn the mistletoe berries.”

Draco slowly adjusted the flame.

“You're strange, Evans. Not many kids would go out to help a mudblood when a troll is on the loose.”

Harry dropped his silver knife and it clattered against the floor.

How could he say it so casually?

Severus glanced in his direction, his eyes dark and fatigued.

“Keep the supplies on the table, Evans. One point deducted from Gryffindor.”

The other Gryffindors groaned.

“Ha!” Draco chuckled. “Can't catch a break, can you?”

“Don't use that word,” Harry said sternly, cleaning off the knife with a silk cloth.

“That's what she is.” Draco shot back, glancing at Hermione across the room. “Her kind shouldn't even be allowed at Hogwarts.”

Harry clutched the hilt tightly and began chopping daisy stems, trying to ignore Draco's comments.

“Well, you can't always get special treatment, Evans. First Quidditch, then troll hunting with Granger? If she wanted to see a monster, she should have just looked in the mirror.”

Crabbe and Goyle cackled from the next desk over.

Harry's knife slipped in his grip, nicking his finger. He pressed it to his mouth to stop the bleeding.

“Just shut up and stir the cauldron,” Harry mumbled, barely holding it together.

He walked over to the supply closet to breathe.

Ron quickly came up to his side.

“Malfoy being a prat?” Ron muttered, pretending to look for ingredients.

“Always.” Harry rolled his eyes.

“Snape knew what he was doing, pairing you two together,” Ron said, grabbing a vial of preserved beetles and pretending to study it. “He has it out for you, I swear.”

“Tell me about it.” Harry grabbed an empty vial to look busy.

“He’s already awarded him fifteen points this term,” Ron spat bitterly. “It’s obvious who the prince of Slytherin is.”

Fifteen points already?

Harry furrowed his brow, glancing at Draco. A sharp envy shot through his mind.

“Take it easy today, mate, and if you finish early…I could use some help.” Ron nodded toward his workstation, where Seamus Finnegan had already set their brew ablaze.

“Yeah, of course.” Harry said distantly, eyeing the back of Draco’s head, tempted to launch himself at the platinum blonde hair.

They parted ways and Harry returned to his station, finding Severus next to Draco.

“Yes, it’s coming along,” Severus said approvingly, tapping the cauldron with his wand. “Excellent use of rainwater. Gathered during the winter solstice, so it is—”

“More potent, yes.” Draco beamed, glancing at Harry as he returned to the table.

Harry paused.

He was the one who had chosen the rainwater as their potion base.

“Two points to Slytherin for innovation,” Severus said, glancing at Harry with a harsh look – then, a subtle shift in his expression. Something akin to guilt, or maybe disappointment.

He strode across the room, his cloak billowing behind him.

“Gryffindor doesn’t stand a chance, Evans.” Draco said smugly. “Professor Snape and I have it good, you see. He knows my family.”

Harry bit his tongue so hard he nearly drew blood.

“Does he?” Harry asked through gritted teeth, tossing a handful of mint into their cauldron.

“Oh yeah, my father and Professor Snape go way back. They went to Hogwarts together.” Draco boasted. “He comes to my family’s manor for dinner quite often.”

“That’s nice,” Harry replied curtly.

“Yeah, he’s like family.” Draco shrugged, flipping through his Potions textbook while Harry continued to work on the brew. “He wasn’t surprised I was sorted into Slytherin.”

Harry swallowed hard, gripping his stirring rod with all his might.

“You’re not the only one who gets special treatment,” Draco leaned in and whispered. “You’re not as special as you think.”

Then Draco shot his hand into the air. “Professor Snape, we are finished with our brew.”

Severus looked up from the mess he was clearing at Neville Longbottom’s station.

“Ah, wonderful.” Severus sighed in relief. “Some competence.”

Draco side-eyed Harry with a sly expression.

“Stick with me and you’ll have the best professor at Hogwarts on your side, Evans,” Draco whispered hurriedly as Severus made his way over, peering down into their cauldron.

“Hm…” He paused, analyzing the brew. “It appears to be quite satisfactory. Well done, Draco. Bottle and label, then you may begin on the next unit.”

“Of course, Professor,” Draco replied proudly.

Severus walked away once more, not even sparing a glance at Harry.

Harry wanted to throw the brew in the bin.

He’s like family…

Harry repeated the words in his head.

He looked over at Ron, who was struggling to stop black goo from spilling over the rim of his cauldron. Ron caught Harry’s eye and sighed, silently mouthing: “Help me.”

But Harry was glued to the floor. Everything inside him was screaming.

He wanted to strangle Draco and throw Severus into a wall. None of it was fair.

He missed the way it was. Empty corridors and Severus was on his side.

He thought being a student at Hogwarts would be fun, but Severus had made it miserable.All because of a stupid hat.

Chapter Text

It was a crisp November Saturday without a cloud in the sky. 

The morning light filtered through the windows of the great hall, where all the students were abuzz with excitement.

It was the day of the Slytherin versus Gryffindor match.

Harry pushed his breakfast around his plate, his nerves tying his stomach in knots. 

Oliver Wood sat across from him, reeling off rules and formations without missing a breath.

Harry adjusted his gloves repeatedly, Oliver’s voice fading into the background as he glanced up at the head table.

Severus was focused on the daily prophet, occasionally exchanging words with McGonagall.

He hadn’t spoken to Harry since the troll.

Harry had silently scrubbed the potions lab well into the night and had placed essays in his hand silently.

Harry was shaken from his thoughts by Hermione’s voice.

“Morning Harry!” She chimed, slamming down a large copy of Quidditch through the Ages, “Thought you might want to review before the game.”

“He doesn’t need to study, Hermione!” Ron interjected, walking up to her side, “He’s a natural!”

Ron looked eagerly to Harry, “Ready, mate?”

“Of course he is!” Oliver interjected, grinning, “Eat up, Harry. Locker room in ten!”

Oliver leaped up from the table, broom in hand, and paraded out of the great hall.

“You’re going to be brilliant.” Ron smiled, slapping Harry on the shoulder, “See you out there! Look for us in the stands! We’ll be with Hagrid, so we won’t be hard to miss.”

Ron pulled at Hermione’s sleeve, who gave one last worried glance at Harry, calling back to him “Check chapter thirteen!” as Ron dragged her out of the great hall.

Harry chuckled, glancing at the book and then up at the head table, where Severus had finally met his eye, his expression unreadable.

Harry flipped open the book to chapter thirteen and briefly skimmed the chapter on formations before taking a deep breath, shoving it in his bag and heading out of the great hall, his nimbus 2000 clutched in his clammy palm.

–

When the match began, all of Harry’s nerves left him.

He zoomed through the air like a bullet, scanning the air for the snitch. 

The sun, the air, the wind…all of it was exhilarating.

He had caught glimpses of Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid in the stands. Giving them a quick wave.

Severus was at the front of the Slytherin stands, stoic as ever.

Then, Harry caught a glimpse of gold flutter in his peripheral.

He sped towards it when suddenly, his broom gave a harsh jerk to the left.

He paused, adjusting his grip – but then it jerked violently to the right.

Harry flew lower and slowed down…but then, his broom lurched upward, nearly flinging him off.

“What the…” Harry exclaimed as the broom continued to buck around.

His heart was racing, gripping the broom with all of his might.

Then, the thought hit him:

He’d been jinxed.

The broom had taken on a life of it’s own, like an enraged bull trying to throw off it’s rider.

But Harry couldn’t give up. He couldn’t let McGonagall down – and he couldn’t let Severus be right.

And Oliver Wood would surely pass away if their seeker ruined the first game.

Harry used all of his strength to control the broom and lowered himself towards the gold light darting through the pitch.

He could hear the screams and shouts from the crowd, with Lee Jordon’s commentary blasting through the stands.

He needed to focus, reaching out his hand as the snitch came into view.

The crowd roared.

He was only ten feet from the ground, his hand barely grazing the snitch, then…

The broom gave one more powerful lurch, throwing Harry to the ground.

The audience rose to their feet. Madam Hooch blew her whistle.

Harry paused, shocked from the impact, but slowly got to his feet.

Madam Hooch and his teammates hurried towards him, forming a small crowd.

Then, just as he got to his feet, he gagged, clutching his stomach before spitting into his hand.

There it was - in all its golden glory: the snitch.

He held it up in his fist. The crowd erupted in a deafening roar.

Gryffindor had beat Slytherin.

Fred and George seized Harry and lifted him onto their shoulders, parading him through the stadium in celebration.

In the sea of joy, Harry had completely forgotten about his jinxed broom. 

He scanned the crowd for Severus, but he was lost in the mass of crimson and gold.

Harry had caught the snitch – and for once, he felt truly adored. 

Chapter Text

Harry was carried all the way up to Gryffindor tower, with a crowd of cheering students trailing behind.

The common room had been decorated with streamers, zooming solar orbs that darted around the room bursting with sparks, and banners with Harry’s name.

“WE SET THIS UP JUST BEFORE THE GAME!” Fred shouted over the crowd as music began to blast.

“You knew we would win?!” Harry shouted back as they set him down.

“No! It’s a charm that would only go off if we won! We based it off your exploding coin idea!” George added, patting Harry on the shoulder and handing him a butter beer. 

Harry grinned, taking a sip from the bottle. Butterbeer spilled down his sleeve as he was jostled by the crowd, hands patting his back and shaking him.

Then, mid sip, he remember Severus’ words:

No Quidditch Celebrations.

Harry’s heart sank.

Then, he remembered the violent motions of his broom.

“Harry!” Ron shouted, Hermione at his side - their expressions were not of joy, but worry.

They ripped him away from the crowd and towards the portrait hole.

“Snape jinxed your broom!” Hermione panted.

“What?!” Harry replied, cupping his ear and leaning closer.

Hermione rolled her eyes and dragged Ron and Harry out of the common room and into the corridor.

“Snape was jinxing your broom!” Hermione exclaimed in a hushed whisper.

“He was! We saw him muttering in the stands and staring at you!” Ron added, putting his hands on his knees, doubling over to catch his breath “...Hermione…she…”

“I lit his cloak on fire and it broke his concentration!” Hermione interjected, wiping her brow, “That’s why you were thrown off!”

Harry froze, disoriented from the adrenaline, “You can’t be serious!” Harry shook his head, “Why would he –”

“Face it mate, he hates that McGonagall let a first year on the team.” Ron replied, leaning against the wall, “He wanted you to fail.”

“He would never do that!” Harry declared defensively, “It must have been one of the Slytherins or something!” 

Hermione and Ron exchanged worried glances.

 “No, Harry. I saw it with my binoculars. It was definitely Snape.” Hermione sighed, “We have to tell Dumbledore. He nearly killed you.”

“He would never hurt me, Hermione. You were seeing things!” Harry glanced back at the portrait hole, where more people were going inside to join the party.

Harry's words sounded foreign.

The betrayal was sinking in.

Severus never wanted him to play…

“Never hurt you?” Ron asked, utterly confused, “He’s had it out for you since day one!”

“I don’t like to accuse teachers of bias, but…I definitely saw it. It stopped once he was distracted.” Hermione replied.

“Hermione was brilliant. A real pyromaniac,” Ron smiled.

Harry pushed past them, heading down the corridor.

“Where are you going?” Hermione called out, “We have to go to Dumbledore!”

“I’ll handle it.” Harry called back, disappearing down the staircase. 

Chapter Text

Everyone was too preoccupied with the celebration to notice Harry heading into the dungeons.

He needed answers - now.

Just as he rounded a corner, he felt a sharp pull on the back of his collar, yanking him into a dim corridor.

He smelled the familiar scent of herbs as he felt a pair of arms wrap tightly around him.

“Merlin, you really did it.” Severus’ voice whispered proudly in the dark, quiet hall.

“What - how -” Harry said, muffled against Severus’ cloak, pushing against him.

Severus grabbed him by the shoulders, scanning him for injury.

“Are you alright? Hurt?” Severus asked urgently.

“I’m fine!” Harry snapped, pulling out of his grip, “Tell me what happened to my broom!”

Severus’ expression darkened.

“It was tampered with.” He replied flatly.

“By who?!” Harry demanded in a hushed whisper, “Because I have a suspect in mind!”

Severus tensed.

“Do you think I’d be that immature?” Severus scoffed.

“Hermione saw you in her binoculars.”

Severus paused, looking away, “Granger is mistaken. I had no involvement.”

Harry shook his head, scoffing, “Pathetic.”

“I beg your pardon?” Severus stated, stepping forward, towering over Harry.

“You didn’t want me to play. You hate that I’m in Gryffindor.” Harry said with disgust, “I should have known you were going to meddle.”

“Meddle?” Severus grabbed Harry by the collar, opening his mouth to speak, when a maniacal cackling echoed down the corridor.

Peeves was soaring down the hall, his arms full of water balloons.

Severus let go of Harry and shoved him out of the shadows, “Get back to your dormitory.”

Harry stumbled into the main corridor, covering his head as Peeves pelted water balloons his way.

“YAY FOR GRYFFINDOR!!!” Peeves screamed, rounding the corner.

Harry clenched his fists at his side, hurrying back to Gryffindor tower.

He didn’t care what Severus said.

The look on his face said it all.

Harry rejoined the party, basking in his newfound glory.

Severus wasn’t going to stop him. He never could.

Chapter Text

“T-that is w-why we always use s-simple d-defensive strategies when facing a dangerous s-situation…” Professor Quirrell stuttered, his hand trembling as he wrote on the black board.

Harry was nearly asleep, his cheek resting in his hand.

The entire weekend was a constant state of chaos and celebration. He thoroughly enjoyed it, but he had barely studied or slept.

Harry glanced at the doorway of the Defense classroom, seeing Filch muttering to Dumbledore about some sort of delivery.

Ron was making paper airplanes out of his parchment, while Hermione anxiously scribbled notes as fast as she could.

Professor Quirrell dropped his chalk and Draco Malfoy burst out laughing, and the other Slytherins followed his lead.

Harry didn’t understand why Dumbledore would hire such a nervous wreck to be the defense professor.

Professor Quirrell adjusted his turban as he picked up his chalk, making a pathetic attempt at quieting Malfoy before turning back to the board.

Harry felt a sharp pain in his forehead.

He had been feeling it randomly since the start of term, chalking it up to stress.

Going to Potions today was going to be unbearable.

Severus had eyes everywhere – and surely, Harry would be punished for his celebrations.

Then, Quirrell stopped mid-sentence, suddenly excusing himself into the corridor.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione all exchanged glances as the class was left alone.

“Why does he do that?” Harry asked curiously.

“Not sure, maybe he has to pee.” Ron shrugged, smirking, “Nervous bladder.”

“It is a bit odd how he leaves so suddenly,” Hermione added, “But I’m sure it’s nothing. I mean, look at him, he’s a wreck.”

“We hardly get anything done,” Harry groaned, the class growing  restless around them.

“You’re telling me,” Hermione responded, setting down her quill.

Ron threw his paper airplane towards Malfoy, hitting him right in the shoulder.

Draco whipped around, narrowing his eyes in their direction.

“Careful, Weasley!” Draco called out to them, “Wouldn’t want your Mum to have to slave away to buy your more parchment.”

Ron started to rise from his seat, when Harry and Hermione both pulled him back down.

“You started it,” Hermione whispered.

“Yeah, because he’s a git!” Ron retorted, glaring at Malfoy.

Then, Quirrell returned to the room.

“Apologies, please quiet down now.” He said timidly, approaching the blackboard.

Harry’s head began to pound.

He pressed his hand over his scar, wincing.

“Are you alright?” Ron asked.

“Fine. Headache.” Harry replied.

They made it through Defense Against the Dark Arts with no further interruptions, but Harry’s mind lingered on Quirrell.

When he walked into the dungeons for Potions, all of the desks had been separated.

“Oh no…” Ron stopped, frozen, “An exam?! I didn’t know we had an -”

“Pop quiz,” Hermione said, unbothered, “Not an exam. Good luck!”

They all sat in their seats, where Draco sat directly behind Harry.

“Try not to swallow your quill, Evans. That won’t get you extra points.” Draco remarked.

Before Harry could reply, Severus swept into the classroom, slamming the door behind him.

“As you all may have gathered, there will be a surprise quiz this morning.” He said firmly, flicking his wand towards a stack of parchment.

Quizzes began to pass themselves out.

“There will be no idle chit chat or wand usage. You have twenty minutes. Go.”

The damp air was heavy with anxiety.

Severus truly was the type to have a pop quiz the Monday after Gryffindor beat Slytherin.

Harry received his parchment and flipped it over.

However, it was not a quiz – but a letter written in Severus' hand:

Do you think I’m a fool? Spending the entire weekend gallivanting around with your little friends?

I warned you. For you, this quiz will be marked as a zero

As soon as Harry read the message, the words morphed into a quiz – but as soon as Harry went to write on the parchment, the letters and numbers scrambled, making it impossible to read.

Harry glanced up from the parchment, where Severus had been expecting his gaze.

They locked eyes for a moment, before Harry leaned back in his seat and looked away.

“Time,” Severus called, all of the parchment flew out from under quills and organized themselves neatly on Severus’s desk.

“I didn't even finish that last one,” Neville groaned, holding his head in his hands.

“I hope you all studied, as that quiz was worth ten percent of your overall grade this term.” Severus added casually.

“WHAT?!’ Ron blurted out, eyes wide.

Hermione beamed, relieved by the announcement.

“Yes, Mr. Weasley,” Severus shot back, “Five points from Gryffindor for talking out of turn.”

Ron’s mouth dropped open, looking over at Harry.

Harry could hear Draco snickering from behind.

The rest of the lecture was a nightmare, where Harry swore all of his vials were pouring more than intended and ruining his brew.

Harry knew how to brew a simple calming draught. He had been doing so since he could walk. But for some reason, his cauldron was spewing and bubbling like a rotten stew.

Severus strolled over to his desk, looking down into his cauldron.

“Mr. Evans, see me after class.” Severus said simply before walking away.

Whispers and chuckling came from the Slytherins.

“Finally come back down to earth, huh Evans?” Draco smirked as he passed Harry on his way to the supply closet.

When class ended, Harry waited at his desk while the others filed out of the room.

Ron and Hermione lingered in the door, worried expressions painted across their faces.

“It’s fine,” Harry said to them, gesturing for them to leave.

They took one last look at Harry, as if it would be the last time they’d see him alive, before they went on their way.

Once Harry and Severus were alone, Severus slammed the door closed with a wave of his wand, locking it.

“Muffliato,” Severus muttered, shielding the classroom in silence.

Harry clenched his jaw. That spell was never a good sign.

“You can’t mess with my grades like this,” Harry stated, “I will tell Dumbledore you’re treating me unfairly.”

Severus looked as if Harry had just slapped him in the face.

“It’s almost endearing how you think you have any power here, Evans.” Severus said coolly, taking several measured steps closer, “You are out of control.”

“Out of control? You speak as if I’m some wild animal. I’m just existing.”

“Is that what you call it? Hunting down a troll, sneaking out of your dorm, and disregarding my instructions is just…existing?” Severus gave a humorless chuckle, “I had higher hopes for you, Evans.”

“You were hoping I’d be just like Draco.” Harry shot back, “Arrogant, Slytherin, arse-kisser.”

Severus’ eye ticked, then shoved aside a desk that separated them.

Harry jumped but remained in his seat.

“You have disgraced me with your foolishness. How many first years put themselves in life-threatening danger within the first term?!” Severus demanded, “Let alone one who is in constant danger by simply existing!”

“You never listened to me about the troll! It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t want Hermione to get killed. You don’t care about me - you only care about what you can make me into!”

Severus froze, looking away for a brief moment.

“Maybe you’re right, Evans. Merlin forbid I want the child I raised to be safe and responsible.”

“You wouldn’t have cared about any of this if I had been in Slytherin! If I had killed the troll - you would have given me a dozen house points! If I had gotten on the quidditch team? You’d have handed me a broom and a hundred galleons! You hate me because I’m in the wrong house! Don’t you realize how stupid that is?!” Harry exclaimed, rising from his seat, “I knew you’d be upset if I wasn't in Slytherin, but not this upset!”

Severus took a step forward, his hand nearly reaching for his wand. His cold expression subtly softened, his gaze lowering to the floor.

“...I don’t hate you, Evans.” Severus replied quietly.

“Well it certainly feels like you do.” Harry snapped, “You jinxed my broom and never wanted me to play again. Don’t you realize how terrifying that was?!”

“I didn’t –”

“Don’t lie to me,” Harry cut in, his voice shaking, “Becoming a student was supposed to be fun and you’ve done nothing but make me feel unwelcome in my own home! No wonder all of the other students hate you! And I've tried to defend you, but now I’m starting to understand. I’m sorry I’m not Draco Malfoy, the pureblood Slytherin prince. I’m not him – and I never will be.”

“Draco isn’t -”

“How am I supposed to trust you after what you did?” Harry demanded, his cheeks growing red, “You were worried about me getting hurt but you ended up being the one who nearly threw me off my broom!”

“THAT WASN’T ME!” Severus bellowed, knocking over a cauldron on a nearby desk, “There was something wrong with your broom and I was countering the curse! That is what Granger saw!”

“That’s a convenient excuse,” Harry scoffed, heading towards the door, “Funny how the curse stopped as soon as she lit you on fire.”

He pulled open the door and slammed it behind him.

“Wait, –” Severus stopped, "Granger set me on fire? Damn it, boy!” Severus shouted, kicking over the rubbish bin, but Harry was already gone.

He held his face in his hands, sighing.

Minerva was right. He needed far more than virtue.

Chapter Text

“I'm losing him, Albus.” 

“You've lost nothing, Severus. He's merely growing up.”

Severus paced back and forth in front of Dumbledore's desk.

“This isn't like him,” Severus continued, “He's…so…”

“Curious? Eager? Testing the waters?” Dumbledore smiled, peering over his half moon spectacles, “His marks are great. He has very few behavioral issues. I don't see the issue.”

“Did the troll incident slip your mind, Headmaster?”

“No, but I do believe Harry was simply looking out for his friend. I know a certain boy who would have done the same if his muggle-born friend was in trouble.”

Severus paused, his expression hardened.

“That doesn't matter. First years killing trolls and mucking around on the quidditch pitch? It's madness. He's disobeying me - and I'm certain that Weasley is influencing him.”

“You and I both know the Weasleys are a wonderful family,” Dumbledore smiled, “You should be proud that Harry has chosen such loyal and determined friends…” Albus paused, “Would this issue be resolved if Harry had befriended Draco Malfoy?”

Severus' gaze lingered on the fire, “Malfoy is irrelevant.”

“Not from what I've seen.”

“I hold Evans to a higher standard. Would you prefer I hand him all O's and pat him on the back?”

“I know you revere Lucius' son, however…placing Harry on a totem pole will not make him rise above, instead, the weight will crush him.”

“He isn't -” Severus hesitated, “He's slipping away. I can't keep an eye on him up in Gryffindor tower. If he had been sorted –”

“The sorting hat is never wrong in its judgement, Severus.” Dumbledore said, “It places students where they belong. Perhaps the distance is what is best for you and Harry. He learns to grow up…and you learn to let go.”

“He's eleven,” Severus whispered, his voice growing hoarse, “Everything has been changing so quickly. I didn't…”

He took a deep breath.

“You've grown very attached to him, Severus. Even if you won't admit it. He changed from a drooling obligation to a companion. There is no shame in admitting that you miss him – or that you're afraid of losing the little boy who was always at your side.” Dumbledore added gently.

Severus was quiet, the words hitting him like a freight train - yet, he remained unmoved.

“I just…want him to be the way he was.” Severus muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Or…you could find a way to meet him where he is. You can't pull him back in. So, either you pull at a taut line until it snaps…or give it slack.”

Dumbledore stood up, fiddling with an hour glass on his desk.

“...You have to remember he isn't your son. You have no control over what lies in his blood.”

“He -” Severus stopped himself, a deep rage burning in his chest, “I raised him - and that means more than blood.”

Dumbledore nodded, allowing them both to linger in the quiet.

“You may do as you wish, but at one point or another, you will have to let go. It is the destiny of every child. Do not punish Harry for growing up, Severus.”

Severus closed his eyes, shoving his hands in his pockets, his voice quiet and defeated,

“As you wish, Headmaster.”

Chapter Text

It was Christmas eve – and Harry and Ron were some of the few left in the castle.

After Ron had drifted off to sleep, Harry snuck off to the staff quarters.

Severus had never been one for Christmas, but Harry felt an obligation to visit.

Plus, with most of the school being gone, roaming the halls was nowhere near as risky.

Harry climbed through the staff door and entered Severus’ quarters.

A fire was crackling in the hearth and everything was in its place.

It was freezing, as always. Severus preferred the cold. Harry warmed his hands for a moment in front of the hearth, before heading down to his old room and peeking inside.

It had been cleaned. His bed made, clothes put away, and not a speck of dust in sight. 

Harry slowly closed the door and went towards Severus’ study and quietly knocked on the door.

Harry heard no reply, instead the door swung open. 

Severus stood in the doorway, staring down at him, his expression blank. 

“Hello,” Harry said timidly.

“Hello,” Severus replied, studying him, “You're out of bed.”

“It's Christmas,” Harry nodded towards the clock on the wall. 

Just past midnight.

“So it is,” Severus closed the door behind him, stepping into the hall.

“I thought…” Harry paused, adjusting the sleeve of his pajamas, “Since I won't see you in the morning, I'd come by now.”

“Hm,” Severus huffed, his gaze lingering on Harry. 

Then, he walked past him and rounded the corner out of sight.

Harry stood in the dark hall, wounded.

Then he heard the clatter of dishes, followed by the warm smell of cocoa and vanilla.

He followed the scent and found Severus in the kitchen, bent over the counter.

“What are you doing?” Harry asked, stepping towards him.

“Hot chocolate,” Severus replied simply, mixing warm milk into the mugs, “Tis the season.” He said dryly, rolling his eyes.

Severus handed him a steaming mug, which Harry took graciously.

They both sipped in silence.

“I'm sorry, Evans.” Severus said suddenly, looking into his mug.

Harry gripped his mug, the warmth seeping into his cold fingers.

“It's alright.” Harry replied quietly, “I'm sorry for fighting a troll…and for being a Gryffindor.” 

Severus sighed, and put a hand on Harry's shoulder, leading him to the living room, where they both sat in front of the fire.

“You don't need to apologize for Gryffindor, although it is appreciated. You've…” Severus paused, looking at Harry next to him, who had a spot of hot chocolate on his upper lip.

He really was just a boy.

“...been doing really well.”

Harry smiled gently, wiping his mouth with his sleeve, “Thanks…but I think I might like it better when the castle is empty.”

“I understand the sentiment.” Severus said, sipping from his mug.

“I forgive you, you know. For the broom.” Harry added softly.

“Evans, I swear on my life that I didn't -” Severus paused, knowing there was no use in arguing, “...very well.”

Harry gave a subtle nod in reply.

“You…” Severus continued, “are rather gifted when it comes to quidditch. As much as it physically pains me to admit it, Minerva was right.”

Harry gave a chuckle, “Yeah. I guess it's in my blood.”

Harry's smile faded, thinking of the father he'd never known.

“Indeed,” Severus said, a flash of James rising in his mind, souring his words.

“It's hard,” Harry said suddenly, his voice lowering, “Pretending I don't know you. Pretending to be someone else. Making up stories about parents and family.”

“I know.” Severus sighed, sipping the last bits of hot chocolate from his mug, “But it's necessary.”

“Yeah,” Harry muttered, “I just…wish it was different.”

“You'll get used to it.” Severus said simply.

A brief quiet passed between them.

“Tell me something, Professor.” Harry said flatly, almost demanding.

Severus glanced at Harry, concerned by his sudden formality, “Go on.”

“Do you really wish I was more like Draco?”

Severus felt a sharp pain in his ribs.

“No,” He replied, “I don't.”

“Promise?”

“I swear to it,” Severus held up his palm in solidarity, “I spent more than enough time with Draco as his head of house, but…” Severus hesitated, thinking, “...you have spent many years at my side, and I have yet to grow tired of you.”

“I'll have to try harder, then.” Harry smiled.

The corner of Severus’ mouth ticked up into a smirk, draping his arm over Harry's shoulder and pulling him close, “Don't push it.”

Harry chuckled, leaning against him.

“Can I stay here for the rest of the night? I'll sneak back to my dormitory bright and early.”

“Saint Nick will be angry with you, Evans.” 

“I can face that old man's wrath.” Harry laughed, holding up a fist.

“That, I have no doubts.” Severus replied, feeling a small sense of normalcy settle in the air.

Chapter Text

Harry had awoken to a miraculous spread of gifts from the Weasley family – along with a mysterious cloak that could make anything invisible.

Harry’s mind lingered on the note that was attached to the cloak.

It had belonged to his father – and was finally being returned to him.

Harry knew that Severus would immediately confiscate such a rare item, so the secret was kept between him and Ron.

They played around with the cloak in the common room – an advanced form of hide and seek where one of them wore the cloak and hid.

It had proven to be very difficult to find someone who was completely invisible – and this sparked an idea between the both of them. 

Perhaps Harry had finally found the key to Nicholas Flammel. 

Hagrid had been stumbling over his words – and Harry, Ron, and Hermione couldn’t help but wonder what shady business lurked within the walls of Hogwarts.

But Harry made an unexpected discovery while hunting in the restricted section of the library.

During a panicked escape from Filch and Severus, Harry found himself in a room that he had never seen before.

It was completely empty. The air smelled faintly of mildew and dust. It was dimly lit, the candlelight reflecting off a surface across the room.

A giant golden mirror.

Harry slowly walked towards it, pulling off the invisibility cloak and letting it fall into a pile on the floor.

He looked at his reflection and nearly jumped back when he realized he wasn’t alone.

In the mirror were two people. One woman with green eyes and dark red hair – and another with familiar dark curly locks.

But there was no one behind him. They only existed in the mirror.

“Who…are you?” Harry asked quietly, putting his hand to the mirror.

The woman placed her hand against his, but Harry felt nothing.

They smiled down at him.

His parents.

They stepped aside, revealing more red-headed and curly haired people.

His family.

Then, another figure stepped into the frame.

Severus. 

He was staring down at Harry with his signature dark eyes, but this time he did not scowl – instead, he softly smiled. 

He set his hand on Harry’s shoulder.

“Mum? Dad? Professor?” Harry whispered in awe.

They nodded back silently.

The figures in the mirror shifted, some stepping aside to let others into view.

Harry felt both a profound joy and a deep ache.

“Why are you here?” He asked, knowing he’d receive no answer.

Harry sat on the floor, watching his reflection.

Severus' reflection sat next to him, pulling out a piece of parchment out of his pocket, and handing it over.

Harry’s reflection read the parchment and flipped it around, proudly displaying a potions essay with a large red O in the corner.

His reflection grinned and immediately hugged Severus from the side – Severus smiled and pat Harry on the back. His reflection showed the essay to the other figures in the mirror, who all applauded.

His mother wrapped him in an embrace he would never feel.

Harry looked closer at his reflection – where he noticed that there was a badge pinned to his robe.

It was silver and green.

He was a Slytherin.

The scene in the mirror changed. He was no longer surrounded by his family, but in the center of the Slytherin common room, surrounded by other Slytherins who were smiling at him.

Severus stood in the corner, looming quietly, but with an expression of subtle pride that only Harry could recognize.

Harry’s reflection held up a broom stick in his right hand, beaming with pride.

He was on the Slytherin team.

His stomach lurched. He thought of Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Every Slytherin he had despised.

Harry stood up and backed away from the mirror, quickly grabbing the invisibility cloak and making his way back to his dormitory.

Nicholas Flammel would have to wait.

Chapter Text

Harry couldn’t help but include Ron on his next adventure to the mirror to investigate its intent.

Ron did not see what Harry saw, but instead saw his own form of glory.

It appeared that every person who looked in the mirror saw something different. 

He continued to visit the mirror under the cloak, basking in the love and belonging he didn’t have.

But his fantasies were interrupted by Dumbledore – and he ceased visiting the mirror, as it was no use to dwell on the impossible.

The rest of the holiday felt hollow for Harry. The mirror had disappeared – and they had made no progress on Nicholas Flammel.

Ron reassured Harry that Hermione would be able to fill in the gaps, but instead of relief, Harry felt guilty.

Something was off in the castle – Harry could sense it. 

He had grown within its walls. He shared an understanding with its walls..

Harry did not see Severus again until classes resumed – and when Hermione returned, the mystery behind Flamel grew clearer.

They knew who he was. He was on a chocolate frog card they had opened on the Hogwarts Express.

Now, their focus was on the Philosopher's stone.

And to Harry’s dismay – Ron and Hermione were convinced it was Severus who was after it.

-

“Think about it! He was limping just after the troll got in!” Ron whispered as they lingered around the fire in the Gryffindor common room.

“And your broom, Harry.” Hermione added, her brow furrowed in thought as she stared into the fire, “Something isn’t right with him.”

“He was just pissed that I broke the first year rule,” Harry grumbled, “And he’s old, he probably tripped or something and that’s what caused the limp.” 

“Why’re you defending Snape?” Ron asked, confused, “Harry, he’s had it out for you since day one!”

Harry looked away, feeling conflicted, “It just doesn’t make sense. Why would he want the stone?”

“He’s a slimy git! Of course he’d want to live forever to ruin everyone’s lives!” Ron exclaimed, crossing his arms.

“Think about it, Harry. Professor Snape is a potions master. They’re notorious for trying to brew elixirs of life and whatnot.”

“That’s just a stereotype,” Harry spat out without thinking.

Ron and Hermione exchanged a confused glance.

“Maybe, but…” Hermione trailed off, sighing, “All signs point to it, Harry.”

The clock on the wall chimed midnight.

“I’m off to bed, we can talk more later.” Hermione added, defeated, before heading to the girls dormitory, leaving Ron and Harry to themselves.

“What’s with you, mate?” Ron muttered to Harry once Hermione was out of ear shot.

“What do you mean?” Harry shot back defensively.

“You and Hagrid must be blind or something. Snape is obviously trying to steal the stone.”

Harry swallowed hard, his bias was showing.

“I –” Harry hesitated, “Maybe you’re right. I just…” Harry paused, thinking, “trust Dumbledore and his choices in professors.” 

Ron scoffed, “I trust Dumbledore too, but there has been a new defense against the dark arts professor every year for decades. They can never keep one. One rotten professor isn’t out of the question. You can’t always trust adults, Harry.”

Harry felt his stomach drop.

He remembered Severus’ ultimate lie. His parents murder. His real name. 

The story of his scar.

Ron was right. 

The lie had always been there, he’d just been too grateful to see it.

Severus was after the stone.

Chapter Text

Severus stood alone in a chasm beneath the castle. 

His sleeve had been torn while falling through the Devil’s Snare, but other than that he was unscathed.

Not far from him stood the glittering mirror of Erised.

Albus hadn’t told him why the mirror had been moved from the third floor, but he didn’t question it. 

Asking often led to more questions than answers.

The security measures were all in place. The dog, the devil’s snare, the keys, the logic puzzles…all of it was in perfect condition.

Quirrell would never make it past the dog. He was far too cowardly, but one could never be too careful. 

He winced at the mere sight of a fly, why would he want to bear the horrors of life for eternity?

Something was off about Quirrell, but Severus couldn’t place his finger on it. 

It was deceptive. Sinister.

Almost familiar.

Severus took several steps closer to the mirror, hesitant but curious.

He knew what he’d see. He knew he shouldn’t, but he had to.

He took one final step towards the mirror, his dark eyes meeting his reflection.

A young woman strolled into frame, grinning. She had shoulder length auburn hair, bright green eyes, and freckles dotted across her face.

She stood at his side, radiating joy and admiration.

“Hello Lily,” Severus whispered quietly, avoiding looking at her directly.

Her reflection silently waved, then she beckoned to something out of frame.

Suddenly, a boy ran up to her. She kneeled down and embraced him, then he faced Severus.

It was Harry.

but he bore no resemblance to James. His eyes were still the same striking green, but his hair was no longer a thick mess of curls, but straight and sleek, hanging just above his shoulders.

He had Severus’ carved features. His nose had a gentle hook, his sharp cheek bones and his same pale complexion.

He waved at Severus, leaning against Lily. He wore Slytherin robes.

Lily waved again, a ring on her left hand glinted in the light. 

Her hand reached for Severus’, taking an invisible hold of his in the reflection.

Harry then ran out of frame and returned, proudly holding up a certificate.

It was the Order of Merlin, first class - inscribed to Severus.

Lily beamed, taking the certificate and hanging it up on the wall.

The scene was now in an old house, somewhere on the coast with a view of the ocean. 

It was a cold, gloomy day, and a fire was burning in the hearth. There was a cauldron bubbling in the corner. Lily walked over and began to stir as Harry watched.

Severus watched the domestic scene play out in the mirror.

It was as if he was staring at a horrible accident but he couldn’t look away.

Lily’s smile was a blade through his gut – and Harry’s resemblance to him was salt in the wound.

His hand ticked towards his wand. He wanted to destroy the mirror and leave nothing but dust.

But he couldn’t. He needed to get a hold of himself.

He already failed by indulging in the mirror.

He took one last look at Harry – then with all of his might, turned away from the mirror, and left the chamber.

Chapter Text

 Harry had expected Dumbledore to report back to Severus about his late night journeys to the mirror.

But Severus had not lashed out in class. No disappointed looks. No secret letters or messages.

Dumbledore was letting Harry keep the secret with no consequence, to which he was forever grateful..

The mirror continued to linger in Harry’s thoughts, but the image was bitter with longing – bitter with anger.

The more Ron and Hermione dissected Severus’ behavior - the more it made sense.

But no one could know. They swore to Hagrid they wouldn't meddle – but now they were dealing with a much smaller, yet, incredibly flammable problem.

Hagrid’s newest fascination: Norbert. A highly illegal baby dragon, who he was incredibly attached to.

Eventually, the trio convinced the half-giant to relinquish the flaming terror off to Ron’s brother, who was specialized in caring for dragons in Romania.

-

“I don’t understand him,” Ron huffed as they shed the invisibility cloak, walking into the empty common room, “Why would anyone want a flame thrower as a pet?”

“Dragons are fascinating, but Hagrid has lost his mind.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“Not sure where he thought he was going to keep it, they grow fast. It’d outgrow his hut in a few weeks.” Harry added, folding up the cloak and setting in on the plush red sofa in front of the fire, “But they are cool.”

They chuckled.

For a moment, Harry thought this would be an entertaining story to share with Severus – but the thought was fleeting. The Severus he thought he knew didn’t exist – not truly.

How do you go on when you’ve been betrayed by your parent? Or guardian? Or professor?

Harry didn’t have a parent. He never did.

He looked at Hermione and Ron, a warmth filling his heart.

They were sneaking out under a mysterious cloak to plan the escape of a baby dragon so Hagrid wouldn’t lose his job – or get arrested.

What could be more magical than that? 

He didn’t need Severus. The castle raised him.

And now, he would raise himself.

Chapter Text

But of course, no good deed goes unpunished.

Thanks to Neville, they had been caught after hours in the hall while releasing Norbert to Charlie.

Malfoy had also tagged along, having gotten word that Harry was in possession of a dragon.

Their punishment?

Trek through the forbidden forest in the middle of the night.

It was a mix of horror and excitement. 

Severus had never let him go into the forest, and he was finally able to see what lay beyond the tree line. 

Apparently they were looking for something that had been killing the unicorns, but Harry knew that was just a cover.

Nothing was killing the unicorns. That would be ridiculous. The night in the forest was just intended to scare them.

And annoy them – as Harry was paired with Draco as they split up in the forest.

“This is ridiculous.” Draco sneered, holding the lantern as their shoes crunched over the leaves.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have followed us, then.” Harry shot back, scanning the forest in the dim light.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have a damn dragon on school grounds, Evans.”

“You’re insane,” Harry replied, snatching the lantern away from Draco.

Something rustled in the bushes nearby, causing Draco to jump.

Harry chuckled, “Scared, Malfoy?”

“You wish.” Draco straightened his robes and walked ahead of Harry.

“Don’t go too far, you might see a fairy.” Harry mocked.

“Oh you mean like the one behind me?” Draco shouted back.

Harry drew his wand and hexed Draco without question, sending him tumbling into the dark.

Draco picked himself up. His blond hair was sticking straight up on his head, as if he’d been electrocuted.

“You think you’re clever?” Malfoy dusted himself off, drawing his wand, when a twig nearby snapped.

They both froze.

Then, Harry looked down at Draco’s shoes.

They were coated in a pale, silvery substance.

Unicorn blood.

Draco followed Harry’s gaze.

Draco gasped, stepping back, frantically scanning his clothes. Splotches of unicorn blood stained his robes.

Another twig snap.

Draco slowly looked up at Harry, snatched the lantern, and ran off.

“YOU COWARD!” Harry yelled after him.

He lit his wand and slowly began to head back towards the group, when something scurried nearby.

He turned around – facing the clearing in the darkness.

Pale spots peppered the ground…leading to a large pool that sparkled in the moonlight.

Harry’s heart race, but he followed.

Then, a bright white mass came into view.

A unicorn.

It’s throat slit…and a dark mass of shadows bending over its corpse.
But of course, no good deed goes unpunished.

Thanks to Neville, they had been caught after hours in the hall while releasing Norbert to Charli.

Malfoy had also tagged along, having gotten word that Harry was in possession of a dragon.

Their punishment?

Trek through the forbidden forest in the middle of the night.

It was a mix of horror and excitement. 

Severus had never let him go into the forest, and he was finally able to see what lay beyond the tree line. 

Apparently they were looking for something that had been killing the unicorns, but Harry knew that was just a cover.

Nothing was killing the unicorns. That would be ridiculous. The night in the forest was just intended to scare them.

And annoy them – as Harry was paired with Draco as they split up in the forest.

“This is ridiculous.” Draco sneered, holding the lantern as their shoes crunched over the leaves.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have followed us, then.” Harry shot back, scanning the forest in the dim light.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have a damn dragon on school grounds, Evans.”

“You’re insane,” Harry replied, snatching the lantern away from Draco.

Something rustled in the bushes nearby, causing Draco to jump.

Harry chuckled, “Scared, Malfoy?”

“You wish.” Draco straightened his robes and walked ahead of Harry.

“Don’t go too far, you might see a fairy.” Harry mocked.

“Oh you mean like the one behind me?” Draco shouted back.

Harry drew his wand and hexed Draco without question, sending him tumbling into the dark.

The thing lifted its head, snapping its neck towards Harry.

His head began to throb. Searing pain.

He needed to run, but his feet were glued to the ground.

Then, the galloping of hooves broke the silence, and the mass of shadows disappeared into the night as a centaur galloped into view.

Harry was returned to Hagrid and the others by Firenze, unharmed but shaken.

He was quiet for the rest of the night.

Whatever he saw was sickeningly otherworldly. A weight on his soul. His skull felt like it had fractured.

Something was wrong. Truly, horribly wrong.

It was pure evil. Unlike anything he had seen in Severus’ collections or hidden in the forbidden sections of the apothecaries.

Dumbledore needed to know – and only Dumbledore.

Chapter Text

“You sent him into the forbidden forest?!” Severus demanded angrily, slamming a fist on Dumbledore’s desk, “You know that whatever is out there is –”

“They were with Hagrid, Severus. Surely the little fright ensured that they will never sneak out again.”

Dumbledore gripped the Daily Prophet in his hands. Harry had come to him just after the visit. 

Something was terribly wrong - but no one could know his suspicions. Not yet.

“Fat bloody chance. Nothing keeps that boy inside after dark.” Severus snapped, ripping Dumbledore from his thoughts.

“I wonder where he gets that from.” Albus smirked.

“That is –” Severus hesitated, a flicker of fondness flashing in his eyes, “I am an adult who can do what I wish at any time. Evans is –”

“Have you ever considered coming to my office to have tea instead of expressing concerns about Harry?” Dumbledore smiled, leaning back in his chair.

Severus took a deep breath.

“I haven't seen him in…weeks. Months, almost.” His voice grew quiet.

“Tell you what, Severus.” Dumbledore set down his tea cup, “ Next time Harry receives a detention, you may be the one to serve it with him.”

“You speak as if another detention is guaranteed.”

“Is it not?” Dumbledore raised a brow.

Severus bit the inside of his cheek, “Minerva needs to put her foot down.”

“Harry and his friends are quite sneaky. Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that Harry knows his way around the castle.”

Severus narrowed his eyes and turned away.

“If you’d like to see him, Severus – all you have to do is ask.” Dumbledore added, opening the Daily Prophet.

“I don’t want to risk it.”

“Seeing him once a term surely won’t cause any sort of suspicion. You see Draco Malfoy nearly every day during your office hours.”

“That’s different. Draco isn’t my –” Severus stopped himself, tensing, “...isn’t in a precarious situation.”

“While I appreciate your caution, Severus…but I will admit that you are being a bit overzealous with your distance from Harry. You raised the boy.”

“He…” Severus hesitated, “I don’t think he wants much to do with me. He’s too busy causing trouble with Granger and Weasley..”

“He visited you on Christmas, did he not?”

Severus' gaze snapped towards Dumbledore.

“How did you –” Severus began, before sighing in defeat, “I won’t even ask.”

Dumbledore chuckled, “Speaking of avoidance, what have you gathered about Quirrell? How will this year’s Defense Professor set the castle ablaze?”

“Something is off. I believe he was behind the jinx on Harry’s broom. He was lingering around the Gryffindor dorms before the match. He’s always…lingering in places he shouldn’t.”

“Mmm,” Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, “And the security measures for the stone?”

“All intact.”

“Good.”

A silence settled between them, when Severus picked up the tea pot and poured himself a cup – sitting in front of the fire.

Chapter Text

“I don’t know why you’re blaming me.” Draco said indignantly, plopping down in the chair across from Severus’ desk.

A thin veil of steam enveloped the room from the cauldrons bubbling nearby.

Severus stood nearby, his arms crossed as he glared down at Draco.

“You snuck out of the dungeons to spy on a bunch of reckless Gryffindors.” Severus said coldly, “And you were caught by their head of house. You’re an embarrassment.”

Draco nearly winced at Severus’ harsh words.

“Evans had a dragon! You think I was going to pass up the opportunity to bust him? He’s already Gryffindor’s favorite. They let him on the quidditch team!”

“And you think being Gryffindor’s favorite is a worthy title?” Severus shot back.

Draco smiled, “No, professor.”

Severus gave a subtle nod of approval, “A dragon, you say?” 

“Yeah,” Draco straightened in the chair, warmth returning to his blood, “They go out to visit that oaf in his shack on the edge of the grounds. I overheard them talking about him having a dragon, so I followed them out there and watched through the window. There it was, clear as day. A dragon splayed out on his giant table.”

Severus paused, taking in Draco’s words, “I see.”

He would have to discuss Harry’s contact with Hagrid later.

“They need to fire that half-breed.” Draco spat, “He’s bringing dangerous monstrosities onto the grounds! If I would have caught them, my father would have had Hagrid fired.” Draco said, “You understand. You’re the only respectable professor in this school.”

“Flattery isn’t going to get you anywhere, boy.”

“It usually does.” Draco shrugged, smirking.

Severus let out a humourless huff and sat behind his desk.

“What do you believe your punishment should be, Draco?”  Severus said simply, clasping his hands together in front of him.

“Punishment?! Didn’t I see enough out in that damn forest?!” Draco’s blue eyes went wide.

“Language,” Severus snapped, “You were punished by Minerva. Now, you have to face me. Now, pick your poison.”

“This isn’t fair.”

“Oh? I’m letting you decide. I’d say you should be grateful.”

Severus stared into Draco’s soul, causing him to shift uncomfortably in his seat.

Draco looked away and feigned confidence, “I did nothing wrong. I was ensuring the safety of the student body by stopping a dragon attack. Therefore, no punishment.”

Severus nodded slowly.

“Nothing..” Severus repeated, “ How arrogant. Fine. You wish to go unpunished? Alright. I’ll grant you that. Severus paused, pulling a sheet of parchment from his desk,  “Instead, your father will be notified of your heroism.”

“WHAT?! NO!” Draco blurted out, leaning forward, “He’ll kill me!”

“A noble death for a hero.” Severus murmured as his quill scratched  against the parchment, quickly sealing the letter, “Your peers will remember you as the one who saved us all from a dragon. Very Arthurian, Draco. Congratulations.”

“How could you?!” Draco pleaded, bitter and betrayed.

Severus merely shrugged, tucking the letter under his cloak to take to the owlery. 

“You will never embarrass Slytherin by lowering yourself to Gryffindor recklessness, do you understand?” Severus replied, ignoring Draco’s fear.

Draco pressed his lips into a thin line and shot up from his seat.

“Fine. But you’re not the only one who can tell father things.”

Then, without being dismissed, Draco stormed out of his office. 

The quiet settled – and Severus froze.

What on earth did Draco mean by that?

Severus had nothing to hide…other than…

He shook the thought from his mind.

 Draco had no knowledge of his guardianship…right?

Evans would never tell a soul, especially not Draco.

The boy was lashing out. It was nothing to worry about.

Severus' palms grew clammy.

To distract himself, he threw on his cloak and made his way to the owlery, his steps unsteady.

Chapter Text

Harry watched his breath billow in the evening air. 

A blanket was draped over his shoulders, and the invisibility cloak lay tucked underneath. Hedwig perched in his lap, sitting near the ledge of the owlery.

Harry had been spending a lot of time with Hedwig lately. He liked watching over the grounds – it calmed him and reminded him of better days.

He hadn’t felt the same since the forbidden forest.

He felt…sick. Unclean. Disturbed.

He gently ran a hand over Hedwig’s head. She nuzzled her beak into his arm.

The tips of his fingers were starting to go numb, but the cold didn’t bother him. 

It was refreshing. It cleared his head.

But Harry’s peace was soon interrupted by footsteps. A cadence he could recognize anywhere.

The footsteps stopped just behind him.

“Didn’t think I’d find you amongst the flock, Evans.” Severus' voice said calmly.

Harry did not move. He didn’t want to face him.

“I’m not out after hours,” Harry said simply.

“That much I know.” Severus stepped past Harry, handing a letter to a large barn owl and sending it off into the sky.

Severus stepped back towards Harry, looking down at his blanketed form.

“Quite cold.” Severus continued.

“Mmm.” Harry replied.

“You could catch your death out here, you know.”

“I’ve faced worse than the cold.” Harry said sharply.

Severus furrowed his brow, tucking his gloved hands into his pockets.

“While true, I’m not too keen on having to brew a pepper-up potion for you.” Severus cautioned.

“You won’t need to.” Harry snapped, getting to his feet, ensuring the invisibility cloak stayed out of sight. 

Hedwig gave an annoyed screech and flew back to her perch as Harry turned towards the stairs, avoiding Severus’ eye.

“Evans, don’t just –”

“You’re not my head of house.” Harry interjected coldly, running down the stairs as fast as he could and out of sight.

He couldn’t face Severus. He was after the Philosopher’s stone.  He couldn’t be trusted.

Severus took a step towards the stairs, nearly following Harry – but he stopped himself.

He was out in the freezing cold alone. It caused a pain that he did not want to address, but he couldn’t help but feel.

Severus was wounded in a way he understood, but despised.

Chapter Text

Of course, Hagrid couldn’t keep his secrets in his deepest grief for Norbert.

Hagrid had revealed the mysterious stranger who had given him Norbert’s egg had been asking a lot of questions about Fluffy.

Could it have been Severus in disguise — bribing Hagrid with a dragon egg, prying for secrets about the three-headed dog?

The thoughts made Harry’s stomach turn as they raced back to the castle, announcing to McGonnagal that someone was after the stone.

To their surprise – she dismissed their concerns.

If McGonnagal wouldn’t listen, then they’d have to investigate themselves.

And Harry refused to let Severus reap the benefit of immortality for his own selfish use.

The castle had always been on Harry’s side – and for once, he would protect it as well.

Chapter Text

“You thought I’d never find you, didn’t you boy?”

Professor Quirrell stood at the far end of the chamber in front of the mirror of Erised.

Harry wiped the blood from his lip, his breath heaving in his chest as the adrenaline heightened.

His scar was on fire.

“What are you doing here?!” Harry demanded, “It was you, this whole time?”

Professor Quirrell scoffed, “Who would ever suspect poor, pathetic Professor Quirrell?”

Harry was in utter disbelief, taking several steps closer.

“And…who would ever suspect a lowly Gryffindor boy to be anything but a student?” A twisted, dark voice muttered from somewhere in the room, “I’ve been waiting to find you for so long, Harry Potter.”

Professor Quirrell slowly turned around, unraveling his turban to reveal a disfigured mass of pale flesh that appeared to be molded to the back of his head.

It was grinning at him with pale, sharp teeth – its eyes crimson and slit like a serpent.

“You look so much like your father…yet, you do not bear his name. I understand the sentiment. The muggles you reside with must hold quite the grudge.”

Harry’s skull felt as if it was being ripped apart.

This thing knew his real name.

His father.

“You seem confused,” the flesh said smoothly, “But you and I should be well acquainted by now. Do you not know what I have become? A parasite living on the back of a mortal after your mudblood mother robbed me of my own flesh…”

The pain in Harry’s skull seared so intensely it brought him to his knees.

“Who…who are you?! How do you know my name?!” Harry shouted through the agony in his head.

“Your true master, Harry Potter. The one who made your name a sensation – and the one who will inscribe it on your grave. Dear boy, I am Lord Voldemort.”

Harry’s heart was ramming in his chest. 

The chamber seemed to shrink around him. The words didn’t sound human.

This must be an illusion. Another trick of the chamber to protect the stone. 

Where was Severus?

Then, he was lifted to his feet by an invisible force – and he would soon learn that the weight he felt in his pocket and the touch of his own hands would save him from an early grave.

-

Harry awoke in the hospital the next morning with no recollection of his arrival.

His vision was blurry, but he could make out the long white beard of Dumbledore next to his bed as he opened his eyes.

‘Ah, you’re awake!” Dumbledore said softly, setting down a box of Bertie Bott’s Ever Flavored Beans, “Right on time.”

“Professor…?” Harry groaned, disoriented, “I…how…”

“You’re quite lucky, Harry. The Devil’s Snare was badly damaged by your stunt but luckily Professor Sprout was able to reconstruct it.”

“The…stone!” Harry said slowly, his senses slowly returning to him, “Professor, it was Quirrell who had –”

“Yes, yes, Harry. I understand the situation. Now the question is do you understand what occurred last night?”

Harry took several deep breaths, placing his glasses back on his face.

A pile of sweets lay at the foot of his bed, but other than Dumbledore, the hospital wing was empty.

“I…found the stone. Professor Quirrell…Voldemort was…attached to him. He knew who I was.”

“Indeed,” Dumbledore replied, “You made a very grave discovery Harry.”

“I thought he was dead.”

“As did many of us…but it appears his soul lives on.” Dumbledore sighed, his voice growing quiet, The last living remnants of Lord Voldemort found a host, to which you destroyed. It is…the sacrifice of your mother, the same love that protected you from the killing curse, protected you last night.”

“He…melted under my hands…” Harry looked down at his palms, feeling disturbed at the sight of his own skin.

“That he did.”

“What…what now? Where did he go?”

“That, I do not know, Harry.” Dumbledore paused, “But I must warn you…that this will not be the last time you encounter Lord Voldemort.”

Harry stared blankly out the hospital wing window.

He had met the man who had murdered his parents.

Destroyed his life.

Who gave him the fame he had never known.

“How did he find me?” Harry whispered.

“That is a question I do not have an answer for.” Dumbledore looked away, folding his hands in his lap.

A silence settled between them.

“What…about the stone?” “Destroyed.” Dumbledore said, “...under the guise of the Flamels. I will miss them dearly, but they deemed their time on earth to be well spent.”

Harry could hear the heaviness in Dumbledore’s voice.

But just as Harry went to speak once more, the doors of the hospital wing burst open, with Ron and Hermione running towards his bed.

“Ah, yes. Right on time.” Dumbledore murmured, getting to his feet, “We will discuss more later, Harry – but for now, I believe it is visiting hours.”

Before Harry could get a word in, Dumbledore drifted away and out of the hospital wing while Hermione and Ron bombarded him with questions.

“Are you alright?”

“What did you find?”

“Where’s the stone?”

“Did you find Snape?”

“Stop it, stop it!” Harry blurted out, causing them to go silent.

Ron and Hermione exchanged an apologetic glance before sitting on the edge of Harry’s bed.

“Sorry, mate.” Ron said calmly, “We were worried.”

Harry took a healing potion from his bedside table before recounting the events of what occurred in the chamber.

It was time his friends knew who he truly was – and whether or not they were prepared for dealing with the liability that was Harry Potter.

When Harry finished his tale and revelation, Hermione and Ron were stunned into silence.

“I…I knew there was something different about you, Harry.” Hermione smiled warmly, breaking the silence.

“Absolutely wicked. This whole time…you were right here.” Ron grinned, “Right under our noses. Harry Potter.”

“You can’t tell a soul.” Harry said firmly.

“We swear it, mate! Cross our hearts!” Ron pledged valiantly.

“Never, Harry.” Hermione added, pushing another healing potion towards him.

Then, the doors of the hospital wing burst open once more.

Severus.

He was speeding down the aisle, completely ignoring Ron and Hermione as he leaned over Harry’s bed, placing a hand to his forehead.

“Merlin, are you alright? How could you be so damn stupid?!” 

Ron and Hermione’s jaws dropped as Harry pushed Severus’ hand away.

“I’m fine, Professor!” Harry emphasized, nodding his head subtly toward Ron and Hermione, where Severus suddenly became aware of his behavior.

“Oh, well –” Severus cleared his throat, and took a step back, “Professor Dumbledore requested I check if you had all the needed potions for your illness.”

“I’m alright, thanks.” Harry said hurriedly, panic in his eyes.

Severus glanced at Ron and Hermione, quickly looking away, “Well if I am of no assistance, I shall leave you be.”

Severus gave one last look at Harry, worry and fear flickering in his gaze, before turning on his heel and leaving the hospital wing.

Silence fell after the echo of the door slam died.

“What the hell was that about?!” Ron exclaimed.

“Since when does Snape make house calls?” Hermione asked, her face twisted in thought and confusion.

“Snape hates you – and we thought he was after the stone and –” Ron stuttered, trying to make sense of the scene that played out before him, “He was, like - worried about you as if –”

Ron stopped himself and looked at Hermione.

“Yes…he was worried.” Hermione eyed Harry, “Why would Snape be worried about you, Harry?”

Harry panicked, his eyes darting back and forth between Ron and Hermione.

To them, he had revealed his true name. His fate. His hidden story.

What was one more secret?

“Long story,” Harry said softly, glancing toward the door where Snape had gone, “but a good one.”