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Severus took the last sip of his tea and set it down on the placemat. Harry was on the sofa next to him, sitting on his hands, humming a quiet tune. Which, Severus loathed to admit, was actually rather enjoyable. He had come to care for the small child living in his quarters. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to keep him…
He shook the thought out of his mind. He was a busy young man! No time for a child. No time to be stuck living in a school forever. In a few months, his contract would be up, and he’d go see the world. He could always visit the Potter boy. Or, perhaps, he could bring the little nuisance with him? It wasn’t as if he’s been any trouble so far. Some crying, certainly, but it wasn’t as if Severus never cried after he’d been tortured by the dark Lord. And Harry was only a baby, really, and still having those nasty headaches…
He was getting distracted. He couldn’t take the boy. As unobtrusive as he was, travelling must be bad for children. He’d be much happier with Pomfrey or Minerva, or a foster family, or… anyone but him. temporary guardian, Severus. Temporary.
“Harry. Perhaps it is time for you to do some homework?”
“Yes sir,” he replied obediently.
As Harry pushed himself off the sofa, a small puddle of blood was left where his hand was. Severus sucked in a breath. Hiding injuries? How dare he!? How had he not noticed Harry was hurt?
He room a deep breath, relaxed his shoulders, and called out to where Harry was halfway to his bedroom.
“Potter- Harry, come back here. Now. Please.”
The miniature boy trailed back to where Severus was standing, his eyes full of fear. “Yes, s-sir?”
“Are you bleeding, Harry?”
“No sir! No! I promise!”
Severus crouched down to his level. “Show me your hand.”
Harry bought his hand up. Along his middle finger was what looked like a pretty nasty cut, still bleeding.
“When did you get this?”
“Playing with the ‘doors.”
“The griffindors? I’ll talk to them later.”
“Sir it was my fault! It won’t happen again! I promise!”
…
“Harry, I’m not mad at you for being hurt.”
…
“Did your uncle punish you for being hurt?”
…
“Let’s get you a plaster.”
“He- he put me in the cupboard for it.”
“Look at me?” Harry nodded, bringing his gaze up to match Severus’. “I will never punish you for being hurt. Never.”
Harry nodded.
…
Severus stood up and strode to the bathroom, where he had a pack of muggle plasters. He always found they worked better than healing spells for him. Maybe he needed to get some more fun ones? For Harry. There must be a pharmacy near diagon alley surely?
Harry was sitting on the floor when he got back, tears streaming down his face, silently. Severus applied the plaster, before hesitating.
“Would you… like… a hug?”
…
Harry slowly crept forward into Severus’s lap.
Severus didn’t know how to comfort a child. But Harry was clinging on to him with the force of a thousand dragons, so he figured he was doing alright.
“You’re safe now. I promise.”