Work Text
In the warm, inviting confines of Albus Dumbledore's office, the atmosphere was a curious blend of tranquility and tension. The headmaster of Hogwarts sat across from Severus Snape, his old friend turned reluctant ally. Tensions grew as the young Potion’s Master got told of news he never could have imagined."You want me to do what?" Severus said in disbelief, his beetle eyes burning with rage as he snapped up from his chair and slammed his hand on the table, glaring at the other."Look after the boy," Dumbledore repeated calmly as he looked at the other, his eyes twinkling in the light."And why in anyone's right mind would I do that? Do you think I am the right person to care for him? You cannot be serious. Do you know what my past entails? My allegiances? I am no father figure.” Severus boomed, outraged.Dumbledore leaned forward slightly, his blue eyes piercing yet compassionate. “Yes, I know your past. The shadows that dwell within you, the choices you’ve made. But I also know the light that resides alongside them. You’ve fought and sacrificed for something greater, Severus. This child represents hope, and hope is something that needs nurturing. And who better to guard that hope than someone who understands the darkness and the price of devotion?”Snape looked away, his gaze distant and conflicted. Memories of a childhood he wished to forget flooded back to him—of unworthiness, loss, hurt, and the haunting choices that had led him to serve the very darkness he now sought to escape. “My life is riddled with regrets, Albus. I offer nothing but a shadow for that boy. What can I possibly give him that would be safe?” A flicker of pain crossed Severus’ face.The other smiled gently, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “All of us are shadows, Severus. But within each shadow, there is potential for light. Remember your loyalty, your courage—the love you once had for Lily. Harry carries her legacy, and in caring for him, you have the opportunity to honor that love. You can impart wisdom, and protect him from the very dangers you know all too well. You can give him what you wished for yourself.”Snape’s brow furrowed in thought as he processed the headmaster’s words, slowly sitting back down and trying to compose himself. “You ask me to take on the weight of a child’s life while I am barely capable of bearing my own burdens. It hasn’t even been two years since-”“Because you can,” Dumbledore replied firmly. “Because I trust you. This world is riddled with uncertainties, but love—true love—is a power that can bridge even the deepest divides. I believe you can come to care for him and find within yourself a way to protect him. You would not do it for selfish reasons, but rather for the person who loved him unconditionally.”“Why have you put this all on me? What about that mutt or his oh-so-precious werewolf?” "Severus, I know that Remus and Sirius have been...indispensable in many ways. Their love for Harry is unwavering, and I have no doubt they would give their lives for him. However, there are reasons why they cannot be entrusted with his care alone."Snape's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical. "I'm not sure I follow. They are his family, after all."Dumbledore's expression turned somber, his voice taking on a gentle yet firm tone. "Ah, but that is precisely the issue. As much as they love Harry, their...condition makes it difficult for them to be consistent caregivers. Remus’ transformations make him unpredictable. Even though we are not aware of Remus Lupin’s whereabouts, he is a werewolf, which presents significant issues regarding his ability to serve as a protector. During the full moon, he transforms into a dangerous creature, making him unfit to care for a young child. Lupin is living a life of relative isolation to protect others from his condition, and he isn’t in a position to be a guardian figure. Even if given the chance I do not believe he would see it fit himself to take care of Harry alone. As for Sirius Black, although he is trying to be proven not guilty, he has the stigma of being a supposed mass murderer, which could pose significant risks regarding his ability to be accepted as a protector by the wizarding community or allowed near Harry. Not to mention that the boy has to live a secluded life, staying hidden from the Ministry of Magic and Death Eaters, limiting his ability to watch over Harry.”Severus crossed his arms, still scowling at the man. "Why does the prat even need looking after? Is he not in the care of those muggles? Being treated as a king nonetheless?""Forgive me for not telling you sooner Severus, but Harry is being mistreated by the Dursleys." The Headmaster explained."Then why is he still there and not taken away from them? Have the muggle authorities not been notified?""There is a reason why he was given to Petuina," Albus said. “You know better than anyone how powerful love can be. It’s not just a feeling; it’s a form of magic. Lily's sacrifice for Harry created a protective barrier, a spell fueled by her love that shields him from harm. It’s an extraordinary reminder of her strength and the bond they share. And it is in her blood.”"But how does it work exactly? How can love manifest into something so powerful?""Think of it as a spell woven into the very fabric of Harry’s being. When she died to save him, that act of love created a shield. It’s a magical legacy—one that Voldemort, with all his power, could never comprehend or penetrate. Her love became a part of Harry's identity, a protection that exists as long as he has those who love him around.""So he is safe as long as...?""As long as there are those who care for him, who are willing to stand by him. This barrier isn’t just a physical protection; it’s a reminder that love endures—even beyond death. It’s something that he can carry with him, always.""But I...I never understood that kind of love.""Perhaps you’re beginning to. Love is complicated, Severus, but it’s also the greatest source of strength. It transforms, it motivates, and sometimes it requires sacrifice. Lily’s love continues to protect Harry, even when the world is dark.” There was a pause. "We don't want him to be sent to an orphanage, Severus.""And why would that be so awful?" Severus questioned."You know how muggle orphanages can be Severus, yes they'll feed him and give him a warm bed, but if they were to find out about his abilities, that could expose our world. Even the smallest hint of something strange going on will make them start to question things. It is not because they do not like us, it's because they don't understand us, and have a tendency to want to take over what they believe to be abnormal. They too will mistreat the boy.""And who's to say they will?""My boy, you aren't thinking. I understand your reluctance, but I ask you to consider the implications of doing this for Lily.” Severus paused then, his expression faltering and turning hurt. “What does it matter now? She's gone. Harry is just another reminder of that pain.”“I know this is difficult for you. But remember, Harry is part of her legacy. He carries her blood, her bravery, and her spirit. Wouldn’t watching over him be a way to honor her memory?"“Honor her memory? You mean to torture myself with the sight of him?”“It isn’t about him; it’s about your connection to Lily. Every moment you spend protecting Harry is a moment you preserve her memory. You knew what she meant to you. This is your chance to ensure that her sacrifice wasn’t in vain.”“What if he turns out like his father? Arrogant and reckless?”“Harry is his own person. He has the potential to be great, much like Lily did. Your watchful eye could guide him away from the mistakes of the past. Do you not want to prevent anyone else from suffering as you have?”“I…I don’t want to be involved. It’s too painful.”“Pain is part of love, Severus. By caring, you give meaning to that pain. Imagine being able to help him discover who he truly is, to help him see beyond the shadow of his father. You could be the one to show him what it means to truly care for others, just as Lily would have wanted.”“You truly believe she would want that?”’“I do. And in your heart, I believe you feel it too. This is your chance to protect a piece of her, to keep her alive in spirit through Harry. Will you take that step?”Severus' eyes seemed to lose their piercing intensity, and his gaze wavered. His usual mask of haughty disdain and aloofness faltered, revealing a glimmer of something else beneath. Without warning Snape's composure crumbled and he was overcome by a torrent of emotions. His eyes welled up with tears, and his voice cracked as he whispered a name: "Lily..." The sound was barely audible, but it seemed to carry on the wind like a whispered secret. His shoulders trembled, and his entire body sagged as if the weight of his grief had become too much to bear. The tears streamed down his face, leaving rivulets of pain etched into his usually chiseled features. For an instant, the cold Slytherin Potions Master was stripped away, revealing a shattered soul beneath. At this moment, Snape's vulnerability was palpable, and it was as if the very fabric of his being was apart by the memories he had kept hidden for so long. The outburst was a cry from the depths of his heart, a desperate plea for understanding and release from the burdens he had carried for so many years.Albus came up from his chair and went over to the young Professor. He put a hand on his shoulder and gave it a little squeeze. He observed the familiar shadow of sorrow clouding his friend's expression. The weight of memories hung heavy in the air, memories that Severus often carried like a shrouded cloak. Albus, leaned in slightly, his voice gentle yet filled with an earnest resolve. "Severus," he began, his tone soothing, "I know the pull of the past can feel insurmountable at times, like a tide that pulls you back into a sea of what once was. But I want to remind you that you are not defined by those moments, nor by the choices made in times of heartache."He allowed a brief silence to pass, watching his friend grapple with the tumult of emotions swirling within him. "Lily was a beacon of light in your life, and that light will always remain—woven into the very fabric of who you are," Albus continued, his gaze steady and reassuring. "But it is crucial to remember that while her memory is a part of your journey, it doesn't have to be the compass that guides all your decisions. Life continues to unfold before us, and in the shadows, there are still paths illuminated by potential and hope. Allow yourself the grace to walk forward, not with the heaviness of loss, but with the strength that love—even in its absence—can provide."As their eyes met, Albus’s gaze conveyed an understanding that transcended words, a promise of unwavering support. In that quiet moment, Severus sensed the flicker of comfort, a reminder that, even amidst his grief, he was not alone—there was always a way to honor the past while also embracing the future."Do it for her Severus, do it for Lily."He took a moment to calm himself, taking a silent breath, looking at the Headmaster, seeming to understand now. “Should I choose to accept this…responsibility, what if I fail him?” Snape finally asked, the vulnerability in his voice almost foreign to him.“If you fall, I will be there to help you rise. Minerva will be there. We will not face this alone. You will have the support and guidance, and I will make sure you have everything you need to fulfill this promise. One does not simply care for a child; one learns alongside them. You have the chance to grow. To reshape your legacy.”He needed a minute as he wiped his face with his sleeves, taking another breath as he opened his eyes, looking at the older wizard. "W…-What's the address?" ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨After some time to collect himself, Severus Snape now found himself at Number Four Privet Drive, where the young Golden boy was supposedly staying.He knocked rather loudly on the door, being impatient.A second later, the door was flung open by a large, overweight man looking at him distastefully. The heavy man looked him over, narrowing his eyes at him."You...you get away from here! I know who you are, you're that magic freak!"Severus stood his ground, his cold eyes never leaving the man. "I am here for Potter, I have heard that you have been mistreating him." He spoke in a monotone voice.Vernon's eyes immediately went wide. "Excuse me, but I have no idea what you're talking about. The boy is fine." "Really?" Severus exaggerated, looking right through him."In that case, you wouldn't mind if I have a look," Severus said dully, going to take a step inside, but Vernon stopped him and went to close the door."Just what do you think you're doing barging into MY home?" Vernon boomed."Oh, we do have something to hide, don't we?" Severus said darkly, staring the bigger man down."Vernon?" A higher, rather confused, voice questioned in the distance."You better leave, right now." Vernon stormed, closing the door further."Vernon?" The voice questioned once more."It's nothing doll," Vernon reassured quickly."I'm going to give you to the count of five to get off my property." Vernon barked.Severus could almost give an amused smirk at the man's foolish attempt to try to intimidate him. "Oh, is that so? And tell me, you wretched beast, what exactly will you do? Are you forgetting who you are dealing with?" He said dangerously."Vernon! Who are you-" The woman started as she came into view, standing alongside her husband as she was met with her sister's evil best friend.Her eyes widened in disbelief as she saw who was at the door. The skinny young woman was carrying a sleeping baby in her arms who was rather overweight. "...Snake?!" Petunia yelped in surprise, making her child squirm a little in her arms."...Petunia..." Severus said blandly."You...what? I...he...huh?" She tried to figure it out, looking back between her husband and the bat. "What on earth are you doing here?" Petunia finally got out, absentmindedly shifting her baby closer to her in her arms in a protective manner."I have been informed that young Harry Potter is getting mistreated in this household," Severus stated."..What?" Petunia said as if she didn't know one thing."Don't lie to me, now where is he?""Vernon?!" Petunia exclaimed, looking at her husband.Severus was getting tired of this nonsense and just wanted to get this bloody over with—so, he did what he knew best. He swiftly pulled out his wand, pointing it right at them.While Petunia shrieked, Vernon's eyes darkened. "You wouldn't." Petunia glared."Oh? And why wouldn't I?" Severus sneered."I'm going to call the cops!" Vernon exclaimed."Oh? And what exactly will they do when they find a baby with bruises and scars all over? ....they would be very curious as to why one of the children is obviously well-fed, and the other one is skin and bone, and I'm sure you would come up with quite a well-explained made-up story that will cover it all up, wouldn't you?" There was a pause.Severus put on an evil sneer.They slowly stepped out of the way.Severus looked around swiftly, his eyes darting around questionably."He's treated just fine," Vernon stated, watching the tall man trespass."..I'm sure he's...treated like a king," Severus said slowly as his eyes came upon a small door under the stairs with various bolts and locks all aligned with the door.Severus gave a look towards them before flicking his wand, the locks unlocking with ease and the door flinging open.Petunia looked troubled and Vernon looked furious.Some dust fell from the ceiling and spread around in the air. The room was dark, small, cold, and dusty. It was filled with old and new spider webs dangled off the ceiling and some spiders that hid in the corner. The shelf was cluttered with unnecessary things from head to toe, and in the center stood a crib that barely held enough room for a baby to merely stretch. A few old blankets, rough and scratchy, lie in a tangled heap for warmth, but they don’t provide much comfort. A couple of discarded old shoes and forgotten toys—a dusty stuffed animal and a broken truck—are amongst the clutter, left behind by the Dursleys."A..true...king."The small boy with far too much messy black hair for his head was awake, his big emerald green eyes wide open as he stared at the tall dark figure before him.Severus could noticeably see the whole outline of the small human's ribs, and bruises along with small cuts on his tiny frail frame.The small raven looked absolutely petrified, but he didn’t want to get in trouble so he remained quiet, looking up at the tall scary man.Severus just sneered at the small boy, as he did with everyone, then looked back over to them. “So this is how you treat your sister’s son?” He questioned as he put his wand away.“You have no right to tell me how to raise my sister’s son. We’ve done just fine without you swooping in!” “Fine, you say? I’ve been told how you treat him. Do you think ignoring him, having your husband and your own child beat him, and keeping him locked away is ‘fine’? He’s not a pest; he’s a child—a child who deserves better.” Severus was beside himself, he didn’t understand why he cared so much about this. Perhaps Albus was right when he said he could give him what you wished for yourself…this was more personal than he thought.“He’s nothing like my son! He’s just a reminder of that…that freakish sister of mine and her magic! We have our own lives and we don’t need–” “You were the one who took him in, Petunia. You could have shown him a shred of kindness, but all I’ve seen is neglect. He deserves to know who he is—who his parents were—despite your sister’s mistakes.” “How dare you! You don’t know what it’s like having him in our house! Always causing trouble, always making a mess—” “He is not trouble. He is a child who has had everything taken from him—and you are compounding that loss by treating him like he doesn’t belong.”“It’s not my fault! Your precious Lily chose that life. I didn’t want any part of it! And now we’re stuck with her son because of HER mistakes!”“Harry didn’t ask to be born into this mess. I know you’re afraid, Petunia, but fear doesn’t justify your actions…there is no reasoning with you is there? You will always believe that he is a nuisance and nothing more. I believe this conversation is over.”Severus sighed and turned back to young Potter. He could see his eyes and he felt his heart sink. Quickly trying to put his emotions and thoughts aside, he went to pick up the tiny human, rather awkwardly, since he didn't know how to hold a child. The boy didn't dare scream or fuss, he just stared at the strange man, trying to coward away in his arms and make himself even smaller, he didn’t want to get hit again."I will be going now." The odd man said simply."See here-!" Vernon started but just like that;He was gone.✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨———————————-Mini behind the scenes ✨!"So...did you tell him?" Minerva asked, walking into the Headmaster's office."Yes." Dumbledore hummed, admiring the view from a window."And? Well? How did it go?""I think it went rather well." Dumbledore smiled gently."Right, and you still think that this is best Albus? I mean Severus doesn't know the first thing about parenting." Minerva pointed out.Dumbledore gave an amused smile. "He will learn.""But Albus, this is Severus Snape we're talking about! Don't you think he will ignore Harry? At the very least, if there is any hope at all, be kind to him?""Minerva, it will be alright. Besides, we said that we would be doing fairly frequent check-ups on him.""I know Albus but...the boy shouldn't suffer any further.""If there's one thing that I know Severus will never do, it would be to become his father. Now please relax Minnie.""Alright Albus, alright, but if he does absolutely anything to the boy I will make him into a mealy worm, put him in a jar, and then put it in my office so he will regret the day he was ever born, and when students come into my office and question why there is a worm on my desk I will simply smile and laugh and say that I found it curiously lurking around the grounds and decided to make it my pet, and he will stay like that until the end of his days," Minerva spoke sharply.Dumbledore gave a fond smile."So, how much do you want to bet it's not even going to take a full day that he will become protective of the boy?""I'd say at least two." Minerva thought. "He still needs time to adjust and take this all in.""Hm," Dumbledore admired softly. "How's forty-seven Galleons?""You're on."✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Now that Severus Snape had the boy he didn’t know what to do with him. He didn’t truly think things through did he? …he let Albus get into his head that
he
was the one that needed to take care of him when he wasn’t! What obligation did he have with him? He just had to use the Lily card….didn’t he? And in that moment, unfortunately, it worked.
He arrived back home. Inside, the atmosphere transformed, hefty with the musk of antiquity and the faint, acrid odor of potion fumes. Dark curtains were drawn to block out the outside world, allowing only slivers of muted light to filter through. The dimly lit hallway was lined with an assortment of objects—faded photographs of a lost childhood, dusty books stacked randomly on the floor as if they had been abandoned mid-thought, and some empty potion bottles. The walls were painted a deep, muted gray and the living space was decorated with dark wood furniture; heavy, and functional, showcasing age and wear rather than elegance or comfort.
It wasn't a big and fancy home, but it was warm and cozy, to him, it was
home.
He took the boy to his living room where in the center lay a worn-out sofa and a large wooden table. The surface was littered with various potion ingredients, dusty tomes, and notes in Severus’ precise handwriting.
The child was too overwhelmed and remained silent the whole way back, he looked around the dark mysterious place but seemed to have his eyes on the dark figure holding him more. He was trying to figure out who he was. Was this another person who was going to hurt him too? He didn’t know. He looked right at him while he got placed down on the floor.
The bat placed him down so he could clean up the place a little, and get the various non-child-friendly ingredients and gadgets out of the way.
The boy watched him. Severus moved around the room, his hands moving with such ease and precision as he moved things back to their original place. His big black robe shimmered and rustled, sending tiny puffs of dust rising into the air. He was so focused on the task at hand that he didn’t realize Potter sneezed.
Once he was done he wiped his hands on his robes and walked back over to the tot. He looked at the child in his entirety now and only now realized the faint mark around his eye covered by his untidy black hair. He crouched down to his level to have a better look and when he did the boy let out a faint cry of fear, moving his head to the side.
He was hesitant as he lifted his hand, hoping to get a better view, as he slowly went to move the hair out of his eyes. But this terrified the small child and he closed his eyes tightly, trying to prepare for what was about to become.
This was unacceptable what could he have done to deserve
this?
He could see himself through Harry; how he would have the exact same fate on a daily basis. His mouth moved before he tried to keep the thought to himself. “I won’t hurt you…” he said in barely a whisper, his hand pulling back.
This intrigued the boy, soft words were never spoken to him. He slowly peeked an eye open to the tall dark figure. Why didn’t he get hit? He always got hit. Was this a trick?
He went to move his hand again, even slower than before as the child looked at him with big curious eyes with a hint of mistrust. He gently put his hand on his head to move the hair out of the way and look more clearly.
At first glance, it appeared to be a simple bruise, a superficial wound that would heal with time. But as he gazed deeper, he saw the subtle undertones of blue and purple that went along the left side of his face to his temple. A flicker of panic was seen in his eyes as he thought about his own childhood and what his father used to do with him.
He absentmindedly rubbed his head before moving his hand away, looking away and thinking.
What else had they done to him? Albus wasn’t exactly that thorough.
He needed to make him a healing potion immediately. He needed to take him to Poppy so she could run a diagnosis and test so they knew what exactly they had done and they could heal him. He tried not to get into his own head about these things, about how much this little boy reminded him of himself. He needed to put that aside and
help him
now.
He didn’t hesitate to leave the room and get one of the healing potions from his study.
The boy was left alone, yet again. So…maybe this guy wouldn’t be so different after all…he made a small whine..it was silly to think that someone would care for him, wasn’t it?
What seemed like a lifetime for the boy was merely minutes to the man. He appeared back, quickly with a bottle that he transfigured to feed the boy. He mixed the potion with milk and chocolate. Something he remembered he used to like when he was small (and might still occasionally do).
He didn’t realize the faint crying that came from the now slumped-over boy that laid on the floor. He was rubbing his eyes, trying to stay quiet and keep himself small.
He stared at the boy, blinking a few times, a slight frown upon his face. “Potter...” he went to sit him up gently, he didn’t know what to do so he just stared at him.
The boy sniffled, looking up at the man. He frowned as tears fell.
The potions master stiffened how could he help this child who had already known loss in such a profound way? The irony should not have escaped him; he who had been so wretchedly alone was now entrusted with this innocent life. He went to take his hand away, but the child found it comforting and tried to lean into his arm that was holding him up. Severus felt a radiance within him that he had not expected, an inkling of hope sprouting amidst the tarnished memories of his past.
He watched the young boy nuzzle his face into his arm so needingly. He was too startled, he nearly instantly pulled away. Instead, he watched him as his cries subsided and he was calm once more.
“Potter…this is for you..” he soon spoke moving the bottle to his view. The boy looked at the bottle and then him as if this was some kind of joke. He was just teasing him, wasn’t he?
“Here…-“ Severus offered the boy who looked at him with those big green eyes that he so desperately missed. “Don’t make this hard Potter, take it,” he said as he looked away. He couldn’t look him in the eyes, no…
The boy spiked up some courage and reached for the bottle, taking it and sipping it. He couldn’t believe his eyes, his aunt or uncle had
never
given him something so delicious before! His body wriggled with excitement and he started to heave it down as if it would be taken away from him at any moment. This bottle was a bit odd though, it made him feel all warm and cozy. It was delightful.
“Easy Potter, you will upset your stomach,” Severus said with a bit of a snap, reaching to take the bottle away from him.
Little Harry thought it was going to be taken away for good so he only chugged the chocolate milk faster.
“Potter! I said don’t drink it so fast!” He said a bit louder as he snatched it away from him.
The bottle was more than halfway done now, and Harry was so proud that he managed to get that much before it was taken away.
“It’s all for you, there is no need to drink it so fast,” Severus assured. But the boy already looked so content, he was smiling.
That smile, so pure, so innocent…memories of Lily flooded back to him, bringing with them the bittersweet sting of loss. Harry resembled her in ways that were both haunting, and beautiful, and in that moment, he saw hope and potential that radiated from the boy. There was also a flicker of protectiveness within him, a desire to shield him from the trials and tribulations of the wizarding world, knowing all too well the dangers that lurked just beyond the surface. He wanted to protect that smile and treasure it. Something he couldn’t do for Lily…
He remained silent, the complex mixed emotions swirling in his mind. Until he was brought back into reality by the young boy squeezing his arm, he looked at him before looking away just as quickly. “We need to get you to Madam Promfrey now,” he said just as softly as before. He picked up the boy who was already clinging to his arm and made his way to the fireplace.
~
Severus appeared in the Hospital Wing with the tiny tot. Madam Pomfrey, the Hogwarts Healer, was helping a fellow student nearby. Professor McGonagall was also with her, the student didn’t look so good. She got injured during Quidditch. “Ms. Johnson, you’re an outstanding Quidditch player however, you must put a stop to using your own body as a barrier to prevent the Quaffle from entering the goal. You’re a Seeker, not a Beater. You need to understand your position on the team. Your job is to seek the Snitch, not create your own goalposts by throwing yourself in front of the Quaffle. It’s reckless, and it puts not only you in danger–but your teammates as well. I know your team captain told you to do whatever it takes to make sure you win, but I am also positive that he did not mean you should be using yourself as a live shield. This is now the fourth time that this has happened.” She sighed looking at the healer. Poppy had the same look of disappointment on her face. “I keep telling her this every time, but she just won’t listen to me, she’ll only listen to her captain.” “Poor thing, she won’t do anything if she’s not told. I must contact her Uncle, maybe she’ll listen to him.”
Minerva and Poppy sighed once more, both shaking their heads as the injured girl was silent and staring blankly as if nothing was bothering her.
Minerva looked up and spotted Severus, so she went over to him. “Severus, you really need to talk to Beverly Johnson again, she won’t listen to either of us and since you’re the head of her house-“ “You don’t think I have Minerva? She won’t react to anything I say yet agrees with whatever I say without question, but won’t apply it to when she actually plays in the field. Her blank stare is a tad unnerving, she doesn’t even feel emotion or physical pain which is why she-”
“She got toyed with unforgivable curses in her youth to the point where she’s just existing. I think you should have more empa-“ She now only noticed the small child in his arms and gave a little gasp. “Oh, my word is that him Severus?” Her mouth opened as she analyzed the boy. “I have hardly seen the boy because those wretched people never took him out of the house, let alone out from under the stairs. I can’t believe how thin he is. We’ll strengthen him up in no time. Severus, please tell me that you have already given him a potion to help with this, and that bruise on his head.” “Yes Minerva, I have, I just came by to see to it that Poppy runs a test on him to see what else that odious family, has done to him.”
Poppy had just finished up with the other girl and had now walked over to them. "Ah Severus, have you brought little Harry Potter? Albus suspected such, thank Merlin you have, I hear that the ones taking care him of are in no such position to. All they do is neglect and abuse him. I would take them out myself if it were up to me. But we have you to thank. Alright, bring him over here, and let me take a look at him.” She pointed to one of the empty beds.
Severus moved over, placing the boy down.
The boy looked dreadfully lost, his eyes filled with fear as he looked around. He was so scared he nearly started to shake.
Who were these people? And why did they keep coming to him?
Poppy got out her wand so she could run the test. But this only terrified the tot further, he tried his best to remain quiet, not wanting to get hit.
"Hey, hey, it's okay little one, I'm just going to do a quick check-up for you, is that okay? I just want to see what's going on, and I want to fix it, I promise it won't hurt one bit, and it'll be over before you know it. Is that okay?" She spoke sweetly.
Wha 'he saing? yi no elling?
The tot gave the slightest noise of fear when the woman neared him, getting too close for comfort, which Poppy picked up on.
Thankfully, she was prepared. She seemed to pull a little stuffed lion out of nowhere, showing it to the boy.
The tot's eyes went wide.
W..woa…
Poppy gave a soft laugh. "Her name is Nala, would you like to look after her for me? It's quite a big job you see, and I haven't seemed to come upon someone suitable for the job, do you think you can do it?"
The boy still only looked at it until it was handed to him. "Here, it's alright you can take her." Poppy smiled gently, softly taking the tot's hand and placing the lion in it.
The boy looked absolutely memorized, going to jerk his arm away before he realized she wasn't dragging him someplace.
Uuh? No...huwt..
The boy looked up at the woman, his eyes getting wider.
"It's alright, you can take it," Poppy said softly.
The tot blinked, looking at the lion, then back at her, then back at the lion, and then at her once more to make sure she wasn't lying.
Poppy gave him a reassuring smile, giving a nod towards the toy.
Really, a toy...for him?
Harry
never
got toys.
His small hands slowly went and gripped the stuffed toy.
"There that's it." Poppy smiled pleasantly.
The tot looked at the animal with fascination, the world around him seeming to fade.
"Now, make sure you keep a good eye on her, she can tend to
wander.
" Poppy smiled delightfully.
Within seconds she was already running tests on the boy.
Severus, who got intrigued by some healing potions on the side, completely disregarded what was happening with the small human. His fascination was somewhere else as he found himself in front of a cart filled with potions.
He intensely scanned them, trying to think.
He will need some more healing potions, won't he?
Hm
Along with some....sleeping draught…it is ensured that the boy hasn’t gotten one night of decent sleep
Severus put his hand on his chin, in a thinking manner, as he analyzed the ingredients, thinking about what he needed since he would need much supply for the tiny human. Some of these potions also seemed off-color, he would need to help Poppy to correct them.
“Severus, you don’t want to go too far. Young Harry Potter seems to have already gotten attached to you, look,” Minerva spoke as she walked over, now pointing to the tot who was looking over at him desperately and even reaching out a hand.
“How is that possible? I haven’t even spent a day with him, merely a couple of hours.” He said without care, still looking at the potions.
“Severus, those people have not shown a care in the world for him and now someone, you, have come along, and have taken him in as one of your own. You have not given him reason for him not to trust you. Babies have an innate ability to form attachments, which is a fundamental aspect of their social and emotional development. Especially when they’re this age. Babies don’t have any sense of time. But they do know the difference between pain and comfort based on emotional responses and he has found comfort within you; and for him, that’s enough.”
“Minerva I don’t think I can do this, I think this was a mistake. Albus was off his rocker when he asked me to take him in. I don’t know the first thing about taking care of a child.”
"Severus, I understand your reservations. Caring for a child, especially one as important as Harry, is no small task. But remember, he is not just the Boy Who Lived; he is also the son of Lily. Your connection to her runs deep, and I believe that part of you wants to honor that bond. This child has known loss far too early in life, and he needs someone who can protect him, who can care for him. You have the strength and the capability to be that person, even if it feels daunting. The love and sacrifice you showed for Lily should compel you to step up. You may not see yourself in the role of caregiver, but sometimes, we must rise to the occasion, even if it feels uncomfortable. Think of Harry, alone and vulnerable; he deserves a chance at a happy life, just as any child does. You have the opportunity to be a guiding light for him. You can do this, Severus. Trust yourself."
The boy started to cry, he wanted comfort. He wanted him. He was babbling quietly to him, calling for him. He squeezed the lion stuffie, now biting onto it to quiet himself.
“Severus come here!” Poppy scolded. “He wants you,”
Minerva also gave Severus a stern look, and with this, he had no choice.
He inevitably went over to Potter. Not knowing what to do he just stood there. But the second he came over his way young Harry scrambled over to him, just about falling off the bed and instinctively the bat went to catch him. “Do be more careful Potter, we do not need any more injuries.”
The tot immediately clung onto him, quieting down in an instant, burying his face into him close. Now content.
“Severus he is just a child, you don't need to call him by his last name, besides, if you do not call him by Harry he will forget his name. Anyway, he's healed to the best of my ability right now. You have to make sure he gets nutrients; he's scarily underweight and missing crucial vitamins for his growth and development. You must be gentle with him. Additionally, I found two broken ribs, some minor burns, various cuts, scars, and a fractured wrist. He's been through
a lot
Severus."
Severus suddenly had a flashback moment to when
he
was a child and knew all too well about discipline.
It took him a moment to get himself back into reality when
he
gave a slight gasp of surprise, feeling a hand on his shoulder that caught him off-guard.
"Severus.." Poppy said gently. "I must commend you on your...unexpected duties. Young children require constant attention, and I hope you remember to be gentle. And don’t forget—safety is paramount. The last thing we need is an accidental potion mishap in the presence of a child. You better have made sure that all of your potion-making materials are out of reach for him, along with any other non-child-friendly instruments. If he starts to get cranky that means he needs a nap. Keep an eye on his health, a simple fever can be alarming but most of the time it can be managed with a simple potion, but if it doesn't seem to get better that means he might have a virus. Although he is only one person, rest when you can, because now that you have a child to take care of you might not always have the luxury of time to rest. Allow him to explore his surroundings safely and never take your eyes off him, children tend to wander. I know you aren’t much of a talker but it is important to regularly engage in conversation with him. You can even read to him, you like reading, don't you? And children will-”
“Poppy if you know all of these things why don't you just watch him? You seem more than capable.”
“I’m flattered, but who will take care of all these sick students then? I am one woman dealing with all of the sick and injured students. I will not have any time to watch him myself. And besides, it already looks like he has grown very fond of you. And he’s home now. No one will ever harm him again.” Poppy nodded to him, gripping his shoulder for a moment before walking away to get back to the other students.
“She’s right Severus, but remember you are not alone in this. Me and Albus will come in to check on you. And I could get Rolanda and Pomona, of course, with their own daughter turning a year old soon they will be busy too, but I’m sure they would be more than happy to come over and help with the famous Harry Potter. Now then I need to get back to grading my student papers, you should be getting back home too. There is much to do. And you best believe I will come to your home soon to make sure everything is in order.” And with that Minerva left too.
Once she left Severus had to think about what she said, about how much he had to do now, and she was right. He didn’t have
anything
ready. He didn't have baby food, he didn't have baby clothes, he didn't have baby books, blankets, bottles, diapers, or a high chair…let alone his own room.
Man was this going to do a whopping number on his bank account.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨