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Chapter Text

Harry wasn't sure what was going on. Maybe he was lost in some made-up world because dear old Auntie hit him with her skillet again or maybe Vernon hit him again? It didn't matter right now as he was staring at a huge man telling him that he was a wizard. Harry tried not to laugh but a giggle did escape. A wizard. Dudley must have watched that movie Merlin again which explained why he got punished. His relatives hated anything to do with magic and Dudley most likely left the telly on with the movie playing passing the blame to Harry. Well, might as well enjoy it while he can. He would pay Dudley back later. "Right, a wizard. Next, you will claim I am Merlin."

He could see his aunt and uncle staring at the huge man. Vernon finally snapped out of it. "We won't have any of that nonsense around here."

Ok, maybe this wasn't some dream caused by a skillet. Maybe he was dead and this was his version of getting even with his relatives or perhaps some waiting room before heading to heaven or -..no he wasn't going down as of yet. He frowned. It had to be. "I am just Harry." He wondered if this is why they warned people about not taking drugs or seeing a doctor if they hit their heads. If it was, he could see why people did drugs, an interesting experience but he wasn't sure he wanted to repeat it unless he could get some revenge against- no, drugs, dreams, life, sadly for you, Harry, just doesn't work that way. So let's enjoy this one while we can.

"Well, just Harry. Did you ever make anything happen? Anything you couldn't explain when you were angry or scared? "

Harry enjoying hearing Dudley whimper a bit as he flashes back to the snakes at the zoo. He giggled a bit again. "Define anything happening?" In for a penny in for a pound. The huge man didn't reply but held out an envelope. Wait, he was touching an envelope. He wasn't sure of dream etiquette but should he be able to touch things and have them feel real? He opened the letter.

Dear, Mr. Potter. We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts' School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry looked up at the big man, was he growing? He was very imposing. He glanced to the ruined door. Vernon decided to make his voice known. He wondered if how Vernon would look stuffed with a sock in his mouth? He hoped his dream would allow it to happen. "He'll not be going! We swore when we took him in, we’d put a stop to this rubbish!"

Wait? What? What was going on? Maybe it wasn't a dream. "You knew? You knew all along and you never told me?" No, it had to be a dream as he looked at his uncle's gun. It was bent and twisted. The huge man did it. That only happened in cartoons. So, dream.

"I knew you'd be just the same, just as strange, just as ... abnormal. And then, if you please, she went and got herself blown up. And we got landed with you."

"What blown up?" Harry was sure this wasn't a dream, well, he thought it was a bit of a nightmare combined with a bit of a dream at first, but now he was thinking this was real. "You told me my parents died in a car crash!" A car crash that saddled him with them. He cursed whatever fickle fate was watching over his life. His guardian angel must be on a permanent holiday.

"He'll not be going!" Vernon's voice snapped Harry back to his reality. It just figured he was about to buy into this wizarding business when Vernon's voice reminded him that Vernon was the one in charge. Harry wasn't sure what was said as he was trying to process everything when he was taken by the big man, yes, he had to have grown, and they left his relatives' behind.

_________________________________________________________________

Harry wasn't sure where the big dude disappeared to after they left the bank. He was floating as he looked around at all the different shops. He had money. He began to sing to himself.

Money, money, money
Must be funny
In the rich man's world
Money, money, money
Always sunny
In the rich man's world
Aha aha
All the things I could do
If I had a little money
It's a rich man's world
It's a rich man's world

He couldn't wait to spend it on things for himself. Yes, he had a list he had to get but nothing was going to be for Dudley. He looked at the list and decided to get clothes first. He was so tired of wearing clothes that just didn't fit and were his cousins. He entered into Twilfitt and Tatting's. He liked what he had seen in the windows. "May I help you?" An elderly man was behind a counter.

"Yes, I want the jersey in the window as well as new school robes, trousers, socks, the whole kit if you please." Harry wanted the green jersey more than anything. It looked warm and he loved green. Harry handed him the list he had spent the night writing out. He had added the stuff he had heard his aunt mention to his uncle regarding what Dudley needed for school and he wanted the same things.

"Indeed? May I suggest the Second Hand Robe Shop?" The elderly man looked down his nose at Harry.

"You may suggest but that doesn't mean I want to shop there. If you don't want my money, I can go across the road-" Harry jingled the pouch the goblins had provided after they had ridden on the carts.

"I see." The elderly man pointed to a stool. "Let's get you measured, Mr?"

"Heir Potter." Hmm...his uncle was right, money does talk. He had thought the man meant talking talking but now he got the real meaning. Harry wasn't sure why the man's face went a bit pale. He hoped he didn't faint. He was enjoying this new reality. He wasn't sure what the goblins meant when they called him that and he had an appointment to see them later. The carts didn't agree with the big hairy dude who wanted to leave. Harry shrugged his shoulders but agreed to return when the goblins asked. Who knew his imagination could be so wild? Goblins who ran a bank. He also had money in this wild world. Maybe he was in a coma like in those programs his aunt watches during the day. It would explain a lot. Yeah, a coma worked.

Harry was happy as he walked down Diagon Alley. The clerk shrunk his bags for him. He decided to go and get his potion ingredients. After the big guy left him at the Leaky Cauldron last night, Harry was able to go to the book store with one of the waitresses from the Cauldron. She helped him pick up a few books from his list for school as well as adding several she felt he would need. She also warned him to get extra ingredients and to make sure they were fresh not the packaged stuff. Harry was going to follow her advice. After all, why else would she be in his dream if not to be helpful?

He opened the door to the Apothecary. He stepped into the store and was engulfed in a sea of blackness. He stepped back and looked up. He saw a tall man staring down at him with a raised eyebrow. He couldn't believe the man. He had a glow around him. He wasn't sure why but he did. Maybe he was an angel? "Hello, Angel."

"I am not an angel. I never have been nor shall I be one. I-"

"Sure, sure. Don't get your knickers in a twist. I am not sure what I am doing but I need to get my ingredients for the class. I was told the teacher was stern but from what I read of Severus Snape, the man seems to be a god." Harry leaned forward a bit as if to whisper. "Even if I don't believe this wizarding business, I still want to meet him."

"What do you mean wizarding business?"

Harry frowned for a second but figured the man had to be in the store to help him for a reason. Perhaps this Angel was to help him get through the coma. Perhaps it was like in those programs his aunt watched where the person got to speak to someone who would listen and help the person in the coma. "This huge man showed up yesterday, said I was a wizard." Harry shrugged his shoulders. "My aunt and uncle weren't happy but he took me from them and brought me here. It's been fun. I even got to buy clothes. I have my own clothes for the first time, ever!" Harry's voice got a bit louder at the end but he wasn't worried, this was his dream after all.

"Indeed."

"Yes, indeed. You want to see?" Harry started to pull the small packages out of his pockets trying to keep his trousers from falling down. "What's your name? I figure I finally got my own guardian angel now, right? I think the old one must have been on holiday forever or dead. I vote dead but let's think positive. Maybe he just retired."

"I am Severus Snape." Severus was also very confused. "You are?"

"Wow, oh wow. You're him. Yes." Harry almost bounced up and down. Fine, he started bouncing up and down. Forgetting about his new clothes. "Oh, I'm Harry." Harry held out his hand remembering his manners, finally.

"Potter?"

"Yes, hey how come everyone knows who I am? Oh, I get it. It's because it's my dream." Harry moved a bit and saw the store. "Oh, boy, this looks so amazing. The book I read last night mentioned a few things that weren't on my list. I mean, honestly, how come they weren't? It's like I am going to be behind everyone who has been in this reality?"

_________Sev POV for a bit_______________

Severus was still trying to process everything when he looked down and the boy was gone. He turned around and saw the boy by the barrels of fresh ingredients. He had a lot of questions he was going to be asking Albus Dumbledore tonight but right now, he was going to help Harry Potter. He wondered where the assigned professor was. He was aware that Minerva was still at her sister's. "Mr. Potter-"

"Harry." Harry was reading the different signs and looking at the supply list. "Oh, this smells so nice. I like Lavender." Harry picked up the scoop and started to fill a bag.

"Harry, who has been taking you shopping?"

"A big man with a lot of hair on his face." Harry didn't look up as he kept filling the bag. He held it up. "Enough?"

"You need to weigh it. You only need a half a pound." Severus watched the boy put it on the scale. It was almost two pounds but the boy didn't care as he moved on to the next item. Lots of hair? "Hagrid?"

"He is in the pub if you want to check." Harry was counting the Bicorn Horn. "Should I get more? It says three dozen."

"Yes, another dozen won't hurt." Severus wasn't very happy with learning that Hagrid was out drinking while leaving the boy alone in Diagon Alley. "Where have you been so far?"

"The bank, the goblins said I was Heir Potter and gave me a pouch of money to buy things. I got clothes."

"I see. Books?"

"I went last night with one of the waitresses from the Cauldron. She helped me pick out a few books."

Severus frowned. There were no waitresses at the Leaky Cauldron. "You stayed at the Leaky Cauldron last night?" Harry held up another bag. "Add another six." Severus automatically answered. He wished the Board would permit the extra needed ingredients. They only provided enough on the list for if a student did every single potion perfectly.

"Yes, I get to stay there until I get to ride a train. I have never been on a train before."

"How would you like to stay with me at Hogwarts?" Severus was not going to permit the boy to remain unattended in Diagon Alley. The boy also needed a reality check as well as he wanted to have Poppy examine him.

Harry stopped and looked up at him. "Honestly? Are you sure you aren't an angel?"

"I am positive and I do not make fake invitations to my quarters."

"Sure, Angel, I will come with you. It beats returning to the boring room or my relatives. I like this coma. It is the best one so far. However, I need to finish this shopping. It seems strange to do so much shopping in a dream but I always wanted to be able to buy clothes that would be mine as well as books. Dudley can't destroy anything since it's a dream."

Severus was wondering if a mental health exam might be needed too.

__________________Back to Harry's POV_______________________

Yes, it had to be a dream or coma. Harry was staring at a huge castle that even had its own bridge. They were walking across the bridge and Harry had never seen anything so amazing. Even the way they got here. Granted it made me a bit sick but perhaps it was medicine time wherever he was. He felt his eyes must be bulging out of his head. He was also a bit tired. Medicine would do that, he was sure. He had heard of it on the telly. "Angel, you have a big house." Harry saw the lake, a huge football field with some strange circles in the air, as well as a forest off in the distance. "You must be rich!"

"I do not own Hogwarts. I just work and reside here as you will for the next seven years."

Harry frowned. He wasn't sure if he wanted to remain in a coma for seven years but hey, if he didn't have to see his relatives, it might be worth it. It would also keep him from killing them or something else. As it was, he was sure his aunt and uncle wouldn't be happy to arrive home to a load of moldy pink, formerly white, laundry that he accidentally forgot to put in the dryer. He giggled at the idea it was an accident. "I feel like some Disney dude who fell in love with a princess. I guess that must mean you are the princess too since you live in a castle."

Severus almost choked. "I am not a princess."

Harry waved his hand at him. "Sure, sure, whatever you say. Not an angel, not a princess, I think you are in denial."

"Mental health exam is needed."

"It might help with your denial. Besides this is my dream, so therefore, you are either an Angel or a princess." Harry looked up at him. "I would stick with the being an Angel. People get so upset about royalty lately. It's just not worth the drama being a princess these days."

"Indeed."

Chapter Text

Harry was a bit surprised to see a court jester appear at the huge set of double doors. It had to be a court jester with that outfit. Yellow with something moving on the cloth, what else could it be? It did fit with the whole princess thing. "If you aren't a princess then why is there a court jester or do they prefer clown, over there?" Harry pointed to the weirdest looking old dude with the ugliest outfit he had ever had the misfortune of seeing. "Clown? I like court jester, it fits with this whole Merlin, princess stuff, doesn't it?" Harry had a smile on his face. Perhaps he would get to go to the circus too. The zoo was fun, well not for Dudley but he wouldn't be in his dream. A circus would be amazing. He looked around to see if a circus appeared. He shrugged, perhaps it didn't fit in the dream as of yet. Maybe he needed to finish the princess one first. He could always think about a circus later and see if one appeared.

"Indeed." His angel was going to have to get over that word. It was boring. His angel needed some snazzing up a bit. He wondered if sparkles would do it? Harry looked black outfit. No, he didn't want to ruin it. He liked the outfit. It was better than what the clown was wearing.

"Severus, what is going on?"

What was with the eyes? Did he have stars in his eyes? Now, he got why people didn't care for clowns. It was hard to figure them out. The clown was missing a red nose. Harry decided he wanted a red nose and waved his hand. Red nose was now included. He ignored the talking. He figured it had to be like those movies where they have people talking in the background while the main character, that would be me he laughed, did something. Harry kept walking as the princess stopped to talk to the clown and he hoped the woman wasn't the clown's wife. She didn't seem as fun but she didn't deserve to be married to the old clown.

He entered into a huge hall with knights in it. A huge staircase and more doors. This was it. Every would-be prince's dream. It was a huge castle, knights, princess, court jesters, and so much space. It even had huge pictures of people he didn't know. He even had a pouch of gold. He was thankful it was a dream as it meant that he wouldn't be cleaning the place. Yes, officially the best coma ever. He would have to make sure his Aunt used the same skillet next time. Harry ran back outside. "Hey Angel, you can keep telling me this isn't a dream but it has to be. There is no way it isn't." Harry ran back inside. Harry was doing a little dance as he sang at the top of his lungs. It was his dream after all.

No more toys to put the toys away after Dudley's playing
No more books to hide from Dudley
No more crayons to pick up after Dudley
No more it's time to clean up according to the Wicked Aunt Pet
No more plates to wash and dry and put away hoping I will get some food
No more cups to wash and dry and put away hoping I will get something to drink
No more no more no more no more

Harry skipped to the doorway. "Hey Angel, does food, drink, and perhaps snacks come included in this package deal? I am a bit hungry since I didn't get to eat for the last few days. Oh, we need to go and visit the goblins. They wanted to see me later." Harry waved his arms, flapping them around. "Look, I can play inside and not get into trouble or well, just play." Harry spun himself around, laughing as he stopped and felt a bit dizzy.

Harry went back to dancing as he danced his way back to his Angel. He loved being so free. It was amazing. Able to say what he wanted, needed, or even desired and having it appear was incredible. "Angel?" Harry tugged the black cloth. "Tell the clown to go away and let's have some food. I know, let's have ice cream, I always wanted to try it." Harry looked at the woman. "Are you a highlander? My cousin watches a telly program called Highlander but it's a guy, not a girl."

"I am Scottish if that is what you are asking."

"Cool as long as you keep your head." Harry warned. He figured it was better to warn her just in case. He didn't want anyone to lose their heads. It would be messy and sticky. Harry didn't like messy or stickiness. Harry tilted his head as he looked at her. She didn't seem as fun as the court jester and his Angel. "So Princess Buttercup, shall we go and get some food?" Harry's stomach made a loud growling noise. "See, it's saying feed me."

"Do not call me Princess Buttercup."

"Severus, perhaps your views might be considered. I believe a trip to Poppy would be a great idea."

Harry wasn't sure why the Highlander wanted him to see a flower but hey if he got some food, he was game for it. "Wait, she isn't related to my aunt? Because if she is, no way Jose. I am not having another woman hitting me with a skillet. I like this coma dream and I don't want it to disappear. Who knows what another skillet to the head might do? I might end up in some weird cartoon because Dudley has a brain of a flea and that is his intelligence level. I might up being Wiley E. Coyote or something." Harry started backing up. He knew where the forest was and it did seem a bit interesting. Something new to explore.

"She will not hit you. I can assure you of that personally."

Harry stopped moving. If his angel said she wouldn't hit him, he believed him. The clown's nose was gone. Harry waved his hand and the nose was back. This time he was going to make sure it stuck. Harry giggled as the nose started blinking. "Come on, my boy, let's have Poppy take a look at you."

At the words, my boy, Harry's eyes went big. He started backing up. "You, you-oh, no, Uncle Vernon, I am not having you end this dream just so you can hit me. Nope, nope, not happening." Harry took off for the forest.

___________________________Sev's POV________________________

Severus pulled out his wand and went to stun the boy but he was zigzagging and his movements weren't predictable. "Just great." Severus glared at Dumbledore before he started to run after the boy. The brat was fast, he had to give the boy that much credit. He would have appreciated the boy's dodging skills if it wasn't for him chasing the boy. "I warned Albus that the boy wasn't normal and abused." He waved his wand and set a sticking charm across the field hoping it would stop the boy. He slowed to a walk. The charm would do its work. His hope died as the boy turned around and headed for the bridge instead. He cast a sticking charm and again the boy turned. No, it couldn't be? He cast a sticking charm on the third side, the boy turned and was heading straight for him. Severus stopped and waited but so did the boy.

Severus took a step, the boy took a step back. "Harry, I won't hurt you. I promise." He remained still as did the boy. Not abused, my arse. Severus was going to curse the old man to the seventh gates of hell and back. It wasn't just a vivid imagination as Dumbledore was hoping to get him and Minerva to believe. No, while the boy was opened and wild right now, it was only because he believed it was a dream. He wasn't about to say it. "Harry." He could see the boy looking for an escape. He didn't want to use magic on the boy but he couldn't permit him to escape and he had a feeling the boy would succeed if he tried. He pulled out his potion pouch. He hoped this worked. The boy moved closer. He wasn't expecting the boy to move closer to him. He thought he was going to have to bribe him or spell a potion into him. He had thought he was going to have to use a sleep potion but if this worked. "Come on, Harry, you want to see what potions I have?"

"Potions? Like magical potions?" Harry walked toward him.

"Yes, these are the end results of those ingredients we got earlier. You want to see?" Severus couldn't believe this was working. Perhaps because the boy believed it was a dream and Dumbledor was still on the stairs of Hogwarts. He thought about sending a sticking charm to Dumbledore to keep him on the stairs.

Harry almost ran to him. He looked at the potion pouch. "What do they do, Angel? Is there one to make clown-Vernon go away?"

"They do a variety of things however, that isn't your uncle. His name is Albus Dumbledore. He is the one who invited you here." Severus was hoping this would work. It wouldn't work if the boy was terrified of Dumbledore.

"Sure, right." Harry's voice was filled with disbelief.

"How about I promise that you will not be leaving?" Severus was going to make sure the boy didn't leave. He wasn't going back to those muggles. No protection was worth what he expected the boy had endured. Severus saw the boy search his face for signs of lying. "I did say seven years."

Harry's smile returned. He jumped up and down. "You did, you did." He started to clap.

Severus rolled up his potion pouch. "How about you carry that as a sign of good faith that I mean what I say and that Dumbledore will not hit you." He held the pouch out. Severus didn't move as he watched and waited for Harry to make his choice. He could see Harry looking at Dumbledore behind him. "I promise he won't hit you." Dumbledore would never hit a student. Yes, the man was an idiot when it came to his beliefs regarding child abuse and family love but he had never hit a child.

Harry snatched the pouch from his hands and he was about to issue a warning regarding it when he saw how gently Harry was caressing the pouch. He was holding it firmly but almost as if he already in love with his potion pouch. He would see about getting him one. He had a feeling Harry was going to be very creative in potions once the boy understood how potions were crafted. He held out his hand. "Come back with me."

Harry looked undecided for a second. Severus wondered what he was thinking. Harry was chewing his lip looking at the pouch he was still running his hand over and the hand held out in front of him. Severus watched as Harry moved the pouch and was now cradling it. He held out his left hand. "Angel, I am hungry."

"Let's get you some food."

Chapter Text

Sev POV:

They stepped on the stairs and Dumbledore went to speak. Severus held up his free hand. "No, Albus. I am taking up to Poppy. He needs a full exam."

"I do agree. He needs a full exam." Minerva looked very concerned.

"I am sure it's not necessary. His relatives love him. I believe this is just a bid for attention."

Poppy needed to examine Dumbledore. The man might have taken a skillet to the head too. "Is that so?" Severus arched a brow. "Remove the nose." He was still holding Harry's hand. The boy was staring at the pouch. The boy must have felt me looking at him as he turned his eyes upward.

"Angel, can we get ice cream later. I want to find out why my cousin is always eating it. I don't want to eat as much as he does because I think I might explode. He's huge. These are his clothes from a few years ago."

Severus was going to kill two muggles and a Headmaster. "If Poppy gives you the clearance to do so, I believe a dish of ice cream wouldn't be out of the realm of possibilities after you finish your meal." Severus could see Dumbledore had his wand out and pointing at his nose. "Any luck?"

Minerva smirked. Dumbledore frowned as he attempted to remove the nose again. "Finite Incantatum." Nothing happened. "My-"

"Don't you dare say it!" Severus warned. He wasn't going to chase the boy and he didn't have another potion pouch on him. He also didn't want Harry to drop the one he was carrying. "Harry, what spell did you use to make Professor Dumbledore's nose red?"

"Spell? I get to learn spells. Like the ones that wizards have in the movies?" Harry's eyes were huge. Severus felt his hand being released and his robe got a tug. "Potions and spells, oh, this keeps getting better and better, Angel. Potions and spells, amazing."

Severus was glad the kid wasn't a drama queen or a brat but he was concerned about Harry. "Accidental magic. Have fun getting rid of the nose, Albus. You might need to see Poppy too or wait for it to wear off." Severus wasn't sure if he wanted to see Dumbledore stuck with the nose until after the Welcoming Feast or not. He was going to hear Dumbledore whine about everything regarding Harry he had a feeling and him staring at the red nose might give him some enjoyment while doing so. "Yes, you do. Now, let's see Poppy, get you some food, and we will discuss the bank."

"You won't water down the can of soup as my aunt does? She says I should be grateful they give me a can a week, bread, and water."

Harry's hand was latched onto my robe or I would have been off to kill his aunt. Dumbledore grabbed Minerva as she had the same murderous look in her eyes that I was shoving down in my own. "You will get full meals." Severus revamped his brewing schedule to include potions that Poppy was going to include in Harry's diet. "Inside, now. Go and stand by the stairs, I will be right with you." Harry walked into Hogwarts, his focus on my pouch. "Albus, you have a lot to answer for. You better think of a way to keep that boy away from Petunia and no, he will not be residing with the Weasleys."

"Surely, my -"

"Break the habit now." Severus moved a bit to see inside Hogwarts. Harry was standing at the stairs still staring at the pouch. "We will discuss it later. Now, let's go and see Poppy."

______________________________Harry's POV_________________

Harry saw his Angel coming toward him. He still had the pouch in his arms. "Harry, I am going to warn you that the stairs move. If you are very quiet on them, you can hear a slight hum and a click before they do."

"They move!" Harry couldn't believe it, this coma just kept getting better and better. "Can we ride them like those rides you see on the telly? My cousin calls them theme parks and he got to go to them a lot. My aunt and uncle always took him and made me stay in my cupboard or at Mrs. Figg's if she would take me. Her house smells of cats. I counted them last time and she had 43 of them. She doesn't like to clean. She says why clean when the cats will just make it messy again. She still calls Dudley Harry. My cousin hates when she does it." His Angel started up the stairs and he followed him. He wasn't going to lose his angel. His guardian must be dead if he got this angel now. Well, no great loss on that part. He was a slacker.

"Do you like cats?" The Highlander spoke.

"Yep, the cats liked me too. I know all their names. If I got sick, my aunt would send me there and I would sleep on the couch and wake with a bunch of them on me. Merry is my favorite. She was born on Christmas. Mrs. Figg said I could keep her but my aunt wouldn't let me." Harry wondered why they stopped when he felt the stairs move. He let out a squeal of excitement as they moved across the open space. "My teacher is never going to believe my essay on what I did over my summer holiday but at least I will have something to write about instead of just gardening stuff."

"Do you like doing your school assignments?" The Highlander was full of questions it appeared. Maybe she was the interrogator but he wasn't sure if they were in Merlin or not.

"Yes, but my relatives don't like me to do better than Dudley. He has a brain of a flea." Harry was getting tired of climbing all the stairs. "Way too many stairs. Next time, we cut out the ton of stairs but we need to keep the moving staircases. Are we almost there?" Harry giggled. "I never got to say that before." Harry laughed as his Angel picked him up. Harry let out a yawn.

"My -" The Highlander hit the court jester. "Why do you need to go to the bank?"

"No idea. I just agreed to return. The one with all the hair was more concerned about going to get drunk because of the carts so I didn't get to ask. I did get new clothes. Clothes that are all mine, mine, mine." Harry's voice sounded like Daffy Duck. "Daffy is just great."

"Daffy?" The Highlander looked confused.

The Highlander being nosey but he didn't mind since it wasn't like anyone would ever know what he revealed in his dream. "Daffy Duck." Harry yawned again. He shifted a bit. "Bugs Bunny."

"They are cartoon characters."

"My angel knows." Harry let out a happy sound as there were no more stairs. "Maybe I can dream up a slide for when we have to go down."

"Poppy?" The court jester questioned after they entered the room.

Harry looked at all the beds. It was a huge open room but plenty of places for him to hide if he needed to. He was more interested in the fact he was going to have his own bed. "Wow, can I pick my own bed? Is this where I am going to stay for the next seven years?" There were no other boys in the room.

"You will be in a dorm with other boys." The court jester smiled.

Harry's eyes went big. "Other boys?" Maybe since Dudley wasn't in his dream he could have friends. "Angel, does that mean I might be able to have a friend?"

"Yes, I expect you will have a few of them."

Harry loved his angel. The angel was just full of good news. He wondered if his angel was the new and improved version of angels. He had seen the words on stuff his aunt always bought but he thought the stuff was junk or just ways to get stupid people to buy their crap. However, since his previous angel never made an appearance, he must have the new and improved version.

"Severus? Who do you have in your arms?"

An old woman dressed like she in some movie that his aunt would watch to impress the neighbors. She would leave the volume up high to make sure they heard the program. Harry watched a woman walk toward them. "Angel, is she a fairy godmother?"

"No, she is a mediwitch."

"A what?"

"I am someone who is going to check your health."

Harry frowned. "Where is the doctor?" What kind of cheap dream was this? He got all this great stuff but forgot to add a real doctor into his own dream. Maybe his aunt hit him with her fake name brand skillet. The one she loved to put on the stove to impress any neighbor over for tea. "Angel, I think I got cheated on the doctor aspect in this dream. Is that why my guardian angel is dead?"

Chapter Text

SEVERUS POV--------------------------

Severus put Harry on the bed closest to Poppy's office. Harry yawned and still had his hand on the potion pouch. Poppy was standing at the end of the bed looking at Dumbledore's nose. "Madam Pomfrey is going to run some magical scans on you." Severus was aware that Poppy wasn't going to be able to remove the nose. Harry's magic worked a bit differently from what he normally saw regarding accidental magic. Harry had more control over it and it wasn't based on his emotions.

Harry looked up. "She still looks like a fairy godmother. Angel, they won't hurt me?" Harry pointed to Dumbledore.

"No, you won't feel a thing. Madam Pomfrey is good at her job and is going to make sure you are healthy." Severus was also going to have a mind healer checking on Harry later but he could only do it if Harry was in his house and Dumbledore couldn't discover it. Filius would take Harry to Gringotts but the goblins wouldn't be able to do much regarding who got custody of Harry. Minerva and Pomona would follow Dumbledore's orders. He had a gut feeling Harry was going to be in his house. While Harry wasn't a Gryffindor, he didn't see Harry willingly going to another house. "It won't take long." He wasn't sure if he wanted to take back his potion pouch or not. It would give Harry something to do while he spoke to Dumbledore. "I am going to speak to Madam Pomfrey. You won't hear us so do not panic."

Harry tilted his head. "Why? Am I in trouble?" Harry shook his head. "No, it's my dream, so I am not in trouble. Is the court jester in trouble? He is a bad court jester. Hasn't made me laugh at all."

Severus winked and leaned close to Harry's ear. He would never do it with any other child but Harry needed his help and he wasn't going to let him or Lily down again. "I am going to be yelling at the court jester." Harry laughed. "It won't take very long."

"We get ice cream afterward?"

"After you eat some dinner and Madam Pomfrey says you can." Severus was positive that Poppy would permit Harry some ice cream. He was willing to bet the woman would provide Harry with anything he wanted if Harry kept calling her a fairy godmother. "Count how many potions I have in the pouch."

"I can open it? Wow, Angel, I get to open it." Harry laid the pouch down and Severus saw him delicately untie the strings.

Severus smiled. He wasn't worried about Harry breaking anything. He turned and glared at Dumbledore. He walked the few steps to the end of the bed. "Poppy, I want a full scan. A full magical and health exam Poppy." He had a standard practice of getting his snakes a yearly exam and when he asked for a full exam Poppy knew he suspected abuse and wanted confirmation.

"I plan on it but Albus seems to believe it's not necessary. He believes that Harry should be returned to his relatives tomorrow." Poppy glared at Dumbledore. "He is too skinny and small for his age."

"I agree. Albus, it is being done." Minerva sighed deeply. "I didn't like leaving him there as a toddler but he won't be returning there, ever." Dumbledore went to speak. "No, Albus, no. I let you talk to me into doing so then but no, not now. Harry will not be returning to those muggles."

"He needs the protection of Lily's love. It will keep him safe." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling.

"Who is going to protect him from them?" Minerva demanded. "Don't you dare say you can add more wards. It doesn't protect him from the mental damage they have already done."

"Minerva, we can't let Lily's protection fail. I am sure his relatives love him. I will acknowledge that I didn't think Harry would turn out the way he did." Dumbledore ran his hands down his beard. "He must remain at their home."

"It has failed." Severus glared at Dumbledore. "It failed the first time they hit him, denied him food, or even a bit of love. He won't be returning." Severus held up his hand when Dumbledore when to speak again. "No, Albus. It is for your protection too. If you don't think his little dream won't be exposed and having people wonder, then fine we won't do an exam and you can explain everything in front of the Board and the Wizenagamot as to why it wasn't done."

Dumbledore's eyes lost their twinkle. "Fine. I want a copy of the results." Dumbledore turned around and left the Infirmary.

"He is not going to be happy." Minerva looked at Harry. "I will speak to him. Severus, protect him. I fear Albus will interfere again."

"I will protect him." Severus had made a vow and he was going to keep it. Poppy and Severus didn't move until Minerva left. "I will need a mind healer too."

"Let's get the scans done. We can discuss the situation after he falls asleep."

___________end SEV POV___________________

Harry watched his Angel and fairy godmother waiting for the Highlander to leave before they faced him. "Angel, you have 35 bottles. I like the purple bottles best, the black ones are next. You wear black, it's my favorite color." Harry tugged Severus' robes. "I want black bottles too."

"We can discuss potions later, Harry. Madam Pomfrey is going to start her scans. I promise you it won't hurt." Severus was hoping the abuse wasn't as bad as he was thinking.

Harry held up the rolled and tied potion pouch, bringing it close to his chest. Severus recognized the gesture of Harry using the potion pouch to protect him. "Harry, what I am going to do is use my wand to scan you. I don't even have to touch you." Poppy inhaled deeply. She had seen this defense method before. She might suggest to Severus to get a stuffed animal for Harry.

"Wow, so cool. Does everyone use sticks to cast spells? Do you need one to use magic, Angel?" Harry was looking up at Severus.

"At times, I do. Some wizards and witches can do magic without using a wand. A wand is what the sticks are called." Poppy pulled out her wand. "Depending on people's jobs, they have different spells they use daily but everyone can learn the spells."

Harry stood up on the bed, walked to Severus. He leaned into Severus. "Is she going to answer all the questions I ask you from now on? Have you stopped being my guardian angel since she is a fairy godmother? Are fairy godmothers higher ranking? Is that why the court jester left? Did he get booted to the curb?" Harry didn't care for the court jester. He seemed shady to him. He was like a Santa wanna-be.

Poppy was trying not to laugh. "No, she is not replacing me. I am not sure of the ranking regarding guardians and fairy godmothers. The court jester left because he didn't like us getting our own way." Severus glared at Poppy who was still covering her mouth.

"He isn't very funny. I need to dream up a better court jester. I don't want a clown. Maybe we can get rid of the court jester and no clowns." Harry was still leaning against Severus but was looking at Poppy. "She needs to sparkle." Suddenly, Poppy's uniform was changed into a sea-blue gown with a pink tie and some silvery type of sparkling woven into the gown. A matching robe appeared next. "Do you think she knows Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty? Don't take any apples from an old crone lady, they will kill you with poison." Harry warned Severus. "I don't know what a crone looks like but I bet they aren't pretty."

Poppy looked down at her new outfit. She arched a brow. She had been dressed in worse due to people being sick on her. "Let's get your scans done, some food into you, and then bedtime, I believe." She hadn't missed the yawns.

"Angel, I thought you said I could have ice cream and we need to go and see the little guys at the bank. I said I would be back. I don't want to be a liar. Do dreams keep track of time? If we go tomorrow will they know?" Harry yawned again. "I want to try vanilla ice cream before we move on to other flavors."

"Sit back down on the bed. You will get some dinner and if you behave, ice cream. I will write to Gringotts and inform them I will bring you in the morning." Severus would have to make sure Harry got the rest of the required school list too. "Including getting you a wand." He wasn't sure if Harry would even bother using a wand.

"I am glad you replaced my dead guardian angel. I don't think he retired since the slacker never showed up before. You are already doing a much better job." Harry walked back to the pillow end of the bed. He sat down. "Strawberry, chocolate, or regular milk?"

"What?" Severus was now confused. He wasn't sure what Harry was asking.

Poppy pulled out her wand, summoned a small desk, and set up a piece of parchment to record the results, and started to run her scans. Severus and Poppy were ignoring the growing list as more and more parchment were being filled. "I was thinking what type of milk I might want for dinner. My aunt always makes Dudley drink milk when they have their meals. He always wants to drink Pepsi or some other type of pop."

"Indeed. How about we wait for Madam Pomfrey to finish and declares what is best?" Severus was glancing at the growing list. He could see Poppy's concern too. "I will make fresh potions." Severus was going to make the potions for Harry.

"Can I help?" Harry was watching Poppy as she waved her wand for the next scans. He watched the movements closely.

"It's may I help, not can." Severus had bitten back his normal retort of I don't know, can you. He glanced at Harry. He could see Harry was following the movement of Poppy's wand. He had been thinking about Harry's magic. He was going to test the boy's magic but it would be done in private. He didn't want Dumbledore to discover what Harry could do. "We will see what Madam Pomfrey says."

"She is my fairy godmother, she will say yes. Plus, it's my dream, so it's a yes. So, three yes, me, her, and my dream. I win." Harry clapped his hands. "I don't even have to cook too so I know it's a dream. No chores, no cooking, and a real bed. Dreams rule."

"How does dinner sound? If you eat it all, I believe we can provide some ice cream." Poppy finished her scans. "You need to get changed into some sleepwear and get under the covers first."

"I am getting dinner in bed? Best dream ever. Dudley only got it when he was sick. I am not even sick and I am getting dinner in bed." Harry started to pull his packages out of his pockets. "I think I have some pajamas in here. I told the guy I needed everything." He dumped the small packages on the bed. "You make them big?"

Severus pulled out his wand and got busy. Harry was searching through the bags as Severus expanded them. Harry finally found some of his new pajamas. "I got three pairs, I think. All black but see these have owls."

"If you go through that door, you can get ready for bed and get changed. There is a fresh toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, washcloth, and soap in there for you to use." Poppy pointed to the door that was just past her office door. "I will order you dinner."

Once Harry was in the washroom, Poppy handed the parchment to Severus. "He was abused from the moment he arrived there." She showed him the list of diaper rashes, colds, starvation, bruising, and broken bones. "He has a long list of concussions too."

"I feared he would. He mentioned a few different things. He needs a mind healer too."

"I agree. He does seem happy, however." Poppy smiled in reassurance.

"Yes, but he thinks it's a dream or as he called it another coma dream." Severus didn't care for Harry's description. "Make me copies of this. I want one for Harry's protection. I am taking him to Gringotts tomorrow and will have them do an in-depth scan."

"Do so, they can certify it too." Poppy handed a copy to Severus. "He isn't using accidental magic."

"I know." Severus looked down at the magical scan. "It appears I was correct in my assumption. He has been using his magic for a long time."

"Yes, he has been healing himself for a long time. I am not sure what else he has been doing but he is very advanced. I will be destroying these results. I do not believe anyone but you and I should be aware of this information."

"I am in agreement." Severus read down the list. Harry's core had been very active since he was sixteen months old. It was still growing and expanding and Severus was wondering how he was going to protect Harry from being used as a weapon by Dumbledore while helping Harry. He also had to think about the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord was going to be a different brand of crazy to deal with.

Chapter Text

SEV POV:

Severus was watching Harry as they walked from the Leaky Cauldron to Gringotts. Harry was still in awe of Diagon Alley and he hoped the boy never lost that sense of awe regarding magic. He remembered the first time he had been to Diagon Alley and found it amazing. They still had to finish shopping which Severus felt was going to be interesting.

Harry had been up early and helped Poppy clean up the infirmary and followed her around asking her endless questions which Poppy had enjoyed answering and learning more about Harry. However, Dumbledore was with Harry when he arrived. Dumbledore had read the results of the exam that Poppy had given with the long history of abuse reflected and dismissed them. Harry didn't like the fact that the court jester thought he was a liar and well, Dumbledore does not look good as a goat. Poppy was still attempting to transform him back when they left. He wondered if Aberforth might be interested in a new goat?

"Angel, can we go back to the book store and the potion shop?" Harry tugged on his robe.

Severus ignored the tugging on his robes. He figured he would deal with one issue at a time. He would rather have Harry tugging on his robes than have become afraid of him. Harry needed someone he could trust. "It's may we. However, I do believe we will be able to accomplish the tasks." He figured manners was a simple thing to start teaching Harry and the boy wouldn't be upset with him regarding the usage of manners. So far he had been correct in handling Harry. Harry didn't mind being corrected as long as it didn't involve violence or believing the boy was a liar.

"Are we going to have ice cream? I want to try chocolate." Harry had a long talk with Poppy about ice cream until he had finally fallen asleep. Poppy had summoned him to her office after Harry had fallen asleep. She was willing to support Severus in getting Harry away from Dumbledore and the muggles.

"I thought you enjoyed vanilla?" Severus wondered what idea the boy came up with now. He was also enjoying hearing such innocent responses to things he and many others had taken for granted like being able to have ice cream.

"I did. I figured that if vanilla was great, chocolate must be much better since Dudley always wanted chocolate." Harry looked like he was about to run but stopped himself as Severus already warned him about running in Diagon Alley. He was glad the boy resisted the urge.

Severus wondered if he should introduce the boy to Honeydukes. The variety of chocolate would make the boy excited. Dumbledore would kill him, so yes, he would. He wanted to find time to discuss Dumbledore with Harry and Harry's abilities. He would do it after Gringotts. "Remember no changing the goblins into something else."

"It's not my fault the court jester is an old goat too. He isn't very funny." Harry huffed a bit. "Why does he want me to wake up from my coma? Are you sure he isn't Uncle Vernon trying to get me to wake up so he won't get in trouble with the police like last time?"

"Last time?" Severus started to count to ten. The only way that Harry would have been able to remain with those muggles is if Dumbledore interfered. If he interfered, he knew the whole time. Severus was going to use the man for potion testing. He wouldn't be able to tell Minerva or Poppy as they might slice the man--oh, wait, he just might. They entered the bank.

Harry's POV (with a bit of SEV):

Harry waved at the goblins as they walked to the teller area. "Hi, Griphook." Harry waved at the teller area manager who was at the end. "He didn't like me calling him Toothy. He said someone is already named that, can you believe someone stole my name for Griphook? I say he should get the name."

"Indeed." Severus was going to set up a mental health exam. While he was enjoying the world the boy weaved it was still a bit disconcerting. He wanted Harry to be the best wizard he could be yet aware of the true intentions of Albus Dumbledore. He was under no illusion that Dumbledore didn't see anything in Harry Potter but as a weapon and a way to beat the Dark Lord when he returned.

Griphook looked up from his desk and walked down to them. "Heir Potter, I am glad you have returned. Please follow me. Ironclaw is expecting you."

"I hope we can ride the carts again. They go so fast, it was fun. It was like I had wings." Oh, he liked that idea. Wings. He thought maybe green and black wings would be so cool. They would be mostly black but have green laced around and through them. Yes, wings. He could fly everywhere and perhaps touch a cloud. Wouldn't that be fun to touch a real cloud?

"Harry, no, do not give yourself wings."

"Why? It's my dream and I want wings." Harry pouted for a second. He wanted wings. "I could fly and maybe find my slacker former guardian angel and see if he is truly dead or just hates me. Touch a cloud too. Do you think angels live on clouds? Is that where you went last night?"

"If you have wings, I won't be able to keep track of you. No, I live at Hogwarts and so will you." Severus was going to make sure of it. Dumbledore was not going to return Harry to the muggles or decided for him to reside with the Weasleys. He shuddered at the very idea of Harry living with Molly and her yelling. The boy would never recover from any abuse with her yelling.

"Oh." Harry wasn't sure what to do now. He wanted to keep his Angel, who was dressed in black, but he wanted to find the slacker of a guardian angel at the same time. Perhaps he could do it later. He did want to talk to the goblins and stay with his Angel. Wings could always be another option later. "Ok, I won't for now."

"Thank you." Severus didn't miss for the for now. He would deal with that aspect later.

Griphook looked at the two of them as they arrived at Ironclaw's office. "Heir Potter, I do thank you for not sprouting wings and hope you won't endeavor to do so later."

Harry wasn't sure about not doing so later so he didn't reply. He didn't make a promise he couldn't keep. They entered the office to see a goblin sitting behind a desk. On the desk were a green marble bowl, some herbs, and potion bottles. "Oh, potions." Harry walked over to the desk and just stared at the bottle before slowly touching one. "What do they do?" Harry looked at Ironclaw. "How come the bottles aren't black or purple like my angel's"

"They are different types of potion bottles, I prefer to use the blacks for certain types of potions and purple for others." Severus took a seat. "I am sure the goblins have their own system."

"We do, Heir Potter. We would like to run an Inheritance Test on young Heir Potter as well as settle some disturbing information we have received over the years as well as several concerning withdrawals."

Severus had a feeling Dumbledore was involved in what the goblins wished to discuss. "I would like to remove Harry from the custody of his muggle relatives and whoever is his magical guardian on the grounds of abuse." He was aware Dumbledore was the boy's magical guardian but didn't want to mention it in front of Harry for fear the man would never be out of his goat form. He didn't mind the old goat being a goat but had a feeling many others would.

Ironclaw smirked. He was hoping he could find a way to protect Harry. "Excellent. First an Inheritance Test. Heir Potter, we need three drops of your blood into the bowl."

Harry looked at the bowl. "I think I have bled enough why do I need to do so in my dream?" Harry looked at his angel. "I don't like bleeding."

"I do not blame you, I do not believe anyone likes seeing their own blood. However, it will get you away from your aunt and uncle." Severus hoped Harry wouldn't get stuck on the blood issue.

"Oh, in that case, take all you want. Anything to get away from those nutters. I mean honestly, how many skillets to the head do they believe a child can take? If anything, perhaps they should do it to their son, it certainly wouldn't hurt the fat prat. They certainly took enough of my blood to paint their whole house in it." Harry held out his hand. He didn't see the faces of Ironclaw or Severus as he spoke.

Ironclaw used a silver knife to make a small cut on Harry's hand and Severus healed it as soon as the three drops hit the bowl. Harry smiled. "Wow, cool. See, Angel, you are my angel. No one else has ever healed me when I was bleeding before."

Harrison James Potter
birthname: Orion Sirius Potter Black
Father: James Charles Potter
Father: Sirius Orion Black-Potter
Blood adoption: Lily Evans
DOB 1 August 1980 0330

Titles:
LeFay (inheritance)
Slytherin (conquest)
Gryffindor (inheritance)
Peverell (inheritance)
Gaunt (conquest)
Black (inheritance)
Potter (inheritance)

Godparents:
Regulus Arcturus Black (deceased)
Remus Lupin (disqualified due to Ministry regulations)
Alice Longbottom (disqualified due to mental health issues)
Frank Longbottom (disqualified due to mental health issues)
Severus Snape (eligible)
Minerva McGonagall (ineligible for neglect on 1 November 1981)

Severus looked at Ironclaw. His world was just smashed. Harry wasn't even born in July which meant that Longbottom was the correct child and because of Dumbledore (he was sure he had a hand in this), James Potter, and Sirius Black, the world believed Harry was born on the 31st of July. James and Lily weren't even married. It just reeked of Dumbledore. "I believe we have some major issues."

"We do. It was why we wished to discuss the situation with Heir Potter. We were a bit concerned that Headmaster Dumbledore might attempt to come with him but we have several issues that need to be resolved. We also have to discuss some accounting aspects, as well as some disturbing reports that I can see concerning Heir Potter, are true regarding the muggles."

"I would like for Harry to received a complete medical and mental health exam as well as a purge as I believe there might be a few binds and blood glamours on him." Severus was sure that there had to be. There was no way Harry would have just Lily's eyes if there wasn't. Where were the Black features? Too much wasn't making sense.

"I find I am in agreement. We can discuss the financial aspect while he is being purged and examined."

"Harry, the goblins are going to do an exam as Poppy did. I will remain here the whole time. You will be safe." Severus didn't want the boy to grow wings and fly off. "You also can't transform anyone into something, please."

Harry made a frowny face but agreed. "Do you think I can meet the one who stole Griphook's name of Toothy?"

Ironclaw blinked for several seconds. "I am sure Toothy wouldn't object to meeting you but he is older than Griphook so he couldn't have stolen the name."

"Oh, good point." Harry smiled. Ironclaw summoned a healer who escorted Harry out and to the exam area.

"We have to set up a few things to prevent Dumbledore from retaining custody as well a protecting you and Harry from his future control."

"Yes, I am aware. He had to be aware of this information. There is no way Potter or Black could have done this without his assistance."

"I am afraid that is another issue. I do not believe Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, or Lily Evans were aware of the situation as we have a will on file for Mr. Potter and Mrs. Potter with Mr. Black listed as the godfather."

"The lying old goat."

"Exactly. Now, before we begin, I might suggest you have Lord Malfoy here to witness what is occurring as well as being able to provide some protection in the Wizenagamot."

"If I may use one of your owls, I will send for him." Severus wasn't sure if it was a great idea but he did need someone with the power to block Dumbledore and it would help later with the Dark Lord too.

"Certainly."

Severus wondered if he had a headache potion that would cut off the building migraine that was caused by Dumbledore.

Chapter Text

Lucius looked through the paperwork and the blood test. "No matter what you do, he will discover that you have custody. We might be able to delay it for a while but he is too invested in Harry Potter, the brand name then he is in Harry Potter, the boy." Lucius looked at Ironclaw as he placed the information back on the desk. "I have a feeling there are many things Dumbledore has kept hidden. If we published the birth certificate or even the Inheritance Test, he will do whatever he can to discredit you and claim some form of blood magic." Lucius frowned. "His followers will not believe anything done by anyone else but him. It is why he has been able to get so much banned."

"True. Dumbledore has kept so much hidden regarding muggle-borns being related to pure-bloods. They are from the squibs lines. We have the DNA evidence thanks to the muggle humans advances in science." Ironclaw turned his chair and pulled out a thick book off of the shelf to his left. "If you wish, we do sell these books regarding DNA science. It's a crash course but keeps it simple for those learning."

"How much?" Severus had heard about DNA from a few of his potion conferences but he hadn't realized how advanced the muggles were in the area. He had been interested in learning more but he had felt lost in the muggle bookstore section regarding DNA. He believed that specialty potions would help more people in the future or if they have some serious diseases or curses.

"Five galleons."

"I will take one." Severus was already planning on when he could read the book. He wasn't expecting to get much done over the next few days because of Harry.

"As will I." Lucius didn't want the Malfoy name to die out. While he loves his son, he did want more children, more relatives, and hoped for a lot of grandchildren. "Now to protect Harry, I believe a blood adoption would be best. Dumbledore won't be able to remove Harry especially if you demand a blood test because he won't want the results to be revealed. The health exam would also be exposed which is another ace up your sleeve. Though given the information you have already provided, be prepared for the abuse to be exposed until Harry accepts the truth of this world." He wasn't sure what the health exam would reveal but from what he had learned so far, it would show some strong evidence of abuse.

"I am. I was hoping he could visit Draco before the term starts." Severus would have a long chat with his godson. He didn't want Draco to feel as if Harry was pranking him but also to warn him about Harry's abilities and not to be upset. It would also free him up to craft some potions for Poppy before the term started. Draco and Harry might be willing to help with the prep work. "I will talk to Harry. We will have to speak to Draco to warn him about Harry's unique skills."

"I agree."

"Ironclaw, I will do the blood adoption. Let's try to keep everything hidden as long as possible." Severus began to fill out the paperwork and was almost done when the goblin healer returned with Harry. The goblin healer looked exhausted. She didn't say anything but just handed the results to Ironclaw before leaving.

"Angel, look I got a lolly. I learned some gobbledygook." Harry held up a red lolly. He saw Lucius. "Hi, Blondie, is your hair dyed? My aunt hates blondes, she calls them stupid and makes blonde jokes about them. I think she is just jealous because when she dyed her hair blonde it came out green. I couldn't help but laugh but I was able to make it outside so she never heard me. However, my uncle and cousin laughed and she threw some plates at them. Totally missed. She has lousy aim."

Lucius arched a brow. "It's not dyed, it's my natural hair. My son has the same color hair." Severus wasn't kidding about the boy. "My name is Lucius Malfoy." He was going to be reading about brain damage.

"Sure, sure, Blondie." Harry climbed onto Severus' lap. "I had to take some potions." Harry made a face. "I didn't like talking to one of them, she was nosy." Ironclaw, Severus, and Lucius were aware that Harry meant the mind healer. "She wanted to talk about my lousy relatives. She didn't want to talk about my slacker former angel. I told her I had a much better angel now and she did agree, so I will give her a point for agreeing with me."

"Harry, Lucius is the father of my godson. His name is Draco. You will be able to visit Draco and make friends before the start of term." Severus was thankful he had warned Lucius about Harry. No one would ever dare call Lucius anything remotely close to Blondie. Harry was certainly providing some interesting experiences in his life.

Harry looked at Lucius before looking up to Severus. "He won't hit me will he?" Harry trusted his angel. He was still wondering where the slacker one was. Maybe he could get wings when he left and go up to the clouds and look for the slacker and tell him he was fired.

"No, no one will hit you. If they do, you come and tell me, Lucius, or Lucius' wife Narcissa." Severus saw Ironclaw reviewing the health scans. "Harry, I need to read the results but I want you to think about me adopting you. It would be a blood adoption so you would be my son by blood."

Harry frowned for a second. "I don't have to bleed again, do I?" He wondered if there was a blood limit per day, per week, or per life. He hoped he wasn't close to the limit.

"No, I will be adding seven drops of my blood to a potion that you will drink." Severus understood why Harry didn't want to see his own blood. He was going to speak to Lucius about becoming Harry's godfather. He was going to make sure that Harry was protected against Dumbledore.

"It won't turn me into a vampire? They drink blood and have fangs." Harry held up his lolly. "I don't want to give up food just when I have discovered how great it is. Vampires can be killed with a pencil."

Lucius tried not to laugh as Severus smiled. "No, it won't turn you into a vampire. It will turn you into my son and no one will be able to remove you from me as I will show up on any test as your father."

Harry's eyes went big. "I get to have my angel as my dad? You are so much better than the slacker angel. Let's do it as Dudley and his gang say before they start Harry Hunting."

"Harry Hunting?" Lucius was a bit confused and from the expression on Severus' face, it wasn't a good thing. Lucius was going to make sure Dumbledore paid for what he had done to Harry Potter. Another reason to hate the old fool.

"I believe you need to review the medical scan." Ironclaw handed the list to Lucius. Lucius' face went a bit pale as he was reading down the list. "I want this certified, copies to my vault, Severus, and the Potter family vault. Send a copy to the Ministry but have it be misfiled as well as the paperwork regarding the adoption but after hours so less chance of it being discovered. Severus, you better adopt him now or I will."

"Let me add my blood to the potion so Harry can drink it. Harry, this will change you to look more like me." Severus had a feeling that Harry wouldn't care. It's not as if he had ever had a chance to know his birth parents. James was dead, Lily was dead, and the mutt was in Azkaban for killing twelve muggles. He would be speaking to Lucius about the mutt.

Harry beamed a smile. "Cool beans! Does that mean I won't have to go back to the Dursleys? Can we send the jester there instead?"

Lucius was confused but figured Severus would explain later. "You will never be returning to your muggle relatives." Lucius would kidnap Severus and Harry if he had to prevent the boy from returning there. He had an idea on how to add more protection. "Severus, you are aware that I have viewed you as my brother since we were in school. How about we make it official?"

Severus looked a bit surprised. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. We are here and it is easy to do. After we do it, you do the blood adoption, Harry becomes connected to my family with the Malfoy and Black connections providing him more protection."

Severus looked at Harry. "I agree." Severus took the silver knife from Ironclaw. He cut his palm and handed the knife to Lucius. Lucius did the same thing and they clamped their hands together.

"Although we were born on different days to different families, we bind our blood. We shed our blood so we shall now bind our family blood. On our magic, we pledge that this will be true." They watched as magic accepted their oath after it swirled around their clasped hands.

"Wow, look at those colors." Harry was amazed. "Will I see those colors when we do it?"

"No, you will just drink a potion and then we get to watch you change." Severus smiled down at Harry as Lucius healed their palms. He extended his now healed hand after he used the knife to make a shallow cut on his finger. He dropped seven drops of blood into the potion. They watched as Ironclaw stirred the blood into the potion.

"Harry, you will see a name change. Please wait until the names stop moving before informing me what they are." Ironclaw had a piece of parchment and a quill ready to go. "You need to drink all of the potion." He extended the vial to Harry.

Harry took the vial in his free hand and made a face when he smelled the potion but drank it. Harry leaned against Severus as he closed his eyes. Lucius watched Harry closely. "Not much is changing. I think he has grown a bit."

"I don't expect him to change too much since we are similar in coloring already. Dumbledore won't notice the height difference. He will believe it's because we have cured the damage caused by the muggles. I was thinking if anything Malfoy shows up, we can claim it's from the muggle side. He has no idea what Lily's parents looked like." He was still upset to learn that Lily hadn't been married to Potter. Lily might still be alive if it wasn't for Dumbledore's interference. They might never know what exactly happened that night but Dumbledore was going to pay for what he did to Lily and Harry.

Harry opened his eyes. "Hadrian Orion Severus Lucius Potter Prince Malfoy Snape. Boy, I hope I don't have to sign everything with that name."

"No, only for anything official but even then you can shorten it." Severus smiled. "You can still go by the name Harry Potter. Ironclaw, thank you for taking the time to assist us. We will get out of your hair and take whatever charges from my main vault."

"Very well," Ironclaw added more information to the file they were had on Dumbledore. He had a feeling this was the changing point in bringing down Dumbledore.

Lucius smiled. "Dinner tonight?"

"Certainly." Severus removed Harry from his lap. "We have to stop at the book store and potion shop but I do not see the problem with dinner."

"Excellent. I will inform Narcissa and Draco." They headed toward Diagon Alley.

Chapter Text

Shopping with Harry proved to be an interesting experience. Yes, he had experienced some of it the other day but nothing like this. The boy was pulling down books handing them to Severus. "Harry, you do need to read the titles."

"No, I already know which ones I want." Harry pointed to the books and started to tell him what they were about. He didn't get the titles remotely correct but the titles he gave the books matched the subject matter. One of the first books that Harry pointed out was a book that never made the list and was rarely recommended since it contained mostly information on outdated potions but it did have a lot of helpful hints on how to cut ingredients. Harry called it the cutting guide. "Hi, Mr. Books!" Harry waved at Mr. Blotts as they went to the other side of the store.

"Mr. Blotts." Severus gave the man a quick nod as the man laughed at Harry's eagerness.

"Never seen a boy so happy to be inside the bookstore."

"He does seem to enjoy your book collection." Severus placed the books he had on the counter. "I will go and reel him in before he destroys the store."

"Oh, he is no bother. The other night, my daughter brought him in. She showed him around and he was very respectful of the books. She helped him gather what was needed as well as what she thought might help him. They shared some biscuits and milk before she took him back to the Cauldron. He calls her the Book Fairy."

Severus was thankful one question was now answered. Hazel Blotts was slightly younger than he was. She was a Ravenclaw. "Inform her of my appreciation for helping Harry."

"I will. Honestly, if more kids were like him, I wouldn't insist on supervision. Hazel said she thought he might be a Ravenclaw but she also thought Slytherin. I am leaning toward Slytherin. It would be a good boost to our house if he was."

"As am I and I do agree." Severus and Mr. Blotts watched as Harry lovingly carried one book at a time to Severus for purchasing. "Harry, how many more?"

"Three." Harry skipped back to the stacks.

The pair reviewed the book pile. "Good range of subjects." Mr. Blotts sorted them by subject. Once Severus paid for the books, something he was never going to deny any child, and exited the store, Severus headed for the potion store.

"Do I need to get more stuff from the smelly store? I like the store. It has so much smelly stuff. I bet it would make Aunt Petunia gag. She gags about everything she believes she smells as if she smells like a bed of roses. Uncle Vernon stinks and she doesn't whine about his odor."

"Indeed. No, I just need to pick up my order. Do you want to stop at The Magical Menagerie for an owl, cat, or frog?"

"Why?" Harry made a face. "I never had one before but since it's my dream, if I were to get a pet, it would be a dragon or unicorn." Harry made a growling sound. "A dragon could chase Dudley for a change. I just would make sure he didn't munch on him or breathe too much fire. Just enough to singe his hair a bit to make him run. I would call it Dudley Hunting." Harry clapped his hands together before making them look like a mouth munching on something. "No munching for the Dragon, Dudley will make him sick."

"I would prefer it if you stuck to the Hogwarts acceptable animal list if you wish one. A cat would give you someone to pet and hold. An owl would be able to deliver you mail, and a frog-"

"Potion ingredients?" Harry looked up hopefully. "Some frog parts are used in potions."

"Yes, true. However, we don't use our pets are potions ingredients or children either."

"Despite what you say?" Harry gave him a slight smile. "I wouldn't mind a cat if it was nice to me."

"We will look. I will want to make sure of the fur situation."

_____________________

Severus was staring at the ugliest cat he had ever seen. It had scars on its body, the cat's fur couldn't decide on just one or two colors but seemed to hit every color available to cats. One eye was blue, the other eye was green. The cat's head was huge compared to its body. It was a long-haired cat and Severus was concerned about the fur situation. "Oh, you don't want him. He is just an old barn cat that keeps sneaking in here." The owner went to pick the cat up but the cat hissed.

Harry's eyes lit up. Severus realized this was going to be the cat they left with. Harry grabbed the cat as soon as the owner backed away. "He's mine!" Harry had the cat pressed close to his chest and the ugly cat started purring. Severus muttered about being cursed as he gathered the required items for Harry's chosen familiar.

Once they got back to Severus' quarters, everything was put away, and the cat settled it was time to get ready for dinner with the Malfoy family. He laid out clothes for Harry to change into while Harry was brushing the newest member of their family. "Have you selected a name as of yet?"

"Yes, it's going to be Prince." Harry laughed as Prince meowed his agreement to the name. "He likes it too."

"Indeed. Go and get ready we need to leave in thirty minutes."

_________________________

Harry didn't care for the floo as he almost fell to the floor. Severus' grabbing him prevented him from landing face-first on the marble. "I neglected to inform you that you need to take a step when you are in the floo."

"Yeah, like that will make it better." Harry coughed a bit. Lucius laughed. "Hi, Blonde. Guess what I got today?"

"What did you get today?" Lucius glanced at Severus. They would need to work on the nicknames but now wasn't the time.

"I got a cat!" Harry was so excited about his new pet. "Wow, my relatives' house could fit in this room." Harry looked around and saw the fireplace took up half the wall behind him with two bookcases on each side. He saw several soft-looking green couches with matching chairs. There was a soft green rug in the middle of the room with some design on it that looked Chinese to Harry. He noticed several bay windows on each of the three walls.

"This is the green sitting room. How about a tour after you meet my wife and son?" Lucius had already warned Narcissa regarding Harry's nicknames but he was looking forward to Draco's reaction to whatever nickname Harry provided Draco with.

"How much does a tour cost?" Harry tugged Severus' sleeve. "I don't have any money to pay for a tour, do you? Where you aware of this policy?"

"The tour will be free. I am sure Draco would love to escort you before we have our meal." Lucius indicated for Harry to follow him. "Severus has been here many times and doesn't require a tour."

"Oh." Severus felt his sleeve tugged again. "Is there a look but don't touch policy? I mean I know it's my dream but even in my dream, I don't think I can afford anything in this place if I accidentally break it. How about you, Angel?"

"I will let you in on a family secret." Lucius stopped walking and turned to face Harry. He squatted down until he was eye level with Harry. "Everything breakable has been protected by spells since I was little and most likely before that. So if it breaks, we just cast a simple repair spell, and it's back to being its old self. Please don't test the theory, because items can only take so many repairs."

"Cool. I need to learn that spell. Dudley would break things and blame me." Harry grabbed Severus' hand. "No touching for me."

Severus nodded his agreement. "It would be best. Once you are in the kid-approved areas, you will be fine." Lucius and Severus watched Harry as he gawked and marveled at what he was seeing. Harry jumped a mile when one of the Malfoy family ancestors moved from the portrait.

"Did you see that? I have moving painting in my dream. How cool is that?"

"I am not a painting, I am a portrait. I am Julian Marcus Malfoy." The old man in the portrait to the left of the abandoned one declared.

"You speak!" Harry released Severus' hand and walked up to the portrait. "When were you born? When did you die? I am assuming you are dead since your in a portrait. How did you die? It must be boring in a portrait. What do you do all day?"

"I say, that is a lot of questions." Julian looked at Lucius. "Well, get him a chair. I don't get anyone who is ever willing to speak to me."

"Grandfather, I will bring him by later. He is the newest Malfoy family member. Severus is my blood brother and this is his son." Lucius indicated Severus. Julian and the other family members were aware of Severus and his numerous visits.

"Oh, wonderful. Another lad in the family. I do look forward to seeing you more. We will chat later." Julian disappeared from the portrait.

"He is going to fill in everyone." Lucius grinned at the empty frame. "He will love to chat with you. Most of the portraits are in the portrait hall and will love a visit from you. This is just one of the many alternate frames they can visit."

"A whole hall?" Harry was excited. "Is there a lot of portraits to talk to?"

"Yes." Lucius didn't comment beyond that. He figured Harry would love the surprise. Severus smirked. Severus was going to have his hands full once Harry was at Prince Castle.

Lucius led them to the sunroom off of the smaller personal library he used for his work. "Hadrian Orion Severus Lucius Potter Prince Malfoy Snape may I present my wife, Narcissa Cleo Malfoy nee Black and my son, Draconis Lucius Malfoy."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Harry, if I may call you that?" Narcissa smiled at Harry.

Harry seemed to scan her up and down before looking at Severus. His gaze turned back to Narcissa. "She won't hit me with a frying pan will she?"

"What? No, you mean someone hit you with a frying pan?" Narcissa was a bit shocked.

"We will fill you in later, my dear." He indicated for everyone to sit down. Harry sat down next to Draco on the wicker love seat while Severus took the chair next to the boys.

"How is he a Malfoy?" Draco looked confused. "He just Harry Potter."

"Hold your horses, Goldilocks. Let my Angel explain before you blow your top." Harry tilted his head and his hand touched Draco's hair. "How does it not move? It's like superglue. So shiny too." Harry tried to pet Draco's hair.

"I am not a pet." Draco pulled his head away.

"Sure, sure, Goldilocks. Whatever you say." Harry's hand started for Draco's hair again. "It's so pretty."

"Of course it is, I am a Malfoy."

"Big deal." Harry went to touch Draco's hair again. "So am I."

"Perhaps a tour might be in order for Harry, Draco, while your father and uncle explain what is going on to me." Narcissa's sweet smile didn't reach her eyes. She wanted answers and wanted them now.

"If he stops trying to touch my hair." Draco wasn't sure what to make of Harry Potter. No one ever called him by a nickname or tried to pet his hair before. Most only cared that he was a Malfoy.

"Harry, why don't you go with Draco for a tour. I am sure he can show you the different portraits." Severus looked at Draco. "Draco, Harry's my son." He hoped that Draco understood what he was saying. Draco looked between Severus and Harry before facing his father who nodded.

"Hey, since it's my dream, can we go out in the garden? Look at the pretty flowers." Three walls of the sunroom were a thick glass that provided perfect views of the massive gardens that Malfoys had. The room was filled with plants and tan wicker furniture. "I bet there are a lot of potion ingredients out there."

"Yes, there are, I have gathered from the gardens as well as Draco and Narcissa. Since dinner will be soon, a tour might be best, Harry."

"Sure, sure, Angel. Lead on, Goldilocks. I want to see the portrait hall. They talk, did you know that?" Harry headed for the door. Draco started to follow.

"I am aware. Come on, I can show you something else that I think you will like."

"Why do I fear Hogwarts might not be the same with those two as friends?" Narcissa watched them leaving the room. "Now, what happened?"

Chapter Text

Severus and Lucius worked together to keep Narcissa from killing a muggle. They wanted to see the muggles punished for what they did to Harry but they didn't want to have Dumbledore become aware of anything they did nor did they wish to visit Narcissa in Azkaban. "Narcissa, trust me, they will be punished. I am sure Lucius will make sure they will be punished by the Ministry also but we must do it in such a way to protect Harry, keeping him from Dumbledore demanding control because of something we did." Severus was hoping reasoning would on Narcissa. Narcissa wasn't as insane as her sister, Bellatrix, but she was deadly when someone earned her wraith.

"Cissa, I promise, we will make them pay. I am sure Severus will need your assistance in creating a way to get potions delivered to the muggles. Perhaps some type of contest."

Narcissa smiled at the idea. "If what Severus says of those muggles, I do believe I know exactly the type of contest they could win."

Severus wasn't sure what Narcissa had planned but he did like the idea of making the muggles pay and without them leaving evidence behind. "What is your idea?"

"Well, you did mention that the males are overweight, why not a dessert of the month club winning? I believe the muggles still believe those clubs are real. After all, it has been how the Ministry gets monitoring items into the muggle-borns homes." Narcissa remembered when she was doing her internship that the Aurors had used the club idea to get devices into muggle-born homes where they believed child abuse was happening. Despite Dumbledore's lack of concern regarding abuse, the Ministry took the claims seriously especially if accidental magic occurred to protect a child.

"I do believe it would work. The next problem, I need to get Harry a wand but I am unsure how a wand would react to his magic and his issues. I am not sure if getting a wand from Ollivander would be best or should we go with a crafted one? I am also a bit concerned that Dumbledore might influence Ollivander in directing Harry toward certain types of wands."

"As a healer, I can inform you that any mental issue could affect a wand choice especially given how Harry's issues aren't the common mental issues we would associate with abuse. You have him on potions?" Narcissa summoned a few books that she believed might be of assistance.

"Yes, the goblins gave me a list." Severus produced the list.

"I would like to copy it, Severus." Lucius pulled out his wand. "Narcissa and I can research some family magic to protect Harry but we don't want his potion regime to interfere with the magic."

"I am also looking into that aspect." Severus watched as Narcissa and Lucius copied the list.

"Standard potions for an abused child. I would go with a crafted wand. Dumbledore is very interested in Harry and worked hard to keep him hidden for so long to permit any aspect of Harry's life unplanned." Narcissa placed the list with the books.

"I agree. He even sent Hagrid to retrieve him. All students are to get a professor. He picked Hagrid for a reason." Lucius had already filed a complaint regarding the situation. He had gathered memories of Hagrid at the pub while leaving Harry to gather his ingredients.

"I will take him tomorrow to Knockturn. I am sure it will be another interesting shopping trip." At their questioning looks, Severus smiled and began to inform them of what shopping with Harry was like. He even included the story about the cat, meeting the Book Fairy, and calling Mr. Books.

"He is creative in his names. I do worry about when he realizes it isn't a dream and his reaction. You will have to watch him carefully for any type of mental break from reality that might cause him to shut down or even fully break. His mind feels safe in his dream. He needs the dream for now." Narcissa glanced out to the garden before turning back to Severus. "We need to find a mind healer that will work with him and prevent Dumbledore from discovering the truth."

"I agree." Lucius thought he might know just the person. It was someone Dumbledore would never suspect and couldn't claim was dark. "What about your sister?"

Severus glanced at Narcissa before turning back to Lucius. "Do you think she would be willing? I heard how exclusive she is."

"I think we might be able to persuade her." Narcissa smiled. "Andromeda will help Harry since he is family. Family is important and I am sure if we explain about the abuse and Dumbledore's involvement, she will clear her schedule."

"Oh, yes, I did forget about her dislike of him," Severus remembered when Andromeda was in her seventh year and wanted to marry Ted Tonks. Dumbledore had discovered the information and informed Andromeda's parents after pulling Ted into his office and reminding Ted that Andromeda was a Black and a Slytherin. Dumbledore warned Ted regarding purebloods and how they treated muggle-borns and muggles. He warned Ted that he would be endangering his family.

Ted didn't take the warning well. Ted had stayed away from Andromeda for a few days while he thought through everything he knew about his future wife and what Dumbledore was warning him against. Andromeda finally found Ted and forced a confrontation. Ted saw the light when Andromeda reminded him that he had met her sisters and parents and they hadn't tortured him. After all, in the seven years at Hogwarts, had he seen her sisters do anything to anyone? They were married that summer.

"Dumbledore and his games." Lucius heard the grandfather clock chime the top of the house. "We better go and find the boys. I am sure Draco is not enjoying talking to the family."

_________________________________

Harry had his questions answered by the different portraits. Some had died a long, long time ago. None of them knew Cinderella, Snow White, or even where Camelot was located. "We have to go to Hogwarts where the clown is running things. He is boring."

"You mean Headmaster Dumbledore?" Draco was finally figuring out some of what Harry was saying. Severus was Angel, his father was Blondie, Highlander was McGonagall, and the Fairy was Madam Pomfrey. He was still trying to figure out who some of the others were. He wasn't sure who Mr. Books was or the Book Fairy. Harry had told his relatives about shopping.

"Oh, I can tell you tales of the dear Headmaster Dumbledore. I went to school with him." His great grandfather smiled down at them.

"Oh, please share," Draco begged.

"You went to school with the clown? Did he always dress so badly? He couldn't have done very well if he is a clown. My Angel keeps him away from me. I think he looks better with the red nose."

"Oh, he was always a bad dresser. Now, let's see what story..., Oh, I know, there was this time he wore these bright yellow socks to class. He had charmed them yellow, mind you, socks were white and he claimed they were boring. So he charmed them. Sadly for him, he got the charm wrong as he was a first-year at the time and hadn't realized the color-changing charm he was taught wasn't for clothes. His legs were yellow until the charm wore off."

Harry and Draco were laughing. They listed to Draco's great grandfather was telling them stories about Hogwarts. They were currently listening to a story about how he caught Albus Dumbledore attempting to prank some Hufflepuffs and instead when he released the potion it had exploded over him. Dumbledore had shaken the potion bottle too much in his eagerness to catch up to his prey. "He was covered in this bright pink sticky stuff. The longer it was on him the harder and brighter pink it got. He ended up being a pink statue for two days because the counter hadn't been brewed."

Severus and Lucius exchanged a look. "Tell him about the time Father tried to catch his first peacock." Draco encouraged.

"You have peacocks!" Harry's voice was full of excitement.

"Yes, and Father has some white ones." Draco bragged. "They are outside. I can show you them later after the story."

"I like the stories. They are funny. Didn't your Aunt Bet say she would tell us about how your grandfather got caught using magic?"

Lucius wasn't sure who his Aunt Bet was and expected his relative to correct the boy. "I did so promise but I fear it will have to be another day, my dear, as it's almost time for the pair of you to join your parents."

Lucius recognized the voice of his great aunt Ibol. The lady was as uptight and straight-laced pureblood and he would have thought she would have set Harry straight regarding her name. "Yes, Great Aunt Ibol is correct."

"Lucius, you must bring the boys to visit soon. We have had such a delightful time." Julian was grinning at the boys.

"I am sure they will return."

Harry ran up to Severus. "Angel, I'm hungry." Harry's hand slid into Severus.

"I guess it is a good thing we arrived to bring you into the dining room." Severus wasn't going to discourage Harry's eating habits. The boy had been starved for so long he had been afraid they would have to force him into eating. The goblins had healed the physical damage but the mental damage wasn't so easy to fix.

"Come on, Goldilocks, let's go and eat. We need to make sure Dudley doesn't sneak in. He will eat everything as well as Uncle Vernon and leave us with nothing. So be on guard for two whales. We should hear them coming before we see them but still be on guard." Harry waved at the portraits as they were leaving. He enjoyed talking to them. Who knew dreams could be so interesting. He didn't remember ever hearing a movie with moving portraits in them. He wondered what he might see from the telly he heard during his time in the cupboard. he couldn't count on Dudley's imagination. Dudley was duller than when his uncle listened to politicians.

"Angel, can Draco spend the night?"

Severus felt his sleeve tugged. Severus looked at Draco who was very eager for him to agree before he looked at Lucius. "I believe you need to speak to your Uncle Lucius."

Harry didn't bat an eyelash before he turned to Lucius. "So Blondie, can Goldilocks spend the night? I want him to meet Prince and show him that I have my own room now."

"I believe it can be arranged if Draco is agreeable."

"Yes, and thank you." Draco was trying not to gasp at his father being called Blondie and not flipping out. No one called him by a nickname before.

"Wonderful, I will make sure he is home before we head out to get Harry his wand." Severus was very happy that Harry made a friend with Draco. Draco needed someone to ground him as Harry would. Harry didn't care if Draco was a Malfoy or had money.

Harry was bouncing a bit as they wanted. He had a friend. A friend that Dudley couldn't scare away. He wondered if Goldilocks was what was called an imaginary friend? He had one a long time ago named Tom but Tom disappeared after a visit- Harry froze. "The clown-"

"Harry?" Severus wasn't sure what was going on.

"The clown he took my friend Tom away. He visited my aunt and took my friend." Harry's magic reacted to the anger he was feeling. "He took my imaginary friend away. Tom was the one who helped me."

Lucius and Severus put up shields around Draco before they protected themselves as the windows in the room started to break. They exchanged a look. They understood what Harry was telling them. Dumbledore had visited the Dursley home and did something to Harry. They would need to discover what was done but first, they needed to calm Harry down. "Ry." Draco moved and touched Harry. "We're friends now. No one can remove me."

Harry's magic calmed down as he heard Draco's words. He looked at Draco. "Really? You will stay my friend? Dudley won't scare you?" Harry bit his lip. He always wanted a friend that no one could scare away as the clown and Dudley did.

"Yes, really as long as you stop trying to pet my hair." Draco smiled.

Harry went to reach for Draco's hair but stopped at Draco's words. "But it's so pretty." Harry focused on Draco. He hugged Draco but before releasing Draco, he petted Draco's hair. "No more pets."

"Good, it takes time to get it this perfect." Draco grinned.

Chapter Text

Severus was exhausted when he finally went to bed. Draco and Harry had a fun night, however, and that was worth it. Draco and Harry had played a few games while he worked on some stuff for his classes. He read to them a few chapters from a book that Draco picked out. He had tried for one chapter but the boys were still awake so he kept reading. Five chapters later, he finally heard some light snoring from the duo. Prince was perched on one of the pillows looking at him. "I am not going to read to you." The cat gave him a slight meow before he closed his eyes.

Severus woke to a lot of laughing. He wasn't sure he wanted to find out what was happening but he had to discover what the pair was doing. Severus put on his dressing gown and opened his bedroom door. Prince was running around the living area following Draco and Harry. Each boy had some ribbon in their hands and were running around with the ribbon dragging behind them. Prince was chasing the ribbon. He didn't see anything destroyed so he closed his door and headed to the washroom to get ready for the day.

Severus sent Draco home and prepared himself for a trip to Knockturn to get Harry a custom wand. Dumbledore would have a fit but he didn't care. Harry was telling him about Draco and Prince as they walked. He listened carefully. Most would have expected him to ignore the chatter but with Harry, he found he learned more with the boy's free talking. "Sounds like you have fun."

"We did. Goldilocks said he would come back as soon as he can visit."

"I do not see a problem with Draco visiting. Soon you will be in classes with him and some other friends." Severus wasn't surprised to have Harry list off friends of Draco's that he had heard over the years. When they got to Knockturn Alley, Severus stopped. "Harry, I want you to listen to me carefully." Harry looked up at him. "You are not to go down this road without me. Never. It is very dangerous for untrained wizards."

Harry looked down the road and up to his Angel. "Never go down here without you."

"Yes." Severus was a bit worried so he picked up Harry and settled him on his hip. "Let's get you a wand."

"A wand!" Harry grinned.

Severus headed down toward the store. He entered the small store between the rundown pub and a seedy motel. The store was small and barely had the room for the pair of them in the front room. There was a sign saying to go out back. He stepped past the beaded curtain and into a huge room. "Give me a minute, Professor Snape."

Severus put Harry down. He wondered how the person knew who he was. Harry was looking around the room as he was. There were shelves filled with different boxes. Inside each box was different ingredients from gems to wood. There was a large workbench in the middle of the room. It was empty with just a chair pushed off to the side. It was a black office chair with wheels. A young man stepped out from another doorway. "Gibons, I wasn't expecting you." Severus had Gibons in his first year of teaching. It had been Gibons last year at Hogwarts.

"No one ever expects a Gibons." Gibons laughed. "Well, now who do you have here?"

"Harry, this is Michael Gibons, he is going to craft your wand, Gibons, this is my ward, Harry Potter." Severus was aware that Gibons was a Slytherin and therefore would keep his mouth shut.

"I believe we can accomplish it. Let me see what I can provide." Gibons moved to the shelves. "Harry, I need you to put your hand out and just run it along the shelves until you feel a pull." Harry walked closer. "You can touch the woods, they are safe, I promise but it would be better if you only touched the one you feel a pull toward."

"Gibby, what if I don't?" Harry looked up. Gibons was a short man. He was only 154 cm with slightly bowed legs. He had dirty blond hair and bright blue eyes. His face was round with soft features.

"You will. I can feel your magic and the wood will too."

Severus was glad he had decided to avoid Ollivander. Ollivander would have scared Harry with his quick moves, quirky attitude, and flying tape measure. Severus watched as Harry held out his hand and moved his hands by the different woods. Harry went back and forth between a few of them before he picked up a short piece of wood.

"Ah, Purpleheart." Gibons took the wood from Harry. "Do you want to know what it means?"

"Yes, yes, I do." Harry was almost bouncing.

"Of course you do. You're very bright." Gibons walked to his work table. "Purpleheart trees come from Central and South America. Do you know where that is?" Harry shook his head. "It is on the other side of the world. When it is first cut, it's grey-brown. The color deepens to this shade of purple when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. It's why it looks like wine now. Guess what? It is ideal for someone like you. Someone who is imaginative as well as a creative magic worker. It works best for divination, aspiration, knowledge, spirituality, and transformation. I believe you found the perfect wood for you."

Severus thought it was an understatement. Harry was beaming. "I got a purple wand!"

"Well, we aren't done. I need you to come to the other side and pick the core for me. Do the exact same thing for me." Harry raced over to the other side of the room and looked in awe at the different shelves of items. Severus felt like Harry would just love to dive into the boxes. Harry slowly ran his hand along the shelves. They watched him going back to forth between two boxes. "You want to touch two?"

"Yes, they are singing to me."

"I am not surprised, they can be a bit talkative too." Gibons pulled out the first item. "This is a Thunderbird feather. Now, a wand with this inside is powerful but difficult to master but I feel you will not have an issue. It is also good for transfigurations. They can also sense danger and cast curses to protect you, too." Gibons looked at Severus. Severus understood what Gibons was telling him. He was telling him that the wand would protect Harry. Harry would have no problem with the wand working for him. "Now, the next thing....well, let's just say you are going to have two cores." He held up a small fang, well compared to many other fangs. "Vampire fang. It makes the wand very versatile and can be light or dark. It will choose what its owner will choose for its divinity. It is a very loyal bond. It works great with charms and divination and is excellent for potion stirring."

"Oh wow, I want to do potions like my Angel. Goldilocks talked a lot about potions and how important they are too. We are going to be masters one day. We pinkie promised to be lab partners." Harry missed the confused look Gibons gave Severus.

"Do you need us for anything else, Mr. Gibons?" Severus was standing behind Harry. He stopped Harry from reaching his hand into one of the boxes that had snake fangs in them.

"No, I just need a few hours to craft the wand." Gibons looked down at Harry. "Do you want a hoster and protections placed on your wand?"

Harry looked up at Severus. "Angel?"

"Yes, we do. A black wrist holder as well as all the protective charms." Severus was aware this was going to be more expensive than any wand from Ollivander.

"Should I bill you?" Gibons wasn't worried about getting paid. Severus Snape always paid his debts.

"No, I will provide you with the vault information." Severus watched as Gibons got out the voucher for him to fill out for Gibons to submit to Gringotts. "Harry, how about we go to the book store and then have lunch while Mr. Gibons works on your wand."

Harry got his wand, the rest of the summer was spent playing with Draco or learning things from Severus.

Harry's first day of the new school year.

Severus wasn't surprised to discover Harry was already up, dressed, and waiting for him. "Look, I got pancakes. Mimi makes them for me."

Severus smiled as he passed Harry to get some coffee. "What is your plan for the day?" Severus found that Harry liked being asked Harry might be planning for the day as well as setting up times for Harry to spend learning.

"Purpleheart asked if I would like to help her polish some brooms. Mrs. Norris and I are going to help Mr. Norris in the Infirmary for the Fairy." Harry smiled at him.

Severus had to think before he processed what Harry said. He needed his coffee. Now, Purpleheart was Madam Hooch because of her purple hair. Harry had shown her his wand and the pair had a long discussion about the color purple. Harry and Madam Hooch were fans of the color. He still smiled at the idea of Argus Filch being called Mr. Norris. Filch had attempted to correct Harry but Harry just ignored him and he talked to Mrs. Norris instead. Argus gave up when Mrs. Norris curled up in Harry's lap. The grouchy cat wasn't known for liking anyone but Argus. Fairy was Harry's name for Poppy. She was still unable to revert her outfit that day but didn't seem to mind. Just for the record, Dumbledore still had a clown nose and couldn't glamour it. "Sounds like a plan."

"You going to brew without me? I like doing the stirring."

Severus smiled at Harry. He was a bit surprised his face wasn't sore from the smiling he had done lately. It was probably the most he ever smiled in his life. "No, I have some last minute things I need to get done. I will be in my office so when you are finished with any planned event what do you do?"

"I find my Angel." Harry grinned. "You tell Purpleheart I can fly?"

"Not today. You know I like to be present when you fly." Severus wasn't sure if he recovered from the first time watching Harry fly. The boy had no fear. He had the broom zooming around faster than Prince did when the cat had a dose of catnip. Harry was even hanging upside down at one point laughing his head off. Once Severus' heart was back inside his body, he gave Harry a lecture about broom safety while Madam Hooch backed up his arguments. When asked what Harry had been thinking he was doing, Harry simply commented that since he couldn't fly a magic carpet, he decided he had to be the genie in Aladdin. Severus was going to have to get some Disney movies to watch so he could follow Harry's references.

"If I promise not to be Aladdin?" Harry looked hopeful.

"No, but if you behave today, you can have something for a treat after lunch." Severus had a box of Chocolate Frogs he had purchased as a way to encourage Harry in more positive behavior. Andromeda had agreed to take Harry on as a client but hadn't had any time to add him until her daughter was back at Hogwarts. She did provide Severus with some helpful tips including reinforcing the positive behavior, less reacting to the bad or different behavior. When Severus explained what he had been doing regarding Harry's dream world, he learned he was handling it fine. Andromeda mentioned that pushing Harry too far too soon might cause more problems since it was also a lot of changes for Harry.

"Okie dokie, Angel."

"Did you take care of your cat?" Severus spotted Prince sitting by Harry's chair hoping for some bacon. He sat down opposite Harry. He would eat in the Great Hall. Harry would come with him and chat with the different professors. He loved to chat with Filius.

"Yes, changed the food and water. I did the litter box too." Harry beamed. "I checked the boxes on my chore chart." Harry pointed to the chart that Severus had written up for Harry to earn some money. "I put my sheets in the laundry." Harry looked at Severus. "How much money do you think I should charge my relatives for all the work I did for them?"

Severus coughed a bit. He liked the idea. "We can work on it this weekend." He wondered how the Dursleys liked their first dessert of the month club prize? He would mention to Lucius about setting up a monitoring charm to see if they could watch the results.

Chapter Text

Severus worked on keeping Dumbledore away from Harry because any time Dumbledore got too close, Harry would give him a red clown nose or turn him into a goat. Dumbledore had blown a gasket when he learned that Harry hadn't been to Ollivaders for a wand.

SEV POV -Flashback

Severus arched a brow at the note he received during dinner. Harry was talking to Pomona about some plants. Pomona didn't mind being called gnome once Harry explained that gnomes were cute and lived in the gardens. Harry hadn't seen the real gnomes in the magical world and had produced one for Pomona when she was a bit confused by the difference. At first, everyone was a bit shocked by Harry's casual use of wandless magic but no one commented on it. Severus was just happy that Dumbledore wasn't around when it occurred. The gnome was now a permanent feature on Pomona's desk in her garden.

He put the note in his pocket. Dumbledore wanted to speak to him after dinner. He would see if Pomona or Filius would watch Harry while he visited the Headmaster. He wasn't going to ask Hagrid after Harry informed everyone that Hagrid liked to drink. It wasn't news but every time Harry saw him, he called him the Hairy One Who Drinks A Lot. Severus figured it was better to keep them apart as Hagrid was set on winning Harry over and tried to give the boy some dangerous pets. Pets that were babies of Hagrid's pets and shouldn't have been allowed on the grounds. Just because the half-giant could handle them didn't mean they were safe for students.

After a quiet word with Pomona and Filius, it was decided Harry would spend time with Pomona in the gardens. She had some plants that she needed to be planted and Harry was jumping with excitement to assist. He agreed to retrieve Harry at eight. It would also give him time to review some of his work after speaking with Dumbledore.

Severus headed up to the old man's office and wasn't surprised to see Minerva waiting for him by the gargoyle. "I am here to support you." Severus nodded in acceptance as she spoke the password. Dumbledore seemed a bit surprised to see Minerva with him but didn't comment on it. Severus noticed that Dumbledore still had a red nose. "Albus, you wished to see me?"

"Yes, my boy, I just got a reply back from Garrick. He informed me that you haven't taken Harry to get his wand."

"I took him to Gibons. Harry has a wonderful wand made from a purple-heart tree."

"Oh, how wonderful. They do so well with transfigurations." Minerva smiled.

"What was wrong with taking him to Gerrick? He makes amazing wands." Dumbledore wanted to curse Severus for not following his plans.

Severus could see the vein in Dumbledore's neck was throbbing as the man tried to bury his fury. "Harry wouldn't have been able to handle the man's tape measure as well as his quirks. Harry would most likely have turned the tape measure into something else and might have destroyed the store if the tape measure went too close to him. He would be fearful he would be hit with it."

"Oh, stuff and nonsense. The boy is fine. He hasn't been abused and I wish you would stop insisting he was. His relatives love him. Those who have love in their hearts are never abused nor do they abuse." Dumbledore looked at the two heads of houses.

Minerva glared at Dumbledore. "Severus, you need to leave, now. I want a word with Albus alone."

Severus was going to refuse until he saw the pure fury on Minerva's face. Dumbledore was still looking at him but finally noticed Minerva's look. "I am sure we can work this out, easily. Severus will just take Harry to get a proper wand and we can return the other wand." Dumbledore's smile didn't reach his face as Minerva's face reflected her rising anger. "Minerva?"

"Severus, I believe it would be best if you left now." Minerva stood up. She leaned forward and placed her hands on Dumbledore's desk.

Severus realized he didn't want to leave. He wanted to see Minerva tear Dumbledore apart but knew Minerva wouldn't let Dumbledore have it full-on with him present. "I will go and work on my potions."

End Flashback

Another note arrived from Dumbledore the night before the first day of the term started. He refused to groan. He was aware of what this was about. Dumbledore had been pushing for Harry to spend the night at the Weasleys and wanted Harry to ride the train. Dumbledore had been pushing Ronald Weasley at Harry but Harry hated the boy.

Flashback----A week before the train ride.

"Ah, Harry, Severus, how delightful to see you. I brought someone here for Harry to spend the day with."

Severus immediately recognized a Weasley. He glared as Ronald Weasley stepped forward. "Are you really him?"

Harry was a bit confused and looked up at Severus. "Angel, who does he think I am?"

"I am unsure." Severus had hoped that Dumbledore would have turned down the fame game.

"Can I see your scar?" Ronald's eyes went to the scar on Harry's head as his hand went to move Harry's hair away from his face.

Harry's eyes bugged out and he started backpedaling fast. "No, no, no. It's Dudley."

Severus grabbed Harry quickly before he fled into the Forest. He pulled Harry up and into his arms. "Albus! I warned you about this type of game." Severus wasn't sure how to reach a calming draught with a distraught Harry in his arms begging his Angel to get him away from Dudley. "Oh, no, he wasn't abused!" Severus spit out as he stormed away.

Minerva must have retrieved Poppy as the women were at the entrance when he arrived. "I have a calming draught."

"Harry, let Fairy give you a potion." Severus was rubbing his hand up and down Harry's back.

Harry looked at Poppy. "I don't like the clown. He needs to go away. He keeps bringing the bad people into my dream, Fairy. You and the Highlander get rid of Dudley?"

"Aye, Laddie, I will be."

Minerva's Scottish brogue was fully out and Severus realized she was going to curse Dumbledore before the man got close to the castle. He looked over his shoulder as Poppy was getting Harry to drink the potion. Dumbledore seemed to realize it was the better part of valor to remain away from the women and was escorting Weasley someplace else. "He is not taking the train."

"I agree." Poppy looked at Mineva. "He won't be able to handle people staring at him without someone to protect him and I do not believe Draco Malfoy will be up to the task of keeping everyone away from Harry."

Minerva's anger was still burning but since she wasn't angry at Harry, she gave him a slight smile as he laid his head on Severus' shoulders. "Albus might force the issue. Severus, you might have to ride the train with Harry and Draco if he does."

"I will write Lucius." Severus wasn't riding the train and he wasn't going to force Harry to either.

End Flashback

--Sorting and Harry's first day of classes.

Harry was standing with Draco in line with the rest of the first years. Draco had ridden the train and Severus had escorted him to Draco before heading into the Great Hall. The Highlander was with them. Harry was excited. "I wished you could have come earlier."

"Me too. The train was boring." Draco quickly introduced Harry to his friends. "We did have some fun when Weasley was going nuts on the train looking for you."

"I told you the Dud has the brains of a flea."

Blaise Zambini started laughing. "That is the best name for him."

The Highlander led them inside the Great Hall when Mr. Norris signaled the Highlander it was time. While normally this wasn't done, neither Minerva nor Severus wanted to leave Harry alone with Ronald Weasley for fear of what Harry might turn the boy into and having to listen to Molly Weasley. The Sorting Hat started to sing. "Sure, this isn't a dream. A singing hat that sorts us into houses. Yeah, I am the one in denial." Harry shook his head. The only people surprised by the fact that Harry went to Slytherin were Dumbledore and Ronald Weasley.

"No, he can't be a snake. He can't be dark."

Harry was a bit confused by the accusation and stopped walking toward the Slytherin table. "I am not a snake. I am a human. I am also light. Are you colorblind? Do you need glasses? I am sure you could borrow mine if you do. Did you drink a Confusing Concoction? I am sure my Angel can find you a cure." Severus had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing. However, the rest of the staff were smiling at the response. "I did say the Dud had a brain of a flea. He just opens his mouth and proves me right each time." Harry sat next to Draco. "See, I told you, Goldie, I would be with you."

Draco smiled. "You did."

--Classes---Woohoo --Select scenes--

Draco, Harry, Blaise, Pansy, and the moving bookend pair of Goyle and Crabbe entered the transfiguration classroom. Harry walked up to the cat on the desk. "Highligher, you're a cat. This is the best dream ever. Do you want to meet the Prince? He needs some friends besides Mrs. Norris. Mrs. Norris likes to spend her time with Mr. Norris."

"Harry, who are you talking to?" Draco wasn't expecting Harry to have a conversation with a cat.

"The Highlander. She is keeping her head." Harry kept petting the cat until the bell sounded and he took his seat. He had promised his angel to be in the classroom and seated on time.

The seconds ticked away until Weasley and one other boy came running into the classroom. "Oh, good, she isn't here."

Harry was about to point to the cat when Minerva beat him to the bunch and leaped into the air and transformed. "I so want to learn to do that." Harry nudged Draco. "It is a must." Harry couldn't wait to tell his angel that this was the best dream ever!

"I agree."

"Weasley and Thomas, do I need to transfigure you into a clock to be on time for your classes?"

________________

Charms:

Everyone was given a feather. Harry was watching the rest of the class. He saw them saying the spell and waving their wands around.

"Well, that dumb. If you want it to float, make it float."

"It's not easy." Draco was using his wand and going through the motions.

Harry shrugged, wordlessly making his feather float up into the air, making it dance a bit. Harry was enjoying the feather dance when the evil stepsister opened her mouth. "You can't just do that! You have to follow the spell!" Her hand shot up into the air.

Harry looked at his feather and saw hers was still laying flat on the desk. "Yeah, that sounds like a you problem."

Draco and the rest of the Slytherins started laughing. Filius had to cover his mouth for a second or two. "Potter, ten points for an excellent example of how to make a feather dance. However, please do try to use the correct spell and wand movement on your next attempt."

"Sure, sure, Short Stuff." Harry released the spell. He started to pat his robe. "Goldie, I think I lost my stick."

Draco pulled out Harry's wand from his robe pocket. "No, you left it on your desk and I picked it up." He handed Harry his wand. Draco had been keeping track of Harry's wand after Severus had requested a status on Harry's first day and asked Harry how his wand worked. Harry had been confused and asked if he was required to use it. When Severus asked where his wand was, it led them to each classroom until they came across Minerva who was looking for them to return Harry's wand which he had left in the greenhouse. Severus didn't have to ask his snakes to watch out for Harry and his wand. They took it upon themselves to do so.

--End of the scenes, more will come----also, Harry's first DADA and the reaction.

Staffroom:

Severus was dreading the first staff meeting of the term. It was the halfway mark for the term. He couldn't believe it was seven weeks into the school year already. Harry had sure made it interesting for him. It was 5 AM and he was drinking coffee to wake himself up while they waited for Dumbledore to arrive. He wondered if the man would be late to his own funeral.

Dumbledore entered the room with his smiling face, twinkling eyes, and the ugliest robes he had ever seen. Did the man look for the tackiest fabrics? Today they were being treated to some puke shade of green with dancing pumpkins on it. "Good morning, everyone." Dumbledore sat as no one responded beyond a few grunts. "Let's begin. Any problems that we need to discuss."

"Granger and Ronald Weasley." Pomona wasn't usually someone who complained about any students. "Granger's hand raising, calling out answers, hitting students, and being a tale-teller is getting annoying. None of my first years bother to even attempt to answer a question because if I don't pick on her, she will scream out the answer anyways."

"Yes, she does do it in my class as well." Several staff members complained. "She hits people if they try to disagree with her or say anything against what she believes is the truth."

"I wish she would stick with the requirements of an assignment. She would write a book if she had the time." Aurora looked around the room as many people voiced their agreement.

"I will speak to her." Minerva sighed. They were voicing her concerns.

"I am sure she is just overly excited and she will calm down soon. I was thinking since she is so smart, she might be perfect to assist Harry with his assignments." Dumbledore looked at Severus. "She has already agreed to assist Ronald. I am sure the three of them would be great friends."

"Why? Harry's assignments have been excellent. His marks have been outstanding on everything unless I am missing something." Severus arched a brow as he recognized what Dumbledore was attempting to do. "Harry also refers to Weasley as the Big Dud with the brain of a flea. He isn't afraid of Weasley any longer but he doesn't care for the snide comments Weasley makes regarding Slytherin and Harry being evil."

Dumbledore looked a bit surprised. "I will speak to him." Minerva sighed. This wasn't going the way Dumbledore had hoped. She had warned him about trying to form a new group of Marauders. The rest of the meeting wasn't much better with everyone adding their complaints against her two lions.

Chapter Text

Severus wasn't sure what was happening but a goat ran by him. He thought it looked like Dumbledore in his goat form but suddenly another goat was running past him. They were heading toward the Headmaster's office. He wondered why two goats were inside Hogwarts. He pinched the bridge of his nose. What did Dumbledore do to Harry? Why were there two goats? Who was the second goat? Why were they running to Dumbledore's office? Generally, when Dumbledore was transformed, he went to his or Minerva's office to bleat at him.

"Thank Merlin, Severus. I found you." Minerva was a bit out of breath. "You haven't happened to see two goats? I have been searching everywhere for them."

"I did, they were heading toward Albus' office." Minerva's class was over about an hour ago. Harry had been in that class.

Minerva sighed. "It is Granger and Weasley. I was about to interfere with their bullying of Harry when they were suddenly goats. Harry told them if they liked the head goat so much, they could join the herd. They were goats before I could even speak."

Yes, it sounded like something Harry would do. Frankly, he was surprised it had taken this long. Harry avoided the pair of them but Granger and Weasley didn't give up. "I will locate Harry and get him to fix them. However, they have been bullying him a lot. Argus as well as several others have complained to me about it." Severus wanted a picture of Dumbledore, Granger, and Weasley in goat form. He wondered if he suggested to Harry that Dumbledore keep his clown nose on in goat form if Harry would do it. No, bad thought, don't encourage Harry. Oh, okay, a little encouraging wouldn't hurt, right? "My snakes?"

"They haven't been a problem. Most of them have been attempting to keep my two lions away from Harry. They are very protective of him. Malfoy keeps track of Harry's wand as well as other issues. The problem is that Albus keeps removing any detention or point loss I or anyone assigns to Granger or Weasley." Minerva frowned. "Let me go and find the two missing goats."

"I will see you in Albus' office. I might suggest you warn him to not interfere unless he wishes to be a goat with a clown nose." Severus hoped the old fool did interfere. He had a snake to find. He had a feeling Harry was in the snake pit with his friends. Harry and Draco had a weird but amazing friendship. Draco and the rest of his snakes accepted Harry, quirks and all. They found his dream world enjoyable and encouraged it. He was glad they didn't pick on Harry but wasn't sure how he felt about their encouraging the dream world. Well, he couldn't complain, as he wasn't actively discouraging it.

Thirty minutes later:

Harry looked at the stone gargoyle as Severus was running down the list of candy names. Dumbledore and his stupid passwords. Harry was getting bored. He wondered what the gargoyle was for. The Hunchback! This was such a dream, no one was going to tell him any differently. A gargoyle, flying brooms, and carpets, giants, and so many other things are found in fairy tales. Harry tugged on his Angel's robes. "Does Quasimodo live in the tower? He does in the stories."

"Quasimodo? You mean from the Hunchback of Notre Dame?" Severus glared at the gargoyle. "Ice Mice?" The blasted thing didn't move. Harry had never been to the Headmaster's office before. He had been afraid of what Harry might do within a confined space with Dumbledore.

"Try one of the gargoyle's names. They are Victor, Hugo, and Laverne." Harry smiled as the gargoyle moved. "His name is Hugo." Harry patted the gargoyle on the head as it lowered its head down. "Thank you, Hugo. You are a good gargoyle. Do they have gargoyle treats?"

Severus stared at the scene in front of him. He never expected the gargoyle to have a name or to let Harry pet him. He swore the gargoyle was almost purring in pleasure as Harry petted him. "I am not sure." Severus finally recovered enough to answer. He should be used to Harry doing some creative stuff but this was something he never expected. "Let's go and see some goa-I mean the headmaster."

They walked up the stairs. "-they were-"

"Minerva, I am sure it was harmless however, we can't permit Harry to keep turning people into goats."

Severus wondered if the old fool would ever realize it was his attitude that was destroying his relationship with Harry as well as the one he wanted to have between Granger, Weasley, and Harry. "I hope we aren't interrupting?"

Harry held up his arm and Fawkes flew to him. "Hello, pretty birdie. Are you Iago? The Dud said he was red." Fawkes trilled a bit.

"His name is Fawkes." Severus supplied.

"Oh, pretty birdie with a pretty name." Harry petted Fawkes while ignoring those around him. The two goats were making a lot of noise as they weren't happy. Dumbledore had tried to speak but Minerva cast a Silencio on him.

"Harry, we need you to fix Granger and Weasley." Minerva pointed to the two goats. She wasn't about to let Dumbledore be turned into a goat again. She had enough paperwork to complete without adding more of his job to her busy schedule.

Harry looked at the two goats. "They aren't the Dud and the Mouth. They belong to Hagrid. See, they have brown patches. The Dud and Mouth have tan patches. I was playing with them yesterday. They don't like being inside."

"Harry, where are Granger and Weasley?" Severus watched as Minerva headed to the window to look out at Hagrid's area by the Forbidden Forest.

"I see them. Hagrid is heading here with them. Harry, how did the goats get into Hogwarts?"

"They were visiting me." Harry walked to the goats and produced a bag of carrots for them. Fawkes was sitting on his head as he fed the two goats some carrots. "I told them to visit me for some treats today."

Severus closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Harry, please no more visiting animal friends from Hagrid's or anyone else unless you ask me."

Harry kept feeding the goats. "Why is the clown quiet? He is always flapping his jaw."

Thankfully, no one got to answer as Hagrid appeared with Granger and Weasley behind him. "I am assuming you are missing two students since my two goats have brown patches and not tan?"

"Aye, Hagrid. Your goats are here. Thank you for bringing my two lions." No one spoke as Hagrid left with his two goats.

"Harry, change them back."

Harry frowned. "No, she hits and yells at me. He calls me names, says I am evil, tells me that he wished I died with my parents and that my parents would have killed me for being a snake. They aren't nice and I don't want bad people in my dream."

Severus glared at the two goats who were attempting to voice their version of events. "Cease, I heard you telling him exactly that. It ends now. No more demeaning or bullying Harry." Minerva glared at Dumbledore. "They will be serving detention for several nights. Harry, you have also earned detention for transforming them into goats. You need to let the professors handle this situation."

"Harry, Professor McGonagall is correct. You will serve detention tonight with me. Some cauldrons will need to be scrubbed." Severus gave him a disappointed face but in reality, he was very proud of Harry. Harry was defending himself as Severus had down when he was a teen and bullied by the Marauders. "Those two can serve it with Filch."

"Agreed." Minerva pointed to the goats.

Harry glared at the two goats. "I will because the Highlander and my Angel asked. I am not sorry, however." Harry crossed his arms over his chest as the two transformed back into humans. "You're mean."

"Harry will serve detention with me." Dumbledore finally removed the Silencio.

Harry glared and Dumbledore had a red nose and back in his goat form. He took off out of the office. "Professor, see. He is evil. Look at what he just did to Dumbledore!" Weasley pointed to the goat.

"Cease, Weasley. You are on thin ice. If I hear you spouting off that Harry is evil, you will be suspended." Minerva glared at Dumbledore. She wanted to curse him. She had warned him about attempting to get Harry alone or in detention. The man should have been happy that Harry wasn't turning him into a goat any time he saw him. It had taken weeks for the red nose to disappear and now it was back.

"It's not fair. We haven't done anything wrong!" Granger whined.

Minerva looked ready to explode. Severus was ready to kill her, himself. Dumbledore was suddenly transformed back into a human with a red nose attached. "You don't deserve to be a goat. Goats are nice!" Harry yelled into the room.

"Harry, leave him to us. Go to our quarters, I will speak with you directly." Severus didn't even want to think of what Harry might turn Dumbledore into if Dumbledore pushed his luck. Once Granger and Weasley were forced to leave by Minerva, Severus glared at Dumbledore. "You are ruining any chance you ever had with that boy. You are permitting those two to do exactly what the Marauders did to me. Look where it landed two of them. This is your last warning. Get those two under control or I will file a complaint with the school board. You seem to forget, bullying isn't permitted any longer. It is very frowned upon and I will not permit it to happen to Harry."

"I have to agree, Albus. The pair of them are causing problems in their house too. No one wants to associate with them. The prefects and even the three older Weasley boys are finding it hard to contain their brother and his Harry needs to die attitude."

Dumbledore looked a bit pale. "He has been saying that Harry needs to die and wishes he died with his parents?"

"Yes!" Severus and Minerva didn't believe the old fool would do much but they were hoping it might open his eyes a bit to how his pawns were acting.

"I will speak to them." Dumbledore looked at Severus. "Perhaps you could speak to Harry about the red nose? It is getting hard to explain away when I am at the Ministry or Wizenagot as no glamours will cover it."

"I will see what I can do. I am not promising anything." Severus turned and left. He had a snake to speak to. He was only not giving Harry a long detention. Two cauldrons should do it and he would make sure they were the least dirty of lots. He would work on Harry's creative potion-making skills after that.

Chapter Text

Severus was a bit surprised to see Quirrell approaching him. He had successfully avoided the man so far and wasn't sure what the fool would want. "Severus, a moment of your time."

Severus wondered where the stutter was as he agreed. He headed to his office. "Wards?"

"It would be best." Quirrell sat in the chair opposite his desk. Severus wasn't worried about Harry arriving as Harry would be in Charms with Draco and the rest of the first-year Slytherins. "Severus, you will keep protecting Harry from Dumbledore."

"Why do you care?" Severus wasn't about to expose anything regarding Harry and his situation in case it might be used against him later regarding the Dark Lord. He was aware he would have to return to spying someday but he had to protect Harry first.

"I care." A voice spoke and Severus recognized it as the Dark Lord's. "There are several issues that you are not aware of. No one but Harry and I are since we are the only two alive from that night."

Severus paled a bit. "Harry knows?"

"Yes, he recognized me." The Dark Lord took over Quirrell fully. "Severus, this part needs to remain a secret. I need a Vow."

"A Vow?" Severus wasn't sure he wanted to take a Vow without knowing the full details.

"Yes, it is regarding the truth of that night and some information leading up to that night." The Dark Lord focused his magic. He watched Severus feel the power. "So you will know I am being truthful and a simple Vow of nothing discuss in this room will go beyond the two of us."

"I, Severus Tobias Snape, vow that nothing discussed between my Lord and I shall be discussed outside of this room unless we need to discuss with each other later."

"I, Tom Marvolo Riddle, vow that I shall speak the truth of the night of the 31st of October 1981, and the events leading up to it. Nothing shall pass between my lips unless Severus Tobias Snape and I wish to discuss the situation further later."

Severus was a bit surprised by the wording of the oath. He wasn't expecting to hear the truth. He was expecting to hear the Dark Lord's colorful version to make himself look better but instead, he made a vow of truthfulness. "I will also provide you with the truth of what I know."

"Thank you, Severus." The Dark Lord took a deep breath. "I wasn't originally going to show myself. I am here for two reasons. One is to protect Harry, the second is to get the stone so I can return to my human form. Harry, however, ruined those plans."

"I am not surprised." Severus had been amused by Harry ruining Dumbledore's plans.

"Harry spent the first class staring at me. I wasn't sure why but after the class ended he ran up to me and hugged me. He asked why my face was on the back of Quirrell's head and under the turban? He wondered how I could breathe with the garlic smell. He asked if I needed some fresh air. After I got him to promise not to mention me to anyone, including you, he agreed with the promise of me informing you before the Yule holiday. He recognized me because I had been to the Potter home a few times before that night. I arrived there to help them escape and found them deceased already with Pettigrew arranging the bodies. Pettigrew placed James in the kitchen and I found Lily in Harry's bedroom. When I entered Harry's room to take him, he was already crying and screaming. I had thought it was because of Lily being on the floor. I was caught off guard by a hooded figure. We fought and my killing curse bounced off of a shield that was surrounding Harry because of the blood wards that I laid down killing me. Pettigrew had already run off when he saw me so he knows who the hooded figure was." He waved his wand and sparks of magic flew out of the wand. It was the Yew wand that the Dark Lord was famous for using.

Severus stared at the Dark Lord. This was the truth. The Dark Lord was using his own wand. It was his magic, not Quirrell's. "Do you have any idea who the hooded figure was?"

"Yes, but I fear no one will believe me. It was Dumbledore." The Dark Lord sighed deeply. "James Potter had discovered that the prophecy is a fake. He sent the orb to me. It was how we came to terms. I was helping them to escape England. Dumbledore had placed the Fidelius Charm on their property. Originally, Sirius Black was to be the Secret Keeper but Potter mentioned pressure from Dumbledore on Black to switch the keeper to Pettigrew. Potter asked for three notes with the address on them for his personal use. Dumbledore had objected but Lily pressured Pettigrew and he did after Dumbledore had left. I got one of the notes, Lupin was the other, the third was to go to you. I know it never left their house because Dumbledore had kept you at Hogwarts and they were fearful of him incepting any letters from them to you."

"Yes, I remember. Dumbledore claimed it because it was my first year teaching and he wanted to make sure I fit in comfortably so he always had some assignment or potions that needed to be brewed. I only left if you called me." Severus had been very vocal about this aspect and Minerva had helped him to be able to leave to gather potion ingredients and other things but it was never time enough for Severus to do much more than the basics. He didn't have any friends so he never could claim he was visiting friends since the only people he would visit would be Death Eaters and Dumbledore would want detailed reports as soon as he returned. "Lily wanted to see me?"

"Yes, they believed their relationship was because of potions as well as the breaking up of your friendship. Potter and Black were in a developing relationship before your fifth year. Lily mentioned how everything suddenly changed. She never understood why she went from hating Potter to loving him. Black and Potter developed a side relationship after they went into hiding. Lily had started to cook instead of relying on house-elves for food and they think the potions wore off."

"It would have given the time frame. However, Lily only blood adopted Harry. Sirius Black is Harry's father. Given the time frame with a love or even a mild love potion over the time period." Severus started to pull out some parchment. He grabbed a quill and ink bottle. He started to work on the numbers. "Given the time period, Lily, Potter, and Black would have been off of the potions by the time either James or Sirius got pregnant. Since I saw Lily at the Order meetings as well as Potter and Black, they were using glamours and I am willing to bet that Dumbledore was aware of everything. He would have used his tricks was the one to convince them to be seen as Lily and James Potter having a child. Any type of loyalty potion would still be working but fading if Lily was cooking and they weren't being fed it any longer."

"I should also inform you that I was under a lot of compulsions and potions. I had a purge the week before which was why I had been hiding."

Severus looked up sharply. He had always wondered why the week before the Potters' death it had been quiet. Dumbledore had assured him it was because the Dark Lord had been planning the demise of the Potters. "Compulsions and potions?"

"Yes, I discovered three house-elves served Dumbledore. The Potters house-elves were discovered deceased the day before I was to rescue them. It was why we moved the date up. We were originally aiming for the end of the year as they wanted to handle Black and Lupin. Black and Lupin need to be checked at Gringotts."

"It does explain why Dumbledore didn't want Harry to be tested at Gringotts as well as sending Hagrid to retrieve him from his muggle relatives." Severus was very aware that Dumbledore wasn't as Gryffindor as he liked to pretend to be. The man should and could have been in the house of the snakes like his brother, Aberforth was. "Harry?"

"He thinks it is funny to keep things hidden from the clown. He doesn't like nor does he trust him."

"No, he thinks Dumbledore is his Uncle Vernon using the clown costume. Weasley is his cousin, Dudley, and I am not sure if he selected his aunt as one as of yet."

"He needs to be protected. He is my heir since he defeated me. I have had ten years to think about the fact that he had the shield for a reason but he surprised me when he spoke parseltongue back to me. He is a parselmouth and if Dumbledore did any testing on him as a baby, he would be aware of the power Harry will have once he is of age especially if I am dead. He would be the only Slytherin heir left."

Severus blinked for several seconds. He hadn't thought of Dumbledore having Harry tested. "I had him tested." Severus stood up. He walked to a file cabinet and opened it after several protective wards were removed and a few different passwords were spoken. He pulled out a file. He handed the test results to the Dark Lord.

Harrison James Potter
birthname: Orion Sirius Potter Black
Father: James Charles Potter
Father: Sirius Orion Black-Potter
Blood adoption: Lily Evans
DOB 1 August 1980 0330

Titles:
LeFay (inheritance)
Slytherin (conquest)
Gryffindor (inheritance)
Peverell (inheritance)
Gaunt (conquest)
Black (inheritance)
Potter (inheritance)

Godparents:
Regulus Arcturus Black (deceased)
Remus Lupin (disqualified due to Ministry regulations)
Alice Longbottom (disqualified due to mental health issues)
Frank Longbottom (disqualified due to mental health issues)
Severus Snape (eligible)
Minerva McGonagall (ineligible for neglect on 1 November 1981)

"I wasn't aware of the different date regarding his birth. It might be why the prophecy was invalid regarding Harry but since James Potter sent it to me, it shows it was invalid when it was given or already fulfilled."

"I never heard the full prophecy. I, however, have wondered about when and how it was given." Severus remembered the night that changed his life. He had switched from the dark to the light becoming a spy but he had twisted things in such a way that the Dark Lord believed he was his spy.

"I have also. A pub but a known drunk without privacy wards for a job interview. How many do anything private without a ward?" The Dark Lord looked at the results. "May I copy these?"

"Certainly. Regarding the prophecy issue, those were my thoughts exactly." Severus watched the Dark Lord copy Harry's Inheritance Test results. He took back his copy and placed it back under his protective measures. "The biggest issue we have forthcoming is Dumbledore's desire to have Harry return to his relatives. I have been working on preventing it."

"Excellent. If you have to do a blood adoption to protect him, do so. Speak with Lucius also, he might have some legal options to get the muggles punished without Dumbledore blaming you." The Dark Lord stood up as the chime sounded for the end of the class hour. "I have a class."

"As do I." Harry was his priority and he would do whatever was necessary to protect him. "We can't be seen speaking, Dumbledore must be aware you are here."

"I agree." The Dark Lord felt the wards removed and headed for the door, permitting Quirrell to resume control. "Thank you for your attention."

"You're welcome." Severus handed an empty potion bottle to Quirrell. "It should help with the stutter." Severus wasn't sure if Dumbledore was close or not but he figured better safe than sorry.

Chapter Text

Severus wasn't sure if he felt relieved or not after his conversation with the Dark Lord. It was like his world did a one hundred and eighty turn around on him. Dumbledore was the villain and he didn't doubt events that happened at the Potter house as the Dark Lord told him. Something had always been off about that night. When he found Lily, he didn't see the Dark Lord's corpse or even his wand. It was a bit too neat for such an attack. He always had wondered why Dumbledore had removed Harry so quickly from the magical world, why the wills were sealed, and why it took so long for anyone to gain access to the house. Questions Dumbledore never answered.

Severus was a bit confused about being delegated to speak to Lucius about the situation while also protecting Harry. He was even a bit pleased that the Dark Lord wanted him to blood adopt Harry if he needed to protect him. He wondered if the Dark Lord would realize Harry had his way of protecting himself. He was going to remember the goats for a long time. He was also going to be informing Lucius about it.

Severus still wanted to speak to Harry about the situation and make sure Harry realized he had him to protect him. Harry was doing well with everyone but the two dunderheads. It appeared Dumbledore was hoping to form a new era of Marauders with Harry and most likely having the youngest Weasley joining the trio next year. Severus wasn't looking forward to the rest of the year if Dumbledore, Granger, and Weasley didn't back off.

Severus cast a tempus. It was the end of his office hours and he had no more classes for the day. He closed his office and headed to his quarters. He wanted to speak to Harry tonight and already arranged for Harry to see him after his last class which ended. He expected that Harry was already heading to his quarters. He just hoped Draco would avoid Weasley. Weasley seemed to believe it was his duty to bully Slytherins, especially Draco because of the family feud between the Malfoy and Weasley families.

Severus was almost to his office when he saw Harry and Draco were standing by the door talking to Pansy, Theo, Blaise, and Neville Longbottom. He wasn't sure how or why Longbottom was friends with the group but after seeing Weasley bullying his own house, especially Longbottom, he understood why. Longbottom wasn't the first or the last Gryffindor to become friends with Slytherins or even the other house. He wasn't sure if Dumbledore realized that three houses were uniting against Gryffindor with most of the Gryffindors joining the other three houses because of Dumbledore's habit of not doing a thing to punish a Gryffindor when they earned it.

"I do not believe I was expecting a party." Severus found he couldn't keep his normal brisk tone with Harry around. Harry had ruined his hard-earned reputation by calling him Angel. He was still stern in his class and when Harry wasn't around to ruin his reputation.

"Uncle Severus, Granger and Weasley told Professor McGonagall that Harry hit them but he didn't." Draco had already written to his father regarding the situation.

"He didn't. Weasley was doing his anti-Slytherin rant and Granger was the one who was hitting people. She hit Weasley first before hitting Harry warning him about turning them into goats." Longbottom was one of the ones Weasley liked to bully in the common room when his brothers weren't around.

"She punched my arm but she is weaker than the Dud is. He hits harder. She thinks she is so smart, she was telling Weasley how to say a spell and then blew up her feather." Harry giggled. "Pop, feather remains everywhere."

The children giggled as Harry threw the remains of the feathers in his hand up into the air. In the air, the feathers disappeared. Severus wasn't surprised by Harry's lack of using a wand but the students were. "I am sure I will hear about it. I need to speak to Harry, go back to your common room, Longbottom, you are welcome to join them if you wish."

"Thank you, sir."

"Come on, I can show you the book that Professor Sprout was talking about." Pansy linked her arm with Neville's and the group headed to the common room.

Harry reached into his robe pockets and pulled some small pieces of plants. "Here." Harry held up a bunch of different plant pieces to Severus.

"Why?" Severus took the plants from Harry.

"Aunt Meanie always wanted me to break them off in the stores so she could grow them at home. Now you can do it." Harry touched one of the plants. "This one was very pretty."

Severus would sort the plants out after the conversation with Harry. There might be one he needed. "Come, let's have some tea while we have a conversation." Harry followed Severus into his quarters. Severus went to the kitchenette to start the tea while Harry sat on the couch. Harry was humming to himself. Severus normally wouldn't have permitted it but he felt it was better he knew what Harry was doing instead of wondering what Harry was doing.

Severus bought in two mugs of tea. Harry's was mostly milk. "Harry, have you spoken to Professor Quirrell?" Harry's eyes went a bit big. "it is fine, he informed me."

"Two-faced informed you?" Harry was a bit surprised.

Severus had to think who or rather where the name Two-face was from. He was running down his comic books until he got to Batman. Yeah, yes, ok. it made sense now. "Yes, I wanted to see how you felt about him."

"He is fun. He doesn't like the Clown either. He showed me how to hold my wand. He said I needed to use the wand so the clown won't know how powerful or good I am getting in using magic. He doesn't like the Dud or Mouthy either." Harry giggled as he leaned forward as if sharing a secret. "He takes a lot of points away from them too, just like you do." Harry giggled. "I told him about my slacker guardian too. He thinks my guardian must be dead too."

"He hasn't hurt or done anything to you?" Severus was a bit surprised by what Harry was telling him.

"Nope but he promised me that I could meet Nagini over the winter holidays. I am the Hatching." Harry was grinning.

Severus wasn't aware he had been so tense until he felt himself relax. "Good. You can't tell anyone and if anything happens you tell me."

"I will. I already told him I had to tell my Angel. He wasn't sure who my Angel was but I explained you wear a lot of black and he knew who I was talking about. He asked about the clown and he likes my dream. He agrees this is the best coma ever too. I told him about everything. He said he will give me some books."

Severus resisted the urge to smile. Harry loved his books. "Harry, I am very serious about this. I want you to tell me if anyone hurt you or wants you to do anything you do not feel right about."

"You mean like Mouthy and the Dud who keep trying to drag me to the third floor? I didn't turn them into goats when they tried it earlier today. Goldilocks dragged me away before I could."

Harry sounded so disappointed Severus almost wanted to reassure him that he would have more opportunities to do it in the future. Severus wasn't sure what other names Harry might have given his friends but Draco was Goldilocks and it hadn't changed. The only thing was Harry stopped trying to pet Draco's hair. "Very good. I will be visiting Lucius on Saturday. You will be fine and I expect you not to turn anyone into a goat, please."

"No goats?" Harry thought for a few minutes. "Just goats?"

Severus closed his eyes. A variety of animals went through Severus' mind. "No animals-no, better yet, do not transform them into anything. I want you to come directly to my quarters and speak to the portrait. I will leave permission for you to freely enter. So if anyone or anything bothers you, please come to my quarters and wait for me. Order any food or drink from the house-elves. I will leave a stack of books for you to read on my desk." Severus pointed to the desk. He wasn't sure how long he would visit with Lucius but he wasn't going to remain for drinks as he normally did.

"Books?" Harry was very interested in what books Severus might leave for him.

"Yes, if you and Draco want to come here before I leave and spend the day that will be acceptable." Severus thought it might be a better idea. "You may also invite one other friend."

"Ivy?"

"Who is Ivy?"

"The boy who is lives with the Dud and Mouthy but should be with us."

"You mean Neville Longbottom?" Severus finally placed the name Ivy. It was from Batman and it was a woman who controlled plants. "He can come too if he wishes." Severus would leave out some puzzles and games. He couldn't see three boys sitting still and reading all day and certainly didn't want his quarters destroyed. He would have a house-elf check on them every hour or so. "Remember you are always welcomed here as you are now my son."

Harry smiled. "You my Angel and I can live with you now. See it is the best coma ever."

Severus smiled as Harry got off the couch and gave him a hug. Yes, it was the best coma ever since he was sharing the world with Harry.

Chapter Text

Draco was excited to meet Harry Potter but he wasn't expecting a Harry Potter who kept touching his hair. He had never had anyone pet his hair before. As if he was one of the many animals at the manor. He had to admit he did have a lot of fun talking with his dead relatives. He had never seen them beyond anything but boring old people who had no clue about the world since they weren't in it any longer. He had never realized how funny some of them were and knowledgeable. They also provided a lot of gossip for the future, especially regarding Dumbledore.

Draco had enjoyed bringing his friends over to visit the portrait hall after Harry left for his relatives to tell tales from when Dumbledore was younger. Draco knew Pansy wrote everything down. They had learned so much information that Draco was aware his father was researching. His father was a bit surprised by what his relatives had shared with Draco.

Draco had been to see Harry a few times before the start of Hogwarts and had enjoyed the time with him. His father had a long talk with him after Harry had left the first time. His father wanted him to protect Harry. At first, Draco didn't want to. He wasn't Crabbe or Goyle. His father had agreed with that assessment but reminded Draco that he had always wanted a little brother and Harry was in need of a big brother to watch out for him, help him, and keep him away from Dumbledore and his fools. Draco had agreed with that assessment and decided he would be Harry's best big brother and protector as well as his friend.

Harry said that Draco was his first friend and Draco had felt pride at Harry's words. Harry didn't care about how much money he had or where he lived. Harry wanted to be his real friend and it wasn't because of politics or power. His mother was very proud of him when he accepted the role of being Harry's friend and big brother.

The train ride was horrible with Weasley looking for Harry and opening everyone's compartment door and annoying them. The Weasley twins had pranked their brother at some point as he was red and gold until a prefect was able to reverse the prank. The Weasley twins were pranking their brother and Granger a lot. The Gryffindor house didn't care because Weasley and Granger were making everyone's lives miserable in their house and had from the first night according to Neville.

The first day of school was interesting. Harry and Draco had spent most of the weekend with Severus or in the common room. Draco was very proud of his Slytherin friends as everyone was very protective of Harry. The older years had laughed when they got to the common room regarding Harry's comments to Weasley. No one was worried about Harry's views on the house, supporting Dumbledore, or viewing their families as evil.

Classes:

The first day of class, Draco had to laugh because Harry was ignoring Granger and Weasley. The pair were trying to get Harry's attention before the start of each class. They had even attempted to sit with Harry at the beginning of each class. Harry ignored them and sat between him and Pansy most of the time. Weasley had blown a gasket before their first class which was potions. The door wasn't even opened as of yet.

"Harry, you need to come and stand with us, not the snakes. You also need to sit with us."

Draco kept his mouth closed. He was dying to hear Harry handle this. He was expecting it would be epic. "Why? So you can cheat? I am not going to let you steal my work." Harry turned and looked at his Slytherin's yearmates. "See, the brains of a flea."

"Harry, is just wants to be your friend. He doesn't cheat and we just want to be your friend, help you, and protect you."

"Why? I don't know you and I have Goldilocks and others to help me. The Flyer even showed me how to fill my satchel to find everything." Draco laughed a bit at Harry's name of their Quidditch Captain, Marcus Flint. "My Angel protects me. My Angel makes sure I am safe." Harry looked up and down the hall. Draco thought he was expecting Severus to make an appearance. Draco counted to ten.

The classroom door was opened. Severus looked at Weasley and Granger. "Get in, now." Draco looked at his godfather. Severus gave a quick nod to indicate that he had heard everything. Draco wasn't surprised.

"Angel, I don't want to sit with the Dud and Mouthy. I want to sit with Goldilocks, okay?" Draco was standing with Harry. He was aware that Harry wouldn't enter until Severus made sure they would be able to sit near each other. Harry didn't trust the clown. When Harry first referenced the Clown, Draco had to ask Severus who Harry had meant. Once he learned it was Dumbledore, he would never call the man anything else.

"Yes, I did expect you would want to do so." Severus followed Harry and Draco into the room.

Draco felt a slight tug on his robe. "We need to learn that." Harry pointed to Severus. Draco agreed, they needed to learn how to walk as Severus did. "I agree."

Transfiguration:

Harry was petting the cat and Draco kept trying to get Harry to come and sit down before McGonagall showed up. "Don't worry, the Highlander is aware." Harry assured him. As soon as the bell rang, Harry moved to sit with Draco.

Nothing happened for several seconds and then Weasley and Dean Thomas came rushing into the room. "Whew, we made it. Can you imagine the look on McGonagall's face if we were late?"

"The Highlander won't take your head but she won't be pleased." Harry warned as the cat jumped off the desk and transformed into Professor McGonagall. Everyone looked amazed.

"That was bloody brilliant." Weasley snapped his jaw closed.

"Thank you for that assessment, Mr. Weasley. Perhaps if I were to transfigure Mr. Thomas and yourself into a pocketwatch, that way one of you might be on time."

Dean looked embarrassed. "We got lost."

"Then perhaps a map? I trust you don't need one to find your seats."

"See, the Highlander didn't take their heads and she wasn't pleased." Harry tried to whisper to Draco.

"You are correct, Mr. Potter." McGonagall gave Harry three points while removing one from Gryffindor. Draco thought Harry was going to earn a lot of points for their house. Draco and Harry took a lot of notes.

The rest of the day passed quickly with Draco being called over by McGonagall later that day. "Mr. Malfoy, could you please return Harry's wand to him? Perhaps assist him in keeping track of it as well."

"Yes, ma'am, I will. I thought I had made sure earlier." Draco felt the staff was a bit less chllly with Slytherins because of Harry. He was, of course, going by what he had heard over the weekend regarding the other professors.

"Thank you, five points to Slytherin." McGonagall smiled before turning away. Draco looked after the professor as she walked away. He looked down at his crest on his robe. Yep, he was still in Slytherin. He headed to the dungeons.

Since Harry had been at the castle longer than the other first years, everyone followed Harry's directions on where to go. Harry was even able to show the older years some of the places they didn't know about. The kitchens was a new discovery for most of their house. The house-elves made them feel warm and welcomed. Soon, everyone was able to order things via the floo in the common room and the elves would deliver it. The best was every night they had hot chocolate waiting for them before curfew.

Draco was a bit confused by Professor Quirrell. The man's stutter was annoying but Harry liked the man, so Draco gave him the benefit of the doubt. However, if he was still goofy after the winter holidays, Draco was going to speak to Severus about him. He didn't think he would hurt Harry but the guy had a bit too much interest in Harry. Draco wasn't about to let anyone hurt Harry. He would get his father and godfather to deal with Quirrell if needed. He was aware that Dumbledore wouldn't do anything.

Draco looked at the parchment he had pulled out of his desk to write a letter home. He had so much to tell his father as he did every week since he met Harry. He began his letter. His mother would send them some sweets with the return letter. "You writing to Snow White and Blondie?"

"Yes, I expect she will send us sweets with the return letter." Draco had ordered some muggle fairy tale books as well as some graphic novels so he could understand some of the references Harry used.

"Write that I said hi and thank you for the brownies last week." Harry peered down at the parchment paper. "Add some flowers on the side for Snow White."

Draco frowned a bit. Harry had caught him doodling and thought he was a talented artist and wanted him to draw on everything now. "How about we make them a Yule present and we draw them something together? I am sure they would love it."

"Oh, yes, and for my Angel too." Harry started to run to his dorm room. He stopped, turned. "We need to get some stuff from my room in my Angel's quarters. Ivy can also help us with some plants to include for their Yule present."

"Excellent idea."

"What is an excellent idea?" Pansy sat up from where she had been dozing on the couch.

Draco put the quill down. As in all things Harry, his plan for what he was doing took a turn but he didn't mind. He loved it.

Chapter Text

The Yule holiday was approaching and Dumbledore was driving everyone nuts. Dumbledore was still attempting to figure out how to get Harry back to his relatives as well as connected to his pawns. Dumbledore also needed to discover why Quirrell didn't do anything to Harry or anyone in the school so far. Dumbledore truly believed Quirrell was Tom Marvolo Riddle so why hadn't the man done anything so far? Dumbledore wanted to curse the muggles for ruining his plans.

Dumbledore had spent over a decade building up his power base for when Harry Potter would return and he could make sure to control the boy. He needed to control the boy. He couldn't control the boy if he didn't get him removed from Severus. He also didn't need a mentally challenged brat. How was he to work with the boy if he kept calling him a clown?

Dumbledore ignored the anger that built as he thought about the variety of articles the Daily Prophet had been publishing referencing Harry calling him a clown. He had endured a lot of mockery at the Ministry when the paper first published the stories. His so-called loyal friends had dared to suggest he tone down his outfits. He was losing supporters because they were wondering why Harry Potter didn't fit with the image he had been promoting. Molly and Ronald Weasley weren't helping matters either.

Well, technically, Hermione, Ron, and Molly were creating issues. Issues he didn't have when he got the Marauders to be friends. Granted, James had more charisma than Ronald. Ronald inherited his mother's temper and mouth which didn't help. Granger was to be his new Remus but the girl had no idea about how to act in public or make friends. Molly needed to be seen as a mother figure and she had ruined it. Dumbledore glanced at his empty chessboard.

Fawkes started to sign. "Yes, yes, my friend, I will work it out. I am sure I will be able to get Severus to send Harry to the Weasleys for the Yule holiday." If Dumbledore had understood Fawkes, he would have realized the bird was laughing at the old fool.

_______________________________

Severus and Quirrell were assisting students in the Slytherin common room with the lessons Dumbledore didn't teach. The students were in small study groups depending on their year. Severus and Quirrell, AKA Voldemort, were walking around the room helping the different years. They did it every Sunday night since Dumbledore never checked what the staff was doing on Sundays. Some of the students were from other houses but what the old fool didn't know wouldn't hurt him until later.

"Goldilocks, I think I got this wrong." Harry handed his parchment to Draco.

Draco passed it to Blaise. "Since it's history, Blaise would be best to review it."

Blaise looked up. "I will after I finish mine, Harry. Why don't you review the defense lesson since you are best in that area as I am sure we will need your assistance."

"Punisher is right, you are the best." Pansy smiled at Blaise. They had received some of the comic books from the Malfoy family and learned where Harry got his names from.

"Venom is smiling. I think we should worry." Neville grinned at Pansy.

"Enough, we know your names, get back to work." Severus looked down at the group of friends. He was still a bit surprised to have Neville Longbottom, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Susan Bones, and several other first years in the common room but Harry loved having so many friends around as long as Draco and Severus were included. Severus could see the Dark Lord had been listening to the conversation.

Severus was still a bit concerned about the Dark Lord but he wasn't as crazy as he had been before and was protective of Harry. It was a bit strange. His mind thought of the conversation he had with Lucius.

Flashback:

Severus had been watching Quirrell since their discussion. He was still a bit wary of the Dark Lord but Quirrell was doing everything to protect Harry as well as Draco. He had pulled the detention reports for a future case against Weasley he felt sure was going to happen and noticed a pattern of Quirrell removing points and assigning detention to Weasley and Granger if they did anything to Harry.

Tonight was the first night he had off that Lucius was also free so he had made arrangements to speak to Lucius and have his door guardian admit Harry and Draco if they wanted to stay in his quarters. He wondered how Lucius would react to the news that the Dark Lord had returned. Lucius was very much a pureblood and hated muggles but mostly because of people like Dumbledore and Granger who refused to see what would happen if their world was exposed. They ignored centuries of history and risked the lives of so many magical beings. His own experience with his muggle father was one of the many reasons he joined the Dark Lord.

Severus wasn't a bit surprised when it was almost time for him to leave to hear a knock on his door and discover Harry with Draco and Neville. "Come in. I left some treats in the kitchenette for you to have later. One of the house-elves will be checking in on you. If you need anything, floo your father, Draco."

"Angel, is Blondie coming here?" Harry was already making himself comfortable on the couch as he asked the question.

"No, I am going to see him and Narcissa." Severus almost called her Snow White. Narcissa loved the nickname. "Do not stay up beyond your bedtime. Professor McGonagall is aware that Longbottom might be staying here but do alert her if you do, Longbottom."

"Yes, sir, I will." Neville wasn't as jumpy as he was the first day in class. He was getting used to Severus. He also relaxed in the potions classroom once Draco explained why Severus was so stern.

"Do not destroy my quarters." Severus gave them a stern look but Harry started giggling ruining his image. Harry got off the couch as Severus approached the fireplace. Severus wasn't surprised to be hugged by the boy. "I will review your work when I return."

"We are already done, we figured we would play some games. We brought some games and our assignments for you to review. Tell mother and father, I will write to them tomorrow."

"I will." Severus tossed the floo powder into the fireplace and stepped through. He wasn't surprised to find Lucius waiting for him. They didn't speak as they walked to Lucius' office. Lucius poured them some drinks. Severus explained what he learned.

"Are you sure?" Lucius looked a bit surprised by the news. "He isn't insane? He hasn't gone after Harry?"

"I am not sure about his sanity but he is a lot better than before he died for lack of a better word. He also is very protective of Harry and Draco. He is looking for a way to return to his body and he did say he would write."

"He did." Lucius drained his glass. "I was a bit surprised and wasn't sure what to think. I have been researching but without knowing exactly what he did or how he didn't die, I am not sure what we could do."

"I believe he is expecting to use the Yule holiday to come up with a ritual or discover one. We haven't been able to spend much time together because of Dumbledore. Harry has been the messenger and we know how reliable his messages might be. I am still trying to translate some of the names Harry has assigned to the staff as well as several students. I will need to order more comic books and find a reference for cartoons."

"Yes, Draco mentioned it in his last letter as well as one on muggle fairy tales. Narcissa and I have been visiting the muggle world. Let's just say, we need to make tougher laws. They have recording devices as well as these cameras stationed around the different cities." Lucius went on to explain the different things they had discovered. "I picked up some of the muggle magazines to help us understand what has been developed."

"Good. We will need it in the future I am sure as well as some muggle history books. Dumbledore is so blind to what is going on." Severus wondered how they got off topic. It wasn't a surprise given they were talking about the Dark Lord and that did lead to why they had joined the man. "We need to make sure he doesn't become insane again. We can't have Dumbledore destroying our world."

"I am more concerned with his desire for Harry. He has plans and we need to figure out what the plans are. I know it has to do with that prophecy. Perhaps a visit to the Hall of Prophecies?"

"I have been thinking of that also. Something about him doing a job interview in a known Death Eater hang-out never made sense even if his brother is the owner."

"He has never done an interview there before or since. I am wondering about the giver of it. Why has he been hiding her? He has to know it is in the Hall of Prophecies and Harry or the Dark Lord can listen to it." Lucius was going to see if Rookwood would be able to gain access to the Hall of Prophecies and test the orb.

"Not if Harry never learns of it until he is so firmly a Dumbledore supporter. Dumbledore wouldn't tell him until he felt it was necessary. As much as the man loves to claim he cares about the children of Hogwarts, we know differently. He is a general and uses Hogwarts to recruit for his side of the upcoming war I fear he is going to promote." Severus had watched Dumbledore build Harry Potter as being the Savior of the world for a decade. He had experienced and witnessed how cruel and uncaring the man could be. "Dumbledore has many secrets, perhaps it is time we unearth some of them?"

"I have been thinking the same thing. He is going to keep looking for a way to control Harry and we will need anything and everything to keep Harry safe." Lucius didn't add even if we have to keep him away from the Dark Lord. He felt it was implied.

"A sane Dark Lord is what we need. One who can protect us as well as our children while removing the old fart from Hogwarts." Severus sighed. "I will be honest and say I have been impressed with his teaching in the common room each week with me. He hasn't lost his temper or tried to curse anyone. He has been very patient. He even lets Harry climb into his lap."

Lucius looked shocked. "He hates kids, I thought. I mean he never even touched one before he disappeared. Draco?"

"Harry, Draco, and Neville are his favorites. They have been able to ask him anything or even have him teach them anything without fear. I thought Neville would be fearful of him due to what happened to his parents but he also doesn't know it's the Dark Lord.'

"True. Draco doesn't either, I am assuming."

"No, only the three of us know. Harry was the reason we spoke." Severus had felt like he aged ten years when he learned the truth.

"We need to keep it that way. I have a few legal ways we can fix his return but until we know more, there isn't much I can do beyond extending a Yule invitation to him."

"You should."

Lucius didn't respond. The unspoken words of agreement passed between the two blood-brothers. They would do everything to protect Harry and Draco. The Dark Lord was second to protecting their boys.

End Flashback

Chapter Text

Yule was fast approaching and Severus wasn't even close to being ready for it. Harry, Draco, and Neville were surprisely the top three of their class with Granger slightly behind Neville. Dumbledore hadn't been happy with the news. Oh, he looked impressed but there was the slight tic of his eyes that showed he wasn't happy to learn that Granger wasn't in the top spot. Yes, she was the brightest witch of her generation with Pansy Parkinson, Susan Bones, and Hannah Abbott close behind her. The mid-terms would determine who was the top witch. The students didn't know their ranking but he did find it interesting that Granger believed the hype of her being the brightest witch of her generation.

Dumbledore was still attempting to get custody of Harry and it failed any time a representative from Wizard Social Services arrived and spoke to Harry. Madam Bones was pushing to press charges against the Dursleys but Dumbledore was preventing the evidence to determine the full extent of the charges to the Wizenagmot. Lucius and a few other lord and ladies were pushing for the evidence to be presented. Dumbledore would add the request to the list but at the very bottom. Dumbledore would drag out the other items on the list until it was time to end the session, promising he would add it to the next session.

Dumbledore was trying to prevent Harry and Severus from leaving the castle over Yule. Normally, Severus remained with a few days off to visit the Malfoy family. This year he wanted to take Harry and have them stay at the manor over the holiday. Lucius had issued invitations Harry, Severus, and the Dark Lord. Dumbledore's compromise was for Harry to visit with the Weasleys over the holiday with Severus coming over for Christmas.

Severus wanted to be present with Dumbledore or Ronald Weasley mentioned it to Harry. Harry hadn't been turning them into goats but only because of most of his Slytherins being faster with getting rid of the annoyances with the exception of Dumbledore. He was the one who had to deal with that nutcase.

Another interesting development was Hugo the Gargoyle. Hugo never bothered to wait for Severus to give the password. The gargoyle would start moving aside as soon as it saw Severus. If Harry was with Severus, Harry would pet the gargoyle for a bit before they went up the stairs. Thankfully, Harry hadn't to go to Dumbledore's office too often.

"Uncle Severus?"

Severus looked up from his research to see Draco standing in the doorway to his office. "Yes, Draco?"

Draco stepped into his office and closed the door. "Weasley and Granger are up to something. They have been trying to drag Neville and Harry to the third floor as you know but today they started pressuring them to remain here for the holiday. Granger even went so far to tell Harry he could research while she headed home. She said Harry needed to research Nicholas Flamel. Weasley started going on about how his family is visiting one of his older brothers and Harry can keep him company."

"What did Harry to do them?" Severus wondered when he would get a note to see Dumbledore.

"Nothing. We left the library before they went on one of their how Slytherins are evil and Harry needing to listen to the headmaster. However, I did hear Weasley muttering about a sweater and compulsions."

Severus shook his head. "Molly Weasley makes sweaters each year for her children. I already have made arrangements for any gifts Harry receives to be scanned."

"There is something else I saw, I can't prove anything but it looked like Granger had copies of the mid-terms including yours. I recognized it from the practice exams you give us. She closed the folder she had them in but on the top of the folder she had written a note to herself to study the questions."

Severus had wondered why Dumbledore needed copies of the exams. He didn't think the old fool would give them to Granger. "Thank you, I will deal with it." Honestly, what was Dumbledore thinking. Granger was book smart but she lacked common sense. Why would you bring copies of the professors' mid-terms to the library? Unless...the girl might not be aware of it. A simple spell would reveal the deed in the Great Hall. There would be no way for Dumbledore to cover it up.

Harry:

"Goldie, will Snow White make brownies for Yule?" They were currently sitting at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall for the study period before the evening meal.

"Yes. She is also going to bake a lot of other goodies. She does every year." Draco pushed his Herbology essay toward Neville. "Neville, is the part about how to grow the Snow Berries correct? I think I might have the wrong soil content for them."

"Let me look." Neville had been working on his potion essay. "I will need your help with the potion essay. I know I wrote what Snape said but I think I am missing something." Neville went to pass his essay to Draco when it was snatched out of his hand.

"I will review it." Granger sat down and pulled out a quill. She grabbed Draco's essay as well. "I will do yours next, Draco."

"We didn't ask you to do so. I also didn't give you permission to use my first name."

"Rude much?" Pansy raised her eyebrow. "I thought you would have learned by now. Didn't the train teach you anything?" Remembering how Granger opened the doors to every compartment without even knocking.

"You're the rude one. Just because-"

"Oh knock it off, we don't care if your a muggle-born or halfblood. In case you haven't noticed, we have people at this table that we are friends with that are muggleborn and halfbloods. Harry isn't the only one who isn't a pureblood." Blaise was annoyed. "I am a halfblood but no one but you or Weasley care about that fact because it goes against your lame believe that everyone in Slytherin is evil and a pureblood. We also didn't ask nor do we want your assistance on our essays."

"The Mouth is the mouth for a reason. She loves to hear her own voice." Harry grabbed Neville and Draco's essays. "Didn't anyone teach you not to take things that don't belong to you? Are you Saluk?" Harry looked under the table. "I don't see a magic carpet. Perhaps you might want to go and find it before you get caught stealing."

"What?" Granger looked confused. "You need to stop giving people stupid nicknames."

"See, the Mouth is at work again. Blowing hot air. Perhaps you should away before the Dud turns you into a feather and we know what he does to feathers." Harry sent feather remains into the air.

"Granger, five points for stealing, five points for bothering students while they were studying, and detention for being a bigot." Quirrell stood at the end of the Slytherin table. "I heard everything, Granger." The bell rang sounding the end of the study time. "Go to your table, Granger."

"I am not a bigot. I was just trying to help. It's not stealing." Granger defended herself as she stood up. She started to pout and act innocent.

"Perhaps an essay on manners would assist you in understanding what you have done wrong." McGonagall sighed. "I will see you tonight in my office at seven." McGonagall didn't give Granger time to disagree.

"Where was she?" Pansy didn't see McGonagall's approach.

"Pretty Kitty was sleeping in her chair." Harry pointed to the chair at the Head Table where McGonagall sat.

Draco and the rest of his friends were trying not to laugh at the face Granger was making as her face turned red. Granger stormed off to the Gryffindor table while Quirrell gave the group a quick nod before he headed to the head table.

Severus entered the Great Hall via the staff entrance. He was a bit surprised to see Granger already at the Gryffindor table. He sat next to Quirrell. He put up a privacy spell. "How was the study session?" Severus wasn't surprised by Granger's actions. "I have a surprise for the girl after everyone arrives." Quirrell gave him a questioning look. "Let's just say, there was a reason for Dumbledore request for a copy of our mid-terms." Quirrell's face didn't reflect the shock but his eyes did. "Exactly. She is carrying them around. Draco saw them."

"I am sure Dumbledore will find a way to excuse the behavior. The mid-terms do start next week so no one will have time to change their exams. He might just dismiss the exams if you expose her."

"I am going to expose her but I want to make sure she realizes not everyone has a copy of those exams. As much as I don't like the girl, I do not see her slacking off on her studies. If it was Ronald Weasley, it would be a different story."

"True. She is a bit too goody-goody. I don't believe she sees how the man is manulipating her or Weasley." Quirrell could feel the Dark Lord processing the information. "If you were to wait, it would ruin her life."

"Yes, which is why I want to do it now. He has ruined enough lives." They didn't speak until everyone was present. The students were loud and waiting for Dumbledore to start the evening meal. Severus watched Granger as she pulled out a folder. She was at the end of the table with Weasley. Weasley wasn't paying her attention as he was staring at Harry. Dumbledore signalled the elves to serve. "Accio Granger's folder." The folder and everything in it went flying across the room and into Severus' hands. He opened the folder. "Granger perhaps you could explain how you have copies of the staffs' mid-terms?"

Granger was looking shocked as her folder went flying out of her hand. Her eyes following it to the Head Table. She was confused by the question. "What? Those are old ones that I was given as a study guide by the headmaster."

Severus handed the folder down the table. "Everyone check to see if it is your currently mid-term. I just looked at mine and it the one I had planned on using for the first-years."

"What? I didn't steal them." Granger was trying not to panic. "I didn't take them. The headmaster gave me them last week to help me study. He said I was currently fourth in our year and I had asked him for more study guides. He gave me those. He also gave me some last year as well as books. He said that way I wouldn't be behind when I started since I am a muggleborn."

"Are these copies of your mid-terms?" Minerva asked the staff. Everyone agreed it was.

"It is a slight misunderstanding. I am sure it will be fine. She didn't steal them." Dumbledore reassured everyone.

Minvera stood up. "Granger, come with me." Minerva was looking at a copy of her mid-term. "Albus, your office, now. Severus, Filious, and Pomona, would you please join us?"

"Keep an eye on Harry for me, please?" Severus stood up.

"I will." Quirrell looked at the Slytherin table. The students were watching and he was sure many would be writing to their families.

Chapter Text

Granger stared at the professors as they demanded answers from the headmaster. She was very confused as to what was going on. No one else was given a copy of the previous test and she had copies of the upcoming tests. She felt a bit sick. She didn't want to be a cheater. She worked hard on her grades and didn't want her marks to be questioned or have a mark on her permanent record.

"Headmaster, I want to know why she had copies of our exams. Judging from her reaction, she wasn't aware that these were copies of the forthcoming exams." Pomona looked at Granger reassuringly.

"I have to agree. Granger works hard on her grades and this is not acceptable." Minerva turned to her lion. "You are not in trouble but I want you to understand what is going on. You were given copies of exams that no one has ever been given including past ones as study guides. While we do appreciate a willing and eager student, we do not condone what the headmaster has done. You will be given separate exams since we do not have time to redo complete tests. I am sure we can review the ones you have been given and locate ones from our past tests to use."

"I wasn't aware. I just wanted to be at the top of the class. I am ranked fourth and I have never been less than first." Granger was almost ready to cry. How could the headmaster do this to her? She wanted to be number one but not by cheating. She wanted to earn her ranking.

"We are aware and it brings up other issues that I have spoken to you about before. You need to be seen as the smartest and most eager student is ruining the education of others. Classroom time is to make sure everyone benefits from our experience and guide young minds into studying and finding answers as well as answering questions students may have. When you raise your hand, we are aware you know the answer but we aren't there to reassure you that you are correct, we are here to help students learn and grow. Your essays ramble on and go off-topic in your need to show you know things. It is why you are fourth because you do not follow directions and ignore what I have been telling you regarding yelling out answers. It is why your essays do not get full marks. As I have been informing you since October." Minerva turned and looked at Dumbledore. "You have been aware of this situation and I feel have been encouraging her in the mindset that she is the brightest witch of her generation. While she may be the brightest witch it appears several wizards are brighter and an equal number of witches could overtake her ranking. I am not sure how she is learning about her ranking since the grades and rankings haven't been finalized but I am willing to guess it has been you who has been informing her."

"I am more concerned with this need to be number one as well as her feeling she has the right to instruct others in the classroom. Her correcting students has caused problems. While I believe she is doing it to be helpful, it is causing resentment and other issues." Filius looked up from the copies of the tests. "The desire to learn is something I do not want to discourage but this type of favoritism isn't going to help in the long term."

"I don't understand. Why is it wrong to be prepared? Why is wrong to be the best? Why is it wrong to show I know the subject? Why is it wrong to get ask for more help?" Granger was glaring at the professors. She hadn't done a thing wrong.

"You are failing to see what we are saying. No one bothers to study for our classes because they know you will yell out the answer. No one bothers to study because they can go to you and get an in-depth explanation of anything they ask so they just paraphrase your answers. Weasleys' essays as well as several other housemates of yours show indications of your correction of their essays. Yes, they do need to study and if they fail it is on them but you are not helping them in any manner but hurting them instead including in the classroom where we can have discussions regarding different answers other students might present if you ever gave any of them a chance to speak. Seeking help and asking for extra study guides isn't a problem. You should have spoken to the professors instead of seeking out the assistance of the headmaster." Severus was tired of Dumbledore favoring the Gryffindors. "I agree with her taking a separate test."

Granger looked at each professor as she assessed what Professor Snape said. She didn't like what she was hearing but she could see the professors agreed with each other. She looked at the headmaster. He was quiet and she wasn't sure why. He had provided her with so many books and other sources of information. He didn't seem to want it mentioned based on the look on his face. He gave her a slight nod. She would continue to get his guidance. "I understand."

"Excellent. Please head back to the Great Hall while we speak to the headmaster." Minerva was ending Dumbledore's games. She was tired of his ignoring Hogwarts and acting like a general in a war with the students being his army. She had been putting up with his desire to regain control over Harry and it needed to end. Once Granger was out of the office, Minerva turned her icy glare at Dumbledore. "You better have a very good explanation for why you gave her copies of these tests." She was already planning to write to the Grangers and inform them what had transpired and work on getting their daughter the errors of her ways.

"I didn't realize they were in the tests I gave her. I thought I only gave her the old ones. I didn't want to discourage an eager-to-learn student. She has a great deal of potential." Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling as he smiled at his staff. "It has been resolved as you will be giving her a different exam so there is nothing further to discuss, I believe."

Severus glared at the old fool. He was going to be making a separate test for the Know-It-All. He could see he wasn't the only one planning on it. Yes, the girl didn't deserve to be punished for the errors of the headmaster, he was very aware of how much the girl memorized things. It was one of the reasons why her essays were impossible to read. The girl just reworded the books and seemed to understand that essays were about putting things into your words to show you grasped the concepts. He didn't bother to listen to the rest of the brief conversation.

A week later:

Severus was ready to kill the old fool. Dumbledore was insisting that Harry either return to the Dursleys or remain with the Weasleys with Severus visiting on Christmas Day. Harry had no desire to be near Ronald Weasley. He didn't mind the twins but Ronald Weasley was close to turning into a goat, permanently, as he would be the one to do it. Granger was also adding pressure on Harry by agreeing with Ronald and claiming that they could research after she returns from spending time with her parents.

"Uncle Severus?"

Severus looked up from the essay he was filling with red ink. "Draco?" He indicated for Draco to enter his office.

Draco entered and closed the door. "Harry is with Pansy and Blaise. Longbottom will be joining them in a few minutes. I wanted to warn you about something we heard that I don't think we were to hear. Weasley was in the library with Granger. I think they thought they had a privacy charm up or something. Anyway, we heard them mention Nicholas Flamel again and getting Harry interested in what was happening on the third floor. They believe you are going to steal whatever is hidden and believe they have to get Harry away from you. Weasley mentioned something about her having books from before she started Hogwarts that the headmaster gave her. He asked if there was anything in there they could use to get Harry to stop being evil and dark. Weasley mentioned his mother making sure Harry would ask for a resort and go to Gryffindor when he returned from the Yule holiday." Draco was trying not to show the fear he felt building. He didn't want to lose his friend.

"They are in denial. Harry is going with me to your manor. Your father and mother have already issued the invitation and I have accepted. Harry is looking forward to it. I am not sure what they are hoping to accomplish but just be wary of them and keep doing what you are doing by ignoring them and informing me of any conversations you do manage to hear. Also, warn Longbottom as they might attempt to drag him into whatever drama they believe is happening." Severus was going to mention this conversation to the Dark Lord. He wanted that stone out of Hogwarts.

"I am not concerned about Harry. He has been tempted to turn them into goats again. He ignores them but they are getting annoyingly pushy about Harry going on the train with Weasley."

"I am aware. I have warned Harry about turning them into goats and Dumbledore using it to make him remain at Hogwarts for Yule. He can't do it but he might try." Severus was hoping Harry didn't turn anyone into anything before Yule. He would speak to him later.

Harry POV:

Harry looked at Granger and Weasley as if they were crazy as they tried to drag him and Ivy to the library to research something. "No. We have plans. Harry and I are going to help Professor Sprout in the greenhouse."

"Why?" Weasley made a face. "You don't have a detention."

"We want to." Ivy took Harry's hand before Harry could do anything and guided him away from the pair. "They are trying to get us into trouble."

"I know. My angel told me. They aren't very bright. The Dud and Mouthy will never learn." Harry glanced over his shoulder. "They think we are idiots because Mouthy loves to read books."

Ivy laughed. "True. You should hear them in the common room. They are known as the Dud and Mouthy in the common room. No one wants to listen to them but they believe they are popular. The twins prank them a lot. Professor McGonagall has given up giving the twins detentions."

Harry giggled. "I hope they get to be bright pink again."

Ivy giggled. "Perhaps we could suggest a few ideas to them?"

Harry's eyes lit up at the idea. "Oh, I am sure we can. My angel has the best books. Goldilocks and our friends will also be so helpful."