Lily's Charm- Severitus fanfiction

Unexpected

1996

Severus caught Harry’s arm as he faltered a little over the edge of the hearth rug. “Even when I manage to step through without falling all over myself, I still trip,” he muttered as he straightened. Severus’ lips twitched in faint amusement as he let Harry’s arm free.

“One does wonder how you manage to walk the halls of Hogwarts on your own,” he remarked as he shook out his robes to remove the residual soot.

“I’m not clumsy,” Harry objected indignantly. His father raised a brow. “It’s the Floo,” Harry insisted, pulling a face as he brushed at his jumper.

“Of course,” Severus intoned, his lips not quite still as he removed his now-clean robes and set them neatly over the stuffed armchair to reveal the unrelenting black beneath them.

Harry scowled at him good-naturedly. He looked around the room, rubbing his arms briskly at the change in temperature from Grimmauld Place. His father glanced at him, his mouth turning down in a frown. “Are you cold?” he asked.

“A bit,” Harry shrugged. Severus pulled out his wand, directing a Warming Charm over him.

“Better?” he inquired expectantly.

“Yeah, thanks,” Harry murmured; the warmth was already spreading over him, stretching toward his limbs. Severus nodded in response, sheathing his wand again and Harry continued his quick surveillance of the parlour. It looked just the same as it had when they’d been here only days before, save the three rucksacks sitting in a neat row in front of the sofa. He didn’t know what he was looking for exactly, except perhaps a distraction.

“You will see them again, Harry,” his father’s deep voice interrupted his thoughts. Harry glanced back at him, startled. The black eyes smiled and Harry turned fully around again.

“It just seems odd not to have them here,” he admitted with a short shrug. Severus nodded.

“They have been through much with you,” he noted simply. Harry chewed the corner of his lip.

“They shouldn’t have been,” he said after a minute. “I’ve gotten all of them almost killed more than once,” he said with more bitterness than he’d realized he even felt over the many adventures he’d shared with his friends. Severus crossed the room toward him, his steps purposeful.

“Sit,” he directed, pointing to the sofa. Harry opened his mouth but his father gave him a pointed look, reminding him of their agreement and despite himself, Harry smiled as he moved to comply. His father sat next to him, his eyes firm as he began speaking. “Harry, you are not to blame for what happened—not for any of it,” he stressed. “Voldemort is the only one who can make that claim.”

“I know,” Harry nodded quickly, but Severus shook his head.

“You may realize it intellectually,” he agreed, “but you have a rather unfortunate habit of taking on responsibilities that are not yours to take.” He studied Harry before continuing, “Lupin has the right to choose this course.” Harry pressed his lips tightly together.

“If something happens to him-”

“It will not be your fault,” Severus told him firmly. Harry stared at him.