Harry Potter: A True Family

Snape's Decision

It was that same night that Severus Snape learned the shocking news. He was sitting on the sofa in his private chambers, reading. Well at least trying to read.. since his mind kept wandering to the Potter boy. He would have never thought. Potter his son... he wasn't James' son after all. Potter wasn't really Potter. There was no reason to hate the boy. He wasn't really related to his bully. And from that moment on, Severus decided to stop think of Harry as Potter. From now on Harry was Harry. His own offspring. Of course, he would have to use the name Potter in public, but in private he decided to use the name Harry. It was only fair to the boy. His boy. Severus let all of his hate of Harry go away. The only reason he hated the boy was because he thought he was related to James. He thought Harry was the symbol of James and Lily's love. But no, Harry represented the love that there once was between Severus and Lily. Thinking all of this, he suddenly felt bad for the way he treated Harry all of those years. He also felt bad about lying to Harry about the real reason why he took him down to his office. It was because Severus wanted to make sure that the boy was safe. He wanted to help him, seeing his panic. But as he lied to Harry, he saw a sight that broke his heart. The lie actually hurt Harry. Harry expected him to say something nice, the truth. But no, Severus' pride had to get in between. He also decided from now on, something very unlike himself, that he was going to let his true feelings show through when Harry was around. No more lies, no more masks. He was going to reveal his true self to Harry. Not his cold, sarcastic mask. This day really was shocking. It was the first time Severus allowed himself to vow to be his true self to both Harry and Lilliana. His beloved children. Deep in his thoughts, he barely heard someone knocking on his door. Even though he already knew who it was, he said:

"Come in,"

As expected, he saw his daughter Lilliana walk through the door.

'Hi, Dad"

"Hello, Lilliana." Severus said as he got up to give his daughter a hug.

Shocked but pleased by this action, Lilliana beamed. She was shaken up herself by the news. Harry was her brother... She pulled away long enough from her father to allow both of them to sit down on the couch. Then she curled up besides him, like she used to do when she was little and scared. She always felt safe in his arms.

"Dad, do you want to talk about this? I completely understand if you don't want to but-"

" I've been thinking about it, Lilliana. Harry is no longer Potter to me, he's simply Harry. I accept him. He is my son. He is not by any way related to that Potter swine. He's just Harry. I allowed myself only to see James in him all of these years, missing his true self. I only saw what I wanted to see. I was a cold, sarcastic man to him and bullied him very much. I wish to change that. I wish to see Harry as his true self. I wish to learn about him, to find out the things that I have missed because of my own selfish reactions. So yes, Harry is my son and I accept him." Severus said, warmth and regret radiating from his eyes.

"Oh, Dad, I don't know what to say. I'm speechless." Lilliana said, tears forming in her eyes.

Seeing this, Severus, pulled his little girl, that wasn't so little anymore, closer to him and laid his cheek on top of her head.

"Saying all of this, I am very worried. I hurt Harry's feelings this evening."

After explaining what happened to Lilliana, they both agreed that Severus should hold Harry back again after the potions class tomorrow. Then he would explain to Harry everything, and tell him he accepted him. The boy deserved this. He deserved a loving family.