Harry Potter the House Child

3-Echoes of the past

The early morning sun cast long, golden beams through the high windows of Severus Snape's quarters. The Potions Master was already awake, having long since grown accustomed to the irregular hours that came with caring for a toddler. He moved quietly, his dark robes whispering against the stone floor as he prepared breakfast.

Harry, now accustomed to the new routine, awoke with a soft murmur. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up in his small bed, looking around the room until his eyes landed on Snape. A smile spread across his face, and he reached out his arms.

"Sev'us!"

Snape couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips as he crossed the room to lift Harry into his arms. "Good morning, Harry," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to the boy's forehead. "Are you hungry?"

Harry nodded enthusiastically, his eyes bright with excitement. Snape carried him to the table, where a simple breakfast of porridge and fruit awaited them. As they ate, Harry chattered in his small, broken sentences, telling Snape about his dreams and the things he hoped to do that day.

After breakfast, Snape dressed Harry in warm clothes and they ventured outside. The grounds of Hogwarts were bathed in the soft glow of autumn, leaves crunching underfoot as they walked. Harry's eyes were wide with wonder as he took in the sights and sounds around him.

As they walked, Snape noticed a figure approaching them from the castle. It was Hagrid, the half-giant groundskeeper, his bearded face breaking into a wide smile as he saw them.

"Good mornin', Professor Snape!" Hagrid called out, his voice booming across the grounds. "And who's this little fella?"

Harry hid his face in Snape's robes, peeking out cautiously. Snape rested a reassuring hand on his back. "This is Harry, Hagrid," he said calmly. "He's...staying with me for a while."

Hagrid's eyes widened with recognition and surprise. "Blimey, Professor! Is that really little Harry Potter?" He crouched down, his massive form seeming almost gentle as he smiled at Harry. "Hello there, Harry. My name's Hagrid."

Harry looked up at Snape for reassurance, and Snape gave him a small nod. Tentatively, Harry reached out a hand to Hagrid, who took it gently in his own. "Hi," Harry said softly.

Hagrid beamed. "Aren't you a brave lad? It's good ter meet ya, Harry."

As they continued their walk, Hagrid fell into step beside them, his deep voice a comforting rumble as he chatted about the creatures he cared for and the happenings around the school. Harry, growing more comfortable, listened with wide eyes, occasionally asking questions that Hagrid answered with enthusiasm.

-(0.0)-The days passed in a similar pattern, with Snape and Harry settling into their new life together. There were challenges, of course – moments when Harry's past would intrude upon the present, causing him to retreat into silence or tears. But there were also moments of joy, times when Harry's laughter would ring out, pure and unburdened.

One evening, as Snape was preparing Harry for bed, there was another knock at the door. This time, it was Poppy Pomfrey, the Hogwarts matron. She entered with a gentle smile, her eyes full of concern and kindness.

"Severus," she said softly, "how is he doing?"

Snape sighed, glancing at Harry, who was playing with a stuffed dragon on the floor. "He's doing as well as can be expected, Poppy. He's a resilient child, but the scars run deep."

Poppy nodded, her expression somber. "Children are remarkably resilient, but they also need love and stability to heal." She looked at Snape, her gaze piercing. "And you, Severus? How are you managing?"

Snape hesitated, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "I'm...managing," he said finally. "It's not easy, but he deserves a chance at a normal life."

Poppy placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle. "You're doing a wonderful job, Severus. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well. Harry needs you to be strong."

Snape nodded, appreciating her words even as he doubted his own abilities. "Thank you, Poppy. I'll try."

-(.o.)

As the weeks turned into months, Snape continued to dedicate himself to Harry's care. He found a strange sense of fulfillment in the daily routines, in the small victories that marked Harry's progress. There were still difficult days, but they were fewer and further between.

One afternoon, as Snape was brewing a potion in his private lab, Harry sat nearby, drawing on a piece of parchment. The room was filled with the soothing sounds of bubbling cauldrons and the scratch of quill on paper.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock at the door. Snape looked up, frowning slightly. He wasn't expecting any visitors. He opened the door to find Remus Lupin standing there, his expression hesitant but hopeful.

"Severus," Remus said quietly. "May I come in?"

Snape hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside, allowing Remus to enter. The werewolf's gaze softened as he saw Harry, who looked up from his drawing with curious eyes.

"Hello, Harry," Remus said gently, crouching down to his level. "Do you remember me?"

Harry tilted his head, studying Remus with a thoughtful expression. "Moony?" he asked tentatively.

Remus smiled, his eyes brightening. "Yes, Harry. That's right. It's Moony."

Harry's face lit up with recognition, and he scrambled to his feet, running to Remus and throwing his arms around him. Remus hugged him tightly, his eyes meeting Snape's over the top of Harry's head.

"Thank you, Severus," Remus said quietly. "For taking care of him."

Snape nodded stiffly, unsure of how to respond. "He's...a remarkable child. He deserves to be happy."

Remus stood, still holding Harry's hand. "He does. And he will be, with your help."

As Snape watched Harry chatter excitedly to Remus, he felt a strange sense of hope. Perhaps, together, they could give Harry the future he deserved.

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k that was 943 words

like bro

who made me write sm

anyways is question time

why are u even reading this?

luv y'all