Severus Snape's Son - A father's Sacrifice

5.Being a Snape

Orion was a kind person, while Severus was trying his very best to show him that he cared.

Of course, his son continued to call him Severus and it was very rare to hear him call him "Dad", but Severus wouldn't dare to complain.

He asked Orion if he would like to invite the Weasleys to spend some days with them.

Orion was very excited.

The twins were very busy, so they couldn't make it. But Ron, Ginny and of course Molly and Arthur came.

It was a stab in the heart hearing his son calling Arthur "Dad".

Severus chose to remain silent, but Arthur asked Orion and Severus to share some privacy in a room to discuss it.

- Orion, it is an honour hearing you calling me "Dad", but now that you have reunited with your father, I don't deserve the title.

Orion lowered his head.

- You are my dad, though. You raised me.

- Severus is your dad, you know that. Would you feel comfortable having a son that calls someone else "Dad" and you by your first name ?

- I wouldn't... Orion whispered... I wouldn't abandon my son, so this would never happen.

Severus remained silent, but he felt the tense building up his stomach.

- He didn't abandon you. He protected you. I would have done the same for my children.

- Yeah.. sure...

- Look at me when I am talking to you, Arthur commanded with a firm voice that cause both Severus and Orion to look up at him.

- I cannot stay in this house, if you insist on calling me Dad. I cannot disrespect Severus like this. You may call me Arthur. And it is a prerequisite if you wish me to stay.

- Whatever you say, Dad, Orion answered provocatively.

Severus chose to speak up though.

- Arthur, I don't mind. He can have 2 dads if he wishes. Really, I don't care.

- See Dad ? He doesn't mind. Why do you mind?

- He cares. He just wants you to be happy.

Orion knew that Arthur was right.

- Can I come stay with you for 1 week, please?

- No, Orion. You belong here.

Orion looked at Severus.

- I don't have a problem with it. You may do as you please, as long as you return of course.

- I am going to pack some things then.

Arthur was getting angry and it wasn't a common thing to see him angry.

- You are not welcome. You will stay with your Dad, Orion. This is final, he said and left the room.

He immediately grabbed Molly, Ron and Ginny and left.

Orion was furious.

- Why everybody leaves me ? he asked himself.

- You didn't leave you, Son. He just felt bad for me. Go after him, if you wish, Severus said with an obvious sadness.

- I am not welcome, didn't you hear?

- He was just exaggerating.

- He meant it, Professor.

- Please call me Severus.

Orion looked at him.

His father looked ill from his sadness.

He felt bad for hurting him.

He reflected on how good his father treated him , yet he disgraced him by calling someone else "Dad". A word so precious.

- Why call you Severus ? he said, but he asked it in a sweet way.

Severus was not in the mood so he just looked at his son and said :

- I am going in the kitchen to make some coffee.

- Make me a cup of coffee too, Dad.

- What did you say ?

- Could you please make a cup of coffee for me too ? Please Dad ?

Severus looked at him.

- You don't have to call me Dad, Severus replied.

- I am calling you Dad because I want to call you Dad. As Arthur pointed out, you are my Dad and it is true.

- Call me Dad only if you feel like it, not because Arthur told you to do so.

- Dad, stop. Really stop. I really wanted to hurt you when I learned the truth, but I don't want to hurt you any more. You are a kind person and I see how much you try to be the best father.

I will call you Dad because you deserve it and I have already decided to update my last name to match yours.

- You don't have to do all these things, just because Arthur made you angry, son.

- I don't do them for Arthur. You haven't noticed today's mail, have you? The Ministry sent me back the answer of changing my last name and the envelope already addressed me as "Orion Snape'. I made the change last week, not today.

Severus looked at his son. His mood swings were hitting him like a whiplash.

- Don't push yourself into accepting me, he said and went to the kitchen.

His son followed him.

- Dad, wait.

Severus turned to face his son, while he made coffee.

- What do you want, son ? I must confess that I feel stressed with your behaviour. I am turning from Professor to Dad and vice versa. I don't know if you like me or not and I feel insecure.

- I know. I am truly sorry. Arthur raised me. But I exist thanks to you. I didn't want to have anything to do with you, but I changed my mind. I just miss Arthur very much. And I got angry when he told me that he no longer considers me a family member. Because that is what he told me. And I wanted to provoke him, but I also hurt you. Please forgive me. I should have never done this. I will never do it again, I swear.

Orion was sincere and very straight forward, so Severus relaxed enough to also serve a cup of coffee to his son.

They sat together and sipped from their cups.

- Dad, are your parents alive?

Severus didn't expect the question and he hesitated to answer.

Orion sensed that something was wrong.

- I don't know... he confessed. My Mom was a witch, my father was a Muggle and hated anything magical. He was abusive towards mom and myself. Mom always supported him though. When I became of age, I left home and never contacted them again.

- I see... I am sorry for bringing it up. I didn't wish to embarrass you in any way.

- I could check if they are still alive, if it means a lot to you.

- I would like that ...