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Chapter Text

It was early November.

The last remnants of autumn peppered the frozen grounds of Hogwarts. Crisp leaves whisked by the windows of Albus Dumbledore’s office as Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonnagal, and Severus Snape were gathered around the hearth.

Dumbledore sat at his desk, his withered hands clasped in front of his chin, staring down at a thick piece of parchment stamped with the Ministry seal:

To whom it may concern,

This letter serves as official documentation that HARRY JAMES POTTER, (Birthdate:  31, JULY ,1980.) is legally classified under the surname: EVANS, effective as of NOVEMBER 5TH, 1982, per the request of ministry sanctioned guardian, SEVERUS. T. SNAPE.

All future records will be filed under the newly established surname, as stated above.

Rolinda Halstate
Department of Magical Identification

“You cannot simply erase the boy’s name, Severus. His family legacy is not yours to tamper with.” Albus said calmly, his eyes still focused on the parchment.

Severus sat on the tufted sofa in front of the hearth, his cheek resting on his palm, weary and exasperated.

A two year old boy sat on the cushion next to him, dressed in a maroon t-shirt with an embroidered lion on the chest and matching pants. A wound trailed down his forehead that was just starting to heal, babbling as he chewed on a stuffed hippogriff. 

“Legacy?” Severus scoffed, glancing at the toddler, “You mean the fame thrust upon him without his consent? A fame that will paint a target on his back before he can even speak a coherent sentence?”

Minerva narrowed her eyes, standing up from her arm chair and turning to face the room, “The world already knows him as Harry Potter. Stripping him of that name is –”

“Exactly,” Snape cut in sharply, “The world knows Potter. They do not know Evans. With his mother’s name, he is protected. Besides, it was her sacrifice that saved him, not James.”

Remus’ expression tightened, his scarred fists clenching in his lap, “That isn’t fair, Severus! You don’t get to decide who was more of a parent! You aren’t the boy’s father!”

Snape lifted his face from his hand, staring at Lupin coldly.

“Last I checked, Lupin, I am the boy’s legal guardian while your dear friend rots in Azkaban. The ministry gave me that right, whether you approve or not.”

Remus surged half-way out of his chair before Minerva put a hand on his shoulder.

She spoke with a quiet sternness,

“You cannot shield the boy from his fame forever, Severus. The name, be it Potter, Evans, or bloody Merlin won’t make him invisible. Should someone seek The boy who lived, they will find him - no matter the name on the parchment.”

“Albus, please – I promise I will go to the ministry on full moons. I can take Harry.” Remus looked to Albus, a desperation in his eyes, “This isn’t what they would have wanted.”

Snape opened his mouth to speak, but was swiftly cut off by Albus.

“Remus, while I admire your dedication, I simply cannot allow you to care for the boy. It’s far too dangerous, even with precautions.” Dumbledore paused, looking over to Harry on the sofa, “Since Petunia refused guardianship, Severus is the only viable option. He has the protection of the Order and resides at Hogwarts, where Harry will be most protected.”

“Lily hasn’t spoken to Severus in years! She wanted nothing to do with him after –” Remus nervously looked at Snape, then back to Dumbledore, “There has to be someone else. Someone more willing.”

Snape rose from the sofa slowly, “ Trust me Remus, I take no pleasure in raising the son of James Potter, however - there is no one else. Do you consider yourself a more suitable guardian? A lycanthrope who could forget the moon cycle and tear the boy limb from limb? With the company you keep, the boy would be passed between troll nannies and vampiric babysitters. He’d be lucky to survive a week.”

Remus clenched his jaw, taking a deep breath, “Albus – this isn’t right. This isn’t what they wanted.”

He looked away and turned towards the hearth, tears brimming in his eyes.

“Both of you, enough.” Albus said firmly, “Your schoolboy grudges are irrelevant. Remus, while I agree that James and Lily would have wished for someone nearer, the options are limited. Harry’s safety is our priority.”

“Grudges.” Snape repeated dryly, “If you call attempted murder a mere grudge, Headmaster, then perhaps I ought to lower my standards.”

Minerva pressed her lips into a thin line, her hand still on Remus’ shoulder as he stared into the fire, teary eyed.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone, Severus. Some sensitivity wouldn’t hurt.”

Severus did not reply, instead, he looked at Harry, who was inching towards him on the sofa, holding out the drool-covered Hippogriff.

Severus sneered in disgust at the sight of the toy, pulling a black silk handkerchief from his pocket and using it as a barrier to push Harry’s small hand away, tossing the contaminated handkerchief on the coffee table.

Harry frowned before shoving the toy back in his mouth, chewing while babbling nonsense up at the ceiling.

“He will be known as Evans and that is final,” Snape said, “Not a soul outside of this room will know he is in my possession. As far as the Dark Lord knows, he resides with the Dursleys in Little Whinging.”

Severus looked towards Remus, who was sniffling quietly, “Consider it an act of sensitivity to allow Remus to visit the boy…supervised, of course. For safety.”

Remus barked a bitter laugh, “How generous of you, Severus.”

Minerva looked at Albus, concerned and silent. At times, she still saw Remus and Severus as her own students. Precocious children getting involved in adult business.

Minerva  still had to remind herself that Remus and Severus were no longer teenagers hexing each other in the courtyard, but war-torn adults, fighting for the orphaned son of their fallen friends.

“So it is decided,” Dumbledore declared quietly, rolling up the ministry letter, “The boy shall be known as Evans. I hope this decision proves to be beneficial, Severus.” He stood up slowly and walked across the room, his blue robes swishing against the floor as he joined them in front of the hearth, handing the letter back to Severus.

“Thank you, Headmaster,” Snape replied, taking the letter and tucking it away in his robes, “ The boy will reside in the staff quarters with me. Surely, he has had his fair share of creature encounters while living in Hagrid’s hut over the past week.”

Remus gave a dry huff, wiping his face, “Yes, Merlin forbid the boy know what sunlight is. Do try to let him out of the dungeons once in a while, Severus. I hear children thrive on fresh air.”

Severus rolled his eyes then looked back at Harry, now laying on his back, his bright green eyes shining up at the ceiling, oblivious to the weight he carried. 

Chapter Text

Severus carried Harry in his right arm as he made his way to the staff quarters.

The portraits crooned and waved as Severus passed, with Harry giggling and waving back.

“Enough of that,” Snape said coldly, pushing Harry’s arm down, “Stop drawing attention to yourself.”

Harry immediately raised his arm again to wave at a large portrait of a woman in a pink ballgown, who cooed at him in french.

“No.” Severus demanded, firmly shoving Harry’s arm down once more as they ascended the staircases.

Harry stared blankly at Severus, stunned, taking a moment, before bursting into tears.

Severus' eyes widened in panic, tensing as he hurried his pace.

“No, no, no…none of that either!” Severus said in a panic, drawing his wand from his pocket, “Silencio.”

Harry’s cries ceased, despite his small face still wailing.

“Easy enough,” Snape muttered to himself, arriving at the large wooden door, a silver plaque was nailed to the front which read:  “STAFF QUARTERS: NO STUDENTS (OR GHOSTS) ALLOWED!”

Severus cast the unlocking spell and quietly whispered the password before pushing open the door with his free hand and heading to his room.

“Trust me, the feeling is mutual.” Severus murmured to Harry, still silently sobbing as they entered.

Severus waved his wand , igniting the torches and candle lit chandelier above.

Severus’ room was expansive, yet simple. Dark leather furniture surrounded his fireplace and Slytherin iconography spread across his walls. 

The walls had been painted black, making the room feel much smaller than it actually was. The long black curtains were drawn over all of the windows.

Despite being above ground, his quarters felt more like a dungeon than the actual dungeons of Hogwarts.

The air was stale with faint hints of potion ingredients. Severus set Harry on the sofa gently.

“Are you going to stop that incessant racket?” Snape asked, looking down at the boy, still silently crying.

Harry clutched the toy Hippogriff, tears still streaming down his face.

Severus sighed with defeat and lifted the silencing spell. Harry’s shrill cries filled the room.

“You must be able to calm yourself, child!” Severus yelled over him, kneeling down to Harry’s level on the sofa.

“Ma-ma…” Harry mumbled, chewing on his fingers as he looked at his new surroundings, “Da-da…”

Severus’s breath hitched quietly.

“They’re not here.” Severus said simply, his tone softening, “It’s…just you and me, now.”

“Pah-foot…” Harry sniffled, pointing past him.

Severus turned. In the shadowed forest of a painting on his wall, a black wolf lingered at the treeline, watching.

“He’s not here either,” Snape said sharply, rising to his full height, “It’s late. You need to sleep.”

Severus picked up Harry and took him to another room. It was completely empty, aside from a crib against the far wall.

Severus set the boy down in the crib. Harry quickly got to his feet and held on to the bars, looking up at Severus.

“Pah-foot…” He sniffled once more.

“No.” Snape said simply, but not as harsh as before, hoping to avoid another crying fit, “Go to sleep.”

He turned on his heel to leave the room, but Harry began to wail once more.

Severus let out a defeated sigh.

“Accio chair.” He said, flicking his wrist, an arm chair flew into the room, landing softly next to Harry’s crib.

Harry stopped his wailing as soon as he saw the chair hurling through the hair, staring at Severus as he sat in it.

“Vroooom…” Harry babbled, waving his hand wildly in the air, his other hand still squeezing the bar of his crib.

“Hm,” Severus huffed, studying Harry’s waving arm,“Your wand hand will be your right, I think.”

“Wand Pah-foot…” Harry replied, plopping down on his bottom, “Da-da wand…ma-ma wand…no touch…” He pointed at Severus’ wand resting in his lap, “Bad.”

“Yes, very good. Never touch a wizard's wand.” Severus nodded, resting his cheek on his palm, watching Harry wearily.

“Where broom?” Harry asked, pulling on the bars, “Vroooom!” He babbled once more, dropping the hippogriff toy and miming a mounting motion with his small fists, “Pah-foot, Moony say go fasssttttt!”

Harry grinned, pretending to hold an imaginary broomstick, “Da-da go fast! I have it?”

“I don’t have a broomstick, Pott -” Severus hesitated, correcting himself, “-- Evans.”

“Why?” Harry tilted his head.

“Enough questions. No broomstick. Sleep.”

“Why?”

“Because I said so.” Severus said sharply, but Harry only giggled, drooling down his chin.

Severus sighed, listening to Harry’s babbling well into the night until he fell asleep.

He could have given him a sleeping potion or knocked him out with a spell – but he couldn’t bring himself to.

Instead, he watched the last remnants of Lily exist organically, infant nonsense and all. 

Even after Harry fell asleep, Severus did not move from his chair.

He watched each breath rise and fall against the small Gryffindor t-shirt, ensuring the rhythm continued.

Why him, Lily? Severus thought bitterly. He got you killed. He orphaned your son. If you had listened to me—anyone other than Potter—and you would still be here.

Tears welled in his dark eyes, but he refused to let them fall.

“I tried.” Severus whispered out loud without realizing, “And I’ll keep trying. I swear it.”

Chapter Text

There was a knock on the door of Severus' office.

“Enter,” Snape said coldly, turning to Harry, handing him a juice pouch, “Don't spill it this time.” 

“Okay, Pohfessor.” Harry mumbled, sticking the straw in his mouth and sipping, “Uncle Moony here?”

“Yes, yes. He's here,” Severus replied under his breath, “Unfortunately.”

Harry began to stomp his feet with excitement, spilling juice on the sleeve of his robes as Snape opened the door, revealing a disheveled looking Remus.

“Hello, Severus. Hope I'm not too early.” Remus nodded politely.

Severus did not reply, he simply gestured to Harry before whisking away to his bookshelf.

“Hi, Harry!” Remus smiled, setting down his bag and kneeling to his level “Whatcha got there?”

“Dooce!” Harry beamed, holding out the squished, sticky juice pouch.

“Ah, yes…well it certainly was juice, hm?” Remus chuckled, taking away the sticky pouch with two fingers and tossing it in the bin.

“Where Pah-foot?” Harry asked, looking over Remus’ shoulder.

Remus tensed, looking away.

“He's just been busy, but you've got me, Harry.” Remus forced a smile, quickly changing the subject, “Tell me, how do you like living in the castle?

“Good,” Harry wiped his mouth with. his sleeve and looked over at Severus, “Pohfessor and me make potion.”

Remus furrowed his brow and looked at Severus.

“You make him call you Professor?”

Severus paused, his palm pressed to the page of a tome, “Because that's what I am.” 

He slammed the tome closed with a harsh snap before placing it on the shelf.

“He's not your student, Severus. He's a child.” Remus replied defensively.

“Better he learn respect early than mimic your tactless informality.” Snape shot back, looking over another tome.

“Pohfessor say no!” Harry waved his finger in the air and laughed, “Be quiet!”

Remus frowned, glancing from Harry to Severus.

“You do sparkles, Uncle Moony?” Harry chimed in, pointing to Remus’ pocket.

“Sparkles? You sure?” Remus grinned, rising to his feet and taking out his wand.

“Yeah, yeah!” Harry grinned.

“Manners.” Severus cut in sharply.

Harry’s eyes widened, briefly looking at Severus before meeting Remus’ gaze once more, “Peese.” 

“That was unnecessary, Severus.” Remus replied, exasperated, sending a shower of rainbow sparks to rain down over Harry, who jumped and squealed, raising his arms to grab them.

“For your kind, perhaps.” Snape retorted under his breath.

Remus inhaled sharply and decided to hold his tongue. As the last spark faded, Harry hurried over to Severus, tugging at his cloak, “Uncle Moony, see my potion? Peese?” 

“Well it's nothing remarkable, but yes. I suppose you can show him.” Severus opened a nearby cabinet and handed Harry a small corked bottle. “Do not run. Walk. Don't drop it.”

“Okay, okay!” Harry beamed, walking comically slow, holding the potion out to Remus, “I made dis!”

“Wow, that's amazing, Harry!” Remus grinned, holding out his hand and taking the vial.

“He tossed the pre-cut ingredients into the cauldron. It's a simple pepper-up potion, not that I'd expect you to know.” Snape added, crossing his arms, carefully observing Harry.

“What an accomplishment!” Remus grinned, shooting a dirty look to Severus, “You're getting so big, Harry.”

“Harry, Berry, Pumpkin, Cherryyy” Harry sang, grinning as Remus admired his potion, “Ma-ma song.”

Remus swallowed hard, Lily's voice echoing in his memory.

“Yes, that was mama's song for you.” Remus said quietly, the smile fading from his face as he handed the potion to Severus.

Harry continued to sing and babble, wandering throughout the office.

“So, are you enjoying parenthood?” Remus asked Severus dryly.

Severus’ eyes slowly looked up from his tome, “Why yes, I am enjoying my salary, home, and my purpose. Can you say the same?” 

“Ah yes, Severus. How could I forget? You are what every boy strives to be. A teacher who broods alone in a dungeon. What are your dear Slytherin friends up to, might I ask?” 

Severus gripped the sides of the tome, “Need I remind you that I have full control over who the boy interacts with?” He nodded towards Harry, who was twirling around and clutching a stuffed Niffler.

“Evans, Uncle Moony has to go soon.” Snape added calmly, a mocking tone in his voice, his eyes locked on Remus, “Better play while you can.”

Harry stopped spinning and turned towards Remus, “No! Where go?”

He ran up to Remus, leaning against his leg, “See Pah-foot?” Harry looked up at him, his eyes wide with concern.

“Yes,” Snape chimed in with a sinister glee, “He has to go see Padfoot.”

“Oh no…” Harry whined, pulling at Remus’ pant leg, “I go?”

Remus felt his heart drop, quickly looking away from the son of his best friend.

“Don't,” Remus snapped at Severus, “That's low, even for you.”

“Well as a simple teacher who broods in a dungeon, one might say I'm used to being low.” 

Remus bit his tongue and kneeled down to the floor, “I'll see you soon, Harry.” He whispered, gently wrapping his arms around him.

“Nooo don't go, don't go! I go, too! I see Pah-foot!” Harry began to cry.

Remus quickly stood up, his throat burning with devastation. He turned away before Harry could see the tears, leaving the office as quickly as he could.

After the door closed, Harry ran towards it, grasping weakly at the doorknob.

“Moony! Uncle Moony! Uncle Pah-foot! Da-da!” Harry sobbed, slapping the old door with his small hands.

Severus took a deep breath and made his way over to the boy, each of his words like a blade in his ribs.

“Come now, enough of that.” Severus kneeled down and put a hand on Harry's arm, “You…” he hesitated, hating the words he was about to say, “...will see him again, soon. It's alright.”

Harry continued to sob and pressed his forehead to the door, his messy curls flattening against the wood. 

He turned towards Severus and wailed into his shoulder, gripping his cloak.

For a moment, Severus froze, feeling the weight of everything in that very moment. He pushed the feeling aside and hoisted Harry up in his arms, “It's alright. Hush, now. It's alright.”

Severus sat behind his desk with Harry on his knee, “You can help me grade, if you like.” Severus said quietly, picking up a quill, “It's rather new to me as well.”

Harry continued to cry and sniffle, but slowly calmed down, soothed by the rhythmic scratching of the nib against parchment.

“It's all quite strange, really.” Severus continued, “Not that long ago, I was a student here. Now, I teach.” 

Severus swallowed hard, thinking of how much had changed in so little time. 

He was twenty-two, with bodies on his wand, and a child on his knee. 

This was never what he wanted.

Harry listened quietly, his cheeks red and tear-stained, watching Snape's hand circle and underline on the parchment.

“It's odd how we can return to our old ways with a new perspective.” Severus said, his tone softening, “That's what we must keep in mind, Evans. Perspective.”

“My name Harry,” the boy sniffled, leaning back against Severus.

“Yes, yes. Harry Pott-” Severus stopped himself, the word bitter on his tongue, “Harry Evans.”

“Harry!” The boy emphasized with a grin, whacking Severus’ quill, causing it to streak across the page of an essay.

Severus swore under his breath and cleared the mess with his wand.

“Yes, I suppose you're right.” He grumbled, annoyed.

“Yeah,” Harry nodded with satisfaction, settling back against Severus as he continued to grade, “Your name Pohfessor.”

“Yes, that is indeed my legal name: Professor.” Snape replied dryly, finishing a scathing review of a third year's essay on antidotes.

Harry giggled. Severus’ hand paused in his inkwell.

“Think my name’s funny, do you?” Severus subtly smirked, "Don't laugh, or I'll turn you into a bowtruckle”

“NO, NO!” Harry squealed, pulling at Severus' collar, “I'm Harry! Not bow tuckle!”

Severus let out a small huff of approval, “Ah, thank you for that clarification. I was worried you were a bowtruckle for a moment.”

“You silly, Pohfessor.” Harry grinned, pulling at a lock of Severus’ hair.

Severus scoffed and pulled his hand away.

“You are perhaps the only person to ever say such a thing.” Severus rolled his eyes, glancing down towards an essay that surely only deserved an Acceptable…but after a brief moment, his quill hit the parchment, scribbling in the corner: Exceeds Expectations.

Chapter Text

Harry's feet hit the courtyard pavement with a harsh thud. He had to beat his best time. Five laps in five minutes.

He rounded the corner of the courtyard, his graying trainers skidding against a particularly smooth stone.

“Yes!” He cried out as finished the lap just as the egg timer began to ring.

He panted heavily, turning off the timer and tossing it on a nearby bench.

Surely, he'd be the fastest runner in his kindergarten class. 

None of the other kids had been able to run around a castle for their entire life.

He sat down on the bench, wiping the sweat from his brow as the sun set over the black lake.

After catching his breath, he gathered his robes in his arms and began making his way back into the castle, but just as he arrived at the dungeon stairs, he ran into Severus.

“Oh!” Harry yelped in surprise, “You scared me.”

Severus raised a brow, confused at Harry's exhausted, sweaty state.

“Muggle clothes? Were you running around again?” Severus asked curiously.

“I beat my time, Professor! I swear it! Five laps in five whole minutes!” Harry beamed.

“I see…and you appear to have left your tailored robes in the dirt.” 

“Oh, uh - well, we can clean them later. I beat my time!”

Severus gave him a disapproving look, taking the robes out of his arms and sighing.

“You do realize that school is not an athletic competition, yes? You go to school to learn, not flail around like a frightened parrot.”

Harry frowned, looking to the floor, “I mean, we'll have recess and stuff. I'll be the fastest in my class.”

Severus huffed, tucking the dirt stained robes under his arm, “Five minutes, you said? Impossible…unless you cheated.” 

Severus turned and began striding down the corridor, hiding a smirk.

Harry hurried up to his side, grinning “I didn't, I swear! Take my memory to Dumbledore's pensieve, you can see for yourself!”

Harry stood in front of Severus walking backwards as they meandered down the long hall, “I could do it with my eyes closed! Backwards, too!”

“Could you potentially run around like a maniac without ruining your robes?” Severus replied, flicking his wand and sending Harry's robes flying down the corridor.

“I took them off this time!” Harry replied, brushing a dark curl away from his forehead, jumping to grab the robes mid-air, just barely missing as the robes flew down to house elf quarters for laundering.

“Yes, well try to keep your sweating and rough housing to a minimum tomorrow. Your teacher will not be pleased if you use her classroom as a jungle gym.”

“Do any of your kids run around the classroom?” Harry asked curiously, shoving his hands in his pockets still walking backwards to face Severus.

Severus let out a scoff, “What do you think, Evans? The only child who dares to muck about in my presence is you.”

Harry grinned, missing a bottom front tooth.

“Close your mouth, child. You look like a jack-o-lantern.” Severus smirked.

Harry laughed, covering his mouth with his hand, turning and lingering to walk at Severus’ side.

Chapter Text

Harry slung his backpack over his shoulder, gritting his teeth.

“Bye, Harry!” Patricia Reelston called to him, a fellow six-year girl in his class with long dark braids.

“Bye, Patty.” Harry muttered to himself, walking out of the classroom into the corridor.

He burst out the door into the spring sunlight, averting his eyes away from all of the children hugging their mums and dads.

Then, he spotted the gray tabby cat sitting on the stone stoop of the school.

“Hi, Professor McGonnagall.” Harry whispered quietly.

The cat replied with a chirp before leading Harry down the sidewalk.

Harry gripped the handles of his bag tightly as he followed behind Professor McGonagall.

He squinted in the sunlight, brushing a curl out of his face.

Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry… Harry repeated in his mind.

He’d never let him live it down if he came home crying.

Once the coast was clear, the gray tabby cat transfigured back into Professor McGonnagal, who smiled down at him, offering her arm for a side-along apparition.

“Good day today, Evans?” She asked kindly as Harry took her arm.

He closed his eyes, preparing for the stomach lurch as he gripped her forearm.

Harry heard the familiar loud crack, followed by the tornado of color behind his eyes, and finally, they landed at the gates of Hogwarts.

“What did you learn today?” Professor McGonnagal asked, unlocked the gate and beckoning him to go through.

“Nothing that interesting. Basic properties of spells. Magic safety. Writing. Addition.” Harry said passively, biting the inside of his cheek.

Minerva could tell something was off. She narrowed her eyes, studying Harry.

“Hm…anything else?” She asked gently.

Harry shook his head, pushing open the door of the castle and rushing down the corridor towards the staff quarters.

“Hold on, Evans!” Minerva called from behind, rushing to keep up, “Slow down!”

They arrived at the staff quarters door, where Minvera huffed and opened the door and allowed Harry inside.
“Don’t run like that. It’s reckless.” She advised, her cheeks slightly pink as she watched Harry climb the stairs and disappear out of sight.

He walked to the doors with the sign that read “SNAPE, S.” above the door, one of the few words he could truly recognize.

He muttered the password (Stargazer) and the door swung open. He stormed through the door, threw his bag on the ground. He walked towards the hearth and ripped a pillow from the sofa. He buried his face in the fabric, and screamed.

Severus slowly appeared from the hall, silent as smoke.

Harry lifted his head from the pillow, sniffling.

“Do you usually scream into the furniture or is today a special occassion?” Severus said quietly, causing Harry to nearly jump out of his skin.

“I-I thought you were in your classroom!” Harry stuttered, throwing the pillow on the sofa out of embarrassment.

Severus raised a brow, “Yes, I was…but I returned. I do that, you see.”

“Whatever.” Harry muttered under his breath, turning away and hurrying to his room.

“Wait.” Severus demanded.

Harry stopped in his tracks and tensed.

“Come back.” His tone left no room for argument.

Harry swallowed hard and slowly turned back.

“Explain yourself, Evans.”

Severus looked down at Harry with a look that pinned him to the floor.

“I don’t want to,” Harry said quietly, lowering his gaze.

“I don’t care what you want, you will do as I say. Now, explain yourself.”

Harry pressed his lips into a thin line. It had already been a terrible day.

“It’s mother’s day this weekend.” He mumbled, “And…we all had to talk about our mums at school.”

Severus’ expression subtly softened, “Go on.”

“...I-I said I don’t have one, that my mum died in an accident and…then everyone said “oh, just write about your dad!” but…I don’t have one of those either and…” Harry’s voice began to shake. 

He couldn’t cry, it was highly prohibited in this house.

He took a deep breath.

“I didn’t know what to say. I just said I lived at a school.”

Severus felt his stomach drop. 

How could he forget to address this, for school purposes?

“We had to make these stupid cards,” Harry ripped a crumpled up piece of paper from his pocket, clutching it in his fist, “-- and I couldn’t make one for someone named Professor.”

“Ah,” Severus said quietly, looking away, “I…see your conundrum.”

“Can I go to my room now?” Harry asked, barely holding it together.

“Uh, yes, I suppose.” Severus responded, unsure of what to say.

Harry turned away, tossing the crumbled paper into the bin before rushing down the corridor and slamming the door of his room.

Severus waited for a moment, before going towards the bin and picking up the crumpled paper.

It was a crayon drawing of flowers with the words HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY written in Harry’s hand – the letters sloppy and backwards. A red X had been drawn over the word “mother.”

Severus stared at the card, shaken by the sheer implications of one small symbol.

He recrumpled the paper and tossed it back in the bin, heading down the corridor and knocking on Harry’s door.

“Go away…” Harry called out, before quickly adding “...please.”

Severus rolled his eyes, “No. May I come in?”

“You’re going to come in no matter what I say.”

“Yes, but I thought I’d be polite.”

“Fine.”

Severus opened the door, finding Harry curled up on his bed, holding a quaffle in his hands, lightly tossing it in the air, attempting to appear non-chalant despite his eyes being bloodshot.

Severus sat down in the small chair at Harry’s desk, making him look like a giant.

“It is strange, not having a mother or father.” Seveurus said slowly, leaning forward in the chair, “I won’t lie to you and say you’re normal, Evans. Because you’re not.”

Harry subtly moved the quaffle to hide his face.

“...not many children live in a school. Nor do they live with someone who they aren’t related to. It’s complicated, but I have my reasons for my white lies.”

“You’re not even my real uncle, why did you tell my teacher that? I don’t call you uncle. The only uncle I have is Uncle Moony and he doesn’t even come around anymore.”

Severus felt the sting of Harry’s words in his chest.

“While I may not be your blood relative, Evans – you have an adult in your life, just like every other child.”

“You’re a teacher. I don’t even know how you got me after my parents died.” Harry said painfully, “All I know is they died when I was a baby and I ended up with a teacher at Hogwarts and that was it. I can’t even tell anyone I live at Hogwarts, even though it’s the best place ever.”

The corner of Severus’ mouth almost ticked into a smile, at least Harry enjoyed the castle, despite the complexities of his situation.

“It’s a long, complicated story.” Severus sighed, “I knew your parents. We were friends. That’s why you’re in my care.”

“Yeah, but…” Harry hesitated, then exhaled in defeat, “I know.”

“I may not be a parent or uncle, so to say…but I have sworn to be your guardian.”

“It’s just…weird and no one else follows a cat home from school.” Harry said, frustrated, “They have their parents get them. Some even have brothers and sisters that are so old that they can come get them. I just…” Harry stopped himself, still hiding behind the quaffle, “It’s just me, Professor…and no one else has a professor.”

Severus heard Harry’s every word – and he understood.

“No. No one else has a professor raising them. You have a lot of things no one else has.” Severus paused, catching a glimpse of Harry’s scar on his forehead, “ –now let me show you why that’s a good thing.”

Harry peeked out from behind the quaffle, watching Severus rise to his feet and swiftly leave his room.

There was no other option but follow – so Harry wiped his eyes and trailed along, and the two of them left the staff quarters, where Severus led him up to the astronomy tower.

“Tell me, Evans. How many of your classmates have an astronomy tower in their homes?” Severus called out to Harry, helping him climb up the ladder to the highest point in the castle, where they both stood on the platform and looked out over the grounds.

Harry had rarely been up this high with Severus before, “None of them. But they don’t know I have it either.”

“Well, that’s the best part, isn’t it?”

Harry and Severus both watched the thestrals soar above the forbidden forest. 

The cool May breeze swept through their hair and Harry swore he could have grabbed a cloud.

Severus pointed out different parts of the grounds: where the best herbs grew for potions, the origins of the black lake, the protective charms over the perimeter, and other random bits of knowledge.

Harry listened, watching the giant white clouds glide across the sky.

“Have you lived here since you were a kid too, Professor?” Harry asked curiously.

Severus paused, “Yes, in a sense.” He fidgeted with his robe sleeve,  “Not in the same way as you, but…I have been here most of my life.”

“And you still like it?”

Severus looked at Harry and then back over the grounds, “Yes. Despite it all, I still like it.”

Harry leaned against the railing, the wind tossing his curls.

Maybe strange wasn’t such a bad thing.

Chapter Text

“You're telling me he broke all four of those windows?” 

“Yes, unfortunately.” 

Severus stood in the middle of Harry's primary school classroom, staring blankly at the shattered windows.

“When was this exactly, Miss Pimm?”

Miss Pimm was a petite young woman, dressed in lavender robes and her blonde hair tied up in two buns. She was a less experienced teacher, a recent graduate from Beauxbatons.

“Around noon. Lunch time.” She said, a mix of fear and embarrassment in her voice.

“I see.” Severus nodded, waving his wand to repair the windows, “and what exactly was he doing?”

“He was talking to some of the other kids as usual, then he got really quiet, stood up to look out the window, and boom. Everything exploded.”

“Noted.” Severus replied curtly, lost in thought.

“We spent the rest of the day in the rubber room, just in case. It's where we usually go if there's a particularly big incident. I've been trained to deal with unexpected episodes of magic, but this was…unlike anything I've seen. ”

“Give it time. You'll see much worse.” He said flatly, “I will speak with him and will send you an owl. Good day.”

Severus swept out of the classroom without another word, leaving Miss Pimm lost and confused.

When Severus returned to the castle, he found Harry cozied up in his office chair, looking through a potions book.

“Am I in trouble?” Harry asked as soon as Severus walked in.

“Depends.” Severus responded, “Explain yourself.”

“I was just talking to my friends and they started talking about their blood lines. Pureblood this and mudblood that and –”

“Don't use that word!” Severus interjected loudly, slamming his fist on his desk, shocked how it had so effortlessly slipped off Harry's tongue.

Harry jumped, throwing the book aside, leaping up from the chair.

“That's why I got mad, Professor!” Harry blurted out, “They wouldn't stop talking about it! They said since we're in fourth year we can talk about blood. I didn't mean to do it. I got up to get away from them and then the windows just…” Harry lost his words, feeling as if his life were on the line.

“Never say that word again, Evans. No matter the circumstance.” Severus replied with venom.

“I'm sorry –” Harry took a step back, glancing at Severus’ fist on the table, “I can fix it. I'll help Miss Pimm clean up, it was an accident.”

Severus paused, seeing the look of utter fear spread across Harry's face.

He slowly lifted his hand from the table and placed it in his pocket and took a deep, quiet breath.

“Yes, it was an accident.” Snape paused, speaking to himself as much as Harry, “But you have to remember what I taught you. Calm yourself and control your thoughts. Untethered emotions are what cause these incidents.”

Harry nodded, looking away in shame.

“Never use that word again. Not even in passing. It was born out of hate.” Severus said quietly, lost in his own regret, “Now get back to the staff quarters, Evans.” 

Harry obeyed, and hurried out of the office, closing the door behind him.

Severus lingered, hands in his pockets. 

Every day was a constant reminder.

Of her. Of him. Of himself.

Chapter Text

“How many spells can you name? Quick, you have thirty seconds! One, two, three…” Harry crossed his arms and continued to count, grinning at the portrait of Sir Remington the IV, who was completely startled by the question.

“Spells? Why dost thou demand such a thing from me, child? Oh, oh! Let’s see…”

“...eight, nine, ten…” Harry continued to count, grinning as the other portraits began to join in.

“Shouldn’t you be studying?” Called a portrait of a mermaid, her long dark hair glistening in the oil painted sun, “Severus is going to be angry with you for wasting time.”

“It’s a Saturday, Alesia. He can’t expect me to study on Saturday.” Harry responded, rolling his eyes and miming wand movements with his right hand.

The portrait of Sir Remington the IV continued to reel off spell names, counting on his fingers.

“Just don’t get in trouble,” Alesia responded, swimming closer to the front of her portrait, “Are you excited to go to Hogwarts this fall?”

“Of course I am!” Harry beamed, “I’ll finally be able to be a student. Sometimes I feel like I’m just another ghost here.”

“Oh don’t say that, Harry…” Another mermaid chimed in, swimming into view, “You’re far more than a ghost! You’re a living, breathing boy! You’re quite lucky.”

“Thanks, Cliodna.” Harry shrugged, pacing back and forth, “I hope to make some more friends. It’s different at primary, everyone goes home at the end of the day…but here, I’ll eat, sleep, and study with everyone else. It won’t be so empty.”

“Thou shall always have us, Harry!” Sir Remington the IV added, “Additionally, I hath named twenty spells!”

“Good job,” Harry laughed, swishing his robes out of boredom, “What house do you think I’ll be in?”

All the portraits exchanged glances, all of them muttering something different.

“Ravenclaw, you’re far too clever to not be a Ravenclaw!”

“Hufflepuff! Kindness and fairness are your strong suits!”

“Slytherin, no doubt. Look at who raised you!”

“Gryffindor, just like your parents! Brave and strong, you can’t go wrong!”

Harry’s eyes darted around to each portrait, all of them spewing different answers and bickering with each other.

“Alright, alright…” Harry waved his hand in surrender, “I guess it will be up to the hat in the end.”

“Do you have a preference, Harry?” Alesia the mermaid asked, leaning against a large rock to bask in the sun.

“Well, I think I’d be best in Slytherin,” Harry replied thoughtfully, “That’s what Professor Snape wants, anyway. It makes the most sense. I basically grew up in the dungeons.”

Harry paused, pulling an empty potion vial out of his pocket, repeatedly pulling the cork, “But I’m not sure I like Slytherin all that much. Lots of my primary school mates had Slytherin parents and…they’re not the nicest.”

Harry continued to pace in front of the wall of portraits, “I want to see the other common rooms. A change might be nice…but Professor Snape would kill me for being anything but a Slytherin.”

“You know, Sirius Black broke a five hundred year streak of Slytherins in his family, he was a Gryffindor!” Sir Remington the IV chimed.

“Yeah and look where he ended up,” Harry said sharply, gripping the potion vial tightly.

All of the portraits shifted uncomfortably.

Cliodna swam closer and cleared her throat.

“You’re going to do great, wherever you end up.” She smiled, her dark eyes shimmering in the light.

“Thanks,” Harry responded, wanting to push the thought of the sorting ceremony out of his mind.

“I’m really looking forward to getting my wand, actually. Professor Snape says he’ll take me to Ollivander’s in a few weeks.”

“Oh how exciting!” The portrait of a monk spewed out, “I remember my first like it was yesterday. Being chosen by your wand is the best feeling in the world, if you ask me.”

“Yeah,” Harry smirked, “Professor Snape says I have to act like I’ve never touched a wand before in my life. He says I also have to pretend to not know the layout of the castle.” Harry muttered with a bit of confusion, “Apparently no one is supposed to live in the castle outside of staff, so I have to keep it a secret. Same with him being my…” Harry hesitated, the word tasting hollow, “-guardian. None of the teachers are supposed to have kids here. It’s not fair, I guess.”

“In all my centuries here, I have never seen a child live in the castle, let alone be raised by a staff member.” A portrait of a portly woman in a pale green gown added, adjusting her opera glasses to get a better look at Harry, “You must be remarkable, Harry Evans.”

“Or incredibly odd,” Harry retorted light-heartedly, “It’s such a big secret and I don’t know why. I guess they don’t want the other kids thinking I get special treatment, but is it really that special?”

Harry looked around the big empty corridor, his own voice echoing off the walls.

“It’s not like Professor Snape goes easy on me. He’s had me do homework that he writes every summer! I do my primary school homework, then his homework, and at least an hour of reading a day!” Harry complained, exhaling, “Other kids have parents who take them out to do fun things and…” He paused, “Professor Snape can be so mean, sometimes.”

“He cares an awful lot about you, Harry.” Alesia cut in, a sympathetic smile on her face, “He fought very hard to keep you.”

“Yeah, I guess…At least Uncle Moony wanted me. He was nice when he came around…” Harry paused, his voice growing quiet, “Maybe Professor Snape was right about him being unstable.” Harry shrugged, feeling a deep ache as he thought of his early memories with Remus.

“Cheer up, Harry!” A young knight on a mighty stead called out, galloping into the frame with the mermaids, “Remember, you get to be a real student this fall! This castle has much in store for you, I can feel it in my bones!”

Harry nodded, shaking the melancholy from his thoughts, “You’re right, Sir Percival. It’s going to be great. It has to be!”

Harry forced a smile to his face, ignoring the dread lingering in the back of his mind. 

Chapter Text

It was the last Saturday in June when Harry was awoken by all of the candles flickering on in his room.

“Time to get up, Evans.” Severus announced, standing in the doorway.

“Merlin, it’s so early…” Harry grumbled, rolling over in his bed and putting on his glasses, “Can’t I sleep a little longer?”

“Absolutely not. Great Hall for breakfast in fifteen minutes. Don’t be late.” Severus turned away from the door, his cloak billowing behind him as he left the staff quarters.

“But I’m not hungr -” Harry propped himself up in bed to protest, but Severus was already gone.

He groaned once more before swinging his legs over the edge of the bed and lazily throwing on his robes, not bothering to comb his hair.

Surely Severus was going to quiz him all morning on wand technique or potion theory or some other random subject…

After brushing his teeth and splashing cold water on his face, he made his way down to the Great Hall, where the sun had just started to rise over the horizon.

It was completely empty, each of Harry’s footsteps echoing against the floor as he approached the Head Table, taking a seat next to Severus.

Harry reached for a pot of coffee on the table and began to pour into a cup, sipping slowly.

“Long night?” Severus asked curiously, his eyes scanning the Daily Prophet.

“Yeah, with all that reading you gave me. I didn’t get to bed until 2am!” Harry whined, pouring milk and an excessive amount of sugar into his cup.

Severus gave a small huff, “Get used to it, Evans. Sleep is a luxury in academia.”

Harry rolled his eyes, leaning back in his chair as he stared out over the empty hall.

Then, the flutter of wings could be heard in the distance. A large barn owl soared into the great hall, a letter tight in its beak. It landed gracefully at the edge of the high table and perched in front of Harry, holding out its leg.

Harry immediately perked up and leaned forward, “Mail? For me? I never get mail.” he said incredulously.

“Well, then it might be important. Best you take the letter, Evans.” Severus said casually, sipping his own coffee.

Severus pulled a Knut out of his pocket and dropped it into the small pouch tied to the bird’s leg.

Harry took the letter, which was addressed in neat scrawl:

Mr. Harry J. Evans
The Great Hall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry flipped the letter over, ripping open the familiar Hogwarts seal, and began to read:

Dear Mr. Evans,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment…

Harry looked up at Severus, his eyes wide.

“I…didn’t think I’d actually get the letter.” He said quietly, looking back down at the parchment.

“And why is that?” Severus asked, not looking away from the Daily Prophet.

“Well, because I live here. I didn’t think I’d get one because it just seems…obvious that I’m going to be a student at Hogwarts, and…” Harry looked down at the letter, rereading the list of supplies and the signature from Professor McGonnagal.

He was touched. A small act of normalcy that reminded him that he was just like any other kid.

“You’re a talented wizard, Evans. Of course you’d get an acceptance letter.” Severus folded up the Daily Prophet and tossed it aside, “Best you write your return owl now, that is…if you choose to accept the offer.”

Severus pulled out a quill and piece of parchment, the barn owl waiting patiently at the edge of the table.

“Oh that’s silly, there’s no need to write a reply.” Harry chuckled, “Professor McGonagall knows I’ll be in attendance.”

“Does the letter not read ‘We await your owl by no later than 31 July.’?” Severus replied sharply.

Harry raised his brows in surprise. He was dead serious.

He took the quill and quickly wrote a simple phrase: 

I, Harry J. Evans, hereby accept the offer to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Harry shook his head slightly, addressed the letter to the office of admissions, and handed it to the owl, who graciously took it in its beak and flew away out of sight.

“That was silly,” Harry muttered, smiling as he began to eat his breakfast, which had magically appeared in front of him as soon as he sent the letter.

“Silly, you say?” Severus replied, “Being a responsible student is silly?”

“No, it’s not that, it’s just –” Harry smiled down at his plate, thinking for a moment, “Thanks.”

Severus glanced at him, giving him a curt nod. “Welcome to Hogwarts, Evans. After meeting the dunderheads I have to teach on a daily basis, you’ll realize you’re not so abnormal after all.”

Harry laughed, spreading jam on his toast as the sun fully emerged over the horizon, bathing the great hall in brilliant, golden light.

Chapter Text

Diagon Alley was a swarm of energy.

Severus was far more irritable than usual due to the crowding, but Harry was radiating with joy at his side.

“Just a few more things,” Harry muttered, licking his chocolate frog ice cream from Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor, “Still have to get new robes, a cauldron, and my wand.”

“There are plenty of cauldrons for you to use at home, I’m not buying another.” Severus replied, glancing over the list once more, “Also, you are not getting fitted for new robes with that monstrosity of a sweet dripping down your palm.”

“It’s delicious, want some?” Harry grinned, chocolate smeared on his face as he held out the cone to Severus, knowing for a fact he despised rich sweets.

Severus rolled his eyes and pushed Harry’s hand away, “Finish the damn thing and we can go get your robes.”

They sat down on a nearby bench, people watching while Harry made his way through his ice cream.

He looked over at Severus, tense and exhausted. He didn’t get home until late last night.

“What kept you out so late last night?” Harry asked, chomping on a chocolate frog piece.

“That’s none of your concern, child.” Severus replied coldly, “Why weren’t you asleep when I came back? It was 4am.”

“Too excited. I love Diagon alley.” Harry smiled a messy smile, to which Severus reacted with a quick scourgify. Harry winced as the spell scrubbed his face clean, wiping his face with his sleeve.

“I’m not a baby, you know!” Harry said indignantly

For a moment, Severus saw the freshly scarred two year old, chewing on a hippogriff toy in his quarters.

“Then stop eating like one.” Severus shot back, looking down at his hands, scarred from years of reckless brewing.

Harry finished the last bite of his cone and dusted off his hands, “Ready.” He mumbled, mouth full.

“Sure you don’t want to eat a pound of sugar, too? Maybe a hundred lemon drops?” Severus said dryly, slowly getting to his feet and stretching.

“No, I’ll save the pound of sugar and lemon drops for dinner.” Harry beamed, running ahead towards Madam Malkin’s.

“My, oh my! You’ve grown so big, Harry!” Madam Malkin beamed as soon as he walked through the door, “You’re going to need some extra length this year! Go stand over by the mirrors and I’ll be with you in a sec.”

“Hi Madam Malkin,” Harry smiled shyly, looking at all the fabrics lined up on the shelves as he made his way to the mirrors to be fitted.

“I’m going to run across the street to the apothecary,” Severus said to Harry, lingering near the door, “If you do any damage, run as fast as you can.”

“Will do.” Harry said absentmindedly, giving a quick wave.

Harry waited patiently in front of the mirror, when another boy walked over next to him.

He had bright blonde hair, nearly white. He had a mousy appearance, with his nose stuck up in the air.

“Hogwarts, too?” The boy asked Harry.

“Yeah,” Harry responded, looking at his shoes.

“Nice. I’m hoping to be in Slytherin, my whole family has been.” The boy added, “What’s your name?”

“Oh, uh - Evans. Harry Evans.”

“Ha, for a second I thought you were going to say Harry Potter.” The boy chuckled, “He’s supposed to be a first year, too.”

Harry blinked, confused.

…because he was Harry Potter, in a sense. He had just taken his mother’s last name.

“Oh, yeah. I heard that, too.”

“Get ready for Dumbledore to have a new favorite,” the boy scoffed, “I’m a Malfoy, by the way. Draco.”

Harry had heard of the Malfoys in passing from Severus. A very influential family from the wizarding world.

“Oh, nice.” Harry replied awkwardly as Madam Malkin came over and began taking measurements of the both of them, unable to hold back her comments at how much they had grown and how proud she was.

“Well, see ya at school.” Draco shrugged, turning away and heading towards a woman with long blonde hair, who Harry assumed was his mother.

Harry left the shop, his mind reeling.

Harry Potter. That was his name…why did that boy know who he was?

Harry walked into the apothecary, where he saw Severus leaned over the counter, talking in hushed voices with the shop keeper.

“Professor, a word?” He asked politely.

Severus turned towards him, irritated by the interruption.

“Just a moment, I’ll be back later.” Severus muttered to the shop keeper before heading towards Harry.

“What did you do?” Severus demanded angrily.

“Nothing. Everything was fine with the fitting…I just…” He looked around at the other patrons in the apothecary, “Something strange just happened.”

Severus’ brow furrowed and he quietly led Harry out of the shop.

“What happened?” Severus asked, concerned as they walked to a less crowded area of Diagon Alley.

“A boy in the robe shop said something about Harry Potter being in our year…I mean, isn’t my Dad named Potter?”

Severus froze mid step.

He had taken every precaution to shield Harry from his name and his legacy. 

The scar was always covered. His name had been changed.

He knew this was coming, just not this soon.

“The boy said Potter, specifically? Are you sure you didn’t mishear him?”

Harry shook his head no, “That’s what he said. He said his name was Draco Malfoy. When I told him my name was Harry, he said he thought I was going to say Harry Potter and he laughed.”

Severus took a sharp inhale.

Of course. 

Lucius’ son was starting at Hogwarts this year.

“Ah.” Severus huffed quietly, “Your name is Harry Evans. He was mistaken.”

“Who’s Harry Potter, then? Why would he know about my Dad’s last name?”

Severus swallowed hard, tensing.

“It’s a long story,” Severus said quietly, growing pale, “Best not one to tell in public.”

“Do people know me because of my Dad? I know he was Head Boy but I don’t think that makes someone famous.” Harry asked, growing more confused by the minute.

“Come on,” Severus sighed, “We need to talk.”

Harry felt his stomach drop, hesitated before following Severus’ long stride.

They apparated out of Diagon Alley, where Severus led Harry to the banks of the Black Lake.

“Sit.” Severus said, pointing to a shady patch of grass.

Harry obeyed and sat down, his shopping bags crumpling beside him.

Severus sat on a nearby rock, looking out over the waters.

“Have you ever heard the name you-know-who, Evans?”

“Yeah, once in a while. I thought it was adults being dramatic about something.” Harry shrugged, pulling up wads of grass anxiously.

“It is a term used for Lord Voldemort, a wizard so dark that no one dares speak his name,” Severus continued plainly, looking out over the horizon.

It was a beautiful sunny day in the middle of July.

Severus hesitated, knowing his next words would change Harry’s life forever.

“He killed your parents,” Severus said quietly, “They were part of the resistance against him.”

Harry’s hand stopped, his fist full of grass, “I thought you said my parents died in a spell accident.”

Severus shook his head, unable to look at Harry. Instead, keeping his eyes locked on the shimmering waters.

“No. That was a lie to shield you from the truth. They were murdered in cold blood.” Severus paused, each word feeling like a line of a story, not reality, “Lord Voldemort attempted to kill you as well, but he failed.” Severus' voice began to subtly waver, “Because your mother sacrificed herself for you, and her love  cast a spell so strong -” Severus paused, taking a deep breath, “It saved you from the killing curse. You are the only person ever known to have survived it – and you were only two years old.”

Harry stared at the side of Severus’ hair, his hair blowing in the wind, waiting for the reveal that this was some elaborate story he made up, but Harry knew he wasn’t joking. Severus didn’t joke.

“I knew I would have to tell you soon, but I didn’t think it would be today.” Severus ran a hand through his hair, “The killing curse backfired off of you and on to Lord Voldemort himself, and it killed him.”

Severus ran his palms over his thighs, struggling to summarize the events that changed his life forever.

“You were revered as a hero. Harry Potter: the boy who lived.” Severus said quietly, “It was an ironic fame that you never asked for. Something I didn’t want you to suffer through. I was the only viable option to raise you, as the last known associate of your parents – and I changed your name.”

Severus looked back at Harry, weary and broken, “The world knows Harry Potter, but only I and a handful of others know Harry Evans.”

Harry’s mouth was slightly parted in shock, staring up at Severus in disbelief.

“My parents…were murdered…and I was almost…” Harry looked away, “You told me no one has ever survived the killing curse. You lied to me.” 

Harry got to his feet, hurt and confused.

“You all lied to me. Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore – all of you treated me like I was just some pathetic orphan you were forced to take in after an accident!” Harry’s voice became shrill and cracked, “And you took away my name?! You told me my Mother was insistent on me taking her last name!”

Harry’s cheeks had grown red, his breathing fast and hard in his chest.

“Evans…” Severus said calmly, “I didn’t lie to harm you, it was for your -”

“My name isn’t Evans! It’s POTTER!” Harry shouted, his face contorting in rage.

Severus tensed and closed his eyes. At that moment, all he saw was James.

“I thought your name was Professor until I was about five!” Harry spat bitterly, “Is anyone who they say they are? Even this Lord Voldemort has a fake name you all use! You-know-who…” Harry scoffed, “AND HE KILLED MY PARENTS!”

Severus did not interrupt, he held his forehead in his hand.
“MY PARENTS WERE MURDERED! I SURVIVED THE DAMN KILLING CURSE AND YOU NEVER TOLD ME! NONE OF YOU DID!” Harry shouted, his voice growing hoarse.

The waters on the black lake began to stir and swell – and the sky began to darken.

Harry continued to shout, with Snape rising to his feet, attempting to calm him down.

But the more Harry screamed, the higher the waves rose behind them.

“I was trying to protect you! You have no idea what it was like back then!” Severus yelled back.

“Protect me?! My family is famous for being murdered by a maniac and you thought you could protect me by making me into someone I’m not?!” Harry’s breath was heaving in his chest, “You stole my family name! The only thing I had left of my dad! A NAME THEY SHARED!”

As Harry spewed out his words, a fifteen foot wave had risen in the black lake.

The monstrous wall of dark water crashed over Severus and Harry, drowning out the world as they were submerged.

The wave ceased, leaving them sputtering and soaked against the ground.

“EVANS, YOU DAMN FOOL!” Severus spat out, coughing the water out of his lungs as he lay prone on the grass.

Harry laid on his back nearby, his glasses washed from his face laying next to him. No longer screaming, but sobbing violently.

Severus brushed his sopping wet hair from his eyes and crawled over to Harry.

“Are you alright?” He choked out in a panic, trying to catch his breath.

“Get away from me,” Harry sputtered, rolling over to pick himself up, palming the wet ground, looking for his glasses.

Severus grabbed them and handed them over. Harry shoved them onto his face, sobbing and gasping for breath.

Severus seized him by his shoulders, pulling him to his chest in a tight embrace.

Harry beat his fist against him, “Let me go, you damn liar! I was supposed to get my wand today!”

“I’m sorry, “ Severus responded quietly, his voice shaking, “Just…calm down. I’m sorry.”

Harry sobbed into Severus’ cloak, cursing his name and everyone who had ever lied to him.

Severus simply held him, silent and drowning in guilt.

Chapter Text

Severus stood outside Harry’s bedroom door, struggling to bring himself to knock.

He had barely seen the boy in days. During the day, he hid in the castle and as soon as he returned, he hid in his room.

Severus could have put a stop to this behavior, but how could he?

Harry needed to come to terms with his life in his own way.

Finally, Severus lifted his fist and knocked.

“Go away.” Harry replied from within.

“You know I won’t.” Severus replied curtly, “Are you ever going to speak to me again? Or do I have to wait until you’re in my classroom?”

Harry did not reply.

Severus knocked again, “Hello? Answer me.” 

Nothing.

Severus sighed, “May I come in?”

“You’re going to, anyway.”

“Yes, but –”

“I wanted to be polite,” Harry mocked from behind the door, “Yeah, you’ve always been so polite.”

Severus gripped the doorknob, tensing his jaw.

“So is that a yes?” Severus responded, trying not to snap.

“Fine, I guess. Doesn’t mean I’m going to talk to you.”

Severus rolled his eyes and opened the door.

The room was a mess. Robes, trainers, and clothes strewn about. Quaffles had been attached to the ceiling with spellotape and a spare snitch was darting around the room, bumping into Harry’s quidditch posters.

Harry did not look at Severus. He stared down at a book in his lap, sitting cross-legged on his bed.

“Your dorm mates won’t be pleased with you being a slob, you know.” Severus said passively, leaning against the door frame.

“I don’t care.” Harry responded sharply, “I’ll just tell them I’m Harry Potter and they’ll worship the ground I walk on.” 

Harry slammed his book closed, the title reading “MODERN MAGICAL HISTORY” in gold foil letters.

“I just finished my section. Figured out your censorship charm. All the books that mentioned Harry Potter were sorting themselves behind Madam Pince’s desk.”

Severus stared at Harry, shocked. 

Not only had he discovered the censorship charm, he found all the banned material.

Part of him wanted to strangle him and another part was reluctantly impressed.

“Go on then,” Harry added, crossing his arms, “Yell at me or ground me or whatever it is you’re going to do.”

“I could, and I still might. Or…you could tell me what you’ve learned.”

Harry looked at him, confused.

“Why? It’s exactly what you told me. Turns out you were telling the truth.”

“With what evidence?” Severus said casually, walking into the room and sitting at Harry’s desk.

“Well, according to the sources you didn’t want me to see, my mother and father were head boy and girl, my father one of the best chasers for Gryffindor.” Harry began, reeling off the facts bitterly, “They were married in June of 1979 in a private ceremony. They joined the Order of the Phoenix as students. I was born at Saint Mungo’s on the 31st of July, 1980…” Harry paused, furrowing his brow in thought, “...I was only two when they were murdered on Halloween of 1981 and…”

Harry paused.

“...I was left with nothing but a scar. The world celebrated the fall of Lord Voldemort.”

Severus nodded, his expression unreadable.

“Harry Potter,” Harry continued, quoting one of the texts, his tone lowering,  “No one knew of his whereabouts after that night. A mystery lost in the night.”

Harry looked over to Severus, “No one knows I’m here. The world has been looking for me and I’ve been right here.”

Severus sighed and shifted in his seat, “Yes. The world has been looking for you. To praise you, adore you, and kill you, Evans. You ended the life of the most infamous dark wizard of all time and his followers are still livid.”

Severus adjusted the sleeve on his left arm and leaned forward.

“I read all about Lord Voldemort,” Harry scoffed, “He sounds like a pathetic prick.”

“Then surely after all this research, you realize that it is a taboo to say his name,” Severus advised.

“I don’t care.” Harry shrugged, “I killed him. I can say his name.”

Severus held back a bark of laughter. Harry’s deadpan tone caught him completely off guard.

He cleared his throat, “Well, I wouldn’t go around declaring you’re a murderer. That’s not accurate.”

“Whatever.”

Quiet settled between them.

“Why you?” Harry asked softly, breaking the silence, “Did…I really have no family left?”

His tone was no longer angry, but wounded.

“You…did have family left,” Severus replied, “But they refused to take guardianship. They were muggles. Your mother’s sister, your aunt, outright refused to take in a wizard child. Your father was an only child. Both sets of your grandparents passed during the war. Dragon Pox was running rampant.”

Harry nodded, quietly absorbing the loss.

“...Last time I saw Uncle Moony, he said you and my mum hadn’t talked in a long time. That you didn’t even know I had been born.”

“Sometimes that happens as you get older,” Severus swallowed hard, a solid weight sitting in his stomach, cursing Remus in his mind, “Sometimes friends grow apart as they grow up,” Severus looked to Harry, knowing that his innocence was rotting right in front of him, “but…I had always been her friend. Even when we were little.”

Severus looked down at his hands in his lap. There was so much more to it than that.

Harry looked as if he was going to say something, then quickly changed his mind.

“Yeah, well…” Harry fidgeted with his robe sleeve, “I guess I know a lot more now.”

“You certainly do.”

“Any other life changing knowledge you'd drop on me while you’re here?”

Severus gave an amused huff, “No, not today at least.”

“Figured.”

A moment of quiet passed, with Harry’s clock ticking being the only sound in the room.

“You know, Evans.” Severus said, rising out of the seat “We still need to get your wand from Ollivander’s.”

“Is that a bribe?” Harry asked, his green eyes looking at Severus over the rim of his glasses.

Severus scoffed.

“I’d call it a peace offering. A wand is a rather necessary tool for a wizard, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Harry slid off his bed, shoving his hands in his pockets, his gaze lowered to the floor.

“Stop moping around, then. We have some shopping to do. Go put your shoes on.” Severus said, leaving the room without another word.

Harry rolled his eyes and followed, his stride long and filled with a new purpose.

Chapter Text

“I think you should go in alone,” Severus said quietly, standing at Harry’s side outside of Ollivander’s wands.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked, worried, “What if he gives a wand made of solid gold or something and we can’t pay for it?”

Severus’ mouth ticked up into a half smirk.

“Yes, because there are such things as wands made of gold.”

“You know what I mean.” Harry grumbled.

“Whatever chooses you, will come home with you. It’s as simple as that.”

“You sure you don’t want to come with me?” Harry pleaded nervously.

“I think it’s something you should experience alone.” Severus said simply, “Besides, I still have a couple errands to run.”

“If you say so,” Harry turned and walked towards the door of the shop, looking back at Severus one final time before going inside.

Harry was shocked when Ollivander knew exactly who he was, including his real name and story  – something he had only learned himself days before.

It sent a chill down Harry’s spine as he tried wand after wand, when finally – his wand chose him.

The twin wand to Lord Voldemort had chosen him.

A detail that Harry would keep secret. It felt wrong. Evil, even.

Harry left the wand shop with a newfound joy and dread, his shopping bag swinging at his side as he looked around for Severus.

Not far from Ollivander’s, Severus sat on a bench with what looked like a large round parcel.

He saw Harry approach and gave him a curious look, “Done already? How’d it go?”

“Fine. I broke some stuff but it worked out.” Harry handed over the bag.

Severus took the wand box out of the bag and observed it closely, while Harry’s eyes were drawn to the oblong burlap sack next to Severus, which was making a lot of noise.

“What is that?” Harry asked, pointing to the noisy parcel.

“Oh, this?” Severus set the wand back in the box, and quickly pulled the burlap sack off, revealing a steel case containing a fluffy snowy owl.

“Oh no, you’re not going to kill it for ingredients are you?!” Harry exclaimed.

“Of course not, you idiot.” Severus quipped lightheartedly, “It’s yours.”

“What?”

Harry couldn’t believe what he was hearing. 

A real owl? For him?

“Owls are useful for communication. Personal owls are more reliable than the Hogwarts owls. The bond makes them more loyal.” Severus said simply, handing a wrapped parcel over to Harry, “Here’s her food. She’s your responsibility. Neglect your duties and she will be returned to the shop.”

“Professor, she’s wonderful!” Harry beamed, kneeling closer to the cage to get a better look at the stunning white bird.

“Yes, she is a rather remarkable specimen.” Severus gently tapped the cage, causing the bird to look in Harry’s direction with bright amber eyes.

“Thank you,” Harry smiled, “...this doesn’t fix everything, but it was a good move.” He said slyly.

“Oh shut it, before I take it back,” Severus huffed, standing up and grabbing Harry’s bag, “You’re carrying the cage.”

Harry chuckled, gently pulling the bag over the cage and grabbing it, the weight throwing him off balance as they made their way through the alley.

“You have to clean that room up before you even think about letting her out,” Severus warned, putting a hand on Harry’s shoulder to counteract the weight.

“I will,” Harry smiled, forgetting Ollivander’s ominous words with each step he took.

Chapter Text

Minerva smirked as she held her tea cup to her lips. Stacks of parchment were stacking themselves on the counter of the staff room, making copies.

“You’re really going to take him all the way to London just to ride the Hogwarts express?”

“Yes,” Severus said sharply, sorting through a stack of textbooks, “It is required that every student take the train, regardless of where they live.”

“I am well aware, but I do believe there can be an exception for the boy who lives in the castle, Severus.” Minerva sipped from her tea cup, swishing her wand to organize her copies into neat stacks, “It’s rather unnecessary.”

“In the coming years, his classmates are going to question why they don’t see him on the train at the start of term..” Severus replied.

“Hm, I suppose I never considered that.” Minerva shrugged, sipping her tea, “You’ve thought of everything, it seems.”

“The boy doesn’t exist outside of this castle. Trust me, I’ve had to think of everything.”

“But he knows now.”

Severus froze, straightening his posture.

“Yes. He knows of his origins and his…legacy.” Severus sneered, as if the words were poison on his tongue, “Against my will, mind you.”

“I told you this years ago – you can’t shield him from his destiny.”

“Destiny?” Severus scoffed, turning towards her, “You think being known as the boy who lived is his destiny? Absolutely not. As far as the world knows, Harry Potter disappeared the same night as the Dark Lord.” Severus paused, “Evans is a completely different child, who has the entire world at his finger tips.”

Minerva looked into her steaming cup, a sad smile on her face.

“He’s been good for you,” She said gently, “I can see it.” Minerva set her teacup down on the counter, “And you’ve done a damn good job at keeping him safe…but he can’t be your secret forever. One day, the world will find Harry Potter – and you must be prepared for that day.”

“I’ll prevent it for as long as possible,” Severus snapped.

“You expect the boy to keep his mouth shut? Now that he knows?” Minerva asked incredulously.

“He knows his life is at risk if he dares to speak the truth to anyone.” Severus shot back, “He’s not stupid. He is well aware of the severity of my punishment, should he disobey me.”

Minerva nodded, her expression growing glum.

“Well, I suppose you know best, Severus.” Minerva said passively, “Still positive he’s going to be in Slytherin?”

“Absolutely,” Severus replied firmly, “He possesses every quality of a remarkable Slytherin. Intelligent, cunning, self-preserving.”

“Ah yes, cunning and self-preservation. Also known as manipulation and cowardice.” Minerva shot back, sipping her tea, “Personally, I could see Ravenclaw.”

Severus’ eye ticked at her jab.

“Ravenclaw?” Severus scoffed, “Pretentious with no tact? Ravenclaws are book smart, but lack the ability to think for themselves. They treat every text as if it were gospel and if you deviate at all from preconceived notions, they panic.” Severus shook his head, “Evans isn’t like that. He can think creatively.”

“Now, now Severus…we aren’t supposed to show our bias.” Minerva tutted half-heartedly, “Don’t be so harsh on the Ravenclaws…although, I don’t entirely disagree.”

They exchanged a subtle nod of agreement.

“Try not to faint at the thought of Gryffindor, you have to remember who his parents were.” Minerva added, sipping from her cup once more.

“Don’t remind me.” Snape said sternly, pausing for a moment, “He isn’t reckless and arrogant like his parents.”

“Funny…those sound more like Slytherin qualities to me.”

Severus took a sharp inhale, “Remind me how many quidditch matches Gryffindor lost last year, Minerva?”

She huffed and smirked, “A few. Since we’re jogging memories, remind me which house won the house cup last year?”

“Fluke,” Severus replied, rolling his eyes, “You’re far too lenient. Oliver Wood could sneeze and you’d give him a dozen points for courage.”

“And you’d deduct ten points from a student for breathing.”

“I command respect and discipline at all times, you adjust your preferences based on circumstance.”

They narrowed their eyes at each other.

“You’ve changed a lot over the years, Severus.” Minerva said, “But at the same time, you’re still the same incisive teenager in the courtyard.”

“Consistency is my virtue.”
Minerva huffed, the corner of her mouth twitching upward, “Good luck with Evans, Severus. You’ll need more than virtue.”

She grabbed her copies with one sweep of her arm and sauntered out of the staff room, always having to have the last word.

“Typical,” Severus muttered to himself “Even her exits are self-righteous. Head of Gryffindor was inevitable.”