A/N: This is my second work in my "Guardian" series: the first is called, "The Guardian."

Unlike the first, Harry will narrate most of the chapters. The first, however, is from Snape's POV.

Onto the fic!

"Harry," Severus began at breakfast the morning following Harry's birthday, "as a young wizard, it's time you were properly attired in wizarding robes. I thought we would purchase them at Diagon Alley today."

Harry nodded, then frowned slightly. "But Aunt Petunia said new clothes are too expensive."

"You mustn't concern yourself with that." Severus wished to vent his frustration against "Tuney," but kept his voice gentle. Harry's mistreatment was no fault os his. "I am aware that it will cost money to raise you, but I can easily afford to do so. I would hardly have volunteered to become your guardian if I could ill afford it. This includes all new clothes."

Harry's face visibly relaxed. "Do you think...maybe, I could get a new pair of shoes?"

He said the last bit as though it was almost too much to ask for, which nearly broke Severus's heart. Had the child been wearing shoes that were too small for him?

"New clothes, new shoes, new socks. I shall not be stingy, child," Severus promised. "But, from this day forward, you will wear robes, like mine. It's traditional."

Harry took a moment to study Severus's robes. "Are they as comfortable as shirts and trousers?"

"Far more so." Severus smiled. "You'll see. I dare say you'll never want to go back to shirts and trousers."

Harry nodded again, clearly trusting him, and rose from his seat to give Severus a hug. "Okay."

Severus gratefully returned the hug, loving how Harry nestled against him. This time, he observed with amusement, the child seemed to breathe in the material of his robes. Evidently, he liked the smell.

As Severus needed to brew one of his more complex potions for Madam Pomfrey, he suggested that Harry experiment with his Potions kit. Harry's murmurs and gasps of astonishment as the liquid changed colors with every new ingredient he added warmed him. Unlike real potions, this kit produced entirely harmless renditions, regardless of the order added. If it touched a child's skin, it would be no more harmful than water. Likewise if it were consumed in small amounts. Severus set his focus on his work, and when they washed up for lunch, Harry packed up his kit with a wide smile on his face.

He was at the age, or rather, at the size, where he was a bit too big to travel in Severus's arms by Floo powder, and Severus didn't trust Harry to travel by himself. Utilizing side along Apparition, they arrived in an alley. Harry was understandably pale and breathless, so Severus portioned out a mint candy. A moment later, the color returned to Harry's face, and Severus turned his attention to the child's appearance. The article concerning his guardianship was not yet out, but Severus knew it would be within days.

"I shall place a charm to hide your scar, and otherwise alter your appearance. It will avoid unwanted attention from the crowds. I suppose I oughtn't say you're my ward, as that could draw suspicion, too," Severus mused. "I'll simply say you're in my care."

"Should I choose another name, then?" Harry wondered.

"Very wise," Severus praised. "Do you have any preferences?"

Harry shook his head.

"It should be simple to remember," Severus mused. An idea struck him. "Your mother's surname before she married your father was Evans. How about we call you Evan?"

"Evan Potter?" Harry asked, trying it out.

Severus shook his head. "No, Potter's not a common last name in our world." He considered. "How about Evan Smith? It's just for today. Before long, people will know that I've become your guardian, but as the news isn't public knowledge yet..."

"Oh, I understand," Harry reassured him, smiling. "Sure, Evan Smith sounds good."

Severus cast a spell to remove Harry's scar from sight, then changed the color of his hair to blonde. Finally, Severus added just a scattering of freckles along his face. He smiled, pleased with his work. "Evan Smith" bore a passing resemblance to Harry Potter, if one looked very closely, but few passersby would do so.

He hoped.

"Would you like to see yourself?"

"Yes, please!"

They walked to the public bathroom, and Harry's face went wide when he saw how he looked. He placed a hand where his scar had been.

"Wow," he murmured. Turning to Severus, he asked, "I look so different, Dad. How long will it last?"

"Until tonight. You'll be back to your usual self when you wake up tomorrow," Severus answered, with a smile.

"That's good. I like my scar, and I wouldn't want to look like anyone else forever," Harry confided.

"You like your scar?" Severus echoed, raising his eyebrows just a bit.

Harry shrugged. "It's kind of cool how it looks like a lightning bolt. It if looked like something else, I expect I wouldn't like it as much. I don't like how messy my hair is. Aunt Petunia was always dragging me to barbers, but it always grew right back. Once, she cut it almost to my scalp! It was awful! But it grew back overnight. She was FURIOUS!"

Severus chuckled. "I rather agree that a scar in the form of a lightning bolt would be more attractive than any number of shapes it could take."

He, of course, had a myriad of scars that stretched nearly the entire space of his backside. None of them resembled much of anything in particular.

"Now," Severus began, taking the child's hand as they began their walk, "we have several shops to visit today. I expect we won't be home before dinner, so we shall eat here. And," he added, with a smile, "there's an excellent ice cream parlor we can visit, if you behave yourself throughout the day."

Instead of bringing a smile to the child's face, Harry looked almost put out.

"What's wrong, Ha-Evan?" Severus queried.

Harry took a deep breath. "I'm-I'm not like Dudley. I don't need the promise of sweets or a toy to know not to throw a tantrum. Especially since you're already buying me new clothes."

Severus immediately felt ashamed. "I'm sorry," he said, placing his hands on Harry's shoulders. "I don't think you're a spoiled brat, far from it. I only meant...it would be something for us both to look forward to. If you like."

Harry looked at the ground. "I'm sorry."

"That's all right," Severus reassured him. "So, would you like to get ice cream afterwards?"

Harry nodded, looking hopeful. Severus smiled, hugged him, and they were off.

Diagon Alley was so filled with shops that even someone who had visited every year for school supplies would, if given free rein, encounter new places to visit each year. For Harry, a child of barely eight and still very new to the world of magic, it must have felt as marvelous as enormous. He squeezed Severus's hand, rather than simply held it, perhaps fearful that he would suddenly become lost.

Still, Severus recognized that Harry wished to take in the new sights. While they had several shops to visit, Severus slowed his pace considerably, allowing the boy ample time to look around. He took pleasure in watching what caught his child's eye. By the time they arrived at Madam Malkins, Severus was beginning to see this day less as a series of shops to get through, and more of an enjoyable outing.

Contemplatively, Severus recalled his first visit. He'd been eleven at the time, and wearing clothes that had once belonged to his mother and redone to fit his measurements, but these attracted fewer stares than in the muggle world. His mum had scrimped and saved for months to be able to afford all new supplies for him, too.

"We might not be wealthy, Severus, but that's no reason to look like beggars. A patched pair of robes speaks far more about your appearance than anything you can say, and none of it any good. And used books! How can you be certain that the notes in the margin were written by a student who even passed their end of term examinations? No, far better to begin afresh!" she'd explained, as she'd carefully counted her galleons, and set everything aright.

Severus had known by his mother's large supply of dress robes which sat in the back of her closet that her family had been wealthy. He'd assumed that she'd been cast off for marrying a muggle. If he did everything right, perhaps he could restore their status.

She'd died before his graduation. Eileen Prince hadn't lived to see her only son pass his NEWTs with all Outstanding marks (minus an Exceeds Expectations in Transfiguration, to his annoyance), although she had been very pleased with his OWL results (all Outstandings). Severus never learned how she died, but his father been very grief-stricken, so perhaps he'd thought he'd loved her all this time. In all likelihood, a case of Dragon Pox or some other ailment that could have been treated at St. Mungos, had Tobias Snape permitted her to go. Or, perhaps, his father had had nothing to do with it. The average lifespan for witches and wizards was well beyond muggles, but it wasn't uncommon for someone to die before sixty.

But today was no time to dwell on the past. Severus was here with his son by adoption, and determined to both enjoy the day and provide Harry with the necessities he'd been deprived of. And yes, a few items that would not be strictly necessary.

Still early August, parents bustled around, their children in tow. Nearly all of the children wore casual robes, which were fitted like the Hogwarts ones, but in varying colors. This was further proof to Severus that Harry should only wear robes.

"Ah, here we are. Boot and Shoemaker for witches and wizards," Severus remarked, urging Harry in that direction. "You'll need a few pairs of shoes, I expect."

Immediately, an orange haired woman wearing violet robes came over, reminding him vaguely of Lily. Or, what a very distant cousin of hers might look like.

"Good morning!" she greeted, smiling. "How might I assist you gentlemen on this fine day?"

"Good morning," Severus returned, politely. "I'm here to purchase some new shoes for my boy, Evan. A pair of boots for the colder months, as well."

"Excellent. Would you like to have charms added so that they'll grow with your son?" she asked.

"That won't be necessary, thank you," Severus answered.

"Very well, dear, if you just stand still, I'll measure your feet," she said, briskly, "I'll bring a few pairs of shoes your size, and you decide which you find most comfortable. We'll do the same with your new winter boots."

"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied.

Severus ended up purchasing two pairs of regular shoes-one rather like Muggle sneakers-as well as winter boots. Per the saleslady's suggestion, he purchased the boots in a slightly larger size, as children grow quickly and he might outgrow them by the time snow came. Harry was very pleased to be allowed to wear the sneakers out, which made Severus wonder just how small his old shoes had become.

Severus also purchased a dozen pairs of socks of varying colors.

"They feel so much nicer than my old shoes," Harry marveled. "Do you think she added charms to make them comfortable?"

"I don't believe so," Severus answered. "Rather, I suspect you were wearing ill-filling shoes for too long."

He hoped Harry's feet were uninjured. When Madam Pomfrey completed her full health scan, she'd be able to tell if anything was amiss.

"The next shop," Severus continued, "is Madam Malkins, for robes. She'll measure you, and you can decide the colors you want, within reason, of course. We'll add a pair of dress robes. There's a shop on the same street that sells traditional sleeping attire for witches and wizards. If you're truly uncomfortable in this, I won't make you wear them, but I do want you to give them a try."

"I will," Harry promised.

Madam Malkins, thankfully, made no connection between "Evan Smith" and Harry Potter. Taking Harry and Severus into a smaller room, she measured him over his muggle clothes. Then, she produced a few different colors for him to choose from, and Harry tentatively chose light green. Severus nodded his approval, and the child put on these new robes.

"What do you think, Evan?" Severus asked, studying his son. The robes fit him well-the sleeves were quite wide and roomy, they went to just below the collar bone (some older witches and wizards preferred a higher neckline, Severus included, but this was to hide his own scars more than for fashion), and, unlike dress robes, they did not narrow to accentuate the waistline. The hem stopped just above his new shoes, as was proper for children's robes. His Hogwarts ones would not be terribly different when it came time to change into them. "Do you find them as comfortable as shirts and trousers?"

Harry moved his arms a bit, no doubt pleased by the wide sleeves. "I reckon rather more so D-sir," he quickly amended. His face paled just a bit, but at Severus's reassuring smile, he went on. "Yeah, they're great!"

Madam Malkins laughed. "I've yet to meet a child who didn't prefer robes over muggle clothes, or at least of the daily wear. Now, young man, shall we try you in dress robes?"

"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied.

He needed no help out of his robes, as they had no cumbersome buttons. But his dress robes did-just a few near the top. It was customary, for children's robes, to have a few added embellishments. The sleeves contained a bit of dark embroidery, too. Nothing very feminine, nothing that would have him teased by someone who didn't grow up in wizarding society, but tasteful. The dark green leaves went nicely against the brown background. The waist did go in, just a bit, as was traditional. Everything else was the same. Severus held his breath to wait for Harry's reaction.

"I expect I prefer the daily robes, but these aren't so bad. I mean," he added, quickly, "they're comfortable as well, if a bit...fancy."

It occurred to Severus that Harry had never worn "fancy" or, to be more accurate, dress clothes. He knew that Harry had been left with Mrs. Figg when the family celebrated Dudley's birthday parties. As likely as not, they left him with her when they, too, decided to dine out. If the Dursleys had been the type to attend church, however infrequently, they probably followed the same pattern of behavior. Harry's cast offs from Dudley had not even extended to dress cast offs.

"Is there anything I can do to make them more comfortable, dear?" Madam Malkins queried, disrupting Severus's line of thought. "Move around a bit, that's a good lad."

In the end, there were no changes that could be made that wouldn't alter the dignity of the robes. Severus wasn't overly concerned, and nor (which was just as important) was Harry. In any event, the child would likely only wear them once a year, to the Christmas feast, and only for a few hours.

After packing away these new purchases, Severus and Harry went to the shop for nighttime attire.

"Your new night clothes will follow the same pattern as mine, but you can pick the colors you prefer. Unlike muggle pajamas, there aren't patterns on boys night shirts, as they're often called. The ones for girls contain far more decorations and embellishments, not to mention far more width," Severus explained, as he held Harry's hand with his free one. "I emphasize, Harry, that if you truly find them to be uncomfortable, I shall find a way to purchase muggle pajamas that fit. That being said, I want you to give them a proper chance."

"I will," Harry promised.

Severus squeezed his hand.

The shop, Feighton's Nighttime Attire, wasn't crowded, and Severus was pleased to see that at least one witch and one wizard were employed. The wizard looked to be about five years older than Severus, with light brown hair that he'd pulled back into a ponytail. His robes were of good quality, which made Severus wonder if his family owned the shop. Severus approached him respectfully.

"Good afternoon. I'm here to purchase nighttime attire for this boy," Severus greeted.

The wizard nodded his head and smiled. "Good afternoon. Used to wearing muggle pajamas, are you?" he asked, his tone a mixture of kind and joking.

"Yes, sir," Harry admitted.

"Well, we'll soon remedy that!" He laughed pleasantly. "Allow me to show you some popular styles for boys your age, and soon, you'll have a wardrobe fit for a nice young lad as yourself. You may call me Mr. Feighton."

So his family did own the shop. Severus gave the lad a ghost of a nod.

Getting Harry fitted for his new night shirts was rather like being fitted for robes. Severus had never been through such a process-his own mother had simply ordered through a catalog, and later, Severus had done the same. But while he was Harry's guardian, he didn't think he had the same skill to fit a growing boy as a professional, and besides, they were in Diagon Alley for other reasons.

When it came time to pick from assortment of night shirts, as they were called for males, Harry liked them all except the dreadfully old fashioned ones that contained lace. Mr. Feighton smiled at his reaction.

"Most boys reject these, but there are a few ancient pure blood families who insist on a pair or two. I rather expect they're for fancy occasions," he explained, with a smile. "Let's have you try them on."

Severus was relieved that Harry's reaction was similar to that of the robes. They were not as long, about midway from his knees to his feet, and certainly roomy enough without being voluminous. If the boy spun around, they would puff up a bit, but hardly the way his own mother's nightgowns used to when she was feeling playful with him. The neckline was a bit lower than his robes, the sleeves only to his elbows, and there were buttons up the front. Harry grinned.

"They're more comfortable than pajamas!"

Severus without a sigh of relief, and merely smiled. "I'm glad you approve, Evan."

Choosing dressing gowns also went smoothly. They left the shop with a set of seven robes, same as the number of robes for daily wear, one dressing gown for the warmer months, and a flannel one for the colder ones.

"We really live in a whole different world from Muggles, don't we, Dad?" Harry asked. "That is, I know we can do magic and they can't, but even our nightclothes are different."

"Not everything is different," Severus was quick to point out. "We both wear shoes, and socks, and I dare say that some witches and wizards will add sweaters and scarves and hats to their winter attire. But you are mostly correct in your assessment."

"Do we wear coats when it's cold out?" Harry asked.

"Cloaks, actually." Severus was glad Harry had asked, because he would have forgotten. "You'll need one of those."

"Okay!" Harry answered, happily.

Being measured for a cloak took little time, and Harry and Severus left with a rich brown one, made of wool but lined in flannel to prevent itching. Severus thought Harry looked rather adorable in it, a near perfect match to his new brown stuffed bear.

Harry looked like a proper boy from the wizarding world in his new robes, as well. Severus could see Harry appreciated the wide sleeves, and the ease of movement robes provided. He knew that some Muggle-Borns, and even a few half-bloods, wore clothes under their Hogwarts robes, especially during the cooler months, but he never saw the reasoning. Apply a good Heating Charm, or have an older student in your house do so, and the extra layers would be quite unnecessary. But the Hogwarts uniform made no stipulations about what a student wore under their robes, so who was he to care?

There was one last errand to run while they were there. Ordinarily, Severus would make a separate stop to the Apothecary towards the end of the month, but as they were already there, it seemed foolish to waste the opportunity.

"You've done very well so far, Harry," Severus praised, quietly. "I've just one more shop to visit, for supplies for my Potions stores."

Harry, who had been smiling at this praise, looked confused. "Oh...do you want me to wait outside?"

"Not at all." Severus frowned a bit, then recalled his wording. Oh. "I simply meant there would be nothing to purchase for you inside."

"Oh, but you already bought me so much!" Harry answered, his grin back in place.

Severus chuckled, placed a hand around the child's shoulders, and they strolled past the end of the street, and into the shop.

He'd been a loyal customer since before his time at Hogwarts. There were other apothecaries which sold goods for less money, but even if Severus had been using his own, he would shop here. The quality was always without flaw, and that mattered when your potions were used on students.

Now, the shop was silent, save for the employee who'd been there for as long as Severus could remember. Upon seeing his face, and knowing that he'd likely be purchasing a great deal of items, his pale face brightened, and his mouth formed a pleasant smile.

"Good day, Professor Snape. Is it that time of year already? And who is this fine-looking boy you have with you?" he asked, with just the right amount of poise.

"Good day, Hilarius," Severus returned. "This is Evan Smith, who's in my care for the day. Too young to go to Hogwarts at the moment, but I've been showing him around Diagon Alley."

"Very good." Hilarius turned to Harry, and asked, "And are you learning a great deal with Professor Snape?"

"Yes, sir," Harry replied, politely but quietly.

"Excellent." Hilarius focused his attention back on Severus. "What items can I provide you with today?"

Severus needed no list, and within moments, Hilarius was packing up the necessary ingredients with, Severus suspected, rather more care than he would have had someone came in with a far shorter list of supplies. Severus was not entirely sure if Hilarius was a relative of one of the shop's owners, or simply a loyal employee, but he never had ill words to say about him.

Which was more than he could say about a great deal of the children at Hogwarts he'd be tasked with teaching. Severus hoped to keep Harry away from his classrooms for as long as possible, and certainly the younger years.

"And a good day to you, sirs," Hilarius said, smoothly, after Severus had placed the last bag of items into his own. "I look forward to seeing you again."

"Likewise," Severus returned, reaching for Harry's hand, and immediately finding it tucked in his.

It was only a bit early for dinner. Severus supposed that they could return home and eat there, but he had promised Harry ice cream here. Besides, magical ice cream from Fortescue's was a treat beyond the muggle ice cream they'd enjoyed. So, they stopped at a small restaurant for their main meal, and Severus cautioned Harry to leave room for ice cream.

"If you thought muggle ice cream was good, Harry, wait until you try Fortescue's," he promised. "It's rather a pity that they only serve portion sizes, instead of containers to take home. Then again," he added, with a smile, "you and I might gain at least a stone during the summer holidays."

Harry giggled. "I'd become as fat as Dudley before long."

"Indeed, and we don't want that. So, this will be a treat to enjoy," Severus promised.

He rather suspected that neither tasted their food very much, even though he knew it was of good quality, for they were looking forward to ice cream. Once both had cleared their plates, Severus paid, and then rose, Harry quickly following his moves. Once the child's hand was in his, they walked another block to the renowned ice cream parlor, which was not nearly as busy as the restaurant they had vacated. Severus took his seat, then Harry, and immediately, menus appeared before them.

"You may choose whichever flavor you want," Severus said, gently, "but do you recall the advice I gave you the first time we enjoyed ice cream together?"

The child smiled, although whether it was in fondness of the experience, or because he knew the answer, Severus wasn't entirely sure. "Not too eat too quickly, or I'd get brain freeze-a really bad headache."

"Very good," Severus praised. "Magical ice cream is even more tasty, and a more immersive experience. Therefore, you must be extra careful not to eat too quickly, or the same outcome will occur."

Harry nodded. "I'll eat slowly, I promise."

"Very good," Severus repeated. Then, he added, "There are some rather unusual flavors present. If you have any questions, ask. I haven't sampled every flavor here, but I've eaten most of them, and can tell which would be better options for a child such as yourself. Earl Grey, for instance, is flavored like the tea, and rather meant for very, very older people. Even older than me," he said, with a smirk, causing Harry to giggle.

After a few minutes spent perusing the menu, Harry spoke up. "Chocolate and raspberry sounds good."

Severus smiled as he recalled his latest experience eating that. Five years ago, if his memory served him right. An excellent combination, and one that was a typical ice cream experience for children.

"That's a good selection. I may have that as well. You're certain?" At Harry's eager nod, Severus tapped that flavor on both of their menus, and two large bowls hovered. Harry watched in awe as Severus placed two sickles in the center of the table. The money hovered to where the bowls of ice cream were, and then, the bowls were released onto the table, with the money disappearing. "It prevents what Muggles would call 'dine and dash.' Our kind has many ways to prevent theft-though, not all are entirely effective. Well, eat up, then," Severus concluded, taking a spoonful of his own ice cream.

Harry copied them, and his face widened with pleasure. Even if Severus had not his own ice cream to consume, he thought it would have been entertainment enough to watch the small child enjoy his. There was simply no comparison between muggle ice cream and ice cream of the wizarding world.

More the pity they don't serve containers of the treat, Severus thought, as he took small bites of his own.

Too soon, the bowls were empty, and Harry gave a contented sigh.

"That was the best ice cream I ever had, Dad. Thank you," he told him.

Severus squeezed the child's hand. "You're most welcome, Harry."

It was not quite seven in the evening when they returned home. Severus promptly removed the glamor spells, and felt relieved to see the familiar face and hair of the child he loved looking back at him.

Harry opened his mouth, tentatively. It was evident to Severus that Harry was itching to spend some time outside, perhaps on his new playground, or flying on his broomstick. It would remain light out for at least another hour and a half. Before he could voice the request, Severus spared him. He had an inkling, and his inklings were usually correct, that Harry would believe that he ought not to ask for anything else that day, no matter how small. After receiving a new wardrobe and a delightful ice cream experience, he would expect to spend at least an hour practicing his penmanship, instead of enjoying the summer night air.

"You may. There's still a good deal of light left, and I imagine Professor McGonagall will want you to get good use out of your new broom or playground," Severus began. "Once we put away your new things, you may fly until it's dark."

Harry hugged him fiercely. "Thank you! It was brilliant, being able to fly. I felt so-so free."

Severus squeezed him back. Harry's experience had been, Severus knew, not unlike how James Potter felt on a broomstick. It was a common one. Not for Severus, as he preferred to remain firmly planted on the ground. Later, he'd learned to fly without a broomstick, and felt far more secure in the air.

Unpacking and hanging up Harry's new wardrobe did not take very much time at all. Severus knew that some witches and wizards perfected housekeeping spells to the point that socks could fold and unfold themselves, and the mere pointing at a bag or trunk of clothes would result in them hanging themselves up or putting themselves away. He'd never bothered to learn such charms, and it might not be wise to do so now. Yes, magic made life a good deal easier, but now that Harry had his own clothes, he ought to learn how to properly care for them.

Not that Severus had any complaints with how the child was handling them at the moment. He used the care that one would associate with a pet, which was as amusing as it was heartwarming. The simple things his rotten family had deprived him of...

Moments later, they went outside, Harry holding his broomstick with similar reverence. He certainly looked a good deal more like James Potter, and Severus had to remind himself that the child in his care was nothing like the wizard who had been his enemy.

Then, Harry was in the air, flying higher than Severus's head, and Severus was glad that Minerva had known to choose a child's broom, not a racing broom. Even the Comet and Cleansweep series, while vastly inferior to the Nimbus line, allowed for sudden acceleration and rapid speeds. Harry was far too young for such brooms now. Perhaps in a few years...

Yes, the child had talent. Not to the extent of his father...but again, he was barely eight years old. If Harry wished to cultivate his talent and play Quidditch, Severus would assist him. It would be a good joke if the boy ended up in Slytherin, and their current four year Quidditch Cup victory extended well past a decade. A smile played at Severus's lips as he thought of the look of horror and resignation on Minerva's face each time Slytherin flattened her team year after year. And that was with Charlie Weasley playing, too! Now, there was a boy who could play Quidditch for England, if he had a mind to.

Harry made a sharp curve in the air, and the broom's protection charms held him upright. He gasped, then giggled, as the invisible forces kept his hands tight on the broom. Then, he tried the maneuver again, with more ease, and the broom's charms needed not intervene. A smile played at Severus's lips. The child was learning quickly.

He allowed the boy to continue flying until it was dusk.

"Time to land, Harry," Severus called. "It's growing dark!"

"Yes, Dad!" Harry replied, happily, and aimed his broom at the ground. He got off with rather more ease than Severus would have expected, and then hugged him fiercely. "Flying is the best!"

Severus tousled his hair. "Ice cream is the best."

"Both are the best," Harry conceded, leaning into him as they walked inside.

Severus chuckled. "Can two things truly be best?"

The child pondered. "I reckon so, yeah."

"Very well, then. Potions and flying and ice cream are all the best," he retorted, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"Mmm," Harry agreed, leaning against him. "And hugs, nice baths, bedtime stories, and being tucked in."

Severus found himself smiling at this list. "I quite agree."

Author's note:

I'd planned to wait until Saturday to post, but the chapter is finally ready, and we had a snow day at work, so I'm posting now.

This was a very long chapter, but I expect the others to be much shorter.

It's a common trope in fanfiction and fan art that witches and wizards in the wizarding world do not wear the robes described in canon. I attribute this to the movies putting the students in essentially private school uniforms, with a black cloak attached. As it goes contrary to JKR's vivid descriptions of clothing from the wizarding world, such images-including school ties-will not feature in my work. If you read the beginning of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and the Quidditch World Cup chapters in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," you will see that traditional wizarding dress is extremely different from what muggles wear. It would be like taking the characters from a Charles Dickens novel and putting them in blue jeans and t-shirts-and claiming that this was how people dressed back then.

As Severus Snape to be very traditional-he did join the Death Eaters, after all, and do you really think they would go around not wearing wizarding clothes?-and which is why he's having Harry fitted for proper wizarding attire.

As always, ideas for chapters are welcome! Keep in mind that the chapters will cover the years between eight and ten, but they don't need an equal amount of chapters for each year.

Next up: It's official in the wizarding world: Severus Snape has adopted Harry Potter! And Harry has questions...