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‘’Boy! Go fetch the mail’’ Harry heard his uncle yell from the dining table.
‘’Yes Uncle Vernon’’ He called back as clear as he could as he put down the dish in his hands. Grabbing a dry cloth, he dried his hands off before heading towards the door. He quickly opened the door and snatched the mail before hurrying back in.
Unless he was working in the garden, his relatives, especially his aunt, didn't want him to be seen. He learnt the hard way that that applied to getting the mail as well.
Locking the door back up, Harry surveyed the multiple envelopes as he walked back to the kitchen. He stumbled a bit before coming to a halt when he saw that 2 of them were for him. He blankly stared down at the coloured envelopes for him in disbelief. Never in his life has he ever gotten mail. He didn't even think that anyone but his relatives and the few teachers at school knew his name. He was unimportant, some feeble thing that had no use, always staying in the shadows out of sight as if he didn't exist so seeing his full name and 'address' on an envelope with some sort of crest was very off putting. The sudden metaphorical light that shown upon his dark little corner was disorienting.
‘’What in the world is taking so long, hurry up boy!’’
The sudden voice jolted him out of thoughts. He quickly grabbed his two letters and slid them beneath his cupboard to read later. Rushing past the kitchen and into the dinning room he handed his uncle the mail. He got a smack in the back of the head with the rolled up newspaper for taking so long.
Harry was able to quickly clean the kitchen and rush to his cupboard without much issue. Dudley had already left to go play with his friends, Uncle Vernon left for work as soon as he finished eating and Petunia had some shopping to do.
He reached up and tugged on the small chain dangling from the lightbulb. He could have opened the door for much more light and openness but he likes the small space his cupboard provides. It became a sort of comfort space for him, small dark closed off areas. There, he didn't have to worry about anyone or anything but him. He was safe from his relatives, from the attention and looks. Not that he got many, just nasty glares or scowls from the odd person at school or his relatives.
Picking up the two letters left on his small cot, he got as comfy as he could leaning up against the wall with crossed legs. Most of the tension that he worked up over the course of the morning dissipated quite fast. The fact that he knew he wouldn't have to leave his space until dinner greatly helped. The first letter was a sort of yellowish parchment paper colour envelope, a small crest of 4 animals in the corner. It had his full name, house address and even his cupboard on the front. It almost made him nauseous that whoever sent this knew that he wasn't treated the best yet has done nothing about it. The second letter was in a plain black envelope with a seal stamp with his name and address in neat elegant writing.
This looks expensive. He frowned a bit, he was the epitome of a poor person. Someone who owned absolutely nothing so to have something the tiniest bit lavish sent to him was confusing.
He decided to open the one with the crest first so he put the black one aside and started to rip open the first one. Unfolding the paper he started reading.
Much to his surprise, it was an acceptance letter to a magical school called hogwarts! It listed all the supplies that he needed, some simple instructions on how a teacher will be visiting to bring him along to get his stuff and so on.
‘’Im a wizard….’’ Harry breathed out in wonder. It would certainly explain all the ‘’freaky’’ stuff he did and why his relatives seemed so off put by it. Hold on… pausing, his eyebrows furrowed. They hated him way before his first freak accident.
Those bastards knew I was a wizard!
The sudden revelation made him gasp and slap a hand to his mouth despite not saying anything. This is one of the first times he swore at his relatives.
My parents must have been wizards too, probably not aunt petunia but she is my aunt so maybe she just cant use it?
It was no use wondering. He didn't care too much for people he never met, sure he felt a bit sad sometimes that he didn't grow up with his real parents. Maybe he could ask if someone knew them in the magical world.
He took to reading the letter a few times to make sure he wasn't dreaming. A huge grin was plastered on his face as soon started re-reading it. He was a wizard! He had magic! His whole life was so dull with nothing to look forward to. The same routine everyday until he was inevitaby thrown out at 18 with no knowledge of the outside world. School did nothing for a ‘troublemaker’ like him so he just kept quiet while trying to learn but now? He was going to go to a magical school for the majority of the year to learn. He would finally be able to do something with his life and get out of this place. He cheered and thanked every god for giving him magic and for his parents to enrol him into this school before dying. He was going to try his hardest and learn anything he could about magic.
Such good news made him so very happy but he still couldn't help but feel a bit sad. Lonely, he was so very lonely. How he wished he could have some sort of friend or someone who cared for him to be here and congratulate him, someone he could share his happiness with. He finally had something in his life yet it almost felt like it didn't have much of an impact. Like some of its meaning faded with only him knowing it.
Needing some comfort Harry lifted the corner of his cot up and pulled out the hidden toy and brought it to his chest and started nibbling the top of it. It was the only thing he owned, he managed to grab it out of the trash before it got taken out to the front for garbage day. It had been one of the toys that his relatives bought for the dog they gave to Dudley one year. He was around 5 when they got him. Sadly the dog didn't last very long, Dudley got bored of it after a while so his uncle sold it.
He would never admit to anyone but during the time they had the small dog, Harry felt extremely jealous of all the love it got from his relatives. He felt the same with Dudley whenever his aunt showered him in love but it seammed to fake, to over the top so that feeling of jealousy didn’t lasted long. However, the feeling of jelousy towards the attention the dog always got didint. It confused his young neglected 5 year old mind why it was so simple to earn people's love as a dog. Just breathing and being cute had people falling in love with him. He was fed treats whenever it barked, it got pets whenever he cuddled up with someone. Whenever it did something bad it would be brushed off as if it was nothing. If he was a dog would his relatives love him? Would they give him food and let him play? He wished someone would take care of him like that, reward him for being good by cuddling him or ruffle his hair as they shower him with love and praise like they did with the little doggy. Not having to work till he dropped in order to even get some sort of food or attention. All he would have to do is play till his heart's content and get all the love he wanted without being shoved away.
The toy was the greatest thing to have ever happened to him before now. It provided some very much needed love and comfort he lacked. For weeks he didn't go a single second inside his cupboard without it. He eventually started to unconsciously nibble and bite on it. It didn't ruin the toy and it weirdly felt nice to do so he continued to do it. Especially on bad days it really soothed him. He knew it was weird, freakish even but in the comfort of his cupboard he was safe to indulge in whatever made him happy.
With the toy still lodged in his teeth, he put the first letter down in order to grab the black one. Just as he did minutes ago, he opened it up and started to read. This one was much shorter. It was apparently by some things called goblins who ran the banks. He had a vague idea of what goblons were from all the shows Dudley watches on the telly. Apparently they just wanted to inform him that he needed to visit the bank to set things in order (Because apparently he had money and houses that belonged to him? How rich were his parents?) He just hopes that his relatives didn't know about any if it. Probably not since his uncle would have rubbed it in his face long ago. Not being able to help it, Harry felt smug about his secret money while his greedy whale of an uncle was clueless. The letter also says that he needs to take some classification test? A bigger word but he knew what it meant.
I have no clue what they mean when they say that. Are we divided into power levels or something?
That made him anxious, his self confidence was next to 0 so he figured he would surely be the lowest of the low. Once again being the weak worthless one in yet another world. It took alot of will power to grab the toy from out of his mouth so he didn't ruin it despite not wanting to. He folded the letter back up and slipped it back into its envelope. While doing so it dawned upon him that he needed to write a reply back before next week. He nibbled on his lip trying to think of some way to do so without being caught but nothing came to mind. He desperately hopes the Headmaster Dumbledore doesn't mind. He’ll apologize to the teacher that comes to pick him up. For now he’ll just keep quiet about the whole magic thing and cuddle his toy. Desperately wishing that it was someone who could cuddle back.
Severus Snape was the chosen one sent to retrieve Harry Potter for his school supplies. The Potions master was in a sour mood because of it. Albus had promised him that he wouldn't have to do this ever again, especially not when he’s swamped with a few dozens of potions to still make for poppy and the other professor before school starts. He wouldn't have gone if the old cot hadn’t mentioned Lily but of course when does he get any reprieve? His slytherin side snarked at him for giving in but the man had a point, he promised Lily when they were kids to take care of her family when they grew up. Since the headmaster meddled into things he was never given the chance to uphold his promise, this would be the first time he’s seen Potter since he was hidden away.
As the man is heading to school gates to apparate he’s trying to tell himself that he is not going to hold some grudge on a child for what their parents did like some simpleton. He himself admits that he’s a right bastard but that would be way too far. Hatred was never something he harbored whenever he thought of the young potter but the last name and the horrible memories associated with it did leave a bad taste in his mouth.
Arriving at the gate, Severus wasted no time in apperating to his destination.
Harry let out a small jump at the sudden crack sound outside. It wasn't loud or menacing but it was an unusual noise so it surprised him. Nothing he’s ever heard before has made that sound. Did someone's car break? Oh god I hope it wasn't Uncle Vernon’s. The boy pleaded.
There was a sudden knock at the door before Harry perked up and remembered that today was the day the teacher was coming to get him! He internally winced when he heard Aunt Petunia open the door. Hopefully she doesn't scare him off…
Severus sneered when he came face to face with the vile women. The feeling looked very mutual after her look of shock faded.
‘’What are you doing here you freak?’’ Petunia screeched, nervously looking around to see if any of the neighbors were out.
‘’I’m here to take M.Potter to get his school supplies so if you don't mind i’d like to get away from you and your foul family as soon as I can.’’
‘’That school? Impossible, the brat never got his letter so leave right this instant. I never want to see you again’’
With narrowed eyebrows Severus subtly looked into her mind to find that she’s telling the truth. She never saw the boy get his letter.
‘’Well he did. I saw Minevera write it myself so if you do not fetch the boy in the next few seconds I will get him myself.’’ He gritted out, lying and impatient.
Highly disgusted at the thought, Petunia seemed to make a decision. She opened the door and practically hissed at Severus to get in before filling Severus with dread as she undid the two locks on the cupboard under the stairs. ‘’Come here you mongrel’’ She spat as she reached in and pulled out a small, disheveled looking boy by his arm. He could see the nail marks she left when she let go after pushing him towards him.
Harry let out a grunt at being man handled but was pleasantly surprised that his aunt is even letting him go. He figures anything to get rid of him.
Severus took in a sharp inhale when he saw killing curse green eyes look up at him in curiosity. So much like his mothers.
‘’There, take the boy and leave. We’re not going to drop him off for that stupid train either’’ Were her last words before she rushed back into the living room.
Train? Harry wondered but kept his mouth shut. He absently rubbed at his arm before looking at the teacher sent to pick him up. His first thought was ‘intimidating’ and ‘cold’. The all black clothing accentuated that aura about him. He eyed the man’s long hair, not used to seeing anyone but girls on the telly with long hair. Uncle Vernon loved to go on rants about that stuff, men should only do manly stuff and girls doing girly stuff. Harry personally didn't see an issue with it and knew his Uncle was wrong with it but he kept quiet. The man looked quite irritated but he definitely couldn't blame him. Anyone who met his aunt would be.
‘’I’m sorry I didn't send a letter back or tell my aunt sir. I wanted to but I’m not allowed to send mail. I know its mandatory but thank you for coming to help.’’ Harry quickly went to apologize, just as he decided to do when he got the letter.
He saw a quick flash of surprise in the man’s eyes before it was gone.
‘’No worries M. Potter. A lot of muggle borns, wizards raised with non wizards, don't respond. It's just a mere formality, do not worry yourself. My name is Severus Snape but you can call me Professor Snape. Follow me.’’ Severus replied smoothly, swiftly turning to leave the house.
Harry nodded and quickly slipped on the very flayed and overly big shoes before following the man.
Severus took a quick look when he saw the boy catch up to his side. He eyed the shoes and wanted to go right back into the house and curse Petunia and her family. He knew they were vile and hated magic so it's no surprise she would treat her nephew as such. If he had known that this is where the fool sent Harry he would have gone straight to the ministry. He was told the boy was in a loving household, he figured a magical one too but it seems like he was lied too once again.
Severus cast a simple disillusionment charm on them with the wand in his sleeve pocket before pulling it out.
‘’Now what we're going to be doing is called Apparition. It's a magical form of transportation. It's going to feel very weird and you’ll most likely lose your stomach the first few times. You may grab my arm but make sure to hold on very tight and do not let go.’’ He instructed.
Timidly, Harry let out a ‘okay’ before grabbing hold of Professor Snape’s arm with both of his.
Severus nodded, pleased before giving one last warning and apperating.
Nothing more was said between the two while Severus led them through the Leaky Cauldron, still under the disillusionment charm, and into diagon alley. Harry openly gaped at the beautiful sight. There were so many people bustling around, so many colours and magic being used left right and center. Harry had no idea what to expect when he read that he had magic or what the wizarding world would be like. It's like nothing he’s ever seen before! He was thankful that Professor Snape seemed to give him a minute or two to look around in awe before guiding them towards a shop.
‘’This is called Diagon alley. A well known town in the area. Whenever you need to come here and you're alone, go ask tom, one of the bartenders at the Leaky Cauldron and he’ll open up the wall, understood?’’
Harry happily nodded at the man ‘’Yes sir!’’ before looking around again.
The potions master was quite impressed with the boy's manners. All the kids he used to escort were snotty little brats but he didn't think much of it, not after finding out the boy lived with Petunia. He continued leading them to Mme. Malkins.
‘’Where are we going if I may ask sir?’’
‘’Mme Malkin is a clothing store. Since it will take her a while we will be going here first before gringotts.’’
‘’Makes sense’’ Harry nodded in understanding.
They both enter the store making the little bell at the top of the door ring out. Not seconds later does Mme. Malkin showed up, already guiding them to the sizing area.
‘’Hogwarts I assume’’ She kindly asks.
‘’Your assumptions would be correct.’’ Severus drawled.
‘’Let me just get his measurements real quick. Here deary just spread your arms out like that for me perfect and…’’ She continues on instructing him while measuring him for a few seconds, her magic doing what it's been doing for years.
Gotten all the measurements she turns to ask the Professor for what he needs. Severus tells the boy to go off to the side and pick out anything he likes, if not to stay still for a moment before informing in precise detail everything Harry needs to Mme. Malkin as they walk to the till.
Out of his area, Harry takes to wandering around the store, eying everything with a mix of fascination and unease. Despite not wanting to grab anything, he doesn't think he should disobey a teacher. Especially not Professor Snape, he looks like someone who would not be pleased with disobedience. So he slowly picks out some things that catch his eyes. (Once the price tag has been thoroughly checked and deemed as cheap)
While browsing he catches snippets of other kids' conversations. A few already have coloured robes, some look like they’re here with their parents as first years like him. One of the recurring topics he hears is dominant, neutral and submissive. Many of the kids are excitedly trying to figure which one they are, their own guesses with their friends opinions. Harry has sparse knowledge on what those words mean but he thinks he gets the gist of it.
Does that have something to do with our classification test the goblin people said? Wow, the wizarding world really is different then the non magic one.
Feeling bad for eavesdropping, he hurries back up to the front with the few pieces of clothing he picked out. He saw professor Snape signal him over and told him to put whatever he picked on the counter. Harry did so and stood back. He was confused when the man started walking to the door and called him out.
Seeing the confused look on the boy's face, Severus explained. ‘’We’re going to pay when we pick everything up. We still need to go to gringots'’
Harry’s mouth opened and a small ‘ahhh’ of understanding came out.
As they were walking, Harry made sure to stay close to Professor Snape so he didn't get lost in the sea of crowds. Without thinking Harry’s hand came up and held Severus’s hand.
Severus jolted when he felt the boy's hand grab his. He looked down and saw the boy cautiously looking around and trying to avoid people. He decided against doing anything rash so he stayed silent and gripped the small hand properly.
‘’Professor Snape?’’
‘’Yes child?’’
‘’I have a question’’ At this Harry was a little hesitant.
‘’What is it? I shall do my best to give an answer’’ Severus grunted.
‘’I heard some kids in the store talking about things called dominants, neutral and submissives. Does that have to do with what the goblins meant by classification? I don't quite understand’’
Ah, the boy must have got a letter from Gringotts along with his Hogwarts letter. Damn.
‘’Yes it does. In the wizarding world, people are born with either class and it was very stupidly decided that thats how people were socially divided. At the age of 11 everyone gets their testing done to either receive the class of dominant, neutral or submissive’’ The sneer in his voice could not be held back as he explained.
‘’ And you don't like that?’’ Harry questioned, intrigued by they new information.
‘’I do not. The classes mean absolutely nothing except for when you're bonded and have a partner yet the world is so desperate to prove their power and order so they made it into something much bigger than it needs to be. There's lot of prejudice ever since it was introduced to our daily lives.’’
‘’Prejudice?’’ He repeated, butchering the new word a bit.
Severus let out a sigh. ‘’Yes, a lot of people judge others for what they get. People's worth is now deemed by their class. Submissives especially get a lot of prejudice. Just being a submissive, has people seeing you as a weak being who can't do anything. That someone well off or powerful can't possibly be a submissive. Some especially cruel people even claim they shouldn't be allowed jobs, education and such. Dominants do get some prejudice, thinking that being a Dominant makes you aggressive, abusive or cruel but not nearly as much. Neutrals are made fun of for not being important enough to be either.’’
Harry felt his heart squeeze at that. Living with his relatives he knew that pain all too well. Just like Severus, Harry now too hated the whole classification with a burning passion. His scowl must have shown on his face because he heard a deep chuckle beside him.
‘’Yes I agree. So I suggest you not tell anyone what you get no matter what. Only those who you absolutely trust. I will get you a few books that will help you work on lying and hiding your thoughts to help. You are quite… famous in the wizarding world. There is not a person who doesn’t know of you. I shall explain later but you're especially in danger of manipulation from the wrong people and prejudice.’’ Severus sharply warned.
Harry gulped but nodded, taking the warning to heart. He knew how cruel the world can be. A world with magic could only be so much worse. Shortly after that they both arrived at gringots.
The goblins as usual were very quick and efficient so in no time they were led to a room. Before they entered through Severus did stop to speak to the boy still holding his hand.
‘’When we go in there, you will have to give a drop or two of blood to prove that you are indeed Harry Potter before being able to speak about any finances. That being said, the test shows not only your name, parents, vaults and such but your classification. I need to know if you wish for me to be in the room when that part is done. I shall come in afterwards to grab the money we need in your vaults.’’
Harry was quite surprised when blood was mentioned. Magic could do that with just my blood? He thought in wonder. In the end Harry quickly agreed to have the man come along and help him. He has no clue how to work any of that stuff and he would need someone to explain to him. Something in his gut told him that he could trust the man with anything and he learnt early on in life to trust that feeling.
‘’Please take a seat’’ The goblin informed the two of them, gesturing to the seats in front of the desk.
‘’To prove that you are in fact M. Potter we will need to verify with a simple inheritance test. This will also act as your classification test. If you please, three drops of blood on the paper’’ Was instructed as the goblin slid over both a knife and said parchment.
Harry leaned forward to grab the knife then proceeded to make a little nick on his finger. After three drops fell onto the paper, he took his hand back and went to press his finger to his pant leg but Severus stepped in.
‘’Here’’ Severus grabbed the boy’s finger and muttered a healing spell.
‘’Woahhh’’ Harry breathed out, watching as the skin knit back together and feeling the pain disappear. He was so focused on his finger that he missed the parchment filling up before the goblin took it.
‘’It appears that you are Harry Potter. What can we do for you today?’’ The goblin confirmed.
‘’Other then the classification test we simply need to access his vault to withdraw money for school supplies.’’ Severus explained.
‘’I assume you have M. Potter’s key’’
‘’I do’’
‘’Very well. Here are your results. Whenever you are done I shall lead you down to your trust vault’’ The goblin handed the sheet to Harry.
‘’Thank you sir’’ Harry said as he took the paper and began reading. His mood turned a bit gloomy when he finally read the name of his parents for the first time. His whole life he grew up without any information on them, except for the fact that they died in a car crash. He gave a wobbly smile. He really liked his mom’s name.
What was a very pleasant surprise was the number of vaults he owns. He wonders if he can ask how much each contains eventually. Skimming through that and his heirships (He’s definitely going to have to ask Severus or the goblin what that means. It sounded like the names the princes and princess had on the telly but he wasn't royalty?)
Anticipation bubbles in his chest when he gets to the classification. What will he get? Will he be able to hide it? Will he even get one?
All the worries came to a halt when he saw the results. It read Puppy.
I don't think that's supposed to happen… he mentally trailed off. Wasn't it supposed to be in between Dominant, neutral and Submissive? I mean, it makes sense. I guess it wasn't completely normal emotions for a neglected child to feel. Having the urge to bite something or compare my want for affection to being petted like a dog instead of being hugged or something. I don't think people get jealous of dogs either. That thought made him flinch. Something else that made him freaky.
However, his inner child was throwing the biggest party reading that his classification was a puppy. Using the logic he did as a kid, his inner child is overjoyed at the thought of finally being something worthy of love, thinking that people will surely be kind to him now. Of course his 10 year old self now knows that it doesn't work like that but he can't help but hope.
Nibbling on his lip, he called for Severus. ‘’Um, Professor Snape?’’
Seeing as he was watching Harry for his reaction and saw the flinch he already knew what classification the boy got. ‘’What's the matter?’’
Harry handed the paper over for Severus to take and pointed to the bottom of the page after he took it.
‘’I think somethings wrong’’
Wrong indeed Severus thought as he stared incuriously at the bold letters spelling out Puppy. Knowing that magic isn't wrong, Severus wanted to pinch the bridge of nose and curse out that of course it would be Harry to defy fate again. But he held back, he did not want to worry the boy or make him think that it's a bad thing. How does this even fit into the laws?
‘’ It's nothing wrong per say. There's nothing stating that the classification is limited to only Dominant, neutral or Submissive but no one has gotten anything but.’’
Harry felt a little better at that. He saw the gears working behind the man's eyes, eyes that flickered to him a few times before he handed the paper to the goblin.
‘’I take it that the regular laws can be somehow twisted and used for this with different wording according to fit?’’ Severus double checked, a plan forming in his head.
‘’It can be yes. Creature laws are on the table as well depending on what is being done.’’ Was all the confirmation he needed.
He knew he would have to keep this hidden from Albus. That man was already planning on raising the boy like a lamb to the slaughter regardless of Harry’s classification but this would make things so much worse. If the old cot caught wind of this, he would immediately demande to take full guardianship of the boy and if he was correct in his assumption then it would be a disaster. As a puppy the man could theoretically claim complete ownership over Harry as an ‘owner’, as anyone would be when adopting a dog, whether it be parental or not. Those creature laws would mix into the normal dom and sub laws and make it happen. Once that happens, nothing can change it, not even harry himself when he comes of age. Harry would legally be forced to follow everything the man plans for him, even if it goes against what a guardian can force since Albus would be so much more than a simple guardian. No way Severus was letting that happen. As someone who can't let that happen to an already abused child with no childhood and as someone who promised to take care of him, he was going to step in. The decision to pull him out of that horrid house before summer was already made.
‘’I have another client in the meantime so you guys can stay here and talk things over’’ Severus gave a small nod of thanks before the door shut behind them.
‘’What's going to happen?’’
Severus shifted his seat so he would be facing the boy, Harry following suit.
‘’In the wizarding world, muggle borns have both muggle guardians and magical guardians. So long as you're in the wizarding world, only your magical guardian is important. Now you currently don't have one. You had a stand in one, a man named Albus dumbledore.’’
‘’The headmaster? But if he was my guardian how come i’ve never seen him?’’ Harry found that pretty unfair. Someone should take care of who they have guardianship over.
‘’That's the issue, he didn't because he isn't the best of person. By law he was supposed to visit you every month if you did not reside in his home but luckily until people get their classifications, he doesn't have full guardianship.’’
‘’What do you mean by not the best of person? Does he believe in prejudice?’’ Harry asked, cocking his head to the side.
Deciding honesty is the best policy Severus told him. ‘’Yes he does. The worst of it is that he pretends not to be and uses nice double meaning words to make it look like he doesn't. He will do anything he pleases, even if it means bad things for what he thinks is the greater good. Since you're a Puppy and not a dom, neutral or sub, the laws he can claim can include creature ones. And in those laws he would have complete power over you. He wouldn't just be a normal guardian or parent. He would be your owner’’
Harry’s heart hammers in his chest at that. Understanding the severity of the situation he has to hold back the bile that threatened to come up. ‘’I’d be like a slave and it would legally be okay. Those police people wouldn't be able to help’’
Somber, Severus nodded. ‘’Yes. What you don't know is that there was a war that ended with your parents' deaths. The dark lord was killed that night but Albus believes he will come back and wants to use you as a tool to kill him.’’
Harry grits his teeth, his balms balled up on his lap. He will not be used and treated as some useless doll again. Certainly not by some old man who thinks he can do as he pleases with people's lives.
‘’We can change that though, right? He’s not my guardian so as long as I can get someone magical to be my guardian I'm safe?’’ He still doest feel okay with having some random person have all that power over him just to avoid another person having it. That title should be something cherished and followed. People should happily care for their pets as their owners, making sure they have everything they need, feed them, play with them as they would a kid because they love them. Certainly not for selfish reasons. As should parents.
Feeling the same, if not more angry at the situation, Severus proposed what he had in mind ‘’You are correct. I had a plan in mind that I wanted your opinion on. Of course, if it is not satisfactory then I will do everything I can to find another way’’
‘’Please’’
‘’I understand that you do not know me and vice versa. But I did promise your mother, my best friend, that I would take care of you. I was not able to find you until now so I propose that I take the role as your quote on quote ‘owner’ Just for legality and stuff. I am willing to take a magical oath to promise you that I shall not abuse my authority over you and I will never force you to do something you will not like. My intention is to raise you as any parent should. Should I ever break my oath, I would immediately have my magic ripped from me and possibly seriously injure me for the rest of my life. The goblins can attest to this and even act as witnesses. If you wish we can also visit the book store beforehand so you may read upon oaths and know I’m not lying.” Severus swears.
Harry stared at the man, wide eyed. So much of what was said was beyond what he could imagine. He knew my mom? Would someone like him actually want to care for me? That sounds extremely painful, oh my god and he’s willing to do the oath for me?
Harry knows that this is something to seriously think over. Such a thing will impact his life forever so one small mistake can mean the end. It all made his head hurt and made him want to cry. The pressure, the risk of failure, the decision making, it was all too much. He hated it, why couldn't someone else do this for him? He’s a lost child in need of guidance yet it's the decision to get that guidance that’s too much. Taking a deep breath, Harry tries to think. Does he trust the man? Yes His mind automatically thinks. Something from deep within him is pulling and adding to that gut feeling telling him he can trust the man. Taking a giant leap of faith, Harry lets out a breath and stares Severus right in the eyes.
‘’I trust you so if you would become my owner I'd be forever grateful. Thank you’’ Just saying that made him feel a type of way. The touch and affection starved puppy side of him wanting nothing more than to be taken care of by someone who cares for him. He absently wonders if someone would ever be able to love him romantically when he was older.
Such faith from the young wizard before him had his determination sky rocketing.
‘’ Your trust in me will never be questioned, I promise you that’’ Severus vowed.
After filling out ample amounts of paperwork, Severus was officially Harry’s owner. After grabbing gold from the vaults, the rest of the day was spent school shopping. However, after finding out that Harry did not own anything more than an old toy and a few articles of clothing, much more shopping was done.
Harry took it upon himself to visit Severus in his chambers 3-4 times a week to hang out and rant about his day. A lot of the time Severus helped Harry with his own work or the time was spent in silence as they both worked. If Severus wasn't at his desk then Harry would watch Severus brew, asking questions every once in a while and taking them down as notes which greatly pleased the potions master. Over the course of the first week of school Harry was caught up with everything involving the war, his parents, death eaters and Voldemort. A tad bit more than some people since Severus was a death eater. Despite Severus' worries, Harry held no ill will towards the man and made sure to prove his point time and time again because no matter how hard the man tried to hide it, Harry knew it was one of his biggest worries and regrets. That being said, even if Harry still trusted Severus, it took him a few months to truly relax when he spent time with him. After that Harry slowly let himself grow comfortable nibbling on the end of the quill, then eventually his plushies. He was very receptive to hugs though, he made sure to give Severus a hug wherever he left to head back to the dorms.
By the second half of the year, Harry’s favorite thing was napping in Severus’s lap, arms wrapped around his neck while he marked assignments. He also had a new teething ring since Severus claims that he’ll wreck his teeth chewing on his toys.
Exams rolled around but Harry knows he aced everything. With Severus as his teacher and guardian, anyone would start to become a walking book.
Second year came and went as well as third without any issues Then exams came and Harry was proud of his work, after all he studied for weeks on end. It just so happens that it's the same time he can admit to himself that yeah… he may have developed more than a small crush on the man. Not that he knew or was capable of having much romantic feelings that young but he could definitely tell a difference in his feelings towards the man. He’s not that dumb. He didn't dare say anything of course, Severus would never agree to it. He's so much older than him and Harry knows he’s still extremely young. Plus Severus was his guardian so it was impossible. His stupid brain kept reminding him that he’s technically not his guardian so it would be fine.
Unfortunately his brain seems to go against him even further that summer. Right after his 14th birthday he had been relaxing on the couch, so very comfy and head all fuzzy on severus’s lap as the man carded his fingers through his hair. A normal routine they did whenever Severus sat down for an hour or two to read. Mind in the clouds and content, he mumbles out the confession that he slowly started to fall for the man and slightly whined about not being able to have a relationship because he’s too young. He thinks he said something about wanting the man to take care of him during his babble as well. Severus might have said something that provoked his mouth to say something, maybe not but who knows, he doesn't exactly remember. Knowing his desperate self he probably said it unprovoked.
The next day Severus sat him down with the longest talk, explaining that he’s too young in every way possible known to man. He understood, he really did and said that. Although what got him to snap his head up was Severus’s admittance that he was not against engaging in a romantic relationship when he was much older. Harry had immediately launched himself and hugged the man hearing that. Thankfully Severus told him that they could definitely deepen their barely existent owner/pet dynamic into an actual sfw one because you know, it’s literally who Harry is as a person now. A puppy, so his needs are simply going to be a tad bit different then a normal a child’s and as a guardian, Severus has to take care of his ward. Just as no parent would refuse to adapt and accommodate their child’s needs if they suddenly got magic.
Harry asked if kisses were okay but pouted when the man immediately shut the idea down. Fortunately Harry managed to get cheek and forehead kisses a pass. He had to wait until he was 16 if not 17 to get lip kisses though sadly and only were they to be rare and not an average occurrence. (Secretly Harry thinks the only reason why the man didn’t say 17 was both to shut him up and not hurt his feelings.) In what Harry thinks was the strictest tone the man had, Severus also banned anything of the sexual sort and of course sex until he was of age to which Harry hurriedly agreed. Not only did he have 0 sexual attraction to him, He was nowhere near ready for that. He was a simple person anyways, a soft relationship with lots of affection was all he needed. Add that with his puppy space, he was golden for the rest of his life.