Outside the Potions Classroom

Outside the Potions Classroom





Chapter 6

When Severus had left St. Mungos he was uncertain if there was any consolation in making his mother swoon. It had been pretty amusing to watch in any case, even if he received a tongue lashing so soundly one would think he was five years old again, caught stealing sugar quills from Honeydukes. At least he didn’t mind being scolded this time around – he hadn’t done anything wrong. Yet his mother seemed to think he could rectify the situation because he was Head of House. “I don’t care where that stupid Hat put him – fix it, Severus!” she told him. Aside from her fainting, he could almost count it as an ordinary visit with his mother.

Pity by the time he arrived back at Hogwarts the Saturday was over. Luckily he would be in time for dinner. That had to be one of the best perks of working and living at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – that even for Great Britain, the food was divine.

As he headed down to the dungeons to his office and chambers, he heard the pitter patter of little feet – as was none too impressed. Cursing silently, not caring who the offenders were, he immediately deducted twenty points from their houses and insist they find out where they belong and go there – only he didn’t word it as nicely.

“I’m sorry, sir,” the voice belonged to the child who haunted his dreams. “I asked my classmates to wait with me. They were going on their way.”

He gave the other two classmates – two other first years he recognized from Gryffindor of all houses – and they went scurrying up the stairs, leaving them alone.

Severus wondered who could be more nervous right now. His question was answered when the boy found the courage to speak again.

“I was wondering, if you had a free moment, if we could speak in private,” he asked, although his voice was shaky.

Snape thanked Merlin that routine rounds of the Cruciatus Curse were a regular occurrence in his former life – it had deadened the nerves so much that he could not show the fear and anxiety that plagued his heart. “In my office then,” he offered, lowering the wards and leading the boy in. He took a seat at his desk and watched the boy sit before him.

Looking at him so closely felt acutely unreal. The boy looked like a miniature version of himself, save for a few features he inherited from his mother. His complexion was pallid, much like this own, and his hair and eyes midnight black. He wasn’t tall for his age or short, but lanky – very much as Severus was when he was that age. Thankfully Hadrian had inherited Granger’s small, inoffensive nose. Thank Merlin for that – it would save the boy years of teasing. But his hair – of lord, his hair was a pile of unruly curls. Soft, due to the oily hair and scalp inherited from his side, but still unruly. He wondered why they were so long. He didn’t imagine it was practical to have such effeminate hair that fell in one’s eyes. A part of him wanted to deduct points for it. He tried to turn off his professor instincts and focus on the young man before him, not as a student, but as his son. It was not going to be easy.

“It’s nice to meet you, sir,” Hadrian smiled, his eyes shone and some color flooded his cheeks. “I’ve heard many things about you.”

“Ah, I can imagine. I assure you most of the horror stories your mother and your …uncles…have told you are true.”

The boy looked startled. “Horror stories? No…Mum’s never said a cross word against you. Neither have Uncle Harry or Uncle Ron. They said you were the greatest Potions Master in Great Britain, and a war hero. You helped defeat Lord Voldemort.”

He was impressed the boy dared speak the Dark Lord’s name, and surprised that the Golden Trio would speak so highly about a man they often dared question and mock behind his back.

“I only wish that we could have met sooner. I realize what a shock it must have been…to find out…you had a son…” The boy’s voice started to fade with sadness.

“I will not lie. It was a shock to discover that you existed.” He thought over his next words carefully before speaking. “When your mother and I…parted company…I never would have thought she was pregnant. Nor would I have let her go had I known.”

Hadrian’s face seemed to light up. “Really? I thought that you two were just lovers briefly.”

Oh, they had entered sensitive territory now, and Severus wished to tread carefully. “I cared very much for your mother, more than I may have realized at the time. I have been many things in my life, but I would have been proud to be a father.”

He said it, and it was actually the truth. Silence overtook the room before the boy spoke again.

“It’s…not too late, you know.” Hadrian’s head was down. “I mean, I love my mum and I love my uncles, but it wasn’t the same. I knew something was missing. I know you’re used to being alone, but…you are my father. I want you to be in my life.” His head rose slowly and tears were streaming down his face. “It’s not fair that we were kept apart. I don't blame my mum for doing it...but I wish she hadn't.”

The hardened heart within his chest burst at the sight of the boy…his son…crying. Something inside him wanted to reach out, hold onto something real. This was emotion he had for years ignored due to various reasons – playing double agent, for example – and now found it coming back tenfold. It would probably bite him on the ass later, but Severus stood up and placed his hand upon his son’s shoulder.

"I will...try to be there for you. It will take time, but we both can try." The words felt awkward, but again, he truly meant them.

To his surprise, the boy jumped up from his seat and rushed to wrap his arms around his waist.

To his surprise, he liked it.

So, for the first time in eleven years, Severus Snape got the chance to hold his son.



Tbc.