Situational Ethics

By: Mizzfreestyle

Chapter 35:

"At Rest"

Posted on December 12, 2009

Exhausted, Hermione Granger threw her weight against the old wall and wiped the trickles of sweat from her forehead. Her parents always did tell her that tending to the garden was therapeutic, but as she looked over the vast field still full of unruly wild plants even after hours of weeding, she huffed and shook her head. Even in these late hours, when the air was cool, she felt hot and sticky. Ginny stepped towards her and then plopped down on a fresh patch of soil. "Mum's almost done with the pie. She said to take a break and help ourselves."

Hermione was just about to thank her when a loud pop shattered the silence. Several brown birds hurried out of the tall grass and upwards just as a man clambered forwards. The two witches immediately recognized him and Hermione dropped her hand shovel. "Where's Harry?" she asked Ginny softly, though her tone called for immediacy.

"I don't know. I think he's in town, why?"

Hermione had this look about her that almost made Ginny's jaw unhinge. "You jest."

Hermione shook her head.

"Him?! He's the other father? Severus Snape?" She asked in a hurried whisper.

"Yes, yes," Hermione's eyes never left Snape as he hurried across and into the house with long, aggressive strides.

The front door burst open and Snape stepped over the threshold. He didn't bother with approaching Mrs. Weasley. He came here with one intention and only one. "Potter!" He bellowed from the top of his lungs.

There was a loud clang in the kitchen before Molly hurried out, very much alert and then bewildered when she saw Snape in her house. Wasn't he supposed to be at the hospital? "Severus? Can I help you?"

"Where is Potter?" he asked as softly as he could manage with his current pent up rage.

Molly shook her head. "He's not here. Why you ask? Aren't you supposed to be with Caitlin?"

There was quick thumping on the steps above. Snape hurried towards the bottom where Remus appeared around the corner. "What has happened? Severus! We weren't expecting you."

"Where is he?"

"Harry? He's in town I believe," Remus blinked several times, clearly blown away by Snape's appearance.

Snape took a deep breath, and exhaled what he hoped was his surmounting anger. "Where is my son?"

At that, Remus' eyes bulged. "Your son?"

"That boy," Snape stepped forwards, "I am not daft, you brainless twit, Erasmus is my son."

"Is that what Harry told you?"

"I've had my suspicions. Those eyes, his hair… his nose! All evidence led to our union but I hesitated because you and that mutt role played his parents." Snape sneered. "How dare you keep a father away from his son."

"I only did what Harry asked of me, Severus." Snape advanced and Remus held his hands out. "What are you on about, Severus?"

"I wish to see my son," looked murderously at the one obstacle between him and Erasmus.

"And then what?" Remus inquired.

"Move aside, Lupin. I will not hesitate to wrench you down."

More were descending the stairs and soon Fred and George appeared. They looked at their awestruck mother then at Snape. What was going on?

"Professor," one began, "I'm sure there is a good reason as ever for your raging temper, but there's no need to be pointing your wand at friends."

Fred place his hand warningly on his twin's shoulder. They looked at Snape then at the objects around him; smaller ones rising gradually from the ground and larger ones shaking unsteadily. Snape was channeling his anger through his magic and if he didn't calm down….

"Control yourself, Severus! I will not have you blowing up things in my house!" Bellowed Molly.

"You do not want to try me, Remus." The hem of his robes, smoothly flowing as if by the presense of a strong breeze.

Remus took a step closer to Snape just as Sirius rounded the corner. He froze when he registered the amount of magic flowing dangerously freely in the room. Magic had no business being let loose like such and in such masses.

"If you cannot control yourself, Severus, you are unfit to be that child's father."

Snape's teeth gritted. "Remus…" Snape then turned towards Sirius. "You know…"

"And even if I did, I wouldn't-" Sirius clenched his head between his hands. His head felt like it was being wrenched open with scorching pliers. He fell to the floor with a scream just as Snape disapparated with a thunderous bang.

Harry stepped towards the floo just as a head appeared in the coal. "Harry!" cried Sirius, slightly breathless, "Harry, oh god, he's not there is he?!"

"Who?" asked Harry as he looked at Sirius, frowning. Was he about to accommodate an unwanted guest?

He rearranged the sleeping infant in his arms, who was breathing softly with little drool bubbles protruding from his small, puffy lips.

"Snape! He's coming. I'm so sorry, Harry, I thought I was prepared, but he tore my defenses down and discovered your whereabouts."

Harry closed his eyes. Time had run out. "Is he coming here directly? He should've been here by now if he Apparated."

"I'm worried and I want to be there, but Remus won't let me leave. He keeps telling me that if anyone can handle him it's you."

"And he would be correct. I've dealt with Snape in some nasty situations. Don't worry. He would never physically hurt me." Never. "So let him come."

The rain crashed heavily upon the street in no particular rhythm. Pat pat pat they tricked on until deflected and thrown aside when a dark figure Apparated beneath them. The body then inhaled deeply, attempting to steady his breath and allow the rain to cool him before he entered Grimmauld Place. He knew Harry would have none of it if he was anything but civil. Especially in the presense of his child. He raised his hands high above him, allowing fresh, cool air to pour into his lungs, reminding him of new hope, the possibility of happiness and a family. If only Harry would accept him despite their previous circumstances. Snape wanted to believe he deserved something as wonderful as a family of his own.

He licked the heavy drops from his lips and wiped some repeatedly from his nose. He stepped forwards, towards the place. His feet, sinking in a few inches of water as he moved through. His steps could hardly be discerned from the heavy drops pounding on the hard ground. He must hurry, for he would be damned if he caught his death before he saw his son.

Upon reaching the entrance, the door opened and Snape stepped through. He looked down at a small elf. Kreacher, who moved aside mumbling, "The child's father has come at last. What will happen..." Kreacher then cringed at Snape's dripping wet robes. "Wizard should use his magic to dry clothes." With that, Kreacher disapparated.

Moments later, there were quick feet and thumping upstairs. A door then swung open, revealing a young, handsome man. Harry came rushing to the top step and then paused. He looked upon the dripping wet figure that was so fearsome when dry and hovering over your desk, asking if you knew the very answer to his question. "Severus," he breathed. "Why don't you dry off?"

Suddenly, all excess water pealed from Snape's body, like a snake shedding his skin, and moved beneath the threshold to the outside. He stood dry before Harry. His eyes dark and heavy with resentment. Yet in them, deep beyond the layer of anger, Harry knew there were those soft eyes that looked upon him every time they kissed. Harry took each step one at a time. Slowly, unsure if the man would want to strike him for withholding such precious knowledge. "It's good to see you again. Like this. Free...," Harry wasn't sure what to say exactly. Wasn't sure if he said something stupid... well, their predicament couldn't get much worse unless Snape was still married and had children. Which... he almost did... two or three times, Harry wasn't sure. But only his child, Harry's, made it through. "I want to see him," said the dark man, quietly. "Take me to him."

Harry hesitated when he saw Snape curled his fists then started marching up the stairs. "I will not fight you. I only wish to see Erasmus." Harry was so sure he was going to strike him, but Snape moved past him, around the door and into the nursery. Harry followed closely behind, sensing from Snape not anger, hostility, or perverse intentions. Rather, he knew that Snape wished only to look upon Erasmus as not the son of his childhood rivals, but as his son… his and Harry's.

Snape was positioned against the raised wooden bars of the crib with both of his hands grasping the ledge as he peered over. His posture was very still. The only sound was that of the rain beating heavily upon the glass outside. Harry stepped around the crib, so see Snape's illuminated face. He was gazing at his child with a face Harry had never seen before. One of awe and disbelief. "This is Erasmus, Severus. Our son."

Snape reached into the crib, taking the child into his arms and raising him up. Erasmus showed his displease at being disturbed by kicking his feet and crying out. Snape brought Erasmus into his arms and his lips touched the baby's head. He had his nose. He had his dark eyes... though they were a fusion of his dark and Harry's green eyes. He had their hair, his skin, soft and pal. His chin was also his. His son. His. He kept reminding himself. The rush of feelings for the son he never had embedded themselves into his heart and he held his son tighter, sure that if he hesitated, Erasmus would be gone. "Why did you keep him from me?"

Harry stepped forwards. "I didn't want to, but I had to. No one was supposed to find out. I thought it would be best to keep him a secret."

"So you told everyone but me?"

"It's not like that. I didn't have a choice. I'm eighteen. I can't raise a child on my own."

"But you believe you are old enough to have one."

"I wanted our lines to carry on."

"You have been foolish," Snape's words were heavy with regret as he held Erasmus closer. "You are not supposed to get pregnant with a married man's child."

"I did what I thought was right. I might have had fucked up morals, but for once I had the choice and I made a deliberate effort to bring that child into my world."

"Were you ever going to tell me? How long did you plan on keeping this from me?"

"If it hadn't been for… your near death circumstance, I doubt I would've confessed. I think… you might have still been in the dark," Snape eyes flashed with anger. "I didn't know how to tell you! I was scared you would have… I don't know…."

"Took him from you? Had you been in school, I would have, but you are no longer my student or in my care. There is no other reason for me to keep you except for this infant."

"I am sorry, Severus. What would you have done… in my situation?"

Thunder roared outside and Harry sat back against the window. Watching, waiting. Snape opened his mouth to speak, but then Erasmus reached up to tug on Snape's hair. The man looked down and a smile broke through his lips. Erasmus then released Snape's hair to try and stick his chubby fingers into his older father's large nose. "Nose," said Snape.

"Ooooawww!" Erasmus hit Snape's nose and then tapped his own. "Oooowaa."

Snape kissed him again. First his forehead, his baby soft cheeks and his hands. "You are my son," he whispered against his son's face. "Mine. Always."

Harry felt tears coming to his eyes. He has never seen Snape like this. Towards anyone... not even his potions. Harry the got up and approached his son... and... Snape. He looked up at him then suddenly a strong hand grasped him from behind and tugged him closer against the hard body. "Thank you," Snape whispered, "Thank you." And when his lips fell onto Harry's, Harry couldn't refuse them. He couldn't say no, he wanted this. He couldn't deny the chance he had at having a real family. He kissed Snape back then pulled away to lower Erasmus back into the crib. He then brought Snape forwards and kissed the man harder.

There was never a more eloquent silence than that of two lips meeting in a kiss.

A storm raged outside and a deep within Harry. He clung to Snape as if his vitality was rooted in the connection between himself and his long since love. Snape pulled Harry in closer, running blind hands over his back, feeling the youthful body beneath his warm grey sweater and shirt.

Thunder roared again. Light flashed seconds later.

Harry run his lower lip up Snape's neck, tasting his essence. "Severus," he whispered into Snape's ear.

"Here," Snape touched Harry's chest, over his accelerating heart. "Always."

Epilog

The evening was dark, but hovering lanterns reminded Erasmus of the promises held at the other end of the road. He had already seen the castle as he rode across the great lake on small, creaking boats. They were just beyond those trees. He wanted to hurry and get sorted as quickly as possible, but he was smaller and much slower than the other first years. As he looked about, many had long left their boats and were hurrying up the path towards the welcoming gates. Erasmus gathered his long robes into his free hand and trailed up the muddy incline with much determination.

Soon he could see beneath the starry sky, a long, green meadow upon which he knew his parents frolicked while in school and just years ago, married. Yes, it had been a surprised to everyone. Especially for Ron, who was convinced that Snape would never stoop himself to human levels and settle down like everyone else had done. The proposal had taken place on Christmas eve, while everyone was gathered around the tree eating sweets and singing. Snape had gotten down before Harry and surprised him with a handsome ring and a very simple, yet Snape like, proposal. Erasmus remembered that day. He hadn't understood what was going on, but his dad was so excited and his father was kissing him and Erasmus just felt the urge to stand up and applause for them like everyone else.

In reminiscence, Erasmus found himself blushing and getting quite excited. Maybe he would find his special someone like his parents or his uncle and aunt Ron and Hermione had done.

A voice reached his ears and Erasmus looked up to see his tall older witch wearing green robes and a tall hat standing several steps higher them. She cleared her throat a second time then said softly, "In a moment you will pass through his doors and join your classmates."

Erasmus swore he couldn't contain his excitement. He could imagine this exact moment happening to both his parents and he wondered if the impatience he felt at that moment was as restless and enthusiastic as theirs. The doors then opened and they followed procedure. Erasmus again hurried to keep up, but everyone else was so fast he was nearly one of the last students to enter. Then he looked up and gasped. There were rows of tables each featuring different color themes. Long, banners hung above each one, displaying a raven, a lion, a badger, and a snake. And even higher, candles hovered just beneath a starry night sky. Erasmus gasped and wondered how it was that they could see outside and the hall stay so warm. Erasmus then looked ahead and smiled as he saw professors of every size and shape seated beside each other, including his father, Neville, and Dumbledore.

Then, names were being called, Houses were being selected, and students were applauding. Erasmus never gave thought to which House he would he sorted into. He didn't care really so long as he was sorted. His dad had been Gryffindor. His other was Slytherin. He knew that both of them would be proud regardless of the House he was placed in. As the names were being eliminated, Erasmus' name was moving further up the list and Erasmus' anxiety continued to amount. Until finally Professor McGonagall looked up and voiced his name, "Erasmus Severus Potter."

The hall divided into whispers and gasps as Erasmus new had been done when his dad was called to the sorting hat. Except, Erasmus was sure his dad's legs didn't feel as stiff and ready to give out as his did at the moment. The sir name Potter was one strictly related to his dad's bloodline, and he was made aware that no one outside the family had been made aware of his existence. This must've come as a shock.

Then, only clacking on the marble floors could he heard and everyone turned to look at the smallest boy that ever wondered into the halls braving the stairs with a cane nearly half his size. Erasmus did his best to ignore them as he struggled up the stairs.

He then again imagined his fathers taking these steps before the sorting hat. He breathed in deeply then spared a look at his father whose dark eyes were glowing with pride. Erasmus smiled then was placed on the chair. The students began to whisper as they took in his features; jet black hair as messy as a bird's nest, a thin face with pasty white skin, and a nose far too large and awkward for him. He looked with Snape except for his eyes. They were a darker green. Many were actually inquiring amongst each other if this was the rumoured son of Harry Potter who had been kept away from the wizarding world since birth.

Then, a weight could be felt on Erasmus head and he looked up at the hat as if frowned and then began to think. "Ah, Erasmus Severus Potter. Son of one of the difficult of students I've ever had to sort and you're not much easier. I'm sure you'll find a way to prove yourself in any House I place you in. But I know, though it's close, we'll go with Gryffindor!"

A massive applause could be heard and his father Severus Snape's was by far the most enthusiastic. He turned to look back as his father, who smiled and nodded in the direction of that House. The same House he had seen his husband, Harry Potter walk towards some thirty years ago.

A/N: Thank you for reading. If by popular demand, this chapter doesn't satisfy my readers, I will add a scene.

Please review.