AN: Hey guys. I'm so sorry this is a short chapter. I wanted to at least get something out for all of you. Thank you so much for your amazing comments and support! Next up will be the long awaited Draco and Lucius meeting Harry! Thank you guys so much!

Also, if anyone wants to see any holiday special chapters let me know! It will be a break from the actual story but will still be considered "canon" haha.

Disclaimer: don't own and I don't make money off of this.

Severus looked up from Harry and met Tom's eyes.

"You said he was worried about me when he encountered Nagini and asked if I was okay. Any idea as to why he reacted to her the way he did?"

Tom sighed in an exhausted manner and said, "I can only guess from his reaction that he encountered a snake that hurt someone he cared greatly about. Of course, this is only a guess since I am reluctant to ask him about his life while he was in that horrid orphanage. I don't want to push him when he's clearly struggling, especially when we've gained a little of his trust. I suspect he knows more than he lets on but I will wait for him to come to me first."

Severus nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, I believe that is for the best as well. I don't want to break his trust. I've grown rather fond of him. More than I ever thought I would."

Tom laughed softly and said, "I believe he likes you more than me. You've been the one to comfort him the most. I'm a little jealous."

Severus scoffed at that and said, "If you believe this child loves you any less than he does me then you are indeed blind. It's obvious that he goes to you for comfort as well as safety. Don't be ridiculous."

Tom smiled a genuine smile that only a few people ever witness. He gently ran his fingers through Harry's hair, glad that he found this child as he searched for many years after that tragic night seven years ago. The memories of that day filled his mind for a brief moment before he used his occlumency shields to block them from invading his mind. He did not want to think about that day.

Severus watched the emotions that Tom unconsciously showed, glad that he no longer tried to hide them from him. He knew what he was remembering, as he too was there that night. He never felt as powerless in his life than he did that day but Tom was more affected by what had happened. He had only met Harry on the day he was born and then again when he was brought here from the orphanage. He tried to find Harry as well but his efforts were in vain.

"Are you going to tell him about what happened that night? He obviously doesn't remember or else he would have started asking questions," Severus asked.

Tom thought about the question for a few moments and said, "I will after he gets better both physically and mentally. I don't think he will be able to handle the situation at the moment, though he may be upset with me later for keeping it from him but I feel that this is the best for him for now."

Severus nodded his head in agreement. He also believed that telling Harry at a later point in time would be for the best as well. Harry had enough on his plate to begin with anyway.

"So when are Draco and Lucius coming over? I know Draco has been excited to meet Harry." Severus asked Tom.

"I believe they will be here tomorrow for dinner. They won't be here too long since I don't want to overwhelm Harry too much and I'm not sure how well he'll react to meeting new people," Tom said.

Severus hummed in agreement and said, "I also believe that is for the best since he seems to be struggling enough already and added stress may cause him to relapse."

Tom let out an exhausted sigh and rubbed his face. Severus could tell that he was stressed and his job wasn't helping the situation either. Thankfully, he was currently taking a break or Severus would have to play nurse maid. He never wanted to repeat that experience since Tom was the worst patient he has had to brew potions for. Tom despised potions.

"Why don't you go to sleep for the evening? I'll take Harry to bed," Severus made it seem like a question but was more of an order. He even sent Tom a glare for good measure.

Tom raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. Good night Severus," Tom said while he bent to kiss Harry's forehead goodnight and then left the potions lab.

Shocked, Severus looked at the sleeping child in his arms and said, "I pray to Merlin that no one tries to harm you. I'll have to cover up the murder."