Mourning Dove

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/33692575.

Rating: Mature
Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Category: Gen
Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Hogwarts Staff, Hogwarts Ghosts,
Hogwarts Students
Additional Tags: Severitus | Severus Snape is Harry Potter's Parent, Good Severus Snape,
Mentor Severus Snape, Severus Snape Adopts Harry Potter, Severus
Snape Has a Heart, Ghost Harry, ghost lore, Ghosts, Abusive Dursley
Family (Harry Potter), Kid Fic, Child Harry Potter, Mild Albus
Dumbledore Bashing, Sign Language, Disabled Harry Potter, Hufflepuff
Harry Potter, Sassy Harry Potter, Angst with a Happy Ending, Mute
Harry Potter, Updated 2024
Language:
📚
English
Collections: C’s Favorite HP Fanfics, Fanfic Forum Discord Recs, My Fave
Fanfics, Ongoing fic, Harry Potter, Fave Harry Potter, Magnolia's Re-
Reading, Again and Again, Angels Will Read Again, the good kush,
Reasons to stay up all night, Fics that make me feel alive, ʚ golden era ɞ,
Ameekay_bookmark, Absolute Favorites, needssleeps fav fics, The Read
Agains and Agains, My favourite, crying shitting and throwing up over
how cute these fics are, great harry potter fics, Completed Harry Potter ff
Stats: Published: 2021-09-05 Completed: 2024-06-14 Words: 20,925 Chapters:
10/10
 Mourning Dove
by MusicalSurge

Summary

No one thinks to check on Harry Potter after being placed at the Dursley house.
No one cares enough to make sure that Harry Potter is safe, loved, and cared for.
Now Hogwarts has a new ghost and Severus has taken on the responsibility to guide and care
for the broken child since he failed in his duties and promises to Lily Potter to keep her son
safe.

*REVISED AND UPDATED JUNE 2024*

Notes

So this is my new story! I am still writing my other stories but this plot bunny escaped and I
had to write it down. I am really excited about this story and I hope that everyone else will
enjoy it as much as I think I am going to.

Translation into Polski available: Mourning Dove (tłumaczenie) by Zikonest

 Chapter 1
Chapter Notes

*EDITED 6/2024*

The tall, imposing figure of Albus Dumbledore stood at the head of the long table during
their monthly staff meeting. His blue eyes twinkled with a hint of concern as he spoke,
interrupting Minerva's presentation.

"Severus," Dumbledore began, his voice carrying easily over the chatter of the other
professors. "The wards in the dungeons near your rooms have picked up an energy spike. It is
most likely just a ghost beginning to form, but it would be best to check on it just in case."

Minerva let out an exasperated huff, clearly annoyed at being interrupted by Dumbledore for
such a seemingly trivial matter.

"It appears that, as the only person living down in the dungeons, it is now my responsibility
to go babysit a new ghost," Severus muttered with a sneer, his thin lips twisting into a scowl
as he spoke. The thought of having to deal with yet another spectral presence was not
something he relished.

“If you would, Severus,” Albus said, his firm tone leaving no room for argument.

With a resigned sigh, Severus stood up and smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles on his
robes before making his way out of the staff room. It was a welcome excuse to leave the
stuffy staff room and escape the voices of other heads of house, who would undoubtedly
continue to criticize his strict behavior towards students even without him there.

As he walked through the winding corridors of Hogwarts, Severus couldn't help but wonder
why he had been chosen to check on this newly forming ghost instead of the Bloody Baron or
the Grey Lady who typically handled such matters. The castle was eerily quiet as he made his
way into the deepest parts of the castle, shadows dancing along the walls and giving him an
uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach.

As Severus neared the dungeons, a shiver ran down his spine, and he felt a powerful,
haunting energy filling the halls. It was like a rolling, chilling mist, surrounding him as he
walked. It was unmistakable - the presence of a ghost beginning to form. Whoever this ghost
may have been in their lifetime, they were certainly a formidable mage to still wield such
power even in death.

Severus wracked his brain, trying to think of any recent deaths that could be connected to this
presence. But the Daily Prophet had become mundane since the fall of the Dark Lord six
years ago, and deaths were now few and far between. The Potters had been the last widely
reported casualties, excluding those Death Eaters who had been sentenced to the dementors.
But now, as he descended into the darkness of the dungeons, Severus couldn't shake off the
feeling that something was amiss.

As Severus turned the corner to the hallway leading to his rooms, he was met with a thick fog
of blue-tinted mist. Swirling and spiraling in a mesmerizing dance, the mist seemed to be
forming into one being before his very eyes. The surrounding mist was being pulled into the
central mass, creating an intense pressure that threatened to knock Severus off his feet.

Severus was in awe of the immense power emanating from this ghostly figure. He couldn't
help but question how a mere ghost could possess such strength. If it was another
troublesome poltergeist like Peeves, he feared for the safety of Hogwarts. The castle's
chances of surviving until summer break seemed slim if it had to deal with another
destructive entity. According to the Bloody Baron, it took nearly 100 years to tame Peeves
and limit his harmful and sometimes deadly antics to mere pranks and harmless tricks.

The pressure and building magical energy suddenly vanished without warning, causing
Severus to stumble unsteadily in its absence. The swirling cyclone of mist collapsed in on
itself with a loud crack, unleashing a shock wave of cold, icy power that sent shivers through
Severus' entire being. In the center of the hall stood no longer an indistinct fog, but the solid
form of a small child.

As Severus laid eyes on the ghostly figure, he was overcome with a sense of deep sadness for
such a young soul to have been taken from the world too soon and then trapped in this half-
life as a ghost. The child's translucent form seemed to flicker and waver as if struggling to
maintain its presence in the mortal realm. It was a haunting and melancholic sight that left
Severus feeling both mournful and unsettled. It was a tragedy beyond words.

The small child appeared to be a boy, no more than four or five years old. His tattered clothes
hung loosely on his frail frame, the fabric worn and threadbare in some places. Dirt and
grime covered his face and hands, and his hair was matted and unkempt. As the boy slowly
regained his senses and sentience filled those eyes, Severus could also see the color began to
leech back into his translucent body, giving him a more human appearance.

With a sinking feeling in his stomach, Severus recognized who the boy was.

Those once bright green eyes, now dulled by the grip of death, were still recognizable as
belonging to Harry Potter - "the boy who lived". Except, it seemed that he was no longer
alive. According to Dumbledore, the boy should be seven years old and living happily with
his loving family in the muggle world. But instead, here he stood in this dark hallway, a mere
ghost of himself. Severus had no doubts that this was indeed Harry Potter, even without
seeing the infamous lightning-shaped scar that marked him as the chosen one on the night his
family was brutally murdered by the Dark Lord.

Severus then knelt down in front of the small child and he noticed dark hand-like impressions
covering the boy's throat - likely what had killed the boy. Strangulation was a slow and
painful demise, not a way Severus ever wanted to go. A wave of sorrow washed over Severus
for this innocent child who had suffered such an agonizing fate. But alongside the sadness, an
anger rose within him at the realization that nobody had known of Harry Potter's plight and
they were too late to save him now.

The weight of failure pressed heavily on Severus as he stood before yet another fallen Potter.
It was even worse than Lily’s death, the woman he had loved and lost so long ago. Not only
had he failed in his promise to protect her son, but he hadn't even considered the need to keep
Harry safe until he arrived at Hogwarts. The realization was like a stab to the heart.

But even in death, Severus knew he had to honor his duty and do everything in his power to
help Harry. As Severus gazed upon the ghostly body of the boy who had made it to Hogwarts
four years earlier than expected, Severus knew he had to do everything in his power to help
him even if the boy wasn’t amongst the living anymore.

His vow to Lily and the Headmaster demanded it.

He must find out who killed Harry, retrieve his body for a proper burial next to his parents in
Godric's Hollow, and most importantly, help Harry find peace and reunite with his family
beyond the veil. It was a daunting task, but Severus couldn't let himself rest until it was done.
He had failed to protect Harry from harm in the first place, and standing face-to-face with this
failure only fueled his determination to make things right. But first, he needed to alert the
others and devise a plan. Time was not on their side.

With a flick of his wand, Severus summoned his doe Patronus, its ethereal form gliding
gracefully through the air. The magical creature's form seemed to dance and swirl as it
hovered before him, patiently waiting for his message.

"Tell Dumbledore," Severus commanded, his voice grave and urgent, "that we have a new
ghost haunting the castle, and someone needs to be sent to Harry Potter's relatives to assess if
anyone still lives there." His words hung heavily in the air. "Harry Potter is dead." The
weight of this revelation felt heavy on Severus' heart as he watched his Patronus disappear
through one of the castle’s stone walls, quickly making its way up to the Headmaster.

The stone floors beneath Severus' knees, where he remained kneeling on the ground, seemed
to reverberate with a sorrowful melody. It was almost as if Hogwarts itself shared in the grief
of a young life taken too early from this world.
 Chapter 2
Chapter Notes

Hope you all enjoy this new chapter!

*EDITED 6/2024*

To say that the staff room was thrown into a frenzy of chaos as Severus' Patronus glided in,
its silver form shimmering in the dim light, was like saying Voldemort only had a hobby for
the Dark Arts. Albus Dumbledore's heart raced with fear and disbelief as he tried to process
the words. He could barely comprehend Severus's message - Harry Potter, the boy who lived
and the symbol of hope for the wizarding world, was dead. The sudden realization hit him
like a physical blow.

Minerva's thick Scottish brogue cut through his thoughts as she berated him for ever thinking
Harry would be safe with the Dursleys. But Albus could not focus on her words, his mind
reeling with the news of Harry's demise.

With a trembling hand, Albus raised it to silence Minerva and address the rest of the staff.
"We must not jump to conclusions. There may be more to this situation than we know. I
suggest that we alert the Order immediately and send Kingsley and Moody to investigate the
Dursleys' home. I will go down to Severus and assist with Harry, who is likely disoriented
and confused. The rest of the staff should keep a watchful eye on the students and divert
anyone attempting to reach the dungeons until we have more information. This meeting is
adjourned. "

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone's hearts as they dispersed, their
thoughts consumed with worry for young Harry and what this devastating turn of events
could mean for their world. Minerva was still cursing under her breath as she made her way
to alert the order for the first time since Voldemort’s defeat.

Albus quickly made his way down to Severus, his mind already spinning with thoughts of
how Neville must be the one destined to defeat Voldemort. He couldn't believe he had been
wrong about Harry all this time, but perhaps Harry's death was a clear sign that they needed
to shift their focus to the other possible young prophecy child. After all, this situation could
have been much worse if Harry had died after arriving at Hogwarts.

Albus found Severus in no time, following the lingering energy left behind by the formation
of a new ghost. Severus was sitting on the cold, hard stone floor, an unusual sight for
someone who always carried himself with such dignity. But what was even more surprising
was the gentle and soothing tone in which Severus was speaking to the small, ghostly child
floating in the middle of the hallway. Albus didn't want to believe it, but he knew deep down
that it was indeed Harry Potter - even in death, his wild and untamable Potter hair gave him
away.

"Severus, I-" Albus began before being abruptly silenced by a wandless and wordless
silencing charm from Severus.

The small child jumped in fear at Dumbledore’s sudden appearance in the hallway with them,
but Severus quickly stepped in, "Hush now, child. Everything will be alright," Severus
whispered soothingly to the small, ghostly figure. "That's just the nosy headmaster who
should know better than to interrupt us. He won't harm you, I swear on my life. Okay?"

The child's fearful eyes turned to Severus, seeking comfort and safety. But then Harry nodded
nervously, inching closer to Severus for protection. Albus couldn't help feeling both offended
and amazed by Severus' unwavering protectiveness towards the ghost child.

"Now, dear child, I am going to summon some friends here who can help you with your new
form and new life as a ghost. I know it may be scary, but I need you to trust me," Severus
said as he slowly pulled out his wand. The boy's wary eyes followed his every move, but at
least he did not flinch away this time.

Severus summoned his Patronus once again, and Harry's eyes widened in awe at the sight of
the graceful doe. The boy’s fingers twitched in a way that Severus recognized causing a small
smile to appear on Severus' lips.

"You can pet her if you'd like, Harry. You won't get in trouble," he reassured gently.

Harry's eyes flickered with uncertainty as he hesitantly extended a hand out to pet the
ethereal doe, but the soothing presence of the doe patronus and its gentle nuzzles slowly
eased the fear on the boy’s face, causing a small cautious smile to appear. The glowing
creature seemed to hum softly under his touch, its warm light radiating through his fingers in
an otherworldly glow.

Albus couldn't help but be intrigued by the idea of ghosts being able to feel a Patronus,
wondering if ghosts could also feel the effects of a Patronus like the living did. He made a
mental note to experiment with that thought later.

When Harry finally stopped petting the doe, Severus sent her off on a mission, her form
gliding gracefully through the air as she carried his message to the Grey Lady and Bloody
Baron to come to their location and aid him with their newly formed ghost.

Albus felt strangely out of place as he watched Severus take on the role of protector and
possibly caretaker for the boy who once lived. He couldn't help but feel useless in this
moment, like an outsider intruding upon a private interaction between Severus and Harry. But
he knew he couldn't leave them alone, not yet. There were questions that needed to be
answered, particularly about how Harry had died.

The prominent bruises that marred Harry’s ghostly skin were all too apparent. It was clear
that his death was not just an unfortunate accident as Albus had hoped. Someone had
seriously harmed the boy before his untimely passing.
It wasn’t long before the Grey Lady and the Bloody Baron joined them in the normally
abandoned dungeon hallway. They materialized on opposite sides of the hall, an unspoken
distance between them that even death could not bridge. The tension between them was
palpable even in their ghostly forms, with Helena's aura of sorrow contrasting sharply with
the Baron's air of guilt. Helena had never forgiven the Baron for killing her after all. But as
the oldest ghosts in the castle, they took their duty towards newly presented ghosts very
seriously. It was the only time when anyone could say that they even remotely got along.

Helena's eyes welled up with tears at the sight of such a young boy joining their ranks, but
she and the Baron maintained their composure. Hogwarts, being the center of three
intersecting ley lines and steeped in centuries of magical history, often attracted lost souls
seeking refuge within its walls. With guidance and understanding, most ghosts would
eventually move on to the afterlife or were inevitably pulled back to their place of death if it
held enough magical power to sustain their presence. But it had been many years since a
ghost appeared at Hogwarts who hadn't died there and then chose to instead to linger for
eternity within its walls.

Helena felt a strange pull towards this young boy, sensing in her gut that he would become a
permanent resident within these hallowed halls for generations to come. Though she lacked
her mother Rowena's gift of divination, her intuition had never been wrong before. As she
gazed upon the child, surrounded by the ancient magic of Hogwarts, she knew he would find
his eternal home here, just like so many others before him, just as she had.

"Harry," Severus said, keeping crouched down on the young boy's level. "I would like you to
meet Helena Ravenclaw and Baron Waldo Bayler. They are two of the best ghosts that I
know of, and they will be teaching you and looking out for your safety while you are here."

Harry's eyes darted between the two adults, taking in their sharp features and imposing
presence. Harry's expression turned skeptical, his green eyes narrowed in suspicion. It was
such a typical Slytherin response that it almost made Severus smirk.

"I can assure you that they are trustworthy and will make sure you are safe. But I promise, if
they do anything wrong or make you feel uncomfortable, you can always come straight to me
and I will take care of it. But for now, I must entrust you to their capable hands, okay?"
Severus reassured him.

It took some coaxing from Helena before Harry finally followed silently after her and the
Baron. The young boy kept glancing over his shoulder at Severus until he was out of sight,
his small face had been filled with uncertainty and longing for someone he could trust.

Severus slumped down with exhaustion, his body feeling like lead as he struggled to even lift
himself off the cold, hard floor. The dim light of the hallway cast shadows across his haggard
face, highlighting the dark circles under his eyes and the lines etched with worry. Albus stood
stoically in the dusty hallway, his piercing blue eyes studying Severus carefully as he
removed the silencing charm on himself.

“Clearly, the boy was murdered.” Severus declared hoarsely, using what little strength he had
left to pull himself up onto shaky legs.
“Now, my boy, we can’t know that for sure…” Albus began to say, but Severus cut him off
with a sharp shake of his head.

“Don't be naive, Albus! You saw the bruises on his neck- he was strangled to death. The boy
you were supposed to protect suffered a slow and agonizing end. Little wonder he returned as
a ghost! And from his behavior, I strongly suspect abuse as well. We must look into those
closest to him- family, friends, even his friends’ families... anyone who may have had
frequent contact with him and could have been responsible for such cruelty. And we must
find his body. The first step to helping him find peace is giving him a proper burial beside his
parents.” Severus paced back and forth in front of Albus, his mind racing with thoughts and
plans.

"Minerva is contacting the order as we speak. We will send trusted Aurors to investigate the
Dursley household for what has occurred there." His gaze flicked towards Severus, a hint of
disappointment in his eyes. "Although, I highly doubt that Petunia would have allowed
anyone near them long enough to harm the boy."

Severus scoffed at Albus' words, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh yes, because Petunia
has always been such a paragon of love and compassion. I'm sure she only blocked Lily from
attending their parents' funeral out of a deep affection for her sister."

A heavy sigh escaped Albus' lips, knowing that there was no use in trying to convince
Severus otherwise. They would have to wait for word back from Kingsley and Moody before
taking any action. "Come now, Severus. We must prepare ourselves for when the others
report back. We can make decisions then."

"Fine," Severus grumbled in contempt, following the Headmaster back up to his office. The
wait for official confirmation on Harry Potter's death would be agonizingly long. And no
matter the outcome, Severus knew he wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. He could already hear
Lily's voice echoing in his mind, berating him for failing to protect her son.

The air in the headmaster's office was thick with tension as Minerva and Severus sat, both
feeling as if they were about to float away from the amount of tea they had consumed while
waiting for news. The cups clinked softly against their saucers, a symphony of nerves filling
the room. Albus sat at his desk, his fingers interlaced in front of him, lost in thought. The
three of them had exhausted all small talk hours ago, leaving only an anxious silence hanging
over them. It felt as if time itself had slowed to a crawl, each minute stretching on painfully
until Severus thought he might scream just to break the tension.

Just when it seemed like Severus couldn't take it any longer and was actually on the verge of
screaming, the floo activated and Kingsley stepped out into the office, his usually confident
demeanor replaced by a grave expression. Even during the height of the war, Severus couldn't
recall ever seeing Kingsley look so drained and pale.
Kingsley slumped heavily into one of the open chairs in front of Albus' desk, next to Minerva
whose usually composed expression was now etched with concern. The air in the room was
thick with tension and uncertainty as no one knew how to approach the situation or address
the bleak expression on the seasoned Auror's face.

Finally, Kingsley spoke up, his tone grim and filled with sorrow. "Vernon Dursley has been
taken into custody by the Aurors," Kingsley began gravely, causing Dumbledore to visibly
deflate in his seat, while Minerva's hand flew to her mouth in shock. "And Dudley Dursley is
currently under the care of muggle child protective services while we question Petunia
Dursley about her role in the abuse and neglect of her nephew, Harry Potter. Vernon has
already confessed to killing Harry, but we will need to further investigate the extent of the
abuse towards him." Kingsley's voice was slow and deliberate as if he was still processing the
horrors that had taken place in that muggle home.

Severus mustered up the courage to ask a question that he dreaded the answer to, his voice
trembling slightly with emotion. "What of Harry Potter's body? Do you have it so we can lay
him to rest next to his parents?"

Kingsley's expression darkened, the usually unflappable Auror seemed to pale and look
rather queasy. He took a deep breath before answering, his words heavy with grief. "The
condition of Harry Potter's body is... grim. When we arrived at the Dursley home, they were
in the midst of... disposing of the boy's remains." The words felt like a physical blow to
Severus, and he had to take a deep breath to steady himself.

"We will not be able to give Harry a proper burial, nor will we be able to provide any part of
the boy for even the darkest of rituals to help release his spirit from this world." Kingsley’s
voice cracked slightly, betraying his emotions. "Harry was killed three days ago on March
16th, during Miss Marge Dursley's birthday celebration."

Severus felt bile rise in his throat as he listened to the details, but Kingsley just looked weary
as he continued. "We currently have a warrant out for her arrest for her role in Harry's
murder." There was a brief moment of silence as Kingsley composed himself before speaking
again. "According to our sources, Harry had interrupted the dinner party being held for
Marge Dursley when he screamed after being pushed down the stairs by Dudley Dursley. In a
fit of rage, Vernon Dursley then proceeded to strangle the small boy, only realizing he had
killed him when he dropped the lifeless body on the floor."

The words hung heavily in the air, and Severus couldn't imagine how difficult it must have
been for Kingsley to relay such gruesome information.

Kingsley took another deep breath, steeling himself for what came next. “The situation gets
even more horrific than any of you are imagining though. Petunia and Vernon, desperate to
avoid being caught for their heinous crime, had placed Harry's lifeless body in a sealed
container of acid inside the shed at the back of their garden. All traces of Harry's existence
within their home were then quickly eradicated; his few meager possessions burned and the
house scrubbed clean. Today, they had planned to dispose of the evidence at a waste site,
Harry’s body included, but our arrival thwarted their plans. The acid had done its job
efficiently though, leaving nothing behind except for a haunting reminder of the tragedy that
had occurred and a few bone fragments that dissolved within moments of being pulled out of
the barrel of acid.” As Kingsley finished speaking, a heavy silence fell upon them, their
hearts heavy with sorrow and outrage.

The atmosphere in the room was suffocating, heavy with a sense of overwhelming horror.
Minerva's face was streaked with silent tears, her aged cheeks trembling with emotion. Albus
sat in stunned silence, his usually rosy complexion now pale and drawn. Even Severus, who
was no stranger to darkness and pain as a past Death Eater, felt nauseous at the thought of
what had happened to poor Harry Potter. How could they have let this happen? It was a
tragedy of epic proportions, one that they had all failed to prevent.

As he looked around at his colleagues, Severus couldn't help but feel the weight of their
collective guilt. They had all failed to protect an innocent child, and now he was stuck
forever seven years old, robbed of the chance to grow up, fall in love, or be reunited with his
loving parents in the afterlife. A lump formed in Severus' throat as he thought about the life
that Harry would never get to experience, all because they had not been vigilant enough.

Tears spilled from Severus' eyes as he covered his face with his hands, unable to bear the
weight of his emotions any longer. It had been years since he had cried - not since the death
of Lily Potter - but now he wept for the little boy they had all failed so miserably. And as he
mourned for Harry, he couldn't help but wonder about the world that could have been if he
had lived.

But they would never know now. The opportunity for a different future was lost forever.
 Chapter 3
Chapter Notes

Really sorry for the delay in putting out chapters on any of my works recently. After my
grandmother passed away I then moved across the country from Maryland to Arizona so
we are just now getting settled. Hopefully, I will be able to post more going forward.

Thank you to everyone who has commented or left kudos !

As always, no beta but I did my best.

*EDITED 6/2024*

Severus awoke the next morning with a pounding hangover, his head throbbing like a drum.
The events of the previous day flooded back to him, and he could feel anger bubbling up
inside him at the injustice of it all. After hearing the heartbreaking news of what had
happened to Harry inside the Dursley household, Minerva, Severus, and Kingsley drowned
their sorrows in an excessive amount of alcohol while Albus was off tending to the Order's
affairs.

As he stumbled to the bathroom, Severus desperately searched for one of his infamous
hangover cures to alleviate the throbbing pain in his head. He knew he needed it if he wanted
to avoid snapping at any of the students who dared to speak to him once he finally left the
solace of his rooms. Fortunately, it was Sunday and he could take some time to gather his
thoughts and plan how he could help the boy who suddenly was no longer among the living.

Unfortunately, the day was not going to give Severus a break.

As he pulled on his robes and straightened his hair, Severus couldn't help but feel a sense of
dread wash over him. He knew breakfast in the great hall would be chaotic as usual even if
breakfast hours were almost over, and the thought of facing all the rowdy students before
venturing to Hogsmeade later made his stomach turn.

Stepping out of his bedroom and into the living room, Severus immediately noticed he wasn't
alone. Sitting in front of the crackling fire, illuminated by its flickering light, was Lily's son.
A mix of surprise and shock colored Severus' features briefly before he regained his
composure.

"Good Morning, little one," he greeted in a calm and welcoming tone, trying not to scare the
poor abused child. "Where are the Grey Lady and the Baron?"

Harry seemed to pause for a moment, his stillness unsettlingly in a way that only the truly
dead could do, before simply shrugging his shoulders. The action caused Severus' eye to
twitch in annoyance, but he quickly suppressed his urge to correct the child's lack of manners.

“Did you run off little one? They will be quite worried about you disappearing I would
think.” Severus' gentle voice held a tinge of disapproval as he addressed Harry.

Harry's silence only added to Severus' concern. Was it selective mutism, a result of the
trauma and abuse he had endured? Or perhaps it was something physical that was preventing
him from speaking. Though typically wounds sustained during death did not affect those who
became ghosts, perhaps Harry was an exception. It wouldn't be surprising considering his
troubled past.

"Harry, can you speak?" Severus asked directly, determined to get some answers. Harry tilted
his head in a way that could almost be considered adorable if Severus were one to use such
terms. But he kept any such sentiment to himself as he awaited the boy's response. After a
moment, Harry shook his head in a negative reply, causing a frown to form on Severus' face.

Severus then sat across from Harry, his dark eyes boring into the boy's blank expression.
Severus leaned forward, his voice low and cautious. "Have you ever spoken, Harry?" he
asked, hoping for a response.

But Harry only shrugged a frustratingly unhelpful gesture that left Severus even more
exasperated. Before he could press Harry for more information, there was a loud knock on
the front door to his rooms. Startled, Harry disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving
Severus alone to deal with whoever was interrupting them.

With an irritated sigh, Severus rose from his seat and stalked over to the door. Swinging it
open with force, he scowled at the visitor before him – none other than Dumbledore himself,
wearing his usual cheerful smile as if he had forgotten that his beloved boy hero had been
brutally murdered just days ago.

"Headmaster," Severus bit out, his tone sharp with annoyance. "What brings you here so
early in the morning?"

"My dear boy, it is nearly 9 am!" Dumbledore exclaimed in a falsely cheerful tone, his bright
blue eyes twinkling with what Severus suspected was barely concealed amusement. "I must
admit, when you didn't appear at the great hall for breakfast this morning, I was quite
worried. And I know Minerva was in a rather rough state as well. So I thought I would come
check on you."

Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't believe for a second that Dumbledore had
been genuinely concerned. No, the old Headmaster had probably just been looking for an
excuse to interrupt his peaceful morning routine.

"Well, as you can see," Severus retorted through gritted teeth, "I did not asphyxiate on my
own vomit during the night." He glanced pointedly at the untouched cup of coffee sitting on
his desk. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to enjoy my morning coffee in peace."

He repeated the phrase 'do not punch your boss like a muggle hooligan' as a mantra in his
head as he fought to keep his emotions in check. It wasn't easy when dealing with someone as
infuriatingly perky as Albus Dumbledore. The tension in his body was nearly palpable as he
struggled to maintain a calm exterior in front of Dumbledore's watchful gaze.

Luck seemed to finally be on Severus' side that morning though, as not all of the Gods
appeared to hate him. Just as Dumbledore was about to open his mouth again, a shimmering
Patronus in the form of a cat from none other than Minerva halted between them.

"Headmaster, several Aurors have arrived at the gates and they are demanding to speak with
you immediately." Minerva's words were knife-sharp and direct, brooking no compromise
and demanding immediate attention. Severus couldn't help but envy her ability to control
both unruly children and even more unruly and demented headmasters with such ease - it was
truly an art form.

"Well then, it appears I must excuse myself, Severus. We will reconvene at lunch."
Dumbledore said with a tight nod before making his way out of the dungeons to face a
hungover Minerva and the unexpected group of Aurors. Severus couldn't help but admire
Dumbledore for his calm composure in the face of such a formidable duo. He would rather
face Voldemort himself than encounter a hungover Transfiguration mistress without her usual
dose of caffeine. The mere thought sent shivers down his spine.

As soon as Severus closed the heavy wooden door to his chambers, he saw Harry reappear in
the living room, this time standing directly in front of Severus’ favorite chair on the far side
of the fireplace. The fire crackled and danced with an orange glow, providing plenty of
warmth even this far underneath the castle. Severus had this sinking feeling that Harry would
be haunting his quarters for the foreseeable future. Summoning his Patronus, he sent the
silvery doe off to find Helena, determined to get some proper explanations from her about
how she and the Baron managed to lose sight of the 7-year-old ghost so quickly.

It was shaping up to be a long and frustrating day.

Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt and his trusted colleague, Auror Dennis Smithly, were assigned
as the lead investigators on the highly publicized Potter case. However, with media attention
at an all-time high, they were forced to select a team of at least three additional Aurors to aid
in their investigation and handle the constant barrage of inquiries. Fortunately, thanks to
Shacklebolt's impeccable reputation as a skilled Auror, they were given the liberty to choose
their own team - a privilege for which they were immensely grateful. After all, the last thing
they needed was to be saddled with incompetent assistance on such a critical and complex
case.

Auror Smithly, sitting slouched behind his desk, suggested, "What about Vane and Bell?
They've been in the force for a few years now and have a solid reputation."

Kingsley nodded, taking note of Damien Bell's name to be transferred to their caseload. "If
we bring in Auror Vane, the entire Potter case will be plastered on the front page of the Daily
Prophet and will attract a lot of unwanted attention to our investigation. But Auror Bell could
be a good fit with his field experience in the muggle world"

"Vane has improved since the scandal with the Moons, but I understand your concern,"
Smithly replied with a heavy sigh. "This case is going to be tough, so I'm hesitant to include
any rookies. However, I think it would be wise to add Auror Gore to the team on a trial
basis."

Kingsley furrowed his brow in thought, tapping his quill against his chin. "Hmm, I can see
what you mean," he finally said, stroking his neatly trimmed beard. "Even as a rookie Auror,
Gore has proven to be incredibly steady and capable in her line of work. It's not surprising,
considering her impressive lineage." With a decisive nod, he reached for another request form
and carefully wrote down Venusia Gore's name.

"We could definitely use some fresh eyes and ears on this case," Kingsley continued, placing
the form aside before turning to face Smithly. "I also think that Robards would be a valuable
addition to the team. He's been steadily climbing the ranks and this could be the opportunity
he needs to prove himself worthy of that promotion he's been seeking."

Smithly chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "As long as he doesn't get too cocky and let
his ego get in the way while attempting to work with the others," he remarked with a smirk.

"Agreed," Kingsley replied with a small smile. "But there's no denying that he does some
pretty decent work." They both shared a knowing look before returning their attention to the
task at hand, eager to assemble a strong team for the upcoming case.

Kingsley tapped his quill against the parchment as he spoke, his voice low and urgent. "As
soon as they get transferred over to us, we need to meet up and discuss the details of the case.
We'll give a debrief of what we have accomplished so far and our plan of action."

Smithly nodded in agreement, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"I think we should go straight to Hogwarts and question the staff," Kingsley continued,
mostly musing aloud. "They were the ones to raise the alarm, so they may have valuable
information for us."

Smithly then chimed in, "We should wait until the others have been transferred over to us. It
will be more efficient if we all go together on our interviews at Hogwarts."

"Good point," Kingsley agreed. "I will send off these request forms for Aurors Bell, Gore,
and Robards. If you could also send a note to Minerva to expect us tomorrow at the latest?"

Kingsley knew that even with the extra help on this case that sleep would be elusive until
everything was resolved. The weight of responsibility rested heavily on his shoulders as he
thought about the lives at stake and the urgency to solve this mystery. But he was determined
to see it through to the end, no matter how long it took or how little rest he got. Little Harry
Potter deserved that much.
Despite the extensive precautions taken during the Auror's interviews with the Hogwarts
staff, the news of Harry Potter's tragic and gruesome death could not be contained. It spread
like wildfire, splashed across every front page of the Daily Prophet with bold, shocking
headlines. The entire wizarding world was in an uproar, fueled by fear and sadness at the loss
of their beloved hero. The grief and shock were palpable, even in the halls of Hogwarts
where students and teachers alike mourned the loss of one of their own.

THE-BOY-WHO-LIVED NO MORE?

By: Rita Skeeter

It is a sad day indeed my readers. Yesterday I was sent news from anonymous sources that the
Aurors were at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to conduct interviews with the
staff due to the death of one Harry James Potter on March, 16th, 1988. I have to confess
myself shocked! How could the boy-who-lived despite the killing curse cast on him from He-
Who-Must-Not-Be-Named himself have died? Well, readers, I am sorry to write that the
infamous Harry Potter's death was quite gruesome indeed and at the hands of muggles
nonetheless!

That’s right, Harry Potter, age 7, was murdered by his muggle relatives. Petunia Dursley nee
Evans, age 29, sister to Lillian Potter nee Evans, and Vernon Dursley, age 33, husband of
Petunia, murdered Harry Potter via strangulation on the evening of March 16th. I have not
received any other information on the case except for one very important detail.

The afternoon of March 19th was when Hogwarts staff alerted the Aurors to the death of
Harry Potter. How did they know? Harry Potter’s ghost manifested within the halls of
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. That is right readers, the-boy-who-lived-to-die
is now a ghost.

I will be publishing more as more news surrounding the mysterious murder of Harry Potter
comes forward. For now, we are left with these questions:

Why was Harry Potter living with Muggles?

Are more muggle-raised students at risk of being hurt or killed by their families?

Who was Harry Potter’s magical guardian and why did they not know that muggles would
hurt our boy hero?

Why is Harry Potter now stuck as a ghost and will he be able to pass on to the next life?

For More Information on Harry Potter go to page 3

For More Information on Ghosts and Ghost Lore go to page 7

 Chapter 4
Chapter Notes

Surprise! I am home sick with a cold and I am avoiding doing my homework, so you get
another chapter instead! Hope you enjoy and no beta was used!

*EDITED 6/2024*

The sharp scratching of a pen on paper could be heard as Auror Smithly diligently took notes
in his small notepad. His expression remained stoic and professional, despite the unsettling
topic at hand.

"So the wards alerted you to a ghost forming within the castle, is that correct?" Smithly
asked, keeping his voice neutral.

Dumbledore's face remained serene and cheerful as if he were giving a lesson to his students
rather than discussing the tragic death of a child as he replied, "Yes, the castle is always
gaining new ghosts. Most don't stick around or can be convinced to pass on at the very least."

Smithly nodded, but inwardly felt disgust at Dumbledore's nonchalant attitude towards death.
With a deep breath, he continued, "Right, and then you investigated the forming of this ghost
only to discover it was one, Harry Potter."

Dumbledore's jovial tone faltered for a moment before returning to its usual cheerfulness.
Smithly couldn't help but keep his occlumency shields firmly up, trying to keep his tone and
face professional, as they discussed the tragic fate of a young child.

“Actually,” Dumbledore began, his voice calm and steady. “I sent Severus Snape down to
check on the source of the disturbance since it was coming from his dungeons. He knows that
part of the castle better than anyone else. It was roughly half an hour after Severus had left
the staff room to investigate that we received his urgent Patronus message. It stated that a
new ghost had appeared, the ghost being Harry Potter, and suggested someone should check
on the welfare of his relatives.”

Smithly's voice cut through the tense silence with a sharp edge of disdain. “And instead of
alerting the Aurors as any reasonable person or responsible headmaster would do in such a
situation, you sent your own people to handle it? And then they had the presence of mind to
notify the proper authorities?” His tone dripped with contempt for Dumbledore's actions.

Dumbledore bristled at the accusation. “The Ministry hasn't always been a reliable source,
especially during times of trouble,” he explained, trying to defend his decision. “I didn't want
to cause unnecessary panic by involving them prematurely-”
“No, you just wanted to handle things your way, as always,” Smithly cut him off, his voice
dripping with sarcasm. With a stern and serious expression, Auror Smithly addressed
Dumbledore, his voice tinged with anger. "A child has been found dead, Mr. Dumbledore. It
doesn't get much more grave than that." The weight of the situation hung heavily in the air
between them. "Consider yourself fortunate that you haven't been charged yet for a multitude
of reasons," he continued, his tone firm and unrelenting. "It is a time of peace now, with no
dark lord to fight. Engaging in vigilante-style groups like the Order of Phoenix outside of
wartime is deemed illegal." He leaned forward, emphasizing each word. "I suggest finding a
good lawyer before this all ends unless you want to see the inside of a prison cell."

Dumbledore's face flushed with anger as he stormed out of the room, slamming the door
behind him with a resounding echo. Smithly watched him go, his gaze following until the
door clicked shut before signaling for Severus Snape to enter for his interview.

The tension in the room was palpable as Auror Venusia Gore, a rookie with an air of
confidence and determination, sat in the corner. She had been assigned to observe the
interrogations taking place at Hogwarts under the watchful eye of seasoned Auror Smithly.
The other Aurors on the team - Kingsley, Bell, and Robards - were scattered in their own
abandoned classrooms, questioning ghosts, students, elves, and staff members alike.

Gore couldn't help but let out a low mutter, "Well, you certainly know how to stir up trouble
with the most politically powerful person in this country. Bravo."

Smithly snorted in response. "Men like Dumbledore often get away with murder because we
let them hide behind their self-inflated egos. It's times like these where you have to remind
them that they are mere mortals, not Gods, and are as such subject to the laws set forth by
their fellow men." His lips curled into a sneer of disgust. "Nothing pisses me off more than
entitled men like Dumbledore."

Gore couldn't resist a chuckle. "I'll make sure not to get on your bad side then." But her
joviality quickly faded as Severus Snape entered the room to be interviewed. It was going to
be a long and unforgiving day for all involved.

Minister Milicent Bagnold sat behind a long, polished table in her office, the vast windows
behind her casting a warm glow over the room. Her face was tired and lined with worry as
she held a conference to discuss the tragic death of Harry Potter and the progress of the
investigation. Her office was adorned with ornate tapestries depicting scenes from wizarding
history, but they could do little to lighten the heavy atmosphere that hung in the air or provide
her any guidance on what to do in such a difficult situation as the one they now found
themselves in.

Bagnold's mind drifted back to simpler days when Voldemort had been in power. As much as
she hated to admit it, those were easier times for her as Minister. But now, with the death of
the wizarding world's hero, everything seemed so much more complicated.
The discussions quickly turned to how to handle the public's response to the murder of Harry
Potter. "I have howlers coming in left and right, calling for the deaths of his killers," Bagnold
stated with a tone of dread. She knew that the public would not react well if they tried to hand
over the suspects to muggle authorities as they normally would.

"We cannot bend or change our laws just because this is a high-profile case!" One of the
newer Aurors exclaimed, their voice laced with outrage and disbelief. It was clear that
tensions were running high in the Auror offices already.

Lucius Malfoy, sitting in his usual position of privilege, drawling out his thoughts with an air
of pompousness. But even his condescending tone could not hide the sharp intelligence
behind his words. He was, after all, well-versed in political tactics. "Well, unless you are
willing to take on the inevitable uproar and protests that will arise from handing these
murderers over to the muggle authorities, I suggest we consider a compromise."

"I am open to suggestions," Bagnold replied, her voice slightly strained. "But we must act
quickly before word spreads about the lack of remains to perform traditional funeral rites for
Harry Potter. The outcry will only intensify, especially from those who hold traditional
beliefs." The weight of her words caused several members of the office to shift
uncomfortably in their seats. "We cannot afford any more outrage, especially from the
traditionalist party. They will be particularly incensed that two muggles are responsible for
seven-year-old Harry Potter's premature and permanent fate as a ghost at Hogwarts." A
collective shudder ran through the room at the thought of such a young life cut short by
senseless violence and then chained to the mortal realm in a half-life as a ghost.

"Um, why would the traditionalist party take particular grievance with the lack of a body?"
Auror Macon, still green from her recent graduation as an Auror, asked tentatively.

Auror Robards fixed her with a steely gaze, his gruff tone matching his imposing figure.
“Auror Macon, you are a muggle-born, are you not?” he asked pointedly.

"What does that have to do with anything?!" Auror Macon puffed out her chest indignantly,
feeling defensive and frustrated at being singled out for her blood status.

"Quite a lot actually," sneered Malfoy, his pale features contorted into a look of distaste.
"This is why the curriculum at Hogwarts is lacking. Listen here, Auror Macon. Without a
body, the funeral rites cannot be performed. That means the magic cannot help release Harry
Potter from this plane of existence."

A chill ran down Auror Macon's spine as she took in the gravity of Malfoy's words. A sick
feeling settled in her stomach as she realized what he was implying.

"No body means that a little boy is going to be permanently stuck as a ghost until the end of
magic herself," Malfoy continued, his voice dripping with spite and malice. "He cannot move
on to the afterlife, he cannot meet his parents, and he cannot be reincarnated. Those filthy
murdering muggles have damaged that boy in all the worst ways possible."

The room fell silent for a moment as Malfoy's words hung in the air like a thick fog. The
anger and hatred radiating from him was almost suffocating.
"Many will be calling for their blood," Lucius continued, his voice low and menacing. "Or at
the very least, the dementor's kiss." The mention of this terrifying punishment sent shivers
down Auror Macon's spine, reminding her once again of the darkness that lurked within the
wizarding world.

“But it’s just some pagan religious beliefs, right? You can’t be serious,” Auror Macon
murmured, the dismissive tone clear in her voice.

Minister Bagnold's expression hardened, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Auror Macon
pointedly. “That statement is why the purebloods can’t stand muggle-borns, Auror Macon.
You live in a world with magic, one that has been shaped by centuries of tradition and belief.
I suggest you do not disrespect it or its people and their beliefs if you want to remain on this
task force, and more importantly remain working at the ministry,” she said sternly, her tone
leaving no room for argument.

Auror Macon's eyes widened in shock at the gravity of the situation. She had never
considered that her dismissive attitude towards certain magical practices could endanger her
job. The realization hit her like a brick wall.

“I have a meeting with Headmaster Dumbledore in ten minutes so, is there anything else that
we need to discuss right now?” Bagnold asked briskly, her tone returning to its usual
business-like demeanor. The tension in the room dissipated slightly, but Auror Macon
couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered after their conversation.

"I implore you to refrain from sharing any important information with Albus Dumbledore,
unless absolutely necessary," Auror Smithly cautioned seriously. "Once we have dealt with
the muggles, I can guarantee that the public will want to demand accountability from
Dumbledore for his actions. There may even be calls for his removal from Hogwarts," he
added nonchalantly, causing Auror Shacklebolt's face to contort into a frown.

"What could possibly prompt such strong reactions against Dumbledore?" Kingsley asked,
attempting to maintain a neutral tone but failing as his confusion seeped through his words.
His mind raced with possibilities, but none seemed to fit the wise and respected headmaster
of Hogwarts that he knew.

“At the most basic level, we have enough evidence for charges of child endangerment,
abandonment of duties, and obstruction of an Auror investigation. If you take the time to read
through the transcripts from our ‘interview’, I am confident that you will see just how many
other laws he has broken. I understand that you have a history with Headmaster Dumbledore,
particularly through your involvement in the Order of the Phoenix, but I strongly advise
severing ties with him before his actions damage your future career.” Smithly delivered his
words with blunt force, never one to sugarcoat for the sake of his coworkers' feelings.

Bagnold's face remained stoic as she absorbed this information, leaning back in her chair
with a thoughtful expression. "Send me the transcript of the interview," she finally replied, "I
will review it and determine how to proceed regarding what Dumbledore should and should
not know. The rest of you are dismissed. Use the next few hours to brainstorm ways to calm
the public without resorting to a public execution of Muggles. Under my watch, such
atrocities will not be tolerated." Her words were sharp and direct as she rose from her seat
and swept out of the room. As she left the office, her mind raced with plans and strategies for
confronting the Headmaster of Hogwarts. She would not allow his mistakes to tarnish her
tenure as Minister, and she was willing to do whatever it took to protect the wizarding world
from further harm.

Dumbledore's usually calm demeanor had been replaced by quiet anger as he waited in one of
the ornately decorated meeting rooms within the Ministry of Magic. The plush chairs and
finely woven tapestries did little to soothe his irritated mind. How dare that insolent upstart of
an Auror threaten him? The great Albus Dumbledore, defeater of Dark Lords, and protector
of muggle-borns and muggles alike, reduced to a mere target for petty threats. His hand
clenched around a stack of papers, a several-page-long complaint addressed to both the Head
Auror and Minister Bagnold, outlining the unjust accusations made against him.

He also made note that he needed to pay a visit to the Longbottom estate on his way back to
Hogwarts. Augusta Longbottom had yet to respond to any of his letters, and he needed to
confirm with her that young Neville was indeed the true ‘boy-who-lived’. It was crucial that
he ensure the proper upbringing of this chosen one, especially after the incident with the
Potter boy served as a stark reminder of his need for better oversight over his "pet projects".

As he sat in anticipation of his meeting with Minister Bagnold, Dumbledore couldn't help but
feel a sense of urgency wash over him - there was much work to be done to protect the
wizarding world from dark forces once again.

The door to the meeting room finally creaked open as Albus’ patience was reaching its end,
and Minister Bagnold strode in with a commanding presence. She was not conventionally
pretty, but her strong features and regal stance gave her a certain handsomeness.
Dumbledore's face lit up with a fake smile as he greeted her.

"Ah, Madame Bagnold, how wonderful to see you again! It warms my heart to see my
students succeed in such a way as you have." His eyes twinkled with false merriment.

"That is Minister Bagnold to you, Headmaster Dumbledore," she replied curtly. "I would also
thank you for dropping the false pleasantries and just tell me what it is you want." Bagnold
had no time for games, especially not after some of the stunts that Dumbledore had pulled in
the past. She would rather push him down a flight of stairs than help him in any way.

"Of course, Minister. I understand that you are a very busy woman," Dumbledore responded
through gritted teeth. His eyes narrowed as he spoke, his posture tense and guarded.

"I was just inquiring about the progress of the investigation on the Dursleys," he continued,
his tone seeping with controlled anger. "Their son is currently staying with muggle authorities
and is quite distressed. I would like to know when his mother and father can be expected to
return home."
Minister Bagnold's face contorted into a look of shock and disbelief. "Are you out of your
mind?" she asked incredulously. "Have you truly gone senile at such a young age?"

"I'm sorry, Minister? I don't understand," Dumbledore replied, his tone growing cold as his
expression darkened.

"The Dursleys will never regain custody of their son," Bagnold stated firmly. "With the
public outcry and outrage, they should count themselves lucky if they even make it to a
muggle court before being sentenced to death or fed to the dementors. They brutally abused
and ultimately killed a child. A child whom you yourself should have been keeping an eye
on, as you were the one who placed him in their care without Ministry approval! Don't think
for one moment that your involvement in this tragedy will go unnoticed, Dumbledore. I
advise you to tread carefully." The air in the room crackled with tension as the two powerful
figures locked gazes, each determined not to back down.

“Now Minister, everyone makes mistakes. You can’t possibly think-” Dumbledore's voice
was heavy with emotion as he tried to reason with Minister Bagnold, but his words were cut
short by her sharp, bitter laughter.

"Mistakes, you say? You better hope these 'mistakes' only get you kicked out of Hogwarts
and not thrown in a cell in Azkaban," she hissed, her eyes flashing with anger. The weight of
her words hung heavily in the air, like a dark cloud ready to burst. "A child is dead because of
your actions, and yet you show no remorse. It disgusts me," Bagnold continued, her gaze
unrelenting. "Get out," Bagnold finally ordered, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Dumbledore's lips formed a sneer, an uncharacteristic expression on his kind face. "Well
when you need me, you know where I will be," he replied sharply before turning to leave.

As the door closed behind Dumbledore, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction.
She knew this wouldn't be the last she heard from him, but she was determined to keep him
out of her Ministry as long as she held office. After all, it was because of him that Harry
Potter had suffered such a fate. Now they must all suffer the consequences for trusting a man
who proved himself unworthy in the end.
 Chapter 5
Chapter Summary

Sorry, this chapter is so short but the next chapter will be the trial so I didn't really have
anything additional to add to this chapter. Hope you all enjoy it!

*EDITED 6/2024*

Harry was a poltergeist.

Because of course he bloody was.

As soon as Harry formed as a ghost, it was clear that he was no ordinary spirit. The air
around him seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy, and Severus couldn't help but
suspect that this was not just any ghost, but a poltergeist. It wasn't surprising, really - the
Potter family’s luck had always been terrible, and even in death, it seemed to follow Harry.
But perhaps it was for the best that the last of the Potters was now gone, lest their cursed luck
bring about the premature end of the world.

But as usual, Lily's son couldn't conform to any conventional norms, even in the afterlife. He
didn't fit into the neat categories and descriptions found in books on ghosts and spirits.
Severus, always one for thorough research, wished he had better resources on hand on ghosts
and their lore so he could understand this unexpected turn of events. But with the Ministry's
strict stance against anything resembling necromancy, he knew he should be grateful for what
little information he could find.

Poltergeists were typically, classically, and until now only thought of as spirits of
indestructible chaos. They were ethereal beings, able to interact with the living world in ways
that other non-corporeal entities could not. Ghosts, on the other hand, were limited in their
abilities - unable to move physical objects unless they were also non-corporeal. But
poltergeists...they were different. Unpredictable. Volatile. Lacking the calm and reasoning
skills of ghosts, they often caused mayhem wherever they went. So where did that leave
Harry Potter on the scale of supernatural beings? He didn't fit neatly into either category of
ghost or poltergeist.

Severus had searched for a classification that would accurately describe Harry's unique
abilities but to no avail. Demons and Inferi were too solid and generally raised by dark magic
users, specifically necromancers, - a fact that Severus confirmed himself just to cover all his
bases.

But it wasn't until Albus scared Harry and nearly got them both killed that Severus came to a
firm and solid conclusion. The incident revealed Harry's power levels and confirmed his
status as a poltergeist - an incredibly rare and unpredictable being who possessed immense
power beyond human or ghostly comprehension. And now, with this knowledge, perhaps
they could finally understand and help the boy who seemed caught between worlds.

Severus found Harry haunting his kitchen upon his return from classes that day. The boy
seemed to have taken up a permanent residence in the gloomy, dark space of Severus's rooms.
As much as he welcomed the company, it was starting to concern Severus.

"Harry, my dear boy," he began tentatively, "you are always welcome to hide in my rooms,
but perhaps it would be beneficial for you to spend time with others of your kind." But Harry
vehemently shook his head in disagreement, his wild black hair whipping around his face.
Severus sighed inwardly. Ghost babysitting, how was this his life?

"Fine," he relented. "You may stay here for now, but please try to interact with others at least
once a day. Whether they are corporeal or incorporeal, I don't care, just...try." He couldn't
deny the slight worry gnawing at him about the boy's isolation. "I am not the best resource to
be your only form of socialization." But Harry simply gave him a droll look, one that Severus
knew all too well as he often wore it himself when given inane advice. The two of them had
clearly spent too much time together in the past month.

With a resigned sigh, Severus gave in to the inevitable and sank into the plush cushions of his
worn leather armchair in the dimly lit living room. A small stack of papers lay on the coffee
table next to him, waiting to be graded. As he lifted his quill to begin marking the first paper,
he couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him.

Over the past month, Harry had taken to seeking refuge in Severus' rooms more and more
frequently. The boy seemed to prefer the quiet and solitude that came with being in Severus'
company, away from the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts Castle. Loud noises or crowded
spaces still spooked him, causing him to disappear quickly.

Severus had even begun learning sign language in his free time, determined to find a way for
Harry to communicate with him and others more easily. He may have failed in protecting
Harry during his life, leaving him doomed to wander as a ghost, but Severus was determined
to make sure Harry's afterlife was as comfortable and fulfilling as possible. His knowledge of
sign language was limited at best, gained through brief interactions with students who
required it over the years, but he knew he needed to deepen his understanding beyond just
classroom use if he wanted Harry to truly thrive in this new form of existence.

Severus' mind was completely consumed with thoughts, for once completely unaware of his
surroundings. He did not hear the tell-tale sound of someone using the floo network or Albus
quietly entering his private rooms without permission. It wasn't until Albus's bright orange
and blue dancing star robes caught his eye that he snapped out of his reverie.
"Albus, why are you here?" Severus asked with reluctance, already feeling a headache
coming on from looking at the garishness of Dumbledore's robes for too long.

"I simply came to check on you, my boy," Dumbledore replied with a slightly disapproving
tone. "And I've heard that Mr. Potter has been hiding in here with you. Shouldn't he be
somewhere else?"

Severus sighed, knowing there was no point in denying it. "He often goes out with Helena
when she visits, but I believe the constant presence of so many students in the school is
overwhelming for him. Perhaps once summer break arrives, he will feel more comfortable
interacting with others." The truth was, Severus enjoyed having Harry around, despite his
initial reluctance. But he couldn't let Dumbledore know that.

Harry had sat in a corner, trying to blend into the shadows and avoid any unwanted attention
from their unexpected intruder, but of course, Dumbledore couldn’t allow the small ghost any
peace.

“Now that simply won’t do. Harry!” Dumbledore’s voice boomed through the small stone-
lined room as if he were trying to reach someone who was hard of hearing rather than simply
mute. The abruptness of the call startled Harry making him flinch and instinctively he moved
farther into Severus' rooms, seeking refuge from the overwhelming presence of Albus
Dumbledore. The fact that Harry didn't immediately try to disappear was something Severus
would consider progress, but it only seemed to agitate the headmaster further.

“Harry, it is not appropriate for you to be hiding in Professor Snape’s rooms. Come now, let
us go to the great hall for dinner and I am sure we can find a group of friends for you to sit
with.” Albus continued to lecture, following the retreating form of the small boy at a brisk
pace. Severus couldn’t shake the feeling that this would not end well for all involved.

“Albus I don’t think-” Severus' words were cut off as Dumbledore's long strides had caught
up with Harry, his long robes billowing behind him. With a towering presence, the
Headmaster stood over the trembling ghost of Harry Potter. The young boy seemed to be in a
panic, his power raging and crackling around him like a wild storm. In a desperate attempt
to get away from Albus, Harry unleashed what appeared to be a small magical bomb, the
explosion engulfing Severus and knocking him unconscious.

When he finally woke up a week later in the hospital wing, Severus was met with a pounding
headache and a sorrowful apology from the regretful and remorseful child by his bedside.

It took two weeks to repair the extensive damage that had been inflicted upon his living
quarters by the explosive burst of magic, the walls and furniture still bearing some leftover
scorch marks and splintered wood that refused to be removed by mere magic alone.
Ever since that fateful day in Severus' quarters, Harry had been avoiding the headmaster like
the plague. He retreated into his rooms, isolating himself from the outside world and rarely
venturing out into the castle corridors unless it was late at night.

Despite this, Severus managed to convince Harry to learn sign language and continued to
encourage Harry to communicate through his newly acquired language skills, with some
success, although the boy still often resorted to making childish faces and gestures at him.

In those moments, Severus couldn't help but feel a new sense of respect and empathy for
parents who were responsible for raising children. It was exhausting and draining work, even
with a child who wasn't technically alive. But perhaps that made it easier in some ways - at
least Harry couldn't complain about eating vegetables like most children did.

However, there were also challenges with raising a child who would never age - while he
may mature and learn, he was forever limited to the emotions and simple thoughts of a child.
He would never grow older or fully understand adult complexities. As much as Severus
wanted to protect and guide Harry, he also couldn't help but wonder how difficult it must be
to navigate life as a forever-child. Even with the challenges though, Severus found himself
growing more attached to this unique child with each passing day.

The looming Dursleys' trial weighed heavily on Severus' mind as he contemplated how to
explain his upcoming week-long absence to Harry. He knew the boy would be upset at
Severus having to stay in London while he dealt with the trial, and just the mere mention of
the Dursleys' names was enough to make Harry’s magic explode in anger destroying various
objects around Severus’ rooms in the process.

Thankfully, Helena and the Baron had agreed to keep an eye on Harry while he was away. It
was a small comfort, but it eased some of his worries. The thought of Albus being at the trial
as well brought a sense of relief to Severus' mind. At least he wouldn't have to deal with the
meddling Headmaster constantly pestering Harry in his absence. Without Severus there to
protect him, who knows what trouble Harry could get into? Hopefully, when he returned,
Harry would forgive him for leaving and understand that it was necessary.

But even with these reassurances, Severus couldn't shake the worry that Harry may hold a
grudge against him for leaving him alone during this difficult time. The young ghost boy had
slowly but surely worked his way into Severus' once cold heart, and now Severus could
confidently say that he truly loved Harry as if he were his own son. The thought of losing that
trust and love pained him deeply, but he had endured hurt before and knew he could do so
again if it meant protecting Harry from harm. For now, he just hoped that Harry would
forgive him and they could continue their unlikely bond upon his return.
 Chapter 6
Chapter Summary

I really struggled with writing a courtroom/legal scene so please be nice to me even

though it is so short! I hope you still like it.

*EDITED 6/2024*

“Silence! Everyone, please take your seats, the trial of Vernon Dursley is about to begin.”
The bustling courtroom fell into a hush as Lord Gaius Ogden's powerful voice boomed
through the air, commanding attention. Everyone scurried to their seats, eager to witness the
highly anticipated trial of Vernon Dursley unfold. The room was filled with a mix of anxious
and curious onlookers, all eager to witness the proceedings firsthand. Dumbledore, a key
player in the proceedings, was unable to preside as Chief Warlock leaving Ogden with
temporary leadership of the Wizengamot - a role that both honored and intimidated him.
Anything was better than allowing the haughty Malfoy to preside over such an important trial
in any format.

The members of the Wizengamot, usually a lively and bustling group, sat with grave
expressions on their faces - a stark contrast to their usual jovial demeanor. Ogden, who had
been in attendance for numerous trials and hearings, had never felt such a somber atmosphere
before. Even during the trials of the notorious Death Eaters from the previous war, there
hadn't been such a heavy sense of morbidity that seemed to hang over everyone in the
courtroom.

Last week's session, where they had reviewed the facts of the case at hand, had to be
interrupted multiple times due to its gruesome and depressing nature. It was a case unlike any
other they had seen in 200 years, and it weighed heavily on their hearts. Magical children
were supposed to be cherished and protected above all else, yet here was a trial that would go
down in history not only for its rarity but also for its heartrending nature.

The Aurors, adorned in their deep blue formal court robes had their wands at the ready, faces
set in grim determination as they yanked open the side door to the courtroom. Vernon
Dursley was dragged in, his feet scraping against the floor as he struggled against their hold.
Once they had him in the chair at the center of the room, thick chains quickly wrapped tightly
around the struggling man’s wrists and ankles, making it impossible for him to escape. The
courtroom fell into a deathly silence, all eyes fixed on the twitching man in the chair. His face
contorted with rage and fear, veins bulging in his neck as he seemed to shout furiously...but
no sound escaped his lips. It was clear that a powerful silencing charm had been placed on
him, rendering his screams unheard by anyone but himself. His face grew increasingly red
with each passing moment, sweat beading on his forehead as he struggled against the magical
restraints holding him in place.

“The Murder trial is now commencing on this the 2nd of May 1988, here within the British
Ministry of Magic. Offenses committed by Vernon Dursley resident of number 4 Privet Drive
in Little Whinging, Surrey, England. Interrogators are Millicent Margaret Bagnold, Minister
of Magic, Lord Gaius Ogden, temporary Chief Warlock, and Lady Amelia Susanna Bones,
Head of the Department for Law Enforcement. Charges are as follows; neglect of a magical
child, abusing a magical child, endangerment of a magical child, and most heinous of all, the
murder of one Harry James Potter, as well as tampering with evidence in a murder
investigation and assaulting the Aurors during your arrest.” A hush fell over the room as
Minister Bagnold posed the question that hung in the air like a dark cloud - "How do you
plead, Mr. Dursley?" Her voice echoed through the chamber as she gestured to a nearby
Auror to lift the silencing spell from Vernon's mouth, ready to hear his response.

Vernon's voice echoed through the courtroom, filled with anger and hatred. His face was
contorted into a cruel sneer as he yelled at the officials in front of him.

"The little freak deserved everything he got!" he spat out. "I will not put up with your lot
holding me captive! This is kidnapping! Assault! Harassment! Let Me GO!" His voice
cracking and straining with anger. The veins in his neck bulged and his face turned an
alarming shade of red. The callous way he spoke about young Mr. Potter shocked the court,
sending a wave of murmurs and gasps through the room.

Minister Bagnold, however, looked unfazed by Vernon's outburst, having met with the
unpleasant man several times over the previous weeks. "The proper channels have been
adhered to Mr. Dursley," she stated calmly. "The muggle authorities know that you are here
and are currently being tried for crimes against your magical nephew. Now, if we could
proceed, I need you to state for the record: guilty or not guilty. Keep in mind we have
memory testimony where you already admitted to killing your nephew."

But Vernon was seething with rage and showed no signs of backing down. "So what if I
killed the little shit?!" he roared. "The world is better off having one less freak infecting it!"
Vernon shouted, his voice laced with venom and no trace of remorse. His hatred towards
magic and those who possessed it was palpable, filling the room with a thick tension,
especially on the traditionalist side of the Wizengamot.

Bagnold's voice was harsh and laced with disbelief as she barked out the command, "Aurors,
silence him once more." She struggled to comprehend the callousness of this man, no, this
whale, as he showed no remorse for ending the life of a young child.

Ogden's voice resonated through the courtroom as he addressed the Wizengamot, "Honored
Lords and Ladies, you have all seen the evidence against this man and heard his own
admission of guilt in taking the life of Harry Potter. Please step into the adjacent room to
discuss the punishment this court will bring down upon Mr. Dursley's head." There was no
need to prove Vernon's guilt; it was already clear and everyone in the room already knew it.
The only question remaining was how severe his punishment would be.
Bagnold's voice was quiet but sharp as she reminded the Wizengamot of the consequences of
Mr. Dursley's actions, "May I also remind you that Harry Potter now resides at Hogwarts as a
ghost, unable to move on to be with his beloved parents due to his body being destroyed. No
rites can be performed for him, thanks to the Dursleys' actions. Not only did they take his life,
but they condemned a little boy to an eternity trapped in a half-life until the end of magic."
As she spoke, her anger and disgust towards these people grew even stronger. In her opinion,
there could never be enough punishment for what they had done to an innocent child under
their care.

Severus sat with a smoldering rage in the gallery, his dark eyes fixed on the scene unfolding
before him, his body tense and coiled like a snake ready to strike. On one hand, he was
grateful that he didn't have to provide testimony, but on the other hand, frustrated at being
pulled away from his duties at Hogwarts. He would rather be at Hogwarts, tending to an
agitated little boy who couldn't understand why Severus had been called away to London.
But if all the trials were as swift as this one seemed to be, he might actually make it home
earlier than expected.

As Vernon Dursely's voice surely grew shriller and more hysterical with every passing
minute, Severus couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction at watching Harry’s tormentor
finally losing control. The silencing charm placed upon Vernon made his tantrum resemble
that of a toddler's, and very few in the courtroom paid him any mind. Lost in his own
amusement, Severus failed to notice the subtle shift in atmosphere among those still present.

But when the low murmuring suddenly ceased and gave way to an eerie silence, Severus
jolted back to attention. His gaze snapped over to a now-pale and trembling Vernon, who had
stopped shouting and was instead staring wide-eyed at something beyond Severus's vision.

The sudden change in everyone's behavior could be traced back to a pouting ghostly figure of
Harry Potter sitting (floating? hovering?) to Severus' left. The room fell into a hushed silence
as all eyes turned towards the supernatural presence. Severus let out a resigned sigh, realizing
that he should have expected this.

"Harry," he addressed the ghost quietly, his voice barely audible over the gasps and whispers
of others in the room. "Do Helena and the Baron know that you are here?" Instead of a
response, Severus was met with an impressive version of his own sharp glare from the
translucent form before him. "You do understand that I was only trying to protect you," he
continued, his tone softening as he spoke. "I couldn't bear the thought of you facing your
cruel relatives again after everything they've done to you." Severus' worried gaze scanned
over Harry's ghostly features, fearing that this unexpected visit would undo all the progress
he had made in helping Harry heal.

A quick flick of Harry's hand conveyed his frustration and disinterest. Severus couldn't help
but wonder how he had ended up in this situation. Before he could respond to Harry's sassy
gesture, Dumbledore interrupted their conversation with his usual cheery tone.

"Harry my boy! It's good to see you here. Perhaps you can persuade the Wizengamot to
reconsider their decision to prevent them from leaving your cousin without parents." But
there was a hint of manipulative disappointment in his voice that didn't go unnoticed by
Severus. He knew this was going to backfire on Dumbledore, and he would inevitably get
caught in the crossfire due to their close proximity.

Harry's ghostly form tensed at the mention of his cousin and Dumbledore calling him ‘boy’.
His expression clearly showed his readiness to tear off Dumbledore's beard for even
suggesting that the Dursleys should be let off the hook for the sake of his cousin.

The courtroom was alive with tension as Harry steadied himself, preparing to unleash another
magical attack. Before he could, however, Minister Bagnold's voice cut through the air like a
knife. Her tone was filled with both disbelief and anger. "How dare you suggest such a thing,
Dumbledore! Especially to Mr. Potter's face. If you do not remove yourself from his presence
immediately, I will have the Aurors take you into custody. Do you understand?"

Dumbledore attempted to speak, but the minister shut him down with a sharp glare.

"Did I stutter, Dumbledore? Give me any excuse and I'll have you locked in a cell until your
trial for your part in this mess." The entire courtroom held its breath as Milicent Bagnold and
Albus Dumbledore engaged in a battle of wills.

Severus couldn't help but catch a glimpse of a sly smirk on Harry's face in the midst of all the
chaos. At least someone was finding some enjoyment in this tense situation. As for Severus,
he was certain he could feel heartburn creeping up from just today's events alone.

The air in the gallery was thick with tension as Minister Dumbledore clenched his teeth and
tried to keep up a mask of forced politeness as he reluctantly made his way to the other side
of the room under the Minister's intense gaze.

"I apologize, Mr. Potter, for Dumbledore's behavior," Bagnold interjected smoothly,
attempting to diffuse the situation. "You are, of course, welcome here. Though I suspect your
visit is more for Master Snape's presence than ours." She gave a small smile that did little to
hide her irritation.

Severus remained silent, his dark eyes fixed on the Minister as she spoke. He could feel the
weight of her gaze, assessing him like a specimen under a microscope.

"Master Snape, I will keep you closely informed, especially if we need your testimony. But I
doubt we will." Bagnold continued, her smile widening as she turned to address both Harry
and Severus. "You are free to return to Hogwarts if you wish." As she spoke,

Severus couldn't help but steal a glance at Harry, noticing the pleading look in Harry's eyes as
he gazed up at him. He had always scoffed at the notion of parents giving in to their child's
so-called ‘puppy dog eyes,’ but now he found himself melting under Harry's intense longing
and hope. It was a look that stirred something deep within him - a protective instinct he didn't
even know he had.

“Yes, I believe Hogwarts is where we will be heading back to. Thank you, Minister, for all
that you have done. I eagerly await your decision on appropriate punishments for these
abhorrent creatures.” Severus spoke in a chilling tone, rising from his seat and giving a curt
nod to Harry before the boy vanished with a wide grin. He was probably already waiting for
him in their quarters at Hogwarts.

“I can assure you, they will not get off lightly,” Bagnold promised with a cruel smile. Her
unspoken words were clear - Dumbledore's influence would not save them from facing
justice. Bagnold's resolve was unwavering; it would be over her dead body before they
walked free.

Severus breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that there was at least one member of the ministry
who could match Dumbledore's expert manipulation. With a swift nod, Severus quickly
exited the courtroom and made his way to Floo Hall in the grand atrium of the ministry.

The polished marble floors gleamed under the enchanting sunlight pouring through the
stained glass windows. A sense of urgency gripped him as he knew returning to Hogwarts
was their best chance for normalcy and peace. The sooner he could return to Hogwarts, the
sooner he could calm Harry and restore their daily routine.

He had hope that this time, the Wizengamot would make an intelligent decision, but the cold
and reassuring words of Minister Bagnold still echoed in his mind. The Dursleys would
finally face consequences for their actions, and even Dumbledore seemed to be held
accountable for once.

All Severus had to focus on now was caring for a 7-year-old poltergeist.

At that moment, taking on Dumbledore himself seemed like a much easier task in
comparison.
 Chapter 7
Chapter Summary

What? Two Chapters in less than a week? Hell has frozen over I promise.
This is painfully short but it is needed for the time skips.
This story was never meant to be a long one, and I may go back once I finish this story
to flesh it out some more. But this story was always supposed to be more focused on
Harry and Severus' father and son relationship that they are building.
So I really hope you all enjoy this chapter.

*EDITED 6/2024*

In a shocking turn of events, Vernon and Petunia Dursley etched their names into wizarding
history, leaving a stain that would never be forgotten. For the first time in the history of the
Wizengamot, there was a unanimous decision on both of the Dursleys' trials. They were
swiftly sentenced to 7 years, 8 months, and 16 days in high security at Azkaban - the
infamous wizarding prison known for its soul-sucking dementors. Never before had muggles
been held captive within its walls. And as if that wasn't enough, upon their release, they
would become the first non-magical individuals to receive the Dementor's kiss - a fate worse
than death.

The date was etched into everyone's minds: May 2nd, 1988. A day that would go down in
infamy for all the wrong reasons. The entire nation mourned the loss of an innocent child,
and bitter anti-muggle sentiments reached new heights - surpassing even those at the peak of
the witch burnings. It left Severus Snape with a heavy heart and deep worry for what this
could mean when Voldemort inevitably returned...because he would return, and with him,
even more devastation and destruction.

The summer sun beat down on the Hogwarts grounds, casting long shadows across the castle
as Albus Dumbledore trudged towards his fate. It was July 30th, the day before what should
have been Harry Potter's 8th birthday, but instead, it marked the beginning of Albus'
downfall. Stripped of all his titles and expelled from Hogwarts, he stood in front of the
Wizengamot sentenced to eight years of magical probation, only barely escaping a prison
sentence himself, with a heavy heart and shattered reputation.

His once beloved name was now tainted with disgrace. And to make matters worse, Rita
Skeeter had just published a scathing book exposing all of Albus' hidden misdeeds. Rumor
had it that she received some help from a certain potion master, but that was a secret known
only to him and Harry, who couldn't help but smirk at the chaos their actions had caused.

In a surprising and controversial decision, the board of governors and the Wizengamot select
Filius Flitwick as the new headmaster of Hogwarts, bypassing Minerva McGonagall for the
position. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout Hogwarts, as it meant a significant
overhaul of the school's administration for the upcoming year. During the summer of 1988,
the school itself also underwent a major overhaul with numerous changes implemented.
Among them, Minerva was given an ultimatum: choose between remaining as the head of
Gryffindor House or the Deputy Headmistress. In a fit of frustration akin to that of his
godson, Severus Snape would later relate, she chose neither and decided to retire early
instead.

Thankfully, the board did not leave Filius to struggle alone in filling not only the newly
vacated roles but also creating new positions for classes that had been unjustly removed. This
new school year would see the re-introduction of courses in wizarding culture, politics,
alchemy, magical theory, and warding. And with future plans to add even more classes in the
years to come, Hogwarts was on its way to becoming a well-rounded and comprehensive
learning institution for young witches and wizards.

Filius, with his uncanny ability to persuade and negotiate, had managed to secure the
cooperation of the goblins in lifting the curse on the defense against the dark arts position at
Hogwarts. In a tense and unexpected meeting with Severus, Filius revealed that the binding
contract Albus had used to trap him at the school was now null and void. The news left
Severus reeling, but after much contemplation, he made the difficult decision to remain at
Hogwarts - not for any love of the school or its headmaster, but for a 7-year-old ghost who
had grown to depend on him.

Amendments were made to his contract as well - he would receive a substantial pay increase
while retaining his title as Head of Slytherin House, but he would now instead take on the
role of Defence Against the Dark Arts professor. A new potions professor would be hired in
his place, but Severus had agreed to continue aiding Poppy in brewing the more complex
medical potions she required. This shift in responsibilities brought both relief and added
pressure to Severus, but he knew he had made the right decision for himself and those who
depended on him, especially Harry.

As the start of the new school year approached, Hogwarts was buzzing with changes.
Pomona Sprout, a seasoned professor with years of experience, would be taking over as
deputy headmistress and part-time head of Hufflepuff. She would also be tasked with training
a new head of house for the loyal badgers, similar to what Filius would be doing for the new
head of Ravenclaw.

With the departure of Minerva McGonagall, Filius had asked Severus to assist in training a
new head for Gryffindor. Despite feeling hesitant about the extra responsibilities, Severus
couldn't find a proper argument against it. In fact, he often felt that Minerva was too hands-
off with her beloved lions.

The coming school year promised to be a tumultuous one with so much change and so many
unfamiliar faces, but Severus held onto a glimmer of hope that it would ultimately benefit the
students in the long run.

To prepare for any potential threats, wards were strengthened and updated throughout the
castle. And thanks to diligent efforts from the Hogwarts Board working with Filius,
competent professors had been hired - including one to teach History of Magic and replace
the old Professor Binns. The latter had finally agreed to lend his expertise to help Madam
Pince manage and organize the vast library archives.

But despite all these changes, Severus's main focus remained on spending every moment
possible with Harry Potter - his unexpected but cherished source of joy and comfort amidst
all the chaos and uncertainty at Hogwarts. After all, they had been through together, this was
one constant that Severus refused to compromise on.

Harry's once timid and uncertain demeanor had transformed into one of confidence and
power. It was as if a spark had been ignited within him, guiding him towards his true
potential. By sheer luck, Harry had encountered one of the goblin ward masters within the
castle who had recognized what Harry was, providing Severus with the key to unlocking the
knowledge he desperately sought. It wasn't the knowledge of how to help the boy move on to
the afterlife, but rather, it was knowledge of what Harry truly was and how he could control
his immense powers.

Ward Master Dirn became like a soothing balm to Severus' troubled soul and restless nights.
He had spent countless hours searching for a way to help Harry, to no avail. But now, with
Dirn's guidance and expertise, there was hope. Dirn sat down with Severus and explained that
most ghosts were mere shadows and echoes of their former selves. They had the option to
pass on and reunite with their complete soul in the afterlife. These ghosts were often bound to
this plane by strong emotions or regrets until they were ready to move on. However, Harry
was different. His entire being, both soul and magic, was trapped here in this world.

In ancient times, Harry would have been revered as a Spirit Guide. The old tales spoke of
certain individuals who were bound to the earthly realm by fate itself, chosen for a specific
purpose. These guides were known for aiding in times of great need and providing refuge for
lost souls seeking passage to the afterlife.

Severus immediately protested when the burden of such a role was mentioned, insisting that
it was far too much responsibility for a mere 7-year-old. He declared that fate could fight him
itself if it thought he would allow such a daunting responsibility to fall upon the boy's small
shoulders. Dirn's response had been a terrifying smile, revealing only slightly pointed teeth,
before assuring Severus that the boy was indeed up to the task. But he never elaborated on
what exactly that task entailed.

From then on, every Thursday, Dirn would appear at Hogwarts and take Harry under his
wing, teaching him how to control and harness his unique powers passing down centuries-old
knowledge and techniques with unending patience.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Severus allowed himself to hold onto hope. It
was a rare and precious feeling, one that he had long given up on. But watching Harry after
his lessons, he could see the change in him. The young ghost seemed to almost visibly glow
with newfound confidence, his powers becoming stronger each day. And even though he still
didn't speak often, he had picked up sign language with astounding ease.

As they walked through the castle corridors, Severus couldn't help but wonder if it was
possible to hire a mind healer for a ghost.
But for now, things were good. Not perfect, but definitely better than before. As much as he
wanted to believe that this was the new normal, experience had taught him that good things
don't last forever. And unfortunately, their peace was about to be shattered once again.

“Severus? Are you alright?” Filius asked gently, laying a comforting hand on his colleague's
shoulder. The staff meeting had just ended, and the start of a new school year was looming
over them.

Severus let out a heavy sigh, his eyes betraying the turmoil he felt inside. "He should have
been getting sorted tomorrow," he said with regret, his voice barely above a whisper. This day
was going to hit him hard; he had been dreading it for months, but no amount of preparation
could ease the gut-wrenching feeling that made it hard to breathe.

Filius nodded in understanding, knowing that many of their colleagues were also feeling
somber today. "The sorting hat and I have been discussing possible solutions," he began
carefully. "With Harry's help, we believe that we can still include him in the sorting ceremony
tomorrow evening." He paused, studying Severus' face for a reaction. "It won't be the full
Hogwarts experience, but Master Dirn has been tutoring him for years now. We think Harry
should be able to participate in as many classes as possible."

A fragile spark of hope flickered in Severus' eyes at Filius' words. The usually stoic and
closed-off man had found a soft spot for Harry and seeing this glimmer of emotion in him
made Filius want to cry. "You've done so much for him," he added sincerely.

Severus hesitated to hope, unsure if his dream could truly become a reality. "Are you sure?"
he asked Filius, his voice tinged with cautious optimism. "What about the governors?"

Filius' smile was bright and reassuring. "As if they would dare to deny such a proposal," he
replied confidently. "I've already obtained their signatures of approval, all that's left is for you
to speak with Harry." Filius said with a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he
continued, "And, if we can make it work, I was thinking we could even start a club on the
weekends for his classmates to learn sign language. I know you have been unofficially
helping students learn in your free time but we can make it official to better integrate Harry in
with his peers."

"You are a good man, Filius," Severus said sincerely, a rare display of warmth from the stoic
professor. With a nod and a smile, Filius released Severus to go share the good news with
Harry. The last couple of years had been difficult for both of them, but the changes at
Hogwarts had brought some positive changes as well. Everyone considered Harry to be
unofficially Severus' son, and this new opportunity for them both was something to be
cherished.
The moment had arrived. All eyes were on Harry as he nervously made his way to the sorting
hat. The students whispered and pointed, some with surprise at seeing a ghost amongst their
ranks.

Severus felt a protective urge towards the small seven-year-old among the bigger eleven-
year-olds, wishing he could shield him from any harm and bundle him up for cuddles. But the
boy had to grow up eventually, even if he couldn’t do it physically.

The first happy surprise to occur was that Harry was able to be sorted despite being a ghost.
He bravely placed the hat on his translucent head and waited patiently for its decision.

Then came the second surprise: Harry was sorted into Hufflepuff, much to everyone's shock.
No one had expected him to be placed in that house over Gryffindor or Slytherin. But as they
all watched with wide eyes, Severus included, Harry Potter became a new member of the
badger house.

There was a moment of silence before Severus started the clapping, soon joined by everyone
else in the Great Hall. It didn't matter which house Harry belonged to, what mattered was that
he was here at Hogwarts, finally getting to experience all it had to offer. A sense of warmth
and pride filled Severus as he looked at Harry's happy expression; he deserved every ounce
of happiness and belonging that this school could provide him with. Despite his difficult past,
Harry deserved to have a chance at a normal life within these walls. And with that, Severus
couldn't help but smile as he watched Harry take his place amongst his new housemates.

The intelligence of young Harry never ceased to amaze Severus, filling him with a sense of
smug satisfaction. Even Pomona and Poppy had placed bets on how long it would take for
someone to burst the bubble of pride surrounding Severus as a father figure.

Master Dirn had warned them that since Harry was a Spirit Guide, his abilities to adapt,
mature, and learn surpassed those of a normal ghost. However, he remained forever seven
years old, and there would come a point where his mind would no longer be able to absorb
new information.

The uncertainty of when this point would arrive caused Filius great worry, as it would
undoubtedly have a devastating effect on both Harry and Severus. But for now, they were
content to bask in their small slice of happiness.

The sun shone brightly through the windows, casting beams of light onto the cozy room
where Severus and Harry sat discussing spells and potions, their bond as Father and Son
growing stronger by the day. Each moment and day was cherished despite the looming
uncertainty of Harry’s future.
 Chapter 8
Chapter Summary

Don't kill me over the cliffhanger?

Hope you all enjoy it.

*EDITED 6/2024*

In Harry's ‘second year’ at Hogwarts, the unthinkable happened. The Dark Lord had
somehow managed to resurrect himself and return in a corporeal form.

It was a shock to everyone when Ginny Weasley went missing, but it wasn't until Harry
discovered her lifeless body beneath the school that the true horror became apparent. How
had the Dark Lord returned? Some whispered it was through a twisted ritual involving
Ginerva Weasley's death, but no one truly knew for sure. Panic and chaos ensued as the
newly resurrected Dark Lord cut a bloody swath through Hogwarts, leaving behind a trail of
death and destruction. By the time he escaped from the school, six students lay dead and
countless others were gravely injured, left maimed and traumatized by the events that
unfolded within the castle walls.

The once-bustling halls of the school were now eerily quiet as it lay empty and abandoned.
The tragedy that had occurred there still hung heavy in the air, like a thick fog that refused to
dissipate. Funerals for the fallen students were put on hold until a team of brave curse
breakers could successfully enter the dreaded Chamber of Secrets, slay the monstrous
Basilisk that resided within, and retrieve the lifeless body of Ginerva Weasley.

Amongst the emptiness, Severus remained, his only companions being the ghosts, portraits,
and the ever-diligent house elves. But most importantly, he stayed for Harry. As he wandered
through the empty classrooms and corridors, Severus couldn't help but mourn the fact that
Harry had only experienced a mere two years of traditional schooling at Hogwarts.

Despite this, Severus couldn't help but feel immense pride in Harry's academic achievements.
He excelled in every class he was able to take, despite facing countless challenges and
obstacles along the way. There were moments of struggle, like when Harry destroyed
Severus' dining room table in fear of disappointing him with his sorting into Hufflepuff and
not Slytherin. But overall, Harry adapted well to the magical world and made many friends
throughout his short time there - even in death, his impact was immeasurable.

As the Spring of 1993 dawned, the war was once again rearing its ugly head. There was no
Dumbledore to lead them, as he had been stripped of his titles and left a social outcast. The
Order of Phoenix, what remained of it, was scattered to the winds with no clear leader to
bring them together. Severus, unable to continue his role as a double agent after recent
events, still held some sway with the Board of Governors and Ministry of Magic.

It took months of tense meetings and two devastating raids from the Death Eaters, resulting
in numerous casualties, before both the Wizengamot and the Board finally agreed to Severus'
desperate proposal: to open Hogwarts not as a school, but as a refuge for those fleeing the
horrors of war. The sprawling castle had more than enough room to house all who sought
safety within its walls, and the house elves were glad for meaningful work once again. As the
refugees poured in, the air was heavy with fear and uncertainty, it also felt like a small beacon
of hope amidst the chaos and darkness that surrounded them.

As the sun rose on August 18th, 1993, Hogwarts Castle stood tall and proud, its doors flung
open wide to welcome all who sought refuge within its walls. Tight security measures were
put in place, ensuring that no Death Eaters could slip through the cracks and enter the safe
haven.

Despite the gravity of the situation, there was a touch of humor in the air as one particular
seven-year-old boy stood guard at the main checkpoint. Harry Potter, with his bright green
eyes and unruly black hair, stood at the forefront of these precautions as only a sprightly
Spirit Guide could do, proving time and again his uncanny knack for detecting even the most
cunning of Voldemort's followers attempting to breach Hogwarts' defenses. Master Dirn had
only smirked ominously when Severus mentioned Harry's talent for weeding out infiltrators
with ill intentions - a skill that had undoubtedly saved countless lives during this tumultuous
time.

As chaos reigned outside the castle walls, a small group of dedicated staff members remained
inside to keep order. Filius, Poppy, Pomona, and Hagrid worked alongside Severus, using all
their magical abilities to keep those entering the castle in check. Severus couldn't take all the
credit for this feat, as Harry's leadership had also played a major role. The ghosts and house
elves, under his guidance, were instrumental in preventing any major incidents from
occurring.

Meanwhile, Severus and Poppy toiled tirelessly to ensure that the infirmary was well-stocked
with potions and supplies, bracing themselves for the influx of injured witches and wizards
arriving at the school each day. Each day brought new challenges and obstacles, but they
were determined to persevere for the sake of their fellow witches and wizards seeking refuge
within Hogwarts' walls.

The future ahead, however, was looking quite grim, a looming threat that they couldn't hide
from forever. It was December of 1993, less than 10 months since the Dark Lord had risen
again and taken control. And now, the Ministry had fallen to his forces, leaving Hogwarts as
one of the few remaining safe havens. But even that protection seemed tenuous at best.

Dumbledore, ever the cunning strategist, had tried to sneak back into Hogwarts after the
Ministry had fallen to Voldemort’s forces, but he was swiftly rejected by the ever-watchful
Harry Potter and his security measures. The once-powerful wizard was thrown out on his face
before he could even say ‘lemon drop’.
But even though Dumbledore may have been ousted from Hogwarts, his powerful charisma
still managed to gather a small group of witches and wizards from the Order of Phoenix to
act in his name. However, their organization and effectiveness were lacking. In just a matter
of days, Lord Voldemort himself, looking younger and more powerful than ever before, and
his loyal Death Eaters mercilessly killed off, tortured, or captured the few witches and
wizards who had naively joined forces with Dumbledore.

On March 5th of 1994, the wizarding world was shaken to its core as news spread that Albus
Dumbledore, once one of the greatest wizards of all time and now social pariah, had been
personally killed by the Dark Lord Voldemort. The budding rebellions against his tyrannical
rule seemed to come to a sudden and crushing halt. Severus knew with certainty that
Hogwarts would be the next target for Voldemort's wrath.

Using his connections and influence within the Wizengamot, many of whom had taken refuge
at Hogwarts along with other members of the resistance, Severus quickly reached out to the
International Confederation of Wizards (ICW) for assistance. They began coordinating efforts
to evacuate as many refugees as possible from Hogwarts and move them to safety in other
countries as far from the U.K. as they could manage.

They needed to move quickly if they wanted to save as many lives as possible. Women and
children were given priority and sent away on portkeys first. It was a race against time. As
they successfully evacuated all of the vulnerable inhabitants in less than a week since
Dumbledore's death, Severus couldn't shake off the feeling of impending doom. They were in
the midst of coordinating more portkeys for the remaining wizards when Voldemort launched
his attack on Hogwarts. The race against time had been lost and now it was up to those left
behind to fight for their lives.

As the last week of March 1994 crept by, a sense of impending doom hung heavy in the air of
Hogwarts. Voldemort and his horde of Death Eaters and allies lay just beyond the formidable
wards surrounding the castle. Severus felt a leaden weight in his stomach, fear coursing
through his veins like a deadly poison. He had sent out the alarm to the International
Confederation of Wizards, desperately hoping for their aid before it was too late.

The waiting was excruciating as they prayed for the War Crimes brigade of Aurors to arrive
in time to save them from the dark forces looming outside. Even the usually fearless ghosts
seemed to tremble with trepidation, huddling together in small groups for comfort. All except
for one, that is - Harry Potter. Despite being a mere ghost, he exuded an unwavering sense of
confidence and trust that everything would be alright.

Severus couldn't help but marvel at the young boy's resilience and bravery. It was as if he had
no concept of fear after everything he had been through. He couldn't help but wonder if this
was all part of Fate's plan - for Harry to serve as the last line of defense against Tom Marvolo
Riddle and his tyranny. After all, this seven-year-old Spirit Guide was once destined to defeat
Voldemort as the chosen one of the prophecy. But perhaps that was all they needed - someone
who could face Voldemort without hesitating, someone who refused to give in to fear and
despair even in the face of such darkness.

From the vantage point of the astronomy tower, Severus gazed down at the formidable army
gathered below. The sight of Voldemort's followers, including Death Eaters, Giants, and
Trolls, sent a chill through his body. Despite Harry's unwavering optimism, Severus could not
see any glimmer of hope in the dark, looming figures before him. Instead, all he could
envision was their inevitable and brutal demise.

The urgent voice of Filius broke through the tense atmosphere, startling Severus from his
thoughts. The International Confederation of Wizards had finally responded to their plea for
reinforcements, but with the wards on the brink of falling, it seemed they would arrive too
late.

"A battalion is on its way," Filius announced "But we must prepare ourselves. Harry is
already activating castle defenses that I didn't know existed." Filius, usually so cheerful and
full of life, spoke in a somber tone that sent shivers down Severus's spine. "We must gather
all those who are able and willing to fight and prepare for battle," he said with a sense of
urgency.

Severus couldn't help but feel a sense of dread at the thought of facing their enemies head-on.
"But we have civilians downstairs, not warriors," he pointed out with a hint of regret in his
voice.

"We must work with what we have," Filius replied firmly. “We cannot just roll over and play
dead. The Death Eaters enjoy playing with their food and will not allow us a quiet death or
surrender.”

"I am well aware of that," Severus said wearily, his body sagging against the cold stone wall
of the tower for support. He knew better than anyone the brutality of their enemies and the
reality of their situation.

"I will need your help, Severus," Filius said, his voice laced with urgency. "To rally who we
can to defend the castle. Just long enough for the battalion from the ICW to arrive."

“Yes. I guess now is not the time to stand idly while war is breathing on our front door.”
Severus nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He mourned for the peace and
beauty of the castle, knowing that it was about to become a bloody battlefield. Despite his
reluctance, he stood up and followed Filius back downstairs into the fray.

"You are becoming poetic in your old age, Severus," Filius remarked, trying to diffuse the
rising tensions between them.

"I blame Harry," Severus retorted with a hint of sarcasm. Filius couldn't help but smirk at this
response.

"Has he been making you read poetry again?"

"Yes," Severus admitted with a sigh. "It is his favorite pastime, to have me read poems to him
after I have finished with the day. My brain swims in metaphors and overused adjectives." He
complained half-heartedly, unable to deny the enjoyment he found in reading poetry to Harry.

Filius chuckled at this complaint, not believing it for a moment.

"Well, maybe you can distract the Death Eaters with your prose and that sharp tongue of
yours," he suggested.

“You aren’t as funny as you’d like to think Filius.” Severus drawled as they reached the great
hall, where most everyone left in the castle spent most of their day.

“We are on the brink of war and death watches us closely. I am hilarious.” Filius said smugly,
causing Severus to roll his eyes.

Filius was right about one thing. Death loomed over them, a palpable presence as the wards
began to slowly crack under the relentless assault of Voldemort and his minions. One moment
everything was in motion, they were strategizing and preparing for the future, their minds
racing with plans and possibilities. But between one breath and the next, it was like the world
both froze and moved in fast motion.

The bursting of wards was blinding, the air filled with debris and the scent of magic gone
awry. Severus couldn't tell if the sound was so loud it rendered everyone deaf or if it was
eerily silent because any noise would bring their deaths. The weight of the full-scale war
crashing down upon them was suffocating. Voldemort had finally come for Hogwarts, for
them. And death, a cold and unforgiving force, was here watching with hungry eyes. For
years to come, the aftermath of this battle would haunt the wizarding world.

It all happened so quickly - on March 21st, 1994 - in the blink of an eye, and yet its impact
would be felt for generations to come.

The Battle of Hogwarts had begun, and just as swiftly, it ended.

 Chapter 9
Chapter Summary

This is the end!

Thank you so much to everyone for commenting and supporting me through this story.
This is the first multi-chaptered fanfic I have finished! Even if it is a pretty short story it
has everything I wanted it to. I hope you all enjoyed it.

I appreciate all of you so much and I swear I read all of your comments!
If you want to talk to me check out my discord : (MusicalSurge's Server):
https://discord.gg/xJvRcwYq

*EDITED 6/2024*

UPDATE: A FB Group has now been created as well for those who prefer it over the
Discord Server
The FB Group (MusicalSurge FanFic Stories):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3011764922457929/

The Battle of Hogwarts would be forever etched in the pages of wizarding history, a tragic
and violent event that would haunt the memories of all who witnessed it. As the protective
wards around the castle crumbled, chaos erupted in a matter of seconds. The once peaceful
grounds were now a battleground, stained with blood and littered with lifeless bodies.

In those agonizing seventeen minutes, before reinforcements arrived from the War Crime
Division of Aurors and the ICW, an unimaginable amount of death and destruction had
already taken place, leaving behind a trail of broken and mutilated wizards and witches from
both sides. The smell of burning magic and flesh hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the
sweet scent of honeysuckle that usually graced the castle walls.

In the span of 60 seconds, the newest arrivals took in the chaotic scene before them and
readied themselves for battle. As spells flew and swords clashed all around, a sudden shift in
energy on the school grounds drew everyone's attention to Severus Snape: Spy, Professor,
and Unofficial Adopted Father of young Harry Potter. He stood alone, facing off against the
Dark Lord himself. They had been locked in a fierce duel since the wards had first broken.
But now, as their spells clashed and their movements blurred, something unexpected caught
everyone's eye--Severus Snape being struck by an Avada Kedavra curse that he could not
dodge.
For a moment, everything seemed to stand still. The world held its breath as Severus fell to
the ground, his wand slipping from his grasp. A triumphant sneer began to spread across
Voldemort's face at finally defeating the traitor. But before anyone could react or return to
their own bloody battles, a powerful shockwave rippled through the air. It was as if the very
earth itself was shaking beneath them.

With a fierce explosion of energy and rage, Harry Potter - Spirit Guide, Poltergeist, Forever
Age Seven, Ex-Boy-Who-Lived, and adopted son of Severus Snape - witnessed the horrific
sight of Severus, HIS beloved Severus, being struck down by Voldemort. The sheer force of
Harry's emotions created a shockwave that rippled through the air, knocking anyone within a
kilometer of the school off their feet. Weaker individuals were even rendered unconscious by
the intense power radiating from Harry, as he transformed into a crackling ball of furious
energy and magic. Even the all-powerful Dark Lord stumbled and nearly fell under the force
of Harry's wrath before turning his attention to the formidable young ghost standing before
him.

There were no grand speeches, no gloating, no snide comments. There was only a deadly
silence before the force of energy known as Harry Potter slammed itself into the Dark Lord's
chest with a deafening impact. The air crackled and sizzled as the power surged through
Voldemort's body, causing his eyes to widen in shock and agony before he was thrown to the
ground. His screams echoed through the air as he writhed in pain, his fingers clawing
desperately at his now pale skin. It was a horrifying sight - the once-proud Dark Lord
reduced to a quivering, broken mess before everyone's eyes.

But the worst was yet to come. As quickly as it had started, Voldemort's screams abruptly fell
silent. In their place was a blinding white light that engulfed his body, burning and scorching
him until he was unrecognizable. When the light finally faded, leaving spots dancing in
everyone's vision, all that remained of the once-mighty wizard was a charred corpse.

The powerful wizard had been reduced to nothing more than a pile of ash and memories,
leaving behind a scene that would forever haunt those who witnessed it and would
undoubtedly go down in history textbooks as one of the most gruesome displays of defeat.

The chaos of the battle had settled, and the Death Eaters and their allies were easily subdued.
The casualties were gathered and tended to with urgency, but amidst the loud celebrations,
one person was noticeably absent – Harry Potter.

Filius Flitwick, with his sharp eyes and perceptive mind, took notice of this absence,
wondering if perhaps killing Voldemort had drained all energy from Harry's being. But then
he remembered that Harry had just lost Severus Snape. Filius knew that for Harry, losing
Severus meant losing yet another parental figure, his only source of love and family that he
could fully remember. At that moment, he quietly mourned for both of them - lives cut too
short and destroyed by a war that could have been prevented.

In that moment and with a heavy heart, Filius made a promise to himself and to Hogwarts.
Despite what may be written in history books or said by the Ministry or reporters, he would
ensure that the true stories of Severus Snape and Harry Potter were told to every new
generation of students at Hogwarts. The school would become a memorial for them, honoring
their bravery and sacrifice even when the rest of the world forgot. For they deserved to be
remembered for who they truly were, not just as casualties of a great battle. Hogwarts would
keep their memory alive, even when the rest of the world forgot. It was the least they could
do to honor their fallen heroes.

On a somber Friday, April 1st in the year 1994, eleven days after the devastating Bloody
Battle of Hogwarts, a memorial was erected on the grounds of the esteemed school. The sun
shone down on the Hogwarts grounds, casting a golden glow over the iron gates that now led
to a place of remembrance.

The new memorial now stood where Severus Snape had bravely given his life and Harry
Potter had finally vanquished the Dark Lord for good. The structure was made of stark white
marble pillars, each one bearing the names of over two thousand fallen individuals who had
lost their lives during Voldemort's tyrannical reign. Wizards, witches, house elves, giants,
goblins, centaurs - all were represented among the rows of names etched into the pristine
stone. Even one ghost, who had fought valiantly alongside their living comrades, was given a
place of honor on the memorial. It was a haunting reminder of the price paid for freedom and
justice.

After the somber memorial service had concluded, the remaining staff of Hogwarts gathered
in a mostly intact staff room to mourn, finding solace in each other's company and shared
grief. Bottles of firewhiskey were passed around, their contents serving as a temporary
numbing agent for the pain and loss they all felt. As they discussed plans for repairing and
restarting the beloved school, their voices were hushed and filled with determination.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the corridors outside. Most of the refugees had already left
Hogwarts, but there were still some who had nowhere else to go and remained within its
walls, helping with reconstruction efforts and seeking shelter within its walls, protected by
hastily reconstructed wards.

"A teacher's duty is never truly done," Filius lamented with a heavy sigh, before rising from
his seat to investigate the source of the disturbance. Despite the weight of their sorrow, they
all knew that their duty to protect and guide their students would never end, even in times of
tragedy. With heavy footsteps, he made his way toward the source of the disturbance,
wondering what trouble could be brewing on such a solemn day.

Pomona and Poppy, their feet shuffling against the cold stones of the castle hallway, followed
Filius with a mix of curiosity and concern. But once they turned the corner and entered the
long corridor, Filius seemed to have frozen in place. His gaze was fixed down the hall, his
eyes wide with shock.

Poppy's first thought was that someone had hexed Filius, her wand already in hand as she
rushed forward to check on him. But then Pomona let out a gasp from behind her, and Poppy
looked up to see what had caught her attention.
In the middle of the corridor hovered two translucent figures, one larger than the other. The
sound of scolding filled the air, spoken in achingly familiar dulcet tones. Both apparitions
floated a few centimeters above the floor, their hazy forms flickering with each word spoken.

“What were you thinking?! You know the immense danger of completely burning out what
little magic you have,” Ghostly Severus Snape lectured a guilty-looking 7-year-old Harry
Potter. His voice was laced with concern and fear, for he knew the consequences of such
reckless actions. But as Harry stared up at him with his big, innocent puppy dog eyes and
trembling lip, Severus seemed to visibly soften, his resolve crumbling to dust. Severus pulled
Harry into a firm hug, filled with worry and love.

Filius, who had been watching the exchange with a mixture of sadness and admiration,
regained his composure and cleared his throat, drawing the attention of Severus and Harry.
“It is so wonderful to see you both,” he said quietly, though there was a hint of sadness in his
tone.

Unexpectedly, Severus smiled - a genuine smile that Filius couldn't remember ever seeing on
his face before. It was a smile free of burden and duty, open and unreserved. It lit up his
features and softened the lines of worry that usually etched themselves onto his face. For a
moment, Filius saw the carefree boy that Severus once was, before the weight of the
wizarding world came crashing down on him. It was a smile that brought warmth to Filius'
heart.

“Do not mourn me, my dear friends. I am exactly where I am meant to be,” Severus said with
a gentle smile, his eyes glinting with mischief as he ruffled Harry's hair. The little boy
beamed up at him, filled with joy and warmth in the presence of his father figure.

Pomona nodded sagely, her wise gaze taking in the scene before her. "I expect this is how it
was always meant to be," she said softly.

A happy sigh escaped Poppy's lips as she watched the tender interaction between Severus and
Harry. "Even ghost kids need their parents, I suspect," she observed with a smile.

Severus rolled his eyes playfully at the teasing from his colleagues. "You don't want to know
what Lily threatened to do to me if I didn't return," he joked, making the professors chuckle.

"Welcome home, dear Severus and Harry," Filius greeted them both with a warm nod, his
eyes shining with genuine joy. They were finally home and most importantly, they had each
other.

After a year of repair and rebuilding, Hogwarts finally reopened its doors to students in
September of 1995. The once grand castle now stood tall and proud, ready to welcome back
its eager young learners. However, for many students, it was their first time setting foot inside
the magnificent walls as they had missed almost three years of schooling due to the darkness
that plagued the wizarding world. To make up for lost time, an extravagant opening feast was
held, with sorting delayed until every student could be tested and placed in their appropriate
year.

The Great Hall was buzzing with chatter and excitement, but among the sea of unfamiliar
faces sat one well-known figure - Harry Potter, smiling and chatting with his friends as if the
war never happened. At the staff table, one ghostly figure could be seen - Severus Snape,
who had adamantly refused to join the ranks of Hogwarts' ghostly professors. Instead, he
remained the steadfast Head of Slytherin House, determined to protect his beloved snakes
from anyone else's misguided influence. As the night wore on and the festivities continued,
the future seemed bright for Hogwarts once again.

It was chaos. It was wonderful.

Severus felt his heart swell with joy and contentment, a feeling he had never experienced
before. And beside him, Harry wore a similar expression - one of pure happiness and peace.
As they gazed at each other, they both knew that this was where they belonged: Hogwarts,
with each other.

Even as the oldest ghosts finally found peace and moved on, Harry and Severus remained at
Hogwarts, basking in the happiness that enveloped them. They had found their purpose in
helping these lost souls find peace and closure.

Filius, true to his word, made sure that their story was told every year on the anniversary of
the Battle of Hogwarts. But for Harry and Severus, it didn't matter much. They were too busy
living in the present, in their eternal bond as father and son.

The halls of Hogwarts became a sanctuary for them - a place filled with love and memories
of their shared journey. The fragrant scent of old books mingled with the comforting aroma
of brewing potions, creating an atmosphere that felt like home. And even as time passed and
new students came and went, Harry and Severus remained constant figures, dedicated to their
duty of guiding lost spirits to their final rest.

For Harry, having Severus by his side meant more than just having an immortal father figure.
It meant having someone who loved him unconditionally and taught him valuable lessons
about life, even beyond death. Together, they found solace in their role as keepers of
Hogwarts' past, present, and future - always grateful for the chaos and heartache that had led
them to this wonderful bond.

It was a beautiful life, full of love and purpose.

Death and Fate weren’t completely cruel.

Most of the time anyway.

The End
 Surprise!
Chapter Summary

Surprise! 3 Years Later~

Hello Everyone!!

So this is not a real chapter but I didn't know how else to alert everyone who had read and
loved this story.

So today, June 13, 2024. I updated all 9 chapters of Mourning Dove.

The story line is the same, there is 6,000 new words, and it is a little less clunky to read. My
writing has changed quite a bit over the last 3 years so I'm editing some of my older stories so
they match the quality of my newer works.

I still adore this short story 3 years later, it was so enjoyable to read through it again. I think
it's my favorite story I have ever written.

I really hope everyone enjoys the updated version. I still read every comment I receive on this
fic and it always makes me smile when someone says I made them cry.

Love you all.

-MusicalSurge

Thoughts? Opinions? Comments? Concerns?

You can reach me at all of these places:

MusicalSurge FanFic Stories on Facebook -

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3011764922457929

My Discord Server - https://discord.com/invite/nV5FrWTrgG

Or I even made an e-mail just for my writing stuff since my PMs don't tend to work on any of
the websites I write on - musicalsurgewrites@gmail.com

I always welcome anyone who wants to chat or connect. I welcome all idea requests and
collab requests, and of course, I would be honored for any artist who wants to create fan art. I
welcome any translations as long as they are properly linked back to the original story.

No beta as usual.

<3
Works inspired by this one

Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!