Epiphany Title: Epiphany Author:lilyseyes Pairing: Severus, Harry, Arabella Figg Rating: PG Word Count: 400 Warnings: Implied child neglect and mistreatment Summary: Severus was sure James Potter's son was being raised as pampered and spoiled as his father. A/N: Beta'd by veridari *smooshes* / Prompt 2) Severus and his lieutenants / All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended. No money is made off this fanfiction.
Severus stood in the shadow of a tree, Disillusionment Charm rendering him invisible to the obese Muggle waddling around the backyard, surveying the landscape. A slight child wearing worn, over-large clothing crawled around the flowerbeds, his tiny fingers expertly plucking weeds from the ground. A myriad of bruises were clearly visible on the exposed forearms and Severus narrowed his eyes as the child flinched each time the man even looked in his direction.
His scowl deepened with each passing moment. He'd thought Arabella was exaggerating when she'd owled him about Lily's son. Severus had actually scoffed at her description of a pale, thin four-year-old who seemed to always be bruised and forced to do chores that no child his age should. It wasn't until Arabella told him that she'd sent Dumbledore several owls expressing her concern, that Severus finally understood why she had appealed to him. Knowing he'd been Lily's friend, Arabella had come to him as a last resort.
A group of little boys came running around the corner, brandishing cricket bats, and headed right for the child. As the fat boy in the front raised his bat and started to swing, his father stood close by urging him on. Realizing Arabella's concerns were justified, Severus' wand was in his hand and he cast a nonverbal spell, suggesting the birthday cake was ready to eat around front.
As the Muggles left the backyard, Harry lifted his head, looking directly at Severus with Lily's eyes. The mop of hair might've screamed James Potter, but the intelligence and gratitude in those eyes was pure Lily. Severus had an epiphany as he looked into those eyes: he knew would protect this child with his very life. Inclining his head, even though the child shouldn't be able to see him, Severus slipped out of the backyard, Apparating to Arabella's house.
"Well?" Arabella handed him a cuppa.
"Your concerns are well founded," Severus said, taking the tea. "I'll take the child under my protection, but I'll need you…"
"And Mr. Tibbles!"
"…and Mr. Tibbles to act as my lieutenants, keeping a close eye on Harry."
Arabella agreed readily and was sworn to secrecy. It wouldn't do for Albus Dumbledore to learn of his activities, but Severus knew that the child needed someone to protect him from his relatives. As he returned to Hogwarts, Severus was already plotting his vengeance on Petunia and Vernon Dursley.