Harry Potter's Real Dad

"I'm sorry—I can make her something else!" Harry said, climbing off the step stool and running for the fridge, only for Severus to stop him with a gentle arm grab. Severus kneeled next to him.

"Iris will be content with cereal this morning," Severus said. "She likes to pour it herself. Now, did you hear what I said about making breakfast?"

"To ask you first?" Harry said, looking down at his feet.

"Yes. Let me know when you are awake and ask me if you can make breakfast, all right?"

"Okay," Harry said in a miserable tone. "But I always make breakfast. How am I supposed to ask you when I'm at Aunt Petunia's?"

Severus wanted to tell Harry what he had been informed that morning, but he knew now was not the time. They had a long list of things to do that day and he did not want to start his day with a tantrum. He released Harry and said:

"When you are here, ask first."

Harry nodded and went back to the stove to make sure his eggs weren't burning.

Severus watched him for a moment, only looking away when Iris padded into the kitchen, yawning and rubbing her eyes.

"Morning, Daddy," Iris said. In half-awake movements, she opened the pantry and grabbed a box of cereal. Severus set a bowl down for her and she poured the cereal. Severus added the milk and then Iris shuffled over to the dining table and sat down to eat.

Harry had watched the exchange with interest. There was no whining, no yelling, no barking orders, and no complaining. It was strange. He was so focused on watching Severus and Iris he forgot to keep an eye on the eggs. Smoke quickly filled the kitchen. Harry jumped, then turned off the heat. He tried to remove the eggs quickly from the hot pan to a plate, but nearly burned himself in the process, and he dropped the pan with a loud clang to the floor, startling Iris awake.

"I'm sorry," Harry cried as Severus walked over to the mess, "I'm sorry. I'll do them again."

"It's okay," Severus said, swishing his wand to clean the mess. The eggs vanished and the pan flew to the sink and began washing itself. "It was an accident."

"But I ruined your breakfast."

"You didn't ruin anything. I can always make something myself. How about you sit down and have a bowl of cereal?"

"I can't. I have to remake your breakfast first."

Severus thought about his next words carefully. It seemed Harry was used to following orders and always placing himself last. It angered him internally that someone could be so demeaning to a small child, but he swallowed that down and decided on a new tactic.

"I don't want you to," he said, surprising Harry. "I want you to hold this bowl."

Severus handed Harry a bowl, and the child was quick to obey and accept the bowl, waiting expectantly for his next orders.

Severus grabbed the box Iris had pulled out and poured cereal into the bowl before splashing in the milk.

"There. Go sit down and eat."

Harry was frozen to the spot, unsure if he had heard that correctly.

"Go on." Severus motioned to the table.

Harry slowly made his way to the table and sat down next to Iris, who smiled at him. He smiled shyly back before taking a small bite of the food. Severus sighed. At this rate, it was going to be a long day.

After both kids had eaten and were dressed with Harry in some of Iris's more tomboyish clothes, Severus helped the kids into their winter coats (Harry borrowing Iris's blue one while she wore her pink one) before leading them outside of the house.

This was Harry's first look outside the house. The manor was huge, a wide, two-story building with a neat garden in the front and acres of land in the back. Harry could see a few houses scattered around them, but it was clear he was in the countryside now. Iris skipped ahead while Severus locked his door, Harry lingering near him.

"Where are we going?" Harry asked. "Are you taking me home?"

"No," Severus shook his head. When he noticed Harry's face morphing into a pout that threatened to escalate into a tantrum, Severus quickly said, "Not yet. We have a few errands we need to do."

"Like what?" Harry complained, but followed Severus down the steps. "I want to go home."

Severus didn't answer. He led Harry to the Ford Escort in the driveway. Iris was already pulling on the door trying to get in. Severus unlocked the car and Iris climbed into her booster car seat. Severus used his wand to duplicate Iris's car seat and with practiced ease, he strapped it to the seat behind the driver's side. Once he was sure it was secure, he waved Harry over to him.

"I'm not allowed in the car," Harry said.

"You're allowed in this one."

Severus picked Harry up and settled him in the seat. He buckled Harry in before doing the same for Iris.