Harry Potter's Real Dad

He sat down at a park bench and watched his kids. His brain struggled with the fact that Harry could not read. He recognized a few words he had most likely seen enough, and he probably learned his name from teachers at school, but that was as far as that went. He would have to get his son's previous school records and grades. It would be a lot of work teaching Harry to read at a level appropriate for his age, and he wondered if a tutor wouldn't be a bad idea. Or if Addie had a few tricks up her sleeve.

Iris and Harry ran over to the swing sets and Severus stood up to go push them both on the swings. He was surprised when Iris sat, and Harry gave her a push on the swing. He smiled as he watched the two for a minute, taking his time to stroll over to his kids.

"Would you like a turn, Harry?" he asked.

"I don't know how to swing," Harry answered.

"It's easy," Severus said, setting Harry down on the seat next to Iris. "Copy your sister."

Iris smiled at Harry as she kicked back and forth, making the swing go higher and higher. Severus gave Harry a small push, and Harry tried to do what Iris was doing. It didn't take Harry long to find a rhythm and soon, Severus was pushing both kids on the swings. In that moment, Severus felt that no matter what, they would pull through all right.

Later that evening, Severus helped Harry make a carbonara. Iris opted out of helping with dinner, choosing her dolls over helping to cook. Severus did not mind having Harry in the kitchen with him, though he did hope that Harry found an activity or hobby he enjoyed more than housework and cooking. Still, he was impressed with Harry's ability to prepare ingredients and his accuracy at measuring, even when he cut some of the ingredients in half. So, what he lacked in reading skills he made up for in math and homelife skills. When the food was ready, he sent Harry off to set the table.

"All done, Daddy," Harry said, smiling up at him.

"Thank you," Severus said. "Go let Iris know dinner is ready."

Harry took off and Severus plated the food for everyone, giving Harry a small amount, and poured drinks. He pushed Harry's drink back and set his nutrition potion closer to his plate so Harry would take it first. And Harry did so with no problems.

Dinner was a quiet affair as the two kids ate their food hungrily. Harry had managed to eat half of the food on his plate, and even though Severus didn't give him much to begin with, it was the most he had seen Harry eat since the child had arrived. Severus allowed his kids to play or do something quiet after dinner while he finished up grading. That ended up with Harry seeking him out in search of something to do.

"What's Iris doing?" Severus asked.

"She just wants to color and listen to the radio."

"I see. You don't like what she's listening to?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't want to color."

"We need to get you some toys to play with," Severus said, more to himself than to Harry. "What would you like to do?"

"Can you read to me?"

Severus was very surprised with Harry's request. After their reading lesson earlier, he was sure Harry had no interest in going through another session like that again. However, it opened a book of opportunity. Severus had read all the time to Iris growing up until she took it upon herself to read the words. He wondered if the same technique might help Harry. If anything, it wouldn't hurt. Still, he had to finish grading.

"I need to finish these essays, Harry," Severus said. "I can read to you after. Why don't you go pick out a book?"

Harry shrugged. He lingered in the doorway of the study.

Severus realized Harry would have no idea what the books were about unless he flipped through them and judged them by the pictures. He sighed and stared down at his essays. His eyes flickered from the essay he was grading to Harry and he opened his arms to the boy.

"Come here," Severus said.

Harry did so, and Severus pulled him up in his lap.

"How about I read as I grade, hmm?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded.

"Aconite, a member of the buttercup family, is a highly toxic plat despite its use in potions for pain relief, sedation, and diuretics. The plant is known by many names, including monkshood and wolfsbane. It was once widespread, but due to advancements in agriculture, it can now only be found in wild, secluded places."

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