Remus woke to the sound of small cries next to his bed. That was odd. He wasn't in Severus' quarters, and Harry had not slept over.

He looked down at the floor on the side of his bed and saw Harry, curled in a tight ball, crying in his sleep. He noticed that Harry's skin was flushed red and covered in sweat.

"Harry?" he said quietly. He leaned down and carefully lifted Harry off the floor and into his bed. The movement woke Harry, who started crying even more. "Hey, honey, what's wrong? What's wrong, cub?" he asked softly. He pressed a hand against Harry's forehead gently, and found he was right; Harry definitely had a high fever.

"H-Hot, Pappy!" Harry said groggily. "Tu-Tummy h-hurts!"

"Oh, honey... Does anywhere else hurt? Can you point or tell me?" Harry pointed to his throat and his head. "Cub, I think you might be sick. Come on, I have a thermometer somewhere."

He carried Harry to his kitchen, took the thermometer from the drawer, and had Harry place it in his mouth under his tongue. "Now, hold that there for a few moments, alright?"

Harry nodded, keeping it until Remus pulled it out. "Almost thirty nine degrees, Hare. That's a bad fever," he muttered to himself.

"Feve'?" Harry asked quietly.

"It just means you're ill, Harry. Sick. Probably caught a stomach bug or something. It is the middle of February after all." At this Harry burst into fresh tears, leaving Remus confused and worried. "Harry!? What's wrong? Talk to me, cub, does something hurt!?"

"N-Not 'lowed to b-be sick!! O-Or ill!!" Harry wailed.

"Is that what you think-"

"NOT 'LOWED!" he shouted. "Cup-Cupboard, no cupboa'd Pappy! Not sick, not ill, not sick!!"

Remus' heart dropped. "Oh, no, Harry, you aren't going in any cupboard-"

"NOT 'LOWED!! NOT 'LOWED, NO SICK!!"

"Harry, you aren't going in a cupboard-"

"P-Please don't put me in the cupboard," he whimpered. "I-It's dark a-and scary and th-there's bugs... t-too scary..."

Remus felt his heart shatter.

"Harry, look at me!" Remus instructed. "Now listen; You are not going to be put in a cupboard. You will not be punished for being sick. Everyone gets sick sometimes, okay? You didn't chose to be sick. I want you to feel better, not feel worse."

"N-Not... Not... b-bad?"

"Not bad at all. I have some potions that should help make you feel better, then why don't you and I go back to Daddy, okay?"

"Mmm-mmm," Harry said, shaking his head. "G-Got sick..."

Remus' brow furrowed with worry. "You got sick? Where?"

"O-On Daddy's n-new b-b-boots!!" Harry exclaimed. "Th-The ones y-you got 'im!"

"Oh, Hare, I can clean that up in a split second. It's easy. So let's go, okay? Daddy might be scared if he wakes up and you aren't there, right?"

Harry thought for a second before nodding. He clutched Remus' jumper, the one Severus had got him for Christmas, which was pitch black, a little bigger than necessary, and soft. Harry breathed in deeply, almost instantly calming once he smelt the lavender from the jumper.

"Do you like lavender, Hare?" Remus asked as he looked for the necessary potions. "I find it quite calming."

"Jumper smells...?"

"Like lavender. Calming, isn't it?" Remus continued to look through his cabinet as he balanced Harry on his hip.

"Hot, Pappy... Cold..."

"It's okay, Hare. I'm getting them, you'll feel better soon- Wait, you're hot and cold now?"

"Head hot... e-eve'ything else is cold... Pappy, wanna go to bed..."

Finally, Remus found the potions and uncorked them. "Okay, cub, just drink these and you can go to bed. You can go to sleep for however long you want."

"H-How much?" Harry asked.

"I'll get you the dose of each, you just drink what I give you, okay? One should help your throat, another should help your belly, and the last one will help your head, okay?"

"O-Okay..." Harry did what he was told, and once he swallowed the last dose, he almost fell asleep in Remus' arms. "Tired..."

"I know, honey. Come on, let's go get some sleep."

Remus walked through the portrait door after blowing out any candles he had lit and turning all the lights off. First, he went straight to Severus' boots, and with a quick, wordless spell, they were spotless and smell-less. Then, he walked them both to Harry's room. Remus laid down smack dab on the middle of the mattress, and let Harry lay on his chest.

"Goodnight, cub. Try and get some sleep, okay?"

Harry slowly nodded. "Love 'ou, Pappy..."

"I love you, too, Hare. Now sleep."

Remus pressed a kiss to Harry's forehead, and once he heard the child's breath slow slightly, he knew Harry was asleep, and let his own eyes close.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Remus... Remus, wake up..."

Remus shifted slightly, careful to not cause Harry to fall, so he could see who was so rudely poking his cheek.

"Sev... Time...?"

"Seven forty five. Did something happen last night? Is Harry okay!? Are you-"

"We're both just fine. Harry just... Well, he's ill is all, and he came to me after he threw up on something because he was afraid you'd be mad."

"Oh... Is he all right? He is, right? You-"

"I would've gotten you if it was something serious. He said his head, stomach, and throat hurt, which made sense to be a stomach bug, so I gave him a few potions - that you brewed yourself, so don't get upset - to help."

"Right... When did he wake you up? You look like shit."

"Gee, thanks. He woke me up at around three, then I was up for a half hour or something like that. I was sleeping on and off since then. And what about you!?"

"Was up 'til... two... ish..."

"Two in the morning!?" Remus whisper-shouted. "Two in the damn morning! Go back to bed! Classes don't start 'til nine!"

"No! I have stuff to do... Essays to grade."

"I don't give a damn if you've got to grade essays or if you have to stop a bomb from going of. You need sleep. Come on, there's room here."

"But-"

"Severus Snape, you are going to come and sleep or else I will make you."

Severus groaned. "Rem, I have stuff to do-"

"Not anymore. I'll do it for you. You can sleep." Remus carefully moved Harry off of his chest, hoping he wouldn't wake. "You sleep in here so Harry wakes up with one of us. I'll go get everything you need for today's classes. And if Harry has to stay here instead of going to the classroom, I'll go to the classroom if you want."

"I think it would be best if he went to Madame Pomfrey for a bit. Depending on how he is when he wakes up." Severus traded spots with Remus and let Harry cling to his arm tightly.

"Remus, he's burning up! What did you give him?"

"I gave him a few potions to help with nausea and his headache... Oh, and one for his throat. All of them are okay to mix, I checked."

Severus finger-combed Harry's hair slowly. "I hope it's nothing bad..."

"So do I-"

"No, Remus, he's never been around Wizards. Meaning he's never been exposed to Wizard illnesses, meaning he can't fight them off!" he exclaimed. "And his immune system still needs... His immune system isn't what it should be... he won't fight it off like we all can..."

"Oh...Sev... He'll be okay. Don't worry. It's probably just a stomach bug, okay?" Remus tried to assure him. "Now sleep! You are not getting up until I come and get you, got it?"

"Okay, mum."

"Good." Remus, hesitantly, pressed a kiss to Severus' hair before walking out, closing the door a bit, and getting started. He made sure Severus' work bag was all packed, that the graded essays he was going to return were in a neat stack on the kitchen table, and that Harry's bag for the classroom was all packed, though he doubted Harry would join them in the classroom.

Then he started on cleaning. There wasn't even much to clean. Swept and did dishes, and then that was all that needed to be done.

He jumped when he felt someone tugging on his sleeve. He looked down to see Harry, tiredly rubbing his eyes.

"Well hello there, sleepy boy. How are you feeling?"

"Bette', Pappy. Still bad."

"How bad? And where is Severus?"

"Sevy's getting dressed, Pappy," Harry stated groggily. "Up..." He made grabby hands at Remus, clearly wanting to be held.

"Alright, cub. How about some breakfast?"

"Uh-uh."

"What about some toast with jelly or jam?"

Harry shook his head slowly. "Wha' if I get sick 'gain?"

"You shouldn't get sick from a little bit of toast, Hare. You should try to eat something, just a little, okay?"

"Jus' a little, Moony."

Remus summoned a House Elf and asked for some toast. Normally he would have made it himself, but he was holding Harry, and getting worried.

"Hare, what jam?" Remus asked. "Strawberry, blueberry, grape, apricot, apple, or there is orange marmalade."

"St'awberry," Harry whispered.

Remus used his wand to spread the strawberry jam on the half piece of toast, then moved them and the tray of food to the table.

"Hare, you sort of have to sit up to eat, cub," Remus said when Harry rested his head on the man's shoulder.

"Tired, Pappy."

"I know. But you have to eat somethin', or else you'll be very hungry later, okay?"

"Okay..."

Harry nibbled the toast quietly, head bobbing from side to side every once in a while.

"Morning..." Severus mumbled as he walked into the kitchen. "Coffee. Where's the coffee."

"Your coffee is on the table, along with some toast with jam."

Severus nodded, and, almost like a zombie, walked to his spot where his food was. His head was also bobbing from side to side as he ate, eyes barely awake.

Remus chuckled. "Maybe both of you need to stay out today."

Severus shook his head. "Just need a few... more coffees... like... seven..."

"And this is why we don't stay awake until two and get up at six, Hare... Hare?"

Remus shifted Harry to a more comfortable position when he noticed he was sleeping. "So, Severus... What are we doing with Harry today?" the man asked.

"Takin' him to class... like usual..."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. I'm tired and crabby, I'm not letting my mood get worse by having Harry away from me for the entire damn day while he's ill. Not. Happening."

"Okay, mama bear, calm down!"

"The fuck did you call me!?"

"Mama bear."

Severus grumbled, then downed his coffee mug. "More?"

"In the pot, on the counter." Remus almost cringed as Severus poured another cup of coffee, left it black, and drank. "How in the devil can you drink that black!?"

"It's like my soul," Severus replied deadpanned.

Remus burst out laughing, only stopping when Harry mumbled 'quiet' in his sleep.

"Anyway, we've got to go soon. I'll go get Harry's bag for today, even though he'll hopefully be asleep most of the day."

"I hope so."

It didn't take long for the trio to finish breakfast, get Harry dressed, and Floo to the classroom. Students started pouring in a few minutes later. Harry was asleep in his corner, cuddling with Lily and Luna. Severus was writing instructions on the board, and Remus was confiscating a firecracker.

"Alright, students, settle down," Severus said. "Now, first things first; If you are loud for any reason that is unnecessary you will be given detention and points will be taken away. Before you can all ask," he said when at least half the class' hands went up, "...it is because Harry is sick today and I want him to get as much sleep as he can." Severus cringed as many students 'Aww-ed' at this. "Now, today we will be restocking the blood replenishers for the Hospital Wing. Instructions are on the board. Please begin."

"I thought you were being nicer?" Remus asked as the seventh years hurried to fetch ingredients and get to work.

"I am. I used to call them all brats, now they're students. Progress."

"Slow and steady, eh?"

"Sure, Remus."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm going to go take a nap..." Severus whispered after the long day of teaching.

"Nuh-uh, Daddy..." Harry grabbed Severus' robe.

"Play with Pappy, Hare. I'll just be in my room."

"But-"

"Bambi... I'm really tired. You'll be fine with Remus, and I'm just going to be in my room. Play with your blocks, Harry."

"Daddy..." Harry groaned.

"How about you build me a castle, bambi?"

"Castle?"

Severus kneeled down to Harry's level. "A castle or a village, how about that?"

"Hmm... Are puppies 'lowed?"

"Of course puppies are allowed!"

"Kitties?"

"Kitties are allowed, too. May I go take a nap?"

Harry nodded this time. "King o' the castle needs sleep!" he exclaimed quietly.

"Okay, Hare. Try not to run around too much, yeah?"

"We won't, Severus. Go take your nap."

"Yeah... nap."

They watched as Severus disappeared into his room before Harry started to build a colorful castle.

Remus joined in. He built the wall surrounding it. "Every castle needs protection, right, cub?"

"Yeah, Pappy."

"Feeling better?"

Harry shrugged. "Maybe...? Don' feel like I'mma throw up anymo'e..."

Remus gave him a soft smile. "Well, that's good, right?"

"Yeah."

Once they had the base done, they moved on to making towers. Remus was making a green, orange, and purple one when he asked, "Hare, why did you come to me last night?"

Harry shrugged. He didn't want to answer.

"Did you think Severus would be mad you got sick?"

"No..."

"Then why? I just want to make sure you're okay, I don't want to pry."

"Pry?"

"Invade your privacy."

"I... just... just thought..."

Remus gently wiped a tear off Harry's cheek. "It's okay, cub. If you don't want to tell me you don't have to."

"I... I just... I thought..." Harry began to fidget with his hands. "W-Wasn't 'lowed to be sick, an'... an' I thought Daddy w-would be u-upset and... I dunno, I just-"

"It's all right, Hare. I was just curious."

"H-How'd you kn-know I was there?" Harry asked.

"What?"

"U-Under the bed..."

Harry wasn't trying to get help, Remus realized. He was trying to hide.

"Oh, Harry... cub, you must've rolled out from under the bed. And I heard you, you were crying."

"'M sorry, 'Appy, I-I 'ad a nightmare a-and I-"

"It's okay. It's all okay, Hare."

Harry continued building once Remus had assured him it was okay. Remus joined in once more, until they had used every single block to make a huge, colorful castle, complete with a wall and a moat, and Harry was much happier by the time they had finished building.

"Castle... uh... What's Daddy's favo'ite thing?"

"Probably you, then potions, then coffee..." Remus replied.

"Why me an' not you?" Harry asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Well... I'm not sure... Anyway, he really likes winter..."

"The snow castle!"

Remus smiled. "Wonderful name. Now, why don't we eat some dinner, bug?" Harry stifled a yawn as he nodded. "Think you could keep down some soup, or do you want a jelly sandwich?"

"Sandwich. St'awberry?"

"Of course, Harry. Strawberry. Want to help, or do you want to wait here and I'll bring it to you?"

Harry raised his arms once Remus stood. "Up?"

"Do you want me to carry you while I make us dinner?"

Harry nodded, then tucked Batty under his arm as Remus lifted him from the floor and rested him on his hip. "I think Batty needs a new name... How 'bout... Starry?" Harry turned to Remus for his opinion.

"I think that is a wonderful name, cub. So you have Lily, Luna, Starry, and..."

"Uh..." Harry glanced at his stuffed dragon, losing his train of thought. "I... I think I named this one Sparky... but 'm not sure..."

"Well, I think Sparky is a great name."

Harry nibbled on his sandwich, Remus ate his own, in silence.

Until they both jumped when they heard a sound, that sounded a lot like a muffled scream, come from Severus' room.

Harry jumped. "Daddy?"

"I'll go see what that was, cub. Since you're done, why don't you go build a puppy to guard the castle?"

"Okay!"

Harry jumped off his chair and went to the sitting room, while Remus ran to Severus' room. He saw Severus tangled in the sheets, holding himself.

"Severus...?" He walked over to Severus, and could notice the man's breaths were long and shaky. "Sev... Are you okay?"

"'M fine."

"Are you sure?" Remus sat down on the bed. "You're crying... Did you have a nightmare?"

"Don' matter."

Remus shrugged. "I think it does. Are you really okay?"

Be vulnerable

Severus shook his head once. He tightened his arms around his chest.

"What can I do?"

He shrugged. "Dunno."

Remus moved so he was sitting against the headboard. "Come here," he said softly.

Severus did so, slowly moving closer and closer until Remus pulled him gently in his lap and wrapped his arms around him.

"You can be vulnerable around me, you know," Remus whispered when he noticed how Severus was clenching his teeth and closing his eyes. "I wouldn't ever judge you for it."

It took a few minutes and a lot of soft pushes from Remus before he let himself cry.

He just let go.

And Remus held him.

"You're okay," Remus said. "It was just a nightmare."

Severus shook his head. "Memory," he muttered.

"Well, it's over now. You're here and you are safe."

Remus had Severus take plenty of deep breaths before daring to ask, "What happened?"

"Nightmare... memory," Severus replied. "Father."

Remus was slightly surprised that Severus would tell him who or what it was about, even if he had a pretty good guess that turned out to be correct. "Do you... want to talk about it?"

"No. I just... want this." Severus let himself lay against Remus' chest, let himself be held, let himself be vulnerable.

Remus held him like that until he was asleep again. Once he knew Severus was out, he called Harry into the room.

"Is Daddy okay?" the boy asked quietly.

Remus nodded. "Just had a little nightmare. Now, why don't you get your pajamas on, and then I'll come to tuck you in?"

"Okay... Here." He held out Starry to give to Remus. "Maybe it ca' make Daddy feel bette'?"

The wolf smiled. "I think it will, cub."

When Harry disappeared into his room and shut the door, Remus lightly nudged Severus. "Sev, you hafta wake up for a bit..."

"No..."

"You have to eat something, Sev, and you need to change into your pajamas."

Severus pulled out his wand, and with a few spells, he was joggers and a jumper. "There. 'Jamas. Now, sleep."

"Aren't you hungry?" Remus asked. Severus shook his head in response. "Alright. Just let me go tuck-"

"Pappy, Daddy!" Harry cried as he ran into the room. "I-I... I..."

"What, what's wrong!?" Severus shot awake instantly. "Are you hurt, did you have a nightmare?"

"N-No... I-I th'owed up again!"

Remus let Harry crawl onto the bed and sit on the other side of his lap. "Oh, cub, where?"

"I-In the potty, but... don' taste good, and..."