The relationship would start off rocky. Snape would be resistant to Harry's kindness as he has always seen Harry as James Potter's son. But Harry's persistent efforts to understand and help Snape would gradually break down Snape's walls.
Well, initially, Harry might be resistant to the idea of being adopted by Snape. He may think it's some sort of trick. But Snape, with his own sense of duty and newfound affection for Harry, tries to break through that resistance. As they spend more time together, Snape might share his own experiences at Hogwarts when he was a student, which helps Harry relate to him. And Harry, in return, might show Snape the good qualities he has inherited from his mother. This exchange of vulnerabilities and shared experiences gradually deepens their relationship into something more like a real father - son relationship.
At first, it's likely to be tense. Harry has years of seeing Snape as a bully. But as they start living together, they begin to understand each other. Snape might show his more vulnerable side to Harry, like his memories of Harry's mother. Harry, in turn, starts to respect Snape's knowledge and sacrifice. Eventually, they develop a bond like a father - son relationship.
At first, it would be really rocky. Harry has a history of distrusting Snape, and Hermione might be a bit cautious too. But as time passes, Snape's care for them in his own strict way would start to show. He'd probably be tough on them about their studies, but they'd see it's because he wants them to succeed.
Snape's personality would likely soften. He'd have to be more patient and understanding. Instead of just being the strict and often sarcastic Potions master, he'd become more nurturing. He'd still have his sharp edges, but around Harry, he'd show more kindness and care as he takes on the role of a guardian.
The relationship would be a rocky one. Snape has his past grudges against Harry's father. However, living together, they would be forced to interact daily. Harry might start to understand Snape's difficult past and Snape could see Harry's potential. There could be moments of anger, but also moments of mutual understanding, like when Harry helps Snape with some magical experiment.
The development could also be due to the way the author writes Snape's backstory in the fanfic. If the author delves deeper into Snape's past, his difficult childhood, and his love for Harry's mother, Harry might start to understand Snape better. This understanding leads to admiration as Harry realizes that Snape is not just the strict and seemingly cruel professor he thought he was.
Snape's character changes in his relationship with others too. He becomes more involved with the Hogwarts community as he is now responsible for Harry. He might start to collaborate more with other teachers, like McGonagall, who he previously had a rather cold relationship with. His attitude towards the students also changes as he realizes that they are just kids trying to find their way, much like Harry. This is a big shift from his usual strict and often unforgiving self.
In such a fanfic, Snape's parenting style might be strict yet protective. He would likely enforce high standards in Harry's magical studies, just as he does in the classroom. But at the same time, he would secretly keep Harry safe from any real threats. He might not show much affection openly, but his actions would speak volumes.
It would be extremely complex. Harry might initially be in disbelief and struggle to accept Snape as his father. Snape, on the other hand, would probably be very strict but also deeply protective in his own way.
As the story progresses, they might start to work together more closely. Snape could be teaching Harry some advanced magic that no one else knows, and through this process, they build a bond. Harry begins to understand Snape's past better and realizes that they have more in common than he thought, like their love for Lily Potter in different ways.