Least Likely Of All

Chapter Eight, Part One: Revelations (And His Father Is...)

"Harry, your father was killed because he had Godric Gryffindor's blood running through his veins. Lord Voldemort is the last remaining ancestor of Salazar Slytherin and therefore devoted to killing the Gryffindor line." Dumbledore said, pausing for a moment. "Your mother was killed because she was trying to protect you."

"Yes, yes... I've heard the story before, Headmaster." Harry said a bit stiffly, "Is that why Lord Voldemort tried to kill me? Because I'm the last remaining heir of Gryffindor?"

"Yes and no, Harry. Currently, all Voldemort is trying to do, I assume, is pay back old debts; he believes he owes you your death, and therefore is dedicated to fulfill it." Dumbledore said quietly. "However, that was his reason for trying to kill you that night."

Harry nodded, "But why didn't he just kill my Mum and get it over with? He doesn't seem like the type to be sympathetic."

"Because," Severus said with an air of disgust, "your mother was the most important thing in the world to me. To lose her was to lose one of his most supportive, faithful, or so he thought, Death Eaters. To him, this was the same as losing an important city to a country. He feared it would begin his downfall."

"So you were protecting my Mum?" Harry said quietly, daring to look at Severus for the first time.

"Yes. I heard her last words -- her last thoughts."

"How... Thoughts?" Harry asked, slightly miffed.

Severus cleared his throat, "I can read minds, Harry. I transferred my gift, which was given to me by Lord Voldemort, to your mother. That is how we communicated."

"She... My Mum could read minds?" Harry asked, amazed. "Wow."

"She made the mistake of telling your father that the night before they were killed. Under the Filedius Charm, only Peter Pettigrew knew where they were. It hurts to think of what James might have done to Lily." Severus sighed, "She also told him we were married; Afterwards, she did not contact me for nearly 24 hours. I was terrified something had happened to her... I tried to warn her before it was too late, but she wasn't listening.

"That night, I stood guard at your home and watched James Potter die. I felt no sympathy for him; you might think I'm a monster, but you have no memories of what he was truly like. You hear stories from friends that only want to remember the good things, never the bad. Remus Lupin knew about your mother and I -- he kept our secret. James Potter was a true monster; he didn't love you mother, he only wanted an heir -- you.

" I watched as Voldemort went upstairs to where you were with your mother. She was finally listening to me; I tried to convince her to put you down, but instead she cast what we all believe to be the counter curse to Avada Kedavra, which only she and your father knew. I pleaded with her to leave you, to give you up and to live, but she refused. She wanted a baby so badly; you were her child, Harry, you meant more to her than life itself. I heard her die; I heard her last thoughts, I heard her screams of terror. I heard her. The thought still haunts me, even to this day. After she died and Voldemort disappeared, all the Death Eater vanished. I, however, felt such intense emotion I destroyed your home. When a wizard is feeling intense emotion, he has capabilities beyond his normal standard, as I believe you've experienced before. I fished you out of the rubble and set you down, but then went to find Lily's body. I was emotionally dead. I was holding my wife's body in my arms, knowing she wasn't coming back... It was terrible."

Severus stopped, forcing the tears in his eyes to stay within his body. Dumbledore cleared his throat, and then continued where Severus had left off.

"I found Severus and your mother four hours later. Hagrid took you to your aunt and uncle's home while I attended to the bodies and Severus. He was taken back here, and the next year made Potions Master.

"Before your mother died, she left Severus a letter explaining some things he had not yet known. Before I tell you these things, I must make you understand something, Harry. Your mother and Severus were married- legally and emotionally bonded. Your father and mother were only together for the sake of Lily and Severus' life. Along with marriage comes certain expectations, including intercourse. Your father was brutal when it came to that subject and your mother. She often couldn't attend classes due to soreness or injuries, as I later found out. What you must understand, Harry is that your mother and father's marriage was not out of love, nor emotion. It was out of necessity. Severus and your mother were a true couple, but due to Voldemort, could not be seen in public together. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded slowly, the ideas slowly seeping into his mind.

"Harry, sometime in the two weeks you were conceived, your mother and I spent a few days together. Yes Harry, like that." Severus watched with amusement as the expression on his face quickly changed from awe to disgust. "It was not known if James or I was your father."

Harry looked horrified. "What? You... you're kidding me?"

Severus shook his head, "I almost wish I was. However, your grandfather here knew, as he was the one to confirm Lily's pregnancy. He also knew you were going to be a boy. Lily had both James and I give her a list of names, both boys and girls. What I thought had happened was these lists were sent directly to Dumbledore. However, Lily was also aware of the gender of the baby -- you -- and picked out one name from each list. Harold being on mine, James being on... well, James'. She shortened my name to Harry and used James, telling your grandfather which name she had chosen."

Dumbledore set his hand on Severus' shoulder and then picked up where he had left off. "I knew who your father was and I told Lily before she went into hiding. I forbad her to tell either of the two, as James did not know of the controversy and Severus had not asked or expressed desire to know towards me. As I have told you before, your mother wrote a letter to Severus the week before she died. Severus read it just before you came in-"

"Fifteen years of unanswered questions, Harry, in one letter." Severus held up the yellow piece of parchment. "I now know for certain who your father is. I also know the answers to questions I've never asked, just always assumed."

Dumbledore cleared his throat, "Harry, the night before you were attacked, Severus made a deal with the Dark Lord. Voldemort promised that only the heirs of Gryffindor would be killed that night -- the exception being your mother, if she refused to leave. It was as good as his deal was going to get. Lily was listening to Severus while he was making the bargain with Voldemort.

"Harry, she cast a spell on you moments before she died -- until now, we have all assumed it was a counter curse to Avada Kedavra. However, as she writes, it was not."

Severus then held up the letter and started reading:

"Dearest Severus,

I'm afraid I will never get to see you again. Voldemort will find us, I am sure of it. Until I am out of hiding, I will not be able to see you, and I will not be out of hiding until Voldemort is killed. I am sure you are trying your hardest.

Severus, no matter who Harry's father is, he will grow up to look like James. Before I die, I will make sure of it. Papa tells me he will inform me of who the father is before James and I are hidden. I'm scared it will be you, but even more terrified it will be James. I do not want my son growing up to be like that monster; he has far too much potential for it. Please, no matter what the outcome, make sure he is safe."

Severus stopped there. "The rest is fairly personal, and if you wish I shall read it to you later on. However, the spell cast that night was not the counter curse; it was a spell to make you an exact replica of James, save your mother's eyes. You look exactly like James did, exactly. Down to your stance, your posture, your way of moving; he is there constantly. That is why I was certain he was your father. I did not know of the spell yet."

Dumbledore started speaking once again; "Harry, before she finished this letter, I told her who your father was. The very last line is key. Do you want to know?"

Harry was dumbfounded. He knew it was a possibility Snape was his father, but an equal chance James Potter -- the man he believed was his father for his whole life -- was. To him, it was a 50/50 chance.

He slowly nodded, "Yes. I also want to hear the rest of the letter."

Severus nodded and held it up again, once more starting to read.

"I do not want my son growing up in a world where you are a cause, no matter how little, of destruction. Leave the Death Eaters, I beg you. Make sure before you die, you are completely free of their reign. I love you, Severus. It amazes me how much sometimes. My last thought will be of you -- hopefully, you will be listening. When my life flashes before my eyes, all I want to see is you. James was not my life, and Harry has only occupied the past year. You are my all: my past, my present, and hopefully my future. Even if I do not live much longer, you will be my future. Never forget me, Severus, but move on after I'm gone. I'll always be with you and I want to see you happy -- I need to see you happy."

Severus cleared his throat, struggling with the tears that were forming in the corner of his eyes. "And please, Severus, whatever you do... take care of our son."

*

Chapter Eight, Part Two: Remembrance

Harry ran out of Dumbledore's office, not daring to look back. He ran through the Hogwarts corridors and up to the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"Dragon Blood..." he panted, and then climbed in as she swung herself open. He ignored the stares he received from his fellow Gryffindors and went straight up to the 5th Year Boy dorms.

Ron Weasley, his best friend, was lying on his bed reading "Flying With the Cannons". He looked up as he saw Harry enter the room with a look of fury and betrayal.

"What's wrong with you?" Ron asked, sitting up.

"My life is ruined." Harry said forcefully. "I just found out everything I've wanted to find out for the past five years and far too much more."

"Such as?" Ron asked, eagerly leaning forward.

"I..." Harry paused. "You'd never look at me the same way again. You'd laugh at me, if anything."

Ron shook his head, "I could only think of one reason I'd laugh at you, Harry, and that's impossible."

"What is?" Harry asked, "Because right now, I don't think anything's impossible."

"Never mind, trust me, it's impossible." Ron commented. "So, are you going to tell me or do I have to get Hermione to magic it out of you?"

Harry shook his head, "Do you swear you won't say a word?"

"If you've committed murder, I can't promise anything." Ron shook his head gravely. "Other than that, tell me."

Harry drew in a deep breath. "My Mum and Snape were married."

Ron's eyes opened wide. "You're kidding?"

"That's not all," Harry admitted. "You promise you won't say a word, even to Snape or Dumbledore?"

"Why would I want to talk to Snape?" Ron asked in disgust. "I promise. Continue."

"My mum got pregnant when she was in her seventh year... Snape was the father. Voldemort killed the baby, though, before it was born."

Ron nearly choked, "You almost had a half sibling? And from SNAPE, at that?"

"It gets worse, trust me." Harry sighed, "They had to break up because of Voldemort threatening them, but they got married instead, right? So then, they stage a break up and Mum gets back together with my... James."

"Since when is he James?" Ron asked.

"You'll see." Harry repeated, "So, they get married while Snape and my Mum are still married. Turns out Mum slept with both."

Ron was slowly getting the picture. He dropped his book, but didn't bother picking it up.

"James was abusive. He hit my Mum a lot, and also raped her. I don't know why she stayed with him, but anyway..." Harry shook his head; "You have no idea how hard this is for me to say."

"Go on." Ron coaxed, "It can't be that bad."

"Yes it can." Harry sighed once more, "My own Mum didn't know if James or Snape was my father."

Ron fell off his bed, but quickly recovered.

"My Mum knew right before she died though. She loved Snape tons more than James... She wrote Snape a letter, and in it she said she cursed me to look like James Potter, even though Severus Snape's my father."

Ron's face turned white. "Snape... Professor Snape?"

"Dumbledore's my great-great-great-great grandfather, to top it off... On my Mum's side." Harry sighed, "The reason I didn't die that night is because Snape made Voldemort promise he wouldn't kill anyone except the Gryffindor line... James was the last heir of Gryffindor. My mother was the exception. So, when he tried to kill, he broke his promise to Snape without realizing it. The spell backfired and hit him, and you know the rest. Also, I guess the reason she cursed me is because she didn't know I would be the reason of Voldemort's downfall... She couldn't have a child that was supposed to be James' son and have him look exactly like Snape."

Ron was speechless. He sat on his bed, gaping at Harry for what seemed like hours. Finally, he opened his mouth.

"You have to tell Hermione."

"No!" Harry exclaimed, "Not yet. I'll tell her when I'm ready... I ran from Dumbledore and Snape earlier, I don't want anyone else finding out right now."

Ron nodded, then paused for a moment. "You know what this means?"

Harry shook his head, "No, what?"

"You're not Harry Potter... You're Harry Snape."

"Spare me." Harry fell back onto his bed. "That sounds terrible."

Ron grinned, "Sorry, Harry."

The next morning was the first time Harry had to face both Dumbledore and Snape -- during breakfast in the Great Hall. As the three friends ducked into the Hall and made their way over to the Gryffindor table, Ron elbowed Harry in the ribs and nodded over to the High Table.

"They're both looking at you." Ron said. Harry shook his head, refusing to turn to the table.

"I don't want to look at either of them."

Ron nodded, understanding. Hermione took her place on the other side of Ron, leaving Harry closest to the High Table. He dared to look up there for just a moment, and when he did he saw Severus' eyes upon him. Dumbledore was leaning over to talk to Professor McGonagall and wasn't look at him at the moment.

"Oh God..." Harry groaned. "We have Double Potions today, don't we?"

Hermione nodded, "Yes. I heard you and Ron talking last night; Sorry, I just wanted to ask you if you were ok and I kind of heard the whole thing."

Harry shook his head, "That's fine. The whole school's going to know in a matter of days anyway."

"No they won't. Ron and I won't say a word, will we Ron?" Hermione glared at Ron as if trying to will him to agree.

"Yeah, we won't say a word, Harry." Ron agreed, looking back up towards the High Table. "Wonder what you would look like if your Mum hadn't cast that spell?"

"I don't think I want to find out." Harry said numbly. "Potions... Last class of the day?"

"You can't skip it, Harry. You're going to have to face him sooner or later."

"Ron, he's my father. I just found this out, after fifteen years of thinking otherwise. The one teacher I despise ended up giving me life... I don't know whether to hate him even more or just get over it and accept him."

Hermione shook her head, "If I were you, Harry, I'd just accept it. You can't change the past, so why don't you just go up to him and apologize? He has to forgive you, he's your father."

"It's not that easy, Hermione. Talking about it just hurts even more..." Harry sighed. "This is going to be one hell of a day."

The day went by at twice the normal speed, it seemed to Harry. History of Magic, Transfiguration, lunch, and Herbology went by much too fast. As we walked with a trembling body down to the dungeons with Ron and Hermione, he tried to will himself to die on the spot. Stepping into Professor Snape's classroom was harder than he had ever imagined. He quickly fled to his seat, surrounded by both of his friends. He didn't dare look up until Snape started attendance and reached his name.

"Harry Potter." With great difficulty, the name rolled off of Severus' tongue. He looked up to see the boy, trembling slightly, raise his hand, his eyes meeting his for a brief moment before quickly looking back down at his hands. Severus finished calling attendance, and then cleared his throat.

"Today we're going to be making a Memory Potion. There are many versions, and the one you'll be making is one of the better kinds. It can make you remember things you've long forgotten, some good, some bad. At the end of the class, I will be testing it on a volunteer." He continued, giving them a list of ingredients and instructions on making the potion.

As the class started, he walked around the room, commenting on various potions. He wasn't as hard on Gryffindors as he usually was; he knew they noticed. After nearly an hour, most of the potions were finished.

"Ok, who would like to volunteer?" To his surprise, Harry raised a shaking hand.

"Harry, what are you doing?" Ron whispered, poking his friend in the ribs.

"Mr. Potter... Are you certain?" Severus asked with an air of surprise.

"Yes." Harry nodded, his voice cracking a bit.

"Very well." Severus came over to his side of the room and inspected his potion. After a moment, he decided it was safe. Taking the goblet he held in his hands, he poured the boy a half a cup of the Memory potion. Harry took the goblet, nearly spilling it, and drank it down in one gulp.

She was screaming... Crying... He could hear her screaming... A bright purple light hit him; he could feel himself transforming... Finally, with a flash of green light, the screaming stopped. A new, quieter noise was coming from the window... He could hear a man yelling. The figure in the room turned towards him and pointed his wand. A beam of green light hit him on his forehead, but only cut him slightly. It rebounded on the figure, and with a flash of bright light, the figure disappeared. A few minutes later, he could feel the foundation of his home shake. Suddenly, he was falling... Falling... He could hear himself crying. A different cloaked figure fished him out of the rubble and held him in his arms for a moment -- Severus Snape. Severus put him down and quickly fished Lily Potter's body out. Harry could see him take her hand in his lap, and he could both hear and see Severus sobbing.

He waited for what seemed like hours, eventually tiring of crying. A man twice the size of a usual man showed up and took him in his arms. He took one last glance at his Mum and Snape, him just sitting there crying. For a fleeting moment, he felt himself tear up, but he was taken away from the scene.

He opened his eyes with a start, looking around the dungeon with a new found terror. He then looked back up at Snape, who was starring at him with a strange expression on his face; worry, almost.

"Oh God... I heard her... I'm so sorry..." Harry choked. "It was terrible."

"So you do remember." Severus said quietly. "Class is dismissed. Harry, I would like to talk to you privately for a moment."

Harry nodded numbly, watching the rest of the class disperse. He looked up at Snape once more, the sense of loneliness intensifying.

*

Chapter Eight, Part Three: Welcome To The World Of Male Bonding

"Harry, I know how difficult this must be for you, but believe me, it's just as difficult for me." Severus started, sitting down in the empty chair next to Harry.

"I can imagine." Harry said quietly.

"For fifteen years, I tortured myself, thinking you were that bastard's son." Harry started to object, but then remembered what James was like. "Your mother was far too perfect for him. No one deserved her, especially James and I."

Harry shook his head, "You seemed... really sad when she died."

"I wanted to die afterwards." Severus admitted quietly. "Unfortunately, it never happened."

Harry was silent for a moment. "What was she like?"

Severus smiled, "Your mother? She was perfect. Her only flaw, perhaps, was that she loved me too much. She married James for the sake of us... She went through hell because of my association with the Death Eaters."

Harry smiled a bit, "I'm sure it wasn't your fault."

Severus shook his head, "Harry, I wish I could show you, but I believe your grandfather wouldn't want me to."

"But... he wouldn't have to know?" Harry suggested cautiously. "I really want to know the whole story."

"I promise I'll show you one day." Severus agreed, "But right now, you might not understand everything. I'm sure you'd get the gist of it all, but to truly understand the feelings, the way she acted, you'd have to fall in love yourself."

Coming from Professor Snape, this was total sap to Harry. However, coming from his father, it almost felt natural.

"I'm still getting used to the fact... You..." Harry paused. "Is that why you saved me all those times?"

Severus nodded, "I promised your mother I'd protect you. Even when I seemed as if I was doing it for pleasure, I assure you, I was terrified you would hurt yourself."

Harry nodded. "I can understand that. I don't know whether I should hate you or accept it."

Severus shook his head, "I don't want you to hate me. I also know you can't absorb this kind of information in a day -- it takes time. I'm still getting used to it, even though I knew it could have been a possibility all this time."

Harry sighed, "I guess I know why the Sorting Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin."

Severus looked surprised, "The Sorting Hat wanted to put you in Slytherin?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, but I insisted it didn't."

"So it picked your mother's house." Severus nodded, "I am the cliche of the Slytherin House. My name -- Snape -- is even known for being in the house of Slytherin."

Harry shrugged, "I really don't follow wizarding families, so..."

"It's a nice pastime." Severus commented, "Although there are black sheep, usually a child of a certain descent follows the footsteps of his surname."

"Such as Malfoy?" Harry commented with slight disgust. Severus laughed.

"Draco Malfoy. Promising student, although a bit on the egotistical side. Much like his father, yes, although not nearly as dark. I'm sure he'll learn in time, unfortunately."

"I have a question." Harry said.

"Yes?" Severus asked.

"Does this mean I won't have to go back to the Dursley's?"

Severus smiled, "If you want to stay with me over the summer, you're welcome to."

Harry nodded, "Thank you."

"I wanted to take you when your mother died. However, I was only twenty, much too young to take care of a baby by myself." Severus sighed. "Believe me, if I had one wish, it would be to have been able to get to know you better."

"Even though I look like James?"

"There's a downside to everything." Severus smiled once more, "Although I could cast the counter spell, if you would like."

Harry's eyes widened. "I didn't even think of that."

"I might just do it in the middle of the night while you're asleep anyway. I'll turn you back, of course, but I've always wondered what my daughter would have looked like. Most likely, you'd be a male version of her."

Harry thought for a moment, "I'd still have my scar though, right?"

Severus nodded, "Unfortunately."

Harry sat perfectly still for a moment, then looked up at Severus. "Do it."

Severus looked surprised, "Right now? Are you sure?"

Harry nodded, "If James was truly as bad as he seems, I don't want anything to do with him."

"I will show you what you would have looked like; however, I will not keep you that way until I get permission from your Papa." Severus said absent-minded.

"My Papa?" Harry asked.

Severus shook his head, "I'm sorry. The nickname your mother gave Dumbledore."

Harry nodded, "Why not though?"

"Because no one would know what to make of it. All of the sudden, Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, looking completely different."

Harry nodded, "Ok, good point. So can you?"

Severus nodded and quickly conjured up a mirror. "I'm not sure if this will be painful or not... Just bear with me."

A moment later, Harry saw a flash of gold light leave Severus' wand and hit him, full force. He felt his cheekbones stretch out and his spine lengthen. A moment later, the transformation was done.

Severus was speechless. Standing in front of him was himself, twenty years ago, with few exceptions; Harry still had Lily's eyes and his hair was still black, but a bit longer. He was at least five inches taller, nearing 6 feet. He stood up next to Harry and saw that he was only a few inches shorter than himself.

"So, how do I look?" Harry asked anxiously.

"Like my son." Severus answered, still in awe. He handed Harry the mirror, watching his expression change from curiosity to his own: awe.

"I look exactly like you." Harry said quietly. "And I'm taller than Ron."

"Do you like it?" Severus asked, unable to take his eyes off Harry.

"Yes, actually. It might take a little getting used to, but it's much better than looking like James."

Severus smiled, "It's amazing... I'm looking at myself, twenty years ago."

"I still can't believe it. You're my father." Harry shook his head, hair falling into his eyes. "For all these years... You were right here."

"I'm sorry." Severus said quietly, "I should have at least informed you of the possibility."

"No, I'm glad you didn't." Harry said, "I don't know how I would have reacted... But knowing for sure makes it better."

"This has to be painful for you. I'm sorry about that, but you have no idea how glad I am that you're... my son..." the words were foreign to Severus, but somehow they seemed right.

"I never got to thank you for saving my life in first year." Harry said slowly, "So I'm going to now. Thanks, Dad."

*

Chapter Eight, Part Four: Family Ties

That night, Harry went up to see Professor Dumbledore with his father. Severus had transformed him back to look like he had before, trying to reason with Harry's objections. He noticed a change in the way Harry acted towards him; not nearly as cold, and almost as if he wanted Severus to start acting like his father. The boy had been deprived most of his life of parents and couldn't wait to start having a father figure in his life.

Harry had also noticed a change in Severus- he was less cold towards other students, and positively warm towards him. It amazed him how much the man could change in a matter of 24 hours.

Before the two could knocked on the large oak doors, Dumbledore swung them open himself with a smile on his face.

"Severus, Harry. I've been expecting you." The two walked into his office, both only mildly surprised at Dumbledore's greeting.

"I assume you two are now at the very least talking?" he asked, sitting down behind his desk. Harry nodded and spoke before Severus got the chance.

"Headmaster... what am I supposed to call you?" he asked, squirming a bit uncomfortably.

Dumbledore laughed lightly , "Your Mother called me Papa, your grandfather called me Grandpapa, your great grandfather called me Granddad, your great-great grandmother called me Pa, and your great-great-great-grandfather called me Dad."

Harry thought for a moment, "Grandfather, until something a bit more... err..."

"Personal?" Dumbledore supplied.

"Thanks... until something a bit more personal comes along." Harry continued, "Actually, we -- " he looked over towards Severus, " -- have something to show you."

Dumbledore looked only mildly interested. "Go on."

Harry stood up and faced Severus, while he took out his wand and pointed at Harry. "Finite Incantatem!"

Harry immediately transformed into his true body once more this time welcoming the stretching of his bones and muscles. Once he felt it stop, he looked over at Dumbledore with a hopefully expression on his face.

"Well?" Harry asked.

Dumbledore was shocked. "Severus, you figured out how to reverse Lily's curse... He looks exactly like you."

"Scary, isn't it?" Severus chuckled.

Dumbledore shook his head once more, "It's amazing."

"I was wondering if I could just keep my Mum's curse off and stay like this?" Harry asked, his voice a bit deeper.

"Not at the moment, but once everyone knows, then I suppose it would be ok." Dumbledore smiled, "You still have her eyes though."

Harry grinned, flashing his now slightly crooked teeth. "I also want to change my name."

"Harry, give yourself a little time... This is all so sudden, give yourself a while to get used to it instead of jumping in head first."

"Headmaster, grandfather, sir... I have spent the past four years of my life hating my father and trying to remember a man that my mother hated. I realize all of this is sudden, but I trust her judgment more than anyone else's. If she thought he was worthy to be my Dad, then so be it... He's my Dad." Harry took in a deep breath, "I've never had a proper family. Even when James and my mother were married, he wasn't my proper father. I don't want to waste anymore time; I don't care about what ever kind of grudge I once had -- it's gone. Fifteen years of not knowing, fifteen years of being deceived; I need to know."

Dumbledore put his head in his hands and thought. Severus could hear the rapid train of thoughts running through his mind at such a speed even he couldn't understand them. Finally a clear thought came through.

Severus, do you wish to partake in Harry's ideas?

Severus nodded. "Yes."

Harry shook his head, "Can't you two just talk aloud?"

Dumbledore and Severus both chuckled; "Yes, he's definitely your son, Severus. But are you sure?"

"Sir, I'm 36 years old. When I was 21, when Lily died, I was too unstable and much too young. However, I have established a life for myself and I wish to bring Harry into it, if he is willing."

"Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"Grandfather... I want a family." Harry said quietly. "Please."

"Harry, to the world, you are the Boy Who Lived. Harry Potter, you, is known all over the world for doing something he had no control over. Harry Snape has never lived; he is not known, he has a past no one knows about, and is the product of a tangled web very few people on this Earth are aware of. Are you certain?"

"Harry Potter is a fake; Potter is a disguise to hide him behind because he didn't know the truth. He is the Boy Who Lived only because of his father -- his real father. Harry Snape has lived for fifteen years without knowing his own family. Harry Snape is the reason Harry Potter ever existed. Although Harry Snape is the product of a tangled web no one knows about, Harry Potter is the product of an abusive man who didn't loved him or ever showed his wife any sympathy. Harry Potter has never existed; he has always been Harry Snape." Harry finished, a flicker of light in his eyes dancing.

"Are you sure?" Dumbledore repeated once more. "Once the truth is known, you can never go back."

"I am not Harry Potter, nor was I ever Harry Potter. I have always been Harry Snape; to you, to my mother, to my father, even to myself without realizing it. I want - ... I need to know who I am."

"Very well." Dumbledore nodded, "Give me one week, then I promise you, you shall become Harry Snape and Harry Potter will cease to exist."

Both Harry and Severus smiled; "Thank you."

The two got up and left the room immediately after Severus changed his son back into Harry Potter. The two parted ways at the staircase near the end of the corridor after planning to meet the next day after classes were over. Harry was anxious to see Ron and Hermiones' reaction to the news of him becoming Harry Snape. He ran up to the painting of the Fat Lady and quickly mumbled the password (Dragon Blood), climbing in as soon as she swung her hinges open.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed, dragging him up. "Where have you been? You missed dinner."

Harry shook his head, "Sorry, I was talking to -- err -- Professor Snape."

"Does he seem happy about the whole thing?" Hermione asked, the two dragging Harry into an empty corner of the Gryffindor common room.

"Surprisingly enough, yeah." Harry commented, "He seems... ecstatic, if you want to call it that."

Ron's eyes opened wide, "I don't think I've ever even seen Snape smile. Are you sure it wasn't your imagination?"

"Trust me, Ron." Harry grinned, "In one week, I'll be Harry Snape."

It was Hermione's turn to look flabbergasted. "Harry -- Snape?"

"He even took off the curse that made me look like James." Harry grinned, "I look exactly like him, it's scary."

Ron shook his head, "This is going to take a lot of getting used to."

"Ron, be happy for me, please? I've never had any proper family in my life, and when I finally discover my father's been by me for nearly a third of my life now, I want to get to know him. You have both of your parents and a large family; you've never felt the sense of having no one to talk to. Sure, it's Snape, but why not? My Mum loved him, so he can't be all that bad. The reason he hated me was because he thought I was James' son, and even then he was trying to protect me. I need to get to know him, at least. It's going to be strange, I'll admit to that; but for once in my life, I have a family of my own. I'm happy; I have a father and a grandfather now, two people who are going to have to look after me... I'm tired of having to take care of myself all the time; I want someone to yell at me, someone to not let me do something just because he has the power to. I need this. Please?" Harry pleaded.

Ron sighed once more, "It's going to take a lot of getting used to, and I mean a lot."

Harry grinned, then turned towards Hermione. "Please?"

"Oh, Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "How am I ever going to recognize you?"

Harry laughed, "That reminds me... Ron, I'm going to be taller than you now."

Ron looked horror-struck; "The midget in glasses, taller than me? Never!"

"Believe it." Harry grinned, "I'm almost 6 feet tall."

"Never, not until I see it. Even then, I'll make Mum magic me up a few inches."

"You'll still be even with me." Harry commented. "You're only 5'9."

"And a lovely 5'9 I shall stay." Ron smirked, "You're going to make this really hard on us, aren't you?"

"As hard as I can." Harry grinned, "And until then, you can call me a midget as many times as you'd like."

"Really?" Ron exclaimed happily, "Joy of all joys."

Hermione grinned, "Does this mean I'll be the shortest?"

"By about four inches, sorry 'Mione." Harry shrugged.

"6 feet? Good Lord..." Ron shook his head, "Never. Never never never..."

*

Chapter Eight, Part Five: No Longer

The week went by as slowly as Harry could have ever imagined; he spent as much time with Severus as possible, trying desperately to learn about the man who was his father. He listened intently as Severus went one about how he was in his Hogwarts years, how he was with Lily, how he felt towards James and his friends, anything and everything Harry dared to ask. Finally, the day before the one-week mark, he asked his father what he felt like when he was with her. Unable to answer the question with mere words in fear of diminishing their love, he sighed.

"I can show you, but I must warn you -- " Severus shook his head, "You'll see a side of your mother that will make you turn red, and you'll see a side of me you wouldn't believe possible."

Harry didn't care, "Show me. I want to know..."

Severus nodded, then walked over to Harry and touched his shoulder gently. "Just as the Memory Potion did, you will experience a flash of events -- however, these aren't your memories, they're mine."

Harry nodded, "Please, show me."

Severus closed his eyes and brought back all of his memories of her, everything from before their relationship to conceiving Harry to her dying -- everything. With a flash of energy, he felt his thoughts and feelings being transferred over to Harry. With a jolt, he grasped his shoulder hard enough to leave marks.

He felt himself loathing her... however, the feeling quickly changed to fondness and then to love. He saw them kiss; he felt them connect in a way he had never experienced. He saw them together, in her bed, the night their daughter was conceived. He felt the happiness, the ecstasy, the love his father felt for Lily. He felt the explosion of passion they had felt, nearly twenty years before.

The scene before him switched to the day Severus found out Lily was pregnant; a mixture of joy and confusion washed through his body, but eventually the confusion succumbed to the joy and happiness Severus felt for his daughter. The scene once again changed to days before the Christmas season, when Severus was panicking because he couldn't find her; the relief he felt when Professor McGonagall told him she was alive, the sudden grief and sadness he felt when Dumbledore told him she had lost the baby.

Once again, a different scene flashed before his eyes; this time it was of the two standing in Dumbledore's office, side by side, the moment they were married. The scene flashed to that night; their wedding night. Severus was right; he could feel his ears turn bright red as he saw what the two were doing in full detail.

The scene shifted once more to the night before they broke up; January 24th. Sadness and regret filled him to the core as he saw the two dance, both crying. He had never seen Severus cry; it was all new to him. He felt his sadness turn to anger as he felt Severus punch Lucius Malfoy for saying something unwanted. Hatred began to surge through Harry as he saw James and Lily together at the Gryffindor table, and once again, her in a white dress and him in a black tux. A new sound filled his ears; his mother pleading with Severus to take her away, to object to her marrying James. A new kind of grief filled Harry, as he felt empty, drained.

His emotions soon changed as he witnessed his parents' last times being together, in a small hotel room. He knew it was the night he was conceived... he didn't know how, he just knew. The emotion intensified as he saw his mother lying on a bed in a white room, screaming with pain with Dumbledore on one side, Severus and Remus Lupin on her other. He witnessed his own birth, his mother crying on the bed and screaming obscenities at Severus and James, who had arrived moments before he was born.

A year passed before him, and he saw his mother standing in the window. Instead of his eyes, he was looking through Severus' now. He saw his mother curse him, and then he shuddered as he witnessed two jets of green light, one lasting much longer than it should have. He felt extreme depression fill him as Severus hit the wall of the Potter's cottage, watching as the building crumbled to the ground. He felt near insanity setting in as he felt Severus pick a baby -- Harry -- up and set him down, then move on to Lily. He felt the sobs that thundered through Severus' body as he held Lily's bloody and broken body for hours.

He felt the pain Severus had felt as he saw Harry for the first time, looking exactly as James did. He saw Severus read Lily's letter, a new emotion well up inside him; hope, almost. A newfound light, in a way. He saw himself walk into the office and a sense of pride and a flicker of... love, perhaps? It didn't last long, as he was seeing himself as Severus saw him; Lily's child. Then, as the scene changed once again, he saw himself as Severus' son, looking exactly like him. Pride filled him, but the scene changed once more to a room Harry assumed was in the castle. He recognized it as the room Lily and Severus had shared during their seventh year at Hogwarts. He saw Severus lying on the four-poster bed, holding a picture of Lily.

It had happened days ago; Severus had avoided taking his Dreamless Sleep potion, and Harry nearly screamed as the dreams and images that Severus dreamt filled his own mind. The face of Lord Voldemort killing his daughter, killing his wife, and nearly killing his son. The pain mixed in with the years after Lily's death, the hatred he felt for James seeping into his feelings for Harry, as he was a miniature version of James Potter. Once again, he felt a surge of energy run through his body as the visions stopped.

Harry opened his eyes, his body trembling. Looking up into the eyes of Severus, he suddenly felt sorrow for this man past anything he had ever experienced; knowing how Lily and Severus felt for each other was frightening, as he had never seen Severus express emotions of any kind. The pain he felt was still flashing through his mind. Harry shook his head and looked up at Severus one last time.

"I'm sorry..." He mumbled, "I ruined everything, I'm sorry."

Severus shook his head, "This is what I was afraid of. You did not ruin everything; Lord Voldemort would have come after Lily eventually anyway. Do not blame yourself; never blame yourself."

"Why are you telling me this?" Harry asked, "You should listen to yourself for once... You tried to save Mum, and yet you blame yourself just as much as I do now."

"Harry, I showed you because I thought you deserved to know. I knew you wouldn't be able to handle certain aspects, but I also know you had to know."

Harry nodded, "Thank you... But... God, this is so hard." He sighed, "I know all this happened, in the back of my mind, but it's so hard to absorb. A week ago, I wouldn't have cared if you were dead or alive... Now though, you're the only family I have. I suppose if Mum were alive, it'd be different, maybe I wouldn't jump into this whole father-son thing so quickly... But you were the closest thing to her, and she loved you. You helped her create me... It's so hard to take in, but I do know it happened."

"Harry, are you sure you want the world to know this soon?" Severus asked, "Your whole identity that you've known all your life will be gone. It's only been a week; why so soon?"

"Because I can't stand having the name Potter attached to me while I have no relation to him; he was abusive, he hurt my Mum. I might look like him, but god help me if I ever turn out like him. Having him as a part of me is a disgrace... Besides, the longer it takes, the harder it'll be for the world to accept. We might as well just get it over with now." Harry sighed, "I just want to know where I belong."

"You belong here," Severus answered quietly, "Whether you accept it or not, you are my son and you belong with me. If Lily was still alive, you would have grown up with my name, with my looks; it would be no different than as if James never existed. However, you grew up the way your mother thought best for you. I believe you're old enough to make your own decisions now, and I trust you to do what you think was best; what you believe your mother would have wanted you to do."

Harry took in a deep breath, "I believe she would have wanted me to know you, both as a person and my father. I don't think she intended for me to look like this forever, so now's as good a time as any to switch back to the way I was supposed to be. Like you said, she didn't know I would be Voldemort's downfall; she just wanted me to grow up as safe as possible. I'm not quite an adult, but I'm as safe as I'll ever be. I'll be less of a target, if anything, now that I'm no longer the heir of Gryffindor to Voldemort... no longer a Potter."

Severus nodded, "As long as you want this... I don't want to make you feel you have to do anything."

"You aren't... I want to. I know Mum would have wanted me to, so it might as well start now."

Severus smiled, "You're definitely Lily's son..."

Harry smirked, "You wouldn't believe how many people have told me that."

"It's true."

"...Thanks."