Least Likely Of All

Chapter Nine, Parts 41-45

Chapter Nine, Part One: Never Tickle A Sleeping Dragon

It was done, it was final. He walked out of his grandfather's office feeling extremely vulnerable, but somehow slightly protected by the man standing next to him, barely taller than himself. It was lunchtime, but Harry didn't feel hungry in the least. He was terrified someone would react exactly the way expected everyone to react; horrified and humorously. He was prouder than he had ever felt before, as he looked more like his mother than he ever had, and his father was seen plainly in him. It had been a week and a half since he was first notified of Severus Snape being his father, but he was slowly adjusting and accepting the idea. Having a father around wasn't nearly as bad or as uncomfortable as Harry had originally thought it would be; he knew if he ever got in a jam, Severus would be there to bail him out best he can -- a definite contrast to the prior actions of the Potions Master.

His first encounter was with Draco Malfoy; to Harry's surprise, Draco's eyes passed over him and landed on Severus without a nasty comment or look.

"Hello, Professor." Draco drawled, "Having a good day?"

"Much better than usual, Draco." Severus replied, smiling inwardly at the shocked look on Harry's face.

Draco then turned towards Harry, a look of slight confusion on his face. "Who are you?"

Harry laughed, "I'm not at all surprised you don't recognize me."

Drano cocked his head and bit and looked up at Harry's face. "No... I don't think we've met."

Harry shook his head, "Ok, if you insist. What's your name?"

"Draco Malfoy. Are you a Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw?"

"Gryffindor." Harry smiled wryly.

"You? In Gryffindor? So looks can be deceiving... What's your name?"

Harry sucked in his breath and glanced over at Severus for permission. He merely nodded.

Harry extended his hand and as Draco took it, revealed his name. "Harry Snape. Nice to meet you."

Draco turned towards Severus, a surprised expression on his face. "You have a son?"

"In Gryffindor, none the less." Severus smirked. "Draco, this is my son, formerly known as Harry Potter."

The look on Draco's face was priceless as Harry forced himself not to laugh.

"Harry... Potter?" Draco examined his face once more. "Snape's... son?"

"It's a long story, Draco, one of which shall be explained to you possibly later tonight." Severus waved his student off, "You will find out with the rest of the school." With that, the two kept on walking until they reached the Great Hall. Harry waited until Severus was inside, and then walked in. He felt dozens of pairs of eyes burning into the back of his neck as he quickly made his way to a spot between Ron and Hermione. When the two saw him sit down next to them, they gasped.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed, "You look... quite different."

"Now is that a good different or a bad different?" Harry asked quietly, glancing around the table at all the pairs of eyes starring at him.

"It's a good different... A very good different..." Hermione smiled.

"You're taller than me!" Ron exclaimed, "Damn it!"

"People are starring at me..." Harry said quietly. "God..."

"What did you expect?" Hermione asked through a mouthful of food, "Everyone to just not care? You're the most famous person in school, Harry. When you change you looks this drastically, people are bound to notice."

"I guess I'll get used to it." Harry sighed, "But as long as I don't have to look like that... asshole... I'm perfectly fine."

Ron noticed Harry's empty plate, "Not eating?"

"No appetite." Harry shrugged, "Too nervous."

"So are you now officially Harry Snape?" Ron asked quietly, making sure no one else could hear him.

"Yeah... I wanted to share the same last name as my Mum and Dad, so I figured I might as well change it also. Gets rid of the whole Potter genes." Harry shuddered, "Ron, promise me, if I so much as look at my girlfriend the wrong way, smack me upside the head."

"That's a will do." Ron nodded, "Can I punch you too?"

"Feel free to do anything, as long as I can still produce children afterward." Harry grinned, "Oh, by the way.."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Don't tell me...?"

Ron choked on the piece of fruit he was swallowing, "Harry! Good God, I didn't need to know that."

"I guess there's a reason Mum preferred Severus to James." Harry laughed, "But we won't get into that."

"I think I just lost my appetite." Ron sighed.

"You're really bigger? It changed everything?" Hermione asked, still wide eyed.

"'Mione!" Ron exclaimed, "That's private!"

"Not if he insists on broadcasting it all over the Great Hall..." Hermione shrugged, "Why, are you jealous?"

Ron looked flabbergasted, "Me, jealous? Why on Earth would I be jealous? I..." he glared at Hermione, "Never mind. No, I'm not jealous in the least bit. I have no reason to be."

"You know what they say about tall guys." Hermione smirked at Ron's obvious discomfort. "Let me see your hands."

Ron sighed and held out a splayed hand. Hermione took on of Harry's hands and put it up against Ron's.

"Same size... Congratulations, Ron. You have nothing to be jealous of."

"God Harry, how much did you grow?" Ron asked, slightly miffed.

"Do you mean height or...?" Harry asked.

"Height! What do you think I meant?"

"Well, as the subject was on -- "

"Height." Ron interrupted him. "Just height."

"5 inches." Harry answered, "I went up two sizes in shoes also."

"Not bad." Ron commented. "So when's the official introduction going to take place?"

"Tonight during dinner." Harry said, "I'm nervous."

"No one knows who you are as of now." Hermione commented, "So you'll be fine."

Harry shrugged, "It's not that, it's just... the most hated teacher in school, former Death Eater. Actually..." He thought for a moment, "He never really was a Death Eater. Worked for my grandfather the whole time, apparently."

"How do you know that?" Ron asked.

"He let me see his past with my Mum." Harry admitted, "Yesterday. To make sure I wanted to do this."

"What did you see?" Hermione asked eagerly, leaning forward slightly.

"Very few things I didn't already know, but the emotions were intense, to say the least. It was if I had taken Sna -- ...my Dad's place. I saw things no one else had ever seen before; their first times, which was rather disgusting, their last time as a married couple without James in the picture, which was also rather sad and disgusting... The time I was conceived... That was amazing, I gotta tell you." Harry shook his head, "Still, the thought of Snape and my Mum... it hasn't quite sunk in yet. James was an asshole, I came to terms with that the moment Dumbledore told me. I've accepted the fact Severus is my father; that was almost as easy. I've always wanted a family, so to me it was a natural progression, I guess. But my Mum shagging Snape? That's just a little over the top for me."

Ron shook his head in disgust, "I'll second that. I can't see Snape having any kind of love life, even if you are the byproduct of it."

"I think it's sweet." Hermione said, sighing slightly. "Everyone falls in love at some point in their life -- why not early on?"

"Because it's just disgusting." Ron shook his head once more, as if he was trying to get rid of the thought.

"I guess you'll get used to it," Harry shrugged. "It's a relief to finally know for sure, even though I was certain for fifteen years. I feel a lot better now."

"Don't look now, but Malfoy's coming this way." Ron said quietly, turning away from Draco's gaze.

Harry looked up, an amused expression on his face. "Yes?"

Draco crossed his arms in front of him, "This isn't some sick joke, is it? Because if it is, Potter, this is an all time low."

Harry shook his head, "No joke, Draco. And it's Snape now, not Potter."

"Why'd you do it?" Draco persisted, "Especially with your fame."

"I don't think you'd understand, Draco." Harry shot back, "Especially with your understanding of family."

Draco smirked, "I still don't believe you're his son... Everyone knows about the whole Potter/Evans/Snape love triangle. My father told me a long time ago... They almost got married, you know. Snape got your mother pregnant, but even though it wasn't the first time, I suppose it wasn't the last, was it?"

Harry resisted the urge to punch him. He slowly stood up, watching Draco's expression as he towered over him. "Draco, run along. I could squish you like a bug if I wanted to, and I'm the last person you want to cause trouble with."

Draco shook his head, "You do realize how unbelievable your story is? I wouldn't be surprised if you got expelled for cooking this up with Snape."

Harry scoffed, "Good thing Dumbledore's my great-great-great-great-grandfather then, eh?"

Draco paled slightly, then back away. "Suit yourself, Potter. Oh wait, so sorry, Snape."

Harry sat back down and unclenched his fists. "That son of a bitch..."

"Now, now... Narcissa wasn't nearly as bad as her husband." A voice spoke up behind him. Harry spun around quickly, just as he realized who it was.

"Sorry." He smiled sheepishly, looking up at Severus. "Son of a bastard, then?"

"Much more appropriate." Severus nodded, looking down at Ron and Hermione. "Getting along well now?"

Harry grinned, "It's nice not having anyone recognize me for a chance, but it's a bit eerie having people stare at me like they are."

"They're get used to it." Severus shrugged, "To humans, what is new is always different, and what is different is always worth a stare, no matter how obvious."

"True." Hermione agreed with him, speaking up a bit.

Severus looked down at her, "I'm sure both of you knew the whole story just as Harry learned it."

"Yes sir." Ron answered, trying to avoid eye contact with him.

"I assure you, Ron, I'm not going to put a hex on you." Severus chuckled a bit. Ron shot Hermione an odd glance. Snape was laughing - with Gryffindors, no less.

"I have to prepare for my next class. I'll see you three later this afternoon?" Severus asked. The three of them nodded in unison. "Very well then... If anyone gives you any trouble, Harry, get either Dumbledore or myself. Goodbye."

With a swish of his cloak, he disappeared among the students.. Ron let out a breath he had been holding while Hermione just shook her head.

"What did you do to him? He's definitely changed."

"Strange, isn't it?" Harry sighed, "It's almost as if he's a whole other person."

"Maybe he was, when you Mum was alive." Ron suggested. "Losing a loved one can definitely change people.'

Harry shrugged, "Maybe.. It's definitely entirely possible." With that, the three got up and left the Great Hall, moving on to their next class.

*

Chapter Nine, Part Two: Known To The World

No one seemed to recognize him that day; however, as he took the place their beloved Harry Potter usually sat, his classmates slowly got the picture. Before dinner, the school was buzzing about his new look; he had been approached multiple times and asked why he looked the way he did. He just smiled and shook his head, telling them they'd find out along with the rest of the school.

Dinner finally came, and Harry was approached by Professor McGonagall before he left the Gryffindor common room. She instructed him to follow her, and she led him to the dungeons, where Severus' office was. Harry could just see the inside of the office, where Dumbledore and Severus were standing impatiently.

"So sorry, Headmaster, it took me a while to find him." Professor McGonagall opened the door just as Severus and Dumbledore were standing up.

"That's quite all right, Minerva. Shall we, Harry?" Dumbledore led the way as the three followed him to the Great Hall, where the rest of the school's population was. Harry followed the three up to the Head Table, but stood behind Dumbledore and Severus when they took their seats. Dumbledore waited for a moment, then stood up to get the students' attention.

"Good evening, students, and what a lovely evening it is." The ceiling of the Great Hall was slowly turning orange and pink and reflecting against the cumulus and stratus clouds the sky was proudly showing off.

The volume suddenly turned down from a loud roar to a soft murmur among the curious students. Almost everyone's head turned towards the High Table, waiting for Dumbledore's speech.

"I'm sure some of you have noticed a certain student of ours different appearance, and I'm also sure some of you have been curious as to how and why." Dumbledore observed most of the Gryffindor table nodding. "My great-great-great-great-grandson, Harry Potter, has come across some his family history he didn't know of as of earlier this month. I'm sure almost all of you are familiar with the Potters' story and the first downfall of Lord Voldemort. I will not go in to detail of the story, but it has come to my, Harry's, and Professor Snape's attention that not only was James Potter not Harry's father, but Professor Snape in fact is."

The roar of volume returned as the Great Hall reacted to this news. Harry Potter, the one who had defeated the Dark Lord and escaped him three more times, was in fact their most hated teacher's son? For most, it came as a shock, but to Ron, Hermione, and Draco, it was old news. The three watched as the rest of the school reacted, Ron trying not to laugh at his brothers' disbelief.

"Harry Potter is Snape's son?" Fred bellowed, "Impossible!"

"How can that Death Eater be related to him? His mother must have been under the Imperious Curse." George snickered, "Poor Harry."

"He seems to be taking it fairly well." Ron noticed, looking up between Snape and Dumbledore to where Harry was standing, arms crossed and eyes downcast.

"Ah, so is that him?" Fred commented, "He looks different."

"Dumbledore'll get to that." Hermione said, taking a bite of her steak.

As if on cue, Dumbledore silenced the hall and continued; "Before any of you start to think my granddaughter had an affair, they were legally married." He shook his head, "If I hear of any of you taking this news poorly and taking it out on either Professor Snape or Harry, you shall be dealt with accordingly. As some of you may have noticed, Harry -- " he turned towards him and waved him forward, " -- has a new look. His mother ended up cursing him to look exactly like James Potter, in fear of Harry's safety. However, the curse has been reversed, and Harry is now looking as he would have had it not been for his mother's curse."

The Hall's reaction was exactly as Harry had imagined it; the outburst was deafening as students stood up to get a better look at him. His own table, Gryffindor, was divided; those who had seem Harry earlier stayed in their seats while the rest of the table stood up with everyone else, blocking Ron and Hermione's view of him.

"I feel bad for him," Hermione said quietly, "People are going to be asking him questions for the rest of the year now."

"All he has to do is tell them he doesn't want to talk about it." Ron answered, "It's not like he has to."

"He definitely looks different." George said, after sitting back down to face the two. "He's taller."

"Taller than me, in fact." Ron said grimly. "Why's his hair longer?"

Hermione shrugged, "Like Dumbledore said, he looks as he would have if he hadn't been cursed; Maybe he would have grown his hair out a bit? It looks good on him."

"Yeah, it does." Ginny squeaked, sitting back down next to Hermione. "He's really cute now."

Harry was in deed better looking; He was taller and had lost the little boy look he possessed for nearly fifteen years. He no longer needed his glasses, as poor vision was a trait James had possessed, not Severus or Lily. His eyes were still as green as they had ever been, but his cheekbones were higher, more defined. His scar, no longer hidden behind a mass of bangs, shot across his lower forehead. He was lankier, but his cheeks were still as full as they had ever been. He had his mother's button nose, not Severus' crooked nose, much to Hermione and Ginny's satisfaction. His hair was still as black as ever, but was now about a half an inch below his ears, straight and neat. His face was still slightly round, thanks to his mother's genes. It didn't have the arch in it that made Severus as evil looking as he was. They also noticed a change in Severus' appearance; he wasn't nearly as lifeless as he had been before. His hair was now clean and shiny, touching his shoulders slightly. His eyes weren't downcast as they usually were, but alive and observant to everyone's reaction to Harry. He looked happier, almost, which made the shallowness in his face less noticeable. He wore a half-smile on his face, making him seems almost friendly.

Dumbledore waited for silence once more, finishing his announcement. "Also, Harry Potter is no longer a Potter; he has requested a change of name, due to the fact he has no relation to James Potter. He is now Harry J. Evans Snape. It will take some getting used to, yes, but I trust you all to accept it. He is still the same person some of you have known for five years, in spite of appearances and name changes. Do not treat him any differently, or like I stated before, you will be dealt with accordingly."

He nodded towards Harry to take his place among the students. He felt hundreds of pairs of eyes follow him closely as he made his way down to the Gryffindor table to take his place between Ron and Hermione. Slowly, people started talking amongst themselves once more, but once in a while they glanced over towards him, anxious to ask him why.

*

Chapter Nine, Part Three: Wash Away Those Years

Harry ran breathlessly down to Severus' office, his hair whipping behind him. He passed multiple Slytherin students, all of whom either carefully avoided him or treated him with much more respect than he deserved or was ever shown. It was obvious his father had threatened them in a way that had scared them shitless, him being the Head of the Slytherin house.

Harry ran into Severus' office and slammed the door behind him, breathing as hard as he ever had. Severus turned quickly towards his son, wrinkling his brow in worry.

"Harry, are you all right?" he asked, advancing on the 16 year old.

"No... I'm not." Harry breathed hard. "Three really... nice looking... girls just asked me out... And I don't know... Which one to say yes to... Help?"

Severus threw his head back and laughed, "Which one do you like the best?"

"I don't know any of them!" Harry exclaimed, "They all just cornered me and started... I don't know... Competing, saying that they were better than the girls next to them."

Severus continued to chuckle, "Well, it seems you have a situation. What do you like in a girl?"

Harry thought for a moment, "Smart, funny... I have to know them first, before I could ever consider dating them."

"Do you have a specific house you prefer?"

Harry shook his head, "What would be the fun in that? You were in Slytherin, Mum was in Gryffindor... They're opposite houses. Why should I limit myself?"

Severus shook his head, "Don't base your relationships off your Mum and mine's. I got her pregnant during the summer before seventh year... If I hear you're going around sleeping with your girlfriend before you could properly deal with the consequences, I will have your neck."

"What if she's not my girlfriend?" Harry asked innocently.

Severus shook his head, looking at Harry with a smile on his face. "Then you'd better pay her well."

The year continued as it would have any other way; Harry was slowly accepted, and after only a month no one continued to ask him about why he had chosen to abandon his identity as James Potter's son. He was happy with his decision; to him, it was the only way to live now that he was aware of how James acted towards his mother. Even thought he had no true memories of her, he loved her as much as any son would love a mother, and knowing he bore her enemy's name and appearance made his detest looking in the mirror before Severus had transformed him.

Potions was much easier with the knowledge Severus wasn't going to try to make his life miserable anymore. He lightened up, both on Harry and the rest of the school. Summer vacation approached faster than Harry had expected; it seemed like no time Dumbledore was alerting the Dursleys of Harry not returning over the summer. As Harry suspected, they were overjoyed, not because his father was alive but because they didn't have to deal with his 'abnormalities' being under their roof anymore.

Severus lived in Hogsmeade; he had moved there after he had been offered the teaching job at Hogwarts. His home was not a large one as his childhood house had been, but it was much more personal and welcoming than his childhood home had ever been. Pictures of his family and Lily adorned the walls, along with personal photos of himself and Lily, pictures he knew Harry would be excited to see.

He had an extra bedroom that would be made into Harry's room, and on the dresser was a picture of Lily, one of Severus' favorites. He had taken it the day they were married, December 26th, 1977. She was sitting on her bed with a wide smile across her face, her hair down and school robes billowing around her. As a joke, she had exchanged her scarlet and gold Gryffindor tie for Severus' own green and silver Slytherin tie, making her auburn hair stand out even more. She was sitting with her legs crossed, her right hand fingering her wedding ring which was on her left hand.

Harry and Severus arrived mid-afternoon the day school let out. Severus' suspicions were confirmed when Harry assured him he loved his room; It was decorated with various Quidditch teams with a large Chudley Cannons poster in the middle of his wall. The walls were a cream colour with a wooden floor and doors while the bedspread was scarlet with golden tassels, matching Lily's bed in the picture.

Harry was amazed at how Severus was treating him; he was used to not being sneered at anymore and be taken seriously, but Severus was starting to show bits of affection towards Harry. Nothing drastic, but he tried to make Harry feel as at home as he possibly could. He was quickly accepting the fact that Harry was his son and that he was now living with him. The visual change in Harry made it easier for both Severus and Harry to feel comfortable around each other. Much to Severus' surprise, Harry didn't bother cutting his hair, letting it grow out to nearly his shoulders. Harry was not a miniature version of Severus, rather a definite cross between Lily and Severus. He had Severus' body structure and hair, but Lily's facial structure and eyes.

Their first night together was fairly uncomfortable, but once Harry realized this was now his home also, he quickly accepted it and acted a little more like himself with each passing day. He constantly asked Severus about Lily; what she was like, how she acted. He slowly gathered a better understanding of their relationship and who James truly was. Harry insisted the two talk as much as possible, as he wanted to get to know his father better. Severus' home was the total opposite of what his personality had been and Harry wanted to get to know the man his mother had loved, not the monster of a professor he had known for four years.

The first time Severus was Called, nearly three weeks after he and Harry had moved into their own home, he knew it was necessary. He had been informed by one of Dumbledore's spies that Voldemort thought he had been saving himself with crossing over to Dumbledore's side and was willing to give him another chance. Severus was one of his favorite Death Eaters; a typical Slytherin and much like Voldemort himself. Severus notified Harry he would be leaving and quickly Apparated to the location Voldemort was, finding himself once again amidst his fellow Death Eaters.

"Good Afternoon, my brothers." Hearing Voldemort's voice once again sent a shiver down Severus' spine. Wondering if he should even be there, he quickly turned to face his Master.

"I don't doubt you all have been well. As some of you may have noticed, the Daily Prophet has yet to acknowledge the fact that I have, indeed, risen again, even after two years of my existence. Unbeknownst to them, this has been of an advantage to me and my fellow brothers -- you. I have heard of the wonderful destruction and chaos you all have been creating; I am proud.

"On a more serious note, many of you have notified me of something that I could not have imagined, not even in my wildest dreams; Harry Potter is indeed, not a Potter."

Murmurs rose through the group, but Voldemort quickly silenced them. "Instead, he is the offspring of one of the most faithful among you. It was not the curse that Lily Potter cast upon Harry on that fateful night, rather a promise I made. As many of you are aware, a wizard's promise is binding; it can not be broken. I promised this brother I would not harm anyone besides the Gryffindor Line and Lily Potter that night -- I was unaware Harry was not James' son. Therefore, I had broken my promise to my faithful servant, unbeknownst to both him and myself.

"It is now known he is Harry's father; I have no reason to go after Harry now, except revenge. But, since I do not wish to lose my Death Eater, I shall make sure his son is no longer bothered -- the first brother among us to harm Harry Potter shall be punished accordingly. He is well protected by Albus Dumbledore, and I shudder to think of what he would do if he beloved Harry was harmed, as it is now not necessary. We shall not consider him a target no longer; do not bother."

With Voldemort's last words, a mass surge of relief washed through Severus' body. He was safe, he didn't have to worry about Voldemort harming his son. Severus no longer had to check on Harry each night, making sure Voldemort had not found out his location. They were no longer protected by the charm that had once protected the Dursley's home -- it was up to Severus to protect Harry.

He was safe.

She came calling

One early morning
She showed her crown of thorns
She whispered softly
To tell a story
About how she had been wronged
As she lay lifeless
He stole her innocence
And this is how she carried on
Well I guess she closed her eyes
And just imagined everything's alright
But she could not hide her tears
'Cause they were sent to wash away those years
They were sent to wash away those years
My anger's violent
But still I'm silent
When tragedy strikes at home
I know this decadence Is shared by millions
Remember you're not alone
For we have crossed many oceans
And we labor in between
In life there are many quotients
And I hope I find the mean
-Creed, "Wash Away Those Years"

I know, about forty chapters too late... But I just found it (out of over 100 CDs, sorry) and hey, it works! Lily's experiences in Severus' POV.

*

Chapter Nine, Part Four: Truce?

It was in early July that Harry faced Sirius Black and Remus Lupin for the first time as Severus' son. As a surprise for Harry, the two were offered one of the extra bedrooms in the Snape home for a week; Both Remus and Sirius jumped at the chance to spend some time with Harry, regardless of the fact he wasn't James' son. He was Lily's son, and that's all that mattered to them.

Remus showed up on July 5th with Sirius in his Animagus form; Sirius was still on the run from the Ministry of Magic even though all of Dumbledore's group had repeatedly confirmed Peter Pettigrew was alive and had admitted to killing those 12 Muggles.

Severus bid hello to the two as they made themselves comfortable in the kitchen; Harry was still upstairs, unaware of Remus and Sirius' visit. Severus called him down quickly, and moments later the three could hear his heavy footsteps tromping down the steps.

"Yeah D -- " Harry stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Remus and Sirius sitting next to his father, mugs of tea in their hands.

"Hello, Harry." Remus smiled and stood up. "It's lovely to see again."

"Harry old boy!" Sirius exclaimed, "What happened? You grew half a foot!"

Harry laughed, hugging Remus then Sirius, whom he now towered over. "I grew up a bit."

"I'll say..." Remus grinned, "It suits you much better than James' look."

Harry nodded, glancing over towards Severus. "I think so too."

Severus smiled a bit, lingering back until Sirius pulled him forward. "Yes, you definitely look like your father... But you can see bits of your Mum in your face."

Harry grinned broadly, "Really?"

Sirius nodded, agreeing. "Lily would have been proud."

Harry smiled once more, taking his place next to Severus, facing Remus and Sirius. "So how have you two been?"

"Eh, same old, same old." Remus shrugged, "The Full Moon, Dumbledore's meetings, attending to dear old Sirius here... He needs to be let out every few hours, you see."

Sirius threw his head back and laughed, "And I have been eating, sleeping, shitting, and running from those bastards that still have it in for me."

Harry nodded, "Wonderful."

The conversation continued for a few more hours, during which Severus conjured up one of his more American meals: cheeseburgers and chips.

It was nearly midnight when Harry was whisked off to bed by Severus, insisting he needed his rest. When he came back from making sure Harry was at least trying to sleep, he saw Remus and Sirius sitting perfectly silent.

"So?" Severus asked anxiously, taking his place opposite from them.

"It's amazing," Remus shook his head, "If I hadn't know it was him, I would have never believed it."

Severus nodded, glancing over his shoulder. "He insisted he wanted to look like he would have; I tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted."

"I don't blame him," Sirius growled, "As good a friend as James was, he was a bastard to Lily."

Severus was slightly taken back by Sirius' attitude towards James. He had expected him to at least stand up for his friend, if not completely protest his godson's new look.

"Yes, he was." Severus said quietly.

Remus shook his head once more, "It's going to take some getting used to. I knew there was a possibility Harry was your son, but after he grew up to look exactly like James..."

"Harry Snape. Hard to imagine." Sirius chuckled, "And to think we hated you less than twenty years ago."

"Hopefully that has passed?" Severus questioned, "You are Harry's godfather. I want you to have a relationship with him; Remus, you've been so incredibly supportive of Lily and I... sorry, were supportive of us. I don't want to have to fight with Harry to let you two see him."

"Of course not, we're both glad you're his father. James didn't deserve to have children that way, especially with a woman as great as Lily." Remus said quietly.

"As much as it pains me to do this..." Sirius stuck out his hand, "Truce?"

Severus took it cautiously, shaking his hand firmly. "Truce."

The week passed quickly, and soon Remus and Sirius had left. Beforehand, Severus had brewed the Wolfsbane potion for Remus in gratitude for visiting. Harry had been walking on clouds for seven days; Severus had never seen him happier than when he was with Sirius and Remus.

Two days later, during breakfast, Harry asked a question Severus had never even considered:

"Dad, could you let me read minds too?"

Severus was incredibly taken back; Harry knew both he and Lily could read minds and was probably wondering why he couldn't.

"You're a bit too young, Harry." Severus answered, his eyes flickering up over his Daily Prophet.

"But you were my age when you could." Harry pointed out.

"No, I was a year older. I had no choice in the matter, Voldemort gave me the gift. I gave it to Lily only because it was the only way to communicate and I couldn't stand not being with her. You, however, are here and there is no reason for you to be able to read minds. I can also control minds; so could Lily but she never knew it."

"So you could make Voldemort jump off a bridge or something?" Harry asked, eyes widening.

Severus chuckled, "I suppose I could, but that certainly wouldn't kill him; it would hardly cause a scratch."

Harry shrugged, "Well, what if I ever met up with him again and I couldn't fight him?"

"You won't." Severus said, "You are no longer a target."

Harry's expression turned to one of surprised, "When did this happen?"

"When Voldemort found out you are my son." Severus answered, "To kill a Death Eater's son is like killing a future Death Eater. It would be expected of you to follow in my footsteps. However, as you are directly related to Dumbledore, Voldemort would not allow you to join his ranks, even if you wanted to."

Harry nodded, "Well that's a relief."

"You have no idea." Severus commented, shaking his head. "Each time you leave the house I worry about you constantly; now I have one less thing to worry about."

"Why are you worried?" Harry asked, "I can take care of myself."

Severus smiled, "Believe it or not, Harry, you are not immortal, as many young people your age choose to believe."

Harry grinned sheepishly, "I know, I just... Well, I've gotten away from Voldemort multiple times, why wouldn't I be able to get away from anyone else?"

Severus shook his head, "Harry, please, what ever you do, do not start to believe you are better than any wizard; it will be your death." He sighed once more, "Never overestimate yourself, it will be the last thing you ever do. You are a very talented wizard for any age, but you have yet to truly be tested in a battle. The only reason you survived your last encounter with Voldemort is because your wands are brothers. Otherwise, you would have perished. In school, you are talented; you know many things. However, to a fully trained wizard, to control you would be as easy or easier than taking candy from a baby."

Harry nodded, "I understand." He thought for a moment, "Would it be ok if one of my friends visited in August? Maybe right before school starts?"

Severus thought for a moment, "Which one?"

Harry shrugged, "Ron, probably. He could get here by Floo Powder easily."

"A Weasley? Hmm... It would be interesting." Severus thought for another minute, "I suppose, as long as his parents are ok with it."

"They will be." Harry said happily. "The end of August, then?"

Severus nodded, "End of August."

*

Chapter Nine, Part Five: Everything To Do With You

Harry woke up on July 31st at the crack of dawn; glancing over at his clock, he sighed and rolled over, trying to get back to sleep, before he realized it was his birthday. Even then, it took him a moment to remember he was going to have a true birthday this year, not one with the Dursleys. He debated with himself for a moment whether or not to get up when he heard the clattering of dishes coming from the kitchen. He rose and quickly dressed, combing his now shoulder-length hair quickly and rushing downstairs.

He saw Severus sitting down at the table, a mug of coffee in his hands. He smiled feebly at Harry, who sat down next to him.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked instantly.

"Nothing you should be concerned with." Severus answered. "Happy Birthday, by the way."

Harry grinned, "Thanks."

Once they had finished breakfast, Harry walked into the sitting room to find piles of presents from Severus, Remus, Sirius, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, and many other friends and family members he never knew he had, such as Dumbledore's other great-grandchildren, many of which were ecstatic to find they were related to the Boy Who Lived. (A/N: Can't call him Harry Potter anymore... damn.)

Severus walked in just as Harry started tackling the pile. He sat down and watched Harry open present after present, looking amazed at the fact people he never even met had sent him gifts. He watched as Harry carefully took down everyone's name and the present they had sent, and then tried to suppress the urge to laugh as Harry unwrapped a cardboard box.

"Who the hell sent this to me?" Harry exclaimed, examining the bright colored box. "Condoms?"

Severus couldn't help himself; he started laughing as hard as he ever had. "My bet is Dumbledore."

"But why?" Harry asked, confused.

"Like I said before, I was your age when I got your mother pregnant; the memory is still probably fresh in your grandfather's mind."

"God..." Harry sighed, a smile escaping from his lips. "You two enjoy torturing me, don't you?"

"Indeed." Severus nodded, "Now keep on going... You haven't reached mine yet."

Harry reached for one of the smaller presents bearing his name in Severus' curvy handwriting. He opened it quickly, and then smiled.

"A Pensive?"

Severus nodded once more, "I figured it would be a good place to store the memories you have received from me. Also, as you grow older, you will find it to be of much use."

"Thank you." Harry said sincerely, "Do you have one?"

Severus nodded, "I do. However, I have not used it in nearly three years."

"Why not?" Harry asked.

"Too painful." Severus grimaced.

Harry stood up and walked over to his father; "Are you sure you're all right?"

Severus shook his head, "I'm not all right, Harry, but it's none of your concern at the moment."

"You aren't sick, are you?" Harry asked, his heart skipping a beat. He had already lost his mother and his would-be father; he didn't want to even conceive of losing the last of his family.

"No, I'm in perfect health." Severus answered honestly. "I've just had a rough night."

"Why, what happened?" Harry pressed on.

"Please, Harry. I'm not going to tell you, so please stop asking."

"But --" Harry paused. "Are you sure? I don't want anything to happen to you; you're the last family I've got."

"Harry, I assure you, if I were in any immediate danger, you would know." Severus sighed, "Now please, don't argue."

Harry sat down, shaking his head. "If this has anything to do with me -- "

"Harry, if you must know, it has everything to do with you."

Harry looked up at Severus, surprised. "What do you mean?"

Severus shook his head, "Voldemort has start suspecting me once more; he knows I have the ability to kill him if I so choose. He is testing me, putting his own life on the line to make sure I am loyal."

Harry looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

"I can not tell you, but I assure you, if I am in any immediate danger, I shall tell you."

"Do they want me?" Harry asked quietly.

"Once you are fully grown, Voldemort plans on killing Dumbledore and taking you to his side, yes."

Harry looked up, startled. "What?"

"You are, as I have said before, powerful. Even the Dark Lord knows this; he wants you on his side, but he knows as long as Dumbledore is still around, you will not be in reach. I am the quickest way to you; he wants me to make sure you follow my footsteps and go with him."

"But I won't!" Harry exclaimed, "He killed my Mum! He killed her, he ruined my life, why on Earth should I even consider it?"

Severus shook his head once more, "That is where my powers come in. He wants me to try and control you so you will join him. He is power hungry and will stop at nothing to get it."

"Aren't there ways around this?" Harry asked quietly. "I don't want him to kill you or Dumbledore."

Severus shook his head, "I will not let him touch you. Even if you weren't my son, I promised Lily I would protect you. If that means sacrificing my own sanity, then so be it."

Harry stood up in front of Severus abruptly. "Give it to me."

"Give what?" Severus asked, confused.

"If I can control minds... Maybe he won't be able to control mine."

"Harry... No. It's far too dangerous." said Severus.

"You MUST!" Harry exclaimed, "I do not want to see you hurt, and this is the only way. I can't lose you, I won't lose you. I can handle it; Honestly. Why are you withholding this from me if it means your life?"

"Because -- " Severus faltered for a moment, "Because I see no reason for you to have it yet. It's terrible, Harry. I hear things you wouldn't believe. Right now, I know you're so angry you want to pull out your wand and hex me. You're going through different curses you think might make he do it. I can hear Remus; the full moon was last night. I can hear his cries of pain, even from a hundred miles away. I can hear Sirius and his memories whipping around his head like a bullet; they're the only things he has to hold on to. Even though I haven't heard your mother's voice for sixteen years, I can still hear her last thoughts. It's absolutely torture.

"In the past twenty years, it has made me consider myself insane multiple times. I hear the dying as they take their last breaths, I hear your grandfather's doubts, even though he will never show them. I hear your nightmares of your mother dying, of Voldemort coming and killing either myself or Dumbledore. I can hear them even when I don't want to, Harry. I don't want you to have to suffer the same as I do."

He sighed, then continued. "It is not a gift, Harry. It is one of the worst curses imaginable."

Harry sat silent for a moment. "I am the enemy then. It's my fault you've gone through this all."

Severus shook his head vigorously. "No, it's not, and don't you ever think that again. It will never be your fault; it never was. I do not want you to suffer the same fate I do, that's all."

Harry sighed, "I know I could do it."

Severus paused, "So do I."

"I know I can..." Harry said quietly.

Severus scooted over, offering Harry a seat next to him. Harry sat down gratefully, and a moment later, Severus had his hand on Harry's shoulder.

Almost immediately, Harry heard the voices. He covered his ears with his hands automatically, but he still heard them. They were inside his mind.

Severus pried his hands away from his ears, making him looking up towards him. "Concentrate on me."

Harry squeezed his eyes shut and formed a picture of Severus in his mind; a moment later, the voices quieted and all he could hear was one solitary voice.

Understand why I didn't want you to have it?

Harry nodded, "Yes, but thank you."

You're welcome.

Severus touched Harry's shoulder once more and a surge of pain moved through Harry's body. His back went rigid and his knuckles turned white in almost an instant.

"What -- is -- this?" Harry managed. Severus took his hand away and lowered his eyes.

"Exactly what I am feeling right now."

Harry's eyes widened. "Oh God, I'm sorry... I shouldn't be... God..."

Severus shook his head, "Understand that I trust you to use it well. However, one wrong move and I can assure you I will take it away from you."

"Thanks Dad." Harry said quietly.

I like it when you call me that.

Harry smiled, Well I like calling you that.

"You're welcome, son."