Least Likely Of All

Chapter Eleven, Parts 50-55

(Begin Second Ending)

Chapter Eleven, Part One: It Ain't Over Till The Fat Lady Sings

It was happening tonight; Severus had to warn her. He had tried to contact her multiple times, but she refused to listen to him. He sensed James had hurt her, as he was experiencing mental pain to its greatest.

Voldemort had enlisted him as one of the Death Eaters to help him destroy the Potters. He would help him with James, of course, but he had to warn Lily to get out of there. Knowing she wouldn't leave without Harry, he had to get to her and fast.

It was set for early evening; Peter Pettigrew was also coming along with their Lord. Voldemort had yet to explain his precise meaning for this; Severus had seen many wizards greater than the Potters be spared. Confronting Voldemort about it was one of the hardest things he had to do, knowing at any moment Voldemort might sense his weakness and kill him.

"My Lord, please explain to your most humble servant why the Potters must die." He was kneeling before Voldemort in his private chambers, away from the other Death Eaters.

"Snape. I am perfectly aware of the way you felt about Lily Potter. However, the Potter line comes from one of my ancestor's greatest enemy: Godric Gryffindor. Although they are not direct descendants, it has been my goal throughout the years to beseech upon his heirs the fury and violence Salazar Slytherin felt as he left Hogwarts School. The Bones were directly related to Gryffindor; the Potters are only partially. Once they fall, my mission will be complete."

Severus nodded slightly, feeling faint. "My Lord, promise me you shall not harm Lily. She is important to both Albus Dumbledore and myself, and could possibly become an asset if I could persuade her to join our side. She is easily molded and manipulated, my Lord. She could be great."

Voldemort laughed and a chill ran through Severus' spine. "I shall promise you I will not hurt anyone but the Potters tonight. My mission is to rid the world of James and Harry Potter, both of whom share Godric's blood. Lily, if she is in the way, will not be spared once more. You two have had your chances; Make sure she is gone, or else she will be dead as well."

"Spare those without Gryffindor blood, please Master." Severus pleaded.

"Fine, unless she is in my way. That is my final promise, Severus."

Feeling defeated, Severus sighed. "Thank you Master. Your mercy shall not be forgotten."

As dusk drew nearer, Severus tried his hardest to contact Lily. He was required to go with Voldemort, but was only to stand guard to ward off anybody wishing to help the Potters. He prayed Lily would find it in her self to hand over Harry, however he knew it was the last thing she would do.

He owled Dumbledore quickly, before the mission was to take place, warning him of Voldemort's plans. Hoping he would get there before Lily was harmed, he silently Apparated to Godric's Hollow, where the other Death Eaters had appeared. Moments later, Voldemort showed up, brandishing a crooked smile.

"It is time, my Brothers. After this, my mission shall be complete." The door of the cottage burst open. Severus saw James standing before them, holding out his wand.

Severus... Severus... God... Help me...

Leave the child, Lily... Leave him... He will spare you.

I can't leave Harry.. Severus, you don't understand-

Severus watched as a jet of green light hit James and he watched as his body dropped to the ground. Instead of feeling satisfied, he felt an intense urge to rush over to the body and try to help James, even though he knew it was impossible.

Voldemort moved throughout the house; Lily's screams of terror and cries for help filled Severus' head.

Lily, LEAVE HARRY. It's important... You must get away.

I can't leave him... God, help me... Please... Help...

Baby, you know I can't. Please, leave Harry... I'm pleading with you here, please.

"OH GOD!" he heard her screams from inside the house. Looking up, he saw Voldemort corner her in front of a window. A flash of golden light left her wand and went into what looked like a baby's crib.

He's safe, Harry's safe, you protected him... Now leave, Voldemort will kill you. Please Lily, I love you.

Severus... James is dead... I love you... God, I hope this worked... Harry... I love you... God...

A moment later, Lily appeared in front of him, her eyes wide and her pale body shaking slightly. Severus ran to her and wrapped his arms around her, shielding her face from the window. They could hear Voldemort laughing as a jet of green light blasted out of the end of his wand. However, the laughing soon ceased with a puff of orange smoke, and Lily looked up at Severus, wide-eyed.

Peter got a look of horror on his face and quickly Apparated away. The other Death Eaters followed suit; Lily and Severus remained, however.

Severus quickly Apparated up towards Harry's room, where the baby was lying in his crib, crying his eyes out.

Lily, it's safe.

A moment later, she appeared and ran to Harry's crib to comfort the baby. Severus wrapped his arms around her shoulders once more, shaking as hard as he ever had.

"Are you ok?" he asked.

"James is dead." She said quietly. "Voldemort... What happened?"

"I'm not sure... What spell did you perform on Harry?" Severus asked, touching the baby's forehead lightly.

"A shielding charm." Lily said quietly. "It must have worked."

Severus thought for a moment, "Shielding charms tend to rebound the spell... Depending on how strong the spell was... God, Lil. I think you just killed Voldemort."

*

Chapter Eleven, Part Two: Twins And A Million What?

The three of them -- Severus, Lily, and Harry -- were intercepted by Dumbledore before they could make it back to the Snape mansion. He took one look at Lily and insisted they went directly to Hogwarts, in fear of running into Severus' father.

Lily and Severus both held on to Harry as they Apparated to the Hogwarts gates, where Hagrid, the gamekeeper, was waiting to meet them. He instructed them to go up to their old room, where Dumbledore had set up a crib for Harry. They gradually made their way there, being stopped by the occasional staff member who was much too concerned for them.

The moment they closed the portrait hole leading into Lily's old room, she gave Harry to Severus and collapsed onto the large four poster bed, now black. Severus looked down at the baby, and seeing his was now fast asleep, set him in the crib provided by Dumbledore. He laid down next to Lily, taking her in his arms and pulling her as close as possible.

"How come it feels like it's been forever?" he sighed, closing his eyes.

"I don't know..." Lily said quietly. "Severus, I have something to tell you."

"Yes?" he asked, looking down at her.

"I... Dumbledore told me who Harry's father was before James and I went into hiding." Lily admitted. "Do you want to know?"

Severus thought for a moment, then nodded. "I promised you that even if he wasn't my child, I'd still love him as if he was. I intend to keep my promise."

Lily nodded, then breathed in deeply and her grip on Severus tightened. "He's James' son. I'm sorry. Sev."

Severus shook his head, "It's not your fault. He's still our son, regardless of blood lines."

"Are you sure?" Lily asked quietly.

"Baby... Shh... I love you, nothing's ever going to change that. You love Harry, he's your son. Therefore, it's impossible for me to even remotely hate him. James... I'm sorry Lil, but you know I hated him. Even though Harry's his child, he still has you as his mother."

Lily reached over and kissed Severus on the cheek. "You're going to be a great father."

"One day." Severus said, "Aren't we going to have a million babies running around? Harry's going to have a thousand siblings to put up with, you know."

Lily smiled and Severus noticed her skin was slowly regaining colour. "I want at least one set of twins."

"Twins, love? Are you sure we could handle twin infants?" Severus asked, pulling the blanket over them.

"I'm sure." Lily said defiantly. "And we have to have a little girl, too..."

"Two or three little girls." Severus corrected. "One's just never enough."

"And a son... you have to have a male heir." Lily said softly. Severus shook his head.

"I want a son, Lil, but not for an heir... For a playmate to Harry." He smiled, running his fingers through her hair.

Lily smiled and sighed, closing her eyes. "You're amazing."

"So I've heard." Severus laughed lightly. "Now go to sleep, baby. You're tired."

"Ok..." Lily sighed once more, cuddling up to her husband. "I love you."

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

The news of Voldemort's defeat spread quickly throughout the wizarding world. Lily, Severus, and especially were Harry were instant celebrities among the population, much to their dismay. All they wanted to do was start their life together, but instead they had reporter after reporter knocking on the Hogwarts gates day and night. Word got to Severus that in his Master's defeat, his father had fled the country. Severus and Lily were free to move in to the Snape mansion with Harry. Their marriage was publicly known now; Dumbledore made sure to continually confirm it was legal. A plan to have a true wedding was quickly dismissed, as both Lily and Severus were content with their small wedding three years ago.

Severus got along with Harry as well as Lily had expected; he was constantly playing with him, delighted to have someone to take care of, regardless of parentage. He took responsibility for Harry at times when even Lily was too tired to deal with the toddler. He was the perfect father; he needed to prove to Lily he could do it, that he could take care of a baby no matter what the circumstances.

Lily was still emotionally scarred from that night. Leaving Harry alone with Voldemort seemed to up her anxiousness, especially when it came to leaving Harry alone at night. Many nights, Lily was too afraid to leave her son, so Severus transferred his crib to the master bedroom, moving it as close to Lily's side of the bed as possible.

She always had nightmares; Severus considered making her a potion, but he knew she'd refuse to take it. She insisted the nightmares were for the best; they made her relive her experiences so she could accept what happened. She visited Dumbledore constantly, asking for advice and just to speak. She had a new way about her; she was paranoid one of the Death Eaters would try to revenge his Master's death and try to kill a member of her family. Severus made sure it was impossible for anyone to get onto the mansion's grounds; he heavily hexed different areas around the gate, making sure only a member of the household could get through the gates unless otherwise invited in. Only he and Lily had the ability to Apparate to and from the house.

They had few servants; three house elves and a butler, all of whom were originally employees of Severus' father and refused to leave. Lily insisted they do minimal amounts of work and even offered to pay them; however, the butler insisted room and board was enough while the house elves flat out refused, looking scandalized at the mere mention of wages.

*

Chapter Eleven, Part Three: Meet The Family

As we had promised each other, within two years we had two beautiful children; Ethan Alexandar, who lived up to his name as Strong Protector, and Khalida Dante, the daughter I wanted and named Everlasting. Ethan was an exact duplicate of myself; tall, straight black hair and cold black eyes. He was incredibly strong willed, showing it at the age of two. He and Harry didn't get along at all; perhaps it was Harry's fault, not being able to deal with a younger brother, perhaps it was Ethan's fault, being too much like myself to accept a brother. He often climbed into my lap and begged me to get rid of Harry, until his little sister was born.

Khalida was a gorgeous child; red hair like her mothers and black eyes, she was a beauty who knew it. She was a know-it-all from the start, always bossing her older brothers around. They didn't take well to her at first, but after a while she was accepted as one of them.

Lily was ecstatic to find she was pregnant with Ethan; we had been trying for a child for many months since she was determined to have as many children as she could. She almost abandoned Harry when Ethan was born; perhaps that was a factor in his and Ethan's relationship. I took responsibility for Harry once more, trying to explain to him Ethan needed the attention with Lily. How could you explain to a three year old child that someone else needed his mother just as much or more than himself? It was impossible.

Lily and I debated on whether or not to allow Harry to call me Father. It was decided that when he was old enough to handle the truth, we would tell him of his true origins. Before that, no one was allowed to breathe a single word of James in the Snape mansion.

Khalida, soon dubbed Kaylee, was born second, a little more than a year after Ethan. She had quite a temper, always throwing fits, but she got along with Harry in the beginning, despite Ethan's best efforts to try and thwart their relationship. Ethan felt as if he was always overlooked when it came to Harry. Perhaps he was right; although Ethan favored me over Lily, I had always favored Harry over my other sons. It was almost as if I felt I needed to fill the void James had left; as if I needed to prove to him more than my other children how good of a father I was.

We had our sons and daughter and weren't planning on any more. Dea Edan was a surprise; no one expected her. She was a year younger than Kaylee, and much like Ethan was an exact duplicate of me, Dea was an exact duplicate of Lily. Auburn hair and vivid green eyes, she quickly attached herself to Kaylee. She was named Dea Edan, Goddess of Fire, for her hair, which was bright red when she was born. She was a homemaker from the beginning; she always begged Lily to show her how to cook -- the Muggle way -- and was always doing something with her hands. She was truly a Snape, however, as she was quick to judge anyone that walked into her life.

Drake Aidan, Fiery Dragon, was planned two years after the birth of Dea. Once again, he was the male counterpart to Lily; red hair and green eyes. He was much like his mother personality wise, also - eager to learn and incredibly friendly. Ethan tried hard to fill the Older Brother spot in Drake's life, but Harry was the one to catch Drake's attention. Drake admired Harry as much or more than he admired his great-great-great-great-grandfather, Dumbledore, who came by often to see how his grandchildren were doing.

We acquired three more house elves that winter, four for the care of each individual child and three for taking care of the manor. I was teaching Harry magic, unbeknownst to Lily, by the age of seven. He could move simple things and transfigure simple objects before I allowed him to ride a broomstick. He took to Quidditch naturally; a trait he had received from James. I myself was not a huge fan of Quidditch, but I bared it for the sake of Harry's enjoyment.

Our youngest child, a girl, was born Christmas Day, 1988. I gave her the first name of Star, Lily gave her the middle name of Dakota. She had green eyes and black hair, much to Harry's delight. She was a dear; always offering a smile and a hug to her older siblings, always walking around with a teddy bear dangling from her arms. She was a tiny ray of light in our dysfunctional family -- everyone loved her. I called her Baby even when she insisted I called her Star. We each had our different nicknames for her, but I always liked to think she loved mine the best.

The year Harry entered Hogwarts -- 1991 -- I was offered the job of Potions Master. Lily encouraged me to take it, saying it would make her feel a lot better knowing I was there to look after Harry while he was in school. Leaving our children behind would be hard, I knew it would be. However, I agreed, in spite of the fact Star was only three.

"Do you realize how much I'm going to miss you?" I asked Lily the night before Harry and I departed. She merely grinned and kissed me.

"Yes, I do. And I promise you, I'll be missing you twice as much."

"Impossible." I kissed her back, leaning over her. "There is no end to infinity, therefore it's impossible to double it."

She laughed, touching my nose with her forefinger. "Ok, you win."

I kissed her softly, twirling her soft hair in my fingers. "Your Papa will be there to look after Harry, baby."

"Ahh, yes, but you said so yourself that you wished to become a professor some day." Lily pointed out, slowly unbuttoning the top of my pajamas. "I'm just helping you realize what you're missing."

"You mean you?" I taunted, kissing her once more. "This is going to be impossible, Lil."

She thought for a moment, "Tell you what. I'll come down there every once in a while. I'm sure Mum and Dad would be happy to take care of the kids, and I'm sure Papa will supply you with a bed big enough for two. Even if he doesn't... I'm sure we could manage."

I laughed, "Quite the needy one tonight, aren't you?"

"For you?" she kissed me, "Always."

We had six children in the house, but somehow managed to have the same kind of relationship we had thirteen years prior, during our stay at Hogwarts. We took full advantage of every moment alone, and our children had learned long ago how to entertain themselves.

"I wished you could come with me." I breathed.

"But I am." Lily kissed me once more, "I'm just not going to always be there."

"I love you, Lil."

"I love you too, Sev, and don't you ever forget that."

*

Chapter Eleven, Part Four: Red, Brown, Black, and Blonde

Harry was incredibly anxious to get to Kings Cross the next morning, waking Lily and I up before seven. I made Lily go back to sleep, but I forced myself to get up and follow Harry into the kitchen.

"What do you want?" I asked, standing in front of the child. He was short for his age, Ethan was an inch taller than him.

"Cereal." He said in a matter-of-fact voice, cocking his head and looking up at me. "You look tired."

I nodded wearily, "No thanks to you, buddy."

Harry grinned and grabbed a bowl from one of the wooden cupboards. I carefully took it from him and instructed him to get the milk instead. Lily insisted on having a Muggle-style kitchen, which included many appliances I had never seen before. There were no electrical plugs in the Snape mansion, therefore she charmed each to work on it's own, making herself a "charming" Muggle kitchen. (A/N: I know, I know. Bad pun, sorry.)

After our breakfast, I kissed Lily goodbye and made my rounds to each of the children's rooms. Ethan was happy for Harry to be leaving, but slightly forlorn about being the Man of the House. Kaylee didn't care either way; she insisted she would miss me, but along with Ethan, was glad Harry was leaving. Dea always favoured Lily, so my leaving wasn't as big a deal as she wanted it to be. She always followed Kaylee but was more or less against Harry leaving. Drake sobbed on my shoulder for a full five minutes before I could pry him off of me and move on to Dakota, who was too young to truly know what was happening.

Harry had always been the outsider; Lily and I treated him differently than the other children. Not by choice, but by default. He still didn't know about James, but somehow sensed he was different. He was ecstatic when Dakota grew up to look just like him, with green eyes and black hair.

Harry was incredibly giddy as I dropped him off at Platform 9 & 3/4. He insisted I meet him at the Hogsmeade Train station after I got my affairs in order up at the castle.

My old Potions Master, Professor Barns, had retired the year previous. I was to take his place as both Potions Master and the Head of the Slytherin House. Harry wanted to be in Slytherin because of that fact, but I insisted he didn't ask the Sorting Hat to place him there and enjoy the House he was put in.

Lily had been in Gryffindor along with James, but Harry had been raised with a name that was notoriously Slytherin. Lily would be slightly taken back if he was put into Slytherin, but we both knew it was a possibility.

I Apparated to the castle and quickly bid Dumbledore hello before I retreated to the room I had been assigned; I smirked, walking through the all too familiar portrait hole. I had to admit, Dumbledore still had a sense of humor.

The crib was gone, along with the door leading into the Slytherin dorm room, but the black tapestries were hanging on the bed just as they had ten years prior. A large desk was pushed into a corner, next to a wooden bureau. I set my stuff down and smiled, reliving the memories of the room I was standing in. Overall, it made sense, since it was the closest to the Slytherin tower, but I still chuckled at the memories.

I checked the state of my office and classroom, cringing at the smell. Making a mental note to ask Filch, the caretaker, to clean them, I went back up to the Great Hall where many of the teachers were conversing. I made my way over to a group that included Professor McGonagall, not noticing the short man standing to her right.

"Severus?" I whirled around at the sound of my name being spoken to find the one person whom I least expected standing next to McGonagall.

"Remus? Remus Lupin?" I asked incredulously.

"Severus? Severus Snape?" Remus mocked, a smile on his face. "How have you been?"

I reached over to shake his hand, "Just great, just great... How about you?"

He had been the one person to show me a shred of kindness when Lily married James; he was also one of the only people who knew about it at first. He had often visited Lily before Kaylee was born, but he had just stopped visiting with no warning.

"Never been better... I've been teaching here for a year now, Defense Against the Dark Arts." He said, glancing around the room. "I'm assuming you're taking Professor Barns' place?"

I nodded, "Yes, I am, much to Lily's delight. She wanted me to take the job so I could keep an eye on Harry."

Remus looked mildly surprised, "Harry's starting his first year here, isn't he? Wow, he's grown up so fast... How is he? Does he know about James yet?"

I shook my head, "No, he doesn't know about James yet. I was planning on telling him before we left for Hogwarts, but things didn't go as planned. He's doing really well; he knows a bit of magic and is a natural on a broomstick, it's amazing."

Remus laughed, "I guess James had a few good qualities about him after all, eh?"

I smirked, "No offense to you, Remus, but his best quality as of now is that he's dead."

Remus nodded, "No life is worth losing, no matter how terrible he was. However... yes, I do agree with you somewhat. Just don't mention that to Sirius."

I looked up at him with surprise, "Sirius? Sirius Black? He's here?"

Remus nodded, "Although the subject he's teaching shouldn't surprise you."

I looked around the room, trying to find him. "Just the fact that he's a teacher surprises me, Remus."

"Care of Magical Creatures." Remus admitted, "He's out by the Lake."

"Care of Magical Creatures? Yes, that definitely sounds like Black." I sighed, "He doesn't hate me, does he?"

Remus shrugged, "He's not exactly happy with Lily for her not -- grieving over James properly."

"There was nothing to grieve about." I said, checking my watch. "Now if you'll please excuse me, I have to meet Harry at Hogsmeade."

"May I come with you?" Remus asked, "I haven't seen him in such a long time."

I nodded, "I'm pretty sure he remembers you."

"Really?" Remus asked, amazed. "I wouldn't have thought..."

"To be perfectly honest, I also wouldn't have." I said. Nearly a half hour later, we were standing in front of the Hogwarts Express, watching students pour out of the doors. I finally spotted Harry and waved him over, watching his reaction to Remus. They were both grinning, and Remus pulled Harry into a hug. Moments later, the gamekeeper, Hagrid, called the first years over, so Harry went trotting after his new friends; a red head boy, a sandy haired boy, and a brunette girl shorter than even Harry. Before I got a chance to say anything to Remus, I caught a glimpse of a boy with hair too light to be called blonde; Lucius Malfoy's son.

Remus and I returned to the castle faster than the other students and quickly took our place among the teachers. Dumbledore insisted I sit next to him and show him some of the photos I had brought of the children, while Remus took a seat between Sirius Black and myself.

The brown haired girl Harry had befriended was placed in Gryffindor; the sandy haired boy was also placed in Gryffindor. Lucius' son, Draco Malfoy, was placed in Slytherin so quickly I wondered if the Sorting Hat had already known which house to choose from.

Finally. Professor McGonagall called Harry's name. I nodded towards him as he nervously walked up to the stool and placed the hat on. It definitely took it's time deciding; however, nearly a minute after he placed it on his head, the hat opened his head and yelled the house name:

"GRYFFINDOR!"

*

Chapter Eleven, Part Five: Potions With A Dragon

Harry, Ron, and Hermione, along with the rest of the first year Gryffindors, were led to the portrait of a Fat Lady by Ron's older brother, Percy the Prefect. Along the way, Harry failed to notice the many pairs of eyes starring at him.

Back in the first year boy dorms, Harry took one of the beds next to Ron while Seamus Finnigan, Dean Thomas, and Neville Longbottom took beds on the other side of the room. Ron set his rat, Monte, on his bed, shaking his head as the rat started burping up large purple bubbles.

"I'm glad I'm in Gryffindor." Ron said, laying down on his large four poster bed.

Harry shrugged, "I'm curious as to why the Sorting Hat put me in Gryffindor... I wanted to go into Slytherin. My Dad's the Head of the House, so..."

Ron looked up at Harry, flabbergasted. "Why on Earth would any normal human being, especially one in Gryffindor, ever want to voluntarily go to Slytherin?"

"My Dad was there when he went to Hogwarts, but my Mum was in Gryffindor." Harry said, sitting down on his bed. "But I've always been told I'm just like my father."

Ron shook his head, "You mean you don't know?"

Harry looked at him curiously, "What don't I mean?"

"You're not a Snape." Ron said, "Don't you even know your own story? The Boy Who Lived?"

Harry stuck his tongue out, "I hate it when people call me that."

"Sorry." Ron apologized. "Ask your Dad, he might tell you."

Harry shook his head, "What do you mean, my story?"

Ron poked Monte with his finger, "I mean, go ask your Dad."

Harry smirked, "Why wouldn't I be a Snape?"

"Harry, everyone knows the story. I'm surprised you don't." Ron admitted, "I don't want to be the one to tell you. Ask your Dad tomorrow."

Harry shrugged, still not believing a word that was coming from Ron's lips. "Fine."

With that, Neville blew out the candles surround the room.

The next morning the first years got their schedules; Charms in the morning, then Defense Against the Dark Arts, lunch, then Transfiguration and Potions. Harry welcomed the schedule; he could see Remus and his father, along with Professor McGonagall, of whom his grandfather had introduced him to many times.

"Potions..." Ron moaned, "On our first day and everything."

"It won't be that bad." Harry assured him, "Dad knows what he's doing."

"You know how weird it is to be sitting next to you?" Hermione, a girl Harry and Ron had met on the train, commented. "The Harry Potter... You must be in half the books about the Dark Arts."

"Harry Potter?" Harry shook his head, "No, Potter's one of my middle names. It's Harry Snape."

Hermione shook her head, "Well, that's what the books called you."

Harry wrinkled his nose, "No thanks. I prefer Snape."

The morning went well; in Charms, Professor Flitwick, a tiny man, taught them how to levitate feathers in midair, which both Harry and Hermione caught on to quickly. However, the rest of the class seemed to have a bit of trouble, in which the Professor was quick to point out. Both Harry and Hermione blushed as Professor Flitwick pointed out their techniques. Harry just shook his head, as he hated to be singled out.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was wonderful; Harry was able to talk to Professor Lupin a bit, but before he took his seat, Lupin put a hand on his shoulder and sighed.

"You look just like your father, Harry."

Harry shook his head, "I don't see the resemblance. Ethan looks like Dad though."

Lupin had just shaken his head, the instructed Harry to sit down. He sat between Neville and Ron, looking thoroughly confused indeed.

Transfiguration was by far Harry's favorite subject. He had a head start in the class and was soon turning his needle into a button and back again. Hermione looked at him in awe as she held up her perfect needle.

"Where did you learn how to do that?" she asked quietly.

"Dad insisted I learn a bit of magic before coming to Hogwarts." Harry admitted. "This is really all I can do though."

Their last class of the day was the one Harry was looking forward to the most; Potions. Eager to see his father once more, he dragged Ron down to the dungeons as fast as possible. After walking through the classroom door, he set his stuff down and went straight to Severus, who was sitting at his desk.

"Hello Dad." Harry grinned, "How's your day been?"

Severus grinned back, "Just great Harry... How about you?"

"It's been great!" Harry exclaimed, "But can I talk to you later? Before dinner?"

Severus nodded, "Of course. You can stay after class if you'd like, we could talk then. Is everything all right?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, I just wanted to ask you a question, that's all."

"Ok, but you'd better take your seat now," said Severus, "Class is about to start."

Harry dashed over to sit next to Ron on the edge of the Gryffindor side of the room. Sitting next to him was a small blonde boy with two burly boys sitting next to him. Harry extended his hand, waiting for the boy to take it.

"Hello... What's your name?"

The blonde boy took his hand cautiously and shook it. "Draco Malfoy."

"You're in Slytherin, right?"

"And you're Harry Potter." Draco drawled, leaning back in chair.

"Harry Snape, actually." Harry corrected him. "You're in Slytherin?"

"Yes." Draco nodded, "And you're in Gryffindor."

"Yes." Harry agreed, feeling slightly insulted. "What's that got to do with anything?"

"You're Professor Snape's son." Draco said in the same knowing voice. "Yet you're in Gryffindor."

"So?" Harry asked, "My Mum was in Gryffindor."

"Ahh, the famous Lily Potter." Draco nodded, "Sure, of course. I've heard all about her."

"What do you mean, Lily Potter? Her maiden name is Evans." Harry said just as Severus was standing up.

"Welcome to your first Potions class. I am Professor Severus Snape, your Potions Master for the next year and hopefully in the years to come."

His voice wasn't as Harry knew it; instead, it was slightly cold with the drawl Harry heard in Draco's voice. Harry looked up at his father curiously, anxious to talk to him.

"I'm going to call roll... When I come to your name, say 'here'. Not 'present', not 'yeah?', but 'here'." Severus took in a deep breath, "Lavender?"

"Here."

"Millicent?"

"Here."

"Vincent?"

"Here."

"Seamus?"

"Here."

"Hermione?"

"Here."

"Gregory?"

"Here."

"Neville?"

"Here."

"Draco?"

"Present."

Severus looked up over his piece of parchment to look at the boy. Raising an eyebrow, he started to speak.

"Did you do that on accident, or did you just think it would have been funny?"

Draco smirked. "If I had wanted to funny, you'd be on the floor."

Severus shook his head, "Don't be so sure of yourself, Mr. Malfoy. Look where it got your father."

Peter Pettigrew, when caught, had given the names of many Death Eaters, including Lucius Malfoy. He was currently serving a life sentence in Azkaban.

"Terrance Nott."

"Here." The Slytherin boy answered.

"Pansy?"

"Here."

"Parvati?"

"Here."

"Harry?"

Harry snapped his head up, as he was talking to Ron. "Ye -- Here."

"Nice save." Severus nodded, "Dean?"

"Here."

"Ronald?"

"Here, and Ron please."

Severus nodded, "Blaise?"

"Here." A Slytherin girl said quietly.

"Glad to know everyone bothered to show up for class. You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making." He didn't need to speak loudly; nearly the whole class was hanging on to his every word. "As there is little wand waving here, many of you will find it hard to believe this is trying magic. You will not understand the beauty of a potion until you have experienced the power these liquids hold. I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death, if you are willing to learn."

Much of the class nodded, but Draco leaned back and yawned.

"Mr. Malfoy, is there a problem?"

Draco shook his head, "No sir."

"Good. I expect you could tell us what I would get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Harry grinned -- he knew the answer. Apparently, so did Hermione, but Draco just starred.

"Isn't it your job to tell me?"

"So you admit you don't know everything. Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

Draco shook his head, "If I knew, I would tell you."

"I see you didn't bother to open the book before you came, Malfoy. Let's try this one more time; What is the difference between monkshood and Wolfsbane?"

"It's obvious I don't know, Professor, but I'm sure your precious -- son -- does. Ask him if you want to know the answer." Draco crossed his arms.

Severus glared at the boy, but inside, he was laughing. Draco was terrified of him; he could sense the emotion. "Very well. Harry?"

Harry smiled, "Asphodel and wormwood makes a powerful sleeping potion, known as the Draught of the Living Death. A bezoar it a stone from the stomach of a goat and can save you from almost all poisons. Monkshood and Wolfsbane are the same plant, which is also known as Aconite."

Severus nodded, "Very good. Ten points to Gryffindor and -- " he glanced over at Draco. " -- five from Slytherin. Next time, listen."

Harry didn't bother to copy down the Potion notes his father was giving everyone; it was a simple cure for boils, one which Harry had done many times with his father. He was highly amused as Draco struggled slightly through his potion, making it a bit thicker than necessary. Harry helped Ron through his, showing him how to add them properly. Neville leaned in to listen carefully, glad for the extra assistance.

*

Chapter Eleven, Part Six: Love In An Elevator

Class was over before Harry knew it. Insisting he'd catch up soon, Harry left Ron and Neville to speak with his father, who was sitting at his desk watching the class leave with little interest.

"Good class, Dad." Harry commented, standing across from him.

"I'm sure you didn't learn anything though." Severus gave Harry a half-smile and conjured up a lone chair in front of his desk. "So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

Harry shifted uncomfortably, "Three people now have told me my last name's Potter in these books they read about Voldemort."

What ever Severus was expecting, it hadn't been this. He looked up at Harry, partially shocked. "Harry, you're a Snape. Don't you ever forget that."

Harry nodded, "Then why is it written as Potter?"

Severus shook his head, "Because..." he paused. "Tell you what. Your mother's coming down in a few weeks and we'll explain it to you then, ok?"

Harry nodded, accepting this answer. "But I am a Snape, right?"

"You are as much of a Snape as anyone else in the family." Severus answered.

She arrived a little more than a month later, late on a Saturday night. Severus was checking essay papers he assigned the Third Years when the portrait hole swung open. Thinking it was Harry, he didn't look up. "Have a good day, Harry?"

There was no reply; instead, a pair of arms wrapped around him and a pair of lips connected with his neck. He smiled and turned around, embracing his wife.

"Lily baby... I missed you."

Lily reached up and touched his nose, "I missed you too..." she looked around the room for a moment, "I see Papa saved this room for you."

"For us." Severus corrected, "None of the other staff member rooms, except for your Papa's of course, is this size. Much smaller, in fact."

Lily smiled, light dancing in her eyes. "Planning ahead, was he?"

"I don't know, why don't you ask him?"

Lily nuzzled his neck, "No, I came here to see you."

Severus smiled, "I need to talk to you about something."

Can't it wait?

Lily was now kissing him and slowly reaching over to undo his robes.

Miss me much?

You have no idea.

I think I do...

Nearly an hour later, the two were lying on the bed, Lily wrapped in Severus' arms.

"Now, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?" she asked, resting her head on his chest.

"Harry's starting to find out about James." Severus said quietly.

He could feel her body recoil slightly under him at the mention of James. "How?"

"A few of his friends, I guess, recognized him and didn't even think to consider he might be adopted."

Lily nodded, "I guess we're going to have to tell him?"

"The question is, with or without Remus, Sirius, and Dumbledore?"

Lily thought for a moment, "Harry might want to ask Remus and Sirius about -- him -- and Dumbledore might help us tell him, but I think... for now... it'll just be us."

Lily nodded, kissing him once again. "The children send their love."

"How are you handling them?" Severus asked, playing with a tiny braid in her hair.

"Ethan's... Ethan. Kaylee insists she can take care of herself, Dea does take care of herself, Drake's a little brat most of the time but I leave him to his house elf, and Star just plays with her siblings."

"Sounds wonderful." Severus smiled and kissed her once more, "I missed you."

Lily sighed, "I missed you too... God, I miss this place... The happiest memories of my life took place in this room."

"You mean in this bed?" Severus smiled, his eyes twinkling.

"That too." Lily admitted.

The next day, a Sunday, Severus and Lily cornered Harry and took him back up to their room. Harry was about as confused as he could get, but went along willingly.

"Harry, do you remember that question you asked me on the first day of school?" Severus asked, "The one about Potter?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I do."

"Well, honey..." Lily started. "It's a bit complicated, but after I married your father, I was forced to marry another man named James Potter."

How do I explain this to an eleven year old child?

Do you want me to take over?

Yes.

"Harry, James Potter -- do you know what biological means?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded, "Dad, I'm not six anymore. Just spit it out."

"Harry, you're not my biological son." Severus said. "James Potter died when you were a year old; he was the last victim of Voldemort."

Harry's eyes widened, "You mean, you've been lying to me?"

Severus shook his head, "No. You're my son, even though we're not blood related. Don't you ever think otherwise; I adopted you shortly afterwards, and I've loved you like a son ever since the day you were born."

Harry looked helpless, "Mum?"

Lily nodded, "I gave birth to you Harry... but James nearly missed it." She took in a deep breath, "James was an incredibly abusive man. He hit me and did numerous other things. I hated him, Harry, but I love you more than anything in the world. James' last name is Potter, and yours was before your father adopted you. The books have you down as Harry Potter only because that was your name when -- it -- happened."

Harry shook his head, "But... why?"

"I know this has come as a shock to you, but we wanted to make sure you could fully understand everything before we told you." Lily said quietly. "As you said, a six year old would not understand it."

Harry nodded, his gaze shifting from Severus to Lily. "Do you.. Could I see a picture of him?"

Severus smiled, "Look in the mirror, Harry."

Harry sighed, "So that's why everyone always tells me I look like my father... I thought they meant you."

Severus was slightly hurt at his ton, as if he was brushing him aside. However, he smiled. "Yes, that would be why. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black were two of your father's good friends. I'm sure they'd have pictures and stories to tell."

Harry smiled and then nodded, "Thanks for telling me."

"You're welcome, Harry... But always remember, it doesn't matter whose blood you have. The person that loves you... your father... is your true father. Understand?" Lily asked.

Harry nodded once more, "Yes." He then went up to Lily and hugged her, then turned to Severus. "Thanks again."

Severus smiled as Harry embraced him, "You're welcome."

I open my eyes

To see her face
In a daze we engaged
Last night I slept about an hour
To fill her needs and desires

Chorus

One more night in California
One more night with you
One more night
Ya she's alright [she's alright]
One more night [yeah]
One more night in California

Dom dom dom baby one more night

Dom dom dom baby one more night

I need to catch a ride

To the south side
I grabbed a patty and a shake
I felt the earthquake
I jumped in the cab for LAX
I flipped him a tip
hey man!
Then I split

One more night in California

One more night with you
One more night

But she's alright

She's alright
One more night [yeah]
One more night in California
Night in California
Night in California
Night in California

dom dom dom baby one more night

dom dom baby one more night
I opened my eyes to see her face

But she's alright

She's alright
One more night [yeah]
one night in California

She's alright

She's alright
One more night..yeahhh
One more night in California
Night in California
Night in California
Night in California*

*California, The Moffatts.