Lily's Charm

1996

He had to ask, no matter that he didn't want to hear the answer. Severus didn't look away. He held Harry's gaze, and Harry appreciated his father all the more. He knew that whatever Severus was going to say would be inordinately painful, simply by the storm inside his black eyes, but he also knew that his father would say it anyway.

"I do not wish to give you false hope," Severus began, his voice hard but Harry was encouraged by the tone. "The most likely outcome is that Voldemort will capture both of our souls." Harry nodded as though in acceptance of a boring recitation--he knew all of this already. Severus considered him and Harry could feel the swoop of his father's emotions even as he said carefully, "I suspect what you really desire to know is whether or not we will be stronger than death."

Harry tried to stop his eyes as they were sliding themselves away. He felt a funny shame at his father's words. As though there was something sinister about the wash of hope he couldn't smother.

Severus forced himself to relax as he said carefully, "There is nothing wrong in your wish to remain hopeful."

"My wish?" Harry repeated, almost in accusation as he stepped forward, his eyes sharp; whatever he'd been feeling only seconds ago, vanished completely. "What about you?" he demanded. "I can feel what you're feeling, even though you're trying to shut me out." The hurt and confusion was like a cut to Severus as his son gazed at him. "You are giving up then?" Harry decided, the hurt intensifying in his eyes as it was magnified by his father's own pain.

Severus drew a slow breath. "I believe I was," he admitted with a small nod. "It was easier to believe you would be content beyond the veil than to deal with the grief I was experiencing."

"If we're separated from Voldemort, I will be content though, won't I?" Harry asked, the confusion lacing with desperation in a dangerously unbalanced mixture.

"You would," Severus agreed, "but only because you would know nothing else."

"What do you mean?"

"I told you earlier that I will find peace in death. For you though, Harry," Severus said heavily, "death would be a less than satisfactory option."

"Why are you telling me this?" Harry demanded, feeling himself exploding out a too-long held breath.

Severus closed his eyes for a brief second before piercing Harry with his black eyes. "Because, Harry," he insisted, "as hard as it is to fight for something that may well be out of our grasp, we must. If we give up, then Voldemort will win."

Harry blew out a frustrated breath. "But that doesn't even make any sense," he countered. "Win what? Voldemort will be banished, no matter what happens to us. What does it matter?" he asked, his voice louder now. For some reason that made his father's upper lip curl into a shape that almost mimicked a smile.

"Then would you simply prefer to go wherever Voldemort takes us, if nothing else matters?" he asked, his voice silky smooth.

"Of course not," Harry returned, shuddering a little at the thought. An eternity with Voldemort... He narrowed his eyes a bit as he tried to understand the point his father was trying to make. "So, you want me not to give up even if only to keep from spending forever with Voldemort?"

"That is the worst case scenario, but nonetheless accurate."

Harry frowned at him. He crossed his arms over his chest and gave his dad his best glower, which frankly didn't amount to much. "Why are you all of a sudden playing Dumbledore?" he asked as he squinted. Severus' eyebrows shot up. Harry shook his head. "You're talking in riddles," he accused and then Harry watched in horror as his father's face actually fell; the muscles around eyes and mouth slumped. Harry immediately apologized, "I'm sorry-" Severus waved it away as he let his legs give way so that he was sitting on the sofa. Harry stood where he was, gazing down at him.

Severus ran a defeated hand over his eyes, stretching his face into a frown as he brought his hand down. "That is easier than the truth as well," he told his son quietly, having to crane his neck to see him. Harry moved swiftly to sit next to him and Severus' eyes followed him.

"What truth?" Harry asked, his tone matching Severus'. Severus' lips pressed together as he gathered his thoughts around him.

"There are--indications," he began tentatively. He studied Harry for a moment before continuing, "Did you understand what Albus was referring to when he spoke of the ring of light around us?"

"Just that I was reading your mind," Harry answered, obviously having missed entirely the power of what had happened between them. Severus leaned forward, struggling to keep the intense feelings at bay--to keep the hope at bay, but the time for keeping secrets had passed...by a large margin.

"Not precisely," he corrected, to which Harry cocked his head in confusion. "I was thinking about your mother when my thoughts were replaced by your memory of Voldemort."

"So you were reading my mind as well, then?" Harry shrugged, still missing the point. Severus shook his head, quickly now. He was feeling much more anxious than he wanted to, as he tried to ensure that Harry understood.

"It was as though Voldemort was inside my mind...just as he was when he attempted to possess you," he explained. "I was terrified, Harry." His fists tensed in his lap as Harry stared at him, the understanding dawning across his features.

"I was worried when I saw mum...worried about what would happen," he told Severus and Severus nodded. "It was as though I was you," Harry marveled.

"And I, for those brief seconds, was you," Severus agreed.

"But what the hell does that mean?" Harry spluttered. "We're switching consciences now?" he asked, shaking his head as if attempting to rid himself of the frightening notion.

"I am uncertain exactly what to term it, but there can be no denying that our connection is much stronger than either Albus or myself could have conceived of," Severus replied, his voice as even as he could make it. The hope was impossible to ignore now. But Harry was watching him warily.

"But if the connection is that strong, there's a chance...just like Hermione said," he reasoned, though Severus could feel his hesitation.

"It may mean nothing more than that it will be impossible for Voldemort to separate us," Severus cautioned, though it was difficult to retain his objectivity. And he found that he really had no desire to. He was startled as he read the same feeling in his son's emerald depths. Harry looked back at him and Severus could sense that he was waiting for him to answer the questions he didn't want to ask.

"An entire life should be ahead of you," Severus said quietly as he stilled the tremors vibrating his words. "I only realize now what it would mean for you to live--to live, Harry, without the constant nightmare of Voldemort stalking you." But the statement that made Severus feel alive again only had Harry shaking his head.

"I can't even imagine what that would be like," he admitted with a shrug. "What would I even do without my annual confrontation with Voldemort or one of his minions?" he laughed as he turned away; it was a stark, grating sound. And Severus realized how much his own withdrawal, how much his giving up had affected Harry's perspective. Even with everything they'd been through together, Severus didn't know if he'd ever get used to the way his son now regarded him. It was almost inconceivable to have someone looking to him for an example to follow. Severus remembered that he had told Harry that he was not someone whose example should be followed, and yet, Harry continued to seek that from him.

Severus felt the heat of determination coursing through him. Death was not the only option, Lupin had said. But Lupin had been wrong. Death was not an option at all. Severus could not allow it to be.

"I will do whatever it takes to keep us from being pulled through with Voldemort," he vowed, his tone quiet and hard. "To make certain you remain here."

Well that snapped Harry out of every other concern. He frowned. "Not unless you stay with me." His voice was strangely obstinate and though his father didn't look like he was going to argue, just to be certain, Harry said firmly, "I need you." He was completely unabashed by the childish plea. Severus' face relaxed a little. He brought a hand over to rest against Harry's shoulder.

"I already assured you I will be wherever you are," he reminded him gently. Harry nodded, feeling his throat close at the words, though he really hadn't doubted it.

"I know," he said quietly. In any other circumstance, Harry wouldn't have pressed him but here they were, with life so fragile and it seemed stupid not to just say what he wanted to say. There wasn't anything to lose, but still it was very hesitantly that he noted, "I was a little surprised that you didn't hex Remus." Severus raised an inquisitive brow and Harry continued slowly, "When he mentioned you accepting this because you want to see mum again." He was surprised when Severus flinched slightly.

"He was more correct than I would like to admit to," he said slowly. Harry's eyes widened as he stared at his father. Severus shook his head though before he could comment. "It is true that I am eager to see your mother again. However," he stressed as he leaned forward, "I am not so eager that I would put that desire before you."

Harry nodded as he relaxed again. "I can understand that, I guess," he acknowledged. He frowned. He would be anxious as well if Ginny were waiting for him. The thought of Ginny made him slump back against the sofa.

Severus watched Harry sag against the cushions, his heart heavy with concern, knowing if he'd prepared his son better, Harry would not be warring with such destructive emotions. "I did not manage the situation well. I apologize," he offered. Harry looked over to him with a small smile, though his head stayed squashed against the cushion.

"You didn't really have a lot of time to decide how best to handle it."

"Nevertheless-" Severus attempted but Harry shook his head against the fabric, creating a strange staticky effect so that his black hair stuck up more than usual; a smile flitted across Severus' tight lips. Harry furrowed his brow.

"What?" he asked. Severus pressed his lips back together and shook his head; he brought his hand to smooth the stray hairs back into place. Harry closed his eyes, feeling suddenly very tired as his father's fingers played across his hair.

"You need to sleep," Severus observed. Harry shrugged as he opened his eyes again.

"In a bit," he promised. Severus nodded as he let his hand fall back into his lap. His fingers brushed against parchment; he looked down in surprise. Dumbledore's scroll was still clutched in his other hand. Harry followed his gaze.

"Are you going to open it?" Harry inquired disinterestedly, still leaning back. Instead of answering, Severus tugged the cream ribbon gently. The scroll unwound itself a bit against his lap. Severus ignored the other sheets underneath to focus on the topmost piece.

"Albus believes he has discovered the location of another Horcrux," he said slowly as his eyes scanned the page. "We will need to secure it," he added. A Muggle village...

"Why didn't he just go and get it himself?" Harry asked curiously, interrupting Severus' plotting.

"I forbade him to interfere," he said bluntly. Harry raised an eyebrow.

"And he's simply going along with that?" he wondered. Severus made a small noise in the back of his throat.

"Hardly. He is providing us with a distraction," he explained as he rifled through the other pieces of parchment which Dumbledore had wound up with his Horcrux diversion. "We will need time to set a plan in motion..."

Severus' eyes widened as he pulled one of the sheets of parchment from behind the first. He let the directions to the Horcrux slip from his fingers and he moved swiftly to grab the last sheet, his eyes blinking rapidly. Harry sat up, his nerves immediately sending out a warning.

"What is it?" he asked anxiously.

Severus looked up, his eyes dark. Silently, he gave the first sheet to his son. Harry's eyes widened as he read the official-looking document. "It is the record of your birth," his father told him unnecessarily. Harry didn't even respond as his finger trailed over his name, indented securely into the parchment. Harry James Snape. "We created a false one of course, but the..."

Severus trailed off as Harry looked up; his eyes were tempestuous. Without waiting to be prompted, Severus handed the other sheet to his son, unable to still the warmth that built in his chest as Harry smiled slightly.

"He's good," he muttered. Severus smirked.

"Cunning, I would say."

Harry shook his head in bewilderment. "How did he even know?"

"I ceased in my attempts to discover the Headmaster's secrets many years ago," Severus told him with a little shake of his head.

Harry's gaze strayed back to second document, specifically the intimidating line dashed across the centre of the parchment. New Name, it inquired, a perfectly reasonable request, and yet it made Harry's gut twist painfully. His father was watching him, his own nervousness mirrored in his pinched expression, though Harry knew it wouldn't be for the same reasons.

"Will it..." Harry swallowed against his anxiety, "...would James be hurt to know I changed my name?" He relaxed as his father's eyes warmed just a tiny bit.

"You middle name is James," he said pointedly, though his face was completely relaxed now. Harry almost smiled. "We never intended for you to retain Potter for so long," Severus added quietly. Harry nodded quickly, unwilling to allow them to dwell in the past.

Harry pointed his wand toward the lab, feeling lighter. "Accio quill and ink," he commanded. His decision had been made weeks ago and his father didn't question it...not that Harry would have expected him to.

Ink and quill came out of the lab and stopped in front of Harry. He took them, standing as he did. He glanced quickly at his father who, with a nod of approval, stood as well. The two of them went to the table.

Harry smoothed the long parchment with his fingers, though the top preferred to roll back in on itself. Severus reached out with long fingers and brought the parchment up again. His splayed fingers pressed lightly as Harry pulled the quill from the dark ink. Then the quill was hovering over the document. Harry and his father watched as a drop of ink pulsed from the tip and splashed angrily against the neat scroll.

Their eyes met over the parchment. "Your children will be Snapes," Severus pointed out, his eyes glinting. Harry nodded, his lips smashed together.

"I know..." he finally murmured, moving his lips by only millimeters. He wanted them to be. And then he blinked, realizing what his father had just implied. He searched the black eyes and Severus nodded firmly, his eyes graying and Harry echoed the gesture. But then Ginny filled his thoughts and though it was completely ridiculous, he knew he wanted her to be a Snape someday as well. And it didn't matter that he was only sixteen and it didn't matter that some prophecy foretold his death. He wanted to live.

All other thoughts were banished from his mind. Harry put the quill against the vacant line. As neatly as he could, he printed what should have been the only name he ever knew; it was difficult to keep his fingers from trembling.

When he'd finished, his father pointed to a smaller line below. Signature of applicant, it read. Harry, feeling a vague sense of loss, signed his name in loopy scrawl for the final time. He handed the quill silently to his dad. Severus signed with a flourish and before he'd even pulled the quill back from the "e", the sheet rolled itself up with a flap of parchment and vanished from the table.

Harry tore his eyes from the empty spot. Severus was watching him, his features soft.

"Harry Snape." Severus hefted the name against his tongue. It fit. It shouldn't have surprised him as much as it did. The document had changed nothing; Harry had always been a Snape. He hadn't expected it to mean so much.

"Harry Snape," Harry echoed his father, nodding along with the syllables. "Sounds good."

"It does," Severus agreed, his gaze thoughtful.

It sounded right, Harry decided. And there was only one other person he wanted to share this with. He wanted to see Ginny; this time he would talk to her properly. He looked up at his father, whose face was perfectly calm; there was no hint of anxiety in those eyes. "Can I see Ginny later?"

Severus nodded. "You may write a note, if you'd like and I will send it along to Minerva's office," he offered. Harry murmured a thank you as he picked up the quill from the table, running his thumb against the pile of the soft feather.

"Did you mean to say that?" he asked, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the rumpled quill.

Severus sifted though his memories for the gentlest tone he could remember using; he found it easily as he pressed his first two fingers and thumb under Harry's chin, to bring his son's face up to look at him again. Harry allowed his face to be guided as he waited expectantly for whatever Severus was going to say.

"We are not giving up, Harry." The simple statement soothed Harry's chaotic storm. He drew in a shaky breath. "Do you know how much it means to know that you are a Snape again?" his father asked him, his eyes bright. Harry smiled a little.

"I was always a Snape," he pointed out. His father's lips lifted.

"I am pleased, however, that everyone will know it now," he said seriously.

"Yeah."

Harry nodded, and allowed Severus to pull him into his embrace. Harry leaned against him, listening to the familiar pattern of his father's heartbeat. They weren't going to give up. They would find a way to get through this. Hope sprung, unfettered, in Harry's heart. He shook his head in amazement.

"Dumbledore's a genius," he announced to the air around them.

"He is an opportunist," Severus amended, but Harry was almost certain he could detect a trace of fondness in his voice. Whether or not the Headmaster was a genius or an opportunist, there was no doubt in Harry's mind that the old wizards was a wily old bastard.

--

"You keep the hairs of random people in your cupboard?" Harry asked, his nose wrinkling in faint disgust. Severus nodded, his eyes roving over the glass phials.

"Polyjuice would be of no use without them."

"That's just...weird," Harry told his father, who seemed to accept the criticism as a compliment. He nodded as his fingers moved over the various phials.

"Gentlemen, eighteen to twenty-five," he mused, glancing up at Harry. "Will you be able to play the part?" he inquired, his eyebrow raised. Harry raised his own brows. He was sixteen, for Merlin's sake. He was practically an adult. His father, seeming to know exactly what he was thinking, nodded in response to his own question.

"What age are you going to play?" Harry asked, eyeing the phial Severus had plucked from the shelf.

"The same."

That made sense. They would simply be two friends, on a stroll and no one would be the wiser...

Severus turned from the cupboard. He silently summoned three flasks to the table--three? Harry looked up quickly, but his father's face was impassive as he moved the Potion deftly into the flasks, separating the sludge in the cauldron into three equal parts until each flask was full.

Harry waited until he had capped each flask before asking the obvious question, "Three?"

Severus nodded, though he didn't look up as he began cleaning his supplies. "Lupin will be joining us."

Harry stared at his father.

"Remus is coming with us?" he repeated, feeling wildly incredulous with this information. "Why?" he asked after a silent minute. Severus looked up then, one eyebrow lifted in surprise.

"You have an objection?"

Harry shook his head. "Well no, but I didn't think you'd want him around." He squinted a little. "Aren't you supposed be angry with him or something?"

Severus favored him with a look that Harry knew was meant to portray confusion but he knew his father better than that by now, so he was already prepared to roll his eyes even as Severus echoed, "Angry with him?"

Harry ignored the pretense to ask, "Does Remus know he's coming with us?"

"He does not," Severus answered, his eyes moving back to the flasks.

"Were you planning on asking him?" His voice was edgier than he meant for it to be though he couldn't imagine why. Severus glanced up again, but he didn't comment on Harry's tone.

"I will speak with him at the meeting," he said. Harry sighed, slouching a little on the stool to rest his cheeks in his palms. Severus stopped moving, his eyes sharpening as they focused on Harry. "It is unlikely that Lupin will refuse," he offered, but Harry shook his head.

"Of course he won't. He'll probably be delighted." Harry grimaced the word, which in turn made his father frown slightly.

"There is little reason to be concerned about Lupin's safety," he assured him. Harry sighed.

"Anything could happen," he argued. When Severus didn't comment, he insisted, "If anyone even suspects it's you and me, we'll be surrounded within minutes, and then Remus will be captured as well."

"It is a possibility," Severus agreed, his tone sounding ominously ambiguous; he moved his eyes back to his work. Harry tensed.

"Remus isn't coming with us when we meet Voldemort," he said stonily, coming quickly to the correct conclusion; he knew exactly what that tone meant. His father met his gaze immediately, though his eyes were mild.

"Going alone would not be a prudent course," he said placidly. Harry narrowed his eyes.

"You already spoke with Dumbledore about whatever we're planning, didn't you?" he asked suspiciously. He sighed when his father nodded.

"He came through the Floo while you were sleeping." Harry cursed himself for falling asleep and missing whatever had gone on between them. Before Harry could argue further, Severus continued, "Even had I not intended to include Lupin, I have no doubt that he would have volunteered." He gave Harry a pointed look. "You will not be able to stop him from accompanying us."

"Why does he need to be there at all?" Harry asked, his voice strained now with his anxiety. "You and I need to go in there and activate the Charm. Nobody else needs to sacrifice themselves."

"This is not a suicide mission, Harry," Severus chided. "And many variables must be dealt with before we can activate the Charm."

"What variables?" Harry asked nervously. What else did his father and Dumbledore have planned? And why in Merlin's pants had he fallen asleep earlier?

"There are simply too many opportunities for something to go wrong. We will need to have Order members with us to ensure that nothing stops us from activating the Charm," Severus answered; it was a perfectly rational explanation and Harry hated it.

"Who else is coming?" he asked warily.

He might as well have asked who else was endangering their lives as his father answered, "Albus will ask for volunteers."

Harry glared at him. "It is a bloody suicide mission," he said through clenched teeth. The rest of his retort was cut off as they both turned at the sound of the Floo.

"It is Lupin and Ginny," Severus announced as he waved his wand over the table, clearing it of its mess. He glanced once more at the waiting flasks of Polyjuice Potion and let Harry lead the way into the sitting room.

Before Ginny had even made it past the hearth rug, Harry pulled her into his arms. Ginny sucked in a breath of surprise at the transformation from less than twelve hours before. But it only took her seconds to recover and then she was squeezing him just as tightly.

Harry wouldn't have lied to her if she'd asked. He felt like he was waffling between two very distinct feelings of hope and despair, both equally likely to drown him at any given moment. Even now, with her in his arms, both emotions battled for space. But he was going to fight. He wasn't going to give up. Not with Ginny waiting for him.

He pulled back a little, though he kept his arm around Ginny's waist as he gestured for Remus to come in. Remus smiled as he stepped out of the Floo. Harry glanced at his father; his posture was erect. Remus' smile faltered a bit, but he offered warm greetings.

"Lupin," Severus returned, and Harry knew the tone would sound icy to the untested observer. Severus continued on as though nothing had been amiss between them, "Albus believes he knows where to find another of the Horcruxes. Harry and I are leaving after the meeting this evening. As soon as the Horcruxes are secured, we will go straight to Voldemort."

Ginny tensed beside him; Harry wrapped his arm more securely around her waist.

"I would like to accompany you," Remus spoke quietly, his jaw tensing around the words. Severus relaxed across from him.

"We would appreciate your assistance."

Remus relaxed as well, his mouth melting into his easy smile. Severus nodded a little and Harry felt like he was watching some sort of Muggle movie; the two of them were acting very oddly. Sparing them another quick glance, he pulled Ginny away from them, leaving them to discuss the details of their trip.

Ginny was looking up at him, her eyes full of questions. Harry smiled. "I signed a document to change my name back to Snape," he told her, the excitement of it rising quickly up his throat. Ginny blinked in surprise.

"You did?"

"Dumbledore gave us the form when he was here last night," Harry told her. She smiled a little, though it seemed reserved.

"Congratulations." She hugged him only briefly before she pulled back. "And what brought this about?" she asked. She sounded nervous. Harry brushed a strand of hair back from her neck; she shivered.

"Dumbledore was trying to tell me that I should want to come back," he told her softly. Her forehead creased.

"And did it work?" she asked tentatively, holding her breath.

"I'm terrified," Harry admitted in a small voice; she squeezed his hand. "But we're not giving up."

Ginny smiled fully now, her eyes filled with dancing warmth. Harry smiled as well, letting the hope grip him.

--

They had been sitting around the kitchen table in Grimmauld Place for what seemed like hours and Harry was beginning to wish he'd stayed in the sitting room with his friends and Malfoy, especially as they were only going over what Harry already knew. He glanced over at Tonks, whose eyes were beginning to glaze over. She had gotten out of guard duty tonight; someone named Farnsworth had been given the odious task of babysitting Malfoy. Harry wondered if she wished she had stayed in the other room, as well.

He'd already listened to Mrs. Weasley sputtering her protests; even the prophecy hadn't been enough to persuade her that Harry had no choice but to face Voldemort. And he'd watched as Mrs. Malfoy surveyed the others in the room as though they were an infestation, though for both Harry and Severus, she paused to offer a pressed smile.

And now they were all focused on Dumbledore as he finished detailing Lucius' role in the plan the Headmaster and Severus had devised, having already discussed every other aspect, including the garnering of three other volunteers, other than a much too willing Remus.

"Have you anything to add, Lucius?" Dumbledore inquired after he'd finished speaking.

Lucius nodded regally before stating plainly, "The Dark Lord knows it was a Portkey that took Severus from him." His voice was a silken roughness in the silent room. He lifted his chin a little as he gazed at Severus. "There will be no way out once you arrive."

Nobody moved, save Harry as his fingers somehow found their way to his father's sleeve. The sleeve moved toward him and Harry's fingers wound roughly in the smooth material. "That's it then," Harry said gruffly and all eyes swiveled to meet his. He turned to his friend. "Remus, you aren't going."

Remus turned to Tonks without even acknowledging that Harry had spoken. Harry could only see Tonks' face from where he was seated and she seemed to be in silent communication with him; her eyes were the only part of her moving. After no longer than a minute, Remus spun back around again. He sought Severus' gaze. "I'm coming," he said firmly. Severus nodded in acceptance.

"No!" Harry objected, bringing his free hand sharply down on the table, while the other fisted itself mightily in his father's dark sleeve. He shook his head angrily at his father and Remus. "You're not doing this, Remus!"

"Harry, Lupin will-" his father tried to calm him but Harry wasn't going to listen and he didn't care how many people were in the room to hear his rant.

"No," he repeated, his voice coming out sharp and jagged. "I don't care," he spat as he spun in his seat to face Remus again. "I'm not going to let you die just because you're volunteering to do it!"

He felt his father's calloused hand close over his fingers. Harry attempted to jerk away, but the hand held him fast. Harry, that is enough, the flame whooshed to life next to Harry's darkening storm in quiet admonishment but it wasn't enough. It wasn't nearly enough. Harry whipped his head around to glare at his father.

"I don't fucking care how much he wants to help, he's not coming!" he burst out, not bothering to lower his volume, no matter that he was close enough to his father to smell the spice of cloves. And he didn't care that he heard a few indrawn breaths at his outburst.

"He is not volunteering to die, Harry," Severus told him, his voice and posture perfectly calm and then in sharp contrast, his father's flame bit against the storm. Calm yourself. The order was not nearly as gentle as the first had been. His father accompanied the silent command with a raised eyebrow as the storm made no move to comply. Now, Harry, the flame stretched itself forward to tap firmly against the storm, emphasizing the order.

The storm darkened coal in petulant refusal before Harry nodded jerkily at his father, who continued to watch as Harry drew in a breath. The flame warmed beside his storm, encouraging him to gentle his thoughts. But the storm lightened only the slightest bit, hovering around an unyielding charcoal. Severus eyed him, clearly in disapproval of Harry's tacit defiance and even Harry was surprised at his daring, but what the hell did it matter now? He doubted his father was likely to lecture him about obedience. Not now.

"If something goes wrong and Remus gets stuck with us, there won't be any way out," he said stiffly, unable to completely let the challenge go. But Remus shook his head.

"An enchantment against Portkeys will only make a difference while Voldemort is alive," he tried to explain but Harry shook his head.

"But what if everything we're planning here doesn't go exactly as we want it to?" was his quiet retort, but his anger was deflating as his stomach begin to clench against the fear he was feeling for his friend. Harry was staring at his father though, as he waited for an answer. Harry could read the conflicting emotions scrawled across his dad's face

"There is danger to everyone involved," Severus told him. Harry frowned.

"Then we should do it alone," he argued stubbornly. "We don't need anyone else there."

"Your infamous Gryffindor bravery aside, you will need several others to bring your plan to fruition," Lucius' haughty voice smoothed over the reply Severus was about to make. "Myself included," he went on, ignoring Severus' suddenly narrowed eyes. Harry ignored them as well, to lean forward.

"We need you to get us to Voldemort," he retorted. "After that, you don't need to be there either," he told the silver-haired replica of his one-time enemy. Lucius drew himself up.

"I do not fear the Dark Lord," he started to claim but Harry snorted, pausing the older man's repetitive lie.

"Bullocks," Harry scoffed. "You forget that I've seen it." He watched as Lucius swallowed nervously as he remembered. Before he could continue on with his hypocrisy, Harry told him quickly, "Your freedom won't mean much if you're dead." Harry was reminded hauntingly of Draco as he stared into the grey eyes of the elder Malfoy. He was only drawn away by the gentle sound of a frail throat clearing.

He looked up to find Dumbledore gazing at him, a faint smile on his old lips. "I think we can adjourn here," he said, sweeping his gaze around the table. "Even with Lucius' news, nothing can change. There is no other choice," he said calmly and heads nodded obediently all around the table, though Mrs. Weasley's stayed put, Harry noticed.

Harry was just about to protest but Severus' fingers tightened their grip around his hand in a silent warning; he hadn't even realized the hand was still resting against his own. He considered arguing but neither Remus nor Tonks made a move to leave the table, so he waited. Remus met his gaze and Harry knew his friend understood that he wasn't going to let this go so easily.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley paused in front of Harry, frowns on their faces, but as their gazes darted quickly to Severus, both of them smiled slightly, obviously swallowing whatever they had wanted to say. Harry didn't need to look to know his father was likely scowling--at everybody. Harry was beginning to regret his explosion.

After a few seconds, Mrs. Weasley moved forward anyway, bending down to kiss Harry firmly on the cheek. She hugged him awkwardly as he was still sitting. Harry pulled his hand out from under his dad's to put his arms around Ginny's mum.

"Take care of yourself, Harry," she told him, her voice sounding misty. Harry nodded against her shoulder.

"I will," he said quietly.

Mr. Weasley, after another glance at Severus, clapped a hand against Harry's shoulder. He had wanted to volunteer to come as well, but Dumbledore had quietly refused, telling him he would be of more use here, though the Headmaster had accepted Bill's offer to accompany Harry and Severus gladly. Shacklebolt and Mad-Eye rounded out the threesome.

"Take care, Harry," Mr. Weasley echoed. Fred and George both solemnly shook Harry's hand; they had remained mirthless throughout the meeting's entirety and that by itself was enough to send Harry's fear spiking to a peak.

"See ya, Harry," they said in unison. Harry nodded, somehow unable to find his voice. It would be worse once he stepped out of the kitchen, with Ron, Hermione and Ginny waiting for him.

Dumbledore finally ushered the Weasleys out of the room and Harry turned back to face Remus. Before he could continue the deluge of reasons he shouldn't come with them, Tonks spoke, "Harry, Remus can't not come with you." Harry stared at her and she smiled sadly at him. "He loves you," she said softly. Harry bit his lip at the word, at the emotions it brought to his chest.

"He loves you as well," he told her, just as softly. She nodded, her features tautening as she gazed at him.

"And do you think I could live with myself if I tried to stop him from doing everything he can to make sure you come home?" she asked. Before Harry could find a suitable answer, she told him firmly, "I don't want to stop him, Harry."

Harry looked between them; their fingers were held tightly together and Harry didn't think he'd ever seen his friend looking so fierce before. He knew it was a look of determination. To make sure that Harry returned home safely and to return home himself, intact, to Tonks. So, Harry nodded, accepting the friendship they were offering him.

"Thank you," he told them seriously, hoping Tonks would understand the depth of his feelings; he knew Remus would. And then Tonks was standing swiftly and rounding the table. She gathered Harry up in a tight hug.

"Be safe, Harry," she whispered, her voice full of tears. Harry ignored the clog in his throat as he nodded. And just as swiftly Tonks pulled away. She turned to Severus. "You as well, Professor."

Severus inclined his head, while Tonks stepped back toward Remus. "I will see you shortly," he directed to Severus and Harry. Harry bit his lip again in response. Tonks sniffled and gave them one last look before Remus guided her out.

Harry stared at the door as it thumped. He let out a shuddering breath as he turned back to his father, wanting nothing more than to go find Ginny but the guilt of his earlier disrespect was biting at him now. Severus simply gazed at him, as though nothing at all had happened but Harry wasn't fooled. He chewed the inside of his cheek for a moment, forcing himself to meet his father's eyes.

"I didn't want Remus to be hurt again. I should have controlled myself better though," he offered, hoping the near-apology would suffice.

"On the contrary," Severus disagreed. "Your control was admirable. Your exercises have served you well."

Harry stared at him, bewildered. But then he looked away, understanding his father's point. His anger had been nothing short of deliberate. His defiance as well. And he felt even guiltier with the quiet rebuke.

"I'm Sorry," he mumbled. "I shouldn't have shouted at you."

Severus narrowed his eyes, wondering if Harry was purposely evading the more important point. "You should have gotten yourself under control when I suggested it the first time," he corrected. Harry flushed.

"I know," he nodded. "I'm sorry," he repeated, glancing up quickly. Severus sighed, ignoring his understanding that Harry had assumed he wouldn't be reprimanded under the circumstances, but circumstances made it all the more necessary that he not allow his son to act foolishly.

He leaned in toward his son. "We are about to embark on an extremely dangerous journey, Harry." He kept his voice stern and Harry didn't look away this time, sensing the importance of what his father was saying to him. "I've told you more than once that you may need to follow my orders without question." He paused to give his son a hard look. "Consider everything I say from here until Voldemort is destroyed as such an order. If you cannot agree, then I will turn the search back over to Albus."

Harry's eyes widened at the pronouncement. Severus continued, doing his best to ignore his son's sudden mood shift; it was not easy. "It is your right to find the Horcruxes, but it is too dangerous if you are not willing to concede this point. Do you understand?" he asked sternly, surprised by the tone he was using; it was not one he was used to using any longer in Harry's presence. But this was too important. And Harry nodded without hesitation, sitting up straighter in his chair.

"Yes, sir," he answered quickly. Severus smiled in spite of himself. Harry's hands were clasped in his lap; he was the very picture of earnest obedience.

"Tobias was sir. I detest the title," Severus told him, surprising himself as the words tumbled out, even though he had wanted to say them for months. Harry looked equally surprised. But then he relaxed.

"So do I," he confessed. He leaned forward a little, imitating his father. "I do understand though, Dad. I promise I won't be a prat," Harry added seriously.

"You are not a prat," Severus diagreed, his voice gentling again to the tone both of them were used to. "You are a sixteen year old boy who has a streak of independence far too wide for your own good...and for my sanity." He shook his head in mild exasperation. Harry smirked at him.

"I'll try to narrow it a bit for you," he told his father.

Severus nodded. "For the time being, yes you will," he agreed gravely. He reached a hand out to squeeze his son's shoulder. "As it does have its merits, however, do not extinguish it completely," he suggested quietly. Harry smiled before tilting his head in thought.

"Should I consider that my first order?" he asked. Severus narrowed his eyes, doing his best to still his upturning lip.

"Do not be cheeky," he said evenly as he stood from his chair.

"Another one?" Harry inquired as he stood up as well, his grin mingled with his confused pretense. Severus favored him with a glare before turning toward the sitting room. He had to put the smile away before he pushed open the door.

Harry's friends were waiting on the sofa, all of them looking extremely anxious; Shacklebolt stood to the side. Draco and his guard were standing near the Floo and though Severus was surprised to see them still there, he gave no acknowledgement. He simply stepped aside and allowed his son to step forward.

Draco stepped forward as well. He looked different. His stance was less rigid; he was almost slouching.

He stuck a manicured hand out. Harry didn't even pause. He took the other boy's hand. "Good luck," Malfoy said quietly. Harry nodded.

"You as well," he offered. The Slytherin had a part to play in this as well. And somehow Draco seemed to have accepted his fate, even though neither he nor his father had been given any of the most important details. That fact firmed Harry's resolve.

Draco nodded and stepped back, pulling his hand with him. He inclined his head toward Severus as well, apparently unable to find any more words for his Head of House, other than, "Sir." Severus nodded. And without looking at anyone else in the room, Draco and his guard stepped into the Floo.

Harry turned around to stare at his friends, his heart beating loudly in his chest as he surveyed them. Without a word, Hermione flung herself at him. He could hear that she was already crying. "It's all right, Hermione," he told her, patting her awkwardly on the back. She sniffled.

"We've been in the library all day," she told him wetly. "We even skipped class this morning and I couldn't find anything!" she told him. Harry smiled.

"I didn't think you'd solve the whole thing in a day, Hermione," he told her as gently as he could. She nodded as she pulled away, snuffling loudly.

"We'll keep at it Harry. Flitwick's helping," she told him and Harry smiled again.

"Thanks," he told her sincerely and she smiled shakily at him.

"You'll be careful, won't you Harry?" she asked. And when he nodded, she added fiercely, "And don't give up. You're stronger than he is, Harry."

"I know," he agreed. With his father, he would be. He had to be. Hermione nodded in satisfaction and Harry felt a rough tug in his chest as he watched her stepping away but then Ron was moving forward. Harry was startled as his mate pulled him gruffly into a hug. Harry returned the unexpected embrace, more grateful for Ron than he could even express to him. His first friend.

"Take care of yourself, mate," Ron mumbled as they parted. Harry nodded, pushing down the emotion that filled him.

"I will Ron-" He couldn't finish as the emotions turned to tears but Ron nodded jerkily, turning his head away. He sniffed and swiped a hand across his eyes. Harry swallowed, staring at his friend for a moment longer, before turning to Ginny; she closed the space between them.

Harry pulled Ginny to him, the grip so desperate, it shocked him. Ginny's own hold dimmed not at all in his. But hers was full of strength...and determination. "Come back," she ordered him softly, her lips against his ear.

"I will," he promised roughly and Ginny's arms tightened around him at the pledge. "I love you." The words came so naturally, he didn't even think he'd meant to say them. He felt Ginny's lips curving into a smile.

"I love you, Harry," she whispered back. Not caring that there were at least half a dozen witnesses in the room, Harry found Ginny's cheeks and pulled her face to his. He kissed her deeply, putting everything he was feeling, every emotion, every thought he had into the kiss. He told her everything and he understood everything she was telling him as well. She couldn't lose him.

When they finally parted, Harry felt completely drained. He hugged her once more, as tightly as he could and then he let her go. She smiled at him and Harry knew he couldn't lose her either.

Ginny squeezed his hand as she turned to Severus. "Take care of him, sir," she said quietly, her voice steady and strong. Severus gazed at her for a brief moment before he nodded.

"Severus," he corrected. "I will bring him home, Ginny." And Harry knew he had never meant anything more. Ginny swallowed as she nodded in return. Severus turned to Ron and Hermione. "Thank you," he said simply. They both nodded jerkily.

Then Harry's friends moved aside. Harry drew in a breath, giving each of them a last look before he followed his father into the Floo. Severus threw down the powder and Harry's vision was obscured, his friends' faces mingled with green flames.