An Experiment Gone Wrong

The two boys physically do not haunt the Bloody Tower any longer. The removal and interment of their bones back in 1647 did put them at rest. However there is still very much a 'linear vibration' or what's called a 'place haunting' there. That means that their auras still do linger, crossing over the barriers of past/present/future. From what I gathered standing near where they were incarcerated they had indeed been 'walled' up for a long period of time...no less than 6 months at best. Most likely this was to keep them hidden from the other prisoners who did manage to leave the tower later on.

The impressions I got from the 'auras' of the boys told me pretty much as I described it in the fic...the were 'corded' or 'roped' (suffocated) till they died. Though I couldn't ascertain who did it, only the image of a very large man in black/dark clothing came to mind, so it was doubtful that it was actually Richard their uncle, though I dare say the man in my vision did have his orders from him or the Duke of Suffolk as that name rang bells to me.

The other spirits seemed at ease in a strange way. They are aware they've passed on, and have no quarrels with the living these days. However the Salts Tower I refused to enter even in broad daylight. For those who are not tuned it's quite an interesting place in daylight hours, but for myself, all I can say is I could not put one foot in the tower before I was driven back.

Tower Green is by no means a restful place, but the aura there is less foreboding. The great men and women of history lost their heads there, and you can feel the electricity of that still in the air if you know what you're looking for. There's a proudness almost there, a defiance in the 'vibrations' that shows that apart from the Countess, almost everyone who died there died with pride and dignity.

Anyone else who by chance has been to tower and happened to feel what I have in any part of it I'd love to know what you thought of the place. As for Sir Nicolas, I thought it ironic that he died in 1492 putting him so close to the time of the two young princes, so that's why I incorporated it into the fic. As someone with the 'Sir' title it's possible he interacted with the muggle world as well, and would have known the royals of the times. :)

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"Not quite as good as Italian food, but good none the less don't you agree?" Remus said lazily while taking a drink of butterbeer.

"Hmm? Oh yes, right. Italian," Severus said distractedly while he was gazing into his own glass of butterbeer.

"Alright Sev, what is it. For the past ten minutes you've been like this, care to tell me why? It wasn't...anything we did...earlier...was it?" Remus said a bit concerned now.

Severus looked up startled for a moment and shook his head forcefully. "Merlin no Remus, it's not that. That was, in a word, perfection...as usual..." he said with a small smile. "No, I suppose it's just that I'm dreading going to St. Mungo's is all. Are you positive we have to really do this? I'd rather not if at all possible," he said with a sigh.

"Yes we do have to go. I'm not going to let you wiggle out of this Severus, and don't even try. I told James we would be there tonight, and we will be there. And you are obligated to pay a visit to Malfoy, though on that issue you are clearly going to have to go alone."

"And why is that? If I'm forced to go with you, least you could do is go with me to see Malfoy's kid," Severus said with a scowl.

Remus threw his hands up in the air in exasperation. "Oh honestly Severus, can you really see Lucius Malfoy being as understanding of our relationship as James and Lily might be? I'd probably get hexed into next month if I make it out alive at all if I were to go with you. Think bout it Sev, you know I'm right," he said firmly.

"I"m not ashamed of you Remus Lupin, if that's what you're thinking," Severus muttered.

Remus looked at Severus for a moment with an odd expression. "Nor am I of you Severus, but Lucius Malfoy is not a man I want to cross wands with. He is an evil, corrupted bastard and we both know that he most likely would be able to know I've been using dark magic in a moment's time. And I have enough marks on my body at this point that I don't relish being forced into one more."

Severus sighed and agreed. "True. Lucius is so steeped in the dark arts he would know in a heartbeat if there was a dark aura round you that wasn't there before. I just hope he can't detect werewolf blood or my life isn't going to be worth much I'd wager. The werebeasts still refuse to join Voldemort, so he's not exactly happy with them at the moment."

"I see. So what he can't have he just simply destroys. Lovely," Remus said with a grimace. "Don't worry, I highly doubt Lucius could sense the wolf blood Sev, it's only scentable by other werebeasts and the dark creatures, not humans far as I know. Humans don't have the capabilities we do."

"Well that's a relief anyway, though I wouldn't put anything past Lucius. We should get going though it's 9:50. Are we going to floo to Hogsmeade first and Apparate from there or just Apparate from here?" Severus said motioning for the bill.

"Umm, from here should be good enough. Doesn't make sense not to Apparate, I'm in no mood to deal with the floo network tonight," Remus said with a slight yawn. "Still owe me a good Italian dinner you know Severus."

Severus counted out the correct amount of galleons and sickles for the meal and dropped them on the table. "And believe me I plan on making sure we do that over the next month. However no more sightseeing trips that involve any ghosts of any kind, I'm warning you on this Remus," he said half teasingly.

"Yes yes I know. I promise to behave myself next time," Remus said in a way that told Severus he meant exactly the opposite.

"What am I going to do with you eh?" Severus said with a faked drawn out sigh. "Come on then let's get this over with and get back to school. If you want the truth I'm positively worn out tonight," he said stifling back a yawn.

Remus nodded. "I am too actually. All that walking round London and the Tower.... And here I thought Hogwarts was big," he said with a chuckle. "We'll Apparate from the side alley to the back door, it'll be easier."

Severus nodded and they left the small restaurant heading towards the alley. "Ready then?" he asked.

Remus nodded and within seconds both of them were outside the back door steps of St. Mungo's hospital. James was already waiting for them on the steps, a smile on his face. "Oi, was wondering if you two were going to come or not. Come on, let's get inside." He said. "Albus said you two had quite a day, care to fill me in?"

Remus groaned. "He already told you bout that? Typical of him," he said, then explained to James what had been the basics of the day starting with Sirius's classroom visit, to ending up at the restaurant. The only thing he completely avoided was where they had spent nearly 3 hours in-between, some things even your friends just didn't need to know.

"Well that about covers our day James. We had dinner at the Warring Wizard and came straight here to see you," Remus said.

James was fascinated with muggle things being married to a muggleborn, and he always had regretted that he and Lily rarely left the wizarding world these days. He asked tons of questions bout muggle London, the Tower, and was over the moon even to know that they had taken muggle transportation. "Is it anything like Sirius's motorbike? He told me Black Beauty should be up and running again this week, you going for a spin Remy?" he asked.

"Hope so, he said he would anyway. So James tell me the truth, are you put off by this happening with Malfoy or what?" Remus asked hesitantly.

James looked at Remus sharply a second then shrugged. "What can you do? Don't worry, it hasn't dampened our spirits I can tell you that. Lily's parents came by earlier, hard to get rid of those two...Petunia of course didn't, her and that git of a husband of hers. From what I gather she's also due to have a baby soon, can you imagine what kind of horror that kid'll be when it grows up!" he said with a laugh.

Remus grinned. "Not sure I want to imagine that. I"m just glad you're taking everything in stride though. I was surprised to hear bout the Malfoy's I have to admit, but I'm glad it's not affecting you and Lily."

"Nah, come on Remy, like that would bother us eh? Besides I've seen their kid, and I have got to say Harry is by far much more adorable...oh here we go here's the room, now you can see for yourself!" he said grinning and walking into a large room.

"Jamie? That you?" a woman's voice called out softly.

"Yes, it's me love. Remus and err...Sn-Severus are here...to see you and Harry..." James said quietly.

"Well come in then, no need to linger in the doorway Remy! Just do try and be quiet I just got him to sleep finally," Lily said softly.

Remus and Severus walked quietly into the room, though Severus kept well behind Remus. Remus walked over to Lily and gave her a kiss on the cheek and quick hug. "Congrats Lily, though I'm still having trouble picturing you as a mum...let alone James as a father!" he said with a quiet laugh.

Lily grinned. "Oh you!" she said swatting him lightly. "Still, hard to believe it myself I guess. Severus...are you going to linger in the doorway like an overgrown bat or are you going to come in and say hello?" Lily said turning to the doorway with a slight frown on her face.

Severus was bout to bit back a remark, but thanks to forewarning from Remus and James earlier, he knew not to antagonize her. "Er..hello...Po..er...Lily."

Lily looked at him sharply for a moment, then turned back to Remus. "So Jamie tells me that you two are an item now hmm?" she said.

"Lily...." James began but was cut off.

"No James, I think Remy is old enough now to speak for himself. Don't you Remus? Is it true then? You've left Sirius for good?" she said leveling her gaze on Remus now.

Remus stiffened and settled a cool gaze on his friend. Lily was the force behind the Potter's, if he couldn't win her over he knew he would have no chance at James ever understanding and believe in him again. "Yes Lily I have. And no, we are not an item as you put it," he said carefully.

"Oh then his being here is just for show I take it? Or was James lying to me earlier?" she said back coolly.

"I didn't say he was lying to you Lily. It's just that circumstances have changed since I saw James last night," Remus said keeping his voice level, though inside he was squirming with nervousness.

"And what does that bloody well mean Remus? Stop beating round the bush and just say what you mean already!" Lily said in a huff.

Remus shook his head and his nerves untensed. Hearing Lily like this was just too much for him to stay nervous. "You have no idea how much I've missed the both of you, do you Lils," he said with a sigh. "But in answer to your question...we're bonded Lily...we're lifemates now," he said giving Lily a hesitant glance.

Lily looked at Remus a moment almost in disbelief until his words finally and truly sunk in. Glancing at Severus, then back to Remus she could see how much this was hurting her friend, how much he desperately needed to know what she thought of all this. Her eyes softened back to a pleasant green shade rather then the dark swirling emerald it had been, and she smiled. "Oh Remy, we've missed you too. And...if that's what you wanted, then it's your choice. You can't choose who you fall in love with I guess...take it from me!" she said laughing now and gave James a mischievous grin.

"Oi! I resent that! If you think I wanted to be saddled to a fiery redheaded vixen for the rest of my life you've got another thing coming you know!" James said mockingly.

"Merlin it's good to hear you two still at it," Remus laughed. "All the times you two fought back at school, it's like stepping back in time. How you two ever got married is beyond me," he said grinning.

"Like I had much of a choice eh Remy? She literally forced me down the isle!" James said grinning.

"I did no such thing James Potter! I merely informed you that if you didn't walk down that isle you would live to regret it that's all," Lily said grinning. "As far as you're concerned Remus...though I am surprised at how the fates did their work, I can tell your happy with him. And you Severus? Are you happy with Remus?" she said turning to Severus now a weary look in her eyes.

Severus stepped back not in fear of this woman he remembered as being adept in hexes and charms, but in awe of how easily she switch emotions like she could. "Err...yes. Of course I am. Wh-why wouldn't I be?" he said.

"Mmm right. I want to trust you, Merlin knows why, but in a way I do. Before I can though you have to promise me something Severus Snape, something very important to me," she said slowly.

"What is it you want of me?" Severus asked puzzled.

Lily looked at him for a moment before choosing her words carefully. "I want you to promise me that no matter what happens, you will take care of Remus. Right now he's very confused and doesn't know what he needs to do, and I think you're the only one that can help him. And I'm warning you now Severus, if you think dealing with Sirius wasn't easy, that's nothing to what I'll do to you if you hurt him ever."

Severus swallowed quickly and nodded to her. "You have my word on that. And...if you'll allow me this, for Harry in the future as well. I know things are dangerous out there right now, and I swear to you and Po-James...I will do what I can to protect young Harry whenever I can. If you'll let me."

Lily and James looked at each other for a second, then Lily turned back to Severus. "Thank you Severus. Should the time come I hope you will keep to that," she said to him with a slight nod. Then as quick as lightning her mood changed and she was smiling again. "Now I do think it's time to show you both what everyone's been fussing over, don't you think Jamie?"

"Sure Lils," James said and walked over to a small bassinet just to the side of the bed Lily was in. "Thank Merlin he's a heavy sleeper right now..." he said with a grimace.

"Stop fussing Jamie, he's just as cute awake as asleep and you know it. Ah now here's my boy, come here to mummy, that's right..." Lily said taking a tiny blue blanket bundle into her arms and cooing over it. A small cry issued from the blankets alerting everyone that the baby was awake again, though at least not crying, actually it was cooing back at Lily. "Remy come here...." she said quietly now.

Remus stepped closer to the bed and leaned over, and with some instructions from Lily on how to hold him, found himself with young Harry in his arms. Gazing down softly into the blankets he could see why everyone was indeed fawning over Harry. He was wonderful. Everything from his unruly mop of black hair to his chin was James, but he had the most entrancing green emerald eyes, just like his mum.

"Oh Lily...he's...he's simply perfect..." Remus half whispered and smiled down at the tiny Harry, who was looking at him now with wide eyes. "There there Harry, I'm Remus...and I hope we'll be good friends one day...." he said softly to the baby.

After a few more minutes of holding Harry, Remus gave him back to Lily. "Severus? You're turn," Lily said firmly, though not without protest from Severus.

"Oh no, that's...that's alright..I mean..I never was very good with...er...babies...err.." he stammered but a look from Lily stopped him in his tracks. "Um..of course..Lily...if you want...I'll be more than..er..happy to hold him...that is.." he said stepping closer to the bed and holding out his arms.

"Now make sure to hold his head up...yes that's right...goodness Severus he's not going to break trust me. You can hold him a bit tighter. There you go, see it's not that hard!" she said with a grin.

Severus felt awkward holding the young Harry but the moment he looked down into the bundled blankets he was entranced. "Oh..." he said softly and blinked. Harry was looking up at him almost as if he was trying to analyze this new stranger. After a moment though Harry seemed content he was alright, and allowed himself to snuggle back into the blankets with a soft coo, and Severus's heart melted.

"Never thought I'd see the day you'd be holding one of my children Sna...er...Severus. Seems though Harry's taken a liking to you...maybe there's more to you then I thought," James said softly despite the harshness it seemed of the words.

Severus didn't even respond to James's offhanded comment, he was still looking down at the baby. "I...I've never held a baby before...their so soft and warm....I was an only child you know...and..." he said softly.

"It's alright Severus, I understand," Lily said gently and looked over at the two of them. "Well now will you look at that, Harry actually fell asleep in your arms! Jamie can you believe it?" she said stunned.

James looked at Severus a moment wonderingly, and went over to take his son back. Looking down at the sleeping bundle he shook his head in amazement. "You're right, he's fast asleep. I can't believe it," he said quietly and went over to put baby Harry back into his bassinet.

Severus was a bit concerned, "Is that bad?" he asked puzzled.

Lily looked up at him, her green eyes dancing with mirth. "Merlin no Severus, not at all! It's just you see...since he's born...he won't even fall sleep for Jamie. Other then myself, you're the only person he's actually fallen sleep with. You must be a lot more then you appear Severus Snape to do that...he must trust you already..." she said thoughtfully.

Severus actually felt himself slightly blush, which was annoying since this was something though he'd been doing round Remus lately, he hadn't ever done in public. And to find himself blushing in front of the Potter's just made things worse. Yet at the same time, he felt well...honoured.

Remus sensed the confusement coming from his mate and tried to lighten the situation for him. "Well, just goes to prove you can't judge a book by it's cover Lily," he said with a chuckle. "I can see though why everyone's going nutters over him, he's precious....but....James?" he asked turning to his friend.

"Yeah Remus? What's up?" James asked.

"I don't need to ask really I'm sure but...you've taken certain ah..precautions?" Remus said giving James a strange look.

James was a bit surprised at what Remus was meaning. "I...I don't know what you mean Remus...Lily and I have put up warding spells but..."

"No, that's not what I mean..." Remus said cutting him off. Giving James another strange look, he said, "I think it's time you and me had a little talk James...just us if that's alright Over there in the corner will do..." Remus said stepping towards a corner far enough away from the bed so they wouldn't be overheard, James following him puzzled.

"That's odd, wonder what Remus has to tell him..." Lily said thoughtfully.

Severus didn't say anything but he had a good idea what Remus was probably going to tell James. If he was any judge of Remus by now, and he liked to think he was, he suspected Remus was telling James that he knew pretty much everything. And from the stunned look on James's face now, and the slight back and forth glances from Severus to Lily from both men, he knew he was right in his assumptions.

"We would have told you sooner James, but we didn't really think it was our business. That is till now. I'm worried, especially with Malfoy being here in the same building as you, Lily and Harry. You never know who's lurking round the corners James and you know it. If Voldemort ever figures out the truth..." Remus began.

"Alright Remus enough. I get the point. Not just because I"m a Gryffindor, but because I'm an Auror, I know all too well that Voldemort would have my head in a moment if I were to blink wrong. I've already... used what protections I could while we're here, and when we get back to Godric's Hollow I intend to put up more round him. Does that meet with you're approval Remus?" James said sulkily.

Remus sighed. "James I'm not trying to be a git here, you know that. I"m concerned for all of you that's all. I can't be his godfather so at least let me have my worries alright?" he said softly.

James looked at Remus carefully for a moment then nodded with a slight smile. "Alright Remus, you win. I promise you I'm taking care of it, and by Godric I will. I'll use whatever Gryffindor family powers I have in me to protect my son, on that you can be certain. Which reminds me...the marauder's have struck again Moony..." he said with an all out grin now, the same grin Remus remembered all too well when James was scheming back in school.

"Oh? And how so? What have we done this time hmm?" Remus said with amusement.

"Remember I told you that I'd seen Malfoy's kid? Well....let's just say I went there for a reason...." James said grinning evilly.

"Oi James, what did you do now?" Remus said grinning back.

"Oh nothing really...just that on that kids 16th birthday...poor Lucius is going to be in for quite a shock, that's all...." James said airily.

Remus raised an eyebrow towards James questioningly. "Prooongs....spill it...what did you do?"

James laughed and shook his head. "Let's just say I"ll be anxiously awaiting to see the results in 16 years from now Moony....and I'm not going to say another word..." he said.

Remus groaned. "You're impossible Prongs! 16 years from now? I'll be waiting myself to see what you've done....I will still be here right James? You know what I mean..." he said glancing at Severus now.

James thoughtfully looked at his friend for a moment then nodded. "I"ve really missed you round Remus, and I don't think I could bear it if you were to walk away from Lily, me and Harry. Not now especially, not with everything that's going on in the world today. We need you...I need you...as my friend Remus. Because when it comes down to it, if you can't believe in and trust your own friends...who can you trust right? Even if that means your friends are shagging greasy haired potions masters..." he said with a playful grin.

Remus laughed and nodded. "He's really not that bad when you get to know him James, honestly he isn't. And by the way...a little secret of my own actually..." Remus said and leaned in to whisper something in James's ear which caused him to turn and stare at Severus for a moment.

"So that's it! Nifty! Well...have we settled everything then? Still feels strange knowing he's on our side but...I guess I'll get used to it. Now come on, let's get back over to there before they think we abandoned them," James said.

"James if you were to ever try and abandon Lily I think I'd rather join Voldemort for what she'd do to you!" Remus said laughing and getting promptly smacked for the efforts.

"I do believe Moony you're 100% right on that! Hell I'd join Voldemort before I'd get her that angry at me again!" James said laughing back.

"Well now, everything settled between you two?" Lily said wearily keeping an eye on both men as they came back over to the bed.

"Yes luv, everything's fine now. Oh err...Severus?" James said hesitantly.

"Yes?" Severus said.

"Don't you think you should go see Malfoy now before it's too late? I think he's still here somewhere skulking round," James said nonchalantly.

Severus gave James a sharp glare and muttered an oath under his breath. "You would remember that wouldn't you," he said scowling.

"Stop procrastinating and just go see him already... Sev so we can go home," Remus said pushing Severus towards the door. "Now go on before I drag you there myself..." he said putting his hands on his hips and giving Severus a slight glare.

Severus glared back briefly then turned on his heels with another muttered oath and headed out the door. "I'll be back in 5 minutes Remus, be ready to leave," was all he said as he left.

Remus shook his head and sigh in exasperation. "He can be impossible sometimes," he said turning back to Lily and James. "You should have seen him at the Tower today honestly. You'd have thought he was one of the ghosts rather than one of the tourists. Between the sunglasses he wore, the black clothing, his paleness and the way he was so cold to everyone...cripes he'd have made a good executioner at that..." Remus said with a grimace.

James and Lily chuckled. "I can see that actually. He does need more sun but then if I remember Severus never did like going outdoors much. Too much time spent in the dungeons I'd wager. I bet he's never once left the school in 6 years he's been there," Lily said thoughtfully.

Remus wasn't going to tell Lily that he had known for certain Severus did indeed go out of the school, nor would he ever admit to them the clothing he'd found in Severus wardrobe. From what he had found it was more than obvious Severus had very much enjoyed an 'outside' life from the school, though it was still something Severus hadn't yet, or might never, let him know bout. He'd felt a bit jealous at who Severus had worn those muggle clothes for, obviously it was someone who meant a lot to him, but knowing Severus was his now did ease the pangs of jealousy just enough to be tolerable.

"Well...er...I wouldn't go so far as to say he's never left the school Lils, but...umm...it doesn't matter," he said quietly. "So James, tell me...what's Malfoy's kid like anyway?"

James shrugged. "Not much really. Looks exactly like a Malfoy I guess. Though his hairs a bit more silvery then his father's is, must come from his mother's side. But you can tell he's all veela, and has the strangest temper I've ever seen on a baby. And he's got grey eyes just like his father, only...." he said thoughtfully.

"Only what Prongs?" Remus asked.

"Only that...well....I know this going to sound strange but...there's something in them I just don't get. It reminds me a lot of....of Harry," James said quietly.

"What do you mean by that?" Remus asked puzzled.

James shrugged again. "I can't put my finger on it Moony, but I'll tell you this...if I were to say he's pure Slytherin, I wouldn't be lying. But there's something else...more than that...and it's not wholly Slytherin....."

"Not sure what you mean James?" Remus said still confused.

James sighed. "I suppose what I mean is...while Harry reminds me of a lightning bolt...proud, fearless, pure energy and emotion....young Draco reminds me of fire...dangerous....capable of mass destruction perhaps...yet...needed. A light at the end of a very long tunnel....call it a hope even if you want..."

"Oh...I see. I think I do understand Prongs. You think Draco can break free of what it is to be a Malfoy though? Do you think he'll have the strength to fight his own father if need be?" Remus asked.

James gave Remus a slight smile and nodded. "He will now Moony...he will now. And no, don't ask me more because I told you allready...you'll have to wait like all of us will. But...when the time comes...enemies can become so much more...you and Severus are proof of that I'd say...."

Remus chuckled and shook his head. "I have a feeling Prongs...it's going to be a very very long 16 years isn't it..." he said.

James grinned. "Nah...what's 16 years to a wizard eh Moony? It'll go by so fast you wont even want to blink!" he said and putting his arm round Remus's shoulder the three adults caught up on old times and new. And the hope for the future rested quietly in his bassinet, content and happy in knowing he was loved and cared for and would always be so.

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