A New Life

Chapter Two: Birthday Chats and Owl Posts

'We're back!' Harry called out excitedly as he and Sirius walked through the back door into the kitchen.

'How did it go? Looks like you're in one piece,' Remus said with a nervous smile.

'You worry too much, Moony. I told you I would take good care of him, and I did, didn't I,' Sirius said looking like the cat that ate the canary.

'It was great, Dad! He wouldn't let me go high though, don't worry, only about fifty feet up,' Harry said sitting down at the table.

'No sitting just yet, young man, go get cleaned up, supper is almost ready,' Remus said eyeing the dirt marks on Harry's face and hands.

Harry blushed and nodded then quickly got up. 'Where's Father?'

'He's in the shower; he'll be down shortly, so gone on with you and clean up.' Remus said and watched as Harry scampered off. He then turned to Sirius, a questioning look on his face. 'Well? How did it really go?'

Sirius sat down in the chair Harry had just left and shrugged his shoulders. 'What can I say, kid's a ruddy natural. Jamie didn't even fly that good when he first started out,' he said glancing off in the direction Harry had gone off.

'He's that good?' Remus asked sceptically.

Sirius nodded. 'He's that good, and he only got fifty feet up. I can see him on a Quidditch Pitch now, he'll make a good Chaser like James was, though I'm inclined to think maybe he'll be a better Seeker, due to his small size,' he said.

'Well he won't get the chance to find out at school at any rate. First-years never make the house team,' Remus said then he gave Sirius the once-over. 'You go get cleaned up yourself, Sirius, you're a right mess.'

Sirius chuckled. 'Fine, fine, don't want to spoil the evening. What's for supper anyway?' he asked curiously.

'You'll find out when it's on the table, now get a move on. Soon as Severus is ready we'll eat,' Remus said in a strict tone of voice.

Sirius wrinkled his nose. 'I can't believe I'm beholden to that git sometimes. Eat when he's ready indeed,' he muttered.

'I don't recall needing your permission when I fell in love with him, Sirius,' Remus said sharply. 'If it wasn't for Severus --'

'I know, I know, don't make me feel guiltier than I already do, Remus,' Sirius said and looked at Remus with a weak smile. 'I feel bad enough about what happened back then.'

Remus sighed then went over and put a hand on Sirius's shoulder, squeezing it gently. 'It's not just your fault, Sirius, I'm at fault too. I wanted to make it on my own, I just didn't know how bad things would get and how truly prejudiced people are about my kind. In the end though it all worked out, Severus saved me,' he said softly.

Sirius put his hand over Remus' and held it for a moment. 'And for that I will forever be grateful to Snape, not to mention for saving Harry's life,' he said and squeezed Remus' hand.

'I can't believe he's eleven already. Time flew by so fast, where did it all go?' Remus asked sadly.

'We got to see the best parts of his life so far, Moony, something not even the best parents can say they get to do. He adores us, and I don't think anyone could have been a better friend or parent then we have been to him,' Sirius said.

'James and Lily should have been here though,' Remus said dully.

'Don't keep dwelling on what "should" have been, Remus. They aren't here, and in their place, we have done a spot on job of it, of that I have no doubts. You know at first I was totally against what you and Snape decided, taking him away from the Wizarding World and raising him not only as a Muggle, but also as your son, and me as his uncle. Now though, I know it was the best thing that ever happened, to all of us,' he said.

'Really? Lately I admit I do wonder about that. If we did the right thing when we took him away instead of letting him go to his real family,' Remus said thoughtfully.

'Would you really have rather he been raised by those magic hating Muggle relatives of Lily's? You know how she hated her sister and that oafish husband of hers. If Harry had gone there instead ... I don't want to even think of the horrors of what he would have turned out like,' Sirius said with a shiver.

Remus grimaced at that. 'You're right. I remember when Lily and James got married; Petunia looked at us as if we were the worst dregs of the universe. And that husband of hers ... Vergo ... Verden ... whatever his name is ... yeesh!' Remus said rolling his eyes. 'No, you're right, Harry is much better off with us.'

'Exactly. I have to admit that keeping the name Harry was a risk, but the other changes you made helped. No one has ever been the wiser that he isn't your son, and despite how err ... illogical it may be, it is believable that you and Snape could have had a son the same age, even the same name as each other,' Sirius said.

Remus chuckled. 'I remember how James loved the named Harry, he'd go on and on about it during school. It was easy to say that we named our son Harry because I'd also liked the name. It was perfect, nobody has ever questioned us about it, they had no reason to since it was well know James and I weren't friends in the end. Anyway, it's all in the past now, no one would dare say Harry wasn't our son after all these years. Now go on and get washed up, I just heard the water go off, so Severus will be down shortly.'

'Right then, I'll use Harry's loo, I'm sure he won't mind.'

'I'm sure of it,' Remus agreed, then watched as Sirius walked out in the direction of Harry's bedroom.

Ten minutes later the four were sitting comfortably round the dining room table, all of Harry's favourite foods set out. A banner that had been magically created for the occasion by Sirius hung across the doorway read 'Happy Birthday Harry!' On it were small golden Quidditch snitches singing 'Happy Birthday' softly so as not to disturb the conversations. A three layered yellow birthday cake with chocolate icing stood proudly in the middle of the table, and some gifts were on a small side table near to where Harry was sitting.

'How did it go this afternoon, son?' Severus asked putting some lasagne on his plate.

'It was wonderful, Father!' Harry said beaming as he also scooped a piece of his favourite food onto his plate. 'I went up a whole fifty feet!'

'Fifty?' Severus said and looked at Sirius darkly. 'That is far too high up for a first time on a broomstick,' he said in a controlled voice.

'He's a born natural, Snape. Just like someone else I used to know,' Sirius replied in a cool voice.

'He came home in one piece, Severus, and he had a great time, that's all that matters,' Remus said eyeing both his friend and his lover with a "we-can-discuss-this-later" look. Smiling he turned to Harry and said, 'I'm glad to see that the broom will get some use at least. If you want, your uncle can take you out again tomorrow.'

'I'd love that!' Harry said rapturously, then his smile faded a bit and he turned to his uncle. 'Will ... will you be able to umm ... come back tomorrow though, Uncle Padfoot?'

Sirius shook his head. 'Not tomorrow, Harry, wish I could. I have some errands to run. The next day though I'm all freed up, will that be all right with you?'

'Sure, I can wait till then,' Harry said nodding. Turning to Severus now he asked, 'Will you still be here tomorrow, Father, or you do you have to return to the school right away?'

'I will be here. I am thinking that we will go over to Diagon Alley and see about your school supplies,' Severus said.

'Oh ... umm ... school supplies?' Harry asked hesitantly, his gaze focused on his plate. 'But ... I haven't even got an owl yet from Hogwarts. What if I don't get one? Then anything we buy would be a waste.'

Remus and Severus exchanged a look between them. 'We'll manage, son. We may not have a lot of money, but we have enough to spend on school supplies. Don't you want to go to Hogwarts, Harry?' Remus asked curiously.

Harry thought on that for a moment. 'I do ... and don't,' he said. 'I mean, I know I'm a wizard and all that, and magic is fun ... but that means leaving home. Everyone from my primary will be going to the same state secondary school, and that means leaving behind my friends, not to mention Uncle Sirius and ... well ... you, Dad,' he said.

'Actually, Harry, there's something I would like to discuss with you. I was going to wait, but now seems like the best time to bring this up,' Remus said and looked at Severus with a slight nod.

'Yes, I think now is the perfect time for this, Remus,' Severus said nodding in agreement. 'Harry, how would you like it if your dad were to come to Hogwarts with us?'

Harry blinked in confusion. 'Come with us? How?' he asked.

'What's this all about, Remus? What does Snape mean?' Sirius asked curiously.

'Well,' Remus began, 'I was thinking about taking a position up at the school. A teaching position actually.'

'Teaching? Teaching what?' Sirius asked in surprise.

'Muggle Studies,' Severus replied. 'Pritchard's retiring and we need a replacement. I know Harry would enjoy having us both at the school, and Remus is already accustomed to being a teacher, so I suggested he speak to Albus on the position.'

'Remus, you're a substitute, not a professor. Then there's the small fact that you barely use magic these days. You're out of touch with the Wizarding World, how will you manage to live and work in it again?' Sirius asked.

'I'll manage,' Remus said. 'Severus will update me on the new laws and such, and I have a month yet to gather up a proper curriculum.'

'Dad, what about on the days of your transformations; who will teach classes for you?' Harry asked.

'I will,' Severus said.

'You?' Sirius asked in shock. 'Don't make me laugh, Snape,' he smirked.

'For your information, you annoying mutt, I think that I have more than enough knowledge of the Muggle world for as long as I have been living in it, even if no one is aware of that fact but a select few. I dare say that I can fully manage to teach a class on the subject when the need calls for it,' Severus replied coldly.

'Sirius, stop being a damned prat, you know he certainly can cover any of my classes for me,' Remus said annoyed.

'Hey! How come everyone in this house gets to use words like that but me?' Harry asked petulantly.

'Because you are a child and we are adults that's why. Properly raised eleven year olds do not use that sort of language,' Severus said. 'As to the issue at hand, how would you feel if your dad did come to the school to teach? Would it bother you any?'

'No, not at all! I mean you're going to be there, Father, so it's pretty much the same thing,' Harry said thinking things over. 'It would be nice to have you there, Dad; it would make me less homesick anyway. You'll come to visit us too, won't you, Uncle Padfoot?' Harry asked looking at Sirius.

'Just try to keep me away, Harry!' Sirius grinned. 'I'll try to visit as often as I can.'

'Well then, I believe this matter is settled. I shall post an owl off to Albus as soon as we are done with dinner, no doubt we will hear back from him shortly,' Severus said, the tone of his voice closing the subject. 'Now how does Diagon Alley tomorrow sound?'

'Sure, Father, that would be great,' Harry said nodding, then he though about something else. 'Do ... do y'think ... that maybe ... whilst we're there ... that I could get an animal to take with me to school?' he asked hesitantly.

'Of course you can,' Remus said. 'What type of animal would you like, Harry? I believe, unless things have changed, you can bring to school a cat, owl, or frog.'

'Oh, only those?' Harry asked.

'What else were you thinking of, son?' Severus asked curiously.

'Well ... do y'think I could bring something else? Like ... maybe ... umm ... I don't know ... perhaps ... a snake?' Harry asked fidgeting a bit.

Remus, Severus, and Sirius looked surprised then Remus and Severus exchanged an odd glance between them. 'A snake?' Severus asked in a strange tone of voice.

'Snakes are cool, Father. They aren't much trouble, and I don't really need an owl since the both of you will already be at the school. Besides, if I did need to post anything we already have Hedwig, so ... couldn't I bring something else? You know that I don't really like cats and frogs,' Harry said wrinkling his nose.

'Hmm, well I suppose I could talk to Albus about this. I believe one of the Weasley children has a pet rat that he brings with him, so a snake shouldn't be too much of a bother. I will see what I can do,' Severus said a bit subdued.

'Thanks!' Harry said brightly, oblivious to the looks his parents were still giving each other. 'What else will I need for school?'

'Well, I'm sure things have changed a bit since we went to school, but the usual books and assorted equipment I'd imagine. We'll ask round at the shops tomorrow, since we don't have the full list yet,' Remus said.

Oddly enough, as if his words were some sort of signal a tapping sound came from the window interrupting any further conversation. 'Anyone expecting a post?' Sirius asked whilst getting up to open the window.

'Not that I'm aware of,' Remus said shaking his head. 'You?' he asked looking at Severus.

'No, I do not believe so,' Severus said shaking his head.

'Well, well, well, what do we have here?' Sirius said with a grin as he took the post from the owl's talons. The owl hooted once then took off as Sirius walked over to the table and sat back down. 'Now let's see here ... who could this be for?' he asked curiously taking a good look at the envelope.

Remus and Severus happened to glance at the back of the envelope, and a smile came across both their faces. 'Who is it for, Padfoot?' Remus asked curiously.

'I'm not sure ... but I think ... .why yes, it's for ...' Sirius said grandly and glanced round the table, his gaze settling now on Harry. 'You!' he said and then held out the envelope towards Harry.

'Me?' Harry asked in astonishment. Reaching out he hesitantly took the envelope from his uncle, looked at the front, then the back, his eyes growing round with wonder and joy. 'It's from Hogwarts!'

'Apparently it would seem so. Why don't you open it, son?' Severus grinned.

Harry nodded and turned the envelope back over, looking at it in awe. It read as follows:

Mr. H. Lupin-Snape

25 Dunworth Mews #3

Notting Hill

London, UK

Opening up the envelope carefully Harry then pulled out a piece of parchment inside, his eyes lighting up in joy. Unfolding it, he then read out:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL

of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

~~~~~~

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Mr. Lupin-Snape,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipments.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

'July 31st? But that's tomorrow!' Harry exclaimed in horror. 'I can't owl them back by tomorrow, it won't get there in time!'

'Now, now, don't fret, son, I will see to it that your answer will get there on time,' Severus said. He then got up from the table and went over to open the window, held his arm out, then whistled softly. Moments later a snowy white owl with grey patches flew in and settled on his arm. He gently patted the owl's head and reached into a draw, pulling out a box of owl treats, giving one to the owl who took it gratefully.

When the owl was finished with its treat, it gave out a small "whoot?" sound and looked at Severus expectantly. 'Hold on a moment, Hedwig, I have a letter for you to take to Albus up at the school,' he said. Hedwig hooted in approval and waited patiently for Severus to jot down a quick note, then sat still whilst he tied it to her leg. 'Haste this as best you can girl,' he said, and with a parting whoot," Hedwig flew out the window and Severus closed it behind her. 'There, all settled,' Severus said with a smile.

'Thanks, Father!' Harry said beaming.

'Is your item list also in that post, Harry?' Remus asked.

Harry looked in the envelope again and pulled out a second piece of parchment. 'Here it is,' he said, then read it out for the others to see what he needed.

UNIFORM

First-year students will require:

1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)

2. One plain pointed hat (black) for daywear

3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)

4. One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings)

Please note that all pupils' clothes should carry nametags

COURSE BOOKS

All students should have a copy of each of the following:

The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginners' Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

OTHER EQUIPMENT

1 wand

1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set brass scales

Students may also bring an owl OR a cat OR a toad

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS

ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

'Well, they seem to want quite a lot don't they,' Remus said worriedly. 'At least if I get accepted there's already a course book I can use for Muggle Studies.'

'It's all going to be very dear isn't it,' Harry said hesitantly.

'We'll manage, Harry. If I get the job we'll have some extra money throughout the year, so you leave the worrying of that sort of thing to your Father and I,' Remus said firmly.

Harry nodded. 'Sure, Dad,' he said, though is tone of voice wasn't very convinced. 'Since we're done with supper, can I open my gifts now?' he asked wistfully, changing the subject best he could.

'Of course you can, Harry!' Sirius said, noticing the fact Harry was feeling more than concerned about the subject at hand. 'Go on, open 'em up.'

Harry grinned and with a nod from his parents tore into his presents, and though there weren't many, he was very happy with what he had got. Severus got him a set of rather dear looking crystal potion phials that Harry couldn't wait to try out, even though he regretted his father spending so much money on them with all the new supplies he'd need.

Harry was excellent in Potions, not surprisingly considering he'd grown up round a Potion's Master as a father all these years. With all the new things he'd need now though, he hoped that his new phials would last a very long time. The class he was now looking forwards to the most in school was Potions of course; he knew he would at least excel in that if nothing else.

Remus got him some new clothes since he'd grown out of most of his clothes from last year. Although not a tall lad, he had reached five foot even during his last growth spurt, so nearly all of his old trousers would need hemming, which was why Remus had felt justified in getting him a few new clothes for school. Harry also got from Remus the complete set of the Dragonriders of Pern books he'd been pining for, for which Harry was utterly grateful. He'd been eyeing them for a while at the bookshop, but hadn't wanted to spend his allowance on them. Harry was saving his money for presents for the winter holidays, so the books were really something he was going to enjoy.

From Sirius he received a copy of Quidditch Through the Ages and a copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, two books that Harry read so often that his old copies had become frayed and tattered by now. It was also one less schoolbook his parents would have to buy, so he was grateful to his uncle for the gift.

Harry also got his new Nimbus 2000 broomstick from Sirius via mail order, since Sirius couldn't exactly go into Diagon Alley on his own to buy Harry things. It was with a small pang of regret now that Harry realised he wouldn't be allowed to take his new broom to Hogwarts, so he hoped he would get in as much time on it now whilst he could.

'Wow, thank you everyone, I love them all!' Harry said joyfully as he gazed over his small but loved pile of gifts. 'This is the best birthday I've ever had I think. Not only did I get such great gifts but I learned how to fly ... and I'm going to Hogwarts!' he beamed happily.

The adults chuckled. 'Why don't you run along and get your pyjamas on and then we'll set up the Super Nintendo. I believe your uncle still owes you a beating from the last time you two played that American soccer game,' Remus grinned.

'Why do the American's call it soccer and not football? Seems a funny name to me,' Harry said.

'I don't rightly know, Harry,' Sirius said with a shrug. 'Go on then, I'll meet you in the salon.' Harry nodded and took off for his bedroom; his gifts now piled high in his arms. As soon as he was out of hearing Sirius picked up the item list parchment and looked it over. 'Are you two sure you can manage to get all this? He's right; it's going to be very dear you know. Prices have gone way up on a lot of these things,' he frowned.

'We'll pick up what we can second hand, Sirius, don't worry. It won't be a problem,' Remus said.

'I could help you,' Sirius said.

'And how would you be able to do that, Black? If you want to waltz into Gringotts and take a withdrawal from your vault be my guest. I dare say you shan't get far before a Ministry official shows up and carts you off to Azkaban,' Severus said dryly whilst beginning to clear off the table.

Sirius glared at Severus as he also began to help clear off the table and put things in the sink. 'What good is having all the Galleons I have locked up in Gringotts if I can't help my godson when he needs it?' he muttered.

'You are still a wanted criminal, Black, keep that in mind. I do not want my son to lose his "uncle" because you decided to play heroics,' Severus sniffed.

'Don't start you two, not tonight,' Remus said tiredly as he began to wash up the supper plates. 'I wish they had believed us all those years ago, we did the best we could for you, Padfoot. It just wasn't enough I'm afraid,' he said sadly.

'I know you did, Moony, I'm not angry about that. I should have realised that testimony from Albus Dumbledore would outweigh testimony from the two of you,' Sirius said with a shrug.

'Albus had to testify to what he knew at the time, Black, since you never told him about the switch. By the time he did find out it was too late, he had already given his word that you had been the Potters Secret-keeper. Then there was the fact that Pettigrew had disappeared by then, so there went any proof Remus and I tried to offer up towards your innocence. Your little escape from Azkaban did not help your case in the least. For what it is worth though, Albus does believe you are innocent, and he regrets that he is unable to overturn the decision of the council,' Severus said.

'Fat lot of good it does me now though, does it. And what was I supposed to do, accept staying in Azkaban when I was innocent of killing James and Lily? That place is horrible, it took me weeks to stop feeling chilled and depressed, and I was only there a few days,' Sirius grumbled.

'A few days,' Severus said stiffly. 'Try spending six months rotting away in that place. See how you feel afterwards,' he said icily.

'Enough, the both of you,' he said angrily, glaring at both of them. 'I don't need Harry to overhear such things, nor do I want to be reminded of the fact I almost lost you both because of ...' he trailed off. His eyes suddenly glazed over, his breathing became harsh, and his body began trembling.

'Moony?' Sirius asked in concern. 'Not again ...' he said worriedly. 'Moony?'

'Remus,' Severus said quietly as he reached out and wrapped his arms round Remus' waist, pulling him into a tight embrace. 'You're safe now ... I promise ... come back to me ... please ...' he whispered tenderly as he caressed Remus' trembling body.

Sirius looked away guiltily. He knew Remus went into these odd episodes that drew him back into the past, and Sirius couldn't even begin to imagine the nightmares that Remus had gone through back then. Although an episode like this hadn't happened in a while; no doubt, the pressures of the day were taking its toll. Only Severus seemed to be able to break him out of whatever it was Remus went through during these moments, for that Sirius did have to admit he was grateful to the other man.

'Look, I can still give you the key to my vault, Snape, I still have it,' Sirius said quietly.

Severus shook his head. 'We will make do, we always have, we will now. If you want to send Harry things throughout the year that is fine, but I will not accept a direct hand-out.'

'You're being a stubborn git about this, Snape. You know I don't need the money, it's sitting there collecting dust,' Sirius argued.

'And it will still sit there far as I am concerned, Black. We have both told you time and time again that we will not accept charity, not even from you,' Severus said sharply. 'As it happens I just finished making a deal with the Potion Master's Journal, and each month I will send them an article on various potions that they wish me to review. That will alleviate some of the bills and bring in extra money.'

'People really read articles about that stuff?' Sirius asked sceptically.

'Yes, Sirius, they do,' Remus said finally breaking out of his trance. Giving Severus a small half-smile, he went over and busied himself at the sink. 'We have about a hundred Galleons left in Gringotts between us, as well as we have about £200 in our checking account at Sainsbury's, so I think we have enough to take care of the immediate needs of Harry's supplies.'

'I don't get it though, Moony, surely James and Lily had a Gringotts vault. Have you tried to locate it?' Sirius asked puzzled.

'Of course we have,' Severus snapped. 'What I have managed to find out is that Albus himself holds the key to their vault.'

'Then why don't you just ask him for it? James had a fortune in Gringotts, Harry is due a fortune in inheritance,' Sirius said.

'And how pray tell would I do that, Black?' Severus asked irritably. 'I cannot just walk up to Albus and ask him for the key to the Potters vault just as you please.'

'He's right, Sirius, he can't,' Remus agreed. 'It would raise too much suspicion, too many questions. Everyone knows how Severus was supposed to have hated James and Lily, why would he want the key to their vault?'

'Fine, but you didn't hate James and Lily, Moony. Why don't you ask him for it?' Sirius asked.

'I can't ruddy well do that either, Sirius, be serious here,' Remus said tiredly. 'You know full well there was enough suspicion about me at the time of their deaths, even if Severus managed to convince the Ministry otherwise. I would just be putting all of us at risk if I were to approach Albus about James's vault.'

'It's not fair though. Harry's entitled to whatever is in there,' Sirius muttered.

'Fair or not, it is the way it is, Black. Life is not fair, I thought you figured that out by now,' Severus said.

'I know that, you git. Do you think I would still be on the run, hiding out as a blasted dog or forced into using Disillusionment Charms if life was fair?' Sirius asked crossly. 'He's still entitled to his share though.'

'Be that as it may, there's nothing we can do about it, so drop it,' Remus said putting away the last of the dishes.

'Fine, I will for the moment,' Sirius muttered. 'Now what's this all about him wanting a snake?'

Remus and Severus exchanged another strange glance between them. 'I think we should tell him, Severus,' Remus said quietly.

Severus scowled. 'It is not his place to know.'

'Know what? In case you've forgotten, Snape, I'm Harry's godfather, if there's something going on I think I deserve to know,' Sirius said.

'He's right, Severus,' Remus said with a nod then turned to Sirius. 'What it comes down to, Sirius, is ... well ... '

'Harry has an affinity with snakes, Black,' Severus said.

'An affinity? What the bloody hell does that mean?' Sirius asked puzzled.

'Harry is a Parselmouth, Sirius,' Remus said.

Sirius blinked in confusion, the information registering in his mind. 'He ... he speaks Parseltongue? Are you sure?' he asked.

'Quite sure, Black,' Severus sighed. 'He is not aware we know this, but when we took him to the London Zoo last month, he thought we were not paying attention but ... '

'We were,' Remus said finishing out Severus' words. 'When we to the Reptile House it was virtually empty, there was only a few other boys there, rather large, loud ones at that banging on the glass of the cages. Harry didn't like them and avoided them by going over to the other side of the room. When we came over to get him a little while later ... he was ... well ... '

'Talking to a boa constrictor,' Severus said. 'And it was answering him back.'

'Are you sure it was?' Sirius asked looking at Severus intensely.

'We know Parseltongue when we hear it, Black. The Dark Lord used to speak to his own snake often enough for us to recognise it for what it was.'

'How though?' Sirius asked in confusion. 'You don't think ... could he have inherited it?'

'From James Potter, no, from Lily Evans ... perhaps,' Severus said.

'You're not really suggesting Lily was a descendant of Slytherin are you?' Sirius asked incredulously. 'She was a Muggle-born for Merlin's sake!'

'Yes she was, Sirius, but that doesn't mean anything, considering Lily always had a suspicion she was adopted. You know that Lily was nothing like her sister, and very little like her parents. If she really was adopted then the blood-line could have been Slytherin for all we know,' Remus said.

'No, I refuse to believe that,' Sirius said shaking his head.

'Believe what you will, Black, but the proof is in the pudding. Harry can speak Parseltongue, then there is the fact he was born with green eyes, another sign perhaps of a true Slytherin?' Severus asked silkily.

'Lots of people have green eyes, Snape, that means nothing,' Sirius argued. 'Maybe he got this particular ... gift ... elsewhere?'

'I often wondered on that myself, Sirius. If it's not from Lily, then I'm thinking that perhaps his scar has something to do with it,' Remus said thoughtfully.

Severus thought on that a moment. 'Admittedly that is no ordinary scar he has, it has very old dark magic etched into every part of it, I know because I have tested it myself when Harry was a child. It is highly possible that whatever spell the Dark Lord used to try and kill Harry, which I can assume was the Avada Kedavra being that was his favourite means of causing death ... that somehow when he attempted to kill Harry it backfired. Harry may have absorbed some of the Dark Lords powers that way,' he said.

'Now that sounds much more plausible than him getting such a thing from Lily,' Sirius nodded.

'Who's to say for sure though, Sirius,' Remus said. 'Whatever the case is, we will have to tell him that we know about his particular gift, and impress on him how vital it is he never reveals it to anyone.'

'On that I agree with you, Moony. Bad news if anyone finds out, for all of you. He's going to have a rough enough time at school having both of you teaching there,' Sirius said.

'Which reminds me, when you owled Albus earlier, did you say anything to him, Severus?' Remus asked.

Severus nodded. 'I briefly told him that I will be bringing you to the school for an interview in two days time.'

'I have to go to Hogwarts?' Remus asked in surprise now.

'How else will you have your interview, Remus?' Severus asked raising an eyebrow. 'You don't very well expect him to come here now, do you?'

'I reckon not,' Remus said, then turned to Sirius. 'You said you'll be free that day?'

Sirius nodded. 'I have no plans, I'll be more than happy to watch Harry.'

'It is settled then,' Severus said. 'I do not believe there will be any problems; I doubt it will take long at all.'

'Take all the time you need,' Sirius said.

'Of course you can, you are his uncle after all,' Remus grinned. 'Now, I think Harry's waiting on you in the salon. I'd hurry up; no doubt he's already picked the best team.'

Sirius chuckled. 'Last time he slaughtered me, I doubt I'll ever win against him in video games, especially sports games. Muggle sports I never did understand; still don't see what he sees in them.'

'He likes them, so don't put him down for it. Now go on and have some fun, we'll be in shortly,' Remus said, and watched as Sirius headed out to the salon. Turning back to Severus he said in a wary tone of voice, 'A snake ... he wants a snake.'

Severus sighed. 'I know, I suppose we shall just have to make sure he knows how dangerous it will be to be overheard. He is a smart kid, Remus, I am sure he will not do anything to make things harder on him then they already will be.'

'I'm just worried about it though. I thought ... well ... it doesn't matter. You don't really think he's Slytherin's heir do you?' Remus asked.

Severus shook his head. 'Honestly no, somehow I just cannot see such a thing, seems too much to believe in. Personally, I think it was a transference of power, something I am sure the Dark Lord did not intend to do. We will just have to keep a closer eye on him from now on, notice which side his powers begin to develop on, where his strengths and weaknesses are. They will show soon enough I wager.'

Remus nodded. 'I agree. Now that he's going to Hogwarts and will be round magic of both sorts, anything can happen.'

'We shall just have to do the best we can then, Remus, being we are his parents,' Severus said with a slight grin. 'Do stop fussing over the boy, he will figure things out, and if he does not, we will be on hand to see where things progress to.'

Remus sighed. 'I hope we're doing the right thing, now that it's definite that he's going I'm feeling a bit funny about things. I'm just glad he enjoyed tonight, somehow I get the feeling that starting now things are going to drastically change ... maybe not for the better either,' he said shivering slightly.

'Things will happen as they happen, Remus,' Severus said softly, giving him a quick kiss of reassurance. 'Now, let's go see just how bad our son can beat Black.'

Remus grinned. 'You're cruel sometimes you know that?'

'Only sometimes?' Severus smirked. 'Do not let my students hear you say that.'

'What, and ruin your perfectly "good" reputation?' Remus chuckled. 'Don't worry; your secrets are safe with me.'

'For now anyway, come September first that will be another story won't it,' Severus said.

'Are you ready for what people will say, Severus? About Harry? About us?' Remus asked worriedly.

'Let them say what they will. I could care less what the staff might say, and if any student compromises our private life, they'll wish they hadn't,' Severus said with a wicked grin.

'You're incorrigible,' Remus laughed.

'You would not care for me any other way,' Severus replied.

'Oh really, when did I ever say that I cared for you in the first place?' Remus shot back with a glitter in his eyes.

Severus looked down at an imaginary watch on his arm. 'I do believe you are right. You haven't said anything like that ... not in the past few hours at any rate,' he said in rebuke.

Remus rolled his eyes. 'Well then, I reckon I'll have to do something about that hmm? As it happens I do love you, you silly git. Now go on, I'll put away the rest of the food, you go enjoy yourself watching Sirius get his arse kicked,' he smiled.

Severus chuckled then placed a tender kiss on Remus' forehead and started to head out when he turned back. 'You know how I feel about you, Remus.'

Remus nodded. 'I know you can't say the words out loud, Severus, I've never asked you to, never will. I know what you feel for me and Harry, even for Sirius, and that's more than enough to keep my heart satisfied,' he said lovingly.

Severus went over and hugged Remus, holding him close. 'How did I get so lucky to find you,' he said.

'I think we're all lucky, Severus, in having each other,' Remus said with a contented sigh. 'Today begins a new decade in our lives, and I have a feeling we're in for quite a ride at that.'

Severus chuckled. 'On that I wholeheartedly agree. Now, forgo putting away the rest of the things, we can do that later. Let us both go see just how bad Black loses.'

Remus shook his head in amusement. 'Like father like son, you both have to be the best don't you,' he said dryly.

'What, you expected different? He is my son after all,' Severus said proudly.

'Poor Sirius though, he never does stand a chance does he,' Remus chuckled. 'I really wish things could be different him though, he doesn't deserve what's been done to him.'

'I agree with you on that, Remus,' Severus said. 'Maybe one day things can be different, I do not know how, but you never know.'

'Who knows what the future holds eh?' Remus said with a thoughtful smile then together they left the kitchen for the salon. As the evening ended, all four people in the Lupin-Snape household felt that it had been a perfect ending to a perfect day.