Snarry Games :: Ivylady :: Rights and Rituals

Title: Rights and Rituals
Author: Ivylady
Team: Dragon
Genre(s): Alternate Universe
Prompt(s): Miles to go Before I Sleep, Ritual
Rating: R
Warning/Kinks: *non-con, minor character death, Mpreg (not graphic)*
Word Count: ~30,900
Summary: Drastic measures were taken to ensue Severus's aid to Harry. Years later, the two discover the depths of their connection.
A/N: Thank you so very much, babblingbrook42, who talked me off the ledge and gave me invaluable advice. Thanks for saving my hair! Another thank you to leianora who helped immensely with the setup, outline, and editing for this fic. If it weren't for you, this story would look drastically different. Also, thanks to sweetmelodykiss who helped me with the opening ritual. Thanks also to perfica and klynie1 for their beta reading skills. Another thanks to lilyseyes for providing another set of eyes. Finally, thanks to all the members of Team Dragon. From answering questions to encouragement, it was a great pleasure. You’re all awesome! Team Dragon rocks!

Rights and Rituals

—Forbidden Forest, spring 1981, 25 years earlier—

Severus knew something drastic would happen that night. The sky was cloudless, the stars twinkling brightly across the land. The moon hung heavy and low in the sky, its brilliant redness portending a momentous occasion. The forest was eerily silent; the normal rustling and scurrying of the small nocturnal animals was absent. A bad omen, but Severus paid no heed to such things.

Magic was thick in the air, pressing against his chest with every breath. Severus could feel it caressing him, calling to him, ensnaring him in its grasp. He could not escape if he wanted to, forces older and more powerful than he were pulling him toward his destination. If he did not know better, Severus would think the Earth itself was alive and conspiring against him.

It was Ostara—the Vernal Equinox—a time of rebirth, renewal, and fertility. Magic done on this night, according to the Old Ones, would be more powerful than magic cast at any other time of the year. That thought vaguely disconcerted Severus, as he had no idea what lay ahead of him.

Severus wondered where he was. The Portkey that he had received dumped him in a dense forest that looked like the Forbidden Forest, his location confirmed by a patch of moonsbane growing at the edge of the clearing. The ghostly figure of his Master's Patronus guided him through trees and underbrush for what seemed like hours.

Finally, Severus emerged into a concealed clearing. In the center of the glade, a tall figure stood. Severus hesitated, a feeling of foreboding racing up his spine. Whatever the man wanted from him would change his life.

Steeling his nerves and checking his mental barriers, Severus strode toward the other man.

Severus was proud of the fact that he maintained his calm. His face was impassive as always, but the fury he felt at the older wizard burned hotly beneath his veneer of apathy. It was late at night, and he had been summoned to such a desolate location. In front of him, an ancient stone altar rose out of the center of the tree-lined glen.

The structure was impressive. A circle of power had been etched into the stone, with every known rune (and some unknown) carved around it. A waist-high marble table rose out of the center of the granite circle. Its surface was scratched, but not even age could hide the countless bloodstains. Severus wanted to recoil from the sight, but painful lessons had taught him never to show fear to the wizard in front of him.

A cold chill came over Severus, and with it, the knowledge that he was doomed. He knew exactly where he was. He was in the glade of Cairn Caledonia, the site of the Scottish defeat during the Roman occupation and the sacred seat of the Ancient judges in Scotland. To think, for years most Wizards had thought it lost, but it was simply hidden in the Forbidden Forest! This place was where the ancient Druid judges would come to deliver judgment, and Severus felt like a prisoner standing in front of his executioner. Whatever rite the other man had in mind would be powerful and potentially deadly. Severus had to fight to keep his terror hidden. It would not do for his Master to know he had realized where he was.

"Must you call me such a vile name, Severus?" the other man sighed. "I have told you that I do not like that word and all its connotations. I wish you would consider me your friend."

Severus calmed himself. If the old man was treating him so cordially, then he knew that his life was safe.

"Friends do not summon friends to ancient sacrificial altars at one in the morning without ulterior motives, my Lord," Severus replied.

"You are so suspicious, Severus," the man chuckled. "I would tell you to relax, but it is your wariness that makes you an ideal spy, so I must suffer your paranoia."

A put upon sigh told Severus that he was treading on thin ice with the older man, but he did not care. The elder wizard was turning his life into a misery. Meetings every other day, potions every week—Severus was severely sleep deprived and simply wanted to finish whatever tomfoolery the crazed wizard had dreamed up so he could finish his experiment and rest. He knew it was highly unlikely that he would sleep that night, as there were other plans that needed his attention.

Severus scoffed, "As I am still alive, my paranoia is a useful trait. It has served me well so far, so I am loath to change my habits. Now, may we please get to the reason that you've dragged me away from an important experiment that I am conducting for you?"

He produced a bag out of thin air. From it, he removed a small, iridescent vial, a bejeweled athame, and a platinum goblet. Lastly, he pulled out a small dagger from the sash around his waist.

Severus could not help his gasp of shock at seeing the dirk. Its handle was made of birch and black alder, runes of amplification carved into the wood. The silver blade was simple and straight, but dangerous. Severus had no doubt that it could kill him with ease. What bothered him was how the man had gotten hold of such a precious relic.

Master smiled as he reverently laid the blade on a transfigured silk cloth that covered the table.

"Yes," Severus breathed, inching forward to get a closer look at the artifact. "In my studies, I have come across a few drawings of this dagger. It is the Dirk of the Founders, the implement used to spill their blood across the four keystones in the school."

"Excellent, Severus," the man beamed. "I am glad you have knowledge of this piece and its importance. I despaired of giving such a precious gift to someone ignorant of its value."

The glint in the older wizard's eyes worried Snape. "I need only key the dirk to your magic."

Suddenly the wind picked up, whipping leaves around them. Clouds gathered, obscuring the moon, and Severus involuntarily took a step back. He could not move far; the old man had taken his right arm in a surprisingly strong grip. Severus tried to pull his arm out of the older man's grasp to no avail.

"Don't worry, Severus," the man yelled over the roar of the wind. "It will not hurt. Much."

With those words, the old man used the dirk to carve detailed pictures into Severus's wand arm. Severus gritted his teeth against the pain, refusing to show any weakness to the monster that was hurting him. The blood flowed in patterns down his hand, the wind seemingly pushing it off his fingers, into the goblet and onto the ground. Finally, after what felt like an eternity to Severus, the old man healed his wounds and released his arm.

Severus could only stare at his arm in disbelief. Trailing from his lifeline to his elbow were what appeared to be corrupted runes. "Thurisaz", "naudiz", and "odal", the runes for protection, need, and inheritance, were plainly visible as raised blue lines on his arm. What was surprising, however, was that the runes had other, unknown lines leading off them.

Once again, Severus had to tamp down his fury. This man had taken something precious, something that most wizards would only use in the direst situations, without thought or consequence. Severus could rail against the man, but all that usually got him was a suicidal Order mission and some tea laced with a calming potion. Still, taking the lifeblood of another wizard was a serious act, requiring either a large amount of trust between the two people or an act of aggression.

"Severus," Albus whispered to himself after Severus had left, "I hope you are truly prepared for this task. I fear none of us know the extent to which this evil will spread."

The Headmaster moved to the stone table. He opened his bag and pulled out three candles: white, black and blue. He set them next to the goblet of Severus's blood, along with the athame. Finally, he took out another vial, this one full of blood, and set it on the table.

Feeling the weight of his years, Albus climbed onto the table and sat cross-legged.

"It was my most fervent wish that we need not come to this," he sighed. "Severus, poor boy, please forgive me."

Albus placed three drops of blood from one vial into the goblet with Severus's blood. Then, he added mead from the iridescent vial. Using the athame to channel his power, he placed the candles in a triangle around his body and lit them. Fully prepared, Albus allowed his body to sink into a deep, meditative state.

The winds raged around him. Only the ancient magic of the Old Ones kept him seated on the table.

"I drink deeply of this cup, which the Goddess has blessed," he intoned. "I drink deeply of this cup, which the God has blessed. I drink and bind, bind the souls of these two men. Bind forever Severus to Harry in protectorate, until the Fates deem that Harry needs it no more. Bind forever Severus to Harry in kinship, until the Fates deem his work done. Bind forever Severus to Harry in servitude, until the Fates deem the Darkness past."

The winds howled, forming a swirling vortex that Albus captured with the athame. As Albus drank from the cup, he raised the athame above his head and allowed the power to find its target. A burst of light shot out of the athame, breaking through the clouds and heading toward Hogwarts.

Deep in the dungeons of Hogwarts, Severus Snape felt a cold chill run down his spine.

"My Lord," Severus began, his worried mind automatically knowing Albus was the cause of his unease, "what have you done?"

Severus would not find out the answer to that question for another twenty-five years.

—England, fall 2006, present day—

Harry Potter found himself preparing for yet another adventure. He was not happy about leaving his home, but as the Wizarding world needed saving yet again, he had no choice. Harry had spent the last five years of his life living in solitude, and he wanted to keep it that way.

After Voldemort's defeat, he thought his life would settle down. Harry did a lot of work with the charity he had founded for war widows and orphans, and he went to university. He eschewed a career as an Auror in favor of earning a dual degree in Charms and DADA. He did not particularly want to study DADA, but he was good at it, and many times the curriculum dovetailed nicely with his Charms work. Harry went to work straight away as a ward weaver, and he was rapidly gaining recognition in his chosen field.

He kept in touch with Ron and Hermione, but shied away from most people. He just wanted to go about his life the best he could, with as little interference from the public as possible.

Unfortunately, his desires and reality were two different things. After three years of relative peace, murmurs arose about a new organization that was looking to continue Voldemort's work. Calling themselves The Knights of Slytherin, the group sought dominance in the political and economic arenas. They quietly bribed, blackmailed and kidnapped their way into the Wizengamot, the Ministry and Hogwarts. Not even revered Headmaster Albus Dumbledore could deny them entrance when they comprised half of the Board of Governors.

People had started disappearing, just as they had thirty years earlier when Voldemort started his first reign. Most of those missing were either Muggleborn or half-bloods, with a few Muggle sympathizers thrown in. The disappearances were subtle and swift—a young man left home for his job in the Ministry, never to return.

Most of the citizens of the Wizarding World wrote off the disappearances as flukes or random crimes, but those who were integral in Voldemort's defeat knew better. Someone had resurrected the Death Eaters and was steadily removing the competition. The Order started making plans after the third disappearance.

Sadly, even with Kingsley Shacklebolt as Minister, the Order was unable to get the Ministry to take things seriously. Kingsley understood that the recent events were a bad omen, but he could get few, if any, of the undersecretaries and deputy ministers to agree and they soundly rebuked him for his "war-loving fear-mongering." Harry Potter and his friends once again stood alone in the face of the new threat, and once again, they were reluctant to fight.

"So? I've done the right thing all my life. It's time for someone else to fight!" he replied.

"Harry, you know that by the time the Ministry gets its head out of its arse, it will be too late," Ron stated, putting his hand on his wife's shoulder. "We don't want this mess any more than you do, but it's coming."

"I just don't know if I can do this any more," Harry explained. "The last war took so much out of me—out of all of us, really—that I don't think I have it in me to do this again."

"You won't be alone, Harry," Ron said, laying his hand atop Hermione's. "We've stuck with you so far, we're not going anywhere."

For better or for worse, he was the Wizarding World's hero, and he would not allow anyone to harm the world he loved so much.

—Scotland, fall 2006, present day—

Deep in the Scottish countryside, another man was welcoming his followers to his castle. Amycus Carrow was not a rich man, nor was he particularly handsome or brilliant. He was, however, an opportunist. He was Slytherin to the core. When Lucius Malfoy presented him with such an excellent prospect five years earlier, he'd seized it. He was tired of being little more than a lackey for an idiotic megalomaniac. It was his time to be in charge, and all it took was a little careful planning by him and Alecto.

"Carrow!" Malfoy barked.

"Yes?" came the falsely sweet reply.

"You are to research a way for me to harness more power," Lucius commanded.

"But why, my Lord Malfoy? You're already one of the most powerful and resourceful wizards alive," Amycus simpered.

"Being 'one of' the most powerful is not enough. I must be the most dominant wizard in the world if I am to rule effectively," Lucius explained.

Amycus hated it when Lucius Malfoy got on his superiority kicks. The man treated all of the newly created Knights of Slytherin like they were worse than the slime beneath his boots, yet he expected undying loyalty and devotion, and was quick to punish those he perceived as threatening or incompetent.

"I will do it, my Lord," Amycus said, bowing his head.

"See that you do. I expect results in two weeks," Lucius sniffed, dismissing his servant.

As he left the room, Amycus had an idea. It was a long shot, but if it could get him out from under the power of Lucius Malfoy, he would do it.

"It worked brilliantly," Amycus said to himself, savoring a glass of brandy. "Lucius was so bloody arrogant that he never thought one of his underlings, especially a mediocre wizard such as myself, would ever go against him."

The door to his study opened and Alecto entered, wearing her now habitual silver battle robes.

A slow, evil smile spread across Alecto's face. "That's one mistake he won't live to regret."

The two savored their victory over one of the most powerful and influential men in the Wizarding world for a few more minutes before bringing themselves back to the present.

—Hogwarts, spring 2001, 5 years earlier—

Deep under Hogwarts in the Chamber of Secrets, a clandestine meeting was ending. Ron and Hermione walked closely together exchanging soft words as they walked away. McGonagall was not far behind them with a sheaf of papers held tight to her chest. Harry and Severus had only just stood after the discouraging meeting when Albus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

He let his hand drop and walked to his set of rooms off the Chamber of Secrets. This, and his rooms in Phoenix Tower, had become his sanctuary in the years since his "death."

Only those few who knew that Albus was alive could gain access to them. He still had free rein of the school, but he had to stay in the shadows and in unused areas. Hogwarts was most accommodating of his needs, and managed to convey him around the castle without him ever seeing another soul.

"Go, Potter," Severus commanded. "I'll see you tonight in the Room of Requirement."

"Ah, Harry," Dumbledore smiled. "I have some information that will be instrumental in helping us win the war."

"It is of a sensitive nature. There is a spell," Albus explained. "It is normally used to ensure fidelity and conception in an arranged marriage, but I think we can adjust it to fit our needs."

"Did you know that powerful magic goes into creating a pregnancy, Harry?" Albus asked.

"My boy, if we can transfer that magic into you, you will be powerful enough to kill Voldemort," the old man said.

"Transfer magic? I thought love was what I needed to kill Voldemort," Harry said, confused.

"My dear child, love alone will not be enough," Dumbledore warned, "but the love of a bonded couple creating a new life will."

"Why, Severus, of course. You two already share a strong link, so it would be a very small thing to bond you together and harness the conception magic," Albus explained.

"I'm sorry, Harry, but I cannot allow you to do that. The nature of the spell we will have to use precludes Severus knowing what is happening. It will not work if he has any doubts about the plan, and you know Severus. He never completely trusts anyone or anything," Dumbledore told him, and there was a twinge of regret in his words.

"You must, Harry. The fate of the Wizarding world depends on your success, and this plan is our best chance of winning," Albus said gravely, standing up and coming face to face with Harry.

Dumbledore closed his eyes. Harry had his answer even before the old wizard opened his mouth.

"If there were any other way, I would not have you do this," the old man said. "I have received information that Voldemort has created a new monster. Formed from the crossbreeding of a Dementor and an Inferius, this creature will devastate the Wizarding world. It sucks out the souls of its victims, then compels the bodies to follow it in death and destruction."

"Every day, two more of these things hatch from their incubators. Until recently, they all died within a few days of hatching, but now, Voldemort has managed to keep one alive for a month," Albus told Harry.

"No. Voldemort trusts no one with this knowledge. I learned of it from a few spies I have in the area."

"Not that I know," Albus sighed once more. "Harry, if these creatures are loosed upon the world, they will create an unstoppable army of the dead. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people will die. We only have six months, maybe a year before Voldemort's forces will be ready. We must act quickly!"

Images of soulless beings slaughtering innocent children flashed before Harry. He knew that everyone was counting on him to destroy Voldemort, and the alternative that Dumbledore presented was horrendous. Still, Harry was leery of Dumbledore's idea.

"They have no master except Voldemort. When you kill him, they will lose their magical connection to this plane and cease to exist."

"Fine. I'll do it, but only after Hermione and Ron do thorough research into the spell and your plan. If I'm to risk my relationship with Severus, it will only be for a sure thing," Harry begrudgingly replied.

Albus sighed and rested a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Of course, Harry. I wouldn't ask if there were another way..."

"Don't, Albus. Please don't. I know that the Wizarding world needs me, but I need him. Something is telling me that if I do this, he'll never forgive me," Harry whispered, shrugging off Albus's hand.

A weary twenty-year-old Harry Potter agitatedly ran his hand through his hair. For months, they had been discussing Albus's plan to end the catastrophic, constant warfare in their world. He had to admit that the old man's idea was brilliant, but he was uncomfortable with the method Albus had chosen for Harry to boost his power. He knew he had to do something, as he and Voldemort had reached a stalemate, but he had hoped to keep the happiness he had found.

"Time is short, Harry. It must be tonight. The Wizarding world tires of this war, and Voldemort's forces grow larger each day. Soon, he will be ready to make his final push against us. We cannot allow that to happen," Albus explained. "Once the Wizarding world falls, the Muggle world will soon follow."

"I know that it seems impossible, Harry, but it must be done. Severus will understand. He knows the sacrifices that have to be made for the good of wizardkind. He will forgive you when you explain everything," Albus told him once more.

"It will all work out," Albus stressed. "Your friends, after researching, have found the plan sound and provided you with what you need for tonight. Go and good luck."

Harry just stared at the old man before turning and leaving Phoenix Tower. He walked slowly toward the Chamber of Secrets, the only place strong enough to absorb the power flux. Harry could only hope that, somehow, Severus would understand.

That night, their second anniversary, Harry Potter asked Severus Snape to marry him. The older wizard was flummoxed, but he agreed. Harry slipped the engagement ring on Severus's finger, both men seeing the protective spells flaring to life. As they celebrated their upcoming union, Harry took something precious from his beloved. He did not know he had given something far more valuable in return.

—Hogwarts, summer 2001, five years earlier—

One week before Harry's twenty-first birthday, he and Severus had dinner in the Room of Requirement. Harry told Severus that he wanted to meet there because they could pretend they were on a real date outside of the castle, but in reality, he did not want Severus's wards reacting to the magic he was going to perform.

"Yes, we have, Harry. I am surprised that we have not come to blows," Severus snarked.

"That's only because you got your jollies when you hexed me while we were training," Harry snickered.

The two enjoyed their mutual silence until Harry spoke again, "The war will end soon."

"I didn't mean to ask like that, Severus," Harry sighed. "But I do want you to marry me. I want to know that when the war is over, you and I will be together."

"I would not leave you, Potter," Severus reassured him, taking a drink of his brandy.

Harry slipped the ring that Hermione had charmed to focus Severus's powers onto the man's left ring finger. He cupped Snape's face in his hands, trying to memorize every line and angle. Harry kissed his lover, slowly and sensually, savoring every taste of Severus. As the two lovers succumbed to their passions, Harry prepared himself for what he was about to do.

Severus heard his lover, but he could not respond. Everything around him was hazy, and he seemed to have no control over his body.

Harry picked up Severus and carried him into the makeshift bedroom he had prepared in the Chamber of Secrets and onto the bed. He ran his fingers along the side of Severus's face.

"I love you, Severus, with all I am," Harry whispered before initiating a kiss between them.

Severus was slow to respond as the potion worked its way through his system but eventually did return the kiss.

Harry leisurely kissed his way down Severus's neck while his fingers unfastened the other man's black shirt. He worshiped each patch of exposed skin with his lips and committed it to memory in case his fear became reality.

Harry looked into Severus's feverish eyes. Harry could feel the lust rolling off Severus, its heat searing Harry's skin. Disgustedly, Harry felt himself getting harder. He concentrated on removing the rest of Severus's clothes, ignoring the fire burning in his veins. Even though he knew Severus was drugged, Harry wanted nothing more than to bury himself in his lover. Impatient for more, Harry leaned down and kissed Severus.

The kiss was hot, demanding and gentle at the same time. Their tongues danced and their hands raced over each other's bodies. Harry sank into the kiss for a while, relishing the sounds that his newly uninhibited lover made.

Reluctantly, Harry sat up and placed a hand on the side of his lover's face. The dark eyes were unfocused and filled with lust.

He removed both of their clothes with a simple spell, stretching out beside Severus.

Harry worshiped his lover's body with kisses and caresses, bringing them both to the edge of climax before he slowly entered Severus. Once he began to move within Severus, Harry chanted the incantation that Dumbledore had taught him. As his movements became more frantic, he could feel his power building, moving all around them. He kept chanting, and the power between them increased until they crested together, falling into unconsciousness.

When Harry regained consciousness, he felt drained. He only had enough energy to pull out of his lover and cuddle next to him. Harry knew that Severus would only remember their lovemaking, not the spell he cast. The mind-altering potion that Hermione had provided him would take care of that. He could only hope that he was strong enough to kill the maniac.

—South of France, fall 2006, present day—

Two weeks after his conversation with Ron and Hermione about the Knights of Slytherin, Harry found himself trekking through the South of France. Hermione had given him a list of Potions masters and alchemists that might be sympathetic to their cause, but one name stood out. Philippe Montclair, famous for his vampire repellant and numerous aids against dark creatures, was considered the foremost Potions master in the world. Hermione thought Harry imprudent for traveling so far when there were other qualified candidates in Britain, but Harry could only tell her that something about the Montclair fellow resonated with him. Harry Potter had survived much in his life, and most of the time it was due to his instinct. His gut told him that he needed to meet with Montclair, so he packed his bags and told Ron and Hermione that he was leaving. At worst, he would have wasted a few days trying to get the man to help. It would be better to have such a well-respected man on their side than against them.

As he neared the edge of the forest, Harry saw a small boy, no older than five, playing with a set of toy cars. The boy was hunched over with two cars in his right hand and a truck in his left. He was racing the cars along the grass, seemingly oblivious of the world around him. Harry smiled at the sight. Too many children had been lost in the wars, so anytime he saw such a scene, it filled him with happiness. Before he could get too close, the child raised his head and stared at him.

Harry's breath caught when he saw the boy's face. He was a beautiful child. He had silky black hair that was cut short on his head with a slight curl to the ends. His almond-shaped eyes were a bright green color, reminding him of his own. He had high cheekbones and his plump cheeks were flushed with color. His nose was large, but fit his face. He was a stranger, but something about him tugged at Harry's heart.

The little boy searched his face, looking for the familiar lightning bolt scar. Once he saw it, he relaxed slightly, but did not speak.

"I won't hurt you," Harry said soothingly. "I just need to find my way to Desjardins."

For some reason, Harry found himself nervous around this child. He wanted the little boy to like him, even if it made no sense to him.

His errand was not so important that he could not take some time out to play cars with the boy. Gus and Harry played cars for well over an hour. When they got bored with the toys, they walked around the forest and the surrounding area. Harry had so much fun that he lost track of time. He could not remember the last time he had been so carefree. It was a welcome reprieve from his daily routine. The little boy was quite interesting company—he was very articulate for his age and knew a lot about the surrounding area. He also looked vaguely familiar, but Harry could not place him and was sure he had not seen him before, as this was his first trip to France.

Gus noticed the time first. "Uh oh, I'm late. My daddy's not going to be happy."

"I'll walk home with you," Harry offered. "You've been a big help to me today. You told me a lot of stuff that I didn't know before."

The two quickly gathered the toys and made their way into the town. Gus grabbed Harry's hand, and Harry felt his magic sparking in response. He tried to think about why his magic reacted in such a way, but Gus kept up a running commentary as they passed different places in town, telling Harry everything he knew about everything. It took all of Harry's concentration to pay attention to him, and he did not say anything as the boy never let him get in a word edgewise.

Finally, they came to a moderate sized cottage. It had a low stone fence lining the property and looked quite average until one saw the garden. Harry was amazed at the sheer amount of flowers present in front of the house. He could see that the riot of colours went around one side and extended to the backyard as well. It was the most beautiful garden he had ever seen.

Gus grinned. "The flowers are really pretty now. My daddy said it's because this is the best time for them to grow."

Harry smiled at the boy. "Thank you for helping me, Gus. I really had a lot of fun."

"Are you leaving?" Gus frowned. "You have to come meet my daddy and stay for lunch. I'm sure he'd like you. I like you."

Harry did not want to leave the little boy. He enjoyed Gus's company, and he hoped meeting the little boy's father would explain their magical connection. It had been a while since he had felt so happy and his magic was so exuberant, and Harry was reluctant to let go of the feeling.

"All right, Gus. I'll meet your father, but I'll only stay if your dad says it's ok," Harry conceded.

Gus nodded happily and skipped up the path to the house. Harry smiled at the little boy as he ran up the steps and flung the door open.

Something inside Harry froze. That voice sounded so familiar. It reminded him of kisses and caresses, of love and loss. Harry shook his head knowing that he was letting his imagination get the best of him. Severus Snape had been gone for five years, vanished without a trace. It would not do to keep imagining that every stranger he met was Severus. Harry inhaled deeply several times, calming his racing heart, before he followed Gus.

Harry followed Gus as he wound his way through the house, passing through the foyer, the sitting room and the kitchen. Eventually, the little boy brought them to the breakfast room, where Harry could see the child's father. He was sitting in a chaise with his back to them, facing the window. Harry heard Gus telling his father about him.

"Daddy, guess what? I made a friend and his name is Harry. Can he stay?" Gus said in a rush.

Harry could see the other man's shoulders tense, as if he wanted to refuse his son but did not want to hurt his feelings. The man stood up and turned toward him, and Harry's jaw dropped.

—Scotland, fall 2006, present day—

Amycus continued staring out of the window. The full moon illuminated his land, throwing light on his accomplishments over the past few years. Once Malfoy was out of the way, Amycus took over the surrounding estates that belonged to lesser nobles as well. They paid him a monthly fief, and he did not attack them. Being used to Lucius Malfoy, the inhabitants quickly agreed to his demands.

"Look at it," Amycus said, inviting her to join him. "All of this land, this wealth, and still they don't take me seriously."

"Yes, but they respected Malfoy. They only look at me with disdain," he told her. "I must become more powerful. They must fear me!"

"Sister, I need your help. No one can match your researching skills." She preened under his praise. "I want you to figure out a way that I can raise Luceferatu without losing my soul or magic."

Alecto looked worriedly at her brother. Luceferatu was a dangerous demon. He was the embodiment of greed, death and destruction. Even the Ancients were wary of him and dealt with him only when necessary.

Alecto spent the next fortnight locked into the castle library. At first she had a few helpers, but their ineptitude and restlessness annoyed her and she banished them from her domain with a few well-placed hexes.

"Hmm, it says here that the Founders used some of Luceferatu's essence when they were building Hogwarts," she whispered to herself. "Why would they do that?"

A little more reading gave her the answer. Salazar Slytherin thought the children should be well protected against any eventuality, including war. Luceferatu saw anything covered in his power as his possession, and would not allow those with evil intent to harm it.

"That's why the Dark Lord could never invade Hogwarts," she gasped. "Luceferatu's power repelled him!"

Alecto excitedly tackled her reading, hoping to discover how the Founders were able to summon the demon and harness his power.

Two weeks and two days after her conversation with Amycus, Alecto had a solution.

"Really? I hadn't noticed," she frowned, before remembering her reason for entering his rooms. "I've got it! I've figured out how to harness the demon's power."

"We need to find these four artifacts—a golden rod, the hair of a lion, a phoenix feather, and a crystal cauldron. The Founders used them to entrap the demon. They're the inheritance each Founder received from the gods when they took on the task of building Hogwarts. They were all priceless magical artifacts, and they knew that Luceferatu wouldn't be able to resist taking them, so when he appeared, they snared him," she babbled.

"No, they're not. They're hidden. Hogwarts's wards are keyed to them, so the castle will never fall as long as they exist. We just have to find out where they are. And I have an idea," she finished.

"They're in Gringotts. I found records that suggest that the Founders' heirs took them there after a war hundreds of years ago. They wanted to ensure their safety. There wasn't a lot of information, but it mentioned something about a demon decimating a village, and I knew it was our stuff. It's on the bottom floor, ten levels below ground. I don't know how we'll get it," she said.

—Hogwarts, summer 2001, five years earlier—

It was the greatest day of Severus's life. Harry had defeated Voldemort, and his lover had been spectacular in doing it. All of the power and righteousness that surrounded Harry as he cast the fatal blow made the young man seem godly. Severus anxiously walked through the castle looking for Harry to make sure he was unharmed. He spotted the familiar tousled head of dark hair and swooped down on him.

"Well done, Potter!" Snape exclaimed as he caught his lover in a bruising kiss in the middle of the Great Hall.

Severus did not know who was more surprised, him or Harry, when he stepped between the crossed curses of Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy. He had thought he would die, but a strange shield flared in front of them at the last minute, protecting him from their hexes.

"I never thought I would say this, but the last spell that you cast was a sight to behold, Potter. I never knew you had that much magical power at your disposal," Severus commented.

Harry winced, "About that...er, it wasn't all my own power...I mean, it came from me, but it...oh, bugger."

Harry fidgeted in Severus's arms and stumbled over his words, "I cast a spell. A modified version of a very ancient— a very Dark spell," Harry whispered.

Severus released Harry and stepped back. An awful feeling was gathering in his stomach.

"We, no, I altered Matrimonio gravidas. Don't worry; Hermione assured me that it would only mimic conception and instead create a – a bunch of power," he blurted out. "I took that energy and added it to my own power. Albus...never mind."

"I combined our powers last night and used them to defeat Voldemort," Harry whispered, looking into his lover's eyes.

"How could you? How was that even possible? We aren't married!" Snape questioned, his mind working on over-drive.

"Your ring," Harry quietly pointed out. "Hermione charmed it so that it would not only protect you, but also bond you to me when I spoke the right words."

There was dead silence. Harry could see Severus furiously working to digest everything he had just been told. He saw Severus look down at his hand, studying the ring that was a symbol of their irrevocable bond. Harry could feel the anger surrounding his lover, the ire that Severus used to cover the hurt and betrayal. Finally, a light gleamed in Severus's eyes.

"So, this is the plan you and Dumbledore hatched, isn't it? The real reason neither of you would tell me what you were planning?" Snape demanded.

"Yes," Harry said. "But you've got to believe me that I wouldn't have done it if there were any other way to kill Voldemort."

"No, I don't," Snape stated, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "I don't have to believe a damn thing you say ever again. Consider our relationship over."

Severus strode angrily toward his chambers, thankful that no one crossed his path. Once he entered the rooms, he put up every silencing charm, locking charm and protective ward he knew to keep Harry and any other uninvited person out of his rooms. Then he set to work.

He was tired, and wanted nothing more than to fall into his bed and sleep for days, but he had too much work to do.

By morning, every single possession of the Potions Master was packed and ready to go. He had already called his house elf, Nezzy, and had her working on moving his belongings from Hogwarts. The only thing left for Severus to do was write a letter explaining his reasons for leaving. Severus sat at his desk for well over an hour, long enough for Nezzy to complete her work, and he could not think of a thing to say.

—Forbidden Forest, summer 1996, ten years earlier—

The faint glow from the two wands was the only light Severus and Albus had to guide them through the Forbidden Forest. The fall wind played in the dry dead leaves and tugged at their cloaks, and the darkness of the new moon shielded them from the many prying eyes in the area. Severus wished he could cast a warming charm, but they were close to the altar and any outside magic would interfere with the ritual.

Severus paused and looked back at the Headmaster. Albus awkwardly tapped his blackened and withered hand with his wand, and the façade vanished. He wiggled his fingers and smiled.

"If you did not insist on playing the lame duck, you would not have to hide your hand behind such confining magic," Severus reminded him with great pleasure.

"It could always be worse, Severus. It still can be, if we are not careful. You could find yourself in a most precarious position," Albus said with a chuckle. "Come, we have much to do tonight if we are going to continue our play for Voldemort."

"Albus, this is a dangerous course of action we are following," Severus growled as he followed Albus into the small clearing in the heart of the forest.

"I know," Albus lightly answered, "but risks must be taken by all of us to bring the war to an end. We've been over this, Severus."

Severus muttered his dissatisfaction as he set a box of gathered items onto the altar. Albus placed a few lit torches around them while Severus laid out the items they would be using. He reverently placed a bottle containing the small sliver of spirit in the center of the table and set several decaying bones around it. Both had once belonged to Albus's great-great-grandfather who had died three hundred years earlier.

The trip to the Veil in the Ministry to retrieve the trace of spirit had not been what Severus had called a fun outing with Albus. Sneaking into the Ministry was the easiest part of their adventure. Fighting Dementors, hexing Aurors and confounding Unspeakables made the trip dangerous. Getting in and out of the Veil, however, made their task potentially fatal and blatantly foolish. The two barely survived, and Severus was still healing from his various wounds. He had wanted to wait before performing the ritual, but Albus insisted that it happen that night.

With a sigh, Severus placed a few more bottles on the edge of the altar to be used later. He looked up to find Albus standing on the other side of the altar.

Severus raised his wand and chanted in the old language. He could feel the darkness of the magic he was directing crawling all around him. It called to him, begging him to accept it, to become one with it. It whispered in his ear, promising him greatness, power beyond belief.

Albus's voice joined his, anchoring Severus in the present, but adding to the gathering force. The irony of the pillar of light participating in such a dark ritual amused Severus.

Severus pulled a strand of magic from Albus, bound it to the spirit he released from the bottle, and infused both into the bones. He picked up the reviving potion and poured it over the bones. Flesh appeared, and the blob grew and took on Albus's appearance. He picked up the second bottle and emptied the liquid Imperius over the still form.

Albus and Severus stopped chanting. Their task was complete. The only thing left was to see if the bits of information they scraped together from a few old texts and Severus's intuition had produced the desired results.

—South of France, fall 2006, present day—

Severus could not believe his misfortune. Of all the people in the world, Harry Potter had to come to his home. All of the careful planning and plotting he had done was for naught. Potter had still managed to find him. Of course, he should have known better. Dumbledore's spell would have guaranteed his aid to the brat whenever it was required. Twenty-five years had passed since that night, and Severus still felt betrayed. Albus need not have done something so drastic to ensure his cooperation, but that was the old man's way. Severus tried to live quietly, but with Potter's appearance, he knew his peace would end.

Time had been kind to Potter, he noted. It had been five years since the battle with Voldemort and Harry Potter's triumph. The young man had filled out and walked with a self-assurance that Severus had never seen in him. He seemed so certain of his ability, yet uncertain of his welcome. Severus was not surprised; in fact, he was pleased to have the nuisance off-kilter. After what had happened to him at Potter's hands, the young man should suffer. Severus could feel himself becoming enraged as he thought about the past.

"Daddy, do you know my friend Harry?" Gus asked, wondering why his father was staring at this man in such a way.

Severus sighed. There was no way he was getting rid of Potter now. Gus would have a fit, and he did not want to upset his son any more than he would be later.

Harry Potter could not have spoken a word to save his life. Here, in this nondescript cottage with the gorgeous garden in the South of France, was his long-lost lover. His Severus was here, alive and well. His Severus did not seem happy to see him; in fact, he looked downright murderous, but Harry did not care. He was finally with Severus. A Severus that had a child.

Harry's heart clenched. If Severus was the father of a child, then he must have moved on. Harry could not imagine loving anyone other than Severus, but it seemed that Severus had no problem replacing him.

"Xavier, go wash your hands," Severus commanded, and the little boy scurried off to do his father's bidding.

"Do not ask me anything. We will speak after lunch when Xavier is no longer here," Severus told Harry.

Harry could not help the nervous giggle that escaped him. Between the tension of meeting Severus, the shock at finding out his bonded had a child, and the warring emotions within him, Harry felt he would either laugh or cry. Besides, he had always thought Severus had such a pompous name—Severus Sebastian Alexander Prince Snape, and it seemed that he had given his son one as well. Snape saw his face and muttered about imbeciles not understanding the importance of strong names.

"The natives here call him Gus. They suffer under the misapprehension that his name is too large for him. I believe it is because they all possess such small minds that they cannot grasp the importance of such a dignified name," Snape huffed.

—Scotland, fall 2006, present day—

The Knights of Slytherin gathered in Carrow Castle, the former Malfoy Manor, awaiting their leader. They had been given their orders two days ago and were now simply waiting to be told when they were to take effect.

Soon enough, Amycus Carrow emerged from a side door, his sister Alecto at his side. The two walked to the dais and took their seats. Amycus scanned the crowd, a smile on his face as he saw that their numbers had increased dramatically in the last few months.

"Brothers and sisters of Slytherin," he said, "tonight marks the beginning of a new age in the Wizarding world. It is time those of us who are pure in both blood and intention take our rightful place in society."

There were several murmurs of approval and a few claps from the captivated crowd.

"You know what you must do," Amycus stated. "Tonight, the blood of the filth will run through the streets."

In the wee hours of the morning, the Knights of Slytherin carried out their attacks. High-ranking officials in the Ministry were slaughtered in their sleep, along with their families. Notes were left with the dead explaining why the Knights had chosen that victim.

The Knights attacked Western Coast, a Muggle bank with ties to Gringotts. All accounts were wiped clean, and the entire bureau of Wizarding-Muggle affairs was destroyed. The Muggles thought that terrorists had attacked the bank, and the Wizards were so disorganized that they were unable to protect the true target of the raids: Gringotts.

Western Coast and Gringotts were attacked by a complicated system of underground tunnels. Learning from the ill-fated raid Draco made on the bank, the Knights realized that the only way to get to the money was from below. Using the help of more than a few disgruntled house elves, they maneuvered their way through the underground labyrinth until they reached the vaults.

Once there, they stole select pieces from the vaults of the current heirs of the founders. They also stole a good deal of gold.

As swiftly as it began, the carnage ended. Overall, forty-four wizards and twelve Muggles were killed in the raids. The Wizarding world was once again plunged into terror.

The Knights ate and made merry for many hours celebrating their success. After everyone had their fill, Amycus made his speech.

"My brethren," he started, having realized that people responded more favorably when they thought they were on equal footing, "we have accomplished a great deal tonight. With the acquisition of Slytherin's golden rod, Gryffindor's lion hair, Ravenclaw's phoenix feather and Hufflepuff's crystal cauldron, we will soon be able to awaken Luceferatu from his eternal sleep.

"With his power, we will be an invincible force in the Wizarding world. Those who have denied us the rights due to us as the most magically powerful and purest of blood will rue the day they ever crossed us. We will not be deterred!" he finished.

—Hogwarts, summer 1997, nine years earlier—

A disguised Severus Snape approached Hogwarts for the fist time since fleeing with Draco. As he walked up the long path, he reviewed the events of the past three weeks. All his efforts to keep Draco alive were useless. With Lucius and Narcissa for parents, and Bellatrix for an aunt, the boy had been doomed from the start.

The Dark Lord had severely punished Draco for his inability to kill Dumbledore. He gave the young man another mission to complete to make up for his failure. Draco was to lead the raid on Gringotts bank.

Severus had to hold in a sigh when he heard the news. It was a suicide mission, and he was sure that Voldemort knew it. Why else would he have assigned such an important mission to a failure? The goblins at Gringotts were crafty. They understood better than anyone else the greed of mankind, and had protected their vaults accordingly. There were so many traps and tricks woven into the walls and floors that only the smartest of wizards would emerge unscathed.

Draco was a spoiled brat who relied more upon his looks and connections than his intellect to get him what he wanted. The young man did very little preparation for his mission, thinking he could storm into the bank and take what he wanted. Severus also thought the boy believed that if anything bad were to happen, his parents or Severus would rescue him. Voldemort, however, was smarter, and planned for that eventuality, sending Lucius, Narcissa and Severus to Wales on another mission.

A week ago, Rabastan Lestrange brought back the broken, bloodied body of Draco Malfoy. Narcissa fainted and Lucius looked close to tears, but no one was surprised.

Severus made his way to the Headmistress's office where he joined Harry Potter and his friends for the reading of Dumbledore's will.

"Mr. Landers, I'm glad you could make it," Minerva greeted as she ushered him in.

The other occupants of the room looked at him curiously, never having heard of him. Potter seemed to stare right through him, but Severus knew that none of them recognized him. His glamour was perfectly crafted.

She pulled out a document and cleared her throat. Minerva, as Albus's executor, read aloud the former Headmaster's wishes, including the foreign words at the end.

"Well, I never," Minerva smiled slightly after reading the will. "Albus couldn't resist leaving us one last joke."

The others smiled as well, fondly thinking of the old man who liked to end the Welcoming Feasts with whatever words came to mind. As they thought about Dumbledore, a mist arose from the will, swirling around the room. Eventually, the mist coalesced and cleared, leaving the very much alive form of Albus Dumbledore standing in front of everyone.

"Not in the least, my boy," Dumbledore replied, smiling gently at the young man.

"Of course, my dear. Remember that time you got drunk after the year-end staff party, and I found you rolling around in a pile of..." Dumbledore started.

"That's enough, Albus!" Minerva snapped. "Well, I'm confident that you are the real Albus Dumbledore."

"Ah, that would be a tale for Severus to tell," Albus explained, looking over at Severus.

Severus took the cue and dropped his glamour. Once again, everyone was speechless.

"Now I know this must come as a surprise because I'm sure Harry reported my death and told you all what he witnessed on the Astronomy tower," Dumbledore started, and everyone nodded.

"What you didn't know, however, is that none of what you saw was real. Severus and I have known for quite a while that Voldemort was planning an attempt on my life. We decided to counter his moves, or beat him at his own game as you young people say," Albus told them.

More questions came, and Dumbledore kept repeating key elements of the story. The more he explained, the more confused they became. Severus grew tired of the incessant questions and interrupted them.

"Are you all daft? The Headmaster and I created a puppet Dumbledore that we infused with some of Albus's magic so that it would appear real to any idiot that was nearby," here he cast a look at Harry. "The Headmaster controlled the doll with a spell, so he was never in any danger. When I cast the killing curse, it released his magic from the doll so that it could return to its rightful place. The body you buried was a fake."

Everyone sat quietly, digesting the information. Dumbledore looked around the room to gauge their reactions. He could tell that Minerva was upset, most likely at having been excluded from his plans. The older witch always did like to know everything that was going on around her.

Albus and Severus looked at each other, communicating without words. Albus bowed his head toward Severus, so the younger man would know it was acceptable to answer.

"We couldn't take the chance, Minerva. What we did was not something that anyone can ever know about," he said.

"But you'll have to explain. People will want to know how Dumbledore survived the killing curse."

"We'll take care of that when it happens," Albus said. "For now, we have a Dark Lord to stop."

"That was another fine piece of magic," Albus stated. "Severus was able to cure my 'infection' with the curse, as it was, and restore the use of my hand; however, we applied a long-term glamour so that anyone who saw my hand would think it shriveled and useless. We could not let Voldemort know about my miraculous recovery, or else he would suspect Severus."

All eyes turned to Severus, and Albus could see the younger man fight against his unease. Everyone was so surprised that he had actually done all that Dumbledore said he did. Albus was saddened that even Minerva had believed him capable of murder, and not just any killing, but his murder. The blatant shock on all their faces showed Severus's excellence as a spy and his isolation as a wizard.

"Maybe we should adjourn to my quarters," Albus suggested, seeing Severus's face.

With that pronouncement, everyone followed the living, healthy Albus Dumbledore to his rooms in Phoenix Tower. Minerva was close to his side, holding his hand as if she were afraid he would vanish. Hermione was talking non-stop, wanting to know about the complex magic that Snape and Dumbledore had performed. The Headmaster was surprisingly tight-lipped on the subject. Ron just thought it was cool how they were able to fool Voldemort. Harry, however, found himself staring at Snape, who was lagging behind the group. It was as if he were seeing the man for the first time.

When everyone else had entered Dumbledore's chambers, Harry stopped Severus at the door.

"Professor Snape," Harry began, "I'm sorry. I've always thought you were the bad guy, but now I know better. Only a man dedicated to the Order and Professor Dumbledore would do what you've done."

Severus did not know what to make of Potter's apology. Part of him wanted to thrash the boy for believing that Severus required an apology from him, but another part of him still craved the recognition that the apology offered. Being so conflicted, Severus relied on his favorite weapon: biting sarcasm.

"Why thank you, Mr. Potter. Your apology means so much to me," he sneered. "I do not know how I have managed to live as long as I have without the gratitude of a Potter."

Unfortunately, Severus's recent acts had permanently changed Harry's perception of him.

They gathered in Dumbledore's new chambers in Phoenix Tower after the reading of his will.

"There is much to be done, my friends," Albus said, looking at them with twinkling eyes. "Harry, Hermione and Ron, you will continue your Horcrux search."

"You will not have to do it all on your own," he assured. "My notes on the subject will be at your disposal, and I believe Severus might have other information on the topic."

Severus inclined his head and started listing the most likely places to search for the objects. The meeting quickly turned into a combination DADA/Potions class as Severus taught them useful spells for dispelling the dark magic surrounding the items and the necessary potions to protect themselves.

Hermione was taking notes as quickly as she could. Harry and Ron were trying to master the skills being demonstrated.

"Enough, Severus," Albus said, calling the session to a halt. "They aren't going to learn everything this afternoon. I suggest regular lessons be set up to train them – especially Harry."

Severus inclined his head in acceptance of the directive while the students muttered about it.

"And lessons with Minerva will be beneficial as well. She has this wonderful skill of being able to transfigure anything into a weapon," he said in a stage whisper to the teens. "Now on to other business."

—South of France, spring 2002, four years earlier—

Severus stood in the middle of an empty room with wand outstretched. He faced north and waved his wand in a complex series of movements while muttering under his breath. He repeated the wand movements for the other directions of the compass. Finally, he placed his wand against his chest.

'Ward off threats,' he imagined, building a wall around the property in his mind.

'Guard against enemies,' Severus said, keeping a picture of his son in his head.

He let his hand fall to his side and his chin drop to his chest as he felt the magic moving around him to ward his property. After several minutes, he sighed and looked at his sleeping newborn son. They would be safe here once the wards were fully established. It would take seven days of repeating the warding ritual to do that.

He picked up the baby carrier and headed out to obtain items for their new home.

—South of France, spring 2006, present day—

Severus, Xavier, and Harry shared a relatively quiet lunch together. Xavier was doing most of the talking, but the little boy was so eager to share his day with his dad that he did not notice the adults' silence. After lunch, Severus levitated the dishes to the sink while Xavier cleaned up himself and got ready to go to a friend's house. The play date had been scheduled that morning while Xavier was out, so the little boy was not happy. He did not want to leave his new friend, and only after both his father and Harry promised that Harry would be there when he came back did he leave.

Before leaving, Severus threatened Harry with dismemberment if he snooped through the house. Harry, remembering Severus's temper, stayed quietly in the living room.

"Why have you come here?" Severus asked once he returned from dropping off Xavier.

"I've missed you, Severus. I know you don't want to hear it, but I really have. And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done what I did, but I was so tired of the war, so tired of fighting. I just wanted to get on with our life together," Harry blurted out.

"They, uh, awarded you an Order of Merlin, First Class, for your role in the victory. Everyone knows what a hero you are," Harry babbled. "Everyone wants you to come back so they can give you the credit you properly deserve."

Harry sighed. He should have known that anything he said would fall upon deaf ears. Over the years, he had thought of all the things he wanted to say to Severus when he saw him, but as he looked at Severus, he could not remember any of them. All he could remember was the aching loss he felt, the nervousness of being in Severus's presence once again, and the overwhelming shame of having betrayed his lover.

"Do you think that means anything to me?" Snape quietly asked, the words weighing heavily on Harry.

"No, Severus," Harry sighed. "I know you hold grudges forever and don't forgive anyone anything, but I just needed you to know how I feel."

Snape looked at Harry curiously. The young man looked tired. There were dark circles under his eyes. His face was gaunt, like he was not eating properly. His shoulders were stooped as if he had the weight of the world resting on them. He simply looked beaten down by life.

"I didn't know you were here," Harry defended. "I'm actually looking for an alchemist that lives in this area. His name's Philippe Montclair."

"Things are bad in Britain," he explained. "We were so naïve after Voldemort's defeat. We thought that once we got him out of the way, everything would be okay. We were wrong.

"Most of the senior Death Eaters managed to escape with little more than a slap on the wrist and a black mark on their reputation. The Ministry's infighting is even worse, and during the power vacuum, a new group rose to terrorize us. We need Montclair's help," Harry finished.

"Philippe Montclair is my alias, Potter. I used that name so no one would be able to find me after the war."

"This house belonged to my great-great-grandmother on my mother's side. I came here a few times during my youth, while she was still alive. When she died, she gave the house to my mother, and it passed to me upon her death. It was the ideal place to start my life again."

Harry winced, then straightened his shoulders. There was one question he was dying to ask, and now seemed to be as good a time as any.

"Then did you adopt him?" Harry wondered. He could not imagine Snape taking in a child that was not his.

Harry looked at Severus, not understanding what the man said. Slowly, a dawning comprehension came over Harry's face. His eyes widened, his eyebrows skyrocketed and his mouth opened. He tried to ask Severus a question, tried to figure out how he came to be with child, but he could not get his mouth to cooperate. Harry's vision narrowed until all he could see was Severus's face. He could feel the walls closing in on him as his eyes rolled into the back of his head and his body hit the floor.

Half an hour later, Harry was wide-awake and staring at Severus. He wanted so badly to ask Severus about Gus, but for once, he found his courage failing him. After several sighs and aborted attempts at small talk, Severus finally took control of the conversation.

"His name is Xavier Augustus Alexander Prince Snape. He was born on the Vernal Equinox, or March 20, four years ago; it was a new moon. I was in labor for thirty hours, most of which I spent cursing you and your ancestors. He could read and write by the age of three, and is currently obsessed with Muggle toy cars, of all things. He knows nothing of my life before coming to France, except vague stories of which I have no intention of elaborating until he is much older. He knows I am a Potions master because that is my job here—I run the apothecary. He also knows that he has another father," Severus finished.

"Yes, he does. I do not believe in lying to my child, so when he asked me why he did not have a mother like the other children, I explained that he was special and he has another father. He does not know, however, that you are his father," he said.

Harry became quiet as he absorbed all he had been told. He had a son. A wonderful little boy who was friendly and full of life. An almost mirror image of Severus, but with his eyes. The boy had his green eyes. Harry felt so many emotions in such a short time—anger at being denied the right to know his son, despair at the fact that Severus had felt so betrayed that he did not tell Harry about their child, and joy at the fact that he had a son. All of these feelings and more battled within him. Harry did not understand how he felt, but the next words out of his mouth were angry ones.

"Why didn't you tell me?" demanded Harry. "Don't you think I had a right to know about my own son?"

"You did not deserve a damn thing as far as I was concerned," Severus's eyes were alight with fire.

"Ah, your son," sneered Severus. "The child you forced upon me without my consent or input. The product of your rape of my magic and free will."

When Harry could provide no other answer, Severus snorted and said, "Exactly what I thought."

Harry wished he had kept his mouth shut. Sometimes, it was better not to say anything, and Harry belatedly realized that this had been one of those times.

"Obviously, things are more dire in Britain than you are saying. You would not have come so far, disturbing my restful retreat from war, if it were not a last resort. What is so threatening that you had to traverse through France to seek my help?"

"They call themselves the Knights of Slytherin. We've received intelligence that the Knights of Slytherin are trying to awaken an Ancient. Luceferatu, to be precise. They're hoping to harness its powers and become invincible," Harry said.

"Are they mad?" he shouted. "That thing is a monster! No one and nothing can control it. Not even the Old Ones could destroy it. They could only lock it away under an enchanted sleep."

"Apparently, they believe they've found a spell to tame it. We've got to stop them from awakening the demon," Harry said. "And that's where you come in. You're the only person I know who can tailor a draught to a specific type of magic. All of the Knights have the same signature because they draw their power from the same source: the lodestone at Malfoy Manor. We need to develop something that will affect them but not our fighters," he told Severus.

"We have to tell Xavier," sighed Severus, abruptly changing the subject. "He will wonder why you are here and why you are staying, and I will not lie to him."

Severus picked up Xavier shortly before sundown. The little boy was bouncing with energy, eagerly anticipating spending time with his new best friend. Xavier smiled at Harry when he saw him, and Severus hated Potter a little more. Potter had just met their son and already the boy was giving him one of his brightest smiles. Dinner was tense, with Severus stewing in his anger, shooting small glares at Harry. Severus knew that Xavier could tell something was wrong—the boy kept fidgeting, but he could not control himself. It galled him that Harry Potter sat at his table, eating his food, and talking to his son like nothing had happened between them. Severus wanted to strangle Potter, but chewed his food into tiny pieces instead.

After dinner, Severus and Harry took Gus into the sitting room for their conversation. Neither one was looking forward to it. Severus was not happy once again to be dragged into a war, but he knew he could not resist. Thanks to Dumbledore, anytime Harry was in danger or needed his aid, he had to supply it. He also was not ready to tell Xavier about his other father. For so long it had been him and his child; Severus did not want to share Xavier with anyone.

Severus was also afraid that his son would resent him for keeping him away from his father. Xavier was four years old, and Severus knew that he wondered where his other father was. It would crush Severus if his son hated him.

"Xavier," Severus started, "Harry and I have something very important to tell you. It's a secret, and that means you can't tell anyone else."

"Remember when you asked me about why you didn't have a mummy and I told you that you had another father?"

"Yes, Daddy. You said it was 'cause I'm special and I have two daddies," Gus smiled.

"Well Xavier, Harry is your other father. He's been waiting to meet you for a long time," Severus said.

Gus stayed quiet for a long time, looking between his daddy and his new friend, no, his papa. He knew they were waiting for him to say something, but he did not know what. All he could think was that now he would have two parents like everyone else.

"You're my papa, Harry? Ah bon?" the boy asked, lapsing into French in his excitement.

Severus held his breath, wondering what Potter would say. The younger man squirmed uncomfortably and looked to Severus for help. Severus had anticipated the question, but his response was not the best. He wanted to tell Xavier that Harry would be with them for the near future, but they were uncertain beyond that. Looking at his son's face, however, Severus knew there was only one right answer for his son.

"Good! We can play games, and I can show you my cave, and you can help me splash water at Emilie when we go to the pond..." the boy started rambling about all the fun things he and his papa could do together.

"I have a job to do while I'm here. I need your daddy's help to fight a bad man who hurts people. I have to spend time working with your daddy in his lab," Harry explained.

"But why do you have to fight the bad man? Are you a wizard policeman?" Xavier wondered.

Severus raised his eyebrow at Harry as the younger man looked to him for help. He wanted to know the answer to that question as well.

"Something like that," he said, not quite lying, but definitely not telling the truth.

"But you'll still play with me, right? And you won't go away again?" Gus asked, insecure. "And you won't make me eat peas when I don't want them? Or take a bath when I'm not dirty?"

Harry chuckled, "I don't know about the bath or peas, but I will be here to play with you."

"Okay, Harry, er, Papa." Gus's smile lit up the room as he jumped on his papa and hugged him. "Daddy, aren't you happy that my Papa's here now?"

Severus did not want to lie to his son, but he refused to be the one to wipe off the dazzling smile on his son's face. As much as he hated Potter, he loved his son. Xavier was a sensitive child, in tune with the emotions of those around him, so he was no doubt noticing the anger and rage Severus felt. The earnest pleading in Xavier's eyes was his undoing. His child was not asking him to declare his love for Potter; he was just asking him to be okay with him having his other father in his life. Severus knew that no matter how much he wanted to say no, he would not deny his son again.

Harry was shocked, but tried not to let it show. Honestly, he did not care one whit about what was happening back in Britain. He had a lover and son that needed him, and he had years of absence to make up for. He did not have to go back—he had done what the Wizarding world required of him when he killed Voldemort. He had saved them twice before; it was time they found someone else for the job.

Even as he thought it, Harry knew he could never completely turn his back on Wizarding Britain. As much as they had turned their backs on him, there were still people there who cared about him. Ron, Hermione, the rest of the Weasleys, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Remus and others had done so much for him over the years that he could not leave them to their fate. Deep down, he knew that the only way he would defeat this demon would be with Severus's help, but he did not want to think about that now. All he wanted to do was cuddle his son in his lap. He was so lost in his thoughts that he did not hear Gus calling him name until the little boy shook his arm

Gus beamed at him, and Harry realized that, regardless of his obligations, there was no place he would rather be than here with these two people. He knew that Ron and Hermione were waiting to hear from him, but they could wait until the morning. Right now, he had a son who needed a story.

Later that night, after Gus had had three bedtime stories (his papa reading two because he asked Harry first and his daddy reading one), Harry and Severus sat in the living room drinking fire whisky. It had been a while since Severus had imbibed alcohol of any kind, but for the conversation that he knew was ahead, he decided a drink was in order.

"Who is leading this so-called 'Knights of Slytherins'? Lucius Malfoy?" Severus asked.

"No. Believe it or not, it's that idiot Amycus Carrow and his sister Alecto," Harry answered.

"Are you serious? That man couldn't find his arse with a guidebook!" exclaimed Severus.

"It seems we underestimated him. After Voldemort's death, Lucius rallied the troops, so to speak, for a meeting. There, he proclaimed himself the new leader of the Knights of Slytherin and promptly branded all present with his mark of a serpent-headed cane.

"He also demanded that Amycus find a spell for him to harness the power of a demon. The man found a spell, but changed it so that all of Lucius's magic went to him. He then stripped Lucius of his money and his titles, proclaiming himself the last legitimate Malfoy heir through his mother's side," Harry told him.

"Yes, I seem to remember that his mother, Perdida Pensington, was Lucius Malfoy's second cousin on his father's side," Severus said, swirling his drink.

"She was, and as the rest of the Malfoy family was decimated in the war, Carrow's claim was legitimate. Last I heard, Lucius Malfoy was working in a Muggle department store as a style consultant."

"It must gall the man to lose his magic and live amongst Muggles. How the haughty have fallen," he chuckled.

"Yeah, well, I would rather have faced him than this Carrow fellow. At least I knew what tricks Malfoy would pull. It seems like we're forever one step behind Carrow," sighed Harry.

"Hmm, if I remember correctly, Amycus was a mediocre wizard with a decent ability to scheme. Even with Lucius's power, the man would not have the brains to carry out such detailed plans as you described," Severus murmured.

"He's not, but Alecto is. She's a frighteningly intelligent hag that makes Bellatrix Lestrange look like a harmless wood sprite," Harry said.

"Pettigrew decided to honor the life debt he owes me. He saw what Alecto did to Narcissa Malfoy and scurried to my office as fast as he could. He would rather rot in a Muggle jail for the murders of those Muggles in 1981 than deal with Alecto's temper," explained Harry.

"What did she do that would frighten Pettigrew? The man chopped off his hand to frame his friend for murder."

"Alecto is a sadistic, evil woman who delights in the torment of others more than anyone I've ever seen, including the Dark Lord. She used a combination transformation charm and withering hex to give herself Narcissa's beauty and curse Narcissa with her ugliness. Narcissa Malfoy screamed in agony for hours before her heart gave out. Alecto laughed the entire time," Harry shuddered as he spoke.

"Yes. It is late, Potter, and I still have brewing to do for myself in the morning. You may take the guestroom that is next to Xavier's bedroom for your own. Good night," the man said, getting up to leave.

"I know you don't want to hear what I have to say about what happened, but I am sorry," Harry began. "If I have to prove it to you for the rest of my life, I will. I'll forever regret betraying your trust, and I hope that one day you will find it within you to forgive me, even if I can't forgive myself."

As Harry prepared for bed, he could only comfort himself with the knowledge that Severus was just as lonely as he was. The bond between them would not allow Severus to have another lover. Harry hoped that with enough time, he would be able to regain Severus's love.

That night, Severus could not sleep. He could feel his resolve weakening in the wake of Harry's obvious remorse. Part of him wondered if it the bond they shared was forcing him into forgiving Harry. He did not want to admit that he could understand the boy's position. The years of guerilla warfare they endured during the Second Voldemort war were horrific, and Severus probably would have done the same thing that Harry did. Just because he could understand Harry's predicament did not mean that Harry's betrayal hurt any less.

That was the problem. Severus could not trust Harry. His head knew that everything Harry said was the truth, but his heart would not be swayed. Harry Potter was dangerous to him—he could destroy Severus's entire life with a few misspoken words or ill-planned gestures. Yes, Harry was sorry, but why? Was he only sorry because Severus had left? Was it because he had missed his son's life? Was Harry lonely? Severus wanted to know the answers to these questions—needed to know them—but with so much emotional upheaval, he had decided to put them off until later.

He knew how Albus thought. He knew that his old friend would not want to risk everything on one endeavor; he liked to mitigate any potential problems to the best of his ability. He wouldn't have wanted to take the chance that his spy would be discovered and the information tortured out of him. That hurt Severus's pride. He had been Albus's errand boy, sounding board and voice of reason for years, and the fact that the man could not trust him with something so vital was hard. It meant Albus doubted his skills, and after all he had done for the Order, Severus had felt that he did not deserve that.

Severus clenched his jaw. He should have known the old schemer played a prominent role in everything that had happened. He could understand, in theory, why Dumbledore did not tell him, but damn it, twenty years of loyalty, of bowing and scraping and poisoning and pleading and he did not warrant at least a mention about this plan? Severus could not help the bitterness he felt toward Dumbledore and the rest of the Wizarding world. They wanted the war to be over, but none of them had been willing to do the dirty work except him. He did what they could not, yet he received no notice or even common courtesy. He had not even warranted being told when his body and soul were going to be bonded to another man.

—Scotland, fall 2006, present day—

"Damn! What's wrong? Why won't it work?" Amycus raged, turning half-mad eyes upon his sister.

The other members of the Knights huddled in a corner, well aware of their leader's anger. Amycus had a terrible temper and a poor aim. No one wanted to bear the brunt of his fury.

"You told me you had the answer. You told me it would work this time," he said, advancing on her.

"Damn your research! I only keep you around because of it, and you can't even get a simple spell right!"

"The only reason you keep me around? My dear Brother," she spat, "don't forget who got you where you are. I'm not one of your lackeys. You don't talk to me that way!"

With a show of power, she flung open the doors with her wand, blowing them off their hinges, and stormed out of the castle.

The cowering Knights watched as their leader breathed deeply, hoping to regain his composure. All they wanted to do was leave.

"What are you looking at?" Amycus snarled at the people still in the room. "Get out! You have work to do."

It took Amycus a week to get his sister to forgive him. She refused all of his notes and his requests for an audience. She slammed the door in his face when he demanded her presence at dinner. She even lit his study on fire when he tried to summon her to him. Finally, he broke down and knocked at her door in the middle of the night.

"That treatise on fourth century curses and hexes that you wanted. I found it for you."

No need to let her know that he had the Knights murder the previous owner for it. She would know for sure that he was desperate.

Amycus hated having to beg forgiveness, but he needed Alecto's help and he was sorry for hurting her feelings.

"You're forgiven," she muttered, hearing him sigh with relief. "Besides, I've already figured out the problem."

"Oh? I guess you don't want to know," she said, thinking he needed to squirm a little more.

"Merlin! If your followers could see you now, they'd laugh themselves to death," she chuckled.

"The ritual we used was right, and we had the right artifacts. The problem is, we were missing two important things: the Dirk of the Founders and Hufflepuff's blood. Luceferatu would only come if there were blood spilled in his honor. Gryffindor was appalled, and Ravenclaw thought it was dangerous, but Slytherin agreed.

"Helga Hufflepuff voluntarily shed her blood with the Dirk. She was the least combative of the four, yet she was also the most protective of the children. She felt they should do whatever was necessary to ensure the kids' survival. Luceferatu is tied to this plane through those things," she explained.

"Where are we going to find either of them?" Amycus asked. "I've only heard of the Dirk in legend. It was said to have disappeared right after Slytherin left the school."

"There is a way, a spelled called Trouvis parentalis that will find a family heirloom for anyone of that family's blood. As for Hufflepuff's blood, we have Millston. I did some research, and he is a direct descendant of Hufflepuff on his father's side," she finished.

Four of his brethren entered Amycus's private rooms and stood in a line before him.

"Yes, sir," the leader said. "We await the delivery of the descendant of Hufflepuff before we set out."

"Very good," Amycus said with an evil smile curling his lips. "Keep me informed."

—Paris, fall 2001, five years earlier—

"Well, Monsieur Valise, your test results are normal except for an elevated estrogen level," the MediWizard told him.

"Several reasons," the young man answered. "You could be experiencing glandular problems causing an excess formation of estrogen. You could be eating large quantities of food with high amount of hormone. You could also be pregnant."

The healer raised his eyebrow before explaining, "Any number of spells and potions, used separately or together, could cause pregnancy. Most of them, however, require both partners knowledge and involvement."

Severus's mind whirled with the possibilities. What would he do with a child? He hated children—all snot and trouble. He knew what Potter had done, and he did not doubt that the man's intense magic could have read the true intentions of the spell. Severus knew what the test would say before they had performed it, but he needed to read it in writing.

One blood sample and a Revelo enfantus charm later, Severus received his answer. He was going to kill Potter and Albus if he ever saw them again. The murderous rage that poured off him shattered windows as he walked away from the healer's office.

—Scotland, fall 2006, present day—

Four shrouded figures stood around their sacrifice. A man lay naked and bound on the ground. His hands and feet were tied to stakes so that he could not escape. His eyes were covered with a blindfold, leaving him in complete darkness and amplifying his terror.

The leader of the men looked on impassively as Millston asked what he had done wrong to warrant such treatment. The fool listed all of the deeds he had done in the name of the Knights: raiding, kidnapping, and raping and murdering Muggles and wizards alike. He pulled against his binds, vainly trying to free himself. He even promised his comrades gold and jewels if they would release him. None of them moved.

The leader snorted as he looked at the struggling man. Millston did not realize that when he bound his life to the Knights, he gave his body over for Carrow's use. Lord Carrow ordered him and his men to sacrifice Millston, so the man would have to die.

The leader nodded to the speaker who forced a foul-smelling potion down the bound man's throat. Millston gagged and gurgled, trying to spit up some of the concoction, but it was too late. His movements became slower, until they eventually stilled.

With brush in hand, another of the group covered Millston's naked chest with various symbols. The others chanted, pointing their wands toward Millston's body.

The leader stood over Millston, a sharp dagger in his hands. The blade flashed and streams of red flowed down Millston's chest. The man removed the skin over Millston's heart, where the symbols were written, and handed it to another. Then, he cracked Millston's ribs, exposing the slowly beating heart. The Draught of Living Death had done an excellent job.

With measured, careful strokes, the leader removed Millston's heart and placed it in a pewter bowl. As the others chanted, the leader poured a silver liquid onto the heart. As the chant rose to a crescendo, the leader dropped the prepared flesh into the bowl. The symbols on the skin rearranged themselves, forming letters and words.

"Dispose of the leftovers," the leader said, indicating the corpse. "Keep the heart and the blood. We may need them later."

—South of France, fall 2006, present day—

The next morning, Harry woke up slightly disoriented. Childish laughter from the front of the house reminded him. He was in the south of France, staying with Severus and his son. Merlin! He had a son. A large, goofy grin spread across Harry's face as he got ready for the day.

After dressing, Harry realized that he had not called Ron and Hermione to let them know that he had arrived safely. Using the Floo powder on the mantle, Harry started a fire and called out his destination.

"There were several raids last night. One on the Ministry, one on a Muggle bank and another on Gringotts. When you didn't contact us, Ron and I became worried. Why didn't you Floo us?" Hermione asked.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I didn't mean to make you worry, but something came up," Harry told her.

"What was so important that you forgot to let us know you were okay?" Hermione wondered.

Harry wanted to tell her all about Severus and Gus, but he thought the conversation would be best had in person.

"I can't tell you right now," he replied. "But if you and Ron can apparate to the coordinates that I'll send you via owl, I'll let you know what's going on."

"As soon as you receive the owl. You should also pack enough clothing for a few days," he stated, figuring they would not be going anywhere for a while.

"What is going on, Harry James Potter? Are you in some kind of trouble?" Hermione demanded.

Harry jotted a short note with the location of the Apparation point before sending it off with one of Severus's postal owls. As he was straightening his room, the door opened and Gus slammed into him.

"What are your plans today, Potter? I have some orders to finish this morning, then I must research your problem," Severus asked him as they sat eating breakfast.

"Daddy, why do you call Papa 'Potter'?" Gus asked before Harry could answer Severus's question.

"But Daddy, Emilie's mom and dad call each other by their first names, so shouldn't you call Papa 'Harry'?" Gus wondered.

"Yes, Severus, why don't you call me 'Harry'," Harry added, unable to stop goading his former lover.

"Very well then. Harry, what are your plans for the day?" Severus asked again.

"I thought I would look around and make sure the wards in this area are secure. After that, I wanted to wander around the town for a while," Harry answered.

"Are you questioning my ability to protect my son?" Severus growled. "You had a hard enough time finding us, didn't you?"

Severus could see Xavier looking at him strangely. His son rarely saw his temper, so Severus knew Xavier was shocked, but he would not let Potter insult him in his own home.

"It sounded like you were," Severus interrupted. "I guess you think since you're the Chosen One, the one with all the power, your wards would be stronger than mine."

"That's not it at all! I'm a ward master now. I just want to make sure you two are safe from anyone that wants to harm you," Harry said, locking eyes with Severus.

Severus stared at Harry, unwilling to break eye contact, until his son's voice broke through the tension.

"Papa, can I go with you?" Gus asked, and then turned his pleading eyes onto Severus. "Daddy, I can go with him, right?"

"How long will you be gone, Harry?" Severus demanded, wanting to know when his son would be coming home.

Severus knew when he was outmaneuvered, so he agreed, "Yes, Xavier, you can go with your Papa and show him your cave. Try not to get too dirty and do not be late for lunch today, young man!"

"I won't, Papa," Xavier promised. "Can I go to Emilie's house after lunch? We didn't get to finish our game of Gobstones, and I was winning."

Breakfast was quiet after that. Xavier was stuffing food in his mouth so that he could be ready when Harry wanted to go. Severus watched Harry look at their son fondly. He marveled at how fast Xavier had taken to his father but not being surprised.

As much as Xavier was his son, he was also Harry's son. The little boy looked just like him, but he was much more open and friendly than Severus could ever remember being. Severus imagined that Xavier was what Harry would have been like if he had been raised in a loving environment.

Severus could hardly sleep the previous night. He lay awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. He still loved Harry. Severus was shocked at the feelings that ran through him when he first saw his former lover. He thought he had buried all of those emotions long ago when he realized that he was pregnant with Xavier.

It was a rough time, but Severus was determined to get through it and make a better life for him and his son than he had had as a child. He was proud of his accomplishments. He continued to improve existing potions and invent new ones, although under the alias of Philippe Montclair. He had received numerous awards and accolades, collecting all of them while disguised with Polyjuice. He was well respected in his small community, and while he did not have a lot of them, he did have friends.

In short, he had built a life for himself separate from being a former Death Eater and spy. The war was in his past, as was Harry Potter. Although, that was no longer the case. Harry was here now, and with him came thoughts on things that Severus thought long gone. He wanted the love and affection that he could so clearly see in Harry's eyes, but he could not trust him. Severus kept telling himself that it was all a ruse—Harry would get him to let down his barriers only to betray him once again. He could not trust the man. These thoughts occupied his mind until the break of dawn, when Severus finally fell into a light sleep for a couple of hours.

Harry finished his breakfast and looked at his son. The little boy managed to get his food into his mouth with little spillage on his clothing. He wiped his son's cheeks clean of the jam smeared on them and ruffled the boy's hair. Gus grinned.

"Not so fast, Xavier," Severus stated. "You need to wash up and change your shirt. There's jam around the collar."

The little boy looked down, and sure enough, he saw jam smudges on his shirt. "Ok, Daddy."

"Do be careful with him, Potter. I would like him brought back home in one piece," Severus sneered, in a bad mood from the lack of sleep.

"Of course I will, Severus. I won't let anything happen to him," Harry said sincerely.

He knew that his former lover was unraveled by his presence, so Harry tried to pay very little attention to Severus and his snarky comments. Harry picked up their dirty dishes and put them in the sink. Before he could turn on the tap, a charm activated, cleaning all the dishes.

"I have no need of 'making a fortune' with my charms. My potions work keeps me quite comfortable," Severus stated.

"Oh, right, I forgot about that. Philippe Montclair's potions are in high demand. You must be very busy," Harry mused.

"You know, I used to attend every potions conference I could find, hoping to catch a glimpse of you," Harry said. "I even started reading potions journals, searching for your name."

"I guess I should get washed up before we leave," Harry said into the tense silence.

Gus skipped along down the street holding Harry's hand. He told him all about the houses they passed and places where he and his friends played. Harry had a hard time keeping up with his son—the boy never seemed to stop talking.

"And then the potion blew up and Daddy said that I can't play in his lab anymore. At least not until I'm older," Gus finished.

"Your dad is right, Gus. It's not safe to play around potions if you're not serious about them," Harry sagely advised; he knew all too well the results of such catastrophes.

"I know," Gus said, a little downtrodden. "It's just so much fun. Daddy's always mixing things up and talking to himself, and we usually have a great time together. I just wanted to be like him."

"Yeah. I want to be just like Daddy when I grow up. I'm gonna make potions and stuff to help people," Gus proclaimed.

"I work with wards," Harry stated. "I help people protect their buildings by weaving wards around the property. That way, if anyone bad tries to get in, they can't."

"Oh, I know about wards, Papa," Gus said. "Daddy told me all about the wards around our house. One night I thought someone was going to come and get me, but Daddy told me that bad people can't get to our house because he protected it."

"So, what do you like to do with your friends?" Harry asked, trying to get to know more about his son.

"We go swimming sometimes if one of our parents comes with us. I like to play cars and stuff too," Gus said. "Sometimes I'll ride my bicycle with Daddy. He got it for me on my birthday."

"It's the coolest. It's green and it has blue and gold stripes. It's got a horn and a basket and everything!" Gus bragged.

Harry just smiled at his son. "I didn't have a bike, but I did like flying on my broom when I went to Hogwarts."

"You had a broom?" Gus was awed. "Daddy won't let me have one. He says they're dangerous and I could hurt myself. But I wouldn't! I'd be real careful and only fly close to the ground and everything."

Gus thought for a minute before turning puppy dog eyes to Harry. "Can I have a broom, Papa?"

Harry was impressed with his son's cunning, but he knew better than to fall for the puppy dog eyes. "I think your dad's right, Gus. You're a little too young for a broom right now. Maybe when you turn five."

In his bedroom, Severus had stripped out of his clothes and stood staring at his naked form in the mirror. He had never thought his body was particularly attractive before he had a child, but now, he thought it hideous. A large part of his anger at Harry about the spell had less to do with betrayal and more to do with the permanent changes his body undertook in order to enable him to have a child. If he thought he was ugly before, he found himself disgusting now.

Severus's first clue that something was wrong after he left Britain was the softening of his chest. The area had hurt for weeks before he noticed that his once firm chest had turned fleshy and soft. His areola had enlarged and his nipples had widened. Not understanding what was happening, Severus threw himself into his research. At the time, he was living in a small flat in Paris, brewing rare potions for an acquaintance's apothecary. The man helped Severus gain access to the Wizarding library at the Sorbonne. For two weeks, Severus scoured the library for any book that could give him a clue about the changes happening to his body. Just as he was about to give up his search, he found a book that discussed the spell used and its frequent and rare side effects.

He was shocked at first. Male pregnancies were rare and usually the result of many years of spells and potions to change the anatomy. Only a handful of men became pregnant and bore healthy children every year. Severus also felt violated. Here was another thing thrust upon him that he did not choose. He hated children—they were noisy, messy, unruly little bastards who whined all the time. He could not stand the sight of them and had seriously considered an abortion until he realized that he would most likely end up killing himself as well. The damn bond that Potter had forced on him meant that he had to carry the man's child to term or else suffer dire consequences such as loss of magic, permanent disability and death.

Severus felt trapped—he was eternally bound to a man that he loathed with such a passion that Voldemort would be scared. He was pregnant by said man with no hope of not having the child. His body was changing in ways he could not understand and did not want to know about.

As the months passed, Severus resigned himself to the fact that he was going to have a child in a short amount of time. Instead of proceeding to his great-great-grandmother's property, he decided to stay on in Paris where he had access to state of the art medical care. His body continued to change. Large stretch marks covered his stomach and sides, scarring his skin. His hips widened so he would be able to carry the baby more easily. His testicles drew up against his body, rendering him impotent. Hormonal flashes had him craving sex all the time without the ability to achieve satisfaction.

Ugly. That was the way he thought of himself. Even though he knew his body would return to its original state after he had his child, he still could not stand to look at himself. He had heard it was common for pregnant women to feel unattractive, but at least they were built for their burden. Severus was not. He looked absurd pregnant, like a rope with a gigantic knot in the middle. Severus was glad when his pregnancy ended.

Now, as Severus stood in front of his mirror gazing at his transformed body, he could see nothing attractive about himself. His breasts had returned to normal after he weaned Xavier and his hips had shrunk to their original size, but the stretch marks and skin discoloration remained. If he found himself this repulsive, who else would want him? What would Harry say if he saw him naked? Would he reject him as well? Why did he care about Potter's feelings? Had the man not done enough already? Moreover, who said he was going to sleep with him anyway?

All of these depressing thoughts swirled around Severus's mind. He doubted his decision to allow Harry to stay here. Could he risk his and his child's hearts on a man he could not trust? Even as he thought these things, he knew he had made the right decision. Xavier deserved the best life possible, and although Severus had his own personal problems with Potter, he knew that he would be a devoted father to their little boy. Everything else was secondary to their child's happiness.

Severus swiftly clothed himself and headed out into the garden. He was too distracted to brew; he needed to do something physical to take his mind off Potter.

Harry quickly scouted the surrounding area, strengthening the few weak points he found in the wards. When he was done, he took Gus into town for ice cream. His little boy smiled at him and kept talking about any and everything that he thought interesting. Harry smiled and realized that no matter what his feelings on Gus's conception, Severus had raised a happy, healthy child.

After their ice cream, Gus took Harry into the woods to his favorite hiding place.

"Papa, here's my cave," Gus exclaimed, proudly showing his father the hollowed-out trunk of an ancient oak tree.

Harry immediately felt the protective wards that surrounded the tree. He could tell it was mainly Severus's work, but there was a younger, weaker magic there as well. With a jolt, he realized that Gus had woven his own magic into the tree. Harry followed his son into the opening, marveling at his ability to fit until he realized that the tree was similar to the tents in which he had stayed during his trip to the World Cup. Wizarding space—inside the tree was roughly the size of Gus's room.

"It's a lot of fun. Daddy came here and checked it out to make sure it was safe. He said that every little boy should have a place of his own, and that as long as I was respectful of the tree, this could be my place," Gus explained.

Harry could see why Severus had told their son what he did—nothing in the tree would hurt the boy and he said so. "It's a very safe space, Gus. Your daddy made sure of it."

"I know, Papa," Gus giggled. "I do magic here all the time. Daddy said that as long as I'm careful and don't do anything bad I should be fine. I'm never bad, Papa."

"Papa, look what I can do," Gus said, juggling several golden lights in the palm of his hand.

"Yeah, really. I grew up with Muggles, so I didn't even know about magic until I was eleven," Harry answered.

"Oh, that's too bad. Magic is brilliant!" Gus crowed, already entranced with another spell.

Father and son sat under the tree for a long time before Harry suggested heading back for lunch. The two met up with Severus and had quite an enjoyable time before Xavier left for his friend's house.

Once Gus was gone, Harry decided to talk to Severus and tell him that Ron and Hermione would be visiting. He was sure that the older man would not be happy to have them there, but he needed to talk with them and strategize.

Harry carried some tea and biscuits out to the veranda that overlooked the garden.

"Severus?" Harry called out to his former lover, breaking the older man's trance.

"I, uh, invited Ron and Hermione to come here. I know that I should have asked you first, but I was afraid to spend too much time on the Floo. They're not as secure as they used to be, and I didn't want anyone finding out where I am," Harry said.

"I thought as much," Severus replied. "They may have the guest room in the attic."

Harry and Severus spent a relatively peaceful afternoon together before collecting Xavier.

—Marseilles, fall 2006, present day—

A dozen figures alighted from a rowboat and walked onto the beach. The sun was just rising over the ocean, yet the men were dressed all in black.

"Four and a half leagues north of the town lodestone and seven leagues west of the river," a young man replied.

"Good. Be very quiet and apparate in groups of two. We want no one aware of our movements," he ordered.

The men searched the area all day, to no avail. Most of the residents viewed them with suspicion, and their lack of French did not impress the locals. After talking to a few people in each area, word would get out that there were strangers snooping around and the rest of the townspeople would become tight-lipped.

After two days of searching, the men found themselves in Gentile, the town next to Desjardins.

"This is the last town," Amycus said. "It has to be here. Look closely. I will not accept failure."

They searched the entire area, but still could not find the dirk. Amycus was enraged and took out his anger on his followers. He especially punished an incompetent wizard who became entangled in an old tree and was late to a meeting point.

"We will find the dirk, and when we do, there will be hell to pay," Amycus growled.

—Hogwarts, winter 1998, eight years earlier—

While the rest of the world mourned the passing of Albus Dumbledore, those stationed at the new Order Headquarters in the Chamber of Secrets—the safest place in Hogwarts after Harry had discovered a way to access it from the heart of the Forbidden Forest—worked diligently in their quest to bring down Voldemort. Severus was assigned to research and spell development, areas in which he had much practical experience and success. Minerva worked on fortifying the castle wards and setting traps for intruders. Albus directed the Order through her and planned for as many contingencies as possible.

Severus played a big role in Dumbledore's plans. As the new Headmaster of Hogwarts—a reward from Voldemort for his loyal service—he was able to ensure that no one discovered what Minerva, Albus, Potter, Granger and Weasley were doing. He created emergency Portkeys that worked inside Hogwarts to transport the wearer to the Chamber of Secrets. He restricted the movements of staff and drugged the Carrow siblings every night with a specialised variant of Dreamless Sleep so that they could not get into mischief while he was occupied. He even allowed Granger to browse the Headmaster's library so that she could help Albus with his research and planning.

Perhaps his most important job, however, was training Harry Potter in the Dark Arts and dueling. For six years, Potter had been taught how to defend himself against someone using the Dark Arts. Now, Severus was teaching him how to use them.

"Potter!" Severus barked. "What is wrong with you? You resist instruction! You fail miserably at applying what I have taught you! You appear to think that my time is worthless. Do you not understand the gravity of the situation, boy?"

"You will learn because in the heat of battle, one must do what one can to survive. Holding onto your ideals will do the world no good if you are dead," Severus explained.

"But it's dangerous!" Harry countered. "What if I can't stop using them after the war is over?"

Severus sighed. He thought that the boy was troubled at his adeptness with the Dark Arts, but he did not realize how much of a problem it truly was.

"Potter, listen to me and listen well. You are not Voldemort. You might share some traits with him, but you are a different person. As much as it pains me to say it, you are a better person than he is. You will do what is necessary for the good of everyone, but you will not like it, and that is the difference between the two of you," Severus said.

After their talk, Harry was much more receptive to Severus's tutelage. Knowing that the man did not think him a hopeless dullard was enough motivation to get Harry to try his hardest. That, and fending off his professor's attacks. Severus was as vicious with hexes as he was with words.

"If I had known such diligence would be the result of my actions," Severus drawled, "I would have given you a backward compliment years ago. Who knew that you could learn so much if you applied yourself?"

—South of France, fall 2002, four years earlier—

The piercing cry of his son once more pulled him from sleep. Severus stumbled out of bed and over to the crib in his nightly ritual. Xavier was a fussy child, something he must have gotten from his other father, and he refused to sleep more than a few hours at a time. Severus picked up his son and cradled him against his chest.

Severus unbuttoned his shirt and settled the boy against his chest to feed. He tried not to think about the weirdness of the action or the changes in his body, focusing only on his son's drooping eyes. Xavier's right hand rubbed against his father's chest, something the baby had taken to doing while he fed. It seemed to calm him, so Severus did not bother to remove his hand.

"You know, Daddy likes to sleep too, but someone won't let him," Severus whispered to his child.

Xavier just blinked his green eyes at Severus. Severus sighed, thinking of all the work he still had to complete. There were several specialty orders in various stages in his lab, along with his usual brewing. Severus just wanted to sleep for a week, sometimes, but it would not do to get behind in his work. He had gone to bed late that night, and it appeared he would have many late nights to come if he wanted to maintain a comfortable life for his son.

The baby fell asleep, milk running out of his mouth and one hand fisted in his father's robes. Severus rocked his son a little longer, making sure the boy was fully asleep before moving him. He had learned the hard way that just because the child's breathing was regular did not mean that he was in a deep sleep.

Severus placed his son on his lap, rubbing the baby's back until he emitted a few small burps. Then Severus took the baby to his changing table and changed his soiled nappy. He picked up Xavier, and looking at the crib, went straight to his bed. Xavier seemed to sleep better with him anyway, and it was more convenient for Severus to have his son next to him when he once again woke for a feeding.

Severus drifted to sleep with his precious child in his arms. The baby that was a curse six months ago had become his salvation.

—South of France, fall 2006, present day—

Two weeks later, Harry stood waiting for Ron and Hermione in the clearing where he first met Gus. His friends were running late, but Harry guessed that they had last minute instructions to give the rest of the Order. He was nervous—he did not know how his friends would react to Severus or Gus. He knew they were worried about him, but Harry greatly enjoyed the two days of relative normality he had shared with his family. Harry also knew that Severus was less than pleased with Ron and Hermione's visit, but allowed them to come anyway.

"Ron, Hermione—good to see you," Harry said as he met the two at the meeting place.

"Harry," Hermione cried, flinging herself into his arms. "I'm so glad to see that you're all right. You were so cryptic in your Floo call that I was worried something was wrong with you."

The three friends were quiet on their way through the town. Ron and Hermione took in their surroundings, remarking on the beauty of the area. Harry told little interesting tidbits that he learned from Gus, all the while hoping that his friends would be accepting of his son.

"You're staying here?" Ron asked. "No wonder you didn't want to come home. I'd rather be here than Grimmauld Place any day."

"It is rather nice," Harry replied. "It's also very calming. Philippe has been very kind to allow me to stay with him."

"So you found him?" Hermione mused. "I'm so glad to hear that. We've been wondering what we were going to do without a Potions master for a while now."

"Yeah," Ron agreed. "I never thought I'd say this, but I actually miss Snape. If he were still around, we wouldn't have had to waste all this time."

Hermione stomped on Ron's foot at the mention of Snape. They both knew how the man's disappearance had affected Harry.

"Harry, this garden is priceless," Hermione changed topics, her eyes glued to the various flowers and vines that bloomed around the house.

"I know. Montclair takes care of it himself. Says he can't trust anyone else to do it properly," Harry told her. "Come on, let's go in. Lunch should be ready."

The trio entered the house, with Ron and Hermione glancing around the rooms. Harry took them to the guest bedroom in the attic and let them settle their belongings. When they were done, he showed them to the dining room where the table had been set.

Ron and Hermione looked pointedly at Harry for an explanation. Their friend smiled at them and introduced the little boy.

"Ron, Hermione, this is Gus, my son. Gus, these are my friends, your Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron."

His best friends looked at him in shock. Harry seemed to be telling the truth, and the boy did have his eyes, but they could not figure out who was the child's mother. Hermione regained her composure first.

Once again, his friends were flabbergasted. After five years, they did not think anyone would see Severus Snape again, unless he wanted to be seen. They had urged Harry to give up his quest for his missing lover and find a way to be happy with himself if he could not be happy with someone else. Hearing that he had found Severus, though, filled them with happiness. Harry had been miserable for a long time; it was time he had something good happen.

"Four and a half years ago, Severus gave birth to a son. My son. His name is Xavier Augustus Alexander Prince Snape, or at least I think it is. In true Prince fashion, Severus gave his son an unbearably pretentious name. Most of the people around here just call him Gus," explained Harry.

"Yes, Hermione. It was the spell. You know that things don't work out the way that they should whenever I'm involved. Apparently, whatever magic we used to harness his power helped create our son. He's perfect, as you can see," Harry told her wistfully.

"I'm so happy for you, Harry," she said genuinely. Ron still had not found his voice.

"Me too. I've been given a second chance with Severus, so I'm not going to blow it."

"Good," Ron said. "You've been miserable without him. Even though I don't like the slimy bastard, he makes you happy."

"Thank you for your approval, Mr. Weasley," Severus said, standing in the doorway of the dining room. "I don't know what I would do without it."

Ron bristled at Snape's veiled insult. Hermione saw Harry shoot Snape a half-pleading, half-warning look. Harry shot Severus a look that was half pleading, half warning. Hermione squeezed Ron's hand, stopping his retort. She knew that Snape was most likely angry with all of them for what happened five years ago, but they deserved it. They had done him a disservice, and they had to accept the consequences.

"I am no longer your professor. You can call me Mr. Snape," he said, looking around the room. "Do have a seat. Lunch will be ready shortly."

Hermione could not help staring at the boy. His features were identical to Snape's except that he was beautiful. Ron looked as shocked as she did.

Before they were seated, Severus came over to them and bowed low. He then straightened, made a few complicated wand movements and muttered some words under his breath. Ron looked perplexed by his behavior, but Hermione understood it perfectly.

"Welcome to my home, Ronald and Hermione Weasley," Severus said, bowing once again.

"He's making sure the wards recognize us. We're supposed to bow back and accept his welcome so that we won't be harmed by any protective spells woven into the house."

Everyone seated themselves at the table and enjoyed the food spread on it. They talked while they ate, dragging out the meal interminably.

The boy's innocent question led to tales of Hogwarts and all of their exploits. Severus snorted at several stories and inserted his own anecdotes and stories about their troubles. Gus seemed delighted at the stories, eagerly listening to their adventures.

After lunch, Severus worked in his garden while Xavier stayed with Harry. Ron, Hermione and Harry talked until it was dinnertime. Severus had not prepared anything, so Harry suggested that they go into town to eat.

Ron and Hermione loved the village. Everything was within walking distance, and it was a very friendly community. Everyone knew everyone else, and the townspeople all thought Gus was the most adorable child. It did not hurt that he smiled so sweetly and was genuinely nice to anyone who talked to him.

They stopped at the inn for dinner and had a wonderful time. Various friends and acquaintances from town stopped by their table to chat with Severus and say hello to Gus. It was astonishing to Ron and Hermione to see people who actually liked being around Snape. Yes, the man had been horrid to them whilst he was spying, but even after he'd started dating Harry, he was never as warm with them as he was with the townspeople.

Dinner lasted long into the evening, with Xavier asking his daddy for an extra helping of pudding. Severus did not want to give in to his son's notorious sweet tooth, but the little boy had been remarkably well behaved and it was only the one time. Harry grinned at his former lover, watching the way he indulged their son. Ron and Hermione simply watched the family interact, Harry's happiness overwhelming them.

After they had returned to the cottage, Severus gave Xavier a bath and put him to bed. Harry showed Ron and Hermione into the sitting room where they discussed plans of action.

They talked and planned for three weeks, waking in the morning to breakfast then spending the rest of the day planning. Gus hung around them the first day, but he soon grew bored with sitting around the house, so he started spending the day at Emilie's house. Her parents were happy to have him, as it meant their daughter had someone other than them to occupy her time.

Severus thought listening to his son would be a pleasant diversion from all of the research he had been doing.

"I went to Emilie's and we played Gobstones. She lost, and then she said I cheated. I didn't cheat, Daddy!" Xavier turned indignant eyes to his father.

"Of course not," Severus said, concealing his amusement. The others did the same.

"She called me a cheater, and I left. I went to my cave and played with the new cars Papa bought me. Did you know they have racecars that have wings, Daddy? I didn't. They were so much fun. I really liked them, Papa," Gus smiled at Harry.

"I was, but she came to my cave and said sorry so we played with my cars," explained Gus. "Daddy, can I have a snake picture?"

"'Cause Emilie said she saw a strange man at the store and he had a snake picture on his arm. She thought it was neat." At this statement, Severus's eyes snapped up and locked with Harry's.

"This morning after breakfast. She said she wanted to ask him 'bout the picture, but her mummy wouldn't let her. Her mummy said he was a bad man."

Severus could feel the fear mounting within him. They had found him. Somehow, they knew where he was and were coming after him for betraying Voldemort. He could not let them get him. He had to protect Xavier at all costs.

"Something 'bout a dirt or something. He was mad because he came all the way from bloody London and it wasn't here," Gus giggled at the profanity.

None of the adults thought it funny. Dinner ended soon after, and Severus sent Xavier to his room to play while the others retired to the library.

"It is not mere coincidence that they are here not long after you two arrived," Severus said accusingly at Ron and Hermione.

"Now wait a minute," Ron started. "We wouldn't do anything to help those bastards!"

"Ron, don't argue with him," Harry said. "And Severus, you know it's not their fault."

"You and Dumbledore. That damn spell! If it weren't for that spell, none of this would have happened. You wouldn't have found me, and my son and I could have lived quietly for the rest of our lives. That's all I wanted, but that blasted spell had other plans. Your stupid, selfish desire to be everyone's hero has put my son and me in danger. I should have killed you when I laid eyes on you and saved myself the grief," Severus seethed.

Harry was stunned, and hurt if he were honest. He had thought he was making progress with Severus, but the depths of the older man's hatred had just been revealed, and it was staggering.

"We have to leave," she said. "We can't let them find us here. We need to return to Hogwarts."

With a heavy heart, Severus headed toward his son's room. He was thankful that he had thought to erect a permanent one-way silencing charm on his library when they first moved into the house to shield Xavier from his bad moods because it meant that his son had heard nothing of the previous conversation. Severus did not know how to tell his son that the bad men that he had promised would never hurt him were trying to get him. Taking a deep breath, Severus opened Xavier's door.

Severus sighed, "Yes, we have to leave. There are bad men out there that want to find us and we can't let them."

"Very mad, and they're very dangerous, and that's why we have to leave," Severus explained.

Severus and Xavier spent the next twenty minutes gathering everything they would need for the foreseeable future.

Harry knew his friends were trying to take his mind off Severus's condemnation, but nothing could erase the naked look of loathing in the older man's eyes. He wanted to get lost in self-pity, but he was too busy trying to secure accommodations for their imminent departure.

"He's just upset. The war he thought he'd left behind has caught up with him. I think he's just scared," she soothed.

"It doesn't matter," Harry said. "Nothing matters except keeping him and Gus safe."

Harry locked eyes with Severus, and could see the carefully masked fear in the older man. He gathered his courage and walked over to his son.

"Really?" Gus asked. "That's brilliant! We'll have a lot of fun and I can see all the great things they do. I can talk to the conductor and eat in the dining car."

The little boy's enthusiasm at his impending trip put them all in better spirits. The group left the house, but not before Severus wove a few extra surprises into his wards. They quietly made their way to a field on the outskirts of town.

"Apparate to Marseilles town center. We'll take the midnight train from there," Harry informed them.

They regrouped in the town center and made their way to the train station. Quickly, Harry bought their tickets and ushered them onto the train. He knew that the Knights would most likely be watching all the international Apparation points and Floo centers, so he hoped they would be able to sneak out of the country undetected via Muggle train. Once they arrived at King's Cross station, they would take the Hogwarts express to the school. It was their best plan, yet Harry was still nervous that something would go wrong. He settled uneasily in his seat next to Severus.

"Potter...I apologize," Severus interrupted. "I should not have attacked you in such a manner."

Harry sighed, running a worried hand through his hair. "I understand, Severus. Really, I do, but it still hurt. I know things are tense right now, but I want us to get along."

"I'm sorry, you know. Sorry for the oath that binds you to me. Sorry for uprooting your life a second time. I'm just sorry."

Severus heard what Harry was really trying to say, that he was sorry that things had turned out the way they did, but he did not acknowledge him. He was lost in his own thoughts. After a five and a half year absence, Severus Snape was returning to Hogwarts. He was returning to the scene of his greatest triumphs and humiliations. He would be facing Albus Dumbledore once again. He was bringing his child home.

Although Severus hated what Potter and Dumbledore had done to him, he still considered Hogwarts his home. It was where he was most comfortable, where he felt protected. It was also where he felt loved, if only for a short while. Hogwarts was in his magic; it was a part of his very being, and he was looking forward to seeing the castle that he considered an old friend.

As he rubbed his sleeping son's back, Severus found some happiness in his flight.

"I have survived much worse than having to flee my home," he said, his eyes tender.

"Once this mess is over, we will figure out everything," Severus said, looking out the window.

Harry tentatively placed his hand on Severus's thigh, and was rewarded when Severus squeezed his hand. Maybe things would work out after all.

Two days of traveling had brought the weary group to Hogwarts. Xavier was enthralled with the gigantic castle. Severus, looking at his son's adoring face, could immediately guess what the little boy was thinking.

"Yes, it is, but you will not explore it alone, young man!" Severus warned. "I've had enough of chasing Potters around this castle."

With Ron and Hermione in the lead, the small group made their way to the doors of the castle where Albus Dumbledore was waiting.

"I am glad to see you all return safely," the elder wizard stated. "Who are your guests?"

Severus had pulled his and Xavier's hoods over their heads, not only to protect the young boy from the brisk Scottish air, but also to conceal their identities. Severus debated making the old schemer wait a little longer, but Xavier took the decision out of his hands.

Albus Dumbledore's eyes grew wide. Gus's hood had fallen back, revealing his chubby, distinguished face. Albus took in the vibrant green eyes; the long, distinct nose; the high cheekbones; and instantly knew the child's parentage. His eyes moved over to the larger hooded figure. The man's posture—and he could tell it was a man by the way the person held himself—was rigid, and the magical energy surrounding him was familiar. Albus looked at a man that he had thought he would not see again.

"Ah, an excellent choice, if I do say so. Grape juice was my favorite beverage as a child," Dumbledore mused.

The laughter coming from everyone made Gus cringe. Maybe he should not have said that.

Harry detailed his trip to France, his discovery of Severus and Gus (leaving out key parts), and the arrival of the Knights of Slytherin with Ron and Hermione adding bits of commentary wherever appropriate. Severus spent his time explaining to Xavier the various portraits, tapestries and weapons that decorated the Chamber of Secrets. Albus listened to everything, his eyes constantly straying to Severus and Gus.

Xavier didn't seem to mind; something else had caught his eye and he was full of questions.

"I never thought I would see the day when Severus Snape was a devoted father to a well-mannered child," Albus said.

"He's done a great job with him," Harry added, his eyes following his child around the room.

Albus noted the wistful look on the young man's face and understood the situation.

"I take it things are not going well with Severus?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"It's...difficult," Harry responded. "Sometimes, it seems like he wants to make an effort to repair our relationship, and other times, he seems to want to burn me at the stake."

"Talk to him," Albus advised. "I know we are in a difficult stage of our lives, but you should not waste any more time with those two. You should mend fences while you are still able."

"Good. I will be residing there with Xavier until further notice," Severus told him, gliding out of the door.

—South of France, fall 2006, present day—

Early in the morning, the small group found itself in a remote town several kilometers from Marseilles. They had missed it in their earlier search because of the "Keep Away" wards surrounding the area. In fact, it was only happenstance that they found it this time. They had used a divining stick to search for magical signatures in the vicinity, and it had led them to the town.

Carefully, the Knights entered and searched the houses in town, always coming up empty. When they reached the edge of Desjardins, they decided to check the dirk's location again.

A fourth man pulled out a parchment and a small charmed flask. The man let the blood from the flask fall onto the parchment and muttered an incantation.

—Hogwarts, summer 2000, six years earlier—

Even though the rest of the Order knew something was up with the Golden Trio, they had their hands full with other pressing matters. Voldemort was keeping them busy with almost daily attacks on Muggle and Wizarding towns alike. They ran their operations out of Grimmauld Place, needing to be close to the Ministry in case of an attack. Minerva was the official head, but all of the decisions were made with the consultation of Albus and Severus. The Headmaster and Snape agreed that the fewer people that knew he was alive, the better off they would be; therefore, the Order members knew nothing of Snape's allegiance or Dumbledore's ruse.

Even with all of the turmoil surrounding them, Harry and Severus managed to grow closer. The time they spent together training in the Dark Arts and Occlumency had forged a bond between them. No matter what the boy had previously thought about the man, Snape knew his stuff. He attacked viciously during their training duels, giving Harry no quarter and forcing the young man to battle him back using his wits as well as his power. He ruthlessly invaded Harry's mind, pulling up memory after memory until the boy learned to block him with ease. They spent so much time together that they were inseparable. When Harry was not off with Ron and Hermione and Severus was not doing the Dark Lord's bidding, the two men were with each other. Over the years, they went from adversaries, to friends, to lovers.

No one was surprised at the changed relationship between the two men. Ron and Hermione had each other, so when things got bad, they could turn to each other for comfort. Harry had no one but Severus. The two understood each other well, and had doubts and obligations that no one but the other could understand.

When the Dark Lord was particularly brutal to his followers after a botched mission (that failed thanks to Snape's intelligence), Harry would dress Severus's wounds and stroke his hair. Normally Severus would not allow the comfort, but after rounds of Cruciatus, Harry's hands carding through his hair felt heavenly. When Harry returned from a mission or the Horcrux hunt, Severus had tea and biscuits ready. It was the little things that they did for each other to retain their humanity that strengthened their ties to one another. What started as a relationship of convenience evolved into a full-blown love affair.

Severus found himself in the enviable position of loving and being loved by the Boy Who Lived. He never thought such happiness could ever befall him, and though the timing was horrible, he could not have been more pleased.

"I love you, Severus," Harry had told him one night after a rather intense session of lovemaking.

"Yes, Potter, as surprising as it seems, I have grown fond of you. Have you ever known me to lie?" Severus teased.

—Scotland, fall 2006, present day—

"I don't think this is a good idea, Brother," Alecto warned. "Disaster can happen so easily."

"It is our only chance," Amycus insisted. "The dirk has completely disappeared from view. Wherever it is, it is behind extremely powerful wards."

"Yes, I agree, but partially summoning this hell-spawn is not the way to go," she stated. "You always said we wouldn't use it unless there was no other option."

"There isn't one!" he yelled. "What do you expect me to do? Wait for it to come to me?"

"Well, I'm tired of plans. We've used your plans for the last five years, and we're no closer to harnessing Luceferatu's power now than we were then. It's time we do things my way."

Alecto sighed. She really did not think that her brother's idea was sound, but when he got into one of his moods, there was no reasoning with him.

Clad only in simple white robes, Alecto and Amycus stole quietly out of the castle. While they believed that their members loyal to their cause, the two were still cautious. They remembered how they had wrested power away from Lucius Malfoy, and they wanted to ensure that the demon answered only to them. They walked for what seemed like hours, twisting and turning and doubling back to make sure that no one could follow their trail. Finally, they arrived at their destination—the Malfoy family shrine.

Deep in the heart of the ancient Malfoy labyrinth, Alecto and Amycus prepared themselves for the partial summoning. Amycus lit candles while Alecto drew the necessary runes on the ground. They both walked around the altar from west to east, sprinkling summoning incense and fortifying herbs around it. They laid out the necessary tools on the family altar and Alecto whispered last minute instructions.

"Be sure to whisper the binding incantation as soon as he appears. If you are to be his master, he must not have a chance to awaken fully with his powers. If he does, he will be unstoppable," she told him.

"Enough!" he spoke harshly. "I know everything I need for the ritual. One would think you are stalling, dear Sister."

"I'm not. I just don't want an uncontrollable demon unleashed on everyone," she muttered.

Alecto started chanting in a harsh, old language; one whose roots went beyond the Germanic tribes, beyond the Druids, to the original inhabitants of Earth. As she chanted, Alecto removed her robe, baring herself to the power. The candles roared high into the air, their flames lapping at her skin. The earth moved under her feet as her brother chimed in. Alecto was fully involved in the ritual, practically singing the harsh language as she waved her wand around. Rain fell on them, and thunder boomed in the sky, but the fire from the candles continued to burn. The storm increased in ferocity as Alecto sang faster, moving her body with her wand. Finally, as the song reached its crescendo, Alecto grabbed the ceremonial dagger and plunged it into her heart. Her life's blood ran dark all over the altar and ground, feeding the demon that lay dormant within.

Amycus did not notice his sister's demise. All he felt was euphoria as Luceferatu accepted Alecto's sacrifice and climbed from the ground. As the demon materialized, Amycus called his name with the binding geas. Luceferatu's head snapped toward him, his eyes promising death.

It did not quite speak; in fact, Amycus was almost certain it did not talk in human language. There seemed to be many demons within the one, and all of them rumbled together to make a sound that Amycus could understand.

"I am Amycus Caligula Carrow, the lord of this castle, a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, and your new master," he replied.

"Because you tire of sleep," he answered. "You crave the sight of blood running down the streets like water, of women screaming in agony as you take them, of men trembling in fear at your very name. You long for death and destruction, and I can give it to you."

"Not if I have your power. If we work together, you will once again be elevated to your rightful place as the scourge of man," Amycus smiled.

Luceferatu seemed to think over his words before he asked, "What do you require of me?"

—Hogwarts, fall 2006, present day—

Harry slowly made his way to Severus's dungeon rooms. He wanted to give his former lover time to settle down, and he also wanted to think about what he would say to the man. Dumbledore's words were encouraging, but actually conversing with Severus would be difficult. Harry knocked on Severus's door before he lost his nerve.

"Is Gus awake?" he asked, wanting to make sure their son did not hear their discussion.

"He's been asleep for a while. All of the excitement of the last few days has finally caught up to him."

Harry walked straight to the liquor cabinet and poured them both two large glasses of scotch. He drank deeply from his glass before he started talking.

"I still want to be with you, you know?" he started. "You keep telling me that you don't want me, but it doesn't matter. I still want you, and I'll always want you. It doesn't matter if you never touch me again, I'll always love you.

"I want to be with you, in any way you'll have me. I want to be your lover, your partner in every sense of the word. If that's not possible, I want to live with you and Gus and raise our son together. I'll sleep in a separate bedroom and be jealous when you date, but I'll do whatever it takes to be with you and Gus."

"I don't know what to say, Potter. You say you want to be with me and are willing to do whatever it takes, yet I can't believe you. I keep remembering another time when you made similar promises and backed out of them when it was convenient for you," Snape replied.

"Like you didn't put up a silencing charm the minute you felt me outside your wards," Harry mumbled. "I don't know what to say. I only broke my promises to keep you safe. I got tired of watching you come back bruised and scarred from another meeting with that maniac. I just wanted it all to end. I wanted to kill him so that we could start our life together. I never wanted to hurt you, Severus."

"But you did," Severus said quietly. "You hurt me, and what's worse, you took from me my freedom of choice. You have no idea what that is like."

"Did you know that I tried to abort Xavier?" he asked suddenly. Harry looked horrified at him.

"I didn't want him. I thought he would ruin my life. Yet another reminder of how Boy Wonder and his Merry Fools had manipulated and used me. Another reminder of my love for you. I wanted to cut him out of my body the way I wanted to cast you out of my heart, but I couldn't do it. Not for lack of trying, but because all the research said that if I aborted him, I would lose my magic and possibly my life. I wasn't ready for that, so I kept him.

"I was a horrible parent at first. Irritated when he cried, which was often, tired when I needed to work, and emotional about the most ridiculous of things. But as time went on, he began to grow on me, and I realized Xavier was my chance to right some of my wrongs. My chance to do something good with my life. If I could just teach him to be a good person, I would be able to redeem myself," Severus explained.

"Maybe I didn't, but that's how I felt. I know what it's like to do something that hurts you deep in your soul to make up for a mistake, Harry, and that is why I am willing to give you a chance."

"There will be limits," he said. "No intimacy until I am ready. We both need time to think about what we want, to do our best for Xavier. I will not move on that point. No lying. No deceit. No spell-casting on Xavier or myself without my knowledge. Is that understood?"

—Scotland, fall 2006, present day—

Amycus Carrow stood immaculately dressed in front of his assembled Knights. Everyone had shown for this affair, dressed in their finest robes. The leader of the Knights of Slytherin rose from his dais looking regal. He moved effortlessly, an aura of power surrounding him.

"My brethren," he said, "tonight the blood of our enemies shall stain our robes, and we shall revel in their doom. Tonight, victory is ours; we have only to accept it. You have your orders. Some of you are to await us at the cairn. Others are to come with me to retrieve the dirk. The rest of you will protect us from anyone who attempts to stop us. When dawn breaks, the Knights of Slytherin will take their rightful places as the leaders of the Wizarding world!"

"Failure should not enter your mind. Every one of you is devoted to the cause, to our righteousness. We will be victorious tonight! Go, and take care. It would not do for us to lose anyone now," he finished.

The men and women of the Knights of Slytherin dispersed, leaving Amycus to his thoughts.

"Dear Alecto, you will be with us once more. Once I have Luceferatu's power, I will raise you from your temporary sleep to your rightful place at my side," Amycus murmured to himself.

"We must be quiet," Amycus stressed. "Hogwarts is very sensitive to disturbances. If we hope to cast the spell and retrieve the dirk without problem, we can't make any noise. If the castle awakens, she will make our mission impossible. Luceferatu's power will allow us entry, but it cannot protect us from the castle"

"I can channel your power. Just think the spell and I will take care of the rest," Amycus replied.

The small group slipped past the school wards on the edge of Forbidden Forest. Quietly, they crept along the edge of the wards, making their way to a little used tunnel at the back of the school. They emerged in the basement trophy room, two floors underneath Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and the entrance to the Chamber.

"Now," Amycus whispered, and the other three people began concentrating on the summoning spell.

Amycus pulled energy from his followers and put it into the summoning spell. Five minutes passed, then a loud clattering was heard on the floor.

"The dirk," he breathed. "It's finally mine. Luceferatu's power is within my reach."

Amycus's eyes glowed an unholy red. Evil surrounded him, empowering him. He began to laugh, a deep chuckle that frightened everyone in the room and caused many to have second thoughts.

—Hogsmeade, summer, 2001, five years earlier—

The battle raged all around him. Severus could feel the magic dancing across his skin as hexes flew in every direction. A withering hex hit an Order member near him, but he could not stop and check on the man. He had to get to Potter. He had to shield his lover.

Albus and he had discussed the best strategy to take when Harry finally faced Voldemort and the two men decided that they would shield and protect the younger man while he cast his curse. A gasp rang out through the Death Eaters and Severus realized that Albus must have made his entrance onto the battlefield. Voldemort and everyone else now knew he was a traitor, but he could not care. All that mattered to him was the green-eyed young man in front of him.

He felt heavy, as if his whole body was weighted down with lead. He wanted to sleep, but something within him would not let him rest.

Magically, his injuries healed and his lethargy faded. He was ready once again for battle.

"I'm fine, Potter," Severus told his lover. "Don't worry about me. Concentrate on killing that bastard!"

Power gathered all around them, a maelstrom of energy. Severus had not felt anything so intense since Dumbledore cast the liege oath on him twenty years earlier. Harry wielded his energy like a sword, cutting down Voldemort and all those nearest him with precision. The Dark Lord's body fell to the ground, crumbling into dust as his soul was banished to the afterlife for eternity.

Severus expected to feel the weight of obligation lifted from his shoulders, but all he felt was relief that he had survived the mess alive. He and his Harry could get on with their lives.

—Forbidden Forest, fall 2006, present day—

Deep in the Forbidden Forest, in the glen of Cairn Caledonia, the Knights of Slytherin were busy preparing for Luceferatu's summoning.

The women prepared the altar for the arrival of the demon with a binding circle that would trap him until Carrow was able to merge with him. The men set the circle of power around the altar to bolster Amycus during the ritual. He would be very vulnerable once they started until he was fully merged with Luceferatu.

When Amycus laid his naked body on the altar, most of the knights entered the circle of power and began chanting and holding candles. A few stayed outside the circle to protect those within.

"Come to me, my demon. Come make us one, Luceferatu," Amycus whispered before he began his own chanting.

—Hogwarts, fall 2006, present day—

Something had awakened Severus from his dream. The images of the war with Voldemort were still impressed on his mind, but it was not fear of the dead man that awakened him. It was the sense of loss he felt and the voice whispering in his head.

It was missing. Severus knew he had not misplaced it, so someone must have taken it. He did not know how they had gotten into Hogwarts, but he did know that that the Knights of Slytherin were behind it. He had to get Xavier to safety. Nothing else mattered.

Throwing on his robes, Severus grabbed the athame and his wand from under his pillow. He hastily stuffed a few necessary potions in his pockets, then headed toward Harry's room.

"They're here," Severus told Harry, waking him from his sleep. "Get the others and meet me in the Chamber."

"He's coming with me. Our son inherited your penchant for getting into trouble, and I will not leave him alone with those maniacs out there," Severus said.

Ten minutes later, the entire Order of the Phoenix was in the Chamber of Secrets, anxiously awaiting instruction.

"As we have just discovered, the Knights of Slytherin have made their move," Albus started. "We were not prepared for them to work so quickly, but we have no choice. We will meet them tonight, and end this conflict.

"Ronald and Hermione, your job is to protect Harry. He is the most high profile target and he is our best fighter. We need him to focus on Amycus," Albus instructed.

"Severus," he continued, "you and Gus will hide in the forest unless absolutely necessary. You will be able to do what is needed from behind the cover of the trees."

"You have no say, Potter," Severus said. "They have already managed to sneak into the castle. Xavier and I will be no safer here than out there, and you might need my help."

"Harry," Albus Dumbledore's voice was stern, "we don't have time to argue. You will lead the fighting while Severus and I take care of Luceferatu. Do you understand?"

The old man's eyes bore into Harry's soul. There was no time for second guessing the plan. They had to prevent Carrow from unleashing the demon. The slight slumping of Harry's shoulders let Albus know that the young man understood.

"Gus, listen to your daddy. Stay with him and don't wander off. Don't do anything that he doesn't tell you to do, okay?"

Harry knew his son was scared, but they all were. It was a shame he had to be introduced to the horror of war at such a young age, but that was how life worked sometimes. He could only hope Gus would have both of his parents at the end of the day.

—Forbidden Forest, fall 2006, present day—

Severus gripped both the athame and his wand tightly in his right hand. His left arm crushed Xavier to his chest. He wished that his son were anywhere but out in the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night, but he needed to keep his son safe. Taking him into danger was better than leaving him unprotected.

"Here we are," Albus said. "He's already onto the second stage of the summoning. We must work quickly."

Severus sat on the ground a few feet from his son. He took his wand and placed it on the ground. He set the athame next to it. Severus removed a silver vial from his robes and handed it to Albus.

"Something I've been working on for a while," he answered the elder wizard's curious gaze. "If things get out of hand, throw it into the circle. It should take care of all but Carrow."

Albus looked as if he wanted to ask more questions, but he just nodded his head.

"Don't let anything happen to him," Severus whispered before settling into a trance.

Severus meditated and found the immense magical core within himself. He located the strands that indicated the bond between him and Harry and focused on channeling that enormous power, that gift of love, into the athame. He whispered feverishly to himself, the words slurring together until they were almost unintelligible. He did not hear the angry yells or rushed hexes that indicated that Harry and the rest of the Order had arrived. All he felt was peace, tranquility.

He saw flashes of Xavier as a child, smiling innocently as he crawled to his daddy. He saw himself and Harry sweaty after an intense session of lovemaking. He saw himself with Lily, laughing at Petunia when she was cross at them. All of these thoughts amplified the love within him, increasing the strength of his spell.

"You're too late, Potter," Carrow crowed. "Luceferatu and I are one. With his power, I will destroy you."

"Voldemort couldn't kill me," Harry boasted. "What makes you think that you're any better?"

Carrow did not respond, choosing instead to unleash a hailstorm of fireballs at Harry. Harry and his friends were forced to dodge quickly, erecting shields against the barrage of fire. Carrow laughed, launching more at them.

Harry raised his sword and sent a thunderbolt toward Carrow. The demon was shocked, but quickly regained his footing.

For what seemed like hours, Harry and Carrow battled, neither gaining purchase on the other. Whatever Harry threw at the maniac, Carrow was able to counter with a move of his own. Harry found himself tiring, and knew that Carrow would kill him the minute he made a mistake. As he racked his brain for some tactic, some weapon that could end the stalemate, a chorus of screams had him looking across the glen.

All of the knights except Carrow were on the ground, writhing in agony. Wispy clouds hung above their heads while smoke poured out of their mouths.

"Your followers have lost their magic, Demon, and you would be wise to return to the bowels of the Earth," he said.

Harry threw up a hasty shield, but it was not enough to stop the demon's attack, merely slow it. The energy blades ripped into his left side, barely missing his lung.

Just before Harry passed out, he saw a bright white flame wrap around the demon.

When Severus felt like he was about to burst with magic, he opened his eyes and completed the chant.

"Bind him, with this flame. Send him back from whence he came," he yelled, holding the athame toward Luceferatu.

The white flame shot out of the athame, wrapping around the demon and searing his skin. Luceferatu yelled, struggling against the binds, but it was no use as the magic pulled the demon back into the Earth. When the flames dissipated, only the charred body of Amycus Carrow remained.

'Thank you,' the voice Severus had not heard since the battle with Voldemort whispered in his ear.

Four days later, Severus woke up in the infirmary. His head was stuffy and his entire body ached, but he was happy. The slight weight of his son was curled around his right arm, and the familiar weight of Harry's head lay on his chest. He drifted off to sleep again, knowing that his family was safe.

"Yes, but my injuries were just cuts and bruises that Madame Pomfrey could easily heal. You're the one who exhausted your magic," Harry lectured.

"Of course I care, you ass. That's all I've been saying for the last two weeks. I love you, Severus."

"I do not hate you as much as I would like," was the best response Harry could have gotten.

"Really?" Harry smiled. "That's good. Now I know you won't hex me for that kiss."

"Sleep well, love. We'll talk more when you're better," Harry said, pressing a kiss to Severus's temple.

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly released Severus two days later. She told him to refrain from using excessive magic for the next couple of weeks, then lectured him on eating more. Severus simply listened to her fuss over him before leaving.

"You're my husband! I'm allowed to fuss over you," Harry said, then paused as he realized what he had called Severus.

"Well, yeah. We're still married, and I still love you. I'm pretty sure you love me as well," responded Harry.

"I didn't do it for you, Potter. I did it so our son wouldn't grow up in a world with maniacs hunting him," Severus said.

"I know, but you still saved me. Now I want to take care of you and Gus. Not just while you're sick, but forever," Harry said, busying himself with tidying the room.

"We shall see if you still think that when he's had the same nightmare three nights in a row and comes bursting into the room depriving you of much needed sleep," Severus sniffed.

"Yes, I have, but so have you. You are not the naive young man who blindly follows what someone tells him is necessary and I am no longer as callous as I used to be. Things have changed, but for the better," Severus said.

"No. The short while I stayed in France was the happiest time of my life. I want to live there with you and Gus, make my home there with the two of you," Harry said.

"Very well," Severus sighed. "I suppose there is room in our lives for you. Be very sure that this is what you want. I will not tolerate you changing your mind."

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