Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. JK Rowling owns it all.

Prologue

Dumbledore frowned as he popped another lemon drop into his mouth. He waved his hand and the wrapper disappeared.

"So, Dobby the house elf is to blame for your predicament?"

The woman scowled. "Have you not been listening?" She hissed. "The bloody idiot added something to my potion, he was the only one in the rooms!"

"And you didn't detect the difference?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.

"There was no predicted color! I just said that not even half an hour ago!"

"Severus, you have to understand how hard it is to grasp this. You are one of the most acknowledged potion masters in Europe. How would you miss this little detail? Especially when you knew something might go wrong?" Dumbledore said softly and kindly. Next to him, Fawkes cocked his head to the side and gave a soft croon.

"There is always risks---"

"Well, perhaps," Dumbeldore cut in "this was a risk worth taking. After all, the powers that be might just be working their magic and you are just part of the equation."

Severus glared.

"So in the mean time, lets get your identity settled. I take it you want to keep working in the Hogwarts labs and not get your identity revealed as a…" Dumbeldore played with his beard in thought, "young woman as yourself."

"Son of a--"

"Want to be your own sister Severus? It would explain the appearance. But no…" Dumbeldore added as an after thought, "most people know that you are an only child.

"How about--"

"You seem to be having fun with this," Severus snarled.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with glee as a thought came into his head. "How about a long lost cousin of mine?"

Severus groaned.

Author's Note: Short and to the point? Please review! Hopefully, I will finish this by April 8th of this year (meh own birthday present), so expect weekly updates! By the way, I'm looking for a beta! Oh! And I don't know what to name Snape... any ideas?? -begs-