A/N: I DON'T OWN ANY OF THIS I'M JUST PLAYING WITH WHAT ROWLING MADE. ENJOY THIS STORY OR DON'T, I'LL BE OKAY EITHER WAY. IF YOU ENJOY LET ME KNOW! IF NOT THEN LET ME KNOW! JUST PLEASE BE CONSTRUCTIVE WHEN DOING EITHER! I'M EXCITED ABOUT THIS STORY, I'LL PROBABLY PUT MY OTHER FIC ON THE BACK BURNER AS I WRITE THIS OUT.

Severus let out a somewhat contented sigh as he eased into the straight-backed arm chair. It was the only piece of furniture, other than a small side table, in the wizard's small living room. He ignored the pulsing mark on his left forearm as he sipped from his tumbler filled with firewhiskey.

He had just gotten back to his small home after an intense meeting with the Dark Lord and the members of the Inner Circle. Not to say that any other meetings weren't intense, but this meeting was more so because of Severus' changing affiliations. Not that any of the other Death Eaters knew, and probably would never know, but you could never be too cautious around the Dark Lord.

Severus scowled into his glass, he was foolish for ever getting caught up in the nonsense that was the pureblood agenda. He wasn't even a pureblood and at one point he was even proud to call himself a half-blood. When he was in school, he marked his books as property of the Half-Blood Prince, an homage to his heritage and more importantly his mother.

The notion of a person that was "pure blood" was contemptable in his opinion. It became ridiculous when those who were pureblood considered themselves as stronger and better than those they called mudbloods.

Severus' already sour mood immediately darkened as that word entered his mind. He absolutely hated that word with a passion, nothing good ever came of it. He despised that during his youth he used that word when with his Slytherin housemates. To Severus, he hit his lowest point when he used that slur against someone he considered to be his greatest friend, Lily Evans. She never forgave him after that and neither could he, not after seeing Lily's eyes widen in shock and dismay. The sight of her tearing up and then running back into the castle was forever burned into his psyche. Not even James Potter had anything to say and ran after her. He himself stood stock still, not yet comprehending what he just said. The adrenaline still racing through his body. It was the sight of Sirius Black being forcefully restrained by Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew while the Black heir shouted curses at him that brought everything to a head for Severus.

He returned to his common room last night to various people applauding him and Lucius Malfoy coming to him saying that the Dark Lord would be proud. Severus should never had listened to any of them, the Dark Lord was as demented as he was powerful. Lily Evans, a muggleborn, was the single greatest magic user of their generation. She alone proved that pureblood supremacy was complete hogwash. Not to mention all the other muggleborns that went on to do great things. He only joined the Death Eaters because he felt lost welcomed the family that the Dark Lord lured him with.

Severus smirked, now he was actively going against them from the inside. He had contacted his old Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, a year ago anonymously giving him various tips about sensitive information. It was six months ago that he revealed himself to the defeater of Grindelwald, though he suspected the elder wizard had already known. And now the Death Eaters were on the back pedal and Voldemort was growing more and more reckless, Severus feared what he might do.

The only thing that saved him from suspicion was his natural prodigious skill in Occlumency and being the only one who could brew potions to the Dark Lord's high expectations. Severus was growing tired of being a double agent, wary of committing any slip up. But he knew he was doing integral work, work that was saving countless lives.

Severus sighed as tilted his head back and closed his eyes, slowly swirling around the amber liquid. Hopefully this war would come to an end and he could be free to do as he pleased. He scored the highest score on his Potions NEWT that Hogwarts had seen in generations, he would enjoy continuing his work in that field.

He was shaken from his musings at the sound of an owl pecking at the window. He didn't recognize the bird and Dumbledore exclusively used Fawkes, his phoenix, when the were in contact as Fawkes couldn't be caught nor traced. He was tempted to ignore it but curiosity got the better of him. Opening the window and taking the letter that was attached to the owl's leg, Severus waved the owl off and ignored the subsequent indignant hoot.

Sitting back down he unrolled the parchment and shock over took him as he read:

Severus Snape,

I know you're most likely surprised that I am writing you and honestly so am I but I wouldn't if I didn't think it was important. With the war the way it currently is nothing is guaranteed, and nothing is more important than friends and family. I know of your actions regarding the fight with the Death Eaters and it's why I decided to reach out to you. Dumbledore told a few members in the Order of your immeasurable help and I want to thank you. But what I really want to say is that you're invited to my child's naming ceremony in five days, we're holding it at Hogwarts just to be safe. Only the people who know of your true allegiance will be there so no need to worry about word getting to that bastard Voldemort. I know that you won't come simply because I asked you, but you should for Lily's sake. She misses your friendship, she never says it but I can tell. Hell, you should've seen her face when Albus told us of what you were doing. She nearly killed that old man for agreeing to go along with it. Although, she's nearly due we both know it wouldn't have stopped her. So, please come for Lily she'll of course be pissed at me for doing this behind her back, but she needs this.

Also, Severus, one more thing, I hope I get to tell you this in person but I'm sorry. I know I was a bloody prat, to you especially, when we were in school and I was wrong to treat you as I did. You and I don't need to be friends, hell will freeze if we ever do I think, but I sure as hell respect you and what you're doing in this war. I hope to see you in five days at Hogwarts.

Best,

James Potter

Severus couldn't help but be astonished at Potter's words, he had heard from Dumbledore that the war had humbled Potter but he didn't believe it. But apologizing to him and telling him to come because Lily missed their friendship was very big of the Gryffindor. Severus suspected that his marriage Lily had helped bring Potter to Earth as well.

He sat in silence as he thought, the letter still in his hand. The Potter's were expecting a child and invited him to the naming ceremony. He heard that they already had a child, a boy around the age of 4 if Dumbledore was to be believed. He sighed, he needed to discuss vital information with Dumbledore anyways and it couldn't hurt to say hello. And if there was a chance he could make amends with Lily Evans, no Potter, then he would take that chance. He missed her friendship as well.

He wouldn't write a response letter, no doubt Potter already expected him to come. He just hoped that what Potter told him rang true, that word wouldn't get back to the Dark Lord about his duplicity. With his mind made up he topped off his drink and opened an advance potions text detailing some of the rarer and more versatile of potion ingredients.

Severus had to admit that Hogwarts looked awe inspiring in the Scottish environment. There were few places that put him at ease like being at his old school. The weather seemed to reflect his mood as there was only a calm breeze to accompany the April day. He wasn't sure if he was early or late, Potter neglected to mention a time when he wrote him five days ago. Typical mindless Gryffindor he supposed. But what really riddled the stoic wizard was his meeting with Lily Potter, he just hoped that he left his old school with minor injuries.

As he walked up the hill that led to the ancient castle he took note of Hagrid's hut that looked empty, the half-giant must have been in the Forbidden Forest to look after his "babies". Which typically meant highly dangerous magical creatures to any sane person. Although, Hagrid was especially adept at gathering potion ingredients. Perhaps he would give the groundskeeper a visit when he was done.

Getting closer to the castle he could see a silhouette against the massive doors that lead into the magical school. His heartrate immediately quickened at the thought of it being Lily and he mentally admonished himself. He was the person who lied to the Dark Lord's face on a regular basis, he shouldn't be so scared of one person.

But he was terrified, this was Lily Potter a true prodigy if there ever was one. She single-handedly killed three Inner Circle members and evaded the Dark Lord in as many times. Lily Potter was a force of nature, very few could keep eye contact with the eyes that many said looked eerily close to the color of the killing close. When Severus was in school, behind closed doors and out of ear shot many people called her the Basilisk of Gryffindor tower. Only James was brave enough to call her out, brave or stupid, Severus could never tell.

He ended that train of thought as the person came into view and he gulped, it was the Basilisk of Gryffindor tower. She looked just like she did when they were in school. Fiery red hair, viridian eyes that peered into your soul, a determined set in her shoulders, and red lips that were as close to curse as they were to worry over you. Yes, Lily Potter was bloody terrifying.

Severus noted how her eyebrows were drawn together as if he was a puzzle she was trying to put together. She probably came to a dozen different conclusions as he walked up.

He mentally prepared himself went through the shield spells he knew as she got ready to speak. He was completely thrown off when a Potter like smirk came across her graceful features.

"You walk as slowly as you did when we were kids, glad to see that hasn't changed, Severus." A soft smile replaced the smirk and Severus couldn't help the lone tear that came from his dark eyes.

There's one thing everyone said about Lily Potter above all else, that she was an extraordinarily kind person.

His voice caught, "I-I'm so sorry, Lily." He lowered his head and cursed himself for not being able to say anything more.

Lily sighed as she looked at her old friend, all her doubts about James' scheme left her mind when she saw Severus slowly walking up the hill. She had missed Severus' calming presence, Merlin knows James got under her skin like no one else as did the rest of the Marauders. Severus was always logical, precise, never scared to prove someone wrong. He was slow to call anyone a friend but once he did, Severus would always be there.

When they were in school, he was prone to fits of jealousy but who wasn't at that age. He had proven that he was no longer when she received a letter from him on the day of her wedding with James. It was short, mainly congratulating her marriage, hoping that she was happy, and ensuring that they stayed safe through the war.

Yes, she had forgiven him the moment she saw him.

"Severus, please don't lower your head. There's no need to apologize, you were young, and you have more than made up for it in recent years."

His eyes met her's, the height difference making them adjust accordingly. Severus saw compassion and understanding in the sea of green.

His own dark brown eyes were filled with sorrow and regret as he spoke, "I shouldn't have called you that word. I shouldn't have run to the Dark Lord. I shouldn't have-"

He was cut off as he was enveloped in a fierce hug, her pregnancy making it slightly awkward, but he returned it in full.

"You're so dense, Severus, how a sap like you was in Slytherin I'll never know."

Despite his emotional state, he let out a rare dry chuckle, "Only you would consider me such."

They moved out of the hug, Lily with a full smile and Severus letting a small one reach his lips.

He grew serious after a moment of silence, "I promise you I'll never betray your trust again. We can perform an unbreakable vow if you want."

Lily gave a fond role of her eyes and teased, "Always so dramatic. Severus, you have my implicit trust. There's no need to go to such extremes."

Severus gave a grateful look and couldn't help by marvel at her kindness.

"Sev, my feet are absolutely killing me and the baby seems to enjoy kicking whenever she can. Would you mind if we went inside and meet with the others?"

Severus' eyes widened, "Of course," a pause then, "She?"

As they walked into their old school she nodded slowly, "I wanted to wait to see but James was too impatient and did the revealing charm while I slept. He waited all of eight hours before he told me out of pure excitement."

Severus shook his head at that as Lily's smile grew.

"Albus mentioned that you have a little boy as well?" queried Severus.

The pregnant woman let an exasperated huff, "I swear, Sev, that boy is going to kill me with his energy. He gets into more trouble than I can even keep up with. He's James' son through and through, they're carbon copies of each other."

Severus could only imagine a tiny James Potter and couldn't help but shutter, "Sounds like a nightmare, I couldn't imagine what its like to live with two of them."

Lily gave a small laugh, "He's very kind though and very protective of the baby and I. He loves that he's going to be a big brother. He keeps complaining that she's taking too long."

Severus smiled, "What's his name?"

Lily looked proud as she spoke, "Hadrian James Potter, born January 3 1976, he's named for my father. You remember my father, don't you?"

Severus nodded, the man was kind and gentle, always treating him with respect and honesty when Severus visited. He glanced at Lily and saw how at peace she was. It looked like she truly was happy and he was glad, she deserved it.

"I'm happy for you, Lily. I'm glad you have the family you always dreamt of."

The sincerity in the statement was obvious and Lily looked towards the darkly dressed man, "Friends as well."

Another small smile graced Severus' usually stony features.

The duo fell into a companionable silence and let nostalgia fill them as the walked down hallowed hall, echoes of the past guiding them to their destination which turned out to be the Headmaster's office.

Before speaking the password Lily turned to Severus, gaining his attention.

Determination clear in her eyes, "Severus, would you be her Godfather?"

Severus was statuesque as the words hit him, "Are you sure? What would Potter say?"

Lily rolled her eyes, "He'll be fine," then she grew mischievous, "the prat named Sirius as Harry's Godfather without asking me."

"Only if you're sure, Lily. I would be deeply honored."

Lily's eyes grew soft, "Of course I'm sure, there's no one else I'd rather have raise my daughter if something were to happen to James and I."

Before he could respond she stated the password and walked up the winding steps.

Severus sighed and shook his head, same old Lily.

As he walked up the steps he heard voices in what sounded to be a light-hearted conversation if the laughter was any indication.

He entered the Headmaster's office and was immediately greeted with. "Ah, Severus, my boy. I'm glad you were able to join us."

But he nearly missed it as a small child squealed with unbridled joy and affection, "Huh! Mommy!"

Lily's eyes lit up as her oldest ran to her as she sat next to her husband, the boy making sure not to jump on her while she was pregnant.

"Hello, my love, have you been a good boy while Mommy was gone?"

The toddler gave a solemn nod, "Uh-huh, Daddy said I'd get candy if I was and I was! And Grandpa Albus let me pet his birdy and the birdy tried to eat my hair!" The dismay was clear on the boy's face.

Lily laughed at her son's expression, "Mommy, it's not funny! Uncle Padfoot said people would think I was a troll if the birdy ate my hair! I don't want to be a troll, Mommy!"

She wrapped him close to her and peppered small kisses on his cheek, "I know, dear, I'm sure Uncle Padfoot was just joking."

The boy started squirming attempting to get out her grasp, "Stop it, Mommy, that's gross! I'm a big boy, I don't want kisses!"

Lily let out a mournful sigh and wrapped her arm around James' and lamented, "Oh well, since you're a big boy that means you don't need baby Prongs anymore, right?"

The boy's face whitened, "No, no, no, no, no! Baby Prongs and me go on tons of adventures!"

The adults in the room chuckled and Severus had to ask, "Baby Prongs?"

It was James that answered with a smile, "It's a stuffed stag and Harry loves it, never goes anywhere without."

After that James stood and gained a serious expression as he looked at the potion's master, "I'm glad you came, Severus." There was no hint of mischief or arrogance in James' eye and Severus grasped the extended hand.

"As am I." Nothing more was said as the two men sat down.

Lily rolled her eyes and muttered something about men and no emotional intelligence.

Severus noted the other occupants in the room: behind the desk sat Albus Dumbledore, blue eyes twinkling like mad and Severus was certain that the old sap loved every minute of this. Next to Lily on her right was Minerva McGonagall who Severus knew to be very close to the Potter family. On Lily's left was James, looking the same as he did in school with untamable black hair and glasses that covered brown eyes. Next to James was an open seat where Harry was obviously sitting if the candy wrappers were any indication. Next to the window sat Remus Lupin who was looking pale and a little worst for wear, the upcoming full moon undoubtedly grating on the soft-spoken man. Sitting next to him was Sirius Black who had an indiscernible look in his eyes but when they caught Severus' the Black Lord gave a respectful nod.

It suddenly hit him how intimate the group was, this was truly only the closest people to the Potter family. Severus knew that most of the Potter family had died in the war leaving James to be the sole heir. Lily's family had become distant after the death of her father and never ventured to see her do to their intense hate of magic.

He felt honored to be included in this tight-knit group but he was forcefully brought to attention by a four-year-old in his face.

"Who are you?!"

"Hadrian," warned Lily, "be nice to Severus. He's going to be your sister's Godfather."

Severus inwardly smirked at the ranging array of shocked expressions on the group.

He's attention was once more consumed by the child in front of him.

Harry looked thoughtful as he stared, his tiny fingers grasping his chin, "Hmmmm, kinda like Uncle Padfoot, right Mommy?"

"That's right, love."

The boy nodded in comprehension and then grew puzzled, "Hey Uncle Padfoot?"

Sirius smiled at his beloved Godson, "What's up, Pup?" Using a nickname that spoke to his animagus form.

"You said that you would always look out for me, right?"

Sirius chuckled at the simplified explanation and ignored the indignant shout not to laugh, "Yup, that's about right."

Harry returned his attention to Severus, still looking puzzled, "So you're gonna look out for the baby when she gets outta Mommy's tummy?"

Severus gave a slow nod and the child humphed, "Well that's my job! I'm her big brother, I'll make sure she's okay, okay?"

Severus was unsure what to say but was saved by James, "Harry, you'll still be her big brother but Severus is going to make extra sure she's okay. He's going to help us all out."

Understanding dawned on the toddler's face, "You're gonna make extra, extra sure baby's okay?"

In a rare show of emotion, Severus knelt to the boy's level, "Yes, I will make extra, extra sure she will be okay."

With a determined look, Harry thrust out his right hand with the pinky extended, "You gotta promise!"

Recognizing what Harry was doing from when he spent time in a muggle neighborhood, Severus extended his left arm and grasped the offered pinky with his own.

"You pinky promise?" asked Harry.

"I pinky promise."

Harry nodded then tilted his head, "Why is your hair so shiny?"

Before Severus could ponder what that meant, Lily had clapped her hands, "Alright! Does everyone want to know what we're naming the little girl?"

"Ooooooohhhhh me, me, me, me, me, me, Mommy. I do, I do!" Harry shouted.

Everyone else merely looked on expectantly and the Potter couple looked lovingly at each other, "We decided on Evelyn Euphemia Potter."

Minerva immediately engulfed both in hugs, "Oh, what a beautiful name! Is she named after your mother Euphemia, James?"

James nodded, "She is, we thought it was a good fit and Mum would have loved to meet her I'm sure."

At that the air grew tense, no one was free from the effects of the war. James' family wasn't the only that was broken though. They were all tired, the war had taken its toll on all of them. It was times like these, where domesticity and love could exist that were truly cherished. When would be the next time they could feel so relaxed and at ease?

They envied Harry for his innocence and knew it should be protected so he would never have to experience what they did.

They were broken from their morose thoughts and a not-so surprising outburst from Harry, "That's too hard to say! I'm gonna call her Evie!" Nodding to himself as if he solved a personal crises Harry let out a huge yawn and rubbed his eyes.

"Oh goodness, it looks like someone needs a nap," commented Minerva with a smile.

Lily nodded in agreement, "Minnie, would you mind terribly?"

"Of course, not dear. Come with me, little one." Harry merely yawned again and raised his arms in a silent request to be carried.

As the two left, the room grew quiet as they all enjoyed the rare calmness in the turbulent times that war brought.

Albus cleared his throats, "I'm sorry, my friends, but it seems the war once more demands our attention. Severus, if you would."