AN: So, just so I am covered… I think we all know that I don't own the Harry Potter world.

Chapter 2

Hermione heard the knock on their front door but ignored it knowing her mother was downstairs.

"Hermione," Jane called up the stairs. "Someone is here to see you."

"Coming mum," Hermione said as she put down her potions book. She stood from her bed and went down the stairs to find her mother standing in the hall with Professor Snape, her potions professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"Professor," Hermione asked. "Is something wrong?"

"You need to come with me," the Professor said.

"Wait," Jane said. "Michael and I want Hermione here for a few weeks. We don't get to see her often."

"Mum, just wait. I am sure there is a good reason," Hermione said trying to placate her mother. "Professor, what is going on?"

"You're not safe here," he replied. "That is all you need to know right now, please go get your things and come with me."

Hermione knew not to argue with her professor, as she ran back up the stairs she heard her professor ask where her father was.

Hermione did know what was going on but hoped that whatever it was, her parents would be okay. They didn't have magic to protect them since they were muggles. As she packed her school trunk, she thought about what she could do as a precaution to protect her parents.

"Miss Granger," the Potions Master said from her open doorway. "Are you ready?"

"Um…" Hermione took one last glance around her room. "Yes sir."

"Alright then," he stepped into the room. "I will shrink that," with a wave of his wand, her trunk was small enough to fit in her pocket. "Hold onto this," he held out a book for her as she was sliding the trunk into her pants pocket.

As Hermione felt the pull behind her navel, she saw her bedroom disappear and instead she found herself in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts.

Ron was sitting quietly in his bedroom; he had been home from school for a week or so and was starting to miss his two best friends. He knew they were both likely to be missing him too. After the year they had at school, he knew Harry was probably having nightmares and Hermione was likely studying, as she always did.

It was late evening and after his twin brothers had 'accidentally' blown a hole in the side of the house, Ron had decided to stay in his room so his mother could calm down.

He had been reading an old copy of Quidditch Weekly; it was the edition from last month where Puddlemere United announced that they had signed Oliver Wood to the team.

As Ron was reading the summary of Oliver's years of Quidditch at Hogwarts, there was a loud pop.

"Professor Dumbledore," Ron said startled to find the headmaster in his room.

"Mr. Weasley," the headmaster said quietly. "I need you to leave your things. You need to come with me."

"But what about my mum and dad?"

"I'll explain everything later; right now I need you to come with me. Leave your wand."

"But it chose me," Ron argued.

"Alright," Albus conceded knowing what something of your own was in a large family. "Do you have it?"

"I have it right here," Ron said pulling it from under his pillow.

"Then you're ready?"

"Yes sir. I'm ready," he said.

Dumbledore pulled out a teacup from within his robes and presented it to Ron.

"Please hold onto this," he requested.

A moment after he clasped the teacup, Ron felt the customary tug behind his navel of a port-key before his bedroom disappeared.

Harry lay in his bed listening to the silence of the house. His aunt, uncle, and cousin had gone to bed not long ago. He could still hear the music that his cousin Dudley left on when he fell asleep, having not yet played through the tape.

The green-eyed teen had not slept yet… not that night… or that week. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Voldemort and himself locked in the golden dome again. He was afraid if he slept, the whole nightmare would repeat itself again.

Harry had been home from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for ten days. Ten days in which his only comfort came from the fact that his classmates weren't around to stare and ask questions about that awful night. Harry had spent most of his time trying not to think about that night. Trying not to remember how he felt when he saw his parents, or the ghosts of them anyways.

*THUMP*

Harry was startled out of his thoughts by a noise coming from the hall. He wasn't bothered by it. The noise didn't worry him. He didn't care if they were being robbed. He didn't care if his aunt's home was being attacked by Death Eaters or even Voldemort himself.

He didn't care about anything anymore.

"Harry," a whisper came from the other side of his bedroom door. The door creaked open. "Harry? Are you awake?"

"Who's there?"

The door opened the rest of the way, admitting a nondescript body with a lit wand in hand.

"It's Sirius."

"Sirius," Harry questioned as he sat up on the bed. "Why are you here?"

"I am taking you away from here kiddo," Sirius said as he came into the room. "Where are your things?"

"Where are we going?"

"We'll worry about that later," Sirius told him, flipping on the light switch and un-lighting his wand at the same time. "Now where is your trunk?"

"Downstairs," Harry answered as he stood and lifted Hedwig's cage from the desk where it sat.

"Is there anything in here you need?"

"Yeah," Harry handed Hedwig's cage to Sirius and bent down, removing a board from the floor and pulling out his wand, invisibility cloak, and a photo album. "Okay," he said standing back up. "I'm ready."

Harry followed Sirius downstairs and showed him where his trunk was locked in the cupboard.

"Let's go," Sirius said as he shrank and pocketed the trunk, before pulling a small item from his other pocket and enlarging it. "Grab on," Sirius said as he held out, what appeared to be a shrunken muggle hula-hoop, for Harry to hold onto.

Harry reached out his hand and latched onto the ring. He felt the pull behind his navel but couldn't stay on his feet as he landed.

As he looked around the room he landed in, he saw he was in the headmaster's office. The headmaster, himself, was standing next to his best friend, Ron.

"What are you doing here," Harry asked his friend with astonishment.

"I don't know."

"I don't either."

Harry stood and both he and Ron looked at he headmaster for an explanation.

"I will explain everything soon," he said. "We are waiting for two more people." At that moment, Hermione and Professor Snape appeared, as if out of nowhere.

"Hermione," Harry exclaimed.

Hermione stepped over to her two best friends and whispered to them.

"What is going on?"

"I will tell you," Albus said as he conjured three more chairs and a tea service.

Sirius pushed the three teens toward the chairs and took a seat next to where the Potions Master had sat moments ago.

After pouring everyone a cup of tea and settling in his own chair behind his desk, Albus decided he couldn't procrastinate any longer.

"With the reappearance of the Dark Lord, the three of you need protection. We," he said looking at Severus and Sirius. "Have found a way that we believe you will be most protected."

"Why do we need to be protected," Hermione asked with the narrowing of her eyes in scrutiny.

Albus took a deep breath before beginning his story.

"Fifteen years ago a prophesy was made, telling of a baby who would have the power to defeat the dark lord, earlier today another prophesy was made about the four people who would help him. Harry, we believe you are the baby. Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger are two of the four, and I believe that Severus and Sirius are the other two. We have decided that a charm will be placed on you three and Sirius. You will assume the role of Professor Snape's children."

Ron had a look of utter disgust.

"I have parents," Ron said. "I don't want him."

"I understand Mr. Weasley, but for your safety and the safety of your family, I feel this is the best option."

"What are you going to tell my parents?"

"They are going to believe that you were kidnapped, Miss Granger's parents have been oblivated for their protection, we can change it back when it's safe," Albus told them.

"What about Harry's Aunt and Uncle," Hermione asked.

"They won't care," Harry answered. "Are you sure about this Sirius?"

"Yeah kiddo," Sirius said as he took Harry's hand, who was sitting next to him, in his. "Severus and I have discussed this and we agree with Professor Dumbledore. Ron, your parents can't know because the more people who know the more likely there will be a leak," he threw his hand up in anticipation of the argument. "I know you parents wouldn't tell but if they knew they could be tortured for the information."

Ron slumped back into the chair dejectedly.

"We'll do it," Harry answered for his friends. They all knew that if this is what these men thought they should do then it was likely the best option.

"Good," Albus said with a smile. "Severus will do the honors."

Severus stood and pulled out his wand pointing it at Hermione said the incantation to alter her appearance.

"Presentia mutatus aegre noticeable."

Harry watched as his best friend changed from the frizzy haired brunette of 15 to an 11 year old with black sleek hair and black onyx eyes, snowy white skin offset by ruby red lips.

"Whoa!" Ron exclaimed.

Professor Snape rolled his eyes and turned his wand on Ron. In Ron's place sat a fair skinned 11 year old whose hair was dark but not black like Hermione's. Ron's eyes were the same black onyx of Hermione and Severus's.

Harry watched as the Potions Master turned from his friend to him and waited for the change. When it was done, Harry had black hair darker than his own and sea green eyes.

"Hum," Severus commented as he looked at Harry.

"What is it," Sirius said as he peered at Harry's new appearance.

"I was trying to make his eyes black, like mine."

"You'll need to make Sirius' eyes that color," Albus told him. Severus nodded and turned his wand on Sirius.

Harry saw Sirius change into a very handsome man who's eyes were the same sea green that his had become, his hair was lightened to the shade of Ron's.

"What a beautiful family you make," Albus said as Severus sat down. "Now we need to name you."

"I actually have names for the children," Severus said.

"You do," Sirius asked.

"I may not have any but I always wanted children, Narcissa knew a few of the names I would pick so I think that I need to have a say since I am the only one who will still be me."

"Go ahead Severus," Albus encouraged. "We want to hear them."

"I wanted my son to be named Brian, and my daughter… Sofia."

"Why those," Sirius asked.

"If you must know, Brian was my father's father, and Sofia is just… beautiful."

"It is," Hermione commented. "I like it. Sofia Snape. Is my birthday the same?"

"Oh," Sirius said. "I didn't think about that."

"I did," Albus said. "We will go over that after we have you named."

"Ron should be Brian," Sirius said. "Your first born son should be named for your grandfather."

"Thank you," Severus said softly.

"Brian Snape," Ron said morosely. "Hum, I guess it could work."

"What about me," Harry asked.

"What about Alexander," Sirius said thoughtfully. "Alex for short."

Severus was shocked by Sirius thoughts.

"What," Sirius said as he noticed that Severus was staring at him. "If he is to be believed as your son, it needs to be something you would pick. It was a Prince family tradition so you would use it too."

"Thank you."

"What about Sirius," Ron asked.

"Well you'll have to call me Dad," Sirius told him.

"Yes, but what about other people," Hermione asked.

"Julien," Severus said. "You have a French look about your features."

"Julien Snape?"

"Sounds good to me," Albus said. "You can use the French thing for where you have been."

"What about my lack of a French accent?"

"Okay… Your family is originally from France you went to Beaubatons and you and the children were living in the States where you were working but Severus wanted the children to attend Hogwarts so you came here."

Everyone nodded.

"Now," Albus started again but was interrupted by a knock. "Ah, a test. Come in."

"Albus," Minerva McGonagall said as she opened the door. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No it's fine," Albus said.

"Yes Minerva," Severus said as he stood. "Please come in," he welcomed the woman into the room. "Meet my family. My husband," he looked down at Sirius with a soft and loving look. "Julien, and these are my children. Sofia, Brian and Alex, children this is Professor McGonagall, she teaches Transfiguration here, she is also the head of Gryffindor house."

Harry, Ron and Hermione all made polite nods at the woman who was looking at them as if they had dragons growing out of their heads.

"A husband and children Severus," she asked when she collected herself. "Are they yours?"

"They certainly are woman," Severus replied indignantly. "They look like mine, don't they?"

"Yes," she said looking at the three children. "It looks as though the middle one there even has the nose you had before Potter and his friends changed it for you."

"Would you not tell my children stories that aren't true? They have only ever had stories to go off and I don't want you to tell them false tales."

Minerva smirked.

"False tales…" she questioned him noticing the soft smile playing on Julien's face. "Well it's lovely to meet all of you but what brings you here now?"

"Ah," Albus spoke up garnering the attention of all in the room. "His two oldest children will start Hogwarts in the fall."

"Yes," Severus said. "With the Dark Lord reappearing I want them as close as I can get them so I know they are safe. Alex and Julien will be staying as well."

"Yes," Albus confirmed. "And since they have never spent copious amounts of time with their father we were discussing having them stay in Severus quarters even once school starts."

"Oh but Albus," Minerva argued. "Living with their house is a special experience."

"I agree and there will be a special connection so they can visit their house common rooms often but I think they want to spend time as a family."

Harry reached out a hand to Sirius for strength and to Minerva it seemed to show that what Albus was saying might be true.

"Albus," Severus said. "If you don't mind I would like to get the children to bed, can we discuss the other things in the morning?"

"Yes," he said. "Certainly, I am sure you know how to get the house elves to adjust your rooms. I will see you and your family in the morning."

"Come along Sofia," Sirius said to Hermione as he stood, keeping a hold of Harry's hand and motioning for the other two.

Severus followed his 'husband and children' out of the office and down to the dungeons.

"Pr-um…" Hermione started not sure what to call the Potions Master since they were technically in public.

"We will discuss it in our quarters," he responded quickly. She nodded and the remaining trip to the dungeons was silent.

"Milkweed," Severus said as they approached the portrait of Slytherin. "Inside," he directed the four.

"Severus," Sirius started as the door swung shut.

"I know," Severus said, anticipating the man's comment. "We'll talk to Albus in the morning. From now on," Severus looked at the four new residences of his quarters. "You will go by the names we came up with; you will refer to yourself as that and each other. Understood?"

"Yes sir," Harry replied, Ron nodding next to him.

"What do we call you," Hermione asked.

"Well," he said. "If Sir-Julien wants to be Dad then I can be father or Papa, which ever you would like."

"What do you prefer," Harry asked looking at the ground.

"Alex," Severus said causing the boy to look up at him. "Father is what Draco calls his father and I never wanted that kind of relationship with my children."

"Call him Papa," Sirius told them. "Now dear," he said uncomfortably. "You should call some house elves while I get the children ready for bed."

"Okay," Severus replied. "The only bathroom right now is thru there, don't mess with anything," Severus looked pointedly at Ron.

"Kimmy," Severus called for the house elf who liked to attend to him.

"Yes," the small elf said as she appeared.

"I need three extra bedrooms for my children," he told her. "And an extra bathroom."

"Yes sir," she said before snapping. Four doors appeared along the walls of his quarters.

On three of the four doors was a plaque with one of the children's name. He noticed that Alex's room was the closest to his own.

Severus walked over to the bar he had built into one of his bookshelves, and poured himself two fingers of firewhiskey.

"Do I get one of those," Julien asked as he came into the room, Alex in front of him and the other two children following behind.

Severus nodded and turned and made another one.

"Kimmy has created your rooms," Severus said with a glance at the children. "It's late why don't you go ahead and go to bed."

"Yes sir," they answered together and glanced at each other before making their ways to the room with their new name on it.

Severus handed the glass with firewhiskey to Julien.

"Goodnight," Sofia said before shutting her door, Brian and Alex shut their doors without comment.

"Severus, we aren't married. Are the Death Eaters going to find that odd? You know that purebloods don't have children without being married first," Julien said as he dropped onto the sofa.

"I know Julien," Severus said as he sat in his wing-backed chair. "Albus can alter the papers and perform the ceremony."

The two men sat in silence for a few moments.

"If you want I can sleep out here," Julien said.

"No," Severus conceded with a sigh. "We will have to consummate the marriage bond tomorrow so you may as well go ahead and sleep in the bed tonight."

"I'm sorry we are in this situation," Julien said morosely.

"We can't change the situation," Severus said harshly. "We will have to adapt to the one have."

"Ugh," Julien said as he dropped his head into his hand.

"What?"

"You're right," he said looking up at Severus. "We have to consummate the bond."

"I thought you realized that before."

"I just didn't think about it."

"Let's not worry about it tonight," Severus said. "You can go first in the bathroom."

Julien stood and started towards the bedroom. He glanced at the bed as he passed it and thanked Merlin that it was a large bed.

Julien looked at his reflection in the mirror after he charmed his robes into a pair of pajamas that were navy blue, what he saw impressed him. He had always thought that his Black family slate grey eyes were dull, now his eyes stood out. His hair was much more appealing too.

*KNOCK*KNOCK*

"Are you almost finished," Severus asked softly, not trying to rush the man.

"Yeah," Julien said as he opened the door and looked into the onyx eyes. "I'm sorry."

"No," Severus said. "It's fine."

Julien dropped the man's gaze, walking past him.

"Do you prefer a side," Julien asked as Severus shut the door to the bathroom.

"The side closest to the door."

Julien took note and made his way around to the other side of the bed. He pulled back the forest green comforter and sat down on the off-white sheets. He looked around the side of the room he was on, thankful to be near the fireplace.

"Does it meet you inspection," Severus asked as he came back in the room noticing that the man was just sitting.

"Hum," Julien mumbled. "Oh, yeah. It's fine, I just… can't believe we are…"

"I know," Severus said. "If you had told me when we were in school together that we would ever sleep in the same bed… And after tomorrow…"

"Did I ever tell you I'm sorry," Julien said as he turned in the bed keeping a foot on the floor and pulling the other up on the bed with him so he could looked at the raven haired man. "You know… about all that."

"Me too," Severus said. "Though at the time… But now it just seems petty."

"Yeah well," Julien agreed. "I think I am going to bed."

Severus nodded, pointed his wand at the fireplace to stoke it a bit before sitting on the edge of his side of the bed.

"How are we going to train them and make people think that we are raising them?"

Julien lay back against the pillow and rolled on his side to look at Severus' back.

"I don't know," he said softly. "But we have to figure something out."

Severus licked his thumb and forefinger before putting out the candle on his nightstand. He lay on his back staring at the ceiling.

"I don't know how I am going to make people believe I have a family, a husband that I am supposed to love and children. Si-Julien I have never loved anyone but Lily and she was like my sister."

"It's not like I have had the most… loving life," Julien reminded him. "Before James, Remus and Peter I never even had anyone that liked me." The two lay in silence both worrying about convincing people of their story. "Hermione and Ron can show me, you, and Harry. We can do this Severus. It won't be easy, but from what I can tell being apart of a loving family never is." Sirius couldn't believe that he was in the same room as his school nemesis and they weren't fighting, it just showed how serious the situation was.

Severus looked over at the man that he knew but no longer recognized. Julien, feeling Severus' eyes on him looked at him.

"Sofia, Brian, and Alex."

"Right sorry," Julien's eyes never left the onyx ones. "You seem different."

"My life has changed irrevocably in the last 5 hours," Severus said after a moment. "No matter what happens with this war, I'll be married tomorrow. We may not officially have children but we'll be married, legally."

"I know," neither man wanted to point out that marriage was actually a bond and while they could have separate lives after this, they would technically always be married.

"Goodnight," Severus said before rolling onto his side facing the doors, putting the person in his bed at his back.

"Night," Julien said as he rolled to his other side and faced the fire.

A/N: So in a pre-emptive strike, I want to say that I know that… well all of them at some point may seem out of character but I think the moment we take them off JKR pages they immediately become out of character. I think that given their circumstances they all act well with in the realm of possibilities.