SNAPE MANOR 1981

"W-w-what?" Severus managed to stutter around his surprise. Lily was crying, so he pulled her in for a hug. "Shh… Lily, it is ok. Just let it all out." He whispered into her hair, starting to tear up himself. The memories of that night, a week before Lily's and James' wedding came rushing back to him. "Oh, now I remember. You are welcome to stay as long as you want" He hugged her even tighter.

Lily cried a bit longer before she said "After he was born, I had him take a potion to make him look like James. The potion was supposed to wear off around Halloween his first year of Hogwarts unless given again before his birthday. It was one that you need to take twice before it was permanent."

"I still love you, as much as I did then, no, more. I only wish you had told me sooner." He murmured softly.

Lily lifted her head, and surprised him with a kiss. "I love you too Sev. I wish I had realized it earlier."

Severus kissed her back. "At least we are together now." Gently, he pulled away.

Lily nodded and asked "May I use your Floo to call Albus to tell him where I am staying?" He nodded. "Thank you." Then she gave him another quick kiss before going off to call the headmaster of Hogwarts.

A COTTAGE ON AN ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE JULY 31 1991

There was a knock on the door, a pause, then there was a flash of light and the door was opening. Harry bolted up and to a corner to hide. A woman was standing in the door, wearing black robes with a matching hat. Uncle Vernon came thundering down the stairs with a double barrel gun, pointed at the lady at the door.

"Now, really, there is no need for that." She waved her hand and the barrel of the gun pointed upwards. Uncle Vernon paled. "I am here in regards of Harry Potter. He has not answered any of the 526 letters we have sent him, so the headmaster sent me to deliver personally, and take him to get his supplies. He will have to be dropped off at Kings Cross Station on September first. Everything you need to know is contained in the letter, along with his ticket." She turned and faced Harry with a smile. "Come along, we need to get going so we can get all your supplies."

GRINGOTTS BANK, SEPTEMBER FIRST

"Well, this cannot be right. There was a small pile of coins here last time I was here. Has there been any activity here recently?" Lily, disguised as Petunia, asked the goblin who was with her.

"Yes, about a month ago. A boy that looked to be eleven and a Hogwarts Professor came in and gave us the key and vault number. He looked just like James Potter, but with eyes like Lily's."

"I-i-it can't be, h-he's d-dead!" Lily managed before she took out an amount of coins, rushing out, and closing the vault securely behind her. She had enough patience to wait out the ride back to the surface of Gringotts and floo to their quarters at Hogwarts. She paced in the sitting area until her husband returned.

HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY, THAT SAME TIME

Severus was scanning the first years with his usual scowl, only paying attention enough to quietly clap when a Slytherin was called. Then Minerva called out the name he never thought he would hear called. "Potter, Harry" He looked up and saw a boy way too small for his age slowly make his way to the stool. There were many whispers of disbelief. He was rather scrawny, and he refused to make eye contact with anybody, his face also looked to be bruised and cut. There were many gasps and stares of disbelief.

He sat on the stool for what seemed like ages, seeming to be having a conversation with the hat before it finally called out in its booming voice "Gryffindor!" The child seemed to sigh with relief as he made his way to the Gryffindor table where they were all cheering loudly, but with looks of surprise. The surprise was obviously because the boy who defeated Lord Voldemort, but had supposedly died at the same time was sitting at their table.

The rest of the sorting went without further incident. Draco was sorted into Slytherin almost before the hat touched his head, and the newest Weasley became a Gryffindor, no surprise there. He took the seat next to Harry, the seat that was carefully avoided by all others. Severus smiled on the inside, careful not to let it show on his face. He hadn't spent years perfecting his act of the greasy git for nothing. He could not let one student, even if he was his son, let that slip.

Severus watched the boy eat, ignoring Quirrel, the new teacher. Harry waited until everybody had their plates filled, and only took some food after the Weasley boy prompted him to. Even then, he guarded his plate as if afraid that someone would take it away. He then ate quickly, barely chewing his food. When the main course disappeared, he looked disappointed, and then jumped when pudding suddenly appeared on the table.

The boy looked uncomfortable sitting at a table with others around, and he seemed to be in pain, his left hand seemed to be swollen. He noticed that he took only a little food when he took some. He noticed the boy glance up at the table before turning to Percy Weasley to ask a question before turning back to the head table. Harry seemed to stare at him, (or was it Quirrel?) then clutch at his forehead in pain before turning back. I think that this is the sign that Albus told Lily about. I will tell her after the feast, when I go back to my quarters.