Chapter 4

A/N: This is the last chapter. I know it ends a little abruptly, but it felt right. Thank you to everyone who read the story and for the reviews.

Disclaimer: I don't own.

A look of shock and disbelief crosses all but James' face. James did a fist pump and said, "Yes! Lily and I get married. I knew she couldn't resist me." Remus rolls his eyes at James and turns his attention back to me.

"Ignoring James' reaction, I'm sure you understand our disbelief. You have to admit, it is farfetched." I can't help but laugh.

"Let's see… how can I prove my lineage? Well, I know your nicknames. Remus is Moony because he's a werewolf, Sirius is Padfoot because his animagus form is a black dog, and James is Prongs because his animagus form is a stag. Do you believe me now?" Their eyes bulge.

"I- I- don't-," Remus stammered. He looked as if he were going to have a heart attack.

"It's ok, Remus. I don't care that you're a werewolf."

"Really?"

"Yup. Your one of my favorite people." I give him my best reassuring smile. James claps him on the back.

"Of course he accepts you, any son of mine would." His grin quickly turns to horror. "Oh god, I made you kiss Snape. You must hate me."

"I was horrified that you would do something like that, but I didn't mind it too much. In my time, Snape and I were pretty close." I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. I had to get him back somehow. The look on their faces was priceless. I burst out laughing.

"Jeez! Don't scare us like that!" Sirius said, flopping down in a chair.

"So, are you the DADA professor in your time?" James asks. I didn't see any problem telling them things that happen after the war.

"No, I'm Head Auror."

"Wow, that's impressive. So, how'd you end up here?"

"I have no idea. On my way to work one morning I was thrown into the air, and landed in the Forbidden Forest. In my spare time I've been doing research to try to find a way back."

"What's the rush? It's so cool that I get to meet my son ahead of time. So, do you have a wife? Any kids? What am I like?" I laugh.

"Whoa, slow down. I'm divorced and have three kids, ages 6, 5, and 3." What do I say to the other question? "Your pretty much the same as you've always been. I would love to talk more, but we both have class to attend. You guys can come back after classes let out for the day."

"Ok…son." James laughs and walks out of the room. It was nice to be able to be, at least, somewhat honest with them.

Obviously, my dad isn't terribly mature at this point in his life. He was, at this very moment, sitting in my office pouting because my mum had called him a toad after he had told her they were destined to be together so it was pointless for her to resist.

"What'd you think would happen? She's not going to fall in love with you overnight."

"How did I get her to go out with me?"

"I can't tell you that. Just be patient." He groans.

"I'm just not a patient kind of guy. I bet its Snape. He's keeping her from me, somehow." I sigh in frustration.

"No he's not. I know Snape can be a prat sometimes, but there's more to him than meets the eye. Just… don't do anything you might regret later on." He narrows his eyes in suspicion.

"What do you mean there's more to him than meets the eye?"

"All I'm saying is don't judge a book by its cover. Anyway, why not start off slow and stop trying to show off in front of mum all the time. You end up doing dumb things." I say, trying to change the subject.

"You can't just change the subject after saying something like that." James' anger rising as he gets up and walks toward me. "What do you know about Snape? What would ever possess you to defend someone like that? Not only is he in Slytherin, he's obsessed with the Dark Arts and he runs with the worst type of people."

"See? That's what I'm talking about. You are only judging him by what you can see. You have no idea what his life is like. You have no idea what really lies deep down in his heart. He's not perfect, no one is, but I have the deepest respect for the man he becomes." He stares at me through rage filled eyes, with his hands balled into fists. I sigh as I realize his prejudice blinds him, and there's nothing much I can do to change his mind. I could show him Snape's memories, but one, that would be very disrespectful to Snape. And two, I think their relationship would become worse if my father knew just how in love with mum Snape is. I'm actually of the opinion that Snape loves my mum more deeply than my father. Through the years I've often wished that Snape and my mother could have at least remained friends.

After our conversation about Snape, my father hadn't come back by to visit with me. I was a bit put-off. I understood that he didn't like Snape, but was ignoring me really necessary? I decided to put the whole mess out of my mind and enjoy the great weather. I was roaming the grounds when I rounded the corner just as my father hoisted Snape in the air. Well, hell. I was frozen in anger. I knew that I couldn't interfere, because in Snape's memory of this moment, there wasn't a professor around. I just couldn't handle this anymore. It killed me that I couldn't do anything to stop the events that would occur. I couldn't tell my parents not to make Wormtail their secret keeper, I couldn't save the friendship between Snape and my mum, I couldn't tell Remus what a wonderful son he will have one day, and I couldn't tell Sirius not to go to the Department of Mysteries. I hadn't felt this level of helplessness since the war. I was afraid if I stayed here any longer I would give in to my desires and warn them all. And I was afraid if that happened, if my parents survived to raise me and if I hadn't faced hardship after hardship, I don't think I would have been strong enough to defeat Voldemort. If Snape hadn't destroyed his friendship with my mum and became a loyal servant to Voldemort, he wouldn't have told Voldemort about the prophecy and wouldn't have had reason to turn spy for the Order. Life is one big jumble of cause and effect. Everyone has the right to their own decisions. I have the right to choose to stop this train of events, but I have to be prepared to accept the consequences that follow. My heart shatters as I walk into the Forbidden Forest, and never look back.