Building A Foundation

"Severus," McGonagall said with great weariness.

He hardly recognized her. Her long face was tight and new wrinkles bracketed her mouth and eyes, her forehead. Her hair was still up in a tight bun, but no longer was it merely streaked with gray. The brown was losing the battle desperately. It wouldn't be much longer before her hair was completely silver. She looked older, tired, but there was an intensity about her. Her eyes were sharper. It was as if the woman who all her long life only saw right and wrong, black and white, now saw the world in shades of grey. The last of her innocence had shattered and left her smarter and slightly bitter.

She sat behind a desk in a study in 12 Grimmauld Place. Ironically, the house the Order was making their headquarters out of was the Mutt's childhood home. Black didn't know, of course, but it wasn't like he could object. He was still an outlaw running from the Ministry. Severus was merely surprised because he had thought the Ministry had confiscated everything that was Black's long ago. Apparently they missed this house. Or they passed it up. Which was understandable.

The place was dark. The windows were small and/or covered. The furniture was dark mahogany or black. Wallpaper, carpet, rugs, all of it was in dark shades. Dust and grim coated almost everything, and magical pests hid in almost every crook and corner. The air was thick with the stale malevolence of its previous owners. It wasn't exactly a place you would call home. And Severus knew the Order had been cleaning it for at least a month. He shuddered to think what it looked like before now because it was still oppressive. Six months ago he would never have imagined Minerva, a Witch of Light, in a place like this. Extended exposure to the house was probably part of the reason why she looked so haggard and wide-eyed.

"I've been trying to reach you," she said and gestured to the chair across the desk.

"I've had personal commitments," Severus answered softly before taking the seat.

"You missed Albus' funeral. We had it on school grounds. Most of the student body attended, as well as his friends, colleagues, and those who just idolized him. There was a crowd winding all they way to Hogsmeade."

"I regret missing it," Severus offered, even though they both knew he was lying.

"I'm glad you are here now." Minerva set her hands on the desk, folding her fingers together. Her hazel eyes never blinked or left the dark ones before her. It made Severus uncomfortable and uncertain. Had she changed her mind about his innocence? "We need your strategic thinking, as well as insight into the Death Eater mindset. Not to mention Minister Fudge has been demanding we turn you over for further questioning."

Severus stared at her. What could he say to that? Was she calling him a Death Eater and threatening to hand him over unless he served her somehow? He had a flashback to the many conversations with Albus that went just like this. His hands went cold and his face tightened. He would not live like that again.

"They will ask you where you have been. Why you were out of contact. Where you were on the day Harry Potter's family was butchered."

"I had nothing to do with that, Minerva," he said quietly, coolly, now certain she was his enemy. He began to gage the distance between the door and the quickness she could draw her wand.

She stared at him a moment longer before sighing and leaning back into her chair. "I didn't believe you did. And if you had, I was certain you were only a witness." She sighed again and rubbed at her eyes. "To be honest, I was hoping it were the later. We could really use a first hand report on the Death Eaters. More importantly, we need a way to discover if our Mr. Potter is being held captive by any of them."

Severus was confused. Her suddenly relaxed and completely vulnerable body language and her confiding tone threw him completely. "I'm sorry I have no information. I've been home recovering and planning."

"I figured as much. Still. I am glad you are here. Your strategic thinking will greatly aid us," she said and a tired smile touched her lips. "But before we get to that, what brings you here? Why have you come now and not earlier?"

"I need your advice," Severus admitted in a soft voice he knew would immediately catch her attention. Never in her presence had he ever acted so human. His cold, cruel, and bitter mask was completely absent as he let his face soften. Minerva wasn't his enemy. Not yet. If he could just secure her sympathy and support…

"What is wrong, Severus?" Minerva asked. She stared at her old colleague with wide, worried eyes. All her problems and all her fatigue melted in the face of this man's need.

When the Headmaster died, she had been given his memoir as well as a catalogue of all the current plots and machinations he was involved in that would need to be continued. It had been a long accounting. And half of what he was involved in or had started appalled her. The top most of those being what Albus had Severus do for him, as if the man were a beast of burden and redemption the carrot to be dangled in front of his nose.

No one should be manipulated and controlled in such a manner. Especially not coerced into doing such horrible things. The things Severus had to witness and report on, all the while begging to be released from his duty as a double agent under the most evil Dark Lord ever recorded… It was horrific! And he had just barely been twenty-one! In her way of thinking, Severus deserved a lot of credit he never received.

Granted, Albus had revealed Severus had been a spy to get him out of Azkaban, but he let the matter drop fade into insignificance after that instead of making Severus a national hero as he could have done. He wanted Severus to be afraid of being sent back there. He didn't want Severus to think what he had done for the Light was something to be praised. He wanted Severus to feel like he still had to repent and suffer for his mistakes. But Minerva was certain the young man had suffered enough. And she would do anything she could to right the wrongs Albus had done to him and the others, Harry Potter among them, she had been made aware of. There were many who deserved restitution and she was determined to answer those Albus hurt.

Severus was using slight Legemency and felt a vague outline of her thoughts, making him both relax and shift uncomfortably. He couldn't help it. Never had Minerva looked at him with such burning determination to help him. They were colleagues that led rival Houses. He knew her well and she him. But this was never part of their old relationship. It were as if they were meeting for the first time. He straightened his shoulders and forced his face blank. His future and his son's depended on success with her. He couldn't allow himself to be flustered or turned away from his purpose. This may be an act, and he may be manipulating her, but his need was sincere.

"You are aware that I was married."

"I am. Not that we ever met her," Minerva's face went soft with compassion. "We didn't even know you had a daughter until after the… incident."

"You can say it," Severus said stiffly. "Until after my wife and daughter were murdered."

"Yes," Minerva sighed. She needed to watch her blunt tongue. The last thing she wanted was to cause Severus more pain. "I am sorry."

Severus shook his head once, sharply. Dismissing her callous remark. "I am a very private man. And to be honest, I did fear an action like what occurred."

"Why do you bring this up?" Minerva was curious now. She leaned forward.

"I turned to Albus in April of 1980, eight months after I joined the Death Eaters," Severus began. "Then I immediately began spying for the Headmaster. It was… difficult."

"I can't even imagine," Minerva said softly, wishing she had the power to erase the haunted expression from Severus' face.

"I was on a raid in July. I did all I could to participate as little as I could and to help the victims, but in this raid I was forced to rape a witch or be revealed as a traitor." Severus looked away from her face to hide his shame. Though he was making up the event he was about to describe, he had done worse in truth. "I did what I must. It was brutal, but I did not kill her. And when I could I returned with potions to heal her pain. I could hardly speak to her, I was so devastated by what I had done to her. I helped her back to her home, offered to owl for her friends or family. At first she was terrified of me, but by the time I left she was calmer."

"Oh, Severus…" Minerva whispered.

"It wasn't until November of 1981, over a year later, that I met that witch again. Her name was Amalia Ashton."

"Amalia!" She exclaimed, shocked.

"Yes," Severus smiled sadly. "The Law Witch who so valiantly fought to free me from Azkaban. She told me that she knew, even before it was revealed by Albus, that I was not really a Death Eater. She told me that it took a long time for her to forget what I had done. Both the rape and the care I showed her afterward. It confused her, but when her guess that I was a spy was confirmed by Albus… She believed I was just as much a victim as she had been. When I protested, she told me that it wasn't wrong to care for me because only we could heal each other."

"Amalia was an incredible woman," Minerva smiled. She had only met the blue-eyed witch twice, and both times were before her marriage to Severus. Once the two were married, Amalia hardly ever made an appearance and Severus was gone from view almost as much to be with her. They had hid away from the world. But even still, Minerva remembered her smile.

"She was," Severus agreed with a deep bow of his head. He still missed her so much. It hurt to talk about her, but he knew she would approve the little lies he was seeding here. She would have adored Shadow and done anything for him. "I proposed to her two months after I was released from Azkaban. It was the best thing I could have done for myself, but I wish… I wish it didn't cost her so much."

"Severus, I know she doesn't regret it. She loved you."

He made a dismissive gesture with his fingers and shook himself, as if getting back on point. "The night I proposed to her, she revealed a secret she had kept from me. She had a son. A son born February 24th 1981."

Minerva gasped, already guessing where this was going.

Severus smiled at her. "Yes. It was my son as well. Conceived the night I raped her. At first, she couldn't tell me because the war was still going and I was in the Death Eater camps. She had guesses, but no real proof, and she wasn't willing to risk the child. And after my release, she didn't tell me because she was afraid it would shatter me. I was not well enough to handle such news after everything that had happened. She waited for me to regain my mind and sanity. So the night I proposed was the first night I met Shadow, just a few weeks passed his first birthday."

"You never told anyone," Minerva murmured.

"I never told anyone about Tabitha either," Severus pointed out. "They were mine. We were happy together. I didn't want anyone to intrude on that. I wanted them separate from all the world, and I would have stayed with them always if it weren't for Dumbledore insisting I join Hogwart's staff."

"Your son - Shadow, wasn't it? - He wasn't there the day Amalia went to Diagon Alley." She was beginning to catch on and she was astounded.

"No. He was ill and sleeping in the care of my house elf. After Amalia and Tabitha died, I was more determined than ever to keep him safe from Death Eaters, so I made sure to erase all official notice of his existence. Not even the Ministry has documents."

Minerva stood and came around the desk. She looked down at the man who was staring at her so imploringly. Confessing to erasing all legal documentation for a citizen of the wizarding world was a great crime. He was trusting her with something exceedingly precious. And, she knew, he would continue to protect his only surviving child. If she showed any signs of turning on him or Shadow, he would Obliviate her or worse.

"What would you have me do?" she asked softly.

"Hogwarts has a certain independence from the Ministry. I can give you all the original documentation: Shadow's birth certificate, medical records, schooling records, all of it. Can you say you've had it this whole time and that he was under Hogwart's protection? After the confrontation on the Astronomy Tower, the Death Eaters will be after me worse than ever before. I can protect him better if he's with me this year. I want to enroll him in Hogwarts."

"But you can't do that if he doesn't officially exist." Minerva understood, but she frowned. "Why didn't you do this from the beginning? Why didn't Hogwarts have your son's information when you removed his documentation from the Ministry?"

"I would've had to tell Albus and… I didn't trust him to grant my son protection. I didn't trust him not to use Shadow against me," Severus said lowly, meeting her eyes unflinchingly.

Minerva winced. Severus was right. Albus would not have hesitated when he saw one more hold he could have over his ex-spy to insure complete obedience. That decided her. Not only was Shadow Severus' son and she owed Severus, but the boy was also a victim of the headmaster's plots himself.

"I accept," she said firmly, returning to her seat. "Shadow Snape will be accepted into Hogwarts and I'm sure I'll find documentation from Albus stating that he was aware of and monitoring your son in the Ministry's stead. Of course, now that you want to enroll him officially in the school, you will have to return Shadow's documentation to the Ministry. You can do that during your own interview."

Severus had been smiling, extremely gratified to learn Minerva was going to continue to support and shelter him and Shadow, but at the last he frowned sharply. "What interview?"

"I've been putting them off as long as I can, Severus," she answered just as sharply, her hazel eyes narrowing. "They will not be patient any longer. Two days ago I received a summons for you to go to the Ministry on August 12th, and if you aren't there, they would put out a warrant for your arrest."

"And you were going to inform me of this when?" he spat, hands clenching on his armrests.

"I've been doing all I can to try and contact you, Severus!" She banged her hands on the desk and leaned forward across it. "You've disappeared from the face of the earth! I had hoped I'd see you before then. Luckily, my hope was not misplaced."

"I will be in contact henceforth," Severus said stiffly, acknowledging his fault in the matter.

"Damn right, you will," she glowered. "And when will I meet this son of yours? We will have to test him to make sure he is up to his peers' level. He will be in Fourth Year, won't he?"

"Yes. He turned fourteen in February of this year."

"Well…" she smiled slyly. "Which House do you think he will be in? Gryffindor, perhaps?"

"Hardly," Severus sniffed and lifted his chin. "He is Slytherin, through and through."

"We shall see," Minerva laughed. She stood and gestured for Severus to precede her out of her room. "Why don't we go to the kitchen for a bite to eat. There is an Order meeting in an hour. It will be good to have you there. We need all the help we can get."

Severus bowed his head in acceptance and followed her out the door.

xXxXxXx

Not everyone was thrilled to have Severus join the Order's ranks, but they were all loyal to Minerva and they tolerated his presence at her insistence. He let his eyes drift around the round table. There was Mad-Eye Moody, Emmeline Vance, Dedalus Diggle, Elphias Doge, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Bill and Charlie Weasley, Kingsley Shacklebolt and his Auror Apprentice, Nymphadora Tonks, and finally there was Minerva and himself. The only Order members absent that he could name was the Lupin and Hagrid. That made fourteen, which meant there were at least six more agents in the Order, according to the twins' count, that he did not know.

That would have to change.

He sat there for over an hour, just observing everyone. There were several reports on known Death Eaters' movements, or the lack thereof. Lucius Malfoy, Theodore Knott Sr., Rookwood, Crouch Jr., Karkaroff, Crabbe and Goyle Sr., and Parkinson were only a few names they had. Most all of them had prominent careers and had stopped coming to work, stopped going to social functions. There were some suspicions that they had even dropped out of contact with their families.

Minerva had feared this meant they did have Harry in custody and were doing something evil with the boy, but that attack at the Dursleys gave her hope. She believed they made a raid and, in a fit of rage over not finding Harry, they murdered Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. It was the only motive she could fathom. So the Order was now fairly confident that Harry had run off with Black once again.

Severus, of course, remained silent on this topic and could offer no guesses about the Death Eaters' behavior, though it did worry him, too. They were planning something. Those men, he had fought at their side for years and he knew them well, they would not give up their political power for no reason. Most of these men were not the type to run and hide.

He started paying more attention when they began to discuss and report on the happenings within the Ministry. Fudge was sweating bullets and threatening the Aurors for failing at capturing Crouch Jr. and Karkaroff. The Aurors were doing all they could and were getting frustrated by the lack of progress in Albus' murder case and with the increasingly rabid Minister. Severus was going to have to walk very, very carefully when he answered his summons on the 12th.

Finally, the meeting was dismissed. Severus made his way from the room quickly before Minerva could capture him again. He walked down the hallways, ignoring the glares and suspicious glances of the other Order members. He climbed the staircase, being extra careful not to wake the sleeping portrait behind thick curtains, and found the bedrooms. He knocked on them until he got a response. Unfortunately it was the youngest male Weasley who answered.

"Professor Snape!" the redhead cried, shocked. Then his face turned excited. "Is Harry here?"

"No. I have no idea as to his whereabouts, Mr. Weasley," he said, leveling an icy stare at the teen that made Ron swallow hard. "I am here to inquire into Miss Granger's progress with her Animagus form. She should not attempt the final transformation without supervision."

"Y-y-yes," he stammered, flushing. "I mean, no, she hasn't tried yet. She's going to wait, but she is ready. A-a-and my brothers and me are ready to start making the potion. Hermione tested us and she thinks we're ready, too."

"And she is an authority on the subject, I'm sure," he drawled. When Ron squirmed under his cool gaze, he smirked. It felt like it had been ages since he was teaching, even though it had only been a few months, and it felt good to torment the youth. "In any case, I shall be returning in a few days. I will supervise her transformation and begin to assist you and your brothers with your potions. Please pass the message on."

"Yes, sir!" Ron cried, a grin splitting his face. This was bloody awesome!

Severus nodded and drifted back the way he came on silent feet.

Ron waited barely half a minute before bolting down the hallway and banging on doors as he passed to spread the good news. They were going to be Animagus! And soon!

xXxXxXx

Minerva caught Severus at the foot of the stairs and dragged him off to the study once more. There she gave him a necklace that would vibrate whenever she needed to contact him and grow warm three hours before meetings that he would be required to attend. If he couldn't make the meeting, he was obligated to inform her or another member as soon as possible. He agreed and accepted.

She also asked if he would like to bring his son to Grimmauld Place to stay before Hogwarts to give him a chance to interact with the teens already in residence. He answered that he would after he went to the Ministry. She nodded, satisfied. Finally, she informed him that the Order was in desperate need of healing, offensive, and defensive potions. Could he possibly brew a few before he left? He said he would and bowed his way out.

At least the Black potions lab was well stocked with rare ingredients and was so terrifying that no one would come near the place to bother him. Severus had a feeling that she was going to be just as demanding as Albus, but he didn't for a moment think she would be as invasive or controlling. So he was fairly content to do as she asked. He stayed up all night brewing and didn't leave until after a breakfast forced on him by Molly. At least he'd had plenty of time to think and plan. Now he needed to get home and discuss things with Shadow.

xXxXxXx

Draco woke early as he did most mornings. Usually he lay in bed thinking about the day ahead, but as soon as he heard the piano music coming from down the hall he leapt from the bed and dressed hurriedly in slacks and his blue, long-sleeved, silk T shirt. He ran his hand through his hair only briefly before quickly making his way to the music room.

Shadow sat behind his favored instrument with sweaty curls plastered to his forehead, still in his black pajamas. Draco knew he must have been at it for a while and stepped over with a worried frown. Shadow didn't move to acknowledge his presence, so the blond took a seat on the bench, leaving his questions unasked. His friend would speak when he was ready. It was killing him, but he would be patient.

Eventually, after only five minutes, Shadow sighed and allowed his fingers to still. The pounding notes faded into silence and he breathed heavily, just staring at the glistening keys. And still Draco sat silent. His worry and forced patience falling on Shadow like snow, just as cold and stinging. "The Death Eaters need to be stopped," he finally spoke, his voice surprisingly husky. "I will stop them, but…"

"But what?" Draco asked softly, turning his body so that he was facing his friend. His grey eyes steady on Shadow's face.

"I had a dream… I was dreaming of opening Demon's door. Of letting him go free to destroy everyone who hurt me. I didn't care at all about those who would be caught in the middle. In fact, it made me exhilarated to think of everyone fearing me."

Draco wasn't sure what to say to that, but he reached out to put a hand on his friend's shoulder.

Shadow bowed his head and wrapped his arms around his chest. His lips were tight and folded down at the corners. But he forced the words past his constricted throat. "I want them stopped, even dead, but… Not like that… Demon… is a monster," he rasped, hunching his shoulders and hiding his face. "He'd kill and mutilate anyone who got in his way. Hell, he'd even destroy the earth itself if he could. I don't want to free him. I don't! I wouldn't!"

"Hey," Draco murmured and pulled Shadow in with a one-armed hug. The brunet was so upset that he even allowed it and leaned against Draco's side. "You would never free Demon. Not because you shouldn't, but because you don't need to. You're strong enough to stop the Death Eaters alone, but you also have me and Severus to help you. Demon is unnecessary."

Shadow turned to look at the blond with a scrunched brow. When he saw that Draco was utterly solemn and serious, his lips twitched. His blue and green eyes lightened as he cocked an eyebrow. "Of course. Forget that he's a monster and capable of mass destruction the likes of which no sane human can contemplate. That doesn't matter one bit. The point is that Demon's not needed, which makes him a redundant second thought."

"Exactly," Draco nodded. "Not even worth worrying about, let alone freeing."

Shadow laughed. "You're amazing. You know that?"

"Well, we can't all be perfect," the blond said with haughty arrogance.

"You're not scared of Demon at all?" Shadow asked seriously. His eyes were narrowed and he reached up to brush his bangs out of his face, unconsciously revealing the pale jagged scar.

"Not really," Draco shrugged and turned to face the keys. He lifted a hand and pushed a few down. The notes filled the room. "He's powerful and terrifying, and I'd hate to be the Dursleys, but… He only comes Out when you're broken. And I'm grateful for that. In any case, I don't plan on seeing you like that again. So… What's there to be scared of?"

Shadow had his attention fully on the blond and was shocked to discover Draco wasn't lying. He really wasn't scared. He was determined and matter-of-fact. Draco glanced over and met his gaze. And Shadow realized he had never seen eyes that color. A white gold, flinty almost, in the morning sunlight. The strength of Draco's promise to stand and fight beside him, fight for him, was clear in their depths. And that was a subtly different feeling than Severus who was determined to protect him by guarding and teaching him.

He reached over and clasped his silk-clad shoulder. "Thanks, Serpentine."

Draco nodded with a smile, turning back to the keys. "So how does this work? Teach me something."

Shadow grinned and he began to show Draco how to play piano, feeling warm all the way through, feeling like maybe he could stand up and face the threats looming inside and out.

xXxXxXx

Neville yawned and opened his door. The strange noise coming from down the hall had woken him and he went to go see what was going on. It sounded like the piano, but he'd never heard Shadow play such awful music in his life. Opening the door, he found his brother laughing with Draco sitting beside him. The Slytherin was the source of the limping tune as he tried to string together a melody.

"A little less laughing and more instruction would be nice," the blond growled.

"I thought you were perfect?" Shadow grinned.

"I'm perfectly displaying what an awful teacher you are," Draco sniffed and finally gave up.

"What are you two doing?" Neville smiled, coming to stand beside Shadow. "I didn't know you wanted to learn, Draco."

"Yes, well…" The Slytherin shrugged and made his face a mask of indifference, hiding his embarrassment at being caught. He stood and straightened his sleeves, "Breakfast is soon. We should get cleaned up. I didn't want to say anything before, but you could use a shower, Shadow."

"Shuddup." Shadow pushed his friend on the shoulder, but then he ran his hands through his curls and made a face. The two laughed at his expression and he sighed. "I guess I'll see you two downstairs," he told them before making his way to the bathroom, casting a wave over his shoulder.

As soon as he was sure Shadow was gone, Neville turned to look at the Slytherin. "How long was he up?"

"Don't know. A while before I got here. Why?" Draco narrowed his eyes at the chubby Gryf. He still didn't like Longbottom much, but they had come to a sort of truce when it came to Shadow.

"He had a nightmare the night before last night, too." Neville bit his lip and wondered how much he could say. He settled for, "I'm just worried he's not getting enough sleep."

Draco shifted his shoulders. He was worried, too. Shadow looked tired and he was beginning to have circles under his eyes. How many times had he dreamed of releasing Demon and enjoying it? Or was he having nightmares about other things as well?

"Maybe we should tell Snape?" Neville asked.

"We will do no such thing," the Slytherin glared. "If it comes to that, we'll tell Shadow we think he should talk to Severus himself. I don't believe friends go behind each others' backs. But I could be wrong." With that, he stalked from the room, leaving Neville flushed and feeling stupid.

xXxXxXx

Severus found the teenagers finishing breakfast. "I'll go check on Black and Lupin," he told them. "When I am finished, I need to speak to Shadow. In the parlor, please."

"Yes, sir," Shadow agreed.

Severus nodded and went upstairs. Black was sleeping beside the Wolf. He looked unharmed, but Lupin was feverish and whimpering even though he was unconscious. Scowling, the Potions Master placed several bottles on the nightstand. Last night marked the last the Wolf would change this month, so he could use many healing draughts that weren't practical before now. He considered waking Black and giving him instruction on which bottle to take first, ect., but figured the man was old enough to know that for himself. Also, Lupin would know the correct order.

On the way downstairs, Severus stopped and changed his clothes. He considered taking a quick shower, but was anxious to talk with his son, so he merely washed his face. Brewing all night was hell on his hair, so he quickly tied the greasy locks back in a low ponytail. Ready for the confrontation ahead, he made his way to the parlor and was glad to see Shadow sitting alone. He noticed the slight circles under the teen's eyes and that his face was paler than normal, but Shadow's eyes were also alert and sharp, his posture steady.

"The Order has very little information that we were not already aware of," he began, sitting in the chair across from the chaise that Shadow favored. "I've already set into motion establishing your identity as my son. Minerva continues to support us and has sworn to testifying that you have been under Hogwarts' protection all these long years. I'm going to release those files that Albus has supposedly kept back to the Ministry due to the new threat I face from Death Eaters. You can't go to Hogwarts until I do and you will be safer with me there. We have an interview at the Ministry in eight days to finalize it all."

"Is that a good idea? The Ministry wants you in prison," Shadow frowned. He wanted to return to Hogwarts as Shadow Snape, but he wasn't willing to risk Severus to achieve that.

"They cannot harm me with the evidence they have," Severus assured. "And they aren't quite at the point of arresting me without trial. I believe we are safe enough for now to accomplish this."

"Will we be put under Veritaserum?"

"Definitely. But I have an immunity and I can brew you a potion that will temporarily grant you the same. It is untraceable, but you will get sick about five hours after mixing the antidote with the Veritaserum."

"That's fine. I doubt they'll question me that long," Shadow shrugged. He leaned forward, eyes intent. "So what's the story you've come up with?"

Severus leaned back and regarded his son through expressionless eyes. He had considered the matter very thoroughly and the scenario he had told Minerva was the best way to go. But he was concerned that Shadow would be upset about the rape part. Would he want to be the child of such a union, no matter how the story ended? Would it further damage his fragile self-image to be forced to adopt such history? Severus certainly wished he could give his son a better beginning, but saw little else he could do.

"Severus…" Shadow frowned. He knew the hesitation wasn't a good sign.

In answer, the man removed a piece of parchment from his inner robe pocket. "This is a general timeline of the most credible history I could create for you. It's my background; most is truth, some is falsehood."

Shadow held Severus' gaze for a minute before looking down at the paper. It read:

1979

May- graduate from Hogwarts

August- join Death Eaters

1980

April- switch from Dark to Light side and become spy

July- rape Amalia on a raid, she gets pregnant

1981

Feb 24th- Shadow is born

Oct 31st- Dark Lord falls

Nov 2nd- go to Azkaban

1982

Jan 19th- released from Azkaban

March 21st- propose to Amalia, told of Shadow's existence

April 4th- marry Amalia

Dec 4th- House complete

1983

Jan 2- start working at Hogwarts

Jan 12th- Amalia begins showing and tells me she's three months pregnant

June 5th- Tabitha is born

Oct 15th- Tabitha and Amalia attacked and tortured

Nov 1st- they die, go to Albus and beg him put Shadow under Hogwarts' protection, Headmaster agrees

Nov 2nd- destroy all Ministry records of Shadow to protect him from further attacks against me

Shadow took a deep breath, his eyes going unfocused. Severus had committed himself to telling the world - He had already told McGonagall - that on a raid while spying he raped Amalia, the only woman he had ever loved, the mother of his true daughter. Shadow's hand clenched, the paper loudly crumpling, and he lifted eyes blazing with fury.

Severus had to admit, if only to himself, that his son looked quite intimidating, his blue eye, his green, both glowing with an inhumane light as his powerful magic began slashing through the air like razor-sharp blades. But he was encouraged. If Shadow's response was anger on behalf of Amalia, he was not feeling humiliated or ashamed.

"This is the story as I see it," he spoke calmly and crossed his legs, the picture of unconcern. "Amalia happened to be in the way of a raid. I was under scrutiny, suspicion beginning to surround me. So I demonstrated my loyalty by raping a defiant witch. It was the best compromise I could invent at the moment since I wished to kill as few people as possible. Still, it was devastating for both of us, and as soon as I could return, I did. I helped the witch get home. The witch was frightened, angry, and confused, but by the time I left, she realized I hadn't wanted to hurt her.

"Fifteen months later, I met her again and she is a Law Witch working for the Ministry and assigned to defend me. I discovered her name to be Amalia Ashton. She revealed to me that after coming to terms with the horrific event and having time to consider everything, she came to believe me as much a victim as she had been. She took my case and fought to get me free.

"I spent three months in Azkaban during the trials and was finally released in January of '82. I was a wreck and Amalia took it upon herself to help me get back on my feet. Two months later, when I was stable again, I proposed to her. She accepted and revealed that she had a son, named Shadow, conceived the night of the raid. She would have told me before, but was afraid our son would be in danger while the Dark Lord still lived. When the Dark Lord fell, I was a wreck, so she continued to keep it secret until she felt I could handle the news.

"I met my son for the first time a few months after his first birthday. I accepted him and made him mine legally as well as biologically. I married Amalia two weeks later. We then went into isolation, which is expected for newlyweds. Almost eight months later, Albus finally convinced me to work for Hogwarts and I start as Potions teacher on the first day of the second term of '83. Meanwhile, Amalia agreed to stay in hiding, for fear of retribution for my damning testimony in many trials.

"Less than two weeks later, she revealed that the extra weight she has gained is because she is three months pregnant with our second child. June 5th, Tabitha was born at home with a medi-wizard in attendance. Her birth was filed privately with the Ministry and goes unnoticed. Near Halloween, Amalia decided to go shopping for costumes. You were ill and left with Omi. They were attacked and I took them to St. Mundo's for treatment.

"The world was shocked by the attack and astonished that I had a wife and daughter since I kept everything as private as possible. A few weeks later, they both died despite the Healers doing all they could. I went to the Headmaster and asked for him to put you under Hogwarts' protection, which basically meant you remained hidden from the world and was schooled privately while Hogwarts supervised instead of the Ministry.

"But with the death of the Headmaster and my attempt to defend him on the rooftop against assassination, I fear that the threat against your life is worse than ever. A house elf and secrecy is no longer protection enough, so I decided to reinstate your identity with the Ministry and enroll you officially at Hogwarts so that I may watch over you more closely."

Shadow said nothing. It was a tight plan. It obviously passed muster with McGonagall, but… He still wasn't willing to have it believed of his father that he had raped the only woman he loved.

Severus read the continued reluctance loud and clear in his son's expression. He sighed and rubbed at his face. "I am… sad that the story hinges on me testifying to crimes against Amalia, but… I am certain that she would approve when it is giving you this freedom. She would have loved you greatly and gladly called you son."

Shadow shook his head, mouth a stubborn line. "It is not acceptable."

"Trust me. This is the best way. It will be instantly believed that I was capable of such acts by those who think me a Death Eater, and it will gain me more sympathy for my work as a spy to those more charitable to my situation. It also sets an example. If Amalia and Albus could forgive me such deeds, then they have no right to condemn me."

"Still," Shadow said stubbornly.

Severus leaned forward and captured his son's gaze. "Listen to me. I am not despoiling my honor with this tale. I may not have raped Amalia, but I am guilty of equally heinous crimes. Do you understand that? I am not sacrificing anything with this story. And she was aware of the things I have done. Amalia did forgive me. There is more truth to this tale than you realize. It is the best way to proceed. I have considered the matter and this is the solution I have found."

Shadow leaned back, frustrated and pissed that his father was right. He rubbed at his mouth and finally gave a tight nod. "All right. I accept. Not that I have much choice. You have already told McGonagall." He scowled. "Thanks, by the way. I would have liked to talk to you about it first before moving."

"I am aware." Severus leaned back as well, giving Shadow space. "I was planning on discussing it with you before hand, but circumstances forced me to move quickly. I had to take the opening the Headmistress gave me before it disappeared. Had I waited, the story would have lost credibility and her agreement was vital for the plan to work. She must testify that at Albus' death she received notice that you were under the school's protection and received all your files."

"About those files?" Shadow lifted an eyebrow.

"I have them. Some are forgeries, the best my illicit and trustworthy sources could create or obtain. Others are Tabitha's, modified so they pass as yours. I have all that we require, but you will have to spend the rest of the holiday at the Order's headquarters and take placement exams to be sure you are at your peers' level."

Shadow straightened the parchment in his hand and looked at it again. "You have me conceived in the month I was really born. And my new birthday as February 24th, 1981. That means I'll be starting Hogwarts as a fourth year instead of a fifth year."

"It would be too suspicious for you to enter as a fifth year student. Harry Potter going missing and then you suddenly arrive in his year? That wouldn't work," Severus explained.

"Why February? You made Amalia give birth two months early, she only carried me for seven months, so I assume that date has significance to you," Shadow pointed out.

"It does." Amusement flared up in Severus' aura, though his face remained neutral. Shadow narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Do you not recognize the date?"

"No," he frowned. "Should I?"

"The Second Task was held on February 24th. It was the day Harry merged with Silas and you became who you are now."

Shadow blushed, amazed at how much thought Severus really had put into this. "It is a perfect birthday. Thank you."

Severus inclined his head. "I wish to give you Pensieve memories of my time building this house with Amalia. As well as the memory of Tabitha being born. You should know as much as you can about her if she is to be your mother."

"Will the Ministry do a blood test on me?" Shadow asked, uncomfortable with the idea of sharing Severus' cherished memories.

Severus allowed the change in subject. For now. "They will. But they only have my blood to compare yours to since Amalia is dead. They will find our blood does match thanks to the adoption ceremony, so that won't affect the story."

"And what have I been doing these fourteen years?"

"You have had private tutors. Again, I have the necessary documents to prove this. Omi has been your main caregiver, and I have come home as much as I can. During the summer, we have gone traveling." A perfectly sly smile spread across his face. "This strange and isolated childhood will be the excuse for any personality and behavioral quirks you evidence."

"Are you saying I'm strange?" Shadow tried to glare, but he was smiling too.

"You are not an average fourteen year old, certainly," Severus answered dryly. "The fact that you are Severus Snape's son will also explain away your temperament and maturity."

"Very well," Shadow sighed and slouched back into the couch. "You've convinced me."

"Good." Severus stood and gestured for Shadow to rise. "I've promised the Headmistress that I shall bring you to headquarters soon. We only have a day or two for you to view all the memories of Amalia and Tabitha that you should have. We will also need to discuss more concretely how you've been occupying your time so we have our stories straight. You'll have to memorize the list of your tutors and their information, as well as memorize my own and Amalia's family history."

"What about Neville and Draco?" Shadow stood.

"They can't follow you to headquarters. They can stay here or they can return to their homes."

"Draco can't go home," Shadow protested.

"Then he will remain with Black and Lupin, although Lupin may be coming and going for Order meetings now that we know they have been trying to contact him." Severus was already walking out of the room and toward the stairs. "There is less than a month before school starts. I'm sure Draco will survive."

Shadow didn't say anything, but he was greatly disappointed. He was just getting stronger after the graveyard and had been looking forward to spending a few weeks having Neville and Draco to himself. He sighed. The world waited for no one. If he was going to do this - if he was going to truly become Shadow Snape - he had to set the foundation. This was the most critical time and he had to become the identity that was, at the moment, merely a vague notion in his head.

Chapter end. Please review!