Chapter 10! I am in awe about the response I have gotten so far from you guys! When I post this this story will have had 99 followers! That is totallyinsane. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I am working hard on finishing up this story so that i can upload it all within the next week. Review and tell me what you think!

Severus felt that for a first visit to the castle it had gone very well. Lightning had enjoyed himself and promised he would try and return. The boy had even been sad at the thought of leaving. It had been a surprise to discover the boy could apparate within Hogwarts. He really should not allow Lightning to continually surprise him.

Really the boy was so powerful it was almost cliché. Severus wondered what would have happened if Lightning had stayed with his guardians. He wouldn't of ever learned the snake magic and come to Hogwarts scared and defensive. If he had even survived that long. When Lightning had told the story of the 'Snake Mother' he had not doubted its truth for a moment. Despite there being no records anywhere of such a thing something within him just knew. Lightning was the kind of child that said things exactly the way he thought them. He was without any kind of guile whatsoever. When he claimed to be chosen, Severus knew it was true too. He had had an interesting conversation with Albus on just that fact.

"Severus. I have never heard the story that young Lightning told us. Nor any like it."

"Nor have I and yet, I have no problem believing it."

"It speaks to your very soul with its truth doesn't it?"

"Yes. His claim of being chosen is just as true. The way he does magic so effortlessly speaks to him being a part of it."

"I agree. I can't help but wonder about his statements about those chosen."

"Chosen ones are the most good? With every interaction I have had with Lightning I can see that his soul is very light despite his background."

"I agree. He told us he was only chosen a few days before what do you think he did?"

"Honestly? I think it was taking me to the castle." Severus mused after a moments thought. "Lightning was petrified of the castle. Nothing I did would even make him consider coming. The Centaurs had been trying for years to push him to the castle to no avail. He did not want to be here, he feared this place and its inhabitants. Yet when I was injured beyond his knowledge to help he did not hesitate to almost kill himself to get me help."

"I think you are correct. The boy did loose quite a bit of magic transporting you here so quickly. He did so despite the dangers to his person and his fear. Then when you requested he stay he agreed. The boy is very giving." Albus said this with a light smile. "When I discovered that Harry Potter had been so horribly abused I felt such guilt and fear. You may recall the prophecy you gave to Voldemort. I knew Harry was going to be very powerful and much like that young man I knew so long ago. I feared that it was my mistakes that would create a new Dark Lord worse than Voldemort ever was."

Severus said nothing. He did not like to think about his part in Lily's death. Despite this he could see Albus' fears. If the boy had nursed his anger and fear of his guardians he could've become a very vindictive evil little boy. With the power he wields he could've very well done anything he wished to anyone he wished. Albus continued after a moment.

"When you confirmed to me that the scared little boy who had been living in the forest was the boy I had been so earnestly searching for I felt my heart lift. The boy who loved so much. It was clear that the boy was unable to perform such senseless violence that I feared I might've pushed him to. If Lightning had stayed there in that hell I placed him in, I fear we would've gotten a very angry boy whose magic was prepared to kill at the slightest provocation. Instead his magic whisked him away to an arguably dangerous environment where he thrived and learned to love." Albus said unshed tears in his eyes. "The fears I have now for the future of the wizarding world are greatly diminished. When Voldemort returns I know that Lightning will be able to defeat him and that he will be able to do it for the right reasons. He will not attack Voldemort out of revenge or because he wants to prove he is stronger. Now he will do it so he can protect those he loves and cares for. I know that his reasonings in that final fight will be imperative for the outcome."

Severus couldn't help but agree. The idea of his friend seeking revenge for anything was silly to him. Unless someone attacked his snakes violently. The way he had dispatched of the Wyvern when Severus had been injured had been horrific. Yet the boy seeking out Voldemort to avenge his parents deaths would not happen. Nor would the boy feel the need to prove his strength.

Lightning was scared of being overpowered but he wasn't petrified by it. More than anything he was cautious about strangers he could not easily defeat. Lightning however would not seek out those who were his equal and fight them to show dominance. The boy did things out of good intentions. Every time. He smiled lightly. His young friend was fundamentally good despite all that had happened to him. They were all very lucky for that fact.

The first person to approach Severus about Lightning was Draco Malfoy. He came up to Severus right after a potions class with Ron Weasley standing there nervously. The boys had become very strange friends. They still despised each other but could often be seen trading the rudest insults to each other over a chess board.

"Professor Snape." Draco said lightly trying not to give away his anxiety.

"Yes Mr. Malfoy?"

"How is Lightning? He said he would try and visit but it's been three weeks." Draco said worriedly.

"Lightning is fine. The idea of large crowds of students frightens him. Before he went to live in the forest he had guardians who abused him violently. He doesn't trust strangers easily and the idea of being in a large group makes him wary. He has requested that you and the Weasley boys plan out a day to come visit him however." Snape answered.

"He wants us to visit him?"

"Yes he thinks you four would enjoy having what he calls a 'human sleepover'. He wishes to participate in everything humans do with their friends. He feels it would be beneficial. I was going to approach you four with the offer once the headmaster approved it."

"That would wonderful sir!" Draco enthused. "Do you think my father would agree to it?"

"I can ensure that he agrees if you wish to go. It would not be until around Easter break. It would be a couple of months for everything to be prepared and none of you could get into trouble during that time."

Ron who had been pretending not to be listening spoke up at that moment.

"Sir? Do you think if you asked Lightning if he wouldn't mind bringing along another? I mean I know it would take a lot to get even us approved but I don't think she would forgive me if I got to go and she didn't?"

"You are asking about Miss Granger I presume." Severus said.

That friendship was one of the strangest Severus had ever seen. Granger and Weasley were so incompatible and they fought often. Yet they had become close friends and many of the staff were betting that they would be dating by the end of 5th year. The idea of inviting the know-it-all girl did not appeal to Severus but he would have to ask Lightning. This had been the boy's idea and he wanted a totally adult free time to spend with his children friends.

"I will ask Lightning if he would be amenable to inviting a stranger. Now both of you get to your next class. Professor Sprout doesn't approve of lateness."

The boys left while glaring at each other. Personally Severus could see a future where those two boys were dating instead of Weasley and Granger. Not that he would ever say that out loud. Imagine the outrage! A Weasley and Malfoy engaging each other in such a fashion! It was an affront to all purebloods everywhere.

Draco had also made a lot of progress when it came to pureblood fanaticism. Lighting's frank logic and questions had shaken his beliefs and he was seen conversing with intelligent muggleborns about muggle culture. He did not write to his father about his changing beliefs and instead sought out Severus at strange times to discuss his changing world views. It made Severus so happy to see that it was not too late to save Draco from that road. He loved his godson and was overjoyed to know that the boy was beginning to think for himself.

The school year continued and as did the visits with Lightning. When the boys had learned that they would be able to visit Lightning for a sleepover they instantly behaved. The twins pulled no pranks for over a month. It was a miracle. During the first two weeks after winter break Flitwick and Pomona had visited Lightning and fallen in love with his tree home. Severus knew that when you could not find Minerva she was most likely taking a cat nap in the bed Lightning had made for her in his home. He had caught her in her cat form on one Saturday stretching out and being pet by Lightning.

She had instantly moved away and transformed. She refused to admit she enjoyed the boy's ministrations at all. He had smirked at her as she hustled away. It was the first Saturday in Maech when Severus apparated to Lightning's clearing. The first thing he saw was the blood on the ground. There was a large pool of it partially completely right in the middle of the clearing. His stomach turned cold and he shouted for his friend.

"Lightning."

The boy's head popped over the edge and he smiled down on Severus.

"Hello Sevrus. I'm glad you are here. I have a new guest and he says he knows you."

"Who do you have up there?"

"He said his name is Remus Lupin but I call him Moony! I met him a couple of nights ago. The moon was full and he was a giant wolf! It was awesome!" Lightning exclaimed. "Except he kept trying to eat me so I had to hurt him pretty bad. He's been with me ever since healing and talking!"

"Whose blood is this?" Severus yelled up.

"Moony's. I told you I had to hurt him so he wouldn't bite me. Mother told me he would turn me into a wolf if he bit me. Do you want to come up?"

"Of course I do. Lower the basket!"

So the basket was lowered and Severus rode it up. He was not going to enjoy the following conversation at all.