Happy Birthday, Severus Snape

Severus awoke with a start, gasping as if expecting someone to be standing over him, watching him, while he slept. His head shot up and his eyes darted around the room in alarm as he searched for what could have awakened him so suddenly. When it appeared that nothing was amiss, his head dropped back to the pillows and he heaved a sigh of relief, closing his eyes. He lay there for several long moments, merely listening to the familiar creaks and groans of his family's ancestral home.

It came to him as he lay there, that there was an expectant air about the place. A curious ripple of excitement, as if a long anticipated event were looming on the horizon. The very walls were eager and alive, watching and waiting, like excited children.

Shaking himself from his reverie, he slowly went about the business of readying himself for the day. He told himself he was imagining things, when he caught himself staring at his reflection a few moments longer than usual, trying to puzzle out why it was he'd never noticed certain things about his appearance. He passed it off as a trick of the light that his hair seemed to have a burnished cast to it that he'd never noticed before. And surely, the fact that he couldn't find the deep worry lines around his mouth merely meant he had finally gotten a decent night's sleep? Didn't it? Dismissing his foolish musings with a shake of his head, he left his rooms and made his way down the stairs.

It occurred to him as he reached the mid-way point of the staircase, that he ached all over and felt rather wobbly inside. Not the all-over ache caused from overused limbs, but more like the ache caused from disuse, such as the way a bedridden invalid would feel after a long period of time stuck in bed. He was sure Remus could relate to that! He felt as if he needed to get out and....move....but....not. He shook his head again and mumbled, "Forty years old and barmy already." as he made his way into the kitchen.

He had slept well the night before, it was true, but not for many, many nights before that. He was unsettled about the charms placed upon him, most likely by his mother, and the reasons behind her feeling it was necessary. He was worried about what horrors his Juno was facing at the hands of Voldemort and prayed she was alright. He wondered if their plans to rescue Juno were going to work to free her and work to give them an advantage in the war they were currently losing. He wondered if they had any chance at all of winning this war. He worried about his son and the burden all of it placed on his young shoulders. He hated the endless waiting. He was tired of waiting. He felt as if he had done nothing but wait for his entire life. He was sick of worrying, sick of wondering and he was especially sick of waiting .

He sat heavily in his chair and rested his chin in his hand. He stared morosely at the table before him, not really seeing it. Today was his fortieth birthday and he had given it about as much consideration as he always had…next to none. Severus Snape had never been one to pay much mind to frivolities such as celebrating birthdays. He had little reason to see them as a time for joy or celebrating. He winced and suppressed a groan as the realization hit that this year…this year…he had an overenthusiastic, family-frenzied, teen-aged son that was going to, more likely as not, let his Gryffindor tendencies run amuck. He sighed in resignation as he also realized that he wouldn't deny that same overenthusiastic, family-frenzied teen-aged son any manner of silly celebratory tradition he felt necessary to make him suffer through to mark the day of his birth. Siri had missed these things his entire life and Severus was not about to put any kind of a stop to any of them that Siri felt necessary to observe. However, it was going to be very painful to endure without the entire family gathered together. He wished Juno were home to share it too.

As he sat there, staring sightlessly before him, he felt what he thought was a migraine beginning somewhere behind his eyes and closed them with a sigh. 'Perfect.' He thought with a mental sneer. 'Happy Birthday to me.'

Jemma stood, patiently waiting in silence for him to acknowledge her, as was his morning custom. She was aware of his need to awaken slowly and not be pressured with demands as simple as tea or coffee with his toast. He was not a morning person.

When he sat there with his eyes closed for far too long, she timidly spoke, "Master Severus, sir? Is you alright, sir?" She hesitantly reached up to tug at his sleeve and was immediately blasted away by a familiar blue-white defensive blast of magic.

Severus jumped to his feet in alarm and rushed toward the fallen elf. "Jemma! I'm so sorry. Are you hurt?" When he moved to help her to her feet, her blue eyes widened even further and she squeaked in fear, scurrying away, leaving him standing there, staring in shock and dismay. He returned to his chair, feeling guilty for frightening the little elf. He had always been careful of her, ever since he had rescued her years before. She had been abused by her former owners. He took great care to treat his elfish staff with courtesy and kindness, especially the ones he had saved, like Jemma. He hoped she would accept his apologies when she got over her fright. He knew from past experience that it was best if he left her to come to her own decisions in such matters without any interference on his part. He just couldn't understand why it had happened at all. He certainly hadn't felt threatened by her. He had no control over the burst of magic that had taken him just as much by surprise as it had the little elf. He was still sitting there in confusion and discomfort when Siri entered the kitchen several minutes later.

As soon as Siri entered the room, he could tell his father had a headache forming, just by looking at him. His eyes were dull and lifeless and there was a slightly strained set to his mouth…always a sure-fire indicator of when Severus was in pain. But only if you knew where to look and what to look for.

"Good morning, Da." He said, softly, mindful of his father's condition. "Happy Birthday."

"Thanks." Severus murmured and groaned softly as a stab of pain shot through his temples.

"Migraine?" Siri asked quietly. "Can I help?" He added when Severus gave the briefest of nods.

"Dobby tells me that you've had a bit of a problem this morning." Siri spoke softly as he stood behind his father's chair. "Care to tell me what he meant by 'very powerful, very dangerous' magic?" He added and reached out to pull Sev's head back against his chest. As he touched his father's forehead, he was zapped by the same blue-white charge of magic that had burst from Sev when Jemma touched him .

"Whoa!" He yelped and jumped back. "What the Hell was that?"

"I'm not sure why it's happening, but I do know a defensive blast when I see one." Severus replied, a hint of awe in his voice. "I wasn't feeling threatened by either you or Jemma when she touched my sleeve. It just…happened. I hope she allows me to apologize to her soon."

"Do you think it might have to do with those charms?" Siri asked cautiously. "I mean, it is your birthday, maybe they will break today just like Professor Dumbledore suggested they might? And don't worry about Jemma. Dobby said she was alright, just very worried about her Master Severus. She'll be around soon."

"I'm relieved to hear that I didn't hurt her." Severus said, the relief clearly evident in his voice. "As for this business with these charms." He growled in frustration. "I, for one, hope they do get on with it. I am not comfortable wandering around here out of control of my magic. It isn't safe for anyone." He leaned forward and rested his head in his hands, rubbing his temples with his long, slim fingers.

"Maybe you should go back to bed?" Siri suggested gently, chewing on his lip with worry. "I can't help you and I know a pain potion won't help. A darkened room might be your only option."

"I'm alright for now, son." Severus reassured the worried teen. "If it gets too bad, I'll go lie down, but for now I want to get some work done."

"Oh no you aren't!" Siri laughed quietly. "It's your birthday and you aren't doing anything but enjoy yourself today."

"I suppose you have some ridiculous party planned in order to surprise me, don't you?" Severus remarked dryly. "I don't really feel like celebrating, Siri."

"No, nothing like that Dad." Siri said quietly. "It wouldn't be right without Mum here to celebrate with us. The party comes after we get her home. Deal?"

"Deal." Severus smiled briefly and winced as pain shot through his temples once more.

"I do have a birthday surprise for you." Siri ventured hesitantly, concerned by the look of pain on his father's face. "I've been planning it for months, but now I'm not so sure I should give it to you."

"You've been planning a birthday gift for me for months and now you don't think you can give it to me?" Severus raised an eyebrow as he looked up at his son, regretting that move immediately as pain spread across his forehead, making him cringe. "Why on Earth would you put so much effort into a gift and then change your mind about giving it? It surely must be something very special if you put this much planning into it."

"I thought it would be something special at the time I arranged it, but recently, I have had reason to doubt my choice." Siri answered softly.

"Why don't you give it to me before anyone else comes down and we'll see if you were wrong while we're alone?" Severus suggested mildly, curiosity tingeing his voice. He was quite intrigued to see what it could be that had his son so hesitant all of a sudden.

"Um…okay, if you're up to it." Siri said quietly, turning away. "You'll need to get your cloak and follow me."

As Siri led him across the frozen grounds and closer to the stables, Severus' curiosity grew by leaps and bounds. He wondered what it could be that Siri would have had to hide it away out in the furthest corner of the estate. The pain of his headache wasn't getting any worse and he was relieved to realize that it wasn't a migraine after all, making mental note to grab a pain potion as soon as they returned to the house.

A few feet away from the stable doors, Siri stopped. "Wait here and I'll go and get it for you."

"Alright." Severus frowned and shifted from one foot to the other. He was a little unsettled by how grave Siri sounded. His subdued manner had Severus concerned over his possible reaction to this mystery gift.

As he stood there, mildly shivering in the snow, he could hear Siri murmuring inside the barn and he tilted his head, trying to make out what was being said. His heart leapt into his throat when he heard the telltale clicking of Siri's tongue, followed by the distinct sound of shoed hooves on the cobblestone floors of the barn. He closed his eyes on a flood of emotion and schooled his features into as neutral an expression as he could muster.

Siri watched his father's face closely as he led Abeo out the double doors and into the yard. He stopped a few feet away and waited nervously, his fingers gripping the lead for dear life. He swallowed hard when Severus didn't move or say anything., noting his father's old 'mask' was securely in place

"I'd like you to meet Abeo, Da." He said in a mere whisper, but his voice carried well in the clear, frigid, winter air. "Happy Birthday." The horse snorted in agitation and shifted nervously, sensing the tension in the air. He gave his head a little toss and snuckered nervously, a low sound in his muscular throat.

Severus stepped forward instinctively and immediately murmured in the horse's ear, rubbing his muzzle to calm him. As he talked quietly, his smooth deep tones soothed over Abeo's head and his ears swiveled with interest as he listened to the tall man speak. He pressed his nose into Severus' hands, quieting, immediately trusting him. Overcome once more by emotion, Severus' eyes filled with tears and he pressed his forehead against the broad face of his gift and slowly stroked the thick winter coat covering the horse's neck. His headache grew in intensity as his sinuses filled and increased the pressure in his head, but it still was nothing at all like the pain of a migraine. With a migraine, he wouldn't be able to walk by now.

"Dad?" Siri called, alarmed by his father's near silence and tear-filled eyes. "I'm sorry! I didn't think about how you would feel about it. I just thought it would be a really great gift. I'm so sorry…I can have Mr. Gyles try to sell him for me and I'll get you something else for your birthday."

"No, Siri." Severus took a deep breath and sniffed. "It's not that, it's just…he looks so much like my Abeo, I was overcome with a flood of memories. He's perfect, so, so beautiful. Thank you very much. Really." He smiled briefly and his eyes traveled back over the beast before him.

"You're not upset? Angry?" Siri asked uncertainly. "Call me an impulsive, headstrong, 'consequences be damned' Gryffindor?" He smiled ruefully at the last and Severus shook his head.

"No, son. I'm very happy with my gift…even if you are an impulsive, headstrong, 'consequences be damned' Gryffindor." He flashed a watery smile and patted the horse's shoulder. "I never realized how much I missed having a horse around until I saw him. How on Earth did you find one that looked so much like my Abeo? And is his name really Abeo or is that merely your suggestion for a name?"

"His name really is Abeo and he was named after his ancestor." Siri grinned happily now that he knew he had done well in choosing this gift. "I went into the office after that night last summer and I looked up the sale's records. I discovered who grandfather had sold him to and tracked him down. He took over for me and conducted a thorough search of possible owners who might have another horse, descended from your Abeo, that would look the most like him. Abeo, here," He nodded, "was the only one."

"He is nearly identical." Severus looked the animal over more closely and smiled. "I think he's just a bit taller than my Abeo and slightly more broad in the face. But I like that. Is he schooled?"

"Yes, he has been trained." Siri replied. "Mr. Gyles' son, David, has been training him for us. He's ready for you to ride if you're up to it."

"My headache appears to be just that…a headache." Severus remarked. "It's too cold for any lengthy riding today, but perhaps just a circle of the yard to get a feel for him. Then he'll go back in the barn where it's warmer."

Siri stepped back as Severus swung himself up on the horse's bare back. It wasn't his preferred way to ride, but he figured just this short ride wouldn't matter either way. "Come on Abeo, let's tour the grounds for a bit, shall we?" With a squeeze of Severus' boot heels, the horse responded immediately to the command and the two of them made a circuitous route of the side garden and back to the stables. Each step the horse took jarred Severus' head a little, but the pain wasn't one he couldn't deal with.

Siri watched the two of them, circling, as they made the round and returned to the yard. He couldn't help the broad grin on his face. He had made his father happy and it made him happy to see his father enjoy the gift. He was amazed at how well his father handled the horse. He was stunned by how magnificent the two of them looked. His father's posture, ramrod straight spine and squared shoulders, with his cloak spilling down his back and over Abeo's flank, the proud manner in which the horse held his head and carried himself, was an impressive sight to see.

Severus dismounted and led Abeo into the barn, settling him into a warm stall. He grabbed a brush and slowly began to stroke over the horse's thick winter coat. As he worked, he talked softly to the horse, who stood attentively listening to the soothing sound of the deep baritone coming from the tall man. When he had finished brushing him thoroughly, he waved his hand and a sugar cube appeared in his large palm. He offered it to the horse, who took it carefully from him.

"How's that as a reward for being the best birthday gift I've ever received, eh boy?" Severus grinned as he watched the horse munch happily on his treat. "I don't want you to expect that all the time, mind. It'll be carrots from now on." Severus warned and he smiled over the horse's back at Siri. "Thank you Siri. I really love him. You picked out the best gift I ever could receive, except for your Mum coming home, of course."

"That present arrives in a few more days…be patient!" Siri smiled softly, full of confidence that spoke volumes of his determination to make sure they were successful in bringing his Mum home to them. "Mum will be home soon and we'll all be able to relax a bit and finally get back to our lives."

"I pray so, son." Severus patted Abeo and closed the stall.

"I can teach you to ride, that is, if you really meant it when you said you wanted to learn." Severus offered tentatively as they walked back to the house.

"I'd really love to learn." Siri nodded, an excited twinkle in his emerald eyes. "I did mean it when I said that I hoped you could teach me and that it would be something that the two of us could do together

"Very well." Severus smiled contentedly. "Your lessons will start as soon as we get a little more time."

"I look forward to it. Perhaps after Mum is home?" Siri ventured.

"That sounds about right to me, son." Severus said quietly, his thoughts turning again to his Lady. "Thank you again for Abeo. He is magnificent. I'm glad you took the chance and gave him to me anyway, even though I was less than accepting of the idea before."

"It's alright, Dad." Siri smiled. "I'm sure that losing the first Abeo was very upsetting for you. Your reluctance in having horses around was very understandable." Siri reassured him quietly. "Part of my problem at that time, though, was that I already had him!" He laughed softly as Severus shook his head, ruefully, thinking, 'Typical Gryffindor! Act first, ask questions later.'

As they approached the conservatory doors, they slid open silently and the two men stopped in their tracks, staring at each other. Severus tilted his head and rolled his eyes in a gesture of unsettled discomfort, knowing he had simply thought about entering the manor and the doors had immediately responded to his unspoken request. It was happening more and more and he was very unsettled by the magnitude of the power it would take for such things to occur. A shiver of fear for his family's safety ran up his spine as he thought of the horrific possibilities of that much power being out of his control.

Sensing his father's agitation, Siri reached out to place his hand on Severus' shoulder to reassure him and purple sparks crackled between them like an electrical charge. Curious, as there appeared to be no threat from the magic, almost an accepting feel, as if the magic knew he was no threat to his father, he continued to wave his hands close to Severus' body. The two of them stared in fascination as the fingers of magic danced and crackled between the father and son.

Siri continued to 'experiment' with his father's magical responses by approaching Severus with different intent. If he behaved aggressively, as if to harm Severus, the bolts were the bright blue-white of a defensive blast. If he simply ran his hands down Severus' arms in a comforting and loving way, the magic turned to a deep regal purple and felt as warm as a hug to both of them. When he held up his hands in his healing gesture, the bolts changed to the soft blue-ish white glow of Siri's healing magic. As they continued to experiment, Remus and Sirius entered the room and stood very still, watching with enthralled expressions on their faces.

"What's going on guys?" Remus asked quietly as he watched the different-coloured fingers of magic crackle between the two dark-haired men.

"It's Dad's magic." Siri answered just as quietly. as his hands moved over Sev's chest and the regal purple glow danced between them. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"Let me try." Sirius stepped forward eagerly and carefully reached out to his friend. The magic that crackled between them was a deep, luxurious green.

"Oh wow!" Siri exclaimed softly as he stood back and watched the display.

"That's very interesting." Remus observed, a concentrated and analytical expression on his face. He reached out to experiment with he and Sev's magic. "Ours is dark blue." He marveled. "This is unbelievable!" He shook his head in amazement.

"Dad, do you feel any differently?" Siri asked curiously

"No. I feel the same, fine, other than being a bit unsettled by it all." Severus shrugged. "I'm wary of it, what with not being sure what to expect."

"That's very understandable." Sirius nodded and dropped his hands. "I've never seen anything like this. Have any of you?" The other three men merely shook their heads and the group made their way to the kitchen.

Draco and Sonya were seated and eating their breakfast, talking and laughing quietly. They were slowly getting to know each other better and their mutual love for Remus was pulling them closer together.

Good morning greetings were passed around as everyone settled into their respective places. Ron and Hermione came shuffling in shortly behind the rest and began to fill their plates as well.

"I have something I want to say." Sonya spoke up suddenly and drew everyone's attention as she got to her feet. "First of all, I want to wish Severus a very Happy Birthday." She smiled in his direction.

"Thank you." Severus smiled briefly in return and took a sip of his coffee to mask the flush of pleasure he suddenly and unexpectedly felt at being acknowledged for such a simple thing as the day he was born. It didn't sit quite right with him, but he suspected that he could grow to like it.

"That's not all, Sev." She continued. "We…" She gestured toward Remus and Draco. "all of us, owe our lives to you and Juno in some way." She looked to Remus and Draco when they rose to stand beside her. "The two of you, for whatever reason, have given us the opportunity to live full and happy lives and we will forever be grateful to you for that." Tears glittered on her lashes and she smiled through them as Remus reached out and pulled her up close to his side, Draco on his left, standing very close.

Remus took up his coffee cup and raised it high. "Happy Birthday, Severus. Thank you for everything you've given us; a purpose, a future, a long life and a chance at true happiness." Remus' voice sounded thick with emotion and he swallowed a huge lump in his throat with his toast to his friend. The others followed suit with their best wishes and toasted the symbolic head of the eclectic Snape household.

Overcome by a flood of emotion that left him speechless, Severus did the only thing he could think of to do. He fled the room.

Siri moved to follow him, but Sirius grabbed him and pulled him back, saying, "Let me, Pup." Siri nodded wordlessly and sat down as Sirius followed Severus from the room.

He found him in the sitting room, staring at the portraits. Tears were filling his eyes and he was fighting for control. Sirius sat next to him and watched him steadily for several moments, not saying anything, simply giving Severus the time he needed to regain his composure.

Sniffling softly, Severus turned his gaze to his oldest friend.

"I'm sorry." He apologized quietly. "Sonya and Remus blind-sided me just now. I didn't handle it very well."

"Sev, there's no need to apologize for anything. We all understand how rough it is for you right now." He smiled sadly. "I just wanted you to know that I'm here for you, Shadow. Any time." He carefully placed his hand on Sev's thin shoulder and the green magic crackled between them.

Severus remained silent, but his gaze traveled back to Lily's portrait and Sirius' eyes followed. "I never really apologized for doubting you all those years ago, Paddy. I kick myself when I think of my behaviour. Deep down inside, I knew, just knew, there was no way in Hell you would have betrayed us. But Merlin Paddy! I was so destroyed inside! I loved her more than my life and she was gone. I didn't care who paid, but I wanted someone to. They said it was you and I chose to believe them despite what my heart was telling me." He choked back a hard sob. "Please forgive me for being so…"

"Hey! Severus…stop it now. This is all over and done with. I never blamed you for one minute and you know it!" Sirius stopped the downward spiral his friend had been about to step into. "We all know who is to blame for the suffering we've gone through." He ground out angrily as his mind went to thoughts of what Peter had done to them. "You don't need my forgiveness at all, but, my friend, you seriously need to forgive yourself. There was nothing else you could have done…well, except for walk away from the whole wizarding world and we know that was never even considered an option by either you or Lily." Severus nodded silently and sniffed again.

After several long minutes of silence, Sirius spoke barely above a whisper. He was staring up at Lily as she smiled down at them, her face forever captured in it's youthful beauty. "You're one very lucky man, Severus Snape." His voice carried a hint of sadness. "You've had two beautiful and exceptional women to love you in your life. Have you any idea how blessed you are?" He shook his head and sighed.

Severus' eyes turned to Sirius and sharpened in intensity. "Your time will come Sirius." He spoke reassuringly. "You watch and see. One day, when you least expect it, you're going to open your eyes and there she'll be…an angel sent from heaven…just for you and you alone." Severus smiled as he thought about how ridiculous it sounded to his ears when he said it out loud, but that was exactly how he had felt when love had hit him right between the eyes…both times. "I know it. You wait and see." He squeezed Sirius' arm and looked back up at Lily and she was grinning broadly and nodded in fervent agreement with her husband.

His thoughts turned to Juno as he spoke, quietly reflecting on his feelings. "I never thought there'd be anyone else for me after I lost Lils. You know? I loved her so much, Sirius." He whispered softly. "Juno was a complete and sudden surprise. She was in and behind the walls I had built around my humanity before I knew what hit me. Now I miss her so much Paddy! I can't lose her too. I can't go through it again, I just can't." He swallowed hard and looked down at his hands, studying the splatter pattern his tears made on the backs of them.

"She'll be home in a few more days." Sirius declared firmly. "This rescue is going to go according to plan and your Lady will be home where she belongs. I swear it, Sev!"

"I know." Severus replied. "I have to believe it or I'll lose my mind."

"That's right." Sirius nodded. "And we definitely have had enough of you being out of your mind, thank you very much." He smiled ruefully and Severus snorted mildly. "Are you going to be alright, Shadow?"

"Yeah, I think so. Thanks Paddy. I just need a little time to myself." He smiled briefly. "Tell everyone not to worry, I'm fine."

"What're friends for?" Sirius asked lightly. "I'll leave you to yourself for a bit, but it's your birthday, mate and we're going to do something to mark the occasion!" He left Severus alone before the fire once more, studying the portraits surrounding him.

When his gaze traveled to his mother's portrait, he rose to stand before her.

"Happy Birthday, Severus." She smiled down at him.

He ignored her wishes and asked quietly once more, "What secrets are you keeping from me, Mother?"

He never really expected an answer and was mildly surprised when she smiled even wider and her gaze dropped to the table before him. As she nodded, he looked down and spotted a parchment propped against the fruit bowl in the center of the table below her portrait.

"Hello…what's this?" He murmured as he picked it up and inspected it, turning it in his hands.

"My darling Severus" looped decoratively across the front of the thick, yellowed-with-age, piece of parchment in his mother's elegant script. The edges were brittle and it smelled musty and pungent from dampness and age. It was sealed with the Snape Family Crest in deep forest green sealing wax and the edges of the seal were also brittle and crumbling slightly with age.

He gently broke the seal after glancing up at his mother's portrait image once more. She nodded reassuringly, not speaking another word. He noted the worried look on her face and his curiosity grew. He wondered if, perhaps, this letter might reveal the charms placed upon him and the reasons for them. He felt a shiver of apprehension as he carefully opened it, barely noticing all that fell to the table. He picked up the letter, leaving another parchment to lie on the table face up before him. He didn't bother to look at it as he began to read the letter.

'My darling child,

What I am about to reveal to you will no doubt cause you great distress. I know it will make you angry with me and you will most likely feel as if you have been betrayed by me, and that I regret above all else. I chose your fortieth birthday in the hopes that, perhaps at this age, your young mind would be mature enough to understand and accept what I am about to say.'

Severus felt a shiver of dread, but continued to read on, fascinated by what the page would reveal.

'Many, many years ago, as a young woman, I met and fell in love with a wonderful man. We planned a bright and life-lasting future together. But Fate often plans things differently for us and we were parted.

Not too long afterward, I met and fell in love with Artemis Snape and we planned our own bright and life-lasting future together. He too was a wonderful man in his own way. We built our life together and I was happy and content. I had my husband and my children and a secure and happy life.

Once again, Fate decided to step in and lead me down another path. It had to be Fate that caused us to meet that day in London. Fate that ensured we shared those few stolen, precious moments. Not intending to bring us together for life, but to show us that we had made the right choices…and to give you to me.

I truly believe that you, my precious one, are a gift. One that was bestowed upon me as a reminder of the power and endurance of true love, but also as a reassurance that you can give that up if it isn't the right path for you. I will always have you to help me cope with the loss of your father and the life we could have had if things had gone differently.

I know that if you are reading this, I am no longer able to tell you myself and explain it all to you. I am truly sorry for that. It should have been that way for you, my child.

The locket enclosed with this letter is all I can give you of your true heritage. I can tell you his name and not much more. His story, I fear, may be tragic due to his choices.

Severus picked up the locket and popped the case open. Inside were two tiny and faded photos. The woman on the left was most definitely his mother, but he couldn't remember her ever being that young. The man on the right side of the locket was vaguely familiar to Severus and he wondered if he may have met him in his lifetime. He shook his head and went back to the letter.

Your real father's name is Grigori Rozputka. He doesn't know you exist for him. We never saw each other again after that day we spent together. The day on which you were conceived.

Severus felt a cold chill run up his spine as he read the name before him, but he continued to read as if he had no choice but to finish his mother's letter.

He had chosen to follow a powerful and dark wizard who was just beginning to make himself known. This man arrogantly renamed himself, Lord Voldemort. He and his followers had an insane notion of purifying the wizarding world by eliminating all Muggle-borns and I fear, even half-bloods. Grigori felt that this man was right. He believed that the wizarding world was fragile enough without diluting our blood! I couldn't accept that. It was the reason we eventually parted. I gave him a choice between me and following this man who was rising to power. Grigori chose power over love. I do not know if your father is still alive. There is no way to know what the future holds for us.

Please know, above all else, that I loved you with all my heart and with every fibre of my being. I did what I thought was best for all of us; Grigori, Artemis and you, my darling boy.

I know that, sometimes, our choices aren't always easy or even the right ones to make and they often cause us many regrets. I chose to keep you, love you and cherish you. I have no regrets for that.

I am sure you have been noticing odd occurrences lately, especially with your magic. I began to notice signs of amazing power from you at a very young age. I suspected that this came from your very powerful bloodlines. The combination of my family and Grigori's has the potential for mind-boggling power and talent. For this reason, I cast very ancient concealment charms upon you to mask your true heritage, rein in your incredible power and possibly conceal any resemblance you may have to Grigori. I used strong protection charms to assist in harnessing your magical core until such time as you were mature enough to handle them as well as protect you from being exploited should it be discovered how truly powerful you are. The spells should have started to fade away the closer you got to today and I am sure over the next few days you will reach your full magical potential.

Again, I am so sorry I could not be the one to reveal all of this to you in person. It should have been that way for you, my child.

I'll love you forever, my little one,

Mother'

Severus had begun to shake as soon as the tone of the letter registered in his brain. The page blurred as his hand trembled. The tremors moved up his arm and traveled down the length of his body as he was overcome with a myriad of mixed emotions, combined with deep, soul-shaking shock as his reality was knocked out from under him.

Denial was the first reaction. "This is stupid, someone's idea of a joke." He shook his head jerkily as he refused to accept the words before him. He ran a hand through his hair and leaned heavily on the table. He took a deep, gasping breath and squeezed his eyes shut tightly. He opened them slowly and was staring down at one name…Grigori Rozputka. To the left of the name it bore the title…Father. And above it, in enchanted golden script were the words…Birth Certificate.

CRACK!

Severus felt something in the room behind him split open. Inside his body, the spells holding back his magic burst apart and unleashed the power within. He dropped the letter as it burst into flames, incinerated, as magic began to pour from his hands.

There was a loud SNAP! and he fell to his knees with an agonized shout when pain filled his body. Magic poured from his eyes and his fingertips.

CRACK!

Beams of golden magic burst from his chest and the force of it threw his head back, snapping his neck painfully and bending his back in a sharp curve, his head nearly touching the floor behind him

He screamed in pain, the sound ripped from his lungs and ringing in his ears as he felt the magic tear through him, pour out of him and roll away from him like a giant tidal wave.

BANG!

Like an explosion, glittering swirls of magic burst from him. He was still screaming, his voice raw and agonized, but now he couldn't hear a thing but the roar of magic filling every corner of the manor. Waves of visible magic filled the halls and sloshed around corners like a great flood. It splintered doors and doorframes, blasting them from their hinges. Mirrors, pictures and windows cracked and shattered along the corridors, bursting from their frames as the magic crashed over and through them.

In the living room at the opposite end of the manor, a boom resonated through the floors. They continued to shake as the occupants, Remus and Sonya, jumped to their feet and looked about wildly.

"What was that?" Sonya shouted over the roar that was surrounding them, deafening them.

"No idea!" Remus shouted back struggling to remain on his feet and help Sonya do the same.

The door suddenly slammed open, shattering and sending splinters into their hands as they shielded their eyes. Grabbing hold of the doorframe, they braced themselves against the raging torrent of magic as it engulfed them.

"What is it? Siri's magic?" Sonya shouted in Remus' ear so he could hear her over the roar.

"It's magic." Remus agreed, shouting back as loud as he could. "But it doesn't feel like Siri's!" As he realized what it was, he screamed, "It's Sev!"

"What?" Sonya yelled as Remus pushed off the wall and struggled to make his way down the corridor through magic as powerful and rushing as a raging river in a spring flood.

"I have to find him!" He shouted over his shoulder, not sure if Sonya could hear him or not. She tried to follow him, but was slammed back against the wall as the magic swept her up.

Remus fought his way to the sitting room and was clinging to the wall. The magic had been getting stronger and stronger the closer he came to Severus and it seemed to roll away from something in waves and waves. Glass had shattered as he passed it and the floors had bucked and heaved beneath his feet, making his way even more treacherous, but he pushed on, needing to get to Severus and help him. Toward the other end of the North Corridor near the Main Hall, the ceiling had collapsed and plaster dust hung heavy in the air, choking him and making him cough and gasp for each breath.

Screaming was echoing painfully in his ears and at first it was indistinguishable from the wails the magic was giving off as it filled the manor, but the closer he drew to the sitting room, the clearer it became to him that the horrific, tortured screaming was being ripped from his friend and he grew even more desperate to reach him. He fell to his hands and knees and crawled across the Main Hall and through the shattered door of the sitting room. As soon as he entered the room, the magic slammed him back against the wall and he couldn't move, only watch in fascinated horror the events going on before him.

Severus was on his knees, back arched so far his head was touching the floor. A long, pain-filled scream emanated from his chest. His eyes were closed, but blood was streaming down his face from his eyes. Blood also flowed from his nose, mouth and ears. Magic was rolling off him in waves.

Another BANG!

The magic crashed through open doors, escaping onto the grounds, flattening the trees and destroying the beautiful gardens surrounding the estate. Everyone inside the manor was slammed to the floor as the magic ripped through the home.

Remus stared in awestruck fascination as a full spectrum of colours sparkled and shown about him, rich full reds, deep blues, lush greens and the most regal purple hues, mixed and blended with the palest yellows, pinks and pastels of every shade imaginable. Gold and silver glittered like starlight and the brightest purest white ever to be seen was blinding as the magic was spent.

The ceiling was cracking and chunks of plaster fell around them. The floor had folded away like the lightest-weight silk and left Severus in a perfectly round, flat circle. As the magic had reached a crescendo, Severus had lifted into the air as if he were light as a feather, but when the white light faded away, his body dropped like a stone to the hard floor beneath him. He lie there, unconscious, the blood flowing more freely from his ears, as Remus struggled to reach him.

"Sev!!!" Remus screamed hoarsely, still trying to move off the wall, but nothing happened. There was still a ringing in his ears that was as deafening as the roaring had been, long after the roaring had stopped. Magic was still dripping from the ceiling, not quite liquid, but not smoke or vapor either. Fingers of electrically charged magic still crackled on the walls and it still sloshed around Remus' ankles as he managed to finally struggle away from the wall and fling himself down beside Severus' prone, unconscious form. He frantically inspected him for injuries. Blood was still trickling from Severus' nose and ears, but he appeared to be in no immediate danger.

Remus looked around the room after assessing himself and assuring himself that Severus was fine for the time being. The room was unrecognizable. Severus' fine Corinthian leather sofas were in shreds. The stuffing was strewn about the room and the wood splintered beyond repair. Tables were shattered, their maps and parchments littered about the room. The bar that Severus was so proud of, was demolished. The crystal decanters and glassware were shattered and useless. The ceiling had come down around them and a gaping hole had been blasted through the glass walls of which had been beautiful, floor to ceiling, windows.

The portraits were screaming. Lily was gripping her frame, screaming Severus' name, a horrified look on her face and tears streaming from her eyes. She had been knocked from her peg and was lying on her side leaning against what remained of the bar. Artemis was still stuck to the wall, but he was clearly shaken as he stared at the devastation done to his home. His children shrieked in horror.

Sadistra and Salazar were lying on the floor against each other's frames. They were tilted at such an odd angle they were forced to remain kneeling and clinging to their frames.

Sadistra, too, was calling for Severus, full of fear for her beloved younger brother, even though the man on the floor was years older than she would ever be. Even Salazar, despite his loathing for his younger brother, was alarmed and called to him several times himself. Agnieska was groping at the front of her portrait, as if trying to escape the canvas and run to her baby. She was wailing and screaming for him to answer her, but Severus remained oblivious to the devastation and destruction around him. His teen-aged counterpart was leaning against the wall of his portrait, too shocked and terrified to react in any way other than horrified stillness.

Meanwhile, the magic was still wreaking havoc on the grounds. It battled for release against the powerful wards that protected the manor and the wards wavered under the onslaught of magic. They began to pulse and bulge as the magic strained at their boundaries. Sparks flew where the magic touched the wards and disintegrated it at last, leaving them littered with gaping holes. From the distance, the wards looked as though a great sparkling, swirling dome was rising from the ground. Finally, the wards came crashing down as they lost their battle against the awesome power of the magic that was fighting for freedom. Snape Manor was no longer protected.

Back inside the manor, everyone had been slammed to the ground by the blast as the wards came crashing down. House elves were squealing and scurrying for shelter, frightened out of their wits. The teens had been gathered in the kitchen, busily making a cake for Severus for his birthday. They all huddled under the table, clinging to each other in fear as chunks of ceiling fell about them and the floor bucked and heaved beneath them. Sirius had been in his room wrapping a gift for Severus when the blast hit. He was sent flying onto the bed as it was shoved across the room. He watched as one wall and part of the floor dropped from sight. He crawled off the bed and over to the edge and peered into the kitchen below.

"Are you kids alright?" He called down to them as they slowly and cautiously crawled from beneath the massive table. Miraculously, it appeared unscathed by the recent destruction.

"We're fine, Sirius." Siri called up to him. "How about you? Alright?"

"I'm not hurt, but I'm a little curious as to what the Hell just happened." Sirius replied. "I'm going to pick my way through this mess and see if I can get downstairs. I want you guys to stay where you are. It seems to be a pretty stable and safe spot for the time being."

"We'll stay here until you or Dad comes for us." Siri replied as he settled down to wait beside his friends.

"Good job, Pup." Sirius called. "I'll be there to check on you soon. Do any of you know where Remus is?"

"He was with Sonya in her rooms." Draco answered immediately.

"Thanks. I'll go there first." Sirius commented and his face disappeared from view.

He carefully made his way around the huge hole where the wall of his room and half the floor in the hallway once existed. He made his way to the stairs and halted at the top, staring in horror at the wreckage below him. It looked as if a bomb had gone off and he drew his wand, suddenly on guard as he realized that maybe the manor had been attacked!

He slipped down the stairs as silently as he could and when he reached the bottom of the stairs, he could hear the portraits in the study kicking up a frantic wailing chorus of one name…Severus. He rushed into the room and froze in his tracks at the sight he was presented with. The room was utterly destroyed and unrecognizable. His eyes fell to Remus and then Severus lying on the floor in the middle of the destruction and he rushed over to them.

"Merlin above, Remus! Are you alright?" He cried as he dropped beside them.

"I'm fine, Sirius." Remus answered gravely. "I'm not so sure about Sev."

"What in Hell just happened?" Sirius asked incredulously. "Were we attacked?"

As Remus carefully wiped blood from Severus' face, he answered slowly, "I think the charms just broke and I think Severus might need help, Paddy."

"Where will we put him?" Sirius looked around and there wasn't a clear spot to safely and comfortably put their friend. "I don't know about anywhere else in the manor, but my room is completely destroyed. It only tells me that the rest of the house probably is too."

"Let's just take him down the hall to my old room. We can clear it out well enough for him for now." Remus replied and he lifted Severus into his arms, never happier for his lycan strength in his life.

Sirius rushed through the debris and quickly cleared the way for Remus to follow along with Severus. He cleared a path to the bed and used his bare hands, as well as magic, to scramble and clean off the bed so that Remus could settle Severus into it.

They both took it as a good sign when Severus moaned softly as Remus placed him in the bed.

"Where's Siri?" Remus asked as he brushed Sev's hair back off his face and looked a little more closely for injuries. "Have you seen him? What about the rest of the kids?"

"They're all in the kitchen, safe for now." Sirius replied as he helped Remus loosen Sev's clothes and remove his boots.

"I think we need Siri to come and….do something." Remus gestured helplessly.

"You might be right." Sirius said. "I'll go get him."

"No. You stay here. I'll get Siri." Remus stood back. "I want to check on Dray and Sonya. I left her down at the other end of the corridor alone and it was pretty bad when I left. It only got worse after that. I'm worried because she isn't down here already. She might need help too."

"Better go then." Sirius sat on the bed and tugged the blanket over Sev a little more securely and he settled to wait for Siri to arrive.

Remus halted in the doorway to the kitchen and took in the mess that was left behind in there. The whole manor had been rocked from its foundation from the blast of magic that had erupted from its master.

"Are you kids alright?" He called softly as he eyed a large piece of ceiling that was dangling precariously above their heads.

Draco poked his head out from under the table and when he spotted his father he rushed to him. Remus wrapped him in a fierce hug and closed his eyes in relief. The other teens scrabbled out from under the large table and picked their way carefully to Remus as well.

"We're alright, Uncle Rem." Siri reassured him. "What was it? What happened?"

"It was your dad, Siri." Remus said quietly, grabbing his arm as he went to run off. "He's in my old room and he's possibly hurt. The charms appear to have broken and he's unconscious right now. I'd like you to go and see what you can do for him."

Siri nodded silently and rushed from the room. The remaining group of teens stood looking at Remus with worried expressions on their faces.

"Will he be alright?" Hermione asked, her eyes clouded and anxious.

"I think so. That was a huge blast and it came from Sev, but I think he's going to be fine." Remus reassured her, squeezing her shoulder, his arm still around his son. "I'd like you three to be very careful if you go out into the house. It is basically destroyed and there are some spots where it might be dangerous to even be there. Stay on the main floor for now. I'm not sure how stable the upper floors are. Watch for falling debris and don't go outside! That last huge blast that shook the house was the wards breaking. The manor is exposed on the outside." Remus was speaking in a hushed rush, growing more and more anxious to find Sonya. She still hadn't appeared on this end of the manor and he was worried for her safety. "Keep together and be safe. Do you all have your wands?" He asked quickly.

A chorus of "Yes, sirs." greeted his ears as well as a flash of various wands.

"Very good." He smiled grimly. "I'm off to find Sonya. I haven't seen her since this all started. I'm a bit worried. Stay together!" He ordered as he turned and hurried to the North Corridor.

Hermione took a look at their surroundings and drew a deep breath. "Well, I don't know about you two, but I think a bit of a clean up is in order. Might as well start right here, eh?" She took her wand and began to slowly and carefully clear away debris and repair what could be salvaged. Ron and Draco set to work in tandem repairing the cracked and broken plaster where they could. House elves began to come out from hiding and set to work doing all they could to get the kitchen back in running order.

Sonya carefully assessed herself for injuries as soon as the force of the blast ended allowing her to do so. Her left arm hurt terribly and she assumed it was broken. From the cramped position she was trapped in, it was difficult for her to dig her way out, but she began the slow process of removing the pile from on top of her.

She could hear Remus calling for her from down the hall and she struggled a little harder to get out from under the pile of plaster dust and shattered furniture.

"Sonya!" Remus called loudly, panic in his chest when he saw the wall to Sonya's apartment was no longer a wall, but a pile of rubble sitting right where he had last seen her. "Are you here? Sonya!"

"Remus!" She called back as loudly as she could, coughing as she tried to draw a full breath. What little breath she could take was choking her with dust and debris. "I'm here, Remy, by the wall."

"Where I left?" He asked as panic surged again and he started to dig through the pile in front of him.

"Help me Remy! I can't get out!" She called, sobbing in relief, knowing he was there and that it would be alright. Remus removed a rather large piece of the ceiling and exposed her to the light and she blinked up at him in the sudden brightness. She reached out her arm as far as she could for him to pull her out.

"Oh my God!" Remus cried, digging faster. "Hang on. I'll get you out. Are you hurt?" He was clearly shaken, when he never once thought to use his wand to remove the mess that was covering her.

"I think I broke my left arm." She replied, in a slightly vacant tone, shock taking over now that she knew she was safe.

"I'll take care of you." His voice shook, attesting to how shaken he was to see her buried there. "Do you hurt anywhere else?" He asked as he pulled the last of the large pieces off her and kneeled beside her.

"No, just my left arm. It really hurts, Rem." She said quietly as her shoulders shook, reaction setting in and making her cry.

He scooped her into his arms and carried her to a spot less destroyed and sat her in his lap. He simply held her for a very long time, neither of them capable of talking they were so relieved to be together and safe. When Sonya pushed up from his chest, he gently took her arm and pulled back the sleeve to inspect for a break.

What they saw caused them both to stare in shock and disbelief. Instead of finding the dark edges of the Dark Mark etched into her forearm, there was nothing but pale, unblemished, skin. The Mark had disappeared!

"Remus!" Sonya yelped. "Am I seeing things? Is it gone? Is it really gone?" She was running her hand over her arm, feeling for any sign that there had ever been a Dark Mark burned into her skin. Fresh tears were spilling down her face.

"It's gone, Sonya." Remus reassured her quietly as he, too, felt the smooth skin of her arm. "I don't know how or why, but it's completely gone, love." He wrapped her in his arms, rocking her gently as she broke down heaving great racking sobs of pure happiness and relief, choking out over and over again, "It's gone. I'm free. It's gone."

When she had regained her composure, the two of them spent time putting some of the apartment back into a semblance of order. The furniture, as in Severus' sitting room, was totally shattered and ripped to shreds. They repaired what they could and cleared away the dust and rubble. When they were satisfied that they would at least have a place to sit before the fire and a bed to sleep in that night, they made their way down the North Corridor to join the rest of the family. The first place they went was to check on Severus and see if he had regained consciousness.

They halted in the door and watched in silence. Sirius was sitting in a chair that had seen better days, a worried and anxious frown on his face. Severus was lying on his back, still unconscious, a trickle of blood still trailed from his ear and down into his hair. Siri was bent over him, his hands scant inches from Severus' chest. The soft blue-white glow of his healing power emanated from his hands and spread over the body below it. Siri's eyes were closed in concentration and a sheen of sweat covered his face from his efforts.

He shook his head and started at Severus' head once more. "Come on, Da!" He said urgently. "Let's see those black eyes flashing. Open up, come on!"

"Can you sense what the trouble is?" Remus asked as he came and stood beside the bed. Sonya took up station at the foot of the bed and chewed her lip with worry.

"There's no response." Siri replied, his eyes still closed. "It's not like with you, Uncle Rem. I could sense you all through this. I could feel you responding. I could sense if you were feeling pain, if something I was doing was good or bad for you. With Dad, there's nothing. I can't get a bead on 'him' in there." Siri growled in frustration. "I can't understand why it's different!"

"Do you think there is still a charm in place?" Sonya asked curiously. "Have any of you discovered exactly what charms were on him or what has just happened here today?"

"Well, I think I was the last one to see him before this happened." Sirius said, quietly. "He was really shaken up by the things you two said to him this morning. He said he would be fine. When I left he was just sitting quietly, looking at the portraits. He seemed fine." He shrugged as if to say, he hadn't a clue.

At that moment, Draco rushed into the room and said excitedly, "You guys aren't going to believe what I just found!" In his hands, he held the locket and Severus' Birth Certificate.

Remus reached out and took it from him and stared in disbelief at the things he read on it.

"Oh I think I just might know why we're having trouble reaching Severus." Remus said softly, handing the Certificate to Sonya. She read over it quickly and pressed her hands to her lips.

"He's in shock, Siri." She said quietly. "Focus on that and see what you can do."

"What do you mean, 'he's in shock'? Siri asked, taking the paper from her when she handed it over.

He read through it quickly and sat with a plop on the side of the bed, just a bit in shock himself. "Oh Da." He whispered softly as Sirius grabbed the paper from his hands and read it over for himself.

"Grigori?" He looked up at those in the room with him. "The charms were concealing this?"

"It would appear so." Sonya nodded. "Siri…talk to him. I'm sure he can hear you. We'll wait outside." As the group left the room, the young man turned to his father and took his hand.

"Well, this sure is a funny turn of events, isn't it Da?" He smiled at the irony in the situation. "I guess if anyone can relate, it would be me. I can honestly say, that I know and understand how you feel. I know how much of a shock this was for you and I know that it's going to be just fine. I imagine you're pretty off your game about now. I know I was."

He silently watched his father's face, looking for any signs he was coming back, but there was nothing. He reached out and closed his eyes, his healing power enveloping both of them as he drew on his own experiences with learning about Severus and let it flow into his father. He thought back on all of the good moments, all of the times when he hadn't even known he'd needed Severus, but Severus was there for him nonetheless. He concentrated on all of the things that Severus did to prove he loved him, the care he took with him at all times, even the times he was his usual snarky bastard self, but all of it was infused with the warmth of true, unconditional love. Siri wanted him to know beyond any doubt that it was going to be alright.

"Can you feel me Da?" Siri whispered, still searching for contact from within Severus. "I love you. Can you feel it? It's going to be fine, Da. Come and talk to me. I can help you. I know how you feel."

He felt a flicker, a small ripple of emotion coming from the still figure on the bed.

"That's it Da." He encouraged him further. "I'm right here. I'll help you pick your way through this mess. It's not going to be easy, I'm sure. This is some pretty shocking news, but we'll get through it together, you, me, Mum …and Grigori." He swallowed hard as he said the last, reaction catching up to him rapidly now that the shock was wearing off.

Severus' body jerked suddenly and his eyes flew open. He looked around in bewilderment, blinking rapidly as he tried to orient himself.

"Hey." Siri said softly, squeezing his father's hand. "You've had a bit of a shock. How do you feel?"

Severus' eyes bored into his son's as he drew a huge gasping breath. "It was true, then?" He rasped hoarsely, his throat raw from the screaming.

Siri didn't answer the question right away, he opted to help his father with a drink of cool water first. He held the glass while Severus drank thirstily. "Better?" He asked quietly.

"Better, thank you." Severus said, nodding.

"What happened?" Siri asked. "Are you up to telling me?"

"I just remember reading my mother's letter telling me about…" He gestured vaguely.

"Your true father." Siri said firmly. "I know that much, Da. Grigori is your father. We saw the Birth Certificate."

"There was a letter." Severus looked around. "I think it was burned when the charms broke. My mother explained everything in it, including the reasons she put the charms on me. It would appear that what happened here today, was a result of my power being held back for so long. When the charms broke and I was allowed to reach my full magical potential, the force of all that magic being held in check for so many years suddenly being released caused me to lose control over it completely. Did the place survive? Is everyone alright?"

"Everyone is fine. The house can be fixed. The elves are scared out of their minds, but I've got them focused on cleaning up." Siri reassured him. "I want you to just relax and get your bearings for now. Are you hurt anywhere?"

"I don't think so." Severus frowned. "My arm hurts like Hell, but I don't think it's broken." He rubbed at his left arm absently as he lay thinking over what he could remember of events.

"Let me look." Siri grabbed his arm and shoved his sleeve back and gasped. "Dad! Look! Your Mark is gone!"

"What…?" Severus looked sharply at his arm and ran his fingers over the unmarked skin. "It's gone. I can't even feel where it had been!" He looked up in awe.

"Dad….you know what this means?" Siri said excitedly. "You're free! He can't torment you with it anymore and you're safe. The Ministry has no proof to back up their claims about your being a Death Eater!" He threw his arms around Severus' neck and hugged on him for dear life. "You're free."

"This is too much for me." Severus choked out as tangled emotions warred within him.

"I know." Siri agreed sympathetically. "I'm here for you. We'll get it sorted. Everyone is worried sick about you. Are you ready for them to pounce on you yet?" He laughed softly and Severus couldn't help but chuckle himself.

"Actually, when you get right down to it, I think I need to have them around, just so I can feel …normal." Severus admitted. "I am really shaken about this news. I can certainly see why you had such a hard time. You no longer know who you are anymore."

"That's right." Siri nodded. "It'll pass. You just need to have time to adjust."

Severus nodded and swung his legs over the side of the bed, sitting up fully. "I think I want to go and take a look at my handiwork."

When they stepped into the sitting room, Severus halted just inside what remained of the doorway. He had loved this room. It had been the first one he had converted more to his liking. It was unrecognizable to him and Siri, sensing his devastation, took his arm and pulled him further into the room.

When their presence was noted, everyone rushed forward, talking animatedly all at once, bombarding Severus with questions about how he felt and if he was alright. He stepped back away from the onslaught and Siri shook his head gravely at them, warning them off wordlessly.

Severus made a slow circuit of the room, taking in the ruination. His eyes fell to the portraits, lying in a haphazard pile on the floor. He looked up to where Artemis was still firmly attached to the wall, even though the plaster behind his portrait was missing. He bent and picked Lily up off the floor and held her to his chest. He propped her up against the wall and nodded that he was alright when she asked. He went through the pile and stood each portrait upright against the wall. He had a hard time looking at his mother, but he respectfully answered her when she asked if he was alright. He stood below Artemis' portrait and stared up at him silently for several long minutes. The rest of the family quietly went back to putting things to rights in the room behind him.

"Did you know?" Severus asked softly.

The stern-faced patriarch's expression softened. "No, son, I didn't know. I had my suspicions, of course, but your mother is your fiercest guardian. She wouldn't give an inch."

Severus nodded, his eyes filling with tears as he began to shake once more. Siri stood behind him and rubbed his back comfortingly.

"Severus." Artemis said quietly, his voice commanding attention, despite its low volume. "This changes nothing between us. In my heart and in my mind, you are my son. I raised you, I helped you through all of the bumps and bruises of growing up. I have always loved you and I always will from beyond this point. This changes nothing for me. I am proud to be your father, don't ever doubt that." Severus merely nodded and sniffed softly, still feeling out of sorts.

He looked at the remainder of his family and then came to stand before his mother. He stared hard at her and she stared back, unflinchingly.

"I don't know what to say to you." He admitted. "I am numb with shock and I refuse to say a word about any of this until it sinks in and I have it sorted." She nodded silently and hung her head. He watched her in silence. "You're sure Grigori doesn't know?" He said at last.

She looked up quickly and nodded. "I never saw him again, Severus."

"Hmm…" He murmured, sounding skeptical. "We'll see."

He turned away and looked about the room, fully realizing for the first time, just what exactly had happened and the fact that he had caused such destruction. He looked around at everyone and asked, "You're sure all of you are alright?" They nodded and murmured their answers as they continued to work.

Siri hovered close by, one hand held out as if ready to catch his father should he fall. He was worried by his father's near silence. He had expected, at the very least, a raging full-blown roar of denial, or something along those lines, from his father by now. Sirius and Remus watched their friend move about the room, a lost look on his face. There were more pressing matters that needed seeing to, but neither was quite sure if Severus was up to the challenge facing them. The wards had to be brought back up and they needed Severus in order to do that.

Remus was the first to approach the subject. "Severus, we have something that needs immediate attention."

"What's that Rem." Severus asked wearily, feeling more drained by the moment.

"The wards are down, Shadow." Sirius interjected. "We're going to have to get them up. We're fully exposed out there to any threat…" His voice trailed away as Severus nodded.

"We better get to it then." Severus said sharply, drawing his wand and making his way to the Main Hall. The rest of the men followed along behind him, wands in hand, while Sonya and Hermione continued to sort through the mess inside, concentrating most of their efforts on recovering the maps and diagrams that were crucial to the war effort.

"We'll do this the same as we did when we first moved in." Severus announced. "Each of you take up your station and when I begin, you follow behind." They all nodded in agreement and made their way to their posts in strategic points around the perimeter of the manor.

Severus held out his wand and began the incantation to beginning the warding process. As soon as he ordered the first wave to weave around the manor, his wand shattered into dust and sent him flying onto his back. Siri had been on his left in the line of sight to his father and with a shout took off running to help him. The rest of them came running when they heard Siri shout. As they rounded the house, they saw Siri helping Severus to his feet.

"What happened?" Sirius asked curiously.

"My wand exploded." Severus replied, trying to remain calm as Siri healed a gash across his palm that was caused from a rather large splinter of wand.

"Your wand…." Remus started.

"Exploded." Severus said sharply. "I know, I know…that's a lot of power. I'm getting it."

Remus tried to keep the smirk off his face, but failed miserably. "Aw, come on Shadow! You always said you were going to be the most powerful wizard in the world some day!" He teased.

"When I was twelve!" Severus snorted and started to laugh. "This is really crazy." He shook his head in disbelief. "Do you think I really am…powerful…I mean…really, really powerful?"

"Well, the Pup here, has some pretty awesome stuff going on for him." Sirius shrugged. "It makes some kind of sense that you must be capable as well. Only one way to find out, you know."

Drawing a deep breath, Severus replied, "Well, what say we give it a try. Everyone ready?" He looked around and no one even replied, they just turned to take up their posts once more and readied themselves for Severus to begin.

He closed his eyes and calmed his nerves before he began to set the spells over again. He had no idea what to expect or how to go about it. As he ordered the first wave of magic to begin it's weave around the manor, he could 'feel' his magic shift and comply and he hadn't lifted a finger.

He watched awestruck as thin, gold strands of shimmering magic began an intricate pattern, moving to his right and on to where Sirius was waiting to add his magic to the spell. As the golden strands passed him by, he began his incantation and almost dropped his wand when the familiar lush green beams intertwined with Severus' golden beams and continued past Ron to Sirius' right.

Ron took a deep breath as the gold and green weave approached and raised his wand, ready to start his spell. His magic was a deep blood red and it mixed and swirled with the green and gold, slowly creating a strong and impenetrable barrier.

When the strands reached Remus, his deep, dark blue strands wove in between the others and tightened and traveled to Draco.

His magic was a rich magenta and he was rather impressed and grinned over to his father who was beaming at him, just as excited as his son. His brilliant colours blended into place and traveled to Siri, waiting to his father's left.

He raised his wand and it flew from his hand and he started in surprise as it landed a few feet away. He drew a deep, quick breath and raised his hand as the colorful dome approached him ready for his magic to join with it. The same deep, rich purple of that morning, spilled from his fingertips and wove it's way in and around the other strands, tightening them, drawing them together in spots, making them strong.

Once all of the men had added their spells to the weave, Severus chanted the spell that would complete the bond. They all watched, bedazzled, as the strands continued on their circuit to complete the round back at their origin and Severus' golden threads fused them together stronger than any Muggle weld would ever hold. They gathered together and stood watching the colourful dome sparkle and shimmer in the gathering dusk.

"Rather impressive show, wouldn't you say?" Sirius quipped, slapping Severus on the back.

The men all chuckled warmly and Severus shrugged, a bit embarrassed, but pleased nonetheless.

"Unfortunately, it can't remain this way." Severus deadpanned. "What would the neighbors say!" That brought a roar of laughter from the men that brought the two women over to the shattered windows to look out at the beautiful spectre before them. They carefully stepped over the low wall that remained and joined the men to marvel for a few more minutes in the waning light.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Severus waved his hand and whispered, "Lateo Patronum" and followed the others into the manor, safe once more.