Strengthening bonds

Quirell sat in the deserted living room of Riddle Manor. In front of him was a circle made of salt. On the four cardinal directions sat the four elemental stones. On the South, representing fire, sat a Fire Opal. On the west, representing water, sat the Moonstone. On the North, representing earth, sat the Jade. And on the east, representing air, sat the Sapphire. In the middle of the circle was an ugly looking childlike foetus; Tom had done a ritual to extract himself from Quirell's body and form a foetus of himself using all the energy he had absorbed from Quirell and others through the year. Unicorn blood had helped in it too. Immediately after leaving his body, Tom had ordered Quirell to drink the potion he had prepared for him. It took three days and six doses for Quirell to regain some semblance of health to survive till he gets medical help from an expert or a Potions Master. He had served Tom well. He will be rewarded surely.

In front of the circle was an altar where a crystal goblet was set surrounded by the six Horcruxes. Before leaving school, Voldemort had done a ritual to extract the soul piece within Harry Potter and stored it into a broken toy provided by him, as the soul shard had to be into something that belonged to the previous living owner. Living Horcruxes were tricky things. Though the ritual was painful, Harry Potter persisted. He was a very stubborn young man.

In the goblet was the potion that Tom had prepared using the Philosophers stone. Quirell began to chant in Latin the verses of the ritual that will give Tom Riddle his body when he drinks the potion. After chanting halfway through, Quirell went up to the altar and pointed his wand at the goblet and chanted again. Slowly, white mist rose from the Horcruxes and began mixing with the potion, one by one; first the diary, then the ring, Hufflepuff's cup, Slytherin's locket, Ravenclaw's Diadem, and at last Harry Potter from the broken toy. He chanted for another few minutes and stopped. He brought the goblet near the foetus, held its head and helped him gulp down the potion, slowly and patiently. Once the goblet was empty, he sat it aside and stood over the foetus. Pointing his wand towards the foetus, he chanted with all the power he had. As he finished speaking, light emerged from the four cardinal elemental stones. Amber light shot from the South, pearlescent white from west, Green from the North and Blue from the east. The light created a colourful doom over the foetus and then collapsed into him. It was so bright that Quirell had to shield his eyes against it.

"Clothe me Quirinus." That was when Quirell opened his eyes to see a somewhat 35 years old man with striking features standing in front of him. He quickly picked up the cloak he had taken out earlier for this purpose and helped Tom into it. The man standing in front of him was tall, around 6'2". Brown curly hairs falling till the shoulders looked shiny and soft. His eyes were blue like the depths of the ocean with a little hint of red. His face was attractive with high cheekbones. All in all, he looked nothing like the 50 years old man who had gone to attack the Potters that night. Quirell bowed before him. It was evident that he was extremely tired and exhausted. Tom spoke again, "You have done a great service to me Quirinus. Now go take rest. I will arrange medical aid for you soon."

Quirell could not believe his ears but did not question the generosity. It was all due to the Potter boy and he would take what he was getting without complaint. He bowed once again and proceeded to the guest quarters in the Manor.

Voldemort sat down with two parchments of paper. He had two letters to write. One to the Potter brat and other to his Potions Master. He knew that Severus was no longer devoted to him, seeing all the bloodshed. All the man had ever wanted was to be praised for his talents. What he had got from his service was not what he had expected. Not anymore. He was a valuable ally, especially in his new plans. He would have to salvage what was left of the man's understanding of his earlier causes. Now that he had his mind, he could understand what the brat meant to say. This war was better fought politically not physically. May be he could leave his legacy to an heir? He will think about it later.

Harry was skipping on his feet when he reached King's Cross. All through the journey, he had remained chirpy and excited. His friends had been wary of him due to his childlike glee and constant chatter. Though they did discuss the first phase of their animagus transformation. He also told them that Severus has promised to brew them their first potion which would help them determine their forms. The twins and Lee were officially Now part of the plan. After the summers, they would see how far they are in the process. If someone thinks they have reached the phase where they are ready to take the potion, they will write to each other, then set an appointment with Severus. That plan was quickly cancelled as Harry still had to make his godparents understand that Snape was a good man, Neville's gran won't permit him, Draco was spending most of his holiday in France with the extended Malfoy family there, and Blaise did not know yet where he would be but he won't be in England for sure. So, only the twins and Lee had somewhat of a chance to make it to meet Severus if they did convince him. So the plan was dropped and they decided to just keep meditating till school reopened. Now that he was at the station, he could not wait to spot Sirius and Remus. As soon as he spotted them, he ran to give Sirius a hug. Sirius stiffened but then gave Harry a warm hug. Harry flushed at his excitement but could you blame him? He was meeting his godfather after so many years in all the senses.

They went home, happy. Turned out they were not living in Grimauld Place. Harry looked confused and curious. Remus laughed and said, "We are in the outskirts of London, Brockenhurst, Hampshire to be exact. There's a forest around the area and a stream just at the back of the house. The forest on this side is a magical one whereas on the other side towards the town is a muggle one but as it is very thick, not many people like to enter it. So, do you like it?"

"Like it? It's bloody amazing."

Both Sirius and Remus looked pleased by Harry's excited exuberance. "Cub, you must be tired. How about you wash up and take some rest and let us cook something for lunch?" , Remus said.

"Uh.. Okay." Sirius led him to his room. When Harry entered, he could not believe his eyes. Towards the back wall ,at one side of the room, was a double sized four poster bed with red and gold bedsheets and draperies and a golden pullover blanket which looked fluffy and warm. There was a fireplace on the other side beside which was a floor to ceiling bookcase, partially filled with all sorts of books, (that was absolutely Remus, Harry was sure). In front of the fireplace was a coffee table with a couch on one side and wingback comfy looking chairs on the opposite sides beside each end of the couch. They were all in a darker shade of red. The floor was covered in rugs which were again dark maroon. The walls luckily was done in a earthy brown. Above the mantle were various pictures from Harry's childhood. There was an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. On the opposite side of the door was a big window which looked out into the back garden and stream and it's window sill was padded in brown leather. Beside the door, on the right side, was a table with a comfy looking padded chair. The drawers were filled with writing supplies. On the table was a sketch book and charcoal pencils. "How did you know?"

"Well, you liked arts since you were a kid but I may have had some help from your friends."

"When did you talk to them?"

"Well someone had to tell them to send you up to Dumbledore's office obviously."

Harry gave a brilliant smile at that and hugged him tight. "All right, alright. Don't get all sentimental. There is one more place that I want you to see so now freshen up and take some rest. We will explore more after lunch." With that, Sirius left.

Harry sighed in contentment. This was what he had missed last time. He felt so warm and loved. Now only thing to do was to convince Sirius that Severus is not so bad after all. That was going to be a conversation he was dreading. He called Sally and asked her to arrange everything and remain invisible till he gathers his courage to tell Sirius and Remus everything (everything except the child of death thing). Sally first handed him over some comfortable clothes to put on and began to work.

After lunch, both Sirius and Remus showed Harry the rest of the house. It was not a very big house, for which Harry was grateful. The ground floor had the kitchen, the dining area, the living area, which had the floo, and a massive library which dominated most of the ground floor space. Harry could see books in all subjects imaginable (sans the supposed dark arts apparently). Harry instantly fell in love with the room. Remus chuckled seeing the gleam in Harry eyes and said, "I told you he would still be after books." At Harry's questioning look, he clarified, "When you were young, you always wanted someone to read to you. Mostly it was me. I always knew you would be a book lover when you grow up. That is why I set up a small library for your bedroom too. Did you like it?"

"I loved it. Thank you." With that Harry gave Remus a tight hug. He was feeling embarrassed that he had become such a cuddler in this new life. But what could he do? He did not get to hug many people in his old life. The ones he did hug, Hermione, Ron and Ginny… he did not want to think about them now and spoil his mood.

The first floor consisted of bedrooms, four to be precise. One master bedroom which was being occupied by Sirius now. Across from him was Harry's room. Beside Sirius's room was the room Remus was living in right now. Apparently, he did not want to continue to be a burden on Sirius but Sirius had somehow convinced him that he needed help till Harry is here. Harry knew that Sirius will have some other excuse ready by the time it was time for him to leave for school. The room beside Harry's was empty right now. Each room had en-suite bathroom and closets and were fully furnished. Sirius said that room could be used by his friends if ever he wanted to invite them. There were two study rooms on each side of the corridor and was being used by Sirius and Remus respectively.

The third floor consisted of another four rooms, fully furnished, to be used as guest rooms. There was a big sitting cum play room on that floor too. The most amazing though was the attic which they had converted into a studio. There were broad shelves covering two walls, the ceiling was transparent to let in natural light during the day and the walls had magical lights which looked like muggle LED (or were those muggle LEDs charmed to glow using magic?) Which could give light during the night or when it would be cloudy outside. On the opposite wall to the door were two large windows, running from floor to ceiling. It also looked outside to the back garden and stream but as it was at a greater height than his bedroom, it looked beyond to the forest too. It looked magnificent. Harry felt like something was calling him towards those forests. It was a rather strange feeling. Harry decided to think over it later.

In the centre of the room was an easel and two more of different sizes on the other side of the room near the shelves. On the shelves on the right wall were colours and charcoal and rolled art papers and brushes and everything imaginable that he could need. Harry felt a warmth wash over him. These two men were so thoughtful. He sent a silent thank you to Death to give him the opportunity to live a life he had always wanted.; a life where he was loved and cared for.

They went back and sat in the living room. Harry wanted to go to the library but Sirius stopped him saying, "Not now pup. I am not going to loose you to the library just yet. How about we talk for some time before dinner and after dinner you could curl up in that big chair and read to your heart's content before sleep?"

Harry smiled and nodded. So, here they were, hot chocolate mug in hand, cookies on the table, talking about everything and nothing. Sirius told him about all the time he and James had played pranks at Hogwarts. Harry told him about the twins and their pranks and that they worshipped the Marauders as their idols. The conversation was easy and peaceful, until… "So pup, who is your favourite teacher at school?"

That's it Harry thought. This was the golden opportunity that he would never get again. He gathered his courage and plunged on like a Gryffindor, "Our Potions teacher, Professor Snape."

Harry could literally see Sirius breathing heavy from his nose and his expression turned grim. "You like Snape?"

"Yes. What is wrong with it?" Harry asked timidly. Remus was trying futilely to hold Sirius's temper by holding his arm. Harry got really scared by that absurd reaction. Sirius didn't even blink an eye after knowing he was friends with a Malfoy (or doesn't he know Draco is a Malfoy? It couldn't be possible not to know by the first look. He looked like a Malfoy) and here he was, breathing like a mad bull by hearing Severus's name. There is more to the story. This can't be just the school boy rivalry.

"Sirius why are you so angry? What happened?"

"You will not go near that git ever again Harry."

Harry could not control himself. With tears in his eyes he said, "No I won't do that. He is the first adult in my life who has taken care of me. And you know I could see he hated you too but when I said I won't come if he doesn't want, he asked me to come and said you loved me and cared for me and that he wanted me to be happy. You would make me happy so he said he will try to be civil with you for my sake. And you cannot even do that for me." With that Harry ran away from there crying. He didn't even know why he was crying. He knew this was going to happen, he knew Sirius would react violently. But the thought of never talking to Severus, who had come to see him as a son and who he had come to see as a father who wanted him, he could not bear it.

After about half an hour, there was a knock on his door. "Go 'way". After a few moments the knock came again, this time followed by the door opening and almost silent footsteps. "Hey cub. Are you alright?" Remus said soothingly. Harry got up and climbed into Remus's lap. Remus was shocked at first, like Severus had been, but he held Harry there and softly said soothing words into his ears. Once Harry was better, he asked softly, "Now tell me cub. Why did you say he was the first adult to treat you well? Surely your aunt and uncle loved you?"

"No they didn't. They hated me. They made me work like a servant. I could cook a three course meal by the time I was five. I mowed the lawn and did the laundry and painted the garden shed. Despite all this I got punished through no fault of mine. Even when Dudley did the mischief I got the punishment."

Remus was shocked to hear that. Every time he had asked Dumbledore, he had said that Harry was doing well and was loved and cared for, that he went for visits every week. "Tell me cub, when did you first meet Dumbledore?"

"I saw him first in the sorting ceremony and talked to him first after a month or so when he called me to his office."

The gears were turning and puzzle pieces clicking into place. "Tell me cub, how did you come to like Severus so much?"

Harry was somewhat hopeful that if Remus knew, he would help him convince Sirius. So he launched into his tale of how he did not know about his allergy and his conversation with Severus in the hospital wing and the bond that they formed since then until their last conversation before the break. Unknown to them both, Sirius had heard it all, standing just outside the room. Harry was hiccupping. His tears had dried and he felt drained. He told Remus, "Uncle Remus? Can I tell you something?" "You can tell me anything cub." Harry took a deep breath. He was playing a gamble here. He wished it would turn out alright.

"Since I was seven, I always have had a strange dream. In it, dad and mum are talking that they didn't want me, that I was a mistake, that I spoiled her dreams and now I was going to take away their lives. They said they should have given me up when I was born. They didn't love me did they?"

Remus did not know what to say. He knew they conversed in front of the child sometimes but for the said child to remember it? It may be his subconscious reminding him of it when he heard similar comments from his aunt and uncle. There was no other explanation for it. "We love you cub. I and Sirius that is. We love you very much and will love you always even if you want Severus in your life. I will talk to Sirius don't worry okay? Does Severus know about your dreams?"

"No. I didn't want him to think that I was an unwanted child. I did not know he loved me as a son until the last day and then I did not have sufficient time to tell him. What if he doesn't love me after knowing?"

"He will always love you cub. I am sure of it. Now how about some dinner?"

"I am not hungry."

"No excuses. Didn't you have medicine to take? I saw you drinking something during lunch. What was it?"

"Oh! Severus gave me my nutrition potion before leaving. It is just one phial. It refills every time I drink it. I have to take it with all three meals. It is for my… ah… malnourishment." Harry blushed in embarrassment.

"You don't have to be embarrassed Harry. I am glad you found Severus when you did. I will bring your dinner upstairs okay. But just for today."

"Can I tell you one more thing?"

"Shoot away!"

"I have a pet snake and I can talk to him."

Remus was shocked, then smiled. "And what did Severus say after hearing that?"

Harry smiled sheepishly and said, "To help him get some potions ingredients without being bitten."

Remus outright laughed at that, "Thought so."

Harry was relieved. He smiled at Remus and climbed down. As Remus came out the door, he motioned Sirius to follow him which he quietly did. Sirius's mind was reeling. Did Severus really care about Harry or was it some sick plan to get even with Sirius? He voiced his doubts to Remus on reaching the kitchen. "Don't be ridiculous Sirius. During the beginning of the year, when this all started, you were in Azkaban and most probably you would have died there. There was no point of revenge when you were not present to see it, was there?"

"That's true but… I just can't believe that that slimy git can do anything nice if his life depended on it."

"And why do you think so? Just because he rejected you? There could be n number of reasons for that you know."

Harry, currently spying on them from behind the kitchen door (thank god for smell suppressing charms, Remus would not know he was being spied upon), could not say what to think. Severus had rejected Sirius who had proposed to him, and unable to handle the rejection, Sirius had decided it would be okay to get Severus killed by a werewolf. This was their rivalry. And Harry was thinking it was something huge. His godfather could be such a jerk sometimes. How will he fix THIS? Harry was in for a long summer. He lightly trudged back to his room and lay down in bed, waiting for Remus.

The next two days was spent in silent contemplating, so, it was a huge shock for Harry to open the door to Severus Snape on the third day of vacation. Harry squealed like a small girl and just hugged Severus tight. After standing there for about a minute, Harry realized who was at the door. He looked up at Severus, "Did I rub the pendent by mistake?"

"No you didn't. Should you have done it? Did something happen?" He looked suspicious.

"No. Nothing happened. I was just missing you." Severus smiled at that, that rare beautiful smile. Something crashed to the floor behind them. Severus looked up and Harry turned around to see that Sirius was standing behind them and had dropped the empty tray he was carrying back to the kitchen (most probably from the living area). His face was gob-smacked as if he had never seen Severus smile (may be he had not). Severus said, "Mr Black. Thank you for inviting me for tea." That broke the trance Sirius was in. "Uh… yeah… it's fine really… no problem at all. Please come sit."

Severus raised his eyebrow, "Where exactly should I sit?" Sirius went from pale to flustered in a moment. Harry just rolled his eyes and pulled Severus towards the Living Room. As soon as they were in the living room and comfortably seated near the fireplace, Harry shot his first question, "Why did you reject my godfather?"

"How did you know about that?"

"I overheard their conversation. But that is not the point."

"What is the point then?"

"I know what you are doing. Don't change the conversation. Why did you reject him exactly?"

"Will my answer effect our relationship?"

"No it won't."

"Very well then. One of his friends threatened me that if I accepted his proposal he will announce to the whole school that we are both gay. Homosexuality was not accepted as easily then as it is now."

Harry literally felt when Sirius and Remus entered the room, Severus did not. So he continued, "So you rejected him because of fear of being found out?"

"Will you believe me if I say I did not fear of my being found out but him? I was already a social outcast. It would not have effected me except may be a few lewd proposals or forceful groping here and there. But Black was one of the most sought out people of the school. And his own friend making the threat, it hurts more when the betrayal is by a person you trust. I… I did not want him to hurt."

Severus was looking down. It was evident he was trying to control his emotions. His head snapped up at a sudden question, "Who was it?" Sirius's voice was hoarse.

"Doesn't matter. You won't believe me anyway."

"You can try." There was sarcasm in his voice. Everyone in the room knew the answer but no one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room.

"It was my father wasn't it?"

Both Remus and Sirius looked sad but Severus could not understand. Why would the child slander his father who he did not even know?

Remus came up near Harry and said, "You should tell him Harry." Tear filled Harry's eyes and he just shook his head. He couldn't. Who would believe it anyway. So Remus asked him instead, coming to sit beside him in the couch, "Do you want me to tell him?" Harry thought for a moment. It was the best choice he could get for now that Severus knew something was wrong, he would go to any length to know what was troubling Harry. So Harry just nodded to Remus and buried his face on his shoulder. Remus launched into the dream that Harry had described and also that Sirius had practically begged James to give Harry to him, that he would raise him as his own but James had refused saying Sirius would turn him like himself, that the wizarding world wouldn't appreciate a fag for a saviour. Harry had an urge to say something at that and he did, "He must be rolling in his grave right now then." Oops. He should learn to keep his mouth shut.

"Harry, do you mean what we are thinking?"

"I… I like someone and it's not a girl."

Harry was blushing crimson right now which increased even darker when Severus said, "Be careful Harry. He could be snotty and possessive at times."

"Who are you taking about?" Sirius asked.

"Well… that's not my story to say, is it?" and he winked at Harry. There was no difference in a tomato and Harry's face right then. Remus snickered at that and turned to Severus, "So Severus, the wizarding world is no more averse to same sex relationships and James is no more alive to make threats. What are your plans now?"

Severus's expression grew sombre, and he got up saying, "Things have changed a lot in the last 12 years Remus. Mistakes have been made which cannot be erased anymore."

Sirius caught his hand before he could leave. "I am sorry Severus. I know I shouldn't have tricked you like that. I admit I couldn't handle rejection. Please give me one more chance."

"I was not talking about your mistakes Sirius. I was talking about mine." It clicked into everyone's mind at the same time what mistake Severus was talking about. But Sirius had kept all his feeling bundled up for far too long. He was not giving up this time. He hugged Severus from the back and said, "I know I had a slight hand in it too if not the whole. And you have seen the errors of your ways much quicker than me. I know and have always appreciated your spying skills, my ego just did not allow me to acknowledge it. Please Severus, give us a chance. Nothing else matters. Let us start a fresh please."

Severus detangled himself from Sirius and turned around. He stood there looking at Sirius's pleading and Harry's hopeful eyes for some time and then extended his hand towards Sirius, "Hi! I am Severus Snape." Sirius took his hand with a broad smile and Harry jumped up the couch, "Yeaahh" his excitement was contagious. Then he quietly asked, "Um… Sirius… would you mind if I changed my room's colour scheme a bit?"

They all laughed and Remus said he would help him redecorate . This is how Severus Snape became a regular guest at the Black house. Turned out there was a potions lab in the basement which Remus and Harry set up with the help of Severus. Now, apart from the library, Harry spent the rest of his time in the lab. He was never left alone there though, much to his chagrin.

They all often sat in the living room most evening and talked about various topics ranging from what Harry should take up as extra reading to future plans of Black-Snape, Hades often curled into Harry's lap or in front of the fire. Sirius and Remus had no idea till now who Harry's mystery crush was and they were unable to get it out of either Harry or Severus. It was one such evening when two owls came pecking at their window. When Remus opened the window, they swooped in and dropped identical envelopes, one in Harry's lap the other on Severus's.

Severus having received such correspondence before immediately recognized the handwriting and went pale. He went paler (if that was even possible) when he saw that the sender of Harry's letter was the same. Harry could see in the very lines of his forehead that Severus knew who was the sender. He was truly caught. He will have to buy his way out of it. He just didn't know how. Guess his penchant to attract trouble had travelled through in this life too.

Severus shakily opened the envelope while Sirius and Remus looked on worried. His suspicions were confirmed when he read the letter

Severus,

Greetings old friend. I know you must have guessed by my handwriting that I am back among the living. I have encountered one little problem though. Quirell, whose body I had been inhabiting for a year, has fallen ill. He has helped me through a lot this last year and I wish him well. Will you help me restore him to health? I am still not strong and able enough to brew those vile smelling medical potions. I give you the choice to deny; something I have never given you before.

Tom Riddle.

Severus was looking at the paper as if the Dark Lord will emerge from it any time. He was giving him the choice to deny? How did he come back? Why was he not raving like the lunatic he was when he died? Then suddenly he remembered about Harry's letter. "Harry. Why has the Dark Lord sent you a letter?"

Harry hesitated at the stunned looks and the murmured the "The Dark Lord"s but plunged ahead, "I… May have… sort of… made a deal with him?"

"What do you mean by a deal?"

"Well… he was our DADA professor… I came to know he is not what he looks in the class when he answered my questions without a stutter… then he called me to his office once and revealed to me who he is… I told him I didn't want to kill anyone. I am just a child. So he made a deal that he will stay away from me if I stayed away from him. I… may have… sort of… told him that mindlessly killing everyone will not give him any power. He should think over his strategies." There. Truth but not the whole. That would suffice for now. He could not tell them about the whole child of Death business. Thanatos would not be impressed.

Meanwhile everyone was looking at him like he had grown three heads. Sirius spluttered, "Did you… did you just say you made a deal with the Dark Lord?"

"Ah… yeesss."

Another long silence and shocked staring. Remus finally broke the silence, "We cannot let you go there alone . Even if Voldemort has had a massive change of heart we cannot take that risk. How about we invite him and Quirell over here? It would serve two purposes. One- you stay in front of our eyes and we outnumber them by three is to two(everyone ignored Harry's outrageous cry) and two- we can gauge his true motive, if it has changed or he is just pretending. What say?"

"I will not put you all and above all Harry in danger. No." that was so much like the insecure git that Severus was.

"Like hell you will. We all know that you will protect us and especially Harry with your life. This topic is closed to discussion. We are inviting him here and you are writing him a letter right now." With that Sirius pulled Severus to go to his study and Remus went to prepare dinner. Everyone forgot that Harry's letter was still unopened. Harry did not complain.

He opened the letter to read.

Mr. Potter,

As was our deal, I have retracted all my Horcruxes and have also gained my body, though I have some how found myself in my 35 years old body. Strange isn't it?

Anyways, I have sent a letter to Severus too as Quirell needs medical attention and I very well cannot take him to St. Mungo's can I?

As for your advise, I have thought over it and truly my addled brain had taken the wrong path which would have destroyed me in the long run. I would like to meet you and discuss your theories further. I know it would be a bit too much for people to know my advisor is a 12 year old boy but we both know better don't we?

Write to me when can we meet. I will wait for your reply.

Tom.

Harry smiled. Tom will know soon when they could meet. If they would find the time alone to really talk things through, now that remained to be seen.

The very next day brought the arrival of the most feared Dark Lord in a century to the humble abode of Sirius Black. Tom and Quirell were led to the living room where the others were anxiously waiting. Harry had to put up a huge fuss to be allowed to stay. All three men were being highly protective of him and they had their reasons too. Harry just didn't want to be treated like a kid when he was not. They could blame it on his approaching teenage for that. He would not correct them.

The Dark Lord gave a charming smile towards Severus when he spotted him by the fire. "Hello Severus. Long time no see."

Severus did not know what to say. He made sure to not show any fear or trepidation in his body language or face. "Hello Tom. Quirell. How may I help you?"

There was a subtle appreciation in Tom's eye which only Harry saw. "If you will please check on Quirinus. The invitation meant you approve of aiding him I suppose?"

Severus nodded and walked to Quirell, saying, "We can talk about… things… later."

Severus cast several diagnostic spells on Quirell , then straightened. "I had expected his body to be in much worse shape. His organs are working okay. He is only magically exhausted. A few strong restoratives and good amount of rest will cure that. What did you give him after leaving his body?"

"A strong healing potion made from the Philosopher's Stone" Tom deadpanned as if it was an everyday occurrence.

"Why, from the school. You do know there was one don't you?"

"Of course I know. But it was still there, safe until the school was closed for summer. You were gone way before that."

"Well let's say. The fake stone may still be there as it is for all I know."

"Fake stone. How did you replace it then?"

"Well let it be a secret for now Severus. You haven't changed at all. Always so curious for information."

Severus looked away. The Dark Lord knew. He knew he had been spying on him before his downfall.

"Don't worry Severus. I have seen the error of my ways. I have planned to call all the death eaters and retract the mark. This time the war will be political. Will you support me?"

"I am no longer an impressionable youth Tom. My allegiance will depend on the agendas you have. The moment your agendas change to anything that will endanger my family, I will be out."

Harry was beaming at Severus, Tom did not understand why but then it donned on him. Severus referred to these people as his family. So there was more to it than he had initially seen.

"I accept it. If you don't mind, can we stay here for a few days? The Riddle Manor is rat infested and dirty. It is not exactly a good place to recuperate."

Sirius was not happy but he thought this was a good chance to know the Dark Lord and his cause. "Very well. You can take two guestrooms on the second floor."

With a nod, The Dark Lord proceeded to the staircase that Sirius indicated. As soon as he was out of the room, Harry ran to Severus (though it was only three steps) and jumped on him. Severus had to catch him or else he would have fallen on the floor and hurt himself. He held Severus tight and said in his most exuberant voice, "You called us your family. Does that mean you are shifting in with us?"

Severus looked at Sirius and Remus who was looking like Christmas came early. "Oh very well. I will go pack anything important tomorrow."

Harry's Squeal of delight made everyone smile fondly at him. But he was not done yet. "Now only one thing could truly complete our family, if only Uncle Moony stops saying he is going to find a home to shift as soon as I am off to school. Say dad, won't Uncle Padfoot become lonely when we both are gone to school?"

Everyone was looking at Harry shocked. "What?"

"You called him dad." Remus pointed out. Harry's eyed widened. Yes he had begun to call Severus dad in his mind. That didn't mean he could frighten the man away. He felt like to bang his head somewhere. He began to squirm to get down saying sorrys and forget he said anythings. But Severus held him tight. "Don't you remember what I said during the beginning of summer? I have already come to see you as a son. It just came as a surprise to call me dad in a casual conversation. And yes you are right and uncle Moony is not going anywhere if he doesn't want his wolfsbane to be contaminated by too much aconite next full moon."

Harry laughed and hugged Severus tight, saying in a whisper, "Dad" as if testing the new word on his lips. Severus's reaction was to hug him tighter and say, "Always". No one noticed a Dark Lord outside the door, looking at the scene with tenderness.

The days leading to Harry's birthday flew by since then. Severus shifted to the cottage which was now officially named Silva Cottage, courtesy of Harry (A/N: Silva means forest in Latin). Harry helped Severus in the lab to make the potions for Quirell and evenings were spent with Sirius who helped him meditate for his animagus transformation. Harry spent the rest of the time in the library, reading over anything that interested him that day. He had decided to take Arithmancy and Ancient runes this time and Care of Magical creatures if possible. Hades had taken quite a liking to Tom who conversed with him like they were old friends. Quirell stayed at a respectful distance.

On the midnight of his birthday, Harry was woken up by three people jumping over his bed. He had almost tumbled down his bed in his haste to get to his wand. Panting, he had yelled, "Don't scare me like that. You could have given me a heart attack."

Sirius just grinned and said, "It's your birthday pup. Happy birthday."

Harry just melted in the group hug that followed. Hearing the ruckus, Tom and Quirell had also came down. So, they too were invited to the midnight cake cutting in the dining area. It was the most delicious chocolate fudge cake he had ever had. Turned out, Severus was not only a Potions Master but a master in the arts of baking too, he was not very good at savoury dishes though. Who would have known, the Potions Master who made everyone gag over his potions could bake something so sweet and soft.

Something changed in the dynamics of their relationship with the resident Dark Lord that night. They saw the human side of the devilish man when he proceeded to smear chocolate sauce over Harry's face saying it was a famous tradition. By the time Harry made it upstairs, even his hair was covered in chocolate sauce.

Within the next 10 days, Quirell was on his feet again. Often in the evenings, he sat to contemplate what he would do next. With Harry's help, he decided that he really liked muggle studies but it was as outdated as the wizarding world. So he decided to spend a year in the muggle world and learn more about their technologies and development and reapply for a teaching post then. Harry convinced him to stay till school started. By that time, Tom would arrange something and may be come to live with him too. He had come to see this young man as a younger brother in the last month that they had spent together in this odd house with its odd members, an emancipated ex-prisoner of Azkaban, a 'hard on the outside soft in the inside' ex-death eater and spy, a werewolf and a child who was anything but a child.

On one evening following this surprising bonding, they sat and discussed another very important topic-Dumbledore. Everyone brought forward their suspicions about his manipulations. Quirell put forward that Dumbledore knew who he was since the day he entered Hogwarts after returning from Albania. It was hard not to with all the wards keyed to him. He theorized that he let him stay to test Harry. Severus agreed. Severus also told about the time he told Albus that Harry was abused, to get him a medical check-up to which he refused and warned Severus when he persisted. Remus said that he could smell his frustration when Remus said everything was legal and set. Sirius said that Dumbledore never tried to make Lily and James see the error of their ways when they were talking of abandoning Harry. What was most astonishing to everyone but Harry and Severus was what Tom revealed. He said that Dumbledore was the one to introduce him to the wizarding world but later abandoned him when he was sorted into Slytherin. With too much pain he said how he was pushed towards the dark arts more than he already was when he was rejected for the Defence post and the job was given to less deserving candidate. It was then that Harry chimed in, "Why don't you come to teach again?"

Tom smiled and said "I plan to. This last year has shown me that I really would prefer shaping the future generations into something who will glorify the wizarding world and improve it. But I would have to take a year off and establish an identity for myself. I plan to apply next session with a new identity. I will leave the politics to people like Lucius, Pius and Corban. They are quiet high in the Ministry ranking as far as I know."

"I don't like Malfoy." Harry made a face.

"And why pray tell?"

"He and his wife ignored my friend all his childhood as if they forgot after giving birth to him."

Gears clicked into place then. "You like Draco Malfoy." Said Sirius. It was a statement not a question. Still, Harry nodded and blushed crimson. He needed to control that. All the blushing and crying and cuddling, how did he change so much between the last life and this?

In a few days, Severus had to leave for Hogwarts as was customary for all teachers. This left the five of them in the house. Quirell often asked Harry questions about different muggle things. He told Harry he would allow him if he wanted to take owls in the subject without taking the class if he is indeed allowed back to the school.

The next day, Harry went for his shopping of school supplies with Remus. Sirius was currently in a deep conversation with Tom over seats in wizengamot and how they could take advantage of it. Harry could not go to Knockturn Alley with Remus there. He would have to find another way. They met his friends outside magical menagerie. Draco wanted a pet. Nobody really knew Draco himself was a cuddler, so it was not very astonishing for him to choose the largest breed of kneazle available, almost the size of Sirius in his animagus form; almost. Harry bought some mice for Hades and replenished Hedwig's owl treats and they left.

The rest of the trip was quiet, Harry having remembered and avoided the date of book signing by Lockhart and thus avoiding the Weasleys too. Though, seeing the useless DADA books, they bought alternate books which Severus had sent as recommendation to Harry. He would convince Severus to secretly train them. Harry had sent the recommendation to the twins and Lee too. Harry had decided to take all the electives and bought all the books. This would not be especially hard for him. Severus said he would do something now that he did not have to fear for the Dark Lord's return. After the shopping, Remus treated them all to ice-cream and then they left for home.

It was not until a week left for school that Harry had a chance to explore the surroundings, what with his newfound talent in painting, specially charcoal sketch, and all the reading and meditating he was doing. Sirius went with him in his animagus form. He crossed the stream which was rather shallow, to enter the forest. They were just ten steps within when in a flash of darkness, a bird flashed onto Harry's shoulder. He was so scared that he did not move a muscle, even to breath. Sirius transformed into his human self and stared at the bird. "It looks like a Phoenix, just black and grey instead of the vibrant fiery colours." Sirius's animal senses were not seeing the bird as a threat, he couldn't understand why. Harry then remembered what his wand maker had said. "It is a Shadow Phoenix. I have read about them. They are extremely rare, rarer than the Fire Phoenix even. And their bonding to a wizard is practically unheard of."

Sirius looked sceptical. Then said, "We should go inside. I think Remus will know better, or even Tom."

With that, they went inside. Harry was thinking why the Phoenix took so long but he had no way to know. Upon telling the others what happened, Tom suggested for Harry to bond with the Phoenix. There was a simple ritual that they performed. It was a blood based ritual that is why Shadow Phoenixes were considered so dark. Harry just had to smear a bit of his blood on the crown of the bird and say he wanted to bond with it. If the Phoenix found him worthy, it will shed it's tear on Harry's cut and it will heal. That will complete the bond. Harry would be able to communicate with the Phoenix through his mind after its first burning after the bonding ritual. Seeing the condition the bird was in, it won't be too long. Most probably, Harry would have one more familiar by the time he reached school. Nothing else was known about Shadow Phoenixes as they were extremely rare. Harry decided to give the Phoenix a name when he could ask it if it liked the name. Hell he did not even know if it was a he or a she yet.

True to Tom's prediction, the Phoenix went through its cycle after just three days. The process was similar to the one he saw with Fawkes, just that the fire was black and smoky. He gave it another day to feel better. They both together decided on the name Diana, after the Latin goddess of forest, moon and childbirth. Of course Diana was a female Phoenix.

On the 31st of August, Tom and Quirell left for their own new adventure. Tom had arranged for a house on the muggle side of the same small town, fully furnished with latest muggle appliances. The next day saw Harry in King's Cross station, Hades shrunken back and wrapped around his middle, Hedwig having sent to Hogwarts earlier that day, and Diana having promised to meet him at Hogwarts as the open station did not have enough shadows for her to hide. After throwing so many surprises on his three father figures, Harry did not have the heart to introduce them to Sally. That would open too many questions. So Sally was invisible still and waiting for him at Hogwarts. Harry was ready to face whatever was about to come this year, secure in the knowledge that it won't be a Basilisk this time.