Sebastian was walking for the past hour, and he was tired. He had spent the last week going from one campsite to the other, never staying more than one night. He was now heading to his next destination: White Oak Campsite. Not that he would see much of it anyway. He had chosen it because it was remote and now, he regretted that decision. There was no bus stop at the campsite, so he had to walk for two hours before he reached his destination.

He appreciated the fact that he was finally seeing more of his country than ever before. And it was beautiful. Those green hills and trees were a relaxing sight that reminded him of his school. Both Hogwarts and St Anton.

But today was very windy, and there was no shelter in sight. He had to continue walking along the small tortuous road to reach the campsite. As he was doing so, he started to talk to himself.

'I hope Severus is fine. At least he doesn't have to hike in that weather. I should have stayed and checked in for a second night. As soon as I arrived, I will take a hot shower and make myself a hot chocolate. Mm… chocolate. I just can't wait. For now, I am stuck here with that wind, all because of Voldemort. I can't believe Severus is stuck with him. I guess the wind is not that bad compared to living with him.'

Sebastian didn't realize that he was talking out loud. He didn't know that his father had taken over the Ministry and was far for imagining that a Taboo has been put on Voldemort's name. Which is why he was very surprised to be suddenly surrounded by wizards. He didn't have the time to pull his wand that he was already bound and muted with spells.

In Sebastian's mind, it could not have been a coincidence and his father had found him. This was clearly an ambush!

'Hey look! I think we got something of interest here! Doesn't he look like the Death Eater Severus Snape? I heard he deserted Malfoy Manor a few days ago. Do you think it's him?'

Or not, thought Sebastian. Then how did they find him? And why would they bind and mute him?

'I don't know Cole. He looks a bit too young to be a Hogwarts teacher.'

'He is a potion master, I had him at Hogwarts. It's him, I know it. He must have taken a de-aging potion to look younger' said a third man.

So, apparently Severus got out of Voldemort's lair and now those guys thought they got his brother instead of him. That was not a great start, thought Sebastian.

'Let's bring him to the Dark Lord. He will know how to deal with a traitor.'

Oh, no! That was NOT good at all. Sebastian started to fight against the ropes around him, unable to scream and knowing that it was all probably useless. He had to get out of this situation, and fast.

But he had no idea how and soon, hands grabbed him. He was roughly apparated away and thrown on a wooden floor. That must be Malfoy Manor.

'Keep an eye on him, I will go find the Dark Lord' said the third man, the one that thought he was a de-aged Severus.

'No one is going to pass this door' Sebastian could have jump with joy at those words, but he recognized the voice and knew he was still in a bad situation, maybe even worse.

A hand grabbed his collar, got him on his feet and started to shake him.

'See him?' said the Snatcher 'He is a traitor and we got him. We get to bring him to the Dark Lord.'

'You will not step a foot into my house,' said Lucius Malfoy. 'Beside, I fail to see how this teenager could be a traitor worthy of our Lord's attention.'

'This is Severus Snape.'

'Well, first of all, Severus Snape is much older than…'

'He took a de-aging potion.' Yelled one of Sebastian's captors.

'Even so, Severus Snape has not been declared as being a traitor. If it's true, then you are holding a Death Eater captive and you will pay for that.'

'He deserted the Manor and…'

Sebastian watched as the two groups started to fight over him. Taking advantage of the distraction he slowly made his way to a wall, still roped and muted, and was heading toward the door when he was suddenly pulled back.

'Fine, let's assume that Severus left the Manor because he was a traitor, which far from the truth. If this teenager is really him, then the de-aging potion should wear off in an hour or so. We just need to wait until then.'

'And let you take him from us and get all the glory when it turns out it's really him? I don't think so!'

The door suddenly opened, and a cold magical wind made the temperature drop significantly.

When Voldemort first heard the shouting contest downstairs, he tried to ignore it and continue reading the reports from the Ministry. The transition was brutal but necessary. When he couldn't ignore it anymore, he decided to put a stop to it by punishing the fools. He would send them to a cell and let them rot a few days. His loss of pleasure for torture was annoying sometimes. It was also the reason why he now announced his entrance with a cold wind. Impressive, chilling, and people had a chance to get it together before he had to torture them for misbehaving.

Voldemort looked around the room, taking in the sight of his loyal subjects on their knees, and a teenager that had been hastily thrown flat on the floor.

'Lucius. Report.'

'My Lord, a team of Snatcher arrived holding this young man and claiming this was Severus Snape, and that he was a traitor' said Lucius in a shaky voice.

A snatcher started to talk.

'Marvelous Master, we caught him because he triggered the Taboo on your name. He is obviously a traitor. He thought that by using a de-aging potion we wouldn't recognize him but we…'

Voldemort muted the idiot with a spell. A younger version of Severus? Could it be?

Sebastian's heart stopped around the same time the Snatcher stopped talking. Now he was in even bigger troubles.

In his head, Sebastian quickly reviewed what was Voldemort's knowledge of him. He was getting lost with all those lies and secrets. "So, Voldemort knows I am his son's clone, that he technically is my father. He thinks that I am Sebastian Snape, a Squib. I was raised by the Davies family until they moved out of the country. Alright, I can do this. I can…"

All thoughts stopped when he was brought up and on his feet by cold hands. His eyes met with red ones and time seemed to stop as he felt the ropes around him disappear and the muting spell being cancelled.

Voldemort opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something but stopped. What was he supposed to say anyway? Turning toward the small crowd around them he quickly dismissed them and only started to talk when they were alone.

'I am sure Severus will be happy to see you, Sebastian', said Voldemort.

'Release him.'

Voldemort breathed slowly. He hated being ordered to do something, but right now, taming the boy was his priority.

'Severus told me that you are my son. I guess that makes us family.'

'You are not and will never be my family.'

It became harder for Voldemort to remain calm, but he gave it one last chance.

'But we could have been if I had given the chance to your mother to explain why she was pregnant and married to another man. I didn't, and that was my mistake, but I want to rectify it. Severus and I are trying to become a family, we are giving it a real chance. But he is missing you. He cares for you, and you are my son which means that, even if you don't want it, you are a part of this family.' Since Sebastian wasn't talking, he continued. 'All I ask is that you give us a chance, and you can see your brother. He is home, waiting for you.'

Home? Did that mean that Severus was back in Cokeworth? No, he would have tried to contact him to reassure him.

'Liar. He is not home. He would have told me if he went back home.'

'He is at our home, the one we have been sharing for the past week. You are more than welcome to join us.'

Severus was still a prisoner then. And so was Sebastian. His choices were very limited. He could go with Voldemort to his place and be with Severus, or he could refuse and end up in a cell, or he could get tortured and killed, which was much more what he expected from the man.

'I want to see Severus'

Severus Snape was guilty. Guilty because he was honestly enjoying his time in Voldemort's Mansion. He shouldn't but a part of him liked it anyway. Everyday he would have time to research and experiment on his potions, and every evening he would share his discoveries with Vold… his father. He was intelligent, had an easy conversation, and seemed to genuinely want to know more about him. Severus was still on his guards, but this was feeling more and more like the relaxing vacation he had dreamed of so many times this year. The only thing missing was…

'Sebastian?'

Severus couldn't believe it when he opened the door leading to the dining room, ready for another "family diner" with his father and saw his little brother sitting at the table.

'Sev!' Sebastian turned his head to him and launched himself toward him, reaching for his arms.

'What are you doing here? You need to leave, you…' started Severus, while hugging his brother.

'It's fine Severus, now sit down so we can enjoy our meal together'

The hug ended too soon in Sebastian's opinion, but he wasn't overly comfortable with Voldem… their father in the room, so he let Severus go and went to his chair, sitting close to him.

'What happened? Why is Sebastian here? You said he would be safe if I stayed here.' Said Severus between his teeth.

'He is safe with me, Severus. I do not intend to hurt him in any way for as long as he holds his part of our deal and give a fair chance to our family until the end of the summer.'

'End of July. You said I could walk away after a month,' said Severus.

'You can. But Sebastian has agreed to stay until he must go back to his muggle school.' Voldemort smiled. Severus would never leave Sebastian alone with him, so he had just earned another month with his sons. Not without a price though, as Severus had hatred in his eyes now. 'Severus, I know this wasn't how you wanted your summer to be, but you are both safer here with me. I just want to get to know my sons before you both leave in September.' Maybe this wasn't such a great idea to get them together. He felt a little out-numbered now.

Dinner was more silent than usual. Severus didn't say a word about his experiences of the day, Sebastian was trying hard not to bring attention to him, and Voldemort didn't think that talking about his line of work would make things any easier.

'Severus told me you are going to a muggle school Sebastian. Do you like it there?'

'Yes', said Sebastian. Feeling an elbow hitting his side, he quickly added 'Sir'.

Focusing only on him, Voldemort continued, but in Parselmouth this time.

'You must have missed your nest.'

'Nest?'

'I meant to say "home", but that could only be translated into "nest". Parselmouth tend to change words to better match to language spoken by snakes.' Said Voldemort, focusing back on his meal.

It was Voldemort's intention to get them to become a happy family. And he had learnt one thing from his Potter-Horcrux's experience: He needed them to relax. Determined to try new ways and knowing that lies would only blow up later, he decided that cleaning the air was the first step to take.

That didn't mean he had to do it the Gryffindor way by shouting that he knew the truth right away though. It could be interesting to watch them get caught in their own lies.

Voldemort had the time to think over the past week. Severus' story was very good in preventing someone to discover the truth about Sebastian's origin. But not perfect. It had one major hole.

'Tell me, Severus, why exactly did you change your little brother into your clone?'

'I… I tried to cure him from being a Squib. It failed.' Said Severus.

'But it didn't', said Voldemort, looking back at them. 'There is no such thing as Parselmouth Squib, and Sebastian can talk, which means that your potion worked. It's just very peculiar that a boy who is willing to become a clone in order to be a wizard, doesn't go to a magical school.'

Sebastian looked at Severus and could see they were both worried now that Voldemort was testing their story.

'I… I was too late. Sebastian couldn't have gone to Hogwarts without raising questions about why he showed magic so late in his life. He… He was already… thirteen.'

Sebastian stayed silent but even he could see that Voldemort wasn't buying it.

'Good story. I thought it was linked to the vision I have had lately.'

'Visions?' asked Sebastian. He didn't think Voldemort had any visions of his life before. He always thought that was a one-way thing, and they stopped when Severus removed his scar!

'Yes. You see, I have done things in my life to prevent my own death. It's likely what saved my life sixteen years ago. But I was under the impression that these safeguards were in danger, so I chose to reintegrate them. They were all destroyed in the process, including my dear Nagini. Since then, I have dreams and visions of the time they spent away from me. I was very surprised to learn that Potter had been one of them, it was far from intentional, but I learned a lot through his eyes. He is the reason why I want to know more about the two of you. Such a shame he died the same way Nagini did, right?'

'Right' said Severus between his teeth, while Sebastian was just trying to control his breathing.

'Unless he found a protector before I could do the ritual. Someone talented enough to, not only remove my Horcrux and store it in an insignificant book, but also to turn Potter into his clone-brother.'

At these words, both Severus and Sebastian got up on there feet and had their wands in hand, pointing toward the Dark Lord. The man barely looked annoyed at their reactions.

'Sit down, the both of you. I would like to finish my dinner and this conversation without anymore interruption. I have known for weeks now, and yet you are both alive and well cared for. I promised I would keep you both safe and that is still my intention. Unless, of course, you choose to engage into a fight that will only result in your death. Sit – Down – NOW.' Said Voldemort, looking every bit like the true Dark Lord he was, dark magic buzzing around him.

Severus and Sebastian both sat, keeping their wands in hand, oriented toward their father but in a more relaxed position.

Slightly amused by that, Voldemort choose to let them their delusions. They didn't stand a chance against him.

'First of all, your cover story is good, but you missed a few holes in it, and you will need to work on that.' He looked at Severus when saying this but turn toward Sebastian after. 'Then, I want to reassure you that if you are still set on getting out of the fighting, then you are safe here. And finally, I really want this to work, this… this family. Seeing your life made me curious and I want to know how it feels. And I know that you are craving for it. I realize that I have a lot to make amend for, but if you are willing to give me a chance, then so am I. Which is why we should all agree that pointing wands at each other is not a great start.'

'I don't need you, Severus is the only family I need' said Sebastian. 'And what will you do when your curiosity is satisfied, hum? You're going to kill us?'

'While I can see that your brother is important to you, I doubt that it's enough to fill an orphan's heart. As an orphan myself, I know that first hand. And no, Sebastian. I have no intention of killing you for as long as you stay out of the war, no one else knows about your origin and you don't threaten me. Now put that wand away and eat your dessert.'

Both brothers shared a concerned look. When Severus put his wand back in his pocket, Sebastian did the same and the both sat in front of their slice of apple pie, too afraid to eat it.

'I am not going to poison you, Sebastian. You can eat the pie.' Said Voldemort. This was definitely going to be a challenge, and he was taking a bet on their future. But secrets had brought him to lose his child once when he left Eileen. Lies made him lose Severus a second time when he killed Lily Potter. He would not let that happen again. Truth was the only choice left for him. If he had to lose Severus a third time, and lose his "bonus" child with him, then so be it, but at least he would have tried his best.

Neither Severus nor Sebastian finished their meal. They simply waited until they could leave the table. Which they did at the very last bit their father took out of his plate. This was expected and Voldemort just let them do. They needed to regroup and decide what to do now that all information was shared.

Severus led Sebastian to his bedroom, closed the door behind them and turn toward his panicking brother.

'Oh no, what are we going to do? He knows! He knows who I really am, he is going to kill me! And you, for helping me! Severus, I am so sorry. I didn't…'

'Sebastian, stop! You are going crazy, and I hate when people do that', said Severus. The truth was that he couldn't concentrate and find a solution if he had panicking people around him. Couldn't they just control themselves?

A short silence followed.

'He said he has known for weeks. So, the only thing that changed is us knowing that he knows. Which means that he made all of this, knowing that I betrayed him for you and who you are. I… I don't understand why.'

'What are you talking about Sev?'

'This… this house. When I arrived here, he told me that he did the renovations himself. He prepared that room for me, everything… And he knew… Sebastian, I know it will sound crazy to you but, I think he is saying the truth.'

'What truth? Sev, you are not making any sense!'

'I think he wants to play family with us.'

'And how do we get out of this?'

'I am not sure we can. I had the time to check the wards and they are linked to him in a way I have never seen before. I think he will know if we try to leave, and I doubt we would be able to, anyway.'

'Then, what do we do?' asked Sebastian, fear in his eyes.

Severus took the time to think of any other options, but nothing came to his mind.

'We play family.'

An hour later, Voldemort decided that it was enough time, and knocked at Severus' door.

'Come in.'

When he opened, he could see both of his sons sitting on the bed. Sebastian had the red eyes of someone who has cried

'Time to go to bed Sebastian, I will show you your bedroom', said Voldemort.

With a sight, Sebastian got up and walked toward the door, resigned. He was quickly followed by Severus.

Voldemort crossed the corridor and opened the door in front of them, stepping back to let Severus, then Sebastian in.

When Sebastian entered the room, his was speechless. The whole bedroom had been decorated with him in mind. How else could he explain the rich burgundy red bedcovers and curtains, the golden details around the room, and the new broom waiting for him to go fly? And Voldemort couldn't have done it all in the one hour he has spent with Severus. He must have done it before he was even captured by the Snatchers. Which meant that he had known and accepted that is son was a Gryffindor and made him a room where he could feel comfortable. All of it had been intentional and Sebastian could barely believe it. And his emergency backpack was waiting for him by the door, so it really was his bedroom.

'The bathroom is at the end of the hallway. You can ask me if you need anything else. Good night.'

And with that, Voldemort closed the door. Judging by Sebastian's red eyes, he had enough for the day, now was not the best time to run through their cover story again. They had time for that. "Two months", thought Voldemort with a smile.

In his bedroom, Sebastian was still shocked. 'I can' t believe it! He made a bedroom... for me!'

'I can't imagine this room being for anyone else, except maybe Weasley,' said Severus.' I told you, he has been acting very strangely this past week. He hasn't tortured me once and it has even been pleasant to talk with him!'

'But… I thought he would want to kill me'

'That's what I thought too, but he is going through a lot of trouble to kill you if it's the case!'

'So, you really think he wants a family? With us?', asked Sebastian.

'I don't know what he wants, but that is what makes the most sense for now', answered Severus.

Even after saying that, Severus could trust their father. He could so easily change his mind and kill Sebastian. So, he moved his own bed from one room to the other, and both brothers spent the night reassured, knowing that the other was safe, right beside them.

Breakfast was a little tense. Both brothers were pretending to accept this new development but none of them was relaxed. Voldemort and Severus were talking about potions, debating if Dandelions could stabilize Everfire Worms' milk in his latest experimentation.

Sebastian could see that they were both enjoying the conversation. He didn't mind being left out as it gave him more time to consider things. For example: How would his birth parents react if they learned that he was playing family with their murder? What would Sirius say? He could bet that they would be upset but wouldn't they also be happy to know that Voldemort didn't seem to want him dead anymore? What about his new-mom? Would she be happy to see them all together?

'Sebastian?'

Severus had assured him that she would have loved him, but was it true or was it just a lie to make him feel better?

'Sebastian?'

This time he heard his name being called.

'Hum? Sorry Sev, I was thinking'

'A rare sight. What were you thinking about?'

'Mom'

That word had the effect of a bomb. Severus' mind started to think about Lily, and how the man beside him killed her, while Voldemort's mind raced toward Eileen, and how she could have been by his side if he hadn't been such an idiot. He was mourning the missed opportunity to have someone he could trust by his side, someone who could be helping him with their sons, today.

'What do you think she would say if she knew?', asked Sebastian, and two answers came at the same time.

'She gave her life for you to be safe. She would be happy that we are together', said Severus

'She would be happy to see you safe, even if she didn't carry you,' said Voldemort.

Sebastian looked at them with wide eyes and started to giggle.

It was good to see that a mother, adopting or not, only wanted her child to be safe. And, as crazy as it was, he seemed to be safe in his father's house.

'Thanks, I think I needed to hear that. I have too many parents but it nice to know that they would agree on my safety. I guess I will just have to trust you to keep your word and don't kill me in my sleep', said Sebastian, looking at Voldemort and seeing a possible future for the first time.

'Don't. He cannot be trusted on his word.'

'Severus?' Voldemort could see what was coming next, but there was no way to prevent it. This conversation had been avoided for long enough.

'You told me you would spare her.'

'I tried Severus, I told her to step away. I...'

'LIAR! Stop lying you wanted to kill her, and you did. I asked you to let Lily live, and you kill her anyway.'

'She wouldn't leave Severus, I told her...'

'SHUT-UP!'

Severus was now on his feet, wand in hand pointing to the man who kill the only woman he ever loved. There was a tense silence until:

'He is telling the truth,' Sebastian couldn't believe that he was defending his father but if the man had to be cursed, it should be for something he really did.

Severus turned to his brother with confusion.

'When Dementors are near me, I hear it. That night. I can hear them scream and my mother begging for my life. I also remember you telling her to step away. She refused. She wouldn't let you hurt me'

'I am sorry that I hurt you both that night. If I had known how important she was to you Severus, I would have stunned her. Believe me, I regretted that act for the thirteen following years. We all lost something that night. I have my body back but not in its past glory. We can give Sebastian another family, but I know it will never feel the same for him. And you, Severus, I know that if you are anything like your mother, you will never love another woman like you loved Lily Evans', said Voldemort.

Severus was still threatening him with his wand, so he continued.

'She wouldn't step away because she didn't want me to hurt her son. But it's over Severus. I am not a threat to him anymore. You can let go now, he is safe', said Voldemort in an unusually soft voice.

'I have dedicated my life to make sure he wouldn't be in danger', said Severus, his hand slightly shaking.

'I can imagine you doing that. And you have done well as he is in perfect health today!' As Severus let out a shaky breath, Voldemort suddenly realized that his son needed recognition for what probably was the accomplishment of his life.

He stood up and started to go around the table to face him.

'I am impressed by everything you have done, Severus. All the lies, the strategies to keep him out of harm's way. All the sacrifices that I must not even be aware of. Severus, you did a formidable job in protecting her son. But let me protect the both of you now, let me protect my sons!'

He could see tears discreetly gathering in Severus' eyes. He opened his arms and awkwardly tried to copy the hug he had witnessed the previous day. He wasn't good at it: compliments, hugs, comforting people. But looking above Severus' right shoulder, he could see Sebastian looking at them with a sad smile. He nervously stepped back and released Severus from this uncomfortable hug.

'Hum... I-I have work to do', and with that Voldemort left the room. This whole speech had thrown him too far from what he was used to, and he didn't know what people usually do after a moment like that. A "strategic retreat" had been the best he could come up with. Hopefully he had earn something out of it.

In the dining room, Sebastian was holding Severus in his arms. He was a bit lost as he had never seen his brother so upset before. Severus was holding back tears, squishing his little brother safely in his arms. After a minute of breathing slowly, Severus let go of Sebastian and they looked at each other with a smile.

'I guess he is right. If he doesn't want to kill you then you are safe, and my job is done'. said Severus.

'Doesn't mean I don't need my brother around to get me out of troubles!', said Sebastian with a checky smile.

They spent the day flying on Sebastian's new broom and walking in the surrounding woods. Severus would occasionally kneel down and gather herbs for his potions.

Sebastian told him everything about his camping adventure and he learned about the Taboo that got him captured.

'So, how are we supposed to call him if we can't say his name?' asked Sebastian.

'I have tried to call him "My Lord", but it doesn't feel right. How did your friend call him?'

'Katy? She called him "Crazy Daddy". I guess he would be pissed if we called him that!' said Sebastian.

'Yes, he would be, and we want to avoid that. He could still change his mind and kill us.'

'But you don't think he will, right?'

'No, I don't think so. It seems like reversing the process on his immortality has changed him. He doesn't sound like a lunatic anymore', said Severus.

'You mean, apart from being a racist bastard who wants to dominate the world?'

'You really need to make research about the first war, Sebastian. People didn't join him without reasons. Sure, there are bloodthirsty people in his flock, but some started to follow him because he had good political ideas.'

'What? Sev, no! You can 't tell me you believe that crap about blood purity!'

Severus laughed. 'No, I don't. But I do think that our fiscal system is unfair and that we shouldn't let our community be invaded by muggle vices like alcohol, or drugs. The educational system also needs to be reformed from what you told me, and our justice is a joke. Many wanted him to be the one who would fix everything, but...'

'But he was, in fact, a maniac.

'Which he doesn't seem to be anymore. I don't want to hope too much, but a part of me wants to believe that it's still possible.'

'Have you talked with him about that?' asked Sebastian.

'Yes. I told him I hoped he was working on his original reforms now that he has the Ministry in his hand'.

'And?'

'He said "You'll see". I don't even know what he meant by that!'

'Dumbledore would also go all cryptic when he had a secret. So, it means that he is not doing it, and he is still a racist bastard.' Seeing his brother's disappointment, he added. 'Doesn't mean that he can't be a good father, you know!'

'So, we just go around calling him Daddy and hope he will change his mind and stop kill people. If that is your plan, it's seriously lacking! said Severus.

'I was more thinking about Father, or Dad. I don't think that his "no-torture" policy would survive if we called him Daddy'

'Still not a plan,' said Severus with a sour smile.

As they continued their trek in the woods, they soon saw the Mansion and stopped talking.