Aimee
Class was over before Harry knew it. Insisting he'd catch up soon, Harry left Ron and Neville to speak with his father, who was sitting at his desk watching the class leave with little interest.
"Good class, Dad." Harry commented, standing across from him.
"I'm sure you didn't learn anything though." Severus gave Harry a half-smile and conjured up a lone chair in front of his desk. "So what is it that you wanted to talk to me about?"
Harry shifted uncomfortably, "Three people now have told me my last name's Potter in these books they read about Voldemort."
What ever Severus was expecting, it hadn't been this. He looked up at Harry, partially shocked. "Harry, you're a Snape. Don't you ever forget that."
Harry nodded, "Then why is it written as Potter?"
Severus shook his head, "Because…" he paused. "Tell you what. Your mother's coming down in a few weeks and we'll explain it to you then, ok?"
Harry nodded, accepting this answer. "But I am a Snape, right?"
"You are as much of a Snape as anyone else in the
family." Severus answered.
She arrived a little more than a month later, late on a Saturday night. Severus was checking essay papers he assigned the Third Years when the portrait hole swung open. Thinking it was Harry, he didn't look up. "Have a good day, Harry?"
There was no reply; instead, a pair of arms wrapped around him and a pair of lips connected with his neck. He smiled and turned around, embracing his wife.
"Lily baby… I missed you."
Lily reached up and touched his nose, "I missed you too…" she looked around the room for a moment, "I see Papa saved this room for you."
"For us." Severus corrected, "None of the other staff member rooms, except for your Papa's of course, is this size. Much smaller, in fact."
Lily smiled, light dancing in her eyes. "Planning ahead, was he?"
"I don't know, why don't you ask him?"
Lily nuzzled his neck, "No, I came here to see you."
Severus smiled, "I need to talk to you about something."
Can't it wait? Lily was now kissing him and slowly reaching over to undo his robes.
Miss me much?
You have no idea.
I think I do…
Nearly an hour later, the two were lying on the bed, Lily wrapped in Severus' arms.
"Now, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?" she asked, resting her head on his chest.
"Harry's starting to find out about James." Severus said quietly.
He could feel her body recoil slightly under him at the mention of James. "How?"
"A few of his friends, I guess, recognized him and didn't even think to consider he might be adopted."
Lily nodded, "I guess we're going to have to tell him?"
"The question is, with or without Remus, Sirius, and Dumbledore?"
Lily thought for a moment, "Harry might want to ask Remus and Sirius about – him – and Dumbledore might help us tell him, but I think… for now… it'll just be us."
Lily nodded, kissing him once again. "The children send their love."
"How are you handling them?" Severus asked, playing with a tiny braid in her hair.
"Ethan's… Ethan. Kaylee insists she can take care of herself, Dea does take care of herself, Drake's a little brat most of the time but I leave him to his house elf, and Star just plays with her siblings."
"Sounds wonderful." Severus smiled and kissed her once more, "I missed you."
Lily sighed, "I missed you too… God, I miss this place… The happiest memories of my life took place in this room."
"You mean in this bed?" Severus smiled, his eyes twinkling.
"That too." Lily admitted.
The next day, a Sunday, Severus and Lily cornered Harry and took him back up to their room. Harry was about as confused as he could get, but went along willingly.
"Harry, do you remember that question you asked me on the first day of school?" Severus asked, "The one about Potter?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah, I do."
"Well, honey…" Lily started. "It's a bit complicated, but after I married your father, I was forced to marry another man named James Potter."
How do I explain this to an eleven year old child?
Do you want me to take over?
Yes.
"Harry, James Potter – do you know what biological means?" Severus asked.
Harry nodded, "Dad, I'm not six anymore. Just spit it out."
"Harry, you're not my biological son." Severus said. "James Potter died when you were a year old; he was the last victim of Voldemort."
Harry's eyes widened, "You mean, you've been lying to me?"
Severus shook his head, "No. You're my son, even though we're not blood related. Don't you ever think otherwise; I adopted you shortly afterwards, and I've loved you like a son ever since the day you were born."
Harry looked helpless, "Mum?"
Lily nodded, "I gave birth to you Harry… but James nearly missed it." She took in a deep breath, "James was an incredibly abusive man. He hit me and did numerous other things. I hated him, Harry, but I love you more than anything in the world. James' last name is Potter, and yours was before your father adopted you. The books have you down as Harry Potter only because that was your name when – it – happened."
Harry shook his head, "But… why?"
"I know this has come as a shock to you, but we wanted to make sure you could fully understand everything before we told you." Lily said quietly. "As you said, a six year old would not understand it."
Harry nodded, his gaze shifting from Severus to Lily. "Do you.. Could I see a picture of him?"
Severus smiled, "Look in the mirror, Harry."
Harry sighed, "So that's why everyone always tells
me I look like my father… I thought they meant you."
Severus was slightly hurt at his ton, as if he was
brushing him aside. However, he smiled. "Yes, that would be why. Remus
Lupin and Sirius Black were two of your father's good friends. I'm sure
they'd have pictures and stories to tell."
Harry smiled and then nodded, "Thanks for telling me."
"You're welcome, Harry… But always remember, it doesn't matter whose blood you have. The person that loves you… your father… is your true father. Understand?" Lily asked.
Harry nodded once more, "Yes." He then went up to Lily and hugged her, then turned to Severus. "Thanks again."
Severus smiled as Harry embraced him, "You're welcome."
I open my eyes
To see her face
In a daze we engaged
Last night I slept about an hour
To fill her needs and desires
Chorus
One more night in California
One more night with you
One more night
Ya she's alright [she's alright]
One more night [yeah]
One more night in California
Dom dom dom baby one more night
Dom dom dom baby one more night
I need to catch a ride
To the south side
I grabbed a patty and a shake
I felt the earthquake
I jumped in the cab for LAX
I flipped him a tip
hey man!
Then I split
One more night in California
One more night with you
One more night
But she's alright
She's alright
One more night [yeah]
One more night in California
Night in California
Night in California
Night in California
dom dom dom baby one more night
dom dom baby one more night
I opened my eyes to see her face
But she's alright
She's alright
One more night [yeah]
one night in California
She's alright
She's alright
One more night..yeahhh
One more night in California
Night in California
Night in California
Night in California*
*California, The Moffatts. For the second scene, not Harry. :o)