Part Four: Complications
all disclaimers, and notes apply. See part one.

Snape drove up Magnolia Crescent, and pulled into an all too familiar driveway. "Why are we going here?" Harry asked, suddenly positive that he'd just been placed in a different home. "This is Mrs. Figgs' house."

"Arabella Figg is part of the Floo Network, and a smart enough woman to know how to return the car we rented."

"And a good friend of mine," Remus said, smiling. "She was in Ravenclaw our year. Good friends with your mum."

"My mum?"

"Yup. Lily and Arabella were pretty close. I believe you have a few pictures that were hers. As well as a few of mine?"

"Those were yours?!"

Snape wasn't following. "What are you both blathering about?"

Harry sat back, leaning against the plush seat of the car. "Nothing."

Remus spoke up. That was NOT how the summer would go, and this was NOT going to work if they didn't learn to communicate properly. "In first year, Hagrid sent a few people letters asking for photos of James and Lily- and all of us really, from back when. You have quite a few I imagine?" Remus asked, looking back at Harry.

"Yeah. From Hogwarts, right on until the wedding. I can't tell which are from after."

"I have more at home, you can look through. Do you have any Sev?"

Harry's eyes widened at hearing Remus call Snape something so informal. And he had called the manor home'. It was all very very strange. He followed them out of the car, and up the drive. They knocked, and Harry watched as Arabella opened the door, and two cats dashed out. He laughed.

"Severus Snape, you're a sight. And, look at you, Remus! You look healthy as ever. You're positively glowing. Aie! What have we here?" The older woman turned on Harry.

Harry was confused. Had Remus just said they were in the same year? This woman was at least ages older than the rest of them.

"Hi, Mrs. Figg."

"Is this? Harry?" He nodded. "My, have you changed. Oh, Lily would be so proud." She swiped at her eyes. She put a hand on his shoulders. "You must have found out about your father, then."

He nodded. "You knew?"

"I was Lily's best friend. She told me everything eventually. And, you're going to live with Severus now?"

"For the rest of the summer."

She nodded. "That's good, my boy. As it should be." She turned on Severus. "You be good to my godson, you hear?! And, Remus, if you see that no good dog of yours, tell him he forgot to show, and I'm frighteningly angry, and demand an apology, and at least a beautiful tropical flower in restitution."

Remus laughed, and kissed her cheek. "Of course, you old bag. We really should be going. Would you return the car for us? To the Hertz rental, next town over?"

She smiled. "Be honored. Oh, I haven't driven in—a long time. But! One never forgets. You best get going." She pulled out a wand, and lit the fire. Holding out a tiny flowerpot from the mantle she offered it to Remus. He thanked her, and tossed the pinch of powder into the flames. Stepping inside, he spoke clearly. "Snape Manor!"

Professor Snape went next, and Harry took a pinch from Mrs. Figg. "Bye."

She smiled. "Harry, James loved you too. Don't worry. Just, enjoy your family, now." He nodded, and thanked her quietly before following his teachers to their home.

*

He stepped out into a beautiful living room. The walls were a light wood, with heavy tapestries, and paintings of all imaginable colors. The furniture was plush, and upholstered in rich colors, and textures. The room spoke of great wealth – and great taste. It was nothing like the dungeons. "Wow."

Remus smiled. "Welcome home, Harry." Harry smiled. A home- with Remus. "Can I show you your room?"

"I have a room? Like, made up?"

"Absolutely. You'll find the house elves here are spectacular. Some of the things, Sev and I had to do ourselves, but it was a labor of love as it were." Remus led him out of the living room into a beautiful hallway. The hall was wallpapered. There were doors everywhere. It was a wizard house after all, and rooms didn't necessarily have to fit to exist. Remus stopped outside a door. "This one is yours."

Harry nodded. "All right."

"We hope you like it. We tried in any case, but I think you will." He led Harry inside, and Harry stared. The walls were a steel gray, with darker gray trim, but very nice looking. The walls were no where NEAR as busy as Ron's. There was a single Quidditch poster for Puddlemere United. The bed was large, but took up a small amount of space in the room, a four poster, with curtains in the corners in a burgundy color. His trunk sat at the end already. There was a half-stuffed bookshelf, full of titles that seemed interesting. On one shelf, they were held into place by a small gargoyle bookend, and next to that was a picture of Lily and Remus, hugging, while James and Sirius ran in circles around each other. Remus laughed. "That's a great picture."

"We were great friends, your mum and I. I often think that if I hadn't been a wolf, if I hadn't been inclined in the opposite direction, I would have been your father."

"Can you have kids? Would they be- werewolves, too?"

Remus nodded. "I can, certainly. When they were born they'd be wolves, certainly but whether or not they develop into a werewolf is unknown. I don't get to choose whom to pass my curse onto. It's just- luck of the draw."

"Oh."

"You would have been fine. Lily could have carried you, far from my curse's range of influence."

"Ah." Harry continued through the room, touching the rim of the pensieve as it sat, swirling, unassuming on top of his new dresser. It had a few things in it, socks, a cedar filled satchel, a box of tissues. "It's great. This is a great room." It was a mixture of new and old, with personal touches. "That door through there is your bathroom. Toweling is in the cabinet."

Harry nodded. "Thanks."

Remus smiled. "I'll call you down for dinner, if you want to explore a while?"

"Sure." Truth was, he wanted to relax in this room, get used to it. Think about what Mrs. Figg had said. His life was completely – wrong.

*

Severus was in his private study, sitting out on his mat, hands folded, breathing slowly. Remus walked in and smiled. He'd been rather surprised to find out, after so many years, that Snape had taken to meditating. He loved to just- watch. The peace that at on his lover's face them rivaled the ecstasy of their love, in its poignancy as far as Remus was concerned. "He's settling in."

Severus nodded.

"When are you going to talk to him?"

"Soon."

"How soon?"

"Soon." Severus sighed, and straightened his legs out, folding his arms.

"No need to stop on my account."

Severus got up, and walked for the door. "Let it go, Remus. Not right now."

*

Remus sighed. Nothing was motivating either of the Snape men to talk to one another. He'd tried any number of things but nothing was working, and he was ready for more drastic measures. And, living with Severus had taught him well, and he wasn't above a little trickery to achieve his ends. Well, manipulation anyway. This family was going to be borne of fire. He knew that. Nothing else was strong enough to forge the kinds of bonds that would be needed for the future to hold them together.

The problem was that the fire was already there. Harry was falling to pieces. He was moping around the manor, staying in his room mostly, coming out for meals that he pushed around his plate but rarely ate. He hadn't taken his broom out, only done homework, and slept. He was in a bad kind of rut, and Remus had received an owl from Hermione asking why Harry wasn't returning her letters. He could only tell her the truth- that he was in a horrible funk, and needed to get himself sorted out before he could get back to his life. She had been accepting, if less than pleased with events.

Severus didn't see it. He saw his own confusion. The two were totally blind to the other, and it driving Remus positively mad. He needed to wake them both up, but Remus was absolutely positive that Severus was the one that would have to wake from his nap. He walked to his own study and removed a piece of parchment from the second drawer. He needed a bit of help with this bit of mischief.

A week later he got a reply from his coconspirator.

Remus-
It's possible, of course, but it seems highly dangerous. Your children would develop first as wolf cubs, and not humans. The chances of your having a rather large litter would be.. considerable also. I haven't found any literature on werewolf cubs and their litters, or anything of the sort, actually, but if real wolf litters are an example you could have up to six. We both know the situation, and you have to decide if you could afford to have six children to feed. Or if this is really a proper time to do such a thing.
That all being said, it's a complicated bit of charms, and curses, and a potion, but its do-able. You would, of course, also require a partner in this venture.
Poppy Pomfrey
Magical Medicine Practitioner
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

Poppy-
Perhaps I should ask your advice first. I've come into some rather—inflammatory information in regards to Harry's paternity. It seems, and I've seen the memories for myself from Lily's own pensieve, that she through muggle means, conceived Severus' child in an attempt to save them both from death at the hands of You-Know-Who. I suppose that they thought to trick him into believing that Severus had destroyed her purity. She was actually given instructions to terminate the pregnancy since it was assumed she wouldn't want the child. She refused to, and covered Harry in her own specialty- charms and transfigurations.
I received a letter at the beginning of the month from a rather desperate Harry, asking about magic and puberty. He'd changed so much he was completely confused about what had happened. Her handiwork had worn off, or he'd outgrown it. No one is sure. But, he's clearly Sev's.
I have to get them talking or I'll go mad. I can't seem to get them to bond. The both show up for meals but neither speak, and Harry barely eats. They need each other, not just me. They need to be a family. What I do? I thought perhaps a brother or sister would draw Harry into our family. (Please don't pass this bit of information to anyone. Sev is most concerned it would be his and my death if Voldemort found out) And, it'd do Sev's heart good to hold a child in his arms and call it his. Perhaps though, it wasn't meant to be. Six. Dear God, that'd be the end of him.
Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Remus Lupin

Remus-
Anything to lighten the old bat up! (Though the news that the two of you have finally found each other warms my heart. Best wishes, of course.) I'll do some research- about werewolf cubs. There's not much information, I'm afraid. I bet that book companies, and Dark Arts teachers would pay through the NOSE to have a decent text on them. Not that tripe that Lockheart passed off as his own. Just a thought, Remus. As such, if perhaps the number were smaller per litter it'd be within consideration. I wish there were better records for this sort of thing. I'll be in touch.
Poppy Pomfrey
Medical Magic Practitioner
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry

Remus-
I've come into possession of a book- fairly dependable, had to get it from the Ministry in America, through Dumbledore of course. Your litter could be more greater than four,. They said even then there's usually a runt pup.' It's difficult to carry, also. But, it's do-able, if you're in good health, well fed, and had the proper support. Even four pups would be a lot of work to feed, and care for. I'm sure you'd be welcome to deliver and make your den here at Hogwarts if you so choose. Let know your decision. I have the research and potion already finished, just in case.
Poppy Pomfrey etc.

Poppy-
You work with the speed of a rampaging dragon. I'm considering it, seriously. Another week has past and they still—stare at each other. Something HAS to give.
Remus.

Remus walked into Snape's private study. The study was beautiful, upholstered walls in a rich silk that looked as if it has been imported from China. The floors were a hard light wood, covered in rug on one half of the room where he worked with his potions- to protect the wood no doubt. The rest was part of the study, partitioned by a screen, the walls covered in texts. A desk sat tucked near a wall, a large wing backed chair behind it, quills, ink stains and bottles, and parchment spread everywhere. His meditation mat was rolled up in the corner. "Good Morning, Love." He hoped that stung. Severus had been distant with him, too, since Harry arrived.

"Good Morning, Rehmy. Did you need something? I am busy."

And he did look it, he was sitting at the chair, brooding over the paper, but Remus figured it was just to get rid of him. Just because they were in love didn't mean that they were perfect. And, Snape was still prickly with him on bad days. "Indeed. What are you working on?"

Snape swept the paper together, out of view. "Nothing."

"All right. All right. I won't pry. When are you going to talk to that poor boy, Sev?"

Severus leaned back in the chair, pushed back. The wooden legs made a horrible scraping noise against the polished stone. "I can't, Remus. He hates me. He thinks I'm some kind of monster."

"Which is ironic since he gets along fine with me, and I really am one. Goes to show you that monster-ism, won't be held against you, if you're kind to him. You're not doing much to change his mind, either, you know."

"How wrong is it!?" he said, standing up. "I am a monster."

"Not, hardly. I've always felt you were a Gryffindor underneath all the masks you wear- Brave, loyal, loving. And, I do know you love me, Severus."

Severus swept across the room ion a few short steps. "Remus." He had the smaller man in his arms in a short instant. The very idea- it hurt. Remus made him feel human again. Remus could see him for what he was- human, fragile, hurting. "Don't ever doubt that."

Remus pulled away. "I don't. I know you love me. You've met a cursed creature into your home, and you've loved him despite his nature. Despite everything. Let me give you something, love."

Severus was confused. "What you would give me?" He knew that Remus was not in possession of much, if any money. Being labeled as a monster had left him unable to get any work.

"A family. The continuation of the family line."

"Kids?" he nearly squeaked.

"Cubs, yes."

Severus wasn't stupid. He knew male pregnancy was often extremely painful, and dangerous. "That's – dangerous."

"Poppy seemed to think it was safe enough."

"You already checked?" That gave his Remus away. Once a Marauder, always a Marauder. "What are you up to?"

"I'm helping you. Stop ignoring your son, Severus. Help him with his summer homework. Tell him he's welcome to stay next summer. Get the boy some new robes for the new year. Take him to the back pitch and keep him up to speed for the new season. Shoe him the barns."

"You're going to nag forever aren't you?" He was tired of this. Well, and truly tired of Remus showing up, and nagging him. He loved the man, but enough was enough already.

"Yes I am."

"Fine!" He felt like a child having a temper tantrum, but he was sick of this new ritual. He wanted his Remus back in his arms. He stopped at the door, that thought in mind. "Rehm?"

"What?" the question was whispered vehemently.

"Do you want cubs for yourself— or for me?"

"For us, Sev. Nor my children, or your children- our children. Living breathing things that show how much you love me, and how much I love you."

Sev suddenly understood why Remus was pushing him at Harry. Perhaps that was truly what Remus wanted all along- for him to realize that Harry was struggling. He wasn't a child of love. He wasn't a child of passion in lust, or even anger. He merely – was. He was an accident, an aberration of a natural system. "We'll speak of this later." The he swept from the room, and took the stairs two and a time, pausing to knock at the boy's door. There was no answer, and so he did as he pleased, and barged right in. Harry was sprawled out on the four poster bed, asleep- tear streaks staining his cheeks. He felt his heart ache for the boy- something he hadn't felt for anyone but Remus in – a very long time.

The boy was suffering in his knowledge of his mother's choice. He sat on the edge of the bed and did the other that occurred to him, what his own mum had done for him, rubbed his back in small soothing circles. After a time Harry seemed more at peace in his rest and Severus removed the boy's glasses and set them close by on the nightstand. He pulled a piece of paper from the desk across the room and left a note next to his glasses.

Harry-
When you're up to it, send an elf for me, and we'll have a chat. I think its past time and I'm ready to face the music now, I think. Also, I think I'd like to discuss a matter that Remus and I have been contemplating as well.
When you're ready-
S

*

Harry found the note when he woke, fumbling for his glasses. Snape had finally come to visit him- and found him sleeping. In the middle of the day. This couldn't be good. He walked down the hall and spotted an elf toting sheets. "Hey!"

"Aie!" It disappeared.

Harry sighed. He wished elves weren't so touchy. He'd find the study on his own. It only took a half an hour of searching in each room before he found it. He peeked in, and found several cauldrons bubbling away. Snape however was staring out the window. "Ahem."

Snape turned from his musings, and turned towards the voice. "You're awake. Good. Good."

"You wanted to speak with me, sir?"

"Indeed. Have you seen the grounds?"

"A little bit." Not really.

"The stables?"

"No sir"

"Severus will be fine for now, Harry. We're not at Hogwarts. Would you like to see the horses? I must admit I love them."

"All right." Harry followed across the grounds, over the pond, leaping from one stepping stone to the next. "So-" Harry said, leaping. "What did you want to talk to me-" Leap. "about?"

Severus waited until they were fully across the pond to answer. "I wanted you to know that you're in my care now- as my son. And, that you're free to explore wherever you please and eat whenever you please. I know that you'd be been more or less entirely self sufficient since you were eleven, and so I won't lecture you about school work. I just- I want you to know that you're welcome here. Forever- summer, holidays, after graduation. You're friends, too, are also welcome to visit. Just, please, let me known so the elves can prepare."

"Okay." Harry was stunned. This—this was Snape!? Didn't seem like him at all- he was being too friendly.

"Whether or not we knew it, whether or not we're ready to deal with the fact- you are my son. I'll treat you as such- if you want that."

Did he want a father? He tried to picture it, couldn't really. But was he willing to try? "Does that include Howlers when I have a run-in or detention?"

"I think we'll leave that to Remus, hmm? But, from me- I suppose it would depend on how bad the offense was."

"Honest. Okay."

Severus opened the door to the stable and inhaled deeply. It wasn't a particularly pleasant smell, but it wasn't unpleasant either. A mixture of leather tack, hay, and horse. "Don't walk behind them."

"Okay."

Severus scooped a several grams of grain into a pail, and headed into the stables. He shook the bucket, letting the horses hear, and Harry watched as three heads appeared over the edge of the window. One was a deep brown, the other golden, and the last pitch black. "Harry, hold out your hand, flat, and let me pour a bit of this into your palm."

"They wont' bite?"

"No. Remember to keep your hands flat, though. The first," the brown," is Siren." Harry watched as the beautiful horse nibbled at the food in his hand. When the horse had finished Severus instructed him to pet the horse, and scratch behind her ears. He did, smiling. They repeated the ritual for each horse- the golden one named Autumn, and the last Shade.

"They're nice."

"You're welcome to ride whenever you wish. I understand that you've ridden a hippogriff, so I imagine that a horse would be a quick learn."

"Maybe."

"Remus finally smacked some sense into me earlier. I finally realized what you must be feeling about finding out what you did. I went up to your room and I saw the tears I've been wrong to stay silent on the matter. I thought you would adjust. I'd like to think that someday we'll be – amicable, at least. I don't know if that's possible. I suppose that is up to you, if you can see past The Grand Charade, and see me."

"Remus loves you."

"Yes. And, I love him."

"When--?"

"I realized some time during the summer after he resigned, after my cloud of unholy anger lifted, that Remus, who deserved his job, had lost it because of me. I tracked him down, apologized and let him stay here. And he was here, and bored, and so we'd talk- and we fell in love. We're two outcasts, it was almost inevitable."

"What'd you guys want to ask me?" Harry asked, hoping to change the subject. He couldn't picture either of them loving the other.

Snape sighed. "I don't really know what Remus is up to, or if he was entirely serious about this, but he has expressed a desire to have cubs."

"Cubs?"

"Kids."

"Why ask me?"

"You live here, Harry. They'd be your siblings. You have a say right now, since you're still adjusting to everything."

Harry leaned against the stable door, next to Shade, petting her velvety soft nose. "It's really, very odd. Forever all I've ever wanted was a family, a mum, and dad, a sister or something. And, now you're offering that to me- and I'm scared. I want you and Remus to have kids, if that's what you want, not to be worried about what I think."

"We'd need your help raising them, protecting them. You'd be their brother."

Harry nodded. That would be wonderful- to have siblings, "But- what about Voldemort?"

"Voldemort is a danger- to me, and Remus. The cubs would be protected inside of Hogwarts, and at least for the first year, protected by their curse."

"How?"

"They'd be wolves, essentially. After their first year, they have their first transformation, but this is to their human form. That begins the monthly cycle after that. The first year, if they were approached by anyone with the unfriendly scent, they might attack. Those inside the pack' would be safe."

"Friends."

"Yes."

"Whatever you both decide, is fine."

"Harry-"

"Honest."

"I don't want you to feel as if you're being ignored, or replaced."

"It's all right." Harry was sick of talking about my new father. He wanted his old life back, where everything made sense. He needed somebody that would understand. Maybe Hermione. Ron would flip his lid. Harry wasn't looking forward to showing his new Snapish looks when he got to the Burrow. Ginny was too young, too – admiring, innocent. Sirius would only get mad. Dumbledore would give his usual ambiguous answers. Remus wasn't an option. Hermione. It had to be. "Can, Hermione visit? For a few days? I – I really need to talk to her. I need someone objective. I can't think- its too noisy in my mind."

"Absolutely. I'll have the elves make up a room for her. Send off a letter." Snape pat his son on the shoulder, and left the boy to his thoughts. Harry stayed, petting Shade for a while, before heading back inside.

*

Hermione smiled at the owl that landed on the arm of her chair, where she was relaxing with a huge textbook. "Hello Hedwig."

The bird proffered her leg, and Hermione removed the letter, opening it one handed, letting the other pet absently at the owl's soft feathers.

Hermione-
I need help. Can you come visit? I'm sure that Ron told you by now that I'm at Snape Manor. I'm just not—I need somebody to talk to – face to face- and I can't ask Ron, or Sirius, and I thought- dunno what. I just- I need somebody that actually listens. Don't worry about replying- just come. If you can't then send a reply back with Hedwig. I know you're hooked up the Floo Network now since you might need to run quick. Snape Manor will take you straight to the house.
Harry

Hermione ran into the house and into the office area. She knew her father would be busy but she HAD to go. Harry never sent letters like that. Something was very wrong. Ron hadn't told her he was at Snape Manor—but what was he doing there in the first place? She opened the door to the office, hoping her mother was there. She wasn't. She needed to go NOW though. She knocked on one of the office doors. "Mum?"

Kate Granger sighed, and set the bit of film down. "Excuse me for a moment." She stepped outside the patient room. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt. Something is really wrong with Harry. Can I visit? I'll be back later, I think. I- I dunno really, but I'll pop home no matter what. Please?"

Kate frowned. "All right."

"Thanks, Mum. I'll be back later." She headed back out the door and then started a pathetic little fire in the fireplace. She tossed the floo powder she'd bought into it, and stepped in. "Snape Manor!"

Remus looked up, and saw Hermione step out of the fireplace. "Miss Granger!"

"Professor Lupin?" she was confused. "Harry sent me a note- asking me to come."

"Ah. I see. He's probably in his room. Let's have a look." He led her up the stairs.

"This is Professor Snape's house?" It seemed very- un-Snapish to her.

"Yes." She stopped short when he knocked on a heavy mahogany door at the top of the stairs.

"What?"

"Harry? Hermione is here to see you."

"All right. You can come in, Mione." She smiled at Professor Lupin, and walked inside. The room was lovely, very interesting. Harry was lying in the bed, face buried in a velvet pillow. His hair had grown out. Very strange.

"Harry!" She crawled into the bed, ignoring the fact that she was only in jeans and a little t-shirt. "What is it? I came as fast as I could."

He sighed, and then sat up. Hermione gasped. "Harry!"

He felt the tightly held control slipping away. "How bad is it? I've avoided the mirrors."

She ran her hands through his new mane of hair. "It's different. But, you're still Harry, right? Same green eyes, right?"

"I don't know. Have those changed too?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, they're still exactly the same."

"At least that. My nose hasn't changed like everything else, right?"

"No."

"Thank goodness for small favors. Can I show you something?"

"Of course." He took her hand and led her to the pensieve. "This stores memories, my mother's. I want to show you why I changed." Hermione nodded. "Show me my mother's secret."

An hour later they both left the pensieve. Hermione stared at Harry. "Oh my God."

He nodded. "Yeah."

"And now you're here. As his son."

"Yes. He asked me to come. He said I was welcome and had free run. All of that. He said I could take his horse out if I wanted. He gave me a room, and everything. I just- he didn't want me then, but he'll take care of me now because he's genetically obligated! The truth of it is, is that he was my sperm donor! In the muggle world that doesn't mean a damn thing, and if the wizarding world wasn't so very small it wouldn't here either. I'm his obligation- like protecting me back when he thought I was James' son, who'd saved his life. Now he owes a debt to Lily, I suppose.

"And now, Remus wants to have kids and I'd be in the way."

"Remus wants to have kids? With who? Sirius?"

"Sirius doesn't know any of this. Remus uhm, lives here. With Professor Snape. They're, I guess, in love. I dunno. I never really see them together, just at dinner."

"Remus? And Snape?! Are you on some kind of psychotropic drug?"

"No. I'm serious."

"I- I dunno what to say."

"Am I going insane?!"

Hermione shook her head. "No. Not at all. This is big, Harry."

"I want to go back- to everything else. I feel like such a hypocrite. I wanted a family- parents, siblings, and now they're being handed to me and I can't handle it. I'm spinning. I have too much to worry about to handle this! I'm somehow supposed to grow up, have friends, maybe some girlfriend somewhere, oh and while I'm at it, you know, defeat the darkest wizard in history since probably Slytherin himself. And now, oh, by the way, Harry Potter, you're really Harry Snape, you know that wretchedly mean professor that hates your guts. I- I can't do everything. I'm just- just a kid."

Hermione rubbed his back, hoping he wouldn't make himself hyperventilate. It seemed all too possible at the moment. "You are a kid, that has plenty of help. You have a godfather that loves you, and would do anything for you- including escape the inescapable. And, a best friend that is the most loyal boy on earth. And, me, the biggest brain on earth. And now, you have a father that would protect you from it all. And, Dumbledore, and Hagrid, and all the staff, and Poppy Pomfrey who can put you back together when its all over. And, you don't have to do it alone, Harry."

"I'm scared that I'm just going to follow in James' footsteps, and do nothing more than end up dead."

"No!" she hugged him. "I won't allow it."

"You're in the same boat as my mother was. You could end up snatched, or worse."

"Let it come. I'm smarter than they are. They can try."

Harry shook his head, and the control he'd been hanging onto so hard shattered, and the tears started. Hermione, pulled him into her arms. "It's okay to cry. Let it go, Harry." She held him, stroking his soft black hair, letting his tears soak into her jumper. After a time he had tired himself out, and fell asleep, holding her. She pulled herself out from underneath his arms once his breathing deepened and evened out. She headed down the stairs to find Remus and Severus holding hands together, looking almost as if they were praying together.

Remus looked up first, probably smelling her. "Hermione!"

She smiled. "He's asleep."

"How is he?"

Her ears perked at the concern filling the professor's voice. It was nothing like the usual cutting remarks and icy dripping sarcasm. It was very pleasant. "He's- he's in pieces. I think he held himself together long enough for me to get here."

"He won't talk to us. What's on his mind?" Hermione took a chair across from them. It gave her a chance to study them as well. Remus looked good- healthy, tanned up, filled out, happy. He was wearing fine robes that were cut specifically to his body, and flattered all the right places. He was sitting on his feet that were bare, and only the toes of his left foot poked out. His hand was clutched inside Severus' much larger one. She'd never noticed before but the potions master's hands were very delicate, like a piano player's. Severus looked exhausted, and concern was written all over his face. She wondered how off Harry's summation of the circumstances were. It didn't seem as if Snape felt any kind of obligation to take him in- he seemed genuinely concerned for him.

"He's scared. He knows that he can't stop the inevitable forever. He's worried that you don't really want him, that he's a bother to your family, that its upset the natural course. If he weren't around, you wouldn't have to ask him about having kids, you could just- do what you wanted. He's worried about school, and taking care of everyone, and Voldemort, and – some part of him just wants to be a kid, just Harry. Not Harry Potter, not Harry the Boy That Lived, or Harry that Boy that Kept Living. He's never gotten to just be a kid."

Severus frowned. "How is that, Miss Granger?"

"Well, his aunt and uncle haven't really ever been very nice to him. They were scared of him, you know? And so he was like their servant, and they were horrible to him. It was hard for him to grow up like that. It was hard to watch."

"He was never abused though, correct?"

"Not badly. I know sometimes they starved him a bit."

Severus sighed, dropping his head into his hand. "If I'd known-"

"There was no way you could have. There's no sense in beating yourself up about it. All we can do is be here, now, and try and fix this."

"Well, you'd better do something fast then, because Harry is suffering."

"Thank you Miss Granger. We have quite a bit to discuss."

She nodded, and headed back up the stairs, and laid down with Harry. He needed someone close. She knew nightmares would follow.

*

Severus sighed. "I'm not doing very well, am I? With Harry."

"You got off to a rough start, that's all. First things first, I suppose. We're going to have to talk to him, let him know that his life isn't pointless, an accident."

"It was, though."

"For someone so enamored of Greek Mythology you hold little stock in their Fates. Let them do their work. If Harry wasn't meant to be born he wouldn't have, but he was. No one conceived of him, in theory first- ah yes, let's create a savior, one that's unloved and dispensable. Who in their right mind would do such a thing?! Lily had a baby because she wanted him. She fought James for the baby. I saw her when she told him, or just after. Believe me, it was a big deal. I love the boy as my own, and I know you're starting to see him for what he is."

"If I did- it would be of little good because in September he'll be Potter, and I'll be Evil Snape, and I'll still have Little Malfoy hanging over my shoulder, watching."

"Maybe. Maybe Dumbledore can help us with that, a little bit of damage control, eh? We'll see. Second- the cubs."

"You want children."

"I do. Do you?"

Severus sighed. "I don't know. I've failed Harry, what's to say I won't fail your little ones?"

"You haven't failed him yet, you still can, but you can change that. You can be the father he needs. I know you can. There's still a heart in there. The question is- do you want to have children?"

"I- I'm scared for them. You know my job- the dangers and risks I take. I could be killed. I – I probably will be. I'd be leaving you alone, with them."

Remus wrapped his arms around Snape. "Sev, don't talk like that."

"We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the possibility."

"Even if- if you did. I'd be well provided for, and I'd have Harry, and Sirius, and the Weasleys. There's no lack of love. And, I want to give you some joy."

Severus knew that a part of Remus that wasn't speaking up, wanted to assert his pack leader status. The alpha had died, many years ago, but the pack had been held in limbo. Now though, now Remus could be alpha female' and give me the status. Sirius, who previously been in line for alpha status would not achieve it, if a litter was produced. Severus understood the wolf in Remus, and how to control it, use it, and tame it. Potions making while a wandless magic, more of a science or art, wasn't called magic for nothing. Certain potions had secondary effects, and Wolfsbane, in his complexity, and power, had granted its creator this power- to tame the wolf by understanding. While he was entirely sure that in Remus' conscious mind, the desire to raise a family, to give him children was a very real, and pure desire, his unconscious was working to create the pack again. It was only natural.

But, Severus had to ask himself, was it a good idea? Recreating the pack, formerly known as the Marauders, didn't necessarily spell trouble. No, while the Marauders had been the bane of his existence as a child, now they would be his strength, and his support. And, he needed that, and more than what he needed, Harry needed. Harry needed a pack, and support and love to achieve his destiny set forth for him on Halloween so many years before.

"All right."

Remus' jaw dropped. "What?"

"I said, all right.'"

"I know!" Remus kissed him. "Sev. You won't be sorry."

Severus ran his thumb across Remus' eyebrow. "I know, Rehmy. I know."

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I tried to make it a bit shorter-- but I couldn't figure out where to cut it off.
*sigh* this is a huge monster.
Read and Review! Thanks to all those who have so far! Y'all rock.
-ayswen