Chapter Five: Down to the Wire

Notes: all disclaimers, and notes from the prologue still apply.
Thanks to all those who have reviewed, I appreciate it!
My muse had started to laugh at me, and nyah! nyah! at my despair.
I'm not entirely pleased with this, but I think it's the best step in the
right direction that I can make right now. School starts soon, and so
does most of the action. I'm sure someone is thinking.. What the heck?
What's up with Voldemort?!
Let me all know what you think, PLEASE.

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Severus decided to talk to Harry about their decision the next morning. In his experience, things generally felt better after sleep, and a shower, and so bright and not terrifically early he sent Hermione who had been up with the sun, to rouse Harry from his sleep.

"Harry." Hermione jostled his shoulder a bit hoping that would jar him from sleep.

"Unh."

"Come on, its time to get up. Up, Up."

"Wha?"

"Out of bed, Harry. Today's the day to wake up and smell the future. Out of the bed."

"Hermione, it's too early."

"It's nearly ten in the morning. Come on, there's stuff to do today. No more wallowing. Life isn't nearly as bad as you think. Into the shower. I'll levitate you there-" Harry wasn't making much effort.

"Hermione- please go away."

"Would like me to get Snape in here?"

Harry groaned. "You're more of a sadist than I thought. Fine!" he walked into the adjoining bathroom, and shut the door with a loud snap. She headed downstairs, rubbing her hands together, pleased with herself. Mission accomplished.

Harry appeared an hour later, dressed in ill fitting clothes- too short, but too wide also. Clothing that the Dursleys had provided him with. Harry for whatever reason she didn't know he never seemed to lack funds, but never bought clothing for himself either. "Good morning."

Remus and Severus were sitting at the table reviewing the calendar. They looked up when Harry spoke. "Morning, Harry! How are you feeling today?"

"All right, I guess. Worn out. How are you, Remus?"

"A bit worn around the edges. Always happens this time though. Can we talk in the living room after breakfast?"

Harry nodded. "I'm not really hungry- if you want to talk now."

Remus shrugged. "Is that all right?" he asked, looking over at his mate.

Severus nodded. "Why don't we go to the third floor parlor. The elves won't disturb us there."

Harry who hadn't known there was a third floor simply shrugged, and followed Remus and Snape up the stairs. It was strange, living here, with this not-so-horrible Snape. He was generally friendly and accepting of him, but – it felt incongruous. Which Snape was real? Could he trust this man? They reached the parlor and Harry sat in a chair, hugging the toss pillow tight to his chest.

Snape sat with Remus in the chair. "We mad several decisions last night, after Hermione joined us in the living room, and you'd gone upstairs to sleep. She said you felt you weren't really wanted."

"You told my mum to get rid of me! I saw it myself! You said she was to terminate the pregnancy. I'm some freak accident. No matter what anyone says, no one loved me into existence. You want to have kids, and they'd be loved into existence wouldn't they? Planned for, loved, and created even before that. I know Remus loves them already and they're not even close to created. How could you want me? You torment me in school, you nitpick at everything I do, mock me for this fame I never wanted! The first day- Mister Potter, it appears that fame isn't everything.' I didn't know I was famous, all right? I didn't know, and then you were so horribly mean! And, all those things you do to Neville! Neville is too scared to sit in your class. Don't say you want me because you feel obligated to my mother's memory, or some shit. If you don't want me- charm me back, and let me go. I've made it this long on my own."

Remus stood up, and lifted Harry out of his chair. "Young man, you will stop that this instant!" Harry shut up, scared. Remus had never frightened him before, but this was more than a little intimidating. "First, I will not tolerate that language in this house. Second, you will respect your father."

"I'm sorry, Remus." Remus was right, after all that Snape had done to protect him he deserved his respect- as a protector, and a loyal help. Even if Harry still couldn't- wouldn't reconcile the words Snape and Father into the same thought. "I'm sorry Professor."

Severus had weathered Harry's tirade, but the pure honesty that poured out, hurt more than a little. Much of it he could do very little to change either. "Harry, when we were in the barn talking, I think we must have miscommunicated. I want you here, with me. I want you safe, and fed, and properly clothed, loved and touched."

"Oh."

"And, I know that I've always been hard on you, but – you know my purpose, correct?"

"A spy."

Snape nodded. "A spy. And, as such, in the presence of the Slytherin students I have to be that way. I cannot change that, but I can tell you its not honest."

"Okay."

"We also wanted to tell you we made our decision about having kids."

Harry's ears perked up. He was just a little bit fascinated with the idea of having siblings. He'd never had- just Dudley who was terrible, but he'd seen the closeness and camaraderie in the Weasley home. He wanted that. He really did. He always had felt like they were his real family. But, -- his own- he waited for them to go on. "And?"

Remus spoke this time, looking bright eyed. "We're going to try."

Harry smiled. It felt like the first good news he'd had in forever.

*

Poppy had appraised Dumbledore of the situation after she sent the parents-to-be home, recently charmed, transfigured and potioned. Harry had been sent away to the Burrow, properly insulated from Voldemort by a complex web of protective magic.

"They're having children, then?"

"Yes, or they're going to try. It might not work, you know because of Remus' werewolf nature. If the curse sees it has a threat it'll get rid of it. But they wanted to try. So, I let them. I see no harm in it. It'll make them all happy."

"It certainly complicates things though. We need an excuse to keep Remus here now. And, hide the children once they are born. They'll be defenseless, no?"

"The children would be in no danger, Albus. What would they want with little cubs?"

"Werewolf cubs to mold to their own wishes- such a thing would be priceless to the Dark. And, we'd have to keep the Slytherins far from Severus' home. Mister Malfoy would be the greatest danger."

"Draco? He's just a boy, Albus."

"A boy under great deal of influence by dark power. His father corrupts him. Maybe removing him from the situation would be best."

"Removing--! Albus, what are you scheming?"

"Scheming? Me? Just a student exchange program. My very good friend Donovan would welcome students such as ours, as well as we welcome theirs. Yes, I think that's a grand idea. You must excuse me, Poppy, I have a letter to write.

*

Albus,
I would be absolutely delighted to welcome your students to Salem Institute. I've been worried for everyone over there, and any help I can provide is at your disposal. I've heard the rumors about the Dark Lord, and pray for your sake they are untrue. I fear however they warn of a hidden truth. As such, I'm hesitant to release my students to Hogwarts. You're certain its safe?
Donovan McTavish

Donovan-
Hogwarts is perfectly safe, and all visits to the town have been discontinued for the duration. To be honest, I'm asking you for this help in light of crisis. In a rather strange course of events we discovered new interesting information about Harry Potter. It seems that his mother hid his true parentage from us- having been a child by Severus Snape, my potions master. He is also a loyal asset to our cause. Fortunately, he has finally succumbed to the power of love, and fallen for a former professor here at Hogwarts, and another in his own year. They're expecting a litter shortly, as werewolves gestate shorter than humans. I need to remove one of my students from the school for their protection, as well as that of the student. Draco Malfoy. His father corrupts him, filling him with hate, and the open nature of America, and the more liberal thinking, and disappearance of the never ending house rivalries would be a great boon for him.
Also, I'd like to send you my brightest students here. Hermione Granger is heads above the rest, and would benefit from the expertise of several of your instructors, particularly in Divination. And, if I may I'd like to send along Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Lisa Turpin. All wonderful students. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do.
-Albus.

Albus-
Absolutely. I'll keep an eye on your students. I'm very excited to meet them, and have arranged for Rhysati Wolverton, Satoshi Aki, Joanna MacDonald, and Ian Wick. They'll floo to Diagon Alley on September one, as usual for Hogwarts, but will require a guide to help them to the train.
I'll expect your students to Floo over by the third. All students will board in the dorms, of course, girls in Essex, and the boys in Suffolk. They're welcome to bring their pet, whatever it might be, of course.
Donovan.

Albus smiled. It was working out. He'd gotten word this morning that Remus was carrying a litter of four.

*

Draco opened the letter, finally! The school list. He'd been waiting, anxious to get out of the house. He passed his thumb through the wax seal, and opened it.

Dear Mister Malfoy,
We are pleased to invite you to participate in this year's student exchange with Salem Institute. The top student from each class, in the six year form, has been invited to the exchange, in hopes of connecting with our neighboring schools in America. The Headmaster, Donovan McTavish will owl you with the list of necessarily books for your coming year, upon our confirmation of your participation.
M. McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress, Hogwarts School

Draco showed it to his father. "I don't like this," Lucius stated.

"But, only top students get to go. You're always saying I should work hard for that, and take everything I get with it, aren't you?"

"This is your year, Draco."

"Please, father?" Draco wasn't letting this go. He'd worked so hard, he had to go.

"Talk to your mother." Draco nodded. Narcissa was a push over. No sweat. An hour later he sent an owl back to Hogwarts with his reply.

*

Hermione Granger, stared at the letter. A year away! And, Harry needed her, but an exchange to Salem! Salem had a university attached as well. She might be able to take classes there! It sounded so exciting. Her parents had given her permission, had read the letter before her even. "That's so wonderful! Hermione! An exchange! Top student." They knew she was of course, but it felt good to see it in writing.

"I don't know if I can! What about Harry? And Ron?"

"They'll still be here when you get back." They didn't understand.

Hermione nodded, and headed upstairs. She had to think about this. She flopped on her bed, and buried her face in her pillow. School in Massachusetts sounded wonderful, Salem was nearly on the Sea, and close to Boston. Were they allowed to leave? She sighed, a nice dream. Why her? She was a top student, but—would they have asked if they didn't want her to go? She wrote back.

Dear Professor McGonagall, and Headmaster Dumbledore,
As much as the idea of the exchange excites me, I don't think I should. Harry needs his friends, and, I shouldn't go now. Thank you for asking. Perhaps Ginny could go in my place.
H. Granger.

She sent it off, and was shocked to get a letter back an hour later.

Miss Granger,
You will go. We need you to go. Do it *for* Harry. Enclosed is your acceptance letter, and instructions for the start of term.

Dear Miss Granger,
We are pleased to invite you to Salem Institute for the new term. You've come highly recommended by the headmaster, and Headmistress as a top candidate for exchange learning, and adaptability. We look forward to your attendance. Term begins on the third of September, and all students should be on campus by no later than 2PM. You may choose any mode of transportation to arrive on campus. The Floo Network is connected in several sites on campus, please wait for an empty grate.
You have been assigned to room 35D in Essex building for your room. No uniform is in place, but no skirts should cease above the mid thigh, and all shirts are to have shoulders. Please report to the Administration Building upon your arrival.
We look forward to meeting you,
Donovan McTavish, Salem Institute

*

Harry was enjoying his week at the Burrow. It'd been a long ordeal when he'd arrived, allaying everyone's concerns, but he promised them all that he was all right. He was still getting used to the idea, but the letters that Snape was writing him was helping a little bit. He told him stories about when he was a student, and about Remus' antics around the house. He also got heads up on potions assignment, and topics for further reading. This last letter however was almost completely different.

Harry,
I've enclosed a note for the goblins at Gringotts to give you fifty galleons. You're in desperate need of proper clothing, and I hope that you'll use it. It's the least I can do. There's no need to live so hard, so early, on your mother and James' savings. I understand that you're going with the Weasleys to Diagon Alley on August 31. I shall be there as well, but only as protection. I won't disturb your outing with your friends. I hope you'll be careful however.
Also, a bit of good news and bad news. The bad news first, Miss Granger will not be attending Hogwarts this year. She's part of an exchange program to America. The good news is that Draco Malfoy is going too. I rather think the entire plan was to keep Draco out from underfoot. Though, the exchange will be good for all of them. Especially Draco who will learn the much more easy going ways of America, and be away for his entrance year for the Death Eaters. Though, primarily it'll be best for Remus and I, as I should inform you – Remus is expecting a litter of four, some time around December.

I'll see you on the 31st ,
S.

Harry let out a whoop at the end, so excited than he ran down the stairs, and grabbed Molly into a hug. "I'm gonna have siblings! Four!" Molly smiled, unnerved by the possibility of more Snapes, but happy for the boy that was almost her own.

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Thanks for reading!
ayswen