Like Father, Like Son

Dumbledore, like always, was wide-awake before any normal person in the castle would ever think of opening their eyes. He wanted to figure out what he would say to Harry and Severus in his forced meeting that they would have today. Harry would be coming to his office at nine, and it was the Headmaster's idea to have Severus be there when he arrived.

There were many important factors to decide upon, such as what Harry should do about his appearance, whether Severus should publicly claim him, and even if the two wanted anything to do with one another at all.

Dumbledore had some ideas, but with the two not trusting him, it might not be accepted, and taken very well.

He sat at his desk, making sure that there were back-ups, and reasoning for every potential flaw in his plan. Then, at half past eight, he called Severus to his office. The man arrived not five minutes later, and Dumbledore began by discussing current Death Eater affairs with the spy.

"Well, he's getting support. He wants as many magical creatures that have been shunned by the ministry for too long, and he's getting them. There's a large werewolf based community, which he has convinced to join him, as I'm certain you already know. He's sent envoys to vampires, and boggarts. His offer to the centaurs was, as you undoubtedly know, thanks to the Forbidden Forest dwellers, not accepted. I don't believe that my lord thought it would be. In any case, he does not seem to mind."

"And what about the giants?" Dumbledore asked.

"Well, he's got people over there, trying to convince them. But you know how it is with giants, not for anyone except themselves, and they'll kill they're own kind for personal gain. Hagrids story told us that."

"Yes. It seems that Remus has tried to convince several of the werewolves that he knows not to go over to Lord Voldemort, but with little success. The Ministry has been putting tighter and tighter controls over them for years, and they have been so long treated as a sub-category that many are willing to switch to the Dark if they'll be accepted." Dumbledore sighed. "If only Fudge had believed Harry two years ago, things might be completely differently now.

The select Auror training isn't going very well. He just simply won't let enough people join his programs, and whom else can we get to fight? Remus has been the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we've had in years, but this should not be a battle preparation. It should be a school. Still, I'd like it if you could bring some helpful healing potions into your curriculum, and potions that might need to be learned in case of combat."

The conversation went thus, and Albus noticed the time only a minute and a half until nine. He had figured that Harry would be early, and got ready to let him in. Severus, with the practiced eye of one used to watching people's movements, noticed, but did not say anything.

Then, with forty-five seconds left, there was a knock at the door. Dumbledore went and ushered Harry in. When Severus and Harry noticed the other occupant in the room, they both gave Dumbledore glaring, evil looks, and then they both tried to leave.

Dumbledore, of course, had mysteriously foreseen this occurrence, and had locked the door. Snape did try "Alohamora", but it didn't work.

Both father and son resigned themselves to hearing what the Headmaster would have to say. Dumbledore motioned them to the now two chairs in front of his desk. Taking a seat, both edged as close as possible away from each other, noticed their mirror imaging, and them pretended like they hadn't.

Dumbledore suppressed a chuckle. These two men could be so good for each other, if only they'd let them. He began to speak.

"I know neither of you want to face this now, but you both need to talk. In only a few short weeks, the student populace of Hogwarts will be returning. What will they do when they see you, Harry, so closely resemble you, Snape? Like it or not, you are related. We need a cover for this story."

"Well?" said Harry. "Obviously you've trapped us in here to listen to you speak. What ideas do you have, Professor?" the sarcasm was literally dripping from the words as he spoke the last sentence, the "Professor" particularly so.

"Actually, Harry, I do have a few ideas. We cannot replace the charms, so we can let go of any ideas that involve that. What I suggest is this- at the beginning of term; I announce that Harry Potter has been moved from the school in order to receive special training. Most people, now believing that Voldemort is back, will assume it has something to do with that.

You can owl your friends beforehand, so that they will not be surprised. In the owls, you can also say that you won't be able to mail them, but you will see them soon, hopefully. That should be enough to satisfy their questions.

Meanwhile, not necessarily at the beginning of school, for that would be too coincidental for a bright student, such as Ms. Granger, to overlook, we introduce a new transferred student, Sameth Snape. He will be sorted at the evening meal about two weeks into the first term. It shall be common knowledge that he is your son, in fact, I plan to announce it."

Harry stood up. "No! I mean, eventually my friends will figure it out, not to mention I still have my scar. Plus, do you really think that people will believe I'm his son?" He gestured over to the scowling man in the other chair. "There's no way it'd work."

"For once, I actually agree with the boy." Snape chimed in. "People would suspect it once they see that we really have no idea about the other. Frankly, Albus, we need to come up with a different solution."

Dumbledore beamed at them. "Well, all those things are easily taken care of. Harry, your friends, nor anyone else in this school will be able to figure it out. Look at yourself in the mirror. Except for your eyes, and scar, and the obvious age difference, you and Severus could be mistaken nearly for twins!

And, as for those things that might cause some suspect, Harry will have his eye colour changed. Dark brown, and he can tell people, should anyone feel the need to ask, that they're from his mother. And, as for the scar, that is easily taken care of. Why, I almost rid you of it myself years ago. But, we could do a non-permanent Complexion Potion, if you'd like, too.

Now, Severus, about your comment. Of course people would notice if neither of you knew nothing about the either, that's why, from now on, you will be spending at least three hours a week together." Seeing both of them begin to open their moths to protest, he went on. "If you cannot do this voluntarily, I can force you, and I will. Oh, and to start it off, you, Severus, can go with Harry to Diagon Alley today."

It was as if time had been slowed down. For a few seconds, neither said anything. Then, as if he had processed the information just a tad bit slowly, Harry stood up.

"Listen, Professor. I'll be fine! No one will know or care who I am. There won't be any Hogwarts students there, the lists haven't gone out yet. It'll be fine, I promise."

Severus remained sitting, but he still protested loud and clearly. Then, Dumbledore gave them both a look, and they shut up.

"It will not be perfectly fine, Harry. You still have that scar, and if someone sees you as both Harry Potter and Sameth Snape, your whole cover for the year will be exposed. That is too dangerous for now.

First, I will give you a potion that you can apply to your scar to make it disappear for just over forty-eight hours. I'll also give you the recipe, and you can pick up the ingredients while you are out to brew it yourself." Snape snorted at this, thinking that there was no way in hell the boy in front of him, given his mediocre ability, would be able to brew a concealing potion that powerful.

"Then, you and Severus will go first to your Gringotts vault, and then shopping. I have your lists for your classes here." He handed Harry the two sheets of parchment that would normally be owled to him.

"You do need to stay together. It is still dangerous. Severus, you know how many dark wizards patrol even the safest places. Be on watch."

Dumbledore looked at both of them, and sternly said "You both will do this, and learn to get along. Put your past problems behind you, Harry. Go now to the Infirmary, and get the white cream in a jar labeled 'Concealing Potion 2A'. Madame Pomfrey has not yet returned, so it should be empty.

Apply the cream to your face, where your scar is, then look in the mirror. If the scar is gone, come back here, and if not, mix the jar with water, and then try again. When it does work, come back here. Severus will be waiting."

Harry nodded, yet still scowled at both men as he left.

The Headmaster turned towards Snape.

"Now, Severus, we need to figure out what you are going to tell the Dark Lord. Draco Malfoy shall most definitely meet our new student, and report it to his father. You will need to have a story ready."

"I know," Snape said, shortly. "I planned on saying that he has been living with his mother, and attending school out of country. Then, this summer, his mother died, and I was his only left relation. It should be sufficient for the cause, and easily enough faked."

Dumbledore nodded. "That does sound all right. Yes, I believe it will work well. Now, as for your work with Voldemort goes, have there been any new initiations recently? Hogwarts students, or anything?"

Severus shook his head no. "There aren't usually, not during the summer. Usually, right before school begins again all those who wish to be members come to him, and are trained for months, then there is a mass initiation during the Christmas break. You should know that, Headmaster."

"I did. I just wanted to check again. That means that there will be no new Death Eaters at Hogwarts until Christmas. That gives us time to prepare new ward spells."

"Yes, although I don't see the use. Any Hogwarts student is allowed access to the grounds, even if they are servants of the Dark Lord."

"Yes, but that would be what the new wards would protect against. It would be a massive undertaking, every square foot of the grounds covered in protections, runes, and all the old spells again. Plus, we are vulnerable while the spells are being renewed."

"You do forget one thing, Headmaster. If the spells repel Death Eaters, then I can no longer teach here. I won't be able to come on the grounds."

"Ah, yes. Perhaps a different charm, then, against those who… "

The conversation ended then. Harry Potter stood in the doorway, scar gone. It was odd, as if the last part of his old, unique and special identity had been wiped away with some common potion.

Dumbledore smiled. "Okay, then, Harry. Are you both ready to go?" Tearing out a sheet of paper from a book that was carelessly lying open on his desk, he handed Harry the recipe for the salve.

"Oh, wait!" he cried, before they had gotten near the fireplace. "Harry, your eyes, I nearly forgot. They are to be dark brown, are they not? Well, come here a second." Harry turned around, and impatiently walked towards the Headmaster. If he had to go with Snape, might as well get it done with.

Dumbledore waved his wand in front of Harry's eyes for a bit, then told Harry to close them. When he reopened them, Dumbledore held a mirror up to his face. They fit him, a deep chocolate brown that, in the right lighting, could be mistaken for a black. He looked a lot more like Snape. With a sad thought, he realized that he had just lost the last part of his mother's resemblance in his face.

Dumbledore nodded, saying "that looks fine, then. Have a good time! Off you go now!"

Then, nearly pushing both of them, he escorted them into the fireplace, and they both found themselves in Diagon Alley before either of them could bail.

"Very well." Snape… er, the older Snape, said softly. "Shall we go to Gringotts?"

"I guess so." Harry replied, slowly. The two made their way to the white building with little conversation.

Harry went up to the front desk, and gave his key. Looking at it closely, the goblin gave him a knowing look.

"Ah, Mr. Potter. Good to see you here." What? Harry wondered. How'd the goblin know that. "We have received word from the accounts of a Mr. Sirius Black that you are to be his heir. Would you care to come to a private room to discuss this?"

Harry nodded. What about Sirius? He and the Professor behind him walked into the room, the short, pointy eared fellow in front, leading the way.

The room they walked into was lavishly decorated in golds and dark yellows. There was a desk made of a deep, rich wood. The goblin sat down, and gestured for the others to do the same.

He rummaged through a drawer, and found a piece of paper. Bringing it out, he started to talk.

"You are, no doubt, aware of the passing of Sirius Black. His final will was found, unbeknownst to the Ministry, and as many of his last request that were being given are being fulfilled. We do not care and meddle much in the affairs of wizarding laws, therefore, we see no problem with doing this.

There was a statement, that said that if he should die without children, all the money in both his private vaults and the Black family vaults should be left to you. Here is a copy of the statement."

Harry read it. It seemed to be written as if Sirius had been the one to write it. He nodded, and handed it back to the goblin.

The goblin had been waiting for him. "Now, your old vault content equaled the sum of just about one thousand five hundred galleons, but too that, there will be added the additional amount of slightly less than five million galleons. Just sign here, and the money will be given over to you."

Harry was numb, and it took him a second to comprehend his actions. He snapped out of the gaze that he had been in, and signed the paper. He was bloody rich! And he didn't even need the money. 'God, Sirius.' Despite how much money he now had, he'd trade every Knut of it for a chance to be with his godfather again.

Severus was astounded. Who knew that Black had so much money. The Snape family wasn't exactly lacking, and Severus had inherited well over a million galleons, but this was insane! Now, Harry was on level in riches with the Lestranges, and the Parkinsons. He was only another half-million shy of being even with the Malfoy's, too.s

"Now, Mr. Potter, would you like to go down to your vault?"

Harry nodded, and stood up. Shaking the goblin's hand, he thanked him graciously for all that had been done for him.

The goblin led him down to a marble path. Then, they all got on one of the carts, that took them directly down to Harry's vault. Once they got there, Harry got out, and Severus remained in the cart. The goblin, unlocking the vault, opened the door, and stood back, as Harry entered.

It was his old vault, only several hundred times bigger. It was a huge room, and piles and piles of gold and silver were everywhere. Harry went to the nearest pile, and shoved about a hundred galleons into his bag. He was tempted to take more, but decided against it. Then, returning to the cart, they were on their way back up to the surface.

After getting all this money, the father and son went around Diagon Alley, Harry buying his school things, and Severus waiting. Then, Severus motioned to Harry to follow him. He led him into Ollivander's. The wand shop had not changed at all since the last time Harry had been in here.

As soon as they entered the small, musty wand fitting room, Mr. Ollivander stepped out.

"Ah, Professor Snape," he said, extending his hand. Severus shook it, and then Ollivander turned to Harry. "And young Mr. Snape, formerly Potter. What can I do for you gentlemen?"

Harry was a bit taken aback by the Snape reference. He scowled, and was about to ask how the man had known, but Severus had already begun talking to the man.

"I know usually each person has only one wand, but in this situation, we seem to have two people. Can…can Sameth here be fitted for a new wand for starting his schooling at Hogwarts?"

"Certainly. Although, it would be very helpful for him to keep the old one, as it will come in quite handy some times. Let me go in the back and see what I can find, while he is fitted."

As soon as he had left, Harry turned to Snape. "What was that for?" he hissed, anger emanating from his pores. "I don't need a new wand, my old one is perfect. Plus, where do you even get the right to call me Sameth? My name, as long as possible, is Harry Potter."

Snape, ever resourceful, had been expecting something like this from the boy. "First of all, your wand is far too recognizable. Do you not think Hermione and Ron will notice that there is a new student using the exact same wand as their old friend did, previously? Especially as your wand is the only other one than Voldemort's that has a phoenix tail given by Fawkes.

Next, as you should when you are in public and private, you probably need to be getting used to being called by your proper name."

His eyes flashed. Sure, he loved his son, even if he didn't know him, but the rash fool had to understand the consequences of his actions. Any mistake could expose both of them, and Harry could be forced to duel Voldemort before he was even remotely ready. That could be disastrous.

Harry, if possible, got even angrier, and was about to make a loud suggestion for the Potions Master, but, unfortunately, Ollivander picked this most opportune moment to return. He had a large stack of boxes with him, and he, similarly to the last time Harry was here, kept offering them for Harry to try.

He went through the entire stack, but couldn't find anything that worked so perfectly as his current one. Then, exasperated, he asked Ollivander if he could just save the core of his wand, but remake the wooden part?

Ollivander thought about this for a moment, and then invited the two men back into his work shop. It was the first time either of them had been back there, and it was truly an incredible sight.

Wands were everywhere. Hanging from the ceiling, atop shelves, some not even finished yet. There was even a few drawers labeled with things like "Unicorn Hair", "Dragon's Scales", and several large tubes with tags that read "Maple", "Holly", "Oak," and more. There was a large table, also, and Ollivander sat down in front of it.

Taking Harry's wand gently, he cracked a small hole in the end, and pried the two sides apart. Then, the wood loudly cracked, and fell apart, before vanishing in a puff of smoke. It had apparently, disintegrated.

Ollivander then had the wand core exposed. He, using a golden pair of pinchers, took it out, and left it sitting on the table. He then went to a tube labeled "Holly, 8 inches", and brought out a piece of the wood.

He cracked it open, only this time, the wood remained. He, again using a very light touch, picked up the core, and placed it into its new house.

Then, using spells and a type of glue, he resealed the wood, and polished it. Then, holding it into the light to see it's perfection, he handed it back to Harry, who had been watching the whole thing with a curiosity.

Harry grasped it in his fingertips. The wand was a little lighter, but the warmth in his hand felt the same. He waved it a bit, and when the silver and gold sparks came out, he was happy.

Ollivander watched him, a satisfied look on his face, his eyes peering intently on the wand. "It went better than expected. It is sometimes difficult to replant the core's, because they become so a part of the old shell." Harry paid five galleons for the wand, and they left the store, Mr. Ollivander going back to the work room, saying as he left, "Take good care of that wand, it will be very important for you, Mr. Snape."

Then, Harry and Severus were back again on the street. The magical feeling of watching a craftsmen do his work was gone.

After having gone to Madam Malkins and Flourish and Blotts, they were almost finished with their shopping, the last place being the Apocethery.

Going in, they immediately split up. Harry first searching for a few more of his sleep potion ingredients, and also the ingredients used to make the concealing salve for his face.

Severus, on the other hand, was talking to the manager about ordering large quantities of basic materials for the school's supply.

Harry also found several rare ingredients to purchase. They were quite expensive, but well worth the cost. Among several other things, he chose out some chopped black widow spider legs, pinchers from the feet of Appalachian fire-crabs, as well as some phoenix tears. Each came in its own separate vials and packets, that would fit into his brewing suitcase well. After picking all this out, Harry went to the back of his store to pay, and found Severus waiting for him. In the end, his purchases cost nearly twenty-five galleons. His opinion was that they were worth it, though.

Snape said nothing, merely raised a few eyebrows about the types of ingredients selected. He himself had picked up some Dragon blood, and other Dragon related powders and claws. He had planned a section on the uses of Dragon potions, how, why, and a brief history for the Advance Potions students.

He wondered how well Harry could actually brew, if he was buying these types of ingredients. He noticed the sleeping potion ingredients right away, wondering where Harry had stumbled upon that old recipe. It was rarely in use anymore, replaced by an easier brew and forgotten.

Both laden down with more shopping bags than teenage girls at a mall, they used the Apocathary's Floo to get back to Hogwarts. At the end of the day, Harry had spent about half of his money, and reminded himself to be careful with what he had left. It would have to last all the rest of the school year.

By the time they were back at the castle, they had only had one fight, and that was at Ollivander's. Of course, they hadn't had any real conversation either, but it was a start. Harry felt indignant. He was tired of this fakeness, and then he remembered that this, Sameth Snape person, was who he was to become. It was painful.

Harry went back to his room, and found a package on his bed. He looked around the room, and saw Hedwig sitting on a perch by the room's only window.

"Hey, girl." he said, petting her soft and soothingly. "I missed you. What did you bring me?"

He fed her an owl treat from his trunk, then turned to the package. Opening it up, there was a big box filled with numerous sweets, containers, and other things like that. He didn't eat anything, though. It, after all, might be the care package that Gred and Forge had said they would send. After reading a short note, that explained what everything was, he decided that some of these things could come in very useful this year.

He placed the box under his bed, with a reminder to himself to show Ron some of this awesome stuff. He couldn't wait to see the Weasley's expression when..

Harry stopped his thoughts dead in their tracks. He would never see Ron again, at least, not as himself. Not until the war was over and Voldemort defeated, anyways. Harry, Sameth, whoever he was, was more lonesome than he had ever been in his life.

Hedwig hooted softly, to comfort him, then flew to the bed, sitting next to him. He stroked her, trying to ease the pain. "At least I'll always have you, girl."

He stayed there for the rest of the day, and well into the night.

Hermione Granger was excited. She had just returned from a wonderful vacation in France, had several new books to dive into, and was looking forward to her second from last year at school.

She didn't want to start any new books yet, however, and instead decided upon writing to Harry, whom she hadn't heard from for a while. She was glad that he'd liked her present, though. She was afraid that he would have thought it too educational to be of any use.

So, sitting down a table, and turning on a small lamp she began to write. Maybe, he' d be able to meet her in Diagon Alley when she went in two weeks. They'd be sure to have the letters by then. After all, they'd already gotten their owl scores.

Maybe Ron would be able to come, too. She hadn't seen him since Platform Nine and Three Quarters, nearly two months ago. He was spending the time with his family at Grimmauld Place, he'd told her in his infrequent, short letters. He was corresponding with Harry, too, he'd told her.

It would be great to see everyone again, she thought. In these dark times, the only people you could count on were your friends. Thinking thus, she sat down to write.

Severus Snape was busily organizing his private stock room. Working making potions for both sides kept him busy, and he hadn't had a chance to clean up in a while. It was tedious work, however, and his mind kept slipping back to the afternoon out with Harry.

The only time that they'd ever really talked was when Harry had refused his name. It had hurt more than he'd let show, mainly because he was used to doing so. When Voldemort put the Cruciatus on you, you didn't make a big deal about the pain. You took it, or else he'd think you weak and kill you.

Severus was good at masking his emotions. It was reflex this afternoon, that had started and prolonged that fight. He mentally berated himself for being such a jackass all the time.

Maybe, if he tried to be more open and understanding with Harry, he'd be more accepting.

He couldn't even think about it without smirking. Himself? Open and Understanding? It was a laugh. He was a cold-blooded murderer who enjoyed letting the pain and frustration flow through his wand into his victims bodies. Yet, at the same time, he cowered behind a man, and a mask.

He was a horrible person, going straight to hell as soon as his reflexes weren't quick enough. He couldn't afford to become this weak over some old memories and a pathetic boy. If Harry didn't want to be his son, that would be perfectly fine.

But… he couldn't be that cruel hearted, could he? Once upon a time, many, many years ago, he had loved Lily. And no matter how either one regretted it, they were family.

He had to be given at least a shot. Harry was a wonderful person, he was sure. He wanted to be his family, his father. Both of them were just not used to having someone be there. They were both loners, he would admit that.

That was what had gotten him in front of the Dark Lord for, anyway. Rubbing his mark, he could remember the day he was initiated.

"Severus Snape. Why do you wish to serve me, to be one of my followers?"

He had truthfully answered. "You are great, my Lord. The power you have now, while still strong and commanding, is nothing compared to what you will achieve. You will be the greatest. my Lord, and the only thing that matters is power. I wish to offer you my services, in helping erase the muggle and Mudblood scum from this earth, and erecting a powerful new leader such as yourself."

The response had tickled Voldemort's fancy. He was still human at that point, and someone, kneeling before him, feeding him such pitiful lines about his power was just the thing that he liked to year. Yes, the Dark Lord was a vain, powerful, handsome man back then. No wonder people were drawn to him, even those with no family history of the Dark. He had been nowhere near the demented, half snake he was now, with all his tricks and games.

But he was still powerful. Still more powerful than any single person on Dumbledore's side. After all, the hero Harry Potter, was only a underage, not fully trained wizard, who had managed to get 8 OWLS.

Well? What did you think? There was a bit more Harry/ Snape interaction there. A bit more. Sorry this chapter took so much longer to get out, but, like I said, school started again, and I have stuff pretty much every night. I'm going to try and get another one out this weekend, though. Or at least start on one. I'm not really used to making my chapters anything over three thousand words.

Anyways, thanks to all those who reviewed. Such wonderful people!

Also, for those who don't want to review, you can always email me. It's Leuca_2007@hotmail.com Or, if you have a story of yours that you'd like me to read and review, just mention it. I love reading anything new and interesting. Especially dark stories. The absolutely wonderful Never Turn Back by Harmony Slytherin is spectacular. I recommend everyone go and read it now.

Well, thanks everyone! Special thanks and hugs go to the following-

Xyverz

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Prophetess of Hearts

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S.P.E.W. rules

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