Part 7
Albus Dumbledore looked at the wizards and witches congregated in the conference room. He felt badly for having to ask them to cut their summer holiday short but he had no doubt that they'd all understand.
"If I could now have your attention please," the headmaster finally called the meeting to order. "First, I want to thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know you all relish the free time you have during the summer months and would rather be elsewhere. However, this year, I'm afraid I must ask you all to return to your teaching duties early."
The protest and questions came forth immediately.
"Albus, you *can't* be serious!"
"Has something happened?"
"Does this have to do with You-Know-Who?"
"It's that blasted *Potter* again, isn't it?!"
Dumbledore raised his hand to silence the professors.
"Now. If you will allow me to continue?" He looked over his half-moon glasses at them. After seeing that they were ready to listen, he continued.
"There has been a late addition to our sixth year class. He has already been sorted and placed in Gryffindor."
This earned a snort of acknowledgement from the Head of Slytherin and a look of concern from the Head of Gryffindor.
"Is he an exchange student, Albus?" Professor McGonnagal was anxious to learn more about her newest charge.
"No, Minerva. As fate would have it, Alexander has only recently been discovered to have magical abilities. And had it not been for our own Harry Potter, it is likely he would never have been found."
"Somehow I *knew* Potter was involved in this!"
"Now, Severus," Dumbledore scolded gently. "It was all quite innocent. Harry was only meant to floo from Privet Drive to the Weasley's home this morning but found himself quite far from home when he came to a stop in the network."
This startled the staff greatly. They all knew the boy was prone to inadvertent accidents at times and they hated the thought of him being unprotected.
"He is alright isn't he?" This from Transfigurations Professor and Head of Gryffindor Minerva McGonnagal. "Where did he end up?"
Albus chuckled as he answered, "It seems Harry has, once again, defied the impossible! He managed to get all the way to Sunndydale, California in America!"
Several light hearted gasps came forth at the thought of flooing over the Atlantic Ocean and the whole North American continent. The concensus seemed that Harry Potter would somehow always find a way to prove theory and proven fact to be wrong. at least for him.
"Albus," Professor Snape eyed the old headmaster warily. "Do you mean to tell us that Harry Potter was on the BLOODY HELLMOUTH?!"
The rest of the room became as silent as a tomb. None of the other professors had recognized the name of the American city but they all knew of the existence of the hellmouth.
"Yes, Severus. That is exactly what I am saying." Dumbledore stalled the outcry of concern that was about to burst forth. "Harry is fine. No harm came to him while he was there. And now he is safely tucked away in his dorm room with Alexander."
"Can we assume that Alexander had been living on the hellmouth?" Minerva willed her heart rate to slow now that Harry's safety had been ensured. "How on Earth was Harry able to find the boy?"
"Alexander was in the home of the slayer's watcher," Albus' eyes twinkled merrily as he looked at McGonnagal. "By the way, Minerva. Rupert Giles asked me to tell you that he will be in touch before long."
The headmaster chuckled as he saw the smile and slight blush rise on the cheeks of the Deputy Headmistress.
Snape had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at the woman before addressing Dumbledore again. "What, exactly, to you need from us? From what you've said, this boy has no training or knowledge of the wizarding world. Why on Earth would you put him with the sixth years?"
"Well, we can't expect him to attend classes with the first years, can we? Alexander *is* sixteen years old. It just wouldn't be appropriate." Albus paused for a moment to look each of the professors in the eyes. "What we need to do is get him caught up on what he's missed."
This time the murmur that broke out was from mass incredulity.
One voice managed to break out above the rest. "How long do you intend this *catching up* to take, Headmaster." It was clear the Potions Master was not pleased with the idea of teaching this new student five years worth of lessons in a short period of time.
"I believe, with all of you and the help of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, Alexander can complete this task be the Christmas holidays." Again the headmaster found himself calling the room to order. "The boy is very bright is very likely to be a very powerful wizard if his family history is considered. I have no doubt that this can and *will* be accomplished.
"Now, what I need all of you to do is set up a training program that will last until the new term begins. Once the other students arrive, it will remain up to you to ensure that Alexander continues to progress accordingly. Should all go well, I expect him to join the sixth year students in January.
"I want to thank you all in advance," the headmaster concluded, "for making every effort for this young man."
Knowing they had been dismissed, the group of professors took their leave one by one. Before the room was completely empty, Dumbledore pulled one professor aside.
"I need to speak with you further. Would you be able to come to my office in an hour?"
"Of course, Headmaster," was the only reply he received.
*******
One hour later, Dumbledore sat at his desk pouring tea for the three men before him. He knew the task he would soon face would not be easy and was more than willing to stall just a bit longer.
"Albus, can you tell me what the hell Lupin and his mangy mutt are doing here?" Yes, it was clear, as always, that Severus Snape detested being within shouting distance of Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.
"I've asked them here for their help, Severus. Just as I've asked you and the other professors for help today." Albus turned to the werewolf and escaped convict. "What I am about to ask the three of you will be a difficult task. I have no doubt that it can be accomplished, but it will take the efforts of all of you. Before you object, let me say that you have worked well together for the Order and managed to put aside your differences for the fight against Voldemort. I am well aware that you insist on maintaining your grudges although I do wish you would finally find peace between you. But, I am asking for your collective help in this matter."
The three men shifted uncomfortably before coming to a silent agreement between them. They would once again rise to the task of working together for whatever lay before them.
Seeing this, Albus smiled and continued, "Over the next few months, I would like you all to join forces in training Alexander in his Defense classes. It is likely, at a certain point, I will be requesting Harry to join him in these lessons. I feel that both boys will need to learn to work together in this subject as it is likely Alexander will stand at Harry's side in the battle that will inevitably come."
The shock of this news was obvious on the faces before him. It had always been assumed that the final battle would be fought between Harry and Voldemort alone. Albus, himself, knew that without Alexander, Harry had only a small chance of surviving. It had been forseen centuries ago that two joined souls would bring the downfall of the Dark Lord. The old wizard had begun to fear that the victory of the battle would be Voldemort's. But that morning, as he watched the two boys, he saw their auras combine to form a powerful light. Fate had finally allowed Harry to find his soulmate.
"Each of you will be responsible for a different portion of their classes. Severus, it will be your job to train Alexander, and eventually Harry, in the defense again dark magic as well as how to use dark magic." Seeing the nod of agreement from the potions master, he continued. "Sirius, you will be training them in hand to hand combat and weaponry. You will find that Alexander already has a good deal of knowledge in this area. Allow him to tell you of his past experiences before you begin." Another nod. "And Remus, your task will be teaching battle stategy and endurance."
Smiling happily, Dumbledore advised that Snape, Lupin and Black meet later that day to discuss their lesson plans together.
"Now, I'm sure you are anxious to see Harry," he said as he turned to Sirius and Remus. "You'll find him and Alexander in their dorm room. Why don't you both go up there and introduce yourselves. Sirius, I'd like you to explain your current status our new pupil so he will not be caught by surprise later."
"Of course, Albus." Black stood and headed out the door with Lupin in tow.
Seeing that the meeting was over, Snape stood to take his leave. "If that will be all-"
"Actually, Severus," Dumbledore interrupted, "If you could please stay. There is one more thing I must discuss with you about Alexander."
The potions master sat back down with a questioning look on is face. "How much more can there be, Albus? You've got the boy's curriculum all but planned for the next several months and as he was not sorted into Slytherin I see no further need for my involvement."
The old wizard wasn't sure how to explain the facts to Severus. He had no doubt of his reaction but didn't want to stun the man into shock.
"Severus, there is more about this boy that you need to know." He paused, finally finding a solution to the problem. "Perhaps it would be best for you to meet him."
"I don't see why that is necessary before he comes to my class, but do what you will." Snape, though he would never admit it, was now curious about the boy. He'd never seen the headmaster at a loss for words and it was clear this was important.
As Snape sat wondering about this new student, Albus summoned a house elf and sent her to fetch the boy and escort him to the office.
"You will see, in a moment, why I am insisting on this meeting now, Severus."
Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock on the headmaster's door. "Come in, Alexander."
Albus smiled at the boy who timdly poked his head through the door. "If you recall, I told you that all your questions would be answered the next time you saw me. Well, it is time, my boy.
Xander slowly made his way into the offfice. He saw the headmaster sitting behind his desk, just as he had earlier that day. He also noticed a man that had yet to turn around. He paused for a moment, suddenly nervous beyond belief. 'Is that him? Is this man my . father?'
Tired of waiting for him to walk further into the room, Snape turned around to get a look at the boy Dumbledore had been so anxious for him to meet. What he saw made his heart drop and he found himself standing dizzily. 'It can't be!'
"Albus?" Severus gasped as he supported his weight on the chair next to him.
Seeing the man-his Dad-in obvious distress, Xander leapt forward in an effort to keep him from falling. Grasping his arm to give support, the boy looked up at Severus and smiled shyly. He watched as the shocked look on the man's face turned to disbelief and then, after a moment of scrutiny, hope.
Severus slowly raised a hand up to trace Xander's face. He could see, clearly, the combination of his and his beloved Catherine's features in the boy. Sure that he could stand on his own again, Snape straightened up and looked down at the boy-his son and smiled.
"Your mother insisted we name you after her father, Alexander. He was a great wizard and she knew the moment she saw you that you would be, too."
Xander smiled at the thought of his parents loving him and being proud of him. That was what he had wanted most his entire life and had always been denied. The smile faded.
Seeing the sad look upon his son's face, Severus began to worry. 'What if he doesn't want to be here. Maybe he'd rather be with the people who raised him.'
"Ahem."
Father and son turned to see Albus smiling broadly at the reunion. "Why don't the two of you go for a walk? I'm certain you both have a lot to talk about and it is a beautiful day outside. It seems a shame to waste it."
Snape nodded to the headmaster and looked back down at his son. "Would you like that, Alexander?"
Still not able to find his voice, Xander meerly nodded his assent before being led out by the comforting hand on his shoulder.
********
Severus peered down at his son as they walked out the front doors of Hogwarts. He was still trying to grasp that Alexander, who he had believed to be dead, was alive and at his side.
When he had received the news of his wife's body being found along with dozens of others that had been attempting to escape the coming war, Snape had been shattered. Having been in the Dark Lord's ranks, but not yet long enough to reach the inner-circle, he'd feared for the lives of his wife and son. While both their families could claim centuries of pureblood, it had become apparent that Voldemort was unstable and he had made it clear that no one was safe should they not consent to carrying his mark. Having witnessed and experienced the cruelty the Dark Lord cast upon his followers, Severus had refused to let Voldemort anywhere near his family.
He'd heard that a large group of Muggleborns were planning to leave the continent to find safety until the war had ended. It had taken all of his will to convince Catherine that she and Alexander would be safer far from him. It was with hope for his family's safety that he watched the ship sail away from Britain, out of the realm of Voldemort's power.
No one could explain the deaths of more than half the people on that boat as it crossed the Atlantic. Fearing for their own safety, the crew had decided to confine the passengers below deck so as not to contract this mysterious illness. By the time they reached American waters, nearly two- thirds were dead or dying. No doctor could find any disease or infection on anyone. It baffled the members of the medical society for years to come.
To make matters worse, most of the people, living and dead, had forgone much of the paperwork needed for identification in the Muggle world. They'd all intended to enter the wizarding world that was well-hidden on American soil. Need for Muggle documentation had not been forseen. Because of this, few bodies could be placed with pictures and paperwork. One of those few to be identified was the body of Catherine Snape.
It took the better part of a year for families remaining in Britain to learn of the fates of their loved ones. Severus had answered the call of Voldemort and stood with his fellow Death Eaters when the Dark Lord finally entered the forest clearing. Upon calling for silence, Voldemort had proclaimed almost happily that the ship carrying nearly one hundred muggleborns had met with a disastrous fate and that most had not survived. Severus had felt as if some had shoved a hot poker through his heart. He controlled his outward appearance, grateful for once for the Death Eater mask, and left the meeting at the earliest possible moment.
When he'd reached his home, it did not take long for his fears to be answered. A letter arrived the next morning confirming that Catherine was dead along with many others, adults and children, who could not be named.
Severus Snape paid a visit to Albus Dumbledore the next day.
*******
Having finished explaining to his son what had happened all those year ago, the potions master and Xander sat beside the lake in silence for several minutes. The revelation of these things brought tears to the boy's eyes. Silently berating himself for the weakness, he tried to wipe the tears away before they were noticed.
Seeing the obvious distress his son was going through, Severus awkwardly placed his arm around the boy in a comforting gesture. He was surprised when, after briefly stiffening, he found his arms full of a sobbing teenager. Wrapping both arms around his son, he allowed him to mourn the loss of the mother he had never known.
After a time, Xander finally managed to pull his emotions back under his control and sat up. Eyes red and puffy, he looked warily at his father from beneath his lashes.
"I - I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry like that." As he spoke, Xander started to back away from the man. The fear was evident on his face. "I won't do it again. I promise."
Frowning, Severus tried to figure out why his son was reacting this way. "There is no need to apologize, Alex. You've done nothing wrong."
The teen flinched at the sound of that name. "Don't - please don't call me that!"
"What is wrong?" More confused than ever, the potions master moved toward his son. "Are you afraid that I'm angry with you?"
Xander stood up abruptly and back away. With a glazed look in his eyes, he spoke to the man, "Real men don't cry. Tears are for girls and sissies. A man should be able to take a beating without a sound. I will *not* cry."
Apalled by this turn of events, Severus stepped forward quickly and pulled the boy to him. Feeling his son's knees give out, he slowly lowered them both back to the ground. After taking a moment to calm himself, Snape looked down at his son.
"I want you to forget everything those Muggles ever did or said to you, Alexander. Listen to me carefully. A real man knows his limitations. A real man understands his emotions and knows when tears are appropriate."
Xander listened as his father spoke to him in a determined but soothing voice. He had never experienced such a foreign act of being held so tenderly. Allowing himself to relax, Xander nuzzled into his father's touch.
"It's Xander." His voice was muffled in the folds of Snape's robes.
"What was that?"
The boy pulled back and smiled shyly. "Everybody calls me Xander. They - the Harris' called me Alex."
"Then Xander you shall be." Severus smiled at his son. "That reminds me. We'll need to have your documents sent from America and arrange to have your name legally changed."
"What is my full name?"
"You, my son, are Alexander Josiah Snape."
TBC
Albus Dumbledore looked at the wizards and witches congregated in the conference room. He felt badly for having to ask them to cut their summer holiday short but he had no doubt that they'd all understand.
"If I could now have your attention please," the headmaster finally called the meeting to order. "First, I want to thank you all for coming on such short notice. I know you all relish the free time you have during the summer months and would rather be elsewhere. However, this year, I'm afraid I must ask you all to return to your teaching duties early."
The protest and questions came forth immediately.
"Albus, you *can't* be serious!"
"Has something happened?"
"Does this have to do with You-Know-Who?"
"It's that blasted *Potter* again, isn't it?!"
Dumbledore raised his hand to silence the professors.
"Now. If you will allow me to continue?" He looked over his half-moon glasses at them. After seeing that they were ready to listen, he continued.
"There has been a late addition to our sixth year class. He has already been sorted and placed in Gryffindor."
This earned a snort of acknowledgement from the Head of Slytherin and a look of concern from the Head of Gryffindor.
"Is he an exchange student, Albus?" Professor McGonnagal was anxious to learn more about her newest charge.
"No, Minerva. As fate would have it, Alexander has only recently been discovered to have magical abilities. And had it not been for our own Harry Potter, it is likely he would never have been found."
"Somehow I *knew* Potter was involved in this!"
"Now, Severus," Dumbledore scolded gently. "It was all quite innocent. Harry was only meant to floo from Privet Drive to the Weasley's home this morning but found himself quite far from home when he came to a stop in the network."
This startled the staff greatly. They all knew the boy was prone to inadvertent accidents at times and they hated the thought of him being unprotected.
"He is alright isn't he?" This from Transfigurations Professor and Head of Gryffindor Minerva McGonnagal. "Where did he end up?"
Albus chuckled as he answered, "It seems Harry has, once again, defied the impossible! He managed to get all the way to Sunndydale, California in America!"
Several light hearted gasps came forth at the thought of flooing over the Atlantic Ocean and the whole North American continent. The concensus seemed that Harry Potter would somehow always find a way to prove theory and proven fact to be wrong. at least for him.
"Albus," Professor Snape eyed the old headmaster warily. "Do you mean to tell us that Harry Potter was on the BLOODY HELLMOUTH?!"
The rest of the room became as silent as a tomb. None of the other professors had recognized the name of the American city but they all knew of the existence of the hellmouth.
"Yes, Severus. That is exactly what I am saying." Dumbledore stalled the outcry of concern that was about to burst forth. "Harry is fine. No harm came to him while he was there. And now he is safely tucked away in his dorm room with Alexander."
"Can we assume that Alexander had been living on the hellmouth?" Minerva willed her heart rate to slow now that Harry's safety had been ensured. "How on Earth was Harry able to find the boy?"
"Alexander was in the home of the slayer's watcher," Albus' eyes twinkled merrily as he looked at McGonnagal. "By the way, Minerva. Rupert Giles asked me to tell you that he will be in touch before long."
The headmaster chuckled as he saw the smile and slight blush rise on the cheeks of the Deputy Headmistress.
Snape had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at the woman before addressing Dumbledore again. "What, exactly, to you need from us? From what you've said, this boy has no training or knowledge of the wizarding world. Why on Earth would you put him with the sixth years?"
"Well, we can't expect him to attend classes with the first years, can we? Alexander *is* sixteen years old. It just wouldn't be appropriate." Albus paused for a moment to look each of the professors in the eyes. "What we need to do is get him caught up on what he's missed."
This time the murmur that broke out was from mass incredulity.
One voice managed to break out above the rest. "How long do you intend this *catching up* to take, Headmaster." It was clear the Potions Master was not pleased with the idea of teaching this new student five years worth of lessons in a short period of time.
"I believe, with all of you and the help of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, Alexander can complete this task be the Christmas holidays." Again the headmaster found himself calling the room to order. "The boy is very bright is very likely to be a very powerful wizard if his family history is considered. I have no doubt that this can and *will* be accomplished.
"Now, what I need all of you to do is set up a training program that will last until the new term begins. Once the other students arrive, it will remain up to you to ensure that Alexander continues to progress accordingly. Should all go well, I expect him to join the sixth year students in January.
"I want to thank you all in advance," the headmaster concluded, "for making every effort for this young man."
Knowing they had been dismissed, the group of professors took their leave one by one. Before the room was completely empty, Dumbledore pulled one professor aside.
"I need to speak with you further. Would you be able to come to my office in an hour?"
"Of course, Headmaster," was the only reply he received.
*******
One hour later, Dumbledore sat at his desk pouring tea for the three men before him. He knew the task he would soon face would not be easy and was more than willing to stall just a bit longer.
"Albus, can you tell me what the hell Lupin and his mangy mutt are doing here?" Yes, it was clear, as always, that Severus Snape detested being within shouting distance of Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.
"I've asked them here for their help, Severus. Just as I've asked you and the other professors for help today." Albus turned to the werewolf and escaped convict. "What I am about to ask the three of you will be a difficult task. I have no doubt that it can be accomplished, but it will take the efforts of all of you. Before you object, let me say that you have worked well together for the Order and managed to put aside your differences for the fight against Voldemort. I am well aware that you insist on maintaining your grudges although I do wish you would finally find peace between you. But, I am asking for your collective help in this matter."
The three men shifted uncomfortably before coming to a silent agreement between them. They would once again rise to the task of working together for whatever lay before them.
Seeing this, Albus smiled and continued, "Over the next few months, I would like you all to join forces in training Alexander in his Defense classes. It is likely, at a certain point, I will be requesting Harry to join him in these lessons. I feel that both boys will need to learn to work together in this subject as it is likely Alexander will stand at Harry's side in the battle that will inevitably come."
The shock of this news was obvious on the faces before him. It had always been assumed that the final battle would be fought between Harry and Voldemort alone. Albus, himself, knew that without Alexander, Harry had only a small chance of surviving. It had been forseen centuries ago that two joined souls would bring the downfall of the Dark Lord. The old wizard had begun to fear that the victory of the battle would be Voldemort's. But that morning, as he watched the two boys, he saw their auras combine to form a powerful light. Fate had finally allowed Harry to find his soulmate.
"Each of you will be responsible for a different portion of their classes. Severus, it will be your job to train Alexander, and eventually Harry, in the defense again dark magic as well as how to use dark magic." Seeing the nod of agreement from the potions master, he continued. "Sirius, you will be training them in hand to hand combat and weaponry. You will find that Alexander already has a good deal of knowledge in this area. Allow him to tell you of his past experiences before you begin." Another nod. "And Remus, your task will be teaching battle stategy and endurance."
Smiling happily, Dumbledore advised that Snape, Lupin and Black meet later that day to discuss their lesson plans together.
"Now, I'm sure you are anxious to see Harry," he said as he turned to Sirius and Remus. "You'll find him and Alexander in their dorm room. Why don't you both go up there and introduce yourselves. Sirius, I'd like you to explain your current status our new pupil so he will not be caught by surprise later."
"Of course, Albus." Black stood and headed out the door with Lupin in tow.
Seeing that the meeting was over, Snape stood to take his leave. "If that will be all-"
"Actually, Severus," Dumbledore interrupted, "If you could please stay. There is one more thing I must discuss with you about Alexander."
The potions master sat back down with a questioning look on is face. "How much more can there be, Albus? You've got the boy's curriculum all but planned for the next several months and as he was not sorted into Slytherin I see no further need for my involvement."
The old wizard wasn't sure how to explain the facts to Severus. He had no doubt of his reaction but didn't want to stun the man into shock.
"Severus, there is more about this boy that you need to know." He paused, finally finding a solution to the problem. "Perhaps it would be best for you to meet him."
"I don't see why that is necessary before he comes to my class, but do what you will." Snape, though he would never admit it, was now curious about the boy. He'd never seen the headmaster at a loss for words and it was clear this was important.
As Snape sat wondering about this new student, Albus summoned a house elf and sent her to fetch the boy and escort him to the office.
"You will see, in a moment, why I am insisting on this meeting now, Severus."
Fifteen minutes later, there was a knock on the headmaster's door. "Come in, Alexander."
Albus smiled at the boy who timdly poked his head through the door. "If you recall, I told you that all your questions would be answered the next time you saw me. Well, it is time, my boy.
Xander slowly made his way into the offfice. He saw the headmaster sitting behind his desk, just as he had earlier that day. He also noticed a man that had yet to turn around. He paused for a moment, suddenly nervous beyond belief. 'Is that him? Is this man my . father?'
Tired of waiting for him to walk further into the room, Snape turned around to get a look at the boy Dumbledore had been so anxious for him to meet. What he saw made his heart drop and he found himself standing dizzily. 'It can't be!'
"Albus?" Severus gasped as he supported his weight on the chair next to him.
Seeing the man-his Dad-in obvious distress, Xander leapt forward in an effort to keep him from falling. Grasping his arm to give support, the boy looked up at Severus and smiled shyly. He watched as the shocked look on the man's face turned to disbelief and then, after a moment of scrutiny, hope.
Severus slowly raised a hand up to trace Xander's face. He could see, clearly, the combination of his and his beloved Catherine's features in the boy. Sure that he could stand on his own again, Snape straightened up and looked down at the boy-his son and smiled.
"Your mother insisted we name you after her father, Alexander. He was a great wizard and she knew the moment she saw you that you would be, too."
Xander smiled at the thought of his parents loving him and being proud of him. That was what he had wanted most his entire life and had always been denied. The smile faded.
Seeing the sad look upon his son's face, Severus began to worry. 'What if he doesn't want to be here. Maybe he'd rather be with the people who raised him.'
"Ahem."
Father and son turned to see Albus smiling broadly at the reunion. "Why don't the two of you go for a walk? I'm certain you both have a lot to talk about and it is a beautiful day outside. It seems a shame to waste it."
Snape nodded to the headmaster and looked back down at his son. "Would you like that, Alexander?"
Still not able to find his voice, Xander meerly nodded his assent before being led out by the comforting hand on his shoulder.
********
Severus peered down at his son as they walked out the front doors of Hogwarts. He was still trying to grasp that Alexander, who he had believed to be dead, was alive and at his side.
When he had received the news of his wife's body being found along with dozens of others that had been attempting to escape the coming war, Snape had been shattered. Having been in the Dark Lord's ranks, but not yet long enough to reach the inner-circle, he'd feared for the lives of his wife and son. While both their families could claim centuries of pureblood, it had become apparent that Voldemort was unstable and he had made it clear that no one was safe should they not consent to carrying his mark. Having witnessed and experienced the cruelty the Dark Lord cast upon his followers, Severus had refused to let Voldemort anywhere near his family.
He'd heard that a large group of Muggleborns were planning to leave the continent to find safety until the war had ended. It had taken all of his will to convince Catherine that she and Alexander would be safer far from him. It was with hope for his family's safety that he watched the ship sail away from Britain, out of the realm of Voldemort's power.
No one could explain the deaths of more than half the people on that boat as it crossed the Atlantic. Fearing for their own safety, the crew had decided to confine the passengers below deck so as not to contract this mysterious illness. By the time they reached American waters, nearly two- thirds were dead or dying. No doctor could find any disease or infection on anyone. It baffled the members of the medical society for years to come.
To make matters worse, most of the people, living and dead, had forgone much of the paperwork needed for identification in the Muggle world. They'd all intended to enter the wizarding world that was well-hidden on American soil. Need for Muggle documentation had not been forseen. Because of this, few bodies could be placed with pictures and paperwork. One of those few to be identified was the body of Catherine Snape.
It took the better part of a year for families remaining in Britain to learn of the fates of their loved ones. Severus had answered the call of Voldemort and stood with his fellow Death Eaters when the Dark Lord finally entered the forest clearing. Upon calling for silence, Voldemort had proclaimed almost happily that the ship carrying nearly one hundred muggleborns had met with a disastrous fate and that most had not survived. Severus had felt as if some had shoved a hot poker through his heart. He controlled his outward appearance, grateful for once for the Death Eater mask, and left the meeting at the earliest possible moment.
When he'd reached his home, it did not take long for his fears to be answered. A letter arrived the next morning confirming that Catherine was dead along with many others, adults and children, who could not be named.
Severus Snape paid a visit to Albus Dumbledore the next day.
*******
Having finished explaining to his son what had happened all those year ago, the potions master and Xander sat beside the lake in silence for several minutes. The revelation of these things brought tears to the boy's eyes. Silently berating himself for the weakness, he tried to wipe the tears away before they were noticed.
Seeing the obvious distress his son was going through, Severus awkwardly placed his arm around the boy in a comforting gesture. He was surprised when, after briefly stiffening, he found his arms full of a sobbing teenager. Wrapping both arms around his son, he allowed him to mourn the loss of the mother he had never known.
After a time, Xander finally managed to pull his emotions back under his control and sat up. Eyes red and puffy, he looked warily at his father from beneath his lashes.
"I - I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cry like that." As he spoke, Xander started to back away from the man. The fear was evident on his face. "I won't do it again. I promise."
Frowning, Severus tried to figure out why his son was reacting this way. "There is no need to apologize, Alex. You've done nothing wrong."
The teen flinched at the sound of that name. "Don't - please don't call me that!"
"What is wrong?" More confused than ever, the potions master moved toward his son. "Are you afraid that I'm angry with you?"
Xander stood up abruptly and back away. With a glazed look in his eyes, he spoke to the man, "Real men don't cry. Tears are for girls and sissies. A man should be able to take a beating without a sound. I will *not* cry."
Apalled by this turn of events, Severus stepped forward quickly and pulled the boy to him. Feeling his son's knees give out, he slowly lowered them both back to the ground. After taking a moment to calm himself, Snape looked down at his son.
"I want you to forget everything those Muggles ever did or said to you, Alexander. Listen to me carefully. A real man knows his limitations. A real man understands his emotions and knows when tears are appropriate."
Xander listened as his father spoke to him in a determined but soothing voice. He had never experienced such a foreign act of being held so tenderly. Allowing himself to relax, Xander nuzzled into his father's touch.
"It's Xander." His voice was muffled in the folds of Snape's robes.
"What was that?"
The boy pulled back and smiled shyly. "Everybody calls me Xander. They - the Harris' called me Alex."
"Then Xander you shall be." Severus smiled at his son. "That reminds me. We'll need to have your documents sent from America and arrange to have your name legally changed."
"What is my full name?"
"You, my son, are Alexander Josiah Snape."
TBC