A/N: *creeps towards the mob of rabid readers*Here you go, don't fight, easy now. *throws chapter out to them and they immediately pounce on it* Good readers, good. Take that as a peace offering. *readers turn to author with mad glint in their eyes* Don't look at me like that, please. Hehe, guys, don't look at me like that. *readers start towards author* Guys this isn't funny any more, guys. *readers try to pounce on author who dodges out of the way and runs screaming with readers close on her heals*

2A/N: Well, hehe, I got away. I know this is a little late but well I had to go on a trip and just got back. Plus I had to finish more projects *mutters about the fact that SOME PEOPLE don't do their part in the project* And I had a nice test in my AP class, which really wasn't so bad. Uhhhh, I really haven't had a chance in front of the computer much, until now. So with out further ado, the next chapter.



Remember: Peace, Love, and be a Marauder! I mean, why wouldn't you be?



Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, why can't you get that through your heads!? The only things that I own are Seri and Kit; Harry's new powers and animagi form; his staff; his pets; and Silverhoof. I think that about covers everything.



Chapter 17- The Answer (the second and third binding)



"Harry, will you let me adopt you?" The question echoed loudly through the room even though it had been spoken barely above a whisper. Harry blinked, wondering if he'd heard right. Had Severus just asked if he could adopt him?

*Yes he did, now what are you going to say?* a voice inside his head asked. What could he say?

*I think he's looking for a simple yes or no.* But a question like that just couldn't be answered right away, not with a simple yes or now. It just wasn't that easy.

*And why is that?* Because....well....it just couldn't be. There were things to consider like......

.....his godfather for instance. If he said yes Sirius wouldn't like it. In fact, Harry was convinced that his godfater would storm in here and whisk him away, after either cursing or killing Severus of course. He loved his godfater dearly and knew that Sirius loved him back but he needed someone he could depend on to be there; Sirius was not that person. His life as an escaped convict did not allow him to be a steady presence. He was like an uncle more than a father any way. A /nice/ uncle.

Then there were his friends. Would they understand? Harry had seen a side of the Potions Master few had. He'd once thought as they did, that the man was nothing but a slimy git bent on destroying the Gryffindors. Now he knew better, but could he convince them? He had a feeling Lupin might understand, given a little time. He just wasn't sure about Ron and Hermione. Hermione would most likely come around but he couldn't say the same about Ron, he hated the man with a passion. He'd have to try convince them and if he didn't; they'd just have to live with it.

What about his parents, James and Lily Potter? Could he so easily replace them? No, no one would take their special place in his heart, not even Severus. Severus had his own place in Harry's heart that he'd won in their short time together. Lily and James had given him life and no matter what, they'd always be his mum and dad.

Here was Severus, offering to be his father, willing to take on that responsibilty. But did he have the right to burden the man? Severus had done so much for him already, more than enough and more than anyone had bothered to before. He'd never be able to repay him. The danger, that's what was holding him back. Did he have the right to put the man in constant mortal danger? It was true Severus could take care of himself most of the time. Could he still do it? Could he still put him in that danger?

*He has a right to decide. He wouldn't have asked you if he wasn't willing to take on the responsibilty it entails. The important question is this: do you love him?*

'Yes.'

*Then do you know what you're going to say to him?* Yes, he did know.



***********



Severus waited nervously for Harry's answer. The boy stared at him, his mouth hung open slightly. When he didn't say anything after the first few minutes Severus began to worry.

'Oh good grief, I shocked the boy dumb. I am an idiot.'

*Calm down, he's thinking. And probably a little shocked.*

'He has a right to be, this wasn't something he was expecting to hear.'

*If it had been something he'd been expecting to hear, then it wouldn't be a surprise and where's the fun in that?* the voice reminded. Severus mentally glared.

'You're an evil little voice, you know that?' The voice shrugged innocently.

*I'm only you you know.* He snapped back to attention when Harry drew in a shuddering breath.

"Severus, before I answer, I have to know something first. Are you absolutely sure you want to?"

"Harry I've never been more sure of anything in my entire life. Look, I know this comes as a bit of a surprise and kind of sudden but, well, I've been thinging about it for a while. I know that I can't replace James and Lily and I won't even try but I want to be there for you always, and this was the only way I knew how. No one will ever take you from me, of that I'll make certain. If you're worried about Sirius being your godfather, then don't be, I won't interfere with that. I know you love him and I respect that. I don't care what other people will think, it only matters what I think. And I'd like to adopt you," Severus concluded. Harry smiled at the passionate speech. Severus no longer had any qualms about opening up to him, that helped. He nodded and drew in another breath. His face broke into a wide grin.

"Yes Severus, I'd love for you to adopt me." Severus stopped breathing. Had Harry said what he thought he'd said?

*Yes you dolt, now answer him.* Severus blinked and began breathing again. He opened his arms and Harry rushed into them, burying himself in the soft material of the man's clothing.

"I love you my childing," he whispered.

"I love you too Severus."



**********



He said yes, Harry said yes! He'd never been more happy in his entire life. Harry was his now, his child, his son. At least, he would be soon. He buried his face in the boy's wild black hair and took a deep breath to calm himself.

"We need to go tell Albus, he's upstairs waiting for the answer," Severus said. Harry drew back enough so he could look up at him.

"He is? You have been planning this haven't you?" Severus grinned sheepishly.

"Had to. If I hadn't I would have been too scared to ask you." Harry shook his head and laid back against the man.

"Before we go, I have something to tell you."

"What?" Severus asked curiously. Harry pulled away and returned to the desk he'd been working at.

"Come look at this." Severus walked over and Harry spread out a map on the table.

"Before you came in I was dowsing like I normaly do and this time I found something," he pointed to the area he'd circled. Severus leaned forward for a better look.

"The prison where the Dursleys are being held," he murmured to himself as he continued to study the map. Harry nodded.

"Exactly! We need to in and get them before they're moved." Severus straightened up.

"I know. You do realize of course that if we tell Albus he probably won't let us go. He's of the opinion that this can be handled by the ministry Aurors, I'm not. This mission can be easily screwed up if it's not handled delicately. We'll have to go with out telling him," Severus stated. Harry nodded. Albus had already said that they weren't going to get the Dursleys. They were going to any way.

"We'll have to distract him," Harry conjectured. Severus nodded in agreement, seeming deep in thought. Suddenly he snapped his fingers.

"Perfect. He told me that if you said yes, he has a friend that works in the adoption part of the ministry. It's not a big department, but Dale and Albus go way back, he'll set up the paper work with out informing the minister." Harry grinned.

"He'll have to go off the grounds to talk to him, that's when we can leave," he put in.

"Exactly. Though I'm not fond of the idea of leaving the castle unguarded," Severus replied. Harry thought quickly.

"What about the twins? They can watch the place just as good as anybody."

"Brilliant. Now all we need to do is go tell Albus the good news and collect the costumes."



**********



Both student and teacher walked briskly to the entrence of Albus' office where they were met by none other than the headmaster.

"Well?" he looked at both of them expectantly. Both grinned and Severus draped his arm around Harry's shoulders. Albus laughed merrily.

"I knew it, I knew it!" he crowed happily. Severus chuckled.

"You were right Albus, as always." The headmaster gave them both a hug.

"If you wish I'll go fetch Dale now." They nodded and watched the headmaster's retreating form. When they were sure he was out of sight they both began to breath again.

"I hate doing this, but it has to be done," Severus admitted as he changed into the long, non-discript black robe. Harry nodded as he pulled his own black robe over his head. When they finished Severus turned to Harry and began sizing him up.

"Will change your hair color but leave the length, that won't be a problem. The eyes of course will have to be changed to and your scar masked." He circled the nervous boy, muttering to himself. Finally he stopped directly in front of him.

"Hold still Harry, this isn't an easy spell and I don't want to mess it up." he drew back his sleeves. Harry nodded curtly and squeezed his eyes shut, waiting for the spell to hit. He heard Severus speak softly and a ball of energy hit his chest. The energy immediately spread and his skin tingled from the sensation. After a few seconds the sensation disapated and he opened his eyes again. From his point of view nothing had changed, that is until he leaned his head forward and a lock of /brown/ hair fell in his face. Severus handed him a mirror and he inspected himself. His once black, unruly hair was now a calm brown. His eyes had lost their bright greeness and now shown as a dull mud brown. He cocked an eyebrow at the Potions Master.

"Alright, looks fine. Nice and unnoticable. Your turn," he sat the mirror aside and drew back his sleeves. Severus braced himself and felt the spell weave it's deception over him. When it stopped he opened his eyes and Harry handed him the mirror. He took one look at the reflection and glared at Harry. His wonderful black hair which he took so much pride in was /blonde/! And to add injury to insult his eyes were sky blue, not his favorite color.

"Wonderful, just bloody wonderful," he growled. Harry snickered at his expression.

"Couldn't you have at least made my eyes the same color as Albus', this is absolutely insulting," he whined. Harry continued to snicker as the twins rounded the corner. Both took one look at him and burst out laughing. He growled fiercly at them which only made them laugh harder.

"N-nice l-look Se-severus!" Seri managed to choke out. Kit couldn't speak but she nodded at her sister's statement.

"Don't expect me to look like this again. I refuse to," he hissed. Kit finally pulled herself under control and smiled sweetly.

"That's okay, we won't. You two better get going, that spell only lasts two hours," she shooed them away. Both nodded and began to walk away. Before the rounded the corner Kit called them back.

"Wait you guys, there's one more thing." Both turned to find themselves being sighted by a camara.

"Cheese!" The camara flashed, catching the teacher and student off guard. Kit laughed maniaclly and raced away, clutching the camara to her bosom all the while shouting "I got them! I got them!". Needless to say Severus was not pleased. He would have gone after her if Harry had not reminded him they had a mission to complete. Reluctantly he followed Harry outside and into the forest; they made their way to the edge of the barrier. He grabbed Harry's hand.

"Are you sure you can Apparate?" he asked again. Harry rolled his eyes.

"For the thousandth time yes Severus. We've practiced every night. I'm ready," he assured. Severus nodded and let go off his hand.

"Then let's go." Harry nodded and the two popped out of existance.





*********



Only to reappear at the edge of another forest. Harry shivered as a cold blast of wind cut through his cloak. He'd been here ten seconds and the place already gave him the creeps.

"This way," Severus whispered, drawing Harry's attention back to the present. He pulled on his mask and followed his father. Swiftly and silently they made his way through the forest, dodging the occasional booby-trap and wild animal. Soon they stood only twenty feet from their destination, the prison. It was not an overly large building, rather average in size made of a drab gray stone. The windows where high and small, allowing no chance for a prisoner to escape that way, even if they had the chance. Beside him he felt Severus shudder.

"You alright?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Severus nodded and turned to him.

"By my estimations the guard shift should be changing soon. Now that were here, do you think you can home in on them?" Harry closed his eyes and reached out. Technically, since the Dursleys were his blood, he could sense them, though they'd have to be at a very close range. Picking through each cell carefully he located them quickly. He opened his eyes.

"I found them. They're on the first floor, third hall, fifth cell down. They would be guarding that," he gestured to the guards lounging at the entrence. Severus grunted his agreement.

"By the looks of things we're in luck; the security is lax. Look, here come the guard change," he pointed to a pair of black robed individuals walking slowly around the building. Making no sound at all, Severus and Harry crept forward.

"Stupefy," they said in unison. Both guards dropped instantly. They hurried forward and dragged them back into the forest, careful not to be seen by the guards on the second and third floor. After hitting them with the Petrificus Totalus curse and hiding them in a pile of leaves they headed towards the guards at the entrance of the compound.

"Hi boys, anything interesting?" Severus inquired socially as they approached. They guards tensed for a moment, then relaxed when they realized it was their replacements. One of them shook his head.

"Not a peep all day. This place is down right dull; I hope we get transfered soon," he said wistfully.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. But they stick us newbies with the boring, unimportant stuff to make sure we're loyally," Harry rolled his eyes and the two men laughed.

"Good point mate, well, enjoy your shift," the other called out as they headed away.

"Have fun on break," Severus called back. After a moment, when the two disappeared, he turned to Harry.

"Go and get them, hurry," he whispered through clenched teeth. Harry nodded silently and swept into the building, leaving the man alone to worry.



**********



Swiftly, Harry made his way through the building, relying on the force that was calling to him. Even if they didn't realize it, his relatives were projecting a mental distress beacon that was beginning to give Harry a headache. As he approached the cell he noticed another guard at the door. Mentally cursing he ducked into a room to avoid being seen. Looking around desperately, he spotted something that made him grin.

The guard watched with a suspicious eye as the other Death Eater came down the hall carrying a tray of food.

"State your business," he barked as the unknown Death Eater stopped in front of him.

"I'm here to deliver their food, as if you can't tell," Harry replied acidly. The guard's eyes narrowed but he unlocked the door any way. Harry walked by him, blatently ignoring the man. The moment he crossed the threshold, the door slammed behind him.

"You've got ten minutes," the man informed him. He grunted in reply and lit the room with the light from his cane. The light flooded the cell and Harry was suddenly aware of the smell, which, if anything, was worse than before. Concentrating on not losing the contents of his stomach and fighting off the dizziness it caused, he took a cautious step forward.

"Uncle Vernon," he called, knowing the guard could not hear him now. One of the huddled shadows in the corner stirred at his calling and crawled forward. If Harry had thought it had been bad before, it was worse now. The beatings, by the look of it, had increased in number and intensity. His face was covered in newly forming bruises and fading ones. His clothes, now, were practically non-existent. For some reason that Harry could not fathom, he pitied the man.

"Who? Come to feed us, or play some more?" the man answered bitterly. Harry winced and stepped toward him, crouching down next beside him.

"No Uncle Vernon, I'm here to take you away. I've come to rescue you," he responded. Vernon laughed harshly.

"We're beyond help now. Who are you any way that you would call me uncle?" the man wanted to know. Harry took a deep breath.

"It's me, Harry." This statement was met with silence.

"You can't be Harry, he was taken away by that man. Besides, you don't even look like him," his aunt declared. Harry nodded.

"He's here with me, and my appearence is from a spell. It should be wearing off momentarily." As if to punctuate his point the tingling sensation swept over him and then stopped. His aunt gasped.

"It is you," she whispered. Harry nodded again.

"And I'm here to get you out. Now what I want you to do is to, on my signal, starting shouting and moving around so the guard will come in. When he does, I'll take him out," he ordered. The group nodded and Harry moved to stand perpendicular to the door. He nodded and his uncle began yelling at the top of his lungs, seizing the tray of food and throwing it against the wall for effect. The door crashed open, banging against the stone wall. Before the guard could move he was dropped by Harry's stunning spell. Harry caught him before he hit the ground and dragged him in to the corner, relieving him of his wand and his keys. He motioned to the Dursleys to come to him. As they approached Harry detected a notable swagger in his uncle's step. This wasn't good.

"Alright, I need you guys to listen and listen closely..." Vernon interupted him.

"We don't have to listen to you boy, we can find our own way out," he boasted, his face twisted in a sneer. Harry groaned inwardly. Yep, definately not good. Apparently now that they were no longer under the threat of the Death Eaters Vernon had regained his arrogance.

'Just what I need,' he thought sarcastically as he stepped away from them and drew out his cane. The original plan had been to rescue the Dursleys and smuggle them out in Death Eater cloaks, but that had now changed. It was time for plan B.

"I'm sorry but since you're not willing to coperate," he raised his cane, causing the Dursleys' eyes to widen.

"Petrificus Totalus." All three siezed up immediately and began to teeter dangerously. Drawing three lengths of rope from under his cloak, he rushed forward and tied one around each of their waists. Making sure he had a firm grip on the rope, he hit them with a levitating charm. He tugged on the rope and they followed him out. As they made their way down the hall, Harry pointedly did not meet their eyes. These were his abusers, why was he helping them? No one else would, that's why. And the guilt, that played a major role in his descion to go through with this in the first place. Even from a brief glimce Harry could see that his uncle's were boiling with anger and hatred. Hadn't his time here taught him anything? Apparently not. A look at his aunt told him she was just tired and Dudley looked, for some unknow reason, curious. That wasn't something Harry'd had seen from his cousin before. To top that off, the curiousity was aimed at him. Go figure. Maybe he could talk to him later once they got out, if they got out. As he rounded the next corner to the entrence he could hear the distance shouting of a battle. He took off at a run, his only thought: Severus.



*********

(Sev's Point of View)



I waited impatiently for Harry's return, restraining myself from pacing in front of the door. We had to complete this as soon as possible; the longer we were here the longer we were in danger. I forced himself to take a calming breath and relax. I casually leaned against the wall and tried to appear bored.

"Hey!" A voice shouted from above. Looking up, I saw the guard pointing towards the forest.

"What's that?" he finished. Following the man's hand, I spotted two Death Eaters stumbling out of the forest, supported by another two Death Eaters.

"What happened?" the guard from above called. My body tensed.

'Shitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshitshit,' my mind kept repeating.

"Someone jumped us when were coming to take over our shift on the first floor," one of them shouted back. The guard immediately looked down at me and began bombarding me with curses. I dodged them and returned a few but couldn't get a clear shot. The word had spread quickly and the thunder of running feet rang loud in my ears as I shouted a curse at yet another man. It didn't seem to matter how many I hit; if I took one out, another two would replace him.

"Severus!" a familiar voice from behind yelled. I whirled around just in time to see Harry skid to a halt outside the door with the Dursleys in tow. Also just in time to see another group of Death Eaters come around the building. When they spotted Harry they immediately went into action.

"Avada Kedavra!" Several of them shouted. My heart stopped.

"NO!! HARRY!!!!!"



***End of chapter***



A/N: I did it again didn't I? Oh well.