A/N: I own nothing, thanks to everybody who reviewed, please keep reviewing, it's my motivation. I know I keep taking long to update, I'm so sorry, I've started working more hours, which are long and tiring, so when I get home I'm exhausted. Plus I wanted this chapter to be good and I could not write it the way that I wanted to, and it took forever to get it to a point that I could be happy with, so thank you for bearing with me. Chapters now will probably take a week or so, I'm hoping, but I promise they will come. REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW. PLEASE!

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It was later in the day that Severus Snape had found himself in the Headmasters office.

"Sit, Severus." Snape sat down obligingly. "Would you like a lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked the man sitting before him.

Snape declined with a sharp glance at the old man. He had not had a restful sleep, as he would have liked. True he took the dreamless sleep potion, but it still did not help. Not when Albus' last sentence kept playing over and over again in his head. Harry Potter was apparently his son, but that did not make any sense.

"So Albus do you plan on telling me what you meant about Potter being my son?" He stared at the man through black slits in his eyes.

Albus looked at Severus carefully and examined his face. He was hoping for a different reaction from the potions professor, when he told him about Harry. "Yes and No, Severus." He considered that as his options.

"What do you mean Yes and No? Tell me. You have wasted enough of my time, both you and that Potter Brat."

"Then I guess it will be a no Severus, but I must say that I will be sorry for what I'm going to have to do to you." Albus' eyes were dull and had been filled with deep regret as he pulled out his wand.

"OBLIV…" The last part of the word was not finished, when he felt a spell hit him squarely in his chest.

Albus' wand flew out of his hand and landed in the outstretched palm of Severus'.

"You were always faster than me, but thank you Severus you just proved me wrong." An amused smile traced along Dumbledore's face.

Snape pointed his wand at the man he considered neither friend nor foe. "You will tell me what is going on, or else."

Dumbledore considered the man before him. He knew Severus too well, the threats that he was making was just that a threat. He knew that he would not do anything to him, after all that he had done for the other man.

"I must ask you one more time Severus before I explain. What are your true feelings towards Mr. Potter?"

"I despise him. He's just like his father, arrogant and self –righteous. Thinks he owns the bloody school."

"But he has done nothing towards you, are you sure that there are no other feelings for him, because deep down I do believe that you remember everything."

"Remember what? There's nothing to remember." This time instead of his usual sneer, Snape was frustrated. "I don't have time for these games right now, Albus. And I take it neither do you, as I recall you have to deal with Harry's relatives, do you not?

"I do," Came the reply, " But this is much more important, besides his uncle is going nowhere, and nobody is allowed to enter or exit the house. So we have time." The last sentence was a command more than anything.

"SO BLOODY WELL SAY IT."

"All right, Severus I will tell you, but you may not agree or understand what is going on right now and all that I ask of you is to believe me in everything that I'm going to reveal to you."

"I'll try my best." Snape sat down once more on the chair and waited for the headmaster to continue. He hated being left in the dark, and he was not a very patient person to begin with either.

He let Albus Dumbledore to explain everything to him, and how he could be Harry's father, which he found to be the most puzzling thing to him when he had never slept with Lily Evans. True he had fancied her, but he kept that secret to himself, he knew that James wanted her, and he could not stand being tortured anymore by the so called "Marauders" so he left her be.

"Do you remember the day when Lily and James were killed?" Albus continued

"How could I forget, everybody remembers that day." He sneered, which almost turned into a laugh, but he vowed never to show that emotion, his family always considered laughter a weakness.

"I'm talking about the day, not the night."

"You know perfectly well I don't remember anything that had happened back then."

"Right sorry." Albus smiled apologetically.

Severus could not remember anything that happened from the time that he was seventeen to the time that he was twenty. It was like his whole mind had erased those three years. It was the Headmaster who filled in the blanks, and told Severus that he was hit by a stray curse during a death eater raid, and for some reason he lost all his memories from those years. The last thing Severus did remember was hearing the news that Lily and James had died, while he was sitting in Dumbledore's office.

He waited for the old man to continue.

"Since you don't remember, I'll put it to you bluntly, James. Severus is dead and has been for the last fifteen and a half years."

"Oh is that all, but it still does not explain how I'm Potter's father."

"Maybe you did not hear me correctly James. Severus is dead, and the reason why you can not remember is because you have been living someone else's life for the past sixteen years, through a switch in memories, that are not your own."

"Wait a second." Severus growled. "Do my ears deceive me or have you just called me James. WHAT'S GOING ON DUMBLEDORE?" He yelled.

"You heard me correctly." He nodded sadly. "You see, in your or shall I say Severus' fifteenth year he decided to stop being a death eater, two years in and his young mind could not take anymore. I allowed him back, but as a spy, in order to gain information that would help in defeating Voldemort once and for all. You, Lily, and Severus became good friends when he joined the Order; he became the fifth marauder, if I clearly remember. The first few weeks you're friendship was rocky, but then later on it grew strong. So strong that when we learned there was a traitor in our midst that sold you to Voldemort, Severus agreed to switch places with you, because he thought that he'd be able to take on Voldemort himself, and no innocent person would have to end up dying. The idea was presented to you, and you being who you are flatly refused the offer. In the end we were able to persuade your decision, though rather forcefully then I would have liked. Lily was informed the day before and knew that you would be safe and Severus would be coming home to her. It was so perfect. Voldemort would still have "Severus", and there would be a "James" present as to not add any suspicions. Then the night came and well everything ended up, as you know, in total disaster."

"And why did we have to switch memories, why couldn't I just keep mine in place?"

"Why? Because we thought that this trick would defeat Voldemort. And in order to do that, it would be easier if the person who went up against him knew him better than anyone in the Order. So Severus was the best person, and since you were the target, I'm sorry to say this James I made you into a guinea pig."

"If what you're saying is true how come I can't remember any of this?" He asked.

"The reason that you can't remember any of this is because I had to strip you of all your memories, when you and Severus made the switch. All of your memories I placed in a pensieve, where when the time came could easily be transferred back to you. I then duplicated all of Severus' memories and placed them into you. I gave you all of his memories up until the time he joined the order, but was already willing to give up the dark side. That was later explained to you as a death eater raid gone bad. Severus was a different story. He was able to keep his memories, because of his skills with legilemency we duplicated some of your memories and placed them into him just in case Voldemort was able to break down the mind barrier, and if he did so successfully, all he would see would be different images of Harry, Lily, and yourself."

"Why am I still Severus, why haven't I changed back to myself?"

"I'm not one hundred percent sure, but my theory is that you don't know how to change back into yourself without your memories."

"What do you mean?"

"You are a metamorphamagus James, and that's how you made the switch with Severus, while Severus used the polyjuice potion he had enough of the supply to last him a good few weeks if need be. However, I am getting off topic let me continue with what I was saying. I believe that you're ability to change back was hampered when your memories were taken away from you. It was fine at first because I thought that it would only be for a couple of days at the most, and then you would get your memories back and switch into your body once more. I, however, have been mistaken, because of the events that took place; I decided that it was best to leave you as Severus for a while. I needed him more than you, for I still feared that Voldemort would return and a spy would be needed for the light."

"You used me?" James growled. "What about my life, what about Harry? Did you ever think that things could have been different if I was there, he would have never had to deal with the things that have happened? YOU ARE A SELFISH OLD MAN."

"You will not talk to me that way James." Dumbledore stood up and puffed out his chest, trying to be more intimidating, he knew the younger man would be angry and it hurt him to see how much it showed in his dark black eyes.

"I have every right to be upset, you stole everything from me. EVERYTHING."

Now it was Dumbledore's turn to get angry. "I did not take everything away from you. I kept Harry at his aunt and uncle's where I thought he would be safe, and at the same time you two still were able to see each other during the school year. And here you still were able to protect him, and keep him safe. You were still the father to him."

"We hated each other, Albus. You could have told me. And right now if all you have said is true, and you've been lying to me all these years, how am I to be sure you're not lying to me now?" He smiled knowing that he had just won something that the old man couldn't argue with.

"You can't." He said sadly. "I'm sorry James."

"Until you show me proof, I AM SEVERUS."

"I have the pensieve still, we could do the switch now, if you like."

Severus stood up, finishing what Dumbledore started. "You want to know what I would like to do right now. I want to be left alone, and if you even come near an inch of me I will hex you into Merlin knows where," He placed his hands on the desk threateningly, and leaned over towards the old man. "And if you so much as go near the hospital wing I will kill you, and make it as painful as possible." And with that he walked out of the office his robes billowing more dangerously than they ever had in his life.

Dumbledore just gazed back at the man's receding back, stroking Fawkes' soft feathers. "I did what was best for everybody, and in time he will come around."

The phoenix just trilled sadly and a soft tear sprung to his eyes, for he knew that his beloved master had done something that could never be fixed.

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Severus Snape made his way into his private chambers. After the conversation that he just had he felt sick. He did not know what to believe, and he did not want to believe that his whole life had been a lie.

He made his way into his huge bathroom, and fell sick in his toilet. He lay curled on the cold linoleum flooring as his thoughts took over trying to make sense with what just happened.

"No, no, no. It can't be true. He's lying, he's a lying old codger. But then why would he make something like that up? He's never lied to anyone or anything before, why now? This can't be happening. Please say it's not happening." He asked aloud to no one in particular.

The memory of the morning kept flooding his brain over and over again replaying out the scene of what just took place.

For the first time in Severus' life he found himself crying uncontrollably. Even when his parents argued and fought in front of him he never cried, and even when his father beat him he never cried. Crying was for the weak, and he was not, that was how he became his sardonical self.

This time, however, he found that he was not crying for himself, but for his family that he lost; Lily, Sirius, Severus, everyone that he held dear. He cried for Harry for all the lies, and missed times that he could have had a father, and someone to depend on, he cried for what his son had to endure through the last fifteen and a half years. For deep down he knew that Albus was telling him the truth, he felt it in his soul.

The man that looked like Severus gave out a long low pain filled wail that was a half cry half laugh. He was filled with so much confusion and pain that he could not do anything else.

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The teenagers who had been sitting in silence for what seemed like hours in the infirmary, all gave a startled jump when they heard the wailing that came from what sounded like the dungeons. To all the ears it sounded like a man was being tortured.

"Wonder what that is." George stated as he examined Fred who was sitting next to him, as if he were the one to make that awful noise.

"Don't look at me I'm sitting right here."

"Maybe we should check it out." Hermione stood up.

"'Mione, just stay, whoever, or whatever is in that state probably doesn't want to be bothered." Ron grabbed Hermione's wrist and pulled her into his lap. He held her close to him, and Hermione snuggled deep down into his chest.

All five people in the room went back to their own little world in their minds. Every now and then they all would stop and take a hopeful glance at the pale and broken figure lying down on the bed. Hoping that he would wake up soon.

For the past three hours Harry would let little moans escape from his pale mouth. Madame Pomfrey already told them that Harry could move and even make noise, in his comatose state, but it did not mean that he would come out of the coma anytime soon.

"Want to play exploding snap?" Fred said to no one in general he just wanted to break the silence, and the foreboding mood, that lingered in the air around them.

"How can you want to play now?" Ginny cried and ran out of the room.

Ginny made it to the exit of the infirmary, but bumped into an angry, and dishevelled Snape. She bounced off of him and fell to the hard stone floor.

"Ohh, Professor, I'm sorry." Ginny exclaimed picking herself up from the floor and cleaning the dust from her clothes.

"hmm?" He seemed lost.

This scared Ginny she had never seen her professor this way. This was even scarier to her than the time she had accidentally caused a big explosion in the potions classroom during her second year. Snape had been so angry with her, she had to spend three weeks in detention cleaning the mess she made. Now it seemed that he did not even know who or where he was.

"Is everything ok?" She asked him, genuine concern filled her voice.

"It's none of your business, Ms. Weasley. And if you don't want to lose twenty points for your house before school even starts, I suggest you go to the library, or anyplace away from here, the rest will join you shortly."

Ginny ran away in fright, she did not even know it was possible to lose points in the summer. She did not want to risk it, so she ran, and took Snape's advice and headed to the library, waiting for her brothers and Hermione to join her. She sat at a table, and picked up a book to read. She was happy Madame Pince was not there; she could not handle dealing with any questions that the old witch would ask her.

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James felt much better after he let out that long wail, but he still had many thoughts going through his mind. The main one was that he needed to see Harry and desperately. He did not want to waste any more time away from his son.

"His son. Harry's my son. Mine." That is what was going through his mind when he heard Ginny Weasley apologizing to him; he had no idea what for, but he sent her away.

James felt bad about the way he acted, but he wanted some time to Harry alone. His friends had had him for six years and so now it was his turn. He was quite proud of Harry choosing such good and loyal friends.

He made his way into the room and all the faces had the same expression that Ginny wore, one of pure fright.

"I believe Ms. Weasley is in the library waiting for you to join her. GO NOW. You need to eat anyways, so go to the great hall and have some dinner I need to be with Harry alone."

"You can't tell us what to do." George said once more defiantly.

"I can and I just did. Do not make me use that spell that I used on the two of you the last time you tried to defy me. I'm sure Ms. Granger and young Mr. Weasley would not appreciate being thrown out."

"Lets go." Fred said. "I'm actually feeling hungry."

"Me too." Rang the chorus of three other voices. Clearly wanting to get away as fast as possible, by the urgency in their tone of voices.

The young visitors all got up and went to seek out Ginny to eat some lunch.

When there was nobody left in the room, James picked up his weightless son and held him close to his chest.

"Oh Harry. I'm so sorry, if I had only known I could have protected you." Tears once more found their way across the face that did not belong to him. He brushed them back still holding his small son.

"The Dursley's will pay. Tonight. Don't you worry. But first I want to see you open your eyes. C'mon Harry, open your eyes, for me, your father."

But Harry did not move, he lay motionless in his father's arms, as if nothing had changed. He was unaware that he even had his father again.

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The sight that met Albus Dumbledore's eyes when he entered the infirmary was one that was earth shattering. A son cradled in his fathers arms as if he were two.

He had made a very big mistake and wanted to make it right again. The father was not yet the right person. True he realized that the boy was his son, but he still did not have any of his memories or appearance of the person that he once was.

Holding a deep plastered bowl in his withered hands he made his way to the man.

James had felt the old mans presence as he entered the room. He took a tighter grip on Harry not wanting to lose his son, when he had just found him after many years.

"I already told you that you are not welcome here. Stay away from me and Harry." James spat and if possible clung to Harry even harder, almost possessively.

"James, I came to offer you what you asked for, proof." He held out his offering.

James gave a wary glance towards the bowl that Dumbledore held out to him. Forgetting that he told Dumbledore not to call him that name, until he had proof.

James glanced at the liquid in the bowl it danced almost teasingly encouraging him to dip a finger inside, to feel its coolness, and to reclaim what he lost and was rightfully his.

James was still sceptical of the man standing before him, as much as he wanted to he could not trust Albus anymore, with anything. "How do I know that it's not a trick, another one of your lies? How do I know that if I do look at the contents Severus' memories won't get erased either, so that I'll be left like a criminal in Azkaban after the Dementor's kiss, an empty shell with no sense of who I am."

"You will have to trust me." He looked gravely at the man before him.

James held Harry close to him. "I wish you would wake, this would be a hell of a lot easier." He whispered to the silent boy.

"James be reasonable why would I tell you and then take it all away again. I admit to making a mistake, but I refuse to make another one."

"Alright, but after I see what's inside and get all my memories back, do not go near me or Harry again. You're relationship will end, you will be nothing more to Harry then a headmaster."

"I'm sorry James I can not agree to that. It is not my decision to make, it is Harry's and I will not deprive him of the relationship that we have, if he wants it."

"Then I'll pull him out of Hogwarts. He could go to Beauxbatons instead. Don't like them, but I know Madame Maxime will honour my wishes, and she would never hurt my son."

"James. Please do not do this." Albus begged. He felt so old and so lost. He knew he lost James who he considered a son to him; he did not want to lose Harry, whom he considered a grandson.

"I WILL DO WHAT I PLEASE, HE'S MY SON. STOP MAKING DECISIONS THAT REGARD MY FAMILY, BEFORE CONSULTING WITH ME FIRST." He screamed.

"Alright." Albus caved.

This seemed to calm down the angry potions master. And he settled himself down stroking Harry's hair through his fingers.

Albus held out the pensieve once more to James. This time he took it from the outstretched hands. He placed Harry gently down on the hospital bed, and placed a finger into the memories.

He felt himself falling and landing into familiar territory.