A/N- Again, you've been so patient that I've hurried myself up to edit and repost another chapter! Yay! Hope you enjoy, though I still feel (after 2 years or so) that this is where the writing goes down hill...

Oh, and before I continue:

Zoologyke: You asked what inspired me to choose RW's song titles as chapter titles...well, to be honest, it's namely because I really loved the album and the title 'Escapology' was original, unique, and seemed to fit the overarching theme (when I was tossing up the concept for the story). The titles don't always fit the chapters of the story (such as this one), but I attempt to form some underlying linkage (and sometimes some obvious linkage) where I can.

jenon.: I'm glad you're enjoying this, I was pleased to read your review, as it's not very often my flaws are commented on (and I like being kept on my toes! ) You commented on my use of the word 'bloodlust'. Though I am well aware of the general context, I believe that when I was writing that particular chapter, not only was I much younger and therefore not as confident with my vocab, I think ('think' being the operative word in this sentence, LOL)that I was also attempting to bring in the notion of a violent -all consuming- lust, running through one's veins. However, as you pointed out, it doesn't seem to fit too well in that context (Pobody's Nerfect, right?) and I will probably get around to editing it at some point...Merlin knows this entire story could use a better revamp than the one I'm giving it! LOL. Still, I hope that you stick around and continue to leave helpful feedback. Every little bit helps, after all. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

And now, On with the show...

Severus watched as his young partner reacted to the news. First his eyes widened, and his breath came in ragged gasps, then he began to tremble before the shock eventually took over his body and he dropped, unceremoniously, to the richly carpeted floor. The older man winced and gently placed his daughter –for that was what he saw her to be- down on the recently vacated bed, making sure to surround her with a wall of pillows to prevent any chance of injury. He turned back to the shaking young man on the ground and squatted to the same level.

"Harry," He began gently, reaching an elegant hand out to cup the Gryffindor's cheek. "Harry…You're stronger than this."

The younger man shook his head in response, as tears fell from his eyes. Snape sighed.

"Potter," He demanded, "I insist you stop this wallowing…If not for me, or even yourself, for your…no…our daughter."

Red-rimmed emerald eyes looked up slowly. Harry let out a shaky breath. "I…I can't…"

"Preposterous."

"Sev-"

Snape frowned and forced his partner's attention to remain glued to him. "You have survived far more in your lifetime than most people could ever comprehend. To fear Lucius Malfoy-" Harry flinched, not affecting Severus in the least, "- and the very mention of the man is ridiculous. Especially as the meeting is taking place in Hogwarts, under Albus' management, no less!"

The Boy Who Lived sniffled, "But…what…what if he wants to take her away?" He asked, sobbing somewhat harder.

The Potions Master softened. "There's no chance of that ever occurring. For one, I would never allow it. Besides, you and I both know that Malfoy senior was only a 'devoted' Death Eater for two reasons." The younger man bit back another sob as he waited on Severus' extrapolation. "Power being the first, and most well known…and a deep-rooted fear of his wife being the second."

Despite himself, Harry snorted, causing Snape to smirk.

"It is entirely true." He declared. "Narcissa definitely wore the pants in that relationship and, seeing as she was a devoted supporter of the Dark Lord, Lucius had no choice but to follow and prove his allegiance to her. And, as you are well aware, Malfoys and Snapes are alike in that neither of us chooses to prove ourselves on a small scale."

Swallowing, Harry nodded slowly, "And so he became Voldemort's right hand man, simply to 'prove himself' to his wife?"

Smiling sadly, the older man nodded. "Unfortunately. However, Lucius was never a fan of bowing to another…"

"I get the point, Sev. He had as much to gain from Voldemort's ultimate loss as anyone on our side…But, the fact remains, he hates me…and if he wants Callie-" Harry was trembling once more.

Snape sighed and shifted his position so that he could pull the Gryffindor into his embrace. "He's going to have to go through Albus and myself first. Not to mention your two side-kicks and the rest of your fan base."

The younger man rolled his eyes. "Very funny, Severus."

"I thought so."

A small, genuine smile crept onto Harry's lips, and he allowed himself a tiny chuckle. Severus was right. He was over-reacting. He could handle whatever it was that Mr Malfoy had in store for him. After a moment, he pulled out of the hug, and looked sheepishly at his partner. "I'm sorry…I must look like such a git…"

Severus nodded, amusement in his eyes."I wont deny it…" He responded dryly, "However, you remain my git-"

Harry hit him in the upper arm, feigning indignity.

Snape smirked, and silently praised himself for his success in repairing the younger man's confidence.

After all, Merlin only knew how much they'd both need it.

-?-

"This is absolutely absurd!" The aristocratic blonde man bellowed at the other occupants of the room.

Dumbledore shook his head slowly, still irritatingly calm. "If you would refrain from raising your voice-"

Lucius glowered at the elderly wizard. "I am the child's biological grandfather-"

"And I am her biological father." Harry snapped, cutting him short. "You have no rights, as far as I'm concerned, just because you happen to be related to the boy I was sleeping with."

"I could argue that you have no rights simply because you happened to forget a contraceptive charm." Lucius sneered, using the boy's own logic against him.

The Gryffindor glared, realising that he had no real argument against that, other than the fact that he hadn't known that he was one of those rare wizards with the ability to conceive and raise children. He fumed in silence while Lucius turned back to the headmaster.

"Where is my granddaughter?" He spat, "I demand-"

This time it was the Potions Master who interrupted, "You have no right to demand a thing, Lucius. You know as much."

Instead of exploding, as he had been prone to do, Lucius merely smirked at his fellow Slytherin. "Severus…" He drawled, "I was wondering how long it would take for you to put in your two knuts' worth…" Snape scowled, as the blonde man continued. "What with being in the early stages of adopting my grandchild-"

Dumbledore arched an eyebrow, while Harry spluttered at the revelation. Severus' scowl deepened. "Not surprisingly, Malfoy, I haven't any idea as to what you are blathering on about."

"Come now," Lucius grinned in the most devious manner imaginable, "Don't lie, Professor."

"I can assure you that I am doing nothing of the sort."

Lucius laughed, humourlessly. "Is that so?" He reached into his robes, and extracted a folded piece of parchment; the Ministry of Magic's crest obvious from a mile away. Without another word he handed the paper to the Potions Master, who remained completely stoic, save for the small jolt of surprise in his eyes, which had disappeared almost instantly.

"Severus…" Albus spoke a moment later, gesturing for the document. It was passed to him within a matter of seconds.

Silence reigned in the office for the following few minutes, until Albus set aside the piece of paper and looked up at the blonde man. "How did you attain this, Lucius? It is a confidential-"

Mr Malfoy let out a condescending laugh. "Really, Headmaster, it's quite simple." He practically purred, "After that positively charming journalist contacted me with his, shall we say, suspicions-" at this he smirked "-of the child's parentage, I simply contacted the Department of Family Affairs within the Ministry and explained my situation. Naturally, upon proper inspection, they felt obliged to allow me to retrieve the document which you now hold."

Severus glowered in return. Lucius had all but tricked the Ministry to hand over a copy of Harry's daughter's birth certificate. It must have occurred days before this meeting. Before the public –that was; the students of Hogwarts- were informed of the latest addition to the Potter clan. There was no way that Anderson git could have known.

Unless….

The blonde man watched as the wheels in Snape's head turned, waiting for the accusations (which were definitely more than mere assumption, not that anyone could prove otherwise) to commence.

"He had my house bugged." The potions master muttered bitterly, more so to himself than the other occupants of the room. "That reporter bugged my manor!"

Harry, who had by now made his way over to Dumbledore's desk to inspect the birth certificate, scowled. "As in 'Rita Skeeter' bugged?" He asked, imagining the journalist -in her animagus form- skittering around his new family's home. He clenched his fists at his sides in anger.

"I wouldn't put it past the Prophet reporters." Severus replied, scathingly. He turned his attention back to the blonde man, "And in return for informing you, he wanted a copy of the birth certificate." Sighing sadly, he looked at his young partner, "The Prophet will no doubt exploit the information."

Harry merely nodded, wondering what else that reporter 'suspected' about Severus' and his Christmas, and whether that would find its way into the media. Merlin only knew the consequences that would occur if that were ever to take place. He was barely aware, as he wallowed in his worrisome thoughts, that Lucius was once-again talking.

"…and, as her only remaining family on her paternal side-" Harry objected to that, however remained silent, "-I demand access to the child."

"That's too bad, Mr Malfoy," the Gryffindor found himself replying, "It goes without saying that I have a more secure custodial claim-"

The blonde man sneered, "You are still a child yourself, Mr Potter." He glanced wickedly at the potions master, "I'm sure Severus would agree."

Both men chose to ignore the pointed jab, which only seemed to validate Harry's fears of being caught out in his relationship. Dumbledore, on the other hand, shook his head, and rose from his seat, signalling the end of the formal conversation. "Lucius," he began, narrowing his eyes at the blonde, "As understandable as it is that you wish to meet with your granddaughter, you must know that the decision lies in young Harry's hands. If the time does come, it will be on his terms, as he is her father. On the matter of his age," the elderly wizard seemed to shrug, "he will be 18 years of age within a few months. A legal adult. And, until then, he has the support of everyone here at Hogwarts. And, considering his celebrity status, I believe you'll find he has the support of the wider community as well." With a wave of his wand, the door swung open. "Good day, Mr Malfoy."

And with that, the conversation was clearlyover. The blonde man scowled at the other three, before spinning on his heel and storming out of the room, his cloak billowing behind him. An uneasy silence was left in his wake.

"Now, Severus…" Albus began slowly, "Care to explain the meaning of this?" He held up the birth certificate, which stated that one Severus Snape had taken steps towards the legal adoption of Callisto Orinda Potter, although it was not official at that point in time.

Biting back his initial response ('No, I do not. Mind your own business, you meddling old fool.'), Snape nodded, "Of course, Headmaster."

"Before you do, though…" Harry interrupted, fidgeting with one of the gadgets from Dumbledore's cluttered shelves. He avoided looking at his older partner, and tried to look into the seemingly omniscient gaze of the headmaster, while his mind was screaming the repercussions of what would happen if Dumbledore were to know the truth concerning Severus and himself. "I was wondering if I could go check on Callie…"

The Headmaster regarded him in understanding, "Of course." He replied. Harry smiled gratefully and turned to leave. Albus watched as the Gryffindor made his way to the door before he continued, "Do bring her back with you. I believe we have much to discuss."

Suppressing the urge to slump his shoulders, Harry spared one more glance at the older wizard and nodded. "Yes, sir."

-?-

"….and, having made certain that Potter and his child were settled in their quarters, I inadvertently referred to Callisto as my own," Snape was explaining, as Harry re-entered the office, his daughter gurgling in his arms, "at which point, I realised my mistake, and moved to leave, however-" the potions master shot a look in the Gryffindor's direction, "Potter took it upon himself to question me on my rather Freudian slip of tongue, and I found myself compelled to reply honestly."

Albus' blue eyes were twinkling once more, irritating the other two men to no end. "I see…" He murmured, before reaching for a lemon drop and popping it in his mouth. "That alone, though, would not cause the automated reaction."

Severus nodded, "Perhaps my decision to allow a stable bond to form between the child and I also played a part."

"Or," Harry found himself adding, as he settled into the seat beside his partner, "Your offer for Callie and I to live with you after I graduate."

The Potions Master closed his eyes, hoping to quell the frustration that bubbled inside of him, while the Headmaster's eyes widened slightly. "Is that so, Severus?"

Obsidian eyes opened tiredly, and he nodded in response.

Harry winced, feeling as if he'd accidentally given away their secret. In fact, he knew he had. The urge to scream 'There's nothing between us' almost overtook him, before he realised that would be somewhat equivalent to fanning the flames of a roaring fire. The Gryffindor avoided looking at Severus, knowing that the man would be less than pleased with him for his slip. He glanced at Dumbledore. "Although… I sort of set him up for that. I mean, I spent a lot of time over the holidays whinging about not having anywhere to live and not knowing what I was going to do. Professor Snape was only acting on thoughts that I put in his head. In fact-"

A withering old hand signalled that it was time he stopped speaking. Albus smiled at him, clearly amused. "I believe I understand, Harry."

"Sorry, Sir." The boy flushed slightly.

"Quite alright." The elderly wizard replied, before turning his attention back to the potions master. "You are aware that you have a choice to make, Severus…and you as well, Harry." He stated seriously, "This adoption, unlike the official naming, requires each of you to provide your consent in written form. Similarly, if you wish to terminate the option, the same formal application applies." He steepled his fingers in front of him on his desk. "It is an important decision, one not to be taken at all lightly."

Harry nodded, while his mind was muttering certain things about 'stating the obvious'. "I'd like…" He began uncertainly, glancing at Severus from the corner of his eye, "That is, I'd be more than happy if Severus agreed." He looked back at Dumbledore, "Especially after today's display from Mr Malfoy…If…if something were to happen to me…it'd be good for Callisto to have another father. One who cares for her, and wouldn't allow for any form of trouble…" He trailed off upon realising he was rambling. "Besides, it's not as if the Professor hasn't agreed to the main details of the role anyway."

"Indeed," Albus was, once again, obviously amused. He turned back to the other man, "And do you agree, Severus?"

Again, the Potions Master nodded calmly. "I believe Potter has said all that is necessary."

Practically beaming, Dumbledore leant back in his seat. "Very well…I shall have the required documents drawn up later this afternoon. Congratulations, Severus." He received a single nod in acknowledgement and appreciation. "Now, on the issue of where young Callisto will reside during class hours…"

Harry heaved a silent sigh of relief. Again, the conversation had become too close for comfort, this time of his own doing. One of these days, he knew they would be caught out.

However, that was not today, and for that he was grateful.

-?-

"Harry!" Hermione called when he ambled into History of Magic, their allocated third class for the day, "Where were you this morning? I was worried sick! You missed double Transfiguration! Do you have any idea how much work that will take to catch up?"

He grinned and shook his head at her reasoning for her concern. "I was up at Dumbledore's." He said, by way of explanation. At her curious look, he sighed, and ran his hand through his hair, "Mr Malfoy found out…"

Hermione gasped, and pulled him into a hug, "Oh no! Is everything okay? The baby-"

"Callisto's fine. I refused to allow Malfoy near her. She stayed with some of the Professors that weren't teaching while Sev and I were arguing with him." The young man pulled out of the embrace, "We worked out where to put her while I'm in class as well."

The young woman rolled her eyes, "Really, Harry." She admonished him lightly, "You make it sound as if she's some sort of object; 'putting' her places…Honestly!" He chuckled and she sighed. "So, what did you eventually work out?"

"Well, in the spaces where Severus isn't teaching, he's going to be taking care of her…" Harry shrugged, "You know, just staying in his quarters, keeping an eye on her while he marks essays and all that…"

Hermione nodded, "And when he's teaching, and you are still in classes?"

"Madame Pomfrey said that she'll look after her in the Hospital Wing." He supplied, frowning a little, "She's still a little angry with me, though. For not going to her, I mean." He shrugged. "It's understandable, but, really, if I had-"

The young woman raised a silencing hand. "We know, Harry. We all know."

He nodded, before crinkling his nose in confusion, and looking around the room. "Mione," He asked, "Where's Ron?"

"Oh," She waved her hand in the air dismissively, "He's off with McGonagall…He somehow managed to transfigure his nose into a dog's snout…She's trying to set it straight. Of course how he managed it, I'll never know. We were supposed to be transfiguring inanimate objects into…" She trailed off, "You're not paying any attention are you?"

Harry, who had started to snicker and then laugh out loud at the mental imagery of his best friend with a dog's snout, shook his head. "Sorry, 'Mione….But that's just too funny…"

She rolled her eyes, as Professor Binns cleared his transparent throat in their direction. She blushed and went back to work, while the ghostly teacher droned on about the Legislation of 1894 concerning Goblins of some sort.

Harry wasn't paying attention. He was too busy dwelling over the issues that he had dealt with earlier that morning. He knew Lucius wouldn't give in easily, and the thought, which would usually cause his doubts and fears to consume him, only took him to the next revelation. Severus Snape was adopting his daughter. The Gryffindor smiled at that. He knew Callisto would be safe from Lucius' grasp more than ever once the documents were processed.

He only hoped that would happen rather soon. He knew that things between himself and Severus were occurring rather fast, but he didn't mind. In fact, it was rather comforting, and not at all daunting or overwhelming, as he might have once assumed such steps would be.

Sighing internally, Harry forced himself to take a few notes from Binns' lecture. As he stood and collected his books at the end of the lesson, though, his thoughts were once again on Severus and his daughter.

His family.

-?-

Lunch and the following classes passed without incident, and before the young father knew it, he was walking back to Gryffindor Tower from the Great Hall, having stuffed himself stupid over supper.

Severus had once again commandeered his daughter during the meal, and had assured him that he would see to feeding and changing her himself, before putting her to bed for the night. Harry had protested, arguing that such duties were his responsibility, but the older man had scowled at that.

Apparently, as he had taken on the role as her second father, the Potions Master chose to share in almost every aspect of her care. Snape had also informed the Gryffindor that he and his friends still had yet to hold a proper conversation explaining some of the more intricate issues surrounding their relationship and young Callisto's existence.

Harry had found that Severus was right, and thanked him happily, before hurrying out of the Great Hall to catch up with Ron and Hermione.

"Look, why don't you two come back to my rooms? You haven't seen them yet, and I've still got loads to tell you." He pleaded as he strode alongside them.

The redheaded boy groaned.

"Harry, mate, don't take this the wrong way or anything…But I'm still trying to adjust to the other stuff…"

"Ron!" Hermione frowned, folding her arms across her chest, "This is obviously important for Harry-"

The Boy Who Lived shook his head, "No, really, I understand if you'll need more time to…er…process everything from yesterday." He paused, "It's a lot to take in, I know…"

"Nonsense." The young woman insisted, grabbing Ron by the arm, and linking her other free arm in Harry's. "Besides, I still haven't had a chance to meet your daughter, Harry." She thought back to the previous day, when she had first seen the baby in her friend's arms. "Well, not properly, at any rate."

The raven-haired young man beamed at her, and began to speak about his daughter in the manner in which only proud fathers are known to do. His two best friends smiled and nodded at the passionate way in which he spoke, however, each was secretly glad when they stopped in front of a tapestry near the top of Gryffindor Tower, as the young father had to stop his paternal rambling in order to give the password.

Harry ushered his friends into his rooms, gesturing for them to make themselves comfortable by the fire, at which point he padded into Callisto's room. She wasn't yet in her cot, which meant that she was still in Severus' care. The Gryffindor strode back into his replica of the common room, and looked at Hermione.

"Sorry, 'Mione…Sev still has Callie with him." He shrugged as he dropped into the chair across from his friends, "Guess you'll have to wait a bit longer to meet her."

The young woman smiled warmly at him. "I'll manage, I'm sure."

Harry nodded at her, while Ron shook his head, still coming to terms with the many bombshells that his best friend had dropped on him the day before. "Harry," He began, "Not to sound like I don't want to be here…But you said something about having more to tell us…"

"Ah…yeah…that…" The Boy Who Lived seemed to squirm in his seat. "Well, I thought I might explain…er…everything a bit more clearly…and…well…I hoped that in doing that, it might make the…" He struggled to find the correct way to phrase his sentence, "umm…new information a bit more…understandable."

And from there, the next couple of hours were spent describing his emotions and the events of the year gone by. "…So…I…er…eventually, I realised that I'd fallen for him. Head over heels for the 'greasy git', if you can believe it." He snorted lightly at how ridiculous he thought he sounded, before he sobered and fidgeted his way through the conversation once more, "At first he rejected me completely…But, after spending a lot of time talking to him about, well, everything…" The boy shrugged, "There was a lot of stuff we talked through…and, to cut what has been a long story rather short, we've chosen to attempt a serious relationship."

Hermione opened her mouth, however Harry's hand shot up to silence her.

"We've discussed the Teacher/Student thing as well…Which is the main reason why we're going to wait until I've graduated to really get into anything," another shrug, "Besides, we'll probably be a lot more comfortable when Callie and I move into his manor-"

"What?" Ron interjected.

Harry suppressed a grin, "Well, it's only logical, seeing as he has applied to be Callisto's second father. Legally, I mean."

The redheaded young man's jaw dropped, and it was obvious –to the dark-haired boy at least- that their female companion was struggling not to allow herself to do the same.

"I…I don't know what to say to this…" Hermione started, her brow crinkling as her brain appeared to switch back on, "Are you certain that this is what you want?" Harry scowled, and she sighed. "I'm sorry, I just…what you're saying…these are important events and decisions…" She threw her hands up, realising that her best friend had already made his mind up. "Well, as long as you're happy, Harry, I'll be happy for you." She nudged Ron, who murmured incoherently.

The youngest remaining Weasley struggled to explain what it was about his fellow Gryffindor's news that was disturbing him so much, however all he could manage to do was ask; "Does this mean we'll have to spend more time with Snape?"

A/N- Hope it was worth the wait. Let me know.