Chapter 5

Harry wandered aimlessly around the house, mainly trying to make sure he avoided any of its inhabitants. He found a bedroom upstairs that had two double beds but no suitcases or bags. It didn't look like anyone was using it. He sat down on one of the beds and then finally laid down.

It looked to Harry like he had no good options. His choices were either to live with no one, shuttled from place to place like luggage, or live with his enemy. Snape seemed to be trying; Harry had to give him that. Deep down, Harry wanted to believe him. Somewhere inside, he kept thinking it was an act. He didn't trust anyone anymore.

"Harry?" Ginny's voice came softly from the door.

"Hi," Harry answered, sitting up. "Is this someone's room? I can leave if it is."

"No," Ginny came in and closed the door and then sat on the bed across from Harry. "I was looking for you. I don't think anyone uses this room regularly. Just order members needing a place to crash, really."

Harry nodded. It had the look of a hotel. Ready for guests, but not lived-in. There was a dresser in the corner with a stack of towels and toiletries.

"Harry," Ginny began, then stopped. She looked like she didn't know if she should talk. "Are you mad at me too?"

"You?" Harry started to tell her no and then shook his head.

"Good," she gave him a small smile. "Because I wanted to come to get you. Fred and George and me, we were trying to find a way. Fred and George snuck out one night; they got as far as the doorstep before mom caught them. I guess we didn't have a real plan. There were guards."

"Yeah, I know," Harry sighed. "No one really cared about what happened to me, though. As long as Death Eaters didn't get me."

Ginny looked down, pulling the sleeves of her jumper down over her hands nervously.

"Wait, why?" Harry asked suddenly. "Why were you trying to come to get me? You and the twins? Not Ron and Hermione?"

"Well, we talked about it. Hermione said that she saw Sirius talk to your uncle, and he didn't react right. She … she didn't think it would be a good idea. I guess Fred and George thought different," Ginny shrugged.

"Yeah," Harry grumbled. The more he heard about this, the more annoyed he got.

"Harry, don't get mad at Hermione. She thinks that teachers and authority figures always have the solution. She doesn't think like Fred and George …" Ginny's voice trailed off.

"And you?" Harry finished.

"And me," Ginny smiled.

"So, what was the plan?" Harry asked.

"Well, first they tried to get into the Order, to become guards. Then they were going to break you out," Ginny said, leaning back against the wall."

Harry scoffed.

"Yeah," Ginny smiled. "Mom went mental. That plan got nowhere. Then they tried to send you owls, but Remus caught them."

"Remus stopped them," Harry cried.

Ginny nodded. "He did. Don't get mad at him; no one was allowed to send you messages, and I think Remus just follows Dumbledore's orders."

"Everyone follows Dumbledore's orders," Harry groused.

"Yeah, except Sirius," Ginny said. "He actually tried to get the twins into the order and argued that you should be in the order.

"Sirius said that?" Harry asked, scooting forward.

"He did," Ginny nodded. "It got kind heated. We were listening with the Extendable Ears. "Her face got dark. "'Til we got caught by Snape. He seems to always know. Watch out for him, Harry."

"You don't have to tell me that," Harry said with a sigh. "I know."

It was quiet. Harry looked at Ginny, wondering how much she knew. By now, everyone in the house probably knew.

"What are you going to do?" Ginny asked in a near-whisper.

"I honestly don't know," Harry told her. "I don't think I have a choice, though."

"Snape's not so bad, Harry," Ginny said quietly.

"How can you say that?" Harry scoffed.

"I just think that he has been playing a part with you," Ginny shrugged and then stood up and walked over to sit next to Harry. "He can protect you. He can train you. Isn't that what's most important."

"It's better than the alternative. I hate to say it," Harry said, looking down. "I don't want Dumbledore controlling my life anymore. I don't want anyone controlling my life anymore."

"Maybe this would be better," Ginny said hopefully. "You'd be adopted."

"Snape's son," Harry said in horror.

Ginny giggled. "It could be worse."

"Unfortunately, it could," Harry said. "If the Minister hands me over to a Death Eater. If the Malfoys adopt me, I'll be dead before Hogwarts starts."

They sat there quietly, digesting that thought. It was just occurring to Harry that he was sitting in a bedroom alone with Ginny Weasley, with the door closed when it slammed open. They both moved apart.

"Oh, there you are," Hermione said.

Harry wasn't sure which of them she was talking to. She of breath, as if she had been running. He narrowed his eyes at her. Hermione was one person he definitely wasn't ready to forgive so quickly, but she was ahead of Ron on the list.

"Sirius and Remus are looking for you," she said to Harry, ignoring the fact that Ginny was in the room.

"Right," Harry said.

He stood up and followed her down the hall, up a flight of stairs, and into a small room that looked like some kind of study. There were Sirius and Remus. They looked relieved to see him. Hermione left, giving Harry a shy smile, and Harry stepped into the room. After what had happened down in the kitchen, he wasn't sure he was ready to face this.

"Harry," Remus said softly.

"Come here, Pup," Sirius suddenly shouted. He practically grabbed Harry in an overly exuberant hug that seemed a little too buoyant for the occasion. Harry tried to return it to some degree.

"I'm sure you can imagine what we want to talk to you about," Remus said.

"Yeah," Harry looked around the room and finally found a sofa across the room, not next to either man. He sat.

"Look, Kid," Sirius said, running his hand across the back of his neck nervously, "I want you to know that if I could take you, I would."

Harry looked down. He was done with supplication. As far as he was concerned, if that was all this was about, they could have just left him in the bedroom.

"Harry," Remus said gently. "We would both love to adopt you and have you live with us for the rest of your childhood. We both regret the decisions we made, both when you were a baby and … recently that have affected you. If we could take it back, we would. We can't. That's not why we asked you here." He looked over to Sirius, who nodded nervously. "We want to tell you that we think you should take Severus's offer."

"What?" Harry said, almost a shout. "What gives you, either of you?" He turned to Sirius, "a right to tell me what to do?"

"That's not what this is about, Harry," Remus said, holding out a hand, palm up, "we just don't want you to act in anger or haste."

"Haste," Harry grumbled. "I have, what, a few hours to make a decision?"

"Actually, we spoke to Dumbledore, and he says you have until tomorrow night if you want to wait."

Harry nodded.

"No one wants you to feel rushed, Harry," Remus said. "Even though there are limited choices here. You should still feel like you have a choice."

"Do I?" Harry asked. "I kind of got the feeling that I get input, but the choice will be made for me."

"No," Sirius said. "You get a choice."

"Some choice," Harry muttered.

"It's not an option, but if, hypothetically, it was, would you go back to the old arrangement with your relatives?" Remus asked.

"The Dursleys?" Harry asked incredulously.

"Yes," Remus said.

"No," Harry said.

"Well, the, I guess things have improved for you in a way," Remus said.

Harry looked at him doubtfully.

"Pup," Sirius jumped in. "There are advantages to this! We will get to see each other more. Snape and I have been ironing out the details. You'll see."

"Advantages?" Harry said.

"He will train you," Remus added.

Harry nodded. As far as he could tell, that was the only advantage. He had to admit that it was a big one. If Snape gave him more information, there would be another advantage. Harry doubted it. The relationship they had was nonexistent at best and terrible at worst. It wasn't a solid foundation to build a guardianship on.

"Just remember, Harry," Remus was saying, "that Severus is very traditional."

Remus and Sirius exchanged glances.

"What does that mean?" Harry asked.

"Sirius and I have discussed this," Remus continued, "and Sirius is not going to goad Severus or intervene between you and him. He is adopting you. He will be, for all intents and purposes, your guardian. He has full authority over you."

"What are you trying to say, Remus?" Harry asked nervously. "That Snape is going to run my life?"

"You know what he is like, Harry," Remus said. "Severus is not going to be the way he was with you before. He is not going to bully you. But he is strict and unbending and, well, used to living alone."

"If you are trying to talk me into this, you are going about it strangely," Harry said.

"We want you to think about it and perhaps discuss it with him," Remus said, "but yes, we are both in favor of it."

Harry nodded. "Is he still going to be the Head of Slytherin House?"

"You'll have to ask him that," Remus said. "Some things will change. I think all indications are that next year is going to be a very difficult one, Harry. Having someone like Severus on your side at Hogwarts can only help."

"Yeah," Harry groused. "but only if he is on my side."

"Part of that depends on you, Harry," Remus said. "You will need to cooperate with him. Remember that this will be a new experience for both of you."

Looking to Sirius, Harry nodded. He had suddenly realized that his godfather had been quiet for most of the conversation. He was still standing on the other side of the room, looking down. Harry could not quite read his expression.

"You are really okay with this?" Harry asked him.

"I am," Sirius said. "You were right when you said I abandoned you. Not just then, but last year. I needed to. Not before with Pettigrew; that was stupid. I regretted it every day since. But now? Yeah, I had to, but I could have found a way to be in your life more. This is the only way. But I will be. I swear to you, Harry, I will make it up to you."

He sounded so sad, so hurt, that Harry almost wanted to take it all back. Instead, he just slowly nodded. He looked from Remus to Sirius. It was apparent that Sirius was still not quite right after his time in Azkaban. Harry couldn't have lived with him if he wanted to.

"Okay," Harry told him quietly.

"Harry, it's late. I'm told that you found a room?" Harry nodded, flabbergasted as to how Remus had found that out. Snape has brought your trunk here. Go ahead and turn in. You can rest or sleep, whatever you want. If you need anyone, you can call for Kreacher."

"Kreacher?" Harry asked.

"Ahh," Sirius grunted. "You haven't had the pleasure. Kreacher!" A grimy, ancient house elf appeared with a pop. He was dressed in filthy rags and glared at Harry.

"Master calls?"

"Kreacher, this is my godson, Harry. You are to listen to his orders as if they were mine," Sirius said sternly.

Kreacher nodded, glared at Harry, and disappeared with a pop.

"That was Kreacher," Sirius said with a sigh.

Harry gave Sirius a wide-eyed look and said, "Okay."

Sirius nodded and gave Harry a quick hug, "Good night, Pup."

Harry hugged him back and walked down to the room he had used before. There he found not only the trunk that Snape had supposedly brought back for him but Snape as well. Harry stopped in the doorway.

"Good evening, Mr. Potter," Snape greeted him with a curt nod.

"Hello, Sir."

I have scrounged some nightclothes for you. This room already has toiletries and towels. I assume that you will want to take a shower. In case you haven't already found it, there is one three doors down on the right. I do not usually stay here, but circumstances being as they are, I am staying here tonight. My room is at the end of the hall on the right. Should you need anything, please knock first.

Harry gaped at him. The scene was utterly surreal. Snape might as well have tucked him into bed.

"Yes, Sir," Harry finally said.

Snape turned on his heel and left the room. Harry walked over to the pajamas Snape had left on the bed and touched them gently as if they would disappear. They were soft, pale green, and felt heavenly. He could tell just by looking that they would fit comfortably. Part of him wanted to refuse them, but he knew what the contents of his trunk contained. Nothing in there fit him, and none of it was new. He picked them up and realized he had kicked something. Leaning down, he looked at the floor. Snape had provided him with slippers.

The following day, Harry awoke early. He had hardly slept, but that was nothing new. The old nightmares of Voldemort had been joined with new ones of grasping Dementors, and the uncertainty of his life had kept him from falling asleep until late at night.

The pajamas had been heavenly, and he had stayed in the shower until his skin wrinkled. Even the shampoo smelled good. At the Dursleys, Harry's showers had been rushed, cold, and used cheap foul-smelling soap his aunt forced him to take that never worked well enough. It felt good to get the drought heat and garden grime off of himself.

Even though he always got little to eat at the Dursleys, Harry wasn't really hungry. He found himself heading down to the kitchen out of curiosity more than anything. When he arrived, he saw that it looked like nothing had happened. Someone had cleaned up his magical tantrum. Harry now had his wand tucked in his back pocket, but he knew that he wasn't supposed to do magic outside Hogwarts. He couldn't have fixed the damage he caused even if he wanted to.

No one was in the room. At least that was what it looked like. Harry realized after he stepped off the bottom step that there was someone in a dark corner, sitting in an armchair with a cup of tea.

"Harry," Remus said cordially. "Join me?"

Despite feeling he'd rather go back upstairs, Harry nodded and walked over to the other armchair. Remus gestured to a teapot and a cup. Harry poured himself the tea, which seemed to be some kind of herbal blend. Unlike yesterday with Snape, he added some milk and sugar.

"You're up early," Remus commented neutrally.

Harry shrugged. He didn't want to get into the fact that he rarely slept or why. Not now, or ever; he didn't want to discuss it.

"I imagine it was difficult to sleep with everything that happened yesterday," Remus continued. "Perhaps today you should spend some time with your friends."

"I don't want to see them," Harry told the man darkly. "Maybe Fred and George."

Remus nodded, otherwise not remarking on Harry's attitude. The two sat for several minutes, just drinking tea. Harry didn't really feel uncomfortable, but he was itching to ask Remus questions.

"Snape said that he was friends with my mom," Harry finally said.

"He was," Remus said without hesitation. "They knew each other before Hogwarts and remained good friends even though they were sorted into different houses."

"Slytherin and Gryffindor?" Harry asked.

"It's not unheard of," Remus nodded. "Difficult though. Then as now."

Harry looked down at his cup. He didn't have any friends in other houses. There were people he knew by name and sort of liked. Last year he'd had a crush on Cho, but that had not turned out well. He didn't have any close friendships with Slytherins. There weren't even any Slytherins he knew well unless you counted Draco Malfoy, and he couldn't say he knew him, really. There was too much animosity between them for proper understanding.

"What happened in your fifth year?" Harry asked.

"What did he tell you? Remus was looking at Harry mildly but carefully.

"He told me that he would discuss it later but to ask you. I got the idea that he didn't want to talk about it," Harry said.

"I imagine it's painful for him," Remus said, putting down the cup with a sigh. "You have to understand, Harry, that this is the beginning of a sequence of events that … well, I am not sure how much to say. I do think you need to ask Severus about the end result. You have a right to know."

"Okay, tell me your part, though," Harry insisted.

Remus nodded. "Fair enough. Your father set his sights on your mother from the beginning. Maybe even from the train on our first year. You know what that's like, Harry. Everyone is sizing each other up. Sirius also set his sights on Severus. He saw him as prey, I suppose, for pranks." Remus looked down. Harry understood it made him uncomfortable to tell the story. "We were young, but that doesn't excuse any of it. "Later, when we were The Marauders, I should have stepped in. I did not ever see myself as a bully, but I never thought I'd have friends—a pack. I allowed things I shouldn't have. I was a Prefect, Harry. It was my responsibility to stop them. I lent my intellect, acted as a lookout, and looked the other way when I should have punished them."

"I hate bullies," Harry said darkly. "My dad was a bully? Sirius was a bully?"

"In some ways," Remus nodded. "Severus would say so, I am sure. Of course, he gave as good as he got. He will not paint himself as a victim, I am sure. They did relentlessly target him, though, and the pranks were not harmless and silly. Severus was brilliant. His cunning mind led them to up the ante, I suppose, and it escalated. It escalated too far. Severus was almost killed."

"That's what Dumbledore meant when he said Snape would never forgive my father for saving his life?" Harry asked.

"He told you that?" Remus asked.

"In my first year," Harry nodded.

"It's Dumbledore's view of what happened, I suppose," Remus laid his head on his hand. "Or what he wanted you to think, then."

"Sirius set Severus up to follow me. He was curious where I was going every month," Remus began. Harry paled. He knew enough to see where this was going. "James figured it out just in time. I could have killed Severus. It would have been the end of my academic career, or worse. I might have ended up in Azkaban. That's not why James stopped him, Harry. He didn't want Sirius to be a murderer, and he certainly didn't want me to be one, but he also didn't want Severus dead."

"And Dumbledore hushed it up?" Harry asked.

"He had to Harry; don't you see?" Remus asked with sad eyes. "No one knew about me. If it had come out, they still would have expelled me."

Harry nodded. He did see, but he could see Snape's perspective too. It seemed unfair that Sirius and James weren't punished. He found himself in a strange position, being on Snape's side rather than his own father's. He looked up at Remus.

"Is that what turned Snape against my mum?" Harry asked in confusion.

"Oh, no," Remus shook his head. "That's not my story to tell. It was the other way around. Sirius was bullying Severus, and your mum intervened. Severus said something to her, in embarrassment, I'm sure. Male bravado."

Harry had heard enough. He could only imagine what had gone down. He felt horrible about all of it.

"Your mother was a wonderful person, Harry," Remus said. "She thought Sirius was a prat, and James was a show-off. The falling-out between her and Severus was heartbreaking. It led him down a dark path."

"It was Sirius's fault?" Harry asked.

"Harry," Remus said firmly. "It will do no good to lay blame on anyone right now. The blame belongs to everyone, and Severus will agree if you ask him. I am sure he does not want to tell you what happened after that, but if you ask and want to know, he will."

"Harry!" Molly Weasley said. "Good. I need help in the kitchen. Would you like to join me?"

"Sure, Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, glad for the reprieve.

Harry nodded to Remus and got up to walk over to Mrs. Weasley. He stood next to her expectantly. She reached into a cupboard and grabbed a bowl of potatoes, and then handed him a peeler.

"Do you know how to peel, Love?"

"Sure, Mrs. Weasley."

"All right, have at it!"

By the time Harry was done, Mrs. Weasley had magically prepared most of the rest of the meal. He knew that she had given him the potatoes just to make him feel useful. Unlike the endless chores at his relatives' house, he was grateful. There, he was singlehandedly responsible for preparing the whole meal and usually got to eat only the leftover scraps. He was glad to have a small task for the large group and then sit down while everyone ate boisterously.

It did not escape Harry's notice that Snape did not join them. Sirius did, though, with a wink. Harry nodded him a greeting, remembering Remus's story. He couldn't decide whether to be angry at Sirius or not. Still, he remembered that Remus had said all of the events had happened years earlier. Sirius was still recovering from a lengthy prison sentence. Maybe he had suffered enough.

Harry's attitude toward Hermione and Ron was not settled either. They were sitting next to each other down the table from him. Fred and George were the ones who sat down next to Harry, one twin on either side and chattered away with him throughout the breakfast. Harry wasn't ready to forgive his best friends for abandoning him. Just looking at them, heads together, made his temper flare. He was sure they were talking about him.

After breakfast, Harry went looking for Snape. He was sure he was mental, but he had to get the rest of that story. He found the man in the library. Harry was stopped as soon as he went in by the sight that met his eyes. The room was floor-to-ceiling books. Most of them were clearly old, and Harry was drawn to titles like Curses for Your Enemies and Olde Bloode Defense.

"Looking for reading material, Mr. Potter?" Snape inquired dryly from a high-backed chair in the corner.

"No, Sir," Harry said quickly. "Well, I wasn't when I came in … I was looking for you. Some of these books look really interesting."

Snape nodded. "I'm sure. Be careful, as many are dangerous, and I doubt Black has warded this room properly. The door is normally locked."

"Yes, Sir," Harry pulled his gaze away from the bookshelves. "Um."

"Yes?"

"I have some questions, Sir, if it's okay," Harry said, suddenly uncertain.

Snape nodded, closing his book and putting it on the table at his elbow. "I imagine you do. You have spoken to Lupin and Black?"

Harry walked over and sat in the chair next to Snape. There was a coziness to the library that seemed completely wrong for the rest of the house, especially given the titles on the books. He couldn't help distractedly looking around.

"I believe Lupin has spent some time in here, fixing things up a bit," Snape explained.

Harry smiled. It did seem like Remus, now that he gave knew. The room didn't have the rest of the house's darkness.

"What do you want to know, Potter?" Snape asked without preamble.

"Well," Harry said. "I am not sure if you'll be mad, but Remus told me about the time Sirius tricked you into following him when he was about to transform." He looked at Snape, trying to read the man's expression. Snape just nodded, so he continued. "He also said that Sirius and my dad bullied you. He didn't say it like that, but I guess that's what he meant." Harry looked down, pulling his hands into the sleeves of his sweatshirt, even though the room wasn't that cold. "I'm sorry about that, Sir."

"That has nothing to do with you, Harry," Snape said in a softer voice than he had been using. That, along with his unusual use of Harry's given name, made Harry look up quickly. "I am done making you pay for the sins of your father."

Harry nodded. "Remus said he's really sorry he didn't stop them. He said I shouldn't be mad at Sirius for it."

"You shouldn't."

"But you are?"

"No," Snape sighed. "Black and I have had a frank discussion. There will always be disputes between us, most likely having to do with you or Order business. However, we are not going to continue rehashing the past. It will do us no good."

Harry looked at Snape in disbelief.

"You are wondering if your godfather is capable of such maturity?" Snape asked with a slight smile.

"I guess," Harry said.

"It will take maturity on both our parts," Snape said, "and the patience of a saint on Lupin's."

"What happened between you and my mum," Harry suddenly asked, changing topics quickly before he lost his nerve.

Snape took a deep sigh and looked straight at Harry in such a way that he felt like he was seeing straight into his soul. Harry wanted to look away, but he didn't. If Snape was going to tell him what happened, he needed to know.

"I am going to tell you the truth," Snape began, "as much of it as I will probably ever tell you. I debated whether or not to do so. You should know that Albus feels that I should not tell you. I am telling you because you deserve to know everything before you make a decision. You are an intelligent and resourceful young man. You will find out sooner or later, and if you decide to go through with this and find out later, it would be devastating to both of us."

Harry stared at him. He felt a cold horror seep into his gut. He found himself wanting to tell Snape not to go on, but his throat closed up.

"The incident you're referring to occurred in our fifth year. I called your mother a foul word. I am sure you can imagine the one. She never spoke to me again, and I never apologized. After that, I allowed myself to be recruited. I was devastated and depressed, and as far as I was concerned, my life was over.

"I am not making excuses. I will never make excuses. You already know that I am a Death Eater. Now you know why. I was friends with several who would become part of that group when I was in school. I was recruited by Lucius Malfoy before ever leaving Hogwarts. You should know that I was never a supporter of those beliefs. It was simply a path to follow. That is not an excuse either. I own my mistakes.

"No Death Eater ever refers to Him the name he calls himself. To do so causes severe punishment. There are other reasons not to do so, and I will explain them to you later. I do not call him the Dark Lord out of any reverence. He is a madman. He is vile, unbalanced, and callous. Yet he is also powerful and clever, and we should not underestimate him. I did things for him that will haunt me for the rest of my days, but most of the time I was in his service, I was working on my Potions mastery. That said, I developed potions for him that should not be in existence. Fortunately, because I created them for him and not someone else, there are also antidotes.

"Due to my skill with potions, I was able to raise in the ranks quickly. One of my earliest tasks was to spy on Dumbledore. I was appointed to follow him outside of Hogwarts. He was interviewing for teaching positions at a grimy pub in Hogsmeade. I overheard part of an interview for the Divination post. The candidate was obviously a charlatan. He seemed to think so too, and at the end of the interview, she gave a prophecy for him in what appeared to be a last-ditch attempt to seem qualified for the job.

"Since I had nothing else, I took the prophecy to him."

"No."

Snape hung his head. They sat there in silence for a few moments while the gravity of what he had said sunk in. It had snuck up on Harry, who, captivated for the story, had barely registered what had been told until the last word.

"I am not justifying my actions, Harry, but I had no idea anyone would take that prophecy seriously," Snape said in a low voice filled with such remorse it was practically cracking. "Trewlawny was such an obvious fraud, and I had never put any stock in prophecy. But there you go. It set off a chain of events."

Tears were hot in Harry's eyes, even though he was trying to stop them. For some reason, he couldn't blame Snape. He wanted to. If Snape hadn't been a Death Eater, none of this would have happened. It all seemed so ridiculous when laid out like this.

"It was your fault?" Harry said dully.

"Yes," Snape said. "It was."

It seemed like the time to jump up and yell obscenities, or maybe curses and hexes since he had his wand back now. Instead, Harry just stared at the floor. He wanted to crawl back into bed. Instead, Snape continued.

"As soon as I realized that He was taking it seriously and had targeted your parents, I made my second mistake," Snape said. "I went to Him, threw myself on his mercy, and begged him to spare your mother. I don't blame you for hating me for that. I didn't think he would ever let all three of you go. I was mad with grief and stalling for time. He assumed I wanted her for myself and agreed to spare her. All I could do was hope that would give her time for whatever she had planned if he got that far."

"You knew she had a plan?" Harry demanded.

"I knew she was brilliant," Snape said. "I was grasping at anything, Harry."

"Then I went to the only other person who might help. I am not sure which was the bigger mistake," Snape sighed. "I threw myself on Albus Dumbledore's mercy. I will spare you the details of that. Suffice it to say, I agreed to spy for him in exchange for protection for your family."

"Yeah, look how that worked out," Harry muttered.

"I am not going to argue with you there," Snape said tiredly. "Mistakes were made. Whose mistakes those were is up for debate. It doesn't do any good to talk about it since some of those involved were dead, and we have to live and work with the rest of them. We have to move on at some point, Harry. We are at war—again."

"And I should forgive you?" Harry asked with as much contempt as he could muster.

"Only if you can," Snape said. "And not necessarily right away. But I felt you should know."

Harry had to admit he would rather know all of this upfront. A lot of things made sense to him now. He found himself being angry at Dumbledore for not wanting to tell him.

"All I'm asking from you, Harry, is that you allow me to train you."

"What about you?" Harry asked. "What about your deal? You're supposed to be a spy?"

"I worked that out. I have a contingency plan. There is someone else, also highly placed, who will take my position," Snape said cryptically.

"At Hogwarts?" Harry asked. "Won't it be obvious?"

"Don't worry about that, Harry," Snape said. "This year is going to be unusual. You will see."

That didn't sound good. Harry looked down. He wasn't sure that he had any other choice at this point.

"All right," he said. "I'll do it. When is the ritual?"

"Tonight," Snape said. "You can choose one adult and one child to be your witness."

Harry's heart sank. He was currently feuding with almost everyone in the house. He would have to think about that.

"Alright. Do I have to tell you now?" Harry asked.

"No," Snape said. "Do you have any other questions?"

"Well," Harry said. "Yeah, I guess." It seemed strange to switch gears like this, but also good to get the heavy stuff out of the way, like pudding after dinner. "I'm going to live with you? Like in your house?

"You will be my heir once we complete the ritual?" Snape nodded. "It's ancient magic. It recognizes you as the Prince heir."

"Wow," Harry breathed. "Does that change my name?"

"If you want it to?" Snape said with a mild smirk.

"I kind of like that idea, in some ways," Harry said. "Everyone has this idea that they know me. That I'm Harry Potter, and they own me. So, I'd be Harry Snape or Harry Prince?"

"Either one, or a combination of the names, or all of them."

"Why aren't you Severus Prince?" Harry asked, suddenly curious.

"I am, technically. My grandfather used this same ritual to make me his heir."

"So, I would be Harry Potter Snape Prince or Harry Potter Prince?"

"The first one," Snape said.

"Okay," Harry said. "Where is your house?"

"There is more than one, but the one we will be using for holidays is Prince Manor because it has the strongest wards and is unplottable," Snape said. "You will also have the Heir Ring, which will act as a portkey to the house when you need it or allow you to contact me."

"Wicked," Harry breathed. "I will have my own bedroom."

He realized he'd said the last part out loud, even though he hadn't meant to. He felt his cheeks redden when he realized that. When he looked up at Snape, he saw that the man was only looking up at him with a neutral expression.

"Yes, you will have one there and one in my quarters at Hogwarts," Snape continued as if a boy being excited to have a bedroom was nothing unusual. "You are allowed to come to those quarters whenever you feel the need. If you are ill or just need quiet to study, or you just want to get away from the Tower or … the others."

Harry smiled shyly. Snape seemed to understand the school's tendency to turn against him en masse. That included Ron and even Hermione sometimes, as they showed now. Harry realized that having a guardian as a teacher would not be so bad after all. That reminded him of something else.

"Um," Harry said, reddening again. "About that. Remus was trying to tell me something. I don't really know what. Are you a pureblood? I mean, you're a Slytherin? Are you upset to be adopting me because my mum was a Muggleborn?"

"Harry," Snape said, a stern expression taking over his face. "Didn't I tell you that I grew up near your mother and was her friend?"

"Well, yeah?" Harry said, confused.

"I am a half-blood too," Snape told him. "My father was a Muggle."

"Oh," Harry said. "But! You're the Head of Slytherin!"

"Not all Slytherins are pureblood, Harry," Snape said. "It doesn't matter. I'm not going to forbid you from telling anyone that my father was a Muggle, but I do consider it private information. He was not my favorite person."

"Oh, I wouldn't, Sir!" Harry could understand not wanting to talk about certain relatives.

"What did Remus mean when he said that you had traditional ways then?" Harry asked, confused.

"I see," Snape said. "I suppose that was his way of warning you that I am strict, and I don't put up with nonsense."

"I think I already knew that, Sir," Harry said.

"You have gotten away with quite a bit, Harry, because you haven't been under my authority," Snape informed him. "That will change now. If you follow the rules at Hogwarts and at home, you will not need to worry about how you will be punished."

"How will I be punished?" Harry asked, suddenly getting nervous.

"I am aware of the conditions at your relatives' house," Snape told him. "They were negligent and downright abusive. In fact, I am going to insist that you talk to someone about what you have been through, both there and during the Tournament."

"What?" Harry interrupted.

"I think you are aware, Mr. Potter, that I do not appreciate insolence and disrespect?" Snape said sternly.

"Yes, Sir."

"Interrupting is disrespectful."

"Yes, Sir, I'm sorry."

Snape nodded.

"I am serious about discipline," Snape told him gravely. You will learn that. I am sure you will find out what I mean by it sooner or later. The severity of the consequence will vary depending on the behavior. I am old-fashioned. Most wizarding families are."

Harry nodded. Snape didn't need to spell it out. He had already figured out what he meant.

"As I was saying," Snape continued. "I understand that you will likely fight me on this, but it will do you no good. It will happen because you must heal from the traumatic events. I know something of trauma, Mr. Potter."

"Harry," Harry said softly.

"What was that?" Snape sounded curious rather than angry.

"If you are going to be my guardian and not my teacher anymore, shouldn't you call me Harry? You sometimes have," Harry said softly.

"You are correct, Harry," Snape said. "I would do well to remember that. On the other hand, you will continue to address me with 'Sir,' as it is respectful. As for what to call me, I will leave that up to you. We will let it develop naturally. You can call me 'Severus' when you feel comfortable. I am not going to insist on anything like 'Father' because we have only just entered into the adoption."

Harry nodded, relieved. The idea of calling Snape 'Father,' or even worse, 'Dad' made him feel queasy. He was still getting used to the entire guardianship.

"You'll punish me if I get in trouble at Hogwarts?" Harry pushed.

"If a student gets into trouble, the guardian is informed," Snape told him pointedly. "You should remember that before you go traipsing around after curfew or sneaking out to Hogsmeade when you shouldn't be there."

Harry felt his shoulders slump. He could just see himself surrounded by endless cauldrons or piles of slimy things. Now he'd be in double detention. It hardly seemed fair.

Snape seemed to notice Harry's mood. "My responsibility as your guardian is two-fold, Harry," he said. "First, to teach you to defend yourself if you do find yourself in trouble. Second, to get you to accept that you do not need to go looking for trouble."

Harry frowned at the idea that he was the one that always went looking for trouble. If the adults in his life were more competent, he wouldn't have ended up in half the fixes he'd found himself in over the years. He was trying to find a way to point that out.

"It's not always my fault," Harry groused.

"I am aware of that," Snape agreed. "However, you have a habit of getting involved in things that are not your business."

"When did I ever do that?" Harry demanded.

"I can think of several examples, although Pettigrew and the Philosopher's Stone come to mind," Snape said dryly.

"That was my business," Harry insisted. "Pettigrew was pretending to be Ron's pet!"

Pettigrew is a Death Eater," Snape said stiffly, "and he is dangerous. Stay away from him at all costs."

"Of course," Harry said. "But it was different then. We had no idea!"

"And as soon as you did, you told a competent adult?"

Harry sat back in his chair, crossing his arms with a huff.

"Did you?" Snape pressed calmly.

"No, Sir."

"Why not?"

"There was no time! He bit Ron, and then we ran, and he … Sirius grabbed Ron by the leg and dragged him, and we followed. Then Remus came and … you," Harry grimaced, remembering attacking Snape. "It was hard to know what was real."

"I imagine it was, at that point," Snape agreed. "I do not believe, however, that the first inkling you had was then. Is that correct?"

Harry nodded miserably. The last thing he wanted to do was admit the existence of the Marauder's Map to Snape. He was pretty sure the man already suspected its existence.

"Very well, you did not trust the adults in your life. You have made that clear," Snape said, leaning forward toward Harry. "However, as your guardian, I will expect you to come to me. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir," Harry said quietly.

"I am aware that it will take you time to trust me," Snape said. "You and I will no doubt have some difficulties. You will chafe against my authority. It is only natural, at your age and when the situation is new. However, it is also my responsibility to exert that authority."

Harry just nodded. This conversation was making him uncomfortable. He had never had anyone to depend on before. His relatives had always preferred to pretend he didn't exist. At Hogwarts, he was just one of McGonagall's many charges. He was mainly left to his own devices. He wasn't sure what to do with the idea of someone watching what he did so closely.

Snape seemed to be reading him again. He nodded and leaned back. "You will no doubt resist me. I will punish you, and you will resent me for it. We will move on. That is just the way it is."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Alright," he said.

"For now," Snape continued, "you would do well to remember that there are very few people we can rely on closely as our friends. Trying times are when we need them the most." He gave Harry a pointed look.

Harry returned the look. He figured Snape was trying to tell him to make up with Hermione and Ron. He nodded, got up, and headed for the door.

"Keep your temper, Harry," Snape told him as he had his hand on the doorknob. "You do not want to find out how serious I can be so soon."

"Yes, Sir," Harry said, feeling his face redden.

As he walked down the hall, Harry considered the parting words again. It annoyed him that Snape got a reaction out of him just with a mild threat. Harry wasn't sure why he expected trouble. Maybe that was what he and Ron needed—to have it out. Harry had to admit it would feel good to punch Ron in the nose, whatever Snape did afterward.