AN: Thanks for all the great reviews! I love this story and I'm thrilled that so many of you do too. Some of you have guessed some of the plot but not all! I hope this chapter won't disappoint you, it's the beginning of Severus' journey. Let me know what you think with a review! Thanks and enjoy!

Third Times A Son

Chapter 11

"Hermione, my mum can handle the kitchen, come outside with me." Ron asked his fiancé. "Please, Mione, I want to talk to you outside." and he pushed her through the screen door.

"Okay, okay Ron I'm going. What's this about?" She said exasperated.

"Harry."

She looked at her best friend's face and understood. "Ron…."

"Let's get away from here. I want to run some things by you." She nodded and followed behind him. They trekked past the playing field and around the lake to a patch of trees that obscured all views to the house. Once there, Hermione put up silencing wards and they both sat on a blanket Ron conjured.

"Okay, Ron. What's going on?"

"Hermione, you can admit that something strange is going on with this whole Harry thing, right?" She nodded. "Right, it's just weird that Harry gave up on Snape and then told him the truth in a letter. Pretty lame, even for Harry. And what about the Hallows. He didn't even tell us he had them! We're his best mates and he hid that from us. Why?"

Hermione had the same questions. Since the visit with the Professor she's been running scenarios through her mind what Harry could be up to. "I don't know Ron, but whatever it is he didn't want us to know about it or he couldn't tell us. I trust Harry so I'm inclined to think he couldn't say anything."

Ron looked so seriously at Hermione and she knew he'd been agonizing over this for awhile.

"Okay, spill." She got comfortable and gave him all her attention.

"What if there's some way for the Professor to save Harry? I mean, I know that sounds mental but why else would he give Snape all three Hallows? Also, there's that vault key that we didn't know about. I get it that maybe he couldn't tell us but he had to know that we'd put it together once he died." He paused and ran a hand through his hair. "Yes...yes he knew, that's why Snape could show us his inheritance, so you could explain it to him. But...Something else has been bothering me, your letter said that you'd find things out and you might hate him for it, I don't think that was it. There's something else we don't know about, something big."

Hermione was nodding along with everything Ron was saying. "I agree. The Hallows isn't big enough to warrant his warning. I've been thinking about that too. But what could possibly be bigger than that? Maybe we should visit the Professor, you know, to see if he's doing okay. I know Harry was worried about his drinking." She added that last part to drive the idea home. It seemed to work if the look Ron gave her was any indication.

"Yeah, he was. Okay let's do that but I have a weird feeling, Hermione. Do you think we could pop over there now and check on him? We could make it quick before mom knows we're gone." He looked like a man on a mission, something has taken hold of him and he won't stop until he's figured it out.

Hermione studied Ron's face. Something bigger was at play, there's no doubt about it. "Yeah Ron, lets go now and be back before dinner." She said as they stood up together. They interlocked their fingers, Ron squeezed her hand in a silent 'thank you' and then they were gone.

XxxX

Severus sat in his favorite chair and stared at the letter. The envelope tattered and worn but the words refreshing and soothing. He's been thinking a lot about her and Harry and how he has the means to fix it. He can save two birds with one stone, so to speak. All he had to do was tell Death when he wanted to go back and he would be gone. He placed the letter on the side table and reached into his side pocket. He grabbed the ring box and squeezed it for reassurance before removing his hand.

He closed his eyes and took in several long and deep breaths. If all went as it should, he would be living through some of his worst times as a young man. Only this time, hopefully he will have the patience and strength he didn't have back then. He will fight this time to keep Lily his and from breaking his heart.

"Severus."

Severus jumped, "Merlin! Warn a guy next time!" Severus screamed, his heart pounding and his wand at the ready. "I could have hexed you!" Severus placed a hand over his heart and took several seconds to calm down.

Death laughed causing a chill in the room and down Severus' spine. The sound almost reminds him of teeth chattering and nails on a chalkboard, how can Harry feel like this is home?

"Why do you look like this…" waving a hand at his attire, "...but to Harry you look human?"

"Oh this?" He chuckled, "I do this more for the affect. What?, you don't like it?" He chuckled again. He then morphed into a tall man with black hair and wearing a well tailored suit complete with shiny black shoes and a tall walking cane. "Better?"

"Yes actually. Thank you." Severus was surprised when Death changed forms but he couldn't deny that this form was less stressful on the nerves and easier to look at.

"Severus, we need to get started. Have you chosen?"

"Yes, it took me awhile to figure out the time frame but I'm pretty sure I found the correct date. October 31, 1979." He said nervously.

"May I ask why that date?"

"That's the day Lily left me for Potter. I aim to stop that, thus saving my family." He said. Patting his pocket.

Death seemed to be lost in thought for several minutes, not moving. It almost seemed as if he was there but not there, "Do you have the ring?"

"Is there a problem with the date I chose?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I relayed the date to Ma...Harry and he seemed sad about it but he didn't say anything just nodded. Do you have the ring?

"You talk to Harry?"

"All the time." Death laughed out. He's one nosy person but when it comes to you I understand. "He wants to be prepared for what might be. Okay, let's get the show on the road." He said as he clapped his hands together. The boom rattling the pictures on the wall, surprising now that they're not bones..

Severus produced the ring and held it out on his palm. "Put it on the middle finger of the right hand. Do not take it off for any reason. Doing that will bring you back to me and your opportunity wasted. Do you understand?"

Severus nodded then said "Yes" remembering he needed to speak his answers.

Death reached out to the small table and scooped up a few pieces of candy. His long fingers cradling the confections gently before tossing them into his mouth. "Severus, you need to remember that Time and Fate are tempermental. There will be events that cannot be changed no matter how much we want to change them. Keep this in mind. If you succeed in this task, we won't be seeing each other for quite awhile and eventually you'll forget that you ever met me as the new timeline asserts itself. If you fail, well, you'll be seeing me much sooner. Are you prepared to go now?"

"Yes, I'm ready to go. I can do this." Severus sat straighter and puffed out his chest, steeling himself with courage to go back.

"Alright then, close your eyes and think of the time you want to see and turn the ring three times to the left. Remember, you must not let on that you're not the Severus of that time. Good luck."

Severus closed his eyes and thought back to that awful day that broke his heart and turned the ring three times. He felt...nothing. Did it work? He opened his eyes to ask Death if he did it wrong but stopped short. He was sitting in his parlor at Spinners End, his childhood home, alone. He completely forgot that he was living here at the time. This home that he hated just as much as the Dark Lord. He surveyed the room and his stomach began to flip with the memories of this place. So many bad memories. It sent a chill down his body to even be back here.

He slowly got up and walked around the room, it was lined with shelves, overflowing with old books, and in front of the cold fireplace there sat his mother's old couch and chairs. In the kitchen the table was covered with several books, quills and parchments. Everything except the dining table was covered in a thin layer of dust, revealing just how much of the house he lived in.

Today was Halloween and he knew where Lily would be later today. They were meeting up tonight for a late dinner so she could spend some time with her friends in Hogsmeade.

His plan began with bumping into her there, surprising her and keeping her safe from whom ever did this to them.

XxxX

Severus looked around the square for anyone who would recognize him and absentmindedly smoothed out his shirt and wiped his palms down his thighs. He dressed in the best robes he could find in his closet, though they were nowhere near the quality he's used to now. He made sure to glamour the ring on his finger before he left and he tied back his hair with a leather rope. He checked his cloak pocket for the hundredth time to settle his nerves, he couldn't wait to see his love and put this ring on her finger.

He crossed the town square heading for the apothecary wanting to act as normal as possible. As he was about to open the door, he spotted Albus entering the square from a side alley and wondered where he had come from. Shrugging that thought off, he walked to the back of the store and grabbed a bottle of moonstars off the shelf. Without wondering around, he went to the counter and paid for his purchase and started back for the door. As he reached the door he could see out the glass into the square where he saw Lily walking fast towards the Three Broomsticks, alone. Curious, Severus watched her go in before he opened the door and exited the shop.

He was surprised to see Lily alone when she had said she was shopping with her friends today. Was she meeting Potter? Anger flashed quickly before he pushed it back and occluded. Deciding to see what she was up to he quickly and discreetly disillusioned himself and put up a silencing charm around himself before entering the Three Broomsticks.

He spotted Lily in a back booth and as he made his way towards her he saw she wasn't alone. Shock and disbelief showed on his face as he watched Headmaster Albus Dumbledore shaking his head at her and told her he thought she was making a mistake. He had no idea what they were talking about but whatever it was - that was the wrong answer because Lily's face turned a bright red and she began to talk with clenched teeth.

He remembered how passionate she was when she believed herself to be right. She would defend until the end and Severus smiled at the knowledge of what was to come. As he watched her he soaked her in. Her beauty, her silky flowing hair that cascaded over her shoulders, her eyes alight with conviction and life, her small little nose that he loved to kiss, and those lips...oh those lips. He's missed her so much. He reached out to touch her but caught himself. She began to rant and Severus took note at her shiny skin alight with magic and fire.

"Headmaster, I love and trust Severus. I don't understand why you would think that getting rid of our baby would be a good thing! I would never even consider that thought and I'm hurt that you even mentioned it. I came to you for advice because I'm young and pregnant and scared. I have no family to turn to and I thought I could come to you for some sound advice and encouragement. I guess I was mistaken." She said fiercely and quietly, not wanting anyone to overhear. She began to gather her things when the Headmaster stopped her.

"My child, please forgive me. Of course you can come to me for advice and I'm honored that you feel you could. I'm sorry if my words hurt you for that was not my intention. I only meant that these times are fraught with bad happenings and a war is almost imminent. Bringing a baby into this mess will be difficult for anyone but for you and Severus it might be more difficult." He said. He reached out and placed his large hand over her small ones. "Child, you are blessed with having found love and now a family. Congratulations, Lily and whatever you decide, I wish you the best." He smiled at her and that ever-knowing twinkle twinkled brightly.

"Thank you Headmaster, I'm so happy about this and I know Severus will be too, but, you're right, war is coming and I'm worried…" she was cut off by Potter calling her name. Severus was so engrossed in the conversation he totally didn't hear Potter come in and stop next to him. He burrated himself for letting his guard down, Keep it together, Severus. He told himself.

"Lily! Oh, Headmaster, hello." James said. "Excuse me, I was wondering if I could ask Lily a question?" He asked the Headmaster.

Albus chuckled and leaned back in his chair. "By all means, go ahead lad."

James cleared his throat and stammered out, "Lily, I was wondering if we could...I mean, I was wondering if I could take you out to dinner and a movie tonight?" When he finished he looked pale, to Severus anyway, and he was sweating at the temples. Severus actually smirked to himself and thought 'not so tough now are you?' before he felt anger at the man asking out his girl.

"That's sweet James but you already know I have a boyfriend. Why would ask me out knowing I'm with Severus?"

"Snivellus? Why are you even with him anyway? He's greasy and a Slytherin! I would treat you so much better than he could ever hope to treat a person. I could make you very happy!" James insisted, looking between Lily and the Headmaster then landing on Lily again.

"James, you don't know him like I do and you never will with that attitude. He's a good man and I will not be made to feel bad for loving him. You, on the other hand have a lot to learn about courting a woman. I suggest you do some research and leave me alone."

"Now now, lets not have any of this. Lily, I'm sure Mister Potter here didn't mean anything harmful..." Whatever he was going to say after that was cut off by Lily standing and grabbing her cloak.

"Thank you Headmaster for your time. I think it's time for me to go. Good day." And with a glare to James she stormed off and out of the restaurant.

Severus was so engrossed in watching Lily that he almost missed the exchange between Potter and the Headmaster. He turned back to them and his mouth fell open.

"You didn't try hard enough, James."

"I was nervous! I don't understand what she sees in Snivellus! I'm so much better for her!"

"She's pregnant."

"What!"

"Yeah, she's pregnant with his child. James, he cannot procreate!"

"Merlin! That's disgusting. How can she sleep with him? Shit, now what?"

"I have an idea. Leave it to me."

Severus could not believe his ears. He kept looking between the person who would become his best friend and the bully of his school years. Did Albus do this to him? The sinking feeling in his stomach made him want to throw up. He turned and fled, maybe he could catch up with Lily.

XxxX

Lily left the Three Broomsticks mad as hell. She always knew the Headmaster favored Potter and his gang but that was too much. It hurt inside to realize that outside of Severus, she didn't have any family that gave a damn about her. She felt the beginnings of tears in her eyes and sat down on the nearest bench. She put her face in her hands and let out a few sobs, but only a few. She was in public and she didn't do public displays of emotions. Pulling herself together, she wiped her face of her tears, sniffled a few times then sat up straight on the bench. She told herself that everything would be okay, that she would be okay and got herself together.

After she settled herself, she reached into her bag and pulled out parchment and a pen. She always liked muggle writers better than the quill. She unfolded the parchment to reveal a letter, one that she started earlier that day. This was one of their "things" they enjoyed doing with each other. They wrote letters to each other, love letters. They never sent them by owl finding that to take the "fun" out of finding them because they would leave them in special places for the other to find. Although most of the letters were love letters, some were letters of encouragement, or letters of how proud they were, even letters of their fears and worries. This letter would be a combination of love and fear.

She began this letter when she found out she was with child, wanting to get on paper exactly what she was feeling at the time. She planned on the letter being an added bonus for her love. She would tell him in person tonight then they would celebrate at his place and she would leave the letter on his pillow before she left. She knew this would probably be the sappiest one she's written so far but, hey, so what. Severus is always writing sappy letters to her, most making her weak in the knees.

She debated about telling Severus about her meeting with the Headmaster. Although they didn't keep secrets from each other, she didn't want to talk bad about Albus or make Severus more paranoid than he already was. She jotted down a few lines before adding a couple about the Headmaster, not going into so much detail but writing down the gist of the conversation. Somethings are just not meant to be repeated.

She finished the letter, folded it back up and put it in the envelope, her own special stationary. Putting everything back in her bag, she sat back on the bench and enjoyed the fresh air. The smell of burning wood and cinnamon permeated the air. She smiled and shoved her hands in her cloak pockets, snuggled into herself, and took a cleansing breath. She loved this time of year.

After about twenty minutes of people watching and scent savoring, she casually got up and made for the book store.

The least she could do was get her love a book for telling him a little white lie today.

XxxX

Severus stopped short when he spotted Lily on the bench. She looked so angry and unsettled and he wanted to comfort her, but he knew he couldn't. Not yet anyways. So, he walked closer, close enough to see what she was doing, and just watched her. Watched over her; like a guard. Whatever happened to her before, happened on this day, of that fact he is positive.

He longed to run his fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp and eliciting moans of pleasure from those delicious lips. He wanted to put his face in the crook of her neck and inhale the sweet scent of jasmine. He wanted to run his hands down her back in a soothing motion and whisper sweet nothings in her ear and feel her body awaken to his words. Merlin! Just being this close to the woman he hasn't seen in so long is awakening his dormant body. If he could only touch her…he reached out and with the slightest of touches he let his fingertips touch her hair then he pulled back afraid of what he might do if he stayed on this thought. Not yet, he told himself. Not like this.

He watched her as she wrote on a piece of parchment. She seemed puzzled as to what to write but soon she was engrossed in her thoughts. He looked up and surveyed their surroundings, keeping an eye out for Potter and his sidekicks. Usually, you wouldn't see one without the others, so Severus knew the Marauders, all of them, were here somehow - somewhere.

He was brought back to task when Lily folded her parchment and stuffed it into an envelope. Severus gasped as he realized it was the letter, her last letter. Glassy eyed, he watched her settle onto the bench and savor the fresh air. He knew she loved the winter smells and he quirked a small smile at the memory.

As he stood there, gazing at her beauty, he watched the square around them. He would protect her at all costs this time around. He would have his family or die saving her.

Soon she got up and Severus could see she was headed to the bookstore. He watched her go in and a new plan began to form in his mind. Severus slipped into the side alley and undid the charms on himself. Brushing away any wrinkles on his robes he headed into the bookstore.

Not knowing where in the shop his love would be, Severus walked slowly to the Murder/Mystery aisle to look for a book for Lily. This was her favorite genre to read. She always had a book tucked in her bag for when she was bored or found herself with some time to spare. He felt disappointed she wasn't there but continued to look anyway. When he found a book he thought she would like, he decided to head to the Potions section as a cover to search the store for her whereabouts.

He turned the corner to the Potions section and froze. Part of him was jumping up and down with joy while another part of him was scared shitless.

He unconsciously felt for the ring box before taking the first step to his new future.

TBC...

XxxX

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