Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

"Obviously I am having trouble with my memory," Snape snapped at Harry, who was staring at him with horrified eyes. "Leave Potter, this does not concern you." He said dismissively.

"Actually, it does," Dumbledore sighed, sharing a look with Minerva.

Poppy walked over then, a grim expression on her face. "The green dust was an advanced form of a Forgetting hex, which I've only ever read about, called Memorias Relicta." Seeing Harry's confused expression, she explained. "You have heard of the Forgetfulness Potion of course, well this is an innovative form of that. Usually the result is not such a long loss of memory but apparently whoever did this specifically designed it for Severus."

So that was what the note had meant, Harry thought with a sick feeling. By taking away the past couple years, it was as if Harry had indeed lost another parent. This Snape hated him. This can't be happening, he thought desperately. It wasn't fair; he couldn't lose his dad now. He had already lost parents and had relatives who despised him…and now he had finally found a family of his own and just like that, it was gone.

"Excuse me, but the only person you should be talking to about this is me," Snape said in an irritated voice. "Get the boy out of here."

"Honestly Severus," Minerva said with disapproval. "You don't understand." She sighed.

"That can happen when two years of your life is missing," Severus retorted, unnerved that he was in this vulnerable position. And why Potter was here was a complete mystery to him. "How long will this last?" He asked Pomfrey.

"I don't know, I've never seen a memory loss like this before," Poppy said slowly. "As I said, usually it's just a few days that go missing. It may return on its own but I'm going to do some research to see if there is a potion or spell that could help." She hurried off to her office.

"Severus, what is the last thing you remember?" Dumbledore asked in a calm voice.

"It was the morning of September 1st," Snape said tersely. "I was enjoying the last few hours of peace before the hooligans arrived."

Harry couldn't help but smile a bit which only agitated Snape further. Snape treated him to a look of deep loathing. "Something funny Potter? From what I remember last, you had defied your relatives and ran away from home during the summer. Which of course just further proves my point of you being a spoiled, arrogant – "

"Enough Severus," Dumbledore said firmly.

Harry's heart sank. He still had a hard time thinking of that summer, of how horrible it had been to be sent back into that abusive house after telling an adult that his uncle had hit him. And now the man who had become his father didn't remember why Harry had done it, didn't remember what Harry had been through, didn't remember that he had grown to care for him at all. Harry blinked back tears as he stood up and stumbled away from Snape.

"Harry, wait," Minerva said, looking helplessly at Dumbledore as she put her hands on Harry's shoulders to stop him from leaving.

"Why?" Snape stood up, waving off Dumbledore's concerns as he did so. "What is going on?" He crossed his arms and glared at the three of them.

"Severus," Dumbledore began gently. "Harry's third year was quite eventful and he was put into Slytherin for a term-"

"Potter in Slytherin?" Snape laughed humorlessly. "I don't think so. I wouldn't have allowed that to happen."

"You weren't in favor of it, that is true," Dumbledore agreed. "But happen it did. You got to know Harry and certain revelations came to light…Severus, at the end of that year you adopted him."

Snape stared at the Headmaster before breaking into real laughter. "I must be dreaming, stuck inside a nightmare." He said with a shake of his head. "You have a twisted sense of humor Albus."

"Severus."

"I would never adopt that boy," Snape stopped laughing as he realized the Headmaster was serious and pointed at Harry. "Not in a million years. He is the spitting image of his father, strutting around like he owns the castle and flaunting the rules. He clearly treats his relatives with such disregard, so why in the world would I want him for a son?"

"Dad," Harry whispered, his heart feeling like it would break. He couldn't take this, it hurt too much.

Snape stiffened. "Do not call me that!" He snapped furiously.

Harry couldn't take it anymore and before anyone could stop, he shrugged out of McGonagall's grip and turned to run out of the infirmary.

HP

Harry was sitting in the owlery, staring dully out the window. Hedwig, sensing his distress, sat on his shoulder and hooted comfortably in his ear. Harry tried to keep his breathing even, even tried occluding to keep his grief at what had happened from getting too strong. Snape, his dad, was gone and in his place was the old Snape who hated him. They would have to start all over again, if Snape would even be willing to. What if he wasn't? Yes, Harry knew Sirius would be there for him if that happened but as much as Harry cared for his godfather, he needed his dad.

"Harry?"

Harry turned and saw Daphne approaching him hesitantly. He scooted over on the stone bench he was sitting on to make room for her. "Hey," He said quietly.

"I stopped by the infirmary and Professor McGonagall told me you ran off. I figured you would be here. What happened?" Daphne asked, putting her hand on his arm. "Is Professor Snape all right?" She asked worriedly. The Great Hall had exploded into noise and alarm after the Professor was levitated out of the room by Madam Pomfrey.

"The mail he opened was cursed," Harry said, still staring out the window. "He's perfectly okay though, except for one thing. His last memory is of the morning of September 1st, our third year."

Daphne gasped. "He is missing his memory of the past two years? But then that means…" Her eyes widened. "Oh Harry, he doesn't remember adopting you. You hadn't even been put into Slytherin yet." She whispered, understanding why Harry was looking so lost.

"I know," Harry gave a bitter laugh. "When he woke up, he kept calling me Potter in that scathing tone, like he used to. And when Dumbledore told him that he had adopted me, he actually broke into laughter and said that it was not possible. He's back to thinking I'm arrogant and spoiled and said I treated my relatives with disregard." He added bitterly.

"He said what?" Daphne asked in outrage.

"He doesn't remember," Harry shrugged. "He remembers hearing that I ran away from the Dursley's but he doesn't know why. And I don't feel like getting into it all over again."

"But he needs to hear about it," Daphne said softly.

"He doesn't want me around!" Harry burst out. "He hates me again!"

"Harry, he doesn't remember. He doesn't understand," Daphne pointed out. "Look at it this way, what would Professor Snape do if it was you with the memory loss? Once upon a time you didn't like him," She reminded him. "Would he just give up and walk away?"

Harry paused. No, no of course Snape wouldn't do that. He would try to be patient, give him time, explain things but the last thing he would do was just give up being his father simply because it would be a difficult situation. "Oh Merlin, of course he wouldn't," He murmured.

"So what are you going to do?" Daphne prodded.

"I'm not going to give up on him," Harry said with a slow yet sad smile. "I'm hoping he will get his memory back but if he doesn't, then starting over is just what will have to happen. It's going to be hard though Daphne," he said with pain in his voice. "Especially now, with Voldemort trying to get into my head."

Daphne drew him into a hug, nestling her head on his shoulder. "I know it will be but you're not alone." She whispered. "Professor Snape is going to hear from a lot of people about how much has changed."

"I know, but still he's going to be like he used to," Harry breathed in the scent of her hair. "But I can handle it." I have to, he thought. I have to get my dad back.

HP

"If you need a calming draught, do let me know," Dumbledore said with a hint of amusement in his twinkling eyes. He was sitting in his office with a very disturbed potions master. After conferring with Poppy and hearing her findings, he had been catching Severus up on the events of the past couple of years.

Snape glared at him. "I do not find this one bit amusing Headmaster. One minute I'm getting ready for the school year and the next I wake up to find out that two years have passed and that I have adopted Potter," He spat out the boy's name. "Now you tell me that Black is a free man and he and Lupin have to be a part of my life because of that brat. And said brat is in Gryffindor and Slytherin and I can't even take points from him anymore without hurting my own House!" He huffed in frustration. The only news he had learned that he was grateful for was that he was no longer expected to spy, which meant he didn't have to pander to certain Slytherin students and their families.

"You don't find petty reasons to take points away from Harry anymore," Dumbledore said exasperatedly. "I understand that this is a shock Severus but once you got to know Harry, you grew to care for him as a son. At the end of Harry's third year you adopted him. You love him."

Snape rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Doubtful Albus. My guess is that you had something to do with me adopting Potter." He said accusingly.

"No," Dumbledore shook his head. "It was your idea Severus."

"Why? What happened to Potter's relatives? I thought the wards were important to protecting him," Snape said in frustration. He didn't understand how he could have come to see Potter, of all people, as his son. It was ludicrous.

"They were," Dumbledore said slowly. "However, you set very strong wards around your house to protect yourself and Harry."

"My house?" Snape asked in a low voice. "Spinner's End? I rarely ever go to that house. And now you are telling me that Potter has been there?" He glared at Dumbledore. He hated his childhood home! It held nothing but bad memories for him.

"Yes, you spend the holidays there," Dumbledore replied.

"I have to endure being in that blasted house for precious Potter?" Snape seethed. He was sure the brat would have told his friends how worn and shabby the house was.

"Severus, Dobby has improved your home. You won't even recognize it once you see the inside."

"Dobby?" Snape asked incredulously. Surely not… "I have a house-elf? I don't want or need one Albus! Just because Potter needs to have a servant cater to his every need –"

"Enough," Dumbledore said flatly. "I arranged it and he is not bound to you in the traditional sense. Dobby is still a free elf though during the summers he stays with you and here during the school year. He is loyal and trustworthy, I assure you."

"Well then, I feel so much better," Snape said sarcastically. He shut his eyes for a moment. "If Black is innocent and is now a free man, the boy should be with him."

"Harry loves Sirius," Dumbledore said with a nod. "However, you are the one he sees as his father. Just give it a chance Severus. Please." He pleaded.

"Why isn't Potter with his relatives?"

"You'll need to ask him that, it is not my place to tell you," Dumbledore said firmly. "Now, Poppy has done some research into the memory dust that you encountered and believes there is a potion available that can be made to bring your memories back. It is complex and since we want you to be back to yourself as soon as possible, she has ordered the potion from an Apothecary in Ireland."

Snape crossed his arms. "I'm sure I could make it."

"It would take weeks to brew," Dumbledore explained. He fell silent for a moment. "Which you would prefer, from the expression on your face," He said dryly.

Snape stared at him evenly. "I do not know if I wish to regain my memories," He admitted. "Finding out I somehow have become one of Potter's adoring fans does not make me happy. It makes me think that I must be under a potion to make me tolerate the boy."

"It isn't like that and you are happy Severus," Dumbledore said with a sigh. "Harry needs you. Voldemort is coming back soon and has already invaded Harry's mind, taunting and threatening him."

Snape frowned. "I assume you are training him in Occlumency? He will need it."

"You are teaching him in Occlumency," Dumbledore corrected him. "And advanced dueling."

"Wonderful," Severus muttered.

HP

Snape stepped into his quarters, followed by Dumbledore. He looked around suspiciously. Everything appeared normal…wait. "Why is my desk and bookshelf in here and not in my office?"

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "You converted your office into Harry's bedroom."

Snape scowled and stomped to where his office used to be. He expected to find the room done in red and gold but was surprised to see the colors basically matched the earth tones in his sitting room. The bed was slightly rumbled as if it had been made in a hurry and there were some books and Quidditch magazines strewn about but other than that the room was kept neat. "What is that?" He pointed at a clear box that held grass, dirt and…a snake.

"Ah, that is Harry's second familiar," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "Nova."

"Snakes aren't allowed as familiars," Snape said as the he watched the snake peer curiously at them.

"Not usually, no," Dumbledore agreed. "However, an exception was made as Harry does have the gift of Parseltongue. This snake was used by two students as an attempt to scare Harry; they put it in his bed in his Slytherin dormitory."

"What idiots would think Potter would be scared of – ah, must have been Crabbe and Goyle," Snape said with a shake of his head. Those two took after their dimwitted fathers. "So an exception was made for Potter, I'm utterly shocked." He said sarcastically.

"You are the one who made the exception Severus," Dumbledore said pleasantly.

Snape gritted his teeth. "So I am required to take care of his responsibility?" He snapped.

"I believe he comes down here frequently to look after Nova and to spend time with you," Dumbledore said evenly.

"Well, that can stop immediately." Snape huffed. "He can take his snake to one of his dorm rooms."

"He doesn't want to do that in case someone tries to hurt Nova when he isn't around," Dumbledore explained. "There are students in both Houses that like to bully Harry."

"I don't doubt that is true with Slytherin but Gryffindor?" Snape asked skeptically. Potter was the golden boy of that House. Why would any of the lions bully their precious hero?

"Certain students have made it known that they no longer see Harry as a Gryffindor, as he is also a part of Slytherin," Dumbledore sighed.

"So much for Gryffindor loyalty," Snape drawled. He glanced around the room again and frowned when he saw a framed picture of him and Potter standing in front of a Christmas tree sitting on the desk. "Merlin, is this for real?" He picked up the frame in disbelief.

"Yes, there are more pictures in your sitting room as well as your home in Spinner's End," Dumbledore said as he looked at the picture Snape was holding. "I took that one," He added brightly.

Snape slammed the frame back down and stalked out of the room.

HP

Harry had tried to see Snape that evening so that they could talk but McGonagall had told him that Snape needed some time to process everything he had learned. Harry understood but it made him nervous. He'd rather just start trying to work things out.

Unfortunately, the first time Harry was going to get to see his dad since the infirmary was during potions class the next day. He had looked for him during breakfast but Snape hadn't shown up, although Dumbledore had made an announcement to let the students know about his memory loss but assured them their potions professor would be teaching his classes. Dumbledore had then scolded the students who had booed at that. Harry did appreciate the sympathetic look Remus gave him when he caught his eye. He vaguely wondered if he had contacted Sirius about what had happened.

"Maybe he's already started remembering," Hermione said to Harry hopefully as they entered potions class. By the sneer that their teacher gave Harry she sighed unhappily. "Or maybe not," She mumbled.

Snape did a double take when he saw Malfoy holding Granger's hand as they entered the room. And the way Greengrass was whispering to Potter, touching his arm…Merlin, now Slytherins were dating Gryffindors? He wanted to laugh, as everything seemed so crazy. Maybe in reality he was actually in a coma and all of this was a horrible dream. One could only hope that was the case. He handed back essays that he had apparently already graded, pausing when he passed back Potter's. "You must have had help with this," He said snidely.

Harry looked down at the O on his Befuddlement essay. "No sir," He said quietly. He had worked hard on the essay, still trying to make up for the subjects he had fallen behind in during the whole thing with Umbridge. Ironically, he had wanted to show his dad that he was taking his studies seriously. Now however, it didn't seem to matter anymore.

Snape snorted in disbelief. "Sure." He continued passing out the papers. "As I am sure all of you have heard, I have lost my memory of the past two years. Some would think this as distressing, however based on the events that have occurred during that time, I am thinking it is more of a lucky break that I do not recall any of it." He said this maliciously and with a pointed look at Harry.

Blaise and Pansy snickered, throwing Harry mean little grins. Harry balled his hands into fists and tried to ignore them. He could handle this; he had known this would be difficult.

It was like they had used a time-turner, Snape was rude to all of the Gryffindors and giving point's right and left to the Slytherins. He basically ignored Harry except for giving him dark looks throughout the class. Harry figured that since he was in both Gryffindor and Slytherin that Snape was upset he couldn't take points off of him.

"Potter!"

Harry started and realized that he had been so deep in his thinking that he had stopped taking notes. "Sir?"

"Either you think you know it all, Potter, or you expect me to overlook your laziness." Snape said in a sharp tone. "Think you're above taking notes do you? Believe you don't have to pay attention? Expect me to pass you, no matter what, since you are now my son?" He said that last word with extreme disgust.

"Of course not!" Harry exclaimed. "Sir," He added quickly.

"Typical arrogance," Snape muttered as he moved away. He paused when he saw angry looks on Potter's friends' faces, including some of his own Slytherins. "Problem?" He asked snidely, hiding his surprise at students from his own House defending Potter. It was clearly a world gone mad.

"Yes sir, there is," Hermione spoke up first, lifting her chin. "You don't have to be so cruel towards Harry, who as you said, is your son now."

"Tread carefully Miss. Granger," Snape warned. "Frankly, it is none of your business."

"Sir, it is our business because Harry is our friend and we know how difficult this situation is for him," Daphne spoke up, her tone firm yet respectful. "And for you as well, Professor," She added quietly.

"None of us expected to like Harry but he grows on you after awhile," Draco said airily. He ducked when Hermione threw her quill at him. "Hey," He complained.

Snape watched this with some amusement and had to shake himself to get his initial anger back. "This is none of your business and I'll thank you all to keep your opinions to yourself. If Potter can't handle it, then he may leave the classroom." He gave Potter a challenging look which the boy met with a defiant look of his own.

"I'll stay Professor," Harry said stiffly.

"And twenty-five points will be taken, Ms. Granger, for your rudeness," He said in satisfaction. He returned to the front of the room. "Potter, what are some qualities of a Moonstone?" He barked out.

Moonstone, Moonstone, Harry thought quickly. He had read briefly on it before Snape's memory loss and struggled to remember. "Um, it is a milky color and shines very brightly. It's also known as the wishing stone," He remembered. "It's used in Love Potions and…" He thought hard. "The Draught of Peace."

"Hm," Snape sniffed and turned away for a moment. If any of his other Slytherins had answered the same, he would have awarded points but if he did that with Potter, half would go to Gryffindor and that was just something he couldn't bring himself to do. "Your assignment is to write a twelve inch essay on the properties of Moonstone and its usage in potion-making." He dismissed his grumbling class and despite not meaning to, caught Potter's eyes before he left the room and found himself taken aback at the sad look in those blasted green eyes. He sighed and sat down at his desk.

"Sir?"

"Mr. Zabini," Snape intoned, looking at his student with a raised eyebrow. "Is there something you need?"

"I was wondering if you could cancel the detentions and restrictions you gave me," Blaise said confidently.

Snape frowned. "Obviously this happened before my incident, why did I give you detentions?" He inquired to know.

"Because of Potter and Lupin," Blaise said in a whine. "During Defence I showed up Potter during a demonstration and they complained to you and you gave me detention for two weeks with Filch, as well as restricting me to my dorm for the same amount of time."

Snape had to admit that he may have changed during the past two years but he highly doubted that he would give detention to one of his students simply for doing better than Potter in class. At least he hoped he wouldn't have. "Are you telling me everything Zabini? I will of course have to talk to Professor Lupin and some of the other students in the class to confirm your story." He warned, feeling that Zabini was leaving out some important details.

"Can't you just take me at my word? You aren't Potter's puppet anymore!" Blaise snapped. He paled when his professor slowly stood up, his eyes darkening.

"You can tell me what happened or I will find out myself," Snape hissed, resisting the urge to use legilimency on the brat before him. He had to admit, he was once again thankful he didn't have to keep up the pretense of favoring the children of death eaters anymore. Finding out he wouldn't have to spy had been a huge relief, even though he had been prepared to do so to make up for what he had done to Lily.

Blaise reluctantly mumbled what had happened and winced when Snape slammed his hand down on the desk. "And I thought Potter was arrogant! Unless you want to end up in Azkaban I suggest you rethink the actions you are taking, Mr. Zabini. I believe I will add another week to your punishment for your disgraceful attempt to manipulate me and weasel your way out of it. Simply pathetic." He snarled in disgust.

Blaise was practically shaking with anger and turned on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him.

TBC: