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

Harry sat in the Slytherin common room with his Transfiguration book open on his lap but he couldn't focus on the chapter he had been attempting to read. He couldn't concentrate very well, with his thoughts on what had happened in Potions. It's back to how it used to be, he thought dejectedly.

"Harry," Daphne said softly.

"Huh?" Harry looked up and into her concerned blue eyes.

"Don't obsess over what happened earlier," Daphne told him. "Remember, you have to give Professor Snape time to adjust." She smiled ruefully. "It was strange to see him act like that again."

"I'll say," Draco spoke up; closing the book he was reading. "I can't believe he took points off of Hermione." He frowned.

"He used to do that all of the time," Harry reminded him. "Usually because she knew all the answers to the questions he was asking." He quipped.

Draco made a face. "Right," He muttered. "I forgot what he used to be like." He admitted.

"It was weird," Theo agreed. "Hopefully he gets his memory back soon."

Harry nodded fervently, he hoped for that as well. He was about to try and read his chapter again when suddenly his scar exploded into pain. "Ahh!" He dropped the book onto the floor and pain exploded in his scar.

"Harry!" Daphne grabbed his arms, trying to keep him from clawing at his scar. "Get the Professor!" She urged her friends.

Draco ran to Snape's office, hoping he was there. He felt relief when he saw his Professor sitting at his desk, going through papers. "Professor Snape!"

"What is it?" Snape asked with some alarm.

"It's Harry, he's in pain-"

Snape rolled his eyes. "Take him to Madam Pomfrey then," He said dismissively.

"Sir, it's his scar! Please!"

Snape remembered what Albus had said about the Dark Lord getting into Potter's mind and without another word, quickly followed Draco to the common room. He froze when he saw Potter rocking back and forth, his scar red and inflamed.

"Potter!" Snape said in alarm, putting his hands on the boy's shoulders.

Harry looked at Snape with tear filled eyes. "He's in my head again," He whispered.

"Potter, you need to occlude," Snape said stiffly. He wished he knew how much Potter had learned in their lessons, but he hadn't even thought to ask.

"I can't, it hurts too much," Harry could feel tears fall down his face and he brushed them away in embarrassment.

Feeling out of his depth and not sure what to do, Snape stepped back. "I'll summon a pain reliever."

Harry took a deep breath, aware of Daphne holding his hand tightly. "You made me a special one," He managed to get out.

"I did?" Snape held out his hand. "Accio Harry Potter's potion!" A few moments later a vial slammed into his hand. He held it out. "Clear your mind Potter. Force him out." He ordered.

Harry swallowed his potion and shut his eyes to focus on occluding. He sighed in relief when the pain and Voldemort's voice faded. He blinked blearily and glanced around the room, relieved that only his friends were in the common room.

"We asked Marcus and Gemma to send everyone up to their rooms," Theo said, noticing Harry's expression.

"Better?" Daphne asked worriedly.

"Yeah," Harry gingerly touched his scar, hoping he hadn't scratched it and made it bleed.

Snape wordlessly summoned a numbing salve and handed it to Potter. "Put some of this on if it is still bothering you."

Harry looked into his dad's eyes, which were concerned but also distant.

"You were able to occlude?" Snape asked briskly.

"Yeah, eventually," Harry replied. "I'm not very good at yet."

"Did the Dark Lord say anything?"

Harry looked up in surprise. "Voldemort. You call him Voldemort." He said.

Snape stiffened. "I asked you a question Potter!" He snapped.

"He didn't say anything this time," Harry answered, feeling stung by the sharp rebuke. "He was too busy laughing. He's happy about something." He murmured.

"Have you been practicing clearing your mind on a regular basis?" Snape demanded.

Harry flushed. "No, not since yesterday," He admitted.

"Idiot boy, when you are feeling most vulnerable is the time when he will attack you!" Snape snapped. "Merlin, you must drive me crazy when I give you lessons," He muttered.

Harry frowned and glanced down at his hands, which were still slightly shaking. "I know, I'm sorry," He said quietly.

Snape stared at him for a moment, taken aback by the apology but he quickly covered it with a sneer. Ignoring the disapproving looks his students were giving him, he began walking out of the room. "I'll let the Headmaster know what happened." He said over his shoulder.

HP

The next day, Harry didn't have Potions so he was going to try and talk to Snape again, even though part of him didn't want to after how cold and stern he had been after what happened last night with Voldemort invading his mind. It had been so different from how his dad usually acted….but Harry had to keep trying. So after classes, he knocked on the open door of Snape's office. He bit his lip when his dad stopped writing and looked up to glare at him.

"What are you doing here Potter?"

"I wanted to check on you," Harry said.

"How sweet," Snape sneered. "Don't you have two dormitories that you can hang out in? Or Lupin's office?"

"I told you, I wanted to check on you," Harry said quietly. "Um, Professor McGonagall told me about the potion that should restore your memories," He said, perking up.

"If I choose to take it," Snape said somewhat nastily as he looked back down at the essays he was grading.

"You might not take it? Why?"

Snape gave him a withering look. "Being your father does not sound the least bit pleasant Potter. However this came about, you should take advantage of this new situation and become Black's ward."

"You adopted me," Harry said, struggling to stay calm.

"I'm sure it could be reversed," Snape said dismissively. "I'm sure Black would love to adopt you."

"No." Harry said firmly.

"No?" Snape stared at him. "Even if I don't take the potion? Even if I don't want you around?" He demanded.

Harry winced at the painful words but nodded. "I'm not giving up on you. We're a family and if we have to start over, then fine. We'll start over."

Snape inhaled a deep breath at that. "Potter," He began wearily. "There is no way I can be a father to you."

"You have been for over two years," Harry pointed out.

Snape shook his head. "I cannot imagine." He sighed and then his eyes darkened. "Apparently I am going to have to do something drastic to turn you away."

Harry looked at him warily. What was he planning to do?

Snape stood up and stepped closer. "Before I started spying, I was a real death eater. I overheard a prophecy-"

"I already know all of this," Harry said patiently. "You told me everything before you adopted me."

"Your parents are dead because of me and you still wanted to be adopted?" Snape asked in shock.

"My parents are dead because Pettigrew betrayed them and Voldemort killed them," Harry said seriously. "You made a mistake and have worked above and beyond to make up for it. I made mistakes my first and second year that could have gotten my friends killed, I know what it is like to make decisions you regret." He looked at Snape earnestly. "I already forgave you so this isn't an issue now."

Snape stared. He swallowed and turned away. There was more to the boy than he had realized. "You're a fool." He said hoarsely. When Potter stayed silent, he sighed in frustration. "Leave Potter. I need time to myself."

HP

Harry wearily was walking down the hallway after being dismissed by Snape when he passed the Defence classroom and heard his name called. He stepped inside and smiled faintly at the concern in Remus's eyes.

"Take a seat Harry, you look exhausted," Remus said with a frown.

Harry shrugged. "I didn't sleep well last night," He said.

"I wasn't able to talk to you after class today because I had a meeting but I just wanted to know how you were doing," Remus said. "I can't even imagine how difficult this must be for you."

"It is," Harry agreed. "He's back to treating me with disdain like he used to and when my scar hurt-"

"Your scar hurt?" Remus asked in alarm.

"Yeah, last night," Harry said. "Draco went and got my dad but he was so different in how he handled it. I mean, I'm not saying I need to be coddled or anything," He was quick to say. He was fifteen after all. "But he's usually really reassuring and well, soothing but last night he was so brisk and…" Harry trailed off and gave a half-hearted shrug. "I mean, obviously he was going to be as he doesn't remember caring about me but…it was hard," He admitted.

"I'm sorry Harry," Remus stepped forward and clasped his shoulder gently. "It should be over soon though right? Madam Pomfrey is waiting to receive a potion to restore his memories."

"He said he might not take it," Harry divulged.

"What?"

"He doesn't want to remember because the thought of being my father is too much for him," Harry said in frustration. "He even tried to scare me off."

"Did he?" Remus's eyes widened. "How?"

"Oh, um," Harry paused. He didn't know if Remus knew about the prophecy and he very much doubted that he knew about Snape being the one who told Voldemort about it. "I can't really say, it has to do with his past," He hedged.

"Oh, I think I understand," Remus said quietly.

Harry doubted he understood everything but he nodded. "Yeah, he thought it would shock me or something but he had already told me everything before adopting me."

Remus broke into a grin. "I guess the shock was on him then, when it didn't faze you."

Harry couldn't help but grin back. "It was."

"I just wanted to let you know that I am here for you," Remus said. "I've written to Sirius, I thought he should know what was going on. I gathered you hadn't written to him."

"No," Harry hadn't even thought about it and felt a little guilty. He knew Sirius would want to know but he didn't want to risk alienating Snape even more. "You don't need to worry about me."

"Of course I'm going to worry about you and so is your godfather." Remus lightly admonished.

"I know," Harry smiled.

"I think you need to try and talk to Severus again, start at the beginning. Maybe he will be willing to try and remember, you never know." Remus patted him on the back and walked back to his desk. "You have a lot of people supporting you Harry and so does Severus, even if he is not in the right frame of mind to appreciate it right now." He said wryly.

Harry laughed a little and nodded. "Thank you. I think we are both going to need it."

HP

The next morning before breakfast, Harry hovered in front of the door to his quarters, or rather Snape's quarters…Merlin, he didn't even know if he was allowed in. He wanted to talk to his dad and check on Nova as he realized no one may have mentioned his new familiar. He hoped Snape hadn't done anything to his snake.

"Harry?"

Harry turned. "Sirius?" He said in surprise and accepted a hug from his godfather.

Sirius smiled gently, Remus behind him. "I heard about what happened. I wanted to check on you." Sirius looked at him in concern.

"I told you I had written to him. We thought you could use some moral support," Remus chimed in, smiling kindly. "Your friends told us you were headed down here."

"I want to talk to him but…" Harry trailed off. "I don't know if he'll let me in. I also want to check on Nova."

"He has to let you in, you live here," Sirius said easily, knocking on the door.

"Uh, Sirius," Harry began but was interrupted when the door opened.

"Ah, look at this. Three people I can't stand the sight of coming to see so early in the morning," Snape said as he glared at them.

"Good to see you too Sevvy," Sirius said brightly as he pushed his way through the door, pulling Harry with him.

"Get out of my quarters Black! Take the boy and wolf with you," Snape hissed, brandishing his wand and pointing it at them. "And don't call me that!"

"These are Harry's quarters as well," Remus spoke up firmly.

"Not anymore," Snape said. "I saw your room and your newest familiar," He snarled to Harry. "I will pack it up with the rest of your things shortly, along with the photos." He had been shocked to see more pictures of himself and Potter around the sitting room. It was one thing hearing that he had taken Potter in as his own son but to see evidence of it was too much, he needed those things gone.

"You're kicking me out?" Harry couldn't keep the hurt of his voice.

Snape stared at him. "Of course Potter. I haven't been to Spinner's End yet but I will pack up your belongings there as well. You can move in with the mutt," He said sarcastically. The Headmaster had explained about how Black had broken out of prison by using his Animagus form. It just figured that the Marauders would ignore the rules and become unregistered Animagi during school. "I trust that is acceptable?" He said to Black, an eyebrow raised. He was sure the man would want to save Potter from him.

Harry opened his mouth to protest but before he could say anything, Sirius spoke up. "No Snape, he stays with you."

Snape was shocked; he had counted on the mutt taking the boy. "You don't want him either?"

Harry felt his heart clench at the heartless words.

"Severus!" Remus admonished, earning himself a dark look from the Potion's master.

Sirius growled. "Of course I want him; he was supposed to be with me. I tried to convince him of this once I was found innocent. But he's happy with you and has told me countless times that you are a great father to him, never mind that I know you wouldn't let him go without a fight."

"I won't put up a fight, I want you to take him," Snape took a deep breath. "This is insanity. I could never be his father, anybody's father for that matter nor do I want to. I'll sign any papers I have to, to transfer custody over to you."

"No," Harry said after finding his voice. "I'm your son; you can't get rid of me that easily. And I'm not having my things moved from here or Spinner's End." He tried to keep his voice strong and firm but was aware that it came out a little shaky.

"Is that so Potter?" Snape asked dangerously.

"Yes it is," Harry retorted. "I know you don't remember but we are a family and I'm not giving that up. I'm not giving up on you." He said stubbornly.

Snape turned away, needing a moment. That determined look on Potter's face reminded him fiercely of Lily and he couldn't help but somewhat admire the boy for standing up to him. Seeing the boy's room and pictures had struck something in him but he had fought against it. He couldn't deny that the in the photos he looked quite content standing with Potter but still, it was too much to take in.

"Severus, please try to be reasonable," Remus said in his usual patient way. "You need to give this some time before trying to make a bunch of changes. Believe us, when you get your memories back you will be most displeased with yourself."

Snape gave him a scathing look. In a way, it was almost like facing the Marauders again, minus Pettigrew. Except, this time he wasn't being made fun of or pushed around. No, instead Potter wanted to preserve the family they had somehow made, with Black and Lupin supporting it. It was insanity, pure and simple.

Snape wanted to say no, that he wouldn't give it any time but then he caught the pain in Potter's eyes and hesitated. The boy was apparently not occluding very well as he could pick out surface thoughts without even trying. Potter was distressed and full of sorrow at the thought of losing another parent, at losing the family he had come to cherish. Snape couldn't believe that he could possibly mean so much to the boy. He treated Potter horribly, always had for the petty reason that he hated to be reminded of what he had lost to James Potter. He was sure the boy had been raised spoiled, had expected it in fact, so he hadn't thought it a big deal in that first potions class when he had singled him out. But if Potter had been spoiled and coddled by his relatives, why did he run away from them? Why didn't he live with them anymore?

"If you don't mind, I would like to speak to Potter alone," Snape said finally.

"Not if you are going to be a git to him," Sirius said. "Or try to kick him out of his own home."

"I won't do that; I just need to talk with him. There are some things I do not understand," Snape said impatiently. Kicking Potter out could wait; he needed to get some answers.

Sirius looked at Harry, who nodded that it was okay. "If you need us pup, we'll be in the Headmaster's office," He said, patting Harry on the shoulder.

"Thanks Sirius, thanks Remus, um I mean Professor Lupin," Harry smiled weakly as they left. He had wanted a chance to talk to Snape but now that he was going to, he was nervous.

"Behave yourself, Sevvy," Sirius threw over his shoulder as he left.

"Do not call me that, you mangy mutt!" Snape bellowed after him. He gritted his teeth as he heard Black's laughter and he took great pleasure in slamming the door shut.

TBC: