Next morning
Little Hangleton
Severus walked into the Lord's manor and found him, unexpectedly, in the living room.
"My Lord." He bowed his head.
"Ah, Severus, have a seat." He pointed to the sofa, looking dangerously displeased. "I can't say I was surprised by your request for a private audience. I was told Florence hasn't been to the Ministry in two days. I imagine you're here to tell me what's wrong with my daughter."
"Yes, my Lord." Severus went straight to the point, before risking being hexed: "She's pregnant. Twins again."
Voldemort's expression went from concerned and displeased to surprised and then very glad in a matter of seconds. "That's some great news!"
"Yes. But she's having a hard time – even worse than the last." He didn't hide his concern. "I must ask you, my Lord, to allow her to step down from the Ministry and let her rest. She's already seventeen weeks and..."
"She was hiding it?" Voldemort interrupted him.
"No, my Lord. She actually didn't know. She'd been feeling a little weak but refused to see Pomfrey due to..."
"Bullheadedness?" Voldemort offered.
"Well, yes, my Lord."
Voldemort smirked, "She certainly told you she's a healer and that she knows better."
Severus gave a small smile, nodding. "You do know your daughter, my Lord. So yesterday she finally talked to Pomfrey and found out she is expecting."
"She really shouldn't be leaving the school." Voldemort nodded slowly. "We have enemies, as you very well know – even inside Hogwarts. Not to mention: she carries her mother's veela magic." He shook his head, concerned. "I remember how Sophie was when expecting Florence – it wasn't pretty. Changes of humour, fires and storms inside the house."
Severus nodded, finding it weird to hear the Lord speaking about something he could personally relate to, so he added his own experience: "I've witnessed a few boiled juices, burnt furniture and I myself was throw through a window... so I know what you mean, my Lord."
Voldemort looked at him intently, "Protect her, Severus. Two more heirs as powerful as James and Nicholas are the best of news! Congratulations, my loyal servant! "
"Thank you, my Lord."
Voldemort paused for a moment, then said: "I have one mission that you could send one of the boys to do, but I'd rather it be you. I believe Potter will soon be visiting Godric's Hollow."
"His parent's graves? It makes sense."
"Yes, but I think he'll go to the house as well. So I'd like for you to ambush him there and bring him to me."
"I can certainly try, my Lord. What about his two friends?"
"The blood-traitor and the mudblood?" He spat the word as if it made his mouth dirty. "You can kill them."
Severus nodded. "I'll tell Nicholas to find out what the Order knows about Potter's plans. And James will stay with Florence while I go to Godric's Hollow."
"Yes. Yes." Voldemort nodded. "You must make sure Florence is never unattended – she is your priority now." he paused, looking at the flames in the fireplace, his concern turning into hatred. "Potter must be stopped, Severus. He's found out a secret of mine and has been working on destroying..." He stopped, and Severus could tell that he was pondering if he should tell him or not, but he decided against it: "All my secrets." Voldemort stood up and paced the living room. "I also need more death eaters at the castle, the boy might show up there as well."
That had Severus frowning. "Show up at Hogwarts, my Lord? That would be extremely stupid."
"But he might. Believe me."
"Of course, my Lord. I'll increase the castle's security as soon as tomorrow."
"Do that and keep Florence and the babies safe."
"Always. With my life."
"I don't doubt you. You can go now, Severus. Let me know when you plan to go to Godric's Hollow."
Severus bowed, "Yes, my Lord." and left.
A week later
18 weeks pregnant
Headmaster's quarters
It was nearly 8 p.m.
Soon Severus would be arriving to walk her to the Great Hall to have dinner.
Florence should be dressed, looking gorgeous, and waiting for him by the time he arrived; but she hadn't even unwrapped the towel from around her wet body, her hair was still falling down her shoulders unbrushed and humid; she had a headache and a terrible nausea on top.
Tiffany had already given her some antiemetic potion and a cup of tea, but nothing was helping.
The bedroom door was opened and her husband walked in, greeting her:
"Good evening, love." He hugged from behind, kissing her neck, her skin warm and smelling of vanilla. Perfect scent. He thought to himself.
"I don't want to go to the Great Hall tonight, Sev." Florence whispered. "Or ever again."
"Hey, my love." He turned her around, kissing her lips and wiping her cheeks. "I know you don't like it." he wrapped his arms around her, feeling her rest her head on the crook of his neck. "I wish I could tell you to stay here tonight, but some new investors are coming for dinner and I need you to be in the Great Hall by my side."
"One more reason for me not to go – it won't give a good impression if I pass out or vomit during dinner." She felt the room spinning at the thought of joining sadistic supporters of her father's for dinner. "Tell them I'm not feeling well."
He caressed her back, clearly worried. "If Lucius brings Narcissa, she will want to come here, you know that."
Florence sighed, "Let her come then, I'll be able to talk to her and find out exactly what's happening to her." She looked up and kissed him softly before walking slowly to the wardrobe to pick up a comfortable dress. "And I don't want to see Alecto throwing herself at you tonight. I can't stand it! I'll end up killing her!" she finished, putting on her dress – but she moved too fast and dizziness overtook her.
"Flor!" Severus exclaimed running to get her before she hit the floor.
Tiffany also appeared in the room, sensing something was wrong with her Mistress.
"That's the second time today, Master Severus." The elf told him as he picked Florence up on his arms and carried her to bed. "Tiffany floated Mistress Florence to the sofa when it happened before."
"Thank you, Tiff. I'm really glad you're here." He said to the elf before turning to his wife on the bed, touching her face to wake her up, kissing her lips softly. "You can stay here tonight, I'll explain to our guests that you're a not well. You rest and I'll send Narcissa up, if she comes."
"Thanks, Sev." Florence murmured, her eyes closed.
On his way out of the room, Severus looked at Tiffany, silently telling her to keep an eye on Florence.
The elf nodded in understanding.
Thirty minutes later, Florence was able to get up from the bed – under the watchful eyes of her house elf – and walked to the living room.
"Order something for dinner for me from the kitchens, please, Tiff."
"Tiffany would rather cook herself." She replied, clearly displeased.
"I don't want to stay alone here, Tiff." Florence said, trying to make her elf less upset. "I know your food is the best, but you're here to help me be safe."
Tiffany nodded and went to the fireplace to ask for dinner.
Meanwhile, Florence sat at the table to wait for her food, her hands going to her lower belly.
Soon she felt Tiffany's little hands joining hers, the elf closed her eyes and smiled, feeling the babies' energies.
"More little ones, Mistress Flor." She softly said.
"Yeah, Tiff. Two more babies." Florence said and the love was clear in her voice. "I wonder if they will be calm and sweet babies like Nick, Chris and Sophie or if these two will be stubborn and infuriating like James and Liz, and make us all crazy."
"Master Severus is so happy... but so concerned. Since Mistress found out about the babies last week, Tiffany sees Master lying awake at night, holding Mistress and worrying."
Florence nodded. "I can feel my magic and my body are being affected by the pregnancy, Tiffany. I know it's risky, but I'm young and healthy." She sighed. "You know we hadn't planned on having more kids, but now that I have them inside of me, I love them."
"Tiffany understands, Mistress Flor." Then the elf gave her another vial of antiemetic potion and, when the chicken salad appeared on the table, Florence was able to eat it without gagging.
Soon afterwards, a tray with crackers and ginger tea appeared on the coffee table and Florence sat on the sofa with a book, Tiffany pouring her a cup.
That was when they heard someone knocking on the door.
Tiffany went to open it.
"Mrs. Malfoy. Mistress Florence is waiting for you, ma'am."
"Hi, Cissy, come in." Said Florence from the sofa.
"Florence, dear." Narcissa walked to her. "By the cleanliness and politeness of that elf, I'm right to say she's yours."
"Yes. That's my Tiffany. You met her a couple of times already."
Narcissa shook her head. "I wouldn't remember, dear. I don't go to the trouble of learning other people's elves' names." She hugged Florence. "Severus told us at the Great Hall that you're not feeling well. I came here to chat and I can see he said the truth: you look awful, dear."
Florence smiled, "Yeah, I'm really not well." and pointed to the sofa, where they sat together.
"Is it true then? You're pregnant?"
"Yes. Expecting twins – again." Florence smiled. "Want some tea?" she offered, picking up her cup again.
"Yes, please." Narcissa nodded, a sweet, clearly fake, smile on her face.
Florence sighed, she didn't want to talk about war that night, but she couldn't ignore the unshed tears she could see in her friend's blue eyes.
"Cissy. What's happening to you?"
Narcissa's mask of pretense dropped and when she looked up at Florence, her bottom lip trembled, "I... Lucius has... you may have heard... he sometimes... he's been sharing me." Her voice was weak.
"Sharing you?" Florence repeated. "With your consent, right?" she asked, even though she knew the answer.
The blond woman slowly shook her head and put the tea cup back on the coffee table, bringing both hands to her face and sobbing: "No. I don't... I'm not like my sister... Bella enjoys those kind of things... I don't."
Florence scooted closer and hugged her friend. "I had heard he was doing something like that... using you to pay debts even though your vaults are as full as ever... I hoped it wasn't true."
"I talked to the Dark Lord, but..." She cried harder. "He said that Lucius is my husband... that I'm his to... to do as he wishes."
"That's awful, Cissy. I wish there was something I could do..."
"Well..." Narcissa whispered, sniffling and fidgeting with her skirt: "You could kill him."
"What?" Florence looked into her eyes, making sure she had heard it correctly. "You're asking me to kill Lucius?"
"Yes. You could do it. O-or maybe Severus could." Narcissa looked into her eyes, desperately trying to make her understand. "Since the attempt on your son's life, I know you two want Lucius dead. And the Dark Lord will not complain if one of you did it – I know he wants him gone just as much. Please, kill him. I'll help you find the best time and place to end him – I just want him gone! Please!"
Florence looked at her friend and she could see everything in her mind: Narcissa had opened her thoughts completely – and she was truly desperate.
After such willingly-given display of honesty, Florence saw no reason to doubt her, so she nodded.
"It will be done, my friend. And if you wish to tell me who Lucius has shared you with – we'll gladly deal with those as well."
Narcissa let out a relieved sob and hugged her again.
"Thank you, Flor. I'm living in hell in my own house. The only thing keeping me going is my son – I can see that despite everything that's going on, he remains strong and positive." Narcissa smiled. "Draco's in love, can you believe it? I only saw the girl once, a while ago, and she is so beautiful. She broke up with him when he got his Mark... but now they're together again. And he's so happy. Her name's Elizabeth."
Florence shared in her smile: "I know the girl."
Narcissa frowned. "How? She's not a student here."
"She's my daughter." Florence whispered, allowing Narcissa to know about Elizabeth.
"What!?" the blond woman was very surprised. "Are you saying that you have a secret daughter and my son is dating her?"
"Yes."
Narcissa looked at her in shock, thinking what that meant, "Severus doesn't know that, I gather. My son is still alive."
"No, he doesn't know." Florence laughed. "And she's two years younger than Draco. I only allowed their relationship because they are connected by the Enchantment."
"Wow. Really? That's so sweet! Soul-mates... Can I meet her?"
"No. I can't allow that. She's well-hidden and Severus won't ever agree with you meeting her. Plus I'd have to explain to him why you want to meet Liz, and that wouldn't be good for your son's life-expectancy." she smiled. "Are you any good in Occlumency, Cissy?"
"Yes, Bella taught me."
"Good. You won't be able to tell others about Liz, for there's a spell in place. But since Draco already knows, you can talk to him about her."
"That's truly unbelievable. Severus will go nuts once he finds out Draco is putting his hands on his daughter." She chuckled.
"Yes. But we've been having quite interesting in-laws; you have no idea."
Narcissa smiled weakly and Florence resumed what they were discussing before: "I'll talk to Severus about your husband. And I'll wait on the names of the men that raped you."
Narcissa flinched at that word and nodded, tears beginning to run down her face again.
Florence forced herself to ignore the nausea that had returned with a vengeance, focusing on enjoying another half-hour of tea and crackers with her friend.
Later
After Narcissa left, Florence closed the door and went to bed, sitting with a new book on healing spells that Severus had given her.
Once Tiffany was certain her Mistress wasn't going to get up again and venture around the rooms by herself, she went to her little corner in another bedroom – which she had only accepted after great insistence from Florence and Severus, but she still had refused to sleep in a big bed, so Florence had transfigurated the double bed into a replica of the bed Tiffany had at home.
A few minutes after Tiffany left the bedroom, Severus stopped by the door, taking a moment to look at his beautiful wife on the bed.
Florence smiled, "I know you're there, Sev." Then she looked up from her book. "How was dinner?"
"Yaxley left thinking I forbade you from going to dinner. Something James falsely confirmed and Nicholas added that not all stories about me tying you up in the dungeons were a lie."
She laughed. "As dangerous and hopeless as all this situation is, I'm glad to see the boys are handling it well and even having fun."
"Yes." He smiled, going towards her to properly greet her with a kiss. "I'll take a quick shower and join you, love."
"I'll be here." She replied. "If I put my foot on the floor, Tiffany will immediately show up and demand to know where I'm going. I swear, I think she put a spell on the floorboards to know the moment I stand up."
"I don't doubt she did that. Tiff's incredibly protective of you. I feared poisoning for a long time, you know." said Severus, going to the bathroom.
Florence laughed and opened up her book again, just listening to the sound of the water falling on her husband for some minutes.
Soon he was walking back into the room, dressed in a pair of black sweatpants and a white long-sleeved t-shirt.
Florence closed the book and put it on the nightstand, looking at him as he kneeled on the bed, moving over her, between her legs.
She sighed, touching his face and caressing down his neck and chest. "I love you."
He smiled and kissed her lips, trailing kisses down her body until he kissed her lower belly.
"You're my life, Florence."
He lay down beside her, and she laid her head on his chest as usual.
"How was it with Narcissa?" he asked, caressing her back.
"Her situation is awful, Sev. She asked us to kill Lucius."
"It will be done." He replied assertively.
"Yes, I also told her to let me know who had abused her and that we'd kill them too."
"Sure. Men like that don't deserve to live." He paused, enjoying her presence in his arms for a while, suddenly remembering he had yet to mention his mission to her: "I'm going to Godric's Hollow next week."
"Alright." She softly replied, remembering he had mentioned her father's plan a few days before. "How long will you wait for Harry there?"
"Two days. James will stay here in the castle with you. Also... He and Nicholas have got me a couple of Basilisk fangs, from the Chamber of Secrets. So I'll take them to Harry."
She nodded. "That's great!"
"Yes. James told me that Harry has found another Horcrux – the Cup of Helga Hufflepuff – it was in Gringotts, in Bellatrix's vault, of all places."
"Yes. He had mentioned that he thought there was one there. So now there's only Nagini, another one we don't know and... Harry."
"Exactly. All is not lost yet. It may not be long now... we might still live to see the end of this war."
Florence kissed him, sighing, "I hope you're right, Sev. That's all I want."
He caressed her hair, feeling her breathing change and knowing she had fallen asleep. But he stayed awake a while longer, just holding her until the rhythm of her breathing lulled him to sleep.
December 22nd 1997
Godric's Hollow
Severus apparated in front of the Potters' house and took a moment to look at it before walking in; the building was just like he remembered – except for the overgrown front yard, the dull and peeling exterior painting and the dirty windows.
He looked up to the left side of the second floor where there was a hole in the building, a whole room missing – giving the once beautiful family home a huge haunted aura.
Harry, being the only heir to that place, had to be the one to have it fixed and cared for – Florence had wanted to have it rebuilt, but legally she had no claim to that house.
Severus finally gathered enough courage to open the gate and walked in, crossing the overgrown front yard and opening the front door.
He magically turned on the lights and looked around; the living room was covered in dust but exactly the same he remembered: with even the sofa still resting a little out of place from when Florence threw him on it the night she went there to protect their friends.
He looked at the floor where they had found James and closed his eyes briefly, glancing upstairs when he opened them again, remembering his terror as he ran to the second floor and the ceiling caved in on Florence and him – right after the killing curse killed Lily and his unborn baby inside Florence.
Severus sighed, relieving the pains of that night would do him no good. He had to think of the future and focus on buying Harry time to destroy the remaining Horcruxes.
He sat on a stool by the kitchen island, reaching inside his pocket and picking up his bag, restoring it to its original size. He had packed food, water, a book and the two basilisk fangs – carefully stored in a lidded glass jar so that he didn't get himself hurt.
After taking some provisions out of his bag, Severus picked up his book and began to read; all he had to do was wait for Harry to show up.
It happened the next evening.
Harry and Hermione stood in front of his family home and frowned.
"There's someone in your house, Harry." Hermione whispered.
Then they saw a man looking out of the window at them.
"Is that... Snape?" Harry said, walking into the frontyard and seeing the frontdoor opening, apparently, by itself.
The two teens walked in and closed the door.
"Prof. Snape?" Harry called.
"No longer your teacher, Potter." They heard him say and looked towards the kitchen. "Good evening, Miss Granger."
"Evening, Mr. Snape." She replied.
Severus looked at her for a moment, glancing at the engagement ring on her finger, still struggling to accept that she would become his firstborn son's wife once the war was over.
"Where's Weasley No.6?" Severus asked, noticing they had already closed the door.
"He's not with us anymore." Hermione said.
"Who killed him?" asked Severus with a frown.
"No!" Hermione exclaimed, fumbling to explain. "That's not what I meant! It's just... he was..."
"He was thirsting after Mione." Explained Harry. "Tried to kiss her a couple of times and she hexed him. He doesn't believe she is engaged to your son – accused her of playing hard-to-get. So we both told him to leave."
Severus arched an eyebrow, "Don't let James know that, Weasley might not survive long afterwards."
Hermione nodded, knowing he was right. James was too jealous and powerful for Ron's safety.
"This place looks cleaner than I had expected." Harry said, walking slowly around the first floor.
"I've been staying here since yesterday," explained Severus. "I wasn't keen on sleeping and cooking in a dusty, half-broken place, so I cleaned up a little and fixed the downstairs bathroom and guestroom. Feel free to check the mess upstairs though – it's exactly like the last time you were here."
His words had Harry frowning and looking at him with curiosity. "Were you here that night?" he asked.
"Yes." Severus slowly answered. "Florence and I apparated here as soon as she learned that Black wasn't the Secret Keeper."
"Where..." Harry's voice broke. "Where were my parents?"
Hermione frowned at that question, "Harry, I don't think knowing where your parents fell will do you any good." She touched her friend's arm, glancing at Severus, his silence letting her know he agreed with her.
"I know they died here, Hermione." Harry said, annoyed, looking at Snape. "Just... tell me about that night. Please, sir. I want to know."
Severus reluctantly nodded and pointed at the table. "Let's sit."
They sat around the table and Severus began: "It was Halloween night, as you already know. And we were all in Hogwarts."
"Were you a teacher there already?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. My second year teaching there."
"Wow." She sounded impressed. "You became a Potions Master very young, that's impres–"
Severus cut her off: "We can discuss my academic achievements another time, Miss Granger." He looked back at Harry, who was glaring at Hermione, and continued: "Your parents were supposed to go to the castle that night – and you'd spend the night in Florence's house, with the twins and my mother."
Harry nodded, remembering that Florence had told him she was his godmother and that he was almost raised by her and the man in front of him.
"But they never showed up." Harry whispered.
"No, they didn't." Severus shook his head. "Then, around eleven, we came here." He paused, the horrors of that night still alive inside of him. After a long intake of breath, he spoke: "The gate was open, as was the door. James was lying over there." He pointed towards the stairs. "Florence and I could hear voices upstairs, so she ran up there. But she reached the nursery door only seconds before everything blew up."
They fell silent for a moment.
Then Harry cleared his throat and asked: "Why did it blow up? When you... when I saw you kill Dumbledore, there was no explosion."
"Your mother." Hermione was the one who explained. "She protected you with love. Her love for you acted like a shield and sent the killing curse anywhere but towards you. You can't kill things, objects or walls – but they can be destroyed. So that was what the curse did." She looked at Severus. "And it hit Florence."
Harry and Severus both frowned at her.
"How do you know that?" Severus asked, surprised.
"James told me that his mother nearly died here that night..." Hermione's voice was soft. "She survived, but the baby didn't."
Severus looked suddenly mournful at the mention of their lost baby, "I didn't know James knew that."
"You lost a child that night?" Harry asked, shocked and saddened by that information. "And Florence nearly died too?"
"Yes." Severus whispered.
"I'm sorry for your loss." The boy said, sincerely.
Severus looked at him with confusion, "You lost your parents, Harry. And I played a part on the events of that night." His voice heavy with self-hatred. "I was the one who told the Dark Lord about the Prophecy."
Harry shook his head. "Don't blame yourself, professor. Even if you hadn't told him, he'd have found out about it sooner or later."
Severus shook his head again, but didn't reply.
Suddenly Harry stood up and walked to the stairs, stopping by the first step.
"I want to go upstairs. Would you go with me, sir?"
Severus gulped, and Hermione realized she had never seen him nervous like that; it was clear he didn't want to revisit the memories of what had happened up there. But he slowly got up and walked towards Harry, saying:
"After you."
Harry felt like his legs weighed double their normal weight with each step he took to the upper floor, he distracted himself by looking at the walls and at the dusty and broken frames that still hung there. Some pictures had fallen and rested on the dirty steps; he picked them up and held them against his chest, deciding to look at them later.
When they reached the second floor, Harry looked at the debris, noticing there was a cleared path from the stairs to a broken door on the right.
"Here is where I fell." Severus whispered, still standing on the last step. "There was a loud explosion and the ceiling started to fall. When it stopped, I stood up and found Florence right there." He pointed to the wall opposite to the broken door. His voice had changed, and Harry could see he was relieving the terror of that moment when he feared she had died. "I checked if she was alive and picked her up. Then... I heard you cry."
Harry moved slowly towards the door of the nursery and looked inside. Two whole walls had been blown up, there were toys scattered on the floor and a white crib to the right.
"I looked in here," Severus continued, his voice softly, as he stood behind Harry. "Saw Lily on the floor... and you sitting in your crib, crying with your forehead bleeding. I called Remus and he picked you up. We apparated Florence and you to Hogwarts."
Harry looked from the empty dusty crib to his ex-professor; the man was an even bigger part of his life than he could have ever imagined.
"Who buried them?" Harry asked softly, looking at a space on the floor in front of the crib, where most certainly his mother had fallen, for there were no toys or debris there. "My parents. I found their grave in the cemetery."
"Florence did." Severus looked at him gravely and touched a hand to his shoulder. "She wanted to take you home, Harry... neither Florence nor I wanted to give you to the Dursleys."
"I know." He nodded. "She told me she's my godmother." He looked up at the man who was once his most hated teacher. Then he looked down, seeming embarrassed. "And since I learned that... I've been thinking a lot about what my life would have been like if I had been raised by you and Florence."
Severus waited silently for his next words.
"And I... I wish that I had, you know... I wish that you and she had raised me. As I think of all the times you and her protected me..." he looked at Severus and glanced around the room again. "My mother died to protect me; I know you and Florence wouldn't have allowed to happen not even half of the shitty things that have happened to me."
"Florence tried to protect you, Harry." Severus spoke in a soft voice Harry had never heard before, it wasn't menacing but filled with emotion. "She argued with Dumbledore many times throughout the years. She even considered sending you to Ilvermorny – an American wizarding school. But we both knew your parents would want to see you in Hogwarts."
Harry silently nodded and gave one last look around the nursery, before whispering: "I'm ready to go back downstairs now."
When they reached the first floor again, they found Hermione had a stew cooking on the stove.
"I found some vegetables and a piece of meat in your bag, Mr. Snape, I hope it's not a problem..."
"Not at all." Severus replied, still a little unsure on how to treat her. "Thanks for cooking, Miss Granger."
She smiled and looked from him to Harry, "Is everything alright?"
"Yes. I'm good." Harry said, sitting at the table and looking at the pictures in his hands, he had picked up five.
In the first one there was a baby in a young man's arms, and it took him a while to recognize who that was for the man had no tattoos yet.
"This is Sirius." He whispered in awe.
Severus looked at it and made a disgusted face. "Yes. That's Black."
Harry put the other four pictures on the table and one called his attention.
"These are... your sons." He picked up that picture, watching himself as a baby laugh at something the two dark-haired little boys were doing.
"Yes. That was taken at my mother's house." Severus said, smiling. "Lily used to take you there sometimes to play with the twins."
Harry chose another picture, where Florence was holding him and smiling.
The next one, Lily was dancing in the living room with baby-Harry asleep in her arms.
Then he looked at the fifth one and a young brown-haired man was holding him in the same kitchen where Hermione stood.
"That's Lupin." Severus said, sitting beside him.
"They were so happy..." Harry whispered, looking at the five pictures, his voice filled with surprise. "Even though there was a war... and Sirius had been disowned by his own family. And Remus is a werewolf... They were happy."
Severus looked at Florence's picture with baby-Harry, noticing she already had the jade necklace on, letting him know that picture had been taken after February of 1981.
"You weren't together then, right?" said Hermione, noticing the way he looked at that picture.
"No." Severus replied. "I thought the twins were Black's then."
"James told me you only learned the truth in December 1981." She smiled softly. "And that he and Nick were the ones to kind of break it to you."
"True." He looked at her, realizing that she knew more about his family life than he thought.
Harry stared at the pictures still, so Severus took a jar from inside his bag. "How long til dinner, Miss Granger?"
"Another ten minutes."
"Good. Now this is something I believe you need." He showed them what was inside the jar.
The girl gasped. "Basilisk fangs!"
Harry blinked, looking away from the pictures and slowly realizing what the fangs meant: "We can destroy the Cup now!"
Hermione quickly took a golden cup from her bag. "Thankgoodness! I'm fucking tired of carrying this cursed cup around!" then she carefully grabbed one of the fangs and angrily stabbed it.
The moment the fang touched the cup, a piercing scream filled up the house and all lights went off for a few seconds.
"That was... enormously satisfying!" she said happily as the cup lay blackened in front of her.
Severus and Harry stared at her for a while, realizing how mad she looked standing in a kitchen with a huge fang in one hand and a burned cup in front of her.
Then Severus winced, feeling his Dark Mark grow hot. "Well, it seems he's now aware that you're destroying the Horcruxes."
Harry looked at him, "But there's just two now! We are close to finally destroying him!"
Severus hesitated for a second, but decided to tell him the truth: "Not two. Three."
Both teenagers frowned, concerned.
"But Dumbledore..." started Harry.
Severus shook his head, "No. He knew there were eight in total, and not seven. And I know what two out of those three are."
"What?" Hermione whispered.
"The snake, Nagini, is one and..." Severus looked at Harry. "The other was made in this house, sixteen years ago."
Harry gulped, but he looked more sad than surprised.
"I feared you'd say that... I can't say I didn't suspect it already." He sighed, looking at Hermione, who stared at him with compassion. "I can hear them... the other horcruxes. And I believe that's why I can see inside his head as well..."
Severus nodded, "Yes, it is. Dumbledore told me that the Lord unknowingly made the Horcrux that you carry. When he attacked you in your crib and Lily threw herself in the middle, giving her life to save yours... it was such a violent act that his soul shattered and a part of it latched itself onto the only other living thing in that nursery that night: you."
Harry silently looked at the man in front of him and realized he wasn't seeing his bully of a teacher anymore – no. That man right there, looking at him with compassion, was a friend who had already saved Harry's life countless times.
"So..." The boy said. "I must die."
Severus exhaled heavily, "Yes. However," he clasped his own hands together on the table and looked at Harry. "I've thought of a plan that may save your life, but I'm not yet entirely sure of it."
"Tell me." Harry anxiously said. "I'll do anything if you believe it could save me."
Severus seemed surprised by that sudden trust. "Being fully honest? I don't think anything could really save you, Harry. But... there's a remote chance that if you sacrifice yourself, if you let the Lord kill you without putting up a fight, if you embrace death..."
"Like Ignotus Peverell did." said Hermione.
"Yes." Nodded Severus. "Maybe then only the part of you that carries the Lord's soul will die." He repeated: "Maybe. This is a completely hypothetical plan, but... is all Florence and I could come up with."
"Right." Harry murmured, "It's better than no plan."
Hermione looked at them with tears in her eyes, the thought that her friend would have to sacrifice himself in order for them to see the end of the war was really painful.
"Oh, Harry." She whispered, hugging him.
"It's ok, Mione. I thought it would come to that... specially now that he has found the Elder wand; I know I don't stand a chance against You-know-who."
"Yes." exhaled Severus. "That damned Elder wand... he searched heavens and hell for it and yet it hasn't been working properly for him."
"Yeah. I can sense his irritation." Said Harry.
Then Hermione asked: "Do you know why, Mr. Snape?"
"Don't you, Miss Granger?" he replied with another question, knowing she was clever enough to find the answer herself.
She thought for a moment and then said: "The wand chooses the wizard."
"Exactly." Severus smiled. "How many times have we all heard that and thought it was bullshit... but, it turns out, it's not. The Elder wand doesn't work for the Lord because he's not its real master."
Hermione gasped: "You are! You killed its previous master – Dumbledore."
"I did, but I'm not its master either." Severus paused before finishing: "Draco Malfoy is the real master of the Elder wand."
"Why? It was you who killed Dumbledore." said Harry, confused.
"Yes, but Draco had already disarmed Dumbledore before I got to the Tower."
Hermione seemed impressed, while Harry looked deep in thought as he asked: "So you don't you have to kill the previous owner to be the master of the wand?"
"No." Severus said. "You have to defeat them in a way that the wand chooses you as its new master. But there's no need to kill them."
Harry clearly hesitated, a serious expression on his face. "But... if only disarming a person is enough..."
Severus waited patiently for what he was trying to say. "Yes. Go on."
"I've disarmed Draco a few months ago." His voice nervous and hopeful. "It's his the wand I'm currently using, in fact. Ollivander said it has chosen me."
Severus leaned forward, his mind processing what that meant: "So… you are the master of the Elder wand!" he whispered, thinking about the repercussion of that information; "This changes a lot of things. Now, I dare say, you do have a chance of getting out of this alive in the end."
"Really?" Harry asked, his eyes shining with hope.
"Yes. It's very unlikely that the Elder wand – your wand – will obey another wizard trying to kill you."
"That's a relief!" exhaled Harry.
Then Hermione floated three plates of stew to the table and they began to eat in comfortable silence.
"How surreal is this?" Harry said after a while. "Three years ago, we hated you." He looked at the man beside him. "And you did everything to make us think you hated us too."
"Which I didn't." Severus said.
"I know that now." Harry sighed. "It's just... crazy to think I could've been raised as your son and Hermione is years away from marrying your firstborn."
Hermione blushed when they both looked at her.
"James said he was going to propose, but... I didn't think he actually would." She looked at the delicate diamond ring on her finger.
"Hermione." Severus surprised her by using her first name. "James could certainly do worse, and you could certainly do better. I'm glad you'll be soon taking that troublemaker out of my hands. I thank you for that. And I also wish you the best of luck and a world of patience."
"I love your son." She said, blushing redder.
"I imagine you do. But love alone is not enough. James will mess up. He's my son – and I've messed up a lot with Florence."
"You cheated on her?" Harry asked, surprised.
"No!" Severus looked at him as if he was insane. "Of course not! But there are many ways to mess up in a relationship, Harry."
"Well, Florence has warned me a few times already." Said Hermione.
"Because she likes you. And I don't hate you." Severus paused. "And the ironic fate will make us all family in a few years. With Nicholas marrying Fred Weasley. Harry then taking Ginevra to the altar; and you," he looked at Hermione again. "Marrying Nick's evil twin. Your kids will all be somehow related."
"True." Hermione seemed startled by that realization. "My kids will be cousins with Fred's kids, who will be cousins with Harry's."
"Yes! That'll be so awesome!" Harry exclaimed. "We can all get together to have lunch on Sundays!"
Severus made a face, "And that would be a sight from hell for me a few years ago – now I'll be calling it a family gathering."
And Hermione and Harry laughed, while he smirked.
Later that night
Severus stood in the backyard porch of the Potters' home, his burning Mark letting him know the Dark Lord was furious.
"I knew you'd be awake too..." He heard Harry saying.
"Yes. The Dark Lord isn't happy."
"No, he's not." Harry nodded. "He killed some people at the Malfoy Manor."
"Not surprising. He usually causes some small massacre when he's angry."
"How do you do it, sir? How do you look him in the eye and fearlessly lie and..."
"I don't lie to him, Harry: I bend the truth. For example, tomorrow when he asks me if I saw you, I'll tell him I didn't see Potter – and I'll be thinking of your father as I do that. So it won't be a lie."
Harry nodded, impressed. "That's brilliant." He paused and then said: "I've been wondering lately... how different my life would've been if I had been raised by you and Florence."
Severus noticed it hadn't been the first time the boy had mentioned that, "You've been thinking about that a lot?"
"As a matter of fact, yes, I have." Harry murmured looking at Severus. "And if I could have chosen, I really wish I had grown up as your son." He paused and smiled softly.
Severus snorted, "Your own two-year-ago self would certainly disagree."
Harry chuckled. "I know. But it doesn't sound so bad anymore. Plus I'd never have hated you if you had raised me as a son."
Severus felt his heart clench for the boy – he looked so hopeful, dreaming of things they could never change. He sighed, "Florence and I wished that had happened too. She suffered a lot through the years that she had to watch you grow unaware of her or of your past." He paused. "But you would have hated us both sometimes. James and Nick certainly have during the years. For example: we probably wouldn't have allowed you to play Quidditch on your first year. And you certainly would have hated us for that."
"True." Harry said, smiling. "But... it wouldn't have been true hate. I think it is strange that kids don't understand their parents' reasons. I've never had my parents by my side, not that I remember... so I don't understand, for example, how Ron can get so angry at Mrs. Weasley, when she only wants what's best for him."
"But that's because you see things from a different perspective, Harry. When we judge something from outside, it looks much easier than when it's something that's happening to us. We tend to think that other people's lives are easier than our own."
Harry suddenly spoken: "I don't think for a moment that your life is easy."
"Nor I think that of yours, Harry."
And they were silent again.
Severus looked at Harry; the boy had suffered regularly on Voldemort's hands since he was eleven, had had his whole life altered by the man. Harry, at seventeen, was as experienced as a Death Eater, only he'd never asked for that life.
He is just a boy. James at that age was a reckless idiot who nearly got himself killed at a party for accepting a drink from someone he thought was cute.
Severus put one hand on his shoulder.
"I want you to know, Harry, that I've never hated you. I had to show that I despised you because I knew the Dark Lord would need to see those memories to trust me when the time came."
Harry's tear-filled eyes stared at him and he took a small step forward, letting Severus understand what he wanted, so the man hugged the boy that could have been like a son to him.
Note: I told y'all there would be so many feels!
I love Severus telling Harry about the night his parents died – I always wondered if anyone has ever given him details about it.