A/N: Hey guys

So… thanks for the reviews, well, most of them anyway.

A couple of things that I think are important.

In my endless effort to avoid the slow burn, I decided to write out the background plot, to the plot (I don't know what to call it or if it has an actual name, but whatever; it's the story of Dumbledore's manipulations during the marauders era which leads to the current state of affairs in this story). I just wanted to get an idea of how long this could be and, much to my own dismay, I realised that the background plot to the plot alone would be a couple chapters just by itself; so yeah the whole fifteen chapter mark thing just isn't going to happen. Twenty to twenty-five chapters is a little more realistic so let's say, I don't know how long this is going to be for anyone who is as concerned about the length of this story as I am.

Anyway another thing I realised after writing the background plot to the plot (Does anyone know what that's called), I realised that I might need to put up a couple warnings. Nothing serious just some things I feel I need to make known. They're plot related so, I really didn't want to talk about this so soon, but I noticed that people get weird and mad about certain things so lets just get this out in the open.

For those who are not aware, I am a huge James/Severus shipper, enemies to lovers is just my favourite trope. However, I am aware that a lot of people aren't into the whole James/Severus bully/victim to lovers thing and for good reason. I get it, James did a lot of fucked up things, Severus' response to those things wasn't great either. SO THIS IS YOUR WARNING! There will be some James/Severus in this fic, the relationship between James and Severus is actually going to be kind of a huge plot point, so if you're not comfortable with that I suggest you stop reading now and go look for something else to read. I want no complaints in my comments about the James/Severus thing, because I am warning you right now that this is going to be a thing.

Now with the James/Severus ship some of you might be nervous about any possible incest situations with Harry. There will be none of that. If I write a fic with possible or implied incest in it, I will warn you in the tags or in the notes but there will be none of that here. I think someone commented on it last time, but the Snarry aspect of the fic will kinda sorta be a slow burn (maybe) of Severus kind of moving passed the stuff that happened in the past and seeing Harry as his own person first before we really get into the romance (maybe; it might not be as much of a slow burn for Harry, you'll get it when you read it).

Also, also quick heads up; I feel like there were people reading this story thinking there would be some Wolfstar so I'm telling you right now, there will be none. No Sirius/Remus whatsoever.

Also also also, please remember the warning on canon divergence. There are a few bits that are canon compliant, but I'm changing a lot. Please just treat this as a total AU (because I am)

Also also also also, after writing out the plot, I realised my timeline was a little wonky. Though the only thing that might require a rewrite is the first-foreshadowy chapter. It doesn't really interfere with the rest of the story as is, it's a small detail really but important enough that I changed like literally two words in the first chapter. I want to get this story done first and if I decide I need to do a rewrite then I'll start over and do a rewrite. I'm a pantser, I don't usually like planning out stories too far because I always change my mind at some point (I'm not changing my mind on the Wolfstar thing, don't ask why) but, a bit more planning was necessary with this one.

Anyway, I think that's everything. Please HEED THE TAGS AND WARNINGS. If you don't like it, stop reading right now. If you still want to keep reading, we'll then let's just get right to it.

Usual apologies

Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Lee woke the next morning.

Well he was woken and nearly jumped right out of his skin when he did.

"Lee."

Dark eyes. That's the first thing he saw when he opened his blurry eyes in the dark shadows of the room. Dark eyes and long dark hair with a trimmed beard. It took a moment to collect himself. It looked so close to-

Lee sighed, "Edward."

The other man smiled, "I didn't want to wake you but I need to get to work in a few hours."

Lee frowned as he looked over to the clock on the wall, "Merlin, you have to get up this early for Azkaban?"

"It's good to get an early start." He said his smile growing a bit more, "Look, last night was great but-"

Lee let out a wide yawn, "Trying to let me down gently?"

"No, I just won't have another night off till next week… Do you want to go out next week?"

"Yeah, definitely. I mean, it'll be nice if you can actually buy me dinner first this time."

"Good." He leaned in and pressed a kiss on the younger man's lips before pulling back, "I'll see you then or, this week? Are you still seeing the Lestranges?"

At that Lee paused, "I… Yeah-Yes. I'll be there tomorrow."

"O.K but you'll remember what I told you? You'll be careful."

Lee resisted the urge to tense, he just smiled. "What for, you'll be there to protect me right Mr Azkaban Prison Guard?"

Edward scoffed before shaking his head, "I'm serious. There's something odd about the way they've been behaving around you. Just be careful."

"Alright. I'll be careful." Lee assured and Edward nodded before he got up and left the apartment.

Lee fell back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling staring into the darkness before sleep took him all over again.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Order meetings. Sirius hated them, mostly because of how quiet it would be once they were over and he was left in the cold silent void that was Number 12 Grimmauld Place all over again. But he never said anything, never complained. Just enjoyed the company while it lasted while cursing Peter into the deepest pits of hell for putting him in this position.

He'd pull Arthur into a conversation concerning whatever new muggle thing the ministry had him studying. Or he'd get Moody or Bill to join him for a drink, talk about recent Death Eater activity or whatever new curse breaking job Bill got. These days since the Twins graduated, he'd let them pull him in and prattle on for ages about their newest invention or just about how the shop was doing. Usually he'd talk to Moony, but these days the werewolf just seemed entirely too distracted.

Sometimes someone would stay longer and they'd get to chat a bit more. Remus would stay over sometimes though he's usually be locked in his own world for the most part. Since Moody's death, Sirius had lost a drinking buddy. Arthur would prattle on until Molly dragged him away. Dumbledore would check up on him and ask him how he was doing for a bit. Everyone else usually just stayed for a few minutes before leaving. The only exception to that was Snape. Snape seemed to leave the meetings before Dumbledore had even fully closed them. Not that Sirius was complaining, mind you.

The only exception to that was when Shacklebolt or Bill managed to draw his attention, asking about some encounter with a particular death eater and a possible potion he may have used. Bill would similarly ask for some advice on whatever curse breaking assignment he was on. Then of course there was Arabella Figg, on the few occasions where she attended meetings she'd always pull Snape aside, whispering quietly and always looking like she was ready to just jump out of her own skin.

Sirius didn't like that. He didn't like it one bit. He didn't like that Snape was in the Order. He didn't like it that Figg was there either. His reasons for despising Snape were somewhat obvious, he thought at least, but with Figg it was a little more complicated.

She was a squib. Useful from what Dumbledore explained as she was the one that kept an eye on Harry whenever he was with the Dursleys. She could blend in with the muggles and not draw too much attention to herself, but Sirius didn't understand why she had to become a member of the Order. She doesn't have any magic, so if anything did happen all she could really do was call one of the other members for help. Didn't that effectively make her a glorified babysitter?

And the way she was always whispering with Snape and trying to get his attention. Sirius didn't like that; he didn't like it one bit. Everyone knew after all, what squibs were like. Their resentment and simultaneous adoration for magic. How they constantly clung to any magical being in their nearest vicinity trying to capture just a little bit of what had been denied to them at birth. Filch was a prime example of that. His entire career at Hogwarts, he'd be cruel and uncaring to students simply because they had what he didn't. And Figg, well, she was friendly with Snape, wasn't that a big enough red flag all on its own? How could Snape get on so well with a squib?

Sirius still wasn't convinced of the Potions Master's allegiance to Dumbledore and the Order. He still suspected the greasy git of being loyal to Voldemort and the rest of his cronies. But of course, other than the indulgent hum no one seemed to share his views and so Snape stuck around. Sirius figured, that if he was right and Snape was loyal to he-who-must-not-be-named, then it's entirely possible that Figg is one of his pawns too. Maybe their precious Dark Lord promised to find a way to have her wield magic and that what was going on.

Sirius thought his suspicions were confirmed when Albus pulled him aside during the last Order meeting and asked him to keep an eye on Ms Figg, to tell him if he ever noticed any odd behaviour. Unfortunately, other than talking to Snape she never seemed to do anything particularly suspicious.

Except for today.

Albus called for the end of the meeting. The Order members got up and moved about on their own, Albus lingered and talked to Shacklebolt for a bit. Though Kingsley seemed quite worked up about something; eyes narrowed and whispering harshly while Albus gave him a reassuring smile.

Bill and the twins got up and immediately headed to the Floo. For some reason Molly and Arthur didn't show for the meeting this time and Albus didn't give an explanation as for why. It seemed like such an odd thing.

Albus called the meeting specifically to announce that he'd managed to get Remus back in his teaching position as the DADA professor. A strategic move to try and spare the students from having Dolores Umbridge in the position. Apparently Albus had been warned by a few others with seats at Wizengamot that if they didn't find a replacement for Moody, or rather Crouch, soon then she would be put in the position. And after the royal shitshow concerning Moody – or rather Crouch, there wouldn't be much Albus could do to stop them.

Sirius almost scoffed at the look on Snape's face when Dumbledore made the announcement. He would've laughed out loud if he wasn't already aware of how that outburst would be received. The snarky git deserved much more than that though after forcing Moony to resign by threatening to out him. Harry told him all the time how crushed the students were when Remus left, especially since they couldn't understand why.

Still, Sirius couldn't understand exactly why Molly and Arthur would be absent during such a big announcement. Bill and the twins seemed similarly confused so they left right after the meeting ended.

Ms Figg however just sat there in her chair in the corner with her handbag pressed tightly against her chest, nervously looking about. There was absolutely no reason for her to be at the meeting; Harry was still at Hogwarts and the Dursleys weren't of any interest as long as he was at school; and yet there she was. Snape had gotten up to leave only for Remus to stop him on his way, their voices were low at first, until Snape seemed to speak in harsh whispers; glaring viciously at the werewolf while Remus went red in similar anger in frustration. Sirius was about to intervene and put the slimy snake in place when Albus announced his exit.

That's when Figg got up as well. She made a beeline straight for Snape. At first speaking softly and getting a glance from Snape, just as Remus said something that caused the potions master to glare. This time Figg took hold of Snape's cloak, tugging at it a bit and he turned to face her only for Remus to say something that drew him back and caused the slightest hint of confusion to pass before his eyes. That's when-

"Severus!" She almost screamed, getting the attention of everyone in the room. She looked around herself nervously, her hand clenching on his robes as she spoke more firmly. "I need to talk to you."

Snape stared at her for a moment before nodding as he took her hand and led her away, ignoring Remus as he went. The werewolf seemed to huff in frustration, dragging hand through his hair before he headed for the kitchen.

That's when Sirius got up, making his way across the room. To the hallway and around the side towards the dining room where Figg and Snape stood in the doorway.

"He can't go back there, please Severus."

"Bella, I don't understand. What're you talking about?"

Bella?

The moment Sirius got close enough to hear Snape's gaze snapped up and his eyes narrowed at the spot by the wall where Sirius was hiding. Shit.

"Bella this isn't the place." He said softly and the woman shook her head.

"But Severus-" That's when Sirius walked around the corner. No point in hiding since Snape had already noticed him, the big nosed git.

"Sneaking about, are we?"

Figg looked up, her eyes widening a bit before she swallowed hard, "I should go."

"We'll talk later." Severus seemed to reassure and her lips pursed for a moment before she grabbed a handful of his robes to pull him down. Sirius froze thinking that she might kiss him only for the woman to lean over to Snape's ear to whisper something, before she quickly pulled away and left. She didn't even look at him as she went. Not surprising since he's made his distrust of her very obvious.

Snape's eyes narrowed down at him in just the slightest glare and Sirius smirked.

"I hope I wasn't disturbing."

"Your entire existence is a disturbance of life itself." Snape bit out before he walked right by him headed for the living room when Sirius spoke again.

"I didn't mean to, if I did. You two suit each other. She's a good match for you." He sneered mockingly.

Snape stopped right in his tracks. But to his utter surprise when Snape looked back at him, he didn't look upset or angry; there was no glare in those pitch-black eyes, no. Just simple disgust as he spoke with his voice barely above a whisper.

"Only you would think that was an insult, Black."

Sirius blinked as the potions master just kept going not bothering with the Floo as he walked right out the door. Sirius glared hard as he heard the door close and turned to make his way towards the kitchen only to stop when he saw Remus standing in the doorway frowning at him.

"What?"

"Why would you say that? What's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me?!"

"Yes you, why can't you…" Remus shut his eyes seeming to count to ten before he shook his head. "Forget it, Sirius."

And then he headed up the stairs. Sirius heard the door shut and he let out yet another sigh.

This is all Snape's fault.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Severus Snape.

As Albus made the announcement about his reinstatement to the position of DADA professor, Remus made sure to keep a watchful eye on the raven as the headmaster spoke. Unfortunately, he didn't get much. There was initial shock as he stared at the headmaster in confusion, but that look was very quickly replaced by Snape's usual look of carefully constructed indifference. Though Remus noticed his hand clench against the armrest of his seat.

Remus wasn't sure how to feel about that. Was he supposed to feel smug or something? Looking over to Sirius, Remus realised that the animagus was doing plenty enough of that for the both of them so he didn't bother. He just watched Snape as the meeting continued, emotions warring in him the way they always did.

This man.

There are a lot of ways in which Remus loathes this man, despises him and only one of the reasons is because of the absolute royal shitshow that went down with Moony. Only one of the reasons includes how Snape had cornered him in his classroom and threatened to leak the information about his curse to the press if he didn't resign.

At first Remus hadn't taken it seriously, he figured it was Snape taking out his frustrations because of what happened. Hot air that would disappear once the potions master was away from him. But more than that, Dumbledore had sworn Snape to secrecy concerning his secret. Even when he was teaching the kids about werewolves during that one class, his descriptions and explanations had been vague enough that no one really seemed to catch on. As far as he knew the oath of secrecy was still intact, so he didn't take it seriously.

It's the look in Snape's eyes that made him realise that he would do it, that he would find a way around the oath to leak his secret. It's the same look that he got so many times when they were younger and in school. A look James and Sirius didn't notice before Snape managed to fire and hit them with a particularly vicious hex when they got into a fight. A look he remembers when he was still running with Greyback's pack and he warned Remus not to cross him. A look he got sixteen years ago when Snape suddenly showed up at the shabby apartment where he was living at the time, hit him with a sectumsempra and threatened to do much worse if he ever-

Remus quickly shook the thought away, ignoring the harsh burn he could still feel from the cutting curse on his arm.

Point is, he realised that Snape was serious and so he resigned. He hated the crestfallen look that the kids had given him after the announcement, Harry's especially. So sad and disappointed, the instant flare of anger and hatred when he found out Snape was to blame.

So many emotions going so quickly, it instantly brought Remus back to James and his similarly fluctuating emotions. It didn't help that the boy looked so similar to his father. It didn't help that these shifting emotions were yet again, because of Severus Snape.

Yet another reason to despise this man and yet, despite all that, Remus knew that he couldn't truly hate him. Severus disturbed and distracted his life in many ways but, Remus didn't hate him. In some ways he thought the potions master understood him. In many others, he knew that Snape knew him in ways that very few people did. Not even Sirius.

Remus had wanted to tell his best friend, about everything, but he couldn't. Sirius was just so difficult sometimes… Remus just didn't think that Padfoot would understand. Not the way Severus does. Not the way James used to.

That's why he didn't feel smug at the look on Snape's face after the announcement. That's why when the meeting came to an end, he quickly got up to catch up to the raven.

"Snape, wait!"

He said, resisting the urge to grab hold of the raven since he knew that would earn an immediate hex. Instead he sped up and made it until he was right in front of Snape forcing him to stop.

The Potions Master's eyes narrowed into a glare, "What?"

Remus took a deep breath resisting the urge to just sigh at the other's tone. This is fine though, no point in wasting time with small talk. "Albus is the one that asked me to come back. You know about Umbridge, about what she's like. He's trying to protect the kids."

"Exactly what is your point Lupin?"

"Are you going to tell anyone about-"

"Unless you try to kill another student yet again, then I won't have any reason to."

Remus frowned, "So that's why you threatened me last time? You think I'll hurt them again? Snape you and I both know that the circumstances back then were-"

"The circumstances are always volatile Lupin, it's a school filled with children wielding magic and power they don't fully understand." Snape sneered, "Throw in a beloved prepubescent saviour of the universe who seems to have just as much restraint as his father, being pursued by an unhinged psychopath; and well, I'm not entirely sure why Albus thinks throwing a werewolf into the mix is a good idea. The circumstances will never stop being volatile, it is up to you to take responsibility for your actions make sure it doesn't happen again. Is there anything else, Lupin?"

Remus glared, there's a lot he wanted to say to that. But… not yet. The incident before is only part of why he wanted to talk to Snape.

"You've been going to those Death Eater meetings."

Snape looked like he wanted to roll his eyes, "If you're going to try and accuse me of switching sides like that mongrel friend of yours keeps doing-"

"No, I… I wanted to ask where the last one was held. Was it at the manor?"

"Which manor?"

"You know which one. Did-Did you see her, how is she doing?"

Snape's glare got darker, turning into a vicious twisted thing that he hasn't seen since he got hit with a sectumsempra almost sixteen years ago.

"I told you to never speak to me about her again."

"I-"

"You want to know how she's doing; she's married, that's how she's doing. You have a lot of nerve asking about her now of all times." Snape said clearly. Remus felt himself flush, anger burn in his veins.

"You're the one with nerve, talking about responsibility after what you did to James and Lily."

Severus' glare somehow got darker and they were interrupted. A soft voice speaking just behind the potions master.

"Severus?" Arabella Figg was standing there, hands nervously clutching her purse and Snape's expression seemed to fall when he saw her. "We need to talk."

"I-"

Unfortunately, Rems was too pissed.

"Do you even think about what you did? Or maybe you just don't care."

Snape glared at him again, "If I didn't care about Lily then I wouldn't be here right now wasting my time in this hellhole, Lupin."

"Severus." Came more insistently, this time she was tugging at his robes. Snape looked back.

"What?"

Remus was still pissed.

"Lily, it's always Lily! You really didn't give a toss about James, did you? After everything that happened!"

Snape looked back at him the glare seeming to falter in just the briefest glimmer of confusion.

"No I-" Snape's lips twitched down, "What're you talking about?"

"I'm talking about-"

"Severus!" Arabella suddenly cried out. Remus had never heard her raise her voice that much before. She seemed to catch up with her own actions as she glanced up around the room before moving closer to Snape and speaking more urgently. "I need to talk to you."

Looking into the woman's eyes, Snape nodded as he took her hand. "Of course." He turned away.

"Snape."

Predictably, Snape ignored him and Remus dragged a hand through his hair in frustration as he went to the kitchen to just catch a moment to breathe. He decided that he needed some more space so he left and headed for the bedroom that he stayed in when he was at Grimmauld place when-

"I should go."

"We'll talk later."

He saw Figg pause before she suddenly reached out to grab a handful of his robes to tug Snape down, she whispered in his ear before pulling away completely and left.

Snape glared at Sirius, who was a few feet away smirking at him.

"I hope I wasn't disturbing."

"Your entire existence is a disturbance of life itself." Snape bit out before he walked right by him when Sirius spoke again.

"I didn't mean to, if I did. You two suit each other. She's a good match for you." He sneered.

Snape stopped right in his tracks.

"Only you would think that was an insult, Black."

Sirius blinked as the potions master just kept going and he walked right out the door. Sirius glared hard as he heard the door close and turned towards the kitchen only to stop when he saw Remus standing in the doorway frowning at him.

"What?"

Remus couldn't even sigh, he was sure the same look of disgust on Snape's face was on his own right at that moment. This is why he can't tell Sirius. Why he can't trust him the way he'd trusted James all those years ago. This thought filled him with irritation, resentment, longing. The same feelings that made it hard to truly hate Snape.

Not when Snape is the only one that understands.

"Why would you say that? What's wrong with you?" Remus asked he wasn't sure what kind of answer he thought he'd get but-

"What's wrong with me?!"

But that didn't mean he was happy with the response he got.

"Yes you, why can't you…" Remus shut his eyes, counting to ten and feeling his teeth grind before he just turned away. "Forget it, Sirius."

And then he headed up the stairs.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Severus tried to put the unpleasantness of the meeting behind him once he arrived at Number 9 Privet Drive. It was easy enough. Black was his usual charming self so Severus was able to just move passed that and ignore him. With Lupin it was a bit difficult and confusing. Very odd actually. Somehow near the end, he'd started to feel like he and Lupin were having two different conversations and something about that nagged at him.

But really it doesn't matter, the more concerning thing here is why Albus would put Lupin back in the position of DADA professor. Surely the whole reason why he needed to go hadn't changed, so why bring him back? As far as they knew the curse of the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor position was still intact, wasn't that the whole reason Albus told him to leak that information? So Lupin would resign and wouldn't be harmed?

It had seemed like a ridiculous reason at the time, especially since Severus himself didn't believe in the drivel. The people that held the position before were simply incompetent delusional (and arrogant in Lockhart's case) idiots who didn't know what they were doing. Unlike the others even Severus could admit, though never out loud, that Lupin had been a decent pick. He just wasn't happy about the werewolf getting the position that he'd been chasing for so long.

So instead of leaking Lupin's secret to the press, Severus decided to just threaten him. Turning the man's life upside down as a way to save him seemed counter intuitive. Of course Albus hadn't been pleased at the change of tactics, which makes it that much stranger that he'd hire Lupin all over again.

Severus let out a heavy sigh.

There'll be plenty of time to mull over the headmaster's confusing actions later.

He looked up at the little house, right across the street from the Dursleys and almost smiled. Arabella Figg was a sweet woman and very kind. Though she gave off the impression of being quiet and maybe a bit nervous, Severus knew that she just preferred to keep to herself. Plus dealing with wizards that looked down on you because of your status as a squib would leave anyone feeling a bit nervous after a while. Still, Severus liked her quite a bit.

After Albus informed him of the fact that he'd left Harry in the care of Petunia, he'd almost had a heart attack right there and then. His feelings in relation to the boy were… complicated, but that didn't mean he was fine with Petunia taking care of him. Not when he remembered exactly what she was like when they were younger.

Albus assured him, insisted that it was necessary for Harry to be with his family. That something about the magic Lily used to protect him required him to remain with blood relatives and that there wasn't any other option. He insisted that they'd set up wards around the house and then he mentioned the Figg family.

They lived across the street, away from wizarding Britain because of the fact that their daughter had been born a squib, deciding to raise her muggle to protect her from the harsh treatment she might receive otherwise. Albus promised him that the Figgs would watch over the boy and alert them if anything was amiss.

Severus had asked to see them and Albus agreed to take him. They seemed very kind but also somehow quite anxious, only speaking when spoken to while their, at the time, eighteen-year-old daughter watched silently by the side. Mr Figg would attend Order meetings, relaying news of Harry's health though he'd mention multiple times how it would be beneficial to Harry if he was placed elsewhere.

"A family that is more accustomed to magic that would understand him better."

Albus in turn would insist that he was fine where he was and Mr Figg would just nod in response.

After her parent's died, Arabella started taking her father's place at meetings. Doing the same, relaying news of Harry's health but also like her father, she'd ask if it wasn't time for Harry to join the wizarding world yet, the earliest he could go to Hogwarts and similar questions. Albus dismissed her, Harry's magic hadn't even come in yet so why bother so soon? Other members of the Order became somewhat annoyed with the girl asking so many questions.

"Now, I understand that this is all… unfamiliar to you dear, but it's best to keep to yourself and mind the headmaster. He knows exactly what he's doing and with you being a… well, its best if you just do as you're told."

That had been Molly.

Severus had been annoyed with that one. So, admittedly a bit out of spite, he went and spoke to the girl after the meeting and answered all the questions that they all seemed so deadest on ignoring.

Arabella had been taken aback at first. After all, of all the members of the Order of the Phoenix, he was arguably the most intimidating of them all. Add the fact that he was a spy and she was a bit wary of him at first.

But after answering her, questions Arabella would ask more. She didn't bother voicing her thoughts during meetings anymore. She'd seek out Severus and pick his brain instead. She never really went into any detail about Harry and the Dursley's, though some of the questions she asked were concerning.

He'd go to Albus later and Albus would yet again dismiss it all. After he found out that Arabella had invited him to her home once, Albus became adamant about Severus not visiting the girl. Went on and on about how her status as a squib made her virtually undetectable and how Severus' visits would undoubtedly draw attention.

He managed to go only once while Harry was still living with the Dursley's full time. It had been a quiet night though Arabella kept looking out the window every few seconds. After that, it seemed the only way he could see her without drawing the headmaster's attention was when Harry was at Hogwarts. It irked him, he couldn't understand why but Albus never explained and sometimes it seemed like Arabella could only explain so much.

This would be the first time he's visited her in ages.

Severus has been busy, what with everything that's been happening at school. Including Albus suddenly getting all worked up because of Lady Zabini invoking her blood rights that morning. Honestly, even he saw that move coming from far away. He wasn't surprised that Alexis wanted Ron to start living with her and under her care, apparently Albus didn't feel the same.

There'll be time to think about that later, he looked forward to a quiet night with a friend to help get his mind off everything.

Though Arabella's behaviour had yet again, been concerning.

"You have to convince him Severus."

"Convince him of what?"

"Things are worse now. You can't let Dumbledore send Harry back there."

But before Severus could really figure out what was going on Black had to interrupt them.

When Arabella pulled him down and told him to meet her at her house, he'd expected to make it outside in time to find her trying to hail a taxi or get to a bus stop since she didn't drive but she was nowhere to be seen.

Maybe she managed to get one right out the door?

Still Severus Apparated so he expected to have to wait a bit until she got back, only to find the house lit up brightly.

He resisted the urge to look back at 10 Privet Drive and walked up to the Figg homes' door only to stop when he felt the presence of wards.

Did Albus make those?

"Severus!" A voice called and he looked up to find the door open and Arabella smiling at him, "Come in. Before someone sees you."

Severus arched a brow at her but still stepped forward. He could feel the wards give way around him, shutting behind him as he passed each one before he finally found himself inside the house and she shut the door behind him.

"Didn't take you long at all." She said as she rushed around him and headed for the sitting room, "Tea?"

She asked as she gestured to the tray on the coffee table with a silver kettle and two cups sitting on top of it, cream and sugar to the side.

"Please." He said as he followed her inside and sat down on the armchair and she sat on the couch, "I'm surprised you made it back here so fast."

She started to smile as she poured in both of their cups, "That's a surprise for later. Sugar, of course?"

"Of course." He smiled back, "You seem better since a few minutes ago."

"I'm sorry for my behaviour, I realise now that I must have looked so panicked but I wasn't sure if you'd be able to come here instead. I'm sorry if I worried you."

"It's not a problem Bella, you know I'll always have a minute for you if you want to talk."

Arabella sighed, "Plus, I don't like that house Severus. You know wizards have always been difficult around me but some of the members of the Order. I'm glad Molly wasn't there for once, but Sirius…"

Severus paused just as she handed him his cup, "Was it what just happened or... something else?"

"Something else." she said as she took her own cup and Severus resisted the urge to growl.

"What did the mutt do now?"

"When I arrived, he said my presence wasn't necessary for this meeting and asked me why I insisted on showing up when I wasn't called for."

"You're a member of the Order, you don't have to explain your attendance at a meeting. Let alone to him."

"It's his house."

"Only because his mother isn't here to toss him out onto the street." This time Severus did growl, "Arrogant toad. He has no self-awareness whatsoever. Maybe… I suppose Walburga wouldn't have thrown him out after all."

Arabella frowned, "What do you mean?"

"Talking down to squibs and torturing elves." Severus didn't add all the other things Sirius did to him specifically, "He really is his mother's son after all."

Arabella blinked and almost set her tea down in alarm, "Torturing elves?"

"Kreacher, he's angry and resentful for losing what he considered to be his true masters and Black responds by hexing and torturing him."

"That's awful."

"There's nothing to be done about it. Black thinks the fact that he used to be a Gryffindor and is friends with a werewolf exempts him from being labelled a bigot. So he can do and say whatever he wants. Unfortunately, no one ever seems to tell him that he's wrong. They're quick to judge everyone else, though, aren't they?"

Arabella shook her head with a sigh, "I don't want to talk about him, that's not why I asked you here."

She set her tea down and Severus did the same, "What did you want to talk about?"

"About Harry. Easter break is coming up isn't it?"

"Yes."

"I asked Headmaster Dumbledore, he said Harry's going back to the Dursley's for the break."

Severus frowned, "Potter usually spends every break except for summer at school. I'm not sure why that would suddenly change now."

"No, Albus said he's sending Harry back. When I asked him he wouldn't explain why." She said quickly, "Severus you have to convince him to let Harry stay at school."

"Why? What happened?"

"What do you mean what happened? The Dursley boy happened!"

"What?"

She paused, "He didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"I thought he told you everything!"

"Bella." Severus said firmly looking right into her eyes, "What are you talking about? What happened?"

"The Dursley boy, Dudley. He tapped into his magical core."

It was Severus' turn to pause, "What?"

"It happened, right out there." She got up and walked over to the window to pull the curtain open and gesture to the street. "Dudley was arguing with some boy over something. It happened in the middle of the night. I got up just in time to see him blast him with some sort of spell. He lit up the whole neighbourhood, I'm surprised no one else noticed."

Severus blinked and almost got up from his seat, "When did this happen?"

"Three weeks ago."

"And you told Albus?"

"Yes."

Why would he keep this-

"Then what happened?"

"Aurors came. Vernon and Petunia kicked up a fuss, Kingsley was there as well."

"Shacklebolt?"

"Yes, he seemed angry and shocked. Vernon was screaming about freaks and demon curs, Kingsley had to stun him just to keep him quiet. Then I saw him arguing with Petunia. They had to take Dudley to St Mungos to get him checked out but she wouldn't let them. They said she didn't have a choice."

"Ministry law, children discovering magical cores late have to submit to medical examination the moment they display accidental magic." He sighed, "Then what happened?"

"Nothing at first. It became quiet until they brought Dudley back. The screaming started a week after that."

"Screaming."

"Over and over again. Remember you told me about Hogwarts' letters?" Arabella explained, "Dudley got letters from another school. I heard them screaming about Drums or-"

"Durmstrang?"

"Yes. Then wizards dressed in grey came and took him away. Kicking and screaming. I haven't seen him since."

Severus took a deep breath, "He has to go to Durmstrang, they're more equipped to deal with Muggleborns that discover magical cores late."

That might be why Albus didn't tell him, but-

"What does this have to do with Potter?"

"Severus," She started gravely, "You should've seen how they were treating Dudley, their own son. I saw him sleep outside multiple times, they'd scream and yell the second they laid eyes on him and I heard… I heard a belt."

"A belt."

"Lashings, I haven't heard it since they took him away." She said quietly and Severus had to take another deep breath, dragging a hand through his hair. "That's why he can't go back. He should've never been with those people to begin with. They treated him horribly before but now, now that they're even willing to turn on Dudley. Wouldn't they do worse to Harry?"

"What do you mean, they treated him horribly? They haven't been abusive…"

Arabella came over and sat beside him, "Albus really didn't tell you? I was sure that at least you knew."

There was a feeling stirring in his stomach, an awful turning feeling he can only equate to feeling nauseous.

"Bella, tell me."

She let out a deep breath, "When Harry first came to live across the street, Albus asked my father and mother if we would keep a look out for him. He knew about what happened to us. Why we moved here. He said he could help and asked us to watch Harry in return."

"That first night, things seemed fine. We heard him cry a few times but, mother said that it didn't seem abnormal for a baby in a new house. But then the next day the crying got worse. Vernon and Petunia started yelling until they suddenly just left the house. Got in the car and drove away somewhere. But Harry was still crying."

"They left him there?"

"Father cast a disillusionment charm on me and sent me over to have a look. I managed to sneak inside. Severus, they had him in a broom closet. I tried to take him but the wards wouldn't let me. I went back and told mother and father, they sent me back with things like diapers and food, mother charmed a blanket with a warming charm and I put him in the empty bedroom upstairs. Once I got back, mother and father were contacting Albus; told him to come urgently."

"Did he?"

"Hours later." She said her hands clenching on her lap. "By then the Dursley's were back, Harry was crying again. Mother begged headmaster Dumbledore to let us take him. She asked if it wouldn't be possible to move wards from there to here. Mother and Father were even willing to take the fidelius just to be sure but Albus said Harry has to stay with family or the spell his mother cast wouldn't be able to keep him safe. He promised to go see them though and talk about their treatment of Harry and for the next few days things seemed to be going alright. Harry cried but it wasn't for too long but then it started all over again a few days later. Father called Albus again, he didn't show up in a few hours so Father went over to talk to the Dursleys himself. He told them that they were under Headmaster Dumbledore's orders and that if any harm comes to Harry of if they neglect him or try to lock him in a bleeding closet again, we'd know and we'd report them."

"Headmaster Dumbledore showed up the next day. livid that we'd spoken to the Dursley's. He said we'd be jeopardising Harry's safety by exposing ourselves." Arabella took a deep breath, "And that's when he made us all swear an oath."

Severus' blood ran cold, "What oath?"

"That we'd never speak of Harry without his permission first, that we wouldn't speak of anything about the Dursley's unless he said we could first. We couldn't speak directly with Harry at all. He said it was for safety, in case we were captured by Death Eaters, so we wouldn't be able to say anything."

Severus was speechless as she continued, "This went on for weeks, months and then years. Father would cast a disillusionment on me and sent me over to check. Always with diapers and food. When he got older it was to replace his blankets and clothes with warmer ones for the winter, always charmed with glamour's so the Dursley's wouldn't notice. If he was lucky Harry got hand-me-downs or old clothes a little too big for him, other times they just gave him rags. Food was more difficult; Petunia gave him leftovers or crusts. Mother had me take him food in secret, sneak it into the closet or his room as they called it. It's clear he thought Petunia was giving him those things otherwise where would it be coming from? Mother didn't see the harm in letting him believe his aunt fed him decently every now and then."

Severus took this all in and then finally spoke, "Did they harm him physically him?"

"A few times but then, father sent Vernon a letter that said, 'We're still watching' and stood outside of the house for hours staring at the window." Arabella let out a startled giggled, "Scared him straight for a while. We told Dumbledore he said he'd talk to them. Father kept asking why he couldn't just go to a different family, Albus insisted that it wasn't safe. After mother and father died, I started doing all this on my own. Getting him food, clothes. It was infinitely more difficult without the charms, I had to be much more careful, I only went in there when no one was home." Then she shook her head.

"This all gets a bit… redundant after a while, but you understand now Severus. He can't go back."

Severus' head was whirling.

Albus has been lying to him this whole time. When Severus asked, he said that the Dursley's were a bit short, a bit impatient but that otherwise they did no harm to the boy. The wards and spells make sure of that.

He noticed some things. How much smaller Harry was when he started Hogwarts, a little more unkept, but he seemed so happy to simply be at Hogwarts. He seemed like a sociable child, well-liked by those around him. Throw in Severus' distaste for his father and Severus' didn't pay too much attention to the signs but now that he thinks about it, the signs of abuse and neglect were there. Harry seemed to have this odd need for validation, for approval, praise; the need to make people around him happy. His temper was quick, like he didn't know how to properly control himself. But his father had effectively been the same. It had been so easy to dismiss as one of those things…

Like father like son.

But Harry also almost cowered in the presence of authority figures, didn't speak unless spoken to always kept a safe distance. But that had been first year and Severus was used to children generally being terrified of him. It had all been so easy to dismiss.

But now that he's actually thinking about it, the signs were there.

Why on earth didn't Albus say anything?!

"Bella, why didn't you say anything before? To me personally?"

Arabella shook her head, "He seemed to tell you everything. At every Order meeting it almost seems like you know things before he does. I thought he told you and he gave you the same excuses that he gave me. When I asked father why this was still happening, he said that magic is complicated and it's very possible that Harry really is safest there. Besides, I couldn't tell you, he swore me to an oath too."

"Wait." Severus said with a frown, "He swore you to an oath?"

"Yes."

"And it worked?"

"Yes, why?"

That wouldn't work on a squib. Would it? Sure, you can cast spells on muggles and squibs but wizard oaths are certainly more complicated.

"Did you ever try to tell anyone Bella?"

"Yes, a few members of the order multiple times and you as well."

"And what did it feel like?"

"Odd." She said with a frown, "The words were there but they wouldn't leave my mouth. I'd try saying it differently, phrasing it another way but still nothing. The best I could do was suggest that Harry live elsewhere but I could never really explain why. Every time I did, the words would die on my tongue."

"But you told me today."

At that Arabella started to smile, "That's because I broke it."

"What-how?"

"My inheritance came in."

"What?"

"The wards, did you feel them when you were coming in?"

"Yes,"

He almost forgot to ask about those.

Her smile grew, "Tilly!"

And with a pop, an elf suddenly appeared in the room. Severus almost jumped right out of his skin but he quickly reigned himself in. It was a tiny little thing, less than a foot tall, large grey eyes wearing a blue dress with polka dots.

"Yes, mistress Figg."

She cleared her throat, "Please adjust the wards, so Severus Tobias Snape can have free entry in and out of the house."

The elf looked up at him before quickly lowering her gaze, an angry sneer pulled at her lips.

"Yes, mistress Figg."

"Oh, and please rewarm the tea."

"Yes, mistress Figg."

The elf seemed to wave at the tray and Severus saw how steam slowly streamed form the spout.

"Anything else, mistress Figg?"

"No that's everything, thank you Tilly."

The elf actually looked up and smiled, crooked teeth almost gleaming, "You're most welcome mistress Figg."

And then she popped out of the room.

Severus looked back at her, "You have an elf?"

"I told you about my grandparents, how they disowned my father after he produced a squib. Well apparently they never got around to taking him off the vaults or the will, maybe they were hoping he would have another magical child, I don't know; the point is, my grandmother died years ago, my grandfather died last month and I am the remaining heir."

"So, you inherited everything."

"The manor the vaults, the entire family estate. Gringotts sent an escort to bring me there and get everything signed over, but a lot of the home requires magic just to keep everything functioning so they bound an elf to me to help me around the manor and here at home." Arabella looked away sadly, "I'm not sure if you've noticed but Tilly isn't very fond of wizards. They told me that she used to be a Malfoy elf, she told me some of the things they did to her Severus. It was awful."

Severus cringed, but didn't say anything to that. He'd seen just how the Malfoy's treat their help so he's not surprised.

"I'm not sure how she ended up leaving but she ended up in Gringotts, they had other elves but then they told me that they weren't able to place her anywhere. She hates wizards wants nothing to do with them. I told her I was a squib; she seems alright with that." Arabella shook her head, "Anyway, in order for me to take my inheritance they check to see if there aren't any bonding spells on you, just to make sure they don't end up messing with anything important. They said they found the thread of an oath. They said it was weak enough for them to get rid of and then they asked me if I wanted them to break it, and I said yes."

Severus' eyes widened, "Does Albus know?"

"He knows something." She let out a breath, "He showed up here when I got back, Tilly's wards kept him out though and she's been helping me get around. I only inherited a week ago so when I found out about the meeting today, I had to come and say something. But I don't trust him Severus. I knew I had to talk to you, directly this time."

This is all such a mess.

"My point to this… to all of this is, don't let him send Harry back, please Severus. If-if he needs somewhere to go, he can stay with me. I'll take him to the Figg Manor, no one would think of looking for him there or even if he doesn't come with me, as long as he doesn't go back to the Dursleys it's fine. Promise me Severus." She pleaded taking his hand, "You didn't see what they did to Dudley."

Severus swallowed hard, covered her hand in his own. "I-I'll see what I can do-"

"But-"

"He's the headmaster, there isn't much I could do to stop him from sending the boy away from school. But perhaps I can change where he goes."

"That's all I can ask for." Arabella said quickly leaning up to press a kiss on Severus' cheek. "Thank you Severus, for everything. I know you'll help Harry."

Severus had tensed but he tried to offer her a smile in return. "I'll do my best, Bella."

He left the house a few minutes later, this time he didn't stop himself from standing still and glaring darkly at 10 Privet Drive. He needs to get back to the castle first he needs to see Poppy, confirm a few things then… then he needs to have a talk with Lady Zabini.

He went back to Grimmauld place so he could Floo from there. Not breaking to pause even the slightest bit with his stride, even though he saw Black get up from his seat out of the corner of his eye.

"Oi Snivellus, back from seeing your squib!"

Severus stopped in his tracks, he had the Floo powder in his hand and looked back to glare at Sirius.

He cares for Arabella, he really does. But he doesn't feel anything romantic towards her and honestly, he doubts that she would either. Though sometimes he thinks, he almost wishes he did. She was sweet and simple and seemed to enjoy his company as much as he enjoyed hers. It would be so easy but-

Nothing about his situation has changed. His life is much too unstable to ever try and involve her in too deeply.

Besides, it was a warm platonic friendship. One of the few ones he still somehow had. He hasn't felt anything romantic for any woman since Lily or even before Lily really. No there's nothing going on between him and Arabella, but that doesn't mean Black gets to run his mouth.

"A squib she may be, but she's ten times the woman of any slag desperate enough to let you bed them."

Before Sirius could respond, Severus got into the Floo and went to Hogwarts

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They didn't allow it very often.

For prisoners on the maximum-security level they were only allowed one visitor six times a year. But it was rare for anyone on that level to ever even have a visitor that came more than once or twice. Especially in the wake and then subsequent demise of Bartemius Crouch junior and of course the escape of Sirius Black. Security had been tightened to the point where visits had been cut down to only three a year and that's only if you managed to get through the extensive Azkaban vetting.

So far, the only exception had been Lee Jordan and even that was only done as a publicity stunt to try and restore the public's confidence in Azkaban's security.

In the case of the Lestranges, they never got any visitors of any kind. It's only with Jordan's interviews that they've even had any real contact with any element of the outside world. Usually they didn't get any visitors, so the warden allowed them a small mercy and would allow them to see each other, provided that their behaviour was adequate enough to earn that mercy. More often than not, it seemed the Lestranges had no desire to use this opportunity to meet. The last time had been two years ago when Rodolphus requested an audience with his brother and even that had been a very short visit not lasting more than five minutes. So when either one of the Lestranges requested to see the other it was sure to draw some degree of attention.

Just like now.

Like the last time, they weren't allowed to be in the same room. Rabastan was placed in the cell opposite to Rodolphus' and there were guards stationed nearby to keep an eye out for them, to stop any kind of scheming that the two Death Eaters might attempt to do. Unfortunately for the guards, they hadn't anticipated that the brothers would take to speaking in a different language. And with the absence of a language translating spell they'd been left to speak in long flowing sentences of French without interruption. The warden thought it harmless enough.

With little contact with the outside world and without access to their wands, it didn't seem like there was much that the brothers could really accomplish as they were.

"You've seen the signs?" Rodolphus asked as he stood behind the door of his cell, arms hanging loosely from the prison bars as he watched his younger brother pace back and forth in the cell right across from him in the dimly lit hallway.

"Yes, the dementors have been whispering." Rabastan drawled out, his tone half mocking and Rodolphus chuckled.

"It won't be too long now, maybe a few months. Are you ready?"

"Are you?"

"Of course. We must always be ready to serve our lord; I'm just wondering how you're doing with the recent… distraction." Rabastan paused and his brother seemed to scoff, "Let's not pretend you came here to discuss the Dark Lord. You know what to look for, you didn't need my council. That must mean you're here about the boy."

Rabastan looked at him before he started pacing again, "What have you been telling him?"

"I've been answering his questions, something you don't seem too keen on doing apparently." Rodolphus said letting his head rest against the bars, Rabastan arched a brow at him and Rodolphus smirked, "He told me."

Rabastan looked away as he kept pacing, "I should hope you're not telling him too much."

"When he asks me a question I answer it, I see no point in lying."

"What if he actually reveals what you tell him, he's a mudblood journalist-"

"Who would believe him? Really, even if I told him every sordid detail of what really happened to the Longbottoms that night, who would believe the boy?"

"Enough people for it to become a problem."

"You're being paranoid." Rodolphus said dismissively, "Also, you should really stop throwing such vulgar slurs at him, you'll scare him off eventually Bas."

"Vulgar," Rabastan scoffed as he kept pacing, "If you weren't such a slave to your… proclivities you'd be calling him just the same."

Rodolphus laughed, "But, I'm not, so try to be better and behave. I'm not done with him yet; I don't want you running him off too soon."

"If he scared so easily, he wouldn't have come back the second time. What does your delightful wife think about your newest… distraction?"

"You know Bella, as long as I don't interfere with her affairs, she turns a blind eye to mine. Plus, I doubt she knows. She's been locked up in solitary confinement for the past two months, keeps attacking at the guards."

"Don't you do the same?"

Rodolphus sighed, "Only to keep them sufficiently ignorant. If she keeps acting out like that, they might move her somewhere more difficult to reach and then we'll have a problem, won't we?"

"Maybe we'd be getting rid of a problem instead."

"Loyalty and devotion the likes of which Bella possesses is hard to come by. The Dark Lord insist on having her near and so she shall be."

Rabastan shook his head, "We'd be better without her."

"Without Bella, we'd have to depend on Snape. Bella's unhinged insanity is predictable, Snape on the other hand-"

"You don't think we can trust him?"

"What do you think? His quiet calm is impossible to read, it's no wonder the Dark Lord is so enamoured with him. No, we need to keep him at a distance for now." Rodolphus shook his head, "Besides, Snape would undoubtedly complicate claiming the muggleborn boy."

Rabastan suddenly stopped, "Claiming him?"

"As a reward, the Dark Lord certainly wouldn't refuse me, Snape on the other hand would raise all sorts of objections, unless you also have some sort of objection to that Bas." Rodolphus smirked as his brother's eyes narrowed down at him.

"I knew it."

"Don't act so surprised, you know what my type is."

"Mother and Father would be appalled."

"I married the girl they bound to me in contract and I serve the Dark Lord, Mother and Father wouldn't care. You're the only one who has a problem with it; I wonder why."

Rabastan glared, "Piss off."

"He smells like apples. Sweet red delicious." Rodolphus said smugly as he leaned forward against the bars a bit more, "Did you notice? I bet you noticed."

Rabastan let out a huff of frustration as he started pacing again. Rodolphus laughed, "Now, now Bas, I'm only teasing. Aren't I allowed to tease my little brother every once in a while?"

"Are you going to tell him about what happened?" Rabastan asked shortly and Rodolphus answered just as shortly.

"If he asks."

"That's a bad idea."

"Like I said before, even if he told the world, the truth is so incredibly shocking no one would believe him."

"What if people do believe him? What if he ends up finding proof and revealing it?"

"Then, I'll be impressed."

"Rodolphus."

"What are you so afraid of? It's not like revealing the truth would cause any kind of problems for the Dark Lord, actually I'm sure it'd be quite the opposite."

"It'll draw attention."

"Nothing that can't be dealt with. Really if the boy manages to find proof then that would make him quite the useful pet, wouldn't it?"

Rabastan stopped so abruptly he almost tripped over his own feet, "You can't be serious about that."

"You still haven't given me a reason for why not." Rabastan glared and Rodolphus laughed again, "Always so possessive. You need to learn to share Bas."

"Why do you want him?"

"He interests me."

"Interests you. You mean you want to fuck him."

"Well, that too."

"We need to get out of here. You've spent so much time without human contact you're trying to do something incorrigible. Lusting after a mudblood."

"Perhaps. But that would be true for you as well wouldn't it. Shall we discuss the boy in Chelsea?"

Rabastan glowered at him, "No we shan't."

"Muggleborn, oh so innocent and yet oh so fierce and defiant."

"Shut up."

"I'm just saying, if you're allowed to go running about with mudblood filth then I see no reason why you should be allowed to complain about me keeping one as a pet."

"I don't understand why you insist on having this one."

"Yes you do. You understand because it's the same reason you want him too."

Rabastan glared, "I'm done here."

"Bas-"

"I'm done I have nothing more to say. I want to leave." He said switching to English. The guards paused for a brief moment before readying to remove him from the cell.

"If the boy comes to see you first, do give him a kiss from me."

"Fuck off!"

Rodolphus laughed, it was a loud alarming cackle that had the guards tensing for a brief moment as they unlocked Rabastan's cell, put the shackles on his ankles and wrists and led him away. one of the guards however paused to look at him. Rodolphus' head gave a tilt, he arched a brow but the man just looked away and kept walking. Rodolphus simply slinked back to the shadows of his cell.

A/N: Right so, no Ron/Blaise in this chapter but I'm saving that for next time. Also I haven't done Harry's POV yet but I want to time that one just right so maybe not next time we'll see. Also also, the goblins at Gringotts know about what Arabella's deal (yes she has a deal, its kinda plot related) is, but that won't be revealed until Ron goes to Gringotts with Alexis (much later in the story). Then we'll need to get stuck in with Neville for a bit because later he's going to discover something that's effectively going to reveal the whole background plot to the plot (that thing will also be revealed to Lee, because the Lestranges are going to be revealing stuff to him and he's going to go snooping, which he will in turn kind of reveal to Harry. Which may or may not cause Harry to have a break down (I'm joking, I'm not joking...)). I should also get back to Dudley because his dealings with Viktor later on are going to lead to some revelations also concerning the background plot to the plot but more specifically concerning Severus and Harry (But I mean later)

Yeah, definitely more than fifteen chapters. I'm tired already, but the background plot for the plot's got me pretty excited so…

Please review

Right one more thing, (Someone commented) the parts with the Lestranges, I've been trying to avoid marking those parts out because I don't want to give any specific dates or make the timeline too constricting because I always add more stuff. I thought about maybe making those flashback parts only in italics but I don't like the way it looks because I use italics for other things. I don't want to put in in bold either, I don't know I'll figure it out and find something I'm comfortable with. But just keep in mind that the parts with Lee are flashbacks for now. Hopefully I'll have figured out a way to distinguish it better by the next time I post.