***Chapter Nineteen***

October 28, 1984

"What would you like to conjure to leave this year, Harry?" Severus asked.

"Lilies," he said.

"Very well," he said with a slight nod and a somewhat … sad lift to his lips. She understood, even if Harry didn't know. It was a bittersweet request Harry just made. "And very appropriate."

Harry held Severus' left hand while he used his right to conjure an assortment of lilies. Harry let go of his hand then and turned to face Severus, holding his arms out in front of him so he could set the flowers in them one by one.

Harry took the assortment of lilies and set them on the grave that belonged to his parents'.

"It says October 31," he said, running a finger along the tombstone.

"You are right, my boy. It does. That is the date they died. We have avoided coming here on that day for your safety."

He turned then, facing Severus.

"Can you show them to me?" he asked.

"I cannot," Severus said and Hermione knew it pained him to say no. He had no positive memories to share with Harry of his father, and the ones of his mother he was concerned Harry would misconstrue even at the age of four.

"Why not? You know how."

"That is true."

He had shared memories with Harry a few times of when he was a toddler and so forth because he wanted to see what had happened on his birthday or Christmas or whatever of a particular year.

"What Severus isn't saying is that he doesn't have many memories of your mum and dad together. And we assume you'd like to see things like how they met, when they got married, and when you were born. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black have some memories like that. Perhaps we could talk to them," Hermione offered and Severus looked at her appreciatively.

They both knew this conversation was going to happen one day, they just were not expecting it so soon!

Severus really didn't like saying no to the boy, but he was still rather private and his memories of Lily were not something he wanted to share on a whim. Or to have to share them repeatedly. She understood. He knew that she did, his grateful look just now was twofold.

"Okay," he said.

"One day when you're a little older, I would be happy to share some from when I first met your mother."

"Why not now?"

"We grew apart, I prefer to save those for when you are a little older."

"But…"

Leandra knew that he was embarrassed in some ways, and didn't want Harry to see him as anything but his guardian. He didn't want the boy to see him picked on and, while not as destitute as Hermione knew him to be originally, he wasn't well to do. He was sullen and moody as a child. He didn't want Harry to tell others, most importantly Everett, that his dad was a prick.

"Harry Potter," Hermione said. "He's not saying never, he's saying not now. This couple is your mum and dad, but Lily was also Severus' friend. When he's ready, he will share those memories with you. Memories are very precious," she said.

"Do you remember your mum and dad?" he asked.

"I do," she said. "I miss them very much, and it would make me very sad to show you those memories. However, one day, on a good day, when I know it won't make me feel so sad, I'd be willing to share them with you. That day will be up to me, though, not you."

He seemed to think on that, finally after a minute or two of silence he nodded. His unruly hair flopping slightly with the gesture. Hermione really did try but nothing she did worked, she was beginning to think he should have inherited Lily's hair as well as her eyes. He slid his hand back into Severus'.

Everett was walking toward the assortment of lilies.

"Everett, those are for Harry's mum and dad," Severus said.

"Know," he said simply.

He set his hand against one of the petals and a white and black butterfly now sat on it.

"Pretty," he said.

Hermione glanced at Severus, who just shook his head. It wasn't the first time he'd conjured something. It was the first time he'd done so so publicly, though. They both sighed. Harry had had some bouts of accidental magic, but he to this point hadn't seemed to be able to perform magic at will as Everett could.

"That is very pretty. You should ask next time, though, to make sure Harry wants a butterfly with the flowers."

"Can I do that?" Harry asked.

"You may be able to. Would you like to try?" Severus said.

"Yes," he said.

"Let's try another butterfly since you can see Everett's. Picture it in your mind," he said.

Harry reached for another petal on a different lily and did the same thing Everett had done. He closed his eyes, obviously concentrating hard.

"I can't do it."

"We will practice."

"You don't practice with Everett."

"I know. Magic can manifest at different times for different people, Harry. Everyone's different, the same as when a child may walk or talk for the first time. It's not a reflection that you are not magical. I am confident that you are, Harry." He glanced at Hermione. Do you know if his manifested before he received his letter?

No, I would think it hadn't, or he would have been able to get out of the cupboard. The only thing I know he did was set a snake free at a zoo, but that was shortly before Hogwarts, not much before I don't think.

I wish I knew, I don't want to frustrate him.

I know.

"Okay," he said.

Everett walked up to him and hugged him.

"Sorry," he said.

"It's okay. It is pretty."

"Harry sad," Everett said.

"No, not sad," he shrugged, glancing at Hermione and Severus.

"We will send an owl to Mr. Black and Mr. Lupin when we get home, Harry. I know one or both of them would love to see you and share memories with you of your mum and dad."

Sirius owed her.

Okay, he didn't really, and even if he did, she'd never play that card. He had his brother still alive because of her and they were now on friendly terms. She was actually somewhat surprised that neither had contacted one of them before now to see Harry. Maybe they didn't know what to say or do with him.

"A reporter just got here," Hermione whispered.

"Just now? They did not see Everett's display?"

"No, I'm not sure they would realize what he'd done anyway, but I only just now spotted him."

He nodded. "All right, Harry, it's time to go."

He waved to the tombstone as Severus picked Everett up, scowling in the direction of the reporter when he spotted him. They were pretty adept at walking in such a way with Harry in between them that reporters couldn't get a clear picture of Harry. They didn't seem to care much about Everett, so very few pictures of their son were actually posted.

Funny how that worked.

They made their way to the street outside the cemetery before apparating away, Harry hanging onto Hermione tightly while Severus had Everett. They apparated a couple of times before getting home. It was stupid that they had to do it. Their home was not unplottable or secret kept, but neither wanted to lead a reporter right to their home.

"I have an idea," Severus said.

"Okay," she said, pausing in removing Everett's outer robe.

"Let's take them to get some fish and chips and ice cream."

"Really?" she asked, brightening.

She thought that was a great idea.

It had to be frustrating for Harry that Everett could do things that he could not. Couple that with him wanting to see memories of his mum and dad that Severus wasn't of the mind to share right now. This was an emotional time for Severus, too. The boy didn't understand. He was only four!

"By your mum's?"

"That was the idea."

"Would you boys like to go see Grandma?"

"Yeah," they both said.

Severus walked to the fireplace, confirming with his mother that it was okay they come through before doing so. She had never said no, but there was always a first time she supposed.

"Alright, run upstairs and change into clothes suitable for Grandma's," he said.

Both boys knew what that meant. They didn't have a huge assortment of muggle clothing, but a handful of shirts and a couple pairs of pants so if Eileen wanted to take them somewhere when she was sitting with them she could. They were able to pull off the same shoes at least because buying muggle shoes to only wear them a few times was just ridiculous.

"That's a nice idea."

"He's raw. He may not know that he is, but between where we were and Everett being able to do something he doesn't seem to be able to do yet. I thought fish and chips and ice cream was called for."

She leaned up, kissing him. "You're a good dad, Severus Snape."

"Only because I have you. I couldn't do it without you nor would I have."

"Mm, well, you don't have to," she murmured, kissing him again.

"We're ready," Harry called as they both ran down the stairs.

"You're not supposed to go so fast on the stairs, either of you, but especially you, Harry Potter. Everett goes faster to try to keep up with you. The fish and chips and ice cream will be there no matter what time we get to Grandma's."

"Yes, madam," he said.

She stooped down then, setting a finger against his chin. "You're not in trouble, Harry. I'm not mad at you, but you are older, and have to remember that he is not as steady or good at things as you are."

"I know."

She leaned in to kiss him. "I love you, Harry," she said.

"Love you, too, Leandra," he said, hugging her.

She gasped softly, stifling the sob that wanted to come out. She hated, hated that he had to call her Leandra. She and Severus had discussed telling both children the truth once they were at Hogwarts and had the chance to meet her younger self. Severus only hoped that Harry's ability to learn occlumency went better than the lessons he had in Hermione's original timeline.

Everett came in to give her a hug not wanting to be left out.

"I love you, too, Everett."

"Love you, Mummy."

"All right, let's go see Grandma, then," she said. Severus took Everett and Hermione took Harry through the floo.

"Grandma," Harry called as soon as he was out of the fireplace.

"You know I never really thought about it until now," Severus whispered. "He has no parents, he has no grandparents. No wonder he clings to my mother as he does."

"He is loved, he knows that. Today was hard, he doesn't understand yet, Severus. As long as we don't lie to him, it will be fine."

"Thank you. You do realize I will not be accompanying you when you take him to visit Black or Lupin."

"I know, and wouldn't dream of inviting them to our house. I'll meet them somewhere neutral."

"Thank you."

"You are welcome."

"Now, let's go feed our children and then maybe tend to some baser appetites later."

"Really?" She hadn't expected that. She knew this was a difficult time for him. And odd that at a time he wanted to mourn the loss of his friend, he had to be strong for that same friend's child.

"This surprises you?"

She shrugged. It was a little surprising.

He leaned in then, kissing her. "I always want you, Leandra, Love. And I can't think of a better way to start our respective work weeks off."

"True," she said. "Well, let's get on with the fish and chips then."

"You know Grandma can keep them for the night," his mother said.

"No, Eileen," Hermione said. "Really. You do so much!"

"Nonsense, I recognize that look. Go, shoo, I'll get them fish and chips and ice cream. Enjoy a night alone."

"You're sure, Mum?"

"Positive. Go be with your wife."

"Thank you," Severus said.

They didn't take advantage of her willingness to babysit when they weren't working often. They didn't want to do that to her. Or make the boys think that they were inconveniences or not wanted. They were, though, still somewhat getting used to being married and living a life with someone else. At least Severus in this time was a little more used to sharing space with someone else. She often wondered if they'd gotten to the point of living together in her original timeline how he would have adapted to having someone with him every day. After essentially fifteen years alone, it would have to be an adjustment.

Hermione stepped up to Eileen then, hugging her. Like Harry, she had no parents or grandparents, so Severus' mum was all she had. She was very glad that they got along or she'd be lost she was pretty sure. Eileen Snape had been nothing but kind to Hermione. She, in fact, had brought Eileen with the boys to the park to meet her mum once or twice since July. She could have very easily slammed the door in Hermione's face when she'd showed up almost thirty years ago on her doorstep with what had to be the most far fetched story she'd ever heard. (Being a witch aside, Hermione supposed.)

"Everett did some conjuring today at the cemetery and Harry could not when he tried," Hermione whispered.

Eileen nodded, clearly understanding what Hermione was trying to say without drawing attention to either boy and what one had done and the other could not. There was no doubt Harry was going to be a wizard and come into his magic. She just truly didn't know when it would happen. Had the snake at the zoo been the first time it had manifested? Would the Dursleys have recognized magic? Surely his aunt would have after her experience with Lily. She'd never thought to ask.

"Did you still want fish and chips and ice cream?" he asked once she'd returned to his side.

"No, but whipped cream in bed with you sounds wonderful."

"I guess I'll owe you fish and chips and ice cream another time then?"

"Not if you make the whipped cream in bed worth my time. I'll consider us even then."

"Well, let's go enjoy an unexpected evening alone then."

NOTE: Happy Wednesday! Hace a great rest of your week!