Fighting the Darkness

by nefariterwnw

AU world where Voldemort is the good side and Dumbledore is evil. Severus Snape is not who Hogwarts thinks he is, and neither is his brother. The Riddle family has been fighting for years to bring equality and peace to the wizarding world and to provide protection for the children at Hogwarts. WARNINGS: mentions of abuse, rape, and violence.

WANRINGS: Mentions of Rape, abuse, and violence throughout the story.

Chapter 1

The night was pitch black, as the moon hid behind the heavy clouds that filled the sky. It seemed as if the weather knew the very news that Harry Potter had told Dumbledore just hours earlier. The war was beginning again, and that meant that once again Severus' life was on a very thin and dangerous line. He had been walking it since the moment he stepped into Hogwarts as a child. It had eased and slightly faded from his life at the end of the last war, but it had never gone away. Playing the role of double agent was not an easy job, and convincing an order full of paranoid individuals that he was on their side was even harder. Yet, he couldn't find it in himself to care about that as he made his way across the damp grass outside the Malfoy Manor. He knew what was awaiting him inside, and he couldn't move fast enough. He had been held up for what felt like forever, dealing with Harry and all that went down at the end of the Tournament. He had been waiting on the chance to leave, since the moment he had heard what Harry had told Dumbledore. The Dark Lord had risen once again, his father was alive. Which meant his mother would be here as well. He had thought he would never see them again, he had thought he was alone in this cruel world pretending to be something he was not for the rest of his life. But then Harry had come back through the portkey with a dead Cedric, and the words "he's back" on his lips, and for the first time since the end of the last war, Severus had allowed himself to hope. He was wet and cold from the weather and his trip to the manor, and his arm was burning from waiting to answer his fathers call, but he didn't care as he pounded his fist on the door of the manor. After a moment of waiting it opened quickly, Lucius Malfoy standing on the other side.

"Severus. He's been waiting for you."

"Where is he?" Severus asked, stepping past Lucius into the entrance of the manor.

"In my study." With the words of the house lord, Severus set off down the long halls of the house to where he knew the study to be. His heart was racing as he made his way through the house, fear that all of it was a lie continued to try and creep its way into his thoughts. When he made it to the door to the study, he didn't stop and knock like almost anyone else would have, he knew that for a different death eater they would pay for such an action. He also knew that it would make his father have to come up with a reason he didn't punish Severus for it but he couldn't find it in himself to care. His father was alive, and he needed to see it for himself. The door slammed open as if it had been hit by a giant, but Severus didn't enter. He had frozen in the doorway, because there before him, on the other side of the room, was his father, alive and breathing. Of course there was the rat Pettigrew in the room, apparently they had been in a meeting, but Severus didn't even acknowledge him. He just stood there, eyes locked on his father, his feet frozen in place.

"Pettigrew, leave us." Voldemort's voice was rough and strained as if he was in pain, but it was the same voice it had been before his death. It was the same voice that had taught Severus his first spell, that had told him to get up after he had fallen down, that had taught him to be a man. It was his father. Pettigrew left quickly, not even responding to the Dark Lord. The room was empty besides the Dark Lord and Severus.

"You can come in." Voldemort's voice broke the silence after another moment, realizing that his son wasn't going to.

"I…" Severus tried, but no other words came out as he stepped into the room, closer to his father.

"Yes?"

"I thought you were dead."

"I know." It was all that his father said. There were no words of comfort, no hug, that wasn't who his father was. While for some that would be the opposite of what they wanted, to Severus it brought more comfort than anything else, because it meant his father was back, telling him to pick himself up, yet again. He didn't get to respond to his father though before movement caught his eye. Voldemort yet again was the one to speak,

"Ahh, there you are. I was wondering when you would join us." As his father spoke, the snake that was known to the death eaters as Nagini transformed into a woman. She was wearing a dark green dress that seemed to float after her as if on water, her long blond hair fell straight to the midpoint on her back, her pale skin reflected the light of the fire as if it was glowing. Severus froze yet again as his eyes locked on the dark eyes of the women before him, she looked young, but Severus knew it was the power of her magic that kept her that way.

"Mother." he breathed.

"Hello, Sev." The woman replied, stepping towards him and pulling him into a tight hug. His mother was the exact opposite of his father, she was kind and calm, she never spoke a harsh word to him and she always was there to fight for him and pick him up. His father was a harsher man, he made Severus fight for himself, and he was harsh and sometimes cold, he was never against forcing Severus to experience pain to prove a point or teach a lesson. Yet, his parents loved each other more than anything else, and both of them, in their own way, had proven to him over and over that they loved him as well. It helped Severus' case, that the only thing his father feared was his mother.

"He is a grown man, Haven. You don't have to baby him." Voldemort stated, a raised eyebrow pointed at his family as they hugged.

"His father was dead yesterday and now he isn't, and once again he is forced to play a dangerous game of being the double agent and working under that corrupt and evil man. He deserves a hug, Tom." As his mother had spoken she had broken away from the hug to give her husband a pointed look, allowing Severus to straighten back up and be the man his father was mentioning he needed to be.

"It's Voldemort."

"What?" Haven asked, leaning towards her husband as he whispered the words.

"I don't go by Tom anymore, you know that." Voldemort said with more authority.

"Then act older than the boy who did." With her words Severus saw his father take a step back. Only one person could control the Dark Lord, and that was the Dark Queen. She was unknown to everyone who wasn't currently in the room, but that had never diminished her power. Haven Snape Riddle had faked her death at the beginning of the last war and gone into hiding at her husband's side. She was a snake animagus, and one of the most powerful witches in Europe. She had been a Ravenclaw during her time at Hogwarts, and had surpassed all the other students in both grades and skill. She had caught the eye of Tom when they were in their fourth year, and they had started a relationship early on. She also happened to be the one person who hated Albus Dumbledore more than Voldemort, but Severus had never been told exactly why.

"What is your plan?" Severus asked, breaking the humorous tension that filled the room.

"Win the war, with as little death as possible, and get Dumbledore out of power and away from children that he can manipulate and hurt." Voldemort answered his son, moving to the tray of firewhiskey and pouring three glasses, handing the first to Haven and then one to Severus before sitting in the chair by the fire. His mother perched herself on the arm of the chair, his fathers arm wrapped around her back. Severus knew that to others they would look powerful and menacing sitting in such a way, each of them sitting as if on a throne, but to Severus he saw his parents, and their love for one another.

"I'm assuming you want me to continue to collect information from them, feed false information to them, and keep you in the loop at all times."

"That would be what a spy typically does, but I am afraid I will have to ask more of you than that."

"Yes?"

"I want you to win Harry Potter over. He is no threat, but he is also completely innocent, as are the other children in that school. The school follows their hero, and if we can win Harry over we might just be able to get the school out from under his grasp." Voldemort explained.

"Pardon?" Severus asked, disbelief clear on his face.

"Come now, Sev. Surely you can be nice to the boy and win him over. He isn't his father, you know." Haven stated calmly.

"Neither am I, yet if I told anyone who my father just happens to be I would become an outcast at best or I would be killed for it at worst!"

"So, instead of being different from the corrupt world we are trying to get rid of, you want to be just like them? I highly doubt that would make anything better. You would be trading one side of the hate spiral for another and in a few generations another war would happen and it would all go back. We are trying to get rid of that, Severus, not just turn it the opposite way." Haven asked her son, her voice calm and kind, but her words cutting deep even so.

"No. I want the corruption and the hate to end for all the groups, but Harry Potter is an individual person, and wanting equality and equal opportunity for all the wizarding world is different than liking every individual in it." Severus snapped back.

"Harry Potter is our way in. He is their hero and as such he leads them. He also deserves to know the truth of who he is working for and how Dumbledore has used him all these years, beginning with his abusive family, and ending with his being forced to save Hogwarts as nothing more than a child." Voldemort added to his wifes reasoning.

"How exactly do you think I should explain a sudden change of character to the boy without it seeming like I am the one using him? I have ignored the boy for four years, speaking to him now would likely cause suspicion."

"Just be who you actually are to those who were not James, Sirius, and Remus. He is just as much Lily's child as he is James' you know. Besides, Severus, you are not an evil scary bat like most of those children think you are. Just be yourself, and stop judging him for his fathers actions." Haven answered. Her tall and thin figure could easily be described as royal as she held her chin high and showed her power in the way she carried herself.

"Severus, while you are my son, you are also my death eater and spy. This is your mission, it is for our greater cause, and you have never failed a mission yet, so I expect you to come back to me successful in this one as well." Voldemort added, his expectations for his son had always been high, and while he would give anything to keep his son close and protect him forever he knew that it would make a weak man, and in no way would it protect him in the long run.

"Yes, Father." Severus answered, bowing his head slightly in respect. Severus was willing to argue for as long as needed, but he knew when his father made a statement like the one that had just come from him it meant that the argument was over. Severus was the Prince, the heir, the servant, the son, Voldemort was the King, the Dark Lord, the leader, and the father, his word was the final say.

"You are expected to be at as many meetings as you can get away with, and I expect weekly reports on progress and information. As has been the case in the past, when in the presence of others, you are no more than a spy to me, as your mother is no more than a pet. Our family's power lies in the fact that Dumbledore thinks he is only fighting me, while his real threat sits in my shadow working behind the scenes, I plan to keep it that way."

"Of course, father. I will do what I must to further our cause. I do have one more question, though."

"Yes?"

"How much information am I allowed to bestow upon the young Mr. Potter to win him over to our side?"

"As much as is necessary. He deserves the truth, and only the full truth will break through the lies of that old man." Voldemort answered.

"You are not new to this, Severus. Use your discretion, but do not lie to the boy. He has had enough lies, it is time he knew the truth." Haven added. Severus nodded before standing to leave, his mother stood and hugged him once more, but his father didn't move. Once turning to the door to begin his walk back to the apparition point, he missed his mothers motioning behind his back causing his father to speak once more,

"Severus."

"Yes?" he turned back to face his father from the doorway. His father still sat in the chair by the fire, regal and controlled he looked every part the Dark Lord they claimed him to be, it reminded Severus of years earlier when he had first been sent to spy on Albus.

"I am proud of all you have accomplished since my departure, and I am sure you will exceed every expectation. Be careful, and do not allow your anger to blind your mind. I am here once again, if you need me." Voldemort stated, his son only nodded in response before leaving. The two of them had always had an understanding of one another. Both were harsh, hard to read, and calculating men. Neither of them found emotion easy, or words of encouragement their way of life, not like Haven so easily had mastered, but, both of them knew that when the other showed respect of pride it meant the words they had never actually said to one another. It meant I love you.

"You still are unwilling to say it, aren't you?" Haven asked her husband after their son left the room.

"I don't see a need. He knows."

"Does he? You have never told him so. Not even when he was young. He risks his life to earn your pride and respect, the least you could do is let him know the one thing I have known since the day he was born."

"What exactly would that be?"

"That you love him more than anything, and you would willingly give up everything you have been working for and every bit of power you have if it meant you could protect him." Haven answered, before hearing someone coming down the hall and returning to her snake form before a knock was heard at the study door.

Chapter 2

Severus returned to Hogwarts quickly as the night began to grow colder and the rain began to fall. He knew that it was a hopeless cause trying to get any sleep, the only way he had gotten away from the school after everything had happened was because his mark had started to burn. That was when Dumbledore had decided it was once again time for Severus to be the spy he was and sent him to answer the call. Yet, Severus was not an idiot, he knew that the moment he returned to the school he would have to give a report to the old man and then continue to deal with the aftereffects of the tournament. It was going to be a long night. Even longer since he didn't have time to change out of the robes that were now soaked with rain from the walk to the castle from the apparition point. The moment he walked into the castle he could hear the commotion. He knew that the students had been sent to their common rooms, if not to bed, but he also could hear the teachers all gathered in the Great Hall. Taking a deep breath and straightening his shoulders, he strengthened his mental walls and strode into the hall with his head held high. People could say many things about Severus Snape, but not one of them could tell him that he didn't know how to look powerful and untouchable. Afterall he had learned it from his mother.

"Ah, Severus, you're back." Dumbledore acknowledged as he met the younger man's eyes. Severus knew that he was trying to discover what had taken place but Severus wasn't about to allow him into his mind. He just stood, waiting on the command of the older man, or for the silence to be broken. He wouldn't report until told to, and he wasn't about to ask after the students who he knew had been taken care of.

"Snape, you are soaked, surely you remember the drying spell." Flitwick asked, the charms professor greeting the man with a smile. Severus wasn't sure, but he had thought the man was more trustworthy than any of the others. He had made the connection between Severus and his mother quite a while ago, but had never said anything to anyone about it. He only inquired after it in private, and he never spoke of her existence outside of controlled meetings. Severus wasn't sure, but he almost thought that the charms professor was on their side all along.

"I confess I have not had the chance to notice them, let alone cast a spell." Severus answered, his voice hesitant and rough from the cold.

"Allow me." Flitwick answered, before calmly casting a drying spell over Severus' robes. Severus only nodded in return. Thankful that the chill was beginning to leave his body. He hadn't even thought about the drying spell, his mind had been far too distracted by the fact that his father was alive.

"I think it is time to make sure the students are in their beds, Severus, if you would come with me to my office for a moment." Dumbledore answered, dismissing the group of teachers before leaving the room, Severus followed after him silently. Once they had left the room Minerva looked at Flitwick, "He knows how to do the drying spell. Why on earth wouldn't he do it once he made it to the castle, we all could have waited the extra minute."

"Give the man a break Minerva, he had to face the Dark Lord tonight and once again put his life on the line, it is typical for one to be distracted by such things." Filtwich answered. He then watched as the Griffindor head of house left the room leaving him alone in the Great Hall. Turning to look at the teachers exit where Severus and Dumbledore had disappeared he mumbled under his breath, "Or maybe he is having trouble wrapping his head around the fact that his father is alive." With that, he left the room headed to the Ravenclaw students to make sure they were all calmed down.

"Tell me, Severus. Is it true?" Dumbledore asked once the pair was safely inside the headmaster's office.

"Are you doubting the boy?" Severus asked, his voice controlled and calm despite the wave of emotions that had been running through his body since Harry had appeared with the news of his fathers return.

"No. But, he is a child, and you are not. There has to be more to the story."

"Sometimes a story is only that which is told in the first place."

"Of course, but I think that this particular one has more information, don't you agree?"

"The boy was telling the truth. The Dark Lord has returned. Although, I am not able to explain how or what his plan is." Severus replied.

"He gave no hint to his next step?"

"Not one. He simply gathered his forces. I believe he was testing loyalty."

"And?"

"His numbers are down, as is to be expected. He simply has not had time to replace the ones who have been captured or killed since his temporary defeat. Albus, this is information that you already know, so why on earth are you asking such questions?"

"The information I think I know could easily be false. Lemondrop?" The headmaster asked, holding out the dish to the younger man. Severus knew why he had chosen that moment to offer them, after all, he was the one who put the calming potion in them.

"No thank you."

"Very well, unless you think there is something of importance to report you may go. We have a long road ahead of us. I dare say I must ask you to reprieve your role once again."

"Of course." With that, Severus turned on his heel and walked out the door. He did not let his guard slip as he made his way through the castle, his steps taking him quickly toward the Slytherin common room. He knew that very few of the Slytherins would care about what happened tonight, but on the off chance that they did, he would need to check on them. He entered the common room to find it empty, the fire was burning in the corner, but there were no more students. He checked quietly on each of the dormitories to make sure that they were all asleep and safe, then, after finding all his Slytherins in their beds he made his way back out of the rooms. He knew that he could enter his quarters from the common room, but he decided he needed a walk. The castle wasn't always the safest place to walk and think, but tonight he desperately needed the time to think. His father was alive. His mother was alive. He had to play the spy again. He had to befriend Harry Potter. His father was alive. He had spent thirteen years trying to come to terms with the fact that he was alone, forced to live a lie for the rest of his life. He had never been able to accept it and move on, he had never gotten over it. It still killed him to think about losing them, and in one night, one stupid tournament, his father was back. Severus had stopped in the middle of the hallway. He was on the third floor near the classrooms, he didn't know when he had stopped, but his emotions froze him in place.

"Severus?" A voice broke him out of his thoughts, he slammed up his mental walls before straightening his back and turning to face the person.

"Flitwick."

"Are you okay?" Flitwick asked, his voice showing his concern for the younger man.

"Yes. I am fine. It's been a long day, that's all." Severus replied. He knew that the older wizard could read him like an open book, so lying was pointless. He would just have to dodge around the truth.

"Yes, I would imagine it has been. Although I would have said a long few hours, this morning was nothing but boring here in the castle."

"The last few hours are still today, though."

"They are indeed. Tell me, what is bothering you?"

"Nothing specific. A lot to process, so I thought a walk might clear my head."

"Yes, I am sure it would help. I imagine it caused quite a few emotions you are not used to when you heard that the Dark Lord has returned." Flitwick prompted.

"I suppose so."

"I dare say. Fear, Stress, Anger… or perhaps hope?"

"What are you suggesting? I am completely loyal!.." Severus began to defend himself, his voice rising in anger, Flitwick calmly cut him off,

"To your family. As you have always been. Severus, do not try to hide it from me. I practically raised your mother, I am highly aware of who your parents are. I am also aware of why they are fighting against the way things are, and against Dumbledore. I do not blame them, I will not condemn them. I chose a different way to try and stop his corruption, but I will never be on his side. Do not think that I condemn you, Severus, I am simply trying to help you work through the emotions that are threatening to break you before they do."

"What do you mean you know? How.." Severus stumbled over his words, unsure of how much the man knew or how.

"Like I said, I practically raised your mother. I was there when he did what he did, I helped her cover it up. I was also there when she and your father began their relationship. I do not blame them for wanting change, for wanting to stop them, and I will not stand in their way. I wish I could help, but I have placed myself in a corner. I am always here for you though, I do not wish the weight of your mission to crush you." Flitwick explained.

"What did you cover up?" Severus questioned, realizing that the man before him knew why his mother hated the headmaster so much.

"I think that would be a question for your mother, don't you?"

"I suppose it is."

"Severus, this is not an impossible battle. It will be long and I dare say quite difficult, but there are far too many people who see the corruption, the hate that plagues our world. They will be ready for freedom from it, good will win."

"How can you be so sure? Habit is not so easily conquered."

"Yet, you can break a habit in a day."

"Yes, but you cannot make a new one so quickly. This mission, this goal, it's not just removing one corrupt leader, it's undoing an entire structure, an entire world of corruption, hate, and prejudice. It is breaking generations of corruption. Those who play to the side of the corruption do not care for what is right and good, this mission will cost lives, innocent lives. They use children as soldiers and orphans as sacrifices. How on earth are we supposed to defeat them, when they will willingly sacrifice millions to keep their power?"

"Because, when given the choice, when told the truth, all those soldiers and sacrifices will not stand with a group of people who do not care whether they live or die. When they discover the truth, the armies of corruption will crumble. Do not worry yourself with this now, your parents know what they are doing, they have been fighting this fight for generations, and they will handle the details, just focus on what you have been told to do and trust them." Flitwick said, his words calming the fear in Severus who only nodded in reply before beginning to walk down the corridor once again. He was about to turn the corner when Flitwick called out after him, "Oh, and Severus, do try to get some rest, this is not your burden to carry so do not let it keep you from resting. Worrying will do you no good." With that the Ravenclaw head of house walked away himself, leaving Severus in the corridor alone, once again with his thoughts. He would have to wait until another meeting with his parents to ask his mother about what Flitwick had said, it would be far too risky to send a letter. She was supposed to be dead, and he was not in the mood to try and code a letter. Besides, he would be called back in another week or so, and he could ask then. For now, he knew he needed to get some rest, classes were canceled the following day, but that did not mean that he would have nothing to do. There was a school full of students waiting to be given an explanation, and inevitably there was a group of them who would be wanting comfort as they mourned their friend. Severus had never been given that task from the headmaster, the staff thought him incapable of doing it. Yet, Severus was not blind to the fact that the Slytherins would be mourning just as the others, he also was well aware that there was one child in the castle who would be blaming himself, no one else would be able to understand that. Besides, his father wanted him to befriend the boy anyway. He would visit him in the hospital wing first thing, hopefully it would be before the others woke up, that way he wouldn't have to come up with an explanation.

Chapter 3

The next morning Severus rose before the sun and got himself ready for the day. He hadn't gotten much sleep as he tossed and turned his mind refusing to stop. He was at the hospital wing as the sun broke over the distant mountains, Harry was sitting up in his bed looking out the windows on the far wall. Pomfrey was in her office with the door shut, so Severus walked calmly towards the boy. His face was tear stained, his body still shaking slightly, Severus hadn't asked his father what had happened, but he knew that the shaking was most likely from fear and emotion rather than pain.

"I always liked the sunrise. A promise of new beginnings." Severus broke the silence, allowing his thoughts of the moment to be spoken rather than hidden.

"Sir?" Harry asked, he was shocked to see his potions professor by his bed, even more shocked to hear him say something like that.

"Especially after nights like the one you experienced. A new beginning is important. One cannot allow the night to last forever, not when it won't change anything."

"You mean because Cedric can't come back." Harry spoke hesitantly, worried that the man before him would snap back and treat him with disinterest as he had for so long.

"Precisely."

"But, I should have been able to save him."

"Nonsense. I highly doubt that Dumbledore himself would have been able to save the boy."

"What do you mean?"

"Have you ever really experienced dark magic? Studied it? Read anything on it?" Severus asked the boy in front of him.

"No."

"I thought not. Dark magic is uncontrollable. The spell used to raise the Dark Lord was some of the darkest magic in existence. Not even the Dark Lord could control it once the spell was cast. The darkness would surround the area, eat at those present, corrupt their minds until it faded. I would estimate that this specific spell would do so for at least three hours if not more."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that anyone present when the spell was cast, would be fighting imperius level mind control, it would be eating at them, making them want to kill, harm, and destroy. Some might could fight it, for example someone who could survive a death curse… but others, would fall to its power until it faded, they would have no conscience, no heart, just a want for blood and pain. It is the price of dark magic. Mr. Diggory had a very small chance of surviving the situation, whether because the others present would be affected in that way, or because he would have been. The chance of survival would have been almost nonexistent for the boy, with the fault falling to none but the spell caster himself." Severus explained. Dark magic was confusing, and many in the wizarding world refused to study it enough to realize that the very act of casting a dark spell would corrupt the witch or wizard who cast it, with no reference to who it was or how much power they held. Not even his father could escape the price of dark magic.

"You're telling me it wasn't my fault." Harry stated, a confused look on his face as he realized that the potions master who had never shown any form of care for him for so long had taken the time to come and tell him, with reason, that it hadn't been his fault. Other professors had told him the same, but none of them had a reason, they had just all insisted that it wasn't his fault without any question of what happened, or any reason as to how it couldn't have been. But, Snape had come with the same statement, but he had told Harry exactly why it wasn't his fault.

"The fault of what happened in that graveyard lies only with the one who cast the spell."

"Do you know who cast it?" Harry asked, he was curious as to how much Snape had been told.

"Yes. Yet, I was not told by the headmaster."

"Then how do you know?"

"When I was your age I made the decision that my family was more important than any side in a war. The corrupt leadership of this world had taken too much from my family. So, I became a spy." Severus explained, raising his sleeve to show Harry the Dark Mark he bore. He knew that Harry would assume that he was a spy for Dumbledore, so it would bear no issue to show the mark, as long as he never said exactly who he spied on and who he spied for.

"So, you were there. You answered his call."

"I was not present at the graveyard, no. I was however at the meeting following the incident, and all was explained then." Severus answered. The boy didn't have to know that he had been told everything by Lucius as he walked out of the manor the previous night because he had missed the formal meeting, he had been to a meeting, and he had the information, so there was no need to give details.

"Why is he doing it? Why does he even want the power? Why does he want me dead?" Harry asked, his eyes pleading for an explanation. Clearly the old man had not told the boy anything.

"He is doing it because he sees a different version of the wizarding world and he wants it to be that way, not the way it is. He doest want the power, he simply wants the power taken from those who currently possess it, he already has plenty of power himself. He doesn't want you dead."

"Then why is he trying to kill me? Why did he try to kill me when I was a baby?"

"Once again, may I remind you that dark magic corrupts. The day he came after you and your family he had used quite a bit of it. He had made a final move to set in action his plan, and he slipped up. He didn't want to kill you or your parents. He was there for an entirely different reason and your father attacked him, leaving him no other choice but to fight. That coupled with the corruption of the magic and everything went south very quickly. As for currently he does not wish to kill you, only to open your eyes to his side of the story."

"You sound like you are protecting him."

"I do not stand with all he does, but I do see why one would wish to change the ways things are in this world, I believe you would as well if you would open your eyes long enough to look past your blinding loyalty. The wizarding world is full of corruption and prejudice, anyone with eyes can see that." Severus explained. He knew it was far too early to tell the boy where his loyalty lies, but he wasn't about to lie to the boy. Besides, he never had fully agreed with his father, he thought it was stupid to make the death eaters wear those ugly masks.

"I don't understand…"

"Harry, I do not wish to make you lose what you have by realizing what it actually is, you have already lost enough and been through enough. I also do not wish to pretend as if I do not have a difficult time separating you from your father and treating you as such. Yet, I do wish to open your eyes to the world you have decided you must save. You hear all the time that death eaters and the Dark Lord are against muggles and muggle borns, correct?"

"Yes sir."

"Let me ask you this, when was the last time your friends looked at a slytherin and decided to see who they were before judging them and writing them off as evil? When was the last time your friends gave a pureblood born of a former evil family a chance to be different than their families? Are you yourself like the family you grew up with? When have you ever looked past their labels and seen who they truly were before judging them? And why precisely, do you think so many Slytherins end up being exactly who you label them as, when you never give them the chance to be anything different?" With that Severus turned to leave, he made it to the door before pausing and turning once more, "Do not allow the lies and opinions of others label who you are or what you are to do. You did your best, nobody could have stopped what happened. You brought him home, that is more than most would succeed at. Give yourself the chance to be who you are rather than who they want you to be, and give others that same chance. I believe if you answer those questions I asked, and if you begin to look past the labels you will see what I have told you. My door is always open." With that he swept out of the room and headed to the Great Hall leaving Harry to ponder what he had said. Harry was in shock at the fact that his potions professor had just had that conversation with him. He had never seen the man like that, never seen the man be kind to him, let alone go clearly out of his way to help him. Harry had needed someone to give him a reason as to why it wasn't his fault that Cedric died, that way he could fight the lies in his head with more than just a statement that he didn't fully believe. The questions he had asked were what was confusing Harry the most. He had never thought about whether his friends were prejudiced. He had never thought about the way that Ron had always immediately hated every Slytherin he saw, he never thought about the way every Griffindor seemed to immediately hate Snape before they had even had a class with him, before he had even taken any points. He did take points quite a bit though, then again, he only ever took points from the other students when they made big mistakes, Harry was the only one he treated differently, and even then he just ignored him. Sure, he was a little bit stricter, but maybe that was just his personality, he was no more strict than McGonagall, but students just seemed to never respect him. So, it made sense that he had to take more points. Then there was the fact that he had just admitted to treating Harry badly, he had said he had trouble separating him from his father, which almost confused Harry more, why on earth would Snape hate his father to such an extent. He would have to ask someone about that, but he would need to figure out who would be best to ask. It had to be someone that wouldn't be biased, so no Gryffindors or Slytherins. It had to be someone who would have been at the school when Snape and Harry's father were students, so no newer professors. Which left the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff heads of house. Harry didn't know what Sprout would know, and he knew she had always spoken highly of his father. Harry didn't know Professor Flitwick well, but he had seen him talk to Snape before. He would ask him the moment he could get out of this stupid hospital wing.

Flitwick was in his office, he had barely had any time to sit and think since the night of the end of the tournament. He had been comforting students, contacting parents, grading homework, and trying his best to keep an eye on Severus who looked like he hadn't slept or eaten properly in days. He had just gotten back to his office after calming one of his students, who had just happened to be Cedric's girlfriend. He still had a stack of papers to grade before he could turn in, and he was hoping to stop by and check on Severus tonight. He was snapped out of his thoughts as someone knocked on the door,

"Come in." He called out, curious as to who it would be.

"Professor Flitwick?"

"Harry. Come in my boy, what brings you here tonight?" Flitwick was sure he had just been let free from the care of the medi-witch hours ago, and had not expected to see him personally again until after the break.

"I was wondering if I could ask you something."

"Of course, I am always happy to help in any way I can."

"Well, Sir, you see, Professor Snape visited me the other day."

"He did? That was nice of him."

"Yes sir. He explained to me that it wasn't my fault Cedric died… That dark magic…"

"That Dark magic corrupts the mind? Do not fear speaking openly with me about him, I know the knowledge he possesses." Flitwick encouraged.

"Right. Well, sir, you see he then asked me some questions for me to think about and encouraged me not to let people's opinions dictate who I became."

"That is very good advice, I am glad he took the time to share it, although I do not know how that is a question." Flitwick prompted.

"Yes sir. Sorry sir. He told me that he struggled with separating me from my father, I think it might have been his way of apologizing, only I don't know why he would hate my father so much. I know that most of you professors probably know why, but I didn't want a biased answer, so I was wondering if you could tell me what my father did to him that would make Snape hate him so much?" Harry blurted out, he was speaking fast as he wrung his hands together in his lap. He had never talked to the charms professor alone before, and he didn't know if he was overstepping his bounds by coming to him.

"I will happily give you that information, but let me get one thing straight before I do. Severus Snape does not and did not hate your father."

"But, then why would he treat me the way he did, why would he say it the way he did, clearly…"

"Clearly he had something against him. Yes." Flitwick interrupted Harry, taking a breath and straightening himself in his chair before continuing. "But, in all the years I have known Severus, which is quite a while since his mother was a Ravenclaw, he has never hated easily. He, and his entire family, hold a very heavy opinion of that word. They believe, as do I, that the word Hate should not be thrown around, and should not be bestowed upon things that do not deserve it, just as Love should not. He only hates one person, and it is not my place to tell you who that person is, or why he thinks them worthy of hate. It is, however, very much within my capability to make sure you understand that the one person Severus hates has never been, and will never be, your father." Flitwick clarified. He remembered very well the conversation he had with Severus' mother when she was a student, the way she viewed hate. He also remembered when Severus had told him that he hated Dumbledore, and the way it pained the boy to accept that he did in fact hate someone. Yet, with what Flitwick knew of Dumbledore's actions to both Severus and his parents, specifically his mother, he couldn't blame the boy at the time, because he hated him too.

"So what does he have against him?"

"When they were students here, your father was friends with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. They bullied Severus, they played tricks on him, made him trip in the halls, stole his books, tore his homework, used spells to flip him upside down and humiliate him in front of the other students. Severus was quiet, he didn't talk to many people, he only had one friend, your mother. James had a crush on her and didn't like that she would spend time with Severus, so he responded by bullying him. Sirius joined in without second thought, he didn't like Slytherins. Remus was more reluctant, but they were his only friends, so he played along. As you know, Remus is a werewolf. One day James and Sirius took it too far, and on a full moon tricked Severus into going into the shrieking shack; he almost died that night. Neither James nor Sirius was punished beyond a few points lost to Gryffindor, Severus was given detention for being out after curfew." Flitwick explained, his eyes sad. He remembered the night well, it was the night he had discovered who Severus' parents were. That night, Severus had looked more like his father than ever before, for someone who knew who his mother was it was almost impossible to miss the resemblance.

"You mean my dad tried to kill him…"

"Yes, although it was said to be Sirius' idea, James went along with it." Flitwick answered, he wasn't going to lie to the boy. If Severus was trying to get the boy to see the truth of the wizarding world, he would help in any way he could, which meant he would not hold back the truth.

"Nobody ever told me.."

"No. I dare say they wouldn't have. It was covered up on account of hiding Remus' true identity. Only those who taught during the time knew it occurred."

"But they all talk so highly of my father…"

"He was a Gryffindor, was he not?"

"You say that like it explains everything about it." Harry replied, disbelief on his face.

"In this world, my boy, I'm afraid it does. There are very very few people who would dirty the name of a Gryffindor on account of a Slytherin. Or even on account of a Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. In this world, if you are a Gryffindor, you are everything good and right in the world no matter how you treat other people. Even I, in my past, have fallen to the lie of protecting them above others."

"What do you mean?"

"I had a student, a long time ago, who was hurt by a very popular and loved Gryffindor in a way that nobody should ever be hurt, and instead of fighting for my student, I covered it up. I regret that decision everyday. Evil is evil, no matter what their name is or what house they are sorted into." Flitwick answered.

"I think that's what Snape was talking about. He told me to look closer at the way my friends treat others, at their prejudice, at my own. He must have meant that."

"I am sure in some ways he did."

"You think he meant something else?"

"I think he meant quite a few things. I know for a fact he wishes peoples eyes would open to the prejudice against all things non Gryffindor. Yet, I also know that he was warning you. The world views you as the boy who lived, as the hero. If you let them label you and judge you, and you accept those labels and judgements, you will lose who you are. We are all different from one another, and therefore Slytherins who have generations of dark magic in their DNA can be heroes and people who fight for good. And Gryffindors who have generations of heroes in their DNA can be evil and cruel. We all make our own choices, and until the prejudice goes away, nobody will be seen for who they are, and people will be killed on account of others' sins."

"Can I ask you something that might offend you?" Harry asked, hesitating, but wanting to know what the professor thought.

"Of course. You may ask me any question you would like, I strive to let all students know the truth of the answers they seek."

"Do you think what Voldemort is fighting for is right?" Harry almost whispered the question, but he asked it anyway. He wanted to know the answer. Snape had made it sound like he agreed with what Voldemort was fighting for, just not how he was fighting. If Flitwick agreed with Snape about the prejudice of the wizarding world, would he agree with Voldemort wanting it to change. And if they both thought it needed to change, did Harry?

"That is a hard question. I confess I have not given it much thought, but I will answer as truthfully as possible. I do not believe that anything is worth war, too many lives are lost that way. It is not worth it. But, I do fully believe that things need to change, I have seen far too much hurt and frankly far too much death because of the way things are now. I do not agree with how he is going about it, and I never will, hence why I do not bear his mark, but I do agree with him that things need to change desperately." Flitwick answered truthfully.

"So why do you teach and side with the current system?"

"I do not side with the current system, I work in the current system so that the students under me may find protection from the current system, and so that I can answer questions from students like the ones you are asking now. If the only teachers in this school are prejudiced teachers, how are any of the students in this school going to see the truth?" Flitwick asked Harry. He could almost see the wheels turning in the boy's head as he began to figure out the truth.

"Thank you professor." Harry said, as he stood to leave.

"You're welcome Harry, and know that my door is always open if you have any more questions." Harry only nodded in response before leaving the office. He was beginning to think that he had been living a lie. I do not wish to make you lose what you have. That's what Snape had said before he asked the questions, before he unveiled the lie of Hogwarts. Harry was beginning to understand why he had said that. He was beginning to understand that Snape understood more than he thought he did. Snape had even mentioned that Harry wasn't like the family he lived with. He hadn't said Harry wasn't like "his" family, he had said "the" family. Did Snape know? He must know, which means he was saying that if Harry had come from that without being like them, than the other students could come from their homes without being like the people who raised them. Which meant that all the Slytherin students that Ron had told him were children of death eaters, and who were descendants of those involved with dark magic could easily be totally different than their families, just like he was. That opened another question though, because if Voldemort really was fighting for something good, were death eaters even bad in the first place? Harry thought he remembered hearing that the name "death eater" hadn't come from the group themselves but an outside source. So, what did that mean about what they actually stood for. Who did Snape hate? And who was the student of Professor Flitwicks that had been hurt? Who was the Gryffindor who hurt them? And what did they do? There were so many questions. Harry walked the halls thinking, he knew it was probably approaching curfew but he wasn't ready to go back to the common room. He was beginning to understand that his friends in Gryffindor were just as prejudiced and hateful as everybody else. Which made Harry wonder, what on earth was he supposed to do now?"

Chapter 4

Severus was in his office, he knew it was well past nightfall, and he knew that he should probably try to get some rest, but instead he sat at his desk. He wasn't working, the papers he still had to grade sat in a pile untouched, and the potion ingredients for the potions he needed to brew for Pomfrey sat in a pile waiting to be used. He simply sat. Thinking. He was waiting on a call from his father. Waiting to be able to ask his mother for the truth. Waiting for Harry to come to him or for there to be a chance for him to go to Harry. He was waiting on his mind to stop constantly going, for the fear of this being fake to fade away. So there he sat, as he had every night since the tournament, staring at the fire across the room doing nothing. He didn't even speak when there was a knock at the door, so when it opened he looked up about to snap out in anger before seeing who it was,

"Flitwick."

"Severus."

"What are you doing here? Surely you have better things to do."

"Of course I have other things to do, as I am sure you do. Or is it part of your job to stare into the fire?"

"I was just thinking for a moment." Severus answered, sighing as he let the anger and snappiness go, he needed someone to be able to trust, Filius is the only one in the school he could do so with, it wouldn't do to run him off.

"Seems to be the thing to do tonight. Earlier tonight Harry was in my office doing the same thing, although his thinking had more questions than staring into fires."

"What kind of questions?"

"Well he came to my office to ask me why you hated his father."

"I didn't hate his father." Snape almost growled.

"So I told him, just as I told him that you only hate one person. Although, I did not think it my place to tell him who that person is. After I explained what happened between you and his father he asked some other questions about what you had talked to him about. He asked quite a bit about prejudice and your father."

"I'm glad he is actually thinking about it. I was worried that since it came from me he would ignore it."

"He might have, if you had not taken the time to tell him that it wasn't his fault Cedric died."

"Others told him the same, I do not know why that would change the situation."

"You are very right, others did tell him that. Alas, though, none of them told him how that was the truth though. Only you told him what was actually at fault. The boy is smart, he doesn't like being lied to, and he doesn't just accept random statements, he blamed himself and until you told him why it couldn't have been his fault, he believed that it was." Flitwick explained, Severus had lifted a very heavy burden from the boy's shoulders, and that would never be forgotten.

"Yet another reason why others should know the effects of dark magic. He shouldn't have carried that burden at all, let alone for as long as he did."

"I agree, but until things change it will never happen." As Filius spoke Severus' arm began to burn, he grabbed it with his other hand, pushing up the fabric of his sleeve.

"He's calling." It was just a whisper but the other man heard,

"Go, I will inform the headmaster where you are."

"Thank you, Flitwick." With that the younger man swept out of the room and down the dark corridor leaving the charms professor alone.

Severus had immediately responded to the call, then he had calmly waited for the entirety of the meeting, acting as if he was just another death eater, hoping that his father would ask him to stay behind. Yet, the meeting had ended, and the dismissal given and his father had said nothing, so, Severus did something stupid,

"My Lord, If I may have a word with you, privately." He spoke, kneeling as he did so, hoping that his father wouldn't punish him, and hoping that his feigned humility would make the others believe that he wasn't favored for some reason. Severus heard Lucius take a sharp intake of breath, he knew that Severus was closer to the Dark Lord than most, but he didn't know the truth, and he was sure his friend would be punished for that. Severus didn't dare look up at his father, he just stared at the ground hoping and praying that his father would consent, and maybe not hex him.

"Very well." It was all that was said. Nothing else. The others in the room would think nothing of it, and Severus could hear them apparating away. But, Severus was not just anyone, and he could hear the anger in his fathers words, so he kept his eyes fixed on the ground.

"Shall we go to the study?" His father asked, he then turned and left forcing his son to scramble to stand and follow without another word. When they entered the study Voldemort slammed the door, locking it with a spell and placing a silencing charm before turning to his son,

"What the HELL do you think you were doing!" He yelled, every bit of anger that Severus had heard in his earlier words coming out.

"I needed to talk to you, and you didn't ask me to stay, Lucius always stays until everyone else leaves so it wasn't like I could just wait, and you were walking away…."

"So you just decided it was the best thing to speak up? I raised you with more of a brain than that! You never speak up." Voldemort spat, his words like venom. Severus saw his mother transform out of the corner of his eye, but he didn't dare turn away from his father, he at least knew better than that.

"I. Had. To." Severus replied, his voice just as dangerously low. If anyone else had been in the room it would have been easy to see the resemblance between the two of them. Severus had never fully looked like his father, although he shared his hair color and eyes, he never would be called his fathers doppelganger, but when he was mad, it was almost impossible to see the difference.

"WHY!?"

"Because you have been hiding things from me!" Severus yelled back, his fist clenched by his side, as his eyes were locked in a power struggle with his father.

"What the hell are you talking about?!"

"What did he do to mom?" Severus had stopped yelling, his voice deadly calm and controlled, his eyes flashing with anger and power.

"I will tell you what I…."

"ENOUGH!" Haven's voice cut off her husband, as she stepped between the two men, pushing her husband back.

"NO! You are not writing this off and covering it up. I deserve to know the bloody truth about the man you are forcing me to place myself under like a lost puppy, like I bloody need him." Severus spat.

"Fine. I will tell you. But, Severus, you must understand that this is not going to help you in any way, and it might make your mission harder, because at the end of the day you have to go back to Hogwarts and you have to pretend to serve him." Haven said, her eyes sad and her voice suddenly tired.

"I can handle it."

"Very well. When I was in my seventh year, Dumbledore took a liking to me. When it started I wasn't sure why, I thought maybe that it was just him being a teacher wanting to help a student, I was wrong. When he started getting weird and standing really close to me and touching me more than he should I asked him to stop, he gave me detention for talking back to him. He forced himself on me over and over. By the time I made it back to the common room my clothes were ripped, I had bruises forming and I couldn't stop the tears. Flitwick found me, he asked me what had happened and I told him. He helped me clean up, gave me a new uniform, and told me that his door was always open if I wanted to talk about it and that he would handle Dumbledore. He covered it up, but Dumbledore never touched me again, so I didn't say anything. But, I missed my next period, and found out I was pregnant. Flitwick once again helped me, we hid the pregnancy until the end of term and then your father and I stayed with him over the summer, the baby was born halfway through the summer and we were able to find a home for him. Tom and I married and you came quickly after. It wasn't until later that I discovered that Dumbledore had found out about the child, he had found him and in fear of him having been corrupted by Tom and I, he got him bit by a werewolf in hopes that it would make the boy braver and get him sorted into Gryffindor. The boy ended up going to Hogwarts the same year you did, and to Dumbledore's pleasure, he was sorted into Gryffindor and placed in the perfect spot to be brainwashed and controlled, and I lost the ability to reach him, to protect him from the lies. Flitwick long ago apologized for his stupidity, his own prejudice and has done his best to make up for it. The entire time the two of you were at Hogwarts he watched over you, and did his best to show you both the truth. He thinks he might have succeeded with my other son, but he was never sure." Haven explained, tears falling throughout the story. Her words were forced and shaky. Every now and then Severus would see his father tighten his grip on the back of the chair he stood next to, the anger clearly written on his face. Severus didn't know what to think, he was shocked, hurt, angry. He wanted to kill Albus Dumbledore.

"Who is my brother?" In reality Severus knew who the only werewolf in his class had been, but he wanted to know for sure.

"Remus Lupin." Haven answered. Severus only nodded in return, his anger radiating off of him. Voldemort was looking at his son, he could feel the power swirling around him, the magic radiating through him. He had never seen his son like this, never known the extent of his power. Yet, he was beginning to realize just who his son was. He was strong and defiant, he didn't let fear control him, he always pushed through. He welcomed pain like an old friend, and he never let others' words and opinions change who he was. He was kind and loving and he held others over himself. He struggled with grudges and he tended to never give up on revenge, but everyone had faults and he clearly inherited that from Voldemort himself, so he couldn't very well hold that against the boy.

"I hate him." Severus' whispered words broke Voldemort out of his thoughts, he glanced to his wife to see a sad look on her face, tears falling silently down her face. She never used the word hate unless she truly meant it, and she had raised Severus the same way, so him saying it meant he truly felt that way.

"Me too." Voldemort replied, looking at the brokenness the man had brought on his family made him hate him more each and every day. It didn't help that the man had basically taken away his second son from him. Remus had never been his flesh and blood, but he had loved him just as he loved Severus.

"I will try to contact Remus, and see where he stands. Harry is already asking good questions that are leading him to the truth, I won't let that bastard have him." Severus explained, he moved towards the door.

"Be careful, Severus, he doesn't know who you are and if he finds out.." Haven said, moving to hug him before he could walk away. She knew the danger her son was walking into on a daily basis, she wasn't going to let him walk away without giving him a proper goodbye.

"I will."

"I love you." Haven said, pulling back from the hug and looking him in the eyes.

"I love you too, Mom."

"Goodbye Severus, watch your back." Voldemort spoke from the other side of the room, receiving a nod in reply from his son before he left the room. Once his son had left, Voldemort moved to his wife and pulled her into a protective hug. He knew that his family could take care of themselves, but he still would protect them from everything he could. He had failed her all those years ago, he wasn't going to again. Dumbledore would fall, he would be removed from power and he would never see outside the walls of Azkaban again.

Chapter 5

Severus returned to the school as the sun rose in the sky, yet another night without sleep, but he knew that even if he had made it back earlier he wouldn't have slept. When he made it to his office though he was surprised to find it occupied,

"Mr. Potter, sorry for my delay in coming, I did not know you were waiting on me." Severus said calmly as he stepped into his office, the boy turned to look as he spoke.

"It's no problem, Sir. I was fine to wait, I am sorry to bother you so early in the morning."

"It is fine, I was already awake. How may I help you?"

"I was wondering, do you serve Voldemort? I know you said you are a spy, and that you do not agree with all he does, but you do agree with his reasoning, and well, I have heard a lot recently and I have realized a lot recently about the way things are and I don't know if I fully agree with him but I think Voldemort might be on to something. I mean, I don't know everything but I know that the prejudice of this world has harmed people and anyway, I know answering this question could be dangerous, but nobody will tell me the truth and Dumbledore won't talk to me and I don't know what to do because after what I have learned and seen I feel like maybe Voldemort isn't as bad as they say he is…"

"But you are scared to say that, because all you have ever heard of him was bad." Severus interrupted the boy and finished his thought. He had felt the same way when he had started asking questions in his fifth year. He had been raised with the truth but even then the teaching of Hogwarts had made him question it.

"Exactly."

"I am not going to say I will not answer your question, but, I do not think it is what you actually need. The opinions of others can not be what makes you make decisions otherwise you will never actually make one. You need to find out the actual truth for yourself. So, instead of directly answering your question quite yet, I am going to give you a pass to the restricted section of the library with a list of three books that tell the actual unbiased truth of what has happened in the last war and a little bit before and what has happened since. I will answer your question, and I will not hide the truth from you, but If you will trust me just long enough to read these books, you won't be making your decision based on others opinions. Is that okay with you?" Severus asked, he didn't want the boy to not come to him anymore, but he also didn't want Harry to think that others' opinions were always what he needed to look for.

"Yes sir, that is fine. Thank you for helping me."

"That is what I am here for. The point of being a student is to learn the truth, and the point of being a teacher is to help in any way that you can. I wouldn't be teaching if I didn't want to help you find the truth."

"Even if the truth costs you your job?" Harry asked, curious as to how willing Snape was to help him. He was beginning to understand that the man was very different during war time than when he was during peace. Which made sense to Harry, because when one had hope that things could get better it always improved their mood.

"Even if it cost me my life." Severus answered the boy truthfully. He wanted these children free from the power of the evil man who currently sat as headmaster of Hogwarts, and he would die for that cause if he needed to.

"Is the truth worth that, Sir?"

"Harry, if there is one thing you learn from me, let it be this: the truth is the single most important thing you could ever know. It changes everything, saves us even. The truth is one of the only things in this world worth dying for."

"What else is worth it?" Harry asked, curious as to what the man valued above all else.

"Family, whether chosen family or birth family, is always next. Then, I think good and love are the only other things worth such a high price." Snape had never told these things to anyone, but he had made a decision not to lie to the boy, if this is what the boy wanted to know, than this was what he told him.

"What is the difference between birth family and chosen family?"

"Birth is the family you share blood with, so your parents, your aunt and your cousin for example. Chosen family is those people in your life who even though you do not share blood you treat them like family, love them like family. So for you I would assume that would be Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger."

"What if you wouldn't choose your birth family?" Harry asked, he thought that maybe Snape knew about his aunt and uncle and the way he was treated by them, but he wasn't sure, and he was curious as to what this man he was beginning to understand thought about it.

"Unless they have broken the unspoken vow of family, I believe you do not have a choice but to choose them. But, there are family members who will break that unspoken vow, and therefore they lose the bond of family."

"How would one break the vow?"

"Family is never to intentionally hurt or harm each other. They do their best to love each other, do what is right and best for one another, and protect each other. Therefore, a family who physically or mentally abuses you, beats you for no reason, starves you, locks you away like a prisoner, and treats you like a pet or servant, they have broken the vow. From what I can gather your aunt and cousin have done so, therefore you will have to choose your family, for that I am sorry." Severus explained, his voice hard but kind. Harry could hardly believe that this was the same man that had taught him potions all these years, but for some reason Harry just knew that this version of the man was the real one. All the things that had happened were not who he truly was, now, for some reason unknown to Harry, Severus Snape was who he was born to be.

"Thank you for answering my questions, Sir. And thank you for the books." Harry said, standing to leave.

"You are welcome. If you have any questions while reading, or any questions at all, my door is always open." Severus replied, allowing the boy to leave. He then sat at his desk, he needed to write to Remus. He was going to have to place spells on it that he knew Remus could break, but that would be secure enough to keep the letter from being read by anyone who may get it instead. Which meant he had to hope that Remus remembered the spells his friends had stolen that Severus had created himself. He wasn't sure what to write exactly, but he decided with all that had happened so far he would be blunt. So he asked him to do the ancestry spell, then he asked him to tell him what he knows of the Dark Lord and the first war. He was hoping that if Remus knew the truth and sided with their mother and Voldemort, that it would be enough of a hint to get him to open up. At the end of the letter he wrote an open invitation for a visit before signing his name and sealing the letter. He then stood from his desk and headed to the owlery to send it, before going to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Remus was in a run down hotel room on the outskirts of London, he had been on a mission doing some work for Dumbledore and had recently been called back to London to meet with the headmaster after what had happened during the tournament. He was sitting on the edge of the bed trying to force himself to pack up and keep moving but he just didn't want to. The war was starting again and he was stuck, he hated it more than anything else, he just wished he had been able to escape it when he had a chance, but Dumbledore was surprisingly hard to escape. Although Remus supposed he should have guessed that he would be, nobody that corrupt was ever easy to escape. It didn't help that no matter how stupid he was the death eaters seemingly refused to capture him and allow him a chance to switch sides, or at least be freed from this. A knock on the window broke him out of his thoughts and he moved to open the window and let the owl inside. He had never seen the owl, but when he pulled the letter from it's talon it stayed where it was,

"You are waiting for a response then?" Remus asked the owl, throwing it a treat from his bag. He then looked at the letter, it was in Snape's loopy handwriting. He could tell there was a spell sealing it, he just had to think about what it would be. He didn't think Snape would be dumb enough to put a common spell on it, not if he really wanted to protect its contents. So, it would be a more sophisticated spell, likely something the typical wizard or witch would not know. It would be one of the ones he invented that Remus knew, which only left around two or three options. Remus cast the anti-spell to each option that it could be, and the seal fell from the page. As he read it his mouth fell open in shock, Severus was clearly hinting at a different question than he was really asking, this could be Remus' way out. Why on earth did he want him to take an ancestor test though? Oh well, at this point Remus was willing to do almost anything to get out from under the control of Dumbledore. When he cast the spell though he barely could keep his legs from giving out on him in shock. The one different thing about a wizarding ancestry test than a muggle one was that the spell would tell you the relationship of the people on your list. Remus didn't care to look beyond his parents, not with what he was reading,

Father: Albus Dumbledore

Mother: Haven Snape Riddle

Relationship/way of conception: Rape

Snape. Severus was his brother, or at least his half brother. He was hinting at asking Remus if he sided with Dumbledore or not. It didn't take Remus long to realize that he was going to risk everything, if Severus sided with Dumbledore and Remus got sent to Azkaban, so be it, but if by chance his brother didn't, this was the path to freedom he had been waiting for.

"You won't need to carry a reply, I think I will visit in person." Remus told the owl who still sat on the window seal. He then moved to the fire in the corner throwing floo powder into the fire,

"Slytherin Office Hogwarts." Remus spoke clearly into the fire, that was what Severus had written at the bottom of the page. He then stepped through, hoping the man wouldn't hex him for being forward. When he stepped into the office, he saw Severus sitting at a desk against the far wall, he was writing something.

"Hello Remus, I didn't expect to see you so soon."

"Care to explain why and how our mother was raped by Dumbledore?" Remus asked, his voice harsh but refusing to wait for the basic greetings to be over.

"Happily. He is an evil bastard with a hunger for power, I plan to kill him before the end of the war, you are welcome to help." Severus answered, still looking at the paper he was writing on, but Remus could hear the anger in his voice.

"Gladly."

"So you do know the truth."

"Yes, Flitwick taught me it when I was here at school. It wasn't easy, I was clearly surrounded by people who were never going to agree, but I didn't have a way out and they were someone to talk to. I didn't know that you knew… That you were my brother."

"Don't beat yourself up for it, I didn't know until last night, until mother finally told me." Severus replied, finally looking up to meet his brother's eyes.

"She's alive?" Remus asked, Severus nodded before standing and replying,

"As is my father."

"Who is your father?"

"Whose side of the war are you on?"

"Voldemorts. I would bear his mark if he would ever get good enough death eaters to capture me long enough to tell him that."

"You don't think he is evil?"

"No, I know too much of dark magic to think that. Who is your father?"

"Voldemort." Severus answered calmly, pouring firewhisky into two glasses, pausing before he continued, "If you really want to bear the mark I think I can arrange that, they want you back."

"Back?"

"Yes, they were already in a relationship when he raped her. My father thought of you as his own. He won't ever tell you that, he doesn't do emotions well, but you will learn how to read him, you will eventually be able to understand the things he actually means when he says things. For example, if he ever tells you he is proud of you, it means he loves you. Although he will never say it." Severus explained.

"If it's any comfort my father never says it to me either." Remus half joked, taking the glass of whiskey that Severus handed to him.

"Well yes, and your father got you bit by a werewolf, mine at least has the decency to care about my wellbeing."

"He what?"

"Ahh, you didn't know. He wanted to make sure you were brave enough for Gryffindor after being corrupted by mother and my father. So, in his corrupt and evil way he got you bitten."

"Killing him is sounding better by the minute."

"Patience. We have much to do before we can make that move. First, we have to show Harry the truth, then hopefully he can lead his classmates to it as well. Our goal is to save as many of these children from him as possible." Severus stated, he knew his brother would be happy to hear about that.

"Good. He deserves to know. He isn't his father."

"So I have been learning."

"Are you allowed to go to your father whenever you want?" Remus asked, curious as to whether he could meet his mother on the same day he met his brother and learned of his family.

"Not typically, but I believe he will make an exception. Follow me." With that Severus set his glass on the desk and left the office through the door to his private quarters. He grabbed his cape and mask, shoving his extra cape into Remus' hands before leaving through the door into the hall.

Chapter 6

Remus and Severus walked swiftly through the castle and across the grounds to the apparition point before Severus grabbed Remus' arms and apparated away. Once on the grounds of the Malfoy Manor, where his father was currently housed, he turned to Remus,

"Pull the hood up over your head and cover your face. Do not take it off until we are alone in the room with my father."

"Just try not to let them kill me." Remus smirked.

"Don't tempt me." Severus remarked, before turning on his heel and walking to the door, banging his fist on it twice. It took a few minutes but eventually it opened,

"Severus, I wasn't expecting you."

"I am here to see the Dark Lord, personal business."

"You know where he is." Lucius replied before turning and walking away, leaving Severus and Remus to enter the house themselves. Once inside Remus closed the door behind them before following Severus down the hall. They made it to the very end of the hall before Severus turned to the left and knocked on the closed door.

"Enter." The voice was deep and focused, clearly they were interrupting something, perfect.

"My Lord, my apologies for coming unannounced, but I have something to discuss with you." Severus explained, as he entered, Remus followed close behind, leaving his hood up until it was clear that they were not going to be interrupted.

"Close the door." Voldemort commanded, Severus not even hesitating to obey, casting a silencing and locking spell while he did so.

"What is it?" Voldemort asked, once his son had cast the spells. Remus chose this moment to remove his hood, he wasn't sure it was the right one, but he was sick of waiting, he wasn't good at it. Voldemort stood from his chair, shock on his face as he saw who the other man was,

"Father. He knows, he wishes to bear your mark." Severus explained, hoping that he wouldn't get yelled at for this.

"You want to bear my mark?" Voldemort asked, shock clearly written across his face.

"Yes. I have wished to for quite some time. Yet, I had not been able to find a way to escape the grasp of Dumbledore until I received Severus' letter."

"I will willingly welcome you into my ranks, you are as much my son as Severus is."

"Where is mother?" Severus asked, glancing at his brother before turning back to his father.

"She went for a walk, I summoned her when I realized it was you. She should be here soon." Voldemort answered. They fell into silence at that, to Severus it wasn't awkward, it was what he had grown up with, but to Remus it felt like torture, his stomach was turning with nerves at the fact that he was about to meet his mother. His brain was turning at all he had learned in one day. He thought there was nothing that would surprise him at this point, but he was proven wrong when a giant snake entered the room and then morphed into a woman.

"Haven, Severus brought his brother home." Voldemort greeted.

"Remus." Haven breathed, shock written on her face but tears beginning to fill her eyes, it didn't take her long before she was across the room wrapping him in a hug. Both Severus and Voldemort stayed silent, Voldemort because he had nothing to say, no want to interrupt and no want to make Haven mad. Severus on the other hand was doing his best not to catch the eye of his father. The last few hours had not been good for Severus, he had been fighting a panic attack for hours ever since Harry had left his office. When Remus had come through he had been given a reason to shove it down and move on, but he knew that if his father caught his eye he would never make it out without getting caught. He had fought panic attacks all throughout his childhood and his father was always able to see when it had happened, no matter how hard Severus tried to hide it. No matter how hard Severus tried to prove that he was strong. Yet, Severus was a spy, and no matter how hard he tried to avoid his fathers eyes he could feel his fathers gaze on him. Remus and Haven were still locked in a quiet conversation, their attention fully fixed on one another. Severus was having trouble holding back the panic though, especially now that his father was clearly trying to find out what was wrong. He wanted to run but at the same time he wanted to scream and fall. He wanted to throw himself behind his father and repeat the mantra that his father was going to protect him. But he was grown now, he had seen too much. His father might be here now but he had left, he had been stopped, he wasn't the most powerful person Severus knew anymore. The panic was rising quickly, the fear of all that was coming, all that had to be done. The fear of what Dumbledore could do, what Severus could never be able to stop him from accomplishing. The things that could happen. Severus could lose everything, and it was feeling more and more real each and every moment. He could almost hear the memories of the night that he had lost it all the first time, the night he thought he was stuck forever living a lie. Alone. It was getting hard to hide it, his heart was pounding, he was beginning to sweat, his fists clenched at his side as he tried his best not to black out into the memories. It was getting harder though, the memories were so real, the silence of the house at Godric Hollow, the sound of the wind blowing through the hole in the wall. The leftover magic that pulsed through the rooms, the bodies. The feeling when he realized what had happened, the fear, all of it was so real. He could almost feel the breeze, smell the smoke, it was so real. Severus knew he had lost the battle he couldn't escape the memories,

"Dad." His voice was quiet, the sound catching in his throat. Then for Severus the room disappeared…

"Haven!" Voldemort called, catching her attention as he stood and caught his son as he fell. Severus' knees had collapsed beneath him, his eyes were glassy and far off.

"Tom, what happened?" Haven asked, moving quickly to them,

"He's having another attack. He was fighting it, but I think it was too much. There are too many memories coming to light." Voldemort answered, his grasp firm around his son.

"Pull him back." Haven responded, her voice worried, Remus standing next to her trying to figure out what was going on, and therefore be able to help. Clearly it had happened before, they knew too well of what to do.

"I can't, his walls are up. Severus, you're safe now. I'm here. It's just a memory, it's not real, none of that is happening. It's going to be okay, It's not going to happen like that again. You are safe now. We are here." Voldemort tried, his voice firm but calm, his hands still clinging to his son.

"I can't do this without them…" Severus' voice was broken, tears falling from his eyes.

"Break his walls, damn it!" Haven snapped at her husband.

"I'm bloody trying! He is stronger than me, you know that!" Voldemort replied, his eyes focused on his son.

"How can I help?" Remus asked, worry clearly written on his face.

"You can't. Only Tom can stop it. We have tried every other way." Haven answered.

"Quiet." Voldemort snapped, his voice like venom. He was completely focused on his son, trying his best to break his mental walls. They were stronger than they had been the last time Voldemort had had to do this. Finally, Voldemort forced more power behind it, pushing almost everything he had at his son's mental walls, they broke and like a tsunami all the memories Severus was seeing came flooding into Voldemort's brain. He realized what it meant, he should have sooner, they should have seen it. Severus had lost everything, and in mere hours they had expected him to go right back to the way he had lived before, they hadn't even given him time to work it through his mind. They hadn't recognized the fact that their son, who was so prone to panic, was so prone to focusing on the darkness and the pain. So prone to feeling completely alone and unprotected, he had been actually alone, living a lie for years, and they hadn't taken the time to help him through that. Of course he was struggling again, just as he had when as a child he first took on the lie of being the perfect student at Hogwarts.

"Severus, come back. This is a memory, it's not real. We are here, you are free from the lie." Voldemort calmly spoke into his son's mind and as a whisper in the room around them. Severus broke out of the memory like waking from a dream, he blinked his eyes quickly trying to bring the room into focus, he could feel someone's arms around him, holding him in a way that reminded him of his childhood, the nights he would wake from a nightmare and his father would sit by him on the bed and remind him he was safe. As his vision came into focus Severus saw his mother and brother standing in front of him,

"Severus, you're safe, we're back, I won't let that happen to you again." His fathers voice cut through his thoughts as he realized that it was Voldemort who was holding him, his father was pulling him back to the real world, out of the nightmare. He could feel him in his mind, calmly soothing, being a strong presence like an immovable mountain that kept the memories at bay.

"You don't know that." Severus answered, his doubts coming to the surface. The doubts that it would indeed happen again, that Dumbledore would win no matter how hard they tried. That he would be stuck as a spy, alone, for the rest of his life.

"I won't make the same mistake again, I'm done with the dark magic, you know that. I won't risk the curse. I'm going to protect you, I promise.

"You lied." Severus bit back. He had heard those words before, that he would be safe. All his life that had been what his father had told him to bring him out of his attacks, to comfort him. He had lied before, he had left him alone.

"I know I did. I will forever be sorry about that, I won't do it again." Voldemort vowed, his attention was fully focused on his son. He paid no attention to his wife or Remus, he didn't care about them at the moment. He had failed his son, his flesh and blood who he was supposed to protect, to save. His little boy had been left alone because of him, just like he had been by his parents, he had vowed never to do that. He gripped Severus tighter to his chest, as he had done when he was a child.

"I can't do it again, not alone."

"You are not alone, my son, you will never be alone, not while I have anything to say about it."

"It's so real, I can't get it out of my head." Severus whispered, he knew that his father had seen everything, he always did when he broke his mental walls to pull him out.

"I know, but you must remember that it isn't real, that it is over, it's a memory. We are here, it's over." At his fathers words he stayed silent, there was no use demanding more comfort, his father was right. It was a memory, it wasn't real anymore. He took a moment to take comfort in his father, knowing that after this moment Severus would have to be the version of a man that his father wished him to be. He had to be strong. After a moment Severus stiffened his muscles, moving slowly away from his father, both of them rising from the ground. Neither saying another word as they moved on to pretend that nothing had happened, it was their routine, they worked through it, then they acted as if it hadn't happened. Severus had come to understand that it was the way his father wanted it, pretending like the weakness didn't exist, pretending like his son wasn't able to be beaten by fear alone.

"Severus? Are you okay?" Haven asked, moving towards her son, a comforting hand resting on his shoulder.

"Fine." Severus mumbled back, his eyes locked on the far wall.

"Clearly that isn't the truth." Remus spoke up. He had known the man for a very long time, and while he was a professional liar, once his feelings were out in the open he always struggled to put them back and his lies became easier to read. Remus had learned that when they were children, after his friends would bully him. Severus fixed him with a death glare, his eyes like fire.

"I said I am fine." He replied, his anger making his voice like venom.

"You're lying. There isn't anyone alive that could have a flashback like that, a panic attack like that and be fine minutes later. This isn't something to brush under the rug or it will never get fixed. Burying this pain doesn't make you stronger."

"I'm not burying it, I am fine."

"We all know that's not true. Look, I get it, it's hard to face your weakness, your fear. I live with it every month, but this is nonsense. You can't just bury the pain of what you have been through, of the life you have been forced to live. You are the prime example of why things have to change, why we are fighting this fight to begin with. It's not weakness to experience pain, to have felt love, that is strength, and you are the strongest person I know because I don't think I could have ever survived it." Remus honestly replied, his voice serious and calm. Haven and Voldemort watched the interaction with interest, Haven was concerned for them both as they debated one another, she had always known Severus to hide his emotions, he seemed to think that it was a weakness, exactly like his father did. Voldemort, on the other hand, was watching with a smirk on his face, they truly were their children. Severus almost entirely his father made over while Remus seemed to be exactly like his mother.

"Remus, I am not a child, I will decide when I am and when I am not fine. End of story." Severus spat back.

"Bull shit. Until you can prove that you actually have worked through this, until you don't have attacks anymore, someone will have to tell you what to do because you clearly cannot handle it yourself. End. Of. Story." Remus snapped back.

"Enough! Both of you. Severus, you have fought this mental battle for years, you decide how you wish to do so, but know that we agree with your brother this does not make you weak, it never will. If you need our help, please come to us. Remus, leave him to do what he wishes with it, he is an adult, besides if the two of you keep arguing I won't have a chance to give you the mark before you have to leave." Voldemort commanded, Severus immediately biting his tongue from responding, once again his father had spoken and that was final. Remus seemed to almost respond, before he picked up on it as well and also held his tongue.

"Come, we shall have dinner and then you can get your mark." Haven said, before linking her hand in her husband's arm and leading the group into the other room.

Chapter 7

That night both Severus and Remus returned to Hogwarts and spent some time discussing Harry before Remus left the castle and returned to his room in London. He bore the mark and had the robes and masks so they would be seeing each other at the next meeting and Severus had things to do. He graded final tests and papers finishing up for the night knowing that tomorrow was the last full day students would be at the castle, and that he needed to turn their final grades into the headmaster. He then turned in for the night sleeping well for the first time in weeks. He woke early to a knock on his door, it wasn't a pounding so he knew nothing was severely wrong, but he still got up and went to answer the door. It was a little before five in the morning so realistically it could have been anyone who had just risen early for the final day, but Severus never would have expected the face that met him on the other side of the door,

"Mr. Potter, are you okay?" Severus asked, his shock making him wonder what had happened to the boy.

"I'm okay, sir. I was just wondering if I could speak with you."

"Of course, come in." Severus answered, widening the door to allow the boy to enter.

"I read the books." Harry began as he sat in the seat that Snape motioned him too, it was in a nice living room space. The chairs and sofa were made of dark green leather that glowed somewhat in the fire light.

"Good, what is your conclusion?"

"Voldemort is right. I don't think I would have chosen to risk using dark magic, I don't think the magic is worth the price of the curse, but I can't deny that he was right. Things have to change, it's so evil and corrupt and prejudiced. I lived in a place where I wasn't wanted, where I was labeled and grouped and hated because of it, I don't want that to be this world."

"Neither do I."

"So you do follow him?"

"I do, but it is more than following for me. That is something that will be explained for you at a later time, and I dare say not in this castle."

"How can I join him, and how can I get others to see the truth?" Harry asked. He had known once he had finished the first book, when he had read that the first time Voldemort made a move was to stop the ministry from sending a man to Azkaban without a trial just because he was a Slytherin. He had read about how Voldemort had fought for equality and a lack of prejudice, how the ministry had twisted it and made him seem evil, how he had eventually been defeated because of his use of dark magic believing he could risk it to stop the others without losing his control over the curse. How he had been wrong, how his mission had still continued behind the scenes, how his followers had been killed to keep their mouths shut. He had realized the truth and now he wanted out, and he wanted his friends out as well.

"As for you joining him, as long as you do not wish to return to your aunts I believe I can have it arranged for you to stay with me and Voldemort. As for your friends, besides sharing the books with them, and writing them letters, breeding the conversations that I began to have with you, we will have to wait until next school year to really get them. Professor Flitwick will assist us with that, and we will come up with a plan for it." Severus offered.

"I want to put an end to this. I want to get away from the corruption. I want people to be given a chance before they receive a label. So, I am in, whatever our plan becomes, I am in." Harry replied, his voice steady and sure.

"Very well, when you get off the train tomorrow, go to the mens bathroom left of the station exit. Someone will be there waiting for you to bring you to meet me. It will be someone you know, either Professor Flitwick, Remus, or possibly Lucius Malfoy, but it won't be a stranger so don't go with one." Severus explained.

"Remus?"

"Yes. Yet another thing that will be explained away from the castle. I promise you will be told everything, but it is not smart to have the conversations here."

"Okay. I'll be there."

"Good. I will inform Voldemort that you will be coming." Severus said, placing a cup of tea in front of Harry. He almost wondered how the boy was doing, having seen a peer die in front of him, to have to face all he had in the last few weeks, it wasn't right for a child to go through so much.

"Is this possible? Do we even have a chance of winning?" Harry asked, he wanted so badly for things to change, but it seemed so impossible.

"I think that is a better question for a more positive person, but I do believe that it is. It has to be possible."

"Are there others who believe it can be done?"

"Of course there are, Harry. This battle is worth fighting for, we are not alone in it." Severus answered, he never wanted Harry to think that this was useless, he had fought those thoughts for far too long. This was a battle that had to be fought, it was worth it in every way.

"Thank you for showing me the truth." Harry said, standing from his seat to return to Gryffindor common room before his friends woke up.

"Of course. I will see you tomorrow. Watch your back." Severus answered, as he watched Harry walk through his office door and out into the hall. He then stood and moved to head to meet with his father to inform him of the situation and prepare for Harry to be welcomed for the summer.

Lucius Malfoy stood inside the men's bathroom at Kings Station as he heard the train pull into the station. He was waiting on Harry Potter, which was confusing enough. Yet, that wasn't all he had learned in the last day. He had learned that Severus was Voldemort's son, that Remus Lupin was his step son, and that his wife was alive, all in one day. Lucius was one of the more hard core fighters of their cause, he found no good in those who fought for the other side and therefore rarely found the ability within himself to treat them with respect of any kind. That of course had not helped the fact that they were being labeled as evil, but he couldn't help it, especially not with the Weasleys. He knew for a fact that both Arthur and Molly had been told the truth, yet they were too blindly loyal to Dumbledore and it made him beyond angry. So, while he did his best to hold his tongue, he had to admit he wasn't great at it, and his son had inherited that flaw. The point was that he was hoping that he had not made too bad of an impression on the boy he was waiting for, he didn't want to be the reason that he didn't follow the truth. Lucius knew that the boy would be there soon, it didn't take all that long for one to grab their bags from the train. After a few more minutes of waiting the door burst open Harry running through shoving his luggage before him before turning and slamming the door.

"Can you lock this?" Harry asked, his eyes wide and urgent as he looked at Lucius who cast the spell before speaking.

"It is locked, may I ask why you need it locked?"

"My uncle, he said I had to come home, he was chasing me." When Harry finished explaining the banging began happening on the door, accompanied by yelling and cursing.

"Sounds like a nice fellow. I am sure Professor Flitwick will take care of him, he is supposed to be watching as backup. We shall leave from here to meet Severus, but we cannot walk with you looking like yourself. Do you have your invisibility cloak?" Lucius asked, Severus had informed him that Harry had one, although Harry did not know that anyone but Remus knew so.

"Yes sir." Harry responded, deciding in his head to give the man a second chance now that he knew the truth. He hadn't known the reasonings for the fight, and therefore he also didn't know the reasonings behind each individual's fight or why they are the way that they are. Snape had always been hard on him, but he hadn't known why, now that he did and now that Snape was acting differently it was easier for Harry to forgive him, he was hoping the same would be true for the others.

"Wonderful, put it on, I will shrink your luggage and you may carry it in your pocket. We will then calmly exit the bathroom, you under your cloak and quiet, and me normally. You will follow me up the road to where we will meet Severus and then continue to quietly follow, staying hidden, until the moment when Severus tells you that you are safe to remove your cloak. Under no circumstances are you to remove the cloak and show that you are with me, or with Severus and I. Do you have any questions?" Lucius asked the boy calmly.

"No sir, I will stay hidden and quiet." Harry responded, it seemed like an easy enough task.

"Good. Walk near me but try not to run into me. If you need me, or if something goes wrong and you need help or see something that could be a threat grab my wrist. If I feel you grab my wrist I will first scan our surroundings to make sure it isn't an outward threat I can deal with without you being seen, if there isn't one I will nudge you back and you are to whisper why you grabbed my wrist." Lucius explained, wanting to cover every possible situation the boy could need an answer for.

"Okay." With Harry's answer, Lucius shrunk his luggage and handed them to the boy, the owl cage was empty so he assumed Harry had sent his owl off on a mission so he shrunk it as well. Then he stood by as Harry placed his cloak over him before stepping to the door and grabbing the handle.

"Ready?" Lucius asked, pausing with his hand on the door. He could no longer see Harry so he wanted to make sure they were both on the same page.

"Yes." A voice came from close behind him.

"Okay." Lucius opened the door to the men's bathroom and stepped out, thankful to see that Professor Flitwick did indeed seem to be handling the foretold of uncle. He made his way calmly through the crowds, knowing that Narcissa was picking up Draco, before walking to the train and boarding before it yet again returned to Hogsmeade. The ride went quicker without the children on the train as magic returned it home quicker than it let it go. Once they made it to Hogsmede Lucius moved Harry beside him as they walked up the road through Hogsmeade towards the meeting point. The sky was clouded and the streets quiet and empty, which made it easy for Lucius as he made his way through them hoping the boy was still behind him. When he felt a hand on his wrist he paused, scanning the area in the most natural way he could muster he saw why the boy had grabbed his wrist. Albus Dumbledore was making his way down the street, Professor McGonagall by his side.

"Stay behind me. I don't think he can actually see through your cloak but better safe than sorry." Lucius whispered, barely moving his mouth, only getting a squeeze on his wrist in return. He continued walking, Harry's grip on his wrist as he clearly stayed closer to the man. He knew that Albus saw him, he would be hard to miss with how empty the street was, but he also knew that he could handle a conversation if needed.

"Mr. Malfoy, how delightful to see you, what brings you to this side of Hogsmede?" Albus greeted, a fake smile plastered on his face.

"Dumbledore, Minerva." Lucius nodded in greeting, pausing his stride and turning to where Harry could hide behind him before continuing, "I have a meeting with Severus regarding Draco's behavior this past semester, we are meeting up the road from here." Lucius responded, making sure Dumbledore's eyes stayed on his own.

"Wonderful, I am sure everything will be fine." Albus replied, eyeing the man's face with curiosity.

"As am I, although regretfully I must go or I will be late." Lucius answered, the others nodded their farewells before setting off down the street, Lucius then calmly and carefully grabbed Harry's arm and moved him in front of him before starting off walking again. He occasionally used the windows and mirrors in and on the buildings to keep an eye on the group behind him, but they neither turned nor seemed bothered. Once they made it to the end of the street and started up the hill towards the crossroads that would lead to Hogwarts they could see Severus in the distance. The walk up the hill was not long, but he took it at a relaxed place, making sure that Harry stayed in front of him hidden by his body, on the off chance that Albus could sense his presence or see through the cloak. When he topped the hill he locked eyes with Severus,

"Severus, sorry I am a minute late, I ran into Dumbledore in the town." Lucius greeted, using his words to pass along the message of what had occurred, without giving away that there was another person with him.

"It is fine, Lucius, I haven't been waiting that long. Did you have an easy journey?" Severus asked, trying to scan around Lucius to spot the boy. When he saw a quick glimpse of a finger near Lucius's hand he realized they had both made it.

"Yes, of course. Easy as ever."

"Fabulous, if you will follow me, I thought we could go to the apparition point and go somewhere nicer. I do apologize for making you come out here just to apparate, but I did not have the opportunity to inform you of the change of plan and the house elves were insistent on cleaning my quarters today."

"Of course." Lucius responded as he followed Severus down the road further away from Hogwarts and the village. He could still feel Harry's hand around his wrist but he wasn't going to force the boy to remove it. If it helped him, Lucius didn't mind. He was not unaware of what the boy had gone through in his life, especially in the last few months so he wasn't going to make the boy remove it. Besides, he was hoping that Harry's willingness to keep Lucius as his safety net meant that there might be hope to prove to Harry that he wasn't evil. They walked for about another mile before Severus quietly grabbed Lucius' arm.

"Hand me your hand." Severus whispered, reaching towards Lucius' other arm where he assumed the boy was still holding. Once he felt the boy's hand on his own he apparated away.

They appeared in a field, a smaller manor on the other side of a thin road.

"Harry, you may take off your cloak now." Severus spoke, looking to his side and watching as the boy took off his cloak. He was still in his school uniform and his hair was messed up from his cloak.

"That was stressful." Harry smiled, folding up his cloak in his hands.

"I apologize, but there was no way around him." Lucius replied, trying his best not to let his anger against Dumbledore shine through his expression.

"Come, we mustn't be late, they are waiting." Severus motioned.

"Who all will be there?" Harry asked, his nerves getting the better of him.

"Yes, Severus, I believe you should explain things to the boy first." Lucius offered.

"Very well. We will be meeting with Remus, Voldemort, and a woman named Haven. The things I haven't told you explain why those people are present. Haven is Voldemorts wife, she faked her death during the last war and lives under the cover of Voldemort's pet snake. I am their son, Voldemort's first born, Haven's second. My mother had a child before my parents were married, although they were in a relationship. She was raped by Albus Dumbledore, she gave birth to Remus approximately sixteen months before I was born. It was covered up and forgotten. Dumbledore then found out about Remus and got him bitten by a werewolf in the hopes of making him braver and making sure he ended up a Gryffindor. We now fight to end Dumbledore's reign of power, and the bias against those who are not Gryffindors, or really any of the prejudice and hate that is plaguing our world." Severus explained, watching Harry's reactions closely. He looked like someone had killed his hero, which Severus supposed he basically had.

"So that's what you meant when you told me it was more than following for you. You fight for him because he is your dad." Harry looked at Severus, his eyes full of pain.

"No. That might have been true when I was young, but it isn't anymore. I have lived through the corruption of this world. I was punished because I was almost killed, while those who tried to kill me got off easier than I did. My mother was raped by her teacher, and he became headmaster and she was left to her own. I fight for my parents' cause because I decided it was mine as well, not because it is theirs." Severus clarified. Lucius watched the two with interest. He had never heard why Severus chose to fight for the cause, He hadn't been told the reasoning, although he knew enough to know that those reasons were not his main one, yet he also knew that nobody knew the true one.

"I thought he was good." Harry brokenly whispered, tears forming in his eyes as he tried his best to stop the flow of emotions at what he had heard.

"There was a time when I did as well. Harry, when I first started these conversations with you I told you that I didn't want you to lose what you had by recognizing what actually was. Dumbledore was part of that. I know what he means to you, what he has done for you, but I cannot hide the truth from you. He is not who you think him to be, and for that I am sorry." Severus replied.

"He is who you hate isn't he? Flitwick said you didn't hate people, that your family didn't use that word easily, that you only hated one person; Dumbledore is that person, isn't he?" Harry asked.

"Yes, but it is not because of my mother, I only learned that recently." Severus said, trying his best to control his own emotions. It wouldn't do to have a breakdown in front of the boy, or Lucius. Harry looked like his world had fallen apart, Lucius was watching with interest, to him Harry looked as if he had finally been set free, sure it hurt, but it was also relieving.

"Why do you hate him then?"

"That is a story for another time I'm afraid. We are late." Severus replied, his face hardening at the boy's question. That was a piece of information he had never shared. After receiving a nod from Harry he turned and walked towards the house, hearing the two others follow after him.

Chapter 8

Once the group made it to the door Severus entered, holding it open for the others to pass before closing it behind him.

"Ahh, there you are, he was getting impatient." Remus welcomed, coming down the stairs. Severus only nodded, walking past his brother and down the hall to where he knew his parents would be. Remus greeted Harry with a hug and Lucius with a smile and nod, before turning to follow his brother. Harry walked in front of him while Lucius stood at his side.

"What happened to Severus?" Remus whispered to the older man.

"Not sure, Harry asked him why he hated Dumbledore, and he has been like that since." Lucius replied, his own voice low to try and keep the other man from hearing. Remus only nodded in reply, deciding to wait to bring it up. The group paused behind Severus at the door at the end of the hall. Severus seemed to be collecting himself, pushing down every weakness, the others watched as he straightened himself, squaring his shoulders and setting his jaw. He then let out a breath and opened the door. Harry followed close behind, not seeing the others hesitate and glance at each other with a worried look before they followed. Voldemort sat in a chair, Haven standing behind him, they both held a glass of firewhiskey. Severus didn't say a word as he entered, he only motioned Harry forward. Remus watched closely as the boy began to fidget with his cloak, looking between Severus and Voldemort with worry. Remus placed a hand on his shoulder before speaking,

"Look who Severus successfully brought to visit for the summer." Remus started with a smile, trying his best to ease the tension.

"Yes, welcome to our humble abode, Harry. We are glad you could join us." Voldemort replied, his face calm and caring. Yet, neither he nor Haven was paying full attention to the boy as they both glanced worriedly at their son. He was quiet, way too quiet. Haven's eyes were glancing back and forth between Severus and the others, but after Voldemort had given his initial greeting his eyes had locked on his son.

"Thank you for allowing me to come, to learn the truth." Harry replied.

"Harry, the thing we want the most for you and all your classmates is for you to know the truth. If it helps to come stay with us and be able to ask your questions then so be it. We will happily answer them." Haven answered the boy, a genuine smile on her face.

"Yes, any questions." Voldemort distractedly confirmed.

"Remus, would you kindly show Harry to his room and help him get settled. Dinner will be in about an hour." Haven asked, looking at her oldest son.

"Of course. Right this way Harry, you are going to love your room." Remus smiled, leading Harry from the room with a quick concerned glance at his brother.

"I think I shall take my leave if that is okay my lord. Draco will have arrived at home and I would like to hear about how his year has gone." Lucius asked, slightly bowing his head at his leader.

"Of course, thank you for your willingness to help." Voldemort dismissed, Lucius taking his leave and closing the door as he exited the room.

"Severus?" Haven asked, stepping towards her son. Severus only slightly raised his head to meet her eye, not speaking.

"Son? Is it happening again?" Voldemort asked, standing to meet his son. He only received a head shake.

"Then what is wrong? Severus, you can talk to us." Haven tried, her voice soft and caring.

"I can't." was Severus' only response, pain filling his eyes.

"Severus, you cannot handle everything yourself, you need to talk about it." Haven tried again.

"No. Not to you." Severus replied, looking into his mothers eyes with more hurt than she had ever seen.

"Will you talk to me?" Voldemort tried, his voice steady and strong. He only received a nod. Haven paused, giving her son another sad look before hugging him and leaving the room.

Severus' shoulders fell as his mother left the room, but he still seemed to be trying to keep his strength.

"What happened?" Voldemort asked, noticing that his son wasn't going to start the conversation.

"Harry asked me why I hate him." Severus quietly replied, his eyes betraying the pain he was feeling.

"Did you tell him?"

"No."

"Have you ever told anyone?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"It isn't my story to share." Severus replied, looking into his father's eyes. He was longing for his father to show some kind of love, but he would never ask. He knew how his father was, and it had never been a problem before, but now it felt so much worse. Everything hurt more, and everything made him feel like a little boy in his bed fighting the nightmares again.

"You cannot carry the burden alone."

"Gryffindors always get away with it. Always."

"Get away with what?"

"It destroyed her, changed her. I never got her back."

"Severus, what happened?" Voldemort asked, his voice commanding but soft.

"He raped her, just like mom. It was punishment for spending time with me, for associating with a Slytherin. He gave her detention, and when she got out she came to me for help, her clothes were torn, her face was forming a bruise, she was crying. I tried my best to help her, we brewed a healing potion, and then I sewed up her robes. She told me not to tell anyone, so I didn't, but she wouldn't stop spending time with me and it happened again. The second time he must have messed up, she ended up pregnant. He must have learned from mom though, because he forced a potion down her throat, it killed the baby. I told her to tell someone, to get help but she wouldn't listen. He wiped her memories, both of what he did and of me. I lost her and he kept everything, every bit of power and control. It was as if nothing had happened, except it had, and anyone who paid enough attention could tell that she wasn't the same, that she was broken. When I tried to reach out to her Potter and Black tried to kill me. I don't hate him because he is evil or corrupt. I don't even hate him for what he did to mom, no matter how hard I try to. I hate him because the only light this world held was her, and he put her light out." Severus answered, tears and pain pouring from him as he finally told someone. Severus had spent years hiding it, years covering up the fact that he had lost the one person he had loved more than anything else. He had never healed from it, and she had died in the life Dumbledore had locked her in. Voldemort was having trouble controlling his anger, seeing his son in pain like this made him hate Dumbledore even more, but he knew that anger wasn't what his son needed.

"You mean Lily?" Voldemort asked, clarifying who his son was speaking of. She had been his only friend at Hogwarts. When she was placed in Gryffindor Voldemort had held his breath, he knew it wouldn't end well, but his son had loved her, and he didn't want to see his son hurt. He never would have guessed that this would be the result.

"Yes, and now she is dead, I can never fix it. I can't even apologize for letting it happen, I should have stopped him."

"You were just a child, Severus. You know you couldn't have stopped him."

"She was my best friend and I did nothing."

"You did more than others would have. You loved her, you cared for her. You did everything you knew how, everything you could do. You are not at fault for that man's choices, or his actions. I promise you Severus, Lily would say the same. I'm sorry that my rashness and stupidity robbed her from you."

"It wasn't you. It was the magic." Severus replied, his eyes meeting his fathers.

"I was the one who used the magic, and for that I am forever sorry. You are my son, I should have been more careful to protect the one you loved."

"If I couldn't protect her, how could I expect you to?"

"Because I am your father, and that is my job." Voldemort answered. He was watching his son closely, he looked so small, so young. He was broken, the weight of this truth seemed to destroy him. His son, who had always been so strong, so powerful, so okay, now seemed to be so different. Looking at him now, Voldemort saw in his son what he had hoped to never see, he saw himself. Broken, sitting in an orphanage wondering how everything had gone so wrong. He saw Haven, crying on the floor, tears in her robes, and bruises on her cheeks. He saw what he had never wanted to see, he saw his son broken by the world he had tried so hard to protect him from.

"I want to kill him. I hate him." Severus whispered, his hate clear in his voice.

"I know. I hate him too." Voldemort replied, pulling his son into his arms and hugging him tightly. He hadn't done so since his son was a child, but he wasn't unaware of the fact that his son needed comfort now more than ever. As much as Voldemort didn't like to show emotion, to show love, he wasn't about to let his son think that his father didn't care enough about him to comfort him in this moment. Severus hugged his father back with everything in him, clinging to him as if he was the thing keeping him alive.

"I am sorry that you ever had to experience such evil. If I could have protected you from it I would have." Voldemort assured his son.

"You tried." Severus replied.

"I should have tried harder." Voldemort paused to pull himself back and look into his sons eyes before continuing, "I should have done everything in my power to protect you. Because you are my son, you are my flesh and blood, my whole world. I should have given my everything to protect you, because you are my son, and that is my job. Because I love you, and that will never change. I will always do everything I can to protect you from this cruel and evil world. I'm sorry that I haven't done better." At his fathers words Severus moved back to hug his father again, thankful that his father wasn't pushing him away at this moment. He was supposed to be a man, supposed to be strong. But he had never been able to move past what had happened to Lily, he had never been able to tell someone. He had been afraid of telling his father, of showing the weakness that always came when he thought about it. Yet, his father hadn't been angry, he hadn't told Severus to man up, he had been the father that Severus had needed. Just as he always had. For the first time since he was a boy, Severus realized that he never needed anything his father hadn't given him.

"I love you too." Severus whispered, It took quite a bit to say it, he was like his father in that way, but he meant every word.

"We are going to be late for dinner if we do not go get ready soon." Voldemort spoke, his voice soft, yet even as he said it he didn't move from the hug with his son. They stood in the same position for a while longer before separating and slowly making their way to the dining room, each of them pulling themselves together as they slowly walked, neither talking about what had happened just moments before.

Haven, Harry, and Remus were sitting at the table waiting on Severus and Voldemort to join them. Haven had asked about the trip, and about school, she had asked after his friends and made sure to talk about his hobbies. She had told him about the field in the back where he could practice his flying, and even told him that Severus and Voldemort were quite the flyers if he could convince them to practice with him. Then, after she had run out of topics they had fallen into silence. Haven kept glancing toward the stairs wondering if everything was okay, but she didn't say anything.

"Is Severus okay?" Remus finally asked, his worry for his new found brother showing itself.

"I don't know." Haven answered truthfully.

"He wouldn't talk to you?" Remus asked, Harry watching the two with curiosity.

"No, he said he couldn't tell me. He only wanted to talk to Tom." Haven replied.

"I thought…" Remus started before stopping himself. He hadn't been around long, but he had been long enough to know that not everything was spoken about. Hence why no one ever talked about the way Severus and Voldemrt acted with each other.

"You thought they never talked. Many do, but when Severus was a boy he only ever talked to his father when he was upset. I don't know what happened, but if he is once again going to his father I believe it is safe to say it is something we would be shocked to hear he has had to endure." Haven continued.

"He has been through a lot, hasn't he?" Harry risked asking.

"Severus? Oh yes, he has been through more than anyone should ever have to survive. Only Tom knows all of it though. Severus wishes to protect everyone he can, to him that means hiding all the evil he has experienced. But his father is different, Tom has always been Severus' steady wall, his grounding. He has never hidden things from his father." Haven answered.

"I don't see why he would. If I had a father that cared about me that could actually help, could understand and support. I would too." Remus offered. He was almost jealous of Severus that he had such a father.

"You do have such a father." Voldemorts voice broke through the group, causing the others to glance up as the other two men joined them.

"Well, yes. But I didn't, not until recently." Remus smiled at his new found stepfather.

"Yes, and I just got him back from death, no reason to make excuses, Remus." Severus smirked.

"It's not like I've had much of a chance, since you won't stop hogging him." Remus smirked back.

"Enough, both of you. I promise there is enough of me to go around." Voldemort replied, taking his spot at the head of the table.

"Are we ready to eat?" Haven asked, smiling at the group around the table.

Chapter 9

The group ate in mostly silence only stopping for polite conversation here and there. It was after the desert plates had been gathered that Harry finally gathered up the nerves to say what he had been wanting to say.

"I, uh.." He started. Pausing as the group turned to look at him.

"Yes?" Voldemort asked, his eyes calmly locked on Harry.

"I wanted to thank you again for everything."

"Of course, dear, we are happy to help you." Haven replied, a smile on her face that made Harry think about his own mother.

"I also wanted to tell you, I've been really thinking about all of this. I wanted to ignore it, to just sweep it under the rug. When Professor Snape first asked me the questions to get me to think about things. I wanted to hide it, and ignore the fact that he was right. It scared me to think that I hadn't actually escaped anything. I thought that leaving my aunt and uncle's house meant I was free of the hate and the evil, I was wrong. I didn't want to believe it, but I couldn't ignore it. The longer I did the more I could see it. I know now what actually happened, who those people actually are. It's hard, I don't forgive you for choosing to use dark magic, for killing my parents. I can't, not yet. But, I can't forgive them for their actions, and I don't think I could ever get there. I don't know what it will mean, I don't know what to do or how to fix things, but I'm not going to ignore it anymore. I side with you, all of you. Whatever your reasons, whoever you hate, I don't care. I have seen the evil, the prejudice. I'm done with it, I want to free my friends from it. So, I want your help. Let me bear your mark, or whatever is needed, I'm in. I won't let them win, not again." Harry explained, trying his best to keep his voice steady.

"We are delighted that you are free. We also want to save your friends, but I'm afraid we won't be helping you. We ask that you help us. I will not send a child to fight my battles, I will not lay the life of a child on the line. I ask that you use your popularity to try and show others the truth, but I cannot let you bear my mark, or fight this fight. Not until you come of age. War is not for children." Voldemort answered, a serious look on his face.

"Agreed." Both Severus and Remus said, looking at Harry with kind faces.

"Okay, so I won't fight. But I'm not going to do nothing."

"We don't expect that. You must begin to have conversations with your friends, get them to read the books I gave you. Try your best to get them to see the truth, without making yourself an outcast. We will handle everything else." Severus answered. He knew the boy too well to think he would do nothing.

"That is what this summer is for, we will prepare you in every way we can as well as fill you in on everything you need to know." Remus added.

"I also need to practice for Quidditch. I didn't get to practice this year, and I need to be ready for next season." Harry said seriously.

"Of course, you may use the field out back." Voldemort answered.

"I told him that, I also told him that you and Severus could practice with him at some point." Haven smiled.

"No." Voldemort immediately responded, cutting off his son's similar response.

"Come now, Tom. You love flying, and he needs the practice. It won't be any good for him to fly alone, you and Severus could help him." Haven tried.

"No." The two men once again replied.

The next day Harry was formally reintroduced to Draco, which ended up taking all of his day, Voldemort spent the day in meetings with Lucius, and Haven spent it with Narcissa. All of that left Severus and Remus with many hours to fill. They had filled their mornings with their own individual tasks, but after lunch both had moved to the sitting room with tea. There they sat in an awkward silence. Remus wanted to talk, he wanted Severus to open up to him, but he had a feeling that forcing it wasn't going to go well at the moment. Severus was content with the silence and his book. Remus, though, finally couldn't stand the silence,

"What are you planning on teaching Harry this summer?" He asked, closing his own book.

Severus looked up from his own book for a moment before deciding to answer, "I thought I would review the work of the last few years of potions. The boy has the capability, but he lacks the education."

"Ah." Remus nodded, pausing to see if his brother would continue the conversation, but Severus simply went back to reading, so Remus spoke again, "I plan to teach him about counter-curses first. I haven't decided what to do after that, although I know his education is lacking in the subject."

"Yes, with all his teachers he has learned relatively nothing of the dark arts." Severus replied without looking up.

"I do wonder sometimes how the students have even learned enough to survive with the struggle to keep capable teachers." Remus replied, allowing for yet another pause before continuing, "What do you think he ought to learn?"

Severus snapped his book closed looking up to meet his brother's eye, finally giving up on trying to read, "I highly doubt he is going to need to learn about defense against the dark arts, rather with the threat he faces, he should be taught how to deal with the light."

"That is true, more difficult to learn though."

"Harry is more than capable. Although, he only needs to know enough to keep him alive as a very last resort, he won't be fighting." Severus replied.

"I believe we both know that is not true."

"Why is that?"

"The battle is going to be happening at the school, with the children. There is no true hope of keeping either Harry or Draco out of it. I've taught them both, neither of them run from the fight. Even if they should." Remus answered.

"I won't allow them to fight, I do not particularly care about their lack of ability to stay out of trouble. They won't fight."

"Why? If they are prepared, Severus, we are going to need all the help we can get."

"We don't need children. And since when did preparation matter? We were all prepared then, and it did nothing." Severus snapped.

"Were we? Truly? Were you prepared for everything to go so wrong?"

"I have been prepared since I was eleven, It has never done anything. It did nothing for my best friend, it did nothing to save those I love, it did nothing to keep him away from the children currently being harmed by him. It has never done anything. There is no amount of preparation they could have that would prepare them for him." Severus answered, standing in anger and turning to the windows as he spoke. Remus could see how his brother had stiffened as the conversation had changed.

"I don't believe we will be able to stop them from fighting." Remus commented, hoping his brother wouldn't just leave.

"We have to." Severus' voice was harsh, his jaw tight as he turned to look over his shoulder at his brother.

"Why?"

"I promised to protect them, I can't break those promises. Especially Harry."

"I did too." Remus confessed, his voice quiet as he realized what his brother was saying.

Severus turned quickly at his brother's comment, questions in his eyes.

"James was certain everything would be fine. He insisted nothing bad would happen, even as they were packing to move to Godric's Hollow. He assured both Sirius and I that within a year they would be back and everything would be fine. But Lily… Lily just always seemed to know what we missed. When James was distracted by Sirius and Harry she pulled me aside. She asked me to promise that I would be there for Harry, that I would protect him when she couldn't. I tried to tell her that everything would be fine, that Harry would never not have her and James… but Lily insisted, so I promised her… I told her I would protect Harry, that he wouldn't be alone." Remus explained, tears forming in his eyes as they dropped to stare at the floor. Severus only listened, his own face full of sorrow as his brother continued, "I failed… I told her… but Harry was alone, he got hurt, for thirteen years, and I did nothing. I can't do that again." Remus stated. They both were silent for a moment before Remus once more looked at his brother, "You said you promised… Was it her?" Remus asked,his voice full of hesitation as he knew Lily was a tough subject for his brother.

"I…" Severus paused, as if words were failing him, swallowing hard he looked back to his brother and spoke again, "yes. I was supposed to meet my father after… I found… I found their bodies. Harry was crying, he was so small… I knew what happened… So much had changed, but all I could do was look at her." He paused again. Tears were threatening to fall as he stared at his hands that were slightly shaking. Remus watched with tears falling, he saw that Severus was fighting the memory. Remus was trying his hardest to wrap his mind around the fact that the man before him was the one who had found them. That he was the one who knew first, that he had faced it all alone. Just like Remus had. They shared the worst day of their lives, and they hadn't known it. Severus' once more began to speak, forcing Remus out of his thoughts as he looked back to his brothers face,

"I promised her then and there that I would protect Harry. I knew she had given her life for him… I… I swore I would do the same." Severus finished, his hands shaking as he finally looked up from them to once more meet his brother's eyes.

"Then we both know what we are fighting for… But…" Remus started,

"But you do not believe we will be able to keep him from fighting." Severus finished for his brother.

Remus only nodded in response.

"Then, we will just have to protect him there." Severus responded.

"That we will." Remus agreed.

"Hey! Give that back!" Harry yelled, chasing a laughing Draco into the room, breaking the tension that the brothers were feeling. The two boys had spent the day being just that, boys. It made the others in the house happy to hear the two living a day not completely ruined by the war.

"Say it." Draco answered, turning to face the other boy while placing the item behind his back.

"No." Harry growled, determination on his face.

"Then no, I won't give it back. Not until you say it." Draco replied, a smirk forming on his face.

"What exactly is it you are demanding?" Severus asked, moving to stand behind Draco as he placed a stern hand on the boy's shoulder.

"That I'm better at potions. Harry insists that he would beat me in any other circumstance than the past five years." Draco answered, clearly far too caught up in the interaction with Harry to notice that Severus had taken the item from him and replaced it with his own book.

"Hilarious." Severus quipped. Pulling the item up to inspect it, earning a laugh from his brother.

"What exactly started this little… argument?" Remus asked, looking between the boys who remained so fixated on one another that they both missed Severus inspecting the very item they were so concerned with.

"Harry and I were looking through the stuff in the library, and we found one of Snape's old notebooks on potions for year five. I said that I should get to have it, because I have a better chance of using it well." Harry answered.

"And I said that that was bull. Harry wouldn't be able to understand it, let alone use it, not with his potion abilities." Draco added.

"Ahh." Remus nodded to the boys, a wide smile still on his face.

"Yes, it is indeed Hilarious. Hilarious that you think either of you are going to be using it in the upcoming year." Severus mused, both of the boys turning quickly to look at him as they realized he had taken the notebook.

Draco quickly looked at the book in his hands only to curse under his breath and throw it to the chair. "Uncle Severus, come on! It's only fair that I get to use it, you're my godfather!" he whined.

"He's my guardian!" Harry yelled back, only afterwards did it register in his head what he had said, causing him to freeze up, before looking quickly at the man, "I mean… Technically… You were who… I mean…" Harry tried, panic on his face as he looked at Severus whose face was completely blank looking back at the boy.

Remus' laugh broke both boys out of both their panic and their argument, as the man was just about losing it.

"Lupin, do control yourself." Severus drawled, as the boys looked between the men in shock. Lupin only continued laughing, earning an exasperated sigh from Severus who then looked to the boys, "Neither of you currently have much room to speak on the subject of potions, all of which will be remedied this summer starting tomorrow. Neither of you will be using my notes to assist your lack of capability, better for you to struggle. As that is your fate, I suggest making your way to a more… entertaining activity rather than arguing over capability for the rest of the day, as tomorrow neither of you are going to be wishing to be speaking about potions." Severus finished, the boys only slightly nodding in reply before running out of the room.

At their departure Remus finally began to pull himself together to speak, "you…" He started before bursting into laughter again, after a moment and breathing hard he tried again, "He thinks you're his guardian… Harry Potter.. James would die…" Remus was laughing far too hard to speak in full sentences, his words earning a dark look from his brother.

"Bastard." Severus muttered, leaving the room, his words earning even more laughter from his brother.

"I believe it is a wonderful plan, my lord. I assure you Draco will be ready to assist with the students in any way he can." Lucius spoke as he and Voldemort made their way into the entrance way.

"Good. I will make sure Severus knows." Voldemort answered, shaking the man's hand as both Harry and Draco joined them finishing their own conversation.

"Draco, are you ready?" Lucius asked, turning to his son.

"Yes, Father." Draco replied, before turning back to Harry, "We should definitely work on that trick some more. Oh and I will bring that book for you next time as well."

"Great, I will clean the brooms so they are ready." Harry answered with a smile.

"I am glad the two of you are getting along. Ah, but alas it is dinner time, Harry we should go, Haven will be waiting." Voldemort noted, "Goodbye Lucius, Draco, we will see you tomorrow." With that he made his way back through the house towards the dining room, Harry at his heels.

"There you are. Now, if only Severus and Remus would show up we could all have dinner." Haven greeted as the two joined her in the dining room.

"They were in the sitting room earlier." Harry replied, sitting in the seat he had sat in the night before.

"..the author spent years overseas in the jungles looking for new items that could be used as potion ingredients, the book is fairly interesting. He found many plants he believed would work, but never figured out how to add them to any potions." Remus was speaking to Severus as they both walked into the room and joined the group at the table.

"That is intriguing, I wonder if he tried them dried?" Severus asked, taking his seat.

"He did not record doing so. I will have to try and find the book for you, I have no doubt you could figure them out." Remus answered, receiving a nod from his brother.

"Harry, did you enjoy your time getting to know Draco today?" Haven asked, turning to the boy as the food appeared on the tables.

"Yeah. It's weird though, kinda like we were meeting for the first time. He, uh, he's very different here than at school." Harry answered.

"Well yes, here he knows he is allowed to be nice to you." Severus added.

"Allowed? Do you mean he wasn't supposed to be nice at school?" Remus asked, voicing the question that was printed on Harry's face.

"Lucius is very protective of the boy. He has extensive rules for how Draco is to act, and who he is to interact with. The Weasleys are on a strict off limits list, meaning when Harry became close with Ron he also went into the off limits category. While Draco was not commanded to be mean, it was made clear to him to steer clear." Severus explained.

"I am not surprised, Lucius was always overprotective of the boy." Voldemort noted.

"With good reason. Draco has been in a school filled with dangers for four years now, and has not faced one of them. Lucius, while overprotective, has been successful in making Hogwarts a safe place for Draco to be." Severus replied to his father.

"Lucius can be commended for his work to do so, yet I believe he would not have been as successful without your help, Severus." Haven added.

"Yeah. Nobody gets to the Slytherins without going through the Dungeon Bat, we all know that." Harry agreed, once again his brain catching up to his words after he said them, "uh, sorry Professor, I just meant… uh.." Harry faded into silence at the look he was receiving from Severus.

"You know, I was hesitant at first to spend the summer here, but this, this is gold." Remus laughed.

"Perhaps for you. I on the other hand am getting close to letting you handle the delinquent and leaving." Severus snapped back.

"I believe, Harry, the point is for you to have to go through the Dungeon Bat, that way his pups remain safe." Voldemort said with a very serious face, earning heavy laughter from both Remus and Harry.

"Very funny. I believe you will find those, pups…" Severus spat the word out pausing before continuing, "have all passed their time in Hogwarts without once being in a place where they could be harmed by certain people in that castle that would harm them if given the chance."

"Which is a major accomplishment. Now, all of you, focus and eat your food before it gets cold, you will have all summer to bug the Dungeon Bat." Haven stated, a smile directed at her youngest son as he growled at her words and his brothers laughed.

Chapter 10

The group sat in the house's study, books lined most of the wall space that didn't hold windows. Couches and soft lighting were spread throughout. Remus, Haven, and Voldemort sat on the couches. Remus was reading while his parents talked quietly. Severus was standing next to one of the windows, reading his own book while also keeping an eye on Harry who was flying in the backyard. The group had been like that for a few hours, Lucius and Draco having left earlier in the afternoon. It had been a few weeks since the end of school, and Harry had been learning things from each of them. Severus noticed that Harry was coming inside but he stayed standing where he was, not worried if anything was wrong. He had spent the last few weeks working through everything. He had talked through his fears and anger with his father, he even shared some of it with Remus. He had worked his way through the fear and the pain and he was seeing improvement from the way things had been. Harry walked in the door from the backyard still trying to catch his breath. He earned a smile from Remus as he grabbed a glass of water and sat down on the opposite end of the couch he was on. Voldemort and Haven sat on the couch across from him, each not caring to give the boy more attention than their sons already were. They had realized quickly that both of their sons were very protective of the boy. Severus had begun to notice parts of Lily in Harry that made him want to protect him in every way he could, and Remus wanted so badly to protect him from the life his father had lived. With them both doting on Harry, neither Voldemort or Haven saw much need to give him all the attention. They were both too busy trying to make sure their own sons were okay.

"I have a question." Harry spoke, breaking the silence and earning the attention of the others in the room.

"What now?" Severus smiled at the boy, he had come out of his box quite a bit in the past weeks, Haven was beginning to see the parts of her son that she had thought were long gone.

"If you are not evil, why are you called the Dark Lord, and why are your followers called death eaters?" Harry asked, looking at Voldemort with a confused look on his face.

"Well, I am called the Dark Lord for the same reason my followers are called death eaters. We were given those titles by the ministry because they wanted to make us seem evil, and because I had used dark magic to help our cause." Voldemort answered.

"So then, why the masks and robes? The creepy symbol in the sky and with your mark? Why do all your followers fear you so much?" Harry asked again, confused still at what he was learning.

"We don't fear him. Harry, he is our leader, we respect him. Think of how you would act if you were in front of the queen. You would respect her, and you would place yourself under her punishment if you went against her. He is our leader, commands respect, and we have all chosen to place ourselves under his leadership. We don't fear him, we respect him. As for the robes and stupid masks I'm afraid you will have to ask him, I've been trying for years to get them burned." Severus answered, an annoyed look towards his father as he finished.

"Yes. Yes. Severus, I know you hate them, they are for your own protection though. They hide your identity better than anything else I have come across." Voldemort responded, giving his son a raised eyebrow.

"What about the symbol?" Remus asked, curious himself as to why it was used.

"I thought it looked cool. Besides I was a slytherin so the snake fit me as well as what we stood to protect. As for the skull, Lucius came up with it, and decided it fit the label the ministry had given us. At the time we were just going with what they made us to be, everything fell into place from that." Voldemort replied.

"But you are not like that, and now everyone fears you." Harry pointed out.

"You are very correct. We are not like that. But, it won't matter, when the truth comes out what they labeled us to be will prove it more than it will hurt it." Haven explained.

"How exactly are we going to bring the truth about?" Harry asked, he had been learning so much, but he hadn't learned exactly how they were planning on winning this.

"Haven was born into a very powerful family, which is part of the reason Severus is so accepted even as a slytherin. She will reappear in society and tell the truth of what happened to her at the hands of Albus Dumbledore, then Severus will come forward with his own story, as will Remus. Until finally, I come forward with the truth. Each of us will prove the truth and then if needed we will bring down those who are corrupt and stand against us. If it must end in war it shall, if not, we will hopefully bring an end to the hate and prejudice that plagues our society." Voldemort explained.

"Nice. If you need my testimony I'm happy to share about how he forced me to fight in a death tournament even though I was below the age limit and had been entered by someone else." Harry responded.

"I think you could also add how he forced you to live in an abusive house for eleven years despite the fact that he could have removed you from it." Severus added.

"If that would help I'm glad to add it in. Anyone want to come fly with me?" Harry asked, standing again and grabbing his broom.

"You are going to ask that every day, aren't you?" Severus asked, rolling his eyes at the teen.

"Until you both say yes." Harry nodded, a smile forming on his face.

"Fine." Severus gave in, moving towards the back door while he summoned his broom from his own room.

"Yes! Mr. Voldemort, are you going to come with us?" Harry asked, trying his best to put on a convincing face.

"Very well. But only so that I can prove to my son that I am better than him still." Voldemort relented, standing to join them.

"Anyone else want to join?" Harry asked with a broad smile on his face.

"I think I shall pass." Remus smiled, shifting to where he could watch from inside the house.

"I'm afraid, I will as well. Maybe another time." Haven answered, watching as Harry nodded before running out after the other men.

The summer passed quickly for Harry. He spent hours learning under Voldemort, Severus, and Remus. Each teaching him different things. He learned about their mission, the war, history and the truth. He learned spells and skills. Haven taught him how to cast spells without a word, she also taught him how to hold himself to command respect. He learned so much that he was filling up pages and pages of parchment with notes. Severus taught him more potions, and how to brew correctly, and Remus made sure he knew all the different monsters and dark arts that could be used against him. In the evenings he would go flying, and occasionally Voldemort and Severus would join him, which would stretch him even more than their lessons during the day. They were amazing flyers and even better Quidditch players. One time even Remus joined them and Harry found himself stretched even more. Harry also spent more time with Lucius and Draco. He learned that Lucius wasn't evil, he had just been greatly hurt by the current system and had trouble showing any sort of care towards it. He learned that he had watched his parents be killed by members of the ministry because of a misunderstanding. There had been no trial, and when Dumbledore found out about it he had punished Lucius and put him on probation in school until he graduated. He had learned that Draco wasn't as bad as he had thought, that he had just been careful, and even a little bit scared about being at Hogwarts. By the end of the summer Harry had become friends with him. He had also been entirely briefed on everything and fully prepared to return to school. He knew now that he was only supposed to try his best to begin conversations with his friends and nothing more. He was also supposed to go to Snape if anything happened at all, especially if Dumbledore did anything to him or asked anything of him. By the time he was standing on the platform at the station he felt completely ready. Draco gave him a nod from the other side of the platform where he stood with his parents as Harry walked further away from them. He climbed on the train as soon as there was an opportunity and sat waiting on his friends. He had sent letters over the summer and even gotten Hermione to read the two books Snape had shown him and she had written him saying she wanted to talk about them when they got back to school. He hadn't had such luck with Ron, but he had high hopes. He was excited for the coming year, but he was also terrified. He was so glad he knew the truth, so glad he had been able to get to know the family he had spent the summer with. They almost felt like his own family now. Voldemort and Haven almost seemed to become like grandparents to him, he still hadn't figured out Voldemort yet, but Haven had been so kind. She had made sure he felt perfectly welcome and safe. He had also grown closer to Severus and Remus, both of them in different ways. He had learned that Severus was a lot like his father, and Remus like his mother. Severus was harder to read, harder to understand. Yet, eventually Harry had begun to understand him and he had realized that the man really cared about what he stood for, what he fought for. He had gained a lot of respect for the potions master. As for Remus, Harry had grown closer and closer to him, he had always been able to understand him, to see where he was coming from and that hadn't changed. They had become like a family to him, and he was forever grateful for it.

"Harry!" Hermione greeted, joining him in the compartment on the train. She looked older than she had at the end of the last year, and her skin had a slight tan on it from the summer sun.

"Hey, 'Mione. How are you?" Harry greeted.

"I'm good. How are you?"

"I'm good, ready to be back at school though." Harry answered truthfully, he was beyond ready to try and help his friends.

"I want to talk to you about those books you sent me, but not now. I don't think this is a safe place." Hermione said, motioning to the train around them.

"I want to talk to you about them too, but I agree, we can't talk here. I also think we should wait to talk to Ron about it."

"Agreed. How did you find them, though?"

"They were given to me."

"Oh. Well, I think I'm glad they were." Hermione replied, her voice slightly unsteady.

"Yeah? Any reason?"

"I think there is a lot that needs to come to light about this world. There is so much evil, especially in the leadership."

"You haven't… I mean, nothing happened to you, has it?" Harry asked, fear for his friend growing. He didn't want to hear that what had happened to Haven had happened again.

"No. But, I've heard rumors about former students. The ghosts talk. I just want to know the truth."

"I promise you, you will." Harry confirmed, grabbing his friend's hand with a squeeze before they settled in for the ride, Ron joining them shortly after.

Chapter 11

Severus had stayed at the house after Harry left with the Malfoys. He wasn't in any hurry to return to the school, and he didn't have to be there until the students were arriving. Remus walked into the study where Severus was sitting, a book in hand.

"Severus, I thought you would be gone already." Remus said, surprised his brother was still at the house. He had kept saying that he couldn't wait to be out of the cramped space, yet he could have left hours ago, and he was still there. Truthfully, Voldemort had told Remus that he was lying to himself, that Severus had no wish to return to the school, but Remus hadn't been sure that his father was right.

"Yes, well, I thought I would enjoy the quiet a while longer."

"Really? Severus, I thought we were past the lying stage." Remus stated, sitting across from his brother in one of the chairs.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Fine, don't tell me the truth. Cover it up, bury it until it kills you. One day you will realize that we care about you, that we want to hear what you are carrying, that I want to help you carry the burden."

"I do know that, except I also know that you would never want to carry the burden I hold."

"You have to talk about it to someone, or it will break you."

"I told father." Severus replied, he still had yet to look up from his book.

"Well, at least you told someone. You can tell me though. I am your brother, I want to help you."

"Do you? Or are you just here to get away from him? Don't bother to lie to me, I am not blind to who you are Remus. Yes, you are my brother. Yes, you hate Dumbledore. Yes, you side with Voldemort. Yet, it is still true that you loved them, you were friends with them, you stood by while they tried to kill me and did nothing. Maybe I can trust you to side with us in this war, but I do not see how I can trust you with what I carry when you never sided with me." Severus replied, his voice like venom, cold and hard. Remus was taken back, but then it clicked. Severus had told him that he hated Dumbledore because of something he had done to Severus' best friend. Remus hadn't connected the dots then, but he was now, Lily Evans had been Severus' best friend, until she wasn't. He had never heard what happened, James had told him that Severus had insulted Lily, but Remus knew now that James had probably lied.

"I never wanted to be with them. I hated what they did, how they acted. I had no choice, the one time I tried to stand up to them they threatened to tell the entire school what I was. I had no other choice, and I had no one else to go to. I am truly sorry for what they did to you, I can't undo it, and I can't make up for it, but I am sorry." Remus replied, earning only a nod from Severus, he then stood and moved to the door before turning once again to his brother.

"Severus, I don't know what you carry, but whatever that man did to Lily, I would never betray you with that information, and I would never use it against you."

"Don't."

"Severus, please, just trust me!"

"You don't get it. You will never get it. Mr. Gryffindor, treasured of Dumbledore. You will never understand, so stop bloody pretending like you have a clue what I lived!" Severus spat.

"Then tell me!" Remus yelled, angry at his brother's secretiveness.

"You have no idea what it is like to be a slytherin. Fear, every waking moment, the slightest slip up could mean being labeled evil and cruel. Non stop threats from everyone, including Dumbledore. You know what he told me after your 'friends' tried to kill me? He told me that I would wish you had if I ever spoke of what happened! You and every bloody Gryffindor ever live like royalty in that blasted tower, while Slytherins rot in the dungeons. You have no bloody idea what my life has been like, and you sure as hell could never understand what he did to her. You may be my brother, but stop pretending to get what I lived through, I lived through hell." Severus' words were like ice, wielded like weapons.

"Severus, please, I am not…"

"ENOUGH. Damn it. You want to know what he did? He raped her, got her pregnant, killed the baby and wiped her memories, all because she was friends with me. Because she associated with Slytherins! He destroyed her because of me. You want to know what hell feels like, I'll tell you. It feels like losing everything and it all being your fault. Don't ever try and say you know what it's like. You could never even have a clue." His words hung heavy in the air, almost suffocating in their weight. Remus tried to say something but by the time he got to where he could Severus was gone. Taking his place was Voldemort,

"You shouldn't have pushed him." Voldemort spoke calmly, his voice deep and commanding.

"I just wanted…"

"You wanted a brother. Yet, Remus, you must understand that despite your harsh childhood you did not live what he lived. One thing you must learn is that while you may benefit from talking, he does not. Severus has struggled with panic attacks since he was young. Talking about what happened can easily lock him in the very memories you are trying to save him from."

"I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't. Remus, since the day Severus stepped foot in Hogwarts he has been a spy. He was eleven carrying the knowledge that if he slipped up it could cost him his life. He then lost Lily, then his mother and me. He lost everything, while fighting in a war that took many lives. He experienced all of it first hand, people he loved were hurt because of decisions he made. One cannot carry that without the problems that come with it. Be careful, Remus, when you are trying to fix your brother, the person he is was not born, he was made. One cannot simply be unmade without quite a bit of pain." Voldemort explained, placing his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Why does he go back?"

"That is something he has never told me. If I had to guess, though, I would say it's because he wants to make sure it doesn't happen to someone else. He protects every child placed in Slytherin, he always has. I believe he goes back for them, but I could be wrong."

"Why don't you stop him?" Remus asked, he knew his father was a protective man, and yet he still allowed Severus to play the role of spy.

"Simple, I'm too scared to try and stop him. He has always been more powerful than me, he never complained about being there which means he doesn't actually want out. I may act like I control him, but I think if I tried to in this instance I would truly discover just how powerful he is."

"Do you think he could beat Dumbledore?"

"I do. Yet, I do not think he would until he can prove to those students what the truth actually is. Harry has gotten us closer to that point, but we are not quite there yet."

"I want to help him."

"As do I. I promise you, when I find out how I will. If you figure it out before me, don't hesitate to share." With that Voldemort left the room to find Haven, leaving Remus alone. He wasn't sure how he was going to help his brother, but he was going to do everything in his power to do so. He was already going to fight this war with him, but he wanted to help him with the memories, almost more than he wanted to help him with the war.

Severus still did not return to the school, his anger at Remus made him want to kill the man, but he was also struggling with the idea of returning to the school. So much had come to light over the summer, so much had been brought to the forefront of his mind, he had been forced to relive the worst moments of his life and it was killing him to think that after all of that he had to return to the space controlled by the one man he hated most. Yet, this summer had also begun to silence the reason he went back.

"Severus, I thought you would have returned to Hogwarts by now, surely the train arrives soon." Haven's voice cut through the silence of the garden behind their house. She had always been the type of person to roam the gardens whenever she had the chance, as a young boy Severus would walk with her and listen as she taught about the flowers and the animals. After the end of the war it had become a place of pain for him, so when he looked up to meet his mothers eyes he was surprised to find himself standing in the gardens. He met her eyes, but he could not find a response. He knew that no lie would get past her, but he also didn't know how to tell her the truth.

"Severus? What is wrong?" Haven stepped towards her son, realizing that there was a reason he had yet to leave.

"I don't know." It was a broken realization, as Severus finally came to the realization that he didn't know what he was doing anymore. He didn't know what he was fighting for, or why? He didn't have a reason anymore, everything was numb and empty.

"What do you mean? What don't you know?" Haven had always worried for her boys. Neither had lived the easiest lives, and neither seemed to know what to do with the things they carried. She had never known exactly how to help them, but for Severus specifically she had always known that someone needed to. He carried far too much, with far too little good or help.

"All my life I have known exactly why I fought this fight. I have never questioned it, I have never hesitated to do what had to be done. I have lost everything for this war, for this battle that we fight but I still always fought it. I fought it because I had to, everything in me was telling me that I had to win, that after everything someone had to make it right, and so I had to try to do it, no matter what. I never questioned it, no matter how badly it hurt." Severus began to explain, his voice wavering as he spoke. He was sick of feeling like a child, but it seemed that this summer was just meant to make him feel that way.

"But that has changed, hasn't it?" Haven asked, her voice soft and calm.

"Yes. Yet, I don't know why. Nothing else has changed. I still have every single reason to fight, but I have no desire to. Not anymore. I don't understand why I don't want to fight anymore. Yet, I cannot bring myself to even begin to want to go back there, to continue to fight for this. I just want it all to be over. I can't do this anymore. I can't live like this anymore. I can't handle this anger anymore, I can't live with this pain anymore. I don't know how to do this, I feel numb. Remus keeps trying to force me to be a certain way, to talk about it, but I don't know how to. I don't feel anything anymore. I just want it to end." Severus answered. His voice was full of pain. Remus had forced so much and asked for so much. It wasn't normal for Severus to have someone who cared. Or to have someone who wanted to know about it. Severus had spent the majority of his life alone, and he was used to it, he was used to letting the pain and anger push him on. But now, he didn't want it anymore. He couldn't do it anymore, it was like his life had become one of his nightmares, unending pain and suffering, fear and hate. He was stuck, and he couldn't stand it anymore.

"Sev, you have lived your entire life using that pain and anger as your reason, you never allowed yourself to find another reason to fight. Not after Lily…"

"How did you?..." Severus' voice was full of disbelief as he looked to his mother, he hadn't told her anything about Lily, from what he had told her, to her Lily should have just been another kid he went to school with.

"I know my son. I am not blind to the life you have lived, to the life we let you live when we should have protected you. My dear child, you must realize, you found another reason to fight. You don't want to let them in, and so you grip your anger and pain as if it is a safety net, but it is doing nothing but hurting you. If you don't want to fight because of the anger and pain, don't. Fight for Remus. Fight for Harry. Fight for the people you love, let them in and put an end to the pain. Otherwise the pain will be all you ever know, and it will destroy you." Haven explained, her hand holding her son's arm to keep him near. He had been running for far too long, and it had taken too much. She was beginning to see her son again, he was beginning to return and the facade he had made was fading.

"I don't see how I can. I don't see how they could forgive me. I wouldn't, if I was in their place."

"Severus Snape, you cannot actually believe that. I have watched them both, neither of them holds anything against you, not anymore. Remus is your brother, whether you want to accept it or not, and he wants to be your brother. And Harry, he is just a boy. He has so much to learn and do, there is so much ahead of him, he is just beginning to work things out, he will forgive you, I am sure of it."

"I am not sure I remember how this works." Severus confessed to his mother. He had only allowed himself to love one person outside of his parents, and it had been so long ago he wasn't sure he remembered how to love. There was so much pain and hurt connected to the idea in Severus' mind, it was almost impossible to think it wouldn't end in pain.

"It's not rocket science, Sev. Just be yourself, love them, protect them, and open up to them. Especially to Remus." Haven answered, as she spoke she noticed her husband coming out of the house with a worried look on his face, yet, when he saw that Severus was with Haven he seemed to relax. There were many times that Haven wished she could remove the burdens the men she loved carried. Not only her sons, but her husband as well.

"I need to apologize to him." Severus mumbled before smiling at his mother and turning to return to the house, he was quickly replaced by his father.

"They finally went at it." Voldemort spoke as he approached his wife, he knew she was curious as to what took place.

"I knew it was coming. The two of them have been walking on eggshells ever since Remus witnessed one of Sev's attacks."

"I wish the two of them didn't have to work this out." Voldemort stated, offering his arm to his wife as they set off to walk the gardens as they talked.

"You would rather they just leave it bottled up?" Haven asked, her voice calm and serene, the way it always was. No matter how bad the situation was she always had a way of being peaceful, it was one of Voldemort's favorite things about her. She was the calm to his chaos.

"No, I think they need to work it out. I just wish that they didn't have the pain to work out. This world has been far too cruel to them. Everytime I look at Severus I try my best to find the person he was before, to find our son. I haven't been able to, he has buried that version of him so far down, I fear it will never come back. And Remus, he seems so broken. I just wish I could have protected them. I wish I could wrap them up, like when they were babies and take them far away and never let them experience any of this."

"You wish you could have protected them, as do I, but we couldn't have. There isn't a world where they would be safe from this evil. That is why we have to fight this, that is why we have to win. We have to create that world so that no one else has to watch their children go through what we have watched ours go through." Haven answered. The two of them had been fighting this war since they were young. They had started the war, but neither of them had ever wanted to fight more than they did now. They were the leaders, Voldemort the Dark Lord, they had many things on their plate, and many jobs to do. Yet, they were realizing for the first time how true the promise they had made upon Severus' birth really was. They had promised to always protect both him and Remus, and they had failed once. Neither of them was going to let that happen again.

Chapter 12

Harry had returned to the school in a typical manner, and had gotten settled and prepared to attend the welcome feast. He stood in the mirror of one of the bathrooms trying his best to prepare himself. He hadn't seen Dumbledore, not since he had learned the truth, and he wasn't sure he was ready to. Yet, this was his fight, this was what he had to face to do his part.

"Come on Harry, Snape has faced three times as much as this, you can do this." He mumbled to himself, trying to force the lump down his throat.

"He may have been through three times as much, but I would be willing to bet you money he is doing something very similar at this moment." Draco's voice broke the silence of the almost empty bathroom.

"You think so?" Harry asked, curious as to why Draco would say such a thing, surely Snape wouldn't have to prepare.

"My dad has to. Besides, I've seen him hesitate whenever he has to talk to Dumbledore alone, there is always a pause in his first step. It's almost unnoticeable to the untrained eye, but once you have seen him walk around a place like the summer home, you can pick it out."

"Do you?"

"I've never had to. Snape doesn't let Dumbledore meet with any Slytherin alone. Besides, I've never experienced anything from Dumbledore firsthand. I just hate him for what he has done to the people I love." Draco answered.

"I haven't either, and I still can't pull myself together."

"Bull. You totally have experienced it. He made you fight a crazy possessed dude in first year, a Basilisk in second year, dementors in third year, and he made you fight in that death tournament last year. He has been molding you into the hero he wants you to be since the day you came into his care. Why do you think he left you in that awful house?"

"I'm not sure I can do this." Harry confessed. He had been preparing for this all summer, he had studied and trained for hours to be ready to come back to school. To make a difference in the war. But he was chickening out at the first moment.

"Sure you can. You just have to keep focused on why you are doing it, not on what it is. That's what Snape told me to do in my first year."

"Why do you fight?" Harry asked. They had spent the whole summer hanging out, and neither of them had ever talked about why they were there.

"Since the day I was born it was known that I would most likely be sorted into Slytherin. Every tutor I ever had was training me for that. How to behave in class, how to get good grades, keep your mouth shut, don't misbehave, stay focused. My father would tell me to watch my back, to always keep an eye out on the Gryffindors, he told me that I needed to make sure they knew not to mess with me. I was trained to walk a thin line, knowing that if I messed up it would cost me everything, potentially even my life. I fight so that I won't have to tell my kids that."

"I never thought of that."

"Most people don't, then again it's not hidden. Gryffindors boo when new Slytherins are sorted, they are just eleven and some of them didn't even know they were wizards until McGonagall showed up at their door and the first thing they receive from Hogwarts is bullying."

"I was almost sorted into Slytherin." Harry mumbled in reply.

"Thank whoever you want, but you better thank someone that you werent, you probably would have been killed for it Mr. Chosen One." Draco answered.

"Yeah. We should probably get going, we don't want to be late." Harry replied.

"You go ahead. We don't need to walk in together." Draco stated, earning a nod from Harry before he left the room. Draco stood for a moment looking in the mirror that Harry had just left, he never would have imagined having that conversation with Harry Potter, but he found he was glad that he could. That Harry knew.

Severus watched from the head table as the children entered the great hall. He saw Harry trickle later than the other Gryffindors. He then watched as Draco did the same. Both the boys looked stressed, and even from the distance of the head table Severus could tell that Harry's every muscle was tensed. If Severus was honest, he would have to admit that his were as well.

"Severus, good to see you again, how was your summer?" Flitwick asked, coming to stand next to Severus' seat.

"Flitwick, good to see you as well. It was uneventful. How was yours?"

"Oh, it was normal as always. Are you ready for the school year?"

"Not nearly. I will be by class time tomorrow though." Severus answered truthfully. He had spent the rest of his afternoon talking to Remus, and had almost been late to the feast. The brothers had talked about many things, but mostly about Severus' childhood and all he had faced. They had talked about Lily, and they had talked about Harry. They both were concerned that they would not be able to protect him, so much hung in the balance, and so much could prevent them from successfully protecting him. Just like things had prevented their parents from protecting them. They had talked about their childhood and their time at school, about Sirius and James and how they had bullied Severus. They had talked about Voldemort and Haven, and all they had fought through. They had opened their hearts to one another and had finally relented in becoming brothers.

"Severus, I need to speak with you after dinner, if you can spare a moment." Albus' voice broke through Severus' thoughts and conversation with Filtwick.

"Of course, headmaster." His words came out perfectly controlled, his acting returning to the unbreakable mask that he had perfected as a child. Yet, his mind was filled with fear, all the things that had come up over the summer, that he had talked to Remus about just that day was plaguing his mind. He had to protect the children that filled this room.

"Breathe, Severus." Flitwick whispered, his voice only able to be heard by Severus.

"I am." Came Severus' forced reply. Severus then forced himself to straighten his back and scan the crowd of children in front of him. They were why he was here, they were why he fought. He would never let Albus Dumbledore hurt another of them again. He then looked to the Slytherins, the ones directly under his care, the prefects knew to be very careful, and they seemed to be watching over the new first years well, as they made their way along the table introducing themselves to each new first year, and checking in on all the others. They had been chosen well, and had served as the prefects of Slytherin for two years now. He watched as the first years at each table settled in and as the feast started. He continuously checked on Harry, trying his best to make it look like he did not care about the boy, but truly he was terrified that Harry had to come back to school. That Harry had to now face the very battle Severus himself had been facing since he was eleven. All Severus knew was that he was going to keep a close eye on Harry each and every day. He wasn't about to let Dumbledore hurt Harry like he had hurt Lily.

For the rest of the dinner, Severus' eyes scanned the crowds of children and his mind wandered over each and every threat that these children were facing.

Harry had sat in the feast surrounded by the friends he had sat with since first year, they talked and joked. They caught up on each other's summer, Harry lying through his teeth about how his summer had gone. Then they sat quietly as Dumbledore introduced the new ministry administered dark arts professor. Harry's stomach began to turn as he met her eyes, something was off about her, and in a moment he had decided that he needed to keep his distance. His first dark arts class had proven that, and his first detention with her had proven it further. His hand burned as he walked through the castle towards the dungeons, he had his cloak wrapped around him knowing that he was out after curfew. He stopped at the door to Snape's office, and glanced around him before knocking. He could hear shuffling on the other side of it before it opened, Snape looking into the hall. For a moment he thought that no one was there and went to shut the door before it clicked, it was after curfew.

"Come in, Harry." Snape whispered, moving out of the way of the boy who he assumed entered after a moment and shut the door. He was proven correct as once the door shut Harry removed his cloak.

"Sorry I didn't give any warning, I didn't know I was coming." Harry greeted.

"Not a problem. What happened?" Snape asked, curious as to why the boy was already visiting so early in the school year.

"I'm not sure what it's called, but it hurts like shit." Harry held out his hand to show the potions master,

"Language, Harry. Where did you get this?" Snape carefully grabbed Harry's hand looking over the injury. He knew exactly what it was, he had been the recipient of it many times in his Hogwarts experience.

"Umbridge gave me detention, and she made me use it to write, well, to write that."

"What on earth did you lie about?"

"Nothing. I just said that I hadn't lied, that Voldemort really was alive again." Harry answered.

"Come with me." Snape replied moving through the door to the potions lab on the other side of the hall.

"What even was it?" Harry asked once they were in the other room.

"A blood quill, they have been outlawed for years, I thought they had disappeared, but apparently not. Sit." Snape explained, before motioning to a seat next to the professor desk at the front of the room. He then moved to the shelves pulling down multiple bottles of ingredients and beginning to brew something.

"How does Umbridge have one?"

"I'm not sure, I assume she got one from Fudge at the ministry."

"I don't think I'm the only one she will use it on. Something is off with her."

"Of course something is off with her. She is the embodiment of the negative personality the ministry paints Voldemort to be. She is a blood purist, and she refuses to believe that anything could remove her from power. She believes she knows everything and cares nothing for other human beings. I tried to convince the headmaster of this, but as always he insisted I was wrong." Snape replied, his eyes never leaving the potion he was brewing.

"So, we have no hope of getting rid of her?"

"I do not believe so, although I do not plan to give up so easily. The Slytherins have been warned to steer clear and keep their heads down in her class. They will not cause problems, I suggest you do the same, even if it means denying what happened last year. It is more important that you are safe than that she believes you."

"I hate being called a liar." Harry mumbled, earning a glance from Snape.

"As do I, but you walk a very thin line now. You cannot afford to endanger yourself anymore than you already are. It is better for them to think you a liar, than for the truth to get out."

"Just like it's better for every other house to hate you as a teacher?" Harry asked, he had wanted to bring up the topic all summer, but he had always chickened out.

"I allow the children in this school to believe what they wish about me, because it matters more that I am able to protect them than what they think of me. Their hatred of me has kept them from many dangerous things, and my point taking has kept them in line during a very dangerous class that has, in the past, almost taken lives." Snape answered, he was pouring the potion into bottles, his focus on making sure that nothing went wrong. Harry had spent the summer learning from Snape about potions and all that went into being a potions master. He had begun to enjoy watching the professor brew them. It was calming to Harry, to watch someone do something that seemed like second nature to them, with such precision and calm that it astounded Harry. He had never done something with as much skill.

"I don't think they think about that. About the danger of potions, I mean. They just think you are being strict."

"I am aware. I would rather them think me strict and survive without incident, than think me kind and burn their own skin off. Give me your hand." Snape replied, grabbing Harry's hand once he raised it. Harry watched while the man rubbed the still warm potion into his skin, the pain from the injury immediately began to fade, the strain that had been around Harry's eyes fading with it.

"That really helped." Harry stated, surprise in his voice.

"It's almost like I brewed it to do so." Snape smirked,

"That's not… Ugh… Thanks."

"You are very welcome. You will need to apply the next dose in the morning, just rub it into the area as I did. It will help remove the scar. If you have any more pain at all from it, come and see me, as it will most likely mean a hidden infection. As for Umbridge I will handle it, just keep your head down and try not to receive another detention." Snape replied, he then turned and wrote on a sheet of paper,

"I will." Harry confirmed, standing from his seat and moving towards the door.

"Harry." Snape called, holding out the paper towards him,

"Yes, professor?"

"Here is a pass for the fact that you are out after curfew, if you run into anyone that will keep you out of trouble. Also, I know what you and your friends are thinking."

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, confused as to what the professor was referencing.

"I am aware of the poor level of education you are receiving in Defense class. You are not to do anything to solve this, no clubs, no classes, no hidden agendas. If your friends decide to do it without you please inform me. You know now that they will need none of those skills, please do not endanger your life or theirs for the sake of an education they will not need."

"I won't sir. I promise."

When Harry had left his office, Severus found himself just staring at the wall. He knew the feeling well, the feeling of weight in his chest. His breath was laboring against an invisible force that was holding it back. He tried his best to breathe through it, he had known this was coming for days. The school year had started rough, and now it seemed that it would be a hard semester as well. He already had Dumbledore to worry about protecting Harry, Draco, and all the children from, and now Umbridge. His heart was racing, and his mind continuously tried to pull him back to the memories that threatened to arise. The image of a crying girl, with torn clothes and tangles in her bright red hair. Her face was cut and bruised and tears ran down her cheeks. Severus was beginning to be able to hear her cries for help, her cries of pain. He knew that he needed to get to his father before he couldn't fight it anymore, he stood from his desk trying his best to force the memory from his mind, as he moved to the fireplace and threw the floo powder into it,

"Spinner's end." His voice was rough as it barely managed to spit the words out clearly. He stumbled into the green flames, and as he appeared on the other side he fell to the floor his head spinning in pain as he tried to stop the panic that was catching his breath. He pushed himself from the floor, he knew that the only way to make the trip was apparition, yet he knew he would never make it, his legs were barely holding him up anymore, and the memory that had been forcing itself to the front of his mind, seemed to be half of his vision. He realized he had failed to make it as his legs gave out and he fell to the floor, the only sound he could hear was lily crying out his name as blood fell from her face,

"Lily.. I'm coming… Lily." His voice barely sounded like his own as no one was around to hear it, but the memories and the echoey hall that Severus found himself in.

Chapter 13

Harry had left Snape's office with hope, but it wasn't far down the hall when he realized he had left his bag, so he quickly turned and walked back to the office. He knocked but there was no answer, so he knocked again and risking the anger of the man he opened the door. Severus was no longer there, floo powder was on the floor and the edge of the fireplace, and some of the items from the man's desk were on the floor, one in particular had blood on it. Something was wrong. Harry knew what he had to do, he grabbed the floo powder,

"Spinner's end." He threw the powder into the fire, Severus had told him of his home, so that if Harry ever needed to flee the castle he knew where to go so that he could floo to Voldemort. When Harry stumbled through the fire into the other house he saw Severus on the floor. His body was shaking, and his hand had blood on it, his eyes were glossy and far off, and no matter how loudly Harry called his name the man never moved.
"I'll be back, I promise, I'll get help." Harry tried, he knew that the man wasn't going to respond but he hoped the words were heard anyway. Harry then turned back to the fireplace and flooed away from the house. Landing in the living room of the house he had spent the summer in. Harry broke out into a sprint, running straight for the hall, his breath labored from the worry and the speed of his actions,

"VOLDEMORT! REMUS! SOMEONE!" Harry yelled as he broke through the door, running into all the different rooms.

"Harry? What's wrong?" Haven asked, entering the house from the back garden.

"Snape… Somethings wrong…"

"Calm down, breathe, tell me what happened." Haven spoke, her voice calm as she held back the worry for her son, trying to calm the boy in front of her as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

"I don't know. I met with him, and I left my bag, when I came back he was gone, and his office was messy. There was floo powder and some blood on one of his desk items. I flooed to Spinner's end to get here, he was there. He was shaking and he was cold. He didn't respond, I tried to get him to, but no matter what I did he didn't answer. I don't know what happened." Harry explained, his voice was shaky. Haven only nodded in response, moving quickly up the stairs. Harry assumed she was running but her flowy robes made it seem like she floated up the stairs. Harry just waited at the bottom of the steps, hoping that wherever she was going she would be quick. A moment later she returned down the stairs, Voldemort and Lucius following quickly behind her. Before Harry could even speak, Haven had grabbed his arm and apparated away.

The group appeared in the house at Spinners end before Harry could even realize what was happening, both Haven and Voldemort immediately moving to their son. Severus was still on the ground, his body cold and pale as it shook in what had seemed to be fear. Harry noticed now that it wasn't fear, it was anger. He could feel it now, radiating around the room, magic pulsing through the air, it was cold. To Harry it was almost as cold as a dementor, and there was a sound with it, crying. Haven's breath caught when she felt it, when she heard it.

"Tom." her voice was soft, and for the first time Harry had ever heard, there was uncertainty in it.

"I know." the man replied, kneeling next to his son, the sound that circled the room was not the only thing the two were experiencing. They knew their son's magic signature, and the family had been using their magic to connect for years, Severus was using it now, to show his father what was happening. Both Haven and Tom were realizing what it was, Severus had been increasing his mental walls over the summer, Tom would never break them if he didn't have a way in. So Severus was giving him a way in, it was a desperate plea for help from a man who was locked in broken and fearful years he had lived as a child.

"Tom, is that?" Haven asked, her voice unable to say the name of the girl she knew she was seeing as the memory flashed in her mind. The magic of her son forcing open a small hole into his mind for his father to use. A sad nod was all she got as a reply, as the older man grabbed his son to push through the walls in his mind. As the room fell into silence, Harry heard a pop and looked to see Remus appear, fear was written across his face, but it was replaced with horror as the magic hit him. Remus saw it all, he heard Lily's cries to Severus, saw the tears, he was seeing it all.

"Damn it." Tom cursed, backing away from his son.

"What happened?" Haven asked, moving closer to her husband and her son.

"He kicked me out. I can't get through anymore, and the sound and glimpses are gone." he replied, Haven nodded realizing they were gone for her too. They both realized that Remus had arrived when the man moved to the other side of his brother. His clothes were torn and dirty, his body was thin and looked run down. It had just been a full moon, and the man had yet to recover. The three others watched him closely, wondering what was happening. Remus quietly placed his hand on his brothers shoulder,

"She's gone, Severus. You can't bring her back, you can't fix it. She's gone. We need you here, come back." His voice was rough and weak, but as he spoke Severus began to stop shaking, his eyes blinking back tears that had begun to fall. Remus pulled his brother from the floor, grasping him in his arms, Severus was still cold to the touch, tears fighting to fall as Remus hugged him. Remus himself had tears falling from his eyes, his hands shaking as they held his brother. Haven had tears falling from her eyes still, they had begun when the glimpses of what Severus had been seeing had entered her mind. Voldemort just watched, to Harry he looked older than he had when they arrived, his shoulders slumped and his head bowed. They all looked older to Harry, ever since the summer ended, each of them looked different. More worn and aged, with more pain in both their eyes and in their bodies. He supposed that this was what war looked like. Not like the battlefields that made up the war, but like the brokenness and pain in the people that fought in them.

"I should have saved her." Severus whispered to his brother after Remus broke the hug, looking into his brother's eyes. Both of them seemed to truly see the other for the first time,

"I should have as well, but neither of us were able to. We have a second chance, help me to keep it." Remus replied. The two looked alike for the first time, both of their bodies were weak and worn, and their eyes held the same pain. The brothers actually looked like brothers for the first time Harry had ever seen.

"What happened?" Harry finally asked, the fear in his voice showing.

"Severus had an attack." Voldemort replied.

"An attack? Of what?"

"To the wizarding world, it is simply panic. To the muggle world it would most likely be called a PTSD episode." Haven answered.

"PTSD? Was it me? Did I…" Harry began,

"No." Severus cut him off, "It wasn't you. It had been coming for a long time, I shouldn't have tried to fight it like I did. It put all of us in danger, and it made me let my guard down." Severus answered. His voice was strong, but it failed to counteract the way he looked.

"But the voice, it sounded like…" Harry replied, he had thought it sounded like the same cries he heard from the dementors,

"You heard it?" Severus asked, his head snapping up to look at the boy, fear in his eyes.

"Yeah, I thought everyone did, it sounded like crying, but it never stayed long enough for me to place, but it sounded like…"

"Like?" Voldemort asked,

"The cry I hear from dementors." Harry replied, dropping his eyes to the floor. His answer earned a whispered curse from Severus who immediately was quieted by a whisper from Remus.

"Harry. Look at me." Remus spoke, after calming his brother. Harry slowly looked to the man,

"It was the same cry, and I know you want to know why, and I know you have questions. But this is not the time for you to hear this, and it is not something that you need to know. We will not hide it forever, I promise you that, but you carry enough pain already, and at some point we have to ask you to trust us to know what you need to know and what you are better off not knowing for the moment. It was your mother, and I will not hide that from you, but I ask that you let us decide when you need to know why she was crying, I ask that you trust Severus and I enough to let us keep this burden for you for a while longer. I promise you can trust us with it." Remus explained, he knew that the truth of what Severus had been seeing would change Harry, it would destroy him. It would not be easy to set aside, to keep calm while carrying. Even Remus struggled with it, and almost daily he found himself wondering just how his brother carried all he did while remaining silent.

"I… but…" Harry was trying to decide, to comprehend what had happened in the last hour,

"Harry, please." Severus spoke, his voice was broken, his head bowed, pain filled his words. It snapped Harry out of his hesitation, whatever the man had seen had taken the strongest person Harry had ever known and reduced him to what was in front of him now. Harry didn't want to wait to learn what happened, but he decided then and there that the two men in front of him were trustworthy. He decided to believe that they would indeed protect him and tell him when they felt he was ready,

"Okay. I'll trust you."

"Harry, you need to return to school, it is way past curfew and we don't need anyone finding you gone and wondering where you are. Take the pass Severus wrote you and return to your bed quickly. Severus will be back soon." Haven spoke, moving the young man towards the floo and watching as he obeyed and returned to the school, the pass that Severus wrote him firmly in his grasp.

"How did you know I wrote him a pass?" Severus half whispered.

"Because you, my son, are a rule follower, and curfew was three hours ago."

"Severus, what happened?" Voldemort asked, all of them still on the floor, Severus and Remus seemingly holding each other up.

"I knew it was coming, but I thought I could fight it off. I had no reason to fully slip into an episode of that night, maybe a different night but not that one… but that stupid Dolorus Umbridge showed up."

"Whose that?" Remus asked, he hadn't been able to communicate with Harry since the start of school because of the full moon, and he felt slightly behind.

"The ministry issued defense professor. She is a blood purist. She believes, as does the ministry, that our father never actually came back. Harry lost his temper in her class, and got detention. I didn't think he should have but as I said I had been fighting the attack and I didn't take the time to think about what might happen if he actually attended the detention. He came to me after she had forced him to do lines." Severus paused, swallowing hard, "With a blood quill. His hand looked terrible, it was bloody and puffy. I made the potion to treat it and rubbed ointment and bandaged it. I did everything I could. When he left I lost it, once again I had failed to protect someone from pain inside those walls, pain I should have seen coming. I shouldn't have let him go to that detention."

"You had no way of knowing, it's not your fault. Besides you are protecting him, you didn't know she was that big of a threat." Haven answered.

"Either way, she won't be for long. Before the week is out she will either be fired, or dead." Severus answered standing and pulling his brother up with him.

"Dead?" Voldemort asked.

"She messed with the wrong children. She either will leave the building or I will remove her, either way she won't be around for much longer." Severus answered, his face cold with anger.

"Let me know if you need help, I'm trash at potions, but I know my way around an apothecary." Remus replied, a smirk sent towards his brother.

"You know my love, I don't believe we thought through bringing these two together very well, they are likely to burn the world down." Voldemort spoke, sending a smile at his wife. They were all desperately trying to lighten the heavy feeling in the room, yet while their words got lighter, their shoulders never straightened, and the sadness in their eyes never faded. Eventually, Voldemort and Haven left, and Remus and Severus settled in to spend the night on Spinner's end, both of them pushing the day from their minds as they relied on the other to keep them grounded.

Haven and Voldemort returned to the house, neither really speaking until they made it up to their room.

"Was that who I think it was?" Haven asked, her voice full of sadness, her eyes not even looking up to meet her husbands as they pulled the bedding back from their bed after changing into their night clothes.

"Yes."

"Is that what he told you about? What he couldn't talk to me about?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"He didn't want you to be hurt more. Haven you know Severus, he carries everything alone so that it never hurts anyone else. He barely told me, and when Remus forced it out of him it almost killed him. He wants to protect those he loves, I didn't want to take that from him."

"He shouldn't have had to carry it alone!" Haven replied, her voice rising in anger.

"He wasn't! I would never let him do that! The moment I knew I did everything I could to help him. He is my son Haven, do you really think I would just leave him with it?" Voldemort answered, pain in his words as his eyes met his wife's.

"Tell me what happened."

"Haven, you know that I cannot do that. Severus, he would never forgive himself if he found out you knew. He would never forgive me either. Haven, I know you want to protect him, that you want to protect both of them. I do too. There are days where I spend all my time trying to figure out any way that I could keep them away from this. That I could protect them completely, but I never find the answer, and even if I did they would never let me remove them from this war. They are men now, they have faced battles and trials beyond what I can comprehend, and they no longer fight for us but for reasons that are their own. What you saw a glimpse of today is Severus' reason. His reason for fighting, his reason for pushing through the pain, it's his reason for hating Dumbledore. It is his why, and he has asked, he has begged, that Remus and I never let you know it. Not because he doesn't trust you, but because he loves you, and he knows, as I do, that it will hurt you, and that is the last thing he wants to do." Voldemort tried, he knew that his wife wanted to know, wanted to be able to save her children from the pain she had lived, but he also knew that they both would have to accept the fact that they couldn't do that. They would have to accept the fact that they had already failed to do that, they would have to accept that their sons had experienced more pain than they could have ever imagined. Haven only nodded in response to her husband before laying down, the two of them didn't speak, but they never found sleep either. Neither of their brains allowing them to stop and rest.

Chapter 14

The next morning Severus returned to the school before the sun fully rose, and made his way to the breakfast feast. The day passed by with a normal amount of annoyance and tasks. He taught and graded papers and potions, and he brewed extra ointment for any other children who received the blood quill before he could deal with it. Then once night had fallen and curfew had begun he made his way to the office of Umbridge. He knocked once, and was met with a child opening the door trying to leave with tears in their eyes. He quickly grabbed their arm lightly and leaned to whisper in the little girls ear,

"Make your way to my office, I have ointment to help it heal and to take away the pain. I will be back there very soon, enter and close the door behind you, no one will bother you. Take this pass in case you run into another teacher, and please trust me." as he whispered he handed the pass to the small girl who nodded and left the room with the pass in her hand. Severus then straightened himself and entered the office, allowing his anger to clearly show on his face.

"Professor Snape, what a delight. Would you like a spot of tea?" The woman asked, she was still wearing that horrendous pink suit. Severus silently thanked his mother for teaching him how to dress with authority. He couldn't imagine ever believing that an outfit like that would serve any purpose other than to gain bullies.

"I am not here for tea Dolorus." He spat.

"What can I help you with?" Her voice was still light, but Severus did not miss the fear that quickly flashed through her eyes.

"While I doubt your intelligence, I believe you have enough of a brain to understand that I am not one to be messed with, am I correct in this assumption?" Severus turned and closed the door to the office, locking it and placing an easily noticeable silencing spell as he spoke.

"Of course, I have heard many things about your capabilities with potions."

"I am not speaking of my potions." Severus simply stated, rolling his sleeves up enough that the woman before him could easily see the dark mark on his forearm.

"Of course." Umbridge spoke, her voice shaky and her eyes failing to keep from looking at the mark on his arm.

"I have spent my life spying on the most deadly wizards in the world, I have never been caught, I have never failed in my mission. I have flawlessly played a very deadly role in a dangerous and risky play. The things I have seen and the things I know how to do would scare even the darkest prisoners of Azkaban. They will make a dementor tremble in fear." Severus paused, laying his hands on the desk and leaning closer to the woman who sat behind it before continuing, "I have never failed in doing what I chose to do. Do you understand what I am telling you?"

"Yes." there was fear in her eyes, but her voice did not betray her, which almost impressed Severus. He knew exactly what it was like to be on the other side of this type of speech, and it had scared even him.

"Good. Knowing this I want you to listen very closely. If you dare to hurt another child within this castle with that damned blood quill, or by any other means you will face my wand, and I never fail to cast the needed spell. These children are under my protection, no matter which house they are from, and I don't take kindly to anyone threatening them or their safety. Now, I don't care who you are or who you work for, or what you think, you have a very simple choice. Either admit to your actions and leave this place immediately…"

"I will not be leaving." Umbridge interrupted, her face stern.

"Very well, you will take option two then. As I said before, I am not someone to be trifled with. And I don't take kindly to people throwing their political power around as if they rule the world. I like it even less when they choose to hurt children to make their point. So let me make this very clear. You live in a magical world, and at the end of the day political power is nothing more than a sheet of paper. I might not have any of that type of power, but I have magical power that I promise you will never compete with. And it just happens that I don't give a damn what your papers say. You hurt another child in any way, mentally, physically, or emotionally, and you will find yourself in an unknown location receiving every bit of pain you dished out, until I force Emerald potion down your throat and kill you slowly with all the most painful poisons that this world can wield. Do I make myself clear?" Severus spat, his voice was deadly and his eyes almost looked on fire with anger.

"As you said, you are a wonderful actor, but I assure you I see through your lies." She replied, Severus simply raised his wand, and pointed it at the cat that laid sleeping in the corner of the window, it was the only cat the woman had been allowed to bring to the school, the others simply stayed on her wall in the form of paintings,

"Avada Kedavra." The green light shot out and the cat fell from the window it's eyes still open even in death,

"I assure you, I am not acting." Severus replied, his voice more deadly than it had ever been.

"Peaches!" The woman called, trying to stand, she was forced back into her chair with a quick movement of Severus' wand.

"Are we clear on your options? Leave. Or die."

"Ye..yes."

"Good. I'll be seeing you, Umbridge. Oh, and just in case you get the idea to try to get me arrested, it's my word against yours, and I promise you I am immune to Versaitum and I know how to make you say exactly what I want. Do not try me, or you will find just how much power I wield." With that Severus left the room, his robe blowing behind him as the door slammed open against the wall, causing many of the paintings in the office to fall.

Severus quickly returned to his office, removing the anger from his face and voice he entered to find not one but three small children there. The little girl he had sent, another little girl and a small boy. They were all in their first years, the girls were wearing yellow, but the little boy had on blue.

"I see you brought some friends." Severus softly spoke, greeting the children,

"They… they had detention too." The little girl whispered.

"Ahh, well then, it is good that you brought them. Do you know of any others?"

"No sir." The small boy answered.

"Very well. When you return to your dorms tonight I expect you to spread the word that if anyone receives detention from that witch, they are to report to me afterwards to receive treatment. That is until I can deal with her."

"Deal with her?" the other little girl asked, she still had tears falling, but Severus noticed that she wasn't allowing it to affect her voice.

"Yes, deal with her. She will be dealt with by the end of the week, but that still allows a few days for her to give out detention."

"How are you going to deal with her?" The same little girl asked.

"That is my problem, not yours. Now, let me get the ointment and bandages and I will have you all fixed up in no time." Severus replied, placing a smile on his face.

"Thank you sir." the small boy answered.

"You are welcome. Now, tell me what are your names?"

"I'm Bobby. Bobby Frankfurt." The little boy answered.

"My name is Mary Billard." The little girl he had met at the door of Umbridge's office replied.

"I'm Haven Modds."

"It's very nice to meet you all, as you will learn again tomorrow at your first potions class, I am Professor Snape." Severus answered, noticing that the girl who shared a name with his mother actually reminded him of her.

"You teach potions?" Bobby asked, his voice hesitant.

"Yes. I assume your hesitation means you have heard of me?"

"We have. They say you're mean and rude. I don't think we should judge people based on others' opinions though, It's stupid. Some people don't like me, that doesn't mean I'm a bad person. Plus potions is like the most powerful thing we can learn here, it'll be cool." the little girl named Haven answered.

"Very true, potions are a very powerful version of magic. Yet, it takes precision and careful actions. One mistake can lead to death, hence my hesitation to make it a fun and energetic class. You will be expected to behave, but I assure you it is not to be mean, it is for your own safety." Severus answered, finally moving to Mary and softly beginning to rub the ointment on her hand "I will not ask useless questions" Severus held back a growl at the writing on her hand. Punishing a child for curiosity was like punishing a dog for eating a bone. He tried his best to push back his emotion, and still act calmly around the children.

"Do not listen to what Umbridge has told you. Do you understand me? She does not know what she is talking about, and therefore any punishment she gives out should be ignored. Now, if you are told these things by another professor then you may listen, but when it comes from Umbridge you are to ignore it. Understood?"

"Yes sir." Mary replied, tears were still in her eyes.

"Mary, what did you even ask, I don't even remember hearing you ask a question?" Bobby asked, he had been in the same class.

"I didn't ask about it during class. I went up after and asked about homework and if we were supposed to use other sources for our papers as well or just the textbook." Mary answered.

"Mary, may I ask you, are you from a wizarding family or a muggle one?" Severus asked, kindness in his voice.

"Muggle sir."

"As I said before, do not listen to what she tells you. The question you asked her is a very wise question to ask, and I think higher of students of mine that ask it. Umbridge is never going to think you are capable or good at anything."

"Why sir?" Haven asked.

"Do any of you know the term blood purist?" He asked, earning head shakes from each of them.

"What does it mean?" Bobby asked.

"It is a term I wish none of you had to learn. It is a belief that some in our world hold. Those who hold it believe that only pureblood witches and wizards deserve to use magic. Meaning, muggleborns should not be here at Hogwarts, or at any wizarding school. Umbridge is one of these people."

"You mean like you know who?" Bobby once again asked.

"No. Voldemort is not fighting for blood purity, he is fighting for a change of command, as every history book you read will tell you, if you read them close enough. Many will want you to believe that he is fighting for blood purity though."

"Why do they want to lie?" Mary questioned, as Severus finished bandaging her hand and moved to Bobby.

"Those that write the books work for the current system, and therefore they don't want Voldemort to win. So they twist the truth to gain more support."

"Does anyone tell the truth?" Haven asked.

"Some do, there are books that tell the full truth. But for now, you will just have to read your history books very closely, the truth is in them. And then, you all can make your own choice on who you believe to be in the right."

"But why can't we read the truth?" Mary questioned again, a furrow in her brow.

"They are in the restricted section of the library." Severus answered.

"Can't you give passes for that?" Bobby questioned.

"I can. And if the three of you prove that you are focusing in classes I will give you the pass for it, but I am not going to let you get behind in classes for it." Severus replied.

"I think if there are books that tell the truth, they should make those the textbooks." Haven stated.

"I agree, but they do not. Therefore, you should all keep your grades up so that you can gain access to them." Severus smirked.

"We will sir." Bobby replied.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Miss Billard?"

"How did you know to make the ointment?"

"You three are not the first students to receive such punishment, although only one was willing to come to me. I was lucky to run into you when I did. Leaving the wounds untreated can easily lead to infection and increased pain for weeks. So, if you run across anyone who has the wounds, please send them to me." At that Severus moved to Haven and began rubbing the ointment into her wounds. Bobbys had said not to be arrogant, and Haven's said to respect her elders. Severus found he didn't need to ask about what it meant, he gathered from their personalities that it was not what they had actually done. The group fell quiet as Severus finished placing the ointment and bandaged Haven's hand.

"Professor?"

"Yes Mr. Frankfurt?"

"Do we need to use other sources for our potions homework when we get it?" Bobby asked, earning a laugh from his friends and a smile from Severus.

"If you want a good grade that will greatly help you, but you can achieve a good grade using only the textbook." Severus replied.

"Thank you sir." Mary answered with a small smile as the group stood and walked towards the door.

"You are very welcome, now, I am going to walk you to your dorms seeing as it is so late after curfew. Stay with me." Severus spoke as he exited his office with the children following close behind.

Severus took the three children to their dorms, first the girls and then Bobby, running into Flitwick as he dropped Bobby at the door to the dorm.

"Thank you for walking him back, Severus. May I ask why you needed to, he hasn't even had a potions class yet."

"No, and he was not in trouble with me. Care to walk with me?" Severus asked, not wishing to have the conversation within hearing of any curious child.

"Of course." Flitwick said, setting out down the hall with the younger man.

"Harry came to my office last night, he had been in detention with Dolores. She uses a blood quill as her punishment."

"Surely not. Does Albus know?"

"I have no idea, I wasn't about to go seeking out his advice on the topic when I could handle it myself. I quickly placed some ointment on Harry's hand and bandaged it. Tonight I went to talk with the witch. On my way into her office a first year Hufflepuff girl was coming out, her hand was bloody and she had tears falling down her face. I gave her a night pass and told her to go to my office. When I made it back to my office she was there, along with two of her friends, one of them was the boy I just returned to you, Bobby Frankfurt."

"You talked to her?" Flitwick asked, he was hesitant to see what the man had done.

"Yes. Don't worry, I gave her a choice."

"A choice?"

"Yes, she can leave and turn herself in before weeks end, or she'll be gone by weeks end."

"Gone? Severus do not do something rash and get caught, there is too much at stake."

"People go missing in war, Flitwick. Especially when they go wandering in the wrong side of town. I have it on good authority that she has plans to go to the bad side of Diagon Alley this weekend, that is her own choice."

"And if she cancels her plans?"

"She won't." Severus answered, his confidence sending the message that his words didn't.

"I don't plan to stop you, if she has hurt one of my Ravenclaws, or any student for that matter, she deserves it. Besides, if she knows what is good for her she'll choose Azkaban." Flitwick answered. There were times when he saw Severus that all he could see was the man's mother, he carried himself like her, he spoke like her, and he had her brain. Yet recently, Flitwick could see almost nothing but his father in him, his eyes carrying the same fire that his fathers had always had. His shoulders the same power, his voice the same harshness and heaviness of the dark lord. There had been days that Flitwick wondered how nobody else had figured it out, and in that moment he realized why they hadn't. Severus was basically invisible to everyone until he could do something for them, as was almost every Slytherin.

"I won't let there be another danger to these students in this castle. I can't stop him at this moment, but I can stop her, and I'll be damned if I fail at it."

"Thank you for taking care of Bobby, and for taking care of the two girls. Can I ask what ointment you used? I was under the impression that there was not a treatment for the blood quill, I thought they had refused to make one since it was a punishment device, and since it was banned I assumed one had not been made."

"They did refuse to make one, and according to the public there isn't one. But, I am a potions master for a reason, I created one."

"Just today?" Flitwick asked, surprised at how fast the man seemed to be saying he had worked.

"No. I created it in my third year here."

"Your third year teaching? What on earth for, I don't recall any other use of a blood quill."

"My third year as a student. And you don't recall it because he did not broadcast it, clearly or he would not still be in charge." Severus answered, his voice still perfectly controlled, but the anger in his eyes grew slightly.

"Your third year as a student! Severus, you invented a potion in your third year?"

"Yes. No one else was going to, and I hated having to look at the writing for days after the detentions as it faded. Besides, I needed a way to remove the scars so that my parents would not find out. I didn't want to fail the mission my father had given me." Severus replied, lowering his voice as he finished speaking.

"You continue to amaze me, Severus. And you continue to be a reminder of all I have failed to do."

"Do not hold it against yourself. You were not the one doing it, and you have always done your best to help me. You should never blame yourself for his actions."

"Neither should you." Flitwick answered, his voice firm and kind.

"I don't."

"You do. But I know why, so I will not try to pretend like I don't understand it. I find myself doing the same when I think about your mother, as I'm sure your father does. But, if you are going to remind me not to, I will remind you not to. You couldn't have stopped it."

"Like I can't stop him now?" Severus snapped back. He was not stupid, he knew that he had always had the power to combat Dumbledore, but he had never used it. When he was young the fear held him back, and now he awaited his fathers word, trusting in the man who raised him, despite the seemingly daily increase of what was lost to the war that continued on despite the fact that he could end it.

"Just because you have the raw power to stop him does not mean you would succeed. He is a powerful wizard as well, and if he fought well he could defeat you. Your father knows this, as he knows many other things. This is why he does not tell you to stop him, but it will come. And when it does, I will be by your side."

"Thank you, Flitwick. I greatly appreciate it. If you will excuse me, I need to brew some potions, I have a deadline to meet."

"Of course, have a good night Severus." With that Flitwick turned back towards the Ravenclaw dorms, and Severus returned to the dungeons. He then made a cup of tea before setting up in his lab that he kept in the spare room of his apartment and began brewing Remus' first batch of wolfsbane for the month.

Chapter 15

The months of the school year went quickly after the end of the week when Umbridge turned herself in to the ministry. Severus taught, Harry studied, and other than his spying and extra brewing for Remus and in preparation for the war, the semester seemed almost normal. Severus had been able to fight the memories with more success, and Remus' transitions had continued to get easier with the wolfsbane. Harry focused fully on his studies, gaining better grades in each subject and before he knew it Christmas break had arrived. Severus and Remus had arranged for Harry to come back and spend Christmas with the Riddle family. So, that was where the group found themselves, in the late morning after the departure feast. Snape had told Dumbledore that he was going to do some more in depth spying during the holiday which had released him from babysitting. Harry had asked for permission to spend the holiday with Remus, after Remus had finally checked in with Dumbledore, explaining that he needed a break for a while, that his undercover and recruitment work with the different packs of wolves across Britain had taken too much, and Dumbledore had granted the break to the both of them.

"I still don't understand why we couldn't have shrunk the luggage." Harry complained, trying his best to carry his trunk across the field towards the house.

"It keeps you strong, if not smart." Severus replied, walking past him quickly his wand pointed out, and his own luggage floating neatly in front of him.

"Damn it. Why didn't I think of that."

"Language. And you didn't think of that because it's cheating." Remus replied, coming to walk next to Harry carrying his own luggage.

"It is not cheating, it is using your brain. You really should try it sometime brother." Severus smirked back to the two.

"Very funny." Remus growled in response.

"Wait, what spell?" Harry asked, having set his luggage in front of him and trying to use his wand to make it an easier task.

"Did you pay attention at all in your first year?" Severus answered.

"Of course I paid attention! I got good grades that year you know!" Harry answered, earning a raised eyebrow from Severus, "okay, good grades in everything but potions, but that wasn't my fault."

"Wingardium Leviosa, Harry." Remus answered, earning a glare from his brother.

"You shouldn't have helped him." Severus stated before turning on his heel and making his way into the house. Remus and Harry followed behind, when the two of them made it inside, though, Severus had disappeared.

"Remus! Harry! Welcome home, It's so good to see you both." Haven greeted them, walking in from the living room and giving them both hugs.

"Hello Mum."

"Hello, Mrs. Riddle."

"Where is Severus?"

"No idea, he left us in the field and came inside." Remus answered, trying to reattach the latch of his luggage.

"Was he upset?"

"You bet. He couldn't believe that Harry forgot Wingardium Leviosa, and then I told Harry the answer and he got all frustrated like he does and stormed off." Remus smirked.

"I did not 'get all frustrated' and I did not 'storm off'. I left you to finish figuring out your year one spell and I came inside to put my stuff in my room. I can't help it if your lack of education prevents you from keeping up with me." Severus replied, coming down the stairs. He had taken off his over cloak leaving only black slacks and a black button up shirt, which he had rolled the sleeves of. Harry found himself staring at the man, he had never seen his professor dress like that, not even over the summer. Snape had never taken off his cloak.

"Sure you didn't. And I have the same amount of education you do, thank you."

"You slept through half the classes. Is something wrong with my outfit Potter, or do you make it a habit to stare?" Severus then stated, turning a raised eye to Harry.

"I make it a habit." Harry answered, sarcasm filling his words.

"Kids these days, they have no respect."

"I was just caught off guard, you never take off your cloak."

"Oh no. I must be dying, I did something Harry has never seen. For your information, I despise that cloak."Severus answered, the group moving into the living room after Remus moved the luggage to the side.

"You despise the cloak you wear all the time?" Remus asked, looking at his brother with doubt.

"Yes."

"Then why do you wear it?" Harry asked, plopping onto the couch and relaxing back.

"Tell me Harry, If I had worn this to Hogwarts, and you had never spoken to me before, would you have been more or less willing to speak to me than when I wear my cloak?"

"More. You look like a human."

"Hence why I wear it. Intimidation is a great weapon, when you learn how to wield it correctly. Which is why Dolores Umbridge no longer teaches at Hogwarts. And thank you, I have been told that occasionally I can look that way." Severus answered, calmly lowering himself into one of the chairs. Remus and Haven settling onto the other couch in the room.

"How did you get her to leave?" Harry asked, he had wanted to know the answer all semester but had never found the opportunity to ask.

"I told her to."

"Or?" Remus asked, sure there was more to the story.

"Or, she would find herself in the middle of the woods up against the greatest potions master ever born."

"So let me get this clear, you told her that she either had to leave.." Harry began,

"And turn herself in." Severus interrupted.

"Okay, leave and turn herself in, or you were going to kill her?" Harry finished.

"Pretty much, although there was going to be more pain before the killing part."

"Awesome." Harry sighed.

"What is awesome?" Voldemort asked, entering the room from the back garden.

"What Severus did to Umbridge." Remus answered.

"And what was that?"

"I told her to leave, or that I would make her leave the world for good. She left." Severus answered.

"You threatened a government official in Hogwarts?" Voldemort asked, disbelief in his voice.

"Yes. I did."

"Severus…"

"Don't worry, I covered my tracks. There were no witnesses, and I had all my bases covered to make sure I was not punished for it. Besides, she's in Azkaban now so she has no authority." Severus spoke, calming his fathers worry. If there was anything that Severus knew, it was that his father was overly cautious, and he often seemed to doubt his son's capabilities.

"Can I ask why you felt the need to do this?" Voldemort asked, frustration in his voice as he sat in the other chair in the room.

"She was torturing children. I understand that I am not allowed to do anything against Dumbledore at this moment, but I could do something against her. I was not going to let more children get harmed when I could stop it. I accept that you do not want us to yet make moves against Dumbledore, but Dolores Umbridge is not Dumbledore, and I will not accept standing aside while children are hurt simply to make sure there are absolutely no chances of being found out." Severus replied, his voice harsh as he tried to hold back the anger he was feeling.

"Very well Severus." Voldemort relented. He wasn't happy with his son's actions, but he knew that he would only anger his son if he continued to fight it. Voldemort and Haven were both very aware that Severus had been living on a very dangerous line. Flitwick had contacted them throughout the semester keeping them updated on their son. According to the Ravenclaw head of house Severus had not been struggling as much with his episodes, but he had also reported that Severus had been more and more angry, and frustrated with it all. According to Flitwick, there was not a day that went by at the school when Severus did not at one point or another look exactly like his father, if he didn't always look that way. Slowly as the semester had gone on, the attributes that Severus had gained from his mother had begun to be greatly affected by his fathers anger and attributes.

"Speaking of making moves against Dumbledore, we have decided it is time to do so. Before the end of this semester we will be making our move. The death eaters are being prepared to make a move against the ministry at the same time we will make ours against Hogwarts. We will floo into your office, Severus, and go from there." Haven began to explain, earning the full attention of everyone in the room.

"Just us against all of Hogwarts?" Remus asked, trying his best to believe what his parents were telling them.

"Yes. The others will be at the ministry, they will begin their attack before ours in hopes of gaining the attention of the aurors. Meaning, all we will face will be the teachers and those of the order that make an appearance." Voldemort answered.

"What about the students?"

"You and Harry will have to do your best to win as many over as possible. We will also have released the truth to the press and I will have returned to the Wizengamot and brought the truth to the front of the press." Haven replied, standing to pour herself a glass of firewhiskey.

"Very well." With that, Severus stood and made his way out the doors into the gardens.

Severus had made headway with his attacks throughout the school semester, but he knew that there was still danger of falling back into it. Hearing what his parents were planning made his heart clench in fear. He was not about to let it take the better of him. He knew what to do, he had to address it, think through it, and then let it go. So he quickly made his way into the garden, where he found a bench and sat down. His mind was racing, and his chest felt like it was being crushed. He knew why, and he tried his best to calm his racing thoughts. This wasn't Godric's Hollow. It isn't the same situation. Harry is not Lily. Those who are going to be fighting are more, the plan is different. Severus' head knew these truths, he knew that the situation would be different, but his heart still clenched in fear at the pain and memories of what had happened.

"Damn it." He cursed, as his breath still caught in his throat, tears forming in his eyes as he tried to ease the attack away. He had done it successfully many times over the semester, only having one other attack after the one Harry had witnessed. Yet, he couldn't get this one to fade. He knew what it would take to get this one to go away, he had to accept it. Yet, he wasn't sure how to do so.

"Severus?" Remus came around the corner of the garden, worry written on his face.

"It won't fade." Severus stated. He knew that his brother would know what he was talking about. They had been working on it all together. Remus had offered after the attack Harry had witnessed. So every week they met, Severus prepared and gave Wolfsbane to Remus, and Remus listened and asked questions and let Severus talk through whatever had been bothering him. It had been difficult for them both, but eventually they had begun to trust each other and it had begun to actually work.

"I don't doubt it. This is the core of it all for you Severus. You fear what happened, and you fear it happening again. Until you accept that it might, that pain and death may happen you won't be able to let it fade."

"I don't want to accept that. How could I?"

"I know. I don't want to either. But we are fighting a war, Severus. It could happen. I don't believe that it will, neither do our parents, but it could. I have decided that the risk is worth it. If this works Severus, if we win… Can you imagine? The world that these kids could have…"

"I know. I just…"

"You are still hurting from those who failed to give you the world we fight for. You were the kid that needed to be saved, and the mission failed. That doesn't mean we will fail as well. And maybe we will, but I just… Severus, how can you not want to try?" Remus asked, his voice sad as he knew what his brother was feeling but was also wrestling with not getting frustrated with his brother's hesitation.

"It's not only about me, Remus. I won't say that I don't fear losing everything again, because that would be a lie and we both know it. I fear that everyday. But that is not what terrifies me. Lily wasn't just my best friend Remus. She was my only friend. She was the only one I ever loved. She was my entire world, the reason I got out of bed, the reason I kept fighting, she was my everything. When I lost her, I blamed myself…"

"I know, but you can't keep doing that." Remus interrupted quickly.

"Please, brother, let me finish." Severus spoke, his voice soft and broken. Remus only nodded in reply, moving to sit next to his brother who took a deep breath before he continued speaking, "I blamed myself because I was why Dumbledore had chosen her. I spent the next years doing everything in my power to get her back. I brewed potions, and tried to create spells. When I walked into Godric Hollow that night, I admit I did not even think about my father. Later when I did, I wished I had, but I didn't. I only thought about her. I had failed to save her. But there was a little boy crying in the crib looking at her. I knew that he was James' son. I knew that he was proof that Dumbledore had taken her from me. But he was so small, and his eyes.. They were hers. I picked him up, and I sat next to her with him. I didn't let him look, but I couldn't stop looking. I promised her then and there that I would protect him. That no matter what I would die before I let this world hurt him. I haven't done my best. But failing this war, losing… Remus, it's not about what it will cost me, I don't care how much it hurts me, I'm willing to give it all for this victory. But him?... I have to protect him." Severus confessed.

"It's not your job to protect everyone, and you are not the only one protecting him. I may not have had the same reasons, but you know I made the same vow." Remus answered his brother. Over the last few months he had come to know more of what his brother had lived, and each day he wondered just how Severus had survived it. Yet, there were days Severus had confessed to Remus that he had no idea how Remus had survived what he had lived.

"I know that."

"But…" Remus beckoned, knowing that his brother had not said all he was thinking.

"I don't know how to make myself believe it." Severus answered, his eyes finally meeting his brothers. Remus had become one of his greatest friends, and he truly felt like a brother. Yet, he was still hesitant to speak about such things with him, but he would push through, if only to have a brother.

"I know. But we have to keep fighting Sev. If we don't, how many more will pay the same price?"

"More than I will allow." Severus replied, standing as he spoke. His voice was more steady, and Remus realized that his brother had pushed it back down and buried it like he used to. Remus couldn't say that he was happy about that, but he was happy to see the man he knew his brother to be when he looked into Severus' eyes.

Chapter 16

The group spent the Christmas holiday preparing, Harry wrote his friends in depth letters, finishing off his conversation with Hermione and beginning one with Ron. He also wrote to other people, dormmates, and other friends. Draco joined him in this, writing to any he knew to be deceived, and sending along the book recommendations that gave the true history. Severus, Remus, and their parents made plans and prepared for the attack. When the last week came along, Harry and Draco were drafting reply letters to many of their friends who had responded.

"You ready to go back to school?" Harry asked Draco, placing his quill down as he finished writing his reply to Ron.

"I guess. I'm ready for this all to be over. Don't get me wrong, I like the education, I just don't like Hogwarts very much at the moment." Draco answered, placing his own quill in its case as he also finished his replies.

"Yeah. I can't wait for things to change."

"I hope they do." Draco replied, his doubt clearly written on his face.

"You don't think we'll win?"

"I don't know. Dumbledore is a lot more powerful than you think, and they've tried this before. Nothing changed then."

"Yeah, I guess you're right. But they were doing it differently then, and they didn't have Remus, and Snape wasn't super involved from what I heard. This time will be different."

"I hope so, Harry. I really do. I just worry that it won't, or even if it does, it will cost too much."

"What do you mean?"

"Every victory has a cost, I mean for Dumbledore to win last time almost his whole order was killed. Those that were not were sent to Azkaban or St. Mungo's. I mean, if we win, what will we lose to do so?" Draco asked, clarifying his fear.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Harry answered, he hadn't thought about that yet. He wondered now if he would come out of this with the family he had gained, or if he would lose them.

"Don't let my anxiety get to you, Harry. They all know what they are doing. It'll be fine, you'll see. Then you can say you told me so."

"Do you think that's what Snape and Remus keep talking about so much? They always leave to speak anymore, and they always come back looking so focused and almost sad. Do you think that they are thinking about the same things?"

"I would be willing to bet my life that they are. But, it's not for the same reason you and I are." Draco answered.

"Huh?"

"Uncle Severus lost everything in the last war, but he kept fighting. He never told me or my dad, as far as I know, why. But dad said that he made a vow of some sort. I don't know much but I know that Snape was good friends with your mom when they were young. Something changed at Hogwarts but I don't know what. Anyway, I don't know for sure, but from what I do know, I think Severus made some kind of vow to protect you. And if I know Remus I believe he has made a similar one. I don't think they are thinking about what they will lose, I think they are thinking about you."

"You mean they are talking about protecting me?" Harry asked, disbelief on his face.

"Yes. And if i'm right, I think Remus is trying to get uncle Severus to not blame himself for so many things. But, uncle Severus is stubborn, and I think that he is going to do whatever it takes to protect us and our futures, and all the kids at Hogwarts."

"You mean you think he would…"

"Die for us? Yeah, I think he would." Draco confirmed, leading the two into a silence that lasted for the rest of their time together.

The last week of break went quickly, and before long Harry, Draco, and Severus all found themselves back at Hogwarts preparing for the final attack that would come in only three weeks time. Harry and Draco talked to the students without any hesitation, and the three books from the restricted section were constantly checked out by either Harry or Draco. Severus spent many days talking to students who had been sent to him for more clarification. The three students he had helped after Dolores had punished them were some of the first, yet no matter how many days past he had still yet to see any of Harry's closest friends. It was beginning to worry him, when late on a Thursday night two weeks into school there was a knock on his door.

"Enter." He announced, speaking loudly enough for the knocker to hear. The door opened slowly just a moment later, and Severus looked up to see two identical heads of red hair peek through the opening.

"I'm not going to hex you if you step into my office." Severus further stated, hoping to get the Weasley twins to calm down.

"Right, Sir." Fred said, stepping further into the room.

"Sorry, Sir." George answered.

"Please, have a seat." Severus motioned. He would never fully admit it, but he had a soft spot for the both of them. He knew how they were treated by their family, and despite their lack of focus they deserved none of it. They were rather smart boys, and both of them had a talent for potions. After he spoke, Fred closed the door before the two sat in the seats across from Severus' desk. Yet, still neither of them spoke.

"What can I do for you?" Severus asked, hoping to get them to speak.

"Harry sent us." Fred answered.

"Ahh. I'm glad to see that the two of you have been listening. So, what do you have questions about?" Severus asked, yet he still received no answer. At his question both boys had dropped their eyes to the floor. "Come now, let's not pretend like there are none, Harry only sends people to me when there are questions neither he nor Draco can answer. Do ask, I am happy to answer any question you have." Severus tried again.

"It's not really about what he said." George answered.

"Well, it kinda is." Fred added.

"But not really." George finished.

"It can be about the sky for all I care, as I said I am happy to answer any questions you have."

"Harry said that you were one of the main fighters," George began.

"Against Dumbledore, and the ministry." Fred continued,

"He said that you were different than,"

"You had been to him, that you were"

"Kind, and that you cared."

"He said you were not biased. And we"

"Were wondering if"

"That was why you had been"

"Kind to us."

"For so long." Fred finished. Severus had long ago gotten used to how the twins interacted with each other, and he had realized their reason for it as well. He knew what it was like to be ignored, and he knew what it was like to be different. So, he had always made sure to notice them. He learned how to tell them apart, how to speak with them, how to teach them. And he never let them think he thought that they couldn't graduate.

"It is part of it, yes. I do not view the world as many in our world do. I view each person as an individual. Including both of you. I saw very early on how your family treated you both. I decided not to do so. Now, that does not mean I always supported the things you have chosen to do. Your treatment of Slytherin students has always been some of the worst there is. But, I do not fail to recognize that if I were in your place, trying to gain the attention of your parents enough so that they could tell me and my own twin apart, I also would do what they would support, which sadly includes quite a bit of prejudice." Severus answered.

"We were wrong." Fred replied.

"Yes, you were. But, all of us have a past, and all of us have a future. You may not be able to change how you have acted, but you can change how you do act."

"Thank you, professor." George nodded.

"Of course. I hope you two will not be the only Weasleys to cross my doorstep in the next few days. I ask that you help Harry and Draco with their mission."

"Something is coming, isn't it?" Fred asked,

"Something that means people need to know which side they are on." George finished.

"Yes. The time is coming when they need to know, and my main concern is the children in this castle." Severus answered, earning nods from both the boys who then left in silence.

The next morning the daily prophet carried the news Severus had been waiting for;

"Haven Snape, Heir of the Snape Line Appears at the Wizengamot. Her Message Says More Than The Wizarding World Ever Knew" Snape could feel Dumbledore's eyes on him as he read, he just hoped he had been a good enough spy to stay alive for the next week, until the final step could be made.

Haven Snape, a very powerful and important member of the Wizengamot, made an appearance at the council for the first time in over fifteen years yesterday. She brought a negative vote against the conviction of suspected death eater Lucius Malfoy. Her vote, carrying the weight of almost half of the council, let the man go free. When asked about her decision she said, "I have lived in a corrupt and prejudiced Wizarding world for my entire life. I am done standing by while the world listens to these corrupt leaders. May history not be covered up. The true hate and prejudice comes from the side of the ministry and Albus Dumbledore. The true good is on the side of Voldemort and his followers who have fought for peace and against prejudice for years. Albus Dumbledore and all he stands for deserves to burn to the ground, and he deserves Azkaban for the rest of his life. He has beaten, tortured, spelled, and raped multiple students, including myself. I am one of multiple. My own story ends with a son who he then got bitten by a Werewolf in an attempt to make him braver so that he would become a Gryffindor. On top of my own story are many others, including the story of the boy who lived, who was forced by Albus Dumbledore to live in a dangerous and abusive home for the entirety of his life so that he could be raised to die so that Dumbledore could keep his own power. The truth must come out, and the Wizarding world must see through the lies of their government and their educators. Until they do, I will continue to use my power to prevent the fall of Voldemort and all the good that he stands for." The witch would give no further comment, mentioning that there would be more released in the next few days. Her statement has caused much unrest in the ministry and many are asking the question, is what she says true?

The article was very well written, just as he expected it to be. The ministry had yet to shut down the reporters of the prophet, and Severus hoped it would take them days to do so. He knew that most likely, by morning the new issue would deny every word of what this article stated, but by then the world would have seen it, and the seed would be planted. Severus didn't risk looking at Albus, but he did take notice of the silent passing of the article around both the Slytherin and Gryffindor tables. Not even Severus could tell where it had started, which he was very thankful for, if he had been able to than Albus would and that could put two children he cared for in danger. Severus watched as both children and teachers began to exit the room and head to their classes. Severus did not have one for the first period, so he continued to finish his meal.

"Professor Snape?" It was one of his Slytherin seventh years, if he remembered correctly her name was Rebecca Minnew.

"Yes?" He replied, still sitting at the teachers table, while she stood at the bottom of the steps that led to it.

"There is a problem in the common room, the prefect asked for me to get you." She calmly stated. Severus quickly stood, and followed her, neither saying another word. Severus bypassed his student rather quickly once they made it into the halls, yet he made sure to stay within her sight as he made his way to the Slytherin common room. The painting opened the moment it saw him, the baron meeting him at the door,

"Mr. Malfoy let them in, they decided it would be safer here than elsewhere." The Baron stated, Severus walked through the door to a sight he thought he would never see. The golden trio sat in the middle of the common room, Draco and his friends surrounded them protectively. Ron's face was red in fury as he pestered Harry with questions. Harry simply calmly answered, yet his attention was fully on the third of the group. Hermione had tears pouring down her face, her cheek was red, and looked swollen. As he approached further he saw that she was wrapped in a green blanket, that Severus recognized as one of the blankets from the Slytherin dorm rooms.

"Slytherins, to class, now. I will handle this." He commanded the Slytherin's surrounding the group silently obeying as they grabbed their bags and left the common room.

"Mr. Weasley, I know you are concerned for your friend, but she and I are going to need something else from you at this moment." Severus started placing his hand calmly on the boy's shoulder.

"What? How can I help?" Ron eagerly responded, seemingly not even caring about the professor he was currently speaking to.

"I need you to pull yourself together, put on a straight face, and go to class. Do not tell any teacher what has happened, do not say that you know where Harry or Hermione are. Do not let your temper or your fear get the best of you. Go to class, keep your head down, and blend in. Then, when classes have ended you may come to my office, and I will update you on all that has taken place and if they have not returned to your common room, I will tell you where your friends are."

"Why?"

"If the three of you are all missing from class, every teacher and student in this school will think it is because of another of your random adventures or ideas. If one of you shows up, then the others have different reasons and it won't mean I have to fight off teachers thinking you three are up to something." Severus explained. He earned a nod from the red head, who then grabbed his bag, whispered something to his friends and then quietly exited the room.

"Draco, you may go as well, same rules as Mr. Weasley." Severus dismissed. Draco quickly left, giving the man no response. Yet, Severus could see the anger in the boy's eyes.

"What happened?" Severus then asked, kneeling in front of the two teenagers that remained in the room.

"I was at breakfast with Ron when we noticed that Hermione wasn't there. Then, one of her dorm mates said she hadn't come back to the dorm last night. So, we slipped out of the hall and went looking for her. We found her down here in one of the corners, like this, but without the blanket. She… her…" Harry tried to explain, hesitating at the end.

"Thank you Harry, that's enough. Why don't you go through that door into my office, and grab the black box off of my potion shelf." Severus replied, Harry nodded before leaving through the door Severus had indicated.

"Hermione? Can you tell me what happened?" He tried, his voice was soft, he knew that she didn't really know him, which would not benefit his situation, but he was hoping he could get her to talk anyway.

"I was in the library… Dumbledore came in, he's never there so I thought I might should leave… you know… just in case…"

"That was very wise of you." Severus encouraged.

"He followed me. He said he just wanted to talk, that he hadn't really seen us this year… I tried to brush him off and get back to the dorms, but when he saw the halls were empty he… he attacked me.. He tried to… he tried to rape me."

"Tried?"

"For a while I didn't even know what to do… but I was scared, and angry… so I… I hexed him before he could finish… Then I ran, I didn't know where to go but I thought he might not follow me if I went towards you, so I ran to the dungeons and hid. Then I tried to remember what all happened. He kissed me, and ripped my clothes, when I tried to fight he started hitting me. He had just gotten my skirt torn off when I hexed him." Hermione explained. Severus breathed a sigh of relief, there would be no need for any sort of pre-pregnancy, or prevention potions.

"Are you okay? Other than the obvious, that is." He asked, trying to scan her body for injuries other than the clear one on her face.

"I think so, I think I'm just bruised. But, He was so mad, and I know I can't beat him again."

"You won't have to. You just need to make sure you are not alone for the next few days, and then it will all be over. I will inform Ron, Harry, and Draco to make sure to never leave you alone. I will also keep my eye on both you and the headmaster." Severus answered, as he finished Harry reentered the room, the box in his hands, which he then handed over to his professor. Severus quickly opened the box, pulling out bruise ointment and a healing potion.

"Here, Take this, and then if you are okay with it, I will rub this ointment on the bruise on your cheek." Severus stated, handing the healing potion to Hermione.

"That is fine sir, thank you." Hermione replied with a small smile. After she swallowed the potion Severus calmly began to rub the ointment onto her cheek.

"Harry, why don't you go to your next class, tell anyone who asks that you had forgotten some homework for it and had to go back to the dorms during the class you missed." Severus spoke, Harry obeyed after a worried glance at Hermione who nodded at him to encourage him to go. Once he had left Severus returned his full attention to the girl in front of him.

"I have an extra uniform you can wear in my office, I will change the color to red. Then I will escort you to lunch, where I will inform your friends of their job for the next few days." Severus explained, standing and moving to his office door, where he opened it and reached into the closet next to it to grab the extra uniform. Once he grabbed it he quickly spelled the color to change, and then locked the other doors to his office.

"You may use my office to change, and to tidy up, there is a mirror on the shelf next to the potions." Severus spoke as he handed the uniform to Hermione.

"Thank you sir, for everything." She answered, before disappearing into his office. Severus then used the few moments to tidy up the mess that had been made, and then sat to wait on Hermione. He was beyond thankful that Albus had failed, but it also made him even more worried about the next few days and keeping students safe until they were over. After a few minutes of waiting Hemione came back out into the common room and Severus and she left to go meet her friends at the great hall for lunch.

Chapter 17

Ron and Harry stood outside of the Great hall, they had just gotten out of class and were talking for a few minutes before joining the Gryffindor table. That was where they stood when they saw Hermione approaching with Snape.

"Mione! You made it to lunch!" Ron greeted, earning a smile from the girl.

"Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter." Severus greeted, hoping that they would realize that he needed them to focus for a moment.

"Professor, how can we help?" Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper, but his face looking annoyed. Severus realized he was putting on a show that he wasn't happy his professor was talking to him.

"Do not let her go anywhere alone. Draco will be a backup for the two of you, I suggest getting a female in on it as well, she is never to be alone." With that, Severus walked into the Great Hall and over to the Slytherin table, where he found Draco.

"Mr. Malfoy, I need to speak with you for a moment." He stated, before moving away from the table as Draco followed him. He noted that the golden trio had also entered the hall and were now sitting at the Gryffindor table.

"Yes, Professor?" Draco asked, joining Severus away from the table.

"I need you to keep an eye on Hermione Granger for the next few days. If you ever see her alone, remedy the situation immediately. She is never to be alone until the war is over."

"Yes, Sir. I will make sure to keep an eye on her. Did he really do it?"

"He did not make it past her hex, but he got closer than he should have." Severus whispered in response.

"At least he didn't get what he wanted. I always knew Granger was brave, but I never would have imagined her hexing him. Well, anyway, i'll keep an eye on her. Thanks uncle Severus." Draco whispered, before returning to his table, as Severus turned to continue on to the teachers table. His eyes locked on the headmaster, he was in a conversation with Minerva. Severus swallowed hard, and then shoved his emotions behind his mental walls. He would wait until the proper time, but then he would do anything to kill that monster.

The day of the attack came before Severus knew it, and he was awoken by the floo system into his apartment, when Remus appeared.

"Good morning Severus." Remus greeted as Severus made his way out of his bedroom, still buttoning his robes.

"Remus."

"Lucius and the others just began their attack, the news should be reaching Dumbledore soon, you should probably make your way to the Great Hall."

"Very well, please do not destroy my stuff." Severus answered, leaving the other man in the room as he quickly made his way to breakfast. The moment he walked through the doors, Dumbledore received a letter, and left the room, Minerva on his tail. Severus calmly moved to the teachers table, knowing that if Dumbledore wanted him he would be called. Flitwick glanced at Severus earning a small nod, in greeting but nothing more. Severus was beyond ready, he knew what had to be done and he was ready to do it. As he sat and ate, Minerva returned to the table and then Albus did as well. Neither of them said a word, but eventually a note was passed to him,

The ministry is under attack, continue the day as normal but be ready for a call.

Severus simply nodded to no one in particular before standing and heading to his class. He was ready for whatever was to come.

His morning classes ended quickly, and he dismissed his last one to their dorms, telling them that they should not come out until they were summoned. They all looked confused but they all obeyed. When he finally made his way into the hall, his family was there to greet him, Draco and Harry standing with them.

"Ready?" Voldemort asked, his voice calm and his wand in his hand.

"Beyond so." Severus replied, before leading the group towards the Great Hall. Each child they passed on the way was told to go to their dorms, and he saw the Weasley twins, Ron, Hermione, and a few other students spreading the command. By the time they made it to the hall most of the students had disappeared, and only a small group remained in the hall. Upon their entrance, Severus removed the tables from the hall with a flick of his wand. On the other end of the hall Albus rose to face them, being backed by most of the staff, and the two heads of the Weasley family, who must have been the order members sent for.

"Severus?" Minerva asked, her voice full of confusion.

"I'm sorry Minerva, I can't fight for him anymore. I quit Dumbledore, I quit pretending that you are what is right in this world. You will never harm anyone again." Severus stated, his eyes locked on Dumbledores. Remus looked at his brother, realizing that he had finally let the fire free. It only took a moment before the spells started flying. Children began screaming and running towards the walls, the family spread out fighting in unison against those backing Dumbledore. Severus could see Flitwick guarding students, and trying to get them out of the room, but he didn't watch for long as he continued flinging spells towards the other side. He saw his father get hit by a hex, and immediately turned his fire towards Dumbledore. He jumped out of the way of a few hexes. Finding himself next to Harry and Draco, he cast spell after spell towards the headmaster, holding his attention fully on himself. He barely blocked a cruciatus curse right as an explosion rained from overhead. The ceiling began to fall and Severus turned his spells towards it as he protected Harry and Draco, the rubble being flung away. He felt many spells hit him in the back, and he bit his tongue to stop the scream from leaving his mouth. There was another explosion, and Severus saw a piece of rubble falling towards Harry. He jumped towards the boy, shoving the rubble away with his body, he felt his arm snap under the pressure.

"Damn it." he spat, he then turned just in time to see Albus cast another spell and to hear another explosion before he was yanked from the rubble by a spell from the headmaster, his head hit the tile of the hall and everything disappeared.

Harry heard yet another explosion as he moved towards Voldemort and Remus, as he moved he heard the tail end of what must have been a message from Lucius as it was his voice that spoke,

"The ministry has been won, I sent some help your way."

Voldemort didn't even seem to really acknowledge the message, but as they heard more commotion coming from the halls and as Harry saw some of the other teachers in the room leave he realized that the help must have arrived. The explosions kept coming and in between them hexes and curses were flying everywhere. Harry could barely see anything anymore as the dust continued to rise. Eventually he found himself next to Draco towards the edge of the room, the two of them guarding each other and responding to the spells sent their way through the dust. The entire room was crazed, and his ears were ringing from the continued explosions. He could hear more battles in the halls outside inbetween the sounds of their own battle. He knew this was what they had been preparing for, but he could smell the blood in the air, he could hear the grunts and screams. He couldn't believe that it was actually happening.

"Bloody hell." Draco cursed, as he dodged a gutting curse,

"Surely this will end soon." Harry called to the boy beside him in the midst of the roar of the battle.

"I hope so!" Draco called back as he blocked more and more curses. The two of them realizing that they were right near the other students knew that there was no more dodging to be done. Silence began to fall over the room, and all that could be heard was the sounds of the battles in the halls. Draco and Harry looked at each other, both of them holding their breaths, it was then that it happened, the largest explosion yet, it knocked both the boys to the ground as the blast came towards them.

The smoke was settling in the room, where they stood in the great hall. Remus, Haven, and Voldemort were in a semicircle, facing off against Dumbledore. There was broken glass and wreckage all around them. Harry and Draco, had joined some other students in the corners of the room, trying to stay out of the fight, trying to not be seen. But, the family that faced up against the headmaster knew exactly where they all were.

"It's over Albus, you won't hurt these children again. You have lost your power in this world." Voldemort spoke, his voice commanding despite the blood flowing down his cheek from the wound on his brow.

"I wouldn't say that, Tom. You have no idea what I am capable of."

"You won't escape this alive." Voldemort responded, his voice full of venom and anger at the man before him.

"You say that, and yet I know you won't kill me." Dumbledore had a look on his face that made Remus shiver, it was pure evil.

"He is up to something.." Remus whispered, his eyes glancing around the room, trying to pinpoint everyone. It was then that it clicked, Severus wasn't in the room, but he had been just moments earlier, before the explosions. Haven's hand moved just slightly signaling to Remus that they both knew what he had spoken, but Remus knew they hadn't realized the absence of their son.

"I have been waiting to kill you since the day you hurt her, why would I not?" Voldemort asked, his voice cold and hard.

"Because if you kill me, they kill him." Dumbledore replied, casting a revealing spell that revealed Arthur Weasley holding a chained and beaten Severus. The man who was in the chains almost didn't even look like the potions professor, blood and grime covered his face, his arm was broken in a twisted manner, and his cloak torn from multiple wounds.

"NO!" Harry yelled coming to stand near the family, his nightmare was occurring before his eyes, the evil he had been warned of was hurting those he loved. The family stood silent, tears began to appear in Remus' eyes. He knew what was coming, he knew that his father would kill his brother. He just hoped that Voldemort could do something. He had been told all his life that Voldemort could change the world, that he could make it burn. All Remus wanted at this moment was for him to save his brother, and he was praying that he could. Haven was seething, her anger building, pain at seeing that this man had gotten to her boys. Voldemort looked like he never had before. All the anger that anyone had seen cross his face could never match up to what he was feeling now, to the power radiating off of him, his raised wand began to fall, he would never let them hurt his son. He had made a vow that he would protect Severus, and he wasn't about to let that change…

"Dad. No." The voice was broken, barely audible, it was full of pain, but it was Severus'

"Severus?" Voldemort looked at his son, pain in his eyes, confusion on his face.

"He can't… He can't win." Severus coughed out, blood covering his lips. Remus wanted to scream, he wanted to run at Dumbledore and make him pay for ever touching his family, for ever hurting the man who he had hurt so much.

"No. I will not let him kill you."

"Am I… Worth… More.. than them?" Severus' broken voice asked, looking at the children that surrounded the room.

"Forever." Voldemort replied. His son was his everything, he couldn't lose him. The door to the hall opened and the other professors re-entered, each carrying their own wands and had bandaged injuries. McGonagall and Flitwick stood towards the middle of the group, trying to find out what was happening, but the other professors immediately stood beside the headmaster.

"There… Can't be… another lily." Severus pleaded, his eyes looking to his father. He knew what he was asking. He knew that he was asking his father to basically take his life. But he had to. Who else could he ask? It had always been Voldemort who had come to Severus' rescue, and at this moment they were so close to winning, and Severus needed his fathers help.

"Severus. No." Voldemort replied, tears filling his eyes. Haven was crying at his side, trying her best to keep an eye on the others who had entered the room, trying to still protect her children that she knew she couldn't protect anymore.

"Please." Severus coughed out, every eye in the room fixed on the exchange, Dumbledore hadn't expected this, he had thought the potions professor too proud, too cold to want to save anyone, and he had thought Voldemort too caring of the man to ever let him die. But he was being proven wrong.

"It's over, Albus. No longer will you have the chance to hurt one of these children. You will never rape or spell or curse any child in this school ever again. No child will ever be told they are evil because they are not Gryffindor, and no child will be forced to play the role of sacrificial lamb so that you get your way. You have taken enough. You hurt my wife in a way that could never be fixed, you hurt my sons, you stole Lily's life for your own reputation, and you left a boy to be abused and neglected all his life so that he could be your puppet and die the death you needed him to. No more. I will end this once and for all, for Haven, for Lily, for Severus, you will die today." Voldemort spoke, his voice shaky, tears falling from his eyes he raised his wand and in a quick moment he cast the final death curse, that would doom his son to death. Dumbledore fell before he could even respond, and Arther raised his wand and cast the same curse towards Severus, but before it could hit Severus another took his place. When the dust cleared all that could be seen was the broken potions professor clinging to the body of the boy who lived.

Chapter 18

Remus, Haven, and Voldemort immediately jumped into action, cursing the others and binding them before they could react. Remus only hesitated when he reached McGonagall,

"You let this happen. How could you let him hurt them? Let him hurt Lily?" Remus asked, his voice full of pain, his eyes held tears that refused to fall. This group of people had now taken far too much, Lily, Harry, and so many others.

"I didn't know, I thought I was the only one." McGonagall's voice was broken, her tear stained eyes staring at the child in Severus' arms. Remus tied her up before turning to the group that now surrounded Severus. He had never felt pain like this, not in all his panic attacks, not when Lily died, not ever. He had broken his promise to her. He had failed to protect her son. He had failed to save him from the man who had done so much to her.

"Harry. Please." Severus' voice was still broken and harsh. He still was dripping blood from his own wounds but he had no care for that now. He clung to Harry's body like it was his only hope, praying that by some miracle it would be reversed, that the boy who lived would cast off the curse again. But he didn't wake. Anger coursed through Severus' body, his blood ran cold as he laid Harry's body on the ground. He stood, his adrenaline making his pain subside, even as the blood continued to flow from his wounds. He turned towards Arther Weasley, his face as cold as ice, power radiating off of him.

"Was Lily not enough for you? Was I not enough for you? I thought you loved him! I thought that I could trust that you wouldn't hurt him. You will pay for your actions." Severus' voice sounded colder than it ever had before, fear jumped into the eyes and hearts of all those who were tied up against the wall. The children in the corner, despite knowing that the man had almost died for them, shivered and moved closer to the door. Voldemort looked on in surprise, the power coming off of his son like nothing he had ever seen. Haven stood ready, hoping that she didn't have to fight her son, hoping that he would snap out of it, that he wouldn't let his pain make him do something he would regret. Remus froze in place, the coldness of Severus' voice making his own blood run cold. He knew that anger. He had felt it before. When Lily had finally sat with them at lunch he had felt that coldness rush over him. He had seen his brother like this before, and it had terrified him then, and it was still terrifying now. Remus took a step towards his brother..

"I didn't mean to kill him!" Arthur yelled back, tears in his own eyes.

"No. Because that would be far too kind, you would rather watch him die at the hand of my father after being groomed to do so since he was a child. You would rather him sacrifice himself for you. Because I am just Slytherin trash, worthless, evil, and good for nothing beyond curse practice." Severus spat, the words Arthur had one spoken about Slytherins rolling off his tongue like a weapon.

"I.."

"Severus, enough. We cannot stoop to their level. We cannot allow ourselves to become them in order to destroy their power. If we do, we have lost." Remus began, he stepped beside his brother, his eyes locked on Severus'.

"He killed Harry." The words came out of Severus' mouth like knives, it was the first time reality had been spoken. Some of the children and other teachers began to cry as they realized truly what had happened.

"I know. He killed a lot of innocent people. Just like Dumbledore did. But Harry didn't want us to be like them. He wanted us to be better. He wanted things to be fixed. He wanted to know that when his friends came to school there wasn't a chance of them getting hurt. He wanted to be able to go to bed without worrying that Dumbledore was going to do something to Hermione. He wanted to be able to play games knowing that Ron had learned the truth and had gotten away from it all. He wanted to know that Draco would have a chance at a normal life without prejudice standing in his way. He wanted to know that what happened to his mom, what happened to you wouldn't happen to anyone else. If we kill Arthur we are no better than they are. They will stand trial for their actions, and they will be justly treated. And this will never happen again." Remus stated, grabbing his brother's wand hand and pulling it down. Severus sighed, his pain returning to his attention he almost collapsed, but years of spy training kept him standing. He glanced at Remus, then at the children on the other side of the room. The power around him changed, it felt quite a bit like peace itself to Remus. A feeling he hadn't felt since the day he went home from Hogwarts for the first summer. He had thought then that it was from the knowledge of being able to go to Hogwarts. He knew now that all along he had been connected to his brother in a way he couldn't understand, and he realized now that that feeling came from knowing that Dumbledore couldn't hurt him anymore.

"I hope you realize that this is the world you wanted, Arthur. The world where children die at the hands of those who were supposed to protect them." Severus stated, turning once again to the man before him, before returning to Harry's side. The people in the hall all had tears pouring down their faces. The children had fear and uncertainty, but also pain from watching what had occurred. The teachers who were sitting in chains all fought the tears as some realized the truth for the first time, and others realized that they had lost and in doing so they had hurt more than they ever meant to. McGonagal sat with tears streaming down her face, realizing that she was free from the corruption and the fear that she had lived trapped in for so long. Haven and Voldemort stood together, hands grasping onto one another, protecting their sons. Remus and Severus kneeled next to Harry, both had tears pouring from their eyes, pain radiating from them as they realized the boy they had spent so long trying to protect was gone. Severus was trying to accept the pain, the fact that once again the person he loved the most had died because of him. Remus' heart was broken, he had never felt pain as fully as this, and yet at the same time he was beginning to understand his brother and the life he had lived.

"How devastatingly true it is, that to destroy corruption one must pay in innocent blood." Flitwick spoke, his hand resting on Severus' shoulder, trying his best to take away some of the pain he knew he never could.

Chapter 19

Harry woke up in an empty white hall. There were pillars lining the sides that seemed like they went on forever. He had no idea where he was but he knew exactly what he had done. He hadn't even had to think about it. Snape had fought for him endlessly, he had protected him from Umbridge, and had made sure Dumbledore never could touch him. He had taken curses and poisons in his place, and had even stood over him in the explosion that had just taken place, breaking his own arm to protect Harry from the rubble. He had given everything to protect him, and so Harry returned the favor, he just had wanted to protect him.

"You did well, my son." The voice broke Harry out of his thoughts, he quickly turned to see who it was,

"Mom." Harry smiled,

"Hello, Harry." Lily replied, taking her son in her arms.

"Mom, did it work? Is Dumbledore gone?" Harry asked, hoping his mother would know, hoping he could know that they had one.

"Yes, he is gone, but the price of the victory was not small."

"What do you mean? Everyone at Hogwarts was being protected, and Lucius sent a message to Voldemort just a few moments ago that the group at the ministry had succeeded."

"Harry, they did succeed. Yet they lost many in the battle. The battle of Hogwarts cost much as well, my son."

"You mean it didn't end, more died? Who? Remus? Severus?" Harry asked, fear gripping his heart.

"Calm yourself, it ended the moment the spell was cast. But my son, you count as a cost."

"If it was just me, it was worth it. We had to win, and I couldn't let Snape take anymore spells for me."

"Harry, they need you. It is a broken world, and despite the fact that things will now improve, those who have been hurt by it will not heal quickly. I'm afraid you are still needed there, it is not your time." Lily replied to her son, tears forming in her eyes knowing that the world she would be sending him back to still had much evil in it.

"I'm ready. I want to help."

"I know you do. Harry, will you tell Severus that I am sorry. I should have listened to him. I will forever love him and he never failed me. He gave me more than I could ever deserve in fighting for me and in protecting you. You are my gift to him, my son. You should have been his son, so now I return you to him." Lily asked, tears in her eyes. The one blessing in her death had been that she remembered. She remembered the man who had given his everything for her, and who then gave his everything for her son despite all the pain she had caused him.

"I'll tell him. He loves you too mom. He won't say it, but I know he does." Harry replied, giving his mother one more hug,

"I love you, my son." Lily's voice whispered as she began to fade with the white and he began to once again feel the ache in his joints from the battle he had fought. He gained back his pain and his other senses first, before being able to pull himself out of unconsciousness. His body ached more than it ever had before, his head was pounding as he began to try and move for the first time. He felt someone holding him to them, there was the feeling of blood on his arm, but he knew it wasn't his own,

"Ouch." Harry spoke, his voice hoarse and dry.

"Harry?" Snape's voice spoke, full of disbelief and relief, Harry realized that Snape was the one holding him.

"That hurt." Harry stated, opening his eyes to see that both Snape and Remus were beside him, Snape holding him to his body. Harry then realized that Snape's blood was the blood he was feeling on his arm. Haven, Voldemort, and Flitwick stood above them, Haven's eyes full of tears.

"Oh Harry, you're okay." She spoke, her voice kind and soft. Harry realized that it sounded almost like his own mothers, it sounded like home.

"I guess that means I still get the title of the boy who lived." Harry smirked, earning a soft slap from Snape on his arm.

"It's a useless title." Severus stated, his voice trying to cover the pain he was clearly feeling. His broken arm wrapped around Harry.

"You need to go to the infirmary." Harry replied, looking at the man who had given his all to protect him, and remembering his mothers words. "I should have been his son," He thought. His mother loved Snape, his mother would have chosen Snape, and he would have had a happy family if only the corruption hadn't existed. Harry decided to take comfort in knowing that they had won, and the next generation of children wouldn't be affected by it like he was.

"I'll be fine. Are you okay?" Severus asked, his eyes scanning Harry's body for injuries. His mind was trying to wrap itself around the fact that he had almost lost him, and yet again he had been blessed to get the person he lost back. If only that was how it had worked with Lily.

"Come, both of you are going to the infirmary. Pomphry has already been informed that the injured are on their way to her. Remus, make sure they get there. Your mother and I will handle everything else and start on the clean up. Lucius is at the ministry, working through the workers to see who has to be replaced, they are beginning to run out of Veritaserum and they will need a potions master."

Remus walked the two to the infirmary, he was supporting Harry with one arm while trying his best to get Severus to let him support him as well. But his brother would have none of it despite the pain that was clearly radiating through his body. To Remus his brother was a question he had never fully answered, but today felt like it had shown Remus a part of his brother he had never seen, a part that began to answer that question. They were halfway to the infirmary when Severus stopped, reaching a hand towards Remus to try to regain his balance, and the consciousness he was quickly losing.
"Harry, can you stand on your own?" Remus asked, inching closer to his brother and grabbing his arm, trying to hold him up.

"Yes." Harry replied, moving out of Remus' arms to allow the man to fully support the potions master.

"Sorry." Severus spoke, his voice full of pain and his words slurring. It was then that his body gave out and he fell. Remus caught him, but he knew there was no way they were all going to make it to the infirmary without help.

"Shit."

"What happened?" Harry asked, fear for the man making itself known. He couldn't let Snape die, he couldn't.

"Harry, can you cast a patronus?" Remus asked, he knew that he could if he had too, but it would mean removing his hand from the major wound on Severus' side, he was trying not to let his brother bleed out.

"Yes. Expecto Patronum.." Harry cast his wand out in front of him, the stag shining clearly in front of it.

"Use it like an owl, tell it to go get help from dad." Remus commanded his attention fully on Severus while he tried his best to walk Harry through something he had never done before.

"Um.. Go to Mr. Voldemort, tell him that we need him, quickly!" Harry commanded, the stag running off the way they had just come.

"What now?" Harry asked, turning back to the two men.

"We wait. And we hope Severus lasts until we can get him to Pomphry, and we hope that she will be able to help him despite all the others that were injured."

Voldemort and Haven were casting cleaning spells, and keeping an eye on all the prisoners who would have to stand trial. Flitwick was helping the children in the room. All of them were busy, trying their best not to worry about the group on the way to the other side of the castle. The battle was over, now they just had to clean up, get bandaged up, and begin to repair that which had been broken. They had won.

"Tom, your head, you need to get it looked at." Haven spoke, her voice soft and calm, as she came towards her husband carefully moving his head to where she could see more clearly.

"I'll be fine, Pomphry can look at it later, we have too much to do for all of us to end up in the infirmary."

"I can lead the way for a while." Haven tried, she knew exactly why Voldemort wasn't going to the infirmary, and she was tired of her family hurting alone.

"I'm fine."

"Tom, you need to see him. Be by his side, prove to yourself that he made it, that he's alive." Haven had barely finished speaking when a patronus came flying into the room, Harry's voice burst forth from it.

"Go to Mr. Voldemort, tell him that we need him, quickly!" As the stag disappeared so did Voldemort as he ran out of the room towards the infirmary. Haven stood in shock, every part of her wanting to run after him, every part of her wanting to go to her sons to make sure everything was okay, but they had a wall of prisoners who could not be trusted, and it was only her and Flitwick in the room.

"It's going to be okay, Haven, they will handle it. Remus and Tom can take this one, Severus will be fine."

"I knew something was wrong, he was in too much pain for just the injuries we could see." Haven replied, fear gripping her voice. This fight had taken enough, she couldn't lose her son.

Voldemort ran as quickly as he could through the castle, his heart pounding in his chest from the fear. He knew that something was horribly wrong, and he knew that it was something wrong with his son. As he turned the corner and saw the group his heart felt like it had been stabbed,

"What happened?" He asked, grabbing Severus from Remus' arms and picking him up once again moving towards the infirmary,

"He just stopped, and then he collapsed, I don't know." Remus replied, his own fear showing now. They had lost enough in this war, he couldn't lose his brother. Voldemort didn't say another word, he just made his way to the infirmary, Remus and Harry behind him, trying not to think about the blood that was dripping from the man in Voldemort's arms. Voldemort himself was praying to anything that was listening that his son would be okay, that he wouldn't lose him today. He practically ran into the infirmary,

"Pomfrey! Pomfrey! Hurry, he's…" Voldemort cried, bringing his son to the nearest bed and holding his hand on his son's wound, trying to keep the blood from pouring out as quickly. Pomfrey came over quickly and immediately began working, shoving Voldemort out of the way. She worked silently, trying to save the man who she had known since his boyhood. She had watched him fight every day of his life, but she knew now that he was giving up. The fight was won, the people he wanted to protect, the people he had fought all his life to protect were safe, and now the pain was too much. Pomfrey worked hoping that he would keep fighting, just one more time. She cast spell after spell, fixing injury after injury, counteracting curse after curse and yet it seemed to do nothing to stabilize him. Remus had carried Harry to a nearby bed, and he stood next to the boy, his head bowed as he tried not to think about what was happening across the room. Harry stared at the man on the bed across from him, the medi-nurse a blur in his mind. He couldn't imagine walking away from this battle without Snape. He owed everything to the man in that bed, the fact that he was here was because of Snape. The family he had gained in the Riddles was because of Snape. The truth he had realized was because of Snape. The fact that he didn't have to go back to his aunts, everything he had was because of Snape. He was alive because of Snape. He couldn't lose him. Voldemort was frozen just a few feet from his son's bedside. He had put him there, he had demanded that his son play the role of spy, he had been at fault for it all. He had done to his son something he had promised he would never do, he had done to his son something worse than his parents had ever done to him. He had forced his son to live through hell, and now he was going to lose him before he could prove to him that he hadn't meant to hurt him.

For Severus.. He had said, For Severus… how could he claim that what he had done was for Severus. For his son. He had cast a spell knowing it would kill his son. He had cast a spell knowing it would kill the one person his son had loved. He had killed Lily, and he had even been willing to kill his own son. How could he have ever even raised his wand? How could he have ever done that to his son, his blood, his Sev? Please. Severus had asked him to do it, had asked him to kill him. Severus knew that his father would. Voldemort had failed his son, he had let him think that something was more important to him than his own son.

"Please, Pomfrey. Please, save him." Voldemort pleaded, his voice catching in his throat. Pomfrey didn't reply, she couldn't, how could she tell a father that she didn't think she could save his son? Remus broke down crying at his fathers words, his own desperate cry staying unspoken but being screamed in his mind, don't die, please don't die. The others who were in the infirmary looked on in sad confusion, they knew who these people were. They knew their potions master. Most of them were children who had been pulled by death eaters from the wreckage of the battles that had spread from the Great Hall to be healed and protected, there were too many for the beds the room had to offer, they were bundled in blankets on the floor, grime and soot on their faces and clothes. Some of them had tears in their eyes as they watched, those in green were openly crying as they began to realize that they might lose their head of house, the man who had protected them from everything, who had taken their punishments for them. The other children in the room were others who had been shown the truth, others who knew that these were the people who had saved them, and none of them were able to ignore what was happening. The entire room waited with quiet breaths and minds filled with worry, each of them hoping that their fear would not come true.

Chapter 20

Haven sat in the corner of the great hall, her legs crossed, her mind wandering to her family on the other side of the castle. She hadn't heard anything, and she knew something was wrong. She knew that Severus was greatly hurt, and she wanted nothing more than to be by his side. She was his mother, and she wanted to be with him. She had a sinking feeling that she would never see him again. The death eaters from the ministry and the workers who had been proven innocent in the trials at the ministry finally came into the room, Haven stood to meet them, tears on her face and worry filling her eyes.

"What happened? What's wrong?" Lucius asked, coming to meet her and realizing that something was wrong.

"I don't know, I haven't been able to leave. But Remus went to take Harry and Severus to the infirmary and something went wrong, they called for Tom. Something is wrong though, I can feel it, Severus is on the edge of death." Haven answered, her magic swirling around her in a searching manner that Lucius had gotten used to. He knew that the family he had placed himself under was more powerful than anyone realized, and he knew that Haven had a connection with her sons that he could never understand. If she said something was wrong with one of them, then he would believe her.

"Go. I will handle everything here. Flitwick can bring me up to speed." Lucius answered, Haven only reached out and touched his arm before she left the room quickly, her robe flowing behind her in a manner that always made her seem royal. She practically ran to the infirmary, her fear mounting with every step. When she walked through the door though she froze, Voldemort stood staring at his son while the medi-nurse worked. Remus was on the other side of the room with Harry, his head bowed in pain. Haven moved and stood next to her husband, her hand gripping his like it was the only thing left in the world. Each took comfort in the other, Remus realized his mother was back and glanced up at her, pain filling his eyes. She held her hand out to him, calling him to her side, he moved to stand next to her, all of them watching hoping that Severus wouldn't leave them.

"Fight, Severus. Please fight." Haven whispered, voicing the thoughts of every person in the room, tears falling from her eyes. She had studied magic all her life, she had been told that she was the most powerful witch of her generation, and yet she had never been able to protect her sons. Now she was forced to stand and watch, unable to help, while her son fought for his life. Harry moved from the bed he was in, Pomfrey seemed to be the only one in the room moving other than him. He stopped at the foot of the bed that Severus was in, fear causing tears to form in his eyes. The medi-witch had been working for what seemed like hours with very little success, and Harry knew why. Severus had given up, he had been ready to give his life, because he didn't want to live anymore. Pain had taken everything from him, and he was ready to leave. He had lost his reason to fight through the pain. Harry tried to reach out into Severus' mind like he had been taught to. He couldn't see his eye, but he grabbed his leg hoping that it would allow him in.

"Professor, don't give up. I need you still. I saw mom, and she told me to come back to you. I can't come back to you if you leave. Please. I need you, she told me that you should have been my dad, and I wish that too. Yet, the crazy thing is that to me you are more of a dad than I have ever had. Please don't make me figure out life without you, without my dad. I need you to come back, to fight, please." Harry sobbed, his voice broken and full of pain. His magic was pulsing around him, pulsing towards Snape. Pomfrey had stopped working when Harry began to speak, she had bandaged every wound, counteracted every curse, and pumped the man with as many potions as she could without killing him. She could do nothing else, so she stepped back and let Harry try what he could. It couldn't hurt for the boy to try, and if it didn't work the medi-witch knew that the potions master wouldn't last through the night. When Harry finished she looked to the family,

"If he makes it through tonight we have hope for a full recovery."

"Thank you." Haven replied, before pulling up two chairs towards the bedside. She then placed her hand on Harry's shoulder,

"Come, you have some nasty wounds yourself, let Pomfrey look you over." She spoke, her voice soft and calm as she led the teen back to the bed across the room. Pomfrey followed closely and began to look Harry over once he had laid down. Haven then pulled the third chair to Harry's bedside and sat down. She knew that if Severus was awake he would be by Harry's side, and she wasn't about to let her son down. If she lost him tonight, she would make sure that the child he loved knew that he wasn't alone. Voldemort and Remus sat beside Severus' bed, each of them ringing their hands together, unable to sit still. The sun was setting and the mountains out the window had been shrouded in darkness, and as the night began the Riddle family set in hoping for a miracle.

Haven sat beside Harry's bed, her chair pointed in the direction of her son across the room so that she could keep an eye on him. Both Remus and Harry were asleep, as were all the others in the room other than Pomfrey who was bandaging Voldemort's head wound as he sat awake next to his son. They were the only three in the room who were awake, it was almost three in the morning, and there was no sign of either improvement or worsening when it came to Severus. Neither Haven or Voldemort knew if that was a good thing or a bad thing. They wanted their son to be improving, but the fact that he was still breathing had to be a good thing. Pomfrey had said that if he survived the night they could have hope, and that is what they needed.

"Shit, Pomfrey, could you not be lighter with your hands?" Tom cursed, pain shooting through his head as she wrapped the gash on his forehead.

"It wouldn't hurt as badly if you had let me look at it and clean it earlier. Your pain is your own fault, you will be lucky if it doesn't get infected."

"Nonsense, the potion will clean it out. Besides, your attention was and is needed elsewhere." Voldemort replied, wishing the woman would just ignore him and take care of his son.

"My attention might have been needed earlier, but it has been quite some time since I had something else to do. You know as well as I do that I cannot help Severus now, he has to make the choice to fight or not." With that the two fell once again into silence. Haven watched the exchange from the other side of the room. She knew her husband well, and she knew that the only reason he was complaining was because he was afraid. If there was one thing her boys didn't know how to deal with well it was fear. Each of them had lived lives where they were in control of things, and when fear came up they did not know how to handle it. Severus had learned from his father and tried his best to bury the fear that was eating him alive, and it had almost killed him on many occasions. Remus had taken more of his own approach, ignoring the fear until it faded, hoping that he could conquer it on his own. As for Tom, he never knew what to do. He would try to bury it, then he would try to deal with it, never quite figuring out how exactly he was supposed to do that. He hadn't felt much fear since he was a child, and it showed now, that in a moment that held more fear than he had ever faced, he had no idea how to deal with it. Haven on the other hand had lived with fear for the majority of her life, it was like an old friend. She refused to let it control her, but she also refused to ignore its existence, because the fear she felt stemmed from the love she felt. Her fear today was fear for her son, because of the love she holds for him. After all the things she had faced, all the magic she had learned and mastered, she never would forgive herself for failing to protect her son. She could feel Severus' magic pulsing around him, it was questioning and searching, much like it had when he was a young child, when he would be looking for her or Tom as an infant while he slept. He always connected to their magic rather than anything else. It had been a unique feature of her son, something that every other mom she met said that their children never did. Then as Severus had grown he would search for their magic as his comfort, if he felt them near he knew he would be okay. She reached out with her own magic trying to connect to him, to remind him that it would be okay, that she was there. She could feel Voldemort doing the same thing, both of them reaching out to their son, trying to get him to come back to them. The magic that was swirling around the room woke Remus from his sleep, the magic was familiar, it wasn't until he looked to his parents that he realized why. They were reaching out to Severus, his magic was reaching out to them, Remus also tried to reach out, he wasn't as good as his family was at it. They had been doing it for years, he had only learned it during the summer he spent with them, but he did it anyway, reaching out to his brother, pleading that his brother would come back to him. The group sat in silence, their magic swirling in a way that left Pomfrey in awe of the connections that they all had. This family had surprised her for years, and they continued to do so. Severus' magic continued to pulse around them, connecting with each of them, but still reaching farther. Haven knew he was looking for Harry, even in his unconscious state he wanted to protect the boy. It was crazy to Haven to realize that what Harry had said was true, the two truly were like father and son, and they needed each other more than either of them knew. Yet in one day Severus has almost lost Harry and now Harry was possibly going to lose Severus. After a few moments his magic once again dissipated leaving the group waiting on the dawn and the hope that would come with it.

"It's a good sign that he is reaching out with his magic, whether unconsciously or not, it is an improvement." Pomfrey stated, finishing her scan of Voldemort and his injuries before moving towards Haven, she had checked the whole room other than her, but even then Haven held up a hand,

"I am fine, Pomfrey, there is no need for your expertise with me."

"Very well, but I have to say I think it ill advised to not at least have a check over."

"Pomfrey, I am fine, you know as well as I that my body heals on it's own. My magic keeps me alive and I promise you, I am fine." Haven replied, her voice calm and soothing as it always was.

"I still wish I knew how it did that…" Pomfrey mumbled moving off towards the students to make sure they all were still asleep and calm.

"Don't we all," Voldemort confirmed from across the room smiling at his wife. She truly was the most wonderful thing in his life.

"I would replicate it for you if I knew how, but alas, I'm still at a loss as to why it does it. All the books just say that the more powerful your magic is, the longer you live." Haven shrugged. Earning a chuckle from Pomfrey. The group then once again fell into silence, Remus dosing back off as they awaited the rising sun, hopeful that the morning would bring with it life to Severus.

Chapter 21

The sun rose over the mountains in the distance, the light shining through the windows. Most in the room were still asleep, but the Riddle family and Harry were all awake, watching the sunrise. Each of them releasing some of the tension from the previous night, Pomfrey was looking over Severus, casting spells and giving him more potions.

"Any improvement?" Remus asked the medi-witch, hoping that she would say that his brother had improved.

"Some, but not as much as I would like. There is a good chance of him fully recovering from this, but it will take time. I don't imagine he will wake up for another few days." Pomfrey replied, continuing to look over the potions master.

"We will take turns staying with him, there is much work to be done at the ministry and here at the school. Tom and I will go to the ministry today, Remus, you stay here with Sev and Harry, keep us updated on what happens." Haven spoke, she knew that they would be needed at the ministry as they continued to turn around the wizarding world. The truth had been released to the public, but many still had questions and concerns, and those would have to be addressed, on top of that they still needed to replace over half of the ministry workers and the minister himself while following the laws.

"Yes, and Remus, Lucius will be here today working on replacing the staff that needs to be replaced and fixing the classes and preparing everything for the children to return after the summer holiday. If you need anything just let him know." Voldemort added, standing and moving towards the door. Haven moved to Severus, kissing his forehead and whispering something that the others could not hear, she then moved to the door and left with Voldemort. Remus then moved towards Harry sitting in the chair his mother had left beside his bed,

"How are you feeling, Harry?"

"Sore, but other than that I'm fine."

"I'm sure the potions Pomfrey is having you take will help with the soreness. You just need to give yourself some time, you did die after all." Remus smirked,

"I know. What all has to be done now?"

"Well, we do what mom was saying they are going to be doing. Lucius is heading up getting the school back on track. The teachers who are proven innocent in trial will continue to be employed here, and they will keep the jobs they had. Those who are guilty, will be punished and replaced. Then there will be reform to what is taught in the history classes and all the other classes. A new curriculum will be used, which Lucius had already been piecing together, and school will go on as it has been. Except for the prejudice, for the first few years when students from the old school are still here there will be extra work against the prejudice that exists, and then hopefully that will become the normal of the school. As for the ministry, almost everything has to be dealt with. A new minister is required, most of the Wizengamot has to be replaced, and many laws need to then be rethought and new laws need to be put into place. All of that has to be done legally, which is going to take a while. For now, we will focus on replacing the minister and the members of the Wizengamot and the other workers at the ministry. Then we will approach the laws that need to be dealt with once they can be reformed by the laws that we have in place for that." Remus explained.

"How long will that take?" Harry asked, he was sitting cross legged on the bed, his hair was a mess. His glasses were still dirty from the previous day, his clothes the same.

"The school will be turned around quickly, because the next generation is more important. We have to show them the truth so that they don't go back to the way things were. The ministry will take longer, I think the goal is to have everything in place within a year."

"Alright, time for you to get out of those clothes and clean up, the house elves brought a change of clothes for you. Go." Pomfrey said, coming up to the bed and handing Harry the clothes and a towel before shooing him off to the infirmary bathroom to shower. Remus watched Harry leave before moving back over to the chair beside his brother's bed. He then pulled out a book and began to read. When Harry got out of the shower he sat in the chair next to Remus and opened a book to read as well. The day passed slowly as they waited for the man on the bed beside them to get better.

Days passed even slower after that, the family changed in and out depending on who sat with Severus, and they continued to work out the new systems that they needed to put into place. Before the family knew it two weeks had passed, Severus was still improving according to Pomfrey, yet he had still not woken up. The school was preparing for the new school year, and finishing repairing the damage from the battles. New teachers had been hired to replace those that did not pass the intensive interviews. Only Flitwick and Minerva were allowed to stay on. Flitwick, who had fought against the system since the beginning, and Minerva who they discovered had been held captive by Dumbledore for years, ever since he had taken a liking to her as a student. All the other professors had to be replaced, Severus would stay on as potions master and head of Slytherin, as long as he woke up in time. Remus had agreed to retake the role of Defense professor, which covered yet another role. Then, Lucius had taken the time to find replacements for every other professor they had, keeping up with the tradition of a ghost as the history professor, the Baron was hired for the role. After the staff was chosen, Lucius had attacked the curriculum, and had been working with Remus on it for weeks. It allowed Remus to help, and yet stay close to his brother which he was thankful for each and every day. Draco and Harry barely left the infirmary, but instead sat next to Severus bedside playing chess, reading, and just talking for days at a time before taking breaks. Voldemort and Haven spent their days at the Ministry working to renew the system, and they spent their nights next to their son. Neither of them were getting much sleep, but both of them vowed that they wouldn't until Severus woke up. It was the middle of the night at the end of the second week when Severus began to wake. As he came to consciousness, he felt the dry feeling in his mouth that told him he had been asleep for quite some time. Next he felt the stiffness, he always hated the stiff feeling he got when he was unconscious for a long period. His entire body felt like it couldn't move. The pain that still radiated throughout it didn't help much. His memory was sharp, he had been reliving what happened through dreams for the entire time he had been asleep, waking now was beyond a relief. Trying to open his eyes was difficult, and as he tried to raise his hand to wipe them he realized just how weak and in pain he was. It was a shaky hand that finally made it to his face, wiping at his eyes as he blinked the fuzziness away. When he finally got them open and his hand returned to his side he realized that it was nighttime, his parents were both asleep in chairs next to his bed, he could see Remus curled up in a chair on the other side of the room next to a bed that looked to hold Harry. He desperately wanted water, but he didn't want to wake anyone, he just hoped that Pomfrey had monitoring spells on him. His question was answered a moment later when the medi-witch made her way quietly out of her office with a candle and a tray. She sat them both on the table next to his bed and helped him to sit up. She then silently handed him a glass of water.

"Thank you." he choked out in a broken whisper, his voice weak and breathy. He saw both his parents react to the sound, and he knew that they would be awake before long.

"You're very welcome. Don't drink it too fast. If you need it there is a pain potion here for you to take, but try to wait a little while longer before you do so. Do you feel like sleeping more or maybe eating something?" Pomfrey inquired. She knew the man before her, and she knew that most likely he wouldn't fall back asleep until he had to. He was never one to like sleeping, always being one to be plagued by dreams.

"Food sounds okay." He replied, his voice still barely above a whisper.

"Very well, I will go fetch you a little something. Stay put." She stated for good measure, knowing the stubborn man she was taking care of. As she left Severus realized that his parents had woken up and were watching him now.

"Some would say it's creepy to stare at people who just woke up while you sit in the dark." Severus tried to joke, his pain quickly taking the smirk off his face.

"Fathers don't have to follow that rule." Voldemort stated, scooting closer to his son as he helped him adjust the pillows behind his head.

"Can I get you anything?" Haven asked, earning a head shake from her son.

"We're glad you're finally awake again." Voldemort confirmed.

"How is everything going with the school and the ministry?" Severus asked, his curiosity and worry getting the best of him.

"It is going fine. Lucius has almost completed the preparation for the new school year, as long as you are able to be the potions professor that is. And the ministry is coming along slowly but surely." Haven answered her son. She could see that he was tired, and that he needed sleep. But she could also tell he was fighting it. Which to her clearly meant that he had been having dreams.

"Good. Who did they get for headmaster?"

"Minerva will take on that role. Remus will be taking on the role of head of house for Gryffindor while teaching Defense." Voldemort answered.

"Minerva? I thought…"

"He was holding her captive, Sev. She couldn't break free." Haven answered,

"Captive?! That old fool should be glad he's dead, if he wasn't he wouldn't enjoy it very much when I get out of here." Severus spat, while his voice changed in tone there was no more power in it than before. His hatred for Albus Dumbledore had grown since losing Lily, and it seemed that that would never end.

"My thoughts exactly." Voldemort replied.

"Alright Severus, here is some soup for you to try. Do not force it, you are still healing and it's going to take time to get back to normal." Pomfrey returned, placing a tray on Severus' lap. She then retreated to her office with the statement to call if they needed her, and the family talked quietly as Severus tried to eat until the sun came up.

Harry began to wake up as the sun rose through the infirmary windows. He sat up slowly, realizing that once again Remus had fallen asleep in the chair next to him rather than another of the beds in the room. It was then that Harry registered the voices from across the room and looked up,

"Severus!" Harry called, waking Remus as he shot out of bed and across the room.

"Good morning Harry." Severus greeted, forcing a smile through his pain. He was still trying not to take the pain potion Pomfrey had given him, he knew that it would make him sleep, and while he would never admit it, he did not want to be locked in those dreams again. He didn't plan to let Harry know any of this.

"You're awake!" Harry stated coming to stand next to the man's bed, Remus following close behind, worry written on his face as his eyes scanned over his brother.

"Yes, apparently I am." Severus replied, forcing his voice to work, despite the throbbing pain in his body.

"How are you feeling?" Remus asked, he could see the pain in his brother's eyes.

"Fine." Severus replied, it earned him a very doubting look from his brother, but Harry missed the lie hidden in his words.

"Harry, why don't you come with me and Voldemort and grab some breakfast. Severus has been up for a few hours and he needs to rest. Remus will stay with him." Haven spoke, her hand laying softly on the boy's shoulder. She knew that Severus didn't want the boy to see how he was actually doing, but she also knew that Harry didn't need to, not yet. Severus had been awake since he had first woken up. He tried his best to swallow the pain, but all of them had clearly seen it as it worsened with each passing minute. He was barely breathing at that moment, and water was gathering in his eyes despite his best efforts. Voldemort knew why he was fighting it, he could see in his son's eyes that he had been dreaming, that he had been trapped in them. Yet, both Haven and Voldemort knew that Remus could handle it, and so they both prepared to leave for the day.

"Okay." Harry answered, nodding at Severus with hesitation before beginning to follow the others out of the room.

"Harry," Severus quietly called after the boy, trying his best to hide the pain in his voice as the boy turned,

"Yes, sir?"

"Stay out of trouble, and when you get the chance would you kindly bring me something entertaining to read from my office?" Severus knew that the boy wanted to help, so he offered the only thing he could think of.

"I will sir." Harry nodded, a small smile appearing on his face as he left the room.

"Care to tell me why you are not willing to take the pain potion that you clearly need?" Remus asked once the others had left.

"I've been sleeping for two weeks, I don't think I need to anymore. Besides, the pain is manageable." Severus forced out, his voice rough as he spoke.

"Manageable? Severus really, you are barely remembering to breathe!"

"I don't want to sleep anymore."

"Why? It will help you heal."

"The dreams will kill me far quicker than the sleep will heal me; I assure you of that." Severus replied. He knew he wasn't going to be able to hide anything from his brother. Not with how he was feeling.

"Surely Pomfrey could get you a dreamless sleep potion."

"By technicality she is able to do so, yes."

"So let her!"

"I can't."

"Why? You need to rest, Severus."

"I was addicted, Remus. For three years. It's a weakness for me, I dream every night, if I experience a night without a dream…" Severus paused, swallowing hard from the pain and his lack of want to share this with his brother, "If I take it again I know that I won't stop, so I refuse to allow her to give it to me."

"Surely one time while under monitoring would be okay." Remus asked, he knew why his brother was hesitant, but he also knew that Severus needed to take the pain potion.

"What do I do for a living Remus?" Severus asked, looking at his brother like he used to as children. Remus knew that it meant Severus thought Remus was being an absolute idiot.

"You teach potions." Remus replied.

"Yes, I teach potions, as a potions master. Do you really think it's that simple? I can make any potion I wish to, at any time. Yes, I could take the potion here under Pomfreys watch, and she would never give me another dose, but it wouldn't matter. I can make myself another dose. I don't need to receive potions from other people, which means no I cannot just take the potion here and it all be okay. That's how the problem started the first time." Severus explained.

"Very well, then we will have to come up with another solution. What were the dreams about?" Remus asked, sitting in the seat his mother had vacated.

"That will not help."

"You know that's a lie. Talking through it always helps. Now, what were they about."

"Lots of things, I had two weeks."

"Okay, so what did you dream of the most?" Remus asked, his question earning a clear reaction from his brother as Severus' eyes fell from where they met his brothers.

"Lily." It was barely a whisper, his voice betraying his feelings.

"What about Lily?" Remus' question earned yet another reaction from his brother as Severus' eyes snapped up in frustration.

"The rape, Godrics Hollow, finding her body, seeing…" Severus stopped speaking quickly, his eyes once again falling away from his brother's gaze.

"Seeing what, Severus?"

"I kept seeing her, my dreams, they would fade and then I would be in this empty hall and she would be there. It was blurry but I knew it was her. I tried to reach for her but…"

"But what?" Remus asked, knowing what Severus was describing. Knowing that if Severus had reached her Remus never would have seen his brother again.

"She kept telling me to fight it, to not come. She kept pushing me away. I was so close to her, Remus, once I could even see her clearly, she was just as beautiful as she always had been. But she kept telling me to go back, that I wasn't supposed to be there. Then I heard Harry, or what I thought was Harry. But it couldn't have been."

"Why not?"

"He… He said he had seen Lily, that… He said that I should have been his father, that he wanted me to be his father." Severus looked up, tears were forming in his eyes. It clicked in Remus' mind why all of this was happening. Severus had been reliving both Lily's and Harry's deaths, he had been dreaming of all that had happened, and in between he had been so close to seeing Lily. So close to being with her, of course he hadn't been fighting to live. Then he had heard Harry, and he had remembered the other one he had almost lost. Just like always Severus Snape was trying his best to make everything okay, never once allowing himself to fully do what he wanted. Remus also knew that he was thankful that his brother wasn't that person, because he knew that if Severus had chosen himself, he would have gone to be with Lily.

"Harry did say that. You were dying, Pomfrey didn't have anything else to do. So Harry tried to reach you, he said exactly what you heard him say. He told me later that his mom was who had sent him back, that Lily had sent him back to you." Remus told him, his voice struggling to hide the catch in his throat.

"But, I.. I can't.."

"Be his father? Severus, seriously, you basically already are. Sure, you are not his biological father, you never will be, but in every other way, since the day you first started reaching out to him, you have been. You won't be perfect, and it won't be easy, but you are enough, and you are what he needs." Remus answered, pausing as his brother took in what he had said, "But right now, you need to take this medicine and rest." He handed Severus the potion bottle.

"Fine." Severus replied. He then swallowed the medicine, settling further into the bed. He continued to try and talk with Remus for a while longer before eventually falling asleep. Remus then moved to the windows on the other end of the room. The sun had risen in the sky and the valley below Hogwarts was beautiful, summer had fully come.

Chapter 22

Remus' attention snapped up from his book so did Harry's, Severus began to jerk. He was breathing quickly, his head snapping back and forth,

"No.. no.. no" Severus' voice was rough and broken, and full of panic despite being weak as his whole body continued to jerk around. Remus rose quickly, Pomfrey arrived right after,

"Remus, help me hold him down, he will open his stitches" She commanded, Remus immediately moved, grabbing his brothers shoulders and pushing them into the bed.

"Severus! Severus wake up!" Remus called, Pomfrey was preparing potions beside his bed. Severus jerked up from the bed, his eyes snapping open. He glanced around the room, his eyes frantic.

"Here, child. Take this." Pomfrey spoke, her voice calm as she gave Severus what looked to Remus like a calming potion. Severus obediently took the medicine, his arm grasping his side.

"Damn it. I think I opened it." He spoke, looking at Pomfrey, the pain clear on his face.

"Let me take a look, lay back." She replied. He obediently laid back, Remus moved back to sit beside Harry. Harry was watching with worry in his eyes. He knew that Severus wasn't just going to heal immediately, but he had not thought things were still as bad as they seemed to be.

"Well, you were right. You definitely opened it, not to worry, I'll fix it right up." Pomfrey stated, moving her wand around the area.

"Ah, Damn it Pomfrey! Not even a warning?" Severus snapped in pain.

"I told you I was going to fix it." Pomfrey replied, earning a look from Severus, "There, now it's all fixed up again. We will just have to be more careful with it in the future, a little more monitoring I think." She finished. Severus nodded in reply, moving the pillows behind him to prop him up.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, hesitation in his voice.

"Yes, Harry, I am fine." Severus replied, forcing the words out in a raspy breath through the pain he was clearly in.

"Here, take this." Pomfrey stated, handing another potion to Severus.

"This is a pain potion." Severus stated.

"Why yes it is. Take it." Pomfrey answered, her voice firm.

"I have slept enough." Severus replied, his voice firm even as his face twinged in pain.

"You broke open your wound and are in pain, you need to take it." Pomfrey tried again, she knew the man before her, and she knew why he was fighting her.

"I can manage it." Severus replied, fixing his pillows to allow him to sit up.

"Very well, if you are determined, I will get you some food." Pomfrey gave in, setting the potion on the table by the bed and calmly leaving the room.

"Why won't you take the medicine?" Harry asked, he was shocked that the man was refusing the care he had been offered when he was still as hurt and sick as he had been.

"I don't need the medicine. I'll take it when I need it." Severus answered, earning a disbelieving look from Remus as he spoke. There was clear pain written on his face, and Remus could tell that the man desperately needed the medicine, but it was also clear to Remus that his brother was desperately avoiding sleeping any longer. Harry only nodded in reply, he was worried for the man in the bed, but he also knew that nothing he said would truly change the mans mind.

"Harry, could you come help me check through the Gryffindor tower? The fat lady will not let me in. Ahh, good morning Severus." Lucius interrupted, speaking as he entered the infirmary.

"Hello Lucius." Severus answered.

"Sure, I can help." Harry answered, placing his book down on the chair as he stood. Lucius nodded at Harry, patting the boy on the shoulder,

"How are you feeling, Severus?" Lucius asked, still looking at his friend.

"Better everyday." Severus lied. Both Remus and Lucius knew it wasn't true, but neither said anything about it.

"Good. We are all ready for the day you get out of that bed." Lucius smiled, nodding to Remus and once again to Severus before leading Harry out of the room.

"How many more times are you going to lie to people about how you are?" Remus asked his brother, earning only a pained glare in return as Pomfrey re-entered the room with food for Seveurs.

"If you are going to refuse medicine, you have to eat all of this." Pomfrey spoke, setting the tray on his lap.

"I don't need the medicine." Severus answered.

"You can keep lying, but I happen to know you are in quite a bit of pain, and you just are avoiding sleep at all cost. So as I have already said, you have to eat all of this. Medicine will help you heal, but if you refuse to take it your body is going to need fuel to heal." Pomfrey answered.

"I happen to agree with you Pomfrey, he needs to pay more attention to healing." Remus added.

"When the two of you have lived through this I will take your advice, until then I suggest you both let me make my own decisions. I will heal perfectly fine taking those potions only once a day, and you both know that." Severus answered before taking a bite of the bread on the tray next to the soup.

"Maybe you will heal perfectly fine, but you will be in more pain than you have to be." Pomfrey replied, using her wand to cast diagnostic spells over the man as she spoke.

"I would rather have the pain than the dreams." Severus quietly answered. His voice was so quiet that Remus almost missed what he said, but when the words registered in his mind it once again made him wonder just what the dreams were of.

"I can always get you a dreamless sleep potion, Severus. I truly don't believe it would cause that much trouble." Pomfrey tried, she knew the man's hesitation, but she also knew the man before her was a very different person with a much stronger support system than the man who had fallen to the addiction years before.

"No. I will not take that potion." Severus snapped back. His voice was rough and tired.

"Very well." Pomfrey replied, before nodding and returning to her office. Remus then watched as his brother ate his food, he knew that Severus was trying to hide how much pain he was in, but the regular flinching and quiet grunts continued to give it away.

"You don't have to hide the pain from me, Severus." Remus finally stated, opening his book once more as he finally settled further into his seat. Severus only glanced up at his brother in reply. Swallowing a few more bites of food before finally speaking,

"Are mother and father at the ministry today?"

"Yes, they think they finished the trials of everyone yesterday and were hoping to vote in a new minister today. I haven't heard if they have succeeded or not, but I imagine they will be back soon and will tell us then."

"They seem to have made quick headway with everything. How is the school coming along?"

"Lucius has almost prepared everything, in the next few days he is going through the dorms and common rooms to make sure they are set for the students' return. I believe he is doing some renovations to the Slytherin dorms, but I'm afraid I haven't been helping much in the past few days." Remus answered, he had spent the last few days strictly by his brother's bed, he was beyond worried for the man, and didn't want him to be alone. He also was working on a plan for the upcoming year of teaching.

"Good." Severus responded, his voice wavering with the word. It made Remus look up yet again, concern clearly written on his face,

"Just take the potion, damn it." He huffed.

"No." Severus' voice was cold like it had been so many times when they were growing up. Back then Remus wouldn't have been able to tell that the coldness was from pain rather than anger, but now he could pick up on the difference in his brother's voice.

"Why? What is so bad about the dreams that it makes you want this pain more?" Remus asked, he couldn't imagine what the answer could be. Severus didn't answer, rather he sat, looking at his brother. Severus had come to accept that that was who Remus was, had come to trust and even love him as such, but something held him back from telling the truth. He knew that what Lucius had said earlier when he was in the room was true, his entire family was waiting on him to heal and be up moving again. How could he ever tell any of them that he was still dreaming of Lily, still dreaming of losing her, still dreaming of going to her. He hadn't woken up from a nightmare, he had woken up because yet again Lily had pushed him back to the land of the living, and he hadn't wanted to come.

"Nothing. It's fine. It doesn't matter what they are about, they will fade eventually, and I will heal eventually. The healing potions will do the trick without the pain potion." Severus responded, refusing to tell his brother the truth. Out of all the things Severus knew, he was most sure of the fact that his family expected him to yet again choose them and fight to live. He didn't have the heart to tell them, or even himself that that wasn't what he wanted anymore.

"I know you are lying, but seeing as you clearly do not want to tell me, I will let it go. Just know that you can tell me, if you want to." Remus responded. He had come to understand that his brother needed to be given time. Severus only nodded in reply. Then the two brothers simply sat in each other's company, Severus eating his meal before eventually giving in and falling once again into sleep, and Remus reading and preparing for his teaching role.

Chapter 23

It was late, Voldemort sat by his son's bedside, simply watching and thinking. The ministry had finally gotten up and running again, and tomorrow they would begin to change the laws that needed to be changed. They were only a few weeks away from reopening the school, and all were hopeful that Severus would be ready to teach yet again. Voldemort and Haven knew what many did not, though, as they had taken turns each night to sit with their son they had felt his life waver, heard him stop breathing for moments at a time, before beginning again. They knew that while many believed Severus to be improving and out of the woods, their son was still fighting for his life. That was what drew Voldemort's attention now, Severus had stopped breathing, his father was counting the seconds until he started again. He told himself that if the time made it to over a minute, he would call Pomfrey, but every time Severus got close, he would begin to breathe again. As the minute marker approached, Voldemort realized that he wouldn't have to call the medi-witch, as she came to stand by Severus, taking his pulse.

"How long?" She simply asked, not even looking at the man who sat by the bedside.

"50 seconds." Voldemort replied. Pomfrey only nodded in response, before she pulled her wand out and began casting diagnostic spells.

"Why is it happening? I thought all his wounds had been mended?" Voldemort asked, his concern increasing as his son continued to not breathe.

"They have. Physically Severus is healing just fine."

"Then why is he on the edge of death?"

"He has given up. His job is done, and I believe from what he calls out in his dreams that the only reason we still have him with us is because someone won't let him fully quit." Pomfrey answered.

"What do you mean?"

"Every time he ceases breathing, his heart stops. He dies, and then something, or someone shoves him back, many times when this happens he lands straight into a nightmare and wakes up." Pomfrey replied. She loved the man who was laying before her, she had watched him grow, watched him fight since he was young. She knew that he had always only had one goal, to defeat Dumbledore. She also knew that now that it had been accomplished, the man who laid before her, who had lived with such pain for so long, finally wanted to be free himself. She just wondered who was keeping him from it.

"Who would shove him back?" As Voldemort was speaking Severus took a sharp intake of breath, his body immediately shifting and moving, his face contorted as if in pain,

"No! Lily! No!" Severus screamed, before shooting up, his eyes wide. His hand immediately grasping his wounded side. Pomfrey responded quickly, casting a spell and forcing him to drink two potions, before forcing the man once again into sleep.

"Why?" Voldemort asked, standing in shock.

"He has to decide to live, or nothing will help him. Whatever or whoever is forcing him back has to have a chance to convince him of that, or hope is lost.

Severus immediately began dreaming of the fight, of the explosion and the debris crashing upon him. Of Dumbledore pulling him away from Harry, and cursing him. Then it had all faded, just as it always did. Whiteness surrounded him, and once again he found himself standing in a vast room.

"Lily!" Severus called, this is where he always found her, where he always got pushed back from her.

"I'm here, Sev." Her voice was calm, comforting like it had been all those years ago when she would help him back up after he had been bullied.

"Lily." He sighed in relief, turning to look at her. She was as she had ever been, yet the spell that had held her for so long was gone, he could see the freedom in her eyes. He hadn't been able to see her in any of the other dreams, just a silhouette and her voice.

"You shouldn't be here, Sev."

"Why not? The battle is over, they are safe, he is safe, my job is done." He argued, wanting so badly to step towards her, to wrap her in a hug, but knowing that he couldn't.

"The battle may be over, but your job is not. They still need you. Harry still needs you."

"He has Remus, and my parents, and the whole wizarding world. He will be fine."

"He doesn't need the whole wizarding world, Sev. He needs you." Lily answered.

"Why? I'm not special, I'm not who he needs. I would hurt him more than help him and we both know that."

"Really, Sev. After all these years you still think that? You are exactly who he needs, and you would never hurt him." Lily argued back.

"He would be better off without me."

"Would he? Or is that just your excuse?" Lily's words surprised Severus, his own words dying on his tongue. She then continued,

"You don't have to run anymore, Sev." Her voice was soft as she looked at the man before her, her eyes conveying understanding and compassion. Lily had meant every word she had told Harry, and if it hadn't been for her son, she wouldn't be arguing so much. She had been pushing him back from death for days, but that didn't mean she wanted to. She loved him, missed him, wanted him with her, but she knew that her son needed him more than she did. Lily had realized after her death just how lucky she had been to know him, to have him as her friend. Severus had been the man she loved, even when she didn't know it. He was also her best friend, and she knew why he had given up.

"I'm not running. I…" Severus' words failed him.

"Sev, you don't have to lie to me. You have fought nonstop for years, you have given more than you had to give. I know that you are tired, that you don't want to fight anymore. But you cannot run from life, Sev. You don't have to fight like you did, not if you let them in."

"I don't know how." Severus confessed, he had determined that it was better for him to just leave. To be done with his fight. It would be easier, for everyone.

"You did it with me."

"You were different, you.."

"What Severus? What made me different?" Lily asked, hoping that finally he would tell someone the truth. He was so closed off to the world, determined that he would mess it up, determined he wasn't good enough. Lily had realized that he was not the only one in his family who was like that, his brother was the same way.

"You were the one who proved me wrong. You were my light Lily. I spent my whole life running from a darkness around me, a darkness within me. I could never escape it, until I met you. You drove the darkness away. But then my darkness engulfed you, it took you from me just like it took everything else. I'm tired of fighting it, the pain, the fear. I know they want me to live, to fight, but there is a part of me that can't believe that it will be different with them." Severus confessed, his head bowed, not willing to look her in the eyes as he spoke out the very thing he had never wanted anyone to know. He was supposed to be strong, to be a warrior, to be fighting, to be healing. He was supposed to be there for Harry, to be a brother for Remus who had done so much for him. But he was so tired of fighting, and the pain was taking too much.

"You're darkness never hurt me, Sev. Only his did. And the fact that you struggle, that you have to fight, it doesn't make you unworthy, it doesn't negate the fact that you are a good man, a good son, a good brother, and you will be a good father for Harry. I know you will. I know it hurts, I know you blame yourself, but you have to listen to me, Sev, what he did, to me, to your mom, to Harry… what he did to you, none of it was your fault. You didn't do it, nor could you have stopped it. None of that was your decision to make, but this is. You can give up, I can't push you back forever. You can give up, and leave them. Or you can fight for just a while longer, and take the time to realize the family you have now, and take the time to be a father for Harry." Lily's voice was full of emotion, tears welling in her eyes, she wanted so badly to reach for him, but she knew that she couldn't. Severus only nodded, his face setting once again for the battle before him. It was one he knew would take far more than he felt like he had to give, but he knew he would do it, for Harry and for his brother. He had family now, and while it would be hard, he would be there for them. Lily smiled at the man before her, she knew that she wouldn't be seeing him again, not for a long time, so with the final moment she had she knew she had to make sure he knew the truth,

"Sev." Her voice called his attention to her once more, "I told Harry the truth, before the spell it would have been you. It's always been you."

"I love you Lily. Always." Severus answered, his eyes conveying the love that words could never express, hers returning the same to him,

"And I you, Sev." She whispered as he faded from the room. Lily knew that her boys would be okay, they all had each other and they were going to be just fine.

Remus was furious, anger boiling over,

"What do you mean you sent him back?! Are you mad! If he is stopping breathing while sleeping the obvious answer is to not let him sleep!" He yelled, Voldemort and Pomfrey had just explained to him and Haven that Severus had been put into a coma. They had barely finished saying why when Remus exploded. He had spent days by his brother's bed, willing him back to life, back to being himself, and here they were handing Severus over, just letting him give in.

"It's the only way, Remus…" Voldemort tried, but Remus immediately cut him off,

"BULL SHIT! There is never only one way! Don't you get it, he is giving up, and you are letting him. Pull him out, Pomfrey, now!" Remus' anger was pulsing through the room, Pomfrey almost complied to the man's order, and she probably would have if she hadn't experienced the same anger from the very brother Remus was trying to protect. They truly were proving to be more and more alike as the days passed.

"Remus, we have to be sensible about this, he has to decide to fight and that means he needs time. He needs…"

"I don't give a damn what you think he needs. He needs to be awake, he needs to see Harry. He needs to not be put IN A DAMN COMA! He has to live, DAMN IT. He has to live." Remus' words faded from anger into desperation quicker than any of the others were prepared for. The younger man fell into the chair behind him as he barely was able to say the last words. Severus had been dying, Remus knew that he wasn't blind. Severus should have been up and moving out of his bed days ago, but he remained with no improvement. Remus knew what that meant, he knew that his brother was leaving him, he just hadn't accepted it. It couldn't be true. Not now. Not after they had found each other. Not after they had become brothers. Not when Harry needed him. Not when he needed him. Tears were falling down Remus' face as he looked at the far too still body of his younger brother. The brother who had proved him wrong so many times before. The brother who had walked through hell and survived, only to find himself here. Fighting for his life, for no other reason than he didn't want to fight anymore. It wasn't like Remus could blame him, he had had the same thought himself a few times, about how much easier it would be to just be done. And Remus knew that what he had lived, no matter the fact that it was an awful life, still couldn't match the life his brother had been forced into. No, it didn't matter how badly Remus had been treated, he knew Severus had been treated the same, and Severus had lost Lily. He couldn't blame him for wanting to go, but he was still so mad at him for being willing to leave him behind.

"Remus, it's not over yet, there is still hope." Pomfrey tried to comfort the man, knowing that neither of the other adults in the room could. No, the entire family was feeling the very same way.

"We have to tell Harry. He deserves to know, deserves a chance to talk to him, in case…" Remus couldn't finish the sentence, but he knew he didn't have to. There wasn't a person in the infirmary that didn't know exactly what he meant.

"I'll tell him." Pomfrey offered,

"No. It should be me. Sev and Lily would want it to be me." Remus answered, before standing once more, his shoulders seemed a little lower this time, and his eyes far sadder as he made his way from the room towards the great hall where he knew Harry was helping Lucius with some latest design choices.

Remus stood in the doorway of the great hall for a moment, watching Harry, he was so young, so vibrant. He was smiling with Draco while they messed around with the colors on the flags in the hall. Remus knew that they both thought themselves to be men, but as he looked at them he realized just how young they still were. Finally, he took a step into the hall,

"Harry, may I talk to you for a moment?" He called to the boy, trying not to show his own distress.

"Sure!" Harry called back before setting down the flag he was holding and running to join Remus by the door.

"Let's go for a walk." Remus beckoned, leading the way out of the hall and out onto the grounds of Hogwarts.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, concern written on his face, Remus wished he could tell him that it was nothing.

"Harry, Severus hasn't been doing very well recently. While sleeping he has been fading in and out." Remus had to stop to swallow down the lump that was forming in his throat.

"What do you mean, fading in and out?" Harry asked, fear in his voice.

"He stops breathing, Harry. Then he snaps back in. Pomfrey has been watching it, trying to figure out what is happening. She says that…" Remus once again lost his voice,

"She says what?" Harry pushed.

"She says that he is dying, and that the only reason he comes back is that something, or someone is pushing him back. Last night it was worse, and she was forced to put him into a coma. We're not sure whether or not he is going to wake back up, Harry." Remus finally finished. Shock and pain were clear on Harry's face as he processed what Remus had said. Harry felt like he had just been hexed, Severus had become like a father to him, and his mom had even said that they were meant to be together, but now…

"No…"

"I know. I know. It's not certain yet, Harry. He may very well wake up again, but in case he doesn't we want you to be able to talk to him." Remus told him, his voice soft trying to comfort the boy through something that felt like a sword in his own stomach.

"So I can see him?"

"Yes, you can see him." With that the two of them returned towards the castle, and to the room where they would say the words that would potentially be a final goodbye to someone they dearly loved.

Harry and Remus had returned to the infirmary, and Harry had moved to speak to Severus while Remus joined his parents on the other side of the room.

"Lucius called, they need us at the ministry, there is a problem with the bill they are trying to pass." Haven said as Remus joined them. Remus only nodded in response.

"Call us if there is any change." Voldemort demanded, his voice hard from worry. His eyes hadn't left Severus despite being across the room.

"I will. I promise." Remus replied, following his fathers eyes across the room to look at his brother. Harry had just stood and was coming over to stand with them.

"I want to know if something happens, but I can't sit here and just watch. I told him that, I hope he understands, but I just can't sit and wait. Will you tell me if something changes?" Harry asked.

"Of course, Harry. We will make sure you know every update. And I'm sure he understands completely." Haven answered him, placing her hand on his arm in comfort, as she led him out of the room, Voldemort following after. Remus turned to look at his brother, he knew this was when he should talk to him, tell him what he wanted him to know. He took a breath as he moved to sit in the chair next to his brother's bed. The hours passed slowly as he sat there, trying to decide what he was going to say to his brother. His parents had contacted him and told him that they would be at the ministry for the majority of the night sorting out the minor issues that had arisen in the process of changing the laws. Harry had stopped by for an update before dinner, and then once again before going to bed. He hadn't stayed long though, and Remus realized that he didn't want to watch Severus die. Remus had a feeling Harry was blaming himself for it, but he wasn't prepared to have that conversation with Harry at that moment, so he figured he would just wait to do so until later. Before Remus knew it the sun was rising in the morning sky, and he still had yet to say a word. It was when he heard the clock in the hall chime for ten in the morning that he finally spoke,

"I know this is the time when I am supposed to be sappy and tell you that I love you. I hope you understand why I can't do that. Despite the fact that I know this may be the last thing I tell you, I just can't do it. I'm pissed at you Sev. I get it, I do. I know that you carry so much darkness, and I know you can never fully beat it. I know why you are giving up. And I'm sure that it's Lily you are talking to. I know why, but I can't be okay with it. I'm so mad at you. I hate you for this, even though I know that that's selfish. It's selfish for me to want you here. But I can't tell you a lie now. I lived my life alone, surrounded by people who were completely fake, and you were the first person that changed that. You helped me as much as I helped you. You're my brother Sev, and I need you with me. I'm not mad at you for hurting, or for wanting a way out, I'm mad because you're leaving me behind. Don't leave me behind." Remus' words were full of pain, tears pouring down his face as he spoke. Severus had become more than a brother to him, he was a friend. He was who Remus knew would always be by his side,

"Lily, send him back, please, I need him." Remus pleaded, hoping that just maybe she would hear him and help him keep his brother. Then he simply sat and watched, hoping beyond hope that Severus would wake up. Remus had lived a hard life, he had been alone, he had struggled and he had fought so many things, and for most of it he had done it alone. But in the last almost year he hadn't had to do that anymore because he had Severus. Severus had walked with him, he had understood the struggles, the PTSD, all of it. He had spent hours listening to Remus' struggles, and Remus to his. They had leaned on each other, they had been brothers. Remus wasn't ready to let any of that go. He had come to count on his brother, to need him.

"You know what, just go. Give up. I'll be fine." Remus snapped, the anger he felt at his brother breaking free as he stood to leave,

"I thought you said lying wasn't okay?" Severus' voice was raspy and barely above a whisper but the sound of it made Remus begin to cry once again. He quickly turned back to face his brother.

"It's not. I wasn't." Remus replied, stepping back to his brother's bedside.

"Bullshit. You don't have to lie, I understand you being mad. I… I was being selfish." Severus spoke, his voice was still very soft. Before Remus could answer him, Pomfrey appeared and began to cast the reverse spell on the spell that she had placed to keep Severus breathing in his coma, before casting many diagnostic spells. Remus and Severus both stayed silent while the medi-witch did her work.

"Well Severus, nothing is too bad, but as I suspected before your coma, you have damage in your lungs. It's too early to tell if it is going to be permanent, but you will find your voice weaker than it was, and you might have trouble catching your breath. I'll keep an eye on it. I'm not sure if it's from your original injuries or an infection, with the extent of your original injuries it could be either." She explained, earning a nod from Severus. Remus cast his patronus and sent the update to both his parents and Harry, he didn't want to leave to write them a letter.

"Thank you Pomfrey." Remus said as the medi-witch began to walk away, earning a smile from her before she disappeared once again into her office. Remus then took his seat next to his brother's bed and returned his attention to Severus. After a few moments of Remus staring at his brother Severus spoke,

"I'm not going to up and die now, you can relax."

"How would I know that? You shouldn't have been on the brink of it last night, but here we are."

"I'm sorry. Truly, I am. I was just so tired." Severus said, his eyes on his brothers as he tried to make it known how much he truly meant his apology. His voice failed to grow any firmer despite his effort.

"I know. I'm tired too. I just… You were leaving me behind." Remus replied, his hurt filling his words.

"I didn't know you would care that much."

"You're my brother Sev. Of course I care that much."

"I've never been good at this kind of thing. I don't know how to care about people well, to have a family. I was so guarded for so long, I'm not sure I know how to let people in, or accept the fact that they care." Severus confessed.

"Well, we have that in common at least. That's why I need you, you are the one who understands, the one who can walk it with me. I don't have anyone else like that." Remus answered.

"I know that now."

"Who?" Remus asked, his voice slightly hesitant, but wanting to confirm his suspicions.

"What?"

"Who pushed you back? Who were you seeing?"

"Lily."

"I thought so. I'm surprised you came back." Remus said he knew just how much his brother loved her, how much he missed her. If he had been in Severus' place he easily would have chosen to stay with her, he was honestly surprised that Severus hadn't.

"She reminded me of the people here. The things that still need to be done. She reminded me of why I need to be here. Besides, she wouldn't let me. While I may be selfish enough to choose myself, she has never been that way." Severus answered. He wasn't going to lie to his brother and act like he hadn't thought about it, he had. He had almost stayed with Lily. He was a little surprised himself that he hadn't.

"Well, I'm personally glad she isn't, I'm not sure what I would have done without you."

"Did Harry…" Severus tried, his voice failing him as he fell into a coughing fit. Remus waited until he finished, handing him a cup of water,

"He knew, but he couldn't stay. He said he hoped you understood why, but that he couldn't just sit and watch." He replied. Severus only nodded in return. He knew he would have to talk to Harry about it all, he had messed up by trying to give up.

"Severus?" Harry's voice brought the two men out of their thoughts as they looked up to see the very boy they had been talking about.

"Hello Harry." Severus answered, his voice far weaker than he wished it to be, yet he had a feeling that wasn't going to change anytime soon.

"How are you feeling?" Harry asked, sitting in the seat next to Remus.

"Better, much better." Severus answered, and for the first time it was truly genuine, his pain had eased quite a bit, and he felt more awake than he had in weeks.

"I'm glad. I thought…" Harry stopped speaking before he finished, looking down at his hands, Severus realized he was trying to hide tears.

"I know," Severus tried to sit up, but failed as his side erupted in pain, he realized he would have to just stay put, "I'm sorry, Harry, truly I am. I never should have let myself get that bad. It won't happen again, I'll be here for you, for all of you." Severus finished, he wanted to tell Harry that he would be his father, that he would take him as his own, but he hesitated, he wasn't even sure that it was what Harry would want. After Severus finished the group fell into silence once more, awaiting the arrival of Haven and Voldemort.

Chapter 24

Days passed quickly after that, and Severus improved with each of them. By the end of the week he was sitting up in a chair for most of the day, and had begun to prepare his potions lessons for the new school year. Yet, despite the hope of all of them his voice failed to grow any stronger. It was lunch time exactly a week after Severus had woken up, and Severus was sitting up reading one of his many potions books. The rest of his family were off doing other things as it was only a month until the start of the semester and there was still much to accomplish. He looked up from his book as Pomfrey entered the room with a tray of food.

"Here you are Severus, the house elfs made you a special lunch." She greeted as she gave him the tray of food. He realized that they had made his favorite meal.

"Thank you Pomfrey, tell them I said thank you please." He answered, earning a smile from the medi-witch.

"I will. How are you feeling?"

"Better every day. My side is still sore, but it is considerably better."

"Good. I think you will be up and moving any day now, you have improved quite quickly in the past days."

"Pomfrey?"

"Yes?"

"My voice isn't going to heal, is it?" Severus asked. His voice had been the one thing that hadn't improved. It was still very weak, and despite any effort he made to strengthen it, it never changed.

"I don't believe so. I've done every test there is to do, you have no infection, I believe the damage to your lungs and vocal cords was too great." The medi-witch confirmed. She was saddened by it, but she wasn't going to lie to the man.

"I thought so. Well then, I will have to figure out a spell to use for teaching, I don't believe students will be able to hear me properly without something."

"I have a book full of many spells that are meant to help in such situations, I will bring it to you and you can see if there is one like what you need." Pomfrey replied, earning a nod from the man, she began to make her way back to her office. She had always been observant, taking in the many things that others missed. She had watched Severus since he was a boy, and seen his struggle. She had watched with saddened eyes these past few days. She was glad he had made it through, that he was sitting up and breathing, but she hadn't missed the fact that part of him hadn't made it. The man who had woken up the week prior was not the same man she had placed into the coma. He had changed, ever so slightly, and she could tell. She was also saddened by the damage that could not be undone, she knew that she would miss the strong and careful voice he had once had, she already did. Pomfrey knew that in the past weeks Severus had not been the only one to change, his brother had changed right alongside him. Remus and Severus were an interesting pair, but they were more alike than many realized, and Pomfrey had watched while a loyalty and bond had formed between the two of them over the past weeks, they were keeping each other alive. Pomfrey knew that in the years to come it would be the two brothers who truly made the difference in the wizarding world, they were the ones who would change it all.

The start of the school year came far quicker than the group imagined it would, and before they knew it they were sitting at the welcome feast, the room full of students. The first years had just been sorted into their houses, and it was about time for the welcome speech. Voldemort and Haven sat with the teachers at the staff table, they had decided to stay at Hogwarts for the first year to help if problems arose, they would move out again eventually, but for now everyone was glad for their presence. Minerva stood and began her welcome, Severus would be doing the full speech, as had been decided by the faculty and his brother the previous evening. Remus had said that Severus was the one the students knew, the one that had been fighting for them the longest, and that he deserved to make the speech. Severus was slightly more unsure, his voice was still very weak, and while he had practiced, the spell he used for amplifying was still new for him. Yet, in the end it didn't matter, they all wanted him to give the speech.

"...Before we begin our feast, our head of Slytherin house would like to say a few words." Minerva finished, stepping aside as Severus made his way to the front of the room. He then quietly cast his amplification spell and took a breath, the spell would make his voice louder, but it did not change the breathy and weak sound of it, and that was something Severus hated.

"Welcome back, and welcome to Hogwarts. As many of you know quite a lot has changed since the last time you were in this hall. We are proud to be able to welcome you back knowing that this school is not only safer for you, but that it will truly help you to become the best witches and wizards that you can be. We all want for this place to be a safe, calming, and fun place for you as you grow and learn, and so, after years of fighting and much behind the scenes work we are finally able to give you that. Because of these changes we must make you aware of a few new rules. First, we are all family here, no matter the house, family, or personality, Hogwarts is a family and we will treat each other as such. There will be no bullying, no name calling, and no hate in this school. I know for many you are having to relearn all you were taught, so for the first year we will be constantly reminding you of this fact. To help in this endeavor, we have partnered with both Drumstrang and Beauxbatons. This year, instead of house points there will be school points. All the points you earn will go to a competition against the other schools, and whichever school has the most points at the end of this year will win the school trophy." Severus paused to take a breath and reapply his spell while the children all whispered in excitement and disbelief, he then began once more,

"Secondly, all students will be taking one extra class this year, you all will take or retake introductory History of the Wizarding world," Groans erupted from the tables, causing Severus to smile, "This is so that you all will know the truth of the past, the Baron will be teaching the course, and we expect you all to pay great attention as it will explain much of what has changed. Finally, we want you all to grow and have fun, so through your houses you will not only learn friendly competition in Quidditch matches, you will also have your head of house to lean on. We encourage all of you to ask as many questions as you need as we work through this time of adjustment for the school. This is not defeat, this is not failure, yes it will be difficult to change our own thoughts and habits, but this is a good thing." With that, Severus removed his spell and began to walk back to the table, he didn't make it very far though before the students erupted in cheers, he was shocked as he turned to see one of the Weasley twins, who had barely gotten permission from their parents to continue to attend Hogwarts, jump up to the front of the room,

"THREE CHEERS FOR PROFESSOR SNAPE!" George yelled, pumping his fist in the air, the entire room cheered in response. Then George motioned and the room fell silent, Severus then noticed that he was holding a small box in his hands,

"We the students have something to say." He began, "We would like to take a minute to thank Professor Snape." He turned specifically to Severus, " It took us far too long, but we have all realized now that you spent every waking minute of the entire time you have been teaching protecting us. We all hated you, and we all failed to see that you were one of the only ones fighting for us. You… You almost gave your life for us, and you would have had Harry not jumped in front. We, all of us, just want you to know that you are our hero." George finished, handing the small box to Severus. He tilted open the lid, and there resting on a pillow of silk was an Order of Merlin pin with the green, purple, and white ribbons of all three classes,

"It's the only one of its kind, we students convinced the office that you had fulfilled the requirements above and beyond." Fred, who had joined his twin at the front explained. Then it happened, Remus appeared before him, and taking the pin from the box began to pin it on to him, as he took it out of the box, a spray of green flowed into the air above the Slytherin table

"Green, for an act of outstanding bravery and distinction" all the students couroused as one, then purple erupted into the air,

"Purple, for achievement and endeavor beyond the ordinary," as the purple dissipated white took its place,

"White, for someone who made a contribution to our store of knowledge." As the students' voices came to an end, Remus finished pinning the pin onto Severus, a smile on his face. Severus was completely stunned as one final voice began to speak,

"The Ministry of Magic would like to acknowledge the entrance of the newest member of the order of Merlin, Severus Snape." Lucius' voice was strong and proud as he looked at his friend. It had been just that morning when he had been elected Minister of Magic, and it had caught everyone by surprise, but in that moment Lucius was grateful he had been so that he could be the one to bestow this honor on his friend. Lucius and Remus both patted Severus on the shoulder as they returned to the table, Lucius conjuring up a seat next to the two brothers,

"Alright, alright, back to your seats." Minerva shooed the twins, but her smile never left her face, she then turned to the students,

"Let the feast begin!"

As the children began to eat, and the room became busy, Lucius reached over and handed Remus a small box,

"I couldn't convince the council to get you all of them, but you deserve this," He explained. Remus opened the box to find his own Order of Merlin pin, which was made of a bright purple ribbon.

"I would have expected green." Severus commented, knowing his brother was to receive the pin, he had been the one to help Lucius put in the request the week prior.

"Yes, I too, but Harry insisted that anyone can be brave, only very special people can do what is beyond the ordinary." Lucius answered, earning a teary smile from Remus as Severus grabbed the pin and pinned it to his brother.

"Either way, you both deserve every medal, and in my book will always be owed for your actions" Flitwick said, joining the conversation from the other side of Severus. Neither of the brothers replied, starting to feel slightly awkward at the attention. It didn't last long though as everyone began to enjoy their meal. Many times both Severus and Remus looked up and found Harry in the crowd of children at the Gryffindor table, and many times Voldemort and Haven looked to their sons, each of them making sure it truly was okay.

Chapter 25: Epilogue

The next few years found the makeshift family growing closer. Severus and Remus both healed in their own time from the trauma and pain of the past, despite the physical proof of it. Severus became used to his weakened voice and got quite good at the spell he needed for teaching. Harry grew quickly and found himself studying to be a medi-wizard. He had never forgotten the time they had spent in the infirmary and all Pomfrey had done for his family, he wanted to do the same for others. Haven and Voldemort had moved into a house in the hills of Scotland nearby to the school they visited often. Lucius and Narcissa had turned the ministry around and had become the leaders in the changes throughout the wizarding world, Draco was following in his fathers footsteps. Remus and Severus continued to work at the school, they enjoyed their time there as the danger faded. Both of them eventually found someone to begin to settle down with. Severus began a relationship with one of the new teachers, she had taken over Sprout's job, as both teacher of Herbology and head of Hufflepuff. Remus had found a nice shop owner in Hogsmeade. The two of them had been slow to welcome in the new relationships, but once they had their wives had become just as much a part of the family as everyone else. Severus had fully adopted Harry a year after the end of the war, and so Harry had gained his own family once more, his favorite part being the new little sister and brother he had gotten in the process. Yes, the family had grown, changed, and flourished in the years following the end of the war. Eventually the pain of those moments would fade into a distant memory for the group. Years later, long after even Harry's own children had passed on, the first year students at Hogwarts would be led up the stairs towards the great hall only to be stopped before a large painting, where they were told of the family in the painting, and how they had saved Hogwarts. With this only one other thing showed that it had happened, and that was the two graves in the field outside of Hogwarts, and each year a small group made up of mostly Snapes, Potters, and Malfoys, would gather there and lay green, purple, and white ribbons on the graves. This year, the 100th anniversary of the deaths of the two buried there, a young woman with dark hair and a slightly curved nose, who wore the robes of a potion apprentice, laid a small vial on the graves,

"Thank you. Both of you. The world changed because of you, and now this potion will forever be available to everyone who needs it, in memory of you." Lily Snape then turned and walked slowly away from the graves. She was the eldest of the fifth generation since the two men who had created the family she grew up in. She had been named by her great, great, great grandfather Harry, after a woman she had only heard of as the one who saved their family. Lily didn't need to know who she was named after though, she only cared about her last name, because that was the one whose legacy she was a part of. Which was why, on that cold day, the anniversary of the end of the war he had fought in, she had finally begun to market and sell a potion created originally by Severus Snape, a potion for deep cuts, wounds, and scars, and especially for blood quills.