Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Final chapter! Thank you so much for the reviews and support of this series!

Sirius sat in the chair in Dumbledore's office. He had just withdrawn from the pensive and now knew everything. Harry was Snape's son. Snape and Lily had been married, not James and Lily. Ah James, he thought sadly. His friend had truly been brave and good hearted to agree to the memory charm. He now remembered James mentioning doing something for the Order that he could not talk about but that he knew was the right thing to do. Now Sirius knew what his friend had been talking about.

"Are you okay?" Dumbledore asked kindly.

Sirius ran a hand over his face. "Yes. I feel like an idiot though. Harry must think I am truly insane." He mumbled.

"Harry is a very compassionate and forgiving child." Dumbledore said fondly. "I think he understands. It took awhile for a lot of people to believe."

"Snivellus is really protective of Harry." Sirius murmured.

"Yes, enough to turn you into a chicken." Dumbledore chuckled and even Sirius gave a laugh. "Although, I think the name Snivellus is not one you should anymore." Dumbledore said more seriously. "Your rivalry with Severus needs to come to an end. You are both on the same side. Now, I don't know if you still want to have a relationship with Harry but-"

"Of course I do! He's still my pup." Sirius exclaimed. "He's Lily's son and he's the same boy I babysat and told stories to." It was the thought of being there for Harry that had helped Sirius get through Azkaban.

"Then getting along with Severus is a must." Dumbledore told him.

Sirius made a face but nodded. "I should apologize, I guess. Although I must say, turning me into a chicken was low." It was worthy of a Marauder prank however, he mused to himself in amusement.

"I turned you back, no harm done." Dumbledore smirked. He held out the tin he kept on his desk. "Lemon drop?"

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This time when there was a knock on the door, Severus answered it. He stared at Sirius. "I trust you have been shown the truth? Or are you still going to claim that I am manipulating everyone that Harry is my son?" He asked sarcastically.

Sirius sighed. "I know he is yours." He admitted. "I came to, er, apologize."

"To Harry?" Severus nodded and let Sirius in.

"And to you." Sirius muttered.

Severus raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"I really believed Harry was James son. As I had already failed Harry once, I guess I was too focused on making up for it to see what was right in front of me." Sirius admitted.

"How did you fail Harry?" Severus asked curiously.

"I went after Pettigrew instead of going to Harry." Sirius said regretfully. "He ended up with Lily's sister right? I don't know much about her but I do remember Lily never really spoke of her."

"The Dursley's are worthless scum who starved and locked up my son." Severus said darkly. "He still suffers nightmares and insecurities from his time with them."

Sirius's face darkened. If only he had kept his temper, Harry would have been with him and never treated so poorly. "I assume you made them pay?"

"Yes," Severus smirked. "If you like to add to their misery, I would have no objections." He offered.

Harry walked in and paused when he saw Sirius. "Hi." He said a little nervously.

"Hi pup." Sirius said warmly. "I'm sorry if I scared you before."

Harry relaxed. "It's okay. You know about the memory charm then?"

"Yes," Sirius nodded. He sighed. "A lot has changed since I was locked up." His face brightened. "At least you caught Pettigrew! Good for you pup!" He caught Severus's scowl. "What?" He asked defensively.

"What he did was dangerous." Severus said sternly. "It was reckless and he and his friend could have been seriously hurt or worse. Isn't that right Harry?" He eyed his son.

"Right." Harry said though he couldn't help but grin when he saw Sirius roll his eyes behind his dad's back.

"Anyway, I just wanted to apologize and I hope we can get to know each other Harry." Sirius said sincerely. "I hope I can be a part of your life." He looked questioningly at Severus.

"I suppose so, as long as you are a good influence on him." Severus said snidely.

Harry frowned. "I know how you treated my Dad in school. Professor Lupin told me."

"He did?" Sirius said uneasily glancing at Severus. "Well, kids can be idiots sometimes. I'm not proud of it." Knowing what he had to do, he took a deep breath and looked at Severus. "I'm sorry."

Severus's eyes widened. While James had apologized he had never expected that Sirius Black would. He nodded. "Thank you." He made a decision. "Harry is having a party here tomorrow evening with a few of his friends. I will be out for a few hours and need someone to watch over the party."

"Me?" Sirius asked brightly.

"Yes, someone will need to watch over you too." Severus smirked. "Lupin will suffice. I imagine he won't let either of you get into too much trouble."

"Hey!" Sirius and Harry protested.

Severus smiled to himself. Now that the issue with Black was taken care of, the only thing left was Voldemort. Tomorrow, hopefully, they would be able to trap the monster. It would be made easier by the interesting wand they found on Pettigrew when he was taken to Azkaban.

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Harry grinned as he looked around the sitting room. His dad had already left with last minute instructions not to leave their quarters and to have fun but not tear the place apart. He had of course invited Ron and Hermione as well as Neville and the Weasley twins. He had invited Draco and had decided to include Pansy and Blaise. So far the evening had been going well. At first it had been a little awkward but after Remus and Sirius decorated with banners and balloons and handed out wizard crackers like they had at Christmas, Remus had put on music and there was now a table filled with food.

Sirius was telling stories of the Marauders to Fred and George who looked like they were taking notes. Draco and Ron were playing an intense game of chess while Neville and Blaise made bets on who was going to win. Hermione and Pansy were trying on different silly hats that had been in the wizard crackers.

"Having fun?" Remus asked as he stood beside Harry.

Harry nodded eagerly. "This is great! I never would have believed that Gryffindors and Slytherins could attend a party together without hexing each other!" His face fell slightly. "I just wish my dad was here."

Remus gave Harry's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I'm sure he will be back soon. I think he had a meeting or something."

Harry looked away. Only he knew the truth, his dad and members of the order were going after Voldemort. His gaze fell on Draco and he hoped that Mr. Malfoy would be okay as well. He wouldn't wish losing a parent on anyone.

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Lucius made his way into the dark forest in Albania, aware that he no longer saw any animals that usually inhabited the area. There had been whispers of a dark part of the forest that even the animals were afraid to venture into. He paused as he felt a slight burn on his arm where the dark mark was. "Master?"

A rustling in the bushes and Lucius came upon a sight he hoped to never see again. He knew it was the Dark Lord, though the dark wizard was hardly recognizable. He was small, a cross between child and a snake. The skin was scaly looking with extremely thin arms and legs. The face was flat with snake-like features and gleaming red eyes. It looked like a nightmare.

Lucius could only hope this thing was too weak to try to perform legilimens on him. He had started practicing occluding after some tips from Severus but was nowhere near good enough to withstand a true mind intrusion.

"Could it be?" The creature spoke in a low hissing voice. "One of my followers has finally come for me?"

"I have Master." Lucius knelt down and suppressed a shudder at those awful red eyes. "I apologize for taking so long."

"Apologize?" Voldemort hissed angrily. "Twelve years I have waited! Those truly loyal to me would not have waited so long!"

"My Lord, I confess I believed you to be dead until recently." Lucius said smoothly. "These have been trying times since your disappearance and as soon as I had reason to believe you were alive, I spent all of my time and resources looking for you." He held out the wand that had been found with Pettigrew and the red eyes widened. A thin arm reached out and snatched it. He gazed at it with satisfaction. "How did you get this Lucius?"

"Honestly, it was found with Peter Pettigrew. He salvaged it after the Potter's destruction and kept it. He has hid as a rat for the past twelve years and only recently was discovered and sent to Azkaban. I managed to retrieve your wand with my connections with the ministry."

Voldemort nodded thoughtfully. "I see." He was quiet for a moment and then his gaze focused on Lucius. "So you were among those that believed some pathetic baby could defeat me?" Voldemort asked and his snake like voice was full of anger. "That boy will be the first one I kill as soon as you help me return to my full power."

"Of course Master." Lucius agreed. "Anything I can do to prove my worth."

"First, my dear Lucius, let me test my strength." Voldemort said sweetly. He narrowed his red eyes. "Crucio!"

Lucius fell to the ground as the pain radiated through his body. It was not as severe as when Voldemort had been in his full form but it was still surprisingly strong considering how small the creature was now.

Voldemort stopped the curse, breathing hard as it had taken a lot out of him. "What do you say Lucius?"

"Thank you Master." Lucius slowly stood up, his body still shaking. "You are too kind to a lowly servant such as me."

Voldemort nodded. "Do not worry Lucius. You will be rewarded once I am whole again. You have a son correct? Perhaps I will give him the honor of being the youngest Death Eater to join me." He said somewhat graciously, as if this was a great honor.

Lucius bowed his head. "You are most gracious Master." Inside he was screaming at the thought of Voldemort anywhere near his son. "Where would you like me to take you so that you may begin to grow stronger? I offer my manor, of course."

Voldemort gave a laugh. "No, I know of where I would like to reside while we plan for my recovery. I plan to use the Potter boy to aid the restoring of my body."

Lucius raised an eyebrow. "That sounds quite fitting to me, my lord. The child is most troublesome."

"Yes, I remember from when I tried to get the stone." Voldemort said darkly. He glared at Lucius. "Well? I would like out of this forest sometime soon Lucius!"

Lucius reached down to pick him up when Voldemort hissed and moved away. "Someone else is here! I can sense it!" He spat out. He moved back into the bushes further. "Who is it? Crucio!"

Lucius fell again, writhing in pain and was relieved to hear footsteps behind him.

"My Lord."

Voldemort moved forward slightly. "Ahh, Severus. Is there a reason you were hiding?" He looked suspiciously at Severus.

Severus smirked down at Lucius form. "I was not supposed to come, Master. Lucius wanted to be the only one to come to your aid." One thing about the Death Eaters was that they were always trying to outdo each other to impress their master and this act would hopefully deceive Voldemort into thinking that nothing had changed. "But after the issue with your diary, I felt it prudent to make sure things were done properly this time."

Voldemort glared at Lucius. "What was the issue with my diary Lucius? I left that in your care for safe keeping!"

Lucius stood up and glared at Severus. "I'm afraid the diary was destroyed by the Potter brat last year." He admitted. He could tell Voldemort wanted to crucio him again but was too weak from cursing him twice already. He kept his head bowed.

Voldemort hissed angrily. He needed to get his body back, as soon as possible. "Pick me up; I will share your magic to apparate to a place I can recover." He hated relying on anyone but for now he would need Severus and Lucius to help him. He would show everyone just how strong he was when after the ritual to bring back his body. And Potter would be the one to pay for his twelve year absence.

Lucius picked up Voldemort, inwardly cringing at having to touch the disgusting creature. He would need new robes for sure.

"My Lord, I do have something for you that might help." Severus said before Voldemort apparated. "I have been working on it for two years, since we found out that you were indeed alive."

"What is it?" Voldemort asked impatiently.

"It is a variation of a strengthening solution." Severus said smoothly. "I have improved it and I believe it will help you have more strength, even with the form you have now." He held out a vial. "It is a gift to apologize for doubting that you would return."

Voldemort eyed the vial. He could certainly do with more strength to keep his two followers in line. He needed them to still fear him so that they would do everything he said to do to get the ritual started. "Has this been tested Severus?"

Severus inclined his head. "Of course my lord, I had many test subjects until I got the potion right." He smirked, acting as if he had thoroughly enjoyed the act. "It is made to perfection, if I may so." He said humbly.

Voldemort reached out a thin arm and snatched the vial. He knew Severus was an expert potions maker, it was one of the reasons he had been pleased to welcome him into his inner circle. He would also need Severus to make the potion for the ritual. This was working out perfectly. "You will be rewarded Severus." He said graciously as he downed the potion, his arrogance that any of his followers would ever truly betray him about to be his downfall.

Severus nodded to Lucius and the aristocrat dropped Voldemort unceremoniously to the ground. "Lucius!" Voldemort hissed. He tried to cast a crucio but found he couldn't. He frantically tried to cast anything, yet nothing happened. The strength he had, little it may have been, was completely gone. He couldn't cast anything! "What did you do?" He cried.

Suddenly there were several pops and Voldemort was surrounded by Aurors and Dumbledore. "Hello Tom." Dumbledore said quietly.

Voldemort desperately tried to apparate, to move in any way but he felt completely drained, not only in magic but physically as well. "I will destroy you all!" He glared at Lucius and Severus. "I will make sure you two suffer like you have never suffered before!"

Lucius brushed off some leaves that were on his shoulder. "I doubt that you can." He smirked.

Voldemort screamed in anger and Dumbledore quickly cast a spell to bind him. Kingsley and Alastor moved in to levitate the creature and with Tonks keeping her wand trained on Voldemort, Kingsley gave a nod to the Headmaster and then they apparated away.

"I need to go to Azkaban to make sure everything runs smoothly with Tom in his new…home." Dumbledore smiled at the two men in front of him. "You both did wonderfully. Lucius, I am sorry you were hurt."

"I'm fine." Lucius said, uncomfortable with praise from the Headmaster.

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes bright and twinkling as he apparated away.

Silently Severus handed Lucius a vial. "What is this?" Lucius asked as he took it.

"It is an anti-cruciatus potion. I have been working on it for years. It will help relieve the effects of the curse." Severus explained.

Lucius drank it and immediately felt some relief. "Thank you Severus." He handed the empty vial back to Severus. "I need to go home to Narcissa. She will be worried. Do you know," He hesitated. "Is Draco all right?"

"Yes, he is with Harry in our quarters having a little party." Severus assured him. "They are being looked after." At least they better be, he thought. "Thank you for your help tonight. I think we will all rest better knowing that thing is contained."

"At least it is over." Lucius said in relief. "And both our sons will be safe now."

Severus nodded as they both apparated, Lucius to his home and Severus to Azkaban. He wanted to be sure Voldemort was in the cell he so richly deserved.

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"Tom has screamed himself hoarse." Dumbledore told Severus when the potions master arrived. "He is unable to perform any magic however."

"Good." Severus nodded as he looked at the creature who was lying on a cot in his specially warded cell. "No one will be able to help him out of there correct?" He was sure there were other former followers who may one day decide to try and help their master.

"Correct. In fact, I made sure that only someone who has no intention of helping Voldemort escape may enter the cell." Dumbledore said. "Also, we have kept this quiet so that no one will know he is here. Not even his followers who are here in their own cells, such as the Lestranges, will know he is here."

"Severus."

Severus looked to where Voldemort was staring at him with dark red eyes. There was a clear shield acting as a door to prevent the monster escaping. "I will get out one day." He rasped out. "I will kill you and Lucius." He threatened.

"I am not worried about that Tom." Severus drawled lazily.

"How could you betray me?" Voldemort asked pitifully. He truly did not know what to do now. It never had crossed his mind that he could be betrayed. His Death Eaters were supposed to be loyal to him!

"I was never yours." Severus informed him. "I was always true to the light. Now if you will excuse me," He smirked. "I would like to get back to my son."

"What son?" Voldemort asked in a small voice.

"Oh, did we forget to tell you Tom? Harry Potter was never a Potter. That was a ruse. Harry is Severus and Lily's son." Dumbledore said cheerfully.

Voldemort's red eyes widened in shock. It was the last glimpse Dumbledore and Severus got of him before a solid door was shut, with only a slit to see through.

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Severus surveyed his quarters with a sigh. The sitting room looked like a tornado had flown through it. Streamers were littered on the furniture, products of the wizard crackers were strewn all over the floor, the table of food looked to be a sticky mess, wizard chess pieces were arguing with each other on the ground and nine children were asleep, some had sprawled out of the floor and a few were slumped over on the sofa. Sirius was also asleep in a chair, snoring softly. Severus heard a noise behind him and turned to see a guilty looking Remus, who had stepped out of the kitchen.

"Severus, I didn't expect you back so soon." Remus said weakly. When Severus merely raised an eyebrow he burst out, "I tried to pick up after everyone but the kids were having so much fun that I figured it was easier to clean when the party was over. Then they fell asleep and I just finished cleaning the kitchen. Boy was that a mess, the twins had decided to try-"

"I'd rather not hear about whatever concoctions they were trying to make." Severus rolled his eyes. He glanced around and his eyes softened when they landed on his son. "The children need to go to their dorms and Black to his doghouse, or wherever he sleeps."

"Severus," Remus admonished though he grinned. He went around and gently helped to rouse the children and Sirius.

"You missed one great party." Sirius said with a yawn. His eyes widened in alarm as he took in the mess. "Oops." He quickly pulled his wand out and did several cleaning charms and then began levitating things to their proper place.

"At least he cleans up after himself." Severus grumbled as he stood next to Harry, who was rubbing his eyes.

"We'll walk the children to their dorms." Remus offered. He smiled at Harry. "See you in class tomorrow."

"See ya later pup. I had a lot of fun." Sirius ruffled Harry's hair with a smile. He looked at Severus. "Thank you, for letting me spend time with Harry."

"See you tomorrow Harry." Hermione said with a wave as she and the rest of the teenagers began leaving with Remus and Sirius.

"Later Harry. I'll say this for you, you throw a good party." Draco grinned. He never would have believed he could have fun at a party that a Gryffindor had thrown.

"Good night Draco." Harry laughed. Once everyone had left he turned to his dad with a worried expression. "How did everything go?" He asked nervously.

"Everything went fine." Severus assured his son. "Voldemort now resides in a cell in Azkaban."

Harry's eyes lit up and he hugged his dad happily. "Really? We don't have to worry about him anymore?"

"Really." Severus said as he held his son. "You're safe now Harry. That monster won't have a chance to hurt you or anyone ever again."

Harry shut his eyes and felt relief flood through him. He had been so afraid that Voldemort would come after him again. When he opened them he saw a transparent figure standing behind his dad.

"Dad," Harry whispered as he pointed.

Severus turned and couldn't help but gasp. "Lily?" He croaked out.

Lily smiled at her husband and son. "You truly are safe now. I love you both and I will watch over you." She said sincerely. "Always." Her image faded and Harry and Severus were silent for a moment.

"Was that real?" Harry asked in a shaky voice.

Severus blinked back tears. "Yes, I believe so." He looked down at his son. "Love is a powerful thing Harry, and your mother loves us very much. I think," His voice became gruff with emotion. "I think she wanted to tell us goodbye."

Tears fell from Harry's eyes and father and son held each other for a long time, both crying out their grief as well as their happiness that the nightmare that had followed them for so long was now behind them.

Epilogue

"Are you unpacked?" Severus asked as Harry came down the stairs of their cottage. Summer vacation had officially begun and it felt good to be home again.

"Yes," Harry grinned. "Can I – I mean, may I go flying? It's really nice out."

"Go on then. And remember," Severus began.

"No crazy or foolish stunts young man." Harry finished.

Severus sighed. "How did I get stuck with such a cheeky and insufferable child?"

"Just lucky I guess!" Harry sang out as he went to get his Firebolt. "My friends can come over this summer right?" He asked as he went towards the front door.

"I already said they could Harry." Severus shook his head in amusement. Harry's best friends now included not only Ron and Hermione but Draco, Neville, Pansy and Blaise.

"Hedwig!"

Severus looked out the front door where Harry was standing to see Hedwig flying towards them, struggling to carry a box. She landed and Harry untied the box from her. She flapped her wings to show her annoyance at delivering something so heavy and flew into the house and up to Harry's room where she could rest.

"It's for me!" Harry exclaimed as he scanned the note. "It's from Sirius. Here you go Dad; he sent a separate note for you." Harry handed him the small letter and then began to open the box.

Severus glanced at the letter.

Severus,

I thought Harry deserved this after everything I put him through this year. Also, consider it payback for turning me into a chicken! See you later this summer!

Sirius

"A puppy!" Harry pulled a small black Labrador from the box. The dog began licking his face and Harry laughed. "We can keep him right Dad? Please?" He pleaded as the puppy ran around him in excitement. It was wearing a blue collar that had a tag with the name Snuffles on it. Harry laughed again. "Snuffles! We get Snuffles after all! Isn't this great?"

Severus groaned as he watched Harry begin playing with the puppy. To think he had thought Black cruel during their childhood but this, this was just plain vicious. He immediately began to think of ways to get back at the overgrown mutt when suddenly the puppy was placed in his arms.

"Isn't he cute?" Harry grinned.

Severus looked down into the dark eyes as Snuffles gave a happy little bark. "Adorable," He sighed. Looking at Harry's eager face and the brightness of his emerald green eyes, Severus smiled softly and looked back at Snuffles. "All right Snuffles. Welcome to the family."

The End.

A/N: This is the end of my Always series. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! =)