A/N: Okay here it is people! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get this out but I've been so incredibly busy you can't even imagine. I'm sorry if this chapter sucks people just you all know the rule by now that I don't like flames. I believe in the phrase 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.' So here it is after the long awaited wait. I think you all deserve a slight explanation. Basically this summer has been very trying for me. I found out earlier this year that my 3 year old neice that I love like a parent loves a child, has lupus and isn't doing the greatest. Then I had to leave a job that I've held for the last 4 years because of doctors orders and get another job. It took me a while to find a new job but I've been working that for a while now and am enjoying it but leaves me very tired. Then I had to go on a trip to Utah for my brother's wedding, then my nephew came to visit for a couple of weeks and I had to entertain him and that's an exhausting job. To top it all off my mom hurt her shoulder this summer and hasn't been able to do anything and has been a right witch about it. Then to top it all off I had to call my school a lot because I found out that I've simultaneously had my loan cut in half, my scholarship taken away (for bogus reasons mind you) and my educational grant taken away as well because I'm entering my 9th and FINAL semester of college. Then I had to have pictures done for new headshots, portraits for graduation announcements and photo shoots for a dress that my friend (who's doing an internship in London for a big fashion agency) custom designed for me for my vocal recital that I'm doing this fall. So basically as you all can tell.....I've been so busy between work, hiding from my mother (literally), going out with friends that I never get to see, spending time with family I never get to see and studying for 2 major tests that I have to take the day after I get back to school because it's the only way that I'll be able to graduate in December. So again I am sooooo sorry about taking so incredibly long (I've forgotten how long it's been since I last posted a chapter) to get this one out. But again if this chapter sucks then please don't flame me, I've had a very trying summer and have had a lot of things on my mind and have been under an enormous amount of pressure. Oh and I want to thank all of you for your lovely reviews to keep me going even now at this very late stage in the game.
Chapter 3
The early months of 1981 were spent in a whirlind of working and James dropping by frequently so that Harry could get used to being with him. Harry was quickly learning to crawl, stand and then at 10 months he finally took his first steps. He was very quickly learning to speak to and for one so young he could very well. Spring came and faded into summer at Snape Manor but none of the inhabitants noticed. They were far too busy.
They had agreed that the day after Harry's first birthday that Harry and Lily would leave with James. It made sense since Severus was due to go to Hogwarts to prepare for the upcoming term anyways. Severus' calls to Voldemort were becoming more and more frequent. Every other day almost in fact.
Voldemort was rather angry because he knew that somebody was leaking information to Dumbledore but he didn't know who. He had heard about Severus' appointment at Hogwarts and was pleased because he was under the impression that Severus was already spying on the light side. In fact it was the other way around but Voldemort didn't know that. Thankfully.
Harry's first birthday was fast approaching and lots of arrangements were being made for his party and for going into hiding. Dumbledore had a great grandson who worked at the Ministry and would help with the documents since they were going to be false.
Harry's birthday arrived and they opted to have a party with their closest friends. By this time Harry loved attention was was more than happy to be doted on by the adoring adults. Harry was the epitomal cute baby and he knew it too. He was definitely Slytherin in the sense that he could already manipulate the other adults very well to get just about anything he wanted.
Harry had a great party with lots of presents and succeeded in getting his birthday cake all over his face and a nice little fistful in his father's hair. The next morning came all too soon for Severus, Lily and Harry. Harry had never cried more than he did that day. It tore Severus' heart in two knowing that it would be a long time before he would see his son again. It tore Lily to shreds as well because she was feeling the same about her husband. James was torn.
Lily, Severus and James had all of Harry's things moved to James' manor so that it would be easier on Harry since this was obviously going to affect him more. His room looked the same exact way it was at Snape Manor. It was just after lunch and Harry was dead asleep, tired out from all the crying he had done. He refused to eat or be calmed and finally fell asleep from exhaustion.
The next few days went by very slowly for Lily and James. Harry had gone into an extremely depressed state, he would hardly eat or do anything. Harry wanted his Papa and nothing else. After a week they were beginning to get very worried. Harry was a skinny baby to begin with and because of this he was starting to lose weight. Lily and James were at a loss as to what to do.
Finally they wrote to Severus and told him about the situation. To answer the problem Severus sent back a charmed letter to Harry saying that he loved and would see him soon and to be good for James and his mother. After that Harry seemed to revert back into his normal, happy self.....just as long as he listened to that letter at least twice a day.
By the start of September the falsified documents were filed and Lily and Harry appeared to be Potters. Arrangements were also being made for the Fidelius charm to be performed. James suspected Remus to be the traitor and coupled with the fact that he was a werewolf took him naturally out of the running for secret keeper. Sirius would be too obvious since everybody knew that he was James' best friend and of course be trusted with it. That only left Peter since Lily's friends were all very visible and well known. They arranged to have the charm performed around the middle of September since there were still a few loose ends to tie up.
The charm was finally performed. It was rather disconcerting for James and Lily to see the odd gleam in Peter's small, watery eyes. Peter himself was beside himself with glee because this would fit very well into his plans. Peter had everything planned out. He would lay low until Halloween so that Lily and James would think he had gone into hiding like he told them he would. It was the perfect plan.
October descended upon Hogwarts and Godric's Hollow but the inhabitants barely noticed. Voldemort's attacks were escalating. Severus was being called more and more. It was so often that he would be called almost every night. Severus had been clever and had turned in a lower ranking death eater saying that he was the traitor, thereby saving his own skin. Besides the idiot would have gotten himself killed in an instant. He was a kid straight out of Hogwarts whose father was in the most trusted inner circle.
Quickly Halloween came. Hogwarts was decorated in all of its usual splendor. During the feast Severus' mark burned. Severus looked over to Dumbledore and gave him a look and a nod that plainly said he was being called and would be back later. Severus dashed down and grabed his robes and mask and apparated to Voldemort's hiding place. As soon as he appeared in the room he noticed that it was empty. Voldemort stood up from his throne and said in forced politeness,
"Ah, Severus. So good of you to join me. Remove your mask."
Severus did so and waited for his 'master' to continue. Voldemort paused for a moment viewing the young man in front of him and letting his nervousness build. After what felt like an eternity to Severus Voldemort spoke again.
"I remember you saying that your wife ran off with your son to James Potter who went into hiding to keep you away from them. This is correct is it not?"
Severus nodded and Voldemort continued,
"Well I have been informed this evening of their wherabouts. Apparently they went under the fidelius charm to hide from you. I was wondering if you would like to come with me and partake of this evening's fun."
Severus internally paled, thought for a moment then spoke,
"I fear that I must decline milord. Dumbledore is growing suspicious of me and if I do not return quickly then he will be even more suspicious and my position at Hogwarts will be compromised. I would be eternally grateful if you told me the name of the man who so generously provided this information though so that I might thank him in person." 'More like to wring his neck with my bare hands.' Severus mentally added on.
Voldemort let out a weak chuckle and said,
"Of course you are right Severus. And since you cannot join us then I will grant your request. The Potters used Peter Pettigrew as their secret keeper. He apparently lied low for a little while so as not to make them suspicious. He came to me tonight and told me. I plan to leave very soon. I will call you again after I get back to let you know how things turned out."
Severus bowed low and said,
"Thank you milord, you are too gracious."
Voldemort smirked and said,
"Yes Severus I suppose I am, now get back to the school before Dumbledore becomes even more suspicious."
Severus bowed low and apparated back to Hogwarts. He was completely numb. He didn't even remember the walk down to his chambers. He wasn't even aware that the room was occupied until he felt Dumbledore's hands on his shoulders and vaguely heard him asking him what had happened. Severus didn't even remember what he said he just knew that he had collapsed to the floor and had started crying after the telling. He knew that he was going to lose his family that night and there was nothing that he could do about it.
Suddenly there was an unbearable pain that ripped through his arm. It was not the kind of pain that signified a summoning. It burned worse than when he had first been branded with the mark. Severus gritted his teeth, rolled up his sleeve and looked down at the mark that had blood pouring from it but was quickly fading into nothing. Once it had totally faded Severus' eyes rolled into the back of his head and fell into a dead faint from pain and shock.
**********************************************(a/n: you all know by now what happened at Godric's hollow so I'm not going to bother)************
Severus slowly drifted back into consciousness. He finally opened his eyes only to be assaulted by the bright lights and white of the infirmary. He groaned then slowly sat up and then turned his head to be met with the smiling face of the Headmaster.
"Glad to see you're awake Severus I have some wonderful news."
Severus was slightly confused and feeling very much as if his head had been stuffed full of cotton and said impatiently,
"Well what is it Albus?"
"Harry survived Severus."
This got Severus' attention who stared slack jawed in a very undignified manner. After several moments he finally stammered weakly,
"How....what?"
Suddenly Albus turned a bit serious and said,
"I don't know how. But listen Severus. Muggles got to him first and was taken to a muggle hospital. I just found out that last detail mere hours ago and have been waiting for you to wake up."
Severus hesitated for a moment and said,
"Wait, how long have I been out?"
"Two days." Albus replied simply
Severus sat back and then after a few moments of silence said,
"Well where is my son so I can go and get him."
Albus simply handed Severus a small piece of parchment and said,
"You'll find him there. I have been given no details about what condition he is in, just that he survived. You may bring him back here after he is released, of course."
Severus curtly nodded then quickly got dressed. Only as he was finishing up did Madame Pomfrey come in and say,
"You are not leaving, Severus Snape, until I look you over and tell you that you may leave."
Severus grumbled then sat back down on the edge of the bed. Finally, a few minutes later Madame Pomfrey gave him permission to leave and he all but dashed out of the ward and the school. He quickly reached the apparation point and the next thing he knew it he was standing in front of Saint Michael's Hospital. He quickly realized that he was still wearing his full flowing black robes. He then quickly transfigured them into a muggle pants and shirt. After that he briskly walked into the hospital, found out where Harry was and quickly made his way there. As soon as he was inside the ward he heard high pitched screaming that could only be his son.
He dashed into the room and saw a nurse trying to hold down poor Harry, who was screaming and crying hysterically, but to no avail. Severus quickly strode over, shoved the nurse aside, picked up Harry, held him to his chest and said harshly,
"I will comfort my own son thank you very much."
The muggle nurse grumbled something about children that don't stop crying and nobody coming to stop it in the first place and then stepped out of the room, to go back to doing whatever she was doing. Harry had almost instantly quieted down once he heard and felt his father's presence. Severus had sat down in the chair that was conviently placed next to Harry's crib while Harry was in his hiccough and sniffle phase.
As soon as Harry had quieted down and fallen back to sleep a doctor entered the room and said,
"I am Dr. Richards, I've been following the boy's case since he was brought in. Am I to assume that you're his father?"
Severus nodded and said,
"Yes my name is Severus Snape and this is my son, Harry. I was not aware that he was here until this morning and immediately came. I've been out of the country."
The muggle doctor seemed to accept this excuse and said,
"Well if you'd like to set Harry back in the crib I'm sure you'd like to be filled in on Harry's condition."
Severus nodded and only then did he notice all the strange wires and tubes running all over the place and the bandages all over his sons body. He hesitated for a moment then turned and followed the doctor out into the hallway. Once there the doctor began.
"Harry was brought in during the early hours of November 1st. Apparently there had been a fire in his home and he was the only survivor. His primary problems were breathing because he'd suffered smoke inhalation and he received second degree burns on 15% of his body. Also he has a rather curious scar on his forehead that we can't figure out how he got. It bled quite heavily but stopped quickly. Unfortunately there was a storm that passed through the area that night and since the house was in ruins he wasn't protected from the wind and rain so he's developed a slight case of pneumonia. We were lucky and caught the pneumonia early though so there should be hopefully no permanent damage, but it's still a bit early to tell if there is any. We've just been mostly concerned with his breathing because he's had some problems with that partially due to how upset he's been."
Severus absorbed all the muggle was saying to him and then after a moment snapped from his reverie and said,
"Well hopefully he won't be so upset anymore now that I'm here so that should help a bit. How long do you think he will need to be in here? My wife, his mother, was killed in the fire and I would like my son to be present at the funeral even though he is very young."
The muggle's face softened and said,
"I understand Mr. Snape and my sympathies for your loss. I expect that he should be able to be released in the next week or two. His burns are healing nicely, they were barely second degree so they weren't extremely severe, and since we caught the pneumonia and has been put on medication for it he's getting over that nicely. I believe that your wife's body was retrieved from the house along with another male and are down in the morgue if you want to see to it and make the appropriate arrangements."
Severus nodded, extended his hand which the doctor promptly took and said,
"Thank you Doctor Richards. For everything."
"You're quite welcome Mr. Snape." Richards responded.
Severus walked back to Harry's room and peeked in to see his son fast asleep looking content. Severus cracked a smile then went down to the nurses station and asked where he could find the morgue. He easily found his way and then came the painful task of identifying his late wife and best friend. Severus made arrangements to have the bodies transferred to Saint Andrews, which was a hospital that served the wizarding and muggle communities, so it would not seem suspicious.
Severus went back up to Harry's room and sat back down in the chair next to Harry's crib, unconsciously started stroking the soft tufts of his sons jet black hair, and got lost in a world of his own thoughts and memories of what once was, all the while hearing the congested and ragged breathing coming from his son's tiny body.
Chapter 3
The early months of 1981 were spent in a whirlind of working and James dropping by frequently so that Harry could get used to being with him. Harry was quickly learning to crawl, stand and then at 10 months he finally took his first steps. He was very quickly learning to speak to and for one so young he could very well. Spring came and faded into summer at Snape Manor but none of the inhabitants noticed. They were far too busy.
They had agreed that the day after Harry's first birthday that Harry and Lily would leave with James. It made sense since Severus was due to go to Hogwarts to prepare for the upcoming term anyways. Severus' calls to Voldemort were becoming more and more frequent. Every other day almost in fact.
Voldemort was rather angry because he knew that somebody was leaking information to Dumbledore but he didn't know who. He had heard about Severus' appointment at Hogwarts and was pleased because he was under the impression that Severus was already spying on the light side. In fact it was the other way around but Voldemort didn't know that. Thankfully.
Harry's first birthday was fast approaching and lots of arrangements were being made for his party and for going into hiding. Dumbledore had a great grandson who worked at the Ministry and would help with the documents since they were going to be false.
Harry's birthday arrived and they opted to have a party with their closest friends. By this time Harry loved attention was was more than happy to be doted on by the adoring adults. Harry was the epitomal cute baby and he knew it too. He was definitely Slytherin in the sense that he could already manipulate the other adults very well to get just about anything he wanted.
Harry had a great party with lots of presents and succeeded in getting his birthday cake all over his face and a nice little fistful in his father's hair. The next morning came all too soon for Severus, Lily and Harry. Harry had never cried more than he did that day. It tore Severus' heart in two knowing that it would be a long time before he would see his son again. It tore Lily to shreds as well because she was feeling the same about her husband. James was torn.
Lily, Severus and James had all of Harry's things moved to James' manor so that it would be easier on Harry since this was obviously going to affect him more. His room looked the same exact way it was at Snape Manor. It was just after lunch and Harry was dead asleep, tired out from all the crying he had done. He refused to eat or be calmed and finally fell asleep from exhaustion.
The next few days went by very slowly for Lily and James. Harry had gone into an extremely depressed state, he would hardly eat or do anything. Harry wanted his Papa and nothing else. After a week they were beginning to get very worried. Harry was a skinny baby to begin with and because of this he was starting to lose weight. Lily and James were at a loss as to what to do.
Finally they wrote to Severus and told him about the situation. To answer the problem Severus sent back a charmed letter to Harry saying that he loved and would see him soon and to be good for James and his mother. After that Harry seemed to revert back into his normal, happy self.....just as long as he listened to that letter at least twice a day.
By the start of September the falsified documents were filed and Lily and Harry appeared to be Potters. Arrangements were also being made for the Fidelius charm to be performed. James suspected Remus to be the traitor and coupled with the fact that he was a werewolf took him naturally out of the running for secret keeper. Sirius would be too obvious since everybody knew that he was James' best friend and of course be trusted with it. That only left Peter since Lily's friends were all very visible and well known. They arranged to have the charm performed around the middle of September since there were still a few loose ends to tie up.
The charm was finally performed. It was rather disconcerting for James and Lily to see the odd gleam in Peter's small, watery eyes. Peter himself was beside himself with glee because this would fit very well into his plans. Peter had everything planned out. He would lay low until Halloween so that Lily and James would think he had gone into hiding like he told them he would. It was the perfect plan.
October descended upon Hogwarts and Godric's Hollow but the inhabitants barely noticed. Voldemort's attacks were escalating. Severus was being called more and more. It was so often that he would be called almost every night. Severus had been clever and had turned in a lower ranking death eater saying that he was the traitor, thereby saving his own skin. Besides the idiot would have gotten himself killed in an instant. He was a kid straight out of Hogwarts whose father was in the most trusted inner circle.
Quickly Halloween came. Hogwarts was decorated in all of its usual splendor. During the feast Severus' mark burned. Severus looked over to Dumbledore and gave him a look and a nod that plainly said he was being called and would be back later. Severus dashed down and grabed his robes and mask and apparated to Voldemort's hiding place. As soon as he appeared in the room he noticed that it was empty. Voldemort stood up from his throne and said in forced politeness,
"Ah, Severus. So good of you to join me. Remove your mask."
Severus did so and waited for his 'master' to continue. Voldemort paused for a moment viewing the young man in front of him and letting his nervousness build. After what felt like an eternity to Severus Voldemort spoke again.
"I remember you saying that your wife ran off with your son to James Potter who went into hiding to keep you away from them. This is correct is it not?"
Severus nodded and Voldemort continued,
"Well I have been informed this evening of their wherabouts. Apparently they went under the fidelius charm to hide from you. I was wondering if you would like to come with me and partake of this evening's fun."
Severus internally paled, thought for a moment then spoke,
"I fear that I must decline milord. Dumbledore is growing suspicious of me and if I do not return quickly then he will be even more suspicious and my position at Hogwarts will be compromised. I would be eternally grateful if you told me the name of the man who so generously provided this information though so that I might thank him in person." 'More like to wring his neck with my bare hands.' Severus mentally added on.
Voldemort let out a weak chuckle and said,
"Of course you are right Severus. And since you cannot join us then I will grant your request. The Potters used Peter Pettigrew as their secret keeper. He apparently lied low for a little while so as not to make them suspicious. He came to me tonight and told me. I plan to leave very soon. I will call you again after I get back to let you know how things turned out."
Severus bowed low and said,
"Thank you milord, you are too gracious."
Voldemort smirked and said,
"Yes Severus I suppose I am, now get back to the school before Dumbledore becomes even more suspicious."
Severus bowed low and apparated back to Hogwarts. He was completely numb. He didn't even remember the walk down to his chambers. He wasn't even aware that the room was occupied until he felt Dumbledore's hands on his shoulders and vaguely heard him asking him what had happened. Severus didn't even remember what he said he just knew that he had collapsed to the floor and had started crying after the telling. He knew that he was going to lose his family that night and there was nothing that he could do about it.
Suddenly there was an unbearable pain that ripped through his arm. It was not the kind of pain that signified a summoning. It burned worse than when he had first been branded with the mark. Severus gritted his teeth, rolled up his sleeve and looked down at the mark that had blood pouring from it but was quickly fading into nothing. Once it had totally faded Severus' eyes rolled into the back of his head and fell into a dead faint from pain and shock.
**********************************************(a/n: you all know by now what happened at Godric's hollow so I'm not going to bother)************
Severus slowly drifted back into consciousness. He finally opened his eyes only to be assaulted by the bright lights and white of the infirmary. He groaned then slowly sat up and then turned his head to be met with the smiling face of the Headmaster.
"Glad to see you're awake Severus I have some wonderful news."
Severus was slightly confused and feeling very much as if his head had been stuffed full of cotton and said impatiently,
"Well what is it Albus?"
"Harry survived Severus."
This got Severus' attention who stared slack jawed in a very undignified manner. After several moments he finally stammered weakly,
"How....what?"
Suddenly Albus turned a bit serious and said,
"I don't know how. But listen Severus. Muggles got to him first and was taken to a muggle hospital. I just found out that last detail mere hours ago and have been waiting for you to wake up."
Severus hesitated for a moment and said,
"Wait, how long have I been out?"
"Two days." Albus replied simply
Severus sat back and then after a few moments of silence said,
"Well where is my son so I can go and get him."
Albus simply handed Severus a small piece of parchment and said,
"You'll find him there. I have been given no details about what condition he is in, just that he survived. You may bring him back here after he is released, of course."
Severus curtly nodded then quickly got dressed. Only as he was finishing up did Madame Pomfrey come in and say,
"You are not leaving, Severus Snape, until I look you over and tell you that you may leave."
Severus grumbled then sat back down on the edge of the bed. Finally, a few minutes later Madame Pomfrey gave him permission to leave and he all but dashed out of the ward and the school. He quickly reached the apparation point and the next thing he knew it he was standing in front of Saint Michael's Hospital. He quickly realized that he was still wearing his full flowing black robes. He then quickly transfigured them into a muggle pants and shirt. After that he briskly walked into the hospital, found out where Harry was and quickly made his way there. As soon as he was inside the ward he heard high pitched screaming that could only be his son.
He dashed into the room and saw a nurse trying to hold down poor Harry, who was screaming and crying hysterically, but to no avail. Severus quickly strode over, shoved the nurse aside, picked up Harry, held him to his chest and said harshly,
"I will comfort my own son thank you very much."
The muggle nurse grumbled something about children that don't stop crying and nobody coming to stop it in the first place and then stepped out of the room, to go back to doing whatever she was doing. Harry had almost instantly quieted down once he heard and felt his father's presence. Severus had sat down in the chair that was conviently placed next to Harry's crib while Harry was in his hiccough and sniffle phase.
As soon as Harry had quieted down and fallen back to sleep a doctor entered the room and said,
"I am Dr. Richards, I've been following the boy's case since he was brought in. Am I to assume that you're his father?"
Severus nodded and said,
"Yes my name is Severus Snape and this is my son, Harry. I was not aware that he was here until this morning and immediately came. I've been out of the country."
The muggle doctor seemed to accept this excuse and said,
"Well if you'd like to set Harry back in the crib I'm sure you'd like to be filled in on Harry's condition."
Severus nodded and only then did he notice all the strange wires and tubes running all over the place and the bandages all over his sons body. He hesitated for a moment then turned and followed the doctor out into the hallway. Once there the doctor began.
"Harry was brought in during the early hours of November 1st. Apparently there had been a fire in his home and he was the only survivor. His primary problems were breathing because he'd suffered smoke inhalation and he received second degree burns on 15% of his body. Also he has a rather curious scar on his forehead that we can't figure out how he got. It bled quite heavily but stopped quickly. Unfortunately there was a storm that passed through the area that night and since the house was in ruins he wasn't protected from the wind and rain so he's developed a slight case of pneumonia. We were lucky and caught the pneumonia early though so there should be hopefully no permanent damage, but it's still a bit early to tell if there is any. We've just been mostly concerned with his breathing because he's had some problems with that partially due to how upset he's been."
Severus absorbed all the muggle was saying to him and then after a moment snapped from his reverie and said,
"Well hopefully he won't be so upset anymore now that I'm here so that should help a bit. How long do you think he will need to be in here? My wife, his mother, was killed in the fire and I would like my son to be present at the funeral even though he is very young."
The muggle's face softened and said,
"I understand Mr. Snape and my sympathies for your loss. I expect that he should be able to be released in the next week or two. His burns are healing nicely, they were barely second degree so they weren't extremely severe, and since we caught the pneumonia and has been put on medication for it he's getting over that nicely. I believe that your wife's body was retrieved from the house along with another male and are down in the morgue if you want to see to it and make the appropriate arrangements."
Severus nodded, extended his hand which the doctor promptly took and said,
"Thank you Doctor Richards. For everything."
"You're quite welcome Mr. Snape." Richards responded.
Severus walked back to Harry's room and peeked in to see his son fast asleep looking content. Severus cracked a smile then went down to the nurses station and asked where he could find the morgue. He easily found his way and then came the painful task of identifying his late wife and best friend. Severus made arrangements to have the bodies transferred to Saint Andrews, which was a hospital that served the wizarding and muggle communities, so it would not seem suspicious.
Severus went back up to Harry's room and sat back down in the chair next to Harry's crib, unconsciously started stroking the soft tufts of his sons jet black hair, and got lost in a world of his own thoughts and memories of what once was, all the while hearing the congested and ragged breathing coming from his son's tiny body.