Chapter 12: Through the Years

Chamber of Secrets

The following year provided Severus with a very interesting surprise. Well, a couple of surprises.

The first surprise was the fact that Harry and the Weasley boy decided to fly Arthur's Ford Anglia to school rather than take the Hogwarts Express. Severus hadn't been sure if he was more furious or alarmed. He was furious of course because the boys had been daft enough to fly the car instead of waiting for Arthur and Molly or sending an owl to someone at Hogwarts.

He was also scared out of his mind due to the fact that two twelve year old boys were driving a flying car. A joyride that ended by crashing into the Whomping Willow; the same tree that nearly killed Severus in his school days and would have finished the job on the boys if given the chance.

The feelings Severus had possessed at the end of last year didn't last long and Severus had soon found out that he could no more stop loving and worrying about his son than stop breathing. He had opened a can of worms and had absolutely no way of even pretending that he could close it. He had decided to refer to him always as Harry. He didn't want to get his hopes up by referring to Harry as 'SJ' or 'Severus Jr.' in any way.

It was because of Severus' inability to keep his overwhelming emotions in check at that precise moment that he made the scene that he did.

It was because of this incident that Severus received his next surprise … the civility of Harry. As Severus lectured the boys, only Ronald gave his professor a look of defiance as well as absolute terror. Harry, on the other hand, had the decency to look chagrined. He looked as a son would look as he was lectured by his father. The Harry Potter of last year appeared to be gone, but Severus refused to allow himself to hope.

After the boys were properly punished by Minerva, she led them to her office to eat their dinner. Albus remained behind to speak with Severus, but neither man failed to notice that Harry had purposely lagged way behind his teacher and friend.

He turned to a confused Severus and, while looking him right in the eyes, said quietly, "I know I probably just scared you half to death. I'm sure you won't admit it to anybody, but I still wanted to tell you that …," Harry hesitated, but took a breath and finished. "tell you that I'm sorry."

With that, the boy ran off, leaving Severus and Albus looking bewildered and speechless.

When he was out of sight, Severus turned to his mentor and asked, "What do you think that was about?" He could hardly hide the small smile that threatened to break through.

Albus grinned openly and stated, "A summer alone with one's thoughts, perhaps?"

Severus chuckled and almost allowed himself to hope.

All year, Harry continued to smile secretly at Severus and even talk to him briefly. Nothing in public, of course, but if the two crossed paths in the halls, Harry always made sure to at least say hi or make some sort of small talk. If they were caught walking together, then Severus would instantly begin yelling at him for some reason and another, and whoever it was that had seen them together merely came to the conclusion that Harry had once again pissed off his Potions professor.

In return, Severus was less of a prick towards the boy and his friends. Nothing too noticeable, but the trio of friends realized that he was trying to be nicer.

Severus was pretty sure that Harry hadn't told his friends about his true paternity, but Severus wasn't going to push it. At least the boy was talking to him.

Severus' last two surprises were not very pleasant at all. The first was the hiring of one Gilderoy Lockhart. Severus had been livid with Dumbledore for hiring that buffoon to teach the position he so coveted. Dumbledore's reasoning had been that he couldn't afford to teach a man of Severus' ability in the position of potions. There were no other capable Potions Masters or Mistresses anywhere nearby. At least, none of Severus' caliber.

While the compliment was evident, Severus could not help but continue to be angry. Especially when the imbecile had made his son's arm boneless. His only consolation had been when he'd embarrassed Lockhart in front of most of the student body in their little duel. This act was also rewarded by extra praise from his son later on. In Harry's opinion, Lockhart should have been way more careful in his choosing of "an assistant". Severus had to agree and thought to himself that Lockhart should not have challenged an ex-Death Eater.

However, for as much good that had happened in the year, there was also a great deal of bad. Lucius Malfoy began to make appearances at the school (even succeeding to sack Albus in one visit which Severus had been furious about although he had kept it to himself). Lucius always made Severus somewhat nervous. He was definitely not afraid of the man, but he did force him to constantly keep his guard up.

To make matters worse, students continued to be petrified and a good percentage of the inhabitants of Hogwarts believed that his son was the Heir of Slytherin. Severus, of course, knew it wasn't true. The only thing that could have given him doubt was the fact that Harry was a Parselmouth. The Potions Master had asked Dumbledore about his thoughts on this matter, but Albus refused to disclose any information he might have saying that it was best for everyone if he kept it to himself.

Severus' final shocking surprise had been learning about his son's confrontation with a basilisk. He had heard rumors floating about the school that Harry Potter was once again in the Hospital Wing due to some heroic deed. Albus told him about the Chamber of Secrets and Harry's fight with Tom Riddle's memory and his monster.

Without thinking, Severus went straight to the Infirmary and yelled at the boy for his recklessness. As he calmed down, he found that his hands couldn't stop shaking. He sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. He was finding it difficult to rein in his emotions.

Harry put a hand on his father's shoulder and quietly joked, "I suppose this is my way of testing your love and dedication to me and my recklessness. Especially seeing as how any 'cheek' will lose me house points."

Severus couldn't help but half chuckle. "5 points from Gryffindor for giving me three heart attacks in one year."

Harry laughed, the loss of points not bothering him in the slightest. He and his father were bonding slightly. At this point, Harry wasn't entirely sure about how he felt about his paternity, but he did know that he was becoming more and more willing to give Severus a chance.

At first he had been a bastard, but as time passed Harry could see the change in him. The older man was trying.

Severus looked at his son and the pride was evident on his face. "However, I am extremely proud of you, Harry. You're twelve years old and you took on a full grown basilisk. And won!" Severus laughed again and said, "You're going to rattle the stars and I can only hope that on the day you show the world what you're made of, I'm there to catch some of the light radiating off of you."

With a final nod Severus turned to leave, not seeing the tears building up in Harry's eyes. Before he left the room, Severus called out, "Oh and Harry, I suppose I should give you five points for every heart attack I made it through this year."

Harry smiled and wiped away his tears. For the first time in his life, Harry felt truly loved. A part of him still clung to the idea of James as his father, but at this moment all that mattered was Severus. His true father. The man who was alive and here now.

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Prisoner of Azkaban

The next year brought something that both Severus and Harry didn't expect … Severus' resurfaced past.

Word had spread like wildfire that Sirius Black had escaped from Azkaban. Everybody knew his story. Everybody knew that he'd be after Harry.

That is, everybody except for Harry himself.

Of course Severus was worried for his son seeing as how a lunatic was after him, but he couldn't help but also have selfish reasons for wanting to see Black put away. How Severus longed to be the one to catch his old tormentor and turn him over to the dementors.

But then, Sirius was Harry's godfather. Maybe the two of them could form a bond. Maybe Sirius could give Harry what he needed.

The idea of Black becoming close to Harry made Severus snarl and even though he knew it was juvenile, Severus refused to allow Sirius near his son. He wanted Harry for himself and he couldn't allow the two to become close. He knew that he would lose Harry if Sirius won him over.

Severus would have preferred if Harry didn't become close to Remus Lupin either, but that was something he could not prohibit. As much as it pained him to admit, Remus was an excellent teacher. Not only did the students learn from him, but they seemed to enjoy learning from him. They enjoyed attending class and increasing their knowledge.

The Potions Master briefly longed for the love and respect that was given to the werewolf rather than the fear he himself demanded from them. The feeling was brief. What Severus truly envied about Remus' lovable personality was how quickly Harry warmed up to the new man. It was Remus that Harry went to for help and advice. It should have been Severus. He had been so sure that he was getting through to Harry.

Of course, it would be the old Mauraders that would instill doubt in his young son about having a relationship with him. It also didn't help that Harry was angry with Severus for not signing a permission slip for Hogsmeade. Normally, Severus wouldn't care. He would have signed it in a heartbeat, but he feared that it would be in Hogsmeade that Harry would learn the truth about Sirius being his godfather and betraying Lily and Potter. He knew it would make the boy's recklessness come out, and Severus didn't want to risk it. He'd rather have an angry son rather than a dead one.

…

Near the end of the year, Severus had been to Remus' office to give him his potion, but he wasn't there. On his desk, however, was a strange map Severus was sure he had seen before. It was spread open and with one look, he saw that Remus was making his way rather quickly toward the Whomping Willow. Severus couldn't help but follow. He was curious to know if he had been correct in his assumptions about Remus' alliance with Black.

He followed him to the Whomping Willow and instinctively checked the moon, even though he knew that it was full. It didn't stop him from paling as he remembered his encounter with this tree and the creature it protected years ago. He turned to return to the castle, deciding that curiosity was not reason enough to risk his life when he noticed something shimmer at the base of the tree. He went to investigate and picked up the shimmering object which he found to be Harry's invisibility cloak. Severus instantly knew that Harry was in danger and went through the small tunnel without hesitation.

When he finally emerged from the tunnel and found himself in the Shrieking Shack, he instantly heard the voices coming from upstairs. Severus covered himself with the cloak and climbed the crumbling stairs, wand out and ready.

As he neared the door, he heard Lupin say, "He was forbidden by Dumbledore to tell anybody, but from that time on he knew what I was."

Severus instantly knew that they were talking about him and he knew what moment in time they were speaking of. He bristled with anger, but remained silent as he neared the door.

He peered in and saw Lupin and an extremely messed up Sirius on one side of the room and his son, Granger, and Weasley on the other side.

Harry spoke up. "So that's why Snape doesn't like you … because he thought you were in on the joke?" Harry felt for the man who was his father. He understood now why he always seemed so bitter towards his DADA professor and a part of him couldn't blame him.

That's when he heard his father's voice say, "That's right."

Severus had to admit that a lot of his fatherly-ness went out the window the minute he saw Black. All of his hatred for the man returned full force and he was ashamed to say later that the snarky bastard he had been before returned. A part of him believed that he deserved to be spelled into the wall like he was.

Severus woke up some time later. The Minister was in Hogwarts and wished to speak with him. At first, Severus had been afraid they'd accuse him of being in league with Black seeing as how he had once been a Death Eater, but to his surprise, he wanted to give him a reward for capturing Black. Order of Merlin, in fact.

Strangely, Severus felt as if he didn't deserve it. Something felt wrong. He knew he had messed up. Later on, one look from Harry told him that he blew it. His return to his former self had lost him the fragile bond he had formed with his son. Or at least, that's what he thought.

It wasn't until nearly the end of term when Harry told him what was on his mind. He told him about how Sirius had asked him to live with him. He told him about how close he already felt to Sirius, even though he hardly knew him. He also told him that he didn't entirely blame him for the way he acted. He assumed he would act the same way if it had been him versus Malfoy.

Severus apologized anyway.

"It's all good, sir. I do have a question though," Harry said. Severus nodded and Harry continued, "I was just wondering if Sirius is really my godfather? Or do I have another godfather or godmother out there somewhere?"

Severus figured this question would arise. "Sirius is indeed your godfather, Harry. The only two people in this world whom I trust are your professors; Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore. Lily and I were going to make them your godparents, but thought it might put them in an awkward position when you were enrolled in Hogwarts. Therefore, we allowed Sirius to be your legal godfather."

Harry nodded and looked thoughtful. "But, sir, why Sirius? If you hated him so much, why would you allow him to remain as my godfather?"

Severus answered, "I wasn't happy about it, but I figured there was no harm in it really. I never once thought that you would ever lose your mother. We had been so careful. I thought there was always the chance that you'd lose me, but I assumed that as long as you had Lily, there would be no need for Sirius. I was obviously wrong."

Harry took it all in and looked thoughtful. He asked no more questions and left soon after Severus answered his last one, after wishing him a happy summer of course.

Severus hoped that Sirius wouldn't be the one to drive father and son apart, but he silently vowed that he would never again allow his hatred for the man to jeopardize his relationship with his son.

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Goblet of Fire

In Harry's fourth year of school, Severus' worst fears came to life.

First, Albus had the brilliant idea to bring the Triwizard Tournament back. He jumped through every hoop flawlessly. The Headmaster spent all summer preparing for this event and there was a mixed feeling of worry and excitement in the staff. Although he tournament could be very fun and exciting, it was also extremely dangerous.

Severus' main worry had been that Harry would want to sign up and compete. He wasn't sure if he could watch his son risk his life yet again for the fourth year in a row. Of course, the Potions Master had words with his old friend about the dangers of the tournament and Severus was somewhat surprised to find that Minerva agreed with him completely. She too feared that younger students would foolishly enter, not understanding the severity of their choice.

Albus calmed their fears by informing them of his and the Ministry's decision to only allow students of age to enter. He himself would be performing the magic necessary to ensure that.

Of course, Severus was a fool to think that Harry would be safe with the age-restriction. At first, he had suspected Igor of being the one to trick the Goblet of Fire and enter Harry into the competition, but then realized that he had no reason to. Yes, he was still a Dark wizard, but he was no longer loyal to the Dark Lord. It didn't make sense.

Severus spent the year trying to figure out who had risked his son's life and supporting his son as much as he could. He was immensely disappointed when Harry began to warm up to Alastor Moody, his DADA professor, instead of himself (yet again), but he did feel honored when Harry would come to him for help.

Technically, Severus wasn't supposed to help Harry, but he did anyway. He felt as though he and Harry were truly beginning to form a bond.

For the first challenge, Alastor had been the one to help Harry with the idea of a broom and Rubeus had been the one to show Harry the dragons. Severus had felt honored to know that Harry trusted him enough to share information about the rule-breaking teachers. He was also pleased to find that Harry had wanted to ask his opinion about what to do and to ask if the broom idea was a good one.

For the second challenge, Diggory had hinted at what to do and when Harry found out, he immediately went to Severus for help. The boy had openly admitted that he had absolutely no idea what to do, that he was 'seriously freaked out', and that the one person that he knew would have the knowledge to help him was Severus. The Potions Master instantly thought of Gillyweed and told Harry that he would find a way to give some to him without raising suspicion.

He was able to give it to the house elf Dobby that used to work for the Malfoys. He was familiar with him and could trust him to not gossip about what he was doing for the Potions Master. He was also abnormally drawn to Harry and served him faithfully. He could be trusted.

For both challenges, Severus' heart remained in his throat. He was impressed with Harry's abilities and proud of his feelings for others, but was having the hardest time watching him risk his life and not be able to react as a father would. Although Harry was opening up to him more, Severus didn't want to push the issue and scare him away.

Severus had found it particularly amusing when a flustered Harry entered his father's office to ask him about how to ask out a girl. Severus, of course, didn't have much experience in this area, but he helped as much as possible. He knew that what Harry really needed was someone to talk to about it that wasn't as young and lost as he was. Harry opened up to Severus a great deal that day. He even told Severus about his crush, Ms. Chang, and how she would be going with somebody else. He didn't say who. He had also come running into the Potions Master's office when he had finally succeeded in acquiring a date.

At the Yule Ball, Severus proudly watched his son dance with his date and surprised everybody when he danced a few times with Minerva, Pomona, and a couple other female teachers. He most enjoyed dancing with Minerva though. She was one of the only people he could really talk to, besides Albus.

In preparation for the third challenge, all Severus could do to help Harry prepare was instruct him in proper dueling. They had no idea what would be waiting in the labyrinth that used to be the Quidditch field, but Severus figured he would at least prepare Harry to defend himself if need be.

The final challenge was the hardest for Severus to endure. All he could do was sit next to Albus and Minerva, and wait with everyone else to see who would reach the center first and win the tournament. Albus was slightly amused at the very un-Severus behavior. The younger man's knee was bouncing up and down in anticipation and he was wringing his hands with anxiety.

Severus couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong.

That's when it happened. After quite some time, Severus involuntary cried out and gripped his left forearm with his right hand. He groaned with the pain and found that tears had found their way to his eyes. Albus and Minerva were instantly on alert. It was Dumbledore who forcibly pulled Severus' sleeve back and Minerva gasped with shock.

The Dark Mark on the Potions Master's arm was dark and very visible.

The three shared a look of horror, knowing what this meant. All of a sudden, Severus was in a panic. Not for himself, but for Harry. He somehow knew that Harry was in danger.

He stood up suddenly and was completely unsure about what he should do. Should he answer the call? Or should he stay and wait for Harry? Which was better for his son? What was the best course of action?

Albus leaned toward him. "Severus, I will need you back here very soon. Can you go there and then come back quickly?"

Severus nodded and replied, "I can do my best." With that, Severus left the stands, passed the wards on Hogwarts, and apparated.

He found himself in a graveyard. He was already wearing his mask and cloak. He instantly spotted Harry, but used every ounce of control that he had to remain in place.

The Dark Lord went through the speech Severus assumed he would. A speech about those who were loyal, those who were not, and those who should have gone after him and did not. He went through every Death Eater and finally reached Severus, who was the last to be approached.

"And you, Severus. You, I have particular interest in. I hear that you are working for the muggle-lover Dumbledore. I hear that he rules you completely. Is this true?"

Severus found it surprisingly easy to lie to his former Master. "It is true that I am positioned in Hogwarts, my lord, but I allow Dumbledore to believe what he wishes to believe. He believes that I am saved … tamed."

Voldemort nodded. "And yet, when Quirrel tried to restore me to life, you stopped him."

Severus looked ashamed. "I knew not of Quirrel's intentions, my lord. I thought he was merely being greedy. If I had known what he was doing, then I would have aided him. I am chagrined to know that I unknowingly assisted Dumbledore. I accept whatever punishment you see fit." He bowed his head and waited for the Cruciatus Curse. However, it never came.

Instead, Voldemort gripped his 'servant's' chin and forced him to look up. "You have always been one of my favorites, Severus. You have always been loyal, obedient, and honest. I will allow you to go without a punishment. Think of it as a rare gift."

Severus couldn't believe it. As the night progressed, it seemed luck was truly on his side tonight. He was somehow able to control his emotions and not immediately run to Harry's aid as he wished. He did falter and tear up when Lily's spirit rose up out of the connection between Voldemort and Harry's wands, but nobody noticed.

He breathed a quiet sigh of relief when Harry got away and was truly shocked when Voldemort merely yelled at all of his Death Eaters to get out of his sight.

He was able to apparate and quickly get back to Hogwarts without anybody but Albus knowing that he had been missing.

Severus immediately found Dumbledore and felt his heart quicken when he saw a dead Cedric Diggory and no Harry.

He frantically searched for his son with his eyes and when Albus finally turned his attention to him, the older man saw pure fear in the younger man's eyes.

He grabbed his elbow, summoned Minerva, and then led the two of them into the castle.

"It would seem that our Professor Moody is not who he claims to be. He has taken Harry against my orders. He is our imposter and must be the one to threaten Harry."

They trio rushed to the DADA professor's office and arrived just in time it seemed.

…

After the whole ordeal was over, Severus felt exhausted. So much had happened and he knew that a lot was about to change. At this point, Severus knew that if was to continue to be a spy for the Light, he could not allow his relationship with Harry to be public. However, that was the one thing he truly wanted in this world. To be seen with Harry and to have everyone know that he was his father.

However, the graveyard experience seemed to have shaken Harry. It seemed to Severus that it was difficult for Harry to look at him or be around him. The visits stopped and he avoided him.

Severus hoped that he had not made a mistake in making an appearance as a Death Eater.

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Order of the Phoenix

It seemed to Severus that as the years progressed, they got worse and worse.

This year, Dumbledore ordered Severus to have no compassionate feelings toward his son and to, in fact, treat him like he had during his first year. In addition to that, Dolores Umbridge from the Ministry was the new DADA teacher. He also had to be a double agent again.

Severus' main problem was that he was supposed to be a bastard toward Harry when his son needed him the most right now. However, Albus did explain his reasons and Severus had to agree that they were good reasons. They could not afford Severus losing his good standing with the Dark Lord. It was imperative that he remain in his good favor.

It killed him to see Harry's pained and confused expression towards him when he first went back to his own ways.

He could also tell that Harry was feeling very alone and abandoned this year. Especially seeing as how both he and Albus were practically ignoring him without any reason to explain the change in behavior.

The only thing Severus did that could have jeopardized everything was aggressively confront Umbridge about her punishment methods. It began when Severus noticed the markings on Harry's hand and, after class, snidely asked the boy what he had done to himself. Harry had, of course, refused to show weakness and insisted that he had accidentally hurt himself.

It wasn't until a day or so later that Minerva had ranted to both Potions Master and Headmaster about Umbridge's methods that it clicked in Severus' mind. Without thinking, he took off and found himself bursting into the DADA professor's office. She immediately stood, beginning a protest his rude entrance, but he didn't allow her to. He slammed his hands on her desk and she sat down in shock. He towered over her as he articulated, "I know what you have been doing to the students. I am one for punishment when it is deserved, but you are utterly ridiculous. You will stop this now."

Dolores looked up at him snootily and then turned to her tea. "Why Severus, I had no idea that you were so soft. I had thought that of all the teachers at Hogwarts, you had the most sense. That you above all, would appreciate what I am trying to do for our students."

Severus leaned in and answered, "I am anything, but soft. I just possess more of my sanity than you apparently. Do not presume that just because I can be cruel, I am deranged like you. I care for these students more than I let on. These are not your students. They are my and my fellow professors' students, and I promise you that you will regret it if you continue to treat them in such a way."

Dolores stared into his black eyes that were full of fury and asked dangerously, "Are you threatening a Ministry official, Severus? I'm sure I must be mistaken. You wouldn't dare. Especially seeing as how I could easily report to the Minister of Magic that you are an unfit teacher."

Severus smirked and said quietly, "Oh no Dolores. You wouldn't dare. I am not a force to be reckoned with as I'm sure you can tell. I was a Death Eater, Umbridge. If you challenge me, I will bring the world down upon your head. I will make you regret the pitiful day that you were born. And I won't hesitate for a moment. Be sure you know what you're doing when you make your decision."

With that, Severus left. He later heard talk from the students that she had stopped with that particular form of punishment.

Then, it was time for Occulmency lessons. Those lessons were particularly difficult seeing as how Severus couldn't be supportive in any way. He had to challenge his son and break him down. He saw many of his private thoughts and wished that there could be another way. It tore Severus apart when Harry began looking at him with hatred yet again.

A part of Sev rejoiced when he finally ended the lessons. He knew it was selfish of him to do so seeing as how Harry severely needed the lessons, but once Harry had seen one of his father's most painful memories, he could no longer face him.

It was after Harry had seen that memory, however, that he stopped giving him looks of hatred. It was almost as if he suddenly understood. Perhaps he did.

Strangely, the most painful part of the year for Severus was Sirius' death. He himself could care less about the man, but he knew that Harry cared a great deal for his godfather and his pain hurt Severus in turn.

Severus had known Sirius' nickname. It was used often enough. So when Harry, taken 'prisoner' by Umbridge, had told Severus that 'he had Padfoot', the Potions Master had immediately contacted the Order. He had hoped that Harry wouldn't get it into his head that he needed to save Sirius himself. Of course, that wasn't the case.

Severus arrived with the rest of the Order and immediately made his way to his son's side. On Harry's other side was Sirius. It felt strange and yet right that the two men should fight together beside Harry.

Severus fought Lucius, Harry fought Avery, and Sirius fought Bellatrix. Severus knew that once he attacked Lucius, he would be done for. He would not be able to return to the Dark Lord's ranks as a spy. Especially with Bellatrix being so close by. She was closer to Voldemort than Severus, and surely he would believe her over him.

Severus was making the choice to out himself and it was something he did with great joy. The looks on the Death Eaters' faces were priceless. And the look on Lucius' face when he was stunned by his old colleague was a great reward indeed. It was because he took out Lucius that Severus was able to see what was coming.

"Nice one, James!" came out of Sirius' mouth and he looked towards Harry. It was when Sirius took his mind off the fight that Bellatrix got a certain look in her eye. Severus knew that look and yelled, "Sirius! Look out!"

Sirius looked up at Severus with a confused and bewildered expression. Severus sent a "Stupefy!" Bellatrix's way, but she barely dodged it. Sirius looked back at Bellatrix as soon as he realized what Severus was trying to tell him. Harry stunned Avery and looked over in time to see a green jet of light hit Sirius, who fell backwards into the magical curtain behind him.

Shock and pain was written all over Harry's face and Severus quickly grabbed him before Harry blindly followed his godfather.

"Sirius!" Harry cried out. "No! Sirius!"

Remus was at Harry's side in a second and numbly helped Severus to hold Harry back.

"He isn't dead! He's not gone! We can still help him!"

"He's gone, Harry," Remus said sadly, still trying to accept the fact himself.

However, neither man could hold Harry once Bellatrix began to laugh and yell out, "I killed Sirius Black! Hahaha! I killed Sirius Black!"

Harry ran after her and Severus wasn't far behind him.

Bellatrix led them straight to Voldemort, who helped her to get away. He turned to Harry and Severus. The surprise was evident on his face. He had not expected to see one of his faithful ones standing next to Harry Potter, seemingly against him.

Harry raised his wand to attack Voldemort, but Severus quickly forced his arm down and muttered, "No, Harry."

Nobody knew why exactly, but Harry instantly obeyed and stood still with his wand down and tears streaming down his face.

"Severus, how good. You can help me to kill the boy."

Father instantly stepped in front son and said, "I cannot allow that. I will protect Harry with my life."

Voldemort looked furious, but forced a laugh. "Severus, I am not one for jokes. Now move!" He raised his wand and sent a spell towards Severus who instantly blocked it and sent another one after his former master.

Voldemort was barely containing himself. "Do not be foolish, Severus. Why risk your life for a meaningless boy?"

Severus glanced at Harry and then stared his enemy in the eye. "Because he is my son."

The Dark Lord was now livid as the truth came crashing down on him. It was then that people from all over, members of the Order and the Ministry, were rushing into the room.

Voldemort looked wildly around him and looked at Severus darkly. Dumbledore was now standing somewhat in front of Severus.

"This is not over."

And Severus was sure that it wasn't. He looked at Harry who looked up at him with forlorn wonder. Without hesitation, Harry clung to Severus, needing the comfort only his father could provide.

Severus held him close and whispered, "I promise, I'll keep you safe. I love you, Harry."

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It was finally the beginning of Harry's sixth year. Severus wondered how the years had gone by so quickly. They went through the normal beginning of the year routine - the sorting, the eating, the announcements, then leaving for bed.

However, there was one change to that routine this year. When the Great Hall was dismissed for bed, Severus made his way to leave, but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He turned to punish whoever it was that was brave enough to touch him when he faltered. The person was Harry. Severus had no idea how he could have only seen James in him. Yes, for some strange reason, he looked like James at first glance, but when one really looked at the young man they could see more of his mother and true father. Severus was proud to know that Harry was his son.

What troubled Severus was the fact that said young man looked too serious for a student about to spend time with his friends after a long summer away. In fact, Severus wondered why Harry was so openly conversing with him after years of a secret half-relationship.

Harry seemed to know what he was thinking and he answered, "We need to talk. Now, if you're available."

Severus' eyebrow quirked and he nodded, gesturing for Harry to follow him as he made his way towards his office.

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A/N: So hopefully you like that. I know certain people didn't very much like the last chapter, but whatever. Can't please 'em all, I guess.

I'm not sure how many more chapters there will be after this. Not too many I think. I'm thinking possibly two. Could be one, but I'm aiming for two. Sorry if some parts of this felt rushed or were weird, but it was the best I could do. I was trying to get it all out so I could update already.

Also, this is VERY important. I have a half idea about how I want to end this, but I don't know for sure. I would appreciate it very much if you all could tell me how you'd like it to end and then whatever idea I like best, I'll use and give you the credit for it. That will sorta determine how quickly the next update comes.

I know I fail when it comes to answering reviews, but if you do have a question then I'll answer you. If you've asked a question in the past and I haven't answered, then I apologize. I probably meant to answer and then forgot.

Also for books four and five, I kinda stopped checking the books. I just went with whatever I could remember from the books and the movies so if there's something that wasn't in the book then this will explain it.

Review!