"Come in, Mister Potter, please," the social worker said politely with a gracious smile. "Professor Dumbledore, I'd like you to sit out of the young man's sight before I cast an Insonatus. The back of the room will be perfect."

"Ah well, here I am, sat in the corner, one might say," Dumbledore said with a little laugh. "Harry, I'll be just behind you. If something should make you uncomfortable, don't hesitate to signal me, understood?"

The boy nodded while the witch settled herself facing him, her lips pursed. She hurried to cast soundproofing charms before making a pile of parchments appear in front of her, then turned to him, her eyes exuding sympathy.

"Mister Potter…first, are you all right?" she asked, her head cocked to the side.

"I suppose I'd be better if everyone wasn't so worked up about all this, but yeah," Harry replied. "While we're on it, I'd like to change my name to Potter-Snape; are you the one to talk to about that?"

"Well, yes, actually, but first let's start at the beginning, if you will," Madam Saintclair said, slightly off-kilter. "Above all, know that you're perfectly safe here, that the Ministry's here and will make sure everything goes smoothly. If you'd like this interview to take place somewhere else, you only have to say the word."

"No need. I want to stay at Hogwarts and get this over with as quickly as possible. I understand what you mean." Despite his resolve not to become irritated with the witch and thus jeopardize the adoption, Harry felt himself growing impatient. And what were the Aurors doing with Snape right now? He didn't like that…his Man In Black should've been with him. He sensed his body beginning to stretch in spite of himself and had to summon all his concentration to keep from changing into the cat again. This really wasn't the time!

"Very well," the social worker continued, "in that case, I'd like to go back to the dispute that brought you into conflict with your original family."

"My original family?" Harry asked, surprised. "My parents died when I was a year old; I didn't have any dispute with them."

"Actually, I was speaking of your uncle and aunt, of course," the witch corrected soothingly.

"Oh. Yes, there's not much to say…"

"On the contrary, I think there is," Madam Saintclair insisted. "It would appear that before the terrible tragedy that destroyed your family, a complaint had been filed against them for mistreatment. The trial couldn't take place after their decease, quite obviously, but I'd like to know more about what led to those proceedings, Harry. What happened?"

"I don't think I gave you permission to use my first name," the boy said dryly before catching himself. Bloody hell, the woman was doing the best she could. He had to calm down. "The relationship with my uncle and aunt wasn't ideal," he finally replied. "It got worse this summer. My uncle turned out to be rather…brutal. I had to run away. That's how Severus ended up taking me in."

"Hmmm, took you in, did he?" the social worked said skeptically. "But Professor Snape's residence is rather far from your family's. How were you able to get there? Did you already know its location?"

"No, it's…a long story. Listen, I can't explain it to you, just that there was a good reason for it. I wasn't trying to go there myself, but…it's the best thing that could've happened to me," Harry finished. At his words, he saw a spark of triumph in the witch's eyes.

"Really? Mister Potter, let's be frank. This interview is strictly confidential, and I'm held to secrecy by an Unbreakable Vow. My notes will only stipulate a favorable or unfavorable opinion, and in case of the latter, a very concise explanation as to why. You can speak freely."

"I don't know what you want from me," Harry said in frustration. "I've told you the truth."

"Very well, allow me to tell you about the rumors circulating through the Ministry on the matter of the way Professor Snape…took you in," Madam Saintclair suggested. Harry quickly felt another wave of antipathy wash over him. Rumors…again. As if he and Snape both hadn't already had enough of them.

"It would seem," the witch continued smoothly, "that the wards protecting your house abruptly fell the night you disappeared. In addition, reliable sources spotted Death Eaters in the street at that precise moment. According to these rumors, Severus Snape was among them, and he would've discreetly shielded you from the sight of his colleagues, which is to his credit. He would've then hidden you at his home for several weeks, in an Animagus form assumed by dark magic, and would've tried to exert his maximum influence on you, hidden away from the Ministry, the Order of the Phoenix, and You Know Who, until discovery was inevitable. Weeks he would've profited from to make you see things his way, all the while making you believe he'd saved you from a disastrous fate. There are potions for that, Mister Potter, potions that bind you to another person and make you develop a loyalty like none other."

"That's enough, stop it!" Harry exclaimed, unable to hold back his anger any longer. "That's completely ridiculous, how could you imagine…"

But when one came down to it, was it so ridiculous? Because, come to think of it, he could very well imagine it. For anyone who'd known him in the a few months before, who'd seen him in class with Snape, all of it would've seemed perfectly logical, in fact. He sighed, trying to defuse his irritation.

"No, things absolutely didn't happen like that. Since you want details, all right: it so happens I was wearing something that day…a magical object that was given to me as a gift." He saw the witch open her mouth to interrupt, but he didn't give her the chance. "And I won't say more about it, so let me finish! This object led me to a safe place. To the place my mother wanted me to be. And that place was Professor Snape's house. I don't know if he was with the Death Eaters who went to Privet Drive; I didn't see them, but he didn't kidnap me—I'm the one who went to him. And since I was in my other form, he didn't know it was me, not until a certain time later…and at that moment, he alerted Dumbledore right away, and he decided it was safer for me to stay where I was. Does it seem better, put that way?"

"Hmmm," she said, clearly unconvinced. But seeing she'd hear nothing more of this story, she changed topics. "Exactly how was it, speaking of your Animagus form, that no one knew about it? It's a very risky undertaking, Mister Potter, and illegal if not registered. So, who put you up to it?"

"No one!" Harry protested. "I didn't even know I could do it before it happened. And I stayed stuck in that form without remembering my other one for weeks! Even now, I'm not always sure of controlling what happens very well."

"I see," the social worker said skeptically. "You'll have to be examined, that's certain. But to go back to your family…"

"They're dead, all right?" Harry said tiredly. "Leave them in peace. Maybe they were horrible, but they're not here to defend themselves anymore."

"You confirm the accusations of violence, mistreatment, lack of nourishment?" the witch asked calmly.

"Yes," the boy replied, staring at the wall across from him. "They were never really my family, and now I have the chance to have one, so try not to mess that up. Please?"

Madam Saintclair smiled, but Harry didn't like the looks of it.

"We're all here for your welfare, Mister Potter, you have nothing to worry about. However, it's obvious that you're a fragile young man…"

"I'm certainly not fragile!" Harry protested.

"Well, if what you're telling us is true, though, you've had a difficult childhood, and you'll need a new family who's skilled at handling these sorts of problems. Mistreated children, you see, have special needs."

"Severus knows perfectly will how to handle me, as you say. Don't trouble yourself about that. He's all that I need," the boy muttered.

"Really, Mister Potter, you seem very attached to Professor Snape. Perhaps a bit excessively…or should I say obsessively?" Madam Saintclair murmured.

"Excuse me?" Harry choked out, feeling his anger ratchet up a notch. "For the first time in my life, I've found an adult who wants what's best for me, whom I can trust, who doesn't see me like some sort of circus freak, and you find it excessive that I choose him as my family? Where did you get your credentials—in a packet of Chocolate Frogs?"

"No need to take that tone, Mister Potter," she answered dryly. "I've already told you, I've only your best interests at heart."

"It's in my interests for the adoption to take place!" Harry replied obstinately.

"Of course, but have you considered the number of families who'd be thrilled to take you in? Numerous individuals put themselves forth as candidates following the decease of you aunt and uncle, families very well-known in our world, very respectable…"

"What do I have to do for you to understand?" Harry said, losing his temper. "I'm not a three-year-old, I'll be of age in less than a year now, and I've chosen my family—I've chosen Snape! I need him, and he needs me; it'll be him or no one!"

"Needs you…you acknowledge that, then!" Madam Saintclair said, her voice grating.

"Because we get on so well!" Harry shouted. "He doesn't have any family, and there's really something special between us…is that so hard to understand?"

"Oh, no," the witch replied, her face all of a sudden frozen as if by a revelation. "On the contrary, it's very clear. Mister Potter, I'm afraid that despite everything, you're on the wrong track. As you yourself have pointed out, you'll be of age in a year, and will be able to freely choose your partners. But conversely, it's totally unacceptable to even consider having you adopted by this so-called partner."

"What…oh no, not that again," Harry moaned.

"Again?" Madam Saintclair asked.

"Ron…one of my friends made a stupid statement of that sort too. You're totally off the mark. For pity's sake, he's the same age as my parents. There's nothing like that between us; he's like my father and I'm like his son, he's already told me this, there's nothing more than that!"

"Are you so certain, Mister Potter? Has Professor Snape ever tried to touch you in, let's say, an inappropriate manner?"

"Of course not! Much the opposite…he's protected me from attacks, and he even comes to comfort me at night when I have nightmares." Harry knew the moment the words were out of his mouth that he'd just said something stupid, but it was too late to take it back.

"Nightmares, hmmm?" the social worker murmured, a triumphant smile on her face. "Mister Potter, let's face facts. Is that really normal? For him to behave in such a way with a teenager your age? Entering your room at night? How many times have you slept in the same bed as Professor Snape?"

Harry thought he was going to be sick. Merlin, this woman was so…this entire conversation was…and how was he supposed to get past this point? He had well and truly already slept in Snape's company, in his cat form most often— unbeknownst to his master—but Severus had also fallen asleep in his bed, that particular time he'd come to reassure him in the middle of the night. Poor Snape. He'd definitely only get him in trouble for it.

"You don't understand anything at all," he sighed. "You're sworn to secrecy, hmmm?"

Madam Saintclair nodded, beaming with satisfaction.

"All right, keep this to yourself. Severus was in love with my mother. She's been dead for a long time, but I think he still loves her as much… Anyway, he's stubborn enough to never change his mind about that. It's got nothing to do with me; he's not interested in that sort of thing."

"I think, on the contrary, it has everything to do with it," Madam Saintclair murmured. "You have certain traits that are very much like your mother, I believe. A transference is more than probable."

This was too much for Harry, who turned toward the back of the room. "Professor Dumbledore, please?"

The Headmaster couldn't hear him, but clearly understood his intention when he saw the expression on Harry's face. He hurried to come closer, shooting the social worker a stern look as he did. She dropped the spells in place with a sigh.

"Things aren't going as foreseen?" he asked.

"Of course they are. Mister Potter is just a bit stressed, which is very understandable," the witch said calmly, clearly unhappy with the interference.

"No," Harry replied. "She doesn't want to approve the adoption; she wants to persuade me to abandon Snape. I can't make her understand she's wasting her time, and she's getting unpleasant and insulting. That's enough of this, couldn't we find someone else?"

"I see," Dumbledore said, his eyes hard as he watched the social worker nervously rearrange her papers. "Madam Saintclair, might I know what bothers you so much about this adoption? Professor Snape has been in charge of Mister Potter for several months now, and the result has been more than satisfying."

"That's what you say," the witch sneered. "I see here a young man with a very troubled past, who's been entrusted to a man with questionable motives, along with a very dark past of his own."

"Professor Snape was cleared of all suspicion concerning his activities in the service of Voldemort," Dumbeldore corrected her. "He's displayed great courage and unfailing loyalty for our cause."

"That's one thing" the social worker admitted, "but he remains no less a violent person, both physically and verbally. Spying or not, he's completely familiar with torture and dark magic, not to mention his relationship with Mister Potter here, which has been described by all the students and professors questioned as particularly stormy. It verged on the limit of abuse, if I might say so, almost to the extreme."

Harry felt the slight headache that'd been threatening for several minutes already transform into a veritable migraine. Now they were down to it—an argument he couldn't deny. He'd dreaded this moment more than any other.

"It's true," he interrupted. "Severus was horrible to me in class. Since the start. Hateful. Unfair. Say what you will, he had reasons for it, and take it from me, they weren't good ones. But all that's changed, all right? We've talked a lot about it…he knows me now; he knows I'm not…like my father. I can't explain how it could all change in such a short time, but it has. And in spite of everything he could've done to put me down in class and make me crazy…he protected me from real danger, ever since the beginning. So I think that more than makes up for the rest, doesn't it?"

"Humph," Madam Saintclair said, "that's something I'll explore with Professor Snape."

"There's something else you must know, Madam Saintclair," the Headmaster added gravely. "Severus has sworn to protect Harry, and that, years ago. He'd never do him any harm, that's a certainty. He's definitely played his role as well as he could, for better or for worse, in his master's service, but it's entirely unthinkable that he'd ever raise a hand to Harry. You have my word on it."

"Professor Dumbledore," she replied calmly, looking him straight in the eyes, "must I remind you that you yourself filed a request for an inquiry into possible mistreatment of this same Severus Snape by his parents, while he was a student of this school?"

Harry jumped, staring wide-eyed at Dumbledore.

"Indeed, I remember it very well, but I confess I don't see the relationship between these two matters."

"Your suspicions were well-founded, actually," the social worker answered, pulling a parchment from the pile. "The Snapes had to pay a stiff fine not to lose the boy. A fine paid by Arthus Prince, in fact. And if there's a well-known statistic, it's that battered children are inclined to repeat this same scenario, once they become parents themselves."

"A fine?" Dumbledore murmured. "Your department let Eileen get away with a fine, and let her keep her son?"

"Please," Madam Saintclair said dryly. "The boy was already older, and he didn't want to be placed. Besides, the mother agreed to take a parental rehabilitation course, which went very well. But that's not in question here."

Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "Your statistics are just numbers. Harry is sixteen; he's perfectly aware of his rights and his duties, and wouldn't for an instant entrust his own guardianship to a violent person, I'm convinced of that. Madam Saintclair, I know you're doing your job, but trust Mister Potter—trust his instincts and his judgment. After all, many things in our world depend on these qualities of his, don't they?" he asked gently.

"Precisely," the witch retorted. "Precisely. Far too many things to take such risks. Severus Snape is a dangerous individual with more than questionable intentions, and a past that is much too dark in many ways. Honestly, Headmaster, why would this man—known for his hatred for Harry Potter and his parents, for his desire for glory, and his deeply antisocial behavior—suddenly want to adopt a sixteen-year-old who just happens to be the hero of our world? You'll admit this is hardly believable."

"I'd say it's not likely," Dumbledore corrected, "but nonetheless true. Circumstances, Madam Saintclair, sometimes make a strange book out of life, one that no one would've imagined."

"I'm afraid these circumstances, despite everything, are not enough," the social worker said firmly. "Mister Potter himself here is so nervous and secretive about all of this that I hardly see reason to allow myself to be convinced otherwise."

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but Dumbledore silenced him with a gesture.

"In that case, perhaps you'd agree to be convinced by the people who've been with Professor Snape and Harry recently?" the Headmaster suggested.

"That is part of the process anyway," Madam Saintclair replied, "but I want to hear from all the concerned parties, not just those you wish produce, let that be clear. But first, a medical exam is necessary. Mister Potter, if I may?"

"What's this all about?" Harry asked reluctantly, feeling the matter getting out of hand. He wouldn't let it happen. No, he wouldn't let it happen. If the Ministry denied the adoption, he'd refuse any other family, and push the weight of his celebrity to make them change their minds. If he had to, he'd run away. Snape would surely agree…but for now, he had to try to convince Saintclair, and the entire matter seemed to be off to a worse start than he'd thought.

"Simple diagnostic spells." she reassured him. "Perhaps it'd be better if you sat down, though. These spells can cause slight dizziness sometimes."

Dizziness? Harry wasn't at all sure that he liked the idea of losing control of himself, here, facing this woman, even if it were only for a few seconds.

"Where is Professor Snape?" he asked nervously. "Couldn't he come?"

"He's busy for now, Harry, but you have nothing to fear," Dumbledore reassured him.

The boy hesitated for a moment before finally sitting down again. No, he didn't like this, but if Severus had been there, he would've probably told him to stop acting like a spoilt child. Even if Dumbledore's presence was comforting, he still would've definitely preferred for Severus to be there.

Madam Saintclair, though, hadn't lied. The spells weren't painful, even though he felt his entire body rebel against the exam, leaving him drained.

"Everything is fine," the social worker announced at last. "I think we can set aside the possibility of sexual assault."

Harry sensed the Headmaster freeze at his side.

"Madam Saintclair," he began icily, "I think you're on the wrong track. Professor Snape swore to protect Harry when he was still but a baby. This adoption is only a logical conclusion of his dedication to the boy. You'll have the proof of it when Severus returns."

"Hmmm," the social worker said, clearly skeptical. "We shall see. Mister Potter, anything to say on the matter?"

Harry clenched his teeth. "Potter-Snape. Don't forget that. All I have to say is your approval hardly matters. Severus is my father, whether you want it or not. You can't do anything about that. I won't agree to any other family, and I'd follow him anywhere. He's done more for me than anyone else…even my own parents," he admitted reluctantly. "I love him like a father and I won't let anyone take that away from me."

"Your feelings are one thing, Mister Potter, but I'd like you to remember that it's up to the Ministry to watch over your well-being for now. And as much of a celebrity as you are, that will change nothing about he final verdict," the social worker said dryly.

"You don't have anything to use against us," Harry muttered. "And I'm not letting you direct my life."

"I'm sorry, but technically you don't have a great deal to say about the matter, young man. The final verdict lies with us, and you'll abide by the Ministry's decision, whatever it is."

"And what could you do about it, huh?" Harry sneered. "Professor Snape lives at Hogwarts like me. You won't stop us from going on like before."

"Professor Snape was appointed by Ministry order, and can be let go at any time," the witch reminded him dangerously. "As for yourself, while a ward of the Ministry, you can also be relocated to a different school, and forbidden contact with the professor if that's necessary."

The boy literally saw red. It was the straw that broke the camel's back, the final provocation in a long string of frustrations. No one, absolutely no one, was going to keep him from staying with Snape. A crimson veil obscured his vision, and he felt his blood begin to boil as he stared at Saintclair, rage taking control of his being. His powers seemed to literally explode within him, and an instant afterward, a loud crack rang out in the room, at the same time as a stifled cry. All eyes turned to the form that'd just appeared beside Harry.

A very recognizable human figure.

Gasping, Snape couldn't keep himself from staggering, falling to his knees, then quickly stood again, his hand clamped on his forearm. Merlin, what had just happened? Had Harry really…? It was impossible! Not here, not in Hogwarts where the wards prohibited Apparition. And to make him Apparate like that, against his will, by simply willing it…this had never happened before.

"Harry?" he asked as he turned to the boy who hadn't moved, his eyes riveted on the witch in front of him. All around him, the air seemed to vibrate…with rage, he realized. Carefully, he placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. "Harry. It's all right."

"No, it's not all right," the boy hissed between his teeth. "This woman…she doesn't want to approve the adoption. She doesn't want it to be you."

"I…I…" the social worker mumbled, eyes wide and obviously frightened.

"Madam Saintclair, might I suggest you sit down," Dumbledore suggested, indicating a chair sufficiently far away from Harry.

The witch needed no further encouragement, and fell gracelessly into the chair. Magic filled the room, electrifying the air, especially around the social worker who seemed paralyzed.

"Harry, are you all right?" Severus asked calmingly.

"Better now," Harry replied.

"Harry, in English, please."

The boy blinked and turned to Snape in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"Just that, exactly. You were speaking in Parseltongue."

It was Harry's eyes that widened in surprise this time. "I was? I didn't realize…I was angry. Oh, how did you get here? I didn't see you come in."

"My presence was clearly wished for," Severus said laconically, resisting the urge to rub his still-painful arm. "What happened?"

"It was her," Harry said hostilely, pointing to Madam Saintclair. "She doesn't want the adoption. She was threatening to make you lose your job and forbid me to see you. She doesn't understand."

"Indeed, I suppose not," Snape murmured. "Her colleague scarcely seems more enthusiastic. Obviously, we—"

But before he could finish, a door was thrown open, and all eyes turned to the man who'd just entered, seeming both furious and triumphant.

"There he is! He didn't get very far. You thought you could get away from us, eh? Seize him!"

Two agents broke through from behind him and rushed toward Sanpe, wands in their fists. Spells streaked toward the professor, but not quickly enough, though. With a stifled oath, Severus himself brandished his wand; spells ricocheted, crashing against the walls.

The agents swore then, ready for another attack.

"Don't make your situation any worse than it is, Snape, give yourself up!" shouted the wizard who'd come in first.

"Lower your wands at once! You're not on a battlefield, by Merlin!" Dumbledore shouted furiously.

But the wizards hardly spared him a glance before incanting again.

Snape ground his teeth. Hopkins had never had the least intention of approving this adoption, and even less the possibility of leaving without having charged him with some crime…too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Defending himself, on the other hand, had perhaps not been the best idea. The old reflexes had asserted themselves, but he could hardly sustain a second frontal attack with the little magic left in him after that forced Apparition. Merlin, did Hopkins realize what had just happened?

An icy shudder ran down his spine. In addition to being a former Ravenclaw, Hopkins was also a former Auror. One of those who'd doggedly tracked him down years ago. Hadn't he wounded him in the course of a battle? He could no longer remember.

His two sidekicks were already launching another attack, ignoring the Headmaster's protestations and orders. Give himself up? Out of the question. All that was left was to hope his shield would be enough to counter the curses the two wizards were hissing in his direction.

The weak shield managed to deflect one of the spells, but disintegrated under its force, and Snape had to avoid the second with an agile jump to the side. Grindelwald, it was infuriating to get old!

He tried to guess at the next onslaught, when his view was suddenly blocked by two figures opposite him. He jumped…what were they playing at?

"Dumbledore, back off, this is none of your affair!" Hopkins cried, burning with anger.

"On the contrary, it's my affair that this stop," the Headmaster said sternly. "You're in my school, Mister Hopkins, and you are not at all authorized to use force on one of my professors!"

"I was delegated by the Minister himself, and I'll do what he told me," the wizard retorted. "You two, get Snape; I'll continue the interrogation at the Ministry, there where he won't be a danger to anyone."

"So, it's an interrogation now?" Dumbledore said. "It seemed to me it was a simple interview. The Aurors came before you did, and left empty-handed; nothing authorizes you to act in this manner. You're overstepping your bounds, Counselor Hopkins!"

"Don't meddle in this," the wizard hissed, making a motion to his two guards, who strode with determination toward Snape.

"No!" Harry cried as he stepped between them. "He's staying with me!"

One of the wizards sneered, and without further ado, grabbed Harry by the arm. Or at least he tried to. He'd barely put his hand on his sleeve when a powerful green shield swelled from out of nowhere to protect Harry, repelling the wizard, who fell backward with a yelp.

Not wasting any time, Harry transformed into the cat and jumped to the shoulder of the stunned professor.

"Good foresight, I suppose, Mister Potter," Severus murmured. Dumbledore shot him a glance that was both resigned and satisfied, before raising his own wand. Terrified, the three wizards and the social worker watched as their wands escaped them to fly into the Headmaster's hand.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, I'd like us to discuss things more calmly and civilly," Dumbledore said. "This situation is becoming ridiculous and is creating more problems than it's resolving. It's clear that no one here is going to take neither Professor Snape nor Harry Potter anywhere they don't want to go. I'll remind you that this is an adoption proceeding, and not a trial. Might I ask you all to sit down?"

He made a quick gesture with his wand, and three armchairs appeared behind the Ministry agents, who found themselves roughly propelled into them.

"What was that, then? It was dark magic!" Hopkins cried out, the first to regain his senses.

"Much to the contrary," Dumbledore replied. "It was the purest magic there is—based on love and sacrifice."

"Sacrificial magic," one of the agents murmured, stunned.

The shield around Harry began to fade as it sensed the threat diminish.

"I see you learned your magical theory lessons well, Mister Duke," the Headmaster agreed.

"How? When?" Hopkins hissed, while Madam Saintclair edged closer to her colleagues.

"That's hardly important. Know only that thanks to this, Harry cannot be successfully attacked while in Professor Snape's presence. The sacrifice in place prevents anyone from doing the boy harm. Isn't this the best argument possible? Of course, I must remind you that any information you learn here will have to remain under the seal of your Unbreakable Vow."

Hopkins made a face, but finally nodded. He hardly had a choice…

"Even if it's true…"

"You know that it is," Dumbledore interrupted.

The wizard swept the protest aside with a gesture. "Even if it's true, that's not enough to justify the adoption. Things need to be examined in more detail. All of this isn't clear."

"That's enough," Severus hissed. "This farce has gone on long enough. Albus, have the reporters come in. If this question must be decided by people who've nothing to do with it, then let it be judged by everyone. The matter will be in the papers tomorrow anyway; I'd still prefer that what these rags print be based on real facts and not rumors."

Dumbledore nodded. "I'm afraid you're right, even though I deplore it," he agreed. "I think they'll be only too happy to be able to observe this anyway. And perhaps that way we'll avoid certain extreme outbursts." Then, without waiting, he headed for the door.

"Wait a minute, that's not the way this should be done!" Hopkins protested.

"Is there a law against it?" the Headmaster asked innocently.

"Well, no, but…"

"In that case…" Opening the door, Dumbledore motioned toward the reporters who were watching him eagerly and curiously. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you'd like to join us?"

Needing no further urging, the half-dozen reporters rushed into the room, cameras and quills in hand, looking for Harry Potter, who hurriedly jumped to the ground and transformed before they arrived, vaguely nervous as he stayed close to Snape.

"I didn't know there were so many reporters," the boy murmured to Snape as the flashbulbs crackled.

"At least two of them are foreign," the professor replied. "And yet, I assume Dumbledore sent the most intrusive of them away before we arrived."

"Rita Skeeter is still here, though," Harry grumbled.

"I imagine there's a good reason for that," Snape said. "But take note of the short dark-haired man in glasses at the very back. You've certainly not seen the last of him. He's an expert at subtlety and camouflage, much more dangerous than Skeeter in his own way."

"Oh, that's because you don't know her tactics," Harry answered as he shook his head. It really wasn't the time or place to explain to Severus that the reporter was an Animagus. But Rita, on the other hand, knew that he knew, and with a bit of luck, that would be enough to keep her quiet. Even better, make her come down on the right side of things. From the other side of the room, the reporter shot him an engaging smile, and Harry relaxed slightly.

"Well, well, Harry, what a pleasure to see you again!" she cried out as she stepped toward him.

"Uh, yeah," Harry said as neutrally as he could. "About that, get your papers up to speed; my new name is Potter-Snape."

"Potter-Snape?" Rita hissed fervently to her quill. "How appropriate! The Boy Who Lived gains a second identity at the same time as a new family and a new life!"

"Stylistically, isn't that a bit redundant?" Snape asked sarcastically, his arms crossed.

"Ah, Professor, but isn't that the question of the day?" Skeeter asked as she shot him an alluring smile. "About that, have you changed your family name as well?"

Harry saw Snape almost choke beside him.

"Certainly not!" he cried. "The last thing I need now is James Potter coming from beyond the grave to gouge my eyes out. A change of Harry's name will be enough."

"That would be so storybook…" Rita sighed. "Are you sure that…"

"That's enough," Madam Saintclair intervened, getting her bearings. "This adoption is still not official, and the change of name even less so."

"Oh," the reporter said, turning to her. "And why is that?"

"It seems quite evident," Saintclair said dryly.

"Professor Snape truly used an illegal potion on Harry Potter, then?"

"Potter-Snape," Harry corrected.

"Well, no," the social worker admitted. 'No, that doesn't seem to be the case."

"Did he try to make him take the Mark and enter into the service of Voldemort? The Boy Who Lived to Sow Chaos?" she murmured with delight.

"No, there's no question of that!" Hopkins interrupted, panic-stricken.

"A kidnapping, then?" Skeeter asked.

"Ah well, er, no," Saintclair said. "But Professor Snape, well, you know…the Mark…"

"Pardon?" Skeeter said. "A Death Eater. He's a Death Eater, then? I thought he saved Potter from Voldemort's clutches! Merlin, I myself covered the story: 'A hero with a tragic past saves the Boy Who Lived from a tragic fate!' Don't tell me everything must be done over? The public hates retractions; it's very bad for sales, it makes everyone confused about the good guys and the bad guys. My word, you've no idea of the drama!"

"No, no, everything's fine, it's not that," Hopkins tried to calm her. "No potion, nor kidnapping, nor Death Eater. That's not the problem."

For a moment, there was silence in the room. Rita Skeeter turned to her colleagues, who exchanged knowing looks. Then, readjusting her glasses, she leant forward, staring the wizard in the eyes. "What are you playing at, Hopkins? You realize there are people waiting for a scoop here? You're going to give us one, and quickly, or the next headline in the Prophet will be on the subject of your relationship with Dolores Umbridge."

"What?" the wizard exclaimed, all of a sudden losing his color. "But I don't have any relationship with Umbridge! Nor with anyone! You can't do that!"

Holding her tongue, Skeeter just watched him, annoyed, tapping the tips of her long fingernails against her parchment.

"I believe I have what you need," Saintclair intervened, markedly alarmed. "We were about to begin the interviews with acquaintances anyway. You'll only have to sit, I don't know, behind a charmed wall. It doesn't matter, if Mister Potter and Professor Snape are in agreement."

"Very well," Snape conceded after a moment's hesitation. "But alert your victims they're being observed."

"Certainly not," Saintclair said, "that would be completely against the rules."

Snape let out a low groan, but didn't say anything more. Calm once again, the social worker nodded, her unpleasant smile back in place.

"In that case, Professor Dumbledore, could you bring in the first person?"

"Of course," the Headmaster replied. "Who?"

"Mister Ronald Weasley," she said with a predatory smile. "He's a student in this school, if I'm not mistaken. Set up a charmed partition so he can't see the rest of the room, and have him summoned, please."

Dumbledore seemed surprised by the request, but as for Harry, he paled visibly. His statements hadn't fallen on deaf ears. He'd really been stupid. All he could do was hope he could trust Ron.

At his side, he sensed Snape tense as well, understanding the maneuver. During this time, the Headmaster finished erecting an invisible partition to one side of them. Similar to a two-way mirror, it allowed the observers to see everything without being noticed.

Then, without a word, Dumbledore held out a parchment to Fawkes, who then flew away. The little group waited in the heavy silence, until three timid knocks sounded at the door a few minutes later.

"Come in, Mister Weasley," Madam Saintclair said with an engaging smile. "Please, sit down and make yourself comfortable."

It would appear that Ron was no more fooled by her manner than Harry had been, the latter noted. He sat carefully without looking away from her.

"Professor Dumbledore asked for me?" he said.

"Exactly, he'll be with you as soon as the interview is over," the social worker assured him. "The Headmaster is permitting me to use his office to ask you a few questions about your friend, Harry Potter. It seems you've known him for quite some time."

"Could I see your badge?" Ron asked, all of a sudden distrustful.

Holding back an annoyed expression, the witch handed him her official badge, which the boy returned to her reluctantly.

"Uh. Yeah, I've known Harry since we came to Hogwarts," he admitted at last.

"And I believe you could claim to be his best friend?" Madam Saintclair asked in a sugary voice.

But Ron shrugged, seeming on guard. "You'd have to ask him that, but I suppose so."

Harry smiled from behind the wall. Certain people accused Ron of being too naïve sometimes, but his friend's instincts were as good as his own. He'd sensed that Saintclair was shifty, and he was on his guard. When a familiar hand came to squeeze his shoulder, Harry looked up at Snape, smiling. It was going to go all right. He was sure of it.

"In that case," Saintclair continued, "you certainly know about the adoption process that was initiated."

"Oh, that…yeah, I know about it."

"And if I may ask, what do you think?" the social worker asked seriously, as if Ron's opinion were critical.

"What do you want me to think? I'm happy for Harry, of course. If that's what he wants."

"But is it really what he wants?" she asked as she lowered her voice. "Do you really find this normal? From what I've come to understand, Harry and Professor Snape had never been close before this summer."

At these words, Ron couldn't help but laugh. "No, that's for certain, and for sure it's a bit weird, but…" He shrugged. "People change. And sometimes, it's for the better."

So much wisdom coming from Ron left Harry slightly perplexed. He and Hermione had probably had a long discussion.

"Change? In a few weeks? Mister Weasley, let's be clear, when the school year finished, Mister Potter and Professor Snape hated each other, didn't they?"

"Hate, I don't know. Snape saved Harry a lot of times, after all. But they wouldn't have gone off on a weekend together, that's for certain."

"And now, Professor Snape wants to adopt him! Come now, Mister Weasley, don't tell me you find this rational!"

"And why not?" Ron retorted. "In normal times and with normal people, I'd probably tell you it was too fast. But Harry and Snape…I've seen them together, and frankly, the adoption will only make what's already there official."

At his words, Madam Saintclair fidgeted. "You've seen them, haven't you? You've understood, you as well? It's obvious you're an intelligent young man."

"Seen what?" Ron asked with a frown.

"Mister Potter and Professor Snape. It's clear their relationship isn't that of a father and his child," the witch said with self-assurance.

Behind the wall, Harry let out a groan and turned toward Dumbledore. "She has no right to say that! It's totally untrue!"

Beside them, the reporters were literally drinking in their words, quills in action.

"She's trying to trap him, Harry," Dumbledore explained. "Making false statements in order to know the truth. Don't worry. Mister Weasley's got along very well so far."

The arm that Snape had put around Harry's shoulders had stiffened, but he didn't pull it away, though, despite the suspicious looks from the reporters. Harry was grateful to him for that. As for Ron, he'd taken it quite differently. Shooting the witch a stunned look, he burst into laughter.

"You think they're going out with each other, is that it? Oh Merlin," he said with a chuckle.

"Is the idea really that stupid, Mister Weasley?" Madam Saintclair asked softly. "It seems to me it also crossed your mind, not so long ago."

Ron scowled, but then shook his head with a smile. "That's true. I don't know what came over me that day…everything was so weird. I couldn't believe Harry would really want to live with Snape, all of that. I thought maybe the professor was trying to get Harry into his bed. Well, I don't know if I thought it, but I said it. I have to admit I'm rather good at it, when it comes to stupidity."

"And why stupid, Mister Weasley? I can completely see the reasoning of your logic myself," the social worker assured him.

"Oh yeah? You're the only one," Ron sniggered. "Honestly, if Snape were attracted to teenagers, male or female, I doubt he'd spend his time screaming at us and decimating our self-esteem. As a technique for hitting on people, I've seen better, eh? As for Harry…it's rather funny, in fact."

"Funny?" Saintclair asked. "Really. How so?"

"I don't know if you know Snape well, but he's the last person I would've imagined, playing mother-hen. Uh, okay, don't ever tell him I said that, eh? I'm attached to life."

Behind the walls, Severus rolled his eyes.

"This interview is entirely confidential, I can assure you," the social worker lied, making Harry grind his teeth.

"Good. Well, it's just he has this way of looking at Harry, exactly like my mother when she looks at us. Like we're the most irritating boys but also the most adorable in the world. Something sort of like that. And he spends his time making these remarks to him…yeah, like my mother, actually. Rather odd, isn't it? So, you don't know my mother, but if you did, you'd find that funny, really," Ron said, letting out a laugh.

"And the way he puts his arm around Harry's shoulder. That's like my father. Oh, the best yet is when Harry's in his cat form…he spends his time on Snape's shoulders or in his arms, and Snape seems as proud as Merlin on a tournament day! I mean, Snape with a cat on his shoulder, isn't that hilarious? And bloody hell, I wouldn't want to be the first in line to try and hurt Harry now. Face Snape's anger, no thanks, I still prefer You Know Who."

"Come, don't talk nonsense," Saintclair said testily. "You still can't want your best friend to be adopted by this individual!"

"Huh?" Ron said, frowning. "I thought you'd be the last ones to see a problem with it. A professor, an Order member who's in the know and scares everyone, even the Slytherins. I don't see what more you could want."

"But it's not natural!" the witch exclaimed. "You yourself have been very clear on the subject: a former Death Eater can't adopt the Boy Who Lived."

"Wow, I don't know where you got that, but you've got to get your files up to date; the latest news is that Snape saved Harry from Death Eaters, not the opposite. And seeing how he almost lost his own skin, I really doubt it was purely out of duty. I mean, this bloke knows what he has to do, but for this sort of number, he'd really have to have a reason…"

"Yes, a bad reason!" Saintclair added. "An unhealthy interest!"

"Listen," Ron said as he straightened, clearly irritated, "think what you like, but if you treat your husband like Snape treats Harry…well, I wouldn't want to be in his place; that's all, and you're the one who has a problem. Snape's attached to Harry, yeah, but not how you think. Merlin, for all I know, Harry's after my sister, and Snape…sorry, but that bloke's asexual, full stop. Let it drop."

"You're not going to tell me that this attachment, after so little time, is normal!" the social worker insisted. "Something is definitely going on."

"If you want my opinion, Snape just needed a cat," Ron said calmly. "Even an old bat like him needs something to protect and love. Anyway, that's what my mother thinks. And take it from me, she knows this stuff."

"I see," Madam Saintclair said dryly, arranging her papers. "So, you're in favor of this adoption?"

"Of course," Ron answered. "What's more, Snape's started to give Gryffindor points, so…"

"Very well. Thank you," the witch said as she gestured toward the door.

Ron stood with a shrug. "You're welcome."

Then, without a backward glance, he left, leaving the social worker clearly frustrated.

Behind the wall, Harry let out a sigh of relief. Ron had been perfect. He looked up at Severus who, behind his impenetrable façade, seemed impressed all the same. Harry smiled; maybe it'd be possible to reconcile these two sides of his life after all.

Beside them, the reporters were whispering enthusiastically, trading their impressions in soft voices, scribbling furiously on their parchments. A few moments later, the door opened again, admitting a tall and dignified figure.

McGonagall stepped forward, chin held high, eyeing the social worker sternly. Saintclair graced her with her best smile and pointed to the chair. "Professor McGonagall, please, take a seat."

The Head of Gryffindor nodded and sat down. "Well, might I ask where we are, concerning this adoption? The morning is beginning to drag out."

"Actually, the situation is complicated," Saintclair admitted. "You understand we can't make a decision off the top of our heads, even for Mister Potter…"

"I understand it's Mister Potter-Snape now," McGonagall corrected, making Harry smile and the witch grimace.

"Yes, well, that's a point yet to be decided," Saintclair said evasively and quickly. "For now, the question of Mister Potter's best interests and well-being are our principal concerns."

"In that case, I hardly see what's keeping you from signing the papers," McGonagall said, surprised.

"Oh, come now, Professor, no little games between us," the social worker simpered. "We both know very well what our concerns are in this matter."

"I assume that has to do with Professor Snape," the Head of Gryffindor said dryly.

"In a general context, yes," Saintclair agreed. "It's obvious he's not the best person in a position to take charge of the boy. Let's be honest; he absolutely doesn't seem right for it. I think you'd be the first to say it."

"Give me one good reason why I should disparage my colleague?"

"Come, Professor, his public notoriety is such that you'd hardly respect Severus Snape."

"Ah well, public notoriety has gone entirely astray. On the contrary, I highly respect Professor Sna;pe, and that for some time now. Your presumptions are somewhat insulting, and I'd be willing to monitor your proposals," McGonagall said in her most professorial tone.

Madam Saintclair grimaced slightly, as if she'd just bit into a sour lemon. "I'm happy to hear that," she lied. "But if we could stick to the facts? It appears you had Professor Snape as a student, while he was here at Hogwarts."

"That's correct."

"And according to the reports, he earned numerous detentions from you. Your remarks in these reports were at the least less than flattering…I quote: aggressive, troublemaker, disagreeable, haughty…and that's just a quick summary."

"Children change," McGonagall said, sweeping the argument aside with a hand. "On the other hand, I must confess that at the time, I was the slightest bit…biased against Severus."

"Biased?" Saintclair prodded.

"It so happened there was a little group of students in Gyffindor House who called themselves the Marauders. Unfortunately, they were often at odds with Mister Snape. Alas, I must say that, yes, it seemed to me then that the students of my house were in the right most of the time. I've now revised that opinion. It was a time in which I made, it seems, numerous errors in judgment, of which the consequences were tragic."

"Professor, enlighten me," the social worker said softly, "this group—the Marauders— it included, among others, James Potter, Harry's father?"

"That's correct," McGonagall admitted.

"It's also correct to say that Severus Snape professed a fierce hatred for James Potter and his friends, isn't that so?"

"It was a school rivalry, nothing more," Minerva agreed. "It no longer has any bearing on the current situation."

"It has a great deal, on the contrary. How could you for a moment consider entrusting this boy to his father's sworn enemy?"

"Outside of these school rivalries, Severus was a very close friend of Lily Evans, Harry's mother," McGonagall explained coldly. "The animosity that might've existed between James and Severus is not at all pertinent today."

"It was, though, just several months ago," Saintclair insisted. "Many people heard Professor Snape clearly state what he thought of Mister Potter and his ancestry, of the fact that he looked like his father, in very unflattering terms. Do you deny this?"

"No," McGonagall sighed. "Since Harry's arrival, the relationship between himself and Professor Snape was far from ideal. They got off to a bad start, and it was difficult afterwards—with added prejudices—to rectify matters. But that is of no importance any longer. Actually, Severus even introduced Harry to his Slytherins and clearly ordered them to protect him, at the risk of suffering his anger. That's not something his students take lightly."

"I see," the social worker said slowly. "And what, in your opinion, could've motivated this change in behavior?"

McGonagall shrugged. "Severus simply needed a new perspective to recognize the evidence. He and Harry, in fact, have much in common, and much to offer each other. I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am over this reconciliation."

"Strangely, I find that hard to believe," Saintclair murmured. "Your favorite Gyffindor, in the hands of the Head of Slytherin? I have trouble seeing why that would make you happy. Professor, let's speak candidly. Why not ask for Mister Potter's guardianship yourself? The Ministry would be more than happy to entertain your request."

"Why not?" Minerva repeated. "Because Harry didn't choose me. And because I failed miserably in my role as Head of House by leaving this boy unprotected during the summers, without an adult to guide him the rest of the year. I've always respected that Mister Potter was fond of his mother and father... Carefree, sure of himself, brave. I made the same mistake as Severus, actually. Deep inside, Harry is a fragile child who desperately needed a parent, someone to pledge their affection, which would be as deep as it was solely his own. Someone to watch over him fiercely and learn to see him as he is, both good and bad qualities. Professor Snape knew to do that, and we're all grateful to him for it. He is, as a matter of fact, the father of Harry's heart, and I'm certain that James Potter would be entirely in agreement with me on that point…and no less grateful."

"Permit me to doubt it," Saintclair said bitterly. "For pity's sake, he's an ex-Death Eater!"

"I don't understand what you're talking about," McGonagall replied, lifting her chin. "Severus Snape is a courageous and principled wizard, and he only deserves respect."

"I see," the social worker sighed. "You see him that way."

"That way, and no other."

"Very well. Thank you for your help," Madam Saintclair said with a sour smile. "You may go."

Minerva nodded curtly before taking her leave.

Sheltered from the eyes of the others present, Snape attempted to hide his complete bewilderment. McGonagall. McGonagall had just admitted to her wrongs and spoken of his as if he were someone…brave and principled? Merlin, Albus must've begged her to produce such a result. But the witch had been brimming with sincerity, he had to admit. The world had strangely been turned on end recently.

Reality struck him full in the face, though, when the next witness entered the office. Lupin's slender, stooped figure, circles under his eyes, seeming hunted and worried—everything about him evoked mistrust in Snape.

He took his place in the chair under the social worker's satisfied eyes. Obviously, the witch was determined to have her victory.

"Mister Remus Lupin?" Saintclair asked.

"That's right," Remus said in a weak voice.

Not so weak that he couldn't be heard, however. Scarcely had he spoken when a fracas broke out just above their heads, followed by a long howl.

Remus closed his eyes as the social worker hastily looked for the source of the sound. Harry understood immediately. Loki, locked up in the top of the tower, had just heard his father's voice, and was making himself known. Something told Harry that the night had been a long one for Remus and his son.

"What was that?" the social worker asked nervously.

"I don't know," the werewolf lied. "It's Hogwarts, that sort of think happens frequently."

"I don't recall that," Saintclair said dryly. "Professor Dumbledore?"

The wizard came in quickly, calmly stroking his beard. "How might I help you?" he asked amiably.

"Did you hear that howl?"

"Oh, that? Yes, it's a somewhat rebellious Boggart living at the top of the tower. It's probably sensed the fears of someone close by. A werewolf, from the sounds of it."

Saintclair shuddered, but nodded. "It's well-secured, I take it?"

"You're in no danger, that is certain," Dumbledore assured her.

"Very well, thank you. I'll continue with the interview."

With a slight deference, the Headmaster slipped out, leaving an especially nervous Remus and the social worker alone together. Above them, the howling had died down to a low growling.

"Well, Mister Lupin, we won't let ourselves be intimidated, then!" she said jovially. "Allow me to introduce myself; I'm Amanda Saintclair, the social worker representing the Ministry, and charged with the inquiry into Mister Potter's adoption by Professor Snape."

Remus nodded. "Yes, indeed, I head the news came out this morning."

"Let's not go too quickly with our task; nothing has been decided yet," Saintclair said. "It's precisely for this reason I wanted to meet you. I believe you were a close friend of James Potter?"

"Indeed," Remus said tensely.

"And from what I've understood, yours and James Potter's relationships with Severus Snape were less than ideal."

"In a certain manner, we were rivals, coming from different houses, basically."

"But it went beyond that, didn't it? There was a personal hatred."

"Hatred is too strong of a word," Remus protested. "Besides, that hostility didn't last beyond Hogwarts. James and Severus worked for the Order of the Phoenix together."

Behind the wall, Severus blinked in surprise. It was a completely shameless lie. He and James had avoided each other like the plague, and Albus had taken great care not to ever assign them to a common mission. For as much as he knew, James had thought him to be in the pay of Voldemort up until his death.

"Really?" the witch asked, clearly skeptical. "Would you go so far as to say that James Potter would've approved the notion of Severus Snape adopting his son?"

Perhaps Lupin knew how to lie, but this lie was beyond his repertoire. Which reinforced Severus' idea that a career as a spy was far from being an option for him.

"No," Remus admitted reluctantly, "at that time, probably not. But now, after all that's happened, all that Severus has done for Harry… I’m certain he'd be grateful to him."

"That's the word of the day," Saintclair grumbled. "Mister Lupin, have you gone over your statement with Professors Dumbledore or McGonagall?"

"Pardon? No, no, not at all. I was only alerted the moment I was summoned."

Once again, a furious howl bellowed, making everyone present jump. The reporters shifted in their seats, clearly worried, and Remus took a deep breath. "Listen, Madam…Saintclair?" he went on. "Whatever the rivalry between James and Severus, the circumstances at the time, all the other questions you might ask yourself on this matter—to your credit—I can assure you Harry will be perfectly happy with Professor Snape. He's managed to do more for him in a few months than any other of us have, including making decisions that were necessary, like this one. You need not have any worries about this."

"Speaking of decisions," the social worker countered, "might I ask why you yourself haven't tried to obtain the boy's guardianship?"

"Because the Ministry would've never entrusted him to me. Werewolves are not permitted to adopt," he said, his jaw clenched. The howling seemed to morph into a burst of laughter, making the group shiver.

"There can, however, be extenuating circumstances, and this might well be one," Madam Saintclair replied gently. "Why don't you make a request? I could push it through. Harry would certainly be very happy with you."

"Is he the one who asked for this?" Remus asked, surprised.

"Well, let's say the boy isn't seeing things very clearly at the moment, and it might be necessary to open his eyes. Someone like you, assisted by Ministry representatives, could make a perfect guardian."

"I don't understand; I thought I was here about the adoption request made by Severus?" Remus said, frowning.

"It might not be approved," Saintclair explained. "We must consider every solution."

But the werewolf shook his head. "No, there's no other good solution. Severus will be perfect for Harry. He'll protect him from…everything. As for me, I couldn't take charge of Harry anyway."

"Since I'm telling you I'd approve you…"

"No, you misunderstand. I wouldn't make a good father. Just about anyone else would be more competent than I, even Sev…anyone else," Remus finished.

Once again, a howl ferocious enough to curdle one's blood rang out.

"In that case, who would you like to see adopt Harry? The Weasley family, perhaps?" Saintclair asked, obviously annoyed.

"I really don't understand the point of this interview," Remus confessed. "Severus is filling that role very well. I'm completely happy to see him adopt Harry."

"Would you be ready to repeat that under Veritaserum?" the social worker asked. "I'm starting to believe that will be necessary. Obviously, orders have been given…"

"You're mistaken," the werewolf said as he shook his head. "I'll confess to having had doubts at the beginning of this relationship; I even tried to convince Harry to stay away from Professor Snape, but that was wrong on my part. I was too blinded by my own problems…and mistakes to see the reality of it. I'd be the first to watch that all was going well, but I'm already convinced it's the best thing that could happen. And Severus will do his best; contrary to what you seem to believe, he doesn't have any bad intentions…"

It was at that moment that the door was thrown open, admitting Counselor Hopkins, followed by Lucius Malfoy at a leisurely pace.

"No bad intentions, eh?" Hopkins sneered. "And yet we have proof to the contrary," he said, waving a parchment.

"What is that?" Saintclair asked, reaching out to take it.

"This is a letter my son received from Professor Snape," Lucius answered with a courteous smile. "A letter in which he confides his intentions to secure Harry Potter's guardianship, the better to be able to manipulate him. And believe me, his intentions are anything but innocent."

Slowly but surely, Madam Saintclair's smile reappeared.