Albus Dumbledore wasn't the only one observing the two wizards as they headed toward the castle. A little higher up, three pairs of affectionate eyes were watching them too.

'He's really incredibly powerful,' Lily said tearfully. "I can't believe our baby's turned into this unbelievable young man.'

'And I can't believe Snape treats him like that!' James grumbled. 'He didn't have to push him like he did. There were other ways!'

'Severus is doing his best, and it was effective,' the woman pointed out sternly. 'Sometimes Harry needs to be shaken up a bit.'

'I'm not convinced of that at all. And you're always defending Snape!'

'Stop whining,' Lily groaned as she elbowed her husband. 'Look how cute they are…'

'I suppose,' James said hesitantly. Qualifying Snape as cute was still an exaggeration. And the arm around his son's shoulders had a knack of triggering that little prick of jealousy in his stomach that he'd never known how to control. 'Don't you think someone should talk to him? Tell him Harry is allergic to hippogriff milk?'

'James, hippogriff milk is only for nursing babies, and I doubt Severus needs to know that.'

'Maybe we could still get a bit closer,' James grumbled. 'He's showing him something by the lake, and I'd like to know what.'

'Give them a bit of privacy,' Lily said as she leant against him affectionately.

'It's not like they could see us…and I never have any privacy with my son…'

'James, we agreed about this!'

'I know, I know,' the ghost sighed. 'At least Sirius got to know him a little.'

'Not enough,' his friend grumbled at his side. 'And when I see how he acts with Sniv…Snape, I tell myself that I'm really missing out on something. For Merlin's sake, he's teaching him how to skip pebbles. I'm the one who should've taught him to skip pebbles!'

'No, I am!' James protested. 'Snape isn't even doing it right; the action of his wrist is completely…oh. Five skips. All right, that's not so bad, but that's not the right way to do it.'

'Severus is very good at it,' Lily said fondly.

'Not surprising,' Sirius sneered. 'As for the wrist action, he had practice at it…'

'Sirius!'

'No, I mean…well, he was alone by the lake, looking off into space…I, uh…"

'I'm the one who taught him to do it when we were little," Lily said dryly. 'Watch your language, and remember your good resolutions.'

'I know, I know,' Sirius sighed. 'It was easier the other day. When Harry wasn't sure about him and all that. I mean, it's still sheer madness that Snape was able to turn Harry around in the space of months and turn himself into a doting father. Hey, what am I saying—he's giving him something to eat now!'

'That's a good idea; Harry's too thin, and those cookies are perfect,' Lily pointed out. 'And he's laughing now…he wants to make Severus eat some. Oh, they're chocolate. Sev doesn't like sugar.'

'Sev doesn't like sugar,' James mimicked behind her back, rolling his eyes. Lily pretended not to hear him.

'If someone would've told me that one day I'd find Snape sentimental,' Sirius sneered.

'That's enough, both of you! He has the right to spoil Harry. He's his son too now.'

Sirius grimaced slightly, but James smiled as he observed how devotedly the boy was watching Severus. But that wasn't all of it. He'd known the wizard as a child and as an adult, and never had he seen such an expression on his face. Snape was totally taken with the boy—that much was clear.

'And to think that only a few months ago, he despised Harry,' he said thoughtfully. 'I understand Harry being fond of an adult, whoever that might be, but for Snape to suddenly turn into a mother hen in three lessons? That's beyond me. Whatever you think, Lily, he's still a bitter person, harsh, unsociable, aggressive—and I'm forgetting the half of it. More than half. No, really, it's beyond me. I'm not complaining, but it's really bizarre, even taking into account his feelings for you, dear. Being alone never seemed to bother him before…'

'No, there's nothing surprising about that, in fact,' the woman said. 'Sev never had many friends, nor family deserving of being called as such. He desperately needed someone to love him, and who'd let him love them back. Whether that's Shadow or Harry, it's exactly what he needs. Someone to protect, to devote himself to, someone who'll be completely devoted to him as well. He knows Harry, he knows that he's not faking. Sev needs a cause—and someone— and he's found both of those in Harry.'

'My son is not a cause,' James protested. 'If that's how he sees things…'

'As usual, you only hear what you want to hear,' Lily sighed. 'Severus will be perfect for Harry. Exclusive and excessive, overbearing and protective. They're the best thing that could've happened to each other.'

'I still would've been more perfect for him,' Sirius whined from behind them. 'If only I'd been a bit more careful. Bella always was a bloody bitch!'

'And that's exactly why Severus will be perfect,' Lily retorted. 'Sev wouldn't have let down his guard; he would've been content to protect Harry, and he wouldn't have amused himself by playing cat and mouse with a psychopath like an idiotic Gryffindor! Oh, don't make that face at me, Padfoot. Go on, you're a good dog!'

'Harrumph. If only I'd…oh look! It's Remus! Our good ol' Remus! Merlin, when's he going to get around to buying some decent clothes?'

'Probably when he gets his first paycheck,' James said wisely.

'He said he'd be starting at the same time as Snape. Snape's started up classes, hasn't he?'

'More or less. But his powers seem to be in better shape recently, so I suppose it won't be long before old Sluggy goes home.'

'I'd like to hear what they're saying,' Lily confessed. 'Be quiet, you!'

Slightly smiling, they moved closer so they could hear better.

"It's snowing," Remus said as he joined Snape and Harry.

"What powers of observation," Severus sneered.

"Isn't it a bit early in the season?" Remus went on, without taking offense.

"It's my fault," Harry admitted. "One of my spells went wrong. But it's rather funny, isn't it?"

"Your lessons seem to be going well," the new Defense professor smiled. Severus narrowed his eyes, seeming to search for sarcasm in his words, but didn't reply.

"Is everything all right? Do you need anything?"

"Everything is under control. We're going back."

"Did people ask questions?" Harry asked worriedly.

"Well, let's just say it's unusual to see snow here in September, but I think the students are more preoccupied with fighting the first snowball battle of the year, than anything else," Remus joked. "You should join them; I seem to have seen Ron Weasley in an unfortunate position as I came along."

Harry looked questioningly at his father, and after a nod from him, ran off like an overexcited ten-year-old.

"Meet me in our rooms," Snape called after him as he disappeared from sight. Then, turning to Lupin, he said, "What does Dumbledore want?"

"Nothing at all; he just sent me to check that everything was all right." Remus took a step to the side, clearly uncomfortable. "And I wanted to speak to you."

"Well, well, then," Severus sneered, "out of earshot of Harry. This is promising."

"Children shouldn't hear everything; you're in a position to know that."

"Let me guess—this is about your degenerate progeny again?"

'I'm going to bite him,' Sirius swore from between his teeth. 'Poor sod.'

'He'll never learn how to be civil,' James sighed. 'I just hope he doesn't influence Harry.'

"Yes, it's about Loki," Remus replied, making an obvious effort to control himself. "I need help."

"Don't tell me that creature is still on the loose somewhere," Snape growled.

"Merlin, Severus! No, he isn't. Couldn't you just try a bit?"

"Try what? Help your son kill Harry?"

"To make peace, bloody hell, to not spoil everything! You're not the only one who's fond of Harry. I want to protect him too, from Loki and all the rest of it. I didn't think you were the sort of person to refuse an ally," Remus finished gently.

"An ally? With you?" Snape scowled.

"Yes, with me," Lupin said wearily. "Harry loves you, it's clear. But whatever you might want, I doubt he'll turn his back on his old friends because of it…or on his father's friends. Harry isn't like that. He might agree not to speak to me if you ask him not to, but he'll suffer for it."

'Well said, Moony,' Sirius yapped.

"Not my intention," Severus said curtly.

"He'd be happy to know that we're getting along. That would probably make his life easier," the werewolf argued.

Arms crossed, Snape stared at him without answering.

"And there's something else," Lupin sighed. "Dumbledore. I know he strives for the best. I know he's trying to save the world. But in spite of everything…I'm a father now, and you as well, it seems. I can no longer agree to sacrifice everything for Albus' grand schemes. Loki isn't a pawn…and neither is Harry."

Severus grumbled, but uncrossed his arms. "I cannot say that's without merit," he said. "There are certain things of which I cannot speak—things that do not bode well. Dumbledore isn't the good-natured grandfather that he wants people to see him as. But even if he's fond of Harry, he wouldn't hesitate to endanger his life. And that's not acceptable."

"Entirely in agreement," Remus said approvingly. "And I stand ready to give my life for our boys. I couldn't care less about the greater good. Harry and Loki won't be delivered up as fodder!"

'Now, that's our Remus,' James said.

'Always a true Gryffindor!' Sirius added.

Severus studied him for a long moment, his face unreadable. "I will not risk my life for Loki," he finally said. "And if he goes after Harry, he'll die."

"I wasn't expecting anything less," Remus said with a sad smile.

"Nevertheless," Snape went on, "I'm ready to hear the terms of an alliance."

'Is he a complete idiot? Remus is offering him his friendship!' James grumbled.

'Sev has some gaps in this area,' Lily laughed. 'But it's the best Moony will get from him.'

'Poor, poor Remus,' Sirius moaned.

But Remus seemed both satisfied and relieved, nodding with a slight smile. "I've heard of a potion…a potion that would keep an Animagus from transforming during a certain period."

"Correct. I prepared it not too long ago."

"Perfect. Loki might have need of it."

Snape glanced at him skeptically. "Loki or you?"

Remus eyed him in defeat. "Probably me. I need him to stay in human form for long enough to be able to…communicate with him. The full moon doesn't last long enough. We're not on the same wavelength when he stays in his wolf form."

"Where is he right now?" Severus asked. Lupin looked away, confirming his suspicions.

"With Hagrid. He's trying to…tame him, I suppose."

"On Dumbledore's orders?"

"Obviously."

"So, he doesn't trust you," Snape murmured.

"It's not that! Loki seems to like Hagrid. He agrees to work with him. Albus thinks that's for the best just now."

"Even though he knows perfectly well that you don't agree."

Lupin shrugged. "I doubt our dear Headmaster has really thought of the matter."

"Hmm." After a moment's reflection, Severus tapped his cheek with a finger as he searched Lupin's eyes. "How bad are you at Occlumency?"

"I can defend myself," Remus replied. "Though I'm worthless at Legilimency."

"Doesn't matter. But if Albus can sift through your mind with a single look, our little schemes will be for naught."

"Test me," Remus offered, which Snape didn't waste a moment in doing. Staggering slightly under the attack, the werewolf did his best to block his mind. "Well?" he finally asked.

"Inadequate. You'd probably know how to resist a discreet attempt, but never an outright inquisition. However, if we get to that point, all will have already been lost. I suppose that will have to do."

"We're understood, then?" Remus asked, relieved.

"I don't believe we've discussed the terms of this alliance yet."

'For heaven's sake, Snape absolutely needs to relax!' Sirius bellowed.

'So what—Remus is offering to help him—what more does he want?" James asked.

'Severus isn't an imbecile. He won't agree to undertake a commitment without knowing the exact terms,' Lily said. 'He has good reasons.'

'Maybe,' James admitted reluctantly.

"The terms," Remus replied, "are simply to trust each other and keep each other informed of anything that might have to do with the boys' safety. No secrets. And in case of a problem, we have to support each other."

"I cannot promise that," Snape grimaced. "There are certain things about Harry that I cannot divulge."

"Important things?"

"Yes. Extremely."

Lupin grimaced this time. "I suppose I can't do anything about that. The rules apply as far as is humanly possible. I'm not asking you to betray Harry, just…" He shrugged. "…do your best, if you agree."

Snape looked at him even more intently. "You're going to have to work on your Occlumency. Intensely and quickly."

"Understood," Remus agreed. "You can trust me."

"That would be best. I would not accept betrayal."

'He has a lot of room to talk!' Sirius said indignantly.

'Shut it, Padfoot,' Lily said tersely. 'Shut it. Now'

But Remus only shook his head without looking away from the Potions master. What Severus read in his eyes seemed to satisfy him, for an instant later, after having cast a Disillusionment Charm around them, he rolled up his left sleeve.

Stunned for a moment, Remus felt breathless. "No, that's not…that's not possible! Is that…what I think it is?" he murmured.

"What else? It's more distinct every day," Snape said with a bitter smile.

"How? When? It's impossible!"

"I can't explain it all. It's something we both wanted, although unconsciously. Our precious Savior has a possessive streak that he himself must be unaware of."

"But the Mark! It can't… Voldemort! Does he realize this?"

"Apparently yes," Severus sighed. 'I suppose it was inevitable."

"What does Harry think? Merlin, when did this happen?"

"Harry doesn't think anything; he doesn't know about it. The Mark started to change over the course of the summer. It's most likely permanent now."

"Merlin, it's unbelievable," Remus breathed out as he leant back against a tree. "And you say he doesn't know? How can that be? He has to sense a presence, powers, something…"

"He knows he took possession of Voldemort's powers. I assume he attributes all the strange things that happen to him to that fact."

"Does he control the Mark in any way?"

"Alas, yes," Snape grimaced. "He can summon me. He's done it, even here at Hogwarts; he forced me to Apparate—not very pleasant. Very useful, though. Whenever Harry needs me to be there, the Mark lets me know."

"Merlin," Remus repeated, even paler now than usual. "It's not healthy…not healthy at all. You have to talk to him!"

"And tell him what? That in addition to being my son, he's also my master? I doubt that information will be very helpful to him at this point in our relationship," Severus scowled.

"But he has to know—it's too important! He could hurt you, he could…I don't know, but you can't allow him to have this power and tell him nothing."

"Everything is under control, Lupin. And don't even think about breathing a word of this; I have your promise!"

"I won't say anything," Remus said reluctantly. "But you should talk to him. Trust him. Harry needs to know as much as he can so he'll be better able to handle everything that happens to him. If he'd known about more things last year…maybe Sirius would still be here."

'No use bringing all that up again,' Sirius grunted. 'Merlin, so much wasted time, moaning over my sorry life. All right, it was a great loss for the world, but still…'

"This is a child," Snape replied, "and as pointed out earlier, children aren't meant to understand everything. He'll be told when the time is right…at the last possible moment."

"Such a responsibility," Remus murmured. "I understand, I understand. I thought things were easy for you, but I suppose they never are for anyone."

"Easy?" Severus exclaimed, stunned. "You were there during the meeting with the Ministry. You know what happened this summer. Merlin, how could you think things were easy? And we've not seen the half of it yet. Harry's a good boy, and for now it seems easy for him to forgive my past mistakes, but that won't last. I'm taking up classes again tomorrow. I doubt his good humor will last long…"

"He's a teenager; you can't expect he won't protest at every little step along the way," Remus said. "But I think you're worrying for nothing. Harry's very much like his mother. He's always forgiving, really."

Severus let out a small bitter laugh, but had nothing to say.

'Ouch,' James said. 'That's a bit overstated…not that I'm complaining, basically, but…'

Lily shook her head. 'I don't want to talk about it.'

'One can only hope that Harry really is that good-natured,' Sirius said. "I'm rather of Snape's mind. It was all too quick. Harry's bound to lay into him sooner or later.'

'Sev will manage, I'm sure,' Lily replied. Her two friends shot her skeptical looks, but didn't reply.

"If he reneges on the adoption, I'll only have myself to blame. After all, so far as blood is concerned…he won't ever be truly mine," Severus said.

"Blood's not important at all," Remus said, shaking his head. "Look at Petunia. Look at Loki. He couldn't care less that I'm his…sire. As far as he's concerned, I'm just a wizard like all the others, only interesting during the full moon… And yes, if he could choose, he'd pick Hagrid as his father without even thinking twice."

Once again, Snape stared at him thoughtfully.

"Complicated, isn't it? I couldn't say which situation is worse, Lupin, but one thing is still certain: both have unique benefits we should draw from. Harry chose me, and Loki doesn't have a choice about his heritage. At least we have that going for us—it's up to us now to prove to them that we're their fathers, no matter what. Hopefully it's not too late to claim a place in their lives."

"That's what frightens me," Remus murmured. "That and…You Know Who."

Severus gritted his teeth. "That's another certainty: the sooner we're rid of Voldemort, the sooner we can focus on the real problems."

Remus laughed outright this time. "I'm not certain Albus would approve of our priorities, but…I can only agree. The world is changing quickly, isn't it? I would've never thought, a few months ago…"

"Of being anything but a pawn on Albus' chessboard?"

"That's about it, yes."

The two men studied each other for a moment that seemed frozen in time.

'He's going to do it,' James murmured excitedly. "Go on, Remus, take the plunge!'

'Sev's understood,' Lily said, clinging to her husband's shoulder. 'He's understood they're in the same boat. He's going to do it!'

'Merlin, what a pair of clumsy oafs!' Sirius moaned. 'One of them better do something or I'm going to go down there and kick them in the arse.'

But it was Remus who finally acted first, stretching out a tentative hand towards Snape. The Potions master considered it for a second before at last shaking it as a token of agreement.

By the time Harry finally reached Hogwarts, the snowball fight was at an end, for lack of ammunition. But Remus had been right, he decided, for there seemed to be more snow on Ron than on the ground just then.

"Everything all right? Gryffindor's honor is intact?" Harry smiled.

"I think it'll recover," Hermione laughed, doing her best to brush off her friend. "The battle was short but intense. You really missed it!"

"Sorry, I was just a little ways off. But I can try to make it snow again if you like."

Ron and Hermione stared at him, wide-eyed.

"You…it was you who…oh, Merlin! I didn't know that was possible!" Hermione choked out, trying to keep her voice sufficiently quiet.

"And you can do it again? I owe one or two more to that Slytherin over there," Ron said.

"Um, I'm not sure Severus would like that, actually."

"He can't forbid everything, though!"

"You were training?" Hermione interrupted. "How are you coming along?"

"Rather well, I think. Snape seemed satisfied."

"And you?"

"I don't know. I think mostly I'd prefer not to have these powers, all things considered," Harry sighed.

"Not much choice, huh?" Ron said with a shrug. "Think it's a pretty positive thing in the end, if it makes you able to fight…You Know Who."

"That's the idea, yeah, but…"

"Let's go, everyone in the Hall! Playtime's over, everyone to their tables! This way!" shouted an authoritative voice. Around them, the prefects were busily herding the students back in, all of them more or less covered with snow.

"We're going to have to go," Hermione grimaced. "Harry, have you eaten?"

"No, not yet. But Severus told me to wait for him in our rooms."

"He wants to change you into a house cat or what?" Ron groaned. "You can come and eat with us for once."

"I'll meet you afterward; I suppose he has something he wants to talk to me about. I need to talk to you anyway."

Hermione shot him a questioning look, but McGonagall's arrival cut her questions short.

"Mister Potter-Snape, is your father around?"

"No, Professor, he stayed in the garden to talk with Professor Lupin. I can go look for him if you want me to."

"That won't be necessary. If you see him before I do, just tell him the Headmaster wants to see him in his office as soon as possible."

Harry nodded, caught between worry and pleasure. McGonagall had used his name…and called Snape his father! Someone had asked him where his father was. But being summoned to Dumbledore's office didn't sound like anything good.

Before he had time to resolve the dilemma, though, the witch had gone, leaving behind his two friends, who took off with a wave of wordless goodbye.

'He's too cute,' Sirius said. 'But just look at him. He's all red!'

'And all because Minerva called him by that name,' James said, shaking his head. 'To think that mine wasn't good enough.'

'Don't take it that way, James,' Lily scolded him gently, wrapping an arm around his neck. 'But I agree, he's really adorable. And Minerva too, she did that on purpose. I miss our conversations; she's truly an exceptional woman. She babysat Harry several times when he was a baby—a real grandmother!'

'Harry would've had a real grandmother, if Snape hadn't…'

'Sirius!' Lily shrieked. "I forbid you to say such things! Remember your good resolutions!'

'People can change,' James said philosophically. 'Doesn't keep all this from being really frustrating.'

'If Sirius hadn't had the great idea of passing through the Veil, we wouldn't even be able to get so close, even less communicate with them,' Lily pointed out. 'That's already a big spot of luck.'

'Communicate, communicate…I know Harry has to be allowed to grieve, at the risk of staying stuck in it forever, but still…couldn't we give a little nudge here and there?' Sirius asked. 'All of this isn't going quick enough for me. Snape isn't making a bad job of it, but he's not asking enough questions; he doesn't see what's right there under his enormous nose.'

'For Merlin's sake,' Lily sighed. 'But you're not wrong. Maybe we could…push things a bit.'

'Hmm, I've nothing against that, but let's go see what's happening there,' James said. 'Look who it is.'

Left alone, Harry had decided to go back to the dungeons to wait for Snape, before catching up with his friends as quickly as he could. This matter of Malfoy and Potions class had to be resolved…but a movement in a tree stopped him, and the vague sensation of hostile magic coming in his direction made him raise his wand. Not without reason, he saw, noticing Draco's slender figure perched on a branch, his face wearing an expression of pure disgust.

"Well, Malfoy, not even a little snowball to throw?" Harry asked.

"And find myself accused of murdering the Savior? No way," Draco retorted.

"I suppose you already used all your ammunition against my friends anyway, hidden up in your tree."

"I didn't throw a single one, Potter. I'm past the age for such childishness."

"Too old for a snowball fight, but just the right age to take the Mark. Congrats, Malfoy, so mature," Harry said as he walked away.

But he quickly turned around at the sound of a controlled fall to the ground behind his back. Ready for the attack, he brandished his wand, but Malfoy hadn't done the same. The boy stalked toward him, fists clenched and clearly wild with rage as he pushed up his sleeve, and Harry thought for an instant that the pureblood Draco was going to attack him, Muggle-style, with a good left-hook; then he noticed what the boy was trying to show him. The Mark. Red, black in places, and obviously painful, given the trembling of Malfoy's arm. All in all, the scar wasn't all that different from what he'd seen this summer of Severus', when Voldemort had tried to punish him.

"Are you satisfied, Potter? You see it? You see how it burns me, how it's eating away at my arm?"

"You're the one who chose to take it," Harry retorted, sickened. Merlin, he hadn't wanted to see that. Not the symbol, nor the horrible way it was attacking its bearer.

"And I chose to join your side too!" Malfoy shouted. "I was disowned by my own family for that! Because you swore to protect me, because Severus said he'd give me a potion, and all of that for what? That dirty traitor hasn't done anything at all; he's just left me to rot in a dungeon, and now in this school, without a wand or any way to defend myself, with no help! If that's how your side treats its own, I think I've made a terrible mistake, Potter, because you're no better than them!"

Stunned speechless, Harry looked at the bright red Mark on his enemy's arm again…former enemy? And Snape…hadn't done anything? Draco was right on that point; he'd promised him. Was he trying to punish Malfoy? If that were the case, it was excessive, and even if he had to admit that he felt distinctly more reassured to know that his adversary was disarmed, leaving Draco defenseless in the very school where there was a raving wolf who'd already tried to kill him was a bit irresponsible.

He swallowed hard. "I'll talk to Severus."

"Oh, really?" Draco hissed. "You'll talk to him? And tell him what—to lock me up in the dungeons again? I didn't change sides to end up in a worse situation than before, Potter. I want protection, and something for this Mark! If you want my cooperation, that's the least I expect!"

"Your cooperation on what, Malfoy?" Harry asked dryly. "If you have something to offer, then do it. Bargaining won't get you anywhere. Severus and Dumbledore will do the best they can anyway."

"That's really not the impression I've got so far."

"And what exactly were you expecting?" Harry exclaimed, trying to forget the image of the Mark. "You became a turncoat after trying to kill me and make the adoption fail, and you're surprised you weren't welcomed with open arms?"

Draco stared at him, abruptly lowering his sleeve. Something in his expression made Harry more uncomfortable that he wanted to admit.

"Doesn't matter. Forget what I said, Potter. I'll talk to Severus myself when he's finally available."

"That's good, Malfoy," Harry muttered. "I'll talk to him about it. I have to see him anyway."

"You're very pleased with yourself, aren't you? With this entire thing? But you don't see the half of it. You only want to see what suits you, and you're probably making a huge effort not to see the rest of it."

"Still just as pretentious, aren't you?" Harry retorted. "And you, you know, of course."

"I know certain things," Draco said pensively. "And I know Severus. Maybe you think you've found the perfect family; you think you'll control everything…but you're wrong. In the end, Snape is still a Slytherin, and you're a Gryffindor. You don't know anything."

Harry sneered, his arms crossed. "Is that all you have to sell, Malfoy? I know Severus better than anyone. This adoption wasn't by chance. Neither is the fact that he doesn't want you."

Draco broke out into a small, bitter smile. "I won't waste time trying to make you open your eyes. You'll see it soon enough, I'm sure. We'll see what's left of your pretty dreams when the time comes…"

Then, not waiting for an answer, he strode off stiffly for the Great Hall. By the stiffness of his shoulders, Harry could guess that he was suffering, and was seized by a new wave of guilt. Malfoy was without a doubt a dirty, rotten snob, but he still didn't deserve this. And it was rather strange that Snape wasn't of the same mind…

'I'm not proud to hail from the same family as that little snot, but I must say he wasn't wrong,' Sirius said. 'A Slytherin is always a Slytherin.'

'That has nothing to do with the matter,' Lily sighed. 'But you're right. Draco had a valid point—Harry tends to idolize Severus too much. Something's bound to go wrong, sooner or later.'

'Really, so much worry over little things,' James sighed. Sirius and Lily turned to him in surprise. 'All children idolize their parents, and eventually end up realizing they're human.'

'But Harry's already sixteen,' Sirius pointed out. 'A bit late to make the whole connection. That's not good.'

'Don't be so sure. They've simply come around to things differently. Harry hated Snape for years; he's seen or imagined all that could be the worst in him.'

'But this is different,' Lilly interrupted. 'This is about their relationship now. If he realizes Severus has done something he doesn't approve of, he'll feel betrayed…'

'Lily,' James said, holding her to him, 'it's not inevitable that what happened with you will happen again. I hope Snape remembers the lesson, and Harry's different than you and I. This isn't a matter of a friendship or…a love affair. This is a teenager; he's bound to have disagreements with Snape sooner or later, reject him, be cross with him, hate him…and that would be normal. And what's more, there'll be a few hundred students and dozens of professor to confirm it.'

Lily raised her misty eyes to her husband. 'You're incredible, you know that?'

'You want me to be even more incredible?" he asked with a slight smile.

'Try again,' Lily teased.

'I think I could end up liking Snape if he continues to take care of our boy this way…like a good Slytherin,' James said, making a face.

'Oh Merlin, I'm going to sick up,' Sirius moaned.

'James Potter, you're the most wonderful father in the world,' Lily said, kissing him. Then, glancing at the entryway where Snape had just stepped through, she added, 'Along with Severus. Both of you are incredible. Who would've thought that two insufferable, arrogant, egocentric boys like you two could turn out so well?'

'Flattery will get you nowhere, woman,' James grumbled.

Arriving back at the castle, Severus hesitated for a moment over which direction to take. Harry was probably waiting for him in their rooms, but…something was bothering him more than he wanted to admit, and despite all his good intentions, Lupin wasn't the best person to talk to about it. No, for this, the answers could only come from one person. Sighing, he headed for the Headmaster's office.

"Ah well, it seems that lesson was productive," Dumbledore greeted him. "I especially liked that little refreshing snowfall—one of your ideas, Severus?"

"No at all," the Potions master replied as he settled into a large armchair. "Much too showy. Did you watch the lesson from here?"

"Only the end. I wanted to know where the sudden change in temperature had come from. I trust you, my boy."

"Perhaps you're wrong to," Snape murmured.

"Did something go amiss?" Dumbledore asked, surprised.

"Harry's beginning to master himself better; he also has a better understanding of how his powers function."

"In that case, I don't see what's concerning you."

"Are you familiar with the Caput Mortuum spell?" Severus asked.

The Headmaster paled markedly. "Not from personal experience, but I know its nature, yes. It's what comes closest to the effects of a Dementor's Kiss. An Unforgivable, of course, and not very well-known, thank Merlin."

Snape nodded. "I think I'm safe in assuming that none of our Defense professors have ever taught it, nor spoken of it to students."

"Merlin, indeed I dare hope not. Where are you going with this, Severus?"

"Earlier, I pushed Harry to the limit…I wanted him to use all the spells at his disposal against a Boggart. In a moment of intense rage…he used that spell."

There was a long silence during which the Headmaster walked heavily to a chest; he took out two glasses and a bottle of liqueur. "The possibilities are rather limited," he said at last. "Whether Harry had already heard this spell and tried to reproduce it…or whether it was someone else who spoke through him."

Snape nodded. "Perhaps we were wrong. Maybe his powers are more contaminated with dark magic than we thought. No study has ever been done on this subject."

"No, indeed, but it's difficult to imagine how the simple fact of acquiring new powers could at the same time teach him new spells."

"He didn't know how to perform Animagus transformations before this summer either," Severus pointed out. "There are also other possibilities to consider. He could've drawn from another person's resources without meaning to. He's capable of it."

"The Horcrux," Dumbledore murmured. "His connection to Voldemort. It's not impossible."

"Or my Mark," Snape added.

It seemed as if the Headmaster started. "Is it possible it would allow this sort of transfer?"

"I don't have the slightest idea," Severus confessed. "It never occurred with Voldemort, apparently, but it's reacting now. I know this spell, even though I've never used it. Who knows?"

"There are numerous possibilities," Dumbledore murmured. "Too many for our peace of mind. What do you make of it yourself?"

"As I said, not the slightest idea. None of these choices seem better than the other…and in any case, we'll need to know for certain before attempting anything."

"Harry's powers cannot be taken away except by force, and restraining them will change nothing," Albus pointed out.

"No."

"The Mark cannot be suppressed either. The only possible move in this situation would be to explain everything to Harry, but teaching him to control it wouldn't be easy."

"No," Snape repeated.

"As for the latter solution…we'll have to think about it one day anyway. The Horcrux must be destroyed."

"No."

"Severus…"

"As long as you don't find a solution to destroy it without risking Harry, well, you won't touch him."

"I understand your position. But be reasonable, Severus. If things become complicated one day, if this Horcrux were to keep Harry from living normally, we'll have to resolve ourselves to trying something."

"You'll do nothing without my consent, be clear on that. And you do not have my consent."

The Headmaster let out a sigh as he sat at his desk. "You've never chosen the easy path, my boy. But I have no intention of resorting to such extremes. I doubt anything could be possible without your help now, in any case."

"All that can be done is to wait, I assume," Snape said, clearly on the defensive.

"All will be for the best," Dumbledore smiled. "I know things seem difficult now, but what's most important is that Harry has these powers, and a family. The rest will sort itself out, I'm persuaded."

'For pity's sake,' James moaned, 'the old man is senile. Since when does Dumbledore babble this sort of nonsense?'

'And to Snape, to boot. But look at his face; I'm sure the first thing he'll do after he gets out of there is call St. Mungo's and have the old man committed.'

'Having a family certainly didn't help Harry the first time,' Lily sighed.

"If you'll excuse me," Snape said cautiously, "Harry is waiting for me in our rooms."

"Of course, of course. When you've talked over Harry's progress and his impressions, I'd be curious to read your report."

"Understood."

After a few polite niceties, Severus left the office and found himself hesitating in the corridor once again.

'Remus is the one he should've talked to,' James said. "Someone has to tell him!'

'No, James, we mustn't influence him like that. And he won't listen if you're the one to tell him,' Lily wisely pointed out.

'You, then?'

'No, that wouldn't be good.'

'Evans is right. He's as stubborn as a mule. We'll have to do it differently. Don't show yourself, but do as I do,' Sirius said. Then, drawing closer to Severus, he began to whisper, 'Go see Remus. Go see Remus. Remus!'

'He can't hear you like that, moron,' James muttered.

'It's Snape. He can hear everything, even in the next world. Stop arguing and follow my lead!'

James rolled his eyes, and Lily shrugged, but both followed their friend's advice.

Severus cocked his head to the side, lifting a finger to tap at his cheek in a familiar gesture. Then, in a swirl of black robes, he took off in the direction of Gryffindor tower.

'Both of you, follow him,' Lily commanded. 'I have to see about something with Harry.'

Left alone deep in the dungeons, Harry had naturally found his way to his room. His room…just the word alone was something to savor. And this bed that he'd made almost on his own, this chest, the posters that Ron had given him…everything here was absolutely fantastic. His room, nobody's but his!

And his clothes—new ones. Harry smoothed a hand over the fabrics, breathed in the nice smell of them…and the books Severus had given him. The trunk he'd found at the Dursleys', with his mother's letters…

'Open it, Harry. Open it.'

He should've opened it before, of course. All of it had belonged to his mother, but he wasn't certain he had the courage to do it.

'Open that trunk, my little lion. You have to do it, it's important…"

With a sigh, Harry went to kneel in front of the chest, and opened it with a trace of fear. What if the necklace had contaminated it? But nothing happened, and he began to rummage hesitantly through the things packed within. Dresses, scarves, books…all of it giving off a strong odor of dust and staleness. There were also a few loose letters and…a clearly damaged notebook, from which most of the pages seemed to be missing.

His heart pounding, Harry opened it, dreading what he was going to find there.

23 November 1971

It snowed at Hogwarts! It's absolutely magnificent! Sev and I went out after classes to have a snowball battle, but those imbeciles Potter and Black followed us and made all the snow from a tree fall on Severus; he was furious. I managed to calm him down and keep them from following us, but he was in a bad mood all evening. Those boys always have to spoil everything, but tomorrow, Alice and I have planned a trip to the Forbidden Forest to see the unicorns! It's so exciting!

Snow? Severus? The date…this was Lily's personal diary. Adjusting his glasses, Harry quickly leafed through the notebook. Many pages were missing, and others were scribbled on, erased, illegible. Despite all of this, many entries were still clear, penned in this delicate and elegant handwriting that had been his mother's.

But did he have the right to read it? After all, this was a private diary…but it was also all that he had left of her, he thought. Even if there were something morbid and terribly sad about reading these lines.

He turned a page with reverent caution, taking care not to damage the precious notebook. The dates went on, the years as well…even with just contenting himself with skimming the pages, he could see James Potter's name appear more and more often. He smiled. The notebook definitely covered all of Lily's school years; he was going to have a front row seat to the moment his parents became a couple. Was he really happy about this, though? Stirring up these stories wouldn't do anything to help sort out his relationship with Severus.

A breeze from out of nowhere swept across the room, sending all the papers flying, scattering them on the rug. No, he most definitely shouldn't lose them!

One of the pages, though, took longer to settle down, and he plucked it from the air.

15 January 1977

Sirius is really depressed today. It seems his family hols didn't go well. I know he's always overdoing things at Hogwarts—always wants to be the craftiest, the merriest, the funniest, the most Gryffindor. But behind all that, there are times he's just a melancholy boy. He has good reason for it. I stayed to talk to him when the others were in detention (for once, he managed to escape it!) and what he told me saddened me deeply. Obviously being a pureblood isn't enough to make a family happy or stable.

His parents are horrible, supporters of that so-called Art that Severus likes so much. And Regulus, Sirius' brother, seems to be following the same path. They don't get along either, even though they were close as children. This rivalry between Houses again…am I the only one who finds it stupid?

Anyway, Sirius assured me he doesn't share their viewpoint on Muggle-borns. I told him I didn't doubt it, and that in any case, if one looked carefully, I have wizarding ancestors. I told him the story of our family's necklace, the one I sent to Petunia. He was very interested in the legend and that necklace, and he would've liked to see it, but too late! But as he stressed, this story illustrates so well why these pureblood prejudices are stupid. Magic can decide to skip generations if it likes!

I'm really glad I was able to talk with Sirius; he's a brave boy, at heart. If only he, James and Severus…oh, they irritate me. It's too late for this sort of thinking anyway….

Footsteps sounded in the corridor, then someone knocked at the door.

"Come in."

Snape came to stand near him, casting a disapproving look at the pages scattered around the room. "Were you able to see your friends?"

"Not for long; they went to eat. I'll meet up with them later, if that's all right with you."

'You were too quick,' Lily said.

'Remus wasn't there; he's gone to see his hellion of a kid,' Sirius explained. 'Are we interrupting something?'

'No. A bit more time would've been…but the most important part is done.'

"Of course," Severus agreed. "I would prefer, however, that you not tell them about our training session in detail. It's better if certain things remain secret."

"Okay," Harry said regretfully. "Say…I ran into Malfoy earlier. He didn't seem to be doing so well."

"Draco? He wasn't supposed to be outdoors this morning. I suppose I can't hope he'd obey my instructions now, though; I should've expected as much."

"He wasn't doing anything bad. But, um, I think you should talk to him."

Snape lifted an ironic eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

"He's not doing well at all, in fact. It's not my problem, but still…his Mark; he doesn't understand why you're not helping him. He says he regrets his choice," Harry finished, making a face.

"The Mark? But…" Snape sighed and ran a hand across his face. "Not dealing with him personally was probably a mistake, it seems. You're right, I'll have to speak to him. This is what must occupy my social calendar this afternoon."

"I sympathize," Harry laughed. "As for me, I think I'll quietly make use of the Gryffindor common room to catch up on my classes."

"And for your work this afternoon, you should detail on parchment all that happened during our session this morning. What you did and what you felt. It'll be important to follow the progression. You'd do well to start a notebook…"

"Speaking of notebooks," Harry said, showing him Lily's, "I started to go through the trunk from the Dursleys'. My mother's private diary was in there."

'Oh,' James said. 'What a surprise! A private diary!'

'Not worth ogling the pages, you little devil,' Lily said, sticking her tongue out at him.

As for Snape, he started, then glanced hesitantly at the parchments. "Anything interesting?"

'Obviously,' Lily said indignantly. 'It's my diary!'

"I don't know, I've just started. Did you know my mother got on well with Sirius?"

"Yes," Severus said in a tone of voice intended to be neutral.

"Apparently, she even talked to him about the necklace. To explain how she was descended distantly from a witch. That interested Sirius."

Snape's face became blank.

'Uh-oh,' Sirius said. 'You never talked to him about it, then? He's going to be jealous.'

'It was supposed to be a secret at the time, and I didn't think about it after that,' Lily agreed. 'But that's not what's important. I just hope he'll make the connection…'

"I see," Severus replied at last. "Might I borrow this letter to duplicate it? I'd like to show it to someone, if you don't mind."

"Who?" Harry asked, reluctant.

"Lupin."

"Oh." The surprise could be read on his face, as well as a hesitant happiness. "All right. Yeah, sure."

With a subtle flick of his wand, the parchment was reproduced, and Severus read it rapidly.

'Excellent!' Lily exclaimed. "This is perfect, Sev, that's exactly it!'

"Thank you. You should go to eat now."

"Aren't you coming?"

"I've something pressing to do," Severus said.

"I'll go meet the others, then. See you tonight!"

"If you'd like to sleep up there, let me know," Severus said distractedly as he headed for the door.

"Meow," a black cat answered as it slipped between his legs. Snape smiled as he shook his head. If it weren't for these enigmatic responses, it must be very useful to be a cat sometimes.

Even in the absence of snow, the weather had clearly cooled in the garden. A chilly breeze swept across the moor, and Severus was thankful for his thick black robes as he took the path toward Hagrid's hut.

It didn't take him long to notice the solitary figure watching the hut from a distance.

"Practicing spying, Lupin?" he asked when he joined him.

"I can hardly spy at anything, so long as Loki doesn't trust me," Remus replied bitterly.

"Merlin help us if Hagrid has to take on that role…"

Remus smiled. "Have my talents risen in your estimation by comparison?

"If it must come to that, I'll be forced to reconsider my career plans," Snape sneered. "After all, perhaps Voldemort is still in need of a Potions master…"

"Or a Cat master," Remus said. "Did you come to see Hagrid?"

"No. The chance to make yourself useful has arrived earlier than foreseen I've a few questions to ask you."

"I'm listening," Remus said curiously.

"I know Black's relationship with his brother was strained during their entire time at Hogwarts. I was wondering, though, if they'd ever reconciled at one time or another."

"I think matters got complicated," Remus answered with a shrug. "When Regulus chose to take the Mark, their relationship deteriorated a great deal, no need to say. That's one of the reasons…well…Sirius thought you encouraged Regulus to do it," he confessed.

"He was right," Snape said, unperturbed. "And afterward?"

"Afterward?"

"When Regulus realized his mistake and decided to beat a retreat?"

"Did he do that?" Remus cried out. "I didn't know…did…Merlin, is that why he died?"

"Obviously. There's no 'early retirement' option for Death Eaters."

"Were you…did you…I mean…"

"Encourage him? More or less. Discreetly. But Regulus being an excellent Occlumens, I took the risk. If Black were still alive, he could reproach me for having doubly contributed to the downfall and then the death of his brother. I would've loved having that discussion, by the way. Anyway, I was wondering if the two brothers had reconciled."

Remus took a moment to think. "I had less opportunity to talk to Sirius about that after we left Hogwarts, but it seems to me that though they mightn't have got along, they definitely saw each other again. He didn't speak of it much, simply mentioned their meeting up and their heated conversations. I don't think he knew what really happened to his brother."

"By any chance, would those discussions have been about pureblood and Muggle-born theories?"

"I have no idea," Remus said as he shook his head. "But at the time, that was a major topic of concern. I don't see what could've set them against each other, outside of that and their family.

Frustrated, Severus sighed.

"I know I'm not being much of a help," Remus apologized.

"That's not a novelty. Perhaps someone else could help me. I'll have to go see him anyway, might as well profit from it."

"You're Machiavellian, aren't you?" Lupin sighed.

Snape smiled thinly. "Is that a problem?"

Remus shrugged, laughing softly. "Do you think you could make that potion quickly?"

It was enough for Severus to follow his gaze to know what he meant. A hundred meters in front of them, a wolf and a half-giant were playing like old friends.

"I'll contact you as soon as it's done."

'There are times when he almost seems civilized,' James pointed out.

'Almost,' Lily laughed. 'Are you all right, Sirius? You…didn't know about this, did you?'

'What do you think, Evans? I always knew. Regulus admired this bloke, can you believe it? Snape's and Lucius' names were all we heard when he came home. But I didn't know Snape had tried to change his mind afterward, though.'

'And?' James said carefully.

'I suppose I should be cross with him,' Sirius replied thoughtfully. 'If it's true, then it's his fault Regulus died. But in a way, it's better like this. That he changed his mind, even if…still, that proves one thing. Snape couldn't care less about people. He doesn't place any value on human lives.'

'He just saw things differently at the time,' Lily defended him. 'He regrets it now.'

'That's not the impression I got.'

James and Lily looked at each other.

'But it's not important,' Sirius went on. 'That's not what matters anymore. And…I suppose nothing is ever all black or white. Even Snape.'

Snape rubbed at his arm reflexively. His companion turned, clearly worried.

"He's summoning you?"

The Potions master shrugged. "I don't think so. He's just retaken his human form, and his emotions are stronger."

"As long as he doesn't make you Apparate, I suppose everything's fine."

Severus glanced disdainfully at his neighbor. "Hurry up and get your son on leash, Lupin. Things might be prone to happen quickly."

"What do you mean by that?" Remus asked nervously.

"That this letter could very well change everything," Snape said, tapping the parchment dreamily. "If I'm right…if my theory's correct…then things could very well escalate."

"What're you talking about? Our sons or Voldemort?"

"'Our sons'…Lupin, would it be too much to ask not to pass us off as an old couple on our return? I'm speaking of Voldemort. I must look into this lead, but I have a suspicion that it's not a coincidence. Be ready."

"Useless to ask you anymore about this, I assume," Remus said to him as the former spy headed for the castle.

Snape waved a hand toward him, which left much room for interpretation, and the werewolf shook his head, a slight smile on his face.

Above them, three ghostly figures smiled.

'I suppose ol' Snape's suspicion is right on,' Sirius said, looking at Lily.

'With all the signs I left him, he'd better be!' she laughed.

'Those Horcruxes,' James murmured. 'I know this hunt must be done. But when there's only one left…'

All of them fell silent, watching the countryside below them, the beings who lived there, breathing and talking, playing and fighting—without them.

'There's still one positive thing,' Sirius said at last. 'You're the very picture of health, Lily, and you too, James.'

His two companions burst into laughter, looking at each other.

'It's true,' Lily said, snuggling up to James. 'We're a bit more transparent every day…'

'We'll be able to go home soon,' James finished.