Lucius and Severus looked around the storehouse with a bit of disappointment. There was no McNair here either. They had finished all the safehouses and the re-warding was in progress. Lucius and Severus had set basic wards. Andromeda was slowly working her way through them setting the extensive wards that the three of them felt necessary.

They had stopped short of placing a fidelus on them. If fleeing families ended up in them, the charm could be placed, then. The warding would likely take Andromeda weeks, even with the help of some of the dragonkeepers who had expressed an interest in wards. There had been a heated debate about payment, and Andy had finally agreed to payment and Tom had convinced Lucius and Severus that the warding for Lord Voldemort's old haunts should be paid for using Lord Voldemort's old money.

All three of them had smirked maliciously at that.

Now they looked around the storehouse. They had kept this one because Voldemort had placed all the libraries he had stolen or blackmail out of wizards in it. It had other things, of course - a few arcane objects and had a good potions lab with a lot of ingredients in it. Severus had known of it because he had been summoned to brew there more than once for the Dark Lord.

"Well, sifting through thousands of books should keep Tom quietly busy for a few weeks." Severus said, almost feeling jealous of the boy. His own hands itched to rummage through the tomes.

Lucius eyed his old friend with a smirk, not fooled at all. Severus was always as curious as a cat when he was faced with a pile of books he hadn't seen before.

"Well, the house elves can fetch the books a pile at a time for Tom to look through. There are a lot of libraries in here, boxed up in those ‘wizardspace' boxes." Lucius scowled. "Tom will likely insist on returning the books to their rightful owners."

Severus nodded mournfully. "Well, as long as he makes copies of all the interesting books..." They grinned at each other as they finished up the basic warding and alarm system. If there was an intruder at any of the safehouses or the storehouse - Lucius would be warned.

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Harry, flanked by a scowling Dudley and Draco, read the Daily Prophet editorial and opinion section. It was four days after the ‘Halloween incident', and although the headlines had moved away from the attempted kidnapping there continued to be articles about the search for McNair.

What angered the three boys, though, were people's opinions on whether ‘the Boy Who Lived', was well protected enough or given the proper care. Before the incident there were few letters regarding this. Now, though, they were fair game. Everyone, it seemed, had an opinion.

Harry burned with fury, how dare these people judge his guardian to be inadequate in any way?

Draco watched his friends face with sympathy. Draco had grown up knowing that the newspapers were fickle and wrote to sell the most papers, not to make people happy - particularly the people they wrote about. Luckily the main section of the Daily Prophet continued to write that the Dragon Reserves were likely the best warded places on earth and could not be blamed for a Ministry official bringing a Death Eater with him to the Halloween party.

The Ministry had been ridden a bit hard over that slip-up. However Cornelius' seemingly heartfelt regret over their having been so badly duped had lessened any fallout - especially after the success of the safehouses being seized.

However the paper also didn't hesitate to run letters from readers that varied from supportive to scathing regarding Professor Snape as a guardian. Harry's emotions fluctuated wildly from furious to tearful when he would read a letter saying that a bachelor Professor with a dicey past was no fit guardian for a kneazle, let alone Harry Potter.

Rita Skeeter's articles especially left him seething with anger with their condescending tone and sweetly ‘concerned' comments. She managed to imply that Severus was using Harry to elevate himself into high society, and that Lucius had political axes to grind.

"You mustn't pay too much attention to them - Severus and dad watch the papers carefully. If they are worried, they'll do something about it." Draco said.

Harry crumpled the paper up and tossed in a waste can, eyes blazing, but Draco was right. Severus and Lucius had sneered and chuckled over the letters and Rita's article. The main articles on the front page said that Severus was doing a good job and had quotes from the Minister of Magic, Albus Dumbledore and even Auror Hugo Savage, all saying that Harry was happy with Professor Snape and as safe as the Ministry, the IFOW and the Dragonriders could make him.

Harry scowled; he just resented anyone speaking badly of his dad. Harry smiled thoughtfully; he would have to find something more for Christmas for him. Maybe he could find a t-shirt that said ‘World's best Dad - after 3 cups of coffee'.

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Albus cursed under his breath - another cauldron melted and he could see two others threatening to blow up, he waved his wand, vanishing the content of the two and vanishing the melting cauldron completely.

He took and deep breath - these were third year students; they should be able to at least read directions!

No wonder Severus yelled and took points at nearly every class.

Albus looked out over the blankly uncertain faces and smiled with an effort.

"Anyone who has managed to complete their potions, please bottle a sample and bring it to the front." Albus managed to grit through his teeth. When only four students did so it was only with great effort that he didn't assign detention to the rest of the class.

Albus watched the students race for the door and silently wondered how Severus managed to keep from hexing the whole lot of them. Albus had taught Transfiguration for decades, but there was less chance to destroy the classroom or kill your classmates in that class. Potions was different - a mistake in Potions could be destructive or even fatal.

He was glad it was Friday - if he made it through one more class without allowing anyone to cause a fatal explosion he was home free.

Luckily it was now lunch and then a free period - then the advanced seventh year class. Albus sighed gratefully. At least the 7th year students weren't fumbling idiots. Albus walked to the great hall, sipping at a headache potion. He did wish he'd been able to help with the safehouses more - if only because he would not have been in the Potions classrooms, then. At least he'd been able to go through them once on Sunday, but the re-warding had been done by Order members.

Albus spent lunch being stared at with resentment by many of the students - especially Gryffindors. He supposed they had thought it would be a week off from Potions, or that he wouldn't punish any foolishness. Albus, though, was aware of the dangers of Potions - and he had been recently reminded by Tom's near fatality. So, when the students had started misbehaving they had been shocked by his point-taking and handing out of detentions.

Albus scowled a bit, he really didn't know how Severus managed to keep any order in the classroom. No matter how attentive Albus had been he never seemed to catch the little idiots making silly mistakes before they melted cauldrons or blew things up. It was maddening. Only the advanced classes were at all controllable.

He was forced to give Severus credit for managing to teach the students anything in such an environment.

Albus stood to leave, planning to rest a bit in his office before his last class as Potions substitute teacher, when he saw Remus hovering at the door. Albus brightened and they went to his tower for a chat. Albus had managed to arrange some payment for the work Remus was doing to ward the new Order safehouses and his sorting through things left at the storehouses.

"I found some more artifacts that will need cleansing of dark magic, Headmaster." Remus announced, sipping at the tea brought by a house elf. "We've completely cleared the first house two days ago, and with this bunch of artifacts the second one will be done. Elphias Doge was done warding the first house this morning, so he can start on this second one. Do you want to start clearing the house near Hogsmeade, next?"

"Yes, an excellent idea." Albus sipped at the tea as well, and waited. He knew the question that would be asked next.

"Have you asked Severus if he will let me visit Harry, yet?" Remus looked at him hopefully.

Albus sighed a bit. It had seemed a good idea to bring Remus here. He was needed for the work on the safehouses, but he had thought having him see Harry would be good - it would expose him to his Gryffindor heritage, since Remus would reminisce about the marauders at length, he knew. Now, though...well, Albus wasn't looking forward to approaching Severus regarding Remus.

It was mostly his own fault, he knew. Albus had long ago realized that he had mishandled that whole ‘prank' of Sirius Black's badly. He had simply been terrified that Remus would be executed and that he would find himself no longer Headmaster if the whole sorry affair got out. Now that he knew Severus as the person he really was, he realized if he had treated Severus right he could have sworn Severus to secrecy and Severus would never have betrayed him - and if he had just treated him like he did his Gryffindors he would never have gone looking for recognition from Voldemort.

As it was - he had treated Severus like he had been the criminal and had driven him straight to the Death Eaters eagerly waiting arms. Albus looked at Remus in regret. He didn't want to get the man's hopes up. Although Severus despised Remus more than he actually hated him, there was also the underlying fear from remembering Remus in his werewolf form.

"I'll ask him when he returns - or if I see him sooner, though that is unlikely. He'll be quite busy I imagine. And he always waits until the last minute to leave Dragonsrest and Harry." Albus answered.

Remus looked puzzled and concerned, just as he did every time he had to think of Severus willingly caring for James' son. Remus had voiced endless concerns and questions about Severus' guardianship of Harry and even more about Lucius' defection to Harry's cause.

Albus had explained as best he could, but he could tell that although Remus ceased arguing, he was not really convinced. Perhaps he should send an owl to Severus, or firecall him.

"Surely Severus can't object to a friend of Harry's parents visiting?" Remus pressed.

Albus almost laughed. A old friend of James' was exactly who Severus would object to, and Remus knew that, he just expected Albus to strong-arm Severus into it. Albus, though, was reluctant to press Severus on matters in relation to Harry Potter. Severus would do what he thought best for Harry, no matter what Albus said.

Albus would have to ask politely and have plenty of well-reasoned arguments at hand. Strong-arm tactics would have to be saved for when Albus really, really needed co-operation from his Potions Master.

Albus gave Remus a stern look. "Severus will do what is best for Harry - that much you can count on." Albus took another sip. "I'll let you know what he says."

Remus took that for the dismissal it was and said his goodbyes. Albus watched him leave with sadness. Remus had gotten the short end of a lot of sticks. Back when Remus was a student, Albus had hoped that Remus' kind nature and sense of fairness would rub off on the marauders. Instead he'd been dragged into their unkind pranks. Making him a prefect had been a mistake - instead of curbing them, he'd looked the other way. At the time Albus hadn't realized that as he was definitely not ‘the alpha' of their little pack he simply was incapable of crossing them.

Albus knew much more about werewolves, now. He'd not realized just how greatly the wolf influenced the man, at times. Of course, Severus overestimated the wolf part - totally distrusting Remus. Not that he could blame him. Meeting a werewolf was traumatic.

Albus slowly drew a parchment in front of him and carefully penned a letter to Severus. Minerva had told everyone at great length how Severus had wanted her to sent letters to Harry telling him about his father. Rolanda Hooch had chimed in that Terrence Higgs had told her that his Uncle sent Harry Quidditch stories about James at Severus' request. Everyone had been quite impressed with Severus' benevolence.

Albus hoped Severus would be as forbearing regarding Remus.

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Severus was greatly relieved he had received the letter from the Headmaster while he was alone in the lab. He'd read the request in incredulous fury and then kicked the desk repeatedly, bellowing curses about homicidal werewolves being treated like pet crups and lying tricksters masquerading as kindly Headmasters. He ended his tantrum by throwing a canister of cockroaches at a wall.

He now sat at the desk sullenly, glaring at the offending missive hard enough to give himself a headache.

He heard a soft step on the stairs and Harry soon appeared, looking uncertainly at the mess of gooey cockroaches and glass trailing down a wall and creating a puddle on the floor. Harry looked over at his grimly glowering guardian. Perhaps he should come back later, he thought.

Severus had no difficulty interpreting Harry's thoughts and sighed. "Come in, Harry. I'm done throwing my fit of anger."

"What went wrong? Are the newspapers...?" Harry said nervously.

"No, no. The newspapers aren't a problem." Severus broke in. He knew Harry had been anxious and had tried to reassure him that as long as Fudge, Albus and Hugo were behind him the likelihood of Harry being removed was remote. And since they were on the Reserve the Wizengamot's collective hands were tied, anyway. They could make all the rulings they wanted and Severus would laugh at them from behind the border of the Reserve. He and Lucius had told Harry this, but the legalities of it all still either escaped him, or Harry was just not used to feeling safe, as yet. Severus suspected the latter.

"Do you recall me telling you about the Marauders, Harry?" Severus asked.

Harry's nod was hesitant. Where had this topic come from?

"Remus Lupin is assisting Albus' ‘Order of the Phoenix' with the safehouses and storehouses we gave them." Severus continued with a grim frown. "He wishes to see you."

"Was he the werewolf?" Harry asked in fascinated horror. They had been reading about them, or course. Boys his age were drawn to tales of monsters and dangerous ‘dark creatures'. He knew Severus disliked Remus - had said he'd been easily led by his ‘pack'. Still, he was curious, and this Remus likely knew a lot about his father.

"Yes, he is. I wish I could be more eager to have him visit you, but I don't trust him." Severus struggled, looking at Harry's cautiously hopeful face. Harry was always eager to please - unwilling to risk disrupting his new home. He was likely afraid Severus would become tired of him if he became demanding. He just wished that seeing Remus wasn't something he would want.

"I simply can't let him visit you here at Dragonsrest. I don't want him to know exactly where you are - it's bad enough the world knows you're on the Welsh Reserve." Severus eyed Harry's accepting look. "However, we could perhaps arrange lunch at the Three Broomsticks while shopping tomorrow. There would be enough people around to keep you safe. I'll make sure Lucius gives you an emergency portkey."

Harry grinned and gave his dad a hug. "Thank You, you're the very best dad." Harry was happy that he'd be hearing more stories of his dad, but it had been strangely comforting to hear his dad fuss and worry over his meeting a werewolf, even if the full moon was weeks away. It was good to hear someone was concerned over him.

Severus patted Harry's back and hoped he didn't regret this.

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The group of Christmas shoppers moved slowly down Diagon Alley, partly to ensure that Tom could easily keep up, and partly because the boys were sure each shop had treasures to buy. Petunia was happy to be leading and expedition with her two boys - now three with the addition of Draco. It was only four months since the first time Harry and Dudley had seen Diagon Alley, but they still blinked in awe at some things at this place.

Of course there was now a lot of Christmas finery up, and the shops were displaying potential presents. There had been a brief stop at the Healers, so Tom could be fussed over and told that he still needed ‘plenty of rest', but he could resume most activities. Harry's glasses were adjusted and he was told ‘two more weeks and the glasses can go', although he would have to continue the potion for several more months. Harry had been beaming ever since.

The boys came out of store with boxes and bags and cries of ‘Don't Look!' Tinker and Dobby were summoned at intervals to take the presents to safety. Lucius and Severus followed behind the group, keeping everyone in sight and a watchful eye out for trouble. There was a dusting of snow on the ground and flurries in the air, making the air sparkle with reflected light.

Tom stayed with Lucius and Severus, mostly. Occasionally he would find a trinket or two to buy. The whole Christmas ‘thing' eluded him. The orphanage had tried hard to give the children a merry Christmas, a local group of restaurants had banded together every year to serve a feast to the orphans. Tom had cynically noted that they advertised this broadly in town.

There had been presents, of course. Donated clothing and toys and sometimes candy or even pocket change were given by condescending ‘rich folk'. The smaller children didn't care if they were second-hand. Tom could vaguely remember when he'd been thrilled with a threadbare toy bear. The older the children got, though, the less enthusiastic they were. By the time Tom was a teen the ‘presents' meant nothing - discards were discards no matter how they were wrapped.

Christmas hadn't really meant anything except disappointment since he had turned six. The tin of dominoes had been taken by the older children almost before he'd unwrapped it, and the clothing had been especially tatty that year. Plus, one of the older girls - a particularly cynical one who was drafted into cleaning and cooking at the orphanage all the time informed him that ‘Santa doesn't bring toys to bad children'.

It had been safe for her to say that to him, since everyone already ‘knew' he was a freak and Mrs. Cole didn't like him.

Tom looked around at the festive Alley and the happily shouting children. At times like these he felt very disconnected. At Dragonsrest, during ‘family' celebrations he could feel at least a little engaged in the happiness, but this - it felt much to phony and he was truly not able to fake any ‘Christmas cheer'.

"Don't worry about it, it will come." Yvane said peacefully. "I can assure you that half the people in Diagon Alley aren't feeling very merry or full of Christmas cheer, either."

"Why are they pretending?" Tom asked in confusion.

"Some do it for their children - they want their children happy even if they'd rather just hide in the nearest wassail bowl for the entire season. Or, they feel that if they participate they will eventually share in the joy as well." Yvane said.

"It seems utter madness, to me. All this fuss just for a few hours on Christmas morning." Tom shook his head.

"Are you about to say ‘Bah, Humbug'?" Yvane snickered.

"No, but I think Lucius and Severus are about to." Tom looked over at the pair. Severus was looking around with an unconcealed sneer of distaste and Lucius just looked bored.

"Yes, I believe they area pair who ‘do Christmas for the children'." Yvane chuckled as they hastily donned forced smiles as Draco and Harry came up with more packages.

Noon finally arrived and portkeys were passed around to get everyone to Hogsmeade. Lucius gave an extra one to Harry ‘for the visit with Mr. Lupin'. Lucius had been suitably horrified by Severus' news. Lucius hadn't known that he was a werewolf, and it made the whole situation doubly complex. Did Albus really have such little regard for safety?

Lucius had had to deal with the horror of Fenrir Greyback and his bloody pack of vicious killers during the Dark Lord's battles. Even being told that Lupin was at the opposite end of the ‘dangerous' spectrum did little to quiet the fear that the word ‘werewolf' inspired.

They walked into the Three Broomsticks and were greeted by a cheery Rosemerta, who gave Severus a lingering kiss - causing hooting from the three boys. They were shown to a large table and started sitting, when Remus approached from out of a shadowy corner - making Severus and Lucius freeze.

Dudley and Draco, along with Petunia were unaware of his status; they just knew Severus disliked him. Yvane, and therefore Tom immediately knew, though. Yvane muttered a bit, but realized the man meant no harm. Tom felt the whole business was fishy, but kept his silence.

"Severus?" Remus asked quietly. "You said to meet you and Harry here."

Severus clenched his teeth. Remus always greeted him like they were old school chums who just hadn't seen each other in awhile. "Yes, I did." Severus said flatly, with a wealth of hostility in his voice, waving Harry up to his side. "Harry, this is Remus Lupin, an old friend of your father's."

"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Lupin." Harry held his hand out to Remus and they shook hands.

"I would like to eat at a booth with Harry, if that is alright?" Remus' tone held a faint challenge that made Severus' eyes flare and Lucius' jaw to clench.

But Severus merely smirked and said, "Of course, Lupin - you can see Harry alone - for the meal." It would quite some time before it was repeated, if he had his way.

Remus seemed to hear the unspoken thought, though and grimaced. He'd hoped Albus would pull Snape into line, but the Headmaster seemed to think this snarl of Slytherin snakes could keep Harry safe. He had been momentarily shocked seeing Lucius and Severus wander in with a muggle and a muggleborn. Lucius must see it as strategic, he supposed. None-the-less they all were looking cozy. And Rosemerta - she'd certainly been cozy with Severus, considering the kiss she'd given him. Remus shook his head and focused on Harry.

"So, Harry, you've certainly grown up since I've seen you. But I'd have known you anywhere. You have the look of your parents about you." Remus smiled at him.

"I don't really remember my parents. But da...Severus says I look a lot like my father, with my mother's eyes." Harry answered happily. He'd almost said dad, he supposed Severus wouldn't care, but he felt Remus might object - and he didn't know him well enough to share so much with him.

Remus had heard the near-slip though, and the wolf burned a little in anger. He'd always felt bad that the marauders had targeted Severus as they had. But Severus had been Sirius enemy and James' rival for Lily and their cause was by default his cause as well. He didn't like Severus laying claim to James' cub.

"Are you happy where you are, Harry? I was surprised to hear that Severus, of all people was taking care of you. He and your father were ... well enemies." Remus said, watching Harry's face closely.

"Oh, yes, Dragonsrest is fantastic. I have a great room, and we found a bunch of stuff in one of my vaults that belonged to my parents. Mr. Malfoy built a swimming pool with water slides - we went there about every day during the summer." Harry enthused. "Severus is a great guardian, he takes excellent care of me, and he always listens to me." Rosemerta served Harry and Remus a bowl of stew and ruffled Harry's hair as he dug in.

Harry seemed quite sincere, to Remus' disquiet. Remus was glad Harry was happy, but he was sure it was some sort of ploy that would blow up in Harry's face and hurt him, especially if it was a way for Snape to get back at James' ghost. Snape had to be seeing James in Harry's face every day.

"Well, it sounds like you are doing well. I'm glad Severus treats you well. I was concerned that he would only see your father when he looked at you." Remus mused. He glanced at the bags next to Harry. "Have you been Christmas sopping?"

"Yes, and we saw the Healers, as well. They said I can be rid of my glasses in a couple of weeks." Harry's voice oozed glee over this.

Remus, however immediately flared with anger. So, Snape did resent Harry's resemblance to James and was working hard to make what ever changes he could to minimize that. Getting rid of the glasses was rather extreme - Remus knew Severus would be making that potion for months - nearly a year and Harry would have to take it daily without fail. Now that he looked closer, he could see that Harry's hair was longer than James ever wore it, making stay flatter and stay in place a little more tamely - more wavy than spikey.

Harry seemed to sense his anger and was looking at him with unease. "Is something wrong Mr. Lupin?"

Remus tried to quell his anger, but he'd been doing that for weeks, waiting for this meeting and now Harry was happy with this interloper, Snape. Harry should be with someone his father would have approved of.

"Severus seems to be going out of his way to make you look less like your father. Are you sure he doesn't resent seeing James' face every day?" Remus couldn't resist saying. Harry needed to know that Snape didn't really want James' son in his home, that he was trying to turn Harry into someone else.

Harry froze in horror. That couldn't be true. Severus wasn't resentful of Harry's looking like James...was he? He glared at Remus. He knew that the marauders had disliked and picked on Severus - this Mr. Lupin likely didn't want him taking care of his friend's son. He was just making this up - he had to be. He wasn't going to listen to this.

Remus watched with trepidation as Harry's face took on a look of horrified anger and ... pain. He cringed a bit; he hadn't meant to hurt Harry.

Harry shook off his frozen horror and stood abruptly and grabbed his bags. Severus and Lucius had been watching the pair very carefully. They had noticed Harry's anger and had been on alert. Harry's abrupt move to leave the booth had them standing as well and moving toward them.

"You're wrong Mr. Lupin. Severus cares about me and he doesn't care who I look like." Harry's face was pale with anger and he almost shouted.

"Harry..." Lupin started in distress, and grabbed Harry's arm.

"Take your paw off my ward, Lupin." Severus hissed in fury. Harry shook loose from the distracted man and Severus swept Harry behind him. Remus and Severus ended up less than a yard apart, glaring at each other.

Lucius spoke quietly to Tom. "Take the boys and Mrs. Dursley to Dragonsrest, Tom. We'll be along directly." Lucius carefully positioned himself between Remus and the floo where Tom was hustling them all away.

"Severus ... I didn't mean to upset Harry." Remus began truthfully. He wasn't sure how to salvage the situation. He finally decided on attack instead of defense. "Harry doesn't seem very sure of your loyalty as a guardian. Your deliberate attempts to make him look less like James seem a bit dis-loyal. Maybe you are the one who really upset him."

Severus felt a bit like Remus had driven a fist into his stomach. "Harry knows that isn't true Lupin. You are to stay away from Harry from now on. I'll be having words with Albus about your actions toward Harry. You aren't fit company for him if you are undermining his feeling of security in his own home." Severus whirled and went to the floo.

Lucius back away a few steps and then turned and followed him, waving at Rosemerta and mouthing "It's all right." At her concerned look.

Remus sat and stared at the floor, uncertain. Harry shouldn't be with Severus he was sure of it, but he had a bad feeling about this meeting.

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