***11 November, 1986 ***

The Heads of House were all sitting in the conference room waiting for Albus to arrive and go over the midterm budget before they could call it a day. Severus was desperate to get home and Albus had yet to arrive to his own meeting. Severus had missed his lunch and he did not like the air of conspiracy that seemed to hover about his fellow professors.

At the moment he was both hungry and surly. He had to contact Molly Weasley during his lunch break to see if she would be might agreeable to watch Harry for the rest of week.

Lupin had received an owl from the Director of the London Wizarding Philharmonic. When Lupin discovered the new Ukrainian conductor, Gregory Cheburko, had a granddaughter that suffered from Lycanthropy, he took a chance and asked for an audition. He told no one of this because he was certain of disappointment. Much to Lupin's surprise, his chance paid off. In two weeks he would audition for the recently open chair of Third Violin. It was not much time to prepare his repertoire and Lupin needed every moment available to practice. If he received the post, it would be the first time in Remus' adult life that he acquired employment on his own merit and not on the charity of friends.

Severus was leery about leaving Lucy on her own. She was stronger and capable of simple spells, but Flooing or Apparating was still out of the question for another few days. Lucy was willing to watch Harry, but if something were to happen to the boy, she would not have the capability to spirit him away for help.

Severus could kick himself in retrospect. He brought Lucy into his home to protect, but instead, he made her into a virtual prisoner. Not that Lucy complained. She insisted that she was used to holing herself up for weeks on end with her research. She was simply anxious to get back to her students and scriptorium.

But there was one happy outcome to this. Upon hearing that Harry would once again be joining their brood, young Ronald subsequently beg...requested that Harry sleep over. Molly had left the decision to Severus. Severus had not foreseen a problem. Harry had been confined to Spinner's End for nearly a week and deception had to be maintained in regards to Black. Bringing Harry back to Hogwarts was out of the question for the time being. As a result, Severus agreed to bring Harry to the Burrow after supper if Harry was so inclined.

That would mean a night alone with Lucy.

Severus was rousted out of his musings when he heard a tiny, attention-getting, "Ahem," Filius was rocking back and forth on his feet whilst hiding something behind his back. Minerva and Pomona both towered behind him. Try though they might to conceal their mischievous natures from their faces, their eyes hid nothing.

"What is this?" Severus cautiously eyed his fellow Heads of House and the brown paper package Filius had just presented him with. "My birthday isn't for another two months yet," he said referring to the tradition of the Heads to go in on a single birthday gift for their colleague.

"We are aware of that Severus," Pomona giggled with almost giddy anticipation. "This is something we thought you could use now rather than later."

"Yes," Minerva concurred and then she added, as if deflecting blame, "Besides...It was Filius' idea,"

"Well, everybody always thinks of the mother at this time, nobody ever takes into consideration what the fa...Well-just open it Severus," the half Goblin squeaked impatiently after scowling at Minerva.

Severus raised an eyebrow and cast a suspicious eye at his colleagues. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what was under the innocuous plan brown paper wrapping. Severus did not put it past Minerva and Filius to present him with something of a dubious or erotic nature. Pomona would just go along with the prank because she was too timid to voice her opposition. Minerva may be strict and unyielding to her students, but the old bird still had the Gryffindor proclivity for pulling the occasional practical joke and involving as many people in on the fun as she could.

Severus gingerly opened the package under the anxious gaze of his elder Heads. He moved his head as far back as he could, halfway expecting Wartcap powder to explode in his face.

When the wrapping was finally laid open across his lap and his gift revealed, Severus didn't whether to feel touched or horrified.

"Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Guide for the Expectant Father," Severus said, slightly confused. Surely they did not believe the rumours that he... His confusion swiftly changed to irritation at the thought.

"We know you're not the biological father, Severus," Pomona quickly said, sensing Severus' mood. She rushed over to pat the younger professor on his hand to placate him.

"But it is no secret to anyone who Lucy's partner is in her pregnancy," Minerva further explained. "And you are, after all, the child's godfather."

"But I...," as his ire abated, he was at a loss for words.

"Severus," Filius interjected. "Please accept this gift in the sentiment in which it is intended. Merlin only knows I wish I had such a book when Agatha was expecting my first boy, Hephaestus."

"If you ever need advice or just an ear to bend, Severus; remember we have all been through this before," Pomona reminded him as she looked to the other witch and wizard in the room.

"Twelve times," Filius beamed proudly as he continued to bounce on the soles of his feet.

Severus nearly choked on air at the very idea of siring twelve children. Lucy would have him gelded at the mere suggestion

Severus nearly forgot that Filius had actually been a contemporary of Aberforth's at Hogwarts. His youngest daughter, Felicity, was on the school Gobstones team with Severus' mother. Felicity Black nee' Flitwick married into a branch of the Black family that had been long since disinherited by the Most Ancient and Noble blah, blah, blah, so on, and so forth, and et cetera, ad nauseum.

"Yes, if there's anyone who could give you direction on where to find picked herring and cassava melons at three o'clock in the morning, it's Filius," Pomona teased as she looked at her diminutive colleague.

Severus' thought pickled herring at three a.m. sounded like a reasonable request. Over the weekend Lucy had mentioned a craving for butter pecan ice cream. Not even Fortescue had such a concoction. Perhaps it was time for another plea to Mrs. O'Conner.

Curiosity overcame Severus and he slowly cracked opened the new hard- covered tome. His eyes scanned the index. "I'm at a loss...I don't know what to say."

"'Thank you' is generally the customary reply," Minerva said curtly, though her eyes smiled and the corner of her mouth twitched.

"Thank yo..."

Suddenly the door opened from the Headmaster's entrance and the three conspirators quickly found their respective seats.

"I apologise for my tardiness, but there was a crisis down in the laundry," Albus explained without elaboration. "Needless to say, dung bombs are now on Argus' list of contraband."

Severus stepped through his Floo and was greeted by music. Remus sat in the armchair, plucking his violin, bringing a soft, vaguely familiar pizzicato tune out of the instrument. Harry was laying belly down on the sofa, knees bent, legs crossed, and feet in the air. His chin would have been resting in his fists, but Harry was so enraptured by what Remus was doing, the boy's head bobbed up and down ever so slightly, keeping pace with Remus' dexterous fingers. Lucy's rabbit was curled up, sleeping next to Harry.

Severus remembered the book his was carrying and tucked it beneath is robes only just in time as Harry and Remus acknowledged his presence.

"Hi, Daddy," Harry greeted as sprang from the sofa. Thor jumped down hopped under the couch. Severus reached down and drew Harry to him as the boy looked up and explained, "Mr. Lupin was playing the "Tea Dance."

Severus eyebrows raised in unison. "Tchaikovsky?"

"Yes," Remus said matter-of-factly as he leaned over the side of the chair and carefully placed his grandfather's old instrument into its case. "The Philharmonic will be performing The Nutcracker at Christmas. I don't hope to get a position so quickly, but one never knows. With any luck, I will join in time for the Messiah rehearsals and the Easter performance," He smiled as he clicked the case shut and placed it on his lap.

Severus inclined his head, he was duly impressed.

Severus suddenly exclaimed in irritation, "What is it, Harry?" The little boy was insistently pulling on the leg of his trousers.

Harry was unfazed at Severus' outburst and asked hopefully, "Do I get to go to the Weasley's tonight?"

"Not if you keep pulling on my trousers like a teething Crup," Severus cautioned. He gently extracted himself from Harry's grip and looked down on his son. "Now go upstairs and shower, Harry. I will help you pack and we'll leave directly after supper."

Harry's face was beaming at the thought of seeing his little friends again. He began to run for the stairs but abruptly came to a halt when Severus called out, "Walk, Harry."

"Yes, sir," Harry said respectfully. He grabbed hold of the banister at ascended the stairs at a pace more acceptable to Severus, though he could hear the boy's pace pick up at the top of the landing.

Severus removed his teaching cloak and placed his book face down on an end table. He then turned towards the coat tree in the corner. As he passed the arch that led to the kitchen, he could see Lucy's back. She held a large mixing blow, humming the 'Tea Dance' as she happily mixed. Severus inwardly smiled but inquired about a different subject as he hung his cloak on the tree. "Any news concerning Black?"

"Yes. He has contacted his family barrister," Remus said indifferently. He was standing behind Severus, his hand resting on the violin case tucked under his opposite arm. "He has said nothing of his intentions towards Harry and I don't like it. Have you decided what you're going to tell him?"

Severus gave a heavy sigh and put his fingers to his temple. He did not want to think about what he would tell Harry, but he had to tell the child something.

"In all honesty...no. But I suppose I should say something soon," he conceded as he turned to escort Remus to the Floo.

"The sooner the better, Severus," Remus advised. "You don't want Harry hearing about this from anyone else but yourself," he pointed his finger to Severus' chest.

A horrible thought struck Severus. Molly and Arthur were aware of the situation with Black. Did the children know anything? Though Severus doubted either Molly or Arthur would say a word to the children about Sirius Black, Severus did not doubt that the walls of the Burrow had ears-seven pairs of them. "I think, perhaps, there is no time like the present."

Severus took the box of Floo powder from the mantle and offered it to Remus.

"I want to thank you for understanding, Severus," Remus said as he took a handful of Floo powder. "I hate to leave you like this, but this chance means everything to me."

Severus inclined his head as he struggled with the need to express his gratitude to his former enemy. He said, a little more harshly than he intended, "It is I, who should be thanking you...Remus-for everything."

Lucy felt stronger than she had in many days and the care package her mama had sent her went far to improve her spirits. So much so, she decided to prepare dinner that evening.

Lucy had her hair in double braids and was sporting yet another jumper she had 'borrowed' from Severus. She was proud of herself. Not only had Lucy finished her backlog of grading, she even managed to work on the manuscript writing.

But Lucy still couldn't help but to feel a little ill at ease. Yes, she could not stand Kenneth Musgrave, and even went as far as to order that voodoo doll from Michelle, but she didn't want Kenneth to kill himself.

If it had only been Lucy, after Kenneth tried to slip her the Amortentia, she would have simply told him to go do something anatomically impossible to himself and washed her hands of the bastard. But he knowingly tried to kill the baby. Lucy could never forgive that trespass for as long as she lived. She honestly did not want him dead; she just wanted to know that justice was served on her baby's behalf.

Lucy supposed she was the cause of Kenneth's angst and she felt guilty. Oh...she didn't feel guilty about being the cause of Kenneth's angst, she felt guilty because she didn't feel guilty about being the cause of Kenneth's angst. As far as Lucy was concerned, Kenneth brought about his own troubles. But part of her wondered if she was too hard on Kenneth and the other part said "No" and "Hell, no!"

Lucy bent down and reached for a cast iron skillet from Severus' lower cupboard; when she felt a familiar arm wrap around her waist and saw Severus' long, calloused fingers enclose around her hands and the handle of the skillet.

"Allow me," he whispered in her ear and placed the heavy skillet on the counter. The dark, velvet voice gave her goose flesh down her back and brought a knowing smile to her face. Lucy turned around with her back to the counter. Severus was fingering one of her braids. He did not say anything to her. He simply gave her one of his broad smiles that he had reserved only for her, then leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss.

"It smells wonderful," he finally said as he looked over to see what was in the stock pot on the stove. "What is it?"

"Oh...," Lucy exclaimed as she hurriedly rushed to the pot and turned down the fire. "Vegetable beef soup. Mama's recipe. It's cold outside and I thought it would be a good night for it," she elaborated. Lucy then pointed to the mixing bowl. "And that is going to be corn bread."

Severus came up behind her again. He wrapped both arms around waist this time and rested both hands on her belly, gently rubbing his hands over the life growing within. Lucy leaned back into Severus, thinking she could happily become lost in the sheer manliness of him. She had become so lost in the moment she hadn't caught what Severus had said.

"Oh...I'm sorry. What did you say?" She reluctantly left his embrace. The corn bread batter had risen and she needed to pour it into the skillet.

"I was asking how long until supper?" he said a bit sombrely as he walked over and leaned his back against the counter. "If there is time, I would like to discuss Black with Harry before we eat."

Severus craned his neck as Lucy poured the course yellow batter into the pan. Lucy lifted her eyes and gave him a cheeky grin. "Trust me...if I tell you what's in it, your arteries will harden from the ungodly knowledge."

Severus guffawed at the remark, and then Lucy answered his question. "It's another thirty minutes until dinner. Will that be enough time?"

He gave her a peck on the cheek and said, "Plenty," and placed the heavy batter laden skillet in the oven.

If it had been anyone else, they may not have noticed the ever-so-slight quiver in Severus' voice. It did not, however, escape Lucy. She asked as he closed the oven door, "Severus? Will you be alright?"

"I will be," It was a terse answer, but Lucy knew he was telling the truth. She was well aware that Severus would rather wrestle an Acromantula with his bare hands than tell Harry about his other godfather. But she was proud at the way Severus faced his fears head on. It was not in him to evade his responsibility, no matter how distasteful he found the task.

"Severus? Would you like...?"

"I will be fine, my dear," Severus said solemnly and kissed her again. "I love you."

Lucy stood awestruck. A smile slowly grew across her face as Severus words set in. She had known for quite some time that Severus loved her, but this was the first time he had declared it. What had prompted it? It had never occurred to her that hearing those three little words would feel so good.

By the time Severus entered Harry's room, the child was already half dressed. He managed to put on his trousers but they were not, as of yet, snapped. At the moment, Harry was fighting to get into his jumper. His arms were akimbo over his head, his damp, jet back hair poking through the hole in the top.

"Is there a little boy hiding in there?" Severus had to smile at the boy's struggle. There was an incoherent mumble coming from somewhere beneath the fabric. Severus had already made his way over to help the struggling child. Once he reached Harry, he released the child from his battle with the garment with one swift pull. "Ah...there you are, Harry."

"Whew," Harry exclaimed in relief. "Thank you, Daddy. I thought I'd never get out of there."

With a snap of his hand, Severus straightened the jumper, and then cast a drying charm. "If you would do as I tell you and completely dry yourself before you dress, you would not find yourself in these predicaments, Harry."

Harry raised his arms in the air and Severus slipped the jumper over the boy's head. "But jumpers are hard...," Harry mumbled as the jumper slid over his head, "to do by yourself," he finished as he straightened the waistband.

"You will find dressing yourself easier as you get older," Severus sat on the edge of Harry's bed and patted the mattress for Harry to join him. "In the meantime, there is no shame in asking for help when you need it."

Harry climbed up next to Severus, "Is something wrong, Daddy?" Harry's brow furrowed as he looked at Severus.

"No there is nothing wrong, Harry. I simply have some important things I need to tell you," Severus said gently.

Harry did not say anything, but simply gazed at Severus expectantly with Lily's vivid emerald eyes beneath heavy black lashes.

Severus took a deep breath. He did not know any other way to start than to just dive in. Severus only hoped he would not drown. "Harry, do you recall me telling you about Sirius Black?"

Harry's eyes widened slightly and he unconsciously put a hand on his bum. "I promise. I haven't gone near any stray animals."

"You're not in trouble, Harry," Severus assured as he pulled the boy close. "But, do you recall what I told you he had done?"

Harry nodded his head in all severity, yet he seemed to remain unafraid. "He killed all those Muggles."

Severus coughed nervously. "It seems that the Ministry was mistaken. Sirius Black did not kill those Muggles. It was another man. A man named, Peter Pettigrew."

Harry sat there for a moment. The look on the child's face was intense as he processed this new information. "You mean, he went to prison for something he didn't do?"

"I'm afraid so."

Harry's face soured as he exclaimed, "That's awful!"

"It most certainly is," Severus nodded in sombre agreement. "But I'm afraid there is more, Harry."

Severus could see a mask of confusion on Harry, but the child still remained silent and hung on Severus' every word. Severus felt as if his chest were about to cave in on his heart with what he had to say next. "Harry...Sirius Black was... a very close friend of your father's."

"He was?' Harry said with a slight bit of excitement, but then he elaborated soberly, "My daddy would have been very sad that his friend was in prison for something he didn't do."

"Yes. He would have been," Severus shook his head ever so slightly, trying to clear his thoughts. He could not seem to form the words.

Harry's expression turned to concern and he placed his small hand into Severus'. Severus was awed that the entire of Harry's hand was smaller than half his palm. "Daddy...is something wrong?"

"No, Harry," Severus said through a watery smile. "But you should know that Sirius Black was your father's best friend… and was also named your godfather."

For the first time in the entire conversation, Harry looked scared and his next question tore Severus' heart out. Harry trembled as he asked, "You're not going to let him take me away, are you?"

"Oh Harry!" Severus gathered his son into his arms and held him tight. "I will never let anyone take you from me," he pressed his cheek atop Harry's head and gently stroked his dark hair. "You are my boy, and we will always be a family," Severus pulled Harry away from him and positioned himself so he was looking the child directly in the eyes. "You do understand me? Don't you Harry?"

Seeing the first sign of a snotty nose on the boy, Severus took a handkerchief from the breast pocket of his frockcoat and handed it to Harry.

Harry blew loudly into the cloth, and then wiped his reddening nose. Harry nodded to Severus and sniffed. "You promise?"

"I promise," Severus said has he brushed an errant strand of hair from the front of Harry's glasses. His thumb inadvertently moved across Harry's scar, and Severus had to suppress a shudder. "Even If I have to take you where no one else can find us."

"But what about Miss Lucy?" Harry asked in near panic. "She's like family. We can't leave her behind."

"Harry...We are not runni..."

Then the thought hit Severus like a thunderbolt from Heaven. "Harry? Would you like me to ask Miss Lucy to be your new mummy?" He remembered Lucy's smile after he told her that he loved her. Severus did not know what had prompted him to say it, only that it seemed natural. Having her for his wife also seemed natural. It was time for him to ask.

Harry's lit up like sunshine. "Yes!" he shouted without hesitation and threw himself into Severus' embrace. "Please. That means when the baby is born, I'll have a little sister. We'll be a real family."

Severus extracted Harry from his waist and sat his son on his lap. "We are a real family," Severus reminded him. "And just remember, this all depends upon if Miss Lucy is agreeable to be my wife."

"Oh, she'll agree," Harry nodded his head with the certainty of youth. "She likes you a lot."

Severus chuckled. "Be that as it may, we must not make assumptions, Harry. I have yet to ask her."

Harry hopped down from Severus' lap and pulled at Severus' arm. "Well let's go ask her."

"Harry, I can't just barge into the kitchen and ask her to marry me!" Severus tried to explain.

Harry huffed and planted his hands on his hips as he asked sternly, "Why not?"

"Because these things take planning. I don't even have a ring."

"You don't need a ring to ask a question. And you can give her one for Christmas," Harry attempted to reason with Severus.

"Why don't I ask her at Christmas?" Severus countered.

Harry looked like he couldn't believe Severus couldn't see the obvious. "Because it may be too late. What if she gets away?"

Severus shook his head, attempting to close the subject. "No, Harry. It is just not done that way."

Uh oh. Severus did not like that little furrowed brow. It was much like Severus' own, when he had made up his mind about..., "Harry! Where do you think you're going?"

It was too late. Those little legs had already made it halfway down the stairs. Severus' heart stopped when Harry called out, "Miss Lucy? Will you marry Daddy?"

*CRASH*

The shattering sound of terra cotta hitting linoleum echoed throughout the house.