Severus stood in Diagon Alley looking at a shop window. He had put this off for so long but he knew he had to. Tomorrow was Harry's ninth birthday and he knew the boy wanted a broom. He was still debating it when he felt a strong magical presence next to him. He smiled.

"You know you have put this off long enough.  His eyes are now totally healed and he no longer wears glasses, so you no longer have that excuse," Sarah said coming to stand next to him.

"I know, but I also know him. He will be flying around at break neck speeds. I will soon have to deal with broken bones and bruises and..." Severus said.

"I am a healer Severus; I can heal a bone in seconds."

"But you don't live with me," Severus said.

Sarah looked at him and whispered. "And why is that?"

Severus turned sharply and looked at her as he bit his lip. She smiled when she saw him turn beet red.  The two of them had been dancing around each other for the last five years. It had been driving John crazy. He had often partnered them on missions or on projects, just to get them together. Severus, however, always held back.

"Don't you think it is time you took care of the last of the promises you made to Harry?" Sarah asked, slipping her hand in his.

Severus smiled and squeezed her hand.  She laughed and pulled him into the store.

The two had a late lunch at one of the side cafes on Diagon Alley.  They were laughing and were enjoying each other's company outside of work, when Severus heard a voice he recognised.

"Mrs. Morgan, it has been a while," Albus Dumbledore said as he came over.

Severus had seen the man in passing a few times and even at a few functions they had attended together, however he avoided the man like the plague. As an unspeakable, he had tried as much as possible to counteract all of the man's schemes and had monitors on him. All reports said that Grindelwald had permanently left Britain and had not been in contact with Dumbledore for over a year. According to Severus' knowledge of History, it had been sometime last year that Dumbledore had originally started a partnership with Flamel. However in this time, Severus had intervened. He had confessed to Flamel and had shown him some of his memories. Nicholas and his wife Perenelle were now enjoying the second year of a ten year trip around the world. It was John's guess that with Dumbledore constantly failing (first losing Tom and the Slytherin fortune and then Flamel), that Grindelwald had no longer thought the man useful. 

Sarah looked up at Albus and smiled. "Albus Dumbledore, how are you? Yes, indeed it has been a while.  Albus, this is my friend Severus Reiner. Severus this is Albus Dumbledore, Transfiguration teacher at Hogwarts."

Severus stood and bowed.

"Severus Reiner, Potions Master. I have heard a lot of good things about you" Albus said with a smile.  "Hogwarts is currently looking for a potions professor; however we would never be able to afford someone of your calibre."

"I am too tied to my research. May I suggest a young man by the name of Horace Slughorn? I met him at the recently concluded Potions Conference; he might be a good option." Severus took out a gold pen and with a wave of his hand, transfigured a leaf from the floral arrangement on the table into a piece of parchment. He wrote down Slughorn's name and current address before handing it to Albus.

Albus nodded and thanked him. Looking at Severus, he said, "You use a muggle pen; are you muggleborn or half-blood per chance?"

"No, I am pureblood.  However, I have a very good muggle friend and this was his gift last Christmas. I am not British so I do not have your hang-ups over blood. I judge people by their actions rather than their power, wealth or blood," Severus said seriously.

Albus smiled and nodded, wishing them well before leaving. Severus glared at the man as he left. Albus had that twinkle in his eye that Severus knew well. The man was scheming. Whether he was still with Grindelwald or not, Severus knew not to turn his back on the man.

-------

The following morning, Harry woke to see a slim broom-shaped package on his bed.

Severus was enjoying his morning coffee and smiled as he heard the excited scream all the way in the dining room. In less than a minute, a blur in green pyjamas launched himself at him. Severus and his chair went toppling over.  Right as the chair was about to hit the floor, a cushion of air was created and the chair landed gently on the floor.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! You are the greatest dad in the whole world!" Harry shouted.

"You are welcome son. Now let this old man up," Severus said. Harry climbed off and Severus stood up and righted the chair.

"Now young man; the rules," Severus said and Harry groaned. Severus gave him a glare and Harry looked up at him with puppy dog eyes. Severus shook his head. "Rules; One, you have to ask permission to go flying. For now you will only do so when an adult is around. Two, you are not to take your brother up on the broom; he is too little. Three, the broom is your responsibility. I do not want to see it lying around; you have to polish it and trim it on your own. Four, I have protections on the broom, so you will not be able to go higher than 25 feet..."

"Daaaaad."

"Don't Dad me; no higher than 25 feet. You are not to try and break the protection on the broom. Okay, that's it. If I think of any other rule I will tell you."

Harry considered it and nodded before hugging his dad one more time. "Thanks dad. I really love it."

Severus hugged him back. After a minute he said, "Okay go shower and change. We leave for Scotland after breakfast. If it is not raining, I can give you a lesson on the broom."

Harry smiled. "Thanks dad." Harry ran back up to his room.

A few minutes later, the house-elf, Misty (Nip's wife) came down with six-year old Tom. The boy was excited. He talked about the upcoming party with a happy chatter. Harry came back down and brought his broom.

"No brooms at the table Harry," Severus said sternly. Harry sighed and handed the broom to Misty when she came back in.

Tom kept looking at the broom, longingly.

"When you are Harry's age you will get your own," Severus said as he put out breakfast for the boys.

"[Don't worry little bro; you will get to ride mine soon,]" Harry said.

Severus glared at Harry. He knew the rules; it wasn't polite to speak in parseltongue when there were others at the table. "Now Tom, I have already told Harry that he cannot take you up on his broom with him, so don't even bother to ask him. Understand young man?"

"Yes Daddy," Tom said while giving Harry a look. Tom knew from Harry's smile that his brother had already found a way around his dad's rule.

After breakfast Severus told his sons to get their things to go to Scotland.  As the two entered the nursery, Tom jumped on Harry's bed.

"[Harry?]"

Harry smiled. "[Dad said I could not take you up, but he did not say I cannot let you go up on your own.]"                                                                                                             

Tom smiled; his big brother was the smartest and best big brother ever.

Harry looked at him. "[Now Dad is taking us home early so he can teach me how to fly. This seems important to him. Do not tell him Regi taught me already and that I already know how to fly. He has to think that this is my first time on a broom. Got it little cobra?]"

Tom nodded.

"[Okay, get your stuff. Remember Abraxas will be there and Regi's cousins Rene and Adele will be at the party.]"

"[Can't I stay with you?]"

Harry looked at Tom. "[Tommy you know you are my number one brother and you get to play with me all the time. Your friends are coming and you will have fun playing with them.  When they leave we will play together.]"

Tom sighed. "Okay Harry."

Harry ruffled his brother's hair so it would look a bit like his always messy hair.

-----

Harry smiled. When they arrived at Willow Castle in Scotland they saw it was a beautiful day.  The castle ballroom was decorated with all sorts of party decorations.  Both Tommy and Harry went into the room excitingly.

"Hey, I was wondering when you all would arrive," a deep voice said.

"Grandpa!" the boys said as one and ran up to Marvolo, hugging him. Marvolo had spent the last few days at the castle.  He had a room in the castle but still lived in Little Hangleton. He was now a successful businessman, selling hand crafted pieces by order only. Severus had even hired him to do some work in the castle.  His clientele were only the elite.

"Happy birthday little mamba," Marvolo said giving Harry a squeeze.

"Thanks Grandpa," Harry said. Even though Marvolo was not his biological grandfather, Harry considered him as such. Marvolo also thought of the boy as his grandson and would in fact tell people that he had two grandsons.

"So where is my gift?" Harry asked and Marvolo waved his wand, producing a box. In it was a wooden bow and a set of arrows.

Harry's eyes shone. "Thanks Grandpa."

Marvolo nodded. "I got permission from your dad to teach you how to hunt, so this weekend we are all going camping."

Harry and Tommy jumped up. "Yeah!"

Severus came in and gave a nod to Marvolo before looking at Harry. "Ready for your first flying lesson?"

Harry nodded and left excitingly with his dad. Tommy looked up at his grandfather. "Where is my present?"

"Tom, you know today is Harry's birthday, and you knew he would be getting presents and you wouldn't."

"I know, but you always make me a present. I want to learn to hunt too," Tommy said giving his grandfather a pout.

"You know those pouts don't work on me. But... how about I teach you how to make something?"

"Is it something special?" Tommy asked.

"Yes, it is something special," Marvolo said and Tommy nodded.

------

Severus looked on as Harry fumbled on the broom. He remembered Harry's first real flying lesson. The boy was a natural on the broom and even though the memories were erased, his natural talents weren't. He expected the boy to be soaring in the sky.  He looked at the boy and then it came to him.

"Harry, come here," Severus said gesturing for the boy to come over.  Harry lowered the broom and came over.

Severus looked at him. "Tell me the truth.  Have you flown before and are now pretending you can't?"

Harry gaped. How his dad knew everything was beyond him. Severus put his finger under Harry's chin and closed his mouth.

"I am waiting for an answer son."

Harry nodded. "Yes sir, Regi taught me last year when we stayed with them for two weeks."

Severus sighed.

It was a sigh Harry knew well; it was usually followed by a scolding and a smack on his bum, but it didn't come. Harry suspected his dad did not want to punish him on his birthday.

"I know you wanted to teach me, but I really, really wanted to learn and Regi had a broom since he was seven. I am sorry," Harry said.

"Go on. Remember my rules; no higher than twenty five feet." The boy grinned and was off in a flash. Severus looked at the boy in the air and shook his head. This was the Harry he knew.  Reginald Lestrange may have taught him a few basics, but some skills you just had naturally.

He conjured a lawn chair, sat back and watched.

-------

As a very last minute decision, Severus asked Nip and Misty to move the party outside. It really was a beautiful day.  Most of the parents dropped their children off, grateful for a day off. Among those that stayed was Hyperion Malfoy. Severus and ‘Ian' were cordial, mostly due to Sarah and his son Abraxas.

Ian sent Abraxas off with Tommy and the two boys went off happily together.

Ian came over to Severus. "My sister said you needed to speak with me."

Severus shook his head.  Sarah had said he would have to talk to her brother, but he did not want to do it now.

Ian smiled. "If it is what I hope it is, my answer is yes. Sarah was forced to marry as soon as she was sixteen. She was lucky her husband, Andrew, was one who encouraged her to continued studying. They were happy, but the muggle war affected us more than people like to admit. She was a widow at age nineteen. There were many who wanted her to re-marry, but she put all her efforts into becoming a healer like Andrew. Most found it romantic and a tribute to his legacy. But she has been alone for a long time. I know what she really does and by extension I can assume you are as well. I just want to see her happy."

Severus nodded. "I do have strong feelings for her and I know my boys do as well. Don't worry. I want to see her happy too."

Ian smiled.

The party was better than Severus had expected and by the time the last of the children had left, Harry and Tommy were exhausted.  Exhausted but happy.

Severus went into the nursery and saw that the two boys had already showered and were in their pyjamas. He looked at the room; to one side was a play area that had a whole stack of toys scattered on the floor, which he knew had to be Tommy's doing. On the other side of the room was a table and chairs next to a library. On the table there was a stack of things Harry had received as presents. Severus saw it was divided into two piles and assume Harry was giving the second pile to Tommy. The wrapping paper was neatly folded on the ground. He shook his head. He went over and tucked the boys into their beds, removing the broom from under Harry's covers and putting it away.

Severus decided to ask his sons. "What do you guys think of Aunt Sarah?"

"She is the coolest Dad, for a girl and for a healer," Harry said.

"I think she is really pretty," Tommy added.

"What would you think if I started dating Aunt Sarah?" Severus asked.

"Dating?  What does dating mean?" Tommy asked.

Harry grinned. "You mean like making her our mummy?"

"Well, not yet, but in time yes," Severus replied.

"I would like a mummy," Tommy said. He had often looked at Emily with Reginald and Jeanette with Abraxas.

"That would be great Dad; she would take care of us and you too," Harry said.

Severus smiled. "Okay, what story do you want us to read tonight?"

"Dad, I am nine years old now. I'm too old for you to read me a bed time story," Harry said.

Severus nodded and sat on the edge of Tommy's bed instead of the arm chair in the middle of the two beds. "I know, I will just be reading to Tommy tonight." Tommy smiled and cuddled up closer to his dad. "Okay Tommy, what story do you want to hear?"

"Peter Rabbit," Tommy said.

"That story is for babies," Harry said.

"But this story is only for Tommy, who is still my little baby," Severus said lifting Tommy and sitting him on his lap. Tommy laughed and snuggled up comfortably. Harry looked at them longingly.

"It's Harry's birthday dad, he has to choose the story."

"Okay Harry, you choose the story for Tommy to listen to," Severus said.

Harry smiled and said, "I think Tommy would enjoy the story of the Three Hallows."

Tommy scrunched up his nose as he found that story scary, but then considered he was on his daddy so it would be safe.  Severus looked at Tommy who nodded.

"Okay Tommy, you know what to do." 

Tommy raised his hands. "Ready? Accio Story Three Hallows." Severus used his wand and did the movements. Tommy said the words as well and moved his hand in the same way Severus moved his wand. Severus noticed Harry doing it as well, but was trying not to show he was doing the nightly story time magic spell.

The book came from the shelf, but instead of going to Severus it went straight to Harry. Harry looked at it in shock. Severus nodded; he expected Harry to be able to do wandless magic and was not surprised he would do so at an early age.

"Well, if the book went to Harry, you know what that means?" Severus asked.

"What?" Harry asked, still looking at the book in shock.

"That you have to read the story tonight. You may be too old to listen to the story, but you are just old enough to start reading the stories for your brother," Severus said.

Tommy grinned.

Harry smiled and got out of his bed. Severus raised his eyebrow but smiled when Harry went to sit on the armchair in the middle of the beds where he normally sat.

Harry opened the book and started reading. Soon, Tommy was asleep and Harry looked on proudly as Severus put the sleeping boy under the covers.  He got off the armchair, leaving the book on the chair, and went back to his own bed. When Severus came over, Harry asked if he thought the story was true.

"Yes I do. There are many stories that are based on real things that happened," Severus said.

"I think it would have been cool to have the cloak of invisibility or the wand... not so much the ring."

"Yes, well there are some magical things that may seem cool to have but are really dangerous. The two brothers who owned the ring and the wand, wanted their gifts but it turned out to be bad for them. It turned on them because it was too powerful. You have to know when something is too powerful for you. Not everything you want is good for you."

Harry nodded.

Severus tucked Harry in once more "I hope you had a good birthday," he said.

"It was the greatest. Thanks dad.  And dad could you... could you check my presents and see if they are good for me?" Harry asked, pointing to the table.

"Of course son, that's what I am here for; to make sure nothing harms you."

Harry smiled. "You're the greatest, dad."

Severus smiled and thought that while the Hallows led others to their death, it led him to life.

-----

A week later, Severus and Sarah went on their first public date; it was the Potter Annual Summer Affair. Severus did not normally attend the various pureblood balls, however Ian said it would be good for him and Sarah to be seen together in public.

Severus had on dark green and silver robes and Sarah had on silver and mint-green robes.  Harold and his wife Elizabeth greeted them graciously.  Severus had a good relationship with the couple; Harold Potter was one of the Senior Aurors in the DMLE, and Nip and Misty's daughter Ella was apprenticing with the Potter's elf healer Tod.

Severus had been to Potter Manor a few times; it was, however, the first time he had entered the ballroom. It was like a fairy tale. He was really upset with Albus; this was where Harry should have grown up, instead of a cupboard.  Sarah whispered to him and told him not to look so depressed.

They saw Ian and immediately went to him.  Soon John and his wife Emily came. Severus took Emily out on the dance floor and John took Sarah.  Then they switched.  After a few dances, Severus was able to take Elizabeth Potter out on the dance floor.

"You and Sarah make a beautiful couple. Are we going to be getting an invitation to an engagement party soon?" Elizabeth asked and Severus laughed.

"Soon, but not too soon; possibly Christmas or even next year."

"Don't wait too long, I think I see Regulus Black eyeing her," Elizabeth said and Severus looked up sharply, scowling.

She laughed. "You know you almost look like Tiberius Prince; I never really noticed it before. He was supposed to be here, but his wife Miriam went into labour this morning."

Severus looked at her and then thought about the date. His mother was going to be born in two days.

"I myself will be in her shoes for the Prince Ball next June," Elizabeth said with a laugh.

"You're pregnant?" Severus asked in shock. He knew Harold and Elizabeth were James Potter's parents. James was born very late in Elizabeth's life; she would joke and said she thought she had gone into menopause but found out later she was pregnant. James had been their only child. Obviously, she had had a miscarriage.

"Yes and I am very excited. Harold and I are planning on having at least six children," Elizabeth said with a laugh.

Severus thought; no wonder James was so spoilt.

"Well congratulations, I hope things go well," Severus said and Elizabeth gave him a smile that was Harry's when he was truly happy.

Finally, dinner was announced and Elizabeth and Harold invited Severus and Sarah to sit next to them. Unfortunately, Albus Dumbledore was also invited to sit close to them.

Ten minutes into the dinner, Albus started discussing Hogwarts policies on muggleborns and his opinion that underage children should not be allowed to do magic outside of school. Cygnus Black, Edgar Bones who was head of the DMLE, and Harold were seriously listening to him.

Severus put down his knife and fork and joined the conversation. "It is unfair to the muggleborns. As a pureblood, you would be able to practice with your parents within your manor; however the muggleborns would not be able to practice. So what would happen is that the purebloods, who already have an advantage growing up in this world, would have a greater advantage and the muggleborns would always be at a disadvantage."

"But what about the statutes of secrecy? I had to go recently to change a young lad, a muggle, who had been turned into a frog because his muggle-born girlfriend had caught him cheating," Harold stated.

"It is because of incidences like that which make us want to pass this new law," Albus stated.

Severus turned to Dumbledore. "And how many incidences like that do you have on average a year?"

"One at most two," Harold said.

"So for the most part, the muggleborns have not broken the secrecy. You are jeopardizing the welfare of all muggleborn and their families because of the incidences of one or two individuals," Severus argued.

"It is not so simple, you were not in Britain for the muggle war; muggleborns were forced by their families to use magic in horrible ways; many died because they could not control their magic. Pureblood children have their parents to help control their magic, muggleborns don't," Cygnus Black said.

Severus shook his head. "But what about protecting themselves? I may not have been here in Britain, but I have experienced more war than I would like and I know several muggleborn children who died after hesitating to use magic because they were told not to use it. I know of crimes against muggleborn, simply because they are different and because they could not fight back."

"Well of course they are different; they are muggleborn they have less magic, smaller cores. Magic is not natural to them," Hesper Black stated.

"That is not true Hesper and you know it," Elizabeth said. "Look at Richard Evans. His family are purebloods but he does not have much magic. The Blakes are dying out, they too are pureblood; I believe the child Horton is a squib.  And take Edwin Moody, he is a muggleborn and the finest Auror in the corps."

Severus nodded. "I think purebloods are secretly afraid of losing their status as being all knowing and come up with more and more laws to keep themselves in high standings, but it will be their downfall."

Edgar Bones asked Severus to explain.

Severus put down his knife and fork and explained. "100 years ago, most muggles were poor, uneducated individuals. The average muggle did not know how to read or write. Only the Lords of the muggle world, the elite, were educated. So when a muggleborn came to the wizarding world, the mere concept of education was something they never expected or had. So the pureblood wizards were looked upon as saviours, heroes; something akin to demi-Gods. The muggleborn would take years to catch up with basic reading and writing and would be considered slow or stupid. But then slowly, the muggles started introducing basic education; more and more children were taught at least the basics. Muggle intellects like Edison and Morse came up with science that rivalled some of the things that are common in the magical world. Muggleborns coming into the magical world were therefore no longer astounded and mesmerized by the magic and actually started school already knowing how to read and write and therefore would learn the magic faster. Purebloods were accustomed to being treated like gods so they felt threatened as muggleborns were no longer looking at them with wide eyed wonder, but were actually doing better than they were in school."

"So you think we feel threatened?" Edgar asked.

Severus looked at him. "In a sense, yes. The muggle world is seeking to improve itself; have any of you driven in an automobile, gone to a movie, seen an airplane, or experienced electricity? These things are marvellous. We as wizards should seek to improve ourselves as well. We have become stagnant; a lot of the spells we use are hundreds of years old.  At Hogwarts, there are things that are done the same way as they were done in the time of the founders.  The banking system is hundreds of years old and most of the laws are feudalistic at best. Within forty years, the muggles will be able to go to the moon and we would still be riding our broomsticks."

"Is that why you work on cures for the werewolves and create so many new, improved versions of potions and spells?" Harold asked.

"Yes. We have to keep changing or we will die. With very few exceptions, the changes that have been made in the wizarding world in recent times have actually come from muggleborn. If we purebloods don't do something, the muggleborn will take over," Severus said.

"Maybe the solution would be to get rid of the muggles," Cygnus said. To Severus' horror, quite a few people laughed.

Severus shook his head. "And what would that solve? We would still be stagnant and still be dying out. The problem is not the muggles; it is us. If we need to get rid of the muggles to feel superior, then we are fooling ourselves. If we improve ourselves and rise above them, then we have actually proven that we are in fact superior. The problem is we are afraid to find out we aren't, so we don't even try and continue to belittle and bring the muggles and muggleborn down," Severus said and he saw a few wizards nodding.

Then Harold suddenly gasped and took off his glasses, wiping his face. Elizabeth looked at him. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, I am okay. Just the excitement of the day," Harold said and everyone nodded. Severus saw Harold take a glass of wine and then smile, but he knew something was wrong.

Cygnus smiled at Severus. "What would you change at Hogwarts?"

"Well, I was never a student there so I could not give you specific examples, but in general, the first thing would be to have a two-month orientation with the muggleborn students before they enter school. A muggleborn does not even know what magic is and most likely considers the things they could do as freakish and abnormal. They get their letter and are told to report to school come September 1st and they then have to start school with everyone else..."

"But a teacher takes them to get their things and explains how things work," Albus interjected.

Severus shook his head. "For how long? An hour... two and the child is still trying to grapple with the idea of being magical to really get what the teacher has said. What is needed is for the child and even their family to spend time in the magical world.  Learning about how things work, what magic really is all about, spending time understanding and acclimatising. It would also give the school time to find out how to best deal with a particular child."

"So if the child can't read or write, you could take the time and teach them beforehand so they would be ready when school starts," Elizabeth said and Severus nodded.

"Or if the child was abused or mistreated. I know of one case where the child was beaten almost daily and locked in a cupboard for showing signs of being possessed by the devil. A child like that needs time to understand that they are not the devil's spawn but are simply magical. A child like that cannot be just given a letter and a two-hour tour, then start school normally come September 1st" Severus said.

Albus nodded. "A child like that would have a lot of problems in school. I understand your point; it does have merit, but an orientation like that would require a lot of work, coordination and no offense, but we teachers need our holidays."

Everyone laughed.

"I don't think it would be that difficult. All you would need to do is have the muggleborn child live with a wizarding family for two months before they enter Hogwarts," Cygnus suggested.

Severus nodded and smiled. "Exactly. I know I don't mind hosting a child or two for those two months."

Hesper frowned. "I understand the children, but you said the families as well."

"The families would not be required to stay the two months, just possibly a weekend or two so they can come to understand the dealings of the magical world, the laws, the banking, and how to get in contact with the magical world if needed."

Edgar laughed. "I remember one muggle parent went into Scotland Yard demanding access to the magical world or to see someone about his son, who had done something horrible at Hogwarts, and the school sent the parent a letter. The man wanted to punish his son but couldn't do more than send a letter back with the school owl. If he were magical he would have gone to the school and given the boy a sound whipping which was what his friends got."

Everyone laughed and Cygnus said, "In that case, it worked well for the lad."

After the laughter died down Severus said, "But the fact is, the parent had no way of getting to his son. I think a support group is needed. Not just a magical guardian, but a group of muggle and magical parents getting together."

"But isn't all of that just giving the muggleborn more power over us?" Hesper asked.

"No, I believe that by doing this, the muggleborn would learn more about our culture and our beliefs. Yes we want change, yes we need to adapt, but it does not mean we have to lose our culture or our heritage. By training the muggleborn to our heritage from the beginning, they could get a better understanding of what it means to be a wizard.  As it is, there are two groups in our society, them and us. There is no need for that separation; I think it should just be us magics. We can both learn from each other," Severus said and several of the group nodded.

Before Hesper could reply, a house-elf appeared and handed Severus a note. It was from Marvolo, who was at home babysitting the two boys; there was an emergency and he asked if Severus and Sarah could come immediately.

Severus explained that he had an emergency and asked to be excused. Harold looked at Severus and said, "I think I should come with you. I don't know why, but my magic is pulling me. Please everyone, if you would excuse me, I will return shortly."

Elizabeth nodded and Harold left with Severus and Sarah.

They used the floo back to Willow Castle. Nip met them immediately and explained. Marvolo had sent the boys to bed, but Harry took Tommy outside to fly. Tommy went up on the broom on his own and could not control it. Tommy fell and now Harry was missing.

Severus ran up to the nursery, where Marvolo was looking dead white.  An unconscious Tommy was on the bed, both his legs were broken; his right leg had a bone sticking out. He was very pale and part of his chest was literally blue.  Sarah immediately pulled her wand and started diagnosing him. She told Nip to get certain potions from Severus' private lab.

"He will live but it is really bad," Sarah said as she started casting spells on the boy.

Severus turned to Marvolo. "Where is Harry?"

"I don't know. I heard the scream and ran out and when I saw Tommy, he looked dead. I knew he was still alive. Harry was crying and asked me if Tommy was going to die and I said I didn't know. Harry started screaming and then I told him I was going to call you... I didn't mean it as a punishment or anything. Harry said he was a murderer and just disappeared."

"He apparated out. He did it before when he thought he was in mortal danger," Severus said. "Misty!"

The house-elf came immediately, as if knowing what he was going to ask she said, "I do not sense Master Harry in the castle. I sent Ella to Reiner Manor to see if he is there."

Severus nodded.

Nip came back with the stock of potions and Sarah started spelling the potions into Tommy. They saw the difference in Tommy within a minute.

"Tommy will be okay. He may have a slight limp on his right leg," Sarah said.

Severus shook his head. "No. Banish the bone; we can re-grow it."

"Re-grow the leg? Is such a thing possible?" Harold asked.

"Yes, the potion is classified," Severus said.

"Is it experimental?" Harold asked.

Severus shook his head. "No, just classified. I will go and get the potion."

As he turned to leave, Ella came in looking panicked. "He is not at Reiner Manor and I checked with Tibbs, the Lestrange house-elf, and he is not there either."

Severus grew pale but took a deep breath. "Think Severus. Think of where he would be." Severus closed his eyes. Harry would go somewhere safe. If he had his memories, he would have gone to Hogwarts or even Privet Drive, but he didn't; unless somewhere in the back of his mind, the memories still existed.  He decided to check.

Marvolo and Harold said they would go with him. Severus first went to a secret room under the castle (Harold and Marvolo stood outside), where he had the Potter and Black libraries. He got the Marauders Map, which Harry had brought with him from the future.  They then left Willow Manor and apparated to just outside the castle. Since it was summer, the school gate was closed. Severus took them to a secret passageway to get inside the school. He told them he just needed to be on the grounds. He took out the map and checked. There were three residents in the castle and no one else. Severus sighed and shook his head.

They then went to Privet Drive. The area was still meadow. Once more Severus shook his head. They went to Marvolo's and even to Thomas at Cambridge University Hospital (who packed his bags and asked Marvolo to take him to Willow Castle). Not knowing where else to try, they went to the Burrow; again it was a dead end. Dejected, Severus said he did not know what to do.

Harold put his hand on Severus' shoulder and said he knew Harry was alright; he was scared and cold, but alright.

Severus looked at Harold. He knew Harold had felt Harry's distress. Harry was still a Potter and Harold was Lord Potter. Severus thought of it and then an idea hit him. "We have to get to Willow Castle now."

They returned to the castle and Severus ran to the nursery. Tommy was now looking more like himself and Sarah said he would be fine.  She had put him in stasis but would be healed in a few days.

"Wake him up," Severus said.

Sarah looked at him "No, Severus. I don't think he could help..."

"Sarah, trust me. Wake him up," Severus said.

Sarah looked unsure. Severus looked at her, pleading, and against her own training as a healer, she used the counter spell to release Tommy from the stasis. It took them five minutes to properly wake him and then another five to get him to calm down.

"Tommy, I want you to close your eyes and think of Harry. See if you can find him in your mind," Severus said.

Marvolo shook his head. "The boys are close, but I do not think they are magically connected."

Sarah looked at Severus; she knew what he was thinking. "It wouldn't work; Tommy is not connected to him."

"Harry is connected to Tommy.  The scar is still there. The power is dormant, but it is there," Severus said.  "Tommy, call Harry. Call him out loud."

Tommy concentrated and called Harry. "I hear him. Daddy, I hear him!"

"Ask him if he recognises where he is?"

Tommy concentrated. "He says he doesn't know; he said it is dark and he is cold."

"Ask him if he sees anything or hears anything."

Tommy looked at them. "[He says he sees a door with snakes.]"

Severus looked at Marvolo who translated. Severus immediately thought about the Chamber of Secrets. He started breathing hard.  The Basilisk was still alive. He closed his eyes. He knew Harry would not die, but he was horrified at what could happen.

"You know where he is?" Harold stated more than asked.

Severus nodded but said, "Tommy, tell him to ask the snakes if they are the gate to Salazar's chamber."

Tommy sent the message.  After a few minutes, Tommy shook his head "[He says they say they are home]."

Marvolo looked at Tommy and then at Severus. Severus saw the man's mind working and then the old man said, "He is here. This is home. This is home for us parselmouths.  To Harry, Tommy, and I this is home; it is why we feel so at peace. He is in a hidden chamber somewhere here in the castle."

"I went to our hidden chamber he was not there," Severus said.

Marvolo shook his head. "You built this castle over the ruins of another castle. That previous castle or the original castle must have had another secret chamber."

"But where?" Thomas Riddle asked.

"The goblins may know," Severus said. In twenty minutes, the head goblin that had helped build the castle for Severus was there.

"Flint, did you or any of your men ever find any secret passages or caves under the castle when you were building?" Severus asked.

The goblin shook his head. "No, or we would have told you." 

Severus' face showed his disappointment.

The goblin then said, "There was a spot, however, that we tested to build the astronomy observatory, but we found the spot unstable. If there is any area that may have an underground cave, it may be there."

"Take us," Severus said as he lifted Tommy from the bed. Sarah wanted to protest, but she trusted Severus.

The goblin, Flint, took them to an indoor garden where Severus grew his potions ingredients. Severus asked Tommy to call Harry again.

"I hear him really loud Daddy," Tommy said.

Severus gave Tommy to Sarah before using his magic to dig a hole. Marvolo and Harold joined in. Then the earth started sinking. Sarah ran to the side with Tommy.  They all moved and Severus did not have time to tell Tommy to warn Harry. The entire hole sank in. Within a minute they saw the cave underneath.

Harold sent a light down and they saw Harry looking up at them. Harry started crying when he saw his dad. Severus jumped down and practically flew the twenty feet down from the bottom of the hole to the floor where Harry was.

"Daddy, I am so sorry I..." Harry started and was immediately silenced by the strong hug. He felt so much safer. He knew he was probably going to get the worst spanking of his life, but he was safe.

"Let's get out of here now," Severus said.

"I am going to conjure a rope Severus, and I will send it down to you," Harold shouted.

Severus shook his head. "No, that will not be necessary.  Just stand aside." He looked down at Harry and said, "Let me show you something Reginald Lestrange could never teach you." He picked the boy up and without a broom flew up to the surface where a shocked Sarah, Tommy, Marvolo, Harold, Thomas and Flint looked at him.

"You could fly really, really fly!" Harry shouted with excitement.

Severus saw Harold staring at Harry. Severus knew that besides the emerald green eyes, Harry looked very much a Potter.

Then Harry shouted, "You are the greatest wizard in the world Dad."

Harold looked at Severus and gave him a nod. It was a nod Severus understood; Harold accepted Harry as Severus'.

Severus looked at his two boys, Sarah and even Marvolo; he smiled and felt like the greatest wizard in the world.