1994 September 14th, 1:35am - Dumbledore's Office

Albus Dumbledore paced uneasily in his office. Behind him was the Mirror of Erised which he had enchanted precisely thirty-five minutes ago into a portgate. There was no knowing how long it might take for the portgate to form, nor was Albus to know for certain whether or not his Potions instructor and his four students were returning. Albus smiled grimly; at least he had planned for such a possible delay.

Fawkes suddenly let out a squawk and ruffled his feathers as the surface of the Mirror of Erised lost the power of reflection and shimmered. The Headmaster was immediately in front of the Mirror and steadied Ron Weasley as he stepped awkwardly out. Right behind him was an ashen-grey Hermione Granger. Ron turned slightly, her hand in his in a death grip and allowed her to lean against him. Draco emerged next and was caught and steadied by the Headmaster, Ron and Hermione. Harry came through and fell against Draco. Draco shot a silent plea to Ron who was the only one with a free hand. Ron roughly yanked Harry to his feet just as Snape emerged with the grace of someone who appeared to travel by portgate every single day.

"Don't let go!" Snape shouted so unexpectedly, that the hands that had begun to relax, only gripped tighter. Snape then faced the Mirror as it expelled one last traveller: Lyrica.

As Snape swept his lover into his arms, pandemonium broke out. There were shouts of surprise and joy from the teenagers. The Headmaster stepped slightly back and watched as Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Draco threw their arms around their teacher and the lovely young woman that was kissing Snape.

The Mirror of Erised began to shudder and Albus raised his voice over the cacophony, "I think it would be wise if everyone moved over by the fireplace!"

Snape ushered his family over to the large fireplace just as the first crack appeared in the mirror. As they watched, a second crack grew from the first one and the reflective surface of the mirror turned an oily black. More hairline cracks crawled eerily over the surface of the mirror. When it appeared the damage was finally finished, Albus waved his hand over the surface and sighed, not unhappily.

"It seems, my boy, that you found a way to destroy this Mirror," mused the Headmaster. He then turned his attention to Snape who had his arm around the woman's waist and was protectively surrounded by the teenagers. He was puzzled by the expression of distrust that was reflected upon all their faces. "It is good to see all of you returned, however, Headmistress Arcahnum, I was not certain I'd be seeing you again."

Lyrica gently disengaged herself from Snape's side and walked over to the old wizard. Had it not been for the twinkling blue eyes, she would not have recognised the youthful boy in the old man. "Mr. Dumbledore, you have changed."

Dumbledore nodded. "And you have not, Madame. You do realise that your appearance here now solves a 96 year old mystery?" She nodded for him to continue. "You disappeared under mysterious circumstances in April of 1899. The official explanation given was that you had chosen to leave the country to pursue personal Potions research. Professor Grailing took over as Headmaster. He had hopes of continuing in the position, but died a few days after term ended. Phineas Nigellus Black came out of retirement to take over the Headmaster position."

"Madame Arcahnum! A word, if you would?" The imperious voice came from the portrait of the past Headmaster, Phineas Nigellus Black.

Lyrica obediently went over to the portrait and curtsied. "Baron Black?"

The portrait of Black had dark blue eyes that narrowed nastily. "I have been waiting 96 years to give you what for, Madame. I was quite content in my retirement until you disappeared. I was not at all pleased to have taken up the mantle, dealing with these miserable, youthful wizards and witches, until my untimely, and thoroughly unnatural death through stress! I have no regrets for expunging your existence at Hogwarts from the Honored Roll!"

"That's quite enough!" snapped Snape as he cast a Silencing spell over the disagreeable, ex-Headmaster's portrait. Snape slipped his arm around Lyrica's waist.

"Albus," interjected Snape tersely to interrupt the reunion. "I would like to... brief you before you speak to the children and to Lyrica."

"They can all return to their houses, then, and perhaps a guestroom for..."

Snape firmly shook his head. "For tonight they may all stay in my quarters. I'd like to use your Floo."

Albus nodded. He watched, curiously, as Snape spoke quietly to the children, assuring them with a gentle brush of his fingers to their cheeks. Snape then took the Floo powder and threw it into the fireplace. "Professor Snape's quarters!" The children went first and then Lyrica. Once the Floo had closed, Snape turned stiffly, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he glared angrily at the Headmaster.

"Before I tell you anything, you meddlesome, old, wizard, I want to know how you entered our dreams and why you felt it necessary to use an Unforgivable Curse upon me."

Snape had some little satisfaction as the twinkle abruptly vanished from the older wizard's eyes. Dumbledore sighed wearily and returned to his desk, sitting down. He indicated that Snape ought to sit as well, but the younger wizard wasn't about to relax his stance. "I would guess that there was a reluctance to return to your time, then?"

"You guess? Surely you know the answer to that question, Albus! You are the one who violated our dreams!" he shouted.

"Actually, Severus, until this moment I did not know that any of you were at all unhappy about returning. However, I must ask this, do you truly think me capable of traveling back in Time just to assault you in your dreams?"

Snape's gaze became tight and narrow. "Am I to think otherwise?"

The Headmaster chuckled lightly. "I am hardly that powerful, my boy. If I were, I'd send a few nightmares to Voldemort and be done with him."

"Then explain yourself," Snape demanded with a growl.

"From your letter," Albus picked up an old, yellowed parchment that was well-creased. "I, of course, had ample warning of your trip earlier this evening. Since 1980 I have become intimate with the content of that letter, especially after you became my Potions instructor. As I came to know you, my boy, I knew that I would not see you, or Harry, again if I didn't plan in advance for your reluctance. I never was very good at creating spells, so I wasn't entirely certain just how this spell would work. It was a bit of Dark Magic, I'm afraid..."

"What are you babbling about?" griped Snape. His patience was wearing thin.

"A curse, to be honest," Dumbledore said quietly. "It is called Somnium Aliquantulus Somnium Mei. At the beginning of this year, I cursed you, and the children. The dreams would be triggered by... need and would act upon your fears. I did my best to make the dreams as benign as possible. Hopefully a gentle reminder." Dumbledore's expression drooped. "I take it they weren't that benign?"

"You used the Cruciatus Curse upon me to get my attention and you dropped Harry on his skull from a great height." Snape's voice was cold, toneless, and matter of fact. He was inwardly pleased by the appalled look that came over the Headmaster's features. "Is it possible it wasn't your intention for your dreams to be that... violent?"

Dumbledore was hurt by the sarcastic sneer in Snape's voice and did not bother to hide his expression from the younger wizard. "It was not."

Snape did not allow himself to be swayed by the Headmaster obvious distress at his anger. Although he was pleased to know that the content of the dreams had not been intentional, it was a Dark Arts curse the old man had used and it had caused he and Harry, and later Hermione, pain and fear. He could not forgive Dumbledore for having used such magic on them.

Over the next hour Snape gave the Headmaster the highlights of their life in 1898 to 1899. He purposefully left out incidents such as when the children all suffered from the flu, when the boys had fallen into the barrow, and Christmas. He concentrated on their research to find a way home. Finally Dumbledore asked the question he'd hoped to avoid the moment they'd stepped through the Mirror of Erised.

"I am surprised that you allowed Madame Arcahnum to leave her time, Severus. Was it her choice?"

Snape, who had seated himself some time ago, stiffened in his chair. He recalled the night before when Lyrica had come to his bed. That night was to be a memory cherished by them both, but as she had stood near the mirror, watching them as they stepped through, he knew he could not live on his memories. Not anymore. No matter how foolish, or possibly dangerous it was, he had grasped Lyrica by the hand and pulled her firmly to his side. He had not appreciated the gift of love when he'd been young, and had destroyed it with a thoughtless remark that he'd never had the courage to apologise properly for. Lyrica was his redemption, a gift he would respect and treasure.

"It was," Snape lied, although deep down he knew that had Lyrica been given a choice, she would have come with him without question.

The Potions Master rose to his feet. "I should return to Lyrica and the children now, Albus. What I've told you so far isn't everything. We were given a new... vision of the prophecy that I would like to discuss with you with Harry present. I'd like to excuse all the children from classes tomorrow. Perhaps with the excuse that they were each injured by Vohlfayr during detention?"

"Quite reasonable, Severus. I'll speak to Poppy about the subterfuge and make certain she keeps any snooping students away from the infirmary tomorrow. Do you intend to keep Madame Arcahnum and the children in your quarters tonight?"

Snape nodded as he rose to his feet. "I do. We've all had a full night's sleep so we have much to discuss between us. I'll talk to you in the morning, Albus."

Not having been in the castle for awhile, Snape chose to walk back to his quarters. He was pleased to find a few couples sneaking time together behind tapestries and he was quite satisfied in taking points from Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. As soon as he walked through his secret door in the dungeons to his quarters he was set upon by Lyrica and the children. It was Lyrica's voice who shushed everyone, allowing Snape a moment to remove his outer robes and settle into his favorite chair. His large sofa was quickly filled with the teenagers- he frowned at Hermione who had automatically seated herself upon Draco's lap. Hermione slid reluctantly off the blonde's lap and beside him. Ron ended up sitting in front of the fire and Lyrica took the matching chair to the one Snape sat in, opposite him.

"First of all, until Harry and I can speak to Albus, you're all excused from classes tomorrow. You were injured during detention. For all intents and purposes, you are all quarantined in the infirmary."

"So what did you tell the Headmaster, Uncle Severus?" asked Draco.

"Nothing, really. Mostly about our research and our stay at Ashmere. We did, however, get to the matter of the dreams." He briefly settled his gaze on Harry and Hermione. "Albus used a spell... a curse, upon each of us at the beginning of the year. The curse would cause a realistic dream of himself reminding us of our purpose. He seemed quite appalled to learn what the content of the dreams were."

"And that's supposed to be all right?" snapped Harry. "A curse? He used Dark Magic on us?" Harry slammed back against the sofa cushions, scowling hotly at the flames in the fireplace.

"I have to agree with Harry," said Lyrica softly. "Does he not trust you? Is this how he's been directing your war against Volde..."

Snape interrupted her. "No. Do NOT say his name." Lyrica frowned questioningly at him. "Names have power, Lyrica." She nodded in understanding. "Harry, I know you're angry at Albus, but war is a difficult time and leaders are often called on to act in ways they normally wouldn't."

Draco squeezed Harry's upper arm. "I don't like it either, Harry, but we're all going to have to do things we don't like to get rid of You-Know-Who."

Harry glared and Snape and Draco. "That doesn't make it acceptable! Lyrica's right! He should have trusted us enough to know that we'd come back."

"Harry, listen to me," Snape spoke patiently, "I am not saying that I accept what the Headmaster did. Make no mistake, as much as I understand why he did what he did, I do not believe that makes it right. None of us had any say in the matter, and I agree, Albus should have trusted us. At the very least, he should have trusted me. Regardless, though, we know what was done and he will remove the curse tomorrow."

Harry pouted a few more seconds and then smiled resignedly at Snape. "So what happens now?"

Snape stared pointedly at Lyrica. "I suppose that's something you're wondering as well, dear lady?"

"Quite so, dear sir," replied Lyrica. Her green eyes sparkled in the fire light. "I didn't expect to be here."

Snape found himself the recipient of a smug smirk from Draco, a sly smile from Ron, a sweet smile approving of his actions from Hermione, and an open, Gryffindor grin from Harry. He sighed. He was mad to have brought Lyrica to their present, but he couldn't say that he regretted it. Their future was uncertain and he had decided that however long he and Lyrica might have beneath the auspices of the Dark Lord, they were meant to be together.

The Potions Master steepled his hands over his abdomen and tapped his fingertips together a few times. A rather wicked curl edged his lips as he drawled, "Well, impractical as it might sound, I was considering that our next step might be a hand-fasting ceremony." He lowered a half-lidded gaze toward Lyrica. "Tonight." Her reply was a simple, soft smile as her body relaxed in her chair.

"A what?" asked Harry dimly.

"A hand-fasting! A wizard wedding, Harry!" Hermione's hands wrapped delightedly around Draco's arm and he winced as she squeezed tightly. "Sorry, love," she whispered as she relaxed her grip and kissed the boy's cheek. "But why tonight, Uncle?"

"Normally I would spend a few days or weeks concocting a viable story that is acceptable, not only to the Ministry, but to the gossip-mill that is Hogwarts. We don't have that luxury as it would be impossible to hide Lyrica until such a story was prepared."

Draco smirked, "But you're Severus Snape, Uncle. You thought of one while walking down here, didn't you?"

"Indeed, Draco. So, my love, shall we?" Snape asked politely with a nod of his head.

"I agree, Severus. The sooner the better. By any chance, does your Headmaster have the authority to perform a hand-fasting?"

"As Albus is Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, I believe he is eminently qualified." Snape rose from his chair and his hand hovered over the green onyx box of Floo powder. "Hm. It is rather late..."

Harry piped up, "Seeing as how Professor Dumbledore cursed us, and gave us a few sleepless nights, I don't think he'd mind being disturbed."

Snape smirked. "I quite agree, Harry." He threw the Floo powder into the fire. "Headmaster Albus Dumbledore!"

There was a delay of a few minutes and then Dumbledore's white-haired head popped through the green flames. He had a purple nightcap on his head with moving stars and moons. "What may I do for you, Severus?"

"It's called the Room of Requirement," Albus said as he stifled a yawn. He paced back and forth before a blank expanse of wall opposite a large tapestry of Barnaby the Barmy teaching trolls to dance. "You think about what you need, and the room provides it for you." Albus had donned his ceremonial robes he wore when presiding over the Wizengamot. They were deep blue velvet trimmed in snow white ermine around the hem and the wide cuffs of the sleeves. Upon his head was a short, pointed cap that matched his robes. "A marvelous room I discovered one night when I managed to get lost in the castle and was in desperate need of..."

"Oh please, Albus! Do spare us that story," chided Minerva. Dumbledore chuckled and paced a second time in front of the wall. Minerva McGonagall had been wakened a few minutes ago and she glared at Snape. "I expect a full explanation, Severus. I wasn't even aware you'd been... dating." Snape frowned as Minerva shot an appraising glower at the young woman with the long, dark red hair at his side wearing a dark green velvet dress with a silver embroidered bodice.

"Here we go!" Interrupted the Headmaster as he finished pacing a third time.

A wide door swung open and the Headmaster graciously ushered everyone inside. Instead of a plain room, the Room of Requirement had provided an idyllic, outdoor setting for the hand-fasting. Flowers bloomed everywhere beneath a clear blue, Spring sky. A gentle breeze carried with it the scent of Meadow-Sweet, Bluebell, and Sweet Cicely. The floor was lush, thick grass that perfectly invited bare feet. Albus kicked off his velvet shoes and wiggled his toes. He smiled encouragingly to everyone. Hermione, Ron, Draco, and Harry divested themselves of their shoes and socks without any need for encouragement. Lyrica followed. Minerva sighed in exasperation, but she soon had her slippers off her feet as well. Snape wasn't inclined to take off his boots until Lyrica whispered in his ear.

"It is a symbolic connection to the power of the earth, Severus. A blessing for many children."

Snape's jaw dropped briefly and then he snapped it shut as he tossed a piercing glare at the sniggering behind him. "I think four is more than enough, don't you?" he snapped. Lyrica laughed and kissed his cheek and a tiny smile graced his lips as his love for her shone unabashedly in his onyx-coloured eyes.

"Oh look!" Hermione pointed toward a crown of flowers. She ran over to the wild rose bush it sat upon, picked it up, and brought it over to Lyrica. Lyrica put the crown of flowers onto her head. The crown was made from fresh tendrils of ivy woven with small, white Starflower. The tendrils of ivy spilled down over her loose hair.

"Come, children! Over here!" urged Dumbledore. While everyone had taken in the beautiful scenery, the Headmaster had moved over to a natural arch created by two Hawthorne trees whose branches were tangled overhead.

The teenagers and Minerva made their way over to Dumbledore, but Snape held back. Taking his wand from his sleeve, he glanced slyly at Lyrica as he divested himself of his boots. "Do not think I shall always cave so easily to your whims, Madame."

Lyrica curtsied. "Only when necessary, my love."

Snape extended his forearm and Lyrica rested her hand upon it. He then led her toward the Headmaster until they were standing before him. "A moment, Albus." Snape turned to the teenagers. "I have come to think of each of you as a part of my family. I would consider it an honor if you join this blessing and continue to consider me your Uncle and Lyrica your Aunt." Snape then turned his gaze to Harry. "As for you, Harry," he knelt down in front of the boy. "I made a promise to you that I would like to keep, if it is also your wish. Would you consent to becoming our son?"

Harry suddenly felt like he couldn't breathe and he was afraid he might topple off his feet. He was barely aware of Ron stepping up behind him to steady him with a hand on his shoulder. "I wouldn't have to go back to the Dursleys?" Harry cast an uncertain glance at the Headmaster.

Snape's head turned and he saw the beginning of a protest forming on Dumbledore's lips. The Potions Master's gaze hardened in warning for the older wizard to say nothing before he focused his attention on Harry again. "The legal side of an adoption will be problematic, Harry, but I'm certain we will have it sorted before summer. And, if we don't, you still will not have to worry about ever returning to those Muggles. I will always keep you safe."

Harry nodded and smiled shyly. He whispered, "I'd like to be your son. Thank you."

"Then come stand beside me, Harry." Snape rose to his feet and took Harry by the hand so that he was now standing between himself and Lyrica. Snape then turned and motioned for the other three to stand to his left. "I believe we're ready, Albus," said Snape.

A ribbon of green magic spiraled from Lyrica's heart to wrap around hers and Snape's hands. A similar ribbon of glittering silver emerged from Snape's heart, intertwining with the green and wrapping around their hands. Hermione sighed in wonder, having never witnessed a hand-fasting before. She was delighted to feel Draco's hand slip into hers as he stood beside her.

Albus voice rang out as he addressed the couple before him, "Severus Snape and Lyrica Arcahnum, do you both Vow to cherish, honor, and protect each other until the end of your days?"

There was no vocal reply. Snape had his wand out and tapped Lyrica's hand. His silver strand of magic curled upward until drifting into her heart. She sighed as the magic touched her. With her own wand, she tapped Snape's hand and her green strand of magic spun about until settling within his heart. A soft smiled graced his lips as her magic touched his.

At a nod from Dumbledore, Snape gathered his wife into his arms and kissed her. The ribbons of their magic exploded in a glittering shower of green and silver. There was a bit of polite applause and then the Headmaster spoke again.

"Harry, I need you to take Severus' right hand and Lyrica's left." Harry did so, glancing up at Snape and then Lyrica. Dumbledore tapped their hands and the ribbons of magic appeared again, green and silver, this time joined with crimson. "Severus and Lyrica, will you do honor to the parents of Harry James Potter and protect and love their son as if he were your own until eternity ends?"

"I do so Vow," said Snape quietly as he gave Harry's hand a firm squeeze.

"I do so Vow," said Lyrica and she bent down to kiss Harry's forehead.

"Harry James Potter, will you honor, obey, and love Severus and Lyrica Snape as your second parents until your own eternity ends?"

"Uhm... yes," said Harry with a smile.

"You need to seal the Vow, Harry," encouraged Snape.

Harry's cheeks flushed, but he did not lose his smile. "I er... do so... Vow!"

Harry watched as the three ribbons of magic wove together and then settled over Harry's heart until they vanished. As he felt the magic, and the love from his two new parents, fresh tears slid down his cheeks.

"Stand beside Professor McGonagall, Harry." Dumbledore gave Harry a pleased nod and watched as Minerva drew Harry to her side. The staunch Head of Gryffindor sniffled slightly and her eyes sparkled. "Draco, Ron, and Hermione, if you three would come over now?" Dumbledore directed the other three teens in between Lyrica and Snape and they each rested a hand on the couple's clasped hands. He then tapped his wand to all of their hands. A ribbon of gold magic rose up from Ron, a ribbon of blue from Hermione, and a ribbon of deep emerald from Draco. "Severus and Lyrica Snape, do you accept Hermione Jean Granger, Ronald Bilius Weasley, and Draco Malfoy, as a part of your extended family? Will you provide them with protection, comfort, and love as you would to any in your family?"

Lyrica and Snape both spoke, "We do so Vow."

Five colourful ribbons of magic wove together becoming one multicoloured ribbon that split in three, settling over the hearts of the three teenagers before fading.

"Congratulations, my boy," smiled Dumbledore. "Not only do you have a wife, but a son, a niece, and two nephews."

"Indeed, Severus," said Minerva archly. "I'm still a bit in the dark, but I do offer you my sincerest congratulations."

Snape inclined his head to Minerva.

"Minerva, I believe you're going to need to cancel your morning classes tomorrow." Dumbledore slipped the Transfiguration professor's arm through his. "I'm going to need your help with introducing our new Madame Snape legally." Dumbledore turned back and looked over his shoulder at Snape. "Severus, I'll expect you and your new bride for breakfast. Harry, please come to my office after you four have breakfast."

Snape nodded and Harry spoke quietly, "Yes, sir."

Dumbledore and Minerva left the Room of Requirement, leaving the new family to their celebration.

Snape, in his severe teaching robes stood with his arms crossed over his chest looking at the sleeping forms of four teenagers on transfigured beds in his sitting room down in the dungeons. Lyrica, dressed in a simple, grey gown, came up behind her husband and slipped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his shoulder.

"What are you thinking of, Severus?" she asked softly in the silent morning.

"This is a sight I never thought I'd see in my private quarters." He smirked slightly and turned his head to glimpse his wife. "You're not a sight I ever thought to see in my private quarters."

She stood on tiptoe and kissed his smooth cheek. "Does this mean no one will ever see the... what did they call you?"

"The 'greasy git of the dungeons'. I believe that is one Mr. Weasley's twin brothers came up with."

"So, my husband, is he gone? The 'greasy git'?"

"Hardly," he scowled. "I still have a school of dunderheads to teach Potions to, and unfortunately, one of those dunderheads is Mr. Longbottom, the Gryffindor bane of my existence."

There was a stirring from one of the beds, and Harry's voice piped up sleepily, "Does this mean I'm no longer a thorn in your side? Dad?"

Snape moved to stand over Harry and gave him a small, sardonic smile. "I expect you to uphold tradition, Mr. Potter, until such time all charades are no longer needed." Harry sniggered and yanked the covers over his head. "Another half hour, Harry. Then get everyone up and call Dobby to bring all of you breakfast."

Harry mumbled a 'yes, sir, Dad' from under his covers as Lyrica took Snape's hand, squeezed it, and led him out of their quarters and to the Headmaster's office.

Minerva McGonagall had wisely met with Albus an hour before Snape and Lyrica arrived. She listened quietly, imbibing her tea, as Dumbledore related the story of Snape's disastrous detention and the resultant time travel.

"So now Severus has a wife. His rival's son is now his, in addition, two other Grryfindors call him Uncle and his godson is now his nephew. I do hope, Albus, that there was at least some thought given to his current duties with the Order. Although we've yet to know where You-Know-Who is hiding, it is Severus who has been invaluable in keeping up with his old associations. How can he think to continue that with a wife and a son?"

"I won't be, Minerva." With his wife's hand lightly on his arm, Snape and Lyrica walked into the Headmaster's office. "Good morning, Albus."

"Good morning, Severus and Madame Snape." Dumbledore ushered them politely over to a square table where breakfast was just appearing. "Do help yourselves."

Snape poured coffee for himself, ignoring the food. Lyrica sat beside her husband, eating modestly, choosing to allow him to answer the Headmaster's question.

"Before you explain your intriguing reply to Minerva, Severus, I'd like you to know that Minerva has already spoken to her nephew in London and he is working up the legal paperwork the Ministry will need on Madame Snape. He will come by later this afternoon for the detail work."

Snape eyed Minerva. "Your nephew? Isn't that the one who is a master forger who has eluded the authorities for almost a decade?"

Minerva's eyebrows arched disdainfully, "Andrew Brody is an artist, Severus!"

Snape smirked, "So he is. Has the Louvre yet discovered that the Mona Lisa is a fake?" He chuckled at Minerva's snort.

"Madame Snape, by way of a wedding gift, I have something for you," interjected the Headmaster. He handed Lyrica a thick scroll.

Taking the scroll, Lyrica unsealed it, then unrolled it. "Ashmere! Severus, it's the deed to Ashmere!"

"How did you manage this, Albus?" asked Snape.

"For a short time, the house fell into the hands of the Ministry. The house and its property were passed around to various Ministry officials over the years, but no one kept it for long. Not long after I defeated Grindelwald, I began looking for properties that might prove useful in the future," he sighed sadly. "I had a feeling, even then, that Grindelwald would not be the worst of the Dark Wizards I'd see in my time, so I began to plan. I bought houses and land, putting them under Fidelius, and when I could, Unplottable wards as well. As you know, I've used many of my personal properties as safe houses for the Order. Ashmere was to be one and I have it under Fidelius as well as Unplotted. The problem is, there is an inhabitant that insists upon scaring everyone who uses the premises off of them."

A smile tugged at Snape's lips and when he could no longer hold it back, he laughed. Albus smiled at him. "I take it you know who this inhabitant is?"

Snape nodded. "Oh yes. A rather solid ghost of a very stubborn mien. Once King of England, Henry the VIII resides there and he's very protective of the place."

Lyrica nodded to the Headmaster. "Thank you so much for the return of my home, Albus. I'll need to find an elf, now. My poor house elfs were already very old by the time I was ten."

Minerva's eyebrow arched as she spoke, "What about that one that adores Mr. Potter, Albus? He tends to be a nuisance in the kitchens, but he might like being attached to the boy's family."

"Dobby? Well, we'll let Madame Snape speak to him. Not everyone wants a free elf." At Lyrica's questioning expression, Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "You may wish to hear the story of Dobby from your son, Madame."

Minerva saw Snape pouring his second cup of coffee. "Severus, perhaps you'd like to explain your cryptic remark as you came into the Headmaster's office? With your new responsibilities, is it really quite safe for you to continue with your spying efforts for the Order?"

Snape noted Dumbledore's hawkish, interested look and spoke carefully, "It would be cruel of me to continue with those duties after I promised Harry, and his friends, that I intended to look out for them. However, even if I wanted to continue, I cannot. The day before our return, my... status amongst the Dark Lords Inner Circle took a dramatic change." Putting down his half-finished cup of coffee, Snape quickly unbuttoned the cuff of his frock coat and shirt, and pulled up the sleeve over his left arm. The forearm, where the Dark Mark had long resided like an infected scab, was gone. There was only healthy skin.

"Oh bloody Merlin!" gasped Minerva, dropping her fork.

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed critically. In that moment, Snape knew that the Headmaster had been thinking of a way to keep his spy at his duties. The ex-Death Eater, and now ex-spy for the Order of the Phoenix, glared so dangerously at the Headmaster, that the older wizard pushed himself up and away from the table, away from that accusing look.

"A glamour, Severus?" the Headmaster asked blithely, although he was covering up his surprise badly.

Snape rolled down his sleeve. He was about to speak, when his wife rose to her feet and moved to stand in front of Dumbledore. Her emerald gaze froze him in mid-step. "I had considered forgiving you for the dreams you caused our son and his friends, but I think not. I can already see that you're not at all pleased that my husband is released from the slavery of that Dark Wizard. Look past that Dark Mark, if you're half the wizard I've been told and see that Severus can still do great work for your Order, as will I."

"Have you something to bring to our fight, Madame Snape?" Dumbledore asked civilly.

Lyrica glanced over at her husband and he nodded once. "I'm the one that removed the Dark Mark." She allowed that knowledge to sink in before continuing. "I know a magic much older than You-Know-Who's. It was a simple thing for me to remove that vile abomination from my husband using a magic I have already begun teaching to Severus, my son, and his friends. If you wish it, I will teach others." She stepped closer to the older wizard, and although he was now taller than her, she clearly intimidated him and Snape smirked in appreciation. "I might even consent to teach you, young Albus."

Minerva choked, and then laughed sharply at seeing the Headmaster so clearly bested. Dumbledore sighed heavily and lowered his head. "I do admit that the loss of my spy changes many plans. However, I am, truly pleased, that he no longer is obligated to risk his life in that manner." The Headmaster took Lyrica lightly by her forearm and drew her back toward Snape. He glanced at the young woman, and then settled his gaze seriously upon the younger man. "I have not always done well by you, Severus, and for that I do apologise. I do not ask for, nor expect forgiveness; at least until this war is finally ended." The Headmaster returned to his seat and ate a piece of bacon. "Now," he smiled, "perhaps you might enlighten me as to this old magic you've been teaching, Madame Snape?"

For the rest of the meal, both Lyrica and Snape explained to Albus and Minerva about Ley Line Magic. Minerva knew a little about this type of magic, though she called it 'Natural Magic'. Several of her ancestresses had practiced the art. Snape then talked about creating a Defense Association which might teach this magic to the students along with spells useful in battle.

They were interrupted by a knock on the door, but it wasn't Harry that was waiting to come into Dumbledore's office, it was the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Alastor Moody clumped into the office at the Headmaster's behest. His swivelling eye alighted on Snape and the man's already twisted face, managed to twist further. His fearsome gaze then fell onto the young woman seated beside the Potions professor.

"Alastor! Good morning! What might I do for you?" asked Albus.

"Ye weren't at breakfast, Albus, so I came up here to speak to ye. P'raps I've intruded, though."

Snape held back the riposte on the tip of his tongue and merely chose to glare at the ex-Auror. "I was just discussing a mishap that befell some of our students in the Forbidden Forest last night."

"Oh? Was Potter, by chance, injured?"

"Blood Faeries," remarked Snape dryly. "I don't suppose you might know how a nest of those vicious fae found their way to the forest, Moody?"

"Couldn't say that I do, Snape," he snarled, his lip curling upward rather distressingly. "However, I do recall that Dark Lord of yours experimented with them for a time, didn't he?"

Snape's gaze darkened and his voice lowered warningly, "He's not my Dark Lord."

Moody snorted derisively. "Long's you bear his mark, he's yours, Snape! No denying it."

"I can assure you, sir, he has no mark," asserted Lyrica.

"Aye? An' who're you, missy?"

Lyrica cast a quick glance at Snape, deferring to him. "Keep a civil tongue in your head, Moody. This is Madame Lyrica Snape." His gaze narrowed as he gauged the auror's response. "My wife."

Moody was caught off-balance by the revelation, but only for a moment. He shot back, "How'd you keep the Mark from her, Snape? Did ye find a glamour that covered up the ugly thing?" To Snape's indignation, the man grasped his left arm and forcibly ripped the sleeve of the frock coat and the silk shirt sleeve beneath. He jabbed the tip of his wand to Snape's bare forearm and chanted a revealing spell. Nothing happened.

"As you can see..." snarled Snape as he jerked his arm out of the man's grip.

"How's this possible?" demanded Moody. "Nuthin' can remove the Dark Mark!"

"It is possible, Alastor," confirmed Albus. "Severus' wife has made it possible."

Lyrica smiled politely at the old warhorse. Moody grunted and then aimed his moving eye at Snape. "No Dark Mark... a wife...? Anymore surprises, Snape?"

Snape smiled smugly, "As you now have two of my secrets, you might as well know the third. We've adopted Harry."

"Albus!" snapped Moody. "I know you trust this turncoat, but surely yer not endorsing an adoption?"

"I am, Alastor. Due to circumstances I shall not go into here, Harry is unable to return to his relatives. If Professor Snape and his wife did not agree to formally adopt Harry, you know that the Ministry would have put Harry's placement up for petition."

Moody blanched. "Fudge is an imbecile!"

"Be that as it may, Alastor, the last thing we would want is for Harry's welfare to wind up in the hands of... someone like Lucius Malfoy."

Moody scowled at Snape. The arrogant man stood smug and sublime as his wife went to stand next to him. Knowing when to fight and to retreat were one of the disciplines that had kept Moody alive for so long and in this instance, he retreated.

"That's done, then," he said stepping away from the Potions Master and his small family.

"Was there something you needed, Alastor?" asked Albus.

Moody paused, "Ahhh, no. Seems I forgot. I'll come back later." The old, ex-Auror turned stiffly and left the office as quickly as he could manage. "Move yer carcass, Potter!" A moment later, a slightly bewildered Harry entered the office.

"Did I do something to make him mad?" observed Harry.

"Professor Moody is just preoccupied, Harry," Dumbledore replied with a smile to the boy. "Are you well this morning, Harry?"

"I'm fine, sir." Harry glanced over at Snape's torn sleeve. "Are you all right, Severus?"

"Fine," Snape spoke in a low, half growl. He felt a tugging on his torn sleeve. "Hm? Er, yes?" he turned to acknowledge Lyrica.

"Would you like me to fix your sleeve?" He nodded, still pre-occupied with the disagreeable encounter with Alastor Moody.

"We have a few things to discuss before you can return to your friends, Harry." Dumbledore touched Snape's hand. "Severus. Are you with us?"

"I am, Headmaster."

"Very good. The first thing I want to get out of the way is the petition for adoption of one Harry James Potter. As head of the Wizengamot, I do have the authority to approve the petition, which I've already done. I just need your signature, Harry, and yours, Severus, and of course yours, Madame Snape." Handing over a quill, they all signed the petition. "The adoption papers will be drawn up this afternoon. Minerva has consented to write a letter of recommendation, as will I. Once we can reveal your marriage, I'm certain that the Wizarding Children Services will have no trouble approving the adoption. However, be prepared that they may wish to inspect Harry's home."

"Harry will have a room in our quarters here at Hogwarts, but he also has his room at Ashmere," replied Snape.

Dumbledore frowned slightly. "I'm certain you'll agree, Severus, that it would be best to keep Ashmere between us. It will be safer that way for your family."

Snape nodded. "I do agree."

"Fine. Harry's formal living quarters will be here, then." Dumbledore smiled at Harry. "Harry, as per the adoption papers, you will be required to live with your father and mother for at least three weeks prior to formalisation of the adoption. I'm sure you'll not have a problem with that?"

"Could my room be sound-proofed?" he said with a straight face.

"Don't be cheeky," sniped Snape. Harry chuckled. Lyrica blushed and then laughed. Minerva pretended not to know what the joke was about.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled madly for a moment and then he steered the conversation to the topic at hand. "Would you like to tell me now, Severus, what you wouldn't tell me last night?"

Snape straightened visibly. "I believe our presence in the past may have affected the prophecy. On Christmas day we went to Yule Celebration in Hogsmeade. A seer, who appeared to be acting the role of a fake, was playing the part of the Holly King and giving out visions to all who dropped coin into his goblet. Harry felt... compelled?" He glanced at the boy for confirmation and Harry nodded firmly. "He felt compelled to drop his own coin. This is what he was told: 'a seer's words have touched your life before, young man. Heed it not, for what was your past, in this present you shall change. The mirror opens the gate to your future and warns you to hold fast to new friends. Darkness will arrive in the fifth year, my child. When he speaks, do not listen, and do NOT hesitate."

All was quiet as the Headmaster thought over this prophecy. When he finally spoke, his gaze was levelled unnervingly at Harry. "Tell me, Harry, did you feel this was genuine?"

Harry swallowed dryly. "Well... he was right about the mirror."

"Your feelings, my child. When you heard this, did you feel the truth of it?" Persisted Dumbledore.

"I... uhm..." Harry's thoughts drifted back to that snowy day in Hogsmeade just seconds after the Holly King had given him his short vision.

Harry was frozen. Just as his body began to tremble, Snape slid an arm over his shoulders, pulling him close. "It's all right, Harry," said Snape softly.

Harry gripped the older man's arm. "That was real, Snape!" Harry's voice was a strangled whisper. "Why did I do that? I couldn't stop myself."

Harry nodded slowly. "It's true. I have no doubt of it."

"I shall accept this one as valid, then. I am not, however, willing to discount the first prophecy entirely, which is why I believe I must tell you what you do not know of it."

Snape scowled, "What are you talking about, Albus?"

"What haven't you told me now?" demanded Harry.

"I had hoped I would not need to tell you this until Voldemort forced my hand, but if the prophecy Harry received is correct, we will be facing our final battle next year." Albus dropped his head into his hands for a brief moment, before raising his head. "You only know of the first half of the prophecy." The anger smoldering in Snape's eyes was nothing compared to the hurt and betrayal in Harry's eyes. Dumbledore spoke the first half of the prophecy that was known; the portion that was responsible for sending Voldemort to kill Harry's parents.

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches
Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies
And the Dark Lord will mark him as equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not

There was silence for a moment longer and then Dumbledore added the final phrase of the prophecy:

... And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives.

"What the bloody hell does that mean?" blurted out Harry angrily. The breakfast dishes began to rattle ominously and the Headmaster's cup of tea shattered. "Neither can live while the other survives? I've got to die?" Harry's voice was now shrill and panicked. Lyrica went to him and he pulled away sharply.

"Harry, calm down!" commanded Snape as another teacup shattered. Harry's wild and angered magic only became worse and a glass timepiece shattered.

"I HAVE TO DIE!" screamed Harry in complete panic.

Snape forcibly pulled Harry into his arms, wrapping them tightly and protectively around the boy. He whispered into his ear, "Somnus." Harry's body became almost boneless as the spell dropped him into sleep. Picking the boy up, Snape rose to his feet and handed him over to Lyrica. "Keep him asleep until I get back." He threw Floo powder into the fireplace and sent Lyrica and the sleep charmed child back to his quarters.

"Have you no sense?" shouted Snape to Dumbledore. "I thought it was bad enough to know there was more to that damn prophecy then you told us, but knowing what the final piece was, how could you have been so thoughtless as to say it in front of him?" Snape's fist rapped in rage down upon the tabletop.

The Headmaster spoke wearily. "Severus, we cannot discuss this until you calm yourself." He glanced pointedly around his office at various other time pieces and relics that were vibrating ominously.

Snape slammed himself down into his chair and closed his eyes. He enforced his Occlumency shields, forcing down his anger. By the time he opened his eyes, he noted that Minerva was gone.

"I thought you might prefer discussing this just with me, Severus."

The younger wizard nodded, thankful for at least that much. "I still can't believe you said that in front of my son, Albus. You know how Harry is and this is going to eat him alive." Snape rose to his feet again and began to pace. Dumbledore banished the breakfast table. "I also have to ask what Harry did, whatever does that mean, that last part?"

Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "I believe it speaks to what I've suspected since Harry's encounter in his first year with Voldemort. We know for certain that he has more than dabbled in the Necromantic Arts. He is able to possess bodies. It takes a great deal of magic to do so and his soul requires a strong body with an equally strong source of magic. His Naga supports him now, but I believe his ultimate goal isn't to kill Harry, but to possess his body and to steal his magic. After all, he does believe that Harry is his equal." Snape stopped his pacing and stared at Albus.

"You won't dare tell that theory to Harry," he warned heavily.

"I promise I will not do so, Severus, but you must understand, I believe that eventuality to be more than a theory. The prophecy you brought us, I feel may support that. The admonition that he not listen to anything Voldemort says leads me to suspect that he may have to incant a spell. It would be folly for Harry to hesitate in such a moment."

"Harry's prophecy also says to ignore Sybil's prophecy. It may be that none of that prophecy matters now." Snape tried to quash the hopefulness in his voice.

Dumbledore twisted his fingers in his beard, a habit Snape had long ago learned was one of indecision. The habit made him nervous and entirely too conscious of the fallibility of the older man. The Headmaster stilled his hands, rose to his feet and took a moment to stroke Fawkes' feathers. "I was... wrong to have spoken the final piece of the prophecy in front of Harry, Severus. It may, as you say, be nothing more than useless words now. What is it you are always telling me?"

"Prophecies once spoken are often self-fulfilling," Snape intoned as though it were a phrase he repeated as often as his opening lecture to first year students in his Potions class.

Dumbledore smiled, but there was no accompanying twinkle in his eyes and for some reason, as much as he hated the manipulative and over-cheerful twinkle, its loss bothered Snape. "I would speak to Harry, but that is no longer my place, Severus. As his father, now, your voice will have more weight, and more assurance than mine." Snape nodded in acknowledgement. "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to speak to your wife before dinner this evening. I have a job in mind for her as it would not do for her to rattle around in your quarters and I'm certain you would wish to keep her here for now."

"We'll expect you at six o'clock, then." He left the office, choosing once more to release some of his concern and anger during his walk down to the dungeons. He was thankful that class was in session which meant he wouldn't be running into any students or his Slytherins.

He hated all these damned prophecies. Foolish words and superstition that nevertheless were ruling all their paths from him to the Headmaster to the Dark Lord. Snape smiled grimly, though, as his belief was even more firm that the Dark Lord's unerring obsession with the original prophecy would be his downfall. It had almost destroyed him once already. If they were fortunate, it would do so again. However, neither prophecy would be the end of his son, or any of his children. He would not miss spying for the Order. Not when he had an entire school of innocents to protect.

Reaching the wall that cleverly hid the door to his quarters, he touched the dark stone, whispered the password, and as the door shimmered into view, he opened it.

"He can't die!" gasped Hermione. With a sinking heart, Snape knew that Lyrica was relating the events in the Headmaster's office.

"Harry will not die, Hermione." He touched the crown of the girl's head and she leaned against his hip.

"It's bloody nonsense!" spat Draco.

"I tend to agree, Draco," Snape accepted Lyrica's quick embrace. "Where is Harry?"

"I've put him on your... our bed at the moment," Lyrica replied with a slight smile.

Brushing his fingertips to Lyrica's cheek, he strode past her into his bedroom. Harry lay still upon the dark blue, velvet comforter. "Finite Incantatum," Snape said softly as he sat down beside the boy on the edge of the bed.

"I don't want to die!" he cried out, sitting up rapidly. He quieted as he realised he was no longer in Dumbledore's office. "You put me to sleep!" He accused as he scowled angrily.

"You were becoming hysterical and I needed my own chance to yell at the Headmaster."

"Hys... what? You yelled at Dumbledore?"

"Rather my right, don't you think, when the man distressed my son." One side of Harry's mouth lifted in a tentative smile. "Do you find my anger with the Headmaster amusing, or me?"

"Oh!" the beginning smile dropped away. "No, I wasn't thinking anything was funny, sir. I just... well, I think it's only now starting to sink in that I'm your... your son." The smile came back, a little bigger, but slightly shy.

"Harry, you do know that I chose to adopt you not just because of my promise, don't you?"

"I uhm..." Harry was somewhat puzzled at the odd question. Of course that's what he thought. The one thing he'd learned about his professor was that he took his promises, his duties, and his responsibilities to others very seriously. He had hoped that Snape wanted him because he loved him, but he wasn't sure about that. It seemed enough that he had a home, two parents, and he'd never have to return to the Dursleys.

Snape's fingers wrapped lightly around Harry's hand. "I chose to make you my son, not purely in a legal sense, but in a magical sense as well, Harry. The binding ritual that Professor Dumbledore presided over last night could not be performed by someone you didn't love and who didn't love you. None of those rituals could have been done without love as the base."

Tears glittered wetly in Harry's eyes, and embarrassed that he might burst into joyful tears, he threw his arms around Snape's neck and embraced him. Snape's arms wrapped easily around Harry in a gesture that would have felt uneasy and stiff months ago. His hand stroked the back of Harry's head for a moment before letting him go.

"Thanks, Dad," Harry hiccuped.

"I wanted to be certain you knew that, Harry, so that you'd believe me when I tell you that I will not let you die. You may be fated to meet the Dark Lord on the field of battle, but I will be there with you. I will train you to be strong, as will your mother. I will do the same for Draco, Ron, and Hermione, who feel as close in my heart as do you." His look was stern and serious. "I am a possessive man, Harry, and I will not easily allow anyone to hurt that which I claim as mine."

"We love you, too, Uncle Severus!" crowed Draco.

Snape turned to see that Ron, Draco and Hermione stood in the doorway with Lyrica behind them. "You're all cheeky brats," he muttered with a smirk.