Severus Snape awoke early that morning. Unlike his son, he was not a 'lie-a-bed'. After a decade and a half of teaching, it had become habit for him to awaken early… like it or not. It was like his body had developed its own internal alarm clock. But it was not Severus' habitual early nature that awoke him so early this morning, nor was it his desire to get to the shower before the gang of Weasley kits descended upon it.

No, an almost natural… nay… near feral instinct awoke Severus this morning, despite the lingering pain from the horrific night before. Struggling to fight against it, so he could have a few more minutes of blissful sleep, Severus could not resist the primitive temptation any longer.

Bacon?

Severus gingerly sat up. He scanned his alien surroundings. Oh, yes…he was in Black's den.

The unfamiliar smell of morning cooking was obviously the Weasley matriarch preparing breakfast for the residents of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place.

Severus was accustomed to the Hogwarts house-elves 'popping' meals directly onto serving platters. He could not remember the last time he had a home cooked breakfast. Although Severus tried to convince himself that he was indifferent as to who prepared his morning meal, his stomach was telling him otherwise.

Slowly, Severus stretched and he gingerly lifted his legs and positioned them over the side of the bed.

He had to lean back on his arms for support. Looking down at his attire Severus groaned as he vaguely remembered Weasley and Lupin preparing him for bed against his very rabid protests.

How humiliating... Weasley had rudely transfigured his robes into pyjamas whilst Lupin unceremoniously yanked off his boots. Why… they even had the audacity to ignore Severus' threats of hexing off their manhood if they continued to violate his person. Honestly…the nerve of some wizards!

It was then, that Severus heard a light snoring from the other side of the room, looked over and saw the sleeping form of his son.

Well…he could not actually see Harry. The only part of the boy that was truly recognisable amongst the heap of pillows and wadded blankets was a skinny leg that hung out down the side of the bed and a mop of raven hair that sprouted out from under the duvet cover. Severus could only assume that it was Harry who was cocooned somewhere underneath the mass of bedding that seemed to breathe of its own volition.

Severus' lip curled in a satisfied smile as he then looked down on the floor for his boots. He saw the tips of them peeking out from under the edge of the bed. Severus tentatively bent over to retrieve them then abruptly stopped and grabbed the small of his back as it creaked in protest.

"Damn," Severus muttered under his breath. It was fortunate that he had already decided that his days as a spy were soon coming to an end. He was not certain how much more his body could take. Severus was only thirty-five but he looked much older than his contemporaries. His body certainly protested like an old man's.

Fuelled by a surge of frustration, Severus wandlessly summoned his boots and smartly transfigured them into house slippers.

With his feet now adequately clad, he arose from his bed and slowly walked over to Harry's, against the protests of his aching knees. Upon reaching the side of Harry's bed he grasped the bedpost for support and looked at the swaddled form of his son. He reached out and brushed the fringe away from Harry's eye.

Severus nearly pulled his hand away when he realised what he was doing, but then, he gave himself into his new instinct and allowed his hand to gently come to rest atop his son's head.

Severus honestly thought he was touching Harry light enough, that Harry would never respond to the sensation…or on the off-chance Severus' actions did register, the boy would simply recoil. But then a miracle happened. Much to Severus' astonishment, Harry unconsciously leaned into his father's touch.

All at once, it seemed as if the earth began to move. In his rational mind, he knew Harry was his son and he wanted to rekindle…no… rekindle wasn't the right word. In order to rekindle something you had to have it to begin with. He wanted to spark a relationship with his son.

Albus had been correct…once Severus had felt the undeniable pull of his paternal instinct, he couldn't fight it …he had become a slave to it. But Severus found that he did not mind it at all.

After he showered and dressed, Severus made his way to the kitchen. He stopped just short of the kitchen door when he had to shield his eyes from the dazzling glare that assaulted them.

"Merlin, Old Man! Must you so early in the morning?" Severus protested, giving his eyes a chance to adjust.

Sitting in the kitchen before Severus, was Albus Dumbledore in all of his brilliant glory. Clad in robes of iridescent green trimmed in gold. If it had not been the second week of August, Severus would swear that his Headmaster resembled a gigantic Christmas bobble.

"Severus…stop being so overdramatic," Albus chuckled. "Your potions…as promised," he said as he pulled the phials from the depths of his robe pockets and offered them to Severus. It was a formulation of Severus' own making specifically used to counteract the effects of the Cruciatus Curse.

Severus snatched the phials from Albus' hand and sat down at the table. Without further delay, he popped open the stopper of one of them and tossed it back like a shot. He closed his eyes and let the sweet-relief wrap around his body like a warm blanket.

Molly brought him a cup of strong black coffee and he nodded his thanks to her. "I'd thank you Albus…" Severus said heavily as the potion continued to make its way through his veins,"…but you neglected to bring me a cure for the holes you just burned through my retinas."

Albus had ignored the insult. Severus was certain, though Albus would never admit it, that the Headmaster often wore such garish colours just to annoy his Potion's Master.

Now he was feeling more like himself, Severus inquired, "Why are you here so early, Albus? I honestly thought I was going to have to suffer until after breakfast."

"I find some pressing issues that require my attention and I must see Minerva so that she may attend matters at the castle in my absence," Dumbledore informed him. "But first, I thought I should leave you with a bit of surprising news and if you would be so kind as to relay it informally to our members here at headquarters, we will discuss the full ramifications upon the next Order meeting."

There was a moments silence as Severus waited for Albus to impart his wonderful news. Obviously the old wizard was waiting for Severus to ask.

And Albus accused Severus of being over-dramatic.

"Well…are you going to tell me or are you going to wait for the swallows to return to Capistrano?" Severus finally said in exasperation.

Taking a sip of his coffee, Albus looked as if he almost forgotten the conversation. "Oh…yes," he said, smiling as he put down his coffee cup. "As you recall, Cornelius unexpectedly dropped the charges against Harry last week."

"Yes…That did come as a bit of a surprise," Mrs Weasley chimed in as she laid a warm scone and a dish of clotted cream in front of the Headmaster.

Severus turned back to his coffee. Firstly, he had no desire to see Dumbledore's cheerful disposition so firmly planted on his face this early in the morning, and secondly…he detested clotted cream and did not want to be thrown off his own breakfast he so eagerly awaited.

Severus took another sip of his strong black coffee and said, "As unexpected as that was, I thought that little episode was behind us now. Please tell me he didn't come up with another trumped-up charge against Harry," he added bitterly.

"Quite the contrary," Albus said cheerfully. "It seems that the Minister is about to come under investigation himself.

Severus sputtered as he struggled to keep down his coffee and repeat his embarrassing episode in the Headmaster's office the other week. "What? Why?"

Albus gave a mischievous grin that could match Snape at his most devious. "It would seem that Madam Bones has become aware of the Dementor attack on Harry and his cousin earlier this summer. This has led to some rather uncomfortable questions…Such as 'why did Dementors…creatures that are supposed to be under the Ministry's strict control… leave Azkaban and attack an underage wizard and a Muggle boy in Surrey?"

Severus returned the Headmaster's mischievous grin. "Albus…that news was worth going blind over…but do tell…How did Madam Bones come to learn of this well-kept secret? How far do you think this inquiry will go?"

"I'm happy to see that I can make up for my offences Severus. Suffice it to say…a little bird whispered in her ear," Albus said mysteriously as he gave an almost indiscernible wink and arose from his chair, "and as to how far… there are whispers of a possible vote of 'No Confidence' against the Minister… And when I return, you and I must discuss your proposal from last night. I do find it…intriguing, to say the least," Albus said in a complete turn-around of the subject.

But Severus didn't think about his plan to sway Malfoy at that moment. He let the significance of Dumbledore's news sink in.

A No Confidence vote? There was more to this than questioning an expulsion hearing for a student. It was quite possible that there was a silent minority in the Ministry that believed Harry and the Headmaster's claims that the Dark Lord had returned and they were taking advantage of Fudge's latest muck-up to get to the truth.

This could possibly mean a new MoM. If the right person could get in the Minister's office…such as Kingsley Shacklebolt or even Madam Bones herself…then it could change everything. If the Dark Lord could be thwarted before he had a chance to build his Army and centralise his power…Yes…this could change everything.

Turning back to the other topic of conversation and fighting back a satisfied smirk, Severus asked Albus, "When will you return?"

Molly then placed a plate of sunny eggs, streaky bacon with grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and Bubble and Squeak in front of Severus. The only thing it lacked for a full breakfast was the baked beans, but there were no complaints from Severus in that department. Baked beans gave him terrible indigestion.

Severus normally did not eat such a heavy breakfast, but one of the side-effects of the elixir was, it seemed to always give him a ravenous appetite. The savoury smells that wafted through the kitchen did nothing to help, either. He had no idea how Molly Weasley could possibly know this, but Severus had his suspicions that it had something to do with Albus' 'little bird'.

Severus stabbed into a grilled tomato and engulfed it in one swallow…thankful that there was no one else besides Mrs Weasley and Albus to see his table manners digress to the level of a calorically-challenged teenaged boy. Ronald Weasley, Crabbe and Goyle came to mind.

"Thank you, Mrs Weasley," Severus said in a rare voice of sincerity. At least he remembered not to talk with his mouth full.

"Honestly, Severus," the matriarch chuckled, "after all of these years, you can call me Molly."

Severus managed to swallow, but just barely. It was beyond him why his fellow Order members addressed him by his given name when he had not given them leave to do so. It was a battle he had given up on long ago, but if they thought Severus was about return the gesture, they all had another think coming.

Mrs Weasley did whip up a hell of a breakfast…but not that good. He already thanked her. What did she want…sonnets?

It was obvious that Albus was amused by the younger wizard's discomfort. But Severus just rolled his eyes and tucked back into his plate. Albus finally answered Severus' question. "I expect that I should be back by mid-week."

About time.

"Then you may contact me at the manor," Severus said as he slathered marmalade over his toast. "If Harry and I are not there then we will most likely be at the cottage, in which case you may leave word with Cassie. She will assure that I receive your message."

"Very good…is there anything else that we need to discuss before I become scarce?"

Severus wiped his mouth with his serviette. He rolled his eyes slightly, but this time, it was because he had just managed to take a bite of Mrs Weasley's lovely bacon. Perhaps this did warrant a bit more familiarity with the witch. Would it really kill him to call her 'Molly'?

Severus swallowed and said, "Yes…as a matter of fact there is. What if I receive a summons or the opportunity to speak with a certain someone arises before your return?"

Severus did not think either a summons or a legitimate excuse to speak with Lucius Malfoy would present itself within the next few days, but one never knew.

"I trust your judgment Severus. Do what you think is best." With that, Albus turned to Mrs Weasley and said, "Thank you, Molly, for your hospitality."

"Oh Albus…there is nothing to thank," Mrs Weasley blushed. "Do take care of yourself. It's a shame you won't be here for Ginny's birthday party tomorrow."

"My apologies, Molly, please give my regards to Ginevra, but my business is pressing. And not to worry, I have not managed to live these one-hundred-fourteen years without taking care."

As Harry rounded the next flight of stairs, he noticed that the Headmaster was there, his thin body pressed against the wall as a thunderous herd of ravenous teenagers made their way past.

"Good Morning Headmaster," chimed Hermione and Ginny as they skipped down the stairs.

"MornHeadmaster," Ron managed in a rushed greeting as he rudely pushed his way past the girls. Ron knew if he wanted the biggest kippers, he had to get there before the twins.

"Good Morning…"
"…Professor Dumbledore," chorused Fred and George as they slid down the banister, passing their younger brother. They could have easily Apparated into the kitchen, but if the tongue lashing their mum gave them for 'whipping out their wands,' last time Harry was there was any indication; he could see how the banister was a preferred mode of transportation.

Harry was taking up the rear and he stopped when the Headmaster met his eyes. "Professor Dumbledore…I thought you wouldn't be here until after breakfast."

Seeing that there were no other teenagers to run him down, the Headmaster stepped out from the wall and said, "There are some matters that I must attend to, Harry. It was simply more convenient to stop by now."

Harry simply nodded his understanding. He was about to continue his way to the kitchen, but he paused when he heard Dumbledore address someone behind him.

"Sirius…Professor Lupin. Good morning."

Harry had to stop. Did he hear right? Professor?

"Good morning, Albus," Remus said genially. From the tone of Remus' voice and the scowl on Sirius' face, it was obvious that Remus was in a more congenial mood than his friend.

The Headmaster met Sirius' gaze. When Sirius did not so much as offer up his 'good morning,' the Headmaster simply shook his head sadly and disappeared into the sitting room.

Harry's godfather looked as if he would never have a good morning again. One would almost think Sirius Black had switched bodies with Severus Snape...Almost. Unlike Harry's godfather, Severus Snape couldn't be thought of as jovial on his best days.

Harry's eyes followed his godfather and "Professor?" as they descended the stairs. After realising he was being left behind, Harry hurried to catch up with them.

"Remus…did the Headmaster just call you 'Professor'?"

From where he was behind Remus, Harry had just caught a glimpse of the older man's facial muscles forming a smile. "Shush, Harry," Remus whispered as he turned and clasped his young friend on the shoulder then led him down the stairs. "Let me tell it to everyone…After all, it is my surprise."

"Right," Harry gave a grin at their little conspiracy.

Harry noticed the Sirius had stopped at the foot of the stairs. He couldn't understand why Sirius looked as though he just lost his favourite broomstick or something. Sirius had led Harry to believe that he at least understood everything last night.

"Sirius…Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Harry," Sirius said. However, Harry wasn't convinced of it.

But Harry had to let it go at that. They were in direct sight of almost everyone in the kitchen.

Strangely, Harry didn't have to worry about being watched by the entire household. That honour went to his poor-unfortunate father. Harry had to stifle his giggle. Honestly…it's not as if they had never seen the man eat before. They had more meals before the Snape in Hogwarts' Great Hall than they did with their own parents, but the way his friends were staring at the Potion's Master, it was as if they were surprised that their stern professor even lowered himself to something as mundane and ordinary as eating. Every one of Harry's friends was gawking at Severus. Harry thought it a miracle in itself that their forks had found their ways into their mouths.

It was a good thing that Severus had already mostly finished his plate. For all the adolescent eyes fixed on him, it seemed to Harry as if his father had been put-off his food.

Actually, Severus was the only one to notice Harry enter with Sirius and Remus. Mrs Weasley was busy at the stove. She almost startled when she found the three still standing at the door.

"Sirius…Remus…coffee?" Mrs Weasley offered.

"Yes…lovely, Molly," said Remus happily as he took his usual chair and scooted himself up to the table.

"You're in a chipper mood today," Mrs Weasley said as she poured a cuppa for Remus.

"I have some good news to share," Remus said cheerfully, but his countenance dropped as soon as Sirius glumly took his seat at the head of the table.

Sirius' stern grey eyes were fixed on Severus and Harry's father locked is obsidian glare in kind.

Harry had yet to sit down, but all eyes were on Severus and Sirius. The tension in the room was tight enough to walk across the Channel. The hatred between the two wizards was palpable.

Severus was the first to break eye contact when his gaze moved from Sirius to Harry.

Mrs Weasley broke the tension in the room when she softly said, "Harry dear—why don't you take a seat, hmm?"

Harry could not help but notice that his father was sitting alone on the farthest end of the table, just to the left of where Mr Weasley normally sat opposite of Sirius. The seat next to his father was empty—just as was the seat just to the right of Sirius.

Now Sirius turned to Harry. He reached up and gently placed a hand on Harry's arm. His unasked question was not very well hidden behind his eyes.

"Sirius?"

"Hmm?"

"Coffee?"

"Oh …sorry Molly, of course," Sirius managed to say with a half-smile.

Harry had still not yet moved. He was at a loss because he did not wish to hurt either man. Not very long ago he wouldn't have believed that anything could hurt Severus Snape. Now he knew exactly how wrong that thinking was.

But Harry was not just spending the rest of the day with his father, but the rest of the summer, along with the school year. There was no telling when Sirius would have a chance to see Harry again.

Harry gave his father a pleading look. He really didn't know what to do. Severus nodded his understanding. He drank down the last of his coffee, wiped the corner of his mouth with his serviette, and calmly laid it on his almost empty plate.

Severus stood, and with an almost formal bow of his head, he said silkily, "Thank you…Molly. It was a lovely breakfast."

After the initial shock wore off throughout the room, Mrs Weasley blushed almost the same shade as her fiery hair and her children giggled like a pack of hyenas.

Harry gave his father a grateful smile, but he still felt guilty as he took his chair next to Sirius. He was pretty sure the only reason Severus was leaving was so Harry didn't have to choose between his father and godfather. Granted…Severus was finished with his breakfast and Harry would be spending the rest of the day…not to mention the rest of the summer and the school term with his father, but he didn't think it was right if Severus had to leave every time Sirius stepped into the room, just so Harry wouldn't become uncomfortable.

Sirius' face looked triumphant as Harry sat down next to him, but it faded slightly as he noticed the thankful look Harry was still giving Severus. It seemed to upset Sirius even more that Severus didn't look a bit put-out. Come to think of it…Harry didn't know what to think about his father's apparent lack of concern. Did he really just not care? Or was he hiding his hurt behind his Occlumency?

"I see that Arthur has already left for work, Molly," Remus said in an effort to break the tension once again.

"Yes…he wanted an early start so he could leave early. He has some business in London this evening." Mrs Weasley said quickly as her eyes cut over to Ginny towards the middle of the table. Harry guessed Mr Weasley was probably going to Diagon Alley for Ginny's birthday present after he left work.

That was right. Tomorrow was Ginny's birthday. Severus was allowing Harry to spend the afternoon at the party then they would Apparate to the estate's cottage later in the evening. Harry would have to remind Severus while they were out and about Diagon Alley that they needed to pick up a gift.

The next day would have been Harry's expulsion hearing. Not having that 800 Ton dragon on his shoulders anymore was a huge relief.

As Harry reached across for the platter of scrambled eggs, he felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder. He looked up to meet his father's black gaze. It was no longer the cold and bottomless glare he had become accustomed to over the past four years, but instead, there was warmth that Harry was quickly becoming used to.

"Harry…I will need to gather your things from the school so the house-elves can settle you in at the cottage," Severus said. "You may accompany me or if you would rather…I can do it myself so you can spend the remaining time with your godfather."

Harry knew if he looked like the rest of the household, he was absolutely gobsmacked. Imagine…Severus Snape being magnanimous towards Sirius Black? What next…Voldemort passing out flowers to Muggles? Though Severus' face revealed nothing, Harry could tell by the ever so slight inflection in his father's voice that it was a difficult offer for him to make.

"Is it alright?" asked Harry, not wanting to give the wrong answer. He didn't want to hurt his father...but this could be the last time he saw Sirius for a while.

"If it was not 'alright'," Severus said with a slight bit of his familiar sarcasm. "I would not have made the offer to begin with, Harry."

Harry recognized the remark as some of his father's better natured snark, and decided it was okay to take advantage of his father's generosity. "Oh…okay…I guess I'll stay here for now."

"Very well, I will pick you up after lunch. We'll Floo to Diagon Alley from here," Severus said. "Oh, and Lupin…if you would snap out of your stupor for just a moment, I have something that I need to ask of you... the return of a favour…as it were."

Looking across the table at Remus, Harry was having a hard time chewing and smiling at the same time. Remus was giving a rather passable imitation of a cod fish. But then again…so was everyone else.

"Oh Severus-Do you mind if we accompany you this afternoon?" piqued Mrs Weasley. "I still need to buy books for this lot."

From the look on Severus' face, it was obvious to Harry that he did mind. It didn't surprise Harry in the least. Severus still wasn't keen on company.

Harry wistfully wondered if his father wanted to recapture some lost time. Had the world have been—the way it should have been, Severus would have accompanied Harry during his first shopping trip for school instead of Hagrid…almost like a rite of passage.

"Of course…Molly" Severus said tight-lipped. "We can discuss the details when I get back."

Severus nodded, giving his leave and then turned back to Remus. "Lupin?"

"Right behind you, Severus"

Harry blinked dumbly as his father ascended the staircase with Remus. Twice in as many minutes, Severus Snape had put the considerations of Harry's friends before his own.

Surely, Voldemort was in Hyde Park right now, passing out those flowers to Muggles.

With Severus gone, the atmosphere in the house lightened considerably. But as everyone returned to their breakfast, not a single person could believe what they had witnessed. If they even dared to repeat it to anyone, they would surely be locked up in the Mind Healer's ward at St. Mungo's right next to Lockhart.

Harry Potter and Severus Snape had a civil and amicable conversation.

And the witnesses were still alive.

Lunch was now over and the teens residing at Grimmauld Place… plus a temporarily adolescently regressed Sirius Black… were now gathered in a circle in the sitting room floor playing a rather lively game of Exploding Snap. Remus was sitting at a writing desk in the corner, jotting down a list.

For the first time since the Weasley's came to reside at the Order's Headquarters, the mood had been light. Not only was Harry not facing expulsion, Remus was returning to Hogwarts as the DADA Professor. A prospect which had the children both excited and relieved.

Remus said he had told Professor Snape about his new appointment and Severus had relayed Dumbledore's message about the upcoming turmoil at the Ministry. Things just weren't looking good for the Minister of Magic. Not only did it look as though he had abused his power in an effort to discredit Harry and Dumbledore…he was trying to take his poison inside the school.

Apparently, Minister Fudge was going to try to infiltrate the school by appointing one of his own operatives. Remus said that the Board of Governors had enough and had put their collective 'foot' down to this.

After glimpsing the resume of Fudge's recommendation, the Board was keenly aware that the Minister was trying to supplant their authority. If Fudge had an ounce of grey matter in his brain, he would have at least recommended a qualified applicant.

The Board was outraged when they saw Delores Umbridge's proposed curriculum.

No magic!

Hogwarts was a school of witchcraft and wizardry, for Merlin's sake. What were they going to teach for defence? Muggle boxing... Karate, perhaps?

Yes…after seeing the Minister's idea of a suitable DADA Professor, the Board was more than happy to reconsider a werewolf. After all…the tenure of Remus Lupin had seen the highest O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. scores since the retirement of Galatea Merrythought. Since Lucius Malfoy had been ousted from the Board, the Ministry's had lost their most vocal ally as well as the Board's most bigoted Pure-blood advocate. As long as Albus assured them that Remus' condition was under now control, the Board was happy to acquiesce to Albus' recommendation…anything to get a qualified DADA instructor without involving Ministry entanglements. Despite what Remus had said at the end of third year, it seemed as if no one on the Board had any recollection of the werewolf incident, nor was there any record of it.

Funny that.

Oh… the Minister was not happy, but the Board did not give a rat's arse, frankly. Hogwarts was a private institution; the Board of Governors hires whom they bloody well please and they wanted no 'help' from the Ministry. If a parent did not like it, well, they didn't have to send their child, now did they?

BANG!

A cloud of smoke and a plume of ashes marked Ron's victory. "I'm out!"

Harry and Sirius were in the middle of a coughing fit while Hermione and Ginny were trying to wave the smoke away.

"Alright, Ronniekins..." said Fred.
"...To the victor go the spoils," chimed in George sliding a mound of the waged sweets to their little brother.

Ron had too much experience with his twin brothers. He knew better than to take anything they willingly offered.

Ron was about to refuse the sweets when the Floo came to life and Severus Snape majestically stepped through. Like the man or not…the wizard knew how to make an entrance.

However, that impressive entrance was spoiled when Severus went into his own coughing fit. "Black… is burning down your own house your idea of 'having fun with the kids'?"

Standing up to meet Snape nose to nose, Sirius barked, "You have no right to tell me what I can and cannot do with my godson in my home, Snape!"

"I can when he is my son, Black!" Severus spat back. "And I can forbid him from returning to your home until he comes of age, if I so wish!"

All of the teens with the exception of Harry and Hermione were enjoying the scene as it quickly descended into chaos. If they were lucky, maybe it would come to fisticuffs. But everyone's faces fell when Sirius leaned in as close as he could get Severus without kissing him on the nose, but Severus never backed down despite the invasion of his personal space.

It would have otherwise looked comical if Sirius had not growled under his breath, "I don't know what cock-n-bullshite story you gave to Dumbledore and Harry. But if you think I will for one second believe that Lily sl…"

"Sirius!"

Severus took a step back, his hands were at his sides but his fists were clinched to the point his fingernails dug into his palms. He looked absolutely livid and there was no denying it was taking every bit of self-control he had to keep from flying in a rage at Sirius. Wands be damned.

Sirius quickly turned to Remus and snarled, "What!"

"The children!"

Sirius spun around, and his enraged face sobered in less time than it took to inhale. All eyes were on him. But it was obvious that the stricken look on Harry's face drove a nail straight into his heart.

Harry walked over to Sirius and looked into his godfather's dull grey eyes. "You promised," he said defeated, and then turned to his father. "You both promised."

Both men at least had the good grace and common sense to look appropriately chastised and both gave Harry a heartfelt apology. The fact that they had both done this in front of a room full of people spoke volumes. But if nothing, it was appropriate. After all, they had chosen to argue in front of a room full of people.

Harry wondered to himself how this was ever going to work. Sirius was definitely going to have to get used to Severus' sense of humour. Unfortunately, it was difficult to tell when Severus was giving a light-hearted jab or a full blown insult. To be honest…Harry wasn't sure which the offending statement had been.

Fortunately, before the situation could digress any further, the Floo came to life again. This time Tonks and Bill Weasley stepped out. Bill had to catch the graceless witch before she fell head first into Severus.

"Bill!"

A pack of red heads descended upon their oldest brother. "Back off, you pack of Hellhounds! …Give a bloke a chance to step into the room," he chided his younger siblings. "We're here, Professor."

"No need to state the obvious, Mr Weasley," said Severus as he turned from Sirius and Harry to acknowledge the new arrivals. "But thank you for your expediency, nonetheless."

"Not a problem," Bill said. "You and Mum are going to have your hands full with this lot, anyway."

Harry ignored Ginny's protests to her older brother as he threw her over his shoulder like a gunny-sack of potatoes.

Sirius whispered sullenly into Harry's ear, "I'll take this as my leave, Harry…if you need anything," he said, pointedly looking at Severus, "I'm only a Floo away."

Harry watched as his godfather left to sulk wherever it was he went to sulk in the Dark house. Honestly, Harry couldn't care less anymore. He was tired of Sirius' attitude and if his godfather refused to come to terms with Harry's relationship with Severus Snape, the Sirius Black was in serious danger of losing his godson. Harry was about to go on an outing with his father and his friends and if his godfather couldn't be happy for him…well…he could just sod-off! Harry wasn't about to let anyone spoil this day.

Once Sirius was gone, Harry's attention was caught by the banter of his friends.

"Oh hush, and let's go find Mum," Bill said as he ignored Ginny's pleas and carried his little sister out of the room as she tried to wriggle out of his grasp.

"Are you and Bill coming with us, Tonks?" Hermione asked excitingly.

"Hmm…Oh yes," Tonks said as she snapped out of her daydreaming. Harry grinned because he noticed she had been staring at Remus over in the corner."

"Well. Is everybody ready?" Mrs Weasley asked, clasping her carefully mended traveling cloak as she entered the room with Bill and Ginny in tow.

"Just a couple of minutes, Molly," Remus said before he turned to Harry's father and said, "Severus?"

As Remus and Severus walked out of the room, Hogwarts' newest professor started to explain the parchment in his hands to the Potion's Master. "This is an extension of credit signed by the Headmaster and a list of all that I require…," then they went up the stairs to where the bedrooms were.

That's odd.

The conversation in the room conspicuously stayed away from the confrontation between Severus and Sirius steered its way to what kind of spells Remus would be teaching them this year. Harry and his friends didn't even have a chance to speculate what Remus could possible want from Severus when Remus came back into the room.

Then 'Remus' came back in again.

"What's this?" Harry said as he stared in awe.

'Remus' the Second, stood at the entrance to the study, ramrod straight, with his arms crossed. One eyebrow shot up so high, it almost disappeared beneath 'Remus'' sandy fringe.

Harry could hear the supressed laughter behind him.

"You and Severus can't exactly be seen together in public, now can you?" Remus the First explained with an easy smile. "I'm a well-known associate of both Harry Potter and the Weasleys, and as I have to order my learner materials for the new term, it's perfectly natural that I would be seen shopping in Diagon Alley with you lot."

Remus and 'Remus' stood next to each other in the doorway. One had his hands in his robe pockets, casually leaning against the door jamb. The other still standing perfectly upright, arms crossed with a look that dared anyone to say anything.

Harry dared.

"You know Severus, if you're going to make this work," Harry said as is hands gestured about Severus' 'make-over', "You really need to lighten up."

Then, Harry actually had the audacity to laugh in his father's face.