In a bright flurry of periwinkle blue robes that was entirely out of place in such a dark and dreary establishment, Albus Dumbledore strode into the Hogs Head pub and up to the bar.

The grumpy barkeep with a scraggly white beard and familiar blue eyes silently handed Albus a glass of port and stalked off, mumbling beneath his breath. There were only three other patrons in the pub and the two sitting at a table in a dark corner only gave him a cursory glance before going back to their conversation.

"Where's your ‘father'?" Albus asked the lone, tall, lanky redhead standing at the bar.

‘Bill Weasley' turned and gave Albus gave a curious smirk that didn't look quite right on a young man's face. "Dad is upstairs. He had a row with Mum and he's a bit off his face," he said a little too loudly for the near-empty pub. "I brought him here to clear his head. Too many nosey-parkers at the Broomsticks."

"Well, let's go upstairs and see if we can't help him sober him up, shall we?

A gruff, disembodied voice from behind the bar said, "I'll send up a pot."

Albus smiled and finished off his port as Bill his downed his firewhisky. Together they made their way upstairs.

They entered the third room on the first floor. As soon as they shut the door behind them, they warded it against any other ‘nosey-parkers' that might happen their way upstairs. Inside the room sat an uncharacteristically surly Arthur Weasley, nursing a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. "Is all of this artifice really necessary?" 'Arthur' griped.

"That is the definition of spying-isn't it, Dad." 'Bill' said derisively.

"Oh, do shut up, Severus!" ‘Arthur' spat.

"Come now, gentlemen," Albus said with a light chuckle, "we have important business to discuss."

"Did you stick to the cover story?" Severus asked Lucius.

Lucius, also known as Arthur Weasley, sighed. "I would have if there was anyone in this hovel to tell."

"And that story is...?" Severus prompted.

Lucius, with Weasley's face, rolled his eyes. "I had an argument with my wife and needed to get out for the night. You took care of the rest. "

He turned in his chair and shot Severus a hot glare. "Could you not have chosen someone with a little more refinement than Weasley?" he asked in his most all-suffering voice.

"Ah-Slytherin though you are Lucius, you have yet to learn the intrinsic subtleties of the fine art of subterfuge," Albus said patronizingly. He looked over his half-moon glasses and said more grimly, "And Death Eaters don't generally have a reputation for subtly."

Severus thought Albus' comment was a bit ironic considering the wizard looked as though he was trying to blend into the background of an RHS show rather than a rundown pub.

"But Weasley?"  Lucius protested.

Albus pointed out, "Isn't obvious you would have never chosen to disguise yourself as Arthur Weasley on your own accord? Who amongst your compatriots would ever suspect that you would hide yourself in such a manner?"

"You do have a point," Lucius sulked as he sank into the back of his chair. "It still doesn't make the situation any less repugnant."

Bill-or rather, Severus-sighed heavily and said, "Stop your incessant grousing, Lucius, and let us get to the matter at hand." A scroll popped into Severus' hand from out of thin air and he handed it to Lucius. "This is a list of Death Eaters who have thus far expressed interest in leaving Vol...the Dark Lord's service." Severus corrected himself, remembering that Lucius was still Marked and therefore still subject to the pain of the Taboo.

"So many for one day," Arthur's voice noted with quiet awe. In all, Severus had received almost two dozen owls that afternoon. "After being absent for nearly fourteen years, it seems the Dark Lord has overplayed his hand too quickly after re-entering the game."

"It would seem so," Albus agreed. "I need you to listen carefully, Lucius, because it is imperative that you make direct contact with these dissenters without revealing yourself."

"And how exactly do I do that?" Lucius asked. "These are Death Eaters we're talking about. They aren't going to trust the word of any random wizard off the street."

"That is exactly why you need to listen carefully," Albus answered as his eyes smiled over his half-moon glasses.

For the next thirty minutes Severus and Lucius listened with scepticism and near disbelief at Albus' elaborate plan to contact the turncoat Death Eaters. Personally, Severus wondered if Albus had been reading too many Ian Fleming novels but, the more he thought on it, anything Severus could think of bordered on suicide rather than Albus' lunacy. And with Harry's involvement, suicide was not the option it had been in the past.  The complexity of the plan reminded Severus of something hatched by Heath Robinson; unfortunately, there was no absurdly simple way to speak to a Death Eater about defection on the sly.

After Albus explained the plan, the room fell silent for what to Severus seemed like minutes as he and Lucius absorbed the danger of their missions. With all of his being, Severus wanted to keep Harry as far away from Albus' madness as he could, but without Harry, in the end, there was no way the children would survive. As soon as he got home, Severus was determined to take a stomach draught. With the thought of putting Harry in more danger, it was all Severus could do to keep his insides from upending.

Albus broke the silence when he casually asked Lucius, "Now... how are matters with Riddle?"

Lucius audibly swallowed a gulp of air when he admitted, "I have never known the Dark Lord to be so apprehensive. He is actively looking for a new Potions Master whilst simultaneously trying to devise a way to reach Severus and his son. Where Horace Slughorn and Damocles Belby have gone into hiding... only Merlin knows. Death Eaters are having a hell of a time finding them. You can only imagine how the Dark Lord is taking the news. He is desperate to have a Potions Master by the holidays. He believes that once the children have left the protection of Hogwarts, their parents will be free to present them for their 'initiation'." ‘Arthur Weasley's' face had turned a pale shade of green by the time he uttered ‘initiation'.

Severus was aware that Albus knew exactly where Damocles was hiding. The Order was hiding Belby, and Albus was the Secret Keeper, but neither was about to divulge that bit of information to Lucius. As far as Slughorn was concerned... the Order was having just as hard a time locating the barmy old wizard as the Death Eaters were.

"Any idea as to how the Dark Lord intends on getting to me and Harry?" asked Severus. He did manage to keep the desperation out of his tone.

"Not exactly, but he still perceives your son as the weak link," Lucius said with obvious irony.

Severus supressed a smirk. The Dark Lord called Harry weak, but he wouldn't be going through all of this trouble if he did not fear Harry in some way.

"He is aware of your son's past proclivity when it comes to bending the rules," Lucius continued. "He has Death Eaters here in Hogsmeade, as well as Diagon Alley and Surrey, waiting for P... Harry to show his face. You must take care, Severus, when you do bring your son out from the protection of Hogwarts' wards. The Dark Lord has minions everywhere in the Wizarding world. They will be watching and waiting for him."

Albus asked worriedly, "Why does Riddle have watchers in Surrey?"

Lucius casually brushed a piece of ash from the fire off his robe. "It seems that whatever wards you had erected to protect Harry's Muggle relations may be slowly dismantling. The Dark Lord has narrowed their location to a bland village called Little Whinging, but he has, as of yet, failed to find their residence."

"Riddle may believe that Harry will try to save the Dursleys if he believes they're in danger," Albus said. "I will contact Alastor and Kingsley to see what we can do about moving them to safety. In the meantime, Severus, do not tell Harry. I know there is no love lost between Harry and the Dursleys, but he may still attempt something foolish."

Severus simply nodded his agreement. Albus was right. Harry would have some sort of misplaced guilt if something were to happen to Petunia's family. Otherwise, Severus would happily gift wrap the Dursleys for Voldemort.

'Bill Weasley's' eyes narrowed as he spoke to Albus. "Trust me... I have no intention of allowing Harry within ten kilometres of those swine."

‘Mr Weasley's' ginger eyebrows rose. On his face were Lucius' unasked questions, and Severus silently cursed himself. He would continue this conversation with Albus at another time. The Dursleys were not a subject he wanted to discuss in front of Lucius. "Hide them where you will, Albus. I couldn't care less." Severus would simply have to visit before Albus put them in hiding.

"Keep your son close, Severus," Lucius warned. "Although the Dark Lord's support from his followers may be waning, there are still those who will stop at nothing to serve him. And until the others have their Marks removed, they are still subject to his influence."

"I am fully aware of the dangers, Lucius, and I know what the Dark Lord and his followers are capable of," Severus said bitterly.

Lucius shook his head. "It was not my intention to patronize you." He then sighed. "It's hard enough for me, knowing the danger my own son is in. I cannot begin fathom what you must be going through. I only wish... Harry... did not have to be so closely involved. I'm sorry it has come to this."

Severus was grateful that Lucius was at least trying to understand. He answered darkly, "The Dark Lord made up his mind to involve Harry fourteen years ago. Unfortunately, his world revolves around my son. Fate has dealt us our hands and we are forced to play them out."

Lucius bowed his head. Severus wondered if the look on ‘Arthur Weasley's' face was actually shame. "Severus... I... I haven't yet apologized for Draco's role in what happened to your son."

A part of Severus told him that he should say that there was no need for Lucius' apology, but that wasn't true. He remained silent. He needed to hear what Lucius had to say about what happened to Harry.  

"I never thought the boy capable of such foolishness," Lucius continued. "Unfortunately, for reasons we are both aware of, I cannot call him home to punish him; you have my leave to punish him however you see fit."

Lucius giving Severus permission to punish Draco however he saw fit was a massive admission of guilt-and trust. Lucius would only do so if he truly regretted what had happened.

Severus bowed his own head this time. A part of him wanted to throw Lucius' apology back in his face, but he couldn't. He nodded and accepted Lucius' apology

Lucius then turned to Albus. "Headmaster, I know what Draco has done is punishable by expulsion, and I have no right to ask you for mercy... but for the child's sake would you consider..."

Albus raised his hand before Lucius could finish. "There will be no expulsion hearing, Lucius." Lucius looked stunned at the revelation.

"There is no proof that Draco had possession of the mamba venom. It was literally found in the hands of Mr Goyle. Also, Draco had no ill intent for its use. Fortunately, the Board of Governors remain ignorant of his confession, otherwise the matter would be out of my hands," Albus explained. "However, he still must be punished for bringing a dangerous substance into the school. I have quietly put him on permanent probation. If he steps out of line again, he will go up before the Board. He has also been banned from Quidditch for the duration of his tenure at Hogwarts. Officially, he is quitting of his own accord."

Lucius' relief was palpable. "Draco will be disappointed, but he will get over it. You are truly merciful. Thank you, Headmaster." To Severus' astonishment, Lucius' tone was actually sincere.

Albus patted Lucius on the knee as he arose from his chair. "So I've been told on several occasions. I'm actually beginning to believe it."  He added, "I suggest you gentlemen take your Polyjuice again; it is almost time."

The headmaster straightened his robes and said, "Do be careful, Lucius-you know how to contact me should there be any problem."

It was late. Severus felt rather numb as he stepped from the Floo and into his quarters. After the headmaster had left and before Severus had made his own exit, Lucius had pulled him aside and asked another favour. Lucius had asked Severus to watch over Draco if something should go terribly wrong. Severus accepted, though, in retrospect, he didn't know why. Perhaps temporary lunacy was a previously undiscovered side-effect of Polyjuice. That made perfect sense, since Lucius vowed to do the same for Severus. Severus decided that more research into the phenomenon was definitely in order.

Once his eyes adjusted, Severus' first sight was Sirius Black, stretched out across his couch and snoring loudly.

A devious little voice inside Severus' head thought he should wake the cur with a nicely chilled Aguamenti spell. He had not intended for Black to camp out in his sitting room, but the mutt had to watch Harry at least one more day. It was easier to let him remain, rather than have to fetch him from Headquarters in the morning.

Moving quietly so not to awaken his unwanted guest, Severus made his way down the hall to Harry's room. He opened the door and noiselessly approached Harry's bed. Harry was sleeping soundly, but Severus noticed a slight crease between the boy's eyes. It was so much like his own when he was troubled. Unfortunately, over the years, Severus' crease had become permanent.

Severus was reluctant to wake Harry, but he figured the good news he had been keeping all day might relieve some of the boy's worries, so he gently shook Harry's shoulder.

"Harry?" he said softly.

Harry only moaned and turned his head. The boy obviously did not want to be roused from his sleep.

"Harry," Severus said a little louder. "Wake up, son."

Harry turned towards Severus after the second try and slowly opened one eye. "Huh? Oh... Dad," the boy said groggily as he reached for his glasses. "Whatizitdad?"

Severus scoffed at his son's momentary lapse of verbal skills. "Nothing is the matter, Harry." Severus could hear his own smile. "I have something I think you'll want to see."

Harry positioned himself straighter in his bed. There was a look on his face. He was obviously curious as to what his father wanted him to see that couldn't possibly wait until morning. Severus produced a Lumos at the tip of his wand.

"What is it, Dad?" he finally managed to articulate as Severus unrolled the parchment.

"Why don't you have a look for yourself?" he said as he proudly handed the parchment to Harry.

Harry took the parchment in hand but, instead of reading it, he kept looking at Severus strangely.  "What's with the stupid grin?" Severus wasn't sure if the boy's tone was cheek or confusion.

Severus felt his face pinch with annoyance. He tapped his finger to the document. "Will you stop staring at me like a potions experiment gone wrong and read the bloody parchment?"

"There's the Severus Snape I've come to know and love," Harry teased as he turned to read the parchment.

Harry whispered the words on the parchment: "'Harold James Severus Snape son of Severus Tobias Snape and Lily Abigail Evans'... You changed my name?"

Severus swallowed hard. He felt as if he were choking on his own air. "I thought you wanted to be a Snape?"

"Oh no! It's not that!" Harry said hurriedly. "It's just... that's not what Mum named me."

Severus breathed a bit easier. "No, but you've been Harry James all of your life, and I thought you might like to keep the familiarity of your name. Plus..." This was the part Severus had a hard time admitting. "As your father, I thought it... appropriate... to honour the man who sacrificed his life for yours."

"You did?" Harry turned his attention back to the document in stunned disbelief. His mouth silently repeated the words ‘Harold James Severus Snape' over and over again. The more Harry read, the bigger his smile became. He finally turned to Severus and said, "I like it. I think it's a good idea, too."

Harry dropped the parchment and flung himself at Severus and, to Severus' own amazement, he returned the embrace with no hesitation.

"We're a family, Dad... a real family," Harry said through sobs.

"Harry, are you crying?"

Harry sniffed and, before the boy could wipe his nose on his sleeve, Severus retrieved a handkerchief from his waistcoat pocket and handed it to the boy.

"M'sorry," Harry said through his sniffles. "It's just... I've always wanted this... my whole life, it's all I've ever wanted."

Now Severus was confused. What did Harry want all his life? Up until a couple of months ago, he had hated Severus. "I don't understand, Harry? What is it you've always wanted?"

"To belong to someone. To be like my friends and have at least one parent to call my own. I've been alone all of my life... now here you are."

This time, it was Severus who embraced his son. He, too, had been alone most of his life.  To belong to a family of his own was a dream that had died along with Lily, and now that dream had resurrected and come to life through their son. "Here you are," was all Severus could think to say.