The next morning, Harry woke to Major meowing in his ear and pawing at his covers. "All right, I'm up." He padded downstairs and opened up another can of tuna for the cat. "If Da says I can keep you, we'll go to the store today and get you some food and a cat box and stuff, okay?"

Major rubbed his hand and purred, then went and ate his tuna.

Severus came down a few minutes later and started brewing his morning cup of coffee. Major came and rubbed up against his leg. To Harry's shock, his father knelt and stroked the gray cat. Major purred and purred.

"He likes you, Da. A lot."

"Humph! He likes the fact that I feed him tuna."

"Can he stay? I promise I'll brush him and clean his cat box and everything, like I do at the shelter."

"Very well. He's chosen us, and I suppose that's not a bad thing. Do we need to inform the shelter that we have him? Fill out forms, that kind of thing?"

"Uh . . .I guess we could. And I'd like to tell my director about those bullies, make sure they're never allowed to adopt any animal, because all they'd do was hurt it."

"That sounds like good sense to me."

"Thanks, Da."

"You're welcome."

"I'm going to call Paul after breakfast. He should be home from the hospital, right?"

"Yes. A sprained ankle isn't the kind of thing you stay overnight for."

"Let's have oatmeal with cinnamon and cream and bananas for breakfast today," Harry suggested.

"An excellent choice. Oh, and I would like to tell you that I was proud of how you handled yourself last night. You controlled your fear admirably."

Harry felt as if he had won the House Cup. "I just . . .well, I had Paul to think about as well as me and I figured if I lost it, then he would too, and that wouldn't help anything."

Severus chuckled. "I should have known. You'd conquer your fear for another, not yourself. Or for your cat." Said cat was now sitting on Severus' lap.

Harry smiled, Severus' praise made him feel wonderful. "He's your cat too, Da. He keeps coming and sitting on your lap."

"Merlin only knows why. We'll have to go to the store later and get him some regular cat food and other necessities. I'm not having him spoiled by only eating tuna."

Harry nodded and then went to cut up some bananas for the oatmeal.

During breakfast, Harry gave Major some cream in a small bowl, the cat loved it.

While they ate, Severus was turning over several ideas in his mind. One of them he mentioned to his son. "I think it would be a good idea to get you a mobile phone, Harry. That way you could always contact me if you needed to, especially in an emergency, and then you'd have no excuse for coming home late. What do you think?"

"I think that's a great idea, Da. When can we get one?"

"As soon as possible," Severus said.

* * * * * *

The early morning was spent filling out forms for the animal shelter to adopt Major officially, and informing Mrs. Tims, the director, about Big Bart and his gang. She assured them that no person in their right mind would ever put an animal into their keeping. Then they went and picked up Major's food and cat box and other things, including a window perch as well as a mobile phone for Harry.

After setting up Major's things, Harry called Paul on his new phone, and while he was telling his friend all about how his da had caved in and agreed to let Major stay, Severus got another kind of call from Minerva McGonagall.

Unexpectedly, the Floo flared and Severus looked up to see the elderly witch step from the green flames. She was still wearing her hair in that upswept bun like a typical schoolteacher, only this time she was wearing rather casual clothing, a long blue skirt and matching plaid blouse. "Severus, please excuse the short notice, but I just had to come and talk to you."

"Do come in, Minerva. What's wrong? Has something happened to Albus?"

She followed him into the kitchen, where he had a pot of tea on, and sat down at the table. "Oh, no, he's in perfect health, though don't ask me how he manages it at his age with all the sweets he eats," she said with a faint note of exasperation in her voice. "It's just . . .well, even with me there, he seems sort of lonely."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "You mean you aren't enough of entertainment for him?"

"Well, he's been trying to assimilate himself into Muggle culture and sometimes he's . . .overnethusiastic."

"Please tell me he hasn't set the kichen on fire trying to use the toaster again. Or called the police trying to order pizza." Severus groaned.

"No . . .although he did surprise the mailman when he answered the door in his bathrobe one day."

"Did he pass out?" Severus wanted to know.

Minerva chuckled. "You are such a wicked rogue, Severus! No, but he did turn a few shades of red I didn't know a human could."

Just then Major entered the kitchen, stopped dead when he saw the strange visitor, and looked her up and down.

Minerva's eyes lit up. "Why, Severus! You didn't tell me that you'd gotten a cat."

"He's a recent member of the family. Harry started volunteering at the local animal shelter, that's a place where Muggles bring their stray and unwanted animals and try and find new homes for them, and he convinced me to allow him to bring Major home."

"How wonderful! You've become the property of a Norwegian ship's cat."

"A what?"

"A Norwegian ship's cat. They were bred by sorcerers in the north to bring good luck and guard the ship stores from burglars and rats and unscrupulous wizards. They're highly intelligent and very fierce when they choose to be. And very rare, many of them were lost in shipwrecks and the lines mingled with other cats, but he looks like a pureblooded ship's cat. Would you mind if I spoke with him?"

"Not at all."

Minerva blurred into her spectacled tabby form and approached the large tom, who outweighed her by several pounds. Severus watched, fascinated, as the two cats sniffed noses and tails, then seemed to sit and stare at each other.

Then Major nuzzled the tabby, and went over and rubbed against Severus.

A few moments later, Minerva changed back and said, smiling, "He said he is a pureblooded ship's cat, he was given as gift to his former owner, a Navy man, by a half-blood wizard who was his mother's familiar. He says he's very happy to be living with you and thinks you'll make a satisfactory wizard for him."

Both of Severus' eyebrows went up. "Oh, he did, did he?" Then he froze. "Wait a moment. I'm not his wizard, Harry is."

Minerva shook her head, amused. "Oh, no, Severus. He says he's your familiar. A warrior for a warrior cat. He is fond of your apprentice son, but he has chosen you."

"But I . . .I've never had a familiar . . .I never intended . . ."

Minerva laughed. "Severus, cats choose when and whom they wish. They are very much independent creatures. No use in fighting it, my boy. He's bonded to you. And I say, about time! You've always needed a familiar, Severus."

Major meowed in agreement, then jumped up on Severus and rubbed his head under the sorcerer's chin, purring. You belong to me, he seemed to be saying.

Severus stared down at the cat, clearly shocked. He had assumed that since Major had accepted Harry first, that Harry was the cat's chosen wizard. Apparently, he was wrong. He now had a familiar. Slowly, he stroked the cat, marveling at how strange and unexpected life was.

Major settled in his lap, green eyes glittering contentedly. He began rubbing the cat behind the ears. "Now then, what were you saying about Albus?"

"Well, I just think that he's lonely for some . . .male companionship. He talks about seeing you and Harry often. But he didn't want you to get annoyed at him, so he refused to write or Floo you. Really, though, I think it would be good if you paid him a little visit, keep his spirits up. He really enjoys your company, Severus. You and Harry both."

Now Severus felt embarrassed and even a little ashamed, when he recalled how he had brushed off the old man last time they had visited. He had never thought of the elder wizard as desiring his company, he had figured Albus was content living with Minerva. "He does? I would think he would have more in common with his brother and his old friends in the Ministry."

"He and Abe have never really gotten along, Abe still blames him for that awful mess with Ariana and Grindelwald. They don't really talk that much, I sort of got the feeling that Abe thinks Albus' loss of magic is a kind of punishment for past mistakes."

"Punishment? It was a willing sacrifice, not some judgment of God, Minerva!" Severus said irritatedly. "Superstitious nonsense!"

"Yes, well, Abe has always been good at holding grudges. As for the rest of Al's friends in the Ministry, most of them are involved in assisting Minister Shacklebolt and rarely have time to spend with one old wizard who has lost his magic. I also think that they've been avoiding him because they feel uncomfortable and awkward dealing with him now that he's practically a Squib. I think they're afraid it might . . . rub off on them, the silly fools! So he's been rather isolated except for me and my brother Angus."

"Angus is staying with you?"

"Well, he was for a bit, but he's starting to forget things. Ever since his wife died . . . he's gone into a decline. He's home now, with his daughter. That's why my niece Thea decided to return to Scotland."

"And she's my new Potions Mistress."

Minerva beamed. "I know. I'm very proud to have another professor in the family. Finally, another to follow in my footsteps. I am sure she shall do well in your old post, Severus. She used to teach at the Italian Academy of Magical Arts."

"Of that, I have no doubt." Severus said. He quickly changed the subject, for talking about Thea always made him regretful. So many lost chances and missed opportunities because of the war. "So Albus' old friends are snubbing him, eh? Stupid! He is the same person he always was, with or without magic."

Minerva smiled sadly. "You and I know that, but some people think that a wizard without magic is no wizard at all. Albus still has his knowledge and theory of spells intact, even if he can't practice, he can still have meaningful discussions. I suppose that's why he's been trying so hard to fit into the Muggle world, because the wizarding one no longer wants him."

"No longer wants who?" Harry asked, coming into the kitchen. "Hello, Professor McGonagall." He smiled at his old teacher.

"Hello, Harry." She rose and hugged him. "And you can just call me Minerva, since I'm retired."

Harry shook his head. "Not with Da right here, I can't. It wouldn't be proper."

"Oh, Harry! You may if I say so." Minerva said, smiling. "You hear me, Severus? There's no need to be so strict with the boy."

"I'm trying to teach him respect and manners, Minerva. Teenagers these days tend to forget whom they're talking to." Severus argued. "However, if you insist on informality—"

"I do."

"Then you may address her by her given name, Harry."

"Have you met Major, Prof-I mean Minerva?"

"Oh, yes. Such a lovely cat!"

"He really likes Da."

"I know. But then, most familiars usually are fond of their wizards."

"Familiar? You mean Major's a familiar?" Harry's eyes went wide.

Smirking, McGonagall told Harry about Major's origins and laughed at Harry's dumfounded and delighted expression.

"See, Da? I told you he belonged with you."

"Be quiet, Harry."

Then Harry asked her how Professor Dumbledore was faring and how she was adjusting to a Muggle life.

"Oh, it's coming along. One thing I will say, is that Muggles are certainly inventive. Albus is always watching that . . .telly and talking about all the new things on there. Every week he goes to the store and buys something new to eat or to clean the house or whatever. I never know what he'll come home with next."

"I can only imagine. Would you like us to come and visit this afternoon?"

Minerva beamed. "That would be perfect! I'll tell Albus to expect you around four, is that all right? We can have a nice tea."

"Fine. Harry and I will be there."

* * * * * *

Bumblebee Ridge:

Because Harry wanted to stretch his wings, they opted to fly to Bumblebee Ridge instead of Apparating or using the Floo. Severus had no objection to flying as Warrior, he enjoyed racing Freedom, and feeling the wind upon his wings. The sky was a brilliant blue, it was a perfect afternoon for flying. They made Bumblebee Ridge in two hours, and landed lightly in the backyard, which had been newly planted with rosebushes and petunias and daffodils.

Minerva let them in the back door, saying that Albus would be down in a minute. "We're waiting for a delivery from the bakery. Albus told me he ordered some special pastries and biscuits or some such."

"He finally learned how to use the telephone, I see," Severus remarked as Minerva ushered them into the kitchen, which was set for tea by one of the house elves. "Last time we were here, he called the emergency number by mistake and the police came."

"Oh dear," Minerva's mouth twitched.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang.

"Harry, would you get that?" Severus ordered.

Harry jumped up and went for the door.

He opened it expecting the bakery delivery and instead found the same policeman he had spoken to the last time he had been to Bumblebee Ridge. Uh oh, he thought as he stared up at the officer. "Uh, hello, sir. Is there a problem?"

"Hi, kid. We received an emergency call from this number. Your grandpa mixing up his numbers again?"

"Uh . . .probably. He was supposed to be getting a delivery from the bakery."

"Has it come then, Harry, my boy?" called Albus from upstairs.

"Uh . . .not exactly, Grandpa. Grandpa, did you, umm . . .call the police by mistake?"

"What'd you say, my boy?" Albus came downstairs. He was dressed in shorts and a button down shirt, the shirt was a bright purple and the shorts lime green.

Harry winced, though by now he was accustomed to Albus' love of bright clashing colors. He repeated the question.

Albus blinked. "Why no, I—I don't think so. Unless . . ." He fumbled in the back pocket of his shorts and withdrew a mobile phone colored purple with stars stuck all over it. "I . . .I think I sat on my new phone and that's why it called you, Officer Stratford." He gave the young officer, who was the same one that had come to the house last time, a sheepish grin.

Harry almost choked. Albus was actually on a last name basis with the police department. Oh, good grief!

"Mind if I see your phone, Al?" asked the officer. He examined the phone and nodded. "Yup. You hit the speed dial for the emergency number."

"Harry? Who's that at the door?" called Minerva.

"Uh . . .it's a police officer," Harry replied.

"Albus Dumbledore, what have you done now?" Minerva sputtered.

"Jesus Christ, Dad!" Severus added his own pointed comment, unable to resist.

"Now, Minnie, don't get yourself all flustered," Albus began, hurrying towards the kitchen.

Harry started laughing. Minnie! Who would have thought?

Officer Stratford chuckled. "Who's that, your grandma?"

"Oh, no, sir. She died years ago," Harry answered glibly. "That's Grandpa's girlfriend."

"Girlfriend! Kid, your grandpa's something else!" Then he began to roar with laughter.

By then Severus had emerged from the kitchen and made his way to the front door, an apologetic and exasperated look upon his face. "Officer, I'm terribly sorry, it seems like my father still hasn't gotten the hang of using a phone—any phone," he added upon seeing the purple mobile in the officer's hand. "I do hope you won't be handing out any . . .err. . . fines."

Officer Stratford gasped and finally regained his composure. "Fine? What for? Your dad might be an old gaffer, but he's a trip! I don't mind coming out here, I always end up feeling better than when I arrived." He winked at Severus. "See you later, Al."

He turned to depart and just as he was getting down the walk, a white and red delivery truck pulled up and the bakery driver got out with three white boxes.

"How much did you order, Albus?" Snape muttered under his breath. "You're not feeding half of Hogwarts!"

Over the excellent tea and blueberry scones and almond shortbread, Severus discussed his curriculum for the new classes he meant to implement at the school next term. Harry regaled them about his adventure with his new friend Paul and how they had adopted Major. He then brought up something he had been musing over for a while.

"Da, remember when you said that we could go on holiday to the seaside after I got settled in? To that place where you and mum used to go?"

"Skegness?"

"Yeah. Over there. Do you think we could go for a few days?"

"We have a week till your birthday," Severus said, thinking about it. "Would you like to go now or after it?"

"Now. After will be too hot," Harry said. Then he added, "I mean . . .if it's not too much trouble?"

"I wouldn't have given you a choice if it were." Severus countered.

"I think it's an excellent idea! Nothing like the bracing sea air and the sun to revitalize you," Albus put in. "Right, Minnie?"

"Yes. I think you'll enjoy Skegness. I was there once, long ago."

"I've never been," Albus said, a wistful note of longing creeping into his voice. "Maybe someday . . ."

"Why don't you come with us, Grandpa? It could be fun." Harry offered. Then he looked at Severus and said, "You won't mind, would you, Da?"

Inwardly, Severus was seething. All he had wanted was a nice relaxing vacation and instead he would be driven insane by both his son and his old Headmaster. Unbelieavable! Then he saw the naked longing in Albus' eyes and suddenly he could not bear to put another nail in Albus's self-esteem. Though he regarded the old wizard as a nuisance, he also did not wish to hurt the old man.

"Ahhhh . . ." Severu sighed and then paused. "All right. We'll make it a kind of . . . family vacation."

The twinkle returned to Albus' eyes. "Splendid! And since we need to keep up appearances for Harry's friend, Paul, does that mean that you would have to call me Dad?"

"Yes, for the sake of our cover. Wait a minute. Since when is Paul coming along?"

"Why Severus, you can't expect Harry to enjoy himself with just us old folks. You must allow him to bring his friend. I'm dying to meet the boy." Albus urged.

"Please, Da? We'll be careful. He won't find out we're wizards. Not at a Muggle resort." Harry pleaded.

"Oh, for the love of Merlin! I'll make the reservations and we can leave the day after tomorrow." Even as he spoke them, Snape could not believe the words had come out of his mouth.

Both Albus and Harry let out shrieks of glee.

"I can't wait! D'you think I need a whole new wardrobe?" Albus asked Harry excitedly.

"No. Maybe some board shorts and some Hawaiian shirts. And some swimming trunks and sandals."

"What are board shorts? Do you wear them on a board, or are they stiff as one? Is a Hawaiian shirt the sane as another shirt?"

"Board shorts are what surfers use when they surf, and a Hawaiian shirt is just a loose short-sleeved shirt with loud colors and patterns on it."

"Sounds like my kind of clothes." Albus grinned.

Minerva smiled sadly at Severus. "You see how excited he is?"

Severus nodded.

"I haven't seen him this excited in over a week," she told the Potions Master, speaking quietly so only he could hear her. "Thank you so much, Severus. This means so much to him . . .Would you like me to keep Major company until you return?"

"Are you sure you won't come along?"

"Oh no, Severus! I would just be in the way, one elderly witch and a bunch of men! No, this is a vacation for you boys! Besides, I'm a cat, and we don't enjoy water. Major and I will rub along until you get home. Have fun!"

Albus looked like he was about to jump up and run out the door. Minerva eyed him sternly. And laid a hand on his arm. "Albus, relax! The resort's not going anwhere. You'll have plenty to occupy you till then."

"Minerva, do me a favor. Help him pack." Severus requested. I can't believe this! I must be losing my mind! Losing my bloody mind!

* * * * * *

The Eastleigh Hotel

Skegness

Day 1:

"What shall we do first?" Albus asked eagerly, examining the tour brochure they had picked up at the front desk when they had checked in. Severus had booked two suites, right next to each other with a connecting door. That way the boys could stay up as late as they wished playing games or whatever and not keep him up. The rooms were large and had color TV's and central air and heating and fans, plus bathrooms, in short they were very comfortable.

"How about we take a bit of a lie down?"Severus suggested, he was tired, since he had driven them down there. "We can explore Skegness later."

Albus looked up from the brochure. "Go ahead, Severus. Take a nap, you must be tired from driving all that way. I'll just go and see what the boys are up to." He waved a hand at the younger man, then he rose and knocked at the connecting door. "Boys, have you seen the Natureland Seal Sanctuary? Or how about Fantasy Island park?"

Severus removed his shoes and went to lie down on the large bed. He heard the connecting door open and close and soon the room was quiet and he fell asleep.

Meanwhile, Albus went over to discuss an itinerary with Harry and Paul. Paul got a kick out of Harry's "grandfather" and his totally psychedelic choice in clothes. As promised, he had gone shopping for new clothes for the trip, and some of his clothing choices were very . . .eyecatching. Today he had on a red Hawaiian shirt with white hibiscus' on it and geckos in green and blue patterns. He had paired it with black polka dot shorts with the dots in every shade of the rainbow. He also had on black sandals and his beard was braided and tied with multicolored bands. His blue eyes twinkled behind his glasses.

"Hello, boys!" he greeted cheerfully. "Would you like to check out the hotel? There's a restaurant on the ground floor and I saw a snack machine as we got off the lift."

Harry had finished unpacking and once he and Paul had checked out the TV and saw that it supported Harry's SuperNintendo and changed into beach clothes, they were more than ready to go exploring.

Paul eyed Albus up and down, hiding a grin. He always felt like laughing when he saw the older man's wardrobe, it was so very eccentric. But then, Harry had warned him that his grandfather was rather unusual in that way. "It embarrasses the heck out of my father, but I think it's funny." Harry had said.

"Sure, Al," Paul said. Dumbledore had told him to call him Al, he enjoyed the novelty of people calling him by his first name. "I could use a Cadbury Fruit and Nut bar."

Albus raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That sounds good. Have you ever tried a Fizzing Whizbee? Or Droobles Best Blowing Gum? Or Chocolate Frogs?"

Paul's face crinkled. "I've never heard of any of those."

Harry quickly said, "That's because those candies were around when Grandpa was a boy, like around a hundred years ago. They don't make them anymore."

"Oh. Too bad. They sound like they'd be good ones." Paul said.

"Oh they are—were," Albus said, giving Harry a sheepish smile. I forgot,he mouthed to his "grandson".

Harry groaned silently. This maintaining the fiction that they were normal Muggles was going to be harder than he thought, especially if Dumbledore kept forgetting Paul wasn't a wizard. "Okay. Let's go to the snack machine and then we can get some real food at the restaurant. Dad gave me some money."

"And I have a credit card," Albus announced happily.

Harry bit his lip to keep from asking how on earth Albus had gotten one of those. Somehow the old wizard always managed to get hold of things he ought not to have.

"Cool!" Paul exclaimed and they went to find the snack machine after tucking their room cards into their pockets.

"Where's Da?" asked Harry.

"Asleep." Albus answered.

While they walked down the hall to the vending machine, they discussed visiting several of the main attractions, like the Seal Sanctuary and the beach.

Harry had never been to the ocean before, and was eager to experience the ocean and the sand and go surfing with Paul, who had been to the seashore ever since he was a little tot. He recalled the memory picture of Severus and Lily at home, playing in the sand and building a sandcastle. Severus had promised him upon their arrival at Spinner's End that someday he would teach Harry how to build a sandcastle. Harry wondered if Severus would keep that promise.

After getting chocolate from the machine, they took the lift down to the restaurant in the lower part of the hotel and ate a late lunch there.

They decided to go to the beach after Severus woke up, all of them were in the mood to soak up some rays and splash in the surf.

* * * * * *

"Albus, you need to watch your mouth!" scolded Severus once he found out what Albus had let slip in front of Paul that afternoon.

"Severus, it was entirely by accident that I said that. We were discussing candy, and you know how much I love sweets and it just . . .slipped out." Albus said apologetically. "I promise, it won't happen again."

"See that it doesn't, because I really dislike Obliviating children." Severus said. He goggled then at what Dumbledore was wearing.

Albus had on a pair of swim trunks that came down to his thighs and were white with yellow smiley faces. They were the sort of trunks a child might wear . . .or an old man trying to live his childhood over. "What do you think of my trunks, Severus? Aren't they hip?"

Severus rolled his eyes. "Oh, yes, Dad. You're definitely in style." Then he muttered under his breath, "With the inmates of an insane asylum or a colorblind eight-year-old."

"Where are your trunks, Severus? Aren't you going swimming?"

"Maybe later. I like to swim early in the morning." The Potions Master replied. There was less chance of anyone seeing him or the scars upon his back from the Cruciatus. He was wearing a casual pair of dockside shorts that went down to his knees and black water shoes, plus a deep blue T-shirt with a large shark on a plate on the front and the logo I Ate JAWS For Breakfast.

Severus carried a bag with towels and sunscreen (of his own making, he didn't trust the Muggle brands), he knew they could rent blankets and there were stands with refreshments upon the beach.

Harry nearly collapsed when he saw Albus's swimming trunks. His own were a simple green with a white border and Paul's were ones with waves on them and a surfer logo. "Hey, Grandpa! You look really . . .happy."

"I am. I always say, smile and people will smile with you." Albus said.

"If they don't die laughing." Paul whispered and Harry snickered uncontrollably.

They made their way down the short trail to the beachfront.

Harry was surprised there weren't more people on the beach, but then he saw the gorgeous water sparkling like an indigo jewel and ran forward, his sandals sinking into the soft sand.

Paul followed suit and so did Albus.

Severus alone did not rush into the water like a dehydrated golden retriever. He stayed higher up on the dunes, renting a large blue blanket, and spreading it out on the sand. He anchored it with a quickly spoken spell and then set down the towels and bag. He also rented a large umbrella and bought a large lemonade. Then he settled upon the blanket to watch the boys and Albus play in the water.

He had a book in the bag but preferred to watch Harry have fun like a normal boy rather than read. It was good to see his son smile and laugh, and chase Paul through the waves until he knocked the other down. They wrestled playfully and dunked each other while Albus floated like an Indian guru on his back in the wavewash.

Harry found that he loved swimming in the cobalt water, though the salty taste was not to his liking. He loved the way the waves lapped over him and buoyed him, the sun reflecting off the water dazzled his eyes, but he didn't mind. He swam for a time and then Paul suggested they go and gather some shells and try and make a sandcastle.

"Okay. Where's a good spot?" Harry asked.

"There." Paul indicated a spot about halfway inbetween the wet and dry sand, flattened out by many feet. "Now we need to get a pail or two and a plastic shovel."

While his friend went over to the rental booths, Harry guarded their spot, trying to visualize the castle he wanted to build. He glanced up at the beach blanket where Severus was sitting, and noted that his father was reading a book.

Soon Paul returned and they began to build the foundation.

It was harder than it looked, Harry discovered. Sometimes the sand was not wet enough and other times it was too wet. And he couldn't seem to get the walls to stay right, all of them came out crooked.

"Here, let me try," said Paul, and he tried to fix Harry's mistake. But he only made it worse.

"Maybe we ought to try gathering shells and save the sandcastle for later," Harry said, frowning down at the pile of lopsided sand.

A shadow fell over them. "Here. You're going about it all wrong."

It was Severus.

Harry looked up at him. "Why don't you show us how it's done, Da?" His green eyes sparkled. Severus had not forgotten his promise.

"Move over," Severus nudged him away with the toe of his shoe and knelt down in the sand. It had been many years since he had played in the sand with Lily, but he still remembered how to make a decent sandcastle.

He smoothed out the sand and then began putting the foundation down again, using the pail to form a round bulwark. He carefully added sand to the first level, building up the walls gradually. He shaped towers and ramparts and even added some windows using the corner of the shovel.

Paul and Harry just watched in awe. It looked like something out of a sculpture class. "Go and get me some shells. Small ones."

The boys went and found some tiny scallop and clam shells along the beach and brought them back. Severus used them to accent the towers and the base.

"Wow, Mr. Snape!" Paul cried. "This is like the best sandcastle ever! Where did you learn to build one like this?"

"From Harry's mother. We were friends and neighbors as children, much like you and Harry are," Severus replied.

Together, the three fashioned a moat around the castle and a bridge with round stones and then they built a small town as well.

"Let's take a picture," Harry said, and used a camera to do so.

Then they stood back and admired their hard work, and several other people came by to admire it also. Harry was proud to tell the onlookers that he had built it with his father and his friend, it was the first project he had ever made with a family member and just for fun, not an assignment.

He glanced around for Albus, only then realizing that he hadn't seen the old wizard in quite some time. "Hey, where's Grandpa?" he asked Severus.

"Last I saw he was swimming with you two," his father answered, looking around to see if Albus had gone to get a drink or some food at one of the vendors or perhaps to use the bathroom. But Albus was nowhere in sight. "Where on earth could he have gotten to?"

Just then he saw a small crowd gathered further on down the beach, they were all staring across the ocean, some were cheering and others looked alarmed. Merlin's bloody beard, please don't tell me they're all staring at Albus for doing something utterly insane. He headed down the beach, Harry and Paul following him.

As Snape drew nearer, he could make out some comments that people were yelling.

"Look at him go!"

"Hey, he's not bad for an old geezer!"

"His knees are too knobby," remarked a teenage girl. "And what's with the beard?"

"He was probably a hippie. Must have smoked a joint or two in his day."

"Maybe he smoked one now too. You gotta be crazy to do that at his age!"

Severus reached the spot where at least twenty people were gathered and looked at what they were all staring at. His jaw dropped.

For there was Dumbledore, smiley face swim trunks and all, standing upon a surf board with a rainbow design, his beard blowing in the wind, cresting a small wave. He was wearing a pair of blue sunglasses and was waving and smiling.

Harry gaped too. "Oh my God, Da!"

Paul whistled. "Hell's bells, Harry! I didn't know your grandpa could surf. That's like way cool. All mine does anymore is drive a golf cart."

"We didn't know either," Severus muttered, his heart nearly turning over when Dumbledore crested a rather large wave, skidded down the other side, and lost his balance, tumbling off the surfboard.

The whole crowd gasped until he resurfaced, grinning like a demented monkey, and called, "I'm fine! Don't worry!"

There were a few younger people surfing nearby and they offered him an escort to shore.

Severus was fuming and glaring at the other wizard as Dumbledore came out of the ocean.

Several people clapped him on the shoulder and said how impressed they were and even asked his age, which thankfully he did not reply to. Some people shook his hand and one little boy asked for an autograph.

Albus lapped it up, his blue eyes twinkling like mad . . .until he spotted Severus and the boys. "Why, hello, Severus! And Harry and Paul! Did you see me catch a wave? Some friendly young kids taught me how to use this surfboard and everything!"

Beaming, he came up to them, his surfboard still dragging through the sand.

"That was really cool, Grandpa," Harry said quickly, before Severus snapped at Albus.

"Yeah, you were like . . .amazing." Paul gushed.

Severus grabbed Dumbledore's shoulder and hissed, "Dad, have you lost your bloody mind? You could have been killed trying a stunt like that! If you'd fallen off when you were at the top of that wave . . .you could have broken bones, broken your head, though maybe that wouldn't be so bad considering you're not using your brain---!"

"Severus, calm down. I'm fine."

"You're over ninty-five, not twenty-five! What the hell were you thinking? Surfing's a sport for young daredevils," Severus ranted.

"Now, Severus . . .learn to let your hair down and live a little, my boy. What's the worst that could happen?"

"You could drown!"

"At least I'd go out with a bang," said the other.

"You're impossible, old man!" Severus snapped, throwing up his hands. "You couldn't find some kind of safe activity, like feeding seagulls, no you have to go and risk your neck like a crazy teenager!"

Dumbledore patted the irate Severus on the shoulder. "There, there. I'm sorry scared you, son."

Severus shot him a death glare. "You didn't. I just didn't want to have to break the news to Minerva that you died catching the big kahuna, or however you surfers put it."

Snape jerked away and stalked back to the blanket, still furious.

Paul looked at Albus uneasily. "He seems pretty ticked off at you, sir."

"Call me Al, please. I've been sir for over fifty years." Albus said. "That's just Severus' way. He gets in a pet when he's scared, although he really had nothing to be worried about. Only a few people ever die each year."

"Come and see our sandcastle and town, Grandpa." Harry urged.

Dumbledore was duly impressed by it, saying it was a fine work of art. Then he asked the two boys if they were hungry and took them over to the vendors to get a bite to eat. On the way there, they passed a kiosk selling T-shirts. Unable to resist the brigh orange and yellow and purple tie-die clothing, Albus purchased a shirt that depicted a surfer upon a large wave that bore the words I Survived the Big One! He pulled it on over his trunks and after they had eaten some clam strips and chips and drank some lemonade, headed back to where Severus was reading under the umbrella.

He was not amused at the T-shirt, though the boys thought it was hilarious, and suggested he get one also, so he could match his father.

* * * * * *

Day two:

The next day was their first full day at the resort, and after a delicious breakfast, all of them opted to go and see the Natureland Seal Sanctuary, where you could feed and learn about the seals the rescue center saved each year from fishing boats and sharks and starvation, among other dangers. Once the seals were healthy, they were tagged and released back into the wild. Some, however, were too badly injured to ever be released, and those were kept at the sanctuary forever.

The two boys couldn't wait to see and pet their first living seal and were hoping they might even get to swim with one. Severus was hoping that no more Albus-related problems would occur, though he knew that might be wishful thinking. The old wizard was proving more of a handful than two three-year-olds. Last night the hotel staff had had to escort him back to the room because he had been found wandering about a restricted area, namely the kitchens, sampling some fruit tarts the chef had left on the counter for tomorrow morning's breakfast buffet.

"In heaven's name, Dad, why didn't you just call room service?" Severus growled, after telling the very annoyed head chef to put the cost of the four tarts Albus had eaten on their bill.

"Oh, well, I didn't want to be any trouble, so I just thought I'd save them the trip and go downstairs myself."

"You didn't want to be any trouble?" Severus repeated. "It's their job to serve you! Like your house . . .keeper does at home."

"Huh? I don't have a housekeeper."

"Yes, you do. Her name is Garnet," Severus prompted while hitting himself in the forehead.

"Oh, that housekeeper!" Albus exclaimed, having finally caught on.

"Next time just dial extension seven," Severus said, and showed him the button on the phone. "For the sake of my sanity." Right then he wished he had brought along a Calming Draft and wondered if the hotel convenience store sold Prozac.

He kept a sharp eye on his wayward "father", instructing him to "stay beside me at all times, and no wandering off, or going into "staff only" sections, staring at young girls with piercings, interrupting the tour guide, and for God's sake don't touch anything unless I tell you." The boys snickered at the litany, until he said, "And that goes for you too!"

They walked to the sanctuary and bought tickets and soon a perky tour guide named Brianna came and led their group on a tour of the facility. Severus found the lecture and process of rescuing seals trapped in fishing nets and oil spills or that had wandered away from their mums and become lost fascinating, as did most everyone else, except for two naughty children, who kept making obnoxious farting noises. Several people in the group muttered angrily, but no parent stepped forward to reprimand the little beasts, until Severus lost his patience after the sixth or seventh time and grabbed the two boys by their ears and hissed, "If you do that one more time, you obnoxious ill-mannered brats, I will pick you up and toss you into the nearest shark tank, where you can experience the joys of being digested and farted out a shark's arse firsthand. Got me?"

The two imps shrank away from him and then turned and bolted when he glared at them, yelling, "Mummy, a man said he was gonna feed us to sharks!"

Nearly everyone shot Severus looks of gratitude and Brianna said, "Thank you, sir! I so wanted to say that, but I would've lost my job."

"Don't mention it," said the Potions Master. "Little brats need discipline."

"Aye, and a good spanking," added an elderly woman who reminded Harry of Minerva.

The tour continued without a hitch until they came to the feeding portion of the sanctuary.

First came the nursery, where you could feed the baby harp seals, which were adorable, soft fuzzy bundles of white or gray fur with huge dark eyes that made cute little barking noises. They could eat small fish. The sprats were a fourth of the size of a normal fish, so everyone could have a turn feeding a seal pup and not overfeed them. Brianna demonstrated how to coax a baby into her lap and then give it the fish, most pups didn't even wait a minute before crawling into someone's lap and eating.

Harry, Paul, Albus, and even Severus took turns feeding a female pup called Mirage, who after her fourth sprat, promptly gave Severus—the last one to feed her—a sloppy seal kiss on the mouth!

"Looks like she fancies you, Mr. Snape," Paul said impudently and giggled.

"Maybe she's a selkie," Harry suggested, also laughing.

"You always did have a way with the ladies, Severus, furred, finned, or otherwise!" Albus added, his eyes twinkling merrily.

"Blech!" was all his son answered.

Their tour guide smiled and said to Albus, "I can see why." Then she blushed and said, "Please follow me out to the larger tanks where the adult seals are. You can feed them small containers of sardines and smelts."

Unlike the baby seals, the adult seals were in large tanks that were simulated to resemble the ocean, with salt water and waves and there was even a place for the seals to "beach" themselves and sun upon man-made rocks and such. Each seal was monitored carefully and its rehabilitation tracked. They were fed twice daily.

However, only the permanently injured seals were allowed to be fed by the visitors, and they all queued up alongside the low railing when they saw the people coming, sticking their heads out of the water and barking. Each family or single person was allowed one container of fish, and could feed a single seal or several as they chose.

The boys chose a smallish gray harbor seal with black specks to feed, and were soon leaning over the railing and tossing the fish straight into the seal's mouth. Severus watched, having had enough fish for one day after the baby seal had kissed him.

"Here, Harry. Let me have a go," said Albus, and Harry handed him the container of sardines.

He tossed the seal a dead fish. "Nice catch!"

Severus turned to Harry. "Watch him, please. I need to use the bathroom." As he hurried away to the nearest toilet, he heard Harry say, "How many fish do we have left?"

"Nine," answered Albus. "Three for each of us." They divided up the fish.

Dumbledore allowed the boys to finish feeding their seal before he took his turn.

But by then some of the bigger seals were done getting fed by their guests and had moved over to crowd the smaller seal. Albus waved his hand at the larger seals trying to shove the smaller one away. "Shoo! Go away! Shoo!" He leaned over the side, waving one arm and trying to toss the fish to the original seal.

"Careful, Grandpa," Harry warned. "Don't lean over too far."

"Yeah, you might fall in," Paul added.

But their warning came too late. The overenthusiastic old man had leaned over too far and lost his balance.

"Quick, Paul! Grab him!" yelped Harry, reaching out to snatch Albus's ankle.

Paul grabbed his other leg, struggling to hang onto the old man, who was falling into the water. "Ah . . .he's slipping, Harry!" The boy leaned over, trying to grab Dumbledore's waistband, and then he found himself being dragged over the rail.

Harry lunged, grabbed hold of Paul, but their combined weight was too much for him, and he fell too.

All of them landed in the pool with the seals, making a tremendous splash.

"Oh, my goodness!" cried Brianna. "Swim to the side, quickly! You can't be in there! You'll scare the seals!"

The rest of the tour group burst out laughing.

"That's feeding the seals, all right!"

"Have a nice swim!"

The seals didn't seem all that bothered by the addition of three humans and swam curiously about and beneath them. Harry swam as quickly as he could, thinking all the while, Merlin, but we are all so dead when Da finds out!

Albus's beard floated ahead of him in the water and a seal nibbled it curiously, making Albus chuckle. "No food there, my boy!"

Finally, they emerged from the pool and stood up on the rock portion of the enclosure, dripping wet and embarrassed. Well, Harry was embarrassed. Paul looked like it was sort of amusing and Albus thought it was quite a lark.

Severus returned from the bathroom to see two soaking wet wizards and one Muggle boy coming out of a side door of the building behind the seal tank. "What in hell happened to you three?"

"Uh . . .we had a bit of an accident," Albus said helpfully.

"We fell in the seal tank, sir," answered Paul, shivering slightly.

Severus rolled his eyes heavenward and growled, "Unbelievable! I can't leave you three alone for a second, can I? You're a disaster waiting to occur, I swear it!" He shook his head at the three, who were trying to dry off with some towels that Brianna had handed them. "Come on, might as well go back to the hotel and get changed."

"Sorry, Da," Harry apologized. "We were just trying to help Grandpa and, well . . ."

"Ah. I should have known you'd be the instigator," Severus frowned severely at Albus, who didn't look the least bit sorry. What a vacation this was turning out to be!

* * * * * *

Day three:

Severus had strong reservations about taking them to Fantasy Island park, which was an amusement park with rides and rollercoasters and stands selling popcorn and cotton candy and soft ice cream, among other things. But surprisingly, there were no real mishaps that day, and Severus even enjoyed himself riding the upsidedown rollercoaster.

Both boys and Albus went on the roller coaster several times in a row, until Paul was in danger of losing his lunch. Then they played in the arcade and blew 10 pounds trying to win some silly souveniers from a claw machine. Paul finally ended up with the seal T-shirt.

After they had wandered about for another hour, they decided to go to a restaurant to eat dinner. Once they were seated, a pretty waitress with short blond hair and bright blue eyes came by to take their order. Albus teased and flirted gently with her, finding out that her name was Maureen, she was thirty, and currently inbetween relationships.

"Really? So's my son. Why don't you go out with him?"

Severus froze, then snapped, "Dad, for Godsake! I don't need a matchmaker."

Maureen colored a becoming shade of rose. "Oh! I . . .I'm sorry, but I never date the guests. It's just not done. Although . . .if I didn't work here . . .I would be very tempted."

"He's quite a catch, miss. He's a Headmaster at an exclusive private academy. He's a little serious, but we're working on it."

"Dad! Please!" Now Severus was coloring as well.

"Umm . . .I'll be right back with your lunch," said the flustered waitress, and she hurried away.

"Ask her for her number when she comes back," urged Albus. "She's got the hots for you."

"You're just determined to make me die of heart failure, aren't you?"

"Why, no. But I think you need to get out more, Severus." Albus said earnestly. "You haven't dated anyone since Lily died."

"So? How long has it been for you, old man?" snarled Severus. "Never mind. I don't want to know."

Paul looked at the two and then whispered to Harry, "Are they always like this?"

Harry nodded. "Pretty much. You get used to it."

"It's better than watching stand up comedy," said his friend, smothering a chuckle with his napkin.

Harry had to admit, if only to himself, that Paul was right and so was Albus. It was past time that Severus started having a personal life again, one that didn't revolve around his job or Harry.

The rest of the dinner passed rather awkwardly, but Severus made sure to leave a generous tip for putting up with Albus' crazy schemes.

That night, however, Severus dreamed of Thea, and woke with a terrible longing in his chest. To ease the throbbing ache, he went for a walk on the beach and then for a refreshing swim. It was early morning, and there was no one to disturb the peaceful sunrise or to stare at the myriad scars upon his back.

He swam until he was tired, then floated in the wavewash, his mind recalling that long ago time in Rome. Better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all. Once, he had believed in that old saying. Now, though, he wasn't so sure. Perhaps it would have been easier if he had never known love's sweet fire, then he would have nothing to miss. Or regret.

When at last he rose from the water, a few other hotel guests had meandered down to the beach, but he did not acknowledge them, simply kept on walking up the beach to the path, his towel flung loosely about his shoulders. He felt eyes boring into his back, but did not turn. He did not want to see pity in their eyes. Or disgust. What he did not realize was that the stares that followed him were not stares of revulsion, but admiration.

* * * * * *

Day four:

"Da, Paul and I want to hang out at the beach today instead of going to the theater." Harry announced at breakfast.

"That's fine. I was going to visit the theater or the coffee shop."

"And I was going to go golfing at the South View Leisure golf course," Albus announced. "Are you sure you won't join me, Severus?"

"I . . .no, I would rather not make a laughingstock out of myself."

"Oh, come now! I am the world's worst and longest putter," Albus protested. "You can't be any worse than I am."

Severus opened his mouth to refuse, for he had intended to use his free time today to shop for Harry's birthday present. But then he caught the wistful look in the old wizard's eyes and supposed he could spare a few hours doing something with just Albus. "Very well."

Albus beamed. "We'll play nine holes. That way I won't be totally beat."

"You mean we can go to the beach ourselves?" Paul asked, for thus far Severus had always accompanied them.

"Yes. So long as you promise to be careful and behave yourselves."

"We will!" the boys promised.

"Yippee!" Albus yodeled. "Come on, Sevvie. Let's go rent some clubs!" He rose to his feet and trotted off towards the booth where they had golf clubs to rent.

"Sevvie?" Harry asked, cracking up.

"I'm going to kill him," muttered the Potions Master under his breath. "Go on, go catch a wave or whatever you call it. We'll be back at three for lunch. Meet us at the room."

"Sure thing, Da! Have fun."

"I'd have more fun getting a lobotomy," Severus harrumphed.

To his surprise, he actually enjoyed the golf game, finding that it required more mental than physical concentration than he would have thought. He also managed to beat Albus and get a hole in one.

"See, that wasn't so bad. Now how about we head over to the bar across the way and have a drink? I'm parched and I've heard there's some excellent ale made here in Lincolnshire."

Severus shook his head. "No, thank you. I don't drink."

"Oh. Forgive me, of course you don't."

"But you can go and have a pint if you wish," Severus said. "I'll visit the coffee shop and take a look around the shops nearby. I need to find a birthday present for Harry. His birthday is in four days."

"That's right. I had nearly forgotten. Are you giving him a party?"

"A surprise party. I already sent out the invitations. You should be getting yours any day now. Or Minerva will."

"You've invited me? How very thoughtful!" The old Headmaster looked tickled pink.

"And Sirius and Remus as well. Do you think I wish to be the only adult in a houseful of teenagers?" Severus mock-shuddered.

They had reached the small bar across from the golf course and Albus told Severus to meet him outside in about an hour or two.

The Potions Master left, going first to the coffee shop for a cup of java iced and then he headed to the shopping centre to take a look at the specialty stores. After some careful deliberation he had found a figurine that he thought Harry would especially like. He checked his watch and saw that it had almost been an hour and a half and hurried back over to the bar to meet Albus.

But there was no white-bearded old man waiting outside for him. Severus felt a tight feeling in his gut and pushed open the door. The smell of cigarettes and fried fish and chips and malt beer washed over him, making his gut clench. The scent brought back unpleasant memories from his childhood and he looked about quickly for his companion.

Albus wasn't hard to spot, he was sitting at a table close to the bar, three empty two pint glasses before him on the table, singing off-key loudly.

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!

We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho.
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot.
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho."

Severus stopped dead. He considered ramming his head into a wall. Then he considered ramming Albus' head into a wall. Some of the remaining patrons were also three sheets to the wind and bellowing along with the drunken ex-sorcerer, coming in on the chorus.

Albus was grinning goofily and waving his hand like a conductor, or a spellcasting wizard. "Sevvie, my boy! There ya are! C'mon an'have one for th' road!"

Severus' mouth tightened. He stalked up to the older man. "You've already had enough for both of us, old man."

"Nonshense! I'm a powerful magician, y'know! An' a pirate! Evil Al, they called me! The Pirate Mage of the Tortugas!" he began to sing again.

Severus swore under his breath. It was a good thing all the patrons were drunk and probably wouldn't remember a thing in the morning. "Come on, Dad." He hissed. "Time to go home."

He settled up with the bartender, then dragged a still yodeling Albus out the door.

As soon as he was out of sight of any passerby, Severus used his magic for the first time during the vacation and cast a Sober Up charm upon Albus. He would not bring the old wizard back to the hotel in that condition.

In a few moments, Albus was blinking and looking about, stone cold sober. "What—what . . .where am I? What happened?"

"You got drunk," Severus said bluntly.

"Oh. I—I didn't realize . . .I'm sorry, Severus. I didn't mean to open up old wounds." Albus suddenly looked terribly weary and ashamed. "Please forgive me."

At first, Severus was inclined to be angry. Seeing to drunken former wizards was not his idea of a good vacation. "What for? I'm not your responsibility. You can get drunk if you wish, you don't need my approval. You're an adult."

"I came here to have a good time with you, and instead I've done nothing but irritate and embarrass you. That was not my intention at all, Severus. I just wanted . . .to give you a sort of second chance." Albus said regretfully.

"Second chance? I don't understand."

"To have a . . .good relationship with a father-figure. I wanted a chance to make up for all the things I've done wrong. Instead I have failed you."

Severus stared and wondered if Albus was still drunk. In vino veritas—in wine, truth. He still felt a bit angry and upset, but the other's genuine remorse stirred a chord within him. He was silent for a long moment, then at last he said, "You're wrong. Maybe I was a bit harsh before . . .I didn't mean to be . . .You haven't failed me. My father did that long ago."

"I know. But I didn't want to do so again. I've enjoyed being with you and Harry, I missed doing things with . . .like a family. I know that you don't wish a father, not after the one you had, but I thought perhaps you might change your mind after this. . . Except now I've mucked things up royally like a stupid old sot . . ."

Astonished, Severus was at a loss for words. Finally he managed to say, "I have no right to judge you, sir. I made enough of my own mistakes. You're right, I never really knew what it was like to have a father. Not a real one. But after this . . .I think I do . . .a little. And for that, I thank you."

"Then you're not mad at me for . . .what happened?"

"No. Like I said, we all make mistakes. My father's was to keep making the same ones over and over. With me and with the bottle. But you're not Tobias Snape."

"Nor will I ever be." Albus smiled. "Shall we go and meet the boys? I'm sure they're hungry."

"When aren't they?" Severus asked wryly. He began to stride down the pavement towards the hotel. "Come on. We don't want to be late, Dad." And for the first time he spoke the title without any hesitation. Because somewhere during this crazy vacation, something had clicked between them, and now it felt right.