I still don't own Harry Potter.

Chapter 42

Meet the Grangers

The day had arrived. Hermione's parents were due at any moment with Headmaster Dumbledore, and the trio was anxiously waiting together in the Potion Master's quarters on Slinky Watch. They were given explicit instructions to complete their homework and were forbidden to leave the quarters. They would be summoned when they needed to report to the Headmaster's Office.

Harry still had his cloak and although they were very tempted to attempt to eaves drop on the conversation that was to take place in the Headmaster's office, Harry had a sneaking suspicion that Remus would detect their scent, and Dumbledore always seemed to know when he was there—cloak or not. They knew they would be called when it was over to find out what they would be sentenced to do together.

So the trio refrained from pulling another brainless stunt, resolved to the fact they were already in enough trouble. Harry looked at Hermione worriedly. She was having a difficult time concentrating on her homework, and for Hermione that was saying something.

The three of them were seated in the floor in front of the sofa using the coffee table as their table. "It'll be alright Mione," Harry comforted scooting closer to her on the floor placing his arm around her shoulders.

Hermione put her head on Harry's shoulder and Ron who was on the other side also scooted closer to her. "Yeah Mione, I mean it can't be that bad. What's the worst that could happen?"

Harry shot Ron a very Snape worthy glare and Hermione sat upright and directed her full attention to Ron. "My parents are muggles Ronald. They do not understand the wizarding world. There is a good possibility they will remove me from the school if they are told everything we got into this year!"

"Well I mean we didn't get into much right Harry? I mean there was the troll, the transformation, and this last thing we did. Really, we didn't know for certain that You-Know-"Harry glared at Ron again, "Oh alright. We didn't know that Voldemort was hiding in that prat's head so it's not like they can hold that against us, and even though we went to see Professor Lupin that night we were very careful. Sure we could have died and all, but Dumbledore and Snape were both there. Plus Harry is brilliant at potions. And the troll…Oh that reminds me you did set Professor Snape's robes on fire! That was more dangerous than the troll. How could I forget the dragon? But don't worry they don't know about that one. Well maybe we did get into quite a bit this year, huh mate?"

Ron had been going over everything aloud looking off, scrunching up his face, while trying to remember everything, and when he finished he turned to his best mates who were staring at him blankly as if to say, Yes you idiot we did!

"Why yes Ron, how astute of you to point out all of our infractions and calm Mione down. That was bloody brilliant of you mate!" Harry responded.

Ron blushed "Uhhh, Mione do you think you could help me with this?" he asked pointing at his transfiguration.

Harry watched as Hermione began explaining the theory behind the animagus transformation. Ron could be thick at times, but his heart was usually in the right place.

Severus and Remus met with Albus in the Headmaster's Office before Albus went to meet with the Grangers in Diagon Alley. Albus felt it would be best to allow them to meet him somewhere they were familiar with, floo to Hogsmeade so they could see anther wizarding village, and also the castle from afar.

"Professor what exactly is your plan when the Grangers' arrive?" Remus inquired.

"The wolf actually asked an intelligent question for once. How do you explain to muggles a series of extremely uncommon and unexpected events occurred and their daughter was involved directly in every one of them in which she could have potentially lost her life? Oh and don't forget, the is the matter that one of her best friends, my son, is a target of the Dark Lord by proxy making her a target."

Dumbledore smiled his fatherly smile. Severus knew the man did not have much experience with muggles, nor did Minerva or the Weasleys, or Poppy for that matter. Severus and Remus on the other hand did, and knew the Grangers wouldn't take kindly to the truth, and there was a real chance that once informed of this years' adventures as Albus liked to call them, Hogwarts was in danger of losing their most intelligent student.

"Plan my boys? There is no plan. We simply tell them the truth, and discuss the possibilities of a Magical Guardian for their daughter. They will be reasonable." Albus said in a tone that indicated there was not further discussion to be had.

Remus and Severus looked at one another with the same expression that said This is not going to end well.

"I need you to collect Minnie, floo the Weasley's, and alert Poppy, I will go meet with the Grangers' and escort them to the castle. And if you boys will be so kind as to set up a table, have the house elves bring up refreshments, and inform the others I'll be off," Albus said chipperly.

Severus was staring at the Headmaster in disbelief. The old man is really daft when it comes to muggles.

Remus found his voice though he was thinking along the same lines as Severus, "Of course Professor. Everything will be ready for your return."

"Thank you my boys," Albus said and flooed to Diagon Alley.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking wolf?" Severus asked.

"Yeah, but Albus isn't going to like it," Remus responded.

"Indeed he is not," Severus said.

Albus arrived in his office with Hermione's parents and greetings and introductions were exchanged. Molly had to elbow Arthur as she could see he desperately wanted to kidnap Mr. Granger and question him mercilessly.

Once introductions had been made, Mark and Jean Granger took a seat at the table.

"So a dentist? Exactly what is the function of a dentist?" Arthur asked.

Molly again elbowed her husband, and Albus interrupted what would soon be an all out interrogation if he let it continue, "I'm sure Mr. Granger will be obliged to answer your questions after we conclude the meeting."

"Albus, please, everyone call me Mark. Mr. Granger is much too formal," Mr. Granger said.

"Very well, the reason we wished to speak with you is regarding a few…incidents that occurred at Hogwarts this year. They are rare, and it is highly unlikely anything like this will happen again; however…"

Albus was interrupted as Severus cleared his throat. Albus shot an eyebrow up at the unexpected interruption.

"If I may Headmaster," Severus didn't wait for approval from Albus before he stood. He and Remus planned their seating arrangements so they were seated on opposite sides of the table. Remus gave him a nod.

"You see Ms. Granger, Hermione, has exhibited a mischievous streak, a propensity for trouble. I know this may sound unlikely, but I assure you it is true as Harry Potter is my son, and I know she has told you about him and Ronald Weasley. They are always together and this year they have broken an exceptional amount of school rules and survived the unthinkable multiple times."

Mark and Jean were shifting uncomfortably in their seats. Mark looked to Albus, "Is this true?"

Albus was not prepared for this and looked right ticked off, "Well yes, but…"

Remus then stood and continued where Severus left off. "Hermione truly is the brightest witch of her age; however, she is still an eleven year old child and should not be facing a fully grown mountain troll no matter how vast her knowledge may be."

Jean mouthed to Mark 'mountain troll' and Mark shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"They are extremely vile creatures, around fifteen feet tall, have a horrible stench, carry blunt objects such as a club as weapons, used for crushing their prey…"

Remus trailed off and Severus picked up… "In this case the prey would have been your daughter"

Then Remus proceeded, "It is their preferable way of subduing it before devouring it."

Severus noticed the looks he was getting from the Headmaster, Minerva, Poppy, and the Weasleys. The Grangers were acting just as he suspected then he continued on, "But you see it's not a problem really because, our sons" Severus said pointing to himself then at the Weasleys "were there as well, and between the three of them they survived solely on pure dumb luck-they seem to have been born with it."

Jean looked extremely uncomfortable, "Well was this…this the troll thingy, the only incident we were not informed of throughout the year?" Directing her question to Albus.

"There might have been another…" Albus began seeing the overly concerned looks on the Grangers' faces. He was becoming more and more furious with the two younger wizards by the minute.

Remus barked out a laugh as he and Severus were still pacing on opposite sides of the long table, "Might have been? Headmaster, you know very well there were others. Remember the werewolf?"

Jean looked at her husband who at this point had taken her by the hand and was squeezing it tightly in an effort to keep himself calm and comfort his wife.

"That's right Lupin. Again, the three of them, Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the school grounds after curfew and snuck into a building called the Shrieking Shack," Severus explained and had to stifle a snicker at the Grangers' expressions at the mere name of Shrieking Shack.

"You really don't want to know how the building got its name," Remus interjected lowering his head between the Grangers.

"Now where was I? Oh right, they snuck out to see a werewolf transform not knowing if their safety would be compromised or not. You see a werewolf in our world is considered a dark creature; they tend to bite their prey either to eat them or turn them, or sometimes just kill them for sport. Their behavior is unpredictable, but our children decided it would be an excellent idea to track down this creature, and watch the transformation for themselves," Severus said.

"But no worries. Hermione advised she only wanted to watch the transformation for educational purposes. Again I say she really is the brightest witch of her age," Remus assured them.

Mark looked at Albus who had given up completely, buried his face in his hands and was shaking his head. "Albus, are werewolves common in the wizarding world, and how in the hell did MY DAUGHTER know where to find one? I thought this place was safe!" Mark exclaimed.

"Clam down Mr. Granger," Severus soothed. "The children, well our three, know perfectly well where to find a werewolf when they want to speak to one. In fact you are closer to one right now than you think."

The Grangers' looked appalled and a bit frightened, "W-what do you mean?"

"Well me of course," Remus said brightly while smiling. "I am a werewolf. I have been since I was four years old. You needn't worry. I have never bitten, turned, or maimed a human prey. Although there was that one time I almost killed Severus. But that's a thing of the past," Remus said nonchalantly.

The Grangers looked at Severus, "It was a prank when we were at this very school as students instead of professors. It was a long time ago, and I'm sure you don't want to hear all of those unnecessary details."

Then Remus added to the Grangers apparent apprehension by saying, "Seriously, it could be worse. Instead of being a werewolf I could be a former Death Eater. "

Albus was practically radiating anger. He could not believe the performance his boys were putting on. The one time the actually work well together is now! The Weasleys, Minerva, and Poppy were all shooting him questioning glances, but they could tell by the Headmaster's expression this was not his idea.

Mark and Jean clearly had no idea what a Death Eaters was, but their worried expressions said it all. No matter what world you are from, a Death Eater simply cannot be a good thing. It just sounds evil.

Severus chuckled, "We will get to that later. For now, let's get back to the heart of the matter. There is a Dark Lord on the loose…" Severus began.

"Again," Remus put in causing the Grangers to give him their attention. "Yes Harry inadvertently defeated him as an infant. However, only a few days ago he, Ron, and Hermione thwarted him again. Not only is Hermione brilliant, but she is brave…"

"To the point of recklessness," Severus cut in with a growl. "You see the three of them went down a trap door that was guarded by a Cerberus…"

"That's a large three headed dog that is meant to kill whatever trespasses while it is on guard duty," Remus calmly explained in a whisper once again placing his head between the Grangers.

" …and landed in what is called Devil's Snare."

Remus then explained Devil's Snare, "It's a rare plant that squeezes any one, or thing, to death that dare trespass across it."

"But as usual," Severus said shrugging and letting his hands fall with a clap against the sides of his legs, "dumb luck prevailed and the three successfully navigated their way out of a deadly situation and right into another."

Jean interrupted, "And why were they going down this trap door in the first place?"

Severus looked at Remus, "Did we leave that part out?"

"Hmmm…Perhaps we did. No mind though, I'll explain. The three were after what was called the sorcerer's stone. That Dark Lord, or evil wizard, we were talking about wanted it. It would enable him to live eternally. So the trio decided it would behoove the students and the wizarding world if they went to save the stone and stop said evil wizard." Remus looked to Severus, "Did I leave anything out?"

"No I think you covered it quite nicely. The other details aren't prudent at the moment. So as I was saying, they went from one deadly situation into another where they had to play chess," Severus said.

Mark spoke quietly in a relieved voice, "That doesn't sound so bad."

"Oh yes. I did forget to mention it was Wizard's Chess instead of muggle chess, and the children had to act as chess pieces in order to cross the chess board. My mistake. In wizard's chess, pieces are not simply removed from the board, they are crushed and destroyed by the opposing side's pieces as if were an enemy of war," Severus explained watching the relief turn to apprehensiveness once again.

"No need to be anxious," Remus assured, "Hermione is fine, and the only one injured in the chess game was Ronald. Now, what happened next just goes to show you how intelligent your daughter and Severus' son is. Go ahead Severus explain."

Severus left the part out about the downed troll and went right into the potions, "There was a riddle with several potions they needed to get past. Our children," Severus said proudly moving his finger from his chest back to the Grangers, "figured out the answer to the riddle correctly and did not drink the poison that would kill them. Brilliant yeah? My son moved on to defeat the Dark Lord again, and your daughter went back to take care of young Ronald."

Jean was a shaking wreck at this time. "So the evil wizard is gone now?"

"Well not exactly, and right now his is not the main problem," Severus said.

Remus piped up, "No, his followers are. They are who we have to worry about now. This particular evil wizard despises muggleborns, which is what Hermione is. He and his followers also detest muggleborns and those who are deemed blood traitors…"

"Which are pureblood witches and wizards who befriend and defend muggleborns and half blood," Severus cleared up.

"Ronald and his family are known blood traitors, and above all else, Voldemort, that's the evil guy's name by the way, and his followers hate Harry Potter. Do you see the problem there?" Remus asked sarcastically.

"And what of his followers?" Mark Granger asked.

"I thought you would never ask! A werewolf I may be, but Severus here," Remus said smiling broadly an pointing his finger at the Potion Master, "Severus is an ex- Death Eater! Oh that's the little name his followers have."

"It's true. I used to torture muggles, pour potions down their throat to watch them squirm, but no more. I kicked the habit." Severus jerked his head in Dumbledore's direction, "The old man over there pulled my head out of my arse, and I turned spy for the light. So I used to spy on the Dark Lord and his followers in the first war in an effort to defeat him. I believe I am what you muggles would refer to as…rehabilitated. I am no longer considered a socio path with homicidal tendencies."

"Used to spy? How do you become a former spy if he is back," Mark asked.

"Clever man," Remus declared.

"Indeed now I know where Ms. Granger gets it from," Severus agreed.

"Doesn't miss a thing that girl," Remus added. "But enough about her genius, you two of all people I am certain are aware of it. Continue on Severus."

Severus nodded, "Well you see when my son decided to behave like a reckless Gryffindor, or in easier terms to understand-to have momentary brain failure, and attempt to rescue the stone with his two companions, the Dark Lord learned of my true allegiance. I believe he called me a traitor and insinuated I would die or something of that nature," Severus said.

"Ahh, I hadn't thought of adding that one to the list," Remus said pensively.

"What list?" Jean asked.

"To the list of reasons as to why your daughter's life is in danger of course," Remus said as if it were the most obvious thing and they had missed it. "You see first strike, she is a muggle born. Second strike, she has befriended a family of blood traitors. Third strike, it is known she is Harry Potter's best friend. Fourth strike, Harry Potter's godfather is a werewolf, that's me by the way," Remus proudly announced, "and now there is a fifth, Harry Potter's father is a known traitor of Voldemort himself. So if anyone wanted to get to Harry, Severus, or me for that matter, they could kidnap or threaten harm to your daughter. Or just kill her for being something she cannot help, a muggleborn."

"Well reasoned out wolf. And here I was under the impression that you were just a dimwitted simpleton all these years," Severus said.

"Thank you. Coming from a snarky git I have to take that as a compliment."

Mark Granger could take no more and began shouting he would be removing his daughter from this place posthaste. Just as Severus was beginning to explain the rogue bludger during the quidditch match, Albus stood barely managing to keep his anger at bay, "Arthur if you will… " Dumbledore trailed off tapping his head. Arthur understood completely what the Headmaster was asking without actually asking.

Dumbledore then glared at Remus and Severus, "You two. Outside. NOW!"

Just as the three were exiting the office door to step out in the hallway, they heard Arthur say, "Obliviate," followed by, "Well I am glad you all could make it. We will just be waiting on the Headmaster to return with Remus and Severus. Mr. Granger, could you possibly tell me what exactly is the function of a rubber duck?"

Severus and Remus continued their banter outside in the hallway, "I think that went quite well Severus," Remus said.

"Indeed wolf, better than expected actually," Severus replied.

"ENOUGH!" Albus abruptly interrupted. "You two better have a good explanation for that preposterous display inside my office. What were you two trying to prove? Do you want Ms. Granger's career at Hogwarts to come to an abrupt end? And you Severus Tobias Snape," Severus flinched at the use of his full name. No matter how old he got, Severus hated it when Albus used that tone with him, "you have your son to think about. Do you think he would have been pleased when it was explained to exactly why his best friend was being pulled from the school and no longer able to visit with him?"

Dumbledore then turned his attention to Remus, "And you Mr. Lupin," Remus winced at being called Mr. Lupin, he had not been called Mr. Lupin by Albus since his seventh year. "Perhaps you were looking forward to assisting Mr. Snape in explaining this to MY GRANDSON. Severus, explain NOW!"

Silence filled the hallway. Albus was pissed. "I am waiting Severus; I need an explanation as there are six people waiting in my office, and a little girl in serious need of a guardian in our world!" Albus again looked directly at Remus, "A guardian, until very recently, I believed to have good judgment, character, and the ability to further assist her in her studies as he was one of the most assiduous students that ever passed through this school." Remus felt the heat rise to his cheeks both out of surprise and embarrassment.

Dumbledore again demanded, "Severus, speak."

Severus sighed no longer speaking with the sarcasm that laced his voice during his banter back and forth with Remus, "Headmaster, in twenty minutes the wolf and I have saved you the trouble of wasting an entire afternoon trying to carefully explain every occurrence that has happened with Ms. Granger this year. As a muggle, never living or having any experience in this world, for us to be completely forthcoming with all of the information and danger, as you suggested, that surrounds their daughter at once would only push them to remove her."

"Honestly Professor, if Hermione were my child, no matter how slowly it was explained to me, I would not let her return to this school having no knowledge of the Wizarding World. Severus and I both understand this as we have been both part of the muggle and wizarding world. You, Poppy, Minerva, and the Weasleys have only had brief exposure to the muggle world never being submersed, living in it, for extended periods of time," Remus explained hoping Albus would see their reasoning.

Severus was watching Albus closely. He could gradually see the anger fading from his face and understanding begin to cross it.

Severus' insides were finally beginning to relax as he could visibly see Albus calming down.

Both younger wizards waited in silence, then Albus spoke in a no nonsense tone, "You two handled that situation inappropriately, but your point was made. Do you have a better suggestion as to how to address this?"

"I take it the wolf is the guardian to be?" Severus asked looking from Dumbledore to Lupin.

Dumbledore nodded in the affirmative.

"I suggest we keep my affliction to ourselves. Reveal to them pieces of our world a little at a time. After all if they agree to this guardianship there will be plenty of time for them to learn over the next several years," Remus suggested as he and Severus had planned.

"Very well. Let us try this once again, but I warn you boys now. Minnie did not look happy when I escorted you out. I fear you will have to deal with her once this meeting is over," Dumbledore said cheerfully.

Severus and Remus' faces fell as Dumbledore began to chuckle. "Oh and if you two ever do anything like that again without first letting me know your intentions…"

Severus and Remus felt a chill run down their spines as Dumbledore left the threat hanging in the air.

This time around it was explained to Mr. and Mrs. Granger only what was necessary. School rules, curfew, the fact that Hermione had two companions that did have an inclination for an unusual amount of mischief, briefly went over magical creatures and their rare appearances, and also as Hermione was extremely intelligent it would behoove her to have a guardian to assist her in learning at a higher level than her classmates.

They briefly went over the rescue of the stone, mainly saying that Hermione broke the rules by going to the third corridor which was banned to any students and had been since the beginning of the year. They explained one of the rare magical creatures, Fluffy, and his purpose at the school without mentioning the Dark Lord. The Grangers were only advised he was there to guard a magical object, but could be dangerous to the students if they failed to follow instructions, and Hermione did just that knowingly placing herself in danger.

They express concern over Hermione's tendency of sneaking out after curfew. It had been addressed earlier in the year with a letter after the transformation incident; however, she had broken said rule once again. Albus explained that Hermione was one of his best students, but she did have a hard time following directions if she believed there was a better solution to the problem.

Mark and Jean were very receptive to this explanation of occurrences and their daughter's need for a magical guardian. "I see your point Albus, who were you going to recommend as a guardian?" Mark asked.

Albus' eyes were twinkling, "Why I would suggest Mr. Lupin. He is Harry's godfather and a friend of the Weasleys. During his tenure at Hogwarts he was an extremely bright student and he has since returned to attend to the library as well as tutor students who are struggling. Also, I believe he has been assisting young Ronald, Harry, and your daughter in extra, advanced courses of study."

Remus turned a brilliant shade of red at the praise. Severus rolled his eyes. "Keep in mind that rarely are these three apart so Molly and Arthur and of course Severus would also keep watch over Ms. Granger unofficially. Minerva is also Ms. Granger's Head of House and she and I are both a big part of Harry's life so we would be around Ms. Granger often in non classroom settings as well. In short, your daughter has made an exceptional impression on everyone in this room, and we would like to make sure that she has the best care possible while she attends Hogwarts."

The Grangers then asked questions about the different care their daughter would receive as a ward to Remus as opposed to a muggleborn student who did not have a magical guardian.

Albus explained that if Severus took Harry and Ronald out of the castle for any reason, whether it would be for advanced learning, a special treat to Hogsmeade, or Diagon Alley, Remus would be able to give consent for these trips to happen. Dumbledore reiterated the advanced training Hermione would be able to receive, well she was going to be receiving that training regardless, but he left that part out.

Dumbledore then addressed the trio's propensity for mischief and school discipline versus parental discipline. Severus and Arthur explained how their children were punished, and Molly interjected that Severus tends to Ronald on their behalf when necessary as he is a professor and father to their son's best friend. Remus and Severus then explained detentions and different tasks their children had performed throughout the school year.

Mark and Jean were very agreeable with this idea. Jean then said, "I feel much more comfortable with the situation now. I admit I had reservations about sending our daughter to a boarding school in magical world and especially allowing another to have any type of guardianship over my child."

Remus and Severus exchanged knowing glances. Severus twitched his lip, quirked his eyebrow, and looked at Dumbledore. The twinkle was not in the old man's eye. In fact Severus found himself immediately looking at the table as the upturned lip returned to its proper place, and the eye brow evened out. When Dumbledore was sure Severus wasn't looking, he then smirked to himself.

Mark then picked up where Jean left off, "But it seems that our little girl is very well taken care of."

Arthur then put in, "It would be lovely to have dinner with you two. I say dempestry sounds like a very interesting occupation and I would enjoy speaking to you in depth about it."

Molly then added, "I think it would make you more comfortable too dear, if you got to know us a little better over the summer."

It was settled. The Grangers agreed Remus would be Hermione's official magical guardian, but just as it was for Harry and Ron, everyone would be looking out for their little girl too.

Albus sent his patronus to alert the children to come to his office.

The trio reached the gargoyle, "Well this is it," Hermione said heaving a sigh. "This is the last time I will be walking to the Headmaster's office with you two."

Harry put his arm around Hermione reassuringly, "I think you are worried for nothing Hermione. Sev isn't going to let them take you from the school, neither is Albus." Harry hoped he sounded much more confident than he felt. He must have because Hermione seemed to take a bit of comfort from his words.

Harry scratched the gargoyle's ear and the spiral stair case revealed itself and they made their way to the office door.

"Enter," Dumbledore called from the other side.

Once inside the trio felt extremely uncomfortable. They were facing the Headmaster, the Potion's Professor, a werewolf, the Granger's, the Weasleys, their Head of House, and Poppy. Suddenly, Harry found himself wishing he was back in his quarters.

"Ahh, Harry, Ronald, I would like for you to meet Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Albus said. Harry and Ron walked over to where the Grangers were now standing and extended their hands to the adults.

"Mark," Mr. Granger said. "Jean," Mrs. Granger followed smiling at the two boys her daughter wrote of often.

Albus had enlarged the table so there were three additional seats at the table. Hermione was happy to see her parents, and rushed to hug them after introductions had been made, then pulled back, "You're going to let me continue attending Hogwarts aren't you?" she asked pleadingly.

There was a seat between her parents, and Hermione occupied it while Ron and Harry sat by each other beside Severus.

"Yes dear, you can stay, but we have spoken with Albus and Minerva, and they have made a suggestion," Mark began.

Harry and Ron exchanged a quick smile.

Hermione looked from her father then to her mother, and Jean continued, "It seems that you have expressed great talent in your abilities as a young witch."

Hermione smiled and then looked to her father, his expression changed from one of praise to a stern one. "It seems your ability to find trouble with your friends also matches your talented abilities."

Hermione grew red. She was used to Ron and Harry being the ones dressed down by their parents. "But we are proud of you and everyone here wishes for you to continue to learn and grow into your abilities. In order to do this, Albus has suggested that you have a magical guardian," Mark explained.

"And we have agreed to this idea," Jean finished.

"Who…Who is it?" Hermione asked.

"Remus Lupin is who we have decided. Are you comfortable with that?" Mark and Jean both wanted to know concern evident in their voices.

Hermione beamed, "That is brilliant! He already teaches me so much, he works in the library, and you know how I like the library, and did you know that every month…"

Severus interrupted Hermione, "Yes they are aware that every month Remus assists me in advanced training with you three and sometimes several times a month."

Hermione nodded in understanding. "With that being said it has been explained to us that you have broken several school rules lately. It has also been explained that Ron and Harry have been dealt with by their parents and will still suffer consequences in the form of detentions," Mark said.

Hermione was truly red at this point, blushing furiously. She knew how Ron and Harry were punished, what she didn't want them to know is that her parents punished her the same way. It was embarrassing!

"We will discuss that after this meeting is over. Severus and Remus have explained what consequences will be meted out to the three of you and we agree with their detentions and your being grounded to the Gryffindor Tower for the remainder of the school year," Mark continued.

"We intend for you to listen to Remus dear, and if there are any problems out of the ordinary, meaning that you will not listen or comply with his instruction, he will let us know," Jean put in.

"I believe this is where they explain the detentions?" Mark asked Albus.

The Headmaster nodded.

And so it was. Two weeks left and Harry, Ron, and Hermione would be serving it with Severus, Remus, Poppy, and Hagrid, and confined to their Tower during any free time they may have.

Harry and Ron were sent back to Severus' quarters where they were to wait for Hermione before proceeding to Hagrid's to help him with cleaning after the animals.

After the boys left, Minerva followed Remus and Severus out snatching both of them by an ear and escorting them to the nearest floo and to her office where they were to explain their earlier performance. Severus cursed Albus under his breath. He was certain the old man could see straight through the door and was laughing. Damn the old fool!

Poppy and Albus gave Hermione and her parents privacy in his office, and half an hour later with red rimmed eyes after bidding her parents good bye, she arrived in Severus' quarters to collect Ron and Harry for detention with Hagrid.

It was almost dinner time before Harry had witnessed Slinky's damage to Severus and Remus.

Apparently, Slinky had visited with Gred and Forge and found a handy little potion which changed voices for several hours. Slinky of course slipped it into their tea. The other elves were familiar with the routine by now. When the trio ended up in trouble, Slinky handled a few select professors' meals and wardrobes. Severus now sounded like Remus, Remus like Severus. Severus still had the glare but not that powerful voice to back it up and Harry couldn't help but chuckle when Sev dressed down the Gryffindors for being complete and utter dunderheads the next day.

Then there was dinner time in the Great Hall after the trio finished up their first of many detentions with Hagrid. Albus made an announcement, and the entire Great Hall erupted in laughter when Albus made an announcement in Minerva's voice. That baritone laughter sounded out of place coming from Remus' direction, and Albus found himself joining in with the laughter. He could enjoy a good prank as well as the next bloke, but he was certain he would be getting testy by the end of the week from lack of sweets. He would have to commandeer biscuits Mrs. Weasley sent to Severus and Remus. His boys would certainly help him out.

Of course the aforementioned wizards were also wearing heavily starched robes and Severus desperately hoped their underwear were as uncomfortable as his was at the present moment, and to add insult to injury, Slinky made sure that he took care of Albus' sweets for the week. Furthermore, it seems Severus robes ended up decorated with pastel purple hearts, but he was at least able to change it from a pastel to a dark purple so they were hardly noticeable. Damn that elf!

Severus carefully inspected every sweet he had in his quarters, learned from Albus' mistake and also checked his shampoo; however, Severus did not check the remainder of his toiletries and ended up sporting a handlebar mustache and goatee for the day. Lupin's mustache, on the other hand, had completely disappeared and he was flaunting some seriously bad green and silver hair.

Minerva had escaped almost unscathed… almost. Slinky put a charm on her desk that would make a mouse appear on her desk every time she sat down, and against her will Minerva found herself smacking at the mouse causing her students to laugh, especially Ron, Harry, and Hermione as they knew who the culprit was. After the first couple of days Minerva found she was able to resist smacking at the mouse right away; however, the little critter would not disappear until she smacked at it. This went on for five days.

The two weeks passes quickly, the end of term had arrived. Slytherin and Gryffindor were in a close race for the House Cup, but in the end it was Gryffindor who prevailed. There was a huge feast and the Great Hall was adorned in Gryffindor colors.

The next morning came too quickly, and it was time for his friends to head home for the summer holiday. Severus granted Harry permission to ride back with his friends, gave him floo powder, and told him he was to floo to their quarters when he arrived at the Burrow.

Harry was ecstatic. He had the best Dad a kid could ask for; he didn't even have to ask Severus to ride the train. Severus suggested it.

It was nearing nightfall when Harry arrived back in their quarters. He found Severus seated behind his desk in the study as he flooed in.

Severus noticed the sad look on his son's face, "Harry?" Severus said in an unusually soft voice.

"Yeah Dad," Harry answered in an equally unusual quiet tone.

Severus stood and walked over to Harry placing a hand on his shoulder and guiding him into the sitting area where they both sat on the sofa together.

"Slinky!" Severus summoned.

"Yes Master Severus sir, what can Slinky be doing for Master Severus sir?" Slinky asked.

"Will you bring Harry a cup of hot chocolate please?" Severus requested.

Slinky apparated and reappeared with two cups in his hand. "Slinky has been brining a cup of hot chocolate for Harry, and a cup of tea for Master Severus sir, and this tea is being to Master Severus' liking," Slinky said before apparating away.

Harry and Severus sat in silence for a few moments, before Severus spoke, "What's on your mind son?"

"Nothing really. It's just…well when…It's stupid really Dad," was all Harry managed to get out.

A concerned look crossed Severus' face. He could not imagine what happened on the train ride to upset Harry this much. "It doesn't look, or sound like, something stupid. Regardless, I would like to know what it is."

Harry nodded knowing Severus wasn't going to drop it until he told him what was on his mind. "Well today, when we arrived at Kings Cross I watched as Hermione ran to her parents and Ron to his. Their parents were happy to see them and it had only been two weeks since they had seen them. Then Mrs. Weasley hugged me too."

Severus was confused and before speaking thought it was best to start his sentence to reassure his son, "Harry, I do not believe what you are saying or are concerned about is stupid in the least, but can you elaborate a little more so I can follow what you are explaining?"

Harry sighed, and was inwardly cursing himself; he was blinking back a tear that was trying to escape. "When we arrived and everyone was running to their families, I got this funny feeling. I-I think…"

Severus could see where this was going now, and he was kicking himself for being such an idiot and not being there for Harry's arrival, but Harry needed to get this out, "Go ahead son, you think what?"

Harry swallowed hard, "I think I was still expecting the Dursleys to show up and drag me back to Privet Drive, but then Molly hugged me just like I was one of them, and Remus went to the Burrow and flooed back after me to make sure I got back ok, and then I came home. Home Dad. I think until today… I think some small part of me thought that I was going to have to go back to them. I realized today that…that it's for keeps," Harry finished looking up at Severus with unshed tears.

Severus was staring down at his son. His words were so innocent, only a child, his child could use such simple words and deliver such a significant message. A lump formed in his throat, and never had Severus been so grateful for the Weasleys and the damn wolf as he was right now. He pulled Harry into a hug and Harry buried his face in the Potion Master's robes.

Severus placed his lips in Harry's raven hair and whispered, "It's for keeps. You're mine. This is your home. This is your family. You are my son. It's always been for keeps."

One more chapter I think. I hope you guys enjoyed this one. Thanks for bearing with me.

I do appreciate everyone reading and reviewing as always! I enjoy reading every one of them!

Thanks to Fury Possessed, SNHfvr, Audrey Londonburg, Gemaster, and almightyswot for their suggestions in this chapter.

What did you think of the meeting with the Grangers?