Disclaimer - Anything you don’t recognise from canon is mine as is the plot.

‘You’re already late. You had better get going or you are going to miss the feast too.’ Darius said firmly.

‘Make sure you write often. Atrian, I’m sure, will be happy to deliver it.’ Madolyne insisted, hugging her son in law firmly.

‘You are coming for Christmas though?’ Harry asked. Madolyne’s eyes lit up.

‘Of course.’ Harry and Gwen laughed.

‘Grordin, keep them safe.’ Darius told the Elven General.

‘I promise, Your Majesty.’ the Callen said solemnly. Gwen shifted their newest addition onto her hip and took Rose’s hand as Harry lifted Lerilianye, or Riley as she insisted on being called, onto his hip and slung an arm around Draco’s shoulders as the group of ten Callens surrounded them.

‘Wait, wait.’ came a yell from down the street. ‘I’m coming with you.’ Severus panted as his robes swirled around him.

‘What? I thought you had research to finish.’ Harry questioned. Severus shook his head.

‘Albus sent Fawkes and asked if I would return with you. He didn’t say why.’

‘What about Blaise and Millie?’ Severus shook his head.

‘No they’re staying. Millie is due in a few weeks. They will join us with your parents at Christmas.’ Blaise had returned to the Glade soon after that first summer visit, Millie returning after two years of teaching Potions. The two had been married for just over a year.

‘Can we just go already?’ Draco whined, sounding nothing like the twenty one year old wizard he was.

‘Missing someone, Draco?’ Severus asked sweetly.

‘Shut up Sev.’ Draco growled. Harry laughed as Rose linked her arm through Severus’.

‘Bye.’ she called out cheerfully as the group faded away.

They appeared just outside the gates of Hogwarts and Harry sucked in a breath at the sight of the castle. Even after living in the splendour or the Glade, he never failed to stop his heart from beating slightly quicker at the sight of it. This was their first journey back since the defeat of Voldemort just over four years ago although Albus and the others had visited the Glade on numerous occasions. Draco had begun walking swiftly towards the castle.

‘Draco, wait for us.’ Harry scolded.

‘Yes, Sir.’ Draco groaned, but slowed his steps all the same.

‘I wonder what Albus wants.’ Harry mused to Severus as he shifted Lerilianye to his other hip. ‘I know he wants me to help Remus. I told him it was on the condition that Draco did a class as well and Rose is taken care of, but I don’t understand why he would send for you. He never has before.’

‘Who knows. I guess we will find out soon enough.’ Severus said lightly.

‘Daddy, where are we?’ Lerilianye whispered. Harry smiled at his daughter, kissing her softly on the top of her head.

‘Remember I told you about the place your Daddy went to school.’

‘Hogwars.’ she nodded.

‘Hogwarts.’ Harry corrected. ’Yes, this is Hogwarts.’ The little girl turned her tiny face towards the castle and studied it intently for several moments.

‘Pretty.’ she said firmly. Severus caught Harry’s eye and snorted. Finally they reached the big doors which Draco politely held open for everyone. Harry caught the young man’s eye and winked as they passed.

Grordin pushed open the door to the great hall and Harry smiled brightly at the sight of the full tables and happily chatting students. Dumbledore immediately noticed them and quickly stood up. The top three years knew who they were but the younger years were looking at them curiously. The Callens filed into the hall, closing the door behind them and standing guard. By this time Lerilianye had spotted Minerva and wriggled out of Harry’s arms and run as quickly as her four year old legs would carry her towards the head table.

‘Aunt Minnie.’ she shrieked, ‘Aunt Minnie.’ Her high pitched squeal causing most of the staff and several students to snicker quietly. Draco was not far behind her as he too dashed up the centre aisle and swept Hermione into his arms, hugging her tightly to him.

‘God, I’ve missed you.’ he breathed. Hermione had returned to Hogwarts last year at Albus’ request, to teach Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. They hadn’t seen each other since Christmas as Hermione had been in the United States, doing research over the summer and Draco had travelled to another realm gathering potions ingredients with Severus.

‘I’ve been waiting for you all day.’ Hermione smiled, pulling back to place a soft kiss on his lips.

‘Going to monopolise the talent all night, Draco.’ Harry scolded as he and Gwen came up behind them.

‘Harry.’ Hermione squealed, instantly releasing Draco to throw her arms around Harry.

‘Bet you feel thrown over now.’ Gwen snickered. Draco shook his head and beamed at his girlfriend.

‘Not at all.’ he said happily. Gwen went to retort but was unable to as she was smothered by bushy brown hair.

‘Harry, my boy. How are you?’ Albus said brightly. Harry grinned.

‘Never better.’

‘Why don’t we all sit down. The house elves have prepared an unbelievable feast in honour of your return.’ The Headmaster’s eyes twinkled softly. Harry groaned.

‘You told Dobby.’

‘Of course,’ Albus snickered. ‘He was so happy when he heard you were coming back.’ The group made their way towards the head table which instantly lengthened and added chairs. The rest of the staff had moved to the Headmaster’s left side, allowing enough room for everyone else on his right. Severus sat down next to Albus with Harry next to him. A booster seat was next, with Gwen on the other side. Between her and Rose was a high chair into which the young woman was care fully strapping the two year old James Darius, or Jamie as he was called. Next to Rose was Hermione, who refused to sit with anyone but Draco, and then Draco himself rounded out the group. Harry looked up and down the tables before calling out.

‘Lerilianye Potter, where are you?’ A small giggle was heard from underneath the Hufflepuff table and Harry rolled his eyes, walking over and dragging the toddler out from underneath.

‘Now is not the time for Hide and Seek.’ he said firmly, ignoring the giggling students and walking back, depositing her in the booster seat between him and Gwen, as Dumbledore rose to address the students.

‘Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. I trust you are all well rested after your holidays and ready for another year of learning. Before I introduce you to the new teachers I want to remind you all that the Forbidden Forest is just that forbidden. Mr Filch has again added the entire new season range of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes to his list of banned objects. If anyone wishes to see the list it is in the caretaker’s office.’ Harry stifled a grin as he heard the numerous groans ring throughout the hall.

‘Now, for this year we have some special guests. Firstly, most of you remember Professor Severus Snape. Professor Snape has kindly agreed to be our potions master for the next year.’

‘I have?’ Severus muttered indignantly only loud enough for those nearby to hear.

‘So that’s what he wanted. You have to love Albus’ requests after the fact.’ Harry snickered.’ I wonder what happened to Annabelle.’

‘Most of you probably also remember Miss Rose Zellor. Miss Zellor was apprenticed almost five years ago. Miss Zellor is joining us for a period of one year as Professor Snape’s assistant.’

‘Did you know about this?’ Severus whispered. Harry shrugged.

‘I knew she was assisting, in fact I asked for it. But I believed it was under Professor Nightingale. Sorry.’ Annabelle Nightingale was the elderly witch from Salem Witches Academy that had taken over Millie’s position two years ago.

‘Secondly.’ Albus began again when the whispers had died down. ’Draco Malfoy has also returned to Hogwarts. He has kindly agreed to teach the Weapons and War Strategy class everyone enjoyed so much four years ago.’

‘I wonder why he wants that class back. Voldemort has been dead for four years. It is not really necessary now. I thought Draco would just teach Duelling.’ Severus said quietly. Harry could see that some of the older students were asking each other the same question, something he himself had questioned when Draco had first received the request.

‘I think there is something Albus hasn’t told us.’ Harry said softly. Severus nodded.

‘Lastly, I’m afraid I have some bad news. During the summer our beloved Professor Lupin was attacked.’ Harry’s head shot up. What? Albus hadn’t mentioned any of this in his letters.

‘Albus?’ Harry questioned.

‘Later.’ Dumbledore said softly as he once more called for the students attention.

‘Balancing out our terrible loss is the fact that Harry Potter had joined the Hogwarts staff as your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.’ The whispers exploded throughout the hall, but Harry took no notice. Albus called for a minute’s silence to remember Remus and Harry stared grimly down at his plate, breathing heavily. Tears caught at the edge of his eyes and he desperately tried to stop them from falling as he felt Gwen’s hand cover his own. The minute was over and the whispers started again as Dumbledore called for the feast.

‘Harry?’ she whispered. Harry gulped several lungs of air and shook his head, standing so abruptly his chair toppled over and practically running from the hall.

‘I’ll go.’ Severus said kindly. Gwen nodded and watched with worried eyes as the older man swept quickly after him.

Severus checked Harry’s old rooms, the Gryffindor tower and the library before thinking of the DADA office. Sure enough, he found Harry curled up on the sofa, a picture of Remus, Sirius and Harry taken sometime during Harry’s fourth or fifth year, clutched desperately in his trembling hand.

‘Harry?’ Severus whispered, closing the door and coming to sit next to him.

‘Severus.’ Harry quickly wiped his tear stained cheeks.

‘It’s alright. I do understand.’

‘I..I..’

‘I can’t believe Albus just sprung that on you like he did.’

‘He probably didn’t want to, but we were late. We were supposed to be here earlier.’

‘Still no excuse.’ Severus growled. Harry just shrugged as he turned back to the picture and two more tears fell unchecked down his face.

‘Harry?’

‘I’ve lost them.’ he whispered.

‘Lost who?’

‘My parents. Sirius. I’ve lost the last link I had to them. They’re gone. They’re all gone.’ he keened softly. Severus pulled the younger man into his arms not knowing what to say. He was furious with Albus for telling the students before telling Harry, no matter whether they were late or not.

‘They’re not really gone, Harry. They live on in you, in your heart.’ he said placing a hand on Harry’s chest. ‘No one is ever really gone, not while those that love them still feel them here.’ Severus said genuinely.

‘Thank you.’ Harry whispered, moving away, wrapping his arms around himself and closing his eyes.

‘Are you coming back to the great hall?’ Severus asked hesitantly. Harry shook his head.

‘I..I just want to stay here for a bit.’ he gestured to the room still filled with Remus’ things. ‘I will meet you in Albus’ office in a little while.’ he added softly. Severus seemed reluctant to leave him but sighed and quietly left the room when it became obvious that Harry no longer even realised he was there.

‘You had better have a damn good explanation for what you just did.’ Severus hissed as he dropped back into his seat beside the Headmaster.

‘I do.’ Albus said sadly. ‘I’ll explain it to you all after dinner.’

‘Severus, is Harry alright?’ Gwen asked from two seats away. The potions master ran his hand through his hair and sighed.

‘Don’t really know yet. That was quite a shock. Lupin only left the Glade two weeks ago.’ Severus threw a glare at Albus. Remus had visited over the summer, just as he had visited during every holiday since they had left.

‘What happened to him?’ Gwen asked in a small voice as she carefully cut up the chicken on Lerilianye’s plate and handed Jamie his magical bottle.

‘We’ll know after dinner.’ Severus whispered, leaning over Harry’s chair, pouring a small amount of pumpkin juice into a cup for Lerilianye and handing it to the little girl, laying a napkin on her lap. He scooped some vegetables onto her plate telling her she wouldn’t get any pudding if she didn’t finish. The upper years watched this domestic Snape with interest. It was a side to the potions master that they hadn’t ever seen. Sure he got less snarly and more mellow in the six months before he left for the Glade.

But Snape and toddlers?

No way.

There was still numerous conversations throughout the hall, both about the loss of Remus and Harry reaction, as well as the return of Severus and the others. For the younger students, who didn’t know exactly who, and what, Harry and Gwen were, the Callens spread throughout the hall had caught, and kept, their attention. The only Callen missing was Grordin who had gone to find Harry after Severus had returned.

The end of the meal took a long time in coming for most of those at the head table. Draco and Rose, both upset at finding out about their old Professor, weren’t up to eating much, instead just idly pushing their food around their plate as they watched the minutes tick past. Finally Albus called for the prefects to take the students to the dormitories and, Minerva, Hermione and the new arrivals all followed the headmaster to his office.

‘Deakin.’ Gwen sighed as they reached the gargoyle. ‘Can you please find Harry and Grordin and ask them to join us?’ The Callen bowed deeply.

‘Certainly, Your Highness.’ Deakin said before dashing off. Severus having already told him where Harry was.

It was a sombre group that made it’s way into the office and sat down, Albus conjuring several extra armchairs. Little Lerilianye had fallen asleep in Gwen’s arms, her long blond curls covering her face as she slept. Rose was struggling with the squirming Jamie who was wide awake and pulling her hair.

‘Gwendolyn, why don’t you lay her on the sofa in the sitting room?’ Albus suggested. Gwen nodded and carried her through. Placing a pillow under her head and a blanket over her before kissing her softly on the forehead.

When she returned she found Harry standing in the doorway, his eyes red and shoulders hunched. No one else seemed to have noticed him yet, even Albus who was pouring tea for all.

‘Harry, darling.’ she crossed the room quickly and hugged him tightly. ’Are you alright?’ She could feel him shaking but he didn’t say anything. Releasing him she guided him over to a chair by the window. The others all watched in concern as he just sat and stared unseeing, the cup of tea in Gwen placed in his hands, trembling violently. Although Gwen quickly snatched it back before it could spill, several drops did land on Harry’s hand, leaving a bright red mark. Harry seemed not to notice.

‘I think you should start Albus.’ Gwen said softly, sitting on the arm of Harry’s chair and placing an arm around his shoulders. The Headmaster glanced hesitantly at Harry once more before taking a deep breath.

‘A week ago Remus was sent to Romania on a mission for the Order.’ he began.

‘I thought the order had been disbanded after Voldemort’s death?’ Draco interrupted.

‘It was.’ Albus said, glancing at Minerva. ‘But we recalled everyone three weeks ago.’

‘Why?’ Severus asked.

‘We found Annabelle down by the gates, unconscious with this burned into her chest.’ Albus handed a roll of parchment to Severus and sat back in his chair, resting his chin on steepled fingers, as the potions master unrolled it.

‘No.’ Harry gasped, his eyes riveted to the parchment. It was the first sign of recognition he had made since walking into the room. ‘It can’t be. It just can’t be. They’re dead. They’re all dead. No, no.’

‘Harry.’ Draco had come and knelt at Harry’s feet. ‘Harry, look at me. It’s a hoax. It has to be.’

‘I’m afraid not, Mr Malfoy. We don’t know exactly who it is yet. But there have been four more attacks since then culminating with the one on Remus last week.’ Albus said sadly.

‘Who were the others?’ Severus asked.

‘Arabella, Mud, Charlie Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt.’ Albus said sadly. The twinkle in his eye well and truly dead. ‘Charlie and Kingsley made it, the others didn’t.’

‘What happened to Remus?’ Harry whispered, his eyes still locked on the parchment in Severus’ hand. Albus sighed.

‘As I said, he was sent to Romania to inspect the scene of the latest attack. He met with two representatives from the Romanian Aurory when they were attacked. We don’t know as yet how many attackers were there as there were no other witnesses. They were found two days later by hikers, in the woods outside Bucharest with that image burned into their chests.’ Harry sucked in a breath.

‘Can I have a look please?’ he held out a shaking hand for the parchment. Severus handed it over, exchanging concerned glances with both Draco and Gwen. Draco had returned to Hermione, wrapping his arms around her as everyone waited. Harry stared at it for an unusually long time before looking up.

‘It’s not the same. It’s different.’ he said firmly. It was a complete turn around from the minutes before. Harry was back. He was strong and confident.

‘It’s someone different. Very similar but not the same. Someone who wants to use the Mark as a reminder, a scare tactic, but someone who wants to put their own stamp on it.’ Harry stood abruptly and began pacing.

‘This isn’t good. If it was just an unmarked Death Eater that we missed that would be alright.’

‘How would that have been alright?’ Rose asked quizzically.

‘Because they probably wouldn’t be that strong.’ Harry told her. ’This person can manipulate the Dark Mark. Something only a Parseltongue can do.’

‘I thought you were the only living Parselmouth?’ Hermione said.

‘So did I. Obviously an incorrect assumption.’

‘What do we do now?’ Gwen asked hesitantly.

‘I have a few signature reading spells I can try with this.’ Harry suggested, holding up the parchment. ’But I will need to see Professor Nightingale.’ Albus nodded.

‘She’s in the hospital wing.’ Minerva told him. ‘Still unconscious.’

‘Can I ask you something?’ Severus said slowly, his gaze locked on the headmaster. Albus paled slightly, obviously guessing what the other man was going to ask. And he wasn’t disappointed.

‘Why didn’t you tell Harry about Remus when you sent Fawkes to him the other day?’ Dumbledore leant forward, his gaze settling on Harry.

‘I was afraid you wouldn’t come.’ Albus said simply.

‘Why wouldn’t I come. I told you if you needed me I would be here.’ Harry said indignantly, stopping his current pacing and spinning to face the old mage.

‘I thought if you knew about Remus you might be upset.’ Harry rolled his eyes.

‘I am upset. But mostly I am upset that I had to find out about it with everyone else.’ Harry crossed the room and leaned on the edge of the headmaster’s desk. ‘Do you even know how dangerous that was?’ Harry didn’t elaborate, instead returning to his pacing, as Albus looked at Severus in confusion.

‘I have to check something.’ Harry said suddenly, before disappearing in a burst of flame.

‘I had forgotten he could do that.’ Minerva breathed, gasping slightly in shock.

Harry appeared in the hospital wing, waving to Poppy who was busy with a couple of homesick first years. He walked quietly towards the private room in the back where he knew Annabelle would be. Closing the door quietly behind him and locking it, he delved into his robe pockets and pulled out several shrunken items. Choosing a small dark grey box he placed it on the floor, returning the rest back to his pockets. A hand over it and a muttered charm in Elvish, and the trunk grew to it’s normal size.

Opening it carefully, he reached in and removed two vials of what looked like swirling air, before kneeling beside the bed. Harry took a minute to look at the figure in front of him. The American was tall and blond, with curls down to her shoulders. She was quite pretty with tanned skin and high cheekbones. The only thing currently causing Harry concern was the grimace of pain on the woman’s face. He took the cork out of one and held it in one hand as he gently lowered the blanket until the burn on her chest was visible. It was ugly to say the least. A thick black burn in the centre of her chest just below her throat. She would be wearing high neck shirts for the rest of her life.

Taking a deep breath he focused on the Mark and began pouring the potion over it as he chanted softly in Elvish. The Mark began hissing, emitting a high pitched squeal as the air like potion touched it. The potion lifted off her chest in one large swirl and hovered just in front of Harry’s head. Quickly dropping that vial, he grabbed the other one and poured it from high above his head. It oozed slowly out of the tube and joined with the other one, swirling and mixing together until two words formed.

‘No.’ Harry choked. ’No. It can’t be. He’s dead. I killed him. I saw him die by my hand.’ The two words continued to hang in the air, mocking him, as if disproving his words and acknowledging his failure. He dropped the vial with a clatter, violently pulling away from the bed until his back was hard against the wall, as he desperately tried to push his heart out of his throat and back down into his chest. He couldn’t remember being this scared in a long time.

Gathering his courage he stood and ran from the room. Partway through the hospital wing his brain kicked in and he disappeared.

It had been almost an hour since Harry had left the headmaster’s office but they were all still there waiting for him.

‘Severus, I need you to come with me.’ Harry said urgently.

‘Harry, is everything alright?’ Gwen asked. Harry shuddered imperceptibly as his eyes locked with Draco’s.

‘We’ll be back in a minute. I just need to check something and then I’ll explain.’ Without waiting he grabbed Severus hand and the two men disappeared.

‘Severus. I already know what it says. I just want to see if my eyes are playing tricks on me.’ Harry said, after explaining what was behind the closed door in front of them. Severus opened the door and walked in. His eyes settled for a second on the grimacing face of Annabelle Nightingale before rising to the misty words above her chest.

‘Oh Merlin.’ Severus breathed, stepping back away from the bed. ‘It can’t be.’ Harry sighed.

‘Judging by your reaction you are reading the same thing I am.’

‘We have to tell them.’ Severus said instantly.

‘I know.’ Harry sighed. ‘I just had to check. Come on.’ He took the other man’s hand again, sparing a moment to mutter the counter allowing the potion to dissipate before he returned them both to the headmaster’s office.

‘Harry? Severus?’ Albus stroked his beard nervously. ‘What is it? Did you find out who it was?’ Severus snorted.

‘Oh yes, we found out who it was, alright.’ he muttered. Harry’s eyes hadn’t moved from Draco’s face.

‘Sir, what is it? Why do I get the feeling this has something to do with me?’ Draco said quietly.

‘Because it does.’ Severus murmured.

‘Draco,’ Harry said softly, crossing the room and clasping a hand on each of the young man’s shoulders. ‘I really don’t know how to say this other than to come right out with it.’

‘With what?’ Draco whispered, looking at Harry wide eyed.

‘Draco. Your father. He is alive.’ Most of the room gasped but Draco didn’t say a word. He just looked at Harry in horror before his eyes rolled back in his head and he fainted.

There you are. The beginning of the sequel many of you asked for. I hope you like it.

Regarding the time difference, I should have explained it better in the previous story but I didn’t realise I would be writing a sequel at that point. When I said that time passed differently in the Glade I mean that Harry stayed there for ten years but when he came back he chose to come back at the start of the seventh year, the Seers having told him that is the point at which he would be needed. I’m sorry it didn’t really make sense. Four years have now passed in both the Glade and in the wizarding world. Once Harry has returned to a point in the Wizarding world he can’t go back and change anything.

Thanks for reading. Please let me know what you think.

Regards,

Mione5