A/N: You can probably tell but I had way too much fun doing this chapter XP Snape isn't my favourite character, but the plotline with him reflects somewhat for a book I'm doing and the secondary main character is kind of like him... but not... Anywho, please enjoy the update!

Addicted To Potions- (.86)

Secrets REVEALED of the Philosopher's Stone

The makings of the Philosopher's Stone contents remain unknown. Creators Albus Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel do not intend to disclose the information, but potions expert, Phyllida Spore, famed for being able to also indentify over 1,000 different ingredients, suspects the usage of a phoenix feather, amongst a series of metals, and possible a sinister edge of unicorn blood? Is it likely that the information withheld is to save the skin (so to speak) of the brilliant masterminds? Or is it that...

Losing interest of the article, Snape let it fall to the hardwood floor and took up another swig of the fire whiskey beside his chair. He shifted his legs, which were propped on his desk, and reached for the next article in the pile.

Addicted To Potions- (.90)

Other Uses for the Philosopher's Stone?

Ingredients of the philosopher's stone are rumored to also be an elixir - a cure all for all ailments - or so Arsenius Jigger suspects. Suspicions have even suggested that the elixir could be a cure for death itself...

Snape choked in mid-sip of the fiery liquid. He abandoned the drink and read further, but to find the rest of the article was of old witch remedies. He sat back, closed his eyes, and rubbed them with the tip of his thumbs, reviewing silently.

The philosopher's stone – a cure-all for even death – phoenix feathers, metals, unicorn blood... the steps would have to reflect the four essential elements, and all cycles of life itself... he was on the edge of an amazing discovery, but the mere idea of recreation!

It won't work...

It has to.

It can't.

It will.

She's dead.

Lily... will live...

It was the first match of the Quidditch season, and Harry was no where near ready. Ron's brothers constantly assure him that they'd hold Oliver back if he didn't manage to find the Snitch and the chasers had also promised to score many points. Along with all this, Harry had Marvolo's complete support – and Ron and Hermione's.

Still... he was very much frightened to even mount the broom... but everyone sat next to him, determined, and ready, hands over brooms and waiting, anticipating...

"You can do it, Harry!"

"We're rooting for you!"

"Watch out for bludgers!"

He could still hear the echoes of encouragement. Harry fingered the chain around his neck, kissed the trinket and then lifted his chin.

The whistle was blown.

Oliver had instructed him to rise above the playing area and keep an eye on the other Seeker. Catching the snitch before the other team was, of course, ideal - no essential. He had to do it. He had to.

His eyes darted between the blurred colours, searching for the slightest glimmer for gold. He got lost in the magnificent order of the game, several times and reprimanding himself, began to glide in a wide, slow circle-

He stiffened. The Slytherin seeker eyed him watchfully, but he couldn't see the smallest twinkle above the Gryffindor's shortest hoop – He plunged downwards.

"He'll be okay," Severus repeated again and again, as a sort of mantra for the frozen man beside him.

"He's diving..." Marvolo whispered in a croak.

"He's seen the Snitch."

"I shouldn't have let him play... I shouldn't-"

"He'll be okay."

Marvolo covered his mouth as his breath made a sharp intake.

"HE'S CAUGHT THE SNITCH!"

Marvolo rose to cheer, but his breath came out in a pained cough. Beaming, he recovered, and began to scream, alongside Professor McGonagall, nearly throwing his voice completely for the rest of the day.

In his all too clear voice, Dumbledore commented, "He is surely James's son – isn't he, Severus?"

"Just as skilled," came a soft reply.

Growing cold, Marvolo's smile faded.

"–I saw it for only a second, but I dove and – and I-I felt it on my fingertips, so I went faster and faster and then! And then! I caught it!" Harry made for an exaggerated grab to the side, and almost fell off the man's lap. Marvolo forced himself to smile, and then kissed the young boy's forehead.

"You caught it," he repeated.

The boy shifted a little, and then said, "I'm sorry I didn't come see you after the match."

"It's quite all right. You were celebrating with your friends."

"You're my friend, too!" Harry exclaimed, and then his cheeks reddened. "But... more than that. I mean, you're my..."

"Father?"

Harry shook his head. "More than that!"

"What's more than that?" Marvolo asked weakily.

"I-um... a best friend?" He closed his eyes and shook his head, then responding, "I don't know."

Marvolo laughed, softly embracing the boy tightly.

"Are you proud of me?"

"Of course I am!"

Harry smiled and moved closer into the hug. "Can I stay here tonight?"

"Of course."

"Really?"

"Really."

Harry grinned wider, warming Marvolo's heart more than ever.

When Harry wasn't his companion, Severus Snape was in his chambers, silently responding as he was needed. Today, neither man spoke for several moments. Marvolo steamed in anger, gripping a small tea cup when he was asked:

"Have you ever wished to bring back the dead, my lord?"

"No, Severus, why would I?" the man replied tiredly." Is there someone from my past that I would?"

"No, my lord, I believe not."

"Then there's no reason for me to think about this. Why bring it up?"

"I only wondered. But if you were to, how would you go about it?"

"You're quite strange, Severus. I don't know. I suppose I'd find the most deadly poison and try to reverse it first, and then I'd find the necessities of life and combine it," Marvolo shrugged in conclusion. "It would be too difficult to attempt."

"But there are so many poisons... which one?"

"You're quite adamant about this. It's Lily, isn't it?" Marvolo grinned, as he saw Snape's expression harden. "You want her and she is dead! What a situation!" He giggled, as Snape grew ever more cold.

"But to deny thyself is man's greatest folly," Severus said quietly, hinting dangerously in a way that made Marvolo's expression flatten. "I'm leaving now," he announced, rising.

"Tomorrow, then," Marvolo acknowledged, helping himself to a cup of tea, leaning back in his chair. If Harry were to ever die, he would bring him back. There was no question about it. No matter how dark the magic, he would go at any lengths. And maybe Severus had this sort of mental track for this Lily... but why?

-x- X -x- To Be Continued -x- X -x-

Long awaited update, it is here. But you aren't satisfied. You want more, right? Mm... I'm on it...