Chapter 2 - A Surprising Visit

The Headmaster lingered in a coma for two week, while the staff dealt with rebuilding the castle and helping the traumatized students and Harry worked to clear Professor Snape's name.

He arranged a meeting with the senior members of the Wizengamot at Hogwarts and showed them the memories from Professor Snape. Harry also invited the acting Minister of Magic. After they reviewed the memories, they all agreed that Severus Snape has acted under Dumbledore's orders and was not guilty of murder. Harry also told them of all the help Professor Snape had provided in the effort to defeat Voldemort. A decree was drafted clearing Severus Snape of the charges of murder and being a Death Eater. The Minister agreed to award Professor the Order of Merlin, and award him Merlin's wand for his efforts. He agreed to read the Wizengamot's decree and award the staff at the Leaving Feast, along with the other recognitions for service. Harry was to get the Order of Merlin, First Class. The rest of the Order of Phoenix, those who fought and survived and those that died in the battle would receive the Order of Merlin, Second Class.

It was the afternoon of the Leaving Feast when Harry knocked on the Headmistress's door.

'Come in Harry,' called Minerva

'Good Afternoon Headmistress, could you come to the Hospital wing with me. I have a surprise for you,' asked Harry

'Of course Harry, is someone ill?"

'No one of the injured, who was in a comma woke up this morning and is asking for you.'

'I though all the comma patients were sent to St. Mungos Harry two weeks ago.'

'All but this one, Madam Pomphrey had him in isolation, he was too injured to move by floo or apparition.'

Leaving the office they walked to the Hospital wing and went to the isolation ward. Entering the room, Minerva recognized the patient and immediately drew her wand.

'Snape, so you survived,' snapped Minerva, 'Why is he still here Harry, you should have called the Aurors.'

'You haven't looked in Professor Dumbledore's Pensieve since the battle I take it', replied Harry.

'Why would I?'

'Because Headmaster Snape is innocent, he did not murder Professor Dumbledore. Professor Snape granted him mercy at his own request. In fact the Headmaster was under an Unbreakable Vow to follow Dumbledore's orders. Dumbledore ordered Snape to kill him.

He has been Dumbledore's spy since before I was born, he even begged Voldemort to spare my mothers life. And for her sake he made the vow with Dumbledore to protect me. Even though Dumbledore knew I had to die to destroy Voldemort. I was a Horcrux Professor.

Professor Snape was the one that sent me the sword of Gryffindor to destroy the Horcruxes. His Patronus, a silver doe like my mother's Patronus, lead me to it.

He is a hero, and my mother's true Soulmate. I consider him to be a second father to me, as it was he who taught me what I needed to defeat Voldemort, protected me and demanded that I follow the rules, not consider myself above the rules.'

'Harry he hates you'

'No Professor, he cares for me enough to be harsh when it is needed and he has always told me the truth, even when it was cruel. And he loved my Mother and cares for me for her sake.'

'Piffle'

'Regardless of your opinion Professor McGonagall, tonight the Minister will read the Wizengamot's decree finding Headmaster Snape innocent of all charges. He will be restored to his proper rank as Headmaster.

I know this is a shock, but all this means is that he really is the Severus Snape we all thought we knew and trusted.

I always though you were his friend."

'I was... I am...,' turning to the Headmaster she said, 'Severus, please forgive me. I ...'

'Minerva, I forgive you. I understand that you believed the worst. It was Albus's intention that I work alone after he was gone. I never expected to survive, let alone be acknowledged,' said Severus softly.

'Professor,' said Harry softly.

Yes, Harry, what is it? And I believed I told you to call me Severus,' smiled Headmaster Snape.

'Well, yes, but I'd rather call you Dad. As I said, you are my mother's Soulmate. In everyway but blood, you have proven yourself my parent. You have guided me, protected me, taught me and kept me on the right path. I'd like you to adopt me,' said Harry.

'Harry, you are of age, you don't need a guardian,' said Minerva gently.

'You are never too old to have a parent's care Professor McGonagall. Adopting me will simply acknowledge the role he has filled since my first day at Hogwarts,' replied Harry.

Looking into Severus's eyes Harry asked, 'Will you allow me to formally acknowledge the role you have played in my life Severus. Will you allow me to be your son?'

As Harry stood looking at him, waiting for an answer a chill swept the room and suddenly there were two ghostly forms standing next to Harry, James and Lily Potter.

'Severus, it would please me to have you as Harry's second father. I was not there to fill the roll, and the fates denied Sirius or Remus the chance. You have been his father since he was eleven, please allow him to have your love and guidance for the rest of his life,' asked James Potter softly.

'James? Are you sure? We...'

'Yes, I know I was a royal prat where you were concerned. Part of it was fear that Lily would realize you two were Soulmates and leave me. Childish I know.'

'No, I understand completely. I hated that Lily loved you and gave you a son.'

'Boys stop it now, you both sound like you are five years old,' smiled Lily.

'Severus, I did not realize until after we died that you were my Soulmate. James and I talked about it and we agreed that when the time came for you to leave this world we wanted you to be with us.

I am so glad Harry was able to heal you, and I would be pleased if my Soulmate would act as the father of my child as long as he lives.'

'Lily...I... Hell, why not. I've raised the brat so far,' grinned Severus, suddenly looking ten years younger.

Harry since you asked, I don't suppose you have the paperwork with you?' asked Severus.

Harry grinned, pulling out two rolls of parchment, 'As a matter if fact I do'

Harry smiled as he walked towards Severus, waving goodbye for now to his parents.

'I see you have been busy Mr. Potter, what have you been upto,' smiled Severus as opened the first parchment.

'Let's see, I cleared you name, got you awarded the Order of Merlin, Merlin's staff mind you, is that enough,' asked Harry with a grin.

'Harry...' began Severus opening the first parchment and reading it. It was a decree from the Wizengamot declaring him innocent and awarding him the Order of Merlin, Merlin's Staff, just as Harry said.

The second parchment was the adoption decree.

---

IN THE ORPHAN'S COURT OF MINISTRY OF MAGIC, UNITED KINGDOM, In re Adoption of Harry James Potter, An adult.

DECREE

And now, June 1, 1998, the court being satisfied that the statements made in the annexed petition are true, and that the welfare of Harry James Potter will be promoted by his adoption, and that all the requirements of the Act of April 4, 1725, having been complied with, and it appearing:

THAT the petitioner herein, Severus Tobias Snape, is a man of respectability and character, fully willing and able to maintain, educate, and rear the said Harry James Potter.

AND that the second petitioner herein, Harry James Potter, having reached the age of majority and being a man of respectability and character, and requests said adoption,

The Court hereby decrees that the said Harry James Potter shall be in law the adopted child of Severus Tobias Snape and shall have all the rights of a child and heir of said petitioners, and be subject to the duties of such child.

By order of Millicent Marshbank, Administrative Law Judge, Ministry of Magic of the United Kingdom.

Millicent Marshbank, June 1, 1998

Millicent Marshbank

Administrative Law Judge

Harry James Potter, June 1, 1998

Harry James Potter

Petitioner

Severus Tobias Snape

Petitioner

---

'You have been busy Mr. Potter, any other surprises you care to share,' smiled Severus.

'Yes, tonight the new Minister of Magic, its Kingsley Shacklebolt by the way, is going to read the decree from the Wizengamot clearing your name and award you the medal.

I'd like you to come in with me after he reads the decree. I want everyone to meet my new Dad.'

'Are you sure Harry,' asked Severus.

'I've never been surer of anything in my life,' replied Harry.

-xxx-

Dinner was over, and the students had finished their pudding when Kingsley rose, tapping his glass for attention. At that signal, the dishes disappeared and the tables were once again clear.

'We have celebrated our good fortune, now it is time to speak of the fallen.

First among them is a man who dedicated his life to the defeat of Voldemort. I speak of Severus Snape, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Potions Master, Defence Against the Dark Arts Master.

Memories left by Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore prove without a doubt his innocence.'

Unrolling a parchment, he read:

It is the finding of the Wizengamot that Severus Tobias Snape acting under an Unbreakable Vow acted in the best interests of Albus Brian Wulfric Dumbledore in granting him mercy by use of the killing curse. We find his use of the curse fulfils the exception granted under law, which allow the curse to be used to ease the suffering of a person in pain from a terminal illness.

We find the defendant innocent of the charge of murder.

It is the finding of the Wizengamot that there being no physical evidence that Severus Tobias Snape bears the Dark Mark, that allegations that he is a Death Eater are unfounded.

We find the defendant innocent of the charge of being a Death Eater.

Furthermore, in recognition to his long and faithful service to Hogwarts and the Wizarding world and his efforts to defeat Voldemort, even at the risk of his own life we Award Severus Tobias Snape the Order of Merlin, First Class.'

Rolling up the scroll he continued, 'I hope where ever his spirit is, Severus knows that his efforts were not in vain nor unappreciated.'

As Shacklebolt put aside the scroll a gasp echoed throughout the hall. The doors had opened and standing there were Harry Potter and Severus Snape.

Slowly the two men walked to the head table. Harry helped Severus to the Headmasters seat, and took his place beside him.

'Professor Snape?'

'Good evening Kingsley, you can thank my son for the surprise, he saved my life.'

'Your son Professor, I didn't realize you had a son,' replied a puzzled Shacklebolt.

'He means me Minister. He and my mother are Soulmates, which under Wizarding law makes him my next of kin. We formalized the relationship this morning.

When Voldemort tried to kill the professor, I managed to put him into stasis. Ron and Hermione and I went back after the battle and rescued him. Madam Pomphrey has spent the past two weeks getting him well. In fact he just woke up this morning from a coma.

When he though he was dying he gave me his memories of my mother and Professor Dumbledore. So I would know the truth and be able to kill Voldemort.'

Coming over to where Snape was sitting Kingsley said quietly, 'Stand up Severus'

Continuing in a louder voice, 'Severus Tobias Snape, it is my honour to present you with the Order of Merlin, and Merlin's wand. In recognition of you efforts in the War against Voldemort, a grateful nation thanks you.'

Handing Snape the wand, he stepped back as the professor gave the wand an experimental wave. A shower of golden sparks came from the wand. The hall erupted with shouts and whistles.

Looking around Severus Snape did something few people had ever seen.

'Thank you,' he said smiling as Harry hugged him.