A New Life
Storming angrily from the headmaster's office, Harry Potter fumed as he walked away from yet another argument with Dumbledore about the summer holidays.
Dumbledore had wanted him to stay at the Dursleys again even after Harry had explained how horrible it was there. Dumbledore just kept up that damned eye twinkling thing and said it was for the greater good. Harry had tried to explain his reasoning but Dumbledore would not listen, not that Harry had expected him to.
Harry had long ago figured how exactly how little control he really had over his own life. Dumbledore basically controlled everything, where he lived, who he talked to, hell even how much of his money he was allowed to spend.
But this was the last straw; the Dursleys had been getting progressively worse over the years and Harry truly began to fear for his life should he be forced back to Privet Drive.
As he entered the semi-full common room all noise stopped as the other Gryffindors stared at him; however, no on approached him once they saw the rage clear on his face. Going up to the sixth-year dorm, Harry began to pack the rest of his things, the train would be leaving right after breakfast tomorrow morning and he needed a plan before then.
Despite what everyone else thought, Harry was not just another dumb Gryffindor. When he became friends with Ron and Hermione though he began to hide his true intelligence, Hermione would probably be jealous if he took the top-student spot from her which he fully capable of and Ron would most likely go off on some rant about how the great Harry Potter got good grades because he was the boy-who-lived.
Now, as a sixth year those kinds of attitudes really grated on Harry's nerves these days but because he never bothered to befriend anyone else in his earlier years, he had no other true friends now. He wasn't involved in a relationship because he had discovered that he wasn't attracted to either boys or girls, he had only dated Cho in fifth year so she would stop stalking him.
Harry lay on his back on his bed and thought of what he had planned so far. First he needed to write a letter; rolling over and taking a roll of parchment and a quill Harry wrote a letter to Griphook.
Dear Griphook,
I'm writing to you as I do not know another goblin by name and calling him/her goblin would be terribly rude. I would like to know if my parents left me more money than the vault I know about, vault 713 and if I own and can access any properties. If you could send a reply as soon as possible I would greatly appreciate it and maybe a portkey as I would not be 'allowed' to leave once I arrive at my relative's home tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Harry James Potter
He heard a tapping noise and saw his owl, Hedwig at the window. Quickly letting her in, she stuck her leg out for him to give her the letter. After tying the letter to her leg, Harry stroked her chest before she speedily sailed through the window. Just as she disappeared beyond the horizon, the other sixth-year boys all came in and got into their respective beds.
He and Ron had had yet another falling out over Ron's jealousy and because they were dating, Hermione sided with Ron. Getting sick of always being on the defensive around them, Harry didn't bother to make up and the Golden Trio officially split.
Pulling his curtains around his bed and putting up a few simple protective wards (Ron had tried to hex him in his sleep the first night after their fight) Harry sank into a deep sleep, content in his plan.
The next morning was full of the usual hustle and bustle of last minute packing and students quickly downing their breakfast getting ready for the six hour ride back to Kings Cross station.
On the train Harry went to the very last compartment and put up a simple yet powerful notice-me-not charm, he didn't want to be bothered by his former friends or Malfoy and his goons. When they were only about half-an-hour from the station, Hedwig flew through the open window of his compartment and dropped the letter in her beak onto his lap. He saw that it had the Gringotts crest on it and thanked Hedwig by giving her some owl treats before ripping open the envelope.
Dear Mr. Potter,
Thank you for taking into account that goblins have names too and wish to be called them. On to business, we were surprised that you were not aware of your holdings as we were informed by Dumbledore himself that he would explain everything to you when you turned eleven, it seems that was not the case. We did an audit of your accounts and have discovered multiple occurrences of hundreds of galleons being taken from your vaults; we put a stop to it until further notice.
To answer your questions you do indeed have more than the one vault, the Potter family vault which contain billions and billions of galleons. Your ancestors never believed in living complacently, they believed that everyone should work no matter how rich they were, and earned a lot of money.
You also own around eight properties around the world. It would be best to discuss this here behind Gringotts wards so this letter will double as a portkey directly to my office. When you arrive at the platform simply say "Ad vivendum,ridere, amare" which is the Potter family motto, it means "To Live, To Laugh, To Love". I will expect you soon.
From,
Griphook, Gringotts Teller
Harry was shocked but pleased at the amount of money he had, not to be arrogant but he because he would need it to help along his plans to train himself, something Dumbledore didn't seem keen to do. He also smiled at the extra information about his family; he too believed everyone should work and not sit around and spend money all day, and he definitely approved of the motto. He would live and laugh, and find something to love, he would have a life. Harry was also angry with Dumbledore, who conveniently forgot to explain about the Potter vaults and that was who he suspected was stealing from them.
When the train stopped he told Hedwig to meet him at Gringotts and shrunk his trunk before putting on his invisibility cloak and slipping unnoticed from the train. On the platform he could see various order members looking for him but ignored them and headed for the men's room.
Once inside, he grabbed the letter and said the password, as he felt the spinning accompanied with portkey travel slow, he braced himself for the landing and was happy to notice that he managed to stay on his feet. He would always hate portkeys but at least he wouldn't fall flat on his face every time he used one.
Harry walked up to a teller and showed him the letter.
"I would like to see Griphook please Mr.…. Silverfang." Harry said politely, reading the goblin's nametag.
The goblin pointed him towards a door down the hallway that had the name Griphook on it, so he knocked on it and waited. A few seconds later he heard a gruff "Come in." Walking into the office, Harry instantly felt comfortable in here, it was expensive looking without looking tacky or over the top, and in fact it looked and felt quite comfortable.
Taking the seat in front of Griphook, they got right down to business. Griphook handed him a folder with what he assumed was the Potter crest on it; opening it he discovered it contained a list of his monetary and property assets. After the letter he wasn't so shocked so he just nodded and asked about the thefts,
"In fact, we have discovered who has been removing money from your vaults. There have been transfers to vaults under the names 'Dumbledore, The Order, Ron Weasley, Ginerva Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Dursley every month since the day you started Hogwarts.' Have you authorized these transactions?" Harry shook his head, too angry to speak. His so called friends, people he trusted had been stealing from him this whole time!
Griphook assured him they would be stopped and all moneys and possessions returned. Harry asked to see his vault and would have enjoyed the ride down if he hadn't been thinking of the multiple betrayals; Ron he could see stealing from him but Hermione and Ginny?
When they arrived at his vault, Harry had replaced his previous emotions with a steely resolve, this would not break him, and it would only make him stronger. Upon seeing the endless sea or gold, Harry's face split into a maniacal grin that made him look quite demented, it left Griphook slightly frightened and wondering at the mental state of his client.
Harry grabbed a bottomless trunk and began pouring bucket loads of galleons for about half-an-hour until Griphook stopped him, telling him he could survive richly for about ten lifetimes with the amount he had in the trunk now.
Harry thanked Griphook for his help on the way up to the surface and said goodbye before leaving Gringotts. Making his way to Madam Malkin's, Harry requested an extra large full wardrobe in her best quality. This included around 30 to 40 pair of pants, slacks, shirts, robes, socks, underwear, everything you could ever wear in the best material, strong and nice to the touch.
Paying for it, Harry left and wondered into what looked like an antique shop. Telling the guy behind the counter that he was just browsing, Harry wandered around the store picking up objects here and there. It was in the back that he felt a pull towards an object on the back shelf. It looked like a perfectly spherical diamond about the size of his fist, and it glowed slightly. As soon as Harry picked it up he felt a pull behind his naval and disappeared in a flash of blinding white light, stunning the clerk behind the counter.
Appearing in what looked like Diagon Alley; Harry was dumped unceremoniously onto something. When he heard a groan he realized that something was a little boy in rags.
"I am so sorry little boy, here let me help you." But as soon as he reached a hand out, the boy curled into a ball and began crying and whispering something that made Harry's blood boil. The boy was saying "Please don't hurt me. I'll be good I promise. Please don't crucio me again," over and over again. Someone had obviously beaten and cursed this little boy; now looking at him Harry could see himself in the boy. That used to be him when he lived at the Dursleys, before he grew up and fought back. This boy looked about five but judging by the ribs poking out, he could be older but malnourished.
"I swear I won't hurt you, I promise, just let me help you okay?" Harry murmured softly, eventually the boy calmed down enough for Harry to pick him up and carry him to the Leaky Cauldron. Once inside, the man behind the bar looked like a younger version of Tom, Harry didn't know Tom had a son? He asked for a room and gently carried the unknown boy up the stairs and settled him onto the huge bed.
The boy still looked frightened and ready to bolt, and he was obviously still in pain from whoever had harmed him. He jumped when Harry said, "Here let me heal you and then I'll get you something to eat okay?" The boy looked startled but nodded and relaxed just a tiny bit, apparently realizing that Harry wouldn't hurt him but was unwilling to let his guard down.
"What's your name kid?" Harry asked as he healed the boy's numerous welts, cuts, and bruises, though he couldn't do anything about the old scars except make them fade until they were barely noticeable. The boy muttered something that Harry didn't catch so asked him to speak louder.
"S-severus Tobias S-snape s-sir." He stuttered fearfully, as is afraid Harry would hit him for talking. Harry was so shocked he stopped healing 'Severus', the boy saw his face and immediately started panicking, repeating 'sorry' again and again until Harry stopped him.
"It's not your fault Severus; I was just shocked is all. And call me Harry." Harry said with a soft smile that didn't reach his eyes. What the hell was going on, how could this boy be Snape?
"Where are your parents?" Severus flinched but calmed slightly when Harry healed the rather large bruise on his face.
"They dropped me off in the alley and said they going to disown me. I don't have parents anymore." Severus said sadly.
"And what's the date Severus?" Harry asked, almost afraid of the answer.
"Um May 29,1961 sir." Severus said quietly. Meanwhile, Harry was freaking out; here was a kid Snape and it was 1961! That meant he had gone back in time, it must've been that diamond thing he had picked up back in his time. If it was 1961 that meant that Snape was currently six, as he was forty back in Harry's time.
Well now Harry knew why Snape was so angry and bitter in the future, he was treated horribly as a kid. Even though Snape hated him no kid deserved this, so Harry resolved to change it. He would allow Severus to have the childhood he never did, he would be the father he never had, and maybe stop him from becoming a Death Eater in the future. First he needed to tend to Severus then start planning; he had a lot to do.
He finished healing Severus, he had learned way more than anyone knew in his fourth year for the tournament, including healing spells. Then Harry ordered a large dinner for himself and Severus, who kept thanking him.
"You don't have to do this." Severus said quietly as he ate his dinner.
"I'm not doing this because I think I have to but because I want to. I want to help you Severus, if you let me." Harry replied, he smiled when Severus gave him a shy grin. It seems he wasn't too emotionally damaged seeing as he could still trust others. When they were done, Harry suggested a bath, and laughed when Severus shot off into the bathroom. Apparently, he wasn't allowed to bathe often at home which explained the greasy hair.
As he was washing Severus, he gently massaged shampoo into his hair until it was squeaky clean, silky, and soft. He wrapped a warm fluffy towel around Severus and carried him into the main room, setting him back on the bed. He shrunk one of his new t-shirts to fit like a nightgown for Severus and dried him off. He helped Severus brush his teeth and towel-dry his hair then put him in bed.
Severus gave him a small smile when Harry tucked him in and kissed his forehead, no one had ever done any of this for him before and it felt great. He had a full meal and he was clean! Maybe this is what it felt like to have someone care for him, it gave him a warm fuzzy feeling in his stomach and he loved the feeling.
"Goodnight Severus." Harry said softly as he watched Severus's eyes droop. This clean and child Severus was so adorable, maybe a better childhood will make him more approachable in the future.
"G'night Harry." Severus whispered as he sank into the first restful sleep he had had in a very long time.
Back In The Future
The older Severus Snape woke up in the middle the night feeling… content. It was a feeling he hadn't felt since he and Lily use to play when they were kids. He felt something in him change and searched through his memories to see why. Wandering through his mind, he came across a door that wasn't there before. It didn't feel dangerous so he opened it. It was full of memories of things he never remembered happening.
A man had fallen on him and helped him after a particularly bad beating from his father. He had healed him and bathed him and tucked him in. No one had ever done that for him. Looking closely at the man, he instantly recognized the emerald green eyes and black hair, it was Harry Potter! He must've somehow gotten back in time and came across him. But why would Potter help him after everything he had done?
He had always wished for a kind father figure as a kid and even if it was Potter, if he wanted to give him one, Severus would be grateful. He hoped Harry would be able to turn him into a better person, maybe stop him from becoming a Death Eater.
Severus grabbed a shot glass and knocked back a shot of fire whiskey then lie down. If anyone could help him, Pot-no Harry could.
"Good luck Harry and Thank You" Severus whispered into the night.
Back In The Past
After Severus was asleep, Harry left a note on Severus's pillow in case he woke up, and grabbed a cloak. Taking one last look at room, Harry set off for Gringotts. He would need a new identity, after all he couldn't go around as Harry Potter, and Harry also wanted to adopt Severus if he wanted to, even though he had known this Severus for a few hours, he already felt attached to him, like Severus was already his son.
Stepping into the mostly empty Gringotts, Harry stepped up to the high desk and waited for the goblin to acknowledge him. When the goblin looked up, Harry asked to speak with someone about a new identity. He was once again pointed to an office in the opposite direction from what will be Griphook's office.
He stepped in when asked and took the seat in front of the unfamiliar goblin, whose name was Riphorn.
"I need a completely new identity, all magic and muggle papers, a vault, and possible adoption papers please." Harry said, goblins hated beating around the bush so he just jumped right in.
"Right away sir, just a moment." Riphorn snapped his fingers and a stack of paper appeared on the desk. Harry took the first packet and looked at it; it was a form for a new identity.
For name he filled in 'Hadrian Evanston', it was close to his old name and easy to remember. For age he put '18', he could pass for 18 and this way the magic would officially make him an adult since he technically didn't exist yet. He put pureblood for blood status and even though he didn't care, it would make his and Severus's life a lot easier as purebloods. He left residence blank for now and filed out basic information. Next, he filled out the forms for a passport, driver's license, and an ID in both worlds.
When it came to the adoption papers, Harry said he would come back with the child first.
"How would I acquire a wizarding manor, preferably the largest you could find?" Harry asked as the pair made their way down to his new vault. Riphorn looked thoughtful then said, "You just tell me your requirements and standards and budget and I'll find some candidates. You look at the wizarding pictures of them, pick one, pay for it, and move in."
Harry looked delighted, it was that easy! "Well, I would prefer the largest you could find, plenty of land for children to play, a potions lab, library, the works. Also I'll need your best warders for the job and money doesn't matter." Harry listed. Riphorn looked positively gleeful at that last comment and began mentally compiling a list of the best properties he knew of.
Riphorn's eyes bulged when he saw the huge fortune that Harry deposited into his new vault. When he regained control, Riphorn told Harry that because he was beginning a pureblood line he needed to create a crest and family motto of his own.
Harry thought about then decided the motto would be "Vestibulum ante ipsum vivere" which was Latin for "We live for family first". Harry felt it fit since he was starting his own family and would put it first above anything else. The crest would be dark blue and silver, it would have a silver phoenix and basilisk in front a dark blue Celtic symbol for family. It looked beautiful and Harry wondered what would become of it in his time.
Returning to Riphorn's office, Harry was handed a Gringotts card and a list of properties. They had wizarding pictures and he immediately fell head over heels in love with a huge manor made of white marble and granite. It looked like something from a fairytale; the price was ridiculously low compared to Harry's fortune so paying was no problem.
He signed the contract, and the money was taken directly from his vault, not even making a scratch. Harry thanked Riphorn and was feeling good as he made his way back to the Leaky Cauldron. As soon as he stepped into the room, he was almost bowled over by a dark-haired missile that slammed into him and began crying into his shirt. Harry realized it was Severus and picking him up, began to rock back and forth while rubbing his back.
"Sorry Harry." Severus said when he calmed down, he tried to wiggle down but Harry held him tighter and sat him on his lap as he sat on the bed.
"What's wrong Severus, I left a note on your pillow telling you I was at the bank?" Harry almost slapped himself when Severus's eyes began to tear up again.
"I thought you were leaving me just like my parents." Severus sniffled but didn't cry. Harry just hugged him tighter and remembered his earlier decisions.
"Severus did you enjoy staying here with me, were you happy?" Harry asked, he wouldn't force Severus into an adoption if he didn't want it.
"Of course, I got good food and a bath and you tucked me in and held me and hugged me and you healed me." Severus immediately replied happily. Harry was still nervous but a bit reassured.
"Well how would like to stay with me? While I was at the bank I bought a huge manor and you could have your own room, and, and I could adopt you." Harry said with a hopeful kind of smile, he needed a family as much as Severus did.
"Would that mean you were my daddy and I would be your son? Severus asked hopefully. Harry nodded and was thrown onto his back when Severus tackled him in a hug; the kid was small but strong.
"I'll take that as a yes then?" Harry said amusedly. Severus nodded frantically.
"Do you want a new name? You could stay Severus Tobias Snape, or you could take my last name as an Evanston." Harry asked.
"I would like to be an Evanston." Severus said. When Harry nodded Severus beamed so hard it looked painful.
"Alright well it is late so we'll both go to the bank in the morning to get the adoption done, then we'll go shopping for all new clothes for you, then we get to decorate our new home!" Harry and Severus seemed to be equally excited and they both climbed into bed.
Severus immediately curled up against Harry, who wrapped an arm around him and both damaged but healing boys fell asleep, ready to start their new life.
Back In The Future
Snape went through the new memories every few minutes, letting the warm feelings wash over him, letting himself feel the love Harry projected towards his younger self. He couldn't believe Harry was doing this for him.
Snape could feel the ice around his heart begin to melt and it felt good. He could also feel the childish excitement at waiting for the next memories of his next day with Harry, they were starting a new family, a new life, and it felt amazing.
