Prince Consort

Chapter 10

Shacklebolt stared defeated at the space where the vampires had been just moments ago. If he had just come straight here, instead of going to St. Mungo's first, he would have had a chance to undo his stupidity. Cursing silently Shacklebolt Apparated away feeling nothing but defeat and self disgust. He didn't want to see Dumbledore, he felt anger and rage that he could not control, and he feared he would do something he would not regret until he ended up in Azkaban. Hated what he had been party to come to that, for the part he'd had in Harry Potter's abduction.

He headed straight back to Tonk's apartment. He stiffened when he saw they had company, no words were needed Tonks' eyes filled with defeat when she saw he was alone.

"Where is Harry? You said he was bringing Harry here!" said Remus furiously, his usually kind amber eyes flashing with a wrath that promised death. He'd just been contacted by a tearful Maria when Tonks had called through the Floo telling him that Shacklebolt was bringing Harry to her flat. He'd emptied his Gringotts vault, turned it to British Muggle money and collected everything he wanted to take with him and come straight here.

"I am sorry, I got there too late," said Shacklebolt his shoulders hunched, a picture of defeat and self hatred. He was as angry as Remus was... who was he kidding? He didn't know Harry that well to be as scared and angry as the werewolf was. He was genuinely surprised he wasn't being cursed to hell and back. Remus obviously didn't know what he'd done yet. He'd best watch his back; a time would probably come when it got out. Remus was a formidable dueller, he'd have been a great Auror if it wasn't for the fact he was a werewolf. Not that he felt the Ministry was right to exclude those who suffered from the lycanthrope curse.

"Where is Harry?" growled Remus grabbing Shacklebolt by the robes, putting them face to face. Shacklebolt couldn't stare at the man, he was just too defeated.

"WHERE THE HELL IS HE?" howled Remus making it obvious just what the hell he turned into once a month.

Kingsley winced sensing how close the werewolf was to lashing out, the fact the man was able to actually bloody lift him, a man who was a head taller than him told the tale on its own without the feral look in his Amber eyes.

"Boys enough!" yelled Tonks, "This isn't going to help us!" Merlin, she felt like tearing her hair out, she just wished she could sleep now. She was exhausted; she hadn't slept in two days.

"I apologize," said Remus stiffly, letting go for the Auror his anger still simmering under the surface. He wanted someone to blame, and the Order was the easiest target at the moment. Just then his sensitive ears picked up a faint moan in one of the rooms. Sniffing curiously, the curiosity faded fast through, when he realized who it was. "You have Black here?" he hissed, not sure who he was directing it at, Tonks or Shacklebolt.

"Yes, there's something wrong with him," said Tonks, defensively.

"Yeah, right," said Remus snorting bitterly, he'd long ago given up that belief.

"It's true, we think he's being controlled." said Shacklebolt, he had plans to take a vial of Sirius' blood to St. Mungo's for sting, if the Ministry hadn't caught it then St. Mungo's would definitely be the place to go to for answers.

"Right," said Remus sarcastically, "I'm not going to stand here and listen to this." with that he Apparated away. He wasn't sure what to do; did he go to Dumbledore and get answers out of the old fool? Or did he try and write to Harry and find out what Dumbledore was doing that way? He was probably at Hogwarts, all he needed to do was find the map in Filch's office and get Harry. Years ago, Remus would have hoped and prayed what they were saying was right. Unfortunately time had gone by; Sirius wasn't the love of his life anymore. He missed what they used to be, but what couple who had split didn't think the same thing? He couldn't allow himself to think about Sirius, he was too worried about his son. He'd never felt so useless in his entire life, Maria was contacting each of her own contacts to see if they could figure it out too.

Harry stared at Severus Snape, all the information he'd just had crammed into his mind, was overloading it. He just couldn't put it in any semblance of order; he wanted to badly to scream and shout to curse to the heavens. To tell Snape where to shove his negotiations, preferably where the sun didn't shine. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately he couldn't get the words out. He couldn't stay here, he had to get away from him, to think, to breathe he felt so suffocated. For once in his life, he wanted to be in his cupboard, away from society, where nobody could get him. His hands trembling he got up from the couch, and ran towards the door, opening it, glad it was one to get out of the room. He didn't look back, he wasn't trying to leave the castle, not that he thought for a second he could. He just wanted to be alone; there was a vampire at the other end of the hall who frowned at him.

The Vampire turned around and began walking towards him; Harry ran into the room with an open door and closed it with a resounding bang. Locking it, a flimsy barrier they could get through no doubt.

Severus watched his mate's face fill with anger, sorrow, disgust, fear and just an overwhelming sadness. He wasn't surprised when he got up and bolted, it was too much for him to process no doubt. He was very tempted to follow him, but he knew doing that would be a greater disservice to Harry than anything else so far. Taking a deep breath he wandered over to the open door, watching his mate disappear into his library. He halted Selvic with one point of his finger; Severus didn't have to say anything else. Selvic bowed low before going back down to his station.

Harry leaned back against the door, closing his eyes praying they would leave him alone. Every second that ticked by he relaxed a little more; only fully relaxing when it was obvious nobody was going to come in. A sigh left his lips, then he finally noticed the room, the smell should have alerted him first but he'd been distracted. It smelt of dust, paper, leather and it just had that unique smell of a library. Accompanied by polish, the room obviously got cleaned regularly.

There was so many books, some even encased in glass as if they were priceless. Curiosity overcame him; he wandered over, his eyes widened in complete astonishment. He leaned down further as if he couldn't believe his own eyes. He would have stuttered in awe if he'd not had a calming draught in him. It was a scroll from the Library of Alexandria. Latin, a language he knew all too well, he'd become very knowledgeable in that language. Teddy and Blaise had helped him, since they'd been taught it from the age of five. It came more fluently for them for a long time before it did Harry. The Library of Alexandria had been destroyed during Caesar's rule, in 48 BC or so they speculated, unfortunately a proper date had never been established. How did the Prince's have it? This must be worth millions; no actually it was priceless because nobody on the planet had the amount of money for its true worth.

Even if Dumbledore hadn't touched his fortune, he wouldn't have been able to own such a priceless artefact. Had a wizard somehow Apparated in the Library of Alexandria and stolen it? From all records during the Roman times, Wizards were revered, coveted even, although not as much as Apothecary's, brewers. Back then they had not been forced to hide their gifts, but a lot had changed, the world didn't see things they didn't understand as good. No they saw it as bad, freakish, and something to be abhorred, he knew that all too well from living with the Dursley's. He seemed to be thinking of them a lot lately, why was that? For the past five years he barely thought of them, and now he was every half hour? He didn't like it.

Harry felt his heart sink, even more, moving away from the scroll, he browsed the room some more. Trying to keep his mind off all the bad things happening to him, but it was getting more and more difficult to do. Stepping in front of a book that caught his attention, these were Muggle books, he recognized that Author, JRR Tolkien, first editions, right next to his published work were another Author he recognized, C.S Lewis, he remembered those books from when he was at school. The teacher had read the books to them at reading time. The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. He'd never heard the end of it, it had been that time he'd Apparated onto the school roof. He'd been thrown in the cupboard for weeks; he still to this day hadn't learned what happened. The same had happened with Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. He had been absent from school a lot, he had been a 'sickly child', and he'd looked it.

Reverently touching the spine of the book as he mused, he'd often compared the cousin of the Pevensie's, Eustace Scrubb to his own cousin Dudley. Those books had helped him escape the reality that was his life, hidden away in his cupboard he'd often imagined himself as a high king of Narnia, battling and saving the world. Then he'd been swept off in a real adventure, learning about magic and having real friends, not figments of his imagination, would he even see them again?

Harry's green eyes dimmed, he gently removed one of the books, the Dawn Treader, and sat down. He made no attempts to open it, just sitting there holding it close, the smell helped take him home. At first it had been Hogwarts that had been his home, then reduced to his second home, his first being with Zabini's, then reduced to third, as Remus' flat and Zabini's had taken first and second place. In no particular order, he loved both places equally. Dumbledore had traded him; he'd gotten custody of him, probably emptied his vaults and traded him like cattle to vampires. He'd done nothing to the old fool, absolutely nothing, yet he'd did this. If he thought he'd hated Dumbledore before, it was nothing on what he felt now. There was no word in any dictionary or language that could describe Harry's feelings for the old man. Nothing ever would Harry couldn't help but think, as he stared at the fragile book.

The conversation surrounded his head once more, and Harry set aside all emotion to think logically. Thinking over everything that had happened in an objective way, as if he wasn't in the centre of it all. Dumbledore had gone to the vampires, wanting them to join his cause. The Slytherin in Snape probably wouldn't have been able to pass up the opportunity to get his mate. Harry had heard the way Snape had said he was his, possessively as if he was an object. He'd made some sort of contract, one that would apparently to make sure he wasn't hurt another sign that he was just a possession.

Then Dumbledore got Black to sign over custody of him, begun looking for him, finding and taking him from his home in the middle of then night. He grinned wolfishly, unable to help himself just remembering the ceiling and woodwork falling onto the old fool. Too bad he was probably already healed, maybe if he was lucky the hand he'd crushed with his foot would bother Dumbledore until he dies. He'd eluded them, but only so far, if only his ribs hadn't been broken, he'd have gotten away. Dumbledore had made sure that he would go through with it without a protest. Scoffing in derision, he hated the fact he'd been blackmailed, worse so easily, he was meant to be a Slytherin but he had been played like a Hufflepuff.

His mind whirled to the memory; he had managed to do the impossible as a baby. He had managed to somehow shield himself against the killing curse, not only that but he'd sent it back at Voldemort. Just how the hell was that possible? Hoisting his feet up, the book perching on his knees as he wrapped his arms around his legs, he allowed his chin to rest upon the book on his knees. So what if he had survived the killing curse? It's not like he'd ever get an answer. He shuddered just imagining Dumbledore's expression if he ever found out. He'd have been used as some sort of guinea pig. They'd have wanted to know just how the hell he'd survived. Dumbledore would have had the ultimate warrior for the war. That's if it hadn't been a fluke, and he'd been killed with the next death curse to hit him. Quite frankly, the notion of Dumbledore having him was terrifying.

If he was Snape's mate, why had he not written to him? Warned him what was going to happen? Got to know him that way? Instead of making Harry feel like a slab of meat to be shipped from pillar to post. He was stuck here against his will, albeit not really Snape's doing but he was keeping him from his family, Merlin he was essentially bloody married at sixteen.

Severus paced up and down; he was trying desperately to give Harry the space he evidently needed. He had so many questions he wanted to ask him, and damn it, he wanted to know where such fierce hatred of Dumbledore had come from. When Langdon had said Harry hated Dumbledore he must admit he had imagined a childish hated not the very real disgust he had seen. He had two choices right now, either go to Harry and discuss it further, or give him more space. Which could just put more distance between them, besides the gaping hole that was already there. His grandparents were going to murder him when they found out how he'd gone about it. He knew he'd done what needed to be done, whether anyone else approved. He couldn't risk Dumbledore getting his paws into Harry, ever. Sooner or later the truth would have gotten out. It was inevitable really. The Dark Lord knew what had really gone down, and while he wouldn't broadcast it, Dumbledore would be smart enough to wonder why the Dark Lord had chosen Harry to return. There would be further attacks down the road, of that he had no doubt, yes, it was inevitable really.

Squaring his shoulders, he walked out of his room, going at a human pace. He stood outside the door, unlocking it without his wand; it was his castle after all. Nobody could keep him out, the wards responded to him first and foremost. He stood there observing his mate, without him noticing. Well, thought Severus to himself, here goes nothing.

He was leaning against the door jamb, his arms crossed on his chest, his black eyes hooded. "Why do you hate Dumbledore?"

Harry jumped in surprise, the book falling with the thump to the floor. Harry kicked his legs out and landed gracefully on his feet, and picked up the book. It was something familiar to hang on to. He may be a Slytherin, but everyone who saw him observed that he was never far away from a book, or buried in one, he'd been determined to learn everything about his new world at the age of eleven. Everyone even his best friends had questioned the hats decision by the time he was twelve, he was just very studious. Although, his best friends had come to learn why, and had supported him, helped him.

Harry stared at Severus as if he had lost his mind.

"I do think it's just because of this situation," Severus replied when it became apparent his mate wasn't going to speak. "I do find myself curious as to why you went through with the handfasting…Dumbledore made it more than clear you didn't consent, that you refused to go with him," and for that he had lost any and all hope of Severus giving him a single one of his people to aid him in the war.

Harry looked away, "He threatened someone…very dear to me," he finally revealed, sounding so utterly defeated.

"I see," Severus replied Dumbledore wasn't above threatening people; he himself had been subtly threatened by the old fool. Nothing too outrageous, just a subtle hint that he would be expelled from Hogwarts should the truth about Lupin's state ever getting out to the public. Just what had Dumbledore actually threatened Harry with to make him go through with a handfasting? Would there ever be trust between them? Between Dumbledore's threats and how he'd gone about it…would Harry bond with him when the time came? "I know you do not like how it was handled, but believe me you will understand sooner or later. Have you never wondered why The Dark Lord chose to use you to come back? He wanted your blood for a reason. He thinks you defeated him alone, The Dark Lord did not see me. Sooner or later the Dark Lord will slip up and Dumbledore will realize the truth," he knew he had to be blunt; the Slytherin in Harry would appreciate that. "Now he has no say in your life, and you are somewhere where I can keep you safe from his machinations.

Harry turned and stared at the Vampire Lord, blinking owlishly, well he had thought of why Voldemort had used him. His dad thought it was because he'd been the only one to survive an attack. He wanted to finish what he started, but with everything he'd learned today, he had actually realized there had been more to it. It made what Voldemort had said make a lot of sense in a way he hadn't been able to understand before. "Until today I hadn't,"

"Of course you hadn't," replied Severus remaining where he was, "No doubt it's come as a shock, surviving something nobody else has. I would have explained it to you, but as a Slytherin I knew you wouldn't believe it as the truth until you had seen it with your own eyes."

"Growing up with my Aunt and Uncle I learned not to judge people on their appearances. My Aunt was so bitter towards her neighbours, but if anything happened she'd be the first one there. Comforting them, and making sure they knew she was there for them. Then there was all the clients my Uncle brought to the house, for his work, he sells drills to big companies. He was always laughing at their jokes, for all appearances he really liked them. When they went away, my aunt and uncle would exclaim their disgust at everything they didn't approve of. Which was mostly everything; I've never seen them taking a genuine shine to anyone that walked through their door." Harry's lips curled, he wanted to slap his palm into his forehead, as if he could physically remove the Dursley's from his mind, to forget them.

Severus mentally snorted, it seemed as though Petunia hadn't changed unsurprisingly, although the change in subject did surprise him.

Moving from the door jamb, noticing Harry's green eyes watching him warily. Ignoring it for now, he sat himself down on the chair across from him. It was very difficult to keep his hands to himself, he wanted Harry badly. He was up for the challenge, but the day Harry submitted to him, would be his greatest wish come true. He was used to everything he wanted coming to him now, he'd had his share of lovers in the past thirteen years. He'd stopped when he found his mate, determined to have him and no other.

"I thought he was mental and harmless to begin with, then when my dad, Remus, wrote to me my first night at Hogwarts it began from there...I had forgotten the lessons my relatives taught me, for however brief a time." Harry continued, his muddled mind still explaining why he hated Dumbledore - as if the reason he had given wasn't enough.

"You found out he was the one that placed you with the Dursley's." Severus deduced, he was feeling extremely pleased that Dumbledore had broken his word, not that he had wanted Harry to be hurt, but he was pleased nonetheless since it meant he had been able to withdraw from the contract and honourably too. It would have galled him if he'd been forced to send his men to Dumbledore knowing what he did now.

Harry gave Snape another suspicious look; the man seemed to know everything, including the names of the people who'd raised him. He hadn't specified who they were, just calling them aunt and uncle for Snape's benefit. Did he know how they'd treated him? Had he actually gone to see them before accepting Dumbledore's offer? Although, he did have to admit it was a smart move to make, to find out everything you could about your mate, which just made the anger more palpable that he had drawn up a contract between Dumbledore instead of just meeting with him, telling him the truth and letting him decide his own fate.

"You know I knew your mother," said Severus dryly, "Unfortunately I also knew Petunia." his mate was more suspicious then he had been at that age, which seemed impossible.

Harry nodded grimly, that much he had deduced, he had come to his home and fired of the Killing curse at Voldemort after his mum had died. Harry had also seen the anguish on Severus' face when he realized what was happening; only a fool would think they were strangers or mere acquaintances. He felt no need to ask any questions, Remus had repeatedly told him everything he knew about his parents, and he had known both of them very well. He may have not grown up with them but at least he felt like he knew them.

"Continue," Severus urged, wishing for Harry to keep going he wanted the full picture.

"Why do you want to know?" Harry scowled, looking away; the last thing he wanted to do under a damn calming draught was talk about Dumbledore where he couldn't express his anger, frustration and rage. Plus, Severus seemed all too eager to hear everything, and given how possessive he was, it wouldn't surprise him if he was up to something.

"I want to understand your reaction better," said Severus honestly, so that's where the look had come from. It hadn't been anything to do with Dumbledore or the Dursley's. He was wondering at his motivation for asking, he withheld a smirk, well that was a Slytherin move. It was nice to see Harry's true nature starting to shine through again.

"He stole my money," said Harry bitterly, feeling satisfaction bubbling within him seeing Snape's reaction to his statement. Admittedly he didn't show much, but his eyes had widened in shock for a few seconds before returning to normal. It wasn't a laughing matter, but the fact he'd gotten a vampire to show emotion made him want to snigger. It was supposed to be notoriously difficult, to get a vampire to show any emotions. What they showed, was what they wanted the world to see. Which was mostly an emotionless mask; they weren't controlled by their body's reactions like humans were. Yes, he knew a lot about vampires, just like he knew everything there was to know about werewolves and other interesting people claimed 'Dark' by the Ministry.

"Excuse me?" asked Severus unable to believe his ears.

"My father… he set up accounts, one went to the Order, the second was to the Hogwarts scholarship fund and the third for St. Mungo's." said Harry, why was he telling Snape this? He didn't have much choice but to trust him, he was stuck here; if he made it easy then perhaps he would get to see his family again.

"They should have been stopped when he died," said Severus, the vaults should have been shut down until the will was read. Then after that nothing going out until Harry approved it when he was seventeen years old. It was the way Gringotts worked, everyone knew that, or at least should.

"My parents wills were never read," Harry said bitterly, "He kept taking the money, now he's going to get whatever's left. I thought that's why he'd got Black to sign over custody." his voice was hollow and filled with defeat. After never touching it, letting the goblins invest in small businesses that would be sure to be at least measurably profitable. It would all be taken from him and used to finance the bloody Order.

"Actually no, he won't." Severus corrected him, barely able to control his disgust. The anger at Dumbledore building yet again at what had done to his mate. No wonder Harry hated Dumbledore, he would have as well. In fact he did, more so than ever before, for the simple fact what he'd done had affected his mate. Stealing from an heir to the house of Potter, the last heir at that, an orphaned boy, was just way below the belt worse than all else he had done. "He has no control over any aspect of your life. We married in a handfast, that declares you legally an adult, and thus you became Lord Potter-Prince, nobody can touch your money anymore."

Harry felt bitterness crawling its way up his throat; what did it matter anyway? He was stuck here; Snape wasn't going to let him go home, he didn't know what would become of him. Would Snape even let him leave when he was seventeen? Or was he stuck here until he died? Oh how he wanted to see some familiar faces. His family, he desperately wanted his family. Despair was once again thrumming through him. He clutched at the book, it anchored him, stopped him falling into what felt like hopeless desolation.

Severus as he'd done since Harry had woken up, kept a close eye on the teenager. Harry didn't fully wear his heart on his sleeve, but he didn't know Occlumency, he wasn't reading his mind, but Harry's eyes revealed each and every emotion he felt. He doubted even with Occlumency it would make a difference, he didn't want it to change though so he didn't mind. He liked being able to read Harry, it would mean he would always know how his mate was feeling. It made being in control ten times easier, and that's something Severus strived to always be - in control. It stemmed from his childhood, being controlled by his parents, then Dumbledore even if it was just to stop him telling the world about Lupin. Then Voldemort, it wasn't until he'd become a vampire he'd had any semblance of control over his own life. Even now, he felt the need to control everything and everyone in his life. He couldn't control Harry the same way he did the others, it wasn't right, he wanted his mate to come to love being here, with him, not hate it.

Severus knelt beside Harry, lifting his chin, "Give it a chance Harry, I think you may learn to love it here. How about a deal? You stay for a year and allow me to court you, and at the end of the allotted time, if you don't want this life then you can walk away and dissolve the handfasting." failure wasn't an option; he would have to make sure Harry didn't want to leave. He could protect Harry, love him, cherish him, and give him all the things he could imagine and more. If that wasn't enough, well what could he do? No matter what he couldn't force the mating on Harry, it would kill him. His magic would fight the bond, the struggle would continue even when the pain became too much…inevitably he'd die. The thought of his mate rejecting him was rather painful to imagine.

"You'd do that? Let me leave?" Harry was too stunned to feel the elevation he thought he should be feeling right now. The shoe had been put on the other foot, and very quickly his Slytherin nature was coming out to play.

"As much as it would pain me to, yes, I always keep my word." said Severus wryly.

Harry cocked his head to the side, regarding Severus shrewdly, "Even about Dumbledore?"

Severus smirked, he'd had a few plans for Dumbledore, but now he knew what he'd done to Harry well, and his plans had levelled up a few notches. "Yes. Do we have a deal?" deals were much like vows or oaths, there was magic in words.

"On one condition," said Harry, stiffening his resolve.

"Which is?" asked Severus, he was now the one eyeing Harry shrewdly; it seemed as if his Slytherin nature in all its glory was coming out to play. It was rather refreshing, someone not just immediately doing what he wanted. The part that strived for control seemed to be on mute for now. Perhaps it was because he was actually impressed with his guile.

"You let me stay with Blaise or Remus four times a week," said Harry. He knew his first offer would be denied, it was just too long, which meant his second or third request would be granted.

"No, you stay here, where I can keep you safe." Severus dismissed it immediately, and it truly wasn't just to keep an eye on him, the war was going to get worse. He wanted Harry out of harms way, and if it so happened his mate would be with him every night then so be it.

"I thought this was supposed to be a negotiation?" Harry retorted bluntly.

"It is, I am declining." said Severus internally smirking, Harry was young, he'd learn. As it was, he was going to let his mate think he was getting his own way, let him think that he'd won…eventually. No need to make it too easy after all, unless Harry was counting on him being just as sly as he was.

"Alright I want to visit them three days a week," said Harry grudgingly.

"They come here, or not at all, twice a week." Severus conceded sighing in feigned exasperation.

"Five days," Harry tried his luck.

"Two," he wasn't going to budge on it.

"Three days?" Harry pressed.

"On the condition we share the same bed," smirked Severus, he couldn't pass it up, he wanted, no needed to be close to his mate. "Nothing will happen until you are ready; you have my word on that."

Harry swallowed thickly; he was beginning to realize that this was an actual marriage; Severus would want to consummate it. Well, they were mates, but he didn't want to be married, but if it offered him protection against Voldemort and Dumbledore he knew his dad would be urging him to take it. He'd wanted to marry someone out of love, to have someone like Maria's first husband; the bond she spoke of made him desire exactly that. "Fine." agreed Harry grudgingly, "By day we are talking about more than just one or two hour's right?"

Severus' smirk became more pronounced, "Twelve until five, non negotiable."

"Okay," said Harry smirking widely, which changed to a genuine smile. He couldn't care less about anything other than the fact that he was going to be able to see his family three days a week. Nothing could ruin his good mood right now, not even the fact he'd be sharing a bed with the vampire crouched down next to him.

It was almost worth it, thought Severus, upon seeing the triumphant smile upon his mates face, and the twinkle in his eyes. It was going to be so easy winning his affections, Severus knew it, and Harry was going to be very easy to please. He looked as though he'd won the lottery; it had been the right decision after all. He made a note to himself to allow Harry to feel like he'd won, just now and again of course. "Then I believe we have an accord." stated Severus holding his hand out.

Harry reluctantly shook it; the magic took hold binding them to their words.

Severus gently took hold of Harry's chin, making Harry look at him, "Just so you know, I don't intend to lose Harry." said Severus his eyes smouldering as he gazed into Harry's suddenly wide ones. "You will want to stay, I can guarantee you that." Harry's eyes fluttered slightly as Severus stroked his thumb up and down the side of his face. Severus' smirk reduced to a genuine smile. He knew there and then he'd won, not just with the deal but Harry too, even if he didn't realize it. Oh yes, Harry would be his, sooner rather than later. Severus couldn't stop the smugness he felt from enveloping him completely.

Unfortunately Harry's stomach growling something fierce broke the spell.

"You are hungry," stated Severus, considering it was nearly lunch time and he'd barely eaten breakfast it didn't surprise him. "Come let's have some lunch and get to know one another." Hoisting Harry out of the chair, letting him place the book aside.

"You can eat?" Harry frowned, remembering the two plates on the table, he hadn't seen Severus eat anything but it had been there.

"Indeed I can, I prefer my food to be on the raw side, its turned vampires that cannot eat." explained Severus, opening the door and allowing his mate to step out first. A small smirk gracing his lips at the fact Harry wasn't even the slightest bit perturbed by his preferences, but considering his 'dad' probably had a similar diet it was expected.

"I hadn't realized there was a difference between turned vampires and those who receive an inheritance." said Harry, as they walked along back to the room he'd been in before. Assuming that Severus was one of the vampires who changed after receiving a vampire inheritance, quite correctly so.

"There is, you can learn all about it, we have enough books here to sink the titanic." said Severus wryly.

Harry blinked "You know about a Muggle boat?" gaped the Muggle raised Potter in frank astonishment; he so rarely heard any Muggle phrases in the magical world.

"Of course, I am half-blood," said Severus. He wasn't ashamed of it like he used to be, why be ashamed of something that made him as strong and powerful as he was? The old blood was dying out, more squibs were being produced. His mother didn't have enough magic to gain her rightful inheritance. If there was one thing he was glad for, when it came to Tobias Snape - was the new blood that made him magically powerful and he believed it wholeheartedly.

Harry stopped in his tracks, laughing in complete hilarity. "The Half-Blood Prince." and now after all those years, he knew who it was. Pretty ironic, he'd been ever so curious about who it could be since his third year at Hogwarts. Go figure he'd find out, just never in the way he'd imagined.

Severus was eyeing him curiously, but Severus was a smart man, he figured it out on his own all too quickly. "You have come into possession of my book?"

Harry nodded his amusement shining through his unique green eyes; he'd gotten his book one day, so Slughorn had told him to get one from the cupboard. He had taken a copy of the sixth and seventh grade potions books too; the sixth one had been altered.

"I do hope you haven't used any of the spells," said Severus cautiously. If he had known that would be all it took for Harry to look at him…he'd have told him hours ago. Well he knew now, and the fact it was his mate gazing at him that way, well lets just say he was glad he'd left the book where he had. He wondered if he'd ever stop feeling incredibly smug. Opening the door to his rooms and closing it after they entered.

"Teddy and Blaise helped me learn Latin, I knew what they would do." said Harry solemnly. "I did want to use one on Dumbledore though."

"Let me guess 'Sectumsempra'?" he stated as he took a seat. The breakfast tray was already gone; Anne must have already collected them.

"Well it is for enemies," said Harry sitting himself down.

Severus decided not to tell him that he'd actually created it for his father. "Indeed," was all he said as the food appeared before them. Perhaps after Harry went to bed, he'd contact Lupin, there was some things he needed to know, and not from Harry. There was much he was unaware of that he desired answers in regards to, plus his mate wanted to see his 'dad' and thus he may as well make arrangements while he was at it.

Shacklebolt remained in St. Mungo's pacing back and forth; he'd used his job as Head of the Auror division to demand the results as soon as possible. With magic it took them only three to five hours to have all the results from Sirius Black's blood works. Now blood works were handled with the utmost care and overseen by three different Wizards. Once the results were done, they blood was destroyed, they didn't keep it. As most people knew, blood could be used for many evil purposes, and hence why it was never left lying around. Although most rites or rituals required fresh blood, it wasn't a chance magical people were comfortable with.

Sitting down he sighed in irritation, rolling his head from one shoulder to the next, getting rid of the kinks. He was exhausted, yet he knew he'd never be able to sleep, at least without a Dreamless Sleeping Potion. He'd given Harry to Dumbledore, he'd caused this, and not only that he'd hurt him. He felt extremely guilt about it; he should have questioned why Harry was running so desperately. Yet he hadn't, his trust in Dumbledore had been absolute, even if he had been questioning him. Now though his entire life had been turned on its axis, the rug pulled from under his feet. Now he was wondering at everything he'd done as an Order member.

Fifteen minutes later Kingsley got up, strolling through the doors that opened immediately. Finding the small café, that was open twenty four hours. As far as he knew Muggles didn't work that way, only opening it during the day which was extremely odd. What did the night shift Muggles do to eat? Did they starve their own people? It horrified him at the thought. The cafeteria was quiet, just a few people drinking cups of tea and eating crisps as they waited for news of their loved ones.

"Can I help you?" asked the witch quietly.

"Cup of coffee to take away please," said Shacklebolt, placing a small bar of Honeydukes chocolate on the counter, he'd not eaten in hours and he was starving. Kingsley was sure the witch on the other side of the counter could hear his stomach complaining. He counted it up mentally and passed over the correct amount without her even having to tell him, nodding quietly she placed it in her till. The large mug was placed in front of him, steaming and hot and Kingsley couldn't wait to drink it. It was freezing in the waiting area.

Absently making his way back, sitting back down on the same seat, darkly wondering what was taking them so long, he'd been here eight hours, probably nine by this. Placing the mug on the chair next to him, he ate his chocolate bar waiting for the brew to cool down a little. He preferred his black so he always had to wait; milk just weakened it in his opinion. Placing the used wrapper in his pocket he picked up his coffee and mused some more. He was tempted to demand what was taking so long, but drawing them away from their work would hinder the process on a whole.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt?" called a voice, startling the man, causing him to burn his lip taking a drink of his coffee. Cursing he got up and made his way over.

"Yes?" he said identifying himself.

"If you would follow me." said Professor Helbert Spleen. He was well known he wrote pieces in the Daily Prophet, regarding St. Mungo's.

"Take a seat," said Helbert after passing dozens of offices and doors until he reached his own one. He took his own seat, staring at Shacklebolt grimly, which made the Auror get Goosebumps all over his arms. Shacklebolt sat down back straight and professional despite not wearing his Auror robes at the moment.

"I understand you were concerned?" asked Helbert digging for information.

"Yes," replied Kingsley bluntly, giving nothing away.

"You had every right to be," said the professor the folder open staring at the results. "What did you suspect?"

"He's not been himself, I suspect he may be under some form of control we've yet to see." said Shacklebolt giving just a little bit more information.

The professor nodded again, "You were correct, we almost missed it ourselves," admitted Helbert.

"I figured as much," said Kingsley, unsurprised, he never questioned his instincts.

"Has there been anyone Sirius Black was close to? At all if you know him personally?" asked Helbert.

"Why?" enquired Kingsley.

"Someone performed the anima ligaveris spell on him when he was eleven after he found his soul mate." said Helbert grimly.

Kingsley's eyes widened in shocked horror, to perform that spell was the height of evilness. It essentially boxed in the part of magic that helped identify one's soul mate. To do it afterwards…when the bond had been at the beginning stages, Black will have felt a gaping hole of emptiness that followed him around even into adulthood. "Can you tell who did it?" choked the still disgusted man.

"We tried our best but the magical signature has completely degraded, it's been decades since it was done so it shouldn't come as a total shock." said Helbert. "He may be able to tell us, his memory has also been modified around the same time the spell was performed. We are assuming his mind was wiped of anything he knew regarding the budding soul bond." which at the age of eleven wouldn't have been advanced.

"His mate must be a creature, a magical creature otherwise the bond couldn't possibly have started before the age of sixteen or seventeen year's old." said Shacklebolt swallowing thickly, he had a good idea now who it was. The bond would have helped Remus, given him more control over his wolf, his senses, and in turn given that to Sirius over the bond. It was ironic that they had dated despite the bond being suppressed.

"Indeed," said Helbert nodding in agreement.

"Is the normal potion to flush out anything in the system enough to get rid of it?" asked Kingsley.

"It should be he will need more than one, in my estimation he needs at least three for it to be completely flushed from his system." said Helbert mentally calculating the odds. "It will be very harsh on his body, he will need a few rejuvenating potions, possibly a few nights sleep afterwards. Since we do not know what he's been made do, his mind may also shut down to protect his sanity…he may need a healers care."

"He's strong, hopefully he might be able to handle it." said Shacklebolt stubbornly, "If it comes to it then I will bring him here you have my word." at least he hoped Black was, he might not be, considering he'd ignored his godson his entire life.

"Very well," conceded the professor, evidently not going to fight the Auror on this.

"Can you tell me how long he's had the potion in his system?" asked Kingsley.

"Since 1980," said Helbert.

Kingsley closed his eyes, that year was ingrained in everyone's mind. It's the year peace once again reigned over the magical world. Everyone finally feeling safe after Voldemort's defeat, at the expense of Harry Potter's of course. Then the horror as they let their guard down when the Longbottom's were cursed into insanity. That year would never be forgotten, he knew who had been controlling Sirius without a doubt now.

"Thank you," said Shacklebolt.

"Here is a copy," said Helbert handing over a second folder the Auror hadn't seen.

"I'll set up an appointment for him to come in," said Helbert, "A week should give him a chance to recover. No doubt he will want the spells removed." writing down an appointment in his book, and then on a card for the Auror to give to Black as a reminder.

"Probably," said Shacklebolt, he knew he would. Soul bonds were rare in the magical world, only a few ever truly found them; it was a very sacred thing. It had been around four generations since there was one known about; it had been celebrated as it always should be.

"Wait a moment," said Helbert disappearing through a door. "These are the potions Mr. Black needs to take."

"Thank you," said Shacklebolt; it would make things go faster having them. He also accepted the card, his mind and body exhausted he nodded before leaving the room a quiet goodbye leaving his lips.

Not up to going back to his flat alone, he Apparated back to Tonks' flat, sitting down with an exhausted sigh on the couch.

"Shack?! Shack!" yelled Tonks.

Kingsley jumped his eyes opening in a flash, the room was flooded in light - he couldn't even remember falling asleep.

"What did you find out?" asked Tonks staring at the folder.

"Its bad." said Shacklebolt, handing over the folder; he really didn't want to explain everything that happened.

Tonks took it as the food continued to cook, sitting down on the kitchen seat she began flipping through the pages, her eyes getting impossibly large and her hair changing to a deep red colour. She was no healer, but as an Auror they knew basic scanning spells and the results of it. Her jaw was hanging open by the time she got to the bottom of all the results. Sirius had been controlled for years!

"I have the potions here to purge it." said Shacklebolt still tired. He wasn't sure what time he'd Apparated back here, but it had been late.

"The quicker we do it, the better." she said grimly.

Shacklebolt just nodded in agreement.

"Go do it, I'll finish breakfast," said Tonks making her way into her small kitchen, it was open plan but simple enough for her.

"Alright," grumbled the Auror plucking one of the potions from where he'd left them at the side of the couch, something he didn't even remember doing. Everything was blank after he Apparated in, not surprising really he had been pretty out of it, exhausted to the max. He made his way to Tonks' spare room to find Sirius groggily coming around.

"How are you feeling?" asked Kingsley staring down at the Auror. Wishing he had noticed something sooner, that someone had at least. It couldn't be helped really, the normal scans had detected nothing, and there was no reason to believe otherwise. He wouldn't have if it wasn't for the plea for help coming from somewhere deep inside of Black. He removed the bonds on his upper body, keeping the lower still strapped to the bed.

"Confused, what happened?" asked Sirius sticking his tongue out, he was drier than a bone.

"Drink this," said Kingsley deciding not to tell him, he might put up a fight, or the potion in him might make him anyway.

Sirius' blue eyes flashed in panic very briefly before he accepted the potion without protesting. "ARGH!" groaned Sirius, clutching at his stomach as agony speared through him. The flash of panic turned into real fear as sweat began to course through him.

"What happened?" asked Tonks coming in wand at the ready panicking.

"Its fine, the first of the potions has been administered." said Kingsley placing his hand up soothing the worried witch.

"Is it supposed to do that?" asked Tonks looking at Sirius in cautiousness.

"It must do, it's the first time I've seen its affects." said Kingsley.

"Me too," said Tonks, casting a cleaning charm on him, "I'll need to stay here and watch him, we can't leave him alone…can we even give him any other potions?"

"I'll Floo over and find out," said Kingsley alarmed at the fever Sirius was burning up.

"The Floo Powder is in the box next to the kitchen sink." said Tonks as Shacklebolt left the room.

"Okay." came from the hall as Shacklebolt Floo'ed Helbert.

"Ah, Kingsley Shacklebolt correct?" asked Helbert, staring into the flames.

"Yes, I need to ask a few questions if you have a minute?" asked the Auror.

"Of course, go ahead, my next appointment isn't for twenty minutes." said the professor happy enough to help.

"Can any other potion be administered with the purging potion? And how often can we give him the purging potion" asked Kingsley patiently.

"Nothing can, it would just be purged the second it was administered. The Potion can be administered every six hours." said Helbert immediately. "Is he gaining a temperature?" he added knowingly.

"Yes," said Kingsley immediately, nodding even through the flames.

"It's perfectly normal, just cast cooling charms and put an ice pack on his forehead. If it gets worse a cold bath might be necessarily. The fever should only last two hours, after that he should be fine, if it doesn't you best call back and I'll come and see him." said Helbert.

"Okay, thanks." said Shacklebolt withdrawing from the fireplace. He made his way back to Tonks' she was already doing what the healer had suggested.

"What did they say?" asked Tonks as soon as he stepped foot in the room.

"No potions, just cooling charms, ice pack and if it gets worse a cold bath." said Shacklebolt giving her the run down in just one sentence. Never let it be said Shacklebolt was one for beating around the bush, at least not with cases like this.

Tonks nodded absently, as she applied a wet rag to his head as he shivered. He seemed incoherent, just blabbing nonsensically, an occasional word she understood leaving Sirius' lips like 'no' and 'cold' sometimes something sounding like 'Harry' would emerge. It shouldn't surprise them; after all he'd fought the potion, which meant he was starting to fight back.

Shacklebolt sighed as he sat down on the edge of the bed, avoiding Sirius' legs as he did so. "You're going to be late,"

"I sent a message Patronus in to let them knew a few minutes ago." said Tonks, "I'm not going in today."

"We need rest, we will have to take turns," Shacklebolt suggested, exhaustion written across his face.

"Alright," said Tonks, "Go get a few more hours, I'll wake you up when its your turn." she had slept while he was at St. Mungo's it was only fair that he got to rest for a bit.

"Good," said Shacklebolt, sniffing the air, "I think the food is burning." he commented.

Tonks cursed and jumped out the bedroom and into the kitchen, a record for her since she didn't once trip up over anything. That might be because there was nothing to trip over though. If there was anywhere Tonks knew best, it would be her home after all wouldn't it?

Half an hour later the Auror's were sitting finishing their breakfast still in the spare room. Tonks had made sure Sirius drank a lot of fluids to help him. He'd need a lot with the fever he was burning up, but since they'd re-applied the cooling charms Sirius had settled down again.

"When can we give him the next dose?" asked Tonks as she banished the dishes to the sink.

"Five hours now, Helbert said it could be administered every six hours." said Shacklebolt.

"Thank Merlin that means it will be over in less than twenty-four hours!" said Tonks relieved beyond belief.

Shacklebolt nodded thoughtfully, that hadn't even dawned on him, and it was good news.

Leaning back closing his eyes he spoke again, "Did you see the soul binding spell?" asked Shacklebolt.

"Yes," said Tonks bleakly.

"I'd bet my wages it's Lupin," said Shacklebolt wryly.

Tonks wasn't as surprised as she should have been, nothing would come of their night together she knew that.

"Should we let him know?" wondered Shacklebolt aloud.

"Maybe we should let Sirius be the one to explain." said Tonks, "When he's ready, it's not going to be easy for them." She added sympathetically.

"You're right," said Shacklebolt nodding in agreement, it definitely wasn't going to be easy, Sirius would need to accept what had been done to him first before anything else.

He'd had so much taken from him.

Edited 2/6/17