Alas I do not own the characters or places, they belong to JK Rowling. I rather enjoy playing with her world and changing things here and there especially where my Severus is concerned.
I want to thank all those who read and enjoy. Thanks to all those who have put me on story alert. It means you like my story enough to want to read more. I have enjoyed the comments from those who have reviewed and I'm trying to post in a timely manner.
Chapter 11: Gringotts Goblins 8/1
Taffy came and got Severus at 6:30 AM. Because Harry needed to go to the loo. When he was done in the bathroom Severus left Harry telling Taffy all about the party while he went back to his room to shower and dress. Harry was sitting up on the side of the bed when Severus returned. "Look Papa, I got sat up and turned around all by myself. Can we eat now I'm really hungry? Wasn't that the best birthday party ever."
Severus started to chuckle and Harry looked at him funny "Well, to answer your questions. Wow it is great, I can tell your stomach is rumbling and yes it was a very nice party." Harry gave Severus 'the look' and Severus laughed. Severus ordered their breakfast then got Harry settled into his seat at the table when Tibby came in to announce that Professor Flitwick was there. "I will be right back Harry, you may start without me if breakfast is served." Severus went down and gave the chair to Filius to take with him.
Breakfast was served and while they ate Harry chatted on about his party and all the gifts he had received. Severus just sat there listening and nodding occasionally. After breakfast they did Harry's leg exercises, then he had his bath and got ready for the day. Severus carried Harry downstairs to the conservatory. When they were there Severus charmed a small table so there was an indent in the middle of one side for Harry's chair. Harry could now reach the whole table top and he started building a castle with his blocks. Severus sat in his overstuffed chair reading through the papers from Gringott's. The more Severus read the more upset he became. About 10:30 AM Tibby announced Filius coming back from the Ministry.
"Well Filius, what did they think of your invention?" Severus asked his excited fellow professor.
"You wouldn't believe it Severus, the wizard in charge of registering new discoveries and inventions was so impressed he called several other witches and wizards in to look at it." Filius was bouncing with excitement. "I will receive a payment from anyone who wants to use my invention. I put your name on my registration as a co-inventor. You will receive 25% of whatever I get." Filius continued on. Severus looked at Filius as if he was going to refuse. "Now, Severus, I won't hear a word of you refusing to accept the money. If it weren't for your need of a chair for Harry to get around I never would have thought of it. If you don't want to keep the money, donate it, give it away, I don't care but you're getting a share."
Severus looked at Filius "Alright my friend I will accept the money and think of a worthy cause to donate whatever money it makes. Now would you like to join Harry and I for morning tea." Filius followed Severus to the conservatory. "Harry, Professor Flitwick has accepted my invitation to morning tea. It seems he made out really well at the Ministry this morning with your chair."
"Really sir, that's cool." Filius told Harry about his morning at the ministry. " I really appreciate the chair maybe now I can get up and go in to the bathroom in the morning and not bother Papa." Harry said more to himself then to anyone else. At least that's what he thought.
Severus took a step closer and put a hand on Harry's arm. Harry looked up "You will NOT be doing that until you are much stronger, young man. Do you understand." Harry nodded "Now let's move your wizards so you can have your snack." Severus magic'd Harry's things off the table. " Now let us see what they have sent you." Severus lifted the top off the plate of cheese, crackers, and fruit slices and a milkshake to drink. "looks good. As much as you can Harry, alright."
" Alright Papa." Harry started eating. "Papa, I like this table. It makes it easy for me to reach and I have lots of space. Can we keep it this way? Maybe my floaty chair will fit in here." Severus agreed to leave the table like it was.
Severus and Filius had morning tea and discussed an idea for a table / desk for Harry's floating chair. They went with the same design as the table Severus transfigured. It fastened over one arm of the chair. When Harry wanted to use it as a desk he would say enlarge one. If he wanted a bigger table he would say enlarge two. Legs would come out of all four corners and set on the floor for stability. Between the two of them they had the table figured out, transfigured and charmed within a half hour. Filius wrote everything they did, and what spells were used. He then credited Severus and signed his name and sent it to the Ministry to register it. Harry loved the addition of the table to his chair. Filius left about 11:30 AM. He wanted to get back to Hogwarts to tell his fellow teachers about his good fortune. Severus and Harry stayed in the conservatory until after lunch then they went to Harry's room. Severus helped Harry to the bathroom then they practiced using the walker to get in and out of bed, off and on the chaise, and in and out of his floating chair. Harry realized he still needed a lot of help but he was able to stand for longer than he had been able to before. Severus was just settling Harry down for a rest when Tibby announced a visitor. Severus looked at Harry "Remember I told you I would be gone this afternoon?" Harry nodded. "Well Poppy has agreed to stay with you. She will be downstairs until you wake from your rest. When you wake one of the elves will get her. Tibby has helped with getting you in and out of the chair so she can help Poppy. Remember Poppy is a medi-witch and she can help you with anything you need including the bathroom." Harry blushed. "I realize it can be embarrassing, I have been there, but please let her help." Harry nodded. Severus gave him a hug and kiss on the forehead then went downstairs. He filled Poppy in on what was going on and left to meet Lucius at Gringotts.
Lucius was waiting when Severus got there. They were immediately shown into Ringold's office. Griphook was there along with an older goblin which neither man knew. "Ringold, may your fortunes increase." Severus greeted the keeper of his accounts who greeted him back. "I have had the privilege of meeting goblin Griphook in regards to my son's accounts. May I be so bold as to inquire whom the elder goblin is?" Ringold introduced him as the Chief Goblin of Family Vaults. Lucius and Severus both greeted him as afforded his status.
"Lord Prince, when going through your son's accounts we have found several interesting things. We have discovered other inheritances that go to young Lord Potter-Snape." Severus looked at Lucius then back at Ringold and nodded for him to continue. "It appears that our young Lord Potter is the heir to Godric Gryffindor as well as the families of Bertie Bathford, Edward Dodge and three other minor wizard families." Ringold continued. "So far Lord Potter – Snape has 14 residences, 39 vaults and that is only the beginning. We have several goblins going through everything. We have also found several contracts that need to be completed that Lord James Potter started before his demise."
"Lucius, I can not believe all that I have heard. It just seems so much." Severus said shaking his head. " Ringold, Griphook please continue to look into my sons inheritances. I also require that Lord Malfoy be added as a financial adviser only, to my accounts and My son's accounts. All decisions are to be finalized by me until Harry is of age." Severus gathered up the papers then he and Lucius bid the goblins good-day. They planned on another meeting for next week.
"Lord Prince, Lord Malfoy it has been a pleasure doing business. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you. It would be beneficial to bring Lord Potter–Snape to our next meeting." Ringold said as he bid goodbye. Severus and Lucius floo'd to Malfoy Manor. Severus fire-called his home to check on Harry and let them know where he was. The men then went into Lucius' study where he made copies of the papers they got today.
"Bloody hell Severus your son is richer than the whole bloody wizarding world. No wonder Dumbledore wanted to get his hands on his guardianship. The Potter vaults are rich enough but add the Gryffindor estate not to mention the smaller estates." Severus just sat there, unable to believe what was going on, just shaking his head. "Not only that there are the seats in the Ministry and the Wizengamot. Harry Potter–Snape is one of the most powerful people in the wizarding world and he is only 12 years old, and you are his father Severus. Be prepared for everyone to try to get close to you and Harry once this gets out." Severus placed his head in his hands and groaned.
"What in Merlin's name have I gotten myself into. All I wanted was to keep my vow to Lily and protect her son. Now look I have Godric Gryffindor's own heir as my son. He has more money then you do Lucius and you have too bloody much money." Lucius laughed and made a remark about never having too much money. "I'm going to have to hire people to take care of everything. Most of it will be kept with the goblins of course. Checking out all the residences might be a fun way to spend vacations." Severus stood and shook hands with Lucius thanking him for his help. "We will see you next week for our meeting. I'll owl you with the time." With that Severus went home.
Severus got home and found his household in a slight case of bedlam. He had 2 squealing house elves and a laughing boy in a floating chair 10 feet off the floor . He had one very flustered medi – witch trying to get things back under control. Severus walked into the room, putting on his teacher voice "Harry James Potter–Snape just what do you think you are doing up there in your chair. You get down here right this instant." Harry gulped audibly and lowered his chair immediately until it was sitting on the floor. "Stay right there do not move." Severus said to Harry and the elves. Walking Poppy to the floo Severus said "Poppy thank you for staying with Harry. We'll see you Monday with Healer Jones won't we?" Poppy answered Severus then filled him in on the days events including what started the one he walked in on then she left. Severus walked back to where Harry and the 2 elves sat looking down at their hands. "Taffy, Lolly we will discuss your actions later with Munch. Please leave now while I have a discussion with my son." The 2 elves popped away leaving Harry alone with Severus. "Now Mr. Potter–Snape would you care to explain to me why you were 10 feet in the air in a chair that was designed to go 2 to 4 feet off the floor with 2 of my house elves on your lap. And why when Madame Pomfrey was telling you to come down you blatantly disobeyed her. You could have been seriously injured or even killed."
Tears started flowing down Harry's cheeks. "I...m sor...ry Pa...pa, I wa...s ju...st pla...ying. I ... um ... ju...st g...ot hi...gh an...d it fe...lt li...ke fly...ing." (I'm sorry Papa, I was just playing. I just got high and it felt like flying)Harry stuttered as he cried. Those tears made Severus want to say forget it everything was alright but he knew Harry needed to know that when he did wrong there would be consequences. Fair ones that is.
Severus knelt next to Harry and put his hand on Harry's arm. Tilting Harry's head up until he was looking Severus in the eyes "I did not go through all I did to make you well to watch you injure yourself with your chair. The reason you have your chair is to help make you more independent. Now up to your room. We will discuss your punishment there." Severus followed Harry as he slowly made his way up to his room.
Once in his room Harry stopped his chair just inside the door. In a voice so soft it was almost a whisper Harry asked "Papa, am I gonna get a beating?"
Severus sat on the chair and signaled Harry over to him. "No, Harry, you will not get a beating. I do not believe in beating a child. There may be an occasion where you will get a spanking and that will be with my hand on your bare bum. There is only one reason for that and it is if you purposefully put yourself or someone else in danger or cause harm to someone who is undeserving. Is that understood?" Harry looked at Severus with wide eyes and nodded. "Now about your punishment for the misuse of your chair. You will write me an essay on the dangers of what you did and the proper use of your chair and you will write Madame Pomfrey a letter of apology. There will be no use of your chair until Monday, no deserts including milkshakes and smoothies and you will not be seeing Lolly and Taffy at all tomorrow. Do you understand?" Harry looked at Severus with tears of shame in his eyes. "Now we will go into the bathroom and get freshened up and I will have Tibby bring your dinner up here."
Harry was very quiet through the whole meal. After dinner they did Harry's exercises and got ready for bed. Once Harry was tucked in and Severus started to leave a very small voice came from the bed. "Papa, do you still want to be my 'dopted father?" The tear-filled eyes and trembling lower lip were more then Severus could handle.
Severus sat on the bed and pulled Harry up onto his lap. "Harry, I will always want to be your adopted father. Just because you were a naughty little boy does not mean that I do not still love you." Harry looked into Severus' eyes "besides you already know that I used to be naughty sometimes and no one got rid of me." Harry grabbed hold of Severus' robes and let his tears flow.
A shaky voice emerged from Severus' robes "I love you,Papa. I'll try to remember to be a good boy but sometimes it's hard to remember. Papa, please don't be too mad with Taffy and Lolly they were just playing with me." Severus held Harry until the grip on his robes lessened and Harry was asleep. Tucking him in Severus left him with Tibby while he went downstairs.
Downstairs he met up with Munch, Taffy and Lolly. The two young elves were restricted to the kitchens until Sunday morning. They could have no interaction with Harry until then either. Severus decided he would take a relaxing bath and go to bed early and several hours later he was glad he did.
"Master Severus, young master be having a yelling dream." Tibby informed him.
Grabbing his robe and slippers and a few potions Severus heading into Harry's room. Severus walked in on Harry in the midst of a full blown night terror. Placing the potions on the side table. Severus knew he would have to get Harry calmed down some before he could even give him a calming draught. Taking off is robe and kicking off his slippers Severus climbed up on the bed with Harry. Pulling Harry on his lap and rubbing his back Severus held Harry close repeating calm words until Harry calmed enough for Severus to give him the potion. Soon Harry and Severus were both asleep and Tibby just covered them up letting them sleep.