Chapter 12

(Gringotts Bank)

Xander and Jenny walked into the bank calmly, but alert for any signs of trouble. They did not want to be caught off guard by any Death Eaters or any of Dumbledore's people either.

Looking around Xander quickly located Griphook and headed for the goblin, which had showed them to the will reading. After a quick conversation they arranged for a meeting with Racnik the goblin who had overseen the Black will.

Left in one of the meeting rooms for a few minutes, they remained silent and both were going over plans and ideas for how to approach the hearing. They were hoping Racnik might have some ideas on how to deal with this particular problem. Racnik soon arrived and he was carrying three folders in one hand, which he placed on the table, as he sat down. He gave them a short bow, which they returned and waited for him to begin.

"My lord and lady Black, what aide can I be today?" the goblin inquired, as he looked first at one and then the other.

"We received a summons to a hearing before the Wizengamot on the Black inheritance brought by Narcissa Malfoy," Jenny answered. "Something you assured could not be done, as it was all cleared by Sirius," she added, with a little annoyance creeping into her voice. "Although we suspect bribery was involved in this and we do not hold Gringotts at fault," she went on.

Racnik was a little surprised to see the witch absolve Gringotts of any fault. She also showed a sharp mind in guessing how this hearing had been brought against them. It showed the goblins had been right in aiding Sirius Black and through him Harry Potter. He leaned back and thought over the options he could give them.

"This is the summons we received, Racnik," Xander put in and handed over the letter. "What we need is advice on how to approach this hearing," he added.

"This will be the first time we appear in front of the governing body as Lord and Lady Black," Jenny explained. "So we need some advice on how to appear and act on certain points," she continued.

Racnik nodded his head in understanding as he read over the letter, which also gave details on why the hearing was supposedly been brought to bear against his clients, he noted each point down.

"One of the primary points they wish to use against you, is that Mr. Harris is not a wizard and so is not entitled to become Lord Black," Racnik finally spoke up. "This does present a problem, as the people who make up the Wizengamot will not like this, most of them are old families and pure bloods," he advised.

"Actually Racnik we recently discovered that I am a wizard," Xander cut in with a smile. "I have recently begun training in how to use my wand," he added.

"This is good news Lord Black," Racnik replied with his own smile, which resembled that of a shark. "That should bring things to a halt nicely and stop the entire body being against you, however it does not stop them from trying to attack you in being unfit to become the holders of the Black seat, as well as the fact that Mrs. Harris is not blood related to Sirius and that just being adopted by him as his sister, is not enough to ensure the transfer of the inheritance," he advised thoughtfully. "You will need good answers to these points and I suggest you think carefully before answering," he added.

"Is there anything you could think of, to help counter these points?" Jenny inquired.

Racnik smiled, nodded at them and then pulled a sheet of paper out of one of his folders and began to write down things he knew could aid his clients during the hearing. He also placed some warnings down for things to watch out for during the hearing.

"Hearings can be tricky things, but rely mostly of being able to convince the Wizengamot that you are in the right. You must stay strong and be quick to respond to any attacks," Racnik finally spoke up again, once he had finished and handed the piece of paper to Jenny.

"Is it possible that our guardianship of Harry might be brought up as well?" Xander asked, as Jenny read what Racnik had written.

"It is possible and most likely will be," Racnik responded, after considering it for a few moments. "Dumbledore was not happy with your appointment as guardians and tried to prevent it. The ministry was also hoping to gain custody of Lord Potter for their own personal reasons," he informed them. "I however took precautions should this be brought up," he went on, his grin becoming much shaper as he handed over documents from the folders he had brought with him. "These documents backdate your guardianship of Lord Potter, as well as Sirius Black's adoption of Jenny Harris as his sister," he explained.

"This should help us a lot," Jenny said with a smile of her own. "I thank you for your aid Racnik," she added.

"If you need more assistance please do not hesitate to ask and do remember to inform Lord Potter that we must meet soon, to go over his own inheritance and his parents will," Racnik replied with one last nod, before he stood up and left as soon as he collected the folders.

"What now?" Xander asked his wife.

"Back to the house and we have a quick conversation with Harry before the hearing," Jenny answered, as she gathered up the documents and stood up. "We are going to have to be very careful on how we react during the hearing," she went on as she left the building, followed by Xander only to come to a complete stop as Severus Snape appeared.

Both Xander and Jenny reached into their pockets for their wands, having been informed by Harry how much he believed this man served Voldemort and Dumbledore and how he was a great threat to them all. They paused, as he raised his hands and tried to show he meant them no harm, they were hesitant to take him at his word.

"I need to speak to you and Potter as quickly as possible," Severus said, understanding exactly where their caution came from, but knowing they did not have a lot of time. "It is vital that we speak," he repeated, trying to ensure they understood this point. "I mean no harm to Potter or his friends, infact from this point on we are on the same side," he added, although they noted that he looked slightly unsure as he said this, but they detected no falsehood. "There are things he needs to know and understand," he finished.

"Why should we trust you? According to Harry you have not exactly been his friend or ally," Xander demanded to know, but kept his voice low so that they were not over heard.

"Because I give you a magical promise, I swear on my magic, that I mean no harm to Harry Potter, his friends or his allies," Severus replied, still feeling slightly unsure, but knowing he could not turn back now.

Xander and Jenny watched as Snape was briefly illuminated by the magical vow he had just made, whilst Xander kept his wand out, Jenny put hers away as she knew how binding the vow was. Clearly whatever Snape wanted to tell Harry was indeed very important. She glanced at Xander who finally put his wand away as well and nodded at her.

"Ok follow us back to headquarters," Jenny said. "If the Weasley's ask you why you are there say you are there on the headmaster's orders, that should keep them from suspecting anything," she added, before she turned around and walked off, followed by Snape at Xander's insistence, with him bringing up the rear and keeping an eye out.

(Hogwarts)

Daphne smiled as Astoria was finally declared fit and recovered from the attack, though that did nothing to dent the hatred and thirst for revenge she had against Bellatrix Lestrange.

She watched as Madam Pomfrey gave her sister some potions to take if she needed them and suddenly she felt a sudden chill up her spine, she turned around to see Headmaster Dumbledore walk in, followed by Professor McGonagall and former Professor Moody.

She didn't like the looks of this and refused to meet the old man's eyes or that of the retired Auror, she instead focused on McGonagall who seemed to be her usual self and she doubted the elderly woman would try to invade her mind, unlike the other two.

"Well Poppy, how are they?" Dumbledore asked, slightly annoyed that both Greengrass sisters were avoiding to look at him or Alistor, but he was not really surprised as he had to remember most students refused to meet his eyes, whilst school was in session, especially the Slytherins. This did not mean they were part of some plot by Voldemort, but it did put him even more on his guard.

"They are both recovered enough to be released Headmaster, although they should be monitored for any after effects or returning symptoms," Pomfrey responded. "I have also given the younger Miss Greengrass some potions to take, should she need them," she added.

"Excellent," Dumbledore said with a small nod- "Now Miss Greengrass you and your sister will be taken to a safe house until we can determine if you are still in danger from Voldemort and his Death Eaters," he explained, playing up the role of kindly old man he had perfected over the years.

"Thank you headmaster," Daphne responded and looked briefly in his direction, but didn't meet his gaze. "Has there been any word on our parents?" she asked, taking careful note of the sudden look of worry on McGonagall's face, whilst Dumbledore and Moody just exchanged tense looks.

"I'm fear Miss Greengrass, that your parents have disappeared and there is evidence they were also attacked," McGonagall finally told them both. "Whilst the ministry has yet to make a direct statement, we believe Death Eaters to be responsible, but we do not yet know if they are just prisoners or dead," she continued.

Daphne only felt a brief stab of pain at this piece of news, but she heard the sharp intake of breath from Astoria, which made her turn around to find that her sister had taken the news badly. She quickly took her into a comforting hug and did what she could to keep her calm.

She had known this might happen when her parents refused to come to Voldemort at his summons, but she had not told Astoria and that meant it hurt her sister more than it did her to hear that they may be dead.

Dumbledore watched the two sisters and took in how upset they were at this news, the younger sister seemed quite upset, however the elder sister was far more controlled and yet he could still see she was distressed somewhat by the news.

This made it harder for him to determine just what their purpose here was and if the attack on them was real. He was still partially convinced that their parents may be Death Eaters and had faked the apparent attack on their home. It all seemed a little convenient to him, but for now he had an idea on how to use the sisters to his own advantage and ensure they did not get close to Harry.

"I am truly sorry that you must bear this uncertain news, but we most move," he finally spoke up. "Professor McGonagall and Mr. Moody will take you to the safe house," he continued. "I will inform you personally, if any more news on your parents' fate comes in," he finished before turning around and finally leaving the room, still having to get ready for the hearing.

(12 Grimmauld Place)

Faith watched as Tara poured them something to drink before they got down to talking. She was slightly nervous, the other girl may be unsure about her, if Willow and Buffy had told her their view of her actions, but so far she could see no fear or anger from the witch which pleased her.

Finally Tara sat down and placed the two cups on the table and settled down in her seat and took a quick gulp from her own cup. She settled back as well and hoped this went well.

"So Faith, what did you want to discuss?" Tara finally asked, because she wanted to help put the dark haired slayer at ease, as she could see the other girl was slightly nervous.

"I need help to do my job Tara," Faith answered. "I can protect Harry against almost anything, but magic is not something I can do and so I need someone who can counter those kind of attacks to help me," she explained her problem. "I need you," she stated.

Tara locked eyes with the dark haired slayer and noted that Faith was brutishly honest and that admitting she could not do something was not something she was used to doing. She could also see Faith's point. A slayer could not see, detect or counter magic directly. She could also tell that Faith needed a friend which she could count on. Alex would be busy and would not always be able to help Faith. Jenny was still wary of Faith and would not be a good match to aid her, so in the end she was the perfect choice.

She had no problem with the dark haired slayer, no matter what she had heard from the group concerning her actions in the past, granted depending on who you talked to, the story changed to suit their perspective of what happened.

"Ok Faith, I will help you," she agreed finally with a small smile, which was returned by Faith. "We can discuss things later on, once we know how the hearing has gone," she went on, while taking a deep gulp of her tea.

Their talk was interrupted by the arrival of Xander, Jenny and strangely enough Severus Snape. Luckily enough the only Weasley's in the house at the moment were Ron and Ginny, who were still asleep so they did not have to explain the potion masters presence. Faith and Tara followed them to the library, where Harry and Hermione sat studying. Harry's eyes immediately went cold and he pulled his wand, aiming it right at Snape's heart. Hermione was only a second slower, but followed Harry's move aiming a little lower. Snape was not surprised by the hostile movement from the two before him, considering how he had treated them over the years. However he hoped they would at least be willing to listen.

"What is he doing here?" Harry demanded to know, as Tara sealed the room and then put down anti listening charms.

"He is here to explain a few things, things he says are important," Jenny answered, not even bothering to try and calm the two teens down. "He gave a magical vow that he means no harm to you, your friends and allies Harry, which is why we brought him," she explained. "It would seem that he has made a choice on where he stands in this all of this," she finished.

Harry weighed Jenny's words before glaring at the man, who had made his time at Hogwarts as difficult as possible. Slowly he lowered his wand, wanting nothing more than to curse the man before him, but considering he had given a magical vow to not harm him or his friends he was willing to listen. Hermione was a little surprised by this, but quickly followed her friend's move and sat back down. She was wondering just what Snape had to say.

"So talk?" Harry said.

"I have decided that I need to help you, if I want to survive this war Potter, and neither Dumbledore nor Voldemort can be trusted not to destroy this world should they win," Severus began, "No matter what you might think of me Potter, I do not want to see the world destroyed.

My errors as a teen cost me far more than you will ever know, but I have done what I can to make up for them. Sadly I chose the wrong person to aid me in this," he continued. "Voldemort is aware of your new guardians, thanks to Narcissa Malfoy and he has ordered me to poison them and remove them from your presence, hurting you and leaving you once more in the old man's control, which would most likely see you back at the Dursley's somehow," he informed them.

Harry's eyes grew even colder, as he listened to Snape, not at all surprised to learn what the Dark Lord wanted him to do or that Malfoy's mother had informed Voldemort about his new guardians.

"Dumbledore is hoping to use the hearing today to regain control of you from the Harris', by trying to declare Sirius's will invalid, as he was still a criminal at the time of his death," Severus continued. "When I reported the Dark Lord's orders to him, he acted exactly as I thought he would. He told me to do what I had to, he does not care for the Harris' and would not care if they died," he continued.

"And your intentions?" Harry asked, interrupting him. He was angered, but not surprised by what Snape had just told him, as he now knew thanks to Sirius that Dumbledore was no friend to him.

"I have no intention of killing them Potter, but I will have to act as if I have tried if I am to keep up my act as spy for both Dumbledore and Voldemort," Severus responded, while frowning a little. "We will have to come up with something to make it look like they have been attacked once the hearing has been completed," he suggested.

"I agree Harry," Xander put in, as he noted Harry was going to object. "We will need someone who can warn us of attacks and what our enemies are planning. Snape could prove useful and as he has made a magical vow not to hurt us, we can trust him," he pressed.

"There is no way out of a magical promise Harry," Hermione advised her friend. "He is bound to it," she added.

"What about the promises he has made to the headmaster and the Dark Lord?" Harry countered. "Won't they conflict?" he inquired, wanting to ensure Snape could not harm any of them in any way.

"It depends on what vows he has made to them, but I am sure in those he has some leeway on how he follows his orders," Tara was the one who answered, to which Snape nodded his agreement with her statement.

"Listen to me Potter, I can and will help you," Severus said. "I made a vow to your mother, that I would do all I could to safeguard you and I intend to carry that out, no matter what," he finally revealed one of his biggest secrets.

"Why would you make such a promise and then treat me like you have done for the past five years?" Harry shot back, still not willing to trust him just yet.

"Because I allowed my hatred for your father and his friends to override all else and I was wrong to do so," Severus admitted, looking away briefly before turning back. "You may look like your father and at times you act like him, but you have more of your mother in you than others will admit or say and that woke me up to my errors," he continued.

"Professor, you speak as if you knew Lily Potter," Hermione questioned.

"No, I knew Lily Evans," Severus countered. "I knew her before she came to Hogwarts, as we lived close by when we were children," he admitted. "We were friends, but my growing obsession with the dark arts strained that friendship and then I broke it when I called her a mudblood in a fit of anger, when I felt victim to one of your father's jokes," he explained. "She tried to defend me, but in my anger I was blind to it and lashed out at her and in doing so, I destroyed the friendship we had up until then," he continued. "Another reason why I hate James Potter so much, I blame him for this event, although I am just as much to blame as he is," he finished.

Harry took all of this onboard and had a hard time trying to imagine his mother being friends with Snape at any age. However if he was telling the truth, it would explain a great deal about the hatred he had displayed for him since they had met.

"I swear everything I have said is the truth," Severus spoke up again. "On my magic, I so swear," he vowed and again he was briefly illuminated by his magic, as he made the vow.

Harry watched this, before he finally nodded his acceptance of Snape as an ally. He had made two vows and considering he could still use magic that meant he was being honest with them. It would be hard to work with the man, but he was willing to try if it meant he could safeguard his friends and allies. Leaning back he wondered what might have happened, had the friendship between his mother and Snape continued before shaking that thought of.

"Do you have ideas what orders the headmaster has given the Weasley's?" Xander inquired.

"They are to watch you closely and try and manipulate you into breaking your friendship with Miss Granger," Severus responded. "They also have plans to use Ginny and Bill to gain access to your and Miss Delano fortunes and they will ask me to create love potions, if they think they are needed if their own attempts fail," he informed them: "They are not to be trusted, not any of them. They are all loyal to Dumbledore," he stated.

After a little more discussion Snape got up and left as quickly as he could and just avoided being seen by McGonagall and Moody, as they arrived with Daphne and Astoria. On one side of them stood Ron and Ginny, who glared at the newcomers and on the other stood Harry and his group, who seemed more accepting of them.

Daphne ignored the hostile looks she was getting from the Weasley's and instead focused on Harry. She saw no hostility or distrust from him, which pleased her. She also sensed some discontent between the red headed Weasley's and Harry and Hermione. She wondered exactly what was going on between them. Glancing between the two groups whilst keeping a hold of her sister, she vowed to find out, as the answer could aide her in figuring out if Harry could be her salvation.