Thanks for the reviews I appreciate them. I'm sorry about the little slips concerning names in the story and want to thank you for pointing them out. I've gone back and corrected them each time so they won't confuse anyone else.
Harry Potter and Co. belong to Rowling.
Chapter 20. Raids! Vampire bond!
Neville was on his way out, his Grandmother wanted to get some things at Diagon Alley and had for some unknown reason decided to go herself, Neville brought up to be a gentleman Wizard had offered to accompany her. His Grandmother was a follower of the old ways and would have been bothered if her Grandson had not offered to escort her. He in no way minded having to go with her, a time ago he would have feared and shunned the idea of having to go with her but not anymore. He had begun to see his world with a deep sense of loss and clung to the only constant in his life. Things were changing; the fraction in power was pushing for modern reforms that would affect the delicate balance of magic he wondered were things would end. It all seemed so utterly ridiculous!
His Grandmother came through the door dressed in her usual austere garb without a word he offered her his arm. He like her was dressed in what could be called formal dress but to him and his household it was the only way to dress. When he was much younger he had been so afraid of her but now after everything that had recently happened he found himself admiring the elderly woman. She was close to a hundred she had married at the age of fifteen quite young even by Wizarding standards, her husband had died in duel with the Wizard who would become her second husband seven years later… she had been almost fifty when she had finally given birth to her first child and had had four more, sadly she had buried all of them except for his father.
Her second husband had died in the last war when the manor had come under attack. Those close to Neville told him that his grandmother's heart had broken that day. Had it not been for her children she would have gladly followed her husband that day. When three of her four children had followed, her heart had grown cold or so Neville had thought. It wasn't until he started going to Hogwarts and had become friends with Granger that his know it all friend had made him see things differently. He didn't know how or when it had happened but his Grandmother was the most crucial person in his life, he loved his parents but their bodies were empty shells that would not hold up much longer under their illness. His Grandmother had mentioned her intention of bringing her son and daughter n law home they needed peace she said. Neville had understood she was bringing them home to die. He didn't how she knew but he knew she was most likely right. She had been right about her husband, her children, and Hermione.
"I want to pick out some fabric for their room. Your father is partial to blue and your mother is keen on soft greens. Let's see what I can find."
"Why not use magic to change the colors Grand-Mama?" Neville asked helping her into the carriage while the coach man waited to close the door. "Sometimes magic is not enough." The Dame said placing her gloves on her lap.
He had taken to calling her Grand Mama instead of Grandmother recently she still did not know why. They rode in silence she was not a talker and her Grand son had never been one either, the only ones he ever spoke to were his plants. Lady Longbottom knew something had happened to Neville over the last three years, a sort of physical and emotional metamorphosis. The short plump child was now a tall lanky youth who towered over her by a couple of inches. He seemed more sure of himself, he had been such a sickly baby that she had been anxious that he would not be able to handle the responsibility of his status. Who would have thought he would turn out so well…she felt her time coming but knew that it wouldn't be for a couple more years…she had much to do for her son… for her Grandson she corrected herself sternly. He needed her a little longer and she would be damned if she did not do her duty by him and put off the inevitable until she was ready to go. She would have to make sure that he married well; there were so many families out there that would be more interested in marrying off their daughters to the Longbottom fortune and not to Neville. She would have to make sure he choose well and not the other way around. Her mind had been occupied with that very important matter lately and it made her uneasy as she could not see why she felt such urgency.
They rode in silence the elderly matron going over candidates only to reject them seconds later. Getting an heir married nowadays was no easy task. She would need to speak to Neville he was smart enough to know that he had a duty as head of the Longbottom fortune. He would not be enamored with the idea of marrying so young but he was certainly old enough to understand that he had a responsibility and duty to his family. She would make him see that she would not be around for ever and he needed to have a stable family to stand by him once she was gone. But who could it be? It would have to be someone he liked and could learn to love and would love him too. Someone strong a survivor who would stand by her Grandson like her daughter n law had stood by her son. Someone who would understand his sensitive nature and whose family would not try to impose themselves on her Grand Son. Who?
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She picked out some very beautiful fabrics and ordered them delivered to the Castle. When they both stepped into the street several explosions were heard, Diagon Alley was on fire. Witches and wizards were struck down indiscriminately as they tried to run for cover. Death Eaters flew by casting curses and destroying everything around them. Neville drew his wand and led his grandmother away from the burning buildings. They didn't get very far, a Death Eater struck a spell that ricocheted and struck Neville, the youth fell to the ground clutching his side, a second spell struck him were he lay causing him burns to one side of his face. When Lady Longbottom saw her Grandson fall to the ground she moved quickly over him, picked up his wand and drew her own. She cast a shielding spell over Neville who was trying hard not to cry out as he doubled over in pain. The curses, screaming and destruction continued around her. She had not used her wand defensively in over twenty years and while those around her ran in panic she stood stoic still guarding over her Grandson's injured body. Lady Longbotttom had little chance of survival but she would not run and hide, Longbottoms did not run they stood their ground. She looked at her Grandson, his breathing was coming in short painful gasps and she could see him trying hard not to scream in pain. She felt a lump rise to her throat but she swallowed hard and clung to one idea. He's alive! He's alive! And began casting spells and curses at those responsible for his injuries. Her lonely resistance was joined by two other wands.
Fred and George had been walking out of another establishment in front of the fabric shop when they saw the first flash of light burn past them. They ducked under a stand and saw how some of the spells were ricocheting and striking innocent Wizards and Witches. It was George who saw Neville crumple before his Grandmother's feet and how Lady Longbottom instead of crying drew her wand to protect their ex-school mate. Lady Longbottom cast spells at the Death Eaters who flew anywhere near her and her Grandson. Fred and George had never seen anything like it she reminded them of their own mother. With a nod they both moved from behind their flimsy cover and went to help. With furious deadly accuracy Lady Longbottom shot down two Death Eaters in a row. When she saw the two youths coming to help her she allowed herself the luxury of glancing down at her grandson. He was deathly white but still breathing.
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Fred and George had always been more than fair duelists and forgetting their easy going attitude stood by Lady Longbottom casting spells to protect the elderly matron and her Grandson…there were unfortunately too many Death Eaters and they soon found themselves against more than they could handle. Fred and George had never felt fear before but even they knew when their time had come. Lady Longbottom raised her chin knowing they would not survive the next onslaught of Death Eaters. "Thank you, I'd like the honor of knowing your names before we part."
"Fred Weasley."
"And George Weasley."
"But-"
"Glamourie, Madam."
"It's been a pleasure." She replied understanding the reason for the glamourie. After the charges were brought against their father the Weasley name had been completely disgraced, proof or not they were now marked as possible Death Eater supporters.
The death eaters regrouped and sped towards Diagon Alley once more, they didn't see the figure that apparated behind the trio and began casting spells and quenching the fires that burned through out the street. The wizards and witches that had taken refuge in the few buildings not on fire risked a look and were shocked to see who it was.
The magic was powerful and non stop and it begged to be spent. It ricocheted against buildings hitting targets in mid flight. The figure stood his ground and walked slowly and purposefully forward. He cast spells and curses with his wand while he moved his other arm as he would a second wand. Fred and George could not believe their eyes either when they saw who it was.
Several minutes later it stopped as quickly as it had started and Fred and George helped Lady Longbottom while their savior fell to his knees completely spent.
Fred ran to him but stopped half way when a second figure apparated and shoved what could only be a portkey in his hands, they both left the site as mysteriously as they had arrived. Much had been saved but much had been lost, bodies of wizards and witches lay injured or lifeless on the streets while the mark appeared over Diagon Alley.
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A healer was called to attend Neville's wounds. It wasn't until Lady Longbottom received the news that her Grandson would be all right that she finally allowed herself to cry. Her body shook with heartfelt sobs as she realized how close she had come to losing her son. Her heart had betrayed her it had told her that her son would soon be at death's door and she had thought it was Neville's father when all along it had been Neville himself. She had not given birth to him but she had raised him from a toddler and he was now the son his father would never be able to be. Fred and George stood by wiping tears from their own eyes.
The next day Lady Longbottom brought her son and daughter n law home and ordered Longbottom castle heavily warded and taken off the floo system. Fred and George were rewarded for their courage in a most peculiar sort of way. She then sat and wrote an owl requesting to see Lord Snape.
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hours before the attack...
Harry awoke feeling better than before. His body still ached but not like before. Unbeknownst to Harry Severus had woken up three times through out their time together to apply salves and get him to drink potions that were slowly but surely strengthening him.
Harry looked over and saw Severus still sleeping. The older wizard was on his side facing him breathing quietly. Harry turned slightly not wanting to disturb his sleep and for the first time really looked at him. The balance magic age spell had given him three years and removed three from Severus and Harry had not been able to tell the difference until now that is. Indeed the changes had been slight but they were there. Gone were the slight lines on his forehead or around the eyes. His mouth which had been harsher seemed softer somehow and his hair although slightly oily was longer. He had to admit it Severus did not resemble the greasy git from before, he could still be a git but he sure did not look like it, at least not to Harry.
Severus was sleeping soundly when he felt a very slight vibration in the bond. He stretched his senses subconsciously and sensed Harry was awake so he slowly made his way back to consciousness it took a couple of minutes, when he woke it was to find Harry quietly watching him. What he saw in those green eyes would stay with him until his last days, no one had ever looked at him that way and he knew no one ever would. There was only one word to describe it and it was not gratitude, not like, not admiration, not regard, not respect …it was love. He felt his chest tighten at the discovery and hoped he'd somehow be worthy of it. With a whisper he did away with the shield around Harry and slowly very slowly so as not to disturb the barely healing scars Severus began kissing him. Harry could feel his body reacting to Severus and although he knew they would not be able to do anything for awhile he welcomed the contact, they kissed for a long time exploring this new sense of intimacy that only those truly in love can have. They teased and got closer; their lips hungry for each other words were unimportant and quite unnecessary.
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That afternoon Harry convinced Severus that he was well enough to at least go downstairs and sit in the library. He was still shaky on his feet but Severus knew that it was time for Harry to move on the next step and staying cooped up in the bedroom was not enough for his recovery. He called Dobby to their chambers, the Elf apparated before them with a pop. The little elf face filled with glee as he saw his young master propped up on pillows and looking much better than he had in days.
"Oh Master Harry! Dobby is so pleased!" The elf clapped his hands together his eyes bright with tears.
"Thanks Dobby."
"Master Harry will be going downstairs. I want everything ready, warm the room and bring him a light lunch you know what. Get the potions in the small vial marked with today's date."
"Downstairs?" the elf asked taking a step back swallowing nervously. "Oh!"
"Oh what? Dobby… is something wrong?" asked Harry looking worriedly at Severus who was now frowning at Dobby.
"No! Yes! No!" the elf said jumping from foot to foot.
"Which one is it?" asked Severus impatiently.
"Something's bad. It's Mr. Black and the Prince your Father, Master Snape…" The elf trailed off.
"Well what? Out with it!" ordered Snape cringing inside. He was not going to like this. What had the mutt done now!
"Mr. Black discovered that your father-"
"He will be addressed as Prince Alessander Dobby not my father, remember that in the future."
"Yes Master Snape."
"I'll go downstairs and check wait-" Severus began striding from the room.
"No, I'm going with you."
"Harry it's not good for you to be-"
"Please don't do that Severus I'm going downstairs. Something is going on. Now, please help me."
"Stay put Harry."
"Severus please!" Harry determinedly moved the blankets off. He had not gotten a good look at his wounds but what he saw almost made him turn his stomach. His legs were scarred terribly. He wore boxers so he was able to get a good look at his injuries and his stomach turned he looked at his arms they were bandaged down to his hands so he could not see the injuries but he could imagine them instead. He wore no shirt so he saw the scarred skin across his chest.
"Leave us!" That stupid elf had managed to do it again, if weren't for the service he was doing with that whale Dursely he would have hexed him into tomorrow. Dobby jumped back frightened and with a pop left.
"It's…I'm… I'm…"Harry did not know what to say. How could Severus stand to be near him? To touch him…to kiss him…he was ugly… he was…how could he stand it? How could he? Harry thought disheartened.
Harry was in shock over his injuries, he was stronger physically but emotionally he was still on shaky ground. Severus walked over to him and meeting Harry's reluctant eyes he said in his quiet but firm voice, "You're healing…and I can, because I love you."
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Half an hour later a much calmer Harry dressed in casual black pants; shirt and a robe made it downstairs. Severus made sure he was sitting comfortably on a sofa and had taken his strengthening potions as well as vitamins and a tissue potion that was healing the injury in his lung. He was still breathing with a little difficulty but he was doing much better and Severus used all his disciplines to make sure Harry did not pick up on his anger. He was furious that the mutt or his father had brought their stupid little differences to surface. He knew Harry was worried and that only made him more furious. He had worked hard to get Harry better. And for what? So that their stupid bickering could cause Harry a set back! Damn them both! He had a good mind of poisoning them and be done with it! They were more trouble than they were worth.
Severus calmly ordered lunch for both of them and sat to eat with him. Harry only ate a quarter of the broth and a half a roll before Severus saw him fight down that same tension that came over him every time he ate.
"Take this before I call them in."
"What is it?"
"A strengthening and calming potion."
"A calming potion?"
"Adrenaline counteracts the healing potions. I don't want you upset."
"Ok." Harry said and drank both of them down.
"Ready?" asked Severus before he went to open the double doors. Harry nodded feeling himself calmer already.
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Sirius walked into the room momentarily forgetting Prince Alessander and the injury the Vampire had caused him. Remus walked behind him eyeing the Vampire guardedly, as DADA teacher Remus was much more informed into the ways of Vampires and knew that something that had wide spread repercussions had happened when the Prince had taken the first drink from Sirius and had decided not to kill him.
Harry was happy to see that neither Sirius nor Remus was hurt in any way. Sirius knelt before his Godson his eyes shone bright from unshed tears he made to touch him but held back when he saw the bandages along the arms right down to his hands. He could see white bandages under his shirt and held off on the bear hug too.
"Harry! You look so much better!" said Sirius ruffling his already messy hair.
"Harry you're a sight for sore eyes." Remus added clearing the lump in his throat.
"Thanks so are you!"
"I'm pleased to see you are recovering." A voice said from behind them. Harry had not noticed the Prince enter the room with four Vampires who took up their places on each corner of the room. For once Harry did not feel uncomfortable by them. His Godfather immediately stood up as if bitten and Remus followed suit.
"What is happening?" asked Harry apprehensively.
"I'll tell you." Came a second voice from the double doors.
"Lord Gustavus!" Harry said forgetting his injuries and trying to rise. Severus was at his side immediately and with a slight pressure on his shoulder stopped him before he exerted himself.
"Please don't Harry. I'm glad that you are doing better." Lord Gustavus entered the room and stood on the right side of the Prince. The Prince ignored him he was glad the old Lord cared enough for Severus to be here he would not kill him for standing against him, this once.
"I feel better Sir." Harry answered sitting back down.
"Severus worked hard to get you here..." Lord Gustavus said quietly looking at his Godson who stood slightly behind Harry his face as always completely unreadable. "I've come from the guest house the Weasleys send their regards. They wanted to come and visit but they know that you are still recovering and they didn't want to disturb you, Hagrid sends his hellos too."
"I hope to see them soon Sir."
"Possibly in two days." Severus said from behind. Harry made to protest but he thought it over and decided he didn't want to argue the point right now.
"I'll let them know." Lord Gribaldi said pleasantly. Although in good spirits the boy is still too thin, thought the old Lord.
"wait Hagrid too!" Harry exclaimed realizing what the Judge had said.
"Remus and Sirius brought him with them after the fu- attack that is." Lord Gustavus said stumbling over the last part. He didn't know that Harry already knew about Hermione. Harry bit his lip and nodded wordlessly, he didn't want to think about his friend right now he'd ask Severus later. Severus moved closer when his Godfather mentioned Hagrid and although he felt a tug at the bond he never suspected Harry might know about Hermione's death.
"I hope to see them soon sir." He said the Judge nodded and half smiled.
"Well let's all sit down shall we, I think there's plenty to discuss."
"My dear Gustavus this does not concern you." The Prince smiled with polite sarcasm.
"It concerns my Godson so it concerns me." The Judge argued firmly.
"So be it." The Prince said sitting on a sofa closest to the door. The Vampires standing around the room were ready to attack at a moment's notice if need be.
"What happened?" asked Severus with a calm he was did not posses.
"I'll tell you! That blood thirsty bat has been using me as his fucking personal blood bank!" Severus eyes widened slightly. It would be like the Prince to do something so selfish, if he wanted to feed on the mutt he could have at least waited till the mutt moved out of the Manor.
"What?" Harry's jaw dropped. He could feel his pulse quickening but the potion immediately went to work and brought on a calming relief that Harry clung to.
"I was hungry and I had to eat something!'
"You bastard! I'm not your dinner!"
"Sirius calm down!" Remus warned.
"Why should I? I'm not scared of him!"
"For Harry's sake then…" Remus insisted looking at Harry who looked at the Prince in utter disbelief.
"How could you! You are a guest in my house how could you take advantage of the situation?" Harry whispered. He felt Severus hand on his shoulder. "No! Wrong is wrong Severus! He was a guest! He abused-" Harry said over his shoulder refusing Snape's touch.
"This is not you house." The Vampire corrected callously.
"This is my father's house!"
"I don't think this is the time to discuss this." Remus said noticing Harry's grip on the arm rest his hands clasped around the hand rests stretching the bandages. He knew where the Vampire was heading and he did not want Harry and Severus to have to deal with this now and in front of others.
Severus sensed Harry's anger and cursed the Prince for his malicious tongue.
"I think it is. I'll tell you something Sir; I'm not a stupid child that needs to be led about by the nose. Your presence was requested, you speak of old ways and tradition but you know nothing of respect. I know my place in this relationship and so should you. Don't think for a minute that I'm going to allow you to start a senseless argument that will only serve to distract me from what you've done."
"I was merely correcting a fact Harry." the Vampire drawled looking at his nails.
"There's no need to do so." Severus did not look at Harry but he knew the Vampire's comment had hurt Harry.
"Lord Alessander was-" began Judge Gribaldi but was cut off by Sirius.
"I challenge you to a duel!"
"No!" Harry cried standing without thinking. He immediately felt the effects of days in bed his legs were weak and he held on to Severus. "Please Sir…don't." Harry pleaded his breath coming in short breaths.
"Harry, Sirius has to do what he must." Remus explained calmly.
"No Please Sir." Harry whispered looking at Sirius pleadingly. Harry remembered how the Vampire had fought. He knew his Godfather was a strong Wizard and an expert fighter but the vampire had half a century on him and an unnatural strength, there was no way that Sirius could defeat him.
"Alas Mr. Black I must decline."
Remus closed his eyes…he knew what that meant.
"Decline? I'm not inviting you to tea!"
"I can not duel you. You see from the first time I drank from you I also allowed you to drink from me. A blood bond has been forming over the last couple of weeks and you may not feel it but you will and it'll get stronger until the inevitable happens." Remus had feared such an occurrence he had been so caught up with everything that had happened, so caught up in his own full moon that he had not recognized the tell tale signs of Sirius's new situation. Sitting back he breathed in, there was no doubt about it. Sirius reeked of Alessander's blood.
"Sweet Merlin Alessander what have you done?" Lord Gustavus murmured.
"You needn't sound so tragic! I did him a favor."
"What did you do?" Sirius shouted standing over the Vampire. The Vampire slowly looked up and met the Wizards blue eyes… "Can't you guess?"
"YOU WOULDN'T HAVE DARED!"
"I'm afraid he did." came Myrtle's voice from above them. Harry looked at her and felt betrayed, how could she have allowed this to happen. "Payback is a bitch, isn't it?" she finished bitterly floating before Sirius.
"I was a boy! I was stupid!"
"You still are if you think that was the only reason why? You maybe Harry's Godfather and you maybe kind to him but he is the only person you have ever been kind to. Not me, not Severus, not Lucille, not Jhonna, not Matheu, not one of us escaped you, did we? Had you forgotten them? They haven't forgotten you and now that you've remembered them you won't forget them so easily." Myrtle said her voice breaking with emotion. "Don't worry Harry. He will suffer a little bit at first but in the end he will learn to accept his own immortality…in fifty years he'll be thanking me and the Prince."
"Myrtle..I ..I.." Harry could not believe his ears but part of him wanted to understand her reasons. He had been belittled all his life and that still brought him nightmares and anxiety attacks that made his hands shake and his stomach turn. She was dealing with her pain in her own way, she didn't have anyone standing next to her only herself. He wanted to scream at her but he didn't have it in him.
"Nothing matters Harry except that justice was done!" She said and slipped through the wall.
Sirius's face was expressionless. But his emotionless said more than any words could have said. He walked out of the room. The Prince looked down at his hands and with an ease that came with the curse or the gift of his legacy rose to leave the room.
"Oh by the way…our bonding ceremony will be tomorrow night 9 in the evening. I'm expecting my coven to attend so they can meet their new Princeling."
"Why him?" asked Severus.
"Don't you even suspect?"
"I don't have time for this!" Severus thundered
"Revenge is a dish best served cold and he does have the most beautiful blue eyes."
"Revenge? You didn't know him!" Severus could feel Harry fighting the pain down and he stepped closer.
"No but you did. And did I mention the eyes?" the Prince asked mockingly. "No one hurts those I love, surely you understand that. And did I mention the eyes?" the Prince said over his shoulder as he walked from the room his Guard close behind him.
"There must be a way to reverse it!" Harry shouted.
"This bond is as irreversible as yours and my sons'." the Vampire informed Harry rather smugly almost at the door. "Now, it's time your Godfather and I have a little talk."
"Don't hurt him!" Harry pleaded at his wit's end. He knew it was out of his hands, he loved his Godfather but if he killed the Vampire, Sirius would not survive. Harry felt his heart breaking, physically breaking for his Godfather and didn't think he could hold up much longer.
"Not making any promises child. I won't kill him though." The Vampire answered back.
The Werewolf wanted to go after his friend. He wanted to tear into the Vampire but to do so would mean Sirius death. Sirius had the Vampire's blood in him he would live for as long as the Vampire lived unless the Prince released him from their bond. So he remained seated in shocked silence his heart tearing in two. He knew Sirius had not been a very kind person in his youth the wolf had witnessed one too many instances where the Wizard for no reason other than boredom would merciless toy with those younger and weaker than him. Peter Pettigrew had been one of them. Remus cursed himself for not being a true friend to Sirius and James for not speaking up. For being glad that it was somebody other than him who was being insulted, belittled or callously mistreated.
Lord Gribaldi looked at Harry whose face was a mask of anguish, he seemed about to explode but he hung on to his emotions and remained impassive the old Lord wondered if now was the time. "Severus I must say something." Severus looked up to his Godfather and nodded in acknowledgement. "I have found out that your father has promised Harry's loyalty in the upcoming war."
"What war?" Remus said jolted back to reality.
"The war against the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord has contacted the Vampire King and Queen and offered them the inherited titles and estates which have been confiscated by the Ministry over the years as well as to recognize them as a separate and equal community for their assistance in the upcoming war. Your father has counteracted the action by offering Harry's loyalty and service to the Vampires."
"He can't do that!" Remus protested.
"Technically he can. He may no longer live as a Snape but he is legally still one and the head of the household. And although up to now he has chosen not to exercise his authority over you and Harry he does have it.
"He left the Manor." Severus said through clenched teeth.
"Moving residence does not imply anything." Remus said running his hands through his hair.
Harry's head was a whirlwind of activity, of emotions, he was tired, and he wanted out. He wanted to get away to get lost, to hide, and to disappear. Somewhere in the back of his mind he heard screaming, crying, he smelled smoke and looking down at this hands he could feel the magic burning through his fingers once again. He closed his eyes and One second he was there and the next he wasn't.
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Severus knew Harry was breaking and was about to call off the meeting when in bleak desperation Harry apparated from their sight. Remus immediately stretched his senses calling on the wolf to find him. Moving on reflex more than anything else Remus ran from the room and ran upstairs Severus and Lord Gribaldi followed in alarm. Severus reached out with his senses and found Harry on the verge of another magical outburst.
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Harry looked around and found himself amidst the smoke and destruction that once called itself Diagon Alley. He did not know how it was that he had gotten here but he knew he had to do so something and so he did. He drew his wand and breathing deeply he allowed his magic to flow from him. In a matter of seconds his bandages were burned through and his arms ached with every spell and curse. When it was finally over the death eaters had left an amazing large amount of dead and injured as well damage to structures and the dark lord's calling card, the death mark in the sky.
Harry fell to his aching knees not really caring if he ever got up again. Up ahead he saw a small group of people standing over an injured youth, and hoped that they were ok. He felt dazed. His magic had tried to get the better of him but somehow he had held on and directed the power that pulsated through his small body. Wearily he thought, there's hope for me yet! He was slightly startled when he felt someone kneel next to him and shove a coin into his hand, he realized it was a portkey when he felt the pull that made him slightly nauseous and took him home.
Half an hour later Harry was sleeping soundly and his hands after a close examination began much to Severus delight to heal themselves.
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The news of Neville's injuries shook Harry he but managed to control himself. He quickly told Severus about the rest of the attacks and although he blamed himself for not warning Severus about Neville's like he had about the Weasley's. Severus was quick to explain that the attack had been random and had nothing to do with the attack that would later occur. It had been an eerie coincidence that Neville had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Severus and the Lord Gribaldi went about arranging to get the Granger's out of the country for their own safety. The Dursely's he did not worry about. The house had been abandoned and no one knew where they might have gone. Hagrid was safe in the Castle; the Weasleys however suffered the complete loss of their home.
Harry rested the next day; he looked at his hands from time to time but did not bother to rationalize what had happened or how it had happened. Part of him told him it had to do with his scar but try as he might he could not figure out how. He lay in bed watching the day slowly turn from day to noon to Afternoon to evening to night. He closed his eyes when the clock struck eight where was his Godfather and what was happening? He was such a coward would he be able to handle it. His Godfather was a strong man, a man in his prime not a submissive young teenager. .. Harry closed his eyes and slept for a little while. Half an hour later Severus woke him up the Coven had begun to arrive. Harry nodded and with Severus's help he dressed in formal robes with both Potter's and Snape's Family crest. They were walking out of the room when Cecilia slithered from around the corner the snake raised her body to Harry's eye level and welcomed him back. Harry patted her with his bandaged hands and asked her to behave herself in front of company.
She quickly answered I will if they will. Lord Gustavus Gribaldi waited for them at the end of the hall. He had an owl in his hand.
"News?"
"I'll say I brought the daily prophet. There's a detailed account of the attack of Diagon Alley, more than twenty witnesses have come forward to report that Harry single handedly fought off the Death Eaters."
"Good Grief I don't need that right now!"
"That and Lady Longbottom wishes to meet with Severus." The Judge knew it was time to change the subject.
"How's Neville?" Harry asked fearfully.
"Better, but his injuries will take time to heal completely." The old Lord answered calmly Harry nodded distractedly. "Are they all here?"
"Yes all of them except for Sirius and The Prince. They will be on time I'm sure."
"What'll happen?" Harry asked shoving his hands underneath his robes.
Severus looked from Harry to his Godfather, the older Wizard nodded encouragingly. Best he know now before he gets in there and is shocked by the ceremony. It was at that particular moment that Remus joined him from the other side of the hall. His eyes were a dangerous gold brown and he walked slowly almost as if stalking his prey. When he spoke it was a deeper controlled voice. "Harry what will happen may seem cruel but it is part of the ceremony."
"Will it hurt?"
"Yes but remember this, the Prince can not kill him ever, and Vampires like werewolves have a highly developed regeneration process, so he won't scar."
"He won't cooperate he's not me. He's too proud." Mumbled Harry.
"Stop it!" growled the Werewolf.
"It's true …"
"No it isn't. Everyone is different remember that. Sirius will learn to accept this because-"
"Because he won't have a choice." Harry finished
"Harry listen to me whatever may happen will be difficult enough for Sirius, but it is inevitable. If you can not control yourself in front of him, he will feel ashamed of his situation and not be able to control himself when his time comes. Severus do you have something to calm him?"
"I don't want anything. What 'll happen? Tell me!"
"The Prince will mark him as his own." Lord Gustavus begun.
"Mark him! How?"
"I don't know exactly. There are different ways. He can use a whip, a steel poker, or …" The Lord trailed off unable to meet Harry's gaze.
"Or what?" Harry almost shouted. Severus frowned and reached in his pocket for the calming potion.
"He may mark him by taking him."
"WHAT! In front of everyone! That can't be! He won't allow it! He won't! It'll be rape! He won't allow it!" Harry was almost shouting. He could feel tears coming to his eyes. "Please you can't allow this you can't" pushing the potion away from him.
"If we try to break the bond it'll kill them both." Remus said in a tight controlled voice.
"Severus he's your father please! I'm begging you please." Harry was near tears. Severus did not hold off this time. He pressed the potion to Harry's lips and held his hand over his nose until he swallowed. Neither Remus nor Lord Gustavus moved to stop him. Harry tried to push Severus hand away but he wasn't strong enough and in the end he swallowed in order to breathe. The effect was almost immediate. He felt himself relaxing his worries seemed more manageable less insurmountable. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes momentarily and then opened them slowly.
"My wand."
"I have it. I'll give it to you after the ceremony." Severus informed him.
"Always one step ahead, aren't you?" Harry asked sarcastically.
"Harry any emotion that you show will shame him in front of you. If you're weak he will be weak you have to be strong so he may be strong too. Any pain that he goes through will only make him stronger in front of the clan." Severus explained hoping Harry would understand.
"Hesssss right my massster. Vampiressss respect endurance he hassss to show it orrrrr he will not be acccpeted." Cecilia said raising herself to his height.
Who knew if it was the potion or their words but Harry finally nodded calmly and the four Wizards walked to the ball room to watch the ceremony.
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Myrtle floated above them watching the whole ceremony she wondered if she had gone to far.
When it was over Harry stood in shock. His Godfather was half carried half dragged away from the room the Prince had chosen the whip after all. In a surreal homage to his endurance the Vampires bowed to him as his tortured body made its way by them. The place where his Godfather had been chained was covered in so much blood that the Vampires were invited to taste it.
The Vampires were walking towards it when out of no where a loud thump was heard and then two enormous bat like beings apparated before them, they were the King and Queen's sentinels.
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Well there it is! I hope you enjoy the reading! Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate them!