Disclaimer: No matter how many times I wave my wand, I do not hold any rights to any of the Harry Potter series but I am grateful to JK for writing them.
Chapter 51: Rising From The Ashes
Harry ran after Severus. He was very worried, his band indicated Severus was in deep distress; he had to reach him. Severus apparated as soon as he left the gym and Harry did not know where he went to. Harry went to the Hogwarts gate, hoping that Severus had gone home and knowing he could not apparate directly into the school. Harry looked down the road to the school. He did not see Severus. He apparated into the school and asked Hogwarts if Severus was on the compound, she indicated he was not.
Harry started panicking. He needed to find Severus and find him now. The memory of Severus' abduction came rushing back to him; he was terrified. Harry closed his eyes and tried to see if by some miracle he could locate him. He couldn't.
Hogwarts sensed Harry's pain and Harry heard her calling to him but he wasn't responding.
"Harry" a deep familiar voice called out to him and he looked up. In the portrait frames near the entrance, Godric, Salazar, Elijah and Ignotus now stood.
"Harry what has happened?" Godric asked seriously.
Harry told them what happened.
"And this guy Mr. Toby, he called Severus by name, he knew him?" Salazar asked.
"Yes and Severus just froze and went into distress and he fled. My band is flaring, it is like he is being tortured and I don't know where he is" Harry said now in tears.
"Mr. Toby….TOBIAS" Elijah said. They all looked at Elijah and he said "Tobias, Severus' father. That bastard tortured the boy growing up. He was one of the worst muggles imaginable, from the moment I first met him I knew he was trouble but Eileen was so stubborn. I regretted not using my position and have him discretely disappear. Severus told me his life was filled with torture and pain because of that man. He tried to kill Severus and was sent to prison because of it."
"I thought Severus' parents were both dead" Harry said.
"I had hoped he would have died in prison" Elijah said.
Harry remembered what Mr. Toby said. "I spoke with Mr. Toby, he told me about what he had done… I did not know it was Severus. The man has been reformed, prison changed his life. He regrets the life he had before; he regrets what he did to Severus."
"A man like him does not change Harry" Elijah said.
"I don't believe that. I know he has changed. I know the influence he had on Dudley who was heading for a life of crime. I saw him working with the children… I know he has a changed heart" Harry said.
"Just like you knew Ronald or Molly Weasley? You don't understand this man tried to kill Severus" Elijah shouted.
"He committed attempted murder in a fit of drunken rage. But Severus has murdered, he has raped, he has done a lot of unspeakable things. But Severus changed, he redeemed himself, he was given a second chance and has done more good than anyone I know…" Harry said calmly.
"He was under Albus' spell" Elijah argued.
"He may have been but Lucius wasn't. Lucius was the Dark Lord's right hand and he changed. Hermione has committed murder. I know there were times I came close. Elijah even you, you may not have committed murder but you were willing to support one. You told me in your letter to me... in your will, you gave Severus a vault full of gold even though you knew he was a Death Eater, you didn't know he was under a spell. In your heart you knew there was good in Severus. And yes there is good in Ron and Mrs. Weasley, I know in time they too will be redeemed. Elijah if I didn't believe that people could change I would lock myself at Grimmauld Place and never leave. I believe until Death comes to claim you, you can change. I know in my heart Tobias has changed. But that knowledge does not help me find Severus."
Elijah was quiet and Harry saw Godric, Salazar and Ignotus looking at him with pride.
Harry's cell phone rang, it was Dudley.
"Harry, Mr. Toby is Severus' dad" Dudley confirmed their speculations.
"We figured that out" Harry said. "I can't find him Dudley. I don't know where he is. He is not home."
"Maybe he is at home, just not where you consider home" Dudley said. "When I am upset, home is usually the gym. I crashed a few times on Mr. Toby's couch or my coach's couch."
"Severus mentioned having a house in the muggle world" Harry said.
Harry heard Dudley talking with someone and then he came back on the phone "A place on Spinner's End, Harry. It is where he grew up."
Harry told Elijah and the others what Dudley had said.
"If he is fleeing his father, he will not go back to the house his father lived in" Salazar said.
"But it was not only his father, Eileen also lived there. He told me after Tobias was jailed, Eileen increased her potions business and paid off the mortgage. Her last payment was made the month before she died. He considers the house his legacy from her" Elijah said.
Harry held his hand and kept sending his love through the band. Harry shook his head "Severus blames Eileen for some of his pain; he said she only bowed to his father's wishes and did not consider him… He told me Misty was more his mother than Eileen. Misty…. I think I know where he is. Dudley, you go ahead and see about Privet Drive, I will take care of Severus." Harry ended the call and apparated out.
Prince Manor was a ruined burnt out shell. Harry ran around the ruins and moved to the area where the Prince family cemetery was located. He saw the figure sitting on the ground next to a grave. Harry let out a sigh of relief and moved swiftly towards his husband.
Severus sat on the ground and was pouring his heart out to the ground where Misty was buried. Next to her grave was Eileen's but Severus did not want to talk to her.
Severus looked up as Harry came close. Severus looked at him "I don't want to talk to you right now…"
"I did not know Severus. I will not let anyone hurt you. You know I would rather die than let someone hurt you" Harry said and sent a wave of calming loving magic towards him.
Severus calmed but looked at Harry as if he really was intruding. Severus wanted to be alone. Alone he could talk with Misty. She would often just listen; Harry listened but would try to reason with him. He did not want someone analyzing him or judging him. He loved Harry but he did not want to be near him right now.
Harry sensed his conflict. He knew sometimes you needed to be alone but he couldn't leave him. Harry transformed into his wolf form Akela and moved to sit next to Severus. Severus looked at the large wolf and felt better. He ran his hands through the wolf's fur and the wolf laid his head on his paws and allowed the other man to pet him.
A few minutes later, Severus started talking. Severus talked about his father's abuse, from when he was three and his first sign of magic and his father first physically abused him, to when his father almost killed him when he was fifteen. Severus talked about his torment at school and his mother's death and joining the Death Eaters. Even though Harry had heard some of the things before, it was obvious they still weighed heavily on Severus' heart.
"I prayed I would go the rest of my life without seeing that man again. When I saw him… when I saw him, all the fear and hurt came rushing back. His parole officer wrote to me and told me he was reformed, that he got out early because of good behaviour. I know that being in prison he would not have had access to the alcohol and that he is now sober but there are too many memories, too much hurt. Do you know what it feels like to know your own father hurt you and almost killed you?"
Akela whimpered.... he did. The first time Harry had turned into a wolf, he was a baby and his father James had left him to be eaten by a werewolf. James had also sacrificed the boy in a dark magic ritual. In a twisted sick way, Voldemort may have actually saved Harry by killing his father. The man may have continued to try to kill the boy. James did not try to kill Harry in a drunken rage but it was a deliberate attempt, simply because the boy had more power than him and was destined for greatness above his father.
Severus looked down at him and the band on Akela's paw felt Severus' deep sadness. Severus pet the wolf. "I guess you do..." Severus was silent for a while and then said "When he was sober he wasn't that bad, he took me to watch the boxing matches... he always liked boxing..."
Severus was silent for a minute and then said "he came to every parent's day at my primary school. I remember when I was eight I started sneaking out the house every evening to go to the park where I would watch your mum and Tuny play. I got an F in my end of week spelling test as I did not study at all. He spanked me. It was a genuine spanking not with his fist or his belt like he did when he was drunk. He told me he didn't mind me going out to play in the park but I had to do my homework first. It was then I realise he knew I had been sneaking out. He came home early every day the next week and sat down with me to make sure I did my homework."
Severus stood up and Akela stood up but did not turn back to Harry. Severus did not turn and look at the grave he had been sitting next to. He started walking towards the ruin of the house. He continued talking. "My dad was only terrible when he was drunk, which was usually when he got paid. I would have to stand in front of the pub to collect the money for the bills before he would go and drink or gamble it all. After I became friends with your mum, I would often spend the night on the Evan's couch when my dad got paid."
They stopped and looked at the ruins and for a few seconds Akela looked in the direction that Manasa had been. Severus walked and talked about some of the good times in his life.
Then Akela stopped and started growling, there were intruders on the land. On the side of the ruins was a group of teenagers. Severus walked towards them and Akela trotted next to him. They silently went up to the boys. The boys were shouting and digging in the ruins, they did not see or hear the two come up to them.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" Severus said and Akela at his side growled.
"Shit its the ghost!" One of the boys shouted and three of the boys started running towards the gate. One boy remained. Akela ran to them and blocked their escape, the wolf growled fiercely.
Severus looked at where the boys had been, he saw a young boy had fallen through the floor and was knocked out.
Severus looked at the boy who was looking in concern at his fallen friend. "You stand over there with your friends and none of you move an inch. Akela get Harry now" Severus shouted and the wolf ran off to the forested area behind the manor.
Severus jumped down through the floor and 'flew' down and checked the boy. He was bloody and using a magical scan, Severus saw he had a few broken ribs and his left leg was broken. He also had a concussion but thankfully no organ damage or anything that would have been fatal.
He heard Harry's voice "Sev?"
Severus looked at the boy and made sure he was knocked out. Knowing Harry would use his wolf hearing he softly gave Harry a few instructions. He spoke softly to avoid the other boys hearing them.
Harry went to the boys and said "Okay who would like to explain what you were all doing here." Harry asked in a stern tone that rivalled Professor Snape.
One of the boys took out a rosary from his pocket and raised it in the air. "Back away demon."
Harry walked up to the boy and took away the rosary "now answer me boy."
"Don't kill us please" the boy said scared.
"I will think about it" Harry growled.
"My dad is the Constable he will come looking for us soon" one boy said trying to sound calm but failing.
"Good, now I am sure you have a cell phone, call him" Harry said.
"What?"
"Call your father" Harry said sternly.
The boy looked at the others who now looked even more scared. He took out his cell phone and Harry watched as the boy dialled. Harry took the phone from him; the boy looked at him in a panic.
A girl answered "Hey Brandon, did you see the ghost... did you get far enough to see the house... remember you have to get proof that you got into the Prince Estate or it wouldn't count..."
Harry looked at the boy with a raised eyebrow and said in the phone "This is Lord of the Prince Estate, your friend got onto my Estate but it does not mean he will be leaving." He heard the girl scream. He ended the call. He looked at the cell phone and handed it back to the boy and said sternly "Your father... now." Harry glared at him. With shaking hands the boy dialled another number. Once more Harry took the phone. A heavy voice answered.
"Yes Brandon."
"Is this the constable?" Severus asked.
"Who is this, why do you have my son's cell phone?" the constable asked angrily.
"My name is Lord Harry Potter Black, your son and a group of boys trespassed on my Estate and one young man is injured."
"Harry Potter... You are Lord Elijah's heir; he told us he was leaving his Estate for you. I will be over in about ten minutes. Could you meet us by the gate?" the constable asked.
Severus came over holding the injured boy in his arms. The others did not see Severus fly up with the boy as Harry had their attention on him. "Harry tell him to get an ambulance." Harry relayed the message and then hung up and gave Brandon back his cell phone. Severus laid the boy gently on the ground.
"You are not ghosts?" One boy asked and then obviously felt stupid for asking.
"No" Severus said and gave the boy a Snape glare, the boys all gulped.
Severus bent to look at the young boy who was on the ground. The boy was groaning in pain which indicated he was waking. "What is your name lad?"
The boy looked at him scared and peed himself. Severus said "I am not a ghost."
The boy looked up at him and tried to speak but started vomiting. Severus turned him over so he would not mess himself further. The boy cried. Severus rubbed the boy's back "It would be okay son... everything will be fine."
"His name is Lawrence... Lawrence St. Clair" the boy who had taken out the rosary said.
"Lawrence could you tell me how old you are?" Severus asked and Harry realised he was trying to figure out if the boy was responsive and if he had any brain damage.
"Fourteen" the boy said and Severus looked up at the boy's friends and they nodded. "Very good he will be okay."
Severus looked at the other boys "Why were you all here? Don't you realise how dangerous it was for you to be here, playing in the ruins."
No one answered but looked at Severus scared. Severus scowled and turned to Harry and told him to look after the boys and he was going to the gate to wait on the Constable.
Harry nodded and they all watched as Severus walked towards the gate.
Harry looked at the boys, they were all muggles. They looked like they were thirteen or fourteen like Lawrence
"Did the ghost cause the fire?" One boy asked Harry.
"What?" Harry asked.
"We all saw the flames from town, my dad said it came from Prince Manor" the boy said.
"Since that day we have snuck in a few times and the ghost hasn't come" Another said.
"Yeah, usually the minute you climb the gate or the wall and step on the ground, he would come... the boy in green."
"My dad said the boy has always been here. He always comes and tells you to leave. He doesn't look like a ghost but he always looks the same. My granddad said when he was a boy his granddad would tell the story about the ghost boy of the Prince Estate."
Harry laughed "Octavius. No he did not cause the fire."
They heard a car driving towards them and saw a police car come up. Severus sat in front with the constable. A second police car came behind and an ambulance was behind. Severus got out the car as did the constable. The constable gave the group of boys a stern look that was worthy of Snape himself. The ambulance attendants came over and checked on Lawrence and they took him away.
The constable yelled at the boys and told them they were all in serious trouble. He said he had no choice but they were going to be arrested for trespassing and they had to pray that Judge Michaels would not send them to the Boy's Home for young criminals. He then told the other officer to take the boys away.
The other officer handcuffed the boys.
Brandon looked at his father "Dad!"
"No Brandon, you want to commit a crime then you have to stand the consequence of that. Officer Bob take these young criminals away."
The officer took the four boys away and put them in the back of his car. Brandon screamed "Dad no... Dad... Daddy!"
As the other police car drove away the constable turned to Severus and said "Thank you Lord Prince, for not pressing charges." Harry understood the Constable had the boys 'arrested' to scare them.
"Its okay and its not Lord Prince."
"You said you were Lord Elijah's grandson and you and Lord Potter shared ownership of the Estate?"
"Yes"
"Well to us you are Lord Prince."
"Just call me Severus. Constable Anderson this is my partner Harry Potter Black."
The Constable shook Harry's hand "Please to meet you. I am sorry about the Manor it stood for hundreds of years and was exceeding beautiful."
"You visited the manor before?" Severus asked.
"The town of Augustus was founded a little over four hundred years ago by I guess one of your ancestors. There was a town there before but it was completely destroyed and your ancestor built the existing town. Every year the Lord Prince would come to the local harvest. It was a big deal, two members of the committee usually the Mayor and the Constable would be invited to the Manor once a year to discuss things going on in the town. I came the last year Lord Elijah was alive. He told us that he was most likely going to be the last Lord Prince and that his new heir would either be his grandson who needed to fulfil certain legal requirements and if not a young lad named Harry Potter, who may not have been around for at least a decade."
Severus took out a small piece of parchment and the ball point pen Fireforge had given him and wrote down his name and the Hogwarts London Office address. "Write to me and tell me when you all are having your harvest, we will come."
"What are you going to do about the ruins?" The constable asked.
Severus looked at Harry and said "We will rebuild."
Constable Anderson nodded and thanked them and he got back into his car and drove of.
Severus looked at Harry "I cannot dwell in the past. It is time to get over my fears and rebuild."
Harry kissed Severus deeply and then said "So are you going to talk to Tobias?"
Severus put his head on Harry's shoulder and nodded.
"I am very proud of you Severus" Harry said and then heard a soft 'cheep'. Harry stepped away from Severus "Did you cheep?"
"Oh... you will not believe what I found next to Lawrence?" Severus said and reached into his pocket and took out a baby chick.
"Fawkes"
Godric held the baby phoenix and gently stroked him. Ogden brought a paste mixture for Fawkes, it was what he had been accustomed giving the bird after a burning.
"Is that goose pate in it... no you can't give him that. Bring some mashed bananas" Godric said. Ogden left and came back with a small tray with some mashed up fruit.
Salazar stepped down from the portrait and told Ogden. "Go to the elven nation and get some elven fireberries. Harry give Ogden some galleons." Harry rolled his eyes and gave the amused house-elf a bag of galleons.
Neville jumped up "Ogden could you see if they would be willing to give a plant shoot." Neville also gave Ogden a bag of galleons.
Salazar shook his head as the House-elf left. "I can't believe they were giving a baby phoenix meat to eat."
Seeing Harry's confusion Godric said "If you gave a baby phoenix meat to eat you taint their system. Phoenixes are by nature omnivores but can only digest the meat when they become adults. What were they doing to you my precious friend?" Godric nuzzled the baby chick who trilled happily.
"I wondered why something so pure could have allowed Albus to do so much evil" Harry said stroking the chick. "I could understand why he would want to protect his brother as it was an act of love; but to take part in Albus' schemes, I could not understand. Now I do, they were poisoning him."
"Well I will take care of him until he could take care of himself. The fireberries would help" Godric said.
"Is there anything else besides Bananas and fireberries he would eat?" Minerva asked.
"He loved grapes, dates, pomegranates... there was a fruit that the goblins would bring for him..."
"Mangoes" Rowena said.
"Yes mangoes"
"Well we should be able to get those in the market in London" Harry said.
Godric smiled "very good and why are you still here?"
Harry laughed "We are spending the night at Grimmauld Place anyway. We will get some and send them with Kreacher."
Harry went to his apartment and did not see Severus. Severus had told him that he had wanted to talk to Elijah, so he had assumed he would have been in his Hall of Advisors. Harry asked Hogwarts where Severus was and the castle told him Slytherin Tower. Harry took a walk down to the ground floor.
He saw several of the teachers around as it was the week before school started and the teachers had to come back early. He waved to Madam Hooch and Professor Vector who gave him friendly nods. Harry went to the new entrance for the Slytherin Dorms. He went in and marvelled at its beauty. The goblins had done a fantastic job. He made a mental note to discuss with Severus about hiring the goblins to rebuild Prince Manor.
He went up to look for Severus and eventually asking Hogwarts for directions, he went to the doorway with a portrait on the front. Harry recognised the portrait immediately; it was Elijah's father Julius.
"Grandson Harry I did not expect to see you on this side of Severus' apartment" Julius said.
"I was actually looking for Severus" Harry said.
Julius looked at him. "You do know there is a door connecting your apartment and Severus'?"
Harry blushed deeply. Julius laughed "You forgot didn't you. Don't worry I wouldn't tell. You could just say you were inspecting the beautiful new tower."
Julius opened the door way and Harry went it. The apartment was very similar in decoration from Severus' old apartment in the dungeons but was much larger and had a hint of Prince Manor.
"Harry!" Emily came running over to him and giving him a hug. "Harry thank you, I love my new home. Do you know there are other ghosts here and there are centaurs and a half giant and a squid? Grandpa Valerian said that very soon, there would be hundreds of children around."
Harry forgot that Emily had never been to Hogwarts before. "Well I am happy you like it. But Severus and I plan on rebuilding Prince Manor and then you could return."
Emily looked sad and then said "That would take a few years right?"
"You do not want to return home?"
"Home is where your family is Harry. I love Prince Manor but until you and Severus have children, I would be all alone. Octavius has Beauty and I am always alone. Here there would always have others to play with me and maybe..."
"Maybe what Emily?"
"This is a school right?"
"Yes"
"Maybe someone could teach me to read."
Harry looked at her in shock. If a ghost could blush she would have. She said "after Miriam died there was no one to read to me and I like stories."
"Well I think I could arrange something" Harry said and the girl hugged him. Carrying the girl he went to Severus private office and saw Severus talking with Valerian, Elijah and a few other portraits.
"Good evening, everyone" Harry said and the others acknowledged him.
"Harry as you are here, there is something that we would like to discuss with you" Hadrian Prince said. Of all of Severus' ancestors this one Harry had a slight fear of. Every time Harry saw him, he felt as if he was a little child standing in front of the Principal. Even meeting the Queen wasn't as nerve wrecking. Hadrian was one of the first of the Prince wizards and lived over fifteen hundred years ago. Even Godric and Salazar were in awe of the portrait and they both stammered like little children when Elijah had introduced them.
"Yes sir" Harry said respectfully.
"We would like Severus installed as Lord Prince. He has indicated he has no intention of taking the name Potter or Potter-Black. He should have carried the name Severus Prince as his father was not magical. We do not want the Prince name abandoned. He told us about being a carrier and we are happy that the blood line would not die. However we do not want the name lost. We hope that if you have more than one son that one would carry the name Prince."
Harry smiled "I agree as a matter of fact the Great One Manasa blessed the family to continue for a long time. I will speak with Kingsley and indicate that you want him to formally carry the title."
"Thank you. Now he told us about you wanting to rebuild the manor?" Hadrian asked.
"Yes sir, I was thinking we could hire the same crew who build this tower" Harry said.
"Yes they did a fantastic job. However before you rebuild you must clear the rubble and there is a task you will need to do. There is a vault beneath the manor. It should still be intact as the vault would only be destroyed if the line is completely gone. In the vault there is the sceptre of power and the ring of power. Severus will need those. You will need to get those and you are will have to name him Lord Prince."
"He needs my permission?"
"Yes you are his husband and his dominant partner and Elijah named you heir. You need to relinquish your magical binds to the title."
"Would this interfere with the gypsy wedding dowry?" Harry asked.
"No, his dowry was the building and his wealth. This is magic. While you cannot claim to be Lord Prince as you have to be blood, you have a hold on the magic just like you did with the Malfoys. Magic will require you to relinquish your hold."
Harry nodded but he wasn't sure. He would talk to Fireforge first, possibly even Trelawney. "Okay I will look into it. However that will have to wait..."
"Harry that is a priority. The manor is exposed. Severus indicated muggles got into the ruins" Hadrian said.
"Yes, I know and I will see to it as soon as I can. However we have commitments..."
"A dinner with a muggle" Hadrian spat.
"A dinner with Severus' father. Severus is just as much a Snape as he is a Prince. This dinner is important to healing Severus' soul. It takes priority over everything else." Harry's voice was stern and powerful but not disrespectful. Harry gave them a sight bow and then said "Come Severus, we cannot be late." Taking Emily with him, he left. Severus wished the portraits a good day and dutifully followed.
As the door closed Hadrian smiled and turned to Eiljah's portrait "You are right, he is the perfect person to guide our family."
"Do you think he will go to the vaults?" Another very old portrait asked.
"My guess he will get advice first. He did not just take our word, he doesn't want to jeopardise his bond to Severus. Don't worry the vaults are intact. Nothing except Ragnarok will get that vault open without Severus. Elijah you have my permission to train him... to train them both."
Severus was nervous. He stood in front of #4 Privet Drive and did not want to go in. Harry came and stood beside him and held his hand. He smiled and together they went in. They had decided to have the dinner at Privet Drive as it did not violate Tobias parole. Harry had contacted Brian who had suggested it and who notified Tobias' parole officer.
Tobias sat on the couch in the living room with Dudley and he too looked nervous. Dudley had told him about Severus and Harry and their relationship. The man did not mind, he liked Harry and was pleased when Dudley told him how happy Severus was with him. Tobias had prayed that one day his son would forgive him, this dinner was a good sign.
They heard the door open and Tobias stood up and looked at the doorway of the living room. Harry and Severus came in.
There was silence for a while as everyone looked as if they had been petrified. Finally Tobias said "I am sorry."
Severus rushed over and hugged the man. Both were in tears.
Harry went over and stood next to Dudley who smiled. They both knew everything would be fine.
Harry spoke to Fireforge, Magnus and Grobrick for hours the next morning. The final hour they called Andromeda and eventually Arthur. By the time they left Fireforge's office it was almost lunch. After lunch Harry spent another few hours with Minerva and Filius and his hall of advisors. It was an exhausting day.
Severus spent part of the day with Dudley and Auror Bishop (and a whole team of Aurors all hidden for security purposes in case Seth showed up) at his dad's gym. He then spent the evening with Fireforge, Kreacher, Dante and the team of Goblins at the Prince Manor ruins. Severus did not go to the vault as he was waiting on Harry. Bill came over and warded the grounds to stop muggles from coming in without permission from either Severus or Harry.
After his meeting at Hogwarts, Harry came over to the Prince Manor ruins. He told Severus they will start to remove the rubble from the manor first and ensure the area is safe before going to the vault. "I only have one invisibility cloak and I don't want either of us to tempt Death by going into such an instable area."
"The goblins?"
"I trust this group, they worked on the chamber and I was pleased. I think we could trust them."
Severus nodded. They started discussing with the goblin foreman what they wanted. This goblin was the same one who had brought the Hogwarts blueprints for Harry and Severus and had suggested rebuilding Slytherin Tower. He was ecstatic when both Severus and Harry had told him they wanted him to work on their home.
"I assume you will want an elaborate potions lab and possibly a greenhouse to grow potions ingredients?" The goblin said.
Both Severus and Harry suddenly thought of Tiberius' greenhouse looking potions lab. Finally Severus said "Yes. I want you to discuss the design of the building with the portraits in my apartment in Slytherin Tower, as well as with the three Prince ghosts who are there." The goblin nodded.
"There is an area to the back, through the forest. There is another set of ruins... leave that... leave that for Severus and I to clear. That spot has great significance for us" Harry said and the goblin nodded.
"And what cost range are you looking at?" The goblin asked.
"Do up something and give us a quotation... and tell your King that this is a private building job and I insist on payment being made. Your nation's debt was paid on Black Island" Harry said.
The goblin smiled. The Goblin King had previously told them not to take any money from Harry as he considered that the Goblin Nation had owed Harry a debt. The goblin then left to go to his team to inspect the entire property.
"You don't give a goblin a blank cheque Harry" Fireforge said with a frown.
"I trust you to keep things under control. I know you will keep liaising with him and probably speak to him before he comes to me" Harry said with a smile. Fireforge laughed and shook his head.
Severus and Harry moved to the area where Tiberius' potions lab had been. The building was mostly ash. With a wave of Harry's wand the remaining pieces of frame vanished. They walked towards the area where the machine had been, the skeletal remains of the machine was still there. Even Harry's fiendfyre was not able to destroy it.
They moved to where Manasa had been and saw that there was nothing remaining. In the short space of time since her death however, grass had started to grow. Her body gave the ground life. It took Severus and Harry over an hour but finally there was nothing remaining of the lab except the remains of the machine.
Harry and Severus looked at the machine and Harry asked "Do you think we should ask Jarak if he wants to see it? Or perhaps one of the other elves."
"Elves are fussy. For them life is sacred and the spot where an elf dies is considers sacred. Nolodron may want to visit where his son and grandchildren died. However this is a bit different. They not only died here but were horribly tortured for hundreds of years."
"He is coming to your ball yes?"
Severus nodded "Yes, along with a small contingent of dignitaries and about three hundred elven soldiers who would be guarding the castle."
Harry chuckled "I will go to Jarak tonight and ask him."
After dinner Harry used the floo to the elven hut below the school in the secret chamber, where the high elf Jarak stayed with his healing dark-elf vampire mate Vladimir. To ensure it was safe, Harry used the floo for communication first, sticking only his head in. Jarak told him that Vladimir was asleep. Harry went through.
Harry looked at the sleeping Vampire on the bed, he looked much healthier. He no longer looked like a skeleton and Harry could make out his handsome features. He was not 100% physically healed as yet but he looked close to it.
"He looks good" Harry said.
"Yes, I only have to feed him twice a day now... I have a store of elf blood from the soldiers. However it will take months, even years to heal his mind. However he seems to respond to me, which is a very positive sign. I keep him awake long enough to feed and then put him back into the sleeping coma" Jarak said. "I am just glad he is home with me."
Harry nodded in understanding.
"So you said you had something to discuss with me?"
"Yes. We were at Prince Manor today..."
"Feanor told me the bastard burnt it down" Jarak said angrily.
"It was just bricks and can be rebuilt. We were able to save what was important" Harry said and Jarak nodded. "We cleared away the debris that was Tiberius' lab and were able to clear everything except his machine. I will however destroy it soon, once I analyse Tiberius manual as to how it was built. Anyway I know you elves place importance on the spot where one of your beloved dies, we were wondering if perhaps Lord Nolodron would want to visit or leave a memorial or something..." Harry looked at him unsure.
Jarak smiled and nodded "Thank you Harry, that is very kind and considerate. I will discuss it with him right away."
"He is scheduled to come to Hogwarts for Severus' ball on Saturday which is three days away you could discuss it with him then. Realistically it may take me months to figure out how to destroy the machine" Harry said.
Jarak nodded "Yes but he rarely leaves the city and the elf realm. It would be best to relay your message, before he leaves so he can have the option of doing it right away."
"And Vladimir?"
"If I leave now I can return before his next feeding. If not I will ask Feanor, his still is in the castle, yes."
Harry nodded "Yes"
Jarak did not return until the following night and Harry had to take Feanor to the sleeping Vampire. Jarak indicated that Lord Nolodron was exceeding grateful to Harry and Severus and he, his wife, his daughter in law and the elven court would come Saturday morning to perform a funeral ceremony for the fallen Princes and Princess. They would plant four trees in memoriam for the four who had died. Harry said that would be wonderful. Both he and Severus had already decided not to build anything in that area.
Jarak told Harry that etiquette demanded that Kingsley be invited. A small group of dignitaries would also be allowed, including Severus and himself. Harry nodded. Jarak also told him that Dudley was to be invited and had to wear the elven armour Feanor made for him.
Harry immediately called Arthur who contacted Kingsley. They decided to invite Brian and Alex who already knew what happened and Minerva, Filius and Neville. At dinner Harry and Severus spoke with Feanor about the ceremony. Feanor told them what to expect and told them they were to do nothing and not even have chairs or refreshments.
"Are we expected to present gifts?" Dudley asked.
"Gifts no... you may present a gift of friendship to the King however it will not be necessary. When you go to the elven realm and go to Alfheim for the first time, then you present a gift" Feanor said.
"Why did you think you would have to get a gift, its a funeral?" Harry asked.
"You carry flowers to a funeral which is a gift. I know my mum usually carries food to the home and sometimes money, those are gifts" Dudley said and Harry nodded. "I guess my mind was on the gift for the Ball."
Severus looked up "You don't have to get me a gift Dudley, your presence is all I require."
Dudley shook his head. "I was told that etiquette demands that a representative from each realm or group had to provide a gift. Since I am the only muggle who is going to be there then I will have to provide the gift on behalf of the muggle realm."
Harry choked on his pumpkin juice. "Oh Dudley I forgot to tell you, you wouldn't be the only muggle there anymore. Arthur asked to invite a group who the Ministry is liaising with for better relationships between the realms. I believe Lord and Lady Stewart and Mr and Mrs. Grunning have been invited. As well as a representative from the Queen, someone from the Prime Minister's office, someone from Scotland Yard and a small group from the Exchequers Office and someone from the Bank of London. The gift from the muggle realm will come from the Queen's representative. Sorry, Minerva told me to tell you since yesterday. It slipped my mind."
"I am going to kill you Harry. I spent all day today picking out a gift" Dudley said with a frown. He then looked at Severus and said "well I guess I already have your Christmas present bought."
"What about the charms on the building? I thought muggles could not see the school" Feanor asked.
"We will be lifting them for the night. Arthur and Kingsley said that this was the perfect opportunity to introduce the representatives of the muggle world to the magical realm. Especially since the High Elf King and the Goblin King will be here. We are yet to see if the centaur chief will be there. However it will be a great opportunity for them to see us at our best. One of the representatives from the Bank of London is a squib and Mrs. Grunnings is a witch but the rest will be pure muggles and only know what they have heard through, myths and legends, rumours or police reports."
"So out of curiosity what did you get" Harry asked Dudley.
"I am not going to tell you, it will be a surprise for Severus' Christmas... unless your birthday is before" Dudley said and Severus shook his head.
"Come on tell me, Severus is not going to mind" Harry said.
"Let's just say its nicer than a feather" Dudley said with a smile.
"A feather?" Feanor stated obviously confused.
"Yeah that's what Harry got him a feather from the snake..."
"DUDLEY!" Harry shouted.
"What, you said Severus wouldn't mind" Dudley said taking a sip of wine.
"What kind of snake has feathers?" Hagrid asked.
"The snake on the island, the giant one... " Dudley said.
"You got me a plume from a male Basilisk" Severus shouted in absolute delight.
"Willingly given" Dudley said smirking.
"I am going to kill you that was supposed to be a surprise" Harry shouted and started glowing.
"Well then I guess you will have to spend all day tomorrow looking for another gift" Dudley said.
Harry screamed and Dudley ran and Harry ran after him. The others laughed and even more so at Severus who was now floating near the ceiling dancing in happiness at his gift.
Harry did disappear for the entire day the next day. Dudley accompanied Severus and Brian Watson to the muggle world. Severus had asked if Petunia and his father be invited to the ball and Minerva agreed.
Severus and Brian entered the boxing gym. Severus had met a few of the members the day he came in and spent some time with Tobias, so many hailed him out. Tobias came out to the front.
"Severus..." Tobias said with a smile.
"Dad is there somewhere we could talk in private?" Severus said.
Tobias looked at Brian and got serious "Sure. Come upstairs to my loft." Tobias lived in a small apartment above the gym.
"Dad this is Chief Brian Watson, he is the head of the DMLE" Severus said by way of introduction. Tobias gave a nod.
"I guess Chief Edgar Bones is long gone" Tobias said sounding nervous.
"Yes. He was a good man. Severus came to me and spoke to me about your case. He told me that he has reconciled with you." Brian said seriously.
Tobias nodded.
"Therefore we have considered that you have done your time and you have lived up to your parole agreement. We therefore think that once more you can fully re-enter society." Brian gave Tobias the document which was signed by a muggle judge, Tobias' parole officer, Brian and Kingsley which stated that Tobias' period of parole was over.
"I'm free" Tobias said.
"Yes and I sincerely hope that the only times I would be seeing you again would be at celebrations and not in court" Brian said and Tobias shook his hand and thanked him profusely.
"Dad now that you are free to go anywhere. There is this ball tomorrow night..." Severus said sounding like a teenager asking permission to go.
"A ball?" Tobias asked.
"Severus is being honoured for becoming a member of the International Potions Guild. It is one of the highest honours for a Potions Master and he is the first Englishman to be on the council in a hundred years. The ball is in his honour. He wants you to be there" Brian said since it was obvious Severus was going to play it down so he would not be disappointed if his father said he didn't want to come.
"I am so very proud of you Severus. Of course I will be there." Tobias said.
Severus beamed.
The next morning Harry, Minerva, Neville, Filius and Dudley stood on the Prince Manor grounds near the machine waiting for the arrival of the elves. Valerian and Octavius and Beauty also came and were around. Severus was waiting with Feanor on the other side of the manor to set up the portal.
Dudley leaned in and asked Harry "So did you get another gift?"
"Oh shut up" Harry said and Dudley chuckled. "As a matter of fact yes and I am not going to tell you what it is... it's the rarest potions ingredient in the world."
"You said the same thing about the feather" Dudley said with a chuckle.
"Well I was wrong, this is" Harry said.
"Well I hope whatever it is you are giving it to Severus along with the feather. He was literally floating on the ceiling in happiness about that feather" Minerva said.
"And dancing to" Filius said with a chuckle.
"What are you giving him?" Harry asked Minerva. Since it was Hogwarts honouring Severus, both Hogwarts Lords and each house would be presenting a gift as well as one from the Headmistress.
"You will see tonight" Minerva said.
"I had a cauldron made of living Mandrake wood" Neville said with pride and obvious excitement.
"Living Mandrake wood?"
"Yes, the Mandrake is still alive and is in the form of a cauldron. She says Severus will have to make non-heat related potions but it will work like any cauldron."
"She?"
"The Mandrake" Neville said as if it was obvious.
The others looked at him in shock and where only pulled out of their stupor when Kingsley, Arthur, Brian and Alex came in along with the Head of the Wizengamot Lord Wilkes. They were all dressed in black robes.
"Good we are on time" Kingsley said.
"Lord Wilkes you have never met my cousin Dudley, have you?" Harry said and introduced the happy smiling man.
There was a loud sad musical sound coming from the other side of the Estate which signalled the coming of the elves. Valerian, Octavius and Beauty came before them leading the way. The entire area was surrounded by High Elf soldiers and then Severus came in with the King, Queen, a woman who was obviously the widow and mother of the fallen and a party of elves. Feanor stood among the dignitaries but Jarak stood next to Kingsley and Arthur.
Jarak provided a translation of what was going on as every thing was said in elvish. The ceremony was a sad one and Severus reached over and held Harry's hand. Minerva took out her handkerchief more than once.
Then the elves all started chanting. Jarak did not translate.
"It is a special magical chant not done in hundreds of years, you are the first non-elves to witness it in over five thousand years" a cold voice said from Harry's side and Harry jumped slightly when he saw Death standing next to him.
Harry saw Brian and Alex looking at him, they discretely took out their wands. They like Severus had started recognising the signs that Death was near.
"You may tell them to put away their wands, there will be no battle and you are not in danger. I am here as part of the ceremony" Death said.
Harry motioned to Brian and Alex to put away their wands. They both did but Harry saw they were still somewhat on alert.
They saw four maidens bringing four silver saplings. Harry heard Neville, Severus and Filius gasp. They obviously knew what type of plants they were. The plants were each put into the ground near to where each elf had been located on the machine.
"Time for me to work" Death said. The chanting got louder and Harry saw Death move to where the machine was and touch the area where each elf had been. Mini portals opened and the souls of all four elves came out. They did not look as they had when they died but looked young and beautiful. The four looked at Harry and smiled. Harry was sure only, he, Valerian, Octavius and Beauty saw them.
Harry heard wailing and saw the widow crying. The spirit of her husband moved over to her and gently held her and gave her a light kiss and Harry saw a strange white magic surround her. She stopped crying and said something in elvish. Her husband smiled and moved to his parents and comforted them as well. Each of the children went and comforted their mother and she chanted a different chant from the others. It sounded like she was singing a lullaby.
The spirits then moved into the silver saplings and to the amazement of the humans and some of the younger elves, the saplings grew up to young trees. The four trees encircled Tiberius' machine which was crushed and totally destroyed.
"Love is the most powerful magic there is" Death told Harry who nodded. The four saplings continued to grow and intertwined until it looked like one large tree. It looked like an oak tree. A silver oak tree.
The elf chanting stopped. They then started singing a soft gentle song.
Death moved again and reopened the portals around the tree and three of the spirits left. The last, the King's son looked at Harry and beckoned to him. Death told him not to be afraid and to go. Jarak tried to stop him but Valerian told Jarak it was okay. Harry moved to the tree and the spirit of the elf prince placed Harry's hand on the bark of the tree. The elf prince moved into the tree and Harry felt the magic as the wood beneath his hand moved and finally something solid rested in his hand. The elf prince came out of the tree and went to stand next to his wife.
Harry understood. He looked at her and it was only then did he realise all of the music and singing had stopped and everyone was looking at him.
He was actually a bit nervous as he walked up to her. He stood in front of her and gave her a small smile. He held her hand and put the item in her hand.
"Your husband wants you to have this" Harry said and Nolodron translated what he had said to her. She looked down and in her hand was an elaborate silver looking angel with a blood red stone in the middle. She cried. The spirit kissed her on her cheek and then gave Harry a nod and then he too left.
Harry went to stand near to the side where Death stood. "It is the elven symbol for life. The blood stone is called an Elven Elendil stone. It is in essence a symbol of his life and love. It is considered the heart of an elf's heart where the soul is stored. By giving it to her, he is giving her all the love in his heart and in essence gives her permission to marry again."
"That is really beautiful" Harry said.
"It is. This tree along with the remains of Manasa will keep this area fertile for a long time. From the ashes of torment and suffering, springs life and love" Death said.
"That is very poetic and beautiful" Harry said.
"Yes I heard it at a funeral once very nice saying" Death said and Harry chuckled. "Now I must be off duty calls. Enjoy your ball and don't forget to celebrate life." Harry smiled and gave a slight wave as Death left.
Severus came over and held Harry's hand; they looked at the elf maidens who were dancing around the tree celebrating life.
