A/N #1: Reading the Snape scene while listening to "Snape's and Lily's Theme Extended Soundtrack" will… enhance the experience. You can find it as a 7-minute video on YouTube.
Chapter 34: Lost & Found
Overthrowing a government takes extensive planning and precise calculations. When preparing to take down a country and then move on to take over others, strategy is vital. Gellert Grindelwald amassed the power he did because of his skills as a strategist. His experience in manipulation and his silver tongue had convinced people of things they would have never even considered without his considerable charm. Albus knew the inner workings of the Wizarding World government at all levels. Most importantly, he had dirt on many people. It is satisfactory when people like you, but when people fear you, it is much more effective. Together, they were able to come up with an intricate, long-term plan to achieve their goal: world domination of muggles by wizards and witches.
Albus and Gellert were ostensibly very similarly skilled duelists. Voldemort was an extremely talented duelist, but there was a reason why he feared Dumbledore. Tom was arrogant, but he was smart enough to recognize that the decades of experience and sheer magical power that Albus had were too much for him to face in a confrontation. Inside the eerie, gothic home, that had housed them for months now, two men had tea while attending to their correspondence. The wind howled outside. They were quite pleased with their progress and the international support their cause had gathered. Owls and muggle post were coming into the house every single day. Their return to glory would be magnificent.
"Things are coming along better than we expected, Al. Expanding beyond England will give us, as I predicted, better resources and more followers," Gellert said, showing Albus the records he kept.
"When are we starting our second phase?" Albus asked.
"The second phase will start as soon as the dust settles," Gellert signed a letter and waved it to dry it.
"What about my idea?" Albus sat up straighter.
"I already told you that your idea is not going to work. The days when people believed anything you say are way past you."
"They are a gullible lot. They ate my good grandpa act without question for years!"
Gellert rubbed his temples. He could feel a headache coming. "That was before you attacked the King of Goblins within Gringotts in front of many witnesses who are still alive and remember what you did! How could you be so stupid? I couldn't believe it when I heard it. You a man with a prodigious, calculating mind, left witnesses! And not one! Several! Goblins and humans, wizards, and muggles… The man I fell in love with would have never been so careless!" Gellert slapped the table, making the china rattle.
"I know, I know… I was desperate. You know I don't think well when my sugar level is low," Albus replied, adding three sugar cubes to his cup. This earned him an eye-roll from Gellert. "And that filthy goblin got on my nerves treating me as an equal… But none of that matters, I have a secret weapon."
"Wizarding society will never believe that you if you try to play the victim. Times have changed. Perhaps they did trust you when ugly fetus over there still had a body and was trying to pull a Hitler." Gellert pointed to the disgusting creature that was Voldemort, which had grown a few inches but was still in stasis. "But, are you so naïve to think they will trust you now?" Gellert took a long sip of his tea.
"For someone who admires my intelligence, you think remarkably little of my planning skills," Albus smirked.
"Meaning?" Gellert sat up straighter and drilled into Albus' eyes.
"Gellert, your lack of faith in me hurts my feelings," Albus smiled with a dark expression in his eyes.
Gellert stood up in alarm. "What did you do, Albus?"
Dumbledore took a slow, calm sip to hide a smirk.
Gellert put his hands on his waist and gave Albus a measuring look. The wider Albus smiled, the more concerned his partner grew. "What the bloody hell did you do?! We have a plan! You can't act on your own! You need to stick to our plan!"
"Relax. This has nothing to do with you. I had to do thorough planning to accomplish this. Bear in mind that I had no idea I would ever have your support again," Albus reasoned. "I have them."
Gellert was taken aback. He thought hard… Them, them, them… the them he thought Albus was talking about made no sense. Out of all the possibilities of what Albus could have said, he didn't expect this. Gellert wasn't opposed to Necromancy in principle. After all, if you are to die and your death can be useful to those who survive you… Why waste it? But typically, the corpses had to be fresh… As in just slit your throat fresh. It made no sense to use such old dead bodies. They were probably bone by now.
"Let's say, for fun, that I do believe you. Where are they, then?"
"Under Hogwarts."
"What!? You had them moved there? Isn't it only family that can move them? How the hell are we supposed to dig them out without being seen?"
"You underestimate me. We won't get them out. Not until they are a tactical advantage for us."
"How do you even know they are still there?" Gellert seemed entirely unconvinced.
"My elves report to me every day. They are weak, losing their minds a bit with boredom, but they are still eating, and fighting back," Albus shrugged.
Gellert frowned and stopped pacing. That could not possibly be true. "You mean they are alive? I don't believe you. They can't be. You wouldn't have been able to keep them hidden all these years. A school is the worst place to keep a secret."
"It is different when you are the headmaster. The school answers to you, no questions asked. All Hogwarts' elves were at my command," Albus smirked.
"Yes, but they were pillars in the community. If anyone had seen or heard anything weird… That thing murdered them… There was a funeral with bodies. I saw pictures all over the press!"
Albus vanished the tea set and looked at Gellert in a way that let the man know he was absolutely serious.
"Let's say I believe you… that they are alive. What exactly are you going to say to 'bring' them back, huh? They wouldn't have left their child behind!"
"What!? For the love of Crawley!* I am not talking about Lily and James! They are six feet under… Luckily."
"Then who the fuck are you talking about!?"
"Dorea and Charlus, of course."
Gellert paled. Had Al lost it? It was impossible. "Don't you dare lie to me, Al. I know you had them killed."
"Do you now? Really?" Albus' smirk was a sight to behold.
Gellert began to feel a thrill of excitement. "Where under Hogwarts, Albus?"
The man smiled darkly. "Let's just say… they are exactly where I want them to be."
Sirius untangled himself slowly from his boyfriend's arms, as a tawny Gringotts' owl landed on the balcony railing. He didn't want to wake Remus. If it wasn't hopeful news, he wouldn't even tell him. Sirius took the letter and moved to the far end of the balcony where Remus wouldn't be able to see him. He broke the seal with his finger and winced as the seal cut his finger to make sure he was the recipient.
Lord Black,
Congratulations on finding your mate for life! When two beings decide to make a lifelong commitment to one another, it is to be celebrated. I am pleased to inform you that as our marriage ritual is done by blood and magical core, it matters not if you are male or female. We have very few goblins who feel attracted to similar anatomy enough to marry that way, but if they want, they can join each other.
You would have to take part in a painful, glorious bonding ceremony. In it, you would exchange copies of your keys that have been sunk in each other's blood, and that would mean you have access to each other's fortunes and assets. You would be recognized as a lawfully wedded couple by the goblin nation globally as well as by other creatures. The ring of Lady of the House would be resized and adapted to the Gentleman of the House.
Regarding your MoM question, the only thing that the Ministry does, regarding marriage, is to sign it up in their book. We will send them an official marriage certification, which I will personally sign, and they will be bound by our mutual agreements to include you. I usually do not meddle with human affairs, but I consider you and future Mr. Black as friends. I am assuming he will take the name Black. If he doesn't, I apologize for the assumption. I just need to remind you that by choosing a male as a life companion, you will not have biological heirs unless you select a vassal consort that can bear your children without being your wife but benefitting from your House's protection. I just want you to consider your options. You must leave at least one heir. You could adopt by core ritual too. That ritual is one of the most painful ones, but so is childbirth…
Anyhow, you have my unwavering support in your union. Since I will lead the ceremony and sign the acts, the MoM will have to accept it. Any marriage I perform has to be approved by Decree No. 17072016, which was the decree to end the war. When the Minister of that time signed it, he agreed to allow any and all acts (marriage and others) that were approved by the King of Goblins. Lord Black, I appreciate this opportunity to vex all those judgmental inbreeds. When they have no option but to accept your marriage…. I want to see their faces! Tonight, I shall drink dragon ale to you and your mate!
King Nagkrat
Sirius re-read the missive three times. He then started dancing and pumping his arms up in silent celebration. In the garden, Emma and Dan were doing some stretches in their fitness gear. Daniel had entirely healed thanks to elven concoctions and pomades. Emma had insisted and taken him to a clinic to get an abdominal ultrasound to make sure she missed nothing. She didn't. The couple looked oddly at Sirius, who was still dancing noticed their quizzical look. If he was going to pull the coolest proposal ever, he would need help. He morphed into Padfoot and ran downstairs.
"What is that about?" Dan asked.
"I'm sure we are about to find out," Emma replied as she stretched her neck.
Padfoot moved his head to ask them to follow him. They did so with amused expressions. Once they were far from the house, Padfoot stood in his hind legs and morphed back.
"Emma!" Sirius hugged her and twirled her around. He proceeded to do the same to Dan, who laughed good-naturedly.
"What happened? You look like you are about to burst, do tell,"
"I am getting married!"
Emma and Dan shared a confused look. "How?"
"I wrote to Nagkrat, and there is a way for me to marry Remy!"
"Really?" Emma gushed.
"Yes! It involves a bloody ritual… You know how goblins are. But if we are married by the King of Goblins, the Ministry of Magic has to accept our marriage because of some ancient laws!"
"That's great, man, congratulations. I am glad you are making an honest man out of Remus. It isn't a good example for the kids, you know," Dan chuckled and clapped Sirius' back.
"I am going to go out on a limb and suppose that Remy has no idea," Emma began. Sirius shook his head. "And you ran here because?"
"Well, I want to put together the best proposal of all times… And I need help. Who better to ask that the happiest couple I have right here?"
Emma and Dan smiled. "Why, thank you…." Dan replied.
"What are you thinking? Romantic, candlelit dinner, with a string quartet?" Emma proposed.
"Nope, too cliché."
"Dance mob?" Dan proposed, jokingly.
"What is that?" Sirius looked too keen on the idea.
"Well, you choose a song that is meaningful and come up with a choreography for a large group of people that will hold signs and props to help you ask him to marry you," Emma explained.
"Oh, I love that idea! How are your dance moves, Dan?"
Dan blushed. "Well, Emma is the dancer here… I just try not to step on her toes and to sway to her sway."
"Doesn't matter. It has to be spectacular. I want everyone to dance!" Sirius made some silly dance moves. "I want fireworks and a big party once he says yes!"
"You are assuming he will say yes?" Emma asked, lifting a brow.
Sirius stopped moving. "You think he won't? Why?!"
"I am messing with you. Of course, Remy will say yes, once he knows it is a real possibility," Emma smiled.
"You scared me for a second. Now, you need to keep quiet. I want to tell the children last second, so they don't let it slip."
"Of course. We should talk to Neesy."
Severus had forgotten that Lily had left him a letter and a copy of her lab keys. Gringotts had forwarded both with an apology saying every time they had tried to move the letter, they would be attacked by it. It took Ted Tonks to pick it up with his non-magical hands for it not to lash out. Snape asked Narcissa to be there with him when he read the letter. He was terrified of what Lily's last words for him had been. Severus was expecting many accusations and recriminations for his behavior. He took a slow, deep breath, sat down, put a drop of blood on the seal, and the letter opened itself and floated down to the writing desk in front of him. Narcissa placed her hands on his shoulders. Before she looked away, she did notice Lily's impeccable ornate cursive. She wouldn't read it unless he wanted her to. It would feel like she was listening to a couple's private conversation. As Emma had advised, she decided to consider Sev, a widower. It was good advice that allowed her to compartmentalize information.
Sevy,
If you are reading this letter, I am dead. There is no pretty way to start a letter like this one. I know you don't like me to call you Sevy, but since I am dead now, you don't have to like it. If you find something strange about this, I did some very fun magic and numbers to write this while I was still alive. Then I had my essence imbued to a portrait, and that is how I finished the letter. You may find some of my notes on how I did this in the lab. Filius said it was impossible, but you know me. I am too stubborn to accept that. My portrait is in the main Potter Vault. I would love it if you could come to visit me so we can talk.
First and foremost, I want to thank you, Sev. You must be shocked. But regardless of how sour things turned between us, you were my first and best friend for too many years for me not to be very grateful. When you changed, Severus, I could tell when you hadn't changed on your own. Your change was so intense and so quick that I was always sure someone had done something to you. I only understood who it was days into our hiding under Dumbledore's machinations. He was acting really strange. He offered me a lemon drop every time he would come. Once, I bought the kind he preferred and hid the one he gave me while I took my own candy. Then, I analyzed his. I was floored. Lemon was his favorite flavor because it masked the taste of several different potions well.
To think that we ate up his good grandfather act angers me exceedingly. But I shouldn't do this. This letter is about us, not about him. I was so happy you decided to join us for Harry's birth celebration. You probably don't remember this. I am sure that the bastard took this memory from you too. But that day, you managed to fight off his imperius. Most people thought that to be impossible, but you did it. You apologized to James, and you actually begged me to forgive you. You were on your knees, Sevy. We forgave you. Genuinely. We had a long conversation. Harry wanted you to hold him right away. You asked to be a part of his life, and we offered you the title of Uncle Sev. Not honorary uncle, just uncle. You were my family, my brother. I do think that if things had been different, you and I could have been good together. I am sorry Dumbledore robbed us of that chance. I actually almost asked you on a date to Hogsmeade once, but my courage failed me. I am sorry I wasn't brave enough. We should have had at least a chance to explore a different kind of relationship, although I am sure it wouldn't have changed what ended up happening.
My dearest Sevy, I hope you forgive me for falling in love with James. You know better than anyone that I never planned or wanted that to happen. All I can tell you is that he truly changed. He became a man I could love and respect. He made amends. He showed me with his actions that he had actually decided to turn his life around. I wouldn't have married him otherwise. You know I wouldn't have believed him at his word back then. There was a time where I thought you and I would end up together for life… before you changed. If it helps you forgive yourself, I know you didn't mean the horrible things you said to me. Hopefully, if you are now free from his claws, you know that I knew you didn't mean to do what you did and that I know you are torn by guilt over the terrible things you were forced to do.
I know you joined the Death Eaters to try to keep me safe, Sevy. I cannot put into words what your sacrifice meant to me. One of the reasons I am telling you all of this is so you forget any notion that I was angry towards you or hated you when I died. Stop allowing guilt to control your life. You were potioned and under his horrible spells, blocks, and compulsions. The Sevy I always remembered, the man I loved deeply, the man I trusted with my life, my best friend, Harry's uncle… he was still in there, in that beautiful heart of yours. He was fighting a losing battle against one of the most deviant, powerful wizards of all time. If you succeeded and are now free, I am so happy for you, my friend.
I left Minnie another key to my lab. Please be kind to her and share it fairly. You will see my journals and other notes. There may still be details left for you to learn regarding potions, Master. You have a gift, Sev. It should be shared. Think of your students as little Lilys and little Harrys who adore you and look up to you. Teach them with the same patience and love that you had to teach me and that I am sure you will have to prepare your nephew. Now that you are free, I am sure you will be able to do so.
I know you loved me deeply. Know that I felt that love every minute of my life, and especially, every minute of my death. Sometimes I felt undeserving of such devotion. I never felt like I did anything extraordinary to earn it. When you found my body, my soul was starting to transcend. But I saw everything. Oh, Sevy… I am so sorry you had to see that. I heard your screams. I felt your pain. I saw your tears, your anguish. I felt your heart shatter as if I had been holding it in my hands, which was probably true. I wanted to hold you, to tell you I felt no pain, that I was in a better place, that my and James' essences were in our vault. I am so, so, very sorry I couldn't be there for you, Sevy. And I am even more sorry that you didn't have anyone else there to hold you together. You deserve that. Truly.
Your love is too mighty to be buried with my body, Sevy. Do not stop loving. Love more, love harder, love better, love against all odds. Voldemort will not come back to a world full of love, and Dumbledore will not take over if the thirteen stand in unity and help those less fortunate. Build alliances, create covens, be inclusive with all magical creatures. Lobby and pass laws that lead to a fairer society. You will find several bill drafts on my desk. While it saddens me that I could not pass them before I died, I am confident that the right people will. If you can't make yourself do politics, I know it's not in your nature to do small talk, find the right people to do it for me, please. I want a better society for my son and all the people and creatures that will help him.
Above all, Sevy, for the love of all that is good in this life: love again. Find a good woman and love her even more than you loved me. I know you can. Believe me. You will. Be brave in your love. Fight for and with her. If she has a past, love her so hard that she will forget she ever was with anyone else. But Sevy, you must let her love you too. Open yourself up to be loved by her. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Tell her your fears, your joys, your doubts. Show her all of you and embrace all of her, the light, the dark, the complexities… I promise you it will be worth it. There is no stronger power than that of selfless love. Nothing is more worthy of effort, of sacrifice, of sweet surrender than the person you choose to love, to support, to have and to hold, to build a family with, come hell or high water. Give her your all, and she will give you her all in kind. Don't compare her to me. Don't allow her to compare herself to me. Don't self-sabotage. I am sure you will choose her well, and she will be wonderful and worthy of your great capacity to love. Sevy, I want you to think of me as the first few chapters of your life and to think of her as the saga of your life.
Remember who you are at your core. Your magic will always show you the right way. If you hear a little voice inside your mind, one that sounds like someone you trust… that is your core. Listen to it. You are a wonderful man, Severus. Put your talents to good use. I also beg you to remember you promised James and me, although this too may have been erased, that you would protect our son. He will need protection, but most importantly, he will need a family to guide him, to teach him, to love him. It breaks my heart that I will not be able to be there for him in the flesh, to hug him, to kiss him, to give him advice, to watch him grow into a fine man, to see him fall in love… but I know that his aunts and uncles and other good people will be there for him.
Firenze and I did an advanced astral reading some weeks ago. I was too concerned about who Harry would end up with. You see, I knew I was going to die. I can't tell you how. I just felt we would die young and leave our son an orphan. The reading showed us that he will be hurt. Make sure justice is served to all who hurt him. Also, please thank them profusely. Thank E and D, whoever they are. The charts showed me what they will do. James and I could not have asked for better parents for our baby. Give Padfoot and Moony our love... and our blessing.
I hope you can remember me with a smile, without any shadow of the bad times tampering with your memory. Remember me as a woman who loved you deeply, as a friend who cared about you, and as a sister who wanted all that is best in life for you, as good sisters do. Above all, remember that I never held a grudge. I forgave you with all my heart. My dearest friend, I should wrap this up. I wish you courage, strength, determination, patience, happiness, and a long-lasting ever encompassing love.
All I ask of you is to allow yourself to love again, to be happy, and to look after my baby boy.
All my love,
Lily Jade Potter
Lady of the Most Ancient and Noble House Potter and Honorary Marauder
Mischief Managed!
Severus was a mess by the time he finished. He cried like a child who has been hurt deeply. Narcissa hardly knew what to do; words would not help. Snape's anguished wails were painful. He rocked himself back and forth, holding the letter to his chest as if it would break. He shook in her arms as he sobbed intensely. Neesy popped in behind them. Her elf radar detected intense distress in one of the rooms Narcissa looked over her shoulder and mouthed 'get Eileen and Emma.' Neesy seemed concerned and popped away.
"Sev, I am so sorry about whatever is hurting you," Narcissa said tentatively.
"I-I-I-" he couldn't speak as sobs shook his body, and his heart ached. Eileen and Emma were popped in.
"What happened?!" Emma asked in alarm.
"Son, what's wrong?!" Eileen frowned. She had only seen her son break down like this once. Back then, she had been Hogwarts's librarian, and she had no idea why it hurt her so badly to see a stranger in such pain. She was the first person to see Snape after he saw Lily and James dead. As Pince, she didn't even like Severus, but he sounded so heartbroken that her own heart reached out to him. She felt an impending sense of doom, "Did someone die?"
He nodded and held on to his mother. He still couldn't speak. Narcissa was crying. It hurt her to see him like this. Eileen began rubbing her son's back and whispering that everything would be alright.
Emma pulled Cissa aside and began whispering, "Who died? What is happening? You both seemed so happy…"
"Lily died." Narcissa shrugged.
Emma frowned, "But that was years ago…"
"Yes, but she left him a very long letter that the goblins just sent," Narcissa whispered back.
"I forgot about that… What did it say?" Emma asked with worry.
"I have no idea."
"What do you mean, you have no idea?" Emma whispered. "We can't help him unless we know what happened…"
"I didn't read it. I was just here to support him. He didn't tell me to read it, so I did not," Narcissa wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.
"Oh, dear… It must be bad," Emma sighed, looking at the parchments that Severus held against his chest. It looked like you would have to kill him to get those.
Eileen looked at them with a clear 'help me' expression.
Emma knelt in front of Severus and put her hands on his bony knees. "Sev, is there anything we can do?"
He shook his head, and more tears fell from his red eyes.
Emma was a persistent woman, "Severus, please. We're worried about you, honey. Can we get you anything? Anyone?"
"B-Black," he whispered.
"Tolanthe, please bring Lord Black here immediately," Emma requested. Two seconds after that, the door to the balcony opened, and a Sirius came in floating on a chair, wearing a bathrobe and holding a pot of shaving foam and a brush. He looked a bit queasy.
"What the hell, Emma?! I could have been naked!" he complained. Any further comments died on his lips as he saw the state of the broken man in the room. "Damn, what happened?"
"I-I n-need a-access to the m-main P-Potter vault. P-Please," Severus said with difficulty in between sobs.
He looked at Sirius with such raw pain that Padfoot could only nod in acquiescence. "Of course, but please tell us what's wrong?"
"I-I fell i-in love with an a-a-a-angel," was all Severus managed to get out before he began crying intensely again.
Sirius looked at the women with a questioning expression. Narcissa had flinched at what the man said. Emma was perplexed. Eileen couldn't do anything other than try to console her son.
"E-Emma, he-here," Severus handed her the letter with a delicate motion. He needed her understanding and support. "R-Read it…"
Narcissa and Eileen were glad he chose Emma. They weren't ready for whatever was written there.
Emma took the pages as if they were made of the most delicate crystal. She took a step towards the light coming from the balcony. As the doctor read, her face changed to several different expressions, but then she crumbled. By the time she was done reading, she was a mess on the floor. Sirius had moved to wrap an arm around his cousin. Emma stood with difficulty and went over to hold Severus tighter than ever.
"I am so sorry, Sev," Emma whispered. He nodded slowly. When she looked him in the eye, he knew that she understood. "Come, we have to get you dressed so you can visit."
Emma pulled him towards his closet. The other people in the room looked more confused. Visit whom?
He stopped and turned, "You c-can all read i-it. I don't m-mind. Please don't damage the parchment. I need to preserve it."
Emma selected some clothes and pushed him gently towards the bathroom. While he changed, everyone else read the letter. There wasn't a dry eye in the room by the end.
"That woman was a force of nature," Emma whispered. "I would have loved to meet her."
"My poor boy," Eileen sighed. "To think of all the what-ifs…"
"Bloody hell," Sirius said as he ran his hands through his hair. "I'll go get Harry. We need him to come with us. Since he is Lord Potter, only he can give Snape permission to go into the main vault."
Emma nodded. She hugged Narcissa, who was still shaken by the contents of the letter. "He is going to need you a lot, Cissa."
"I cannot compete with that, Emma…"
"You don't have to. Lily asked him not to compare… Something tells me that her word will be like a law for Sev. I know it's difficult, but remember she is gone. And she wanted him to move on and to be happy," Emma squeezed her friend.
Narcissa nodded without confidence.
"You will get there. Just be there for Sev, as a friend, if that is all you can do right now."
"Neesy?" Emma asked.
"Is Mr. Snape okays?" the elf asked, as soon as she popped in.
"Not really, sweetie. He got a letter from Lily Potter."
"From my mistress?!" Neesy was shocked.
"Yes, and apparently she had her essence put into a painting in the Potter vault at Gringotts," Emma was interrupted by the little elf jumping and clapping.
"She dids it! My mistress be mastering elvesies magicks!" Neesy exclaimed, twirling in the air with a proud smile.
"Tell me… Was it impossible before she did it?"
"Yes! No wizard or witch be doing elvesies magicks. It is being dangerous for their core and for their brains," Neesy explained.
"Your mistress was incredible, Neesy," Emma smiled and straightened the Potter crest on the elf's uniform.
"Yes, she was…"
"Can you do me a favor?"
The elf nodded happily.
"Give this note to Remus when he wakes up. It's so he and Draco can pick up Martin. We are going to Gringotts. How is the party coming along?"
"It is almost finished. The elvesies is being so happy that they can party with yous that they is working faster than evers," Neesy chuckled. "You is makings delicious mashed potatoes, and Master Dan fixed the meats already."
"Wonderful. We will be back as soon as we can. Thank you, Neesy," Emma hugged the elf and handed her the note she wrote.
"Everythings will be being ready."
At Gringotts, a very excited Sharptooth awaited his biggest and youngest client. Harry came into his office, holding Hermione's hand, and the kids immediately bowed then ran to hug Uncle Sharpie. The stern goblin should have hated the name, but he found both kids adorable… for goblin standards that is. The children were followed closely by Daniel and Emma. Narcissa and Eileen were each holding one of Severus' arms. Sirius was the last to come in.
"Lord Potter," Sharptooth gently peeled the kids off him.
Harry turned to walk away. He still wasn't always aware that people meant him when they said that. Hermione pulled him back and looked pointedly at him and at Sharptooth. Harry shook his head to clear it. They had practiced their etiquette. It was time to show their lessons were appropriately learned.
"Brave Warrior Sharptooth," Harry did a ceremonial bow.
"Lady Potter," the goblin nodded.
"May your vaults overflow, and may your enemies fall at your sword," Hermione delivered the line with practiced ease and curtseyed. Emma grimaced. She hated hearing words like that from her little girl's mouth.
"Yours as well, milady. Lord Potter, I understand you want to allow all the people here to come into your family's vault…"
"Yes, sir… I mean, Yes, Account Manager. I do," Harry stammered. Draco would have been ashamed to see him fail.
"Do you understand that your main vault holds vast riches and family secrets as well as heirlooms that are very valuable?"
"Yes, Account Manager Sharptooth. I understand."
"Would you like for Gringotts to pat down your authorized guests to make sure nothing leaves your vault?" Sharptooth asked mechanically.
Emma and Dan felt affronted; they would never rob the Potters. Sirius shook his head and begged her not to say anything with a look. She nodded.
Harry turned to Hermione, who shrugged with a frown. He walked backwards towards the Grangers. He had learned never to turn his back on a goblin in a formal situation. He pulled Mr. Granger's leg. The man crouched and -without ever taking his eyes off Sharptooth- the boy whispered, "What is to pat down?"
Dan could have laughed, but he didn't, and instead, he demonstrated what patting down was. The boy seemed upset. He went back to stand next to Hermione.
"I would be quite upset if Gringotts pats down my guests. I trust all of them," Harry said with a resolute do not ask me again type of look.
Sharptooth smiled slightly, "Your word shall stand in our records. Guard, three carts, please. Make sure they have security railings. Take them to the main Potter vault. I shall meet you there, Lord Potter."
"Thank you, Account Manager."
"Security railings? What the hell?" Daniel whispered to his wife.
Sirius approached them as they followed the guard. "Do you like rollercoasters?"
"I love them, but Emma doesn't… why?"
They stopped in front of an elevator door. It opened, and the insides were dark. There was what looked like a mining cart with seats on it. Emma peered and saw cart tracks in impossible patterns and angles of ascent or descent. She looked a bit green.
"Where does this go?" Emma asked. She noticed Narcissa took a sip of a vial and passed it to Severus and Eileen. "What is that?! Do we want some of that?!"
Narcissa nodded and handed her another vial. Emma took a sip and gave it to Dan, who followed her example and helped his kids drink.
Sirius laughed. "You are no fun! Feeling like you will throw up at any moment is part of the fun!"
Narcissa elbowed him. It was not the time to make jokes. She passed her cousin another vial and they got on the different carts.
"Keep your hands and feet inside the cart at all times. Do not try to steal any gold. It angers the dragons, and things get… hot," the guard pushed a lever, and they began moving forward. The goblin got on the back of Sirius' cart. It was all quite slow.
Emma and Dan had decided to sit Harry and Hermione between their legs, so they were snug. The cart had a sketchy bar that the guard lowered to press against their middle and keep them sitting down, but it was little comfort as it had seen better days. Emma was looking a bit green as she held on to the rails so tightly that her knuckles went white. She looked in alarm at Dan. He quickly kissed her temple, reassuringly.
Sirius loved the carts. "You guys will never forget this. Hold on tight."
As Sirius said tight, the carts tilted down until they were almost perpendicular and stopped. Then without any warning, they were free falling at full speed. The kids screamed and laughed in intervals. Emma and Dan screamed all the way down. He was screaming in exhilaration while his wife screamed in horror. Severus was still too far gone from the letter to emit any sound. He did look a bit sick, though. Narcissa and Eileen both closed their eyes tightly and hoped it would be over soon. Sirius lifted his arms high as they went down, he loved this cheap thrill.
The cart went down, took sharp turns to the right and the left. It shook and moved very fast. Suddenly, they could see another set of carts, and they were about to hit that, so the guard moved a lever, and the carts suddenly stopped their ascent over a gold melting giant cauldron. All the humans had to hold tight as the stopping motion pushed them forward harshly. Before any of them could recover or ask what would happen now, the goblin pulled a lever, and the carts reversed away and down at full speed.** Then, the carts changed rail lanes abruptly and kept descending at a slower pace. It seemed like they would never reach the end. But then, the cart stopped and the guard stood in front of a massive circular door.
"Vault 7, Lord Potter," the guard announced. "Your family's vault is one of the first we ever opened. That is the reason why it's so close to our guardian dragons and on our deeper levels... And why it is so hot, in case you were wondering."
Emma had to hold on to her husband to get up. Her legs were shaking.
"Thank you, brave guard," Harry stood and nodded. "Um, how do we open the door?"
"Place your palm here," the goblin pointed to a remarkably flat stone by the vault's door, which had the shape of a large hand chiseled into it. "Expect a cut. Our safest vaults, such as yours, do not have a key. They are opened by the family's blood."
"Okay," Harry walked to the stone, placed his hand, and felt a cut.
Hermione yelped, "Ouch!"
"Sorry, Mione," Harry smiled apologetically. The door was still closed. "Now what?"
The goblin frowned. It should have opened. An alarm went off. The goblin guard immediately pushed Harry against the vault's door and put a sharp, shiny ax to the boy's neck, without adding any pressure. "Are you Harry Potter?!"
Yelling ensued. "What the fuck!?" "Don't touch my godson!" "Harry!" "If you hurt him, I will end you!"
"Stop!" Sharptooth bellowed as he floated down on a floor tile like structure. "What is the meaning of this, guard?! Lord Potter is the true heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter! He is under the protection of King Nagkrat!"
"The vault has not recognized him, Sharptooth. The alarm rang!"
"That does not make any sense. Harry is the only Potter alive today. He and his soul bonded wife," Sharptooth pointed at Hermione.
"The vault disagrees with you, Sharptooth."
"Does this mean someone in my family is alive?!" Harry's eyes filled with hope.
"I have no idea, Harry. It would appear like that is the case. You cannot fool the Book of the Living, which is tied to our magic. We assumed that since the Ministry had emancipated you when you bonded, you were authorized to open the vault as the sole heir to the Potter fortune," Sharptooth looked very confused. "You were accepted by Potter manor and were able to bond elves to your service… I don't understand."
"That doesn't matter! Can my grandparents be alive?!" Harry asked with wide eyes. He knew his parents were definitely dead.
"I don't think we should get our hopes up too much. It could be a fluke, although I doubt it. However, put your hand back there and request access by repeating what I say, 'I, Harry James Potter,"
The boy repeated.
"Son of James Potter and Lily Potter," Sharptooth continued.
Harry repeated the same thing.
"Request access to the main Potter vault," Sharptooth said slowly. Harry complied. "As I am an emancipated minor by soul bond,"
Sharptooth waited until Harry caught up. "and I am to the best of my knowledge, the only Potter alive,"
Harry winced as the stone drew blood again.
"Potter Vault Acknowledges Scion Potter and his guests," a deep voice said from within the vault. "Welcome."
The Grangers knew that the Potters were rich. Still, they were not ready for the sight that welcomed them as they went in. As far as their eyes could see from where they stood, thousands of gold galleon coin towers were taller than they were. There was a duct to the side from which more coins fell in intervals. The vault was larger than the vast living room at the manor. Harry was stunned. He could not move. He looked back at Emma with big, scared eyes. She stepped forward and took his hand small clammy hand. Her boy needed support. Daniel picked Hermione up and took Harry's free hand.
As they walked in, the mountains of gold separated so they could roam freely. To the right, there was a library section full to the brim. To the left, there was what looked like an art gallery. Inside, there were sculptures, paintings, photographs, and various art pieces. At the very end, there was a large portrait covered by a red and gold checkered satin fabric. It looked like a flag of some sort. Harry let go of Emma and took Severus' hand and pulled him to the covered painting. Harry's legs were shaking, and so were his uncle's. When they reached the portrait, both child and adult extended cold hands to pull off the covering.
Everyone else stopped mid-motion and stared. In the portrait, there was a breathtaking redhead whose eyes were closed. She was sitting on a plush chair in what looked like the ballroom in Potter manor. The light coming through the windows made her look like she had a halo. Her skin was clear as porcelain. She had long eyelashes, delicate features, long red hair that was straight with curls at the end. In the lower right corner, the artist's initials 'P.L' were painted with glistening periwinkle blue paint and the period between and after the initials was a gold star.
"M-Mommy?" Harry whispered.
The woman in the painting opened her eyes slowly, and Harry saw his own eyes emerald staring back at him. The painted woman looked like an angel.
"My little lion," Lily Potter sounded so alive that Emma felt shivers down her spine. Lily smiled in delight and shifted forward in her seat to see her son better. "Look at you, how much you have grown!"
Harry put his face against his mother's painted manicured hand, and tendrils of golden light came out of the painting and caressed the boy's head. Emma began approaching Harry with her husband and daughter. Her boy seemed very happy.
Severus wanted to say Lily's name, but hearing her voice again was too much.
"My dear Sevy,"
He fell to his knees before the portrait with slumped shoulders.
"No, Sevy, do not cry. Everything is fine now. As I said in my letter, all is forgiven," Lily said, looking at the broken man before her. Snape nodded with a sad smile. Tears kept falling down his face.
Lily smiled at her friend, "Everything is okay now. I am so glad you are free. I am in no pain, Sevy… You kept your word. I love you. It's alright," Lily pointed at Severus with her hand, and a long gold thread of light touched his forehead. He calmed down immediately. For the first time, he felt truly forgiven… he felt peace, the kind of peace that only his Lily could give him. A tonne of weight was lifted off his shoulders.
Emma wanted to help Sev or Harry, but she had no idea what to do.
"Hi there," Lily smiled. "Who are you?"
"Um, I guess I am 'E'… Emma and he is 'D'… Daniel. We are the Grangers, Harry's legal guardians in the non-magical world," Emma smiled tentatively.
The painted woman's face filled with gratitude. "You saved my son. Thank you. I am delighted to meet you. The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter owes you a life debt. I could never repay you for what you have done for my baby. But take anything you want from the vault," Lily offered.
"Well, I think all we could want is to bring your portrait home so Harry can talk to you. Can we do that?" Emma asked when Harry looked at her with pleading eyes.
Lily looked touched. "Of course. I would love to go home with you, wherever that is."
"Mommy?" Harry stepped back but kept one hand touching the portrait.
"Yes, Harry," Lily smiled.
"I want you to meet my… um… Hermione," Harry said with a blush. He pulled Hermione forward.
"Your Hermione?" Lily blinked with a smile. Her son had a crush.
Emma sighed. "They are apparently married."
"What? But they are babies. They cannot be married!" She looked at the Grangers in clear question.
"Oh, trust us, we feel the same way… But they soul bonded," Daniel explained with a frown.
"They did?!" Lily exclaimed, looking at Severus, who nodded. "How?"
"We still aren't that sure, Jade," a red-eyed Sirius walked forward wiping his eyes.
"Paddy! Come here so I can look at you!" Lily requested.
"L-Lily," Sirius whispered, touching her cheek. Gold tendrils caressed him. He put his hand on his friend's fiery red hair. He could swear the painting smelled like her. He could almost feel her silky hair.
"I missed you so much!" Lily smiled endearingly. She turned and noticed that the little girl was blushing and seemed scared. "Hermione? Can you come closer?"
The girl took a hesitant step forward. Harry took her hand.
"Hello, Mrs. Potter," Hermione shuffled.
"Can you please put your hand on mine?" Lily requested softly.
Hermione placed her small hand on top of Lily's as best as she could. The same gold lines wrapped Hermione's hands, and Lily closed her eyes for a few seconds. The girl felt under a microscope.
"Well, aren't you gorgeous!?" Lily gushed. "Such a kind heart and a keen mind. Your parents must be very proud. I couldn't have asked for a better Lady Potter for my son."
Hermione blushed with teary eyes. Harry squeezed her hand.
"We have so much to tell you," Sirius said softly.
"I know, boo… I just don't want you to have to repeat yourselves... James, come on out here!" Lily called to a part of the ballroom that couldn't be seen. "Our family is here!"
"They're here!?" James ran into the ballroom, skidding to a halt a few feet behind his wife. "My baby boy!"
Harry touched his dad in the painting; the child's eyes were swimming with tears. Red tendrils caressed the boy's head and shoulders.
"He's married, we can't call him baby boy," Lily whispered.
"He's what now?"
"Hi, Mr. Potter," Hermione said with a blush.
James looked at the girl. She seemed anxious. "Hi, princess, who are you?"
"I guess I'm Harry's w-wife, sir," Hermione tried to smile.
James spluttered. "H-How?!"
"Soul-bond. It's a long story, James," Snape offered with a tentative smile.
James turned to him and nodded, "Severus, I am glad to see you better." Snape nodded and smiled.
"Padfoot! Where's Moony? I missed you guys so much! Now please explain."
Sirius gave his brother a watery smile. "We missed you too. Remus is busy right now… As to an explanation, well… They soul bonded as a result of an exorcism performed on Harry to eliminate a Horcrux, James,"
"An exorcism?" Lily exclaimed getting up from her chair.
"What even is a Horcrux?!"
Eileen had stayed back but now approached the group with Sharptooth.
"We have a lot to tell you, Lord Potter, Lady Potter," Sharptooth bowed.
"Sharptooth! Our favorite grumpy goblin!" Lily gushed, "Come here so I can give you some love."
The goblin frowned indignantly but did as she said and smiled tenderly as soon as her energy touched him. Sharptooth waved his hands, and a large sofa materialized in front of the portrait. It could fit everyone. They sat.
"James, these are the Grangers: Emma and Daniel. They are our son's guardians in the non-magical world. The ones I saw on the chart. The little girl is Hermione… um, our daughter-in-law, I guess. I'm sorry, who are you?" Lily said, looking at Eileen and Narcissa, who was still facing away.
"Lily, James," Severus brought his mother to sit next to him. "This is my mother, Eileen Prince."
Lily gasped. "But she was dead, wasn't she?"
"We'll explain," Eileen smiled.
Sirius stood up to bring Narcissa forward. As he turned her around, Lily and James shared a look and frowned.
"Lady Malfoy," Lily greeted her. Narcissa cringed.
"Padfoot, explain," James said with crossed arms.
"Narcissa is no longer a Malfoy. She is Narcissa Black. Lucius is in prison for, among many other things, the abuse of my cousin and her son Draco," Sirius sighed. He knew Narcissa wouldn't appreciate him speaking openly about it. She tensed next to him
Lily's expression softened immediately. "We are glad you got out."
James looked at Lily in shock. She pulled him to sit on the arm of her chair. "None of that, love. Remember that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future."
James sighed. "Fine. Let us start over, then. Nice to meet you, Ms. Black,"
Narcissa looked up and smiled brightly. "Thank you, Lord Potter. The pleasure is all mine. Lady Potter, I'm honored."
Lily smiled. "Now, let's start at the very beginning, alright? How did Harry end up in your care?"
Sirius took a deep breath. "Can you curse me from your painting?"
"What?! Why?!" The Potters were very concerned.
"I did something supremely stupid, which landed me in Azkaban. Dumbledore took advantage of that and took Harry… to live with the Dursleys…"
The whole room shook as Lily's eyes turned furious.
"Lily… Love, you are going to make the vault cave in…"
She shook her head. "Tell me everything they did."
Emma and Daniel joined Remus and Draco at the hospital to pick up Martin. Harry and Hermione had stayed to help Lily and James choose their favorite spot in the manor so their portrait would be placed there. However, for the time being, they were outside floating in the garden after all the Potter elves celebrated their arrival.
In the hospital, the priest was about to jump out of his skin from excitement. He was going home. It was surprising to him that while he didn't spend a lot of time in Potter Manor, it felt like home to him.
Neesy and Remus had come through with the sending of the invitations and the preparations for the barbecue.
As the unsuspecting priest was pushed to the garden in his wheelchair, people, elves, and a goblin greeted him with a loud "Welcome home Martin!"
"Dear Lord! Thank you! There are so many of you!" he said, looking at the elves with a smile. Those little helpers were the best. Apparently, they would be attending the party because they were out of their usual house uniforms and were dressed to party. Elves had a very entertaining fashion sense. There were bright colors everywhere, strange mismatched patterns, pants that were too short or too long, crooked bowties, flowy skirts, the works. They also had a very enthusiastic way of dancing.
"Rosary's man!" Neesy exclaimed, approaching him. "I be fixing yous chair!"
She snapped her fingers, and the wheelchair moved without its wheels sinking in the soil.
"Thank you, Neesy! It's so good to see you!" Martin smiled at the elf who ran back to keep talking to her mistress.
Sirius was trying to put off his apron, which had caught on fire. Emma chuckled as Remus threw water at his boyfriend's apron, successfully putting off the flames and drenching the man.
Daniel exclaimed, "Oh, you are just sad as a grillmaster, Padfoot! Learn from your elders, will you?" Dan laughed as he approached Sirius, putting on a different apron.
"Hey! I will have you know I haven't burned any food!" Sirius exclaimed indignantly.
Remus whispered, "Yet," with a smirk.
Daniel and Remus laughed at Sirius' outrage.
Narcissa approached Martin. Although the chair wouldn't sink and the man could roll himself, Draco insisted on pushing it around.
"Narcissa," Martin smiled. "I have to tell you how happy I am for you…"
"Shhh!" Draco, whisper shouted.
Martin looked at the boy, quizzically.
Narcissa frowned. "Why is that?"
Martin looked at Draco, who blushed and pleaded with his gray eyes. "Nevermind… You look radiant. I am happy you are feeling better, after everything you've been through."
"Oh, thank you," she smiled. "Drakey, please go get Mr. Shaw a drink."
The boy scampered away.
"What did he not want you to tell me?"
"Um… He saw you."
"Saw me?"
"With Severus… In the balcony?" Martin said in a questioning tone.
Narcissa paled. "Morgana!"
"Don't worry. Your son is happy for you, truly. He has it in his head that Emma made you guys happen," Martin wiggled his brows.
Narcissa blushed prettily. "She definitely helped."
"I told you the Lord always gives us a second chance at happiness," Martin smiled.
"I hope so… Are you going to stay here for good?"
"Draco asked me that too. I don't know yet. The Pope offered me a job working for him to bring down the coverup in the church… but he also offered me to leave the church if I want to do that instead."
"The Pope?" Narcissa lifted a quizzical brow.
"Um, if I had a boss like people do in regular jobs… he would be my boss's boss's boss. He is the Head of the Catholic Church," Martin explained awkwardly. Draco was back with his drink. "Thank you, son."
Draco beamed. "Are you hungry?"
"Not yet, but go play with your friends. I am fine…"
Draco's smile faltered. "You don't want me here?"
"What?! No, I didn't mean it like that, Draco. I just want you to have a good time. It must be boring tending to me all the time, and you've already done way too much for me."
Draco lowered his face. He whispered, "But I like spending time with you… I feel happy and safe."
Marin barely heard him, but he was touched. "I am glad that you like to help me. You have kept your promise. I love having you around, son, but you haven't seen your friends much in the past few weeks…"
Narcissa nodded with an encouraging smile. "I am sure they miss you. Oh! And Harry wants to introduce you to his parents."
Draco perked up at this. "H-How?!" He was terrified of the seances and the Ouija board Lucius and his friends used.
"Don't worry. They were painted. Go and catch up, Drakey," Narcissa pushed her boy slightly.
Martin was frowning and blinking, "Painted, huh? Will they talk to me? I never did manage to get any of the paintings here to talk to me."
"I think they will. Lily and James want to thank you."
"What? Why?"
"They know what you did for Harry and for the Grangers. Theirs is a different painting. Most paintings capture a bit of the personality of the subjects that were painted. Lily Potter was a mighty witch. She managed -we still don't know how- to distill her very essence. Hers and her husband's."
"Their essence?"
"Their soul or something similar. Their painting has their memories, but it can also create and keep new ones. It has their sense of right and wrong. Everything that made them who they were, except for their bodies of course, but even that is remarkable. The artist, Pandora Lovegood, was one of the best of her time."
"All of that sounds incredible. I would love to talk to them."
"Let's get some food into you first. I don't want Draco to think I neglected you," Narcissa smiled. She began to roll the priest around slowly so he could eat a bit while her son and other guests talked to the painting. The elves were dancing wildly and Martin could feel the light, upbeat energy in his still sore body. He couldn't help but smile. This really felt like home.
A/N #2: *For those of you who are on the younger side… Aleister Crowley was an English occultist. He was a 'ceremonial magician.' He also painted and wrote poetry.
A/N #3: **Those of you who have enjoyed (?) Hagrid's Motorbike Adventure know what I mean. Damn! I was on the motorcycle side. Next time, I will, for sure, take the sidecar. If you were on the motorcycle side and actually sat in it like you are supposed to, you know the feeling.
A/N #4: This is a long one. I try to keep my A/N section short so I apologize in advance.
Thank you for reading! I have been a bit overwhelmed with new readers and notifications that seemed to come out of the blue. I am sad that I cannot personally thank those of you who review as guests. I love it when people leave reviews. I appreciate all the readers I have had from the beginning who have supported this story unwaveringly, with kindness and respect. I send those of you a socially distanced hug. However, a few people think that they can use their review privileges to insult me. I must make it abundantly clear that I will not tolerate that. People who hide behind a keyboard, thinking that they are anonymous, to abuse others are abhorrent to me. Those who send insults will be immediately blocked. There are too many difficult things happening in the world for you to purposefully try to hurt a stranger because it makes you feel bigger. If you would not have the guts to say something to a stranger's face because you would probably be punched or slapped, do not write it down.
This does not mean I don't welcome constructive comments. Still, it is a bit disheartening having to explain in 2020 that there IS a defined line between a criticism and an insult. If you do not like a story on FF, just move on to another one. It really is that easy. No one is forcing you to stay and consume any content you do not like. Some people seem to feel entitled to force authors to write what they want and exactly how they want it. Many people who review, especially those who are insulting and disrespectful, would never write a story. Usually, authors who understand the struggle are a bit less mean. Although this is not always the case. Bear in mind that FF writers are not making a penny out of this. I write as a creative outlet and in an attempt to contribute to people's entertainment, especially in these hard times. I almost abandoned this because, where I am, things are hard at the moment. COVID cases have skyrocketed, and deaths are spiking too. I am concerned enough about the survival of my loved ones and even myself without strangers with ill intent attempting to make me feel worse.
Last but not least, the number of the decree in this chapter is the date of my mother's death. It was four years ago. It hurts as if it just happened. We prayed for her with family and friends on Zoom on Friday the 17th. I don't want anyone to lose a parent they love because it never stops hurting. One of my closest friends (I consider her family) lost her father on July the 8th after a gruesome fight to cancer. We had a small funeral. The limit of people allowed was less than half the usual number and only two people could sit on each end of pews designed for 6 people. There were empty pews in between those were people were sitting. Not even the family in mourning could sit together or touch. It is horrible not to be able to hug heartbroken people that you love in their time of need. July is never a good month for me since my mom died, and this year with all the other issues, it has been brutal. Thus, I have decided that there will be a hiatus between Part 1 and Part 2. I hope to post the last chapter soon. I am currently on vacation from my job, and I want to rest, unplug, and pursue other creative things.
Please stay safe and protect yourself and your loved ones by being extra careful. Let's not make it so our loved ones have to die alone in a cold ICU. -Lux-