Preface
Memories Are Made of ThesePosted originally on the Archive of Our Own at /works/6264202.
Rating:
Explicit
Archive Warning:
No Archive Warnings Apply
Category:
F/M, M/M, Other
Fandom:
Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationship:
Harry Potter/Severus Snape, Harry Potter & Voldemort, Severus Snape & Voldemort
Character:
Kreacher (Harry Potter), Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Tom Riddle Voldemort, Goblins (Harry Potter), Dobby (Harry Potter), Winky (Harry Potter)
Additional Tags:
Forced Bonding, Manipulative Dumbledore, Good Severus Snape, Top Harry Potter, Bottom Severus Snape, Spanking, Punishment, Hermione Granger Bashing, Ron Weasley Bashing, Ginny Weasley Bashing, Molly Weasley Bashing, Arthur Finds Out, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Collections:
Harry Potter Fanfic Must Reads,
DarkHarryandSeverus
Stats:
Published: 2016-03-16 Updated: 2020-09-03 Chapters: 18/? Words: 41172
Memories Are Made of These
by elvirakitties
Summary
Forced to bond to Severus, Harry turns the table on Dumbledore. He provides memories to get allies.
Who In The World Would Ever Believe
"So mote it be." They all said. Harry inhaled, slowly turned and walked away. No one was paying attention. They were all too wrapped in up in what needed to be done next. They were all making plans for his future again. Well, they were going to get a surprise.
"Harry, where are you going?" Dumbledore finally noticed him leaving.
"Not sure yet. I will owl you when I get there." He kept on walking.
"Potter, you will cease this at once and get back here." Professor Potter nee Snape commanded.
Harry was hoping someone would get a pensive memory for him when the man learned his new name. Harry just snorted and kept walking. He opened the Great Hall doors picked up his trunk that he had stored behind a suit of armor. He cast a quick Reducio and pocketed his trunk. He glanced at the entranceway of Hogwarts and begun his walk toward the gates. "Harry James Snape, where do you think you are going?" Hermione Granger grabbed his arm, only to find herself in Body-Bind Curse as Harry did a voiceless Petrificus Totalus. He kept walking. He was getting sick of people telling him what to do.
"Potter, you will stop this at once and get back in the Castle." Professor Potter nee Snape told him. "You will obey me."
Harry laughed. He turned and faced them all. Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger who was still bound, the Weasley family, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Minerva McGonagall. "No, you see I did some reading, a lot of reading actually. I am in charge seeing how I am a Lord many times over versus you. A part of any wedding party is the giving of gifts. These are yours." He pulled out small vials. He walked up to Severus. "So you learn the truth." He walked to Minerva, "so you learn how you have been lied and used," to the twins "you will know what to do." Harry ignored the others, he saw Hermione was released and started walking. Hermione tried to cast a Petrificus Totalus on him. He wondered why he even bothered. They would learn the truth one way or another. He just apparated off of Hogwarts grounds.
Severus' vial*
Severus wanted to curse someone. Someone named Albus Dumbledore to be specific. He shouldn't have agreed to this marriage. He only did it because of his Vow to protect the brat and Dumbledore's greater good guilt trip. Now, he had to figure out where the boy went. He wasn't sure how he was going to even begin to look for him. He thought about what the boy said regarding the contract. He had read the contract before signing it in Albus' office. It had been almost two weeks ago. The contract was very one-sided and he knew it favored him as he was considered dominant in regards to the relationship. When he check the wedding officiant's report just thirty minutes ago, he was shocked. He was listed as the submissive partner. He had no idea how that happened. He hadn't told anyone yet but he knew that the blasted boy knew it. He held the vial in his hand and looked at it. He went to his pensive and poured the memories out. He went into the memories.
Memories begin*
He saw little Harry at a stove, standing on a chair trying to cook breakfast, no one else was around. The boy looked like he maybe 4 or 5. "Boy, you better have breakfast cook or else." He heard a man's voice.
"Yes, Uncle Vernon." Harry burnt his hand on the pan but kept on cooking. He started to put the food on the plates. Snape watched as he put a ton of food on the table. It looked he was making breakfast for the entire Weasley family and guests. It was something Molly would have created for breakfast for a horde of people. He heard the kitchen door open and in came a huge man. The man had dark hair and a ruddy complexion with beady little eyes. He recognized him as Vernon Dursley. "Your list of chores." Vernon handed him a piece of paper. Snape looked at the list of chores and he couldn't believe it.
Dust the whole house
Hoover the whole house
Strip the bed linens and replace them
Do the laundry
All the dishes are clean and put away
Clean the kitchen
Clean Dudley's rooms
Clean the bathroom
"You best have them all done or you won't be getting any food again and I am sure you remember last night's punishment for not finishing your chores."
"I remember, Uncle Vernon."
"What was it you little freak?"
"Fifteen with the belt, 10 with the crop, and 10 with your hand." Little Harry answered him.
"It will be worse tonight if they aren't done." He warned.
Severus watched Petunia enter the kitchen with a miniature version of Vernon. "Daddy, I don't want the freak in here while we eat."
"You heard him, go to your cupboard. I don't want you upsetting my Dudkins." Petunia said. Severus followed the boy to a cupboard under the stairs. He couldn't even stand up in. The mattress was on some junk and the cupboard was just big enough to fit the small mattress. He knew for a fact that this house has 4 bedrooms, Albus had told them that when he would go on tangents about how well Potter was taken care of, how much his family loved him, and how vital it was for Harry to return each year. He spent the next hour seeing numerous scenes, some including his punishment. Severus saw the day his Hogwarts letter arrived. He saw everything up to the day he was told they had to get married.
new memory*
"Harry, as you know, Tom is getting stronger, I don't believe you can beat him without help."
"I told you the prophecy was fulfilled. I don't know why you keep trying to make it about me. It's not. Once all those Horcruxes are destroyed anyone can kill him." He saw Harry tilt his head. "You know that you want me to die anyway."
"Harry, that isn't true, I love you like a son. I only want what is best for you. You must defeat Tom, it's for the greater good."
"Me living isn't part of your greater good. I won't be marrying anyone."
"I am sorry but it's too late. Your godfather already signed the marriage contract."
He saw the look on the boy's face and wondered if Albus recognized it. He knew he did. It was one that showed the message of if you do this, you are going to regret it. "Now, you will marry Severus Snape in two weeks."
"I want to see this contract." Harry looked furious.
"I will see if I can find out."
"No contract, no marriage."
"If you don't marry, you will lose your magic."
"So be it. I want to see the contract." Albus finally gave in and pulled out the contract. "I want a copy." He saw Albus make a copy and handed it to the boy. "Good day." Harry got up and left.
new memory*
Harry was now sitting in a goblin office. "The contract will make you an adult. There is something you should know. You were declared an adult already by Ministry law when you were forcibly entered into the Triwizard Tournament and when you didn't acknowledge it, it became official when they held the trial for your use of underage magic."
"I can claim all my lordships before the marriage?"
"Yes, Lord status grants you the dominant partner in the contract. You had several titles before this contract was created. The status benefits you with regard to this contract. They might try to insist that you stay listed a the submissive and passive one in this in the relationship but magic won't allow that to happen."
"Wonderful. I believe it's time for us to get all my money and items back from all of them."
He watched Harry put on his Lordship rings and Ironclaw greeted him officially. "Congrats Lord Harrison James Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Peverell-Potter-Black-Thomas, Duke of Wilshire, Earl of Kent, and Baron of Bath."
"Thank you, Ironclaw. I am sure I will be returning here after I am married to take care of the financial situation between my future husband and I."
"As the Head of House, all of his accounts will be under your preview, including the Prince accounts."
"I don't believe he is aware of those."
"No, Dumbledore has been taking care of them. He hasn't told Mr. Snape. We have sent messages to Mr. Snape but we always get a message back from Mr. Dumbledore stating he is in charge of those accounts. Mr. Snape rarely comes to Gringotts."
"I want a review of them, a full accounting. I believe Mr. Dumbledore has been stealing from him."
"We know he has but without Mr. Snape saying anything we can't do a thing."
"I will leave him a message to let him know to come here."
end memories*
Severus pulled out of the memories, he felt like he was in shock. He sat down and reviewed in his mind everything he saw with the seven years he had been teaching the boy. He felt like someone had kicked him in the gut. He thought about the last memory and he got furious. He grabbed his cloak and started to head to Gringotts.
Gringotts
Chapter Notes
Severus POV
Severus ignored everyone as he made his way to Gringotts. When he was standing in line a goblin approached him. "Professor Potter, your husband is waiting for you, please follow me." He had to give Potter credit. The last line in the memory was a Slytherin move.
"Thank you, lead the way." Severus ignored the looks people were giving him. He rarely was polite but like all smart people, he knew you treated those who handled your money with respect. He was lead to a door that had Ironclaw on the nameplate. When the door was opened, he saw his husband with Ironclaw. The goblin from the memory.
"Professor Potter, please sit, tea?" Ironclaw asked.
"No, thank you." He looked at the boy.
"Don't even think of it, Severus. We will deal with the Prince accounts and you will be taking an Inheritance Test."
"I am in charge." Severus leaned toward Potter. He hoped his gamble worked. "Did you forget that?"
"Lying to yourself isn't going to make the contract change. We can do it the hard way or easy way, it's up to you." Potter reached out and touched the bonding ring on Severus' left ring finger and they saw a lightweight silver chain that came out and wrapped its way around Severus' left wrist and watched a tattoo appear around Severus' wrist. It was the Potter Crest.
Severus wanted to curse. He should have known that the contract was going to come back and bite him. He looked at his wrist and wanted to kill Dumbledore. When the Mutt and Dumbledore created it, he had tried to warn them not to go with the Absolute Contract. He warned them that Potter would find out and he would make sure they would regret it. They calmly informed him that he would be in charge and Potter wouldn't be able to do anything about it. He would have to fight the Dark Lord just the way that they had planned. "Don't know why they thought hiding the clauses from me would work. The goblins had a complete copy of the original contract, not the one Dummy there tried to pass off on me. Now, you are going to do the Inheritance Test."
Severus glared at him but faced Ironclaw who had the items already set up. "Three drops of blood, Professor Potter." He dropped the three drops on the clear crystal that is on the sheet of parchment paper. They waited for the writing to appear.
Severus Tobias Potter nee Snape
Father: Tobias Eli Snape
Mother: Eileen Amber Snape nee Prince
Titles:
Consort Slytherin
Consort Gryffindor
Consort Ravenclaw
Consort Peverell
Consort Potter
Consort Black
Consort Prince
Consort Thomas
Duke of Wilshire
Earl of Kent
Baron of Bath
Blocks:
Magic 20% Albus Dumbledore
Animagi Transformation 100% Albus Dumbledore
Magic Leech 20% Albus Dumbledore
Compulsions:
Demean children -Albus Dumbledore
Hate all Potters - Albus Dumbledore
Love Lily Evans - Albus Dumbledore
Obey Albus Dumbledore key word: for Lily
Severus looked up from the parchment. "How soon can I get all this removed?" He was furious. He wanted to strangle the old fool. He began to plan a poison that would slowly kill the man, something painful, long and untraceable. Something that the Dark Lord had him create but he never used it. Something Dumbledore would never suspect. "Lord Slytherin-Gryffindor-Ravenclaw-Peverell-Potter-Black- Prince-Thomas-Duke of Wilshire, Earl of Kent, and Baron of Bath has already arranged a purging room for you. We can have it done while we do a recall of the funds on the Prince accounts."
"He really has been using my family's accounts?"
"Yes, we are sorry to tell you but it appears he was the reason why your mother and grandfather never spoke again. It is all based on the accounting we have traced."
"I believe you're going to need to explain that." Severus dreaded what he was going to hear. He knew he would be looking through everything afterward.
"When we did the audit, at your future husband's request, we found money from your Grandfather's vaults going into Mr. Dumbledore's vault with the note saying it was for your education. We also found your mother paid for the same school years. Your Grandfather sent letters to you and your mother. Here are the copies. The originals are in your vault." He handed Severus a stack of letters. "The letters show that your Grandfather tried numerous times to write to your mother and you. None of them ever made it to either of you. When he died, he left everything to your mother and you. He set up an account for your apprenticeship but the money went into an account called the Bird Fund."
"May we get all of it back?" Severus began working on his shields to keep control over his temper. He began to think of painful ways to kill Albus Dumbledore that didn't involve a slow-acting poison or even any type of poison. He was up to 38, so far.
"Yes. We have reset the seats so there will be some laws that will need to be reviewed as the seats from both of you have caused a lot of them to be declared illegal in the creating of the law."
"How long will the purge take?" Severus was looking at the parchment. He glanced at the boy, who hadn't said a word during all of this. "You knew?"
"No. I had a good idea since he did the same thing to me. Why not you?"
"The purge should take no more than an hour or so. Lord Potter-Black, you might want to drop the glamours and show your husband the true you. I think you have been hiding enough."
"What? Oh ya, I forget they are on me. Ironclaw, I also know I said to call me Harry." Potter dropped the glamours and in his place was a tall, well-built man with shoulder-length black hair. Severus could see all the scars from his relatives and shuddered as he remembered their treatment.
Ironclaw passed him a long parchment. "He took that test 12 days ago."
Harrison James Potter-Black
Father: James Charles Potter
Mother: Lily Ann Potter nee Evans
Title:
Slytherin
Gryffindor
Ravenclaw
Peverell
Potter
Black
Thomas
Duke of Wilshire
Earl of Kent
Baron of Bath
Blocks:
Animagi Transformation-100% Albus Dumbledore
Metamorphmagi-100% Albus Dumbledore
Legilimency and Occlumency- 70% Albus Dumbledore
Apparition and Disapparition- 70% Albus Dumbledore
Magical resistance-100% Albus Dumbledore
Transfiguration- 20% Albus Dumbledore
Charms- 20% Albus Dumbledore
Potions- 88% Albus Dumbledore
Arithmancy- 20% Albus Dumbledore
Study of Ancient Runes- 20% Albus Dumbledore
Compulsion:
Obey Albus Dumbledore key word: your parents (weak)
Submissive (weak)
Accept the abuse of relatives
Repress fear
Repress Slytherin qualities (weak)
Never do well in school
Listen to Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley (weak)
Hate Severus Snape (weak)
Hate Tom Riddle, Voldemort
Hate Slytherins
Severus looked at Ironclaw as he handed him another huge parchment. The parchment was filled with all the damage that was done to Potter over the years, he felt sick reading it. He saw some of the memories but looking at the damage he wondered how Potter was even alive. He could see the damage to Potter's arms, leg, tendons, and muscle. "All of this added with his blocks and compulsions set us up to hate each other. Why did he want this contract?" Severus was very disoriented in regard to his thoughts and beliefs. This was the exact opposite of what he would have thought Dumbledore would do.
"He believes that you would allow me to walk to my death in the final battle with Tom without a second thought. He is counting on you to train me to obey. He hid something vital regarding the contract. It has a lot of clauses for reinforcing my obedience. The Absolute Contract makes it hard to go around as you are aware. He added the clauses hoping to close any loopholes in the main part of the contract and even add punishments for any infractions. I am sure you saw the clauses."
"No, I haven't. I only saw the original contract. I don't know what clauses you mean." Severus added method 107 to the ways of killing Dumbledore.
"You aren't going to like them at all." Potter warned him as Ironclaw handed him the clauses.
Severus read down the list and almost passed out. He added methods 108 to 115 to the list of killing Dumbledore.
Punishments:
Disobedience- restraints and corporal punishment. Kennel at night for a set number of nights based on the infraction.
Breaking of rules- restraints and corporal punishment. Kennel time at night and during the day if unsupervised, set number based on the infraction.
Yelling or raising of voice- restraints and corporal punishment.
Stubbornness- restraints and corporal punishment.
Bad Grades- restraints and corporal punishment.
Speaking without permission- restraints and corporal punishment.
Rules:
No speaking without permission.
No dressing or undressing without permission.
No bathroom without permission.
No sitting on furniture, must kneel on the floor or stand.
No questioning any decision.
No food or drink without permission.
Must wear a collar and must be marked as the submissive in the relationship.
"How are we going to work this?" Severus knew he has already broken a number of the rules and was now fearful of what Potter would have to do. He promised himself a good bottle of fire whiskey so he could get so drunk and ignore the problems. He would deal with the problems later.
"Simple, in public, we will have to do this tripe. However, in private, it's my decision and I am going to select to ignore it all." Potter shrugged his shoulders as if to say they could deal with it.
"Aren't we breaking the contract?" Severus asked looking down at it.
"No. Since it's an Absolute and in the main part of the contract it says I make the decisions. The clauses just list what can happen regarding punishment. His biggest mistake in the whole clause part of the contract is it doesn't say I have to do it. Now the kicker is that we have to follow the rules as that isn't something we can get around. I can suspend those rules in private, I am hoping, that part isn't clear in the contract but magic will let us know. An Absolute always has rules but Dummy there didn't put that breaking of the rules was punishable. He just lists what the punishment is." He pointed to the list of rules. "The rules don't match up with the list of punishable offenses except for the speaking."
Severus looked at the clauses and reviewed the contract. In his own anger and attempting to control his temper he had missed that information. "Is there any way he can enforce the use of the punishment?" He looked at Ironclaw.
"No, as Harry said, he can't. While the contract is very well made, he never put that the breaking of rules was punishable. I also agree with the public versus private. It is something that you will have to see once you are in private. Time might also make the rules more flexible as you move forward in the relationship."
"A collar?" Severus looked at Potter.
"We will find something light and more of a necklace than a collar. We can look in a jewelry store afterward." Potter gave him a small smile of reassurance.
Severus tried not to let the relief show on his face at those words. He was thankful Potter was nicer than he was. He knew he would follow the rules strictly. He would have found a way around that punishment stuff. It just made him sick. He added 116 to 142 to the list of ways to kill Dumbledore, some didn't even need his presence. "What about Hogwarts? You still have the rest of this year left."
"We will be going back. However, they aren't getting away with this. I gave Professor McGonagall my memories. I am hoping those will convince her to join us."
"He might use a Memory Charm on her."
"He can try but when I gave her the vial, I also gave her a pin to wear that will help protect her from that. It was designed by the twins."
"How didn't you end up in Slytherin?" Severus knew most of the abused kids ended up in his house and Potter sure was showing that he was cunning.
"Fought with the Hat. I can tell you what I plan when we get back to Hogwarts on Monday, I want this weekend for us to talk." Potter looked at Severus, he touched his hand. "It will be fine."
Severus nodded his agreement. "I didn't bring anything with me."
"We will go shopping. I want to make sure we have everything on Monday, don't want the old coot to try something. I have some protection gear I want you to start wearing too. I don't want him hitting you with more compulsions. Go and get purged and we will talk later." They heard a knock on the door and a goblin stepped in, letting them know it was time. "I will see you in about an hour."
Once Severus left the room, Ironclaw let out a sigh. "How are you going to make sure he won't try to enforce the punishment part?"
"He can't, he is also going to be busy with Wizengamot. I believe it's time we start a slow leak of information."
Ironclaw grinned. "What do you want to start with?"
"Why not his father?"
"I will leak it out via our usual channels with nothing leading back to us. I believe Ms. Skeeter will enjoy the story. We will supply the usual facts."
"Good, after that we will go year by year or event by event, as some years have a few of them. Have you found out more about the Deathly Hallows?"
"No, you have the cape and ring. We believe Dumbledore has the wand. We are working on finding out more about the wand. The cape and ring were easy to trace."
"Tom?"
"He has agreed to meet with you next weekend, here on Saturday at 1100 with us acting as advisers."
"What have you told him?"
"Just that someone is interested in being an ally."
"Good, find out more about those Horcruxes if you can. I looked in the library and there was nothing concerning them but he had to learn of them somewhere since the dairy version of him was sixteen."
"We can still remove the one from you."
"No, I want to find out more before we do it. I also feel Tom might be willing to listen more since I am one of his Horcruxes." They spend the rest of the time going over the accounts and investments that should make a good profit and were talking about some muggle companies when Severus rejoined them. He looked wiped out as he sat down "You going to be up for some shopping?" Potter asked him quietly.
"I will just take a Pepper-Up." Severus reached to pull out his potion pouch.
Potter put a hand on his, stilling the removal of the potion. "Relax for a bit, we need to finish up these few accounts so why don't you just close your eyes while we do this." Potter watched Severus lean back into the chair fully and closed his eyes. "Google?" was the last thing Severus heard.
Minerva
Chapter Notes
Minerva's POV
Minerva watched Harry apparate from inside the wards of Hogwarts. She looked down to her hand and saw a pin with a vial of memories. She glanced at Severus in surprise and saw the man was also looking at the vial in his hand. "What exactly just happened?" She closed her hand quickly around the vial. She knew in her gut that the vial was important and something that Albus would object too.
"He just apparated from within Hogwarts." Granger stated shocked. "It says in Hogwarts: A History that no one can do that."
Minerva looked at Albus. She knew what that meant. The only ones who were able to do that were the heirs or the Lords of Hogwarts. She never saw any rings on Harry's fingers and judging from Albus' face he didn't seem aware of Harry's abilities. Albus never took Harry to Gringotts like he said he did. She looked down at her hand and the pin, she now held, she quickly pocketed the memory vial and pin. She glanced at the Weasley twins and saw the young men were looking closely at Albus, Hermione, and their brother. They knew something regarding the events that just unfolded. She decided she needed to view these memories and see what Harry meant by his comment, "so you learn the truth."
"We have to find him." Sirius stated. "He could be in danger."
"I told you this was wrong." She thought Fred or maybe George stated.
"You should never have made them marry." The other twin said.
Severus turned on his heel and headed back into Hogwarts. "I will get started on looking for the little brat."
Sirius looked at Albus. "You said he would be safe if I signed that contract. Where did he just go?"
"I am afraid I have no idea. He has no place to go to." Albus' eyes weren't twinkling nor was he patting his beard. He truly looked confused and lost for the first time in his life. Albus' plans usually always worked. Harry surprised him and Albus wasn't used to being surprised. Those words made her wonder why or what Albus didn't tell Harry. The Potter family had numerous homes and Harry would be able to access them all. Unless Albus did as she feared and hadn't told Harry about his inheritance or him being an heir. She frowned a bit, without saying a word she turned and started to head back into Hogwarts. "Minerva, where are you going?" Albus asked.
"My office. I believe we need the Order to find Harry and I need to get some items." She wasn't sure what she could use to summon an Order meeting but she wanted to view the vial before Albus came up with a plan.
"Ron, Hermione, where do you think Harry could have gone?" She heard Albus asking. She didn't hear their reply as she continued on her way. She let out a sigh of relief when she reached her office and closed the door. She looked at the pin and cast a few detection charms on it and was surprised to see it was a protection pin. She quickly pinned it to her robe. Minerva quickly warded her office and pulled out her pensive. 'Time to learn the truth.' she thought.
Memory*
"Hermione, I am not sure if I can keep pretending to be his friend." She saw Ron telling Hermione. It looked like during their second year.
"We are getting paid, you will do it. I am not a fan of learning he can speak to snakes but we have to do it. The Headmaster already has the event planned."
"How did he even plan it? No one could have known Snake Sr. would drop that diary into Ginny's cauldron. She only showed it to the Headmaster because she thought it would work with whatever he had planned for this year."
"I don't know. We just need to lead Harry around until he finds the Chamber for us." Hermione informed him.
Memory*
"Great, how are we going to get the Chamber opened and get the dead snake if only Harry can open it?" Ron asked.
"The Headmaster is going to try and use a compulsion charm on Harry before he leaves for those muggles."
"I hope his cousin gives him a few extra punches for me." Ron told her. "I had all I could do not to punch the fame whore."
"Ron, you know he has been paying them just like us to keep Harry from knowing the truth."
"Did Harry whine to you about how they treated him?"
"Yes, and I said I would try to get the Headmaster to let him come to the Burrow like we were told to."
"My parents don't want him there. The only ones who like him are the twins."
"Have your parents told your brothers the truth yet?"
"No, they know they won't agree."
"How did your father agree?"
"He is under some potion my mum makes." Ron shrugged.
memory*
"How come you get to ignore him this year?" Hermione asked.
"Not sure, Dumbledore knows Barty will put Harry's name in the Goblet. I don't know why he is letting that Death Eater teach us."
"The Headmaster is doing it so that Barty can use Harry to bring the Dark Lord back, have Harry kill the Dark Lord, and we become famous for helping." Hermione smugly informed Ron.
"You think that is what is going to happen?"
"Yes, the Headmaster has it all planned out. He needs us to make sure he is alienated from the students again."
"Same as in second year?"
"Yes, with only me to turn too. It better be worth it with all of his whining."
"Do you think he can get Snape on his case again?"
"He has been pushing Professor Snape all these years to hate Harry and the Potters, that isn't going to change."
memory*
"Why do I have to teach him again?" Minerva recognized the voice of Remus Lupin.
"I already told you, he trusts you. I am going to have Severus work on giving him Occlumency lessons." She recognized Albus' voice.
"You need trust for those and those two hate each other. You made sure of that." Remus replied.
"I know. I told Severus how I wanted the lessons to be done. He doesn't know about the visions as of yet. Between those visions, Severus' lessons, and Harry's lack of sleeping, I can learn what Tom is doing and get the boy to learn to obey me."
"He isn't going to keep obeying you. Did you see his hand? The Blood Quill you have allowed in is going to make him angry." Remus sounded weary, tired of it all, she thought.
"I am not worried about it. She is going to use it on those who can't do a thing. It will also separate Harry from the Ministry even more. They will continue to see him as a threat." She could hear the smugness in Albus' voice.
"They are killing him in the papers. How did you manage that?" Remus smelled the air but went back to the shadows.
"Simple, I dropped a few subtle hints to our esteemed Minister and let his mind do the rest of the work." Albus said.
"How do you want me to play Sirius?"
"Keep him scattered. I am going to make sure he stays in that house as much as possible. I don't need him interfering with my plans. Bad enough he wants to house the brat." Albus replied.
"Not sure how that is going to work. The man isn't on the run anymore."
"I know, I am still trying to figure out how Pettigrew got caught."
"Harry." Remus said to him.
"No, he was at his muggle relatives at the time. I paid them extra and set up more wards around the property."
"I don't think he has been staying there." Remus warned him.
"There have been reports of him there. You even saw him there. Didn't you say the cousin was beating him up again?" Albus asked.
"Yes, but something smelled off." Remus said.
"You didn't get close did you?"
"No, I stayed hidden. I had to scare off Tonks when she came by to check on him."
"Why was she there?"
"Dung buggered off and passed it over to her." Remus replied. "You know she is trying to make a name for herself."
"I see I am going to have to explain to him why that is a bad idea. Yes, I am aware, I am going to have Moody and Kingsley work on her skills, she might come in handy later."
"I don't think she will join the payroll."
"I don't think she will either but like the rest of them, she is easy to control."
"How are you keeping this from Minerva?"
"Memory charms but the woman is persistent."
--
Minerva was horrified as she watched the memories that Harry included in Severus' vial. She saw the abuse, the punishments, the meeting in Albus' office and the last memory was of Gringotts. She pulled out of her pensive and was furious. She began to think about all the other things that have happened over the years as years of memory charms start breaking their hold on her. She closed her eyes as numerous scenes over the years flowed into her memory. She opened her eyes when she heard a knock on her office door. She quickly hid the pensive and waved her wand for the door to open. "Minerva, may I speak to you for a few minutes?"
"Certainly Albus. Tea?" She indicated for him to take a seat, resisting the urge to hex the man.
"Please."
She called for an elf as she watched him take his seat. Neither spoke as they waited. Minerva used this time to gather her thoughts. When the tea tray arrived she prepared their cups. "What do you wish to speak to me about?"
"Harry. I was wondering how often you spoke to him?"
"Not very often."
"What did he mean by "so you will learn the truth?"
"I have no idea. He gave me a pin." Minerva pulled a pin out of the top drawer of her desk and handed it to Albus. "I don't recognize it." She knew the pin was worthless, It was from a prank she had removed from a student a few days ago. Albus was looking intently at the pin, she watched him turn it over and began to cast detection spells on it. "Any ideas?"
"I believe I will have to research it. I have never seen it before."
"You will let me know?"
"Of course." Albus stood up and before she can blink she heard Obliviate, Albus quickly left her office. Minerva fingered the new pin on her robe. She would have to remember to thank Harry the next time she saw him. She remembered the twins and knew they will know how to get in touch with Harry.
Forge and Gred
Fred and George watched Harry leave. They glanced at each other. They knew what Harry had given McGonagall and Snape as they had helped Harry select the memories and to create the order in which to view them. They grinned at the vial in their hand. It was going to be heading to Rita Skeeter for her to start her research. If anyone actually looked at it in a pensive they would find it just filled with homework memories or meals at Hogwarts. It was a signal to Rita to get ready to slowly release stories and complete any research she needed to get done. It was also to inform her that the goblins would leak out information for her to use. "I am going to kill him when I get my hands on him." They heard Granger mutter. "How dare he?"
"'Mione, calm down." Ron patted her arm in reassurance. "We have more important things to do."
Fred shook his head at Ron and together they head back to Hogwarts. They followed Dumbledore to McGonagall's office and hid. They waited until he left and quietly knock on her door. "Enter."
They walked in and hold out the vial. She looked at them and pulled out the pensive. They saw the pin on her robes. "The Obliviate didn't work?" They asked together. They had tested the pins but weren't sure if they would be able to stand up to the Elder Wand.
"No, what else do you know or what do you need me to do?"
They produced a second prank vial and handed it to her. "It's our way of knowing who is with Harry. If you see the vial it tells you the person knows the truth." Fred informed her. "See the p on the bottom that is how you know it's a real one."
"It's filled with useless memories so that if anyone uses it nothing will be given away. We crafted them to be used as a real memory vial." George finished. He glanced down at the open map he was hiding.
"Who else?"
"Just us, Rita Skeeter, Ironclaw, Harry and Snape after he gets done at the bank. Our father and Sirius, hopefully, after we find a way to get them away from the Order and to Gringotts." George stated.
"They are under potions and memory charms. We aren't sure exactly which ones." Fred added.
"We just know they are. We heard the Order members mention that they were under potions." They finished together.
"I am sure we can work on that. When does it need to be done by?" Minerva can't believe what she saw in those memories.
"Harry was figuring we use the next few months to get everyone in place." George said.
"Memories fixed, charms, and potions removed. Rita will have the research completed and then slowly release the stories in order of events." Fred glanced at the map and saw no one was near where they are.
"Harry gave her a lot of research, most of it which he figured out. She is digging for supporting evidence. He wants to make sure Dumbledore can't just say it's rumors. Though some rumors are turning out to be very truthful."
"She is under a Vow and actually wants to help. She really surprised us." Fred supplied.
"Rita? I am surprised. She never seemed to want to search for the truth." Minerva honestly didn't think Rita would help them.
"I think it's more than that she really wants to take down Dumbledore." Fred stated.
"What about Bill and Charlie?" She asked.
"When they come home." George answered, "we don't want to take a chance on them getting caught off guard."
"We know they aren't part of this. Percy isn't either." Fred informed her.
"He doesn't support Harry."
"Does Harry have a time frame for all of this?" Minerva was impressed. Harry seemed to have made sure things were going to get done but kept secure.
"Yes, it's going to take place over the whole school year. Kind of like what Dumbledore did to Harry." Fred answered.
"Between Voldie and Dumbledore, Harry figures we have a lot of work to do."
"What does he plan to do regarding Voldie?" Minerva said. "I never thought to nickname the man like that."
"Harry found out a lot of interesting information." George told her.
"We don't know his plan as of yet. Harry said he would let us all know about the information and decide together what to do. He figures Snape knows the man better than we do and can provide us with some insight."
"Harry said they will return here on Monday." George told her. "Give them a chance to speak without anyone bothering them."
"He has created more of the Marauders' map for each of us to use." Fred glanced at the map they had hidden.
"It will allow us to have times and places to meet without worrying about anyone else listening."
"Map?" Minerva had heard of a map that James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter created during their time but she didn't think it was a true rumor.
George laid the map he was watching on her desk and they quickly explained how it worked, what it did, and the added features that Harry added. Features that allowed them to focus on a room and expand the map to allow them to listen in on the conversations. It was how Harry learned the truth. They saw Dumbledore in his office and watched as Granger, Ron, Remus, and Molly joined him. They tapped his office and the map focused in and they suddenly could hear what was being said. "What happened? How was he able to do that?" Molly asked.
"I am not sure. We need to find him." Dumbledore informed them. "I want to make sure Severus keeps control over Harry."
"We might need some potions. I think they aren't in his system any longer." Remus sighed.
"I will get them. Hermione and Ron, you will slip them to him like before." Dumbledore instructed.
"I will need to go to Honeydukes and get some sweets but we can do it." Granger told him. "I want to pay him back for those spells."
"After he kills Tom you can fire some spells at him before we kill him." Dumbledore told her. "I don't want to take a chance on Severus seeing or finding out about this."
"I need potions for Sirius." Remus again mentioning potions. "I only have enough for this week and next."
"I will make them." Molly volunteered. "I need to make them for Arthur also. I can do it for Sirius. How much longer must I stay with him anyway?"
"We stick to the plan. During the battle, we can find ways to kill Sirius and Arthur and not get blamed for it." Dumbledore said. "How is Ginny taking the news?"
"She is furious that she didn't get to marry Harry but once I explained we will still get the money she calmed down. She likes another Gryffindor." Molly supplied. "What did Harry give Minerva?"
"This."
Fred and George looked at Minerva. "I gave him one of your prank pins." She informed them.
"What does it do?" Granger asked.
"I am not sure. I have never seen it before so I will be researching it. I ran a few detection spells on it and I can't find any spells on it." Dumbledore answered her.
Ron looked at it. "I never saw Harry with it."
"Me either. I wonder why he gave it to her? Do you think it's some type of protection pin or maybe a signal for something to happen? He did say for her to learn the truth." Molly asked.
"I Obliviate her so it won't matter." Dumbledore informed them. "Do you have any idea where Harry might have gone Remus?"
"No. Sirius was freaking out so I gave him a sleeping-draught." Remus answered.
"I will call an Order meeting. I will get everyone out looking for him." Dumbledore muttered.
"What about the tracking charms?" Molly asked.
"They have failed. I tried them all." Dumbledore glanced at the gadgets that he has been using to monitor Harry and they are steady. "He must be behind some wards."
"Do you think he went to Gringotts?" Ron asked.
"No, there is no reason for him to believe the goblins could aid him. I believe he is hiding somewhere. We just have to find him or wait for him to reappear. We will just make sure the ones on the payroll are looking for him in places he might go. I will let the others think we are fine with them disappearing but we want to make sure he is safe. So they will patrol areas we know Harry won't go. We will just let them believe it's a honeymoon." He was thankful he kept the service small so that he didn't have to explain to anyone what happened. "What did he give the twins?"
"I am not sure. I tried to see but I didn't get a good look. Do you think it might be one of those types of pins?" Ron asked.
"Should we try and find out?" Granger looked at Dumbledore, waiting for instructions.
"I am not worried about the twins. No one will take anything they say seriously. They have too big of a reputation for pranks." Dumbledore reminded them. "However, Molly, do search their room."
"They moved out and into their flat over the store." Molly replied.
"I can search when we go and visit. They wouldn't think anything of me looking in their room. I was always in their room at the Burrow, spying on what they were doing." Ron admitted.
"I will call the meeting for tomorrow if Severus doesn't find him today. Severus seemed to leave here quickly so I am hoping he knows where Harry is." Dumbledore informed them.
"Sirius should be out until tomorrow. We need to cut back on some of the potions, he is getting very unstable." Remus informed them. Minerva looked at the twins and she could see they were wondering why Remus kept going back to the potions.
"We can always put him in St. Mungo's if necessary, it might be a way to draw out Harry." Dumbledore told them. "Now, if nothing else, I want to research this pin before we have the meeting."
They listened and watched as the liars left Dumbledore's office. Fred tapped the map and they saw everyone leaving Hogwarts except for Hermione and Ron, who headed up to Gryffindor tower. They saw the two dots merge into one. "Eww." Fred and George couldn't keep the disgust out of their voices.
Minerva had to agree. "Are you staying here tonight or heading to your store?"
"Store. We have some experiments we are working on." Fred answered her.
"We are hoping Snape will aid us in our potions that aren't for the store." George added.
"I am sure he will." Minerva had a feeling the man would be very willing to aid the twins in anything to get back at Albus and the rest of the traitors.
Fred and George got up. "We will bring you one of the maps as soon as we can."
"We didn't bring one today because we weren't sure if he was going to give you the memories." George finished.
"That is fine. Thank you." They bid each other goodbye. Minerva leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. She wanted to kill Dumbledore and his merry little band of liars.
Severus and Harry
"Severus, it's time to leave." Harry touched Severus on the shoulder. "You can sleep when we get to our new home." Harry saw Ironclaw gathering up the signed contracts.
Severus blinked and looked around. He was trying to remember where he was. He didn't usually sleep in strange places. He also felt the most restful he had in a long time. "Coffee?" Harry waved his hand and gave Severus a cup of coffee. It took a few sips before Severus realized what he just saw. "You know wandless, voiceless magic, and you did it in Gringotts." Ironclaw look amused.
"Yes, it actually doesn't register as a wand does. The Ministry requires wands so they can keep track of who is using magic. Why do you think they put tracers on? It gives them a way of controlling how magic is used. It allows them to be able to ban certain magic." Harry informed him.
"How? Why would they do that?" Severus took another sip of what he considered the nectar of the gods.
"The goblins have been great teachers. As to why, do you see house-elves with wands? Goblins? Other creatures? No, because they know you don't need one. The Ministry doesn't want anyone to know that creatures are the reason we even have magic." Harry smiled at him. "Come on, we have some shopping to get done."
"Potter-" Severus started to speak.
"You need to start calling me Harry. I don't want to have to deal with anything that the contract might force us to do. You are going to need to remember the rules once we leave here."
Severus sighed. "You are right. How do we want to work on the rules? I really don't want any punishment."
"If you want permission to speak, touch my hand in public, including Hogwarts, for your lessons I will give you permission each day. I am not giving them the pleasure of hearing you ask me. I am not sure how to handle the sitting on furniture or eating in the Great Hall."
"Do we have to eat in the Great Hall? I can lean against my desk if I have to during lessons." Severus tried not to show his annoyance in his voice but he knew he was failing. He was trying to refrain from taking his mood out on Potter but it was hard. He was used to tormenting Potter. He added another six ways to kill Dumbledore.
"Is there anything in the by-laws that says we have to?" Harry turned to Ironclaw. "Is there a way to prevent them from making us?"
"I don't believe there is. When I read about student/teacher bonding, it didn't cover anything like the rules we are going to be living under. There wasn't anything in there about an Absolute Contract."
"I am not sure." Ironclaw replied.
"I bet there is. Granger has Hogwarts: A History memorized. I know she had something to do with that contract. There is no way she and Dumbledore didn't work on it together. The rules reflect her style." Harry thought for a few minutes.
"Harry, I believe we need to follow the rules in private until we get used to them. We don't want to give them any reason to question us. I only know what you showed me but I know there is more based on what hasn't been said. We are going to need to know the Charter and the by-laws also."
"There is a lot more." Harry wasn't happy with the contract. "You are correct. I do believe we need to work on the rules in private."
"Why do we need to return? You have your OWLs, we can do an independent study and maybe get you your NEWTs early." Severus was feeling a more than depressed. Hogwarts was his home. It always had been but after learning all the new information, he really didn't want to return there. Hogwarts wasn't home any longer if Dumbledore remained there.
"I thought about it but I want to keep an eye on those clowns for now. We can always leave. Your teaching contract is null and void. I haven't told them."
Severus looked at Harry. "He might try to get me charged for being a Death Eater when he finds out."
"He can't Professor Potter. It would permit the Ministry to charge him with treason if he recanted his testimony." Ironclaw informed Severus.
Severus smirked. "I wonder."
"What are you thinking of Severus?" Harry asked.
"Albus enjoyed using your mother and Azkaban against me. I know a lot of his dirty little secrets because of it. Why not use that information?"
Harry smiled. "Severus, trust me when I say it's already in the works. We will talk more about it later. I want us to get our shopping done and hidden before they get Remus out looking for us at my properties. We can hide our looks with spells, his nose, however, we can't hide from his nose. I don't want them to know which house I am in. All the houses are under a Fidelius Charm. They can get near the properties but they won't know which one we are living in. "
"When you leave I will send the notices out about the return of the funds. I am sure some will come immediately here as they will be owing you money." Ironclaw was actually looking forward to Dumbledore coming in for a visit.
"I agree. Dumbledore is going to want to know what happened." Severus stood up. "We might need a real collar, not a necklace."
Harry made a face that showed his distaste at the idea of a collar but nodded his agreement. "Is our port-key ready?"
"Yes, Harry. Your passports and new credit cards with your new official title." Ironclaw handed everything over.
"Where are we going?" Severus was handed a new passport and his paperwork.
"Paris for shopping and our new home for us to hide in. It's under a Fidelius Charm with Ironclaw being the Secret Keeper." Harry couldn't mention Potter Manor has Severus hadn't been there yet nor had he looked at the paper as of yet.
Ironclaw handed a piece of paper to Severus who put it in his hidden potion pouch since he needed to read it when they would arrive at the Manor. "It's spelled so that only you can read it."
"To make our shopping easier, I give you permission to speak freely." Harry was almost bouncing with excitement at the idea of shopping and getting away for the weekend.
Four hours later:
Severus sighed as he sat on the floor in the sitting room at Potter Manor. The house was bigger than Malfoy Manor. He was in the informal sitting room, the sitting room had off-white walls with rich green heavy drapes that looked like they were done in velvet. The furniture was a mixture of antiques mixed with some more modern comfortable pieces. He was leaning against one of the deep forest green couches. His hand went to the thin black onyx collar around his neck. He touched it with his left hand allowing him to catch a glance of the silver chain wrapped around his wrist. "You could have sat down on the couch." Harry was carrying some snack food and set it on a table.
"I am aware but we need to start somewhere so why not now. I know Granger and Weasley will be looking for reasons to get me punished. I know they are going to want some payback for what was done today. Granger is going to find a way to get even for today and any insults over the years, Weasley for the past few years of his attending my classes as well as me being a Slytherin."
"True, very true. Dumbledore isn't going to like his little weapon not being his weapon any longer." Harry took a seat on the couch. "There are a few things you need to know. After that, we can talk about things. I wasn't going to tell you my plans until Monday when we returned to Hogwarts but as I thought about it while we were shopping I realized I can't give you the information without explaining a few things and with that comes the revealing of part of what I want to do."
"I was going to ask you about that. I seem you have things already in motion from what I saw in the memories you gave me." Severus leaned back against the couch. "How long have you known?"
"I was clueless until after my entry into the tournament. I was looking down at my map when I noticed that Granger and Weasley were coming out of Dumbledore's office. I tossed on my cloak since it was after curfew and I wanted to find out what was going on. Why were they up in his office? Weasley had already made a big stink about me being a speaker in my second year so I knew something was going on. Granger and he weren't talking. I didn't remember what I learned in the earlier years because of some lovely memory charms."
"I remember wondering about that. Weasley turned his back on you when he learned you were a parslemouth and for the tournament. I had seen Granger talking to him a few times but never with you around. I just believed she was trying not to be in the middle."
"She told me she picked me over him during the tournament. When he learned I was a speaker it didn't last as long. I kept telling her to be his friend but she kept sticking close to me. It wasn't until afterward that it made sense. Anyways I went down and using the map followed them. They were heading to the ROR but it was in use so they started to talk as they were walking to a quiet alcove. They were talking about how to keep me isolated from the rest of the students. Weasley was to spread how I cheated to get in. How I had all these plans to get myself into the tournament. I wasn't sure how that was going to work since everyone in Gryffindor heard me saying I didn't want to even speak about it. Granger was to be seen as my only friend."
"It explains why Draco was so certain you cheated. I spoke to him about those pins he created. He didn't tell me he heard it from Weasley." Severus never believed that Harry entered the Goblet of Fire. He did believe the boy was a trouble magnet but he didn't believe Harry had the brains to bypass the age line that Dumbledore had installed.
"Weasley and Granger played Malfoy like a musical instrument. They knew he wanted to get leverage on me and supplied the information for him to do so. The fights in the hall were always started by Weasley or Draco. At first, I thought Draco was in on it until I realized Weasley is good at chess, not great, but good enough to get Draco going. Weasley would start in a class and Draco was smart enough or stupid enough depending on which way you view this, to wait until we were out in the hall. I usually tried to get away from the mess but I fell for Weasley's ploys just as well as Draco. You, however, always seemed to believe I started everything."
"Actually, I knew you didn't. I couldn't be seen punishing Draco or anyone in Slytherin house without giving myself away. Draco usually got detention and points lost in private as I do with all my snakes. Part of being in Slytherin is a united front outside of the common room. Draco usually gets into a lot of trouble with the other snakes for his attitude." Severus looked up at Harry. "I would like the truth behind the yearly adventures? I don't think any of the staff ever did. We always got told everything was handled."
"Figures. I am not sure of the exact truth as I don't know how much was set up by them or just chance. Sirius, for example, was just chance. He hired Remus before Sirius escaped. He wanted me to get close to Remus and see Remus as a father figure. When Sirius escaped they had to change their plans. Catching Pettigrew with you as a witness was part of their plan, him escaping wasn't. They wanted me to get close to Sirius. Granger had a time turner to help out on that issue as originally the dementors got to us. We had to use a time turner to go back and save us." Harry paused. "They keep Sirius and Arthur doped up on potions. Perhaps you can help the Twins and I figure out what the potions are and get them off of them?"
"Yes, we can do a purge once we know which ones are being used."
"Thank you." Harry said. "Please, feel free to voice your thoughts on Remus."
"I wondered why he suddenly hired him. It didn't make sense. Minerva and I tried to stop it. We also tried to stop him from hiring all of the DADA professors actually. I had wondered why he waited so long to hire Remus, I thought he would have done it in your first year."
Harry laughed. "Let me return to the beginning of this. Anyways, after I heard Granger and Weasley speaking I decided to find out a few things. Since the champions were excused from the exams I decided to use the no help part of the tournament rules to start doing a lot of independent studying. The Chamber of Secrets allowed me to escape from them and practice without anyone knowing."
"The Chamber is real. Did you really kill Slytherin's Monster?"
"Yes, it was a sixty-foot Basilisk. I have the corpse all broken down and ready for selling for potions. Don't worry I have saved plenty for us to use and experiment with. The Twins have been helping me improve my skills in potions. I will never be great but I do understand them now. Ironclaw is going to release the sale after Rita writes about my second year."
"You have Rita working for you?" Severus asked.
"Yes, she is doing a lot of research into the old fart so haven't I. The goblins have been a great help. Most of the stuff about my adventures is actually true. For my first year, he didn't tell anyone but I burned Quirrell with my hands. He tried to say it was love that caused it. I looked up a bunch of information, went back and examined the room I killed him in. The fire that killed him didn't come from me. It came from a different direction. I don't know who was in there with me but someone cast the spell to kill Quirrell. I can't prove anything but I pulled my memories of the events, copied them, and gave them to Rita and the goblins. My second year, Lucius is the one who gave Ginny the diary of Tom Riddle."
"Tom Riddle?"
"Voldie's real name. Tom Marvolo Riddle. I am Lord Voldemort." Harry showed him in the air how it worked.
"Riddle isn't a pureblood name." Severus ignored the response Voldemort's name gave in his mark.
"He is a half-blood. His mother was a Gaunt. Dumbledore thinks I don't know anything about the man but I researched him after I found out about what they were doing. I wanted to see how deep it went."
"You said Dumbledore was getting paid, who else? How long?"
"Granger, Molly, Ginny, Ron, Remus. I am not sure if Mad-Eye, Tonks, Dung or even some of the Order members are involved. They weren't stealing from me but that doesn't mean much. I know McGonagall, Poppy, Fred, and George aren't involved. Dumbledore started stealing as soon as I was placed with my relatives. Remus and Molly about ten years ago. The younger Weasleys and Granger for six years. There isn't too much information regarding my parents or the first war. We are looking into it. Dumbledore sealed my parents' Wills. Ironclaw is speaking to the King about unsealing it."
"There are so many questions I want to ask. The biggest one is, did he know about the abuse?"
"Yes, I know for a fact he does. Mrs. Figg is a member of the Order and she was my babysitter. I would go with broken bones and bruises, she would act like she didn't notice but I saw her looking way too often for her not to know. I also told him, repeatedly, that I didn't want to return there and why. I know Ron and the Twins saw the bars on my bedroom window during the summer before my second year. The Twins and I told Mrs. Weasley, Ron didn't back us up and she ignored it. The bars are in their shed."
"Please, don't tell me you were put with Petunia Evans."
"Petunia Dursley now." Harry watched Severus' anger as it rose and magic swirl around the man. He gently touched his shoulder. "They will pay Severus." Harry kept his hand on Severus' shoulder until Severus was back in control. "Want to tell me what that was about?"
"He knows Petunia hated Lily and magic. He told all of us you were being trained, raised in the traditions of the wizarding world. It's the reason why I was so upset with you during your first year. I didn't understand why you didn't know the basics of anything."
When Severus gave him a questioning look Harry knew he had to continue his explanation. "I couldn't figure out why people were getting upset with me. They would greet me and I would say hi and they seemed to think I insulted them. Professors and students would ask me these questions I had no knowledge of. They weren't in the books on the yearly lists. I read those books a few times. Later, I found some books down in the Chamber and learned the customs but I didn't put it together with how people reacted to me. I didn't know that he was telling people that. I think most realized I didn't know what they were talking about. The books on the list are actually useless for a muggle-born or half-blood who doesn't know about our world. Dumbledore is going to be so furious with me when he finds I am getting all the royalties back."
Severus laughed. "I used to wonder about those books especially after I saw you in the Great Hall for the first time. You didn't match the description in the books except for the scar and glasses. They have you as being tall in a few of them."
"I know. Have you ever seen the look people give me when they first meet me? I know they are wondering why I am so short."
"Harry, what did you give Minerva?" Severus had been wondering what Harry had given her, that statement about truth wasn't something he had been expecting.
"The same memories you got plus the memories of the conversations I heard between Granger and Weasley. The Twins were to talk to her afterward. I gave her a pin to prevent her from any memory tampering. Severus, you won't like what I am going to say next but you need to hear me out."
"I will try."
"I am meeting Voldie next Saturday. I am his Horcrux. Dumbledore knows I am. He plans to kill us. Well, he wants Voldie to do it actually but we aren't meant to see the end of the war. If we do, they will kill us or send us to Azkaban. Even if this bonding went the way they wanted it was still their plan. They want our vaults and seats. They also want the royalties from your potions and those books about me. That is why they wanted us to bond and for you to control me via Dumbledore." Harry watched Severus' body as he processed what he was just told. He could see the man work on controlling his emotions. Harry had to admire the man, he could control his emotions fully.
"I am going to need more details." Severus finally answered. "The Dark Lord is insane."
"Yes he is. It's because of the Horcruxes he has created. He is more stable when Nagini is around. I believe if we give him back his soul that he will be back to his original self. I found out about the Horcruxes and their plan for us by accident. I heard Dumbledore telling Granger that he needed her to study business law so that she could handle the vaults and our royalties. I started to pay more attention to when they would meet. At another meeting, Weasley asked Granger how they could kill me if I was a Horcrux. That is how I found out I was one."
"What is your plan?"
"I don't have much of one. It mostly it depends on how Voldie reacts. I don't want to have fight both of them. There are a few different options if he agrees to work with us. I am not sure how it will work. It all depends on him. I will meet with him at the bank, neutral ground."
Severus sighed. "I agree, fighting both of them wouldn't be ideal. We could do it. I know a lot of people are sick of Dumbledore. They just put up with him because they don't want to deal with an insane Dark Lord."
"There are some things you might want to know about him. In my research, Dumbledore returned him to an abusive orphanage. Slughorn gave him the book on Horcruxes. I found that out by accident from hearing a conversation between Mrs. Weasley and Dumbledore. They wanted to get Slughorn to teach potions again this year and keep you as the DADA professor. The plan was derailed when Slughorn refused to come back to Hogwarts."
"He wanted to rehire Slughorn? Are you sure?" Severus wondered what Dumbledore was thinking. He remembered Harry's plans for being an Auror. Harry, would be accepted into Slughorn's class, again. Harry was the top of his class on DADA. He knew Harry had a natural talent for DADA despite his attempts to hamper his efforts last year. Allowing Harry admittance into potions would allow Harry to keep believing he could be an Auror.
"Yes. Slughorn refused to come back. He didn't want to get involved. First time I ever saw anyone refuse Dumbledore though it could have something to do with me and the twins promising him that if he returned, we would turn his name over to Voldie."
Severus turned and looked up at Harry. "He really refused? I didn't think the man had it in him. Your threat must have felt valid to him. However, it still doesn't make sense for him to refuse."
"Why not?"
"Slughorn likes famous people. His living quarters were a shrine to anyone he knew who was famous. He also would believe he was safe at Hogwarts, despite your threat."
"He used to talked about how great my mother was at potions."
"She was. She never wanted to be a Potion Mistress. She loved Charms. Harry, you know don't you?"
"What?"
"About your mother and me?"
"I know you loved her but I don't think you were in love with her. She was your best friend. I know you gave Voldie part of the prophecy. I know you made a deal with Dumbledore to protect them and he failed to do it. Why he moved them from Potter Manor to his house I never will understand."
"He moved them?" Severus asked. He quietly added, "she was my only friend."
"Yes, he did. I found my mother's journals. Granted they were mostly filled with her research but she did mention how she had to delay an experiment because they were moving from the Manor to Godric's Hollow. She said it was his house."
"He moved them from the ancient wards to his house?" Severus was confused by that.
"Yes. It was brought after his father was sentenced to Azkaban. So the wards weren't very old." Harry said.
"His father was in Azkaban?"
"Yes, killed some muggle boys for attacking his daughter while she was practicing magic. He died in Azkaban. His mother moved them to Godric's Hollow shortly after the attack to escape the gossip."
"How did you find that out?" Severus asked.
"Goblins. Dumbledore got rid of all the information in the Ministry but he forgot that the goblins keep track of everything. They don't get rid of anything, It took a while but we found the information. The Twins and I spent hours down in their archives over the summer."
"Dumbledore moved them from the safety of Potter Manor to Godric's Hollow. Where the wards weren't even a hundred years old?" Severus' anger rose. "Dumbledore knew when they moved they would be in danger."
"He knew?"
"He had to. You don't take a family and move them away from ancient wards to a house with just a Fidelius Charm. Dumbledore could have added a Fidelius Charm to Potter Manor as you did." Severus added another painful dozen ways of killing Dumbledore.
"Do you think he set them up?" Harry didn't want to believe Dumbledore would set his parents up.
"I want to say no but I am not sure. There is too much that isn't making sense. Dumbledore shouldn't have moved them. He knows the full prophecy. The Dark Lord and I only know part of it. The stealing doesn't make sense, the paying of his little pawns doesn't either."
"A lot of what happened doesn't make any sense. Why do all this? He knew to kill Voldie that all he had to do was destroy the Horcruxes. He could have done it before I was even born. He made his first one at sixteen. He has all these memories of him as Tom. He knew the diary was in the school. He knew it was Tom's. Even after I mentioned it was his, the man explained it to me without using the word Horcrux."
Severus closed his eyes as if in pain. "We will need proof if we want him charged for anything." It wasn't a job he was looking forward to. Dumbledore wasn't someone to underestimate. "I want them to pay dearly especially Dumbledore if he did set them up."
"They will. They all will pay dearly." Harry's sincere words sealed a magical promise.
"Good." Severus leaned back against the couch. "Harry, tonight?"
"We need to finish the bonding I know. I did read about how this needs to be done."
"I best go and prepare myself." Severus rose.
Harry watched Severus leave the room. Harry was becoming nervous about what would happen. After a few minutes, he started up the stairs to their bedroom. Inside he found Severus already in the bed. At his questioning look, Severus said. "Spells."
Harry nodded his understanding. "Have you bottomed before?" He watched Severus as he walked toward the bed. He sat down on the bed and waited for Severus to answer him.
"This isn't how I imagined our first night. Yes, I actually usually bottom." Severus glanced at Harry and seeing his face. "The Dark Lord and Lucius. The Dark Lord was my first after he disappeared, Lucius and I became involved for a very short time period."
"They hurt you, didn't they?" Harry was watching Severus and Severus seemed a different person than the one he knew from yesterday and even earlier. This Severus was a Severus he wasn't expecting to see.
"They liked to give pain." Severus quietly answered.
"Did you enjoy it?" Harry took Severus' hand and gently caressed his hand with his thumb.
"I liked the spankings, especially if I did something wrong. I used Lucius to punish myself for your mother. The Dark Lord, before he went insane toward the end, originally wasn't about giving pain. Lucius enjoys a partner who wants pain."
"You were expecting to be in control for once. You didn't like this contract but you agreed because of Dumbledore and his guilt. You also thought you would be in charge." Harry could see the surprise on Severus' face when Severus realized Harry knew Severus' true reasons for agreeing to the bonding.
"Did you hear our discussion?" Severus wondered how Harry could know that.
"No, your attitude during the bonding and when you tried to take charge at the bank gave it away. Severus, I am going to make you a deal. We have to follow the contract. There is no way around that unless we can find a way in private. We know we can't in public. I will not do anything on that list of punishments with the exception of spanking and some other types of non-violent punishments from maybe restricting your brewing time or forbidding you to leave Hogwarts. We will work out how the punishments are worked or even you need to be punished. It will be up to you and your wants. I will make sure you have everything you need. I can't give you a vault as that was in the contract that you can't have one but I will give you my credit card for you to use. That wasn't in the contract. You can order whatever you desire, whenever you want unless you're being punished with that type of restriction. We will figure out how to keep you from eating in the Great Hall. I know they did that as a way of humiliating me. I would be seen up at the Head Table, kneeling, and with you feeding me. It was to teach me my place."
Severus looked down at Harry's hand that was caressing his. "You are a Slytherin."
"The Sorting Hat did want me there but between Hagrid and Weasley plus meeting Draco, I made it put me in Gryffindor." Harry gave him a slight smile.
"That would do it. I agree with the exception of the brewing. I will need to make potions for the Infirmary."
"I know, which is why I said time. I won't endanger anyone because you are being punished."
"I accept your deal. Now go and get ready."
Harry, instead leaned forward and gave Severus a kiss. The force of which caused Severus to lay down as Harry took control. "For a virgin, you can kiss." Severus could speak after that amazing kiss. "Now get undressed."
Harry grinned as his clothes disappeared. "I didn't say I was a virgin. I said I did a lot of reading. I never had sex with a guy before." Harry began to kiss Severus again, moving his hands down Severus' body, cupping Severus' arse.
After several minutes of Harry's hands bringing his body alive Severus whispered, "touch my cock."
"I will don't worry, I am not going to rush this." Harry took one of Severus' nipples and gently bit it, causing the man to arch up and moan in pleasure, Severus raised his head and gave Harry a deep kiss. When they broke apart Harry gently touched Severus' cock. "You deserve a reward for that kiss." Harry kept his hand slowly teasing Severus' cock as he moved his mouth over Severus' body. "Put your hands above your head and don't move them." Harry ordered as he licked Severus' cock. When he obeyed, Harry engulfed his member, causing Severus to groan in pleasure.
Harry brought Severus close the edge and removed his mouth. Severus lifted his head. "Please, don't stop."
"Don't worry, we aren't done. On your hands and knees." When Severus was in position Harry gave him a quick smack on the butt and listened as Severus moaned in pleasure. "Do you want me to turn your butt red so that tomorrow when you sit you feel it?"
"Yes. Make me feel everything. I want to know that you are my husband."
"You are mine, Severus." Harry smacked Severus' right arse cheek. "Each time I spank you, you will say that you are mine." Harry hit the left cheek.
"Yours." Severus responded, letting a moan escape him.
Smack on the right cheek.
"Yours."
Smack on the left cheek.
"Yours."
Smack on the right cheek.
"Yours."
Smack on the left cheek.
"Yours."
Smack on the right cheek.
"Yours."
Smack on the left cheek.
"Yours."
Smack on the right cheek.
"Yours."
Smack on the left cheek.
"Yours."
Harry smacked the last one in the middle of Severus' arse. "Yours."
"That is right you are now mine."
Severus felt something cool at his entrance and laid his head down on his arms as tried to control his response to Harry's touches. "In me, please."
"In time. I am not going to have you hurt." Harry worked a finger into Severus. When Harry hit the prostate, Severus bucked a little.
"What was that?" Severus turned his head to look at Harry, his face flushed with pleasure and curiosity.
"You mean they never hit your prostate before?" Harry began to think of other ways to give Severus pleasure.
"Do that again." Severus moaned.
"I will." Harry kissed Severus' back and slipped another finger into him, "Still, Severus." Harry told Severus when he began to rock back into Harry's fingers.
"Please." Severus begged. He wasn't used to feeling so much pleasure. The Dark Lord and Lucius only really cared about their own pleasure.
Harry added a third finger and slowly worked Severus opened. He didn't rush as he was enjoyed hearing Severus moan in pleasure. Harry leaned forward and kissed Severus on his back again as he slowly withdrew his fingers. He heard Severus groan of displeasure. He gave a small smile and lined himself up and slowly teased Severus with his cock. He pressed it against Severus hole and didn't enter. Severus tried to push back but Harry's no stopped him. Harry rubbed his cock up and down the crack and finally entered Severus, who let out a very loud moan of pleasure as Harry buried himself deeply into him.
Harry didn't move for a few minutes, getting Severus used to being filled and when he knew Severus was about to push back, he withdrew. He waited for Severus to react. Severus groaned and whimpered but stopped as Harry entered him again. Harry began to thrust into him and Severus felt like his body was alive for the first time. Harry was hitting that pleasure spot each time he entered into him. "Harry, I am going to cum."
"Not until I say." Harry felt he was close. "Now." Severus let himself go and Harry soon followed, collapsing onto Severus' back.
Harry finally rolled off of Severus. Severus looked at him. "You can do that to me as often as you like."
Harry turned and faced him. "I can agree with that." Harry pulled Severus close to him and spelled the bed covers over them.
The Weekend and Returning
Severus woke up as the house elf, he thought it looked like Dobby but he wasn't sure, pulled back the curtains to let the sun into the room. He lifted his head and saw that Harry was leaning against the headboard, reading. "Good morning." The house elf popped away. Severus was a bit surprised at how much he slept and how well. He was usually a light sleeper and never slept more than a few hours at a time.
"Morning, what time is it?" Severus was surprised to find himself pulled toward Harry. He laid his head down on Harry's thigh. He didn't mind the position and it was strange as the Dark Lord and Lucius would never have allowed such contact after sex.
"It's a little after nine. Are you hungry?" Instead of being able to answer, Severus' stomach growled. He was used to eating at eight in the morning from the years of being at Hogwarts. "Dobby, breakfast please." Harry gave him a slight smile.
Breakfast appeared on the table next to the bed. "Tea?" Severus wasn't a big eater in the morning, tea was what he usually had first than toast. He turned a bit so he was now staring up at Harry, pulling the blankets up a bit to his chest.
"Of course, but you need to eat a full breakfast too. After that, you want to go and check out the lab? See what is needed for you?" Harry wanted Severus to feel wanted and didn't want him to feel owned or used because of that contract.
"There is a lab here?" Severus tried to keep his excitement out of his voice. While he had his own lab at Spinner's End, he knew a place of this size had to have a bigger one. One that he could create and not be limited to his potion work.
"Yes, it's very up to date. I even ordered most of the ingredients I knew you would want. I didn't get everything that you would want or require. Just create a list. Dobby, Winky, and Kreacher will get it. Kreacher is in charge of the household but he is usually at the Order's Headquarters keeping an eye on them."
"I can really order what I want?" Severus knew Harry had told him that but he was used to others getting what they wanted from him. Once they did, they wouldn't fulfill their end of the bargain if they could prevent it. Dumbledore, Lucius, and the Dark Lord were excellent examples.
"Yes, I want you to. You will find with your passport your own credit card, along with a vault key. The key is mine, it's not in your name so they can say anything about it." Harry gave him a kiss on his lips. "I would like for you to order more clothes too."
Severus looked at him. "Books?"
"If they aren't in the library and you want them, order them. If you want a copy to add to our personal library, order two of them."
Severus grinned. He was going to enjoy being able to shop without worrying about expenses. He began to make a mental list of all the different potions he wanted to try. He felt like a kid in a candy store. It was the first time in his life that someone was saying have fun and don't worry about the expenses. "Sev, make your potion list later, eat for me." Harry put a strawberry into his mouth when he went to respond.
"You are going to feed me?" Severus gave him an impish grin.
"Oh, you want me to feed you?" Harry laughed and picked up another piece of fruit and held it as Severus ate from his hand. Harry started to feed him in earnest and Severus felt content and happy. He didn't recognize the feelings at first but by the end of breakfast he knew what they were and was deeply satisfied.
"What is on the agenda for today?" Severus asked.
"Nothing but what we want. I figured you would spend a few hours down in the lab if you want we can go shopping for clothes and ingredients later. I was thinking of having dinner in Rome if you want?"
"Rome? Really? I would love it." Severus had only been to Rome for a few conferences. He never really got to explore Rome.
"I will arrange it." Harry gave him a kiss which turned into Severus melting into Harry. Severus moaned as Harry ran a hand down his body, he arched into Harry. "Are you sore?"
"Pleasantly so." Severus let out a moan as he felt pinch his right nipple. "Please."
"I will take care of you." Harry guided Severus to lay flat on the bed. Severus automatically spread his legs to allow Harry access to him. "So beautiful."
Severus blushed, he had never been called beautiful before even during sex. He knew he wasn't. He had no illusions about himself but if Harry said he was beautiful he was willing to indulge in that fantasy. He let out a gasp as Harry took his member into his mouth. His fingers flexed into the sheets as he tossed his head in pleasure. "Harry, I am close."
He felt Harry withdraw from his cock. "Not until I say so." Severus moaned and was again lost in the pleasure of Harry's mouth on his penis. He almost came when he felt Harry's finger enter his hole. "Cum."
"Now that is a great way to start the day." Harry laid down next to Severus.
"I agree." Severus laid there for a few more minutes trying to recover when he got an idea on how to repay Harry for last night and this morning. He quietly whispered the spell to slick himself up and turned his mouth to Harry's member. He was greeted by a very excited penis and he lifted his eyes to watch Harry's face as he worked on Harry's cock. He removed his mouth and slowly worked his body over Harry's. He grinned as he lined himself up and slowly inserted Harry's stiff member into his moist hole. He closed his eyes in pleasure as he felt himself being filled. Once he was full, he opened his eyes as he adjusted to the size and began to ride Harry. He enjoyed the look of sheer pleasure that was showing on Harry's face, as well as the moans of pleasure.
"Yes, Severus." Harry reached up and pinched one of Severus' nipples. The man gave a slight hiss of pleasurable pain. He ran his hands over Severus', well the parts he could reach. "I am going to cum." He warned Severus.
"Fill me." Severus was milking the last of Harry's cum out of his member. He fell onto Harry's body and felt Harry's arms wrap around his chest.
Severus didn't even realize he had fallen asleep until Harry moved and he felt a bit of a chill. He opened his eyes and saw that Harry was moving him into a better position. "I cleaned us up as best as I could but we need a shower."
"Shower sex is good I hear."
"I created a monster." Harry joked.
"If you keep hitting my prostate like that you certainly have."
"Come on, let's go and shower. I, however, do not want to spend all day in bed."
"We aren't, we are showering and dinner in Rome." Severus got up and headed naked to the bathroom. "I will get the water running."
"Kreacher."
"Master?" Kreacher popped into the room.
"Can you go to Ironclaw and tell him we need a port-key for Rome tonight. Make dinner reservations for us at Gino's, please. Ironclaw recommended the restaurant."
"Yes Master. Six?" Kreacher asked.
"Yes, thank you Kreacher." Kreacher popped away and Harry headed to join his husband in the shower. He wondered, briefly, if he turned the man into a sex addict.
Severus was packing up some of his new clothes to return to Hogwarts, they were leaving in an hour and he wasn't looking forward to it. They had spent the whole weekend indulging themselves in things that neither of them had had in their lives, from buying books, clothes and potion ingredients to the amazing sex. Severus thought if sex was this good years ago, he never would have stopped having it. He grinned. "We don't have time for another round." He heard Harry say. "If you are good, however, I believe tonight we will have time for some more enjoyable aspects of our new lives."
"Promise?" Severus teased.
"Yes, Monster." Harry retorted.
"I am your monster, don't forget, Brat." Severus answered. "Harry, I think I am going to need a new trunk. My old one won't hold everything."
"We can get a new one for you. It looks like it was your school trunk." Harry stood next to him.
"It was." Severus never really had much so he didn't mind using his old trunk. Now, he had a lot of stuff he wanted to take to Hogwarts with him. All of his compartments were filled.
"I have an extra one you can use. Sev, we will have breakfast here. I will speak to McGonagall about lunch and dinner."
"Professor McGonagall." Severus replied without even thinking until he got a spank on his butt. "Sorry, habit."
"Be thankful it was here and not at Hogwarts or around those idiots. You know what would have happened."
"I know. I will work on being careful. I don't want to give them any reason to enforce that punishment aspect of the contract." Severus didn't even want to think of why or how Dumbledore came up with that list.
"Let's eat breakfast. If you need it, I want you to take a calming draught. I don't want you to get upset or anxious."
"I know and I will if I need it. Right now I am nervous but not overly so." Severus gave him a kiss. "We can do this."
"I know, Sev. It will be a rough week but we have McGonagall and the twins in our court."
Severus and Harry were walking toward Hogwarts when they saw the doors open and Dumbledore with his group of sycophants came out. "I wonder if his eyes are blue because he is low on his donkey shit meter?" Harry wondered out loud.
Severus was thankful that he had been working on his masks because if they were at home, he would have laughed. "Ah, Severus I see you found your husband."
"I didn't know I was lost. Did you Severus?"
"I wasn't aware of it either." Severus could answer since Harry asked him a question.
"Harry that attitude is one that is forbidden in your contract as well as speaking without permission." Dumbledore informed him. "Severus, I expect you to follow up on the required punishment."
"Not going to happen. You see, I am in charge. I gave Severus permission to speak when he is answering my questions. He also has permission to speak freely during his lessons. Professor Potter is ready to start his first session, I believe you have one in an hour?"
"Yes, I do, Harry." Severus enjoyed watching Granger and Weasley's face showing surprise.
"What do you mean? He is Professor Snape. You are not in charge." Granger snapped.
"You need to read the contract. Professor McGonagall, I will be moving into Severus' quarters since we are now bonded."
"My office, now." Dumbledore snapped. Dumbledore turned on his heels and headed into Hogwarts with Lupin, Granger and the Weasley family, minus the twins on his heels.
Harry waited until they were far enough away. "This is going to be interesting. Did he try and memory charm you?"
"Yes, he did. The twins explained everything. He has been working all weekend trying to find you. That is why all of them were here. They were counting on you returning this morning." Minerva explained as they slowly walked toward Hogwarts.
"Don't worry, we put up our new silencing spell." Fred said.
"One he doesn't know about." George added.
"Anything important happen?" Harry asked.
"Nothing. They were focused on getting you." The twins said together.
"Let's go play with him." Harry grinned as they entered Hogwarts. None of them spoke as they headed toward Dumbledore's office. They didn't want the portraits to report anything back to Dumbledore. Minerva made sure to keep a few steps ahead as she didn't want Dumbledore to think something was up.
They took seats, except Severus, in Dumbledore's office. "Now my boy, why don't you explain where you have been all weekend. You know it's not safe for you to be outside of your relatives' wards or Hogwarts."
"I was at my Manor and I won't be returning to my relatives' wonderful care. We had a great weekend, shopping, dinner, sex."
Severus was surprised by Harry's answer but didn't show it. He could tell the rest of them were angry with the exception of Minerva and the twins. "Harry, you need to follow that contract. There are a lot of penalties and you could lose your magic if you don't."
"We are following it." Harry didn't add anything else.
"Young man, you have no idea what you are doing. If you don't obey that contract you will lose your magic." Molly rather loudly informed him.
"Good thing we are following it." Harry wondered when they would realize what happened.
"Harry, my boy, you need to listen to me. I only want what is best for you. Professor Snape is in charge and you need to acknowledge that." Dumbledore calmly told him.
"Professor Potter." Harry could see that Dumbledore was losing his patience but he didn't really care at this point. He could and would leave if he had to.
"Professor Snape is in charge. It's in the contract. You are just earning more punishment." Granger informed him.
"You know, if you actually knew magical contracts as well as you thought you did, Granger, you would realize that if that statement was true, I would already be feeling the consequences of not following the magical terms of my bonding contract. You do realize it's my bonding contract and not yours?" Harry inquired.
"I know what it contains." Granger smugly said.
"No you don't. You are clueless like normal."
"Harry!" More than one voice was heard.
"Severus, I demand that you punish him as it states in the contract. He will be excused from classes for you to fulfill it." Dumbledore said.
"Not going to happen. Haven't you realized that Severus isn't saying anything and I am? Haven't you realized I am sitting in a chair and he is standing?"
He could see them process what he said and when they realized what he meant. He saw that Ron and Ginny were a little behind the rest of them in understanding. He almost laughed at Granger's face as she looked between him and Severus. "Not that isn't possible."
"It is." Harry informed her.
"What did you do?" Dumbledore snapped at him. His face was flushed with red as his anger built.
"I took the contract and visited Gringotts. You be surprised at what you can learn from the goblins. Now if that is all, I would like to go to our quarters, put our trunks down, and get my books for my classes." Harry rose from his chair and together they walked out of Dumbledore's office without waiting for permission.
"He is going to try to make you sign a new agreement or contract." Severus warned.
"I know but what he doesn't know is I won't be signing anything even my homework without a revealing charm cast on it. I will also be using parchment soaked in truth serum for anything he wants to discuss in regards to contracts."
"You would have made an excellent snake." Severus was very proud of his snake husband.
The Longest Week
Severus was eager for the last class to end. He hadn't realized standing all day was so exhausting. His legs were sore and so was his back. He had spent some of the time leaning against his desk but only being able to sit down in their quarters during lunch wasn't really enough to soothe his sore muscles. He sighed in relief when the bell rang signaling the end of the long day. He headed straight to his office and looked at his office chair. He was thankful he didn't have any office hours on Monday and Friday. He entered their quarters to find Harry sitting on the couch. "There is a warm bath waiting for you."
"I could kiss you right now if I wasn't so eager to soak. Dinner in here?"
"Yes. I heard from Ironclaw. He said there is nothing in Hogwarts: A History or the charter saying that you have to eat in the Great Hall. Since you technically don't have a contract, he can't force us to either." Harry put down the book he was reading. "Go and soak. We can talk afterward and if you are still sore I can give you a back rub."
"May I take the offer on the back rub now?" Severus started to walk toward the bathroom and stopped at the door.
"Of course. Kreacher will bring us dinner when we are ready. I have a few things to let you know about." Harry got up from the couch. When he reached Severus, he guided him into the bathroom. "Soak for as long as you want. I hope I don't need to make it an order?"
"No, you don't. I am looking forward to it." Severus started to undo all of his buttons and for the first time ever wished he didn't have so many. He looked at Harry. "Buttons." Harry waved his hand and he was naked. "I believe I am going to have to work on my wandless spells."
"Not just for dueling, wandless is." Sounding like Yoda.
"That isn't a sentence." Severus sank into the warm soothing water. "You added some of the muscle relaxants into the bath. I can feel and smell it."
"Yes, figured you would need it." Harry lit some candles. "Lavender."
Severus frowned. "Harry, someone is at the door. They are trying to get through the wards."
"They could have knocked. You soak, don't rush." Harry muttered and headed out to see what was going on. He stood by the door listening.
"They have to be in there." Weasley was telling Granger.
"I know that. Just think it would work better if we knocked. We can't override the wards. Only the Headmaster can override the wards. I don't understand why you even tried."
"I asked Bill to show me some of the spells a ward breaker would use and I wanted to try them. I could just tell them it was an accident if it worked, saying I was trying Bill's spells. Harry is stupid enough to buy it. Snape wouldn't but he doesn't matter now." Weasley explained his actions.
"Does it really matter? We need them to come to dinner in the Great Hall. It will show everyone that what we said is true." Weaslette remarked. "Talking outside their door isn't bright."
"Knock." Granger ordered.
"You aren't in charge." Weaslette retorted. "You knock."
"Grow up." Weasley knocked on the door. Harry knew it was him because Granger always knocked two times, Weaslette always did a bit of a song, and Weasley pounded.
Harry waited a few minutes before opening the door. "Can I help you?" He stepped away as Granger went to hug him.
"We came to walk you to dinner." Granger gave him her best smile while giving him a slightly hurt look that he didn't let her hug him.
"I don't need an escort, thank you." Harry closed the door. He smirked as he heard Weaslette knock this time. Harry again waited a minute or so, listening to them complain. He opened the door and waited.
"Harry, that wasn't necessary. May we come in?" Granger asked.
"Why?"
"What do you mean why? We are friends." Granger gave off her best innocent face she knew she could use on him.
"No, friends don't force a friend to bond with someone or treat them the way you have. Did you honestly think I would be friends with you after you tried to stun me? Did you forget your words for the past few days?"
"Harry, you had to do the contract. We didn't want you to lose your magic. Professor Snape was the best person for the job of protecting you." Granger reasoned. She wasn't about to let him think he outsmarted them even for a second. Just because the contract didn't work the way they wanted to they could still do their plan, according to the Headmaster, they just had to make sure Harry didn't realize anything was different. "I only stunned you to prevent you from breaking it."
Harry arched his brow and waited for them to continue. "Harry, we are best friends, mate." Weasley edged Granger out of the way. "We have been for five years now. My family is your family."
Weaslette moved forward a bit and ran a hand down Harry's chest. "Your contract doesn't say you have to stay with Snape. Only that he has to remain faithful to you. We could still get married as we wanted."
Harry laughed. "Oh, you're serious." He laughed harder at their faces.
"I know you're upset with us. You have to forgive us. We only wanted what was best for you." Granger failed to hide the glare she aimed at Weaslette. Really the girl couldn't keep her pants on if they were superglued to her body.
"I am having dinner in my quarters." Harry knew they would go running to the Headmaster and demand he fix Harry or something of the like. He inwardly smirked. He was looking forward to the man coming down or even flooing them. He closed the door in their faces again.
"What did they want?" Severus said from the entrance of their main living quarters, he had seen Ms. Weasley's caress Harry.
"Slutty tried to pick me up." Harry made a face at the idea of Ginny Weasley touching him. "I think I need to take a shower. I feel dirty now."
Severus pressed his lips together so that he wouldn't laugh. "I can help."
"I am counting on it. However, let's eat before Dumbledore makes an appearance. Soup and sandwiches. I had a really nice meal planned for us tonight but I don't want to get nauseous while listening to the old fart."
"How about we continue relaxing and eat afterward. He doesn't have to know we haven't eaten." Severus moved toward Harry and leaned down and said quietly "dinner in bed sounds like a good idea."
Harry gave him a kiss as the floo roared to life. "That was fast."
"They most likely ran." Severus looked at the fireplace as Dumbledore's head appeared in the flames.
"Harry Potter." Dumbledore sounded furious.
Harry turned and faced the man. "Albus Dumbledore."
"Why aren't you in the Great Hall for dinner? You are required to attend meals."
"No, I'm not. Did you forget my bonding emancipated me? As an adult, I follow the same rules any of the other seventh years have. One of the benefits is that I don't need to have my meals in the Great Hall if I am bonded."
Severus was going to have to reread Hogwarts: A History and the school's charter. It was coming in very handy for dealing with the old fool. Dumbledore relied on people like the know it all or someone like Percy Weasley to only know the rules. He never really had to deal with unusual cases. "Severus needs to attend it's in his contract that he must attend dinner."
"As my husband, he is having dinner here with me. We're still on our honeymoon. They normally last for at least a week." Harry gave Dumbledore the sweetest fake smile Severus had ever seen on a person. Dumbledore didn't even respond, he just disappeared. Harry glared at the fireplace as he walked closer to it. He waved his hand and they heard someone say ouch. "I hope they try to eavesdrop again." Harry hadn't stopped staring at the fireplace. "I wonder which one of them I hit and where?"
"I will make us some sandwiches. I expect they will make their way down here." Harry gave Severus a smirk as he started casting around the door and floo. "What did you do?"
"Parsel warding spells. There isn't a thing they can do to bring them down so we can eat in peace. If they try to knock, they will get zapped by a stinging hex, if they try to floo, they will get a busy signal, like the one you hear on the phone."
"There has to be a better way to do this." Severus knew it was going to be a rough week. Hopefully, things would improve after Saturday.
"Well, I've personally always wanted to drown my troubles but I can't get Dumbledore to go swimming. This is how we are going to do it for now. Hopefully, Voldie will aid us." Harry didn't miss the giggle that Severus tried to hide. "Do you need a back rub?"
"When we go to bed, today and Friday will be the hardest days. I have back to back classes."
The rest of the week was a constant battle of wills. Harry won each battle but Granger and both of the Weasleys seemed determined to get Severus into trouble as a way to divide the pair. The Headmaster wasn't helping matters by constantly trying to find ways around Harry's wards or the rules he wrote into the contract. Severus did enjoy listening to the man explain to Harry that he could allow Severus to sit if they added more clauses or amended the current contract. Minerva ran as much interference as she could but they agreed to keep her as a hidden asset. She tried to give them as much warning as she could. She told them about how it got leaked out at an Order meeting.
Memory begins*
Everyone was sitting at the kitchen table at Grimmauld Place waiting for the Order meeting to start. Dumbledore was not there as of yet and everyone was antsy. The Weasley Twins were sitting opposite Lupin and Black while Minerva was sitting opposite Granger. She saw the twins had added something the tea. She knew not to drink it but didn't say a word as Molly started pouring it. Most were almost done with it when Albus Dumbledore made his grand entrance as normal. Minerva wondered how she had missed how controlling the man was.
"I do apologize for the delay. I was trying to get Harry and Severus to attend." Dumbledore took his seat.
"Why? It's not like they need to know the truth." Ron said.
"Ronald, you know we need Harry and Severus. They are important to our defeating Voldemort." Dumbledore smiled as he looked around the room, trying to reassure everyone who wasn't in on their plot.
"Isn't that why we did the contract so that Severus would force Harry to fight him? Not that it worked out that way. I was to marry him." Ginny whined.
"No, dear, it's the money we want." Molly leaned toward her daughter. "Remember the contract is so that we will have control over everything."
Dumbledore inhaled deeply but before he could say anything Sirius looked around. "What do they mean?" He looked directly at Remus, who didn't know how to respond.
"Yes, what do they mean?" Arthur added.
"We need to have Harry killed Voldemort. We will kill him and Severus. I think we should just throw them in Azkaban and take charge of their vaults and the wizarding world. Professor Dumbledore has been in control of it for decades. He created Voldemort and Severus was to defeat him. Severus was to replace him but Severus didn't follow the plan. So he was going to use Harry as a new Dark Lord. I convinced him it would be better to just kill him so we don't have to worry about another war. If we claim Harry was dark, it would give three Dark Lord that Dumbledore helped get rid of. He will be more powerful than Merlin. He would be remembered forever." Granger grinned. "I helped him make the contract."
-
The ones who weren't in on the plot, exploded. "HOW DARE YOU!"
"YOU'RE SICK AND TWIST, YOU MAKE HE-WHO-MUST-BE-NAME SANE." Was heard from almost everyone. Dumbledore pulled out his wand and stunned everyone. He began to cast memory charms on everyone, not realizing that Minerva and the Twins were protected from it. He removed the stunner and sat down.
When everyone was looking around in confusion, Dumbledore sighed deeply. "It appears the twins have played a prank on us."
Fred and George exchanged a look. "We did?" They asked together. They knew what the man was doing and they couldn't wait to give the memory to Harry and the goblins to use against the man later.
"Yes, I had to give the counter but it seems to have affected your memory. We will meet again this weekend. It's getting late." Dumbledore rose before anyone could respond and left the kitchen.
"What did you two do?" Molly screeched at them.
"Nothing." They replied. "We have a store to open in the morning and a potion waiting for us. Good night." As they passed, showed her the memory vial and continued on their way. Minerva understood the message and said her own goodbyes.
Memory Ends*
They were kicked out of the pensive and Harry held the memory vial. "The twins will send theirs to the goblins. May I put this in one of my vaults for protection?" He started to gather the memory up.
"Certainly. Be careful if you mail anything. He has been reading everyone's letters. He has also been going through the law books to see if he can find a way around the contract." Minerva warned them. "Something about the wards too. I saw a lot of books on his desk concerning them."
"Unless he suddenly becomes a speaker. We are safe, Minerva. Harry warded our whole quarters with parseltongue wards." Harry had granted him freedom of speech in their quarters. They were still trying to find a way around the no sitting on furniture aspect outside of their quarters.
"Minerva, do you think we will be able to get Sirius and Arthur away long enough to free them from the potions?" Harry asked.
"Honestly, no. Remus and Molly guard Sirius. She makes sure Sirius is never alone. The only time I have ever seen Arthur away from her is when he is working. It's would be hard to get him free from his job to do a purge without them being aware. It would take several hours for both of them."
"I think that is the problem the twins have been having. They have given the man a purging potion before but it doesn't last long since Molly most like doses him when he eats." Harry commented.
"The goblins are the only ones I know who would be able to do a full system purge and convince them that Albus is the bad guy. If we do it, they won't believe us because of the length of time Dumbledore has been able to influence them. Molly and Remus would also make sure that we weren't believable." Minerva said.
"I agree. Even if we presented the facts, they would never take our word. The memories would work but only until Molly, Remus, or Dumbledore gets a hold of them again." Severus added.
Harry made a face at the truth of their statement. "How he has been able to take control for so long is amazing. I mean look at what damage he has done and the sheep just go baa baa baa. I mean really if the general population's mind were a pasture, they would starve."
"When do you meet with the goblins?"
"Saturday. We are going to leave here early. I am going to tell him we are going shopping for potion ingredients. I know he is going to try and get one of the idiots to join us for our safety of course. I plan on telling him Friday night that we will be leaving in the morning but won't mention a time. We will be leaving here at like three or four in the morning, head to my Manor, sleep for a few hours and go about the day."
"I will cover for you as long as I can. I believe they will find themselves in detention with Mr. Filch. The trophy room needs to be cleaned and trophies polished." Minerva responded.
"I have tried to take points from them. I gave them detention but he just counters it. He actually canceled my detention when they were late to my class." Severus told the woman.
"He did? Well, I believe I will reinstate it." Minerva grinned. "Something about reading the detention reports that come across my desk.
"Be careful. We don't want him to wonder what is going on, Minerva. You know how he gets when Gryffindor loses points." Severus had spent many hours listening to the lecture about giving detentions to Gryffindors.
"I will. I will even be seen reading the reports at breakfast tomorrow." Minerva grinned.
"We are going to make you a snake yet." Harry told her.
"No need to be insulting." She huffed and got up. "Thank you for the tea. Goodnight gentlemen." At the door, she turned. "A lioness is very deadly when she wants to be."
Harry smirked. After she left he turned to his husband. "Want to spend some time in bed?"
"Did you really just ask me that?" Severus looked at him like he had grown another head. "Are you serious? When haven't we gone to bed early since we got bonded?"
"Love, I am Harry. Sirius is my godfather and you better not be thinking of him joining us."
"Oh that one is so bad I am not even sure I know how to respond to it. I am positive that if you show me again that you are my husband, give me time to recover I should have an answer for you sometime tomorrow."
"Challenge accepted." Harry grabbed his husband's hand and started toward the bedroom. Severus was naked by the time they hit the bedroom.
Voldie
Harry was sitting in the chair to the left of Ironclaw. Ironclaw was sitting at the head of the table. Severus was standing behind Harry. To the right of Ironclaw were two empty seats and then after that, a group of goblins filled the remain five seats. They were waiting for the Dark Lord to arrive with his second. Harry knew it would be Lucius Malfoy. The Dark Lord and Lucius were surprised to see who was going to meet with them. The Dark Lord spoke first, breaking the silence. "I will admit to being a bit surprised at seeing you here, Potter."
"I thought we should have a bit of a chat and see if we can work on getting rid of Dumbledore." Harry hoped being blunt and honest would work. "I believe there are a lot of things each of us needs to know. Some things have been very well hidden. Ironclaw will provide you with the history."
The Dark Lord looked around at the goblins. He decided to sit down. Lucius followed the Dark Lord's lead. Ironclaw passed folders to the Dark Lord and Lucius. Lucius and the Dark Lord reviewed all the material. Ironclaw showed the accounting history, the history of Dumbledore, and the abuse Harry suffered. The Dark Lord was furious over the bonding contract, Harry's life, and the past that Dumbledore buried. As Lucius was reading the bonding contract he looked at Harry. "This wasn't how it was originally drawn up?"
"No, I was able to overturn it before we bonded by taking up my lordships with the aid of Ironclaw. When I was declared an adult, it allowed me to claim them. If I hadn't the contract would have forced me into a fighting weapon for Dumbledore. Basically, it's all about the galleons. They want the rights to Severus' potions and the books about my life. They want access to my vaults, as you can see they had been helping themselves." Harry explained how he learned the truth, how he was able to uncover a lot of things with some help by using the goblins archives. "Now, what isn't in there is something I believe you should be aware of. Horcruxes." The Dark Lord's face reflected his fury over the mention of his Horcruxes but before he could voice his displeasure, Harry held up his hand. "Let me finish. I am one. Dumbledore is counting on you killing me in a final battle so that he can kill you. He has been trying to collect your Horcruxes but I beat him to them. I have them safe."
The Dark Lord pulled out his wand and cast a spell at Harry. Everyone watched as it turned silver indicating there were two souls in the body. "I didn't know but it explains our connection. I want them returned to me. How is Potter, Lord Slytherin?"
"Two different lines. There isn't a direct descendant of Salazar Slytherin in the male line. He did have two daughters. One who married into the Gryffindor line. She was the oldest. The other married into the Gaunt family line. Both lines at one point met again in the Peverell family line. Mr. Riddle, your claim comes from the oldest in the Peverell line while Lord Potter's comes from the Gryffindor and Peverell line. Harry's claim comes from the Peverell line's third son. The three brothers were mentioned in the fairy tale." Ironclaw replied. "Also, if it didn't, conquest would have allowed him to claim the line."
"Could Potter claim the Death Eater?" Lucius didn't like what he was hearing.
"Technically, yes." Ironclaw responded.
Harry grinned, the Dark Lord and Lucius didn't like that grin. "Potter?" The Dark Lord was wondering what the boy was thinking of.
"I have an idea. It depends on what you say and want. I want you to absorb your other Horcruxes, get your mind and magic back to full power. Now, this is the important part. I can take control over the Wizengamot, I would like to claim your Death Eaters and make them legal. As a Lord, under the feudal system, they would become my knights. As knights, they would be able to defend and protect wizards and witches."
The Dark Lord thought for a few minutes. "What do you expect out of this deal? I am not going to submit to you."
"I don't want you to submit. We will be allies. Severus and I will work on Hogwarts. Together, we work on the Ministry, Wizengamot, and general populous. Get our ideas out there. Let people know what we want to be fixed. The articles about Dumbledore will start coming out from a variety of sources, the goblins, my friends, Rita, and I want some of the pure-bloods to add to it. From every house, as many as possible, anything to damage the old man as long as it's backed up by fact. As that happens, we submit editorials to the Daily Prophet, Quibbler, Witch Weekly, and even foreign papers about what the goals are. Explain why we want things done. List our goals, like a manifesto, make people understand that we want to protect kids, save them from being abused."
Lucius leaned forward. "How do you plan on getting control over the Wizengamot?"
Harry nodded to Ironclaw, who produced Harry's Inheritance Test. "That is how. Interesting thing is, we can call up laws for review since my seats were being used illegally. I am sure there are a few laws that we want to be passed too."
"In this alliance, I am to absorb my other Horcruxes."
"No, you can leave the one in Nagini. Since you keep her close to you, the Horcrux will have a positive effect on you as I believe you are already aware of." Harry answered.
"If we do this, you will claim my Death Eaters."
"Legally. I don't want to change their marks or anything, they will still be yours. If I were to claim them by changing their marks, I am afraid of what Dumbledore might try to do. He might try to claim I am a Dark Lord. However, if we keep our alliance a secret, allow me to claim them in the Wizengamot, stating that I can't change their marks but I can change their alliances. A change of alliances would require me to be able to show I am in charge hence the titles. As Lord Slytherin, Dumbledore would believe I can control you. I say let him have his fantasy while we destroy him."
"How do I know you won't remove me from the family tree and take them yourself?" The Dark Lord asked.
"I will take a Vow if you like. I believe in separating the muggle and magical world, not because of blood but because I am aware of how the majority of muggles would react if they found out about magic. We need to learn about their advanced technology and keep on top of it. As they will discover us if we don't change things."
"Technology?" Lucius asked.
"Yes, they have video cameras, internet, computers, and other devices. If they find us, they have bombs that could wipe us out. Not to mention other weapons." Harry answered. "They have advanced a long way in the last twenty years alone."
The Dark Lord leaned back in his chair. "What do you mean by video cameras, the internet, and the other things you listed."
Harry ran through the latest technological developments in the muggle world. He explained what computers could do, radar, bombs. He produced some of the muggles mail-order catalogs and showed them what he was talking about. The goblins, Severus, Lucius, and the Dark Lord all listened with awe at what Harry was telling them. "We might be better off finding an island to live off of." The Dark Lord stated at the end.
"That is an excellent idea but it won't amount to much with Dumbledore preaching about how wonderful muggles are. A lot of the muggle-born at school will tell you they aren't that wonderful. There are good muggle-born parents but they are few and far between." Harry stated. "After all, we have experienced what that is like."
Severus and the Dark Lord nodded their understanding at that understatement. "Do you have many who are willing to join this cause?" Lucius asked.
"Yes, I have a few. I will release their names after we reach an agreement." Harry replied.
"If I agree, I want a few things. One of them is I want to retrain Severus as my potion master. I will respect the bonding contract. Two, I want you to keep yourself hidden for now. We will create an alias for you to use at any meeting. Three, you can use my Death Eaters as your knights to protect them but I want to change this idea a bit. Instead of referencing them as Death Eaters, we create a new look and name. Let Dumbledore believe the Death Eater still exist. Don't mention the mark. Have him believe you are building an army to fight against me. Fourth, I won't require a Vow, however, I would instead suggest a blood adoption. It will protect us both. I will teach you the stuff Dumbledore hasn't and family magic will protect you and my Horcrux."
Harry looked at Severus who nodded his agreement. Ironclaw also agreed when Harry glanced at him. "Deal. The ones who are currently with me are Fred and George Weasley, Poppy Pomfrey, and Minerva McGonagall. We know Sirius Black and Arthur Weasley are under the influence of a variety of potions and we are working to free them. We will be speaking to the older Weasleys when they arrive home and feel they will join us. I know a few other students will to but I haven't actually recruited them. I haven't made any moves in Hogwarts because of being watched but I will if I can get some of the snakes to help keep Granger and the younger Weasleys busy."
"I can manage that. I can speak to Draco. He can spread it to the other supporters."
"Good, have him get in touch with Severus. We can set up meeting times, either in Severus' office or our quarters. I have using parselwards to keep the pests away."
Ironclaw produced the written contract, after reviewing it, the Dark Lord, Lucius, Severus, and Harry signed. "I have a blood adoption potion ready, also." Ironclaw informed them.
Harry took the potion and made a face as he drank it. Potions never tasted good. After the pain passed, Harry looked around. "So how do I look?" He squinted as his glasses were a bit more blurry than he was used to. Severus removed his glasses. "I can see." He couldn't believe it, his eyesight was fixed.
"Actually, very little has changed, your hair is a bit darker, nose a bit straighter. We can put glass in your glasses for the lens." The Dark Lord responded.
"He looks a bit taller and broader in the shoulders." Lucius asked.
Harry stood up and found he had gained a few inches. "I will just claim I was wearing a glamour to cover the minor changes if they ask, I will say Severus discovered them and I wasn't aware I had them on. They will believe it as they believe I'm an idiot."
Chapter 9
Harry and Severus returned to Hogwarts several hours later. Minerva and twins arrived shortly afterward. Harry filled in everyone what was going and the new plans. They explained the deal they made with Voldemort. Minerva, Fred, and George liked the ideas and agreed it would work to their advantage. For the first week, nothing seemed to be happening. Draco got in touch with Severus and they were able to create a network of supporters in Hogwarts. Harry worked on recruiting Neville and some of the DA. It wasn't a very hard sell. They were all very disappointed in Dumbledore and hated Granger and the youngest Weasleys. Most of the DA had an idea that things were happening and that Granger and the Weasleys weren't true friends with Harry. Harry and Severus showed them some of their proof regarding Dumbledore and all agreed to take a Vow to keep it hidden since not all of them were skilled in the Mind Arts. Luna made arrangements with her father to print what was needed as Lucius worked out the details with the Daily Prophet. The biggest bombshell went off the following week when Gringotts submitted the changes to Wizenagamot and demanded a resetting of the seats for the last fourteen years. Fudge was furious and demanding answers. Since Fudge wasn't in office when all of this occurred, he went on a rampage of how he was working on fixing any corruption that occurred during that time period. How he was a Minister for the people. Harry and Severus had a good laugh over the articles in a variety of papers. Dumbledore's name was being raked over the coals. They knew it wasn't good enough to get rid of him but it was a good start.
Dumbledore POV:
Dumbledore was furious and he wasn't sure how it happened. He knew Severus and Harry had been at Hogwarts all week. He had been monitoring them closely including reading their mail and nothing alerted him to this. He wasn't about to have another confrontation with the boy. He had urged Ginny, Ron, and Hermione to keep their distance when it came to Severus but try to get close to Harry personally again. He needed to find out what was going on.
Dumbledore pulled out the pin that Minerva had given him and examined it again. He could find nothing to show what the pin was designed to do. He had been keeping a careful eye on Minerva but she hadn't changed her routine or even her demeanor so he wasn't too worried about her. He knew she wasn't impressed by the latest article and demanded an explanation. He said he wasn't sure what was going on and he would need to go to Gringotts for some answers. He wanted answers. He wasn't sure he would like what he was going to find out. He knew somehow Harry had gained control over his vaults, seats, and titles. He was willing to bet that he now controlled Severus' accounts too.
He had to revamp his plans. How could he use this to gain control over Harry again? He needed the boy to kill Voldemort and then he could kill Harry and Severus. Maybe set it up to look like Severus resented the relationship and killed Harry to break free. Yes, that could work. He would have to find a rare poison, something that only a potion master would know about. He would set Hermione to research that. They had time but Voldemort needed to die soon.
Harry was reading while Severus correcting essays. He was sitting at Harry's feet. "Harry?"
"Hmm?"
"Are there going to be more articles this week?" Severus asked.
"I am not sure. Lucius, Luna, Draco, and Neville are handling it. We know he is reading our mail and monitoring us. I didn't want to take a chance of being caught by him. Why?"
"I was thinking we could torment Granger and the Weasleys tomorrow. I have already assigned them detention for the week with Filch but how about a surprise quiz on last years lung clearing potion? I can let the Slytherins know and have Draco tell Luna, she can pass it to Neville at dinner."
"Sounds like a good plan. Granger would have only been memorizing the current year potions." Harry smirked. "I have to sneak away tomorrow, I am meeting Fudge with Lucius."
"To create the new Ministry's army?" Severus grinned.
"Yes, it will be glorious."
Harry met Lucius in the Atrium of the Ministry. After having their wands checked they headed for the Minister's office. Seeing Umbridge there reminded Harry how much he wanted her gone. He gave her a slight smirk at her simpering words, he was looking forward to seeing her fired. "Lucius, Harry, a pleasure to see you." Fudge greeted them.
Harry didn't know he was on familiar terms with the Minister but ignored the lack of manners. "Pleasure is all mine."
"Cornelius, I am glad you could take time out of your busy schedule to meet with us." Lucius and Harry sat down as the Minister sat down.
"What can I do for you?" Fudge asked.
"I have an idea for you, I would like for you to hear me completely out before you make your decision." Harry started.
"I will certainly try." Fudge responded.
"Good. My idea comes from during the time Madam Umbridge was instructing our class." Harry wasn't going to go on a tangent about that woman. "As you are aware we formed a group to teach ourselves how to defend ourselves. Now, after several clear manipulations by a certain Headmaster, I feel I need to do something about it." Lucius grinned, Harry had Fudge hooked and yet the boy didn't lie or even cast the blame on Umbridge but gave Fudge a target the man really wanted, Dumbledore. Fudge hated Dumbledore and his interference in how he ran the Ministry. "As you are aware Dumbledore has several members of the Aurors in his pocket, not to mention the numerous employees here in the Ministry who feel they owe the man their loyalty."
"Yes, I am very aware of it. It has made things very difficult at times. Even this week with the article about the resetting of the seats, he may have lost a lot of his power in holding of those seats but he still has a lot of supporters who are demanding I give them back to him. Albus has been informing everyone that they are his seats and it's a slight misunderstanding." Fudge stated.
"They are my seats so they won't be going to back to him." Harry reassured the Minister. "Now, my idea is simple since we can't trust the Aurors to support the Ministry during this upcoming time of strive that the Headmaster is creating, I am purposing to use those members of the DA. They were actually supporting me and we called ourselves the Defense Association. It was one of Dumbledore's supports who called it Dumbledore's Army. Now, they are ready to defend themselves against Dumbledore and help create a stronger, stable, and corrupt free Ministry. We would not be supporting Dumbledore, and of course, we know where the Death Eaters belong."
Lucius wondered when the boy became so Slytherin. He thought he had caught a bit of it during his second-year altercation but this was pure Slytherin tactics at their best. He was being truthful yet not fully truthful. "It would keep Dumbledore's people out of the loop and keep his Order from being able to say the Ministry isn't doing anything to protect anyone. You would be seen as handling corruption and protecting them." Lucius appealed to Fudge's ego.
"Dumbledore wouldn't be able to say anything either as it would spotlight his Order and how they aren't a legal organization as they are just as illegal as the Death Eaters."
Fudge leaned back in his chair. "That is true. Perhaps we can get them listed as a terrorist organization. They do a lot of damage when they engage in dueling."
"Very true. They don't have the training and most aren't even trained Aurors. He has a few in his organization but it's not right that the Aurors are with him either, it goes against their contracts." Lucius added.
"Yes, that is true. I don't see an issue with it. I will have the agreement drawn up and sent it to you, Harry."
"Please send it to Lucius, Dumbledore has resorted to reading my mail. We don't want him to know about it. Which reminds me can you please check to make sure he hasn't replaced the redirect on my mail?" Harry smiled at the man, giving him an innocent look.
"I will have Percy get right on it. I know he isn't fond of Dumbledore."
Harry smirked, that was an understatement. Percy wasn't fond of the man at all, especially after Fred and George showed him what he had been doing. While Percy wasn't ready to join them, he wasn't going to run to Dumbledore either. "I would appreciate that, Minister Fudge, and I thank you for your time."
"Cornelius, as soon as I get the contract I will make sure it's signed and filed." Lucius responded.
Harry grinned as he arrived back in their quarters. Severus looked happy. "How was your day?" Harry seeing Severus was in a good mood.
"Granger and both Weasleys failed today's quiz. Granger got the ingredients mixed up. While almost everyone else got an E or better." Severus had been enjoying tormenting those three since they had returned. The three of them were always trying to get Severus into trouble with their running to Harry and complaining.
"We got the Death Eaters legalized." Harry laughed.
Severus started laughing. "Have you decided on a name?"
"We told Fudge the DA was original the Defense Association and that one of Dumbledore's followers named it Dumbledore's Army. We didn't give him an official name. We just left that part conveniently out. I was thinking we go with the Death Eaters' original name. Lucius is going to check to make sure it's alright. We figured it would give Dumbledore a heart attack."
"It would." Severus walked over to Harry and sat down on his lap. "How about a reward for all of our hard labor?"
"I believe I can get behind that statement." Harry kissed him. "Dobby."
"Yes, Master Harry Potter, Sir?" Dobby appeared.
"Please send our regards to Dumbledore, we are going to be enjoying dinner in our quarters."
"Right away. You call when you want to eat." Dobby popped out.
"Take me to bed?" Severus asked quietly.
"Gladly." Harry gave him another kiss.
Classess
Harry woke up dreading the start of the day. Today he had to officially return to his classes. He had used all of his permitted time off during the last few weeks with Minerva's permission, has his honeymoon. Most honeymoons in the wizarding world were a month long. He couldn't put it off any longer for fear of Dumbledore wondering what was going on. He sighed. "Yes, it's going to be a very long day." Severus looked over to Harry. He moved in a bit closer and felt Harry pull him into his arms, he kissed Harry's chest. "Don't let them bother you too much."
"I will try but I have a feeling he is going to try something in the Great Hall this morning."
"I know he will. He has been calling me Professor Snape around others. Since you are going to be sitting in the Great Hall I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to call you Harry Snape thinking you will want to afford a confrontation and won't say anything."
"Given my past displays with confrontations?"
"Yes, I know but he might think because it's a marriage contract and you will be embarrassed to have me as your husband. Also, he will be counting on you not wanting to expose me as a spy. Everyone knows about the marriage, I am not sure why he went with a marriage contract between us. He could have used the red-hair wench."
"I'm not. Severus, I am quite proud you are my husband. He didn't use her because of what was going to be expected with the contract. If a well known light family were to treat the Savior like he wanted in the contract, I can't see many supporting him. However, with your reputation, our mutual hate, and the past between my father and you, it wouldn't be out of bounds."
"True. Well, laying here in bed, while enjoyable, isn't going to stop it from happening." Severus kissed Harry. "Shower?"
Harry sat down between Dean and Neville. "Bad?"
"Very. They have been ranting since you got back. This weekend I think over half the house kept putting silencing charms on them." Neville poured himself some pumpkin juice.
"He was insistent that when you return to the dorm we are to remind you that you are a Lion." Dean didn't look up from his book.
"Made me want to stay drunk." Seamus muttered. "His sister sounds like his mother does in those howlers." The four boys shuddered at that. No one wanted to listen to one of Molly Weasley's howlers.
"I might be getting one from her soon. I bet tomorrow at breakfast." Harry pulled out a sickle.
"Dinner, today." Soon almost everyone in Gryffindor had a bet in. Everyone stopped speaking when Granger and the two Weasleys sat down.
Dumbledore rose from his seat, sent firecracker into the air. "Students, please welcome the return from his honeymoon, Harry Snape-I am"
"Who?" Harry started looking around. Several students weren't sure what was going on but the news spread quickly.
"Mr. Snape, five points from Gryffindor. Now as I-"
"Who?" Harry could see the ones with him were trying not to laugh.
"Detention, for a week, Mr. Snape."
"I feel bad for whoever Harry Snape is." Harry not so quietly informed his table. "He also lost us points and we don't even know him yet. The scamp."
"Harry, you know he means you." Granger's lecture voice was in full effect. "You need to learn to obey the Headmaster. He knows what is best." A lot of students weren't happy with that statement.
"Sorry, but I am Harry Potter, married to Professor Severus Potter. See." Harry tilted his head up to the Head Table and Severus held his arm showing the bonding band with the Potter Crest. "So who is the new student? Not often I get to meet another Harry. You know you would think a school of this size would have some students with the same first name. We seem to get a lot of twins, more than a muggle school does. I wonder-"
"Mr. Snape, a month."
"Wow, a month the poor guy. Hope they aren't with Mr. Filch." Harry rose up from his seat. "No offense Mr. Filch but he is a new student." He certainly wasn't going to be doing any detentions.
Filch nodded his head. "None was taken." Filch was a bit like Severus. Once you got past his prickly side, he was a good man to know. He knew Mrs. Norris loved chicken over fish. Mrs. Norris would go looking for him at night, hoping Harry would give her some chicken. Harry usually did.
"Mr. Snape, my office."
Harry sat back down, started looking around, Granger was trying not to say anything but he knew it wouldn't last, especially since Ron was muttering under his breath and Ginny was adding fuel to the fire by telling Granger to do something. She wasn't very subtle about it. "Harry James Snape, how dare you disobey the Headmaster. You know the contract, just because you think you can break doesn't mean you won't face the consequences."
"Wow, he even has my middle name and married into the family. Severus, I didn't you had family here. We will have to invite them over for dinner this weekend. Get to know them." It proved a bit much for some students who couldn't back their giggles.
"I was unaware of any family members attending, myself." Severus could see Dumbledore was furious. The man was trying to refrain from using his wand. "I thought my remaining family had passed onto the next realm."
"Harry!" Dumbledore almost shouted.
"Potter." Harry responded. "Hmm...I think it works better saying Marco first, also everyone needs to keep their eyes closed."
All the muggle-born and some of the half-bloods started laughing. "My office, Mr. Potter."
"Lord." Harry responded.
Dumbledore glared. "Now."
"Darn, I wanted to finish my eggs before they got cold." Harry quickly shoved some eggs and bacon onto some bread. "Neville, if Hedwig arrives, give her some bacon."
"Sure Harry."
Harry was sitting in front of Dumbledore's desk. He wasn't about to look the man in the eye. "Harry, you must cease this display. You are endangering yourself and Professor Snape."
"Potter. Changing his name or mine doesn't make any difference. He wears the Potter Crest." Dumbledore growled and Harry could have sworn he heard some teeth grinding.
"You will be called Harry Snape, you will have to obey him. We made that contract that way for a reason."
"Sorry, but you weren't invited into my marriage. I am Lord Potter and it will remain that way. I won't be answering to Snape, I won't be serving that detention you just tried to give me, and Severus won't be answering to Professor Snape. It's our marriage, not yours."
"Young man, you will listen to your elders." Dumbledore began to think of the different potions he would need to use.
"Sorry, but not this time. If you think of feeding me any potions, I will have you thrown into Azkaban before I even finish a meal. I am Lord Potter, not some defenseless orphan any longer. Do not push me." Harry warned.
"I would never feed you any potions. I can even make an oath on it."
Harry knew he would get his pawns to do it. He was thankful his Black relatives were paranoid and the older Lords had added a lot of protection and detection charms to their rings. "I am late for Charms, is there anything else?"
Dumbledore resisted the urge to freeze the boy in place and use some compulsions but he already saw the Lord ring. He wasn't sure what protections were on it. He would have to get Granger and Weasley get a look at it. Harry knew the old man was planning something. He was going to send the Dark Lord a note, seeing if it was a good time to have Ironclaw release the authorization to remove the funds and inform Dumbledore and his little thieves. They had originally decided to release them last week but held off as they didn't want the man to think he was getting attacked on all sides. The Dark Lord planned to have a slow release of information from a variety of people, like Harry set up, but he warned that if cornered Dumbledore might do something drastic and they didn't want that.
Ironclaw, the Dark Lord, Lucius, Severus, and Harry were slowly building up the articles about Dumbledore. They didn't want the people to think anyone was attacking the Headmaster, so they went the Slytherin root with just small articles, nothing that screamed the information across the front page but if you read the papers, the articles would get you wondering. Dumbledore hadn't really reacted to them so they believed they were heading in the right direction. The man didn't like the articles but he wasn't making any statements about them either. "No, that is all for now." Dumbledore watched the boy leave. Maybe it was time for one of Molly's lessons.
Monday was a long day for Harry and Severus, especially since they didn't get to see each other until slightly before dinner. Harry was beyond annoyed at Granger and Weasley by the end of the day, Severus was tired and sore. "Bath and bed. We aren't going to go to dinner."
"Agreed." Severus was exhausted.
Tuesday morning breakfast_
Harry was sitting down reading at the breakfast table when Neville nudged him. "Incoming howler."
"I won." Harry grinned as he pulled his wand and froze the howler. The howler went crashing to the floor where it broke into a thousand tiny pieces.
"You have to teach me that spell." Several students requested as Harry collected his winnings.
"Sure, we can do it in the defense group tonight." Harry made sure to make his voice slightly louder, knowing that Granger and Weasley were listening. They were going to in for a surprise tonight if they thought the students were going to continue listening to them.
Chapter 11
It had been a long week. Harry and Severus hid in their quarters during the weekend. Granger and both Weasleys had been following Harry. Granger and Weasley made sure to sit next to Harry when they could which thankful wasn't often. Most of Hogwarts banded together against the three so the three of them had been the victims of numerous pranks. Severus and Harry had also found potions in their food and had to make arrangements with Dobby and Kreacher to make sure only they served their meals. Dobby and Kreacher had taken it upon themselves to return the favor to the trio and Dumbledore. So between the pranks and food, the three were visiting the Infirmary often.
Harry was sitting at the Gryffindor table when the Gringotts owls arrived mixed in with the regular mail owls. He nudged Neville. Neville grinned and soon everyone was watching the Gringotts owls drop off scrolls for the trio of idiots as the school was calling them. Harry knew Dumbledore got his mail in his office, Dumbledore was a bit surprised when the Gringotts Eagle dropped a few scrolls on the top of Dumbledore's head. Harry was watching trio as they looked confused by the scrolls and he enjoyed watching the rage flood the trio. Granger looked ready to kill him as she turned her eyes toward him. The two Weasleys were so red-faced it was hard to see where the hair started. He wondered if they would say anything. Suddenly Seamus snagged Granger's letter. He started to read it out loud.
Miss Hermione Jean Granger:
Your vault is currently in the negative by a balance of $2,156 Galleons, 346 Sickles, 12 Knuts. Please remit the required funds immediately so we can finish closing this account.
Please be advised all the books and belongings that were stolen from Lord Potter-Black have also been returned. You have been fined $104 Galleons, 13 Sickles, 1 Knut for damages for the books we have already removed from your vault. We are demanding the return of the books and items in your possession. Once we receive those items, we will inform you of the fine associated with those items.
We strongly suggest you find yourself a new bank as we do not appreciate doing business with a thief.
King Ragnarok
Ironforge Clan
10th Ranked Warrior of Iron and Steel
Dean grabbed Weasley's letter. Granger tried to stop it but Dean was faster.
Mr. Ronald Bilius Weasley
Your vault is currently in the negative by a balance of $3,952 Galleons, 682 Sickles, 42 Knuts. Please remit the required funds immediately so we can finish closing this account. You are also required to submit to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry the sum of 1,986 Galleon for your tuition.
Please be advised we are requesting the return of all the books and items purchased with the funds stolen from Lord Potter-Black. You have been fined $3 Galleons, 1 Sickles, 1 Knut for damages for the books we have already removed from your vault. We are demanding the return of the books and items in your possession. Once we receive those items, we will inform you of the fine associated with those items.
We strongly suggest you find yourself a new bank as we do not appreciate doing business with a thief.
King Ragnarok
Ironforge Clan
10th Ranked Warrior of Iron and Steel
The hall was silent as all looked at Weaslette. All three looked sick. "I always wondered how they could afford to attend." Draco commented to his fellow students.
The trio looked at Dumbledore. Harry realized the man had hidden the scrolls in his robes while everyone was watching the trio. "My office." He stood and as he passed Harry, put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Now, Harry." He headed out the door. The trio was right behind him. Harry continued eating. The gossip started spreading. Neville, Dean, and Seamus gathered close to Harry. "Spread the word about Dumbledore stealing from me too. Mention seeing the scrolls, have people draw their own conclusions."
"I think they already are. I had a few lions speak to me last night after the trio headed to the library. This is going to push more away from Dumbledore and the trio." Neville explained.
"Weasley, when you aren't around, has been bullying a lot of the younger years. This is just another strike against him." Dean tilted his year toward the end of the table where the first, second, and third years were already discussing what they learned.
"Good, I think it might be time to create a DA for the younger years. Get them better equipped."
"Good idea. Saturday morning would be good. Granger always drags Weasley off someplace and Weaslette is usually in a closet." Seamus had been keeping track of the trio.
"I will make arrangements with Severus and Minerva." Harry glanced around and could see more and more students were talking to the Slytherins. They were uniting the students against Dumbledore and his stereotypes.
Severus was sitting at his desk in their living quarters. He was looking through old books to find a way around some of the rules in the marriage contract. Ironclaw had found some in the books Granger had. "Any luck?"
"No. Though from my reading they could have made it worse. There were parts in the books that would have forbidden me from speaking without your permission, ever. It mentioned putting a charm on me to prevent it. There was one that even mentioned I would be lower than a slave, I wouldn't have been able to wear clothing."
"I like you naked but I wouldn't want anyone else to see you like that." Harry wrapped his arms around Severus. "I think they didn't go the more extreme route because I was going to be needed to fight Tom and they also wouldn't have wanted to lose their spy."
"What is the rumor mill saying about this morning?" Severus had been in the Great Hall standing at the end of the Head Table. He had been making an appearance each morning but never remained.
"Many are asking what Dumbledore's involvement is. They saw him get the scrolls too. A lot of students are looking forward to the trio being removed from Hogwarts. I got a few notes about meeting him in his office. He hasn't left the tower. I don't know if he will show up for lunch but I decided to have lunch with you, here." Harry didn't follow Dumbledore up to his office. He didn't want to listen to their lies.
Severus handed Harry a letter. "Dobby brought it."
Harry looked at the letter. "It's from the DMLE."
"I know. I believe Madam Bones is going to want to find out more information."
Harry opened the letter out loud.
Dear Lord Potter-Black
It has been brought to my attention the theft of funds from your vaults. I have been advised that the Goblins of Gringotts have already started the legal proceeding concerning those involved. Your account manager, Ironclaw, has refused to release to the Ministry those who are involved. I have been asked to investigate and see if perhaps the Ministry can handle the situation. If you would sign a letter of release, the DMLE will gladly handle the situation.
Thank you,
Amelia Bones
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement
"I think Lucius wants us to speak to him about this. I got a weird message from him earlier. It just said don't do anything until we speak." Severus wondered what Dumbledore had done now. Madam Bones was a very fair person and wouldn't just side with Dumbledore.
"Sounds like Dumbledore is trying to get his pets and him off. I believe we can disappear for lunch."
"We can. Dobby and Kreacher can keep an eye out here. The parselwards have been keeping him from prying into our affairs." Severus believed Madam Bones was unaware of what Dumbledore was doing and he wondered what tale Dumbledore had spun for her and Fudge.
"What do you think Dumbledore told her?"
"I was just wondering that myself." Severus thought for a few minutes while Harry reread the letter. "Since she doesn't know who is involved, she would assign it the task to one of her Aurors and I believe that is he what he is counting on."
"Which we know will most likely be Kingsley."
"Exactly."
"I always thought he was honest but if Dumbledore does his whole it's a slight misunderstanding and I believe Severus is trying to influence Harry. He would play up the former Death Eater part and tell him that he just needed to regain control of me and Kingsley will fall for it."
"Indeed, he would, especially with Mad-Eye, Remus, Molly, and the few others backing Dumbledore." Severus was looking forward to the day they destroyed Dumbledore completely.
"Let's go and see Lucius. I am sure our mutual friend will be there."
Chapter 12
Dobby was going to watch their quarters and the wards to make sure that Dumbledore wouldn't learn that they left. Severus led the way to Lucius' office where they found Lucius and the Dark Lord buried in books. "Dumbledore problems?" Harry picked up one of the law books. He knew Dumbledore was going to be a pain in so many different areas of his life.
"Yes, I hope you didn't authorize the Ministry to investigate the charges?" Lucius hoped Harry received the message in time.
"I didn't. Severus received it and as soon as I read it we came here. What is going on?" Severus and Harry sat down on the Chesterfield together.
"Cornelius went to Amelia earlier today and from what I can gather, Albus went to Cornelius demanding to know why the Ministry wasn't handling an investigation into what happened to the Potter accounts. He is trying to place the blame on the goblins. Cornelius mentioned something about James agreeing to allow Dumbledore to handle the accounts. Amelia was ordered by Cornelius to discover the truth and get the situation resolved with Gringotts. Albus didn't mention your name by the way."
"How?" Severus looked at the book titles. They all were old law books. "He is trying to use James' last wish or something?"
"We have no idea. Cornelius was a bit confused as to what was going on. I didn't get a chance to speak to Amelia." Lucius closed another book. "Nothing I have found or even studied when I was in law school would enable him to claim he had the authorization including a memory. Ironclaw has a clear case, all I can think of is that he is hoping to use his pull in the Wizengamat and ICW to get basically escape the charges. ICW and the Wizengamot have no power over the Goblin Nation. ICW and Wizengamot would be swayed by Dumbledore as long as he agreed to pay the funds back. The Goblin Nation, however, impose harsher penalties for stealing. If the ICW or Wizengamt got involved no fines or penalties, most likely even the interested, wouldn't be added to the repayment."
"We have only asked for our money and items back so why involve ICW or the Wizengamot. It's not like we are charging them with the crimes. Should we charge them?" Harry glanced at Severus.
"I know he believes I have put Harry up to whatever he thinks is happening." Severus knew Dumbledore was trying to find a way to regain control. "He might be using the idea of money mismanagement to regain control over us."
"Problem is, we don't know what he has given Cornelius or Amelia. As long as you don't sign anything authorizing her involvement, the Ministry can't do anything. You could charge them, leaving it totally in the hands of the goblins. He might be trying to get ahead of the situation by preventing you from charging them." The Dark Lord pulled out a list of people they had in the Ministry. "I was looking down this list, some of them are Aurors but I believe the ones that would be handling the case would be Dumbledore's pawns if this was handled by the Wizengamot, Ministry, or ICW. The ICW would bring in their investigators but their first contacts would be Order members. The ICW would follow the Aurors' suggestions just to close the case."
"I agree. Kingsley Shacklebolt would be in charge of the case. Shacklebolt would use Mad-Eye and Tonks. Dumbledore would insist on them as they aren't dark and how fair they are. He would want everyone to ignore Mad-Eye rants about everyone being dark unless they are a member of the Order and he approves of them." Severus really couldn't stand the double standards those in the Order had. If a dark wizard said anything about a light wizard they were evil and needed to be tossed into Azkaban but if a light wizard ranted about the dark, they got medals.
"Have you been able to speak to Minerva or anyone about this?" Lucius hoped they might be able to get some inside information.
"No, Dumbledore tried to drag me into his office. I have refused to go. I haven't wanted to spend much time in Professor McGonagall's company since he has been wondering about that fake pin she gave him. Also, the twins were able to get Bill and Charlie on our side. We also have most of the school too. Dumbledore hasn't called anyone to a formal Order meeting since before our bonding."
"I haven't been able to speak to her either because of the clauses for when I'm in public. I did send her a note inviting her to tea. It's a monthly thing so Dumbledore won't be surprised." Severus was also going to make sure that Harry added some parselwards for Minerva to their quarters for extra protection in case Dumbledore casts a spell on Minerva.
"He won't be able to forge my signature or compel me to sign, will he?" Harry was going to be adding a lot of books to his reading list. He was also was going to start looking into wards. Severus had mentioned teaching him more than the basic ones and he needed to learn them.
"No, he needs it to be signed with a Blood Quill which won't work unless it's freely done." The Dark Lord wanted a clearer idea of what Dumbledore was planning. "Lucius, did Fudge say anything else?"
"No, he really wasn't sure what was going on from what I gathered neither does Amelia. She did fear the goblins might believe the Ministry is trying to break the treaty."
"Could that happen?" Severus knew how Dumbledore felt about creatures. "This could be a move by him to strengthen his views about goblins."
"It might but only if Harry signed that authorization. Since he didn't, no. Amelia will want more information but once she hears from Ironclaw she will step down. I'm wondering what he is hoping to achieve."
"Delay in paying?" Harry suggested. "We know the Weasleys don't have the funds. Granger's parents will have to pay for her share. She hasn't informed them of the yearly events. Could he be trying to find a way to get the funds somewhere else? Perhaps, hoping to get me back under his control and not have to pay at all."
"I have blocked him from using Hogwarts' accounts with an audit I had already submitted last year. It was to start at the beginning of the new term so he knows you had nothing to do with it. I know he doesn't have any family money. His salary at Hogwarts while above the pay of the Minister isn't enough to pay for the last war efforts and what he is planning for this upcoming one he wants. So, it could be." Lucius has actually forced the Board to do the audit citing the vast number of years since one had been done.
"I can't sign you as my proxy or Madam Bones would inform Dumbledore and we don't need that can of worms opened."
"No, but we could do it another way." The Dark Lord opened the law book he had been reading. "We know Narcissa is related to you, Narcissa can become the Dowager of House Black with your approval. Ironclaw can lose the paperwork. She could proxy all the accounts to Lucius to be the manager of them. It will allow Lucius to be your voice without you formally declaring it, you could still sit in your seats and control your money.'
"Giving Ironclaw more power too, since he would be able to act quicker." Severus added. "It's a good idea."
"Let's do it."
_
DUMBLEDORE, GRANGER, WEASLEY ARE THIEVES
By: Rita Skeeter
Yesterday, while I was doing my research I happened to hear Headmaster Albus Dumbledore complaining to Madam Amelia Bones about the fact that he owes Harry Potter money, this was after a visit to the Minister's office where his request was denied. A request that was submitted the previous day. During the course of the conversation, it came to light that Albus Dumbledore, Molly Weasley, and her two children Ronald and Ginerva, Remus Lupin, and Hermione Granger have been helping themselves to Lord Potter's vaults. (See copies of the letters from Gringotts on page 2)
I was shocked. Headmaster Dumbledore was in Madam Bones trying to declare that he had the authorization to remove the funds and demanded that the Department of Magical Law Enforcement get involved and rein in Mr. Potter. However, there was never any authorization ever signed. In fact, see page 3 of the Wills of the Potters and it states that Harry Potter was never to go to the muggle relatives of Lily Potter. He was, in fact, to go to a number of different families, including Madam Bones. Dumbledore furthermore claimed that since the bonding (I should mention it was a forced bonding) between Harry Potter and Severus Snape, Harry Potter has fallen under the control of Severus Snape.
Well, dear readers, this was a true puzzlement for me. I was at the Ministry research the bonding and found that Lord Harry Potter is in charge of the marriage. He is listed as the Head. The contract filed was written up by Hermione Granger. It was signed by everyone but Harry Potter. I learned from a variety of sources that the contract was originally designed to make sure Lord Potter was never to be free of Headmaster Dumbledore's control. However, Lord Potter was wise enough to claim his titles and change the contract before the bonding took place.
Now, from my sources in the Ministry, Hogwarts, and other areas, it has been learned that the combined forces of Headmaster Dumbledore, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, and his sister have been determined to force Lord Potter to be called Harry Snape. (See page 4 for a variety of students' memory of the event). Lord Potter remained Harry James Potter. I verified the information with the Ministry and with Gringotts.
Headmaster Dumbledore is trying to involve the Ministry, ICW, and Wizengamot as a way to get around his stealing. I have spoken to a few barristers and all agree that if the Headmaster is allowed to this route it will break the treaty we have with the goblins. It is about finding a way to prevent any form of punishment in the way of fines, penalties, or even prison time. Many feel the Headmaster would use his connection to escape justice for him and his fellow thieves.
Readers, make your voices heard. Tell the Ministry, ICW, and Wizengamot that we do not tolerate stealing in any form.
Harry stared at the paper. He could hear the gossip start and wanted to laugh. Dumbledore blew his own plan. "Harry! How could you?" Granger slammed down her hand on the table in front of Harry.
"I didn't do anything." Harry folded the paper.
"No, you did it to yourself. Stealing is a crime, Granger." Neville saw Weasley and his sister start to sneak out of the Great Hall. "Why don't you join your fellow thieves? They run from the truth and know they have been caught."
Granger looked over her shoulder. "Harry, we are your friends. You need to fix this. Just sign the authorization and everything will be back to normal."
"No, I'm not signing anything. You stole from me. You have lied to me. You have tried to ruin my marriage. I don't want you anywhere near me or my husband." Harry stood up. "You give human beings a bad name."
"Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall was making her way down toward them with Severus behind her. "I would like a word with you, in my office." She knew Granger would go running to Dumbledore. Dumbledore would inform the girl that he ordered her to speak to Harry.
"Certainly. Neville, may I borrow your notes if I miss any classes?"
"Sure. I will make sure you get Dean and Seamus' too if you do."
"Thanks."
The four headed out of the Great Hall. Granger immediately headed up to the Headmaster's office after Minerva informed her she wasn't welcomed to attend the meeting.
Chapter 13
Minerva and Harry had tea. They really didn't speak as they knew that Granger was going to run to Dumbledore and inform him. Minerva knew she was expected to pull Harry out of the Great Hall and didn't want to give Dumbledore any reason to doubt her. They were just relaxing. "Another ten minutes?" Harry glanced at the clock.
"Less, he is going to want to stop us from talking too long." Minerva knew Dumbledore would use every shortcut to get to her office. He had expected her to bring Granger into the meeting. He had even mentioned to her that she should talk to the three seventh years. Aid them in rekindling their friendship. Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He got comfortable in the chair. Soon there was a knock on the door. Harry looked at the clock, three minutes. Minera waved her wand and the door opened, Dumbledore and Granger entered Minerva's office. "Harry, I'm saddened to see you causing so many problems."
"I"m not causing anything. She started demanding that I sign the authorizations for your stealing from me. She didn't like the article. Professor McGonagall only asked me to her office to have a discussion. It's not my fault that the two Weasleys left her behind to face the wrath of the students."
"The article wasn't necessary, Harry. You didn't have to go to that nasty woman." Granger glared.
"Funny, I don't remember my name being mentioned as a source of any of her information. Other students, the Ministry, the goblins, were mentioned. I can honestly tell you, I haven't spoken to Rita about anything she has printed." Harry loved loopholes. He hadn't spoken to Rita. He had written and sent messages via other sources as well having others speak to her for him. He never spoke to her about what she wrote. He did recruit her. He did provide evidence.
Dumbledore knew it was the truth. He had been watching Harry and Severus' mail, fire calls, and even had them followed. They never left Hogwarts. "I'm sure it's a slight misunderstanding. Now, Harry, your father did give me permission, so if you sign a new authorization everything will be fixed."
"Nope. You have almost 16 years to ask me for permission. You never even mentioned my vaults, my titles, or my property. Now, since I have a class, I'm going to leave. Granger, you and your two friends, stay away from me and Severus. Headmaster, I won't be changing my mind about the funds. You would think you would be thankful I'm not pressing charges. Can you image what You-Know-Who would do if I did?"
Dumbledore closed his mouth, however, Granger hit Harry on the arm. "How could you do this to us? We are your friends."
"Granger, here are a few clues. Friends don't lie to their friends. Friends don't create, sign, and enforce a marriage contract. Friends do not steal. Friends do not pretend to be friends so that they can bask in fame I do not want. Listen closely, this might help you later. Friends support friends. Friends would not force someone into that type of marriage contract you created. Friends would tell their friend that people are stealing from them. Friends do not hit each other." Harry inhaled deeply. "Friends do not need to pretend to be friends. You are not my friend, if I never see you again, it would be too soon." Harry turned to the Headmaster. "Don't keep pushing me on this or I will file charges. Leave me and Severus alone." Harry calmly got up and walked to the door. "Professor McGonagall, thank you for the tea and letting me have time to calm down from my business being exposed in the paper. If Professor Flitwick needs a note, I will return."
"You're welcome, Potter." Minerva was very impressed by Harry's actions. As soon as Harry was gone. "You two should be very grateful he isn't pressing charges. The goblins don't believe in being merciful." The goblins believed you were guilty and you had to provide the evidence to show you were innocent. The loved a good beheading.
Dumbledore paled as he thought about the last wizard that stole from the goblins. The man's life ended with beheading but only after the goblins used him for weapons practice. The weapons practice ran for almost a decade. The wizard barely looked like a wizard by the time the goblins were done. "Hermione, aren't you missing a class?"
"What? Are you going to let him get away with it? He has to sign those authorizations." Granger's voice reflected the panic she was feeling. "My parents will kill me. They might even remove me from Hogwarts."
"I will see what I can do." Dumbledore knew there wasn't anything he could do. Hogwarts' accounts were being audited. He had no money to pay her debt plus his and the Weasleys. He wasn't sure how he was going to fund the war with Voldemort. "Head to your class."
"Yes, sir." Granger still looked a bit frantic.
Minerva was going to be writing a letter tonight. She wondered if the Grangers knew what was going on at Hogwarts or what their daughter did. "Granger, you have a detention tonight with Filch for your display in the Great Hall and hitting Potter. It's not behavior becoming a prefect or a young lady."
"Yes, ma'am." Granger exited the room.
"Minerva, surely you understand?" Dumbledore was feeling the last few weeks. Where did he go wrong? He thought the contract would work so perfectly. However, everything was coming apart. He couldn't even find out who was leaking out the information.
"Albus, all I can say is you better have a very good reason for what you are doing. Stealing from Harry! How do you plan on paying him back?"
"I'm working on it." He couldn't ask anyone in the Order, most were barely surviving.
"Heed his warning. He has been very generous in not having you charged or providing information about his marriage to Severus. Do not ask me to speak to him about this again." Minerva knew Dumbledore was going to ignore her and do whatever he felt was best even if it ended up biting him in the arse.
_
Severus ignored Weaslette trying to get near Harry. Harry had kept moving away, people would sit between them and yet the girl would get up and try and sit next to Harry, again. He knew it would be only a matter of time before Harry had enough. He was walking around the Great Hall since it was a study period. It was a double period for the sixth year but a single for the seventh year Gryffindors. He was tired and knew Harry was too. They had spent most of last night teaching the DA, followed by Harry doing his assignments while he corrected tests and assignments.
"Weasley, leave me along. I'm not your chair." Severus recognized the signs of Harry's temper beginning to boil over.
"Miss Weasley, ten points from Gryffindor for causing a disturbance." Professor Babbling was nearest where the group of Harry's friends had been trying to work until Weaslette arrived. "Find a seat someplace else."
Severus had noticed over the course of the last few weeks a change of attitude in the school. Professors weren't allowing either Weasleys or Granger to get away with anything. The staff seemed to be quietly throwing their support behind Harry and him. Even in the staff meetings, Dumbledore wasn't getting his usual support, especially after he explained that due to Dumbledore's contract he wasn't allowed to sit in public. When they said there must be a way around that aspect, Severus pointed out that the contract said no sitting on any furniture and that he must kneel on the floor or stand. Dumbledore got a lot of angry glares and slowly the staff started distrusting him as more and more information was revealed. As soon as the period ended, Harry gathered up his book, bid his friends goodbye, telling Neville to arrange another session for tomorrow night with the key people but one to talk about what they wanted to do next. He smiled as he reached Severus. "Ready?"
"Yes." Severus wanted to sit down and relax.
They arrived back at their quarters. "It's been a long day." Severus removed his outer teaching robes. Harry waited until Severus was sitting down and started to rub his shoulders.
"Indeed. What happened?" Harry told Severus about what happened in Minerva's office, Dumbledore and Granger's reaction. "It does explain Minerva's note." Severus let out a moan of pleasure as Harry rubbed his lower back.
"What note?" Harry gave Severus a kiss on the back of his neck.
"She said to inform you that she is going to be writing to the Grangers about the funds." Severus tipped his head back. "She wrote that Dumbledore was very concerned about the funds. She thinks he doesn't have any to pay the debt nor does he have the funds for the war he wants."
"Interesting. If what Granger said is true, her parents don't know anything about what she has been doing here and they might remove her from Hogwarts." Harry kissed Severus. "If he doesn't have money to pay for a war, what do you think he will do?"
"He can't do anything to us since he wants you to kill Tom. He might try to use the Mutt. Since Narcissa is now the Dowager Lady Black, he might have Sirius make an appeal to her for funds."
"He won't be approved. While I want him off of the potions he will do whatever Dumbledore wants as long as he is on them."
"Yes, I wouldn't be surprised if Molly goes to Bill, Charlie, or the twins to get the funds from them."
"Bill and Charlie won't have the funds. I know the twins will tell Molly that they are barely surviving. It was their excuse to move out of the house. They told her they needed to spend more time working and it was easier and cheaper for them to live there. They wouldn't have to hire anyone if they remained at the store. Who do you think he will go to for funds?"
"I'm not sure. No one in the Order is rich. Most are working people, some retired, like Doge and Figg. He might sell some of his collections." Severus thought for a few minutes. "We would need to make sure they aren't part of Hogwarts. While Lucius got the audit, it won't include an inventory. Lucius might have to see about having the goblins do a full inventory."
"We better let them know." Harry stopped rubbing Severus' shoulders and back. "Go take a bath. I left some of the lavender candles in there. I'll get Dobby to get us dinner and have him deliver a letter to Lucius."
Severus got up. He leaned into Harry and gave him a kiss. He headed to the bathroom. At the entrance to the bedroom, he turned around and watched Harry. Harry was already writing the letter. He knew Dobby would deliver dinner with minutes of him leaving the bathroom and that Harry wouldn't rush him. Severus wasn't sure what he did to deserve someone like Harry in his life but he was thankful. If Dumbledore's idea worked, he would still be miserable and Dumbledore's planned death would have been welcomed. "Harry."
Harry looked up. "Severus?"
Severus gave him a smile. "I'm happy that you went to Gringotts." It was the closest he had even gotten to saying I love you to anyone.
"Me too."
Chapter 14
Harry watched Severus. The man looked furious. Harry had been in the library but was chased out by an annoying Granger. Harry saw Severus was his own personal storm. Harry wondered if storm clouds would appear as the man walked down the set of stairs. Students were staying out of Severus' way. It didn't save all of them. Severus was able to remove house points from a lot of Gryffindors. Many were heard blaming Dumbledore and the annoying trio. Harry changed directions, heading toward their quarters instead of heading to the ROR. He had been originally going to go to the ROR to work on his assignments in peace but Dumbledore must have done something to put Severus into his rotten mood. Harry wondered if they could spike Dumbledore's lemon drops with some mild truth serum. Harry could hear Severus removing points from students who hadn't gotten out of the raging Hurricane Severus. Harry knew Severus wasn't far behind and really didn't want to kick the contract into effect. As soon as he entered their quarters, he dropped his satchel by the door. "Dobby." The plan Calm Severus Down was going to be put into action.
"Master Harry Potter call Dobby?" Dobby looked like he raided Dumbledore's sock drawer. The hyper elf was didn't have one matching pair of socks on. He looked like he has seven or eight socks on.
"Yes, tea please with Severus' favorite biscuits." Harry wondered if adding some Bourbon might be a good idea. Dobby would bring the double chocolate biscuits with some Earl Grey Tea.
"I be right back, make his favorite tea." Dobby popped away.
Harry did a quick clean up spell that would neaten up the stacks of parchment, books, and scrolls on the tables and their desks. Severus threw opened the door, glared at Harry as he stormed to his desk. He emptied his robe pockets before stomping to his favorite chair. Severus was giving his death glare to the fireplace as if he could send some sort of death wish via floo to Dumbledore. "What did Dumbledore do?" Dobby appeared with the tea tray. He knew Dobby would tell Kreacher and the two elves would do something to make Dumbledore's life a bit harder. Harry figured if he didn't know about it he would able to deny all knowledge of what they did. He did know the elves got the Hogwarts' house-elves to unite against Granger. The girl wasn't getting her clothes cleaned, her bed linen changed, her area of the dorm room cleaned, and they provided her with the very blandest of foods for her meals.
"Dumbledore showed up during my office hours. He dismissed the three students I was assisting, put up some privacy wards and proceeded to lecture me. It started out with his usual bogus caring act. He even had the nerve to ask how you were treating me. How I could go to him for protection if I needed it." Harry didn't speak. He knew Severus needed to vent a bit. He took a sip of his own tea. "He changed tactics after I simply stated that I had no issues that needed to be resolved by his involvement. Next, he decided that somehow I needed to gain control over you. He actually lectured me on the dangers of the Dark Lord. How it was important to get you to start listening to him. He even mentioned the funds that they stole. How it was important for the war effort. How you needed to have caring and compassionate friends." Harry wondered where you brought caring and compassionate friends? Was there a sale on them? Did the man get a discount from Molly Weasley for her two youngest? Harry wondered if there was a contract about the amount of money they were paid. He was going to have to mention it to the twins and Ironclaw and see if they knew. "The real corker to his ramblings was that I must realize that the marriage contract was written for a specific reason. Yes, the contract wasn't being fulfilled the way it was meant to be but it was for our protection that the marriage contract was originally created. I must have shown some type of emotion on my face as he actually said it was to make sure the Dark Lord believed I was still his spy while it would enable me to offer you protection and start your training to defeat the Dark Lord."
Harry knew that was a lie as did Severus. Dumbledore was hoping Harry would walk to his death and the Dark Lord would kill Severus. "I see." Harry took a few more sips of his tea as he watched Severus release the tension out of his body. "Does he realize that you know the truth? It was even in the paper. Their stealing from me was even in the paper. He sounds like he was hoping to give you a way out of the contract if you asked by having you break it by seeking protection within Hogwarts."
Severus took a few sips of his tea to calm himself down. Just telling Harry made him feel better. He wasn't used to sharing his emotions but he didn't consider this an emotional outburst. He was just venting his anger at Dumbledore and his stupid idea. The man was a first-rate dunderhead. "I believe he was hoping I would suggest some methods of switching the contract around to the way he wanted. He isn't as familiar with dark magic as he likes others to believe. He kept hinting at potions that might be able to be used or perhaps something I might be able to craft. He knows compulsion spells won't work."
"Is there any potions that he might use that Granger might be able to brew?" Harry knew his Lordship rings protected him from a lot of spells but he wasn't sure about potions. He wondered about rituals. He knew they didn't have his blood. He had always been very careful about anyone getting his blood. He thought that was why he was able to break away from Dumbledore because Dumbledore wasn't able to use a blood-based ritual on him.
"I can think of several which is why tonight we are going to be brewing some protection ones against them. They will take us about a week to brew but the ones he is thinking of using takes almost a month to brew and requires it to be started on the full moon." Severus took one of his favorite biscuits, bit it, and let the biscuit bite dissolve in his mouth. The next full moon wasn't for another two and a half weeks.
"So we have time." Harry relaxed a bit. "Perhaps I should have Ironclaw look through our vaults to see what type of protective gear we have. I believe we need to ask Lucius and Tom about any blood ritual or even dark magic rituals that Dumbledore might be able to use."
"I have already researched them. He is missing a few things. One of the biggest is your sperm which is why I believe he was hoping Slutty would get you into her bed." Severus inwardly smirked. The girl was going to find her clothes very tight and uncomfortable for the next few months. He was also missing a few potions that would make the trio's hygiene questionable. He felt Kreacher had a hand in that one. It was more of a subtle revenge that Kreacher enjoyed. Dobby was more blatant about his revenge. Dobby had been stealing one sock from the group.
Harry shuddered at the idea of even touching the girl. She made his skin crawl now that he knew the truth about her, her brother, and Granger. "Lucius did send a message. He was able to get some students to write out the events over the last few years. He is meeting with Granger's parents this coming weekend. He is going to have Ironclaw's invoice with him, too."
"I would love to see the memory of that." Severus closed his eyes. "I owe Minerva a thank you gift."
"What for?" Harry wasn't sure what Minerva had done lately but the woman was a great help and she did deserve a thank you gift. He just wanted to know what she had done now.
"I believe I was close to killing the old fool when she arrived at my classroom. Apparently, Longbottom informed her that Dumbledore was in my office. He had been one of the students Dumbledore had dismissed from my office hour session." Severus opened his eyes. "Longbottom, too. Perhaps a plant for him."
"Severus, why don't you go and take a nap. We can have dinner in our quarters and we can brew after that." Harry knew Severus was still adjusting to all the physical changes the contract demanded. Harry heard a soft snore. He summoned a light blanket and laid it over Severus. He headed to his desk and wrote a quick letter of excuse for Minerva. He grinned as he weaved some parselmagic wards over their quarters. Dumbledore wasn't going to be bothering them tonight.
Chapter 15
Harry was growing annoyed. Granger and Weasley were sitting behind him in all his classes. No matter what his friends or he tried, they would be by the doors to the classrooms and sit in the seats before anyone else could. They would spend the lessons trying to get Harry's attention. They earned some point loss and a few detentions. Neville was sitting next to him during Herbology opposite Granger and Weasley. Professor Sprout was discussing the different aspects of poisonous plants in the muggle world. Neville rolled his eyes as Weasley made another snide comment to Granger about giving the plants to snakes. When that didn't get a rise out of Harry, Weasley started commenting about how Harry was a chicken and wouldn't do his duty and that perhaps Harry was really a snake and should have gone to the house of the snakes during his first year. "Weasley, detention and fifty points from Gryffindor." Sprout was standing behind Weasley.
Weasley started to grumble as Granger hit him. "Yes, I should have. At least, I wouldn't have to worry about fake friends stealing from me." Harry rose from his seat. "Professor Sprout, may I be excused? I am finding myself feeling sick."
"Yes, Potter. I'm sure Longbottom will be able to provide you with notes and any assignments."
"I will. I will drop everything off this evening."
"Thanks, Neville." Harry gathered up his items and headed out of the greenhouse. Once he was outside the door, he called Dobby. "Dobby."
Dobby appeared and looked around. "Harry Potter want Dobby?"
"Yes, Dobby, please see if two people can meet me down in the Chamber later tonight at midnight."
"I will." Dobby disappeared.
Harry headed toward Severus' classroom. He was finished for the day but Severus had one more class after this one. He quietly entered the classroom and went to an empty chair in the back of the room. It was a Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff class. Harry pulled out his Charms book and began his reading assignment. He looked up when the bell rang ending the class.
"I thought you had Herbology?" Severus was standing behind Harry.
Harry jumped a bit. He didn't hear or see Severus approaching. "I did. Weasley was his usual self." Harry pulled out the chair next to him.
Severus looked at the clock. "I have five minutes before the next class. I can wait until after the class and we are back in our quarters. Staying in tonight?"
Harry and Severus had been avoiding having any meals in the Great Hall. Harry even started to avoid the library or even going anywhere in Hogwarts outside of classes. "I sent Dobby on an errand." Severus arched a brow. Harry nodded. "I am waiting for the results of his errand."
Severus wished they could have warded his classroom and office but Dumbledore would object. "Indeed." They didn't get to speak as a student arrived early and had a question for Severus.
Dobby appeared in Severus' quarters about five minutes before midnight. Harry had his invisibility cloak and map. "Harry Potter, sir, bad Weasles and Bushy Hair are on the second floor. They been by the Chamber all week." Dobby and Kreacher had been watching the trio. Kreacher had been using their time away from the dorms to remove things from their dorms.
"Dumbledore?" Severus could see Dumbledore in his office. They had been watching the map for most of the night and had seen the trio in his office before curfew.
"They have coin they take directions from him." Dobby held up a coin. "This is bad Weasel. He left it on bed." Dobby passed the coin to Severus.
"It's not the Order's coin." Severus flipped it over. He didn't notice anything strange about it. He put it down on the table and ran a scan. "There are a few simple charms on it." Before they could examine it more, it disappeared. "A port-key, interesting."
"Do you think Weasley left it on the bed on purpose?" Harry glanced at the map. "They are heading to the Headmaster's office."
"I believe they are hoping to find the thief. Let's head to the Chamber while they are busy. Dobby, can you bring us as close as possible?" Severus picked up the map was Harry moved closer and wrapped the three of them in the cloak for safety. Dobby popped them to inside the second-floor girl's lavatory.
Dobby peeked out to check for Myrtle. "No weepy ghost."
Harry removed the cloak and headed to the sink to open the Chamber. "Dobby, keep an eye out. We might need you to help us return."
"Dobby watch." Dobby disappeared.
~Open.~ Harry watched the sink transform. At the entrance to the Chamber, he smirked.
"No, Harry, I'm not sliding down." Severus arched a brow.
"Fine but it is fun."
"I'll take your word for it."
~Stairs.~ Harry hissed and was thankful the Dark Lord informed him of this aspect of the Chamber as well as several rooms that they would have to explore once Dumbledore was out of Hogwarts. Since Dumbledore knew about the Chamber, Harry didn't want to take a chance of Dumbledore setting a trap for them in the lavatory. They quickly made their way to the room that Harry killed the basilisk in. Severus looked at the basilisk's carcass and to Harry. "We can harvest it." Harry stood under the statue where the basilisk exited from and hissed again. ~Open.~ The stone slab slid back. The Dark Lord and Lucius were already sitting at the table with tea. "I apologize for being late. Granger and Weasley were in the lavatory."
The room was warm but not too hot. The table Lucius and the Dark Lord were sitting at was a round pine table with a Slytherin crest tablecloth over it. The tea set was sterling silver, if somewhat tarnished. The china all had the Slytherin crest on it. "We only arrived a few moments ago. What is so urgent that we needed to meet tonight?" The Dark Lord had spent the day with Lucius fighting Dumbledore's oppression to many of the new bills as well as preventing him from trying to sneak in some clauses that would have allowed him to claim control over Harry and Severus.
Harry sat down and wished he could have allowed Severus the same opportunity. Severus was scanning the bookcase. The room looked like it was Salazar Slytherin's sitting room. There were two full wall to wall bookcases. One wall had a huge fireplace with a kettle hanging from an iron arm. The last wall had a large plain oak buffet table and a portrait of Hogwarts over it. The table was filled with vials, some in holders, some were just scattered around the books on the table.
"Weasley's attitude. Normally, I don't have an issue with whatever he says to me. However, today, it was different. He called me a coward. Not a big deal but it was the way he said it and his implication that I would run away. He had a smugness to his tone. Neville confirmed it later but it was after I already sent Dobby to you. Neville confirmed something was up because Granger hit Weasley after I left and said to Weasley how he almost blew it."
"I also think they are up to something." Severus turned away from the bookcase and faced them. "Dumbledore had a port-key coin, similar to the ones the Order uses. Weasley left it on his bed. I believe that Dumbledore was hoping Dobby would have given it to Harry and Harry would have kept it in his pocket. The port-key went directly to Dumbledore's office."
"Well, it clears up our mystery." Lucius took a sip of his tea. "Today, Dumbledore tried to pass a clause in one of the new laws. I believe hoping no one would notice it. It was a clause that would have anyone who attended Hogwarts entering into a magical agreement and they must finish their educations with a few exceptions from breaking the current laws, lack of funds, or expulsion. The interesting part was that he would become the magical guardian, despite any status the person might have. Muggle-born, married, or even of-age. If Harry turned up missing, he could claim legal responsibility. He would be able to get all the seats back, except for the Black seats because Narcissa as the Dowager could demand testing for potions and even a mild truth serum to be used."
"He would use potions to keep Harry from reporting the kidnapping or even a memory charm. Since the coin was only meant for one, he might even have claimed I did something because of the contract. Keep Harry hidden until after I was found guilty and given the kiss."
"Return Harry in time for Dumbledore to stage whatever confrontation. If I didn't kill Harry, he would and then attempt to kill me."
"He would kill me first. The Horcruxes." Harry hated how Dumbledore saw him only as a weapon. Someone to push forth Dumbledore's agenda. He had been using Harry's image and his parents' death for a rallying call for too long. "We need to leave here before he succeeds in his attempts to kidnap me. It would only be a matter of time."
"I do agree. Do you believe you could pass the Hogwarts NEWTs requirements?" The Dark Lord knew Dumbledore would succeed if they remained at Hogwarts for much longer.
Harry looked at Severus. "I believe he can. Have Lucius schedule private testing, pay for the expedition fee, and Harry could have his NEWTs in three weeks. He can take the others after that."
Harry wasn't sure if he was ready but he trusted Severus. "If Severus says, I'm ready, I will take them. We can use the time to do any revising before the exams while we remain hidden."
"Excellent. Shall we leave?" The Dark Lord failed to hid his yawn. "It's been a long day."
"Yes, I can have Dobby and Kreacher get our belongs. Dumbledore won't be able to enter Severus' quarters since the parselwards were refreshed today." Harry refreshed them every Friday as an extra precaution.
Severus looked around the room and picked up two pieces of cloth and transformed them into cloaks, adding a heating charm. "We will need to write letters to Minerva and Longbottom, I would suggest also having the twins speak to our allies."
Harry took the cloak that Severus made. "Make your lists when we get to Slytherin Castle."
The Dark Lord and Lucius were still wondering where the old Severus disappeared too. They liked the new Severus as he was still Severus with a bit of a heart now. "I was thinking Slytherin Cabin might be better. No Death Eaters, no one to inform anyone where you are. Only the four of us will know. It also has the ancient wards as well as a Fidelius and parsle."
"We will need to inform Gringotts that we are still alive and weren't kidnapped in case Dumbledore tries anything." Harry knew the goblins would make sure no one got into his vaults but he didn't want Dumbledore to create a legal issue with the Ministry.
"I will monitor the Ministry. If you are reported missing, the rumors will spread faster than the speed of light." Lucius was also going to be speaking to Fudge and warning him about Dumbledore and what Dumbledore might do. He would also reassure Fudge about Harry being safe without providing details.
"Lucius, you have been reading the muggle science books. I'm impressed." Harry never thought Lucius would open one. He knew the man was a firm believer in keeping their worlds separated but unlike the Dark Lord, Lucius didn't strike me as one willing to learn about muggles and their inventions.
"It was very interesting. I have been researching computers."
"If you mean buying four of them and trying to get them to work with magic is research, yes, he has." The Dark Lord wasn't about to admit he had his own collection of computers and was attempting the same thing.
"Oh, I can do that if you wish. I had to do it at my relatives so they wouldn't know I used the computer." Harry started to head out of the room, leaving behind three shocked adults.
Severus laughed. The Dark Lord had arched a brow at Harry's words but Lucius, his best friend, looked stunned. "He has been teaching me how to use it." Severus had a feeling the two of them were now going to see who could learn how to use a computer faster. He placed money on the Dark Lord.
Chapter 16
The first night at Slytherin Cabin Harry and Severus relaxed fully since they had returned to Hogwarts after their bonding. Severus didn't have to worry about any of the rules that the marriage contract had written in it. Severus loved being able to move around Slytherin Cabin and not have to worry about anyone spying on him, reporting him to Harry if he broke a rule, and just being himself. Slytherin Cabin was a misnomer if he ever saw one. The cabin was the size of Malfoy Manor and was older. It had been Salazar Slytherin's first home before he built the castle or Hogwarts. The cabin was made of stone and the entrance hall was almost exactly like Hogwarts. The cabin had wrought-iron bindings on the front doors. The entrance hall was long with stone archways at various intervals where other rooms were. In the middle of the hall was a round table. Off to the right was an old Yew wood wardrobe for storing of cloaks and boots. On the left was a long weapons rack. Otherwise, the hall was empty. The rest of the cabin was different. It was filled with furniture, books, clothes, and food.
The master bedroom was bigger than the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts. It was done in Slytherin green. The master bed was big enough for six people. Severus found he liked the extra room in the bed when they were enjoying the benefits of their new relationship. The furniture was a bit rough looking compared to modern furniture but it was in excellent shape. Severus liked the furniture better than the modern stuff. The old furniture had been updated with new material and fresh stuffing. Every room seemed to have a bit of Slytherin green in it. The rugs were new but there were also fur rugs around the place, thankfully with no heads attached. Neither Harry nor Severus cared for the dead animal heads in the trophy room and agreed to not go into there as well as replacing the animal fur rugs. Those would go into a vault to be protected. They also found a few different rooms filled with different types of weapons. The library was one that Severus and Harry planned on exploring more when they could. The library was divided into two parts. One part anyone could enter the second part, Harry had to grant access to Severus for only those who were parseltongues were allowed to enter as well as anyone they granted access to. The discovered a portrait for the four founders together. They left the room, not noticing four sets of eyes on them.
They spent the following day just relaxing. Harry had been a bit concerned about taking his NEWTs but he trusted Severus which was a big surprise to Severus. Severus knew that Harry cared for him but having his trust was something Severus was a bit surprised by and Severus felt a bit confused by his emotions but he did recognize that he was happy and felt secure in a relationship. Harry grew in his confidence as Severus realized he was softening his own hard heart.
Lucius sent a note that Harry would be able to take his NEWTs starting on Wednesday at Slytherin Castle. Lucius arranged for one of the Death Eaters to administer the tests. Since Harry was the only one taking them, only one administer was needed. Lucius also pre-paid for the exams and to have the result expediently after putting the fear of the Dark Lord into the poor soul if they fail to process the results promptly. Severus expected that the results would be delivered to them by Monday.
The next morning at breakfast, Harry picked up the newspaper as Severus fixed his tea. Harry was thankful he wasn't drinking anything as he read the headline. He read the story twice before he started laughing. Severus arched a brow. Harry handed the paper to Severus.
DID DUMBLEDORE KIDNAP HARRY AND SEVERUS POTTER?
By Ira Snow
Yesterday afternoon a house-elf appeared in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement wondering where Dumbledore took his masters. His masters were Harry Potter and his husband Severus Potter. Madam Bones was a bit surprised when the house-elf explained how much the Headmaster has been bothering his master and now his master was missing. The house-elf said his master wasn't at any of the Potter homes and he knew the Headmaster had been trying to get his master back to obeying him.
Madam Bones went with a group of Aurors to Hogwarts to discover if there was any truth to the accusation. The students didn't present a very good picture of what has been happening at Hogwarts. They all provided information about some very unpleasant business that has been occurring at Hogwarts. A picture of harassment by Granger and the two remaining Weasleys at Hogwarts. All of the students and some of the staff have reported the numerous attempts by Dumbledore to regain control of Harry Potter or have Severus Potter become in charge of the marriage.
Dumbledore finally arrived to answer Madam Bones' request to speak to him. Dumbledore didn't have any answers but had admitted that he had been attempting to locate Harry, himself. Dumbledore was escorted to the Ministry to answer more questions.
In our research, we did discover something very interesting. It appears a week ago, Dumbledore attempted to include a rather interesting clause into a bill that was passed into law. The clause was denied. The clause was regarding an attempt to have anyone who attended Hogwarts enter into a magical agreement. The agreement was that anyone attending Hogwarts must finish their educations with a few exceptions from breaking the current laws, lack of funds, or expulsion. If they failed to finish it, they would be forced to be returned to Hogwarts. The interesting part was that Dumbledore would become the magical guardian, despite any status the person might have. Muggle-born, married, or even of-age. Did Dumbledore kidnap Harry and Severus Potter in an attempt to reclaim guardianship? Was Dumbledore looking for the Potters or setting up a convincing story to cover up the crime? Many are wondering what Dumbledore's latest scheme is while others are wondering when the DMLE will finally arrest the man.
Severus lowered the paper and looking over the top of the paper. Harry held up a piece of toast as he laughed again. Severus reread it. He started laughing too. He couldn't help it. "Dobby or Kreacher?"
"Kreacher. Dobby is crazy but Kreacher is a true Black elf."
"I owe him something. I will have to find out what he wants and it better not be bringing that woman's painting into our home." Severus wasn't about to allow Walburga Black into any place he resided. The woman was annoying.
"I don't think anyone can get her portrayed off of the wall but we aren't going to mention her name to Kreacher in case it gives him ideas."
"True, Kreacher would ask her and she would say yes since we are dark." Severus wondered what happened to Sirius. Did his mother drop him on his head? If Sirius didn't look like his brother and a Black family member, Severus would have thought they were adopted. "Don't forget to review your History of Magic and Charms notes for tomorrow. I don't think you will have much of a problem with Charms but the NEWT in History of Magic will cover more of the modern era." Severus smiled inwardly. He felt more like himself than he had since this whole contract business started. He didn't have to worry about those stupid rules. He wasn't worried about being out in public as rarely was.
"Do a review with me after lunch?"
"Yes, I want to start on making those purging potions for the mutt and Arthur. I have reworked one of my protection potions and it might be the answer we need to keep them from being drugged again."
"I'm still not sure about Sirius. Yes, I know he is on a potion but he was a huge Dumbledore fan before that."
Severus wasn't sure about the mutt either. "I don't believe he will leave Dumbledore. Most of the time when he has been purged it has been about getting custody of you as I'm sure you are aware."
"Yes, it was what made us wonder why the changes in him were about." Harry lowered his tea. "I see. It wasn't about not believing Dumbledore. It's been about keeping him controlled. He does need to see a mind healer."
"Azkaban is hard on everyone. I was only there for three days and the Dementors affected me and I have stronger shields than the mutt. I can't imagine what twelve years would do to a person."
"He called me James a lot. Remus tried to get him a mind healer but he also listens to Dumbledore."
Severus heard the sadness in Harry's voice. "Harry, I don't believe Black knows the truth. If he did, he wouldn't support Dumbledore. As much as I dislike the man, he would never stand by and allow you to be abused, stolen from, or even treated as a weapon as Dumbledore has done."
Harry smiled. "Thank you, I know how much you hate him."
Severus took a sip of his tea as he watched Harry. Harry was smiling and staring at him. "Fine, yes, I hate him."
Harry spent the morning reviewing all his notes, testing himself, changing his notes make sure he learned what he missed, well he hoped he would learn the information. "Stop stressing yourself out. I heard you answer the questions correctly and then changing your answers ten times."
"I'm just doubting myself."
"I blame that on Granger." Severus mentally added the muggles and Dumbledore to the list. He picked up some of the parchment that Harry had been writing on. Harry had admitted to Severus that he never really attempted at school because of his cousin and Granger's attitude of having to be correct and at the top of the class. She never liked it when Harry had an idea until it was her idea.
"I was also expecting several more months to have time to prepare for everything. I knew the last few months of Hogwarts is all about reviewing for our NEWTs."
"Indeed it is. If we didn't, we would have to keep a bunch of those brats from getting their certificate and at risk of having them return." Severus looked at Harry. "Oh, dear, I believe, Dumbledore's in a bit of a spot as he now has no Potion Professor."
"Oh, we did forget about that aspect." Harry looked at Severus. "Are you fine with that?"
"Yes, I am. I never wanted to be a professor, you know that. Now, I can start doing my potions. I can do them by owl order so brewing will not interfere with the contract either."
"No, it wouldn't." Harry pushed his chair back and stood up. "How about we go and test the bed again? I know I could use a bit of destressing."
"Yes, we didn't get to make full use of the whole bed, did we?"
"No, we didn't. I also found an interesting book on my desk this morning." Harry pointed to the book. It was one of the original editions of the Magical World's Kama Sutra. "There are some very interesting pictures. I had to close the book or I would not have been responsible for the state of your potion lab."
Severus picked up the book. "I always wanted to read this. I got the muggle version shortly after I finished my apprenticeship. I wonder what the differences are?"
"Trust me, we are going to be discovering what they are." Harry grabbed Severus' hand and pulled him toward the door. "Hold onto the book. I'm sure we can peruse it afterward."
"I'm holding you to that." Severus walked past Harry and start pulling him. "We have a bed to revisit."
They disappeared up the stairs to the master bedroom. "Well, I hope they don't break our record."
"I'm sure they won't."
Chapter 17
Harry was tired. It had been a long two weeks. He had taken all of the required Hogwarts NEWTs, two each day, reviewing for each test the night before. He actually recognized the building blocks he learned in his first year and what he learned during the following years at Hogwarts. Severus helped Harry draw out the spell foundations so that Harry could visualize the flow chart of the spells which helped Harry process the spells progress easier and grasp the concepts for his sixth and seventh-year spells. Severus found that Harry learned better if Harry saw things so Severus developed flow charts for the different courses. Severus would develop them for the rest of the NEWTs that Hogwarts didn't have when he created an independent study guide for Harry so Harry could begin to prepare to take the other NEWTs during the rest of the year but he was finished. Harry yawned a bit and was glad he could relax a bit now. He had even paid for the results to be expedited and felt a bit relieved that he was finished with Hogwarts, officially.
Severus assisted as much as he could but Severus was also busy with the DA which was now meeting three times a week. Dobby or Kreacher would pop Severus over to Hogwarts and return him home when he was finished. One session was a review session with everyone, the second session was the advance session for those who were advanced, and the last session was for anyone to practice and get any help they needed, even it was just to ask questions. It was during the first meeting of the DA after Harry and Severus left Hogwarts that Severus realized the DA was very serious about siding with Harry. He acknowledged that the students were on Harry's side but he really never realized how seriously they were taking the future.
Severus mentioned that Harry wouldn't be attending the session as he was reviewing for his Charms NEWT. It led to a discussion about NEWTs, the requirements to take them early, what was required for a complete Hogwarts' certificate, and if it was a good idea for the DA members to start taking some of their NEWTs. Severus watched Luna when each student questioned him about doing their NEWTs early. Luna had spent the session with her dreamy smile on her face and when a student asked about taking their NEWTS, she gave Severus a slight yes or no nod on each student if they asked if they should. Severus took the girl at her word and created a list of students who would begin to take their NEWTs during any holidays or extended weekends. When the list was complete, Luna looked at the list and to Severus, nodded her approval before skipping out of the ROR.
The ones who were going to work on taking their NEWTs, especially those in Gryffindor, would be attending all the sessions so they could review for their NEWTs in private without Granger or the Weasleys bothering them. They also didn't want the trio to wonder why there was an increase in studying habits. Neville mentioned he would speak to Minerva and see about having her create a place for them to have review sessions out of Gryffindor tower.
Harry had been a bit concerned that Dumbledore might be alerted to the situation but Severus already spoke to Lucius regarding the situation. The only people who worked in the NEWT and OWL department were followers of the Dark Lord or supporters. Dumbledore didn't feel the education department was an important department and didn't encourage his supporters or followers to apply. Harry frowned a bit. "Really?" They were laying in bed, after a tiring review session.
"Yes, I was a bit surprised too." Severus snuggled into Harry. "I would have thought he would have wanted at least one or two people in each department."
"Do you think he will get a list of who has completed their NEWTs if too many of us do so?"
"No, as it has already been handled." Severus hadn't realized how much detail went into some of the plans that the Dark Lord and Dumbledore used. He was actually surprised the Dark Lord had already handled the mailing aspect of the NEWTs results. "The parents will get the results but no one at Hogwarts will, not even the students." The Dark Lord was a bit more concerned with the minor details and his minor details included a wider range of details but he made sure everything was covered. Dumbledore was a major planner but at times he didn't plan on the minor details or relied on the others to be aware of what he needed for information despite not being aware of what he had planned. He still hadn't told anyone why Harry was important to the war effort or even what was required for Harry to do for the war.
"Interesting." Harry yawned again. "I am not doing anything tomorrow but relaxing. I don't even want to see a quill."
Severus didn't have to look at Harry to know his husband was exhausted. "You have been doing a lot of reviewing and the DA isn't meeting until Monday. We do have all weekend to relax as well as working on a few more pages in that book."
"No meeting with Lucius or Tom?"
"Not unless Dumbledore does something stupid."
Harry grunted. "Minerva?"
"I didn't get to speak to her but I did speak to Neville and he is going to bring her to the next meeting." Severus was hoping he would get to see Minerva at the next meeting. He was actually missing the old cat. He never really realized how much he enjoyed their banter until he left Hogwarts. He heard a light snoring sound. He tilted his head up and saw Harry was sleeping. He wasn't surprised, Harry had been pushing himself hard to get his NEWTs finished.
Harry and Severus were a bit surprised when they heard the floo become active. They had been sitting down to a late breakfast. They slept in and when they woke up they enjoyed some renewing their relationship. "What could the man have done now?" Harry wanted to slam his dead down on the table. He wondered what he ever did his some past life to deserve Dumbledore and his relatives in his life. "I don't think it's because of my NEWTs."
"I am not sure but I have a feeling we aren't going to like it and no, it's not because of your NEWTs."
"I know we aren't going to like it." Harry was hoping to have a few days without any Dumbledore drama.
"You know he must have exhausted all his options before doing whatever he did. He would never allow anyone to know you are missing." Severus was very aware that Dumbledore wanted Harry kept close to him and wouldn't want to take a chance on anyone becoming aware that Harry wasn't at Hogwarts and under his protection.
Harry stood up as he sighed. They headed to the informal sitting room. Lucius' head was in the flames. "Let me guess, Dumbledore." Harry could see the Dark Lord in the background. The Dark Lord had a book opened and was skimming through some pages. Harry sat down on the hearth as Severus remained standing a bit away from Harry.
"Yes, he has reported you as being kidnapped by Severus. According to McNair, he saw some notes on Shacklebolt's desk when a new recruit knocked a stack of reports over and he was helping to pick them up. The report was in the process of being written up and doesn't have a date on it as of yet. It did have a list of places they already searched as well as Granger and the two Weasleys backing up the story of Severus kidnapping you. There weren't a lot of details written down and most of it was Dumbledore's list of places they believed Severus would have taken you."
"What should we do?" Severus moved forward so that Lucius could see him better. He sat down near the chair next to Harry.
"Tom has a few ideas but there is nothing illegal regarding Severus. Harry left willingly and has already his NEWTs. I am more concerned about the list of places he has already searched. We reviewed the memory. None of the places were places that Narcissa recognized as Black properties or anything that was she had on the list of properties you provided her for the upcoming taxes. I am not sure where the properties on the list came from."
"Could they have been ones from the Prince side of my family?" Severus wondered if Dumbledore had kept a list of his families' properties. The Prince family only had a few properties and Severus and one other cousin were the only two people left in the family. His cousin had his own properties due to his own mother's side of the family and wasn't interested in the Prince side since he didn't reside in the United Kingdom.
"Most likely. He would look at your properties first since he believes Harry is following your advice. He is going to push that Severus is dark and corrupting Harry." The Dark Lord was standing by Lucius as he spoke. "We can be proactive or allow it to happen."
"What do you and Lucius think is best?" Severus glanced at Harry as he rose and headed to a small table where they had some muggle paper and pens.
"If we go proactive and release that Harry has his NEWTs and has finished with Hogwarts, I can see him reacting in a few different ways from putting in requests to see the results, retesting, truth serum, or even health exam to make sure no potions, compulsions, or that Harry had someone else take the NEWTs for him. Those would be the minor reactions I could see him attempting as he formatted some new plans. If we do nothing, the story will make the Prophet but we have a few different options that are legal and will clear Severus without endangering either of you."
"Yes, we can have Ironclaw provide evidence that shows you left Hogwarts willingly and that Severus didn't kidnap you. We could also have you speak directly to Amelia either at Gringotts or the Ministry with protection for Harry and Severus. Amelia is very fair, she doesn't favor Dumbledore, and she will be able to stop any investigation from moving forward and any comment from her will stop the rumor mill." Lucius felt that speaking to Madam Bones was the best option they could use.
"Dumbledore won't be stopped with her words of reassurance but it would stop anything legal for the time being until he could think of some rarer outdated law or something. He would have Granger searching through things and that might explain why he had the addresses of my family homes. He might have been helping himself to the family library." Severus was going to pen a letter to Ironclaw to have him do a full recall on his family books if they hadn't done one already. He saw Harry was waving the pen he had in his hand. "He had open access to all those books."
"True which is why we are going to be searching through our libraries to see if we might discover anything. We might need to get a list of books from Ironclaw regarding any books that might be in any of the different family homes." The Dark Lord summoned a chair go sit down next to Lucius.
"I am already writing a letter to him. I will add it." Harry jotted down a quick note to himself to what else he needed to add to the letter.
"Do you want to meet with Amelia on Monday?" The Dark Lord didn't want to delay and have to hunt for Harry and Severus or break Severus out of Azkaban.
"Yes, it sounds like that is an excellent idea. If we alert her ahead of time, he can't do much. Perhaps stop Rita from adding her own spin until Monday night, giving her the scoop on the truth. She would love the story and making Dumbledore look bad at the same time." Severus liked the added bonus of making Dumbledore look bad. It was petty but he was sick of Dumbledore and his games.
"Rita would love the scoop." Lucius agreed. "I will also reassure Cornelius. He isn't aware of anything happening as of yet but Dumbledore will go to him as soon as he wants the report filed. He will want Cornelius to add pressure to Amelia and get the Aurors out to search for Harry and Severus. Ironclaw and Gringotts will assure Cornelius that Harry is safe and that Severus isn't a danger to Harry or corrupting Harry as Dumbledore would like to claim."
"Wouldn't Narcissa also be able to provide support to any claims regarding my safety?"
"No, Dumbledore would use her being my wife, Severus and I are Death Eaters, and she would support the dark. He would stand up and do his old grandfather act, gaining as much support as he could before calling for everyone to hang Severus without any evidence." Lucius hated how Dumbledore tainted the views of the dark faction.
"He would actually have Severus in Azkaban before he finished speaking. He would use the Potters' deaths and just go from there." The Dark Lord knew exactly how Dumbledore worked as he studied the man for decades. He watched as Dumbledore slowly destroyed their world and banned so much magic and there had been nothing he could do about it and when he finally did do something, well, he wasn't exactly sane at the time. He wasn't going to touch on that point right now.
"He would." Severus muttered under his breath as he stared at the floor. He looked up. "He left me in there before. He didn't attempt to get me a trial until after that traitor mentioned my name at his trial." Severus felt Harry's hand on his shoulder before Harry sat down in the chair opposite him. He acknowledged in his mind what Harry did. Harry was reassuring him without making him look weak.
"I will arrange to have Amelia at Gringotts at ten on Monday. I will also write to Ironclaw and see if their research department might be aware of any laws that Dumbledore might be able to use." The goblins had the oldest library in the magical world and he had no problem asking for their assistance if it would aid their cause. They only got Gringotts' assistance because of Harry and it was a bit of a surprise to obtain their assistance in getting rid of Dumbledore.
"Ten sounds good." Harry would be able to spend time with Severus and relax a bit before he had to deal with anything relating to Dumbledore. He looked at Severus, gave him a half-smile, winked at him, and raised an eyebrow. He enjoyed seeing a slight blush rise up on Severus' cheeks.
"If we discover anything new, we will alert you. Also, we might want to put a plan into place in case we need to remove any supporters out of Hogwarts." The Dark Lord looked at Severus.
"I do agree." Severus looked at Harry. "I was going to suggest the same thing this week. I was going to speak to Minerva and Luna and see what they had to say."
"Their input would be very beneficial." The Dark Lord would love to speak to Minerva and get her insights into Dumbledore. Minerva worked closely with Dumbledore for decades and would be the perfect person to ask about what the man might do in certain situations and what he might actually want to do while he was misdirecting the masses to another area.
"The old tabby would love to hoodwink the old fool." Severus was surprised at how surprisingly snake like the old tabby was. He would have lost any bet about Minerva having any type of Slytherin bone or blood in her body. He was actually surprised by the number of hidden snakes in the house of the lions. He would have never of suspected Neville Longbottom of being a snake or even Luna Lovegood. Luna Lovegood was another one who surprised him and she was going to surprise the magical world as too many would never see the girl coming. Actually, the magical world was never going to see Harry coming. They would expect Harry Potter that Dumbledore built up, they would expect a Harry Potter that was their Savior, that would save them from the big bad evils that Dumbledore had crafted.
"We have a lot of books to search through and very little time." The Dark Lord rose. "We need to gather as much information as we can beforehand to be able to counter anything Dumbledore might throw our way next without revealing our full game plan."
"I have to finish the letter too." They bid each other a pleasant day and Harry stood up as the floo flames died down. "Are you worried?"
"No, actually, I'm not." Severus really wasn't. He wasn't worried about Dumbledore being able to send him to Azkaban. He was worried about Dumbledore and his crazy plans and what they might have to endure until they can achieve the goal of removing Dumbledore. "So do you want to test out page 36 in the book?"
"Didn't we do that page?"
"Yes, but it should be revisited." Harry didn't need to be told twice and they headed up the stairs.
"Those two are going to break the binding in our book."
"Yes, I do hope they appreciate all of our work that we put into that book."
Chapter 18
Harry arrived at Gringotts via their floo system. Ironclaw as well as several goblins were waiting for him. "Dumbledore?"
Ironclaw let out a low growl. "He has been here almost hourly attempting to discover if you have been here. He left some of his spies here which we have escorted out of our lobby a few different times."
"It is why we are going to glamour you until we get you to the conference room." Bill Weasley stepped into the area. "Harry."
"Bill, sorry for seeing you again like this. It's been a crazy few months." Harry didn't step away from the floo as three goblins moved aside to permit Bill to get closer."
"It's not a problem, little brother. We have your back. Charlie is here too. He is down with the dragon right now. Our mother isn't aware he is back in the country and we are keeping it that way for now. The twins did give me a package for you. It has their latest toys and they provided notes on what each does and directions." Bill gave Harry a hug and quietly whispered. "I do appreciate your attempts to keep us from having another war. You do have our full support." Bill released Harry. "Now, let's get you glamoured and to the meeting with Madam Bones."
Harry looked like he could be Ironclaw's twin. He even had the same outfit on. "I am going to be pretending to be Ironclaw?"
"No, my twin, Twostone." Twostone waved his hand.
Harry faced the goblin. "Thank you, I promise not to ruin your reputation while I am you."
"It is an honor, Lord Potter."
"Let's get you over to see Madam Bones."
Bill squeezed Harry's shoulder at Ironclaw's words before they started to walk to the conference room. Dumbledore was in the lobby. He saw Bill and started toward them. "Bill, my boy, I wasn't aware you would be here today."
"I work here. I am usually here, Headmaster. We are on our way to a job right now. I do not have time to linger." Bill did have a warding job he needed to do after he escorted Harry across the lobby. The goblins with him were all warders. Bill indicated the goblins with him.
"Oh, yes, my boy." Dumbledore looked at the goblins. "May I have a quick word with Bill? I promise not to delay him for long."
Harry realized Dumbledore was waiting for him to answer. Harry was unsure of how to respond so he did the only thing he could think of he responded back in gobbledygook. "Amusgiqu rsanob voyequb kuujomf su feom eccirr su gor teaks." (translation: Another stupid wizard looking to gain access to his vault.) The goblins managed to keep a straight face as Bill was guided a bit away from their group. It didn't take long before Bill rejoined them and Dumbledore was leaving.
"He wanted to know if I could watch the lobby for Harry."
"What did you tell him?"
"I said I would watch for Harry if and when I was in the lobby after I finish my current assignment."
Harry smirked. "Very Slytherin."
Bill leaned down. "I had to fight the hat for Gryffindor."
Harry grinned. "So did I. I bet the twins did too."
Bill laughed. "Nailed it, little brother, let's get going before the Headmaster decides he needs to return and speak to me again."
Just outside of the conference room, Bill removed the glamour spell. "It was done in old Egyptian so that Dumbledore wouldn't see through it. I will place it again on you when it is time to leave. I am going to head to my office and someone will get me. Good luck, Harry."
Harry entered the conference room to see Madam Bones, an Unspeakable, as well as an Auror. He arched a brow as he attempted to bury his anger. He wasn't about to leave Gringotts and be returned to Dumbledore. "I am assuming you want to make sure I am really me and not under any compulsions or potions despite being in Gringotts?"
"Yes, Lord Potter, it is to make everything official so no one can false anything you say or show me is false." Madam Bones pointed to the Unspeakable. "This is Unspeakable Kierkegaard and Auror John Dawlish."
Harry, relax.* The Dark Lord's voice broke through. *Dawlish and the Unspeakable are my supporters. They are there to do exactly as Amelia stated. She isn't going to return you to Dumbledore.*
A bit of a warning would have been nice.* "I understand. Are we using Gringotts for testing or do you have your own spells you wish to use?" Harry walked to the chair opposite Madam Bones. There was a huge conference table between them. It was a polished tree that had been cut down ages ago. The conference room had about ten chairs around the table and that was it.
It was a last-minute idea by Lucius when he was at the Ministry this morning. He only saw Order members in the Auror department on duty. He suggested it wouldn't be fair given who they supported so she called John back from patrol.*
"We will do the standard scans and we will run a core scan." The Unspeakable pulled out his wand. "It won't hurt, it will feel strange but you are in no danger."
Harry flashed to the Horcrux. *It won't show up. We already made sure. It is why he is using a core scan and not some of the others.* Harry relaxed a bit. He nodded his consent.
After the scans were done and showed that he was clean from any outside influences, Madam Bones put the scans into a rather thick file. "I will have to ask these questions despite seeing you are here of your free will."
"I understand."
"Some of them will be in regard to what the Daily Prophet, Gringotts, and the bit of evidence I do have."
"I will answer what I can." Harry wasn't going to provide any details he didn't want to share.
"It won't take long. Most of the information I want is to prevent a war with the Goblin Nation." Madam Bones pulled out a piece of parchment from the thick file. "Did you ever authorize anyone to remove funds from your vaults? I won't be pressing charges unless you wish to but I am looking for the truth."
"No. I never even knew I had more than my school vault. I thought it was all the money I had from my parents."
"Did you know about the magical world before you got your Hogwarts' letter?"
"No."
"Did you ever request to not be returned to the muggles relatives of yours?"
"Yes, many times."
"Were you aware of the marriage contract before you married Severus Snape?"
"Define awareness? I mean I didn't know about it until after I was informed I had to get married but I did demand a copy before the ceremony and came here to see what could be done."
"It was due to them that you were able to get it changed?"
"Yes, I was able to take my titles which I was unaware of being declared an adult by the Goblet of Fire, Dumbledore's insistence I remained in it, and being given a trial for underage magic I did to defend me and my cousin against the rogue Dementor."
"Did Severus Potter remove you from Hogwarts?"
"No, I removed us. I have also taken my NEWTs." Harry reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a small pouch. He opened it and removed his result. He passed them to her. "As you can see, I have finished the requirements for being a student." Harry was still surprised he achieved all O or O on his NEWTs and it was all because of Severus.
Madam Bones copied the result as she noticed Harry's full name. She arched her brow and understood why Dumbledore wanted Harry under his control. "We found a redirect on your mail as well as several other unusual things in your file."
"Oh?"
"Yes." Madam Bones opened the thick file. "Are you aware that we discovered shortly after the deaths of your parents in Godric's Hollow, there is another couple name James and Lily Potter with a son named Harry who have been living in Brazil? They moved there the same day your parents moved into Godric's Hollow. I ask to meet you here because I want you to get a blood bind purge."
The goblins gasped. Harry was a bit confused. "Why? Wouldn't their purge work to reveal everything before?"
"No, it would not clear any blood magic or blood binds on you. It wouldn't remove any type of curse or binding of your magic. I did see you have a lot of your magic already blocked but I believe there are blood curses and binds on you." Madam Bones pushed the file toward Harry. "The autopsy of your parents shows they weren't wizards and they have no blood connection to you. You were adopted by the Potter using a blood ritual, not a blood adoption as we found the residue in the house when we did a search."
"This has been a case that has been building since Amelia and I took our positions. We have been working to find out who you really are."
Harry was stunned but anger, panic, anxiety was slowly building. "What do I need to do?"
"Harry, this will be painful. It would require a breakdown of your blood. Your blood would be siphoned out of you, slowly. It would go through a purge in of itself, before being returned to your body. While this was happening your magical core would be also getting a similar treatment. It is basically a total dissolvement of your DNA and magic while rebuilding you again." Ironclaw was a bit shocked. They rarely did this type of service because no one would do such a thing to another. The ritual, when they did use it, was usually to cure a person of some terminal disease.
Harry was looking at the file. He could see the evidence of the ritual. The autopsy of the people who died in the house. "How long does this take?"
"Twenty-four hours for most wizards but given the size of your core, I believe two days or longer."
Harry, we will be there for you. Lucius will get Severus. Do not start anything until we are there. We will get a message to Minerva and the others too.*
Get here fast, I want this done. After it is done, I am going to destroy a certain fashion impaired headmaster, slowly and painfully.* Harry hadn't been aware that the Dark Lord had entered his mind but he was thankful he was bringing Severus and others for him. "Let's get this done but I want to wait until Severus arrives. Ironclaw, can you please handle it?"
"I will Harry." Ironclaw was aware of who was going to come to Gringotts and be with Harry. "Madam Bones, is the Ministry paying for this?"
"Yes, as well as any care needed for recovery." Madam Bones handed Ironclaw the pre-authorization for funds.
"Madam Bones, I don't want to appear ungrateful for informing me of this but would you mind not remaining for this? I just want my family with me." Harry wasn't about to say who he counted as family.
"Of course, I do understand. Thank you for your willingness to do this. Could the results be forwarded to me?"
"Yes, we will forward them. Perhaps Dawlish and Kierkegaard could remain behind. Dawlish to prevent Dumbledore from interfering. He was in the lobby when I arrived. Kierkegaard, to answer any questions I might have?"
"John? Kierkegaard?" Madam Bones began to gather her files up.
"I will remain." Dawlish was hoping he could curse Dumbledore.
"I will also." The Unspeakable nodded his head at Harry.
"Very good, gentlemen. Potter, I do wish we had met under different circumstances. My niece speaks highly of you." Madam Bones finished putting everything into her briefcase. "If you need anything, please inform me, Ironclaw."
"We will."
"Susan is an amazing person." Harry liked Susan Bones. She was one of his supporters too.
Afterword
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