A/N: Not really a fan of reading extensive answers for reviews in the author's note, so I'll just put it after the chapter. Again, thank you guys for the reviews and favs and follows. It's nice to see people liking it as much as me (though what I like the most so far is the cover * - *)

Sorry if it feels things are progressing too quickly, the story just turned out that way (blame her not me). A bit of a lengthy chapter, again, I cut it and the other part will be posted sometime between tomorrow and the day after. Hopefully, it will be a roughly 3k words chap.

6 - Uncovering truths

This house was so much fun. When you entered the house there were books everywhere and he could even read them! Mr Snape even showed them secret passages to get to other parts of the house. Dinner was really good; Twinky was a good cook. They ate meatloaf with sautéed vegetables. Harry couldn't believe his luck, he ate three whole meals in one single day and there was meat in each one of them. Maybe, if that went on, he would even start to grow a little. Maybe he would be as tall as Mr Snape one day! He was sleeping with Aunt Petunia and Dudley in the same room; it was like in the hospital again...

Harry squirmed and rolled and tossed and turned. Maybe he drank too much milk during dinner. He wasn't used to drinking it at all or eating that much in a day. Uncle Vernon would go crazy again with how much his Aunt Petunia was spending on Harry... Oh. The bathroom light is on! Harry went to wait by the door for Mr Snape to finish his business so he could use the toilet himself. He was looking down admiring the horses on his new pyjamas - he had pyjamas, imagine it! - when the man's voice startled him back to reality.

"-not looking sleepy. Was the bed not up to your standards?" Mr Snape was sneering.

"No. I mean, yes. I mean, it's soft... Maybe too soft to me-" Harry clamped his mouth shut. Uncle Vernon taught him well how to be grateful for having as much as he did. And here he was, the best day of his life and he was already being ungrateful. Mr Snape even fed him, what if he said he wouldn't help Aunt Petunia anymore because Harry was such an ungrateful freak?

"Harry?" He snapped his head up immediately upon hearing his name. Mr Snape was calling him by name! He was just called Mr Potter, which was totally fine and made Harry feel important. But to be called by his name like he was his friend... Well, he was friends with Harry's mother so maybe he would... with Harry... "You spaced out again. You were going to use the toilet, were you not?" Mr Snape held the door open for Harry.

"Ah, yes, I was. Thank you!" He rushed in and the door was closed. Harry did his business fast and was surprised to see the man still outside waiting for him.

"Considering you are hardly anywhere near exhausted, I'll offer you to accompany me in my study. I will be doing some research; however, you may read a book or two that would fetch more to your tastes."

"Yes, Mr Snape." Again, Harry was beaming with happiness. He would be allowed to read more. Mr Snape was really a nice man, he didn't even tell Harry off for not sleeping. Maybe he would let Harry choose a book by himself again.

"On the couch Mr Potter." He then took two books from the shelf; of course he wouldn't let a kid go about his study. "This is the only fictional piece in this room. It's some sort of a wizarding fairy tales collection. If you have any doubts about the meaning of a word, you may look it up in this dictionary. It is one of a kind; you just have to write the word on the first page and it will give you all the meanings it knows of. Obviously, you can still do it the other way."

"Thank you, Mr Snape." Mr Snape was so nice, he chose a fairy tale book just for Harry, and they were for wizards! Wizards just like Harry! He even made sure Harry could understand everything in the book! Harry opened his book right away and plunged into the magical fairy tale world.

Severus sat behind his desk and, for a while, he observed the boy reading. Seeing the boy thank him and read a book chosen by Severus himself was... strange. Not even in Severus wildest dreams would he have thought to have such an interaction with a Potter. He needed to reign in his temper so as to not snap at the boy, it was not his fault he was born with his father's face. Overall, that's a given, really. At least this time Severus had salvaged the situation, from what Petunia told him that afternoon, the boy most likely wasn't even used to sleeping in a bed. Only when seeing those green eyes had Severus remembered the boy's life, Lily always had her way in grounding him; even after a decade being dead she still has, it seems. Severus would do good to always remember the boy is also Lily's, such a pity he apparently inherited his father's deplorable eyesight. Maybe that would be a good start to the list of problems Severus had to solve for them.

The most pressing areas Severus should cover were health, finances and education. Less pressing but just as important would be dealing with Vernon. The old man's mind must have already been addled a decade ago to think a magical child could be anywhere near that man, any child for that matter, really. What father would let his son grow to the size of a baby whale without even caring about all the health problems that would bring, not to mention the beating to fix him? The old codger forcing a man like Severus to teach children was just proof enough of his deranged mind, but at least he would do his job right and care for the pests. And what of their neighbours? School teachers? Weren't they supposed to notice things like that? Severus filed that information to contemplate later, now he needed to focus on the pressing matters. The more he thought about their predicament, more issues would arise, he was sure; so, pressing matters.

Against his better judgement, he needed to take care of their health only once they were done with Gringotts and the boys' school supplies. Perhaps they could visit a shop to procure a more fitting pair of glasses for the boy while there or verify the possibility of reversing his eye condition. School supplies were easy enough to procure as well as a few introductory books the boys would need, they knew nothing of the wizarding world after all; Severus was fully committed to remedying that.

Severus took another moment to watch the boy reading on his couch, he was finally showing the first signs of sleepiness. Severus had to refrain from casting a cushioning charm to make the boy more comfortable, it would only serve to disrupt him. Such a precious boy, the son of his precious friend. Severus truly loved Lily, asking for clemency for her life and ensuring he did all he could to protect her was the minimum. Such a pity to have lost her friendship over an adolescent outburst. Did she receive my apology letter? He had sent one only once, however, it was never neither returned nor answered. It may be that it was redirected somewhere or stored at a safe place like, say, Gringotts. If that were true only the boy almost asleep on his couch would be able to reach it, better leave sleeping lions lie.

Now, what to prepare for Gringotts? Not so much to prepare as be prepared. The boy didn't even know about magic and from Petunia's tale he only had the baby clothes he was dressed in a note and a blanket on him upon entering her house, so certainly he does not have a key to the vaults he indubitably has. Potter was a right prat, nevertheless, he was rich. Old money like that wouldn't end in a decade of child support for his son. Without a key, they would need to prove they were who they alleged to be, with goblins that usually meant blood. Severus could hint the missing key to them, that would be an interesting interaction to watch. Going into the boy's family vault would prove a hard, though rewarding, task. The boy was sure to grant Severus that beaming smile with even green twinkling eyes if he was to provide memories of his parents. They might be permitted to take a portrait or family album, he should make sure to gather what he could from his own possessions; those would be only Lily's mementoes, of course.

Severus had to shoot a levitating charm quickly on the books he had lent the boy, he was finally asleep. He levitated them back to their place and a blanket he kept in his study for comfort purposes over to cover the boy. Now Severus could make real progress with his preparations for the next day without being distracted by Lily's boy... hopefully. This will be a long night and tomorrow an even longer day, better make use of a Pepper-Up.

-pop- "Master bes waiting for yous in the kitchen with young Harry Potter. Breakfast is served." -pop-

Petunia started with the sound, it would take time getting used to the sound. They were certainly a useful lot, maybe she could get one to help around the house, she ought to ask Severus about that. But this was one confusing house, what with all the secret passages. Were all wizarding houses strange like this? Would it be bad if theirs were a normal and regular one?

"No, mum. It's the other book for the kitchen."

"Of course, sweetie. How could I forget?" Petunia pulled the right one this time and followed her son into the kitchen.

"Good Morning, Aunt Petunia." Harry was smiling at her with a milk moustache and Severus was smiling fondly at him. Well, at least it seems we can trust him with Harry.

"Good Morning, dear. Severus." He just regarded her with a nod and went back to reading his strange... Was that a newspaper? and glancing at the boys. Petunia took her morning tea and toasts in silence just watching Harry tell Dudley about some strange story he read the day before. Breakfast was over now Petunia couldn't delay her talk with the boys any longer. The full explanation would have to wait, though, a short one was necessary; they would need to use Harry's money, after all. Severus led them back to the room he used to receive them the day before and was about to start talking. Petunia cut through, she had to say what she had planned to say before she lost the little courage she surmised for it.

"Dudley. Harry. Before we go, there are a few things I want you to keep in mind. I don't know what you understood from yesterday at the bank, so I'll try to explain shortly what little I can. For the past years, we have been living off Harry's inheritance. Yes, dear, your parents didn't leave you unprotected. And I'm sor-"

"Yes, Petunia, you can go on and bore us with your endless excuses and apologies, we have nothing better to do in any case." He had so much venom dripping from his remark Petunia just closed her mouth and looked at him with widening eyes. Of course, he couldn't, or wouldn't, let her recover enough to answer. "What is important you know before going is that Harry is most likely well provided for. Also, he is the only one of you who actually has any wizarding money, as such, it would be easier if he would agree to lend some for buying his cousin's school supplies. Will you, Harry?"

"If I have any, of course I will. But-" Petunia tried to come back into the discussion but was cut off again just like Harry.

"Good. Now on the rules and procedures. It is imperative you do not stray from me. We'll be going to Diagon Alley, which is a popular wizarding shopping district in London, as such, it is always bustling with people. Our first stop will be the bank where we will most likely spend the bigger part of our day. Afterwards, we may shop for your school supplies and perhaps a new pair of glasses for you Mr Potter. At the bank try and be polite, if you have any questions you may ask them as long as you are objective about it. Goblins do not like it when wizards waste their time with needless anecdotes or with evasive talking. Am I clear?" He looked directly at Petunia like she was the child here. Before she could do anything, the boys had already answered and he was talking again. "Now we will be travelling by the means of the floo." He went on to explain how it worked. Petunia could only resent his treatment of her, had she made a mistake in trusting him?

Dudley landed in a heap on the floor of the strange pub. His mum helped him up in time to not be in the way of Mr Snape and his cousin's landing, they had decided to come in pairs. Floo travel was really fun, you walked right into the fire and it didn't burn. Magic is brilliant! Why would anyone want to take it away? His father was mad to think Dudley had some sort of problem for being a wizard, he would show him one day how wonderful magic is. Harry even looked a bit different with some magic Mr Snape did on him, for whatever reason, he said it was best to cover Harry's scar.

"Let us be on our way then." Mr Snape guided them to the back of the pub after greeting the man behind the counter. The man was missing lots of teeth and had such a strange face; maybe magic couldn't solve everything after all.

Mr Snape used his stick- wand, Dudley had to remember the names of the magical stuff, to tap the wall a few times and it just opened. Magic really was, well magical. The wall folded away to let them true just like in the TV, if that wasn't magical enough what was on the other side definitely was: a whole street! Dudley made sure he stuck near his mum and Mr Snape; he even took his cousin by the hand so he wouldn't get lost. Dudley just knew Mr Snape would get scary if they got lost, he didn't want his mum to be on his bad side because of them. He glanced at his cousin and, sure as hell, he was looking everywhere at once, just like in London. Good thing Dudley had his hand in a firm grip, now he wouldn't get lost no matter what. Wait, would you go to hell if you were a wizard?

But Mr Snape didn't exaggerate when he said there would be a lot of people in here. And what's with those strange clothes, the colours were all wrong, even for Dudley! Mr Snape's clothes at least didn't assault his eyes. Harry was just showing him another strange thing in a shop window nearby when Mr Snape stopped in front of a huge building.

"This is Gringotts, the wizarding bank. Do not touch anything; also try not to talk until we are in the safety of a goblin office." He led them up the stairs and through the gigantic bronze like doors. Maybe it was real bronze, but if they wanted to show off their money wouldn't gold be better? There were two guards at the doors, once inside Dudley saw other people like them. Mr Snape went to talk with one of them, and they were here to talk with goblins. Oh, so they're goblins! They didn't look human; Dudley would ask when they went into the manager's office. The goblin talking with Mr Snape lead them through maze-like corridors and finally into a room. This must be the manager's office then.

"Your manager will be here shortly, Lord Prince."

The goblin was leaving so Dudley had to be fast with his questions; Mr Snape said it was fine if they were asked inside the office. Dudley got up and grabbed the goblin by the wrist to stop him and asked at once. "Are you human?"

Severus' eyes widened, he hadn't expected this question so soon and certainly not in front of a goblin. That was it they were doomed, better try and salvage what he could before-

"I am certainly not human. If you missed my appearance, I am a goblin. And damn proud to be one. Now unhand me."

"So goblins are not human?" It was just the kind of lucky Severus had, not one but both boys were asking stupid questions. He should have taught them the basics about goblins before coming.

"No. They are goblins. Humans are not the only magical beings in the world. I apologise for their behaviour. They were muggle raised and I still have not had the time to properly instruct them."

"I see. Do properly inst-" He was suddenly cut off by Harry, of all people. The boy made his cousin let go of the arm his was still gripping and went to touch a little chain embedded in the goblin's ear.

"Does it hurt?" The goblin seemed as taken aback as Severus with the concerned tone the boy asked. Severus was even more astounded with the way his recently arrived manager handled the boy's question. Was he being gentle?

"It most likely hurt when weaving it into the skin. Rest assured it does not hurt anymore them your pair of glasses on your face." He led the boys back to their chairs and dismissed the still speechless goblin.

"Goodbye, Mr Urlaff. Uh, have a nice day." Harry really was a wonderful box full of nice surprises. How anyone could treat such a sweet boy harshly was truly a mystery.

"An interesting lot you have here, Lord Prince. May they be the reason for your visit? I did not expect to see you for another couple weeks."

"Interesting indeed. And they are part of the reason, yes. Although I admit to wanting my account's review bit sooner this time, I would like to leave with them if at all possible. Also, a few new investment suggestions would be welcome even if not necessary. Now I believe introductions are in need and perhaps will clarify some of our purposes." Severus waved his wand cancelling the glamours on the boys. "Petunia Dursley; her muggleborn son, Dudley Dursley; and her nephew, Harry Potter."

"A really interesting lot. Harry Potter, his muggleborn wizard cousin and muggle aunt you say." The goblin seemed to notice the same peculiarity as he did. "I'll have to ask you to prove they are who you say they are. In the meantime, we'll await for Ragnok, he's the Potter's accounts manager. And this is the folder with the requested review of your account, Lord Prince." The goblin handed Severus the folder. He then proceeded to place a piece of parchment in front of each guest and extended his hand to another's in his.

"Petunia you go first to show the boys there's nothing to fear. Alnuk will cut your finger to extract two drops of your blood; I'll heal it immediately after. The blood will go in the parchment and attest to who you truly are. Now give him your hand." Petunia was clearly reluctant but as expected did it to reassure her boys. Surprisingly the boys appeared more at ease with the procedure than Petunia, to be young really was a gift.

Severus tried to see the trees forming on the sheets of parchment but Alnuk snatched them away quickly. He was frowning upon whatever information was revealed when another goblin entered the office. This, presumably, should be Ragnok. The sheets were passed onto him who also frowned at the information before addressing them. "Mrs Dursley, is it your wish that Lord Prince be present while we discuss yours and Mr Potter's situation?"

"Yes." Severus was as lost as Petunia on this, not that he showed any of his confusion.

"Do you have anything else to discuss with your manager, Lord Prince?"

"Not at this time, no."

"Very well, do follow me to my office then."

"Thank you, Mr Alnuk." This time both boys greeted at the same time.

"May your magic flourish and your dealings be always in your favour, Mr Potter, Mr Dursley." Severus was tiring out from so many surprises, better to expect the boys to be treated like goblins from now on.

"You should answer with: May your gold flow and your enemies perish." The other goblin instructed and the boys were only happy to comply.

They followed Ragnok to his office where tea and a few biscuits waited for them. Severus wasn't even surprised this time around; what with the boys being liked by the goblins, surely they were bound to have some advantage. Petunia and the boys sat and served themselves, Severus was satisfied enough with the provided tea. Ragnok was going through files and files piling folders upon folders on his desk before coming to sit with them. Severus let the goblin lead the conversation; he would only contribute if and when necessary. Something was not right and Severus needed more information as to assert what.

"Perhaps starting from the less troublesome part would be best. Mrs Dursley, I understand you are Mr Potter's mother's sister, yes?"

"Yes. Lily was my sister. But we came here for Harry, what does it matter who I am?" Severus could even begin to describe the wrongness of that statement. From the look on Ragnok's face, he too agreed with him.

"Before Mr Potter was born, Lord Potter came with his wife, that would be your sister, to adjust his will, a necessity in times of war. Lady Potter wanted to have a family tapestry tailored to show the family from her side. As she was believed to be a muggleborn witch, the tapestry would start from her and show all her magical descendants. It was supposed to be given to her son upon his eleventh birthday in the occasion of her not being alive."

"Are you implying she was not a muggleborn? What of her parents?" Severus was right to question so soon considering Ragnok broad toothy smile.

"Lily Potter, nee Evans, was what wizards call a pure-blooded witch, as were her parents." He was still showing his toothy smile, so there was still information hidden.

"That's impossible! My parents are as normal as me. And I would remember if they adopted Lily!" It would not be far-fetched to think Lily adopted if spells and potions were involved, but why would anyone go to such lengths as to mask her as a muggleborn?

"Yes, they are indeed." With that, Severus got a few pieces of the puzzle together.

"They were squibs." That would explain Petunia's son being a wizard when it's rare enough to have more than one magical in a muggle family and jumping one generation is simply unheard of.

"What are squibs, Mr Snape? Is it a bad thing?"

"No, Mr Dursley, it's not exactly bad. A squib is merely a magical human who does not have magic in enough quantities as to perform spells. Their magic is only enough to protect and heal them faster, it also lets them live longer than a non-magical person."

"And how did they lose their magic?" The boy widened his eyes in such a comical way that even Severus had to concede a chuckle

"They did not lose their magic, only were born with too little of it. Quite like your mother. Now, Ragnok, if you could elaborate more on the specifics of them being squibs." The boy at least seemed assured enough to know he wouldn't lose his magic, both of them actually.

"Yes, Lord Prince. You are right in your assumptions, Lily Evans parents were squibs. And Mrs Dursley is also one, which brings us to the first matter at hand. Since squibs are usually cast out of the family, you will have no claim as to any type of unclaimed inheritance. Alas, your squib ancestors made sure the first wizard or witch to be born from their line would receive something upon entering the wizarding world, that as bestowed upon your sister when discovered.

"Seeing that it was an inheritance unrelated to the Potters, Lily Potter wrote a will where you are one of the beneficiaries." Severus could smell the new catch, but that brought up another line of questioning to him: why wasn't the will executed?

"Where is that will them? Why was I not informed of any inheritance? Why didn't I receive anything?" It is glorious when someone acts the way you need them to without any prompting. Severus could go on observing.

"A curious question for an even more curious answer. You didn't receive anything because the will is yet to be read. As for being informed, any and all owls after the first one were sent back unopened." After the first one?

"Then read it."

"What do we need to prepare for the reading of the will, Ragnok? Who else do we need to contact?" If there were one thing goblins hated more than wizards that was being ordered by them. Severus would be damned if he let the goblin's good wishes towards the boys be wasted away by Petunia, or anyone else. He added the matter of why it wasn't read for later.

"I believe all mentioned are present. That's all the requirements."

"I see. Is it possible to do so now?" Severus had to cut Petunia off, again. He sent her a glare he reserved to stupid potions mistakes for good measure. I dare her to open her mouth without being prompted again. Ragnok pulled an envelope from one of the piles and extended his hand to Harry, who didn't need any more incentive to present his, and used a drop of his blood on the seal. The letter gained life as a howler would and spoke its content with his beloved Lily's voice.

This is the will of Lily Jasmine Potter, nee Evans.

Hello and sorry that you have to be contacted on such a sad occasion. I was aiming to be formal in this will but as you know, it doesn't come to me quite that easily. Maybe if I had lived longer... Thank you for being here Petunia, Severus and hopefully Harry. It is a sad day when a mother has to worry if her unborn son will be present to the reading of her will, not because he could want to be somewhere else but because he could be as gone as her.

First of all, I want to say that I forgave you long ago Severus. I never ceased to think of you as a friend, though some of your choices pained me. I hope that you survive where I didn't; you deserve to live life more than anyone I know. And I can only hope that you will be fine when it's all said and done.

Petunia, if you are here then you probably heard already that even if you can't perform magic you are magical. I always told you you were special in your own way, didn't I? Now we have proof! It's a pity mum and dad aren't here to hear this, at least they got to see both their baby girls married, right? I wish we had more time together, that our children could grow up to be good friends as we once were. About the children, there is a possibility of yours being a full-fledged wizard or witch, so you better be prepared to go through what mum and dad went with me. James is really sorry for being the catalyst of yet another fight between us and told me he wanted to do something for you to apologise. He is not good with those and, sincerely, we don't know how much longer we will leave -clearly not enough if this is being read- so he'll make his apology in material goods.

As you already know James has wealth enough to support a few generations, as such I don't feel guilty about letting the inheritance of our squib ancestors to be passed onto the next wizard or with born from your line. The house we grew up was left to me when our parents died, now I'm leaving that to you Petunia. I've altered it to become a magical house; Gringotts excel at those too! If you ever need a magical place to leave, there you have it.

For Harry, I leave my family albums and journals. I would leave the family tapestry, but James convinced me against making it after discovering my ancestors were cast out of their families. He says that would be trampling over their wishes to cut ties with the families who abandoned them. I would like if you showed Harry the tapestry inside our ancestors' vault, though, it shows our family since our grandparents. It's is but a tiny one compared to those old pureblood families, but I'd like him to know where he comes from.

Thank you again for coming in such a sad time.

Love,

Lily J. Potter

Lily forgave him. She had received his letter and forgiven him. Severus had to covertly dab away a sole tear that had escaped his control. He risked a glance around, Petunia was in tears with her son consoling her, and Harry was still entranced by his mother melodious voice. The goblin handed the letter to Harry, as was expected, and began to sort through his files again, perhaps to give them time to compose themselves. Severus moved the whirlwind of emotions to the deepest part of his mind; he needed to be objective now if he really wanted to help them. He would make sure Lily's forgiveness wasn't pointless. She would be proud of him even from the afterlife.

"Ragnok, usually muggleborns have the current Hogwarts' Headmaster as a guardian. For a half-blood or pureblood, that would be their parents or the closest magical relative. Is a squib entitled to guardianship over a child?" It would not matter who is Harry's current guardian if it was possible for Petunia to be the one. Again, the toothy smile answered his questions before the goblin spoke.

"From what I'm privy to know, it is. That is dealt within the ministry, but we can deal with such a request if you would hire a goblin representative."

Yes, they would like to sell their services. Unfortunately, they needed such services. Goblins would be faster and less conspicuous, and the most important aspect: Severus name wouldn't be implicated. They could also handle Vernon, Petunia had no need of him and Severus would die before letting that man near those kids again. He had to consult with her first; the best moment to do so was now. If they let their momentum pass, Harry's current guardian would be alerted and all would be for nought.

"Is there a place where I can discuss this issue with Mrs Dursley?"

"You may use this office. I'll come back in, say, an hour?"

"That would be acceptable, yes."

"Tuney." Petunia sniffed some more before paying attention to Severus. She knew he was only trying to help, but after everything that happened... And hearing her sister's voice after so long was just too much for her.

"Sorry. You were saying?" Petunia turned to where the goblin Ragnok was but his seat was empty. Only Petunia, the boys and Severus were in the room.

"I know this is a lot to process right now, still it is preferable if we could solve the... practical matters as soon as possible." There was some kind of urgency in his tone, even if his face was blank.

"What do you mean?"

"Magical wills are usually read right after the death of the wizard. As you can see, Lily's was only read now. Therefore, I have reason to believe the same happened to Potter's. We can only speculate as to why then again there are more pressing issues to be dealt with at this moment. You may be your son and Harry's legal guardian for all things muggle, that is not true in the wizarding world, at least not yet."

"What does that change?" Petunia understood he wanted her to realise something, but she was just too tired and emotionally worn out to actually think about it. He seemed to notice her exhaustion. He let out a long sigh before beginning his explanation.

"I'll try to make it brief and as clear as possible. A child's magical guardian has some extent of power over everything the child has; one of their responsibilities is to watch over the child's financial life and inheritance if the child has any. This means someone already has access to both your boys' inheritance. Also, Harry's guardian has possession of a vault key. Since Harry has been known to be a wizard child for a long time and never attempted to contact him, we can assume his intentions are not in Harry's best interests. You have the... problem with your husband to be solved, still.

"You being magical, even as a squib, makes you able to be the boys' magical guardian, which would be preferable. The goblins offered their services. Even if a bit expensive, it is a better and faster option than going to the ministry and trying to do it by yourself. Not only doing so would alert the boy's guardians, it would also mean they would have time and chance to overthrow your request. By employing the goblins your divorce could be handled faster than by muggle means, both you and your son would be Evans by the time he departed to Hogwarts, maybe even before that. With that path cleared and you moving to the house Lily left you, Vernon would only be able to come near you or your children if you let him. I understand that was one pressing matter to you, yes?"

He had talked a lot of things Petunia still didn't grasp fully, yet she got the overall message loud and clear. If she wanted to really protect her children, she had to get guardianship of them through the goblins, make sure she divorced Vernon and move to her childhood home. It would be expensive but it was the only sure way to protect them, the savings would serve a higher purpose after all.

"I see your point, Severus. Can you handle that too? I'm sorry for relying so much on you when only Lily was your friend..." And she was. She had treated him so badly when they were young, and now...

"I can. Don't worry about that, I just want to make sure the boys are well cared and well looked after."

"Thank you, Severus. Really." The door opened again to reveal the goblin Ragnok coming back into the room.

"Have you thought your options through, Lord Prince?"

"Yes, Ragnok. We are inclined to accept the goblins' services to handle the guardianship of both boys if you would also be able to provide a solution for another legal matter." Severus didn't miss the goblin addressing him instead of the one who was supposedly their future guardian and implying he was the one with the power to decide, not that it was a lie.

"If it's within our power."

"Mrs Dursley would like to divorce her muggle husband and go back to being Ms Evans. Her son would also become Mr Evans, of course. It would be appreciated if you could handle all muggle matters related to that. She will be moving into the house she inherited from her sister within the day if it is suitable for living. What type of protections have been put in place?"

"As long as the fee is paid we can take care of your muggle problems as well as magical. The house should be fit for living, it's been cared by a house elf. As for the protections, you'll encounter the regular wards for magical houses with the addition of a blood ward keyed to intention. No one with the intention to harm in any way anyone inside the ward would be able to pass."

"Is there one to lessen the effects of accidental magic between the regular wards?" Ragnok merely nodded his agreement. "I see. Petunia will sign the contract. How would you prefer the payment?"

"Not asking for the price?" Severus only dismissed the notion with a subtle wave of the hand. Ragnok knew well enough how much they needed his services, bargaining would only serve to increase the price. "Which vault would like to take the payment from?"

"Mine if I have enough." Petunia's voice was a bit shaky still. She probably didn't notice it was so.

"Then it shall be done. An owl will be sent with the guardianship papers along with the muggle ones. Here are the folders containing all the information pertaining the Evans. Unfortunately, I am only able to provide Mr Potters new key to his trust vault. His files will be available once the guardianship issue is solved."

"That's to be expected. Do include a statement regarding transactions made in the last decade if at all possible. We will make a withdrawal from the boys' vaults before going." Severus took the files and put them in one of the many pockets in his robes, he would go through them later.

"Naturally. Griphook will show you to your vaults." Severus and Petunia were on their way out when the boys stopped and turned back to address Ragnok.

"Thank you, Mr Ragnok. May your gold flow and.. and.." The greeting proved too much for Harry who was promptly helped by his cousin. "And your enemies perish." And he finished with one of his beaming smiles. Certainly, the boy hadn't understood half what happened in this room, but it didn't stop him to be overly thankful, it seemed.

Ragnok answered with another toothy smile and the proper answer. "May your magic flourish and your dealings be always in your favour, Mr Potter, Mr Evans."

Other notes:

About the bashing: you'll see it when you see it. I can only hope you'll understand it. About McGonagall specifically, well even if she great in canon she still had pretty lousy moments as head of a house, reread the books and analyse it, she was downright neglectful in quite a number of occasions - even more aggravated by her being deputy headmistress.

About grammatical errors: please point them out to me. English is not my first language, I do my best to make it good but I'm only human. And as a side note, you'll probably notice Harry is not well versed in English, so he is bound to make mistakes sometimes. He spent his whole life having to hold back his intellect, that has consequences that will correct themselves over time. All in all, Harry has a good grasp on English but his speech is simple/limited and sometimes he slips. One thing I learned is that reading expands a child's vocabulary exponentially and way faster than any type of studying, and Harry didn't have much of either. I like to narrate as close to the characters perception as possible (for me) and I adapt the speech accordingly, like simple words for Harry and Dudley, or complex sentences for Snape and pseudo-difficult speech to Petunia (who likes to think herself sophisticated when in reality she's not).