Prince Consort

Chapter 7

Tonks was soundly sleeping, but not for long when she felt the wards on her flat going off. She had intruders; in times like this, you couldn't be too careful. She immediately grabbed her wand, and for once got up out of bed without tripping over her own feet. She was about to throw a curse when she heard the familiar voice identifying himself. Proving who he said he saying a piece of a conversation they'd had just the other day. She entered her living room to see her co-worker with another of their co-workers -Sirius Black. He was lying on the floor dead to the world.

Gasping she went over to him, her personal feelings aside she didn't wish him dead. No, she just wanted to kick some sense into his stubborn arse. She relaxed when she realized he was only stunned, glancing up confused, why had he brought him here?

"He's fine, at least physically," said Shacklebolt, his voice filled with exhaustion.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Tonks standing back up, "Why haven't you un-stunned him?" she was regarding Shacklebolt cautiously; he seemed really unhinged right now.

"What does Dumbledore want with Potter…and you better tell me right now," said Shacklebolt, his expression determined. He wasn't going to move until he got an answer from Tonks.

"I only have a theory Shack," said Tonks, "I have no idea if I'm right or not." she told Shacklebolt.

"Tell me," said Shacklebolt.

"Dumbledore told me to speak to Remus Lupin; he was desperate to get him in the Order again. Remus is apparently well known in the Werewolf circle; at least he seems to think so. He wanted me to convince him it would be the honorable thing to do to aid the order." explained Tonks taking a seat, Shacklebolt, however, remained standing focused solely on what she was saying.

"And?" asked Shacklebolt, stiffly, if Remus ever found out what he'd done to Harry…well he mentally shuddered. Werewolf's had absolutely foul tempers, one he didn't want to encounter.

"He refused; he said why should he fight for the world that wouldn't even let him have a job? Although that wasn't his real reason, he said Harry would never forgive him for joining," said Tonks.

"Why would he hate him for joining? Doesn't he know Remus used to be a member?" asked Shacklebolt staring at Tonks not able to comprehend where this story was going.

"He blames Dumbledore and the Order for his parents being murdered." said Tonks, at least that's the impression she'd gotten from Remus.

"Get to the point," said Shacklebolt getting impatient now.

"I went to Dumbledore to tell him that Remus wouldn't join, he wasn't even disappointed. Instead, he said Remus wouldn't have stuck around long anyway." said Tonks in a rush, "Then he changed the subject, telling me the vampires had agreed to join our side."

"What?" gasped Shacklebolt, "y-y-you are kidding aren't you?" his brown eyes large as he stared at her completely speechless.

"No, I think for some reason they want Harry, it's the only explanation I can think of for his…desperation." said Tonks her eyes filled with sadness.

Shacklebolt swallowed thickly, his heart pounding away painfully in his ribs. His actions horrifying him even further, he'd allowed Dumbledore to take a child, a child he was going to hand over to vampires. "Which ones?" he asked his voice hoarse and filled with dread.

"I don't know." said Tonks, "What happened?" she then asked, Shacklebolt was becoming more unhinged.

"I just handed a sixteen-year-old boy over to Dumbledore, who apparently is probably right now handing him over to a vampire to gain their allegiance." said Shacklebolt his voice filled with bitterness and anger.

"And you won't be able to talk about it, I've already tried. We are silenced, anything to do with the Order even a little bit is bound to us," said Tonks gravely. "Why did you bring Sirius?"

There's something wrong with him," said Shacklebolt immediately, his mind switching gears.

"Like what? He's never cared about Harry if that's what you are on about," said Tonks.

"No, when I mentioned Harry, he looked completely stricken, and then he grabbed the table and cried out for help before appearing normal again. He gave no indication he knew what he'd just done. It was no prank - Black wouldn't have been able to hold in his laughter afterward." said Shacklebolt adamantly as if he suspected she might argue with him.

"He's just had his medical, we all have." said Tonks, "They would have found something."

"Do you trust me?" asked Shacklebolt his eyes boring into Tonks'.

"Yes," she said immediately.

"Then trust my instincts, there's something seriously wrong with Black." said Shacklebolt, "I think he's being controlled."

"By who?" Tonks asked. "You-Know-Who?"

"I don't know," Shacklebolt lied; he had his fair idea of who it was he just couldn't bring himself to say it. It was hard enough thinking about it, without sharing it with someone else. "He needs our help."

"Alright, you'll need to get some of his blood, take it to St. Mungo's or the lab in the Ministry see if they find any anomalies, if they do we might know what we are looking at," said Tonks. "I have a spare bedroom he can stay in."

Wandering through, she opened the door; put the light on with a flick of her wand. Looking around she nodded, before giving it a little airing with her wand, freshening the room up a bit. Shacklebolt levitated the stunned Auror onto the bed and conjured a knife and vial. Once he had enough of his blood, he healed the small wound. Then stuck him to the bed, before binding him there.

"I think I have a Dreamless sleeping potion in my bathroom cabinet, it might be best to let him sleep for now," said Tonks, wandering through; she opened her mirror cabinet, barely recognizing herself. She looked worn haggard, and miserable. Being in the Order was supposed to make her feel good about herself, not make her feel as if she had signed up to be a Death Eater. She picked up the vial, which was among a few pain and headache relievers. She always bought a few dreamless sleeping potions, for the nights where she just couldn't sleep. She loved her job, but sometimes it left her with nightmares and insomnia.

She re-entered her spare room five minutes later, handing him the potion. They, unfortunately, had to cancel the stunning spell for him to drink it. Thankfully Shacklebolt's quick fingers had the potion into his mouth before Sirius realized what was going on. A few seconds later, Sirius finally lost consciousness, his mind clear and free, his body sleeping peacefully under a dreamless sleep aid.

"That will keep him out for twelve hours," said Shacklebolt looking relieved.

"That's if he's not addicted to them, then they will only work for eight." Tonks pointed out.

"Well we will soon see," said Shacklebolt, "Thank you for helping me, I'm going to go to Hogwarts…I have to undo the damage I've done." he had to free Harry even if it cost him his place in the Order.

"You are going to help Harry?" asked Tonks surprised.

"Yes," said Shacklebolt, "I have to."

"Take him to Remus, no wait don't bring him here, Remus can come and get him." said Tonks.

"If I don't come back you know something has gone wrong, you'll need to deal with Sirius alone." said Shacklebolt.

"I know, be careful, I'll see you in half an hour." said Tonks nodding grimly.

Shacklebolt nodded back before Apparating out of Tonk's apartment. He had a wrong to right, and he'd be damned if he failed.

Prince Castle

Severus Snape, Vampire Lord, Potions genius, champion dueler sat within his private library. For the first few years, he'd not been able to read for any length of time, he had been too busy battling for his position. Then afterward way too busy leading the vampires, helping them when they needed it. Many vampires couldn't afford anything, and they came to Severus for help. Which he did to the best of his abilities, mostly giving potions, or offering them jobs to make money. The money the Prince vaults held would put even the Muggle Vatican to shame. The Prince's weren't just major shareholders in nearly all wizarding businesses but also Muggle ones as well.

Just nine months ago, Selvic had come to him for aid; his husband had miraculously gotten pregnant. To be able to do so without a potion, which wasn't widely known about especially in Britain because of the prejudice, was very rare indeed. Severus had brewed the potions for the vampires' mate himself, in doing so he had gained Selvic's devotion. He had vowed to protect him, honor him and his demands and never shame him or the Prince name. Selvic's mate was now taking residence in the many rooms of the property nearby Prince Castle, just for the duration of his pregnancy. Which by the way was coming to its end, no doubt the child would be born pretty soon.

Thinking of Selvic's mate was making Severus' train of thought returned to his own mate. He hadn't seen him since he was fourteen years old; his mind conjured up what he would look like now. He was still young, sixteen years old. He knew he was going about things rather oddly; normally mates were wooed so to speak. He wasn't going about things traditionally, which might just blow up in his face. He could remember speaking to Langdon about Harry after he'd dealt successfully might he add, with the vampires of the Bulgarian region.

-0 Flashback 0-

"My Lord you wished to see me?" asked Langdon appearing at the doorway of Severus Snape's study. With no one there, Severus was not hiding himself from view. He was quite striking, sitting where he was, his face orange from the illuminating embers of the fire.

"Indeed I do, please sit," said Severus, gesturing towards the seat next to him, where two goblets of wine were poured. Which meant it wasn't an official meeting, but one where they could say what they liked. Severus often liked to sit with them and have heated debates and regular conversations. It's perhaps what made him so well liked, nothing they said out of official capacity was held against them.

"Thank you," said Langdon relaxing back into his seat, he trusted Severus impeccably, and did everything the man asked. After helping him out all those years ago, he owed him everything. It's why he worked at Hogwarts; despite the fact, he missed his brethren when he was away. He was also curious to know why Severus wanted him. They'd met just after he arrived; he'd given him his report about Hogwarts and Dumbledore. Now here he was again, feeling rather confused.

"What do you know about Harry Potter?" asked Severus sitting back himself, drinking some wine. They would never run out, there was an entire underground full of wine. They also owned multiple vineyards around the world; needless to say, they were never low on good wine.

"Harry Potter?" asked Langdon taken aback, staring at Severus blankly, he hadn't expected that at all. He was so shocked by the suddenness of it, he didn't even think to add 'my lord' which he usually did even in an informal setting.

Severus raised a single eyebrow, staring at Langdon without saying anything.

"I apologize, my lord," said Langdon, realizing he was being disrespectful, almost as if he was questioning Severus, which he wasn't. Severus merely nodded, both at his apology and for him to continue.

"Harry Potter is fourteen years old, his birthday is July 31st. He was sorted into Slytherin upon his arrival at Hogwarts…"

"Slytherin?" asked Severus in surprise.

"Yes, he turned up at Hogwarts with clothes on him that were three times too big for him. He let it be known that his Aunt and Uncle hated him, and had refused to pay for his school supplies. He managed to find the gateway to the train on his own, and came aboard with only the clothes on his back. His possessiveness of his friends makes me believe the abuse went further than just neglecting to buy him a decent wardrobe." said Langdon, stopping briefly to take a large drink of wine; he absolutely loved the wine Severus always picked. It was just right, the taste, the texture, when it came to wine Severus was a man after his own heart.

Severus' dark eyes seemed to darken further if it was possible, by the information being revealed to him. Oh, he knew all too well who Langdon was speaking about, and couldn't believe Harry had been left with them. He was surprised they hadn't abandoned the child or heaven forbid killed him. Petunia loathed all things magical, and Harry had still been at an age where needed special care, care he was willing to bet Petunia didn't want to give. No, to give a magical child to Petunia was to ensure a lifetime of abuse and neglect, which apparently was what had happened. His lips tightened in his displeasure, he could've or should've done something, and unfortunately, it was too late for anything like that.

To be honest, it was probably for the best, you never knew who your mate was until they were both passed their maturity. If he'd raised Harry, the boy would never have been able to have the kind of relationship he wanted with him. There wasn't a point to 'ifs' and 'buts' the past was exactly that - the past.

"His parents were-" was as far as Langdon got.

"I know about his parents, I attended Hogwarts with them, his mother was one of my dearest friends," said Severus revealing a part of his past to Langdon. "I was also there the night they died."

"So you were the one to defeat the Dark Lord?" asked Langdon, the vampires always referred to him as the Dark Lord. They were well aware the power the name 'Voldemort' held but refused to be cowardly and call him You-Know-Who. He wondered if Dumbledore knew if so he also wondered why he'd kept it a secret.

"What else do you know about him?" asked Severus, refusing to answer.

"His best friends are Blaise Zabini and Theodore Nott, both Slytherins. They were three of the hardest working, students at Hogwarts, from day one. Competing with Hermione Granger in each class for the top spot. Harry is a natural at Defence; he gets all the spells almost straight away. According to Slughorn, he is also good at Potions; admittedly he wasn't happy when Harry turned down his invitation to his Slug Club." Langdon said trying to think of what other information Severus might like to know.

"He turned him down?" asked Severus sounding amused. He certainly wasn't like his father in that regard. Potter had been furious to be left out when he and Lily had been part of Slughorns not so secret club.

"Yes, I believe Blaise did as well, it may have something to do with Theodore not being invited. As you are aware Theodore's father was a suspected Death Eater, and Slughorn probably didn't take well to that," said Langdon, he rather liked the Potions teacher, he wasn't prejudiced as some of the teachers there. He did care about his Slytherin's but those with power and influences undeniably come first.

"No I believe not," said Severus dryly knowing his old Potions professor all too well.

"I have noticed that Albus Dumbledore does keep an eye on him. Not that Harry likes it, for some reason Harry loathes the Headmaster. I don't think I've ever seen a young boy staring as Albus Dumbledore the way he does. As the saying goes, if looks could kill…he would be six feet under." said Langdon, that had always piqued his curiosity, he'd never seen an indication as to what caused it. Most students that walked Hogwarts halls worshiped the ground Dumbledore walked on. It sickened him, but that's just the way it was.

Severus sat up, looking split between amused and confused himself. James and Lily had loved Dumbledore as a grandfatherly figure. Perhaps because they didn't have a grandfather, or because he'd always been overly friendly with them. Letting James Potter off with murder, not just Potter but Black as well. He couldn't help but wonder why the boy didn't like him. Could it be the other Slytherin's warning him? Hardly any of the Slytherins trusted Dumbledore. Admittedly it was most probably because of their parents. "Curious indeed," said Severus, sitting back, his fingers steeped together as he thought on it more.

"His owl score for defense is the highest I've ever seen, his power levels are impressive for a boy not yet even reached magical maturity," said Langdon, you reached magical maturity at the age of seventeen, during the night on your seventeenth birthday you receive an additional bout of magic…or rather it's 'unlocked' when the body is finally able to handle it. At least that's how the Wizards explained it. He knew the OWL scores because he knew the examiner.

Severus merely smirked as if he was privy to a secret nobody else knew.

"Is there anything else?" enquired Severus, as he drank the remains of his wine.

"He's short for his age; he enjoys watching the Quidditch matches but doesn't seem interested in playing it. My lord may I enquire as to why you want to know about him?" asked Langdon. Hoping his question wouldn't be seen as prying.

Severus had noticed Harry was on the short side, especially next to Mr. Zabini and Mr. Nott. He was a head shorter than both boys, both his parents had been tall, but it didn't necessarily mean he had to be as well. It may very well be a side affect of malnutrition, he would need to send some to Lupin along with the Wolfsbane potion. He wasn't going to let Harry anywhere near the wolf without getting it. "He is my mate, outside of our group, nobody knows not even family understood?" outside the group meant, spouses, friends, family not vowed to Severus. He did not want to risk anyone finding out.

"Of course my lord," said Langdon his awe evident, it was a time of celebration and happiness when a vampire found their mate. The fact it was the Vampire Lord, it meant the celebration would be a rather large one. It was celebrated because not all of them were lucky enough.

Severus merely nodded, a tight short smile appearing on his face before it disappeared. He wasn't used to smiling, even now after all those years of being free and in the seat of power.

-0 End Flashback 0-

There was a sudden knock on the door bringing Severus out of his thoughts. He knew who was behind it without seeing them, every vampire had a unique smell about them, yet with an underlying smell that was purely a vampire smell. "Come in Selvic," said Severus straightening up, staring at the door. Had Selvic's mate gone into labor? He could see no other reason for the interruption.

"My lord, word has arrived from Dumbledore. His Phoenix delivered this a few seconds ago." said Selvic handing over the note, which had Selvic's magic on it. Indicating he'd already checked it for all kinds of spells. Nodding satisfaction and a way of thanking him, he opened the letter.

"Gather the team, you're taking a trip to Hogwarts," said Severus. "It is time." unable to disguise the triumph in his voice even if he'd tried. He was bringing his mate home, where he belonged. Where he would be safe from both Voldemort and Dumbledore.

"At once My Lord," said Selvic bowing once in respect before he went to gather the group. A team might be the word Severus used, but they were his bodyguards. They would protect him always; to have a place within the guard was the highest honor one could accomplish. The fact they were being trusted to bring his mate to him was an even bigger honor.

Hogwarts

Albus gazed down at the unconscious boy, refraining from cursing him for daring to fight him. The worst of it was that the boy had actually gotten the better of him and broken his hand. It was currently on the mend, he had taken a few potions as soon as he got them to his office. Then he had sent a letter to the vampires, letting them know that Harry was here. It was time to complete the contract.

"Enervate," Albus cast the spell to wake the teenager up, sitting calmly as he pleased on his office chair.

Harry groaned as he came to, the pain in his side felt numb still, but the pain frayed at the edges just waiting to return. The numbing charm, the unknown wizard, (he suspected to actually be Shacklebolt, the Auror who originally broke into Zabini Manor) had placed on him was still in effect. Once he paid attention to his surroundings he began to realize where he was.

Nostrils flaring, Harry sat up slowly, just to be sure that the pain wouldn't flare up, but it seemed the charm was working well. "What do you want? Isn't stealing my money enough?" he hissed at the old fool like a feral cat.

"It seems Remus has been teaching you his bad habits," Dumbledore said without emotion, already knowing how to get the boy to agree to the Handfasting.

Harry just curled his lip saying nothing; he wouldn't give the old man the satisfaction.

"Did you know that Remus almost killed a student while he was at Hogwarts?" Dumbledore continued on, acting as if they were having a pleasant conversation.

Harry wondered what the hell Dumbledore was up to, he bit his tongue to stop himself blurting out that it was 'Moony' not Remus who had almost bitten someone. Remus was his father, nothing and nobody would ever be able to sway him away from the werewolf. To Remus, he was his cub, and he would always care for him - pack always did - indefinitely. He just stared at the old fool without a single emotion showing on his face or in his eyes despite the fact he felt a whole lot of disgust at Dumbledore's underhand tactics, that wasn't very Gryffindor now, was it.

"In fact, it was by my request that the incident remain a secret, I assume you know the dangers of what would happen should the Ministry find out? The wizard he almost bit happens to be a very good friend of mine." Dumbledore blatantly lied, he hadn't seen Severus for fifteen years but if it got what he wanted he didn't care.

Harry's heart sank, he was going to be manipulated, Dumbledore wanted something from him, "What do you want?" concern and fear for Remus squirming like a living thing in his body. Remus was the most important person in his life; he would never let anything happen to him if it was in his capacity to prevent it.

"As you know I gained custody of you, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore stated, feeling no guilt for what he was doing and about to do. "I have agreed to a handfasting between you and a vampire Lord, in turn for twenty vampire warriors, with them we can and will win this war. If you fail to follow through not only will you lose your magic but I will ensure that the Ministry finds out about Mr. Lupin. I will then sign you over to the Dursley's care as a squib and contract-breaker you will not be welcomed in our world…not even by your friends."

Fear burst through Harry as disbelief clouded his eyes, a Vampire Lord? Was he going to have to choose between marrying a vampire Lord or losing his magic and sentencing his father to death? Why was he doing this? What had he done that was so bad that Dumbledore would torment him so? Would he even see his friends again…Remus again if he went through with this? Closing his eyes, he swallowed thickly, unable to hide his emotions and loathing that Dumbledore would see him weak. "I will find a way to bring you down," Harry vowed vehemently, green eyes blazing into Dumbledore's own. He hated him more than he had ever hated anyone in his life, even the hatred he felt for Voldemort could not compare.

"Many have tried before you, Mr. Potter, but they all failed in the end," Dumbledore said, not even batting an eyelash at the threat.

Dumbledore truly should have worried about the threat.

"Ah, they are here," Dumbledore said after a few moments of silence. "Perhaps you should get up, Mr. Potter and take a seat." not that he truly cared.

Five vampires Apparated to Hogwarts, standing at the gates of the magnificent castle. The five vampires' were spread out in the fashion they usually took upon protecting their Lord, who wasn't here with them. He was preparing for the handfasting which would take place as soon as they returned. Observing their surroundings, seeing no threat to them.

"It's clear," said Cenric, his name suited him; it was an old English name for bold and power. Something his family had been, unfortunately, his family line had died out a long time ago. He was the only one left and would remain that way unless he found his mate. A lot of family lines had died out, and the same would keep happening if the inbreeding continued.

"Then let's go get our Lord's soon-to-be consort." Corin said she was one of the two strongest female vampires, part of Severus' guard.

"Let's," they agreed as one.

They knew exactly where Dumbledore's office was, Langdon had described the school often enough from back to front, each booby-trapped step to every cracked crevice. Their Lord also knew the school well and had joined their conversations sometimes, about the secret rooms he'd found over his years at Hogwarts. Due to the letter they also knew the password to Dumbledore's office. It took them all of thirty seconds to run towards the office, jumping over the staircase instead of waiting for its journey to end.

"Blood pops," said Corin to the gargoyle.

Dalton went first, before the others went up, before long the five vampires were standing in the entrance to Dumbledore's office.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," said Albus smiling brightly at them, "Shall we finish the negotiations?" the smugness that rolled of the Headmaster was quite sickening to the vampires.

"Our Lord informed you that it would not happen until the handfasting was performed," Storm said scorn dripping off each word.

Harry arched an eyebrow despite how pale he was these vampires didn't like Dumbledore at all. Perhaps there was hope for him after all; a handfasting would mean that Dumbledore couldn't take any of his money or any more of it. Then again all things considered it looked as though Dumbledore hadn't cared about his money at all. Just using him as a sacrificial lamb to get twenty vampires to join his pathetic Order. He wished his heart would stop pounding so quickly, he felt on the verge of hyperventilating.

"He has not come?" Dumbledore blinked in surprise, none of them showed their features, once again shrouded by the cloaks they wore.

"No, you are to come with us," Cenric demanded, "The Portkey will take us,"

"Very well," Albus said, not too concerned, as long as the terms were set then he was fine with that. Gathering up the contracted agreements, he slid them into his pocket. "I believe we should go, come, my boy,"

Nobody not even Albus failed to hear the painful sound of teeth grinding against one another, as Harry gritted his teeth, said nothing and followed them. His mind thinking of Remus, he couldn't let anything happen to his dad. This was the only reason he was even contemplating going through this. Handfasting was temporary, he reminded himself as they left Hogwarts. By the time he got to the gates, the pain was beginning to return slowly, the numbing charm was beginning to wear off.

Edited 2/6/17