Prince Consort

Chapter 17

"Mrs. Maria Zabini," Corin informed her Lord, curtseying in respect.

Severus made a gesture for her to be granted entrance to his office, putting his mail down on the desk as he turned his seat around. It was very early morning and he didn't know what she could possibly want.

"Welcome to Prince Castle, I hope your stay here has been pleasant, have a seat," Severus asked, staring at her in silent query.

"It has been, my Lord, you are most gracious and kind, as a host," Maria informed him, claiming her seat, her robes being settled around her tall delicate frame.

Severus arched an eyebrow that had been a dig, for what he wasn't sure. "You wished to see me?"

"How dare you do this to your own mate!" snarled Maria unable to keep silent, her eyes flashing with wrath she didn't dare let lose. Clenching her fists the overwhelming urge to slap him was still there. She couldn't risk doing such a thing, not when her family was at risk. "Not only have you made a mockery of the sacredness of the bond but Harry deserves better than you!"

Severus' eyes flashed in fury at her words, his face looking as though it was carved from stone so cold was his stare. Maria didn't back down, she just straightened her spine and glared back, making no attempt to disguise her disgust. She didn't care that he'd done it in Harry's so called best interest, a boy she loved like a son had been traded like cattle, Merlin only knows how he really felt about that. If any of her husbands had done that with her she really would have done what she was accused off! Bloody murdered them. Least they had been wizards and fair game, not a vampire with better everything at his beck and call, magic, people, and then there was the bond trying to start up.

"If you wish to remain I suggest you never speak to me in that manner again," Severus retorted sharply, beyond infuriated with her words. How dare she say that Harry deserved better. He would ensure Harry never wanted for anything; he could give him the world on a platter if he should desire it. Nobody had spoken to him in such a manner for fifteen years, and he was not about to tolerate it now.

A small part of him felt respect, she reminded him fiercely of Lily, although if it was Lily he had been faced to face with, he would have un-doubtfully been cursed for his actions to her baby. For there was greater love between a mother and son, especially where Lily was concerned.

"My apologies, my Lord," Maria said, without an ounce of remorse, "Harry is like a second son to me, what Dumbledore has done is disgusting, I understand it isn't fully your fault, but the way that it was done…" she had no words to convey the depth of her disgust and the depravity of the situation.

Severus sighed; he had been hearing that all too often these days, even Alfred had commented on it just an hour ago.

-0 Flash back 0-

Severus stood there brooding amongst the unmoving portraits of his ancestors if there was ever a time he wished for the portraits to be active it would be now. He wanted someone to talk to since he was so conflicted himself right now, he could use someone not invested in the union between Harry and himself.

"Do you know what your great grandfather's deepest regret was?" asked Alfred stepping forward beside the current Lord Prince, Alfred didn't look a day over seventeen years old. Most would be astounded to learn his real age, which nobody actually knew, but he was one of the oldest vampires in the United Kingdom. He had been advisors to the Prince's for generations, his wisdom knew no bounds.

"No," replied Severus, Alfred had returned to the United Kingdom when Severus had come forward with the intention of claiming his rightful place. It had been he who taught Severus everything he needed to know about his inheritance. Although most of it was how to talk, convince people, and their ways, since Severus was very good at dueling there hadn't been able much Alfred could teach him in that regard.

Alfred stepped up to Artemis' portrait, gazing at the man with exasperated fondness and sadness. "He did pretty much the same thing you've done with Harry. Zara Zabini parents were ecstatic at the thought of furthering their status, back then they weren't known very well. Plus they only had a girl; they weren't able to get pregnant again to have an heir. I think part of Zara Prince had loved Artemis. Unfortunately being forced into marriage isn't always the way to go about it, having a child so young surely didn't help either. I think Artemis got the shock of his life when Zara refused to become a vampire and fully bond with him. They remained together until Zara was thirty-one; she stayed mostly for her son I think. She left shortly after his seventeenth birthday using the Goblins to annul their marriage. Artemis had me watch over her, to ensure no harm befell her. He tried often to woo her, but she grasped onto her freedom and continued to deny him. She re-married ten years afterward, and had a girl and a boy."

Severus gazed stoically at the portrait feeling even more conflicted.

"Of course what I speak of was the norm back in the day, parents giving the rights of marriage to a prospective suitor. Of course vampires weren't looked too kindly upon back then, not that they are widely accepted now. It's the Prince name that's enabled the line to continue." said Alfred.

"What are you saying? I should let Harry go and have him killed by the Dark Lord?" Severus stated, he believed with all his heart that's was exactly what would happen.

"Here I was thinking you were smart Severus," said Alfred wryly, "There is more than one way to skin a cat."

"What do you suggest?" asked Severus quietly.

Alfred stared at Severus, really seeing him since they began their conversation. He could see the concern and fear in his eyes, he'd never seen the man vulnerable. The vampire had been stoic ever since he'd been called in by his grandparents to help him adjust to his new life. He was a fast learner; never let emotions rule him, a hell of a fighter and not someone even he wanted to mess with. He normally thought things through and when decided he usually stuck to his guns.

"Why not speak to your grandparents?" asked Alfred leaning against the wall.

"I'd rather not," said Severus honestly.

"I am not surprised," said Alfred, no doubt they would disapprove of the way Severus had chosen to go about things.

Severus threw Alfred a droll glare, he knew without saying anything further Alfred knew why he was reluctant. His relationship with his grandparents had been stiff at first, little wonder his parents hadn't exactly been hands-on, or rather even pretended to give a shit. His grandparents were polar opposites of his parents, they were affectionate, asked him things about his life, exam grades, made sure he knew they were sorry for not being in his life. In other words, they were trying to make up for the past eighteen years of absence.

"You know Harry better than I do." said Alfred, "Surely there is some way to make this situation more tolerable."

"Unfortunately I don't," Severus admitted tiredly, he didn't know much at all, and they didn't get a chance to talk all that often. "I can't say I blame him really, the happiest I've seen him is when he was with his friends." much to his consternation, it had taken everything to stop him demanding they leave. Like Remus had said, he understood Severus' need to be near his mate, and be his sole focus of his attention.

"Then give him both, his family and his mate." said Alfred. "It's not as if there isn't room enough for both in one's heart."

Severus grimaced, there was, but he feared that Harry would just count down the days until he left, just like Remus had stated.

"He is definitely the youngest mate I've encountered." confessed Alfred, at least most of the others had been officially adults in the magical world. "Not to forget only the second male who had been crowned Prince Consort.

"He is," agreed Severus, having Lupin here would be a good thing even if he disliked the idea. It would give Harry someone to talk to about the bond since according to Lupin it was scaring him. What kind of sixteen-year-old boy hadn't experimented by that age? Only he could be mated to a boy who was more stubborn than him.

"But most certainly has a very striking presence." Alfred commented.

Alfred chortled a little at the look Severus threw him; it was not wise to torment an un-bonded vampire, especially where his mate was concerned. "You know I have no interest in your mate," he added, his tone becoming clearly a little scolding. Any vampire that showed any interest in Harry would find themselves without a head then their bodies burnt as traitors.

Severus merely nodded, he had the utmost trust in Alfred, but to hear anyone say anything about his mate made him feel defensive, especially being so near him and unable to touch him intimately.

-0 END FLASHBACK 0-

"I am pleased that Harry has those in his life who would speak up for him, against any and all odds." Severus uttered truthfully, "Tell me, was he always so stubborn?" if he couldn't get answers out of Harry, perhaps he'd have more success with Maria and Lupin.

Maria was genuinely taken aback by the question, Severus had a look on his face, and it was pain mingled with hope. She had seen that on her first husbands face, when it became apparent he wouldn't live to see his child brought up to adulthood. She smiled softly, lost in her own thought, "I was surprised when my son began writing to me about Harry, although I had no idea it was Harry Potter until Christmas time, not all I heard was good, especially about his relatives. Blaise wished to have his friends over for Christmas, and I granted his wish. Harry completely devoured my library, Blaise and Theodore constantly had to pull him away." vividly remembering his countenance, "He was very cautious at first, confused even, by my son and I, how we interacted, it makes me wonder just what he had lived through. What a day was like at those detestable Dursleys."

"I see," Severus replied, he had come to terms with the fact the Dursley's had been abusive, and he honestly wasn't sure he wanted to know the extent of it. "It is good then, that they are dead, no?"

"They suffered, for that I am grateful, but I imagine should they still be alive…that you would have personally taken care of it." Maria said, as always the shrewd woman could see everything that was not said.

"Indeed," Severus replied, his tone darkening considerably, they wouldn't have just suffered for that short time no they would have suffered the tortures of the damned locked up here in the castle until they regretted every single infraction against his mate. Even then he suspected he wouldn't give them the mercy of death. This was his thoughts without knowing the damage done to his mate.

"So, no, he wasn't always quite so stubborn, he was once unsure of his place in the magical world, but over the last six years he has become confident, happy, less reserved." Maria finally answering Severus' question. Harry hadn't gotten over what happened to him though; he still distrusted people so quickly. Especially if they were overly kind, he didn't seem to believe her that some people were genuinely like that.

"Has he ever spoken of the Dursley's?" Severus questioned, dark eyes gleaming frostily.

"To me? No, he has only ever confided in Remus, but do not ask for details, for Harry will see that as a bigger betrayal than you can fathom," Maria warned seriously.

Severus nodded curtly, understandably, for he would be furious if someone he confided in decided to spill all. Glancing at the time, he realized that Harry would be awake; he seemed to rouse at the same time every morning. "Regretfully I have somewhere to be, Mrs. Zabini, so if you will excuse me," he said gesturing for her to leave.

"My Lord," Maria said, giving a short curtsey before leaving, it hadn't gone at all how she expected it, but it had been a relief to get some of her concerns off her chest. She wandered back to her living quarters, unaware of the respect she had garnered from yet another vampire (besides Dalton) for her straightforward nature.

Severus entered his rooms, a gentle sniff of the air let him know Harry was in the bathroom. He had informed the others that he wasn't to be interrupted unless it was a dire emergency, all else could wait. It was time, he and Harry had an honest conversation, no skittering about, or avoiding the issue. They didn't have all day to do so, only until lunch, after lunch he was holding a meeting in which Harry was going to attend. He moved over and sat on the couch to wait on Harry finishing up, which should be any moment, given the fact the shower had turned off and he was currently getting dressed for the day.

When he emerged, Severus spoke, "Come, sit with me." he asked of his mate.

Harry blinked, but nonetheless made his way over and sat down, "Is Remus okay?" he had actually planned on going straight to the infirmary.

"He is fine, he's recovering very well, he should be up and about very soon, but Remus is not the reason I am here." Severus explained, strengthening his resolve, he wasn't one for delving into the past, but he knew he must here and now.

"Oh," Harry exclaimed softly, as the silence stretched, his brow wrinkled, "Is everything alright?"

"I realize I did it all wrong Harry…unfortunately I…do not know how to show people I care other than taking care of them. My parents couldn't have cared less about me; the only one that liked me was your mother…who could somehow see past my masks to see the lonely little boy I really was inside. I had hoped you would as well; I do not want you to have to choose between your family and me…it finally dawned on me that I would lose. It was a knock to my pride, I had underestimated the hold family can have. I cannot deny I want you to myself…both the creature side and the bond wants it that way…to allow it to truly form." confessed Severus warily.

Harry stared at Severus, for the first time realizing that the man probably had feelings too but was just hiding them.

"I am a very possessive man, growing up I had very little to call my own, what I did have was second hand…even my robes were and I was bullied because of it. After I left Hogwarts I got an apprenticeship and passed in just one year six months. Then my entire life changed, I lost my best friend and came into an inheritance I wasn't expecting. For the first time in my life, I was free from the burden and strain of finding money from somewhere." said Severus being honest, he didn't want to lose Harry.

Harry's mind whirled, he hadn't been expecting this, or the fact they were more alike than he could have conceived. He understood how Severus felt; he too had been under the same strain for years. He had been bullied his entire life, especially because of his clothes being six sizes too big for him. Thanks to his dad James and the will not being read…he had to watch what he was doing with what was left of his inheritance. Although he had gone from having nothing to something, so he hadn't been too bothered. He'd just been relieved he had money to last him through Hogwarts years and a few years afterward.

"Me too," admitted Harry quietly, "I didn't have any friends until I came to Hogwarts. My cousin used to beat me up and anyone who came near me got the same treatment. Everyone learned to give me a wide berth when I finally got to Hogwarts I was scared I wouldn't find anyone who wanted to be friends with me. I begged the hat to put me somewhere I'd make friends and fit in. I made friends with Blaise and Theo right away; to me, they are like my brothers."

"How bad was the abuse?" Severus came right out and asked.

Harry sighed softly, part of him wished life hadn't become so complicated, but he'd never regret his time in the magical world. Not even if he died tonight, it was worth it all, even here and now…life had never been easy and Harry didn't give in quickly or at all. It wasn't in his nature; maybe Remus was right…perhaps he should give Snape a chance. If I wasn't for him…he might have already lost his father. "They thought they were kindness and generosity itself, as I was often reminded they had taken me in and put a roof over my head." Harry said, "My uncle," Harry grimaced at the word, "Vernon, had a temper, and it was easily roused, even by the mere sight of me. They hated the fact they had something abnormal in their lives, in their home. Constantly going on about how they should have dropped me off at an orphanage, not sure why they didn't my life certainly wouldn't have gotten any worse."

Severus listened to his mate speak, his anger mounting each word he spoke matter of factly, but there was also a great deal of surprise that Harry had chosen to speak so freely and frankly.

"The Dursley's strove for everyone to see they were normal, every day social climbers too, constantly desiring the newest things. Cars, holidays, decorating the house every year, putting on a good show for everyone who came through their door. Lying through their teeth, taking praise for things they didn't even do. From a young age I cleaned, cooked and did the gardening for the Dursley's. For which Petunia took all the praise for, she was more into emotional abuse than hitting me, although when she did it bloody hurt." unconsciously rubbing his head. "She picked up the things nearest to her, spatulas, prongs, the heaviest thing she's hit me with was a frying pan filled with hot oil."

"And Vernon?" Severus asked, his lips pursed, did he even want to know?

Harry shook his head, "I haven't seen them for six years, I have thought of them more this past week than in all that time. I want to forget about it and move on…is that too much to ask?" a vulnerable note to his voice.

"No, but regretfully that is not how it works," Severus admitted, the urge to comfort his mate was very strong, but he refrained. "Talking about it helps, the way you speak of it is concerning, there is no anger, no disgust, you are speaking of it as matter of fact, as if part of you believes you deserved what happened to you." even as he spoke he was hoping that Harry would vehemently deny it, for he wasn't sure how he would feel if those were Harry's true thoughts on the subject. As the silence stretched he felt his worst fears realized.

"I did believe that for many years, why else would everyone just turn a blind eye to my suffering?" Harry admitted after a few moments silence, not sure whether he actually wanted to lay his soul bare to this vampire. Mate or not, but he knew he had to give it a chance; surely it would be easier here amongst his family? Knowing they were safe, well quite frankly he'd do anything, even make this relationship work.

"Everyone?" Severus regarded Harry solemnly; perhaps it wasn't just the Dursleys after all who could do with punishing.

"The people who looked after me when the Dursleys were on vacation, they usually went on holidays twice a year, sometimes three. Often time it was Marge Dursley, other times it was old women from the street in Privet Drive. But when everyone believes you are an incurable criminal boy who would honesty give you the time of day?" Harry admitted this time disgust and bitterness was evident. "It was alright if it was just the old women, I actually got three meals a day and a bed to sleep in, Marge, on the other hand, was a vindictive bitch, got great amusement out of sending her dogs after me…I slept in the barn while the dogs lived inside with her. It was bigger than the cupboard I had at Privet Drive, warmer too," with the thick straw acting as an insulation.

Severus realized it was a very bad idea to be hearing this after all. His hands were clenched into fists and his anger…he had never lost control of his anger in fifteen years. Yet he was dangerously close to blowing that record right now. Sitting so close to a fire…it was an extremely bad idea to let it happen. So with an iron will he did not know he possessed, he forced his raging magic down. "I am sorry for what you've been through, Harry," Severus said sincerely, making a mental note on this Marge Dursley, he couldn't get the other Dursley's but he sure as hell would get her.

Harry could see that Severus meant it, he also had an understanding air around him, which eased some of the concern he felt at bringing up his past. "It's over with, I will never let it happen again," Harry said, and he would never let anyone control him, not for all the promises in the world.

"Indeed not," Severus dipped his head in agreement like he would let that happen, he would kill anyone who even looked at Harry the wrong way. "The meeting starts after lunch, I'll put the robes on the bed."

Robes? Harry thought why would he need to wear different robes? He already had clothes on that the tailor had made for him. It was much too extravagant for his taste, but Blaise and Theodore said he looked very regal in them. He'd' been wearing green ones, much of what he had been given was in green, the tailor insisted it brought out the color of his eyes.

"Why do I have to get dressed in this?" asked Harry, as he stared at the robes that were lying on his bed, flat out so they didn't end up crushed. They were so soft, it was caressing silk, no doubt they'd cost a fortune too. He wasn't used to this….this extravagance being thrown his way. When he was younger he hadn't received a penny for anything, not even lunch money to take to school. Then he'd entered this new world, told his father had money and that he had to pay for his Hogwarts robes, books and other items required to attend the school. Of course, he then learned most of it had gone to Dumbledore, and he wasn't in a sharing mood. Remus had always insisted he didn't understand why James (his dad) had been so idiotic with his fortune. That his grandparents would have been furious if they knew since they'd worked hard to make sure they always had plenty of money.

"It's an official meeting, Harry." said Severus putting his book down to regard his mate from the couch. Severus wondered if he had another fight on his hands. Part of him was through waiting for Harry to adjust, and wanted to show his mate what he was missing…what he was denying himself by being stubborn. He tried to see it from Harry's view, he really did but he was beyond caring he just wanted his mate. For the others to know he was taken, his, all his. He was finding it extremely hard to ignore the urges, he was a dominant, Harry whether he liked it or not was a submissive. He craved being taken care off, but he was shutting that part of himself out. After what he'd been through it was understandable but no less annoying.

"What does that mean?" asked Harry quietly, sitting down overwhelmed. Other than Blaise, Teddy, a woman he loved as a mother, and Remus who he loved like a father nobody had paid him the slightest bit of attention. Not even his so-called Godfather, who he'd never even met, just saw from a distance once. Now he had all these vampires looking at him when they thought he couldn't sense it.

"If you do not wish to attend, there is no reason for you to do so, nothing is official." stated Severus, standing up, his book forgotten as he stared at his mate. Just imagining him in those robes was driving him insane; thankfully the meeting was important otherwise he would have been tempted by Harry. He knew that without even seeing him in the robes, imagining it was enough for him.

"Official?" echoed Harry.

"Indeed, you aren't sworn in as Prince's consort yet," Severus informed him; regardless he was given the title.

"Why not?" enquired Harry, not sure if he felt relieved or indignant over it. On one hand, this wasn't what Harry had wanted, he'd been handed over like cattle. On the other, if it hadn't been for them he'd have lost his dad, and to top it off his family was brought here, to safety. He was doing more than anyone else had done for him before, he couldn't help it but it was sort of warming on him. Did that mean he actually wanted to be as Severus called it 'The Prince consort?' he had no idea, but he really did have to think long and hard on it.

Severus withheld a smirk, the look in Harry's eyes revealed more than reading his mind or hearing his voice. "You haven't consented to be the Prince consort for one, the second you must be turned before being officially sworn in as such. They will respect you nonetheless, and recognize you as a consort. No celebration will be hosted until you have gone through the change." replied Severus.

"Sworn in? There's some sort of initiation?" asked Harry interested.

"It's more of an announcement really, a party." stated Severus, "All that is required from you is a commitment to keeping true to the Prince line, and to do your best as a leader." Harry really was warming to the idea, these questions were a dead give away.

"True to the Prince line?" asked Harry removing his Dragon Hide boots, trousers and top. Then began to dress in the very expensive looking robes, which by the way hadn't been part of his new wardrobe.

"Yes, being…unfaithful is looked upon as traitorous, extremely so." Severus explained especially if it happened around the time as the new heir being conceived. In the old days, such actions were punishable by death, or imprisonment, under the castle until you breathed your last. Yes, surprisingly it had happened although not very often.

"That goes only for the consort right?" Harry snorted even Vernon hadn't been faithful to Petunia something he had learned first hand much to his everlasting horror. He also remembered his history lessons and the books he'd read while he'd actually attended primary school.

Severus arched an eyebrow, surprised by his words. "Such ignorance of my kind is very unbecoming; I must admit I'm deeply disappointed for your disregard of vampires."

Harry shifted awkwardly, flushing red embarrassed feeling all kinds of foolish.

Severus stood up and walked over to Harry, who was still half dressed, not even taking delight in the fact that Harry felt comfortable enough to dress in his presence now. He had, however, made sure never to let him see his back, very telling that. Grasping his chin, ignoring the flinch which did cause his heart to jerk because of the abuse his mate had suffered. "For your information, vampires are extremely possessive of their mates, they'd never conceive taking on…concubines or lovers especially when they've met their significant other. Not only is it frowned on, and also bad behavior but they would be able to smell it. Save yourself future embarrassment by actually reading the books on Vampire Lords and their traditions." letting his chin go he left their bedroom. By Merlin, Harry was stubborn and infuriating sometimes, where had he gotten the impression that soul mates cheated on one another?

Harry bit his lip, staring at the door inwardly wondering if he was even welcome to attend the meeting anymore. Stiffening his resolve, he quickly finished getting dressed. He made a mental note to read the damn books; he hadn't because there were just so many other tempting books on offer.

Was he beginning to change? Or was it all part of growing up? Wondered Harry as he opened the bedroom door looking around, finding Severus standing at the end of the corridor. His eyebrow rose in inquiry, and oddly enough, Harry understood that sight without needing words. He was silently asking him if he was still coming. Harry nodded, as he wandered down, Severus waited and together they entered the meeting hall. He recognized it having been there before where he had watched Albus Dumbledore squirming for the first time in his life. Something he relished now. He would get to see it again at his trial, Dumbledore had been arrested for more than one reason, but whatever those reasons were they were tightly wrapped up so nobody found out - even Severus with all his contacts hadn't been able to figure it out.

"Ready?" enquired Severus, his fingers brushing Harry's letting him decide.

Harry held onto his hand, as the nerves began to get the better of him, he had no idea what awaited him through that door. Staring down at the hand, wondering what the hell had gotten into him. He should be fighting this, not giving him an easier time.

"Don't fight it, just accept it." whispered Severus his voice extremely seductive.

Harry swallowed thickly, his mind whirling. He knew what Remus would be saying though, give it a chance. Both of them hadn't had the best childhoods, maybe that understanding would lead to more?

"Stupefy!" "Stupefy!" "Petrificus Totalus!" "Confundo!" shouted Sirius, trying to hit his targets but it was impossible, they moved too fast for him. It was the last thing he could remember, other than inwardly cursing, before he was met with darkness, and he knew no more.

"Isn't that Sirius Black?" one Vampire asked, leaning over the unconscious wizard.

"Yes," said the other in agreement. "I suggest we put him in the dungeons, our Lord will need to know immediately after he is finished with the meeting."

"Alright," was said, and then Sirius Black was hoisted over his back as if he was nothing but a small sack of potatoes, and carried into Prince Castle.

"What's wrong? Is it Remus?" asked Harry, his green eyes shadowed with worry, he'd seen Severus stiffen and nod to two vampires who immediately Apparated away.

"No, there is no change in Remus." Severus said soothing him.

"Then what was it?" enquired Harry, curious now instead of worried.

"The intruder alert ward went off," said Severus, "They are going to take care of whoever it is."

"Oh," Harry murmured, well it couldn't be Dumbledore, who else would be crazy enough to enter a vampires domain? Death Eaters?

"We will find out soon enough." Severus added, nodding firmly.

"We?" asked Harry, slightly surprised.

Severus' lips twitched and he arched his eyebrow. "We." he stated sharply, his hand still in Harry's, unconsciously stroking it softly, and Harry had yet to move it despite the fact they were sitting down.

"Sir?" called Selvic, entering the room, despite the fact he wasn't on 'duty' anymore, he should be spending time with his mate and newborn child. Unfortunately, it wasn't easy to unwind; he was so used to working, that not doing it was like being missing one of his limbs. Thankfully his mate understood, but he made sure to spend a lot of time with them.

"Yes, Selvic?" asked Severus frowning, "Is everything alright?" he could sense the worry bleeding off the vampire in waves.

"Um, the newspaper…have you saw a copy?" asked Selvic.

"No, why?" Severus demanded, having a feeling deep in his bones exactly what would be revealed.

"Here," said Selvic handing over the lunch edition of the Daily Prophet.

Severus accepted the paper but did not read it; he didn't want Harry to see it in front of all the others. "Thank you." said Severus nodding curly.

Selvic bowed low in respect before he joined the others, just as he did Storm and Cenric appeared and sat down ready to start the meeting.

"Everything rectified?" asked Severus, reading their surface thoughts, Sirius Black? Well, that was unexpected. "One of you go back down and keep an eye on him, at all times." he didn't want to risk Black getting his hands on Harry; nobody was taking him away, or hurting him.

"Yes sir," said Storm before the disappeared once more, deciding she would do it.

"Go and spend time with your family, Selvic." said Severus seriously.

He nodded in agreement before he walked out of the room at vampire speed.

Harry opened his mouth a dozen questions on the tip of his tongue, what was on the paper? Who was the 'he' they were talking about? Why was he so dangerous that Severus thought a vampire had to stay with him? Why keep him in the castle? Was it a Death Eater?

"Later." Severus promised his black eyes grim.

"Alright." Harry conceded, reluctantly nodding.

"The first on the list has to be Lucius Malfoy," Severus demanded, all vampires listened intently no sign of movement or life. They did very good impressions of statues and Harry did find it intimidating as hell. "He along with the Lestranges are the most dangerous and supply most of the funds for the war." they were the most dangerous of the Death Eaters, and the best connected. Take them away and you took a great deal of the Dark Lords money, and resources.

"Do the Lestranges still have their money? They're wanted wizards, hasn't access to their Gringotts been cut off?" Harry asked, perplexed.

"Gringotts has different rules from the Ministry; it is why there have been many wars over the controlling of the wizarding bank. While the Ministry like to pretend that the law breakers cannot access their vaults, the truth is that they can and do so quite frequently." Severus leaned over to explain to Harry, and doing so with patience he afforded no other. "There are a few books on Gringotts etiquette and rules in the library, if you wish to know more. Not many copies survived, but we are lucky enough to have two here in the Castle." Severus was unsurprised to see those green eyes light up with delight; he didn't think he'd seen anyone with such a thirst for information like Harry.

"Thaddeus Nott is quite high up as well, both in the Ministry as a Wizengamot member, but as a pureblood with wealth, unlike the Lestranges and Malfoys they do not boast about their fortune, which is considerably more due to the fact it's just been him and his son for many years." Zarek pointed out thoughtfully.

"Not quite," Harry said, shaking his head, "He's spent a lot of the Nott fortune using private investigators to search for Voldemort. Theodore said they were best friends back while they were at Hogwarts, that he was the only original 'Knight of the Walpurgis' to survive to this day." Yes, Theodore's father was old enough to his grandfather, he hadn't settled down like the others, and had married very late in life and longer still before they were able to have an heir.

The others stared at him startled, whether it was because he had spoken and felt he shouldn't, or perhaps surprised he knew anything to do with the subject matter at all. Severus, however, felt his lips twitching in pride, yes; he would fit into his life without a problem if he wished.

"What? Theodore is my best friend," Harry pointed out at the looks he was receiving, he rather hoped they weren't old fashioned and believed the 'Prince Consort' should be seen and not heard. He was definitely going to get into the politics if he was to stay here. "Malfoy spent a lot of his fortune to stay out of Azkaban, even now he constantly bribes people, and if anyone is funding the war it will be those who went to Azkaban…with their fortunes lying untouched for fifteen years the interest alone is probably immense. Could see the war through for a couple of years before they had to move onto the rest. He has an inner circle right?"

"Indeed, he does," Severus replied, "Most were imprisoned, depending on who the Dark Lord used in the raids, they might have recovered from their stay in Azkaban…or as recovered as one could get surrounded by Dementors for fifteen years."

"Many more of them died," Corin added, "The Order of the Phoenix did get their share of body count, just as much as their losses."

"The Prewitt brothers," Harry said with a savage grin, he had read all about that and he was in awe of them. It was too bad their bravery and smarts had not paid off in his classmate, Ronald Weasley, the prejudice lazy lout that he was.

"I read about that," Dalton said reverently, "I would have dearly liked to have seen it, what a battle it would have been."

Eventually, they got back to their original topic, plots, and plans on taking out the key members of the Dark Lord's army. Which wasn't as easy as it seemed, between not knowing where their base was, to the wards that would surely be surrounding the Dark Lord. To catch them unawares would take a great deal of strategic planning.

There we go another chapter :D and another day I'm definitely liking this version much better...I will be adding this version to a03 once it's caught up which won't be long, I've deleted quite a lot of the old stuff and replaced it, others has been mixed in :D R&R please