Chapter Seventeen
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters nor the scenery which you could recognise, the only thing I take credit for is the plot.
Pairings: Marvolo/Severus
Warnings: Dark Harry, Dumbledore, Hermione, and Weasley bashing (excluding Bill, Charlie, Fred, and George).
Word Count: 7,528
Date Rewritten: 24/02/2021
The room descends into a comfortable silence all remaining tension bleeding out as Aldwyn giggles happily throwing his arms around Marvolo and Severus' necks in a tight hug. They watch the interaction for a moment before Bill steps forward clearing his throat.
"Well now that everything is sorted out, why don't you show everyone what we have been working on for the past few hours, Aldwyn?"
Aldwyn jumps back from his parents, head bobbing in agreement as a wide grin shapes his lips, he makes his way over to the collection of armchairs before turning to gaze questioningly up at Bill who rolls his eyes, inkling his head. He seats himself in the chair next to Aldwyn and opens his arms to allow the child to crawl onto his lap. Aldwyn shifts around draping his legs over the arm as his head rests on Bill's shoulder cuddling into the older wizard's chest as arms wrap around his back and waist.
As the rest follow suit, Severus watches the interaction between Aldwyn and Bill a soft smile adorning his usually abrasive features at how close the pair seemed to be. In ordinarily pleased that Aldwyn had found such a good friend, besides Draco, that would be there for him. He sits down on one of the sofas next to Marvolo as the man lights a fire and calls for some refreshments from a house elf.
"Alright Snakelet, I know you are dying so show us what you, Bill and Lucius have been spending the past few hours cooking up. The stage is yours."
"Of course, Papa. I know all of you are just as eager to know."
Severus calls everyone's attention to Aldwyn who shots him a sparkling smile as he pulls a piece of muggle paper out of his pocket. Sliding the paper over to Severus, Aldwyn settles back against Bill winking at his parents as the note is passed around the room.
My name is Harry James Potter, or at least I think it is, it is what my Aunt Petunia told the teachers at my Primary school to call me anyway; I thought my name was Freak until I was five and they made me live in the cupboard under the stairs, or they have since I was left on their doorstep. My family are horrible to me every day; they give me a long list of chores to do and force me to complete them in a short amount of time without a break or water under the hot sun. Most days I am not even allowed food because I am a freak and they do not want to earn their hard-earned food on me. I should not be alive, and I am scared that I won't be for much longer.
Uncle Vernon hurts me more and more all the time. It was worse when he was drunk. His favourite punishment was to use his belt, sometimes everything would go black for hours before I could wake up again and I would be told to resume my chores and the cooking. Anyway, I know I am not going to be alive for much longer, so I am writing this Will. That's what people do before they die, I think.
I don't have much to leave behind because freaks aren't allowed toys or presents, the only clothes I have are Dudley's old hand-me-downs which are too big for me. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia also destroyed all of my School supplies and robes when I arrived home from Hogwarts this summer as well.
I did receive a letter a few days ago from Gringotts bank, they said that bad people were taking money from the Potter Family Vault (whatever that is). So, if I am dead and cannot get the money back myself, I would like to request that my friends, the Goblins of Gringotts Bank get it back for me. The Potter Money and everything which I didn't know about (anything that belonged to my parents) is being left to the next Heir to the Potter line which has already been agreed upon with the Goblins. It cannot be undone.
Finally, I would like to request that Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is to be kept away from any and all of my Family possessions, properties and assets. He was the one who left me on the doorstep of my relatives' home the night my parents were murdered. He never checked on me and left me to be beaten, starved and neglected despite me asking and pleading for him to let me stay somewhere else at the end of my First Year.
Harry James Potter.
The room falls into silence as the information processes. Narcissa and Draco subtly try to wipe their eyes free of tears before allowing them to fall freely down their cheeks as they finish reading through the Will. Draco cuddles into his Father's chest drawing comfort from Lucius who takes some time to reread what had gotten his wife and Son so upset. If this was their reaction after having known about the abuse, he was vindictively looking forward to the reactions of the rest of the wizarding world. Bill, upon handing the Will over to Severus tugs Aldwyn swiftly into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping around him.
"I still can't believe that is you sugar-coating everything, Parum Anguis. They will pay for everything they have ever put you through, that I can promise you. We will get them back for you, Aldwyn."
Aldwyn is stunned speechless at just how much emotion he can here seeping into Bill's tone, the man who is usually so carefree and happy; his words chocked as he clings to Aldwyn as if to try and share the pain the young child had gone through. To potentially shield him from all the suffering he had been forced to endure while he had been Harry Potter.
"Thank you, Bill. I know it is hard but there is nothing we can really do about it now. Everything those muggles did to me is in the past and I will never have to see them again. Father and Papa will fight tooth and nail if anyone even thought about trying to pull us apart and I know that I can count on the Malfoy's Charlie and you to keep me safe as well."
The Will is handed over to Malfoy so that he could plant it in the Dursley's home at some point in the next few days and he places it into his pocket. Settling back against Bill, Aldwyn grins over at his Godfather who returns the gesture and clears his throat drawing attention back to himself.
"Aldwyn and I have devised a suitable plan. I will be dropping hints, discreetly of course, throughout the Ministry for the next couple of days in hopes of manipulating the Auror's into action. Aldwyn's Will will have already been put in place in his Cupboard making it look more realistic."
Marvolo and Severus smile at Lucius waves of relief washing through them at the idea of their Son being mere days away from being released from the weight of the wizarding world, free from crushing expectations. They were so close to being able to give their child the chance of having a normal childhood and away from the war if he so chose.
Their plans are finally coming to fruition.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardly is sitting in a throne-like chair upon the small raised platform which holds the long staff table at the front of the Great Hall; a great vantage point for when he wished to overwatch his students during term times. The early morning atmosphere much calmer during this time of the year due to the lack of student chatter; professors gathering for breakfast while bright streams of sunlight stream through the large windows behind them. Headmaster Dumbledore looks to his sides, a small smirk shaping his lips at the power he holds over some of the most talented witches and wizards in Wizarding Britain. He butters his toast while upholding an idle conversation about the upcoming school year with his Deputy, Minerva McGonagall.
Severus Prince, despite his great reluctance and obvious discomfort at being summoned to dine with his colleagues on such a particular day for such a early morning meal sits passively in his seat beside the Head of Gryffindor House blocking out any attempts the Lioness attempts to make in engaging him in mundane conversation. His mind drifting periodically to his Son and how disappointed the child is going to be when he learns that his Papa has been called away for his first ever birthday breakfast with his new family. His frown deepens.
Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff and Filius Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw are also deep in their own discussion on the array of charms and spells used to aid to the caring of various plant species and herbs catching the attention of the Grounds Keeper, Rubeus Hagrid, who is happy to put his two knuts forward every now and again. The room is otherwise filled with the quiet sounds of cutlery clattering against plates, mugs of hot beverages hitting the wooden tabletop, and the shifting of robes as each professor eats their fill.
Their usual morning routine only being interrupted by the sudden influx of owls flying through the overhead entrance much earlier than usual. Knives and forks are dropped when the birds drop an emergency edition of the Daily Prophet in front of each occupant, a black and white image of a clean cut, ordinary muggle house adorning the front page. A few professors exchange baffled expressions at the hurried pace of the delivery owls, none of them pausing to accept payment as they make a beeline out of the hall. The only exceptions being Severus, Bill and Charlie who attempt to valiantly hold back their smirks of vindictive amusement at the article.
Silence descends through the hall as mouthfuls are swallowed and hands wiped cleans as everyone stares in frozen trepidation, dread creeping across their skin as the newspaper stares back up at them innocently urging them to read it. There had only been a few occasions when the Daily Prophet had released emergency editions throughout the past century or so. The most recent being to announce the demise of the Dark Lord and Harry Potter's status as the Boy-Who-Lived.
A loud horror-filled gasp breaks the silence. Professor Sprout had reached forward eyes scanning the front-page headline as tears rapidly begin to fill her eyes as she quickly scans through the article. The others, now startled out of their stupors, are quick to follow suit. Unrolling their own copies, shocked exclamations resound through the air at the information written before them.
Boy-Who-Lived… Dead?
It is with a heavy heart and sombre mind that I find myself drafting this article for you all, the population of Wizarding Britain, this despairingly dolent morning. Distressing news reached us here at the Daily Prophet Headquarters late last night that a group of trained Aurors and members from the Child Welfare Office had been called out to a Muggle Residence due to some suspicious accounts being reported about a young wizard who may have been being mistreated by his relatives. Aurors and Wizarding Child Service officials gathered outside the muggle residence of one, Harry James Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, only to find that the young Saviour was missing from his home in Little Whinging, Surry.
That's right, our loyal readers, Harry Potter, eleven-year-old defeater of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has supposedly vanished without a trace just days after reports of mistreatment were established.
After hearing of this distressing news I had the privilege of interviewing the individuals who had discovered this deplorable turn of events and what I found out was quite disturbing indeed. The Wizard, who wishes to remain anonymous for their own safety answered that Mister Potter was usually spotted outside his relatives home working in the Gardens at least once a day. However, this would not have been a cause for concern except that young Harry Potter was last seen to be pale, tired, bruised, bloodied and trying to mask obvious pain. The Wizard also claimed that it wasn't unusual to see the young Potter Heir covered in various bruises and injuries. Harry Potter then failed to show the next day.
He answered that Mister Potter's relatives, who had been given the responsibility of caring for and raising their nephew, when questioned about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Harry Potter were said to have jeered, sneered and muttered about 'the good for nothing freak', 'he had been asking for it' and things along the lines of the 'Freak getting what he deserved'. Theses phrases, for obvious reasons my dear readers sent chills down our spines. It is clear that the young Potter was forced to suffer through some horrendous attacks under their care.
Many hours of intensive and gruelling questioning from the several highly trained Aurors on scene eventually managed to pull a disturbing account of the events surrounding Harry Potter's disappearance. Harry Potter's relatives, whose names will be kept private for their own safety at the present time, confessed to having beaten, starved and severely verbally abused their young Nephew from the day he had been abandoned on their doorstep the night of his parents murder.
That is right, ladies and gentlemen, Harry Potter, Light of the Wizarding World was left outside at the tender age of fifteen months, overnight on one of the coldest nights on record from the last decade. By who you ask? It has been hinted at by a close, reliable source within Gringotts bank and confirmed by insiders within the Ministry (and by the Muggle Relatives of Harry Potter themselves) that Albus Dumbledore has been found to have been responsible for Harry Potter's placement with Lily Potter's sister and her family despite the Potter Wills being sealed immediately. Did no one decided to check up on the child to ensure he was being looked after and care for? Did Dumbledore have the Potter Will's sealed in order to prevent the young Saviour from going to his proper home in accordance with his Parents' last wishes.
After further investigations and inquiries, I have discovered a most frightening truth about the extent of abuse that our Saviour had to suffer through for ten years or so. Aurors, after hearing the story from the muggle relatives went forward to search the house for evidence against the abusers and found sights that would bring even the most hardened criminals to their knees. Eleven-year-old Harry Potter, upon arriving home from his first year at Hogwarts School was forced to live and sleep in the a boot closet under the stairs, somewhere where he had been confined to for most of his stay as seen by the sign taped to the back of the door claiming the cupboard to be 'Harry's room'. Upon deeper searches, something was discovered which sent chills down the Aurors spines. Young Harry Potter had been worried about his Uncle and Aunt eventually taking their beatings too far and feared for his life. So much so that he had taken the time to write a Will; a will which had been crafted before the boy left for Hogwarts.
According to the Goblins in charge of the Potter accounts, Albus Dumbledore had intercepted any chances being put forward about Harry Potter's living arrangements; barricaded his rightful guardian from suspecting his responsibilities; responsibilities they had been informed about yesterday evening. Professor Snape, world renowned Potions Master, recently anointed Lord Prince, could be seen standing outside the muggle residence throughout the ongoing investigation and despite his obvious grief agreed to give his statement:
"I know that I have made many errors during my life, especially through the years when I was fresh out of Hogwarts but I can honestly say that I have come to regret many of the choices I had made. I caused such unnecessary pain, suffering and many casualties. I am ashamed. Though, I would never have thought that the Headmaster would even consider to abandon Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived in such an abusive setting without ever having checked on the child once. I, myself faced much abuse from my Father at home during my childhood and often found myself, much like Mister Potter, neglected and left to fend for myself despite the evidence pointing to my abuse. It saddens me greatly that I have been denied the opportunity to care for and raise such a bright young child as Mister Potter."
"I can't help but feel as if it were my own fault that Mister Potter has potentially met with such an early demise, or even run away due to the harsh treatment and pray to Merlin and Mother Magic that the Aurors can find Harry in good health soon. As one of his professors over the past year and, as I have recently found out, his true guardian, I should have seen the signs; noticed that something wasn't quite right. I could have raised his together with my own Son. Though I fear that I am now too late. I have failed to protect my young charge."
My heart went out for the Potions Master, ladies and gentlemen as I watched silent tears spilling down his cheeks; his eyes holding such a depth of sorrow and regret as he stood outside the house of young Harry Potter. I followed up by asking him what he had planned to do now after he had found this information out and his answer truly surprised me.
"I will be keeping up to date on the ongoing investigation into the Disappearance of Harry Potter. Though I will also be resuming my position at Hogwarts teaching potions. There are many students within the school who need me and I will not let them down now. Besides, I will be ensuring I am there to keep an eye on my Son who is transferring into his Second year come September."
You have indeed heard correctly my dear readers, Severus Prince, residing potions professor at Hogwarts has a twelve-year-old Son who will be joining the school for his second year this upcoming September. I also have been privy to the news on the dear professor's potential for a future courting by none other than the recently discovered Lord Slytherin. Apparently, Lord Slytherin made his intentions known to his partner in making him Lord Consort Prince-Slytherin by ways of the Old Laws and let me be the first to congratulate this happy future union.
Well, I ask you this dear readers:
Is this what our world has come to? Has our world sunk as far as to turn our backs on Magical children residing in the Muggle world facing abuse? There are several examples of innocent children who have been abandoned by the magical world even after learning of their mistreatment at the hands of muggle relatives: a young bright boy by the name of Thomas Riddle who disappeared mere months after his graduation from Hogwarts, Severus Prince and now Harry Potter, all had been ignored when they had pleaded for salvations. Is it too late for our nation to save our young so blessed by Mother Magic?
Keep posted as I will be doing my best to report any additional information on the impending investigation into Harry potter's disappearance.
Rita Skeeter.
Albus Dumbledore now staring slack-jawed down at the newspaper in his hands sends a cursory glance up and down the table swallowing nervously at the reveal of some sensitive information. His eyes widen in horror at the prospect of Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived disappearing without a trace throwing all his current plans up in the air. How was he supposed to train the boy and guide him into battles against Voldemort now that he had gone missing? How was he supposed to mould the Wizarding World into his ideals if no one revered him enough for his take down of not only Grindlewald but Lord Voldemort as well. He scans the article once more, teeth clenching at the announcement of the 'lost' Slytherin Heir coming forward to claim his Lordship; a Lordship which he knows there is only one Heir left to claim. A person who couldn't be back in physical form enough to step out in public. He makes a mental note to check on the Philosopher's Stone once more after their staff breakfast ended. He needed to question Severus about this new Lord Slytherin and his supposed Son; how had he never heard of the Potions Professor having a child before? He knew everything to happen within his employees' lives, as he knew just about everything that happened within the wizarding world.
Throwing the paper down upon the table, Dumbledore racks his brain for ways he could brush off the insinuations of Rita Skeeter's words before any doubts begin to form in his professor's minds about him condoning child abuse. Glad for once that the Daily Prophet hadn't been able to get hold of anymore incriminating evidence on his involvement in the treatment of Harry Potter. He steeples his fingers, usual cheery disposition crumbling as annoyance flares. His mind wanders to the Potter Account Manager and why they had decided to check for abnormalities now, as according to Harry's Will, which the Daily Prophet had printed a copy of, the young boy had received a letter stating as such with promises to gather the outstanding monies and assets in preparation for the next named Potter Heir to claim.
So deeply engrossed with his own worries, Dumbledore doesn't notice the subtle smirk tugging at the corners of Severus' lips, nor the looks of amusement passing between the Weasley brothers as they silently watch the changing expressions of their fellow colleagues at the devastating news. Maybe it would teach them to not rest all their hopes on a child and to pay attention to their students when they were being spoken to.
After taking a few moments to process the article, Minerva tries desperately to wipe her tear-filled eyes as thoughts whirl through her head before focusing on the Headmaster, a hand held over her trembling lips as the other clenches around the Newspaper. Shaking her head in denial, not wanting to believe that James and Lily's child is missing and potentially fatally wounded. As more professors place the article down on the table, the hall fills with the quiet sounds of sniffling and grieving, each one harbouring thoughts of the bright, spirited little boy they had all gotten to know over the past year. None of them had suspected that he had been the victim of severe abuse. McGonagall clears her throat catching the attention of Dumbledore who is quick to smile sorrowfully at his Deputy.
"Albus? How could something like this happen? You told me that he would be safe there; that he would be loved and cared for. Why didn't he tell any of us?"
Dumbledore sighs despondently, placing a comforting hand upon the distraught witch's shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze as he lets his face fall into a convincing expression of grief.
"I am terribly sorry, my dear. I honestly thought that Lily's sister would care for the boy as if he were her own Son. I had no idea as to the abuse young Harry was being subjected to."
Severus inwardly sneers as he watches the display, for that was what this was. He was not the least bit fooled by the pitiful act, especially when he spies the dangerous glint hidden behind the old man's expression. He scoffs.
"Please, it isn't a surprise that Harry never thought he could come to any of us with this. The one time he went to a professor about an important topic, he was essentially called a liar and told to go back to his dorm room, isn't that right, Minerva? You refused to believe his and his friends when he told you someone was after the Stone and when he told the Headmaster at the end of the school year about his abuse, Albus told him virtually the same thing. That it wasn't as bad as Harry was making out, that he was merely exaggerating the abuse, but I am sure that he must have been sugar-coating it if anything."
"Severus is correct I am afraid. Headmaster, you were the one who placed Harry with his relatives and therefore had a responsibility to ensure he was being looked after, despite your own thoughts on the matter especially seen as the Potter Wills were never read and therefore his true guardian was never informed of such a responsibility. You even saw fit to inform all of us that you knew Young Harry was being loved and devoted on by his carers."
Pomona puts in dabbing her eyes with her napkin.
"My dear, I would never have left Harry with his relatives if I knew he was being mistreated but it was the safest place for him at the time, what with the blood wards keeping him safe."
"Safe from what, Headmaster? The only threat Harry faced was the beatings from the Dursleys!"
Minerva puts in, voice raising at the Headmaster's audacity.
"Albus. You did leave him in an abusive setting after you found out about it. Harry told you; begged you to allow him to stay at the school for the summer holidays or better yet the Burrow with the Weasley family and yet you told him he was exaggerating his abuse. You called him a liar and sent him back into that hell without so much as a second thought!"
Severus can feel his temper rising at each deflection Albus waves through, his composure cracking as images of his little boy lying in his bed, bloodied, bruised and broken; how scared Aldwyn still is when someone raises their voice in his proximity. His teeth clench and his finger tighten in his robes when Albus merely sighs and glances down at him.
"Severus, I truly thought that Lily's sister wouldn't harm her nephew like that, that young Harry was as children do merely over exaggerating the harshness of some punishments because they feel as if their guardians are too strict on them. I never would have suspected that Mr and Mrs Dursley would have abused their nephew, not to such a degree."
"I don't care what you thought nor what you chose to believe, Albus! If a child comes to you at the end of the school year and practically begs you to allow them a safe haven within the school or anywhere that is besides their permanent residence then it should have been looked into. That child was beaten, starved, neglected and so terrified for their own life that they wrote a Will, Albus! A Will before they were eleven years old!"
Severus snarls at the Headmaster, eyes gleaming with tears at the thought of his child being hurt to such a degree; luckily Marvolo and himself had gotten to the boy before it had become irreversible. He casts a subtle glance down the table and inwardly smirks at the nods of agreement he is receiving from his fellow colleagues.
"You not only told a small abused boy that no one would believe him of his abuse, but you also inexplicably informed him that he wasn't worth the effort to look into, protect or assist. That he was alone, not only in the muggle world but in this new world he had become a part of. Not only that, Albus but you illegally kidnapped Harry Potter, your Golden Boy and stuck him in some remote part of the country with no contact to our world for the entire summer holidays."
He takes a deep drink from his coffee, praying to Merlin that he will be able to leave sometime soon, he missed his Son and wished to spend the rest of the day spoiling Aldwyn as much as he could. It was his first real birthday afterall. His teeth clench when Albus tuts at him like a small child.
"Now, now, Severus kidnapping is a bit harsh, don't you think? I merely did what I thought was best for the boy who had just defeated Lord Voldemort. The blood wards would have protected him from any harm that someone would wish upon him…"
Smiling softly down at the dour man, Dumbledore shakes his head slowly as if expressing his disappointment at such a statement, he allows small tears to roll down his cheeks and Severus can feel his temper flaring once more. How dare the man pretend to care about Harry Potter when he did nothing for the child and only wished to spend time with him when it was related to Voldemort's return.
"No, the blood wards would have protected the family from any harm wished upon them by Death Eaters and followers of the Dark Lord wishing to exact revenge on Harry Potter for defeating and vanquishing their Lord. It would have done nothing to prevent Harry from being harmed by anyone inside the house. Albus, you should have at least listened to Harry when he spoke to you about it or at least sent someone to check up on the boy every now and again."
Dumbledore's eyes blaze with anger for a split second, long enough for Severus to catch it and he can't supress his smile, the Headmaster was losing control of his staff members, losing hold of his omnipotent power and he wasn't taking it to well. Minerva, who had begun to side with Severus, backing her colleague up in his questioning against the headmaster crosses her arms in front of her chest, eyes narrowing as she stares at the forlorn look on her employer's face. Something wasn't quite adding up.
"I find myself disappointed that you would choose to believe Rita Skeeter's article who, you and I all know, has a nasty habit of spinning the truth to create the most interesting and least logical stories. The Ministry and I have never truly seen eye-to-eye and would do anything to oppose me."
The professors shift uncomfortably in their seats, thoughts conflicted between believing Albus Dumbledore or whether or not to believe the words written in the Daily Prophet. Magic saturates the air around them all growing thick as sparks run across the polished wooden surface of the table. Goblets and plates shaking violently as Severus' scowl deepens. His eyes shine with disgust and anger even while his expression remains passive, controlled in the face of such bold lies.
"You seem to have forgotten, Headmaster, that I was there. That I was standing outside that Dursley's house when Potter's inquiry was taking place. That I saw the ratty blanket he had been forced to use for warmth; the dingy cot he slept on, crammed into the small cupboard under the stairs; bottles of harmful cleaning chemicals lining the shelves interspersed with broken toys Harry had managed to salvage from the bins. I saw the blood-stained walls, floors and windows of the bedroom upstairs where he was near tortured. He never should have had to suffer through any of that, Headmaster. He should have come to me. He should have been mine."
Minerva places a calming hand on Severus' shoulder when tears begin to fall from his eyes, face pale. He could have been living all these years with a Son; a child to call his own and yet the Headmaster, for reasons unknown refused to give him that one reprieve from his hellish and uneventful life. Harry could have been loved and cared for from the very beginning, not knowing what abuse was first-hand; only hearing about it from the television or newspapers.
"My boy…"
"No, Headmaster. There is nothing you could say that would ever justify what you did. You left a poor defenceless little boy with disgusting pigs who cared more about appearing 'normal' to their neighbours and their overly obese Son to put even a second thought to their own Nephew! There was nothing in that house to even suggest Harry even lived there. He went days at a time without food, slept in a broom closet with the only light source being a crack in the bottom of the door. He didn't even have any clothes to call his own and certainly no toys. Harry had been nothing but a slave for them to use as and when they pleased."
Gasps echo around the room at Severus' words though he doesn't even spare his colleagues a glance as he continues to stare at his employer almost daring him to try and defend himself now. If this was their reactions now he wonders what they would say if they knew that the Headmaster had actually been paying these muggles to beat and starve their Nephew; that he had wished for the young boy to be broken beyond repair before he stepped foot in the castle.
"What I don't understand, Headmaster, is why you took Harry in the first place. I mean with Black imprisoned in Azkaban for the murder of those muggles and Peter Pettigrew and Lupin being a registered Werewolf, Severus was Harry Potter's legal guardian. According to the Goblins anyway. He is a very capable man and could have bought Harry up in the wizarding world. You-Know-Who was vanquished so he would have been safe as well."
Charlie sends a sly wink towards Severus who responds by rolling his eyes at the young wizard before he turns his attention back to Dumbledore having to bite his lips so he doesn't grin at the flash of annoyance at the audacity of Charlie. Dumbledore wasn't a fan of having people, especially those who were supposed to revere him, question his authority and choices.
"Why Charlie, my dear boy, I didn't want to burden Severus and so I took it upon myself to place Harry with his only living relatives."
"That wasn't your call to make, headmaster. Not only did you ignore the last wishes of James and Lily but you wilfully and knowingly ignored a legally binding document entrusted to the Goblins' care. They would not have appreciated this slight against them, Headmaster and now because of your actions the Saviour is dead. Who is going to defeat You-Know-Who when he returns now?"
Bill questions, he had been working for the Goblins in Gringotts since he had graduated school and he knew for a fact that what the Headmaster had done, despite the time delay, was something that would not be taken lightly by the Goblins at all, no matter who the offender may be. It was there duty to follow through with all wizarding kinds last requests through Heirships, property dispersion and the allocation of guardian for their children if they were still underaged as Harry had been. The fact that Dumbledore not only undermined their responsibilities but also disregarded the last requests of two highly commendable magical uses was an insult to the nation.
"Ah but Bill, my dear boy, this may just be the sign we have been looking for. Fate has decided to smile down upon us during this sad time."
Dumbledore responds without missing a beat, his tone jovialant despite the sombre air. Severus cringes as the twinkle shines ever brighter within the depths of the old man's blue eyes, and the Weasley brothers shift in their seats, wary of what Dumbledore must be planning. The three watch as Dumbledore glances down the table ensuring that everyone's attention is on him, as it should be.
"When the prophecy was spoken all those years ago, it stated that a boy 'born as the seventh month dies', which at the time I had assumed was Harry Potter due to him being born in the evening of 31st July and being a half-blood just as Voldemort had been making Harry his equal in more ways than one. However, there was a second child thought to be the prophecy child as well, a child born just a day prior to young Harry and with Harry now no longer with us it seems that he was not the child the prophecy spoke of."
The room quietens down, silence blanketing the air as everyone stares up at Dumbledore in disbelief, how could such an error have been made and if Harry wasn't the child of prophecy then how did he survive the Killing curse sent at him by the Dark Lord himself? How was Harry able to defeat Quirrell and prevent him from getting the Stone the previous school year if he wasn't the child of prophecy?
"What do you mean, Albus?"
Pomona gazes at her employer conflicted, her thoughts a swirling mess within her mind not being able to comprehend such a suggestion. Harry Potter had not only been declared the Boy-Who-Lived but had also been specifically targeted by the Dark Lord who had known about the two boys. He had still chosen to go after Harry, something which both he and Dumbledore shared.
"Well Pomona, these events have certainly proven to us all that I have made a grave error. Harry Potter never was the child of prophecy, despite his seemingly unexplainable survival of the Killing Curse. I feel that if he were then he would still be with us to aid in the fight against Voldemort when he rises again. So, I believe that Neville Longbottom has been the child of prophecy all along."
This time Severus cannot help it and scoffs out loud at the insinuation behind the Headmaster's words. How could the Headmaster even contemplate the boy as the rightful prophecy child when he could barely hold a wand, let alone perform any spells at an adequate level. How could he brush aside his Golden Boy without so much as a by-your-leave? His colleagues all turn to glance at the potions master incredulously who seems to be battling between amusement and deadly rage.
"I can't believe you, Headmaster. How could you it all off like that, because you were so sure of yourself all those years ago that Harry was the chosen one Lily and Potter died. They were hunted down and targeted because of you! Now because things haven't gone the way you expected, you have decided to replace Harry, a small child you wished to mould into being your perfect weapon with Neville Longbottom. A child who is, at the moment at least, no better than a squib. He is an incompetent klutz who needs to be told the right way to hold his wand."
Several teachers reluctantly agree with their colleague, each conjuring up memories of incidences within their own lessons involving the Longbottom Heir and the hospital wing on several occasions merely due to the fact that Neville had been, as Severus had said, incompetent. They were gobsmacked to hear Albus brushing Harry Potter aside as if he were nothing, just an insignificant bump in the road.
"Severus, my boy, I am sure that with a little extra training and the right guidance, Neville Longbottom will be able to aid us in our battle against Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters better than many Aurors would be able to."
"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named vanished years ago, he hasn't been seen nor heard from in over a decade Albus. How do we even know if he is going to return soon or at all?"
Filius questions quietly, not one for arguing moot points unless in a deep and meaningful discussion, especially with his sixth and seventh year Ravenclaws. The small charms teacher simply sits silently as Severus ignores the Headmaster's last comment, settling back into his chair laughing inwardly as he ponders the chances of Neville Longbottom ever being able to go up against the Dark Lord in a duel.
A few seconds tick by and most present decide to slowly return to their own conversations, though small mutterings continue about the most recent news on Harry Potter's suspected demise or at least fatal injuries at the hands of his relatives. That is until Minerva rereads the article smirking at some of the hidden details Rita Skeeter had managed to sneak into the column. She chuckles softly, an amused glint shining in her eyes as she turns her attention to Severus who is staring forlornly at the doors.
"So, Severus, how come none of us have heard of your recent relationship change?"
The Head of Slytherin chokes on his coffee turning to glare sharply at his colleague, a single eyebrow raised in question, he had been hoping no one would have remembered that little detail, praying to Merlin that he would be able to leave the castle without having his personal life called into question. He places his mug down on the table and wipes his mouth with his napkin, if only to stall his answer especially when the table goes oddly silent once again.
"Well, Minerva, I didn't see how it was any of your business but yes, I am in a romantic relationship with Lord Slytherin if you must know."
Minerva's face lights up at the confession, her previous grief disappearing momentarily at the very prospect of one of her colleagues, the one who she had never seen truly smile nor relax much before, entering into a relationship that had, by the gentle smile on his face, done him good.
"Oh Severus, I am so happy for you! What is your Son's name, the article said you had a Son? How old is he? What does he look like? Is he really coming to Hogwarts this year?"
Spewing of a plethora of questions Severus sighs in exasperation knowing that he was not likely to be leaving until he had answered all of the witch's questions to her satisfaction. He rubs the bridge of his nose, valiantly trying to ignore the snickering from the Weasley brothers.
"Aldwyn's full name is Aldwyn Salazar Slytherin and will change to Prince-Slytherin once his Father and I complete our courting and bond. He looks much like his Father did when he was a child with many of my own traits mixed in as well. He is twelve years old and will be transferring to Hogwarts this upcoming academic year, he wished to experience a formal educational setting instead of being home schooled once more. Now would you be kind enough to keep your nose out of my personal life?"
Minerva, unfazed by Severus' glare, smirks at his colleague leaning forward in her seat to get a better look at the adoring expression on Severus' face when he talks about his Son and partner. It was nice to see the younger man finding some happiness for once.
"But Severus, what is the name of your partner How did the two of you meet? How long have you been together for? You cannot just leave us like this."
Narrowing his eyes at the invasive witch, Severus subtle glances up and down the table noticing that all of his colleagues were just as eager to hear about his partner and his life away from the school. He isn't all that surprised either because he would normally spend the majority of his holiday within the dungeons of the school, working on his potions and avoiding the other members of staff. All except for the Weasley brothers who were still snickering at his expense, though they were doing nothing to hide it this time.
"My partner's name is Lord Marvolo Slytherin. He was a close friend of mine while I was in school, though he had already graduated, and no he had not been a student at Hogwarts before you ask. He left the country near the beginning of the Wizarding War in order to escape the conflict and to avoid being dragged into the fighting. He recently returned from Romania and contacted me as soon as he arrived in England. We spent most of our time together catching up and getting to know one another again. I met his Son, Aldwyn at the beginning of the Summer and we entered into an official relationship around a month ago now. It has all be a recent development."
Without waiting for anyone to respond to his answers or giving them enough time to question him any further, Severus pushes himself to his feet, inclines his head towards the Headmaster before turning in a swirl of black material and making his way towards the doors of the great hall.
"I apologise for my sudden departure, but I really must be getting home to my partner and Son as we are celebrating Aldwyn's birthday today and I have already missed his special birthday breakfast. I will be seeing you all again shortly."
With that said the doors close with a resounding thud as Severus makes his way, as calmly as possible, through the grounds of Hogwarts and out of the gates before he apparates straight back to Slytherin Manor excited to see his Son and Partner again.