Here it is the long waited seventh chapter. So sorry for taking so long to get this posted. This chapter contains a lot of dialogue and a little bit of swearing. As a reminder this is unbeta'd, so any and all mistakes are mine.
Happy reading and enjoy!
The Malfoy, Nott, Flint and Zabini parents were waiting together when Harry and his friends got off the train. They all rushed over to greet them. Harry was introduced to the others. It didn't surprise him when they didn't treat him like the people from the Leaky Cauldron. In fact he liked it.
Harry was hopping all through the introductions and until it felt like the right time to excuse himself. All he really wanted to do was find his aunt and hug her tightly.
"Dray, I'll see you guys when break is over. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy it was nice to see you again. Mr. Nott, Mr. and Mrs. Flint, and Ms. Zabini it was nice to meet you. I need to go and find my aunt."
"Of course Harry, dear. Do you need us to go with you?" Narcissa asked.
"Thank you for asking but I must decline. You all must be anxious to hear about school that isn't in the written form."
"While that may be true, we all are a little concern about your safety." Mrs. Zabini replied.
"Alright. If it makes you feel better then I welcome your company." He smiled at the group.
"Lead the way, Harry." Marcus responded.
Harry laughed and walked through the barrier. Aunt Petunia was in the waiting room, as soon as he saw her he broke out into a run and into her waiting arms. They hugged each other tightly and made no indication of separating soon.
"Harry, people are looking." Draco whispered loudly.
Aunt Petunia laughed and pulled away. "Your friend is right. We must not give people things to gossip about. Now show me some of those manners and introduce your friends."
"Right. Aunt Petunia, I like you to meet Draco Malfoy and his parents Lucius and Narcissa, this is Theo Nott Jr and his father Theodore Nott Sr., Marcus Flint and his parents Caleb and Regina, and last but not least Blaise Zabini and his mother Serena. Everyone this my aunt, Petunia Dursley."
"Evans, dear. I'll explain when we get home. It's nice to meet you all."
"It's nice to meet you too." Narcissa replied.
"Well I hope this doesn't seem rude, but Harry and I need to get going. I came here first instead of the grocery store."
"Its not rude at all." Lucius responded. "Mr. Potter, Ms. Evans have a good day."
The others followed suit and trailed after Lucius Malfoy. Harry and his aunt watched them until they were out of sight, then he turned and looked at her.
"I've missed you so much, Aunt Petunia."
"I've missed you too, Harry. Come on lets get to the store and on the way you can tell me more about school and your friends."
They left the station and on the way to the store he told her everything, including the situation with Quirrell. He was a little worried when she didn't say anything. The ride got quiet as Harry didn't know what else to say. He'll wait for her to say something.
Petunia was beginning to hate letting her nephew go to Hogwarts. Things weren't like this when Lily was there. What happened to make a school become dangerous for students? She wonders if the other parents know how bad this school was. She'll ask Severus if he comes to the house.
For now she was going to keep Harry close and remind him how much she loves him. For the entirety of his break, she was going to make everyday about him. The last four months almost drove her crazy with missing him. Since day one she wanted to find a way to Hogwarts and bring him home. He was her baby and it felt like a part of her was missing the whole time he was gone.
"Harry, honey, promise me you'll be careful and don't do anything foolish."
Harry looked at her and gave her a small smile. "I promise to act cautiously. I won't do anything stupid."
"I'm trusting you to hold on to your promise. Now what kind of cookies are we going to make?"
"How about gingerbread, chocolate chip with nuts, oatmeal, and sugar. Can we also make fudge and divinity?"
"Of course. We also have to make Arabella some Russian tea cookies."
With the cookie list done they moved on to what to make for Christmas dinner. They were still debating when they arrived at the store. The shopping trip went a little longer they had to get his favorite foods, the ingredients for the cookies and the food for both dinner and the party.
The moment he walked through the door a wave contentment and home eased over him. It felt like all the weight on his shoulders were lifted off and he could finally breathe again. He was going to cherish the next few weeks.
Petunia felt at ease as well. Her baby was finally home and it was going to take every bit of self-control not to lock him up and keep him in the house. How were her parents able to let Lily leave every year? How did Harry's friends' parents able to live with their kids away from home? She doesn't know what she'll do if it's like this every year.
She pushed aside those thoughts and went back to putting the groceries away. After a quick and light dinner the two of them sat in the sitting room. Petunia spent the rest of the night listening to her nephew talk about Hogwarts.
Severus finished putting the final touches to the wards on the third floor. He took out Dumbledore's and used his own. Now he'll know if Quirrell ever enters the corridor, touches the door and opens it-or tries to. Severus smiles to himself. The man was going to get a shocking surprise when he touches the door.
When everything was completed he went to the dungeons and flooed to Malfoy Manor. Just another thing he did behind the old man's back. He would love to see Dumbledore's face if he ever found out that Severus and Lucius have been secretly flooing for the last ten years.
He stepped out of the fireplace and cleaned his robes. Narcissa walked in seconds later. The look in the blonde woman's eyes said that she had a lot of questions. In his mind he knew Draco was partially responsible for half. Mentally shaking his head resign to his fate.
"Hello Cissy."
"Severus. Lucius and Draco are in the study."
"Very well." He straighten his back and followed the woman to her waiting husband and child. The two males were found focusing on the chess board.
"Checkmate!" Draco exclaimed proudly.
"Well played, Dragon." Lucius drawled with a prideful smile on his face.
"Yes, Draco, well played. Looks like those poker games paid off." Severus couldn't keep the humor out of his voice. The confused look on Lucius and Narcissa's face made him laugh.
"What's poker?" Lucius asked looking between his son and best friend.
"A muggle card game Harry taught us. We...Blaise, Theo, Marcus, Harry and I play every night before bed. Its a really fun and challenging game because if you're not careful someone could beat you."
"So how is it helpful to win at chess?" Narcissa asked.
"The game is about looking for other player's tells. These tells will...well tell you if the cards the person is holding is good or bad." Severus explained.
"Father has two tells. One for when he is going to make a bluff move and the other for a capturing move. I'm not going to say what they are."
"Don't worry, Draco, I've known what they are for years." Severus smiles.
"I find this completely unfair and deceitful." Lucius pouted. "Tell me what they are."
"No chance, Luc. Maybe Draco and I will teach you how to play poker later. Narcissa too."
"Fine. Now you said there was something important you wanted to talk about."
"Yes there is and I need you to swear before I do, Draco included."
The three nodded, took out their wands and made the oath. Severus nodded in return and put up wards, including one to keep the house elves out.
"Alright I need to get this out before you ask questions, so please refrain until I'm done. I'll start with ten years ago. Lucius you know I was tasked with following Dumbledore. And you know about the prophecy. Well I went to Dumbledore after learning that the Dark Lord was going after the Potters. Lily Potter was my best friend, my first friend, and I loved her despite how poorly I've treated her. Anyways in a weak moment I begged Dumbledore to protect the Potters and ended up becoming his spy in return.
"It wasn't until after the attack and defeat that I learned what type of man Albus Dumbledore really is. He put the house under a weak Fidelius using Pettigrew, instead of Black or Lupin or a Weasley, as Secret-Keeper. It was a good thing Lily was smart. She used an old blood spell to protect Harry. That spell and her sacrifice saved Harry, it rebounded the Killing Curse.
"I showed up afterward with no one but a crying Harry in the house. I held him and cried with him. When I heard people showing up I put him back into the crib and left. The next day I found out that Dumbledore left the boy on the doorstep of his muggle aunt and uncle's house. Later that day news of Black's arrest and Pettigrew's death were in the papers. Dumbledore had looked too pleased that day, so I used Legilimency."
He took a deep breath and continued. "You wouldn't believe what I found. That...sorry Cissy...old bastard used the Imperious on both Black and Lupin to get them to tell Potter to use Pettigrew. Then he had used the spell on James and Lily to get them to agree. Pettigrew didn't need to be controlled because Dumbledore knew he was working for the Dark Lord.
"After the charm was up he sent Lupin on a dangerous mission, one that would have killed him. He gave Black a little suggestion to go after Pettigrew if something happens to the Potters. Peter must of heard that which gave him a plan. And everything played out the way Dumbledore wanted, except for Lupin dying, one of the Death Eaters not killing me and you not staying in Azkaban. Alright there's more to tell but I'll stop and answer questions and see if you understand."
"I got most of it. Just explain the killing you part." Lucius replied.
"Dumbledore was hoping that our fellow Death Eaters would kill me after finding out that I was his spy. Me being a master Occlumen and Legilmen made it impossible for him to find out that I was already a spy for the Dark Lord. The Death Eaters knew about that and couldn't kill me. I think the old man just wanted me out of the way because I was Lily's friend."
"Why did he leave a baby on the doorstep? Why didn't he knock?"
"He was hoping that Petunia's hatred and jealousy of Lily would give Harry either a horrible childhood or land him in an orphanage like our Dark Lord when he was a child. Either way it was to ensure that Harry would be easy to control."
"This is the part where you tell us the real reason you're here." Lucius inquired.
"Yes. The week of Harry's eleventh birthday I overheard Dumbledore tell Minerva that everything was in place. He wouldn't answer her question when she asked what he was planning. But he did tell her that he wanted Hagrid to take Harry shopping. Minerva threw a fit telling him that Hagrid wasn't a teacher and therefore couldn't take Harry. Dumbledore told her he was the Headmaster and it was his decision.
"I waited until she left and went into his mind. He had a special task for Hagrid but I couldn't see what because he blocked it. On the other hand I did see what his plans were. He was going to use a compulsion charm on Harry's letter. The day before he talked to Molly Weasley. They made a plan. Molly was to say Muggles, 9 3/4 and Hogwarts out loud to get Harry's attention. Ronald Weasley was going to be told to be Harry's friend and tell him how great Gryffindor was and that Slytherins were evil. Although there is no denying that some of us are.
"Anyways after learning everything I made my own plans. I sent Harry a note, well it was the last note I sent to Petunia. I had been writing to her to keep in touch in case she needed help with Harry. In the note I told Harry to say Finite Incantatem before touching the envelope, letter and list. I also told him to slip away from Hagrid and meet me in the Apothecary.
"From there I learned that that damn giant left an eleven year old alone in Diagon. So I helped Harry get everything but the pet, robes and trunk. Hagrid showed up when we finished at Flourish and Blotts. I went back inside and watched Hagrid give Harry an owl and then they walked away. I went to Harry's aunt's house. She told me everything and Arabella Figg filled me in on her role.
"Dumbledore sent Figg to watch Harry and report everything, only she didn't show up until after Vernon Dursley was arrested and she didn't report to Dumbledore because Petunia made her swear not to." Severus laughed. "The old bastard had not once check on Harry nor did he notice the lack of letters. I have no clue why he thought his plan was going to work. Anyways shortly after Figg left Harry came home.
"I told him everything and gave him a lot of potions. From there I spent two weeks training the boy and teaching him everything about the Wizarding World. When Hogwarts started we receive a big life changing shock. The hat told Harry that he had a mate. I asked Harry to look and see who it was. We found out it was me. We were a little surprised but found it to be a relief.
"It explained why we had developed feelings for each other during the two weeks we were together. Now before you say anything, no there is nothing sexual about this. At least not while Harry is too young. The reason I'm telling you this is because Harry and I are going to do a bonding in two weeks, well the twenty-fourth to be specific."
"WHAT?!" They yelled. He was expecting that.
"You can't bond to an eleven year old, Severus."
"Its not a full bond. We're starting with a blood bond. It's mostly, right now, for protection. We have a feeling that Dumbledore wants Harry dead at some point. So with this mate status between us, it will help the bond become true and strong. When he gets older we'll complete it. Harry and I talked about this rationally and thoroughly, we want to do this."
"Severus, you're family and we love you. If you truly want this then we'll stand by you." Narcissa moved and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I want this for several reasons. So thank you."
"I can't believe my godfather and best friend are going to get married." Draco spoke with shock written on his face.
"Its just a blood bond, for now. Draco, you must not treat Harry any differently."
"I won't, Uncle Sev. Why didn't Harry tell me?"
"He wanted to countless of times. I told him I wanted to be the one to tell you and your parents. So please don't be mad at him."
"I'm not mad. Harry's like my brother and there should be no lies and secrets. Uncle Sev, you better not hurt him. I may not know much right now but I do know a lot of people who do."
"I'll heed your warning. I won't hurt him. I promise."
Draco eyed his godfather closely, then nodded his approval. He knew deep down that Severus would put Harry first and do anything to keep him safe and happy. He turned to his mother.
"Can I be excused? I promised to send an owl to Harry and the others."
"Of course. Dinner will be in a couple of hours."
"Thank you, Mother."
Lucius waited until his son left to ask his next question, the one of many. "Severus, what are you going to do about Black?'"
"Harry and I are going to Amelia Bones this summer to get him released. We're using his parents' will and my memories of Dumbledore's thoughts to get Black released and give him the trial he was denied."
"Why are you waiting so long?" Narcissa asked.
"I wanted Harry to get used to the Wizarding World and to learn as much as he can before going up against Dumbledore, Fudge and the Ministry. Also for three other reasons. One, Dumbledore visits Black every year at the same time. So I need to wait until after this visit, then I'll duplicate the man for the other visits until Harry and I get enough evidence against Dumbledore. Second, I'm still trying to figure out how to give Black a trial without the Wizengamot alerting Dumbledore. And finally the last reason is purely selfish. I want to spend time with Harry before I have to share him with his godfather."
Narcissa brows furrowed. "Severus, you just met the boy. Also he's eleven." She emphasis that last part to remind him.
"I know that!" He snapped. "I know how old he is. Merlin, it isn't like that."
"Then explain it to us. Make us understand." She spoke calmly, completely unaffected by his outburst.
Severus sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. He knew he would have to explain it but he didn't think it would be this hard.
"Alright. First you need to know, and this may shock you, I love him. Yes I just met him and he is too young, but those first two weeks I ended up developing feelings for him. I would like to think it was his infatuation with potions before he even started school, or his love for books, or his thirst for knowledge. It may have been all those things but it wasn't the important part. No, the important part was Harry. His heart, his loving nature, the way he views the world. There is so much warmth and kindness in him, that it called to me.
"The longer I was with him it made me feel protective of him...well more protective since I knew of Dumbledore's plans. Right now and until he is older, I will be what he needs-a mentor, a friend, a confident. Then when he's older I'll still be that friend and confident, but I would like to be the lover when he and I are both ready. Yes, it will be a little hard for since I'm older and I've had to watch him go from teenager to man. I can tell you right now that I have no sexual feelings for the boy." He finished and looked at his friends.
Narcissa still looked confused, but she also looked like she was trying to process everything. Lucius looked stoic but his eyes showed understanding. He knew his words had Lucius remembering his past.
Narcissa was thinking over everything. She was trying to understand how her friend could fall in love with a child. Perhaps its one of those seeing to believe or in her case, seeing to understand. Nevertheless she was happy that Severus had finally found someone to love.
Lucius understood what his friend explained. He had the same feelings. In his case it was for Narcissa. At five his father told him that his future wife was just born. At ten he met her for the first time. Like all boys his age girls were far down the line of interesting things. He told her to go play with her dolls because he didn't want to fly with her. Before he had time to prepare or protect himself, a five year old girl punched him in the stomach.
While her sister was cackling in the background Narcissa was lecturing him on how girls can do the same things boys could and they could do it better. That day she had his respect. As they got older they became friends. When she was thirteen he saw her for the first time as a female and not a friend. It was Christmas and his family was hosting a party. She had walked in wearing a dark purple strapless floor length dress. Her hair was blonde and black and curled.
She was beautiful and he spent the whole night by her side glaring at the other boys, while looking proud that she was his. When she was seventeen and fresh out of Hogwarts they had their first real date. That night they had also slept together before their bonding. They had decided to use the contraceptive charm just in case. One week after the bonding they found they were pregnant with Draco.
He friends were quiet for a long time. Their silence was unnerving. After shifting uncomfortably for the fifth time he gave up and left the room. Severus found himself in the library after walking around aimlessly. His godson was also there. He needed to know if Draco was okay.
"Draco, would you mind if we talk?"
Draco looked up from his book. His godfather looked worried.
"Of course I don't mind. You know I love talking to you."
"Yes I know. How are you feeling about all this, honestly?"
"Well I don't fully understand it." He answered. He had time to think and came to the conclusion that they loved each other. He had seen the look in Harry's eyes whenever his friend looked at Severus. It was the same look his father has when the man looks at his wife. At first Draco thought he was seeing things but he started to pay more attention.
Then he just put it down as admiration. Maybe he was trying to not think about it as love. His mind was trying to deny that his friend loved their teacher. Now he could no longer deny it and it was going to change his relationship with Harry.
"What are you confused about?" The question broke through his thinking.
"Will this change my relationship with Harry?" He didn't want to tell Severus he knew Harry loved him. It wasn't his place to say.
"That won't change. You and Harry will always be friends. Brothers in every way but blood. Mine and Harry's bonding won't ever change that. Maybe when you talk to Harry about it and get his side your confusion will ease away."
"I'll do that. Uncle Sev, can I ask you something?" He needed to change the subject.
"You can ask me anything."
"Can you tell me why the Headmaster hates Harry?"
Severus smiles at his godson. "Good question. I think the old man is afraid of Harry. The prophecy I mentioned is the starting point. Harry was told to be the Dark Lord's equal. Dumbledore was afraid that there was another person more powerful than him. That's why everything happened the way it did. He was jealous and angry that Harry and Voldemort had more power than he did. And now that I think about it, Grindelwald was powerful as well and by no means dark until Dumbledore told the world he was."
"That's horrible. So as long as Dumbledore is alive all wizards and witches have to be afraid of showing too much power."
"I think that's one way to look at it."
"Well I'm not going to dumb down my magic to make a miserable old bastard happy about himself."
Severus wasn't going to scold him for his language. "Nobody should. Draco would you let me teach you Occlumency and Legilimency? To protect you and shield your mind. As long as you and Harry are friends Dumbledore might try to get you out of the way. So doing this will give you the upper hand."
"I would like to learn. What about Theo, Blaise and Marcus?"
"Theo needs to learn too because Nott Sr. is part of the Inner Circle. Blaise maybe not as long as Lady Zabini keeps a good distance away from Death Eaters. As for Flint, Marcus can Occlude because his parents are paranoid that Death Eaters or the Dark Lord would recruit him."
"How can Lady Zabini keep away if she and Mother are good friends?"
"Keeping away as not getting remarried to a Death Eater. Blaise's father was one and died in the First War. As long as she doesn't become the wife of another she's safe." He explained.
"Don't worry, Serena is very well protected." Narcissa announced from the doorway.
Draco and Severus turned to look at her and Lucius standing behind her. He too looked confused by her statement.
"Tell me, dear wife, what does that mean?"
Narcissa smiled and turned to her husband. "Not my secret to tell. Serena will tell everyone at the right time. Now dinner is ready."
As he followed them into the dining room, he got the feeling that it was going to be a long two weeks. Then his thoughts had turned to Harry and what he and Petunia were doing.
Harry was to his arms in cookie dough. He and Aunt Petunia spent the last two days baking and they still had a lot to make. Currently he was spooning out the chocolate chips while his aunt was working on the sugar cookies.
He had just filled the fifth pan when a dark brown owl flew through the kitchen window. It settled itself on the counter next to Harry's pan.
"Harry, if that owl ruins that pan in any way you won't get any cookies for two weeks." She warned.
He knew she wasn't bluffing. "Yes, aunt Petunia."
Harry wiped his hands off, grabbed a cookie and the owl. He placed the owl on the window and took the letter from its leg before crumbling the cookie for it. He opened the letter and began to read.
Petunia looked up from the her work. Her nephew had been too quiet. The owl was still on the window and the boy was just looking at the paper.
"Harry, honey, what does the letter say?"
Harry looked at his aunt before he read the letter to her.
Dear Mr. Potter,
We're writing to inform you that Headmaster Albus Dumbledore will be suspended immediately upon the second half of the school term. He will be suspended for three months, in light of the evidence from a concern parent who informed us of the detention the Headmaster gave you and two other students.
We also like to inform you the Groundskeeper Rebeus Hagrid has also been suspended for willingly taking you and the others into the Forest.
My colleagues and I like to offer our sincerest apologies of the Headmaster's actions. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to owl us.
With Regards,
Hildy McMillan
Governor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Petunia couldn't believe that someone from the school sent Harry the letter. School boards don't really do that. Maybe they sent it because the circumstance was dire. Not that she was complaining seeing some form of justice brought down on the Headmaster for putting students in danger.
"I'm glad to hear that the school board takes the safety of their students seriously."
"I'm surprise they sent me the letter. Although I feel bad for Hagrid, he probably didn't have much choice."
"Everyone has a choice, Harry. Your decisions impact those choices. He could have had you three do something else for that hour or simply make up an excuse to get another teacher to handle the detention when he was told to take you three into the forest."
"I suppose you're right. Do you have any questions you want to send?"
"No, not at this time. Now send them a thank you and lets finish this batch."
Harry nodded, wrote a quick note and sent it off. Before going back to the cookies he sent Hedwig off with both the letter and a note to Severus.
Hedwig didn't come back until later that night. Severus' reply was a short 'we'll discuss this when I get there'. He put the note in his desk and went to sleep.
The days leading up to the party went by fast. Harry was more excited about Severus' arrival than the party. Severus was going to show up two days before the bonding. He told Harry that two days should be enough to talk to Petunia and give her enough time to think about it.
Severus himself was excited, so excited that he ended up at Privet Drive earlier than he originally planned. Cissy and Luc hadn't exactly been happy about his decision to leave early, but they didn't stop him. Now he was standing outside number four.
Petunia answered the door when he knocked. She looked surprised to see him. He smiled and walked in when she stepped aside. He stood in the front hall and listened for any sounds of Harry. There was none.
The tall woman led him into the kitchen. To his surprise almost every available surface was covered in cookies, cakes, pies, and canned goods. Severus accepted the tea and joined her at the table.
"Where's Harry?"
"At the library. All the baking is done, so I sent him out. He should be back in an hour."
Severus nodded. "Great, it will give us time to talk and you can say what's on your mind without worrying about hurting Harry."
"Alright. What is it?"
"I want your permission to bond with Harry."
"Are you fucking crazy?!" She yelled. "You want my permission to marry my eleven year old nephew. I may not know how your world works, but you can piss off if you ever think I'll let you anywhere near Harry again."
Severus calmly waited for her to finish. He expected this reaction. Petunia and Lily were certainly sisters. They have the same quick temper. He shook away his thoughts and stared at the angry woman.
"Tunie, I'm not asking for a complete bond. What I'm asking for a blood bond. This is more for Harry's protection." He spoke calmly.
"I want your vow. That is the only way I'll give you permission."
He took out his wand. "I, Severus Snape, solemnly vow not to touch Harry Potter in a sexual way until Harry Potter is old enough to know what he wants. So mote it be."
Petunia let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Thank you Severus. Please explain more about the bonding."
With a slight nod he went into teacher mode and explained the bonding. When he finished she got up and left the kitchen. He knew she was going to think about it some more.
Harry was walking on clouds. He managed to get all his Christmas shopping done, expand his reading list for the rest of his break and get home fifteen minutes early. When he walked into the house he banished his purchases upstairs. The house was quiet but his magic told him that another wizard was there. He pulled his wand and silently searched the house.
He wordlessly casted the body bind on the other person when he walked into the kitchen. Slowly he walked over with his wand ready. He moved around to face the other wizard.
"Oh Merlin. Sev, I'm sorry." He lowered his wand after releasing Severus.
Severus smiled with pride. "Its alright. I'm proud of your actions. Although next time put a cushioning charm on your feet."
Harry smirked. "I'll remember that. Why are you here early?"
"Many reasons. Mostly to talk to Tunie about the bonding."
"Oh." Harry tried to hide his disappointment. "How did she take it?"
Severus chuckled. "As expected. First she yelled, then settled down a little. She made me make a vow before letting me explain. After that she left to process everything. That was twenty minutes ago."
Harry nodded. "And how was your talk with the Malfoys'?"
"Better than I expected. Before I forget Draco isn't mad at you, a little annoyed but not mad. He threaten to sic the Death Eaters on me if I hurt you."
Harry smiled. "Death Eaters pale in comparison to what Aunt Petunia would do."
"My nephew is right." The duo turned to face the woman. She was standing in the kitchen doorway with her arms crossed and a resigned look on her face.
Petunia let Severus finish explaining. The whole time she was furious at Albus Dumbledore. If that old bastard wasn't trying to turn her nephew into a bloody weapon this wouldn't be happening.
Harry was eleven. Instead of living a carefree life, he had to bind his life to someone damn near twenty years his senior just to fight off people who wanted to use him. This was not the life she wanted him to have.
She got up after Severus finished and went up to her room. There she was able to think about everything. She factored in all that Harry told her with what Severus told them before school started and what he had just told her in the kitchen.
Petunia can't believe that someone her sister and brother-in-law trusted had been the one to get them killed. Now that someone wants her nephew dead as well.
I guess light doesn't always mean good and dark isn't bad. She thought. With her mind made up she back downstairs and found her nephew talking to Severus. She heard the tail end of the conversation.
"He threaten to sic the Death Eaters on me if I hurt you."
"Death Eaters pale in comparison to what Aunt Petunia would do." She heard the humor in the boy's voice.
"My nephew is right." She announced from the doorway.
"I know, Tunie. You and Lily have the same temper. You know when Harry was six months, according to Minerva, Lilly casted a spell on Sirius to keep him in his animal form. Minerva told me that Lily went out with Alice Longbottom and left Harry with James and his friends Remus and Sirius. She thoughts she could trust them.
"Anyways Sirius wanted to teach Harry hold to hunt. So he took him into the woods, changed into his animagus form, a dog, and carried him by his diaper through the trees. Almost an hour later Lily came home, she found James and Remus sleeping and Harry and Sirius missing. She sent stinging hexes while yelling at them. Fifteen minutes later Sirius came back holding a sleeping Harry and two dead rabbits.
"Lily took Harry away and cursed the man. She then chained him up outside and kept him that way for two weeks. James and Remus were punished as well. They had to feed and clean up after Sirius. Also James wasn't allowed on his broom and Remus was banned from all libraries."
Harry and Petunia laughed, It felt good to hear stories about Lily.
Harry sobered up. "How did McGonagall find out?"
"She and Alice went over the next day to have tea. They spotted Sirius and asked Lily. She told them everything that happened. Minerva said that if Sirius hadn't already been punished she would have punished him far worse than what Lily did."
"When did she tell you this?"
"It was after my first year at Hogwarts. A seventh year student had asked her if anything bad happens if you were in your Animagus form for a long period of time. Minerva told him no that she knew someone who was forced to be animal and in the end they were just fine when they turned back into a human. After the student had left, I asked who and she told the story."
"Was he really alright when he was human again?" Petunia asked.
"She said the only problems he had was getting used to walking on two legs again and he had to spend two days getting rid of the fleas. Lily told Minerva that James and Remus wanted to shave Sirius but Sirius had threaten to prank them for an indefinite amount of time if they got anywhere near his hair."
"Will you tell me more about mum and the others?"
Severus gave Harry a small smile. "I'll tell you all I can. It may not be much and most of it will be about Lily. What I can tell you about your dad and his friends will mostly be the pranks they did. And mind you everything is from our school days. Minerva has some from after our seventh year, you can ask her when we get back to Hogwarts."
"It doesn't make a difference. Aunt Petunia told me about their childhood up until mum went to Hogwarts. She didn't know much about mum's time there because...well you know. And I know that you can't really tell me much past fifth year. Anything is better than nothing."
He couldn't beat that logic. So for the rest of the night he told them everything he could about Lily, James and their friends. Recounting all the events made him miss Lily, but at least he could tell Harry and together they could celebrate the life of the woman they both loved.
Today was the day. He was up with the sun, dressed, and in the kitchen making breakfast. Once the food was done and under the stasis spell, he went upstairs to wake the other two. His aunt was easy. All he had to do was mention the word coffee and she was up.
His mate was harder. Harry tried everything short of using magic. When the older man still refused to wake. Then an idea popped into his head. With an evil grin he slowly climbed unto the bed. Once he had his balance he began to jump.
Severus was having a pleasant dream about brewing a new potion. Just as he was about to add the final ingredient he suddenly found himself on a rocking boat. Somewhere his mind told him to wake up. With a groan he opened his eyes. The potions master was not pleased.
"What do you think you're doing?"
Harry laughed and dropped heavily down on the bed. "Waking you up. I tried everything but magic."
"Do not jump on the bed again. If you do I will hex you." Severus warned.
"Duly noted. Now get up, get dressed, and come downstairs. Breakfast is ready." Harry ordered as he got off the bed and walked towards the door. He turned around one last time. "Don't go back to sleep or I'll hex you."
Severus just grunted and waited for him to leave. With a wave of his hand he locked the door before getting out of bed. The entire time he was getting dressed, he couldn't help but think about how bossy the eleven year old was.
That's the first thing I'm going to change when he's older. Severus thought with a smile.
As he made his way to the kitchen he listened to the boy's excited chatter. Harry was simply over the moon about the bonding and the party. Severus tried really hard to figure out why. The more he tried the harder it was to find an answer. He pushed the thought aside and walked into the kitchen.
After breakfast the three spent the morning decorating for the party. By noon they were exhausted; Petunia told them no magic. When the last decoration was in place, Harry and his aunt prepped the food. They would get up in the morning and start cooking.
Griphook and Ragnok showed up by two. Petunia kept an impassive face. They all sat in the sitting room.
"First thing first, Miss Evans, Do you willingly and whole heartily give your consent for the bonding?"
"Yes I do."
"Very well. Read and sign these, please." The head goblin handed over the parchments.
The more she read the more confused she became. When she finished Petunia looked at the goblins.
"This says that Harry will be seen as an adult. Does that mean he has to live with Severus?"
"No, Miss Evans. It simply means that Mister Potter, by our standards, is old enough to understand this and give his consent. You will still be his guardian until he's seventeen or until he and Master Snape complete the bond." Griphook answered.
Petunia nodded. "Does your MInistry have to be notified about this?"
Both goblins sneered. Ragnok answered. "Not really. The Ministry does have the right to know, but since the circumstance of this situation is dire we won't be notifying them until Messrs. Potter and Snape want their bonding to be public."
"As long as Harry's life is endangered this is private. Only a few well selected people will know." Severus assured her.
"Do you have anymore questions, Miss Evans." Ragnok asked.
Petunia nodded. "Just two. Do they have to wear rings? And do they have to kiss at the end?"
"They unfortunately have to wear their rings. Just the bonding rings. The bands will have the potion imbued in them. And no they don't have to kiss."
"Thank you for your patience." She picked up the pen and signed the parchments.
After she signed both goblins added their signature and Ragnok stamped his seal before duplicating them. Copies went to both Harry and Severus' vaults and Petunia was given one.
Griphook extracted three potion vials and two rings. "These came from the Potter and Prince vaults. You don't have to wear them on the left hand but you do have to wear them all the time. Do you both understand?"
Both nodded. "The book didn't mention anything about rings." Harry added.
"We goblins don't like to do anything by half, Mister Potter. Besides what wizards forget is that their family's bonding rings strengthen the bond, because the family's magic is in the rings. That's why there are Lordship rings. We'll discuss that at a later date." Ragnok explained.
When no one said anything else the two goblins went to work; Harry and Severus added their blood to the vials. Griphook in gooblygook chanted the spell. Harry felt the magic as it bonded his blood to Severus'. Immediately after Griphook finished, Ragnok poured the vial on the rings while chanting another spell. This caused the rings to absorb the potion. Once he was finished he handed the rings and remaining two vials over.
"Exchange the rings then drink the potion." Griphook instructed.
Severus slid the Prince ring on Harry's right ring finger and watched it adjust it's size. Harry did the same with the Potter ring. Once the ring was adjusted they downed the potions. Griphook and Ragnok again chanted another spell. Within seconds Harry and Severus were surrounded by silver and gold magic.
Harry felt their magic move in and around them. He felt exhilarated and powerful. Slowly he began to feel emotions that weren't his. Harry looked at his mate, the older man had his eyes closed and serene look on his face.
Complete. Out of everything he was feeling, completion was the main one. Severus was lost for words at finally feeling that he was no longer missing something. Then he felt a different set of emotions. Right away he knew they belonged to Harry.
It felt like hours before their magic settled. The bonded pair felt exhausted, like they spent days without sleep. Both sat on the sofa and waited.
Petunia was too shocked for words. She had never witnessed anything so beautiful. The swirl of gold and silver was far prettier than any fireworks she has ever seen. How was she able to see it?
"The bonding is done. In an hour or two everything will start to feel normal again." Griphook informed them. "Any questions?"
"Just one. Why was I able to see their magic?"
"You have been exposed to it since you were a child. You no longer have the ignorance like most muggles." Ragnok answered.
Ten silent minutes later, after getting their payment and more parchments signed, the two goblins left. Harry, Severus and Petunia had an early dinner, then spent the remainder of the day doing their own thing.
How dare they suspend him. Once his plans with the damnable brat were complete, he was going to get rid of the governors. They were a bunch of incompetent Death Eater loving bastards anyways. He was going to make them pay. Albus silently vowed as he left the Wizengamot chamber.
The suspension made him furious but he refused to let it spoil his holiday. After all his visit to the muggle prison was successful. Now he was going to make his final trip.
The boat ride as usual was cold, it suited his current mood. Once at his destination he quickly made his way inside and up a long flight of stairs. He came upon the room the housed his prisoner.
"Well another year almost gone. Happy ten year anniversary, Sirius. I must say the time goes by fast. I think you deserve a gift for being such a good prisoner. I know just the thing." Albus pulled his wand and silently casted the 'Cruciatus Curse'. He was disappointed when the other man didn't make a sound.
He released the spell. "Such a disappointment. Oh well, there is always next year. I must go now. Things to do, people to see and plans to make. But before I do, I have a another gift for you. It information this time. Your godson is now attending Hogwarts. Unlike you and his father, he's a Slytherin and despite my plans for him he is doing outstandingly well in every subject. If it weren't for my plans I'd be hard-pressed by other teachers to skip him ahead of everyone else. But alas I need him to do some dirty work for me. Now I need to go. Happy Christmas, Sirius."
As he walked down the dark and dirty hallway, he smiled as he heard the anguish yells behind him. Yes, the suspension can't take this away. Lost in his gloating he didn't notice two pairs of eyes watching him.
Albus left the prison and guilt-ridden Sirius Black behind. He would have to go to the Burrow first and do some damage control. Then he was going back to Hogwarts to discuss things with the staff. Who knows maybe this suspension can be a long overdo vacation.
Quirinus was currently nursing his bruised pride. He spent hours getting shocked by a spell worse than the Cruciatus. Every time he thought he got rid of it with another spell, he was proven wrong when he touched the door.
Now his body was constantly jerking and his head was threatening to explode. To make matters worse his master, when he wasn't moaning in pain, was yelling at him for being a failure.
The Defense teacher was going to kill Snape and Potter the first chance he got. Quirinus knew they were behind this and he was going to make them pay. He needed to think of something to tell Pomfrey to get the witch to give him potions. He hated begging. With murderous thought he made his way to the hospital wing.
As usual Harry was up first. Cooking breakfast gave him a chance to think about what happened the day before. He felt normal again but there was a spot he dubbed the 'Severus bubble', where he, if he focused, could feel everything the older man was feeling. Harry had spent the entire night learning how to block it. After all a person's feelings were private unless they wanted someone to know.
With breakfast done he went up to wake his aunt. Severus had left late last night when Fawkes showed up with a summons. He told Harry and Petunia that he'll be back later in the afternoon before apparating to Spinner's End to floo back to Hogwarts.
Harry and Petunia with Arabella's help spent the morning cooking for the dinner and party. Throughout the day their neighbors came by to help or drop off food.
Severus came back by three with a furious and unhappy expression. He refused to tell Harry and told the boy 'later' every time he was asked. Severus needed to revise his plans. He was going to need Lucius' help.
When the last of the food was under a stasis, Arabella went back home to feed her cats. Harry, Petunia and Severus sat in the sitting room to open gifts. Harry made Petunia and Severus go first.
Petunia opened the first gift from Harry. This gift made her speechless. Her nephew gave her a box full of exotic plant and flower seeds. She couldn't wait to plant these.
"Thank you Harry. I love them. Where did you get these?"
"Owl services. The Apothecary had a catalog and I ordered everything I thought you would like. Some of the plants come from the Amazon." He explained.
Petunia pulled him into a tight hug. She was happy that he put so much thought into this gift. She let him pull and took the next gift. This was from Severus. Petunia opened it, it was a wooden box oriented with jewels and a gold clasp. She opened the box and found a lot of potion vials inside. She looked at the man with a confused expression.
"Each potion is labeled. Most of them are health potions. There are also protection potions, poisons that are deadly or can simply incapacitate someone, and lastly potions to help your plants. Those, if used as instructed, can keep the plants alive and healthy as long as you want."
"Thank you Severus."
The Potions master just nodded and opened the gift Harry handed him. Inside was two old thick leather bound books. There was no words on the covers.
"The first potions books made." Harry told him.
"How?"
"It was hard, but since I'm Flourish and Blotts' favorite customer they were happy to help. They spent a couple of months looking for it. They found a copy when a some estate seller was going through an empty manor and came in with a several boxes of books. The other book came from Borgin and Burkes. Draco told me about the place. I sent Hedwig to Mister Borgin, he sent me the book and a note. This book is considered the first dark potions book, but some of the potions inside were used by medi-witches and wizards."
"This is too much Harry." Severus was shocked. No one has ever gave him a gift like this.
"No it's not. Its the perfect gift for someone who has done so much for me. Now open your next one."
Severus shook his head and opened the next gift. This one was a box full of potion supplies and packets of seeds. He went through the packets and found that there was some plants that were hard to find or expensive to buy. He looked at Harry again.
"The supplies is from Aunt Petunia. She asked me to get them for you. The seeds are from both of us. I know that some plants are impossible to get and when they are found they are expensive. I'm sure with Professor Sprout's help you can grow your own."
He was speechless. So without a word he pulled Harry into a hug. Two minutes later Petunia cleared her throat. The two separated.
"Thank you Tunie."
"You're welcome. Now Harry its your turn."
Harry attacked the first gift. It was from Aunt Petunia. Inside was a poker set. It was similar to the one she, Arabella and the neighbors use. This is perfect, he thought.
"Thank you so much."
"Now you don't have to transfigure, as Severus explained, everything when you and your friends play."
He hugged his aunt again before opening the next gift. This one was a portable potions kit. It came with ingredients, stir rods, two cauldrons with stands, vials, droppers, knives and a bunsen burner.
"Its safe to shrink and carry in your pockets. The ingredients will stay fresh and healthy. I used an improved stasis charm on them. This way if you are in a bind and need a potion you can make one right away. Though I would prefer if you just use the portkey I gave you."
"Thank you Severus. If I can't portkey and need some kind of potion I'll use this."
Severus just nodded, not wanting to voice his opinions in front of Petunia. He didn't want to worry the woman anymore than necessary. The potions kit is probably the last safety measure he can give Harry. At least until he reads his new books and study the potions carefully.
Harry went back to his presents. The rest of them were clothes or books his aunt bought him. She also bought him another bookshelf. The spare bedroom was turning into a small cramped library. His final four gifts were from his friends. Marcus got him a book 'Quidditch Through the Ages', Blaise sent him a box of Italian sweets, Theo gave him box full of Zonko's products with instructions to use on Weasley, and Draco and his parents bought him the wizard's version of encyclopedias. He loved all his gifts.
The three of them cleaned up the wrapping papers and straighten out the sitting room. Severus found an envelope under the tree. After casting the Finite on it he handed it to Petunia, since it had her name on it. She took it with a confused expression.
"Harry do you know where this came from?"
"No. Maybe one of the neighbors left it."
Petunia opened the envelope and quickly dropped the letter. The name at the end frighten her too much. She didn't want to read the note.
Harry watch his aunt freeze in fear. He furiously picked up the letter. He felt Severus behind him reading it too. Harry has never felt this much rage before. He re-read the note again.
Dearest Pet,
You hurt my feelings, Pet. Sending a lawyer with divorce papers was uncalled for. Having said lawyer threaten added sentence if I didn't sign was a low blow. You didn't think I would recognize our neighbor. Are you fucking him? Is that how you paid for his services? Is he the reason for the divorce?
Don't worry I'll get my answers soon. You see a very important person came to visit me and he helped by getting my sentence reduced. Good news Pet, I'm getting out soon and you and your lover will be the first people I visit. I'm going to make you regret the divorce and choosing that FREAK over your own child.
What, did you think I wouldn't find out about that? Yes, I know all about it. Margie visits me and Dudley is with her. My sister happily told me that you called and begged her to take him because your little freak didn't want him around. Rest assure Pet, I'm going after the little bastard when I'm done with you.
See you soon my darling Pet.
Your (loving) Husband,
Vernon
Severus felt the burning rage from his mate. He took the letter from him and pulled the boy into a tight hug. He knew there was nothing he could do and he didn't like it. The Potions master looked at Petunia and found that she was still frozen with fear. It would get worse if she read the note, he grimaced.
The man separated from his mate and sat both the boy and the woman on the sofa. He sent a Patronus to Arabella. The older woman might be some help and the two of them needed to work fast, the party guests were going to arrive at any minute.
Arabella was putting the final touches to Harry and Petunia's gifts. Petunia had bought her antique cat bookends, which were now on sitting on her mantle. Harry bought her a beautiful Serengeti kitten. It's a hybrid of a bengal and oriental shorthair. So she bought Petunia a large box of various herb seeds. Her friend had mentioned that she wanted to grow her own. For Harry she bought him two books. One was a book on different card games, Petunia had mentioned that he and his were playing poker. The other book was about the wars of the world. Harry had always liked reading about history.
She was just about to leave the house when a blue-ish white doe came into her living room. It spoke in Severus' voice telling her she was needed and to hurry. Arabella grabbed her gifts and left the house as quickly as she could. Severus met her at the door.
"What happened?" She asked as soon as she steadied her breathing.
"He sent her a letter. A threatening letter. Petunia didn't read it but Harry and I did. Tunie is frozen in fear and hasn't spoken a word. Harry on the other hand is so pissed that he's thinking of ways to kill Vernon. Did you know about the divorce?"
"Yes, I was with her when she ask Mister Williams to visit Vernon and make him sign them. She was worried that Vernon would try something and use their marriage. Petunia also made a lot of changes and plans. She knew that he was going to get released one day and she wanted to be prepared. It was mostly to protect Harry. Petunia knew that if Harry was here when Vernon showed up, he would likely kill them both, but if Harry was at school and something happened to her then Harry would be taken care of."
"I see. Did she tell you those plans?"
Arabella nodded. "I was her witness when she signed the will Mister Williams drew up for her. She was going to tell you before you and Harry went back to Hogwarts. Let's go and see how they are doing."
Without another word they went into the sitting room. They found Harry consoling his aunt. The distraught woman had her arms tightly around her nephew, while the boy was telling her everything was going to be alright.
"Harry's right, Petunia. You don't need to worry about anything." Arabella spoke softly.
The pair separated and looked her. She saw the pain in her friend's eyes and the barely controlled anger in the boy's. That horrible man wanted to ruin their holiday and he succeeded. She was going to fix that.
"Don't let him win. Remember you are stronger than he is and he has no power over you. So dry those eyes and go get ready for the party. Harry there nothing you can do, get rid of that anger and take your things upstairs."
The two did as she ordered. Arabella turned and gave Severus an expected look. The man held his hands up at the silent order, grabbed his gifts and went upstairs. The older woman let out a sigh of relief before double checking the house. It was going to be a long night.
An hour later all the neighbors showed up. There was no more thoughts of Vernon and his threats as Petunia and Harry mingled with their friends. Harry's old school mates wanted to know all about his new school. He told them it was a boarding school in Scotland and that the school itself is an old castle that's been converted. They wanted to hear more about it.
Severus was talking to some of the males. He liked them enough to want to be friends with them. Deep down he knew it was inevitable not to be friends with them since he and Harry will be at Privet Drive during every break. He would never take Harry from the family he grew up with. That bit of information was given by one of the guys who thought Severus was Petunia's boyfriend.
Over the next several hours everyone laughed, ate, talked about their favorite Christmas, and played games. When it started getting late some of the guests have left. There were only a handful of people, they all helped clear the table and then the poker game started. This year Harry was allowed to play. He made his way down to the final six. The others were his aunt, Mrs. Figg, Mr. Williams, Heather the bookstore owner and to his surprise Severus.
Harry was the first one out. He had been too busy trying to find Severus' tell to pay attention. The man was too stoic for his own good. With a pout he went upstairs, got the book Mrs. Figg gave him and went back downstairs.
He was so lost in the Ancient Wars that he didn't know the last of the guests left until Aunt Petunia got his attention. He marked his page and looked at her.
"Let's get the house cleaned up."
"Tunie why don't you go and relax. Harry and I can get this all cleared away with a swish of a wand. You've had a long day and spent most of the night entertaining guests. Go have a nice relaxing bubble bath and read a book. "
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Go on and we'll see you in the morning."
Petunia's shoulders sagged in relief. "Thank you."
The bath and book didn't help. Try as she might nothing could clear her head of her ex-husband's words, she did end up reading the letter. She knew...had felt it for the last three years that he would do something when he got out. She thanked her lucky stars for having the forethought to make several different plans to protect Harry, if Vernon went after her. It pained her to know that her time with her nephew was going to be short.
In less then two minutes Harry and Severus had the house spotless. They were now sitting on the sofa looking at the tree. Both of them were thinking about everything that has happened.
"Harry there is something I need to talk to you about."
Harry turned and looked at the older man. "What is it?"
"I need to tell you about your godfather."
"Is he alright?"
"Not really. Dumbledore paid him a visit. He used the Cruciatus Curse on him. Someone in Black's condition shouldn't be under that curse. What I want is to hear your opinion."
"Can you give him potions?"
"I can find a way. Azkaban was built to keep people in. Getting there is easy, getting out will take some planning."
"Does Azkaban allow visitations? We can just simply visit him and secretly give him the potions he needs."
"Good plan. I'll look into it."
"Do you think we should get him released sooner? We have everything planned."
"We can try. I'll owl Madam Bones and we'll set up a day to meet."
"Where will we meet her since I can't leave Hogwarts."
"We'll go to Malfoy Manor. The floo in my quarters is connected. Dumbledore will never know."
"Okay. Speaking of, what are we going to do about him?"
"We'll continue to protect you and play things by the ear. We need to know what his end game is."
Harry nodded. "And Quirrell?"
"I think it will be easier to get rid of him before Dumbledore comes back."
"Do you think it would be better to wait? We don't need people asking questions. Let's get the stone out of Hogwarts first, then we'll focus on Quirrell."
"You are starting to sound a bit like a seasoned general instead of an eleven year old."
"I think you're jealous because my ideas are better."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Hardly. You have a long way to go before you can rule the world."
Harry laughed. "I don't want to rule the world. I just want to live my life without someone trying to control it or kill me."
"That will never happen. I won't let it."
"I know."
Harry tried to fight the yawn but in the end it broke through. It had been a tiring day for him. Though he was still worried about his aunt and still angry about her ex-husband. He needed to find some kind of protection before he goes back to Hogwarts.
"Let's get some sleep. We'll talk about everything else tomorrow."
Harry nodded and followed Severus upstairs. They said their good nights in the hall and went into their own rooms.
The first chance he gets he's going to kill that old bastard. But he needed to find a way out. Harry needed him. He still has hope that Harry will accept him, even though he had failed the boy.
Ten years in this hell hole was only good for one thing. Despite the Dementors he had a clear mind. He remembers everything that has happened. It pissed him off that a so called powerful light wizard bested him. He was a trained Auror, even if it wasn't something he really wanted to do. Another thing that pissed him.
He needed to get out. How does someone break out of prison? Once he got out, how would he get off this godforsaken island?
For now he needed sleep that damn curse was made him tired. Thank Merlin the twitches had stop hours ago. With thoughts of killing Dumbledore and saving his godson, Sirius Black let himself drift off to sleep.