The journey home on the Hogwarts Express next day was eventful in several ways. [...] As the train slowed down in the approach to King's Cross, Harry thought he had never wanted to leave it less.
After all, it was the last one for him. As he walked through the magical barrier between platforms nine and ten, he was met with the welcome party that he was prepared for. He already knew what they were going to say but it didn't really matter.
He could remember his "escape lesson" of the previous evening perfectly.
'When you will arrive in London, there will be a group from the Order to see that you are safely in the care of your aunt. They will probably make a few comments and ask that you right to the Order regularly. You need to remember how often it is very important.' said Severus.
Three days. After three days in a row, they would know something was wrong. They would come to help him. And he was abandoning them.
[Harry] somehow could not find words to tell them what it meant to him, to see them all ranged there, on his side. Instead, he smiled, raised a hand in farewell, turned around and led the way out of the station towards the sunlit street, with Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and Dudley hurrying along in his wake.
'Once you are with your aunt, you will be protected by the blood ward, so they will let you go. That's the only time you would be un-supervised by the Order. Following a car would be too difficult and would bring attention to it. It is best to let you blend in. And that's what gives you the best opportunity to escape.' said Severus
'You will need to convince them to let you get out of the car. Use whatever reason will work best. This is your only way, do not miss it!' Harry could still hear the urgency in Severus' voice.
'Aunt Petunia.' said Harry. 'What if there was a way for me to never spend the summer with you again. Would you go for it?'
'Stop talking nonsense boy' barked Vernon.
'But there is a way. Of course, the others would never tell you about that but ... well, if you want to have them walking around the neighbourhood, that's your choice. Because they are going to do it, you know. Or ... I could be gone and let you enjoy some nice vacation, without any ... freaks.'
'Vernon ...' whispered Petunia. 'Maybe we should listen.' And Harry knew he had won.
Uncle Vernon abruptly turned the wheel and stopped the car in a parking spot.
'Alright boy, how do we get rid of you exactly?' said Uncle Vernon.
'Well, it all depends on Dudley, really. Let's face it, if I simply walk out of the car, the nice people you just met will find me, bring me back to you, and possibly harm you for abandoning me in London's streets. So, they need to see me go inside the house with you. Which is where Dudley comes in. He will have to drink something that will give him my appearance for one hour. During this hour, he simply goes inside the house and puts a few of my stuff in my room. The wizards will think that I have been kidnapped inside the house and will leave you alone. So Big D, do you think you are brave enough to do that?' asked Harry with a smile. He needed to get to Dudley's ego for him to say yes.
'Drink something! ... Is it safe? ... Not one of your awful jokes?' asked Aunt Petunia, remembering the giant tongue of last summer.
'Of course, it is. I will take some myself to turn into Dudley for today. This way you will see for yourself. And don't worry, it doesn't change who he is, just the outside look. That's why he shouldn't speak, by the way. The voice is still the same.'said Harry.
'And why do you want your little friends to think you have been kidnapped? Hum?'asked Uncle Vernon.
'Oh that? It's for your own protection really. Who knows what they would do if they thought you got rid of me on purpose?' lied Harry with a confidence that he was not feeling inside of him.
Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia looked at each other, obviously trying to decide.
'I'll do it. I am done with you Potter.' said Dudley determinedly.
'BINGO!' thought Harry.
'Now I have just enough Polyjuice to pull this, so don't waste it. The key is to switch identity with your cousin for the day. You will have your cousin put on your clothes, a jacket, something that the Orders will see you wear at the station. This way, when the person posted at your house will see your relatives come back, they will also see Harry Potter. said Severus.
'But why not just go away?' asked Harry.
'Because Dumbledore will know that you were willing to go away. However, if you have been kidnapped, we get to decide what the story will be.' said Severus mysteriously.
'Alright, so it's very important that when they come to question you, you think very hard of me going upstairs. And always tell the truth. You've seen Harry Potter get out of the car and bring his stuff upstairs, he never came to dinner when you called him. And you Big D, you just stay very focused on the TV or a video game. And if they ask, you said that you got out of the car and went upstairs before dinner. Choose your word carefully, say the truth, and they will have nothing against you. You will be safe,' said Harry.
'Dumbledore or Maugrey may use Legilimency on them. They shouldn't pry too much to avoid triggering a headache that they would have to explain. Using Legilimency on muggles is illegal but it's better to be safe. They will just be able to detect lies when it happens, so it is very important that your relatives tell the truth at all times. They will need to choose their words very carefully. And this is why we are using Polyjuice.'explained Severus. He was taking the time to explain everything as they couldn't afford for the plan to fail. If so, Dumbledore will be suspicious, and he may even be sent to Azkaban!
'Now, I will need a few of your hair Dudley.' said Harry while opening his backpack. Inside, everything was ready. His beloved cloak and map, one picture of his parents and one taken last Christmas with Sirius and his best friends on it. He had to leave a lot of things behind him, including his broom, but it was all worth it. His backpack also held letters ready to be sent according to the plan, and potions. Lots of them. He wouldn't be able to use his wand, so he had to rely on something else. He pulled out two vials of Polyjuice and the two letters that Severus made him prepare.
'Why?'asked Dudley with a frown.
'Because this is the potion, we are going to use to switch our looks.' said Harry showing one of the vials.
'We need to add the hair of the person we want before drinking. And then we have one hour before turning back to our original self. I will give you some of my hair, and you will give me some of yours so that we can switch. And here. Take my jacket. This way they will think you are me and you will all be protected, while having a great summer. Of course, I can also just jump out of the car, but I can't guarantee their reaction to you ... and they will bring me back eventually.'
'All right, I'll do it. You are sure that I will switch back to normal?' asked Dudley.
'Absolutely.' said Harry.
'Once you have switched with your cousin, you give him a letter that you will have prepared, telling the Order that you are well and made it home. He will have to send it with your owl. Do you think he could have a problem with that?' asked Snape.
'If he accepts to drink the Polyjuice, he will send the letter. I am sure of it.' answered Harry.
'Good. Because after that, you are on your own. You get out of the car with the Polyjuice of your cousin's looks and you will need to reach the Leaky Cauldron. You can use the Knight Bus to do so but be careful to always use an alias.' said Severus.
'Okay Dudley, when you arrive, remember to go directly in my room and to put my trunk inside. Leave the jacket on the bed and send this letter with Hedwige, my owl. She will know where to go. After that, you simply go in your room and wait for the effects to wear off.'said Harry, hardly concealing the smile on his face.
'Okay I got it.' said Dudley. He then pulled on his hair. 'Ouch! It hurts! There's the hair.' Harry pulled on his own hair and put one in one of the vials.
'Thanks Dudley. Here's the one you will take. You will only have one hour so don't take it too fast.' With that, Harry put one of Dudley's hair into a vial and stored the rest safely in his backpack. 'Cheers!' said Harry before gulping the vial.
The sensation was still awful. Only this time, he knew that he wouldn't actually throw up. He stayed bent in two to spare the view to his relatives. He had to show it was safe but if they got scared, it wouldn't be good either.
He could hear his aunt's high pitched voice and his uncle shooting 'Now get out boy! Get out!'. Dudley was looking at him with a mixture of fear and resolve. Good, he wouldn't back down then.
When the transformation was complete, Harry jumped out of the car. His uncle didn't spare him a second glance and inserted back into the traffic. Hopefully, they will do exactly as Severus instructed.
Harry was glad he had the forethought to dress with his cousin's old clothes. Severus didn't think about that, or maybe he didn't expect them to have such a weight difference. He walked for about five minutes before finding a small alley in which he would be able to call for the Knight Bus. He didn't want to use magic and had problems with the Ministry, but they would be looking for Harry Potter and by the time they realized what happened, he would already be Sebastian Snape.
Looking both ways to make sure no muggle would see him, he took his wand and signaled for the bus. A few seconds later, in a loud BANG, the purple triple-deck bus appeared and stopped in front of Harry.
'Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded w ...' began Stan Shunpike.
'Yes, yes. Diagon Alley, please.' said Harry quickly, getting on the bus. He wanted to avoid introductions and long conversations. He gave Stan the eleven sickles for the ride.
'Diagon Alley it is then!'explained Stan, closing the bus doors behind him.
Harry immediately went on the second deck to avoid the questions that he could see burning in the controller's eyes.
Just like last time Harry took the Knight Bus, there were no seats. He sat down on one of the beds and held on for life as the Bus started in a long BANG. Harry didn't see much of the journey, he tried to concentrate on one of the candles illuminating the wood-paneled walls to avoid being sick. He was beyond relieved when he finally heard Stan's voice calling: 'Leaky Cauldron!'.
Checking that he still had his backpack in one piece, Harry bolted out of the Bus and into the street in front of the tiny, grubby-looking pub. He gave himself a minute before entering, just to catch his breath and make sure his lunch wouldn't end up on his shoes. Once he felt like his stomach was going to behave, Harry entered the pub.
Head down, not looking or greeting anyone, he crossed the room and arrived in the back. Quickly, he took out his wand, tapped the key brick like he used to before his third year, and stepped into the Alley.
'Once you are in Diagon Alley, go directly to Gringotts and wait under that invisibility cloak of yours until you are Harry Potter again. Ask to take some money out of your vault. You can use my bottomless pouch for this, take as much as you can.' said Severus 'We will go back to Gringotts later to open a new vault for you under your new identity. We will convert the rest into muggle money for your tuition fees. We will have to open a muggle bank account for that.'
'Why going for the money?' asked Harry.
'Well, I am not as well off as your father was. My salary is enough for me, but you will need clothes, and a new school ... so we are going to need extra help.' explained Severus, trying to stay very calm as Harry kept interrupting him. That was also one of the things that were infuriating to him. James Potter had it all. He was rich, popular, had great parents and friends. Severus only had Lily. And he got bullied because he was just the poor Slytherin half-blood, that no one would defend, but had the fortune to be friends with his wonderful Lily.
'Oh ... I am sorry. I didn't realize I would be a burden.' said Harry. He was sad. Not that he expected to be welcomed with open arms, or even to have a real relationship with his brother-to-be. He just didn't like the fact that, just like Uncle Vernon, Severus was going to make him pay the cost of keeping him. Trading chores for actual money.
'Not a burden. But it would make things easier for the both of us if your muggle school was taken care of. Just remember that it's not a necessity. If you think that someone recognized you, or if you feel threatened, you get out of the Alley at once. No playing hero. Your gold is not worth your life.' said Severus, insisting on the last sentence.
Harry felt a little better with those words.
'And ... What about that new identity? How are we going to create it?' asked Harry.
'I already took care of the paperwork for that. Now, this is the moment when we are grateful that I live in a poor city. They are switching to an e-let-troll-it system during the summer. Apparently, the bigger cities already have come-put-er. So, I copied my birth certificate and changed it with your new identity. I planted this fake in their paper system. So, when they switch this summer, they will add you to their new system, just like if Sebastian Snape has always existed.' explain Severus.
'Sebastian Snape?' said Harry, in awe at his professor's plan.
'Sorry if you don't like it, I guess we can always find you a nickname.' said Severus.
'No! No ... it's great, I like it ... It's just ... It makes it all so real to hear my new name.' said Harry, almost unsure.
'Well, if you have second thoughts, we can still stop at this point.' offered Severus.
'No. I know it's selfish but it's the right thing to do if I want to live' said Harry, afraid but resolved.
Severus let out a breath. He kind of liked the idea of having the boy in security, guaranteeing peace of mind and a longer life for himself. And, well ... having a little brother could be a nice experience. The boy was surprising him with this decision, maybe he was going to surprise him again ...
Harry regretted that he couldn't spend more time, leisurely enjoying the busy street, as he headed toward Gringotts. He really didn't know how long it would be before the Potion wore off. He should have checked the time when he got out of Uncle Vernon's car! Not wanting to turn back in front of everyone, Harry quickly stopped near Olivanders to get his invisibility cloak. He checked around him to see if anyone was paying attention to him and quickly hid under his cloak.
Instantly, Harry felt more secure, less stressed. He knew he could do it and was now able to appreciate the laugh of a child at a Florian Fortescue's ice cream parlor, or the smell of herbs coming from the apothecary. The rest of the trip was much nicer, and he only had to wait for a few minutes before entering the bank.
Harry went to the teller located the farthest from the door, hoping that people wouldn't recognize him. There was nearly no one in the bank, and soon enough, Harry could talk to a Goblin.
'Hello, I would like to take some money from my vault please. Here's the key.' said Harry, showing the golden little key to the Goblin.
'Follow me'.
The Goblin went down his desk and toward the carts that were used to travel inside the bank. Following him, Harry took a seat in one of them, grabbed his backpack with one hand and the side of the cart with the other. The ride seemed less fun than what he remembered. He also was less of a child than when he was thirteen years old. He had seen too much for his age, grew up too fast. He realized it now. Wanting to get into the Order last summer wasn't his brightest idea, he still had so much to learn! But if only the adults in charge had trusted him with just a little more information, then Sirius could still be alive.
All to his thoughts, Harry only realized that they had stopped when the Goblins called him from the door of his vault.
'Key, please.' said the Goblin.
Harry gave the key, and the Goblin opened the door, then stepped aside to let him enter. Harry didn't waste time and jumped inside and began to put all his gold in the extended pouch. He checked every corner until he was sure he wouldn't forget anything. When he turned to exit, he was stopped by the Goblin.
'Mr. Potter, I am sorry to inform you that you cannot empty your vault without the permission of your guardian.' said the Goblin. Harry was first panicked that he wouldn't be able to follow the plan Severus created for him. And then he was angry. He never had any problem before, why now, why when he really needed it. He didn't want to go to Severus and tell him he failed!
Finally, he thought about the whole plan. Severus thought about every detail, he wouldn't have overlooked this one, right? Well, apparently yes. With a sight, Harry took a Knut out of the pouch and dropped it. The Goblin stepped aside, and Harry opened wide eyes. Indeed, he couldn't leave anything behind him, but a Knut is something. Technically, he didn't empty his vault.
Harry ran out of his vault and into the cart before the Goblin changed his mind, while the latter closed the door and took his time to come back. Remembering that their financial situation will not be great, Harry took a chance.
'Do you know if I have any other vaults? I have only ever used this one but maybe there's another one.' He asked.
'I will bring you to an account Manager to discuss the state of your affairs' said the Goblin with a clearly suspicious stare. He looked eager to fight with Harry, thinking him a thief. Harry tried his best to keep his head cool. He wasn't a thief, the money was his!
'Thank you, I appreciate that.' he answered.
The cart started again and brought Harry to the upper levels of the bank. Once in the main hall, they got out of the cart and up beautiful stairs, all in marble and gold. Two more levels up and the Goblin stopped in front of a door.
'Wait here, please.' he said to Harry before disappearing behind the door. Harry looked at the long corridor with wooden walls. He could see names on each door, written with golden letters: Griphook, Ragnok, and just in front, on the door the Goblin teller just entered, Blordak. A few seconds later, the teller opened the door.
'Enter, please.' he said, stepping aside to let Harry go in.
'Thank you.' Harry came in and looked around him. He knew that he was improvising at this point and that it could become dangerous for the plan. He just entered an office with no other exit than the door he just used. He hoped his question didn't put him in trouble. He remembered Severus' instruction to not stay around if things went sour.
The office was simple but elegant. The same dark wood as in the corridor was on the walls, Harry could see it was engraved with the motto of the bank "Fortius Quo Fidelius". "Strength through loyalty", it was not what you could expect for a bank and Harry suspected that it was in fact the motto of the entire Goblin nation. A simple desk, made in the same wood, was in the middle of the room with three chairs. Two chairs were inviting the visitors to sit while the third one was on the other side of the desk and already used by a Goblin with blond wavy hair. He was surely considered nice looking in his nation.
'Mr. Potter I presume?' said a Goblin
'Yes, sir.' said Harry, trying to judge if this Goblin was friendly. He knew that Goblins were against anything wizard, many wars were proof of that. If there was one thing that Harry had learned in his lessons on History of Magic, it was that Goblins were desperate for respect and equality with wizards. And that wizards were still refusing them that, not giving them access to wands.
'Take a seat, please' said the Goblin that Harry assumed was Blordak. 'You may leave Gornuk, thank you my friend.'
Gornuk bowed and left Harry with Blordak. Harry went to sit down and quickly gathered that this Goblin was like the others. He wanted to be wizards' equal. Harry decided that being extra polite was the best way to stay safe.
'Thank you for taking the time to see me, sir. I am sure that you have a busy day and I really appreciate the opportunity to meet with you.' said Harry. Blordak raised an eyebrow and continued.
'I was told that you wanted information about your accounts,' he said.
'Indeed. I was wondering if I have any other vault than the one, I usually visit. It's vault number 687.' said Harry.
'Mister Potter, every wizard knows that each family only has one vault. However, your case is a little different than most wizards. To summarize, Mister Potter, there are several wills that have been made in your favor by people without heirs. They surely wanted to show gratitude for what you did to end the previous wizarding war. When your parents died, your guardian and legal representative became Mrs. Petunia Dursley, nee Evans. She passed the order, through Mr Albus Dumbledore, not to be disturb with your affairs. As Mr. Dumbledore was the current chief Warlock, he acted as judge in this matter and gave you the Potter's vault a trust vault, for your school years and until you are of age. After that, all the inheritances given to you will be transferred into the Potter's family vault. They are currently waiting in vault number 514, this vault is only for deposit so there is no key.' said Blordak.
'Oh ... I see.' If he had to be honest, Harry was in fact completely lost by the situation. 'Would it be possible to get the money now?' he asked.
'Unless you are declared emancipated by the chief Warlock, no Mr. Potter, you cannot.' said Blordak firmly.
'So ... What can I do?' asked Harry.
'That, Mr. Potter, is a question you should ask to a Lawyer. You can find one at the Ministry of Magic, at the Advocates to the Wizarding World office' said Blordak.
'Oh ... See, I don't have much time, would it be possible for you to choose one and make him come here? I may have something like two more hours to settle all my affairs, it is an emergency.' said Harry, hoping that the Goblin wouldn't ask too many questions.
'I understand, Mr Potter. You-Know-Who's return makes your personal situation even more complicated than before. We will ask someone to come, free of charge on our end, as a thank you for your precedent victory against Him. We hope to see you renew this miracle.' said Blordak, clearly trying to win some sympathy from what he thought would be the future Savior of the Wizarding World. If only he knew the real reason behind Harry's visit to Gringotts. But Harry recognized his chance and quickly nodded to the Goblin. Blordak went down his chair and walked to the door, opened it, and shouted something in the corridor. In Gobbledegook. When he came back to his chair, he smiled at Harry and said,
'A Lawyer will be brought here in no time, would you like some tea while we wait?'.
'Yes, please. Thank you.' answered Harry.
After about fifteen minutes, waiting in an awkward silence while Blordak was tending to some paperwork, someone knocked the door. Harry turned around.
'Enter, please' said a grumpy-looking Goblin
A man in his mid-forties entered the office. He was carrying a brown and well-used brief-case with him. He had dirty blond hair with hazelnut eyes and an overall look of self-confidence. Harry stood up and greeted the man.
'Hello, Sir,' said Harry.
'Ha … Harry … Mr. Potter it is such a pleasure to meet you! When the Goblins sent the message, they didn't say … Mr. Watnott, Mr. Potter, very pleased to meet you.' said the Lawyer, losing his composure for a moment.
'Pleased to meet you too, Mr. Watnott. I am in a hurry today, shall we begin?' smiled Harry, thinking that having both Mr. Watnott and Blordak in his pocket couldn't hurt.
'Of course, Mr. Potter. I was told that you had questions about your situation. Do you want the Goblin to leave while I answer them?,' asked Mr. Watnott.
'No, Mr. Blordak can stay.' answered Harry, not wanting to offend the Goblin. Mr. Watnott had a surprised look then continued.
'In that case, what is your first question Mr Potter?'
'First of all, I am sure Mr. Watnott that you are aware of the situation regarding Vol- You Know Who. Now, Mr. Blordak just told me that I have inheritances waiting for me to turn seventeen. I was wondering if there is a way for me to get my full inheritance today.' Asked Harry.
'No, Mr. Potter. Unless you can prove that your guardians are unfit to take care of you and that you are fully able to do so and understand all the duties and responsibilities of an adult. In that case you could ask to be emancipated but it's so rarely done in the Magical World that you would turn seventeen before the Wizenmagot had a chance to deliberate. And well, considering your situation … you might also be dead before anything happens!' Mr. Watnott kept a professional voice, but Harry could see the pity in his eyes.
'And what if I die? What if I get kidnapped, or disappear?' said Harry, trying his best to keep his eyes innocent and confused. But inside of him, he really wanted to prove Sn … Severus that he could do something good on his own.
'Those are perfectly understandable questions considering the recent news. I am of course very sad that a young child your age is asking but it is also very nice to see that you are proactive in this coming war. To make it very simple, if you die, everything you own will go to your closest relative. Do you have any idea of who it might be?' Asked the Lawyer.
'Yes', seeing that Harry wouldn't give more details, Mr. Watnott continued.
'Very well, if you were to be kidnapped, nothing would change until someone could prove your death, and finally, if you were to mysteriously disappear, you would be declared dead after 7 years without any sign of being alive.' said Mr. Watnoot.
'Is there a way for me to say that I don't want my relatives to get anything but someone else instead?' Asked Harry
'No, Mr Potter. You are still a minor and as such you can't write a Will. Unless you want to file for Testamentary capacity. You would be seeking the Wizenmagot's authorization to write your Will and if they do, you would be able to do it under certain conditions. The process has never been used before so I can't say if there is any hope for your case.' said Mr. Watnott.
'There is another way to make your wishes heard, Mr. Potter.' said Blordak. The goblin waited a little to make sure he had the full attention of the people in the room. 'I wouldn't normally recommend it but your situation, Mr. Potter, is unique and considering today's operation in your vault, I feel it's a possibility you would like to explore.' After another dramatic pause, the goblin continued. 'There are only two keys to the Potter vault. One in your possession and one for your legal guardian, as per her wishes it is now in possession of Mr. Albus Dumbledore. If you were to give your key to your designated heir, this person could access your vault. It would mean of course that you would lose all access but all access to your funds. If you choose this option, I recommend for you to choose wisely a person you can trust to give your key back on your seventeenth birthday, when you will be able to write a Will. This can only make your wishes heard in case you disappear or are kidnapped. You can give orders to that person to withdraw the money before you are killed or declared dead. If you die before your birthday or before you can write your Will, the inheritance will still go to your relatives.'
'This would be highly irregular, indeed. And what if this person refuses to give the key back?' Asked Mr. Watnott.
'The guardian's key would be given to Mr. Potter. After that, he can ask Gringotts to change the locks. I would recommend to be in Gringotts first thing in the morning that day, Mr. Potter.' Answered Blordak.
'Well, that could work … I think I have just the right person in mind!' said Harry, 'Oh don't worry Mr. Watnott, I know that person can be fully trusted and will follow my wishes.' He added with a smile when the lawyer was about to talk, surely to express his concerns.
'If you are sure, Mr. Potter, that would cover the financial part of your inheritance, but there is also the real estate to take care of. The Advocates to the Wizarding World office have just handled the Will of Sirius Black. The Ministry is holding it for now under the Decree for Justifiable Confiscation. It is a law that gives the British Ministry of Magic the right to confiscate the contents of a Will if there are strong evidence that illegal or Dark artefacts might be passed on. He named you as his heir and so you inherit his house which is under Fidelius at the moment, I believe it also comes with a house elf. There is also your parents' house. It is a ruin that the Ministry has used as a National Monument, but you are still legally the owner. I am afraid that you cannot do anything about that.' said the lawyer.
'My parents' house?' Harry whispered softly. He thought about it and continued out loud. 'If it gives people hope, then the Ministry can continue to use it. And I don't want Sirius' house. He never liked it anyway.'
'Well … If you want to donate to someone as an adult, it will be very easy. As a minor, I am afraid that it will be more complicated. Your only chance would be the house elf. As you know they obey their Master so if you were to order the elf to let someone else live in the house until you make the donation as an adult … That is only a temporary fix. It does cover your "kidnapped or disappeared" scenario but in the event of your death, and without a Will, it would go back to your closest relative, no matter what.' explained Mr. Watnott.
Harry remained silent. He understood everything but he really didn't want the house, and he remembered that Severus didn't like it either. Also, he really didn't want to speak to that traitorous elf.
'So, let me just say it all again. I go with my relatives in their car and convince my cousin to switch places with me. Then I take the Knight Bus and go to Gringotts to retrieve as much money as I can. And then what?' asked Harry.
'Then you switch back to your cousin, just the time to cross Diagon Alley and get a private place in the Leaky Cauldron. I am not sure if you will be able to get a bedroom without an adult, but you should be able to get a private tea room. Take it under the name Sebastian Snape. Once in the room, you will take the permanent changing potion and wait for me. Dumbledore usually likes to gather the Professors on the last day, but I will come to pick you up.' said Severus.
Harry took his time to go through all the steps and details of the plan. He looked down at the birth certificate in his hands. Sebastian Snape. In a few days, he was going to be his professor's brother. A young wizard going to a muggle boarding school and learning magic during the summer. Someone nobody would know. He would finally get rid of his fame.
The way back to the Leaky Cauldron was more relaxed for Harry. This time he checked the time before he took his last Polyjuice potion, so he knew that he was in no rush. He also knew that he shouldn't expect Severus to meet with him for at least the next two hours. Dumbledore liked to have an "end of the year" meeting with the teachers and make sure that everything was ready for the next year. He took the time to take an ice cream at Florean's Parlor, and to look around different shops like Scribbulus Writing Instruments, Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, and Quality Quidditch Supplies. He particularly enjoyed looking at the pictures showed at TerrorTours, the travel agency. He longed to go somewhere warm and sunny on vacation. The Dursleys always left him behind when they were travelling to exotic places. As he was daydreaming, going from stalls to shop windows, he stopped in front of a shop that was being renovated. The bright colors were simply too much to ignore! On further inspection, Harry realized that the Tournament money he gave to Fred and Georges was going to be used well as it was their future shop he was looking at! At this rate, they would be ready to open in a week or so, and that simple thought filled him with pride and joy. This would be a little bit of Harry Potter that would live on after his change of identity. He continued his stroll in the Alley with a sweet smile on his face, until he looked at his watch.
'Crap!' he murmured. He only had ten minutes to make it to the Leaky Cauldron, get a private room and change back to his natural look. Fortunately, he wasn't very far from the pub, and he managed to make it with some time to spare. He rushed to the bar and asked the bartender.
'Excuse me, Sir. Can I book a private tea room, please. It's urgent,' said Harry.
'Sorry kiddo, I don't think that you are seventeen yet, can't book a room if there's no adult with ya.' answered Tom, the bartender.
Harry began to breathe a little faster. He couldn't turn back here, in the middle of a crowd! He needed somewhere no one would see, somewhere private, somewhere like … the restrooms! With one last glance to the bartender, he could see that the old man was beginning to worry for him. Without giving him more time to ask any question, Harry turned his heels and headed to the men's restroom … Just in time to see Dudley's face begin to "bubble," progressively turning back to the green eyes and black mop of hair that he knew so well. Harry looked at himself in the mirror and began to question his choice. He would never look like that again in his life. That was a big deal for him! So, without really thinking about it, he grabbed his hair and pulled on it. He got rewarded with a few hairs and a nasty pain on his scalp. Playing with Polyjuice all day taught him one thing, if he ever needs to be Harry Potter again, a potion could do the trick, even just for an hour. With his other hand, Harry opened his backpack and stored his hairs in the empty vial that was used to store Dudley's just a few hours ago. Then, he grabbed the last potion that was not in the emergency kit given by his professor. Now, that was the point of no return. The potion was ready to be used and after that, there would be no turning back. One last time, Harry reminded himself that he was doing it to save himself for certain death, he looked at his face in the mirror, and drank the potion in one go. The taste was awful, even worse than Polyjuice. Harry could feel his skin "bubbling" like he expected, but also his blood getting warmer, his guts fighting against the potion. Soon, all his nerves began to hurt so much, Harry had to clench his teeth to repress a scream. His blood was now boiling under his very sensitive skin. He whimpered softly, praying that the change would be over soon and that no one would come knocking at the door. Harry suddenly felt the need to vomit so he turned to the toilet and completely emptied his stomach. And then, his nerves, his kin, his blood, everything changed to ice. Harry stayed stunned as a stone for a few seconds before starting to cry. It hurt so much, he didn't think he could endure it for much longer. But the pain slowly got back to an acceptable level, which for anyone else would still be unbearable, but Harry had seen worse with the Dursleys. He slowly got back on his feet, not remembering falling on the floor, grabbed the sink to steady himself and looked in the mirror. He was greeted with the reflection of a young man of pale and sallow face, with black hair and black eyes, very thin and tired. He looked sick. He was Sebastian Snape.
And he was in pain. Well, there would be no better time to check out that emergency kit his professor made him pack. All his stays in the hospital wing paid up as Sebastian could easily recognize the pain reliever. He drank it and changed into his Hogwarts trousers and shirt. Without the tie and the robe, they looked just like regular black trousers and white shirts. Hopefully, no one would look twice at him. This was not how it was supposed to happen. But only one glitch in an otherwise great plan of escape, Sebastian couldn't really complain.
He activated the water, washed his hands to give the change. He looked at himself in the mirror one last time and saw it. The scar. The one way everyone could recognize Harry Potter was still on his forehead! Sebastian quickly wet his hair and tried to arrange them, hoping it would be easier than with his past mop. And it was. He looked a bit more girly but at least he wouldn't be recognized on the spot. Sebastian discreetly went out of the restrooms and spotted a secluded table where he sited and waited. After a few minutes, a waiter came to him, and he ordered a chamomile with a few biscuits to help his stomach settle. He was about to finish when the fireplace let a tall man pass through. Sebastian immediately recognized his now brother and ran to intercept him on his way to the staircase.
'Severus!' he called. A few people turned to him before turning back to their meal or their beer. All but one pair of dark eyes.
'And then?' asked Harry.
'Then we go home.' answered Severus with the ghost of a smile on his lips.