Prince Consort

Chapter 24

Severus hadn't slept the entire time that Harry remained unconscious. He just kept Harry securely in his arms and prayed to Merlin that his mate would wake up rested and with his magic thriving. Just the prospect of his mate not having magic was flaring up his protective tendencies, he had snarled and hissed at Alfred when he had entered the room to deliver the newspapers and a massive bundle of letters to go through. Alfred had bowed in silent apology and backed out with the paper and letters, deciding to see to everything himself. Severus, his Lord, had more important things to deal with, and thus he would deal with the day to day ins and outs of what being a Lord meant. It wasn't the first time he had taken on Severus' duties, it was always only for a day or two.

Severus went back and forth on what was worrying him the most, Harry most definitely had his concern but the Horcruxes were also another pushing concern. He would need his people's help to track the rest of them down as soon as possible. With the shard from Harry in the locket, he hoped they could come up with someone to find the rest without scouring the entire British Isles. No threat to his mate would go free, all would perish. Personally, he hadn't cared what the Dark Lord did, it wasn't as if he had threatened his position, but he knew the Dark Lord well, he would come for Harry for the sole reason that he had survived he would feel the need to prove himself the better wizard.

The one time Severus had gotten up, the lack of presence around the Castle told him that the celebratory party had been canceled; he would need to thank whoever had the foresight to do so. He hadn't thought about it, but the party should have been held tonight. Unfortunately, Harry was in no shape to attend, he had been asleep for two days, while his body, mind, and magic recuperated - at least he hoped his magic was recuperating. He hadn't felt anything yet, but Harry was completely drained. He and Alfred had taken a replenisher potion and were almost back to normal.

Severus began to sit up when he heard a low barely discernible groan leave Harry's lips. Would blood help him in this instance? He wasn't physically injured; vampires drank more after being physically harmed, naturally by another vampire.

"Harry?" Severus said quietly, brushing his hand through his hair, letting him know he wasn't alone. "Can you hear me?"

"I can," Harry murmured his voice sounded raspy and broken, he made no attempt to move or open his eyes even.

"Are you in pain?" Severus asked, moving just slightly to grab a hold of the pitcher of water with ice cubes still tinkling inside of it, they stayed that way until magic deteriorated, which was usually twelve to fifteen hours. He poured it into a glass until it was near the brim but not quite, he didn't want to get it down Harry's front he'd had enough of a shock as it was.

"Drink this," Severus said after a few seconds, holding the glass to his mouth and letting a small gulps worth filter into his mouth, then another when he drank it until half the glass was gone. "Harry?" why wasn't he saying anything?

"I feel empty," Harry choked out, completely terrified and sounding it, "Empty," he practically mewed, evidently not completely himself.

"Easy, do not despair," Severus told him, moving his arm under Harry's neck and lifting him into sitting position and circling his arms around him. Giving him the comfort he obviously so desperately needed as he revealed more information. "You emptied your magical core to remove the Horcrux; it took three of us to accomplish it that is why I also used Alfred to aid us. You will feel empty, would you drink a magical replenisher potion?" he felt Harry curl into his embrace and relax slightly at this new information his face pressing against him.

"Why wouldn't I take it?" Harry asked confused, opening his green eyes to stare up at Severus slightly baffled by the way the question had been asked.

"Let's just say it's not approved in polite society," Severus couldn't curb his sneer no matter how hard he tried.

"Polite society," Harry muttered rolling his eyes, "I'm a Slytherin too, Sev, do you think I'm a light wizard? That I've never dabbled in the Dark Arts? Do you think I let myself be unprotected especially against housemates who knew Dark Arts before they could walk properly? Not all Slytherin's liked the fact that a Potter got sorted into their house you know; I faced a lot of prejudice. With Teddy and Blaise by my side I proved my worth, gained their respect." well not all of them, but enough that his existence in Slytherin hadn't been an utter nightmare.

"It would have been worse should they have realized you had defeated the Dark Lord, no doubt the public would have revered you and the suspicion would have been exponentially worse." Severus mused, not sure why he was surprised that his mate had dabbled in the Dark Arts. Of course, he would have had to prove himself to his house. Harry shuddered in his arms at the thought of what his life would have been like if anyone had known.

"Dumbledore would have been worse," Harry said, "I'm glad nobody knew. Would you have told him the truth if you had known?" he ventured, already suspecting the answer.

"I don't know," Severus replied honestly, "I was caught off guard by his appearance, I did lie to him about why and how I was there, so perhaps I may have but there is little point to wondering what would have happened. What has happened has, and there is no point to dwelling in the past." glad he had successfully got Harry's mind of the fact he might not have magic - just a short reprieve but one nonetheless. He made a move to retrieve the potion for Harry, only to be taken in a tight grasp.

"I'll be right back," Severus informed him, but he didn't move, if Harry was actively seeking his comfort he wasn't about to break his trust by leaving when he needed him the most. "Would you prefer if I asked someone to retrieve it?"

Harry only nodded once, he felt very vulnerable, he didn't want to be alone, didn't want to find out if his magic was gone - on the other hand he had to know - Merlin he didn't even want to think of the prospect of a life without magic. He'd be ripe for the picking; Dumbledore would be able to do whatever he liked if he got his hands on him. He wasn't sure why Severus was the one he trusted the most, perhaps because they're bonded? It was difficult to rationalize but he just didn't want to let him go even a foot from him. He instinctively knew that Severus would always protect him from any and all harm.

Waving his hand, Severus removed the silencing spell surrounding the room, "Storm?" demanded Severus, his tone making it clear he didn't want any delay.

"Yes, Sir?" she asked entering immediately, bowing in respect and straightening, waiting for her orders. She could tell by her Lord's voice he had something he wanted doing.

"Bring me up a magic replenishing potion," Severus didn't bother to add right away she would know he'd requested it for a reason. He didn't need to tell her more either, since he did not hide his less than…legal potions. He had no need to the castle was the most secure building he could make it. The Ministry would never dare break the truce between them by trying any sort of raid.

Storm was gone before he even finished his sentence, making her way to his personal potions lab.

"It's so weird being able to hear everything," Harry admitted, he could hear and feel every step she took every creak of the floorboards, the doors opening and even the sound of everything being picked up. "Is the silencing spell two ways? I didn't hear it while it was up."

"I created it," Severus confessed, "I like to have optimal privacy in here, which means not being able to hear everything all over the castle."

"That's brilliant," Harry said in awe, "You'll have to teach me it." silencing spells stopped noise getting out, but to not hear anything coming it was disconcerting but brilliant as he said. "If I can…" his mood dropping as he remembered his current situation. He'd never felt so empty before, it was a god awful experience and he never wished to endure it again. A part of him was missing, he hated it.

"The potion you required," Storm said, handing it out to Severus, giving him a respectful bow before departing. Once again taking up her post at the end of the corridor, where they always remained this corridor was mostly off-limits unless of emergency or if they were called to their Lord.

"I will gather everyone and explain shortly," Storm head him say before the wards shimmered back up, she shivered at the feel of his strong and powerful magic.

"Do you feel the thirst?" Severus asked, turning to Harry now that he had the potion.

Harry shook his head after momentarily being stupefied by the question before his brain kicked into gear. "No," he hadn't felt any sort of hunger yet, he'd really only been around Remus but he stank so much that he didn't even think of drinking his blood.

"Drink this, it takes up to a minute to work you'll feel it, it can be described as the feeling of holding your wand again for the first time. The magical surge and rush that accompanies it." Severus explained, after removing the stopper and placing the vial in Harry's hands.

"And if nothing happens?" Harry asked pensively.

Severus didn't reply, merely reminded him to… "Drink up, all of it."

"That's what I thought," Harry muttered morosely, before pursing his lips for a second before he downed the potion praying that it would work, that he'd feel magic rushing through his veins.

Severus and Harry both held their breath as the seconds ticked back, each second felt like hours to them as nothing happened. Severus wanted to grunt in frustration, curse, and hex everything and everyone near him. If Harry had lost his magic he had every right to blame him! He had been the idiot that allowed this to happen to his ma- his thoughts cut off as he heard Harry gasp, the magic began to pour off him for a few seconds before it dimmed.

Harry gave a disbelieving laugh of delight, "Oh, Merlin, I'm fine, I'm alright." slumping against Severus again relief pouring off him in droves. Thank Merlin, oh, he was very overwhelmed he didn't know what to think or say, he was just so glad. The feel of that immense weight coming off his shoulders left him feeling weak and shaky.

"Good," Severus informed him, tightening his hold, his own body relaxing, they had gotten rid of the Horcrux and Harry still had his magic he'd tuck that in the win column. They would find out later whether his core had grown or gotten smaller, but judging by the fact he still had his magic, having a small amount shaved off seemed quite a good price to pay all things considered.

"Do you still feel tired?" Severus asked after over twenty minutes of them sitting in the same position.

"Couldn't move if my life depended on it," Harry murmured, his tone filled with sleepiness.

Severus chuckled in amusement, shaking his head as he remained where he was, not having the heart to move Harry especially when he wanted them there. "I am going to inform everyone what has happened when you are asleep, will you be alright with that?" he then asked.

Harry nodded, he had his magic back, and he didn't feel quite so vulnerable anymore.

It didn't surprise Severus that Harry ended up sleeping again within an hour, he still had a long way to go before his core was fully replenished, although with the potion it was reduced significantly. He would say by tomorrow morning, Harry should be fully recovered. He would wait and see the results of that recovery before he even thought of sending out another round of invites.

Reluctantly laying Harry down on the bed properly, he flung the cover over him, giving him one last look before he warded the room tighter, nothing and nobody would get through the wards and at his defenseless sleeping mate. Closing the door behind him, watching the two guards, who had obviously changed now that Jackson and Simon were standing at the end of the corridor?

He gave them a firm nod before he stalked passed them as they bowed in greeting; heading straight for the Great Hall where he knew everyone would be gathered within moments knowing he wished to speak.

Severus stalked into the Great Hall; the others were all there waiting patiently for him, seated on the large ornate oak table, absently drinking their goblets of animal blood. He headed straight for his chair at the head of the table and claimed his seat. Sitting with his left arm propped on his knees and his right hand absently rubbing his chin as he thought about what he wanted. Who he wanted to use for this task. Alfred sat to his right, his eyes alright with worry, as were Storm and Corin they knew something had happened they just didn't know what, and Severus would need to reveal that piece of information along with all other suspicions.

Zarek and Kieran stood up and began to weave wards around the room, more out of habit than actual need. Since they were all vampires and if anyone came nearby they would be able to hear them before they could approach the door. Although these days there were many ways in which to spy on someone. Hence the wards, they would even stop any recording devices or listening charms from working until they were taken down. One could never be too careful, especially when they'd be discussing strategy and tactics. They nodded to their Lord they reclaimed their seat and waited once more.

"Something rather concerning has come to my attention," Severus started cautiously.

"That's putting it lightly," Alfred said his tone remarkably grim for a vampire who was usually always quite cheerful and loved giving out advice to those who needed it. He noticed the looks of quiet concern and alarm he was getting from the others, and felt a little guilty at worrying them so, but they should be. It made his skin crawl at what the Dark Lord Voldemort had done, Horcruxes…the most disgusting and evil of magicks. Some things shouldn't be touched or remembered, and Horcruxes was one of them. His face smoothed over, he had every trust and confidence in Severus that he would have this sorted one way or another.

"What does that mean? Does it have anything to do with little Lord?" Storm asked, slipping on Harry's true title.

"The information I gathered is directly tied to Harry, yes," Severus confirmed her thoughts, his lips twitching just slightly, wondering what Harry would think of Storms nickname for him. He would probably feel offended, he wasn't as tall as he should be, but not as short as he should, thanks to the potions he had been sending him.

"He's going to be alright, isn't he?" Corin asked the others listened intently, worried as well.

"Yes, he's going to make a full recovery," Severus informed them, glad they had taken to Harry as well since he wanted to trust them with Harry's life.

"Full?" Alfred questioned, his relief only had hearted, at least until he got confirmation.

"Indeed," Severus nodded sombrely, letting Alfred know that Harry's magical core was just fine.

Alfred sighed in relief, thank Merlin for small mercies, although that wasn't a small one, it was a big one. Losing your magic was just about the worst thing that can happen to anyone in the magical world. In fact, he would best that ninety-five percent of wizards and witches would prefer death over losing their magic. The last five percent he left for those who were magically weak and honestly wouldn't miss it overly much. For someone like Harry, who was extremely powerful, almost level with Severus, and who knew what he'd be like once his education was complete and his magical core fully developed?

"Why the need for clarification? Is there something we don't know?" Corin asked, and during these meetings, they were allowed to ask without consequence. Not that there ever was, although if they were disrespectful or discourteous then they would be given the most mind numbing tedious tasks that nobody wanted and it took a lot of hard work to get back to where you were, learning respect along the way.

"That is all tied into the information I wish to reveal today," Severus informed them, bringing the conversation back on what he wanted to be revealed. He didn't want to waste too much of his time here, he wanted to be back with Harry. "You all know the truth that Harry was the one to actually defeat the Dark Lord all those years ago, and we've often asked ourselves how it is that he survived. Many assumed that the backlash of the spell wasn't enough to defeat him. Those speculations were wrong, it seems the Dark Lord's talk of going further than any other to gain immortality wasn't all talk…" Severus stated they all knew he had at one point been in the service of the Dark Lord before deflecting before he became Lord Prince. They did not hold it against him, especially considering they had all dabbled in the Dark Arts themselves, they weren't exactly law abiding citizens at least by the Ministry's standing on the word.

Severus removed the cheap trinket they'd used to transfer the Horcrux into a container that wasn't his mate. He threw it on the table, his cloak no longer masking it. Many of the vampires leaped from their seats hissing at the pendant, feeling the dark magic emanating from it and it got their hackles raised so to speak, the few that remained seated sat further back than necessary staring at it with bloody intention in their eyes, the desire to destroy it was strong. It was foul, loathsome magic and they were frankly disgusted by it.

"He created a Horcrux?" Zarek hissed out still rankled by the appearance of it.

"No, not just one," Selvic denied suspiciously, beginning to realize how big this was, "What does this Horcrux have to do with Harry?"

"Alfred and I, with the aid of Harry's magic just removed it from him to that container," Severus said, pointing to it with a dark look on his face. "It almost cost him his magic, but the thought of hurting anyone close to him made him adamant about removing it. It was no easy feat to allow it to happen, but his magical core did eventually replenish itself, so it's safe to say my mate will make a complete recovery."

"That was in him?" Zarek gaped incredulously at his Lord, "But none of us felt it," they would have surely felt it?

"I suspect Harry's own magic had long ago adapted to it, perhaps even hid it," Severus informed them.

"How many do you suspect he has?" Selvic asked.

"What do you mean by how many?" Corin rasped out, staring at the new father who had just returned to duty, in shock.

"Think about it, Harry must have become a Horcrux that night, the night the killing curse failed, to have happened he must have had at least one before it. It's a matter of whether it was intentional or accidental." Selvic informed her.

"Nobody would intentionally put a shard of their soul into a child! It's never been done, it would have been too risky surely?!" Storm argued.

"You're thinking it through rationally, the Dark Lord Voldemort isn't rational." Severus added before Selvic could speak, the vampire nodded in agreement as if to say 'that's my thoughts exactly'.

"Let's say for the sake of the argument it was accidental then since the rumors are he's after Harry now…now that he has become aware that Harry defeated him, if he knew he was a Horcrux then he would have taken him and protected him. Not in a way anyone would want to be protected I know, but the Dark Lord probably wouldn't have cared about anything other than his Horcrux…did it chip off or had he planned on creating one with his death?" Zarek imputed.

"Chipped, there was no ritual performed," Severus explained.

"I think I can come up with a Rrune that will act like a point me spell to the rest of the pieces?" Adam suggested from beside his husband Selvic, they had Tansy watching their child. He knew more Runes than anyone alive; everyone came to him regarding the subject of Ancient Runes.

"There's hardly any information on them, I shall dig up what I can," Corin added, wanting to know as much as possible.

"There's also the pressing matter of not knowing how to destroy this," Alfred said, stretching over and holding the Horcrux in his hand with a grimace - the only way that showed Alfred was affected by the dark presence.

"Have you tried?" Kieran asked perking up, while he wouldn't like working with it, he loved puzzles.

"We've not had the time to try," Severus informed him.

"Do the scrolls and books have any known way of destroying them?" Corin asked, refusing to even look at the Horcrux in Alfred's hands. The thing was still giving her the creeps, the dark magic saturating the room leaving her feeling utterly unclean. The Ministry had the gall to say vampires were dark creatures? That they were inhuman? When there was a wizard going about destroying his soul? Destroying the very nature of magic and of the world at the same time? At least they had full souls, they would never die unless they were destroyed, but the Ministry should look closer at home. They couldn't even control their own people, it was truly pathetic.

"I wasn't looking for information on how to destroy them; I was more concerned about transferring it from my mate," Severus replied immediately, and everyone here would do the same damn thing.

"Of course," Corin replied apologetically, dipping her head. "May I look at ways to destroy them?"

Kieran joined in, "I too would like to help, two sets of eyes are better than one,"

"Then both of you look for a solution, but the Horcrux remains with me," Severus stated he wasn't risking it being out of his hands. Alfred handed it back over at that statement, and Severus slid it back into his pocket allowing the vampires to relax for the first time, as the presence of the darkened soul shard was cloaked. "If you come up with one alert me immediately no matter what day or time it is." he knew they would look for answers until they exhausted all avenues.

"Yes Sir," both Corin and Kieran replied dipping their head in respect to the orders.

"As for you, Adam, create the Rrune," Severus demanded, and he knew he would pull it off; he had yet to disappoint him.

"I'll gather all known information on the Dark Lord Voldemort, perhaps there will be clues to where we can find the locations to where he's keeping them," Alfred informed Severus.

"I will give you what information I do have after this meeting," Severus nodded pleased with how the meeting was going. Alfred wouldn't get the information he needed if he was unaware of the Dark Lord's real name.

"He won't have them kept together, there is no way," Zarek shook his head, "Maybe one of them, but it's stupid to go to all those measures and keep them all together…if anyone found out they'd be sitting ducks. He obviously told the Death Eaters something, if our Lord has the information." Zarek nodded to Severus, "That rune will definitely be necessary for finding them." Zarek couldn't help but wonder if their leader had the slightest intention of letting Harry fight, considering how protective vampires got when they found their mates, he knew it wasn't possible, he wouldn't allow it, just like Zarek wouldn't allow Kieran to fight when he first found him. He wasn't so overwhelming protective now but his mate like his leaders had been human, to begin with.

"Indeed," Severus said agreeing with him one hundred percent, and it had also been what he was thinking.

"Then I will get to work right away," Adam told them firmly, he wasn't about to let his Lord down.

"Good, now are the preparations for the party still going on?" Severus added it was a very important party, almost as important as a wedding ceremony, while he didn't care for festivities it was a bonding moment for the entire clan and a chance to show off his mate. He was definitely worth showing off that was for certain.

"We can have Raymond come after lunch today…would Harry be available?" Greg questioned, he was sitting across from Alfred. Sitting at Severus' other side.

"Harry has not changed in a fortnight, he has the measurements, I will trust him to do our robes," Severus informed Greg wryly.

"All the food and drink preparations are done, under stasis charms, we'll probably have a lot of leftovers," Damien informed him, he was after all in charge of the kitchen. By drinks, it was mostly blood but they had a variety of drinks for those who were attending that were human.

"The House-elves have the decorations they'll be going up once the date and time have been confirmed," Storm added to the conversation.

"Excellent," Severus stated, "Robert, how are things at Hogwarts?"

"Panic and chaos, My Lord," Robert admitted with a vindictive smirk, he should probably feel bad about getting amusement out of his colleague's shock and horror, but he couldn't help himself. Filius was the only one he truly liked if he was honest, and would miss him when he left Hogwarts for good. "They're quite up the creek without a paddle; they do not seem able to cope without Dumbledore."

"Have they been tested for potions?" Severus asked shrewdly.

"I am not aware if they have or not," Robert confessed.

"Then perhaps I should write to the Ministry anonymously and suggest the idea," Severus was the one thinking out loud now.

"Minerva McGonagall especially refuses to believe the charges, she's searching for Black right now, in fact, to try and sort this whole mess, she's under the impression that Sirius Black would clear it up and things would return to normal," Robert said, a grimace on his face, it was truly disturbing how their lives revolved around the Headmaster. Now that his Lord had mentioned it, perhaps being imbibed with a potion wasn't that far off.

"Speaking of Black, where is he?" Severus asked he knew Black had left the Castle, being followed by one of his vampires.

"Antony isn't back yet, so they're still out there," Damien replied, Antony had been asked to trail Black just to be on the safe side, he was their chance of getting rid of Dumbledore for good, so of course, they would invest in keeping the idiotic Auror safe from doing something incredibly stupid or getting killed.

"I would like to be informed when they return," Severus informed him, "Remind Antony to report to me as soon as possible."

"I'll let him know," Cenric spoke for the first time, his mind was still reeling from the fact Harry had been a Horcrux and he hadn't even noticed. He had certainly felt its presence when it was in that cheap gaudy pendant they were using to 'host' the soul after removing it from Harry. It was his turn to be on duty in two hours, so he'd more than likely be the one to inform him.

"Good," Severus stated, "That will be all, thank you for attending," giving them small thanks never failed to hurt, he had learned what not to do when you were a leader after watching the Dark Lord for a few years. Letting them feel appreciated was definitely on the top, but not too appreciated, otherwise they wouldn't go all out to impress. Standing up he was the first to leave, sweeping out of the room, Alfred hot on his heels, remembering his earlier orders.

He swept past those on duty and up to his side of the wing where nobody ever ventured. Nodding to Jackson and Simon, "You may go," he informed them, "The others will fill you in on what transpired." he added opening his door, and deactivating all the wards keeping his rooms secure, Alfred stood outside patiently.

"Come in, Alfred, do a diagnosis on Harry while you wait," Severus asked, more like demanded, as he sat down and began to write everything he knew down so Alfred could do the rest of the research. The wards on the sealed vault pinged alerting him to the fact Corin and Kieran were already searching for answers.

After running the diagnosis and reading the results, Alfred spoke, "His magic is going to be stronger than before, and I don't believe it has anything to do with the magic replenisher, I believe the soul shard may have been affecting his magic, perhaps even siphoning it off to thrive?" It was guesswork of course. "He's a little exhausted, he'll ache for a while but other than that he has a clean bill of health." drinking blood would help him recover faster but he was sure Severus already knew that.

Severus unconsciously relaxed upon hearing that, "Good," Severus said relieved. "This is everything I knew about him, the rest I leave in your capable hands." he handed over the parchment the ink was not dry yet.

"I'll have all information I can find by the end of the week," Alfred promised.

"I have no doubt," Severus replied, Alfred was very good at compiling information for him.

"Do you know what colors you wish to wear at the party? My Lord?" Alfred asked suddenly, but it was moot seen as Severus had heard as well. Raymond would do better knowing which colors were preferred otherwise he'd be a mess. Raymond would never have the guts to come out right and ask Severus so he was doing it.

"Green," Severus stated immediately, "With either blue or silver trim, my mate is a Slytherin after all," and he was proud of that fact.

"That he is," Alfred agreed, nodding curtly he left Severus' rooms closing the door before he outstayed his welcome.

Severus sighed, bringing forth a blank piece of parchment that wasn't in any way associated with the Princes or his coven. It wouldn't be anonymous if he did use his normal parchment after all. Dipping his quill into the ink once more, he began to write out an appropriate letter, trying not to sound condescending but more concerned, something that was increasingly difficult considering who he was writing to - the Ministry was just an embarrassment to everyone. He also couldn't sound too educated, just a concerned citizen. He had just finished it and spelled it dry when he heard Harry murmuring quietly half way between still asleep and being conscious.

"How do you feel?" Severus asked after a few moments, still watching his mate intently for any sign of discomfort.

"M'fine," Harry said, still groggy, sitting up, surprised that Severus was here. "Don't you have meetings?"

"I have only just returned from the meeting, but you will always come first," Severus said honestly, and Harry needed that more than anything else. Someone who put him first, someone he knew would always care. Seeing the shy grin on his face strengthened his resolve to make sure Harry knew how much he was wanted more often. He wasn't going to be like his grandparents, his grandmother had only seen Glenn at night for a few hours before sleep. They had worked hard, but maybe a bit too hard, he didn't want that life for Harry otherwise what was the point of having a mate? "Raymond will drop of the robes for our party, probably in green colours I hope that doesn't disappoint you."

"I…I have more than enough clothes in the cupboard," Harry argued.

"It is a very official celebration, normal robes just won't quite cut it," Severus informed him. He rather hoped Harry wasn't going to make too much of a fuss over it. He realized why, he wasn't used to being spoiled, while Remus had been a very good father and there for Harry emotionally, Harry hadn't been able to get even a quarter of the things he deserved. "Your friends will be receiving the same treatment."

Harry grinned just imagining their faces, they hated going to Madam Malkin's when they grew out of their robes.

"Black isn't coming is he?" Harry asked his eyes darkening, reminded of him, he honestly didn't know what to do when it came to Sirius Black. Maybe doing what Severus suggested would be for the best. Just saying everything he'd felt, thought, and the anger he was feeling at being so cheated, his renewed and furthered anger at Dumbledore for everything he'd done.

"No," Severus replied immediately not even needing to think about it. "Definitely not," he was willing to protect Remus' mate, just because Remus had taken care of his own mate, but that was as far as it extended, Sirius Black would not be attending this party.

"Good," Harry replied, he didn't want the first time he saw Sirius Black be at a party.

"You do understand that the potions he was under…he had zero chance of fighting them?" Severus said sombrely. "Black is many things, I dislike him utterly, but he did love you, Harry, more than anything else. I suspect if you went to see him you would deduce that for yourself."

"I've hated him for so long, never mind seeing him face to face and I don't want to hurt him…only because he's my dads mate and he doesn't really deserve it," Harry confessed, rubbing his face self-consciously.

"That hatred won't dissolve overnight," Severus admitted (yet again) nodding, "But it will not budge unless you admit to yourself perhaps he isn't to be blamed for what happened all along. This has all been some sick twisted macabre game to Dumbledore. I'm sure we will get an explanation from the old fool at the hearing. To never forgive Black, as sick as this is to admit, Dumbledore will win. All you will be doing is making Dumbledore's game stick and destroying what's left of Black after the betrayal he's currently been through. He trusted Dumbledore impeccably, more than anyone else, even his own family, this betrayal probably affected him more than anyone can fathom, Black probably won't be the same person he used to be, and the new bond he has with your dad is probably the only thing stopping him from bursting at the seams."

"It is easier to hate," Harry whispered, already agreeing with Severus. "And I know he's not to blame, and Merlin I hate Dumbledore so much."

"It is, believe me, I know, but it takes you places nobody wants to be, not really," Severus confessed, and he should know he had spent his teens in this hate filled black hole before he dredged himself out of it and realized what the hell he was doing not only to himself but to the others around him.

"I'll think about going to see him," Harry sighed; it was the best he could offer anyone right now. "But after the party,"

"This decision has to be yours completely, I do not want you to begin to resent me, Harry," Severus pointed out, and he would if he felt pressured.

"I won't, I promise," Harry said earnestly, "So what are you doing anyway?" greatly desiring a change in conversation, he'd had enough conversation about Black to last him a lifetime right now.

"Just a little pre-emptive action," Severus answered honestly.

"Against?" Harry asked curiously, green eyes alight, as he moved the covers aside and slid out of bed, padding over to his mate, trying to read the letter upside down.

"Dumbledore, its' believed he may have imbibed more people than we realized with potions, this will be a way of finding out," Severus explained if he couldn't trust his mate with everything who could he trust?

"Do you really believe that?" Harry asked as Severus brought him down beside him.

"I don't believe it really matters either way," Severus replied, and it didn't affect them after all. Dumbledore was going to prison for a very long time for what he did to Black regardless of whether others were imbibed with the potion.

There we go! I'm going to wait until its done here before i change it on AO3 :) I hope you're all enjoying it :D I certainly have liked making it a lot more readable for you :D R&R please