The Vow And its Consequences
Chapter 9
Hunting For A House
"Narcissa can you keep an eye on Harry for me until I get back? He needs two potions in a hour." said Severus, waiting for Narcissa to answer, he wasn't one to take people for granted. Harry had not yet woken, and Severus decided it was time to get a new house. He couldn't raise Harry here, nor could he raise him in Spinner End. It wasn't a nice place to raise anyone, not anymore anyway. It was mostly abandoned, houses boarded up and the cobbles were coming away and the river nearby made it stink something terrible. If he was going to raise Harry, then he was going to do it right. Who would have thought he'd be buying a house? He certainly didn't. He'd always lived in Spinners End, it was enough for him.
"Where are you going?" asked Narcissa in surprise, Severus hadn't left Harry's side in two days, it must be important for him to leave now.
"I'm going to Gringotts to see about purchasing a house," said Severus, his cheeks going slightly pink by Narcissa's shocked look. Honestly did they seriously think he would have raised Harry in the run down building he currently stayed in?
"Of course Severus," said Narcissa, nodding her head in understanding, "Dobby? Look after Draco for me." she said, before making her way up to Harry's room. Draco was currently in his play room, it held everything a child could possibly want and need.
"Yes ma'am." said Dobby disappearing to tend to the young Master.
Narcissa entered her guest room, unlike her husband she didn't have trouble with Harry being here. No not trouble, but as in trouble adjusting to the fact the hero of the Wizarding world was here in their manor. To be honest she'd had more trouble with the fact he was abused. Not many magical children were abused, at least not in the magical world. They were cherished, punished accordingly when needed, sometimes overly so but never actually outright abused to the extent they were dying. Even Death Eaters cherished their children, what had Dumbledore been thinking? It was madness. Unfortunately the little boy on the bed had bore the brunt of it.
She had noticed subtle changes in her best friend, he had always been protective but he was unusually more so now. He must be planning on raising Harry himself, which meant Lucius would have to ensure it was done legally. Otherwise Dumbledore would be able to separate them. Lucius was already away, goodness knows what he was planning. Whatever it was she hoped it was long and painful for those child abusers.
He was so small; he looked years younger than Draco when in fact they were the same age. She could remember reading the newspapers the day after it happened; she already knew something had gone down. Lucius had fallen out of bed and onto the floor screaming in agony. When he'd stopped they'd both seen that the Dark Mark was all but gone. Then the newspapers told everything, Lily and James Potter were dead and Harry Potter had done the impossible. He'd survived the killing curse cast on him by the darkest wizard of the age. She had looked at Draco and was overwhelmed with sadness, especially for feeling so much relief that the madman was gone.
Severus stalked into Gringotts, it was moderately empty, still too early for people to be coming in. "I need to speak to Ironclaw," said Severus standing proud and tall, demanding service right away.
"Right away," said the Goblin, who Severus had no hope of identifying, "Follow me."
They walked to the right, two guards at each side both wizards and they walked on by. Unlike normal banks there were no seats, no welcome feeling to it. It was cold, secure and sterile like the pureblood's preferred it. The goblin gestured for him to wait as he went into one of the many offices. They had a quick conversation in Gobblygook before Severus was called in.
"How can I help you today Mr. Snape?" asked Ironclaw.
"I want to purchase a house, preferably today." said Severus immediately sitting down opposite the goblin. Getting straight to the point, not bothering with politeness and that's the way the goblins liked it. It would surprise Severus to hear that the goblins respected his no nonsense approach to everything.
"Anywhere specific?" asked Ironclaw.
"Preferably secure, and somewhere that's isolated," said Severus immediately, "And in the Muggle world."
"You already have properties fitting that description," said Ironclaw staring at Severus blankly.
Severus raised an eyebrow disbelief written across his face, "How's that?" scoffed Severus, he knew he'd never bought a property never mind several.
"You have inherited the Prince estate, did you not get our mail?" asked Ironclaw frowning at the thought of any of their mail being intercepted or lost. They prided themselves on their abilities and secretiveness. Nobody should have been able to get near his post; the owls were vicious if someone tried.
"I may have," said Severus, he didn't open his mail from Gringotts; they were just put into his drawer at Hogwarts or his desk at Spinners End. They were usually just statements; he already knew every single Galleon, Sickle and Knut in his account. If he had the Prince estate it meant his grandparents were dead. That they had either given it to him, or they had not left a will and it automatically came to him. "Why did I receive it?" he demanded.
"Your grandmother updated her will the day before she died, you received everything." said Ironclaw.
"Why wasn't I invited to a will reading?" demanded Severus.
"You were," said Ironclaw bluntly.
Severus held his tongue; to be truthful he didn't know since he didn't open his damn mail. He would have to search through it all and find out what he could. If he didn't then he had to have a serious word with Gringotts. He knew if he hadn't come here he would never have known about his inheritance. He'd been such a fool dismissing the letters as he had. "Let me see the properties," said Severus brushing his concerns aside.
Ironclaw began sifting through papers, grunting every few seconds before he handed him a small pile of papers. Each detailing the properties, even how many house elves inhabited them. It came as no surprise to see none were in use; the Prince family was gone, only he was left. He couldn't understand how his mother would give all this up, for a small house in Spinners End and a cruel sadistic bastard for a husband.
A manor, did he really want to raise Harry in a manor? Especially somewhere he didn't know? Then again the house elves would ensure nothing happened to Harry if he went somewhere he shouldn't. It was in Scotland that was a surprise, most pureblood families that had manors were in England. It was beautiful; Severus fell in love at the sight of it. Nobody could get them in it, although one was more secure than Prince Hall, which was what that property was called. Prince Pride was a bigger manor, with a lot more security, and a Fidelus Charm imbued on it. Prince Pride? Really that's what they'd called them they had been big headed. The one in Scotland hadn't been lived in since the sixties.
"Prince Hall will be the one I shall use," said Severus immediately, folding the paper and placing it in his pocket. He wanted to look more fully into them, at his own time. "How do I let them know to expect company?"
"The house elves are bound to you, just as the entire estate is, call one to you." said Ironclaw. "The names are listed on the property inventory." Ironclaw looked a little put out at that, creatures were treated terribly. Being a creature himself he knew how it felt, and he didn't like it. The goblin race was once renowned, revered even and now they were reduced to this? Nobody could blame him for being angry.
Severus fished the information back out, staring at the list until he found the house elves. He'd never had one before, this was all new to him, and Lucius was in for a shock. As far as he knew Lucius only had one manor in the UK. They had holiday homes, just like the Princes apparently.
"Flippy?" called Severus his lip curling at the horrendous name he had to say. They might as well have called it fish and gotten it over with really.
"Yes Master?" asked Flippy appearing before him, bowing so low his nose touched the floor. His eyes were large; evidently he had not expected to be called least of all here.
"Is Prince Hall clean?" asked Severus, "Get up off the floor." god he hoped the elf wasn't one of those bowing and scraping things. He hated the way they acted, it was disgusting.
"Yes Master," said Flippy looking excited at the prospect of serving a new Master.
"Then expect company some time today," said Severus.
"Yes Master." said Flippy waiting expectantly for a few seconds, when it became apparent he had nothing more to say, he disappeared.
"Here is an inventory of your new holdings, key's and cards." said Ironclaw handing everything over to the still slightly stunned man. Not that he showed it, he just wasn't his normally ironclad controlled self. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
"No, may the gods grant you more gold Ironclaw." said Severus nodding his head, respectfully.
"You also Mr. Snape," said Ironclaw nodding his head in respect. Not many people greeted them with proper words anymore.
With that Severus placed his things in his inner cloak pocket. With that he left the office, passed the two wizards standing guard and out into the sunshine. He wasn't sure what his next step should be. Yet as he continued to stalk down the cobbled road of Diagon Alley he made his decision. Taking a deep breath, he Apparated to Hogwarts' gates, hoping Narcissa had remembered to give Harry his potions. Also hoping that Harry hadn't woken up yet. He wanted to the one to explain everything; no doubt the child would be worried and scared.
Staring at Hogwarts, he hitched a ride on the coaches and found himself on his way to the entrance hall. He wondered if Dumbledore would dig deeper, or if he would accept it. He wanted Harry to legally be his for a few years before the old fool found out. Unfortunately Dumbledore had ways of finding out information, and Severus hated that. Ten minutes later the Thestral drawn carriage slowed to a stop. Hopping down he swiftly made his way down to the dungeon's hoping to get in and out without seeing anyone.
He was successful, it being summer it was no surprise really. Entering his quarters he sighed, he actually loved being at Hogwarts. Loathed teaching, but Hogwarts had always been his home. With skilful hands he began packing anything of value to him; the first to get packed was his personal letters and items in his office. Next was his personal lab, and of course his cauldrons, stirring rods and own ingredients. It took him much longer than he thought it would, shrinking everything down he locked his quarters securely and closed his office door. A feeling of melancholy sweeping through him, but he reminded himself he was doing this for Harry…for Lily too.
He immediately went straight to Spinners End, and did what he had to do there. Thankfully there wasn't much he wanted to take with him in the godforsaken house. Just more potion ingredients equipment and of course his books. The furniture was years old, and he didn't mind it being left there. He did put the food in the bin outside, not wanting the place to start getting mouldy. Once he was done he didn't mind so much leaving this place. He Apparated straight to Malfoy Manor, and went straight to Harry's room.
"How is he?" asked Severus.
"Still asleep," said Narcissa, regarding Severus shrewdly, he seemed to have a spring in his step. He had obviously been successful in getting a house. "Severus what are you going to do when you go back to Hogwarts?" she asked, it had been annoying her since he announced his intentions.
"I'm taking a few years sabbatical, after that who knows?" asked Severus.
"Dumbledore won't be happy," said Narcissa.
"No, he won't. It has nothing to do with him." said Severus grimly. "Where's Lucius?"
"I have no idea," said Narcissa, he never told her what he was up to outright, just in case anything happened. Lucius' number one priority was to keep her safe, and if she didn't know everything then she couldn't be implicated.
Petunia sat trembling before the wizard in her home; all he had mentioned was the Dementor's. She had been terrified, so terrified she'd immediately packed up and took the boy's home when Snape had disappeared. Only to find her husband completely drunk and sleeping on the sofa. His mobile phone out of battery and the house phone unplugged. She would have been furious with him if she wasn't so scared.
"Sign it," said Lucius, "Both of them right now." his teeth bared in an animalistic manner.
Petunia's mind was whirling with the ramifications of signing those papers. What would the crackpot old fool think? Right now he's promised she wouldn't have to see another magical freak in her home, yet two of them had been there. She couldn't handle it; she was more scared of the man in front of her than Dumbledore. With shaking hands she signed the papers, giving up custody of her nephew.
"Don't think this is over," said Lucius "I want the boy's belongings."
Petunia's eyes unconsciously skittered towards the cupboard under the stairs. Lucius' eyes followed hers, his eyes flared angrily; they'd already packed his things up in a cupboard? Growling angrily he walked towards it, ignoring Petunia's feeble attempts at disrupting him. His eyebrows disappeared into his hair, Merlin people called him evil? They'd kept the child in a bloody broom cupboard! There was absolutely nothing worth taking. Just three plastic figures, a bed and clothes that obviously belonged to her pig of a son.
"I should kill you right now…but what I have planned…seems much more poetic right now." said Lucius fury written across his face.
"I…I signed the p-apers." stuttered Petunia weakly her brown eyes wide with fear.
"I'll be back," said Lucius viciously, glaring at Petunia so fiercely that she couldn't help but step back her legs shaking and barely able to keep her upright.
As soon as he was gone though she fell to the floor sobbing in fear.
"My office," said Lucius as soon as he was back, they were all in the dining room having dinner. Minus Harry of course, who was probably still recovering, sleep was the best thing for that anyway.
Severus started at Lucius cautiously before getting up, abandoning the remains of his dinner. Both of them walked to Lucius' office, Severus noticed Lucius was extremely agitated. The blonde went straight to his drink cabinet and began filling a large glass full of whiskey.
"What happened?" asked Severus warily, something had rattled Lucius big time.
"They kept him in a cupboard Severus, a bloody broom cupboard." said Lucius his tone full of bitterness and rage.
"What?" choked Severus his eyes wide, unable to believe what he'd heard.
"I can barely believe it myself, the kid had a few plastic figures, a few broken crayons and paper." said Lucius, "And his pig of a cousins clothes, they've provided him with nothing in his life."
Severus sat down heavily shaking his head; he was beginning to realize just how far the abuse went. There was also the fact he would have to undo it all, the Dursley's had to pay for treating Harry like a house elf.
"I have the Prince estate," said Severus changing the subject.
"Really?" asked Lucius impressed, "At least you will have decent properties then."
"Yes, I'm moving into Prince Hall, taking a sabbatical from Hogwarts at least until Harry's eleven." explained Severus.
"That will put the cat among the pigeons," smirked Lucius, wishing he could see Dumbledore's face when he realized Severus had left.
"Indeed," said Severus wryly.
"When are you going?" asked Lucius curiously.
"Tonight," said Severus.
"Here," said Lucius withdrawing the adoption papers, both magical and Muggle, since there hadn't been any magical tampering they were both legal. Lucius was feeling very smug at that.
"What are you doing with the Dursley's?" asked Severus, staring at Lucius in a way that told him he demanded to know.
"I have a man keeping tabs on them twenty four hours a day; I've bought Grunnings which might actually be profitable. Vernon Dursley will find himself without a job soon, and unable to get another." smirked Lucius wryly, he had a squib on his payroll that happened to be a cop. He was about to make Vernon Dursley a man nobody would want to hire. They wouldn't be able to keep up the mortgage on their property and would soon find themselves in a world of trouble. "He's also going to get a hold of their finances for me, I think they might be getting paid for Harry…if that's the case you need to get the Potter estate in order quickly."
Severus grimaced he wasn't a number cruncher; he knew nothing of running estates. Thankfully the Goblins did that otherwise he wouldn't know what to do. "If I must."
"You do otherwise my revenge won't go as planned if they are getting money from the Potter estate." said Lucius sniffing at the thought of something of his not going to plan.
Severus smirked at his friend knowing without reading his thoughts about what was going on in his mind.
"Let us know your Floo address as soon as possible," said Lucius, "Right now I'm starving and could use something to eat. Are you coming?"
"Yes," said Severus standing up, both men then headed to the dining room their conversation over.
There we go next chapter harry will wake up and be in Prince Manor :) does severus have what it takes to raise a child when he cannot teach eleven year olds how to brew potions? will severus teach harry magic prepare him for the magical world? or will he only do that a year before harry goes to school? teaching him at least one new spell a day for a year would be quite a lot of spells :P will harry get his normal wand? the brother of voldemort? or will his wand be much more impressive to go with his unbound magic? will harry even accept magic is real? R&R PLEASE!