The Vow And its Consequences

Chapter 10

Harry's Going To His New Home

Severus became infuriated when he found no letter containing the will reading. He didn't even have a statement of the Prince holdings, which he should have received each month since he'd been given it. Someone had been messing with his mail, he just didn't understand it. His own personal vault statements got to him, it was highly suspicious that only the Prince statements weren't getting to their destination. His own personal vault was the one he'd opened up when he was seventeen years old. It had remained empty for a while, as he gained his mastery - he had lived hand to mouth during that time. That was nothing new to him; his family had lived hand to mouth too. It didn't help his father had drank most of it. Now it was very full, from independent brewing he did, and of course his wages from teaching idiotic students all year. Since it was a boarding school his wage was lower than a normal teacher's salary. His room and food being paid for before he received his wages. Not that he could complain, he got more than most of the teachers, as head of Slytherin he had more responsibility which meant a higher pay.

He sighed in exasperation, surrounded by parchment, some of scrunched up where his anger got the better of him. He was currently in Lucius' office trying to make sense of this mess. He would have to write to Gringotts; perhaps Ironclaw could send them straight to Prince Hall. If he didn't get them there then simply put he was going to go nuts. If it was just one or two letters he'd understand if they got lost, but not all of them. He had a sneaky suspicion something more was going on than met the eye. It seemed he wouldn't have known about his family money, even if he had been opening his monthly statements.

"Having trouble?" asked Lucius knocking before entering his study, aware that Severus was using it.

"I haven't even started, I'm just trying to make sense of this mess," said Severus smoothly straightening up now that he had company. He had asked to borrow the study to write the letter to Dumbledore about taking a sabbatical. Instead he'd found himself going through a years worth of mail from Gringotts.

"What mess?" enquired Lucius curiously, as he poured both of them a white wine. He passed Severus his goblet as he took a seat next to him. He didn't see Severus stressed often, and wanted to help him if he could.

"I never received the summons for the will reading when my grandparents died. I also discovered I've not been delivered a single statement regarding the Prince Estate." replied Severus sipping the wine; Lucius had excellent taste in drink. He had yet to be offered something he didn't like here.

"Highly unusual," admitted Lucius cautiously, "Perhaps there's a redirection spell on your mail. It was very illegal to do it, unless it was parents doing it for their children." In fact he was pretty sure that's what had happened to Harry Potter. Otherwise Privet Drive would have been covered in owls constantly; no doubt the child had a vault filled with letters and gifts at Gringotts. All the while he had been abused; it was a sorry state of affairs.

"I receive my mail every Monday morning," said Severus shaking his head negatively, "Which includes the statement for my personal vault."

"Severus Gringotts sends them out on Sunday morning," said Lucius staring at his friend in confusion. They were well aware that people worked Monday to Friday. Sunday was what they considered a day of rest, that's when Gringotts sent out their statements, monthly or weekly depending on how you request them.

"I always receive them before classes on Monday, it's why I put them in my drawer and basically forget about them. My week is just too hectic to think about opening mail that I already know." replied Severus. Plus on Monday morning his mood is just too sour and bleak, after spending the weekend brewing without worry, to back to teaching brats that had no desire to learn.

"Well I don't know why they'd want the letters, it's not as though they could get into your vaults." said Lucius, but it was a breech of privacy, he knew Severus loathed the thought of anyone knowing about him. Lucius didn't blame him for being confused and angry about it; he would be infuriated as well.

"That's beside the point," said Severus his lip curled in repugnance.

"I know," said Lucius wryly, he'd figured as much they were the both on the same wavelength at that.

"Well there's nothing to be done about it now," said Severus gathering his letters and placing them into a neat pile. He grabbed a piece of expensive parchment that Lucius used for his correspondence. It was much thicker than the normal paper people used, and less likely to smudge ink all over the place.

"I'll leave you to it," said Lucius swiftly getting up giving Severus privacy to do whatever he needed to do.

"Thank you," said Severus.

"It's no problem Severus, you know I'm here if you ever need help." said Lucius honestly, he may be a dick to most people but family and friends meant a lot to him. The thing with him, he didn't put a white hat on and sell himself of as a saint. Not like Dumbledore did, everyone knew what they were dealing with when his name was mentioned.

The same couldn't be said for Dumbledore. Unfortunately nobody saw what the Slytherin's did, and it wasn't just because they were 'Dark' as he would put it. No they saw a side to him from the second they were sorted until they left Hogwarts. He very prejudicially favoured his own house and looked down his nose at the Slytherin's. All just because Tom Riddle had happened to end up a Dark Lord, they were branded evil and Dark Lords or servants. It was no wonder Slytherin's felt as though they had no choice but to be evil and follow a madman's footsteps looking for acceptance. Acceptance they should have found at Hogwarts, they truly should have abolished the houses along time ago.

Albus Dumbledore was busy sorting through his mail, which being Headmaster and of course the great and powerful 'Albus Dumbledore' it was quite a lot. He had already been at it for three hours and he was getting pigeonholed. Albus stared at the Quidditch pitch from his seat, it was so peaceful and quiet during the summer he thought his mind wandering. It's when he liked it best, helped by not having to keep his masks in place. He didn't have to act all powerful and genial. Every single one of his staff was gone this summer, other than Trelawney of course, who ever went anywhere. She hardly came out of her tower, and Albus was just fine with that. The less people she saw, the less likely she was to make a genuine prophecy and blow the cover he'd created for her. Hopefully nobody would believe her if she did go into a trance these days.

Even his Deputy Headmistress was gone for the summer, visiting her family in Scotland. Unfortunately that landed him with all the mail that went through Hogwarts. He had students to observe, ones that would receive the scholarships this year. They could only give four scholarships each year, to the most deserving students. Of course Albus ensured that they were all Gryffindor's the prejudice old fart that he was.

Just as he put down the finishing touches to his last letter an owl swooped in. Albus stared at it in irritation; his eye twitching slightly was the only outward indication of his anger. He removed the letter; the second he did the owl flew away not waiting on a response. He recognized the writing immediately, he read enough of it during the summer when he revised and looked over the curriculum for each teacher.

He immediately opened it curiously, Severus never got in touch with him during the summer. This had to be a first; his first thought was perhaps the Dark Mark was getting darker…that Voldemort was back before he was ready. Or should he say before he had Potter trained.

Albus,

I know this is a bit unorthodox but I am taking a few years sabbatical. I have been offered a position I couldn't refuse. They are looking for someone to run the most renowned potions lab in Genève Switzerland. Not only that I will have free reign, I will have the ability to buy any ingredient I can think of or grow my own. The money is also greater than I could accomplish in ten years at Hogwarts. Out of all the people they could ask, it was me and another opportunity like this will never come around again.

I've already packed, any sign of trouble and I shall endeavour to make my way back as quickly as possible.

Severus. T. Snape

Albus gaped at the letter unable to even mentally think of a single thing to say. He completely shocked to the core, there was no way Severus would up and leave. Severus owed his very freedom to him; he jumped from his chair and grabbed a handful of Floo powder. He threw it at his feet as he shouted his intended destination.

With fluid grace, that could only come with years of experience he stepped out of the Floo. He waved his wand and cleaned up the mess, looking around his heart sank. Severus had indeed packed, his books were gone. Albus knew how much Severus liked his books; he took them to and from Hogwarts each year.

"Severus?" demanded Dumbledore, listening for a reply, barely retaining his composure he went into the kitchen - then the room he used for making potions, hoping he was there brewing away. Yet no, there was nothing, and he meant nothing. The potions, cauldrons, racks, vials and shelves were emptied. He truly had left, and he had no way of getting in touch with him other than mail. The Potions labs in Genève Switzerland were inaccessible, they never had visitors, people could only dream about being in such a place. Only the best were allowed in, Potions, spell crafters, charms, transfiguration, the building was huge and each subject had a level of its own with the brightest and best people inventing.

Albus stood there at a loss, unable to believe Severus had actually left. After all he'd done for the man he'd betrayed him. If he didn't know Voldemort would be back, he would have gone straight to the Ministry to get a warrant for his arrest. He had to get Severus back, he had to keep the man close - he had to know the first second Voldemort came back. It's why he had insisting on keeping the sarcastic dour man close. Perhaps he shouldn't have kept the Prince estate from him, if he had it - he might not have been tempted by the money they offered him.

One thing for sure, he wasn't going to get him back standing here, angry beyond words Albus Apparated back to Hogwarts. He unfortunately couldn't go back through the Floo, there was no Floo powder.

Twenty five minutes later he was back in his office, sucking on two lemon drops laced with calming draught as he wrote to Severus. Finding it extremely difficult to not use words that would drive Severus further into their arms. If he liked it there, there was no telling if he'd ever get Severus back. He also had to make back up plans if he couldn't get him, he would need a potions teacher come one month time. He prayed that didn't happen, unemployed Potions Masters were difficult to come by. In fact Severus had been the first Potions Master Hogwarts had, had since Salazar Slytherin. The rest had just been teachers with very good potion grades.

"Have you got everything you'll need?" asked Narcissa folding yet another top and putting it on the pile. She was giving Severus Draco's old clothes; they would probably fit him for a while. At least until he got better and would be okay to venture out. If that itself would even be possible, Harry's scar was too recognizable. Not many five year olds had scars shaped like a lightening bolt on their forehead.

She had even given Severus some plastic plates, cups and small cutlery for Harry to use, all with Quidditch items moving around on them. She had gotten used to them there; she was finding it weird knowing they were leaving again. She shook off her absurd thoughts and nodded in satisfaction, they surely had everything Harry would need until he was better.

"Indeed," said Severus exasperated by her mothering, a very small part was grateful for it. He didn't know what the hell he was doing, but what new father did? And it was official Harry was his adopted son. He had signed the papers as well; Harry's guardianship had passed to him. The only people that knew about it were Lucius, Narcissa and the adoption certifier, oh and the clerk he'd bribed very heavily to sign of on it and store it. They'd also sworn oaths never to speak about it, and so they were safe for now. Gringotts probably knew as well, since everything was magically recorded.

He was correct; Harry Potter's documents had changed.

Before :-

Mother - Lily Evans-Potter (Deceased)

Father - James Harold Potter (Deceased)

Godfather - Sirius Orion Black (Imprisoned)

Godmother - N.A

Magical Guardian - Albus Dumbledore (Headmaster of Hogwarts)

Guardian - Petunia Evans- Dursley (Maternal aunt and Muggle)

After :-

Mother - Lily Evans-Potter (Deceased)

Father - James Harold Potter (Deceased)

Godfather- Sirius Orion Black (Imprisoned)

Adopted Godfather - Lucius Malfoy

Adopted Godmother - Narcissa Malfoy

Adopted Godmother - Minerva McGonagall

Magical Guardian - Severus Tobias Snape

Guardian - Severus Tobias Snape

Severus had decided to use Minerva as a godmother; she was strong enough to stand up to Dumbledore. If she had control of Harry, she would bring him up fair, he would be happy and as unspoiled as a child could be. He had met her children, and they were always polite and well spoken. With the Malfoy's it was more of a back up in case anything happened to him and Minerva. Nobody could get behind the Malfoy wards to try anything. Should Dumbledore (doubtful) try and kill them all to regain control of Harry.

"Make sure he's warm enough," she said wrapping a light blue cover over him, as Severus picked the unconscious child up. The healer had been and Harry had made real progress. There would be no more check ups; he had been given a clean bill of health - well other than the obvious malnutrition. Which unfortunately couldn't be corrected right away - even with all the miracles magic could produce. No it would take along time for Harry to be the correct height and weight as other children his age. "Are you using a Portkey? Floo'ing or Apparating?"

"I am having the house elf take us, just the first time." stated Severus, he didn't like Apparating blindly, and if it was just he himself he'd do it. Unfortunately he had a sick child with him, and didn't want to risk Splinching them both. That was one sure way to have them both found out.

"That's good," said Narcissa still fussing slightly, in only a way a mother could over children. "You'll Floo us regularly wont you? Let us know how he is!"

"Yes, of course," said Severus distractedly as he thought about everything, making sure he had all his stuff, trunk, letters, keys for his bank vaults…yes he had absolutely everything he needed.

Severus then called upon his house elf; it was time for them to go to their new home. One thing for sure Severus mused; it was going to be a learning experience they wouldn't forget. He only prayed he didn't mess up, Lily would never forgive him if he did.

Anything was better than Petunia though right?

I dont want severus quitting hogwarts - its over done and i also didnt want him remaining at Hogwarts also overdone :D so ive decided on this way severus is taking a few years sabbatical from teaching nosy brats but instead of a holiday he's supposedly going to Geneve switzerland :D mawwha lol but we all know where he is really ;) so when will dumbledore find out? will they go to court over it? what age will harry be? old enough to decide for himself and really see what dumbledore is like? eleven years old? or younger? will severus end up in azkaban or will he keep custody of harry? will they uncover a will with lily requesting harry go to severus alice or sirius if they (lily and james) were dead? R&R PLEASE!