The Vow And It's Consequences

Chapter 16

That Harry...Is Your Mum

Severus Apparated back to Prince Hall, and immediately removed his glamour ignoring the twitch of Narcissa's lips. Who was amused by his new temporary look, Narcissa didn't see Police officers often. Sometimes she ventured into the Muggle section of the world, to shop, but that was only ever in France. Severus in turn gave her a deadpanned look, before his gaze fell on the sleeping child. He was glad to see the child still dead to the world. He was however, very surprised not to see Draco with her, Narcissa and Lucius didn't trust many people.

"Where is Draco?" asked Severus quietly, as he took a seat on the edge of Harry's rather large bed.

"He's being tutored, Gavin has begun teaching him this week, Draco seems to be doing very well so far." said Narcissa in explanation. Right now it was only his 'ABC's and '123's' at the moment. It would be another year, maybe two before he starts Latin, Spanish and Italian lessons as well as Maths and English which would include writing which most children enjoyed, they loved making up short stories. In probability he would learn some magic as well, before he entered Hogwarts. With a magical mother and Father, the authorities would never know Draco was learning magic outside of Hogwarts. No it was just up to the parents to abide by the unspoken rules, which in fact most did not adhere to.

"How long?" asked Severus nonchalantly, he had a child to look after himself now, so he was rather curious to know everything. Severus wasn't a man who considered anything without having all the facts. He planned on researching it thoroughly anyway, no matter what Narcissa said.

"To start off with just two hours each day, Monday until Friday, in a few months the hours will be increased to four, then six hours in half a year." said Narcissa it's the way it had been for both her and Lucius. It allows children to get used to the new schedule, as well as their tutor.

"I see," said Severus nodding his understanding, it was much like the Muggle world then. Although they started attending Nursery at the age of four, getting more used to being without their parents, before beginning Primary school. He was still for most part undecided on what to do about Harry's education. If he had a tutor there was no doubt he'd flourish better, and learn more than he could at a Muggle school. Muggle primary schools had around thirty students to a single teacher. Children easily fell through the cracks. Then there was the fact Harry's magic would be rather wonky, at least for a few years. The magic had kept Harry alive, and the rest of it bound, once it was free...a great deal of patience was going to be needed. No doubt damage repair as well, he knew how explosive accidental magic could be.

"Has he woken at all yet, Severus?" enquired Narcissa as she marked the page where she'd last read and closed her book. Placing it in her handbag before gazing up at Severus fondly, he was a good man, definitely the best choice of Godfather. Not that she'd have allowed anyone else. Severus may like to think he wasn't good with kids, but he was, it was just teaching he was unpleasant at. Or rather found the entire thing distasteful. She wondered what changes would occur in her friend; now that he wasn't teaching and had a child to bring up. His attitude would have to change; Lucius had changed, the very first time he had held their child she had seen that love shining strongly. He had been nervous though, she had too, they'd been rather young, still were in fact. Since his own father, Abraxas hadn't been the fatherly kind, it had been no wonder Lucius had been terrified of mucking up. In the end Lucius was being the father he'd always wanted his own to be.

"Yes, very briefly, the calming draught I gave him was too effective," said Severus wryly, hopefully that wouldn't happen again.

"Would you like me to explain some things to him?" asked Narcissa, "A woman might help put him at ease." she might wear a mask in public, but never in private, who could keep up a mask around her jubilant, adorable little son? Who looked so much like his father. He would grow up to be a very handsome young man. Unfortunately she knew Draco would have to adorn a mask too, with the Dark Lord not truly gone, Draco was going to have to lord it over everyone. Unless of course they could ensure a way to destroy what's left of the Dark Lord. This would be the preferred option, what kind of mother would want their son to act king of the world? Right now though, if she wanted her family to survive, that was what they had to do.

"No, he has to get used to me, I owe it to him," said Severus his head swivelling in Harry's direction. Harry moaned slightly in his sleep, but settled down right afterwards, his little face peaceful. He had sworn to protect Harry, and never thought more on it, assuming he'd have to start up the vow when the child was eleven. He had never for one minute, with other than scorn thought of Lily's son. He felt guilty every single minute, especially knowing the pain the little one must have been suffering. He couldn't even imagine it really, sure he'd been walloped a few times, but he'd been a little older, and his father had been pissed and aimed badly. Other than that he'd been deprived of enough food for a growing boy, and decent clothes. That's as far as the abuse went, and look what he'd turned into, he couldn't imagine what would have become of Harry should he have been forced to remain there. They might have had a threat worse than the Dark Lord out there, or just as bad. Oh he doubted Harry would have joined him, just ended up as dark and twisted as him. If he hadn't been allowed to be happy why should he let others be? Would probably have been Harry's rationalization for what he was doing. He should know, he had at one point thought the same thing. He'd blamed the world for his life, never once thinking that it was his own actions until the prophecy…no, thought Severus bleakly he was NOT going to think on it.

"Of course, you will know better than I," said Narcissa, she and her sisters had been brought up as all young pureblood women did. Learning how to be the prefect wife, smart, always dressing to impress, no getting dirty, and never speaking to those of lesser blood. The fact that they'd all been extremely beautiful had made their lives a little easier. They'd have no trouble ensnaring what was left of any pureblood heir. Bellatrix had chosen Lestrange to be her husband. Or rather their parents had asked her who she'd prefer after presenting her with two marriage contracts. Lestrange just happened to be as much a pureblood, obsessed, fanatic as she was. She had no scope of experience when it came to abuse; she'd only ever heard little titbits of her husband's childhood. It had just been another normal day for her and her sisters, then when her parents had presented Andromeda with hers it had all gone to pot. The worst of it, she had felt as betrayed as the others, unfortunately its how she'd been brought up. Andy had left the family, married a Muggle born wizard, Ted Tonks, and had been disowned. To this day she hadn't seen her sister, in such a small world it was a miracle really. She also knew her sister had given birth to a little girl, Nymphadora. Who was at Hogwarts or just about to go, she didn't know her exact age. Lucius hadn't been how she thought he'd be, lording it over her, like he'd done with everyone at school. Despite their arranged marriage, they'd fallen in love against all odds. Then they'd had a beautiful little boy.

"Thank you for coming over, Narcissa," said Severus honestly, he wasn't comfortable leaving Harry alone with the house elves. They wouldn't have let anything happen, but he preferred an actual human with him.

"It's my pleasure Severus," said Narcissa immediately, if it wasn't for Harry Severus would never be asking for any favours. He just wasn't the sort of man who asked, unless he felt as if he had no other choice. Incidentally he'd never ask for anything for himself, Harry had already wormed his way into Severus' heart whether the wizard realized it or not. Narcissa knew, but she didn't say anything, she didn't want Severus to stop it from happening. Harry would be protected here; it was just getting the child to realize this that would be difficult. "I best be off, you know where we are, even if it's just to talk." she reminded him putting a delicate hand on his shoulder, as if to reinforce her words.

"Of course," said Severus nodding his head, with that both Severus and Narcissa left Harry's room. Severus escorting her to his Floo Network, temporarily taking the wards down, so she could get home. There was no point in Apparating; it would just mean walking to the end of the wards here, then all the way through the wards at Malfoy Manor. Narcissa stepped into the Floo, still managing to look regal with her shoes in the ash and soot that made its home in Severus' fireplace. Two words later she was gone, leaving Severus pensively standing there.

As promised Severus and Lucius had immediately went to see Lucius' informant. Handing the police officer the information they had on her, so he could do the honours. One piece of paper was charmed to tell him exactly where she was so he could pick her up. Since he couldn't do magic himself, it had to be the charmed paper.

Minerva had been surprised by their dealings; especially with the fact the officer didn't seem the least bit intimidated with Lucius. Whether it was because he knew the blonde wouldn't hurt him while he was useful, or they got along…were friendly. It wasn't just her preconceived notions about Dumbledore falling apart but everything, she had never seen this side to Lucius Malfoy before. Needless to say, as soon as she got back to Hogwarts, she was definitely going to need to have a few drinks and sort out her head.

Severus calmly placed his book down, marking his page before going up the stairs to Harry's bedroom. The charm was alerting him that the child was awake once more, he had thought long and hard on how to do things. It was just after dinner time, rather late for the child to have just woken again, but what could he do? Sleep and food was the best thing for the child right now.

"Hello Harry, how are you feeling Little One?" asked Severus, the words were still rather foreign to him. It was in his nature to be biting and sarcastic, not soothing and comforting. He had a lot of work ahead of him; hopefully he would be able to do this. If not Harry would probably end up one confused little boy.

"Can I go to the toilet please sir?" begged Harry, never once looking up at the man fearful of his expression. Every time he asked Vernon that question, he always looked ready to implode. He had never understood why, after all humbleness had been beaten into him by the obese man. He didn't have to ask with Aunt Petunia; as long as he was invisible he was safe. Vernon through, had relished any excuse to raise his hand to him, whether the excuse was valid or not.

"Of course," said Severus cursing himself silently, "Your toilet is this way." gesturing for Harry to come, he did, slowly and with confusion written across his face. There was no wonder at his new room, no positive emotions whatsoever. Was Harry even capable of them at this point? Or had the abuse truly broken him already. It was a very bleak prospect, but tonight hopefully he would know.

"Go on then, I will wait out here." he said encouraging the child.

"Yes sir," said Harry his voice sounding hollow. Harry entered the large bathroom; it was bigger than Dudley's bedroom. There were toys on top of the bath, just like at the Dursley's. Harry sat down on the toilet doing it that way. He was so lost and confused, how had he gotten here? Where were the Dursley's? Was the man looking after him while they went away now instead of Mrs. Figg? The last thing he remembered was being in the hotel room. He'd felt so badly, Harry's hand unconsciously crept up to where he'd been injured. There was nothing there, not even a scab, how long had he been out of it? It took months for his scabs to heal. He should know he'd had enough of them in his lifetime and he was only five. He'd never felt better in his entire life, he was stiff and achy but not in any pain. Harry looked over at the tap, then at the door; did he dare do it with the man so close? No, he better not risk it…maybe later. If he was good, he might even get to taste some more of the delicious drink he'd had before.

"Harry?" called the man, "Are you okay in there?"

"Yes sir," called Harry scrambling up, pushing his trousers up that was another thing he hadn't noticed. He was wearing a pair of pyjamas with some sort of animal on them; he'd never seen anything like them before. They fit him too, much better than Dudley's old threadbare stuff did. Harry jumped in fright when the toilet flushed without him touching anything. Fearfully he ran to the door and opened it, hoping he wasn't about to get into trouble. That was another odd thing, he was being called Harry, nobody called him that, not even Figg, and she just called him child all the time. Harry, his name was Harry, he liked it.

"First things first, let's get something to eat then a conversation," said Severus moving them back over to the bed. Until Harry was better, he'd be remaining there, once he was well, he'd eat in the dining room. He saw the blank look on the child's face and wanted to groan. Of course, a five year old wouldn't be used to his big words; he'd have to lower his vocabulary usage to basic meanings. It seemed everything he was giving up was mounting further each day. "By conversation I mean talk." he added as he took a seat, patting at the bed for Harry to join him.

Harry kept an eye on the man's hands as he sat back on the bed, didn't he know that Harry wasn't allowed on the furniture? He was a freak, he was supposed to sleep and sit on the Floor. That's only when they are being generous, most part he had to stand up all hours even when he was tired and hurt. He spent most of his time in the corner of the room, trying to keep himself invisible, when he wasn't doing chores. Especially when Dudley started getting bored, when there was nothing more to stick in his gaping needy maw that was called a mouth. The only reason he sat on the bed was because he'd been ordered to. Harry always did what he was told; otherwise the consequences were always bad.

"Drink this," said Severus his voice was soft but there was no mistaking the command behind it. This was one his nutrition potion; he was against giving Harry another calming draught unless there was a need for it. Right now though he was calm, even if he was scared and confused, but that was to be expected. He didn't want Harry falling asleep again, the child deserved answers.

Harry automatically took it, and drank it without commenting on the horrid taste. Which is exactly what every other five year old would have done.

"Good boy," said Severus, another set of words Severus was not used to uttering, but Harry would need praise he might as well start early. Especially when it came to taking the potions, he knew sooner or later Harry would rebel against him when he started getting used to his new life. He would nip it in the bud, of course, but if he associated being praised with drinking the potions, hopefully he wouldn't have too much trouble. Harry desperately needed to take them; he looked as though he was three if he was lucky not the five years old he was.

Harry felt a pleasant feeling in the pit of his tummy, a feeling he'd never experienced before. He was a good boy? This had never been said to him before, was it because he didn't know Harry was a freak? A forlorn look appeared on his face afterwards. He would have liked to stay a good boy, maybe nothing freakish would happen.

"Harry?" said Severus, trying to get the child's attention away from the floor, and focused on him.

"Yes sir?" asked Harry his eyes automatically meeting his before skittering away, as if he was remembering he wasn't allowed to look people in the eye.

"My name is Severus Snape," said the Potions Master, eyeing Harry, but the child wouldn't meet his eyes, he kept them firmly on his hands as if Harry thought he'd reach out and slap him for nothing. "We have already met, do you remember?"

"No sir," said Harry trembling slightly.

"No? I was there the day your cousin and his friend were hurting you," said Severus, biting his lip to prevent himself from saying 'beating you to a pulp' in his scathing tones. He loathed any form of abuse; he didn't even let his Slytherins away with it. The only problem was most wizards didn't actually physically touch people, especially the purebloods. They just resorted to name calling and of course duelling. He could only name two or three times in his entire Hogwarts career when he'd seen any of his students hit another, and two had been in jest, the third had been an outright fight between two Muggle born's in the charms corridor. He'd given them detention for five weeks, removed one hundred points from Gryffindor, for each of them and took them by the ear all the way to the Hospital wing. McGonagall had barged into his rooms later, almost breathing fire, but left with her tail behind her legs. He shook off his thoughts; he could think later, right now he had Harry to concentrate on. "If I remember correctly I told the dunderheads to leave." his lips twitched it was by far his favourite words for the miscreants he had to look after.

Harry hunched down further, a single nod was all he got that the child remembered the incident.

"I was concerned for your safety, so I followed you, only to discover you were being abused as I had suspected earlier. I was about to take you with me when your aunt returned, I discovered who you were." said Severus quietly, "Do you know what happened to your parents Harry?" had the Dursley's even told him anything? Did he even know what his mother looked like?

Harry bit his lip, flinching at the mere word 'parents' he could remember what happened the last time he'd asked. He hadn't understood why he had an aunt and uncle, instead of a mummy and daddy. Not that he'd called them aunt and uncle often. He knew what happened to them, they'd told him once, gloatingly.

"Harry?" asked Severus wondering how many times he'd have to get his attention during the conversation. He hoped his head injuries hadn't left permanent damage, like the inability to concentrate for any length of time. Perhaps he should have Lucius' healer take another look at Harry to be one hundred percent sure.

"They died in a car crash," said Harry his voice barely audible, if there had been a single other noise in the room, Severus would not have heard him. Fortunately, Severus had a good sense of hearing, bat like the students had often said, along with eyes at the back of his head.

Severus' lips disappeared, and for the first time he was rather glad the child couldn't look at him. For the first time, in a very long time, he was unable to contain his reaction. The fury was showing clearly across his features. Of course they'd lied to him; thankfully Severus didn't know the entire story or all hell would have broken loose. Now the question remained, did he tell Harry the truth? Perhaps an accident was better than knowing his parents had been murdered. No, he couldn't start the foundation of their relationship on lies. Harry would come to trust him, if he found out Severus had lied at any time, it would destroy any trust the child had in him. So with wary judgement, he made a decision praying it was the right one.

"I am afraid they lied to you Harry," said Severus watching how Harry was reacting so far. He had the calming draught on the table, so he wouldn't have to reach far. Harry was stiff, very much so, he'd learn he wouldn't hurt him in time.

"They died trying to protect you from a very bad person," said Severus, it was harder than he imagined speaking in a way for a five year old to understand. "They loved you dearly, little one, and I promise you are safe here."

Harry's face scrunched up, he didn't understand, why would the Dursley's tell him one thing and Severus told him another? Who was telling the truth? He liked the thought that they had cared for him, loved him even.

"Accio photo album," whispered Severus, so low Harry probably didn't even hear him. A few seconds later an album sailed through the air, landing in his hands. He had to suppress a smirk, seeing the shocked, awed and completely dumbfounded yet fearful look on his new wards face. He knew the right thing to get his mind off what he'd just seen. Maybe tomorrow he would sit down with him and explain magic. Right now he needed time to process the fact his parents hadn't died in a car accident. Severus flipped through the photo album he hadn't touched in years. Until he found one, a picture of a beautiful, vivacious, red headed girl, looking up from her charms text into the camera before hiding back again.

"This, Harry," said Severus holding the picture out, photo front so he could see it for himself. "Is your mother, when she was fifteen years old." Harry gasped, his green eyes filling with tears he refused to shed. With shaky hands he accepted the picture and held onto it delicately. He didn't seem to comprehend the picture was moving. Or if he did, he was just too in awe, at seeing his mum for the first time to care. Part of Harry already suspected something 'freakish' was afoot anyway, books floating in mid air, and pictures that moved…oh yeah he suspected something alright. Fortunately Harry was good at ignoring things he didn't want to think about.

"Flippy?" said Severus, waiting patiently for the Elf again, still watching out for Harry's reactions to everything.

"Dinner sir?" asked Flippy his hands filled with a huge tray. Severus smirked, they were beginning to realize his habits, and he immediately took it, placing it on the bottom of the bed. Flippy eyed the child, he looked a little better today, more colour in his cheeks. Flippy couldn't help but wonder how long it would take for him to be running up and down Prince Hall happy. Harry unfortunately wasn't paying any attention; it was solely focused on the picture of his mother. Flippy left afterwards, seeing he wasn't needed any longer.

"Harry, drink this little one," said Severus, handing over a goblet filled with milk.

Harry looked up; he took the weird looking cup, and took a tentative sip of what was in it. The stuff was the same as he'd had the last time. He couldn't help himself; he gulped every drip of it, feeling his stomach becoming pleasantly full. Harry flinched back when Severus' hands came out to take the cup away. His green eyes automatically looking up to see if he was in trouble, but calm black eyes was staring right back. No hint of anger, but there was something else lying deep within that gaze, something he had never seen before. "I have some vegetable soup here, do you think you can handle it?" he didn't want to get Harry addicted to potions, so he wasn't going to give him a stomach soother. He'd give him what he needed nothing more, the stomach could get used to the soothers and become 'upset' if it didn't have the potion. All potions were addictive, none more so than the Dreamless sleeping potion.

"What are my chores sir?" asked Harry standing up, eye to eye with the man sitting across from him. Not that Harry was currently meeting them; he was once more staring at the floor.

"Have no doubt you will have a few chores when you are better, like keeping your room tidy and bringing your laundry…clothes down." said Severus, it was probably better to get outright with it, he'd learn what the Dursley's did sooner or later. Right now he just had to get Harry better and into a stable routine. "Other than that, you will not be forced to do chores to be able to eat. Sit back down and eat your soup." it didn't surprise him that Harry had been forced to do all the chores, or that he'd been made do just to get something to eat. Unfortunately all it did was make him want to just go and kill the Dursley's, screw the bloody mind games they were playing. Harry sitting down and beginning to eat drew Severus out of his dark thoughts. He was enjoying it, even if his eyes were jerking from him to the soup every five seconds. There was a sparkle there he hadn't seen before, dare he believe that Harry was beginning to hope? Hope for a better future? Hope that he wasn't going to be completely broken by his family? Hope that he could get three meals a day like he'd seen his pig of a cousin get. It was a start, thought Severus. Relaxing into the seat, keeping himself loose, his expression sort of serene, in fact he looked rather impassive. Nobody could expect miracles; Severus Snape wasn't used to being this way after all.

"Are you still hungry Harry?" asked Severus, surprised by the fact Harry had managed to eat it all. Perhaps his stomach was bigger than he expected it to be, or able to handle more food. Then again it wouldn't surprise him that Harry was eating what he could, when he could, not sure if he'd get fed again.

"No sir," said Harry his denial quick, too quick.

"One of my rules, living here Harry, is that you never lie to me." said Severus "Shall we try that again? Are you hungry?"

Harry cringed, clearly unsure of what to do, in the end there was only one thing - tell the truth like he'd been told to. "Yes sir." murmured Harry, waiting for the inevitable explosion, the mocking laughter that a freak like him wouldn't get anything else.

"Flippy bring up a dessert," said Severus.

Harry blinked, moving his hand he viciously stabbed his finger into his leg, Harry almost yelped. He hadn't really expected to feel it; this all seemed too good to be true. Surely he must be sleeping! Or unconscious in his cupboard. Harry had never once in his life, been given something like dessert before.

"Ice cream sir," said Flippy handing over a bowl with two scoops. Severus was rather glad to see it was just plain ice cream, vanilla, and not an entire bowlful of junk. He didn't eat dessert himself, and was surprised anything like that was in his manor. He knew he'd have to allow a little leeway since the five year old had to have at least something nice now and again. The sugary food they served at Hogwarts was just atrocious, and he was surprised they didn't rot their teeth before they left Hogwarts. Some students were smarter than others, his students; because he made sure they ate fruit and a decent amount of vegetables. Considering the child's previous situation, he knew there would be no complaining from the child.

It took Harry no time at all to devour the ice cream practically inhaling it. Severus grimaced, table manners, needed fast.

"I have something for you, from Professor McGonagall, a very nice lady who knew you when you were a baby." said Severus, nice and McGonagall should not be in the same sentence. In fact the woman would probably find it hilarious or insulting. Severus pulled out a stuffed teddy out of his cloak. It was a wizard bear, a black pointy hat, cloak, and a wand in its hand all squishy so it wouldn't dig in and hurt him while he slept. He handed it over, barely able to keep his lip curling.

"For me?" asked Harry, they really did have the wrong Harry didn't they? But the man seemed so sure he was Harry. He basically waited until Severus had put it right into his hands, not daring to reach out in case it was a trick. It didn't hurt so much when he didn't get his hopes up, something he'd learned with Dudley.

"Yes Harry, it's yours," said Severus once the child finally gripped it. Also inside his cloak was the paperwork Minerva gave him. Letting him know exactly where Arabella Figg was, he'd find out how she was with Harry first before he planned anything. He had a fortnight to worm all information he could out of her…and there was always the truth potion if needed. Not Veritaserum, that was far too harsh on the system, rather one that doesn't force you to answer just made you feel safe and happy and want to answer. It was not strong so 'force' definitely wasn't on the menu. Who was he kidding? No he probably wouldn't use the potion, but hopefully he wouldn't feel the need/want to. He didn't want to deal with Figg then realize she was ten times worse and then go back.

Does Harry trust Severus? realize he's telling the truth? will he just go through the motions getting by each day in hopes of three meals and a warm bed? until he truly learns that Severus wont hurt him? will we see harry ever calling severus dad in this story? or would you prefer him just being Severus? :) R&R PLEASE!