The Vow And It's Consequences

Chapter 19

Being Able To See And Plans

Severus guided Harry down to his potions lab, keeping a keen eye on him. Harry would never be able to get down here on his own, there were wards preventing him from doing so. They would remain until Severus was sure he could trust Harry never to come down here unaccompanied. It was like giving a child access to a kitchen, and allowing them to play over boiling water. It was just asking for trouble, and Harry wouldn't just get burnt in a potions lab, the potions could end up having a number of affects on him. He was a Slytherin, better safe than sorry was one of their mottos. Severus felt his mouth twitch, Harry was trying to look at absolutely everything, squinting as well. In a few moments it wouldn't be necessary, the potion he was giving Harry will perfect his eyesight.

"This is my potions lab, Harry. I brew potions in here, they make people better, heal them. I have a potion I want you to take, it will heal your eyes and allow you to see better. Much easier than glasses, which can be lost or broken all the time." said Severus plucking the vial from the shelf where he'd put it to cool down. "These potions taste…a little horrible but you have to drink it all, I will give you something afterwards to wash away the taste… do you understand?" he asked kneeling down beside the child, his green eyes wide in apprehension and wonder at what potions could do. He could loose himself for hours in those eyes, so similar to Lily's yet jaded in a way Lily's never got, even after the war had started.

Harry nodded silently, staring at the vial, so badly wanting to ask if it hurt. Yet he just couldn't bring himself to ask, his questions had always been followed with beatings or words of scorn. Nobody usually wanted to hear him speaking, yet this man said he wanted…verebal, no verbal answers it must mean he wants to hear Harry's words. His life had changed so much in the past however many days, and he was still getting used to it. "Yes sir." he said quietly after a few seconds.

"Good," said Severus his black eyes glinting with pride, he uncorked the vial and passed it over. Harry's tiny hands wrapped around it, before he, with courage Severus didn't think he would have had, if he'd been through what Harry had. He drank it without pause, his nose scrunching up a little, at the taste. Severus took the empty vial back, a small barely noticeable smile on his face. "Good boy, I'm proud of you." the words sounded so foreign on his lips, but he had to use them. He had to build up the trust between them, and Harry build, a better image of himself. He needed some self esteem, especially before going to Hogwarts. Otherwise the students would rip him apart, and he wasn't going to allow that to happen.

An unsure smile flittered across Harry's face; it would take a long while to get used to that. He could feel prickling at the back of his eyes, he couldn't help himself; he was just about to rub his eyes to get the itch away. When Severus calmly and carefully placed his large hands in Harry's own. Stopping him from doing anything, then out of nowhere he could see. The haze lifted from his eyesight, he could see the black buttons on Severus' cloak. The dust floating in the air and for the first time he saw Severus' face properly. It was stern looking, yet his eyes to him were soft and filled with an emotion he didn't understand. His fingers were really long, and soft on his hands, never once hurting him.

"Better?" asked Severus sounding amused. As Harry took everything in for the first time, able to see accurately.

"Yes sir!" said Harry in astounded wonder.

"Come on then, let's go," said Severus guiding Harry from the room, keeping one of his hands linked with Harry's. For once not walking in long strides, it was odd how used to change he got. Talking in a manner Harry would understand, speaking without snarling, walking slow it really was a wonder. Especially coming from a man who didn't do change well.

Once Severus got back up to the study, he found an additional owl waiting on him. Not many people knew he was here, so it was most probably a school owl, which meant Minerva. Letting Harry's hand go he opened the package and found within it, a box full of fun things for a child Harry's age to play with, all brand new. There was also a bundle of clothes, snitch onesie, a Quidditch onesie, even a bear onesie. Harry was much too old to wear something like this, at least to him, yet they were for his size. He'd missed out on so much. Perhaps he would enjoy wearing it; he had a lot of catching up to do after all.

"Harry look what your new godmother got for you," said Severus wryly, showing him it. The look on Harry's face nearly, nearly sent him into peals of laughter. His eyebrow was raised, his nose twitching and he had a look that said 'what the hell'. Of course it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. "Touch it."

Harry attentively stepped forward touching the material and gasping, it was the softest thing he'd ever felt before in his life. He would wear them, just to feel how soft they were, no matter how…they looked.

Severus put a few blankets on the floor; the floors were cold, marble and wood. This way he could play without getting sore or cold for that matter. He placed the colouring in book and unbreakable crayons on the floor as well. "Go on then, you go play I have some things I need to do." said Severus guiding Harry to the little play spot he'd made for him. "Don't worry I'm not going anywhere, I'll be right over there." he said upon seeing the fear on Harry's face. He pointed towards his desk, and he calmed down and nodded quietly.

"Good boy," said Severus, before sitting down on his seat, reading the letter Minerva had written him. Without even trying it seemed he had a spy within Hogwarts. Dumbledore was oblivious of anything happening, still unhappy that he couldn't get in touch with Severus. Or rather still angry that Severus had left without as much as a word. He had updates on where exactly Figg was; evidently Minerva had cast a tracking charm on her. Not that it would be there long if he had his way.

Once all his correspondence was read and he'd replied, he brought out an official piece of paper. One that had the Prince insignia on it, dipping it into the black ink he hovered his pen over it as he thought about what to say.

Grick,

I would like to enquire about making an appointment at Gringotts at your earliest convenience. I need a complete scan done upon my young charge, Harry James Potter- Prince- Snape. A previous scan uncovered a binding charm upon his magic, and I wish it to be removed as soon as possible; and to find anything else that might have not been unearthed by a normal scan.

Once the scan results have been revealed, I wish for the binding charms to be removed. I may need to remain longer, or make another appointment depending on the results of the scan.

While I am there, I would like to have a look at Harry Potter's inheritance, which he will receive upon reaching his majority. To enquire if the Potter's wills have been read and the results shared.

Severus Snape

Heir of the Prince Estate

Once he was done, he burnt the red block and allowed it to drip upon the closed and sealed envelope. Plucking the ring from the desk he pushed it into the melted wax and held it there a few seconds. Removing it, he nodded in satisfaction he placed the letter upon the owl that came with Minerva's letter.

"Take this to Gringotts at once, await a reply." said Severus, opening the window allowing the owl to fly, knowing it understood what he said. He would reply to Minerva's letter once the owl returned.

Severus looked over at Harry and his lips twitched; he was a great deal like his mother. More than Severus would have ever noticed when Harry was eleven years old. His tongue was peeked out between his lips, his brow scrunched up as he coloured in. Trying not to go over the lines, using appropriate colours as well. It's the same look Lily had supported often enough, while she was drawing or colouring in, even writing or completing her homework.

Turning back around, he had one more letter to write; tonight he and Lucius would have some…revenge on Harry's behalf. Sooner or later the Dursley's would pay as well; it irked him that he couldn't immediately have his revenge. One would say what Lucius was putting them through was worse than death. Especially to people like Petunia Dursley who cared about what others thought of her. It would be a huge embarrassment to her, and Severus revelled in it.

Dipping his quill into the ink he wrote a short letter to Lucius.

Lucius,

Tonight. 8 PM. Be ready.

S.

P.S - Can Narcissa watch him?

He couldn't write his or Harry's name in it, just in case it was intercepted. It didn't reveal anything incriminating, nor give away what they were doing or who he was. Nodding in satisfaction, he folded it up and placed it in the owl's pouch. Giving it one more treat, before saying "Go on Herman, of you go - go home."

Screeching the owl took off, Severus watched him go until he was nothing but a spot on the landscape. Harry seemed to really like him; maybe it was time to get an owl of his own. Until now he'd had no need for one, since there were so many in Hogwarts ready and eager to be used. He rarely got any correspondence at Hogwarts; in fact since he left he seemed to get more than he had in all his years working. Although he had admittedly been distant with the Malfoy family. With good reason, he was a spy and it was a dangerous business. They knew, and if Lucius thought it would save his family he'd give him away in a heartbeat. He was a Slytherin, it was expected he supposed. Although there relationship was changing, they were closer than before.

"Dinner is ready sir," said a house elf popping in once again scaring Harry out of his wits. Sudden moves made him scared; it was no wonder after all he'd been through. Someone popping in just made it ten times worse, it could have been worse all things considered. Since coming here he was seeing magic performed, he hadn't said anything about it yet. Part of Severus suspected Harry still saw himself as a freak. That they would call him that as well, after all it's all Harry knew.

Severus was also surprised Harry's magic hadn't reacted yet. Without magic needing to heal him, his magic was at…how shall we say, a loose end. It had nothing to do, sooner or later it will react to Harry's emotions. That's when the real tests would be put to it for Harry; he would have to ensure he properly praised him. Let him know without about he did good. "Hungry Harry?" enquired Severus softly; unable to believe how quickly the day had gone. Soon Harry would be going to bed and he…would get his much needed revenge on Arabella Figg.

"Yes sir," said Harry shyly, before he began to tidy away the crayons and closing the book.

Severus didn't stop him, knowing it was a good thing to continue. He hated messes, and true to his word he would enforce Harry's chores. He would keep his room clean and tidy. "Would you like to take one set up the stairs to your bedroom with you Harry?" he needed to remember to get the rest of the boxes unpacked so he could play with them.

Harry remained silent, biting his little lip his green eyes wary.

"Leave that set here, this set will go up the stairs with us." said Severus when it became apparent Harry just couldn't decide for fear of making the wrong one. He'd get there sooner or later. Box in one hand, he gestured for Harry with his other. Getting up he held onto Severus as they made for the dining area.

"Drink this, it will make you big and strong in a few months." said Severus handing over the uncorked vial. Harry did as he was told without arguing. Was it wrong of Severus to want him to argue? Surely it had to be, since he hated children who disobeyed. Yet here he was, changing his opinion, he'd rather disobedient to stifling obedient beaten down children.

Harry just swallowed it, and drank some orange juice to wash the taste away.

"Do you know what this is Harry?" asked Severus removing something from his pocket and handing it to the boy.

"No sir," said Harry they were heavy in his hand.

"This is our money, the bronze ones are Knuts, Silver ones are Sickles and the gold ones are called Galleons. For being a good boy I'm giving you one Sickle and a Knut. Every week if you are good, I will give you a gold one, a Galleon. You can save it up for whatever you want. Sweets, toys, anything." said Severus softly. He was only giving Harry a Sickle and a Knut for now since that was all the change he had. He would as promised give him a Galleon every week, perhaps on a Friday; he would work out a schedule if it killed him. Harry might be a bit young, but the younger he learned the more he'd retain. They did say that in all the books, they absorbed anything when they were young, like a sponge. It was the same as what Draco got, so there would be no jealousy if they became friends once Harry settled down.

Harry's breathing hitched, his green eyes clouded with tears as he nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. His small hand clutched the coins close; things were happening too rapidly he barely had time to understand it. Money, toys, clothes, the softest feeling pyjamas, the Dursley's and Mrs Figg being wrong, the magic, and the wonderful potion to make him see. The warm baths, not being sore, never being hit, being told he was good, more important the most wonderful filling food he'd ever had. If this was how it really was going to be like all the time, then he really did want adopted.

For once in Harry Potter's life hope begun to spring like a rising inferno.

"Eat up little one," said Severus soothingly, hiding his awkwardness, Harry looked as if he was going to cry…all he'd done was give him some pocket change. No that's not all he'd done had it? He cared, that's what was probably getting through to the child. The food was cut up for him, the house elves were truly overcompensating. It somehow didn't surprise him they somehow already knew about his ward/son's childhood. Oh he could barely wait, he half wanted to give Harry a dreamless sleep so he could leave, have some err...some fun with Figg. Unfortunately Lucius wouldn't be here until eight anyway, so it would be a fruitless endeavour. He would indeed still have to wait.

will Gringotts uncover the horcrux and remove it? leading Severus and Lucius perhaps even Minerva down the road on a Horcrux hunt a hunt against time to stop voldemort coming back? or would you prefer it just about Harry growing up then figuring out Harry is a horcrux? there we go another chapter gosh do all my other sev as harrys father stories go this slow too? feels it! LOL trying to show each step of harrys development in trusting someone :) R&R PLEASE!