The Vow And The Consequences
Chapter 20
Revenge Death Eater Style
Severus entered his office, having heard an owl, he could tell by looking at it that it was a Gringotts owl. Taking the letter he barely paid attention to the owl, and opened it up hoping he wouldn't have to wait weeks. The sooner the bonds were removed from Harry's magic the better. Merlin bonding a child's magic it was the worst thing anyone could do to someone. At least in his opinion; Lily would have been furious beyond words. She might have been 'Muggle born' but she'd known about magic and everything he knew at the age of eight.
Mr. Prince-Snape
Given the dire nature of the contents written in your letter, we have made an appointment for nine o'clock tomorrow morning, reserving the room for the entire day. We are pleased to hear someone from the magical community is taking care of Harry Potter-Snape and his finances, which are in dire need of direction.
Healer Griek will attend to the scan; if you wish a witch or wizard to be present let us know immediately.
Quinti
Head of Potter estate
Gringotts, Diagon Alley
Severus nodded in satisfaction, tomorrow would be a busy day, and it was a good thing he'd decided to deal with Arabella Figg tonight. Speaking of which, Lucius should be here any minute, it was going on eight o'clock. Harry was asleep, he'd put on his onesie (the bear one) that Minerva had given him, and seemed content to wear it despite his earlier reservations. Severus would never admit it but he did look adorable in them.
"Can I see Harry?" asked a childish voice from the lobby, Severus smirked; it shouldn't surprise him that Draco was still awake. Narcissa spoiled him too much, he understood the desire, he wanted to do that to Harry yet he wouldn't, couldn't do it. Harry would have whatever he wanted, yet he'd be grounded, he'd know who was in charge, know to listen to him.
"I am afraid not, he's sleeping, as should you be Draco Malfoy," said Severus making his appearance.
"Uncle Sev!" grinned Draco toothily at his godfather, already reaching out of his mother's reach wanting the man.
"You are one heavy boy," said Severus taking Draco into his arms, so much heavier than Harry was that's for sure.
Draco just giggled at his godfather, hugging him and giving Severus a sloppy kiss, unaware of his reputation. It was holding Draco close like this that made him realize how affected Harry was. The child he'd rescued was polar opposite, he hoped one day that Harry may be like Draco - happy, carefree, but he knew the lasting affect abuse had on children. He was still affected by what happened to him, and it was nowhere hear as bad as what happened to Harry. He'd been hit a few times, dressed in clothes that were to big for him, but nothing like what had happened to Harry with the Dursley's.
"Is he still in the same room Severus?" asked Narcissa.
"He is, but he shouldn't wake up, at least he hasn't done so previous nights." explained Severus.
"Why can't I see him?" asked Draco pouting childishly.
"He sleeps a great deal, he's been sick Draco." said Severus, explaining it the only way he could to a five year old child.
"Will he be okay now?" said Draco solemnly.
"He will Severus is helping him." said Lucius reassuring his son before Severus could.
"With Potions?" said Draco, knowing his godfather loved brewing.
"Mostly," said Severus in agreement.
"Ready to go?" asked Lucius a twinkle in his eye.
"Indeed," said Severus his voice changing slightly. "There's things in the office he can play with." as long as he didn't break them, he didn't want Harry to think he had to share his things. At least not without his consent anyway, having nothing of his own Harry would probably be possessive of his things. He knew because he had been touchy about anyone using anything of his, still was actually.
"Thank you, Severus." said Narcissa, there was no need she'd brought a bag full of toys for Draco to play with.
"So where is she?" asked Lucius.
"Hotel," said Severus wryly, "I have the exact location I'll side along Apparate you."
Lucius nodded curtly, kissing his son goodbye before Narcissa wandered through to the living room.
"Let's go get her," said Lucius, nobody hurt a wizarding child and got away with it, whether he was half blood or not...although with two pureblood names under his belt, he was purer than himself if one wanted to argue. Prince and the Potter names were known way back before the founder time; Lucius couldn't say the same about his own family.
Severus took hold of Lucius, wrapping his magic around both of them and Apparated straight into Arabella Figg's room in America. The first thing they both registered was the daylight; it was still morning here, six hours or there about behind the UK. Severus blinked, feeling dizzy at the length of the Apparation; it had expended a lot of his magic to get here. It was a good job he was so powerful, otherwise he wouldn't have made.
Severus and Lucius stiffened, their wands flicked from their holsters they observed humming coming from the bathroom. Staring at each other, silently coming up with a plan. Severus flicked his wand, wordlessly creating a silencing spell so nobody would hear anything and come running. They didn't want their fun ruined after all, Veritaserum was dropped into the orange juice, and Figg had ordered room service by the looks of things. With that done both men shimmered from view having just cast disillusion spells on themselves. A squib like Figg would never be able to sense them.
They observed her humming still as she came out of the bathroom, thank Merlin she was fully dressed - they didn't want that image in mind. She wore a pair of jeans with a long sleeved cotton jumper, nothing like the women he'd imagined. Severus leaned against the wall, he had best take a potion to replenish his magic otherwise he wouldn't be able to join in the fun. He didn't dare yet, not wanting to rouse Figg's suspicion as she began eating the fancy food in front of her.
Sitting back smugly, Arabella looked around very content with her life. Keeping an eye out on Potter for all this was to her, well worth it. Five star hotels, all the money she could spend, this was the life. She did admittedly miss her cats when she went on holiday, but they were only part of her cover. Playing the part of a batty old woman grew tiresome at times. Everyone underestimated her because of it, continued to speak as they passed her as well. It had been fun to begin with, she was hoping to leave it all behind when Potter turned eleven and joined Hogwarts. With a bit of luck Albus would let her go back home, she hated Privet Drive despite how clean and tidy it was. The only draw back was that bloody Dudley boy, she hated him and how he picked on everyone. If they didn't stop it he would only get worse over the years. Sighing in ease, she picked up her freshly squeezed orange juice and drank it in three large gulps, already pouring herself another cup from the pitcher when she received the fright of her life, causing the juice to go flying as she shrieked in terror at the sight of them. Unable to form a coherent sentence, her blue eyes wider than they had ever been before.
"Well this isn't a nice welcome," sneered Lucius his silvery blue eyes flashing dangerously. Watching Severus drink a potion, he did look a little dizzy but afterwards he was his normal self.
Arabella's eyes automatically went to her handbag, she had an emergency Portkey, which she'd been instructed only to use in a life of death situation. Special made to activate upon a word despite her not having magic. This was exactly that, breathing ragged, she delved onto the sofa, opening the bag up only for it to be summoned from her hands. "NO!" she shrieked as it was reduced to dust, not only had the Portkey been in there but every penny she had. She didn't trust banks, wizarding or Muggle; she always got checks from him and kept it close by always. "What do you want?" she added darkly, showing the first hint of the horrible women hidden from view, one who had been tossed aside by her family when they found out she didn't have magic.
"Tut, tut, tut, now didn't your parents teach you any manners whatsoever before they kicked you out?" sneered Lucius digging the knife into the wound. What he found ironic was the fact she'd kept their name even after getting married going by the name of Mrs Figg. Perhaps the fact names were important in the magical world had ingrained in her mind; either that or she'd done it to piss her parents off.
Arabella snarled at him acting very much like a cat.
"She's spent too much time with animals hasn't she Lucius?" sneered Severus his back eyes glinting dangerously, promising Figg a world of pain.
"I agree," replied Lucius a sadistic grin on his face, oh how he'd missed this, scaring people to death, having them trembling in fear of him. No he'd never been a good man, and he never pretended to be.
"What do you want?" whispered Arabella trying to make herself smaller; she had no means of contacting anyone in the magical community here.
"What's your purpose living at Wisteria Walk?" asked Severus, with the potion diluted it needed time to get into the blood stream.
"I won't tell you anything," said Arabella, her face paling at their words, how did they know? Only Dumbledore knew about her placement there. It had been kept top secret, especially with it being so close to Harry Potter's residence. Were they after the boy? She wasn't about to give her life to save him. Backing away at their twin looks of fury, swallowing thickly. "He's in Privet Drive, number four Privet Drive." she squeaked, utterly terrified. If anything it didn't improve their mood, it darkened it considerably.
"I think you'll find he's not," sneered Severus unable to believe it, this was why he'd been so furious to begin with. A squib watching over Harry! A squib that had no means to defend herself, and the first sign of trouble what did she do? Reveal where he was, which sealed his hatred of the woman. Thankfully Harry was out of there and they weren't there to hunt him down.
"What is your purpose at Wisteria Walk?" demanded Lucius.
"To keep an eye on Harry Potter," she said, clasping her hand over her mouth, looking around in panic she had not meant to say that.
"What were your exact orders?" said Severus sitting himself down on one of the chairs, they might be here a while.
Figg started to rise of the couch, eyeing the door as if to make her great escape. Unfortunately both men saw, and acted accordingly, binding her to the couch stopping her from moving. When she did move, she noticed the bindings would tighten further. "To make sure he didn't find out about the magical world, inform him if anyone magical came by." she confessed unwillingly. Closing her eyes in terror, they must have cast a truth spell on her, or something.
"You babysat him did you not?" asked Lucius his voice soothingly deceptive.
"I did," agreed Figg, struggling some more, where were they going with this? Why were they here? And what had Snape meant when he said Harry wasn't at Privet Drive? Had they already killed the boy? If so that meant Dumbledore might know and she could have a chance of surviving…he knew where she was after all, she'd sent her the paperwork for the holiday.
"Did you know about the abuse?" growled Severus; this next question would seal her fate.
"Yes," replied Figg beginning to sweat, if they didn't want to harm the boy…well there was only one other reason they could be here. Revenge, but no Snape hated James Potter; she knew that much from Dumbledore, the same probably went for the boy.
"Why didn't you help him?" hissed Lucius his teeth clenched, fingering his wand, wanting so badly to just curse her. So much for Severus being the impatient one, but there wasn't very many ways one could destroy a Squib's life, not with Dumbledore in her life. Even if she regretted it, they would have to kill her, she was a witness and Lucius didn't leave witnesses lying around. It was just asking for trouble and to be caught as well. He may not have been overly fond of the Potter boy before this week, but damn he was the same age as his son! The thought of anyone being harmed in such a way, especially by Muggles made him so utterly livid.
"Help him? Why should I? Nobody helped me." said Figg bitterly.
"You allowed the abuse of an innocent boy who saved your fucking life to get back at your parents?" snarled Severus standing up an enraged look crossing his face. Not just her life but he'd saved the entire magical world! Oh Lily was rolling in her grave, he knew without a doubt Lily would have killed this woman before him. Whether it landed her in prison or not, Lily had loved her son with a zealot's passion.
Lucius stood there still as a statue unable to believe his own ears. He'd done many things in his life, for his own belief's but never once to get back at anyone. Also never harming an innocent child, no matter what the public might think, he'd only ever fought people who had fought back.
"Yes," admitted Figg before screaming in agony, writhing in agony, falling from the sofa as she jerked around. The spell had come from Severus, who had a look of pure loathing on his face, one that not even Black had been able to entice from him. He showed no signs of letting up either, his wand and hand remaining a steady despite using a spell he hadn't used in six perhaps seven years.
Lucius watched the proceedings; he'd never seen Snape like this in all the time he'd known him. Raising his own hand, the one without his wand, and jerked Severus' arm down stopping the curse. Severus turned his wrath onto him, but Lucius was understandably quick to explain himself. "She doesn't deserve to go quickly." his own face not much better than Severus'. She would have ended up insane, and while that was punishment - he wanted her to feel everything they did to her. He again made a vow never to make a move on Harry; there was no way he wanted to face a furious Severus Snape. Being on his side he was even intimidated by him, not that he'd admit it while he was alive.
Severus just nodded grimly coming back to himself, the rage receding slightly allowing him to think straight.
"Stop," choked Figg, as the tears flooded down her face, jerking occasionally the after affects of the curse.
"You chose your own fate," said Lucius "Crucio!" using the curse himself, it caused the worst sort of pain imaginable, its nothing more than she deserved, he did make sure not to keep it on too long. No, this was going to be slow and painful. She deserved worse, but they would feel better by the end of it.
"Please," she begged once it was removed, unable to even lift her head to beg, her hand outstretched, begging for mercy from the two wizards.
"How many times do you think Harry has said that during his short life?" scowled Lucius letting up, not deterred by her weak begs of mercy. She'd never given Harry any, so they weren't giving her it.
"Dumbledore knew, please, I was only following orders." rasped Figg, relived beyond believe that the truth potion was gone from her system.
"Where you?" said Severus.
"No," said Figg, closing her eyes so much for that theory.
"Sectumsempra!" snarled Severus loosing control of his temper. The spell hit Arabella with precision that Severus had perfected over the years. Not that it had been hard, she wasn't moving, and Severus was very good at hitting moving targets. Blood immediately began spilling from her wounds as thousands of cuts appeared all over her. Unable to scream as one slash had cut through her throat she moaned in agony, trying to curl up in defensive position.
Standing over Figg, he knelt down, grabbing her face not caring if he hurt her, "That's for Harry," he told her in a calm voice. He watched as every ounce of life drained from the miserable disgusting woman in front of him. He just hoped she'd regretted her actions before the end.
"Well that was fun," said Lucius but if you looked close enough you'd see he was paler than normal and wary at the speed and efficiency that Severus had ended her life.
"We must burn the remains," said Severus, he wasn't about to let himself be caught.
"I'll clean up," said Lucius, flicking his wand and the blood disappeared, before he began to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary. They would just assume she wasn't here, when her time was up at the hotel…well they wouldn't find her. Things happened to tourists all the time, nothing suspicious about that.
"Let's go," said Severus.
"Hold on, I'll take us to a forest." said Lucius and he knew the perfect one. Wrapping his magic around both of them he Apparated away the remains of Figg close beside them. They reappeared in the forest of dean, Lucius watched his friend drop the remains as if it disgusted him to even touch her.
"Fiendfyre!" cast Severus, stepping back watching the fire spread rapidly, it was a dangerous spell, certainly not one taught at Hogwarts. Both of them quickly cast a drenching spell, stopping the forest of dean from being reduced to naught but ash. Banishing the ashes they let out a breath it was done.
"Prince Hall?" suggested Lucius.
Severus nodded curtly before they individually Apparated to Severus' new home.
"How did it go?" asked Narcissa looking up, Draco was asleep in her arms.
Severus just shook his head; he didn't want to talk about it.
"Let's go home," said Lucius.
Narcissa gave Severus a curious look but knew not to push him, when he didn't want to talk he wouldn't. No about of pressure or begging would get him to do so. Passing Draco over to his father, she Apparated them home.
Severus walked up the steps and made his way not to his own room but to Harry's. Opening the door he stared in at the sleeping child, a half smile twisting on his face. The covers had fallen off him; his little bear was curled up in the middle of the bed sleeping peacefully if the look on his face was anything to go by. Walking towards the bed, he replaced the covers, plans for tomorrow already making its way into his mind.
Severus crouched down at the graveyard, right next to Lily's tombstone, his face a mask of pain. Right next to him was her son, who was as always, quieter than a mouse. He had wondered if he'd made the right decision to bring Harry here, but shoved them from his mind. Children younger than Harry were brought here to see loved ones every day. Harry should have been brought here before this it just wasn't fair on anyone.
"Your mother was a brilliant witch Harry, very powerful; she loved you a great deal. I know that she would have wanted to stay with you, watch you grow up. Unfortunately that isn't possible, go on put the flowers down," said Severus watching him closely. He just looked lost, forlorn really, still getting used to this new life.
"You can talk to her if you like, she may not respond but she will hear you." said Severus, someway; somehow he knew Lily was still watching her son.
If anything this just made Harry shut down even more if possible.
Sitting down on the grass, he sat Harry down on his knee, feeling extremely ridiculous. "I first met your mum when she was eight years old…" confided Severus, watching Harry's eyes widen, deciding against telling the young child he'd been watching her before that. "She was at the park; Lily was swinging up and down on the swing set. Then out of the blue she jumped off and began to float down to the ground as if she didn't weight more than a feather. She was only eight but she had very good control of her magic, making it do what she wanted to." so much more than accidental magic.
Harry blinked continuing to listen to him talk about his mum, how they'd become friends and how magical she was.
He didn't make her sound like a freak, like his Aunt had the few times she'd been mentioned. Nor did they sound like drunks; he wasn't sure what to believe anymore. The story seemed so true, he didn't know why but he could feel how much it hurt the man to talk about his mum. She looked so beautiful in the picture, and happy with him in her arms…not at all like a drunk…as if he knew what they looked like. He found it hard to understand she was under him, but he did understand that she was dead, gone and never to return. He watched Severus through his too long fringe feeling overwhelmed.
"I'm afraid we have to go now," said Severus helping Harry up before getting to his own feet as well. "Do you want to say goodbye?"
"Goodbye," said Harry shyly, as if his mother was there and he'd been introduced for the first time.
"Good boy," said Severus taking Harry's hand in his, stepping away, he'd let Harry visit Potter at another date. He had an appointment in Gringotts in fifteen minutes. With that he walked away from the grave of his best friend, and the child's mother, they would be back one day.
I'll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all I've done
And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Away from here
Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear
Louder louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say
To think I might not see those eyes
Makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbye
I nearly do
Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear
Louder louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say
Slower slower
We don't have time for that
All I want's to find an easy way
To get out of our little heads
Have heart, my dear
We're bound to be afraid
Even if it's just for a few days
Making up for all this mess
Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear
Snow Patrol - Run
There we go! the next chapter of the vow posted :D hope you are still enjoying the story. So will gringotts be able to remove the horcrux? or will severus have to come up with a way to do so? will he tell anyone? will Lucius put the pieces together about the diary? will he tell severus or is he still hoping the dark lord will come back despite the fact sev has Harry? will he go to Slughorn and find out he has seven? R&R PLEASE!