The Vow And It's Consequences

Chapter 24

The Diary of Tom Marvolo Riddle

"He looks so peaceful lying there doesn't he? Did he like the pyjama onesie's I got him?" asked Minerva, she'd gone into the Muggle world to find a few things for him. With it being all Harry knew, a little familiarity may go along way to feeling comfortable. As good as a strong firm guardian Severus made, he wasn't Molly Weasley. Although she was trying not to judge him on how he treated students at Hogwarts, but she'd never seen Severus around young children so couldn't judge him with one hundred percent accuracy. Having been abused, Severus was probably the only one she knew equip to deal with it.

"He wasn't sure at first," said Severus a smirk gracing his thin lips, just remembering the look on Harry's face when he showed him them. "But he tried one on, and has continued to wear them. Judging by the clothes he had on when I found him…he's grateful to have something that fits and is new."

"I got him a few other things," said Minerva removing a tiny item from her pocket and flicking her wand. It began to expand and return to its original size. It was in a plastic bag, indicating she'd been in the Muggle world. The magical world still wrapped everything up in brown paper. They were so backwards sometimes, it was laughable really. Yet there were some traditions that the magical world didn't seem to want to see reduced to none-existence.

"You didn't have to," said Severus but he nonetheless accepted the bag and looked inside it. It was larger; she had obviously put a charm on it.

"I went to build a bear workshop, it was fascinating watching them create bears from scratch just the way you like them." said Minerva, despite the fact she'd been born in the Muggle world, she didn't frequently shop there. So she had been largely unaware of the advancements in the Muggle world.

Severus removed the bear his lip twitching; slightly surprised it wasn't in Gryffindor colours. There was no doubt Minerva was hoping for Harry to be in her house. Yet Severus suspected it might be hard for Hogwarts to sort Harry, he didn't know why but Harry was observant, very observant for his age. The bear was light brown, a lightening bolt scar upon his fury head. A black cape around its neck, it was a nice gift; the purple t-shirt had HS sewn into it. "HS?" said Severus surprised.

"Yes, it is his name isn't it?" enquired Minerva.

"Technically yes, Harry James Severus Potter Prince Snape is the name written on the Goblin charts." said Severus, when one was adopted they took on the adopted fathers name, it was a practise as old as the hills. Despite the fact Severus hadn't written the name down, thankfully though he would be preferred to as Harry Potter-Snape by the majority of people.

"Shouldn't it be Snape-Potter?" asked Minerva, surprised, unless magic felt that the name Snape would give him more protection than Potter would.

"I had suspected it would go that way, but you read the documents yourself," said Severus.

"I did," said Minerva and what a shock that had been. "You know the Prince name is better than either of them, have you considered changing your name?"

"I'd rather not," said Severus dryly, "And as far as I am aware, the Potter name has been around longer than the Prince's." it was mostly out of spite, he hated the Prince's, not for disowning his mother, she had brought that on herself. Who in their right mind would give up money to marry Tobias? Never mind the fact she'd stayed with him, her life had been a long streaming pile of misery and in staying she'd allowed his life to be the same. No neither of his parents had been what he'd come close to calling natural parents. He didn't think he had it in him to be one either, but he sure as hell would be better than the Dursley's and his mother and father combined.

Searching the bag he noticed a pack of exploding snap, evidently it hadn't been a trip solely focused in the Muggle world. There were also picture books, colouring in magical books, which would move after it had been coloured in. Placing it on the other end of the couch, he'd let Harry look through it later on tonight. "Thank you Minerva, I'm sure Harry will love them." said Severus.

"How is he physically?" asked Minerva, not asking about his mental condition, knowing very well it would take years to recover from the abuse, if he recovered at all.

"Still severely underweight, it will take at least half a year for him to be completely healthy, longer still to get up to a height acceptable for his age." said Severus sounding professional. If it wasn't for the narrowing of his eyes, Minerva would have suspected he didn't care.

"Have you arranged for him to begin school?" enquired Minerva placing her empty cup onto the table. As the Floo erupted spitting Lucius Malfoy out, who looked out of breath and terrified still.

"He is still too afraid of his own shadow to attend any school, I shall be arranging for a tutor or teaching him myself." said Severus, he did not think himself a good teacher, and so if he were to teach Harry, he would be doing it only as a last resort.

"Since it is summer, perhaps I can start him off?" suggested Minerva. "I can get a few books and some pens and pencils so it's easier to begin with."

"I think that would be acceptable." said Severus, it would help him greatly, start Harry of in being educated while he tried to find someone he could trust with Harry. Not just to teach him fairly, but one who wouldn't be overwhelmed with his fame and undo anything he tried to do. He did not want Harry to think he was special, better than everyone else or under the impression he could skate by on his fame. Minerva would be perfect for the role; he just needed to find someone similar to her.

"Someone from abroad might be the best option, my family healer's fiancée has a brother whom is a tutor." said Lucius adding into the conversation, placing a small black diary on the table.

"Harry is wearier of men than he is of women," said Severus.

"How do you know?" asked Minerva slightly surprised.

"When I took him to Gringotts he jumped when men spoke, when women did he wasn't so worried, which admittedly doesn't make sense. If you ask me Petunia probably did the most damage to the child." said Severus baffled.

"I agree it doesn't make sense." said Minerva, "Will he be okay with me?"

"We will just have to wait and see," said Severus, not presuming to know everything. "It might help to smile; you do have a similar build and look to his aunt."

"Don't break yourself," teased Lucius.

Minerva pursed her lips, staring at Lucius drawly trying to stop herself from laughing. The world truly was falling on its axis, here she was sitting with Lucius Malfoy and getting on with him, almost laughing at something he said. Considering the burden they all shared now, it was better for them to put all grudges aside and concentrate on the greater good. The common greater good, not Dumbledore's version of one, where he puts a child in an abusive environment.

"What is this?" asked Severus, knowing without a doubt there was a reason for it being here.

"That is an item I received from the Dark Lord ten years ago," said Lucius grimly. His icy blue eyes filled with apprehension.

"Do you know what it is?" asked Severus opening it up to find the pages blank.

"I suspect it may be a Horcrux." said Lucius.

"Hmm," replied Severus, summoning ink and a quill from his desk, before dipping it in balancing it on his left knee. On his right the book lay on it, scribbling on it his eyes widened when the ink disappeared into the diary. It was obviously a magical one, despite the Muggle look it had. This definitely indicated dark magic; books didn't do that, his breathing hitched when he noticed ink beginning to write back. Never interact with anyone that had a mind of its own, rang through his head. One of the things his mother had actually told him, when he was a child. This was a good example of never judge a book by its cover.

Hello, my name is Tom Riddle. Who are you?

"Great Merlin's ghost!" exclaimed Minerva paling pasty white.

"Well, we can all agree this is most certainly a Horcrux." said Severus slamming it closed as placing it back on the table. He would destroy it immediately; he wasn't going to have this around a five year old child. Determined he stood up, grabbed the book and flung it into the fireplace. "Fiendfyre!" chanted Severus, the spell shot from his wand and blazed fiercely through the book. Severus arched around shielding his face and front from the fire that began screeching loudly. His wand automatically coming out and shielding them all from anything that came their way. The shield strongest around Harry, so nothing whatsoever happened to him.

Then the screeching slowed before dwindling to nothing, allowing Severus, Minerva and Lucius to remove their hands from their ears. Just like that one of the Horcruxes was gone, but with no prior knowledge of how many Tom Riddle had, they were in the unknown.

"He took that book around with him everywhere, not surprisingly if it was a Horcrux." said Minerva.

"It probably wasn't the entire time," said Severus sitting back down.

"No, but it is curious, why you and not your father?" asked Minerva speaking to Lucius at this point.

"My father was gone when he finally gave me the Horcrux," replied Lucius.

"Malfoy manor is safe, or as safe as any building could be. I'm not surprised he chose to ensure at least one of them was there." said Severus.

"True, then maybe he even has one in Hogwarts." said Minerva swallowing thickly at the thought of such a horrific item being amongst her students. If anything happened to them she'd never forgive herself.

"I wouldn't be surprised," mused Severus.

"Harry's awake," said Minerva noticing the child rubbing at his ears a look of confused fear in his green eyes. No doubt terribly confused as to why he couldn't hear them talking, his eyes...they looked so much like Lily's. They were breathtaking, right there and then she knew Severus would never be able to deny Harry a single thing he asked.

Severus unobtrusively flicked his wand, cancelling the silencing spell around Harry. Watching him intently, wondering how he'd feel with so many people in the room. So far he'd been sleeping when anyone was in Prince Manor. Harry slunk further into the covers, his green eyes flashing to each person in turn wary of newcomers.

"Harry, come over here please," said Severus, patting at an unused cushion in the couch he was using.

Harry bit his lip, looking at the others again before he reluctantly removed himself from his cocoon. Walking around the room the long way, instead of going near Lucius or Minerva. Climbing onto the couch, he sat down staring at the floor. Was he being sent away? Why? He had tried to be good! Chewing on his bottom lip he blinked to try and stop the tears from flowing. No matter what he obviously couldn't be good, he was nothing but a freak, just like his aunt always said.

"I'd like to introduce you to my friends," said Severus, "They are your godfather and godmother as well, this is Minerva…and Lucius." finished Severus.

"Hello Harry," said Lucius smoothly, his lips twitching in an attempt to calm the child who looked ready to start hyperventilating. He obviously wasn't ready to deal with anyone never mind adults. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, thank you sir," said Harry quietly without even glancing up just cringing as he spoke.

"Hello sweetie, Severus has a few things to give you, I hope you like them." said Minerva, smiling at him softly, a sight neither men had seen before in their stern professor. "I'm told you like your pyjamas?"

"Yes ma'am," said Harry staring at her for a few seconds, a tiny smile turning on his face before he found the floor fascinating once more. He wasn't sure what was happening, but he thought perhaps he wasn't being sent away. Relief flowed through him at an alarming rate, but tried not to get his hopes up. He certainly wouldn't be the first time he'd felt let down, even if by his own thoughts.

Severus slowly stretched over to pluck the bag from the couch, making sure not to startle Harry. To his pride Harry didn't flinch or seem uncomfortable. Harry was getting used to it, beginning to trust him and it made him feel empowered. He could do this; he might just be able to get Harry over the abuse he'd suffered and turn him into a confident young boy in time for Hogwarts.

"These are for you and you alone," said Severus handing him each item from the bag, letting Harry know they were for him and they didn't belong to anyone else, and he didn't have to worry about anyone touching them. He left Harry to investigate them at his own leisure. Nobody failed to notice his hands tightening on them, staring at Minerva and Lucius as if they were threatening to take them away. He seemed to like the teddy bear most of all, if the way he was clutching it under his arm was any indication.

"Harry?" said Lucius quietly, his voice soothing. "I have a gift for you, will I give it to Severus for you?" giving the child the choice on whether he came over or not.

Harry stared up at the icy blue eyes of the man, who had a wrapped parcel in his hand. It was fully extended so he was as none threatening as possible. Harry swallowed thickly, his eyes jerking towards the package, then back up. Breathing deeply, he slid from the couch and walked over, slowly edging until he was within reaching distance. His small thin fingers reached out and took the gift, green eyes flashing in surprise when it wasn't pulled back. It was soft, and Harry wondered what it was as he retreated keeping Minerva and Lucius within view at all times. It was obvious to them that Harry really didn't trust them yet.

"Do you need help opening it Harry?" asked Severus quietly, as Harry reclaimed his seat.

Biting his lip, tightening his fingers around it he nodded his head jerkily.

Severus ripped a piece of the paper, making it easier for the nervous child, who shouldn't have problems opening things at his age. "Good boy," said Severus, watching the green eyes blaze with need, a need to be cherished, loved and looked after.

"Indeed," said Lucius his lip quirking at the gasp Harry let out. He had gotten Harry the same gift he'd gotten for his son. A beautiful green Welsh dragon/soft toy, completely unanimated so he wasn't startled.

"While we were there, we found out that the will hadn't been read." said Severus, speaking without giving too much away to the young ears in the room.

"I am not surprised;" admitted Minerva sadly, "Most of the people close to them are gone…or imprisoned."

"That I am afraid is unjustly." admitted Severus grimacing, shuddering lightly. He never thought he'd see the day where he defended Sirius Black of all people. Unfortunately he wasn't a complete bastard as to allow him to remain in Azkaban for something he didn't do. The years he'd already spent there was more than enough for anything Black had done to him as a young boy. He'd never get on with the wizard that much was certain, and thankfully he had no say in Harry's life.

"Excuse me?" choked Minerva, coughing at the biscuit lodged in her trachea, shakily drinking cold tea to wash the biscuit down in a vain attempt to get breathing again. Taking big gulps of air, coughing weakly as she regained control of herself. Surely she had misheard; she just couldn't comprehend what Severus had said. She stared at Severus blankly, as if hoping his statement would have been wrong or made in a dark attempt of humour. Yet his face didn't change, not even the slightest. She did notice Harry had backed away on the couch, watching her wide eyed though the corner of his eyes.

"He was never at any of the meetings," said Lucius thoughtfully, but that wasn't surprising. The Dark Lord liked to try and keep his Death Eater's identities a secret from each other. So they couldn't betray one another to get off lightly, like Karkaroff had done upon the Dark Lord's defeat four years ago. He kept a lot of 'spies' a secret, to ensure they were never discovered.

"According to the will, which was written just before they went under the Fidelus Charm, it was not Black who was their secret keeper." said Severus grudgingly.

Minerva gasped completely horrified, quite rightfully really since Sirius Black had not only been imprisoned while innocent but never given a trial. Azkaban was hell on earth, nobody came out of there sane, Merlin, it was completely shocking. "Oh, great Merlin's ghost it must have been Peter!" said Minerva drawing to the correct conclusion of the events that had transpired that night.

"It was my first natural conclusion when I read the will," said Severus nodding his head.

"Naturally," said Lucius, "However, they could have changed their mind and put Black in at the last second."

"True," said Severus, "Regardless if he is innocent, it will come out, a date is being made for their will to be read."

"That will reveal everything much sooner than you wished Severus," said Minerva, the Potions Master had been so adamant about keeping it secret until at least Harry came to Hogwarts. Why would he change his mind? Was Black being innocent bothering him that much? He doubted it; he must have been thinking about reading the will before it otherwise he wouldn't know.

"Indeed," said Severus sighing in mild exasperation. Turning to Harry, his lips twitched when he noticed the child was asleep again. The teddy Minerva got him still clutched tightly in his grasp. Summoning the duvet he placed it over the sleeping boy.

"He looks a little bit like his father, how are you dealing with that?" asked Lucius.

"I haven't really noticed," admitted Severus, his eyes were always drawn to the green eyes on the child. Although there was little doubt he'd look like James more as he grew up. Just like he knew Draco would look like Lucius as he got older. The old pureblood families had traits that they passed down, the eyes and hair the most prominent features.

"It might help if you magically adopt him," said Lucius thoughtfully, he'd take after three of them rather than just the Potter's.

"It might solidify your position as Harry's adopted father as well," said Minerva all for the idea.

"That is a life changing decision; Harry would have to make that decision on his own. Right now he would agree out of fear of being sent away than any feelings he may have for his new situation." said Severus.

Minerva shook her head fondly; sometimes Severus could be the most thoughtful man in the world. He never showed this side of him often enough in her opinion. Instead of saying feelings for him, he was saying situation as if it made everything more meaningful.

"Children shouldn't have to make decisions like this at their age. It's why they have parents Severus, at the end of the day that is what you are. If you wish to keep him safe, then you should brew the potion and safeguard his future." said Lucius seriously.

"They shouldn't," agreed Severus, "But they also shouldn't have been beaten within an inch of their life, unfortunately Harry isn't like most five year old children. Most five year olds have the attention span of a gnat, Harry is different. He observes his surroundings, listens to what people say, whether he understands it or not."

"A normal childhood will change that," said Lucius confidently.

"No, no unfortunately it won't. The responses are too ingrained into Harry now for any hope of him being a normal boy. No amount of love, attention and spoiling will change it, trust me I know." said Severus grimly.

"Well I will have to defer to your expertise Severus, I admittedly don't know much." said Lucius. He had been reading a few books, on how best to deal with abused children. He would take his role of godfather seriously, and do his best to instil some pride and confidence in the young boy before attending Hogwarts.

There we go the first horcrux is gone :D so will harry take the potion or say no? what did you think of the interactions between harry and Lucius-minerva? will harry come to love them? will sirius fight severus for custody and loose any chance of knowing his godson? or will they take harry away from Severus? only for Harry to disappear on them? R&R PLEASE!