The Vow And It's Consequences
Chapter 26
Tutoring concerns, Trials and Horcruxes
Severus was currently writing down all information they'd gathered so far about the Horcruxes on a large piece of parchment. He wanted to find them all and destroy every single one of them so Harry didn't have to put up with the horror he'd lived with as a teenager. Lily had wanted Harry to grow up in a word without fear; it's why she'd been so involved in the war during the last year and a half of her life. She was determined to see Voldemort's reign brought to an end, she hadn't cared about the prophecy, but fear for her son had forced her to go into hiding to protect her son, who had become Voldemort's number one target. He would continue her quest, to rid the world of the Dark Lord and put a permanent end to his reign of terror. Harry would go to Hogwarts and enjoy life, without a looming threat hovering over him. That's if he sent Harry to Hogwarts, with Dumbledore there he wasn't sure if he liked the idea.
"Go play with your toys sweetie," said Minerva as both of them entered the living room which Severus used mostly as an office.
Harry looked over at his dad, smiling when Severus nodded at him he wandered over to the large box that contained all his new toys. A large parcel of things came but he hadn't been able to play with them. His daddy had wanted him to go with Minnie and 'be educated' he'd said.
"Lunch sir," said the Elf placing the large platter on the table before disappearing since her Master was busy.
"Harry, come and get some lunch, you may take it over there while you play, just don't make a mess." said Severus, handing him the plate with crisps, fruit and a sandwich on it. Pouring a glass of milk, he floated it over to Harry's colourful play table. Harry wandered back over, placing the plate beside the milk and gleefully dug into his lunch.
"How did it go?" asked Severus.
"He only knew two of the animals in the book, Severus he is so far behind other children in developments." said Minerva pursing her lips, as much as she wanted to say Harry was good she just couldn't. Not that it was Harry's fault, far from it, but she had to let Severus know so it could be rectified. "Cat and Dog were the only two he recognized."
"I suspected as much," said Severus nodding in acknowledgement to Minerva's words.
"It's not a lost cause of course, it just means we might need an extra half hour to get him caught up with others of his age." said Minerva. "He is very advanced in speaking, most children Harry's age do not speak that way."
"That's because he hasn't been around children, he's imitating the adults around him." said Severus.
"Yes, I suspected as much. I think he would be better of continuing that way." said Minerva. "Perhaps a nice outing to the beach would help him along."
Severus stared at her drolly; did he look like someone who spent time at the beach? Staring over at Harry, he sighed resignedly, he couldn't remain the 'dungeon bat' while looking after a child. His heart clenched, every time he thought about Harry calling him Daddy. He had continued to do so, and Severus didn't have it in his heart to stop him. At least he knew that he'd had another dad, and he wasn't going to be accused of lying down the road.
"Has he said anything about the Potion?" asked Minerva changing the subject, Severus had confessed all to her and Lucius. Severus was surprised by how resilient Harry was, but Severus wasn't used to being around young children so everything was new to him. With Minerva and Lucius though, Severus was learning quickly that everything that was happening was fine and normal at least for a small child who had been abused.
"No, but he did ask about it the evening you left," said Severus. "He wanted to know if it hurt to take it, which doesn't surprise me."
"Will it?" enquired Minerva. She hadn't thought about it, but now that it was raised she was curious herself.
"With him being so young no, if he decided to take it say at the age of eleven or twelve it may. As you know my family tend to be on the tall side." replied Severus wryly, he'd even been taller than Potter and Lily even at the age of eleven.
"Indeed," said Minerva dryly, Severus towered over her when he stood up and most of the teachers at Hogwarts.
"At least he is at the age where most children begin to be tutored, what are you going to do long term?" asked Minerva, curious about Severus' long term plans.
"To be honest, Minerva I haven't thought that far." said Severus rubbing his temple in agitation. "I need someone that will treat Harry normally, someone that I trust and will educate Harry properly in all areas he would need to know. I don't want anyone treating him as if he's special, letting him off with murder and letting him skate by just because of what happened when he was a baby."
"Perhaps taking Lucius up on his offer may be the best idea then," said Minerva thoughtfully.
"Indeed," replied Severus, "Coffee or Tea?"
"I think I'll have a coffee, I didn't get much sleep last night." said Minerva watching as Severus made them both a cup and brought over some lunch for them to nibble on. "Have you thought about asking Remus? It would give him a much needed income and perhaps make him loyal to you and Harry. It would help distance him from Albus."
"He hasn't even tried to see Harry once, otherwise he would have known what was going on and taken him from the abuse." said Severus protesting violently against that idea.
"You of all people know how convincing Albus can be," said Minerva sternly, "You stayed as a teacher despite the fact HE was gone. You felt as if you owed him, Remus feels exactly the same way for being allowed a Hogwarts education."
"That is a different situation," said Severus arguing half heatedly but Minerva had already won the argument.
"It is your situation was just remaining at Hogwarts, not a hardship at all. Remus was probably told to stay away from his best friend's son." said Minerva. "I stayed away as well, but I wasn't as close to the child as Remus and Sirius were. It was difficult for me, I constantly wanted to go and see if he was alright, I cannot imagine what Remus has been through."
"You've made your point," said Severus wryly.
"As Harry's father now, it's entirely up to you." said Minerva. "At least Remus would treat him fairly; I doubt he cares for him as 'The Boy Who Lived'."
"Indeed," said Severus dryly.
Severus was distracted when Harry came over and handed him a bowl, looking into it, he found scrunched up paper, crayons a few pieces of fruit and the crust from his sandwich and a brown spoon (where he'd gotten that he did not know). He accepted it, slightly bemused. "What is this?" he enquired his attention solely focused on Harry.
"A potion," said Harry proudly.
Severus' lips twitched, barely able to suppress his amusement. "I see, and what is it going to do?"
"Nutrition potion!" he explained staring intently at the bowl.
"Indeed," said Severus, his black eyes twinkling brightly. "Thank you, Harry, go play." he placed the bowl on the table shaking his head wryly.
Harry beamed at Severus before scuttling off to do something else.
"Do not even think about it." said Severus staring at Minerva who was trying and nearly unsuccessful in holding her laughter.
"You've been brewing potions around him?" asked Minerva still finding the entire thing hilarious.
"Twice," said Severus, "He has been in the lab a three times, one when his eyesight was corrected and again when I was brewing nutrition potion and one to help him gain the height he'd missed out on at the Dursley's." He was rather proud of Harry, he'd watched him and remained where he'd put him, on the stool.
"Ah," said Minerva smiling. "I think I might get him a Junior Potions kit."
"I already have three," replied Severus seriously.
"Which levels?" asked Minerva curiously.
"The first three," said Severus, there were ten different junior potion kit levels, and level one, two and three had been the ones he got. They were for children three and up, the higher ones were for older children aged eight to ten. Every one of them required adult supervision at all times, since it was potion ingredients after all.
"Then I might get him the next level up, I have no doubt with you there he will get through them rather quickly." said Minerva, eyeing the bowl, it was obvious to her that Harry wished desperately to please Severus. The child had obviously picked up Severus' love for potions, he truly was observant like Severus had said.
Severus' lips twitched again.
"Are you attending Black's trial?" asked Severus once again changing the subject.
"I hadn't decided," confessed Minerva sipping her coffee now that it was cool enough to drink.
"I was thinking perhaps you should bring the Mutt here," said Severus, "So he can get our side of the story before Dumbledore fills his head with manipulation and makes things uncomfortable." he was terrified the Wizengamot would take Black's side in sympathy. They had wrongfully imprisoned him; they would probably give over custody of Harry in a bid to right their wrong. He didn't want that happening, not only would it confuse and hurt Harry deeply, it would set him back and Black wasn't suited to raising a child. He was an immature idiot; Harry would grow up not knowing structure and rules. He was Godfather and uncle material, not a father figure at least he hadn't been in the past.
"You would willingly allow Sirius Black in your home? Run the risk of him going straight to Dumbledore and revealing everything?" asked Minerva utterly stunned. Harry had changed him already, glancing over at the child she realized he wasn't the only one being saved, somehow someway Severus was being saved too.
"At least here I can do some serious damage limitation," said Severus gravely. "I don't want him here, but given the alternative…I've decided it's for the best."
"And Remus?" enquired Minerva, things were coming together nicely, she was proud of Severus for his new outlook on life.
Severus lip curling was her answer. "I'll give you a Portkey so you can bring him right here and hopefully avoid Albus altogether."
"You want Albus on my tail?" asked Minerva.
Severus smirked "If you do not want to I can simply send one of the Elves. Although having you here may make things easier." conceded Severus.
"I'll do it, it seems the outcome of Albus finding out is inevitable anyway." said Minerva.
"Not necessarily, without the Mutt he doesn't have a leg to stand on." said Severus, which was why he was doing it, to starve him of any support he may gather to get his hands on Harry. For the moment Harry was still simply 'lost' and if he had his way Dumbledore would continue to think that.
"True," conceded Minerva.
"While you do that, I'm going to have to talk to Harry about his Animagus form, make sure he doesn't use it willy nilly." said Severus. He wasn't going to stop Harry from using it, just inform him not to do it without an adult present or to go wandering in it. He really should add Animagus spells to the rooms and the doors so Harry couldn't leave the manor without him. He did have a tracking charm on him, and he was legally in his right to keep it on until Harry was a teenager. He didn't want to, but he would do anything to keep him safe.
"He is so beautiful in his Animagus form," said Minerva proudly, grey hair and green eyed anyone would fall in love with him. Of course anyone would fall in love with him when he was a normal boy; he was so polite and shy.
"Completely besides the point, he cannot just turn into a cat whenever he feels like it." said Severus seriously. Although he had to admit, Harry was adorable in his Animagus form, not that he'd admit it on pain of death.
"Of course not," said Minerva, "I'm sure Harry will listen to you, he pays a great deal of attention to you and everything you do. The potion is a good example of that." she said pointing towards the bowl Harry had given Severus.
"I know," said Severus amused.
"If I have to attend the trial, I best depart now." said Minerva, glancing at the grandfather clock in the corner of the room.
"Thank you for doing this, Minerva, I do appreciate it." said Severus gratefully.
"Well, Harry is my godson now, I have to do what's best for him." said Minerva, feeling warmed by Severus' thanks, he didn't normally say those kinds of things. "Has Lucius managed to get the Huffelpuff cup?"
"I do not know, I'm sure he will let me know if he succeeds." replied Severus thoughtfully.
"I'll see you in a few hours," said Minerva standing, "Goodbye Harry, I will see you soon."
"Bye Minnie," said Harry shyly, getting used to Lucius and Minnie now that he knew and realized they wouldn't be taking him away from his daddy.
Severus chuckled at the name Harry had for Minerva, but the name was so difficult to say especially for a five year old. Minerva flushed glaring at Severus half-heartedly before disappearing through the Floo.
"Harry, come up here for a minute please," said Severus gesturing towards his knee, it was time to have a talk about magic.
Harry walked over and climbed on Severus' knee, staring up at him half worried half curious about what he wanted. His large green eyes staring into Black ones, waiting.
"Harry...magic isn't a toy; it must be treated with respect at all times. You need to be careful turning into a kitten. I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't, I just want you to be with me when you do turn into an Animagus. It's very dangerous to do it without adult supervision. You could end up trapped as a kitten, and I might not be able to find you...do you understand?" asked Severus, having to tell him the consequences he had to make sure Harry truly understood what could happen should he play around with his Animagus form.
"Yes," said Harry solemnly.
"What did I say?" asked Severus wanting confirmation.
"Not to turn into a kitten unless you are there, it's very dangerous and I mustn't play with magic." said Harry proudly.
"Well done, good boy." said Severus hopefully that would have gotten through to him. "Go on then, go play."
"Will I get to look at animals again?" asked Harry hopefully.
"Of course, how about we look at one tonight?" replied Severus, planning on teaching Harry himself even when he wasn't being tutored.
"YES!" cheered Harry, hoping from Severus' lap and going back to his toys excitedly.
"Ah, Minerva, I did not expect you here," said Albus, surprised to see her there.
"Sirius used to be my student, I don't see why it's a surprise," said Minerva staring curiously at the Headmaster. Wondering what he planned if Sirius was innocent, either way she was about to put a spanner in his work. Harry was happy with Severus, and she wasn't about to see him removed - not for any reason. Not only was Harry starting to get better and open up, he loved Severus already. Then there was the fact that Severus was more alive than she'd ever seen him before.
"Of course," said Albus, sitting himself down he wasn't presiding over the trial. Since they'd found out about the Dursley's he hadn't been favoured at all. He had lost the respect, as well as his place as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, he was holding onto the Headmaster's position by the skin of his teeth. He was hoping finding and bringing the child back into the magical world would smooth things over and get everything back to normal. Hopefully Black would be able to find him through the Godfather/son bond. Then he could begin moulding the boy through Black who always hung onto his words. Perhaps it was for the best that it happened so soon, a child was more impresionable than a teenager.
"Bring in the accused," said Cornelius starting the proceedings, only the wizengamot, Dumbledore, Cornelius, Amelia Bones and the scribe Penelope Cooper was in attendance. The trial was going to be a short one, they were here only to find out if he was innocent as the will may suggest. They'd been given a copy of it by Gringotts, since it dealt with the heir to the Black fortune since the rest of the Black's were dead.
"Sirius Black, Minister." said Moody bringing in Black with more care than they usually handled with criminals. He didn't even spare a glance for Dumbledore, who he wasn't happy with at all, he'd been investigating at Privet Drive the information he'd learned turned his stomach. He was placed on the seat before Moody made his retreat.
"Sirius Black, do you consent to the use of Veritaserum to get to the bottom of this matter?" asked Cornelius beginning by being frank.
"Veritaserum?" asked Sirius blankly; since it was a new invention he couldn't be expected to know what it was.
"A powerful truth potion," added Cornelius.
"Yes," murmured Sirius bewildered.
"One drop will do," said Cornelius as Penelope stood up to administer it.
"What is your name?" asked Amelia once the potion had been given to Sirius.
"Sirius Orion Black." started the convict.
"What happened on Halloween? Start at the beginning." asked Amelia.
"I woke up, went work, and came home…later that night I went to check on Peter, he wasn't at his hideout. I grew worried; I immediately took off towards Godric's Hollow. I used my enchanted motorbike, it was dark by the time I got there, but people were milling around, the house was in ruins, right next to where Harry's nursery was. I ran in, James was lying on the floor…I heard Harry crying and bolted up the stairs. Lily was gone, and Harry was crying, demanding to be lifted up. I had just managed to calm Harry down stopping him from seeing his parents…when Hagrid arrived. He took Harry off me, claiming he was to take Harry to Dumbledore, on Dumbledore's orders. I knew Harry would be safe with Dumbledore since nobody would attack him. Not that I had a choice, Hagrid took Harry off me, and I wasn't going to risk my godsons life by righting over it." said Sirius hoarsely.
"Excuse me? Hagrid took the child on Dumbledore's orders despite the fact you were his godfather and were legally responsible for him?" asked Amelia glancing at Dumbledore disapprovingly.
Dumbledore's heart sank; he hadn't expected these events to get out. He'd expected them to realize Black was innocent and get it over with. Dear Merlin, his reputation was ripped and torn as it was, without adding this to it. The looks on everyone's face infuriated him, he had destroyed Grindelwald for them all, and they had the nerve to judge him for doing what was best? Voldemort would be back and Potter need kept in line.
"Yes," confessed Sirius.
"What happened after?" asked Cornelius.
"I went after Pettigrew, determined to get revenge on him for what he did to my best friends. In the early morning I successfully managed to corner him after hunting all night. He was yelling and screaming at me for betraying Lily and James, making me even madder. He drew out his wand, before I knew it he cast a blasting spell, cut off his own finger and took off into a sewer in his Animagus form. It was only once I was in Azkaban did I find out Voldemort had been defeated by my godson. So giving him over to Dumbledore to keep him safe had been for nothing. If I had just told Hagrid no, I would not have been imprisoned." said Sirius, able to talk thoroughly but tell the truth since he hadn't been given three drops of the powerful truth serum.
"He's an Animagus?" asked Amelia.
"We all were," said Sirius.
"What are you all?" asked Cornelius.
"I'm a dog that resembles the grim, Pettigrew is a rat and James was a stag." said Sirius.
'And Harry is a cat' thought Minerva, and he'd learned well before anyone and with one single try. She was very proud of her godson, and so grateful she was able to be part of his life. With Severus, he would take his place as the Potter heir or rather Potter-Snape heir when the time came. Not enter Hogwarts completely clueless about everything.
"Do you have any idea where Pettigrew may have gone?" asked Cornelius.
"No," confessed Sirius a maddening glint in his eye.
"Sirius Black you are innocent of the crimes in which you were imprisoned for, since you were an illegal Animagus we shall conceder it squared. Now before you leave, you will go to the registry and register your Animagus form." said Amelia.
"Yes, ma'am." said Sirius grateful she hadn't asked the how long and why, he under no circumstances wanted to betray Remus, despite the fact the man hadn't visited him even once. "Will I be allowed my job back?"
"If you pass the physical and written tests I don't see why not." said Amelia Bones, "But I think you should wait a year or two before coming back, you need to recover from the affects the Dementors have had on you."
"Yes ma'am." said Sirius gratefully.
"You won't be taking part in the hunt for Peter Pettigrew, even if you do return as an Auror. You must understand we cannot risk you blundering things up." said Cornelius seriously.
Sirius grumbled under his breath not happy at all.
"Can I get custody of my godson?" asked Sirius. "Where is he? Can I at least get visitation rights until he's used to me?" as much as he wanted to take him for good, he knew the Ministry wouldn't allow it. The child always came first, especially magical children. If you uproot them, it would upset the child and their magic, and it was important not to do that.
"Sirius, we need to talk," said Dumbledore, "I shall let him know what's happening."
"But first I shall accompany him to get his Animagus form registered," said Minerva standing up, she knew where it was. She had signed up her own Animagus when she was a young woman; she had done it because of her own Transfiguration mastery.
"Alright," murmured Sirius staring at them weirdly, why were they acting so oddly?
"I shall accompany you," said Dumbledore, not letting Black out of his sight.
"We will be back in a few minutes," said Minerva brushing the invitation off.
"Its fine," said Dumbledore insistently.
The walk and elevator ride was in total silence and tense too. Sirius signed the registry, turning into his Animagus form and allowing the woman to see and take a picture of it. As soon as they were out of the room and in the hallway of the Ministry he turned and asked the question that was burning him.
"Where's Harry?" asked Sirius once they were done staring at them not about to budge.
Minerva removed the Portkey touching Sirius she whispered the words to activate it and disappeared with the Black heir. The last thing she saw was the enraged shocked look on Dumbledore's face his mouth opened but whatever he was going to say was lost as the Ministry disappeared and Prince Manor took its place. Minerva helped Sirius holding him still as he regained control of his equilibrium.
There we go! another chapter now is the hunt for the Horcruxes going to quick? or do you find it believable that they could have reached those conclusions already? will Black be allowed in on the secret and find the Slytherin locket by happenstance? or will it stay hidden under their very nose and be the last one they ever find? will Harry attend Hogwarts or will he go to a less known school? Will harry befriend anyone in the magical world? Neville and Draco? being around Snape all the time he wouldnt be terrified of him AND he would be better at Potions later in life! who else will Harry befriend? he will need more than two after alll...will the boys befriend Luna after seeing her bullied just after loosing her mum? helping Xeno who is raising her alone? would you like to see the animagus cat thing be continued throughtout the story or will Harry only turn into it a few times during the duration of the story? will Harry take the potion after hearing the adults talking about dumbledore being on the move? or will being happy make him want to be truly Severus' son? if so which caracteristics will he take on? his hair? cheekbones? eyes? or will he just be a unqiue blend of three of them? brown hair like his birth father, the prince features (other than the nose) and tallness and Lily's eyes? maybe with a few red highlights in his hair? R&R PLEASE!