The Vow And It's Consequences

Chapter 27

Sirius Black Enters The Picture

Sirius looked around, trying to figure out where they were, but he couldn't find anything familiar about this place. Was it Minerva McGonagall's home? It couldn't be, not unless she'd bought it since McGonagall wasn't a wizarding name…Although it could be in her mother's name? Squinting at the gates was that a PH? Or M maybe? His eyesight wasn't bad its just he was unused to using his eyes anymore. He'd been stuck in darkness for what felt like years, and since nobody visited he didn't get out of his cell and put in the visitor centre where no Dementor was allowed. Looking up, closing his eyes the sun on his skin felt so good, the adrenaline he'd been running on was beginning to wear of now.

"Are you ready to begin moving?" asked Minerva, watching Sirius in concerned happiness. He was free; no doubt he was a little overwhelmed.

"Where are we?" asked Sirius turning back to face Minerva, he was confused she obviously had done this without Dumbledore's approval, since he had been shocked and enraged when they Portkey'd away. Sirius had never seen such a look on his face before, and it actually concerned him. Groaning, he was finding it extremely difficult to concentrate on one thing, he'd been asking about Harry, it was him he was worried about…who had taken him in?

"I though you wanted to see Harry?" questioned Minerva, beginning to slowly walk towards Prince Manor, which would take a while with a man who had been imprisoned for a few years.

"Harry's here?" asked Sirius perking up, his face showing hope and love.

"He is indeed," said Minerva a tiny smile on her face, thinking of the gorgeous child.

"Who has custody of him?" asked Sirius, walking up to her; he needed to know everything he'd missed.

"There are a few rules if you want to see him, do not approach him, touch him or frighten him." said Minerva grimly, her voice conveying how important these 'rules' were. Harry was just starting to recover, and she did not want him scared again, hell he'd just gotten used to her for Merlin's sake.

"Why?" Sirius couldn't help but cry indignantly. Had they been telling Harry about how evil he was? That he had betrayed his parents? He hoped not or he wouldn't be happy the slightest, he wanted his godson to love him! No he was only a child surely they wouldn't tell him nasty things?

"I do not recommend starting with his guardian either, it wouldn't be a good way to begin a relationship with Harry." said Minerva in warning.

"Why would I do that?" asked Sirius staring at Minerva strangely, he wanted to be part of Harry's life and to do that he had to at least be on good terms with whoever it was.

Minerva's lips twitched, why would he indeed? Just wait until he figured out who it was. Honestly their fights had been blown to ridiculous portions; at least Severus was trying to do the right thing. He wouldn't put up with any crap coming from Sirius though, so Black had better behave himself or he would find himself evicted from Prince Manor.

"Just remember what I have said," said Minerva seriously. "I won't have my godson upset."

"Your godson? Who's that?" asked Sirius confused, they were obviously not talking about Harry, and he was Harry's godfather. Harry didn't have any other godfathers or a godmother, come to that; it had been a small private ceremony with just Lily, James, Harry and himself as well as the Minister.

"I was made Harry's godmother," said Minerva, knowing better than to tell him who else was given that privilege. Although she herself hadn't been able to believe it, but now she realized Severus had known best after all. She had seen a whole new side to Lucius and she was awed at the length he'd go for a friend. She had known he could make anyone's life a misery if he wished…but the way he had done it was truly vicious and rightfully deserved. Although Dumbledore certainly looked shaken by the lies, she was surprised he hadn't had a heart attack yet.

"Oh," said Sirius hollowly. He wasn't Harry's godfather anymore that meant he had no rights to him at all; at least it was someone light otherwise Minerva wouldn't be part of Harry's life. He prayed to Merlin that whoever it was, allowed him to be part of Harry's life whether he was chosen as a godfather through magical means or not.

"Let's go," said Minerva stepping in, opening the door far enough for Sirius to get in before closing it. Hopefully Severus would already know they were here.

"Harry," rasped Sirius watching him from the door, he was playing with his toys and he was so big! His hair was short, very short indeed; James had never had short hair like that. Why had they made it so short? If he had been older maybe, but he was just a child they'd basically shaved it all off. Looking around the house trying to figure out who had custody of Harry, but he still couldn't figure out where they were.

"Remember what I told you," said Minerva, in warning as Sirius stepped forward. Stopping he reluctantly acknowledged Minerva's words. She knew Harry wasn't going to be happy with Sirius' appearance whether he touched him or not, he didn't like strangers and she wasn't sure if that would change. Harry was even less appreciative of men, at least according to Severus anyway and she trusted his word.

"Who has custody of him?" Sirius demanded again, once he remembered he wished his mind would stop wandering. Unfortunately he wasn't used to being able to think so clearly, the Dementors had just made him relive his worst memories - no thinking required for that.

"You'll find out in a second," said Minerva stepping in, Sirius for some reason was rooted on the spot, he dreaded finding out who had custody of his godson. It was stupid really, after all he must have permission to be here, and they must be on his side. Shaking off his ominous thoughts, chalking it up to the exposure to Dementors. It would take him a long time to get over it, he knew that.

Severus placed the 'potion' Harry had made on the kitchen counter, extremely bemused at his own thoughts and feelings. He didn't want to throw it away, and what sense did that make? It was completely idiotic it wasn't even a real potion just items he'd stuffed into a bowl, yet the feelings the gift inspired moved him in a way he had never experienced before. It was pure, untainted and without possible demands behind it, or expectations such as Christmas time when he had to go and find a gift for them in return. No receiving things just because someone cared wasn't something Severus was really used to. Lily had done…but that was such a long time ago he could scarcely remember what it was like.

Sighing tiredly, he rubbed at his eyes, the things he had to do. Black of all people coming into his home, oh he knew it wasn't going to be easy, and who knew how Harry would react as well? Breathing deeply, he opened his medical cupboard, one the Elves were allowed into if any of them got hurt. He didn't need to see the writing to know which one he wanted, he knew from colour and texture alone. He drank the calming draught down, he knew if he confronted Black without it he'd terrify Harry it was the last thing he wanted. Harry was making so much progress, he didn't understand it himself, but he didn't want to see it brought to an end.

Opening the fridge he brought out the orange juice and poured himself a large drink before replacing it. He drank the large glass in one go, the refreshing strong taste wiping away the taste of the Potion. What would Black be like after spending three years in Azkaban? Well three years and six months at the very least. Then he felt the wards shift, Minerva was here and she had a guest with her. Turning to face Harry, watching him from the kitchen door, he realized he'd deal with the devil himself if it kept him safe. He hadn't been able to save Lily, but he sure as hell would do anything and everything to save her son…to save Harry.

Severus came out of his thoughts alarmed when he heard Harry cry out in fear. The next thing he came aware of was a kitten running across the floor and painfully climbing up his leg, its nails digging and biting into his chest shaking and clearly terrified. Wincing in agony, he pried the kitten off him and held him in his arms soothing him. Doubling back he entered his medical cabinet again and drank a pain reliever. Keeping a hold of Harry the entire time, in his left hand half under his armpit.

"He's an Animagus?!" cried Sirius awed.

"Oh do be quiet," said Minerva irritated by the fact Harry had reacted so strongly. She had thought he was beginning to trust them; it was obvious to her that it wasn't the case. Otherwise Harry wouldn't have run the way he did, not only that but he'd turned himself into a kitten to make himself a smaller target.

"Why did he react like that? What has he been told?" asked Sirius fearfully. It wasn't the welcome he'd been hoping for let's put it that way. Even with Minerva's words earlier, after all why would Harry be scared? It made no sense to him.

"Is he alright, Severus?" asked Minerva stepping further into the room and able to see Severus from where he stood at the kitchen door.

"SEVERUS? AS IN SNAPE?!" cried Sirius unable to believe it. Snape had Harry? Why the hell would Snape want him? He hated everyone! No wonder Harry was bloody terrified! No doubt the bastard had told him everything he did over the years! Harry probably hated his own father, Snape was an utter bastard Harry was just a child! How could he go about getting revenge this way?

"He'll be fine," said Severus, ignoring Black's words completely, oh yes, he was glad he had taken that bloody calming draught. He couldn't find it in himself to get worked up over the presence of a boy who had tried to kill him years ago. "Harry, I want to see a human boy right now." he said to the shaken bundle in his arms.

Sirius took a step back, blinking in shock he'd never heard Snape sound like that before…was it possible he actually cared? But no, he'd been a Death Eater! Although he grudgingly admitted he had changed sides, although he wasn't quite sure why. Still, what on earth was going on? Harry obviously trusted Snape, and Snape was his guardian…why did Minerva bring him here? Against Dumbledore's will since he wasn't happy!

Severus sighed; it was obvious Harry was in no state to answer him right now, he was still badly shaken.

"Flippy?" called Severus; he would need his Elf to help with this.

"Yes sir?" answered the House Elf making an appearance.

"Bring me a saucer of milk," asked Severus, plucking another calming draught from the cupboard before making his way through to the living room. He just took a seat with Harry when Flippy returned with the saucer of milk he had demanded.

"Thank you," said Severus placing three drops of the calming draught into the milk and placing it on his lap. "Drink it, little one, come on." quietly urging the child to drink the calming draught so he may calm down enough to turn back into human form. He hoped this wasn't going to be a regular occurrence; Harry couldn't turn into his Animagus form every time he got scared. Rubbing at his back, he sighed in relief when the trembling finally stopped.

"How can he do that?" asked Sirius staring at the kitten, you didn't see any Animagus kittens just cats since nobody was young enough to turn when one would be a kitten. By their actions he knew it must not be the first time, so Harry had done it before...children didn't have the ability...he was at a loss.

"We aren't entirely sure, he saw me transform once and copied me, he even turned back by himself." said Minerva taking a seat of her own, watching Severus and Harry intently. Well, no big explosions from either of them, she considered this a win-win scenario. With a bit of luck Sirius might actually hear what they have to say, before he lost it.

"Turn back, Harry, remember what I said, magic must be respected not played with, I want a human boy right now." said Severus, removing the saucer from him. Waiting on Harry gathering the courage to turn back, hoping that he would do what he asked. Then he began to morph back, until a young boy was sitting on his lap. Harry grabbed onto Severus' clothes, burrowing himself as far as he could without literally hurting both of them.

"Accio teddies," said Severus summoning both of his favourite soft toys. Giving them to him, the one from both Minerva and Lucius, which Harry placed under his arms still keeping a tight grip of Severus.

"Here," said Minerva placing Harry's cover over him.

"Thank you," said Severus, shifting Harry so his knees weren't digging into a very sensitive place where no knees had the right to be. Feeling Harry's forehead afterwards and found he was a little bit too warm, but not overly so. "Using magic is exhausting Harry, and you've done too much, you must be careful. I think its time for a nap, now don't you?"

"Sorry daddy," murmured Harry quietly, before his eyes immediately began drooping as the calming draught did its work.

Minerva quickly silenced the area around Harry, waiting for the inevitable explosion - and she wasn't wrong, nor did she have to wait long.

"DADDY?" shrieked Sirius from where he had remained beside the door, gaping at them in betrayal.

"He knows I'm not his biological father," said Severus, "Do you wish Harry never to know a parents love in his life? Would that content you?" sneering the last four words.

Sirius shifted awkwardly, when it was put that way it made him sound like a shit. "No," sighed Sirius, moaning in pain, Dear Merlin his back, legs and feet ached like blazes. He had no choice but to sit down or fall and he hurt enough without ended up on his arse, that's only if he was lucky.

"Flippy?" called Severus.

"Yes sir?" asked the Elf making another appearance, noticing that their little Master was once again human. Flippy collected the saucer seeing it wasn't needed any longer.

"Bring some food through for everyone, coffee too and bring me my emergency potions supply kit it's in the second drawer." said Severus. Black was probably in agony, as much as he'd like him to suffer he needed the bloody idiot on his side. He'd never thought he'd see the day where he and Black got on that's for damn certain.

Sirius drooled at the thought of food; he hadn't had anything decent in the past three years. Just really disgusting stew stuff that they put through the cell every day, although he did occasionally enjoy a rat as Padfoot when they were stupid enough to enter his 'abode'. His mind drifted to all the different foods he'd missed in Azkaban…lamb, chicken, and the hearty soups Lily used to make, she had been one hell of a cook. Oh Butterbeer, whiskey, and chocolate, how he longed for everything, to pig out and stuff his face with the rich tasty foods. Cursing inwardly, damn his bloody mind, he hoped this didn't go on forever; he wouldn't pass his Auror exams if he kept getting distracted like this.

The food appeared on the table without Flippy coming back; Severus arched an eyebrow and withheld his sneer. Black was staring at the food as if he'd never seen anything like it before. The only reason he didn't sneer was because there was a look in Black's eyes, the same one Harry had when he first started getting food.

"Help yourselves," said Severus, nodding curtly in thanks when Minerva handed him a cup of coffee and some food. He couldn't move without wakening Harry up, considering the conversation they were around to have - it was a good idea to keep him asleep. He wasn't sure whether to tell Black about the Horcruxes, could he take the chance that he would do as Minerva had spoken off and go straight back to Dumbledore and parrot everything back.

"Your potions sir," said Flippy handing them before leaving once more.

"Black?" said Severus, staring at the man who was currently stuffing his face full of food.

"Sirius?" said Minerva turning to face him, was he deliberately trying to wind Severus up?

"Black?" repeated Severus his eyes narrowed. "BLACK!"

"SIRIUS BLACK!" snapped Minerva, slapping him on the knee.

"What?" asked Sirius facing them after swallowing the food he had in his mouth.

"We called you five times," said Minerva eyeing him with some concern.

"Sorry, I find it difficult to concentrate," admitted Sirius shame faced.

"Perhaps he should get some rest first before we speak to him?" said Minerva, turning to Severus acting as though Sirius wasn't even in the room. "His flat if I remember correctly was destroyed when someone cast the Fiendfyre spell on it, and none of the Black homes will be livable in right now. He cannot go to Hogwarts that's definitely out of the question. He can use the flat I have in Hogsmeade, I haven't used it in years." she preferred to stay at Hogwarts, she didn't see the point to packing everything up for a few months out of the year she was at Hogwarts.

"I'd rather he wasn't out of my sight," said Severus eyeing Black, he didn't want to risk him going to Dumbledore before he could tell him everything. Black always had been impatient, and if they didn't answer him, he could get his inheritance Black would run straight to Dumbledore to demand answers. "He may use one of the guest rooms tonight; tomorrow we will bring him up to date."

"Up to date on what?" demanded Sirius wanting answers. "What is going on?"

"Flippy?" called Severus.

"What can Flippy do for Master Severus?" asked Flippy.

"Show Mr. Black to the guest room on the second floor," said Severus. The House Elf would know what he was talking about; he wanted him well away from where Harry and he were. He didn't trust the man as far as he could throw him.

"I'm not going anywhere, I want answers." said Sirius frowning in irritation at the fact both of them were ignoring him.

"Sopor!" said Minerva; spell aimed at Sirius' back, the man immediately fell back onto the seat he'd been sitting in. It immediately sent him into a stupor, a strong sleep, much like the potion to aid sleep would have done.

"Give him this," said Severus raking through the bag and handing it to her. Black could wake up in a few hours even with the spell, with this dreamless sleeping potion he'd sleep for a minimum of twelve to fourteen hours. Judging by the state of his body, he'd say it would be more like sixteen hours. It would keep him unconscious until his body was ready to be woken once more.

With great difficulty, Minerva succeeded in giving the dreamless sleeping draught to the unconscious wizard.

"Go on Flippy, take him up, keep an eye on him let me know the moment he awakens, he must never leave the Manor before I say he can…is that understood? Harry's life may very well depend on it." said Severus giving the Elf the consequences of slipping up on his task.

"Flippy won't let Master Severus down," said Flippy bowing before taking hold of the wizard and both of them disappeared from the room.

"If you wish, you can remain for the night also," said Severus.

"I'm very tempted, Severus, Albus looked furious." replied Minerva retaking her seat.

"Ah, you activated the Portkey with him nearby?" stated Severus; he had hoped Minerva wouldn't have to.

"I did, no doubt he's awaiting my return," said Minerva, picking up some food for herself now, and getting comfortable now that the tense conversation wouldn't be happening yet. Poor Harry, hopefully he would get used to people without being scared of them.

"Then stay," said Severus as if it solved everything, and it did.

Just then the Floo activated, spitting out Lucius Malfoy, who stepped out gracefully as if he'd been doing it since he was born.

"Were you not successful?" asked Severus, glad Black was out of the way, it would have been extremely bad timing.

"I was," said Lucius, opening his cloak pocket and revealing the cup.

"I am surprised," said Minerva, "Mr. Black was found innocent, I would have assumed they would deny you access."

"When was he found innocent?" asked Lucius arching an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Less than an hour ago," said Severus immediately.

"Ah, well I was already looking through vaults at that time, I entered at least seven vaults before I found what I was looking for." said Lucius irritated.

"How many does Bellatrix have?" asked Severus surprised.

"Bellatrix has six, one of them was her own vault she opened when she was eleven, and the other was the dowry which hasn't been touched another was of course the trust vault which also remains untouched. It was in one of the main vaults though, which surprised me, those were the last ones I entered for a reason." said Lucius smoothly, as he took his seat.

"She got it from the Dark Lord, she was going to make sure it was protected, Lucius." said Severus.

"True," conceded Lucius, "I didn't think of that." it should have dawned on him really, but it was over with now.

"Perhaps we should destroy it immediately," said Minerva. The thought of Harry getting his hands on such an item made her cold to her very bones.

"I promised my son to teach him to fly after dinner so I must depart straight away." said Lucius, and he always kept his promises, especially when he made them to his wife or son. He wasn't cold and hard towards his family, no matter what anyone else thought. "I shall be over in a few days, if you need me before then, you know how to get in touch."

"Of course," said Severus nodding his head allowing Lucius to go.

"Good evening," said Lucius in farewell before he Floo'ed directly back home to Malfoy Manor.

"Good evening," said Minerva quietly but he was already half away.

"I cannot risk using Fiendfyre in the house again, not with such an item…we must do it outside." said Severus, quietly and softly, beginning to untangle himself from Harry. Who thankfully remained asleep despite being disturbed. Placing a pillow under his face, stroking it softly, unable to believe this little child loved him enough to call him dad.

"Back or front?" asked Minerva disturbing Severus' thoughts.

"Back is closer," said Severus, they were after all nearly in the kitchen.

"Then let us be rid of it, once and for all." said Minerva her lip curling at the sight of such a despicable thing.

"Wingardium Levisoa," murmured Severus, not wanting to touch it despite the fact it was obviously un-hexed and un-cursed since Lucius had been holding it a moment ago. Both the stubborn and proud Wizard and Witch followed the cup through to the kitchen and out of the open back door.

"Oh my, it's beautiful out here!" said Minerva gaping, there was a lake and everything, and further along nearly at the corner there was a tree house. Perhaps something Eileen had asked for? Since it did look like the design that was available at the time when Eileen was a little girl.

"It is isn't it?" said Severus his breath lost at the beauty in front of him. Yet they weren't here to gape, no they had a job to do and once he would see through to the end. Placing the cup on the ground while Minerva cast containment spells so the fire did not spread. The last thing they needed with two sleeping wizards inside the house was a fire to spread rapidly.

"Done," said Minerva keeping her wand out just in case, with magic they can never be too careful. As Severus had so eloquently put just a while ago, when Harry turned into a kitten, magic wasn't to be played with and must be respected. Its something all children should be taught but regretfully weren't these days. They all took magic for granted, unless of course, when it wasn't granted and they were treated like a Leper.

"Ready," said Severus grimly, before pointing his wand at the heirloom regretfully and cast "FIENDFYRE!" the red hot flame shot from his wand, landing on the first thing it came into contact with. Now with the diary, the Horcrux began screeching horrifically, it was after all a part of someone's soul basically being murdered. It didn't last long, as the sound began to taper off until the cup was nothing but liquid, gold liquid on the fire scorched grass. What should have been a Hogwarts heirloom was now destroyed. "Such an irreplaceable item, it should have been placed at Hogwarts for all to see and admire."

"It should," agreed Minerva, to actually have something the founders had touched would have been a good booster for those learning the craft. "To think we may yet have to destroy another."

Severus turned to stare at her uncomprehendingly.

"The Slytherin Locket," said Minerva.

"Of course," said Severus shaking his head, they were both suspected Horcruxes with the information Lucius had on them it was more than just suspect at this point. "Do you think we should alert Black?" he asked Minerva needing council, he knew he was always irrational when it came to him so he was hoping she'd give him an answer to the question.

"I assume you mean about the Horcruxes?" asked Minerva only for confirmation.

"Indeed," replied Severus, closing the back door once they were in, he desperately needed a coffee.

"I do not know, Severus." sighed Minerva, "After everything he's been through…he could be easily manipulated against you and reveal everything. Then again we have ways against that; a simple vow could prevent him from betraying you. He was an Auror, it may come in handy."

"That is what I dread, plus you know I hold no love for Black and I think the worst of him…" said Severus wryly.

"That's because he's always done the worst to you, Severus. He tried to kill you when you were a young boy, I was furious with him and demanded Dumbledore expel Sirius. Unfortunately I was overruled, if there was ever a time I had wanted to leave Hogwarts it would have been then." said Minerva. "I didn't teach at Hogwarts to watch students kill one another, I came to educate them in a craft I found to be interesting."

"I had no idea," said Severus surprised and amazed, he couldn't believe she had nearly given up her job for him.

"No, you didn't, you immersed yourself too deeply in the Dark arts after that. You paid no attention in any of your classes, I was surprised you got such high scores." said Minerva honestly.

"I was always ahead in nearly all subjects, my mother kept her course books and I had read them all before coming to Hogwarts first year through seventh year. Defence and Potion books got read a lot more regularly of course." said Severus, he may not have been able to cast the spells but it didn't mean he couldn't memorise them.

"Of course," said Minerva dryly.

"And we are getting rather off the subject," Severus said sighing in irritation; he sat on the couch since Harry had his favourite chair. Immediately pouring himself a coffee, letting Minerva do whatever she wanted.

"Just ask for a Vow then tell him, Severus, that way you have taken all the precautions necessary. If he tries to tell anyone you know what would happen, he would die before he could reveal what he knows." said Minerva.

Severus drank his coffee, nodding thoughtfully, rubbing his chin as he thought through the pros and cons of doing so.

Do you want to see Remus have a part in the story? will Dumbledore ever figure out Severus has Harry? If so how? since none of the others would betray him at least not intentionally...perhaps tracking charms upon their person or an item they recieve from him? how will they find out about the rest of the horcruxes? will the ravenclaw ghost actually go to Minerva after hearing of her questions? knowing that the witch was as pure as they came and wouldnt' want it for evil intentions or will she demand to know why she wanted it in her usual fashion then be called by Minerva who uses it to her advantage? R&R PLEASE!