The Vow And Its Consequences

Chapter 31

Remus Lupin - another marauder at Prince Hall

Sirius stalked back and forth across the grand entrance hall, uncaring that he was exhausting himself. His body hadn't fully recuperated from the four years of Azkaban, even with Severus' Potions. He had been writing to Remus yesterday afternoon. They'd planned a meet today, Severus had, with great reluctance, given a Portkey over set for a specific time. He had avoided discussing much in the letter, just in case it was intercepted, or if Dumbledore was there. If he was by any chance, he would find himself surprised. The wards wouldn't allow more than one person entrance, in other words Dumbledore would be dumped miles from the manor. Sirius wouldn't help but vindictively hope it happened, he wanted to do much worse actually. He needed Remus more than he had realized, until he began writing to him.

Feeling magic twirling around at his back, he spun around as Remus materialised with the Portkey clutched in his hand. They stood there awkwardly, amber eyes meeting blue, then like long lost brothers they embraced as if it had merely been a long vacation - not four years since they'd seen each other last.

"I'm so sorry, Remus." choked Sirius sounding devastated.

"As you should be," replied Remus mildly, without any bite in his tone. Sirius had paid a hefty price for believing him to be the spy, so saying anything was moot. Although it might be because the full moon had just come and gone, he didn't have enough energy to do much - never mind wasting what he did have on yelling at Sirius.

"I just…we….I'm sorry," murmured Sirius his face buried in Remus' shoulder, trying to convey the sincerity of his apology and explain why - yet not able to do so. They'd been scared that Remus' condition had made him a perfect picking for Voldemort. They should never have thought it, they just couldn't suspect their weak willed friend Peter could possibly do anything to them let alone spy for the Dark side.

"I know," said Remus quietly, patting at his back in comfort, just glad that Sirius was innocent. For years he'd thought every single one of his pack was gone. His wolf had been very lonely; in turn it made him more vicious and feral during the full moon. It took longer for him to heal and then the depression had settled in. "Merlin, Siri I can feel your spine through your clothes."

"Yeah, but don't worry, I'm fine." Sirius reassured him as he finally let go, leaving them standing face to face.

"So…where are we? Is this a Black property?" asked Remus looking around in awe, seeing it properly for the first time.

"No," answered Sirius shaking his head almost numbly.

"Well where are we?" queried Remus, cocking his head to the side, gazing at Sirius curiously. Wondering why his friend was being evasive.

"Prince Hall," admitted Sirius, turning and going up the stairs, Remus followed behind him still wanting answers.

"Prince?" called Remus, almost stumbling on one of the steps when it penetrated his mind. "As in Prince? Prince? Snape's home…err manor?" very aware of the fact that Severus Snape was in fact the last Prince descendant.

"Yeah," replied Sirius sounding bemused at Remus' shock. He'd gotten over his own shock so it wasn't so bad anymore.

A shrieking laughter reached both wizards ears, Sirius looked down at the same time as Remus looking pained. Remus' amber eyes widened in disbelief, he could smell Lily and James on Harry but also another additional smell that shouldn't have been there. He knew that scent, even though it had been years since he had been around it - Snape. Harry had been magically adopted? Staring at Harry in awe, he looked so big and beautiful more importantly happy. Did Sirius know about his adoption? A frown fell on his face, why did Sirius look so hurt?

"Sirius?" questioned Remus thoughtfully.

Shaking off his thoughts he turned to his best friend, "Yeah?"

"What's wrong?" asked Remus, turning to look for Harry only to find him absent, he hadn't even heard him leaving.

"It was supposed to be me," muttered Sirius bitterly, before moving away again, walking towards his room without saying another word.

"What is?" wondered Remus as he stepped into what was obviously the guest room Sirius was using at the moment. Did Sirius know about the magical adoption? He didn't want to bring it up unless he did. It really wasn't up to him, although if he didn't…he should - Harry had Prince Features on his face. He looked like a blend of Lily, James and Snape. Oddly enough it fitted him, gave him a very angelic look. If he remained that way, he would be a heartbreaker when he was older.

"Harry's supposed to be mine; he cannot even look at me, Remus." Sirius couldn't keep the whine out of his voice if he tried. "He's terrified of me, and no matter what I do he cannot stand the sight of me."

"Terrified? Why?" Remus blurted out baffled.

"Oh, Remy," whispered Sirius, his blue eyes gazing at amber tortured.

"What's wrong?" Remus rasped out becoming increasingly concerned, "What did you do?"

"It's nothing I did!" cried Sirius indignantly, his blue eyes blazing.

"Then what?" asked Remus, sitting himself down on the small couch feeling his energy flagging.

"I'll get to that," sighed Sirius, running his fingers through his hair as he sat down on a chair opposite Remus, liking the idea of occupying his backside. "First things first, have you been in contact with Dumbledore at all in the past four years?"

"Since when do you call Albus, Dumbledore?" questioned Remus something was obviously going on that he didn't know about.

"Just answer the question," stated Sirius irritated.

"Um, I saw him three times…once the morning after they died," choked Remus, still emotional about it. "Their funeral and then at Alice and Frank's funeral. I tried to get the address where Harry stayed because I wanted to see him - but Dumbledore said he had to remain hidden. He pointed out what had happened to the Longbottoms and I realized he was right…I couldn't put Harry in danger just because I wanted to see him."

"You should have insisted more!" snarled Sirius, standing up unable to face Remus, blaming him, and blaming himself for what had happened to Harry. Remus should have cared more, should have looked for Harry like James would have done for him. He should never have given in to Hagrid's demands, should have gone willingly to the Ministry - perhaps then he might have gotten a fair trial. Oh he was beginning to understand what Snape meant by focusing his anger on one thing, it actually helped. Although he hadn't planned for that anger to be partly placed on Remus' shoulders. "James would have moved heaven and hell to look after your kid!"

Sirius couldn't stay in his room; he knew he was close to loosing it completely. Yanking open the door he stepped out breathing heavily as he paced along the landing. He didn't understand why he was suddenly blaming Remus, but damn it felt better than just sitting sulking. Guilt settled in almost immediately, Remus was going through enough without him adding to it. It didn't help that Remus couldn't understand why he was so angry.

"What is going on here?" demanded Severus, his voice low and dangerous. His black eyes glaring holes in Sirius' back.

"Did Harry hear?" asked Sirius, his face shadowed with worry.

"What do you think, Black?" sneered Severus, of course Harry had heard! Otherwise he wouldn't be standing here right now.

"Sorry," murmured Sirius guilty.

"Do you require a calming draught?" Severus asked blankly, before adding. "You'll need to take it for a few months, you aren't used to emotions anymore Black. The Dementors took it all out, leaving you feeling depressed and practically comatose. You need to get used to feeling everything, and keeping control of it. For the first three months, however, you should use the calming draughts when you become agitated."

"How do you know?" enquired Sirius, surprised. All the while nodding his head, knowing Snape made sense.

"It's nothing more than common sense." stated Severus sardonically. "Accio Calming Draught." keeping his arm out until the vial zoomed into his hand. Arching an eyebrow he handed it over without a word, but his eyes practically screamed 'take it now'. He didn't want Harry feeling worried in his own home, which he was. Harry didn't like strangers, there would come a time when he wouldn't be so terrified, until that time he would ensure the disturbances were to a minimum.

Sirius didn't argue for once, not only was Snape's advice sound, but he didn't want to scare Harry anymore than he already had. It was difficult enough for the child to look at him; he honestly didn't know what to do. He was getting to the extent he actually wanted to ask Snape's advice. Now wasn't that odd? He wouldn't have thought he'd see the day where he wanted anything never mind advice from Snape. Dunking the potion back, grimacing at the taste, before sliding the used vial in his cloak pocket. Almost immediately calmness evaded Sirius, leaving him free of the chaotic emotions running him ragged.

"What is going on?" asked Remus, revealing his presence. He'd seen the entire confrontation, agog at the fact Sirius and Severus could stay in the same house without fighting like cats and dogs. He'd trusted Severus enough to take a potion from him. It was little wonder he was beginning to feel as if the world had tipped on its axis. "Why are you bringing up Harry and Dumbledore? Why so angry about me not visiting Harry?"

"You want to know why?" demanded Severus his lip curling as he observed the cowardly werewolf. You would think having such a…infliction would toughen someone up - not make them weaker.

"I…I did ask…" Remus trailed off cagily, the look on Snape's face was actually frightening. Wondering if he actually did want to know. Turning to face Sirius, alarmed by the defeated look on his face. What did they know? Why all the mystery he didn't get it?

"Follow me." snapped Severus, turning around and swiftly making his way down the stairs until he got to his office. His office was one place Harry couldn't get into. It also had silencing spells woven in, so any conversation inside of it couldn't be heard by those on the other side of the door. Oh he would show Lupin just what he had seen, let him really see what his inactions had caused. Although if Lupin had visited Harry, he wouldn't be his son or in his custody right now.

"Sirius?" asked Remus cautiously.

"Go," said Sirius sighing sadly, he had seen what Remus was about to be shown. It had broken his heart to see the memory's but Sirius knew he'd needed it. He had to see why Harry was so scared and wary of him. It was easy to see the child as he was now, Harry looked so healthy and happy - especially when he wasn't around. The memories would be a constant reminder of what had happened.

Remus walked down after Severus, Sirius following closely behind him giving him support. Support he hadn't had, when he was told what had happened and when he'd viewed the memory's. "Minerva?" called Remus, rather shocked to see the Transfiguration teacher here. She was with Harry, who was eyeing him with deep penetrating cautiousness. Why would Harry be like that? Did Snape tell Harry what he was? He hoped not, he didn't want to be judged by what he was during the full moon.

"Go," said Sirius giving him a nudge in the direction of Snape's office.

"Does Harry know what I am?" asked Remus a tremble in his voice.

"No, he doesn't even know who you are, Remy." admitted Sirius, "He didn't know who I was."

"Oh," muttered Remus bewildered, shaking his head as he stepped through the office. It was very messy; it went against Severus' personality. Books, maps, parchment littered the entire room, even on the floor; the desk couldn't be seen for it all.

Severus flicked his wand clearing an area on the hidden desk, a small one with just enough room for the pensive to be placed on it. Which was exactly what Severus did, with delicacy, treating it with reverence like that of a once in a lifetime potion ingredient. The memories were still within it; it had only been yesterday that Black had seen what he did. Which was why hopefully when he saw Lucius he wouldn't get defensive.

"This will tell you everything you want to know." said Severus, stepping back; he had no desire to watch his own memories.

"I'm not going to like this am I?" murmured Remus, removing his wand.

"No." stated Severus honestly, he didn't lie - well unless it was to Voldemort but he could hardly tell the truth now could he? Whether people liked it or not, Severus Snape told the blunt uncensored truth. He couldn't contemplate even thinking about their feelings, after all nobody thought about his so why should he?

Remus almost asked Sirius to come in with him; he was terrified of facing this alone. Squaring his shoulders, he took a deep breath, his wand and arm reaching out towards what looked like a bowl of water. As soon as the top of his wand was immersed, Remus was pulled under and left to struggle through the memories.

Seeing a little boy being beaten up by stronger boys, flinching and running away from Severus.

Seeing Harry taken from Cokeworth hotel (after watching Severus Snape slap Petunia) Severus had never hit a woman so he knew just how pissed the wizard was. He was too, he wanted to do more than just slap the stupid Muggle - he wanted to kill her.

The muddy waters cleared and he was looking around the most beautiful garden and manor he'd ever seen. It was a pureblood, he could tell by the peacocks, those ones were rare, delicious supposedly and a sign of being very well connected. He already had a feeling he knew who it was before he caught a glimpse of them. Narcissa Malfoy, she hadn't changed a single bit. She didn't even look older, it helped that she'd probably never had to lift a finger her entire life or worry about a single thing.

He was standing in a room, with Harry lying on a bed, looking oh, so small. Listening to the healer, horrified to his core. Barely able to process it, worse case of abuse he'd seen, something strange in Harry's body, dark magic. His magic being bound and their conclusion that Dumbledore did it. That he didn't want to believe, not now not ever.

Saw Lucius' and Severus' conversation on how to best protect Harry, Severus' doubts about being able to raise him and their realisation that they couldn't trust anyone to do it.

Lucius' conversation about Harry's living situation...his anger at the fact a wizard had been kept in a cupboard and provided with nothing his entire life.

Then he saw an old building, two women being interviewed by Lucius, Minerva and Severus - dragged into the memory that Severus was seeing - Dumbledore was responsible for Harry's state. He had made sure Harry stayed at the Dursley's though bribery and potions to ensure nothing was reported. It was now easier to believe Dumbledore had bound seventy-five percent of Harry's magic.

He saw Gringotts, the Horcrux...the information and clips of the others being destroyed.

Then he saw to his astonishment, Harry turning into a cat, after just once, seeing Minerva changed into her Animagus form. He couldn't believe it; it took years to accomplish that! Harry was so powerful, although it might have something to do with his magical core being a bit bigger right now.

Remus closed his eyes, trying to get used to gravity again. As he was ejected from the pensive, the exit was always kind of weird. It didn't matter how often you actually used one, it remained the same, a bit like having Legilimens cast at you. It didn't get any easier. "I think I'm going to be sick." he muttered as everything began to pile up on him.

Grunting in surprise, his eyes opening to find Severus pressing an empty bucket into his ribs - a bit too firmly. Or it might have something to do with them being so tender after all - it had just been a full moon.

"Why?" asked Remus as if he didn't understand, couldn't contemplate the need to do such an evil deed. It was a sickeningly Gryffindor question to ask.

"Because he could," answered Severus sardonically, his eyes though were flashing in his anger. Severus' eyes shifted slightly, before staring at the fireplace. A second later it flared to life, spitting out a figure who stepped out of the fire gratefully.

"Severus," said Lucius before turning to the others, "Black, Lupin." his voice not so warm for them.

"I have the rest of the information you required." said Lucius smoothly, handing over the rolled up parchment.

"Thank you," replied Severus gratefully, placing it in his desk drawer, not wanting it to be lost in the paperwork he had already been through a dozen times. They were trying to figure out where the Horcruxes were, they weren't sure how many there were but they'd do what they had to.

"No problem," Lucius answered wryly, curious about what had happened before he came in. "Oh, Olivia Halliwell has been arrested and charged with child endangerment, child neglect…and many counts of voluntary Manslaughter."

"Manslaughter?" repeated Severus darkly, realizing immediately why his friend would be saying that.

"What's Manslaughter?" asked Sirius confused.

"Are you sure he was an Auror?" asked Lucius arching a white eyebrow in derision. Obviously thinking Sirius Black was an utter moron - and he might not be wrong.

"He's never been in the Muggle world," said Remus defending his friend. "Voluntary Manslaughter means she allowed people to die though omitting information. She was a social worker, she had a duty to help children, instead she took bribes and allowed the abuse to continue thus if and when they died…she was voluntary allowing murder or as they call it Manslaughter."

"How many?" asked Severus disgusted.

"So far they reckon around twenty, he started digging into her work history, job history and the list is endless…how she managed to stay under the radar so long is…well extremely alarming." said Lucius grimly, he didn't care much for Muggles, but it didn't mean he condoned abuse on any form - whether Muggle or Magical. He was no reason to make anything up." sighed Lucius just as horror-struck as Severus.

"Is this including Harry?" questioned Severus.

"No, its not. But she will be in prison for life for what they've got on her. My informant said he wished for the first time that they hadn't gotten rid of the capitol punishment whatever that is." replied Lucius, not naming names - he didn't trust Lupin or Black.

"Hanging was the 'capitol punishment' back in the day, the last one took place in 1964 I believe." stated Severus sounding slightly smug that he had remembered it.

"Hanging?" asked Sirius looking queasy at the thought.

Severus merely rolled his eyes.

"Are you free this evening?" asked Lucius, causing Lupin and Black to glance between them in speculation.

"Harry will be asleep by nine." said Severus, "If it's any earlier I'll Floo over."

"Good, we are visiting the Gaunt shack." stated Lucius, "It's the next one on the list." he added purely as afterthought.

"Gaunt shack?" enquired Remus, realizing they were talking about the Horcruxes; it was the only thing that made sense.

"His mother's maiden name. The Slytherin descendants." answered Lucius. He was still searching high and low for the pendant but no such luck yet.

"May I join you?" asked Remus, "I may be able to smell or sense something both of you may otherwise miss?" he needed to do something, anything. He felt guilt crushing his shoulders, if he had insisted more…Harry might not have been so badly hurt. Sirius was right to blame him, he may as well have stood back and let this happen. Damn Dumbledore, he was going to hunt him down during the full moon and bite him. For once both him and his wolf was in agreement on that statement. Nobody hurt his cub and got away with it.

"Very well," said Lucius grudgingly after having a silent conversation with Severus. Making sure he would be alright with the werewolf coming with them.

Sirius remained quiet, still unable to comprehend the fact that Voldemort wasn't dead - and his godson was in danger the longer those disgusting things were out there.

Will they take years to gather the horcruxes or will Severus come up with a way to destroy all parts of Voldemort's soul? like a what's it called...an exorcism and have it go pooft in mid air? all horcruxes they couldn't find and voldemorts spirit going bye bye? with Dumbledore aware? and bringing the stone to Hogwarts for no reason? will Black press charges against Dumbledore or will we have the old fool relax when theres no retaliation and have harry press charges when he's eleven after healing and becoming a normal boy? im still not sure about who to make harry friends with...luna susan draco and blaise? or teddy susan luna and Neville? hmm or Neville Luna Hermione (at Hogwarts) teddy draco blaise and susan? that would be friends from all houses! where will harry end up? he has Slytherin and Gryffindor influences in his life...there aren't many with harry in Hufflepuff? what do you think? R&R please!