The Vow And its Consequences

Chapter 38

"Dumbledore's trial is today," Lucius commented the very second he stepped out of the fireplace in Prince Hall; Severus was just literally walking into the room. Judging by the dragon hide gloves, he had been brewing while Harry was at his lessons. Remus was still 'helping' Minerva, so Harry could get accustomed to Remus before Minerva returned to Hogwarts when the students returned. She wouldn't be able to teach him anymore, and considering how attached Harry was growing to his godmother, it wouldn't be easy for the child who was obviously desperate for love and a routine. If anything it had been the routine that had eased Harry's worries considerably.

"It wasn't meant to be for three more weeks," Severus insisted, frowning in confusion, "What happened?"

"I know how tense you've been, so I gave some galleons to the appropriate people and got the dates moved. The one in its place is just a misdemeanour anyway, so they were quite happy to change it." Lucius said smoothly, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. Severus might try to deny it, but the longer Dumbledore was walking amongst them the riskier it was. Harry was in effect thought dead to the world, not only by the fact it certainly seemed so with the rumours but his magical signature had died out when he was adopted, so to the idiots at the ministry it meant he was gone.

Nobody other than those closest to them would ever know Harrison 'Harry' Snape was in fact (or had ever been) Harry Potter. Even Harry himself was unaware of his real last name, and that was the way it would remain, they had to keep him safe and telling him something like that and expecting him to keep it a secret was a bit much for a five year old.

"Thank you, Lucius," Severus replied, unconsciously relaxing his shoulders proving Lucius' theory correct. "What time is it commencing?"

"Two," Lucius replied, "I am unsure if you are coming, I know you told him you were in Switzerland so perhaps its best if you are not there."

"I do want to be there actually," Severus replied, sighing softly, as he silently gestured for Lucius to seat as he took one himself. "Truthfully I hadn't thought about how it would look, but surely it couldn't be that suspicious it can just be stated that I get the UK Daily Prophet there, and obviously I would return for something as important as this. There is only one thing holding me back from deciding."

"I told you that you were best for him," Lucius drawled smugly, already knowing what he was talking about. "You put him first before all else, you are a great father Severus." his smug smirk lightened to a small smile seeing the pale red flush Severus currently supported - but he valued his own life enough not to comment on it. "Harry of course, agrees with me."

"Of course he would," Severus replied gaining control of himself, "He would say that to anyone who looks after him as he always should have been."

"When do his lessons end?" Lucius enquired had the lesson time gone further now Harry was comfortable? He had never thought to ask before.

"Three, he has three hours of lessons at the moment, its enough, he's so desperate for approval that he's doing very well." Severus sighed, but he was going to encourage that as much as possible. He wanted Harry to do very well when it was time to him to attend Hogwarts - that's if Dumbledore wasn't there. He wasn't going to risk Harry at all, while nobody else would think much of 'the greasy git' having a son they hadn't heard about, Dumbledore would dig deeper and quite possibly find out the truth. He was hoping as Harry grew that he would look more like himself and even Lily, if he had too much of James Potter in him there was a risk of even the public finding out. Sons always ended up looking like he father, it was just how it was for some reason, and they believed it had something to do with the magic. Draco was Lucius' double, just as Lucius was Abraxas double and so on and so forth, although Lucius certainly wouldn't like hearing that. Lucius did not think much of his father hadn't for a long time. "I believe Minerva wishes to be there as well." they couldn't all go, that much was obvious.

"Black has to show his face, everyone knows how much he loved the Potters, now that he is proven innocent of course," Lucius sneered in disgust. "If he doesn't show up people will begin to talk and wonder. Especially if he suddenly becomes friends with you and befriends your son who happens to be called Harry."

"Which means Lupin as well," Severus grumbled his reluctant nod of agreement, it was true. "Perhaps I should just refrain from going, get a memory of it from you or one of the others." he wasn't happy that he wouldn't be there to see Dumbledore sentenced but he would never leave Harry home alone. Merlin he could only imagine the state he would be in when he returned. No he would just content himself with a memory of it.

"On another note, the foundation for the care home will begin today, it will take around five months to complete but it's a start." Lucius added knowing Severus would like to know about it.

"Once it's put in the papers you must be prepared, a lot of Muggle-born students will come forward with their own stories." Severus warned, "That department must be up and running especially before the end of the school year."

Lucius frowned thoughtfully, "Just how many do you suspect may come forward?" the idea alarmed him more than he cared to admit. No magical child should be abused, he didn't care about their blood, or the person particularly but they shouldn't be abused for something beyond their control.

"Even such a calculation is beyond me, but a lot of Muggle-born's are so used to the treatment they probably haven't gone to a teacher. With such a safe heaven opening for them, they might be more willing to step forward about it. I would say anywhere between five to ten students…" Severus mused, seeing Lucius relaxing he added, "Per house."

"Ah, well, I should ensure there are a few others brought in then," Lucius said, forty students? He just hoped Severus was being cautious but he knew that it wasn't possible, he always gave the blunt uncensored truth whether people liked it or not. Though the students weren't his immediate concern, it was the young ones, under eleven stuck with possible abusive parents. The Accidental Magic Protection Squad now had more than just reversing magic done by inexperienced wizards and witches. They were now in charge of making sure the child was treated appropriately, given permission to spy on them for a few weeks or until they were sure all was well before leaving. It was the only way to ensure the health and wellbeing of all magic children. They were now part of the 'social services' department and would work cohesively together. Lucius had done his job well, and was proud of himself for it. And most people had the audacity to say he didn't have a 'real job' because he had money. Well they wouldn't be saying that for now, when the news got out. It would be forgotten in a few months though and they'd be back to saying the same old stuff.

"Always better prepared than surprised," Severus stated, glancing at the time, one hour until Dumbledore's trial, oh how he wished he could see the look on the old fools face when he realized it had been put forward. Less time for him to wheedle his way out, and the fact he couldn't get his hands on Black, Lupin or Harry helped make him look guiltier, good.

"Yes, quite correct," Lucius summarised. Nothing in the blonde's body language told Severus he was looking forward to the oncoming trial, but Severus knew his old friend was. Lucius had always hated Dumbledore, half the influence of Abraxas but did indeed come to hate him on his own with a vengeance later in life.

"Perhaps without Dumbledore our world might come back into some semblance of a real world, instead of it sitting on their backside so sure in the fact the old fool is doing the best for them." Severus added, and the reality of it was that is exactly what they were doing. Trusting Dumbledore with things they had no right trusting him with. Thankfully he had been stripped of all his titles; they had even removed the Order of Merlin from him, not wishing to be embarrassed by having someone who had neglected their hero having such a prestigious award.

"It cant come soon enough," Lucius admitted, rubbing at his eyes, he hadn't been getting much sleep lately, all plans had to be drawn up and approved before the work could start, and he had been adding things and removing things from the care centre until he was sure it was perfect. Now he had to get the community involved and get everyone to donate items for when the children begin appearing. Now that wasn't going to be an easy task, but he wasn't a Slytherin for nothing, he knew just how to get the other pureblood's involved, plus it wasn't as if they were short of a few funds to aid in the betterment of their world.

"Well I think we should avoid the public for a while after the trial," Severus grimaced, "It's going to be revolting to see." everyone so betrayed and hurt pretending as though they had given a one iota of care and consideration. If he saw and observed it he wouldn't be able to hold back his scathing retorts, no if he was able to do that it would be a miracle. He wasn't known for holding back, so yes, it would be ideal to remain behind closed doors until the shock had tapered off.

Lucius smirked, "I actually enjoy seeing it," he said gleefully, oh the chaos, the next few days would be covered in it. The papers, the reactions, the people, yes, he got off on chaos. Seeing a big figure like Albus Dumbledore taken down, it would be mesmerising.

Severus snorted in amusement seeing his eyes light up.

"I should inform Minerva," Severus stated if she found out afterwards Minerva would find a way of getting him back, and he could do without a vindictive powerful witch on his tail so to speak. It wouldn't be anything…serious, but it would be uncomfortable, he knew from experience. She was always rather creative in her ways of getting back at people, the students themselves would die if they knew half the things Minerva had done - all they saw her as is a stern teacher.

"Of course," Lucius said in agreement, "I'll wait,"

Only then did Severus stand up, unlike the students at Hogwarts his generation had been taught manners. He quickly made his way to the room that had been turned into an office of sorts for Harry's schooling. The House-elves had done a very good job, made it bright and vibrant, so that Harry could see that learning could be fun. He knocked on the door, despite the fact that it was his own house before opening the door.

"DAD!" Harry exclaimed running over and hugging him close as if he hadn't seen him for days not just an hour. Nobody was surprised by his greeting any longer; Harry just needed the reassurance that he wasn't going to be abandoned again.

Severus wrapped his own arms around his son, caressing his hair, it was such an addictive thing to do, it was always soft and Harry loved any sort of affectionate touch. A small smile slipped onto his face when he leaned into it, he was also getting taller, which he took great delight in. But of course, his potions were perfect so he shouldn't have expected anything else. It could also be the Snape blood he had taken, since all Snape's were extremely tall, especially when they went through puberty. He had been taller than even Lily by the time they were fourteen. "The date has been changed," Severus informed them, giving Minerva a pointed look so she understood - but there was no need.

"When?" Minerva enquired, succeeding in keeping her voice from changing - she didn't want to scare Harry after all.

"Two, you must take Black and make sure he puts it on quite thick, you know how he is, so does everyone else…there can be no doubt in anyone's mind…is that understood?" Severus said his voice deceptively quiet, here he was mostly speaking to Lupin but Minerva of course would help too.

"I know," Remus murmured his agreement, his face pained; it was going to be a tough few hours keeping Sirius in line. He always acted first thought later, used to be though never though so progress was progress at least.

Severus nodded grimly.

"What does that mean daddy?" Harry asked, his green eyes with black swirling in now and again, peering up into Severus' having to arch his neck to see his face.

"Sirius has an appointment he has to keep, but he will be back later, in fact Remus and Minerva are going as well." Severus sombrely informed his son.

"But not you?" Harry asked, tightening his hold on his dad eyes beginning to fill with worry.

"No, I'm staying right here with you, in fact while they are away why don't we read a book? How does that sound?" Severus said soothingly, brushing away all of Harry's fears immediately.

Harry nodded eagerly, "Can we read a potions book? First year one?" his eyes unconsciously pleading with his dads.

"If that is what you'd like," Severus said, eyes gazing at his son with softness nobody else got to see. Popping his finger against his nose causing him to giggle and smile widely.

"Yes!" Harry crowed happily, unaware of the tension within the adults, but it wasn't due to Harry's inability to tell, because Harry was very good at reading body language, no, the others already knew this information and were containing it, quite successfully as well. Harry absolutely loved reading time with his dad; even his bed time stories were great.

"I should go and get ready," Remus replied, "I'll see you soon, Harry," he told him, messing his hair softly as he passed.

"Bye!" Harry said, he had no problem with the others leaving, it was just his dad he hated the thought of going away and leaving him on his own.

Minerva picked up Harry's workbook, pencil and self inking quill and absently put them in what she saw as her desk, for the moment at any rate. She was going to miss teaching her godson. She would need to arrange with Severus to come at least once at the weekend, she never wanted Harry to think she was abandoning him. He had been hurt too much in the past as it was, she planned to be a very much in the picture godmother to Harry.

Harry would soon be safe, she would be installed as Headmistress and accept Severus' resignation so his contract would be null and void. Of course, that meant finding both a Transfiguration teacher, Head of Gryffindor as well as a Potions Master. Sinatra was already the Head of Slytherin house and taking care of them so that wasn't a concern. Filius would become Deputy Head due to being their longest second only to her of course. She was the dates had been moved, it gave her a little more time to get things sorted so when the students returned everything was as normal as it could get for them.

Hopefully he could see Hogwarts for himself at some point, but she would need to see if the protective daddy would go for it. She thought secretly to herself, he made such a good dad, she was honestly surprised. He had no patience for children, or so she thought, he was so calm and soft spoken to Harry, and it was beautiful to see.

"Is there anything you need while we are gone? Potion ingredients? Something from the Alley?" yes they could owl order, but that was more for school children who couldn't leave the school grounds. Not without ending up in serious trouble at any rate. Plus he had been very accommodating to let her live here, even if she wasn't anymore. So it was just the polite thing to do at the end of the day.

"No, thank you, Minerva," Severus replied honestly, his lips quirking just slightly to show his appreciation for her words.

"We will be back as soon as it's over." Minerva promised he deserved to know as soon as possible what was going on. She never thought this day would come, assumed she would need to act her part until Harry was eleven and gained his headship, which she had no doubt had been Severus' plan. Lucius she knew had implemented everything else and totally destroyed the Dursley's and Dumbledore in one fell swoop. It was quite ingenious really, how he had managed to do that without actually doing anything - legally at least. He had left that for everyone else to do, the Ministry really.

"Good," Severus stated, he hated to miss this but his son came first. "I must return to Lucius,"

"Can I come?" Harry asked peering up at his dad again, having been quiet while they spoke, the Dursley's had beaten him horribly for interrupting them, and he had learned to be quiet and when to be quiet. If Minnie and Remy were going away then he mustn't be having any more lessons so he didn't need to stay here - he could be with his daddy.

"Of course," Severus said, turning around and walking towards the sitting room, not even twitching when Harry's small hand slipped into his.

"How's my favourite godson?" Lucius asked, seeing Harry.

Harry beamed nodding his head that he was fine before walking over and giving him a small hug like he had taken to doing. Giggling at his long hair tickling his face, before he shuffled back beside his dad once more. Picking up his favourite dragon, that Lucius had given him during his first days at the manor.

"Do the public know?" Minerva asked Lucius as she joined the quiet trio.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they do now," Lucius drawled in amusement.

"Of course," Minerva replied her lips twitching; the Ministry couldn't keep anything quiet. "Then it will be packed, quite quickly, especially with reporters so we will have to ensure we get there soon."

"That was my intention, yes," Lucius told her honestly.

"Then I will see you there with Sirius and Remus," She informed him, they couldn't appear to go together, everyone would definitely start gossiping about them. The four couldn't be more different, and if you added Severus to the mix then very much so. "Good bye, Harry, Severus," she added, giving him a fond smile.

"Bye!" Harry said waving cheerfully.

"Very well," Lucius replied, inclining his head in agreement, before Minerva left the sitting room - presumably to get Remus and Sirius and Apparate to the Ministry. "I shall see you both later," and before Severus knew it he was alone in the manor with his son quite possibly for the first time since he had given Lupin and Black permission to stay until the threat that Albus Dumbledore was over.

And it would be very soon.

Which meant he could get rid of them as soon as humanly possible - regretfully not forever since they were part of Harry's life and he couldn't deny them that. Not if he wanted to keep it all quiet, Black when not getting his way was rather…vocal and idiotic and would end up saying something wrong.

"Accio First Grade Potions book!" Severus chanted causing Harry to squeak gleefully at the show of magic and the fact that reading time was coming. Severus merely chuckled as he caught the book in mid air, his son watching him in awe, he couldn't wait until he could do magic like that - although he did love turning into a cat - it was great fun.

I know many of you want to see Harry grow up and if you would still like that then I can continue it after a year or so after this ends so Harry's less skittish or perhaps two or three years if you want but it will be a sequel and it will need to be after this has been edited, not in the writing sense since it has been edited it just needs posted :) but rather to make sure I've not left anything out...make sure all loose ends are tied! will the potions professor be Slughorn or will we see Charlie Weasley coming back to teach them? since he wont be far into being a dragon handler yet will he? hmm would need to look that up! R&R please!