Step back in time

by black blade1

When a bitter, dark, and battle worn Harry Potter steps through a rip in time. He didn't think he would find himself with a baby in his arms on his Aunt's front doorstep on the night his parents were killed but that was just the beginning. Slash hp/ss Snarry

6. Chapter 6

Translations kindly supplied by AverageFish.

xXx

Harry leaned against the wall of his classroom as his students arrived, excited for their first class since he'd gotten back from Germany. He watched them in amusement as they came through the doors, mostly in year groups. They seemed to gravitate towards other members of their own houses as Harry waited for everyone to arrive. His class today was a mix of all years, since the spell they would be working on was simple but took time and skill to get right.

Harry stepped away from the wall and closed the door as the last student came through. He didn't have chairs in his classroom, so the students just spread out around the room. Most of them standing clear of the bronze circle on the floor.

"Welcome everyone," Harry greeted, leaning on his cane. "We'll be working on protection circles today. Anyone already covered them?"

A couple of seventh years raised their hands.

"You can leave or stay to watch," Harry offered, they didn't move. "Okay, you would have noticed the bronze circle on the floor?"

"Yes, sir."

"Well, this is a protection circle." Harry explained. "If everyone could step within the circle please."

The students moved into the circle a little unsure. They never knew what to expect from Harry's classes. Once everyone was inside the circle, Harry stepped forward.

"Now the incantation is Praesidio," Harry intoned as he placed his wand tip to the circle closing it. "Now try to get out."

Harry stepped back and watched closely as each student stepped forward and hit the invisible wall. When one student went to pull his wand, Harry held up a hand.

"Not a good idea, Mr Wheeler." Harry purred and the fifth year student froze.

"Why is it not a good idea to use magic inside a protection circle?"

Hermione's hand shot up.

"Ms Granger?"

"It could rebound." The girl replied smugly.

"Correct, very good." Harry congratulated, wishing that he could give points.

Harry stepped forward and broke the spell and the students quickly stepped out of the circle. He gave them a smirk.

"A bronze circle, like this one, can be very hard to break through." Harry explained. "You can use different materials to make a protection circle and when working with dark magic or objects you must have a protection circle up. The stronger the better."

Hermione's hand went straight up in the air.

"Ms Granger?"

"Isn't dark magic illegal, sir?" Hermione asked.

Harry smiled, such a simple world when you are young.

"Nope," Harry said simply. "Dark arts are illegal."

"But the killing curse and Imperious…"

"Are illegal spells," Harry confirmed. "Dark magic in general is not illegal and can come in handy in many situations. 'Light' magic and 'dark' magic are just a label most of the time, but that's for another lesson."

Harry smiled as the students whispered between themselves and he could see that Hermione wanted to ask more. He encouraged discussions in some of his classes while others he had a set lesson in mind. Like today.

"Now," Harry announced as he pulled out a box of chalk. "Please take a piece of chalk and we'll get started on casting protection circles. Spread out around the room and draw a circle around yourself. You want it large enough to sit in then just place your wand tip to the chalk. Now, remember that the spell is Praesidio, what you want to do is close the circle. Focus on letting your magic run around the line. Then it is a matter of bringing the charm up as a barrier around you. To break the spell just break the line of chalk and start again."

Harry stood back and watched as the students work. The upside to having advanced students was the drive to get the spells right and the intelligence to back it up. Once he had shown them how to work the spell it was just a matter of letting them work through it. The students also knew that if they acted up or didn't follow the lesson. Harry would just throw them out.

"Okay everyone," Harry called after about an hour. "Let's call it a night. Anyone that wants extra time on this, please let me know, and I'll work out a time with you. Keep the chalk. It may save your life one day. Now out."

Harry watched them file out before moving to the bench along the side of the room. He had a few potion ingredients to get ready before he could start on a new potion he was working on. He hung his cane on the edge of the table and pulled out one of his silver knives and started on the herbs.

He fell into the work of slicing and dicing. He was working on a new medical potion for restoration of muscles. He was hoping he could come up with something that would help on the wasted muscle of his leg. He'd tried many times before and failed, but he lived in hope and had time on his side.

A soft knock at the door made him look up. Draco Malfoy poked his head around the open door.

"Mr Malfoy," Harry greeted.

He turned towards the door with the knife still in his hand. He saw the boy's eyes dart to the knife then quickly look away. Harry placed it down on the bench before he focused on the boy.

"Hey, Mr Sun." Malfoy said softly. "I'm here for my lesson?"

"I thought you were working with Severus tonight?" Harry replied with a frown.

"He sent me over here," Draco explained, coming into the room and closing the door.

"Really?" Harry asked, surprised. "Oh well, you can help me with this then."

Draco came into the room and moved towards Harry, tucking his blonde hair behind his ear.

"What are you working on?" Draco asked, stepping up close to him.

"Muscle restoration potion," Harry said. "Those rabbit furs need to be skinned back to the leather. There's a knife just there on the table."

Draco picked up the knife and moved over to the rabbit skins.

"I need to keep the hairs," Harry remarked as he went back to his work. "So, try to work carefully. There's a plastic container there to catch the hair. Did Severus say why he sent you here?"

"No, sir." Draco replied. "He just said you were free and might need my help."

Harry frowned, it wasn't uncommon for Severus to send students his way but he normally let him know beforehand. Harry carefully sliced into the rabbit's liver making the slices as thin as he could as he watched the Slytherin working out of the corner of his eye. Something was going on here, he just wasn't sure what it was.

"Severus mentioned that you are working on truth potions at the moment?" Harry asked.

"Ah, yeah." Draco replied, slightly tense.

Harry tensed as he moved onto cutting up the mice tails. Draco had placed a plastic container under the skins as he worked to catch the hairs from the furs.

"I heard that you have joined Professor Umbridge's little group as well?" Harry asked.

"Um, yeah." Draco replied, looking the skins over.

"When you are done with that, there is some octopus ink that needs to be measured out to 10ml and the snake blood to 20ml." Harry instructed.

He moved closer to the boy to show him where he kept the glass measuring cups.

Suddenly the boy turned and thrust the knife at Harry. He flinched to the side but not fast enough. The knife sliced into his right side and the boy jerked his hand up slightly. Harry's hand clamped down onto the boy's wrist quickly as he looked into the boy's glassy pale eyes.

"Draco," Harry gasped.

Harry kept his hand locked around the boy's wrist as pain raced down his side. The boy had dug the knife in deep and he couldn't do anything unless Draco let the knife go, without causing more damage.

"Draco, fight it!" Harry hissed.

The boy just looked at him blankly. Harry could see blood starting to drip down onto the floor and feel himself tremble slightly from the adrenaline rush as his hand tightened on Draco's wrist. Suddenly the boy jerked the knife to the side slicing through his skin, making Harry groan. The groan seemed to do it, for the boy's eyes cleared.

Draco gasped and released the knife. Harry dropped to his knees as the knife pulled free and clattered to the floor. Harry grabbed his side tightly, feeling the warmness of his own blood as he looked at Draco.

"Mr Sun," Draco gasped in horror. "Did I…but I didn't."

"Draco," Harry hissed. "Calm down!"

"No, no, no." The boy cried and scrambled back, his face pale.

"Draco!"

The boy started then bolted from the room, leaving Harry kneeling on the floor and bleeding from the gash in his side.

"Damn it," Harry swore.

Harry pulled his phone from his pocket, his hand slightly trembling. He dialled the familiar number, spreading blood over the phone's buttons.

"Can't you walk three doors down?" Severus asked silkily over the phone.

"As a matter of fact, I can't," Harry said into the phone.

He had one hand clenched over the wound as his blood dribbled around his fingers. He leaned his head back against the wall behind him.

"What have you done now?" Severus asked, but Harry could hear him moving out of his room.

"Draco Malfoy just tried to kill me," Harry replied mildly.

Harry could hear running outside his classroom and Severus appeared in the doorway looking pale. He rushed across the room to Harry's side and fell to his knees in front of him. Harry placed his phone beside him as Severus looked him over.

"What the hell?" Severus exclaimed.

"You need to find, Draco." Harry ordered through the pain. "I think he was under the Imperius curse."

"No, we need to get you to the hospital wing," Severus said roughly, black eyes shining.

Harry grabbed Severus's shoulder.

"Find Draco, use Ry's map." Harry hissed painfully. "He could hurt himself or someone else! You need to find him!"

"I can't just leave you here, Blake!"

"You have to! Go!"

Severus stood at the command, torn between Blake and his godson. The dark-haired man looked up at him, looking pale but with steel in his eyes.

"Go," Harry insisted. "I'll call Ry to bring his map down to the dungeons so you can find him faster."

Harry dialled his son's number and cursed silently as it rang for a while before he picked up.

"Yeah, Dad?" Ry asked.

"Ry," Harry said quickly. "I need you to bring your map down to the dungeons and help Severus find Draco Malfoy."

"Why?"

"Get down here, now!" Harry snapped as the pain in his side spiked and his hand tightened on the wound.

"Yes, Dad!"

Harry hung up knowing his son would be down as quickly as he could. Harry cursed under his breath and pulled his shirt away from his side. The knife wound was rough and still leaking blood. Severus cursed under his breath and grabbed some rags and shoved them towards Harry.

"You need help!" Severus hissed.

His face close to Harry's as he worked. Harry grabbed the back of Severus's head and pulled him down for a kiss. Severus was shocked for a second before returning the kiss. Harry released him just as suddenly as he'd grabbed him.

"I'll be fine," Harry whispered. "Find Draco."

Severus looked slightly shocked for a second.

"Bloody stubborn Potters," Severus hissed.

Suddenly Ry skittered into the room, map in hand.

"Dad!" Ry cried, taking in the sight of his father and paling.

"Help Severus find Draco Malfoy." Harry said quickly.

"But Dad-"

"Go, both of you!" Harry snapped. "Before something worse happens."

Severus and Ry stared at him for a few seconds before turning to each other. Something seemed to pass between the two before they turned to the map in Ry's hand.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," Ry whispered to the map with a tap of his wand.

Severus snorted as lines ran across the paper showing up the corridors of the school. Harry grinned at the look on Severus's face as he leaned his head back against the wall behind him with his hand clutched against his side.

"Look," Ry exclaimed. "There he is."

Two sets of eyes, one black and the other green turned back to Harry.

"I'm fine," Harry muttered stiffly. "Go."

"You better not bleed out on that floor," Severus grumbled, before he grabbed Ry's arm and the two set off out of the room.

Harry sighed and closed his eyes briefly before he picked up the phone again.

xXx

"Will he be okay?" Ry gasped, as the two made their way towards the dot on the map marked as 'Draco Malfoy.'

"We should hurry," Severus hissed, picking up the speed.

"What happened?"

"Mr Malfoy stabbed him."

"What!" Ry cried.

"Your father thinks that he was under the Imperius curse," Severus quickly explained.

The two skittered around the next corner to see Draco Malfoy leaning against the wall. He stood there just looking at the blood on his shaking hands.

"Draco!" Severus yelled out.

The blonde's head snapped up, they could see he'd been crying and there was blood on his face. The sight chilled Severus.

"Severus," Draco cried. "I didn't mean to. I don't know what happened!"

"Shh," Severus crooned as he pulled up next to the blonde. "It's okay. Blake thinks you were under the Imperius."

Malfoy gasped, then looked down at the blood on his shaking hands again. Severus grasped him by the shoulders and gave him a sharp shake. Draco's pale eyes focused on him.

"Is he okay?" Draco asked in a small voice.

"He sent us to find you," Severus explained.

Draco looked passed his godfather to see Potter standing next to the dark-haired man.

"I'm sorry," Draco whispered. "I didn't want to."

"Come on," Severus snapped, grabbing the boy's arm. "We have to get back to him. Potter run back to Blake."

Ry nodded and shot off down the hallway. Severus turned to Draco, the boy was very pale and the blood, Blake's blood, was swiped across his forehead and face.

"What happened?" Severus asked.

"I don't know," Draco cried. "A seventh year had stopped me in the hallway as I was making my way down to you for our class, then it just becomes a bit of a blur until I was standing there with a knife and Mr Sun and the blood…"

The boy trailed off and looked down, he looked very small and nothing like a Malfoy at that moment. Severus sometimes had to be reminded that the boy was still a teenager and not the adult he tried to act like.

"What is going to happen now?" Draco asked in a small voice.

"That depends on Blake," Severus sighed. "And the Headmaster."

"I can't be expelled!" Draco yelped. "My father would kill me!"

Severus sighed and grabbed the boy's shoulder.

"We'll see, Draco." Severus said softly. "Blake is here under contract with the Ministry as well as the Headmaster."

Draco ducked his head and they silently made their way back to Blake's classroom. The door was open when they got there and the Headmaster and Madam Pomfrey were already there. Blake looked up when Draco and Severus entered. He was seated on the bench at the back of his room with his shirt off as Poppy worked on his side. His scars showing plainly for everyone to see as well as the jagged gash in his side.

Severus felt Draco stumble beside him and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. He gently pushed him into the room and closed the door behind them. He was keeping a tight hold on both his anger and worry.

"Ah, Severus." The Headmaster greeted. "You found him without a problem?"

"Yes, Headmaster." Severus replied, playing the game.

He could see Ry leaning against the wall, a little further down from his father, the map nowhere to be seen. His eyes settled on Blake, his gut clenching at the sight of the wound and Poppy whispering under her breath. By the look Blake was giving the woman, she wasn't having much luck closing the wound. That kicked up his concern, he knew that silver knives were used in a lot in preparing potion ingredients. He also knew that closing wounds inflicted by silver were difficult.

"Mr Sun is being a little stubborn," The Headmaster continued. "Madam Pomfrey had to come down here."

Blake just gave them a grin before flinching as Poppy worked on his side.

"Now, Mr Malfoy." The Headmaster turned to Draco. "This is a very serious situation. Since you have attacked a Ministry worker, he does have the power to request your expulsion from this school. He also has the right to level legal action against your family."

"Please," Draco pleaded.

"No," Blake stated at the same time.

Both Draco and Blake looked at each other, before Draco ducked his head and looked at the floor.

"Mr Malfoy wasn't in his right mind," Blake continued. "He was under the Imperius or a related charm. We need to find out who cast it on him."

"And why you were the target," Severus added.

"Yes," Blake agreed with a nod before he flinched as Poppy did something.

"This isn't going to close, Albus." Poppy announced. "The silver knife is working against my magic. He'll have to go to St Mungo's."

Severus watched as the colour drained from Blake's face with both interest and concern.

"No," Blake stated firmly. "I'll go to a muggle hospital once we are done. Just wrap the wound up."

"But Mr Sun-"

"No," Blake snapped, that stubborn tone in his voice.

Poppy tutted and pulled the wrappings tight, making Blake gasp and glare at the woman. Poppy just stared back at him, making her point clear.

"Thank you, Poppy." Albus said, breaking the stare off.

The woman nodded, gathered up her bag and bustled out of the room. Blake pulled his shirt back on ignoring the bloodstain and the rip.

"Now, Mr Malfoy." Blake announced and looked the boy over. "Do you give permission for Severus to look into your mind to see what happened?"

Draco nodded and turned to Snape. Severus shared a look with Blake before turning to Draco and raised an eyebrow.

"Mr Malfoy?" Severus said, asking for permission.

"I give you permission," Draco whispered.

"Legilimens!" Severus uttered, entering the boy's mind easily.

Draco had even less barriers than Potter, he looked back into the memories of the child. He pulled up the memory of the seventh year that Draco had spoken to. He then watched as the boy cast the Imperius spell, before watching Draco enter Blake's classroom and the stabbing.

He winced as the boy thrust the knife at Blake and was surprised with how quickly Blake was able to move to the side and grab the boy's wrist. If he hadn't, Severus was sure that the damage would have been so much worse than it was. He pulled out of Draco's mind and let the room around him come back into focus before turning to the Headmaster with a nod.

"Mr Sam Backer," Severus said softly. "He cast the Imperius."

The Headmaster sighed softly as Blake look distracted.

"Why would he or someone he had contact with, want to kill me?" Blake muttered.

Draco flinched at the words and Ry moved closer to his father. Severus was surprised that Potter had been quiet so far. He looked closer at him and could see how pale he was but there was something odd with the way he stood and the look in his eyes.

"Could this have something to do with Voldemort?" Potter asked quietly.

Severus flinched and noticed that Blake did slightly as well.

"Ry," Blake warned.

"Well, could it?" Ry insisted, lifting his chin.

"Possibly," The Headmaster commented. "We will have to question Mr Backer before we can come to a conclusion about his motives. I'll start on that now. Good night, everyone."

"Good night, Headmaster."

"Night, Albus."

The Headmaster nodded, looking older than his years as he moved out of the room. Silence overcame the room for a while before Blake turned to Draco. The boy shifted on his feet but met Blake's eyes.

"Mr Malfoy," Blake stated.

"Yes, sir?" Draco replied, nervously.

"I want to see you down here every night for the next two weeks after dinner," Blake stated softly. "Understand?"

"Yes, sir." Draco replied.

"Go wash up and head to bed," Blake ordered. "I'm sure that the Headmaster will check up on you later tonight or tomorrow."

"Thank you, sir." Draco uttered before he rushed from the room.

Severus watched the boy leave with a frown. He would have to sit the boy down and have a talk with him tomorrow. He turned to Blake, the man was looking pale but otherwise if it weren't for the bloodstain on his shirt you wouldn't think that he'd just been stabbed.

"What have I told you about saying the Dark Lord's name?" Blake demanded as he turned on Ry.

Potter ducked his head and Blake sighed before he grabbed Ry's hand.

"Off you go to bed, Ry." Blake said softly.

"But Dad," Potter whined.

"Go on," Blake said and gave his hand a shake. "I'll give you a call when I'm done at the hospital and no doubt I'll have Severus for company."

"Okay Dad," Ry conceded, he gave his father a gentle hug before saying goodbye and leaving the room.

"Are you okay?" Severus asked.

He stepped close to Blake until he was within touching distance. The other man looked up at him from his seat, his eyes pale green in the light. Those eyes gave him away.

"Yeah, feel a bit rough but I should feel better after I see the Doctor." Blake replied. "Just let me call him to give him the heads up."

Blake pulled his phone out from his pocket and dialled a number he knew well.

"Guten nacht, Doctor Greenburg." Blake said softly.

Blake held the phone out and Severus could hear the shouted German down the line. Blake rolled his eyes at Severus.

"Ja, ja." Blake agreed. "Nein. Stab wound with a silver knife."

Black held the phone out for a little longer.

"Ja," Blake said, once he could talk again. "Ten minutes?"

Severus could hear the click of the phone being hung up and Blake sighed.

"Fair warning?" Severus asked with a smirk and Blake swatted him on the leg.

"Give me a hand up?" Blake requested.

Severus got under his arm and helped him up, ignoring the hiss of pain as Blake moved his cane to his left side. With Severus's help they made it out of the room.

"You will need to remove your robes," Blake told him, his voice strained. "Doctor Greenburg's surgery is in a muggle neighbourhood."

"Is he a muggle?" Severus asked.

Blake leaned against the wall outside his office as Severus slipped out of his robes. He wore a black shirt and slacks under the robes. Blake watched him as Severus flicked his robes into his office.

"Nope," Black replied. "But he does have some muggle patients and some not so muggle ones."

Severus took the man's weight again as they moved towards the front gates of the school. Severus could tell that the wound was hurting Blake and tried not to jolt him too much. Once they were passed the school wards they stopped.

"Hold on," Blake said softly.

"Are you up to apparating?" Severus asked in concern.

The feeling of being pulled through a small tube overtook him in answer. He braced himself as they landed and caught Blake as he stumbled. He held the man for a second before looking around the small alley they'd appeared in. Blake was breathing heavily next to him and Severus could see the blood leaking through the bandage.

"Blake?" Severus asked softly.

"Yeah, good." Blake replied with gritted teeth. "Just down the alley and to the right. It's the first door."

Severus helped Blake down the alley. There were no markings on the plain wooden door but it opened easily under his hand when he grabbed the handle. A small waiting room with chairs down both sides greeted him. A couple of people sat waiting as Severus helped Blake to the reception desk.

The young woman at the desk looked up with a smile, which dropped when she saw them.

"Go straight through to room two." She snapped, before going back to her computer.

Severus tensed and was ready to snap back but Blake tightened his arm around his shoulders.

"Thanks, Rebecca." Blake muttered to the woman.

"He's not happy," The woman told them. "I now know why."

Blake didn't even bother to say anything to that. Severus didn't know if he should be concerned or angry at the woman. Once they reached the room, Severus eased Blake down onto the bed. The man smiled up at him in thanks.

"Was hast du jetzt schon wieder gemacht, Dummkopf?" A large man cried as he stepped into the room.

"Hello, Albert." Blake said calmly.

"Bah!" The man said loudly then turned to Severus. "Who are you?"

"Severus Snape," Severus stated, looking down his nose at the man.

"Ah, the boy." Albert cried and held out his hand. "Doctor Albert Greenburg."

Severus took the man's hand, unsure why the man was calling him a boy. The big man in front of him looked close to Blake's age with short dark brown hair and sharp dark eyes. However, it was the size of him that stood out the most. He filled a room and not only with his bulk but his presence as well. Not to mention the fact that he was all muscle.

"Now," Albert announced as he turned to Blake. "Silver knife, ja?"

"Ja," Blake replied. "Pure silver."

"Shirt off." The man barked as he pulled some plastic gloves on. "Dein Lehrling?"

Blake's eyes darted to Severus. "Nein."

Albert frowned, dark eyes looking the wound over, once Blake got his shirt off.

"Wediwitch tried to close it without success," Blake said then gritted his teeth as the big man poked at the wound. "Oi!"

Albert laughed loudly.

"Just a scratch!" Albert boomed and waved his hand.

"Doesn't feel like a scratch." Blake muttered.

Albert turned to the side and picked up a needle. Blake paled but sat there as the man injected around the site of the wound before he flushed it out. He grabbed up a jar of balm and covered the wound with it. Severus picked up the jar after the Doctor placed it down and took a sniff. The Doctor watched him but said nothing as Severus placed it back on the table.

Albert towelled off the excess balm around the wound before he started to work on the stiches to close it. He finished quickly and placed a bandage in place. He passed Blake a bottle of pills, which the man slipped into his pocket with a nod of thanks.

"Keep dry for 10 days," Albert ordered. "If it swells up or becomes red, come back and see me. Now get out of here."

Blake slid off the bed and Albert grabbed his arm.

"Dracka moechte mit dir reden," Albert said softly.

"Nein," Blake replied. "Du weisst was bein letzten Mal passiert ist."

"Bah," Albert cried and waved his hand. "He will talk this time."

"I'll think about it," Blake replied.

Severus just watched them in growing curiosity. He hadn't been around people that would slip back and forth in different languages before. Blake eyed off the large man for a few minutes.

"What does he want?" Blake asked.

Albert's eyes flicked to Severus.

"Vertrag." The big man said calmly.

"Was?" Blake stuttered. "With me?"

"Ja," Albert said calmly.

"I'll call him," Blake promised.

"Ja," Albert rumbled and released Blake with a grin on his face. "Fantastic."

"Thank you, Albert." Blake said. "We'll be going now."

"Ja, call Dracka."

Blake nodded and pulled his shirt back on and took up his cane. He grabbed Severus's arm as he moved towards the door. They made their way quickly out of the office and down the alley, before Blake stumbled. Severus grabbed him around the waist and slung his arm over his shoulder again.

"Sorry," Blake muttered into his shoulder. "We seem to find ourselves in this kind of situation a fair amount of time."

Severus smirked, holding the other man close.

"I don't mind." Severus purred in his ear.

He could hear Blake's muffled laughter. He apparated them back to the school front gates before Blake thought that he could do it himself.

"What was that about at the end about a Dracka?" Severus asked and Blake sighed.

"Dracka is the leader of a group called the Council of Magical Creatures. He has agreements and treaties with different dark and light creatures. He and I had a bit of a misunderstanding a while ago." Blake explained. "Albert says he wants to talk to me about a Treaty."

Severus stumbled a step in shock.

"I didn't know there was such a thing." Severus said softly.

"You and most wizards." Blake replied. "Most wizards believe that people with creature blood or dark and light creatures are just beasts without government."

"How have I not heard of this before?" Severus asked as he moved them down the hallway towards Blake's rooms.

"They keep it quiet mostly," Blake explained. "If the Ministry of Magic knew that dark creatures were gathering, it would not end well. Which is amusing since most dark and light creatures have had councils in place longer than the Ministry of Magic has been around."

"I can understand that," Severus muttered as they reached Blake's rooms. "Bed or lounge?"

"Bed," Blake replied with a smirk.

Severus smirked back as he helped Blake to the bed. Severus lowered Blake down on the side of the bed and the man groaned and cursed. Severus's smirk widened.

"I've had a couple of different dark creature groups contact me as well as light," Blake admitted as he pulled his shirt off for the third time and kicked it into the corner in distaste. "The Dark Lord has been talking and trying to recruit within the creature communities. They are scared."

Severus shivered at the thought and gave Blake a hand getting his jeans off.

"That can't end well," Severus remarked.

"No, it can't." Blake agreed. "And there has been some that have decided to join him, mostly the younger ones. While the wizards chase their tails and discredit anyone saying that the Dark Lord has returned. Dracka has been working with all the magical creatures to help them and bring them together under the Council's protection."

"Why does he want a Treaty with you?" Severus asked with a frown on his brow.

"Ah, well." Blake stilled. "That's a complex answer and I'm way too tried to explain it."

"What did Doctor Greenburg call me?" Severus asked instead.

"Dein Lehrling?" Blake asked.

"Yes," Severus answered as he sat on the bed next to Blake.

"Means apprentice." Blake explained with a smirk.

"What!" Severus snorted. "Why would he think that?"

Blake just gave him a smirk and didn't answer.

xXx

Harry looked up from his book at the soft knock at his classroom door.

"Come in," Harry called, turning in his seat.

Draco Malfoy peeked his head around the door unsure and looking pale.

"Ah, Mr Malfoy." Harry said with a smile. "Come in."

"How are you, sir?" Malfoy asked, nervously playing with his hands.

"Healing," Harry said, it had been a rough morning but he had pushed through as he always did.

"Come stand in front of me." Harry ordered.

The boy moved towards him.

"I'm going to have a look at you to see if there are any spells or charms on you before we start." Harry explained. "Is there anything I should know about before I start?"

"Um," Draco said, thinking. "I have a hair charm and a couple of charms on my robes."

Harry nodded, very common charms for students. "No problems."

Harry pulled his cherry wand.

"Sir, why do you have two wands?" Draco asked suddenly then blushed.

"This one," Harry held up the cherry wood wand. "Is suited to delicate work and lighter magic and the dark wand loves dark magic, it is also a very strong wand that can take any magic I want to channel through it. It is however temperamental and can be hard to control sometimes."

"I thought a wand was just a wand," Draco sneered.

Harry grinned and said, "Don't let a wand maker hear you say that."

"Like that creepy man in Diagon Alley?" Draco sneered.

"Yes, like him." Harry agreed, Ollivander had always creeped him out too. "Now Draco, just stand still and I'll check you over for magic."

Harry channelled his magic gently through his cherry wand, a spoken spell not needed for this kind of work. He started with the boy's clothes before moving on to his body then his mind last.

"There's a tracking spell on your necklace and just a shadow of the Imperius on your mind." Harry reported, after a few minutes. "The shadow should be gone in a couple of hours, that's why that spell is so hard to detect."

"Is it still active?" Draco asked.

"Nope," Harry replied kindly. "You managed to push through it, the student that cast it didn't have enough power or skill to make it stick completely."

"Did the Headmaster find the seventh year?" Draco asked.

"I don't know," Harry remarked.

He could have easily found out but he didn't want to know. He was sure he already knew who wanted to kill him

"They didn't tell you?" Draco retorted with a sneer.

"I didn't ask," Harry stated mildly.

Sometimes Draco's attitude grated on him but he had learnt to work with the man in his own time. He knew where he'd been coming from after his father was jailed.

"Now, the tracking spell." Harry announced, changing the topic. "Do you know who placed it?"

"No," The boy replied.

"Do you want to keep it or want me to get rid of it?"

"Get rid of it, please."

Harry focused into the spell and broke the thread. He could have tried to follow it back to the source but he didn't think it was worth it. Draco's father had probably cast it at some point.

"Done," Harry remarked. "Now we are going to work on you throwing off compulsion magic."

"The Imperius?" Malfoy asked, looking pale.

Harry laughed and said, "No, that spell is illegal."

"Moody used it!"

"Yes, yes he did." Harry said sourly. "How the Headmaster got permission for that, I have no idea."

Draco sneered at the Headmaster's name but knew better than to say anything against the man in front of Harry.

"Okay," Harry said. "Ready for the spell?"

Draco nodded, still fiddling with his hands in nervousness.

"Capere," Harry whispered.

Harry's spell cut straight through Draco's barriers and into his mind, taking over his body.

'Jump,' Harry thought to the boy.

Draco jumped, he could feel the boy fighting against the spell but it wasn't enough. Harry ended the spell.

"That felt like Imperius!" Draco accused with a glare.

"Nope," Harry replied calmly. "There are many spells that can take control of the mind and body. The Imperius is the only one that can take over a person to such a degree that they will murder their own families. The spell I used is a weaker form. By the end of these lessons, you should be able to shake this spell off without a problem."

"Does that mean I'll be able to break through the Imperius?"

"It will help if the spell is weak," Harry explained. "If the Dark Lord cast it on you, it will give you more protection and free will, but you probably won't be able to throw it off."

Draco nodded, looking pale.

"You call him the Dark Lord?" Draco stated, nervously.

"Yes," Harry replied mildly. "That's what he is."

"I only hear Death Eaters call him that," Draco spurted out then looked embarrassed.

"I could call him Dark Lord Voldemort," Harry intoned with a smirk. "But in doing that, he now knows where I am. I am safe behind the wards of Hogwarts but anywhere else it could put my life in danger. A name can have power, Draco. Remember that. Especially one that a person has crafted themselves."

Draco nodded, looking slightly shaken.

"Death Eaters have different reasons," Harry continued softly. "Due to the spells worked into the Dark Mark on their arms. Now, shall we get back to today's lesson?"

xXx

The next morning found Harry at the Ravenclaw table showing a group of fifth year students how to work with a length of silver cord. The lesson had started with teaching Sean Goulber how to work with the silver, to a display to the group around him. He had the cord shaped like a snake with silver scales and black stone eyes on the table. The students watched as the snake slithered along the table.

"Wow," A third year gasped, as the snake turned in his direction, and the boy reached out and touched the silver scales in wonder.

"Will I be able to do that?" Sean Goulber asked, with wide eyes.

"Sure," Harry replied and changed the silver into the shape of a chicken and had it silently clucking around.

The mail arrived and Harry changed the silver into an owl, which kept trying to take off, but was too heavy and kept falling back to the table. Whispers suddenly dropped the noise in the hall and Harry looked up at see a few students looking his way. Harry changed the silver back to the snake form and froze it as it reared up.

"What's that?" Harry asked, pointing at the Prophet that the student was trying to hide.

The girl in question froze, newspaper half under her plate.

"Give," Harry ordered as he held his hand out.

She reluctantly passed it over, looking everywhere but at Harry.

'Love scandal at Hogwarts School.

It has come to the attention of this newspaper that a love scandal between two teachers at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been allowed between Mr Blake Sun and Professor Severus Snape…'

There was a picture of Harry looking up at Severus with a grin on his face. Harry gave a laugh as he looked at the paper. He glanced up at the Head Table to see Severus glaring at him, a paper in his own hand. He knew it would have only been a matter of time before the papers picked up on the story.

"Hey Severus," Harry called across the room, silencing the hall. "We made it into the paper!"

Severus glared intensified and a few students shifted in their seats as McGonagall's lips tightened.

"I think they got my good side," Harry called, to a couple of laughs. "You could have smiled though!"

A few more giggles went around the room and the tension broke around him. Whispers started up as a few papers changed hands. Harry could see that Umbridge looked ready to explode and gave her a smirk. She had played her hand and now Harry was going to play his.

"Do you want me to send them a better photo?" Harry called to Severus, he needed the other man to react.

Severus stood and glared down at Harry who just grinned back. He locked eyes with Severus and hoped that the man wouldn't take this the wrong way and would understand his actions.

"Sun!" The man hissed turning his name into a curse word.

"Is that a no?" Harry asked, the giggling around him increased.

"That's enough, gentlemen." Albus said sternly, pulling himself to his feet as he placed his hands on the table before him.

Severus kept the glare up for a couple more minutes before seating himself. Harry just grinned, turning back to the paper, reading through it as whispers picked up around him. He was sure his lawyer was going to be happy with the work.

"Hem, hem."

Harry kept reading as the students around him went silent.

"Hem, hem."

Harry looked up at Umbridge next to him.

"Professor Umbridge, I see you have been quoted in this article?" Harry remarked silkily.

"Well yes-"

"Well in that case," Harry cut her off. "Mr Boulder, my lawyer, will be in contact with you."

The woman went pale.

"What is this?" Umbridge stuttered.

"Well it's called slander for a start," Harry replied, with a grin that made a few students shiver. "I'm sure my lawyer can explain it to you when he serves the papers."

"But-" The woman tried again.

"I believe that you and…" Harry muttered as he looked at the article writer "Rita Seeker will have a few things to talk about and here I thought she would have learned her lesson after her last article about Ry. Oh well, I guess some people just don't learn."

"But it's illegal!" The woman squeaked and the room went silent.

"What is?" Harry asked, turning in the seat to rest his back against the table.

"A relationship between you and him," Umbridge shouted, pointing up at Severus. "You are both teachers at this school!"

Harry raised an eyebrow as a few students shifted around them.

"It is!" The woman shrieked.

"I think you would find," Albus's calm voice said beside them. "That it isn't."

"But-"

"Blake Sun is not a Professor at this school," Albus stated calmly.

Harry grinned and said sweetly, "Mr Boulder should be in contact with you soon Professor Umbridge."

The woman stormed off in a huff as Harry and Albus watched her. Harry chuckled in amusement then looked up at Albus's stern face and it turned it into a cough.

"Ah, yeah." Harry coughed and ran a hand over his head. "Oops."

Albus just shook his head and walked off. Harry turned back to the stunned students.

"Now, where was I?"

xXx

Harry could see Severus waiting out the front of his rooms after his lesson with Draco that night. Harry limped towards him and could see that his arms were crossed with his wand in his right hand. He gently tapped his wand against his elbow as he watched him approach.

"Should I be armed?" Harry asked, as he limped closer.

Severus glared down his nose at Harry and if he weren't as old as he was, he probably would have shivered. Severus was holding onto his temper and Harry knew it wouldn't take much to tip him over.

"I contacted my Lawyer and he is very happy to bring a case against the Prophet, Rita Seeker and Professor Umbridge," Harry explained, standing calmly in the hallway as he leaned into his cane. "The last case against the Prophet was well worth the trouble. I'll pass your number along to him for your statement."

"Are you serious?" Severus hissed, his eyes flashing.

"Oh, yes." Harry said with steel to his voice. "This is slander, not just against me but against you as well. Our relationship is not illegal or wrong, Severus. The students of this school shouldn't think there is anything wrong with who they are interested in. Whether they are male or female."

Severus stood there as he looked down his nose at Harry with his wand still tapping his elbow. Harry waited out the younger man, he could tell he was hurt but he wasn't sure if it was the paper or because of him calling it out across the hall. He wasn't sure how he dealt with his preference in this time.

"Why did you call out across the Hall?" Severus questioned at last.

Harry gave him a small smile.

"To draw attention to the paper." Harry replied softly. "My lawyer can now argue that the paper had an adverse effect on our working commitments. I'm sorry, if that was out of line Severus."

"I prefer my life to be private," Severus stated.

Harry looked around the hallway they were in, they were alone but it was still before curfew.

"Should we move this to my rooms then?" Harry offered.

"I think I need a bit of time," Severus replied then looked away from Harry.

Harry felt a stab of pain in his heart and felt his own temper flare at the paper and Umbridge. He carefully masked his body language and looked Severus over.

"Very well." Harry conceded. "Have all the time you need."

Harry turned away towards his door but Severus grabbed his arm stopping him. Harry looked up into Severus's black eyes, the man looked down at him, his eyes unreadable.

"Blake," Severus whispered.

Harry looked away.

"I'll be heading to France in a couple of days to meet with Dracka," Harry mentioned softly and felt Severus's grip tighten. "I should be gone for a couple of weeks. Could you continue Draco's training for me?"

Severus's eyes burning into him and Harry met his eyes evenly before he released his arm and stepped back. He pulled his robes tight around himself, the tension thick in the air.

"Yes, I can do that." Severus agreed.

"Thank you, Severus." Harry said.

The two men eyed each other off before Harry turned away and entered his rooms. Severus didn't stop him.

xXx

Four days later found Harry moving towards the front gates of the school with a backpack over his shoulder as he limped across the lawn. His steps slowed as he spotted Severus waiting for him at the gates. Harry sighed and moved forward. They had not spoken since that night after the article.

"Seeing me off?" Harry asked as he stepped up to the other man.

"Yes," Severus replied. "And the Headmaster wanted me to give you this."

Severus passed over a glass mouse and Harry could feel the magic of a Portkey on it.

"Thank him for me," Harry replied and slipped the glass mouse away in his jacket pocket.

Suddenly he found himself in a hard hug. Harry hugged the other man back for a second before they broke apart.

"Good luck," Severus whispered to him.

"With Albert or Dracka?" Harry asked with a grin.

Severus flinched, "You need to see the Doctor?"

"Just a check-up," Harry replied with a grin.

"Good luck with that," Severus smirked.

Harry just grinned back.

"I'll see you in about two weeks," Harry commented as he stepped over the anti-apparation wards. "Earlier if there is trouble."

Harry gave Severus a wink and apparated to the alley near Albert's office. He walked into the busy office and made his way up to the reception desk, the young woman looked up and gave him a dark look.

"Room five," Rebecca snapped. "Be quick, we are busy today, Sun."

"Thank you, dear." Harry said sweetly.

Harry stepped into room five to find Albert already waiting for him.

"Blake," The big man cried in German, taking him in a hug. "So good to see you again!"

"Rebecca can't say the same," Harry laughed in German, slipping into the language easily.

The big man laughed. "She will get over it."

"One day," Harry replied. "I'm off to meet Dracka after you check out the wound."

"Ah, good, good." Albert cried as he pulled up Harry's shirt to look the wound. "Healing nicely, stitches can come out in a week or two."

"I'll be in France then," Harry replied. "I'll have a Doctor take them out there."

"Bah," The man waved.

Harry grinned. "Do you have anything for Dracka?"

"Nein," The big German replied.

"Good day then Albert," Harry remarked as he shook the man's hand.

"You're not taking the boy?" Albert asked, referring to Severus.

"Ah no," Harry replied. "Bit of a misunderstanding, it will just be me."

"Be careful then, old man." Albert said with a cheeky grin.

"Ah," Harry snorted as he clapped a hand to the other man's shoulder. "Old man indeed."

xXx

Harry apparated from the International Portkey Platform in Paris to a small town near the border with Belgium as the sun started to set. He had been there before when the French branch of Gringotts had contacted him to put up wards around the village and many times after that.

Harry made his way down the street, ignoring the stares he got from the few people that were out. They followed him with their eyes as he walked up to the large mansion in the middle of town. He could see children moving back inside of the houses and more men appearing on the streets as he limped along.

"Oh boy, this was a bad idea." Harry muttered to himself.

He walked up to the big gates and pressed the bell. Big black hellhounds came running out from the main house barking loudly and growling at him as he waited. Their red eyes flashing as they prowled the fence line, snarling and barking at him.

"Oh, yes." Harry muttered to the beasts. "Bad idea."

"Quiet," A voice commanded and the beasts stopped barking instantly.

Harry looked up at the tall man at the gate, his black eyes staring down the length of his nose. His short black hair cut in the latest fashion and his facial hair groomed perfectly as the last of the light of the day faded casting the grounds into shadows.

"Sun," The man greeted, his dark eyes looking him over.

"Dracka," Harry replied, standing up straighter.

"The Council wants to talk to you," The dark-haired man intoned. "I would rather cast you out but they have other ideas."

Harry gripped his cane tighter.

"Do I have safe passage?" Harry questioned.

The other man stared down at him, his dark eyes showing how much he disliked him. Harry stood up a little straighter, his hand clenched around the handle of his cane.

"You have safe passage," The man granted. "While on French soil."

Harry shivered as the magic fell between them. Dracka waved the beasts back from the gate and opened the steel door. Harry hesitated for a couple of seconds, while the tall man stared down at him, before Harry moved forward through the gates. He could feel the wards settling on him as the hellhounds eyed him off.

"Pass over the border and it's a different story," The man said silkily.

"I'll keep that in mind." Harry said carefully, hiding a shiver.

The two men made their way up to the mansion, the taller man falling into step with Harry. They respected each other to a degree however there was also a history and spilt blood between them.

"Your Dark Lord has been sniffing around," Dracka remarked darkly, like it was Harry's fault.

"What has the Council said?" Harry asked.

"We have had enough of wizards trying to control us," Dracka spat.

"Then why am I here?"

The man laughed darkly. "You are as much a dark creature as I am."

Harry stopped and turned to the man. Dracka grinned at him showing off slightly longer canine teeth.

"I don't have a drop of creature blood in me," Harry retorted mildly.

"And yet," Dracka pointed out simply. "You are one of us."

Harry shivered and quickened his pace up to the mansion. The two men walked into the house and through to the main hall. People and creatures milled around the room and looked over as Dracka and Harry entered the room. Harry nodded at the men, women and creatures he knew as he walked up to the main table with Dracka beside him.

Harry stopped in front of the main table as Dracka made his way around it. He settled in the chair in the middle of the table with four men to his left and three women to his right.

"The Council welcomes Blake Sun," Dracka intoned, his tone of voice implying different.

Harry bowed to the people gathered.

"Thank you for inviting me," Harry called. "What can I help you with?"

"We wish to forge a Treaty with you and yours," Dracka stated.

Murmurs started up around the room and Harry glanced around with a frown.

"I can't bring much to the table," Harry replied, unsure why this was happening at all.

"You are Harry Potter's father?" A woman questioned, Harry knew her as Gert Filler who stood for the Council of Werewolves. "And you have made our lives easier with your new Wolfsbane potion."

Murmurs of agreement ran through the room.

"So, you want a Treaty with my son?" Harry asked, unsure.

"Ha!" Dracka laughed. "He is still a boy, you are not."

"So, you want a Treaty with me and my contacts?" Harry asked with a frown.

"With you, my dear." One of the other women stated, her black furry ears twitching. "You hold the dark power of the Deathly Hallows."

Gasps and murmurs ran through the room, making Harry uncomfortable.

"How can that help you?" Harry asked, not denying the claim.

"You also have contacts that can come to our aid," The woman with black furry ears continued. "As well as the dark power you wield."

"As you can see, madam." Harry said calmly as he held up his cane. "I'm not what I used to be."

"Sally Pearson," The woman introduced for him. "And you still hold the power and knowledge that could aid us, Mr Sun."

"I do indeed." Harry agreed, looking around the room. "I'm still not sure how that can help you?"

Many of the people and creatures around him were nodding. Understanding something Harry just wasn't seeing. He could only guess at what their motives could be and yet it could also help him.

"We simply ask," Dracka continued. "That if you are in need. We will come to your aid and if we request it, you will come to ours. We wish to pool our people and power with yours."

Harry looked around the room. He could see hope in the eyes of some of the people and creatures as well as doubts. These people had been beaten back, time and time again, and didn't even have rights in a lot of the wizarding worlds. They were looking at him and he shivered at what that could mean.

"Why not go the Ministries of Magic?" Harry asked. "Why are you coming to me?"

Hissing laughter greeted him.

"They don't care!"

"They would kill us on the spot!"

"You work with us as equals!"

"They don't even think we are human!"

"We are just beasts to them!"

"You are different!"

The voices rolled over Harry and he remembered a day so long ago. Standing next to Hermione Granger-Weasley in front of the Ministry of Magic and campaigning for the rights of all magical creatures and people. The Ministry of Magic in Great Britain had been left in a shamble after the second war with Voldemort and they were starting to rebuild with the help of all people. Regardless of blood; pure bloods, half-bloods, muggleborns and magical creatures alike. That day with Hermione by his side had been the start, was that what he was looking at now?

"We have tried and failed," Sally called out, her ears twitching.

"So, you have come to me?" Harry asked. "I don't hold any power in the Ministry beyond my contracts."

Dracka snorted.

"You hold the power of the Hallows, contracts with different Ministries," Dracka recited. "With Gringotts, werewolves, and many more."

Harry leaned back on his cane, he hadn't thought of it that way before. He'd only thought of his work and not who he was working with. He'd been working to slowly nudge people in the direction that the magical world had to head without realising the ripples he was making. Blood and power didn't mean much to him, it was the people at the heart of the magical world that matted.

"And Albus Dumbledore," A slight man in a tweed suit said quietly.

Harry turned to him in question.

"Broxon Silver," The man introduced. "Councilman of the light creatures."

"Nice to meet you," Harry replied with a nod of his head. "I work with Albus only, I have no sway over him."

"You have his respect and ear," Broxon stated, his brown hair falling into his pale eyes. "He has nothing but good things to say about you."

"He is too kind," Harry uttered, feeling out of his depth.

He didn't want this. He just wanted to live his life and see his son grow up. Without knowing it he had built a trap of his own making around himself. He would have to make a choice. Live his life or help fight a war.

"He is a powerful light wizard," The man agreed. "And the head of the Order of the Phoenix."

Harry nodded and made a mental note to tell Albus that his secret club wasn't so secret anymore.

"But he does not have the power you have," Broxon added, much to Harry's surprise.

"I think you give me too much credit," Harry whispered.

Laughter greeted him and he looked around in surprise. These creatures believed that he had more power than Albus Dumbledore?

"I know I am old and hold the Hallows," Harry commented. "But I'm not sure I am the powerful being you are making me out to be."

Dracka laughed and said, "You are who we need. I may not like that, after you killed my brother, but even I have to admit that."

Harry paled slightly at the mention of Dracka's brother. He stood up straighter and faced the man, meeting his eyes directly.

"I need time to think this over," Harry stated. "And written terms to this Treaty."

Sally smiled at him and nodded.

"We'll give you two weeks." The woman offered. "Think quick, the Dark Lord has been moving quickly and Graham Simpson has been making waves in Germany."

"Could he be a new Dark Lord?" Harry asked.

"We are unsure at this point," A blonde man at the end of the table piped up, Harry knew him as Frank Ace, from his dealings in the German Ministry. "He is showing signs but doesn't have the power yet. We believe your Dark Lord will probably kill him before he becomes too much of a threat."

Harry nodded, he knew what Dark Lords were like. They didn't like competition.

"We are keeping a close eye on him," Frank Ace remarked.

"Which is not the topic for today," Dracka announced as he sneered down at Harry. "We will give you two weeks, Sun."

"Very well," Harry agreed. "You will have my answer then."

Harry bowed to the high Council members and made his way out of the mansion. The hellhounds watched him with blazing red eyes as he left the grounds. Harry sighed as he stepped passed the apparation wards and disappeared.

xXx

Albus started slightly as a Portkey activated in the stone room next to his office. He pulled himself out of his chair and walked to the door and pulled it open to see Blake Sun standing in the middle of the room with his back to him.

"Blake, my boy." Albus cried, stepping forward and looking the man over. "Are you injured?"

"What?" Harry asked as he looked up slightly confused. "Ah, no. Just with a bit of a time restriction. It's okay I used your portkey?"

"Yes, yes, my boy." Albus smiled and waved off his concern. "Keep it, just in case you need it one day."

"Thank you, Albus."

"Would you like tea?" Albus asked, as they moved into his office. "I wasn't expecting you back for another couple of weeks."

"Ah, yeah." Harry answered as he sat in the chair with a sigh. "I seem to have a bit of a problem."

"What is it, my boy?" Albus asked, setting a teacup down in front of Harry.

Harry took the cup in his hands trying to gather his thoughts. Albus let him take his time, sipping at his own tea.

"Did Severus mention where I was going?" Harry asked, looking up at the Headmaster.

"He mentioned that you were going to be meeting with a Dracka?" Albus questioned, already aware that he was going to France.

"Rolf Dracka, is what you would call the Minister of magical creatures," Harry explained, making Albus raise an eyebrow. "Called the Council of Magical Creatures. Have you heard of them?"

"Yes," Albus agreed with a nod. "I've heard rumours of dark creatures forming government bodies."

"No, no, not quite but close." Harry replied with a laugh. "All people with creature blood. Both light and dark, want to be seen as equals within magical communities. In some countries they have succeeded and in others they are known as little more than beasts. Strangely enough Russia is the closest to see them as equals."

"What did they want to talk to you about then?" Albus asked, then looked him over. "Do you have creature blood?"

"Not a drop," Harry replied with a grin. "but I have a curse that they believe would be a benefit to them."

"Really?" Albus questioned, sitting forward in his seat.

"You have heard of the Deathly Hallows?" Harry mentioned.

"I have," Albus muttered, his eyes drawn to his wand on the table.

Harry pulled out his dark wand and placed it next to Albus's own. The two were very similar, except Harry's was a shade darker and a little shorter than the Headmaster's. Albus frowned and picked up Harry's wand with the man's permission.

"But," Albus stumbled over his words, picking up his own wand. "How, I thought."

Albus looked up at Harry with new eyes.

"Master of Death," Albus whispered, with slight fear in his voice.

"That's me," Harry confirmed and watched as Albus's face paled.

"You hold all three?"

"Yes," Harry replied easily and refilled his cup from the teapot.

"But I thought…" Albus trailed off.

"It was," Harry agreed.

"Then, how do you…?"

"Have the elder wand?"

"Yes."

"Because I am from the future, Albus." Harry stated mildly.

Albus just stared at him in shocked silence.

"And here I thought I wouldn't be able to shock you," Harry muttered with grin and a wink.

"Then you know what will happen?" Albus said softly.

"Nope," Harry replied. "Not a clue."

"But you have lived it?"

"When I first got here, yes." Harry agreed. "But now…"

"You changed time!" Albus accused.

"Not in the way you think," Harry stated calmly. "When I stepped into this time I changed things just by being here. When I lived this time, there was no Blake Sun. Some things have stayed the same and yet others have changed. I have to admit there were times that I have tried to nudge things a certain way and yet it didn't work and it still worked out the same. It's those times I get blindsided by something, like the Council, that throws everything out."

Harry sighed and sat back in his seat and tried to wrap his mind around the complexities of time and how much he still didn't know or understand.

"But you have changed things?" Albus questioned, sitting forward in his seat.

"I have tried," Harry admitted. "I tried to get Sirius Black released from Azkaban when I arrived here and fail. I tried to explain Sirius to Ry and yet the boy still went after him. I tried to stop the Ritual to bring back the Dark Lord back and failed. I failed so badly that the man has more power now than he did in my time!"

Harry rubbed his head as he thought over his actions and inactions.

"Fix points in time," Albus uttered softly.

"That is one of the theories," Harry admitted. "The Dark lord had to rise to power because that was always going to happen but this is going off topic."

Albus gave him a grin, a twinkle in his eyes, as he looked at him.

"People with creature blood can feel the Deathly Hallows more than people without," Harry explained, bringing them back the topic at hand. "They want to forge a Treaty with me and mine."

"Yours?" Albus questioned.

"My contacts and, of course, my son." Harry replied.

"Harry Potter," Albus said quietly. "You know what he will become?"

Harry grinned.

"Oh, yes." Harry stated fondly. "But my son is a very different person to the Harry Potter I knew. Still just as stubborn and with just as much of a hero complex as him though."

"Are you really a relative?" Albus asked.

The Headmaster sat forward in his seat, his blue eyes focused intently on him.

"Oh yes," Harry replied with a laugh. "A Potter through and through."

Albus leaned back relieved. Harry wasn't going to take offence at that.

"The goblins wouldn't have been able to contact me when James and Lily died if it wasn't for that blood connection," Harry remarked. "Or give me Harry Potter's adoption papers if I wasn't a blood relative."

"But the Potter family is strictly a light family?" Albus questioned. "And you-"

"Are not," Harry finished, with a grin. "But this is off topic."

"Ah yes," Albus exclaimed. "The Council for Magical Creatures."

"Yes," Harry agreed. "They have given me two weeks to decide whether I will form a Treaty with them or not."

"What are you thinking?" Albus asked.

"I will have to talk to Ry about all of this first," Harry explained. "I have worked well within the communities for a long time so there wouldn't be much change there. It's the parts of the communities I don't work with or refuse to work with that I will have problems with."

"What do they want in return?"

"That if they are in trouble I will come to their aid."

"What?"

"And they will come to mine," Harry finished.

"Against Voldemort?" Albus said quickly. "They will work against Voldemort?"

"It's not that easy." Harry remarked in amusement. "Some of their children have already gone over to the Dark Lord, but the communities do not want to go to him. They do not want to be ruled by a wizard or a Dark Lord."

Albus paled and said, "How long have you known this?"

Harry just grinned in answer.

"The question is," Harry stated seriously. "Will you go to their aid, if they back you against the Dark Lord?"

Albus sat back in his seat and thought about it.

"Yes, that is a question I need to think about." Albus uttered slowly.

Harry got to his feet and picked up his bag.

"Then I will leave you with that question," Harry replied. "I have more contacts to talk to. I'll be back in just over a week for your answer. I'll send you a copy of the Treaty when I get it."

"I'll try to have an answer for you then," Albus announced as he stood and shook Harry's hand.

"Good evening, Headmaster." Harry said softly. "I would hope what we have discussed here will stay within this office. Except, about my offer with the Council."

"Of course, my boy." The white-haired man replied with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Very good."

Harry gave the Headmaster a grin as he stepped back into the stone room and disapparated.

xXx

Harry fell back on his bed in the hotel room in London. He'd had nothing but meetings for the last week and a half and he was so tired. His last meeting with the goblins at Gringotts was rough but he had them on board. How he'd managed to do that, he still wasn't sure. He had already called Albus to give him the heads up that he was heading back to Hogwarts the next morning. He was just hoping he would be able to sleep that night to make up for the other sleepless nights.

He could have just walked away from the goblin that day and let Harry Potter be raised by his Aunt and Uncle but the thought of that just turned his stomach. The thought of the pain that Ry would have suffered in that house at the hands of his relatives. The moment that he'd picked up the child he knew he would be walking away with him. His mind may have been shadowed in darkness and the grief of his losses but he couldn't have left the baby there.

Now, he faced being a part of the war ahead. A war that he had already helped in his wish to stay away and just live his life. He sighed and ran his hands over his head. He'd been an old fool. His eyes caught on the scars on his arms and he sighed. Could he face the pain again?

xXx

Severus stood waiting at the Hogwarts's front gates waiting for Blake to appear. The Headmaster had told him about Dracka's meeting with Blake and about the offer that had been made and he was concerned about the other man. His anger with the man had faded away in the distance since the Prophet had had to print a retraction about Blake and himself. Not to mention the fact that his Gringotts account looked a lot better with the settlement payment from Mr Boulder, sitting in there.

Severus looked up when Blake apparated near him, with a slight stumble. Severus could tell that the man was tired by the fact that it took him a few minutes to spot him leaning against the gate. Blake gave him a smile and limped towards him.

"Severus, how are you?" Blake asked.

Severus just looked down at the man, seeing the tired and shadowed eyes looking back at him. Slowly the man's grin faded as Severus stayed silent. Severus felt his heart clench as Blake's body language closed off. Severus stepped forward and gathered him up in his arms. Blake tensed briefly before wrapping his arms around him and pulled him tighter.

"I'm well, Blake." Severus whispered into the man's short black hair.

"I've missed you," Blake uttered into his shoulder. "Am I forgiven?"

Severus rumbled a laugh and just held the shorter man.

"I'll take that as a yes?" Blake questioned.

"Yes," Severus replied silkily.

Blake pulled back and gave him a big grin as he placed his cane more firmly on the ground. He pulled his bag further up his shoulder and glanced up at the castle.

"Do you know how hard it is dealing with goblins for a whole day?" Blake asked.

Severus smirked, "Try dealing with Death Eaters?"

"Ha," Blake laughed. "What about the German Ministry!"

"Albus when he's had too many lemon drops."

Blake shivered and countered, "Centaurs on the full moon."

"Lucius Malfoy," Severus deadpanned.

Blake laughed and smacked his shoulder as they turned towards the castle. They fell into step together with Severus adjusting his steps slightly to account for Blake's limp.

"Draco has managed to throw off the Controlling spell now," Severus remarked, catching Blake up. "He's looking forward to showing you. Your son however is slipping in potions."

"Again?" Blake squeaked.

"Yes."

"Will I have to start lessons with him?" Blake questioned. "What about his Occlumency lessons?"

"Don't get me started," Severus growled. "His mind just isn't suited to it. The Dark Lord is still getting through. He's been having visions."

"Yeah," Blake agreed. "He called me about them, they seem to be getting worse."

"Why don't you teach him your style of mind magic?"

"He's too young. His magic hasn't settled enough," Blake said sounding frustrated.

Severus laid his hand on his shoulder briefly and Blake flashed him a smile that went straight through Severus.

"Dad!"

Severus and Blake looked up as Ry came barrelling towards them. Severus felt Blake brace himself as the boy ran straight into him, giving him a hug. Ry was as tall as his father now and Severus was sure there was still some growing to do. He was sure that the boy wouldn't get as tall as himself but probably a head taller than his father. Blake gave the boy a big hug, before pushing him back at arm's length.

"How did you grow so tall in a week and a half?" Blake asked, with an easy smile.

"Dad!" Ry yelped in embarrassment

Blake reached up and ruffled the boy's already messy hair, which Severus smirked at.

"Professor Dumbledore said I have a meeting with you and a few other people tomorrow?" Ry asked.

"Ah, yeah." Blake replied. "What time did he say that was?"

"After dinner," Ry told him. "He didn't tell you?"

"We haven't come to that part of the conversation yet, Mr Potter." Severus sneered.

Ry's eyes flicked between the two men for a second. Severus could almost hear the gears turning in the boy's head and smirked.

"Oops," Ry said with a grin. "Sorry, Dad."

"No problems, Ry." Blake remarked with a smile. "I only just got back."

"Oh," The boy said intelligently and Severus snorted.

Potter glared up at him.

"Okay, okay." Blake said stepping between the two. "I'll see you at the meeting Ry and explain everything then, okay?"

"Okay, Dad!" The boy cried with a smile. "I'll see you then!"

The boy dashed off before Severus could take points for running in the halls. Blake slapped him on the shoulder and they moved off towards his rooms in the dungeons. They both ignored the looks they got from students as they passed them. Once they reached Blake's room the man opened the door and waved the taller man into the room.

Severus gave a smirk as he walked into the room. Blake closed the door behind him and before he could move further into the room. Severus grabbed him in a hug and was kissing him. Blake's bag dropped to the floor as Severus cupped the back of the shorter man's head and deepened the kiss.

Blake groaned and ran his hands under his shirt and pulled him closer. Severus lost himself to the kiss, the taste and feel of the man overcoming him. The need to breath pulled them apart. Severus quirked a smile as Blake looked up at him.

Blake chuckled.

"What's so amusing?" Severus asked, looking down into his pale green eyes.

"Nothing," Blake replied and grinned before taking Severus into another kiss.

Severus groaned and pushed the smaller man into the wall behind them, running his hands down his sides and under his shirt. His hands running over the scars he could feel on the man's back before kissing down the man's neck.

"Severus," Blake whispered, stilling his hands on the man's hips. "I haven't slept for two days."

Severus rested his forehead against Blake's, looking into his eyes.

"Sleep first?" Blake asked, with a lopsided smile.

"After a shower, maybe." Severus smirked, with a sniff.

"Ha," Blake laughed and pushed Severus back a step. "I can work with that."

Severus let the man move to the bathroom. He picked up his bag from the floor and moved it to the bedroom. He pulled some clothes out of the drawers and placed them on the sink in the bathroom before clicking the kettle on.

He was still trying to convince the Headmaster to rig his room up with electricity the way Blake's room was but he had yet to see anything for his efforts besides his phone charger.

"Have you eaten?" Severus called out.

"Nope," Blake called back.

Severus called up a house elf and ordered a late breakfast for them.

xXx

Harry let the hot water run over his head, easing the tension in his body. He'd felt better the minute he'd stepped over the wards of Hogwarts and seen Severus. He sighed at the remembered feeling of Severus's hands running over his skin came to mind. He was unsure where that was going to lead but he wanted to find out. He finished up his shower and towelled himself off. He smiled when he saw the pile of clothes waiting for him and pulled them on quickly.

He stepped out of the bathroom to see Severus sitting at his dining table with a pot of coffee and food spread across the top. He gave the man a smile in thanks.

"Did I hear voices?" Harry asked.

"House elf," Severus remarked as he shook out a copy of the Daily Prophet.

"You read that thing?" Harry asked in surprise.

"Worth a laugh," Severus smirked. "My bank account looks better as well."

"Mr Boulder works fast," Harry remarked with a laugh.

"Nice man," Severus replied smoothly.

Harry almost choked on his coffee at Severus saying 'nice'.

"Problem?" Severus asked with a smirk.

"Nope," Harry coughed. "All good."

xXx

Harry woke with a start the next morning, he looked around unsure what had woken him but couldn't find anything. He pulled himself out of the bed and limped to the bathroom, stark naked, which was the way he normally slept. Not quite awake yet.

"Didn't realise breakfast came with a show?"

Harry started and looked over to Severus, staring at him from the dining table.

"Oh, sorry." Harry muttered and rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't realise you were there."

"Not a problem," Severus replied, not looking away.

Harry smirked at him, not the least bit embarrassed.

"I'll be back in a minute," Harry called over his shoulder as he went into the bathroom.

Harry quickly showered and moved back to the bedroom, feeling eyes on him the whole way. He quickly dressed and moved back to the table, not bothering with his cane. His new batch of muscle restoration potion, seemed to be working better than his last lot, but he still had room for improvement.

"That new potion seems to be working," Severus remarked as if reading Harry's mind.

"Yeah," Harry replied with a grin. "I'm getting closer."

Severus raised his mug in agreement.

"So, this meeting?" Harry asked.

Severus took a sip of his coffee. "Yes?"

"I know that Ry and the Headmaster are going to be there…" Harry let his words trail off as he made his own coffee.

"Yes," Severus agreed. "Also, Black, Shacklebolt and myself."

"Shacklebolt?" Harry asked, surprised.

"He's sitting in due to his connection to the Ministry and the Auror department. I believe you know him?" Severus said calmly.

"Yes," Harry replied. "Got to know him since he was the Head Auror of the Sirius Black case."

"Ha!" Severus laughed. "I wonder how Albus managed that."

"He's a sneaky one," Harry retorted with a wink. "Why is Black going to be there?"

"I don't know," Severus replied. "I think Albus still holds with the whole, he's Potter's Godfather."

Harry snorted and said, "When Ry's Aunt signed over custody to me. He lost his rights to him unless someone manages to kill me that is."

"Why do you let Potter see Black?"

"He is one of his last connections to his parents." Harry explained. "I never met them so I can't tell him any more than what I've read or been told. I let him spend time with Remus as well. At least the werewolf shows some sense, unlike Black."

Severus smirked. "He was no different when he was at school."

"Oh yeah," Harry remarked. "That's right, you went to school with them as well."

"I'm not sitting Potter down and telling him stories," Severus deadpanned.

Harry barked a laugh.

xXx

Harry and Severus made their way up to the Headmaster's office. Harry's cane tapping away on the stone floor.

"Why the fuck did he have to have the meeting up in his office!" Harry cried, for the third time. "He knows I'm a cripple!"

Severus just smirked and that just stroked his anger. The stairs in front of them went to move and Harry pulled his wand quickly.

"If you know what's good for you!" Harry snapped at the staircase.

The stairs trembled and moved back into place, making Severus snorted.

"The great Blake Sun threatening staircases," Severus smirked.

"Shove it, Snape!"

Severus laughed, startling a couple of students in the hallway as they worked their way up the castle. Harry just glared at the Griffin guarding the front of the Headmaster's office. He swore that the statue's eyes were glinting at him.

"Gobblers," Severus said smoothly.

The Griffin moved to the side to reveal more steps.

"For fuck sake!"

Severus just grinned and moved up the stairway with Harry cursing behind him. By the time Harry made it to the top of the staircase and into the Headmaster's office he was ready to curse the man. Everyone looked up as he entered.

"Do you know how many fucking stairs there are from my rooms to this bloody office!" Harry snapped at the Headmaster.

"Dad!" Ry cried at the cursing.

"Well!" Harry demanded, ignoring his son.

"Ah," Albus said, a twinkle in his eye. "An oversight on my part, my boy."

"Oversight, my ass!" Harry hissed, throwing himself inot a seat next to his son.

"Dad!" Ry hissed.

Black barked a laugh as the others just looked amused.

"Yes, Ry?" Harry asked pleasantly.

"Language," Ry hissed, making Black and Severus snort.

"Sorry, son." Harry said. "Should have used more cursing."

Black's laughter kicked up as the others looked amused as Ry covered his face with a groan.

"Okay Albus." Shacklebolt said, taking his own seat. "What is this all about?"

"Blake, the room is yours." Albus countered, turning to the dark-haired man.

Harry looked around the room, wondering where to start.

"Right," Harry started. "A man called Rolf Dracka contacted me a little while ago about a Treaty."

"Treaty?" Black asked. "What kind of Treaty?"

"Dracka is the head of a vampire Coven in France," Harry explained, startling Severus and Dumbledore. "He is also what you would call the Minister for the Council of Magical Creatures."

"I've heard of them," Black commented with a frown. "Remus has mentioned it. Werewolf groups are part of that Council."

"Yes," Harry agreed. "As well as other dark and light creatures and even some ministry workers. It's a group that has agreements, treaties and contracts together for one goal."

"To overthrow wizards?" Shacklebolt asked.

"No," Harry disagreed. "To have equal standing in the magical communities around the world. They have had great success in Russia. They want to forge a Treaty with me and mine."

"What does that mean, Dad?" Ry asked, looking around the room.

"They have stated that they will come to my aid, if I need it." Harry replied.

"To fight Voldemort?" Black asked.

"Not quite," Harry answered slowly. "They don't really work that way."

"So, they are with Voldemort?"

"No," Harry said flatly. "They just want a Treaty with me and mine, which includes Ry, my contacts and the Headmaster to a degree."

"Me?" Ry asked. "Why me?"

Harry turned to his son.

"You are Harry Potter." Harry said bluntly. "You hold power in the wizarding world, Ry."

"What? I can't even pass potions!"

Severus snorted as Harry reached out a hand and placed it on Ry's knee.

"Ry," Harry started then paused as he gathered his thoughts. "I am sorry, but the moment that the Dark Lord's spell rebounded off you and took his body away you become a power in the wizarding world."

"But I was one!"

"Yes, yes you were," Harry agreed. "And you hold great power from that one event."

Ry looked up at him with big green eyes, then they hardened.

"I want to fight him," Ry stated with steel in his voice.

"This is bigger than just this Dark Lord, Ry." Harry countered softly. "Part of the Treaty is that if they need help, I am bound to help them if I agree."

"But it's with me too? And the Headmaster and others?" Ry questioned.

Harry sighed. "I have spoken with many of my contacts, they agree with the terms of the Treaty. Albus did you look over the terms?"

"I did, my boy." Albus agreed. "I am happy with the terms."

"I want to see this Treaty?" Shacklebolt demanded.

Albus passed over the parchment and Black moved to read over the man's shoulder.

"Do I have a say in this?" Ry asked his father.

"Of course," Harry replied. "If you don't want to be part of the Treaty. I can take you out of the agreement."

"But you are going to agree with it?"

Harry thought it over before replying, "Yes."

"Then I will too," Ry said with conviction.

"As will I," Severus said grabbing Harry's shoulder.

"You haven't read the Treaty, Severus." Harry reminded the man.

"I don't have to," Severus said, black eyes boring into Harry's.

Harry nodded and turned back to Shacklebolt and Black.

"You have the backing of the Order of Phoenix as well," Albus said softly, making Black gasp.

"But Albus," Black started.

Albus held up a hand to stop him.

"I back Mr Sun, if he believes this is the right move then we will back him." Albus said with steel in his voice.

Harry nodded his thanks to the Headmaster, unsure why the Headmaster had such faith in him, but willing to take whatever the man would give him. Shacklebolt rolled the scroll up and passed it back to the Headmaster.

"You have my support." The man said softly

Harry looked at him in shock, "Really?"

"If Albus agrees with you then so I do." Shacklebolt stated.

"Thank you, everyone." Harry gasped, slightly shocked.

"You have the support of the Black family as well," Sirius added reluctantly, but he was looking a Ry when he said it.

"Thank you," Harry said softly.

In his time, it had taken years to get close to this point. He had managed it in less than two weeks, he hadn't realised how much he had changed this world until now. The many contracts that he'd had over the years had changed so much. He had brought people together through him without realising it. Building up a network and binding them to him without a thought of what he was doing.

"You're welcome, my boy." Albus replied with a smile.

"Oh," Harry exclaimed. "I almost forgot. There is a Dark Wizard making waves in Germany called Graham Simpson. He was exiled from the States about five years ago. He doesn't seem to have much power at the moment but people over there are keeping an eye on him."

"Another Dark Lord?" Albus asked.

"Not yet," Harry replied. "Dracka is hoping the Dark Lord will kill him before he gets to that point."

"What about if Voldemort recruits him instead?" Black asked.

"It's a scary thought," Harry agreed. "But from what I know from Dark Lords they don't like to share."

Harry clapped a hand on his son's shoulder and got to his feet.

"Well," Harry announced. "If that is all, I think I will be going."

Harry made his way to the stone room next to the Headmaster's office.

"Are you heading out, Blake?" The Headmaster asked.

"No," Harry replied, giving the room a smirk. "I just don't want to walk down all those bloody stairs!"

Harry stepped into the stone room and apparated to the front gates of the school, hearing the laughter following him.