Beta'd by: Bombadilo Baby (my thanks, gratitude, and exasperation for your occasional poor spelling skills.)
Hopefully none of you were too disappointed with the conclusion of my last chapter. If any of you ARE concerned about seeing less of the Malfoy's, don't be! Because, I think we all know, they're far too brilliant to even considered decreasing screen time.
You've probably all heard this before (and from many other authors), but I love reviews! So thank you to all of those who've posted some already. If I could share my freshly baked banana bread with you, I totally would (unless you have an allergy, cause that would just be mean)
Anyway. . .
Wishing you all bedazzling weekends!
-G
Do I own any legal rights to Harry Potter? No. No, I do not. But cheers to J. K Rowling for dreaming it up! I would, very much, miss the Harry Potter sized hole in my life if she hadn't.
"What I'm here to inform you is that, after reading the Potter's will, we have discovered another individual whose claim supersedes your own. Their name was listed down as a requested guardian should anything happen to the Potter's; along with Mr Sirius Black, and Mr and Mrs Longbottom. The last three were of course deemed inadequate to care for Mr Potter." Amelia said, knowing they would understand why the Azkaban prisoner and two St Mungo's patients would be rejected. "It was to this individual that Mr Potter's guardianship should have originally been passed following the deaths of Lily and James Potter. If the individual declines then your own application will be approved immediately." Amelia assured them.
Lucius felt cold dread drop in his stomach. "Who?" he asked, already forming plans to manipulate said individual into rejecting the guardianship claim.
Amelia wondered how they would take the news, as she replied
"Professor Severus Tobias Snape."
"Ah. . . Severus, my boy, you're back. Come in, come in." Albus murmured as Severus stepped gracefully through the Headmaster's flu.
Severus' dark eyes flickered dangerously, though he angled his face away. His cloak billowing behind him as he paced to a chair before Albus' large desk. Severus opted for silence, attempting to repress his current rage directed at the man sat calmly before him; though it had set to broiling in his stomach the moment Albus had pronounced his usual friendly greeting.
"Tea?" Albus asked absently as he neatly whisked away several documents from his desk, conjuring an intricate metal tea pot in the newly vacated space. Clearly the Headmaster had calmed down significantly from this morning. Severus wondered how the Headmaster had assuaged the initial inquiries about his involvement with Potter. He smugly anticipated Albus' horror once he realised the full extent of his involvement had already been uncovered.
"As usual, I have no desire to imbibe your revoltingly sweet beverages Albus." Severus retorted, only slightly sharper than his usual tone "Get to the point so that I might actually accomplish some worthwhile tasks today." He said, truly impatient to abscond from the delight of the old man's company.
Albus chuckled, blue eyes sparkling as he glanced at Severus from over his half-moon spectacles. "So impatient, my old friend." Severus fought the urge to snarl at that, his hands clenched in tight pale fists in his lap, which were concealed only by the desk. "One day you shall realise that life is far more enjoyable when you take the time to appreciate it." The Headmaster told him, his voice warm and whimsical.
Severus sneered "Unlike the majority of the brainless inhabitants in this school, I find little enjoyment in the idle wastage of my time." He replied snidely.
The headmaster looked at him seriously "It can be quite relaxing to allow oneself a moment of rest and fresh air, Severus. You spend far too much of your time at Hogwarts sequestered away in those dungeons, my boy. Nevertheless, if you insist we may, of course, get down to other matters." Dumbledore acquiesced before taking a sip of his Nine Sister's Avalon apple tea. It was a drink he'd favoured as long as Severus knew him, along with those blasted lemon drops.
A frown marred the Headmaster's brow as he swirled pieces of apple in his tea, thoughts idling on the matter at hand. "The Malfoy's interest in young Harry troubles me, Severus." He admitted to the professor, periwinkle blue eyes serious. "Were you able to ascertain any news about their involvement whilst you were there?" the older man inquired.
"Very little of consequence." Severus lied with ease, wondering indolently how soon Dumbledore's calm façade would be fractured by receiving the notice regarding his loss of Guardianship. The potions master had, unfortunately, been required to depart the Manor prior to receiving confirmation of Harry's change in protectors. Though, he had no doubt that the Malfoy's would have full legal guardianship by the end of the day. And an inquiry would inevitably arise on the Headmaster. "Lucius insisted that, as a member of the Board, his hand was forced when Mr Potter crossed his path without appropriate guardianship." Severus drawled "I could have warned you that the brat would cause trouble as soon as someone went to collect him. No doubt his family have ensured he is as spoiled and arrogant as his father." The lies were surprisingly hard to spit out, and he forced them from between clenched teeth, unable to block the images of the recent bloodied and frail Harry from his mind.
Dumbledore raised a white eyebrow "It does not do to hold grudges, Severus. Harry is not, nor ever shall be, James. I trust you will be able to adequately separate the two come September." He said admonished mildly.
Severus fairly seethed. How dare Dumbledore offer him advice on how best to provide care for Harry, whilst he himself played one of the largest roles in making his life miserable!? If Lily were alive, she would skin the old coot! And Severus would have helped her.
Dumbledore obviously misinterpreted his anger, assuming it was directed to either a past or present Potter, but nevertheless chose to move the conversation forwards. He could see Albus' doubt and resignation that Severus would change his mind regarding anyone of Potter blood in the near future.
Albus leaned forward "Molly tells me that she came across Mr Potter in Diagon Alley yesterday, and that he became quite adamant in his refusal to leave the Malfoy's company . . . Severus, we must ensure that any future association is restricted between the boys once they reach Hogwarts. Harry is in far too much danger as it is. As the young Mr Malfoy's Godfather, perhaps you could dissuade him from any further involvement with Mr Potter? In fact, I would appreciate if you would keep a close eye on all your Slytherin's this year." Albus admitted tiredly, eyes drifting across to his window "Though it pains me to admit it, If I am correct and Voldemort's power is once more on the rise, we cannot afford to be unsure of anyone's loyalties." He turned to face Severus directly, his gaze penetrating "Particularly those close to Mr Potter. I have already requested that the Weasley's offer him support. Molly was, of course, happy to help."
Severus practically vibrated with fury at the obvious segregation of his Slytherin students, the implication that no other house was posed the same threat to the Light sides 'Golden Boy'.
Dumbledore noticed easily, and his eyes turned sad "I understand your objections, Severus. I'm in no way seeking to persecute your House, however several of Voldemort's most active supporters have children currently within it." Albus reasoned with him.
Severus was loath to admit truth in Albus' statement "I can name half a dozen such children that fit that criteria in other houses!" he hissed.
The headmaster nodded "And they will also be monitored closely. If we are at all able to prevent them from wandering down the same path, we will do so." Albus replied.
"Very well, Albus." Severus spat out his agreement before standing sharply from his seat. With any luck the old coot would be gone soon anyway. "If that's all, I intend to depart. I promised Madam Pomfrey several cauldrons of Headache Reliever for her stocks, which I have yet the time to bre-" Severus was cut off by three letters popping into existence in the room.
Two such letter hovered before himself, the other was held aloft near the Headmaster. All letters were sealed with the Ministry's rich purple wax stamp.
Severus reached forward to grasp his letters, watching as Albus whisked his nimbly from the air. Though the potions master suspected he knew what awaited Dumbledore in his, he was (worryingly) clueless as to his own missives.
He watched as the Headmaster face swiftly paled upon opening his letter. Severus wondered whether he would be better off outside this office once the Headmaster's outrage hit, but was given little opportunity when the office door flung open.
A frazzled looking Minerva stood in the entrance, eyes wide, a similar letter scrunched in her hand. Minerva shook her letter at Albus, her face fluctuating between confusion, fury and disbelief "What is the meaning of this, Albus?!" she said tremulously, voice high. "I've just received a letter from the Ministry stating that you have been temporarily removed from Hogwart's, pending an investigation into deliberate acts of child negligence! I have been elected as temporary Headmistress in your stead!" she exclaimed, back stiff.
Dumbledore, though obviously rattled, attempted to raise his hands in a placating manner. "Minerva, calm yourself. This inquiry is an unfortunate misunderstanding, which I expect to have cleared up immediately." He soothed.
Severus finally snapped, his face transforming into a vicious snarl "Unfortunate misunderstanding?" he hissed, stepped forward darkly, magic crackling around him. "I've seen the results of your meddling personally, Headmaster." Severus continued, dark eyes flashing "You deliberately placed, and left, Harry with those repulsive creatures you had the gall to call loving relatives." He said lowly, not hearing Minerva's sharply indrawn breath. He drew himself up to tower over the Headmaster. "And I can assure you now, the Ministry will not look to the other side once they've seen an account of Mr Potter's years there." He promised darkly.
Something flashed in Albus' sky blue eyes. " . . . I see that your recent account has been somewhat lacking in regards to Mr Potter, Severus my boy. I must admit, I am disappointed that you felt unable to come to me with these concerns." Dumbledore said sadly.
Severus faced him with hard, unflinching eyes. "My loyalties have, and always will be, to Lily and her son." He stated, not noticing as his wands magic flared, a response to the truth of his statement.
"That's fortunate, Snape" Came a gruff voice at the doorway "considering you're his Godfather."
Severus whipped around, face slack with shock. He took in the appearance of Alastor Moody and another Senior Auror. Moody limped in, his wooden leg clacking loudly on the tiled floor of the silent room, his partner following beside. An icy blue eye was fixed on Dumbledore as the other one swivelled wildly around the room.
"Don't mind we come in, do you Albus." Alastor growled, not pausing for a reply as he stalked forward. He flicked a glance at Severus as he passed and snorted, mouth tilting up in a laugh "Didn't take you for an idiot." He said "Forget how to open letters now, Snape? Get out of here, Amelia is over waiting for you at the Malfoy's." He grumbled, before passing by impatiently.
Severus stared blankly at the unopened letters in his hand, dazed and trying to process what Moody had just told him. . . He was Harry's Godfather?
Moody grunted, eying flickering to Severus' left forearm before turning back to Albus "Got eyes on you, Snape. Don't screw up." He shot out.
Minerva felt as though she had no idea what was going on. "Godfather? Severus?" she repeated from the side of the room disbelievingly, eying the letters in question.
Dumbledore, meanwhile, had frozen. The Headmaster understood immediately what that meant if the Ministry had uncovered Severus' legal relation to Harry. The Potter's Will had been read.
"Know what that means, don't yeh Albus?" Moody said dryly, his Auror partner snorted darkly.
Dumbledore pensively stared at Severus' letters. "This is a grave mistake. Harry needs the protections of those wards." He started
Severus snapped back to attention "Protection?!" he snarled, but Moody cut him off.
"Yell at him later." Moody shut him up. "Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, you are being brought to the Ministry under suspicion of deliberate child endangerment and neglect." He said in a flat voice.
"You will be placed in a Ministry holding unit, and your position as Headmaster will be suspended, until such a time as the Ministry can declare a verdict. You will surrender your wand and follow us," Moody's partner told Albus, closely monitoring the Headmaster for any signs of resistance.
Moody coarse voice filled the room "Clear?" he asked sardonically.
Albus met Alastor's eye calmly "Surely that's not necessary, Alastor." He said, standing up from his desk. "I have no qualms about coming in to clear up this debacle." He assured the men.
Moody's eyes sharpened. "Then you won't mind me following procedures, will you?" he growled, limping over.
Albus' eyes glistened with disappointment as he graciously passed his wand to Moody. "If you feel it is necessary, Alastor, if you feel it's necessary." He conceded. Moody carelessly passed over the wand to his partner, who jabbed Albus' wand with their own, encasing it in a bright blue sphere that hovered beside the Auror's.
"McGonagal!" Moody shouted, as his partner prepared to take Albus through the floo. The Auror's single eye sparkled with wry sense of humour he addressed the witch "You're the sexiest Headmistress I've ever met." He said, cackling. His crazy eye winking at the new Headmistress just before he gruffly followed the escorted Dumbledore through the floo.
Minerva choked on her spit before glaring furiously at the man. "Alastor!" she snapped a moment too late, as they disappeared from the flames. Furiously, she swirled to face Severus. "And you!" she exclaimed, her wand coming up to point straight at Severus. "What in good Merlin's name is going on?!" she demanded, but found her voice fading as she noticed Severus' ghostly pale face.
The potions masters hands trembled as they loosely clasped one of the opened letter's he'd been sent. Dark black eyes were wide with shock; his thin lips quivering.
Minerva's anger immediately deflated, and she quickly grew concerned as she observed her friends face. ". . . Severus?" she inquired, carefully.
Minerva barely heard his quiet words. "Godfather."
"What?" she asked, confused about the potions masters behaviour. The transfiguration professor heard a shaky, wet indrawn breath, that made her heart clench.
"Lily made me his Godfather." Severus choked as the tears started dripping down his pale face. The letter crinkled loudly, as he hands began to clutch the letter in tight fingers.
Minerva had no idea how to response. Any words she could have said felt dry in the back of her throat. Very rarely, in all the years she'd known Severus, had she seen his emotions anything less than perfectly controlled.
The potions master's (usually infallible) hands began to shake along with his breaths "I'm being made Harry's new Guardian." He choked, his dark eyes were glazed and unseeing.
". . . Severus, I'm sure you'll-" Minerva began, haltingly
Severus was on auto-pilot "Excuse me." he interrupted blankly, striding quickly towards the floo, his cloak swirling around him.
Severus paused in the Floo. Minerva reached out to him, unsure if she should let him leave in such a state. "Maybe you should-"
Severus was hardly aware of her "Malfoy Manor." He intoned.
Suddenly they were both whisked away, and Minerva stumbled into Severus' back as they were spat out in a another grate.
Minerva wondered for a moment why her friend hadn't moved forward. However she understood as she stood back up, her gaze immediately took note of the blonde Malfoy couple before them.
Severus' wide haunted eyes were locked with Lucius' composed one.
Narcissa, like Minerva, was instantly concerned about the potion masters behaviour. She walked up to the two professors, barely raising a surprised brow as she noticed the unexpected addition of the new Headmistress.
"Excellent, Severus." She said "you've returned. Come sit down, I'll pour the coffee."
Severus jerked automatically forward "Harry?" he questioned
"Is fine, and currently playing with Draco in his rooms. Amelia has already discussed this all with him, and has left the paperwork here for you to fill out, should you accept." Narcissa said, gesturing calmly to the pile of papers that would be automatically authenticated and sent to the Ministry upon signing. "I'm quite sure Draco has already been singing your praises." She added with amusement.
Severus' eyes swung to the unassuming pile of papers, with a gaze so absorbed one might assume they were a potential threat to life and limb.
"Unfortunately you only have until midnight tonight to accept, that's the longest Harry can go without an officially labelled Guardian on his records." She regretfully informed the man, wishing she could provide him with a longer time frame with which to decide.
Severus nodded. Not taking his eyes off the parchments, he gravitated unthinkingly towards the table.
Should he accept? Would Harry even want him to accept? Surely he would be better off with the Malfoy's. . .
"S-Sir. . .?" a hesitant voice called out quietly from their left.
The adults all turned towards the doorway, bar Severus who instantly froze, his hand held aloft above the papers he'd unconsciously been reaching for.
"Can . . .can I c-call you Godfather? Please?" a voice came trailed off in a nervous whisper from the entrance.
After a moment that stretched for eternity, black eyes flickered up and met timid, agonizingly unsure, green orbs.
Severus' heart constricted painfully in his chest as he was met that gaze. They were yet another pair of green eyes that he could never be able to willingly disappoint. The whole room, including Severus, watched (completely absorbed) as Harry's face illuminated in sheer happiness when the potion masters head dipped in a nod.
Hesitatingly, dark eyes unsure, Severus opened his arm in an obvious invitation. Harry froze in shock, eyes wide with disbelief. The raven stumbled forward into the room; walking, then running towards the dark man. Harry willingly flung himself into his Godfather's chest, the warmest sensation of content brewing in his chest, as the man's arms carefully encircled him. Harry had never felt so safe and secure, and he prayed, to whatever god would listen, that for once (just once) this feeling wouldn't be snatched away from him again. Don't leave me. Please, just stay with me.
The arms around him tightened, and Harry suddenly realised he'd spoken aloud, when his Godfather replied in a low soft voice.
"Always." Severus said, the word a promise to Harry and the girl who would always be his childhood friend.