Thanks for all your reviews and support throughout this story. This chapter has been so difficult to write. I got writer's block a gazillion times and scratched the chapter three times before posting it; I wanted it to be just right.

Lastly Harry Potter and Co. belong to Rowling.

Chapter 8. Runaways and the God-father

The school was in an uproar. Harry Potter would be the fourth participant in the famous Goblet of Fire Tournament. No one, except for Snape who knew Harry's record for the impossible could believe it.

After Dobby had told the Potions Master what had happened Snape wondered in disgust how in the world he had lost control of his life? He was bonded to a brat, albeit a powerful one, hounded by the psychotic do gooder Albus Dumbledore, his dark mark was practically searing his arm off and Longbottom still walked the earth. Life was clearly not fair.

He had recovered enough to be present at the tournament's drawing. When he heard Harry's name called he mused at how unsurprised he actually was.

He had watched the youth closely but the boy said nothing as shouts and gasps of surprise erupted through out the hall. Snape worried about the boy's lack of response but he could do nothing. He lingered after the drawing and saw Harry watching Albus with a look of pure hatred on his face. Albus soon noticed the look but when he tried to move towards the boy, Harry walked out quickly with Ron following him closely behind.

Ignoring his colleagues who seemed intent on making stupid comments, Snape slipped out minutes later.

The Headmaster played the perfect host to the other schools but he did not forget Harry's look or fail to notice Snape's hasty departure.

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Harry walked out in a daze with Ron in tow. He needed time to think, time to settle down to decide what he was going to do and how he was going to do it. He had panicked when he saw the Headmaster followed by Hermione walking towards him. He had simply lost all self-control and walked out.

Ron was scared for Harry so he stuck close to him. After the outburst he had witnessed topped by the drawing of his friend's name, he could not understand how Harry could be so calm. If Ron had taken a closer look, he would see the slight tremor in his friend's hands. Ron looked back and noticed Hermione trying to catch up but after endless turns and stairs, they lost her. Harry paused in mid stride and looked at Ron. Something in his stand told Ron that his friend had made up his mind about something.

Harry knew he could not remain here. He could not be under Dumbledore's watchful eye, not anymore. He took one of the secret passages that led to Griffyndor rooms and thanked God it was empty. He walked over to his chest and flipping it open took out an album, which he shrunk and put in his pocket. He looked for his invisibility cloak but could not find it. He had hoped that he had placed it in his trunk and had simply forgotten but now he knew he had lost it on the train or worse in the forbidden forest. He felt his robe's pocket and was glad that he still carried the Marauders' Map. He looked around the room and finally turned to face his friend who watched him nervously.

Ron had never been more worried for Harry. "Let's go by the lake Ron." Harry said invitingly.

"o…ok. Mate." Ron answered following Harry.

They left the dormitory and walked in the direction of the main exit when Harry suddenly turned right and then left again and walked straight for Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Once inside he saw Ron eyeing him suspiciously.

"Don't mean to burst your bubble mate but this is not the lake."

Harry smiled, "I know Ron I said that incase anyone was listening."

"How do you know no one is listening here mate?"

"I'll show you. Myrtle! I'm here to visit." Said Harry turning from Ron.

"HARRY!" came the loud cry before a splash was heard at one of the toilets and Myrtle jumped out.

"Is anyone listening in Myrtle?" asked Harry.

"Most certainly not!... I would tell you." cooed Myrtle mooning over Harry, Ron looked away and rolled his eyes.

"Why the secrecy Harry?" asked Ron getting nervous with Myrtle there. The ghost did not like Ron and was eyeing him rudely.

"I'm leaving and Myrtle is going to help me."

"Harry are you sure?" asked Ron his eyes going wide.

"Yes, this is it."

"But if you go I won't see you again." Moaned Myrtle.

"As soon as I get to where I'm going you can come and haunt my house if you like. You'll always be welcome wherever I'm at." Harry said smiling at the pouting girl.

"Really? Oh thank you! You are so nice to me.," cried Myrtle dancing around Harry.

Ron opened his mouth but shut it again he wanted to say something, to do something he wanted to help his friend in some way. Ron had always felt guilty, he more than anyone else knew how Harry was treated by his muggle relatives. Ron had always wanted to tell someone but he could never gather the courage to do so, it would have felt too much like betrayal. "I'll go with you." volunteered Ron impulsively.

"No, your parents would worry."

"Where will you go?"

"Away, far away. I hope" Harry had never felt so sure about something and if it weren't for the headache and the burning sensation inside he would actually feel happy.

"But you love Hogwarts. Talk to the Headmaster maybe things aren't that bad. Maybe--"tried Ron.

"Maybe what? He fucking knew! All that crock about sacrifices and responsibilities is just crap. And now this tournament! Who arranged my name to be the fourth drawn from the Goblet? Dumbledore? Voldermort? The Ministry? It sure as hell wasn't an accident! Ron I have two families and I can't be with either one because someone other than me decided against it. I'm not staying Ron and I'M NOT TALKING TO DUMBLEDORE!"

"Ok ok…I'm sorry I said it. I just want to do something for you mate. Hey, maybe my Dad can help!"

"He works for the Ministry he'd be fired. Now go." Harry pleaded.

"I'll miss you mate." Ron said and ran out of the bathrooms. To avoid anyone Ron headed for Fred and George's potion room where he remained until dinnertime.

"Me too." Harry said sadly. Straightening his robes, he walked over to the snake adorned sink and ordered it to open in parsletongue.

"Myrtle if anybody asks you anything-"

"I didn't see a thing. I think I'll go and spend some time with Peeves. We can play some jokes on people." Myrtle said smiling wickedly.

"Good. I have a question; the basilisk tunnel has three exits which one takes me to the shrieking shack?" his Godfather had mentioned that there was a tunnel coming from the shack that led to an enormous snake pit, as far as he knew the Basilisk was enormous. Harry, wanted to see his Godfather but knew he would have to be careful, Dumbledore would surely have him watched once his disappearance was made public.

"The middle one, but the basilisk left an offspring. It's small now." Myrtle informed him.

"It left off spring. Does Dumbledore know?"

"Oh yes he left it there to guard the tunnels. She's lonely just like me."

"Yes, he would do something like that. Thanks for everything Myrtle. Watch yourself; I hope to get a place to stay so you can come over. "Harry said. In all honesty, he would miss the lonely ghost. She reminded him of himself.

"All right, I'll be waiting. Oh one more thing if you name the Basilisk she'll only listen to you."

Harry looked back at Myrtle, the ghost smirked and it reminded him of Snape, he winked at her in understanding and jumped into the opening.

Bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb

Harry walked through the tunnel; his wand lighting the way. He was half way through the tunnel when he heard the hissing of the new Basilisk. He stopped and called out to the reptile. "Hello."

"Who arrrre you?" Came the hissing response.

Harry turned around trying to gather where the voice was coming from but saw nothing. "I'm sorry to disturb you." he offered politely.

"You arrrrrre not dissssssturbing me. Who arrrre you that ssssspeaksssss to me?" asked the reptile.

"I'm Harry and you?" he asked still unable to focus on where the voice was coming from.

"I don't have a name."

"Dumbledore didn't give you one?"

"He can't sssssspeak to me. He thinkssss me evvvvvvil. I wassss a hatchhhhling when he ffffffound me."

"But you are not evil" stated Harry looking for the snake.

"Nooooo, I onlyyyyyy protectsss."

"I see."

"Name me." the Basilisk said. She did not like the tunnels and wanted to be away. But she could only do so if she was bound to someone. No one had ever come through this tunnel until now; she could not let this opportunity go by.

"Ok…. how about….Cecilia Slyfer."

"SSSSessssiliiiiaaaaa SSSSSlyferrrrrr, I likessssss dddddat."

"I'm glad you do. Cecilia where are you?"

"looooksss dddddown I'm bbbbby your rrrrright foot."

Harry looked down but as much as he tried, he couldn't spot the basilisk. "I'm sorry but I don't see you."

"dontssss movvve I will go to youuuuuu."

Harry felt something sliver up his foot and then attach itself to his leg. He stood quite still and felt it slithering up his chest, he moved his wand and there it was a thin black snake about twelve inches long looking straight at him.

"Hello Cecilia. I'm very pleased to meet you."

"likewissse."

"I'm on my way out of this tunnel would you like to come."

"Yesssssss. Masssster Harrry"

"Just Harry, ok?"

"okayssss." Said the Basilisk getting comfortable around his neck.

"where'ssss we going?"

"Away little one."

"Good."AnsweredCecilia. He chatted to the snake easily and he soon forgot the burning sensation and the weariness inside. His hands, which sometimes trembled, seemed to be doing all right too. Cecilia had the ability to camouflage herself that's why Harry had been unable to spot her. Well that could certainly come in handy, though Harry.

Cecilia liked her master he was young and would live many years. She knew his heart was good and he would care for her and understand her nature. Not like that cold Dumbledore who could not even speak to her and had shunned her because he thought she was evil.

Harry continued his walk and soon found himself before a staircase carved out of the stone. He climbed the stairs; they emptied into another tunnel that ran a good mile and a half. By this time, Harry was beginning to feel nauseous and overwhelmed by the need to go back. He reached the end of the tunnel and found himself before a heavyset door. He pushed at the door and after a bit of struggle managed to open it. He stepped inside the small cellar and leaned heavily on the door. He was so tired; he felt the tug inside and the burning which was slowly getting worse his hands were trembling slightly again. "Are you okayssss Harrry?" asked Cecilia sensing her Master's exhaustion.

"Just a bit tired. I'll be glad when we rest for the night." He answered tiredly.

Snape put Harry's invisibility cloak to good use and made it outside of Hogwarts in record time. Concentrating deeply he released the magic of the bond to guide him to Harry. He was a little surprised when it took him to the Shrieking Shack's tiny cellar. The boy was not there but he heard and felt the boy's presence on the other side of a heavy door. He waited patiently under the cloak.

When he saw the door open he finally laid eyes on Harry, the boy was a mess. He looked like he was about to pass out from exhaustion his hair was matted and his face was covered in sweat. He looked to thin, too pale and too weak, he was clearly not well. Snape fought down the overwhelming need to rush forward and comfort the boy.

Harry opened his eyes, "we're half way there Ceci." He had made it to the shrieking shack now he could try to apparate away.

"Harry sssomeone'sss in the rooooom." Harry immediately drew his wand. Snape wasted no time and blew it from his hand. The boy looked ready to run.

"Mr. Potter don't you there move!" ordered Snape removing the cloak.

"You!"

"Yes me."

"I'm not going back Snape," answered Harry. His mind made up.

"I do not have a problem dragging you."

"Nor I" said a third voice behind Harry, before he was struck down by a blinding light that hit him in the chest. Harry lay unmoving at Snape's feet.

"How dare you!" thundered the Potion's Master moving forward. The son of a bitch had hexed Harry in front of him, he was going to pay!

"Enough Severus, it's not like you actually care." said Dumbledore making his way into the tiny room.

"There was no need."

"Yes there was. It seems that I will have to deal with Harry in the same way I deal with you." said the Headmaster pointing his wand at Harry.

"I won't allow it. He is my bonded, no one has the right."

"Yes I know and I've been giving that some thought and I have come to the conclusion that you may be more of a hindrance than a help to the light. I will formally request custody of Harry on Monday. I am after all the Headmaster a man of standing and honor."

"No one will support you. Doing away with a bond is a criminal act not even you would get away with it. It could kill him."

"Oh it won't be easy but you and Harry need to learn that the self does not matter when we are fighting for the light. I'm sure there are enough judges in Family Affairs Ministry that I can persuade to help me. Nothing has been made public; the bond is at the first stage. Harry has not accepted you a second time so there is still time to rectify the situation."

Snape had never felt such rage in his life and before he could stop himself he raised his wand and cast an unmentionable curse at Dumbledore. The Headmaster was caught off guard and had no time to defend himself. Snape heard the Headmaster's cries and doubled the power on the curse until he saw Dumbledore pass out. Snape then cast a Silencio spell followed by a Devil's Snare and then walked over to Harry; the boy was unconscious his expression pained and sweating profusely. He looked back at Dumbledore, no sense in going back to Hogwarts now. He debated whether to kill the old man there and then, but the bastard's death would bring too many problems their way. He could see the headlines "EX-DEATH EATER KIDNAPS HARRY POTTER AND KILLS HERO!" no it wouldn't do.

Severus made up his mind, he decided to go to the only person who could help him at this stage. Dumbledore was not the only one around who knew people.

"Dobby!" Snape bellowed.

"Yes master Snape." Came the answer from the corner where Dobby apparated a second later.

"Master Harry!" shouted Dobby scurrying to the fallen boy.

"Don't come near him. You will not go near Harry until you can prove your worth as a house elf. Go to Hogwarts pack everything that belongs to Potter and me; take it to Snake Manor on Specter Mountain, once there you will prepare the house for both of us. Have everything ready and do not be seen!"

"Yes Master." Answered Dobby sparing Dumbledore a glance before he apparated to do his Master's bidding.

Snape looked at Harry. Something was not right. The boy's reaction was too soon and too concentrated. He felt the boy's face and it was burning his hand traveled to the side of his throat to feel for a pulse and touched what seemed like a necklace, taking a closer look Snape was surprised to see that it was not a necklace but a snake that had tied itself loosely around the boy's neck and was hissing at him. Snape opened his mind and sent a no danger message to the reptile. The reptile did nothing after that but watched Snape closely. A pet, thought Snape. Harry was a parseltongue after all.

Severus worried. Harry's symptoms were those of a wizard coming into his magic, that of course was impossible Wizards never came into their magic until they turned seventeen; reason for which in the Wizarding World the age of consent was seventeen and not eighteen. Taking a deep breath Snape picked Harry up and apparated them away. Where to? To The Ministry of all places.

Hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

The Honorable Lord Gustavus Gribaldi sat in his office on a Saturday going over a list of new appointments for his department when he heard his wards break. He immediately stood drawing his wand and to his surprise saw none other than Professor Severus Snape, his estranged Godson with the unmistakable Harry Potter in his arms.

"Severus you have an explanation I'm sure." Lord Gribaldi said looking from his Godson to the boy lowering his wand.

"I do sir. I've come to register the bond between myself and Mr. Potter." explained Snape carrying Harry to a near couch.

"You are bonded to Harry Potter?" asked the judge incredulously.

"No, Harry Potter is bonded to me." answered Snape taking his robe and covering the shivering boy with it.

"The-boy-who-lived?"

"Yes and I need the bond registered and made public before anyone tries to interfere."

"Who would?"

"Albus Dumbledore and his following. I am an Ex-Death Eater."

"ex- would be the key in that sentence Seves but people have long memories when it suits them. Was the bond natural?"

"It came about from a potions accident The perfect bonding potion."

"This is not good. You're history will be challenged just as Black's was. Of course he was guilty and went to Azkaban for It." the judge finished more to himself than his Godson.

"I need your help. Dumbledore has plans for Mr. Potter he intends to use him in his fight with The Dark Lord. He is bonded to me and I won't allow it, so he intends to challenge me in court."

"Albus can not challenge your right Harry is your bonded; besides he is just a boy."

"He can certainly try. Potter was a mere toddler when he did away with the Dark Lord. I need the bond registered so I can take over as Mr. Potter's guardian and have a say so in this."

"I understand. What is wrong with him?" the older Wizard asked.

"Everything. I believe he is under a spell right now to bring him into his magic."

"Impossible!"

"Not at all. He has all the signs."

"Very well Seves I will call a special meeting to review the matter today. Meanwhile let me get the Medi-Wizard in here I want him examined thoroughly. There's a private room through that door with enough space so you can transfigure a bed for the boy" Said the older Wizard moving to the chimney where he proceeded to contact the other judges and a healer. Snape sighed in relief and hoped they would be ok. This was the only way they would be able to get out of this alive.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

"Well?" Snape asked the Medi-wizard as the healer came out of the room shutting the door.

"I'm afraid the boy is suffering from a series of things. He is small for his age and is seriously under weight. He has bruises, which seem to be healing; I was able to notice them only after I did away with the glamorie charms he had on. I can identify at least one broken rib, and two breaks on his right arm, at least two years old so they are both healed. There is some trauma to the head. His shoulder is in bad shape seems to be sprained. There is a slight tremor in his hands, which seems to be emotional. He is under great stress, he needs rest, a proper diet and some very close looking after. The place where he was prior to this clearly offered none of theses things. The last thing is that he definitely has the symptoms of someone who will soon come into his magic."

"Wizards come in to their magic until they are seventeen." Snape gritted out.

"Could this condition be induced?" Asked Snape's Godfather.

"As a matter of fact it was."

"Could Professor Snape do it?" The judge felt his Godson's glare but did not flinch. The question had to be asked.

"I don't know but I do know that he didn't do it. Sorry, but I cast a magic diagnostic over you when I sawHarry's symptoms. The magic used to induce the condition does not match his."

"Coming into one's magic is a difficult process can the boy tolerate it?" The Judge was seriously worried he had come close to death's door himself when he had turned seventeen. The boy did not seem to be holding up well.

"I doubt it. He is clearly not healthy I don't think he has been healthy for a while. I'm certain that the only thing that has kept him going is magic. I have given him a number of strengthening potions as well as cast healing spells on almost every part of his body. "

"What can be done to help?" Severus asked. Harry needed to survive coming into his magic so the bond could be completed.But if that were to happen they would have to complete the bond three years earlier than planned. The idea made him cringe. Harry was only fourteen, watching the Medi-Wizard and his Godfather he could tell that same thought had entered their minds too. Well he wouldn't do it! They would both just die that's all.

ddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd

Their discussion was interrupted as the chimney turned a dark green and the other Judges walked into the room, four Wizards and two Witches to be exact. Lord Gustavus walked over to them.

"Your Honors, thank you for coming on such a short notice."

"No need to apologize Lord Gribaldi. I'm sure this meeting must be very important."

"It is Lady Pennyfield. Your Honors please let me introduce you to Lord Severus Sylvane Snape and the Healer Maximus Salvatori.

"Severus Snape from Hogwarts?"

"Yes your honor." Answered Snape facing a short plump Wizard in purple robes.

"You came up with the populous ports potion?" prompted the round Wizard.

"Yes, I did it's one of my latest potions."

"It is truly a brilliant potion, so very few potion masters can work with ingredients as volatile and delicate as you. Impressive work. Truly impressive." Said the Wizard.

"Thank you your Honor." Said Snape surprised that any one knew about his potions.

"Your Honors," said the Judge to all in the room," I have called you here to request your time in reviewing a case that has been brought to my attention. I ask you all to accompany me to the audience room so we may begin." with that the Wizards filed out of the room.

"I will remain until I am needed." Said the Healer not wanting to leave his patient.

"Professor Snape please remain here too," said The Judge before he left after the others.

Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

"Come with me Professor," said the Healer leading Snape to the other room where Potter lay.

"This is a very delicate situation," explained the Medi-Wizard standing over Harry moving his wand to track any changes.

"That's the understatement of the millennium!" growled Severus, "are you sure there is nothing we can do?" asked Snape racking his brain for any potion that might help stop Harry's condition.

The Healer was lost in thought and did not answer immediately. "We could balance the age- magic or try to at least," Added the Medi-Wizard thoughtfully.

"Balance the age-magic what's that?"

"In layman terms, take three years from you lad and give'em to him. He would then be three years older magically and physically and you would be three years younger. It would give him the mental and physical stability needed to come into his magic and then the bond could be completed." Yes, the boy would then be seventeen physically, his magic control would be more mature, more grounded and he would be in better shape when he came into his magic.

"It sounds too easy and nothing is that easy."

"It's not but the only other choice is to let him ride it out unassisted." Neither said anything else for a while. They sat down on either side of the bed and waited. The wait proved to be a long one.

The room became silent except for a rustling of blankets coming from Harry as he turned on his side and opened his eyes wearily.

"I feel awful." He mumbled before he passed out again. Snape opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by his Godfather who came back his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"It's done Seves. You need to come with me now to sign all the necessary forms and doctor we will need a sample of the boy's blood as well as your testimony."

"Of course your honor let me get the sample for you."

Snape rose and walked after his Godfather. The only man that had ever loved him had not let down. He felt his emotions surface but he pushed them back down and walked alongside the man in grateful silence.

"I did not mention Dumbledore. To do so would only lead to more questions and situations that you will have difficulty proving. He is a hero; half of the judges owe him a favor in one way or another so I mentioned Harry's Muggle Relatives and you finding out about their treatment and wanting to have him in your care. That he is coming into his magic sooner than he is supposed to only makes the matter more urgent. The Judges are all in agreement than he should be with you as your bonded. You will wait for him to mature emotionally though before the bond is completed or the Ministers will not sign." The last part had been said as an order and warning and made the Potions Master stop.

Snape heard the words but was not offended. His Godfather was not saying it to be insulting. Harry Potter was a child that had slipped through the crack of their system and as much as the old Wizard might care for Seves, as he called him affectionately, he felt compelled to protect the child first.

"The healer has a possible treatment for Mr. Potter's conditionandI can assure you thatI will do nothing that may injure him in any way Sir."

"Good. You must come to me for anything either one of you may need. After all this is settled we must not lose touch again Seves." Said the older Wizard.

"Yes sir, I'm sure Mr. Potter would like to make your acquaintance."

It was nearly night when all the papers had been signed and the final bond contract with Snape's and Harry's blood was registered, witnessed, and approved by all the Ministers of Family Affairs. Snape received a copy of the document, while the Ministry kept the original, which would be locked away in their vault.

Half an hour later Snape apparated with Harry to Snape Manor.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Minerva walked to the Headmaster's office it was almost dinnertime and he still had not made an appearance. She had played hostess to the other schools most of the afternoon but it would be an insult if he were not at dinner. She climbed the spiral staircase, opened the door, and to her surprise found the office empty. Where had he gone? She heard the bell announcing dinner and rushed out hoping the Headmaster would arrive in time.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Ronald knew it was dinnertime because his stomach was grumbling like there was no tomorrow. He slowly made his way out of his brothers' potion lab and walked to the common room for some food. He had been lucky so far Hermione had not found him. That luck ran out as soon as he turned the corner.

"Ronald!"

"Oh crap!" Exclaimed Ron rolling his eyes.

"Where is he? Asked Hermione angrily.

"Where's who?" asked Ron stalling her.

"Harry, don't act dumb with me!"

"Don't know. Do I look like his keeper or something?" asked Ron defensively.

"You were with him at the drawing."

"So?"

"So where is he?"

"LIKE YOU BLOODY CARE!" Shouted Ron back.

"I'M HIS FRIEND RONALD"

"THEN ACT LIKE IT!... Look it seems to me Hermione that lately you have been more worried about looking good in front of Dumbledore than being his friend."

"I have not!"

"Yes you have! All you really care about is making the grade and getting good recommendations."

"That's not true!"

"Isn't it? Then why threaten me." Asked Ron cornering her.

"The Headmaster knows best Ronald." Said Hermione defending herself.

"I disagree and you can't stand it. Respecting the man doesn't mean he's always right. He can make mistakes too. Now get out of my way I'm hungry!" Said Ron pushing past her.

"Ronald! Ronald Weasley come back here! Ronald!" Shouted Hermoine furiously. Ronald ignored her and continued walking. He missed Harry already. It was going to be a very long year.

Neither teen noticed Draco Malfoy standing behind a suit of armor.

Adaddadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadad

Albus slowly came to and found he was unable to move or speak. Snape that greasy bat had hexed him good. It took him a whole hour an a half before he could actually free himself of the Devil's Snare and another half hour before he could break the silenciospell. Severus had certainly improved his spells, thought Dumbledore.

Looking at his pocket watch he noticed it was half an hour past dinner. He quickly apparated to Hogwarts' entrance and then walked to the main hall where he found an uproar, The-Boy Who-Lived and the Potions Master were both missing.

Well there it is,FINALLY! HOPE YOU LIKE THE TWISTS...THANKS FOR READING NOW REVIEW!