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Harry Potter and Co. belong to Rowling.
Chapter 15. Arguements, Acceptance,and Blood Ties I...
Remus and Sirius were equally aghast by Harry's appearance, what the hell had happened? Sirius was even more thrown off when he felt Harry struggling to pull away from their embrace. "Harry it's Siri what's wrong?" Sirius asked meaning to touch Harry's arm.
"Sorry Sir. I'm just tired is all," said Harry weakly pulling away.
Harry couldn't believe Snape had actually kept his word. Had he been wrong about the man? He was too confused to really decide right now. He felt the man's presence in his mind and wished their contact was not so intimate. It was easier to keep someone at bay when that someone was not encased in your mind. He needed to talk to him but was not crazy about bearing his secrets to his former Professor. He tried not to get emotional and locked down his emotions; he did not want an outburst that might bring Snape to his side.
"Harry? Are you ok?" Remus asked.
Harry shrugged and looked up at both men and wished he were elsewhere he had wanted them safe but now that they were here he felt an odd embarrassment at being so weak and trapped. Harry looked down and seeing the wedding ring put his hands in his pockets. "Sure, I'm just having trouble…getting used to the idea."
"We spoke to Snape about it. Not that I'm for it but there's nothing that can be done to reverse the situation." Sirius said trying to sound sympathetic.
"I was hoping, I had hoped…" tried Harry sighing in frustration, "that you might be able to help me with this."
"We wanted to help you and thought that it could be done by taking you away but that's not only impossible but stupid. Neither you nor he would be able to survive without each others presence." Remus explained.
"I never feel well and things are getting worse. Snape makes decisions and informs me after the fact. I feel like all he wants to do is control me."
"Harry I honestly think Severus is trying to do everything to make you more comfortable." Remus offered sympathetically. He wished he could help him but nothing could be done except lend support and reassure him that he could count on them. "Once the bond is completed, things will get better." Remus added while Sirius snorted in disbelief he was rewarded with a murderous glare from Remus.
"He doesn't have a choice, does he?" asked Harry looking at Sirius and feeling the wedding band on his finger.
"No Harry, he doesn't. He's in this just as much as you are." Sirius answered reminding himself to be understanding. "Harry you are having magical outbursts that are causing you more and more harm, they're leaving you overly sensitive to everything that's done or said. Your mind is suffering and that's normal incases such as these."
Harry eyed his Godfather and and changed the subject, "You are taken care of?" Severus was in the manor and the thought of him being so close was making him dizzy.
"Yes thank you Harry. It's all been such a surprise I still don't know how you and Severus managed to get us here." Exclaimed Sirius in awe.
"He didn't do it I did."
"Harry you got us out of Azkaban! How!" Remus asked looking at Black in shock.
"I wanted you here. I didn't want you to suffer because of me."
"Harry we were caught because Sirius is wanted not because of you." Interjected Remus.
"No you were caught because I left Hogwarts and Dumbledore was going to teach me a lesson. So he set you up," said Harry forcefully not allowing the wizards a word edgewise. "I'm going to be an adult after tomorrow. Snape's Godfather is going to cast the age magic balance spell this afternoon." Harry informed smirking like Snape.
"He told you?" asked Sirius.
Harry grimaced bitterly and got up. "He told me he would do it, he didn't say when, he doesn't tell me anything unless he really has to. I can see into his mind although not to the same degree that he can." He said waving his hand sarcastically around the room, the wedding band catching the light in mid wave.
"What's that?" Sirius asked walking up to Harry, taking the boy's hand before he had a chance to pull away. Harry looked at his Godfather wanting to run away and hide. The inane idea of lying to the Wizard crossed his mind but he was not given the chance to do so.
"I would think that is obvious." Severus said from the door holding his own hand up. Both wizards looked from them to each other. Yes the answer was obvious.
"Sirius." Remus warned. Sirius just looked at Harry and kept his mouth shut. It was just a question, he thought mutinously.
"You look better." Snape said eyeing Harry critically. The youth smirked and pulled his hand from his Godfather's grasp and tucked it under his robes.
"A whole lot you know!" answered Harry rudely.
"I don not understand why somebody who is old enough to know better chooses to behave like a spoiled five year old!"
"You bastard!" Harry said making Remus wince. Severus looked at Harry furiously. How dare he!.
"LEAVE US." Snape thundered, he had just had enough with Harry's little tantrums.
"Sirius he needs to talk to Harry." said Remus motioning for Sirius to follow.
"I'm not leaving." Sirius said folding his arms and sitting down.
"I'm not staying so you can berate me like a small child." Harry announced furiously starting for the door.
"Take the mutt out here Lupin before I throw him out." Threatened Severus, "As for you, you are staying put." Severus said pulling Harry back.
"Sirius come on let's go they need to talk things out."
"I'm not going anywhere! He doesn't need to be screamed at." Sirius said pulling away from Remus. Snape had had enough; the room was charmed to remove unwanted company. Visitanti expellus! Snape called out and the room proceeded to push both Remus and Sirius towards the door. Remus cooperated walking a little faster to avoid being pulled out. Sirius on the other hand was a different matter and was dragged out feet first. Harry tried to go after them but was forcefully pulled back by Snape. When both Wizards were removed the door was shut smartly behind them.
"Why did you do that? Let me go!" Harry shouted at Severus trying to pull away from him.
"No I won't. We need to talk and get some things straight!"
"Leave me alone!" Harry struggled trying to get free.
"Is that really what you want? Do you want me to leave?" Severus asked with double meaning. The question made Harry stop and think. Severus gone! No!
"No…" Whispered Harry shaking his head frightened that the Wizard might actually leave him.
"I'm fighting for both of us. You are too unstable to make any decisions? Once the spell is past and you come into your magic you will think clearly, but for now I will continue in charge."
"You were listening!"
"You broadcast everything like a muggle radio! It's pretty hard not to." Snape shouted letting Harry go.
Harry opened his mouth to speak but could not find the words and shoved his shaking hands in his pockets. he looked to the door and took a step towards it.
"Don't even think about it we're talking wether you like it or not."
Severus waited watching Harry struggle with himself and decided to help him. "Sit down." He said and walked to a table on the far left of the room where with a wave of his wand he apparated several potions. He took a calming potion and mixed it with some warm tea and carried it over to Harry who looked at him warily. "Drink it, it'll help you relax." Severus offered.
Harry who felt his hands trembling again shook his head. "No thank you I'm feeling better."
"I feel everything you are feeling and you are not better. Drink it." He said offering the cup once more; he himself had taken a full dose because he was constantly being flooded with Harry's emotions.
"Drink it." He ordered more firmly but not angrily.
Harry looked from the cup to him, "I can't."
"You can't. Why?" Asked Snape frowning.
"My hands are trembling, I'll drop it."
"Show me."
Harry grimaced and slowly took his hands out from his pockets. Severus looked at the trembling and placing the tea cup on a table took Harry's hands in his. He whispered something under his breath and seconds later the trembling began to ease slightly but did not go away completely.
"How long have you had this?" Snape frowned; the spell should have eliminated the trembling.
"Since last year."
"School year or summer?"
"What does that have to do with it?"
"Just answer the question."
"School year." Harry blurted out wanting to change the subject as the trembling got worse again.
"Harry Potter Snape, tell me the truth." Harry winced at the Snape part and tried to pull away but he found himself trapped and reluctantly answered "the Summer."
Snape nodded and took the cup and lifted it to Harry's lips, for once he did not argue and drank it down. The effect was immediate and he felt a calm wash over him.
"Do you feel better?"
"Yes." he answered feeling pleasantly light headed.
"You think I am keeping things from you but I am not. In seven days time you will be ready for the next step and once that's done I can only say that I will hold off until I feel you are ready to complete the bond. You speak of the bond as something you can control but that's impossible, it's time you understood and accepted that fact so we can move on."
"I don't feel anything for you and neither do you."
"Is that what this is all about? Our minds, magic, our essences will be bound for ever and there's nothing anyone can do to prevent that. If that doesn't bring about any feelings then nothing will." He smirked sarcastically.
Harry knew Severus was speaking the truth; he felt his sarcastic sincerity and clung to it.
"It's normal that you should be nervous and insecure. It's a crucial step in anyone's life..." Severus beganhoping Harry would take the initiative and tell him about his Uncle. What Harry had confessed in his last outburst had confirmed his suspicions and Severus needed to address the situation before anything else happened.
Harry heard Severus's words and struggled on what to do. No body knew! But this was different, right? They would be together. He would eventually find out, right? Taking a deep breath he blurted it out before his bravery deserted him, "That's just it! I have! And I hated it."
Snape maintained a neutral face trying his hardest not to scare Harry off, "You're fourteen, how is that possible?"
"I DIDN'T LIKE IT!" Whispered Harry angrily.
"Did you take the initiative?"
"The initiative? No! I didn't want to." Harry cried running his trembling hands through his hair.
"Listen to me carefully and answer my question honestly and understand now that whatever your answer may be i will not blame you. You did the best you could under the circumstances."
Harry nodded worriedly.Harry knew he would not get out of this room unless he told the truth. and a big part of him wanted to tell the truth, no matter what anyone felt.
"Were you forced?"
Harry tried not to think about it but the memory came alive. "He wouldn't stop!"
"It was over the summer. Was it your Uncle?" Snape asked moving to hold Harry close.
"Yes, that's why I wanted to go with Sirius in my third year. But Dumbledore wouldn't allow it and he sent me back… he said we all had to make sacrifices! He saidI deserved it! It was my fault!I should'vestopped it! ButI couldn't! It was my fault! He said it was! It hurt and I couldn't make him stop!" mumbled Harry desperately into Snape's chest.
"Has it happened again?" he asked quietly not wanting to alarm him.
"Yes the next day and two weeks before I came here. I don't like it. I don't want it."
"What happened was not your fault you did nothing to ask for it! It wasrape and not what will happen between us. I can never hurt you, it's impossible. A bond like ours has a physical aspect that can not be ignored but I will do everything in my power to help you overcome this." Snape said looking down at Harry who clung to him even tighter. "I will always be there to protect you, I will never leave you alone, I don't care what the situation is but you must trust me or we're both lost." he finished running his hand through Harry's messy hair. Harry closed his eyes tightly and nodded wordlessly.
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After Sirius and Lupin had been shown the door Sirius had tried to get back into the room but was blasted against the wall. It took Remus all of his strength and persuasive skills to finally drag Sirius away.
Lord Gustavus was walking towards the library when he heard them arguing and decided to introduce himself before the two men did each other any harm.
"Don't do that again!" Shouted Sirius pulling away from Remus.
"We are here to help Harry not interfere with their bond!"
"He was screaming at him!"
"I'm not saying it was right but what are you going to do every time they have an argument? Do a sit in?"
"I was trying to help!"
"You were butting in!"
"What ever Moony!"
"You don't get it do you, didn't you hear what he said! He pulled us out Azkaban! Him, he's fourteen! Have you ever heard of such power!"
"Harry is gifted, I know that!"
"Getting all owls on your school report is gifted, breaking two people out of Azkaban and killing who knows how many Dementors is something else!"
"I'm not an idiot! You act as if-"
"Excuse me. I hope I am not interrupting." Asked a voice from the end of the hall.
"Who are you?" asked Sirius immediately on guard.
"I am Lord Gustavus Gribaldi. Severus' Godfather." The Lord said with a small bow.
"He's got a Godfather!" exclaimed Sirius with a snort.
"Enough! You are worse than a child sometimes! You made an oath keep it!" shouted Remus furiously at his best friend's lack of manners. "You are in the man's house and he is taking care and protecting your Godson, the least you can do is be civil!"
"Oh stick it Moony!" shouted Sirius turning on his friend.
"I gather you and my Godson are not friends." Remarked the older Wizard dryly. Lord Gustavus was a good man, a gentleman in Muggle terms but he would not tolerate insults against his Godsaonespecially in his own home.
"My apologies Lord Gribaldi, it's just that Severus and Harry were arguing and we were alarmed by it. We did not intend any disrespect to your Godson." Remus apologized looking pointedly at Sirius who none too courteously finally gave in.
"Oh all right. My apologies Lord Gustavus I just don't like seeing Harry upset."
"Maybe it would help if you understood that neither does Severus." Sirius had enough sense to look embarrassed. "I couldn't help overhearing you discussing your rescue from Azkaban. I was present when Harry brought you here."
"Then you know how Harry managed to do what he did?"
"Yes and no…I was going to the library would you care to join me." The Wizard invited looking at both men calmly.
"Yes thank you sir." Remus answered following the older Wizard. Sirius was close behind him.
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Cecilia's opinion of Snape Manor was that it was more like a castle and that suited her. It came with dungeons that would be the envy of any Muggle medieval castle and secret passage waysthat would take you anywhere you wanted . It was a ghost's and snake's paradise.
The last stop they made together was to the kitchens where a good sized army of elves were busy washing and cleaning, anything they could get their hands on. Myrtle had fun scaring them, knocking things over, and making a nuisance of herself. It wasn't until she came up to Dobby that she stopped her play and decided to talk to someone who could actually answer her.
Cecilia who had been eyeing a pair of caged hares decided to try and get herself a snack. Twenty minutes into the conversation Myrtle noticed the quiet around the kitchen and saw Harry's snake well into her second hare. The frightened house elves who recognized exactly what kind of snake Cecilia was stood too shocked to move. Myrtle looked at Cecilia and shook her head in amusement and continued talking to Dobby. He was mournfully telling her how much he wished to serve Harry Potter…. An hour later he finally got his wish.
Thanks to her gluttony Cecilia moved more like a slug than a snake. She slithered slowly along an empty hall with a pronounced bulge inside of her. After a fierce fifteen minute struggle she managed to slip between two walls and laid down for a long nap. She would wake up two weeks later three and a half feet longer and very hungry.
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The Weasleys sat around the parlor, Charlie had after dropping something off at Hogwarts of all places finally made it home. Bill and the rest of his siblings were filling him in on what was happening, Charlie was very hopeful regarding Snape's reaction to the letter. He had had the man as a Professor and held an odd kind of respect for the wizard. Why? He didn't know.
"Well I think it'll work. Let's just hope that his help is all we need to get father out. After Lupin's and Black's break out Fudge wants blood."
"Well he can go else where for it, cause he's not gonna get it from us." Ron announced folding his arms firmly.
"Does anyone know anything?" Asked Fred.
"Anything at all?" Continued George.
"Well there's a rumor that a mark was left on the cell wall where they both were being held." Charlie said quietly.
"A dark mark?" asked Ron curiously.
"No that's just it no one wants to say anything but a friend of mine who knows one of the keepers at Azkaban says that the mark of a stag was burnt onto the wall."
"A stag!" Ron said jumping up from his seat. That was Harry's mark. " Oh Merlin! It was Harry!"
"HARRY?" the whole family exclaimed.
"Ron I don't mean to knock Harry or anything but that's impossible!" Charlie had heard the stories of Harry but break into Azkaban, kill Dementors, and rescue two convicts well that was just a little too out there.
"Ridiculous!" George said.
"Preposterous" Fred added.
"You don't know what Harry can do," Ron argued defensively.
"I'm sure he's powerful. I mean he survived Voldermort but-" Bill intervened trying to make Ron understand.
"But nothing! That was Harry!" Ron insisted.
"Mom, Ginny... talk to him" pleaded Charlie.
"The thing is that I kind of think it might have been him too." Explained Ginny looking at her family.
"OH COME ON GIN, NOT YOU TOO!" snorted Fred.
"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS", George said.
"Tell them about the Chamber of Secrets Gin," Ron said.
"Ron we promised Harry we wouldn't tell anyone."
"Yeah but we didn't take an oath."
"That's because he trusts us!"
"They won't believe me!"
"I don't care! I'm not going to break my promise to Harry just because you want them to believe you!"
"That's not why!"
"Well probably not! But I'm not telling! And neither are you!" Ginny warned her brother firmly.
"But!"
"Enough! If Harry asked you to keep a secret for him then you will do so Ronald I'm just as curious to know what exactly happened there but some things we are not meant to know or tell so you must keep his trust. It's the least we can do for that poor boy." Ordered Mrs. Weasley firmly. Ron looked at his Mother and after a struggle with himself nodded in agreement. Ginny sighed in relief.
"Well I'll tell you one thing if Harry is that powerful that he could break two convicts out of Azkaban and do away with Merlin knows how many Dementors I'm glad, because he's going to need all his powers to survive the Tournament." Chalie stated in relief.
"Tournament!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed spitting out half of the tea she was drinking.
"But Snape pulled him out!" George shouted.
"He can't participate he's a minor!" Fred continued.
"He's not a student!" Ginny said.
"He doesn't want too." Whispered Ron.
"Well I don't know about all that but what they are saying at Hogwarts is that when a name is called for the Tournament that constitutes a magical contract and as such can not be broken." Charlie told them. Someone was moving things to get Harry back and he would not take no for an answer.
"Snape will fight it." Bill said with conviction.
"It may not be enough." Charlie said clearing his throat.
"Charlie Weasley what do you know that we don't?" asked Mrs. Weasley eyeing Charlie.
"I'm not supposed to tell anyone."
"I'm not anyone I'm your mother!"
"Mum please!"
"Don't you Mum me Mister! It is thanks to that boy that we will probably get your father back! It's thanks to that boy that we have your sister with us! So don't give me that "I'm not supposed to tell" poppycock!" Mrs. Weasley shouted shocking her children into silence. Their mother never swore she didn't even say "darn" and here she was threatening Charlie and with poppycock!.
"Mum!"
"Charlie Weasley! You will tell us what's going on right now!"
"Oh all right! When the Wizarding Tournament was started the Ministry at Hogwarts requested that three Dragons be delivered for the first task. When Harry's name was drawn a fourth Dragon was requested. When Harry's name was pulled out we got in touch with the Ministry about canceling the fourth beast but we were told there would be no cancellation and to bring the fourth Dragon along. I just delivered them today."
"Dragons! Oh No! What is wrong with the Ministry!" cried Mrs. Weasley into her hands. Children! They were just children and they were pitted against Dragons and all for a stupid cup.
"I don't-" Charlie begun but stopped mid way when he heard the unmistakable flapping of wings. Turning around he was in time to see the largest black owl he had ever seen flying through the open window. The animal was not only enormous but majestic. It set itself upon their table before Bill.
"Blimey look at him! He's huge!" Ron exclaimed taking a step back. The bird reminded him of Snape all in black.
Bill took the message attached to the owl's leg and opened it nervously. It read:
The House of Snape
Presents its Greetings to the House of Weasley
The Snape Potter Family acknowledges the service the Weasley Family has performed in protecting the name of Harry James Potter Snape from insult and injury and wishes to honor such service with any kind of support that may be within our means. I await the request at your discretion.
Most respectfully yours,
Lord Severus Atticus Snape
Of the House of Snape
and in bond
Lord Harry James Potter – Snape
Of the House of Potter
The Weasley's gave a collective sigh of relief and passed the parchment unable to believe their ears or eyes. Bill was ready with the reply but took out a second piece of parchment and quickly wrote a message. "I'm letting the Professor know what's going on at Hogwarts. He can't protect Harry unless he knows." He said writing the following message:
Regardless of age, former student status, and his bond to you, Dumbledore and Ministry are working to force Harry's participation in the Tournament. First task involves Dragons from Romania.
It was hastily written but the sooner it was sent off the sooner it would get there and the sooner some action could be taken.
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Draco was sitting in his room feeling rather smug when he received an owl from his father. The message was simple and to the point.
Keep close eye on Potter on his return to Hogwarts.
Draco held the letter in his hands, Potter returning to Hogwarts! But how! He was out. Snape would not be stupid enough to let him come back, would he? The man was as devious as his father! Things were starting to get interesting again. Potter in Hogwarts again, let's see how tough he was without the red-headed clan to protect him! Draco thought smirking to himself.
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Harry leaned against Severus on the sofa. He had heard the Wizard out and now sat weighing everything he was being told. He looked at Severus's hand his wedding band just like his own. Come love, hate, war or peace Snape would be the only person he would always be able to count on. He would die for him, not because he was the boy who lived but because he was Harry and he was his bonded. He had clung to hope all his life and for once Hope had a face. He was tired of living alone with no one to depend on, no one who would want him. He had his friends but they were unable to do much in a world ruled by power-hungry Ministers, demented Heroes, Death eaters and the Shadow of the Dark Lord. He would accept what was happening and do what he and Snape needed to do to survive. In the end he had everything to gain and nothing to lose. Slowly Harry moved his hand to take hold of Snape's.
Snape knew Harry was weighing everything he had been told and wondered if the youth was mature enough to make the right decision at such a young age. In their life together he wanted Harry along with him not following reluctantly behind. He could only hope the youth would choose wisely.
When minutes later he felt Harry's cool fingers wrapping around his and saw Harry look up at him trustingly. Severus understood that Harry had finally chosen and he wrapped his arms around the boy protectively. Harry leaned back unable to stop the tears that rolled down his cheeks, Severus only held him tighter. Their rings would shine just a little brighter after that.
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After precise preparations Harry and Severus would finally be able to begin the magic-age balance spell. Sirius and Remus had wanted to be present but a much calmer Harry asked them to assist in guarding the Manor instead.
Myrtle who made an appearance to announce that Harry's snake had eaten the two hares that were supposed to be part of the main course for that evening's meal took the opportunity to continue her private war with Black and after giving Sirius dirty looks she pulled the chair from under him. She stopped only after Harry asked her to be nice. Myrtle knew things were going to get very interesting the next couple of days so she set off to guard the secret passage ways into the Manor.
Be it because Remus had had enough of his behavior and had threatened him with bodily harm or because Lord Gribaldi had given him a polite talking to regarding honor and respect or because he was sporting a sore bottom. Sirius for once agreed to help with the wards and leave Harry, Severus and Lord Gustavus to handle the spell without too much protest.
Lord Girbaldi was ready to begin at 5 in the afternoon; Dobby was called by Snape and ordered to assist the Judge and to make sure that if anything happened during the spell his foremost concern would be to make sure that Harry came to no harm. House elves if not overly bright were extremely powerful creatures and the elf had received very exact instructions regarding Harry's safety.
Snape had been ready to go meet his Godfather at the laboratory when his owl Lumus flew in with the Weasley's letter. He took the parchments and was not surprised by the request and immediately wrote to his attorneys to arrange council for Arthur Weasley. When he opened the second parchment he swore profusely and then wrote his solicitors requesting them to research the matter.
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At four forty five Harry said his goodbyes.
Sirius hugged his Godson briefly, "You're a strong kid, and even if we don't get along Snape is a genius with potions. I'm sure you'll do fine."
Harry nodded in agreement and then went over to Remus. "Your're in good hands Harry. Lord Gribaldi has researched the spell in detail he knows what he's doing."
"Thank you Sir."
"Call me Remus Harry."
Harry looked at his former Professor nervously, "I can't sir, you're like a second Godfather to me, it wouldn't be right."
Remus was touched speechless by Harry's words and though he wanted to embrace him he simply nodded gratefully.
Harry then made his way out of the room followed by Lord Gribaldi. Snape stayed to speak to the two Wizards regarding the Wards, at least that's what he told Harry. Severus got to the point directly.
"I have received an owl from the Weasley's they inform me that four Dragons were delivered to Hogwarts for the Tournament." Snape paced back and forth in front of the Wizards.
"Four!"
"It appears neither Dumbledore nor the Ministry is not quite finished with Harry." Snape said twisting the wedding band around his finger.
"But the Ministry handed custody over to you!" Sirius argued angrily. As bad as Snivellus was he would be able to keep Harry safe and that was better than anything the boy had ever had and something he could not offer.
"Not the Ministry of Magic, it was the Ministry of FamilyAffairs and Fudge is livid about it." Corrected Snape.
"It's impossible! After the spell he won't be well enoughto get on a broom let alone fight a Dragon!"
"My thoughts exactly Black."
"He can't participate for Hogwarts he's not a student, he's not seventeen and he's bonded!" Remus protested feeling the anger growing inside him. Harry had just accepted him as part of his family and he was not going to lose the closest thing to a son he would ever have because a mad old Wizard and an ambitious bureaucrat wanted to control him.
"He won't be a minor in seven days. I'm sure Dumbledore and the Ministry will use his aging against him to argue that he is old enough to participate." That son of a bitch Dumbledore! Damn him! Snape thought angrily.
"He's bonded to you, surely you won't allow it!"
"It's not like I have a choice! When Harry's name was drawn from the cup he entered a magical contract."
"But his name shouldn't have been called in the first place!" Sirius shouted feeling like committing murder and doing away with every Ministry bureaucrat.
"Can they do it do you think?" Remus wondered when this would end for Harry and Severus. Would Dumbledore or the Ministry ever leave them alone?
"They will certainly try! I have ordered my attorneys to look into this discretely we have to be prepared. If Harry does have to participate I must find a way to keep him safe. It's almost time to begin I must go. Keep strict vigilance on the Manor." He finished walking away. On the way to bedroom he took a short cut and entered his private library where he sent off another owl to someone he thought he would never have to speak to again, his father. Damn you Dumbledore!
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After a cleaning spell Harry changed into charmed pajamas and a robe and began drinking the necessary strengthening potions. He kept looking to the door waiting for Severus to arrive feeling apprehensive over the spell, it hadn't bothered him an hour ago but now that he was about to embark on six days of Skello growth symptoms it hit him that he would be in extreme discomfort. With a dejected sigh he took the last of the strengthening potions from Dobby who stood next to him eagerly.
"Master Harry feeling better?" Dobby asked his hands tucked under his chin hopefully.
"Not just yet Dobby but I'm sure it won't take too long."
"Severus will be arriving soon I have everything set up for when he gets here Mr. Potter."
"Lord Gribaldi, please call me Harry." Harry whispered feeling a slight chill come over him.
"Harry needs a blanket!" ran Dobby to the bed to pick up a quilt charmed to stay warm.
"Thanks Dobby." He said wrapping the quilt over his shoulders. "Lord Gribaldi I apologize for my behavior before, it wasn't you Sir, it was me."
"I accept the apology Harry but it wasn't you either, it was all the people that have tried to take advantage of you. I don't blame you for your mistrust I blame everyone else."
"Thank you Sir." Harry looked again towards the door and was relieved to see Snape coming through. The Potions Master walked over to Harry, "you don't feel well?"
"It's my stomach and-"
"And what?" Severus asked fixing Harry with a firm stare while his Godfather motioned him that it was time to start.
"Yow weren't here and I thought you were angry or something…it's weird cause your not, right?" Harry asked his hands starting to tremble slightly. Severus noticed it and made a mental note to address the issue as soon as this passed.
"I'm usually angry at someone. The world is full of dunderheads after all. But I'm not mad at you. Dobby get the sleeping potion ready." The little elf bobbed his head up and down and hurried off while Severus cast a diagnosis charm on Harry. Temperature normal, pulse was a bit fast but that was reasonable everything else was fine. The vitamin supplement and the strengthening potions were doing their job.
"Sleeping potion!" Harry was startled. Why would he need a sleeping potion?
"Once you start growing you will be feeling a lot of pain I don't want you awake through that."
"But I am going to be taking potions for the pain."
"Yes but it's still better if you sleep through the spell so you can conserve your energy. Now let's begin."
Harry opened his mouth to protest but did he really want to be awake for this, no he didn't so he shut it again and braced himself.
"Severus I'll need a sample of your blood and Harry's" Lord Gustavus said handing Severus a small silver knife and crystal goblet. Severus took them and cut into his palm and then placed his hand over the crystal goblet. He bled his hand and when the goblet was a third full he closed his wound with a spell. Harry had looked on and although he was not particularly squeamish felt and a strange sense of foreboding when he saw Snape moving to take his trembling hand to do the same. Minutes later the Goblet was handed back half way full. Lord Gustavus took the Goblet and began whispering the spell. Snape helped Harry up and led him to stand in front of his Godfather.
The older wizard drew his wand and cast a spell over both Severus and Harry.
Incatenum Magus
Moderatum edadis
Salvateri Magus, Salvateri Edadis
Lord Gribaldi repeated the spell three times and Harry felt a tingling at the top of his head which moved down his body till it reached the bottom of his feet. He felt a shiver run through his whole body as the tingling became a deep burning sensation that made his knees buckle from under him. Snape quickly caught Harry and lifted and laid him on the bed. Lord Gustavus moved to stand next to Severus while his Godson tucked Harry in making him as comfortable as possible. Harry felt the room spinning and his body felt on fire and he wanted it to stop. He touched his head and tried to sit up but was pushed back gently. After adding the Unicorn's mane to the blood Lord Gustavus cast the same spell on the blood, it hissed slightly and simmered.
Severus could feel Harry's confusion and symptoms. The boy was burning up in what could only be called a skeletal fever. Harry was suffering and Severus wished he could some how speed the spell up but there was no chance, none at all. He climbed up on the bed and resting Harry against his chest he held him. "Dobby give me the first dose"
Taking hold of Harry's chin Severus put the first dose to his lips. Harry on instinct turned away forcing Severus to hold him in place while he pushed the vial to the youth's lips. Harry who was not completely aware of what was happening tried to pull away more forcefully but Severus pulled him against him again. "Harry it's all right. You're fine it's part of the spell." Whispered Severus trying to calm him down as he drank from the Goblet his Godfather handed him and then pressed it to Harry's lips. This went on twice more and with each dose and each drink Harry's reaction only got more desperate and violent. Severus was starting to feel the spell beginning to affect him. He was feeling light headed and could feel the burning sensation that spread through him, an echo of Harry's own. It would be a long six days...
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The Headmaster and the Prime Minister had finally come to a decision Harry Potter would have to come back to honor his participation in the Tournament. Nobody could be allowed to disregard the obligation to a magical contract. No one, not even the- boy- who-lived. Yes, Harry Potter Snape as he was now called would have to come back and participate, Fudge thought smugly as he drank his second cup of tea with Albus Dumbledore.
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It was well into the night when Calaca finally came upon the Wizard he was searching for. The Wizard with dark hair and cold blue eyes stood over the dead body of yet another challenger to his authority. He took the parchment from the bird's leg and smiled warmly for the first time in a long time. Twenty years! He had waited for twenty years and now it was time to go back. Opening the letter he found the elegant and almost archaic writing style of his son Severus Atticus Snape.
Greetings Prince Alessander Lord of the Clan of the Blood Moon
I need your assistance.
Lord Severus Atticus Snape of the House of Snape
Flipping the parchment over he dipped his long nail into a pool of blood and wrote:
I am coming.
And then tied the letter back. The owl was back in flight minutes later. Prince Alessander made his way back to his clan he could not see his son without a proper entourage.
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Three days after the Weasley's sent off the owl to Professor Snape as Charlie and Bill still called him they received a letter from the most well known Attorney Firm in the Wizarding World. Their father finally had a chance.
Two days after that there was a ferocious hearing in which the attorney's battled the Ministry and after an embarrassing trial in which the Ministry was unable to call forth any evidence that would condemn Arthur Weasley, the Wizard was finally set free and was able to go home to his family.
The Weasley's would never forget Harry and Snape's help.
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Harry's next six days were a never ending nightmare. His only comfort through the ordeal was the warm embrace Severus offered. He woke on the seventh dayand and lay on his side.He looked aroundand found Severus sitting on the far end of the bed watching him closely. The Wizard looked anxious."Is it over?"Harry whispered hoarsely feeling a warmth spreading through his body.
"Yes."
"Thank Merlin!" he sighed in relief.
"Indeed."
"What do I look like?"
"You"
"Funny man." Harry smiled at Severus. Feeling the warmth pressing on him.
"You've grown 5 and a half inches, your hair needs a trim, and you are now seventeen years old."
"Only five... Hey, I've missed three birthdays." He said jokingly.
"We'll celebrate later." Severus knew he had to leave or things were going to get away from him. Harry was reacting to the bond and he had to be careful.
"So what now?" Harry wanted Severus to stay with him.
"I will wait till you are ready."
"Oh. Are you all right?"
"Yes."
"You look tired." Harry observed biting his his bottom lip.
"I am, some."
"Lay down, you can rest." Harry invited.
"I think I will for a little while." Severus got up forcing himself to leave.
"Don't go!"
"Harry you don't know what your saying but I do, I will leave while I still can." Severus stalked out of the room, his robes billowing behind him. Harry closed his eyes fighting a sense of desperation! He didn't want Severus to go! He needed him!
Snape made it outside the door and leaned heavily on it. Why hadn't he accepted the offer? Harry had basically said yes! Why had he said no? ...Because he cared for Harry that's why! He wanted him but he cared for him more!
Harry woke up the next day to find a distant Snape and eleven Vampires housed at the Manor.
The Ministry and Dumbledore would soon learn a new meaning to the phrase "blood ties".
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I hope you enjoy it. READ AND REVIEW. The next chapter is "The Bond, Blood Ties and The Tournament".