Chapter 6
The next day Harry was up and got ready. He had a shower and then a big breakfast; he was getting more to eat now. It seemed the threat of wizards coming to the house scared the Dursleys more than he had realised because they had let him all the food he wanted. That had never happened before in his life. Dudley had grown up and hardly bothered him anymore, he was losing weight and thank god for that. Another few months and he would not have been able to get out the front door. No one knew that in the cupboard of 4 Privet Drive's smallest room, lay bombs. Well the muggle neighbours might have thought that, after all he was a criminal who went a Secure Centre for Incurably Criminal Boys! The wizards in the wizarding world would never have dreamt of looking, in the same way that they would not look for a dark mark on Harry Potters arm (not that Harry would ever get the dark mark).
He spent the rest of the day reading. He also changed his will; after all he had more to leave his dad than he could ever imagine: rare potion books and ingredients. That was the one thing Severus liked at the fringes of the dark side, the potions he got to make, it was a challenge but he was the greatest potions master in the United Kingdom. He felt his heart glow as he remembered the vision he'd had yesterday, nothing new there.
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Flashback: Snape at Voldie's hideout
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Severus walked into a room with walls covered in torture devices and blood on every surface. He had to stop a sick expression showing on his face at the sight and smell of the place, and there in all his disgusting glory sat Lord Voldemort having just summoned Severus.
"Master," bowed Severus, as a sign of submission. What Voldemort didn't see was the disgusted look on Severus' face when he bowed. He hated this, really, really hated it. He only continued doing this because he had the monster's mark on his arm and not because Dumbledore asked him to. The mark enabled Voldemort to trace him anywhere, even to Hogwarts, but he couldn't enter the school and that was the only reason Severus stayed there.
"Severus my slippery spy. Do you have any news from that muggle loving fool?" asked Voldemort.
"My lord, only which 'Potter' and he have fallen out. He no longer wants to be controlled, master. He walked out on the old man, apparently," said Snape, hoping it was enough to get him out of there without being punished too badly. He hated giving reports about his son, but he had no choice if he wanted his son and himself to survive.
"Really? Very well Severus, that's good news. Maybe Potter can be persuaded to join my side after all. Now the reason I called you here Severus is I want your manor," said Voldemort
Severus nearly choked. "What?" stuttered Severus, "my lord," he added quickly as he forgot his manners for a moment. He would not give him his manor if his life depended on it. That was all he had to give to his son, apart from the money but he had long ago learned that money meant nothing to Harry. The manor was filled with pictures of Lily, him and their son. That was why he never went there, the memories were still too fresh and the wounds never seemed to heal. There was just too much that time could not erase. He wanted his son to see how much he really loved him, how much he was loved as a child.
"I hate repeating myself. I want a portkey to your manor Severus and I want it soon, unless I get another hideout," said the snake-like voice of Voldemort.
"But my Lord, only those with Snape blood can master the manor," said Severus. He paled behind his mask, shouting mentally 'he took your son's blood to blooming come back! Idiot. He could wander in any flaming time he wants, and then the secret will be out and you will be killed.' Miles away, Harry who was watching through a vision, was having the same thought.
"Well you better fix it then or your Lord will be most unhappy. And you know what happens when I am unhappy Severus," threatened Lord Voldemort as his scarlet eyes gleamed blood red and bore into his head.
Severus lowered his head in a submissive pose, before shuddering. Yes, he knew what happened if you displeased him. The other death eaters had a go at you, and they did what they liked short of killing you. The last time he had been subject to this was a long time ago; they had used his own self-invented potions against him, which he really hated. Voldemort seemed to find it funny and since then Severus had never brewed new pain potions. The person who was always disgracing Voldemort was Lucius Malfoy; he would have killed his own wife just to stop himself from displeasing his Lord. Unknown to Lucius, Narcissa was now going by the name 'Black' and thankfully didn't have the mark, so could go into hiding and the Dark Lord was unable to track her down.
"Yes my lord," said Severus. Before he knew it a "Crucio" was shouted out. He waited for the pain to come but it never did. Voldemort watched with gleaming eyes as he waited for his servant to start screaming. Severus realised immediately that for some reason the Cruciatus hadn't worked. He quickly acted as though he was under it and writhed on the floor but to Voldemort's surprise, his servant didn't cry out. When he lifted the curse, Severus bowed stiffly to him, saying "Yes, and sorry master," kissed his robes and apparated away. As he did, he muttered, "You won't be getting the manor. It is for my son. He will remember where he spent his first year and was loved by his parents, loved by me.' He whispered this, unaware that Harry, who was still in the vision, had heard everything. With a smile, Harry backed out of the vision, feeling love for the first time towards the man who had created him.
Voldemort was never aware that Harry was there, just as he was not aware when Harry had his first vision, the one with Wormtail when Voldemort was still weak. The stronger he got, the more visions he had and now Harry was using the visions to his own advantage. Dumbledore knew Harry would have a vision at some time but he had no idea how frequently he was having them. He was hoping that Harry would be able to help them to get some idea of what Voldemort was up to, but had got nothing so far.
The only thing Voldemort could do was send him dreams and false visions. Harry being so great at Occlumency just like his father, which even the Dark Lord could not gain entry, and he was proud of that.
Harry woke up panting, just glad to be out of the vision. He had taken the curse for his father, it seemed now he was a spectre the curses were becoming more and more painful, almost like the real thing nowadays. Anything he could do to help his dad he would. He knew his dad had been through a lot more than he ever would. He had been doing this for many, many years but still could not forgive him for not telling him or even coming to check up on him. He could not believe his dad had listened to Dumbledore, he had known the man was manipulative. Harry himself would never let his child live with someone that Dumbledore chose and he would check up on them every once in a while. Damn right he would, but he would never let his child go, he knew that.
He picked up a letter he saw laying on the table, a phoenix tail feather not far of from it and he knew right away it was from Dumbledore. Instead of burning it like he wanted to, he checked for curses and hexes or anything, finding only a tracking spell. He disabled it before reading, wondering what the old fool had to say.
Dear Harry,
Your school things will be delivered to you. You cannot leave the house my dear boy, and your father is backing me up on that. Your schoolbooks and things will be there by tonight; your father will be going to get them when he goes to get more potion ingredients.
I have also chosen your new school year subjects, just sign the paper at the bottom and that's that. Good luck next year and I am sorry about last year, I hope you can forgive an old man for past mistakes. I only wanted you to have a normal childhood, I could not burden you with this prophecy when you were just eleven, it was not right.
I'm sorry my boy. I hope you can forgive me.
Albus Dumbledore,
Order of Phoenix, Head of the Wizengamot, Order of Merlin first class...etc
Harry growled low in his throat. Those manipulating little buggers, but he frowned, having a feeling his father had nothing to do with this and didn't know about the second prophecy. What if they were playing with both of them not just him? What if his father didn't want him dead? Before he remembered, "No I mustn't think on that. He still left me here," he choked out, not letting the tears that were forming in his eyes fall nor the choked sobs he so wanted to let loose. He had always wanted to family, always, and it had been denied to him. How he wished his father had come and collected him when he was younger. He didn't see the star shining brighter in the midnight sky.
He picked up the second letter and opening it he smiled. He was glad to hear from them, he knew they were alright because the Dark Lord thought they had died in the bombing of Malfoy Manor.
Hey Harry,
Wow, weird to say, still getting used to it man. It's hard to stop calling you Potter. Anyway, my mum and I are safe and sound, just thought you would like to know. It's been boring here, but its great not having my dad on my back all the time you know? I have not got a tan. It looks so cool here but I can't tell you where we are, because even we don't know where we are!
We have yet to write to Severus. I can't believe he did that to you. I honestly think Severus was doing what he thought was right, but if it were me, I would have taken you and removed the charms. There is nothing left that makes you look like Potter now. You would have been a Snape not a Potter, no one would have guessed. He put you in more danger by making you a Potter than you ever would have been in if you were a Snape. Sure, you would have been ordered to take the mark when you were seventeen, but then he could have just stopped spying. If he cared about you that much at all then he should've come and taken you away. No matter what.
Mum says to tell you hello and thanks. She loves all her things that father put in the vault, she was never allowed into it. She loved her family, it was not them that made her marry a Malfoy, it was her uncle. Her parents died, we are not sure who was responsible but mum has always suspected it was her uncle, because he didn't seem to care. He had her married before she was fourteen.
Anyway, I have to go. I wrote more than I had planned on writing! I hope to see you soon.
Draco Malfoy - Black
P.S. Draco Black doesn't sound right eh? So I'm just going to go by Draco Malfoy-Black.
Harry smiled before he got a bit of parchment and started writing a reply to his new friend. He had not expected anything to come of it, but something had and he was glad.
Hey Drake,
Thanks for writing. Dumbledore just told me I'm not to go to Diagon Alley to get my school things. The old fool is seriously getting to me, trying to control me all the time. He doesn't seem to realise that I'm my own person. He only sees me as a pawn. If he thinks that he has control over me then he better think again.
By the way the Weasleys will be a wee bit worse for wear when they get to Hogwarts this year. That is if they can get there mind you. They have three sons who work; maybe they could pay for their things huh? I heard a rumour that Fred and George were not speaking to their family. Wonder if it's true.
It must be awful to marry against your will, but I guess good things come out of them too. No matter who I marry, I will want a child to care for. As long as I have a child one day, I'm not bothered, but I have no family left to marry me off to someone. Well unless Severus does, but I don't see him agreeing to it. If he did I would certainly never speak to him again, not that I am speaking to him at the moment anyway.
I have to go, things to do. See you soon hopefully.
Goodnight Draco as it will be night-time before you get this probably. Let my owl have a bite to eat, there is nothing good here for her and she is bound to be sick of mice, I have no owl treats or seed.
Your friend
Harry James Evans Potter-Snape
Harry walked over to his bird and said to her, "Hey girl, long time since you delivered a letter. Want to deliver one?" He laughed softly when she hooted in agreement; the leg was out in a flash. He attached it to her and said softly, "Give this to Draco BlackâMalfoy, Hedwig. I know girl. He is ok now. He will give you a bite to eat better then anything I can give you girl, ok?" She hooted and bit his ear affectionately before she flew out of the window
He didn't see the order member outside mumble words with a neatly clean parchment in their hand. They had copied what he had written, just like they had copied what Draco had written to Harry.
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Order meeting
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There were 'pops' surrounding the area. It was not an emergency meeting so people were not rushing around to get there, or wondering what the meeting was all about. They were waiting for Severus Snape to report back. It was a good ten minutes before the door banged open and a very upset and angry Severus walked into the manor, looking like he had just had a fight with a werewolf.
Sitting down in the chair, he sighed and ran his hand through his greasy slimy hair, which looked ruffled. As he straightened it out, Dumbledore started to speak.
"Tonks, any news from the Aurors?" asked Dumbledore, quietly.
"Nothing much. No Manors have been exploded in two days, which is good news. They still have no leads on whose doing it and people in the ministry are talking about giving the person an Order of Merlin, first class. They think that he is doing the right thing. Some people protested but most agree. Even Fudge is starting to agree with him, because of the lack of raids. Muggles and witches alike are getting peace and Fudge is saying, if that's the way to get rid of them, then let the person or people do it," said Tonks, who was serious, for a change. None of her funny attitude was there and she looked every inch a serious Auror.
"Severus?" asked Dumbledore. He was growing wearier with Severus each meeting, because every time he came with nothing to tell.
"He wants entrance into my manor. Next time he asks, I'm stopping spying. He is not getting into my manor, I don't want him to see my home nor do I want it blown to pieces, thank you very much. I'd rather quit than my home be blown up. It has been in the family for twenty generations," said Severus not caring what anyone said.
"He wants your manor?" asked one of them in horror. She was a pureblood. She knew how precious Manors that ran in the family were. She was one of the few who understood him.
"Yes," whispered Severus, glad someone understood, even if they were only a few.
"Very well Severus, we will speak of this later," said Dumbledore, his eyes not showing how angry he was. Only McGonagall knew how angry he was, after all she knew him better than anyone but love was clouding her view.
"Fletcher any news?" he asked the man.
"'e is trying to get mare recruits sir. I've 'eard he has none left ye see. But people are beginning to say no to 'im. Seems the bombings have brou't them 'ope. 'e has only got about ten recruits left. Wormtail is still alive and recruiting for him," said Dung,
The Order was about to split up after they all had shared their news (which had not been much), when the door of Grimmauld place opened admitting an order member. He dropped the letters next to Dumbledore and Severus sitting next to him could read them. Dumbledore read them aloud to everyone. Severus felt every bone in his body relax, his godson and his friend were alive, and they were alive and well, in hiding and in contact with Harry.
The other Order members were worried about what Harry meant by 'the Weasleys will be worse for wear?'
"What did he mean by that?" asked Ron worriedly. Severus was not aware that Dumbledore was giving the Weasleys his son's money. If he had he would have had a fit, but tonight he would realise just somewhat the extent of how the Headmaster was using his son.
"I do not know," said Dumbledore. He too was worried, but he knew the goblins would have told him if Harry had been to Gringotts, unaware that Harry had the rings as the head of Evans, Potter and Snape vaults. Yes, he had his father's ring on, he may not want a father son relationship with his dad but he was not ashamed of his heritage or his father. And he never would be; he just wished his dad had taken him in when he was younger.
It was then that three letters arrived by owl and were dropped around the table, one to Severus, one to Dumbledore and one to the Weasleys. All dreaded opening the letters, so they did it slowly. Severus gasped when he opened the letter.
Lord Snape,
We are writing to inform you that you are now not the sole heir to the Snape vaults. Harry has now taken your place as Master Snape (he is better known as Harry Potter). He has the rings of Potter, Evans and Snape. He has the vaults of Snape (unless you want to disown him) Black, Potter and Evans vaults. Congratulations, he is the richest young man alive with the four richest purebloods. He didn't even take any money out; he still uses only his small vault that was for school. Even that has hardly been used; in fact there is barely a dent in it. He has not even used the interest he gets.
Although the one in control of his vault has taken more than Harry has, it has been given back. Good luck. May the gods grant you gold.
Ragnog
Gringotts Bank Manager,
Head of the Gringotts Bank
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Albus Dumbledore,
We are writing to you to tell you that there is no need for you to be the executor of the Potter vaults any longer. Harry Potter has become legally an adult. The accounts you opened are now closed. The money that you have been taking has been given back to him, every last knut. You now only have five hundred gallons left in your vaults.
The money that you gave the Weasleys has been repaid to Harry from your money too. May the gods grant you gold.
Ragnog
Gringotts Bank Manager,
Head of the Gringotts Bank
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Mr and Mrs Weasley,
The vaults opened by Albus Dumbledore are now closed. The money you kept in the vaults was given back to Mr Harry James Evans Potter-Snape and the vaults are now empty.
He said to tell you, you are lucky you are not getting sued. There are now no vaults in your name, the keys will be melted and we have the master key.
May the gods grant you gold, you are going to need it. Though he has left something in the vault for you, which is one knut, so you can get what you need. He said 'Don't spend it all in the one shop'.
Good day,
Ragnog
Gringotts Bank Manager
Head of Gringotts Bank
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Dumbledore dropped the letter and went to the sitting room. Grabbing the floo powder he shouted into the fire, "Gringotts. Ragnog, Bank Manager," the goblin was already there like he expected him to be. The goblin knew it would not be long after he sent the letters that Dumbledore would be in his fire wanting to know what happened.
"Ah Ragnog. Can you tell me why you let Harry sign the letter that let him get control over his vaults, also giving him all rights as an adult?" he asked, anger in his voice.
"His guardian is dead, that is, his magical guardian. As you know, it's clearly within his rights, if he is old enough when his guardian dies. And do not fool yourself to think I will be on your side, you know the goblins are neutral and will always remain so," said Ragnog clearly angry.
"Fine but you have not heard the end of this," said Dumbledore, as he disconnected the floo network and went back to the room that the Order was in. By the look of them, they had already read all the letters.
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Harry
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Harry sat down on the bed he had been sleeping in for the last four years. He was bored. There were no death eaters left to kill, meaning there was no need to buy more bombs. He knew the end was coming and it was coming soon. He was happy, he had put all his memories into a pensive, and he had never felt like that before. The memories that had always been there, just felt a million miles away now.
He nearly shit himself when his father showed up in his bedroom, his wand was in his hand before he even knew it. He asked a question that only Snape would know.
"What did you threaten me with in fourth year?" asked Harry.
He saw his dad look down in shame, red tinges overcoming his dad's face. He wanted to smile but held it back.
"Veritaserum," said Severus.
When his dad answered, he lowered his wand and asked curiously, "What do you want?" How he wished he could run into his father's arms and forgive him, but held back. His older self, his Slytherin side, wanted nothing to do with his dad, but his Gryffindor heart wanted to forgive him.
"Dumbledore wants a word with you," said Severus, "They know about the letters you and my godson were writing to each other. I'm glad they got out of there alright, I have a feeling it was you who helped them," his gratefulness showed through his usually emotionless onyx eyes.
"This is a portkey, it will take you to headquarters. I'm not taking the chance of getting beaten again." Harry got up and walked over to clutch the portkey; Severus put his hand on his son and was delighted when he didn't shake it of. He whispered, "It's ok son," and the portkey whirled them to Grimmauld Place where he landed with a thump. Severus kept Harry from falling.