Chapter 3: New York, Here We Come!
Harlow sat on a cramped plane on his way to America. Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape were on either side of him.
In the days that followed the discovery of his father's identity, the three men had packed up all their belongings and prepared themselves to leave their lives behind.
Harlow had the least to do. He solely placed everything back in his trunk and visited a wizarding ophthalmologist to get prescription contacts. Without his glasses, he was basically unrecognizable. It was amazing how much of a difference it made to his face. Now more of his Black and Stark features were seen shining through. If one looked at him now, there was no doubt he carried Stark and Black blood.
Lucius ended up having a much more complicated time. He had to pack, appoint a proxy to vote on his behalf in the Hogwarts and Wizarding board, and put all of his affairs in order. The most trying was convincing his wife and son of the importance of his trip while revealing the least amount of detail as possible. He may love his wife and son, but he could admit they could be unbearable at times. He was glad to be getting away even if it turned out to be for a short while. Lucius was curious to see what had become of the Stark line and discover Harlow's true power simultaneously.
Severus Snape had the most difficulty. Even though he had no family to pacify or proxies to appoint, he had Dumbledore. But this was much, much worse than any problems the others had faced.
Even with it being summer, Dumbledore had stumbled upon him just as he had finished packing. He had been trying to get him to brew more potions for the war effort and did not want to take no for an answer. They weren't even in a war for crying out loud! The war was ended, or at least paused. But Dumbledore refused to believe that they weren't sill fighting.
It was difficult working with Dumbledore, mainly because he believed everyone was his to use as he pleases. But such was life. Once he had convinced Dumbledore that he would only be gone a short while for an "esteemed potions conference in America" it was 15 minutes before their flight. Severus had to rush to finishing packing and make it to the airport and their departure gate. He arrived just in the nick of time, out of breath, and steaming mad.
Right when he had almost made it, Dumbledore just had to interfere. He swore that Dumbledore had a sixth sense for discovering the most inconvenient time for others and gleefully taking advantage of it with than iconic twinkle in his eye all the while.
But now, the three were content and on their way to America. They hoped their trip would prove to be worth it.
Lucius wanted to gain Harlow's favor. Severus wanted to make up for being the worst godfather in existence. And Harlow wanted to meet his father and plan his revenge along the way.
As they flew, some of that revenge was taking place back in the UK.
Of course, the Dursleys were suffering from the curse he placed on Vernon which caused him to be unable to work effectively and led to his firing. Now they would soon be struggling for money without a steady income and money from his trust. Not to mention their inability to say no to anything Dudley wanted.
But that wasn't all. Harlow had stopped all payments from his vaults and locked them so only he could access them. Dumbledore, the Weasleys, and Hermione were out of luck. They would have to find revenue somewhere else.
During his spare time, he had found a ruthless goblin lawyer. Who knew Griphook was so vicious. He had gleefully taken the job of suing the Dursleys, Weasleys, Dumbledore, and Granger to get back what they took with interest.
Harlow cackled as he thought about it. None of them would survive financially once he was done with them. Everyone knew to never anger a goblin, which is why they were best to have on your side.
Harlow smirked. This was only the beginning.
He was still angry with Dumbledore for taking out the invisibility cloak and bonding rings. Those were family heirlooms that had been passed down for generations. They were never meant to be used by anyone outside of the family.
Even if he had returned the invisibility cloak to him in his first year. Who knows what he used it for between his parents' death and then?
The bonding rings were a different story. They had not been returned and the reason they were taken out was unclear.
Harlow thought there might have been someone in mind that Dumbledore wanted him to marry. He wouldn't be surprised if Ginerva was the supposed wife he was being given.
That chit had followed him around looking like a love sick puppy for two years. Two years of trying to avoid her. How could he possibly survive a lifetime as her husband?
Harlow still didn't know how to get the bonding rings back because there was no way to know where they were. For now, he would let them be as he considered how to punish Dumbledore further.
.
.
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Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy shared many glanced throughout the plane ride.
Lucius had been against using such a muggle form of transportation but getting international portkeys was a struggle. There were too many departments they would have to go through to get a legal one made that could carry them internationally. So, Lucius had to concede to taking a muggle form of transport.
Severus, on the other hand, protested all transportation efforts. He wanted to get to know his godson away from others that could sway Harlow. Now they were going to meet his father. The one person who would have more influence over Harlow's life than he would.
Now that he found him, Severus did not want to give up or share Harlow in any way.
Tony Stark wouldn't know what hit him.
.
.
.
After the plane landed, Severus and Lucius ended up on either side of Harlow. They were literally escorting him outside of the airport.
Lucius had a permanent sneer on his face since they even entered the airport in London. It seemed that it would stay until they left a muggle area.
Harlow rolled his eyes, what else would you expect from Lucius Malfoy?
As the three walked outside of the airport, they were overwhelmed with the crowds darting to and fro as they tried to find their way. Airports are so chaotic.
Severus sighed. As the only person to have flown before, he would have to take point. Lucius was no help. He was too busy sneering at everyone and everything. And Harlow. Well, Harlow may have some Slytherin cunning, but he looked utterly confused as he saw all the signs and people surrounding him.
Severus slowly moved so he was in between the two other wizards and grasped their arms. He efficiently guided them between the crowds and away from all the noise. As they were almost clear of the chaos, Harlow was roughly pushed by an older man.
Severus adopted his most fierce glare. How dare someone touch his godson. This was HIS godson and he wouldn't let anyone else harm him after the life he had. Harlow had been through enough.
While in the company of the two larger wizards, Harlow had allowed his more submissive nature to appear now that he was away from the Dursleys.
He wasn't usually very fierce or confrontational causing his to be more submissive when with people he trusted to protect him.
Severus was glad that Harlow was comfortable enough with him to let out his softer side after everything he had done. He vowed that he would take care of Harlow, always.
"Watch where you're going. Apologize. Now." Severus sneered.
The muggle turned. He was relatively tall with dark blond hair, a muscular build, and intimidating glower.
Harlow felt himself cower as the man turned around. Large men had always intimidated him after living with Vernon for so long. While this man wasn't large width wise like his uncle was, he was solid muscle. He could easily crush him. Harlow looked down when the man turned towards him.
"No." the man answered.
Severus took three steps forward so he was standing directly in front of the man and blocking Harlow from his sight.
"You will. Apologize. Now. Or you won't like what I'll do." Severus threatened.
Harlow looked up. This was the first time someone had really stood up for him He never imagined having a godfather and guardian would be like this. Sure, he had dreamed of someone coming to save him when he was younger but he had given up on that dream actually coming true a long time ago.
The man looked towards Severus.
"You know what? I won't apologize to a scrawny little brat like him."
Severus drew back his fist and with a crack the man was stumbling backwards while clutching his nose.
Harlow stared in shocked silence. He couldn't believe that Severus had done that for him.
At that, Severus seized Harlow's arm and steered him towards one of the cabs along the curb. Lucius followed silently behind them.
Together, the three found themselves sitting in silence while journeying towards their hotel.
"Why did you do that?" Harlow mustered up the courage to ask.
Severus sighed. He looked out the window at the rapidly moving city.
"You didn't deserve to be treated that way. Nothing would excuse another person carelessly shoving you or hurting you in any way. Its my duty to protect you." Severus answered seriously.
Harlow deflated. It was just because he was his godson. He had hoped that Severus cared about him. Not that he had done it because he felt obligated.
"Oh, okay." Harlow looked down.
At the despondent tone, Severus turned sharply to face him.
"Harlow, what's wrong?" he asked.
Harlow was embarrassed to say that he thought Snape had grown to care for him but he found some of his Gryffindor courage anyways.
"I thought that maybe you cared for me. I thought that I was more to you than an obligation. I don't want to be a burden." Harlow whispered.
At once, Severus understood. He cursed the Dursleys for making Harlow feel like he wasn't enough.
He quickly gathered the young boy into his arms and rested his head atop Harlow's fluffy hair.
"I do care for you. It may be my duty as your godfather to protect you but I defended you because I care about you. I love you Harlow."
Harlow felt tears fill his eyes. This was the first time someone had said they loved him that he could remember. This was the only thing he ever wanted. For someone to love him and take care of him.
Lucius had been watching the events unfold in front of him in silence. He sighed. It seemed that his brother in all but blood truly cared for the boy.
He knew that he couldn't go through with using the boy to further himself. If his brother cared for Harlow, then he would try and care for him too.
"Come. We're here." Lucius stated.
Severus and Harlow drew away from each other. Harlow was embarrassed. He had forgotten Lucius was there to witness him so vulnerable. He still didn't trust him fully especially since he as so eager to come with them on this trip.
Severus exited the cab and held out a hand to Harlow. Together the walked into the hotel. All hidden animosity was gone as the two walked together towards a new life in New York.
Of course, Lucius couldn't let them have all the fun and stalked after them. Once close enough the swooped down to grab Harlow's hips and threw him into the air.
With Harlow over his shoulder, he dashed inside the hotel, while Harlow screamed in surprise and excitement.
Severus continued to walk calmly while rolling his eyes at the two. Lucius always was immature and hadn't changed since Hogwarts.
Was this what it was like to have parents?
Harlow wondered if his real father would grow to care for him as much as his godfather and Lucius did.
But he knew that even if he didn't, he would still have two people in his life that did.
Harlow smiled and snuggled deeper in Lucius, fully relaxing in his arms. He trusted him not to drop him.
Severus smiled; things were finally looking up for him. He was starting a new life away from Dumbledore and in a place where Dumbledore wouldn't find them. After all, who would expect to find Severus Snape, the Dungeon Bat, in New York City of all places. But the best part, was finally being with his godson.
Now all they had to do was meet Tony Stark and see if they should let him be in Harlow's life.
Severus wouldn't let any harm come to Harlow, whether that be physical or emotional. Stark would have his work cut out for him and Severus wouldn't relent until he proved himself. He had already lost much of Harlow's life, and he wasn't going to lose anymore. Not if he could help it.