The Leader

Chapter 8

Nosing Around

Severus couldn't help but dwell on that rather disheartening thought. When was the last time he'd performed 'worthwhile' magic indeed, or rather what he called proper magic. The depressing thing about it all was he couldn't remember the last time, even in the services of the Dark Lord he usually just reported his findings and brewed potions whenever he wanted him to. The only use of magic he had made was banishing potion messes from cauldrons and opening doors. While the speech he gave to all first years that came through Hogwarts was true, especially in a potions classroom, potions and spells? Just did not work well together. It didn't mean it was how he truly felt, for he was a wizard who loved the dark arts, and had done so since he was sixteen years old. It was part of the reason he and Lily had fallen out; to a lot of magic users the dark arts were a bad thing, untouchable, especially to Muggle-Borns who didn't know any other way than what they were told. At least until they left Hogwarts and explored the world, not just Hogwarts and Diagon Alley and bloody Hogsmeade, something Lily hadn't done. She'd been content to marry, settle down, and have a family without really knowing the world.

The same could be said for him; what had he done? Gotten a Mastery in Potions, then ruined his life by binding, figuratively speaking, himself to the Dark Lord and Dumbledore, both of whom thought they owned him. He'd barely seen the world past Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, Spinners End when he was a child, and of course the few times he'd gone abroad to gather Potion ingredients while studying for his mastery. He knew a great deal about the underground though, the Dark Lord was furious with them, as was Fenrir Greyback. Greyback liked to think himself a master strategist, biting magical children so he could find them when they were older and have them join his pack, trying to create as many werewolves as possible so they could overthrow the magical population. Most of them did end up joining him, although a few were defiant, refusing to bow down to the alpha. Remus Lupin was one of those. Greyback had lost five to the group, three on that night; the others hadn't recovered enough and ended up dying while transforming during the full moon. Truth of the matter, the Dark Lord detested them as well, it was why he'd never marked them―he didn't consider them worthy of it. Not that Fenrir realized this of course; he was a bloody idiot, too preoccupied to see, and none of the Death Eaters would ever think of trying to allude to the fact. Even he wouldn't have; Fenrir was ruthless. He'd already nearly become a werewolf once, he had no desire to repeat the experience. And Greyback would be successful, of that he had no doubt.

He cursed silently when he realized he'd spent Merlin knows how long thinking…like a common idiot. It was actually the smell of food that brought him out of it if he was honest. He jerked his head from side to side, but he was unable to locate Potter at all…no, Harry; if he wanted to survive this, he would need to play it right. The boy was the most powerful being he'd ever seen, he truly made Dumbledore and the Dark Lord look like weaklings. They were capable of Wandless magic, yes, but not to this extent and not the way Harry Potter was. Dumbledore and the Dark Lord always, ALWAYS had their wands up their sleeves while casting those spells ―Harry didn't. Even if it was on his calf it should have been too far away to enable him to cast them with it.

He slid the tray over to himself, unable to resist; he was feeling extremely hungry, and for him that was saying something. Yet he didn't feel starving, as he should be after not eating for nearly three weeks? He wasn't sure what day it was anymore; he was spending too much time unconscious. He began to eat the food, while he thought about his possible courses of actions. As much as he hated to admit it, Potter was right: if he went to either side he would be in Azkaban before he could tell them he had been a spy. Even at that, now he was of no use to Dumbledore, he wouldn't speak up for him; he'd allow him to rot despite all he'd done for him. He would rather die than end up in Azkaban; the memories alone would drive him insane.

So going to the Ministry was definitely out of the question, he'd be shipped to Azkaban, probably without even a trial to try to defend himself. Going to Dumbledore would ensure him an extra week or two before the Aurors would miraculously show up and arrest him, with Dumbledore apologising that there was 'nothing he could do'. Truth be told, he would be better off just going back to Voldemort, at least his death would be…quicker than anything the so called 'light side' would do to him.

Still, there was another option, but for how long? Who was to say Potter was any better than them? No doubt the boy realized how much information he had on both sides; he'd be invaluable, at least until all information had been shed. Then what would become of him? There was only one thing for it, though: take a chance, it was certainly better than any other choice he had, and that was putting it mildly. Severus finished off the meal drinking the last dregs of black coffee. The house elf surely could cook; no doubt it didn't get much of an opportunity working for a vampire. The Elf had been familiar, there was something about him... or her, for that matter; he didn't know for sure, it was hard to tell. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he stood up, stroking his wand to make sure it really was there, before stealthily leaving the room.

It took him a while to navigate the place, it was rather large and he wasn't used to being in such an extravagant setting. Hogwarts was different, it was a castle, a school and he only really went around the main areas. Areas he knew by heart through attending Hogwarts: the Owlery, Astronomy tower, the lower dungeons and the main corridors, where it was his duty as a teacher to do 'rounds,' which he liked and hated in equal measures. The only enjoyment he got from it was scaring the life out of students, and taking points from them; on the other hand he hated it because it kept him dwelling on things he'd rather not. Most of the students learned to avoid him, especially after they figure out the girls could get up the boy's staircase. In all other houses other than Slytherin of course, he had ensured that upon becoming Head of Slytherin. He knew they probably just went elsewhere but he wasn't a miracle worker.

Finally he made it to the ground floor, there was no denying that this was Potter manor, the crest was crafted, quite masterfully, he had to admit, into many items lying all over the place. From portraits to vases and other things that were probably wedding gifts over the years by guests at the weddings. It was an old fashioned tradition, one not seen so much these days, perhaps because of the decline in purebloods in society. Cocking his head to the side, he heard voices, more than one unless he was very much mistake, and he wasn't very often. Stopping immediately, he listened in, knowing if they were vampires he was already screwed.

"What do you think he wants in the Ministry?" enquired Carl curiously, as he unrolled an unused piece of parchment across the large table in the living/sitting room.

"I'm sure he will share when he's ready," said Rick wryly, watching Carl writing information on the parchment with a self-inking quill. Carl was older than him; he was one of the ancients, as they called them. The ancients didn't usually live in the UK, nor did they take sides. He could remember Harry's speech, and even now it caused him to shiver with how passionate he was. Not even Kai could shed a candle to how convincing Harry could be. He was good, very good and he was quite honoured to be here.

"Doesn't he always?" said Carl smirking. There was a purpose to each move Harry made, it was calculated and confident; he always got his way in the end. What made Harry succeed was the fact he didn't want too much too soon. He let it come to him, and he planned everything expertly, taking no chances. He cared about everyone who joined, even if he didn't show it. He kept his plans close to his heart, but eventually he shared with those he wanted to. Carl's sharp blue eyes eyed the wall, where their leader's current guest stood listening in. Harry didn't normally have guests. When he did, their scent was only in his bedroom and he sent them away via Portkey afterwards, they didn't get to roam around. He must trust this one to a certain extent, but considering the Vow it was no surprise. Alan had certainly been singing his praises at the warehouse since that night. In fact, Carl couldn't help but wonder if he secretly wanted a rematch, although more friendly than the last this time.

"Are you just going to stand out there? Or join us?" enquired Rick, not even moving from his position, glancing at Carl in amusement when the heartbeat of the wizard escalated.

"Don't tease the human," said Carl in mock reprimand, glancing up from his work to grin at his fellow vampire. Life had been so boring before he joined this group, hiding as the world changed, only the pleasure of feeding from the worst sort of criminals all over the world to sate him. Now his life could be interesting when he wanted it to be; thankfully it never got truly boring, especially with fellow vampires around to pass the time.

Severus entered the room; his arms crossed and face completely indecipherable, showing nothing of his feelings towards the vampires or their teasing. His eyes automatically observed his surroundings, noticing the parchment immediately. The writing was small, but he was used to gathering information; even the smallest of words was picked up by his hawk-like eyesight, as many accused him of having. The cells... he must be one of the vampires Harry had said he had in his coven, one of the ancients; he'd never met one. He would have been quite flustered really, even if he hadn't shown it, if the situation had been different. He did, however, have so many questions he wanted to ask, not just about the vampire himself, but about this side he'd been asked to join, even if inadvertently.

"You are curious," stated Carl speculatively, "Ask away." He'd heard them all before, nothing this wizard could say would surprise him. Even as he spoke, his hand continued to scribble away with the quill on the parchment. As a vampire he had many abilities, ones that humans couldn't even dream of.

"How did …Mr. Potter end up as a vampire?" asked Severus, his posture remaining stiff as he stared at them, gauging their reactions and responses.

"Ah, well, that I am afraid isn't a question I can answer, I have only known him three years," admitted Carl honestly, seeing no reason to lie. It was the first time anyone had asked that question, usually they wanted to know more about the Coven and its people.

Severus turned to the red-headed vampire, wondering if he would know the answer.

"I am unable to answer as well," said Rick, Kai had been secretive about Harry; he'd only met him by going to him unannounced. It was probably the only reason Harry had survived when the rest of Kai's coven had been wiped out. Another coven had obviously been watching them from afar and had chosen the opportune moment to attack. It was only through their frequent chats that he even knew part of Harry's life. Most of it wasn't good; that was perhaps why he'd been strong enough to overcome losing Kai and organizing the Underworld. Even if he did know, he wouldn't be revealing that, Harry obviously didn't want his past on display. It made sense really, Harry constantly read the Art of War, and if you didn't know your enemy, he would be harder to defeat.

"Why did you swear to protect a child you didn't even know?" asked Carl, eyeing the human carefully. Hmm, his heart escalated, which meant it wasn't something innocuous. Whatever the reason, it must be big, and he doubted he would receive an answer.

"I did know him," replied Severus briskly, to the surprise of the vampires.

"Other than as his teacher at Hogwarts?" enquired Rick, knowingly.

"Indeed," stated Severus, a flicker of surprise showing through his otherwise emotionless black eyes. He knew something; he doubted very much he would find out. "Where is Mr. Potter?"

"Basement," both replied in unison.

Severus wanted to groan, he had heard everything then, unless each room was silenced individually for privacy. Living with vampires... well, it would be irritating, not even being able to urinate in private…or the worst still option. Either Potter wasn't as bad with those in his service or the rooms were silenced, nobody would have ever talked so casually about the Dark Lord within his own home/property/hide-out. "Thank you," replied Severus curtly, before turning from the room and beginning to wander around again, looking for the basement which shouldn't be hard to find. In most big manors, the basement was usually down under the kitchen or in a complete lower level. He would find out which one it was soon enough.

It took him only five minutes to find the door to the lower level, and it was as he predicted: in the room next to the kitchen. It wasn't the utility room, which was on the other side of the kitchen; it was rather just a doorway leading towards the dungeons. He hesitated there for a few seconds, wondering briefly what the hell he was doing, he should just get to Gringotts now and run, be done with this whole mess. Unfortunately he had sworn a vow to protect Harry, to do all he could to help him defeat the Dark Lord. Dumbledore surely hadn't thought that through; Harry probably had no desire to fight Voldemort. It was ironic really, all Dumbledore's manipulations had become unwound when the child hadn't shown up for Hogwarts in September of what would have been his second year.

Grasping the door handle, he steeled himself and opened it. Stepping in he couldn't help but gape in wonder. Before him was the largest Potions lab he'd ever seen in his life. The farthest corner from him was filled with all manner of plants growing that all required darkness to thrive. Herbs grew at the other side, with what appeared to be a secluded sun shining on them; those herbs had to be added to the potion while fresh, but the boy had seemingly taken it to heart by the look of it. No, he knew the real reason, the fresher they were, the more potent the potion was; smart boy―he certainly hadn't displayed that knowledge in his class.

Severus continued to nose around as the boy completely ignored his existence. For the first time in nearly eighteen years he was getting a taste of how his students always felt. In a dungeon no less; it truly was ironic really. Not that it really irritated him... until the minutes ticked by and his questions began to eat at him. He was biting his tongue to stop himself demanding answers, and he wasn't sure how long he would refrain from snapping.

"Did you really make modifications to Veritaserum?" asked Severus once Harry was finished stirring the potion, wondering inwardly if he would even speak to him. Merlin, he'd never felt more awkward in his entire life.

"The one I threatened you with?" asked Harry, off handed, his voice filled with amusement. "No, that was from your own cupboard, but the one I told you about does exist, I just don't have it in my own cupboards, or rather I didn't then." The healing potions he'd brewed had gone to the werewolves; they'd been attacked and in his haste to go to their aid he'd broken the only vial of the improved Veritaserum he'd had in the cupboard. Even after all his years as a vampire, it was easy to forget his own strength.

"May I study the recipe?" asked Severus, with difficult keeping his eagerness from showing. Intense green eyes met his, cold, calculating, and Severus felt as if he was being judged; he most probably was.

"That depends," said Harry eventually, flicking his finger and the flame died out just as the alarm dinged at the side of the room. The potion bubbled less and less before lying still, the colour going darker as it finally settled. He nodded briefly, satisfied; he was making modifications to the Wolfsbane Potion, and he was rather hopeful it would work. It not blowing up was a very good indication he'd done something right; if he succeeded, it would make the transformation to and from their wolf forms painless, as well as giving them the ability to keep their minds during the full moon.

"On?" replied Severus guardedly.

"What do you think?" said Harry icily, arching his eyebrow and staring at the wizard with disbelief. Snape wasn't a stupid man, and acting it wasn't very becoming.

"I do think I'm not getting myself involved in another 'side' without knowing what's what," said Severus bluntly. "I did that once before, and I am stuck with the bastard's brand on me." He spit the last sentence out, showing the disgusting thing briefly before sliding his shirt sleeve back down.

Harry's teeth clenched tightly just seeing it; since his face was impassive nothing was noticed. He'd seen it before, the Dark Mark, on those wizards who had come to his domain and tried to fight. Tried being the keyword, since he had swiftly dispatched them. He'd seen it while he was healing Snape, yet fire rushed through him; he didn't like the fact Severus was bound to another, wore the mark of another. Dear Merlin, what the fuck was wrong with him? He had to get himself sorted out... fast.

"Second drawer down; you do know I'll kill you if the potion is published or even mentioned, don't you?" warned Harry without his usual coldness, completely preoccupied. He had been planning on creating the false prophecy orb today, but he had to find out what the hell was wrong with him, so that would just have to wait. For years he'd been in control of his own emotions, never letting them waver until this wizard showed up. Damn Snape to hell, he should have killed him. He didn't mean it of course, but he just…did not like what was happening to him.

Harry resolutely tried to ignore the wizard, as he grabbed his vials, corks and of course the pipette. Using his speed, wanting to get away from Snape he had all the vials bottled up and the cauldron emptied in record time. Waving his hand he cleaned and sterilized the lab, once he moved the potions out of the way, leaving the vials to cool down on a specialised cooling rack he'd bought a few months back. Unfortunately, the more he tried, the more intensely he was aware of Snape's every move.

Harry couldn't have left the dungeons quicker if he had Apparated. He tried locking himself in his library, but regretfully he couldn't silence the library just in case anyone needed him. They would know though not to disturb him unless it was truly important or life threatening since he had locked himself away. He didn't normally have to, it was more for his concentration, since his home wasn't normally open to the others. That was why the warehouse was there. Unfortunately he needed that layout from the Ministry as soon as possible, hence why Carl was doing it here. Rick was the only one who got away with doing whatever he liked, since Harry actually liked him; he had done so before Harry became the leader.

He really should just get rid of Snape…he really, really should. He could feel it in his bones that things were going to get very, very complicated.

Edited by Jordre :)