It's My Life
No one could believe what they just found out, so proudly and happily revealed by one Harry Potter, that he was blood adopted by Professor Severus Snape. The likeness of the two was crazy close to twins, but Harry retained the mixed look of his parents James and Lily Potter too. Harry looked like a young Severus and James put together, while keeping Lily's eyes. Harry, of course, kept his round glasses, and his hair color was on the darker brown over black that it had been for so many years. Harry's nose was slightly hooked like Severus's, and Harry's hair looked like it had in fourth year, but it was parted down the middle and the sides framed his face perfectly.
However, more shocking than the blood adoption was how Harry verbally attacked Albus Dumbledore, but it brought to light just how manipulative the man had been towards Harry. Leaving him with muggles when Sirius Black had the legal right of godfather to take him, but insisted Harry was safe, so Sirius went on after Pettigrew. All this got revealed in third year who actually betrayed the Potter's, but given how Sirius broke out of prison and Pettigrew could not be found, Sirius, unfortunately, had to remain a felon. Harry felt all that would change now that it was revealed Cornelius Fudge had intercepted a legal investigation on Albus, and made a fake report to get Harry back in Albus's guardianship.
Harry got left with muggles who hated magic, abused and starved him. How Harry always ended up in danger, fighting Voldemort. How Harry was never allowed to live somewhere else because of the blood wards Albus put up which did nothing to protect Harry because the only place he was ever in trouble was at Hogwarts itself. The Sorcerer's Stone. The Chamber of Secrets. The true traitor who got the Potter's killed. The Tri-Wizard Tournament. Ron and Hermione knew it was true, so did most of Gryffindor.
Slytherin also knew the truth because Harry didn't keep anything from his friends. Harry suffered hell because of Albus, and it was very clear to teachers and all students that Albus really did try to get Harry under his control. Not mentoring, protecting, or guiding. Control, so Harry would do what he wanted him to do. Right now, the great hall was quiet as Harry stood across from Albus and Severus was right behind Harry, hands on the teenager's shoulders. The teachers were in a horseshoe-like position while students just watched. Lucius stood next to Severus, all formal-like while Amelia Bones and Auror's stood in waiting for their time to make a move. Everything had been arranged by Harry.
"Harry, my boy…You've clearly been through so much that you've put yourself in a false reality. None of this ever happened, I assure you…I've always had your best interests at heart. Come now, all will be forgiven and we can talk properly." Albus finally spoke, attempting to get closer to Harry.
"Not another step towards my son, Albus," Severus warned.
"Mr. Potter has indeed been through quite a bit, Albus…And from all I've learned, it is entirely your fault. Thank Merlin, Mr. Potter has stood strong enough all these years to finally seek justice for what he's endured." Lucius spoke.
"You're not in this, Mr. Malfoy…" Albus remarked.
"You'll find that I am as some of these allegations have taken place here at the school, and I am on the board of governors for education." Lucius stated calmly.
"And I speak for all other matters in the investigation." Amelia informed. "Albus, these are very serious offenses against Harry Potter,"
"Harry Potter-Snape-Prince," Severus corrected. "Or just Harry Potter-Snape. We only have the addition of Prince for legality matters." He added.
"None of this is happening. Harry Potter has always been safe thanks to my measures…" Albus tried.
"Silence, Albus," Amelia shushed him harshly. "Unfortunately, for you, Mr. Dumbledore…The file you have here claiming to be Harry's guardian is indeed falsified because the investigation on you started on August 7th, 1995, through Gringotts and completed at the end of January."
Amelia continued. "The letter landed on my desk just three days before this claim was created. And the verdict revealed you have been found unfit to remain Harry's guardian, as such, full custody was given to Severus Snape. I have been told by Severus that there was worry you might try something drastic and illegal, so he, with Mr. Potter's consent, performed a blood adoption." She informed.
"Well, the adoption was actually set up because at the time Severus was my guardian during the investigation, we got to know one another better and I began seeing him as a father-figure as he saw me as a son. The adoption happened to solidify the information we already felt was true. It just doubled as a secondary method to prevent Albus from doing anything crazy, Ma'am." Harry explained.
"Yes, of course. Thank you for clarifying, Harry," Amelia smiled. "Regardless…Mr. Dumbledore, I believe the only course of action that can be taken is that you are taken in until trial."
"In addition to that, I've been sent to deliver this letter of removal by the board of education. Albus Dumbledore is hereby found suspended from his duties as Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Reinstatement or termination decision will be reached pending the outcome of the trial." Lucius handed the rolled parchment to Albus.
"I name Dolores Jane Umbridge my replacement!" Albus said quickly.
"I'm afraid she's under investigation as well," Amelia said. "For torturing students with a blood quill and unfair detentions."
"Those claims are false, I love children." Dolores lied.
"False? I've got the proof on my hand!" Harry argued as he pulled back his robe sleeve to show the scars of his lines with Umbridge.
"I'm so sorry, dear boy. I was unaware those methods weren't permitted and I do promise that now I've been told the prescribed disciplinary actions, such things will never happen again." Dolores smiled sweetly. It made Harry inch closer to his father. "I promise to abide by Hogwarts' long standing practices of discipline, and hand over the blood quill."
"She's still under investigation," Lucius stated.
"As was I, all this time, apparently and I was permitted to do my duties." Albus countered. "I don't believe you have grounds to refuse my request when there is merely an investigation taking place. If she is found guilty through such, she will step down. But it has always been the decision of the former headmaster to choose the next one. I selected Dolores to stand in my stead…"
"He does make a fair point, Lucius," Amelia told the man.
"Very well, but one mishap of mistreating students…So much as an unfair detention, torture, failing correct and turned in on time work, and I will demand her immediate removal and arrest." Lucius said firmly.
"Done." Amelia nodded. "You've been warned, Dolores. One misstep, and you're out."
"Of course, I completely understand." Dolores nodded with a smile.
"Albus…You'll have to come with us." Amelia motioned to the Aurors to arrest Albus, and they did so. "I'll reach out to you, Severus, when trial has been set."
"Thank you, Amelia." Severus replied with a nod of his head.
"Has my other request been viewed yet, Amelia?" Lucius asked.
"Yes, and accepted. I will send word of that date to you once set as well." Amelia replied. "I assume you'll be representing him?"
"Yes." Lucius nodded.
"We'll take that wand from you, Harry," One Auror requested. Harry handed it over no problem.
"Very good then. We'll be off." Amelia left the school with the Aurors, who held Albus in magical handcuffs.
"What request did you make?" Severus asked Lucius.
"A fair trial for Sirius Black." Lucius said as Harry's eyes lit up with hope. "I believe it's long overdue to clear the man's name since Albus clearly won't."
"Thank you!" Harry hugged the man as Lucius's eyes widened some at the action, but eventually, Lucius just wrapped one arm around Harry's figure in response before separating.
"I promised you that we would find a way to clear Sirius's name, Harry…I'm a man of my word. This trial will work in favor of that because it'll have to be revealed that Dumbledore sent Sirius to find Pettigrew, knowing he betrayed the Potter's…" Lucius said.
"I appreciate it, Mr. Malfoy." Harry smiled.
"Now then…I'll be returning home with Narcissa. I'll see you all for the trial." Lucius informed before leaving the hall.
"Harry, are you alright, son…?" Severus asked.
"I am…Just not looking forward to the trial." Harry admitted.
"All will be fine. We'll talk more later," Severus assured.
Harry nodded as Dolores stood proudly. "I believe enough time has been wasted. Let's not let students go hungry because all this…Attention. Teachers will take their seats, as will students…"
Harry really hated that Dolores was staying as headmistress, but it didn't matter…She'd mess up, she couldn't help herself but to try and be in power. There wasn't much longer of the school year left, and hopefully Dolores would not be returning next year as she'd have screwed up and gotten herself arrested before this year was out. Dolores was already under investigation, so it might not even matter if she didn't mess up again.
Harry went to his friends at the Slytherin table while teachers took their place at the head table. Food appeared as people began talking, all of which was about what they'd seen. Harry felt like it was fourth year again, where everyone looked at him differently. Surely they didn't hate him for outing Dumbledore, did they? Harry hoped not, he didn't want a repeat of fourth year. It was by far the worst one he'd gone through since attending Hogwarts.
"You alright, Harry?" Blaise asked seeing as Harry was so quiet during the meal.
"I know it's necessary, but I really am not looking forward to trial…" Harry muttered. "Dumbledore is a manipulator, he'll worm his way out of things…"
"No, he won't, Harry. There's hard evidence against him, and my father is a shark in the courtroom. Trust me, Dumbledore won't get away with this." Draco promised. "We'll all be right there for you, or…At least, me. So will Uncle Sev and mother."
"I know, but trials can get harsh…The other side always fights back to paint the accuser being wrong." Harry sighed.
"Don't stress about it." Pansy smiled. "Everything will be fine."
"Even if Dumbledore is removed from the school permanently, we have to deal with her," Theodore reminded.
"She won't last. It's clear she hates children, and it's only a matter of time before she can't resist punishing harshly or revealing herself as trouble. Or, if we're lucky, her investigation will show she's unfit to lead the school." Blaise remarked.
"She'll target me as she has all year," Harry stated. "Don't worry about her…She's nothing I can't handle and she knows it."
"Watch yourself, Harry…Uncle Severus isn't going to like the idea of you putting yourself in danger with her." Draco informed.
"I'll be okay, Dray," Harry gave a soft smile.
"So, can we just talk about how awesome it was to see you power up like that?!" Vincent exclaimed quietly.
"Everyone is talking about it." Gregory added. "How did you do that?"
"I don't know," Harry admitted. "It just…Happens when I'm mad, or need protection." He shrugged. "I don't really control when it kicks up, but it seems to activate on its own to keep me safe, like when Dumbledore and Umbridge tried to barricade me in the Headmaster's office. They tried to corner me, my magic sparked to keep them back. Father says that it's rare, but possible for magic to manifest defensively and offensively."
"Cool," Pansy chuckled. "And it was amazing to see you out Dumbledore too."
"It wasn't the plan, but since he wanted to make it a big deal with people around…" Harry said.
"You seem upset," Draco mentioned.
"Just tired, maybe stressed. Despite reassurances, trials can go sideways in the blink of an eye." Harry mentioned.
"Father and Uncle Sev will sit down with you before trial and explain how things will go so nothing takes you by surprise. There still might be some things from the defense of Dumbledore, but again, Harry…My dad will take care of it. Albus isn't getting away with his years of endangerment and neglect against you. He's in the wrong, Harry. Remember that, you've done nothing wrong." Draco put an arm around Harry's shoulders. "Come on, you need to eat."
. . .
The rest of dinner was quiet and Harry did eat a little bit, but not a bunch. When the meal ended, Harry returned to the dungeons with his friends, but was stopped by Severus and guided away to the man's office. Harry went right to the couch and Severus closed the door, activating the silencing charms over the room, which included the fireplace too.
"You didn't eat much at dinner, Harry." Severus began.
"Wasn't that hungry after earlier, Dad," Harry admitted. "Still not."
"Anything on your mind you'd like to talk about?" Severus asked, taking a seat beside his son.
"Wishing things hadn't come out the way they did. A private reveal to those who needed to be aware, fine…But publicly?" Harry sighed. "It's not how I wanted things to go. While Slytherin is behind me, probably some of Gryffindor…How quiet things were in the hall during supper was all too much of a reminder of fourth year when I'd been selected as a fourth champion to the tournament. How everyone turned on me when it wasn't my fault. This was, getting Dumbledore removed as headmaster, arrested…And he left that nightmare in charge. Nobody wanted that." He informed.
"I can see your discomfort in the situation, but Harry…You did the right thing. They cornered you publicly, you defended yourself. I'd have done nothing differently if it were me." Severus told his son. "Don't worry about Umbridge, she's being watched very closely. As soon as she slips up, she's gone and Minerva will take over the place of Headmistress. Or she could pass the torch to one of us other teachers." He informed.
"Trial isn't going to be easy, is it?" Harry questioned.
"Likely not, my boy," Severus agreed. "I won't sit here and lie to your face that it'll be as easy as stating all the man has done and calling him guilty. Things have to run their course and it will be a battle…But I can promise you that you're not fighting it on your own, son. I'll be there, Lucius, Narcissa…Probably Draco too. Maybe even Minerva, from what I understand, she was present the night you were left at the Dursley's and didn't agree with Albus's choice to leave you there." He mentioned.
"Trust me, son…Albus will not get away with this and I have it on good faith that even if he is not found guilty, he will not be allowed back at Hogwarts just for today alone with how he behaved with you. Everyone saw him grab you and heard what was said. So no, it will not be simple…But we'll prevail in our own ways."
"How will it go?" Harry inquired. "The trial?"
"We'll discuss that with Lucius when the date is given. It's standard protocol that defense speaks with their client and as you brought this against Albus, you count as the Plaintiff, the one bringing the charges against Albus. Lucius will go over with you how things are expected to go, but that is not a guarantee. Don't worry so much." Severus stated.
"For now, I don't think I need to tell you to watch yourself with Umbridge. She may be stand-in headmistress, but she'll remain Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher too. Don't do anything to vex her, just do what you're expected. Let's not give her a reason to target you and if she tries, Harry…You come right to me."
"Yes, Father," Harry nodded to him.
"And Harry, time to stop the army. It's too risky with Umbridge as Headmistress." Severus ordered.
"I'll send out the message tonight that meetings are postponed until further notice." Harry replied.
"Good boy," Severus smiled.
"I'm gonna need new dress robes for trial…" Harry muttered.
"I'll take care of those for you, and myself." Severus enlightened. "I'll get our measurements and send them to Madam Malkin's for owl order."
"Okay," Harry responded gently.
"Now, you're sure you're not hungry?" Severus asked.
"No, Dad. Just tired." Harry said. "I think I'll just get some more work done, shower, and go-," He stopped when Severus grabbed his arm tightly. "H-He's calling, isn't he?"
"He is," Severus answered. Harry looked worried. "Don't trouble yourself with this, son. He likely got wind Dumbledore was arrested and wants information, it should be easy enough to escape without problems. There's nothing really to hide from him or lie about." Severus revealed. "Go on back to the dorm, son."
"W-Will you let me know when you get back, so I know you're okay?" Harry hoped.
"I will. I promise." Severus kissed the top of Harry's forehead. "Go on now. I can't keep him waiting too long or he'll get upset."
Harry stood up and prepared to leave the office, but ended up turning back to his adoptive father and embracing him tightly. Severus could feel the boy's concern for him radiating. Harry finally let go.
"I love you, Dad." Harry said.
"I love you too, my son." Severus gave a soft smile.
Harry then exited the room and Severus watched from his door as Harry got inside his common room, then he shut the door to his office and hurried to the floo to travel to Malfoy Manor. Hopefully this meeting would just breeze right by.
. . .
When Severus exited the fireplace, he found himself in the dining room of Malfoy Manor and found everyone already arrived and sitting.
"Ah, Severus…There you are." Voldemort smiled. It was downright creepy.
"My lord," Severus offered a bow and then took his seat next to Lucius at the table.
"Now that we're all here…I really only need to be informed of how Albus Dumbledore ended up arrested and imprisoned while awaiting trial?" Voldemort inquired. "Severus, Lucius…One of you might be able to give me the information I require. What has the old fool done to end up in such a predicament?"
"It's quite clear, my lord…Albus Dumbledore isn't as innocent as he appears," Lucius began. "He was indeed arrested by Aurors just a few hours ago, right at Hogwarts."
"Really? I can imagine the embarrassment." Voldemort laughed darkly. "Severus, do tell the details."
"To be perfectly upfront, my lord…Albus simply aggravated someone he clearly underestimated." Severus remarked.
"Oh, and who might this someone be? I know you know…" Voldemort pushed with his smile of anxiousness.
"None other than Harry Potter himself." Severus revealed.
"Really now?" Voldemort sat upright quickly. "Go on…"
So Severus then began to tell the dark lord about what took place, leaving out the adoption and even that he'd become Harry's guardian before that. Severus's shields were erected all around like a bubble, but stronger than ever before. There couldn't be room for Voldemort to suspect there was more than what he was being told. Severus wasn't just protecting the boy who lived; he was protecting his son.