Chapter 5.
Harry woke up at nine. Surprised to have gotten a full eight hours of sleep considering how excited he was. The young heir jumped out of bed and dressed quickly. Wearing the same pants and shoes as he did yesterday, a long sleeved black shirt, and his tattered grey jean jacket. Harry packed his pajamas in the trunk before doing a once-over of his room; making sure that nothing was left behind. Harry shrunk his trunk after being satisfied that there was nothing left for him to pack before placing the now small trunk in his backpack. Putting Luca's den in the bag next to it.
"Luca," Harry hissed softly at the black snake. "Snape is arriving in one hour. Would you like to sit in my backpack? I put your warm nest in there." Harry asked.
Luca looked at Harry and then at the old backpack the boy was holding. "Yes little speaker, I will sleep in the bag while we wait for the mans arrival." Luca answered. Letting harry scoop him up and set him gently in his cozy den.
The boy turned to his owl after getting Luca settled. Debating on keeping her in her cage or letting her fly to their new home. He decided in the end to just hope she would find him later. He whispered the address to the bird and watched in awe as she flew gracefully out the window.
Harry used his magic to braid a few strands of hair. Tying them together behind his head and brushed out the hair that remained down. Satisfied with his appearance, he walked down stairs and had breakfast with the other children for the final time. He noticed the stares he was getting for wearing a jacket and his backpack on a Sunday. But he just smiled knowing they would all be jealous and most likely relieved to see him leave the O.L.S.O. He ate his stale toast quickly, checking the clock above the door every few minutes antsy with anticipation for what was to come.
Harry was sitting in the entry hall looking at the old wooden floors with thread bare carpets when the door opened and Severus Snape walked inside. The man was wearing a smart muggle suit; all black of course. Harry jumped out of his seat and scrambled to get to the man. A smile so wide on his face that his cheeks ached.
"Severus Snape!" Harry said ecstatically. "Exactly ten o'clock! Thanks for not keeping me waiting. All of my things are packed and in my bag ready to go!" The boy beamed. He grabbed the mans hand and pulled him swiftly to the front desk before ringing the bell seven times. Giddy with joy.
"Harry Potter did you have to ring that blasted bell so many times? I understand you are excited but there is no need for you to be so impatient." Snape said fondly. Looking at the small child with amusement. "You double checked that nothing was left behind?" He drawled.
"Oh yes sir. I checked twice before leaving the room this morning. Everything is packed away." Harry bounced on his feet as he waited for the sisters to appear. They didn't have to wait long before both Miss. M and Miss. P walked over to them.
Miss. M looked down at the smiling child before looking up at Severus. "Mr. Snape, I am pleased to see you again. What is the nature of your arrival?" She asked the man.
Snape smiled softly down at the boy standing next to him, "I would like to adopt Mr. Potter and take him home with me to the boarding school that I work at ma'am." He told the woman. Looking her in the eyes. "I feel that the family has been separated long enough."
Harry piped up softly, "Yes Miss M! Uncle Severus is going to take good care of me." His voice was dripping with excitement as he gave the woman his most charming smile.
The Gerry sisters glanced at each other before Miss P nodded once and walked to the office. "This is great news." Miss M said smiling brightly. "If you would follow me please. We just need to have you boys sign the proper documents and you can be on your way."
Severus placed a hand lightly on Harrys shoulder and they followed the woman to the office. Miss P was handing all the assorted papers to her elder sister before smiling stiffly and walking away. Muttering something about checking on the younger children. " 'm sorry about her. Polly really hates paperwork." Marsha said quickly. Motioning to the two chairs placed in front of a large oak desk. "If you would both sign these four documents down at the bottom please." She handed the pair each a black pen. Sliding the papers over. After the papers had been signed, she wrote her own signature on each paper and handed the fourth back to Severus. "This is your copy. Make sure to keep it safe. I will file the papers with the city tomorrow morning." She smiled down at Harry. "Harry Potter, it was nice having you with us for the past nine years. Have fun with your new life."
As soon as Harry stepped outside and took a breath of crisp autumn air he laughed. "They must have really wanted me gone." He said in a fit of giggles. "In the nine years I lived there, never have I seen the process move so fast! It normally lasts at least two hours." Harry looked up at the man who was staring at him kindly. "They didn't ask us a single question! That's unheard of!"
"I am so glad to put this place behind me once and for all. Thanks for getting me out of there Snape." Harry grabbed the mans hand, squeezing it twice before dropping it. "My lovely owl Anubis will be waiting for us so lets go." The boy bounced with impatience.
"You named your owl after the Egyptian God of the Underworld?" Snape asked the fidgeting boy.
Harry just beamed a sinister smile as he answered. "Yes of course I named my all black owl after a deity of death. I suppose that would be a surprise to you huh." Harry laughed. "Clearly you have a lot to learn about me Mr. Teacher."
The man sighed and ran his fingers through his straight hair. "I suppose you're right Harry. I don't know you yet but now I have the opportunity to learn. And please mister Potter. I am a Professor. Not a teacher." Snape reached for Harrys hand, "remember to hold on tight." And apparated them away before Harry even had a chance to open his mouth.
Harry was flabbergasted when he saw where number 12 Grimmauld Place was. Smack dab in the middle of muggle London; only eight kilometers away from the orphanage. He was a little bummed that his new home wasn't in the wizarding world, but he knows London has a large population of vile people waiting to perish under his small hand.
Harry let go of Professor Snapes hand and walked cautiously up to the gate. No emotions showing on his face. "I don't see a number 12 sir." Harry spoke softly. Feeling his magic heat up around him. "This better not be a joke." Harry seethed. Looking darkly at the man that brought him here.
Snape paled ever so slightly at the look Harry was giving him. "No its not a joke. Place your hand upon the gate."
Harry did as he was told and grinned as he saw the building shift and change before his eyes. He blinked once as he saw that in the middle of the two other homes, an all black building stood tall. Harry gasped in awe. He could feel the magic radiating off the building, calling to him softly, beckoning him to come inside.
He pushed open the gate but didn't move his feet. "Do you feel that? The magic?" Harry asked Snape softly. So softly the man could hardly hear him.
"No child I do not. But it is your home not mine." Snape responded. Harry didn't see the grimace on the mans face as he was to busy staring at the home. The professor cleared his throat, "come along now. Narcissa Malfoy will be arriving soon to meet you and I'm sure you would like to see the house first before entertaining a new guest." He drawled at the boy. Giving him a gentle nudge forward.
Harry slowly walked up to the door. Letting his magic mix with that of the house and a warm welcoming embrace filled his body as he reached the door. He didn't have to lift a finger; the door just opened at his presence.
As soon as the door opened Harry and Snape were met with three screeching voices. One coming from above the door and the other two from somewhere deeper in the house. "Well it looks like the Black family house elf has survived." Snape mused. "And it seems it has met the Malfoy family's rather odd house elf Narcissa sent over." He brushed past Harry swiftly and stalked through the front door. "Dobby!" The man bellowed. Silence was heard from the two voices. But there was still another shrill voice shrieking loudly by the entrance. With a loud crack, two strange looking creatures appeared before Snape.
The man glared harshly at the two, "It would be wise of you to stop it with the fighting and welcome the new Heir Black into his rightful home." His voice was full of order as he stared down at the creatures that were glaring daggers at each other.
Harry had enough of the screaming from the unknown culprit. He walked into the house and told his magic to stop the screaming and it stopped. Harry closed his eyes and took a breath, inhaling the magic around him. He looked behind him to find what was throwing such a fit when he saw it was just a painting of a mean looking woman. She was staring at him with a strange look in her eye.
"Walburga Black. Sirius' mother and the late Lady of the house." Snape told Harry. "She was never a very pleasant woman."
A loud huff came from the old house elf. "You filthy half blood dare talk ill about Kreatures mistress!" The elf gasped.
Harry scoffed, "And you dare talk ill about my godfather?" Harry relaxed his magic a bit. Letting it flow through the hallway. "I am Harry James Potter-Black-Peverell-Gaunt-Prince-Gryffindor-Slytherin and I demand your respect as your new master." Harry snapped. Breathless after speaking all seven titles. "The magic of the house has welcomed me with open arms. Its time you do the same."
Before the old and grumpy elf had time to respond, the younger odd elf flung himself at Harry. "Oh Harry Potter!" The strange thing squeaked. "Dobby is so pleased to meet you. Dobby has cleaned the house for Mister Potter! Dobby made Harry Potter treats in the kitchen!" His small arms wrapped around Harrys waist.
Harry looked at Snape with big eyes. Clearly not knowing how to proceed. But Harry didn't have to say anything for Kreature ripped Dobby off of the young heir. "Dobby should leave now. Dobby should not grab Master Black." Kreature roared at the younger elf. "Dobby does not belong here."
Dobby glared at Kreature, "Dobby will not listen to Kreatures ranting. Kreature is old and mean and vile. Dobby will leave when Mistress Malfoy tells him to. Not Kreature."
Harry looked to Snape once again. Completely out of his element and not knowing what to do. The man nodded to Harry before walking right up to the two squabbling elf's. "Be quiet both of you. Young Harry has never met magical creatures before and you two are being terrible examples for what lies in the wizarding world. You will stop this at once!" He bellowed menacingly. "Dobby, you will go prepare for Narcissa's arrival while Kreature shows Harry his bedroom and anything else Harry will wish to see." His no nonsense tone snapping into place as he looked down at the small beings dressed in rags.
"Come along Harry, I'm sure Kreature will give us a tour now." Snape smiled at the boy patting his shoulder lightly.
The tour of the home went smoothly after Snape yelled at the two small elf's. Kreature took them up the many stairs. Pointing out what each room was or who the room belonged to before they reached the master bedroom. The room was huge, belonging first to Walburga and Orion Black before Harry showed up. All decorations had been removed from the room, giving Harry a blank slate to make his own. The only fixtures left in the room was a huge kingsize bed frame made of black wood intricately carved to look like branches, along with the matching dresser and armoire set, curtain rods with no curtains, and an ancient looking chandelier. A fire place made of dark grey stone and marble sat strongly in front of the large bed frame. Harry looked around with stars in his eyes. This huge room all for him! He never had much space to himself and now he has an entire house and a lovely bedroom. He slipped off his backpack and gently scooped Luca out of his nest.
Harry flicked his hand towards the fireplace and a warm black fire appeared before turning orange. "Luca, its time for you to wake up and see our room." Harry hissed at his friend. Walking to the fire place. "Feel the warmth on your skin my friend. We shall never be cold again." Harry set the snake down on the hearth, stroking the long black body gently.
He felt movement at his feet and looked down to see the old house elf Kreature bowing to him, "Young Master is a speaker. The first in the Nobel House of Black. Kreature is honored to serve Young Master. He is a gift from Lady Magic herself." The elf all but wailed at Harrys feet. "I must go tell Mistress right away. Just follow the stairs to get back." Kreature rasped; disappearing with a loud crack.
Harry blinked slowly. Surprised at the reaction he was given. "Well little speaker, aren't you popular. Having beings bow beneath you already." Luca hissed. Moving closer to the fire. "If you don't mind, I'd like to enjoy the warmth. I will look around later." Harry just nodded at the snake and walked over to the tall man that had been quiet for far to long.
He approached Snape, stopping right in front of him. Harry looked up at the man with his bright green eyes, "Hey sir, I think I need to get a bed today. Can we do that before you go back to Hogwarts?"
Snape just looked at the boy, "No I am afraid I will not be taking you shopping. Narcissa made it very clear to me that she would be the one to take you. She says I have no taste for fashion and design and it would be a 'travesty' if I were to help you decorate or furnish anything." The man looked away haughtily. "I may do many things Mr. Potter, but going against Narcissa Malfoy's wishes is not something I wish to experience."
Harry just laughed. "Does she scare you or something?" He asked.
Before the potions professor had time to respond, they heard a loud knock at the door. Snape smirked at the boy, "We should go greet your guest. Its rude to keep a Lady waiting." He strode out the door, Harry following behind him as they made their way down the stairs.
Harry was a little nervous to meet another magical person; he was more excited than nervous. He thought the anxiety he was feeling was the pressure to make a good first impression. Snape did say that this woman was high up in the socialite standings of the wizarding world. He relaxed his magic again, more than he did when he was reprimanding Kreature. Letting the power roll off him like waves. He could feel Snapes magic and the houses magic around him, but the more power he relaxed and the farther they walked down the stairs, he picked up another point of magic. Magic similar in feeling to his, just not as powerful.
He grinned inwardly, knowing now that he held the most power in the building. He pulled most of his magic back to him; only letting a little stay relaxed around him. He had noticed Snape tense up when Harry let his magic relax and wash over the entire house. And he had noticed when the man relaxed slightly as he pulled his magic back in. That's when Harry realized that the grown wizard walking in front of him was scared of the magic he possessed. Harry stifled a giggle and placed his most charming expression on his face as the pair walked into the sitting room.
He straightened his back and walked right over to the lovely woman that was sitting on a dark green velvet couch sipping on a glass of water. He smiled at her charmingly and offered his hand. "Lady Malfoy what an honor it is to meet you. Professor Snape has told me wonderful things about you." Harry kissed her hand lightly and stared into her dark grey eyes. "My name is Harry Potter-Black-Peverell-Gaunt-Prince-Gryffindor-Slytherin; but you can call me Harry Potter." His voice was as smooth as silk as he talked to the woman.
Narcissa Malfoy stood up and smiled mischievously at him, "Harry Potter," she crooned, "you are just as charming as Severus told me you would be. You may call me Narcissa if you wish darling." She reached up and brushed a long strand of hair behind Harry's ear, "would you be so kind as to humor me for a moment darling? I believe it was your magic that I felt a few moments ago before we met. Almost like it was searching for me. Would you mind releasing it again? I am so curious darling." He voice as smooth as Harrys was.
The boy grinned, knowing she was playing his game. "Of course Narcissa I will show you. I do believe it scares Snape a little. He gets so tense when I relax my magic." Harry giggled and sent a smirk back at the man standing in the doorway. He heard Snape scoff and watched as the man came to sit in an arm chair near them.
Harry closed his eyes and decided he wanted to give the Lady a show. He relaxed his body first, letting his magic wash over every limb before he let go. With his eyes still closed his felt as his power flowed around him and into the room. Drowning everything in his magic. He kept his eyes closed and focused on using his magic to lift him into the air. He crossed his legs and hovered above the two adults as the magic continued to pour from his tiny body. He opened his eyes and looked down at Snape first. Seeing the mans eyes wide open in shock and mild fear. Harry smiled and looked to Narcissa, her expression was different. She looked around the room in amazement and surprise. Her eyes alight with wonder.
She beamed at the boy that was sitting in the air, a cocky smile on his lips. "Oh darling you are simply marvelous. Come down and let me get a look at you."
Harry had just floated to the ground and was beginning to call back his magic when a strange blue cat appeared in the room before Snape. He looked closer and saw that it wasn't a living cat, it almost looked like a ghost and it felt purely magical. He was about to ask what it was before the cat spoke, "Severus, you need to return to the castle at once! Two students have attempted to break into your ingredient storage room and one of them has landed in the hospital wing. We have no idea what has caused this reaction. Come at once." As soon as the message was received, the cat vanished into the air.
Snape cursed loudly and stood up. Sighing harshly he turned to Harry and Narcissa, " I am sorry but I must return to the castle. These students get dafter every year I swear." He sighed again, "Harry, I am so glad I have gotten you out of that orphanage. I am sorry that I can not stay around longer today. We will call tonight. Narcissa will show you how the floo works." Snape turned to Narcissa, "Cissa, don't let the child fool you to much. I appreciate the help, I've got to run." He patted Harry on then shoulder and stalked swiftly out of the house. Leaving Harry alone with Narcissa Malfoy.
Harry looked at the woman and then at the door. "What was that cat ?" He asked softly. Curious about how to create one.
"That my darling, was a patronus charm. A very advanced spell most don't learn until they are seventeen and even then some can't produce one. Would you like to see mine?" Harry nodded excitedly and watched with wide eyes as Narcissa conjured a beautiful swan.
Harry circled the swan, studying it for a moment before turning away and opening his palm. He focused on the black fire that he could create and played around with it before he turned back to Narcissa and showed her what he had done. He created a black swan out of fire that hovered just above his open hand. He pushed at his magic and watched as his swan flew around the room before calling it back and vanishing it. He looked at the woman expectantly, looking for her praise.
Narcissa Malfoy looked at him in shock, yes she could feel the power the child possessed; even saw him float in the air, but this? The creature he made out of fire? Black fire at that? She knew Severus was right. The boy was full of dark magic. She cleared her face and put on a smile, "my darling, that was extraordinary! Never have I seen such beautiful magic." Harry preened at her praise. His cheeks heating up at the kind words. "What else can you do darling?" Narcissa asked him.
Harry spent the next hour showing Narcissa all the trinkets he had made over the years. He demonstrated his cutting curse on a pillow for her. He introduced her to Luca and Anubis. She was loving all of it. Praising him for his skill and knowledge of wandless magic. Harry quickly grew to like the woman Snape had left him with. The pair were chatting about Hogwarts when Dobby popped into the room announcing lunch was ready.
Narcissa lead the way to the kitchen but as soon as they entered, Harry felt a very strong pull towards the cupboard by the door. So strong he walked right to it and opened the door. He saw a mess of old blankets in a pile on the floor, the walls held some old photos of the Lady of the house that came before him and he knew it was Kreatures living area. The sight of the small cramped space made Harry sad. He didn't want his elf living in such a small area. But that pull of magic grew stronger and stronger as he lingered in the door way. "Kreature" Harry spoke loudly.
Not two seconds had passed before the old elf appeared before him with a crack. "Yes young master how may Kreature be of service?"
"I wish for you to have a bigger room with a real bed of your choosing. I also demand you give me whatever is holding so much magic in this space. I believe it is asking for me." Harry told the small being. Voice cold and unwavering. He saw Narcissa staring at him curiously from the long table she was sat at.
"Kreature does not want a bigger room young master. Kreature is happy with his space." The elf told Harry. Avoiding the demand that was placed upon him.
Harry sighed and stared at the elf with harsh eyes, "Very well, keep the cupboard. But you still need to give me that item Kreature. Its calling to me. I want it. Now." The elf still didn't move. "Kreature, I am your master. You will give it to me." Harry felt his anger rise along with his magic. He let some of his power loose, feeling the rage that swirled within it. He let the magic fill the kitchen, startling both Narcissa and Dobby.
Narcissa quickly stood up and strode over to the boy. She hesitantly placed a hand on his shoulder, "Darling Harry, there's no need to get upset. Come sit and have lunch with me while Kreature fetches this item." Her voice was soft and gentle.
Harry turned his cold gaze to her, "My dear Lady Malfoy, I would love to have lunch with you. I would just like to have this item in my possession first if you don't mind. It is pulling me in trying to find me. Naturally I would like to have it so that I can sit comfortably." He gave her a charming smile before looking down at the elf and holding his hand expectantly. "Kreature, I know you know what I seek. Please don't make me take it from you."
The old house elf looked distraught. Despair shown on his worn face, "Master Harry, Kreature can not give you the locket. Master Regulas gave Kreature this locket as his dying wish. Kreature promised to destroy it but no matter how hard Kreature tried it would not be destroyed. Kreature disappointed his loving master Regulas." Kreature wailed. Pulling on his large ears.
Narcissa gasped loudly. Harry stood his ground. "Kreature, if your master gave you a task that was impossible for you to complete; it is not your fault and you did not disappoint him. You did such a good job keeping the locket safe for so long. I am sure master Regulas would be so proud of you. But now I can keep it safe for you and master Regulas. I would be very disappointed if I couldn't have the locket." Harry said very softly. Crouching so that he was at eye level with the elf. "Won't you please give it to me? Maybe I can find a way to destroy it one day." Harry hoped his new approach would help him in getting this locket.
Kreature looked at Harry with deep sorrow in his eyes. Clearly not wanting to give up the locket. But the elf relented and dug the locket out of his tiny room. Brushing it off and handing it to Harry. "Here Young Master." The elf disappeared as soon as Harry closed his fingers around the locket.
Narcissa led Harry to a chair and Dobby placed a plate of chicken, rice, and vegetables in front of him. Harry was studying the locket intently, not even glancing at his plate. The magic coming from it felt familiar and almost calming now that it was in his hand. He tried opening it but the clasp wouldn't budge. He decided to slip the chain over his head and wear the locket. He felt it pressed to his sternum as he looked up and saw Narcissa watching him closely.
She snapped her fingers and two glasses of water appeared before them, "You were right about that locket being yours darling." Narcissa tisked. "It looks like Salazar Slytherin's lost locket." She said, taking a drink. "You really should eat up darling boy. You are much to thin and we still have shopping to do today."
Harry smiled at her statement. Pulling his magic back to him, content now that he was wearing then locket. They ate their lunch and talked about the Black family history. Narcissa told him about how most of the Blacks were vile abusive people apart from a few like herself, one of her sisters, Harry's other godfather Sirius, and Regulas (even though she never found out how he died). She told Harry how Sirius went to jail without a trial or any proof of the crime they say he committed.
Harry was rightfully furious to find out that his other godfather was placed in such a horrible prison without reason. He added it to his mental list of things to do when he could go to the ministry of magic. He was going to get the man a fair trial.
The rest of the day passed pleasantly. Narcissa took Harry shopping in muggle London for a new wardrobe and explained the difference in muggle and wizarding culture. She told Harry that she would order him some robes so that he could blend better in the wizarding world. She took him to furniture stores where he picked out a few things for his new room and bathroom.
When they got back to 12 Grimmauld Place, Narcissa showed Harry how the floo system worked and how to order things from the wizarding world via owl. Narcissa told Harry that he could keep Dobby for a few weeks to help him remodel the dreary home. Explaining that Dobby could change wall papers or colors with a snap of his fingers.
Harry and Narcissa decided that she would come over every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to teach him more about the wizarding world and all that was in it. Telling him that she would soon introduce him to her son Draco.
A little after five, Harry bid the woman goodnight and worked on setting up his new TV. Waiting for the floo call from his godfather.
Severus Snape knew that today was going to be a good day. It was a sunny Sunday morning and he was going to free Harry Potter from the orphanage. He was a little nervous, leaving such a young child alone in a house full of dark magic, but he knew he would have Narcissa's help. Merlin knows Severus was going to need help. Harry was nothing like any other child Severus had ever met, and he had met a lot of children. Harry was a force to be reckoned with.
The morning started out fine for Severus. He ate breakfast in the great hall with the other teachers. Enjoying his blueberry scone and coffee as he listened to the gossip the teachers were sharing amongst themselves.
Severus was anxious to get to London and see his godson again. At half passed nine, Severus walked down to his chamber in the dungeons and grabbed his jacket, taking the photo of Lily out of his pocket and placing it in his drawer. He planned on making Harry a photo album for Yule as a gift. Severus knew that in order to get photos for the album, he would have to travel back to Godric's Hollow and go through the Potters cottage. He couldn't very well ask any one for photos of James Potter. Everyone knew how much they hated each other; if word got out to Dumbledore that he was requesting pictures of his old nemesis, he knew the old man would know he found Harry. So Godric's Hollow was his only option.
Severus pushed the thought from his mind and made his way to the Hogwarts gates, ready to go mugglely adopt Harry Potter.
He arrived at the orphanage ten minutes early and paced around the alley before pacing around the front entrance to Our Lady of Sorrows Orphanage checking his watch every few seconds. When it was finally ten in the morning he pushed open the door and was greeted instantly by Harry. The smile on the childs face was so bright, it made Severus' heart swell.
The adoption process went much swifter than Severus expected it to go. No questions were asked and no proof of identification was needed. All he needed to do was sign a few papers and they were on their way. He was disgusted with how easily they gave the boy away. Like it was a nasty chore they couldn't wait to be done with.
Severus found out that the child had named his owl after the Egyptian God of the Underworld and found that the boy seemed fond of deathly things. Just another reason to worry about the type of wizard the young man would turn into.