Hi everyone. I hope everyone is doing well. Once again thank you for y'all's continued support. I love getting to read everyone's reviews and getting to heir y'all's thoughts and suggestions for the story going forward.
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I DO NOW OWN ANY OF THE ORIGINAL HARRY POTTER CHARACTERS
I feel like this quote fits will with this chapter.
"How can you move FORWARD if you keep regretting the past." -Edward Elric-Fullmetal Alchemist
Is The Dark All Dark?
Chapter 32
Some Truth Comes To Light
"You're doing good, but you really need to work on your shield. It's stable but it could be stronger." Tonks commented as they walked towards the castle. They'd been working on his defensive spells for most of the morning.
"Your patronus is amazing though." She continued, glancing at him. He released a yawn, nodding along to show he'd been listening. He'd been dragged out of bed earlier than he would have liked but knew that since he was planning on having quidditch practice that afternoon they'd need to make up the time somehow. Tonks released a laugh, shaking her head.
"Why don't you get a nap before lunch? I'm sure Izzy will wake you up to eat and you can work on some of your regular work before practice." She suggested. She frowned at something behind him caught her attention just through the entrance leading into the castle. Harry turned around, attempting to figure out what she'd seen. The hallways were pretty empty since most students were still in classes.
"Is everything okay?" he questioned, confusion evident in his voice.
"I thought I saw something near the shadows. But I'm sure it's nothing." She muttered. She glanced past him again for a moment before shaking her head. Harry only shrugged his shoulders before continuing through the hallway towards the guest rooms. Moody stepped out of the dark corner he'd ducked into once the two had walked around the corner, a sneer on his face as he watched them leave.
"How was defense practice, pup?" Sirius questioned. He laughed at the look he received in response before Harry ducked into his room.
"I take it he wasn't too happy with the early wake up?" Remus questioned, looking away from his book.
"He didn't seem to mind the early wake up but he's definitely tired now. I told him to take a nap before lunch. Didn't want to chance him falling asleep on his broom during practice. Dumbledore would throw a fit. He's already not happy about these quidditch matches." She responded. They'd both had to listen to him throwing a fit about how the matches would somehow interfere with the actual tournament. Thankfully McGonagall hadn't let that excuse slide since she'd already spoken with the ministry about moving the third task to a different location so they could use the quidditch field.
"I wish we knew what they were planning for the last task. That's been pretty tight lipped, even Lucius hasn't heard anything." Sirius sighed, leaning back on the couch. He didn't like the idea of sending Harry into something unprepared, which was why they'd been working with him on his defensive spells. He was still convinced Dumbledore had had something to do with the second task when Harry had gotten attacked by the merfolk when he'd been trying to escape while rescuing both hostages. Everything about that task had seemed off, especially since they had no way of watching or knowing what fully went on under that water.
"Lord Padfoot sir, Lord Prince be wanting to speak with you." Izzy stated, stepping into the living room. She wiped her hands on the apron wrapped around her waist as she looked at the animagus. Remus shared a look of confusion with Tonks and Sirius before standing up, walking towards the portrait hole.
Severus was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, irritation clear on his face. Remus simply raised an eyebrow before stepping aside, gesturing that he was welcome to come inside. The potions professor glance down the hallway for a moment before following Remus through the portrait hole.
"Lucius sent me a letter this morning that Dumbledore attempted to access Harry's vaults at Gringotts. And I would assume Harry didn't inform either of you about his run in in the library with the headmaster over the weekend?" Severus questioned. Remus and Sirius exchanged looks of concern. They had known something had happened because of how he'd acted after returning to his room; however, they hadn't wanted to push him to tell them what happened.
"He seems fine, so I assume Dumbledore wasn't able to talk him into anything." Remus commented, sitting down in one of the chairs near the fireplace.
"He wasn't able to gain access to the vaults. The goblins were very strict about needing Harry's new vault key even if he somehow knew the password spell." Severus added, shaking his head. He couldn't help thinking about when he'd found out about Dumbledore had been helping himself to the Prince family vaults. His mind wandered back to that day he'd ran into both of them at Gringotts after his meeting with the Dark Lord. Lord Marvolo had had his people watching the bank encase the two wizards learned the truth of what had been hidden from them. He wasn't ready for that to happen. He was still attempting to come to terms with everything himself.
"The Dursleys wouldn't have any type of control over Harry's accounts, would they?" Remus questioned, glancing between the three. Sirius shook his head, a sour look on his face as he thought about those horrible muggles.
"Dursleys? As in Petunia Dursley previously Evans? Lily's horrible muggle sister?" Severus stuttered, a look of surprise crossing his face. Sirius and Remus shared a look of concern, surprised that Snape and the Malfoys hadn't worked out who Harry had lived with. Of course, from what Sirius had figured out, Dumbledore had always had everyone believing that Harry was raised by a wizarding family and that he knew everything that came with his position and name in the wizarding community.
"That would be the one." Harry muttered, stepping out of his room, rubbing his eyes. Izzy popped in front of him, holding a glass of water. He yawned his thanks before venturing back into his room, failing to notice the look he was receiving from both of his godfathers.
"Just how hard did you push him this morning Tonks?" Sirius laughed. Severus only shook his head as he thought about the clumsy Auror training his godson in anything. He remembered having to constantly worry about her screwing up with potions, always worrying that she was going to cause something to explode. In his mind Nymphadora was on the same level with Neville Longbottom. He could only sigh, shaking his head. He'd intended to talk to both the former Gryffindors about what he'd learned at the bank, however, actually sitting across from them with the thought on his mind, did cause him some doubt.
"Aside from Harry…there was something else that I wanted to talk to you about. About that day at Gringotts when I was there with Lord Slytherin." Severus muttered. Remus leaned forward; his interest peaked. They hadn't had a chance to meet with any of the mind specialists the bank had managed to find since most of their recent time had been taken up with training Harry for the 3rd task.
"Do you know something about what memories we're missing? Harry and Draco found a picture at Potter Manor during the break but…Remus and I don't remember taking it." Remus commented. Sirius leaned back with his arms crossed, thinking about the photo that had included his brother. There weren't many of those left, since after Reggy had disappeared, their mother had burned just about every photo that had either of her sons in it. It had felt good to see his brother again when he was still so bright eyed and positive about the world.
"Apparently, the memories we have of our first train ride to Hogwarts was the exact opposite of what actually happened. During our first three years at Hogwarts, we were all friends. Nothing like how the years after were. The…Potters had wanted to adopt me. But of course, Dumbledore decided to meddle. I hold a chair on the Wizengamot because my grandfather, my mother's father, left me the Prince Title. He'd tried to reach out to me during my time at Hogwarts, but Dumbledore managed to stop all attempts. I guess he thought if the Potters adopted me, he wouldn't be able to control that part of the narrative anymore? Since James' parents would have been my magical guardians." Severus explained. He glared at the flames that flickered in the fire, thinking about the memories he'd been reliving and attempting to organize in his mind for the last several months. Finding out what the headmaster had done to his godson had angered him beyond belief, however finding out that the old man had been playing everyone in some type of twisted chess game since he was a student made his fury burn.
"It makes sense why the boys found that room that looked like it had been set up for someone but had only been lived in briefly. It must have been yours and the other was James old room." Remus exclaimed, thinking about what Draco had told them.
"And if Dumbledore was obliviating people and changing the narrative to fit his plans, that explains why James' old room would have been blocked off. Harry probably stumbled upon that by accident. The charm wouldn't have really worked to steer him away since he wasn't actively searching for it." Sirius added. Severus had to work to hide his surprise, wondering about his time spent with the Potters at the manor. He could vaguely remember the feeling of comfort and welcome, but they were such fleeting feelings he'd simply brushed them off as childish dreams. Remus growled, his eyes gaining an amber tint for a moment. It infuriated him just how much deeper the meddling went. Dumbledore seemed to have his sticky fingers in just about everything to do with their world. Severus couldn't help flinching slightly at the werewolf's outrage, remembering the year he'd nearly been attacked because he'd wanted to be nosey about things that hadn't been any of his business.
"I never did apologize for that, did I? Dumbledore just kinda brushed everything under the rug and then the war and Azkaban happened." Sirius sighed, reaching up the rub the back of his head. He had always said he was just being a teenager, doing everything to get back at his parents. However, raising Harry and thinking back on the things they'd done, he saw he wasn't pulling harmless pranks. He'd been just as much a bully as the ones he was trying to get back at. There wasn't a way he could change how their years at Hogwarts had been, but he refused to let Dumbledore win.
"It's fine Black. We both did things in those years we both definitely aren't proud of. It's in the past and I am learning that I shouldn't let that cloud how I look at things." Severus firmly stated, waving his hand. He stood up, intending to head back to his rooms in the dungeons to work on the daunting task of grading students' homework assignments.
"Our door is always open Uncle Severus. Here and at Potter Manor." Harry commented, catching all of their attention. He was leaning against his doorway, his arms crossed and a tired, but happy expression on his face. Severus faltered for a brief moment, caught off guard at being acknowledged as the young boy's uncle before he managed a nod.
"Were you listening to that entire conversation?" Sirius questioned, standing up. He walked over, reaching out to ruffle his godson's hair. Harry only gave him an amused look before ducking under his arm.
"I thought you were going to take a nap. Not eavesdrop on adult conversations." Tonks questioned, raising an eyebrow as she looked at her little cousin. Harry only shrugged, releasing a yawn as he walked over to where Izzy had laid lunch out. Sometimes he did wish he could eat in the great hall with his brother and friends but knew that sitting at the Slytherin table would only cause issues. He'd already been worrying about how either of the youngest two Weasleys were going to take not making his quidditch team.
"I heard from a little birdie you have a date tomorrow afternoon." Tonks teased.
Severus sat at his desk, attempting to grade his 4th year students' potion assignments. Since learning that Harry had been raised by Petunia and her husband, he'd grown distracted. He could remember just how horrible the muggle woman had been to Lily as well as himself when they were children. Thinking back to his godson's first three years at Hogwarts, the signs of abuse had all been there. He couldn't help thinking about earlier in the current school year after he'd found Harry and Draco outside. Harry had told him then that he was raised by a muggle family that hated him, but he simply brushed it off. He should have looked further into the matter even if Harry had no longer been his student.
The potion's master shook his head, attempting to clear his thoughts to finish his work. A groan escaped as he picked up the next roll of parchment, already seeing it was well past the requested amount.
"The work of Miss Granger no doubt." He muttered, a scowl on his face. He unrolled the parchment, annoyance growing as he began to read through it. The first section was basically copied from a book word for word, something that most of the Gryffindor's assignments consisted of. It was a common complaint among all of her teachers since she seemed to refuse to think for herself. She was always sprouting everything she'd read from one source, not seeming able to think for herself or believe that there was more than one way of doing something.
"Ah, Severus, I was hoping to speak with you?" McGonagall's voice sounded from the doorway, pulling his attention from the girl's assignment. He looked at the woman he'd always considered the closest to a mentor figure he had.
"If it's about my seventh year Slytherins casting the charms against your lions, the situation has already been handled, and I refuse to return the points or take away the detention." He commented, gesturing to the chair across from him. The deputy headmistress shook her head, a frown gracing her face for a moment. She'd heard both sides of the situation and while the 7th years shouldn't have resorted to using magic, her lions hadn't been innocent in the situation either. She accepted the cup of tea his house elf offered, thanking the magical creature.
"I agree with your choice in punishments. I was actually wanting to speak with you about another situation that has recently come to my attention. I was sorting through some paperwork for the tournament that the ministry has been requesting that Dumbledore has been…neglecting. While I already figured out that Mr. Potter has taken up his main title, I was not aware that he and Heir Malfoy had a betrothal contract." McGonagall stated. Severus chocked on his tea, placing the cup on his desk as he attempted to regain his composure. What in Merlin's name could have caused her to gain that conclusion?
"Excuse me?" he rasped once he'd regained some ability to speak. Minerva looked at him with an expression mixed between confusion and concern.
"I assumed as Draco's godfather you would have known. The papers had Harry's name listed as Potter-Malfoy. I assumed that meant that upon Harry's emancipation they would have finalized the betrothal. However, I do wonder if Mr. Potter is aware since I have seen him spending quite a bit of time with Miss Greengrass." McGonagall continued. Severus could only stare at his fellow professor, unsure of how to respond. While the conclusion she'd come to was the furthest from the truth, he didn't know if Lucius or Narcissa would be alright with him informing her what actually was. He reached for a spare sheet of parchment, quickly scratching out a note to his friend.
"Maisy. Please take this to Lord Malfoy and ask if he is free to meet with me in my office." Severus ordered. The elf took the note, bowing before popping out of the room.
"I apologize if I revealed some type of secret Severus. But like I said, I had assumed you knew." She stated, confusion clear on her face.
"It's nothing like that Professor McGonagall." Lucius stated, stepping out of the floo. He pulled his wand, spelling away the soot before looking at the two Hogwarts professors. Minerva raised an eyebrow as she looked at the Malfoy lord.
"We've been keeping the truth a secret since there are players still in play that we worry could cause further issues. But it was discovered during the summer that Harry is my missing child, Draco's twin." Lucius explained. He sat down in the spare chair, declining the tea Maisy offered. He didn't intend to stay for long since he did have several meetings that afternoon at the Ministry.
"That's wonderful Lord Malfoy." Minerva stated, offering him a smile. While she didn't trust the pureblood lord, learning that your lost child was still alive and growing was a marvelous occasion.
"Thank you. Lily Potter apparently planned far enough ahead with the Potter house elf in the event that something happened to the both of them. I do wish we'd learned the truth sooner, but she must have known something that caused her to wait as long as they did." Lucius stated. He couldn't help thinking about the trails they'd been forced to face getting to know their son, but he had to believe that everything would turn out alright in the end. Since yule they had managed to create some semblance of a relationship, and he knew that Harry had called Narcissa Mom a few times already.
Severus relaxed as he leaned back in his chair after Lucius had left, finding himself thankful that it had been the deputy headmistress to discover the truth and not the headmaster. The old man often had a habit of neglecting his duties to Hogwarts in favor of handling things pertaining to his other two positions. He knew Harry and Lucius had been working with Amelia Bones in the background to uncover more of what Dumbledore had been doing but it wasn't something they had enough evidence of yet to try to bring any charges against him.
"I see Miss Granger has once again turned in far more than she was asked to." McGonagall suddenly stated, pulling him from his thoughts once again. He looked down at the parchment assignment still on his desk, having to hold the groan back.
"Yes, seems she thinks that we enjoy reading the textbooks. She hasn't seemed to realize yet that I have been counting against her for each foot over she has gone. As well as when she simply copies that book down." He explained, grabbing his red quill. McGonagall only nodded, knowing that the girl seemed to believe she knew everything. Recently, as much as she loathed to, she'd been having to remove points from the girl after receiving several complaints from some of her other lions. It had seemed that since Mr. Potter wasn't a member of her house any longer, Miss Granger had taken to trying to boss around many of the younger years.
"I might have to start doing that myself. The girl just will not listen. And having the headmaster stick up for her every time she complains is only going to hinder her abilities after graduation." She sighed, shaking her head. Dumbledore had the muggleborn so convinced she was the brightest witch since Lily Potter that it had clearly gone to her head.
"I have a class in a bit, so I need to make sure my lesson is prepared. Thank you for the tea and biscuits Severus." She offered.
Harry yawned as he stepped out of their guest rooms, his broom once again thrown over his shoulder. He reached up with his free hand to rub the sleep from his eyes before walking through the empty hallways, hoping to avoid running into anyone that he'd much rather avoid.
"Harry, hey wait up." A voice called behind him. Harry threw his head back, releasing a groan before turning around. Ron and Hermione walked towards him, a clear look of irritation on his face. Harry sighed, mentally calling himself an idiot for even stopping, knowing that talking to them alone was only going to lead to an argument.
Remind: You can find me on Facebook under the name Snowbeam
You can also join a discord server that is easier to reach me that both readers and writers alike are welcome to join.C8zrjDCtRa or click the link on my linktree / StarStruckPanda
I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter and please remember that reviews are always appreciated. I always read through all of them and try my hardest to respond to all thoughts, opinions, suggestions and any comments about mistakes I might have made. However, please remember that flames are not needed. I know this type of story is not for everyone and I would be happy to give possible suggestions to other fics I've read that might be a little more up someone's alley.
I truly appreciate all my readers for sticking with me as this story continues. And I hope everyone that is being affected by this wonderful cold front that has moved in stays safe and stays warm.
Until next chapter,
Snowbeam12