Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Tell them I mean no harm!” Umbridge screamed. She was flailing wildly, trying in vain to escape the centaurs holding her down and tying her up.

“I’m sorry professor, but I must not tell lies,” Harry said, hearing the acid in his own voice.

The centaurs subdued Umbridge and carried her deeper into the forest. Harry could hear her shouts for help fading away into the dark night.

Harry turned to Hermione and raised an eyebrow. He huffed a laugh when Hermione shrugged.

“Right then,” Harry said. He pulled a tattered piece of parchment from his pocket and muttered the password. He watched the lines form, fascinated as always by the Map.

He searched for his and Hermione’s names and began leading them out of the forest. Knowing he could trust Hermione to stop him before he ran into a tree, he began scanning the Map. He wanted to make sure they weren’t caught by surprise by a teacher or any of the Slytherins.

Suddenly, Harry stopped and nearly dropped the Map. He gasped at the parchment, unwilling to believe what he was seeing was real.

Harry fleetingly noted Hermione passing him and turning back, noticing he had stopped.

“Harry? What is it?” Hermione asked.

“It can’t be,” Harry murmured, thinking aloud and not focusing on Hermione at all.

“What are you talking about? Harry?” Hermione asked. Harry saw her hand reaching for the parchment, and he jerked his head up. He looked into the forest for a second before dashing away, sprinting headlong into the thick trees surrounding them.

“Harry!” Hermione shouted.

Harry heard her following behind him. He didn’t acknowledge her, instead, he kept running, looking more at the Map than the forest around himself. He was lucky he didn’t run full speed into a tree. Harry stopped a few feet inside the tree line. Hermione narrowly avoided colliding with him.

“Harry —” Hermione started, but Harry held up a hand and shushed her.

He pointed in front of them. There were two figures just inside the tree line. Harry heard Hermione gasp and knew she recognized them, just as he had.

“Do you think it’s really them?” Hermione asked in a soft voice.

“The Map has never been wrong before,” Harry answered. His eyes never left the two people standing mere feet away from them.

“What do you plan to do?” Hermione asked.

Harry didn’t answer her directly. Instead, he walked forward.

“Mum? Dad?” Harry called, voice tentative and wand in hand.

The pair in front of them jerked at the words. Harry noted that the woman had vibrant red hair, like Ginny’s. Much more vibrant than his old photos had been able to show. She was also looking worse for wear, with twigs and leaves in her hair and tears in her clothes. The man, also looking raggedy, was almost an exact copy of Harry, with the exception of the obvious difference in age. His eyes, of course, were a soft hazel, rather than Harry’s striking green.

“Harry?” They both spoke at once.

“How do I know it’s really you?” Harry demanded. He kept himself slightly in front of Hermione. His wand was still in his hand, though hidden enough that he doubted the pair had noticed it.

“Would my animagus form work?” the man — James — asked.

Harry looked to Hermione, careful to keep the other two in sight as well. She shrugged.

“It’s possible for two people to share an animagus form. But when he changes back, it will be to his true human form. So if it’s someone under polyjuice or glamours, they will revert and he won’t look like he does now,” Hermione whispered.

Harry nodded to himself. He trusted Hermione to know what she was talking about.

“Yeah. If you transform into the right animal I’ll trust you,” Harry said. He wasn’t sure they believed him, but he didn’t blame them. He didn’t believe himself. This was too surreal. He didn’t think a simple animagus transformation would convince him that his dead parents were standing in front of him in the Forbidden Forest.

The man — James! — nodded and started to shrink and contort. Where once a man stood, now stood a stag. Just as quickly, the man returned. He still looked like James Potter.

“What’s your name?” Harry demanded.

“Lily and James,” the woman — Lily — replied.

Harry shook his head. He opened his mouth to say that wasn’t what he meant when James spoke.

“Prongs. My name is Prongs.”

Harry felt some of the tension drain away. His wand lowered a fraction, but he was still unsure.

“I want to trust you. Tell me something so I’ll trust you,” Harry pleaded.

“You live with my sister, Petunia Dursley, and her husband and son Vernon and Dudley. I’m sorry for that, love,” Lily said.

“That’s not exactly a secret,” Harry said.

They stood staring at each other. The two adults were obviously trying to come up with a way to gain Harry’s trust. Harry wasn’t sure if there was anything that would work.

“Is that our Map?” James asked, pointing at the parchment in Harry’s hand.

Harry glanced down at the still activated Map. He nodded silently.

“Damn. I can’t believe that’s still around. Pads got it confiscated by Filch in our seventh year. Where’d you get it?” James asked.

“Er, my friends found it in Filch’s office when they were in detention. They gave it to me in my third year,” Harry replied.

“Wait!” Hermione exclaimed.

The other three turned to look at her. She raised her wand and cast something. Harry thought it sounded like “paternus” but he wasn’t sure. He was going to ask her what she was doing when a blue line glowed between Harry and Lily. Harry was still confused, but James and Lily exchanged a look with each other.

“What?” Hermione said. She sounded confused.

That makes two of us, Harry thought.

Before anyone could speak, Hermione pointed her wand at James and muttered another spell, which Harry didn’t hear. This one caused blue letters to form above James’ head. They arranged themselves to say “James Fleamont Potter-Lupin.” Harry watched in shock, staring at the letters as they began to dissipate.

“What? Lupin?” Harry sputtered.

“We can explain,” Lily began.

“You had better be able to,” a new voice said. Harry recognized the voice and gulped. He instinctively stepped between his parents and the newcomer, raising his wand.

“Please let them explain!” Harry begged. He had a strong sense of deja vu. “Don’t make me stun you again, Snape!”

“Harry!” Hermione and Lily scolded at once.

Harry heard James choke on a laugh.

“I’m serious! You weren’t going to let Sirius explain two years ago in the Shack. I can tell you don’t want to let my parents explain either. Please, Professor, let them explain,” Harry said. He lowered his voice, but not his wand. His left hand was stretched in front of his parents and Hermione, as if to shield them from Snape.

Snape sighed. He rubbed a hand across his face but waved his free hand as if to say, “go on, then.”

Harry took a cautious step back, careful to keep all four people in the clearing with him in sight.

“Merlin. This is a mess. James, where do we begin?” Lily asked. She was wringing her hands together, her nerves obvious. Harry reached out and took hold of her hands and smiled.

“How are you alive?” Harry asked.

“Ah, well, I’m alive because Severus asked for me to be spared. James is alive because he’s a pureblood and Voldemort was hoping to lure him to his side. He didn’t cast the killing curse on us; he stunned us instead,” Lily explained.

“We’ve been told you were brought to your aunt’s as soon as possible, and Hagrid thought we were dead,” James added.

“Told? Who told you?” Harry asked, flabbergasted.

A dark look stole across James and Lily’s faces.

“Dumbledore,” they both spat.

Harry flinched at the venom in their voices and shared a look with Hermione and Snape. He had only ever heard that name spoken with such hatred by Voldemort himself. The coldness of their voices, and the intense hatred they managed to fit into one word, sent chills down Harry’s spine.

“What? How could Dumbledore have told you anything?” Harry asked faintly.

“The night Voldemort tried to kill you, Dumbledore found us stunned in the house. He bound us and took us to an underground, er, house? I guess you could call it?” James began.

Harry, Hermione and Snape stared at James and Lily. Snape’s face was mostly closed off, but Harry and Hermione were openly gaping. What they were saying was unbelievable. And yet, here were his parents.

“He kept us drugged most of the time. To be honest, we’re not even sure when it is right now,” Lily added.

“Yeah. I think it’s been about six months since the last time the old man showed up. He doesn’t realize it, but we’ve become mostly immune to the potions he’s been dosing us with,” James said.

Snape scoffed. Four pairs of eyes landed on the dour man and he scowled.

“Something to say, Severus?” James asked. Harry was surprised there was no malice in his voice, only curiosity.

“My thoughts are none of your concern, Potter,” Snape said, a sneer taking over his face.

Harry turned to Hermione.

“The spells you did. The first one was a paternity spell, right?” He asked.

He caught the quickly concealed look of pride on Snape’s face. It made something warm inside him, but he brushed the feeling aside.

“Yes. The second was an identifying spell. But I must have done the first one wrong,” Hermione answered.

“No, you didn’t,” Lily said.

“I’m not Harry’s father. Severus is,” James added.

The clearing was silent for a moment. Harry stared at his father, James, in shock. What did he mean, Snape was his father? That wasn’t possible.

“Paternus,” Snape muttered, pointing his wand at Harry.

The same blue light connected Harry and Lily, but now there was a second light visible. It connected Harry and Snape. Snape must have been too far away the first time the spell was cast. That was the only explanation Harry had for it not working last time.

“How is this possible?” Snape demanded. Harry wanted to know that as well.

“You don’t remember?” Lily asked. Harry thought she seemed less disappointed and more resigned. As if she had expected this.

“Obviously,” Snape drawled with a roll of his eyes.

“Damn that man,” Lily muttered. “We’ll have to get you all purged at Gringotts, as soon as possible. We were headed there ourselves after we came here. We had to see our sons,” she continued.

Harry’s head whipped up at that.

“What do you mean ‘sons,’ as in plural?” Harry asked.

“The thing is Harry, Dumbledore has been meddling in our lives for a very long time. He caused Severus and I to break up. I had just had you, and James had just had his son, when Dumbledore put James and me together,” Lily said.

“I had been married to Remus. Still am, since magic doesn’t recognize the divorce Dumbledore filed,” James said. “You were born the day after I had my own son, Harry.”

“What?!” Harry shouted. “You gave birth? But you’re—”

“A man? Yes. Men can get pregnant. You should know this by now. How old are you now? You mentioned third year earlier,” James said.

“I’m fifteen, nearly sixteen. It’s 18th June 1996,” Harry supplied faintly. His head was spinning. Wizards could get pregnant? Why didn’t he know this?

“Fifteen? But you’re so small,” Lily gasped.

Harry felt his cheeks warm up and he looked away. The silence grew until Hermione cleared her throat.

“You said you gave birth? And Remus was the other father? What happened to the child?” Hermione asked.

“He’s up at the school,” James answered.

“How come the wolf didn’t recognize his own sprog then?” Snape asked with a derisive sneer.

“Surely a master potioneer such as yourself is aware of the masking effects of a Blood Adoption potion?” James answered.

Harry was again surprised at the lack of malice in James’ voice. This wasn’t how he had expected James to act when speaking with Snape. Weren’t they supposed to be enemies, like Harry and Malfoy? He was even more surprised to see Snape look openly cowed by that statement.

“Who’s your son?” Harry asked. He didn’t know every boy in his year. There was only one person he could think of. “Wait. Is it Neville?” Harry asked as realization dawned.

James beamed and Lily looked proud of him as well. Harry ducked his head as he felt his face heat.

“Yes. My son is Neville, currently going by Longbottom,” James answered.

Harry couldn’t believe what he was hearing. It all seemed so outlandish, but here stood Lily and James. So much of what he had known was a lie. Harry collapsed to the ground with his back against a tree. The rough bark helped to ground him to reality, but he was spiraling.

He pulled his knees to his chest and dropped his head onto his knees. He closed his eyes and tried to calm his breathing. He heard the snapping of twigs and crunching of leaves that preceded a small, warm, hand dropping onto his shoulder. He leaned into the touch and knew instinctively that it was Hermione. He could smell her floral shampoo, and it was like his magic recognized her as a safe haven. He was glad she was there. He couldn’t imagine doing this alone.

“What do we do?” Harry asked.

His tone was fraught with desperation. He didn’t know what to do, and he knew it was unfair asking Hermione to solve this for him.

The silence stretched for a moment before it was broken, by Snape of all people.

“A purge would be wise, but it must wait,” the dour man said in a surprisingly calm, and — dare he think it? — gentle voice.

“Why wait?” James protested.

“Mr. Pot — that is — how am I meant to address you now?” Snape asked, shocking Harry with his open vulnerability.

“How about ‘Harry’? That is his name, Sev,” Lily said.

Harry could hear the amusement in her tone but the thought of Snape calling him anything other than ‘Potter’ was enough to make him cringe. He refused to raise his head and see the expressions of everyone around him. He couldn’t imagine that it would benefit him in any way.

“I think, for the time being, it would be prudent to continue to call him Potter,” Snape said at last.

Harry could feel the eyes boring into him, but he stubbornly refused to look up. He was getting overwhelmed and didn’t know what to think. Snape continued when it was clear Harry wasn’t going to look up or acknowledge them in any way.

“As I was saying. I think it best to wait. If Albus is involved, it would be wise to keep him as far in the dark as possible. The four of us showing up at Gringotts together would be disastrous,” Snape continued.

“Shit!” Harry exclaimed. His head snapped up and he shared a horrified look with Hermione.

“Padfoot!” they both said in unison.

“He’s fine,” Snape cut in before they could do anything more than look guilty.

“How could you possibly know that, Snape?” Harry demanded.

“Because I spoke with him. I do not know why you thought he was in danger, but I assure you he is fine,” Snape said.

Harry sagged in relief. He wouldn’t have been able to ever forgive himself if he had let Sirius die because he got side tracked.

“What’s this about?” James asked.

“It’s a long story,” Harry hedged. Hermione shot him a look of sympathy and Harry grimaced in response. He didn’t fancy talking to his mum and James about his life thus far.

“It happened again,” Snape said, full of certainty. “When? What did you see, exactly?”

Harry sighed. He shared a look with Hermione and curled his arms around his knees.

“I saw a few Death Eaters holding Padfoot up next to a shelf with what looked like white glass balls on it. They were demanding he pick one up and threatening him,” Harry said. He kept his focus on his knees. He picked at a loose thread on his slacks and ignored the gasps from beside him. Snape ignored them as well and pressed on.

“When did you see this? Is that why you were in Umbridge’s office?”

“Yes. I saw it during my history exam. I left — I’m probably going to fail — and went to Umbridge’s office to use the Floo.”

“And then she caught you,” Snape surmised.

Harry shrugged and didn’t reply.

“Where is Madam Umbridge?” Snape asked.

“Er—” Harry began. He shared a guilty look with Hermione.

“I sort of led her into the Forest. She insulted the centaurs. Last we saw, they were dragging her deeper into the Forest,” Hermione answered.

The silence was thick with tension.

“Who’s Umbridge? And why did you make her centaur food?” James asked. Harry smirked when he heard a thump accompanied by “James!” from an annoyed Lily.

“Umbridge is the undersecretary to the Minister. She is also currently the Headmistress,” Snape answered.

“What happened to Albus?” Lily asked.

“He was ousted a month and a half ago,” Harry could feel Snape’s penetrating gaze on him. He looked up and met the man’s eyes. They were dark and fathomless and impossible to read.

“You can’t blame me for that,” Harry said softly.

“No. I cannot,” Snape agreed. He held Harry’s gaze for another moment before looking away towards Lily, who was looking at Harry in concern.

“Why would he, or anyone, blame you Harry?” Lily asked. Harry could tell she was confused, but he didn’t want to explain. He shrugged and looked at Hermione.

“So. What now?” Harry asked again.

“It is the end of term. You will be going home in a few short days. If I know Albus and the Dark Lord, they are both making a scene at the Ministry right now. It will be impossible to hide that he is back, now,” Snape began.

“Wait, back? What?” James interrupted. Harry sighed.

“The night he tried to kill me, the spell backfired, and he disappeared. He came back, possessing our DADA professor in first year. I had to stop him from getting the Philosopher’s Stone. Then he came back as a memory, preserved in a diary, possessing Ginny Weasley, in second year. I defeated a basilisk” —he ignored the gasps, but noted that Snape was one of them— “and stabbed the diary, killing the memory. He laid low third year, don’t ask me why. Then fourth year, he had a Death Eater impersonate our DADA professor and managed to get me into the Triwizard Tournament.

“He had the Death Eater help me through the tasks as much as he could, though it wasn’t much, and kidnapped me at the end. He had Wormtail, the traitor, kill Cedric Diggory. ‘Kill the spare’ he said.” Harry stopped for a second to compose himself. Hermione laid a gentle hand on his shoulder and squeezed. He shot her a grateful smile before clearing his throat and continuing.

“He used my blood, Wormtail’s hand, and bones from his father’s grave to make himself a new body, and then we dueled. Somehow, a golden light connected our wands, and Cedric, some old bloke, and this woman I recognized as a Ministry worker came out of his wand. They were ghostly echoes of themselves. They helped distract Voldemort” —Harry heard a low hiss come from Snape and filed the information away for later— “and his Death Eaters, and I was able to use the Triwizard trophy cup to portkey back to the school. No one believed he was back. I don’t know how they explained Cedric being dead and my wand not having cast the Killing Curse. Dumbledore believed me, though, and with him, the rest of the Order,” Harry said.

“Merlin,” James breathed.

Lily fell to her knees beside Harry and hugged him close to her. Harry slowly unwrapped his arms from his knees and returned the embrace. It was different from the hugs he sometimes got from Mrs. Weasley. It felt warmer somehow.

“Yes. That,” Snape said faintly.

Harry caught his gaze once more and realized the man hadn’t known most of what Harry had just told them. He wondered how much the Headmaster shared with his spy.

Snape cleared his throat and looked away.

“I think it best if Mr. Potter returns to the castle and behaves as normally as he can. Lily and James should meet him at King’s Cross, on the Muggle side, polyjuiced as his aunt and uncle. From there, we can meet at Gringotts to get purged,” Snape said.

It sounded like a decent plan to Harry. It would keep the Headmaster in the dark for at least a little while longer. As much as he hated leaving his mother and James, he understood why it had to happen. Something much bigger than any of them understood was happening.

“Sir?” Harry asked.

Snape looked back at Harry and raised an eyebrow in silent enquiry.

“I was wondering if we might begin Occlumency lessons again,” Harry said. It was obvious he had been duped by Voldemort. Sirius wasn’t at the Ministry, so the vision had been a lie. If Harry couldn’t tell a fake vision from a real one, he needed to know how to block them entirely.

“I think that can be arranged,” Snape answered. Harry wasn’t sure if he imagined the look of pride that briefly shone in the man’s dark eyes.

“Thank you, sir.”

Harry didn’t want to let go of his mother. He hadn’t seen her in so long, and he had thought her dead until an hour ago. But the sky was darkening and they needed to get back to the school.

“Oh! Harry, I don’t remember much, but be wary of the Weasleys,” James said, startling Harry.

Lily pulled back and regarded Harry.

“Yes, there is some plot or plan on Dumbledore’s part with the Weasleys. I don’t know the details, except that it involves the youngest two and Molly,” Lily added.

“And stay as far away from Sirius as you can,” James said with a dark look on his face.

“What? Why?” Harry spluttered.

“He knew. That bastard knew we were alive and did absolutely nothing to help us,” James spat. “I don’t think Remmy is involved, but Sirius knew.”

“I doubt the wolf knows. He has been staying with Black, however. It would be wise to wait before approaching him,” Snape cautioned.

Harry’s head spun. Sirius knew his parents were alive. And he had known for at least six months. He never said a word to Harry about it.

“Ron,” Harry said. He shared a pained look with Hermione.

“You can’t say anything to him, Harry. We don’t know what’s going on. It’s best if we keep him in the dark until we know what is happening,” Hermione said.

“You’re right,” Harry sighed. He hated it, but it was true.

Harry stood and brushed off his pants until he felt the dirt and detritus magically disappear. He saw Snape looking at him but ignored it.

“We should get back to the castle. Snape, I think you should escort us and probably take points or something,” Harry said.

Hermione snorted and Harry saw Snape’s lips twitch as if he was hiding a smirk.

“Yes. Come along Potter, Granger. Lily, Potter, I shall see you in a few days at Gringotts,” Snape said.

Lily pulled Harry into another tight hug. She smiled and moved on to hug Snape. Harry averted his eyes and James caught him in a one-armed hug.

“You may not be my biological son, but I raised you for the first year of your life. And you are Lily’s son, and she’s my best friend. I love you, kiddo,” James said.

“Thanks. It will take some getting used to for me to stop thinking of you as my dad. But I love you, too,” Harry replied.

Snape cleared his throat and gestured for Harry and Hermione to precede him from the forest. The trio made their way up to the castle together, and Harry resisted every urge to look back.

Chapter Text

The last few days of term flew by for Harry. After being escorted back inside, Harry and Hermione were publicly scolded for breaking into Umbridge’s office. Snape took twenty points each from everyone caught in the room, plus an additional ten from Harry and Hermione for being outside. Harry didn’t care about the loss of points. He had already known Gryffindor wasn’t winning the House Cup that year because of Umbridge and her prejudices.

That night, Dumbledore showed up at dinner as owls were swooping into the Hall to deliver a special edition of the Prophet. When Harry didn’t show up at the Ministry, the Death Eaters had called their master. The plan was to have Voldemort pick up the prophecy orb since he and Harry were the only ones who could. Voldemort and the Death Eaters were intercepted by the Order members, and they dueled. The Order subdued the Death Eaters while Dumbledore and Voldemort dueled in the atrium of the Ministry. Voldemort and Bellatrix got away, but not before the Minister and several Aurors and other Ministry employees showed up and saw them. 

The Prophet only knew about Voldemort being seen and Death Eaters being captured or spotted, but Dumbledore had told Harry about the prophecy as well. Harry was surprised the old man had given him any information at all, but guessed that Dumbles knew Harry had to be told something.

Harry had decided not to tell Ron about the prophecy, his parents, or Snape, until he knew more about what was going on. The warning from James to stay away from Sirius and be wary of Weasleys kept echoing in his head. Harry had done his best to act naturally around Ron and Ginny, but he would be glad to have time away from them. He sat across from the two redheads and felt awkward. He thought Ginny picked up on his mood, but Ron remained, as always, oblivious.

Harry was never more grateful to feel the train slowing as it approached the platform. He had always dreaded going home because it meant being back with the Dursleys. This time he was excited to see his mum, James, and even Snape. He had to pretend he wasn’t any happier than usual to avoid Ron, or more likely Ginny, becoming suspicious.

When the train came to a complete stop, Harry followed Hermione onto the platform with Ron and Ginny trailing behind them. He spotted Mr. and Mrs. Weasley before anyone else. They were impossible to miss with their fiery red hair. Harry tried to slip by unnoticed but failed when Mrs. Weasley snatched his arm and pulled him into a too-tight hug. His thoughts wandered back to the hug he had received from his mum a few days ago and couldn’t help but compare them. He realized that hugs from Mrs. Weasley always felt suffocating and left him slightly on edge.

    “How are you, dear?” Mrs. Weasley asked.

    “Er, I’m fine, Mrs. Weasley,” Harry assured her, pulling back from the hug. He glanced around and saw Sirius, Remus, and Moody standing behind the Weasleys. He smiled, somewhat awkwardly, and Moody moved towards him.

    “We’re here to talk to your aunt and uncle, laddie,” Moody said in a gruff voice. His fake eye swiveled in his head, never stopping for more than a second on any one thing. Harry’s own eyes widened, and he began protesting. If he didn’t know it wasn’t the actual Dursleys beyond the barrier, he would have been more vehement. As it was, they ignored him and led the way toward the wall between the Muggle and wizarding sides of the station.

    Hermione gave Harry a tight hug and left to greet her own parents. Harry saw the look in her eyes and knew she was planning something in regards to them. He filed that away for later as he passed through to the bustling King’s Cross Station.

    Harry wasn’t sure how they had pulled it off, but he knew the Vernon and Petunia Dursley standing off to the side were not his aunt and uncle. It was subtle, and no one else would realize they were imposters, but Harry had spent enough time with them to know without a doubt that it wasn’t them. He didn’t know who exactly was Polyjuiced as who, but he figured he’d learn that later.

    It was awkward standing off to the side as Moody, Remus, Sirius and even the normally timid Mr. Weasley threatened warned the “Dursleys” about mistreating Harry over the summer. Then, with no regard for how this would be accepted by his relatives, the adults left Harry to his fate. He was quite thankful these weren’t his real aunt and uncle. After a show like that, Harry would have been surprised to survive his first night home, let alone the entire summer.

    The fake Petunia led Harry toward a car with a grim look on her face. Fake Vernon looked infuriated. Harry wasn’t sure if this was a real emotion the person under the mask was feeling or if it was part of the act. When “Vernon” got into the driver's seat, Harry assumed it was his mum in his uncle's skin. He thought that must have been awkward for her before putting it out of his mind. 

    It wasn’t far from King’s Cross to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry spent the entire trip worrying that someone from the Wizarding world would see them and report it to Dumbledore. It wasn’t just rare for him to be in Diagon with his relatives, it had never happened before. He was thankful that he didn’t have long to dwell on it. Before he knew it, they were parking, and the adults were ushering Harry into the pub. They didn’t stop to greet anyone, for which Harry was thankful because Vernon and Petunia didn’t know any of these people, but rather went straight for the alley in the back. 

    Harry took his wand out and tapped it in the right order then stepped back as the bricks rearranged themselves to form the doorway into Diagon Alley. The Alley wasn’t busy, Harry noticed, and it was easy for them to make their way unperturbed to the gleaming marble building of Gringotts. Harry led the way into the building and to the first available goblin teller. He recognized Griphook from his only other trip to the bank, nearly five years ago.

    “Greetings Griphook. I would like to secure a private meeting with my account manager,” Harry said. He sent a silent thanks to Snape for his brief lesson on dealing with goblins on their way back up to the school.

    Griphook’s eyes widened. Harry sensed he was surprised, but he wasn’t sure why.

    “Of course. Follow me, young wizard,” Griphook said. He hopped off the stool and led the trio through several hallways before stopping in front of a dark wooden door. The goblin knocked and waited for the reply.

    “Do you come here often, Harry?” “Vernon” asked.

    “No, actually this is the first time I’ve been here since I was eleven. Why?”

    “And you recognized the goblin?” “Vernon” asked, sounding shocked.

    “Er, yeah. At least, I’m pretty sure,” Harry hesitated. “You are Griphook, right?” He asked the goblin.

    “Yes,” Griphook grunted.

    Harry smiled and shrugged, happy to have been correct. The goblin inside bade them entry and Harry couldn’t help but gawk. The room was imposing but beautifully decorated. The walls were painted a dark red, and there was a large, dark wood desk in the center. The wall behind the desk was filled with an array of weapons and jewelry. Each weapon shone in the torchlight, jewels and metal shining and reflecting the fire. Harry was captivated by the sight and unconsciously moved closer.

    He registered Griphook and another goblin speaking in Gobbledygook but tuned it out since he didn’t understand the language. Instead, he wandered around the room, admiring the weapons and jewelry on display. It was obvious they were all goblin-made and a point of pride to the goblin whose office this was. Harry’s hand hovered above a few of his favorite pieces, but he was careful not to touch anything. A throat clearing caused Harry to turn. Griphook was gone and Harry saw who he assumed was his account manager peering at him from behind the ornate desk.

    “Mr. Potter, I am Rognuk. I am your account manager. You asked for a meeting?” Rognuk said in the typical harsh tone Harry associated with goblins.

    Before Harry could respond he saw Rognuk’s eyes widen slightly as the goblin looked behind him. Harry assumed the polyjuice had worn off, and his suspicions were confirmed when he turned to see his mum and James standing where Petunia and Vernon had been. He was somewhat surprised to see that he had been wrong, as there stood James in Vernon’s clothing and Lily in Petunia’s. He hadn’t known the Pureblood knew how to drive a Muggle vehicle.

    “I would ask why you thought it wise to conceal your identities within these walls. However, it is obvious why you chose to do so,” Rognuk said.

    “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Rognuk. I know it’s been a long time,” James said, stepping forward. “We have been held against our will for the last fifteen years. We would like to request your services to purge our systems of harmful potions, spells or anything else.”

    “And we’re awaiting a guest, Severus Snape. He should be here in a few moments,” Lily added with a smile.

    “Are each of you looking for the purge?” Rognuk asked.

    “Yes. The fees shall be taken from the primary Potter vault for all four of us,” James answered.

    Rognuk grunted and tugged a quill and parchment across the desk. He filled out the necessary information, duplicated it three times, then added more details to each. Then he turned three of them around and snapped his fingers. A dagger with blood red rubies lining the hilt appeared on the desk in front of them.

    “You will each need to prick your fingers and smear a dot of blood beside your names, here,” Rognuk said, indicating on the middle parchment.

    James didn’t hesitate, he stepped forward and used the dagger to prick his finger and smeared the blood where indicated. He had Harry sanitize the blade, because neither he nor Lily had wands yet, before repeating the process for first Harry, then Lily.

    As Harry was putting away his wand, a knock was heard. The door opened after Rognuk bade them entry and Snape walked in, led by a goblin Harry didn’t know.

    “Sev!” Lily exclaimed and rushed forward to embrace the dour man.

    Snape seemed startled and was slow to lift his arms to return the hug. He looked at Harry for a second before looking away and clearing his throat. Lily stepped back with a smile on her face.

    “Master Snape, you will need to prick your finger and smear blood here,” Rognuk indicated the parchment he had just turned, completely ignoring the awkward moment.

    After Snape finished, Rognuk led the quartet out of his office and down many hallways. There were so many twists and turns that Harry lost count. He felt like they had gone in circles and traveled the same hallways more than once, but assumed it was intentional.

    They ended in an area that looked like a Muggle doctor’s office, if Muggle doctors’ offices had stone walls and goblins. Rognuk conversed briefly with another goblin before turning back. 

“I will leave you here with Bielmia who will perform the purge and then escort you back to my office.” With that, Rognuk left. 

Bielmia motioned them forward and explained the process. They would go individually, waiting their turn in the antechamber. There were other goblins who would be helping, and they would perform two purges at a time.

James insisted that Harry and Lily go first, and Snape agreed. Bielmia led Harry into a ritual room with a table in the center. Harry could make out runes etched into the floor circling the table. He was directed to strip to his pants and lie on the table. Four goblins stood around him with Bielmia at his head. They began chanting in Gobbledygook. Each goblin took turns painting runes on Harry's exposed skin. He hoped it wasn't blood, but resigned himself to the ritual.

He could feel a tingling sensation beginning from each rune. The sensation grew as the Goblins continued chanting. Power was steadily building in the room, and the moment it became too oppressive, it shattered. A wave of magic washed over and through Harry's body and he felt cleaner and lighter than he ever had before. As soon as that thought registered, Harry passed out.

Chapter Text

The first thought Harry had upon waking was that his head didn't hurt. For most people, this would be unremarkable. But for Harry, it was unusual. He couldn't remember the last time he didn't have some sort of headache, at least.

"You may open your eyes, young wizard,” a familiar voice said.

Harry obeyed and was greeted by a dark room lit only by a few torches. The flames flickered and cast shadows on the ceiling.

“I have a list of everything that we purged here for you and your parents. One is a list of every injury that was healed.” Harry recognized the voice of Bielmia this time, and he nodded. He stood from the table and accepted the pieces of parchment from the goblin healer before redressing and following her from the room.

James and Snape were waiting on opposite sides of the room when Harry entered at the same time as Lily. Both men looked up and came forward to greet them.

“Don't look at those yet. I want to go over them together,” James said.

Lily nodded and took the parchments from Harry. Harry shrugged and shuffled over to a seat in the corner. There were no magazines or anything to occupy his time, and Harry quickly grew bored. He soon became aware that he had skipped using the loo when Hermione suggested it. He really ought to have gone, because now his bladder was uncomfortably full. He bounced his leg, trying to ignore the painful urge. When he could ignore it no longer, Harry went to the goblin at what appeared to be a reception desk.

“Er, hi. I was wondering if there was a loo I could use?” Harry asked.

The goblin leveled an unimpressed stare at Harry while he bounced up onto his toes.

“Around the corner to the left, down the hall to your third right, up to your fourth left, and it's the fifth door on the right,” the goblin said. 

“Er, right. Thanks,” Harry gulped.

He was able to follow the directions there with no problem and was quick to relieve himself. After he washed his hands, Harry stood at the door. He knew the door had been on his right, so he went left. He took the left at the end of the hall and then a right. There was a small goblin a few feet in front of him and Harry followed behind. When the little goblin fell forward and shrieked, Harry reacted on instinct. His wand was in his hand, and the Wingardium Leviosa had left his mouth before he even realized what was happening. He rushed forward and gently lowered the small goblin to the floor. 

“Oh my god, are you okay?” Harry gasped.

The small goblin lurched forward and latched onto Harry. The force of their jump pushed Harry back a step, but he caught the goblin and held tight. The poor thing was shaking and crying.

“Young wizard,” an imposing voice said from behind Harry.

Harry turned and saw three goblins coming towards him. Two were obviously warriors or guards. They had several weapons displayed prominently on their bodies, and Harry guessed there were several more hidden. Harry gaped at the third goblin. It was obvious he was important, judging by the guards and the opulent way he was dressed. The goblin wore a crown encrusted with jewels and a choker around his neck. His hands glittered with several rings. The little goblin in Harry's arms shouted something in Gobbledygook and squirmed until Harry let them down. They rushed forward, and the guards parted to allow the important goblin to catch the smaller one. 

Harry could hear him speaking in Gobbledygook as the smaller goblin looked suitably chastened. Harry assumed the male was the smaller goblins' father. After a moment, the older goblin looked up at Harry. 

“Young wizard, you have saved my daughter's life. Neither of you should have been here, but it is fortuitous that you were here and skilled enough to secure her,” the goblin said.

Harry looked sheepishly at the goblin. "I got lost on the way back from the bathroom.” 

The three adult goblins bared their teeth in an approximation of a smile. Harry repressed a shudder. 

“I am Bresruk, the king of the goblins. This is my daughter, Naltea. In thanks for saving my daughter's life, I shall offer you a gift. You will also henceforth be called Friend to the Goblin Nation,” Bresruk said.

“Wow, thank you! It’s an honor to be considered a friend, your majesty. May I have time to consider my gift?” Harry asked.

“Yes, young wizard. Come. We shall escort you back to Bielmia,” Bresruk said and turned to lead the way back to the ritual rooms. Harry didn’t have time to wonder how the king knew where he was supposed to be.

When they arrived back, the three adults were pacing the waiting room.

“Harry! Oh thank goodness! I should have gone with you,” Lily fretted, coming forward and pulling Harry to her chest. Harry noted the difference between this hug and Mrs. Weasley’s as she pulled back.

“I’m fine, Mum. I got lost, saved a princess, and the king escorted me back,” Harry said with faux nonchalance.

“What?!” All three adult humans exclaimed.

“It is true. Your son’s quick thinking and opportune timing saved my daughter's life. I am Bresruk, Goblin King,” Bresruk said, causing all the humans to turn to him.

“Oh! I’m Lily Snape. Harry, you saved a little girl’s life?” Lily said, awe clear in her voice.

“Yeah. She fell, and I caught her with a wingardium ,” Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh! I’m so proud of you!” Lily said. She pulled Harry close again and looked over at Snape, James and the goblins.

“It has been brought to my attention that the four of you have been manipulated. It is therefore possible that your accounts here may have been tampered with. I have already begun a full inquiry into any account associated with you,” Bresruk announced.

“I’m afraid there has definitely been some account tampering. We don’t blame Gringotts; you couldn’t have known what was happening,” James said diplomatically.

Bresruk nodded, then turned to Harry. “Think carefully upon your boon, young wizard. I am sure the adults in your life can counsel you,” Bresruk said. He gestured to his guards and the four of them left.

The three adult humans stood gaping at Harry in the silence after the king's departure. Harry looked down at his feet, feeling sheepish.

“Come,” Bielmia said, breaking the tension and walking away.

The four humans followed the goblin back to Rognuk’s office. Harry tried to take note of the route they took but found it impossible. When they arrived back at the office, Harry noticed that a table had been added to the room. As everyone settled around it, Harry acknowledged that it was easier than having two people stand behind the only two chairs previously in the room.

“We shall now go over the information gathered from your purges. We will begin with the adults. Ladies first, Mrs. Snape,” Rognuk said.

Harry started at hearing his mother addressed as Mrs. Snape, but he realized it made sense. Lily was on his left and Snape on his right. Both laid a hand on Harry’s closest arm in a soothing gesture. It was more soothing than Harry would have thought, coming from Snape.

Lily placed her parchment on the table in front of her and read aloud while Harry read from the sheet.

Name: Lily Rose Snape, née Black (Evans)

Purged

Potions: 

Obedience - keyed to Albus Dumbledore - 50% strength

Magic Suppressant - 50% strength

Spells:

Numerous memory charms

Compulsions - antagonism towards Slytherins - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Blocks:

Magical Core - 25% strength - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Metamorphmagus ability - 100% - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Parselmagic - 100% - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Detected but not purged: Blood adoption to Rose and Henry Evans - 1960

“Why does this say I was Blood Adopted? Who are my real parents? Metamorphmagus? Parselmagic? What?” Lily cried. Harry could tell she was just as bewildered as he was.

Rognuk was already passing a piece of parchment to Lily across the table.

“Place three drops of blood on this sheet. It will go back two generations,” Rognuk said, producing what appeared to be the same blade from earlier.

Lily took hold of the dagger and pricked her index finger. She allowed three drops of blood to fall onto the parchment, and Rognuk took it back. He snapped his fingers, and a tray appeared in front of him. He placed the parchment into the tray and poured a potion over it that Harry hadn’t noticed.

Harry watched in amazement as words began to fill the page, not unlike how the Marauder’s Map filled out. When Rognuk removed the parchment, Harry noted that it was somehow dry. Rognuk passed the parchment to Lily.

Magic , Harry thought with a shake of his head.

Name: Lily Rose Snape née Black (Evans)

Born: 30 January 1960

Mother: Andora Black née Selwyn - b. 7 May 1915 - d. 30 January 1960

Father: Regulus Black I - b. 20 June 1906 - d. 29 September 1959

Maternal Grandmother: Lisette Selwyn née Malfoy - b. 10 January 1879 - d. 30 January 1954

Maternal Grandfather: Finley Selwyn - b. 20 July 1876 - d. 13 October 1955

Paternal Grandmother: Hesper Black née Gamp - b. 6 June 1878 - d. 9 November 1956

Paternal Grandfather: Sirius Black II - b. 9 April 1877 - d. 21 May 1952

“What does this mean?” Lily gasped, still looking at the parchment.

“You’re a Pureblood, who somehow ended up with Muggles,” Severus said. Harry couldn’t determine from the man’s voice how he felt about any of this.

“How did a child of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight end up Blood Adopted by Muggles and passed off as a Muggleborn?” James asked.

“Sacred Twenty-Eight?” Harry asked, feeling more confused than ever.

“It is a list of families known to be entirely Pureblooded, with no Muggle blood whatsoever. We will have to investigate this further,” Severus mused. He looked at James who made a “go on” motion with his hands, then pulled his own parchment out.

Name: Severus Tobias Snape

Purged

Potions : 

Obedience - keyed to Albus Dumbledore - 50% strength

Magic Suppressant - 25% strength

Spells :

Numerous memory charms

Compulsions - antagonism towards Harry Potter, Muggles (reapplied twice), hatred towards James Potter, desire to become a Death Eater (lessened twice) - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Blocks :

Magical Core - 25% strength - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Physical damage repaired to nerves, bones and multiple internal organs.

“So the old man pushed me to hate James, and to become a Death Eater,” Severus mused.

James pulled his own parchment out without any prompting.

  Name: James Fleamont Potter-Lupin

Purged

Potions : 

Obedience - keyed to Albus Dumbledore - 50% strength

Magic Suppressant - 50% strength

Spells :

Numerous memory charms

Compulsions - antagonism towards Slytherins - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Blocks :

Magical Core - 50% strength - placed by Albus Dumbledore

“After seeing Lily’s and Severus’, this is not unexpected,” James commented.

Harry grew anxious when everyone in the room turned to him. Harry looked back at his mother, who had his parchment. She smiled and took it out, smoothing it out in front of her.

Name: Harry Remus Snape (Potter)

Purged

Potions : 

Obedience - keyed to Albus Dumbledore - 75% strength

Obedience - keyed to Dursley family - 50%

Magic Suppressant - 75% strength

Spells :

Numerous memory charms

Compulsions - antagonism towards Slytherins; obedience towards Dursley family - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Blocks :

Magical Core - 75% strength - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Metamorphmagus ability - 100% - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Parselmagic - 100% - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Detected but not purged: Blood adoption to James Potter - 1980

Removed Soul Shard of Tom Riddle

Repaired Physical damage to body - see attached list

Several things jumped out to Harry. He was happy to see he was named after Remus. The man was very dear to Harry’s heart, and Harry considered him a surrogate uncle. He was alarmed to see both a potion and a compulsion spell making him obedient to the Dursleys. The most alarming thing, however, was—

“Soul shard from Tom Riddle?!” Harry and Severus both exclaimed together.

Harry shared a look with his father. They both knew who that was. How had a shard of his soul made its way into Harry’s body?

“Yes. We can only speculate, but it appears Tom Riddle has made what are known as Horcruxes. It is unknown how many he has made, nor how many may be remaining, but judging by the size of the shard removed from young Mr. Snape, we estimate at least five,” Rognuk said.

Harry and Severus shared another horrified look. Harry didn’t know exactly what a Horcrux was, but if it involved Voldemort’s soul it couldn’t be good.

“We shall discuss this later. The potions and spells have been purged. I know I myself got back several memories that are being reintegrated and I am sure the others are as well,” Severus said. “James, do you have access to the Potter Manor? Spinner’s End will be unsuitable to house us.”

“I’m afraid Dumbledore would go straight there once he discovers us missing,” James said.

“If I may?” Rognuk cut in. “Mr. Snape, you have an inheritance that was left to you and is as yet unclaimed. Mrs. Snape, you also have inheritances now that your correct identity is known,” he explained, pulling parchment out of a box Harry hadn’t noticed before. Rognuk handed both of Harry’s parents a piece of parchment each.

“I am Lord Prince? Since when? Why was I not notified about this?” Severus asked.

“We sent an owl when the former Lord Prince, your grandfather, passed. We never received a response,” Rognuk answered.

“Albus. I remember now. He cast a memory charm on me when I received the owl. I would like to claim my title as quietly as possible,” Severus said.

Rognuk handed over several more sheets of parchment. Severus took them and began filling them out while Lily looked over her own parchment.

“It says I am Lady Selwyn and that I have inheritance vaults from Gamp, Black, Malfoy and Peverell, as well as Selwyn?” Lily asked.

“Yes. Hesper Gamp, your paternal grandmother, was the last known descendent of Antioch Peverell. It is not widely known that he had children, but he had one daughter. The vault has passed from generation to generation. As it is typically one of several vaults the heir holds, its worth has always remained considerable,” Rognuk explained.

“I would like to claim Lady Selwyn, and my other vaults, as quietly as possible,” Lily said. Rognuk handed her several sheets of parchment.

“So what happens now? We need to get Nev and Mione here to be purged. The twins and Ginny too. Probably Mr. and Mrs. Weasley too, from memories I got back. I know they were all charmed at least once,” Harry said.

“I think we should all go to Prince Manor. It is an old Pureblood manor and should be safe,” Severus said. He looked at James. “You are more than welcome to join us, James.”

“I need to see Remus,” James began.

“I don’t think that’s a smart idea. Moony is, er, with Padfoot,” Harry said.

“You mean?”

“I don’t know about that, but he’s been living with Padfoot for over a year now at Grimmauld.”

“They are unlikely to be intimately involved, James. Remus may not remember you as his husband, but Moony knows he has a mate. Remus often laments about it at Order meetings and is subsequently charmed to forget, as well as everyone within earshot. The only exception is Black,” Severus added.

“Sirius knows we’re alive. He wouldn’t need to be charmed to forget. We have to get Moony away from Sirius,” James said.

“I shall endeavor to speak with Remus at our next Order meeting. In the meantime, we should get to Prince Manor.”

“I will file everything as quietly as I can. Mrs. Snape, it might behoove you to hold off on claiming your Malfoy inheritance. Lord Malfoy will be notified and there is no guarantee what his reaction will be,” Rognuk advised.

“Luc may need to be purged as well. Cissa and Draco will for sure. I happen to recall Luc being against the Dark Lord in school. He also expressed a desire to keep Draco out of the reach of the Dark Lord prior to his return. Draco has also expressed that he does not wish to become a Death Eater. He was attempting to stay neutral, but I am uncertain how that has changed since being confronted by the Dark Lord over Easter break,” Severus mused.

Harry furrowed his brow. Without the compulsions to hate Slytherins, Harry could see how Draco had been acting with a clearer head. He had seemed subdued after coming back from Easter break. Harry also had more than one memory that had been removed regarding Draco. In each of them the other boy was the complete opposite of his more public persona. It seemed Draco had tried to reach out to Harry more than once, but Dumbledore had been around or found out somehow and removed the memory from Harry. Maybe Severus was right. With all his memories intact, Harry no longer felt the intense hatred he once had for Malfoy, Severus, or any of the other Slytherins. Harry made a mental note to discuss it with his father later.

The adults finalized plans, payment, and account inquiries while Harry sat deep in thought. Lily poked Harry on the shoulder and explained that Severus would be going on ahead to adjust the wards. Then Lily, James, and Harry would follow by Portkey directly from Rognuk’s office.

Chapter Text

Harry stumbled onto the lawn of the most magnificent manor house he had ever seen. He felt his jaw drop as he gazed up at what looked like an honest-to-god castle. It wasn’t as large or imposing as Hogwarts, but it was still impressive nonetheless.

It looked like the house was split into three sections. The west and east wings extended beyond the middle section. It was only two stories, but the breadth of those two floors more than made up for it. Harry shared a look with James and his mother. James seemed unimpressed, prompting Harry to wonder what Potter Manor looked like. Harry began his ascent up the paved pathway to the door. Severus opened it, and Harry spotted at least two house-elves behind him.

Harry led the two adults the rest of the way up the front walk. He couldn’t help but gape at the beautiful house. The pale grey exterior shone in the moonlight. Harry couldn’t wait to see the grounds during daylight.

“Welcome to Prince Manor,” Severus said, sweeping his arm out. He stepped forward and gestured to the two house-elves. “These are Mopsy, the head elf, and her twin sister and second in command, Mipsy.”

Both elves curtsied.

“Mopsy will be our personal elf, Lily. And Mipsy will be yours and Remus’ when he arrives, James. Harry, your elf is Tippy,” Severus said as a third elf appeared, curtsying as well. “We also have twelve additional elves. Napi will handle Neville’s needs once he arrives. The rest will come if called, either by name or by asking for the nearest available elf. Their names are Flopsy, Topsy, Ibbi, Tinky, Posey, Nipsey, Binki, Tibbi, Nicci, Lessi, and Treaky,” Severus finished. Each elf bowed or curtsied at their name.

Severus dismissed all except Mopsy who gave them the tour. Harry once again found himself gaping at the opulence. They toured the entire first floor first. In front of them off the entryway was a living room, to the left was a library and to the right was a dining room. There was a floo room next to the living room.

“The floo is password protected. I set the password myself today, so I know it is secure,” Severus said when they passed through the room. Harry noted the couches and found it to be quite cozy.

The kitchen was huge and seemed to have most of the elves working on one thing or another. There was a dueling room that Harry had to be dragged away from. He spotted a pool outside through the double doors from the living room and wondered if he could learn how to swim this summer. There was a large bedroom behind the kitchen and a hallway with storage closets obscuring the wardroom. Only Harry and Severus could enter the wardroom, since they were the only ones with Prince blood.

After that were the house-elf quarters. They crossed back to the west wing to see the potions lab and a large suite. Severus said the bedrooms on the first floor, as well as several on the second floor, would be designated as guest suites. There was more storage behind the library along with laundry facilities.

Upstairs, above the potions lab, were two bedrooms. They passed two more bedrooms and a loft with comfortable chairs and sofas before they came to a second suite.

“I confess that I prefer the East Suite and thought you and Remus would enjoy the West Suite, James,” Severus said. “Neville can take the west bedroom in the middle, which will share a balcony with the room I like for Harry.”

James was agreeable, and the group moved on, passing a ballroom that overlooked the back courtyard and pool before reaching Neville and Harry’s bedrooms. Harry was impressed with the size of the rooms and happy to have the balcony connecting them. There was another sitting loft across from Harry’s room. Above the house-elf quarters was a large, empty room. There were two more bedrooms before they reached the East Suite.

“Mopsy has told me the sunrise is incredible from this suite. I know how you love a good sunrise, Lils,” Severus murmured.

Lily smiled and Harry could sense the love she had for this man. He decided then that he would give Severus a fair chance. He would leave the past behind them and look to the future.

Mopsy explained that dinner was ready and led them to the dining room. They sat around one end of the table, and a few elves served them dinner of roast and cottage pie.

“William Weasley was here before you arrived, Harry,” Severus said.

“What for?” Harry asked, feeling curious at the sudden mention of the eldest Weasley child.

“He is the curse breaker Gringotts sent over to clear the place. He says he would like to speak with you. He would also like to speak with his brother, Charles. He was most upset to hear the small amount I chose to tell him.”

“Oh. I suppose I could talk to him. I don’t know Bill, or Charlie, all that well,” Harry said.

Harry tuned out the adults' conversation after that. Instead, he focused on his dinner. So many things had changed in the last week. It was hard to process. If this were a normal summer, Harry wouldn’t be eating at all. He would be weeding, or mowing the lawn, or performing some other chore for his aunt and uncle. Then he would have been shut up in his bedroom, still without dinner. He was grateful for the elves, and for Severus for allowing him to be here.

“Harry,” Severus said. It was clear from his tone that it wasn’t the first time he had said his name. Harry was surprised to hear his first name, spoken without vitriol, by his professor. 

“Yes, sir?” Harry asked.

“I would like to continue our Occlumency lessons from earlier in the year. I would also like to add some potions and spell work over the summer.”

Harry groaned. He had hoped for a quiet summer now that he was away from the Dursleys. Then something caught his attention.

“Wait, spell work? I can’t do magic outside of school, sir. One trial and near-expulsion was more than enough for me,” Harry said with a slight shudder.

“Trial? Near expulsion?” Lily and James exclaimed together.

“We can talk about my past later. It’s way too late to get into all that tonight,” Harry said, feeling exhausted at the idea alone.

“This is a Pureblood manor. There are also three adult wizards in residence. The trace will not recognize that you are the one performing magic,” Severus explained.

“So that’s why Dobby’s hovering charm got me in trouble the summer before second year,” Harry mused. It made sense, now that he thought about it. The trace must not be on his wand, but on his house.

“Yes,” Severus said with a shrug.

“Okay, so Occlumency, Potions, and some spell work? I guess I can deal with that. Occlumency is important,” Harry conceded. And now that he thought about it, Potions would be important as well. And who knew what spell work Severus, and even Lily and James, would consider important enough for him to learn.

“Thank you, Harry. I will give you the weekend to explore the house and grounds. Reach out to Miss Granger to let her know you are alright, but please be vague. Perhaps suggest a visit to Gringotts, but under no circumstances are you to tell her to get purged. We left instructions at Gringotts that the next time certain people entered the building they were to be purged, and the fees would come out of our accounts. It will be done quietly, so as not to arouse suspicion from either Dumbledore or the Dark Lord.”

“You think our mail is being monitored,” Harry realized. He didn’t ask; he knew it was true from the way Severus was speaking.

“It is very likely, yes. If you do not typically correspond with Mr. Long, ah, Neville, please refrain from doing so this summer. I know you wish to tell him about his parentage, among many other things I am sure. However, if your mail is being monitored, by anyone, it is safer for all involved to wait.”

“That makes sense, sir.”

“It has been quite an eventful day, my dears. Let’s get to bed, hm?” Lily said, ending the conversation. She pulled Harry into a tight hug and refused to let go. She used her hold on Harry to tug him upstairs and continued to hug him tightly for a few moments outside his bedroom door. She pulled back enough to kiss Harry’s forehead, then cupped his face and smiled.

“Goodnight, Mum. I love you,” Harry said. It felt incredible to be able to say that out loud.

“Goodnight my love. I love you, too,” Lily replied. She tucked a stray piece of hair behind Harry’s ear, not stepping back yet.

“Goodnight, Harry,” Severus said from behind Lily.

“Er, goodnight, professor,” Harry said, feeling awkward.

Severus seemed to understand because he smiled at Harry. Harry couldn’t believe the way it transformed the man's face. He looked years younger and much more approachable.

“I understand that you are not comfortable calling me ‘Dad,’ or ‘Father.’ However, you may call me Severus outside of school. I would like to work on repairing our relationship,” Severus said.

“I’d like that too. Goodnight, Severus,” Harry said with a small smile.

James waved from behind Severus and said a soft goodnight. Harry replied, but felt a little sad that he didn’t get a more personal goodnight from the man he had thought of as his father for the last sixteen years. Harry sighed, but did notice the look he got from Lily. She smiled at him before she and Severus went to their own suite for the night. Harry turned and entered his own room for the first time.

He hadn’t realized how large it was earlier. He could fit all of the Dursleys’ upstairs in his bedroom. There was a king-size bed along the right wall with tables on both sides. It had neutral dark brown covers and lighter tan sheets and pillow cases. The bed itself was a pretty dark reddish-brown wood that matched the tables and the desk on the far wall.

Harry noticed his trunk at the foot of the bed. He took out a pair of pajamas and set about getting ready for bed. When he was ready, he climbed into the bed. He sank into the mattress and felt all his tension melt away. He was asleep before he even closed his eyes.

Chapter Text

Harry spent the first three weeks of summer exploring his new home, getting to know his mum, James, and Severus, and learning Occlumency and Potions from Severus. James and his mum helped with Transfiguration and Charms respectively. All three adults were impressed with Harry’s defense skills.

Bill and Charlie Weasley had both been by as well. They expressed their disgust at Dumbledore’s actions. Charlie decided to maintain his distance and stay in Romania, while Bill offered to feel out his parents and siblings and help as much as he could. He also offered to spy on Sirius and try to get a message to Remus. Both men were more willing to open up in front of Bill than Severus.

Hermione had been at the Burrow until she pretended her parents wanted her home. She was due to arrive at any moment. The twins, who were living in a flat above their new shop in Diagon, were planning to visit as well.

Harry was waiting for Hermione and the twins to arrive in the receiving room. He had chosen a seat on the sofa to the left of the fireplace, so he could keep both it and the door in his line of sight. He had a book in his lap, but he wasn’t reading it; he was thinking of how different his life was now. 

The room he was in was the size of his bedroom at the Dursleys’. His own bedroom here was probably the size of the entire upstairs at the Dursleys’ if he included the bathroom and closet. His lavish surroundings weren’t the only things on his mind. He had a family now. He had his mum, who loved him more than he knew, and even Severus and James. It was still awkward with Severus, but being purged had cleared Harry’s mind. He no longer felt an irrational hatred towards the man. It was doing a lot of good for their relationship.

Harry was brought out of his reverie when the fireplace flared green. Then Hermione stepped out, brushing her shoulders. She stopped when Harry used magic to clean it for her.

“Harry! You can’t do magic outside of school! Wasn’t that trial last year enough of a deterrent?” Hermione scolded.

Harry grinned and put his wand away. “We can do magic here because of the wards and the adult wizards. The trace doesn’t detect magic done by our wands, just magic done around us. It’s only a problem for Muggle-borns, half-bloods, and the odd pureblood who follows the rule. Mum and Severus, and James too, are fine with it,” Harry reassured.

Hermione still looked upset, but Harry ignored her expression and pulled her in for a hug. Before he pulled away,  the Floo flared green again and two more figures appeared.

“Nice digs, little brother!” Harry heard one of the twins exclaim before two more sets of arms wrapped around him and Hermione.

Harry laughed and relaxed into the group hug. He only lasted a minute before squirming away. 

“Let me give you a tour,” Harry said, leading the way out of the room.

He showed them downstairs and around the pool and then brought them upstairs to see his parents and James’ suites, the room he had picked for the twins if they ever stayed over, and where Hermione would be staying.  She was in the room behind Harry, with one room still between hers and his parents. The elves had already brought her things to the room. 

The last stop was Harry’s room, where the group sat and talked. Harry explained to the twins about finding Lily and James in the forest and everything that followed.

“We’ve been to Gringotts,” Fred began.

“And had a purge,” George continued.

“And we discovered—”

“A lot of modified—”

“And missing memories, as well as—”

“Potions and spells.”

“We’ve used the shop—”

“As an excuse to avoid—”

“Order meetings and Dumbles.”

“So far it’s worked,” they finished together.

“I knew he had modified some of your memories. You were in some of the ones I got back. Mione, have you been to Gringotts yet?” Harry asked.

“I wasn’t able to. My parents brought me to the Leaky to Floo to Grimmauld the second day of holiday, but I didn’t have a chance to slip away,” she replied.

“That’s okay. I’ll ask mum or James or even Sev if we can go tomorrow. The sooner the better,” Harry insisted.

He ignored the twins mouthing “Sev” at each other. He knew he was getting closer with Severus. If the twins had an issue with that, they would have to deal.

It was a Friday night and the twins had already closed the shop for the day. They weren’t staying long, so Harry decided to bring them to the pool. They spent the next two hours splashing around and goofing off. It felt good to spend time with people his own age without worrying about studying or the war.

Eventually Lily called them inside and invited the twins to stay for dinner. The look on her face brooked no argument, and the twins accepted. Everyone gathered in the dining room as the elves began to served the meal.

Harry had expected it to be tense, what with the twins and Severus not getting along. He was pleasantly surprised at how civil the meal was. Severus had changed so much since he was purged. It was like he was a new man. Harry very much liked getting to know this Severus, and it seemed the twins liked him too.

“Thank you for dinner,” Fred began.

“Mr. Potter, Mrs. —er—” George continued, stuttering over what to call Harry’s mum now.

“Snape! And Professor!” Fred hastened to finish. The adults all tried to suppress their grins but were unsuccessful.

“You are more than welcome. I’m glad to meet any friends of my son,” Lily replied.

“I will regret this, but you are welcome here. If you damage my house, you will regret it,” Severus said. He was trying to sound stern but Harry saw the lingering smile and crinkling of his eyes.

Harry walked the twins back to the receiving room with Hermione. Fred pulled them all into another group hug and refused to let go, seeming content to stand there all night. Harry pulled away laughing.

“Thanks for coming, guys. I hope you get the chance to stop by again soon,” Harry said. He saw Hermione nodding behind him.

“We’ll write,” George started.

“And we’ll make sure—” Fred continued.

“To come back soon,” they finished together. Then they tossed some powder into the fireplace and were gone in a flash of green fire.

Harry and Hermione went upstairs to Harry’s room. There was a loveseat and chair in front of the fire that they sat on. Harry curled his legs up under himself and got comfortable.

“Severus, Mum, and James have been teaching me. Severus does potions, Occlumency, and defense, which James helps with. They all seem impressed by my defense skills. And Sev is happy with my Potions and Occlumency progress. Mum is teaching me Charms. Apparently, it’s her specialty, and she made some of her own. And James is really good at Transfiguration and has been teaching me that,” Harry said.

“I want to be upset that you can do magic here, but,” Hermione began.

“But, I need to train and learn this stuff. And I guarantee most of the purebloods and even some half-bloods use magic outside of school,” Harry said.

Hermione’s shoulders slumped and she sighed, but she didn’t refute it. They changed the subject and talked quietly for a few hours.

“Did you know wizards could get pregnant?” Harry asked. Hermione didn’t comment on the non sequitur.

“I did. I’m surprised you didn’t. They told us in the sex-ed classes we had to take in third year. How did you not know that?” Hermione replied.

“I never took sex ed classes. I don’t think Ron did either,” Harry said.

“Come to think of it, there were only Muggle-borns and half-bloods in the class. And not even all of the Half-bloods,” Hermione said.

“I’d bet Dumbledore didn’t want me to know for some reason,” Harry said. They lapsed into a contemplative silence, each lost in their own thoughts. 

Hedwig flew in through Harry’s open window and perched on the arm of his sofa. Harry stroked her head for a moment before untying the letter she carried.

Harry noted the name and felt his face heat slightly. He stood and brought the letter to his bedside table and hoped Hermione didn’t notice his blush. When he turned back to her, Hermione was looking at him with her eyebrow raised in question. Harry felt his face heat again and cast a Tempus to check the time. Upon seeing it was after midnight, Harry decided it was time for bed.

“Right, I’m bushed. Er, do you remember how to get to your room? Or do you want me to walk you?” Harry asked, scratching the back of his neck.

“I remember,” Hermione replied with a slight laugh and an amused grin. She hugged Harry good night and then Harry was alone.

He felt so embarrassed. There was no reason for him to be blushing like a girl about getting a letter, especially from Neville. He was his mate, nothing more. Harry tried to convince himself of that, but he knew he’d been conflicted about his feelings for Neville for the last three weeks as his memories reintegrated. He knew Hermione was jumping to conclusions in her room, but there was nothing for it.

Harry sighed and dropped onto his bed. He summoned the letter and opened the seal. It was short, but that was fine.

    Harry,

Gran says she’ll take me to visit you tomorrow as long as she can come with me. She promised to stay open-minded until we talk to the goblins. I look forward to seeing you and you telling me what’s going on.

                    Neville

Harry smiled. He had missed Neville since school let out. Harry had gotten quite a few memories back that included Neville. He knew that without Dumbledore’s meddling, Harry and Neville would have been much closer friends. He re-folded the letter and put it back in his drawer before standing and crossing the room to his door. Someone knocked as he was about to reach it and he opened it to see Lily, James and Severus.

“I was just going to go find you. Neville and his gran can come over tomorrow,” Harry said.

James’ eyes lit up, and the biggest smile Harry had ever seen stretched across his face. Harry felt a warm glow in his chest at seeing the man so happy. It was a rarity, with James missing his husband and son.

Lily beamed and hugged James and Harry. Harry noticed Severus laid a hand on James’ shoulder as well. He was no longer surprised to see the soft smile on the once dour man's face.

“That’s great news!” Lily exclaimed.

Harry loved the look on Severus’ face whenever he looked at Lily, like he was now. He always looked so soft and fond. It was clear as day the man was head over heels in love with Lily and she loved him right back. Severus caught Harry looking and shot him a playfully annoyed look which he followed with a wink. Harry grinned back.

“We were coming to say goodnight and tell Miss Granger to go to bed, but it appears like you both are one step ahead of us,” Severus said.

“Yeah. It’s after midnight. Mione just left,” Harry said.

Hugs were shared and Lily kissed Harry’s forehead. Everyone said ‘goodnight’ and Harry closed his door. He flopped down on his bed, not bothering to change his clothes. He was asleep within minutes.

Chapter Text

Harry woke early and rushed through his shower. He hesitated in the closet before deciding that he didn’t need to impress Mrs. Longbottom. An open robe over black trousers and a green button-up shirt would look best, though. It had nothing to do with Neville. Nothing at all.

Harry met Hermione and the adults in the dining room, not surprised to be the last one up.   

“You’re up early, Harry,” Hermione commented.

Harry felt the heat in his cheeks and ignored the looks everyone shared at his reaction. He shrugged at Hermione and began filling his plate, determined to brush it off. He wasn’t sure what time Neville and his gran would be arriving and wanted to be ready.

“Hermione, did Harry tell you we would be going out today? And that we are expecting visitors?” Lily asked, still staring at Harry. Harry wasn’t sure how to read her tone, but she sounded amused.

“No,” Hermione said, drawing out the word in obvious confusion. Her brow furrowed and she, too, looked at Harry.

“Neville and Mrs. Longbottom are coming over, and we’re going to Gringotts to get them, and you, purged,” Harry answered her unasked question.

“Oh? When did you find out?” Hermione asked, her confusion still obvious.

“Last night, after you went to bed,” Harry said, feeling his face heat again.

Realization dawned across Hermione’s face, as well as more confusion, before finally settling on realization again. Harry felt dizzy watching the play of emotions cross his best friend's face. Then he realized he was blushing again. He knew what Hermione was thinking. Everyone might assume he was oblivious, but that was Ron. Harry knew exactly what his friend was thinking about. He couldn’t even deny it.

James and Lily were watching the teens with open confusion on their faces. They hadn’t spent enough time with either of them, and especially not with the two of them together, to have any clue what they were thinking. Severus, on the other hand, looked thoughtful. Harry wasn’t positive, but he thought he might know what his father was contemplating.

“When will they be here?” Hermione asked.

“Not sure, the letter didn’t say,” Harry replied.

“Master Prince, yous be having visitors in the Receiving Room, sir,” Mopsy said, appearing at Severus’ side with a quiet pop.

Severus stood and left the room. Harry sat up straighter and fidgeted with his hair. Hermione and Lily gave him amused looks, but he didn’t care. He was too busy worrying that he looked bad with his hair a perpetual mess.

“I assure you what you will be seeing in a moment is real. No one is under polyjuice or any other enchantments. The goblins cleared everyone here except Miss Granger, who will be receiving her purge later today,” Harry heard Severus say.

“Don’t make me regret trusting you, Severus Snape,” came another voice that Harry didn’t recognize. He assumed it was Mrs. Longbottom, but he had never heard the woman speak before.

Harry heard footsteps growing closer until the group came into view. Harry had chosen to sit near the head of the table, facing the kitchen and hallway, so he was the first to see the newcomers. A grin split his face once he saw Neville. Neville’s answering smile made Harry’s face burn all the way to his ears. He didn’t notice the looks everyone else shared; he only had eyes for Neville.

“Nev!” Harry said, standing and meeting Neville on the other side of the table.

He instinctively pulled the other boy into a hug and held him tightly. Then he stepped back, his face even hotter, and cleared his throat. Harry scratched the back of his neck and glanced at the others in the room. He moved back to his seat and focused on his plate, trying to will away his blush.

He heard everyone exchanging greetings and then Severus, Lily and James launched into the story. Harry tried to focus on the conversation, but he still felt mortified over his reaction when Neville first got there. He heard Mrs. Longbottom gasp when he explained that Harry was Severus and Lily’s child, not James’. It was Neville’s turn to gasp when they went on to explain that he was actually Remus and James’ son, not Alice and Frank Longbottom’s. Harry looked at his friend and felt shame creep up on him for having kept it a secret for so long. He’d known for a month and hadn’t said anything.

“I wanted to tell you, but we think my mail is being watched. And we don’t trust Ron, so I couldn’t say anything with him always hanging around,” Harry said.

“I don’t blame you, Harry. I don’t know if I would have believed you if I hadn’t seen James and Lily with my own eyes,” Neville admitted.

“I think we need to pay a visit to Gringotts,” Mrs. Longbottom said in a firm voice.

“We were planning to ask you along with us today, as we are bringing Miss Granger to get a purge,” Severus said.

Harry sat in silence, watching Neville, while the adults made plans to go to the bank. The other boy seemed to be taking the news well, but Harry was concerned.

“It’s really okay, Harry. I’m surprised, that’s all. You must’ve been too,” Neville said.

Harry shook himself and sat back. He didn’t know when he’d leaned forward. He noticed Neville lean back as well and saw Hermione struggling to hide a smile from the corner of his eye. He ignored her. Instead, he turned to the adults when they looked at the teenagers.

“It has been decided that Mrs. Longbottom and I shall escort Miss Granger and, ah, Neville, to Gringotts. Harry, you will stay here with your mother and James,” Severus said. Everyone ignored his stutter over Neville’s name. Harry was more concerned with being told to stay home.

“But I want to go! I passed out during mine. I know I won’t be able to watch from in the room, but they had windows. I should be able to see some of the process, right? Besides, I wanna be there for Hermione. I won’t cause any trouble, I promise,” Harry insisted.

The adults exchanged a few glances. Finally, Severus rolled his eyes and Harry knew he had won. Severus nodded and Harry cheered in his head. Outwardly he grinned and followed the group to the Receiving Room to Floo to Gringotts.

Harry had his robe hood pulled up and attempted to go unnoticed in the busy bank. Severus had waited behind so he would arrive alone and it wouldn’t look like he was with Mrs. Longbottom, Neville, and Hermione. Harry led the group to the nearest teller.

“I need to speak to Rognuk, please,” Harry said.

The goblin didn’t respond. Instead, he got down from his chair and motioned for them to follow him to the account manager’s office. The goblin knocked twice and waited to be bid entry before leading the group, which now included Severus, inside, not speaking a word the entire time.

“Was that normal behavior for a goblin?” Hermione whispered to no one in particular.

“Yes,” came from everyone else in the room, causing Hermione to startle.

Harry took the seat on Severus’ left, with Hermione on Severus’ right. Neville sat on Harry’s other side, with Mrs. Longbottom on Neville’s other side. Rognuk already had several pieces of parchment out in front of him as well as the ceremonial dagger from last time.

“Master Prince and young friend Harry, you two will remain here while Bielmia collects these three for their purges. We can discuss our findings while they are being seen to,” Rognuk said.

Harry noticed Mrs. Longbottom start at hearing him addressed as “young friend” but neither acknowledged it.

“That is acceptable,” Severus said. Harry nodded his own agreement, although he was disappointed he wouldn’t be able to see the process.

“Enter,” Rognuk said in response to a knock on the office door. Bielmia came in and escorted the trio out. “We have discovered some discrepancies with more than one account under your purview. Now that we have definitive proof that James Potter is alive, we have locked his accounts. We have not made any transactions that Mr. Potter-Lupin himself did not agree to before his supposed death. There were sums of money going to Albus Dumbledore prior to Mr. Potter-Lupin’s ‘death’ that increased after. We reverted to the original amount as stipulated in the 1980 agreement. There were also sums going to the Dursley family and Weasley family, which we have stopped. There were artifacts and books removed from some vaults under the control of all of the people in your party that we can recall at any time. As you had expressed a desire for discretion, we decided it would be best to wait until we spoke with you to recall them. Otherwise, here is a list of vaults, their accountings, and who has access to them,” Rognuk said. He pushed several sheets of parchment across the desk.

Harry read over the parchment with his father and felt his jaw drop at the sums listed. Severus had four different vaults, between the Prince vaults and his own, totaling over 2 million galleons. Lily had seven trust and family vaults plus one personal vault from when she had graduated Hogwarts and had over 5 million galleons between them. James had two vaults, the Potter vault, and his personal vault, and had over 3 million galleons between them. 

Harry was most surprised to see he had seven vaults of his own and had over 5 million galleons in them. He had never thought he would have more than the vault he had seen with Hagrid before first year. This was an absurd amount of money. All told, their group of four had over seventeen million galleons. That wasn’t counting any other assets they each had.

“Whoa,” Harry said. The numbers blew his mind. 

“Indeed,” Severus said. Harry wasn’t sure what the older man was thinking.

“Note that there is another sheet of parchment with a list of all non-monetary holdings. There is also a packet with any business investments each family has made and your profits from them if any,” Rognuk said. 

Harry and Severus glanced over the other parchments while they waited for the other three to return.

“There are several books and artifacts that Albus has in his possession. We do not wish to alert him to our actions, still, so we will wait to reclaim them,” Severus said.

Rognuk nodded and remained silent. Harry looked around the office. He hadn’t paid much attention the last time he had been there. He noted the marble desk with gold edging and the marble floor. They contrasted nicely with the stone walls. He was intrigued by the weapons and jewelry on display on the wall behind Rognuk’s desk.

“You may take a closer look, goblin friend. But do not touch,” Rognuk said.

Harry startled but then smiled at the goblin. He murmured a quiet thanks and stood to look around the office. He approached the wall and hovered his hand over the first dagger that had caught his eye. He was careful not to touch, but he could feel the magic emanating from the piece anyway. Now that he was closer, Harry could tell that about half of the weapons had magic emanating from them. 

Harry wandered from one side of the wall to the other, taking in the feel of the multitude of magics imbued in the different pieces. He noted most of the jewelry had magic and suspected it was protective enchantments or perhaps curses. 

Harry took the time to ask many of the questions he had and found Rognuk was willing to answer most of them. They discussed the various magical objects and what decisions had been made to imbue them with which types of magic. The door opening interrupted a quiet conversation about laws regarding goblin-forged weapons or jewelry that were loaned to humans. Harry was shocked to learn that the Sword of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw’s Diadem were both goblin-made and should have gone back to the goblins upon the death of the founders.

Harry took his seat between Severus and Neville again. After everyone was settled, Mrs. Longbottom gave Neville and Hermione their parchments. Harry read along over the boy's shoulder while Neville read aloud.

Name: Neville James Potter-Lupin (Longbottom)

Purged

Potions:

Obedience - keyed to Albus Dumbledore - 75% strength

Magic Suppressant - 75% strength

Spells:

Numerous memory charms

Compulsions - antagonism towards Slytherins - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Blocks:

Magical Core - 75% strength - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Detected but not purged: Blood adoption to Frank and Alice Longbottom - 1980

“Looks pretty similar to mine, except he blocked a few more and added some stuff,” Harry murmured.

“It is what I expected,” Severus said.

Harry turned to Hermione on Severus’ other side. He saw her gulp and take a deep breath before unfolding the parchment. She gasped as soon as she read her name but continued on anyway.

Name: Hermione Cassiopeia Black (Granger)

Purged

Potions:  

Obedience - keyed to Albus Dumbledore - 75% strength

Magic Suppressant - 50% strength

Spells:

Numerous memory charms

Compulsions - antagonism towards Slytherins - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Blocks:

Magical Core - 50% strength - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Metamorphmagus ability - 100% - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Detected but not purged: Blood adoption to Rose and Dan Granger - 1979

Harry and Hermione shared a look before Hermione burst into tears. Harry jumped up and moved to her side. He wrapped her in a tight hug and whispered soothingly in her ear.

“May we have that genealogy test for Miss Granger?” Severus inquired.

“Mione? I know this is a lot, but can you take a deep breath? Center yourself,” Harry said.

Hermione nodded and took a deep breath. She sat back and squared her shoulders, visibly steeling herself. Harry couldn’t have been more proud of his best friend, and told her so. He stood behind her with his hand on her shoulders, showing he would be there for her always.

“Using this dagger to prick your finger, place three drops of blood onto this parchment. It will go back two generations,” Rognuk instructed.

Hermione took the dagger, but her hands were shaking. Harry smiled and took the blade from her. He held her hand with a firm grip and pricked her finger. She squeezed the blood onto the parchment, and Severus healed her finger. She smiled gratefully at them both before looking at the parchment with everyone else. 

Name: Hermione Cassiopeia Black (Granger)

Born: 19 September 1979

Mother: Marlene McKinnon - b. 5 August 1960 - d. 20 July 1980

Father: Regulus Black - b. 3 April 1961 - d. 8 July 1979

Maternal Grandmother: Isabelle McKinnon née Shafiq - b. 6 February 1940 - d. 20 July 1980

Maternal Grandfather: Ewan McKinnon - b. 12 May 1940 - d. 20 July 1980

Paternal Grandmother: Walburga Black - b. 6 August 1925 - d. 10 November 1985

Paternal Grandfather: Orion Black - b. 11 February 1929 - d. 7 June 1979

Hermione gasped, and her hand flew to cover her mouth. Harry was equally stunned. Hermione was Sirius’ niece. Hermione was a Pureblood, not a Muggle-born.

“That’s two Black children Dumbledore has kidnapped and placed with a Muggle family,” Harry said.

Harry and Severus shared grim looks while the other three humans looked on in obvious confusion. They knew they’d have to explain later.

“Rognuk, may we request Miss Grang-er, Black’s bank statements, please?” Severus asked, stuttering over Hermione’s name this time. 

Harry heard Hermione softly whisper “Black” in a stunned tone. He felt bad, for her, knowing the shock of discovering that his entire family and upbringing had been manipulated all too well. He rubbed her shoulders and focused back on the meeting.

“Certainly,” the goblin agreed and snapped his fingers. Two pieces of parchment appeared, and he handed them to Hermione.

Harry read over Hermione’s shoulder as she examined the pages. He wasn’t as shocked to see the total since she was a Black. All told, she had over four million galleons to her name. He felt Hermione tense when she got to the total and kept rubbing her shoulders. She slowly released her breath and relaxed her shoulders.

“We shall take our leave. Thank you, Rognuk,” Severus said and stood. 

They joined Neville and Mrs. Longbottom in following Severus to the corner of the room. They each touched the Portkey, Severus joining this time, and the group disappeared from Rognuk’s office only to reappear in the entryway of Prince Manor.

Harry pulled Severus to the side when they got home.

“Dad, did Rognuk say they stopped payments to the Weasley family?” Harry asked.

Severus smiled at the title. It was the first time Harry had called him that aloud and he had been nervous until the older man smiled. Harry returned the smile, feeling shy.

“Yes, he did. I wish I did not have to tell you this, because I know how close you are to the Weasley family,” Severus said. He did look upset, for which Harry was grateful.

“James did say there was some plot of Dumbledore’s that had to do with Ron and Ginny,” Harry mused. He was less surprised to learn the Dursleys had been receiving money for him than he was that the Weasleys were.

“Harry, I hate to say it, but I do not believe the youngest two are genuine friends,” Severus said. 

Harry heard the reluctance in his voice and sighed. Nonetheless, he nodded. He had been thinking the same thing for the last month. After James’ warning, Harry had pulled away from the two Weasleys still at school as much as he could. He knew the twins, Charlie, and Bill were true friends. None of them had mentioned getting paid, and Harry didn’t see any of them accepting money to befriend him.

Harry and Severus joined the others in the family room. Mrs. Longbottom looked furious, and Harry heard James explaining how Dumbledore had kidnapped Neville.

After the purge, Mrs. Longbottom had recovered memories of Dumbledore ranting about werewolves and another memory of him giving her Neville and saying the real Longbottom child had died in the attack that left Frank and Alice insane. No one knew where Neville had been for the year leading up to his placement with Mrs. Longbottom, as Neville himself was far too young to know.

“Neville, I still love you, and I always will. But I am going to end Albus too-many-middle-names Dumbledore if it is the last thing I do,” Mrs. Longbottom said with surprising vehemence.

Everyone agreed with the sentiment, but they weren’t sure what they could do. Harry needed to talk to his parents, James, Hermione, and maybe Neville about the Horcruxes.

“The best thing we can do right now is to lay low,” Severus said.

Mrs. Longbottom agreed and then took her leave, Flooing back to Longbottom Manor. She left Neville behind to stay with his friends and get to know his father. They had planned another get-together but Harry didn’t pay much attention. He was still thinking about why Dumbledore would kidnap two children from the Black line and put them up for adoption with Muggles of all people. He would have to discuss that with his father as well.

Chapter Text

After dinner, the small group gathered in the family room. Severus and Lily sat together on the love seat with James in the adjacent armchair, all three with their backs to the fire. Hermione sat on the sofa in front of Harry’s parents, and Neville claimed the other side. Harry hesitated in front of the fire.

He wanted to talk about the Horcruxes. Ever since learning about them, Harry had tried to come up with a way to bring them up. The weeks had been busy, and Harry hadn’t known what to say. He decided to gather his Gryffindor courage.

“Dad,” Harry began. He noticed the others share a look and Lily beamed, but he ignored them. Severus nodded for him to continue. “We need to talk about the thing the goblins found. The one they removed?”

Recognition lit Severus’ eyes, and he turned to Hermione and Neville. Harry gave him a hard stare, hoping to convey that he would be telling Hermione and Neville whether the adults wanted him to or not, so they might as well be in on the discussion.

“Oh, very well,” Severus said with a sigh.

Harry smirked. Then he sat in the open space between Neville and Hermione. He thought for a second, then decided to get comfortable. He laid his head on Hermione’s lap and his legs across Neville’s and felt a pang in his chest when he realized it was usually Ron’s lap.

“Prat,” Neville laughed, but he left Harry’s legs alone. Harry grinned up at him. Hermione huffed a laugh as well and began playing with Harry’s hair. Lily and James laughed, and even Severus’ eye roll was definitely fond.

“Very well. Have you told Hermione anything yet? You had better not have written Neville,” Severus said in a warning voice.

“I haven’t told anyone,” Harry assured.

“Good,” Severus said. Then he looked at first Hermione, then Neville. “After Harry’s purge at the beginning of summer, we discovered that Harry had — likely by accident — been turned into what is known as a Horcrux.”

At Hermione and Neville’s confused look, Harry took over the explanation in a quiet voice. “A Horcrux is a container someone would use to hold a piece of their soul. I don’t know how they’re made, but I do know it’s extremely dark magic.”

Hermione gasped, and Neville turned a bit green. Almost at once, they both realized the implications.

“You had a piece of You-Know-Who’s soul in you?” Hermione exclaimed.

Harry nodded. He was sure his face reflected the disgust he felt at the idea. “The goblins removed it,” Harry admitted.

“Is that why your scar has faded?” Neville asked.

Harry jolted, then looked around the room. Severus waved him forward and took Harry’s chin in his hand when he got closer. Harry stood still while his father examined the scar. He felt the magic Severus used and fought a shiver.

“It not only looks different, it feels different as well. To any adult that has spent sufficient time with you, it will be noticeable,” Severus murmured and released Harry’s chin. Harry went back to his position on the couch.

“Should we do anything?” Harry asked.

“We should think of a reason for the change if we can. There is nothing else we could do,” Severus answered.

“I could say I went down to the Chamber and got some basilisk venom to experiment with. Then something went wrong and when I woke up my scar had faded,” Harry suggested.

“With how upset you were at the end of the year, I think it’s plausible,” Hermione said, her fingers tugging at Harry’s hair.

“That will suffice. I wish we knew how many he made, and what they were,” Severus murmured.

A loud tapping on the window broke everyone out of their thoughts. Severus spelled the window open, and a brown owl swooped over to him. It landed on the table beside him and held out its leg.

“It is from Albus,” Severus said. Harry figured he recognized either the owl or the handwriting. Severus unrolled the scroll and read the short letter. “He wants me to come to his office for a meeting. I will be back soon.”

Severus gave Lily a chaste kiss and a hug, and Harry sat up to hug his father goodbye. Severus jolted slightly, but returned the hug before leaving for Hogwarts. Harry stood up and reached a hand to help Neville and Hermione to their feet. 

“I’ll show Nev to his room. Goodnight mum, James,” Harry said, giving them both hugs. Then he turned and led the way upstairs.

At the top of the stairs, Harry pointed to the left. “Hermione’s room is the first here on the left. Mine is straight ahead, on the left. Yours is the second here on the left.” Harry gestured to each door as he spoke. He stepped back, allowing Neville to open the door to his own room.

Harry and Hermione followed Neville into the spacious bedroom. Harry already knew it was a copy of his own room. Neville wandered around the room, and Harry was happy to see a small smile on his friend's face.

“Do we share a balcony?” Neville asked.

“Yeah. The only way to get to it is through your room or mine,” Harry answered.

Neville nodded. The three teens moved to the sofa and resumed their earlier positions. Hermione once again started playing with Harry’s hair. He was starting to relax into the silence when Neville spoke.

“How has it been, living with Snape?” Neville asked.

“It’s been good, actually. After the purge, neither of us hates the other. It was all the potion, plus the hatred Dad felt for James. And you should see him with Mum. If someone looked at me with half the love Dad has for Mum, I could die a happy man,” Harry said with a wistful sigh.

Hermione laughed and threaded her fingers through Harry’s hair. Harry was curious to note that Neville’s face had gone a bit pink and felt his own face warm.

“Oh, honestly,” Hermione muttered, tugging Harry’s hair. She gave Harry a pointed look, then shoved his head off her lap. “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you two in the morning,” she announced, then disappeared.

Harry sat staring at the door with his jaw open and feeling gobsmacked. Neville chuckled and Harry glanced at him. Harry was still reintegrating memories, but a fair few of them involved the boy next to him. One memory, in particular, came to mind, and Harry felt his face warm again.

“Harry?” Neville asked. When had he gotten so close?

“Yeah, Nev?” Harry replied.

Neville licked his lips and Harry couldn’t help but stare at the other boy's mouth. Was he even closer than before? Who was leaning in? Harry couldn’t tell.

“Can I — I’d like to kiss you,” Neville said, his voice a whisper of breath across Harry’s face.

“Me too,” Harry replied, before closing the short distance and pressing a firm kiss to Neville’s lips.

Neville made a noise, which only served to spur Harry on. Without realizing how it happened, Harry found himself straddling Neville’s lap. His hands were tangled in soft, blond hair. The kiss had quickly become heated, both boys battling for dominance. Harry finally won the battle and took control of the kiss. Neville’s fingers tightened in Harry’s hair, making him wonder when they had got there to begin with. Harry brushed the thought aside and moaned into Neville’s mouth.

A shocked “Oh!” from the doorway caught Harry’s attention at the same time that his body reminded him of its need for air. He pulled away from Neville, reluctant to lose this feeling but breathing heavily. He looked at the door to find Lily and James. He didn’t feel embarrassed to have been caught. He looked back at Neville and didn’t see any embarrassment on his face either. Harry smiled, happy to receive a smile back.

“I’ve wanted to do that for months I think,” Harry realized.

Neville laughed. Harry leaned down to press a much more chaste kiss to his lips before pulling back and looking at the adults, his question obvious in his eyes.

“We were just coming by to say goodnight. Hermione is in her room, but yours was empty Harry. We did knock, but,” Lily said, trailing off at the end.

“You were otherwise occupied, it seems,” James finished, his eyes dancing with mischief.

“I think it’s time for bed, boys,” Lily said.

Harry pressed one more firm kiss to Neville’s lips before climbing off his lap. He hugged James and Lily and murmured a soft goodnight to them before slipping away into his own room. He laid on his bed, lightly touching his kiss-swollen lips, and smiled to himself. If his dreams involved a certain sandy-blond Gryffindor, no one else had to know.

Chapter Text

Harry stumbled into the dining room, rubbing his eyes. He was still in his pajamas and had followed his rumbling stomach straight downstairs. He settled into a seat between Severus and Hermione and began piling his plate with food. He didn’t even glance at the other occupants, too hungry and tired to be polite.

“Now that sleeping beauty has arrived, I would like to discuss my meeting with Albus last night,” Severus said. He tousled Harry’s hair with a fond smile and Harry stuck out his tongue at the man. Severus chuckled but otherwise ignored his son's antics.

“What did the old fool want, Sev?” Lily asked, also laughing at their son.

“He had fortuitous timing. He wished to discuss Horcruxes,” Severus said.

Everyone looked at him in shock. It was unusual for Dumbledore to share his plans with anyone else. 

“So he does know,” Harry said, his tone matter of fact. He went back to buttering his toast.

“Yes. He has an idea of how many there are, as well as what they are. On a side note, I would like each of you to wear these amulets at all times. They will protect you against Obliviation, Legilimency to a small extent, and Veritaserum. That last only works if you know Occlumency,” Severus said and handed an amulet to each person.

“Auror training required Occlumency,” James commented as he accepted his amulet. He nodded a thank you and slipped it on.

“My gran said it’s only proper for a pureblood to know Occlumency,” Neville said, also accepting his amulet. He nodded a silent thank you to Severus and put it on.

“You know I know Occlumency, since you’re the one who taught me, love,” Lily said. She also accepted an amulet and slipped it on.

“You said my Occlumency was much-improved,” Harry said as he slipped his own amulet on.

“It is, yes,” Severus replied before handing the last amulet to Hermione.

“I started teaching myself last year when Harry mentioned it, but I don’t know how good I am,” Hermione admitted and put her amulet on as well.

“You will join Harry in his lessons, then. In fact, Neville, I would like you to join as well,” Severus said. Both teens nodded their understanding.

“How many does Albus think he made?” James asked.

“Seven, though one was unintentional. He was adamant I did not let Harry know, but he knew you were a Horcrux,” Severus said.

“What?” Harry shouted. Not only did Voldie have seven — six now — Horcruxes, but the old man had known Harry was one? And didn’t want him to know?

“Yes. He is under the impression that you would have to die to remove it. I, for one, am quite grateful that is not the case,” Severus said.

Harry gaped at his father. Lily and Hermione both gasped, clutching their chests. Harry saw the look on Neville’s face and it soothed a small part of him to see the other boy so concerned for him. He knew Hermione and Lily, and even James, would care about him dying. But he and Neville had never been allowed to grow close. Harry wanted to change that.

“It was removed when I got purged, Nev,” Harry assured his — friend? He didn’t know what they were anymore, if he was honest with himself.

“Oh thank Merlin,” Neville said. The relief was obvious on his face, and it warmed Harry to see it. Harry — and Severus, Harry noticed — smiled at the boy.

“Yes. There are two others that have been destroyed, as well. Albus tells me you destroyed one in your second year,” Severus said, looking at Harry with an obvious question in his eyes.

Harry furrowed his brow, trying to think of what he could have destroyed three years ago. Then he remembered. “The diary!” Harry exclaimed. “I bet that means Basilisk venom destroys them, since I stabbed it with a fang,” Harry mused to himself. He ignored the looks he received from everyone but Hermione.

“We will be discussing that comment, young man,” Severus said firmly.

“Yes, sir,” Harry replied. He slid down in his chair and leaned closer to Hermione. She laid her hand on Harry’s arm in an attempt to comfort him, for which he was grateful.

“The second was a ring Albus found. He destroyed it himself last night, but there was a curse on it. He asked me to contain it. I did my best, but there was not much to be done. It will be fatal. The most I could do was give him a year. The damage is localized to his hand for now, but it very well could spread,” Severus said with a grim look on his face.

“A year?” James asked.

“Perhaps a bit more, but not much,” Severus confirmed.

James looked away with a thoughtful expression on his face.

“What are the others?” Harry asked, trying to bring them back on track. He needed to know as much as he could about these Horcruxes.

“He believes one to be Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem,” Severus began.

“Isn’t that lost, sir?” Hermione cut in to ask.

“Yes. It will make finding it all the more difficult. There is also a locket that has been handed down through the Slytherin line, a gold cup that is rumored to have belonged to Helga Hufflepuff, and Nagini,” Severus finished.

“How are we going to find them all?” Harry asked. It seemed impossible to him.

“I believe the cup resides in Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault at Gringotts,” Severus said.

“How are we supposed to get in there?” Harry asked. He didn’t think his status of Goblin Friend would get him access to someone else’s vault.

“Do we know if Sirius is Lord Black? Or was he officially disowned?” Severus asked. Harry was confused by the non sequitur.

“He was never officially disinherited, but his status as an escaped convict could work against him,” James answered.

“Dad, you said something about Malfoy the other day. Do you think we could get Narcissa to help, if they truly don’t want to be on Tom’s side?” Harry asked.

“Tom?” Neville, James, and Lily asked, confusion obvious on their faces.

“It’s Voldie’s real name. I noticed it hurts Dad when you say the other name near him, so I call him his real name instead. I refuse to call him something so stupid as “you-know-who” or any of the other monikers he has,” Harry answered with a shrug.

“I had not realized you noticed that, but I thank you for your consideration,” Severus said, aiming a soft smile at Harry. Harry smiled back and ducked his head, feeling heat on his face.

“To answer your question, however, we may be able to. We have to tread carefully with the Malfoy family, but it may be doable,” Severus answered.

“So we can possibly get the cup that way. How about the locket?” Harry asked.

“Did he describe the locket?” James asked.

“He said it was large and had a green, serpent-like ‘S’ on a yellow background,” Severus said.

James nodded, seeming preoccupied.

“I’m more concerned about the Diadem; the lost Diadem that no one has seen for millennia,” Hermione said. Harry could hear the worry clear in her tone, but he understood as it was a shared concern.

“I intend to speak with Helena when we return to school. If anyone knows, she is the most likely,” Severus said. At everyone’s confused looks he elaborated. “Helena Ravenclaw is better known as the Grey Lady.”

“Do you think she’d tell you? She always seemed so standoffish,” Lily commented.

“I can try. If she will not speak to me, I can ask the Baron for assistance,” Severus said.

“I can ask Luna, too. And maybe even Myrtle would be able to help,” Harry said.

“I do not know how effective Miss Warren would be. Miss Lovegood could be an option, if I am unsuccessful. I must caution you from over-explaining.”

“She probably already knows,” Harry muttered.

Neville smiled while the adults looked confused. Hermione scowled until Harry shot her a look, and then she huffed in indignation.

“Luna has a way of knowing things. She’s ridiculously smart under that airy attitude,” Neville commented in a quiet voice. Harry nodded his agreement with a soft smile. He liked Luna.

“The most difficult will be Nagini. She rarely leaves her master’s side,” Severus mused.

“Well, at least we know — or suspect — what they are. And we have some solid plans for finding them, too. I wish I could say I’m surprised Dumbledore hasn’t told me, but I’m not. He never tells me anything important,” Harry said. He felt petulant, but it was true.

“It’s his way of manipulating you. He keeps you reliant on him for more information,” Lily said.

“Well. It is Monday and you three appear to have finished your breakfast. Go get dressed and meet me in the library,” Severus said. Then he drained his cup and stood. He gave Lily a kiss before sweeping out of the room.

“On Mondays we do Occlumency in the morning from nine til noon. Then we break for lunch and come back at one for Transfiguration with James until three. Then I have the rest of the day to myself,” Harry explained.

Harry wasn’t the only one who had come down to breakfast in his pajamas. He led the way upstairs, and the group split off to their own rooms to change. They met back up outside of the library. Harry grinned at Neville who was wearing the most Muggle clothes he owned: black trousers and a navy blue shirt. Hermione and Harry were both used to dressing Muggle and looked no different than any other day.

The next several hours flew by, and before Harry knew it, it was time for dinner. After the three teens joined the three adults in the dining room, the elves served dinner, and the group tucked in. Harry kept noticing James giving him and Neville looks. He supposed the man was trying to be subtle, but Harry was always aware of his surroundings. He could feel the weight of James’ gaze every time it landed on him, a product of growing up with the Dursleys.

The look on his face combined with the looks he gave Neville — and the fact that no one had brought up what had happened the night before –- made Harry think he knew exactly what James was planning to do.

Sure enough, James casually dropped the proverbial bomb seconds after Neville, who wasn’t expecting it, had taken a drink of his pumpkin juice. 

“So, are you two together now?” James asked, his voice deceptively casual.

Neville’s pumpkin juice made a reappearance on Neville’s plate, via his nose. The look on his face was priceless, though it was obvious Neville himself was horrified.

Harry winced and handed Neville a napkin, trying not to laugh at his friend’s misfortune. Neville took the napkin with a sheepish smile. Harry turned an unimpressed stare upon a grinning James, hoping to convey his feelings of vague disappointment in the prankster.

“We haven’t discussed it yet,” Harry said.

“No? You didn’t discuss anything before that steamy snogfest last night?” James asked. “Ow!” he added, rubbing the back of his which Lily had just smacked.

“Leave the boys alone, James,” Lily scolded.

Harry felt his face heat but knew he wasn’t as red as Neville. Neville’s entire face, neck, and even the tips of his ears were scarlet. Harry tried to give him a sympathetic smile but suspected it was more of a grimace. He should have known James would pull something like this. He’d heard plenty of stories from Remus and Sirius over the last few years.

“Perhaps you should discuss it. It is always better to have open communication in any relationship, platonic or otherwise,” Severus advised. Harry felt his face heat even more.

Harry pushed his empty plate away and looked between his parents. He was unable to look them in the face, far too embarrassed by this conversation.

“May I be excused?” Harry asked.

“You may,” Severus allowed with a chuckle.

Harry offered him a grateful smile before retreating. He didn’t slow until he made it to his room, where he threw himself down on his sofa. He covered his face with his arm and groaned. That was a disaster! He bet Neville would back off now that his dad was making comments. 

Harry knew James was just joking. But Harry had grown up thinking James was his father, so he had taken the time to get to know what he could about the man. Knowing he and Remus were together, small comments Harry had overlooked in the past make much more sense, now that he thought about it. But Neville had never needed to get to know James as a person, even posthumously. Neville probably thought James was mad or something.

Less than a minute later Harry was brought out of his thoughts by a hesitant knock at his door frame. Harry belatedly realized he hadn’t closed his door. He knew it was Neville, and the thought made him smile.

“Come in, Nev,” Harry called, still slumped into the sofa cushions.

Harry heard the door click closed and a few seconds later felt the cushions dip beside him. He felt the welcome heat of another body and felt himself relax. They sat for a few moments in contemplative silence. Harry refused to let himself go down the road he’d been on earlier. He decided James and Severus were right, they really ought to talk.

“We ought to,” Harry said.

“Yeah,” Neville agreed, providing the first confirmation that Harry had been right about his visitor.

“I’ve had three weeks to sort through my memories. I don’t know why he removed so many, or how he even found out about some of them. I have had time to work out my feelings,” Harry said.

Neville hummed in agreement. He didn’t speak for a few more minutes, but he moved his hand so it was touching Harry’s. Then he looped his pinkie with Harry’s. Harry laughed a little, then moved to fully take Neville’s hand in his. They sat holding hands and not speaking for another minute. Harry still hadn’t removed his arm from his face to look at Neville, and he knew Neville hadn’t turned his gaze toward him either.

“I’m not good at talking about feelings,” Harry admitted.

“Nor am I. Growing up with Gran, who’s so stern and forbidding, emotions were never discussed,” Neville agreed.

“The Dursleys, the people who raised me, they hate me. Always have, I suspect — even before I got dropped on their doorstep. They treated me like a Malfoy house-elf, abuse and all. I didn’t have friends until Hogwarts, which is why I latched onto Ron so much. I didn’t understand what family was until this summer. I still don’t really understand it. I’m afraid I’ll fuck this up,” Harry said, giving Neville’s hand a slight squeeze.

Neville squeezed back, tighter, and finally turned to look at Harry. Harry couldn’t bring himself to meet Neville’s gaze. He felt Neville looking at him, studying what he could see of his face. Neville gently pulled Harry’s arm away, revealing his face, and went back to studying it for another few seconds. Harry didn’t know what Neville was looking for. Didn’t know what he would do if he was found lacking. Didn’t know what he’d do if he wasn’t.

“Harry,” Neville said. Still, Harry refused to look at him. Neville huffed, sounding both amused and exasperated. Then Harry felt gentle fingers lifting his chin and turning his face. “Harry,” Neville repeated, an unfamiliar firmness in his voice.

“Neville,” Harry replied, trying to be sarcastic and failing. He was surprised at how breathy his voice sounded and wondered if Neville heard it too. His heart was beating a rapid tattoo in his chest. He stared into Neville’s soft brown eyes and felt wholly unprepared for this discussion. Neville appeared to have found what he was looking for and he smiled.

“Dumbledore took a lot less of my memories than I suspect he took of yours. I don’t think he cared if I harbored a crush on you, so he let the feelings develop unhindered,” Neville said.

It took an embarrassingly long time for Harry to process Neville’s words because he was still stuck on the feeling of Neville’s soft hand on his face. When they did, Harry felt his eyes widen, revealing his shock. If Neville’s hand hadn’t still been holding his face, Harry was sure his chin would be on the floor.

“C-crush?” Harry stuttered.

“Yes, you silly wizard. Crush,” Neville said with a soft, fond, smile forming on his lips. Lips Harry felt the urge to kiss.

He lunged forward, pressing his lips to Neville’s. He took advantage of Neville’s gasp of shock to plunge his tongue into the other boy's mouth. As if coming out of a trance, Neville pushed forward, returning the kiss with equal vigor.

They spent long moments kissing. Harry was less surprised to find himself with Neville in his lap this time. When the need for air became undeniable, Neville pulled back. Not wanting it to end, Harry pulled him forward and kissed down his face to his jaw.

Neville moaned, sending a jolt straight to Harry’s rapidly stiffening cock. He kissed down Neville’s neck and was debating leaving marks when he must have hit a hypersensitive spot. Neville moaned again, louder, his hands scrambling to find purchase on Harry’s shoulders. Neville ground his hips down into Harry.

Harry took the hint, grinding his hips up in response and sucking on that spot again. Neville let out a low groan and a breathy “fuck, Harry,” and pressed harder into Harry’s lap. Harry nearly came hearing Neville’s ragged voice saying his name like a prayer.

“Fuck, Harry, that feels s’good,” Neville slurred, speeding up his hips.

Harry groaned into Neville’s neck and canted his hips harder, chasing friction and his release. His hands grasped Neville’s hips and pulled firmly as he pushed his own hips up. The coordination added another level to his pleasure. The soft sounds from Neville made Harry think the feeling was mutual.

He sped up, thrusting, sucking, and grinding until he felt the other boy stiffen. Neville cried out and came with Harry’s name on his lips. That was enough for Harry, and his world exploded in pleasure, his vision whiting out.

Neville collapsed on top of Harry, breathing hard. Harry felt like jello. He and Neville had their arms loosely slung around each other. 

After getting his breathing under control, Harry looked at Neville’s still blissed out face. Harry couldn’t help a chuckle and gave in to the urge to kiss Neville again. The kiss was soft and sweet, a sharp contrast to their earlier passion.

The uncomfortable stickiness in Harry’s pants made him pull back with a cringe. He grabbed his wand and incanted a cleaning spell on both of them.

“That was brilliant, Harry,” Neville panted.

Harry agreed wholeheartedly. He smiled and leaned forward for another kiss. A swift knock on came at his bedroom door. Both teens looked over, slow realization dawning. 

“You might want to remember your silencing charms next time, boys,” Hermione’s voice said through the door.

Twin looks of horror crossed Harry and Neville’s faces. They let out simultaneous groans. Hermione’s laughter floated through the door, not making either boy feel better.

“Good night boys,” Hermione sang in an obviously amused voice.

“We’re never going to live this down. Especially if James heard us,” Harry groaned.

James’ laughter followed the statement, prompting both boys to groan again in despair. Another knock sounded on the door.

“Are you, er, decent, boys?” Lily asked, amusement ringing in her voice as well. Harry hated how amused everyone was by this. It was mortifying.

“Oh Merlin,” Neville said. He stood and offered Harry a hand, which he accepted.

Harry crossed the room and opened the door. “Mum,” he said in a strained voice.

“I just wanted to say goodnight,” Lily said, and Harry brightened. “We’ll talk in the morning.”

Harry’s face fell and he sighed, “Alright. Night Mum, Dad, James, Hermione.”

Lily and Severus pulled Harry in for a group hug, which he melted into. When he pulled back, both of his parents had smiles on their faces. James still looked mischievous, and Harry dreaded the talk they would be having the next day.

He turned to Neville and pulled him in for a tight hug. Neville squeezed him back. They pulled back at the same time and leaned in for a chaste kiss. Harry figured there was no use being embarrassed after what the others had already heard.

“Night Nev,” Harry said.

“Night Harry,” Neville said.

Neville slipped out of Harry’s embrace and offered a quiet goodnight to everyone else before retreating into his own room. Everyone else smirked or smiled and left for their own rooms as well. Harry shook his head and closed his door. He stripped to his boxers on the way to his bed and fell onto the mattress. He dreaded the talk, but couldn’t regret the reason. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.

Chapter Text

Harry awoke from pleasant dreams to the unpleasant reminder of the dreaded talk he would soon be having. He was torn between embarrassment and arousal whenever he thought of that particular memory. His mind drifted to the memory of the feeling of Neville in his lap. Neville kissing him. Neville coming and the way Harry’s name sounded when he did. Harry groaned.

He decided to stop delaying the inevitable and climbed out of bed. He trudged into his bathroom to take care of his morning ablutions. After he showered and dressed, he wandered out of his room. He still wasn’t excited about this conversation and chose to take as long as he could getting to the dining room.

He met Neville in the hallway, and they shared shy smiles. Harry reached out and intertwined their hands. He leaned forward to give Neville a chaste kiss and then led the way downstairs. He maintained his slow pace, but now it was more to have this time with Neville. Harry had never thought of himself as sappy, but he was deliriously happy to be holding hands with Neville. 

Hermione was standing at the bottom of the stairs when they descended and Harry met her gaze. Her eyes lingered on their entwined hands for a brief second before they flicked up to meet Harry’s again. Her smile was almost too smug to be a smile, but Harry let it slide. He did feel his face heat and he ducked his head, smiling. He glanced at Neville and then, like the teenager he was, stuck his tongue out at Hermione. She laughed and walked away into the dining room. Harry followed, bringing Neville along with a tug to their still-joined hands.

A chorus of “good morning” rang through the room when the three teens entered. Harry took his seat next to Severus and gestured for Neville to take the one to his left that was usually empty. Soon the elves arrived with plates of food, and everyone tucked in. Harry figured that since James hadn’t already said something, they would wait until after breakfast. He ate slowly, hoping to delay for a bit longer. He had no idea what they would say, but he knew enough about James to know it would be embarrassing.

“Is everyone finished?” Severus asked when the plates were mostly cleared. Everyone nodded and Severus continued. “Excellent. I know this talk is because of certain activities which were overheard last night.”

Here, Severus shot a pointed look at Harry and Neville. Harry felt his face burn, and he sank into his seat. Beside him he noticed Neville’s face and neck turn red, and he, too, slumped a bit. Harry suspected Mrs. Longbottom had taught Neville not to slouch, but Harry had had no such training, and he tried to get as far away from the eyes peering at him as he could.

“However, the three of us feel it would be prudent to include Hermione as well,” Severus concluded.

“I don’t believe in ‘abstinence only’ education. I know it won’t work if we simply tell you not to have sex,” Lily said.

Twin groans came from Neville and Harry, though Harry’s was more pronounced. Hermione seemed unperturbed. Harry felt jealousy rise up, but tamped it down. Not only had Hermione not been caught in a compromising position, but she was also lucky that none of these adults were her parents. Harry was surprised she wasn’t more embarrassed that her teacher, Severus, was having this conversation with her, but he brushed it off. Hermione had always been the more mature one of the group.

“I know this is awkward. I will not pretend to be comfortable with my fifteen-year-old son having sex. Nor am I comfortable discussing this topic with said son, and two of my students. I will say that I know how you are feeling, as I was once a hormonal fifteen-year-old myself. However, I need to know you are being careful. And I request open dialogue. I do not need to know explicit details, but enough to know you are being safe,” Severus said.

“Thank Merlin,” Harry muttered. He had hoped it was quiet enough to go unnoticed but he saw Severus smirk and felt his face heat again.

“Rather, I would like to know, generally speaking, what you are getting up to and how you are taking precautions. Also, I must insist upon silencing charms,” Severus added.

“We haven’t, you know, had, like, actual sex, Dad,” Harry stuttered. He felt foolish, but he was out of his element here.

“What have you done?” James asked.

“Ugh! Do we have to talk about this?” Harry groaned.

“Yes. If you are not mature enough to talk about it, you are not mature enough to be doing it,” Severus said. Harry hated that he was right.

“Fine. Er, I don’t know what it’s called though,” Harry admitted.

“Ah, well, describe what you did and I shall endeavor to expand your vocabulary.”

“As if you haven’t been doing that all summer,” Harry muttered. “We, er, kissed. A lot. With and without tongue, and not just on the mouth, but like, we kissed each other’s necks,” Harry began.

“Snogging and heavy petting,” Severus supplied.

“Right, that. And, er, Nev was in my lap. And we were, er, grinding into each other. And, er, we, ah, came from that,” Harry stuttered. He was positive his face would never go back to normal.

“Frottage,” Severus answered. The lack of inflection or reaction helped Harry calm down. “There are a few spells we feel you should know. Again, Hermione, these would be beneficial for you to learn as well. One is for lubrication, which is imperative for anal intercourse. It can also be used on occasion for vaginal intercourse. The incantation is Lubrico and the wand movement is thus,” Severus said, demonstrating the motion with his wand. He made the three teens practice a few times before allowing them to move on.

“The next is a contraception spell. This is gender-neutral, so all three of you need to know it as well. The spell is Praeverto and this is the motion,” James said, also showing the motion. They practiced that as well. “There is also a gentle cleaning spell, specifically designed for cleaning body parts, Mundo, with this motion. And a stretching and relaxing spell, Extendum Relaxat. Not everyone uses that last one, some find it too impersonal,” James finished, having them practice the spells again.

After ensuring they had memorized the spells and wand movements, Lily picked the discussion back up.

“Remember, we do want to know you’re being safe. When you progress beyond what you’re doing now, we’ll have another chat. I know it seems embarrassing, but the last thing we need is an accidental pregnancy.” Lily said.

“Are we done now? Please?” Harry begged. He understood why they were talking about this, but all he wanted was for it to be over.

“Yes. Meet me in the potions lab in five minutes,” Severus said. Then he stood and swept out of the room. The lack of a robe made it less dramatic, but only just.

“I don’t expect an update seconds after the act. But I do expect a chat within a week at the most. We need to keep an open dialogue to make sure you’re safe, alright, love? And I need to know you’ll come to me with any questions you may have,” Lily said.

“I understand, Mum. If I have any questions, I’ll ask. And we’ll tell you about other stuff,” Harry mumbled.

“That’s all I ask,” Lily said. Then she ruffled Harry’s hair and left the room, James following behind her.

“That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. And those spells are dead useful,” Hermione said.

Harry and Neville shared a look before bursting into helpless laughter. It took a minute to compose themselves, and Hermione sat there trying not to laugh herself. Eventually, they calmed down and headed to their potions lesson.

The next week and a half were spent in a similar manner. Harry and Neville shared a few more moments alone, but nothing progressed. And they always remembered to use a silencing charm. They had both agreed that even if it wasn’t embarrassing telling their parents about their sex life, they just weren’t ready to do more yet.

On Neville’s birthday, Harry got a letter that Dumbledore was going to pick him up from the Dursley’s house. He wanted to bring Harry along on an errand and then drop him off at the Weasley’s. Harry managed to convince him to drop him at Longbottom Manor instead, but it took some careful wording.

The plan was for Harry to meet Dumbledore at the park down the road from 4 Privet Drive, so there he was. It was chilly, and Harry was growing impatient. Dumbledore was supposed to meet him at 11pm and it was already five after. Five minutes later, Dumbledore finally showed up. Harry bit back an angry greeting and instead smiled at the old man.

“We shall be visiting an old friend and colleague of mine before I take you to Mr. Longbottom’s. Are you quite sure you don’t want to go to the Burrow, my boy?” Dumbledore asked. Harry felt a slight tingle and knew his amulet had just blocked a compulsion spell.

“I’m sure, sir,” Harry said. He maintained his smile, trying to seem unassuming.

Dumbledore sighed but seemed resigned. Harry was grateful the man wasn’t going to push it. He accepted the arm Dumbledore held out, and then Dumbledore spun. Harry decided he hated Apparition as he stumbled his landing. 

“It does take some getting used to,” Dumbledore said. He looked at Harry for a moment before asking, “Your scar, has it been hurting at all?”

Harry scrunched his nose, and reached up to touch his newly-healed scar.

“No sir. Not since the, er, accident,” Harry said, knowing this was the perfect opportunity.

“Accident?” Dumbledore asked, his brow furrowed.

“Yeah, see, I had gone down to the Chamber at the end of the school year. I took my broom-thanks for getting it back to me, sir-and there was some basilisk venom that looked like it was still good. I figured I might be able to do something with it, so I took it home. I was trying to make a potion, but the whole thing exploded. I passed out. When I came to, Aunt Petunia freaked! She made me clean the mess up, and while I was filling the bucket with water, I saw my scar had faded. I haven’t had a vision or any pain since,” Harry said with a shrug. Dumbledore studied him for a moment and Harry felt a stab of Legilimency. He let his shields down enough to show Dumbledore the false memory he and Severus had developed together.

Without another word, Dumbledore led Harry through a Muggle neighborhood. All the houses looked the same to Harry. They walked for several minutes before stopping in front of one. This house was different, but only because its door was hanging from one hinge. Harry felt less afraid than he might have once been. He was more incredulous at the shoddy attempt to make it look like an attack. 

Dumbledore led the way into the house, his wand lit and held out in front of him. Harry didn’t bother with his own. The lack of a Dark Mark hanging over the house led Harry to believe this was a setup, but it was more than that. Harry glanced around and noticed that some things seemed to be destroyed, but none of the important things had been. There was an entire corner that was intact and had no magical protection to explain why.

The room was a disaster, though, and Harry had to admire the person’s commitment. The sofa was toppled over, though the chair was not. The chair seemed suspicious, but Harry didn’t care enough to inspect it further. He noticed that the chandelier was shattered, but a simple Reparo would fix that. There was some type of blood on the wall. Harry saw no explanation for it, and also noted that it didn’t look like human blood. He suspected someone had wasted dragon’s blood. The potioneer’s son in him recoiled at the waste. Severus would have been furious had he been here. He turned back to see what Dumbledore was doing.

The Headmaster had been moving around the room while Harry stood in the doorway observing. He came to a stop in front of the chair Harry had noticed was suspicious. The print looked like a pair of pajamas Dudley owned and the slippers beneath the chair only heightened the likeness.

“Ouch!” came from the chair, which Dumbledore had given a rough jab. It transformed into a man as he stood, rubbing his rotund stomach.

“Ah, Horace! I had thought something might have happened to you judging on the state of this room,” Dumbledore said.

Harry coughed to cover an incredulous snort. The sound caused both men to look at him and Dumbledore beamed.

“This here is Harry Potter. He agreed to join me on a little side trip to see you on our way to drop him off at a friend's house,” Dumbledore introduced.

“Yes, yes, nice to meet you, Mr. Potter,” the man, Horace, said. There was an odd gleam in his eye that made Harry uncomfortable.

“Now, Horace, how about I help set this room to rights?” Dumbledore said. With a flick of his wand, the room began repairing itself.

Harry was disgusted when Horace collected the blood from the wall, proclaiming dragon’s blood to be too valuable and expensive to waste. Harry thought he shouldn’t have used it in the first place, and definitely should not reuse it after splattering it on a dusty wall. His dad would flip his shit if he knew.

Harry tuned out the conversation, instead opting to look around the room now that it wasn’t a mess. He wandered over to the corner he had noticed earlier. It had stood out as the only untouched space in the room. There was a small table which held several photographs. Harry glanced at them, noting several wore professional Quidditch uniforms.

He felt a presence at his side and glanced over to see he had been joined by Horace. A cursory look around the room revealed that Dumbledore was missing, but a light down the halls suggested he hadn’t gone far.

“You look very like your father,” Horace said. Harry couldn’t help but snort. “Except for your eyes. You’ve got-”

“My mother’s eyes. Yeah, I’ve been told,” Harry interrupted wearily.

“Humph. Yes, well. You shouldn’t have favorites as a teacher, of course, but she was one of mine. Your mother, Lily Evans , was one of the brightest I ever taught. Vivacious, you know. Charming girl. I used to tell her she ought to have been in my house. Very cheeky answers I used to get back, too.”

“Which was your House?”

“I was Head of Slytherin,” said Slughorn. “Oh, now,” he went on quickly, misinterpreting the look on Harry’s face and wagging a stubby at him. “don’t go holding that against me! You’ll be Gryffindor like her, I suppose? Yes, it usually goes in families. Not always, though. Ever heard of Sirius Black? You must have done - been in the papers for the last couple of years-”

Harry felt a pang of sadness shoot through him. He still couldn’t believe the man was a traitor.

“Well, anyway, he was a big pal of your father’s at school.” 

Again, Harry couldn’t help but snort softly. 

“The whole Black family had been in my house, but Sirius ended up in Gryffindor! Shame - he was a talented boy. I got his brother Regulus when he came along, but I’d have liked the set.”

Harry thought he sounded like an enthusiastic collector who had been outbid at auction. It was quite creepy.

“Your mother was Muggle-born, of course. Couldn’t believe it when I found out. Thought she must have been pure-blood, she was so good.”

“One of my best friends is Muggle-born,” Harry said , holding back his snort this time. “And she’s the best in our year.” He knew Dumbledore was listening, and he was expected to defend Muggle-borns. It was ironic that neither witch was actually a Muggle-born, but Harry wasn’t supposed to know that.

“Funny how that sometimes happens, isn’t it?” Horace said.

“Not really,” Harry said, voice going icy. His mum and Hermione may not be Muggle-born, but that didn’t mean Muggle-borns were lesser.

Horace looked down at him in surprise.

“You mustn’t think I’m prejudiced!” he said. “No, no, no! Haven’t I just said your mother was one of my all-time favorite students? And there was Dirk Cresswell…”

Harry tuned him out as he went on about past students, seeming to gloat about their accomplishments. As if what they had achieved was somehow his doing, rather than their own merit. Harry barely caught the end of his speech-something about free Harpies tickets whenever he wanted them.

“And all these people know where to find you, to send you stuff?” Harry asked.

The man’s expression fell.

“Of course not. I have been out of touch with everybody for a year,” he said.

Harry had the impression that the words shocked Slughorn himself; he looked quite unsettled for a moment. Then he shrugged.

“Still...the prudent wizard keeps his head down in such times. All very well for Dumbledore to talk, but taking up a post at Hogwarts just now would be tantamount to declaring my public allegiance to the Order of the Phoenix! And while I’m sure they’re very admirable and brave and all the rest of it, I don’t personally fancy the mortality rate-”

“You don’t have to join the Order to teach at Hogwarts,” said Harry, who could not quite keep a note of derision out of his voice. He was getting bored of this conversation. “And I reckon the staff are safer than most people while Dumbledore’s headmaster; he’s supposed to be the only one Voldemort ever feared, isn’t he? Hogwarts must be the safest place to be right now,” Harry went on, ignoring Horace’s squeak at the name.

“Yes, yes I suppose that’s true. Perhaps being closer to Dumbledore would be safest…” Horace trailed off.

Dumbledore took his cue to reenter the room. Horace startled a bit, having not expected his arrival. Harry didn’t like the prospects for the next year with this man teaching them. He didn’t want to continue the DA, but he might have to work with Hermione and Neville outside of classes. If they could avoid Ron and Ginny, that was.

He sighed and followed Dumbledore to the door, realizing he hadn’t heard the conversation between the two men. Not that it mattered much. Harry was halfway down the front walk when the door opened and a heavily breathing Horace stood in the doorway.

“I’ll come back!” Horace said.

“Excellent! I shall see you at the end of August,” Dumbledore said, beaming. Then he led Harry to where they had arrived and apparated them to Longbottom Manor.

Harry remembered that he wasn’t supposed to know about the curse and scrambled to ask about it.

“Your hand, sir…” he trailed off.

“Ah yes, nasty curse. I’ll be fine, my boy, just fine,” Dumbledore said. “Harry, I believe it is time we began private lessons together.”

“Private, with you?” Harry asked.

“Indeed. I think it's time I took a more active role in your education.”

“What would you be teaching me?”

“Oh, a little of this, a little of that,” Dumbledore replied airily. Harry waited, but Dumbledore didn’t elaborate.

“Will I have to have my lessons with Snape?”

“Professor Snape, Harry - and no, you will not.”

Harry nodded, doing his best to look relieved. He knew that was what Dumbledore expected from him. In reality, it meant he would have to work out a way to see his father during the school year that wouldn’t arouse any suspicions. He knew he hadn’t gotten the required “Outstanding” for his O.W.L. so he wouldn’t be able to continue with Potions. He’d gotten much better, but Severus couldn’t change the rules for him without people getting too curious.

“I guess I won’t be seeing him this year, then, since I didn’t get the O.W.L. for his class. That means no Aurors, either,” Harry mused aloud.

“Don’t count your owls before they are delivered,” said Dumbledore gravely. “Which, now that I think of it, ought to be some time later today. Now, one more thing, Harry, before we part. I wish you to keep your Invisibility Cloak with you at all times from this moment onwards. Even within Hogwarts itself. Just in case, you understand me?”

Harry nodded.

“Very well then.”

Then Dumbledore disappeared without another word, leaving Harry to make his way up to the house on his own. It was a long walk, but Harry took his time. The night air was breezy and cleaner than the Muggle town they had just left. 

When he arrived at the house, he knocked and was greeted by a house-elf. The poor thing looked exhausted, and Harry felt bad for showing up so late. As per their earlier agreement, the elf led Harry to the Manor’s receiving room.

“Thank you. I’m sorry he made it so late,” Harry said. The elf squealed and disappeared. Harry shrugged it off and took some Floo powder. He stepped through the Floo to his own home.

“I cannot believe he kept you so late,” Severus said from the chair he was waiting in.

“Yeah,” Harry agreed. They left the room together and made their way up the stairs.

“What did he want?”

“He brought me to recruit a new, er, old I guess, teacher. Horace something, he never said.”

Severus froze mid-step. Harry stumbled and threw his hand out to catch himself on the rail.

“Dad?”

“Horace? Round man? Likes to collect people? Slytherin?” Severus asked.

“Er, yeah, why?” Harry was growing worried. His dad never acted this way.

“He’s replacing me,” Severus breathed out. He sagged forward, leaning against the rail.

“He’s what?” Harry yelped.

“Hush child. I am sure he has something up those tacky sleeves of his,” Severus said. He straightened and started up the stairs again. A flash of flame stopped him again and a letter fell onto the step in front of him. Severus opened it and read the short missive. “He has made me the Defense teacher. Interesting,” Severus said. He folded the letter and continued up the stairs.

“What about the curse?” Harry asked, following Severus.

“I have no idea. We shall see where the year leads us, I suppose,” Severus said. He pulled Harry into a hug and kissed the top of his head. Harry startled - it was the first time he’d done that - but hugged back tightly. “Good night, Harry.”

“Night, dad.”

Chapter Text

Breakfast was being served when Mopsy popped in with three envelopes. She curtsied and handed them to Severus before popping out again without a word. Severus glanced at the names and passed them around, one each to Harry, Hermione, and Neville.

“What’s this?” Harry asked, accepting his letter.

“Open it and see, child,” Severus said, buttering his toast.

Harry indulged his childishness for a moment and stuck his tongue out at his father before opening the seal. It was his OWL results. 

“Oh,” Harry said. He tipped the envelope and a Captains badge slid out. “I made captain!”

“Did you expect it to go to anyone else?” Severus asked archly.

“Well, no, I guess,” Harry said with a sheepish smile. He turned back to the envelope and pulled out his results.

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS

Pass Grades:Fail Grades:

Outstanding (O)Poor (P)

Exceeds Expectations (E)Dreadful (D)

Acceptable (A)Troll (T)

HARRY JAMES POTTER HAS ACHIEVED :

Astronomy: A

Care of Magical Creatures: E

Charms: E

Defense Against the Dark Arts: O

Divination: P

Herbology: E

History of Magic: D

Potions: E

Transfiguration: E

Harry read the results twice before passing them to his parents to read. He still felt somewhat shocked that he had people who cared how well he did. It made him regret some of his grades, but there was nothing for it now. He accepted the sheet of parchment Hermione handed him and looked at her scores.

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS

Pass Grades:Fail Grades:

Outstanding (O)Poor (P)

Exceeds Expectations (E)Dreadful (D)

Acceptable (A)Troll (T)

HERMIONE JEAN GRANGER HAS ACHIEVED :

Ancient Runes: O

Arithmancy: O

Astronomy: O

Care of Magical Creatures: O

Charms: O

Defense Against the Dark Arts: E

Herbology: O

History of Magic: O

Potions: O

Transfiguration: O

Harry smiled. He’d known Hermione would do well. He also knew she would hate the E in Defense, but overall these were excellent OWLS.

“Congrats, Mione,” Harry said.

“Oh, but Defense-” Hermione began to fret.

“Was still a pass. And a good pass, with an E. You don’t have to get all O’s to be a good student, Mione,” Harry interrupted.

“He’s right. If Defense is the only class you received an E in, you’ve done well and should be proud,” Severus added. “I don’t like the D and P on yours, Harry. Given the subjects, I’m not too upset, however.”

Harry ducked his head with a smile. He felt proud of himself for his grades, something he’d never felt before. He felt his father’s hand on his shoulder and glanced to the side to see Severus smiling at him. He smiled back, but felt his face heat.

“Ah, James, did you want to see mine?” Neville asked.

“Would you mind?” James answered. 

Harry thought he seemed hesitant, as if he was still unsure of his relationship with Neville. But Neville smiled and handed James the letter.

“An O in Herbology? That’s fantastic, Neville!” James said, eyes still scanning the parchment.

“Can I see?” Harry asked.

“Sure,” Neville agreed and James passed Harry the parchment.

ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS

Pass Grades:Fail Grades:

Outstanding (O)Poor (P)

Exceeds Expectations (E)Dreadful (D)

Acceptable (A)Troll (T)

NEVILLE FRANK LONGBOTTOM HAS ACHIEVED :

Astronomy: A

Charms: E

Defense Against the Dark Arts: E

Herbology: O

History of Magic: A

Potions: E

Transfiguration: A

“You passed all your OWLs, congrats, Nev,” Harry said with a beaming smile.

“Yeah, but I won’t be able to take some of the NEWTs I wanted, like Transfiguration,” Neville said.

“I can help you with Transfiguration if you’d still like to learn it,” James offered.

“Really? Wow, thanks!” Neville said. 

“Harry, Neville, go upstairs for a little while, please,” Lily said. Harry and Neville shared a look.

“No hanky panky, boys,” James said. His lips were curved in a smile and Harry knew the man was laughing at them.

Harry felt his face heat. He ignored the shouts from Lily and smirks from Hermione and Severus. Instead, he held his head high and took Neville’s hand in his own. He stood and led the way out of the room in silence. Neither boy broke the silence until the door to Harry’s bedroom closed. He wasn’t sure how it had happened, but they often hung out in Harry’s room instead of Neville’s. 

“Do they think we don’t know what they’re up to?” Harry mused.

“Hmm, I think Hermione and Severus know we know. Lily might, too. James doesn’t. He keeps forgetting we’re not little kids anymore,” Neville said.

“You’re right. I hate that we had so much time with them stolen from us. And I hated my own dad for five years!” Harry said.

Neville hummed and pulled Harry into his side. They sat for a few minutes, cuddled together in silence. Neville’s hand trailed up to Harry’s head. He twined his fingers into Harry’s hair and twisted the strands over and over. Harry leaned into him. He loved when Neville played with his hair.

“They need this party as much as we do,” Neville said.

“Yeah, I know,” Harry sighed. He nuzzled his face into Neville’s neck. It wasn’t sexual, he just wanted the comfort of his boyfriend’s scent.

“D’you think we’ll be able to do this at school?” Harry asked.

“I don’t know. Ron might throw a fit. We don’t want Dumbledore to know that we’ve broken his memory charms and compulsions.”

“I know. I’m gonna miss this. We have to find time to be together, just us. We can use the Room of Requirement. Maybe Dad will give us joint detentions sometimes, too.”

Neville snorted. “I would never have thought we would be asking for detention with Professor Snape.”

“I know! My whole relationship with him has changed in such a short time, though. He’s my dad. I can’t hate him, not knowing who he really is.”

“Yeah.”

They lapsed back into silence. Harry enjoyed times like this. He liked snogging and getting off together, too, but this was the best. Cuddled together, not talking, just enjoying each other’s company. Harry felt peaceful. 

The thought about his relationship with his dad having changed kept nagging at him, though. He knew they would have to pretend nothing had changed. That meant having his dad make fun of him and pretending to hate the older man. Harry wasn’t sure if he could handle it. 

“It will be fine,” Neville said, pulling Harry out of his thoughts.

“Hmm?” Harry hummed.

“You two will know it’s fake. I know that’s what you’re worried about,” Neville answered, tugging at Harry’s hair.

“I know. But I still hate it.”

Maybe things can be different with Dad being the Defense professor. Everyone knows that’s my best subject. Even with Professor Snape, I’m not going to be bad at the subject. Maybe he won’t have to be so mean, Harry thought. They hadn’t yet told everyone about the change in positions.

Harry sat back and tried not to think about it. He used his Occlumency training to clear his mind and sank into the feeling of Neville’s fingers gently carding through his hair. He focused on the sound of Neville’s soft breathing. There was a time when this would have been too difficult for him to manage. He was thankful he had mastered Occlumency enough to meditate. Occlumency and meditation had done wonders for Harry’s anger issues. He suspected the Horcrux being removed had helped as well.

After what felt like hours, Harry heard footsteps outside his door. There was a soft knock. Harry heaved himself up off the sofa and held his hand out to Neville to help him up as well. He walked the few steps to the door and pulled it open.

“Yes, Mum?” Harry asked.

“I know you know, so just come downstairs, please,” Lily said before turning and heading back downstairs.

Harry chuckled and led Neville down, following his mother. As soon as their feet hit the last step, a much larger group than Harry was expecting jumped out and shouted “Surprise!”

“Woah, I wasn’t expecting all of you!” Harry said. His smile stretched from ear to ear as he took in the people in his dining room.

“Well, I’m sure there are others you’d have liked us to invite,” Lily said, sounding anxious despite her earlier words.

“No, this is perfect, Mum, thank you,” Harry assured.

“There really is only one person missing,” Neville said.

“Yeah, I wish Luna could have been here,” Harry said.

“Luna?” Lily asked.

“Lovegood. She’s Xeno and Pandora’s daughter, Lils. She’s a Ravenclaw the year below the boys,” Severus answered.

“Oh! Well, perhaps next year?” Lily said.

Harry nodded and took in the decorations. He was happy they hadn’t just gone with House colors. Being surrounded by red and gold for most of the year was enough; he didn’t need it during the holiday as well. Instead, there were blue and green streamers and balloons hung up around the room. There was also green and blue confetti falling continuously from the ceiling. He was glad to see someone had charmed the food and drinks so they didn’t get any in them.

He made his way to the people he wasn’t living with and was enveloped in a hug by both twins at once. Bill and Charlie had to pull them off. Neville was talking with Mrs. Longbottom, both wearing smiles. Harry was glad she’d left the infamous vulture hat at home. The atmosphere was happy, and Harry thought this might be his best birthday ever. 

After cake, the boys sat down to open their presents. He got an enchanted journal from his mother that would connect with one she had.

“It’s the safest way for us to talk. It’s charmed so only you or I can read it and has never-ending pages,” Lily explained.

“It’s brilliant, Mum, I love it,” Harry said.

James had given him an enchanted snitch. Unlike practice snitches or game snitches, this one never let itself get caught. Harry rolled his eyes and tossed the wrapping paper at James who was curled around his stomach laughing. The twins gave him a box filled with all of their prototypes. Lily eyed the Skiving Snackboxes with mistrust but ultimately let Harry keep them. Even Severus allowed them, which shocked the room. Bill gave him dragon-hide pants, and Charlie gave him the top to match. If Harry hadn’t known better, he’d have thought they coordinated with Mrs. Longbottom, who gave him dragon-hide boots.

“I’m glad I went for the boots, but the set is a good investment. Especially for you, dear child,” Mrs. Longbottom said.

“Thanks, guys,” Harry said.

Then he picked up the gift from his father. It felt light, but he knew with magic that it could be deceiving. He tore open the paper to reveal a potioneer’s kit. It had everything he would need for the upcoming year, as well as several items for extra-curricular brewing.

“Wow, thanks, Dad. But, I can’t take Potions. I didn’t get the OWL,” Harry said. He was surprised at how sad that made him. This time last year he had dreaded Potions class.

“Yes, well, even so. You can still use the kit, even outside of a classroom,” Severus said.

“I appreciate it. Maybe we can figure out a way to brew together at school,” Harry mused.

“I’d like that,” Severus said. Harry didn’t think he imagined the gleam in Severus’ eyes and he ducked his head with a smile.

He quickly opened the gifts from Ron and Ginny, a Chudley Cannons shirt and a cologne respectively, before moving on. He didn’t want to think about them today. Instead, he reached for the one from Hagrid. It was a well-preserved cake that Hagrid seemed to have baked himself. Harry was glad to say it looked better than his rock cakes. He noted the lack of gifts from Sirius. He wasn’t surprised, but was still slightly upset; that was two years in a row he’d missed. Hermione passed him the one from her and he brushed aside those thoughts.

“Thanks, Mione, I love Honeydukes chocolate,” Harry said with a grin.

Neville bumped his shoulder and pointed out that he had finished unwrapping his gifts as well. The only one remaining was the one from each other. Harry smiled and handed Neville his gift. He hoped he’d wrapped it right-he’d followed the instructions to the letter. He took the one from Neville but waited for Neville to open his gift first.

“Wow, a Wiggentree? Thanks, Harry!” Neville said, with genuine excitement written all over his face. 

Harry felt his shoulders droop and exhaled the breath he’d been holding. He smiled back at Neville before opening his own gift. It was a set of graphite drawing pencils, a set of colored pencils and markers, and several drawing pads. Harry didn’t know anyone knew he liked to draw and felt tears gathering in his eyes. He refused to let them fall, and instead turned to hug Neville.

“Thanks, Nev,” Harry said.

“You’re welcome,” Neville said with a knowing smile.

Harry coughed and surreptitiously wiped his eyes. 

The rest of the party went by quickly, and soon enough Harry and Neville were up in his room curled on his sofa. Harry was leaning against Neville’s chest and had his knees pulled up. Neville had his arm around Harry and was playing with his hair again. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.

Chapter Text

Three days later found the trio getting ready to go school shopping. The day before, Severus had finally gotten Remus to agree to a purge at Gringotts. Therefore, Harry, Neville, and Hermione were Flooing to The Leaky with Augusta and meeting Remus - and Severus - at the bank. It had taken surprisingly little to convince Remus to come along. Harry suspected Remus’ wolf knew something was up. It didn’t help that Harry hadn’t seen Remus in a year and knew the man missed him. The letters they sent weren’t nearly enough for either of them.

“Do you all have your lists?” Augusta asked.

“Yes ma’am,” the three replied.

“Good, let’s get going then,” Augusta said. 

She took a handful of Floo powder and opened a connection to The Leaky. This allowed everyone to go through without worrying about any wrong turns. Harry wondered why Mrs. Weasley hadn’t done that the summer before second year but brushed it off. When they all made it through with no problems, Augusta led the way to the back and into Diagon Alley. 

Harry was thankful for Augusta’s no-nonsense attitude when they weren’t accosted on the way to the bank. For the first time in his life, Harry was able to go straight from The Leaky to Gringotts without being stopped. They entered, and Harry went straight up to the teller. He recognized Griphook immediately.

“Hello Griphook,” Harry said in a polite but firm voice. “I have an appointment with my account manager.”

“Yes, you do. Come,” Griphook said. He hopped down and led the way without further comment.

Harry noted the shock on almost every human face in the bank and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he followed the diminutive goblin to Rognuk’s office. Griphook knocked twice and left when the door was opened. Harry led the group inside and took the seat across from Rognuk.

“Hello, Rognuk,” Harry said.

“Hello, Mr. Snape,” Rognuk said. “Are we still waiting for your father and Mr. Lupin?”

“Yes, they should be here any minute,” Harry answered.

As if to prove his point, another knock sounded on the door. 

“Enter,” Rognuk answered.

The door opened, and Remus entered with Severus behind him. Harry smiled and stood, stretching his arms wide for a hug from his pseudo-Godfather. Remus’ hug was tight and Harry felt the love coming from the man. 

“Ah, Harry, it’s so good to see you,” Remus said with his arms still tightly wrapped around him.

“I missed you, Moony,” Harry said.

“Do you have any idea why we’re here?” Remus asked.

“‘Course I do. Let me introduce you to my account manager, Rognuk,” Harry said, releasing the man reluctantly. “Also, Mrs. Longbottom. You already know Nev, Mione, and Professor Snape.”

“Indeed. It’s nice to meet you, Rognuk, Mrs. Longbottom. Can someone explain what is going on?” Remus asked.

“Certainly Mr. Lupin. Please, have a seat,” Rognuk said pointing at the seats in front of him. Once everyone was seated he explained how Harry had come in at the beginning of summer and was having certain people purged of any foreign magics placed on them. “And he is insisting you get a purge as well. If there are no foreign magics, nothing will happen. You have nothing to lose, Mr. Lupin.”

“I suppose that’s true. What do I have to do?” Remus asked with a trace of uncertainty. 

The door opened to admit another goblin. Harry recognized her as Bielmia and waved. The goblin smiled and waved back, surprising Remus.

“Follow Bielmia to the healing ward. She will handle your purge. I have some business to discuss with the rest while we wait,” Rognuk said, neatly side-stepping any confusion based on Harry’s name. Remus left with Bielmia and Rognuk turned his attention back to Harry. “Mr. Snape, I have finished my audit of your accounts.” Rognuk pulled several sheets of parchment out and passed them to Severus. “I have included Mrs. Snape and Mr. Potter-Lupin’s records as well.”

Harry read over his father’s shoulder.

Accounts held by SEVERUS TOBIAS SNAPE

Vault 463 - Personal Opened 19 June 1978 6,798G 3009S 493K

Vault 464 - Potions Opened 19 June 1978 20,679G 4568S 232K

Vault 689 - Prince Trust Opened 9 January 1960 384,304G

Vault 680 - Prince Family Opened 8 June 1474 2,412,804G 6024S 29K

Additional artifacts

Total: 2,835,363G

Accounts held by LILY ROSE SNAPE

Vault 686 - Personal Opened 30 October 1980 8,137G 

Vault 779 - Selwyn Trust Opened 30 Jan 1960 384,304G

Vault 760 - Selwyn Family Opened 9 May 1479 2,115,896G

Additional artifacts

Vault 707 - Black Trust Opened 30 Jan 1960 768,608G

Vault 607 - Malfoy Trust Opened 30 Jan 1960 576,456G

Vault 522 - Gamp Trust Opened 30 Jan 1960 576,456G

Vault 520 - Gamp Family Opened 21 Dec 1475 1,289,675G

Additional artifacts

Total: 5,719,532G

Accounts held by HARRY REMUS SNAPE

Vault 687 - Potter Trust Opened 30 Oct 1980 505,228G

Vault 780 - Selwyn Trust Opened 31 July 1980 384,304G

Vault 720 - Black Trust Opened 31 July 1980 768,608G

Vault 610 - Malfoy Trust Opened 31 July 1980 576,456G

Vault 690 - Prince Trust Opened 31 July 1980 384,304G

Vault 523 - Gamp Trust Opened 31 July 1980 576,456G

Vault 301 - Personal Opened 1 November 1981 2,305,607G

Total: 5,500,963G

Accounts held by HERMIONE CASSEOPIA BLACK

Vault 506 - McKinnon Trust Opened 19 Sep 1979 81,372G

Vault 500 - McKinnon Family Opened 30 July 1792 750,389G

Additional artifacts

Vault 718 - Black Trust Opened 19 Sep 1979 768,608G

Vault 717 - Black Trust Opened 19 Sep 1979 768,608G

Vault 629 - Shafiq Trust Opened 19 Sep 1979 244,117G

Vault 620 - Shafiq Family Opened 20 May 1474 1,307,086G

Additional artifacts

Total: 3,920,180G

Accounts held by JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER-LUPIN

Vault 797 - Potter Family Opened 2 July 1474 3,586,251G

Additional artifacts

Vault 676 - Personal Opened 8 June 1979 24,411G

Total 3,610,662G

“That’s a lot more than I thought it would be,” Harry commented. Harry heard Severus huff a laugh, but he was too astounded to care. He had millions of galleons just to his own name. If Harry was doing his math right, he had over twenty-seven million pounds. That wasn’t taking into account what his family had. And his mum had more. They were probably the wealthiest family in Wizarding Britain.

Harry looked at Hermione and saw her mouth slightly agape. He smiled and lifted her chin. She looked at him and he could easily read the thoughts running through her head. His own mind was whirring. This was a lot more than he had ever imagined.

His father and Rognuk, along with Mrs. Longbottom, were discussing withdrawals made. Harry didn’t pay much attention, but he did perk up when he heard Ron and Molly were getting paid out of his Potter trust vault. Not only that, but so were the Dursleys. And Dumbledore was getting paid out of the Potter family vault. Harry was happy to know that none of the other Weasleys were being paid, although he hoped they hadn’t known about it. That would be just as devastating.

“I’d like you to keep copies of these records. We will need them when we finally move against them,” Severus said.

“Certainly,” Rognuk agreed. The goblin had a vicious smile that made a shiver run up Harry’s spine. He was glad he was a Friend.

Remus rejoined them at that moment. Harry looked up at his pseudo-Godfather with trepidation. He didn’t know how the werewolf would take all the new memories. Remus looked at Harry and Neville, sitting side-by-side, and smiled. He looked tired but happy to see them nonetheless. Harry smiled back and nudged Neville. 

“I have a son,” Remus said. There was a slight tremor to his voice, but Harry could hear the happiness as well.

“Yeah, and apparently I’m not an orphan,” Harry quipped.

Remus looked over at Harry, then at Severus.

“I suppose not. Are they…” he trailed off.

“They are at my manor. It isn’t safe for them to leave the wards too often. Both wish to see the children off to school this year if possible,” Severus answered.

Remus nodded and looked back at Neville, his son. Neville smiled and reached a hand out to his father. He had had more time to acclimate, and he remembered that Remus was a good man. Remus seemed to deflate and he accepted Neville’s hand. He pulled the boy up and into a tight hug. He looked at Harry over Neville’s head and reached a hand out. Harry grasped it and was pulled into the hug as well.

“I hate to cut this short, truly, but we have to get school supplies. And the children wished to see the twin’s shop. And we need to see your results before we go,” Severus said.

Harry reluctantly pulled back and sat back down. Remus pulled the parchment out and Harry, as well as Severus and Neville, crowded around him to read the results.

Name: Remus John Lupin-Potter

Purged

Potions :

Obedience - keyed to Albus Dumbledore - 50% strength

Magic Suppressant - 15% strength

Spells :

Numerous memory charms

Compulsions - antagonism towards Slytherins - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Blocks :

Magical Core - 25% strength - placed by Albus Dumbledore

Repaired Physical damage to body - see attached list

“Well, it’s no wonder I feel better than I have in years if they healed me,” Remus commented.

“Of course, that is what you would mention first, wolf,” Severus said. Harry could hear the playful undertone and hoped Remus could as well.

“Yes, well, there’s not much I can think to do about the rest,” Remus muttered.

“Don’t worry Remmy, we’re working on it,” Harry assured the man.

“Come, we have shopping to do,” Severus said. He applied a Glamour, and the group left the bank.

Severus made sure the group stuck to what they would need at school. Since Harry was on the Quidditch team, this included a stop to Quality Quidditch Supplies for a few things he needed. They also stopped at Flourish and Blotts, Mr. Mulpepper’s Apothecary, Eyelops, and made a quick stop at Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions for Hermione. Mrs. Longbottom also allowed Neville to get a new wand-one that chose him this time.

Severus refused to allow Harry to go to Madame Malkin’s for his robes and instead insisted they all get the higher quality ones from Twilfitt and Tatting's. He also demanded that Harry get two weeks’ worth of proper wizarding wear, including casual robes and new dress robes. Harry didn’t exactly mind; he just hated clothes shopping. 

Finally done with the tedious parts, the group headed to Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. The building was a vibrant orange and had an animatronic Fred Weasley. Harry loved it already. Once inside, the shop was crawling with customers. It seemed to be the busiest store on the Alley. Harry, Neville, and Hermione wandered around the store for a few minutes. Harry wasn’t planning on buying anything; he just wanted to see the twins and what they had created. 

“Hiya Harry!” An arm slung around his shoulders, and Harry looked up. George smiled down at him. “George’s finishing up with a customer.”

“George is standing here talking to me,” Harry said with a smirk. 

“Ah, never could pull one on you, Harrikins!” George said. Harry knew the twins liked that he could tell them apart. As far as he could tell, the only two who couldn’t were Ron and Molly.

“Fred, you found our favorite silent partner!” Fred said, coming over to the group. Harry rolled his eyes.

“I’m glad to see business is booming,” Harry said.

Hermione nodded, and Neville kept turning around trying to take it all in. The store was magnificent but also disorienting.

“Messrs Weasley, this is some shop you have here,” Severus said, coming up behind the group.

The twins jolted and looked at Harry confused. Harry mimed taking a potion, knowing the twins would understand. Their eyes widened in acknowledgment and then turned as one to Severus and bowed.

“Thank you, sir,” they said in unison. They turned their attention back to Harry. 

“We have a package for you,” George said. Fred took it out of his pocket and handed it to Harry. It was shrunken down, so he didn’t know its true size, but even still it looked rather large. He raised an eyebrow in a perfect imitation of his father.

“That’s creepy, that is,” Fred said with a fake shudder.

“Hardy har har,” Harry muttered, accepting the package. “I wasn’t planning on buying anything today.”

“That’s fine; you’re not paying,” George said. His tone brooked no arguments, and Harry sighed. “All the instructions needed are inside the package. Use it wisely, Harry-dear.”

Severus eyed the package but said nothing. Soon the twins were pulled away, and the group said their goodbyes. They made their way back to The Leaky and Floo’d back to the Manor.

Harry was happy to be home. But the highlight of the day had to be James and Remus’ reunion. The two men locked eyes and then ran into each other's arms as one. Harry and the rest left the room to give them privacy. It had been a long day.