31-33

Chapter 31

Remus Lupin - another marauder at Prince Hall

Sirius stalked back and forth across the grand entrance hall, uncaring that he was exhausting himself. His body hadn't fully recuperated from the four years of Azkaban, even with Severus' Potions. He had been writing to Remus yesterday afternoon. They'd planned a meet today, Severus had, with great reluctance, given a Portkey over set for a specific time. He had avoided discussing much in the letter, just in case it was intercepted, or if Dumbledore was there. If he was by any chance, he would find himself surprised. The wards wouldn't allow more than one person entrance, in other words Dumbledore would be dumped miles from the manor. Sirius wouldn't help but vindictively hope it happened, he wanted to do much worse actually. He needed Remus more than he had realized, until he began writing to him.

Feeling magic twirling around at his back, he spun around as Remus materialised with the Portkey clutched in his hand. They stood there awkwardly, amber eyes meeting blue, then like long lost brothers they embraced as if it had merely been a long vacation - not four years since they'd seen each other last.

"I'm so sorry, Remus." choked Sirius sounding devastated.

"As you should be," replied Remus mildly, without any bite in his tone. Sirius had paid a hefty price for believing him to be the spy, so saying anything was moot. Although it might be because the full moon had just come and gone, he didn't have enough energy to do much - never mind wasting what he did have on yelling at Sirius.

"I just…we….I'm sorry," murmured Sirius his face buried in Remus' shoulder, trying to convey the sincerity of his apology and explain why - yet not able to do so. They'd been scared that Remus' condition had made him a perfect picking for Voldemort. They should never have thought it, they just couldn't suspect their weak willed friend Peter could possibly do anything to them let alone spy for the Dark side.

"I know," said Remus quietly, patting at his back in comfort, just glad that Sirius was innocent. For years he'd thought every single one of his pack was gone. His wolf had been very lonely; in turn it made him more vicious and feral during the full moon. It took longer for him to heal and then the depression had settled in. "Merlin, Siri I can feel your spine through your clothes."

"Yeah, but don't worry, I'm fine." Sirius reassured him as he finally let go, leaving them standing face to face.

"So…where are we? Is this a Black property?" asked Remus looking around in awe, seeing it properly for the first time.

"No," answered Sirius shaking his head almost numbly.

"Well where are we?" queried Remus, cocking his head to the side, gazing at Sirius curiously. Wondering why his friend was being evasive.

"Prince Hall," admitted Sirius, turning and going up the stairs, Remus followed behind him still wanting answers.

"Prince?" called Remus, almost stumbling on one of the steps when it penetrated his mind. "As in Prince? Prince? Snape's home…err manor?" very aware of the fact that Severus Snape was in fact the last Prince descendant.

"Yeah," replied Sirius sounding bemused at Remus' shock. He'd gotten over his own shock so it wasn't so bad anymore.

A shrieking laughter reached both wizards ears, Sirius looked down at the same time as Remus looking pained. Remus' amber eyes widened in disbelief, he could smell Lily and James on Harry but also another additional smell that shouldn't have been there. He knew that scent, even though it had been years since he had been around it - Snape. Harry had been magically adopted? Staring at Harry in awe, he looked so big and beautiful more importantly happy. Did Sirius know about his adoption? A frown fell on his face, why did Sirius look so hurt?

"Sirius?" questioned Remus thoughtfully.

Shaking off his thoughts he turned to his best friend, "Yeah?"

"What's wrong?" asked Remus, turning to look for Harry only to find him absent, he hadn't even heard him leaving.

"It was supposed to be me," muttered Sirius bitterly, before moving away again, walking towards his room without saying another word.

"What is?" wondered Remus as he stepped into what was obviously the guest room Sirius was using at the moment. Did Sirius know about the magical adoption? He didn't want to bring it up unless he did. It really wasn't up to him, although if he didn't…he should - Harry had Prince Features on his face. He looked like a blend of Lily, James and Snape. Oddly enough it fitted him, gave him a very angelic look. If he remained that way, he would be a heartbreaker when he was older.

"Harry's supposed to be mine; he cannot even look at me, Remus." Sirius couldn't keep the whine out of his voice if he tried. "He's terrified of me, and no matter what I do he cannot stand the sight of me."

"Terrified? Why?" Remus blurted out baffled.

"Oh, Remy," whispered Sirius, his blue eyes gazing at amber tortured.

"What's wrong?" Remus rasped out becoming increasingly concerned, "What did you do?"

"It's nothing I did!" cried Sirius indignantly, his blue eyes blazing.

"Then what?" asked Remus, sitting himself down on the small couch feeling his energy flagging.

"I'll get to that," sighed Sirius, running his fingers through his hair as he sat down on a chair opposite Remus, liking the idea of occupying his backside. "First things first, have you been in contact with Dumbledore at all in the past four years?"

"Since when do you call Albus, Dumbledore?" questioned Remus something was obviously going on that he didn't know about.

"Just answer the question," stated Sirius irritated.

"Um, I saw him three times…once the morning after they died," choked Remus, still emotional about it. "Their funeral and then at Alice and Frank's funeral. I tried to get the address where Harry stayed because I wanted to see him - but Dumbledore said he had to remain hidden. He pointed out what had happened to the Longbottoms and I realized he was right…I couldn't put Harry in danger just because I wanted to see him."

"You should have insisted more!" snarled Sirius, standing up unable to face Remus, blaming him, and blaming himself for what had happened to Harry. Remus should have cared more, should have looked for Harry like James would have done for him. He should never have given in to Hagrid's demands, should have gone willingly to the Ministry - perhaps then he might have gotten a fair trial. Oh he was beginning to understand what Snape meant by focusing his anger on one thing, it actually helped. Although he hadn't planned for that anger to be partly placed on Remus' shoulders. "James would have moved heaven and hell to look after your kid!"

Sirius couldn't stay in his room; he knew he was close to loosing it completely. Yanking open the door he stepped out breathing heavily as he paced along the landing. He didn't understand why he was suddenly blaming Remus, but damn it felt better than just sitting sulking. Guilt settled in almost immediately, Remus was going through enough without him adding to it. It didn't help that Remus couldn't understand why he was so angry.

"What is going on here?" demanded Severus, his voice low and dangerous. His black eyes glaring holes in Sirius' back.

"Did Harry hear?" asked Sirius, his face shadowed with worry.

"What do you think, Black?" sneered Severus, of course Harry had heard! Otherwise he wouldn't be standing here right now.

"Sorry," murmured Sirius guilty.

"Do you require a calming draught?" Severus asked blankly, before adding. "You'll need to take it for a few months, you aren't used to emotions anymore Black. The Dementors took it all out, leaving you feeling depressed and practically comatose. You need to get used to feeling everything, and keeping control of it. For the first three months, however, you should use the calming draughts when you become agitated."

"How do you know?" enquired Sirius, surprised. All the while nodding his head, knowing Snape made sense.

"It's nothing more than common sense." stated Severus sardonically. "Accio Calming Draught." keeping his arm out until the vial zoomed into his hand. Arching an eyebrow he handed it over without a word, but his eyes practically screamed 'take it now'. He didn't want Harry feeling worried in his own home, which he was. Harry didn't like strangers, there would come a time when he wouldn't be so terrified, until that time he would ensure the disturbances were to a minimum.

Sirius didn't argue for once, not only was Snape's advice sound, but he didn't want to scare Harry anymore than he already had. It was difficult enough for the child to look at him; he honestly didn't know what to do. He was getting to the extent he actually wanted to ask Snape's advice. Now wasn't that odd? He wouldn't have thought he'd see the day where he wanted anything never mind advice from Snape. Dunking the potion back, grimacing at the taste, before sliding the used vial in his cloak pocket. Almost immediately calmness evaded Sirius, leaving him free of the chaotic emotions running him ragged.

"What is going on?" asked Remus, revealing his presence. He'd seen the entire confrontation, agog at the fact Sirius and Severus could stay in the same house without fighting like cats and dogs. He'd trusted Severus enough to take a potion from him. It was little wonder he was beginning to feel as if the world had tipped on its axis. "Why are you bringing up Harry and Dumbledore? Why so angry about me not visiting Harry?"

"You want to know why?" demanded Severus his lip curling as he observed the cowardly werewolf. You would think having such a…infliction would toughen someone up - not make them weaker.

"I…I did ask…" Remus trailed off cagily, the look on Snape's face was actually frightening. Wondering if he actually did want to know. Turning to face Sirius, alarmed by the defeated look on his face. What did they know? Why all the mystery he didn't get it?

"Follow me." snapped Severus, turning around and swiftly making his way down the stairs until he got to his office. His office was one place Harry couldn't get into. It also had silencing spells woven in, so any conversation inside of it couldn't be heard by those on the other side of the door. Oh he would show Lupin just what he had seen, let him really see what his inactions had caused. Although if Lupin had visited Harry, he wouldn't be his son or in his custody right now.

"Sirius?" asked Remus cautiously.

"Go," said Sirius sighing sadly, he had seen what Remus was about to be shown. It had broken his heart to see the memory's but Sirius knew he'd needed it. He had to see why Harry was so scared and wary of him. It was easy to see the child as he was now, Harry looked so healthy and happy - especially when he wasn't around. The memories would be a constant reminder of what had happened.

Remus walked down after Severus, Sirius following closely behind him giving him support. Support he hadn't had, when he was told what had happened and when he'd viewed the memory's. "Minerva?" called Remus, rather shocked to see the Transfiguration teacher here. She was with Harry, who was eyeing him with deep penetrating cautiousness. Why would Harry be like that? Did Snape tell Harry what he was? He hoped not, he didn't want to be judged by what he was during the full moon.

"Go," said Sirius giving him a nudge in the direction of Snape's office.

"Does Harry know what I am?" asked Remus a tremble in his voice.

"No, he doesn't even know who you are, Remy." admitted Sirius, "He didn't know who I was."

"Oh," muttered Remus bewildered, shaking his head as he stepped through the office. It was very messy; it went against Severus' personality. Books, maps, parchment littered the entire room, even on the floor; the desk couldn't be seen for it all.

Severus flicked his wand clearing an area on the hidden desk, a small one with just enough room for the pensive to be placed on it. Which was exactly what Severus did, with delicacy, treating it with reverence like that of a once in a lifetime potion ingredient. The memories were still within it; it had only been yesterday that Black had seen what he did. Which was why hopefully when he saw Lucius he wouldn't get defensive.

"This will tell you everything you want to know." said Severus, stepping back; he had no desire to watch his own memories.

"I'm not going to like this am I?" murmured Remus, removing his wand.

"No." stated Severus honestly, he didn't lie - well unless it was to Voldemort but he could hardly tell the truth now could he? Whether people liked it or not, Severus Snape told the blunt uncensored truth. He couldn't contemplate even thinking about their feelings, after all nobody thought about his so why should he?

Remus almost asked Sirius to come in with him; he was terrified of facing this alone. Squaring his shoulders, he took a deep breath, his wand and arm reaching out towards what looked like a bowl of water. As soon as the top of his wand was immersed, Remus was pulled under and left to struggle through the memories.

Seeing a little boy being beaten up by stronger boys, flinching and running away from Severus.

Seeing Harry taken from Cokeworth hotel (after watching Severus Snape slap Petunia) Severus had never hit a woman so he knew just how pissed the wizard was. He was too, he wanted to do more than just slap the stupid Muggle - he wanted to kill her.

The muddy waters cleared and he was looking around the most beautiful garden and manor he'd ever seen. It was a pureblood, he could tell by the peacocks, those ones were rare, delicious supposedly and a sign of being very well connected. He already had a feeling he knew who it was before he caught a glimpse of them. Narcissa Malfoy, she hadn't changed a single bit. She didn't even look older, it helped that she'd probably never had to lift a finger her entire life or worry about a single thing.

He was standing in a room, with Harry lying on a bed, looking oh, so small. Listening to the healer, horrified to his core. Barely able to process it, worse case of abuse he'd seen, something strange in Harry's body, dark magic. His magic being bound and their conclusion that Dumbledore did it. That he didn't want to believe, not now not ever.

Saw Lucius' and Severus' conversation on how to best protect Harry, Severus' doubts about being able to raise him and their realisation that they couldn't trust anyone to do it.

Lucius' conversation about Harry's living situation...his anger at the fact a wizard had been kept in a cupboard and provided with nothing his entire life.

Then he saw an old building, two women being interviewed by Lucius, Minerva and Severus - dragged into the memory that Severus was seeing - Dumbledore was responsible for Harry's state. He had made sure Harry stayed at the Dursley's though bribery and potions to ensure nothing was reported. It was now easier to believe Dumbledore had bound seventy-five percent of Harry's magic.

He saw Gringotts, the Horcrux...the information and clips of the others being destroyed.

Then he saw to his astonishment, Harry turning into a cat, after just once, seeing Minerva changed into her Animagus form. He couldn't believe it; it took years to accomplish that! Harry was so powerful, although it might have something to do with his magical core being a bit bigger right now.

Remus closed his eyes, trying to get used to gravity again. As he was ejected from the pensive, the exit was always kind of weird. It didn't matter how often you actually used one, it remained the same, a bit like having Legilimens cast at you. It didn't get any easier. "I think I'm going to be sick." he muttered as everything began to pile up on him.

Grunting in surprise, his eyes opening to find Severus pressing an empty bucket into his ribs - a bit too firmly. Or it might have something to do with them being so tender after all - it had just been a full moon.

"Why?" asked Remus as if he didn't understand, couldn't contemplate the need to do such an evil deed. It was a sickeningly Gryffindor question to ask.

"Because he could," answered Severus sardonically, his eyes though were flashing in his anger. Severus' eyes shifted slightly, before staring at the fireplace. A second later it flared to life, spitting out a figure who stepped out of the fire gratefully.

"Severus," said Lucius before turning to the others, "Black, Lupin." his voice not so warm for them.

"I have the rest of the information you required." said Lucius smoothly, handing over the rolled up parchment.

"Thank you," replied Severus gratefully, placing it in his desk drawer, not wanting it to be lost in the paperwork he had already been through a dozen times. They were trying to figure out where the Horcruxes were, they weren't sure how many there were but they'd do what they had to.

"No problem," Lucius answered wryly, curious about what had happened before he came in. "Oh, Olivia Halliwell has been arrested and charged with child endangerment, child neglect…and many counts of voluntary Manslaughter."

"Manslaughter?" repeated Severus darkly, realizing immediately why his friend would be saying that.

"What's Manslaughter?" asked Sirius confused.

"Are you sure he was an Auror?" asked Lucius arching a white eyebrow in derision. Obviously thinking Sirius Black was an utter moron - and he might not be wrong.

"He's never been in the Muggle world," said Remus defending his friend. "Voluntary Manslaughter means she allowed people to die though omitting information. She was a social worker, she had a duty to help children, instead she took bribes and allowed the abuse to continue thus if and when they died…she was voluntary allowing murder or as they call it Manslaughter."

"How many?" asked Severus disgusted.

"So far they reckon around twenty, he started digging into her work history, job history and the list is endless…how she managed to stay under the radar so long is…well extremely alarming." said Lucius grimly, he didn't care much for Muggles, but it didn't mean he condoned abuse on any form - whether Muggle or Magical. He was no reason to make anything up." sighed Lucius just as horror-struck as Severus.

"Is this including Harry?" questioned Severus.

"No, its not. But she will be in prison for life for what they've got on her. My informant said he wished for the first time that they hadn't gotten rid of the capitol punishment whatever that is." replied Lucius, not naming names - he didn't trust Lupin or Black.

"Hanging was the 'capitol punishment' back in the day, the last one took place in 1964 I believe." stated Severus sounding slightly smug that he had remembered it.

"Hanging?" asked Sirius looking queasy at the thought.

Severus merely rolled his eyes.

"Are you free this evening?" asked Lucius, causing Lupin and Black to glance between them in speculation.

"Harry will be asleep by nine." said Severus, "If it's any earlier I'll Floo over."

"Good, we are visiting the Gaunt shack." stated Lucius, "It's the next one on the list." he added purely as afterthought.

"Gaunt shack?" enquired Remus, realizing they were talking about the Horcruxes; it was the only thing that made sense.

"His mother's maiden name. The Slytherin descendants." answered Lucius. He was still searching high and low for the pendant but no such luck yet.

"May I join you?" asked Remus, "I may be able to smell or sense something both of you may otherwise miss?" he needed to do something, anything. He felt guilt crushing his shoulders, if he had insisted more…Harry might not have been so badly hurt. Sirius was right to blame him, he may as well have stood back and let this happen. Damn Dumbledore, he was going to hunt him down during the full moon and bite him. For once both him and his wolf was in agreement on that statement. Nobody hurt his cub and got away with it.

"Very well," said Lucius grudgingly after having a silent conversation with Severus. Making sure he would be alright with the werewolf coming with them.

Sirius remained quiet, still unable to comprehend the fact that Voldemort wasn't dead - and his godson was in danger the longer those disgusting things were out there.

Chapter 32

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY EVERYONE THAT CELEBRATES IT! I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL DAY!

Another One Bites The Dust

"How's Harry doing?" asked Lucius as they began walking from Little Hangleton where they had Apparated to the Gaunt Shack. Which was quite a bit downhill, when compared to the Riddle Mansion it looked even worse than ramshackle, there was just not a word to describe it. He had been telling Draco about Harry, making sure his son didn't get jealous of the shared attention, but it seemed Draco was excited to have a friend. Even if he would be scared at first, since he doubted Harry had ever had a friend in his life. Draco had promised to be nice, that he would share his toys and make Harry 'all better' such a child thing to say. Fortunately Draco would never be able to truly understand what Harry went through, if anyone had hurt his son the way Harry had been…there would have been nothing left of them to find. If they'd thought he was a Death Eaters before…by the time he was finished they would have though the devil himself had descended upon them. If anyone dared harm Harry again, the same rules applied, the child had wormed his way into his heart. Anyone that knew him would know just how impossible that was. He had very few people he genuinely cared about, the list was very short, Narcissa, his son, Severus and of course Harry now. He took his duties as Godfather very seriously; Harry would come first, just like his son.

"He's still extremely leery of strangers, but he didn't show it so much today, I think he's beginning to learn to trust that I can keep him safe." said Severus, his tone thoughtful.

"We aren't strangers," Remus couldn't help but point out.

"You are to him," stated both Lucius and Severus together.

"Is there a good way to approach him?" asked Remus softly, cursing inwardly when he nearly tripped up due to a hole in the grass that seemed to eat his foot. Wincing in pain, his bones already felt tender was it was he looked around making sure there were no more surprises waiting on him.

"Not that we've learnt, but remain still as possible, spend quite time with him and don't expect too much." replied Lucius honestly. "He is only just getting used to me."

"You thought bribing him would work," smirked Severus, chuckling wickedly.

"I did not," replied Lucius in mock upset, "He needs toys and gifts, it will show him that we care, and at some point it will penetrate Harry's mind that he's safe and cherished. You didn't see where he slept Sev, and what he had. Some old clothes, broken crayons actually broken everything. Hidden away so his relatives didn't find them, and no doubt take them away. If there is a child in this world that deserves a bit of spoiling from their godfather its him." it was just different seeing it in a pensive, so much more different. It was missing the feelings; the misery magic had imbued into the walls - Harry's misery.

"Godfather?" muttered Remus, eyes wide, he didn't know why he was surprised really. Despite the fact there was six years between them, they were good friends. Of course Lucius as far as he knew, hadn't given Severus the time of day at Hogwarts, other than his Head Boy duties. Then again no seventeen year old would want to be over friendly with a first year, they were barely paid attention. Although he didn't know if it was true, since he of course, didn't know what went on in Slytherin common room.

"He was the one that ensured Harry received the best treatment possible, so yes, it's the kind of godfather I would like for my son. He also has political pull and clout which would mean if anything happened to me I will know Harry is completely safe. Never again will Dumbledore have the chance to mess with Harry's life." Severus told him harshly, his possessiveness showing through.

"I meant nothing by it," lied Remus, feeling decidedly uncomfortable. He felt like defending Sirius, on the other hand it was true; Lucius Malfoy was one of the most influential wizards in the magical world at the moment. He could outmanoeuvre Dumbledore and come out the winner, if there was someone he wanted on his side, it would be him. His only problem was he knew the wizard was a Death Eater, and would go crawling back if Voldemort came back. A niggling feeling bothered him…would Severus do the same thing? NO they were both trying to prevent his return, denying and defying Voldemort every time they destroyed a piece of his soul…he would just have to trust him. He would be a part of Harry's life always, and if he wanted to have a part as well as Sirius they'd just have to swallow their pride and go along for the ride.

Lucius and Severus shared a look, they could sense Lupin wasn't being entirely truthful about 'not meaning anything by it' and if it continued much longer they wouldn't allow him near Harry. They couldn't risk Lupin going to Dumbledore out of distrust; just because he couldn't break the vow it didn't mean there wasn't ways to betray someone within the bounds of the vow. Nodding grimy, Severus let Lucius know he would keep an eye on the situation.

"Is it even safe to go in there?" asked Remus, gazing at the unsafe structure, "Did you notice all the snakes? Someone obviously had a fascination with them."

"Slytherin descendants," said Lucius, opening the gate, approaching the ramshackle building, if it could be called a building. Crossing over the wards that prevented Muggles from coming nearby, thankfully whoever built Hogwarts was much better than this since they were feeble at best. A stubborn Muggle might actually have a chance of walking through them; they were so weak and fragmented. He was right though; there were snake carvings, drawings, ornaments, knockers all decorated with them. A long time ago they may have been considered awe-inspiring but not anymore, they were black, disgusting and filthy. Worn down by age and the weather, why they bothered keeping such a filthy place standing he didn't know. The Gaunt family were dead; they should demolish it and build something better, grander in its place. Perhaps it was time for the wizarding society to have its own social services and orphanages, although he didn't like the term 'orphanage' not all children that ended up in care were actually orphans. Children's home sounded much more appealing, perhaps it was time he put forth a suggestion to the Wizengamot. It wouldn't be hard to make it sound as though he was doing it for selfish or perhaps selfless reasons. Narcissa hadn't been able to have another child, and she desperately wanted a little girl, with their own community they would be able to adopt a magical child.

"Lucius?" stated Severus standing in the open doorway, giving his friend a deep penetrating look, it wasn't often he became so lost in thought.

"My apologies," replied Lucius smoothly, stepping into the house, avoiding his friends probing look.

"What are you up to Lucius?" asked Severus, cautiously; normally such a look was never good for anyone involved.

Lucius smirked as he answered the Potions Master, "Nothing that concerns you, Severus, do not worry."

Severus merely made a disgruntled sound before his face became serious; they were in a property owned by Slytherins, quite literally not just a house at Hogwarts. They would need to be on their guard here, both of them had their wands out, Lupin however seemed perfectly content to walk around without caution. Much to their surprise, as they felt around the rooms, casting spells to detect anything they didn't find a single spell.

"Either there's something here that he doesn't want anyone becoming suspicious about to put unnecessary wards on the…shack," said Severus, settling on the one thing that could really describe the property. "Or we have been unlucky this time around." he doubted that was true, but doubt or not it was a possibility.

"There's something here, something dark and dangerous," Remus said, they hadn't been unlucky at all. If anything those two wizards would know best of all, at the end of the day they had been Death Eaters, close to Voldemort. Close enough to make a good guess on what he would and could do. "I can sense it."

"That's the problem, I expected more they're Slytherins after all." said Severus, cautious and suspicious.

"I wouldn't be surprised if the Aurors took everything out when they arrested both Gaunts, it's my understanding that the Dark Lord's mother had long ago abandoned them for better pastures." commented Lucius.

"True," conceded Severus, "Evidently they have missed something…"

"Or it was put there afterwards." finished Lucius.

Remus just watched them feeling extremely odd, seeing Lucius Malfoy so open and acting…well friendly wasn't something he thought he'd ever see. Not that he'd been around many Wizards or Witches come to that, he'd been secluded, depressed and hurting even four years on since it happened. He'd been barely able to get through their funeral, and avoided the pity that everyone displayed as much as possible. It had been better that way; Remus' wolf had been quite vicious which meant his temper wasn't exactly controllable. Now he was having to pay for his cowardice, the memories were too much for him…how could he face each day knowing what Harry had been through and that he could have stopped it? All he would have had to do was see him, he would have sensed the blood, would have taken him straight to the ministry to tell them. Even if it did mean revealing his fury little problem, he wouldn't have cared a sod other than keeping Harry safe.

"There's also the option that the thing is in the Ministry archives where it would be stored with all other 'dark arts' right?" suggested Remus.

"Possible but not probable." mused Severus.

"He was sixteen I think when he first came here, killed his grandparents and father, or rather Riddle Mansion first then cursed his Uncle into believing he had done it." said Lucius, "I would like to think he started off with the diary, and that's been destroyed already. So he would have had to be older but this is all speculation, everything thing."

"How do you know he cursed his Uncle?" asked Remus, interestedly.

"Auror reports, when he was brought in he was groggy, confused but confessing to killing the Riddles. If the wizard hadn't already previously had a run in with the Riddles they would have looked deeper into the confusion but they didn't." replied Lucius coolly.

"If they had, Voldemort would have been stopped a long time ago," snapped Remus bitterly. He didn't like the Ministry, how could he after all they wanted him and his kind placed on a registry as if they weren't human.

"I doubt it, I don't know if you've noticed but he doesn't care much for the law even with the entire law enforcement after him." Lucius said dryly, finding Lupin's statement amusing. As if he would have ever been found, he'd have just gone underground and then come out as the Dark Lord. "Do you think it was different when he was younger? If anything he was more dangerous."

Remus had no reply to that.

Seeing as the conversation had run dry, they began to search each room, it was a painstakingly slow process, especially since they didn't want to miss anything. That and they had to wade through disgusting rusty what could only be pots, pans cauldrons and cutlery. Mouldy remains of food piled high with mould so much that the food was unrecognizable. They didn't dare touch the fridge, it was truly disgusting.

"I thought you said he had two kids?" asked Remus as they went back into the hallway. There were only two rooms, if you could call them rooms, even his little flat was better than this place - everywhere was, actually.

"He did," replied Lucius, his lip curled in repugnance this place wasn't fit to remain standing.

"Not everyone can afford decent properties with significant room," stated Severus sharply, he understood what it was like to live in poverty. His clothes had been second hand, but he at least had a stable roof over his head, a clean house and food to eat. It didn't look like the Gaunts had, who knows how many generations of Gaunts had lived in poverty? In his opinion though, they shouldn't have had children, if you couldn't pay your way for them, then it should never be considered. Look at the Weasley's, it was a disgrace. They couldn't afford two children never mind the seven they had, Arthur Weasley had been irresponsible allowing it. Lucius and Lupin would never understand it, they came from pureblood lines, and admittedly the Malfoy's had more money than Lupin.

"I know," said Remus, backing down realizing he'd hit a nerve. He knew all too well, his father and spent the entire Lupin fortune trying to come up with a 'cure' for his Lycanthrope, that and moving constantly to avoid suspicion. He had only realized when his mother died just how much of it he used, there had only been enough for him to get a secluded flat in the Muggle world and necessities he'd need to live at least marginally comfortable. He didn't have the resources to build it back up by taking on investments, every Galleon, Sickle or Knut he made went on food, warmth and clothes.

"We were obviously wrong," said Lucius, changing the subject, he knew how agitated Severus got when people got nasty with those that couldn't help their living situations…living in poverty. He made sure never to do it within his hearing ranges; the spells he used to get back at him were truly humiliating and annoying. "I was so sure we would find something here, but maybe it was just too obvious."

"Too obvious is the best place to put it, nobody would be expecting it." said Severus, forgetting earlier as he focused on the Horcruxes. They could only see thanks to the light from their wands, the area was completely blacked out. Even if it had been nearer light, none would have gotten in due to the trees surrounding the shack at all angles, making it impossible even in daylight.

"Accio Horcrux," chanted Lucius, unsurprised when nothing came at him, he could hope though.

"Check under the floorboards," said Severus suddenly, causing amber and silver eyes to gaze at him in confused curiosity.

"It is what I done as a child, anything I didn't want my father finding…I would put under a loose floorboard in my room…in an orphanage I would imagine the same applies…perhaps it stayed with him. He may have perhaps thought nobody would think to look under, if I'm wrong at least we checked all angles." Severus stated calmly, as if he hadn't just revealed a piece of his past - which Severus never did. Lucius knew a lot, but Lupin…had never heard anything of the sort so Lucius was surprised to hear him talk about it with the Marauder there. Lucius gave Lupin an icy glare, warning him if he said anything, it would be the last thing he did. He wasn't about to let them hurt Severus, never again.

Once again they split up; Remus refused to take the kitchen so began to remove the floorboards one at a time in the bedroom. The smell in here was rancid, it was worse than that it…there wasn't a name for it in all honesty. With the full moon just gone, his nose was doubly sensitive. The kitchen was the worst, and as far as he was concerned the others could do it.

Remus was half way through his floorboards on the second bedroom when he heard Severus speak. "Found it." he stated in his normal calm composed voice. He couldn't have got up quick enough, returned the boards to their normal position, infinity glad he hadn't seen any sign of…rodents.

"That's a first, I would be extremely cautious," warned Lucius, seeing the box that looked very out of place in this shack. Now that the floorboard was up he could feel the darkness emanating from it, no doubt Severus was feeling it worse. Sev had a curious infinity for sensing dark magic, much easier and better than him.

Severus nodded from where he was kneeling, not liking the fact he was vulnerable in front of two wizards kneeling on the floor. Quickly casting a spell to detect anything over the box and found it was clean, picking it up he gratefully stood up. Carefully he opened the box, and found inside the most abhorrent ring he'd ever seen in his life.

"There's something familiar about that design." said Remus thoughtfully, peering into the box the light gleaming off the murky looking stone.

"It should be its Grindelwald's sign." stated Lucius sharply.

Remus nodded remembering it now, thankfully the war with Grindelwald had been mostly abroad. Although the same couldn't be said for Voldemort, which was a pity, but even he wasn't callous enough to wish what happened here to somewhere else.

Severus would have loved nothing more than to just go home and deal with it there, instead of this place - it was falling apart and dangerous. He wasn't about to let anything like this in his home where Harry was sleeping, the dark magic he could feel wasn't the Horcrux - it was a curse and a quick spell confirmed it. The fact a tile from the roof chose that moment to fall but a few feet from him prompted him to actually leave the shack; the others followed him, confused when Severus picked up a stone - which wasn't in short supply here right now.

"Nice," commented Lucius smoothly, as he inspected the table transfigured from the stone. Which the box was placed upon. It reminded him of his work desk in the manor, tastefully done, and then again was there anything Severus didn't do that wasn't perfect? He was practically a prodigy, fantastic Potions Master, awesome and scary dueller, spell crafter/inventor yes his abilities did seem endless. It didn't stop him from making stupid mistakes like the rest of them, and becoming a Death Eater. Although there were many Death Eaters out there that didn't regret it, even after becoming fathers. He had often wondered what would have become of Bellatrix if she'd had a child, could it have changed her for the better. Who knew? There really wasn't any point to Ifs and buts. Narcissa had loved her sister, whether she was completely crazy or not, and he had to endure the endless conversation of what ifs and buts as well…she was obviously rubbing off on him.

"Well he made sure that any fool who found this wouldn't have survived long after putting it on." stated Severus, realizing exactly what spell the Dark Lord had put on it after inspecting it.

"What spell?" asked Lucius curiously.

"One that will kill you painfully and swiftly." said Severus, before he began to mutter the counter curse, aware that Lucius would know what it was upon hearing him. When he heard a muted gasp he knew the wizard had figured it out, there is no counter curse once the spell takes hold, you could stop it for a while or as he liked to call it 'put a stopper in death' but it only delayed the inevitable.

"Wha-" started Remus but he was quickly silenced by the look of steel in Lucius' eyes. Simply said to shut the fucking hell up or he would kill him.

Remus pursed his lips, he didn't recognize the spell or the counter, and considering he'd read a lot he was undeniably curious about why they acted so…tensely he settled on, not able to think of another word that could be used.

"It is done," said Severus, "So shall we do the world a favour and get rid of this eyesore and the ring?" he asked Lucius smirking deviously.

"Why, Severus, it's the best suggestion anyone offered this monstrosity." drawled Lucius, his silver eyes glimmering dangerously.

"What was the spell?" asked Remus, the Ravenclaw in him an answer.

"One that's illegal, highly illegal at that, the Ministry has banned all books on the subject." said Lucius, all of his books were in the family vault, at least the ones deemed 'illegal' by the Ministry of magic. After all he threw parties and such, it would just take one person to see one of the books and he would be getting raided for 'dangerous artefacts' he valued his freedom too much to be stupid about it. "I highly doubt you'd recognize the name even if we told you."

"Fiendfyre!" muttered Severus, watching as the box as well as ring was consumed in the fiery spell.

The screaming started up, alerting them to the fact that yet another Horcrux had bit the dust.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" chanted Lucius once the ring stopped screeching, propelling it into the shack, which quite quickly began to catch on flames as well. There was absolutely nothing worthy of value in there, to even be concerned about. They all did take a step back when the side of the house abruptly crumbled, and with it the roof which obviously had no support left whatsoever.

Severus' wand rose automatically shielding them both of the smoke and any debris that could potentially fly their way. The smoke and ash disappeared with another wave of his wand before they began to put the fire out by starving it of oxygen. They had found over the years that it worked better than trying to put the flames out with water, since fire spread so much more rapidly than water could land.

"It looks worse now," said Remus offhandedly.

"It always looks worse before it gets better," replied Severus, rolling his eyes and everything disappeared leaving just a foundation and very, very burnt grass that would grow again at some point.

"I have the perfect thing in mind," said Lucius smugly, double middle finger to the Dark Lord so to speak.

"I knew you were up to something, what are you going to do?" Severus said in amusement.

"You'll find out, sooner or later." commented Lucius, he didn't give up his plans until they come to completion. That way nobody could say he failed at anything, and Malfoy's didn't like to fail or lose when it mattered. A few exceptions were made, but not many.

"Will it piss off Dumbledore?" asked Remus vindictively.

"Actually…I have no idea," mused Lucius, "But he's distracted enough at the moment, he will be brought to trial soon I'm told. For pretty much the same reason as the woman from social services was, neglect, child endangerment, negligence of magical information, attempted murder, tampering with the magic of a minor, kidnap as he had no legal hold over Harry."

"Attempted Murder?" screeched Remus, his face red as he panted in fury.

"He left Harry outside in the freezing cold November after midnight on a doorstep without a word to anyone in the house. He also left a letter about the magical world, what happened to Lily and James Potter. You do understand in the wrong hands the entire magical world could have been revealed? He left it in a basket along with Harry, and that was it unless he woke up crying he was there until the Muggles woke up." his words were cold, unattached, but his eyes showed vengeance was in store.

"Remind me to send a bottle of the finest whiskey from Prince Cellar to your lawyer, Lucius." said Severus deeply amused and impressed. It looked as if he was going above and beyond the call of duty, trying to get everything on Dumbledore that he could.

"That's the only ones I've been told about, he's trying to see if there are more, and believe me he will find it." said Lucius wryly. "Heading back? I promised Draco I would read him 'the Dragon' series again,"

Severus snorted, "He should be able to read them himself now, the amount of times he'd had those books read to him."

"I know, the years have gone by so fast, Severus, you better watch you will feel it too." said Lucius, a bittersweet smile on his face. He so wanted to give Narcissa the little girl she longed for, the thought of a child that looked like him and Narcissa…if he thought he'd be protective of Draco well he would imagine it would be ten times worse for any girl he had. The Malfoy's didn't seem to have girls, there hadn't been one in five generations, and that female had been a squib, she had remained on the family estate, hardly anyone knew about her existence. She had married into a noble Muggle family, very rich, a lifestyle she'd been used to. As far as he knew she hadn't had any children, but he didn't know the whole story, it got distorted as it passed down the family.

"Lucius I told you what to do, if you do it, it will work." said Severus softly.

"Narcissa is too proud for that, Severus, plus she or I for that matter have never been in the Muggle world long…never mind for them to butcher us." said Lucius shuddering.

"They aren't butchers, they just don't have the ability to heal wounds like we do," said Severus rolling his eyes in exasperation.

Remus had to suppress his merriment at their conversation, it was so very refreshing…being able to have a proper adult conversation. Even after Hogwarts James and Sirius hadn't been interested in growing up, Sirius though seemed to have sobered, but four years of Azkaban would do that to anyone. He was still whining though, and he hoped with the calming draughts Severus suggested and had given him to take, would do the rest in helping him grow.

"Let's go." said Lucius, not wanting to discuss it further. He didn't want his wife to feel the heartache that she couldn't carry a child to term, while some Muggle out there could. It would be the ultimate humiliation and he couldn't bear that for her. He would quite frankly prefer to adopt a Muggle child than put his wife through heartache, and it said a lot about how much he loved her.

Three loud pops were heard, that sounded like backfiring cars but nobody was there, not even vermin or birds dared to venture here.

"I take it from the smell of you that you succeeded?" smiled Minerva, as the three men appeared before her.

"Did Harry wake up?" asked Severus, as always his care was first and foremost on his mind, its what made him the perfect father for Harry.

"No, all has been quiet," answered Minerva still smiling.

"That's another one gone, I think that's the last of the places I can think of," said Lucius, "Nothing else worthy of note is jumping out in all the information we have on the Dark Lord."

"I still think its worth investigating at Hogwarts, it will take years maybe but definitely worth looking into." said Severus.

"I have already begun the process, there have been a few items brought to my attention but no Horcruxes yet." stated Minerva. "Although the Grey Lady did seem particularly agitated when I asked for her aid it's very peculiar she's always a quiet well spoken ghost."

"Perhaps you should speak to her again, be frank with her, she might know something." persuaded Severus, trusting Minerva's instincts.

"If we do that, we risk Dumbledore finding out." said Minerva.

"He won't be a problem as of tomorrow; you will be called in to be temporary Headmistress until after trial permanent afterwards. He shouldn't be able to weasel himself out of it, Merlin help us if he does." admitted Lucius.

"Then tomorrow I'll speak to her again," agreed Minerva, "I shall return to Hogwarts tonight or very early tomorrow morning."

"You just want to be there to see him arrested," snorted Severus in sardonic amusement.

"I do," Minerva, said haughtily her eyes narrowed, if she had been in her Animagus form, her claws would have been out fully.

"Is there anything I can do that will help take him down?" asked Remus.

"Unless you want him to get also arrested for letting a werewolf attend school where you could have mauled hundreds of students…not really." said Severus, raising his hands at Remus' oncoming objections. "I am only saying you could have."

"I really don't want anyone knowing," Remus told him bitterly, he hated his condition.

"Then no," said Severus calmly.

"There is more than enough to see him in Azkaban," said Lucius, "It's his popularity and connections that concern me, but with it being Harry Potter I am sure that even his connections wouldn't want to even go near for fear of them being implicated as well. We all know when Harry is older, he will have a lot of influence, more than I and Dumbledore could even dream off."

Severus grimaced at the thought of all the sheep that would flock around, but he would raise Harry properly (hopefully) and he would know to make his own mind up. He wouldn't allow anyone, not even himself to influence Harry. Although any time he wanted advice, Severus would gladly give it. He planned to raise Harry to be an independent young man, and he prayed he succeeded, failure wasn't an option. He would do what Dumbledore had been so scared Harry would turn out to be, uncontrollable, un-mouldable, and unmovable, magically powerful and quite frankly…a force to be reckoned with.

"It's a scary thought isn't it? That the wee one sleeping up there will have enough political clout to do anything he wants." said Minerva.

"It is," said Severus.

"Yeah," replied Remus.

"Raise them right and they will take the world by storm, a storm we probably need to bring us into a new age." Lucius said, "Now if you'll excuse me…I must get home to my son, who has demanded I read to him tonight…"

A scream had them all jumping out their seats, Severus bolted for the stairs, taking them two at a time to get to Harry.

Chapter 33

Curious Questions

Severus skidded to a halt outside Harry's door before opening it, without too much force not wanting to scare Harry especially if he'd just been roused by a nightmare. He had been expecting this and worse for some time now, he was surprised it had taken so long if he was honest. He'd expected nightmares from the moment he was rescued, but Harry seemed quite a deep settled sleeper. Regaining his bearings, his face impassive, so not to scare Harry, he walked into the room. Harry was sitting up his entire body shaking as if he had the chills. Sitting himself next to Harry on the bed, facing him, he pressed his hand against that flushed skin, finding it not just sleep warm but abnormally warm. He had a fever, how could it have gotten so bad so quickly?

"Do you feel sick little one?" asked Severus, as Harry leaned in against his cold hands, he'd barely just gotten back before Harry had screamed. He was relieved he'd been here, Harry was getting used to Minerva, but enough to want her when he was sick.

"M'sorry," slurred Harry, his green eyes glinting with fear.

Severus frowned again, how long had Harry been sick? This was too advanced for him just to have gotten this way in a few hours. Which meant Harry had been hiding it, he would have to come up with some suitable words for the child, make sure he understood it was wrong to hide his illnesses or sickness. He would get there with him, it would take time and that was all he had these days. He could only imagine why Harry was apologizing, no doubt the Dursley's would have locked him away if he was sick.

"Sirius do not go in there." Severus heard Minerva say, in a rare possessive move, she sounded sterner than he'd ever heard her before.

"How is he?" asked Sirius, entering the room, ignoring Minerva's words altogether. The scream had made all the memories of the first few days in Azkaban come flashing back. Before his own had begun to mix in with everyone else's.

Harry whimpered, his shaking becoming even more pronounced as he tried to get to the other side of the bed. Severus wouldn't let him, he was sick enough without ending up falling on the cold floor. He was extremely irritated, why could the bloody man never do a single thing he was told. Harry didn't like or trust him yet, so why must he continuously push the boundaries?

"Leave, and if I have to tell you again it will not be just out of the room." threatened Severus, his voice deceptively soft, he did not want to scare Harry. Removing the covers causing Harry to begin shivering even more violently, he picked him up, placing a warming charm on his cloak he wrapped it around the sweat soaked child. He swiftly left the child's room and took Harry to his bedroom, and through the bathroom.

"Can I get you anything, Severus?" enquired Minerva, her voice uncommonly soft, as it always was when near her godson.

"Ask the House-Elves to get the junior potions bag, and will you retrieve one of Harry's onesies? His favourite is the bear one you got him and his purple dragon. Place everything on the bed I'll be back as soon as I have him cleaned up and settled." said Severus, glad that he had brewed potions for children specifically. Harry loved that purple dragon, Lucius knew that and was smug about that little fact. Then again what child didn't like dragons? Draco was absolutely fascinated by them, he had been named well…or perhaps it was because he was named after them that he was so spellbound.

"Of course," said Minerva, moving at once to do as Severus asked. Once she was in Harry's room she called for a House-Elf kindly asking them to retrieve their Master's junior Potions kit. Thank Merlin Severus was such a meticulous man, since there would be no delay in getting Harry well again. Opening drawers at random, trying to find his nightwear, but thankfully there wasn't many drawers and it didn't take long to find his pyjamas. She noticed Severus must have bought more onesies, since there was more than just the ones she had bought. Her lips twitched, a panda, a tiger, a cow designed perhaps she should get someone magical to make a few. Perhaps a dragon one, since Harry seemed to adore them so much. She had connections to both the magical and Muggle clothing industry, well tartan industry, through her family. She doubted Harry would care for tartan so perhaps something new was in order to expand the business.

"Lady Minerva, here is the potions kit." said the House-Elf handing it over, feeling bad for interrupting her thoughts but with little Master being ill he didn't want to delay. The news always spread quickly amongst the House-Elves, since nobody paid much attention to them it was quite easy to be overlooked.

"Thank you, Flippy," said Minerva taking the bag, the bear onesie clutched in her hand. She left Harry's bedroom, before backtracking and plucked the soft cuddly dragon from the bed. She wasn't surprised when she entered Severus' bedroom that they were still in the bathroom, steam would open up Harry's passages, if he was congested but she had no idea what was wrong, she would soon enough she imagined. Placing the requested items on the bed, she quietly left the room, and made her way back down the stairs and into the living room.

"Nightmare?" asked Lucius, the scream had brought back a lot of unpleasant memories from his youth, ones he didn't like dwelling on at all.

"Brought on by a fever, he's quite sick," said Minerva, continuing her conversation despite the fact Sirius and Remus had came back in.

"He was perfectly fine earlier wasn't he?" said Lucius genuinely surprised, Severus wouldn't have come out if Harry had been sick. Even if it was something as simple as a cold. Not even if it was something as important as the Horcruxes, he knew that, he had known Severus for a very long time. Sometimes he knew Severus better than the wizard knew himself. Just like he knew that Severus was the perfect candidate to raise Harry without him being shadowed in the whole 'Boy-Who-Lived' business. Yes it was part of who Harry was, but it wasn't all of him, and he shouldn't be raised as a hero, but a normal young boy. To think Severus had worried he wouldn't see Harry for looking at the ghost of his father? Perhaps if he'd been older, cheekier, but no, this was just a little boy, and nobody could possibly hate him.

"He seemed to be, I didn't notice anything." said Minerva, quite disappointed in herself, how could she have failed to notice Harry was sick? Unless it had come on very sudden, she found she would prefer it that way, than the thought she was failing as a godmother.

"He was fine, I didn't sense any fever." said Remus, sitting down putting his own two Knuts into the conversation.

"I have a question," said Sirius, out of the blue, and much more intensely than he expected.

Three sets of eyes landed on him, making Sirius fidget slightly, after so long in Azkaban he was still getting used to talking and being taken seriously.

"Well? Contrary to popular belief, its impossible to read minds when one refuses to look at you." sneered Lucius, unable to curb his natural habit when someone was wasting his time. "So why don't you ask the question that's so obviously plaguing your mind?"

"It's about the Horcruxes, how will you know when they are all gone? I mean there's no real way to stop him coming back is there?" said Sirius, his blue eyes showing his fears and worries.

"Actually we will know," said Lucius arching an eyebrow unimpressed, this was supposed to be an Auror? He evidently didn't use his brain often enough.

"How?" asked Sirius baffled, sitting forward as if to better hear what the blonde had to say.

"The mark," admitted Lucius tersely. "When all the Horcruxes are destroyed, there will be nothing holding his 'spirit' to the earth, it will perish along with the last Horcrux leaving us free for good this time."

"Are you sure about that?" asked Sirius thoughtfully.

"As sure as we can be about them, Black, since nobody has ever created so many of them." replied Lucius, they were all in uncharted waters, all hoping for the best. Since Severus and himself had gone over every possible angle, and read all the books they could on the subject, which admittedly wasn't much. They had come to this conclusion, and it was more than likely how it would go down. As soon as the final Horcrux was destroyed the Dark Lord's soul would likely wither up and die, taking with him the Dark Marks adorning their pale flesh. Without the Horcruxes he would no longer be immortal, nothing anchoring the remains of his soul to earth.

"How many do you think there are?" asked Sirius.

"Honestly? I don't know." Lucius added bitterly.

Back To Harry and Severus

Severus sat Harry in the warm water, his body was floppy and lethargic, and he wondered briefly what on earth was wrong. At least he was healed completely from what the Dursley's had done, and his magical core patched up, so whatever he had, would clear up without a problem. A few months ago he wouldn't have survived if he had ended up sick. He couldn't believe Harry was apologizing for being sick, children normally complained and whined when they were ill. Easing his body down, Severus efficiently washed Harry's hair, once the shampoo was rinsed out he lifted Harry from the bathwater and carried him through to his bedroom. Laying him out, he spelled Harry's hair and skin dry, and getting him into his onesie.

Non-verbally he spelled back his covers, and placed Harry in the middle of the bed. Moving to the side, he grabbed the small blue bag, and opened it up. The vials were smaller than the usual ones; filled with potions for children, measured to the exact amount they were allowed. If he didn't get better in a few days, he would ask Lucius to send his healer over; just to be sure it was nothing serious. Easing his hand around Harry's small neck, he poured a Fever reducer and a dreamless sleeping draught down his throat. Harry was, it seemed, to be at least marginally aware enough to swallow them. Not that he remained so for long, as the sleeping draught had him drifting off into Morpheus' arms.

Plucking the dragon from the end of his bed, he tucked it into Harry's arms before throwing the covers over him. Tucking him tightly in, so he remained warm. The shivering had stopped, he seemed very much at peace right now, and that could only be a good sign. Sighing softly in relief, he placed the potion kit in the desk drawer before reluctantly getting up and leaving the room. He couldn't prevent his worry even if he tried, yet he knew he would be well again in a few days.

Severus stalked down the stairs, aware that the others were probably worried about Harry. His ears picked up on the talk of the Horcruxes, as he entered the sitting room, all talk ceased. "How is he?" asked Lucius, concerned.

"He'll be fine, I've given him a fever reducing draught as well as something to help him sleep, hopefully that will take care of it." stated Severus sitting down, "What got you talking about Horcruxes?" he enquired further.

"You heard?" asked Minerva completely surprised.

Severus threw her a smug smirk, of course he heard as a spy he'd learned to eavesdrop and listen when he could. It was a trait that had served him well, made sure his position had remained uncompromised especially for compartmentalised information he shouldn't know about. It had also got him into trouble, he had overhead a prophecy, although he hadn't exactly needed to listen since Trelawney's voice had been hoarse and quite loud. It was something he wished he could take back with all of his being, unfortunately it wasn't possible. He would just have to live with what he did, and he prayed Harry didn't hate him when he was older for his actions that day. How was he supposed to know his report would cause the death of someone he held most dear? He hadn't otherwise he wouldn't have said a word; he would have Obliviated himself before allowing that to happen.

"Black wanted to know how we would be sure we had them all," stated Lucius.

"Our speculation is that without immortality the Dark Lord wouldn't be able to linger on the mortal plain." said Severus immediately, "He would die and with it any magic he cast would die with him, most assuredly the Dark Mark at any rate. It all but faded when he was defeated, and it has steadily gotten thinner and lighter with each Horcrux that is destroyed."

"Really?" Lucius muttered in surprised, his silver eyes wider than normal - that was news to him. Then again he didn't like looking at it any more than he had to. It was a mistake he had regretted deeply, especially when he became a father, he didn't think he could feel any different if his son was a squib. Draco was Draco, his son, his flesh and blood, although he was extremely happy that he was a wizard. Although he couldn't quite say that for sure, since Draco was a wizard and not a squib. It was easier to say one thing than live it.

"Yes," replied Severus wryly.

"Do you think Harry is ready to meet a child his own age?" enquired Lucius, from where he was perched on the chair.

"Bring Draco at the weekend, and we will find out." said Severus. "If it doesn't go well then we will leave it for another month at least."

"Draco is extremely excited, he told me that he would help make 'Harry all better' it was rather amusing." said Lucius, his lips twitching a fond look crossing his face. There could be no denying that Lucius Malfoy loved his son.

"How is Narcissa?" asked Sirius, she'd always been his second favourite cousin, his first definitely had to be Andromeda, even as children he hadn't been able to stand Bellatrix. Well that was a lie, she had been alright them they were both three or four years old, it was only as they grew older did they realize there was a screw missing somewhere in her head. The adults has as well, and kept her from the public, all the while drawing up contracts to have her married off to someone who could 'control' her as he'd overheard. They had chosen another respected pureblood, by their definition someone dark and appreciating of the Dark Arts. Thus that was how she'd came to be betrothed to Lestrange, Narcissa to Malfoy and Andy had refused a contract, and her parents had decided to let her choose. Not that they liked who she had chosen in the end, and stuck her from the family tree. His parents hadn't set up prospective marriages, it was the only decent thing they'd done.

"She's very well," Lucius replied, "At a loose end now with Draco being tutored during the day."

Severus smiled almost sadly, he put it all too well without revealing anything. Without someone to baby all day she was dwelling on the fact she couldn't have another child more often. Unfortunately Lucius wouldn't take his advice; the unknown was quite frankly terrifying for the proud purebloods. Muggle Doctors he was afraid was considered very unknown, they wouldn't consider it despite the fact it would get them what they dearly wished for. Perhaps he should try and come up with a spell equivalent and try it out, see what happened or a potion - it wouldn't be a quick one either. This project would take a great deal of time, since he didn't have much it may take longer.

Sirius nodded, not sure what else to say, feeling extremely awkward now.

"How do you think Harry will react to another child?" wondered Minerva.

"Not very well I'd imagine, the only other children he was around seemed to think it was alright to beat him." scowled Severus, just remembering the first time he'd glimpsed Harry. The poor child had been curled up in a ball, trying to fend off the blows, protect himself the best he was able with them being so much stronger than him. It would take a while for Harry to get used to Draco, that much he was positive about, he couldn't keep Harry completely secluded. Otherwise it would make everything much harder for him, but he would be letting Harry know about Draco and that he wouldn't hurt him.

"I just wished I had gone to see him, even just once to check on him." confessed Minerva, filled with deep bone aching regret.

"Don't we all?" muttered Severus darkly.

"What would Albus have done if the worst had happened?" Minerva spat bitterly. Merlin she hated the old fool, it took her every ounce of her composure to stop herself going after him. To make him feel even an ounce of what Harry had gone through for four years, and then let him see how if felt to live without his magic. "Do you think he wanted Harry to die there?"

"No, if he wanted Harry dead…he would have ensured he did that night it happened, blamed it on the Dark Lord insisting nobody had survived him." replied Lucius.

"He couldn't have even if he wanted to, I saw him right after the attack," Sirius pointed out.

"At that point your fate was sealed." snorted Severus, "He's right, Dumbledore had no intentions of letting Harry die, the fact he did just means he miscalculated in his mind not mine." he added solely for Minerva who had opened her mouth to protest heavily.

Sirius shuddered; he didn't even want to listen to what they were saying.

"I think we can all safely say we are grateful to you," said Remus, the words in the pensive ringing around his mind. Two weeks was how long Harry would have survived without intervention. If Severus hadn't come across him…Harry would already be dead, and that just left him feeling as though a ghost was continuously driven through him. To be honest, given the state Harry had been in, two weeks was probably not entirely accurate, it made him sick. Thank Merlin it was just a pensive memory, if he'd actually seen Harry that way…he definitely wouldn't have been able to control his stomach. Or the contents that would have rapidly make a reappearance.

"I didn't do it for you," said Severus, not being cold about it but nonetheless truthful. Lucius let out a small huff of laughter, and Minerva had to quickly suppress the smile - it was nice to see some things just didn't change.

Remus grinned bemused; he'd had a funny feeling the reply would be something like that.

"Speaking of sons, I really must depart, otherwise I will have a very unhappy son in the morning," said Lucius dryly, and that's exactly what Severus was a father, to a son.

"I'll see you at the weekend then," answered Severus, watching Lucius stand and make his way towards the fireplace.

"You most assuredly will," replied Lucius. "I'll Floo sometime tomorrow to see how he is."

Severus nodded grimly.

6 AM - The Wizengamot Meeting

Lucius sat stiffly in his chair, facing the crowd of Wizards and Witches, all Wizengamot members. Since there was no court in session, they didn't have on those hideous plum robes. He Wizengamot was higher up than the Minister, all ideas went through these people and either agreed or disagreed with. Most of them were really old, with grandchildren or great-grandkids attending Hogwarts. He was probably by far the youngest one here. The fact Dumbledore was still there, told Lucius that the Department of Law enforcement hadn't acted yet, and he wondered briefly if they were delaying it. He obviously hadn't been told yet, otherwise he wouldn't be at this meeting, and he would be making sure nothing could touch him. With so many connections, he was very surprised nobody had told him, but it was being kept very quiet.

"Are there any new motions anyone wishes to put forward…if not I suggest…" asked Albus Dumbledore, chief warlock of the Wizengamot. His eyes twinkling brightly, as he looked around at the seated members. His eyes bypassing certain members he did not like at all, those more inclined towards the Dark Arts, he wasn't too obvious about it but letting the people know he thought they were insignificant at the same time.

"If I may, I do have a proposal I would very much like to see pushed forth." interrupted Lucius silkily, after reading to his son he had stayed up for hours drawing up rough drafts to present to them. Not spending too much time on it, just in case they dismissed it entirely. If they did, he would wait a while, bribe a few pockets and put it forth again. He wasn't a wizard who liked the word denied or no being thrown his way.

"Of course," said Dumbledore, his smile becoming fixed and his eyes twinkling a little less, as he was forced to face Voldemort's right hand man.

"I would like to propose we build a children's home for children who have lost their parents, or the parents have been found to be…lacking parental instincts." suggested/demanded Lucius, his lip curling at the thought. "With it create a department in the Ministry that deals with it, all magical children should know about their world. They should be immediately removed from the Muggle orphanages and brought here. There are potions that would give them attributes of their adoptive parents; it will help the dying bloodlines as well. I know of several witches who cannot have children of their own and I think they would be willing to contribute to the endeavour along with my own input."

"It looks like you've really thought this through," said Cornelius looking through the pages that had been provided for them to read. Copied of course, and passed along the table, allowing fifty of the Wizengamot to read what Lucius had proposed.

"I did," confirmed Lucius smoothly. "I am prepared to continue this venture turning it private if the Wizengamot and Ministry are unwilling." which would mean more money donated elsewhere instead of at the Ministry, something they wouldn't be able to conceive. He knew what to say to get them to agree to whatever he was doing.

"There is no need for that," said Cornelius immediately, money signs flashing across his face. "I'm sure everyone here would like to look at the proposal properly and give an answer without being hasty."

"I personally think the idea isn't a very good one," said Albus, speaking up. What was Lucius Malfoy up to? There had to be a reason for this, he didn't do anything out of the goodness of his heart. Was he actually hoping Harry would end up in the orphanage so he could adopt him? Well he was in for a shock if he ever thought he would let that happen, never in a million years would he let Harry within touching distance of Lucius Malfoy. He refused to believe the boy was dead, not even for a second, he would shop up sooner or later - he had a destiny to complete after all. "So many magical children in one area is a bad move, it would get the Muggles in the area suspicious. There is nowhere it could go in the magical districts."

"The area I have in mind is perfectly secluded." stated Lucius, arching an eyebrow. He had been unsure how Dumbledore would respond to his proposal. On one hand he thought perhaps he would be furious that it had been him to propose it, or be furious with the idea on a whole since it was mostly Muggle-Borns that seemed to adore the ground he walked on. If they were in the magical world for years before Hogwarts, there would be less fawning at the fact he was who he said he was. Not that Dumbledore would be around then of course, he would get the last laugh.