Chapter Text
Part two
“Mr. Snape, you are needed.” The female voice woke him instantly and he jerked upright.
Where was he? The small goblin beside his bed reminded him of the events of the last few hours.
Lily was gone.
Never to return. And he was alone, except he wasn’t really. Gazing over at the first bed, he saw Harry curled up around his pillow, still fast asleep. “How long was I down, Madame Ponsby?”
“Just an hour, Mr. Snape. Griphook here has come to take you to the Senior Director’s office. Dobby and the little one may stay here while you continue on with business.” She patted his hand where it laid on the blanket. “I expect our ritual chamber will be needed to fix the problems found. The Mystic Guild will be preparing it now.”
“Harry is all right though?” He flung off the blanket and stood up, wavering for a moment before sitting down again to put on his shoes.
“The little one will not know you are gone, I promise.” She snapped her fingers and the bed remade itself. “I told them to have breakfast waiting for you and I want you to eat as much as you can. You’re borderline anemic and at least 30 pounds underweight.”
For a moment, she sounded like Poppy Pomfrey from his school years. He was always under nourished during his teens. “Yes, I will, Madame.”
“Good. Here is Griphook. He will take you on.”
Severus bowed to her before moving towards the door but coming to a stop and looking around. “Oh, Dobby? Are you alright?”
“Dobby is good, Master. Healer fix me up.”
Severus looked at Ponsby questioningly. She replied. “Dobby is anemic also and several bones hadn’t healed correctly so I mended them. The depressed skull fracture had affected part of his brain so he will be much more coherent now.”
“Oh, good. Dobby, I’m glad you’re feeling better. Please help watch over Harry.”
“Dobby will do.” The little elf hopped off his bed and moved to the foot of the child’s bed.
Severus returned his attention to Griphook and followed behind him. I wonder what the Senior Director could want. The Potter Estate or the horcrux or what? And what about Black, where is he and what is he doing? Following Griphook, he found they were going even deeper into Gringott’s. He smelled stone and ancient wood with hints of musky herbs. Hardened leather shields hung on the walls with polished oaken spears crossed over them.
They stopped at a black door with a silver dragon in Celtic design traced upon it. Griphook knocked twice and the door opened wide. Severus stepped in wide eyed. Instead of a dark, dungeon-like room, it had a light, almost airy feel. Paneled with pale maple, the ceiling was stone inlaid with sparkling crystals reflecting the torch light. The furniture looked comfortable albeit simple in the same light maple.
The goblin behind the desk was imposing with a gaze that caught his for a long moment. “Welcome, Mr. Snape. I am Ragnok.”
He immediately bowed while never losing eye contact. “I thank you for your council, Senior Manager Ragnok.”
“Please sit and call me Ragnok. We need no titles for these negotiations. There are too many factors at play at this moment in time. Brexit has explained the situation to this point and Elder Mellic is eager to go horcrux hunting. The decisions made today will be a start only, for players beyond our control are still making a mess up top.” His voice was low pitched and faintly growly.
“Thank you. Please call me Severus.” Severus sat next to Brexit and nodded a greeting to him and the Elder goblin. “I feel Harry should be our main focus for now. He needs to be well, have a safe place to live, and people who love him. Has Black been found yet?”
“Mr. Black has not been found but he has left a trail of destruction behind him. An alert from the Aurors was received a few moments ago, declaring him an oath-breaker and murderer.”
“But what of Pettigrew? He was the one who betrayed the Potters.”
“Supposedly he is dead along with 12 Muggles in a sewer main explosion.” Brexit grimaced. “We are maintaining a watch on the Ministry in case they have Black. We can provide council at his trial when needed.”
“Alright, that seems to be solved for now. What about the horcrux and can it be safely removed from Harry’s scar?” Severus looked over at Mellic.
“Safely, yes, easily no but then I enjoy a good battle.” The older goblin rubbed his hands together and smiled. “The Mystic Guild has a nice crystal skull they found in Peru a decade ago. Its harmonic matrix is perfect to temporarily house the soul fragment and its fellows when we find them.”
Severus had a million questions and wasn’t sure how to start asking them. “I – I would like it done quickly before much time passes. Madame Ponsby said it could taint his magic core. Oh, and that was another thing. Someone has bound his core and that needs to be unbound.”
“She found yours bound as well, Severus.” Ragnok pursed his lips and took in Severus’ gobsmacked expression. “It was most likely done when you were at Hogwarts and before you took the dark mark. We’ll book you in for an unbinding as well.”
“I don’t suppose you could break the Dark Lord’s curse mark, too?” Severus sighed. “I was a fool for ever believing in his lies.”
Mellic perked up even more. “I’ve been trying to get my hands on one of his followers for years. Let me take a look.” He leapt from his chair and circled around to Severus’ left side.
Severus started unbuttoning the cuff of his shirt and rolling back his sleeve. Mellic placed a hand on either side of the disfiguring tattoo and seemed to go into a trance.
“That may take a while, Severus.” Ragnok chuckled. “Mellic does enjoy a good mystery curse. Are there others, do you think, who would like to be rid of the dark mark?”
“Many, Ragnok. He recruited heavily from those graduating Hogwarts over the last six years. After the disrespect accorded Slytherins during our Hogwarts years, he promised us respect. For me, it was his backing for research in all fields, not just the Potions he promised me, and safety from encroaching muggles.” He rubbed his temple and wished he had a pain draught.
“We promised Ponsby we’d make you eat something.” Ragnok leaned closer. “She can be quite fierce when not obeyed.” He beckoned to Griphook to bring over a covered tray from a side table. Removing the cover, a teapot, chocolate pot, a rack of buttered toast, a dish of several cut up fruits, a dish of scrambled eggs, with cups and plates upon which to put a bit of everything.
Severus’ stomach grumbled loudly and he blushed. Mellic’s talon like finger was tracing the hideous snake. “Interesting curse. You realize it is connected directly to your core. He has been leeching magic from you since he placed it onto your arm. One thread goes to your heart so he could easily drain you dry before killing you.”
Severus looked at him in despair. “He said it would call us to him and help us concentrate on our specialties in our work for him. Mine was potions based, he said. And I believed him. I’ve had several breakthroughs in inventing potions for my Mastery.”
“Interesting, young man, but surely you realize it did nothing your brilliant brain wasn’t already capable of. Don’t you have your Mastery now?” Mellic let go and sniffed. “Mangos, I’ve been waiting for them.”
Severus began to roll down his sleeve. Mellic stopped him. “Don’t bother, Severus, I’ll be taking care of that when I undo your core block. It will hurt a great deal but I think you’re used to pain.”
Their eyes met and Severus gave a jerky nod. “I can endure but will it hurt Harry to get his curse scar removed?”
“No, we’ll put him into dreamless slumber before it comes out. It hasn’t been there long enough to protest too badly, unlike yours which has been there for several years. Since it will be the first I’ve ever removed, you’ll need to be awake and aware while I do it. The hazards of being first.” Mellic patted his arm before moving to the tray and selecting a bowl in which to put his mangos.
Severus sat there stunned into immobility. His greatest mistake could be healed. It would mean he could care for Harry and not have to stay away from him because of the danger. But the goblins did nothing without cost. “How much will it cost to break my curse and Harry’s?”
Ragnok chuckled. “The Potter Estate will pay the 10,000 galleons for his curse scar to be removed but we shall not charge for the use of the crystal skull. Your mark’s curse will be the first ever broken so we will discount the rite to just 5,000 galleons. The removal of the core blocks will be taken care of at the same time. A 100 galleons each will suffice.”
“Thank you, Ragnok that will leave me enough to take care of Harry.” Severus poured a cup of tea and dished out some eggs and two pieces of toast. He was suddenly ravenous.
“The Potter Estate will pay 500 galleons a month towards the boy’s upkeep. And the property will be maintained by the Estate as well.” Brexit informed him before pouring some hot chocolate into his mug. “Save your money for your potion research. For now, eat up so we can get on with our tasks.”
Severus savored a bite of warm toast then a bite of buttery eggs; he kept alternating until both were gone. The tea went down after, still piping hot from the pot. He needed more sleep but that could wait until Harry was completely safe and healed. He did wonder what kind of block Dumbledore had placed on him during his school years. Would he have been able to do more if his core had been at full strength? Somehow he thought that might have been the point to blocking his potential since he was only a Slytherin and couldn’t be allowed to outdo the Headmaster’s Gryffindors.
Another knock on the door, interrupted his musings. The diminutive goblin who entered seemed almost childlike but her voice was soft and soothing, rather like Madame Ponsby. “We are ready, Ragnok, when the humans are. Who goes first?”
“Severus, you or young Harry?” Ragnok asked.
“Harry first, please. I will endure better knowing he is free of the curse and blockage.” He finished his tea and began to get up.
“We thought so and the child is in our ritual chamber now. The house elf is with him.” The small goblin eyed him. “Come with me and you can watch your child during the ritual. Elder Mellic, are you ready now?”
“Yes, yes, I’ve finished off the mangos.” The elder goblin wiped his hands free of the juice and arose from his chair. “Ragnok, you’ll need a sleeping room for the two of them once the rituals are complete. They will need restful sleep once they are curse free. Probably near the healers, since Ponsby will want to monitor them as long as she can.”
Severus smiled. “I think all healers are the same, Elder. They always want to watch over their patients even if they are completely healed and eager to leave.”
“Ha – exactly, young man. And the older you get, the more they want to watch you.” Mellic beckoned to Severus and he followed behind the curse breaker. The route became even narrower and the stone walls darker. Severus wondered if it was granite because an occasional vein of lighter material ran along the wall about waist level on him.
The scents here reminded him of a Catholic church he’d once hidden in after a tortuous session with the Dark Lord. He’d almost splinched himself and ended up stumbling into the church. He’d hidden there for most of an evening while getting his trembling under control. The scent of the incense had stayed with him and that’s exactly what it smelled like here.
An archway broke the monotony of wall and he followed the pair of goblins within. The space opened up into a chamber of polished stone. The floor, walls, and ceiling were all black onyx and the light from the torches splintered into an amazing display of light. Etched into the floor were runes upon runes, all rippling out from the center to the edges.
Harry seemed very small lying at the exact center. He was sound asleep and looked quite at peace amid the gathering goblins. Mellic went into a side room and Severus heard splashing sounds. The Potions Master moved around the outside walls until he stood by Dobby, who was watching the ritual setup with wide eyes.
He knelt down beside the small elf. “Dobby, when Harry is healed and unbound, I’d like you to watch him while I take my place within the circle. The goblins think they can break the curse of the dark mark. It’s the only way Harry would be safe with me. We’ll be staying here overnight so Healer Ponsby can watch over us.”
“Dobby watch and guard, Master Harry and you.” Dobby nodded earnestly.
“I trust you, Dobby.” Severus patted the small shoulder and stood back up.
Mellic appeared in a white robe with a headband of gold in which a glowing emerald crystal rested above his eyes. Four others followed him, dressed the same but with different colored crystals. They filed onto the five stars set between the runes with Mellic at Harry’s head. The toddler looked so small upon the stark black floor.
Mellic began a low chant, which was slowly added to by his companions. When the chanting began to get louder, another goblin entered holding a crystalline skull before him. He walked slowly around the circle until he reached an altar of black basalt, which Severus hadn’t even noticed before then. The skull was placed on the altar and the goblin bowed once to the skull, and once to Mellic before completing the circle and disappearing back into the side room.
“Shi-asta,” Mellic intoned.
“Rok-sog,” the other said back.
Harry’s body jerked and on his forehead, the scar burst open with a shriek, while a black mist flowed angrily out to hover in the air above his small head. Blood slowly trickled out of the scar but Severus watched the mist dart at Mellic.
“Co-spir-tok,” Mellic said firmly and with one swift motion, he flung the mist at the crystal skull. It flowed into the clear crystal, making it tremble on the altar before settling down.
The goblins chanted for another long moment then silently moved away from the runes to the side chamber. Severus wanted to go to Harry but hesitated in case he shouldn’t cross the runes. But the littlest goblin confidently crossed and picked the baby up, bringing him across to Severus before going to the altar and lifting the skull away, carrying it to the side chamber as well.
The potion master accepted Harry and held him close, hastily taking out a handkerchief to wipe away the blood from the scar. But once the blood was blotted away, the small forehead showed a tiny pale white scar. He looked in awe at the healing.
“That will heal quickly. I have a salve that will disappear what’s left.” He hugged the child and kissed the spot. “Thank Gaia for her blessing.”
“Thank Gaia,” Dobby echoed.
“Master Snape, is everything alright?” Brexit had been a silent witness for the ritual and he had edged around the walls to greet them.
“Everything is amazing, Manager Brexit. He looks like it never happened.” Severus said gratefully. “I will never be able to thank all of you enough.”
“We are a part of Magic's world as well, Master Snape. I would like it if you would simply call me Brexit. We are going to be working very closely together for the next few decades.” The manager said simply.
“I would like that, Brexit. Please call me Severus.” The young man nodded. “If – no when Elder Mellic removes the cursed mark on my arm, I will be able to freely accept your help and guidance for myself and Harry.”
“Done, Severus.” Brexit smiled. “I believe you are up next. Healer Ponsby is waiting outside this ritual space for Harry. He should not be here for the breaking of your curse.”
“Of course, Dobby will you take Harry out to the Healer and stay with him until I return?” Severus kissed the tiny forehead once more and breathed a prayer to Gaia before gently placing him within Dobby’s arms.
“Dobby watch and guard.” The small elf nodded and slowly made his way out of the chamber with a greeting to the healer once they were out of sight.
“Master Snape, would you please remove your robe and shirt?” Mellic had rejoined them, still dressed in his white robe. He placed two white candles onto the altar and with a wave of his hand, they lit up. “Come to the altar and lay your arm here.”
Brexit motioned that he would hold Severus’ clothes and the young man quickly disrobed. The altar was rough and icy cold to the touch but it could have been burning lava and he would still have gladly placed the marked arm upon it.
Mellic was muttering incantations while passing a dagger through the left candle flame, then through the right. Severus waited quietly while silently saying an entreaty to Gaia for the curse to be broken. He realized he’d closed his eyes when a sharp hot pain shot through his forearm. Gritting his teeth, he endured the searing heat. His blood hit the altar with a hiss that sounded like parseltongue.
Maybe it was, he wondered while panting in oxygen, Voldemort had used the hissing speech when placing the tattoo. Mellic was calling his name and his eyes opened in time to see a geyser of blood spurt from this arm onto the altar.
A sharp pain in his chest overrode all other sensations and he remembered the curse was connected to his heart. Voldemort won, was his last conscious thought as he slid to the floor.
***
“Master Snape, you must wake up and eat something.” A soft hand patted his and he blinked up at the ceiling. “That’s right, young man. Look at me now so I can see you’re tracking alright.”
His head moved on the soft pillow and Madame Ponsby came into view. Memory came rushing back and he lifted his left arm, only to find a bandage wrapped from wrist to elbow. “Did it . . . is it . . .”
“Mellic will be quite insufferable for some time with his success. I believe they have a King of Curses title that moves around the curse breaker circle. The young ones will be jealous but that just means they’ll try harder to learn more and be the next one to win the title.” She rolled her eyes then smiled at him. “It’s gone and so is the block on your core. You’ll be surprised how much more power you’ll be able to exert now. I expect new potions from you, young man.”
He blushed. “I will bring them straight to you, Madame. And anything you need, I’ll gladly research.”
“Excellent, now that you’re awake, I’m going to throw you out. Griphook is waiting to guide you to Harry and your room for the evening. I have requested a large dinner to be served there and I want you to eat as much as you can. The ritual took a lot of energy from you and you need to replenish it.”
“Yes, Madame, I shall.” Severus sat up and swayed at the blood rushing to his head. “Oh!”
“Easy, now, take it slowly. I gave you a blood replenishment potion right after the ceremony but I think another one would not go amiss.” She gestured and a small blue vial came to her hand. She handed it to him and he uncapped it before drinking it down.
Nasty tasting but right now, nothing could faze him. He was free of the mark and the servitude. He’d thought he had nothing but bitterness to live and now he was reborn into a life of possibilities. Gaining his feet, he reached out his hands and grasped one of hers between them. “I am in your debt, Madame. Thank you for all you’ve done for me and for Harry.”
“It was my pleasure, young man.” She patted him with her free hand. “Keep the bandage on overnight. You should be able to remove it to bathe in the morning. At which time you shall eat an enormous breakfast before going back to work with Brexit and perhaps, Ragnok.”
He smiled and bowed to her before turning back to the doorway, where Griphook was waiting. The goblin led him down a side hall that quickly led to a series of human sized doors with landscape paintings on the walls. When Griphook knocked on the second door on the right, it was opened by a grinning Dobby.
“Thank you, Griphook. At what time would Brexit be available?” Severus asked.
“He shall be available when you are ready, Master Snape. Just speak into the mirror, here.” He motioned to a square mirror beside the door. “Say his name and someone will come to get you. In the morning, ask for your breakfast and it will be delivered. Madame Ponsby will check and know how much you eat. Dinner will be delivered shortly.”
“Thank you and good night, Griphook.” Severus nodded tiredly.
“Good night, Sir.” He left, closing the door behind him.
“Dobby, how is Harry?” He walked to the white crib where Harry was sleeping.
“He sleeps all the time you gone.” The house elf joined him by the crib. “He feels calm and happy.”
“He will still grieve the loss of his parents. That will take time to heal.” Severus thought of his own grief and knew time alone would make the pain less.
A knock at the door, sent Dobby scooting over to open it. A goblin walked in with a heavy tray, putting it down on the round table in the corner. With a bow, he left them. Dobby took off the cloth and revealed an amazing dinner of beef, potatoes, broccoli, salad, and several slices of chocolate torte. Two bottles were cradled in a stone crock for Harry if he should waken.
“Dobby, let’s both eat now before Harry wakes up. I think his hunger should kick in soon. I never want him to be hungry.” Severus remembered lots of time as a child when he was sent to bed without eating.
“Dobby eat, too?”
Severus smiled at him. “Yes, with me, right now. We’re going to need to work together over the next week. Setting up a home and making Harry comfortable will be my first focus. Then I need to set up a potion lab so I can start a mail order business to help support us.”
Dobby gingerly sat on the other chair and Severus made it grow up so he could reach the food more easily. “Thank you, Master Snape.”
“You’re welcome, Dobby. How do you feel?” Severus filled his plate and began eating. The beef was so tender it practically melted in his mouth.
Dobby put small portions on his plate. “Dobby is good, Master. Feel brand new.”
Severus smiled and swallowed. “I do too, Dobby. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”
Dobby nodded and took his first bite of the salad. They spent the next few moments eating as much as they could. Savoring the sweet taste of chocolate, Severus finished off a slice of the torte. Leaning back in his chair, he felt stuffed but in a good way. His head felt . . . balanced in a way he’d forgotten how to feel. The mark had ruled his more than just his soul but also his entire body.
A soft mutter came from the crib. He stood and moved over to see if Harry was awake. Green eyes stared back at him and he smiled. “Hello, Harry, how do you feel?”
A small hand patted his forehead and he smiled. “Owie gone. Hungy.”
“How about a warm bottle for now, little one?”
Harry sat and reached up his arms to Severus. “Pease.”
Severus picked him up and carried him over to the table. Dobby had one of the bottles warmed and handed it to the potion master. Harry’s eyes lit up and he reached for it. He was able to hold it himself so Severus cradled him close and rocked him a little. Dobby ate quietly beside them.
“Dobby, we will have a busy day tomorrow. We will be picking out a home for us, moving in, and getting settled.” He thought of all that needed doing.
“Home have elves?” Dobby asked.
“I don’t know. Probably not since Lily didn’t want any in the beginning. I think once Harry came, she might have changed her mind. Since my mark is gone, I should be able to manage one or two.” He’d have to test his power levels in the morning to see if he could sustain a bond. “The magic in the home might have been enough to keep one or two alive. James . . . wouldn’t have wanted harm to come to them so he might have loaned them out to friends.”
Harry finished his bottle and looked at the dinner table. “Whas dat?”
“Our dinner, Harry.” Severus cast a quick look at the dishes left on the table. “Would you like some mashed potatoes?”
“Pease,” Harry held out a small hand and the dish came rocketing over. Dobby caught it and held on with wide eyes. The little boy thought that was funny and he giggled. Severus sat him up and grabbed a spoon from his place setting.
“We’re going to have to talk about this, Harry, but not now.” Severus wondered if the block on his core might have been placed there for a reason. After four or five spoonful’s, Harry shook his head, no. “All right, Harry, let’s get you cleaned up so we can go to bed. I’m tired.”
“No tid.” Harry shook his head and peeked over at the little house elf. “P’ay now wit elfy.”
Severus sighed quietly. “Very well, Harry. But we need to clean off your dinner before you play. Dobby, is there a bathroom?”
“Here, Master Snape.” Dobby hopped off his chair and led the way into the bathroom. It was a marvel of green streaked marble with a splendid bathtub that Severus looked at longingly. But for now, he took a washcloth from the stack next to the sink and ran the water until it was warm but not too hot. Wiping off the little face so close to his, he chuckled at where the gravy had migrated.
Harry giggled too and patted his face. “Ah ceen.”
“Yes, all clean, Harry. Do you need to . . . “ he hesitated, what word would a baby know about pissing.
“Pee-pee now.” Harry informed him and Severus took him over to the toilet and helped him undress enough to free his tiny penis. The little boy peed for a little while before stopping. “Ah don now.”
“Good boy, let’s wash your hands then you and Dobby can play for a bit before bedtime.” Severus let Harry play for a moment with the warm water before drying him off and carrying him back into the bedroom. Conjuring a blue ball, he gave it to Dobby. “If you’ll look after him for a bit, I’m going to wash up for bed.”
But once in the bathroom, he realized he had nothing to change into for bed and nothing different to wear in the morning. Sticking his head out of the door, he asked, “Dobby, can you travel out of Gringott’s to Spinner’s End?”
The elf thought for a moment and shook his head no. “Wards too strong here.”
Severus sighed. “But you’ll be able to freshen up what I’m wearing in the morning?”
“Dobby can do.” And he rolled the ball back to Harry.
“Good,” Severus went back in and undressed to the skin. Turning on the faucets in the tub, he applied the stopper and made sure he had towels and washcloth on the side. Sniffing the liquid soap by the sink, he decided it would do. It smelled of roses and for a moment, he closed his eyes and thought of his mother who always wore that scent. Casting up a silent prayer for her soul, he got into the tub and for the first time in two days, he relaxed completely.
The hot water eased aches he hadn’t realized he had. The bandage around his arm was getting wet but for now, he decided to just let it be while he cleaned the rest of his body. Ducking under the still rising water, he worked up a lather and washed his hair. It had been awhile since he’d taken the time to wash it. He been brewing for a week for the contract with a small medical clinic in Oxford. It was his first mail order job and he’d been glad to get it. His mastery was still new and he knew St. Mungos wouldn’t even look at him until he had more of a reputation.
Rinsing all the soap off, he lay back and let his mind just drift. So much had happened and so much more was yet to be done. But he’d made a start, rescued a little boy, been relieved of a grievous curse, and could now think of a future most exceedingly bright. He smiled at the giggles from the other room. He would work hard now and make the most of the reprieve he’d been given.
He could definitely build a new life for himself and Harry. Starting tomorrow.
***