Chapter Text
Part 4
Severus suddenly stood in the foyer of what he hoped would be their new home. The floors were white marble and he immediately thought how dirty they would get once they started going in and out. The light was dim in this hall without windows. The walls beside them were paneled in a dark wood and sliding doors were partially open into the two front rooms. Movement in his arms reminded him of who he carried. “Are you alright, Harry?”
The little boy uncurled from his arms. “No like, Da-Sev. Go wound and wound.”
“I know, port keys take some getting used to. But on the bright side, we’re here in our new home. And it only took us a few moments to get here.” Severus smoothed a calming hand down his back.
With a pop, Dobby appeared before them. “We here?”
“I’d say so. Let’s look around and get acquainted with our new home.”
“Mr. Snape.” The low gravelly voice startled him and he turned quickly, wand out.
“Sorry to disturb you. I’m Warder Rocnell.” The goblin stared up at him.
Severus put his wand away and nodded. “Thank you, Warder Rocnell. Is there something I still need to do with the wards?”
“I’ll show you the ward stone then get on my way. Oh, there’s another house elf in the kitchen, he should probably come, too. That way you’re all included within the wards.” He led the way to the back and into a sunny room where an elf stood waiting for them.
“Lipit, Master Snape.” The small elf bowed to him.
“Welcome to our home, Lipit. Let’s take care of your vow now so we’ll be family before we complete the wards.” Severus and the elf exchanged vows with Harry joining in again.
Rocnell had the door to the basement from the kitchen open and they all trooped downstairs. The ceiling was high and Severus could see various rooms leading off the center stone hall. The ward room was on the right and the goblin opened the door to let them in. A simple five point star was inset with white tiles inlaid within the dark green tiles. The ward stone itself was veined granite of a purplish hue with runes on all sides.
The power in the room was amazing. Severus breathed in and felt it brush against him.
“I’ll be going now. You might want to take some time to study the ward stone.” The goblin almost smiled. “It’s a wonder.” Then he bowed and went back upstairs.
Without even hearing, the pop of apparation, Severus knew he was gone from the wards. He knelt by the stone, setting Harry down beside him. “Alright, Dobby and Lipit, please join us at the stone. I think we’ll introduce ourselves then I’ll seal them with the Fidelius. I am Severus Tobias Snape, Regent of House Potter.”
“I Hawwy Dames ‘otter.” Harry patted the stone and Severus felt a ripple in the wards.
“I am House Elf Dobby, sworn to Master Snape and Master Harry.”
“I be Lipit, sworn to Master Snape and Master Harry.”
Using a cutting charm to prick his and Harry’s finger, their blood dripped onto the top of the stone. The two house elves solemnly did the same and with a flash, their offering was accepted and Severus felt the shields raise up to cocoon them in their warmth and welcome.
Severus finished with the vow of Fidelius and he basked in the feelings of homecoming.
“Goo, Da-Sev. Fee’ goo.” Harry was looking at his healed finger.
“It does feel good, doesn’t it?” Severus dropped a kiss on the dark curls and stood. “Now that we’re safe, let’s go back upstairs. I need a cup of tea and I’d like to get to know you better, Lipit. Have you been out to the garden yet?”
Leading them up to the kitchen, Severus saw the stove wasn’t one he’d ever seen before. Dobby, however, went right over and turned it on. The tea kettle was filled at the sink and placed on the burner. Severus opened all the above cupboards while directing Harry to open the bottom doors. They quickly found the china and a miscellany of mixing bowls and several tins that Severus gingerly opened because who knew what he would find.
But one contained loose leaf tea that his nose deemed still good. Harry was still happily rooting through the lower cabinets, finding all kinds of pots and pans so Severus left him to his exploration while he searched for spoons. They still needed to go to the store for perishables but he wanted to sit down and just enjoy the feeling of home. It had been too long since he’d felt that emotion.
Everyone sat at the table as Severus poured tea for the grownups while Harry got a sippy cup with milk that Dobby had had the foresight to bring with them. Lipit was from a family in Wales who had fallen on hard times and had to give up their farm. He’d only been at the House Elf Bureau for a week when he’d been asked if he’d want to work for a potion master. He had taken a quick look outside and the garden was in pretty good shape for having been put in stasis in October more than forty years ago.
Severus nodded. “Tomorrow, I’ll come out and go over what needs to be done. I hope there’s a shed with gardening tools and pots and whatever else you need. Right now, we need to take a look over the house; pick where we will all sleep tonight; get to the store for food for the next two days; and unpack Harry’s furniture, clothes, and my clothes. Dobby, have you ever shopped for your old family?”
“No, Master Snape. I can cooks with this stove though.” Dobby looked downcast.
“Not to worry, Dobby. Let’s take a quick look around and choose our bedrooms then I’ll go to the store and pick up enough to tide us over. They may deliver for us once we start an account.” Severus set down his tea cup and pushed back from the table. “Let’s go upstairs now. The day is getting short.”
Harry stood on his chair and lifted his arms to Severus. “Cawwy, pease.”
The potion master picked him up and cuddled him close. “It’s all going to be alright, little one. Let’s explore.”
Harry giggled. “Plore!”
The elves followed behind them while they took quick looks into the rooms on either side of the center hall. Living room on one side, old fashioned parlor on the other, Severus mentally consigned the parlor furniture to the attic and softer furniture put in for a play room for Harry. Hoping the ground floor potion lab was up to his standards, he led the way up the graceful oaken staircase to the next floor. Directing the elves to open all the doors, he and Harry started looking in each one. The bedrooms were very old fashioned with four-poster beds in each with huge armoires and wing-back chairs by the fireplaces. The bathrooms were antiquated as well but the toilets all flushed and the water ran in all the taps so they would be fine.
Severus decided to take the garden side room at the end of the hall. It shared a bathroom with the bedroom on the other side and Harry liked the funny animals that were carved on the sides of the old fashioned trunk at the foot of the bed in that room. Once that was decided, they went up to the third floor to look at several rooms which had probably been servant quarters in Victorian times. Severus told the elves to pick out what ever rooms they wanted and to choose furniture for them.
Dobby and Lipit were wide-eyed at the generosity but Severus told them they were worth it. That sent them speechless and they all went back down stairs to the bedroom floor. Severus let Harry down so he could explore his new room and told him he’d be back in an hour. Harry waved bye and Dobby stayed with him. Lipit silently went back upstairs and Severus set off for the market.
Walking out the front door, he contemplated the front lawn and the wrought iron gates to Bury St. Ives. Moving to them, they parted with just a touch although the screech reminded him that oil would soon be needed. Stasis didn’t cure every symptom of time. The wards let him go reluctantly. That made him catch his breath but for now, he needed to get to the store. He knew the village was to the right so he followed the tarred road and gradually the sides of the road began to reveal houses set much closer than those near the manor.
The market was next door to the bakery and he stopped there first to get bread and something sweet to feed his sweet tooth. A whole wheat loaf and a dozen brownies were soon tucked under his arm. He browsed the aisles of the market and soon had enough food to last them for the next few days. He would have to come up with a way to get Dobby into an elf market. He knew they existed but not how to find them or how to set up an account.
Walking back, he smiled as the gates came into view. Home - it had been a while but he finally had a home. He got through the gates and hip checked them shut for now. The wards welcomed him back. The front door was painted a deep aubergine purple. The dragon’s head door knocker made him smile. But his hands were full and he had to set down two bags in order to get it open. Heading straight into the kitchen, he put everything down on the table and contemplated dinner. He was starving so it might just be soup and crackers tonight.
Dobby and Harry came in behind him and the little boy ran into his legs with a sniffle. Severus turned and picked him up to see tears on the chubby cheeks. “Harry, what’s wrong?”
“Gone ‘ong time.” Harry sniffed.
“It was just an hour, little one. I’m going to be busy sometimes but I promise I’ll always come back to you. Besides, I had to go get food for our meals. Dobby is going to cook wonderful things for us to eat.” Severus rocked him slowly and kissed the small nose. “It’s all right, Harry, we’re all right.”
“’kay,” the little voice made his heart twinge.
“Why don’t we help put everything away? Then we’ll get out bowls and silverware and help Dobby and Lipit make our dinner.” Severus pointed to Dobby and Lipit unloading the full grocery bags.
“Me he’p.” Harry started to look interested and Severus set him back down.
Within a few moments, there was canned soup heating on the stove and Severus had been introduced to the cold box that served as refrigerator. Lipit was using the toaster to toast the wheat bread, while Severus and Harry set the table. The little boy was very careful how he set the silverware by each plate but they were each different. Sometimes the spoon was to the left of the fork and sometimes to the right; the knife even ended up first by one plate.
Severus was at a loss as to why each one was different but simply decided to let it go for now. He’d watch to see if Harry mixed up anything else. Dobby was washing out Harry’s sippy cup while Severus watched the soup, taking a stir now and then to keep it from boiling too quickly. The barley and lamb released a scent he remembered from long ago when his mother used to make it. Scotch Broth was what she called it and that’s what the cans had said so he’d taken a chance.
He hoped Harry liked it. There was applesauce also for Harry and a package of frozen peas were cooking on the next burner. Severus hoped there were still vegetables in the garden to harvest. “Dobby, we need to check the other rooms in the basement. Maybe there’s a pantry down there with canned goods from our garden. And Lipit, first thing tomorrow, we’ll check the grounds to see if they’re still producing. Can you sketch the garden with notations as to what is where?”
“I can, Master Snape. Need parchment and quill though.” The garden elf took out two pieces of toast and laid them on the waiting plate before putting in another two. “Or a charcoal stick.”
Severus hummed. “I’ve got parchment and ink in my trunk which I think I saw in the foyer with a couple of other shrunken things. Some should be the furniture from Harry’s old room. Harry, would you like the furniture you had before or did you want to keep what’s in your new bedroom?”
“Bed too big, Da. New twunk is fun. Me like the an’mals.” Harry told him while putting a napkin by every bowl.
“We’ll make sure the trunk stays. And maybe the armoire?” Severus thought out loud. “We can do that tonight before we go to sleep. Dobby and Lipit, did you decide on your rooms and is there enough furniture for you?”
“Yes, Master Snape.” Dobby smiled from ear to ear. “We’ve never had our own rooms before. It is being very, very nice.”
Lipit nodded. “I’m good. Went out and found the garden shed and it’s got everything I need to get to work. The tools are ready for digging and pruning. The plants look good, too. We’ve got fruit trees and I think we can harvest apples right up until the first frost.”
Severus was impressed with Lipit’s diction and his get-right-to-work attitude. “Thank you for the report, Lipit. We’ll do that first thing in the morning. Did you see an owlery by any chance?”
“No, Master Snape. But in the attic, there’s an owl entrance and perches. That’s probably where it was before. Wouldn’t take much to clean it up and make it safe for a new owl.”
“It’s either that or find out how Gringott’s sends messages between banks so quickly. I never had an owl nor ever thought I’d need one but I don’t want to be too cut off from the outside world.” Severus’ mind was trying to anticipate all things he might need. “I’m going to expand my potion mail order business so one owl wouldn’t be enough but I’ve no clue how many I would need.”
“Goblins will know.” Dobby said decisively. “Soup and peas are ready.”
“Good, I’m hungry.” Severus made sure there were plates for their peas and toast. Dobby levitated the bowls over to the stove where he ladled up the steaming soup. Lipit brought the large plate of toast over to the table before getting the butter out of the cool box.
“Hungy, Da.” Harry stood on his chair and watched with rapt eyes as the bowls levitated back to the table. “Soup!”
Severus made sure three chairs were higher for his eating companions. “It looks very good, doesn’t it, Harry? Did you know we can grow our own peas in our garden? They grow in pods that you can snap open and the little peas are kept safe inside until they’re ready to eat.”
“Can see ‘morrow?” Harry looked at the little round peas that Severus scooped onto his plate. Reaching for one, he dropped it. “Hot, Da.”
“It’s alright to let them sit for a moment to cool off. Why don’t you have a bite of toast for now?” Severus had buttered a slice and cut it into four triangles. He placed them on the small plate and Harry happily chomped into one.
For the next few moments, there was just the sounds of crunching and munching. Harry tried the pea again and this time he hummed while chewing it.
“Good, Doby.” He said while reaching for another one.
“Thank you, little master.” Dobby beamed.
“Yes, good job, Dobby. There is going to be a lot to do in the coming weeks.” Severus looked around the kitchen. “I think we’ll put a chalk board up there by the door to the basement. We’ll put up the most important tasks so we can see what needs to be done. Somethings we can all work on, like harvesting apples. Lipit and I will harvest the herbs and potion ingredients. Dobby will make out menus for our meals, cook them, and keep the rooms clean. I need to make potions but all of us need to help teach and play with Harry.”
“We can do that.” Dobby nodded as did Lipit albeit a bit hesitantly.
“Lipit, Harry needs to know the names of the plants and which are harmless and which can harm.” Severus wanted the toddler to always be safe in the garden.
“Yes, Master Snape, I can do that.” Lipit said much more confidently.
Dinner concluded with yawns. It had been an exciting but exhausting day. Severus shrunk the big bed in Harry’s room and put it on the stairs to the attic for later storage. He unshrunk the smaller bed with the oak bookcase headboard, the dresser with all Harry’s clothing, and the toy box with the rest of Harry’s toys. While they were unpacking, Dobby was getting a bath ready for Harry. The little boy made a few half-hearted protests about not needing a bath but he enjoyed the bubbles that Severus created for him and eventually was washed from head to toe.
Drying him off and tucking him into bed, Severus read for a few moments from one of the books in the headboard until Harry dropped off to sleep. Dimming the lights and setting an alarm for when Harry woke, he closed the door behind him before heading back downstairs. There were still shrunken boxes in the foyer and he was hoping his clothing was among them. Dobby was sorting through them and he seemed sure he knew where everything went so he decided to take a look at the potion lab.
Passing through the kitchen he opened the green baize door into the lab of his dreams. With a flick of his wand, he lit the candles that ringed the room and also the massive chandelier in the middle. There were three tables, one on each wall of the room. It looked to him like the former potioneer had a dry station, a wet station, and a station for preparation.
Another door led him into an ingredient pantry. The rooms had to have been magically resized because there was no other way they could hold all he could see. The shelves went from ceiling to floor encircling the room except for a wide and tall oaken cabinet. Moving over to it, he found a depression where the handle should have been. Placing his thumb into it, he felt energy move up his arm and into his brain.
Whatever it was must have decided he would be safe with what was inside and the doors swung open to reveal a treasure trove of ingredients, some of which he’d only read about in books. Hellebore tears, White Salamander blood, High Elven eyelashes, Manticore scales, and many more – He pondered who and how these ingredients could have been procured. The Potters had never been known for potion ability but whoever had created this lab was a passionate professional.
Closing the doors, he moved back to the main lab. A bookcase drew his eye and he glanced over the titles. Eyes widening, he read titles he’d only heard rumors of. He clasped his hands behind his back to remove the temptation of taking one down off the shelf and the magical stasis that shimmered over the shelves. He was too tired to begin to read, knowing full well he would not be able to stop with just a brief browse.
Dobby entered then with the trunks holding his ingredients and potion supplies. “I put the book trunk in the library, Master. And your clothes is put away in yous room.”
“Thank you, Dobby. Tomorrow I’ll see about putting them away. Right now, I’m too tired to even look.” He turned to the house elf. “Let’s go sit down in the kitchen. We need to decide more about how we split up our days and who will do what.”
“Yes, sir.” Dobby led the way while Severus waved the candles off in his amazing lab.
“Lipit, good you’re already here.” Severus sat down and looked at the tea pot gently steaming on the table. “What a good idea, Lipit. Thank you for making tea.”
He poured for all of them and Dobby brought biscuits over from the cupboards. “Thank you, Dobby. We have a lot to do over the next few days. We need to make sure that Harry always has someone with him. This place is strange to him and he’s a curious little boy who could easily get into trouble. His parents were murdered two,” he paused trying to count back, “two days ago. He’s already had a bout of sadness and there will be more. All three of us are new to him also. I don’t want him to not grieve because that would harm his heart but I do want him to be able to show his grief to us. Tears will help heal his hurt so if he cries in front of you, please come get me, unless you feel able to give him a hug.”
“Dobby can hug him.” The little elf said matter-of-factly. “Dobby knows tears be good for him.”
Lipit shook his head. “Don’t know as I could do that but I can come and get you or bring him in to you.”
“Excellent, together we can get through this next little while.” Severus paused to drink tea and dunk a biscuit in it. “The wizarding world as a whole is going through a period of exhilaration and we won’t be able to get any help from the Light side because we can’t tell him we took Harry away from where he put him.”
Dobby and Lipit looked puzzled so Severus told them the story up until now, including the illegal imprisonment of Sirius Black. They looked shocked but asked no questions. Severus conjured a blackboard with chalk and they came up with some of the things to be accomplished. The Harry-alarm from upstairs ended their planning session.
“Go to bed, Dobby and Lipit. I’ll see what is wrong with Harry. It may be a nightmare.” Severus left the table and raced up the stairs.
Harry was awake and crying. Severus lit a single candle sconce and sat on the edge of the bed. Harry immediately held out his arms. The young man gathered him into a hug and rocked him back and forth while rubbing his back. He remembered his mother holding him like this.
“You’re alright, Harry. It was just a bad dream.” He said soothingly.
“Gween ‘ight, Da. Bad man huwt Mummy.” He said through his tears.
“That was the Dark Lord, Harry, and he killed your mother with a very bad spell.” Severus decided on the spur of the moment to tell the toddler the truth.
“Mummy go away?” Harry sniffled and Severus took out a handkerchief to wipe away the tears.
“Blow, Harry,” he asked and the child did. “That’s better, little one. Mummy and Daddy James were both sent away to be with Mother Gaia. They would have stayed if they could but the bad man’s magic was very strong and his spell killed them.”
Harry just nodded and cuddled closer. Severus hummed a lullaby from his youth, and kept on rocking him. In a few moments, Harry was asleep and Severus laid him down gently, pulling up the blanket to his chin. Sitting there for a few moments, he waited to see if he was really asleep. Then getting up, he walked quietly to the bathroom and gently set the bathroom door ajar. Taking care of his bedtime routine, he exited into his bedroom but left his bathroom door open so he could hear Harry if he woke again.
Undressing from the clothes he’d worn for two days, he thankfully tossed them into the clothes hamper by the armoire. Laundry had to go on their lists. The dresser from his old house was against the window wall and he pulled out a night shirt to sleep in. Pulling back the covers, he muttered a warming charm to heat the cold sheets. Crawling in, he wiggled into a comfortable position before spelling off the candles. His mind was racing but he started listing potion ingredients and before he got to the D’s, he was asleep.
***
The next two days passed in a rush of exploration, discoveries, work, and emotional ups and downs. Harry was very quiet but clung to Severus when he felt sad. The only time he laughed was when he and Severus played in the sunny garden. He had a quick mind and soaked in everything he was told about the plants they were tending. Lipit was a godsend for the potion master. His knowledge was vast and he was a hard worker. Together, they had drawn plans for each garden section that would help them come the spring.
To pick apples, Severus held Harry up so the little boy could pluck them from the low hanging limbs. Harry loved it and they filled a basket with the bright red fruit. Lipit used house elf magic to harvest the rest of the eleven apple trees. They had found the pantry in the basement and the apples they weren’t using were put in stasis for the moment. There were canning jars filled with a plethora of vegetables and fruit. They’d be well fed.
Severus took Harry with him in his pram when he went back to the bakery and grocery. The little boy liked the cobblestone street and he breathed in deep when they entered the bakery. “Da, smells goo’.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” Severus took a good look at the offerings of the day.
The baker smiled at them both. “Well, it’s good to see you so soon. It means you liked the bread.”
Severus blushed. “It was excellent and the brownies didn’t last long.”
“Dey we’ vewy, vewy good.” Harry said earnestly.
“I’m so glad, young man. How do you feel about chocolate chip biscuits?” She asked him. “I think you might like a sample. If that’s alright?”
Severus nodded and took the still warm biscuit. Breaking it in half, he stooped and handed part to Harry. The first bite was warm and chocolatey. Harry hummed happily and Severus chuckled. “I think a dozen of them would be good and another loaf of the wheat bread. We’re still in a bit of a mess from our move and baking is beyond us at the moment.”
“Well, I welcome you to Bury St. Ives and I’ll be glad to be your baker.” She smiled at him. “I’m Meg McGovern and my husband John and I own this bakery. In case you didn’t know, tomorrow is early closing day so if you need more baked goods, I’d buy them now.”
“Thank you, Mrs. McGovern. My son and I are going to enjoy living here. I think I’ll double the bread order and add a French loaf. The lemon bars look delicious so add in six of them. Oh, Harry.” He chuckled and pulled out a handkerchief to rub the chocolate smeared across the small face. Both hands needed wiping also but that took only a moment.
“That will be twelve pounds, 50 pence.” She wrapped everything up and placed them in a plastic bag that Severus hung on the handle of the pram. “Thank you and come again.”
“Bye-bye,” Harry waved to her and she waved back when Severus wheeled them out the door. “Nice wady, Da.”
“She’s a very nice lady and a very good baker. Now, we’re going into the grocery store, Harry. If you see something you want, please point it out to me. I want you to enjoy our meals.”
“’kay, Da.” Harry found the automatic sliding doors fascinating and Severus had to promise to explain how they worked when they got home.
They traveled through every aisle and Harry was very sure of the need for chocolate digestive biscuits. Severus liked them also so several went into the basket that swung from pram handles. It was awkward and quickly grew heavy in the meat market aisle. Two dozen eggs filled it to the brim and a passing stock boy took it up to the checkout before bringing them a new, empty basket. Milk, chocolate powder to make chocolate milk, yogurt for Severus, and cottage cheese for Harry.
Six bags dangled from the pram handles by the time they were done. Harry was getting sleepy and Severus was glad to be going home. It was good to be recognized as a repeat customer. It felt like they were settling in and the house welcomed them home.
Dobby took all the groceries and quickly got everything put away. “Dinner is started, Master Snape. Roast chicken with potatoes and Brussel sprouts.”
“Excellent, Dobby, it smells very good. We’ve got a beef roast for the weekend. And chocolate chip biscuits for dessert.” Severus lifted Harry out of the pram and with a flick of his wand, sent it out to park itself by the front door. The little boy hugged Dobby and started telling him all about their trip to the store.
Severus chuckled quietly at the babble and went to get a glass of water. An owl flew towards the window and he quickly opened it so it could come in.
“Owl, Da.” Harry toddled over and gazed happily at the tawny grey owl who landed on the back rung of one of the chairs. “Whe’ tweats?”
That was something they hadn’t yet gotten and Severus looked around for something that might do. Dobby calmly got the wheat bread heel and tore it into little pieces, handing some of them to Harry before lifting him up to the chair seat. The little boy held it in a flat palm up to the owl and he deigned to accept it, while holding out the envelope in his claw.
“Thank you. Harry, good job taking care of him.” Severus patted his shoulder before slitting open the envelope with a butter knife from the table.
Greetings, Severus:
We have much to do when you arrive tomorrow. Ten would be early enough for us to get everything done. I would like you to undertake an inheritance test and perhaps one for Harry as well. I’ll explain when you get here.
Lord Malfoy will be here at 11 and you will be needed to speak with him about the mark. He will have many questions. Mellic is looking forward to breaking another curse. He is curious to see if it is the same as yours.
If you have questions, please send them now. The owl will wait for an answer.
Sincerely,
Ragnok
Senior Director – Gringott’s
Severus did have questions and he summoned parchment and ink. Another house elf, elf shopping, a trip to his depleted vault for some money, a visit with his lawyer about his potion business, and advice on what to tell Dumbledore when he was asked why he would not be joining Hogwart’s staff.
Sealing it shut, he gave it to the owl who took off. Harry watched him until he was gone.
“Daddy, we got a owl?” He asked and Severus caught his breath at the impact of hearing that title.
“We do not but I think we should get one. We’ll shop for him tomorrow. And get owl treats, too. That was a good idea to use the bread for now, Dobby.”
Dobby blushed and Harry patted him. “Goo’ boy, Dobby.”
Severus chuckled and picked up his son. “Let’s get cleaned up, Harry. Then we can set the table for dinner.”
“’Kay, Daddy.”
Severus held him tight and dropped a kiss onto his forehead where once the scar had been. Idly, he wondered why he would need to take an inheritance test. An odd request, but after the last few days, he was getting used to new ideas and different paths opening up before him.
***