Dragon Rose

A/N. For those of you reading this for the first time, you have my many thanks for you time. For those of you reading once again, you may notice that I have rewritten many parts, and have added to the story. Which of course made me redo where the chapters ended. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your patience. Vbollman.

Disclaimer- don't own them, don't want them (except for Snape) Just like playing with them.

Thanks to Kei and Sandra for their Betaing job. Much luv to both of you.

Chapter Two.

After changing into the clothes that Galahad handed to him, and having them shrunk to fit, the four of them made their way to the Leaky Cauldron. There they stopped and had breakfast before heading to the Alley to do some major shopping. Harry was not looking forward to being the center of attention once again, but to his surprise, Snape kept everyone away with his glare.

Giving Snape a grateful look, he murmured so only the older man could hear him, "Thanks for keeping them away. I really don't think I could handle dealing with the hero-worship today." He said, not expecting a response since they were in public.

Entering Gringotts, Snape waved the twins ahead, and pulled Harry to the side. "Do you have your key?"

"I haven't had my key since the summer before my third year. It was never really deemed safe enough for me to be here, so Mrs. Weasley always did my shopping for me.”

Snape sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose again. “Do you know how hard it's going to be to convince the Goblins to give you a new one.”

Harry smiled at him, “Not as hard as you may think Sir. The Goblins are aware of the fact that I may show up at times without my key. I notified them by letter at the end last term when I did not receive it from the Headmaster, and they sent me a letter back saying that I was to ask for my account manager when I did make it in.

"Who is your account manager?”

“That would be Donk I believe.”

Snape did not get a chance to respond as he was cut off when a Security Goblin bowed before them, “Mr. Potter, please follow me. I will take you to your account manager.” he said in a condescending tone, completely ignoring Snape.

Harry not liking how this Goblin treated his professor assumed a mask of slight cockiness combined with the authority that usually made others listen to him, “I have others with me.” He said in a firm tone.

Reacting to the authority in Harry's voice and stance that was not apparent moments ago, the Security Goblin bowed his head before he answered, slight fear showing in his voice. “They may join you if you wish Sir, or you may point them out to me and I will make sure that they are informed of your whereabouts and shown to a place that they may wait for you.” He along with the other Goblins knew how important this human was, and was honestly fearful that he had just annoyed the one Wizard who would also save their nation.

“If you would be kind enough and wait while I gather them to join us.” Harry started to say, only to be cut off.

“No need Sir. Just give me their names, and I would be happy to do so for you.”

“Very well then, please ask Morgan-Ann and Galahad Annerson to join me. Professor Snape will also be joining me of course.”

“Yes of course. Excuse me for a just a moment while I gather the rest of your companions.” he said, before walking away.

Snape had watched the whole thing with slight amusement. “Harry, I must honestly say that I have never seen any one handle the Goblin Attitude like that before.”

“It's the curse of being The Boy Who Lived. I wouldn't have reacted that way if he hadn't treated you the way he did.” Harry said, shrugging his shoulders.

“Thank you Harry.”

Harry just smiled, as he saw the Goblin approaching with his two new friends following behind. “Please follow me.” he said, anxious to get away from the humans, before he made a major mistake.

“After you.” Harry told him with a slight smile.

The four of them followed the Security Goblin deeper into the bank. It wasn't long before the four humans found themselves moving towards what was obviously Goblin Territory, and Harry noticed that Snape seemed to become more and more tense the deeper they were led. After walking for about 20 minutes, the Goblin finally stopped before a richly carved door. “Here is where I leave you. Your account manager is just inside.” He said before hurrying away.

“Well, that was nice of him.” Harry said sarcastically.

“Indeed.” came three identical responses, which Harry decided to ignore.

Knocking on the door, Harry was surprised to see it open right away by a familiar red head. “Bill!” He exclaimed.

“Hey there Harry. Professor.” he said, while giving the twins a nod of the head in acknowledgment of their presence.

“Mr. Weasley. I'm sorry for your loss.

Thank you Professor.” Bill replied with a slight nod of his head.

“Not to be rude Bill, but what are you doing here?” Harry asked

“I'm here unofficially to see you, and tell you that we still consider you our brother.” He told Harry, noticing the look of pain and sadness passing through Harry's eyes, he continued. "It wasn't your fault that The Burrow was attacked. Or that mom and dad were to blind to see that Percy was a threat, until it was to late. Things would have turned out differently, if he would not have attacked at night." He said softly while wrapping his arms around Harry.

Bill stood that way for awhile, letting the slight teen mourn the loss of his two best friends and surrogate family. When Harry finally pulled away, Bill handed him a few tissues, so that he could clean up his face a bit. "Feeling better Harry?" He asked and received a nod in response.

Officially, Mr. Weasley is here on my request.” A gravelly voice said from behind Harry. “But we will get to that later. I am Senior Manager Donk. Your accounts are in my care.”

“Accounts?” Harry questioned.

“Yes Mr. Potter accounts. If you and your guests would be seated, I will do my best to explain everything to you.”

Harry and the others seated themselves on the offered chairs and waited for Donk to explain.

“First Mr. Potter, I would like to offer you my condolences also. I have heard a lot from Mr. Weasley here, about you and the place you had amongst his family. It is dirty work indeed, when you find yourself betrayed by a member of your own family. If I remember correctly, this is the second time you have betrayed in this way.

My third Sir, although I do not recall the first time very well, I do remember extremely clearly the death of my Godfather at the hands of his cousin.”

“That is understandable, and unlike in the human world, the Goblin Nation did not believe that Sirius Black was the reason behind your family's betrayal. We have managed to have the Ministry of Magic release his accounts, as he is now no longer among the living.”

“Thank you Sir, but how does that effect me?”

“According to your Godfather's will, you are his Heir, and as such, you became the Head of the Black Family.”

Harry stared at him in shock. “I'm sorry sir. I don't think I understand.”

“You Mr. Potter, are now Lord Black, along with being the Lord to a few other families.”

Everything after that became a blur for Harry.

~~hpss~~

Harry was finding it hard to wrap his mind around what happened through out that day. He had found new friends, and found out said friends where the children of Professor Snape. He found out that he was the richest man in the Wizarding world, with four seats on the Wizengamot, and three on the Hogwarts Board of Directors. He also found out that he had more property then he knew what to do with. On top of all that found out that he was just not the Head of two Pure Blood Houses, the Blacks and Potters, but three more on top of that. The Annerson's, which Morgan and Galahad were the last members of, and they wanted nothing to do with the duties being Head of Family meant. And the Olmsted's.

The most surprising, in Harry's book at least, was the Weasleys. Bill had insisted that no one who remained in the family had wanted the title, and over Harry's protests, signed over all of the rights, making Harry, Head of the Weasley Family as well. Both the Annerson's and the Olmsted families had willed everything to Harry, without them ever knowing more about him, other than the the fact that he was The Boy Who Lived, and he still did not understand how people could do that. He had talked to the account managers of all the families after, and had decided to leave everything the way that it was set up for the time being.

The only thing he really had to do was sign the paper work that allowed the Goblins the power to choose who would be the best witches or wizards to fill those seat on the Board of Directors and the Wizengamot. The only thing he insisted on was that Bill and Charlie Weasley and Remus Lupin be given a seat on each, if they so wished. He then directed the Goblins to contact Remus Lupin with the news that he had also inherited a sum of money as well, as in about 4 million galleons. He also sent an owl to the twins stating that he had given them an amount of money for Research and Development, with orders not to tell anyone of course. He had also set up accounts for Charlie and Bill, so that they would never have to worry about money again.

That had taken most of the afternoon, and he now wore around his neck three of the five Head of Family rings. The only ones that he would wear unless he needed to see to something personally were the Potter and Black rings. After signing all the required paperwork, which seemed to take forever, Harry, Morgan, Galahad and Severus left to do some shopping before the shops closed for the night. They made a stop at Madam Malkins, and picked out a few pairs of casual pants, and a few button down shirts. along with underwear, socks, and nightclothes. finishing that off with a pair of shoes and pair of slippers, Harry promised to be back the next day in order to be fitted for everything else he needed.

Severus had sent a message off to The Headmaster with the twins earlier, when they had left to finish their own shopping, telling him that, do to circumstances beyond their control, the four of them would not be returning to the school in time for the Welcoming Feast, but would be back before school started on Monday. All of them thanked Merlin that the first of September came on a Friday that year.

After that they made a stop at the Wizards General store, and Harry picked up the toiletries he needed, while the other three picked up some fresh food. Returning to the Leaky Cauldron, they had a late supper, and Morgan who was barely able to keep her eyes open, went of to bed her twin following close behind her. Harry who was also feeling pretty tired did the same and bade Severus a good night. It was then that Harry found himself unable to sleep.

Finally giving up, Harry slipped into an emerald green satin dressing robe, feeling slightly uneasy wearing such fine things, but Morgan had insisted. He made a mental note to find a plain cotton robe when he did the rest of his shopping the next day. The slippers he loved though, and made yet another mental note to pick up at least one more pair. Made from dragon and sheep skin, the outside being made from dragon skin made them nonslip, and able to be worn outside if required, while the sheep skin keep his feet warm no matter what.

Hearing slight noises coming from the kitchen area attached to their rooms, Harry silently moved in that direction, knowing instinctively who he would find. Leaning against the doorway, Harry watched as his Professor threw together a light salad.

"You do know Mr. Potter, that staring is rude?"

"Yes Sir. I couldn't help myself though.” Harry replied.

“And why is that Mr. Potter?

“I've watched you for a number of years, all for different reasons. This time it was without fear of being caught.”

“And why have you watched me?”

“A number of reasons like I said, and each year for a different one. It was all depending on what was going on around me at the time. Mostly though, it was because I really didn't want to be caught doing something that you would have punished me for.” Harry said, and then added to himself, 'besides, I like what I see.'

“Tell me Harry. How many times have I almost caught you?”

At this, Harry had to laugh, and actually moved into the kitchen and sat down at the table. "Which year?" He returned. "I can remember one vivid almost meeting in my first year, during Christmas break. If you would have reached out your hand a few inches more, you would have had me." he said with a grin.

And your second year?”

“Not that I can recall right now. I can tell you that it wasn't me who broke into your personal potions cupboard. That was Hermione. And before you ask it wasn't me in forth year either. Blame that on a certain house elf.”

“Combine your other years. How many times have you managed to get out of detention with me?”

“To many to count. Third year was the best though.”

“Care to explain?”

“That would be breaking confidence with the Marauders. I really don't feel like getting on Remus's bad side.”

“One of these day I will get that out of you.”

“You mean you can try.”

Snape inclined his head in acknowledgment of that statement and finished chopping the fresh greens for the salad. Filling two bowls, he joined Harry at the table and handed him one.

"Now that we have that out of the way, care to tell me why you are not asleep?”

Harry ate silently for a few minutes before he answered. “To much has happened today, and everything keeps running through my head.”

“I see. Have you tried clearing your mind?”

“How?” Harry asked looking Snape straight in the eye. “You never told me how Sir.”

Snape sighed, he knew Harry was right. “You may call me Severus in private Harry.” he said quietly before continuing. “I think for tonight, we will leave that subject alone. Tomorrow, we will see what books we can find on that subject. For tonight, I will give you some Dreamless Sleep.''

“Thank you Severus, but I can tell you now, that the Dreamless Sleep won't help me tonight.”

“Explain!” Came the clipped response

It was Harry's turn to sigh. “How much have you been told about my connection with Vol ... I mean Riddle?”

“The connection was never explained to me. Just that you did indeed have one.”

Harry pushed his empty bowl to the side. “My scar connects me directly to Riddle's mind, and I can feel most of his emotions, especially whenever he is feeling something strongly. When he starts to 'play' with his Death Eaters, or whoever he's torturing, I am literally pulled into his mind and can see what he sees. I also feel whatever curse he is casting, like I'm the one he is casting them on.” Harry explained. “My scar has already been hurting tonight because he is mad. Probably because I was wondering around Diagon Alley, and not on the train. I fully expect to have another vision tonight, as he punishes whoever told him the news.”

“That could cause problems then.”

“You're telling me.”

“Harry, there is something you are not telling me.” Severus said with a slight warning in his voice.

“Last year, at the Department of Magic, Riddle possessed me, and tried to make the Headmaster kill me. It didn't work obviously. While he was in my mind, he found the link and made it stronger. He can now pull me into his mind whenever he feels like it, but it takes a lot of energy away from him. He's been using that against me all summer.”

“How much of your mind was he able to read.” Concern evident in his voice.

“Just my surface thoughts. Mostly the anger I held for you. I can promise that he never found out from me that you were the spy. I was able to hold that information to myself, as well as everything pertaining to the Order.”

“You where there when he found out I was the spy.” Needing to know, but hoping that Harry didn't see exactly what happened to him. Having the Inner Circle take their turns with someone was not something that made for pleasant dreams.

“Yes. I managed to distract him enough for him to lose control, and I was able take over for a few seconds, giving you enough time to get away.”

“Thank you Harry.”

“I just wish that it would have been possible for me to do so earlier. It would have saved us both from a lot of pain.”

Severus shrugged that off. “How much did you see?”

“Everything Severus, I was there even before you where. I was able to pull out shortly after you escaped and called Fawkes to help you.” Harry told him, remembering both the rape and torture of the man before him.

“For that, I am more grateful then you could ever know. I'm not sure if I would have survived long enough to make it into the castle, if he didn't show up when he did.”

The two of them sat in silence for a few minutes before Severus broke it.

“Harry, you should try to get some sleep tonight. For that matter so should I. We have a lot to do tomorrow, before heading back to the school.

Harry nodded his head and started for the door, before hesitating and turning back. “Severus, I know this is going to sound strange coming from me ...” Harry started to say, before stopping, not sure how to continue with his request.

“But you don't really want to be alone tonight, just in case you do have a vision.” Severus finished for him.

“Or a nightmare.” He whispered, barely loud enough for Severus to hear.

Severus nodded his head in understanding. In truth , he didn't really want to be alone tonight either, but refused to say so. “Go to bed Harry. I'll be there as soon as I clean up here.”

“Thank you Severus.” he said before leaving the room.

It was only a few minutes later when Harry felt Severus enter the room. He laid in bed facing away from the Potions Master, and waited on the edge of the bed for the older man to join him. When he finally did join Harry, Severus could feel the anguish that today caused in the young man, and after hesitating for a moment, reached over and pulled Harry against him. This opened up the flood gates to Harry's tears, and he laid their holding him until Harry finally cried himself to asleep. A few minutes after that, he followed, still holding Harry's warm body close.