Abused

Disclaimer in Chapter 1.

Chapter 7: Lily Mends a Rift


Three weeks after the birth of the twins, Harry left them in Susan and Luna's care for a few hours. The year that they had been back had been filled with meetings... and the pregnancy, to the point where the young wizard had not yet been in last of his parents' vaults. He didn't think he'd have any trouble, but told Neville and Draco where he'd be... just in case.

Walking up to the counter in Gringotts, he found that it was the same goblin who had been there on his very first visit to the bank more than twelve years before. Patiently he waited for the irritable being to notice him, knowing well that the Goblins truly hated being interrupted.

After a moment, the Goblin looked up, and Harry asked, "May I see Grison Groote please?"
One eyebrow went up as if to ask who dared to ask for anything from that particular goblin.
Harry merely brushed his hair away from his face, and the goblin's demeanor changed.
"Forgive me, Mr. Malfoy, I didn't recognize you at first."

Harry grinned, "That's quite alright. I didn't want to be bothered on the street so I was rather understated."

The being nodded, and called for Griphook, another of Harry's old acquaintances. "Take Mr. Malfoy to see Grison Groote, and stand by in case he wants to go to the vaults afterward." Griphook nodded, and started off across the room, Harry trailing behind.

As Harry was let into the elaborate office, the goblin inside rose, "Mr. Malfoy, it is indeed a pleasure to see you. Now how may I be of service to you..."
~*~
A very productive hour later, Harry was on his way to the remaining Potter vault. Griphook found it pleasant to take this wizard down to the vaults. He, unlike most, seemed to enjoy the speed of the carts. Upon their arrival, Harry said, "I may be a while, Griphook. I'm not sure what I'm looking for at the moment."

The Goblin nodded, "I was told to assist you in any way, Mr. Malfoy, so I will remain here." He explained how to open the vault, as this one had no key. "It's designed that way so that only family can get the door opened."

With a drop of his blood, the door creaked open, and Griphook frowned, "I will see to having that oiled." He shook his head, "Someone has been neglecting their job around here."

The room was full of furniture, trunks, paintings, and many other valuable items. All of them were things that had been handed down from generation to generation. Harry looked in the first trunk but didn't find anything he was looking for.

"Is there any way I can be of assistance, Mr. Malfoy?" Griphook inquired.

The wizard sighed, "Perhaps. Look for a trunk, or box of papers with the name 'Harry' on it. I'm sure my mum would have set things aside for me to look at first."

More than two hours later, the goblin came across a cabinet, and inside were several folders with 'For Harry' written across them in a woman's handwriting. "Mr. Malfoy, might this be what you're looking for?"

Harry came to his side, and gaped. "That's it! Thank you, Griphook." He gathered the folders together, and the goblin supplied a bag to put them in. Before he closed the cabinet, a small box caught his eye. Wiping the dust from it, he found his mother's writing again.

Sweet boy,

What is in this box will someday be very important to you. I have hidden it here so that Albus Dumbledore can never deny you your heritage. Please, my beloved son, don't hate me for what I did. I did it to protect two of the men that I loved most.

I love you, Harry.
Mum

He was almost afraid of what was inside, but he put the box in with the files then led Griphook out of the vault. "I'll come back another day to see what's in the others. Right now, I want to go through my little 'treasure trove' and see what else I want to find the next time."

Griphook nodded as the vault sealed itself, and once they were in the cart, started back to the surface.

In the lobby, he offered Harry a place to sit and check out what he had, and the wizard agreed.
Closed in a small room, the young man took a deep breath, and opened the box his mother left for him. On top was a ring, and examining it, Harry found that it was the Potter family signet ring, for the Head of the Family.

Slipping it on, he lifted the first parchment. As he scanned it, he paled. Certainly this couldn't be right. Shaking, he took out the next document... it was his birth certificate, and it confirmed what the first one said.

Last of all, he found another birth certificate. By now, the one name didn't surprise him, but further down was a name that was going to rattle more than one cage. Eyes glittering with rage, he stepped out to find Griphook.

The goblin looked up. Something had irritated the wizard, and he only hoped it wasn't him.
"Griphook, could someone make me copies of documents?" the goblin nodded, and Harry gave him a feral grin. Handing him the three documents, he said, "I'd like to have four copies of each, please

By the time Griphook returned, Harry was seated with Grison Groote.

Taking the documents, Harry thanked the goblin and let him leave. Returning his gaze to his estate manager, he said, "I need some things done. I want one copy of these placed in the Malfoy vaults, and one in the Wilton vaults... for my protection.

"Then, I'd like a copy placed in the Black Family vault... and the original returned to the Potter vault." The look on the young man's face had Grison agreeing immediately.

"What about the other, Mr. Malfoy?"

An evil grin crossed the handsome face. "It will be needed to teach an old man that he should NEVER mess with ANY of my family. The muggles have a saying, 'Revenge is a sauce best served cold', and from the looks of things, this one has been more than a score of years in the making. I thank you for your help today."

Grison nodded, and after Harry left, wondered who had dared the anger of the young man who bore the names of four of the Wizarding World's most powerful families. He only hoped that Harry Potter Malfoy could manage to wreak the havoc on the one deserving, and not on the world at large.
~*~
Harry went to the Ministry of Magic next, where he spent considerable time looking over documents that had to do with his family. In the process he confirmed that the two documents from the vault that concerned him were valid, and the little extras that had been noted on the one, for the sake of his inheritances.
~*~
Returning home, the young wizard took a moment to firecall his adopted godfather and asked Remus to set up a meeting for himself, Severus, and Harry, for the next morning. After getting that agreed to, Harry then asked, “Would you see if you can get Dumbledore to Grimmauld Place about an hour after that? I think that there is going to be some anger that needs to be vented.”

The lycanthrope frowned, “Harry, what are you…?”

The dark haired wizard shook his head, “It’s not really my information to give, Remy. Just know that this is really important… to all of us. We can always modify the wards again once he’s left.”

Remus Lupin finally agreed, and Harry sighed in relief, “Thanks, Remy, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
~*~
He had had a restless night. It seemed that everything he learned that day had kept playing through his mind, and he knew that one man in the room the next day would end up deeply hurt, but Harry felt just as hurt and angry on his behalf.

Lucius met him at the breakfast table. “You were very restless last night, love. Is anything wrong?”

The younger man sighed, “I found out something yesterday that I can’t talk about just yet, as it concerns more than just me. Is there any way you can take time to go to a meeting with me?”

The blonde watched his husband in concern. Whatever it was must be something major. “Yes, Harry, I will take the time to be with you. I promised I would always be there for you.”

The emerald eyes glistened, “I know, Luc, but I think that someone else will need you more than I will today.”

Knowing he wouldn’t get any further information out of Harry, Lucius inquired, “What time is this meeting… and where?”

Harry Malfoy replied, “10:00 at Grimmauld Place.”

Lucius nodded, “I have a few firecalls to make then I’ll be ready to go with you.”

A half-hour later the two men floo’d to 12 Grimmauld Place. Harry had confirmed the gift to Remus shortly after returning from America. The werewolf and his partner now made it their home, but it was also the best-warded place in the country… next to Hogwarts and Malfoy Manor.

Remus welcomed them, and they sat in the library talking over tea, and waiting for Severus Snape to return.

When the dark man appeared, he sat down next to his partner and inquired, “Did I miss something, or is this a courtesy call?”

A quick glance at Remus told Harry that he had said nothing to the other man. Drawing three sheets of parchment from his pocket, the younger man explained. “I went into the last Potter vault yesterday for the first time. Actually, it was meant to be a search for information that I could, at some point, share with the children.”

“I did find some, with Griphook’s assistance. But then I found a small box that contained the Potter signet ring and the originals of these three documents.” He handed the first one to the Potions Master. “I had the goblins make copies so that the originals could be kept safe.”
Remus was watching Severus, and became concerned when the dark haired man’s skin took on a pallor he hadn’t seen since Voldemort’s demise. Snape looked at his former student, “Do you realize what this means?”

Harry nodded, “I realize a great deal more than you could ever possibly imagine.”

“Mum left a short note that said she found that on his desk. She took it, intending to give it to you. When they were forced to go into hiding, she put it in the vault for safe-keeping. She no longer trusted that he had their best interests at heart.”

Severus met the emerald eyes, “You think they were targeted because of this?”

Harry nodded, “I think the whole Voldemort attack was a set-up. Unfortunately, I don’t think he expected James to be killed… just Mum.”

Snape handed the document off for Lucius and Remus to read, and it brought gasps of realization from both.

Snickering, Harry passed the next one to the three men to peruse. “This one shocked me as much as it will you.”

Lucius looked up at him, “Your real name is ‘Christian’?

Harry chuckled, nodding. “So it seems.” He glanced over to the dark haired man, “Sir…?”
Severus looked up, and Harry could see tears lurking in the dark eyes. “Harry… I’m so…” He broke off as strong young arms embraced him.

“It’s alright… Father. I do understand.” Harry brushed the hair from Snape’s eyes. “I understand the anger at the old man, and I understand that you think I’ll hold my school years against you… I won’t. If it hadn’t been for you, I would have never survived old Snakeface.”

As Harry returned to his seat, he handed the last item to Severus Snape. After the man read the document, he explained. “I went to the Ministry yesterday, and checked on the two regarding me. They were both filed under a Fidelius charm. What surprised me, Sir, was the name of the Secret Keeper.”

He turned to Remus and quoted, “‘Dear Friend, Christian Edward Snape needs you’.” They watched as Remus’ eyes changed, darkening from amber to hazel as he glanced at the others in the room. Shaking his head as if to clear it, the werewolf asked, “Dear Merlin, what happened to me?”

Harry chuckled, “It was Mum’s way of protecting you, Remy… our Secret Keeper. She knew that Dumbledore was good enough to pick things out of your mind, so she set key words that would allow you to remember everything. Unfortunately, no one left alive knew those words… until I touched my adoption records at the Ministry yesterday. They were set to only appear for my birth father or me.” He turned back to Snape. “There was also an addendum to the records. It seems that although it was a blood transfer adoption, it was also set… by James, so that I could still be my birth father’s heir if he had no other children.”

He went to kneel at Severus’ feet, “I hope you don’t mind, but after almost 25 years, I’m kind of used to being ‘Harry’. I don’t know that I would ever remember to answer to Christian.”

Snape chuckled, “I don’t know that I could ever remember to call you that anyway. You’ve been Harry in my mind for so many years.” Then he smirked, “But how is your husband going to feel about being married to a Snape?”

Lucius laughed, and went over to put his arm around his old friend, “Seems a moot point, don’t you think? I mean, if I was willing to marry a ‘Potter’, what’s so wrong with a Snape?”
Remus smiled, “I think, Harry, that you have more family than you could have ever imagined a few years ago.”

The young man chuckled, “Probably so, but I know one that will NEVER be part of my family.” He looked at the others, “Speaking of which, I thought we’d like to get the confrontation with the old fool over. I had Remus invite him for a meeting at 11:00.

Severus growled, “Thank you, I would really like to tear him limb from limb, but you’re right Harry. Letting him know what we know, but refusing to allow him any rights will hurt that old man more than anything else we could possibly do.” Harry laid his head on his father’s shoulder, “Especially when he finds out that no one will ever let him near YOUR grandchildren.”
~*~
Albus floo’d to Grimmauld Place and found four men waiting for him. Remus motioned him to a seat, and the old wizard smiled, “I’m so glad you’re finally seeing reason, Harry. Your skills are needed to teach at Hogwarts.”

Harry didn’t say anything, but let Severus stalk up to Dumbledore and drop the first document in his lap. “Got something to tell me, old man?”

The elderly headmaster glanced at the paper in his lap and paled, “Severus, I…”

Snape shook his head, “Forget it. You haven’t got anything that I want to hear.”

Albus sputtered, “You’re my heir, Severus, you are all the family I have left.”

Severus shook his head again, “I’m no family of yours. You proved that every time you sent me back to Voldemort to be tortured. You didn't care then, and you don’t now. The only reason you’re playing it up is that you were found out. Well, I’ll tell you right now, you have no access to me… or to my family.”

With a quick look at the werewolf, Dumbledore replied, “I’m your only family, too, Severus.”

Snape laughed, “Shows what you know, doesn’t it, old man.” He dropped the second item in Albus’ lap. “All these years I’ve had a son that neither you nor I knew about.”

As the old wizard looked at the birth certificate, he suddenly realized what he was looking at, and peered up at the emerald-eyed man across from him. Harry chuckled, “Didn’t take you long to figure that out… once the facts were in front of you.”

He continued, “I’ve already figured out that you set up my Mum and James.”

Dumbledore shook his head, “Not James. I needed him alive.”

Harry Malfoy snorted, “But you did set up my Mum, didn’t you?”

The old wizard nodded, “I knew she’d found the information about my relationship to Severus, and I couldn’t have it known that my grandson was a Slytherin.”

Harry barked with laughter. “You’ve been screwed ever since my Mum died. She had the information protected in more ways than one. So tell me why you needed James.”

Albus sighed, “Because he was the ultimate Gryffindor… and descendant of Godric.”

Remus wasn’t quite sure what had the other three laughing, but figured it must be good. Harry finally quit laughing. “What possesses people to think you know everything? You’re so far wrong about James Potter that it’s pitiful. Your Gryffindor Heir, Dumbledore, was Neville Longbottom. Through the blood adoption by James Potter I am the true Heir of Salazar Slytherin.”

“As far as the Governor’s Board is concerned the four Founders seats are occupied… by myself, Neville, Luna Lovegood, and Susan Bones. The only seats you could ever possibly control are those that were seated BEFORE me… except for the Malfoy seat, of course. Even the Weasley Familial seat is within my grasp. For more than six months Bill and Charlie have taken turns dealing with it. Of course they didn't want their so-called family to know because of what they pulled on me, but I am also certain they will understand the reason for it being revealed now... as they haven't bothered to return to the Burrow in more than a year."

Severus Snape glared at the Headmaster. “I’ve resigned as Potions Professor and am taking my seat on the Board. Neither I, my son, nor my grandchildren are accessible to you.”

With that, he ushered the old wizard out of the house, while the old wizard wondered why Severus mentioned grandchildren… and the other three men prepared to change the wards.
~*~
In April, Lucius and Harry hosted a wedding at the Manor. Draco, Neville, Susan, and Luna had agreed to a double wedding in the gardens. The older couple had split the duties and were the Best Men for the grooms, while the girls had requested Hannah Abbott and Megan Jones as their attendants.

Other than intimate local friends and family, the guests were exclusively former classmates and professors from Salem, coming to wish everyone great happiness.
~*~
June came, and with it a pair of announcements that had Harry smiling. Both of the other couples were now expecting babies for the new year. Much as Lucius loved Draco and the twins, the gleam in his eyes over the idea of a grandchild brought a smile to Harry’s face.

It amazed Draco that his father didn’t even care if they had a boy, or a girl. Somewhere in Luc’s relationship with his dark-haired husband, he discovered the beauty of having girls as children. It probably hadn’t hurt that Harry insisted Merope be the Potter heir, instead of handing both titles to Rigel.
~*~
The original group spent August on holiday in Australia. They were joined there by Remus, Severus… and Minerva. The elderly witch was thrilled at how her ‘boys’ lives had turned out. She vowed that the old fool who had almost destroyed at least one of them would never have the chance to damage them again.

What surprised Lucius Malfoy was that Minerva McGonagall considered Severus as one of her ‘children’. The dark haired man never even cringed when the Transfiguration professor arrived… and proceeded to give him a hug. Even Draco smirked at the sight, until his godfather’s arms went around the old woman, and he bent to rest his head on her shoulder.

“Thank you, for always being there for me,” Severus whispered to her.

Tears in her eyes, Minerva stepped back to look in his dark eyes. “You’ve always been worth it, Severus. Like Harry, Neville, and Remus, you were an underdog in an unfair fight. That made me angry, but I couldn’t visibly work against Albus.”

The three older wizards and Harry shared a glance, and as one, they agreed to show her the truth… later that evening.
~*~
Lucius had the option of sitting out of the meeting between the others and Minerva, but knew that Harry really wanted him there. He sat back, waiting for Harry to start everything.

“Professor, shortly after the children were born, I went to Gringotts about the estates. While there, I found some documents.” He handed her the first. “This is one of them.”

.