Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Author’s Note
I can’t believe how many people wanted Newt Scamander. I had initially been planning to have Xeno Lovegood because I love Luna and need her in my fic and this was the best way to go about it. But I loved Fantastic Beasts so had a bit of a dilemma who to choose.
Unfortunately, I can’t see Newt as being down with assassination no matter what the circumstances. However, as Deathly Hallows proved Xeno will do whatever it takes to protect those his family. But now I really want to include Newt somehow.
Now on with the fic – Severus and Harry’s first one-on-one interaction.
Harry waited excitedly for Severus whom he had invited for a debriefing with the man he hoped to be his spy. Severus, after all, was the man who had the most knowledge on both sides of the war. Just because it had the added bonus of seeing his mate once more meant nothing.
Harry just wished that he could do more but until he had permission from Severus’ coven Leader he could not do anything. It was maddening especially as Harry would not meeting with Lord Mac an Sagairt until Sunday. He had to meet with the half-elf and Amelia Bones before that whilst all he wanted was to spend the rest of his life getting to know Severus Snape.
Severus was the first to arrive promptly on time. Harry could not help the smile that spread across his face at the appearance of his attractive mate. Harry stood up and offered Severus the nicest seat in his living room. Nice than even Harry’s own chair which was happily right beside his Mate’s.
‘Severus,’ Harry said smile stretching from ear to ear. ‘It’s wonderful to see you again.’
‘You too,’ Severus said looking like his instincts were warring with his need to stay in control of everything.
‘So, Severus what made you decide to pursue a Potions Mastery?’ Harry asked.
He was curious – a Mastery was no light commitment. It took seven years to complete a full Mastery but few got that far due to the hard work involved. And then chose to become a teacher rather than a create Potions.
Severus blinked, ‘there is a subtle science and exact art to potion making. Those versed in loud bangs and foolish wand waving will never truly understand … the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes … the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses, a silent killer, a miraculous healer and so much more.’
Harry smiled, ‘you really love your potions. Why, then did you become a teacher?’
Severus frowned, ‘at first there was never much of a choice. Then I became the Head of House and I realised how much of a difference I was making in my kids’ lives. I was saving them from their hellish families, encouraging them to fulfil the potential, finding what inspired them, and I couldn’t have been prouder?’
‘Your kids?’ Harry raised an eyebrow.
Severus ignored him, ‘what about you – what is it that you want to be? What is it that you want to do in life?’
Harry frowned confused, ‘I’m the Elven King it is my duty to protect my people.’
Severus shook his head, ‘not your duty but what do you want. Take the crown and throne away. If you were a just an ordinary young elf what is it that you would want to be?’
Harry blinked rapidly. No one had ever asked him that. It had never been an option in his life. Ever since he had wandered into an Elven forest it had always been impressed on him that he was the Heir to the Dark and Light Elven thrones. That it was his duty to save his people from both themselves and the humans. There had never been a choice. And Harry had wanted to save his people as they had saved him. Yet here was a young, newly turned vampire asking him what he wanted!
‘I want to save my people,’ Harry said again. ‘Its all I’ve ever wanted. For none to suffer at the hands of humans as I did for so many years. I may have never had a choice but even if I did I would make the same choice because it’s the right thing to do. Because I love my people and I don’t want them to suffer.’
‘They don’t deserve you,’ Severus said.
Harry snorted, ‘oh I’m far from perfect. I’m a manipulative bastard. I find it hard to trust people especially humans,’ Harry practically spat the word out. ‘I have a vengeful streak a mile wide. I’m more than willing to do what’s necessary!
‘And I don’t just want to change things for my people but for me to. I want to prove to them all that they were fools for casting me aside. I want to make sure that they can never hurt me or mine again. And I want to make the world safer for my family so my uncle-brother will never be taken from me again, never tortured.’
Severus nodded, ‘that’s understandable.’
There was so much that Harry wanted to say about how he wanted to find someone who didn’t see him just as King Dlartanseer-Shadowmage but just Harry. About how he wanted children who would grow up safe, free and unfettered by the demands that weighed down on Harry. That he wanted someone who would support him, who challenge him, who would be his partner in all things. Yet he said none of that fearing it would scare Severus away when he realised what his feelings meant.
That was when Xenophilius Lovegood, the half-human son of Lierin Sylquen and Aleos Lovegood, entered dressed in the most pristine white robes lined that sparkled with a thousand jewels. Most humans viewed him and his quarter human daughter as oddities. This is what the Lovegoods wanted them to believe because as long as they thought they were so much better than the Lovegoods they never looked any further that down the end of their own nose.
Most elves disliked them because of their human blood and willingness to mingle and accept their human heritage. Never realising that when it came for Xenophilius to choose Hogwarts or Avalon Harry’s grandfather offered him a third choice. That choice was both worlds – go to Hogwarts but have their Elvish status still recognised. In return Xenophilius and later Luna would become spies for them. Already Xenophilius’ paper propagated old magic, forgotten creatures and anti-Ministry sentiments. All of which was taken just to be the eccentric ramblings of a madman by those people in power but there were those who listened.
‘Xenophilius, take a seat,’ Harry said gesturing to seat to Harry’s left. ‘Thank you for coming.’
Xenophilius sat down looking at Severus, ‘Luna was right. The Holy Ones did not harm the Prince.’
Harry raised an eyebrow, ‘the Prince?’
‘My mother’s family,’ Severus replied frowning.
Harry filed this away for later, ‘Xenophilius, as I’m sure you are aware Hogwarts has no Potions teacher. You may not be a Potions Master but you are a certified Potions maker.’
‘And whilst at Hogwarts what is it you would have me do?’ asked Xenophilius.
‘Draco Malfoy has been given an impossible task by the Dark Lord,’ Harry said calmly. ‘To kill Albus Dumbledore. I want you to make sure he succeeds.’
‘And if he can’t you make sure-‘Severus began.
‘-make sure that there are Death Eaters present who will do it in his stead,’ Harry interrupted. ‘And make sure that nothing can come back to you! It will do us no good if any connection to the Creature Alliance and Albus Dumbledore’s death is found.’
Xenophilius watched him with a very odd look, ‘after all these years and this is what you have me do? Helping a child commit murder? Why?’
‘Because the Ministry takes our freedom, our children, and our lives. As long as the Ministry of Magic stands we will always have to live in fear!’ Harry said.
‘And the only thing that stands between the Ministry and annihilation is Albus Dumbledore,’ mused Xenophilius. ‘With Dumbledore gone the Dark Lord will take over the Ministry of Magic. Yet I do not see you as willing to exchange one totalitarian regime for another. So you have the way to destroy the Dark Lord but are unwilling to save them if it does not save your people.’
‘Our people,’ Harry corrected softly. ‘Our people.’
‘Both and neither,’ Xenophilius said softly.
Harry bowed, ‘I know you are wary. And I understand. You do not agree with our plans. Truthfully, neither do I but I will not put one deceitful mortal above the lives of our people, our children. Because no matter what anyone says you are more than just another wizard. And I know you want our people freed as much as I do. After all, your daughter is three-quarters Elven and will not come of age until March. If they find out about her, we both know the fate that will await her! Help us and she and all over children like her shall be safe.’
‘There are no children like her,’ Xenophilius said softly.
‘They are still just children,’ Severus said softly. ‘And do not deserve the fate that the Ministry and Voldemort would condemn them to. Nor does Draco Malfoy deserve the Dark Lord’s punishment should he fail or worse the damnation of his own soul should he succeed for he is just a child.’
Xenophilius looked at Severus, ‘no he does not. I shall help him but I will be damned if I let a child barely older than my Luna sully his soul. And I demand that should Death Eaters be let into the school your armies will be there to protect the children if you do not get involved in the fighting.’
Harry nodded partially because he agreed with the older men’s points and partially because he knew it would look good for the Creature Alliance. They may not have got involved due to the Ministry and Light’s side unjust treatment of them. Yet they still protected the children of the race that damned their children.
‘I might not be hired,’ warned Xenophilius.
‘Oh, I’m sure you will,’ smiled Harry.
‘When you become the teacher you must carefully approach him,’ Severus said. ‘Draco Malfoy is arrogant and full of pride. He will be pleased he was chosen for such an important mission. The weight of what it means to take a life will eventually sink in but to begin with he will be exceptionally put-out that someone else has come to take over especially a strange half-blood like yourself.’
Xenophilius nodded, ‘I am used to wizard’s reactions. I plan on keeping an eye on him at first to see what he plans to do and how he himself is dealing with the stress and fear of working for the Dark Lord and the gravity of taking a human life that should never be taken lightly.’
Harry had a feeling that Xenophilius wasn’t just talking about Draco Malfoy. Harry knew that to aid the Dark Lord in assassinating Dumbledore was not a good path to take. However, at this point it was the quickest path to take to ensure his people were freed.
‘No, it should not be,’ Harry agreed softly. ‘Yet has to be done it does. What else can you say about Draco Malfoy?’
‘Draco has a very black and white list of people who are worthy or non-worthy. If you get onto the first list he will treat you with respect and kindness but if you are on the other list you are below him and he will be cruel and scorn you,’ Severus explained. ‘It is how he was raised that some people are better than others and not to associate with the “wrong” sort.’
‘And the other teachers?’ asked Xenophilius. ‘Who will I have to watch out for? Who will notice that something is amiss?’
Severus snorted, ‘I am not sure what Miss Lovegood has told you about Hogwarts.’
Xenophilius look was chilling, ‘enough.’
‘But most of the other teachers do not notice anything about the students,’ Severus said.
‘Yes, I have heard this,’ Xenophilius said. ‘I have written to Professor Flitwick and Professor McGonagall on numerous occasions about the bullying and thievery that my Luna is experiencing. Yet nothing has been done. I have had to place spells on her items so that they will always return to her trunk if they have not been there for over a week and heavy anti-thief wards on her trunk.’
Severus scowled looking very angry, ‘I had not noticed anything amiss but let me assure you had she been in my house I would not have tolerated any kind of behaviour from my students! Yet this is the common attitude for much of the staff.’
‘And are they all in Dumbledore’s Order?’ asked Xenophilius.
‘No, they are not,’ Severus said calmly. ‘Actually, its only Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid who are.’
‘Can you give me a rundown on the teachers?’ asked Xenophilius.
‘Well there’s Minerva who is strict and fair but standoffish. Few students even her own house would trust her enough to go to her. She’s part of Dumbledore’s Order and loyally devoted to him. Has been since she was in school herself,’ Severus began.
‘Then there’s Filius who is mainly neutral but will fight if Hogwarts is being attacked. He is mainly concerned with his students’ grades. If they are passing their exams and getting good grades in their homework he does not get involved,’ Severus said.
Harry shook his head, ‘at Avalon we had monthly group meetings with our assigned Mentor and that was just us day students. Borders had to meet with them biweekly. And if someone was needing a bit of extra guidance they might meet with their Mentor more often. And they would always make time for us if we wanted to talk. I know that after my Uncle-brother was taken I spoke with them a lot because my great uncles were falling apart and I had nowhere else to turn.’
Severus nodded, ‘that’s what I do for my House. I’d meet with groups of my House so that I was seeing everyone once a week. I think part of the problem is how many classes we have, on top of that there is marking and patrolling the school corridors.’
‘You don’t have wards for that?’ asked Harry surprised. ‘And you only have one teacher per lesson. I know that Hogwarts is a lot smaller than Avalon nowadays but even the smallest classes in Avalon at least have a teaching assistant that can take the younger year classes and help with marking and preparations!’
Harry made a mental note to change Hogwarts when he took over the Wizarding World as well. It seemed the more he learnt about the Wizarding World the more fucked up he realised it was. It was barely functioning on its own. Quite frankly someone needed to sort out the mess the wizards had made of their society.
Severus shook his head, ‘that would certainly take a lot of the load off but no we only have one teacher per class. Its even worse for the Heads of Houses who are in charge of contacting the parents, report cards and paperwork for those in their House. If it wasn’t for Keep Me Up potions I don’t know how I’d get everything done.’
‘Those are not designed for long term usage,’ Harry frowned reproachfully.
Severus cleared his throat, ‘then there is Pomona Sprout who is very motherly to those in her house and most other houses actually. However, she does fall into the category of viewing all Slytherins as evil! If she does notice anything wrong, she’ll assume quite correctly in this case that he’s doing something Dark and dangerous or acting for attention.
‘Then there’s Aurora Sinistra who will become the Head of Slytherin House as the only other Slytherin teacher. She’s a good teacher and is sociable with the other members of staff. I am not sure how she will be as a Head of House or how much she will notice.’
‘There’s Cuthbert Binns who is a ghost who has yet to notice that its not 1951 when he died,’ snorted Severus. ‘He has gone over the same topics he was covering in 1951 class on class. He is the reason that Hogwarts History receives the lowest grades in the world.’
‘And no one has helped him move on?’ asked Harry horrified. ‘It is horrifying for someone to be caught in limbo. We always make sure to aid individuals like that in finding out what is keeping them tied to this plane and move on as they should.’
‘Then there’s Sybil Trelawney the Divination Professor,’ Severus paused for a second. ‘She’s regarded by most as a fraud. Yet quite a few of her predictions are astonishingly accurate. She is more than a bit of a drama queen with a drink problem who has a habit of scaring the students by predicting their deaths.
‘Rubeus Hagrid, teaches Care of Magical Creatures. He is a half-giant and one of the few Order members in Hogwarts. He is loyally devoted to Dumbledore but is unlikely to realise what your plans are until too late.’
‘Bathsheba Babbling is the Ancient Runes Professor. She is very passionate about Ancient Runes and will not tolerate rule breakers or lazy students but is more than happy to help students struggling or who want to know more. Unfortunately, for her Bathsheba is one of the most perceptive individuals I have ever met.’
‘Septima Vector the Arithmancy Professor. She is very strict and gives out a lot of very difficult homework which she expects to be at least attempted. She does not tolerate individuals who are not trying in her class and has a strict three strikes and out rule. However, over eighty percent of her students pass Artihmancy and has the scores the second best in the world.’
‘Charity Burbage is the Muggle Studies Professor. She is one of the kindest souls you will ever meet but is exceptionally naïve. She is completely non-biased to all students. It is unlikely Draco and her to have any interaction and if it there is he will be in disdain of her so she will not notice anything wrong. If she does she’ll likely go to Aurora as his Head of House.
‘Then there is Poppy Pomfrey the school matron who is kind and strict. If she even suspects there is something wrong with you she will demand that you have a check-up which will not be good for you. If she notices something is wrong with Draco she may want to give him a check-up. Luckily even if she does find the Dark Mark she will not judge or say anything as Poppy does not ask questions and is only interested in healing those under her care.
‘Finally, there is Argus Filch the caretaker who is a suspicious bastard at the best of times. Make sure that Draco is not seen to be caught where he ought not to be. And Filch conducts the security checks so anything he may be bringing into or out of the castle you may have to help him conceal.’
‘Do you have any idea whom Dumbledore may be hiring as the Defence Professor?’ asked Xenophilius.
Severus shook his head, ‘its getting harder and harder to find suitable replacements. Dumbledore attempted to get one of the Order members to volunteer. However, he did not want to lose his people in the Ministry and those who could were unwilling to. At the present the stationed Aurors are going to be taking turns teaching.’
Harry frowned not liking the idea of seasoned warriors around whom may just notice something amiss especially if they were already suspicious of Lucius Malfoy’s son. No, he needed someone who would know not to get involved. Unless it was to aid their plans.
Harry smiled, ‘Fleur.’
‘Will he still trust her with your friendship and the Veelas supporting you over Dumbledore?’ asked Xenophilius.
Severus shook his head, ‘no he will not but he will want Fleur close in a hope to gain insight into your plans.’
Harry nodded, ‘I will talk to her. Is there anything else that needs to be known?’
‘No,’ Severus said.
Xenophilius turned and left without a word. Not that Harry expected him to. Xenophilius had always been scorned by most Elves for being the son of a human. Just as Harry had been for being raised by them. But Harry had always had guards and titles to stay the worst of the bullying. Xenophilius had had neither of those and when his fully Elven mate had died her Clan had blamed Xenophilius. It was only thanks to Harry’s Uncles that the child had stayed with her father. Thus, now Xenophilius was as wary of Elves as he was humans.
‘He does not like you much,’ Severus commented.
‘Being the child of the race that has stolen many peoples loved ones does not lead to happy relations in the Elven kingdom,’ Harry said quietly.
‘Did they ever treat you like that?’ asked Severus.
‘Not to my face,’ Harry replied simply. ‘Draco Malfoy? Why do you care about him so much?’
‘He is a child,’ Severus said softly. ‘He may not be a good or kind child but he does not deserve to become a killer nor does he deserve torture and death for not becoming a killer.’
Harry frowned feeling the Dark desire to torture and kill the human boy for what he had done to Draugdhuddon warring with his desire to please his mate. For Harry knew that Severus Snape would not agree to torture and kill Draco Malfoy no matter what he had been done. For he was a child but it was more than that he cared for the human childe.
‘Why do you hate him so much?’ asked Severus giving him a piercing look.
‘Have you heard about Draugdhuddon?’ asked Harry.
‘Your Uncle who was taken by the slave trade,’ Severus nodded.
‘He was bought by the Malfoy family,’ Harry said bitterly. ‘They tortured him! Half the bones in his body had to be regrown! He had scarring covering forty percent of his body. He had to have skin regrown to heal to burn damage! All I can say is that he was never sexually abused! The Malfoy family deserve to suffer what Draugdhuddon did!’ Harry growled out.
Harry stood chest heaving with anger flooding through his veins at the Malfoy family. He hadn’t said any of this before but he had thought it many times. He would wait because showing his hand too early could have him painted as a villain but the time would come when the Malfoy family would get their comeuppance.
‘I’m sorry,’ Harry said.
‘You don’t have the apologise to me,’ Severus said. ‘I’m not a stranger to revenge myself but just be careful you do not lose yourself and all those you care for in your pursuit for vengeance.’
Harry breathed a sigh, ‘you are right of course.’
Severus looked at Harry, ‘you are very different from your parents.’
Harry smiled, ‘we had very different upbringings.’
Severus nodded, ‘are you happy now?’
‘My family is back together now. And for the first time in centuries we have a real chance of defeating the human menace. And … and things are really starting to come together,’ Harry said quietly.
‘Sometimes I’m not sure if you are a Slytherin or a Hufflepuff,’ Severus said.
Harry frowned, ‘that’s your school houses, right? And Slytherin has some sort of stigma attached to it.’
Severus snorted, ‘many believe you are evil as soon as you are sorted into Slytherin.’
‘That’s ridiculous,’ Harry said. ‘How can an eleven-year-old child be purely evil.’
‘That’s what I’ve said for years,’ Severus agreed. ‘It is why I so heavily favour my House so that they know someone is on their side?’
‘Did you have that?’ asked Harry softly.
Severus looked sour, ‘my Head of House was not interested in anyone who was not useful to him!’
Harry shook his head, ‘this is yet another reason why I don’t understand the House system. If you have a problem with your mentor your parents or guardians can petition to change so long as there is a reason and its not because you don’t like being got into trouble.’
‘So you don’t have Houses?’ asked Severus.
Harry shook his head, ‘no.’
‘How are the dorms worked out?’ asked Severus.
‘Well remember a good number of us are day students,’ Harry replied. ‘Then each year has a floor which includes a smaller library, study room and common room where socialising is actively encouraged. The Year Head will have also have a room on this floor and any immediate problems would be brought to him or her.
‘The students are then split into dorms of about four students to a gendered dorm. There may be certain species such as werewolves and vampires who are not roomed with each other. This may be changed if you have a problem with your dormmates. After all school is supposed to be a safe and happy environment. Not one that you have to fear your peers.’
‘It’s very different to Hogwarts,’ murmurs Severus.
‘Of course, it is,’ Harry said insulted Severus would think otherwise. ‘Humans are notoriously bad at deciding what’s best of them.’
Severus snorted, ‘you are aware that I was born human. Was human only a few short weeks ago.’
‘Well not all of them,’ admitted Harry. ‘But the power-hungry government – yes.’
‘Well that’s true,’ Severus replied.
The two of them spoke for a bit longer but eventually Severus had to return home for his night hunt. Harry was sad to see him go but walked him to the Fire Point where he would use Fire magic to get back home. Harry wished he had longer to talk to him but knew there would be more opportunities to do so.