Things Unexpected
The Spell is Broken: Memories Returned
Chapter 6
Things Unexpected
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them.
~Leo Rosten
OoOoOoOoOoO
Deep Under The Earth, The Goblin Palace
July 31st
1:30 PM
Just as he said this the healers returned and escorted them from the throne room leaving Harry alone with the emperor and his daughter. Well, and the guards, Bloodclaw having gone with the healers. Harry looked at the two Royals as they made their way over to him.
"Want to go for a walk?" Springwind asked with a sweet smile, all Harry could do was smile and offer his arm once more. The two left the throne room heading towards the courtyard. What neither of them knew was that they just created a friendship that will be the start of the change.
Laugher flittered throughout the halls of the castle, the servants and guards all smiled, it was good to hear the Princess laugh so freely for once. The sounds of the laughter drifted through an open window and the occupant of the room stirred from unconsciousness.
Severus slowly came back into the waking world to the sound of a young woman's laughter. He stretched and reached over to the other side of the bed expecting to find James. When his arm found nothing but cold sheets he sat up with a gasp as memoires started to return to him. James going missing, tracking him to Hogwarts, watching Dumbledore threaten his mate, submitting to his demands, the pain as his elf was forcibly locked away with his true memories, the last seventeen years of loneliness, and how he treated his unknown son.
Slowly standing from the bed Severus strode toward the window where laughter was still spilling in. Looking out on the grounds he spotted the form of the Princess and his son. Harry was animatedly telling a story of some sort and was shaking with suppressed laughs as he tried to finish before breaking down. A muffled voice sounded from somewhere under the window causing the princess and Harry to turn toward the sound. Deciding he had watched enough Severus turned back into the room and caught sight of a mirror.
Severus walked over to the mirror to see how he should have looked over the last seventeen years. His appearance now looked like a proper dominate dark elf should. He was a few inches taller bringing his height to 6'4". His hair had lost the greasy stringy texture and hung at his shoulders in black silk waves. Severus face was now more aristocratic truly reflecting his Prince blood, his ears also now had the characteristic length and point of Elfs. His clothes were changed sometime after he lost consciousness, he now wore traditional elven clothes in all black to represent that he is a Dark Elf. (If you have seen lord of the rings it is the clothes that Legolas wears when they take rest in the Golden Wood after they lose Gandalf in Moria.)
There was a light knock at the door and Severus called out 'Come in', even his voice had changed. It was still the deep tenor that it was but it is softer, more lyrical. Turning around, Severus found a young Goblin servant standing in the door.
"It is good that you are awake," She said with a smile. "The emperor wishes to discuss the will of Lord Potter over lunch with you and your companions. Your son is already waiting in the dining hall."
"Then lead on miss," Severus said with a small nod of his head. "Let's not keep them waiting."
The young servant turned and lead the way out of the room with Severus following slightly behind. The halls were beautifully decorated with paintings from around the world, there were portraits of important creature leaders spotted here and there as well. They walked down three flights of stairs and passed the hall he was in earlier the same day. The two came to a stop in front of a set of doors that, compared to the intricacies of the rest of the palace, were rather plain. The young woman stepped forward and knocked on the door and they opened inwardly without a sound.
Severus stepped into the large room when she waved him forward. It was a large dining room with beautiful windows that looked out over a river of lava that ran next to the castle. In the center of the room was a large wooden table, at the head of the table was the Emperor, to his right was the Princess and to her right was his son, to his left sat Bloodclaw. He caught his son's eyes and stilled at the brilliant shade of forest green that was roaming over his body, taking in the changes.
Harry looked toward the door when he heard the knock, the emperor snapped his fingers and the doors swung open without a sound. He watched as his father walked through the door and looked around the extravagant room. Harry took the time to look at the changes that his father went through with the removal of all the blocks. He looked really good, he now looked how he thought dominate elves should look. Their eyes caught and Severus stilled and allowed him to look. When he finished he smiled at his father. Harry stood and started to make his way towards him. When he got closer he threw himself at Severus and hugged him as tight as possible.
Severus wrapped his arms around Harry and held him tight. He buried his head in his son's shoulder. His elf came to the front of his mind and started to purr softly at the fact his son obviously didn't hold anything against him. Harry gave an answering purr and snuggled into his father's arms. There was a slight clearing of the throat behind them and the two parted with blushes on their cheeks to look at the Emperor who was looking at them in open amusement, the Princess was giggling behind her hand and Bloodclaw looked uncomfortable at being so close the Emperor in such an informal setting.
"Sorry about that your majesty," Severus said smoothly as he guided his son back toward his seat and then sat next to him. "I didn't realise that would happen. It seems our elves are happy that I am no longer blocked."
The emperor waved his hand dismissing it.
"I always enjoy watching something like this Severus," Silverblade said. "It is refreshing to see the natural instincts instead of trying to be what you are not. Also I would appreciate it if in private like this you called me Silverblade, I am not like my father before me, I actually do like having friends and being able to do business in a relaxed environment rather than formally all the time."
"If that is what you wish...Silverblade," Severus acknowledged in surprise. Whatever he was about to say was cut off with another knock sounding at the doors. Silverblade simply snapped his fingers once more and they swung open. Remus and Sirius walked through the door hand in hand, both looked significantly different. Harry watched them just as he did with his father before once again making his way over followed closely by Severus.
OoOoOoOoOoOoO
A Few Moments After Severus Woke
In a large well decorated room there was a King sized bed with two sleeping occupants. The two men were wrapped securely around each other with the smaller man resting on the others chest. The larger of the two slowly started to stir as his advanced hearing picked out the faint laughter that came from the courtyard through the closed window and heavy curtains. Amber eyes slowly blinked open and took in his surroundings.
As Remus slowly came to, his brain addled by sleep, he took in the large room and his mate lying on his chest. At first he was confused as to where he was and what he was doing there. Then his memories slowly started to filter in. He finally remembered the truth of their school days, he remembered James and the search, he remembered the spell and its effects, he remembered the twelve years without his mate and remembered getting him back. Looking at the man laying on his chest still asleep he took in the changes that took place now that he was free of the block.
Sirius' height hadn't changed but his build had, his shoulders were slimmer and his hips were wider, his hair fell in silky black waves to his mid back, his features had taken on a softer look. They were still a traditional aristocratic look associated with the Black Family but the angles were not as sharp and overbearing. His lips were fuller and a softer pink. Remus took a deep breath in through his nose and was hit with the intoxicating scent of his mate and let out a deep rumble of content from his chest.
Sirius slowly woke to a gentle rumble sounding from his pillow. Eyes blurry with sleep he looked around in confusion as to why his pillow was making noise. Hearing a chuckle come from his now moving pillow Sirius shook away the last of his sleep and looked up into the amber eyes of Remus. Seeing how his mate had changed everything that had happened over the years came back in a crash of memories.
Sirius closed his eyes and let out a small whimper as he recalled all the years he lost to Azkaban. Remus, having heard it, gathered him closer to himself.
"Its over Siri," he said softly. "We are together again, you are not in prison anymore, and we remember the truth. We will take revenge on what happened to James, we will free everyone from the clutches of an evil, delusional man."
"I know, its just hard," Sirius sighed as he began to calm down. He then took in the changes to himself and his mate. "We are back to how we are supposed to be!"
"Yes," Remus smiled a large true smile. "You look amazing little Incubus."
"Not so bad yourself My Wolf," Sirius purred, and he did look good. Remus was no longer skinny, hunched and scarred. He stood tall, at an amazing 6'5" compared to his old 6', he was broader, stronger and held himself as an Alpha wolf. His eyes were completely amber but if the light hit them right they would look gold. The scars that once marred his face and body were now gone and his skin was lightly tanned and would compliment his own pearly skin. "Not so bad at all."
Remus just smirked before turning to open the curtains and see if he could see where the laughing had been coming from even though it had stopped. Peering out the window he saw his Godson and the Princess disappearing inside the castle from the courtyard. Hearing a shuffling from begin him, Remus turned and saw Sirius going through what looked to be clothing that had been left on a chair in the room. Sirius turned and grinned,
"They left is some clothes to put on," Sirius said smiling. "They also appear to be specially fitted for our new, or old?, body size."
The two quietly took the clothes and changed from the bedclothes that they had been wearing. Just as Sirius was fixing hair and Remus was buttoning the last button on his shirt there was a knock at the door. Sirius looked to Remus who called out "Come in!"
The door opened and a young female goblin entered the room and bowed slightly to the two men.
"It is good that you are awake and dressed, the Emperor wishes to discuss Lord Potter's will over lunch. Your two companions have already been called and are waiting in the dining room. Please, follow me."
"Of course young one," Remus said with smile and held a hand out to Sirius. "Lead the way."
She turned and started walking towards the dining room. A few minutes and several flights of stairs later they were stopped outside a set of wooden doors. She stepped forward and knock and the doors swung open without a sound, she bowed the two in and walked away.
Sirius and Remus walked in and looked around the room and took it in. Then as one they caught sight of the people sitting at the table and their eyes locked with their godson's forest green orbs. He stood and made his way over to the pair with his father close behind him.
"Wow," Harry breathed as he really looked at them. "You look amazing!"
"Thanks cub," Remus said with a smile. Sirius took his hand from Remus and reached out and pulled Harry between them in a three way hug. Severus looked at the three with a smile.
"What am I?" Severus asked amused. "Chopped liver?"
Sirius and Remus looked over at him and then at each other before pulling the elf between them with his son.
"You look good Sev," Sirius said softly as he felt the man sigh and wrap his arms around them. Severus then pulled back from the three.
"Come, we have things to discuss," Severus said and motioned them over to the table. Severus and Harry returned to their previous seats. Sirius and Remus took the seats across from them with Sirius next to Bloodclaw, across from Harry, and Remus next to him across from Severus.
"Good, we are all here," Silverblade said and turned to the two newcomers. "You are allowed to call me by my name as I have already said to your companions."
"As you wish," Remus said and Sirius gave a nod of acceptance.
"Now that we are all here we can begin lunch while we go through our business. First I would before we begin I believe Bloodclaw has something for the birthday boy," Silverblade said with a small smile and motioned to the banker. As he did so food began to appear on the table and they began to eat as Bloodclaw began.
"Yes," Bloodclaw cleared his throat and pulled his hands out from under the table. He was holding a rather thick envelope with Harry's name scrawled across the top. "This was delivered to me by a house elf in another envelope just before October. There was a letter from a Hermione Granger asking that this be passed on to you after you came to claim your inheritance. She did not explain why she couldn't do it herself."
Harry had gasped when he heard who had sent the letter and hesitantly reached out to take it from the Goblin sitting across the table. Flipping it over to the back Harry caught sight of the wax seal before he could break it and was confused, it was the Slytherin house crest. Shaking his head he broke the seal and pulled the letter out, another sheet of parchment fell out but Harry didn't notice it as he began to read the letter.
Hello Harry,
Now, I know what you are thinking and stop right now! I know I probably haven't been the friend you have known since first year. There is a reason behind it, but always know that you are my brother no matter what happens.
The reason for my lapse in friendship is uncertain at this time but I have several theories as to why. At this moment I am sitting in the room of requirement near midnight on my birthday. I slipped out of the dorms almost 24 hours ago when something shocking became apparent. At midnight last night I had doing a bit of late night reading when I was suddenly surrounded by a soft glow and I watched as my skin went from a soft tan brown color to a pearl color. Not understanding what was happening I ran to the mirror hanging on the wall and found my whole appearance changed. My hair is now as black as yours and my eyes became a clear blue topaz. I was so shocked that I fled to the one place I knew I could be alone, the room of requirements.
This room truly is magical, I just wanted answers as to what was happening to me and the door opened to show a sitting room with a single couch and a coffee table with a single book, Glamours and Their Uses. I learned some shocking things, I won't write them, for there are too many. What I will tell you is that I found that they are used to change someone's appearance and that the one that breaks upon one's 17th birthday is one used to hide a child. Under normal conditions it is used in war to hide a child that was a from a target family, but it can also be used to hide children who were kidnapped.
Me being me decided that I wanted to check all possible avenues so I decided to do a brew a potion that would show the parents of whoever added their blood to the potion. The RoR gave me the necessary ingredients to brew the potion and it took most of the day to do so. The results were nothing less than shocking if I do say so. I included the results in the envelope with this letter, I knew you would want proof and I fear what would happen if I keep them on my person. They say that I am the daughter of Tom Riddle and Rodolphus Lestrange. I...I..don't know what to do Harry!
There is a reason I am writing this letter though...for the last hour the Headmaster has been standing outside the door trying to get me to come out. I don't know how he knew I was here but did. He started out yelling through the door trying to coax me out but I didn't want to, I just wanted to be alone. He thinks I can't hear him, but the room is allowing me to hear his mumbles and I'm scared. He's saying these things Harry…. he's mumbling about me...he said that I need to controlled...that I can't be allowed to know the truth.
He is destroying the wards on the door, he will be through in a moment and I needed you to know because I fear he will obliviate me and put more glamorous on me. I am sending this with Dobby, I know he won't tell anyone. Find me Harry, fix this please! Don't trust the Headmaster! Find the Dark Lord! Help!
I Love You Little Brother,
Hermione
Harry finished reading the letter in shock. He already knew about Dumbledore and the Dark Lord, but for Hermione to be Tom's daughter was another thing entirely. He looked around and spotted the other parchment sitting in the table where it had fallen out and read the names that appear on the paper.
Hermione Lindie Slytherin
Father: Tom Marvolo Riddle Slytherin
Mother: Rodolphus Rigel Lestrange Slytherin
Harry heard the clearing of a throat and looked up to see everyone looking at him and realised that he had been staring unmoving at the results of the test for a few minutes. Harry silently handed the tree to his father and the letter across the table to Sirius and Remus.
"I can't even begin to explain, just read," Harry said with a shake of his head. A moment later he heard his father gasp as he finally realised what he was looking at.
"I remember now," Severus said softly, recalling the year before James was taken. "Not many people knew about her, just the closest friends of Tom. I assume Dumbledore found out about her after he cast that spell."
"We are going to need to find her," Remus said as he and Sirius finished the letter and handed it back to Harry. "We will have to bring her here. No doubt that in order to 'keep her controlled' Dumbledore placed many enchantments and potions on her that will need to be purged."
"Are you speaking of Ms. Granger?" Bloodclaw asked curiously.
"Yes," Harry said as he now handed the letter to the Goblins at the table. "This mystery just keeps getting bigger and I do not like it at all."
"Well, I will welcome her here to go through the same process the three of you did earlier. Though we must get back on task there is something that needs to be brought to your attention. I came across something of importance as I was looking over the papers that Bloodclaw brought with him from the bank," Silverblade began and pulled out the folder with the paper work. "After you all had left I sat and looked over everything, I started with trying to read James' will. I couldn't get it to open no matter what I tried."
Silverblade paused as he heard Bloodclaw and his daughter gasp.
"Nothing would open it?" Bloodclaw asked incredulous.
"No, nothing," Silverblade shook his head. Then looked up to see the confused looks of the other four. "I'm going to tell you the significance of this but I need you to not interrupt me."
The four nodded in acceptance and Silverblade began again.
"Not long after you left I pulled out the will and found that there was a sealing spell placed on it that normally wouldn't be there. That easily came off, but then I saw the original Blood seal was still in place I took a closer look. There was no crack in the seal, nothing, so it will not open no matter what spells are cast on it."
"Dear me.." Springwind whispered, Bloodclaw looked just as shocked. Again the other four were confused as to the importance. Seeing this the Emperor continued speaking.
"The seal can only be broken upon the death of the owner of the blood, meaning that…"
Severus cut him off before he could finish…
"James is still alive…" he whispered in a hoarse voice the pieces falling into place.
"Yes," Silverblade nodded. "I even went over the larger family tree that Bloodclaw brought with him. You would have seen it earlier if you had not believed the blood test, for he would have showed you it. On that particular family tree it has both the birth and death date of all family members, there is no death date for James Potter-Prince."
Harry was shocked, his mother was still alive. But where was he?
"We don't know at this time," Silverblade answered. Harry started not knowing he had said that allowed. "We will start sending out letters to our allies in the world to see if anyone has heard anything about where he may be."
"Thank you," Remus whispered as he pulled Sirius into his lap as his mate trembled at the new information. Harry had climbed into Severus' lap when it appeared he was going to pass out from that knowledge.
"I think we are going to have to call it a day," Silverblade said. The food that had remained uneaten was cleared away. "There isn't anything else to do but wait and see if anyone knows anything about James and it is nearing two in the afternoon. The discussion about all properties and monetary funds can wait. You four should go home, let today's revelations settle, and find Ms. Granger. Send a letter to Bloodclaw when you are able to bring her to be cleansed. Bloodclaw I would like you to go back over both the Prince and Potter holdings and make sure nothing fell through the cracks, I know that you were not in complete control of them until recently because of that old fool. When you are done send a general statement to Severus and Harry. Any Specific details can wait until Hermione is brought in. Also have the head of the Black vaults do the same and if he questions you send him to me, Dumbledore's hold over my bank ends now. It's time for the Goblins to once again stand tall as the Creatures come forward in this world."
Bloodclaw bowed his head in acceptance of his new task. Sirius, Remus, Severus and Harry all looked at him in relief of not having to do everything that day.
"I will take you back to the surface," Bloodclaw said as he stood, the four companions stood as well. They all gave a bow to emperor and his daughter before they turned to leave the room. They were stopped for a moment when Springwind stood and pulled Harry into a hug.
"Don't forget to write me," She whispered into his ear. "You are my only friend on the surface and I wish to know what is happening with you and the outside world."
When they pulled apart Harry smiled at her and nodded once to show he heard her. With that the five left the room and the castle. The trip back to the surface was made in silence as everyone processed the day's events. On the way the four took time to apply glamours to themselves to hide their changes and transfigured their clothes to something they would normally wear to keep everything a secret that they now know who they are. They finally reached the lobby of Gringotts 20 minutes later.
"Sirius and Remus Lupin-Black you are hereby allowed the use of the apparition point within the bank for future business," Bloodclaw said formally and there was a slight buzz as the wards around the bank changed to allow them access. "I bid you good day and good luck before our next meetings. May your enemies tremble in fear."
With that he turned and made his way back towards his office, most likely to look over the records for the Potter and Prince accounts, or for a drink, or both. Severus turned to Sirius then;
"Is Grimmauld still used as headquarters for the Order?"
"Yes," Sirius nodded. "But I do not have them all staying under my roof, they can only come by for meetings or if there is an emergency. All the upper floors have been warded, no one but Remus, Harry, or I can get passed the first floor. I'll add you to that when I get home. Why?"
"We need Dumbledore to think we are still his puppets for now so Harry can't live at my home, but may I move in with you?" Severus asked quietly. "Dumbledore thinks I have some big potion to brew for Tom so he won't check Spinner's End for a few days."
"You do not even have to ask old friend," Remus said as he put his arm around Sirius. "The next meeting is tomorrow so we have time to come up with a way to keep everything secret. Come we can go there now."
Severus nodded and led them over to the apparation point in the bank. He held his arm out to Harry who took it with hesitancy remembering earlier, Severus looked at him reassuringly and showed him his potions kit that had been transferred when his clothing changed. Harry nodded to show he saw and the two disappeared with a pop Sirius and Remus following not a moment later.