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Chapter Text

Prologue

August 23, 1996
12 Grimmauld Place Harry’s Room

Harry stared at the ceiling as he remembered what Snape looked like when they brought him in.

It was awful.
He was bloody and weak, and there were things . . . words carved in his back.
He didn't know about the rest but he new for sure that one of those words was fag, and he was almost certain that another word was whore.
Harry knew what that meant. He knew what it meant to have those words carved or burned into your body.
He'd seen it on a documentary on TV last summer.
Harry was just praying the other word he saw didn't say Spy.

He'd never met anyone who'd been raped before, but he'd seen a boy with one of those words burned into his neck once at the store. For once Dudley beat up his friends instead of Harry when they started making fun of him. Dudley said there wasn't anything funny about someone permanently scaring someone like that.

He "reminded" them of the conversation they'd had a couple years back about how he found out Harry's parents' killer had carved the scar on Harry's forehead. How he'd told them that it wasn't just a funny mark anymore. That it was a crime he thought should put you in hell.

Harry started pacing. He'd seen the dismissive looks on most of the adults. He'd heard their whispers about how it was so sad, but what could Snape expect for consorting with Death Eaters. Mrs. Weasley had sighed and looked teary eyed and said she hoped the poor man healed up before he was called back again.

After the third time Ron got mad at him for his pacing, the redhead told him he should find somewhere else to be until he was ready to stop worrying over the greasy git and go to bed. Harry had glared at Ron for a long moment before storming out of the room. He went to find Sirius, but when he used Point Me he discovered the man was in Severus' room. Another Point Me declared that Remus also was in there with them.

Harry considered for a good long while outside the door, before deciding to tap softly and whisper "Remus, can I come in?"

Harry heard some rustling sounds and then footsteps before the door opened. "Harry," Remus said softly "You should be in bed, why are you still up?"

The boy fidgeted for a moment before asking just as quietly, "Is he ok?"

Remus' eyes softened and he opened the door wider before gesturing the boy in. "Be very quiet, he can't handle full strength sleeping potion right now and we don't want him waking up."

He led him over to the bed, where Severus Snape the man who had long made his life miserable at school lay on his stomach under the covers. Sirius was in dog form at the foot of the bed, and he looked up at Harry and huffed at him. Harry smiled as he petted the dog that was his godfather. He then turned his attention to the Potions Master again, and searched his face for signs of pain.

Remus wrapped his arms around the child comfortingly and murmured softly, "He's in no pain. We gave him the strongest pain relief potion we could." He turned Harry around and put a hand on each shoulder. "Professor Snape will be just fine Harry, now go back to sleep please.”

Harry nodded and impulsively hugged the man again, before leaving the room. When he considered returning to his room immediately though, he decided to get some milk while he waited for Ron to fall asleep instead. That way they would have a fight again over Harry worrying about Snape.

When he was at the doorway to the kitchen he heard Mrs. Weasley’s voice, and paused, deciding to see what he could learn by snooping. “I just don’t understand why the Ministry won’t act. We have all this information that poor Snape keeps bringing us, but the Ministry won’t do anything with it.”

Kingsley’s voice responds, “I do not know. Ms. Bones has repeatedly requested permission to act on our intel and been denied every time. She has in fact been threatened with firing if she can’t and I quote, ‘Keep to your own job, and allow the administration to decide on policy during these dark times.’ At this point I’m not too happy with Dumbledore's policies either to be honest.” Mrs. Weasley gasped, and Harry froze in shock at the statement. “I know that he is a great man Molly, but the man has repeatedly refused to act on information that Severus has literally begged him to act on.”

Mr. Weasley spoke up, “I agree with Kingsley. We send that man in repeatedly to be raped and abused in order to give us information that we do nothing with. At this point we may as well be just as guilty as the ones committing those atrocities and don’t you argue me on this. We are just as bad for not stepping up and putting our foot down.”

Harry backed away from the door slowly and turned around his face white with shock. He swayed on his feet for a moment as he started moving. ‘Nobody is doing anything about this.’ Harry thought, ‘He’s going through all of that for literally nothing. And they are going to just send him back in. Over and Over and Over until he’s FREAKING DEAD!’ His thoughts steadily grew angrier and angrier and then he turned to the Floo . . . If nobody else was going to do something. If neither the Ministry or Dumbledore would do anything. If nobody else could or would act.
.
.
.
Harry picked up a handful of Floo Powder and stepped inside.

If nobody else was going to do anything, then Harry would do it his own self.

“Gringotts!” He snapped as clearly as he was capable as he threw down the powder, and the fire flared green.

Chapter 1

If nobody else was going to do anything, then Harry would do it his own self.

“Gringotts!” He snapped as clearly as he was capable as he threw down the powder, and the fire flared green.

August 23, 1996
Gringotts Bank

Harry came out of the fire in a rolling tumble and managed to crack his head open on the stone floor, causing the Goblins guarding the door to rush over and start snarling about idiot children before he blacked out.

When Harry woke up he was in a stone chamber on a stone table inside a ring of runes carved on the floor. Shocked, he tried to get up only to discover he had been chained to the table with silver manacles. “Help! Help! What’s going on here?” Harry shouted for a few minutes before the door opened.

A Goblin entered and Harry relaxed somewhat, “Griphook, what’s going on here? Why am I chained up? Please, help me!”

Griphook’s eyes widened and he paused for a moment “We healed the wound to your head, but found a powerful Dark Magic in your scar. It appears to be a Soul Leech of some sort and although removing it will not be difficult we required your consent to proceed with the ritual.” Griphook stepped closer “The Chains are there so that you do not harm yourself or others while the ritual is completed. If you refuse to consent to the ritual you and any allied with you will be barred entry to Gringotts until the Leech is gone.”

Harry stared at him in horror, “There’s a Dark Magic Soul Leech Thing in my Scar?!” Harry asked in a voice that became more shrill with each word.

“Yes.” The Goblin said calmly.

“Oh Jesus! Get it out! Get it out! Please!” Harry started in hysterics.

Griphook blinked several times, “Someone fetch Grogmah, I feel she will be quite necessary, and get me a calming draught for the boy!”

Grimmauld Place

Lily stared at her husband, “We have done him wrong, James.” she whispered with tears in her eyes.
James looked at her with sadness, “I know, Lily I know.”

Spinner's End
August 14, 1979

Lily and James stood in the mudroom of Severus' childhood home, “Thank you for agreeing to meet with us Sev, I know you’re really busy finishing your Mastery.” Lily said, smiling cheerfully.

Severus just stared at the two somewhat cooly and motioned them into the sitting room. “Headmaster Dumbledore has leant me one of the school elves, as he does not trust me to remember to eat, so you may trust that the tea is not poisoned.” Severus intoned as he noticed James eyeing the tea setting with distrust, “Peppy!”

“Yes Mister Potions Assistant Snape sir? Did you be wanting more of Peppy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies?” the very young House-Elf gushed happily as she rushed about the room straightening and dusting everything. Then she noticed the Potters and turned to Severus with a look of pure joy. “Mister Snape Sir has guests!!” she squealed in happiness, “Can Peppy be getting Mister Snape Sirs guests anything, is the tea-”

“Peppy!” Severus interrupted sharply, “Please just assure my guests…” he said the word as if it left a bad taste in his mouth, “that the food has not been tampered with. Mister Potter here is an Auror.”

Peppy froze and then looked at the Potters in distaste, “You’s being the bad Potty Boy who put potions in Slytherin Plates at Hogwarts.” she stated coldly. “I’s being making Mister Potion Assistant Snape Sir's dinner when I makes Professor Dumbledore’s.” her glare at him had the Auror squirming. “Peppy can assure Mister Potter that if he finds Mister Potions Assistant Snape Sirs Tea not to his liking then I can bring something more to his taste.” she stated with narrowed eyes.

James Potter actually found himself rather wary of the House-Elf, and shook his head “No, I’m just fine with what Snapes having.”

“Peppy…” Severus sighed out resignedly “that will be all, please return to Hogwarts.”

The elf glared at James and Lily Potter one more time before popping away. Severus gestured at the couch, “Please, take a seat.” he said curtly

Once they were settled Lily looked up at Severus, “I’ll just be blunt about it, we need your help.”

Severus looked away, resignation in his every feature, “What do you want?”

“I’m infertile.” Lily stated with tears in her eyes, “We’ve been trying to have a child since we married over a year ago.” she stated as she brushed the tears from her eyes “We have been to 12 fertility specialists, both in the Wizarding World and the Muggle; and they have all had the same response.” she sat up straight and looked him in the eye “My mother had a very hard pregnancy with me, and she was prescribed a drug called Diethylstilbestrol to reduce chances of miscarriage.” she took a breath but Severus held up his hand to halt her.

“I’ve heard of this happening to several muggleborns recently, you have DES Syndrome, wherein the drug designed to save your life resulted in you being unable to bring more life into the world.” he sighed, “I assume you have a surrogate lined up and want me to brew the potions so that the child will be yours.” he stated getting up and walking over to the bookcase to search for the one with the potion they needed, “I will of course help you, I should have the potion ready in about two months, if the surrogate will still be pregnant then. If not I will have to alter the potion of course, but you need not bother with the details as you already know them.” he rambled as he pulled out the book he was looking for.

James spoke up softly, apologetically even, “My family magics won’t accept just any surrogate, and the child must be conceived naturally. A Magical Adoption even within the womb will not do, and because of the damned fool way we worded our vows I cannot lay with any but my wife, or one who was previously bonded to her.”

Severus dropped his book and had to catch himself on the shelf, he whirled around with wide eyes. “You cannot possibly mean this.” he whispered

James sighed and opened his mouth to answer but Lily put a hand on his, “Sev I would never have asked this of you, but I …” a tear fell down her cheek “I truly want to have a child Severus, please don’t deny me this.”

“Get out.” he whispered

“Sev, please…” Lily cried

“Get Out!” Severus shouted, throwing a book at them, “Leave! Get out of my house!” he screamed, throwing book after book in their direction until they were at the door, tears pouring down his cheeks as he did so.

“Please Severus, just consider it…” she said in the doorway

“Please just leave…” Severus whispered again and only relaxed somewhat when the door shut. He turned to look around the room with despair and then took some floo powder and shouted into the flames, “Malfoy Manor!” before rushing through.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2

Severus tumbled from the fire onto the hearth of the receiving room in Malfoy Manor, and began sobbing in earnest, knowing that here he was safe, here he wouldn’t be harmed. A House-Elf rushed to inform Master and Mistress of their guest and his distress, and an alarmed Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy rushed to their friend.

It took quite some time and not less than three doses of calming draught before Severus was able to speak coherently. “I can’t do it Lucius, I can’t do it, please don’t let me give in.” he begged into Lucius’ chest, where his only friend cradled him while Narcissa stroked his hair and spoke in soothing tones. “I can’t do it.” he sobbed.

Lucius looked at his wife with fury in his gaze and she knew he couldn’t speak right now or it would bleed through and frighten Severus. She asked the question they both needed to know, “Give in to what Sevie, tell me what’s wrong.”

“I can’t…” Severus sobbed, “he wants me to carry his child… I can’t Lucius, please don’t let me do it.”

Lucius clutched his friend closer and looked at his wife, “Sevie Dear, who did this, who hurt you?” Narcissa asked softly

“I can’t do it, Lucius, it would break me. I can’t!” he sobbed into Lucius' robes, knowing only that his friend would protect him, just as he had at Hogwarts.

Lucius spoke in as controlled a tone as he possibly could, “Severus, I will not bind you.” he said into the man's hair, “But if you tell me who is pressuring you into bearing for him, I can make him stop. I will make him leave you alone, and he will never hurt you again.”

Severus would not answer, but after a very long time he fell asleep in his friend's arms. Whereupon Lucius cast a featherweight charm on the teenager and carried him upstairs to the only guest room in the family quarters. Narcissa drew up a chair to sit vigil with the distressed younger man, while Lucius went off to make inquiries and possibly report a “Bearing Assault”.

“Bearing Assault” was the crime of a wizard forcing a wizard of lesser standing to “Bear an Heir” through coercion, force, or bonding. The attempt to do so was just as heavily punished as the act itself, as this was seen as the closest crime to rape in the magical world. There were those who made a profession out of “Bearing Heirs” and so it was unconscionable that someone would commit a “Bearing Assault” since it was unnecessary.

Meanwhile Narcissa just sang to Severus as he slept hoping to help him, she would have to keep a closer eye on Lucius' young friend, she wouldn’t have anyone forcing one of hers into something they did not want.

August 23, 1996 Present

Harry was given potion after potion, and at this point was highly intoxicated. An Elderly Goblin Lady by the name Grogmah sat beside the boy, holding his hand and feeding him each potion as it came. Harry, highly intoxicated as he was, had told the “Nice Lady” his entire life story at this point, and was now gushing about how his parents were alive again.

She gave appropriate responses at the right times so that the boy would keep talking, and made sure that only her son Griphook could hear the boy's ramblings. She and Griphook had exchanged multiple loaded glances while the boy spoke of the Dursleys and his treatment by them. They also recognised a potential for this boy to have become an Obscurial, and that it was only the magic of the Soul Leech which had likely stopped that eventuality.

Upon learning that, they had to adjust the ritual quite a bit, and therein lay their current problem. They had two options at this point: use an Olde Magick Ritual to permanently bind his mothers sacrifice to his magic, to do which they would require his mother's blood, and the blood Lily Potter left in trust to Harry did not match the Bearers Blood in Harry’s veins. Option two was much riskier, but it appeared it was their only option right now. They would have to merge the Leech into Harry’s own soul, which in order to do properly without tainting the boy's personality meant they needed the help of High Elves.

It would come with a high cost, but the Goblins of Gringotts had taken responsibility for this when they forced the choice on the boy. Until the Soul Leech was removed the child was a Ward of the Goblin Nation, and they would not shirk that responsibility. Gringotts would pay whatever price was required to save this child from the Leech.

Chapter Text

August 23, 1996 Present

The procedure was canceled as soon as it was determined that the original removal would not work. They placed the boy in a stasis chamber, until the High Elves arrived. Once the door of a Stasis Chamber closed, time would simply cease to exist within the room. This meant they could safely wait for the Elves' arrival without worry the boy’s magic would fluctuate, or the Soul Leech take over in the meantime.

The Elves who deigned to show up were all highly disdainful of the Portal Room they arrived in. The Goblin at the door wasted no time showing the Elves to the Ritual Room where Grogmah, Griphook, and almost a dozen Goblins argued over what the next step would be if they couldn’t get help from the High Elves.

“If we can’t cure him it’s only right for us to Cull him. We’ll save his seed and blood and the next time we get a True Muggleborn in here we name them his Heir.” An extremely old goblin stated from his place at the head of the table. “If he cannot be cured he must be culled.”

“If you even think of Culling that boy,” Grogmah responded with a grim smile. “I will end you, and all your line.”

Everyone at the table took that threat as a very serious promise since Grogmah was currently the GottlingKing. Which meant that until the boy was safe she held the power of King over anything regarding the child. She had earned this right by giving a Blood Oath, that she would act as the child's mother until it was certain that the boy was safe from the injustices that had been committed against him.

“Are there any less foolish thoughts to share?” she asked as the Elves entered the room.

“What was the matter so urgent?” a tall blonde elf who looked remarkably like one Lucius malfoy if not for the long white horns on his head asked coldly “So urgent in fact that we were not even greeted when we arrived, but instead were -”
He cut off mid sentence when Grogmah tossed a folder onto the table in front of him. It slid open and showed the face of a youngling, barely into their first molt. “Why do you have this picture?” He growled, holding it up.

Harry was quite small for a nearly 15 year old, and even though he lay curled up on a Goblin sized bed it was still too large for him. They had changed him into a loose white tunic and it slipped down his shoulder loosely. His eyes were closed but in sleep he looked even younger, and he twisted and turned in obvious distress from yet another nightmare. It was enough to make even the hardest heart feel sympathy, which had been the intention in taking the picture.

“That is Hari James Potter, Scion of House Potter, Heir of Slytherin, Heir of Peverell, and the matter of great urgency we have called you here for is that there is a Soul Leech entwined with the boy’s own soul.” While Griphook explained another of the Elves, one with dark brown hair and Green Horns like a mountain goat took the folder. “He has been named a Ward of the Goblin Nation, at least until -”

The Lucius look alike interrupted disdainfully, “He is nothing of the kind, this is obviously a direct descendant of my Moirail. He will now be placed under our protection until he can arrive.”

“He will stay where he is, in a stasis chamber until the Leech has been dealt with.” Grogmah stated coolly, “Unless you would like to be the reason I die from Oath Breaking of course.”

As a low growl rose from the blonde, the second male touched his arm, “My Lord, the boy was placed under the care of one Grogmah, and she has placed herself under The Mother’s Laws. If this file is correct Merlin’s Descendant has been given potions to loosen the Leech’s hold on him, if removed from stasis, it could take primary control.”

A long moment of silence ensued before the blonde sighed and gestured that the file be handed to him. He sat down in an empty chair and began to read.

Severus POV
August 23, 1996 Present

Severus just lay on the bed in Remus’ room while the werewolf fussed over him. A memory came to him of a story he once heard.

An old Native American Medicine Man was talking to his grandson, and he told him a story. “Inside of each of us are two wolves, a cruel evil wolf, and a kind and good wolf. They fight every day of our lives. The one that wins decides whether you will be good or bad.” The young man had asked his father which wolf wins, to which the man replied. “The one you feed.”

He had no idea why this came into his mind now, and he was almost certain that wasn’t how it went, but while watching the werewolf fuss over him he found the story comforting.

When Remus reached out and checked his temperature again, Severus took the opportunity to do something he had never done before. He leaned into the hand, and sighed in the comfort of another human choosing to care about him. He dozed off to the sight of Remus smiling down at him softly.

Yes, he found that story very comforting.

Spinner's End
August 23, 1979

He’d only been back from Malfoy Manor for a few minutes when his door was being knocked on. He opened the door expecting perhaps his elderly neighbor having noticed his chimney smoking, coming to see why he’d disappeared so for so long. He was rubbing the bridge of his nose not looking up as he spoke. “Good Evening Mrs. Godwicce, I’m sorry I didn’t inform you I’d be leaving, it was rather sudden.”

He looked up when he received no answer and instead saw Potter on his doorstep. Severus stared at the other man for a long moment before pushing the door closed on the other mans face. Or, rather trying to close the door on the other man. Potter instead grabbed the door and forced his way into the house before closing it behind him.

Severus stumbled backwards in what was obviously fear, when the other man stepped forwards. James Potter froze at the look of actual fear on the face of his former rival.

“I promise I only want to talk.” he said softly gently, “I even came without Lily so you could hear my words without Lily saying them first.”

Severus raised a shaky hand to gesture towards the sitting room. “I’m not sorry to say that due to the nature of your previous request I will require a chaperone. Peppy!”

The elf appeared and immediately knew something was wrong. She stared at Potter with a cold calculating glare, “How can Peppy be helping Mister Potions Assistant Snape Sir?” She asked while keeping her eyes completely on the other man.

Severus cleared his throat, “Peppy, I need you to inform Pomona that I am in need of a -”

Potter interrupted quickly, “I’m calling in your life debt.”

Severus froze eyes wide as he stared at the other man and took another several steps backward. “Peppy!” the man spoke in a sharp and fearful tone.

Potter continued speaking quickly, “You won’t ask for a chaperone, and you won’t tell anyone and I mean ANYONE of what we speak about.” Potter then said gently, “That’s it, that’s all I ask for in exchange for the life debt.”

Severus reached behind him and once he had a hand on the wall slid down it. “I’ve already spoken of it.” he choked out.

“What!” Potter started forward angrily, before the HouseElf moved very firmly in his way and held up a hand ready to snap.

“Peppy, can nots be hurting wizards, but that’s not saying Peppy isn’t allowed to wash you’s clothes while Mr. Potter is wearing his clothes.” she spoke so cooly and so confidently, “Peppy also not required to wash his clothes any place in particular. If Peppy wishes, Peppy can send Mr. Potter to English Channel and soak Mr. Potter's hot head and clothes at same time.”

James Potter took a large step backward, and a deep breath before speaking again. “Did you mention my name?”

Severus curled up tightly holding his knees to his chest. “I’ve told them that someone asked me to Bear for them, and that I refused.”

Potter sighed in relief, “That’s alright then. You won’t speak of it to anyone for any reason again. You will not in any way reveal who you are in negotiations with. You will never in any way allow someone else to hear our negotiations. You will not suggest something silly like a chaperone again. You will put actual thought and consideration into our proposal for a full month before giving any answer. And finally the secrecy clauses will remain in effect no matter your final answer.” With every sentence a sensation of tightness increases in his chest, as he is bound by the conditions.

Potter smiled at him boyishly, “See, I’m not a monster. I didn’t use the debt to force you to agree, I’m practically wasting it honestly.” He jokes laughingly.

Severus stares up at the man who just forced him to a negotiation, without any council nor anyone to stand for him. Severus just points at his door and whispers hoarsely, “Get out of my house.” while trying not to cry.

Potter looked at him offended, “Really? What happened to the Severus Snape who could go toe to toe with me. Who wouldn't hesitate to bite or scratch or spit in my eye if you didn’t like what I was saying?” He teased

Severus stared at him, “His spade broke when he found out you were only pretending interest to keep me away from my best friend so you could woo her flush instead.” He stared at the man in front of him as the man flinched and looked sheepish. “I am not joking.” he said coldly, “You broke my spade, I haven't felt a single spark of kismesitude since 6th year when you and your friends stripped me naked at the lake that day.” He sneered at the other man, “I had actually held out some foolish hope that you might change your mind until then.”

James froze as he turned to look at the other man. “Are you being serious right now?”

Severus turned his head away and pointed once again at the door. “Please leave. Peppy if he doesn’t leave by the count of three you have my blessing to drop him in the Channel.” Potter turned to glare at him, “1 . . . 2 . . .” Potter threw his hands up and stormed to the door slamming it as he left.

Severus slumped to the floor for a long moment before getting up and putting on his shoes. “I’m going to go back to my friends home, if you could please check on Mrs. Godwicce for me that would be wonderful. I know she’s a muggle, but she’s been very kind to me and I’d just like to know she’s alright.” He took a moment and shuddered, “I don’t think I’d be very good company right now.”

He waited to step into the Floo until Peppy confirmed she’d check on the old human for him while he went to his safe place with his friends.

Severus took a long look at his house before leaving, as he knew he would not be returning for a very long time. He certainly no longer felt safe there.
‘Goodbye Spinner’s End’ he thought as he threw the powder and the flames went green.