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A Godfather\'s duty	By : KusanoSaku Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Snape/Remus Views: 26565 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter francise does not belong to me. I own only the plotof which I make no money.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Title: A Godfather's duty

Pairing: Eventual Severusx?, parental snarry

Fandom: Harry Potter

Summary: Lily's dead. Harry's missing. Severus' Magical bond to Harry as a godfather is screaming at him to protect him. Severus is in mourning. How does Severus mourn Lily and follow her wishes when everything is against him? He contemplates what to do with the rest of his life when fate takes a hand. Good Malfoys, Good Dumbledore/Dumbles-bashing,

Chapter 3

Lucius took Severus aside after lunch, "You've got no standing! The only way you can truly fight for Harry is if you do the one thing you don't want to."

Severus had followed Lucius into the elder Slytherin's study. He scowled, "I told you I don't care about politics."

"You have greater magical strength and political power if you assume the mantle of the Head of the House of Prince. I've told you that since you owled to discuss your letter from Gringotts that you received when you were seventeen." Lucius glared back, then bringing the full brunt of his authority over his 'cousin'.

Severus winced as his Malfoy blood magic was brought to bear against him, it caused a compulsion to rise and nearly willed him to obey. "Alright! Tell me what to do."

"We're Apparating to Merrivale. It's about time you assumed possession of it."

Severus groaned, that would take a lot of blood and magic that he would have to replace. It would weaken him but if Amelia Bones was still the loyal person she had always seemed then it would not only be safe but would show a measure of trust. Trust went a long way with true Hufflepuffs who lived by the virtues prized by their Founder.

Lucius summoned an elf, one named Stria. "You will take us to the edge of Merrivale's wards."

The elf nodded, wrapping it's thin but long and deceptively strong fingers around their arms.

They were Apparated straight to Merrivale Manor, which lay in Dartmoor, Devonshire, the ancestral home of the Prince Family.

Merrivale was between Princetown, which had taken its name from the Prince Family of course and Tavistock, on the edge of the property was a set of standing stone or as locals called them menhirs.

According to journals housed in the vaults he'd inherited from his mother, the Muggle locals called this set of standing stones Merrivale having long forgotten that there was a squire's home here, the standing stones Merrivale includes a double stone row 182m long, 3m wide, which are aligned almost exactly east-west forming a sort of private drive. Drives that wizard architects and landscapes chose in later eras to do with hedges such as at Malfoy Manor, which was a younger property. There were also stone circles that once were places Prince seers had meditated hoping for a glimpse into the future.

Being a being that prized logic, Severus had no trust in seers and didn't quite believe in the volatile hand of fate.

There was also a kistvaen, which appeared to be a ruin but was actually large fine structure that was far larger inside then it appeared outside, it was built out of the Merrivale Granite and Elvan, which is a type of quartz that came from Penzance way eons ago. The Prince Vault was not in a churchyard, it had been built within the wards boundaries but not close enough to truly disturb the view and was magically grounded enough to accommodate the generations of Princes from the building of Merrivale Manor. As the son of Eileen Prince and the only surviving male in the family this place was his.

Dartmoor is an area of moorland in south Devon, England. The house was made of the granite that littered the moorland; the Prince family had been responsible for protecting the Magical creatures that made their home there as well making sure that they didn't stray into Muggle territory. To the North of Merrivale were the hamlet, the quarry and Staple Tor, while Cox Tor was to the immediate west.

The moorland that surrounded the manor was capped with many exposed granite hilltops known as tors, providing habitats for Dartmoor wildlife. The highest point is High Willhays, which was 621m above sea level. Muggles considered the entire area rich in antiquities and archaeology. It was far truer than the realized…

Merrivale Manor, the Seat of the Prince Family was built in the 1300's, some four hundred or so years post-establishing of Hogwarts and pre-consolidation of the magical world to places like Tinworth in Cornwall, and Upper Flagley in Yorkshire and Ottery St. Catchpole in Devon which of course wasn't far as the crow flies. Maybe an hour and twenty minutes by Muggle means, it was over forty miles but less than sixty depending on route taken of course. He could drive, Mr. Evans insisted on teaching him and Lily at the same time.

If it had been the family's wish it could have been made to resemble a rather broken down ruin but that was took much trouble for if they knew it was there they'd want to explore it or knock it down. According to the Muggles, this was a national park, this part that included the estate was not only unplottable but had wards that simultaneously transported Muggles from one side to the other without they're known something was there.

Merrivale Manor was gaining an almost tumbled down look to even those to could see past the wards. A pity for it'd been a nice home according to those like the Malfoys, Blacks, Crabbes, Goyles, Puceys, Flints and so on who'd attended gay parties there for eons. He sighed, Lucius was implying that he'd have to become more vibrant, vivacious and gay- well by that he meant joyful and charming. Things he wasn't naturally but Lucius had since his graduation and reluctant heirdom to the Prince line to have been dragged to enough Slytherin hosted parties and he learned how to be out of necessity. He could perform like a pureblood if he had to, he just preferred the solitude of his lab.

After all the Blacks' originally lived nearby at a place called Grimpound, however when they moved away the lack of concentrated living magic caused it to decay faster then Muggles would believe. Muggles swore it hadn't been inhabited since 1300 BC, or at least it dated to that time their way of reckoning. Wizarding perception of time and eons was different. They could count how many years ago but with calendar changes between both Wizards and Muggles it was hard to know when their perception of events coincided.

Severus came to the decision, not only was Lucius right but it would convince the bond to lay low for a while. It would cease its incessant tugs that bordered on pain for a time because he was doing something. By assuming a position of prominence he would be more then just an unemployed First Class Potions Master. While the Prince family was nearly broke by pureblood standards they still held a seat in both the Wizengamot and Hogwarts' Board of Governors.

He murmured the spell in Latin that would open the wards that were locked when his grandfather died sixteen years ago. He used a weak, carefully controlled slicing jinx to spill his blood on the edge of the north side of the property, which was where they had been deposited by the Malfoy elf Stria.

Severus wracked his memories for how much blood one needed to spill to reclaim a magically sealed family seat. When a member of an Ancient Wizarding family who inherited an entire familial estate by entail, they received on their seventeen birthday a sealed missive from Gringotts. Much of which he'd not understood when he had received it and it had taken Lucius time to explain it all. He'd deemed reclaiming this place too onerous.

Now five years later he was out of necessity claiming that which Lucius had insisted he do.

Lucius was too well bred to mention that he'd told him so previously.

As each drop of blood landed on the wards the place changed, there was magic in a wizard's blood. More so then a witch's not that they would agree. The place had looked half abandoned and half frozen in time, an odd mix but understandable. After the first pint of blood the lights in the Manor came on, shining though it were still daylight. The green of the lawn seemed brighter; the fountain in the centre of the courtyard could be heard. The scent of growing things filled the air.

After over a pint of blood, nearly two he, Lord Severus Prince, formerly Severus Snape; captain of the Hogwarts dueling club and now Potions Master, First Class stepped over the wards' edge onto the Merrivale Estate. The magic of the place strengthened as he strode towards the house.

Pausing only briefly.

He had created strong wards, which he'd used in conjunction with wards James learned through Auror Training and weaved them into the already existing wards.

His blood being half Malfoy allowed Lucius admittance, especially when he tuned the wards to allow Lucius access.

Since he had not been a Lord in his own right prior to his adoption by Lucius, he would always be somewhat subordinate to his old friend and confidant. It was no matter, he always had been. When he started at Hogwarts, Lucius was a fifth year and Prefect.

XoooooX

Lucius silently observed his old friend, pleased that the wildly talented young man had absorbed his teachings so well. He had given Severus extensive instructions as to the nature of wards that he had received from his own father. Instructions that James Potter should have received from his father the Winter Solstice after the death of James' mother. Potters were notorious for binding their magic so tightly to that of their Bondmate that Potters rarely outlasted them. That Lily had outlived James proved that the formerly irritating Gryffindor had forced himself to his limits to protect his family. To stay and fight was not a Slytherin or a Malfoy trait. Rather, it was their modus operondi to hide.

Information on the family wards was stored in the vault beneath the Drawing Room at the Manor. They were magically sealed to only the heir, the magically chosen Lord Malfoy to-be.

The wards at Merrivale not only recognized Severus as their master but his old friend's blood, that was half Prince and half Malfoy had woken up the Manor.

Lucius watched at Severus as he manipulated the wards, pleased that his new cousin and long time friend had keyed the wards to allow himself. It was as if it was as simple for Severus to do as when he'd locked down the Manor.

Malfoy Manor at present admitted only those keyed to the wards. Severus had been adopted yes but he hadn't been adopted using his blood. Rather Severus was adopted using the blood of his cousin, a formerly disowned Malfoy.

The moment his father Abraxus died, Lucius contacted his cousin privately 'forgave him' for his father's imaginary offences. Xenos had been Sorted into Ravenclaw rather than Slytherin and had been Bonded against Abraxus' wishes to Demeter Lovegood. His father hadn't seen the benefit of tying their blood to the Lovegoods. Demeter was a descendant of Ravenclaw and had been then heiress to assume the title of Lady Lovegood. The Lovegood family like the Greengrass were entailed upon the female line. No wonder Demeter's mother Hera had bonded to Lady Darina Greengrass. Demeter's elder twin sister had been named heir to the Greengrass line.

Lucius supposed that it had been his father's wish to bond Xenos to Aurora Greengrass however; his cousin Sanctus had cheerfully bonded to the woman. Despite the Bonding it hadn't brought the Greengrasses to the Dark Lord's cause. Rather, it had made Sanctus consort to the current Lady Greengrass who had graciously allowed him to study law, which was his passion. At present Sanctus was Lucius' lawyer, he had key both former Malfoys into the wards when he locked down the Manor.

Neither Lady Lovegood nor Lady Greengrass were pleased when he was Marked. However when he told them that it had been against his will and he was spying for the Auror Department did they not forbid their Bondmates from contact. Despite appearances Lucius had been close to his cousins.

Sanctus and Aurora had been prefects two years after himself and Andromeda; while Xenos and Demeter had been Prefects that same year for Ravenclaw. It was unheard of to have two sons chosen at Prefects but Uncle Apollus had been so honoured. Nor was it common to have two sets of twins bond but the Malfoy twins had bonded to the Greengrass-Lovegood twins.

XoooooX

Severus thoughtfully walked up the stone flagged drive and through the wrought iron gate which were guarded by two large dragons that resembled Welsh greens, wings spread and mouths wide showing fierce stone teeth.

Lucius was just behind him.

The lawns surrounded the Manor looked less untended then he'd expected. Behind the Manor had been a set of four cottages if he remembered correctly where the manor's outdoor servants had lived. House elves were more suited to indoor tasks. So there had sometimes been Wizarding folk who lived there.

There had been a set of farms to the south and west of the Manor house. Where the Muggle church and parsonage would have been there was an owlry and meetinghouse for the inhabitants of the cottages. Where the graveyard was, was also the Prince Family vault. There was a pond, well it was more of a lake since a steam pooled into it.

There were also barns for storage of animals, other outbuildings like the icehouse and also for storing the cottages' communal harvests after giving the Manor its due portion. There had been a mill as well at some point. With dragons dung as fertilizer, the farms on Manors owned by Pureblood families were often more prolific and less prone to droughts or famines.

None of which Severus could see from this approach, though built in the 1300s originally, it had been remodelled and added to over the generations.

As they approached the large oak doors they opened of their own accord.

Lined up in the hall was a set of six house elves in varying ages.

One house elf stepped forward, "I is being Lolly sir. Would you be Lord Prince?" the large eyes wide with curiosity, ears twitching.

Severus nodded imperiously, "I would. I was born Severus Snape, son of Lady Eileen. My grandfather was the last Lord Prince. I never intended to assume this position myself. I preferred to pass it on to my son provided I find someone worth bonding to."

The house elf leader Lolly nodded bowing, "We is being ready to swear."

This much he remembered, he accepted the loyalty and offers of service from his house elves as per the traditional vows bonding them as master and servant. Thank Salazar that Lucius had taken him under his wing.

Severus bowed almost imperceptively in Lucius' direction. Before gesturing to his friend, "This is Lord Malfoy. He arranged for me to be adopted into the Malfoy family. He is to be treated appropriately."

The house elves nodded.

"Lolly would be proud to greet Master's guests appropriately."

"Our House is in danger."

The elves stiffened.

Lolly bowed, "Would Lord Prince be referring to the murder of Lady Lillias?"

Severus blinked, "Why? You know of that?"

Lolly nodded, "Of course. House elves be tied to family magic. Lady Lillias was born to Lady Eileen after all. Her is being our Lord and Master's sister. Many condolences."

Severus was stunned, "What are you talking about elf?"

The elves looked at each other in confusion.

"Lord Prince is not knowing? But…" Lolly seemed to come to a decision, "Lord Prince then be coming to the study."

"Very well." Severus said gruffly gesturing for the elf to lead the way..

Lucius following them both up the large marble staircase.

Severus followed the house elf up the stairs and then down a gallery covered in portraits who tried to call out to them but he paid them no mind.

The house elf Lolly stopped in front a large oak door and opened it. Gesturing for them to enter first.

Severus swept past the elf and entered what was surely his grandfather's study.

There was a large bay window that took up nearly the entirely of the outer wall. The wall to the left from where he was standing was covered in a tree mural. Each leaf had a name written in black with the exception of three: Severus Aurelian Prince and Herodotus James Potter. The third was that of a Coraline Dorena, he saw that her birth date was the day before Harry's. Lily had a daughter? Where was she? Why had he never heard of her? A third leaf beneath James and Lily's branch had withered like that of its parents, Eva Irene Potter. That daughter he'd known about…

There it was Severus and Lillias Anastasia born on January 9 1960 to Eileen Jocelyn Prince. His mother's name was tied to two leaves, both of which were withered: Tobias Hamnon Snape and an unfamiliar name. The unfamiliar name was tied to his name and Lily's. Despite the evidence before him he couldn't wrap his mind around it.

Soft footsteps passed him

Severus saw Lucius reach to touch the tapestry.

"It was damaged and is healing slowly."

"Grandfather burned them off?"

Lolly nodded, "Yes. When Lord Prince be giving his blood and magic to the Manor it healed it. We knew about Lady Lena's twins. We mourned when she died. But we is being grateful for Master being alive. We knew you'd been adopted."

"Can you find Harry?" if they could find Harry, perhaps they could find Coraline…

"Lolly can be trying. Is that what Master wills?"

Severus' face tightened and then moulded into an impassive mask. "It is my desire that you find him. At present he is the closest thing I have to a successor. I believe him to be with Petunia Dursley who is assumed to be Lily's sister. Petunia lives in Little Whining in Surrey. That is all I know. He was placed there by Albus Dumbledore."

"What about Missy Cora? Would Lolly's Lord be wanting to know where Missy Cora is?"

Lucius spoke when Severus failed to reply, "Of course. Though he is not her godfather as her uncle he would like them raised together."

Finding his voice again, Severus nodded, "Find her."

"Lolly be seeing that the little master and mistress be found. Lolly don't think the protections on Missy Cora be as strong as those on Master Harry. Lolly miss having little ones in Merrivale to be looked after."

"My second set of orders is to have my mother's former residence stripped of all possessions. My potions lab is to be appointed in an appropriate location here so that I might return to proper brewing."

"Lord Prince be the bestest brewer since master Severus' great grandfather. Lolly were his personal elf and was his bestest assistant."

Severus was surprised, "You don't appear to be very old Lolly."

The elf shifted nervously, "Lolly were a very young elf. Her didn't know better. Lolly were caught by Master Tiberius spying."

"Spying?" Severus asked.

"Lolly were spying on Lord Tiberius when he be brewing. He were going to punish me. Lolly ask a question out of turn. Master decide to train Lolly. Lolly learn quick. Lolly be good at scrubbing cauldrons, preparing ingredients and putting owl deliveries from the apothecary away in his cupboard. Lolly even be taught to brew. Lolly learn to brew for elves. Lolly still be brewing for elves. Lolly be head of healthiest elves in Britain."

"A house elf that brews?" Lucius smirked, "Lucky Severus. Now if you'd claimed the state sooner you would have had so much trouble preparing for the Potions Master exam. Now Cissy can't complain about the state of your home for she declared it positively filthy and uninhabitable. She would bemoan the state of my robes should I return from visiting you to have the last five inches thick with dust and grime. Dear Cissy would claim they were ruined."

Severus glared, that was closest a person of Lucius' sensibilities would come to a plebeian, 'I told you so.' Purebloods implied such things rather that speak them aloud. They raised an eyebrow, sneered silently, smirked importantly or just sniffed at one.

"So Severus it seems that young harry is your nephew as well as your godson. We can speak to your half brother Sanctus. Being our family lawyer as well as the consort of the Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Children, his bonded Aurora will be more likely to support our claim. The sooner that the Ministry discovers that her superior, the Head of the Department, Lord Rosier took the Dark Mark willingly…"

Severus scoffed, "Of course he did. Edred's father was at school with the Dark Lord. Both Ephraim and Edred like your father promised their sons to the Dark Lord's service. If my grandfather had chosen to Bond my mother to a Death Eater,"

Lucius waved a hand dismissively, "Think not of it. The Dark Lord is gone."

Severus snorted, "Show me his body and I shall believe it. Something happened in Ivy Cottage, of that I am sure. Harry liked while James and Lily perished."

"Lolly still being needed Master?"

Severus turned to her, "No."

Lolly shall see that Master's things be moved. Lolly send elves to look for young master and mistress. The lab is being in order to inspect. Lolly proud to serve a brewer such as Lord Severus."

The elf disappeared with a silent pop.

Lucius nodded approvingly, "For lacking both master and mistress for years, the elves you inherited are well-mannered and dedicated. There is not one speck of dust to speak of."

Severus glanced at him, "Therefore, there should be little by way of complaint for Narcissa to make."

Lucius smirked as he chided him, "She will no doubt claim your Manor shall need a mistress to keep it to rights."

Severus scoffed, "Your lady knows full-well that I am not attracted or affected by the fairer sex."

Lucius shook his head, "More the pity, for it is quite enjoyable to take one's pleasure. Especially with a woman as beautiful and passionate as my Cissy."

Severus pressed his hand to his eyes, "Do not bid me think of you and Cissy sharing pleasures. I am merely content knowing you have done so and that the product of such I is the godson I dote on."

"Do you wish to explore this place now?"

"No. I shall do so at a later time." Severus said shortly.

"Do you want your things from your rooms at Malfoy Manor delivered here?"

"No but we need to meet with Sanctus, Aurora, Demeter and Xenos immediately. Our throwing ourselves upon the mercy of the ministry will affect them as well. Also I wish to have Fredrick Nott investigated by the Ministry. For the possible rape of an heiress and also for the murder of his first wife."

Lucius nodded, "We can turn Bellatrix over for murder as well. Her miscarriage was the result of imbibing a potion that slowly poisoned the infant. When Cissy went to offer condolences Bella said that nothing was worse for the figure than breeding.

Severus snorted, "An excuse. Bellatrix would not carry any child but the Dark Lord's. I owe her charges for assault on my person and for having me Marked against my will. Anyone with eyes can tell that Rodolphus and Rabastan are under the Imperious."

"Do you think that Bella cast it? Or their every loyal father who went to school with the Dark Lord and brags about it?"

Severus shrugged, "Who knows?"

Lucius snapped his fingers.

Malfoy elf Stria appeared.

"Stria inform Xenos, Sanctus and their Bondmates that I request their presence at Malfoy Manor in an hour's time."

The elf nodded and disappeared.

Severus and Lucius exchanged looks of determination.

XoooooX

Narcissa met their guests at the floo in the Receiving Room; the house elves took the Lovegood Heiress, Luna Avalon and the Greengrass heiress, Daphne Evelyn to the nursery where Draco was. Narcissa proceeded to escort their cousins to the Afternoon parlous.

Lucius rose to meet them, shaking hands with his cousins Sanctus and Xenos. He greeted Aurora and Demeter with a bow and kissed the back of their hands, "Welcome."

Severus rose, he was hugged by his new brother Xenos while his hand was shook generously by Sanctus. He kissed Demeter and Aurora politely on the cheek.

Aurora spoke first, "Cousin why have we been summoned so imperiously?"

"We, Severus and I are meeting with Hit Wizard Amelia Bones this evening. We have need of our family lawyer."

Sanctus had escorted his Bondmate to a comfortable chair and stood standing besides before responding, "My lady," he bowed to Aurora before turning his attention to Lucius, "So cousin, you are in need of my services?"

Lucius nodded, "Yes, as well as that of Aurora. Perhaps, Severus should explain, for it is he who needs your services Aurora. Cousin." He said gesturing in Severus' direction.

"It is true that James and Lily are gone. Harry like Draco is my godson. Harry is missing." Severus spoke from the comfortable seat he was perched on.

Aurora was clearly stricken, "Missing? The Potter heir is missing? Why was I not informed of this?"

Severus shrugged, "I know now. I suspect that Dumbledore had something to do with that. You see prior I had cast a charm to warn me if Lily was in danger, the floo wouldn't connect so Lucius and I Apparated to Ivy Cottage."

Narcissa interrupted, "At great personal risk mind. they walked to the edge of the Anti-Apparation wards. They could have been attacked! It would have an excellent way to bring you out of hiding. You could have used a house elf. I had Stria watching."

Lucius patted her arm, "You are right. We were in a hurry and did not consider all options or consequences."

"You were exhibiting Gryffindor tendencies." Narcissa muttered under her breath.

Severus continued, "We Apparated at once. Rather I Apparated and Lucius was dragged along. We arrived in time to see a green flash."

"I saw nothing…" Lucius said softly.

"That was no doubt due to the Fidelius charm having not broken yet. Lily was better at Charms and probably cast it. The green flash was most likely the Killing Curse. I entered the proprty practically dragging Lucius into the charmed home."

A most uncomfortable experience." Lucius mused, "The wards attempted to throw me out but charm shattered by the time we reached the front door and I could see."

"A non-Secret Keeper can bring someone else into a place guarded by the Fidelius Charm but the person brought in cannot tell what they know. Not even a person of strong will can break the compulsion for silence." Demeter spoke up.

Severus nodded, "True, thank you." One could count on a Ravenclaw to know such things. Especially one who was involved with Charms research. "We entered the cottage to find James dead in the parlour surrounded by signs of a terrible duel. There were large traces of Dark and powerful magic. We followed signs of more Dark Arts spells to the nursery," his voice was choked, but he forced himself to continue, "where we found Lily dead as well. Harry seemed all right, I didn't actually examine him for I was too sick with grief. Lucius told me to pass him Harry and I did so."

Lucius interrupted, "I had a chance to look him over, he show signs of exposure to powerful dark magic but other than an oddly shaped scar he seemed unharmed."

"I didn't notice. I was too busy mourning the loss of my best friend. With in the last house I have recently learnt that she was born Lillias Anastasia Snape. I did not know this until I was informed so by one of my house elves. It was then proved by the aforementioned family tree tapestry in my study, which I can show either of you should the need arise. Both she and I were born to my mother who was Eileen Prince in her youth. Thought she married by Muggle means Tobias Hamnon Snape, it seems that our father was Fredrick Nott. I am suspicious that he raped her. We both know that it is custom that following the payment of a fine fore raping an heiress, if children are conceived than both aggressor and victim are forcefully bonded. So my mother must have felt to avoid such an outcome. Lily must have been given away while Tobias and I were convinced that we were father and son. So I was raised if one could call it that as the son of a Muggle and a bloodtraitor while Lily was raised by the Evans as their daughter."

Aurora interrupted him, raising her hand to stem his words; "So the young Potter heir is not only your godson but also your nephew? Your proof is your family tree?"

Severus nodded, "As we both know, the family tree tapestries can be changed merely by blasting off members but their parentage can only be changed by blood adoption. However once one is beyond the Veil one's parentage is final."

Demeter seemed thoughtful, "True. How does this affect us?"

"When it is revealed that Lucius and I are Death Eaters despite your claims to neutrality, you will be investigated. However, the bond between Harry and I is strong. I can't resist its nudging to protect Harry. While the parents live the bond is silent. Now that they are dead, it I s pushing at me to fulfill my oath. I swore on my blood to protect Harry." Severus said quietly.

Aurora politely ignored his brief show of emotion, and changed the subject out of courtesy, "So my brother, you have taken the assumption of the Prince family seat?"

"With the sacrifice of blood and magic I have assumed the Lordship and Headship of my House. Yes I still acknowledge ties to the Houses of Malfoy. Greengrass and Lovegood." Severus said after getting a hold of himself.

"That is well," Demeter said gravely, "We have seen proof of your assault by Bellatrix Lestrange. The House of Lovegood Acknowledges the House of Prince and swears fealty on its blood."

"As does the House of Greengrass, we too swear fealty on our Blood to the House of Prince. Sanctus and I shall accompany to you to your meeting with Hit Wizard Bones. He as your lawyer and I as Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Children." Aurora was firm.

"I shall come as well. Xenos may return to Rook's Folly with Luna or remain her at Malfoy Manor." Demeter agreed.

"Luna and I shall wait your return beloved." Xenos said politely.

"Daphne shall remain here as well. I know Amelia, we've worked together as prefects and now in the ministry. She is more honourable than any Gryffindor I've ever met. With the exception of course of Kingsley Shacklebolt, he was neither a prefect nor played on his House Quidditch Team. Instead he was Captain of the Dueling club and a member of the Wizarding Chess club."

"Very laudable choices for a future Auror." Lucius replied. " Severus was a member of both and became Captain of the Dueling club as well."

"Flitwick said I was one one of the most talented duellists he's ever had the pleased of nurturing and watching mature."

Lucius smirked, "It's no wonder when you spend must of the time outside of classes dodging hexes and jinxes from James Potter and Sirius Black in school."

Severus groaned, "And avoiding Bella and her posse of pureblood henchmen."

"Well neither of us had much respect for the Rosiers, Cissy's, mother," Lucius began.

He was referring to one of Bella's pets, Evan Rosier who had been prefect with Narcissa. It should have been Severus because he had the better Marks.

Narcissa interrupted him, "My mother was a weak woman, meek as a mouse- more Hufflepuff than Slytherin. Annie was her favourite yet when Aunt Walburga struck her from the family tree and cast her off, mother died of a broken heart. She never once tried to contract Annie, her own daughter. I can't imagine being able to do something like that with Draco. Our cousin Evan was a nasty boy who enjoyed torturing Muggleborns like poor Mary MacDonald. Who did well for herself bonding to the heir to the Abbot title? What was his name?"

"Samuel. He was in Hufflepuff with Ted." Lucius put in gently.

"Oh yes, of course. Thank you Lucius. Bella's little group of pureblood courtiers would worship the ground she walked. Bella has always been crazy but her fanatical devotion to the Dark Lord has even tainted her Bonding. Bella wouldn't want to bear a child unless it was the Dark Lord for fear it would be detrimental to her figure. She thought that my being brisk about breeding was a mistake on y part. She told me it would be better to pretend to be barren so that Lucius might seek company and heirs with another. Then I could adopt the child and not mar my perfect figure." Her voice quivered and dropped.

Lucius took her hand and squeezed it gently; "Cissy was horrified and told Bella to keep such thoughts to herself. That she would do her duty and that was what was expected of them. That she would hate to be cut off for being disobedient. She was abruptly dismissed."

"As I was leaving, something was cast at me. I had a bad night and started to bleed. I nearly lost Draco and since then I've been unable to conceive. I suspect Bella but I have not been able to prove it…" Narcissa said quietly.

Trying to give the younger woman time to control her emotions, Aurora changed the subject, "What time is the meeting with Hit Wizard Bones?"

"Eight this evening," Lucius said pleasantly.

"Very well, if Narcissa makes arrangements for the four of us to join you for dinner we shall accompany you. We have time to discuss how to approach this. First I will need to return to the ministry to retrieve the Parentis Divinus potion and the specially treated parchment. We may not have young Harry but we can stil use it with your blood for it would still show Harry as your nephew."

"It would also show Coraline. The curious thing Aurora was that parentage of Harry's twin."

Severus' brow furrowed with cufusioned, "What are you refering to Lucius?"

Aurora was intrigued, "Curious? How so?

"Her bearer was Lilius Anastasia Potter nee Prince but her sire was Remus John Lupin."

Sanctus clapped his hands, "Capital I say! Coraline must have been blood adopted within moments of birth. Didn't you mention once that you weren't informed immediately after the birth and that Remus disappeared rather suddenly?"

Severus nodded, the pieces falling into place, "I see. He was there before Sirius and I, he left before us. Remus must have taken Coraline away with him. He was never discussed as a possible Secret Keeper because he was charged with another duty. The protection of the Potter Heiress. They probably used a temporary blood adoption."

"Or else she, Coraline Potter was never meant to inherite the Potter estate. If you were unable to have children the Prince Line could survive in the female line. Coraline's future Bondmate could inherit through her." Aurora said stiffly.

"Unless she joined her blood and magic to a female entailed line such as ours." Demeter was gentler.

Either way, if something had happened to himself, Lily or Harry both the Prince and Potter lines might continue. That is if the Blood adoption was reversed…

"I will return the Ministry." Aurora said rising.

"I heard a rumour that Albus Dumbledore is trying to seal the Potter wills. I will file a stay on behalf of the Prince family. As the nearest blood relation to Lily Potter you have legal claim to the Potter Estate even as only the regent of the Estate. We'll do our best to prove that you should have physical custody of young Harry as well as his inheritance." Sanctus added as he shook Severus' hand. "if there is any way to ensure that Harry is placed in your custody legally I'll fight to make it happen."

Severus smiled at him, "Many thanks Sanctus."

Sanctus smirked, "I'm a Slytherin but a Malfoy first, if it's within the boundaries of the law I'll see that it happens. Sometimes it pays legally to be Bonded to the Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Children. We're family and family stands together. If Auror Black broke the law I'll fight for his punishment. At the very least we've got him for assault and custodial interferance."

Severus felt he had a better chance at finding and keeping Harry with Sanctus, Aurora and Demeter on his side. He also had Ted, Andromeda, Lucius and Narcissa.

XoooooX

To avoid notice Lucius, Severus, Sanctus, Aurora and Demeter arrived via house elf Apparation. It was unpreventable and there were no wards to keep house elves out.

Waiting for them was Hit Wizard Amelia Bones and Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Knowing the past history between Amelia Bones and Kingsley Shacklebolt, it was no surprise that Auror Shacklebolt had accompanied her as back up.

Both members of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement were waiting wands drawn in the shadows.

Clearly they hadn't been expecting so many.

"Declare yourselves." Amelia Bones snapped, her tone remincent of her one term as Head Girl.

Lucius held out his hand, "Lord Lucius Malfoy."

"Lord Severus Prince, formerly Snape."

"Lady Aurora Greengrass, Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Children."

"Sanctus Greengrass, esquire. Legal advisor to the House of Prince and Malfoy."

"Lady Demeter Lovegood."

Slowly the wands were sheathed.

"Lucius and Severus I can understand. Why are the rest of you here?"

"We have been aware of Lucius and Severus' informant status since they were forced to take the Mark. We were willing to break ties when we discovered they were Marked but we have seen proof." Aurora said stiffly.

"We have declared our Houses in Alliance with the Houses of Malfoy and Prince." Demeter added.

"I am here as their legal counsel. We would like show you copies of charges against Sirius Black for custodial interference."

Amelia frowned, "How can you claim custodial interference? Neither of you are parents of a child involved."

Aurora held out the parchment, "This has been sealed and tested, as you can see this shows Severus as the uncle of young Harry. He is also one of Harry's godfathers. He has filed for the reading of the Potters' wills. He wants Harry to be remanded to his custody. He has the support of the Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Children."

"Harry Potter has been placed in the custody of maternal relatives." Kingsley interrupted.

"He has not. As you can see Harry's only Maternal relative is that of Severus Prince. Lillias Anastasia Potter is not related to Petunia Dursley by blood. We can provide proof that both Lucius and Severus are and have been Ministry informants. There is a safe in Auror Potter's office that has copies of interviews with both of them." Sanctus said shortly.

"If we find the safe we can discuss matters." Amelia said as she turned to enter the house.

It showed either great courage, trust or foolhardiness to turn her back on them.

Severus led the way into the house and into James' study. He whispered the incantation to open the safe and stepped back to allow the Hit Wizard and Auror to peruse the documents.

The two members of Magical Law Enforcement removed the files from the safe, examing them and placing them in a bag carried by Auror Shacklebolt.

"Every seemed to be in order, the last person besides Lord Prince to access this vault was Auror Potter. He sealed it not long before death as far as we can tell."

"Will you walk us through your experience after arriving last night? Tell us about the encounter with Auror Black?"

Severus and Lucius told of their experiences of the previous evening. Including Severus' suspicion that the green light he'd seen through the nursery window had been the killing curse.

Severus did briefly mention his suspicons that the Dark Lord wasn't gone. There had been no body and only a fool would believe that he was gone with a lack of body.

Amelia and Kingsley exchanged glances.

Kingsley spoke, "We'll take the evidence into custody. We will probably summon you at some point to enter pensieve testimony but base on the evidence we have at present you shouldn't be in trouble. There is talk of Death Eater trials but we will do our best to keep your names out of them."

Severus grateful for he had no respect or love for the current Head of Magical Law Enforcement and the foremost person running for .the ofice of Minster for Magic.

"So Lucius and Severus are?"

"Released on their own recognizance."

Amelia and Kingsley escourted them out of the house and them cast a series of charms to preserve the house in its current state.

Severus sagged the moment they Apparated away.

Lucius and Sanctus caught him.

"They are still the most honourable person I know." Aurora said stiffly.

"Indeed, " her sister nodded.

Lucius snapped his fingers and Malfoy elves appeared to apparate them back to the Manor.

What do you think? Outstanding? Exceeds Expectations? Acceptable? Poor? Dreadful? Troll?

Sorry about the wait I was having trouble deciding on the ending of the chapter. I hope the length makes up for the shortness of the previous chapters.
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A Godfather\'s duty