Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Giving A Chance	By : Leania07 Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 17356 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 9
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I make money from this fic.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
A/N: Thanks for the reviews. As pointed out, I have issues keeping to past or present tense. I tried fixing this chapter, but I may have missed a few. I'm reviewing chapter 5 and 6, which I haven't finished yet. I took a couple days away to refocus; hopefully the uploads will continue to be smooth.
BAFan: Yes that is a problem I fight with, mixing past and present tense; I don't even realize that I do it, and correcting it is hard to catch for me. Re-reading it over and over, I may catch one or two, but I know many more slip past. I'm shocked that one word got passed, no, wait, not really. ^.^; It sounds right and spell checker didn't underline it, so it got by. Just don't let my tense handicap ruin the story for you; I am trying to pay more attention. May notice a difference in chapter 5 and beyond.
Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Things Go Smoothly
Saturday morning was bright and Harry was full of nervous anticipation. He showered and dressed in one of his white shirts and black slacks hoping he could get a few catalogs to order more clothes from. Neville had talked to him once about it, but Harry never thought he needed a reason before. He left the dorm with a brief note to Ron saying he decided to get his day started early, and walked to Professor McGonagall’s office. He knew she was up early, so knew he wouldn’t be waking her up as he knocked on her door.
“Come in.” Minerva was slightly worried, rarely did anyone but Albus see her this early in the morning.
“Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?”
Harry closed the door for privacy and sat in the seat across from her desk. “Good morning Professor; I had a few things I’d like to inform you of before the day gets started. First I have asked Professor Snape to accompany me to Gringotts, as I found out recently I had two titles to claim and need to do that. I’m sure the Headmaster would want to know as to why I went with Professor Snape and not you, nor came to him and request to leave.”
Minerva nodded, “Well seeing as Albus left a few hours ago to go to the Ministry and will be gone for an unknown amount of time, I couldn’t leave the school to bring you. I’m sure Severus has need of more potion ingredients, so he could surely take you. Albus wouldn’t argue that point, probably hoping having to escort you would make Severus angry. Be careful, Harry, and I know that you and Severus have gotten along recently, he may be prickly and snappy because he is with you in public.”
Harry nodded and smiles, this talk having gone much smoother than he would’ve expected. “Thank you Professor.”
Minerva waved him off, having some paper to go through, and Harry quickly went into the Hall for breakfast. He was done by 8:30 and went to the bathroom to ensure he was presentable. He tugged his hair down over his scar a bit more, wishing it would just do as he wanted, and washed his hands. He made his way down to the Entrance and waited for the Professor, knowing he would be along shortly.
“For once you are not late, Mr. Potter; there are small miracles after all.” Severus cringed on the inside; he wasn’t used to being kind and though he didn’t mean it as a harsh remark, he’s sure that’s how it sounded.
Harry, however was shocked; Snape just made a joke in his own way. He shoved down the giddy feeling and just smiled, though he was sure his amusement was shining in his eyes. “Indeed sir; who knows maybe I’ll pass potions with an E.”
Severus saw the laughter and a bit of him was at ease knowing the raven haired young man understood his comments. “The world may surely come to an end then.” The two began walking down towards the gates in silence for a little while.
“You spoke with your Head of House, I presume?”
“Yes, Professor McGonagall said the Headmaster left early this morning for the Ministry and isn’t sure when he’ll be returning; there is no way she could’ve escorted me to Diagon Alley, but she is certain you had some ingredients to pick up and could escort me.”
“For once Albus’ random trips works in our favor. Now when we reach the apparition spot I shall cast a subtle glamour on you. Nothing significant, just a charm that will change your eye color to more hazel, and make your hair a bit longer. Of course your scar will be hidden, but nothing else shall be necessary. Do you have any questions?”
“A few, Sir. First I was wondering if we could pick up a few owl order catalogs; I’ll need some new clothes soon and would hate to need to make another trip or make this one longer than necessary. Second, could we make a stop to pick up some more owl treats? Third, on the off chance you need to get my attention, what name should I answer to?”
Severus had to admit they were valid questions and he was glad the young man didn’t want to spend a lot of time looking at clothes today. “I know where we can get a wide variety of catalogs and will also show you how to order more, if needed. Since I will be leaving you at Gringotts to conduct your personal business, I shall pick up the owl treats and the catalogs; if I do not have time, for whatever reason, we will stop at the Menagerie before leaving the Alley. You will answer to Mr. Jamison; I am pleased you refrained from showing your house colors as that would’ve raised suspicions. You could just as easily be a Ravenclaw or a Slytherin, though if someone was to question you it may not be so hard to guess.”
“Hey,” Harry tried to look offended, “I could pass as a Slytherin.”
Severus just raised an eyebrow but refrained from making a comment, especially as none was made on Potter passing as a Ravenclaw. He grabbed Harry’s arm and held him close, suppressing a shiver, and apparated them to the Alley. Once there, he quickly made the alterations, handing Harry a black satin ribbon to tie his hair back.
Harry does so, leaving a bit of fringe to hang over where his scar is, even though it was hidden under the glamour. He got a nod from Snape and the two walk through the crowds. It wasn’t as nearly busy as the days before a new school year, but being a Saturday it was busy enough. Severus steered them through the crowd, careful not to lose sight of his charge, and up the steps of the wizarding bank. Once inside he walks them briskly to a goblin and waits for it to look up.
“Mr. Potter needs to settle a few things with his accounts,” At the goblin’s look between the young man and back to him with a frown, Severus continues in a low voice, “I’m sure you understand how he would want some privacy for what can be a delicate matter. Besides, I’m sure you goblins have ways to ensure everyone is as they say.”
“Of course, Mr. Snape; will you be finalizing your own accounts today?”
“No, I am not yet ready to take the title, but I feel that shall come soon.” Severus caught the curious gaze, but was glad Potter had enough sense not to question. Though on the walk back that remains to be seen.
“Very well, if you will follow me, young man, Ganrok will see to your requests. If all goes smoothly you can expect to pick him up in an hour, Mr. Snape.” The goblin escorted Harry down a hall and into an office, having left Professor Snape with only a quick glance. Severus watched them leave before exiting the bank and making his stops for the day; he did need to restock his supply cabinets after all.
Back in Hogwarts, Neville had met with Astoria in the Room, though he was back to stuttering and getting a bit flustered. Astoria smiled and put him at ease, asking questions about some of the plants in the Greenhouses. She liked how Neville had grown and filled out, losing that baby-fat and getting toned. He was cute, in his own way, and beneath that Slytherin shell she enjoyed his sweet demeanor.
“So Neville, let’s discuss why we’re really here. Draco told me about this oath that will help keep information quiet between those who took the oath already, correct? Well I’ll take the oath; then we’ll discuss a few other things.”
Neville was a bit speechless at her easy acceptance, but was pleased. He wasn’t sure how he would get through the explanation without difficulties, but now they could get right to it. Neville gave her the words and Astoria swore the oath, letting the magic settle on her.
Once done Neville looks at her and waits for her explanation.
“Neville, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t speak freely about this. I have just a small amount of Seer’s blood in me, but I can’t see visions of the future, nor can I foretell a prophecy. What I do get is vague images pertaining to someone close to me, and on occasion I’ll know when I need to do something to help someone get on the correct path. I don’t like people knowing this, because I don’t want to be bombarded with requests for readings or other such nonsense. I want to help, and I know I may get something that will help, now and then, and that this oath was just a minor thing to be able to do that.”
Neville nodded, letting that information tumble in his brain a moment. “Sure, if you don’t mind I’d like to at least tell Harry. Hermione doesn’t really believe in any type of Divination, and Ron, well, we’re all getting used to this new side of Ron right now. Luna may understand things a bit better, as some of us suspect she has Seer’s blood in her, but most don’t understand what she talks about and so brush it off as just random talking. She’s really nice though, and if you get past her…unusual behavior you’ll see how smart she really is.” Neville smiled as she nodded, and thinks a moment on how to extend their conversation, if only for a little while longer. “How’s your Herbology this year?”
Astoria smiled back, understanding that this shy Gryffindor was brought up as a gentleman, but sometimes even the best of them have stalls in conversation. Though, she wasn’t so averse to talking about plants; Neville was one of the best students in Herbology.
The two spent some time discussing their classes so far, Neville offering to help if she needs it, and the two eventually part ways.
Harry didn’t have too long to wait before who he could only guess as Ganrok came in the room. His suspicion was confirmed when he introduced himself; however Harry had to prove who he was which was done with a blood test.
“Very well, Mr. Potter, what can I do for you today?”
“Ganrok, I’m afraid a lot of information has been withheld from me, for whatever reason; if we can, I’d like to start off with my parent’s will and then Sirius’. Then I’d like to go over the accounts, make sure everything is as they should be, or make changes as needed, and finally claim my titles.”
“You will have to claim your titles before making any changes, Mr. Potter, as trying to do so before that, as just the Heir, will be secondary to those in the previous Lord’s will; the only exception being if there were withdraws made without your knowledge.” Making sure the young man understood, Ganrok pulled out the wills of Lily and James Potter. The first thing he noticed was the seal was untampered.
It was as Harry expected, at least in some parts, though he wondered why it wasn’t read before now. He got a bit choked up hearing his parents’ voices, not screaming like when a Dementor got close. He made a note to investigate how much free reign Dumbledore has had over his accounts, along with making sure the Ministry got the information that Pettigrew was his parent’s Secret Keeper; Sirius may be dead, but he could still clear his godfather’s name. They moved on to Sirius’ will and Harry knew he had updated it recently before the debacle at the Ministry, as he told him how proud he was of Harry’s success in Quidditch. He also knew there was going to be a lot to go over in the accounts of the Blacks, as Sirius wouldn’t have had time, nor did he seem to be that interested in his family’s assets.
He then went about claiming his titles, which he found out he also holds the titles of Peverell and part of the Slytherin line. He claimed the Peverell line, but because Tom Riddle was the elder of the two, he had rights to claim the Slytherin line first. Harry could, if Riddle gave up the rights or died before naming an Heir, claim it later. He wasn’t in too much of a rush to try and get that title, knowing more questions would be asked and speculation would once more run rampant in the papers. Who knew what everyone said about him being the Heir of Slytherin was right. He decided to use Lord Peverell as a title when dealing with things Lord Potter-Black couldn’t be associated with. The Peverell seat went to the Potter line a long time ago anyway, so it wasn’t as if he needed to let anyone know who Lord Peverell was.
He kept the Peverell family ring on a chain around his neck, while the Potter and Black rings were on his right hand; as much as he would love to have the simplicity of one ring, he didn’t want to merge the two lines. He then went through the accounts, reversing the allotment of Dumbledore having access to any of the vaults. He was appalled to know Dumbledore has been using his seats on the Wizengamot and after telling Ganrok he didn’t even know Dumbledore had used his accounts without his knowledge, the goblin was infuriated. A magical guardian was in charge of ensuring the money was used for the welfare of the Heir, and after Harry confirmed that he did not receive any benefits from the money withdrawn, they set about getting back that money, with interest.
Harry also filled out the paperwork that would allow the information from his parent’s will about Pettigrew to be submitted to the Head of the Magical Law Enforcement, who he was glad to hear was Madam Bones. She was a fair individual, though strict on following the procedures. She would make sure Sirius’ name was cleared and not pushed under the piles, to be forgotten or lost. He may not be able to enjoy the freedom, but it would prove that there are those that have been slighted by the law in favor of someone. Perhaps they’ll look into other files, see if there was more than one innocent person put in Azkaban, or work harder to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Harry also learned a little how the summoning of the members of a family worked, both individual and multiple. He looked down the list of properties, found one that had the proper wards and protections on it, and called for the Head house-elf of that property.
An older elf, with a straight back and sharp grey eyes appeared when called. She, for the outfit on the elf was a dress with the Black family crest, introduced herself as Cali.
“Cali I am the new Lord Black; it has come to my attention that one of the daughters of the Noble House of Black is in harm’s way. I shall be summoning her soon, and will provide her sanctuary inside House Noir. I will need you to ready a room fit for a Black daughter that is married to a Lord, who may also come to stay if I deem it necessary. They also have a son, whom also carries Black blood, and may wish to have a room on the same wing as his parents, though perhaps not too close. He is also my age. Do the wards need strengthening? Are there repairs that need to be overseen that the house elves cannot fix?” He made sure to keep his voice firm, though courteous, as Draco instructed him on how to speak to a house elf of a family line. It was interesting to say the least on how the workings of house elf loyalty went. A master too soft caused them as much distress as being free; which was explained to Hermione why a house elf needed a family. Dobby, while considered free, must’ve claimed loyalty to Harry and though not acknowledged yet, belonged to Harry. It wasn’t official, and Dobby could choose another Master until Harry finalized the bond.
“Of course, Master Potter-Black; will I need to ready a room for yourself?”
Harry thinks a moment; he was legally an adult and didn’t need to return to the Dursley’s this summer.
“You may, but do not feel rushed to do so; I will be in Hogwarts perhaps until the Winter break. I will call you if I need more rooms readied, unless you would prefer to get them all ready; I shall leave that choice for you as the Head elf unless I say otherwise. The wards, Cali?”
“The wards are still strong, Master Potter-Black, though if you plan on offering sanctuary to one of the Black bloodline, you will need to add your blood to the wards and take control of them. It would be the same for all the Black properties. May I be so bold as to suggest a meeting with all the Head elves of all Black properties at some point? We can inform you on the current condition of the properties and you can decide what is to be done.” She bows, uncertain how this new Lord Black would take getting suggestions from a house elf.
“That is a valid suggestion Cali, thank you. I do not have time right now, but I may do that later. Anything else I should know about right now?”
“No Master Potter-Black.” Cali bows again as she is dismissed and pops away to begin cleaning up.
Harry concluded his business and was escorted out; he was a bit shocked at how long it took. They thought it wouldn’t take more than an hour, but it was going on two and a half hours and Snape was sitting, waiting for him. Harry just hoped the man wasn’t too irate.
Severus saw Potter, still under the guise of Jamison, being escorted out by a different goblin that led him in. He was curious as to what could’ve taken so long but had manners enough to not ask. Right now, anyway. Though the young man looked a bit irritated; there must’ve been information he found that wasn’t as he expected.
“Mr. Snape, Mr. Jamison, good day to the two of you.”
“Good day, Ganrok; I will owl you if I find any more problems.” Harry nods in return to the goblin’s and turns to face Snape.
“Professor, I apologize if it took longer than expected; there was much to cover. Did you manage to get all you needed to, Sir?”
“Yes, Mr. Jamison; I also got the owl treats and catalogs for you so that we may get back to the school. We’ll speak more there.” Severus quickly escorts them out of the bank and to the apparition point, barely giving Harry a warning as he grabbed his arm and they were pulled away.
Severus removes the glamours returning Harry back to his previous looks, catching the ribbon as it flutters down, no longer secured around hair.
“I think perhaps I would like to grow my hair out. It seemed much more manageable and it may be easier to cover this scar.” Harry has to quicken his strides to keep up with the longer strides of Snape, but catches the upturn of his mouth.
“Indeed, though I doubt it would end up better than cutting your hair shorter.”
“No I don’t care for it being shorter; my Aunt tried that when I was younger and the next day my hair was the same length it was before.” They continue their trek in silence, though before entering the main doors Severus stops him a moment.
“Mr. Potter is there anything you need to discuss with me before we part ways? I do not know how busy I will be later, nor if I will be available for conversation until this evening.”
“I…would yes; there was some things that I wanted to ask, though I could ask Draco just as easily, you may be able to give me more insight.”
Severus nodded, though inwardly he is pleased, and leads the way to his office. He closed the door after Harry walks in, though motions him to follow and goes off to one side that was behind a divider. Harry always thought it was where Snape had a cauldron, so he was surprised to see a small sitting area with a table and two comfortable chairs.
“A small lunch for Mr. Potter and myself with tea and…” He looked at Harry to see if there is anything else the young man would like.
“A glass of pumpkin juice, please.” Severus nods and the two sit; a moment later a tray with a pot of tea and two cups, cream, sugar, and honey appeared along with two plates with chicken sandwiches and chips with Harry’s glass of juice. Severus is surprised that they were given the same, but as Potter wasn’t complaining, he assumed the young man liked the sandwiches.
They ate in silence until their plates were cleared before Severus indicated for Harry to start.
“Apparently my parent’s wills were never read; Ganrok said the seal was original and undisturbed. In it, they reveal that Pettigrew was the Secret Keeper, not Sirius, and I was to stay with either Sirius and Remus, the Longbottoms, or the Vandeshens. I don’t know who there are, or how my parents knew them; are you familiar with the name, Sir?”
Severus nodded, “The Vandeshens sponsored your mother’s apprenticeship for her Mastery in Charms. They saw her as a daughter, though never legally went through the process of adopting her, did put her and any offspring she had in their family tree. They do not have any children of their own, and Mr. Vandershen was one of those who approve applications for apprenticeships. The application process wasn’t hard, but in Mastery fields like Charms, Potions, and Transfigurations, an applicant is approved when he or she has a sponsor. As a muggle-born your mother was finding it difficult to be sponsored, as many of her classmates were also looking for sponsors. Mr. Vandershen however saw her potential and offered to be her sponsor. She completed her Mastery three months before they were killed, and was looking into a Ministry job around that time. As to why you weren’t left with them, I can only guess Dumbledore had a hand in that.”
“You were close to my mum?” Severus reluctantly nods, knowing the young man would’ve been able to connect the dots between what he saw in the Pensive, and what he just said.
“She left you a note, sir, and some Galleons that she said hoped would ‘help you achieve your true dream’.” Harry pulled out a note and hands it to him. “It was also apparent to me that Dumbledore had access to my accounts, as my magical guardian,” Severus looks up and notices the angry look is back.
“I found a lot of withdraws ‘on my behalf’ that I never benefitted from. You’ve seen some of my memories; is that how someone would be if their caretakers used the 186 Galleons a week towards their care?”
“186 Galleons a week? What did they spend it on?!” Severus was appalled, even 86 Galleons a week would have given Potter a better wardrobe without causing any hardship on the guardian’s monetary income.
“I believe it was Dudley’s toys, their many vacations I was left behind from, and the new vehicles my Uncle got each year.” Harry takes a breath, feeling his blood boil, or perhaps his magic if the clatter of his teacup on the table was anything to go by. Such carelessness, and Dumbledore never checked.
Severus couldn’t blame the young man for being upset, was surprised he kept his composure so well. Dumbledore had quite a bit to answer for, but Severus didn’t know if any of it would truly stick. That man was near Slytherin in his ability to charm, talk, and smooth his way out of trouble. He’s seen it enough.
“I spoke with one of the house elves for a Black property; they’re getting one of the houses ready and I’ll be sending Lady Malfoy there.” He receives a nod from Snape, remembering to use her title even though he is now Head of the Black family. “It is also large enough that I can offer rooms to others, and stay there myself since I am of age and claimed the title.”
Severus nodded again, “I’m sure Draco will want to stay away from his Manor as long as there is a chance the Dark Lord has an open invitation. I would not suggest Lucius be allowed admittance, at least not until I have figured out a way to remove or transfer the Mark and he does so; along with taking your oath. While I have no doubt he will do whatever he can for the safety of his family, I think there is a chance he would turn on you if he thought it would benefit him or his family. I’m sure Draco would tell you the same, even if it is his father.”
“You do not believe his claim that his father forced it on him and regrets having his family in that predicament?” Harry sat back a bit more, allowing his body to relax a moment.
“Oh with the way he worded it, I have no doubt it is as he says. However there is a lot left unsaid that you should be wary of. His father may have forced him to accept being a Death Eater, but Lucius had embraced it, fully, and worked his way up in the ranks. I’m sure he regrets having his family in this predicament, but it is for now and not how it was before. Of course he doesn’t want his wife or son to be punished or have the negative attention, however if he was being praised, he wouldn’t be ‘regretting’ his position. No, until Lucius shows that he truly regrets ever taking the Mark, and not just because of his failure, I wouldn’t allow him access to any of the properties.”
“I thought you told me once that Lucius Malfoy was a good man?”
“Yes, once, Lucius was a good man, and I’m sure somewhere, inside, that good person still resides. However he is also power hungry and wants to control the action, behind the scenes of course, of whomever he thinks is the most powerful. He’ll say anything to be in your good graces, to either support you or turn you in, which ever works in his favor. If you ask, even Draco will tell you he offered up no protest upon Draco’s Marking; while Narcissa dared to protest. She was punished, of course, but Narcissa would brave the worse dangers if it meant protecting her son. Lucius has no such desire. I don’t know if the Lucius I knew will ever return, or if the man he is now is how he will be. If you want my opinion, I would recommend leaving Lucius out of the plans; he has much to answer for.”
Harry nodded and sipped on his tea, having put in a bit of honey and cream. He noticed Snape used just a splash of cream, probably just to cool it down. He let his mind wander over the meetings his friends had today.
“From what I can tell so far, the Greengrass sisters, Blaise Zabini, and Pansy Parkinson will soon be joining our group. By the end of today all but Blaise will have decided to take the oath or not; tomorrow I’ll meet with Blaise and get his response. I also had Hermione speak with Ginny, since she’s been poking around trying to find out things. She may be able to help us reach the younger years that are either feeling pressure or may feel trapped.”
“I thought that was why you recruited Miss Lovegood.” Severus fingered the envelope, a bit wary about what it said but hopeful just the same.
“No, Luna doesn’t have many friends because of her unusual behavior. It was more like she approached me one day as asked to take the oath to be part of my growing group. I had only Hermione, Ron, and Neville at that time and was wondering if that would be enough. She’s helped me through a lot of problems without making it obvious and I appreciate her unusual self as it’s quite refreshing.” Harry noticed Snape seemed a bit distracted and had a feeling he wanted some privacy to read that letter.
“Thank you for lunch, Professor, and for escorting me to Gringotts; I’m sure the letter has good things to day. I’ll see you Tuesday night if nothing else comes up before then.” As soon as Harry put his cup on the tray it disappeared and he stood up to leave.
“Of course Mr. Potter; we’ll go over the various pain curses besides just the Cruciatus, some that are not quite as Dark, and the counters and shields you will need to learn.” Severus stood and walked as far as his desk, in case someone is outside the door, and watched as Harry leaves, closing the door behind him.

He looked down at the envelope, Lily’s elegant scrawl on the front, and swallowed down the lump in his throat. He opened the flap and pulled out the parchment, sitting down in his chair, Severus began to read.
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Giving A Chance