Work Text:
‘There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed.’
- Napoleon Bonaparte
Severus Snape ran through the long halls of Hogwarts as fast as he could. Behind him echoed several sets of steps; acidic taunts of the Marauders flew at his back, giving him the strength to run even faster. Turning around the corner, the young man almost fell, cursing himself for leaving the library alone. Evan and Lucius had offered to go with him. Everyone in Slytherin knew better than to wander the halls alone. Yet Severus had foolishly thought nothing would happen, not when most of the school was in Hogsmeade. Marauders, as it appeared, had decided to stand out again.
He turned sharply around the corner. Several Hufflepuff third-years jumped away with loud squeals and a curse. Severus swallowed another breath. The Slytherin territory was just a staircase away. Hopefully, the Prefects were already back; otherwise, this chase would turn ugly fast.
Once, Severus would have still tried to fight the fools off. However, he was no longer a naïve third-year who thought he could handle a gang of fools, nor was he an angry fifth-ear, overconfident in his caution and powers. Four-on-one was not a battle easy to win. And, though still annoying, a retreat was the best course of action. Especially when the only Professor remaining in school was Dumbledore.
His luck, unfortunately, quickly ran out. Tired from chasing after him, the Marauders quickly started throwing curses. Severus managed to dodge an overpowered Expelliarmus, rolled out of the way of Levicorpus and sent a Seco at grinning Black, which in turn set off usually placid Lupin. While Severus dealt with them, he missed Peter. Pettigrew, rightfully the most pathetic of the four, sneaked around, sending a powerful Petrificus Totallus right at the Slytherin’s back.
Black laughed gleefully, Potter’s mock applause quickly joining him. Peter was still standing at Severus’ head and puffed up proudly, not noticing the condescending looks his friends were sending him.
“Bravo, Pete,” James whistled, coming closer. “I’ve always known you’d find your footing against this scum. You are rightfully the hero of today’s chase. Hey, Snape! How’s it to know Wormtail was the one to catch you?”
“He’s too stunned to speak,” Black drawled, crouching. “Don’t cry, Snivellius. We have a consolation prize for you to enjoy. Moony, come here. Let’s test the artefact on him.”
Lupin obediently joined his friends. Severus watched the scene warily, desperately trying to throw off the spell. The last thing he wanted was to be their guinea pig, especially if an unknown artefact was involved. Pain or humiliation might turn out to be the best outcome of such an ordeal.
“Don’t fret, Snivvy, nothing will happen,” Sirius gloated, taking the pendant from Remus’ hands. “One needs to have a soulmate for this trinket to work. All of us know no one will ever look on you.”
“At most, you’ll lose your mind, nothing too bad,” Potter drawled from his place, his voice full of anger at wasting so much time on a chase. And for whom? For a pathetic worm not worthy of their attention.
Fury and fear burned inside Severus’ soul. Perhaps it was for the better that he couldn’t talk.
“One less Death Eater to worry about,” agreed Black. “Your insanity isn’t too high a price for our curiosity.”
The Gryffindors burst out laughing. Playfully, as if an innocent life wasn’t at stake, Black threw the medallion around the Slytherin’s neck. Like cockroaches, the Marauders recoiled, watching their enemy with sadistic interest.
At first, nothing happened. Just when Peter opened his mouth to say something, magic thickened in the air and shot upward in a bright wall of sparks and flame. Once the dust settled, the Marauders watched with open mouths as a tall figure appeared near Severus’ head.
“What the –?” James started, wand pointing at the stranger. “Who in Merlin’s name is that?!”
An unknown man, dressed in the strict, easily recognizable uniform of the Head Auror, swore profusely, glancing around. Potter and Black tried to take a step but were instantly stopped by a powerful Stupefy. Iron bracers clanked warningly; the long wand quickly moved from the two leaders to the rest of the Marauders, green eyes flashing with barely concealed anger. Both Lupin and Pettigrew wisely remained in their places.
“The air reeks of Black magic,” the Auror muttered in annoyance, lowering his wand. “You two! What in Morgan’s name were you doing here?!”
“We…. we… we were testing an artefact,” Peter squeaked, involuntarily stepping back.
“Artefact? Who-?” Turning around, the man stilled immediately, his back tensing at the sight of Severus laying on the floor. Cursing, the Auror waved his free hand, dispelling the rather powerful curse. Suddenly able to move, Severus moved away from the man, unsure how to react to anything happening around him.
The auror crouched before the terrified teen. Green eyes warmed just a fraction, the man’s posture seemingly relaxing just from seeing Severus. A small smile curved the thin lips. It looked so out of place on the otherwise cold and stoic face that Severus wasn’t sure if he should feel comforted or completely unsettled.
“Are you alright, Severus?” the man asked quietly, ensuring the Marauders couldn’t hear them. “These idiots didn’t break anything? Any wounds, perhaps?”
Severus shook his head mutely, not trusting his voice. Nodding, the man straightened with a sneer, turning to the stunned Marauders. Pettigrew and Lupin decided to try and help their friends but were frozen by another powerful curse from the Auror.
“Let me summarise what happened here,” the stranger drawled coldly, his deep voice laced with unspoken threat. “You four fools not only have assaulted another student without provocation or even a reason, used spells in a corridor – while fully aware it is forbidden by Hogwarts Charter and is punishable with two nights of detention – and decided to test an unfamiliar Dark artefact on your peer. Did I forget anything?”
Emerald eyes gloomily stared down the gang of the Marauders, making the usually proud and boisterous Gryffindors shrink in a poor attempt to become invisible. Briefly, Severus felt sorry for them, but the thought was quickly pushed to the side by pride and a tentative hope. If Black wasn’t lying – and the bastard never lied when taunting – his future suddenly looked much brighter than just that morning.
No one said anything. Having decided something for himself, the Auror turned around again, offering the young man his hand for a shake.
“Head Auror Harnett,” the man offered, firmly shaking Severus’ slender hand. “Now, come with me. Let’s bring these fools to your headmaster.”
No releasing him, Harnett turned on his heels and walked down the halls, gently leading Severus away. Looking over the shoulder, he saw the Marauders obediently follow them. Lupin and Peter were pale, almost shaking from the terror. Black looked smug, his face twisted in a smirk of confidence and condescension while Potter tried to break the binding spell.
On any other day, he would’ve been worried. That day, however, he wasn’t. Severus wasn’t sure where this certainty came from, but there was practically no doubt in his mind that Harnett would easily get his way. That if Harnett wanted the Marauders would be expelled and departed from the country regardless of others’ wishes. And not even Merlin himself would dare oppose such a demand.
People like Harnett were never denied. If simply from fear of retribution rather than due respect.
Still, he couldn’t help but note, “Professor Dumbledore will never punish them. They’re his future little warriors, so he can’t have someone destroying their reputation.”
“Do not worry, Severus. He wouldn’t have a choice once elder Blacks and Potters finally get involved. This will be solved among family. Not even Dumbledore has power over that.”
“And they will listen to you?”
“Of course, they will. They are wise people, and I doubt they will want to make an enemy of myself even if, officially, I’m not yet born. This artefact will give me enough time for revenge should any of them be stubborn.”
“I can handle things myself,” the young man protested, sneering. “I don’t need a hero swoop down to protect myself.”
Harnett snorted carelessly. “Believe me, I know that better than anyone. However, it’s my duty as your husband to help you when I can. This is my battle, Sev. Allow me to take care of you this once. You’ll have more than enough time for heroics once I’m gone.”
For some reason, Severus could feel himself relaxing. Despite his outward bravado, there was something oddly comforting about having someone step up like this, almost freeing. Even his pride quietened, purring at Harnett’s confidence in him. It was hard to believe all of this was happening, much less to himself. And yet Severus couldn’t force himself to try and analyse Harnett’s motives or his own reactions, to doubt everything around him.
He could allow himself some trust, could he not?
─── ⋅ ∙ ∘☽༓☾∘⋅⋅ ───
What followed next was a show.
Harnett had brought them into the headmaster's office, easily sidestepping the stone gargoyle guarding its entrance. Severus might have imagined it, but the statue had seemed almost docile. It had taken one look at the procession before allowing entrance, not even bothering to wait for a password to be said.
Standing in a shadowy corner, he could understand why. In the middle of the room, with the Marauders still bound and silenced , stood Harnett , his green eyes blazing. Magic swirled menacingly around the man, daring those present to speak against its master. His powerful voice cut through the air like a whip, forcing everyone to focus solely on him and what he had to tell them. There was no doubt that Harnett was used to be the one in command. Nor that his demands had to be followed.
The rest of the room was rendered speechless. Lords Black and Potter stood by the floo, torn between discomfort, indignation and sheer fury at what their children had done. They were powerful men, no doubt. Tall, they towered by two heads above Harnett, yet neither as much as thought of opening their mouths. Even Dumbledore didn't dare interrupt the Auror. The old Headmaster sat stiffly in his throne-like chair, hands clasped together so tightly his knuckles had long turned white from pressure, a deep frown etched on his wrinkled forehead. Twinkle was gone from the man’s blue eyes, replaced by something that should have been wariness by all accounts. It looked terribly wrong on the Headmaster’s face. Yet, Severus couldn’t find it in himself to pretend it was anything but.
These three men, the true powers that be, were chastised by a stranger. It would have been comical if wasn’t breathtakingly beautiful and mesmerising.
Standing there, proud and tall, refusing to budge even when the Marauders groaned pitifully on the ground, Harnett was like a tornado. Like an untamed force that refused to bow down to anyone, deeming them unworthy of his submission. Whether they were a gang of students or men used to countless others listening to them and abiding by their every word and demand. It was by no means arrogance. No, Severus was sure that Harnett could crush these three. Even if it proved challenging, the man would come up victorious.
“I insist on appropriate punishments for these four,” Harnett continued, his voice taking on a threatening edge. “Not only have they used a Dark Artefact with level four danger, they also have broken several rules specified in the Hogwarts Charter for students and personnel, a law concerning any artefacts with the ability for time-travel but also threatened lives of a civilian and a Ministry official. According to the same Charter, they should be at least suspended for a fortnight, ending with Aurors coming in to assess the progress of their doubtful rehabilitation. If we consult the word of law, simply carrying an artefact such as this one would land them for five years in Azkaban. So what, gentlemen? Whatever shall it be?”
Marauders watched the man with wide eyes, seemingly only then realising the full extent of the trouble they had brought onto themselves. Lords Potter and Black exchanged tensed glances. Dumbledore opened his mouth to say something but was immediately shushed by one glare of those enchanting emerald eyes.
“I might not be from this time, headmaster,” Harnett stressed deceptively calmly, “However, I am still Lord Peverell-Black and can quickly resolve any issue concerning Hogwarts or the families under my guidance. Unless you wish to find yourself with no job and a ruined reputation, I suggest remaining quiet and allowing the family to deal with this.”
“Neither Mr Lupin nor Mr Pettigrew belong in your Houses,” Dumbledore replied tensely. “Whatever do you plan to do with them?”
“They will be suspended,” Harnett replied confidently, “and appropriate notes will be added to their personal files. Do I make myself clear?”
Severus watched the Headmaster sharply. The old wizard frowned deeper but did not say anything, only nodding briskly in submission. The Marauders on the floor openly gaped. The four of them looked ready to wet themselves, and Severus could not stop a smirk from curling on his lips. Finally, they would learn that there were powers one should not toy with.
Lord Potter coughed quietly, drawing the Auror’s attention to himself.
“We agree that children have overstepped all possible lines,” the man stated, his voice carefully neutral. “However, Lord Orion and I are biased in questions concerning our sons. Thus, we have decided you should appoint them appropriate punishments. That way, it will be as close to justice as possible.”
Harnett nodded briskly, taking a moment to think. Severus watched as those emerald eyes briefly clouded in consideration as the man pondered the offer, no doubt looking for the best ways to utilize it. Suddenly, he glanced at Severus. There was not a trace of fury in those eyes, no ager Severus had just witnessed. There was only gentleness and a silent promise that never would be voiced in the presence of others.
If someone asked, Severus wouldn’t be able to explain how he understood what Harnett meant. He simply did. He nodded to Harnett, allowing himself a small sigh of relief. For the first time since September, Severus relaxed. Tension bled out of his shoulders, and he could feel himself breathe a little easier.
Somehow, it didn’t feel like the charity others’ offers had. Lucius in particular had offered to help him countless times, always asking for Severus to finally agree to it. Every time the aristocrat was faced with refusal. And every time he promised one day to go behind his back and deal with the fools once and for all. Yet he never had. Luicus respected his choice too much to do anything without permission. Slytherins never intervened until asked, not unless it concerned family. And when they did there was always a price. One Severus was sure he would never be able to repay even if he was charged as a close friend.
Harnett, meanwhile, hadn’t asked. He told, confidently and apologetically, that he would handle everything whether Severus wanted it or not. Severus knew for a fact the man had to be a Gryffindor. For only they would be foolish to show others the extent of their care and forget to ask for something in return.
“As to your, Heirs,” Harnett said stiffly, all but spitting the last word, “I want a restraining order on them for Severus’ sake as well as retributions for moral and emotional damage they have caused by years of constant bullying. Lord Potter, you will also take the invisibility cloak from your son. He does not deserve such a privilege if he uses it to torment other students of this school.”
Lord Potter nodded slowly, almost hesitantly.
“As to Sirius, then I wish for you to send him for Summer holidays to his Aunt Cassiopeia and Abraxas Malfoy. They would straighten him out and teach sense he clearly lacks. Should it fail to work, I do not see another outcome but cutting him off from inheritance. Perhaps, allow him to remain a regent should the worst happen, but nothing more. This permissiveness will lead to your House dying out.”
Lord Black swallowed and nodded. Something flashed in his cold grey eyes, something akin to understanding.
“It will be done,” the man replied, bowing in agreement. Turning his head, Lord Black’s eyes stopped on Severus. “As to you, young man, allow me to issue a formal apology to you. Had I known of this earlier, I would have undoubtedly stepped in. Seeing as my words would not mean much to you, know this – Black family owes a debt of honour to you. Feel free to ask for any assistance you might need.”
“I thank you, Lord Black,” Severus replied formally, nodding back deeply. “I will certainly keep your offer in mind. However, I feel, you following my lord husband’s demands will suffice.”
“Nothing can be enough to remedy this,” Orion replied stiffly but let the matter go. “Head Auror Potter, if you could please release the children, I would like to deal with the matter swiftly. And if you allow, Headmaster, Sirius should come with me tonight. It has turned out we have much to discuss.”
Black shivered under his father’s gaze. There on the floor, the fool did not look one bit as threatening as any other day. Severus expected glee, happiness at seeing his enemies put down and their pride disintegrated. However, there was none of that. The only thing he felt was relief. Relief and pride. Pride for himself and for his husband.
With a wave of his hand, Harnett released the Marauders. Stepping into the shadows, the man joined Severus in his corner, smiling softly at the teen. Lords Black and Potter immediately turned to their Heirs, chastising them, neither man picking their words nor trying to pretend everything was alright.
Severus watched the new scene unfold more indifferently. Although no less emotional, it felt somehow bland and lacking. Without Harnett’s burning temperament and air or command both Lords felt terribly uninteresting. Too cold for his liking, much too controlled.
The young man turned his head. Dark eyes swept down the man that would one day become his, softening just a little. It was hard to believe someone like Harnett would ever look at Severus. He had no illusions of his looks and talents even if some were impressive for a child his age. Severus held no bravery, distrusted his own shadow most of the day and didn’t allow even closest of his friends into his soul. To think he wed someone was preposterous. The one person he thought his had left him for a slip of the tongue. Who could say he wouldn’t accidentally do the same in the future?
Sighing, he pushed those thoughts away. There was no use to wonder like that, not when needed information was unavailable and, likely, would remain so. It was but a waste of time. The time that, in his case, was already severely limited.
“Thank you,” Severus said instead, allowing his lips to twitch in a brief smile. “I do not know how to thank you for this. There are no words to ever express how grateful I am.”
Harnett smiled openly at him, chuckling.
“Do not worry about repaying debts, Severus,” the man replied quietly, careful not to be overheard by others in the room. “Considering everything that will happen, you aren’t the one owing gratitude.”
“Is my future so complicated?”
“The end result is more than worth fighting for. However, the pathway to it is unimaginable, even unbearable.”
“Is there anything I need to know?”
“Know that you will make it,” Harnett replied instantly, without a shade of hesitation. “No matter what happens or how hard it becomes, you will make it. There, in the future, you are a renowned Archmaster, truly talented in Potions and Defence alike. People respect you. Your potions are ones of the most sought-after in the entire Britain. You have a family, friends.”
“And you by my side,” Severus noted, his throat suddenly dry. Unable to stop himself, he still asked, “Whatever have I done to earn all of this?”
“You were born, Severus. That is more than enough.”
The young man nodded, a shade of doubt still clouding his mind. Harnett did not insist. It would be decades before Severus would fully understand and accept that simple explanation and even longer before he would stop trying to fight it.
For years, it would keep him afloat. And it was more than enough for both of them.