Chapter Text
Severus sat heavily in his office chair, leaning back pinching his nose. The sounds and scents of the Yule ball, combined with the nauseating sight of teenagers sticking their tongues down each other’s throats, had given him a migraine. Wordlessly, he summoned a pain potion from his stores, and then dimmed the lights in his office to a more tolerable luster. He needed to grade mid year exams, but he couldn’t bring himself to read anymore disappointing drivel from uninspired and uncaring students.
The professor had just begun to soothe the pressure behind his eyes when a quiet knock sounded at his door. He thumped his head backward, wondering which of his snakes was in need. It must be serious to lead them to his door at near midnight. Concerned, he stood and moved to open the door, and promptly froze in surprise at seeing the dark haired boy standing awkwardly on the other side of it. A flash of concern hit him, he could think of no good reason for the child to come to his door of all places.
“Potter. Are you injured?”
The boys eyes widened slightly and he shook his head quickly, but then frowned and hesitantly nodded. His brow furrowed and he bit his lip, scrunching his nose in thought, and Severus was struck by how similar the boy’s facial expressions were to his mother.
“Which is it?” He spoke sharply, drawing the boy out of his musings.
Potter began twisting the cuffs of his robes in his hands and just looked up at him, uncertainty painting his features. “I don’t know. Luna said something…” He trailed off, his face closing off as he fidgeted.
Severus was beginning to become irritated. “Potter. What is it that has brought you here at midnight?”
Potter continued to fidget, then inhaled deeply. Severus noted absently how the child’s fingers were white, he was gripping his sleeves so hard.
“Do you know that Luna is different? I don’t know how exactly, but it’s like she sees things no one else does…She said something tonight.” Potter’s speech came and went haltingly, like he was waiting to be dismissed. Severus thought back to another blonde student, airy and otherworldly at times, knowing things she had no way to know. His heart ached thinking of the young girl having the same gifts as her mother.
”I am aware of such occurrences.”
Potter breathed out in relief. “She told me some stuff, but then said I needed to see the goblins to get rid of the wrackspurts. And she said I needed to ask you. And to ask you…” He hesitated, ducking his head down. Severus noted the flush rising up his skin. “She told me to ask you about long term love potion use.” Potter resumed twisting his fingers through his sleeves, the dark green robes becoming wrinkled from the abuse. Severus breathed through his nose deeply, the migraine threatening to make a reappearance. He stepped to the side and gestured the boy to enter.
“I can test for the presence of potions, but only a healer or a goblin could test to determine who potioned you. Have a seat, I will get what we need.” He stalked to his cubboard, looking through the various bottles, until he found the small ice blue potion tucked in the back. He turned to the boy sitting anxiously in front of his desk.
“We will add three drops of your blood to this - if it goes white, you will be clear of love potions. If it changes pink, that indicates some sort of love potion is in your system. If it is positive, I will take you to Gringotts first thing in the morning, we will need a certified record to submit to the Auror’s office. I will give you the antidote immediately after. Understood?” He settled the bottle in front of the boy, removing the cork and gesturing for him to hold his hand out. He felt a flicker of pity, love potions were a violation of the worst kind - unfortunately depending on what was in his system, the perpetrator would likely only get a slap on the wrist.
Potter held a small hand up to Severus and he frowned, looking over the boy. He didn’t often have opportunity to observe the boy up close, and he didn’t like what he was seeing - the boy was too small, his wrist bones delicate and jutting out. He had deep circles under his eyes, and his face looked almost gaunt. Severus performed a silent spell, pricking the child’s finger, dropping three drops in the bottle, then healing the injury. He corked the bottle and swirled it counterclockwise three times.
The blue immediately morphed into a delicate pink the blushing color of peonies. It was unfortunate how such an innocent color could indicate something so terrible. He sighed, looking over at the child who looked ill.
“You will stay here, to ensure nothing untoward occurs. Tomorrow, we will leave at 8 am sharp to go to the bank.” He turned and went through the door at the back of the room, leading to his private quarters, holding it open and gesturing the boy come through. Potter’s face was blank as he followed. Severus transfigured his living room settee into a cot, then went to his bedroom, choosing a muggle pair of sweats and a T-shirt. He gathered the clothing, and a blanket and pillow bringing them out to the child standing awkwardly in his living room.
“Take these. The washroom is straight back. My room is on the right, do not enter it. You may shower and change. Leave your robes in the bathroom, I will ensure they are laundered tonight so you may wear them tomorrow.”
Potter stared at him, his mouth opening as if to say something, but then closed again. He wordlessly took the clothing and headed to the washroom. Severus laid the blanket and pillow out on the transfigured cot, thinking through what he had had learned and the steps he needed to take. He briefly considered, and promptly discarded the idea of, taking the problem to the headmaster, who was known in the past to brush off assaults from love potions. Better to go straight to the goblins and Aurors to protect the child.
A few moments later, the boy in question came out freshly showered, but the clothing significantly too large on him. Severus frowned at just how small he was, flicking his wrist and shrinking the clothing to be more fitted so they didn’t fall off the boy’s slight frame.
“Get some rest, I will wake you in the morning. We will eat here in my quarters, and then leave.” He spoke gently.
Potter looked up at him again, confusion in his red-rimmed eyes. “Thank you Professor.” His voice was quiet, raspy. Severus nodded and waited until Potter had lain down, pulling the covers over himself, before he went to his own room. Tomorrow would be an uncomfortable, and likely painful day.
Severus followed Potter into the private office at Gringotts, the bank lobby was thankfully empty due to the early hour, and there was no wait to see a manager. Potter’s leg bounced while he sat, yet again twisting the cuffs of his robes. Severus reached out to still his hands, his touch gentle. He was startled when Potter grabbed his hand with both of his. He looked over at the boy, who kept his head ducked down, a flush rising up his neck. Severus said nothing, but gently squeezed the others’ hands. He understood how anxious the child was, and was unwilling to withhold comfort.
The door creaked open, drawing both of their attention, a fierce looking goblin walking in, and stepping behind the desk. He clasped his hands together, sharp eyes staring at the two in front of him.
“Mr. Potter, Master Snape, I understand you need a certified record of potions administered to Mr. Potter?” His voice was a deep, growling tone, that made it hard to read emotion from.
”Yes Master Goblin. Mr. Potter tested positive for love potions last night. I wish to have him tested in full of what he has in his system, and by who, and for the record certified so that it may be brought to the Auror office.” Severus spoke for the child, who had dropped his head again, his hands anxiously squeezing the Potion Master’s.
The goblin hummed, staring shrewdly at Potter, before snapping his fingers, summoning an obsidian bottle with silver wax melted over the opening. Withdrawing a sheet of parchment from the drawer, he laid both out on the desk. Another snap cracked the wax seal.
”I need seven drops of blood into the bottle.” Potter glanced up at the Potion Master, who carefully raised the boy’s hand. A spell pricked his finger, and he held the bottle under the finger, closely watching the drops. After the seventh, he pulled the bottle away, handing it back to the goblin, and then healed the boys finger, and allowed him to grasp his hand once again.
The goblin swirled the bottle, then, withdrawing a black quill from another drawer, he dipped it into the bottle, and set it upon the parchment. The quill stood, and rapidly begun scratching words against the page.
Gringotts Certified Potion Report
Certified 22/12/1994 by Master Goblin Ironjaw
Hades James Potter
DOB: 31/07/1980
Mother: Lily Anne Potter née Evans
Father: James Fleamont Potter (adopted)
Father: Severus Tobias Snape-Prince
Lifetime Potion Adminstration:
Dragon Pox Innoculation: 12/01/1981 | Administered by: Healer Dawlish | Brewed by: Potion Master Greenburg
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 01/09/1991 | Administered by: Ronald Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Befuddlement Draught: 09/01/1991 | Administered by: Ronald Weasley | Brewed by: Headmaster Dumbledore
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 01/11/1991 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Pepper Up: 15/11/1991 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Strong Invigoration Draught: 20/06/1992 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Healing Potion: 20/06/1992 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Befuddlement Draught: 21/06/1992 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Headmaster Dumbledore
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 21/06/1991 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 21/06/1991 | Administered by: Ronald Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 04/09/1992 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 02/10/1992 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Skelegrow: 03/11/1992 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Analthís Éros: 07/11/1992 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 04/12/1992 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Polyjuice Potion: 15/12/1992 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Headmaster Dumbledore
Analthís Éros: 10/01/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 05/02/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 07/03/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 01/04/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 08/05/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 02/06/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Basilisk Venom: 18/06/1993 | Administered by: Basilisk | Brewed by: N/A
Phoenix Tears: 18/06/1993 | Administered by Phoenix | Brewed by: N/A
Strong Invigoration Draught: 18/06/1993 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Healing Potion: 18/06/1993 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Befuddlement Draught: 19/06/1993 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Headmaster Dumbledore
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 19/06/1993 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 18/06/1993 | Administered by: Ronald Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 02/09/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 05/10/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 01/11/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Strong Invigoration Draught: 15/11/1993 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Healing Potion: 15/11/1993 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Befuddlement Draught: 16/11/1993 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Headmaster Dumbledore
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 16/11/1993 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 16/11/1993 | Administered by: Ronald Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 08/12/1993 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 08/01/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 02/02/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 09/03/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 09/04/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 02/05/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 20/06/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Healing Potion: 20/06/1994 | Administered by: Mediwitch Pomfrey | Brewed by: Potion Master Snape-Prince
Befuddlement Draught: 21/06/1994 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Headmaster Dumbledore
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 21/06/1994 | Administered by: Hermione Granger | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Gregory’s Unctious Potion: 21/06/1994 | Administered by: Ronald Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 05/09/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
Analthís Éros: 02/10/1994 | Administered by: Ginevra Weasley | Brewed by: Molly Weasley
End Report
Severus read the results in shock and horror. He glanced over at the waiting boy, who had yet to read the parchment, but was growing paler, likely reading Severus’ facial expression. He fought to strengthen his mental shields, needing to be supportive to the child.
He held the parchment close before choosing his words. “Potter- Harry. This is going to be upsetting, for many, many reasons. I will be here, every step of the way, to have this rectified. What you are going to see is going to hurt you, but I am going to be right here.” He took a deep breath, before handing the parchment over to the dark haired child. He watched him closely, seeing the shock and confusion, then grief pass across his face. The temperature in the office began to drop, Severus’ eyes widening as frost began to creep up the chairs, the desk, and the walls. Harry’s hands were shaking and he looked up at Severus, devastation in his eyes as tears coated his cheeks.
“I don’t understand.” His voice cracked.
Severus ran his hands through his hair. “Neither do I.”
Harry looked lost, staring blankly at the parchment. “Everything has a been a lie. I didn’t even know my name.”
That statement broke the potion master’s composure, and he reached out to the boy, offering his arms. The boy came willingly, tucking his face into the older man’s shoulder, sobs wracking his body. Severus wrapped his arms around him, fighting his own grief and anger, questions spinning in his brain.
They stayed that way until Harry’s body calmed, the shaking subsiding into soft hiccups. He pulled back, rubbing his eyes under his glasses. Severus silently conjured a handkerchief and gently wiped the younger boy’s face.
He gazed at him searchingly. Features he had previously attributed to his father, looking closer he could see himself in the sharp curve of the eyebrows, the angular point of the chin. The small, straight nose was that of his own mother - Lily had a delicate upturned thing. His cheekbones were high, aristocratic, and reminiscent of his late grandfather. He looked at the wildness of his hair, and frowned, up close he could see how dry and brittle it looked. He wondered if he would have the softly dense curls of his mother when it was in better condition. The shape and color of his eyes, and the freckles across his nose were all Lily.
While he examined the child, the child was likewise, examining him, taking in his features as well. His voice cut the silence, nearly startling the older man. “Did you know?”
Severus met his gaze steadily. “I did not.” He straightened, keeping his hand on Harry’s back, and turned to the goblin who had watched the entire exchange silently. The goblin snapped, and a scroll appeared.
”Mr. Potter - I believe you will find some answers here. Your father’s will was sealed after his death, by the Chief Warlock. However, as you have been deemed of age, by magical artifact, it is your right to request it read. Should you like me to unseal it?”
Harry’s red cheeks paled again and he looked up at Severus, who felt anger and anxiety turning his stomach. “It’s up to you.” He wouldn’t take the choice from him.
Harry took a deep breath, and nodded at the goblin. “Please read it, Sir.” Severus was pleased with his respect, even as he was under such extreme stress.
“Very well.” The goblin withdrew a parchment, and a new black quill. “Please sign this request to unseal the will. This is a blood quill, it will draw directly from yourself, so you will feel a sharp pain in your hand, but it will be brief.” He handed both over, Severus taking the parchment first, reading it over and nodding, then handing it to Harry.
”Always read everything before you sign your name to anything.” He advised quietly. The goblin nodded in approval. Harry took the parchment, glancing at them both, then furrowed his brow, squinting as he read. Severus frowned, making note to have his prescription checked, and evaluated for the oculus potion. It was expensive, and difficult to brew, but if Harry was eligible, he would ensure he had it. A moment later, he scratched his name onto the parchment and Severus winced at the illegible script. Quill writing workbooks were added to his mental list as well.
The goblin took the parchment, and tapped the scroll with the blood quill. The black seal flashed gold, then released, unrolling the parchment. The goblin began reading aloud.
I, James Fleamont Potter, being of sound mind and body, on this day of September 2, 1981, do declare this my last will and testament.
Should my wife, Lily Anne Potter, survive me, she will retain guardianship of our son, Hades James Potter, and hold the Proxy for the Potter seat within the Wizengamot. I leave her vault 492, and a monthly stipend from the Potter family vault, 405, of 8,000 galleons. I also leave her the cottage of Godric’s Hollow, as well as a packet of letters, to be delivered by the Goblins.
To my son, Hades James Potter, I leave the Potter Wizengamot seat, once he comes of age. I leave the Potter family vault, 405, minus the monthly stipends as described within this will. To Hades, I leave vaults 416, 473, and his trust vault 687. I also leave the Potter Manor, The Pottery, and all business investments as listed in the family portfolio.
To my brother in all but blood, Sirius Black, I leave my school trunk, and all contents within, as well as a monthly stipend of 6,000 galleons from the Potter family vault, 405. I also leave the Cottage in the Grove.
To my dearest friend, Remus Lupin, I leave Redwood Cabin, and the library within, as well as a lump sum of 500,000 galleons from the Potter family vault, 405.
To the last of the marauders, my dear friend Peter Pettigrew, I leave the townhouse in London, and all contents within, as well as a lump sum of 500,000 galleons from the Potter family vault, 405.
It should be noted, that Peter Pettigrew is the secret keeper for our Fidelius protected home in Godric’s Hollow. Should this secret be betrayed, Peter shall receive nothing, and should be turned into the Auror’s office.
To Severus Snape, I leave the lump sum of 1,000,000 galleons, from the Potter family vault, 405.
Should my wife not survive me, guardianship for Hades should go to the following people, in this order:
Severus Snape
Sirius Black
Remus Lupin
Alice Longbottom and Frank Longbottom
Narcissa Malfoy
Under no circumstance, should Hades be given to Petunia and/or Vernon Dursley.
To my son, Hades, I wish to share these words with you - I do not want you to ever doubt my love for you. So, an explanation.
Before our wedding, your mother learned of something truly horrible that Sirius and I had done to a classmate, Severus Snape, while we were in school. She was appalled that I could have participated in such a thing, and truly, I am ashamed of my behavior back then. Sirius and I decided to trick Severus into following your uncle Remus on the night of the full moon.
At the last moment, I realized how dangerous what we decided to do was, and how it could result in the death of your uncle Remus. To my shame, I did not consider the harm to Severus outside the worry of what would become of Remus. I intercepted Severus, as Remus was changing, preventing him from being harmed physically. Even worse, I allowed the Headmaster to extract a promise of a life debt from Severus, and to bully him into silence.
It is the worst thing I have ever done, and I will regret it until I die.
Your mother grew up with Severus, and they dated briefly in fifth year, before I tormented him, and he lashed out at Lily, ending their friendship. I regret this wholeheartedly as well, he did not deserve the treatment we gave him.
After your mother discovered my actions in school, she understandably was angry, and we broke off our engagement. She wanted time to decide if I was truly the man she thought I had become, and while my heart was broken, I understood and respected her need for time.
She reached out to her old friend, wishing to make amends, and they briefly engaged in romance, before she and he decided they were not well matched. She forgave me, and we renewed our engagement, after many discussions. We married two months later, and a month after that, we realized she was pregnant.
Your mother was completely honest about her relationship with Severus. I will be honest, it hurt my heart, but I couldn’t be angry. I understood that she turned to a friend while she was in pain. Unfortunately, her time with Severus was close enough to her time with me, that we did not know who fathered you.
At this point, the war was getting worse, and we were unsure if Severus was on the opposite side. Your mum did not want to know who was your father, and I simply did not care. I loved you the moment I knew you existed. The day you were born, and I held you in my arms, was the happiest of my life. I love you, Hades, more than life itself.
While your mother did not wish to know, I needed to ensure your legacy. In order for you to be eligible to inherit the Potter Seat, and the family vaults, you would need to be blood related, or legally adopted as my heir. So, during her last month of pregnancy, I did the spell while she slept, so she would not have to know - I wanted to respect her wishes.
Knowing your biological parentage, changed nothing. I love you still, I love you always. You are my son.
That being said - you are also his - and someday this war will end, and hopefully we will be able to ensure you have a relationship with the man who gave you life.
For this reason, I name you Hades, to honor your Greek heritage. I have no doubt, that should Severus know of you, he will love you too.
I hope that I can have this conversation with your father in person, I hope that I can have it with you. I hope that we learn how to parent together, and the three of us can watch you grow. But if that doesn’t happen, more than anything, I want you to know that I love you.
To Severus, I have no doubt you will love and cherish our son. I wish you only the best in life. Raise our child to be better than we were, to have Slytherin cunning, and Gryffindor chivalry, a Ravenclaw’s thirst for knowledge, and above all a Hufflepuff’s kindness.
The goblin stopped speaking, waving a hand and duplicating the parchment six more times, rolling up the original, and handing a copy to each of the wizard’s in front of him. Severus took both copies, in a mild state of shock, but seeing that Harry was in a worst state, tears streaming down his face.
“I will be sending copies to the recipients of the will. Would you like a copy to give to the Auror’s office, in addition to the Potion record?
Severus ran a hand through his hair nodding, thinking about everything he had learned today, working through all of the possibilities of Dumbledore’s plans, and how he could best protect his son.
His son.
He has a son.
”Master Goblin Ironjaw, would you please call a healer, I would also like a certified record of Hade’s illnesses and injuries, as well as any existing conditions. And I would like an audit ordered on his vaults. Please.” He looked at his son, who had brought his knees up in his chair, wrapping his arms around then and burying his face. Severus leaned closer, carefully placing his hand on the boy’s shoulder, nonverbally asking permission. Hades leaned into his touch, so he wrapped his arm fully around his shoulder, offering comfort.
”We will initiate the audit at once - I assume you wish it since the death of Potter senior?” He glanced up at Severus, seeing him nod, then continuing to write on a parchment. “I will call a healer now. Would you like to engage our healing services after the record is made?”
”Yes, please. Thank you.” The goblin nodded, completing his note, then snapping the note away.
Severus leaned into his son, sighing. This was going to be an incredibly long day.
Six hours later, Hades was fast asleep on a cot in the corner of Ironjaw’s office, while Severus, Amelia Bones, and Ironjaw tiredly examined the reports regarding Hades’ health and vaults. Severus’ had been facilitating between grief, and fury, ever since he had seen the horrendous health report, and had to watch his son suffer through the healing processes, knowing that he would need supplemental potions to further repair damage for months.
Amelia pulled off her monocle, rubbing her eye, and replacing the glass, before thumping her head back, looking towards the ceiling while she spoke. “I will build a case, it will take a few months, due to all of the parts involved - kidnapping, child abandonment, child abuse, failure to report child abuse, illegally potioning a minor, and theft - Albus will beat these charges unless we proceed carefully. Molly, while she will be implicated, at this time, we only know she brewed potions used illegally, but the brewing is not illegal. We would need proof of intent to distribute. The children are underaged, so at most will only be put on probation and restraining orders issued. The case against Sirius Black will be reviewed as well, unfortunately without Pettigrew we don’t know if he, or Sirius, killed the muggles. He will also need to be charged for your attempted murder.” She. Heaved a breath. “Fuck this is a mess. I will put together a case, I need you and Hades to act as normally as possible. I will keep you updated, but I will only involve my most trusted Aurors to prevent Albus from getting forewarning.”
Severus nodded along, understanding Amelia’s frustration and caution. “Thank you for meeting with us, and for taking this so seriously.”
She looked at him, then leaned forward, patting him on the shoulder. “Take care of him. I recommend getting a mind healer, if you can do so discreetly. I know he has been healed, and the potions cleared, but Analthís Éros can leave long standing scars since it changes how you view a person, even after it is removed from the system. I know you know this - but he will need help.”
Severus nodded, glancing at his child, his face soft in his sleep. So much damage had already been inflicted. He would always be small, delicate, always have problems controlling his magic, always have mental and physical scars. Severus ached to protect him, vowing to do whatever he needed to ensure his future well being.