Magic meets dinosaurs

Part 3

"What are you thinking? You're clearly plotting something," Alan asked in suspicious amusement.

"I did promise to visit the raptors again. Voldemort can explain himself to the raptor pack," Henry said with an evil smirk. "If his reasons are good enough I may even ask them not to kill him."

"After what you told us I don't blame you one bit. But I want to introduce that Dumbledore fellow to Rexy. She won't listen to his obviously silver tongue," Alan said wryly. Henry laughed at that but tired quickly and fell into a restless sleep before Snape returned.

"I am not certain that you understand the implications adopting the brat had for you," Severus said uncertainly, having checked Henry again after returning to the medical tent.

"Oh, I don't know all the details but I think I have a decent idea. I just adopted a magical prince that has been raised by a corrupt regent and is still being hunted by his enemies. Enemies who, if we are insanely lucky, are not really enemies. All the story needs is a princess being guarded by a dragon for him to rescue and marry," Alan said wryly, brushing Henry's hair away from his face as he muttered a bit in his sleep.

"As cliched as it sounds... that's not far off," Snape said sourly. "Incidentally the Dark Lord has agreed to the meeting. I didn't specify when but did explain that Grant somehow found himself outside of Britain and needs to find his way either to a Gringotts or back to Britain before the meeting can take place. I was instructed to assist him for the time being. I was also given permission to inform Dumbledore on the grounds that it will return him to English soil all the faster. I have not informed Dumbledore as of yet. Until Grant is healed enough to make serious choices or is put at risk I will maintain my position of spy to both sides."

"Reasonable. I wasn't expecting you to pull out immediately anyway. We don't have anything set up to deal with the fallout," Grant admitted sheepishly. Severus just nodded, fully aware that this man was only thinking of getting the two of them out of a dangerous area and kept watching Henry sleep.

"You will need to select someone as his magical guardian or Dumbledore will retain the position. If you allow me to admit to both sides that you required a magical oath of protection for him then I can safely take that position. I would also advise on insisting he be resorted. He has changed much since his sorting," Severus advised softly. "As his adoptive father you will have to face a great deal of interest, not all of it good. If necessary you can call it a life debt. We have a magically binding version and many people owe him gratitude, a few are known to owe him magical life debts. It is something that will be immediately accepted and understood. It is also less complicated than the accidental magical contract and more highly revered in our society. A man fulfilling a life debt can literally get away with murder. Such a use is frowned upon and the person who called in the life debt is held responsible for the actions of the debtor but it can be done. I tell you so that you know the power of a life debt among magicals and because your son has a knack for getting into and out of impossible situations. I dare say that you will encounter them at some other time."

"I think I understand and thank you for the warning," Alan said equally softly. "What would it take to make you his magical guardian? I think your oath as a liegeman is close enough to count as an oath of protection."

"The proper paperwork and Grant's agreement since he is my liegelord. I can only assume that my previous oath to Voldemort is not in conflict or is no longer valid since there was no negative reaction from my mark," Snape explained. "I could request a copy from one of the officials hovering outside the tent if you would like to do it now?"

"Please do. We can ask Henry his opinion when he wakes for supper," Alan said tiredly. Snape nodded and spoke to someone outside.

"What did you mean your oath to Voldemort?" Henry asked tiredly once Snape returned. Clearly he had woken at some point during their quiet discussion and eavesdropped.