The Boy The Snake and The Stone

Chapter 20: Adoption part 3

Harry woke up in a fright, he was found himself back in the Malfoy Manor and the last thing that he remembered was that he, Severus, and Lucius were at Gringotts filling out papers and then he received some unsettling news. He vaguely remembered Severus pouring a calming draught down his throat after his magic lashed out, Harry's cheeks grew warm at the thought. Throwing a fit like that when he was eleven was very unbecoming, and all of places it had to be Gringotts, he was for sure that he would be welcome there anytime soon. He had destroyed the private meeting area, and had not even apologize for it either. Harry felt guilty about it, but it really wasn't his fault. It was the Headmaster's fault, for stealing from him, and for placing him those muggles. Harry felt his magic acting out again in rage at the thoughts of the lies that where giving to him.

Severus entered the room shortly after the charm that he placed upon Harry went off, indicating that the young boy was awake, but stopped in the doorway as he observed his almost son. The young wizard's magic was acting out again, but the little one was trying to calm himself down, but it wasn't quite working. It seemed that the boy and the magic where at an impasse, seeing the magic wanting to lash out to protect the boy, and boy seemingly talking to the magic giving it a reason not to. It was very fascinating to watch; and then the pressure of the magic was gone, and there sat a boy smiling at himself, as if he was proud of himself for whatever he told his magic.

Severus cleared his throat, as to notify the young boy that he was standing in the doorway.

"Have a nice nap Harry?" Severus asked as the young wizard turned his head, his piercing green eyes burrowing into his own.

"Yes, sir I did." Harry paused a moment before continuing on "I-I am also sorry for what happened at Gringotts, and all the trouble I have caused today." Harry cast his eyes downward, he really didn't mean to be such a bother to the people that are trying to help him.

Severus quickly made his way over the bed, gently putting his fingers underneath the younger wizards chin and lifting his head up to where he could see the boy's eyes. "There is nothing to apologize for, what happened was not your fault. Yes, you did have a reaction, but that was to disturbing news. It has now been fixed, and you no longer have to worry about it." Harry opened his mouth to reply, but Severus cut him off. "No, there was nothing that could have been done differently, and I will have you know that charges are going to be put on Albus as soon as the goblins at Gringotts are done putting the papers together."

"Y-You mean the goblins aren't mad at what took place?" Harry sad his eyes widening in shock, the goblins helping them after everything that he had done to the private room?

Severus looked at the boy in confusion, could the boy not see that the goblins held Harry in very high respect after that afternoon? Having heard of his misfortunes, the way that he bowed to them, and that Harry being one of the only wizards to ever treat them as an equal?

"Of course Harry, they are not mad. In fact it was them that came to us about the papers that are being put together and having a goblin to talk about the gold flow from your accounts in the other areas without consulting you first." Severus said, explaining something that shouldn't be talked about just yet since it was after all very close to Christmas. "But that is a talk for another time young one, for now how about we get you ready for dinner?" Severus smiled motioned to the clothes that where set out for the younger wizard, while he slumbered.

* * * Time Skip * * *

The place that the Malfoy's had chosen, was not part of the wizarding world, they had chosen something in the muggle world due to the fact that Harry would not know how to act properly in a fancy restaurant. Nor did Severus like most of the upper class eateries that where present in London magical world. They were having a blast, celebrating not only the goings at Gringotts, but the papers sent off to the ministry, and the celebrations that where right around the corner. They had just ordered deserts when a loud man and women entered the area, at first it was okay no one was paying them a piece of attention, just talking to themselves; but it seemed that the man and woman just grew louder.

"Vernon!"

Harry froze, he knew that name, he knew that voice. No. NO! Harry's face went an odd chalky color with pure fright. What are they doing here? He turned around in his seat. There sat two tables away a horse faced woman, and a whale of a man. Time slowed and the room began to spin. Why? WHY?! Why are they here?! This was supposed to be a celebration, and they had to ruin it by showing up. It felt like hours as Harry looked on at the people that ruined his life, enjoying their dinner and laughing.

Severus looked down at the boy, when he didn't answer a question that he was asked, and all he saw was a pale mess of a boy. Severus grew worried to see the usually bright smiling boy, a white as a ghost. He turned to see what the boy was looking at, and his blood boiled. There sat those muggles that ruined this boy's life, and when he had started to heal they just had to show back up! It was at this time the Dursley's felt eyes on them and looked around, and saw the boy and the man staring at them. The whale was the first to react.

"YOU FREAK!" He yelled slamming down his utensils in disgust, as if the mere presence of Harry was revolting. "What are you doing here?! This place is for normal people like us!" At this point the man had gotten out of his seat, and was making his way over to the table the wizards and witch sat at. At this point the Malfoy's had seen their Harrys reaction, and how the fat muggle reacted to piece things together.

Petunia had also gotten up from her chair, but only to pull at her husband's arm begging him to leave them be, and let them go back to their date night. She wanted to forget that freak had existed, and that he never stayed with them. But Vernon wouldn't have it, this boy had ruined his life and the lives of his wife and son, and he had the audacity to show his face here! He was going to teach this freak a lesson, one he would never forget; and the fact that the boy had gone white just made him smile even more. He was reaching for Harry when he felt a jab into his neck; he looked down and saw a piece of wood poking him. He was now as scared as Harry at the thought of magic.

"You will leave this child alone, and go about your own business." Severus said, his voice was low, growling right into the man's ear. "I will deal with you another date, but for now." He shoved the muggle away from Harry, the Malfoy's where all standing at this point glaring at the man. Vernon would not have it.

"You protect that freak all you want, but in the end he will come back with me, since he is to live with us!"

Severus just smiled coldly. "No, he doesn't, he is now my charge in every legal aspect. You will never see him again."

The owner of the establishment had enough and walked over to the two families, and spoke directly to the Durley's. "If you would kindly leave, before we call the police. We do not take well for threats thrown at our customers, nor threats thrown at children; and you sir have done both!"

"But freaks like these shouldn't be allowed to have a table here!" Vernon yelled at the owner who had the nerve to step in.

"Sir we have asked nicely, now leave our establishment!" The owner snapped, pointing to the doors.

"Come on Vernon, they are not worth this!" Petunia begged, tugging Vernon towards the door. "We will find a better place than this, one that doesn't allow freaks like them." With the last tug they were out the door, leaving in their wake a mess.

"We are sorry for that and we would like to pay for your meal, with hopes that you will come back, even though you were treated that way." The owner explained remorsefully, turning back to the Malfoy table. Harry had completely shut down, and was no longer responding.

"Thank you sir, for what you have done for tonight. We are taking our leave, so that we can look after our nephew." Malfoy Senior said as Severus scooped the child into his arms, very concerned from the lack of emotion from the child and how cold he felt. Lucius then placed muggle bills into the owner's hands. "Here is for your troubles sir, and I hope that we can come back again. Good night." With that, they all left the shop, unsure of how they could fix their broken Harry once again.