When Severus came back into the boy's room he had to laugh. Potter was leaning against Blacky on the bed and they were both reading a book. Beast had the newspaper between the book covers and was chewing on it contentedly.
"That looks like a weird family photo."
Harry looked up.
"And what role do you play in this family?"
"You are getting cheekier."
"That wasn't cheeky, it was just an interesting question."
severus took off his robe and stroked Hedwig.
"What are you reading there?"
"Introduction to the world of rituals."
Severus looked surprised at his student.
"Have you taken rituals as an elective?"
Harry nodded.
"Yeah, that's really interesting."
"I would have made any bet that you would choose fortune-telling."
The boy snorted.
“I wanted that too at the beginning. It sounded really interesting. but then the twins told me that the teacher was a disaster. I didn't really want to believe that, at least Fred and George said so. But then all the other older students confirmed it. from our year only Ron and the girls took it, with the exception of Hermione. "
Severus nodded.
"Smart decision, if you were lucky, the woman would have predicted your death in the first hour."
The boy giggled.
"According to the stories, that would have been the most interesting thing about the whole class."
Harry sat up.
"And how was it? You look a bit annoyed. "
Severus raised an eyebrow and then turned to the mirror. it was true, he really looked exactly the way he felt.
“After my visit to the Ministry, I was still at Gringotts, Mrs. Bones advised me to do so. And the decision was a good one too. the two Blacks have already tried to get to my dungeon. "
Harry looked at his teacher in disbelief.
“Why should the two of them do that? just because you are the godfather, you don't have the right to take your money. "
Severus sat down resignedly. Amazingly, Blacky immediately jumped over to him and let himself be caressed.
“If I were still the godfather, Draco would very well have the right to my money. And Narcissa, too, to a point. The role of godfather is taken very seriously in the magical world. you are fully responsible for the child's welfare in the event of the death of the parents. And in the event of divorce for child and injured party. "
"But then many would withdraw the sponsorship again in order to escape this responsibility."
“That's right, but that's almost impossible. There are only a few exceptions. And Narcissa presented me with one on a silver platter, after all she has proven to be unfaithful. that is a serious social offense in the magical world, I have already told you that. And since I was chosen by Lucius as godfather, I could resign at any time if he considers the marriage to have failed. "
"Interesting, so if Mr. Malfoy had cheated on his wife, you still wouldn't have to deal with them?"
“Not legally, but in the eyes of society I would be pretty much down. if Lucius had cheated on his wife, he would have to look after the two of them. I would still have to take care of Draco. "
“Okay, I'm getting a headache. But that means the two of them looted your dungeon? "
“You would like that. But since it is already known what the good Narcissa has done, the goblins did not let her on my property until you had instructions from me. "
Harry grinned.
"And you have given it now, but the two will certainly not be happy about it."
A nasty grin spread across Severus' face.
"That's what I mean. Incidentally, draco is said to have behaved very unfavorably in the bank. It was supposedly so bad that even his mother was ashamed of him. Now the woman experiences firsthand how she moved her child. "
Harry stroked Beast thoughtfully.
“But I thought Mrs. Black had money of her own? Then why do you still want yours? "
Severus looked at Harry in disbelief.
“Your relatives took the money for you too. People are just greedy. narcissa wanted to live at my expense so that she could squander her own money. Now she has to pay for herself and her son. For example, buying your own place to stay. Oh one more thing. It's not called Mrs. anymore, but Ms. againsince the woman has got involved with several men and you don't know who the son is from, the marriage is declared null and void. It never existed, so to speak. "
Severus watched the boy closely. on his face he could clearly see what was about to come. This child could ask holes in the stomach. But surprisingly, the teacher didn't mind answering these too much. presumably because the questions were reasonable. And the next one came right away.
“It said in the paper that Mr. Malfoy is demanding compensation from the playmates for all his wife's infidelities. No matter whether man or woman?"
Severus nodded.
"What happens to their marriages?"
“The same as with Lucius, at least that's what I assume. Nobody likes to be horned. Especially not when it comes to the public. And Lucius will make sure of that. he feels humiliated, and he wants to get back at those responsible. "
"The man is really very proud."
“Yes, but I can understand him. I wouldn't be any different. "
“What about Draco's father? does he have to expect the consequences? I mean, except that he has to pay the money for Draco's education? "
Severus' mood kept improving. His student's questions indicated intelligence, something Severus greatly appreciated.
“In the magical world, parents are responsible for their children until they are seventeen, no matter what. You cannot simply deport a child to live with relatives or put up for adoption. The only exceptions are when the parents can no longer look after the children. So illness or sudden homelessness. As soon as Draco's father has been identified, he will have to take care of his son. "
"And if he's married, his wife won't like it at all."
"That's something you can rely on. If the woman should get a divorce, he also has to marry Narcissa. Because he has a family with her. but it can also happen that he takes her as a second wife. "
Harry almost fell out of bed in shock. He stared at his teacher with wide eyes.
He smiled indulgently.
"I didn't react much differently than I heard from all the customs."
"A second wife? So is bigamy allowed in the magical world? "
The man nodded.
“And none of the partners is above the other. up to four people are possible. No matter what gender or whether magical being or not. "
"Four? Doesn't someone always fall short? "
“No, as far as I don't know. For this reason there are also ballroom dances for more than two partners, or chess that several people can play. "
Harry considered.
"I wonder how big the beds or bathrooms are?"
Severus grimaced with laughter. and Blacky, too, seemed to be having a great time.
“Enough talking shop, let's eat. And this time down again. "
The boy looked at him, startled and begging.
"Please do not."
One could have softened at the look. but Severus firmly believed that it would only get worse when the little one withdrew like this.
But since he didn't want to force the boy either, he had to try another way.
“I know you don't like it. that's why I brought you a present. If you come down with me, I'll give it to you. "
Harry cocked his head.
"A present for me?"
Severus smirked.
"Exactly, are you coming?"
"But it's not a potion set, is it?"
"Would that be that bad?"
Harry thought for a moment.
"No, I would be happy about everything that you brought me with you."
With that the boy went ahead. Blacky followed.
Teacher couldn't prevent a warm feeling from spreading inside him. Knowing how much the child valued gifts from friends, it was a real show of affection.
In the taproom, of course, they got a lot of looks again. But Harry tried to ignore them. .He also succeeded very well, he was too absorbed in the idea that his professor had brought something for him.
When they sat down and ordered, Severus handed the boy a small package.
Harry took it carefully and opened it.
A moment later, a delighted squeak could be heard throughout the room.
“Thank you, that is. Wow. Incredible!"
Harry looked excitedly at the book written by his Head of House. "Life as an Animagus."
The boy was thrilled.
“You really wanted that. But don't forget your lessons. "
"I won't, thank you very much."
Harry didn't put the book down until the meal came.
severus was really touched by the child's joy. Harry kept glancing at the book and his eyes lit up properly. If Minerva found out how happy her Leo was about her book, the woman would probably start crying immediately.
"Professor?"
"Hm?" The teacher looked up in surprise. Usually the boy only concentrated on his plate while eating. Apparently the child found it easier not to swallow like that.
“I read an interesting chapter in the book about rituals. Apparently, there is a ritual to calm werewolves down. Or rather, they keep their wits about the change. why is this not generally used? I mean, the Wers are still ostracized, but with this spell they would no longer be dangerous. "
Severus sighed, not because of the question or the subject, but because of the answer.
"The ritual is not used because it is black magic."
The boy's features slipped away.
"What? That is the only reason? Just because it's not white magic isn't it used? That is ridiculous."
the teacher looked at his student in amazement. To be on the safe side, he cast a silence charm around her.
"Mr. Potter, I never thought you'd defend dark magic. I would not have expected that from you in particular. "
"Why? magic is not evil, only people are. Also, most healing spells are black magic. The nurse once told me that there are almost no white magic spells that can do a decent cure. you can't even cure a cold with it. "
"When did she tell you that?"
“After the disaster with Lockhart. She said if the guy is so against black magic, why is he trying it? "
Severus smirked. he could still remember the shouting last year.
The boy shot him a dirty look.
"Not funny. In any case, I know that black magic cannot and must not be abolished. This would also kill the white woman. and therefore also many people. "
“That's right, but how do you know all this? Very few wizards are allowed to learn black magic and literature is generally forbidden. "
Harry grinned meaningfully at his teacher.
"I'll show you, but only on one condition."
Severus leaned forward, interested.
"And that would be?"
The boy looked straight into his eyes.
"You're telling me why you joined Voldemort back then."
immediately the teacher flinched.
"How do you know that?"
“Because it's not a secret. The ministry published all negotiations at that time. "
Severus snorted.
“There can be no talk of negotiations. do you know that after the war everyone was denied the Vertiaserum? "
The boy nodded gloomily. How did he know that.
"So?"
It took a moment, but then the man nodded.
“Good, but not here. I can do without discussing it in a taproom. "
They both finished their meals and went back to Harry's room.
"You are here more often than in your own room."
Severus shrugged and sat down.
“You want to know why I have joined the Lord? Quite simply because he fought to have black magic taught again. He wanted them to be legalized. "
Blacky growled. Harry rubbed his face.
"Taboo. there is nothing wrong with the wish. But he didn't limit himself to that? "
Severus shook his head.
“That was the reason why many turned away from him. Lucius too. the lord has lured his followers with the fact that he wanted to legally reconnect the two strands of magic. Only when he had enough people did he tell us what his actual goals were. that was also the moment when he branded us. "
"You mean the dark mark?"
"I agree. Then I got out, just like Lucius. I went to Dumbledore and offered him my spy services. after the war he saved me from Azkaban. "
Severus looked bitter at the memory. Something Harry and Blacky noticed too.
"What did you have to promise him?"
Severus looked up in surprise.
"From where?"
The boy shrugged.
“He paid Hermione's tuition from my dungeon to remind her of her loyalty if necessary. I would be surprised if he hadn't asked you for anything. "
Severus gave a bitter laugh.
"You're right. there were two things, first, I should protect you when the lord comes back. And second, I am no longer allowed to deal with black magic. "
Harry had turned pale. He didn't like it at all.
“Does that mean the director is shifting his responsibility to take care of me on you? Even though he is my guardian. Pah, so far the man hasn't done anything for me. and then he forbids you to deal with an important branch of magic. What happens if you do something that he doesn't like? "
severus was shocked by the boy's outburst that he did not expect this child to be so bitter.
"He will revise his decision."
"What? But he can't do that, can he? I mean, you risked your life for him and for me too. "
Severus just nodded.
"Is that why he never gave you the position for DADA?"
"He said it would tempt me too much."
Harry was up. he went to his trunk and rummaged in it. He came back with a book.
"Do you know why black magic is forbidden?"
Severus looked at his student in surprise.
“Yes, because the unforgivable are black magic. afterwards the ministry thought that the whole branch was evil and banned it with a few exceptions. "
"Not correct."
Both teacher and dog stared at the boy in disbelief.
"What do you mean? It's in all history books. "
Harry snorted.
“Yes, in books the ministry publishes. In truth, only two of the three Unforgivable are black magic. The real reason for the ban is completely different. "
"And which?"
Harry looked at the book for a while.
"You won't like that at all."