Chapter 4
The following day Harry did indeed investigate Riddle. He charged Sirius Black, an associate who was good at discovering things people wanted to keep hidden, he was like a dog with a bone, with finding out anything illegal Riddle was involved in. He had been employed by Harry's father for years and was actually married to Harry's old tutor, Remus Lupin now Remus Lupin-Black. Sirius was a good man, a little crude and definitely rash but he was very loyal and the Potter's had been very good to him. James had employed him when no one else would, he had been investigated by the police in connection with a petty crime which had blackened his record.
"Riddle. You mean Thomas Riddle?" The tall dark haired man asked.
Harry nodded, "Yes. Have you heard of him?"
"His reputation precedes him. He is known to be a whorer and a gambler among other things." Sirius answered.
Harry's eyes blazed. What was Septimus doing associating with such a man never mind allowing him into his home and around his family? "He has set his sights on a new target, I do not wish him to get what he wishes. Please find something Sirius."
The man nodded, curious as to whom Riddle wanted that Harry was eager to protect. Then he remembered that
Harry was newly betrothed. Perhaps it was his fiancé who was in danger for becoming Riddle's victim.
"Of course, sir. I'll get right to it." And Sirius left.
Harry wished that duels had not been made illegal a hundred years previously, that would have been the perfect way to deal with this problem. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister, after almost being killed in one during his school years, decided upon entering the office, that he would ban the age old way of solving grievances.
Sighing, Harry sat down at his desk and began the tedious paperwork required for his family business. He had taken over half the running of it from his father earlier that year and, upon James' death or infirmity, would inherit the rest.
He was soon distracted by the other part of his work: seeing clients and business associates.
"Indeed Mr Finnegan, your lease will be renewed for the next five years." He told the rather stocky Irish farmer in front of him.
"Thank you, Mr Potter."
Just as he was about to leave for lunch his maid, Miss Brown, knocked on the door and announced the presence of a Mr Snape.
Harry's heart jumped. Severus was here? His face lit up in a smile which faltered as Salazar Snape walked into the room.
Salazar noticed the slip and grinned to himself. The young man was smitten with his younger brother. This was wonderful. He could tease both of them till his heart's content.
Harry was confused. Why was Severus' brother here? All the marriage arrangements were being made by their parents, as was tradition. There was no reason for Salazar Snape to be there really. He barely knew the man. This was most unusual. His voice came back to him, "Might I enquire as to your business here, sir?"
With a smirk, eerily similar to his brother's, Salazar replied, "My business here is to become more acquainted with you Mr Potter. I wish to discover if you are worthy of my brother."
The younger man blinked. Well that was honest, and very forward. It seemed that the males of the Snape family were very abrupt at times. Harry was not sure if he was glad or not. Of course he was happy that at least one of Severus' family cared for him enough to do this but at the same time he did not want to have this discussion with his betrothed's older brother. 'I have no choice in the matter.' "Then, please, discover away." He decided that he would be as honest as possible.
Salazar began his questioning after Harry had indicated that he should sit and done so himself, "What was your first reaction when you were informed of the betrothal?"
Harry laughed quietly, "My reaction was to deny it. I would have refused if it had been possible."
The elder Snape could understand the reaction. He had chosen to marry his wife; his father had pushed him towards her but at least he had chosen her himself. He did not know how he would have reacted had Septimus announced that he would marry her when he had never even met Alexandra. "And now?"
His thoughts were swirling around his mind like a snowstorm. All his feelings for Severus bared in his eyes, he answered, "Now I would marry him tomorrow if given half the chance." He decided to end this. He was uncomfortable with the display. "Now, Mr Snape, I'm afraid that I will not answer anymore questions. All you need to know about me is that I care very much about your brother and will endeavour to always make him happy. I will protect him, and yet allow him a freedom of action that your father forbids. I will do all this without asking for anything in return but what Severus will give freely."
Salazar's face broke into a rare grin. Mr Potter was certainly worthy of his beloved brother. Severus would flourish within the marriage, of that he was sure. "I have no more qualms, sir. I will be honoured to watch the wedding ceremony. For all that it means, I believe that my brother feels the same way about you. When father told him of his marriage Severus was silent for days. He disappeared into his potion lab for two days. I can not know for certain but I believe that he smashed many of his vials and various other things. Luckily, most of it could be repaired by magic. The rest he has not yet had a chance to replace."
From his place behind the large mahogany desk, Harry took the hint and nodded. It was nice to know that the man sat opposite him was an ally; men could talk to each other in ways that women could not. Plus, it was always good to get on with your in-laws, wasn't it?
When Salazar left Harry sat back down and just stared around the room, blankly taking in all the familiar features; the plain cream walls with wooden panelling, the large bookcase that had belonged to his grandfather - Charles Potter, the little trinkets that had come from his friends as birthday and Christmas presents. They helped to settle his mind. He would admit to himself, but almost no one else, that he had fallen for the youngest Snape. Had fallen long ago, in fact. With a small smile Harry recalled the pervious night. Severus may not be experienced but that was not always a bad thing, Harry could show him all the pleasures of the flesh. He could also admit to the possessive part of himself that he was glad that no one else had ever touched his betrothed, his previous liaisons had only been for mutual pleasure, Harry did not have feelings for them, and certainly he did not care if they had been with others before him. But he wanted to be the only one who would ever touch Severus. 'He is mine.'
The pervious week Harry had sent out invitations for a small private ball at his country house that weekend. The servants had been busy for the past week with the preparations. All Harry's friends were invited; all the Weasleys, the Malfoys, the Longbottoms, the Finnegans. And, of course, the Snapes. Harry was eagerly looking forward to seeing his betrothed again, it had been two weeks since the ball at the Snapes, since he had last kissed Severus.
His guests began arriving at seven o'clock. Harry and his parents, in place of a spouse, were there to welcome everyone from either the front door or the fireplace, as Harry's estate was in the country many of the guests had flooed in.
The Weasley's were among the first to arrive. Molly and Arthur Weasley, the eldest of the red headed clan, greeted Harry like an adopted son. Harry found himself with a face full of greying hair and with arms around his waist. "Hello, Molly."
"Hello my dear." A voice returned from halfway down his chest. Molly Weasley was not a tall woman.
Arthur just looked on with a smile, he was used to his wife being this emotional, her vivacity was the first thing that had drawn his to the merchant's daughter when he had been in his shop all those years ago on an errand for his father. She had been beautiful, at only sixteen years old her father had insisted on a long engagement even though Arthur's family had been richer than his, he stood firm. Molly had accepted his proposal almost immediately. They had been together for over thirty six years now. He greeted Harry and his parents much less enthusiastically though no less warmly.
As the musicians took up their instruments once again Ronald Weasley, the second youngest of the brood, saw that his friend's betrothed was sitting alone at a table. His own wife was occupied in dancing with their four year old son, Edward, so he went off to introduce himself to Master Snape.
Severus was shocked as a tall red-headed man sat down beside him, he had been alone at this table for almost twenty minutes. His betrothed was engaged with his host duties and he had been able to do more than smile at him. Looking up at the stranger he vaguely recognised him as someone he had seen Harry speaking to before.
Ron smiled at the faint look of surprise on Master Snape's face. He was not exactly following convention here. "Are you well this evening, Master Snape?" He asked.
After a long blink Severus replied, "I am. Though I admit I do not know your name, sir."
"Ahh, forgive me. I did not realise Harry had not pointed me out to you. I am Ronald Weasley." Ron held out his hand to shake.
Bemusedly Severus extended his own. He had not shaken hands with someone since he had turned thirteen and his father had found out his sexual orientation. It had been considered too manly, too masculine.
"It is nice to finally meet Harry's fiancé. I have heard lots about you."
It was only when Severus paled slightly that Ron realised how that could sound. He rushed to reassure the young man, "He told us that you are a wonderful musician, that you are an avid scholar and if provoked can flay a man's skin from his flesh with your tongue." Ron injected a lot of humour into the last one.
Severus relaxed, for a split second he had thought that Harry may have shared his 'conquest' with his friend. He knew that some men were very vocal about their sexual encounters. The thought had terrified him. But no, Harry was not like that. He recalled that Harry had mentioned a friend called Ron before now, his wife was 'oh what was her name…..Hermione that's it'. Harry had spoken of you as well, "How is your wife, Hermione?"
Ron pointed her out, his son was laughing and something she had just said, "She is fine. I believe she is attempting to teach our four year old to dance."
Dark eyes followed the gaze of the brown ones and alighted on a petite curly haired woman who picked up her son and whirled him around the dance floor while he squealed in excitement, the child had inherited his father red hair. He noticed another aura mingled with hers. "No doubt you are eagerly awaiting your next child?"
The red head blanched. "Who told you she was pregnant?"
"No one. I could see the aura of the child. It is a strong child." Ooops, Severus had not realised that it was not yet common knowledge. He had a rare ability to sense magic and auras, which made him able to tell when women were pregnant. It was a very handy skill for potion making.
Ron was impressed. It took a person of strong magical ability to sense something like that. "Yes we are. 'Mione has just discovered a new range of anti-nausea potions that can be ingested by pregnant people. I believe she wishes that Mr Septimus Prince had created them four years ago."
"She uses his potions?" Severus was pleased although he did not show it. His potions had helped at least one person.
Ron nodded. "She says that they are of the highest quality. Do you know if he is a Potion Master?"
With a secret smile Severus replied, "You can tell your wife that he is indeed a Master. I have been privileged to meet him on a previous occasion."
Harry watched his friend talking to Severus and smiled. He had been held hostage to his duties, therefore, unable to do as he wished which was to spend all night with Severus.
It was not till after they had eaten that Harry was able to take Severus to one side. "Has the evening been pleasant so far, Severus?"
Severus gave him a faint smile. "Very pleasant. Though your presence would have improved it."
Taking Severus' hand Harry whispered, "Come with me." He cast a disillusionment charm on them and led the younger wizard out of the hall and down a set of stairs.
"Where are you taking me?" Severus inquired as Harry stopped before a closed door.
Harry opened the door magically and covered Severus eyes before he could look inside. He shuffled them in the door way and Severus heard Harry spell candles alight.
"May I look now?" There was a touch of petulance in the voice.
With a smirk Harry slowly removed his hands. Severus gazed about the room. It was a potions laboratory. Not very well equipped but more than sufficient, it was bigger than his own at home. It was obviously used, there were black marks on the walls and ceiling from exploded potions, Severus could tell from the set up of the lab that Harry was a competent brewer though he lacked the skill to be a Master. Still, what was Harry's reason for bringing him here? He would no doubt become acquainted with this room once they were married. He turned to look at Harry with slight frown. "Why have you brought me here?"
"I wanted to show you my potions laboratory, I know of your passion and thought you would like it. Though I confess another intent was to get you alone." Harry finished with a wide grin.
His companion lifted an eyebrow, "Why in Merlin's name would you wish to get me alone, Mr Potter?" Severus' tone was definitely teasing.
A predatory gleam entered Harry's eyes. He took a step towards his fiancé. "For this of course." He commented before he kissed him.
Severus gasped and Harry took the opportunity to plunder the treasures of his betrothed's mouth with his tongue. He coaxed the others tongue out of its bed and twined his own tongue with it, eventually encouraging it's journey into his own mouth, which he hoped would become its second home. Severus was a quick study, he repeated the movements Harry had used until he found his own rhythm. They battled for a few more minutes until air became a necessity and they were forced apart.
"I have wanted to do that since I first saw you tonight." Harry breathed and he ran a hand down Severus' cheek.
The younger man leant into the touch contentedly. He knew that they should not be doing this, not until they were married but it did not harm anyone and it was addictive. He could not stop even if he wanted to. Unfortunately, "The party will have noticed our absence by now."
Harry smirked again as he shook his head. "Ron and Draco will cover for us. Also, there are replicas of us upstairs in the ballroom. The golem's will only work for another hour but I am sure that is enough time for us to be alone."
Severus had never been alone with another man, not a family member, for such an amount of time before. What did Harry want to happen? He wanted to be able to give his husband his virginity on their wedding night but was not sure that if Harry asked it of him now he could refuse. Harry solved his internal division for him.
"Lean against the wall, dearest."
Not understand but obeying anyway Severus did as he was did. He understood a moment later when Harry's body pinned him to the wall and kissed him again. He moaned as the now becoming familiar sensations raced through him again. His erection ached, begging for attention. Unable to stop himself he ground his lower body into Harry's.
The elder man understood the sensations assaulting Severus and responded by putting his leg between Severus' and moving closer so that both could rut against the other's leg. It was fantastic.
When they came, Severus before Harry, they remained in their positions. Harry littered feather light kisses over his betrothed's face.
It was a few minutes before they could bare to separate. Eventually they were forced back upstairs. Just before they left, Harry drew Severus to him and asked a question that had been bothering him for a while. "I know that you enjoy this, our actions together, but do you truly want them. As I have said before, if it is your wish I will not touch you until our wedding night. I am aware that should our parents find out what we have done there will be hell to pay, mainly by me. I merely wished to know if you are truly an active participant here or if you were just following my lead as you have been taught."
Severus thought about it for a second, he wanted to make sure that Harry knew that he was serious. "I am following your lead only in that I would not have had the courage to touch you had you not done so first. I would have waited until we were married but now that I know of the pleasure we can know together I would not wish to wait. I am glad that you have given me an insight into what can happen between two men, no doubt the wedding night would have been much more difficult for the both of us had you not," He kissed Harry softly, "Know this, Harry, if you stop what you have started then I believe you will find our marriage bed a cold place."
Harry burst into laughter. He was pacified. Now his only concern was that he would not be able to control himself till they were hand fasted. 'Merlin help me. He will be the death of me.'
Upon their return they discovered that their disappearance had not been noted, except by Ron and Draco.
The night was unfortunately soon over after that. The Snapes were among some of the first to leave much to Harry and Severus' disappointment and Salazar's amusement. He had also noticed that his younger brother had vanished for over an hour that night. But he kept this knowledge to himself, after all, having met Harold Potter he trusted him with his brother's reputation and the golems were very strong magic.
When Harry returned to their London town house the following morning he began to compose a letter to his fiancé in his head, proposing that they move up the wedding. He simply could not wait any longer. Unfortunately he did not have the chance to write it until late that night.
His mother and father entered the drawing room just as he was letting the ink dry.
"What are you doing, Harry?" James Potter enquired.
Harry folded the parchment and gently slid it into the envelope. "I am writing to my fiancé, father. I believe that the wedding will not be in December after all." He went over to the window, where his loyal owl, Hedwig, was awaiting the letter. Once it was safely attached to her leg she spread her white wings and took to the sky.
James and Lily looked to each other in shock. They were cancelling the wedding?
Lily recovered first, "Why are you cancelling the wedding, son?"
Harry smiled, "I'm not cancelling the wedding, mother. I was simply asking my betrothed if he wished to move the date up to October." He had to contain his laughter at his parents' faces.
James just shook his head; his son had certainly inherited his sense of mischief, though as a parent it often made his heart skip beats. 'Was this how my parents felt?' He wondered absently.