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CHAPTER 14. FAMILY, NEW ALLIES, A BEST FRIEND

Severus woke up well into the next day feeling rested and completely refreshed, the potions had done their job. He lay on his side, with Harry snuggled up against him his head tucked under Snape's chin while the memories of the previous days came to him.

Minutes ticked by slowly until three quarters of an hour had passed. Harry had at one point taken hold of Severus's arm and now clutched it like a child would their favorite stuffed animal.

With a reluctant sigh Severus slowly began to prepare his mind and Harry's for the spell. He concentrated on the bond and felt how the links that had been stretched almost to breaking point the night before were now strong enough to withstand the age-magic spell. The only trial for Harry would be the physical aspect of the spell; he was still weak and without the potions or his help the youth would have a hard time with to the pain from the skello-growth like symptoms that came with the aging.

Snape looked down at Harry and brushed up against his mind. Without dwelling on the painful memories he linked their minds and lent Harry his strength, control and support. Harry felt warm and peaceful, somewhere inside he felt like he belonged, the loneliness and desperation that had followed him wherever he went were gone, in their place there was a stoic resistance and strength that lent him control. But because Harry was ruled by his feelings and by his love for those he cared that control felt alien to him and he was having trouble accepting it. Snape felt Harry's resistance and used his disciplines to coax him into accepting the control he offered, after a brief struggle he sensed Harry's resistance weaken as he accepted the Potions Master's control and comfort. Severus exhaled in relief and held Harry protectively.

Over his Godfather's protests Snape had taken enough strengthening potions to remain awake through the spell. He trusted his Godfather but he could not conceive the idea of Harry not having his magical, physical, or emotional support on hand for the two days he would be recovering. The youth would definitely be on even shakier ground after the spell and Snape had to be sure he could be there to help him. The potions he had taken along with his mental strength would insure the support Harry would need.

He gave himself a couple of more minutes before he tried to move away from Harry. But much to Snape's surprise the youth was reluctant to let go and clung to him determinedly, so determinedly that Snape had to gently pry Harry from him. Harry protested and mumbled something unintelligible under his breath and then curled up in the same place Snape had just emptied. Severus watched Harry sleep and carefully touched his hair; the bangs were too long; he moved them from Harry's eyes and got a good look at him and wondered how it would all end. After a moment he moved away and after casting quick cleaning spells on himself and Harry dressed and proceeded to recast the wards on the room so he could go meet his Godfather. He was about to leave when on an impulse lay a light kiss on Harry. Harry stirred slightly and Snape saw the wedding band the youth now wore and compared it with his. A gold band in the shape of what else but a serpent, a two headed serpent with a green emerald eyes. Fitting that Harry should wear it a parselmouth after all.

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Lord Gustavus sat at the dining table while he chatted amicably with Moaning Myrtle and pushed a bowl of milk towards Harry's snake. The Snake had slithered onto the table in a gesture that screamed where's my breakfast! The Wizard had asked an elf to bring her a bowl of warm milk when he had caught her trying to get into the milk pitcher.

Cecilia had left Harry last night in the care of his mate and had gone off exploring, she had so much to report to her Master once he woke up, and it made her dizzy just thinking about it. She had come down in search of food and had been struck by the smell of milk. She loved milk, and had tried to get some but the old Wizard caught her just as she was about to slither into the pitcher and had ordered a bowl of it for her. She drank her milk happily while the Wizard and the ghost talked.

Lord Gustavus was intrigued by the ghost of Moaning Myrtle. She reminded him of someone but he couldn't remember who. "I trust you enjoyed the castle Ms. Myrtle."

"Ms. Myrtle, You're so polite, a true Wizard gentleman." said Myrtle floating up to the wizard in child like admiration. Not many people except for Harry had ever been polite to her so the Wizard's words were welcomed.

"Well you are a lady and as one deserves my respect." He said raising his pumpkin juice in a toast.

"Thank you!" said Myrtle smiling girlishly.

"Ms. Myrtle may I ask your family name?" asked the Wizard spreading jam on his toast.

"Of course! It's Ghent on my father's side and Ware on my mother's."

"Really! How extraordinary! Your mother's name wouldn't by any chance be Sarsina?

"Yes!"

"Your father was Cristopher Ghent but I thought he had married a Claudette,"

"No, it's really very confusing. You see Sarsina was my father's third cousin and first wife. Claudette was his second wife. I'm not really a Ghent because my Mother was disowned when she married my birth father he was a muggle. I don't know anything about him except that he died when I was born and my step father adopted me. My mother died a year after her second marriage. I'm his daughter by adoption we did the ceremony and all. I lost touch with my family after I died. Did you know him, my adoptive Father?"

"Yes through his daughter Abigail Ghent, your sister by his second wife Claudette."

"Abigail was eleven when I died. Don't know much about her. I didn't keep in touch. My step father loved my Mother but he didn't like me very much. Ghents are pure bloods and I was not one of them. It didn't matter. What happened to Abigail?"

"She was Severus's mother." Lord Gustavus informed, Myrtle opened and closed her mouth but no sound came out after a while she finally managed to speak…"Professor Snape's mother? Are you sure? You mean to tell me that I'm Professor Snape's Auntie!" Giggled Myrtle hysterically.

"Well unless I'm completely mistaken."

"That's adorable!" shouted Myrtle gleefully.

"I shudder to think what maybe so adorable Ms. Myrtle." Observed Snape from the doorway.

"Oh you won't believe it! But I won't be the one to tell you, Lord Gustavus managed to figure it out!" said Myrtle moving over to Snape and then turning swiftly towards the Older Wizard.

"Severus you and Ms. Myrtle seem to have some family in common"

"You don't say" Said Snape eyeing Myrtle in mock disbelief.

"Yes, I was adopted by your maternal grandfather…I'm your Aunt!"

"You're my Auntie Mordle!"

"WHO TOLD YOU THAT! That's what Abi called me!"

"My mother spoke of you often. She remembered you kindly. Ms. Myrtle!"

"No you don't. Call me Auntie! We're family now."

"I'd rather not."

"I'm your Aunt Severus and your elder. You will do as I say!" shouted Myrtle impatiently, letting her personality shine through.

"Madame please!" said Snape not wanting to argue.

"You don't like me! You hate me!" wailed Myrtle grievingly crying into her hands.

"Madame please!" pleaded Severus. Merlin it was too early for this!

"You don't like me! You hate me!" sniffled Myrtle floating towards Lord Gustavus her head hanging dejectedly.

Snape heard the ghost wailing and remembered his mother's affectionate stories of her step sister. Why couldn't things be simpler! Last year he had been a familyless bachelor, now he was bonded to Harry whose pet snake, was having breakfast at the table, someone had set a bowl of milk out for her. He had an incompetent house elf, a convicted wizard, a werewolf, his Godfather and last but not least Myrtle, why were things so complicated for him?

"Very well Aunt MURDLE." Said Snape giving in. What was the use? He would have to give in sooner or later? She was family. Choose your battles Severus, his mother had often said to him. Mother knew best.

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Harry lay in bed after Severus left. He did not get up or open his eyes but remained immobile relaxing, his mind in a meditative state. He wasn't really sure where he could've learned what he was doing but he had never felt as calm and in control as now. It was a welcoming state after the awful days he had recently had. He could feel his magic like sea waves beating against him but he paid them no mind and continued relaxing.

Half an hour later he opened his green eyes and uncurled his body stretching his tired limbs. He had never felt better. When he realized today was the day he would be able to see his Godfathers he jumped out of bed and soundly fell. He sat quietly before he grabbed on to the side of the bed and pulled himself up. He stood momentarily before he walked alongside the bed and moved slowly towards the fire place. He was feeling strong and refreshed but his limbs needed to catch up with his mind.

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After a good breakfast he first gave Aunt Myrtle permission to come and go as she pleased and then made arrangements with his Godfather for the spell later that day. Snape watched and was watched closely by the Harry's snake; the little heifer had just finished a bowl of milk and was slithering clumsily of the table and out the door.

His Godfather watched the Snake with amusement and then turned to Severus and informed him of Hermoine's visit. Severus drank his tea knowing full well who had sent the girl and told Lord Gustavus about Harry's and Hermoine's friendship and was sincere enough with his Godfather to tell him about Harry's and his relationship before the bond. The older Wizard nodded accepting his Godson's explanations without reproach, whatever relationship had existed between the two did not matter the bond was creating a connection between both that would surpass their petty differences.

"Was there a Ron Weasley with her?" asked Snape cursing the little know it all for her fucking interference.

"No she came alone."

"Odd that Ron Weasley didn't go with her. He hates me and would not pass up an opportunity to help her ruin me and have Harry removed from my presence."

"That will never happen Severus the bond has grown too strong I can feel it. Harry's magic is running through you and yours is in him."

"We are connecting is true. But until the bond is completed Harry will always be in danger. He loves his friends and is ruled by his heart. It'll be his down fall. I must make sure everything is done quickly. Harry will be extremely vulnerable after the age spell."

"Will you tell Harry about Ms. Granger?"

"Yes but after the bond is completed. You heard what he said about not completing it yet". Snape answered reluctantly. He wanted to try and improve his relationship with Harry but how would he react if he knew about Hermione. He couldn't take the chance that he might leave or try to leave. He knew he was being stupid they were married their bond registered Harry could not leave but then again no one could survive a killing curse and Harry had. Snape did not want to take the chance.

"I heard but he's foolish. He needs to complete it just as much as you do but I don't think he'll give in just like that."

"I don't know how to go about it." Severus confessed.

"Do not use force." The Older Wizard advised cautiously. He knew he was threading on personal ground and Severus had every right to tell him to keep his advise to himself but he wanted to help his Godson somehow.

Severus looked at him and turned away. The completion of the bond had been on his mind since this whole thing had taken a turn for the worse and he still didn't know what he was going to do. He couldn't wait until the boy felt like it as Harry put it.

"I don't think you would," the Wizard added quickly before he continued, "but he is stubborn and you are not patient. I believe he has a way of making you do things you don't want to do."

"He can be a very trying person."

"He needs love and support, make him see that you will give it to him, once he understands that he will complete the bond. Seduce him if you have to but don't use force."

He knew that his Godfather offered the best possible option. Seduce him, Snape knew he wanted Harry; he wouldn't be a hypocrite about it. The bond was wrecking havoc inside him; last night he had taken a number of numbing potions so he could tolerate Harry's presence without giving in to his need. "I will take what you say into consideration Sir."

"Good Severus." Lord Gustavus replied quietly.

"When will you see Hermione Granger?" Severus asked.

"In three weeks time. I asked that she bring her parents with her. We'll see what happens then."

"She's a clever witch don't underestimate her."

"I won't."

"I must leave you and take care of some things before this afternoon Sir."

"Go ahead Severus I will go and make everything ready. Oh one question would Ron Weasley's father be named Arthur.

"Yes he is."

"Well then I have other news for you and Harry."

"Go ahead."

"An Arthur Weasley has been accused as a Death Eater by the Ministry. Mr. Weasley is being held in Azkaban pending his trial."

"Weasley a Death Eater. He is the biggest Muggle Lover I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. He practically eats and breaths Muggles." Snape exclaimed revolted. "How did the accusation come about?"

"…from an anonymous tip. It seems the source is reliable."

"but why would anyone try to get Mr. Weasley imprisoned?"

"I don't know but I don't think the man has much of a chance."

"He doesn't. His family is pure blood but they are as poor as house elves. They have no connections, no money, nothing to fall back on. I don't understand it." Snape said confused. Was that why Ron had not accompanied the Granger girl? It seemed likely that boy would go to any lengths to free Harry from him, yes that had to be it.

"Do you think it's true?"

"No. in fact it's quite ridiculous but I can not think of him now I must visit the mutt and wolf today, Arthur Weasley will have to wait." Snape said standing and resolutely putting the Weasleys out of his mind. It was time to deal with his two other guests. "I will speak to you after I speak with my guests Sir." Snape finished and walked out.

"I'll be in the potions lab making sure there's plenty of everything." Lord Gustavus answered standing and leaving in the opposite direction.

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Remus sensed Snape's presence before he actually saw him step out of a corner of the room.

"Lupin. Black." Was the greeting given to both Wizards.

Hearing their names both Wizards jumped up from their seats.

"You bastard!" shouted Black running towards Snape only to have Snape disappear and apparate in the other corner of the room. Black unable to stop himself slammed against the wall and fell onto the floor dazed.

Lupin turned on him his eyes shone gold as he too rushed Snape only to find himself crashing into the wall behind Snape as the dark haired Wizard boringly did the same thing again. These were supposed to have been Harry's guardians? Snape thought in disgust as he walked around the room while the Wizards tried to get up. With a wave of his hand Snape slammed both Wizards against each other. If they like each other so much, thought Snape hearing the cracking of skulls as both men made contact.

"Are we finished because I have things to do?" asked Snape standing a safe distance out of reach.

"You git! Where's my Godson?" gasped Sirius getting up dizzily.

"He's resting at the present."

"I want to see him!" demanded Sirius, "both of us do!" he added.

"And I want you dead! But I understand that is impossible!" answered Snape.

"Tell me Snivellus how does it feel to take your frustrations out on a child?" asked Sirius in disgust.

"You are an ignorant fool." Bit out Snape angrily.

"You like the idea of him being James' son don't you?" Sirius taunted.

"You are revolting Black." Whispered Snape as both men finally got themselves on their feet.

"I'M SINCERE!" shouted Sirius.

"YOU'RE A FUCKING MISTAKE. YOU ALLOWED DUMBLEDORE TO TAKE OVER WATCHING HARRY ! EVEN AFTER YOU CAME BACK FROM AZKABAN YOUR FREEDOM WAS MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU THAN HIS WELFARE!"

"That's not true Severus." Remus said defending his friend. "How was he supposed to help Harry? He could not even claim him as guardian."

"Save it Lupin, Black was able to escape from Azkaban! He could have done something! " Snape shouted rounding back on both of them.

"Like what you bastard! Take him so he could've been hunted too!" Sirius shouted defending himself.

"Face it Black the reason you did not take Harry with you was because you were afraid you'd be caught again!"

"That's not true!" Lupin shouted angrily. "Sirius loves Harry he would have taken him but it was too dangerous!"

"For him! Harry would not have been harmed! But he was afraid that the boy's presence could have made his hiding more difficult. Don't come and preach to me about how much you care for him! I know better!"

"You are a–"

"Save your breath Black . I could care less what you or Lupin think of me. Harry and I are bonded, if you try to remove him from my presence you know what the consequences will be. If you try to cause me any injury you know what will happen to him. I don't want your friendship or your respect quite frankly the idea makes my stomach turn. Harry is my bonded he is a Snape now and as such-."

"No!" Chorused both Wizards.

"Yes! And as such! He is mine." Snape said holding up his hand to show the wedding band. "I will not tolerate you planning to take him from here. If you have such notions kindly discard them, because not only will they not work but Harry will not leave me."

"He's just a kid!"

"He is mine! If you think you are going to take him away. You will die trying! If I have not done away with you it is because of his feelings for you. However I will not hesitate to get rid of you if you try anything stupid."

"You disgust me!"

"Words, Black you are full of words you cared more about your freedom than Harry. Lupin you are no better. You ran after his parents died because you were a werewolf. You were content to live in your friends' shadows. How does it feel to know that if you had just had a little more gumption you might have been able to take Harry from the misery of his muggle relatives and given him some kind of happiness? Both of you are irresponsible pieces of shit. You let Dumbledore handle everything and what did the man do? He put Harry in the hands of two of the worst people I have ever come across. Death Eaters have more humanity!"

"If you want to see Harry then you had better do some serious rethinking. I promised Harry I would help you but doesn't mean that you will ever see him. He is my bonded not the other way around so it'll be me who decides who he has contact with. You will either accept this bond and keep your stupid rescue efforts to your self or you will not see the light of day again."

"You wouldn't dare! Harry won't stand for it."

"Harry is mine! The sooner you deal with that fact the better! I won't have you wrecking havoc in our lives over-" Snape warned. he wcould feel the bond burning from inside making him angirer at the two wizards.

"Dumbledore won't stand for this!" Remus shouted.

"You fools! You dumb fools! DUMBLEDORE ARRANGED THE BOND! "

"That's not true!"

"…but it is! And since Harry and I would not be controlled we were both forced to escape! As payback Dumbledore arranged for your capture!"

"That's impossible!" Black whispered stumbling as if he had been struck. His mind raced to the attack on Grimmauld Place. The escape routes had been blocked off and very few people knew about them. It had been too well planned … oh Merlin! They had been set up and Dumbledore had done it!

"Lupin, look at me! You're a werewolf you can sense deception listen closely….Dumbledore forced me to accept Harry. I refused but the Headmaster and Voldermort can be very persuasive. The day Harry found out he tried to leave Hogwarts and was struck down by Dumbledore in front of me! He would have tortured the boy if I hadn't stepped in! We had to go. I didn't want to bond with him but I had no choice and neither did he!"

"I don't believe you!" Sirius said stubbornly. It couldn't be true. Dumbledore fought for the light all he wanted was to defeat the Dark Lord at any cost. But if so, did Harry fall into that? Would Dumbledore sacrifice Harry in order to defeat Voldermort. "Why would he want Harry bonded and to you of all people?" He asked desperately trying to find something amiss with Snape's story.

"I owe Dumbledore much, I pledged myself to serve the light and he thought he could control me. He fears Harry's power; he believes the boy should be grounded as soon as possible to do that he needs to be bonded. Dumbledore choose me because he thought I could be controlled and through me he could control Harry. After the Dark Lord is vanquished he wants to make sure Harry does not take his place."

"The Dark Lord! You're lying!" Sirius scoffed.

Snape looked at him and undoing the buttons he lifted the sleeve to show the dark mark, it shone purple and throbbed on his arm.

"The Dark Lord is back and like Dumbledore is after Harry, I will give my life to keep my mate safe from the Dark Lord, from Dumbledore and from you two if need be. You can be part of the problem or part of the solution. Think about it." Snape saidand took a step back into the portal that would take him out of the room.

"WAIT!" Remus shouted holding out his hand. Snape had been right he had been more worried about the prejudices that existed against his kindand had failed toprotect Harry when Sirius had been imprisoned he wasn't going to let the boy down again. "I want to help you! I have to protect Harry too! I don't blame you for the bond. I did at first but now understand, things have changed! I don't want Harry to suffer! But you have to promise you will make him happy! You have too!"

"I will endeavor to do so until the day I die Lupin."

Sirius who had been listening looked at Snape and though there was still dislike perhaps even hatred in his heart for Snape he had to admit that if anyone could help Harry it was his old enemy.

"I want to help you too. But I must know how he is handling the bond."

"He was raised by Muggles, he is ignorant of many things and bonds is one of them. I have explained it to him. He was reluctant to go through with it but recent events have changed his mind." Explained Snape carefully.

"What things?" asked Sirius distrustfully.

"When we escaped Dumbledore, Harry was struck down so I had him examined by a healer. It seems that he's coming into his magic earlier than expected."

"That's' impossible no one comes into their magic until the age of seventeen!" Remus objected.

"That is correct. It is impossible." Snape agreed.

"Then how?" Asked Remus at a loss.

"The healer says the state was induced"

"That's insane he's too young it could kill him!" Sirius shouted angrily, his eyes desperately looking at Remus for a negation.

"I know that. I believe that since Harry and I were less than cooperative to continue with the bond and I for one was researching for a way out of it. Dumbledore somehow found a way to induce his magic into coming sooner than expected." Explained Snape relieved that the two seemed to be willing to accept the bond.

"So you and him would have no choice but to complete the bond ahead of schedule." Finished Remus.

"In such a vulnerable situation Dumbledore would have an easier time controlling us."

"But he's too young to complete a bond." Sirius murmured to himself.

"I know that. I can not prevent his coming into his magic. Once the process starts it can not be reversed. He's already had two outbursts in which he's managed to destroy a whole dining room and brought down a staircase as well as singed a good number of walls. Each outburst has left him weaker than the last. He's too young to handle it. He doesn't have the control, experience or support he needs to go through with it."

"So what's going to happen? We have to see him!" Sirius demanded.

"I have arranged for him to go though an age-magic balance spell. Before you ask what it will do I will tell you.I will transfer three of my years to him so that he has enough age to suffer through the passage."

"But that'll mean that he'll be seventeen!" Sirius said under his breath.

"Yes." Snape answered drily.

"When he turns seventeen he'll have to complete the bond. Does he know?"

Asked Remus worriedly.

"Yes."

"What does he say?"

"He is reluctant to do so immediately."

"What about you Severus?" Lupin asked knowing full well that as the dominant one in the bond the urge to complete the bond would be stronger for him than Harry.

"There are potions that can numb the urges until he feels ready." Snape explained shortly.

"That's extremely dangerous." Sirius commented.

"A little…." Snape agreed quietly both Wizards simply looked at him.

After all had been said and explained Sirius and Lupin had made a Wizard's Promise to protect Harry and help Snape in protecting the youth from everyone including himself.

Snape had gone in ready to fight both Wizards but God had taken pity on him and he walked out with two allies. He would have never thought they would help him in his fight for survival but here they were ready to fight to the death for Harry.

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Lord Gustavus placed all the potions in their respective vials and measured the doses for the spell. There were a total of six doses but Harry would only be taking three. Nevertheless the Old Wizard placed all six vials on the tray along with an array of strength and pain potions. Everything was set; he only had to wait for Snape to call him.

He was in the middle of cleaning up when he heard the incessant pecking that echoed through the laboratory. Lord Gustavus knew that someone was sending an owl. Severus had warded the manor to stop any owls from trespassing; this owl must be very very special to fight against the wards in order to deliver its message. Walking out of the laboratory he went to the apparition spot, there the Judge saw an old brown owl. Carefully checking for any traps or spells the judge entered the apparition site and took the parchment from the owl's leg. The owl looked at the Judge and flew to a nearby perch where it began preening itself. The Judge carefully turned the parchment over and was surprised to see the Weasely family seal. Frowning he looked up at the owl.

"I gather an answer is needed?" asked the Wizard.

"Who! Who!" The bird answered.

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Myrtle was poking her head through any wall that might seem exciting. She was enthralled with the Manor the number of rooms seemed endless. It was a perfect place to haunt. She was Happy that Severus was family, a nephew! She had originally thought that Harry would not be safe with Severus as she now called him but after learning that he was her step sister's son she had set all worries aside. Harry would be ok and she was now welcomed here by both Wizards, in one way or another Myrtle had finally come back to her family.

She was floating through one of the halls when she ran across Harry's snake. She had seen the reptile and had tried to talk to it once but the little snake had ignored her. Maybe now that it knew she was family she would say hello.

"Hello you're Harry's snake?" Myrtle asked floating down to the snake. The snake saw her and cocked its head to one side.

"I'm Harry's mate's Aunt"

The snake did not go around or through her but hissed softly as if telling her she knew. "I was going exploring, then I'd thought of going to haunt the two wizards staying in the central wing would you like to come with me?" Myrtle invited.

Cecilia bobbed her head up and down and followed her. Myrtle chatted with the snake. The snake had no way of answering her but it kept her company all day. Myrtle was happy to talk to someone she knew that Harry would need at least a week to recover from the spell and that her Nephew would be busy watching over him. Lord Gustavus was also going to be busy helping with potions and then would go back to his home at the end of the week; she really didn't have anyone to talk to for a whole week so she was ecstatic that the snake did not ignore her.

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"Hey Ron wacha doing?" Asked Bill walking into his old bedroom.

"Nothing, thinking I guess." Replied Ron litlessly.

"You looked bored."

"I am. But I'm also worried about Dad and Harry and I'm feeling let down by Percy. It's all a real bitch."

"Yeah I can see that."

"Do you think Snape'll help us?"

"Yes, it's his family's name we're talking about. He really has no choice." Bill assured his brother.

"Do you think he knows enough people to get father out?"

"Oh I know he does."

"How can you be sure?"

"Are kidding he got the Ministry to hand the –boy-who-lived over. Harry Potter bonded to an Ex-Death Eater."

"Harry doesn't deserve it. Not Snape, I mean he doesn't even like guys."

"It's not about that Ron. You got it all wrong; a bond like theirs has to do with magic not sexual preference."

"Yeah I guess it is. It's…it's…forget it Bill."

"Ron something is eating you up, get it out. Ron spit it out!" Bill insisted. Something was bothering Ron and he needed to talk about it or it would slowly eat up at him.

"They hate each other Bill, I mean hate each other. Snape has made it his life's mission to make sure Harry suffers and all because of a stupid feud he had with Harry's father from the time they were in school together."

"Ron there's nothing that can be done but be there for him as friends. Harry has a life very different from yours or mine. He comes from another world and lives on a different level in ours. He will learn to accept what is happening, it may seem impossible for you to believe it but there's no way Professor Snape can ever do anything to injure Harry. The bond between them will not allow it; he will be Harry's protector, mentor and mate."

"Greasy git!"

"Ron I already explained to you that Snape can not hurt Harry."

"Harry is not well. He refuses to eat, he hates being touched. He can't sleep without a light burning. Snape won't understand."

"Ron if he was this sick why didn't you ever say anything to the Headmaster to Mum or Dad?"

"He said if I ever did. He'd never talk to me. I didn't want to lose my friend. Who knows what he would to him?"

"He, who are you talking about?"

"His Uncle."

"You're saying that his Uncle would hurt him? I think you're wrong. His relatives took him in."

"Bill his relatives hate anything magical. They would beat Harry anytime something strange happened, anything magical. His Uncle was the worst. They treated him worse than a house elf! He…he…"

"He what Ron? Ron tell me! If you know something you have to say what it is!"

"He raped Harry…he raped Harry." repeated Ron covering his face as he felt tears stinging his eyes.

"IT CAN'T BE!" Bill shocked.

"THAT'S WHY HE HATES BEING TOUCHED!" added Ron crying into his hands.

"Oh good Lord! Ron are you sure? Did he tell you?"

"No, he never would. He told me in a moment of weakness about his relatives physical abuse but never about his Uncle. I looked into his pensieve when he came back for the second year. Remember Fred, George and I went to rescue him cause we hadn't heard from him." Ron continued wiping his tears away.

"Yes. Mom told me you ruined Dad's car."

"Well when we were back at school. I began to notice things, we share the same room. I mean no one saw it but the day we left Mum told me to keep an eye on Harry. She didn't think he ate enough and so I did. And that's when I noticed the long sleeves, why would someone wear long sleeves in summer? To hide the cigarette burns and the belt straps. Harry has enough spending money while at Hogwarts to buy himself clothes that fit but he doesn't. Why? To hide the fact that he starves himself. He hardly eats. Sometimes I think the only thing keeping him on his feet is his magic."

"Why won't he eat?"

"Half way through the second year on a trip to Hogsmeade Harry separated from Hermoine and me, when we saw him a while later he was carrying a box. He wouldn't tell me what it was. He put it away and I forgot about it, until three weeks later when I heard him wake up from a dream. It must have been a bad one cause nothing wakes me up."

"Tell me about it." Said Bill.

"We were alone in the room Neville and Seamus were in the hospital wing over night. I saw him go into his trunk and remove a box and go into the bathroom. He stayed there for about an hour I was so worried but stayed put. Harry won't accept your help unless he asks for it. I waited until he came out. He looked awful!"

"What was wrong with him Ron?" asked Bill not really sure he wanted to hear it.

"His face, it was all beat up. There were more bruises on his face than there have ever been on any one of us. Harry was crying but no noise came out it was like he cast a silencing charm on himself so that I couldn't hear him. I watched him I wanted to do something for him but I know Harry. He would have been ashamed if I had woken up and offered him help."

"But you say rape how can you know for sure?"

"I looked into the pensieve days later. Harry looked all right but I knew he wasn't and that's when I began watching him and I began to notice everything. He's eating habits, his sleeping, he never sleeps unless there's a light in the room, he can't stand being touched I tried to give him a hug once after a Quidditch game and he stiffened up. He pulled my hug shook him up. So one day when he was in detention I went into his things and took the pensieve. It was awful! That bastard hurt my friend and enjoyed it, and all over some food."

"What are you saying Ron?"

"Harry was hungry he hadn't eaten for a while I guess and he sneaked into the kitchen to get some food. His Uncle caught him on the way out. He beat him and then dragged him into a bedroom and raped him. Afterwards he asked him if he was still hungry! They were supposed to take care of him Bill!"

"Oh Lord!" said Bill covering his face with his hands.

"In his third year Dumbledore found out that Sirius Black was innocent of the crimes he was accused of but did nothing. Harry pleaded with the bastard not to go back to his relatives and he didn't listen. Dumbledore knew Black was innocent but he didn't do anything."

"He didn't know Ron beside how could help Black." Said Bill.

"Bill! I'm the dumbest of the Weasley's and I saw through Harry. Don't sit there and tell me that Dumbledore didn't even susupect something was wrong with Harry the Wizard talks to him all the time. As for Black I'm sorry but Dmubledore knows more people than anybody suspects. He could've done something."

"I don't know what to say."

"Snape hated Harry's father, I don't know why and I don't care but he's got Harry and my friend doesn't deserve that. Do you think the Snape you remember would be willing to comfort and support someone like Harry."

"He has to Ron, the bond will make him do it….. Ron do you love Harry?" asked Bill needing to know.

"Yes, he's my brother. He'd go to the end of the world for me and so would I."

"I didn't mean love him that way."

"I know what you meant Bill, he's my best friend is all and I love him like a brother."

Bill looked at his brother and nodded in understanding. After a long silence Bill noticed his brother's tears again and said, "Merlin I never expected something like this."

"Neither did I." whispered Ron. "I want to help him somehow."

"You will Ron, and I promise to help you."

"You will?" asked Ron.

"Yes I will. If he's like a brother to you then he's like a brother to me too. I'll help, you'll see. But you must understand that helping Harry doesn't have to mean physically removing Harry from Snape's presence, there are other ways to help."

"Thank you…." Ron said wiping tears from his eyes.

After Bill left Ron was finally able to lay down and rest. He would somehow help his friend. Harry had a right to be happy and no one was going to take that away from him. After a while Ron finally fell asleep and dreamt he was hugging his friend and Harry did not pull away.

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Harry sat in front of the fire. He felt Snape coming closer and leaned back on the sofa he wanted to talk to him. He felt confused, he felt something different inside him a calm and strength that hadn't been there yesterday. He looked at his hand and tried to remove the ring once more it did no good the ring would not come off. He finally gave up and closed his eyes. He heard the door to the bedroom open and turned to look and there before him stood Snape.

"I have some visitors for you" he announced stepping aside to allow Sirius and Remus to enter.

Harry sat in shock before he rose unsteadilyfor his Godfathers, Sirius and Remus rushed their Godson and embraced him. Harry's and Severus's eyes made contact and Harry whispered a silent thank you as he hugged both men tears rolling down his cheeks.

Snape nodded and let himself out in time to see his Godfather walking towards him with a letter in his hand.

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I know it's a long one. Next chapter the spell and the bonding itself. Read and review. Read and Review. Read and Review and Read and Review.