A/N: I'm happy for every feedback and constructive criticism but I will not respect straight out hate or trolls in the comments.

ThePhoenixandtheDragon: Those three together will be unbeatable ;) Dumbledore will not know what hit him until it's too late :D

magicanimegurl: Dumbles will get sloppy and make some mistakes that will mark his downfall ;)

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling - I just played a bit in her universe.

Thanks to miu-sama95 for prereading, betaing and helping with the storyline ;)

Sorry it's a bit late but FF was not letting me upload the document...

Chapter 21: Sick Day

Words: 3518

The first thing Harry noticed when he woke up was the heat. He was so hot that his hair was stuck to his forehead. The next thing was the hand carding rhythmically through them. At first he wanted to pull away from the hand but something in his mind was telling him that it was okay. He was safe and the person whom the hand belonged to was a friend, not an enemy. Harry slowly got more aware of his surroundings which was unusual for him.

Usually he was awake in an instant but today felt as if he was stuck in a fluffy cloud and couldn't get out of it. He wanted to know what was going on so he was fighting his way to awareness. Only moments later he wished he had stayed in blissful oblivion. Harry was feeling miserable. Not only was he overly hot but is head was still pounding and his nose was runny. But now it was too late to go back to sleep.

Slowly as to not jostle his head too much, Harry looked up to see Marvolo propped up against the headboard reading a book in some foreign language.

'What…' Harry croaked and had to clear his throat to continue speaking. 'What's the time?'

Marvolo had felt the teen waking and lowered his book to see him properly.

'It's shortly before 12. How are you feeling?'

'Wretched.'

'Hmmm… You still feel rather hot. It seems like the potions aren't doing their job properly.' Marvolo decided and got his wand out to check his heir, no, his son over again.

Harry simply rested his head back on Marvolo's stomach and let the elder wizard's magic wash over him. He couldn't remember ever being quite this ill.

'Hmmm… ' Marvolo's tone of voice put Harry on edge. Something wasn't right.

'What? What is it?' he insisted.

'Your fever doesn't want to go down.' the Dark Lord explained with a note of worry in his voice. Although Dark Lords never worry!

'What does that mean?'

'I'm not sure. But your body seems to reject the potions. None of your symptoms have gotten better but the fever is what concerns me the most. We need to bring that down as fast as possible.'

Now Harry was properly scared. Why was the medicine not working on him? It was there to make him better. His Dad had made sure that they were the right ones.

'Marv?' He asked in a tiny voice seeking reassurance of some kind. 'What do we do?'

'It will be alright, Harry. We just have to opt for the muggle way.'

Marvolo began carding through Harry's hair again to calm him down while thinking about the next steps they had to take.

'Tibby!'

'What can Tibby bes doing for master?' The house elf asked after popping into the bedroom again.

'Please draw a bath for Harry. Lukewarm water, not hot. Add in some eucalyptus and lavender oils please.'

'Tibby will do so right away, master. Anything else?'

'Yes. Some ginger-lemon tea with lots of homey and lunch afterwards, please.'

'Of course, master.'

The house elf popped away and they could hear the water starting to run in the bathroom.

'Now here's the plan. You will take a nice bath to cool you down and hopefully the oils will help to clear up your runny nose and the headache. Afterwards we'll have lunch and try to contact Severus. Hopefully his first meeting is over and he'll be in his rooms.' Marvolo explained to the teen who was still draped over him.

'Okay.' he agreed meekly.

'Alright then let's get you in there.'

Marvolo managed to move out from beneath the teen without moving him too much and turned with a questioning gaze to Harry.

After a moment the boy gave a tiny nod, signalling that he needed help getting to the tub. He hated feeling this weak but everything was so achy and he wasn't sure if his legs would carry him. This was confirmed when the older wizard helped him stand next to the bed and he would have fallen straight to the floor had it not been for the arm around his waist holding him upright.

Somehow they managed to shuffle to the bathroom and Harry sat down heavily on the lid of the toilet.

'Do you need help undressing?' Marvolo asked concerned. The teen was far too unsteady for his liking.

'No, I think I can manage.'

'Alright. I'll leave the door ajar just in case. Call me once you are in the water.'

The Dark Lord left the bathroom, worry still etched onto his features and went straight for the small mirror on his bedside table.

'Severus!' he called out once he picked up the device.

Severus was on the last threat of is patience. They had been discussing a new greenhouse for Herbology for the last hour. It was completely stupid. If they didn't get one they couldn'T grow more potions ingredients thus having to pay a high price for them in the apothecary. If they built it there wouldn't be as much money as usual left for potions ingredients this year.

Since Severus had had the same budget for the last ten years and had never actually used it all up he didn't see a problem in building another greenhouse. He had said so after Pomona's initial request so he didn't understand why Madame Hooch was concerned for her promised new brooms.

To his biggest annoyance Albus Dumbledore was just sitting at the head of the table with his darn twinkling eyes and that stupid grandfatherly smile not doing anything. It actually seemed as if the old goat wasn't even listening properly. Severus surmised that he was probably wandlessly legilimensing the other teachers to check their loyalty to himself. Than God he was a master occlumens and Albus could never break through his shields. He really needed to start teaching Harry at least the basics. Hopefully his son was feeling better soon.

The headmaster was in fact skimming the minds of his teachers. He was happy to see that they all still believed him and trusted his decisions. They were also as devoted to the school as they should be. Poppy was still angry at him because of the tournament but otherwise he couldn't detect any problems.

All was well.

Well… except for his Potions Master.

He could not read Severus' mind but got the distinct feeling that something was not right. All year long Severus had acted differently. Not obviously so but he had left the castle more frequently than usual and was often not available to the headmaster. Albus also felt as if there was an air of defiance about the dour man. He needed to get to the bottom of this. At least he was still hating Harry Potter so he was assured that Severus was still in the dark about his fatherhood. That was very important to his plan.

If those two found out that they were related all of his carefully laid plans could be destroyed. Especially if they chose to pursue a relationship. And now Severus was leaving the castle to go to this stupid potions conference in South America. Another sign that something was definitely up with him. He needed Severus on his side, willing to continue spying when Tom Riddle resurfaced and hating Harry.

That boy was another reason for him to keep Severus here. Harry was starting to question his reasoning especially after that catastrophic ending of the tournament. He had never seen Harry being as sassy to anyone as he had been to him right before the press conference. He knew that teens could be moody at times but he feared for his control on the Boy Who Lived.

Albus was also aware that Sirius Black had a prominent role in the teens life and nobody would ever call that dog a good influence on anyone. He would need to have Harry on a tighter leash otherwise none of his plans would work. Harry had already destroyed a few of them by announcing his relationship to Ronald Weasley quite so publicly and without telling him beforehand.

Now there was no way for him to break this stupid idea up and get Harry and Ginevra together. The girl had screamed her head off in his office after the banquet.

After the fiasco in the Chamber of Secrets Albus had had a long talk with the red headed girl and they had made a good deal. He would make sure that Ginevra would become Lady Potter and in return she would give him access to all the Potter vaults.

Since Harry was still a minor and he could only get himself appointed his magical guardian he had only access to Harry's trust was their deal and now it was ruined. He couldn't even use potions to impregnate the girl since Harry made it clear that he preferred his own sex and that he and Ronald had been together for who knows how long already.

'.., Albus?' His name being spoke aloud broke the headmasters inner musings.

'I'm sorry? What did you want to know?'

'Albus Dumbledore! Were you not listening to a word I said in the last one and a half hours?!' Pomona thundered.

'Of course I was listening!' Albus placated with a remorseful look on his face. 'I just didn't catch your question. My ears are not what they used to ben'

The Herbology teacher's face lost all signs of anger and Albus silently congratulated himself on an avoided conflict. In fact he had no idea what they had talked about after Severus agreed to the the new greenhouse.

'Oh. Alright. So do you think we should build a new greenhouse or not? In the end it's your word that decides.'

'Since Severus has no problem with a slightly smaller budget I see no reason against it. Please get in contact with the builders and order it as you wish, Pomona.'

'Thank you, Albus.' She said with a satisfied smile on her face.

'Since there are only three more subject left are you all okay with delaying lunch a bit to get this done?' Albus asked after jolting down a few notes. After getting sounds of agreement from all teachers he gave the word to the next person.

'Charity, if you would?'

'Thank you, Albus. I only need a few new muggle books for the students to read. We did a bigger investment last year so I'm all set otherwise. I talked to the goblins and with the current exchange rates wouldn't need more than 10 Galleons for all classes together.'

'That is well within your usual budget, so no problem at all.' The headmaster agreed. Who needed that subject anyway. He had never taken it himself but he knew that is was useless for actual interactions with muggles.

'Severus?'

'I need the usual 50 Galleons for the student's supplies and another 40 for my personal stores should suffice. In the future it will be less when Pomona has another greenhouse.' The Potions Master quickly gave his statement. He hoped to be out of this room in a few minutes.

'Are these exact numbers?' Albus asked him.

'Not my personal stores. I finished the inventory for the student's cupboard just before the meeting began but since I'm not done brewing for the infirmary I haven't started on my own stores. The number is an estimate based on the past years and my stock list.'

'Alright. Your usual budget would be 100 Galleons but we may need to shrink it for the greenhouse. But since Charity won't need much there will be some left over from hers.' Thankfully Albus was happy with Severus explanation and didn't notice the little lie.

'Lastly but by no means least, Minerva please.' Albus addressed the last teacher.

'Thank you, Albus. I do not have any requests this year.' Minerva was as direct as Severus in meetings thus finishing the budget meeting very quickly.

'Marvellous. I believe that was all for now. Have a nice lunch and we'll meet again at three PM.' Albus released them.

Severus quickly got up and just as he was passing through the door the headmaster called out to him.

'Severus! Can I have a word?'

The Potions Master knew that he couldn't refuse.

'Of course, headmaster.'

Although Albus had asked politely Severus had heard the underlying command and started thinking about his excuses and lies for the inquiry that was sure to come.

They waited until all the others had left before either of them spoke.

'What can I do for you, Albus?'

'Let's talk in my office over lunch, my boy.' Severus spine stiffened miniscule at the endearment but otherwise he didn't comment on it.

'I am sorry but can't.' Severus simply stated.

'What has gotten into you lately? You seem to do your utmost to avoid me. What have I done to deserve this treatment?' Albus asked in an innocent voice and Severus was having a hard time not snarling at him and keeping his poker face up.

What had Albus done?

What had Albus NOT done would be the better question.

Sadly the Potions Master could not yet say what he wanted to so he did his best to placate the old man.

'I am very sorry you feel that way, Albus. I have not been avoiding you intentionally. I am just very busy right now because of the conference. The invitation came on rather short notice so I didn't have much time to get a head start on my yearly brewing. Thus I have been living in my laboratory, trying to get everything done as fast as possible. I also have quite a few cauldrons going right now to get the infirmary all stocked up before I leave and I really need to go check on them otherwise they will most likely go bad or even explode.'

'Alright. Maybe you can indulge and old man and have lunch with me tomorrow?' Albus requested after sensing no lie in Severus words.

'I should be done brewing by then.'

After a nod from Albus the Potions Master hurried out of the dungeons and down into his quarters.

He had felt his mirror vibrate a few times in the last half hour and was anxious to find out what had happened. Against the usual he had decided to carry his mirror silenced in his pocket today because he wanted to know right away if Marvolo and Harry had any problems. Since it had vibrated four times by the time he reached his quarters he was very worried already. Something wasn't right.

The moment the door was closed and warded, Severus sank down in his favourite armchair and called his husband.

'Marvolo!' It only took one ring before the Dark Lord answered and the worry on his face made Severus even more anxious. Dark Lords did not worry.

'Severus! Thank Merlin I finally reached you.'

'What's the matter?! Where is Harry?'

't's Harry. He-...'

'What about Harry?' The Potions Master was nearly panicking, hearing that something was wrong with his son.

'Severus! Take a deep breath!' Marvolo commanded in his best Dark Lord voice. His husband would be of no use to him if he panicked. 'Better?'

'Yes. What is the matter?'

'Harry does not react to the potions.'

'What do you mean? Did he get sick because of them?'

'No. His body doesn't react. He took them around nine and fell asleep again and when he woke around noon his fever had gone up instead of down and all other symptoms are still the same.'

'That should not happen. He hasn't been in the wizarding world long enough to build up such a resistance.'

'I know. That's why I called.' Marvolo stated calmly although on the inside he was worrying just as much as Severus.

'I can't very well check him from here so you will have to survive until tonight. Marv, how high is his fever now?'

'It's up to 39.5 degrees.'

'You need to bring it down immediately!' Severus nearly shouted at the mirror. Had he messed up the potions somehow? Even as he thought about that his feet carried him to his lab where his potions stock was.

'I'm already working on it, love. Harry is having a bath as we speak. Actually I should get him out of there before he turns into a prune.' Marvolo reassured his husband and seeing movement in the background of the mirror he asked. 'Did you check the potions?'

'They are all correctly brewed and since I only made these on Thursday they can't have gone off yet.' Severus reported after casting inspections spells on the batches where he had taken vials from this morning. 'I have no idea what could cause this except for an overload in potions or some kind of deflecting charm. But neither makes sense.'

'Wasn't Harry in the infirmary last week?'

'Yes but firstly those potions are out of his system already and secondly nearly all medical potions were created in a way that wouldn't interfere with the effect of another one.' Severus explained.

'Hmm… I will do some researching later on, love. For now I'll look after Harry the muggle way and he will be fine again in no time at all.'

'Alright, Marv. I'll come home as soon as possible. Give Harry my love.'

'Will do. I love you, Sev.'

'I love you too.'

Marvolo ended the call and went back into the bathroom to get Harry out of the tub and back into bed. The teen was still in the bath with his eyes closed and the Dark Lord was afraid he had fallen asleep again when he opened his eyes.

'What did Dad say?' Harry rasped but didn't even try to clear his throat anymore since it hurt too much.

'He is unsure of where this resistance of yours comes from and he will perform some medical spells to find out tonight. Until then we are on our own.'

'Great. Why is it always me?'

'I don't know. Come on. Let's get you out of here and back into bed.' The older wizard said and at the disgusted look on the boys face he added. 'Tibby changed the sheets already.'

That alone made Harry a lot more amenable and he let Marv help him out of the tub. The older man carefully wrapped his son in a big, fluffy towel and guided him back to bed. While Harry sat at the edge of the bed he quickly fetched one of his own flannel pajamas and held them out to Harry.

'Put these on and I'll shrink them to fit you in a moment.'

The boy complied without words and moments later he was leaning against the headboard with a cup of tea in his hands.

Marvolo sat down on the edge of the bed and checked his temperature again. To distract himself Harry took a sip and nearly spewed tea everywhere.

'What is that?!' he asked incredulous.

'It's ginger-lemon tea with lots of honey. Good against sore throats and coughs. Drink up.' Marvolo explained with a smirk. 'Your temperature has gone down a bit which is good.'

Harry didn't answer, instead he chugged the cup of "tea" in one go, hoping that the taste wouldn't make him throw up. When he swallowed the last sip a shudder of disgust ran through his whole body, making the Dark Lord chuckle.

'What now, Marv?'

'Now we have a small lunch and then you rest while I get some work done.'

At the wizards words a tray laden with light food appeared on the bedside table. They ate in silence and it wasn't long before the Dark Lord wanted to get up to go to his office.

He didn't get very far off the bed when a small hand wrapped around his wrist and pulled him back down.

'Don't leave me alone, please.' Harry mumbled in a tiny voice while not looking at him. He looked so scared of being left behind that Marvolo couldn't find it in him to refuse the boy.

'Okay. I can work from here as well.'

The shy smile that crept onto Harry's face as well as the tension draining out of his shoulders told the Dark Lord that he had made the right decision. He climbed into bed beside his son and while the teen snuggled into his side he summoned the parchments and reports he had been working on from his trunk.

That also reminded him that he would need to sort through all his things and divide them into family and work piles. The thought alone made him groan but he wanted to keep the two things completely separated once they moved into the family home. Marvolo decided to only do that once they were able to move into the manor.

With that decided he started reading the reports from his followers while Harry slowly fell into a light slumber again.

TBC

I happen to love ginger lemon tea and it always hepls me when I get a cold but my boyfriend hates it - Harry's reaction was similar to his ;)

First posted on: 23. July 2017

Next update planned: 30. July 2017