Most characters belong to J.K. Rowling. Hopefully she doesn't mind if I play around with them. Severus is the good guy here.
I want to thank all those who read and enjoy. Thanks to all those who have put me on story alert. It means you like my story enough to want to read more. I have enjoyed the comments from those who have reviewed and I'm trying to post in a timely manner. This is a rather long chapter.
You will find many words in either Welsh or Scottish. I will be offering translations when the words are used. Translations will be in parenthesis.
Chapter 28: At the Beach / Sightseeing 8/19-20
The day dawned bright and beautiful. Harry woke to the sound of voices talking which was not unusual however waking to the sounds of children's voices was unusual. "Papa ... Papa ..." Harry called. In a second Taffy popped in.
"What you be needin' young master?" Taffy asked.
"Taffy! Did Papa bring you here? Are you going to be here on our vacation, too?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Yes master Harry, Taffy be here to help on the vacation. I be here to help young master. These others not be taught to take care of young master like Taffy be taught. Now what does young master be needing?" Taffy asked.
"I need help getting up and to the loo. Then can you get my Papa please?" Harry asked. Taffy helped him to the bathroom and by the time he was done Severus was there. "Papa!" Harry said excitedly. "What are we doing today? Are we going somewhere? Where are the guys? Is everybody up? Is breakfast ready?"
"Well, Good Morning to you too." Harry ducked his head and whispered that he was sorry. "That is alright Harry, I understand that you are excited. Yes, the others are all awake and by the time we get downstairs breakfast will be served." Severus said as he helped Harry get washed and dressed in shorts and t-shirt along with his braces, socks and trainers. Soon Harry was leading the way to the dining room in his floating chair giving directions as he moved. Soon everyone was gathered in the dining room and breakfast was being served. There was lively discussion being held. Everyone had their idea of what they wanted to do finally they turned to Harry. Severus asked "Well, Harry, what is it that you want to do? After all this vacation is for and because of you."
Harry looked around at everyone then looked at Severus "Papa, I really want to see the sea. I've never ever seen it. Can we go to the beach today?" Harry asked.
"Certainly, Harry, that also means Miss Granger will not miss any of the sightseeing. Aconite tells me there is a private beach that is warded against muggles." Severus said. "When everyone is done eating we will head for the beach. You might want to get your swim wear on before we leave as there are no changing facilities." The children all cheered and the adults laughed as everyone headed for their rooms to get ready. Soon towels were handed out, bags packed with sand toys, swim aids and refreshments and the gang was on the way. Severus shrunk Harry's chair and put it in his bag along with the rest of his things and carried Harry down the path to the beach. Molly and Mary soon had things set up and the beach chairs opened ready for a tired adult to sit and watch the children play. Severus sat Harry in the sand and soon the three youngest had Hogwarts being formed with the help of Percy. The other boys were having a dunking war, while the adults sat and watched.
"Papa!" an excited Harry yelled "Aunt Mary! Look what we made." Harry yelled excitedly. "We made Hogwarts."
Severus walked over to where Harry was sitting in the sand. The others had joined the older boys in the sea already so Severus picked Harry up, took him back to the chairs, got his water wings on him and carried him into the sea. "Make sure you let me know if you need to get out or if you feel uncomfortable." Severus said. Severus went out until he was chest deep and held Harry so he could float. Taking Harry's hands he let him lay flat out in a swimming position he had Harry move his legs in imitation of the swimming kick. He also held Harry under his back and let him float. Soon it was lunchtime so they packed up and headed back to the manor where everyone rinsed off and made their way to the dining room for Lunch. "Well, Harry how did you like the beach?" Severus asked.
"Papa, thank you for bringing me to the beach. I always listened to Dudley talk about it when they would come back from their vacations but I never knew it could be so ... so. I don't know what to say." Harry said his emotions becoming too much for the young boy. Severus reached over and took Harry's hand and just held it until Harry gathered himself. "I am so glad my friends are here to spend my vacation with me. It makes it so much more special." Everyone thanked Severus and Harry for inviting them and the conversation turned to what they were going to do after lunch. Severus was going to go pick up Hermione, Harry needed to lay down and rest (even though it was the last thing he wanted to do), Mary wanted to check out the gardens, the younger children wanted to go back to the beach so Molly and Arthur were going with them and the older ones were going exploring in town.
Severus carried Harry to their rooms and placed Harry in the bed "Papa," Harry asked quietly "Can you put the cream on my legs and hips? They are kind of achy." Severus asked if he need a pain potion but Harry did not want one so Severus left it on the bedside table and called Taffy. Severus left Taffy to watch over Harry who was asleep before Severus was even don with rubbing in the cream. When he finished with Harry he went to the entrance hall and port-keyed to Prince manor and from there he apparated to the Granger home.
Knocking on the door Severus was greeted by Hermione's mother. "Professor Snape, please come in. Hermione is almost ready. Would you lie some tea?" Severus agreed to the tea and they went to the kitchen where Hermione's mother fixed the tea. "Hermione has been looking forward to visiting with you this week. She has so few friends that it is a joy to us to see her make new ones, even if they are boys."
Severus smiled "She will have plenty of opportunity to make a new friend. The Weasley's are with us. Ronald is in the same house and year as Harry and Miss Granger. In fact there are several of the Weasley boys in their house. We are also accompanied by the elder Weasleys and their youngest child whom is a female. She will be starting at Hogwarts this year. Miss Weasley has been looking forward to having female company of approximately her own age" Just as they were finishing their tea and conversation Hermione came down carrying her suitcase. Hermione bid her mother goodbye as Severus shrunk her suitcase and waited for her to finish.
"I'm ready to go Professor. I am sorry to keep you waiting but we were gone longer than I thought this morning." Hermione said as they walked to a spot to use the port-key.
Holding out the rope Severus told Hermione "This is called a port-key. You need to grab onto it and hold on tight. It will take us to Ashfield manor where everyone is already gathered." Severus took hold of Hermione's arm and she held on to the port-key as Severus said the code word for the manor. Before she knew it Hermione was landing on her knees in the entrance with Severus holding on her arm. "Are you alright Miss Granger?" Severus asked. Hermione nodded feeling quite queasy but not telling Severus that. "Aconite" Severus called "please show Miss Granger where she will be sleeping and after she is changed perhaps you can have someone show her to the beach where the rest of the children are." turning to Hermione "I will be bringing Harry down as soon as he has woken up. Please enjoy the beach and I will see you later." Severus said as he went to check on Harry.
When he got to the room he noticed Taffy rubbing Harry's back and talking to him. Taffy noticed Severus as he walked in the door "young master be moaning in his sleep. I be trying to give him the potion but he be saying 'no'. So I be rubbing his back like when he first be with us and be upset sleeping." Severus thanked her and sat next to Harry on the bed.
"Harry, wake up baby boy, you need to take this potion. If you don't take it I will not be able to let you return to the beach. You know what Stephan told us yesterday about not overworking your muscles." Harry mumbled an okay so Severus held him up and Harry swallowed the potion and was back to sleep. Soon Harry was in a sound sleep as Severus rubbed circles on his back.
Severus went into their sitting room and read until he heard Harry start to stir. Walking into Harry's room Severus sat on the bed . "Ummm ... Papa?" Harry said sleepily. "Can I go to the beach?" Severus chuckled.
"How about if you wake up first, Harry" Severus answered. Soon Harry was awake and Severus had carried him to the loo where he got into his swim gear with his t-shirt on over it. Soon Harry and Severus were on their way to the beach with Mary walking along with them.
Soon they were to the shore waiting for someone to notice. After a few moments a loud squeal and "HARRY!" could be heard as a bushy haired girl ran up to them.
"Hi, 'Mione, I'm glad you could come." Harry said as Severus sat him on the chair and put his water wings on. Severus noticed Fred and George standing there.
"Sir, ... we would"
"be happy to..."
"take Harry into..."
"the water if..."
"you don't mind."
Severus just smiled and shook his head. He still had not figured out how they did that. "That would be fine Misters Weasley. I would appreciate that." Fred and George waited until Severus carried Harry into the water then took over and Severus joined the other adults in the beach chairs. After an hour or so Severus retrieved Harry from the water and placed him on the beach where the others joined him in creating another castle, moat filled with water and all. Before they realized it Aconite was popping in to inform them that dinner would be served in an hour so all the belongings and children were gathered and they headed up to the manor.
Everyone headed to their rooms to shower and change. By the time they had all returned to the main sitting room the older boys had returned from their visit to town. Everyone sat and talked waiting for dinner to be served. Harry sat in his chair talking with Ron and the twins, Hermione and Ginny sat on one of the sofas getting acquainted and the older boys were telling about the things they had seen. At 7:00 PM Aconite announced dinner so everyone headed for the dining room. Harry left his chair and using his walker, he walked across the room to the chair next to Severus. Everyone was excited about how well Harry could walk with the braces on. Dinner was a lively affair with everyone talking about their day.
After dinner everyone went out on the patio to enjoy the view while sipping their drinks. Soon the adults noticed the younger ones getting quiet. Harry flew his chair over to Severus "Papa, Can we go up to our room?"
"Certainly Harry, are you alright?" Severus asked kneeling in front of Harry's chair and brushing the hair out of his eyes.
"I just need to go to my room and be quiet, Papa." Harry said quietly. "I love having my friends but I need to be quiet for awhile." Severus nodded and excused himself and Harry from the group. He arranged to meet the adults in the small sitting room after he had Harry settled in so they could discuss the next day.
Severus and Harry went up to their rooms where Severus drew Harry a bath with a muscle relaxer in it. When the bath was over Severus gave Harry a pain potion then a good message with the muscle cream. By the time he was done he had to magic Harry's pajamas on as he was asleep. Severus tucked Harry in under the covers and left Taffy to keep an eye on Harry. Severus fixed the chaise and told Taffy she could sleep there if she wished. Then he headed back downstairs. Molly and Mary had settled the 2 youngest Weasleys and Hermione into their rooms for the night. The twins were just finishing up a game of chess and Percy was picking a book out of the library before they all headed up to their rooms. Severus asked for refreshments to be served and they settled in for a nice adult evening. Bill and Charlie told them about all they had seen on their afternoon in the village and what they had found out about when talking with some of the locals. It was decided they would visit the outer areas the next day and the shore areas on Saturday. Severus filled them in on the arrangements he had made for Thursday and Friday and everyone agreed the children would be ecstatic. Everyone eventually went up to bed. Severus went in to check on Harry before he retired to his own bed.
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Severus was woken by Taffy about 5:30 AM. "Master Severus, young master be moaning. Taffy thinks he be hurting. Taffy be thinking he be needing a potion but I no be finding one by his bed." Severus got up put on his robe and slippers then went into Harry's room with a pain potion.
"Harry, come on son, you need to wake up and take this potion. I think you overdid it a bit yesterday" Severus soon had Harry sitting enough to swallow the potion without choking. He settled Harry back into bed and rubbed his back until he went back to sleep. Severus was awake and did not believe he could go back to sleep so he went into their sitting room and called for some tea and toast. One of the elves brought what he requested along with a copy of the Daily Profit. Severus almost choked as he read the headline:
'Lord Sirius AlphardOrion Black Freedfrom Azkaban Prison'
In a strange turn of events it was discovered by this reporter that the Wizengamot was recently called into emergency session by none other than Madame Amelia Bones head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. This was brought to light at a press conference held this past evening by the Minister himself. The Minister read the following message and no questions were taken.
"It was brought to our attention earlier this month that Lord Sirius AlphardOrion Black was unfairly sent to Azkaban by my predecessor without benefit of trial. It was during the reading of the will of young Lord Potter. Apparently the Potters went against common belief and appointed one Peter Pettigrew their secret keeper. It saddens this Ministry to find that the once esteemed Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was the caster of the Fidelis Charm and as head of the Wizengamot he should have called for a trial. This breach of Wizard Law resulted in a call for the removal of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. In an unanimous vote Lord Tiberius Ogden has been placed as interim Chief Warlock until a permanent one can be decided upon.
Lord Black has been admitted to St. Mungo's for evaluation and treatment for his malnutrition and other maladies resulting from his wrongful imprisonment. A committee has been appointed to decide upon compensation for the unlawful imprisonment of Lord Black by both the Ministry of Magic and by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore personally."
As a result of this news this reporter did some questioning on his own. Through private sources it has been discovered that Professor Dumbledore has been removed as Headmaster by a vote of no confidence of the Board of Governors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Professor Minerva McGonigall has been named as Headmistress with Professor Filius Flitwick as Deputy Head until such time as a permanent replacement can be found.
This reporter wants to know just what Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore has been up to and what brought about these sudden discoveries of cover-ups and miscarriages of justice.
I pledge to the loyal readers of this paper that we will follow through with our investigation into the Dubious Dealings of Albus Dumbledore and keep you all informed. I hope you all will join me in wishing Lord Black a speedy recovery and welcome back.
As reported by Hadley Hardcastle, Daily Profit
Severus could not believe what he has reading. The ministry finally did something right. "Aconite" Severus called. The elf popped in a moment later. "Have the elder Weasleys awakened yet?" Aconite shook his head. "Would you please let me know when they wake and tell them I wish to speak to them before the children wake." Aconite nodded and popped out. Severus finished his tea then went to finish his morning routine. Once he was dressed he checked on Harry again. He then informed Taffy he would be downstairs and reminded her that no matter what Harry said she could not help him up without the assistance of another person. Severus took the paper and headed downstairs.
Severus went to the kitchen to talk to the head cook. He explained what he wanted served for breakfast and requested a bag packed with refreshments for their day out. When he was done he headed back to the sitting room to read until the others got up. After being downstairs a half hour Molly and Mary came down. "Severus, we were told by the house elf you wished to see us. Arthur will be right down. What do you need?" Molly asked. Severus handed her the paper and she read the article and handed it to Mary. Molly just shook her head "I don't believe it." Molly said "Is this because of what you found out from the Potter's will?" Severus nodded "I used to look up to him as a wise leader, now I don't know what to believe." Arthur made his appearance and was handed the paper by Mary. Once he finished reading they continued talking. Bill and Charlie came in on the conversation and Severus explained to all of them what had happened with Albus. The conversation was interrupted by the pounding of footsteps coming down the stairs being led by Harry in his floating chair.
"Papa, The guys helped Taffy get me up. Was that okay? She told me that it was okay as long as she had help. What are we doing today?" Harry said rapidly. "Is breakfast ready? We're starved." Severus and the rest of the adults laughed.
"Yes, Harry, it was alright that the guys helped Taffy. I told her that she had to have someone to help her." Looking toward the dining room "I do believe that breakfast is ready so why don't we head in and be seated." When everyone was seated breakfast was served. Harry squealed when the waffles were brought to the table along with the chopped fruit and whipped cream. The children enjoyed themselves with the waffles and fruit while the adults enjoyed a more traditional breakfast. When they were almost done with breakfast Severus told them to make sure they were wearing the proper shoes as there would be a bit of hiking involved. Severus noticed Harry's face grow more closed off as he spoke. Severus got out of his chair and knelt next to Harry's chair. "What is wrong son?" he asked Harry quietly everyone seemed engrossed in the conversation except Charlie, who was watching Severus and Harry.
Harry looked at Severus with tears in his eyes "But Papa, I can't hike and you can't carry me all the time I'm getting too heavy" Harry lowered his head "You better leave me here with Taffy so I don't get in the way." Severus started to say something but Charlie interrupted.
"I'm sorry Severus but I couldn't help but overhear." He turned to Harry " Harry, do you remember flying with Bill?" Harry nodded "Remember how he used the harness to keep you on the broom like they use in Egypt?" Harry nodded again and looked at Charlie puzzled. Charlie continued "in Romania we have something similar which we use when we have to carry the baby dragons or carry heavy carcasses around. I think I can transfigure one easy enough and we can take turns carrying you. You aren't too heavy for Dragon tamers or Curse breakers you know." Charlie said "Now stop all this business about staying home with the elves. We're going hiking and seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Now let's see that smile." Charlie tilted up Harry's chin and smiled back as a small smile appeared on Harry's face.
Soon everyone was packed up and ready to go. Aconite called for the tour car to pick them up outside the manor. The driver was a squib and the car was magically enhanced to fit them all. Soon they were all on their way to one of the most visited spots on the Island ... Holyhead Mountain.
The driver was very knowledgeable about the local sites. He introduced himself as Gawain. Hermione asked if it was like the knight in King Arthur. "Yea me mum 'twas quite fond of the Legend. Me Da didn't rightly care. So I am all mixed up, I was mostly raised by me far-grandem who is me grandmum's grandmum so you will be hearing a lot of Scottish words coming out of me mouth. Now the first place I be takin' ye too is Mynydd TAur it means tower mountain. It is the tallest spot on Holy Island." Gawain continued with his tour as they drove. " On the east side of the hill is a Roman watchtower, called Caer y Tŵr. It be abou' three kilometres west o' the city. If ye be goin' into town ye be seeing wha's left of a Roman Fort. The walls be butting righ' up to the walls of St Cybi's Church. The remains of the Roman walls, with the corner towers still standing, are some 4m, high and 1.5m thick with the corner towers being 5m in diameter." They soon pulled up to the parking area and they all got out. Gawain got out and when they were ready he led them to the watchtower site. Severus carried Harry over to the site then sat him on a folded chair while everyone walked around.
"How come they built a place way out here if the fort is in Holyhead? Why did they need it?" Harry asked. Gawain walked over and sat on a rock near Harry.
"Well, lad, back when the fort be built they needed a way ta warn 'em if the enemy be comin'. Ya understand?" Harry nodded " Well they didna' have telephones and bein' non-magic folk they had ta have another way of warnin' the fort. They had a line a watchtowers set up ta signal from ta let 'em know when the enemy be comin'." By the time he finished explaining to Harry, Gawain had an audience of most of the group. They spent an hour or so there then moved on. Soon they reached the car park for one of the trails up Holyhead Mountain.
When they got out Charlie placed the harness of Harry and settled him on his back. "Charlie, I can stay here if I'm too heavy." Harry said softly.
"Harry, a fine Dragon chaser I'd be if a little thing like you were too heavy" Charlie said "Now just enjoy the ride and look at all the things around us." Harry quieted down and listened along with the others as Gawain talked about all the things they could see. When they made it to the top everyone was in awe at the scenery. The children split off in groups to explore the site. When Charlie let Harry down, Bill picked him up, put him on a hip and took him off to explore. Molly and Mary spread blankets out to sit on and Severus unloaded the bag of food and drinks that he had the elves pack up. Once that was done everyone worked their way back to the spot where the picnic was set up. Harry sat on the blanket next to Severus, after eating a sandwich and some raw vegetables Harry looked up "Papa," Harry said softly "Can I have a pain potion? My hips and back are hurting." Severus gave Harry the potion and helped him lay down on the blanket. Before he realized Harry had fallen asleep.
Gawain sat next to Severus and spoke "I hope ya don' think I be pryin' but did yer bairn have an accident."
"Harry lived with his muggle aunt and uncle until a couple months ago. His uncle beat him almost to death. I found him and adopted him as my own. We did a blood adoption, if you know what that is" Gawain nodded "so now he is mine. He still doesn't believe he is worth anything and is always worried he will be a bother to someone." Severus said combing his hand through Harry's hair as he slept.
Gawain looked down at Harry "He be such a wee bairn ta have been through so much" Severus nodded. Gawain looked at Severus and spoke so no one else could hear "If ya be followin' the Quiddach, The Harpies be havin' a special practice match on Friday afternoon." Severus nodded and let Gawain know he had already made arrangements for them to go. While Harry slept the others looked around at the sights. After an hour or so Harry woke up and Severus and he took in the sights. They could see Holyhead harbour; across the Irish sea to the Irish mainland; and Snowdonia to the south in Wales.
When they were done on the mountain top Bill carried Harry, in the harness, down the mountain. Once everyone was settled in the car they headed around the other side of the mountain. "O'er on the lower western slopes o' the mountain ye can find the remains of an Iron Age hut circle known as the Cytau'r Gwyddelod, or Irish Huts. It be one of the oldest settlements on Holy Island." They spent an hour or so looking around before they headed out with Gawain.
"We be headin' over to the South Stack cliffs now. We be headin' ta the South Stacks Nature Reserve. There be a visitors Centre where ya can be watchin' the nestin' birds on the cliffs on the cameras if ya be wantin' to." They soon found themselves in the car park at the Visitor Centre. Severus carried Harry in the harness to the Centre where they got maps for the area. Arthur, Molly and Mary decided to go to the tower then back to the visitor Centre to watch everything on closed circuit TV and with the telescope and binoculars. Severus and Harry joined them in the trip to the tower and after they were there for a while the younger ones, along with Bill and Charlie, decided to take the Coastal Trail after leaving Ellins Tower. The map showed it as a 1.5 mile trail that follows the winding cliff path. Harry and Severus stayed in the tower for a while after Arthur, Molly and Mary had left then headed back to the Centre. Harry enjoyed watching the birds and checking out the scenery with the binoculars. A couple of hours later a group of laughing talking youngsters made their way to the Visitor Centre.
The children were telling of seeing the choughs and ravens doing acrobatics in the sky. Hermione and Ginny were taken with all the wild flowers they had seen. George and Fred told Harry about the adder they had seen sunning itself on a rock and they all talked about the seals and porpoises they had seen out in the sea. The more they talked the quieter Harry got. Soon Severus noticed Harry's eyes filling with tears so he took him off to the men's room. "What's the matter, little one?" Severus asked quietly.
"Why didn't you leaved me home with the elves, Papa? Harry sobbed quietly. "Why didn't you leaved me home?"
Severus didn't know what to say to his child. Harry seemed to have been adjusting so well to not being able to walk. Severus was lost. "I'm sorry, son. I did not realize it would hurt you so to be here and watch your friends doing things. I thought being here and watching from inside would be just as good. I'm so sorry, Harry" Severus said emotion choking him as he held Harry close. Harry slowly calmed down and Severus transfigured a cloth to wipe Harry's face. Harry was soon calmed and they made their way back out to the others. Harry kept his face buried in Severus' neck. Several people looked at Severus questioning and Severus just mouthed 'later' to them. Soon it was time to head for home and dinner. Gawain asked if they would mind if he made a quick stop before they headed home.
Gawain stopped at a small wooden and stone cottage on the road home and got out. "Mister Severus, May I be takin' the bairn in with me." Severus nodded so Gawain picked Harry out of his seat and carried him into the cottage. In the house Harry saw an old woman. She had to have been the oldest person Harry had ever seen. " Harry, I like ta introduce ye ta my for-grandem (great-great grandmother), me grandam's grandam (grandmother). She be a verrawysswifie(very wise old woman). She be a Sear (Seer) she ha' the secon' sight. Grandem, this be young Harry Potter-Snape. He be hyre(here) wi' his fathyr (father)." Gawain carried Harry over and sat him on the stool next to the woman. "Ye can call her Gandem, Harry."
"Hello, Grandem, it is nice to meet you." Harry said softly.
Grandem placed her hand on Harry's leg. Harry noticed her hand was nothing but wrinkles and the skin was so thin you could see through it but when she squeezed his leg he could feel the strength." Such a wee bairn (small child), granbairn (grandchild)," She surprised Harry when she closed her eyes and started chanting in a language Harry did not understand. After a few minutes she stopped and took Harry's chin in her hand looking straight into his eyes. "Ye be in furmair payn, (for more pain) ye ha' mony tribblestathole (You have many troubles to endure). Bute ye be strang, laddie, ye wyll survyve. (But you are strong, boy, you will survive) Be no feart, laddie, ye wull staun, ye wull waulk, ye wull sei sone. (Do not be afraid, boy, you will stand, you will walk, you will see soon.)" Grandem took both of Harry's hands in hers. "Ah sei ye onlie ha' a fathyr noo, Ah sone sei a mither fur ye. (I see you only have a father now, I soon see a mother for you) Be braw, my bairn, be braw. (Be brave my child, be brave) Ye ar' luved my bairn, ye ar' luved. (You are loved, my child, you are loved.)" With that she kissed Harry on the forehead and slipped a leather thong over his head with a medallion of the Viking serpent of Immortality. Gawain explained how the serpent is supposed to thrive in the dark underworld of Niflhelm. He said the pendant is reputed to bestow upon the wearer the ability to resolve difficulties and to survive and triumph through troubled times. The pendant was polished pewter, enhanced with crystals. Gawain kissed his great-great grandmother goodbye and carried Harry back out to the car.
"Thank you, Gawain" Harry said smiling at him "She is a very nice lady." Harry held on to the pendant.
"What happened, Harry?" Severus asked
"Gawain took me to meet his great-great grandmother. She's a Seer. She told me some things but I'll tell you about them later." Harry answered. Someone mentioned Trelawley and Harry spoke up "She's nothing like that at all." Holding out the pendant so they could see and told them what Gawain had told him about it. Gawain drove them back home and they thanked him for the tour.
By the time they got home they had an hour before dinner. Aconite told them it would be a traditional Welsh Dinner so everyone decided they wanted to dress for dinner. Severus took Harry to their suite where he started a bath for Harry. While Harry bathed Severus took a shower and washed his hairBy the time Harry was done with his bath and ready for Severus to wash his hair Severus had already gotten his black slacks, grey silk shirt, socks and dress boots on. Severus washed Harry's hair, dried it and pulled it back with a thong as he had his own. Soon Harry was dressed in gray slacks, emerald green silk shirt, socks and dress boots. Severus put Harry's braces on under Harry's slacks and you could not even tell they were there. Just before they headed downstairs Harry and Severus put their dress robes on. Severus wore his forest green ones and Harry wore his antique gold ones.
Everyone looked so nice. Ginny wore her new dress robes. The men and Molly had gotten new robes in various colors. Hermione did not have a set of dress robes so Mary let her borrow a set of her robes and had Molly shrink them for her. Soon Aconite announced that dinner was served. Harry left his seat and fixed his braces before Ron and Fred helped him stand. "Miss Weasley, would you do me the honor of letting me escort you to dinner?" Harry said as he held out his arm. "I am afraid you will have to hold my arm as I need to have my hands on the walker." Ginny blushed and nodded yes. Ron held out his arm to Hermione and asked to escort her into dinner. Severus escorted Mary and Arthur escorted Molly.
Of course Fred and George being who they were went through the whole routine of asking to escort their brothers into eat. "My Lord Weasley," Fred said, bowing to Bill. "May I have the honor of escorting you in to dinner."
Bill played along "Why certainly my young Prewett heir. I would be honored." Fred held out his arm and Bill took it.
George turned to Charlie "My Lord heir Dodge, would you be so kind as to allow me to escort you into dinner."
Chuckling Charlie replied "Why certainly my young Prewett heir, I would be honored."
By the time everyone was seated they were almost in tears from the twins antics. All but Percy who was telling everyone how inappropriate their behavior was. Once seated Severus called for Aconite to serve their meal. The meal was started with Cawl Cennin (Welsh Leek Broth) served with warm crusty brown bread. Then came the main course of Oen Cymreig â Mêl (Honeyed Welsh Lamb) served with roasted potatoes and green vegetables. For dessert they had Pastai Afal (Apple Pastry) with custard. The adults were served wine for each course along with water and tea. The children were served juice and cold flavored tea and they were served a small glass of wine with dessert. The meal was delicious and the conversation even better. After dinner they retired to the Conservatory where they could sit and watch the sunset in the comfort of the mansion. The adults soon noticed the younger ones getting quiet, Severus noticed Harry's eyes getting droopy.
Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, Harry and I will be going up to our suite. Everyone must be awake and ready to leave by 11:15 AM. Aconite will have the elves serve a buffet breakfast so you may eat as you will, so please eat before 11. We will be apparating to a wizarding portion of the Ferry terminal. We will be taking the ferry ride to Dublin, Ireland. Harry, you will be able to use your muggle wheelchair for most of the trip." Harry smiled. Severus turned to the others and bid them goodnight before they went upstairs where Severus got Harry ready for bed, messaged his muscles and gave him a pain potion before heading off into his room.
