A/N – The first scene is an addition requested by blackroses77 I hope you enjoy it and it lives up to the image you had. ;-)

Chapter 36

)O(

Severus lowered himself into the padded rocking chair near the kitchen fire and sighed with relief. Just the act of packing and walking through the castle to the front doors had exhausted him. His arm burned, his bones ached and the ever present threat of a fever flooded his veins.

He watched through hooded eyes as Albus prepared a pot of tea and arranged jam and scones on a tray, doing the whole thing without magic. Dobby appeared after a few moments and exchanged a few words with the older man before popping away again.

'I hope you don't object but I have asked Dobby to stay and serve you for the duration of your stay here?'

Albus lay the tray on the table next to his colleagues chair and poured them both a cup of tea, taking Severus's silence as tacit approval.

'I'm hoping that now that Draco is improving, Dobby may be able to cover some of the shifts watching the child. It will allow you all to rest.

The two men sat quietly near the fire and watched the flames flicker. Severus's thoughts on his godson and the headmasters on Harry who he was tracking magically through the stone wall of the cottage.

Albus chuckled as a strong wave caught the teenager by surprise and knocked him off his feet. He kept an alert eye as Harry struggled to his feet and out of the water, picking up his robe from the sand and starting the short trek back to the cottage.

'Well, I think it's time I got back and left you both in peace.' He waved his hand and a large fluffy bath towel appeared and draped itself over a rail near the fire. I wish you all a relaxing spring break Severus. I will attempt to keep all and any Order business as far from your door as possible.'

Severus sat and watched as the older man adjusted his robes, glancing at the towel with a frown. What was that about? He wondered to himself.

Albus waited a few seconds and then opened the front door, stepping aside to let the grinning and completely drenched teenager through the door. Harry shuffled in, leaving a trail of salty water behind him and as Albus stepped out and closed the door the last thing he heard was a acerbic toned exclamation echo through the house.

'Oh for the love of all things...'

)O(

Harry stood sheepishly in front of his Master as the man struggled to his feet and threw the towel at him in disgust, his lip curled up in exasperation.

'What are you thinking boy? It's still less than 5 degrees out there. Are you trying to commit suicide?'

Harry grimaced. 'I was only paddling,' he grumbled. 'I didn't expect the waves to be so big. I guess I should learn to swim while I'm here.'

'You are lucky you weren't...,' Severus trailed off as the boys words sunk in. 'You can't even swim...but the 2nd task...?'

'Gillyweed,' Harry said cheerfully, running the towel through his dripping hair 'Doesn't matter if you can't swim if you have gills and fins.'

Severus sat back down heavily in the chair and closed his eyes. This holiday was going to kill him, he decided bleakly. Never mind the Dark Lord and convalescence; keeping an eye on the-boy-who-was-determined-to-die was going to finish the job.

)O(

The first week saw both Harry and Severus sleeping close to fifteen hours a day. They both awoke early, had breakfast, did a few hours of work (or in Harry's case homework), before going for a nap. Then there was lunch, Poppy's check-up visits and then another nap. Harry took to walking the beach in the evenings before they ate dinner, did a few more hours of work and then took an early night.

By the second Tuesday morning, Severus was feeling almost human again and Harry was started to catch a bit of the sun. Poppy removed the last of all their various bandages and plasters and gave them both a stern lecture about continuing to rest. She would not be visiting again unless there was a problem so both of them submitted meekly to her rather long speech and nodded in all the appropriate places.

Remus arrived with several trunks worth of paperwork an hour later and after a brief greeting, immediately collapsed into his bed. He had been delayed arriving by two days but neither Severus or Harry had been informed why and it was niggling at Harry. He knew The Order were under strict instructions to leave them in peace but surely that didn't mean they should stop telling them what was happening?

Severus seemed completely unconcerned and that was annoying Harry too. He knew better than to nag though and decided to just wait it out and see what was emerged.

Harry stood from his spot on the coach and stretched, padding into the kitchen where Dobby was already starting on the evenings meal. He noted immediately the large lump of red meat marinating in a spicy sauce and was reminded that the full moon was only six days away. Remus would be starting to feel the effects soon and would no doubt appreciated the meat.

He dropped into a seat at the kitchen table and automatically reached for one of the carrots the elf had dumped in the middle of the table and a peeler. Dobby had been very tolerant of Harry helping in the kitchen after he had explained that chopping things helped him practice for potions.

The elf clicked his fingers and one of the carrots fell apart into long strips, stir fry style and Harry nodded to show he had understood what Dobby wanted. They sat quietly at the table for an hour as Harry worked through the pile of carrots and then moved on to chop peppers, small red chillies and several large potatoes.

Severus wandered through every so often to refill his tea mug or collect something from the bookcase and each time he passed, his hand would rest briefly on the boys shoulder. Harry worked hard to concentrate on his work and suppress the pleased blush that stole through him.

This was the first time he had experienced a family holiday. This was what his schoolmates went home to each summer he realised. The kitchen was quickly becoming his favourite place. The view of the sea and the large rickety table were close to his dream image of a family kitchen.

The fact that Remus would be sat with them this evening made it perfect. Tomorrow Draco and Mrs Malfoy would arrive and Harry was a little nervous about that. The small cottage would be full and Draco had improved a great deal according to Poppy.

Originally, Draco was going to be staying in the same room as Narcissa but Harry had found himself volunteering to share a room with the other boy. He had immediately regretted it, but seeing the pleased and proud look on his guardians face had not withdrawn the offer.

So now he would be sharing a room with the ferret for the rest of the holidays. Part of him was happy to help and hoping the boy would recover but a deeper, more spiteful part of him was tempted to say 'I told you so' to the spoilt brat. He wasn't very proud of that part and was worried that being in such close proximity would bring it out.

Dobby frowned as Harry gave a particularly savage swipe at his potato.

'Is Master Harry angry at something?' the elf asked anxiously, seeing Harry's scowl.

Harry grimaced in apology and put the knife down.

'No, I'm sorry Dobby. I'm just worrying about something.'

'Anything I can help with,' a soft voice asked and Harry smiled as Remus shuffled into the kitchen in a dressing gown and slippers and dropped into the seat beside Harry.

Immediately a fresh pot of peppermint tea appeared before the man and he gave a gentle smile in Dobby's direction.

Harry picked the knife back up and began chopping the potato again with a frown.

'I'm alright,' he said to his teacher. 'I'm just thinking about Draco coming. I hope he's not going to be a brat now that he's better.'

Remus smiled sadly and wrapped his hands around his warm cup.

'He's not really recovered Harry. Physically, he's still very weak and although he is talking again...well, he's very depressed. I know he has been very cruel to you and your friends in the past but I don't think that's who is he really is.'

Harry nodded thoughtfully. 'Is Tonks still coming?'

'Yes, she will likely arrive tomorrow or the day after. She has been in St Mungo's for a few days so if they release her...'

Harry's head shot up in alarm. 'St Mungo's! I thought she was OK? Did I hurt her...were there complications?'

Remus squeezed the boys arm reassuringly.

'She's fine Harry. She was having some treatment to repair a little damage to her spine and hip that the curse had started to erode. They couldn't do that until the last remains of it had dissipated. I think the healers wanted to get some additional scans done as well to use alongside your description.' He paused before continuing. 'I should warn you that we think the papers may have gotten hold of the story.'

Harry groaned. 'They'll be calling me attention seeking again.'

'This is a big deal Harry.' Remus explained. 'This curse has wiped out entire families. For a while there was a real worry that all the old lines would be destroyed. To find a way to scan and break it...well, this is a huge deal. The Prophet has been sniffing around since your apprenticeship was announced and now they have the perfect angle. They can focus on your attunement skills and how you might use them in the future. I think you will find the article will be positive.'

Harry scooped up the last of the potatoes and dropped them in the pan of water Dobby had left.

'Well that's something I suppose,' he grumbled and Remus chuckled.

'I don't blame you for being sceptical. Let's see what the next few days brings.'

Severus joined them shortly after and they enjoyed a quiet meal before all collapsing around the fire with their various projects. Harry eyed Remus's enormous pile of marking with concern.

'Can I help with any of that?' he asked seriously and the Professor smiled over his glasses at the boy.

'Not this time Harry. These are all the NEWT projects. It's not as bad as it looks and I have three weeks to work through them. The good news is we are completely caught up now. The new term will be much easier.'

Harry nodded happily. 'I'm glad to hear that. You can catch up on your sleep.'

Remus sighed in satisfaction. 'The timetable has been written to allow for the full moon as well. I will get three days before and after to rest and extra classes on the weeks either side to compensate. Severus and Minerva have adjusted their classes to help so it should be much better.'

Severus continued to focus on his papers and pretended not to see the beaming smile that Harry sent his way or the warm feeling in his chest it produced.

)O(

Harry made a point of being out of the house and on the beach when the Malfoys' arrived the next day. He saw Narcissa stood out on the porch with a hot drink as Severus pointed out the edge of the wards to her.

He built a sandcastle and was starting on a moat when he became aware of his new guardian walking slowly across the beach towards him.

'Are you alright Harry?' Severus asked quietly when the teenager didn't acknowledge his presence immediately.

Harry sat back on his knees with a sigh. 'Yeah, I'm OK. It's just been so perfect and now...' he trailed of and absently drew a line in the sand.

Severus lowered himself down on the opposite side of the castle Harry had built and began scooping out his side of the moat.

'If there are any problems then I can easily transfigure another bed for you in my room, or Remus's if you'd prefer. I don't want you stressed about this Harry, you are still recovering yourself.'

'My magic's almost back to normal,' Harry said with a smile. 'I was practicing yesterday and I can cast most of my sixth year spells without feeling any pull.'

'That's good news,' Severus said softly and waited to see if the boy would expand on what was bothering him.

There was a few minutes silence as they both worked on the moat before Harry sighed again and wrapped his hands around his knees.

'I just don't feel very charitable towards Malfoy just now. He's been a right git to me for years. That didn't seem to matter when it looked like he might die, but now...'

'Now he is recovering, those feelings of resentment have returned,' Severus stated wryly and Harry nodded.

'It's perfectly OK to be angry Harry. You may not realise it but you have shown a great deal of compassion for Draco, despite those feelings and I am very proud of you for it.'

Harry felt himself go pink and rested his head on his knees.

'I expect you to be civil and gentle with Draco, but I don't expect you to take any nonsense from him. If he is rude to you then you must tell me. He is our guest this week and I will expect him to behave appropriately. The fact that he is unwell will not excuse bad behaviour.'

Harry smiled and nodded, feeling a bit of the tension leave his shoulders.

'Now, why don't you stop hiding and come and have some tea. Narcissa has been worried about you.'

Harry raised his eyebrows at that. 'She has?'

'Apparently so. Poppy reports that she has asked after you daily.'

Harry clambered to his feet, wincing a bit as his leg pulled before holding out a hand and helping Severus stand. They both watched as the front edge of the tide reached their half finished moat and started to pour over the side.

'I fear your castle will be swamped before it is finished,' Severus said dryly and Harry shrugged.

'I'll time it better tomorrow.'

The Potions Master laughed and threw an arm over the teenagers shoulders as they started the walk back to the cottage.

'Do you think Mrs Malfoy is worried I will croak before I can off Voldy? That would explain why she's worried about me?'

Severus smiled and squeezed the boys arm. 'Now you're thinking like a Slytherin.'

Harry sniggered and gave the man enough of a nudge that he stumbled, having to grab Harry's arm to stop himself falling.

They walked slowly back and Harry smiled as he saw Remus pottering about in the kitchen, still in his dressing gown. The full moon was less than twenty four hours away now and the man looked dreadful.

Harry was just so glad that Remus was staying with them and not alone at the Castle. It was about time the man had someone to care for him.

They arrived at the front door and Narcissa was waiting for them, a soft smile on her face.

'You look well Mr Potter,' she said quietly. 'I'm glad you have had the chance to rest and recover.'

Harry shook her hand gently, her palm faced down in his as Severus had taught him.

'Thank you ma'am. It's good to see you again.'

They walked into the house together and Harry moved to go to his room and grab a sweater before hesitating and looking back at the adults.

'Will I disturb Draco if I go in my room just now?'

The elder Malfoy smiled. 'No, he's awake and you must not let our presence disrupt your holiday Harry.'

Harry nodded and climbed the stairs quietly, annoyed at himself for being nervous because the ferret was in his room.

He knocked softly before pushing the squeaky wooden door open. He was surprised to see the second bed gone and new window seat on the side of the room that faced the sea. Severus had obviously replicated the bed that Draco had had at Hogwarts.

Draco was propped up on a mountain of pillows, with a mug of tea in his hands as he looked out at the sea. The blond boy looked up and nodded in acknowledgment as Harry crept in.

Harry took one look at the pale, pinched face and felt all of his annoyance drain away. It was clear his schoolmate was far from well and in considerable pain.

'I'm sorry to disturb you.' Harry said genuinely. 'I just need to grab a sweater and I'll be out of your hair.'

He was aware of Draco watching him as he crossed to his dresser and pulled out a deep red sweater with brown arm patches. He dragged the thing over his head and spent a moment making his bed, which he had not done that morning.

As he made to leave a hoarse, whispered voice came from the window.

'I think your sand castle just drowned.'

Harry turned in surprise. The observation had been made with amusement but no obvious hostility. He crossed over to the enlarged window seat and leant slightly over Draco to look down at the beach.

'Um, I didn't position it very well. I might try and built a bigger one nearer the cottage tomorrow.

Draco nodded and there was an awkward silence as Harry stood beside the bed, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. After a few moments he sat uncertainly on the edge of his newly made bed and regarded his school nemesis.

'How are you feeling?' he asked and the boy shrugged.

'Better, I think. Madam Pomfrey says I am out of danger now.'

'That's good,' Harry whispered, unsure what else to say.

Draco looked appraisingly at him for a few moments before speaking again.

'I heard about the attack. Have you recovered?'

Harry observed the open expression on his schoolmates face. He did seem to be genuinely asking.

'Mostly,' he answered eventually. 'A muscle in my side got cut through. It's been healed but is still really tight. I have a bit of a limp first thing in the morning but it's almost sorted.'

'Is Uncle Sev...I mean Professor Snape OK?'

Harry smiled. 'Yeah, he's OK. He had a close call but is all healed up now. We are still both on Poppy's diet and rest regimes though.'

Draco snorted. 'Yeah, I know all about them. She's a tyrant.'

'You too huh?'

The blond boy nodded. 'She still won't let me out of bed. I've been pretty bored this last week. It's nice to have a new view though.' He turned to look back out at the beach.

Harry paused for a moment before impulsively blurting out. 'Do you like chess?'

Draco turned back to him and gave him a wary but slightly hopeful look.

'I do yes.'

'Well, I'm pretty hopeless but I think we have a board downstairs. Shall I get it?

The blond boy nodded uncertainly and Harry took that as his cue to go get the board.

He fled the room wondering what the hell he was getting himself into.

The three adults were gathered around the kitchen table and looked up as Harry bounded into the room and started rummaging in one of the large cupboards. He emerged a few minutes later, dusty and with a wooden box under his arm.

Severus raised an eyebrow in enquiry and Harry blushed as he realised they were all watching him.

'Um, Chess board,' Harry explained. 'Do you know if we have a table that could go over Draco's bed, you know so he doesn't need to lean over?'

The adults smiled and Remus rose to his feet. 'Why don't I come and transfigure something for you?'

Severus watched as his colleague and ward climbed the stairs together, Remus brushing a cobweb off Harry's hair and found a smile invading his face.

He exchanged a look with the elder Malfoy. 'I guess we had nothing to worry about after all.'

Cissy laughed quietly. 'I'm reserving judgement. I've heard nothing but "that horrid Potter this", or "that awful Potter this" for six years.' She paused. 'From both of you actually.'

Severus laughed out loud at that. 'It's strange to think the child was the bane of my existence for years.'

'Not so much the spoiled, pampered brat any more Severus?' She asked quietly, seeking the shadow that crossed the man's face and the smile dissolve.

'Yes, well. I may have been mistaken in my assessment.'

'You mean you didn't realise he was starved, beaten and abused for most of his small life?'

Severus's head snapped up at that and his eyes narrowed sharply.

'How could you possibly know that?' he snapped and Narcissa looked down, adding a spoon of sugar to her tea as an embarrassed blush crossed her features.

'Everybody knew Severus, at least all of those in the Dark Lord's inner circle. He took great delight in the fact that the boy was being injured every summer and that Dumbledore seemed unaware, or impotent to do anything about it.'

Severus sat back, shock and rage pouring threw him. 'Why was I never told?'

Narcissa sighed. 'It was believed you knew. Lucius and I suspected otherwise. We both know how you feel about abused children and couldn't imagine that you would leave that unchecked; even for James Potters spawn.'

She paused and took a sip of her tea. 'The Dark Lord certainly thought you knew and just didn't care. He knew how much you hated the boy.'

Severus rubbed his nose wearily, his guilt flooding back. 'I removed him from their care the moment I knew,' he admitted quietly. 'If not for my blind hatred I'm sure I would have seen it sooner.' He looked at his old friend appraisingly. 'How was it the inner circle knew?'

'There were several people tasked with following the boy during the time The Dark Lord was missing. They could never get very close to the house but were able to infiltrate his primary school. Concerns of abuse were raised several times by his teachers and the muggle nurse. I believe a quick Obliviate each time ensured no further steps were taken.'

Severus groaned and dropped his head into his hands. 'Was Lucius calling the shots with this?'

Narcissa shook her head. 'No. He truly believed the Dark Lord was gone. I believe it was some of the continental wizards that kept up the surveillance. The whole thing was abandoned once Harry came to Hogwarts. There seemed little need to continue and it was expected that the abuse would be immediately discovered.'

Severus sighed and looked back up the empty stairwell, as if he could see the teenager.

'He has you now Severus,' she said softly and he nodded.

'We have each other,' he corrected. 'We have each other.'

)O(

A/N - The image I have (hopefully)uploaded for this story is a picture I drew of Harry's new bedroom in the dungeon.