Raising Harry

PetuniaxSeverus, Harry

Rated T

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters from the franchise. That honor belongs to JK Rowling

Raising Harry

Chapter 36: New Home & Harry's and Luna's Discovery

A week following Petunia waking up from her attack by Nagini, she was told that she would soon be able to return home. However she had been told by Severus that she and Harry would have an entirely new home, seeing as Dumbledore decided that they would be safer elsewhere where Voldemort couldn't find them again. She hadn't the slightest idea where Dumbledore had put them, only that Lucius was the Secret Keeper. She felt good knowing the blond wizard was the secret keeper, because she knew he wouldn't betray them and his friendship with Severus, not like how that Pettigrew fellow betrayed her sister and James.

At the moment she was waiting for Harry to come and visit her, seeing as it was about lunchtime and he usually visited during this time. To pass the time she was reading her son's copy of Hogwarts: A History, this being the fourth time she would read it since Severus gave it to Harry when he was four years old. It was pretty silent in the Hospital Wing, the only sound being heard was the shifting of sick students on their hospital beds and the turning of pages from the book she was reading. Before long the door to the Hospital Wing opened and Harry walked inside, followed by Draco.

Harry grinned as he walked over to Petunia and greeted, "Hi mum. How are you feeling?"

"Hello darling. I'm alright, just ready to leave from here. It's beginning to become stuffy," Petunia replied with a smile.

The dark haired boy chuckled at his mother figure's statement. "Yes, I know how that feels. I can't seem to stay out of here even if I tried."

Petunia raised an eyebrow with a small smile on her face before looking over at Harry's best friend who had yet to speak. Giving him a smile, she said, "Hello Draco."

"H-Hello, Mrs. Dursley," Draco replied quietly.

Draco, at least to Petunia, seemed nervous about something. In fact, he had been every time he would come with Harry to visit her. He had woken up some time before she had but it seemed like something was bothering him, especially since she had woken up a week ago. And whatever it was, it wasn't something he felt he could speak with Harry about, unless he had but still wasn't reassured. Deciding to try and get it out of him she looked at Harry and asked casually, "Harry, could you go and get Severus for me?"

Harry nodded and left from her bedside, leaving the Hospital Wing and his mother and best friend behind. The moment he was gone Petunia said, "Alright Draco, talk to me. Something is bothering you every time you are in my presence. What is it? And don't even try to lie to me."

The blond boy looked surprised at her sudden calling out of him, his grey eyes blinking as he looked at her a bit wide-eyed. However he relented, knowing lying to Mrs. Dursley was just as futile as lying to his parents and godfather, especially his godfather. Looking off to the side so he wouldn't have to look Petunia in her eye, he said softly, "I…I just don't want you to think ill of me knowing what I did to Harry. He wouldn't have ended up in the hospital had I not attack him…had I not tried to…"

Petunia's expression softened as understanding hit her. Draco still felt guilty about attacking Harry, even though he had been under the Imperious Curse. And he must feel as if she wouldn't want Harry to have any more to do with him. Gently taking his hand she said, "Draco, listen to me. You are my son's best friend and I know you hadn't meant to hurt him. You were Imperiused, it wasn't your fault because you weren't in control of your own body or mind. I won't ever blame you for something that wasn't your own fault. And Harry doesn't blame you either, so don't be so hard on yourself. You've already been forgiven."

Draco nodded slowly before looking down and saying, "But I don't feel like I've been completely forgiven."

"That is because you haven't forgiven yourself for what happened. What happened wasn't your fault, but in order for you to move past it you have to forgive yourself. Can you do that?"

"I…I can try. I will try."

Petunia smiled and patted his hand before saying, "You're a good boy Draco, and I'm so glad my Harry can call you his best friend."

Draco smiled and thanked the blonde woman just as Harry returned to the Hospital Wing with Severus in tow. Walking over to where they were Severus said, "Harry said you asked for me."

Nodding Petunia replied, "I did."

"How can I help you?"

"Get me out of here." Petunia widened her eyes almost puppy-like for affect as she gazed up at her lover. She even added a cute little pout for good measure.

Severus' eye twitched slightly, knowing Petunia pulled the puppy-eye to get him to cave. He had admitted this to himself years ago when they first began dating, but Petunia's puppy eyes were ten times more adorable than Lily's had ever been. Already knowing he was caving he sighed and said, "Let me ask Madame Pompfrey if you can be discharged by tomorrow."

As the Potions Master went to talk to the school's MediWitch, Harry turned back to Petunia and asked, "You'll be moving into our new home, right?"

"Yes, I will. But I haven't seen what it looks like yet. I'm not even sure where it is," Petunia replied. "All I know is that it is somewhere where we'll be safe and that Lucius is the Secret Keeper." She looked at Draco. "Has your father said anything to you about it? Do you know anything about it?"

Shaking his head Draco answered, "No, I don't know anything. But the point of a Secret Keeper is to not reveal where someone is located."

"In other words, Mr. Malfoy can't share any information about where mum and I will be to anyone that isn't authorized," Harry said.

"Correct."

"But Severus can know, can't he? I would very much like for him to know where we are when he comes to see us," Petunia said.

Draco shrugged. "Probably. I'm sure Father might tell him soon."

Just then Severus walked out of Madame Pompfrey's office and over to Petunia's hospital bed. Looking at her he gave her a soft smile and said, "Congratulations, Petunia. You can leave first thing tomorrow morning."

The next morning Petunia was leaving the Hospital Wing and walking through the corridors towards the exit of Hogwarts. She had a list of potions she still needed to take for the next two weeks, but other than that she was happy to finally leave the castle. As she made her way to the exit she passed by Hermione, Susan, and Luna talking amongst themselves. The three girls waved at her as she walked by them before returning to their conversation as the blonde woman continued on her way. Before long she reached the exit and left the school on her way to the gates.

Reaching the gates and passing through the wards she saw Severus waiting with Lucius, the two of them talking softly to each other. She wasn't sure what they were talking about, but she could tell that whatever Lucius had said had irked, if not embarrassed her lover, judging by Severus' flushed face and scowl and Lucius' smirk. Approaching them she said, "Good morning, you two."

"Mrs. Dursley, good morning. I'm happy to see you in good health once again, "Lucius greeted with a nod.

Severus smiled at the blonde and gave her a kiss on her forehead before saying, "Hello. Did you tell Harry 'goodbye'?"

Nodding Petunia said, "Yes, I did right before I left the Hospital Wing. He was on his way to class and stopped by before I left."

"Good. Are you ready to see your new home?"

"As ready as I'll never be. Though, I am nervous. I haven't left Little Whinging since I first moved their fifteen years ago."

Lucius nodded and said, "Yes, that may be so, but trust me when I say your new home is much better and you'll be wondering how you never lived there before."

The confident and slightly arrogant smile on Lucius' face did little to quell her nervousness. Holding out his hand he beckoned Petunia to take hold of it. She did so as Severus took hold of her other hand and they Disapparated away. Seconds later they felt themselves pass through some wards and their feet planted on the ground in front of what was a very beautiful home that was bigger than the average house, but smaller than a manor. It was a pale blue with mahogany brown roofing and a mahogany door. It had a beautiful garden filled with many flowers of all sorts of colors, nicely trimmed bushes, and many trees to provide shade. There was a willow tree nearby overlooking a natural lake. Cobblestones lead from the front door along a path to where they were standing just in front of a gate, a stone wall surrounding the home. The home was absolutely beautiful, though a bit bigger than she thought it was going to be. Even so, it was beautiful and she couldn't help but smile.

"Wow!" Petunia said in awe as she stared at her new home. "It's lovely, Lucius."

"I'm glad you think so," Lucius replied with a smile. "I was planning on giving you and Severus this home when you eventually marry, but considering what happened it was better to put you here now. Now all that has to happen is you two marry and Severus move in."

Both Petunia and Severus turned to look at Lucius as their faces turned red in shock and embarrassment. Marriage…that was something they hadn't even given a thought to. Black eyes met blue briefly before Severus cleared his throat and said, "Let's look inside, shall we."

They all walked through the gate and along the cobblestone walkway up to the front door. Pulling a key out of his pocket he unlocked the door and opened the door to Petunia and Harry's new home, stepping aside to allow Petunia and Severus to step inside. Handing the key off to the blonde witch he said, "If you'll excuse me, I must get going. I hope this house is to your liking, Petunia. Severus, I will talk to you later." And with that Lucius was gone, leaving the house and closing the door behind him before the sound of him Disapparating away through the wards was heard.

Petunia was just as amazed with the inside of her new home as she was the outside. It almost had the look and feel of a warm log cabin, and she absolutely adored it. She immediately went in search of the kitchen and was delighted by its fine furnishing and marble counter-tops. She then moved from the kitchen to the living room and was surprised to find a television set there. Wondering if it would even work she walked over to it and pressed the power button. The blank screen of the television flashed on and began to show whatever was playing on the screen. Looking up at Severus she asked, "Was this your idea?"

Severus nodded and answered, "Yes, I figured you'd want to have one installed here."

"What happened to my old television?"

"The Headmaster decided he'd keep it, so I got you a new one."

The blonde didn't know whether or not to be irritated with Dumbledore or not for taking her television, but she let it go. She turned off the television and glanced towards the staircase, noticing how they curved upwards with a railing made of fine cedar wood. Taking her lover's hand she walked towards the staircase and the two of them made their way upstairs. When they stepped off the landing they walked along the hallway and glanced inside the rooms they passed, spotting the bathroom, two guest rooms, what was Harry's new bedroom, until reaching the bedroom at the end of the hallway. Opening the door Petunia and Severus stepped inside Petunia's bedroom. Everything was set up like it had been in her old home, and yet it was still completely new, especially the shelf in the corner housing her book collection rather than her books being stacked in a corner. And her precious barn owl Severus had given her three years ago, Columbus was resting in his cage fast asleep.

Petunia smiled and looked up at Severus before saying, "Thank you, Sev. I know it was you who set up my bedroom."

Severus smiled and wrapped his arms around his lover, holding her close saying, "Of course, love. There was no way I was letting either Lucius or the old man to handle your personal items, especially your undergarments."

A bright blush appeared on Petunia's face as she said, "Severus, honestly."

The Potions Master chuckled and pressed a kiss to the blonde's lips, taking notice how Petunia shivered in delight as he did so. Pulling away he smirked seeing her blue eyes staring up at him, her pupils blown slightly in obvious arousal. Chuckling again he said, "Don't tell me a simple kiss has gotten you all worked up."

Petunia kissed Severus once again before saying, "It's not just a simple kiss. It's a kiss from you, and that is what makes it special and makes me worked up." Grabbing Severus by his robes, she pulled him towards her bed and pushed him down on it. "And you Mr. Snape, aren't leaving here any time soon. I've been deprived of you for a bit too long."

"I do have classes I have to go back and teach."

"Then those classes are going to have to wait, because I want you now."

Severus laughed as Petunia settled in his lap, her soft lips pressing against his once more in a passionate kiss as her hands set to taking his robes off, his own hands settled on her hips and pulled he closer. He supposed his classes would be alright with an impromptu cancellation. He'd just give them more work later to make up for missing a day of class. That was the last thought that ran through his head before his thoughts and mind was completely consumed by his lovely Petunia and her wonderful touch.

Harry was walking with Luna up to the Seventh Floor, having left Ravenclaw Tower to find a place to study together without possibly getting disturbed by others, including their fellow eagles. Harry liked spending time with Luna, and spent a lot of time with her ever since taking her to the Yule Ball. He hadn't really admitted it despite being teased about it, but he really liked Luna; he liked her a lot. He had a feeling the dreamy blonde knew it, but she didn't say anything if she did.

Before long they reached the Seventh Floor, walking towards the entrance of the Gryffindor Common Room. Frowning slightly Harry asked, "Luna, where are we going exactly? I thought we were studying."

Luna smiled at the Fourth Year and responded, "We are, Harry. We're going to the Room of Requirement to study."

"Room of Requirement?"

"Not many people know about it, but those that do sometimes call it the Come and Go Room. It will turn into whatever you need it to be, and if you don't have an idea in mind it will just reveal itself and allow entrance. The Grey Lady told me about it."

Harry nodded slowly and followed Luna until they stopped in front of a bare wall. Luna paced back and forth in front of the wall three times and was muttering something to herself, her blonde curls flying behind her with each turn she took. Seconds later a door appeared on the wall, surprising Harry and causing his green eyes to widen as Luna smiled and beckoned him to follow her inside. The two of them stepped inside the Room of Requirement, the door disappearing behind them as they stepped inside.

Looking around Harry was surprised to see piles upon piles of items stacked on top of each other. Harry was surprised at how much stuff was here, many of it looking old and possibly lost. Wondering what all was here he couldn't help but look around, Luna following him as he did so. As they walked along the makeshift pathways Luna said, "There are many things here that are lost or forgotten about. But it is also a nice place for quiet and solitude. I like coming here a lot whenever I want to be alone. But I don't mind being here with you."

Green eyes looked at the Third Year as she gazed around at the many different items in the room before reaching over and gently taking her hand in his, lacing their fingers together as he did so. He gave her hand a squeeze and smiled at her, Luna returning his smile. In that moment he felt as if he wanted to…kiss her. But before he could ponder it more, he heard what sounded like whispering and a burning pain running through his scar. Hissing he rubbed the scar on his forehead and looked off into the mountain of lost things.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Luna asked concerned, pressing her cool hand against his forehead right over his scar.

"My scar, it's burning. It hadn't hurt like this in a while," Harry answered. He thought for a moment before saying, "In fact, my scar has only hurt like this whenever Voldemort was near or something about him was near."

"Something about him?"

"I can't really explain it, but yeah. And…and I hear something whispering, almost like it's talking. Can't you hear it?"

Luna listened intently for whatever whispering Harry was talking about, and her eyes widened slightly when she indeed could hear it. She nodded and allowed Harry to pull her in the direction of the whispering, the sound getting louder the closer they got to it. Soon they walked up on a box where the whispering was the loudest, it obviously coming from the box. Both of them could feel massive waves of Dark magic rolling off of the box, or whatever was inside of it.

Harry looked at Luna before reaching his hand out and opening the lid of the box. Sitting inside of the box was the most exquisite tiara they had ever seen. It was made of silver and shaped like an eagle, its wings spread out and covered in gems, though there was a large prominent blue sapphire set in the middle of it. It was definitely gorgeous, but they could both tell it had been tainted by Dark magic.

A small gasp of realization came from Luna's throat as she whispered, "Harry, it's Rowena Ravenclaw's Lost Diadem. We found it."

"Yes, we did. But it is embedded with some sort of Dark magic, and it's clearly from Voldemort," Harry replied. Closing the lid the grabbed the box and placed it in his school bag. Looking back at the blonde girl he said, "Let's get this to Professor Snape. Maybe he can tell us about it."

The two Ravenclaws quickly left the Room of Requirement, making their way down the stairs towards the Dungeons. They needed to show their discovery to Professor Snape, and they needed to show it to him immediately.