Chapter 36 – A Sign of the Times
Severus had never felt more content in his entire life. He was lying on his and Harry's battered old mattress, gazing up at the ceiling, one arm tucked behind his head, the other wrapped around the shoulders of his sleeping husband, who was fast asleep on his chest. The covers were pooled around Harry's waist, exposing the bare skin of his back to the flecks of sunlight that were trying to force their way through the curtains. Severus ran his fingers lightly along the ridge of Harry's spine, smirking as Harry smiled in his sleep and nestled in closer to Severus' hold.
He could still hardly believe that the previous night's events had taken place. Surely he would wake up at any moment and discover that he and Harry were mortal enemies once again and that the boy wanted to be as far away from him as possible. How could it be that here he was lying with the boy in his arms, basking in the afterglow of one amazing night? It made absolutely no sense to him, but he didn't care; he wasn't interested in the logic of it, all he knew was that Harry was in his arms, and that was exactly where he wanted him to stay.
"Mm, Severus you're thinking too loudly," came Harry's muffled voice and Severus looked down to see Harry looking up at him with a sleepy smile.
Severus returned the smile and replied, "Sorry, force of habit. I was wondering when you were going to wake up," he said, running his fingers through Harry's hair.
Harry chuckled and said, "Well I was rather tired, can't think why." He stretched and ran a hand up Severus' chest, emitting a contented little sigh and saying, "I'm surprised I woke up at all after last night."
"Well I'm glad you did," Severus replied with a smirk, watching Harry's hand as it drew lazy patterns across his chest, sending shivers throughout his body.
"Do you think if we just stayed here and didn't go back to Hogwarts anyone would notice?" Harry asked sleepily.
"I think there'd be a few raised eyebrows somehow," Severus replied, "though I can't deny the idea's appealing. I must admit, the thought of returning to the castle tomorrow doesn't exactly fill me with joy."
"Ugh, tell me about it," Harry groaned, cuddling in closer to Severus. "Here we can just do as we please and forget about everyone else. At Hogwarts…we have so many responsibilities, so many people that we're beholden to...I just want it to be us."
"I know Harry," Severus said with a sigh, pulling him closer. "I think we have much to deal with before that can happen though. I think also that for the moment it might perhaps be best if we don't inform the headmaster about the...shift in our relationship."
"More secrets from the headmaster?" Harry asked with a slight frown. "We spent the first few months of our marriage pretending that we were a couple, now we have to pretend that we aren't?"
"I just think it would be best to be cautious. It isn't that I don't trust the headmaster...I just feel that we would be better served by keeping it to ourselves for the time being."
Harry propped himself up on one elbow and regarded Severus closely, asking, "Do you think he'd try to stop us if he knew?"
Severus considered the question for a moment, not entirely sure of the answer. Would the headmaster try and stand in the way of his relationship with Harry? And if he did, what reason would he have to do so? "I honestly don't know. Who can know what goes on in that man's mind? But I do believe it would be best to be cautious."
"Whatever you say," Harry agreed, cuddling back into Severus' hold again, though he was slightly worried about Severus' concern about Dumbledore. Severus' fingers once again twined in his hair and he allowed his eyes to close, pushing aside all thought that extended beyond Severus and the estate. For the time being, he simply wanted to bask in his own contentment, still finding it slightly hard to believe that what had happened actually had transpired. He was roused from his reverie by a loud knock coming from the front door. He looked up at Severus, frowning and said, "Who the hell can that be?"
Severus mirrored his surprise and said, "I don't know. Stay here, I'll go and see." He shuffled out of bed and threw on his dressing gown, exiting the room. Harry also heaved himself up from the mattress, throwing on the first clothes he could lay hands on, straining to hear what was going on beyond the door. He was buttoning up his shirt when, to his surprise, he heard Ron and Draco's voices filter down the corridor, accompanied by Severus'. He quickly finished dressing and went out into the corridor, finding that his friends were indeed there, and they looked troubled.
"What are you two doing here?" he asked.
They both turned to face him, and Ron replied, "We've come to bring you back to the castle, before the headmaster does."
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked, his eyes going to Severus, who clearly knew as little he did.
"Things are bad Harry," Ron said seriously. "There have been loads of Death Eater attacks and they're getting a lot worse. Dumbledore's really worried and the castle's in a frenzy. Nobody seems to know what to do."
"Father's concerned there's going to be an attack on the castle," Draco added, "and it seems to be a concern other parents share; they're pulling their children out of the school as we speak. If things aren't handled properly we're going to have a mass panic on our hands."
"Well to avoid one now, let's all calm down and talk about this rationally," said Severus. "I believe coffee is in order."
When Severus was dressed and Harry had put some coffee on, the four men sat around the breakfast bar in the kitchen and discussed the happenings of the previous week. It transpired that Death Eaters had attacked at least fifteen towns and villages within the last week and had again taken prisoners. Those they left behind had wished they hadn't been, for they had all been in some way damaged. Some had lost everything they held dear, their homes, their livelihoods and, in the worst cases, their families. Times were not good, and the mood in the kitchen was a sombre one.
"And the Order? What are they doing?" Severus asked.
Draco sighed and replied, "Dad says they're on the alert for further attacks and several members are doing their best to recover the prisoners, but I don't know, it feels like bugger all to me. Dad thinks Dumbledore's got something up his sleeve for you though," he told Severus.
"What do you mean?" Severus asked with a frown.
Draco gave a shrug and said, "Dad thinks Dumbledore has some kind of assignment or something for you, something he wants you to do."
Severus exchanged a worried glance with Harry and he saw his own concern reflected in the boy's eyes. He offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile, though he could see Harry wasn't entirely convinced. He returned his attention to Draco and asked, "You have no idea what it might be?"
Draco shook his head. "Sorry. Dad did hint that he thought it might be away from Hogwarts though."
"Oh brilliant," Harry said, hopping down from the tall stool and moving to stand in front of the window. "So the second we get back to Hogwarts we'll be separated? Fan-bloody-tastic," he growled.
"You don't know that Harry," Severus said gently.
"Oh yes I do. It's us, of course it'll happen! You'll be sent to the outer reaches of...Mongolia and Dumbledore will most probably pack me off to Switzerland!" he ranted.
"Why Switzerland?" Ron asked, puzzled.
Harry made a noise of frustration and turned back around to face his friend, saying, "Because that's where Dumbledore wants to send me to go to some stupid academy for people to learn Elemental Magic."
"But you're already learning Elemental Magic," Ron protested.
"Try telling Dumbledore that," Harry groused. "Anyway it doesn't matter because I'm not going. He can say what he wants, it's not happening."
"Stop winding yourself up," Severus instructed, grabbing Harry's hand and pulling him closer, wrapping an arm around his waist while Harry's hand came to rest on his shoulder, an action that didn't go unnoticed by Ron and Draco. "Let's just deal with one thing at a time shall we?" Severus said calmly. "Our main worry right now is this business with the attacks, that's what we need to focus on."
"I'll remind you of that when I'm starting fires in Switzerland and you're shivering in Mongolia."
After Severus and Harry had packed their things together, they apparated back to Hogwarts with Ron and Draco. They dropped their things off in their quarters and, much to Harry's displeasure, Severus insisted they go straight to the headmaster and find out exactly what was going on.
Dumbledore was unsurprised to see them and he invited them into his study, offering the usual cups of tea, which were declined by both Severus and Harry. They seated themselves in front of the headmaster's desk and waited for him to begin.
"Well my boys," he began, "you know, I presume, what has happened over the past week?" Severus and Harry nodded soberly and the headmaster continued. "The times that I feared for so long are now upon us, and gathering such force that I...I confess I'm worried for what may lie ahead."
As Harry listened to the headmaster talk, he noticed for the first time just how old and worn the man looked and he realised the burden the man carried on his shoulders. He suddenly felt a wash of guilt for the angry resentment he had felt and shown towards the man; his position was an unenviable one and the decisions and actions he had to take were not easy ones. That didn't mean, however, that Harry was willing to be used as a pawn in the man's endeavours.
"The Order are of course on full alert and the key members are due here this evening to further discuss the situation. I would like you both to be present."
Harry was surprised; normally he was excluded from such things, but nevertheless he nodded his assent, a feeling of nervous apprehension settling on him. He felt a reassuring nudge along the edge of his senses and he looked over to Severus in surprise, who was purposefully not meeting his eyes. He recovered himself and hoped that Dumbledore had noticed nothing amiss. He continued to listen as the headmaster further updated them with what had been happening, feeling more and more despondent as the man's report went on. Times were indeed bad.
Harry was thankful when Dumbledore finally finished and bid them a polite farewell, quietly asking when they were at the door, "I trust you both enjoyed your week away?"
Severus and Harry exchanged glances and despite the fact that he knew they were being admonished, Harry couldn't help but smile. Severus gave a curt nod and replied, "It was what we both needed. Good-day headmaster, we'll see you this evening."
Harry and Severus returned gratefully to their quarters, still feeling a little shell-shocked by the events of the past few hours, but thankful to finally be able to relax in their own home.
"I wonder what will happen at the meeting tonight," Harry mused as he divested himself of his outer robe.
"Merlin knows," Severus replied, "though at least you'll be able to attend this one rather than listen through the keyhole as you spent your youth doing," he added with a smirk.
Harry grinned and replied, "Ah so you knew about that?"
Severus grabbed his hand and pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him and whispering close to his ear, "I knew everything you got up to in your misspent youth." Harry shivered in delight as Severus began to kiss the tender skin by his ear and murmured, "I knew all the times you broke curfew and went sneaking around the castle, all the times you listened in on conversations that were none of your business, all the plans you formulated with your partners in crime and thought you'd got away with." His lips moved to the column of Harry's throat, then gently teased along his jawbone. He broke off and met Harry's eyes, his own full of mirth as he said, "You were hardly a model student."
Harry returned the smirk and said, "And now I'm sleeping with a teacher, it seems I was destined for a life of depravity."
Severus laughed and Harry found it hard to believe that there was once a time when he didn't want to jump the man at every given opportunity. Harry looped his arms around the man's neck and said, "Not that I mind, I quite like this life of depravity."
"I always knew you were destined for badness."
"Mm definitely," Harry murmured, leaning forward and pressing his lips to Severus'. He pulled himself closer to the man, the kiss slow and sensuous, Harry almost teasing Severus as he refused to quicken the pace. He arched upwards several times, pleased when he elicited a slight groan from Severus, who gripped him tightly and pulled him closer. He broke off and kissed along Severus' jaw line, whispering with a smile, "Fancy a shower Professor?"
Harry checked his appearance one last time in the mirror and tried to flatten down his hair, though why he bothered he had no clue. He straightened his robes and decided it would do, he knew most of the Order members anyway, it wasn't like he had to make a special effort. He straightened his robes out, then moved into the living room.
Severus was sitting on the sofa, browsing a few newspaper articles. Harry walked up behind him and slid his arms over his shoulders and down onto this chest, leaning against the back of the sofa as he murmured, "What are you looking at?"
Severus placed his hand on top of Harry's, giving it a gentle squeeze as he replied, "I was just looking at the newspaper reports from the last week, just to keep it in mind before the meeting."
"Mm the meeting, who knows what to expect there?"
"I wouldn't worry too much, I'll be with you the entire time."
"In more ways than one," Harry replied softly and Severus inclined his head to look at him questioningly. "I'm not imagining things? You did make the mind connection earlier in Dumbledore's office?"
Comprehension spread across Severus' features and he said softly, "I wasn't sure. I thought perhaps I might have done. I was uncertain until that point that we would be able to make it work both ways, but apparently..."
"Apparently we can," Harry said with a smile. He leant forward and pressed a kiss to the man's lips. "It's nice to know I'll have you with me."
"You would anyway you fool," Severus said, nevertheless pleased to discover that the connection could work in such a way. "Right, we'd better go or we'll be late," he said, rising from the sofa.
Harry groaned and said, "Can't we just stay here and 'entertain' ourselves?" He grinned wickedly, moving to stand behind Severus, running his hands along the man's shoulders and standing on tiptoes to kiss the nape of his neck.
"You're a little brat," Severus told him, turning around and wrapping his arms around Harry tightly as the little imp grinned up at him, clearly pleased with himself. "Just get through this meeting," he said, his voice low as his hand travelled down Harry's body until it stopped at the front of Harry's trousers, "and we can 'entertain' ourselves to our hearts' content." Harry's eyes closed and he pushed himself into Severus' hand.
"If you keep doing that we won't be going anywhere," he said shakily.
Severus chuckled and said, "In that case, we'd better go. And you can just behave yourself," he added with a playful whack to Harry's backside.
The headmaster's office was absolutely packed when Severus and Harry entered. An array of chairs had been brought in, some of which were being used, whilst the occupants of the others stood around talking. There were several faces that Harry recognised and some that he knew very well. He waved happily at Mr and Mrs Weasley and grinned at the twins, who actually looked incredibly grown up sitting in smart dress robes and talking quietly. He hugged Remus, pleased to see the man, but was, as usual, concerned about the man's tired and worn appearance. He waved to Tonks, shook hands with Kingsley and exchanged a polite nod with Moody. Lucius was in the corner, talking to a person Harry didn't recognise, but he inclined his head in acknowledgement towards Severus and Harry.
The room was buzzing with conversation and Harry and Severus helped themselves to a cup of tea, though Severus muttered that he would have preferred something stronger, and then took their seats. After a while, Dumbledore politely brought the meeting to order and everyone seated themselves, as the headmaster seated himself behind his own desk.
"Good evening to you all," he said as the noise ceased. "I want to thank you all for coming; I know many of you have other obligations and I'm grateful you could be here tonight. As we are all aware, the situation regarding Voldemort and his Death Eaters has worsened severely. We need to take hold of the situation before it is beyond our control completely. Remus, if I could prevail upon you to bring us up to date with the work your team have been doing."
Remus stepped forward and as Harry listened to him talk, he was surprised to see how much of the gentle professor he had known four years ago had disappeared. In his stead was a serious, strong leader, who talked with the experience of a man who had seen and done more than his fair share. It was still the man that Harry loved and held in great affection, but he was undoubtedly changed.
"My colleagues and I have spent the last few weeks gathering information with regards to Voldemort and his latest plans. He's been in Salisbury with several of his closest followers. It seems he's been investigating a ritual. We're not sure at this stage exactly what this ritual entails, but we can be sure that it won't be good news for us. We've also heard whisperings that he's gathered information regarding his...his connection with Harry," Remus said quietly.
All eyes went to Harry and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He looked over to Severus who mirrored his concern but said nothing. "What about it?" Harry asked, looking back at Remus.
"We're not sure yet Harry, and I don't want to cause any undue alarm, but it is something that I think we all need to be aware of. It might turn out to be nothing...it might not, but it's best to be cautious. I will of course tell you more when we have all the information, but...vigilance is advisable. Apart from that, we know that the Death Eater...revels are increasing in frequency and energy. They're getting more and more confident and they think they're going unchecked; to this end the Order has recruited the help of Mr Ruben Penvennen."
Remus indicated towards a man in the corner of the room, the same man he had seen Lucius speaking with earlier. He was tall and well-muscled with dirty-blond hair and a serious expression. He had strong, defined features and was not quite what some would have considered handsome, but he had an aura of strength and certainty about him that some would have found appealing.
He stepped to stand beside Remus and nodded to those assembled. "Mr Penvennen is the head of an elite band of fighters and he and his people have agreed to aid our cause. His men and women have been posted up and down the country and we hope that this will go some way to subduing Death Eater activity. Mr Penvennen himself will be taking up residence in the castle and will be offering weapons and combat training to 6th and 7th years."
"What do you think?" Harry asked Severus as Ruben stepped forward and began outlining his training intentions.
"I suppose it's necessary," Severus replied. "It's a sign of the times. Will you be taking up this training?"
Harry mentally shrugged and replied, "Merlin knows. I suppose I'll have to see what plans Dumbledore has for me. I don't think I can cope with learning any new skills. It might be good for the others though. We all need to be as prepared as we possibly can."
"Indeed." There was a brief pause and then Severus said, "Don't think too long on what Lupin said, about your connection to Voldemort. It may turn out to be nothing."
"Knowing my luck it'll most definitely be something. But I'm learning not to worry about things that I have no control over. Still, I'd rather know what it is he's learnt, whatever it might be, and what this ritual is he's discovered."
Eventually the meeting drew to an end, and Harry was definitely more wound up after all the information he'd received. Things truly were awful and Harry was worried about what lay ahead.
"You look preoccupied Harry," said Remus as he moved over to Harry as the meeting wound down. Severus was speaking with Lucius and Ruben, and Harry was waiting for him to finish.
"I'm just thinking," he replied, "it was a long meeting, lots to take in," he said as he glanced over to where Severus was. Surely Ruben Whateverhisnamewas didn't have that much to say to his husband?
"You're looking well though Harry, I'm glad to see it."
"I wish I could say the same for you Remus," he said, returning his attention to his friend. "You're not taking care of yourself," he admonished.
"I'm fine Harry, just very tired. There's much to do and not enough people to do it. We do what we must." He smiled slightly and said, "Is there a particular reason why that corner of the room holds so much interest for you?"
Without thinking, Harry replied, "I'm thinking that if that man touches Severus' shoulder again I'll rip his arm off."
"What?" Remus asked in surprise. Harry turned back to face him and realising there was no way he could back-track, offered a somewhat sheepish smile and said,
"I suppose I might as well tell you." He lowered his voice a little and said, "Severus and I...are together, for real I mean." He scanned his friend's face for a reaction, surprised when the man broke into a smile.
"I can't say I'm surprised Harry. The way you two...well, it's been on the cards for some time. And, you're happy?"
Harry couldn't help but smile as he nodded and replied, "I am Remus. It's the strangest thing in the world – less than a year ago we hated each other, I couldn't bear him, and now – "
"Now you'll kill anyone who comes within a mile of him," Remus finished with a chuckle.
Harry laughed and said, "Stupid I know but...love isn't rational."
"Love?" Remus asked gently.
Harry gave a soft smile and said quietly, "Yes, no doubt about it."
AN: Well, over 1 500 reviews, I can't quite believe it to be honest. I didn't imagine that when I started this fic it would get the response it has, but I'm so thrilled that you've all enjoyed it so much and that you continue to do so. Your support and comments are so appreciated and it makes the whole process so worthwhile.
Thank you, as always, to my beta Adaptive, who is a gem : )