Chapter 51

The six of them orbed to the coordinates that Severus had retrieved on his and Remus' earlier visit. In a burst of golden light they appeared behind a dumpster just outside the Barnes and Noble bookstore at the Eastern entrance of the mall. Severus quickly looked around and made sure that no one had seen, them then proceeded to lead the way out of the loading dock and around to the entrance.

Draco had decided to go with a honey blond on his hair instead of the platinum blond that he normally had, although it was almost an affront to his veela senses to do so. He had to agree with Norische, his hair was his most noticeable feature and he wasn't about to be left behind so…. As he followed Norische into the 'mall', Draco couldn't help feeling nervous. He had never seen so many muggles.

Norische seemed to notice Draco's apprehension and reached over and pulled his mate close to him. Norische looked around to Chris and Harry to see how they were doing. Chris looked like he was right at home, after all he and Nori had gone to malls in Chicago and so even though this place was twenty times larger than anywhere they had ever gone to before, he didn't appear to be having too many problems. Harry appeared to be doing ok, although Norische could practically see that little lost puppy look on his face. Smiling Norische held out his other arm for Harry who immediately went over and snuggled close. It wasn't that he was afraid exactly it was just that this was all so… different…

Harry wasn't afraid of the muggles, he was pretty used to them after living with the Dursleys for so long. It was more the fact that there were so many strangers, so much unknown, so much that was new… it was a little overwhelming.

With a simple kiss on both Draco and Harry's cheeks, Norische nodded to Remus who was watching the boys the whole time. "It's ok, just a little much." Norische explained.

Remus smiled understandingly and held open the glass doors for the boys to walk through.

First stop was primarily for Remus. Barnes and Noble. After about twenty minutes and three bags of books and periodicals they headed to their next stop. Old Navy. That one was for Chris mainly, but as soon as they were in the store Harry found several pairs of jeans he liked and some shirts too. Draco wasn't all that impressed but he did go ahead and get a few casual shirts.

The next stop was where else Bloomingdale's. That stop took almost two hours before they managed to pry Draco and Chris out of the store. Norische picked out some sheet sets, and some new pillows as well as a new duvet and a couple of throws. Draco was having a blast in accessories going through hats, shoes, ties, jewelry and anything else you could think of, while Chris was busy picking up a few things in the yuppies are us section of the men's wear. Remus actually managed to get Severus to try on a rather attractive suit.

"Gods Severus, you look so good in that jacket. I love the way it is tailored to your back." Remus was practically drooling as he smoothed out the shoulders of the dinner jacket.

Severus adjusted the cuffs slightly but he had to agree the cut was superb. "I will agree to get this jacket, but only if you find one to suit you as well. You have not gotten anything for your own pleasure in quite some time and I think that perhaps that should indeed change."

Remus blushed ever so slightly but smiled slightly. "Oh but this is for my own pleasure." Remus purred close to Severus' ear so only he could hear him.

Severus chuckled when he realized that Remus was flirting with him, but in the end they both chose two suits, with all the accessories. Severus also managed to get Remus to pick out several dress shirts and a few casuals as well. It quickly became apparent to Remus that this trip was also his Valentine's present from Severus so he allowed his mate to pick out what ever he wished and didn't fuss.

Next came Baby Gap, and The Children's Place. Norische was actually glad to have his father carrying the rucksack at this point, considering in now had about twenty shrunken bags stashed in it. The next stop started out for Norische but by the time they left everyone was smiling…Wilsons Leather. Norische bought two new jackets; one that was almost a biker style and the other one was more a dressy jacket. Chris picked out a pair of leather pants and a matching jacket. Draco just fell in love with a black duster he found and Harry found a couple of pairs of leather pants that looked great on him.

With a little coercion they boys managed to get both Remus and Severus to get a pair of leather pants and a leather jacket. Harry had to admit that the idea of Severus in black leather was a little disturbing but when he saw his old Potions Master standing there looking at his reflection dressed from head to toe in leather, the man looked good. Of course Harry had to tease Remus about drooling on the leather, which caused him to blush fiercely.

After the managed to get out of that store, Norische insisted that they find some place to sit down and eat.

"What's wrong? Are you getting too tire?" Harry asked quickly.

"Are you hurting? Do we need to go home?" Chris was immediately by Norische's side.

"Yeah, are you and the babies ok?" Draco looked at his mate worried.

"Norische is there something the matter?" Severus turned to his son concerned.

"Stop, stop, stop… I am fine. I just need to find a loo and sit down for a while. I would also like to get something to drink and maybe a little something to eat. Other than my feet really hurting right now I am fine so stop the fussing." Norische waived everyone's hands away and started getting frustrated with all the public attention.

Remus quietly went through the Norische's pack that he was carrying at the moment, and found the map of the mall. Taking it out he looked it over for a minute. "We are in the right area but the food shops are on the third floor, did anyone see a lift around here?"

Draco went over to the little cart in the middle of the isle and asked the sales clerk, "Do you happen to know where the nearest lift is?"

The brunet looked over her glasses at the attractive boy. "The nearest what?"

"Elevator, Ma'am. The nearest elevator?" Chris said quickly as he came up beside Draco.

"Oh… its right down there on your left. Say you guys are not from around here are you?" The girl looked up and down Draco and Chris as if they were steak and she was a starving woman.

Norische growled low and narrowed his eyes as he walked over to where his mates stood. "No they are not from around here. And they are mine. Thank you for your help. Chris, Draco come."

Chris bowed slightly at the girl, and Draco simply nodded and turned to follow Norische. Severus shook his head at his son and putting his arm around Remus' waist followed the boys towards the lift.

Chris smiled at Norische. "Possessive much?"

Norische glared at him and moved to stand right in front of Chris, ignoring the looks from the muggles that were watching them at this point. "Yes I am quite possessive. Do I need to find a nice secluded place to explain the intricacies of being an alpha to you once again my luv?" Norische stated in a low growl as he looked dead on into Chris' eyes.

Chris could feel his heart beating in his throat and slowly shook his head. Then he leaned forward and rested his head against Norische's chest. "I wasn't complaining you know. I happen to love the fact that you let everyone know that I belong to you, and only you."

Norische's growl reverberated through his entire body, and Chris could practically feel the power vibrating right along with it. Norische reached down and grasped Chris' chin and lifted his face to where he could look into his eyes. Then without further notice, he leaned down and crushed Chris' lips against his own.

Norische could hear gasps from people walking around them. "That is so gross!", "Mommy look its two guys kissing!", "Wow, that's hot.", "I wonder if they would like some company.", "Get a room!". The comments went right past Norische's head until one specific comment made it's way through the fog.

"Nori, do you believe that you could you could calm down your possessive nature and release that young man?" Severus asked.

Norische released his mate and looked up at his father, blushing slightly. "Sorry." Norische mumbled as he turned to follow Severus towards the elevator. Draco smiled at Chris as he leaned in to Norische.

[I like it when you get all possessive too you know.] Draco whispered to Norische.

[That female had no business looking at either of you that way. You're mine. Not some desert to be drooled over.] Norische tried not to sound too bad but he realized he was an acting a little over the top at the moment…especially with all the muggles around.

[It's ok. We don't want anyone else. Speaking of desert, lets go get you something to eat.] Draco reached over and took Norische's hand as they walked over to the lift.

Wow…Panda Express, Asian Chao, Long John Silvers, McDonald's, A & W. Norische was looking around the food court trying to figure out what he wanted.

"Ok, I know I want the Bourbon chicken from Panda Express, and I want a couple of egg rolls from Asian Chao… Ah, lets see, and I want a Pepsi… I think that they have them at McDonald's, if not Arby's should have one, a big one. Chris do you mind getting it for me." Norische kept looking around to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything.

"Not a problem luv. I am going to take Draco and Harry around to check the places out; you go over and sit down. Put your feet up and we will be right back." Chris led Norische over to one of the booths and waited until he sat down to head off with Draco and Harry.

"I have no idea of what to get. I have never eaten at any of these places." Remus sighed looking around slightly perplexed.

"Well what are you in the mood for?" Norische turned so he could see the different places. "Long John Silvers has pretty good fish and chips. A&W has burgers, hot dogs and such…great root beer though. Hot Dog on a Stick, they have all kinds of hot dogs, corn dogs, nachos and they make a really good frozen fruit drink. Johnny Rockets, has burgers, chips, sodas, a few sandwiches but not many. McDonalds, is another burger place, cheap food that isn't too bad. Baja Tortilla Grill…hmm, not sure, I know that it is a Mexican place, you know tacos, burritos, sanchos, things like that. Great Steak and Potato Co. they have a philly steak sandwich that is to die for, and some pretty good salads too, oh and you can get a baked potato with just about anything you have ever dreamed of on it. Sbarro, that is a pizza place, good lasagna too. Asian Chao and Panda Express are oriental foods. Arby's mainly they have a thin sliced roast beef sandwich that is really good, and chips and such." Norische looked around a bit more then turned to his father and dad. "Does that help any?"

"Well I am not sure but I think I will go with the fish and chips. What about you Sev?" Remus looked around at the different placed skeptically.

"I believe I shall go see what the Great Steak and Potato has to offer." Severus wanted something light but he wasn't sure about some of the choices.

"Ok, why don't I come with you and see what you get, then I will get mine." Remus stated and the two of them headed over to the restaurant.

Just after they headed away, Harry came over to the booth with a tray of food. "Chris is getting the rest of it but I think he got most of what you wanted."

"What did you pick out?" Norische took the huge Pepsi and started sipping on it while he watched Harry unload the tray.

"Well Chris said I needed to try some pizza, and he wanted me try something from McDonald's too so I got some chips from there, and I wanted to try a taco. I have heard Dudley mention them before and he really likes them so I got a couple of supreme tacos too. I couldn't find any hot tea though, everyone has the stuff cold…so I got a lemonade."

Norische chuckled a little at that. "I think McDonalds may have had some but you have to ask specifically for hot tea, oh and if you want milk or cream to go with it you need to make sure you ask they don't normally offer it if you don't."

Harry glanced back over to McDonalds and looked at the lines wearily. He really wanted some tea… "Would you mind watching the food while I go get some tea?"

"Not at all, why don't you get me some too, it honestly sounds good right now." Norische smiled at Harry.

Norische sat there and started sipping on his Pepsi, looking around to see where Draco and Chris were. From the looks of it Draco was going to try Great Steaks and Chris was getting something from the Mexican place. It didn't take long for everyone to gather back at the table.

"Before I start eating, does anyone know where the gents is?" Norische asked.

"Yeah, I saw a sign over on the other side of the lift. It pointed down that hallway over there. Want company?" Harry asked as he sat down.

"If you want to you can come with me. But I desperately need to go, I haven't had a chance to since Bloomingdales and my bladder is bursting." Norische grumbled as he got back up. Harry reached down and offered Norische his hand which was thankfully accepted.

"We'll be back in a minute." Norische started off.

"Wait! I'm coming with." Draco called out as he put down his tray.

Norische and Harry waited until Draco caught up and then headed over to the loo.

"I must state that the food was excellent." Severus stated as he sat back and enjoyed just relaxing for a moment.

"Ok guys." Chris started. "What do we want to do now?"

Norische looked down at his poor feet, which at the moment were thankfully in Draco's lap being given a very relaxing massage. "I know I want to go see the aquarium, and I want to take Harry to the Amusement park."

"And we still have to go to Macy's" Draco added.

"How about this. Draco, Chris and I will go to Macy's and the other stores that they wanted to see over on this side. You, Harry and Severus can go to the Aquarium and the Amusement park and we will meet at that restaurant that you picked out for dinner. The California Café, at say seven o'clock." Remus suggested, smiling knowingly at Severus who was just about to his limit with the shopaholic godson of his.

Soon everyone was heading off in different direction. Norische, Harry and Severus headed off to the Amusement park first. After much contemplation with Severus and Harry, it was decided that Norische could handle the Ferris wheel, and the Carousel and with a little coercion they managed to get Severus to go on the Roller Coaster and to play a round of miniature golf with them. Their first stop was the Ferris wheel, that way they could get a good look around the park and truly see it all. Harry was ecstatic about the ride, although Severus seemed to be very skeptical about the muggle mechanics of it all.

Next was the Carousel, Severus adamantly refused to ride the little slowly bobbing carved creatures so he stood to the side and watched. Harry chose a unicorn to ride and Norische picked the big white tiger that was right beside the unicorn. The ride was wonderful, the gentle music box music and the slow rise and fall of the animals as the carousel went around and around was so perfect. Norische was practically mesmerized by the pure joy he saw reflecting in Harry's face.

After the ride Harry decided that once they figured out where there permanent home would be that he was going to make arrangements to have a Ferris wheel and a carousel put on the property, so that their children would always have it.

They stopped by the Toy Store next before going to play golf. Norische bought several stuffed toys for the babies. He found a series of dragons that he got for Draco; and a life size stuffed wolf, which looked remarkably like Whizzer, and two little wolf pups to go with it for Chris. Then it was on to the Moose Mountain for a round of golf.

Half way through the game Norische stood just getting ready to take his turn at getting the little ball through the teeter-totter to the spinning wheel, when he jumped in shock.

"Norische? What's wrong? Are you alright?" Severus was immediately by his side. He had noticed his son was slowing down as the day ebbed on and had been watching for any sign of exhaustion or pain.

"Good grief I am going to swat that boy. I'm fine father, just a minute." Norische shook his head.

[Stop squealing already, what do you want?] Norische reprimanded Draco, who had so rudely interrupted his swing.

[Oh Nori! You wont believe it… sleep pants, silk sleep pants on a clearance rack. They have every color you can imagine. What size do you normally wear? Oh Circe, I can't believe they are 70% off.] Draco was practically screaming with his excitement.

[I normally wear a size 30 but I don't know what size that is here. My sleep pants are longer and just a little bigger than Chris'. He can wear mine but I can't wear his comfortably. Have him try them on and if they are too big for him then it should fit.]

[Hey luv, do you know what size Harry would wear?] Chris chimed in.

[Why don't you ask him, he can mind speak now too you know.] Norische pointed out.

[Crap…I forgot. Harry can you hear me?] Chris asked.

[Yeah, what's up?] Harry wrinkled his brow at the sudden intrusion in his mind.

[They have some silk sleep pants on sale for seventy percent off, if you want we can grab you a few pairs.] Chris asked.

[Cool, that sounds great. Draco and I wear the same size so it should be easy to pick a few pair out.] Harry smiled in spite of himself; he loved the ability to be in constant contact with everyone…it made him feel so safe.

[Ok, they have sapphire blue, cobalt blue, baby blue, black, charcoal, eggplant, burgundy, dusty rose, ah…. gold, silver, emerald green, kelly green, forest green, lime, orange, purple, white, cream and it looks like … oh wait they have an off teal too. What colors do you want?] Chris listed off the various colors as he went through the pants.

[Well anything but the orange, lime and I don't know what color eggplant is.] Harry listened to the colors… he wasn't really as fashion conscious as Draco so he wasn't particular.

[Oh oh… Draco just spotted a clearance rack of matching boxers. Crap I have to go… ah do either of you want some boxers too?] Chris sounded rushed.

[That's fine luv. Don't let him go to insane… or drive dad insane either.] Norische whispered to Chris so that Draco couldn't hear him.

[That's ok…who do you think found the boxers….good grief.] Chris sighed in Norische's head and was gone.

Norische shook his head at his mate's antics and looked over to his father. "They found the clearance racks in Macy's and apparently we are going to have a fresh supply of pajama pants and boxers, enough to last a lifetime. Oh and father… dad was the one that found the clearance section."

Severus couldn't help himself as he groaned at that information. Remus wasn't a particularly active shopper, however he did love a good bargain. Severus opened his mind to Remus and found that his mate was practically hyperventilating at the items he found. Severus rolled his eyes and calmed Remus then answered all of his questions on sizes, colors and patterns…

"Why do I have the feeling we are going to need an extra room for the things he is purchasing at this point?" Severus sighed.

"I am beginning to debate or the logic of allowing three shop fiends to head off together. With unlimited credit cards." Norische smirked.

"The aquarium was unbelievable, there was this huge shark tank and they had a big tunnel where you could walk under it, and you could sit down and watch the sharks swimming all around. They played this really cool music too and it made it look like the fish were swimming to the music." Harry excitedly told Remus all about the amusement park and the aquarium as they waited for their table.

"Yeah dad you should have heard the two of them screaming on the roller coaster, it was great! By the time they got off father was practically green and Harry wanted to go again." Norische laughed and smirked at his father who was giving him his typical Snape death glare.

Everyone met outside the California Café at seven o'clock as expected. The place was packed so they had to wait for a few minutes for a table, but they didn't mind … Draco and Chris started immediately telling Norische about all the things they had found and how much money they had saved…. Of course Norische couldn't help but point out that they could have saved quite a bit more money if they hadn't made the purchases at all. This made both Draco and Chris a little uncertain of their purchases, but Norische just smiled and said it was ok, that without their knowledge he had put a limit on their cards, so that they could actually not spend too much. Oddly enough that made both boys happy, they knew that they hadn't gone over the amount he would allow so even with all their extravagance they were still within the limits that he had set.

It didn't take all that long for the waitress to get them seated and take their drink orders. Harry was a little unsure about the foods, as was Draco… neither were sure about the muggle foods.

"If you want we can each get a different thing and that way we can all try them." Norische suggested. Everyone liked that idea and began going through the menu checking it out.

When the server came back with their drinks Norische ordered a Guacamole platter and the House Smoked Chicken Quesadillas for appetizers. When they brought the platters of food to the table everyone was quite pleased. The guacamole and chips was excellent, although Severus did complain that they used a bit too much lemon, and suggested to the server to have the chef use a pinch of lemon grass instead, that it would allow the more robust flavor of the avocado to shine through but still keep the tang of the lemon quite palatable. The server walked away giving Severus an odd look but just smiled when she returned to the table to take their order for dinner.

Remus chose the Almond Crushed Walleye on wild rice, while Severus chose the Centercut Fillet Mignon. Draco picked out the Crispy Half Chicken, and the Café Caesar salad. Chris decided on the Grilled Atlantic Salmon, although he did have them change the grapefruit butter to a lemongrass broth. Harry let Norische choose so he got the Spinach Tortellini Grilled Chicken and cup of Cream of Broccoli and grilled scallions soup. Norische decided on the Herb Crusted Ribeye and also ordered the Wild Mushroom Stroganoff with plain sour cream and not the horseradish blend, just so everyone could try it too.

The meal was divine. Everyone tried each dish and with the exception of Severus' critique on the mushrooms chosen the meal was perfect. As they sat there enjoying the after dinner tea they decided that they were all quite exhausted, and almost ready to call it a night. Norische insisted on one final stop… the Godiva Chocolatier.

"How can anyone spend almost a thousand dollars on chocolate and biscuits." Chris was practically in shock.

"I'm pregnant, and who knows when we will get to come back here again. A simple preservation charm on the boxes and they will stay fresh for years. Anyway…I happen to enjoy quality chocolate." Norische replied smugly.

Remus had though he was going to be bad…he bought two of the huge collection boxes and a couple dozen select chocolates but sweet Merlin…nine hundred and forty six dollars worth of chocolates?

Severus led the way out of the mall and back to the loading dock where they had originally arrived.

"Stop complaining. I didn't say anything about your twenty pairs of silk boxers, did I." Norische noted as they all gathered behind the dumpster once again.

Chris went through his bag and retrieved the orb. "Ok, ok… I get the message."

In a matter of moments everyone was consumed by the bright light from the orb, and were orbed back to ShadowHaven… safe and sound… what a day… what an adventure… Wow…