Chapter 25
Severus was fully back in good health the next day, and in between watching Harry and taking care of Sebastian, the ex-professor barely had time to check the status of Prince Manor. Although, Mr. Goldstein, through Dennis Creevey, did assure that everything was easily repairable since it was a muggle bomb that caused the damages, not leaving any residual magic that may interfere with the reconstruction.
Kingsley also updated him by the hour of the development of the hunt for the Lestranges. The Head of the MLE already got Severus' statement and his memory of the incident. As of the moment, there was no news yet.
Mrs. Weasley, ever the kind woman, offered to take Sebastian during the nights. It wasn't suitable for a three-year-old to be cooped up in a hospital room all day and night. Although Severus had reservations of being away from his son, he knew it would be good for the boy. Sebastian needed the normalcy. The father was already worried his son had been traumatized from the explosion. No child should ever have gone through something like that, especially not his child.
Sebastian, though, was as resilient as his parents. Severus wasn't sure if he was happy about that or even more worried. He didn't want Seb to develop the same coping mechanism as him and Harry. He had rage as a coping mechanism while Harry tends to bury everything and simply forget. He needed Sebastian to deal with what he'd been through.
He supposed Molly would be good for Sebastian, at least for a while until Harry wakes up. The mother of seven was an expert on children. She'll take care of their baby boy well enough.
Sebastian initially did not want to part from his parents but Molly did promise they would be baking cookies in the Burrow. That alone convinced the toddler to come with.
"You'll be staying with grandma Molly tonight, Sebastian," informed Severus softly.
The boy quickly shook his head, "No, papa. I stay here wiv you and daddy."
"Little boys should not be in hospitals all the time, my love. Do not fear, you will see daddy first thing tomorrow," consoled the father, brushing the child's hair sticking out from his ponytail.
Molly finally interrupted and dropped to her knee beside Sebastian, "You and I can bake cookies tonight, darling. We can bake cookies for your daddy when he wakes up, how about that?"
Sebastian instantly beamed and nodded. Problem solved.
It wasn't until two more days later when Harry finally woke up. Severus had just sent Sebastian with Bill to the Burrow for the night when he heard a hoarse whisper behind him,
"Sev..."
Severus instantly snapped his head to Harry and saw him putting on his glasses, slowly blinking from the sudden light exposure. The man quickly dimmed the lights and called for the healer before coming to sit on his usual chair by the bed.
"Harry... love, how are you feeling?" inquired the worried wizard, softly brushing the pads of his fingers against Harry's cheeks.
"Like I've been hit by a bomb," Harry even had the nerve to send Severus a grin, making Severus snort in between his relief, "Hi babe, how long was I out?"
Healer Frazier came into the room and without another word, checked on Harry's vitals and did another scan.
Severus glanced back to Harry and replied casually, "Five days since the incident."
That was within Harry's normal range of hospital stay. Harry tried to snort from the fact that he had spent so much time in hospitals enough to have a 'normal range', but essentially failed because it turned into a coughing fit. The healer merely sent a quick anapneo to Harry and gave him a reassuring smile, "That is quite normal, Mr. Potter. Your throat hadn't been used for days, it will feel scratchy for at least another 6 hours... Everything is good. Your magic isn't fully back on it's normal level yet but the progress is promising. I will be coming by tomorrow morning for another scan. Goodnight, Mr. Potter, Master Snape."
Healer Frazier nodded at both of them and excused himself out. When Severus turned back to Harry, the boy had a sly smirk on his face and wiggled his eyebrows slightly, "Healer said I haven't used my throat in days, Severus..."
Severus had the biggest urge to hit Harry on the head but forced himself not to get the boy back on an unconscious state, and only huffed at him, a small reddening on his pale cheeks coming to play. "Oh, do behave, Potter! Now is not the time for innuendos."
Harry softly chuckled and sighed, leaning back on the pillow and closing his eyes before snapping them back open in urgency, "Sebastian! Where's my son?!"
"Easy, love. He's staying at the Burrow during the night," said Severus, making Harry suck in a relieved breath.
The younger wizard relaxed once again and held onto the hand that kept brushing on his jaw. "Sev? Who was that RR?" asked Harry quietly.
"Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange. They used to sign RR on the bodies of their victims," replied Severus monotonously as if he was occluding. Harry thought he probably was.
"Oh... so still Voldemort's minions then... when will I ever get away from him? He's dead and he's still hunting me... but a muggle bomb, Severus? As far as I know, those brothers hated everything muggle..." rambled Harry, looking perplexed.
"That was my thought also," said Severus. "The ministry brought in a wizard who worked in a muggle bomb squad to have a look and reported it was something called a large metal pipe bomb. They reckoned both our mere presence triggered the device because they detected a magical revealing ward in the spot it detonated."
"Had they found anything on the Lestranges yet?" asked Harry in seriousness.
"Not yet but as soon as they do, Kingsley will send a Patronus," assured Severus. Honestly, Severus thought they weren't doing enough. The Lestrange brothers were not the brightest of people, it shouldn't be that hard to locate their signatures.
"I hope they find them soon. I'm getting really tired of being a target, you know?" Harry muttered dejectedly.
Severus only nodded, fully understanding his sentiment. He then had Harry eat a few bites of his dinner and forced him back to bed. Even though Harry had just woken up, the man still needed the rest. It wasn't that difficult to get him back to sleep anyway because Harry really was exhausted.
Harry had woken up to a weight on his chest.
"Daddy? Sebbie here now, wake up," whispered a small voice that roused Harry at once.
"Seb?" called Harry voice husky from sleep. He felt for his glasses on the bedside and put it on, the sight of his grinning three-year-old welcomed him.
"Hi, daddy," smiled the toddler. "I missed you."
Harry had Sebastian wrapped in his arms in seconds, savoring the warm feeling of his son's little figure pressed to his chest. "I missed you too, love. What have you been doing while I was asleep?" Harry asked the boy, a genuine smile plastered on his face.
"Me and grandma Molly made cookies, daddy! Was very yummy and gooey. And I sleep in uncle Ron's room. Uncle Ron likes cannons, daddy, and me and Tori made funny faces for the baby," informed the child earnestly.
"That's very nice, Seb. Where is your papa?" Harry had not realized quickly that they were indeed alone in the room.
"Talking to the big man wiv weird hat," shrugged the boy.
Sebastian must have meant Kingsley so that means there might be news regarding the search. As much as he wanted to get up from bed and hear what the Head Auror has to say, he doesn't think he could handle standing for a while. Perhaps he should just wait until Severus informs him of the development. In the meantime, Harry would be happy just to cuddle with Sebastian and listen to his tales.
Harry intently listened to Sebastian's rambling for about 10 minutes before Severus finally returned. The man's expression was grave and somber before it changed into a calm and satisfied look when he noticed Sebastian rambling, sometimes switching to making elephant sounds with his new toy as he straddled on Harry's waist.
"Good, you're up," drawled Severus, the corner of his lip twitching lightly as an effort not to smile. He then lifted Sebastian off Harry and placed him on the ground, "Sebastian, your godmother is asking for you. Run along, now."
The little boy's eyes gleamed in mischief before dashing out of the open door without another word, somehow worrying Harry. The younger wizard gazed cryptically at Severus and asked, "Are you sure he'll be alright going out there alone? What's Hermione need with him anyway?"
Severus snorted and rolled his eyes before coming to sit at the edge of Harry's bed. "That son of yours is a staff favorite, Harry. He will be fine. I am guessing your friend took him to the healer's lounge again. Sebastian always returns stuffed with sweets." Harry could hear the amusement and revulsion in Severus' voice, making him chuckle at the thought of Severus around an already hyperactive boy in sugar rush.
"Anyway," the older wizard's tone turned serious, "Kingsley was here earlier. They've got the Lestranges, Harry. One of them was stupid enough to use a black market wand and the Aurors were able to track the magical signature to an isolated cottage 10 miles east of the lake."
Harry gawked at the news Severus brought. He thought the search was way too easy but considering he did beat Voldemort with a simple wand-expelling charm, it was entirely plausible. Technically, they have been searching for at least 4 days already but Harry had only woken yesterday. He had no idea what the Aurors have tried.
"Well, that's... good?" said Harry hesitantly.
Severus looked at him as if he was stupid, "What do you mean, it's good. This is perfect!"
"I know, I know... I just woke up, my brain isn't fully functioning yet," grumbled Harry petulantly causing Severus to soflty chuckle and pat on Harry's knee.
"The Aurors are still questioning them. Your red-haired friend will be informing us of the details tonight," informed the man.
Harry nodded gratefully and sighed. He hoped there isn't more bad news.
Harry should have known not to jinx anything.
"As soon as they were caught, the pair started talking. They basically agreed to tell us everything in exchange of a cell away from dementors. They really were out of contact from the Wizarding world if they thought Azkaban still uses dementors, geez. It turns out, they have been hiding in the Romanian forest for three years until a wizard named, get this... Lance Pierce owled them and offered to have your head on a platter. Seriously, I mean, this is the same Lance that had attacked you last year!" Ron exclaimed hotly.
"I really don't understand what that guy has for me... it's been bugging me for months! First he says he wanted me, then he attacks me, releases my personal life to the papers, and now this?" Harry was bewildered. He could not remember talking to the man other than the first time they met and he seemed okay at that time, a little creepy but relatively harmless. He didn't think he'd done something wrong to him, hell, he was the one who harassed Harry in the first place.
"Don't worry, his face is already plastered both in the magical and muggle world. The Australian Ministry corresponded with us and gave all their information on him. They think Pierce is in the UK," informed Ron.
Severus finally spoke, "I do not think he is in the magical world. I had someone spy on Pierce when we were still in Australia. That man lived like a muggle aside from a few uses of magic."
Ron nodded with a thoughtful expression on his face, "It will be much easier to track him in the muggle world. They have this thing called... uh... the one that they stick onto the wall... what was it...?"
"Surveillance cameras," piped Harry.
Ron snapped his fingers and pointed at Harry in acknowledgement, "Yes, that's it. Surveillance cameras. We can track him down in no time. Thankfully, the news of the Lestranges being found hadn't reach the papers yet. I don't think he's technically hiding right now."
Ron stood up and brushed the crumbs on his shirt before glancing back to the couple, "I'll get back to the office and have a team work with the Scotland Yard. I'll see you both later." He nodded once before patting Harry on the shoulder, "Take care of yourself, mate."
"Thanks, Ron," said Harry, smiling. Severus also inclined his head in gratitude.
As soon as Harry and Severus were once again alone in the hospital room, Harry released a humorless laugh, "Well that was unexpected."
"We always knew Pierce had an accomplice, Harry. We just did not think it was the Lestrange brothers. Honestly, it was stupid of me not to realize it ahead. Those two were the worst death eaters to have escaped," muttered Severus, sucking in a huge breath.
"I hope they catch him soon. I am getting way too tired of this. Do you think they had anything to do with the poisoning?" Harry inquired, bringing his hand to rest atop Severus'.
"Rodolphus and Rabastan knew I made the poison, Harry, and knew I may be able to detect it right away. If they meant to kill me, they would not have used something I created," said the Potions Master. "No, I think that alone was Pierce's doing, if they do have anything to do with it."
"You may be right," wondered Harry. "This is all messed up. I think I'm going back to bed, I'm knackered, " mumbled Harry tiredly before collapsing on the pillow and pulling the covers. He really was tired especially from the weight of all the news he received for the day, and if he wanted to go home tomorrow, he really should be well rested tonight.
Harry finally was allowed to leave St. Mungo's the next afternoon. Because they could not come home until Prince Manor was restored, they needed a place to stay. While both men had more than enough properties to spare, the people around them refused to let the family move somewhere they'd be by themselves. Molly invited them to stay in the Burrow for the time being but Severus declined the offer, saying the woman had already done enough for them just by taking care of Sebastian during the past few nights. She did make a good suggestion, though, that was agreed by the majority. Molly suggested they should stay in Hogwarts, after all, it was nearly summer anyway. Minerva was all too happy to have them and she really did want to have company during the break other than Hagrid and a few other professors who preferred to stay in Hogwarts than go on holidays.
Severus supposed staying in Hogwarts for a while was a fine idea. He did miss his old quarters. They would have to add a room for Sebastian but that's easily done especially in a sentient castle like Hogwarts. Severus can give his little prince a tour of the school and Harry could get around flying in the pitch when he's strong enough. Maybe he and Harry could even have a little role-playing in the potions laboratories... yes, staying in Hogwarts was definitely a splendid idea.
They do, however, need to get more clothes. Thankfully, Sebastian's room was placed on the rear side of the manor where it had the best view of the backyard. It also had two extra levels of protection wards on them that it wasn't as affected by the blast other than a few of his toys and books scattered on the floor. Both Severus and Harry were indeed over-protective of their little miracle. Arthur was able to get Sebastian's clothes, a few books, favorite toys and his bun-bun when he came to check on the progress two days ago.
The Master's bedroom, on the other hand, was included in the damage caused by the explosion. Molly had to get them new clothes the day they were taken to St. Mungo's but still, it wasn't enough to last them at least a month. They would perhaps have it mail-ordered from Madam Malkins to Hogwarts since the witch had their sizes anyway. Severus could not get himself to care for all the valuable things he lost, not when his family had survived. He was only thankful he had given his research papers and a sample for testing to Healer Smyth, the Head of Experimental Treatment Research Department beforehand as it would have been such a waste of potential.
By that evening, the two men and their little boy flooed to the Headmistress' office, Harry once again almost falling on his feet.
"The floo really hates me," grumbled the man, dusting himself off before taking a sleepy Sebastian from Severus back in his arms.
Severus had to roll his eyes as he passed the boy to Harry. "Be thankful Sebastian has my grace and sense of balance."
Harry scowled at him, "I am not clumsy, I just seem to land wrong."
The older man had to roll his eyes and snort before responding with a snarky remark about always landing wrong. The pair started bickering, their son ignoring them altogether, preferring to fall right to sleep on Harry's shoulder as if the three-year-old didn't care. All the while, Minerva was watching the little family interact. While she knew both men loved each other, those two butt heads more than necessary... at least in public. Merlin knows how they act when they're alone. The witch shuddered at the image of Severus giving Harry a love-sick look, not knowing the man does it almost every night when he watches Harry sleep.
"That's enough!" snapped Minerva, keeping her voice stern but not loud enough to wake the sleeping boy. Like Sebastian would ever wake up to that... the boy was a dreadfully heavy sleeper.
The two men sported flushed cheeks at being chastised by the Headmistress not even an hour yet into their stay Hogwarts.
"Er... sorry," mutter Harry sheepishly. "We got carried away."
"Yes, well do try to avoid getting... carried away often, especially within little ears," scolded Minerva, glancing at Sebastian's figure and giving both of them disapproving glares.
Severus scowled but kept himself mum. While he and Harry bicker all the time, it never turned into a fight. Severus already had that conversation with Sebastian and explained to the little boy that daddy and papa love each other very much, that they only do that to irritate each other. Seb really had no problem with their bickering and thought it was funny because papa gets all red in the face when daddy kisses him quiet.
Minerva sighed, came to give the two men a hug and a kiss on the sleeping boy's temple. "Your quarters are ready, Severus. A room for Sebastian has been added. Classes don't end until next week so please don't scare my students while you're here."
Severus sent her a sly smirk completely telling the witch of his plans. When she glanced at Harry to give him the same order but not to swoon the young girls and boys with his boyish looks and fame, Harry already had a similar smirk on his face.
Minerva sighed. She was starting to regret her decision of allowing two of Hogwarts' worse rule-breakers as students, the older much more than the younger though less apprehended. And by this time tomorrow, a smaller version of them would wreak havoc in the castle.
"Oh, don't worry, professor. I will have my eyes on him all the time and make sure he doesn't take points from Gryffindor left and right," smirked Harry.
"Yes, Mr. Potter, you do that. Now, leave my office. I have work to do," ordered the witch.
The pair immediately left the room, their son softly snoring on Harry's shoulder. They quietly strolled down to the dungeons without bumping into any unruly students in the corridors. It would be Harry's first time in Severus' quarters and he had to admit, he was excited to see what his fiancé's room was like when he was still a professor.
They stopped in front of a snake statue and Severus stated his old password, "Galanthus Nivalis"
"Massster Sssnape, welcome back. And you brought your mate and hatchling," hissed the snake.
Harry forgot he was speaking to a snake and hissed back, "My name isss Harry Potter and thisss iss our ssson Sssebasstian."
The snake's eyes widened in shock, at least it seemed like it did for a statue. "A ssspeaker! What a rarity..."
Severus stood by the door and huffed, "You may talk to the snake on a later date, Harry. We need to take Sebastian to bed."
Harry nodded apologetically and hissed an excuse to the snake before finally stepping inside the quarters. Harry should have expected what he Seversus' rooms looked like but he still was surprised. Severus really does have great taste when it comes to the interior. The stone walls were unsheathed but there were a few wood accents here and there including the recessed bookshelves and the mantelpiece. The ceiling was painted the softest hue of yellow and on the middle was the same shade of yellow carpet. Naturally, there was no windows in the dungeons but the whole room wasn't dark at all. There were long lamp tables that doubled as a desk situated behind two dark green couches facing each other with a round wooden coffee table in between.
It was spacious and calm. Very far from what he, and many others, imagined when they were still students. No bats hanging from the ceilings at all.
Severus saw the surprise in Harry's face and smirked, "Not what you imagined?"
"Uh-huh. It reminds me of your office, actually," shrugged Harry, a little saddened by the loss of their favorite spot in the house.
"I suppose it does," said Severus. "Go and put Sebastian to bed. The last door, I believe. That one is new."
Harry nodded and went to tuck the boy in. Sebastian's room was almost like his bedroom in Prince Manor but smaller. Harry removed the ribbon that tied his son's hair and pressed a soft kiss on his forehead.
Harry plopped down next to Severus on the couch. The man had one leg folded atop another and was casually flipping on a Potions journal. Harry laid his head on Severus' lap and fiddling with the buttons of his waistcoat, clearly seeking attention.
The older wizard was still focused on reading making Harry huff. "Sev... Sevvyyy..."
"I abhor that nickname," rumbled Severus. "What do you want, Harry?"
"Take me to bed, baby... It's been too long!" pouted Harry pathetically.
The man peered down at him straight-faced. "I'll take you to bed but no sex tonight. You are still weak."
"Then you do all the work!" exclaimed Harry petulantly.
Severus arched his eyebrow and smirked wolfishly, "Still a no, my love... however..." The man leaned in close enough to brush their lips together and moved to whisper leeringly on his ear, "If you're well enough in two days' time, I'll take you to my old lab, bend you over my desk, and fulfill that request."
Harry felt all the hair at the back of his neck stand in excitement. He smiled coyly at his lover and pulled him in for a full-on snog before releasing him and whispering, "You're on, Professor."
Severus gave Harry another kiss but this time, softer and much more tender. He then lifted the man bridal style and carried him to their bed. Severus settled Harry slowly under the covers and climbed behind him, burrowing one arm through the little space between Harry's neck and the pillow, and another wrapping around his slim waist, coming to rest right on Harry's beating heart.
Harry snuggled back into Severus' body, clutched on the hand on his chest, and sighed dreamily. "Goodnight, Sev."
"Goodnight, Harry."