Chapter Eight: Uncertainty

2 weeks before the school year was to begin, Harry received an owl from Ron. He had been dreading getting a letter from the redhead. Unlike Hermione Ron was never quite as accepting of his relationship with Severus as she was. Harry had lost trust in Ron when they were on the run and after he had abandoned him and Hermione. Harry told Dean and Seamus about the letter and his reservations about seeing Ron." We will meet him in Dublin if you Harry, then he doesn't have to come here, you can just say that you are taking some time out with us, you might travel but you haven't made up your mind yet." Suggested Seamus. "That's a good idea shay, I don't want him to know about my job at the academy, he wouldn't be able to keep his mouth shut once he was back at Hogwarts" and as angry as I am at Severus, I don't want him to have to deal with everyone's questions about where I am" said Harry trying to fight the tears that threatened to fall.

"If we go on Thursday night this week, then we still have a week before we start work," said Dean. Harry wrote back to Ron telling him the time and place they would meet him in Dublin. Thursday night rolled around and Harry felt quite nervous about seeing Ron. The Trio chose to apparate as they could make a quick getaway. They also knew that Ron could not apparate well and would not follow them. They had chosen to go the Wiley Fox for dinner, Seamus had been there once with his parents. There was a table towards the back of the restaurant and the trio decided it would be a good place to sit. A few minutes after arriving they saw Ron walking towards them. "Harry, Dean, Seamus great too see you" said Ron shaking each mans hand. He sat down beside Harry and looked at him carefully.

"It was great to hear from you Harry, it's been awhile" he started. "I think we all needed a bit of time to recover after the war", interjected Dean trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. It lasted a whole 30 seconds before Ron opened his mouth again. "So what happened with you and Snape Harry? You didn't say much in your letter I always knew he would do something, he isn't who you think he is Harry." "I'd rather not talk about it Ron, I just want to relax and catch up on your news" Harry replied, he coupled this with a stern look in Ron's direction that told him the conversation was finished. "How was Romania?" asked Seamus. "Really good, you wouldn't believe it though I got recognised over there, people wanted my autograph, the dragon handlers that Charlie works with wanted to know all about the Ukrainian Iron Belly.

There were reporters wanting interviews with me, asking what it was like to be part of the Golden Trio that helped bring down dark lord. In the end mum and I came home, it was getting too much, plus I had get organised to go back to Hogwarts. When are you blokes coming to London to get your stuff? We could meet up" I'm not coming back to Hogwarts this year Ron, neither are Dean and Seamus." "What do you mean you aren't coming back? What are you going to do? Screeched Ron. I'm taking some time out; I might travel, I don't know, until them I'm staying with Dean and Seamus." Answered Harry feeling exasperated at Ron's constant questioning. The redhead looked to horrify to reply to Harry and hastily went and got a drink. "I didn't think he would ever shut up!" said Harry. "He certainly is full of himself, I doubt any one in Romania knew his name let alone knew he went to Hogwarts," snickered Dean. All through dinner Ron entertained the trio with more stories of his increasing popularity. Finally when they could no more, then went to a nearby nightclub hoping the noise would drown out Ron's endless drivel. The nightclub was called the Twisted Pepper, it was dimly lit inside, booths are placed around a dance floor, a few yards inside the entrance was a bar with an array of glasses and a selection of drinks. Harry ordered 4 Guinness' balancing a tray he carefully took the drinks to a booth the boys had sat down at. The conversation flowed between more of Ron's antics and rise to fame and the other boys trying to divert the conversation away and onto anything else. When the music started to play the Harry, Dean and Seamus took the opportunity to move from the booth and head to the dance floor. The music was quite jaunty and Harry soon found himself jiving and moving to the beat. Ron stood at the edge of the floor looking out and occasionally Harry saw him shuffle his feet.

Half an hour of constant dancing and a slow song sent Harry back to his seat. Dean and Seamus were swaying gently in each other's arms, Harry smiled, and he wondered if he would ever have that with Severus again. Removing the thought from his mind he went to the bar and ordered another Guinness. Only a few sips into his beer Ron appeared at the booth and slid in next to Harry.

"Not a bad place to come too" he said making small talk. "Music's good and people like to get out and dance to it" Harry remarked. "Want to head back out and have a jive" Ron suggested. "No I'm right thanks mate, need a bit of a breather," Harry could have sworn that he was imagining things when he felt a hand rubbing his thigh then moving towards his groin, Harry was really hoping it was.

Next thing he knew Ron was squashed tightly beside him, making no effort to move his hand from Harry's crotch. "Why don't we have some fun Harry, now that the slimy git is gone, you can finally have a real man" Ron was whispering into Harrys ear, he a turned himself enough so that Harry could feel his errection against his thigh. " You have 30 seconds to get your hands off me and move the fuck away" Harry growled, Ron had him pinned against the wall and he couldn't move. Ron showed no signs of moving and Harry was beginning to get worried. "You know you want it, you probably haven't had a decent shag since the old git" Ron groaned.

Dean stopped dancing and looked over to the booth where Harry and Ron were. Something didn't look right, Harry was pinned right against the wall and Ron looked far too close for comfort. "We need to go over to Harry Shay something's not right," he said leaning in close to his boyfriend so he could be heard. Seamus looked towards the booth and without another word walked quickly from the dance floor and over to Harry. "Get your fucking hand off me before I break it"

Harry snarled as Dean and Seamus reached the table. "We could even have some fun with Dean and Shay" Ron said smugly still showing no sign of moving away from Harry. It happened in a split second, Harry turned just as Dean was lifting Ron forcibly from the booth. Seamus cast a silencing and disillusionment charm to defer onlookers. Dean had Ron by the collar of his shirt and his face dangerously close to the red heads. "You ever touch Harry again or suggest anything so disgraceful in my hearing again I will take you apart" Dean growled into Ron's face. Ron only sneered. "Harry's probably already tried you two out, taken it in turns, maybe you swap each night, have a three-way. You wouldn't know what that is would you Harry, after the old git, probably can't get it up w unless you think of him, what do Dean and Shay wear a black wig to turn you on? In one quick movement Harry had pushed Dean off Ron and punched him as hard as he could in the face. Ron fell backwards screaming and holding his nose. Seamus cast a featherweight charm and the two dragged Ron out into the street and pushed him to the ground. " Come near me again and I will curse you until you cannot stand" Harry spat "Now FUCK OFF!" Not needing to be told twice Ron hauled himself to his feet and was gone. "Are you Ok Harry? Did he hurt you?" Dean asked holding Harry steady. "No he just made me feel sick, and unclean" Harry shuddered.

Concluding that the night was over the trio apparated back to the house. Harry had the hottest shower he could stand and scrubbed himself until he felt that all of Ron had been removed. Settling down in the lounge room with the boys Harry recounted what had happened before Dean and Seamus had intervened. "Absolutely disgusting, dirty bastard" seethed Seamus. "He ever shows his face again I'll rip if off" added Dean. In his room later that night Harry couldn't stop thinking about how much he wanted to tell Severus what happened, to feel his comforting touch and soothing words. Feeling the tightness in his chest Harry settled to write and tell Hermione what had gone on.

Coming to land just outside the Burrow door Ron staggered in holding his nose and fuming. "What happened Ron?" asked Molly Weasley as her son stumbled into the kitchen. "Bloody bastard punched me in the face!" he exclaimed. "Tried getting friendly and turning on the charm, he didn't take kindly to it, then the other two poofs butted in and it went downhill from there." "Just give him time to cool down and he will come around, try again once your back at school" answered his mother. "He isn't coming back to Hogwarts, said he was taking time away, might travel or something, either way he wont be at Hogwarts this year", the redhead explained. "We will just have to make him come back to Hogwarts, give him a reason to come running back, getting rid of the Slimy Professor may just do that" Molly said smugly. "Just remember to play your part when you're in the gits class" she added. "Oh I will there are a few more ideas up my sleeve" Ron added with a sneer.

Harry's stomach was in knots as he entered the infirmary for his first day as an apprentice Medi-Wizard. He really didn't have reason to be nervous, Beth was very kind and by mid morning Harry felt comfortable and was revelling in all that he was learning. He helped Beth heal some first years who had gotten a little excited in their first potions class, a third year whose wand had malfunctioned during charms class and engorged their hands to be close to the size of Hagrids. By the end of his day Harry was tired but happy, again thoughts of wanting to tell Severus all about his first day crept into his mind. Pushing them aside he headed home. The trio sat up late recounting how their first days had gone. For the first time in a long while Harry had a good nights sleep.

Severus was seated at his desk, he had just explained to the returning Eighth years as they were now being called, what the year would like and what was expected of them. He noticed that Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley were not sitting at the same table, the young witch choosing to sit with Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood. Weasley was sitting with students from Ravenclaw. He also seemed to be quite annoyed about something so Severus listened carefully.

Harrys name had been mentioned once or twice, people asking Hermione where he was and if he was coming back. Weasley had over heard these inquires and decided to weigh in. "Harry thinks he's too good for Hogwarts, destined for better things, more like he's too scared to come back and face everybody. Can't handle the pressure. Saviour of the Wizarding World isn't all his cracked up to be. Probably having if off with someone, doesn't want to be in the same place as you know who," he lowered his voice as he said it and quickly glanced over at the Potions Master.

Before Severus could react Hermione was on her feet wand out and holding it against Ron's throat, deciding to see what played out Severus remained seated. "You shut your mouth Weasley, I know what you did to Harry, and maybe I should tell everyone here exactly what you did." Ron shook his head. If I ever hear you say anything like that about Harry again in my hearing I will hex you to hell and back, there is only one coward here Ronald, it certainly isn't Harry." Hermione was so close Ron could feel her breath on his face. Another thing don't ever bad mouth Professor Snape near me again either, or I'll gladly challenge you to a duel you know full well you wouldn't have a chance of winning." Hermione removed her wand and went back to her seat.

"20 points to Gryffindor" said Severus. "Detention Weasley" he all but snarled. "Why am I the only one getting detention when I was the one that had a wand at my throat" Ron yelled. "Because I said so Weasley, you need to learn to close your mouth." Answered Severus. Class finished 20 minutes later and the students filed out the door. "Miss Granger could you stay behind please" asked Severus.

"Of course Professor" replied Hermione staying seated. Once the classroom was empty Severus motioned for Hermione to sit closer to the desk. "Thank you for coming to my defence today Miss Granger and also to Harrys." Severus commented. "No problem Professor I wasn't going to sit there and let him talk about Harry like that" Hermione replied. "Miss Granger you told Mr Weasley that you knew what he had done to Harry, could you tell me what that was? Before you answer that are you aware of the circumstances surrounding Harrys absence?"

"Yes I do know Professor, I have seen Harry a couple of times and been writing to him since I have been back home. He wrote to me last week and told me about an incident concerning Ron. Ron had gone to visit Harry, Dean and Seamus; they were in a nightclub in Dublin where Ron forced his intentions on Harry. Dean and Seamus intervened, Harry punched him in the face and they threw him into the street." Explained Hermione. " I'm glad you told me this after class Miss Granger or I would have been tempted to hex Mr Weasley myself" Severus said through gritted teeth. Hermione smiled at the thought.

"Professor I was going to come and talk you about Harry at some point, but seeing as I'm here and the subject is Harry I might say it now if that's alright?" asked Hermione. "Of course Miss Granger go ahead," replied Severus. " While I don't condone what has happened to Harry and the way that it happened Professor, I will say that I'm not entirely certain that you were responsible. Did you know that Harry has had feelings for you since our fifth year Professor?" "No I didn't know that Miss Granger, not for certain, I had my suspicions." Answered Severus. "Well he did, and when we were on the run he told me that he was gay, I put two and two together. I used to see the way he looked at you. When the war ended, and you two got together I have never seen Harry so happy and content. I've known him since the age of 11 and have never seen him that happy.

I went to visit Harry in Ireland, he opened up to me a little, which I was certain he hadn't done before then." Hermione pulled two vials from her bag and set them down on the desk. "These are memories of my time with Harry Professor, I would like you to see them" remarked Hermione. Severus summoned his pensieve and placed the first memory inside. 10 minutes later he placed the second memory back into the vial and handed them to Hermione.

"Am I to believe from that memory that you were in bed and had your arms around my Harry?" Severus had a small grin on his face. "Our Harry Professor we can share him" Hermione giggled. "Professor as you can plainly see Harry still loves you very much, he is just to stubborn to admit it. I can tell by looking at your face that you love him very much too and would never hurt him intentionally, which is why I'm inclined to believe that you aren't responsible for those photos," said Hermione very sincerely.

"Miss Granger I love Harry with everything I have, I would gladly dedicate my life to looking after him and making him happy. I have tried to keep him safe and away from prying eyes in the last 6 months, he needed to rest and recover. He has brought my back to life, showed me every day just how much he loves me, makes me laugh when I never thought that was possible." Severus wasn't able to say anymore as he had begun to sob. "Please don't give me detention for this Professor Hermione said and she walked around the table and put her arms around the Potion Masters shoulders.

When Severus regained his composure he dried his eyes and thanked Hermione for the kind gesture. "There is something that I need to explain to you Miss Granger I trust that it will go no further than this classroom?" Hermione nodded in response. Severus went on to explain about the Minister sending the photos to Germany. When Hermione left the dungeons 30 minutes she was more than convinced that someone else was behind the photos and a ploy to break Harry and Severus up. Severus made his up to the headmistress's office and recounted the conversation he had with Hermione, he also told her of the incident in the classroom and Ron's impending detention. "I shall make the punishment one that befits Mr Weasleys actions, then Severus," she said. "I will leave it in your capable hands Minerva" he replied as he exited the office. Back in his office parchment and quill at the read Severus began another letter to Harry.

My Darling My Universe,

I Love You

All my love

Severus

It was the shortest letter he had written to date; Severus hoped that it conveyed the message he was trying to get across.

Harry was sitting in the office in the infirmary writing some notes when there was knock at the door, he turned to see Potions Professor he had met in the Celtic Village in the doorway. "Professor Harrigan, how are you?" said Harry rising to shake his hand. "I'm well Harry, please call me Connor" replied the Professor. "What can I do for you Connor, Beth is in a meeting at the minute if you're looking for her"

"I wanted a word with you Harry" Connor said as he took up the spare seat near Harry. "Fire away then," answered Harry. "I was wondering when your friend Hermione might be coming to visit again?" asked Connor a slight blush appearing on his cheeks. "Sometime after Halloween I think" grinned Harry. "Perhaps we could catch up for a drink when she does return then?" said Connor the blush only deepening. "I'll certainly write and ask her about it" said Harry trying to suppress urge to laugh. " Excellent, well I'll let you get back to work then" with that Connor left the office before his face exploded from the heat. Looks like Mione has an admirer Harry thought as he finished writing his notes. At home that evening Harry couldn't resist telling Dean and Seamus about Hermione's prospective new love interest. "Certainly an upgrade from Weasley" said Dean "Anything's better than that useless prat," added Seamus.

Sitting down to breakfast the next morning Harry was disturbed by a familiar tapping at the window, standing up to let Rosie in, Harry refilled his coffee cup and sat down to remove the letter from Rosie's leg. Harry unfolded the parchment and read the contents. Although he had often read the words in front of him in previous letters from Severus, this time Harry felt his heart flutter with a sensation he couldn't quite put his finger on. He was thinking more and more about Severus lately, toying with idea of writing to Severus, to maybe suggest that he see his former lover, to feel his warmth again, something Harry had missed and felt devoid without. Pushing the thought from his mind Harry got ready for the day ahead.