Chapter 9: Realisation
Beth Pomfrey could not have asked for a better apprentice than Harry. He was smart, quick thinking and incredibly talented at recognising the effects of potions and misdirected magic. He was great with the younger students, putting them at ease when they felt the embarrassment of whatever had landed them in the hospital wing to begin with. He had volunteered to stay and monitor a patient who had inhaled a sleeping draught overnight.
Beth could see a very bright future for the young man, who thoroughly deserved it after everything he had endured. She was trusting Harry with a lot more now which left her free to get on with other work, he was becoming confident in making the rounds of the patients first thing in the morning and last thing before he left of an evening. Beth definitely thought that Harry would make an excellent Healer, probably one of the best if she was honest. She decided to approach the subject one afternoon when they found themselves with a few moments to spare.
"Harry have you thought about what you will do when your apprenticeship finishes?" she asked taking a sip of tea. "Umm not really, I'm just focusing on what you're teaching me at the minute, see where my interests lie closer to the end I suppose" he answered. "You're the best apprentice I've ever taught Harry, I think you would make an excellent healer someday. "Your potion making skills are off the charts, you have even taught me a thing or two" Beth didn't get any more words out as Harry had dissolved into tears.
An hour later Harry had told Beth all that had happened with Severus and the real reason he had come to Ireland. "Severus Snape is well known throughout this academy, both the good and the bad. From what I have been told since the war ended he certainly turned over a new leaf and was incredibly brave and heroic in keeping you safe." "For seven years" sobbed Harry.
It was clear to Beth that as angry and betrayed as Harry was, he still harboured strong feelings for the infamous Potions Master. Beth let Harry continue to talk to her about whatever came to his mind until she could see that he was becoming exhausted and needed to call it a day. When he got home that night, he ask Dean and Seamus' advice about making contact with Severus and Hermione's speculation that someone else may be behind the photos in an attempt to destroy his relationship with Severus.
"I think you have to do what feels right Harry, no one can make those decisions for you. After Weasleys behaviour the other night I can't help thinking that this is something he might do to benefit himself." Said Dean sombrely. "What do you mean to benefit himself?" questioned Harry. Seamus replied "He has always been jealous of you Harry, since our first year at Hogwarts. Jealous that people recognised you that you were famous in our world even though you had no idea what it meant at the time. He thought being your friend would inturn make him more popular, he would reap the benefits by being your friend. He told me once that he didn't have to try in any of his classes because he was a friend with Harry Potter; he could copy off Hermione who was the brightest there was in our year. So there was no need for him to put any real effort into his work." He certainly wont benefit from being my friend anymore, if I never see the git again it will be too soon, I wont be used by the likes of him anymore" gruffed Harry. "There's the Harry Potter we know and love," grinned Dean.
Later that night laying in bed Harry let the thoughts of his conversation with Dean and Seamus mull over in his mind maybe there was some substance to Ron being behind the alleged affair Severus had in Paris. Harry concluded that he didn't think Ron was smart enough to come up with such and elaborate plan on his own. Turning his mind to other things Harry thought about Severus and what he thought he should do.
He still loved him very much, hurt and angry as he was, there was something in the back of his mind that was telling him, that Severus hadn't had an affair nor would he ever hurt Harry intentionally. He was reminded of the softness Severus had with Harry, the loving nature he had towards him, the way he would hold Harry while they slept, the cup of tea be brought into Harry every morning, waking him up with a soft kiss.
Harry could feel himself getting hard at the very thought of Severus and their bed casting a silencing charm Harry placed his hand inside hid pyjama bottoms and stroked his hardening member. He slowly moved his hand up and down his shaft, rubbing his thumb on the slit, coating his fingers with precum. He imagined it was Severus who was stroking his cock, rubbing his finger over Harrys slit as he prepared Harrys entrance with his fingers.
He loved it when Severus sucked him off, the feeling of his mouth around his cock, near drove Harry into madness, the gentle movements of his tongue licking a path from his balls right to the tip of his cock, sent Harry spinning into orbit. Running his fingers through Severus soft black hair, gripping tighter the faster his mouth moved over Harrys cock. Harry could feel the release moving up through his body, he balls tightening as the release threatened to burst through, Harry pulled harder and faster "Oh god Severus" he groaned as he came hard and fast, all the pent up feeling spilling out onto his hand and stomach. Harry grabbed his wand and cleaned himself off; he took down the silencing charm and waited for sleep to take him.
Minerva walked quickly from the Great Hall, and made her way down to the dungeons, after two sharp knocks on the door she entered the potions classroom to find Severus at his desk. "Have you seen the Daily Prophet this morning Severus" she asked. "No I haven't Minerva" came his reply. Minerva pulled a copy of the paper from her robes and placed it in front of the Potions Master; "You need to see this" she spoke with hesitation in her voice. Severus glanced down at the paper in front of him. There written in bold writing was the headline that read Saviour of the Wizarding World & Former Death Eaters dramatic break up "You can believe I had anything to do with this Minerva" said Severus trying to catch his breath. "Of course I don't, you may be a lot of things Severus, but I hardly think your stupid enough to broadcast your personal problems for the world to see.
" The professor answered. The heading had an article beneath that stated that Harry had fled to Ireland and was now caught in an illicit love triangle with 2 former Hogwarts students. It speculated on how Severus may be handling the break up and leaned towards the fact that he had not been sighted since after the war had ended, and he too may be involved in an affair of his own. Severus couldn't bear to read anymore and folded the paper in half. "Harry needs to know about this Minerva, before he finds out through other means, who could have possibly leaked this story to the press, I have told no one of the break up excluding you and Miss Granger" the Professor was shaking with anger, frustration and hurt all at once. "I'm going to fire call Kingsley and get him to put a stop to this, I want you and Miss Granger to meet me in my office we will put a stop to this Severus you have my word" with that she walked quickly from the office.
Kingsley, Hermione, Severus were soon gathered in the headmistresses office. "I have stopped all future deliveries of the prophet today, I have also issued a release to say that if anything more is said to discredit Harry, there will be harsh penalties, all correspondence to the daily prophet will now be checked by the Ministry before being passed along. I have also spoken the headmaster where Harry is working and asked that no papers be shown to Harry and nothing is to be said to him regarding the article." The Minister explained.
"Do you have any idea who could be behind the article?" spoke Kingsley again, the concern clearly etched on his face. "I have a few ideas, one that I think Miss Granger and Severus will agree with." Explain it to me said Kingsley. Between the three they told the minister about Ron's behaviour in Ireland, he outburst and confrontation with Hermione in potions class, Minerva added in that he had served detention with Hagrid and they had gone into the forbidden forest to see the family of the spider Hagrid had once owned who had died some years previously.
Ron was terrified of spiders and became quite hysterical when it was evident where they were going. She went on to explain that she had received an owl from Molly Weasley demanding Hagrids instant dismissal from the school. Filius also informs me that Mr Weasley was heard to be making snide remarks regarding Harry in Charms class, naturally being as fond of Harry as he is gave him a detention." I've been getting owls at the ministry from him requesting time to discuss a book he wants to author, a street to be named in his brother Fred's memory" said the Minister with an air of annoyance. "We need to go and talk with Harry, Kingsley," said Minerva.
"I think we need to yes," answered the Minister. "Miss Granger can accompany us for support" she countered. Seeing the look on the Potion Masters face Minerva gave him a small smile. "I'm sorry Severus, but I think we need to explain all this to Harry first, then work on getting him to see you, it might be easier once he has all the facts, I know how badly you want to see him, and I will do my utmost to see that it happens." "I understand Minerva" As the headmistress was gathering her belongings; Severus removed a piece of parchment from his robes waved his wand over it and gave it to Hermione. "It's a magic kiss from me," he explained with a slight blush. "I'll make sure he gets it professor." Hermione smiled.
Minerva. Hermione, Kingsley, Harry, Dean & Seamus were seated around the table in the small kitchen. In front of Harry was the Daily Prophet, he had read the article at least 5 times and still it shocked and angered him every time. " I thought the articles after I killed Voldemort were bad, but this is worse, it's personal and down right low" seethed Harry barley able to control his anger. " I am sorry that you have to go through something like this, after everything else." Said Kingsley. "What's worse is that I'm not surprised that the low life git would pull a stunt this low, he has certainly shown he true feelings about me in any case, can anyone explain to me why he is doing this, what could I have done that was so bad to make him want to destroy me like this?"
"Its jealously Harry, pure and simple, he didn't get what he thought being friends with you would give him, the respect and admiration that you got, he thought he was entitled to, not to mention that you pursued a relationship with Severus, in his mind you chose him over Ron." Explained Minerva. "I never wanted the attention or the fame, I just wanted to be normal, Severus gave me that protected me from all the reporters and the stories in the paper every second day, now its all starting again, I don't know how much more of this I can take" Harry started to sob heavily. Hermione was by his side in seconds and gathered him up in her arms, she rocked gently until the sobbing had eased and he had stopped shaking. Every person standing in that room felt their hearts break at the state of their very dear friend.
Harry had settled enough so that the Minister was able to continue with his explanation of what they had decided to do. " We think that best plan of attack will be to completely ignore any of Ron's ranting and outbursts especially in the classroom. In regards to the article, I think we should just all acts like its nothing to get upset about; Harry and Severus have nothing to hide.
What happens in their personal lives stays between them. Don't let him see that it has upset you, just get on with it. Its attention he craves, so from now on we are not going to give him the attention he wants." Kingsley explained. "What do you think about this plan of attack Harry?" asked Minerva. "It might get him to back off and leave everyone the hell alone, I have no problem ignoring him, considering I'm here and he is there it will be easier for me, it's the rest of you and Severus that concerns me." Harry wiped tears from his eyes as he spoke. "We will be fine Harry, don't worry about Severus Ron is scared of him, so he wont overstep the mark to much, not after the detention he had with Hagrid" Hermione grinned.
"We wanted to tell you something else Harry, its about the photographs" Kingsley said cautiously. Everyone could see Harry tense; Hermione placed hand on top of Harrys and gave it a squeeze. "I sent the photos to a wizard in Germany that specialises in finding magical residue on things like photos and other items. It well tell us if it really was Severus in those images or someone trying to make it look like its him" said Kingsley. "I know this a lot to take in Harry, we certainly wish we didn't have to pile it on you all at once, but we wanted you to be aware of the possibility that it may not have been Severus that was responsible for those things in Paris, we have your interests and wellbeing at heart Harry we want to see you happy again, free to live a normal quiet life.
"Minerva spoke gently as she could see Harry was beginning to waiver. For now we will leave you to think things over Harry, I have given Hermione permission to stay here for a few days" said Minerva. They said their goodbyes, told Harry to contact them if he needed anything and left for Hogwarts. "What do I do guys, I have no idea what to do, if it's not Severus in those photos what do I do, I've got my life here. I don't think I could go back to Hogwarts, it doesn't feel like home anymore not after this. I don't want it to be him in those photos; I don't want to believe that he would do something like that to me to us. I can't think straight." Harry left the table and went into his room closing the door. "It breaks my heart to see him like this, feel so helpless, if I ever see that redheaded git again I'll rip him apart and feed him to the spiders" Deans anger was evident as he spoke.
" I might be able to help him figure out what to do," said Hermione remembering the parchment she had in her pocket. "I'll be back soon, with she walked towards Harry's room. She opened the door and saw Harry curled in a ball on the bed. "Harry honey, can you sit up for a minute, I want to show you something" Hermione spoke softly. Harry sat up and leaned against the headboard. "Severus gave me this before I left to come here," she said handing Harry the parchment.
As soon as he opened it he knew what it was. "He really did this for me?" his voice was so quiet Hermione could barely hear him. "Yes he did Harry, he loves you very very much, we have had quite the conversation about you, I can see in his face just how much he cares Harry, I really believe that someone else is trying to hurt you. I know that's hard to grasp, but please try and at least consider it" " I have been Hermione, ever since I got the letter with I love you written on it, which by the way he got from watching your memories I gather" Harry grinned at Hermione. "I know you far too well Hermione Jean Granger," he said hugging his friend. " Do you really want it to be over with Severus Harry? Tell me honestly," she asked. " Of course I don't Mione, I miss him so much, cant stand to be without him, but then the images from those photos come into my mind and the hurt comes back and I can't bear it.
Harry sometimes you just have to have faith. When I went to Australia to find my parents I was petrified that I would never find them, or if I did I wouldn't be able to return their memories. In the end I had to make a decision I could either drive myself mad with the 'What Ifs or have a little faith and hope that it turned out alright, you have to have faith in you and Severus, believe in what you have with each other."
" Deep down I know he would never do this to me, he respected my decision to not contact or try to find me, Mione I don't think I could go back to England, there are too many painful memories there now, what if Severus wants to stay there, what if he doesn't want to leave, I could see us having a life here in Ireland, what if he doesn't want that?" Harry baby there is only one way to find out, write to him tell him all this, maybe invite him over here to see you, talk face to face" said Hermione. "I'll write him a letter Mione, your right I have to have faith" Harry gave her a kiss and went in search of some parchment. Hermione left him to it and went back into the kitchen. "He is writing a letter to Severus" she told the boys as she sat down at the table. "Thank Merlin" the boys answered in unison.
Dear Severus,
I'm sorry it's taken so long to reply. I honestly didn't know what to say. I have had a visit from Minerva, Kingsley and Hermione, they showed me the Daily Prophet, and I really thought that things like that had stopped when the war ended. It makes it harder to think that it was someone that I used to consider a friend. After what he tried to do in Dublin and the things he said in your class, I don't consider him to be anything anymore. Kingsley also told what he has done with the photos, if I'm honest that's what has hurt me the most, the thought of you with another man almost killed me, for the longest time I haven't been able to let myself deal with what has happened it just hurt too much. After everyone left today I realised that I have to deal with things, I can't let them go on like this. Hermione told me to have faith in you and me, believe in what we have and what people have been telling me. I would like to see you Severus, would you come to Ireland and see me? I think we need to see each other and talk.
Despite everything that has happened I miss you and still love you very much Severus. I'm willing to try if you are.
I hope to see you soon,
Love Harry
The quartet went to the local pub that night, Dean, Seamus and Hermione, could see glimpses of the old Harry Potter coming back, nothing made them happier.