Ginny was outraged that the story covering the fire in Diagon Alley and the death of Mr. Sanders had only lasted one day. Nothing had come of her note that she left on the unconscious witch. There were Auror guards posted at the hospital doors but other than that nothing. 'Where would they hide him, where would he have gone when he escaped the bunker' she snapped in a frustrated tone. 'Hogwarts would be the only place I could think that he would go, the castle has more protection than ever now, no one can break through the wards, he would be safe in there. He might go to the Hogshead to Aberforth; he took us in the night we got into the castle, the portrait of his sister was a secret passage into the Room of Requirement. We should start there see if anyone says anything about Harry.' Ron offered. 'It's a start I have some hair from the Muggles I threw into the ocean, we can turn into them and see what we can find out' she huffed. The next day they would go to Hogsmeade and the Hogshead.
Aberforth was rushed off his feet, the summer break always bought in the tourists, and Wizarding families travelling through, as Hogsmeade was the only entirely magical village it attracted a lot of attention. He had just cleared away a table when the door opened and two people stepped inside, they took a table towards the back of the pub. He had never seen them before, must be tourists he mused walking over to their table. 'What can I get you?' he asked cheerily. 'Two Butterbeers please' said the woman. 'Coming up' replied Aberforth and walked back to the bar. Beverages in hand the pair sipped slowly and listened for any mention of Harry or for that matter Hogwarts. An hour later nothing had been mentioned; the Weasley's decided to call it a day and left. Something about them unnerved Aberforth and that wasn't an easy feat. He put it to the back of his mind and went about his work.
Poppy visited Harry again to check his healing, she noticed the change in him almost instantly, and he was withdrawn and very quiet like he had been in the beginning. He didn't seek Severus' hand when she examined his more private areas instead he remained tense until the examination was complete then retreated to the library. Sensing that Severus didn't want to talk she left him alone and returned to the infirmary. She went up the stone gargoyle and entered Minerva's office. 'I have just been to see Harry, he is quite withdrawn and not talking, much like he was when Aberforth found him, Severus isn't much better. I am quite concerned after the previous visit when he seemed brighter.' 'You had better sit down Poppy' Minerva gestured to the chair at the front of the desk.
'It appears that Harry and Severus are soul mates, that was the reason for the change in Harry when he sought contact from Severus. From what you have just told me it seems he has found out this bit of information and to protect his heart has pulled away. Is it possible he found out Albus?' Minerva looked towards the portrait.
It would be recorded in very old tomes and I dare say that one such tome has been housed in Elizabeth's highland home for many years. That sought of thing fascinated her. Harry may think that this is another ploy to win his affection then have it used against him, although I can assure you Severus would never do that.' Albus explained. 'What will happen if he rejects the connection, as you said Albus it is very rare, and they are very powerful beings probably the most powerful this world has seen in a long time' Minerva surmised.
'Harry will never be whole again, his heart and more importantly his soul will never truly heal.' Albus sighed. 'What can we do is there anything that says this connection must be honoured' Poppy questioned. 'No there isn't, but if like you say the connection between them is strong then it is truly meant to be. Harry has to realize that himself he cannot be forced.' Albus answered. Perhaps you should talk to Severus Minerva see what he is thinking, then maybe talk to Harry' Minerva nodded she bid Poppy goodbye and penned a letter to Severus telling she would be there the next day.
Ginny and Ron appeared disguised in the Hogshead two days later; they sat at the same table ordered Butterbeers and for the next hour observed their surroundings. Aberforth was becoming increasingly concerned more so when upon returning from downstairs he found Ron lurking near the doorway. When Aberforth questioned him he said he was looking for the restrooms. It was plainly obvious he was watching what Aberforth was doing and had been about to walk down the steps. The close encounter cause them to exit the pub shortly after. Feeling unnerved and annoyed Aberforth decided he needed to have a word with Minerva McGonagall.
Minerva and Severus were in the sitting room with tea and a biscuit Harry was nowhere to be seen. Severus conceded he was probably in the library as that was where he spent most of his time. Minerva told the Potions Master of her conversation with Albus, Severus confirmed this when he told the headmistress that Harry had come to him with the tome in question two days earlier. It had been since then that he had retreated into himself again. 'What do you feel for Harry Severus?' Minerva asked bluntly. 'I feel a great deal of affection for him Minerva, that is leading towards love, I have cared for Harry for many years, and not only because I promised lily that I would protect him. The mere fact we have connected is a bonus, it isn't something that has been forced on my part, although I fear that's what Harry is thinking' the man looked down trodden and defeated.
'Harry has always been one for protecting his heart and those around him, he sees what your doing as an obligation the Ministry to keep him safe from the Weasley's. After the time he has had, a wall has been built around his heart and no one can penetrate that wall other than you Severus. He trusts you Severus or he would have fled the moment he read that tome. You and I both know that.' Minerva said gently. 'I will go and speak to Harry now, see what he is thinking, just give it time, he will see your intentions are honorable and the result of your affection not your obligation. Severus directed her to the library and Minerva left him to ponder the thoughts racing through his mind.
Minerva found Harry curled up in an armchair book in his lap when she entered the library. 'Harry do you mind if I have a word with you?' she asked kindly taking a seat opposite the boy. 'No that's alright' he answered closing the book and focusing on the headmistress. ' I have been talking to Severus and Madame Pomfrey they both tell me you aren't feeling the best, after you were looking better the last time they and I saw you' ' I found out something and I'm not sure what to do, Professor Snape knows about it too.'
'He muttered softly. Minerva explained that she knew of the connection that had come to light between him and the Potions Master; she could also sense that Harry had reservations about it. ' I like Professor Snape a lot and I have for a long time, I just never had time to think about. While I was in the bunker I thought I would never escape and with being beaten and raped all the time I knew that if I ever made it out I would be on my own I couldn't trust anyone again. When I came here I started to trust Professor Snape he didn't make me doing anything I didn't want to do.
When I felt the electricity flow through me I was happy then I have ever been, I found out about the soul mates and the phenomenon and figured out that was what the feeling was about. I got scared because I thought it meant that I would have to sleep with Professor Snape I'm not ready for that and I don't want to be rejected because I can't have sex. He deserves more someone who isn't damaged' Harry had tears pouring down his face. Minerva finally understood what had scared harry and caused him to withdraw. 'Harry there is far more to love than simply having sex, there is happiness, understanding, loyalty connecting on levels you never thought possible, friendship, respect and trust. The connection you felt with Severus has only amplified those feelings. When you are ready you need to talk to Professor Snape I think you will find you have more in common than you thought. Don't rule love out entirely Harry. She kissed his forehead and left the room.
Harry stared out the window for a long time, playing and replaying the conversation with Minerva over and over in his mind. He was scared of what lie ahead and what it might all mean, but something deep inside was telling this was a love like no other, the connection was more than unrequited lust, he thought of how he had felt when first made contact with the Professor and how he felt in the last two days since he had last touched Severus. Miserable and Empty was the conclusion he drew. Exhausted he fell asleep in the armchair, for the first time in months perhaps even years he nightmares didn't plague his mind.
Aberforth stumbled out of the fireplace and into Minerva's office, travelling by floo had never been his favourite method of magical transport that and the fact it was quite tall and fireplaces seldom accommodated his size. He told the headmistress of the strangers that had entered the pub on two occasions and the incident involving the male patron near his private quarters. Dreading where this was heading she opted to inform Kingsley and sent her Patronus off to find him. Kingsley greeted Aberforth and sat down near the desk. Aberforth recounted what he had told Minerva and his suspicions as to the true identity of the pair. The Minister agreed that it was a strong possibility that it was Ron and Ginny and would think that Harry would come back to the place he called home seeking refuge. He told both the Headmistress and Aberforth that he would organize for an undercover agent to be sent to the Hogshead to watch the pair; he had no doubt that they would return again.
Kingsley contacted the magical undercover agency and requested and agent to come to Hogwarts, the matter was of great urgency and of the highest confidence. The reply came back saying an agent would be there the next day, he sent off his Patronus to inform Minerva, he sent an owl to Aberforth erring on the side of caution incase the strangers were in the pub. The next Morning agent Max Sullivan arrived at Hogwarts; he was met at the entrance by Kingsley and led up to Minerva's office. Once introductions had been made, Kingsley explained the situation emphasising the importance of keeping things quiet, the agent more than happy to keep watch he had a lot respect for Harry. The agent left with Aberforth soon after, he wanted to get a feel for the pub.
Harry woke a few hours later, he stretched and sat staring out the window, even though his mind was still a jumble of thoughts he felt calm, so going with that feeling he left the library to seek out Severus. He found him in the sitting room doing much the same as Harry had been doing staring into space. 'Professor could I talk to you for a moment?' Severus turned his head and motioned for Harry to sit down. 'Yes Harry' he answered to Harry he sounded flat. Harry sat down in an armchair and decided to get straight into it. 'I apologize for being distant these last few days, I have been very confused and I'm still not sure that I understand everything, but after talking with Professor McGonagall I know that nothing will change unless I sit down and talk about with you' he looked at his knees. 'What did Professor McGonagall tell you Harry?' Severus asked. 'She told me that there is more to love than just sex, its a lot of things like trust, loyalty and friendship. She said that this connection we have has amplified the feelings that are buried deep within.
See Professor I'm damaged and broken I have a hard time believing that anyone will want to love me or connect with me because of that, I am supposed to spend my time alone. Nothing can change what was done to me its how I am now' Harry's voice had a tone of resignation. Severus looked at Harry and spoke softly. 'Harry you are not the one that is damaged or broken, the people that did this to you are the broken ones, nothing you have done is wrong or makes you unworthy to be loved or cared for. You are a brave man Harry to have suffered all that you have and still be standing here fighting to have a normal existence. This is hard to hear and harder to accept you need to believe that you are worthy; I will help you if you let me. I felt something when we connected Harry and I have been miserable without it these last days.' Harry looked at his old Potion Master and tears fell down his face. 'I have felt the same way Professor, I am so scared of what the future holds I want to give this bond a chance, because I know something is there and its powerful, but I can't expect you to not find someone that can give you everything when I can't at least not yet.'
Harry unconditional love means just that, I place no conditions on this connection sex is a bonus Harry but it is not everything nor will I make it everything. Just being able to have your hand in mine is enough for me to feel that unconditional love and respect from you. I have cared for you for a long time; I am not about to ruin that by dishonouring or disrespecting you.' He stood and walked to the window hiding the tears that were falling. Harry sat motionless for a few moments before rising and walking over to Severus. He took Severus' hand in his and felt the power and love flow through his veins. He faced Harry and he knew that Severus had felt it too.
'You are everything I need Harry, never doubt that, we can do this anyway you want, I will go a slow as you need, we can talk, we can date, we can walk together Harry, I have always liked the idea of old fashioned courting.' 'I do too Professor and I want to give this connection a chance you have helped me heal and kept me safe.' 'You have healed me Harry from now on call me Severus' Harry smiled. They stayed where they were until the darkness had surrounded trees on the edge of the forest. Harry made them some dinner, the conversation flowed easily, and they laughed and shared stories about themselves that know one else knew of. He still had a way to go, but this was definitely a good starting point Harry thought as he beat Severus at another game of Wizards Chess.