Chapter Six: Attainable
"I was unsure of how much or how little to disclose to them; knowing your side of the past has made me see them in an altered light. I cannot judge them for how they reacted as they now know that I know. And I am sure that what you have told me, is not the worst of your history with my family." Harry gave Severus a knowing look, "It may be your most regrettable moment in that history, but I am willing to wager that that was not the bulk of it."
The young man could and would bide his time and see who of all those in his afterlife, would reveal the darkest parts of their entwined history.
Harry brought his gaze to the last of his tart, before speaking again. "I simply followed the conversation as it went, and up until my mother noticed, did I forget I had on your ring. The weight has become almost normal, and the magic streaming from it a comfort. It started a few questions that I answered as vaguely as possible without disclosing your name. Father is aching to meet you, and sink his talons in I suppose." He chuckled softly.
Afternoon tea passed the two men by as their conversation quickly gave way to a comfortable silence that had both reeling. It was unreal just how much could be said through this lack of sound. That they could sit and just enjoy each others company like this brought joy and confusion to both men's hearts.
How was it possible to feel so content in one another's presence? To accept someone so deeply into your life that even in silence you feel connected? It was exhilarating and daunting all at once.
Then at the drop of a hat, the atmosphere shifted.
Severus steepled his fingers, elbows resting on the arms of his chair as he leaned back, a concentrated, no nonsense look on his face. This drew Harry's attention as it seemed that the other man was listening for something, or in a conversation with some other person. He seemed almost like a different man, a scowl set on his lips one moment, then a smirk in the next. Harry had no delusions regarding Severus, despite knowing some of his dark past. The man was an enigma who seemed to solve himself at times before reshuffling all the pieces, and starting again.
He was intrigued at how the man could send off vibes so cold and detached, then warm up a room just by flashing a soft look with his nothing more than his eyes. How did the taller man balance these two aspects of himself, Harry wondered?
Noticing the confusion in his young mates emerald orbs, Severus finished his short conversation and update, and turned his attention to the other wizard with a small but honest apology. "My apologies for leaving you in silence. Though, Harry, surely you have read or heard of mental links and mind magic outside of Legilimancy and Occlumency?" At the negative confirmation, Severus went on to explain how many specie who travelled or resided in groups had an inherent link to each other's minds, and that said link could be opened and closed at will. It was created when one pledged allegiance to another, or to a group they wished to join.
He gave the other a few moments to process his thoughts before beginning the next part of his explaination. "We too will develope a link akin to this as we grow closer, though we will be able to sense one another's thoughts as well as feelings through this form of the link. Being soulmates, it will prove harder to close off the connection as we will be more connected than I am with my coven. And with time, as we go, you will be able to form a link to the coven that is similar to my own."
While Harry's mind ran off with this new information, he took stock of himself and what he knew to be true about himself and what he wanted from this new relationship. It seemed that a month was both too much and too little time to settle into a routine, and he felt the need to extend their courtship by another month. It seemed unreal that he would suggest this, but he did, asking Severus if they could slow everything down a bit more and to add more time to their courtship. He was feeling so overwhelmed with all the things he had been told and all the things he had said.
He held his breath after finishing his request, hoping beyond all hope that Severus would accept his reasoning and agree to lengthen their time together before the actual ceremony that would link them to one another for eternity.
Luckily the elder wizard seemed to care very much about the other males psychological health as he agreed easily enough, and they moved onto lighter subjects. The taller man knew that they would have time for everything, thus waited patiently as it had only been a few days since they'd found each other.
It seemed that putting everything out there at once was hindering them both, so in light of the extension on their courting period, Severus decided to bring Harry back to the front of the castle his coven resided in, and end their first date while he was ahead.
But how was he supposed to bring this up to his little mate without affronting him?
"Harry," He began lifting the younger mans head up and flashing a sincere smile, "In order for us to slow down and make the most of our time, I believe we should end or date here." He kept Harry's cheek in his palm, and watched the boy hoping he did not sound rude or annoyed by the turn of events. Instead Harry placed his own hand on Severus' face and agreed. "That would be fine Severus, there is no need to look so worried for my reaction. Next time I would like for us to meet at the old oak tree, and from there we can go below ground. There is a place there that I would like for you to see."
The younger of the two undead men spoke brightly, before standing, letting his finger tips linger on the side of his older mates face. There was nothing he wouldn't give for a few more moments with the man, but he also knew that the vampire was correct to cut their time short. Being together too long would overcomplicate their feelings this early in their relationship, and may lead to regrets, no matter how small.
Severus understood his mate's honest expression and stood as well, shifting his hand to take hold of the others once again as he led the way back through to the front door. They walked in silence, their guards/shadows still trailing after them in equal amounts of silence.
The two had many questions, the first of which being why the younger male smelled unlike any other vampire, but had no heartbeat just the same. What family did he come from, why did he dress so differently to anyone they had seen during this past decade, and so much more. Knowing that their leader would address the situation and questions on his own time, it did not stop the curious looks they would shoot at the young man.
Said young man could feel their eyes and curious gazes settling upon him every so often, and while he was nervous that the two would pin him with questions, he knew that they would wait until it was addressed naturally.
Staying quiet seemed like the best plan at that moment, though soon after coming to this conclusion, Harry felt a bit faint. He knew it was his nerves getting to him, being the center of everyone's attention never meant anything good for him, and a sense of anxiety and paranoia sinks into his bones. Something seemed off but was it just him??
Shaking it off as an episode he would have to document later, the four finally made their way inside the castle, and through the winding halls back towards the front door. It was here when Harry felt the sudden need to shock those around him by leaving through Lily then and there, but even he had had enough for the day, and said his farewells before stepping outside.
Followed by Severus, as the man made to see him off completely. A protective mate is a must, Harry smiles to himself as he clasps his hands behind his back and trails off into the surrounding woods with his mate.
Away from prying eyes, Severus bids him farewell, reaching for his hand in order to kiss it; which leaves the younger wizard blushing through his glamour as he is not used to such affection. Grazing Severus' chest with his fingertips Harry says "Four days?"
The two had never set up a day to meet, nor a time, so of course if neither spoke up now they would miss each other like two ships in the night. "Twelve o'clock sharp." Was his immediate reply. This was easier than his mother explained it to be so many years ago. He had expected to have to negotiate when he would have his mates time, not to be made the man's top priority. The revelation brought a rosey tint to his cheeks and his eyes lit up like the sun hitting dew on leaves after an april shower.
Harry's simple gesture of passing his fingers along the other males chest, brought a blush to the elder man's cheeks and as Harry summoned Lily towards himself, Severus left him with the parting words of, "For you my little mate, I will wait an eternity." Then he watched as the butterflies shot out of the trees, revealing light in places where they had hidden in wait for this moment. In less than a second Harry was gone and Severus was left, for the most part, alone.
His mate was a wonder of the world, and Severus intended to keep him blushing and giddy for as long as time went on around them. Though he now has a few things to deal with, since both Gwenith and Ashter had seen his mate leave in his own unique way. What could be said to explain this, other than that they would have their answers addressed once his young mate was ready to meet the large quantity of people that made up his coven.
On the other side of the veil of life and death, Harry met with and sat at a small table with his mother, the setting sun reminding him of the roses he had seen not only a few hours before.
In speaking to his mother, Harry knew to keep his mate a secret for a while longer, just until the courting was halfway through and he knew for sure that Severus would not shy away at the sight of his family.
"I was able to meet with Lord Prince again today." He had managed to say before clearing his throat. To say it was a date with his mate would throw the elder woman into a tizzy, and he would like to avoid that at any cost.
He thought for a moment, trying to figure out just what to say that would make sense and keep the hand that he was dealt visible to himself and himself alone. Though if he did not tell anyone soon he would surely burst. "I am sure you know how improper it is to meet privately with another man once you have become betrothed. Harry did you meet him alone?" She whispered in concern. She knew her son would not act in such a imprudent way, to be around a man he barely knows while in the midst of being courted.
"Mother!" The boy gasped inaudibly as his cheeks flush in embarrassment. His mother, in her concern for his future and any possible consequences, so rudely believed him to be a harlot of a man. He looked around at anyone who may have heard; and once confirming that no one was paying them any mind, turned back to her. "Mother I would very much appreciate it if you could trust in me. We did not meet alone, in fact he had two guardsmen near at all times." He huffed slightly, taking a sip from his glass.
His ring clinked against the glass, and called his attention as well as Lily's to the sparkling gems. "I am fond of my fiance, and I would not betray his trust in me no matter how short a time we have known each other." Harry said in a reflective tone while running a finger over the combined crests of Severus' lineage.
One day he would be added to the man's family tree and tapestry, and he vowed then and there to stay true and faithful to the man with whom he was engaged.
Lily sat straighter, unsure how to bring her child out of the thoughts he had fallen into. She did not mean to insult him, but as a mother, she had a right to be nervous for her child. Should she have addressed the situation in another way though? No, blatancy was the best way to gain a proper and unscripted answer.
"My son, I do apologize for how curt I seemed, though you cannot blame me for this as I cannot follow you up above ground just yet. I worry you will find yourself in the wrong alleys while looking for affection." She sighed before taking a sip of her own drink and letting the age old wine soothe her thoughts.
Unable to be truly upset with the woman sitting across from him, Harry smiled and went onto the next topic. "On the thought of being able to go above ground, I am sure that we will be able to find you a way there. I am quite unsure how the door between the two worlds work, so I will need to test a few theories first and foremost. Otherwise please remain patient with me. That is all I ask." And with that the two finished their drinks. Standing, Harry offered his mother his arm, leading her back towards their home.
Lily thought on her son's new fate for the duration of their silent walk home. When he spoke of his mate, Harry's eyes had lit up like a flame in the forest, a tint of blush was brought to his cheeks, and a beaming smile adhered to his youthful face. There was no denying that just the simple thought of this mystery boy could bring such joy to her normally melancholic son.
Not once, no matter how far they had come with Harry after meeting again in the afterlife had the boy smiled so bashfully. Even now, unprompted by her words or actions, the boy would smile, and she could see that he would not stray from his husband to be's side.
With a smile of her own Lily concluded that whomever the boy was, seemed to be a fitting match for her child.