Hiding Under the Ninth Earth
Backstory 01 : All Through the Night

Chapter Eight : God His Loving Vigil Keeping

Sunday 7 December 2003

The water was almost too hot, but Severus thought it a perfect complement to his husband's temper. He couldn't much blame Harry his acerbity; accustomed as he was to his colleagues' whims, the requisite dismissal of their more annoying-habits-came easily to him.

It had started innocently enough at breakfast. Having stayed abed too long 'snacking', they'd rushed up the stairs to the main level. Seeing no one around, Harry had wickedly called the challenge: "Race you!"

With the Slytherin House honour uppermost in his mind, it was with great pleasure that Severus slid through the staff door a pace in front of his husband. Ignoring his labouring heart and the ardent demands his body made for 'more air, now, please', he'd straightened his robes and strode to his place at the Head Table as if he hadn't just run pell-mell through the hallways of Hogwarts. Seating himself, he certainly wasn't prepared for the sneaky hand surreptitiously fondling his arse nor the warm breath caressing his ear as Harry leant over to whisper, "The best part of losing is the fine view from behind."

Indeed. He could attest to that, although he would never consider it losing. In fact, the vista from where he now lounged on the deep ledge of the pool was quite inviting; Harry's broad back tapering down to a slender waist and tempting hips and buttocks just begging to be touched-especially when the muscles under the unblemished skin bunched and jumped with his agitation. Well, he could do something about that at least. Pouring a dollop of soap on his hands, he smoothed them across Harry's back and started kneading the stiffness away. Harry's soft groan as he dropped his head forward brought a smile to his face.

His voice muffled, Harry asked with asperity, "What does it take to convince McGonagall and the others that Perrin is a boy, an individual-not a problem they have to-fix?"

Severus supposed the earlier 'discussion', started at the head table and continued later in the staff room, could have seemed like they considered Perrin a 'problem', although, in his estimation, that had not necessarily been the intent. He thought his fellow teachers were more guilty of poor timing than anything else. Harry's normal, boyish cheeriness augmented by the ebullient mood with which they'd both awakened this morning had contrasted sharply to the demanding questions Minerva and the others raised-a practical bursting of their euphoric bubble, so to speak. It had definitely been a mood-killer.

Working his thumbs down Harry's spine in small circles, his fingers splayed to the side, Severus temporized, "You'll have to forgive my colleagues their-concerns."

"Concerns? More like a bloody inquisition!" He pitched his voice in a nasal whine. "'This is going to upset the whole term. We have enough trouble without you adding more. What do you intend to do to fix it?' Really! I don't remember her ever being so-cold. What happened?"

The knots in the shoulders were formidable; Harry grunted under the pressure from his hands. "Harry, this is Minerva of whom we are speaking-" Severus muttered "-Miss Fussy-pants 'I-couldn't-do-anything-simple-if-my-life-depended-on-it' McGonagall."

Harry chuckled appreciatively but soon fell silent.

Severus moved his hands to the other shoulder as he said carefully, "I do have to admit that she has a point, though. Other than Poppy and Dumbledore, I am the first married staff in recent memory; if I recall correctly, married staff traditionally lived in Hogsmeade. With my other duties as Potions master to the school and Head of House, I cannot, the result being that you are the first non-staff member to live at Hogwarts in over a century. Now there is a child involved, one who is also a student. We're setting a precedent as a family living here together and, with the larger-and growing-student population, one with which we, the teachers, are ill-prepared to cope."

"I know. I've always been appalled at your workload." He sighed. "I do understand the constraints and the desire to keep the students on equal footing, if only for your sanity, but we're not talking about just 'any' student. This is Perrin. Our Perrin. He's not a 'precedent'. He's not a troublemaker. He's a child who just lost his mother!"

Disturbed by his mate's almost palpable distress washing through him, Severus leant over and kissed Harry's nape, his arms sliding around him to hold him close. His effort to soothe was rewarded a moment later when Harry took hold of his hands and murmured, "I know you understand. I can feel it. I'm just afraid they're going to make the situation worse. With the possible exception of Sprout, the others are being incredibly insensitive. He doesn't require 'special treatment', as Minerva claims, nor does he deserve Trelawney predicting 'his incurable melancholy' with her damned tea leaves. The irony of the whole thing is that he needs the even-handedness you're always claiming is a prerequisite of the job."

Severus dropped his hands below the water, his fingers gently pressing into the smooth skin as he moved them to continue his massage. Slowly working his thumbs into the lower part of Harry's back, he said reflectively, "I suppose it is entirely possible that, during the war, we became too-hardened-to the plight of the students who lost one or both parents; there were so many over the years it became impossible to extend ourselves-emotionally-that far; we tended to push such students into the background to deal with their grief alone or with their peers-they just became one more problem we had to solve."

"So what is Perrin, then?"

Scooping water out of the pool to rinse the clingy soap, Severus murmured, "Our ward."

"Hmph. You know what I mean. Is he now a 'problem'?"

He ran his hands down the squeaky skin to make certain he'd got it all. Damn, even Harry's arse was tense. "Scoot forward," he commanded softly. Harry did as asked, perching on the edge of the ledge, and Severus began the awkward process of soothing the tension from Harry's more delectable bits. "I confess, this is new to me. As a teacher I sympathize with McGonagall and the others and, in normal circumstances, would prepare the means to keep him equal with the others in terms of the amount and type of attention he receives from me. As a guardian, of course, I want to make certain all his needs are met. Under the current conventions, this makes Perrin a-unique."

Harry craned his neck around to look at him. "You were about to say 'problem' weren't you?"

Well, maybe. "Never. Not about our ward," he replied with a chuckle. "But I can see I'm going to have one. I cannot be both a parent and a teacher at the same time on school issues-the goals are too oppositional. There must be a compromise. I'll have no difficulties, of course, on the holidays, but during the school year?"

Harry moved away and turned his body to face him. Calmer than he'd been before, he said, "Perhaps a discussion with Albus would be useful. He wasn't always old; perhaps in Hogwarts' past there are-traditions-we can all live with today."

Severus smiled. "You really have difficulty even saying the word 'rules', don't you?" He didn't even try to evade the swat his husband aimed at his arm. "Maybe the easiest solution is that during the term, you are the 'parent'." Harry growled. "What? You disagree?"

Harry put his hands on Severus' knees and fixed him with a stern gaze. "Severus, let me tell you what I see as the 'rules' concerning our relationship with Perrin."

It was as inevitable as the sun rising-best to let him get it out of his system now rather than later. "Very well. Your ideas?"

"One, on a personal level, we are a matched set, a pair, joined-at-the-hip, you know-together. That means we share all the fun things as well as all the shitty things-together."

"All right, together it is." Harry's eyes widened a bit at his easy capitulation. Severus chortled inside; it was always a source of amusement to fulfill his husband's inexpectancies.

As if reading his last thought, Harry cleared his throat and continued. "Two, I understand your need to do whatever you feel is necessary to distance yourself from Perrin professionally; however, that distancing ceases once we're in private. And it will be a problem if personal issues addressed in private are carried into the classroom, or visa versa."

That struck a little too close to home. "I never-"

Harry never let him finish his weak protest. "Severus. This is me you're talking to, remember? The bloody golden boy who spent more time in your tutelage than any other student in Hogwarts? Even after you started 'liking' me, you were a git-most of the time-publicly and privately, which was acceptable-you had no obligation to me whatsoever beyond your teaching. Perrin is a different story altogether. We are, in essence, his parents now. He's family-something neither one of us really knows how to define-yet. Face it, Severus, regardless of his behaviour, you're going to be harder on him than the others because you won't tolerate accusations of favouritism, which will be difficult for him as he already looks up to you and wants to please you."

"Wonderful," he groused, acknowledging the truth of his husband's statements.

"Yeah, isn't it?" He chuckled. "I almost feel sorry for the boy-talk about inequality with his peers-they at least can escape their parents' vigilance. And you?" His voice gentled. "It's not going to be any easier on you, is it?"

"How depressing," Severus mused.

"Precisely. And speaking of which, here's number three: I'll not accept that redirection-thing-you do so well to avoid discussing something uncomfortable, nor will I stop touching and loving you in private just because it makes Perrin and you uncomfortable."

"Hmmm. Anything else?"

Harry eyed him suspiciously. "You're being awfully cooperative this morning."

"You haven't said anything, yet, with which I can disagree." Nor had he really agreed to anything except the first item.

When Harry remained silent, he couldn't resist the temptation any longer and slipped into the water to loosely slide his arms around his mate. Nuzzling his neck, he felt the bond, which had been quiet for a while, flow easily between them. So Harry wasn't too upset anymore. Good, because he was done with discussion. He wrapped a leg around Harry's under the water and pressed them close. Harry's head came up, and as their lips touched, Severus couldn't help but admire the wicked gleam he'd seen in those expressive eyes, supremely pleased they'd found something else upon which they could completely agree.

.:o:. .:o:. .:o:. .:o:.

Feeling oddly out-of-sorts, Severus made tea before going back to his study. Alone. He snorted at the irony of being upset because he had no company for the afternoon. It wasn't like they would 'do' anything. Harry would sit tucked up on the couch in his study, while he sat at the desk working. It wasn't that he wouldn't be able to make the grading tolerable by reading to Harry the more humourous excerpts from the excrement on parchment his students loosely called essays. And it wasn't that Harry wouldn't interrupt him with those little "ha's!" he made when he read his mail or the twisted progress notes of another healer. It wasn't any of those things.

In fact that was what they'd been 'doing' when the emergency call came in from St. Bartie's. Harry had been writing letters, the inkwell hovering by his side, when his Crystal-Call had keened. Seeing its lime-green colour, Harry had sworn a blue streak while gathering his things. A quick kiss and a profuse apology later he was gone. Severus had tried to concentrate, but the late morning was broken anyway, so he went into the nook deciding a pot of tea would serve better than lunch; he really wasn't all that hungry anyway.

While he was walking back to his study, the tea pot and cup obediently following him, he heard someone faintly calling his name as he passed Harry's study. "Hold on," he shouted, sending his tea back to the table. Being not much larger than a broom closet, they'd agreed this room was a 'no-sex' zone so they could leave the Floo open. As he approached, Dumbledore's head sticking out of the fireplace, it dawned on him that with the holidays, the whole apartment would more than likely become a 'no-sex' zone. The thought was rather depressing.

He was almost glad to see Albus if only for a diversion from his morose mood. "What?"

Without preamble, the headmaster said seriously, "Perrin's missing."

Severus' stomach lurched. Mindful of what he and Harry had discussed, he kept his 'greasy-git-Potions-master' persona firmly in place. "And Sprout can't find him? Or you for that matter?"

Albus' mouth twisted in irritation. "Severus, he's your charge."

He was beginning to see why Harry wanted the 'rules' so clearly delineated. "No, Albus, he's not. He's a Hufflepuff and therefore Pomona's responsibility. In case it slipped your mind, I'm in charge of the Slytherins."

"Aren't you worried?"

Of course I am, you old fool. "Not in the slightest, Headmaster Dumbledore. I have every confidence that you and the appropriate staff can safely find him. Unless, of course, you're notifying me as you would any other guardian that there is a true emergency requiring my presence."

"Have you told Perrin this?" Albus asked, his eyes wicked.

"Well-"

"Ah, so he'll completely understand when he finds out you didn't participate in the search?"

Eternal perdition would be too good for the old bastard. "Where and when was he last seen?" he asked with a heavy sigh.

"We think sometime right before curfew. I know he has not left the castle, although where is a bit of a mystery."

There were so many things wrong with that statement. "Albus, I find it difficult to believe you don't know where every speck of dust is in the castle."

Dumbledore chuckled. "Nevertheless, it's true."

"And how did he go missing so long?"

"It appears Miss Gardener knew he had left the dormitory, but thinking he just wanted some time alone, she held her peace. It wasn't until he missed breakfast and then a study group that she informed Pomona."

He could see a detention in Miss Gardener's future. "And how long ago was that?"

"About a half-hour ago."

"Have you tried the Reperio spell?"

"I can't use it; it's rather specific to you or Harry." Well, there was a surprise.

"I'll go find him," he said wondering again why he was being asked to do this. "Is there something you're not telling me, old man?" he asked suspiciously.

"No, Severus. I just thought that coming so close behind the Dissolutionment, he might benefit from your unique perspective and guidance more than the others. They have no rapport to build, nor stake to lose."

Deciding to accept Dumbledore's words at face value, Severus nodded. "Very well. I'll be back." As he was turning away, he couldn't resist adding, "Don't hold supper for me."

With Albus' laughter behind him, Severus left to go find Perrin.

.:o:. .:o:. .:o:. .:o:.

It was rather nice to know the Reperio Aperio spell worked. He'd not been too certain it would because, until now, he'd only been able to find Harry with it. Once assured that Perrin was safe, and reasonably assuming the boy had gone off to be alone for a valid reason and would resent a too-early intrusion, Severus finished his tea and graded his papers telling himself it was too near the end of the term for him to fall behind now and had nothing to do whatsoever with whether or not Harry might return before he left.

With the last comment drying in red ink, he stretched and began collecting items. From the dining nook, he pulled out the small black padded picnic pouch he and Harry had bought in Hana and packed an 'Ever-Warm' flask filled with fresh tea, two cups, and a small tin of biscuits. Smiling at the bright hibiscus decorating the outside, he added a couple of napkins and a large travelling rug (shrunk to fit) into the bag before folding the top over and fastening the 'fell-crow'. He next donned his heavy winter cloak and Slytherin muffler, throwing the pouch strap over his shoulder. Almost out the door, he remembered one last thing he needed to do. Tramping back into Harry's study, he pulled out quill and parchment from the aquarium desk and wrote a short note letting his spouse know where he was. That small task accomplished, he recast the Reperio spell and sighed with relief that Perrin had not moved; however, knowing where the boy was and getting there were two different things, and the trek ahead of him through the castle gave Severus some much-needed thinking time.

As he started on the first long flight of stairs, Severus tried to determine why this whole situation left him so uncomfortable, finally concluding it was partially due to his ambiguous position. Everyone looked to Harry for decisions, yet his husband invited equal participation. Unfortunately, it was a matter of legalities. If there was an emergency and Harry was not available, it would be the headmaster making any decisions concerning the boy; Severus suddenly rejected that thought with a shudder.

The second to fourth flights were spent on continuing ruminations on the Dissolutionment from the night before. He wasn't certain what had surprised him more-Perrin asking for him or Harry's genuine pleasure that he had done so. His husband's generosity of spirit still astounded him sometimes and his burst of happiness had been the impetus for him to accept without hesitation or argument.

In retrospect, the experience still amazed him. So many impressions and thoughts and feelings roiled through him-all to the good to be sure-but more than anything, he'd been grateful Harry had understood enough to let him sort through it all in silence. Although he'd not made much headway into any logical explanations and, given that he'd come closest to understanding everything when they'd made love afterwards, he suspected that any further thought on the matter was probably futile.

And, of course, there was that one moment of union. While he'd faintly felt his lover's presence throughout and thought Harry had shared a small part of it with him through their bond, the ending had come as a shock; however, it had been perfect as well, one of 'those moments' Harry was so fond of trying to identify. How did he always put it? 'A moment that if one could keep it forever?' Yes, it had definitely been one of those.

On the fifth flight, Severus decided now might be a good idea to discuss some of these things with Perrin. If he were in the boy's position, he would be very confused right now, and perhaps feeling a bit guilty as well. Or perhaps, if he'd even noticed, he should try and explain what the 'joining' at the end of the Dissolutionment had been all about.

On the sixth flight, he was getting winded, the small pouch feeling like it was full of bricks. Topping the seventh, Severus ruefully decided there was a reason the Astronomy Tower seemed to be a popular place for brooding-no one in their right mind would casually disturb someone who'd sought shelter there. By the eighth, as he caught his breath at the head of the landing, he decided Pomona and Albus would never have made it and harboured a few uncharitable thoughts towards the headmaster.

Squaring his shoulders, Severus quietly opened the door and stepped out into the gloomy afternoon, relieved to note that not a breath of wind stirred. But it was damned cold-more so than he'd thought it would be, and he quickly searched the broad area for his quarry. Ah, there in the far corner-partially sheltered by the battlements above; that place, in particular, was one of Harry's favourite spots as well. Feeling a sense of familiarity, he made his way to the huddled figure wedged into the corner.

Other than a shift of his shoulders, Perrin didn't acknowledge his presence, not that Severus had expected him to jump up and dance a jig. He eased himself down to sit next to the boy, not too close, but enough that the rug, which he rapidly expanded to full size, could comfortably cover both laps. He noticed the small hands wrapped around his knees were a stark white; Harry would never forgive him (nor would he himself) if the boy got frost-bite because of his delay, so he gently unwound them and placed them under the rug.

That got the boy's attention and it was as he thought-the quick glance at him and away carried a certain amount of guilt and worry. Ignoring it for the moment, he opened the pouch and poured a steaming cup of tea, holding it out in front of the boy. When he didn't reach for it, Severus said quietly, "Take it before it gets cold-no sense warming the outside if the inside is frozen."

Perrin took the cup and cautiously sipped the hot brew, sighing contentedly with the first swallow. Severus almost smiled-the headmaster with his scalding tea he was not-now if he could just find an opening as perfect as the temperature of the beverage. Severus poured his own cup, letting the first strong bite thaw his thoughts a bit.

They drank in companionable silence, Severus offering the tin of biscuits. Perrin nibbled on one, his eyes far away and Severus felt satisfaction that his presence was now taken for granted instead of the intrusion it could have been. He poured the second serving for both of them, glad he'd thought to bring the flask that never emptied once filled and settled back to wait, almost completely warm.

Just as he'd come to the conclusion that, given how Harry had made it quite plain he considered them a 'matched set' with regards to the boy's future, he needed to find a way to make his partnership official, Perrin broke the silence. "What did the words mean?"

After a moment to regroup, Severus recited the words of the Dissolutionment from memory, and then added slowly, "They mean that anything with life has to die and that every life always goes back to the very thing that made it-or us."

Perrin nodded. "Thanks." Severus wondered where this was all going when he asked, "I remember the Rector at our church saying something about seasons once and that everything had a time, but I didn't really understand it until now." He sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Are Wizards Christian?"

Interesting. "Some are."

"Are you?" Perrin asked after a moment.

"No." Severus felt impelled to explain further. "I suppose, if anything, I'm a spiritual moralist."

Perrin glanced at him. "Don't much believe in anything myself, but I came close last night." He took another sip of his tea and whispered, "I could feel her as she-went away. It was-nice," he finished lamely.

"It was extraordinary," Severus replied half to himself.

Perrin finally looked at him, his face pale, but Severus felt a small, irrational surge of pride that he hadn't cried. "Why did you kiss my mother?"

"I never got to say goodbye to my own."

Perrin nodded in understanding. "I'm glad you finally got to."

"Thank you. So am I."

The silence stretched before them. Severus offered another biscuit and they both ate quietly. Noting their cups were empty again, he refilled them and waited. He was about to suggest they go inside when Perrin asked timidly, "At the end-I could feel-you and Harry-together-what was that?"

At least he'd had time to think up a partial answer for this one. "It was-unexpected-but harmless," he reassured him. "For a small while, you-joined-our bond."

"Your bond? How?"

"Hmmm. I think because of the music. The Ordinata are-conduits-for magical power rather like your wand. The Newtonian Ordinatus you chose was also-used-to forge our vows. As near as I can fathom, when the Dissolutionment Ordinatus was at its strongest, it resonated through our bond-like two strings tuned to the same note-and because our hands were joined, you were pulled into my half of it."

Perrin looked confused, as well he might. "Your half of what? How come I could feel Harry, too?"

Severus sighed-nothing was ever simple. "When any two people get married, they make vows together-promises to keep each other safe and cherished and loved for as long as they live no matter what happens. Muggles make them in front of witnesses; so do witches and wizards, but sometimes with us magic is added to the vows to make them stronger. Harry and I are bound like that to each other, which means that through our vows we're sometimes almost like one person. When we touch, we can-sense-one another and can exchange pictures in our heads, although we can't talk words to each other. However, when strong magic is involved, we can-reach-each other without touching; this is what happened last night. For those last few moments we-felt-each other and through me, you could feel Harry as well. I'm sorry it seems so confusing."

Perrin yawned and shivered. Scooting closer to him until their sides touched, he remarked, "I think I understand. It just felt-odd-and a little scary because I could see into you both, but at the same time, it felt-wonderful-and I didn't want it to ever end." He pulled the rug further up to cover his chest as he shivered again. "Did you get scared-bonding-with Harry?"

As he readjusted the rug, which had slipped off his legs, Severus thought about it, deciding to do what Harry had 'suggested'. "I wasn't afraid, but it's hard-there are times when Harry knows things that I'm not used to sharing."

"Like secrets?"

"Hmmm. Do you have memories you don't want to remember?"

The boy shuddered. "Sure."

"Do you ever have thoughts or feelings you don't want to share because they're stupid or petty and they would hurt the other person if they knew it-and you don't really mean them anyway?"

"Yeah."

"Well, so do I."

"But what happens when you actually said them, but never got the chance to take them back."

This gave him pause and, with only a small wince inside, he skimmed over all the arguments he'd had with people he loved-from his mother to Mecadia to Albus to the passionate fights he and Harry still had with surprising frequency-and realised it was rarely about their words or deeds, but rather it was them letting him know they cared about him-and loved him regardless. With this revelation, he said quietly, "I'm thinking that if the person loves us, then he or she already knows we didn't mean the words in the first place, even if we never get the chance to say so."

"I hope so," he said, yawning again and snuggling into Severus' side. Severus froze, but Perrin didn't seem to notice as he asked sleepily, "What happens when someone breaks a vow?"

"I don't know, I don't know anyone who has. I've heard, though, that they die," he replied without thinking.

"Did my mum and Dad make vows?"

"I believe that is the Muggle custom."

"Mum and Tony made promises-I was there." Severus hadn't known that, but it made sense. "Maybe that's what happened. Tony said he'd cherish her and then didn't and she died. Like you said."

It was as good an explanation as any he could dream up and who knew-it might even be true. He was about to say so when Perrin drowsily turned to his side, pulled the rug up to his shoulders and folded his knees up almost into Severus' lap. Within moments after murmuring how warm he was, the boy was dead weight against his side. Hesitantly, he put his arm around the thin shoulders and sat back against the stone wall, wondering what the hell he was supposed to do now.

Nothing in all his tenure as head of Slytherin House prepared the Potions master for the small body pressed so trustingly to his. Too cautious for years of the ramifications if he ever offered misconstrued comfort, he'd never even held a child before, in any manner, let alone a boy snuggled this close, freely needing him, even if only for warmth. No one other than Harry had ever trusted him like this and he felt something twist, in a good way, inside him.

Closing his eyes, he felt the frailty nestled against him even through the heavy robes; unbidden, the bruises Perrin had borne when he first came to Hogwarts flashed across his mind, bruises he could have counted on his own body at that age. A sudden fierceness gripped him at the thought of Tony Mendino getting his hands on the boy; his resolve at finding a permanent solution hardened within him. If they could get the courts to declare Perrin abandoned, then they stood a chance to protect him by adoption; the time to do it was now, while Mendino remained missing. Otherwise, guardianship or no, Mendino's claim would supersede Harry's as long as they couldn't prove the man's culpability in Priscilla's death.

The urge to talk to Harry and plan their next course of action keen, he quickly packed everything back into the pouch with a flick of his wand. Using a lightening charm to make the task and trek easier, he carefully wrapped Perrin up in the rug and carried him back to their quarters, only half-surprised he met no one in the corridors-Dumbledore's doing, he assumed. The boy never stirred except to snuggle closer and it was with a small sigh of regret that Severus placed him on the deep Chesterfield in the dining nook after summoning a pillow from their bed and lighting a huge fire to keep him warm. Standing back and watching the deeply sleeping form, he found the idea of Perrin as their son startling, but appealing in a way he'd never known before.

.:o:. .:o:. .:o:. .:o:.

Harry came home long after sundown to find Severus on the sofa in his study holding an untouched brandy and staring at a roaring fire. Severus didn't even look up as he eased next to him and, sensing that something had happened, he stayed patiently quiet.

"Perrin disappeared today," Severus reflected, still gazing at the fire. "I found him up in the Astronomy Tower in your thinking spot." He took a sip of brandy and finally glanced at Harry, the expression on his husband's face one he had trouble deciphering, but he thought he understood as Severus whispered, "He fell asleep in my arms."

The firelight fractured into hundreds of facets when seen through the haze stinging his eyes. He reached a hand over, glad when Severus took it, the rush of his wonder filling him. He didn't know what to say, didn't think anything needed to be said, so he simply squeezed Severus' hand letting his own feelings of elation and understanding flow freely between them.

Severus tugged his hand in invitation and Harry soon found himself cuddled in his lover's arms, his lips warm as he grazed his forehead, his hands strong as they held him securely. For several long minutes Harry basked in the heat of the blaze in front of him and the warmth of Severus' arms and legs surrounding him. His raised face received the sweet kisses he'd missed all afternoon, not ones of arousal, but of comforting affirmation.

He could sense Severus wanted to talk to him about something important and again waited patiently, letting his husband know through the openness of their bond that he was ready anytime Severus was.

"While we waited for Alex yesterday, Albus told me that he and Poppy will not be going to Hana for the Holidays as planned."

"They are staying here then?"

"So I gathered. There are no students staying over other than Perrin and only Filius, Rubeus, and Remus would have been here. He refuses to leave them alone for Christmas."

Harry was disappointed, but it took one concern off his mind. "Well, that actually makes things a bit easier, doesn't it? I know we talked about taking Perrin with us; under other circumstances it would have been jolly, but with all that's happened, I've been thinking that a drastic change of environment might not be beneficial for him right now."

He stroked Harry's hair. "Indeed-and I've been thinking about Perrin and the holidays should we stay here."

This struck close to Harry's heart; he remained silent wondering how to ask him. He relaxed in relief when Severus continued, "We should have Perrin in." Harry stilled, trying to keep his stance neutral. "I don't think Perrin should stay in the Hufflepuff house by himself this holiday. Any holiday for that matter."

"Thank you," Harry whispered, tightening his arms. "It's awful being alone in the dormitories."

"Hush, I know-did it a few times myself, remember? However, it's more horrible to go 'home' to people you think feel obliged to take you."

Harry mulled this over. Even if the Dursleys had been civil and half-way kind, it still would have been terrible, but in a different kind of way. Refusing to 'troll the bond' as Ben would say, he felt his way cautiously as he asked, "But you don't feel 'obliged to take him?"

Severus shifted uncomfortably. "Not anymore. I confess, I had reservations until this afternoon and I'm quite certain your generosity can extend that far-I'm just not so certain about my own."

"Oh, I think you'll do just fine-after all, you love me, right?

"Cheeky brat," Severus whispered, kissing him.

"When should we tell him?" Harry asked, barely hiding his excitement.

"Tell me what?" Perrin asked sleepily from the doorway.

Harry felt Severus jolt in surprise, but leant his weight in to prevent him from jumping up. Now was the perfect time for both of them to start learning that he would not tolerate a cessation of affection for the sake of their comfort. Satisfied with Severus' reluctant capitulation, he slowly sat up as if he had all the time in the world. "That you'll be staying with us for the holidays-here, in our quarters, instead of the dorms."

Perrin's slow smile was reward enough as far as Harry was concerned. "Really? I don't have to stay in Hufflepuff?"

"Really," Severus said, the honey of his voice washing over Harry with the normal response. He looked over to see the wicked gleam in his husband's eyes and knew he would pay for his 'insolence'-dearly-and Harry speculated how long he could take the torture. Forever, if he really thought about it and sent an answering response all his own.

Perversely, he wondered how quickly they could get the boy back to his dorm so he could earn his 'punishment'.

.:o:. .:o:. .:o:. .:o:.

Two hours later he had his answer.

Given that he and Severus hadn't enough time to discuss anything sufficiently to give the boy any details, they distracted him by sneaking into the kitchen to grab some dinner (which Dobby had mysteriously left warming for them) then escorted Perrin back to his common room well after curfew. Sprout was waiting for them and, seeing how tired Perrin was, spared him the sharper edge of her tongue, but that hadn't stopped her from gently chiding them after the boy had gone inside. There wasn't much to say or even apologise for, so they hadn't, which Harry thought surprised her a bit.

Once back in their quarters, Harry had asked Severus, "Sleepy?"

"A bit," he'd replied and then slid his eyes to the bed. "But never too tired for that," he declared softly, drawing Harry close for a teasing kiss.

A while later, with Harry suitably 'chastised', Severus left him briefly to fetch something from his study. As Harry straightened the bed, he heard Severus call his name. Wondering what he could possibly want, he went as if to Severus' study and stopped stock still in the wide opening to the rotunda that all the public rooms opened into.

"Well, I'll be damned," he declared, looking at the new doorway by the entry that had not been there when they'd come home.

"Indeed."

.:o:. .:o:. .:o:. .:o:.

TBC