BLOOD OF THE MOTHER by BertaS Nov 2005
Chapter 26
Description: The guys read the paper and realize they have nothing to wear.
Disclaimer: I only wish they were mine.
Nothing to wear
The next morning Sev was not feeling well due to the veritaserum the day before. He was a bit more like his old self than was comfortable for Harry.
Harry had asked if a hangover potion would help and the Potions Master had almost bitten his head off. Giving him a lecture about mixing potions and that he was not hung-over and there was nothing wrong with him.
Harry had snapped back, "Fine, suffer, but don't take it out on me. I was just trying to help." The hurt look on Harry's face had caused Severus more pain than a beating would have.
Sev instantly looked contrite, "I'm sorry, Harry. I guess I do have a bit of a headache." He started tearing his toast in to little pieces not managing to get any of it in his mouth.
Harry reached over and stilled his hands, "Do you want some porridge?" Harry stood up and moved to the stove and the pot of cereal Dobby had left there, dishing up a small portion, setting it in front of Sev, and patting his back gently, "Eat, it should help."
Sev took a small bite and made a face, the porridge had a great deal of sugar in it just like most children liked it. He continued to follow his master's orders though as he mentally reviewed all the mistakes that he still felt he deserved to be punished for, he was amazed, there were so many instances of arguing and attempts to call Harry 'My Lord', as well as failing to follow orders, embarrassing Harry by giving people a reason to criticize, and waking his master on more than one occasion. But worst of all he was convinced that Harry had requested him to have children and he had not only refused but totally rejected what he was now sure was a sexual advance from his master.
Harry didn't act angry and he had indicated a preference for girls but that only confused Sev more. The partners Sev had been with had never really wanted him they just wanted sexual relief. He was just doing as ordered in any case. No matter whom he had been with, male or female, he had always tried to please but he frequently found no pleasure in the act. He was deep enough in thought that he did not even notice the owl with the paper land on the table.
As he put the last bite of food in his mouth the owl taking flight startled him and he watched as Harry unrolled the Daily Prophet dreading what they might have written this time. They were both shocked that the front page held a picture of a beleaguered, old looking Albus Dumbledore, the article under the picture read:
Corruption in High Places
By Rita Skeeter
In a surprising move the Director of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones has brought charges against Albus Dumbledore, Supreme Mugwump and Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. These Charges include Magical Coercion, Mind Tampering, Child Endangerment and Neglect of Duties. This stems from the Ministries' on going investigation into Corruption.
There was more but Harry didn't read it.
Harry said, "Well, that's interesting. I wonder what they did with our Q and A sheets?" he turned the page and found an article on the Cotillion including an interview with Mrs. Longbottom, and a list of those that were scheduled to attend. This explained Luna's comment about saving her a dance, the thought of dancing made Harry wince.
Harry's comment this time was, "I really have got to figure out what I am going to wear to that stupid thing. I don't suppose that jeans and a tee shirt are acceptable?"
Sev's mouth dropped open and he rasp out, "Master, are you telling me you don't have dress robes?"
Harry shrugged, "I have the ones from fourth year. I guess they'll do."
Sev stood and pulled Harry to his feet turning him this way and that. Shaking his head he exclaimed, "They will never fit. You have grown at least four inches and gained what ten, fifteen pounds?"
Harry crumpled back into his chair with a groan, "We have to go shopping. Don't we?"
Sev raised his brow, "Most definitely. I must confess my own dress robes are a bit dated, and at the school, maybe I will see something I like as well."
They arrived heavily cloaked near Madam Malkins in Diagon Alley. Entered the store quickly where there were several people bustling about. Sev spoke quietly to the girl behind the counter. Harry thought she looked familiar, which was confirmed when she led them into a private room and said, "Madam will be with you in a few moments, Professor."
Sev groused wondering how she had recognized him and Harry just laughed saying, "None of your students will ever forget or mistake your voice, Sev. I've actually heard some of the girls saying that they think it's sexy."
Severus was saved from answering by Madam Malkin entering, "You gentlemen have left this a bit late don't you think? You are lucky I have anticipated your needs. And that I have recent measurements for you Mr. Potter." She frowned slightly, "although we may want to double check them, young men grow so fast." The door opened and the girl from the counter came in carrying a stack of parchments and several fabric samples.
"Look through these." Madam Malkin created a small table and laid the parchments in front of them, "let me know what styles you like. I'll be back in a few moments to get you measurements."
Harry paged through the drawings then handed them to Sev who paused several times thinking what would look good on his master he rearranged the drawings. "I believe the first two would suite you best, my Liege," he said softly.
Harry frowned slightly at the title, but could not object, he had willingly accepted that one. He nodded looking at the pictures "What about for yourself, Sev?"
Sev's face became blank and he shrugged slightly, "These are custom robes, my Liege, I will have to look at those that are slightly less expensive."
Harry was looking through them again arraigning them on the table. "Severus, I did not ask what you can afford, I ask what you liked." He looked up to find Sev's mask had completely broken and he was obviously upset.
"I'm sorry Master, I… I don't mean to keep messing up." Sev was looking at the floor, wringing his hands. Harry thought he was struggling with himself not to drop to the floor.
When he pulled his wand he saw Sev tense and a look of acceptance come over his face, which changed to confusion as Harry created two chairs and ordered him to sit.
Before Harry sat dawn he lay his hand on Sev's shoulder, "Do you really think I would hex you?"
Sev's head went down his hair covering his face.
"Sev, think about who and what I am. You know I will never hurt you intentionally." Harry smiled slightly, "In fact there are only two things that I can think of that would really make me angry. Being lied to and not being told the things I need to know. Have you done either of these things?"
Sev's head shot up and he shook his head violently, "No, Master."
Harry smiled, "Good and remember you are Severus Snape, Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House. You kneel before no one."
They spent several hours choosing just the right cut and fabric for each of them. They were promised delivery by the next afternoon one each custom made, one of a kind Malkin Original, formal dress robes, which Harry happily paid for.
Next Chapter: I am Not Prince Charming – we might actually get to the Cotillion.