Prince Consort

Chapter 49

"Do you require any help?" Remus' amused voice questioned Harry, who was deeply immersed in his writing once again. Severus had succeeded in getting him to go to bed, for at least a few hours. It was no surprise when Harry had gotten up again after a few hours of sleep and made his way down to the rooms beside the vaults. The scribbled parchment and information next to him, steadily becoming a pile. Harry was and had always been relentless when something caught his attention.

"Hey, dad," Harry said without glancing up, at least until he finished his sentence. A grin working its way onto his face, it felt like forever since he'd saw his dad but it really wasn't. They saw each other nearly every day, which was more than he had the years previously since hello, meant to be at Hogwarts. Speaking of Hogwarts...he couldn't wait until it finished so his best friends could come back, writing to them just wasn't the same at all.

"Good morning," Remus said, still amused, "You haven't changed a bit, have you?" he told his son, as he sat down, placing a hand on top of Harry's fondness suffusing his words. "The only difference is the age." Which wouldn't continue, Harry would more or less remain this age for good.

Harry startled a bit, "I guess," he replied, "How's Sirius?" grudgingly using his first name, they were never going to be close, but he'd never make his dad feel like he had to choose. He'd endure him, but he'd never get on with him, and he thought everyone had figured that out by now.

"He's doing well, I think the therapist is beginning to help him in ways I can't," Remus confessed wryly. Sirius would be angry that he was revealing this, but Harry was his son in all but blood. He didn't have anyone else to talk to, not here anyway, they often went to see Tonks and Shacklebolt.

"Wait, wait, what? He's seeing a therapist?" Harry asked eyes wider than normal.

"He is," Remus agreed, patting his hand, before withdrawing, and turning the book around to see what he was reading. "It's doing him good. Although, it's only been a month so far, but I'm noticing a lot of good changes." Tonks had actually been the one to suggest it, to have someone to talk to for himself, that wasn't involved in any way, an outsider.

"Is that why you've not been at dinner overly much anymore?" Harry asked, turning the book back so he could see it. Even yesterday after he'd been forced out of the room to get dinner. He wasn't just drinking/eating for one now, he was doing it for two.

"Do you need me to be?" Remus asked, prepared to cancel each and every plan he had if Harry needed him.

Harry shook his head, "Just curious," he murmured a little distractedly.

"And if I visited Tonks an Shacklebolt for a few days, how would you feel about that?" Remus questioned.

Harry paused writing, his head coming to stare directly at Remus, "Sev asked you to leave for a few days, didn't he?" he deduced, knowing exactly why, his clan, his family, had grown used to a werewolf amongst them. However, it wasn't normal in clans to welcome other creatures. Werewolves had their own packs, it's just the way it worked. Plus, the smell was obnoxious. Harry didn't believe they were singular in that, in welcoming other creatures to join the clan. None of them probably admit it to the other for fear of ostracization.

"He strongly suggested it," Remus replied, "I don't want to cause any ripples, these alliances are very important, for both of you, and your future." and Remus would never endanger that, it didn't cost him anything to leave for a few days.

"Has he suggested Marie go too?" Harry questioned curiously.

"No, no, it's not so strange to find humans living amongst old and ancient clans." Remus said, shaking his head, "She'll be there if you need her." she didn't get involved in the clan overly much, if they needed her – for Harry's sake – then she'd do what needs to be done. She was clan-adjacent not actually part of the clan. Plus, she spent a lot of her time away from the Castle, she was not only a free agent but she loved going on holidays when her son was at Hogwarts.

"How long will you be gone and where?" Harry asked, focusing all his attention on Remus now, this was important after all. "Are you two heading back to the flat?"

"The flat is no longer mine," Remus pointed out, "We're going to stay with Tonks and Shacklebolt just until the Santos Clan leaves, you can give me a Floo call." He was soon to be a father, and he couldn't wait to meet them. He had done well with Harry, and he was so proud of him. If he did half as well with his and Tonks, he'll consider it a massive success. There was the whole werewolf thing that made him feel very apprehensive, but he tried not to dwell on it.

Harry grimaced a bit at the thought of communicating with Black or Shacklebolt all of whom had part in his abduction. Shaking off the horrible thoughts of the blackmail Dumbledore had tried to lie at his feet – successfully – having him going through a farce of a wedding in order to protect the only father figure he'd ever known. He wasn't going to dwell on it, at least Black had an excuse, he was under the influence.

"Harry?" Remus asked, his tone softening in concern, his amber eyes filled with worry for how silent and still he'd become. "Harry?"

Shaking off his thoughts, "Sorry, I'm fine," Harry reassured his dad, "Just…bad memories,"

Remus' amber eyes dimmed a little, they all had bad memories to an extent, he wished Harry didn't but that was a futile wish. However, he would have a great deal less to worry about now with someone like Severus to keep him safe from all harm. Although, not without putting him in danger by just being whom he was. Merlin, he recalled the first time he saw Harry at eleven, and now here he was, grown up, married – even if only temporarily married technically – and starting a family of his own. He wasn't ready to be father again never mind a grandfather, but in heart of hearts he was ecstatic. He hadn't expected a family in his future, content with Harry, not just content, no not really, so, so grateful and happy. Now his family was bigger than he could have ever dreamed. "Try not to dwell on them,"

"They don't often bother me," Harry admitted, wiping the ink off his fingers, it had dried in but the potion in the cloth got the stain off very easily. "Sometimes they catch me unawares though." Not wanting to say too much since the room wasn't covered by the silencing spells, I was the only reason he was allowed in here on his own without guards at his back, breathing down his neck.

"Have you been having nightmares?" Remus queried, shuffling the work Harry had been doing, and reading it between the conversation with Harry. Then again, his body was going through real changes, as his body adjusted to a pregnancy. He wasn't sure how it worked, its why he'd came down here to copy a book on creature pregnancies, he wanted to know if it was different to wizarding pregnancies. If it was like normal pregnancies witches went through, Tonks was going through the same thing but surely it was way too early for that with Harry?

"We don't really sleep long enough to have nightmares; our memories are sort of muted…like they've been put into a pensive? You know?" Harry said, "In dreams I mean, not when we're awake, when we're awake I now have extraordinary recall of everything." It was what the Muggles would call photographic memory, and it was extremely handy to have, although, half the time he didn't act like he did have it.

To be fair, if he wasn't so distracted, he wouldn't have to. There was always something requiring attention.

"I see," Remus murmured pensively.

"When are you leaving?" Harry asked, slightly upset that Remus was being sent away like a naughty kid while the rest of the family played the part of perfect family.

"Now," Remus told him, "I'm here to get a book and say goodbye for a few days, but I'm always available to you, do you hear me?" making sure Harry knew that if he needed him, he'd be back regardless of the reception he'd face. He was only doing this because he knew Harry would be fine – or assumed so anyway – but if he wasn't he was just a Floo call away.

"Okay, go get the book, I'll finish this, then I'll come with you to see you off," Harry said, he wasn't going to let his dad just go off without a send-off.

"You don't have to…" Remus said, but he didn't finish, chuckling at the look on Harry's face. "Alright." He agreed, knowing better than to think he'd win against that face.

Harry grinned showing off his teeth a little too smugly, before getting back to his work. Surprisingly, it hadn't taken him as long as he thought it would. With all the time in the world it was hardly surprising that he got a lot more done than predicted. He had everything ready for the meeting now, the council of Elders weren't going to know what had hit it.

Remus slid into the vault, seeking out the information he needed, and luckily everything was catalogued with impressive efficiency. He read the clipboard, and seven pages in, he found what he was looking for along with directions that would take him right to it. It was very difficult to breathe in the vault, this was meant for vampires, so needless to say he didn't intend to stay long at all.

Within five minutes, he had the book, hastening towards the exit, only once outside the vault did, he create a copy. Once done, noticing Alfred and another guard was there, watching him intently. He set the copy aside, before venturing back into the vault, not noticing that the guard performed a spell to ensure it was indeed a copy. Not out of maliciousness, but they always checked to make sure they weren't about to walk out with a priceless version of what they believed to be a copy.

Even Harry didn't blink twice, they had done it to him in the past too.

"The council of Elders have new 'regulations' they wish to implement," Alfred informed Harry gravely. He was at the end of the day an Elder, even if he didn't interact with them as much as he should. It was time he did, this was going to far, and he didn't need to see whom would be written at the bottom of these new regulations.

Harry shrugged, "They're babies, tell them no and they go pout and try to get back at you." their retaliatory measures hopefully wouldn't cause any problems with him and Sev. That was all he cared about, well, that and the clan really, he cared very much for them now. He wanted to make their lives better, and 'their' just happened to include him and Severus too.

He would retaliate in kind.

"Harry," Remus said sternly, "What have I told you about things like that?"

Harry sighed, "To be the bigger man," Harry wasn't pouting, he wasn't.

"Getting involved in something like that, nobody wins," Remus chided softly, "It just keeps getting more and more ludicrous and ridiculous."

Harry turned to stare at Remus, "Then you'd rather I left? Or what? Became silent and obedient a carrier for the next Prince heir and then fade into the background?"

Remus paused, glancing at Alfred and the guard to see if his son was exaggerating, but all he saw was genuine worry and fear that he'd leave. Which did seem to indicate that Harry was telling him the truth, not that he had the propensity of lying anyway, if anything he sort of made the truth less bad than it was. Clearly, he had definitely misspoken. A pang of amusement shot through him, just imagining that these people would think for a second Harry would ever become silent and obedient.

"Tell me everything," Remus said, sweeping Harry up, carrying both his and Harry's things before they left the room. Remus nodded at both Alfred and the guard – he didn't know his name so sue him – one he wasn't completely familiar with, perhaps due to the hour?

So, Harry actually did, while they walked towards Remus' room, his belongings had incidentally already been packed. He was literally ready to go, as soon as he said his goodbyes to everyone. Remus listened intently, aghast and angry, why had his son not told him about these people? These Elders? Who the hell did they think they were?

"So, these regulations are just 'rules' they decide but don't have any weight behind them?" Remus asked, wishing for clarification as he opened the door to his room. Alfred had disappeared and the guard was at the end of the corridor, keeping an eye out.

"The Elders way of trying to keep relevant to an ever-changing world," Harry explained easily, he'd never feared that Remus would not take his side. He knew he would, this was the wizard who had raised him for five years after all. He was also familiar with Remus' no fighting unless he had to. "It doesn't help that Severus can't stand them much either."

"Which means he can't stand them at all," Remus said, giving Harry a look, once again, Harry liked to make everything less bad.

"Yes," Harry agreed, sitting down watching as his dad shrunk his trunk and slid it into his bag, along with the copy of the book. Glancing around, ensuring he had everything before nodding. "Where's Sirius? Gone already?" noticing naturally, that it was very quiet.

"He's gone to see a Quidditch match with Kingsley, he's been gone since early afternoon," Remus said laughing a little, "It seems neither team are willing to admit defeat." It's not often games actually played well into the night, he'd been listening on the radio, right now it's 230-220 and according to the announcer there has yet to be a single glimpse of the snitch.

"So, you'll be keeping Tonks company then," Harry teased, giving his dad a look. He knew Remus would never cheat on Sirius, no matter what, not even for the sake of children.

"Don't even start," Remus said giving him a pointed finger. "And don't let them get the better of you, I'm sorry, I was wrong, you do whatever you need to." it was a cause worth fighting for.

"Don't worry, I won't." Harry promised, "I'll let you know the second they're away." His legs swaying from left to right, truth be told he was rather looking forward to meeting another clan. He wanted to see what they were like, their customs and their beliefs, which like in all things, varied from clan to clan and country to country.

"Good," Remus said, before gesturing for Harry to stand, he wrapped his arms around him and closed his eyes. Merlin, he couldn't love this kid any more if he was his biologically. "Your parents would be proud of you for standing up for yourself." he told him, giving him an additional squeeze before he stepped back. "I love you, Harry." he didn't say it anywhere near often enough, and as someone who had lived through a war, and knew how precious each moment was…it was definitely wrong of him to do so but he'd never been one to be overly emotional or getting attached easy. He couldn't the fear of being judged because of what and who he was…was sometimes too much to bear. Harry had known and still didn't care, and Remus loved that about him.

He hadn't seen Harry becoming a vampire though for sure. Which couldn't be forgotten, he smelt like the dead after all, with subtle hints that were just all Harry regardless of what he was doing.

"Thanks dad," Harry murmured, "I'll Floo you, every night,"

"If you have the time, it would be most welcomed," Remus said, "But don't stress if you can't I'm sure it's going to be quite busy around here. Although, I would rather you let me know how the council meeting goes." Which would be before the visiting Clan got here and then things would become organized chaos, he was sure. He was slightly glad to avoid it, on a good day the smell was bad but another clan? The smell would be horrendous.

"Alright," Harry nodded his agreement, "If I can."

"Go get some rest, give the guards a chance to rest as well before there's newcomers all over the place, you know how they'll be." Remus told Harry, grasping a handful of Floo powder, having received permission to use to network he was ready to leave.

"Fine," Harry said dramatically, but the small smile on his face he would and was being honest.

"Good," Remus said, and with a flourish, he flung the Floo Powder into the fireplace and called out his destination. With a green roar of flames, Remus was gone from the fireplace, just as quickly as he'd stepped inside of it.

Harry stared absently at the empty fireplace, long after the green flames had died down entirely. Excitement thrumming through him, as he turned and ventured out of the room that Remus shared with Sirius. Closing the door with a snick, he knew nobody would be getting this corridor to stay in, and that any smell of Remus around the castle would be gone by the time the Clan arrived. He wasn't sure how to feel about that in all honesty, he could smell Remus all the time, the distinct canine smell was…obvious. It was like being wrapped up in a ball of comfort all the time.

It was only once he got to his rooms, did Harry realize that the Santos Clan wasn't technically coming today. There was still another twenty-four hours before they arrived. Remus didn't need to leave quite so soon, then again, he supposed, they wanted to ensure the smell was well gone.

"You know, we're vampires, it's stupid for everything to be so still at night," Harry determined, as he padded over to the bed.

An answering chuckle of amusement met his ears in the darkness, "They take the time to relax and decompress, you'll find yourself glad for it believe me." Well, technically it was dark, but Severus and Harry could see everything.

"I don't know about that," Harry grumbled, as he scooted closer to his husband. "But I guess you must be doing something right."

"What's got you so on high alert?" Severus murmured quietly, inhaling sharply against Harry's bared throat, kissing and nipping playfully.

"Damn it, I left the stuff in Remus' rooms," Harry groaned in exasperation, never mind that he could technically get it in a matter of seconds. Remus had put it on the bed next to him while putting the book in his bag he could recall. Arousal stirring within him, closing his eyes enjoying the treatment. "And has Alfred told you that the Elders wand to add new regulations?"

"No, but I do not like being disturbed unless it's an unavoidable emergency," Severus murmured, chin laying on Harry's shoulder. "What time I do have with you is infinitely precious to me."

A warm loving flush suffused Harry's soul, warming him from the inside out. A smile spread across his face; no doubt seen by Severus but Harry didn't mind. "What time we have is precious," he agreed fully, kissing him softly on the cheek. He loved this enclosed feeling of intimacy between them at night he must confess. "And tomorrow…well, today, we'll have plenty." Almost vibrating with excitement again.

Severus hummed, rather excited himself, his hand floating down towards Harry's stomach. "Everything has already been planned ahead, it will happen." Although being followed by security and emptying out shops probably wasn't exactly how Harry saw himself shopping for baby things. Hopefully, his excitement would prevent him from being to put out.

"It better, but we do only have four hours," Harry said, "I'm not missing the council meeting, although I do find myself curious exactly what they're planning." It amused him greatly just imagining a group of Elders getting together in order to pompously declare something they feel should be 'done' how they think they've got any power was beyond him.

"Don't remind me," Severus said with a grimace, he didn't actually have to attend, he hadn't called the meeting, but he would never do Harry the discourtesy. When he was more confident in his role then he'd consider it. Until then, he would be his pillar of strength in all he did. "It's going to be entirely draining and boring." He'd attended a few in his time, and nothing got accomplished. He'd held a grudge against them – not that they'd known at the time apparently – and had never trusted them from the get go because of it.

"No, it won't," Harry promised, brushing up against Severus suggestively.

The rest of the night was spent entwined in each other's arms, getting to intimately know each other in greater heights. Forgetting everything, the shopping, the council meeting and the Clan visit as they viscerally marked each other in a way they hadn't done since they mated.

A/n – wow another chapter done in a single day 😊 not bad if I don't say myself! I wanted Harry to spend 'quality time with Remus' so what do I do? Have him shipped off (shakes head) honestly lol ah well, at least they did get some screen time which is something I guess :D And after another update this will be getting two chapters (scheduled) so you'll get to see shopping and the council and maybe even the clan coming…but do they come with glad tidings or are they going to attempt something? This is something I can't decide on BUT as Severus said the Prince Clan has the biggest number so anyone that attempts to attack them must be suicidal even after the hit, they took. Hmm do you want to see the shopping for baby supplies of would you find that boring? I do want to show Harry and Severus having normal time but if you'd rather just hit up the interesting bits, I don't mind at all. I can just quickly describe it as we get to the council meeting. Thing is it's not just one thing or meeting, Harry will be hosting a lot of them to get his point across 😉 and he won't give up 😊 it's going to take some doing I think to get the 'official' feel to it but it will be fun to do R&R please!