Chapter 7

"I can see why his rent was so expensive," commented Severus. They were on the landing in one of the most luxiourous apartments building in Gottingen. It was 10am. Harry had collected the warrant from the station about an hour before.

"Pretty swish, "agreed Harry. He pulled out his wand. "Alohamora". The door clicked open easily.

"That was very straightforward," said Severus cautiously.

"Yeah that's what I was thinking. Harry pushed the door open carefully. "Wow!"

The door opened into the main living room. One wall was completely glass and had a magnificent view of the Gottingen sky line. The floor was plain wood and the sofas were a mixture of grey and blue. The coffee table was glass and on it was a wand.

"Stylish and understated. A surprisingly tasteful décor," observed Severus.

"Yeah, I'd been envisaging something flasher," said Harry carefully picking up the wand and putting it in a plastic bag. "I'll get this checked out. No sign of a struggle, " he added.

Severus walked towards the window and gazed out. It was an impressive view. If the phone screen protector continued to do well he would consider a move to this part of town.

"Hey Severus, look at this. "

Severus turned round, Harry had ventured into one of the other rooms. He beckoned to Severus. Harry appeared to have found Lubricus' home office. There was a desk and three filing cabinets.

"Yeah. I guess we had better have a look through. One and a half each"

Severus nodded.

They worked in silence for the best part of two hours. At 12 o clock Severus sat up. He had finished his first Cabinet and he was desperately in need of a coffee.

"I am going to investigate the kitchen"

"Bored?" said Harry with a grin.

Severus grimaced. "I remember why I chose the dark over the light. Law enforcement involves too much paper work."

"Yeah being an auror isn't just about fighting dark wizards," agreed Harry in a passable imitation of Severus. "Surely you had a lot of paper work as headmaster?"

Severus nodded. "I learnt to delegate Potter. Minerva was always very good at that sort of thing. However, some of the files Lubricus has "borrowed" from the Gottingen station file store make for interesting reading."

"Yeah, I have come across.."

The apartment door opened and closed. Severus froze and looked at Harry, who got up from the desk and headed to the study door with the warrant in his hand. Harry had his hand on the door when it was blasted off its hinges. Harry and the door hit the wall at the far side of the room. Severus, fighting the urge to run over to him, dropped behind the desk and slipped his wand into his hand. He started to move out from behind the left side of the desk when a jet of fire sprayed the office. Severus threw himself under the desk as the flames licked around the edges.

Instinct born of years of serving the Dark Lord took over, the Elder Wand slid into his hand. He poked it out of the bottom of the desk and doused the office in water , with a second wave he sent a tornado spell into the living room. Instantly, there was the sound of furniture being whipped up into the air and propelled out of the door. This was accompanied by shrieks and thuds. Igonoring them, he vaulted over the desk to reach Harry. The charred door lay on top of him, which Severus realised was a blessing as it had protected Harry from the flames. Given the state of the office, the Incendio spell had been a pretty powerful.

He moved the door with a swish of his wand and cast a monitoring spell. The boy was unconscious and his nose was broken but miraculously he was otherwise unharmed. Given Harry was in no immediate danger, he redirected his attention towards the intruder. Hand firmly gripping the Elder Wand, he headed for the office door, he gently eased it open and peered into the living room. The tornado spell had been aptly named. The stylish furniture had been destroyed, chairs, sofa cushions, glass from the pictures and ornaments were strunned across the room . He ventured forward . The bedroom to his right was largely undisturbed but the debris from the living room covered the landing outside the flat. He sent it back into the living room and directed a monitoring spell down the stairs. There were no signs of life.

"What the hell is going on?" said a voice to his left. A tall, willowy wizard with a brief case had appeared from the flat next door.

"Aurors," said Severus flashing Wilhelm's badge. The wizard blanched.

"Ah right, I'll let you get on with it. "

"A moment if you would," said Severus before the wizard could disappear back into his flat. "Did you see anyone a few minutes ago?"

The wizard shook his head. "I was on a firecall" He paused. "Is Lubricus alright?"

"Dead," said Severus bluntly "A few days ago."

The wizard swallowed.

"Is he still?" he gestured towards Lubricus' flat.

"No, "said Severus shortly. "The body was found elsewhere."

"Ah right well.." said the wizard visibly releaved.

"Before you go, could you call a mediwitch? My colleague had been seriously hurt. "

"Of course, "said the willowy wizard obviously depaerate to get away. "I 'll call St Lellis right way."

Severus looked up from his paper. Harry had begun to move. Two minutes later he opened his eyes and tried to sit up. Severus touched a bell at the side of the bed before putting an arm around the boy to help him sit up.

"Feel.."

"Accio bowl," commanded Severus. It arrived just in time. Once the retching had stopped, he passed Harry a glass of water.

"Thanks," Harry took a carefully sip. "God I feel dreadful."

"Inevitable if you go head first into a wall," observed Severus,.

Harry closed his eyes. When he opened them again he peered round the ward. "We need to stop doing this. It is becoming a constant in our lives."

"Agreed. But that would probably mean you changing careers."

Harry nodded and then stopped abruptly.

"Yes, I would avoid movement for a while if you can."

Harry was inclined to agree with him but wisely avoided nodding, "What happened?"

"What do you remember?"

"Sorting through the filing cabinets in Lubricus' office, hearing a noise... that's it."

"Whoever was next door, blasted the door off its hinges and you with it."

"Did you get him?"

"I did not. I used a Tornado spell and by the time I had checked you were still with us they had gone."

"Wow, you used a Tornado spell? I've always wanted to see one of those."

"It was impressive," admitted Severus. "Although the fact that I used the Elder Wand probably gave it an extra boost."

"I'll bet it did," agreed Harry. "Wait, you took the Elder Wand with you?"

Severus paused. "Yes I judged it prudent."

"You were worried about me," Harry accused.

"And rightly so," replied Severus robustly.

"Did you find my notebook?"

Severus pulled a bedraggled notebook out of his robes. "I had to use an Aguamenti to douse the flames."

Harry flicked through the pages. "It is still readable, thankfully. Pity we didn't get onto the second filing Cabinet."

"Now you are awake, I will go back and finish."

" I'm amazed Peck didn't assign someone else to do it. Hey wait, have you talked to Peck"

"Potter how kind of you to ask, " said Severus sarcastically. "I greatly enjoyed being interrogated by your boss whilst masquerading as one of his staff. I haven't had so much fun since my last Death Eater meeting."

Harry groaned, "Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. I assume he didn't unmask you?"

Severus glared. "I spied on the Dark Lord successfully since you were in nappies, do you have any idea how good I am at this?"

"Yeah, Dad, sorry of course."

"However, once you are able you should get in touch with Wilhelm very quickly in case any of his friends from the station get in touch for a gossip."

Harry nodded earnestly, "So if Peck didn't discover your true identity, why didn't he follow standard procedure and assign another team after the incident?"

Severus hesitated, "I told him that the cabinets contained a number of files Lubricus had appropriated from the Gottingen auror file store. He did not want yet another team being given access. He would clearly be more comfortable with an outsider (you) and a lowly member of staff (me) seeing the material rather than his top team."

Harry looked confused.

"Politics, Harry," explained Severus. "Those files contain information about errors by his teams including him. They make interesting reading. He will not want that information spread round the department."

"Right, " said Harry. "I bet Kingsley would feel the same."

Severus nodded.

"Shall we go over what we have found?" said Harry struggling to sit up.

Severus put a hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down.

"You need a proper night sleep before we get to business," he paused. "And so do I. I need to go back to the flat shower, eat and sleep. After that, I will head back to Lubricus' apartment and finish going thorugh his office. When I return, we can discuss what we've discovered."

Harry looked contrite. "Yeah, sorry I should have thought. You look all in."

"I am a fine or I will be," promised Severus with a slight smile. Parenting was an aging business. If he was still in England he would probably be aging as rapidly as Harry's training progressed.

It was more than 12 hours before Severus re-entered the ward. He had slept longer than he had intended, 10 hours, and then sorting through the charred and soggy home office of Lubricus had taken another three. The final filing cabinet had been interesting and he had thought Harry would be pleased.

When he entered the ward he saw that Harry was not alone. Beside his bed was a familiar looking red head. He was about to turn round and leave again ,when a voice behind him said:

"Ah Mr Potter, you have another visitor."

Severus turned round. Behind him was the matron who had been there when he had arrived with Harry the previous day.

Harry and Ron turned to look at him.

Harry rose to the challenge.

"Ah Wilhelm, can I introduce my friend and colleague Ron Weasley. Ron this is Wilhelm."

Ron stepped forward, hand outstretched. Severus moved forward and grasped it.

"Mr Weasely a pleasure to meet you," he said in carefully modulated tones.

Ron shook his hand enthusiastically, Severus avoided wincing.

"I heard you saved Harry here," he said pointing back to the bed. "The whole family is very grateful. He's a trouble magnet you know."

That was something Severus did not need to be told.

"A pleasure," said Severus fomally, he paused and forced himself to make an effort. "It is a great honour to be working with Harry."

Harry winced. Severus threw him a warning look.

"I will not linger as you have a guest."

"No, no," said Ron. "Join us. Harry is dying for an update on the investigation."

Harry gave an imperceptible nod.

Severus moved forward and sat down.

Harry cleared his throat.

"So what did you find?"

Severus had committed the details to memory, but in the circumstances it seemed sensible to play the part to its full. He pulled out the notebook and turned to the appropriate page.

"Upon returning to the apartment, I searched the home office and the third filing cabinet. The cabinet contained approximately 40 files, most appeared to be duplicates from the station."

Harry rolled his eyes at Severus' policeman impression. Ron, completely impervious, listened with rapt attention.

Severus relaxed his delivery. "Filed under "U" was a contract between Lubricus and the University of Berlin. Lubricus was retained on a monthly fee of £1000. "

Harry grinned. "Did it say what he was tasked to do?"

Severus shook his head.

"I guess the details were in his notebook rather than the contract itself."

"Probably agreed," Severus. "But I searched the office from top to bottom and there is no trace of any investigation books. They weren't in his personal possessions I take it?"

Harry shook his head.

"So," said Severus. "Either there is somewhere we still need to search or someone has taken them."

Harry sat up straighter. Severus stopped himself from lending a hand and allowed Ron to assist.

"Shall we review our findings?" said Harry eagerly. "Let me get my notebook." He began to reach towards the bedside cabinet. Severus allowed Ron to assist again.

Harry flipped through his notebook.

"You want to label each investigation with post it notes so you can find it easily," said Ron in a passable imitation of Hermione.

Harry grinned uneasily and avoided looking at Severus.

"Right, well shall I start?"

"Fire away boss," agreed Severus with barely perceptible irony.

Harry cleared his throat.

"So the cabinet I looked at contained about 50 files, organised in alphabetical order A-I. A lot of the files were station files that had clearly been illegally copied and smuggled out of the building. Most of the files either dealt with investigations or were about individuals the ministry suspected of wrong doing. There were so many that I concluded that they were not all necessarily pertinent to his current investigations instead he was probably building up some sort of reference library for future use," Harry paused and looked up at Severus.

Severus nodded. "I agree that accords with my discoveries."

"I found a handful of files that could be relevant to his current or recent investigations. " Harry continued. "There were a couple of contracts for specific tasks. One was for surveillance one night a week. Probably a domestic issue."

"Probably," agreed Ron, helping himself to a banana from the fruit bowl next to Harry's bed.

"The other involved the guarding of a shop in central Gottingen. Looked like wand shop from the name."

"They could be at risk of burglary," commented Severus. "Although hot wands are rarely reliable and often backfire on their owner."

"Yeah, well it looks like that was just for a couple of weeks. Maybe they had a special shipment or something. Anyway from the paperwork I found it looks like he subcontracted that job"

"Not uncommon," observed Ron. "I was chatting to a couple of our retired aurors before I left England, they were both contracting, but they often subcontracted routine work to others."

Harry closed his notebook. "There were one or two interesting purchases in particular for a couple of books on muggle criminal detection. "

"Let me have their titles and I will look them up," suggested Severus.

Harry handed him the note book. Severus copied the titles into his book.

"So what did you find part from the university contract?"

Severus slipped his note book into his robes and put Harry's on the bedside cabinet.

"One further contract. Looks like he was searching for someone who had reported missing a father."

"Could be interesting," said Harry eagerly. "Any details?"

"I doubt it is important. The man had been missing since the war with Grindelwald. It is probably an attempt to find a missing relative."

"It's long time ago," said Ron.

Severus shrugged. "A son maybe trying to find what happened to his father in the war. It is not uncommon. He heard the family stories and the official line but wants to know for sure."

"Surely the chances of him still being alive.."

"Very slender," agreed Severus. "But some families want closure. Understanding what happened helps people to put events behind them. However, we should probably have a cursory investigate."

"Agreed" said Harry.

To remain in character he should appear unwilling to intrude, thought Severus. "I had better head home. "

"No, no, don't go on my account," said Ron. "I am keen to learn what the Gottingen aurors are like."

"Wilhelm doesn't want to talk shop all the time," said Harry quickly. "He's had a long day."

Severus paused. "You are staying long in Gottingen?"

"No, fleeting visit. I am off on secondment to Austria. Vienna. When I heard Harry had been hurt I thought I would take a quick detour. Do you have many dealing with the Austrian aurors?"

"Not personally," said Severus smoothly. "I am often preoccupied with admin."

"Really, "said Ron "That's odd you strike me a field man."

Which does not bode well for my cover with the Gottingen aurors, thought Severus. He reminded himself that underestimating Weasley was often a mistake.

"When are you due in Austria? "

"Midday tomorrow, "said Ron. "By the way Harry can I crash at your digs tonight? If you give me the keys, I will drop then in tomorrow morning. It'll give me a chance to say goodbye."

Severus prevented himself from blanching. Harry was not so skilled.

"Hey you okay mate? I think we are tiring you out, you've gone white. We'd better let you get some sleep. Just lend me your keys and I'll be off. Ginny said you had got an air bnb"

Harry opened his mouth but nothing came out.

"That's right," said Severus. "He is renting a room in my apartment. You are welcome to stay the night."

"You sure?" said Ron "I didn't realise from what Ginny said that Harry sharing. "

"No problem," said Severus casting a "Pull yourself together" look at Harry." "Saves us both money."

"Yeah, yeah, makes sense." Ron turned to Harry "So okay you with you?"

"Of course, "said Harry making an effort. "It might be a bit untidy."

"I will leave you two to say goodbye. Mr Weasley I will see you at the entrance to the hospital in ten minutes?

"Great," said Ron.

Nodding to Harry, Severus headed quickly out of the ward. As soon as he was out of the door, he apprated straight into his apartment. He had probably about seven minutes to check that there was nothing tying him to Severus Snape before he had to collect Ron. He accio variouns rare potion manuels from the bookshelves and sent them swirling into his wardrobe although he doubted Weasley would understand their significance. In the kitchen was a large jar full of polyjuice potion created for their current mission. Weasley almost certainly would recognise that. Severus quickly transfigured it into a jar of pasta and put it into the cupboard. Ron wasn't staying long enough to try to cook a meal.

He warded his bedroom door and headed into Harry's. The room was surprisingly tidy. Mrs Potter's work no doubt. He rifled quickly through the wardrobe and the drawers. Nothing obviously incriminating except for the phone Severus had given him so they could communicate while Harry was in England. Severus tucked it into his robes. He would return it to Harry at a later stage. The boy did not use it while in Gottingen and it would raise too many questions if Ron found it.

Returning to the living room, he aparated once again. The hospital entrance came into view. Good Mr Weasely was no doubt still chatting to Harry. He straightened his robes and tried to adopt a friendly expression. Ron appeared a couple of minutes later.

"Hey, thanks for waiting."

Severus bowed his head in a "your welcome" non-threatening sort of way.

"Shall we proceed?" he asked proffering his arm. "I will apparate us to the entrance of the apartment block."

Ron hitched his rucksack onto his shoulder and grabbed Severus arm. Moments later they were in the street. Severus ensured Ron had his footing before releasing him.

"Nice part of town," said Ron. "My digs in Vienna sound a bit dire from what others who have visited have told me."

"Shall we take the stairs or would you prefer the lift?" asked Severus politely, ruthlessly burying himself in the part.

"The stairs are fine thanks. "

Weasley was fit no question, his breathing barely changed on the way up the stairs. Severus cast a quick alohamora on the door, he did not want to risk running into the neighbours.

"Wow. This is really impressive, what a view! Trust Harry to fall on his feet while the rest of us are in some grotty guest house!"

"I like it," agreed Severus amiably. "Harry's room is over there."

"Fantastic, I'll freshened up if that's okay. I have been on the go since 6am this morning."

Good, thought Severus He will want an early night. Less time for chit chat.

"By all means. I will make dinner."

Ron paused. "No don't do that. I'll buy you dinner the least I can do as you are saving me a night's accommodation. I'll charge it to the office."

Ministry expensive account, thought Severus viciously. He couldn't face a meal with Weasley in a restaurant they would be completely focused on each other. He didn't want to be subject to that kind of scrutiny.

"That's very kind, but let's eat in. You must be tired and we both have early starts tomorrow," he paused. "Why don't we get a take away?," he suggested cunningly. He would bet good money Ron had been as deprived of this treat as much as Harry.

Ron's face light up. "Great idea. I've heard of those but I have never had one. My mum and my girlfriend think they are unheathly."

"I am sure they are right," conceded Severus. "But an occasional treat can't do any harm."

Ron nodded eagerly.

"You freshen up and I will search out my menus."

They chose Pizza. Severus went for a pepperoni with jalapeno peppers. The tough guy extra hot Pizza. He advised Ron to go for a Hawaiian as it was his first one.

"Beer?" inquired Severus after the pizzas had arrived. Severus had put them in the warm oven temporarily.

Ron shook his head. "Better have a clear head for the morning. Severus nodded pouring himself a small red wine and Ron a pumpkin juice.

"This pizza is wonderful. My treat by the way. I have put the money on the kitchen counter."

"That is very kind but not necessary," said Severus aiming for friendly but managing polite.

"The least I can do. Look you saved Harry. I want to thank you for watching out for him."

"My job, "said Severus.

"Yeah I know but not everyone would have thought on their feet like that. Some might have tried to chase the guy down after he exited the apartment rather than getting help for Harry."

Severus unbuttoned a little. "I have come to like your friend during his time here."

"He's a great guy," agreed Ron.

"You have been friends long? "

Ron looked at him a little strangely.

"I've have heard the stories of course but the truth is often different to the public tales."

"Yeah, you can say that again. Some of the recount of the stories I have heard of us breaking into Gringotts are just unbelievable," Ron agreed. He grabbed a napkin and wiped his mouth. "This pizza is great. I love the pineapple."

"So you and Harry are good friends," prompted Severus thinking it would be good to keep attention focused on events other than him, Harry and Gottingen.

"Yeah, first meeting on the Hogwarts Express. Best friends from that point onwards. He married my sister you know?"

"Yes, Harry mentioned he was married,"

"Yeah a year or so. Seems happy. Ginny works at Quidditch Today"

Severus nodded he knew all this.

"Between you and me, "continued Ron "That's the real reason I am here."

"Mrs Potter?" said Severus taking a sip of wine.

"Well her and my mum."

"There is some problem?" inquired Severus carefully.

"Well not a problem as such. In the circumstances they are anxious to check that Harry is ok and want me to ask Harry to be extra careful."

Extra careful. The boy that had never been extra careful. They had all been hell bent on trouble since they had disembarked at Hogsmeade station more than a decade ago!

Severus remained politely interested.

Ron hesitated.

Severus raised an eyebrow and did his best to look uninterested.

"Look, you seem like a good guy who is keen to watch out for Harry."

Severus nodded.

"It's just, Ginny, his wife, my sister, well she has just found out she is pregnant with their first child. So, obviously, she is anxious that Harry looks after himself."

He was going to be a grandfather. Severus forced his face into a suitable smile. "That's wonderful news, Harry must be pleased."

"He doesn't know. Ginny wants to do it herself. She is going to call him once he is out of hospital. I'm just wondering if I should tip him off."

Severus reflected, "Ensure that he gives an appropriate response?"

"Exactly," said Ron eagerly. "Don't want him getting into trouble because he looked shell shocked or something."

"You think that is a risk?" asked Severus, which it clearly was.

"Yeah, well I know how I would feel if Herm… my fiancé gave me that sort of news."

"You are getting married?" said Severus failing to resist temptation.

"Yep, next year," said Ron "Not that I am expecting that sort of news."

"No?" inquired Severus failing again.

"My girlfriend is very ambitious, she's very smart, much smarter than me. She's even doing a muggle degree at the moment: Political Science."

"Which university?" asked Severus before he could stop himself.

"Imperial. It's part time a distance learning course."

Severus nodded. Ron took a gulp of pumpkin juice. Severus remained quiet.

"It's tricky having a bright fiancé, wonderful but tricky. Always worried she might get bored you know what I mean."

Severus remained silent.

Ron starred into his glass." I don't know why I am telling you this, must be because Harry said you were a good bloke, sympathetic."

If only he knew.

"I had problems a couple of years ago. She seemed to like someone else. Mature clever type. You know."

Severus nodded automatically.

"I'm afraid it might happened again."

"He is still around?" asked Severus innocuously.

"No, no he died, I'm just worried she will meet someone else. Maybe someone on the course. "

Severus went cold.

"Anyway at New Year, I made a resolution to try and keep up with her to some extent, ensure we had something to talk about apart from household maintenance."

"Good idea," said Severus and meant it.

"Yeah, but it is hard going." Ron reached into his robes and pulled out a book.

Severus peered over to look at it: Karl Marx.

"That is quite a place to start."

"You've read it?" asked Ron eagerly .

Severus paused and nodded.

"Did you understand the concept of dialetic materialism?"

You are finding it tough going?"

Ron nodded.

"Would you like me to explain?"

"Would you?" asked Ron eagerly.

Severus stretched out his hand for the book.

As he filled the coffee pot the next morning, he reflected that he had never exhibited such patience in dealing with Ron Weasley. Explaining Karl Marx the previous evening had been a challenge and even now he was not sure Weasley completely understood. Severus had taken his time on the grounds that it avoided conversations of a more personal nature. He wondered if he was going to have to go in and wake Weasley up.

The bedroom door opened and Ron staggered out. Dressed but yawning.

"Morning" muttered Ron.

"Coffee?" offered Severus.

"Please, "said Ron.

"Bread rolls?"

"No thanks. I've packed up. I'll grab a quick coffee and then I'll get out of your hair. I want to drop in on Harry before I get the train."

"As you wish," said Severus pouring the coffee. "What time are you expected in Vienna?"

"Late morning, for a quick induction session. They give me the rest of the day to settle into my digs."

Severus sat down at the table with the coffee. Ron took a grateful sip.

"You are going to give Mr Potter the news this morning?"

"Yeah, I guess," said Ron uneasily. "I mean what mates are for?"

Severus nodded. It would save him giving Harry the news.

Ron took a couple of gulps of hot coffee. "Look, I'll l get going if you don't mind."He held out his hand. Severus took it.

"Good luck in Vienna."

"Thanks. Hope the investigation goes well. And look after Harry ok?"

"Always."

It was three hours later before Severus reached the hospital. After breakfast, he had headed for the warehouse to speak to his manager and deal with a few customers. He also wanted the doctors to have completed their rounds so that a decision would have been reached on whether Harry could be discharged.

It was fortunate that he had not left his arrival any later for Harry was finalising his release paper work when he arrived.

Harry greeted him with a broad smile. "I can go, providing I don't apparate for a week or two."

"We can live with that," agreed Severus.

Harry thanked the nurses and said goodbye to the others on the ward, he had become ridiculously popular given the short time he had been there.

"How many times did you have to recount the story of the last battle?" inquired Severus as they headed for the lift.

"Only once," said Harry.

Severus raised his eyebrow in surprise, pressing the button to summon the lift.

"They all gathered round and they brought in all the patents from the other wards on this floor as well," admitted Harry sheepishly.

Severus rolled his eyes, "Of course, they did," he muttered. At least the boy appeared unfazed by Weasely's news.

When the lift door opened it was empty for which Severus was thankful. He could do without another round of "Oooh you're Harry Potter."

As the lift door closed Severus felt a strong hand gripping his arm, he looked down at Harry.

"Dad, Ginny's pregnant!"