Chapter 12
It was their last day at Hogwarts. That afternoon the train was coming to take them to King's Cross and from there they were free to do whatever they liked with their lives. The seventh years were all subdued; people were promising to stay in touch and exchanging addresses with people they had rarely spoken to in the past seven years. The whole feel of the Great Hall was heightened; a tension was there, shimmering just beneath the surface. Something was going to happen.
Harry had informed Ron and Hermione that he and Severus were soulmates the week before. Hermione had immediately said, "But there hasn't been a soulmate couple since…"
"Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin, I know 'Mione." Harry had interrupted her, trying not to laugh out loud at Ron's rather good impression of a fish. After Ron had finally gotten a hold of his wayward jaw Harry told them about the rings and revealed it to their eyes although he refused to take it off to let Hermione see the inscription. The Boy Who Lived's best friends accepted it straight away and just took it as another one of those strange Harry Potter, Boy Who Lived, things. After all soulmates were so rare in the wizarding world that there were laws in place to protect them. Wizarding children were told stories about them along with the large multitude of magical creatures.
At the moment, however, they were sat at Gryffindor table with all the rest of the school for their last meal at Hogwarts. Harry saw Severus walk in as he was talking to Hermione about his becoming an animagus. Keeping one eye on the Potions Master, sensing that his lover was up to something, he watched his mate sit down at the staff table. He bent his head slightly and seemed to be talking to something at his feet, Harry was too far away to hear the words but judging from the reactions of the people closest to him it was not something the stoic man would normally say.
A second later Harry realised why Professor McGonagall had seemed rather scandalized, Severus had brought Noir to breakfast and was using him to deliver a message to Harry. Severus had spoken in Parsletongue and as no one had known that he had that ability it was quite a shock, the ability was so rare to have three speakers in one lifetime was quite an occurrence. The snake was causing chaos. People screamed and watched the snake head straight for Harry.
Harry heard a shocked whisper from the Hufflepuff table, "Snape set a snake on him!" He had to fight off a smirk; it seemed that no one remembered that Harry was also a Parslemouth.
Noir stopped in front of him and hissed, Young master, my other master wishes you to go to him now.
Harry stood up and, picking up the snake, walking up to the staff table slowly where his lover was waiting for him, now stood in front of the table. The Gryffindor gently placed the snake down upon the table and looked from Severus to the snake and then back with a raised eyebrow, "You summoned?" He drawled.
Severus shocked all but four people in the Great Hall by not pulling out his wand and cursing The Boy Who Lived into next week but going down on one knee and saying, "Harry James Potter, would you do me the honour of becoming my husband and making our status known to the world?" (I will not have all your adoring fans believe that you are free to be pursued and you did tell me to ask you again when you returned.
The Great Hall was silent. Everyone was staring at their Potions professor. Surely this was a joke! They were waiting for Harry to refuse but what actually happened they would never forget.
(I take it that you're going to be even more possessive than you were before aren't you?) He asked his lover with amusement and answered aloud, "Yes, Severus Salazar Snape. I would love to marry you." (To be honest I was wondering if you would even want to marry me when you realised what I was. This will not be easy. We will never be left alone you understand?)
(Yes, I am going to be, does that bother you?) Severus asked, relieved that his public display hadn't ended in humiliation. Of course he and Harry were in love. They were soulmates but that didn't mean that they had to get married.
(No it doesn't bother me. I will probably be acting quite similar just so that you know.) Harry warned his lover. (And my other question?)
Severus sent his amusement across the bond, (Of course I understand but I am sure we can handle anything they throw at us.) He answered steadily. This conversation had taken place over no more than three seconds so the sound of bodies hitting the ground after the revelation snapped them out of each others minds. They looked around. Half the students had fainted. Minerva McGonagall was looking at them in faint surprise but knowingly with a smile, she had known about their relationship in the past but didn't know that they had continued it when Harry returned. Dumbledore spared them a twinkle filled glance as he set about enervating the unconscious students.
Harry glanced over to Draco Malfoy. He was glaring at them in disgust. Harry predicted that there would be an owl heading for Lucius Malfoy before they left for the train in an hour. (I don't recommend answering Voldemort's next summons, love. I refuse to allow that monster to hurt you any longer.) Harry vowed.
(I had not planned on retuning until you were ready to defeat him my love. Do not fear.) Severus reassured his younger love.
(I need to do some research if I am going to kill him. I have a few ideas that I want to run by you.) Harry confessed as the couple started for the doors.
(At the moment I do not believe that he knows that you are Alex but that will not last long. Lucius Malfoy will recognise you instantly.) Severus pointed out. (Voldemort was irate when you left. He cursed me for not letting him know so that he could detain you.)
Harry shuddered, both at the knowledge that his lover had been tortured after he left and the remembrance of Malfoy's hands running over his body. (If Malfoy tried anything now I'll do more than change his hair colour and I suspect that you would do more than give him an aphrodisiac.) He vowed as Severus remembered that particular revenge prank with a snort. (And Voldemort will never have me. I'll kill him first.)
(He won't get near you, my love. I will make sure of that. I have been forced to live twenty years without you and as you have just found out I am rather possessive.) Severus soothed his younger lover.
(I trust you.)
The lovers walked to the doors of the Great Hall. They were stopped by movement at the Gryffindor table. Hermione stood up, ran over and hugged Harry and then hugged Severus as well to his shock, "I wish your union all the joy and happiness in the world. May you be blessed in all you do together." She said formally.
Ron Weasley followed his girlfriends' example, minus the hugs of course, and recited the formal blessing although both knew that the couple were already bonded by their hearts. Seeing that Harry's two best friends accepted the relationship almost every Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw snapped out of their stupor and applauded. Severus turned to his own house. Everyone but the known supporters of Voldemort congratulated their Head of House.
Just before Harry stepped out of the doors he turned to the headmaster and called, "I accept."
(What have you just gotten into?) Severus asked suspiciously.
(I just agreed to do my Defence Mastery during the summer so that I can teach some September, Sev.) Harry replied cheekily.
(Oh I see. Well I guess I could help you train as I am also a Master…) He trailed off suggestively with a smirk at his younger lover's slightly shocked face.
(Really? I never knew that. When did you become a Master?) Harry asked curiously.
(Just after attaining my Potions Mastery. Very few people knew of it then and even fewer know that I am a Master now.) Severus smirked at his younger mate.
Harry smiled at the reference to his family who he was sure were the people who knew that Severus was a Master. (Where are we going to spend the summer?) He asked.
(Well considering that I did buy that house at the end of seventh year and you have never actually seen it as you saw fit to return to your own time before I bought it why don't we stay there?) Severus commented dryly.
(Oh ha ha, Sev. You know I had no choice. I would have stayed if I could.) Harry insisted.
(I have asked Dumbledore; he said that, as my fiancée, you were welcome to stay here during term should you wish though I usually spend the summer at the manor and may spend more time there in future. I only really went there because I had to, it hurt too much to know that another year had passed and you still hadn't returned.) As they had reached the dungeons by now Harry hugged his soulmate in response.
"Do you want to go to our house now or later. Everyone will be leaving very soon…" Severus trailed off, Harry would understand.
"I've already said my goodbyes. Besides if I stayed to see them off I'd only have to answer questions and deal with people insulting you. I really don't want to start my first day of being a qualified wizard by hexing my former classmates." Harry said with a cheeky smirk.
Severus apparated them both to Greystone Manor, the wards were set so that only he or Ales could enter. He had set the wards to recognise Alex's magical signature. 'No Harry's' Severus reminded himself. Sometimes he still couldn't believe that his soulmate had come back to him. That their feelings were so unchanged was a dream come true for him. Severus had not been unaware of how he had changed over the years, he was no longer the person he was at seventeen but Harry didn't seem to care and it was true that Harry was one of the few people in the world who could understand him and his position. He called out for the house elf, "Tiffy!"
The female house elf appeared instantly, "Master Severus. You is home sir! Tiffy is keeping the manor just as you like it. Does master want a room made ready for his guest?" She asked excitedly staring at her master.
The Potions Master glanced at his fiancée and received a negative response to the unasked question, "No thank you, Tiffy. Harry will be sleeping in the master bedroom."
Tiffy looked to Harry in surprise, "Then you is the one? My master's mate from the different time?" She asked.
Harry nodded silently.
(I might have spoken of you to Tiffy once or twice, love.) Severus mentioned.
"Master Severus is talking of you after every school year, Master Harry. He is missing you greatly. Maybe now he is not so grumpy." The elf announced before disappearing
Harry turned to Severus amusement written across his face.
"Tiffy has known me since I was born. She acts like my mother." He said defensively, momentarily forgetting his age and speaking like a petulant teenager. At times like this it seemed as though no time had passed and they were both still seventeen instead of only one.
Something that had been tugging at the back of Harry's mind came back to him, "Sev, what happened to Henry and Melissa?"
"Both died during a Death Eater raid on their home shortly after your birth. I often miss them. They always defended me to the people in the Order who didn't trust me. Only Lily was more passionate in her defence." He answered ruefully with an underlying sadness, "When you were born your grandmother, Melissa, used to stare at you for hours on end. It is only a theory but I often wondered if she was looking for similarities to the Alexander Frost they knew. Women seem to recognise family members much easier than men."
Harry grinned at his taller mate sadly. He would miss his grandparents as well. They had been wonderful people and Harry was ecstatic that he had finally got the chance to meet them. He had always wanted to meet his family. 'I will kill Voldemort for taking away my chance to have a real family. A childhood.'
A hand taking his own distracted his from his thoughts. Harry looked up at his lover to see understanding written across his face. Severus nodded before gently tugging him forward for a chaste kiss.
"Would you like a tour?" He asked when they parted.
"I'd love one. I know where I want to see first." Harry replied suggestively.
"Insatiable brat." The older man muttered with a smile.
It was as though nothing had changed between them most of the time. Severus had to keep reminding himself that he was 37, twenty years older than Harry. He still felt 17 around his lover. He had been shocked to discover that he could still laugh, joke and smile; he hadn't shown positive emotion in so long that it should have been a struggle to remind himself to rearrange his expression but it wasn't. Harry Potter had always been able to elicit an emotional response from him despite his best efforts and the same with Alexander Frost, only the emotions were usually positive with Alex. 'I'm not quite as emotionless as everyone believes.' He thought in amusement.
Harry heard that thought and replied with (Of course not, love. Does it bother you that they see you that way?) He didn't think that it would but wanted to check.
(No, it doesn't. Those I care for know the real me. That is all I want. My reputation does, after all, come in handy occasionally.) Severus sent Harry the image of a cowering Fudge along with the though.
The Heir of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw sniggered at the sight, (Fudge is a snivelling idiot. How he ever became Minister is beyond me.)
(Come. There are some people who wish to see you.) Severus suddenly said being cryptic.
Curiously Harry followed his mate up the stairs to the library.
"I realise that I'm the Heir of Ravenclaw and love reading but the library, Sev?" Harry asked his lover looking around in confusion. It was an impressive library, shelves wall to wall filled with books. There were comfy chairs and two study desks for working at. One was filled with papers but the other was empty. Harry knew that was his.
"The room itself is not a person, or why it is our first stop." Severus stated before walking off. Harry rolled his eyes at the secrecy and followed his cunning lover. They walked through the shelves to the far wall, near the comfy chairs. Severus moved behind his mate and covered Harry's eyes with his hands. Moving him forward Severus slowly removed his hands.
"Hello son." A female voice spoke up quietly.
Harry recognised the voice instantly; he stared at the painting open mouthed, "Mum?" He questioned sounding lost.
Lily smiled sadly at the figure in front of her. She knew his features well, they were those of Alexander Frost. Yet she also recognised her son – the teenage version of the baby she gave birth to a few months ago. Lily nodded, "I'm so happy to see you. I made Severus promise to bring you to me when you came back. I've missed our conversations Alex. Though at least now I know why you were so adamant that I give James a chance." She finished with a laugh.
"I missed you too. I wanted to tell you so much but I couldn't. I could save you. I'm sorry." Harry whispered. He had tears in his eyes.
"You could not chance what happened Harry. It was the way things were meant to be. I'm so proud of the man you have grown up to be. My powerful, handsome baby boy." Now the Gryffindor lioness was crying.
"My beautiful grandson." Another female voice spoke up from a different portrait.
"I can't believe that my grandson is so powerful and talented. How have you been, Harry?" A male voice asked from the same portrait.
Harry turned his head; he knew these voices as well! He looked to Severus who smiled and nodded. "Grandma. Granddad." Harry finally got to call Henry and Melissa what he had ached to call them since he first met them.
"It's so good to see you again, Alex. Severus here has often complained about your antics to us. It was killing Lily and I not being able to tell him of our suspicions. When he returned at Christmas, which he never usually does, he confessed that you had disappeared. Poor boy was gobsmaked when we told him that we already knew." Melissa Potter joked with her grandson. It seemed like he was speechless.
Harry suddenly flew violently into Severus arms and began sobbing uncontrollably. "Thank you. Thank you." He mumbled.
Severus looked at the portraits of his friends and Harry's family in faint embarrassment and helplessness before wrapping his arms around his emotional mate. "I am sure there are more portraits in the Potter Vaults, Harry. I know for a fact that there is one of your father in there because Lily often disappears to go talk to him."
The green-eyed teen stopped crying and dried his eyes, "I never imagined I'd get to talk to my parents again."
"Silly Gryffindor. Practically every wizarding family has portraits of each generation done; the Potter's are no exception. You have seen portraits before. Use your brain, love. I know it exists." He admonished gently.
"I managed to get magical portraits of my parents as well. They are only squibs, not muggles, so it worked," Lily informed her son, "They'll be in the Vault with all the other portraits. Now you are of age all the Vaults are open to you."
(I can talk to my family, Sev! This is incredible.) Harry shouted over the bond to Severus.
(It's magic, my love.) Severus replied joyful at his mate's apparent happiness. He hadn't been sure if Harry would consider this as a reminder of what he had lost or not.
"Ok. Can I ask something?" Portrait Lily attracted the soulmates attention. "Severus has explained some of the soulmate thing but you know what he's like, Harry. Our Severus tends to leave a few vital things out. I can't even get more out of him when he's drunk and he is a seriously loose-lipped drunk." She teased her 'brother'. "Will you explain it more to me, I believe Severus mentioned telepathic communication?"
Harry burst out laughing at the eager expression in his mother's face. She was just like Hermione with a new thing to learn. In fact the bushy-haired girl had been pestering him for details on the bond for a week now. Once he recovered he apologised to the affronted Lily and replied, "Yes. Severus and I can communicate telepathically with pictures, words and emotions. Mainly it is a combination of all three. It is a constant phenomenon although we have erected barriers between our minds so that we have some privacy. Only extremely strong emotions or ones we wish the other to feel pass through to the other."
"That's amazing! I read a book on soulmates when I was in Hogwarts but as the last case was over a thousand years ago the reference material was a little outdated and distorted." She admitted sadly.
(I think we should introduce my mum and 'Mione.) Harry commented dryly to Severus who chocked back laughter.
Lily noticed and burst out triumphantly, "See! You just did it again. The both of you use telepathy often don't you? I remember you smirking and laughing at nothing in seventh year. Do you have to be in the same room for it to work?" The scientist in Lily was having a field day. When she left Hogwarts she had gotten a job as a researcher in the Ministry Labs and archives. She was one of the youngest people there. The fiery girl had begun research into a book of ancient spells when she, James and baby Harry had been forced into hiding.
"We haven't really had the chance to test it but it works from one end of Hogsmeade to the other at least." Severus chipped in. "Lily please leave your questions for now. Harry has only just arrived. He will be here all summer studying for his Defence Against the Dark Arts Mastery."
"Alright, I'm sorry. I tend to get carried away sometimes. It's just too fascinating! Lily looked like a child that had had its favourite toy taken away.
Melissa and Henry hid there laughter at the chasticised tone of their daughter-in-law.
Then she perked up, "Defence Mastery? Harry I'm so proud! I have no doubt you'll pass."
"Thank you, mum." Harry mumbled.
"I always knew there was something special about the two of you. You never needed words to communicate and always knew where the other was. Although that you were soulmates never crossed my mind. Congratulations dear boys." Melissa Potter crowed happily. Henry added his own congratulations, "I also explains your power levels." He said with a knowing smile.
After a few more minutes and a promise from Harry to return the next day he and Severus finally left the library.
"Sev, this is amazing. Thank you so much." Harry impulsively flung his arms around his mate again.
"Your welcome. We can have a look through the portraits in your vaults for your father and grandparents and bring them here. For you I will even put up with James Potter, though I expect that with Lily at his side and the knowledge that you are his only child will make him less…hostile." His mate teased fondly.
Harry kissed him to shut him up and wipe the smirk off his face. "Show me the rest of our house, Sev. I can't wait to see it all. Do you spend much time here?" He asked curiously. While the house was definitely comfortable it didn't look as lived in as Severus' Hogwarts quarters.
"I have only spent the summer here for the past twenty years. There was no reason to leave Hogwarts for the other holidays after all." He answered.
'House' was an understatement Harry decided as they walked around 'more like mansion'. They had spent an hour merely exploring the dungeons and ground floor though they had been bustled out of the kitchens by Tiffy. When they finally reached the Master Bedroom Harry looked at Severus with lust filled eyes.
"My turn, love." He growled and kissed Severus hard.
The Potions Master allowed his lover control over the kiss, gave himself up to the dominance of the younger wizard. It was a rare occurrence, even when they had been in their seventh year Severus had almost exclusively topped after Christmas. It wasn't planned but both seemed to prefer it that way. Severus liked the knowledge that he controlled something in his life while Harry loved the feeling of not having to take charge, he could just follow Sev's lead in safety. They did sometimes change and Harry topped. He enjoyed the reactions he could produce in the stoic Severus.
The shorter green-eyed man gently pushed his mate onto he large four-poster bed. Surprisingly, or not if you knew Severus, the décor in the bedroom was blue and cream. Not a hint of green or silver to be seen.
Harry had to stretch Severus thoroughly before he was sure of not hurting his mate. The man had been celibate for twenty years after all.
As Harry filled him Severus felt the completion he had not felt since the last night he and Harry had made love. When they were joined like this it was the closest thing to heaven they could get. Neither wanted this to end but the urge to move grew too great to ignore and Harry began to thrust into Severus causing both to moan simultaneously.
"I love you." Harry whispered as he succumbed to the darkness.
As they lay snuggled together after, Severus' hand trailing through Harry's hair he muttered, "I love you too" and kissed his head.
Half an hour or so later Severus roused Harry from his light sleep and informed him that dinner would be ready soon.
They spent the rest of the day in the library and the evening in the living room, alternatively reading or talking or just kissing.
Early the next day the soulmates got up and set off for Gringotts. They were curious about what they would find in the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Potter vaults.
Griphook once again took Harry to his vault. First they entered the Gryffindor Vaults.
It was a humongous chamber. One half was pilled high with galleons, sickles and knuts too numerous to even estimate at a number. The other half was filled with objects; books, weapons, portraits, clothes and all sorts of knick knacks. Harry was overwhelmed by it all.
(The Slytherin and Hufflepuff Vaults are almost identical to this as I expect the Ravenclaw Vault will be.) Severus informed his stunned mate.
(All this is mine?) He asked in a small voice as though fearful of the answer.
(Yes, all yours love.)
Harry recovered from his shock and cast a spell to list everything in the Vaults. As the list grew Harry asked Severus to make a list of all the books in their library at home so that any new books could be added. Taking a peak at the amount of money listed Harry once again lost his breath. There was well over 100 million.
Griphook saw the Gryffindor Heir's surprise and smugly informed him, "Lord Gryffindor was an extremely wealthy man and his family added to the wealth until the name of Gryffindor ceased to exist. Since then it has only been opened a handful of times and the interest has accumulated over hundreds of years.
A notion struck Harry, "How much money does the interest make each year, Griphook?"
"About one hundred thousand galleons per year." The goblin replied a little surprised that the wizard had recognised him and remembered his name.
"Well we certainly don't need all that money. I want to set up a charity for the war victims – All the interest will go towards that. Can you see to that or do I need to speak to anyone else?"
"I can handle that if you make me your personal account manager." Griphook replied cautiously.
(What do you think, my love?) Harry asked Severus.
(I think it's a wonderful idea. Perhaps we could donate the interest from all the Founder's Vaults to different causes. We should, however, discuss that later in detail.) Severus replied happily.
"Very well, Griphook. How do I go about doing that?" Harry turned to the goblin with curious green eyes.
"Simply declare out loud that you wish for me to be your accounts manager, sir." The goblin replied respectfully. He had never before met anyone like Harry Potter. Griphook remembered showing a young man from Hogwarts to the Gryffindor Vault twenty years ago. As soon as he had seen the eleven year old Harry Potter he had recognised his aura. It was an honour to be someone's account manager and to be account manager for Harry Potter gave him a great deal of power within the bank.
"I declare that Griphook is the account manager for the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Black and Potter Vaults." The last living Potter and heir stated formally.
Severus then spoke up, "Griphook, if you are willing it would be easier for us if you were to handle my accounts as well. We are soon to be bonded and it would be more efficient if one person was already in control of both of them before hand."
The goblin's face contorted in surprise but than he bowed deeply in respect and answered, "It would be an honour, Master Snape. I offer my congratulations for your upcoming ceremony."
The Potions Master completed the same short ritual as his mate had, making Griphook account manager to the Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Prince and Snape Vaults and then they progressed to the Ravenclaw Vault. Severus' prediction was correct; it was very like the Gryffindor Vault except there were a lot more books. Harry cast the spell to list the contents of the vault again and once it was completed moved on to their destination, the Potter Vault. As much as the soulmates wanted to explore the Founder's Vaults the object of their visit today was to find the portraits of Harry's father and grandparents, they could always return at a later date.
As Harry entered the main Potter Vault for the fist time his eyes scanner the room, ignoring the obvious wealth there, looking for the portrait section. His keen eyes found them in the far corner and he shot off leaving Severus and Griphook to follow him. Knowing that Harry would be too distracted Severus cast the contents spell for him as he hurried to hover at the edge of the portrait section watching his mate search for his father's portrait.
"Accio James Potter portrait." Harry called confidently.
One portrait rose into the air and flew towards the young wizard. The frame's occupant was startled awake and peered owlishly through his glasses at the person before him. His face widened in surprise and anger, "Frost, what are you doing in the Potter Vault?" James Potter demanded to know.
"Alexander Frost was the pseudonym I took whilst in the past not my true name. My parents named me Harry James after my grandfather and father." Harry explained in a mild voice and then stayed silent to allow the information to sink in. The portrait had been taken a few months after his birth so Harry knew that his father would recognise him as the seventeen year old Slytherin he had last seen him as.
"Harry James?" He echoed in shock, "My son is called Harry." He stated dumbly.
Harry resisted the urge to laugh and said, "Yes, I am. I am your son. I am Harry James Potter."
"But you're a Slytherin." was James' weak protest.
"I did not have any Gryffindor role models while I was growing up. However, if it makes you feel any better I am the Gryffindor Golden Boy in my time. This time." Harry spotted Severus hovering at the edge of his vision. He mentally thanked his soul mate for allowing him to meet his father alone. If James saw Severus then he would never listen to him.
James finally seemed to regain his senses, "Yes, I knew that. Your mother has told me of your exploits each year. Brilliant! Flying car, way out did anything we Marauders did. I am so sorry I could not be there when you grew up Harry. But you seem to have turned out extremely well." James seemed to have temporarily forgotten that he was Alexander Frost who he had hated almost as much as Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy.
Harry smiled sadly, "If it helps at all you died fighting off Voldemort to give mum and I time to escape futile as it was. You were very brave: A true Gryffindor."
"Thank you Harry. I did not know that. How do you know though? There was no one there to witness what happened." James asked his son. He knew that Lily died protecting their son and everything after that from conversations with the other portraits.
"I can see and hear it when the Dementors get too close." Harry whispered almost inaudibly.
James blanched. Lily had told him that Dementors had been at the school Harry's third year but not that. "I wish I could lay my hands on that snivelling rat who betrayed us." He growled.
"He will be dealt with. May I shirk you to take you home?" Harry requested.
"Of course. I'll see you soon, son." James agreed and Harry shrunk the portrait placing it safely in his pocket before tuning to Severus. (Short term memory loss?) He asked his mate laughing.
(Potter always was good at simply ignoring information he didn't like.) Severus replied in amusement.
Harry then summoned his mother's parents. The woman, Helen, was the fist to speak. "Are you Harry?" She asked curiously.
Harry nodded, "Yes, ma'am."
"None of that. Call me Gran." She scolded the teen.
Harry smiled softly; yes these were defiantly where his mother got her no nonsense attitude from.
"Hello, Harry. Please call me Grandpa. I always wanted to be called that." Robert chuckled.
"OK, Grandpa. I'm going to shrink you down now and take you home." Harry informed them.
He placed them in the same pocket as his father. He and Severus left Gringotts. Once they were out in the open they apparated back to the manor.
(I'll go to the kitchen and get us some lunch while you speak with your parents.) Severus offered.
(Don't take too long. My father will have to get used to you and you to him. Oh and Severus – thank you. I love you.) Harry replied.
(I love you too.) Severus said and then set off for the kitchen. Inside he found that there was a new house elf called Dobby. 'Dobby. Why does that name sound familiar? Oh of course Lucius' old house elf. "Dobby what are you doing here?" He asked the elf curiously.
"Professor Dumbledore tells Dobby that Harry Potter has a house now. Dobby promised to always serve Harry Potter so Dobby has come here." The bouncy little house elf told the surprised man. (Your little elf is here love. Please don't tell me he is always so hyper.) He begged his mate.
Laughter reached him through the bond along with the message, (I was wondering how long it would take him to find me. I forgot to tell him I was leaving. Oh and yes he is.)
"Very well. Would you mind preparing us a light lunch please Dobby?" Severus asked the still bouncing elf.
Dobby immediately scampered off and reappeared a minute later with a large tray laden with food and drink.
"Thank you Dobby. I'll take it to the library." Severus said as he took the tray off the elf.
"Dobby is always happy to help Master Harry Potter's mate." Dobby gushed happily.
Severus was floored, "How do you know we are mates?"
"Elves is knowing that sort of thing sir. We is seeing the bond." Dobby explained.
The Slytherin made a little noise of understanding and then headed up to the library after making sure that Dobby wouldn't tell anyone about their bond. Dobby had assured him that elves never spoke about their masters and that he would keep Harry Potter's secrets till death.
Meanwhile, Harry had gone straight to the library and taken the shrunken portraits out of his pocket to re-enlarge.
"Hello again, Harry." The portraits called out greets to him.
"Hello Mum, Grandma, Granddad." He called back to them.
Harry levitated the portraits and stuck them to the wall next to Lily's. James vanished from his portrait and reappeared in Lily's. He kissed her lightly on the cheek and commented dryly, "Thank you so much for telling me that our son was Alexander Frost, my dear."
"Shut it James. I have only known for about a year though I'll admit I suspected it for longer." She replied tartly.
"How much longer?" James asked his wife suspiciously.
"Well seventeen years or so." Lily replied with a smirk worthy of a Slytherin.
"I can't believe you never told me. Our son! And I was so horrible to him." James despaired. Suddenly his face froze and he turned to Harry in horror, "You. You and Snape!" He accused.
Harry grimaced; he had known that this conversation was coming. He nodded.
"How could you? Snivellus! He's twenty years older than you!" James shouted. Only he failed to notice that Severus had entered the library.
"He wasn't twenty years older when we fell in love." Harry argued. James scoffed at the 'love' remark. "We're soulmates, dad."
"Impossible! There hasn't been a soulmate couple for centuries." James countered.
At this Severus levitated the tray to the table and walked over to stand behind Harry. He put his arms around his mate as much to comfort his fiancé as to irritate the elder Potter he freely admitted to himself and by proxy Harry.
Harry relaxed back into the protective embrace and saw his father's face turn a wonderful Gryffindor red. "Get your greasy hands off him, Snivellus!" He yelled at his childhood enemy.
"No dad. You have to accept this. Severus and I are engaged and there's nothing you can do to change it. You can easily be returned to the vault." Harry firmly insisted.
(Perhaps your father and I need to talk, love. Go and firecall Lupin. He will be able to help and along with Lily they will convince Potter.) Severus suggested.
(Alright.) Harry turned around and kissed Severus on the lips, mainly to irritate James, it seemed that the habit of a year was difficult to break, before leaving the library to find another fireplace. He found one in a spare bedroom. After finding the floor powder on the mantle Harry called, "Remus Lupin, Defence Office, Hogwarts." He stuck his head into the fire and when he opened his eyes he could see Remus' office. Luckily the werewolf was there.
"Hello Harry. Is everything alright?" He asked curiously.
"Hey Remmy. Everything's fine. I just wondered if you'd like to come over? There are two people here who would really like to see you." Harry replied cryptically. He knew that a mystery would interest the old Marauder, Are you busy?"
"No I was just finishing a few notes for the next teacher. I'm not coming back next year." The professor said putting down his quill and standing up.
"Thanks Remus. I really appreciate that." Harry said to the man.
"You're going to teach next term?" Remus asked in mild confusion.
Harry nodded, "I'm doing my mastery this summer. Are you coming then?"
"It would seem so. Stand back. I'm coming through." The sandy haired man walked towards the fireplace.
Harry's head disappeared from the flames as he backed away from the fire. Seconds later Remus stepped through. 'Must have perked his interest for him to come so fast.' He thought in amusement.
"Welcome to mine and Severus' home." He said as Remus dusted himself off.
"Thank you. It looks beautiful," Remus commented looking around, "So who am I meeting?"
"You'll see soon enough. They're in the library. Although I do have a request to ask of you." Harry pleaded his pseudo-godfather.
"Of course, cub. Name it."
"One of the people doesn't really approve of my relationship with Sev. Will you help me explain?" Harry asked still being cryptic. He wanted to surprise Remus.
"Sure." Remus promised thinking 'who could it be?'
When Harry had left the library James had exploded in rage, "You snivelling greasy paedophile! Stay the hell away from my son!" He carried on insulting the Slytherin Potion Master until Severus finally snapped and silencing him with a spell, unknowingly in his anger silencing all the portraits on the wall. "Now you listen to me, Potter. I don't like you. I never have and I sure as hell never will. The only reason your portrait is here, in my house, is because of Harry. For once in your life try thinking before you speak and listen to what your son wants. You're dead but he's not."
Lily silently cheered her brother on. If she could do magic she would have silenced her husband herself.
Harold and Melissa, on the other hand, were quite shocked. They had never seen James behave like that to Severus before. Sure at Order meeting he'd sometimes drop the odd sly comment but never had they heard him abuse another in such a way. 'He still doesn't believe that Severus is on our side after all this.' Melissa thought sadly.
Helen and Robert, however, had remembered what Lily told them about James Potter before her seventh year. They knew that he had grown up since then but Severus Snape was his one weak spot that would reduce him to that angry teenager again.
To say James was shocked would be an understatement. First he had to deal with the fact that his son was the teenager he had taunted during his seventh year then he finds out that his son is with slimy Snape. He remembered that they had been a couple in seventh year but he wouldn't have expected Snape to wait twenty years for him or for Harry to still want him when he got back. His mouth opened and closed in a parody of speech a few times before staying closed.
Severus flopped down into one of the armchairs gracefully and they remained silent until Harry returned with Remus.
The first thing Remus saw when he walked into the library was Severus at the far end sat on a chair. He couldn't see anyone else so in confusion he followed Harry forward into the room.
Harry sensed the silencing spell and with a smothered chuckle removed it. He knew the exact moment Remus saw the portraits – the man froze.
"James? Lily?" He asked in a small voice.
"Remus!" James called, irritation momentarily forgotten as he saw his childhood friend, "You look old, Moony." He teased.
"Hello Remus. I see Harry called for reinforcements." Lily commented.
At that all of Harry's comments became clear and he turned to the teen with a knowing look. Harry smiled sheepishly back at the man.
"Reinforcements? You're on my side aren't you, Moony? You see that this is wrong?" James pleaded with his old best friend.
"Sorry, Prongs. I'm with Harry. You never could see past your hatred to see Severus for who he really was. Everyone else, except maybe Siri, saw that he changed when Alex was there and then when he left. You can't tell me that you didn't see how heartbroken he was. I still remember his face at one Order meeting when you called out to him, 'Seems Frost just couldn't wait to get away from you Snape. He travelled across time itself to escape. Can't really say I blame him. Let's hope he was from the past so he never has to see your ugly mug again.' I also remember that Lily slapped you so hard for that the hand print was still there a day after but Severus didn't do anything in retaliation. He just left."
Harry gaped at Remus. (Is that true love?) He asked Severus.
A hesitant (Yes) was his only answer.
(He's lucky he's already dead. Father or not.) Harry was seething. Taking deep breaths he tried to release his anger and not blow his father's portrait or worse the house, up.
Severus sensed his mate's problem and moved closer to him, running his hand over Harry's back in soothing circles.
"Moony, look at him! He keeps touching him!" James protested childishly.
"For Merlin's sake, James, Severus is probably grounding Harry. Or do you want to get blown up?" Lily burst out at last.
James face contorted in confusion, "Grounding him"
"Yes. I'm willing to bet that our son is willing to blow you up for doing that to his soulmate." Lily explained.
Both Remus and James said at the same time, "Soulmate?" It seemed that James had forgotten what his son had told him earlier.
Harry had finally gotten his anger under control. Taking his mate's hand in his own he spoke up, "Yes. Severus and I are soulmates, father." He said formally father instead of dad. James flinched at the ice in Harry's tone. "We found out on Christmas Day when the soulmate rings of Gryffindor and Slytherin, which I'd bought as a gift, heated up when we put them on. They glowed as well telling us that we were their heir's.
"Wait a minute. Heirs?" Lily interrupted.
"Oh sorry. Didn't Sev ever mention it? I'm heir to Gryffindor, curtsey of father and heir of Ravenclaw curtsey of you mum. Severus is heir of Slytherin and –"
"Yes we're heirs that's all they need to know." Severus cut in abruptly.
Remus knew what Harry had been about to say but smothered his laughter. James, on the other hand, had no such scruples and met this new information with glee, "What was that? Heir to Slytherin and..? Hufflepuff maybe? Oh I can't believe this. Old Snapey heir to Hufflepuff."
"Shut it Potter!" Surprisingly this came from Harry. He was standing bolt upright with his hands at his sides curled into fists.
James stared at his son in wonder. As he took in the image before him he realised something. He didn't know who his son was. Sure he knew some of what had happened over the past seven years but he had no idea of how it had affected Harry. He didn't know anything about his childhood. The messy haired man knew his son's first word, first magic and first step only because they had happened before he had been killed. James realised that he had no idea of what Harry's favourite things were or any of his other firsts. This was his only son and if he couldn't accept Severus Snape as part of his son's life then he wouldn't be a part of it. James Potter grew up in that instant. 'Lily would never forgive me.' He thought sardonically. Then he opened his mouth and spoke as an adult for the first time since he had been brought to the library, "I'm sorry Harry. I let my mouth run away with me. I don't want to loose this chance to know you because of my childishness. I can not promise that I will never act like a child again but I will promise to try and act like a father and I will be civil to Snape."
Harry, Remus, Lily, Harold, Melissa, Helen and Robert could all see just how much that admission had cost him. "Alright, that's all I ask. Just give him a chance." Harry replied sadly.
Severus suddenly remembered that he had brought lunch with him when his stomach growled softly. "Shall we eat before the preserving spell runs out? Remus you're welcome to join us."
"Thank you Severus. I skipped lunch at Hogwarts." The werewolf answered and picked up a sandwich as he sat down.
(This seems to be going well don't you think?) Severus joked to Harry.
Amused laughter tinged with sadness and resignation filtered back to him through the bond. (I expected this reaction I just didn't expect that I'd get so angry. Even Malfoy can't get me that riled up anymore. I'm just glad he seems willing to listen now.)
Severus reached under the table and took his mate's hand comfortingly. James, who was behind the couple and could easily see what was happening steadfastly ignored the gesture as a wave of hatred rose within him.
When they had finished Harry banished the rubbish to the kitchen and Remus offered to talk to James for them, "Besides he was my best friend and I haven't seen him or Lily in sixteen years." He added coaxingly.
"Alright." Harry agreed quickly. That would give him some alone time with Severus.
"We'll be in the living room if you want us, Lupin." Severus informed the werewolf then added quietly, "Good luck."
Remus smiled winningly at the couple. Harry and Severus left the last living Marauder alone with the portrait of his former companion.
'I wonder if Siri had a portrait.' Harry wondered absently as they walked down the corridor.
Severus heard his mate's thoughts with alarm, (Even if he does I refuse to allow that mangy mutt into our house. I will tolerate your father for yours and Lily's sake but please don't ask that of me.) He begged his fiancé.
"Don't worry, love. I know he is my godfather but I don't know if I can forgive him. It was always he who provoked us. James simply backed his friend up. I would not ask you to be civil to Sirius, I know your history." Harry cautiously slipped his hand into the slightly larger one of his soulmate. Severus looked at him in faint surprise. Even in the past they had rarely held hands but feeling how Harry's smaller hand fit into his own perfectly he found that he rather like the act. He would never tell of course. The Slytherin man just gave the hand a small squeeze and that was that.
While the couple lay snuggled on the couch talking, Remus was explaining, with the help of Lily, her parents and James' parents, Harry and Severus' relationship to James.
"But Moony, it's Snape!" James was whining childishly.
"What is wrong with Severus, son?" Harold finally spoke up.
"He's a Death Eater! A Slytherin! A dark wizard! What's right with him?" The Gryffindor man screamed at his father.
Lily sighed, "You know perfectly well that Severus is a spy, James." She said matter of factly, "He has been ever since he met Alex. Yes, he is a Slytherin but have you forgotten that your son is half Slytherin. The house does not make the person. Just look at Peter. Severus is not a dark wizard either. True he knows Dark spells and knew many spells when he first came to Hogwarts but that is just knowledge. He craves it as much as I do." Lily argued for her brother.
"He is Harry's other half. They balance each other. They complete each other. Without Severus Harry would die." Melissa Potter tried to reach her only son, "Haven't you looked at them when they are together?
Falling silent James considered his mother's words. He thought back to his seventh year. When he was alone, without Sirius, he had often seen the two Slytherins together but left them alone. Suddenly an image of them sat at a table in the library flashed through his mind. Alex, 'no Harry', had been bent over his parchment writing furiously. A lock of hair had fallen into his eyes and Severus had automatically reached over to tuck it back behind his ear. Harry had looked up and their eyes caught. Severus had smiled softly. 'His entire face softened and opened up. You could see the love in his eyes.' James recalled. At the time he hadn't paid much attention. Alex scared him a little and he didn't want to start a confrontation so he had ducked into the nearest shelf. "He really does love him doesn't he? Snape I mean. He actually loves Harry." He whispered.
"Yes he does. He'd do anything for Harry. And vice versa." Remus answered in the exact same tone.
James was distraught, "Oh dear sweet Merlin, what have I done?"
"Nothing that can't be undone, if you just stay in this frame of mind. Accept this relationship or face loosing your son." Lily delivered the ultimatum.
When James nodded Remus told them he'd go and get the couple. Harry stared at his father impassively as he entered, waiting for the other to speak first.
Gathering his tattered pride and all the Gryffindor courage he possessed around him James Potter apologised to Severus Snape for everything he had even done to him. The Slytherin was stunned. Harry smiled brilliantly and thanked his family profusely for their help.
"I wish your union all the joy and happiness in the world." Harry's father recited formally.
A second later Severus suddenly grasped his left forearm with a pained hiss.
"Let me see, love." Harry coaxed his lover into releasing his arm from the powerful reminder of his spying. Chanting in Parsletongue Harry made the pain recede to a bearable level.
"Thank you. I must go now. The last to arrive is punished." The spy summoned his Death Eater garb and began to disparate.
"I'm coming with you." Harry stated and latched onto his mate.
They disappeared and the man and portraits were left staring at the spot Harry and Severus had just inhabited.
"Oh please Merlin. Let them be safe." Lily sobbed and flung her arms around her husband.