Chapter 2
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Five years later...
Minerva was puttering around her office getting ready for the new term at Hogwarts, when a familiar snowy owl glided gracefully through the window and landed on her desk. She smiled at her companion. When Harry left England, he'd left his familiar pet behind because people would have been able to find him too easily. Both man and owl were despondent over the separation, but Minerva took very good care of Hedwig.
She'd seen the Weasley girl come to Hogwarts, in the beginning, trying to coax Hedwig from the owlery. Only the snowy owl wouldn't go near the chit. Smart girl. The last time she tried, Albus had forbid her from coming to Hogwarts unless it was for official business or for the Alumni gatherings.
Unfortunately, two weeks later, Ginny Weasley became a member of the Alumni committee, and immediately pushed for a reunion ball at the school, thinking that Harry wouldn't miss an opportunity to see his friends.
She was greatly disappointed once again.
Harry sent a letter with Hermione, containing a message for everyone, letting them know how much he missed them and wished them well with their futures. He wasn't able to attend for personal reasons at this time, but he would see them someday, when he was ready.
Minerva and her star pupil had done a lot of talking over the past five years, especially in the beginning when Harry first fled the country. In the same manner as Severus had done for Draco. It was a letter from Harry, to both Draco and Hermione, that helped heal them and draw closer together to finally make things work for them.
He told them that magic doesn't lie. And the magic said they were soulmates, they were destined to love forever and were both part of a whole. All they had to do was slow down and make it work. He loved them both and cherished their friendship but they had to make things work, if only to prove to the world and the Weasley's that they were in love. And they had, Minerva was happy to note. She was the godmother of their first child as Harry was godfather, by defacto.
But Harry still hadn't returned to England. That was, until the owl post had come late last night from Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Ginny Weasley, if anything was persistent in her pursuit of Harry Potter. Bound and determined to be the next Lady Potter and glean all the benefits that the title afforded in both the Wizarding and Muggle Worlds, she had hired a private investigator to track him down in the Muggle World.
Now it seemed he was close to finding Harry. That just wouldn't do.
Bill and Charlie had been forwarding letters, through Hermione and Draco, to Harry since he'd been gone; as had the Twins. But, unlike the rest of the family, they were never against Harry and Hermione in the beginning. They'd always known what Ginny truly was and what she had done in pursuit of her selfish desires. She was the epitome of the selfish Pureblood and the shame of the Weasley line.
Minerva was in the Three Broomsticks after the wedding disaster, and the brothers were trying to coax a drunken Ron Weasley home.
Flashback
"Harry Potter, my best mate. The coward. Took off for parts unknown. Not even a letter. Damn the bloody bastard!"
Percy tried peeling the almost empty bottle of Firewhiskey from his youngest brother's hands, "And what was Harry supposed to do?"
"He should marry Gin! It's all his fault! If he hadn't fallen for the 'Ferret', then I would be with... with Mione. Ginny wouldn't have gone and done what she did, if Harry had kept his promises."
"Harry, didn't make..." Fred began...
"... promises to Gin," George finished.
"None of this is Harry's fault."
"So put the fault where it belongs!"
"ON OUR SISTER!" All the older brothers chimed in together.
End Flashback
The Daily Prophet was in heaven for weeks; from the aborted bondings, to the bonding and lavish Wedding of Draco and Hermione, to Harry's disappearance, and Ginny Weasley's interview with Rita Skeeter. How she saved The Savior of the Wizarding World from making a mistake. How she was sure that Draco Malfoy'd had Her Love under a spell or potion. He was Severus Snape's godson after all.
The aftermath of that one interview was still being felt. Especially when Lucius Malfoy, and his entire team of barristers, came down on the Daily Prophet with a vengeance. Needless to say, Lord Malfoy now owned the Prophet and its reporters now thought twice, before putting quill to parchment.
Minerva opened the owl from Kingsley, and read through it--twice. Snorting, she commented, "She thinks she is going to find our Mr. Potter. She's not even on the right continent. Foolish woman…lucky for Harry." Hedwig ruffled her feathers and squawked, as if in agreement.
Only if she knew what Harry has been up to and that he was moving on in his life. Minerva smirked as she made her way to Albus' office. This would earn them a good laugh this morning. Maybe they should take a trip to see the boys. She was always up for a good argument and debate with Harry's new friends. They were most definitely nota dull bunch.
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Pittsburgh, PA...Three years before on a Friday Night...
Harry'd gone down to meet up with some friends he'd made since his arrival in the states two years ago. At first, he felt the odd man out in the little group. It had really bothered him at first... but now... he was just one of the guys.
Justin was the first one he met when he moved into the apartment building. The man's pale blond hair gave him a pang in his heart at first, but he lived through it. No one could or would ever come close to being Draco. But, Draco was a lifetime ago. He was moving on with his life now, as were Draco and Hermione. He was finally enjoying his life, far far away from Britain and the oppressive Wizarding World he once lived in.
He felt so free here, so alive; free to be himself.
The Dancing Dragon was an awesome place to hang out on the weekends; a place to get drunk and crazy, dance your cares away, or just wind down, have a beer and talk. They even had pool and darts, games one could take very seriously, or just play for the fun of it. Or, sometimes they would wander down to Babylon and indulge in the sexual frenzy and lust that all was the club scene.
Harry had been sitting at the bar going through Justin's portfolio, admiring his work, while the blond was out on the dance floor with his partner Brian. A shiver of premonition crawled down his spine. He had been feeling tendrils of magic for the past few weeks, but there were other wizards and witches who lived in his building and frequented The Dancing Dragon. They would often nod and go about their business. It wasn't coming from any of them. He was just Harry here. He was being watched again. He knew someone had been watching him for a while. He just assumed Albus had sent someone to keep an eye on him.
Out of the corner of his eye to the right, he noticed the man sitting in the shadows; a Wizard, like himself, but a welcomed and familiar magic. He just wasn't prepared for whom that someone was. He closed his eyes and reached out with his magic. His eyes popped opened when he realized who was sitting there, smirking at him. He wouldn't have thought there was anything in the Muggle or Wizarding worlds that would drag Severus Snape away from the dungeons of Hogwarts.
"You can come and sit next to me Severus. I don't bite... on the first date, at least." Harry picked up his mug of beer and took a pull as he watched the man, he had known since he was eleven years old, get up and walk towards him. As he watched, his eyes widened until they were the size of saucers.
This was definitely not the Severus Snape he had left behind in England; not the snarky man that swooped about, dressed in black robes, with a permanent scowl on his face. No. Gone were the high-necked waistcoat and billowing floor-length robes of centuries past. The man now walking toward him was hot.
The tall, and surprisingly, fit body was now showcased in faded denims and a deep red button down shirt, the long sleeves rolled up to the man's elbows. Long raven hair had been pulled back into a plait down his back, and he was sporting neatly trimmed facial hair as well. A pair of silver hoops shone from his ears, giving him the rakish look of a pirate.
"P-Professor?"
"Close your mouth, Potter. There is no reason to emulate a gaping fish."
Harry closed his mouth with a click of teeth. He'd never saw a sexier man than the one now seated next to him. In awe, all Harry could say was,
"What? No black?"
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Seeing Harry's reaction, Severus snorted to himself as he sat down on the bar-stool next to the young man. Minerva had instigated a shopping spree at Harrod's when he'd told her he would be visiting Harry while he was in the States, attending a Potions Convention. It had sparked an argument of grand proportions...
Flashback
Minerva and her mate, Poppy, were currently in his wardrobe, 'tutting' loudly, as they dug through his clothes, throwing his clothes over their shoulders, to sail across the room and land in one of two piles.
Usable and rubbish.
The rubbish pile was growing larger by the moment. The bag he had been packing was now empty, its contents relegated to the rubbish pile as well.
Albus was sitting in an armchair watching the spectacle, sipping tea and eating chocolate biscuits-- His chocolate biscuits. There was also an open box of his favorite truffles on the table. And he wanted to know how Albus had managed to find his stash. He was going to have to change the location and the wards on it—again. The bloody man needed to stick to his Lemon drops.
"I'm only going to visit Potter. Not—not--prance around, putting on a show for him!"
"Severus Snape, for once in your life, just go with the flow. You can't go to the States looking like you stepped out of some long ago century. It works fine here in the Wizarding World, but not out amongst the Muggles."
"Especially American Muggles." Poppy chimed in as she sent another pair of his trousers flying. "And do stop frowning so, Severus, or you'll need to start using the Wrinkle-Away Potion you've been brewing for us."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, closed his eyes against the growing headache and the next words he knew were coming.
"You need new clothes, Severus."
He groaned inwardly. A shopping trip with Albus, Minerva and Poppy... how much worse could this get? He never should have let that thought run through his head, because he received his answer. Moments later, at his door, stood Draco and Hermione, all too willing to help shop for Muggle clothing.
Oh, he needed a chocolate fix and he needed it now. He glared at Albus as the man bit into one of his truffles. Reaching over, he snatched the box off the table and shoved one of the truffles in his mouth, as he closed the box and locked it in his writing desk.
Wardrobe and dresser, both practically empty, they readied themselves to go to Muggle London. Severus grumbled under his breath that he was able to shop for clothing on his own, and was immediately shushed by the witches. Before they exited his rooms, Remus arrived, his new lover, Kingsley Shacklebolt, in tow. Remus was more than happy to offer his suggestions for Muggle clothing, with a few comments by Kingsley concerning what he knew of 'clubbing attire.'
When had his life and rooms become a stopping point for all visitors at Hogwarts? Forget the chocolate, someone hand him a bottle of Old Ogden's.
"I'm attending a potions convention and delivering one of Hedwig's chicks, if you've forgotten. This is not a social visit, nor a fashion ball. What style of attire I am wearing is of no importance."
"Wizards in the States don't dress like we do here, Uncle Severus," Draco said stepping into the fray with Minerva and Poppy. "And what happened to the clothes Father and Mother bought you over the years?" Draco asked with a raised eyebrow, reminiscent of his Godfather.
Severus glared, not that it had any affect on his godson, and replied with a grimace. "In the back of the closet."
Draco's eyes lit up. Mother and Father always had good taste in clothing. There was hope yet!
Minerva walked around Severus, looking him up and down. "Maybe a haircut?"
Hermione frowned. "A trim. Just to bring a bit of life to his hair," she said as she reached out and touched the silky tresses. "It would be a shame to cut such beautiful long hair. And maybe a facial, and wax his brows a bit."
Severus turned his head and raised a stunned eyebrow at the bushy haired woman.
"Well not everyone can be like me," Kingsley said rubbing his bald head. "All bald and sexy."
Remus stood by his side, blushing crimson.
Minerva and Poppy snorted loudly, and Albus began to chuckle.
Severus folded his arms over his chest. "What makes everyone think I...That I like Potter?"
"Oh please, Uncle Severus, you couldn't keep your eyes off of him at my wedding. Not that anyone could, no offense, Dear."
"None taken, Love."
Hermione turned to Severus. "Harry has a loving and giving heart. That alone makes him even more beautiful."
"Well, it wasn't his heart Uncle Sev was staring at..." Draco smirked under his breath.
"Don't forget the hair, Mr. Malfoy," Minerva added.
"Of course, can't forget the " 'shag me now, please' hair."
"Ow!" Draco rubbed the back of his head as he looked at his wife who was smiling sweetly at him.
"Remember that's my best friend."
"And MY ex-lover, Dear..."
"And the future Godfather to our child or children. Mum said that twins do run in the Darveau family."
"Bloody woman..." Draco grumbled, before his kissed her cheek in apology. Turning back to the smirking group, he smoothed his robes and flipped his long hair over his shoulders. "I suggest we go to London."
"Harrod's of London is one of the best places to shop. My father and grandfather go there all the time," Hermione added. "They will even give us a personal changing room to use, so Severus won't be embarrassed."
"As if a lower level of embarrassment will make me feel the least bit better about any of this."
"Well, I'm all for a day in London. Maybe we could procure some more of these wonderful chocolates, " Albus said from where he stood eating another truffle, the box that Severus had taken from him and put away, now grasped against his paisley-clad chest.
Everyone turned to see Albus Dumbledore wearing a pair of Khakis pants, sandals, and a blue, purple, and green paisley shirt.
Severus looked to the ceiling and groaned. "Just A.K. me now."
End Flashback
"What brings you to the States, Professor? I didn't think anything or anyone, could drag you from your dungeons."
"Dungeons? Did I hear the magic word!" Emmett Hunnicutt appeared; a whirl wind of movement and all Queen. "And who is this darling man? Have you been hiding him in your apartment, Harry Potter? He's all dark, sexy, and mysterious."
Harry's eyes were wide as saucers. "Professor Severus Snape," he croaked out, "this is Emmett Hunnicutt."
"Mr. Hunnicutt." Severus replied, quirking an eyebrow at the flamboyant young man.
"And a voice to match! I just love the deep baritone and sexy accent." The tall thin Southern boy shivered, as his gaze moved over Severus hungrily. "Mmmm... yes. Just scrumptious...!"
As always, Harry wanted to cross his eyes when Emmett was around. Though he liked Emmett very much, the man was a presence all his own. His very presence owned the room and his world.
"Brian! Justin! Michael! Ben! Come over here. Harry has company from across the Pond!"
"Bloody Hell," Harry whispered. Here was the stuff of wet dreams sitting next to him, and Emmett has to call in the Calvary. Not he couldn't take care of himself. He proved he could, repeatedly, the years.
"Professor..."
"Severus, Mr. Potter."
Harry turned back to his Professor--no, Severus. "Only, if you call me Harry."
"Oh I will--Harry," the man purred.
Shivers ran down Harry's back as he let the chocolate and whiskey-laced voice flow over his body. How the hell did he make it through Potion's class during his Sixth and Seventh Years?
"Severus Snape? Oh! I know where I've heard that name." Emmett went on, "He was your Professor at that school in Scotland. The land of men in skirts, who go commando."
"Kilts, Emmett. And the proper term is 'regimental.' Don't let Aunt Minerva hear you call them 'skirts'. She'll take offense to that, and as a strike against her heritage."
"Oh, that lovely woman? Minnie just wouldn't hurt a fly. Not even little ol' me!"
"Minerva has been here?" Severus asked, surprised.
"And Aunt Poppy too, with Grandad Albus." Harry mumbled.
"Merlin. Albus too?" Severus replied. "Is there anywhere that ol' meddler hasn't been?"
"Oh! I just love Albie! The man's taste in clothing is soVegas queen, but he tells the most wonderful stories!" Emmett's hands gestured animatedly as he spoke. "I just wish he would let me give him a makeover. He'd look yearsyounger!"
"Decades younger, most likely..." Severus mumbled only loud enough for Harry's ears, causing the younger man to almost choke as he stifled a snort of amusement.
The rest of the group joined them at that point, Brian's eyes roaming appreciatively and hungrily over the tall dark Brit sitting next to Harry. "Hmmm... it's about time we got some fresh tail in this place. And international cuisine, no less. I always have appreciated variety." He grinned in his most appealing manner, and stuck out his hand, as he stepped into Severus' personal space. "Brian. Brian Kinney. You?"
Harry leaned in at that point, with a glint in his eye. "Will eat you alive and spit you out in little bits if you aren't careful."
Severus looked down his nose at the egotistical young man, with the glare that used to send his students scrambling. Brian's gaze slid to Harry and back to the man, who's hand he still held.
"Mmm... sounds like an exciting challenge to me." He fixed Severus with a challenging gaze and released his hand. Ben snorted, as both Justin and Michael rolled their eyes.
"Branching out, Brian? Now that you've slept with every gay man in Pittsburgh, and several outside of the city. Honestly, you will never change, will you?" Michael couldn't believe Brian's behavior could still surprise him after all these years.
"Not likely. The world would stop spinnin' and I'd start cravin' snatch." Emmett gave Brian a knowing look, which earned him a glare from his friend.
A silent shudder went through the group. Brian scowled as he turned toward the bar. "I need a drink."
"Harry, I must say, you always make such... interesting friends wherever you go." Severus drawled, as he watched the others push through the throng of writhing bodies, toward the bar.
Harry flashed a huge grin. "Of course. I wouldn't be me, if I didn't."
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TBC...
A/N:: This is all I have written for this one at the moment.. only a couple of paragraphs started for three.. This one shouldn't be all that long..
Thank you all for the reviews.. They tell me I'm on the right track.. and make me SQUEE!!