Engagement Season; Chapter Two

Harry stretched, grinning happily to himself. He was in his room, in his home, with his godfather's. He jumped out of bed and grabbed his wand to cast a tempus charm grinning wickedly, excited about being able to use magic outside of school. It was just nine in the morning so he happily bounced into the bathroom adjoining his bedroom and stripped off stepping into the shower. Harry sighed as the hot water pounded into his still sore body, the fight with Dudley -who was still boxing- had been intense. He grabbed the shampoo and levered it through his hair. Combing his fingers through the locks and massaging his scalp he noticed something odd. He combed his fingers through his hair again checking the length, peculiarly enough it did feel a bit longer. Harry was pretty sure it hadn't been down to his shoulders yesterday. The book Hermione had gotten for him mentioned that he may change a little physically, but he hadn't been expecting his hair to grow out. He rolled his eyes and dismissed it, finishing up his shower.

A few minutes later Harry stood studying himself in the mirror attached to his wardrobe. He did indeed look different. His hair was without a doubt longer, like Sirius' now, falling to his shoulders in sleek layered waves. He had to admit it looked good, better than the mess he'd grown up with. He'd gained about two inches in height he was happy to see, finally putting him at 5'6". Still shorter than all the guys his age -and some of the girls- but at least he wasn't as short as a third year any longer. His face had changed subtly as well, filling out somewhat, but still maintaining the high cheek bones, and finely arched brows reminiscent of his fathers. He hadn't looked girly before, at least he didn't think so, but he had to admit he was undeniably androgynous looking now; again not really a bad thing, just different. He'd lost some of his hard earned quidditch bulk, maintaining the definition in his chest while losing the broadness, and slimming out over all, gaining a lithe look while acquiring a definite curve to his hips yet keeping his six-pack abs. He traced the defined muscles, thank Merlin for small favors, he had after all, definitely earned them. Overall he decided the look absolutely worked for him, or maybe he was just damn happy he'd gotten taller and didn't care about the rest; even if he had changed more than he'd expected.

Getting dressed, Harry then slipped downstairs and into the kitchen, pausing at the mess he found. Sirius was standing at the counter covered in flour while Remus was collapsed against the kitchen table, laughing hysterically. "Have you two been drinking?" Harry quirked an eyebrow, smirking at the two men.

Sirius and Remus froze, slowly turning to eye their godson standing in the door. "Absolutely not," Sirius protested straightening up.

Remus chuckled, "No, but maybe we should, it could possibly make this process easier."

"And what is it exactly that you're trying to do?" Harry asked sliding into the kitchen and over to Sirius.

"Fix you breakfast?" Sirius answered weakly.

"Right," Harry nodded. He gently grabbed the whisk from Sirius with one hand, and with the other flicked his wand cleaning the man up. "Why don't you have a seat and I'll take care of the food. Remus can make tea."

"Yes Harry," the men murmured.

Another chuckle from the doorway made them all turn. "House training them already Potter?"

"Ha ha," Sirius growled lowly.

"Have a seat Severus, and you can stop calling me Potter now," Harry rolled his eyes good naturedly. "Are we expecting anyone else for breakfast?" he turned to ask Remus.

"Bill and Charlie have claimed the morning with you as they don't get to see you that often. They are also trained Order members, so if you happen to run into Fudge for some reason…"

"They can get me out of reach without too many problems or causing a scene." Harry finished. The others nodded. "So… what brings you by Sev?"

Both Severus and Sirius turned bright red. "Umm…"

Harry giggled, "Totally already knew." he admitted.

"Brat," Severus rolled his eyes, "What are you fixing, are you going to poison me, and how are you feeling?"

Harry completely used to Severus' abruptness from his time training with him answered without a second thought. "Eggs, bacon, biscuits, tomatoes, no I'm not going to poison you funny ha ha, and I feel pretty good this morning. Look," Harry said standing up as tall as he could grinning happily, "I grew two inches!"

"And your hair looks better too." Severus said graciously. Harry rolled his eyes. Severus just smirked at him, and set a potions phial on the table, "Happy Birthday."

"What is it?" Harry asked curiously.

"To fix your eyes."

"You can do that?" Harry asked awed. Without a second though he ripped the stopper out and downed the potion in one go. The effects were immediate; a rush of heat behind his eyes, and a stab of pain in his temples, stopping abruptly a moment later. "You could have warned me!" Harry groaned, his eyes clenched shut tightly and fingertips on his temples rubbing.

"You didn't give me a chance," Severus said smugly. "And I taught you better than that, downing a potion like a starving man!"

"It was from you, and I happen to know a werewolf who would use your intestines as Christmas tree decorations if you killed me."

"Duly noted," Severus laughed with a raised eyebrow. "Open your eyes brat."

Harry took his glasses off then slowly opened one eye, and when it didn't explode, the other. "Wow," he breathed, reverently taking in the area around him and the three men at the table smiling at him. "I had no idea my vision was that bad even with my glasses, this is permanent right?"

Severus nodded. "I am sorry I could not give it to you before, but as it is technically a permanent body altering potion, the person has to be of age to use it without the consent of their magical guardian or parent."

Harry nodded, tears glistening in his newly repaired eyes. He turned to the stove flicking his wand around sending food and place settings to the table while trying to get his emotions under control. When that didn't work, he gave in and ran, launching himself into the potion masters arms. The man, who had been expecting it, was ready. "Thank you, thank you." Harry cried into Severus' neck. "It's one of the best things anyone has ever given me. Thank you."

Severus returned the enthusiastic hug, gently rocking the emotional teenager in his arms. "Your eyes look so much like Lily's; it was shame that they remained hidden behind those horrid things because Potter was as blind as a bat."

Harry laughed weakly, sitting up to rub the tears from his face. "I do have pretty eyes, don't I?"

The men around the table chuckled, and Harry moved to get out of Severus lap. The man hung on, stopping him. "Harry," he said getting the teens attention. "I know we had come to a truce over two years ago, and have since become rather close," he hugged the teen tightly to emphasize his point, "and I know I apologized for my behavior before that..."

Harry nodded to show he was listening. Severus didn't often speak like this, and it was never in front of others.

"I let my emotions rule my actions where you were concerned. You looked like James, and he… and I blamed him for Lily's death, as well as the crap from our school days. Lily was my sister; I grew up with her and the wolf. I was the one who told her about Hogwarts and the wizarding world. Lily, she had done accidental magic right in front of me… to save me." Severus paused, his throat constricting in remembered grief. Harry settled back into the man's chest and rubbed the arm that was wrapped around his waist soothingly. "I, I had been having a bad day. We were"

"Eight." Remus nodded in support.

"Yes, we were eight. Lily asked me about the bruise on my cheek. I tried to tell her it was nothing, but as she pointed out, there's nothing you can really do to disguise a handprint. She kept saying that there were people we could go and talk to, that she would stay with me, and the wolf would stay with us as well. But I couldn't, I couldn't leave my mother. Her family had disowned her for marrying a muggle, and I couldn't be sure that they would take her in. I stalked off. I had just stepped of the curb when a large auto came careening around the corner," Severus chuckled darkly. "I froze, couldn't move. I heard Lily yelling, and Remus and her running for me, but the auto, scared me more than the Dark Lord ever did. Just before the auto would have hit me, I went flying through the air and the next thing I knew I was sprawled over Lily and we both hit the ground. She wouldn't let go of me, kept yelling at me for being stupid and screaming about how scared she was."

"Once we were all calmed down, Sev and I just looked at her, completely stupefied." Remus smiled remembering. "It was almost what, twenty minutes later that we thought about what had actually happened? Lily did have a temper, much like yours Cub; fiercely protective and loyal to those she respected and loved, and more than willing to fight." Remus reached over to card his fingers through Harry hair. "Soft," he murmured.

"That's the day we told her about magic." Severus grinned. "I would step off that curb again."

"But not anymore right?" Harry smiled up at Severus. "You and Remy and Siri, you're my parents, all three of you. It would kill me to lose any of you." Tears once again built up behind those awesome eyes and dripped, trailing down his cheeks.

Severus reached up gently wiping the tears away. "You know that will give you another seat."

Harry groaned, leaning his head down onto Severus' chest. "Can't you and Siri like adopt or something? Please?" Harry begged.

"We did," Sirius spoke up. "Or rather, we are hoping to. It just requires a signature."

Harry looked up quickly, breath catching in his throat. "Really?" he breathed, hope and love shinning in his eyes. "You want me to be your son?"

Severus laughed. "You know I don't do pranks brat."

"You're already our son, all three of ours, this just makes it harder for anyone to contest you inheriting. If you don't want to though, that's fine too. No one will push you."

"So I'll really be your son." Harry grinned. "Where do I sign up?" he asked immediately.

"I think he just wants me for my seat," Severus turned to whine at Sirius, sending the man into hysterics for the second time that morning.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Severus, I would be most honored to be your son, while preferably without that darn seat, I'll make due."

"Brat," Severus rolled his eyes. "Comfy?" he asked amused when Harry slumped back into his chest after signing the adoption paperwork.

"You're a little bony, but now that I'm here to cook and make sure you eat, I'm sure that we can fix that."

Sirius snorted in laughter, hiding his grin behind his hand.

Severus just rolled his eyes and gestured to the table. "I suppose we should eat then."

Remus smiled, "I put warming charms on them when they hit the table, so we're good." But before the werewolf could dig into his plate, the warning charm on the floo went off. "I'll go check it." He said getting to his feet. "Go ahead and start."

Remus wandered in a few minutes later, Bill and Charlie trailing along behind him. Harry leapt up excitedly, forgetting about breakfast, and ran into his brothers arms. "I'm so glad you're here!"

The redheads hugged him back enthusiastically, before pushing him away to get a good look. "Still a shorty, but a very pretty one," Bill grinned.

Harry blushed bright red before rolling his eyes and sticking his tongue out.

"And I see it seems that you've become a Black-Prince."

"Of course dear subjects, was there any doubt?" Harry pretended to look down his nose regally, the men all getting a good laugh.

"They only thing he objected to was getting another seat," Severus sighed dramatically.

Harry turned a huge grin on his new dad. It was awfully nice to hear Severus joking around, and to see him smile.

"What brat?" said man asked with raised brow.

"Nothing," Harry said happily, sitting down in his chair between his new dads. "Sit down," he gestured at the redheads. "You make me feel even shorter when you stand and I sit."

Bill and Charlie laughed before doing as their little brother bid. "Sirius didn't try and cook again, did he?" Bill asked, eyeing his plate suspiciously. It looked edible, but better safe than sorry.

Harry laughed, "No I did. I had to rescue him from the flour first… or was it rescue the flour from him?"

"Ha, ha" Sirius grumbled.

Everyone laughed and settled into their meal, pushing back from the table once their plates were clean.

"If you cook like this all the time, I'd be more than happy to get fat." Severus smiled at his new son.

"I'll make sure to add some fruit and veggies to every meal than," Harry laughed. "I don't want Siri coming after me for making his partner look like a whale."

"Thank you," Sirius wiped his brow dramatically, making Severus snort in caustic amusement.

"Now, we have a few things to do around here, and your brothers have made some plans. Just be sure to be back by four, and for the love of Merlin, please make sure he eats lunch." Remus pushed the three out the door, glaring at the two redheads before turning to the others. "Molly should be here any minute, so up," he clapped his hands. "Sirius dishes, Severus you're with me in the living room."

"Why can't I work with Sev and you do the dishes?" Sirius whined.

Remus raised an eyebrow, "Because I'm pretty sure that Molly would rather not have a front row seat to the wonders of gay sex."

Severus promptly blushed and turned to glare at his partner. "Dishes," he ordered before stalking out.

Sirius continued to grumble but turned to his task, and Remus followed Severus out of the room

~oOo~

"Ok Harry, I'm really sorry but I'm going to have to side-along you. It's just not a good idea to take you to the ministry to get your apparition license right now."

"S'ok," Harry sighed stepping into Charlie's arms. "At least this way I get a hug."

Charlie laughed before turning on his heel and whisking them away, Bill right behind them.

Harry opened his eyes when he felt his feet hit the ground and looked around. "We're in a dirty alley, how very exciting."

Bill snorted, amused. "Come along, we're heading for Madame Malkin's. You definitely need a new wardrobe."

"What, you don't like the baggy look?" Harry blinked up innocently, making the other two laugh.

"I would prefer to get you out of those Merlin awful hand me downs, and into some proper clothing." Bill returned.

The three walked into the shop, Harry stopping dead in his tracks to look wide eyed at the racks and displays all over the place. "Are we in the right shop?"

"Yep, we just came in through the regular entrance. You've probably only seen the one that's strictly for students getting their school robes."

Harry nodded. "I had no idea there was anything more to the shop."

"Where do you think we get the rest of our clothes?"

"I don't know?" Harry replied honestly.

They were interrupted by a young man with a tape measure. "May I help you?"

"New wardrobe," Bill answered promptly. "He needs everything."

Harry blushed, when the man grinned at him excitedly. "Follow me please."

Ten minutes later found Harry standing on a familiar stool while an unfamiliar man measured him, hands and tape measure everywhere. Red stained his cheeks when the man's knuckles brushed across his balls, the tailor grinning up at him and winking. Harry's eyes widened and he turned his face away embarrassed.

The man got up and smiled. "Let me go get a few styles and fabrics and we'll get started."

"Hey, you're all red, you ok?" Bill looked at him worriedly after the tailor had stepped out.

Harry pushed up a smile and a half laugh. "Yeah, I… I've just never liked clothes shopping?"

Bill studied him for a moment. "Ok… Well, I personally vote for at least one pair of leather pants." He leered at the raven haired teen.

"Bill!" Harry laughed.

"Well didn't you hear, you'll have more than one big brother there to protect your virtue for your last year ,that is if you want…?"

Harry blushed bright red right down to his chest, making both redheads laugh. "Umm…"

Before the boys had time to pursue this avenue of thought, the tailor swept back in and they got to work. After several hours, a punch to the face -the tailors face that is- and two hexes sent by irate older brothers, the three left Malkin's shop with the owner's apologies and a whole new wardrobe down to tight boxer briefs, socks, shoes, and accessories.

"I can't believe you two hexed him," Harry smiled broadly.

"I can't believe that bastard thought he could get away with groping our little brother right in front of us," Charlie grumbled. "Are you sure you're ok," he stopped walking, "I could go back there and hex him again, or better yet, I could go get Remus. See if that thing ever thinks about groping you again after your werewolf has had a go at him."

Harry laughed hugging the big redhead. "Come on Charlie, its ok now. Besides, I had everything under control before you two even stepped in."

"That is a pretty mean right hook you have there." Bill chimed in. "But it's time for lunch, and I personally," he placed a hand on his chest, "would not like the werewolf to come after me for not feeding his cub."

Harry laughed again, and tugged his brothers by the arms into the Leaky Cauldron for lunch. Soup and sandwiches and butterbeers in front of them, Harry finally asked about the comment from earlier. "So what did you mean by more than one big brother?"

"Oh," Charlie said, "That's me. I'm going to be the new flying instructor and the NEWT level COMC professor."

"That's great," Harry grinned, "But what about your dragons?"

"As much as I love my dragons, I love being around my family more."

"And his boyfriend," Bill grinned naughtily.

Charlie blushed, "And my boyfriend."

Harry cocked an eyebrow and smirked at the embarrassed man. "I don't know Charlie," Harry shook his head. "How can I tell if he's good enough for my brother if I haven't met him yet?"

Charlie grinned. "You'll get to see him later, and you have already met him."

Delighted laughter filtered through the dim pub.

~oOo~

"Happy Birthday to you…" the crowd finished up.

Harry laughed, smiling happily at everyone. "Thank you all!"

Friends and professors from Hogwarts, and even a few ministry employees that they could trust that had been in the Order, all smiled back at him.

Several hours later, after the last guest had left, Harry flopped down in Charlie's lap. "So… Marcus Flint?"

The redhead shrugged. "He's big and surly just like my dragons, but also fiercely loyal and he makes me happy."

"If he makes you happy, that's all that matters," Harry told him sincerely.

Charlie squeezed the small teen in his lap until he squeaked, causing the rest of the room to laugh.

~oOo~

Bill, Fleur, and Severus were standing in the corner talking quietly, drinks in hand.

"Beel," Fleur tilted her head to the side. "Z'aire ees some'zing off about 'Arry. He smells deefer'ent."

Severus turned dark eyes on the french woman. "What do you mean?"

"E' smells famili'aire, but I'em not sure why." Fleur struggled for a moment, trying to put her finger on it before shaking her head. "Soree. Eet ees not fully z'aire. Some'zing ees mes'zing."

Severus turned to watch his son. It had only been a day, well more like a few hours because Harry had spent the first part of the day with the elder Weasley boys, but he had noticed something off with the teen as well. He couldn't really tell about his scent, but still… there were other things.

"It's probably just his magical maturity. Harry never does anything by halves, take his appearance for one. I don't recall ever seeing anyone change quite as much, but…" Bill pat Fleur's shoulder comfortingly.

Severus nodded absently. He continued to watch, tensing up when the young Miss Weasley finally managed to corner Harry. She'd been trying to all evening, but his oblivious son hadn't noticed.

~oOo~

"Harry," Ginny smiled at him. "I was wondering if you would mind having a private word with me?"

"Sure," Harry got to his feet. "No problem." He followed her from the room.

"I have a feeling that that isn't going to end well," Sirius murmured. He'd seen the way the youngest Weasley had glared at anybody who had gotten near his son, especially those who had taken the chance to flirt with the beautiful teen.

"Why is that dear?" Molly asked, she was busy vanishing trash and taking down decorations on the other side of the room.

Sirius grimaced. "You know your daughter has a crush on him, right?"

"Does she?" Molly asked, "I hadn't realized. We had that talk a few years ago, during that awful tournament."

"Well Harry's… umm, he is,"

"For for Merlin's sake," Severus muttered plopping himself down next to his partner. "My son is gay Molly, as well as completely oblivious, and you daughter is probably about to have her little school girl crush smashed into a million tiny pieces."

Molly blinked, "Oh dear," was all she had time to get out before said little school girl came running back into the room and through the floo sobbing her heart out. "I guess I'd better go after her."

Harry rushed in a few seconds later, "Is she, I didn't mean to! I thought she knew, I mean everyone knows!"

Severus sighed and tugged his worried son down into his lap. "You let her down easy?"

Harry blushed. "As easy as I could," he said anxiously. "I mean she led me out to the garden and started talking about the moon and then she just turned around and started kissing me! I pushed her away and told her to sit, and then I tried to explain that I see her as sister, that I've always seen her as a sister. She interrupted me and asked who the whore was that I was seeing."

"She said that?" Arthur asked concerned and appalled at his daughter's behavior.

Harry nodded. "I told her I wasn't seeing anyone, but even if I was it wouldn't matter, and then I explained that I like guys. Ginny kind of lost it after that, she slapped me and started screaming about getting married, and saving her in the Chamber, and destiny, and then she ran off. I followed as quickly as I could. I'm so sorry, I really didn't mean to hurt her!" Harry's face was crinkled in worry, and his eyes darted around the room as if expecting a blow to come out of nowhere.

Arthur rubbed his temples then got up and gave the worried teen a hug ignoring his flinch. "It's fine Harry, Molly and I will talk to her."

"I'm sorry Mr. Weasley." Harry whimpered again.

"Harry, it's not your fault. Ginny has always been… taken with you, especially after the Chamber incident. I thought it had subsided into a healthier brother like love after the Yule Ball when you went with that french fellow. Molly had had a long talk with her then." Arthur sighed again. "She'll be fine Harry, I promise. You did nothing wrong."

Harry looked up with luminescent eyes. "Ok."