Disclaimer: I don't own anything of Harry Potter.
Note: Thank you so much for the amazing reviews. Alright, I apologize hugely for the lack of updates and no, I haven't abandoned this story but it may take longer because of my personal life and plus, I'm writing three fest fics (all of them Snarry) so that is taken up all my time. But I did manage to write this chapter. Alright, so bear with me because the updates may be a little bit slow in coming. But I won't hold you off from this lovely chapter, let's begin.
"Bubotuba pus." Severus' very voice was a harsh whisper as he held Harry by the shoulders. The smell of petrol was overpowering to his sensitive nose but he tuned the scent out. The owl had already flown away but Harry whimpered softly. The young man was keeping himself together bravely but Severus knew how much those boils had to hurt.
"Here, sit down at the table. I should have the necessary ingredients around here somewhere." Severus helped Harry to sit down, staring down into the green eyes that flashed with pain and that were washed with tears that Harry had been taught not to let fall. His heart clenched in sympathy and he didn't need the bond to feel the pain that radiated from the younger wizard. He stroked the lightening bolt scar for a moment and whispered. "My brave Gryffindor, the heart of a lion you have."
Severus' sure steps faltered as he hastened towards the stock room he kept in the basement. The last time he ever was here was years ago. Praying that the preservation charm held that he had cast on the ingredients he muttered the password and waved his wand in a complex pattern before the door slid open. The house may not be worth much but he did have some of the best wards installed, or rather he had done so himself.
Wrenching pain made Severus' heart clench together in sympathy but what was more was the feeling of fear that travelled across the bond…
His head snapped up and immediately Severus surveyed what was left of his stock. It wasn't much. It was enough to brew the most simple of potions but not what Harry needed. Severus sighed; there was only one they could go to. He searched his potions kit that he had left here in search of a pain relief potion but the only ones he had with him were the weak ones and they wouldn't help Harry. He had his own potions that he had to take but they were only meant for him and not as something to be given to Harry.
He stalked back up the stairs, annoyed with the dismal laboratory he had build in the house after his parents had died and he had inherited it. It hadn't served his needs then and it certainly wouldn't do so now. He didn't have the time to brew something complex, especially with the ingredients that were rotten at best. His hand clenched the letter in his pocket, the urge to draw his wand and find out whoever had sent this, whoever had the gall to forcefully enter their lives and ruin things, even to go as far as to harm his bond mate.
He had to force himself to take a deep breath so the sudden anger he was feeling wouldn't spill over into Harry. This new development of the bond between them was a nice surprise but because they could only sense each other's emotions it wasn't hard to create misunderstandings. Severus looked into the kitchen for a moment to check in on Harry on his way to the floo. His brat sat in the same spot that Severus had left him, completely folded in and reminding Severus of a small bird. The handsome face of his bond mate was turned away from him towards the window that was still opened and allowed some of the warm summer air into their cool home.
Severus didn't need the magical tattoos or the bond between them to feel the pain that was radiating off of Harry. He stepped into the kitchen and softly said. "Harry?"
The younger male looked up at him but already Severus could see the dull green eyes and the pale face. He was at Harry's side in two steps as he crouched down in front of his husband and pushed back the sweaty fringe to feel the slightly burning of the scarred forehead. The fever blurred green eyes locked with his own and Severus sighed softly. He traced light fingers down one cheek that was wet with tears and he softly said. "Come, we shall floo to Hogwarts and get you in a bed. You need medical attention that I'm unable to give."
It seemed that it hadn't been only thinned Bubotuba pus that had been in that envelope. Severus forced a smile to his face and slowly rocked back on his heels so he could rise in a fluent motion. Carefully walking around the chair he wrapped an arm around Harry's waist and hoisted him up, supporting him as they walked to the floo. Reaching out with one hand, Severus grabbed the tin that contained the floo powder and he threw the powder in, making the flames turn green.
"We shall go together because I do not trust you in a floo network when you are feeling well." He secured Harry to his chest with a careful arm and guided the younger male towards the floo. It was evident of the trust between them that Harry didn't struggle but merely allowed himself to be guided to the floo. Carefully Severus held Harry to him with an arm around the waist as he said in a clear voice. "Hospital Wing, Hogwarts."
The rush of floo and the sight of the dingy living room were the last thing he saw before they were floo'd away.
Hp
Harry tried to be as silent as possible as they floo'd into Hogwarts. He inhaled the familiar scent of the Hospital Wing though he found himself preferring the comforting scent from their home. Gentle hands pulled him along but even the smallest motion was making Harry queasy to his stomach. He realized his head was pounding and his hands stung fiercely where the pus had fallen on it. Slowly he breathed in the smells of fresh sheets and medicines. It was strange that the Hospital Wing seemed to feel like home to him.
"And what has happened now?" Even the familiar voice of Madam Pomfrey was welcoming to Harry. The strong hands on his shoulder steadied him confidently as he was guided to the bed even as Snape gave a quick explanation of what had happened. The bed looked incredibly soft but so small. Harry was used to sleeping in a bed that was shared by Snape. He carefully sat down on the bed, trying to fight off the headache that was threatening to overwhelm him.
He would have leaned his head down in his hands but that was impossible now. He could understand why somebody would try to harm them but why had he been so stupid not to check for spells or potions first? He had seen what had happened with Hermione when she had received a similar letter. He was a fool sometimes.
Snape and Madam Pomfrey were still talking to one another so Harry sat back on the edge of the bed; his feet were dangling a little bit above the stone cold floor but at least this way he could relax a little. He glanced up at them, eyes squinting in the strong sunlight that came from the windows across the ward. The light hurt his very head but the steady flow of emotions, calm emotions that came from Snape was a balm to his ragged nerves. As long as Snape was calm, and the man was always calm, even in the worst kind of danger, everything was well.
Harry looked up at his bond mate. The dark eyes looked at him for a moment before the thin lips curled into a slight smile. He glanced down at the tattoo that peeked out from underneath his shirt sleeve. The bond may still be settling between them and it would need further examination and exploring but Snape could truly hide nothing from Harry now.
I wonder if Severus is truly alright with this? He says he is but he is such a private man and for years the only place that was completely his was his mind and his feelings. A Legilimens cannot read emotions and he has learned to hide the emotions from showing in his face. So is he really comfortable with this new aspect of the bond between us? It must be quite an adjustment but that does mean that I can show him how I feel about him and that I do truly begin to love him. He is a man worthy of love and now he can't tell me that I lie to him when he reads my emotions.
"Well let me see your hands, Harry, we will have you all right in a jiffy. Now why don't you settle back and I shall get all the necessary ingredients? Severus, hover on the other side of the bed if you will, you'll get in the way."
"I do not hover, Poppy!"
"Really, you could have fooled me but very well, whatever you are doing, would you be so kind to do so on the other side of the bed?"
Harry had to stifle a giggle despite himself at the glare Snape send Madam Pomfrey. The older wizard muttered underneath his breath but Harry could tell that Snape wasn't really annoyed. The older wizard moved with an easy grace that Harry envied. Even when Snape was injured the Potions Master moved with an innate elegance that made Harry wish he had the same thing. It was a panther stroll; nearly silent footsteps that had been honed in years of war and that had no doubt saved his life countless times.
The long legs carried Snape easily around the bed and Harry found his eyes glued to the powerful wizard's muscles as they rippled underneath the shirt Snape was wearing. Harry felt a brief flash of arousal and within a moment he realized he had been caught as he glanced up to find the dark eyes smoldering with amusement and a bit of hunger. Harry smiled back.
The flash of amusement was brief but it filled Harry up as did Snape's laughter….he felt like the sun had shown on him again after months of being in the dark.
The elegant and gentle fingers stroked his hair away from his forehead as the dark eyes peered down at him as with a smirk before Snape brushed Harry's hair away from his ear and whispered, hot breath fanning the sensitive subject. "So if I pace around this ward then we'll have you sufficiently distracted so that Madam Pomfrey can work on you?"
Harry shivered as he peeked to the side. Snape's distraction techniques were certainly working because he wasn't so focused on the pain and how bad he was feeling. He smiled at his wizard and softly said. "Well, perhaps if you put those hands of yours to work then I may be distracted enough from the pain…"
"I think that Madam Pomfrey is not very interested in examining the other part of your anatomy that swells up."
Harry opened his mouth to answer but he suddenly squeezed his eyes shut as pain spiked in his head. The pain shot through his head so sharply that it made his eyes water. His head lolled to the side and he heard soft voices as pain in various other places of his body made itself known. His hands were positively aflame and he allowed his head to come and rest against the unyielding surface underneath his cheek. Something tight was wrapped around his shoulders and Harry opened his mouth so his breath could escape in painful gasps.
Don't make a sound, this doesn't hurt…it is nothing when I had that bladder infection…no really, it is nothing…
A hand stroked his hair but Harry tried to be strong. He opened his eyes and peeked at Madam Pomfrey from underneath his fringe. The mediwitch had her wand in hand and raised over Harry's legs. There was a blank expression on her face but her lips eased in a smile as she nodded at Harry and carefully lowered her wand. "Well, Severus was right; your hands were hit by Bubotuba pus and some combination of a potion that I cannot place. More tests will be necessary before I can give you something that will make you feel better. But this is a quick working potion that makes you feverish and no doubt queasy to your stomach. I'll get you something for your hands first and then I'll turn a spell on you that will tell us hopefully what potion was used on you."
Harry could only nod, chewing on his lip to prevent himself from crying out. Somebody was breathing close by his ear and he glanced up to find that he was resting against Snape's chest. The older wizard didn't seem to mind because his arm was fastened around Harry's shoulders to secure him. The fathomless eyes were staring down at him from behind the curtain of dark hair as Snape bowed his head. Hastily muttering an apology Harry tried to rise but he found that he was unable to do because a large hand held him trapped.
Harry could feel himself tensing. What was Snape doing? The firm grip around his shoulder prevented him from rising and finally with a sigh Harry relaxed his head back and curled up against Snape, settling into the new position he had crawled into to escape the pain. He drew his knees up to his chest and shuffled a little until he was finally comfortable. Snape was a solid presence by his bedside and Harry glanced up at the older wizard who was fulfilling his role as supporting pillar.
"Do you have any idea who could have done this, Severus?" Madam Pomfrey returned quickly with a basin filled with a clear liquid that she told Harry to soak his hands in. Carefully, aided by Madam Pomfrey's careful hands Harry lowered his hands in the cool water. The water was slightly murky and Snape shifted a little so he could sniff the water as he said. "Murtlap Essence. It will make your hands feel better before Madam Pomfrey bandages them."
Harry didn't answer. The water soothed the pain in his hands almost immediately but he began to realize just how much his head had been pounding and how tired he was. With a sigh he leaned his head back against Snape's chest, sighing softly as he fully relaxed in his bond mate's arms, trusting in his wizard to keep him steady and support him.
Weariness fell over Harry like a blanket and he struggled to try and not slip into sleep like he wanted to. Suddenly calm descended over him a long with a feeling of resolve. Snape would take care of him…
He closed his eyes and dozed lightly, comforted by the steady flow of calm emotions that came through the bond, the warm arms that surrounded him and the soft lull of voices that somehow told him that he was going to be fine just as long as Snape was there.
Hp
Severus stroked the dark hair underneath his hand and glanced down. He looked back up at Poppy, mouth working against a smile as he asked. "Does he know that you added a sleeping potion to the Murtlap Essence?"
The mediwitch shook her head and Summoned the necessary things to attend to Harry. The blisters on the small hands had gone down a little but Severus could see the sweat soaking the dark fringe. The hidden green eyes moved restlessly beneath Harry's closed eyelids and Severus wondered what demons Harry was facing. He stroked the curse scar with his fingertips and then glanced at Poppy. "How long does this treatment take?"
He couldn't really ask the question that was at the foremost of his mind. Harry had to be alright. Severus had seen Harry in various states over the years, from bordering on a depression to being nearly killed by the Dark Lord but he had always been convinced that Harry would bounce back, the younger wizard always did. It was only when he had married Harry that he learned just how much the Gryffindor kept hidden. He had never noticed how much Harry kept bottled up inside, how much guilt was eating inside of him.
And just when they were finally doing better something like this happened. Could their life never be peaceful and their own? Would they always have to look over their shoulders? Wand in hand and jump at shadows whenever they heard a noise that didn't belong? This wasn't supposed to be the way he was going to celebrate his freedom. They should be free to walk the streets now without being called names or afraid to leave their home because they could be harmed.
He closed his eyes tightly. This wasn't supposed to be this way. Severus knew that he deserved this punishment but Harry didn't. Harry deserved so much more. Severus sighed deeply, careful not to dislodge his husband who as sleeping against his chest. Harry didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve to be punished for Severus' crimes. Cautioned Severus placed a light kiss against Harry's warm forehead, the letter in his pocket burning in his pocket. He loathed to admit it but following his first instinct, to storm out of the house and to hex the coward who had send this letter was not the right course of action.
He glanced up at Poppy with empty eyes and said. "Would you mind calling Minerva for me and the Weasley family and miss Granger? I'm afraid that we have need of them."
He dropped his gaze back to Harry and softly said, stroking the dark hair away from the closed eyes. "I will find out whoever did this and make sure that they can never harm you again. I swore to protect you, even against myself and because of me you are hurt. Perhaps it was better if you had just left me to die, Harry. I know what you did was not only for yourself but for me as well, but you have to understand that if you choose to stay with me, then you may be subject to more of these things happening. This country is not a safe haven for the both of us, Harry, even though I wish it was. There are too many things that I've done and while they may have exonerated me for it, the public obviously does not agree. I just wish that I did not have to draw you into the middle of this."
Yes, we promised to be together for better or for worse but I cannot live with myself if I destroy Harry's life as well. It is a shame that I'll be hunted down until this generation forgets my role in this war or forgives me, but I do not want this for Harry. I want him to be able to live a life of his own choosing and not to be forced to glance over his shoulder every moment when he enters the street out of fear somebody takes revenge. I'll reap what I've sown but it is not fair that I give Harry this half life.
Severus sighed deeply again. He had always known that even when he would come out of the war, he would always be hunted down, either by those that took the law into their own hands or by his own conscience. But Harry deserved better. He did not deserve this. He deserved peace and a chance to live his own life.
Perhaps it was time to rethink not only of what he wanted to do with his life but also where he wanted to spend the rest of his life. He glanced down and he had to fight a smile. He was not going to give up Harry, no matter what would happen. He wouldn't give up his young husband without a fight or unless Harry asked him. And somehow, Severus knew that it may take a lot for Harry to ask him to leave and he was secretly glad for that as he once more brushed a kiss against the scarred forehead, because it meant that for once somebody actually wasn't going to give up on Severus Snape.
Hp
"But who would do such a thing?" Severus held up his hands to shush Miss Granger's horrified voice. He glanced back at his sleeping Gryffindor but Harry hadn't stirred once. The younger male had dropped into a deep sleep once the potion had managed to make him sleepy enough to give in. It had taken a little bit of coaxing from Severus to get Harry to lie down on his side and curled up underneath the blankets instead of against Severus. He pretended that his arms didn't feel cold from where before Harry's warmth had soaked into them but it had warmed his heart when Harry had released a distressed sound when he had been moved.
He refocused his attention on the group gathered before him. Weasley and Granger were sitting on one bed together while Molly and Arthur Weasley were gathered on the other. Bill and Charley Weasley stood in between the beds, faces grim while Minerva was helping Poppy to serve tea for everybody around.
"If I knew, do you really think I would still be standing here?" He snarled.
"Severus, we understand your concern but there is no reason to chew Hermione's head off. She is just as worried as you are and she is only trying to help. Do you honestly have no idea who would try to harm you or Harry?" Minerva arrived in the nick of time to save Granger from the rest of Severus' wrath. He took a deep breath and pinched the bridge of his nose before he said.
"I wish I knew, Minerva. The letter was no doubt meant for me but I cannot shake the feeling that it was only a warning. There are too many people out there who think that simply because their view of judgment was not served they can take the sword in their own hand and deliver judgment upon me and mine. Many people were not brave enough in the war to stand up against the Death Eaters and now that most of them are incarcerated they think that those that escaped judgment for whatever reason deserve revenge."
"There was no indication on the envelope or the note that may give us any clue who sent this?" It seemed Granger was becoming immune to his tongue, Severus glared instead.
"No, the owl was a common one. One that is seen regularly in wizarding Britain."
"What would happen if the Daily Prophet runs a news article about Harry being harmed instead of you? Rita Skeeter must love this, especially after the interview she wrote." Ronald glanced around the room, awaiting an answer.
"It will only anger them further. They must feel that Harry betrayed them since he is hauling with the enemy." It was Poppy who answered. The mediwitch looked shaken but very much like a formidable enemy.
"But our Harry hasn't done anything…" Molly cut in sharply and horrified.
"Except to link his magic to Severus, marry him, love him and defend him. For some people that alone might be enough to hate Harry. They feel like their hero has betrayed them and they think that they deserve revenge."
Severus was silent. Ronald Weasley was watching him before the younger wizard voiced what had been on Severus' mind. "You don't think that they'll stop at this, do you, Severus?"
Molly startled her kind eyes wide as she whispered. "But they wouldn't. They have already hurt Harry, what more can they do?"
"They will continue to push us, harm us, follow us, harass us and do whatever else it takes until either one of us snaps and does something unforgiveable so that we land in Azkaban. Or that one leaves the other, preferably Harry in their sick minds, or until they have driven us both out of the country! They will not stop until we are destroyed and everything we own out on the street for people to stomp upon." Severus didn't care that his voice sounded hollow or that he was merely stating facts, it was the truth. There would be no escape. Severus suppressed the tingle that shot down his spine. He was no seer but sometimes it seemed that there was something of a prophecy involved in his thoughts.
"Well, it is a good thing that they aren't going after your worldly possessions. Both you and Harry don't have that much or most of it is in your Gringots vaults and then Spinner's End and Grimauld place." Another tingle of magic shot down Severus' spine, accompanied by a tightening of the muscles in the back of his neck. Something is wrong
Severus tuned in on his magic. Something was wrong indeed and he worried at first that it was Harry but as he examined the bond he found that Harry was sleeping peacefully. Nothing was disturbing his potions induced sleep so it could only be something else. The only other thing that was tied to Severus' magic was the wards they had placed around the house. But surely not. He nearly scoffed at the idea, nobody knew where he lived…but then his eyes grew wide, the letter had been delivered to their address so that meant…
"Severus?" Minerva's voice was high pitched because she could see the paling of his face and the panic in his eyes as he hissed.
"They're attacking the house!'
Hp
The floo journey to Spinner's End seemed to take a lifetime. Severus turned on quick feet the moment Ronald Weasley had disappeared from the Hospital Wing to proceed him and he immediately shouted out the name of his ancestral home as he stepped into the flames. Bill and Charley Weasley had preceded them, urged into action by the urgency in Severus' voice. It was flames that he exited and flames he encountered when he entered the living room.
For a moment he stood frozen but then he jumped forward with a scream. He wasn't imagining things, the house was really burning. The scent of smoke hit him a moment later, sending him into a coughing fit. He held fast to the wall next to the fireplace, not believing what he was seeing. He stared at the mess with wide, tearing eyes. The bright red and hot flames were groping around the walls, feasting on the rotten wood and the insulation material in the walls.
He could only stare before he was shaken from his thoughts as Ronald Weasley, soot faced and with eyes tearing from the heat and the sting of smoke as he exited the kitchen. "This place is burning all over. It is no use; they already left except that they left a message."
Severus raised his wand as the hidden door opened and Bill and Charley Weasley came tumbling out. They both had their wand in hand and were breathing hard. "It is a lost cause. We tried to cast spells but it was to no avail. We salvaged as much as possible. The shrunken wardrobe and the trunks are in our pockets. We took as many books as we were capable of carrying but we need to get out of here. This place is crashing down around us. If there is anything else you would like to take, Professor, now is the time…"
"But the house…we can't let it burn! There must have been a spell you haven't tried yet! You are young and…" Severus didn't even realize he was stammering.
This can't be happening. This house survived everything, from my accidental bounds of magic to my father's beatings the wall. It can withstand fire…
He was turning around, mind searching for something that he needed to save. The message hadn't arrived yet that the house couldn't be saved. The flames were licking at the threadbare couch, a roaring fire that would soon consume them all.
"Professor, it is no use! I work with dragons and I've used every spell that I know and there is nothing we can do. We need to get out of here before we cannot use the floo anymore." Charley Weasley took him by the shoulder but Severus struggled against the grip of the younger male. He was stronger than this young foolish wizard. It took the combined strength of Charley and Bill to prevent him from going to the library. His abused muscles protested against the movement he was making and Severus realized that he was nearly hysterical. He was shouting, struggling against the two strong young men even when he had no idea what he was going to search for. But all he knew was that there had to be a way to prevent this.
It was the same feeling he had when his mother had died. He could have prevented it. He could have stopped it…
"Severus, enough! Do you want us to return to Harry with nothing but your ashes? The house isn't important! It is just a house. It can be replaced. The memories you created here will still be in your head and all of your possessions that are worth saving have been saved by my brothers! C'mon we need to get out of here!" Ronald's uncharacteristically harsh voice snapped Severus out of whatever daze he had been in. He slumped in their grasp, too weary to even struggle as he stared at the flames that consumed the one place he had lived for all his life.
He had always known that there was one place he could return to after his home cast him out. It didn't matter that this was a dingy little house in the middle of the muggle world. It had been his home. And now...now it was gone…
They turned towards the fireplace and Ronald threw the floo powder in it, shouting out the name to their destination.
Severus moved towards the cold flames like a man walking to the gallows. At the last moment he cried. "Stop!"
They halted, and immediately Severus reached out the snatch the picture on the mantel piece. He pulled it to his chest protectively, holding it with two hands so it would not get lost in the flames. The two people in the photograph were staring at him, wide eyed and after a moment as if they could feel the heat that would melt them, the two D Harry hiding underneath his husband's arm. Severus' own face stared back up at him impassively but Severus could see the hidden panic in the dark eyes, the same panic that reflected his own eyes.
The floo flared and Severus was pulled back to the real world. His world was burning; the heat of the fire against his back was making him sweat. He had never been afraid of anything in his life and he had seen much to be afraid of but this time he was fearful. It was a primal fear, a fear born in every living thing to fear fire but this fear went deeper. It was a fear that he felt for the very first time. It was a fear for somebody else. If they did this to their house then what would these people do to his Harry?
He didn't resist when he was pulled away and into the floo, his mind too preoccupied to resist. He wanted to struggle but he knew that he didn't have the strength. All he wanted, all he needed was to see Harry, to know that they hadn't harmed his beloved…
The floo ejected them; sending Severus and Charley sprawled over the floor. Hands dragged him up and over to a bed, but Severus didn't care. He struggled against the hands, not caring who heard him as he whispered. "Let me see him, let me see Harry!"
"Severus, it is alright. You can sit with Harry later. Let me just examine you for a moment, you sound as if you are coughing up a lung." Far gentler hands that he remembered faintly helped him to sit down and Severus fixed his eyes on the sleeping figure lying in the bed a little way beyond, it was the only thing that kept him grounded as waves of despair washed over him.
Hp
A warm body, soft hair and regular breathing reminded Severus that not all was lost. He breathed in deeply, inhaling the scent that was purely Harry. That scent would never cling to the sheets again; they would never sit side by side on the couch. He would never brew in the small lab he had built again. Harry would never cook dinner in the small kitchen. He would never take his cup of coffee on the steps in the small garden. So much was lost to them…
"Does anybody have any clue who did this?" Severus tried to focus on the conversation that was going on beyond them.
"The letter states that this was payback for the many times Voldemort destroyed houses and ripped families apart…."
"Was there nothing that could have been done?" Molly's voice was horrified but Severus couldn't take in the pity in her eyes when he would look up. He tried to remind himself that it was just a house but it had been his home for so long. That was what he had called it the past few months with Harry, his home. A chance for a new life with lots of happiness that Severus had never allowed himself to dream about. He should have been more careful. He had been too hopeful; the dreams had been shattered so easily.
He tried to be strong and to sneer at what had happened but he couldn't. He felt the same when Lily had died, like his hopes had died with her. But now, now all his hopes and dreams had gone up in flames just like the house.
"No, the fire had already progressed too fast and too much. The house was old and rotting. We tried to save as many possessions as possible but we could only save so much. The fire had already consumed too much…."
"Poor Severus! How could they have done this to him? And then with all the rumors spreading…?"
"What rumors are you talking about, Molly?" She clearly knew that something important was happening. He glanced up sharply, pretending to ignore the looks of pity that were thrown his way. He rose in a fluent motion, hiding his weariness with a swirl of the clean robe he had pulled on. The other clothes he had been wearing were drenched by the smell of smoke and the heat of the flames. Poppy had helped clear his throat in a moment with a swirl of her wand and the spells she had cast to inform herself and Severus of the rest of his healing process were complex but the news that had brought was welcoming. It seemed that Severus was well on his way to make a full recovery. There would always be some degree of scarring but there was no lasting damage.
He approached Minerva as Molly cast him a quick look. The Headmistress straightened and wordlessly extended the Daily Prophet to him. The page the paper was open upon was a page filled with letters from the various readers of the Daily Prophet that did not agree with the print.
Snape was never exonerated; he simply bought his way out of Azkaban. That man is a brilliant Potions Master so surely he must have promised the 'esteemed' members of the Wizengamot a youth potion. Why else would they exonerate him when the evidence so clearly points in his direction? He did murder somebody….
Snape must be more wealthy than imagined, since why else would Potter be interested in him? It isn't for his looks or his personality….
Severus couldn't look at the pages anymore. The public could believe what they will. They seemed to have forgotten that he had been a teacher for many years and despite his Potions Mastery his research was limited at best. He sighed and closed the paper with a wave of his hand. He even lacked the strength to be angry at the moment. So much had already been posted about him and the public had already formed their opinion, what were one or two more rumors?
He frowned when he caught sight of the front page.
Severus Snape exonerated from all charges! Elusive Spy Finally Has A Reason To Celebrate! Shall We Finally See A Smile?
The article by Rita Skeeter.
In his long and hard life Severus Snape never had much to smile about. Manipulated by two mad wizards has taken his toll on the brilliant Potions Master. Marred by a harsh life, the lined face shows every single hardship Snape had to endure to make sure that the light side won. The years have not been kind on the former Death Eater. But at the end of the dark years there is finally a spot of sun on the horizon. After months of doubt yesterday the result finally came in. Severus Snape has been cleared of all charges, perhaps now he and his handsome bond mate Harry Potter can finally start to build the life they've always dreamed about.
"Yes, the first day of our new life and we have nothing to show for it. My bond mate is injured and we are homeless." It was the first time in hours that Severus had spoken. He had been sitting at Harry's bedside for so long simply staring at his young wizard and trying to comfort himself.
He clenched his fist, not caring if he was crushing the newspaper. It was just another setback, something he should have expected in his life because there was never anything else for him. Sometimes his life went smoothly but that meant that it was simply a bigger fall.
"I think that we should let our gentlemen get some sleep. They had a long day." Carefully Poppy began to push everybody out of the Hospital Wing. Severus returned to Harry's bedside.
"Severus?" He turned to find Molly Weasley wringing her hands in her robe as if she was wearing her apron.
He gave a nod, telling her that she could continue. She approached him and took his hand as she whispered. "If you need a place to stay, you and Harry, our door is always open…"
He stiffened. More pity. He forced a smile to his unresponsive lips and said. "No, thank you, Molly, that won't be necessary. Harry and I will manage."
"I know you will, you stubborn man, but I'm just saying, if ever you find yourself wanting a kind gaze and a listening ear, our door is always open and you will always have a home with the Weasleys, without any questions asked. Just think of it whenever you need a bed or a family to belong to." He was at a loss for word but Molly seemed to understand as she merely pressed his hand and then leaned forward to embrace him quickly, patting him upon the shoulder before she whispered. "Go and be with Harry, Severus. Your heart is in need of some rest and understanding."
He frowned at her, not understanding. Could she have guessed what had transpired between them? She merely smiled sweetly at him and then did the most unthinkable thing; she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. It was a mere peck, almost like a mother would have done but the gesture was so alien to Severus and so confusing that he did the only thing he could do, he turned tail and fled.
Hp
A great wave of sadness was waking Harry much more efficiently than any alarm clock ever could. He struggled towards the light, through layers of defenses until he found the core of the feelings as the bond pulsated between them, drawing him to Snape's side because his mate had need of him.
Green eyes opened, blinking in the twilight that had fallen over the silent ward to focus on the dark figure that was sitting by his bedside. Dark eyes looked up and locked with Harry's, seeking something in the green depths that wasn't there. The dark eyes locked away but not before Harry had seen the numbness and the grief in them. Something had happened.
He struggled to sit up and he reached out to take the slender hand in his own. But Snape immediately grasped the glass of water that stood by the bedside and pressed it into his hands. Harry took a sip, more to please Snape than anything else. He was thirsty but the pain potion was still working brilliantly and he wasn't in any pain. Except perhaps for the pain that came from Snape.
"Severus?" He asked softly, holding the empty glass in his lap. He reached for his glasses so that Snape's pale face came into focus. It was like a mask had fallen away from the dark eyes because suddenly they became alight with anguish. Harry sat up straighter, unaccustomed to this display. He knew Snape when the older wizard was enraged but he had never seen Snape when the older wizard had lost all hope.
"They burned down the house." Snape's very voice sounded old and weary.
They burned down the house?
Harry held out his hand, once more reaching for his bond mate's hand. Snape's hand was shaking and Harry tugged. He didn't know what to say. He didn't even know what he was feeling except that he had to comfort Snape for now. There had been so many times that Snape had been there for him. It was a testimony of how bad Snape was feeling when the older wizard didn't resist and slid into the bed next to Harry, immediately wrapping a strong arm around Harry's shoulders. Harry could feel the body of his bond mate trembling in his arms as he asked.
"What happened?"
There was a pause before Snape began to speak, his voice soft and unsteady. The older wizard told him everything, every last detail except for how he was feeling but Harry didn't need Snape to say it, he could feel it. The emptiness inside Snape and the burning feeling that the older wizard didn't dare give voice to. He had been let down again but this time it was worse because they hadn't only tried to harm Snape himself but Harry as well and Snape had failed in his task. He had failed to protect Harry and to stick to his promise to give him a home.
His hand stroked the bony back, feeling the muscles clench like they had done so long ago when Snape was fighting himself to not break down.
"It is alright." He whispered, his breathing fanning the dark hair.
"It isn't alright! What are we going to do now? I can't protect you! We lost our home! The place we lived in for many months! We don't have a place to stay! I'm glad to see that you are comfortable with living on the street…"
"Severus, it is just a house! It is alright, it will be alright! It was just a place where we lived but it isn't who we are. It is a place where memories are created but not where they are kept. That is right here." Harry's hand touched Snape's heart which was beating madly. He glanced up and softly said. "It is just a house and yes, I don't like that it happened but it isn't what matters. What matters is that you are alright and that you are here! Stuff can be replaced but you, you can't."
Snape made a choking sound in the back of his throat before he whispered. "Are you sure that it doesn't matter where we end up? It could be under a bridge in the rain."
"Under a bridge in the rain is fine, just as long as it is with you."
"Romantic Gryffindor sentimentalities aren't going to keep us warm."
"That is fine, you can do that."
A small smile twisted the thin lips and the dark eyes gleamed again. Harry curled up against his bond mate, rewarded in more ways than one as Snape relaxed against him and wrapped a second arm around him.
"But do not complain to me when you're cold. You said that you were fine with wherever we would end up."
"I'm fine wherever you are because with you, I'm home." Harry began to realize that the heat he felt in his cheeks wasn't from his fever. He glanced up at Snape, stubborn green eyes locked with the dark ones that were wide with surprise and filled with suppressed and unvoiced emotions.
Love, desire, happiness and whatever else Harry couldn't name washed over him but above all he could feel the acceptance and the happiness as Snape basked in the knowledge that Harry wasn't going to leave him and was willing to fight for him.
Snape moved forward, kissing Harry deeply and in the kiss the older wizard poured everything he couldn't say but those things Harry already knew. How much Snape had grown to love him and how much the older wizard trusted and respected him. Harry had shown Snape that he was worth loving and he was teaching him something new every day. And Harry knew as he wrapped his arms around his bond mate, that they would just be fine, as long as they had each other and for some reason, he knew they would always have each other as long as they each had a choice in the matter.
Whew that was it. I hope that you liked it. I had a hard time to write this chapter because I couldn't seem to find the inspiration to write. So leave me some reviews with opinions and ideas what should happen. I'm still sorry for the long update but I will try to update sooner in the future but bear with me please. Review of course.
In the next chapter: Harry and Severus take stock of what is left of their life now that their house has literally burned down to the ground. Will they be the target of more revenge actions or will it be a new chance for them far away from all the trouble of Wizarding Britain? Will Harry teach Severus that sometimes, dreams can come true and are worth sharing? Will Severus allow Harry to love him or will help from an unexpected person make him see more clearly? That and more in: Getting Back Up.