Disclaimer – Isn't mine.

Chapter 2 – Getting what you deserve

Just after ten the next morning came a knock on the hotel room door. Harry started to limp towards it from the bedroom but Severus waved his hand and crossed the room.

'Yes.' Snape said curtly as he swung open the door.

'Good morning Professor.' Came an amused voice from out in the hall.

Severus gaped at the young man standing there. His usual scowl missing at the shock of seeing Neville Longbottom no less, standing outside their hotel room that was halfway around the world and supposedly untraceable. 'Longbottom?' Snape breathed incredulously.

Harry laughed, deciding to save his lover any further embarrassment. 'Hey Nev, got my note then?' He said cheerfully as he limped slowly across the room. Neville grinned and stepped around the still stunned potions master to meet up with Harry partway and envelope the smaller man in a firm hug.

'God Harry, it's so good to see you.' Neville said quietly. 'After reading yesterday's Prophet I was so concerned but once your owl arrived last night I could finally relax. You do know how to move at a moments notice don't you. It was lucky I managed to get the papers filed before you landed.' Neville continued babbling on, almost an antithesis of the shy timid boy he had been in school. Harry was only partially listening as he struggled not to laugh at the flabbergasted expression on Severus' face; the potions master stood, his hand still on the open door knob, gaping at the Gryffindor.

Harry snorted and took Neville's arm, instantly halting the other man's words. 'Why don't you sit down?' He suggested. 'Would you like some tea?' Neville shook his head but plucked a muffin off the table and obligingly sat. By this point Severus had regained most of his mental faculties and closed the door, stalking across the room to stand glaring down at Harry.

'What the hell is going on?' he snapped. 'What on earth is Longbottom doing here? And how did he even know where we were?'

Harry snorted again and gestured to the spare chair. Severus put his hands on his hips and raised an eyebrow. Neville looked between them in amusement but Harry, realising he wasn't going to be getting out of an explanation any time soon decided he should probably start. With a sigh he sat and gasped sharply, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the table tightly.

'Harry?' Severus dropped the menacing act instantly as his expression became one of concern.

'I'm fine.' Harry gasped. Severus quickly moved to pick up yet another couple of green filled vial out of his bag on the side table and brought them back together with another cushion which he placed behind Harry's back. Harry took one of the vials with a pained grimace as Severus placed soothing hands on his shoulders, his thumbs rubbing gently.

'Breathe Harry.' He said softly. Harry nodded, waiting the several minutes as the pain abated. Neville watched this new Snape with interest. He knew the story, Harry, Ron and Hermione having stayed in touch after he left England but he hadn't really believed it before seeing it with his own eyes.

'Thanks.' Harry whispered as he leant his head back against the chair and closed his eyes. Neville cocked an eyebrow as the potions master brushed back the slightly sweaty hair off Harry's forehead.

'Told you, you overdid it yesterday.' Snape scolded.

Harry cracked one eye open. 'Yes, Mum.' He snorted.

Severus rolled his eyes. 'Impertinent brat.' He murmured.

Harry just chuckled and opened his eyes, smirking at Neville who had listened to the exchange with no small amount of curiosity. "I suppose I should fill you in then.' He said turning back to Severus who had finally sat down next to him.

'Only if it's not too much trouble.' The tone of voice from the potions master completely matched the raised eyebrow that went with it.

Harry snorted softly. 'Neville works for the American Department of Magic now. He was poached from St Mungo's Research Ward a year after we left school to work in the US R & D Department.' Harry explained and Severus glanced over at the Gryffindor in surprise. 'He's been developing different strains of magical plants to make them more potent. The potions he's developed are quite well known, even if he isn't.' Harry looked quite put out at that but Neville just smirked at him.

'You are a potions master now, Mr Longbottom?' Snape couldn't keep the disbelief out of his voice.

'Three years ago, Sir.' Neville said proudly.

Snape's eyes widened slowly as he turned back to Harry. 'So he's your contact in their Ministry?'

Harry nodded. 'Yep. He helped Remus and I buy the house and gave me the name to get the passports. Been dead helpful really, haven't you Neville.' Harry grinned at him.

Neville shrugged nonchalantly. 'I try.'

Harry snorted again. 'He was the one who introduced me to their Minister of Magic two years ago so that I could arrange things.'

'You know the American Minister of Magic?' Severus was definitely surprised at that.

Harry nodded. 'Yeah, he's called a Secretary of Magic here. He's a really great guy. Nothing like Fudge, thank god.'

Neville laughed. 'Come on Harry, you just like him because he worships the ground you walk on, and for good reason.'

Harry blushed deeply dropping his eyes causing Severus to narrow his. 'What did you do?' he asked gruffly.

'Nothing.' Harry mumbled.

Neville let out a bark of laughter. 'You never told him.' He cackled. 'Merlin Harry, you save the life of one of the most politically powerful people in the wizarding world and you never tell anyone. I bet you never even told Ron and Hermione.'

Harry's head shot up, his eyes bright in defiance. 'No, and you're not going to either. Carmichael said it would not leave the Department. The only reason you know is because you were there.' He said curtly.

'What exactly are you talking about?' Severus interrupted the death glare Harry was giving the still snickering Neville.

Harry blushed again and once more his head ducked. 'It was nothing. I was just doing my job.' He muttered.

'Longbottom?' Severus asked the young man, knowing he wouldn't get anymore out of his lover.

Neville smirked. 'I had taken Harry into to meet the Secretary Springs that morning before giving him a tour of the building and, as we were walking back we heard a group of Aurors screaming and Harry immediately took off down the corridor towards the voices.' Harry made a scoffing noise at that statement but Neville ignored him and went on. 'He found the Secretary pinned down in the Courtyard just inside the magical section of the Capitol by a group of six Wardens. They're like Death Eaters over here. Anyway, the Aurors were now dead around him and the Wardens were about to cast the killing curse so Harry didn't hesitate before jumping into the fray, startling the group and stunning three, hexing one, and dropping the other two with the throwing knives he kept in his boots. It was all the talk around the upper Department for months afterwards.' Neville finished, taking a bite of the muffin in his hand.

'I'm not sure I like this new confident Neville.' Harry grumbled.

Neville just smirked at him. 'Well, you've only yourself to blame. You were the one who gave me all that confidence, remember.'

Harry just grunted.

'Well, that certainly explains your listing as an Unspeakable over here.' Severus said wryly.

Harry sighed. 'It had to be done. No one else was there. Carmichael would have been killed. I didn't want to have to step in.'

'Wrong place at the wrong time?' Snape said dryly.

Harry snorted. 'Story of my life.'

'Come on, we should be going. Check out is in twenty minutes.' Severus told him. Harry glanced at Neville before looking back at the older man.

'Mr Longbottom, would you please come and help me with the bags?' Snape asked politely and Neville in his shock just nodded and followed the potions master to the bedroom. He looked in confusion at the two small bags of things they had purchased while waiting at the airport the evening before. 'Trust me Mr Longbottom, we need to wait just a moment longer.'

Neville cocked his head quizzically. 'Why? What's wrong?'

Severus glanced back through the open doorway, noting Harry was just about to stand up and pointed. Neville glanced around just in time to see Harry pull himself out of the chair. If he though the small episode Harry had had when he had sat down was bad, nothing prepared him for the sight of the blood draining instantly from his friend's face before it turned a sickly shade of green. The trembling hands as Harry tried to pull the stopper out of the other vial of pain potion Severus had placed on the table or the gasping breaths he tried to calm his racing heart that had sped up at the pain that had shot through his leg.

'What the hell?' Neville whispered.

'His leg.' Severus said quietly, clasping Neville's arm and pulling him just out of Harry's line of sight.

'It's that bad? Ron said he had been injured but he didn't elaborate.'

'The bones were shattered, the fragments sliced through practically every muscle, tendon and ligament from his hip down. He's lucky to be alive.'

'Merlin.' Neville breathed.

'Come on, he should be right by now. He just doesn't like anyone seeing.'

Neville nodded, picking up one of the small bags on the bed and waltzing back outside. 'I hardly think you needed help Professor.' He said cheerfully. 'But you're right, the view from that window is incredible.'

Severus following behind just shook his head in amazement at the new Neville. The boy was a true professional now at masking his emotions. 'Ready Harry?' He looked over at his lover who was still pale.

Harry nodded. 'Let's go.' He said, slightly breathlessly. Snape offered his arm and the two men followed Neville out the door and down to the lift. Neville continued chattering blithely about nothing as traveled down to the lobby and they checked out before he led them outside to a waiting car.

Harry stopped and glared at his friend. 'What happened to no fanfare?' He said sarcastically, gesturing to the large black limousine by the sidewalk.

Neville shrugged and grinned. 'Secretary Springs insisted.' He said bluntly. 'Get in.' Harry glanced at Severus and rolled his eyes but obligingly and with difficulty maneuvered himself into the car. Neville and Severus quickly followed and soon they were on their way out of Manhattan and towards Connecticut.

Ron and Hermione sat at the head table looking out over the gathered students. Both potions and DADA had been cancelled for that day but the students didn't know why and the absence of both Harry Potter and Severus Snape at dinner the evening before and breakfast and lunch that day had not gone unnoticed. Any number of rumours had been flying around and even now the students were chattering madly, casting glances at the head table and speculating on why Harry's two best friends were sitting up there. Eventually Dumbledore rose to address them and the hall quieted instantly.

'Good evening children, I trust you all will enjoy the wonderful food the house elves have prepared for us yet again but first I have a few announcements to make.' He said cheerfully. 'I know you have many questions about several things and I am here to answer them. Firstly, unfortunately for Hogwarts, Professor Potter and Professor Snape have decided to retire from teaching to pursue other interests.'

'Yeah, a life.' Ron muttered.

'Ronald.' Hermione hissed.

Dumbledore went on as if he hadn't heard. 'It was all quite sudden but we do wish them both well. Now, as for your new Defence teacher we have been lucky enough to secure the services of one of the best Aurors in the country, Mr Ronald Weasley. Professor Weasley has been fighting the Dark Arts since he was just eleven, and after graduating has certainly distinguished himself, facing Voldemort and his Death Eaters on numerous occasions. I know he will be an asset to the school and to your futures.'

Ron blushed bright crimson as the Gryffindors in particular clapped loudly. 'Lays it on a bit thick, doesn't he?' he murmured. Hermione just snorted softly.

'As for your new potions master, or in this case mistress, Miss Hermione Granger has kindly agreed to take a hiatus from her research work at St Mungo's for the rest of the school year. As some of you more interested students will know, Miss Granger was the second youngest person ever to attain the level of Potions Master, just missing on catching Severus Snape by several months. I trust you will show her the same level of respect you did Professor Snape.'

'That wasn't respect, that was fear.' Ron muttered, causing Hermione to elbow him sharply.

Dumbledore's face broke out into a huge smile and he turned to the Slytherin table. 'Now, I am sure you are all wondering who will be your new Head of House.' He said cheerfully. Some of the Slytherins, particularly the older ones, shifted nervously at the look on the Headmaster's face. 'Thankfully that problem was solved rather quickly and in keeping with tradition of having the potions master as Slytherin Head of House, Professor Granger has agreed to take that responsibility on as well.'

'What!' a loud incredulous voice bellowed from the end of the Slytherin table. 'We don't want some Mudblood as our Head.' Hermione threw a smirk at Ron before standing, her face instantly changing into a glower even Severus would have been proud of, as she turned to face the Slytherin table.

'Mr Bulstrode.' She growled, knowing exactly who the student was, her eyes narrowed. 'We don't use such terms here. Get down to my office and wait for me there.'

The offending Slytherin, a younger cousin of Millicent Bulstrode call Damien, tilted his head arrogantly back at her.

'NOW!' Hermione bellowed so loudly she startled the sixteen year old who slunk from the hall. Even the Gryffindors were staring at her in shock, and her temper had, after all, been legendary in the house.

'Point to Mione.' Ron snickered.

Hermione gave him a mock glare before turning to Albus. 'Excuse me Headmaster.' She said primly, turning and walking around the table before stalking from the hall in an eerily reminiscent manner with Dumbledore looking after her, his eyes twinkling blindingly.

'Well, if anyone was missing Severus, they really don't need to anymore. He's back, reincarnated in Miss Granger.' Minerva said amusedly.

Ron groaned. 'Just as long as she doesn't stop washing her hair.' He added causing most of the table to snicker softly.

The meal began slowly, most of the students casting glances at the door, waiting to see if their new Professor returned from her meeting with a Death Eater's son, unscathed. After half an hour it looked as if she might not be returning at all, but just as the puddings appeared the door opened and she walked breezily in, Damien Bulstrode sulking behind her. Just inside the doors she stopped and pointed to the Slytherin table.

'Sit down Mr Bulstrode. We have heard quite enough of your rampant tongue this evening. Please do us all a favour and keep your mouth closed, lest your brain, small as it is, fall out.' That said she turned once more and walked swiftly back up to the head table, an enormous grin on her face.

'Merlin, that was fun.' She giggled as she sat back down. 'Now wonder Severus gets such a kick out of it.'

Ron's eyes were wide and his mouth opened and closed several times before he finally muttered. 'You're not going to stop washing your hair now, are you?'

Hermione just looked at him quizzically as the rest of the head table burst out laughing.

Harry glanced at Severus who was watching the scenery out the window with interest. A part of him couldn't believe they were actually here. Together. His dreams were so close to coming true. He wondered idly if it would actually happen.

'Does anyone else know you're here, Harry.' Neville asked softly, drawing the Boy-Who-Lived from his thoughts.

Harry gave a small shrug. 'Well, Ron and Hermione know, of course and I imagine Dumbledore and a few others may know we are in the US but not where.'

Suddenly Neville's eyes widened and he delved into the pocket of his jacket. 'Oh, I almost forgot.'

Severus snorted. 'Good to see something hasn't changed.' He said dryly.

Neville blushed and Harry smacked Snape lightly on the shoulder. 'Don't be mean.' He scolded. 'Neville, what is it?'

Neville, still fighting down his blush handed Harry a scroll with the red, white and blue wax seal of the American Ministry. 'It's from the Secretary.'

Harry smiled and accepted it, breaking the seal and unrolling the parchment.

Dear Harry,

'Takes liberties, doesn't he.' Severus said reading over his shoulder.

Harry nudged him sharply in the ribs before reading on.

It's good to hear you have finally moved over to our great country. Hopefully it can provide the anonymity you so desperately crave.

'Knows you quite well too.' Severus chimed in again.

Harry nudged him harder this time. 'Do you mind.' He growled.

As per my promise, you and your companion have been admitted under the classification of Unspeakable, under the Magical Law Act of 1885 and as such are untraceable to all but our Department on American soil.

'Companion?' Severus sounded disgusted.

Harry turned and glared at him. 'What on earth is wrong with you? Do I read your private correspondence and make scathing annotations in regard to every sentence?'

Neville snorted loudly. 'Good god Harry, you're even beginning to sound like him.' Both Harry and Severus glared at him before Severus turned back to Harry and answered.

'Well, no.'

'Good. So shut up.' Harry turned back to the parchment and continued to read.

I have asked the immigration agents, both wizard and muggle, to keep an eye out for any of the names of still at large Death Eaters that I managed to get out of young Mr Longbottom. I hope this doesn't cause you any distress but I wanted to make sure you stayed safe.

In closing, I wish you all the best in settling in and hope that the culture shock is not too great. If you do need anything, please know that you have a champion in the government here. I know that is something you are not used to.

Kind regards,

Carmichael Springs

Secretary of Magic

United States of America.

Harry read it over a second time and sighed. 'Quite different from the usual letters I receive from a Ministry.' He said dryly before glancing out the window, his eyes distant.

Severus snorted and plucked the parchment from Harry's hand so he could finish reading as Harry's eyes met Neville's.

'He was very concerned Harry. I had to argue with him for several hours to stop him sending Aurors to meet you at the airport.' Neville told him.

Harry rolled his eyes and groaned, burying his head in his hands. 'So much for bloody anonymity?' he mumbled. This wasn't quite how he wanted to fade into the background. He sighed again feeling the bone weariness that had been his constant companion since the final battle, overcome him once more.

Neville shrugged, helpless to change the wishes of the American Secretary but blushing bright red when Severus, having finished the letter, put an arm around Harry's shoulders and pulled him close, kissing his ear softly.

'I don't care if it keeps you safe.' He murmured. Harry sighed, burying his head in Snape's shoulder.

'I just want to go to sleep forever.' He said tiredly. Severus and Neville exchanged a concerned glance before the older man slid further across the seat and gently laid Harry down so his head was resting in Snape's lap.

'I can't give you forever, my love, but just rest for now. I'll wake you when we get there.' Severus promised. Harry nodded, his eyes already closed, and within minutes the other men could see his breathing had evened out and Severus continued to watch him for some time as his hand gently carded through Harry's hair the way he knew the younger man found very soothing. Eventually he looked up to see Neville watching him curiously.

'What is it, Mr Longbottom?' he asked softly.

Neville shifted slightly, some of his old nervousness finally showing through. 'You're different, Professor.' He cringed slightly as he waited for the usual scathing retort.

It never came. Instead Severus glanced down at the sleeping man in his lap momentarily before looking back up and sighed. 'People change Mr Longbottom. Things happen that change you. Sometimes it can be an event. Sometimes it can be a person.' At this Severus' eyes returned to Harry.

'You really love him, don't you?' Neville said tentatively.

Severus didn't even look up. 'Yes.' He whispered.

'I'm glad.' Came Neville's soft voice and Severus looked up, his eyebrow raised. 'He needs someone to love him. He deserves someone to.'

Severus looked back down at the sleeping pale, tired face and couldn't help but nod in agreement. 'Deserves seems to be a word that people associate with Harry regularly lately.'

'Yes, funny how it took most people so many years to work that out.' Neville said with a bitterness that surprised the potions master.

'Yes, it did take far too long.' Severus agreed feeling a very quick wave of guilt wash over him. It was his fault they had missed out on so much though and he wouldn't back away from the responsibility for that mistake any longer.

'You will look after him, won't you?' Neville asked, the hint of threat lying deep under the question. Severus loked back at him and nodded.

'Yes, Mr Longbottom. You should have no concerns regarding that. I promise you.' Severus smiled gently at the small figure lying next to him.

'Thank you, Professor.'

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

Cornelius Fudge had returned to his office after the meeting yesterday at Hogwarts and had yet to leave. His numerous aides and secretaries had tried to come in but Fudge had screamed at them to get out.

To say that the revelations Potter's two friends had threatened to disclose would have been shocking, would have been an understatement to say the least. Fudge knew that what he had done over the last decade could not only land him in Azkaban but most probably without a soul as well.

In his usual way of thinking he hadn't even contemplated that Potter wouldn't want something for all the secrets he had kept. That the brat would quite happily forget about the various emissaries he had escorted and protected in the early hours of the morning both light and dark as Fudge tried to find a way out of this war that would make him look like a hero, had not even occurred to him. That Potter had actually been standing silently in the corner of the room, listening to, and remembering every word exchanged between the Minister and various ambassadors, hadn't even crossed his mind at the time.

When Potter had been drafted into the Aurors; and drafted was the right word as it had not really been the boy's choice by the end of his schooling. He had seen enough death by the time he became of age but it had been expected, and Harry Potter was not someone who let down those who were counting on him. Anyway, when he had been drafted Fudge had been ecstatic, immediately seconding him into his private detail after he finished his training, knowing he would be able to keep a better eye on him there.

Over the years the Minister had become complacent almost forgetting who the Boy-Who-Lived really was. He called on the quiet, unassuming young man to fill tasks he wouldn't give to others. Mainly because he knew the boy was the best, the most powerful, and it wouldn't have done to have had any of these late night visitors attacked and killed on the way to or from the meeting, particularly with what some of them were carrying.

After the final battle, as the questions began to be raised, Fudge knew he had to act. Never really being one for the true subtleties of politics, the idea of just speaking with Potter privately never crossed his mind; instead he had gone straight for the jugular, hitting the young man where he knew it would hurt most.

Questioning whether he had done what he had promised the wizarding world he would.

Fudge knew the Dark Lord was dead. There were too many witnesses to say he wasn't. Of course, now that nearly all but the members of Dumbledore's damned Order had been Obliviated, that was really of no concern.

No, the concern was the two friends of the blasted Potter brat. Why the hell couldn't that have just kept their noses out? He didn't want to lose his position. He had worked too hard to have it yanked from under him now.

Fudge growled and reached to unlock a secret filing cabinet that was hidden under his desk. He riffled through it before pulling out a file that had been trimmed in red. Emblazoned across the front was one word. 'Weasleys'.

Fudge opened it and began to smile. 'Ah yes, Arthur, Molly, William, Charles, Percy, Fred, George. This is the one I want. Ronald.' Fudge pulled out a smaller file with Ron's name in small letters on the front and opened it. Listed within was every infraction, magical or otherwise, in Ron's rather colourful life.

'Let's see if you can take just as well as you give, Ronald Weasley.' He snarled.