Disclaimer – Isn't mine.

Chapter 3 – Carmichael Springs

'Harry, Harry, wake up.' Severus gently shook the younger man's shoulder and Harry started awake, hissing softly. Severus had a vial at Harry's lips almost immediately. Neville couldn't tell from where.

'Sorry, you were whimpering. I didn't want you to start moving too much.' Severus said apologetically.

Harry smiled wanly as his breathing steadied. 'How long was I asleep for?'

'About half and hour.' Neville supplied, glancing out the window. 'We're almost there anyway.'

Severus glanced out the window at the sign as they past. 'Belle Haven.' He said thoughtfully. 'Beautiful Sanctuary. Very apt.'

Harry smiled. 'I thought so.' He said softly. The driver turned into Field Pt Road before making one last turn, driving to the end of the street and stopping.

Neville climbed out as Severus carefully lifted Harry and placed him on his feet just outside the car. It was then that Severus finally got a look at their new home. Spread out in front of him was a stunning two story house with big bay windows. Harry, unable to hide his smile, grabbed Snape's hand and, slowly of course, dragged him towards the front door and inside the house.

Neville smiled as two men got out of the front of the car. 'Secretary.' He said politely. 'I gather you caught most of that.'

Carmichael Springs smiled at the young man before watching Harry and Severus disappear through the front door. 'At least they should be safe here.'

Neville sighed. 'I hope so.'

'We put the extra wards up as you requested, Secretary.' The tall man, dressed in Aurors robes who had been driving the car added. Carmichael Springs nodded.

'Thank you Davis. Anyway, Longbottom we should be returning to Washington. Quickly go and say goodbyes, we'll wait for you here.' The Secretary of Magic told him before climbing into the back of the car. Neville darted up the front walk and the two steps, rapping smartly at the door.

'Harry?' he called, sticking his head round the door. The two men were just coming down the staircase.

'Hey Neville. Thanks for meeting us.' Harry said, panting ever so slightly.

Neville grinned, giving his friend a hug. 'Call me if you need anything, otherwise I'll pick you up in ten days for the wedding.' Harry smiled.

'Sounds good.'

Neville turned to Severus and put out his hand. 'Good to see you again, Professor.' He said softly.

Severus nodded and shook the proffered hand. 'You too, Mr Longbottom. Thank you for all your assistance.'

Neville grinned again and stepped back out of the door. At the top of the stairs he stopped and turned back, his face suddenly serious. 'Don't forget your promise, Sir.' He said solemnly.

Snape glanced down at Harry before shaking his head. 'I won't.' he said thickly. Neville grinned brightly again and threw them a thumbs up before jogging back up the front path and climbing into the car.

'What was that about?' Harry asked as they watched the car glide back up the street before closing the door.

Snape smiled and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist. 'Never you mind.' He whispered, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on the younger man's lips. Harry moaned softly as Severus' lips trailed down his jaw and neck to stop at his collarbone where he nibbled gently.

'Are you still tired?' Severus murmured, his voice muffled.

Harry, his eyes closed as he allowed the feeling of Severus' lips on him to go straight to his head, mumbled unintelligibly. Severus continued his path back up Harry's neck to reclaim his mouth. 'How about a nap then.' He suggested and without waiting for an answer gently picked the younger man up in his arms and walked back up the stairs to the main bedroom Harry had just shown him.

Five hours later Harry woke from a lovely deep sleep, Severus' arms tightly around him, giving him that sense of protection only they could. Harry looked up to see black eyes watching him intently and he reached up to trace the thin mouth that had been all over him only hours before. Severus just pulled him closer, bending his head to nuzzle his hair.

'How do you feel?' he asked softly.

Harry shrugged. 'Truthfully?' Severus nodded. 'I don't really know. Everything seems kind of surreal.'

The potions master raised his head and looked curiously at him. 'What do you mean?'

Harry shrugged again. 'This. The house, America, you. I never thought it would happen.'

'Why not?'

'I just…' Harry trailed off. 'When I originally bought the house it was a means to an end. Remus and I had such great plans to live here after the war.' He began, his eyes filling. 'He told me later it was to give me something to live for. He said it was much harder to give up if you have that.'

'He's right.'

'When he died I tried to give the house to Ron and Hermione but they wouldn't take it. I didn't want to come here. I didn't even want to think about it, but eventually I did and I found a letter he had written me, sitting on the table in the kitchen.'

Severus gently wiped a tear that had escaped, off Harry's cheek. 'What did it say?' he asked softly.

Harry squeezed his eyes shut tightly as if the memory pained him. 'He said that I had to trust him. That the house was mine for a reason and that one day I would be happy I had kept it. He knew I would try to give it away. He said that Fate would be kind eventually and payback all the wrong she had done.' At this Harry raised his big green eyes. 'He said that even if you couldn't say it, that you did love me, and that this house was meant for us and one day, we would live here together.'

Severus sucked in a breath. 'Lupin knew?' he stammered.

Harry raised an eyebrow. 'Of course he knew; he was like my father.'

Severus' eyes narrowed. 'That's where you went. That night, after you left the hospital wing.'

Harry grimaced. 'Yes.' He whispered.

Severus just shook his head, pulling Harry closer and kissing the young man's temple. His emotions were swirling through him and he knew if he spoke he might say the wrong thing so he stayed silent.

'Sev?' Harry asked hesitantly. 'Are you alright?'

Snape blinked back several tears, berating himself inwardly at such weakness. 'I'm fine, Harry.' He whispered hoarsely.

They lay there for some time before Harry realised the light was fading and he began disentangling himself. 'Come on, up.' He said cheerfully. 'You have to see this.' Severus looked curiously at him but obligingly got up, helping Harry to stand and taking his mind off the shooting pain by kissing him passionately.

When he pulled away Harry was grinning. 'That works almost as well as the alcohol.' He said cheekily.

Severus rolled his eyes. 'Idiot boy.' he said fondly.

Harry grinned again and after pulling some clothes back on they walked slowly down the stairs. Harry led him through to the kitchen. 'Okay close your eyes.' Harry instructed. Severus raised an eyebrow. 'Please.' Harry wheedled. Snape sighed but obligingly closed his eyes and waited for Harry to take his hand. He felt Harry pull him forward, heard a door open before he was pulled outside. He could hear and feel what sounded like a wooden balcony under his feet and hear water lapping nearby.

'Two steps.' Harry told him, as he awkwardly navigated his way down with his cane. Severus stepped after him onto what felt like grass. Another four steps onto what Severus knew could only be sand.

'Okay, open.' Harry called from several feet away.

Severus opened his eyes and gasped. Spread out in front of him was the most spectacular view. The sand reaching several yards down to the water which lapped gently back towards them. The sky pink, red and gold with the setting sun and the blue waters of the Long Island Sound wrapped around them on three sides.

'Oh Harry.' He breathed. 'It's beautiful.'

Harry smiled and crossed the few steps to wrap his arms around the older man's waist. 'Do you think you can be happy here?' he asked tentatively.

Severus tore his gaze from the stunning vista to meet hopeful green eyes. 'Oh, there is no doubt of that.' He said softly, wrapping his arms firmly around the younger man's shoulders. 'I love you Harry, I'd be happy wherever you are.' The grin he was rewarded with almost broke his heart. Harry had so much love to give and he couldn't believe the young man had chosen him, Severus Snape, to give it to. As he hugged Harry tightly he made several vows. To love and protect him, to keep going until he found something to take away the pain that was a part of his everyday life, and most of all to make him laugh, every day if possible. It was the one thing Harry really didn't do much of.

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The ten days passed quickly, Harry and Severus settling in to the relaxing lifestyle very quickly. Severus set up a lab in the basement room Harry had originally set aside for Remus' use during the full moon. Neville helped by getting ingredients he needed to continue working on Harry's potions and even suggested a few others Severus could add.

Harry took up writing, sitting out the back, overlooking the beach as he tapped away for hours on the laptop Neville had supplied. He wouldn't tell the others what he was writing but Severus had figured it must be some sort of autobiography as all Harry would say was that it was helping to exorcise his many demons.

Each night they sat on the beach and watched the sun set behind them, painting the sky a myriad of soft colours as the waved lapped gently at the shore and at night they curled together under the covers, holding each other as if they never wanted to let go. After a week Severus had to admit, it was the highest point of his life so far.

The day before the wedding Neville rang to make arrangements and Harry began to grow nervous. The lines on his face, which had faded slightly, returned and that night his sleep was interrupted by many nightmares that even a dreamless sleep potion couldn't keep at bay. Severus had just held him close, whispering softly in his ear as tears streamed down his cheeks.

The next morning when Neville arrived with the car Harry was still asleep. Severus answered the door, strain evident on his face.

'What's wrong?' Neville asked instantly.

Severus sighed. 'Rough night. Come in, Mr Longbottom.' He said tiredly. 'I'll just go and wake Harry.'

Neville's eyes widened. 'He's still asleep?'

Snape nodded, waving the younger man towards the sitting room and heading back up the stairs. 'Yes, finally.' He muttered.

Twenty minutes later they were in the car. Harry had in fact woken, and after showering quickly, was changing into some clean clothes with great difficulty when Severus had swept back into the room.

As he helped pull the jumper over Harry's head he caught the troubled look in the younger man's eyes. 'Everything will be alright, Harry. I won't let anything happen to you.' He whispered.

Harry looked deep into the black eyes as if searching for some sort of affirmation before nodding. 'I know.' He said huskily. Severus hugged him tightly and he could feel Harry clinging just as firmly as if neither man wanted to let go. Where the sudden sense of foreboding had come from they didn't know, they just knew they didn't like it.

'Come on, Mr Longbottom's downstairs.' Severus said, reluctantly pulling away. Harry nodded and grabbed his cane as Severus shrunk the two bags they had packed the night before and they slowly went downstairs.

'Hiya Harry.' Neville said cheerfully.

'Hey Neville.' Harry said, forcing a tired smile. Neville looked questioningly at the potions master but Snape just shook his head slightly and ushered Harry out towards the car. After locking the front door and throwing up several warding spells for good measure they had finally driven away.

As Severus had flat out refused to travel by muggle transport again they had to take an international Portkey. The car had driven them all the way to the Department of Magic in Washington where they were quickly ushered through to a private room to wait.

Neville returned fifteen minutes later with an old newspaper. 'Secretary Springs send his best wishes and apologises for not seeing you off; he's in a meeting he can't really get out of.' Neville explained.

Harry nodded reaching for the Portkey and feeling Severus wrap an arm around him firmly before Neville activated it and the sickening feeling of being jerked with a hook behind his navel swept through him once more.

They landed with a thump that caused pain to erupt throughout his leg. Harry collapsed in Severus' arms as his vision swam and his breath came in gasps. His leg felt as if it was on fire and hit bit his lip to stop himself from crying out.

Harry.' Severus whispered urgently. 'Breathe Harry, come on.' He poured several vials down Harry's throat as Harry lay limp in his arms. 'Harry, listen to me. We have to get out of here. Now.'

Harry blinked several times, his lower lip still held tightly between his teeth. He looked up at Neville who was pale and shaking and back to Severus who face was lined with worry and wondered what was wrong. It took several minutes but he eventually allowed Severus to help him back up and leaving one hand on the older man's arm he finally looked around.

'Oh shit.' Was all Harry could come up with at such short notice.

'Oh god Harry, I'm really sorry. I didn't even think to remember that all international Portkeys only went from one Ministry to another.' Neville stammered.

Before Harry could reply the door opened and Cornelius Fudge walked in followed by several Aurors.

'Mr Potter.' Fudge spat nastily. 'How nice of you to return.'

Harry's eyes narrowed as he pushed the lingering pain away. 'I haven't returned, as you put it Fudge. I am merely here to attend my best friend's wedding for the day before leaving once more.' Harry hissed in reply.

'I don't think that would be wise Mr Potter, in light of the allegations against you.' Fudge retorted.

Harry stiffened and Severus placed a calming hand on his lower back. 'Allegations?'

Fudge grinned smugly. 'Yes Mr Potter. There are still several unanswered questions in light of the revelations two weeks ago. Your running away has only fuelled the wizarding world's desire to find the truth.'

'You know the truth already, you goddamn bastard.' Harry yelled, incensed at the stupidity of the man in front of him. 'If you think I'm staying here while you try to make everyone think Riddle isn't dead, just so you can look good, you have another thing coming.'

Fudge grinned wickedly before turning to the Aurors. 'Arrest that man. He's hindering an official Ministry investigation.' He said curtly.

'WHAT?' Severus bellowed as the Aurors moved to bind the young man in front of him.

'Stupefy.' Fudge said imperiously, lowering his wand as Neville moved to catch the potions professor before he hit the floor. Harry unseeing of anything but those dark black eyes looking at him pleadingly didn't notice as he was relieved of his cane and his arms bound tightly behind his back.

'I need that cane.' Harry said urgently. 'I can't walk without it.'

'I think you'll manage just fine, Mr Potter.' Fudge said. 'Take him to the holding cells. I will summon the Wizingamot and we can begin the questioning shortly.' The Minister flashed Harry a triumphant smirk before walking from the room.

One of Aurors prodded Harry forward with his wand but Harry only managed two steps before his leg buckled under him and he collapsed to the floor, his scream of pain ripping through the air around them.

'Give him his cane back, for god's sake.' Neville pleaded. Severus, still prone on the floor, met Harry's pained eyes and realised he had once again failed to protect the man he loved.

The guards conferred for several moments before they hauled Harry roughly up off the floor and unbound one arm, handing him the intricately carved cane. Harry meanwhile was gasping for breath, blood trickling down his chin from where he had bitten through his lip. His eyes met Neville's and he nodded, both men knowing there was no immediate way out of the situation, before allowing himself to be slowly manhandled from the room.

The minute the Aurors left Neville released the potions master who was white with rage. 'You go to Hogwarts and let Professor Dumbledore know what's going on and I'll try to sort this out from here.' Neville said calmly. Severus looked as if he was about to blow a blood vessel. 'You won't help Harry by getting angry and blasting something or someone to smithereens.' Neville added.

Severus, realising the pesky Gryffindor was right once again, just nodded curtly and stalked swiftly from the room before he did, in fact, do just that.

'Mother of Merlin.' Neville swore as he immediately headed for the Department of International Magical Co-operation.

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Harry sat huddled in the corner of the bed in the little cell into which he had been thrown, literally. Thankfully he had landed on the bed or he would still be on the floor trying to get up. His entire leg throbbed and he couldn't stop shaking. Every breath he took ripped through his chest and he guessed he must have broken a rib or two when he had crashed to the ground. He would have given his right arm at that moment for any type of pain killing potion. He decided then and there, if he ever got out of this godforsaken room he was going to buy a belt like Severus had that went all the way around him that could carry a hundred vials.

Suddenly the door banged open once again and the room was flooded with Aurors, all with wands at the ready. Harry couldn't help but shake his head. He could hardly breathe let alone speak an incantation. Once again they hauled him to his feet and Harry whimpered softly.

'Get a move on, Potter.' One of the Aurors spat. Harry hobbled out the door behind four Aurors, his leg back to screaming again. The trip was slow as Harry could only go so fast and it didn't help either his movement or his breathing as every few paces one of the Aurors behind him would push or poke him to get a move on.

What seemed like hours later to Harry they finally came to the large doors to the courtroom Harry had first visited before his fifth year after the incident with the Dementors. What was different this time was that the courtroom was now full. If Harry had been coherent enough to look around him he would have wondered how everyone had found out so quickly. The full Wizingamot, Dumbledore and most of the staff of Hogwarts, many Ministry personnel, reporters, and even Ron and Hermione, who were to marry later that day.

A sharp noise sounded to Harry's left and his head came up to see Albus, Ron and Hermione, holding Severus in his seat. Harry's pain filled eyes met horrified black and he shook his head slightly. If anything that made the potions master worse as he tried to get free from the arms that held him.

'Sev, no.' Harry whispered hoarsely as they passed on the way to the chair in the middle of the room. Harry finally turned from the anguished face as the Aurors pushed and prodded him to sit down. With a pained gasp he sat down, biting back the tears and once again wishing he had just one vial of the potent green potion. The instant he placed his hands on the arm rests of the chair the shackles came up and encircled his wrists. They startled him so much he yelped, and he heard the scuffling behind him and knew without looking that Severus had tried to get away from his captors once again.

'Minister Fudge, Madame Bones, I must protest.' Dumbledore moved from his seat and came down to Harry's side, leaving Minerva to hold back the potions master. 'Harry has done nothing wrong and his injuries sustained in our service I might add, are well documented. To treat him like a criminal in this way, binding him to the chair and denying him medical help is nothing short of torture.'

'Hear, hear.' Several voices in the room called out in agreement.

'I would like to know the reasons for that myself.' Madame Bones waved her wand, releasing the shackles and turned to the Minister. 'I still haven't worked out why this was handled in this way Cornelius. I'm sure Mr Potter would have willingly answered any questions you had.'

'And what's this about medical attention?' Another member of the Wizingamot chimed in. Fudge just glared at Harry.

'Harry needs several potions to keep the pain of his injuries at bay.' Dumbledore explained. 'With the somewhat severe handling between Harry's arrival and now I would imagine that our young Mr Potter is in quite an indescribable amount of pain.'

'My word,' Madame Bones breathed as everyone finally noticed the trembling, sweaty form in the chair.

'If it pleases the court.' Dumbledore said quickly. 'I know Professor Snape has all of Harry's potions with him and knows what dosages to administer.'

Fudge glanced around the courtroom realising he wasn't going to win this particular point before nodding reluctantly. 'Fine.' He said curtly.

The staying hands were released and Snape practically threw himself down the few stairs and across the room to Harry's feet. 'Oh god, Harry. I'm so sorry.' He whispered, his eyes filling with tears as took in the young man before him. He quickly pulled out his little belt of vials and began plucking several off and holding them up to Harry's mouth. Two pain killing, one pepper up, a calming potion. The court waited as Harry dutifully swallowed each one.

'Severus what's wrong with his breathing? The pain killing potions should have taken effect by now' Albus asked softly, bending over the half lucid man in the chair.

'Ribs.' Harry gasped. 'I think at least one is broken.'

'What!' Severus couldn't help but yell.

'When I fell.' Harry whispered, reaching a hand out to place it over the potions master's in an effort to stop the legendary temper from taking out everyone in the room.

'Excuse me, Madame Bones.' Dumbledore also placed a hand on Severus' shoulder. 'We are going to need a medi-wizard.'

'What are you talking about Dumbledore?' Fudge blustered. 'We said you could give the boy his potions, now move out of the way so we can get started.'

Dumbledore shook his head gravely. 'I'm afraid several of Mr Potter's ribs have been broken in a fall earlier today and as he can hardly breathe, Mr Potter is going to have a hard time answering any of your questions, until they are repaired.'

Suddenly the doors crashed open and a group of about twenty people burst in.

'What is the meaning of this!' Fudge roared, his temper beginning to reach boiling point as nothing was going the way he had planned. From amongst the group two men stepped forward. One was Neville Longbottom, the other Carmichael Springs. It was the American Secretary of Magic who glanced around the court room, meeting Harry's eyes with a pained look of his own, and who finally spoke.

'I'm afraid Minister Fudge, that this interrogation, or trial, or whatever it is you are calling this complete and utter debacle is going to have to stop right now.' He said firmly.

Fudge turned a bright shade of red. 'Who the hell are you to tell me what I can and can't do?' he bellowed.

Carmichael glanced once more at Harry before speaking. 'Perhaps I didn't introduce myself properly. I'm Carmichael Springs, the current Secretary of Magic for the United States of America,' Whispers broke out around the courtroom. 'and, as you are currently questioning a citizen of the United States who arrived on a Diplomatic Portkey, without the consent of, or even notice to, our Government you will have to stop right now or face the consequences of defaulting on the Treaty of International Magical Co-operation. It is your choice.' A witch standing just behind Carmichael, pulled several rolls of parchment out of her bag and handed them to the Secretary who walked casually up to the Minister and placed them on the bench in front of him as Neville and four Aurors moved to stand near Harry.

'Just go with it.' Neville whispered. Both Harry and Severus nodded as Fudge grabbed the scrolls and unrolled them. Both could see him almost smoldering with rage.

'Harry Potter was born here. He is a citizen of the United Kingdom.' Fudge raged.

Carmichael springs just smirked. 'As you can see Minister.' He drawled. 'Both Mr Potter and Mr Snape relinquished their British citizenship two weeks ago when they moved to the United States and began working for the Department of Magic.' Severus and Harry exchanged slightly incredulous glances before looking back at the ever increasing spectacle.

'But Mr Potter has questions we need answered.' Fudge insisted.

Carmichael shook his head. 'Mr Potter has answered everything he is going to. Now, do I need to call the magical department at the United Nations or are you going to allow our citizens to leave. Mr Potter, I believe, is dire need of medical attention.'

'No Secretary Springs.' Madame Bones interrupted the Minister's planned retort. 'You are all quite free to leave and we will note Mr Potter and Mr Snape's diplomatic status on our records. Mr Potter,' she said turning to him, her expression one of sorrow. 'From myself and the rest of the Wizingamot, we offer you our deepest apologies for what you have suffered and thank you for being so patient with our Minister.'

Harry nodded, not trusting himself to speak and she turned to the Minister beside her. 'Cornelius, I feel we have much to discuss.' She said gravely and the Minister turned and glared at Harry before storming from the room.

Severus and Neville helped Harry to his feet as Carmichael Springs crossed the room to meet them. 'Harry, I'm sorry it took so long to get here, there were several diplomatic channels that had to be, ah, traveled.'

Harry shook his head and smiled wanly. 'You were just in time, Carmichael, thank you.'

'Sir, we really should go.' The young witch piped up from behind him.

Carmichael nodded. 'Yes, thank you Carmen. Harry, Severus, Neville, just go and enjoy the wedding, Neville can explain most of it and anything else I will explain everything on your return.'

Harry and Severus nodded, shaking the Secretary's hand before watching as the man and his group disappeared with a flurry out the door.

It was at that point that Ron, Hermione and the others joined him. 'Oh Harry.' Hermione squealed, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.

'Aahh.' Harry yelped and Hermione released him instantly.

'Which part of several broken ribs did you not catch, Hermione?' Severus growled.

Hermione blushed deeply as Harry tried to get his breath back without stressing his already sore lungs. 'Sorry, she mumbled. 'I was just so happy to see you.'

Harry smiled and placed a hand on her arm. 'It's good to see you too. Both of you.' He said softly, glancing up at the magical clock on the wall. 'Hey, shouldn't you two be getting ready. You have a wedding to go to.'

'Harry, how can you even think about such things?' Hermione asked incredulously.

Harry's face became dark. 'Oh no. No, no, no. we've been over this. You're not putting it off any longer. Go. Go and get ready.' He said, making shooing movements with his hands. Hermione and Ron tried to say no but Severus stopped them with a glare.

'Let's get you to Hogwarts and Poppy will see to mending those ribs.' Dumbledore said cheerfully. Harry nodded allowing Severus and Neville to help him from the room, up in the lift to the Floo chamber. Ron and Hermione went first after Harry promised to be there in four hours time waiting for them. Minerva and the rest of the staff next as Severus gently wrapped his arms around Harry's waist. Harry could feel the guilt flowing through the older man but as the floo whisked them back to Hogwarts and he struggled not to scream, the words he was going to say were lost.

The minute they landed in the Headmaster's office Severus, against all Harry's protests, gently swept the younger man up in his arms and carried him all the way down to the hospital wing, startling any number of students with their sudden appearance.

'Poppy.' Snape called as he burst into the room and crossed to put Harry down on a bed, yet never relinquishing his hold on the Gryffindor's shoulders.

'Severus, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you both be getting ready?' Poppy exclaimed.

Severus growled. 'Yes, we should, but Fudge decided to was just the right time to try and arrest Harry.'

'What!' The medi-witch was just as indignant as Severus. 'After everything Harry's done for him?'

'Sev, please.' Harry begged softly.

'Poppy, his ribs, can you fix them please?' Severus snapped back through his anger to the small figure in his arms.

'Oh, yes.' Poppy said quickly raising her wand and casting a diagnostic charm. 'Two on the left and one on the right.' She said curtly before setting about getting the necessary potions and saying the required bone mending charms.

Harry felt the bones knit back together and sighed in relief. 'Thank you.' He whispered. He dutifully swallowed another pain killing potion and finally everything faded into the background. All that had happened in the five hours since they left the US finally hit him and the black crept in on the edges of his vision until it covered all and his consciousness receded.