Disclaimer – Isn't mine.
Chapter 4 – Thanking Severus Snape
Severus woke Harry twenty minutes before the ceremony was due to start and cast a cleaning charm before helping him to dress in the formal robes Neville brought up to the hospital wing. He knew the younger man hated cleaning charms but it would have taken far too long to shower and Severus thought rest was probably more important.
He walked beside his lover as they headed slowly to the great hall, however neither said much. Harry was just too worn out and the guilt Severus was feeling was still weighing heavily on him. Harry swallowed another vial before entering the hall, returning the beaming smile from Ron with a wane one of his own.
'Alright there, Harry?' Ron asked softly as Severus escorted him to his place beside the redhead before sitting down next to Neville.
'Yes.' Harry whispered, nodding in reply to the questioning look from the headmaster who was standing beside Ron.
Just then a soft music filled the air and Harry turned to see a radiant Hermione, her father at her side with an amulet around his neck to counter the muggle repelling charms on the castle, walking slowly towards them. A hush fell over the group watching and Harry smiled at his friend who looked as if his eyes were about to pop out of his head.
Hermione's father gave her a kiss on the cheek and shook Ron's hand before placing Hermione's in it. He gave Harry and Ginny, who was standing on Hermione's other side, a wink and moved to sit down.
The ceremony was mercifully short as far as weddings go. Harry assumed, correctly he was to find out later, that Ron and Hermione had gotten together with the headmaster, who was presiding, to shorten it to the barest minimum they could get away with under wizarding law. Less than half an hour later Harry and Ginny had both bared witness to the union and Albus was pronouncing them.
Harry smiled and clapped as Ron and Hermione kissed and was the first person they turned to when they had finished. Harry felt his eyes fill as both wrapped their arms around him.
'Congratulations, both of you.' Harry said huskily.
'Thank you, Harry.' Hermione kissed his cheek. They pulled away as everyone swarmed up to congratulate them as well. He felt Severus by his elbow and was extremely grateful as he felt a vial pushed into his hand and himself lifted ever so slightly onto a medium sized stool. He twisted his head and looked into the concerned black eyes that were looking back at him closely.
'Thank you.' Harry breathed.
Severus gave him a small smile. 'I'm so sorry, Harry.' He whispered. The look in Severus' eyes was so pained that it almost took Harry's breath away. He glanced around at the people still congratulating the newlyweds and slid gently off the stool with a hiss. He took Severus' hand and limped slowly across into the little chamber off the great hall, closing the door with a wave of his hand and turning to face his lover.
'Severus, listen to me.' Harry pleaded, placing his hand on the older man's chest. 'What happened was not your fault. You could have done nothing to prevent it.'
'But Harry.' Severus protested.
'No.' Harry interrupted him. 'This is who I am Sev. I'm the bloody Boy-Who-Lived. There will always be someone who wants something from me, or wants to hurt me or something. You can't protect me from everyone and everything. This is my life and it has been that way since I was barely a year old. We should be safe in America for now, but if you can't deal with it we are going to have a problem.' He finished sharply.
Severus stared into the defiant green eyes unable to utter even a word. His lack of communication softened Harry's resolve.
'Severus,' he murmured, his tone much softer. 'I know you want to protect me. I know you feel guilt over the final battle.' Severus' eyes widened at that statement.
'How?' he whispered.
Harry smiled gently. 'Your eyes show everything, to me anyway, in spite of how much you wish to hide it. I can tell you right now that it wouldn't have mattered if you had forced that Portkey into my hand that day, I wouldn't have left. It was time, I knew it and Tom knew it, and while I wish it hadn't worked out quite in that way, Tom is dead and that is what I went there to accomplish.' Harry took a step closer, leaning his cane up against the wall and reaching up to place both hands on his lover's shoulders.
'Severus, I love you, you mean the world to me but you have to realise that you can't be my knight in shining armor every minute of every day. I never have and I never will hold you responsible for my safety, please believe me.' Harry pleaded.
Severus wrapped his arms around Harry's waist and pulled the smaller body flush with his own. 'I'll try.' He whispered into Harry's hair.
Harry pulled away slightly and tilted his head to place a soft kiss on the down turned lips. 'Good. Now smile because this is supposed to be a joyous occasion and you're lowering the tone.' He said cheekily.
Severus scowled and reached down to smack the younger man's arse.
'Hey, don't tease unless you plan on following through.' Harry scolded.
Severus pulled him closer again, kissing him passionately. 'Oh I intend on following through, just as soon as we get home.' He promised huskily.
Harry grinned, happy to see the same smile on the other man and kissed him one last time before releasing him. 'Come on, everyone will be wondering where we are.'
They walked back out into the hall after Harry had grabbed his cane and opened the door. The hall had been reset with tables and a dance floor and people were standing around in small groups talking happily or dancing together to the soft music coming from the quartet in the corner. Severus guided Harry to where Albus and Minerva were standing.
'How are you feeling, dear boy?' Albus asked politely.
Harry rolled his eyes. 'Fine, thank you.'
'That Fudge has a lot to answer for.' Minerva growled causing Harry and Severus to exchange amused glances.
'So, Harry, how do you know Secretary Springs?' Albus' eyes were twinkling.
Harry looked at the twinkling blue orbs and knew exactly what the old wizard was asking. 'Neville introduced us a few years ago.' He said evasively.
The blue eyes took on a calculating gleam. 'He seemed to be very concerned for just an acquaintance. I mean, forging diplomatic paperwork?'
Harry kept his face carefully blank. 'Who said they were forged?'
Albus raised an eyebrow, the eyes back to twinkling once more. 'Bravo, dear boy.' he chuckled. 'Bravo.'
It was at that point the House Elves signaled that the food was ready and everyone moved to sit down. Harry at Ron's left with Severus beside him. The food of course was a sight to behold. Many different kinds of meat and vegetables, salads, breads, soups and then there came the puddings. It seemed that the house elves, who hadn't had a wedding at Hogwarts in many years decided that it was going to be the biggest and best there ever was.
Everyone tucked in, happy chatter sounding throughout the hall. Harry listened while talking softly with Severus and Ron. Hermione and Ginny were giggling quietly on Ron's right and every so often would wave at Harry when they caught him glancing their way. All in all Harry though it to be going very nicely.
Little did Harry know that was about to change though as he stood awkwardly and picked up his glass. Everyone quieted and looked at him expectantly as Harry kept his head down and tried to steady his racing heart. As he finally looked up no one could miss the pale and drawn expression that looked back at them.
'Thank you all for coming.' He said quietly. 'As my job as Ron's best man it falls to me to congratulate them. So congratulations, you two.' He raised his glass and smirked at his two best friends as the congratulations were called out all over the hall.
'However as Ron and Hermione's friend,' He went on.
'Best.' Ron and Hermione said in unison.
Harry snorted as several nearby laughed. 'Sorry, as their best friend it is my joy to congratulate them. I don't know about them but I have waited for this day for so long.' There were several more twitters from the audience.
'It goes to show just what wonderful friends, wonderful people, they are that they refused to get married until Riddle was destroyed. Refused to allow themselves this happiness until I could share it with them.' Harry looked down as his eyes filled. 'I am so happy for them that finally they can live in peace and in love. All I can say that I'm sorry it took so long.'
Ron grinned up at him. 'Don't worry about it mate.'
'Hang on, what do you mean peace? You-Know-Who's dead?' a voice asked incredulously from one of the middle tables.
'When did that happen?' another nearby asked.
Harry's head shot up, his face paling even more. 'What?' he whispered.
It was Ron who managed to stand and look at who had been speaking. 'Davies, what the hell are you talking about? You were there that day.'
The young man, who had been through Auror training a year or two behind Harry and Ron looked quizzically at him. 'What day? What are you talking about?'
'Yeah,' a man at the next table piped up. 'When the hell did this happen?'
Ron's face turned an alarming shade of red. 'Bloody hell Wilson, you were there too. What the hell is wrong with you both?' There was deadly silence as everyone just looked around them. Several other faces in the room reflected the same disbelieving expression as the two Aurors.
'Oh god.' Harry breathed. 'No, he couldn't have.'
Severus stood and took Harry's arm. 'Harry, what is it?' he whispered.
'I need to talk to Albus.' He said suddenly, moving the chair with a wave of his hand and limping slowly down the steps and across to the round table where the headmaster sat nearby.
'Harry, what is it?' Albus also asked, standing as Harry reached him.
'Fudge.' Harry hissed. 'I think he's Obliviated them. That's why everyone believes him. He must have modified everyone's memories who isn't a member of the Order but was there that day. What the hell are we going to do?' Harry breathing was becoming irregular and he felt his hold on his emotions, which was tenuous at best most of the time, begin to give way. He felt Severus come up behind him and place a hand on his back, the gesture effectively grounding him.
'We need to check. Harry do you think you can sift his mind. You're better at it than me.' Albus asked quietly. Harry glanced at the two men who were looking at him with undisguised disgust, thankfully different to the stares of most of the others in the room. By this time Ron and Hermione had also joined them and both quickly realised what was happening.
'Why don't we ask them to come outside and we can check there.' Ron suggested.
Hermione shook her head. 'No, do it here. Where everyone can see.'
'They might not let me.' Harry gestured to the two men again. Ron glanced over as well.
'Come on. It's worth a try at least.' He said clasping Harry's elbow and tugging him slowly across the room. The two Aurors almost sneered as Harry drew closer but the look on Ron's face stopped either from saying anything.
'Davies, this doesn't make any sense. Something is wrong.' Ron said softly. 'I ask you, as a friend and fellow Auror to allowed Harry to check something.'
The Auror glanced at Harry again. 'Check what?' he snarled causing Harry to step back in shock at the hatred in the other's eyes. Ron noticed this and changed tack.
'Tell me, what happen at the last battle with You-Know-Who?' he asked. Davies eyes narrowed. 'You know what happened, Weasley, you were there, although you must have conveniently blocked it out to still be talking to him.' He finished jabbing a finger at Harry. Severus and Albus exchanged worried glances as the rest of the room hung on every word.
'Humour me.' Ron said sharply. Davies pulled his glare from Harry and looked at Ron.
'That bastard sent us into a trap.' He spat and no one had any doubts he was talking about Harry, not Riddle. 'We lost almost a hundred people that day and it was all his fault. You-Know-Who got away again and then he has the gall to spread around this story about having killed the Dark Lord after he actually ran away from You-Know-Who like a frightened kneazle.'
'Oh god.' Harry breathed, once again feeling Severus hand on his back as he swayed slightly.
'At least that explains the treatment this morning.' Severus murmured.
Ron rolled his eyes. 'Davies, you've been Obliviated.' He said bluntly.
'What?' the Auror looked quizzically at him.
'You've been Obliviated.' Ron said slowly. 'You're mind has been tampered with.'
'How can you be so sure? You're probably just protecting him.' Davies said challengingly, glaring at Harry once again.
Ron gestured around the room. 'Look around you. There are over a hundred people here and only a handful were not there that day. Do you see anyone else other than yourself, Wilson, Mathews, Tobias, Arnold and Perkins looking at Harry the way you lot are. You're not Order members and you work for the Ministry. You've been Obliviated so that your memories of that day fit the Minister's current schedule, and that happens to be taking Harry down any way he can.'
As Davies glanced around the room, seeing the truth in Ron's words his expression faltered. 'Are you sure?' he asked hesitantly, all his previous bravado now gone.
'There is one way to check.' Ron said glancing at Harry. Davies also looked at the green eyed man and nodded. Harry stepped closer and looked into the other man's eyes.
It only took several minutes as the rest of the hall held their breath. Harry skimmed lightly through the man's mind, looking for the memories the man recounted and checking for an overlay of magic surrounding them. A moment later he stepped back, dropping his eyes and nodding.
'It's true.' He whispered. Davies looked horrified as did several others nearby.
'The only way to get back your true memories is to try and jog them.' Albus cut in. 'We can remove the others into a pensieve and then let you go back an experience the day again, hopefully that should be enough to bring them back.'
'How would they experience the day again?' Severus asked.
'With a pensieve as well.' Albus explained. 'I think Harry's memories of that day should certainly be strong enough.'
Harry's eyes widened, his face stricken. 'No.'
'Harry, this is the only way.' Albus said quietly. Harry's eyes darted wildly around him, seeing the people staring at him and swallowed heavily.
Severus wrapped and arm around his shoulders and pulled him close, allowing Harry to bury his face in the older man's robes. 'You do realise Albus, that for Harry to place his memories in a pensieve so they can be viewed, he also has to look at them.' Severus said, not a little rudely.
Albus nodded sadly. 'Yes, I do, Severus.' He sighed. 'But I believe Harry's memories may be the only one's strong enough, particularly regarding the Dark Lord's death.'
Harry nodded, realising the headmaster was correct. 'I'll do it.' He murmured softly. Severus loosened his arm enough to look down at his lover, seeing both courage and fear in those emerald eyes.
'I will be with you.' He said quietly. Harry nodded solemnly.
'Why don't we go up to my office?' Albus suggested and the group headed towards the door as Harry stopped and turned.
'Ron, Mione. You stay here. These are your guests. Dance, enjoy yourselves, we won't be long, I promise.' Harry said quietly. Both Ron and Hermione looked torn, neither wanting to leave their friend but realising he had a point. Finally they nodded reluctantly and Albus, Harry, Severus, Minerva and the six Aurors left the hall as it exploded into noise behind them.
The six Aurors waited nervously in Dumbledore's office with Minerva as the Headmaster and Severus stayed with Harry in a small room off the side as he sorted through and extracted some of the worst memories of his life.
Half an hour later the headmaster emerged, the pensieve cradled carefully in his hands. He crossed the room and placed it on his desk.
'Have you all removed the planted memories?' he asked waiting at all six nodded to the second pensieve that Minerva was guarding. 'Well, then. I warn you. This isn't pretty.'
The Aurors nodded and one by one stepped up and leant forward until their noses were touching the silvery liquid and they were pulled inside.
Soon the office was quiet, the soothing murmuring as Severus whispered into Harry's ear as he held him, the only thing to breach the silence. Eventually Harry fell asleep and the silence was complete. Severus continued to hold him as Albus and Minerva joined him.
'Do you think it will work?' Severus asked softly.
Albus shrugged. 'For Harry's sake, I hope so.' The silence returned and it was over an hour later before the Aurors arrived back, tumbling out of the pensieve, mortified expressions tinged with no small amount of anger marring their faces.
'You remember.' Albus stated as the three moved out into the office.
Davies glanced at the others before giving a sharp nod. 'We do.' He said angrily.
Albus nodded and smiled. 'Severus, you must wake Harry, so he may return his memories.'
Severus glanced through the door. 'Do we have to? It's the most peaceful sleep he's had in months.'
Albus sighed, his eyes dimming slightly. 'You know that we do. Those memories are a part of Harry.'
Severus grumbled but picked up the pensieve and followed the older wizard back into the small room. Minerva watched as the six Aurors glanced at each other, each reliving the scenes they had just witnessed. She had no doubt that Harry now had six more champions to his cause.
Twenty minutes later Albus returned, Severus leading a frighteningly pale and trembling Harry. The silence remained as they journeyed back down to the great hall. The others could hear Harry's deep breath as he tried to compose himself before they went in and Davies placed a tentative hand on the other man's shoulder.
'Potter.' He said softly. 'Harry, we're very sorry.' Harry looked up and smiled wanly.
'Thank you.' He said, his voice hoarse. Davies raised an eyebrow in question but between the shake of Albus' head and the glare from his former teacher the Auror remained silent. The more he thought about it the more obvious it became that the older wizard had placed silencing charms around that small room as Harry's memories were returned to him and judging by the rawness of his voice, they had been fairly heavy duty.
'We're going to get him Harry, I promise.' He said solemnly. Harry just nodded and flicked his wrist at the doors, opening them.
Ron and Hermione were at the door instantly, hugging Harry tightly between them, both trying to hide the horrified expressions at the sight of their friend who had been through so much in one short day. Most of the guests had gone home, each sworn to secrecy as to what had transpired until the full story was known. Only the closer members of the Order and those close to Ron and Hermione remained. Ron and Hermione could feel Harry trembling and wished they could do more to help him. Eventually Ron pulled away and looked at Severus who was watching them, his eyes unusually bright.
'Take him home.' Ron said softly. 'We'll sort everything out and be in touch.'
Severus nodded, and after Harry was hugged and kissed by both Ron and Hermione, Severus together with Neville bundled the young man back up to the Headmaster's office and they flooed back to the Ministry. This time Harry didn't protest when Severus promptly picked him up, and with his head cradled against the older man's chest, those comforting arms around him and the smell that was only Severus lingering in his nose he succumbed to sleep.
'Was it true?' Molly Weasley asked. Albus and Minerva exchanged glances but Davies spoke before he could.
'Yes, it was true.' He spat, his anger now directed at the Minister. 'That bastard deserves the Kiss for what he did.'
Albus looked slightly taken aback at the young man's display of temper at his current boss but he recovered quickly turning to Ron and Hermione.
'Well, Mr and Mrs Weasley, is there anything left to do?' he asked cheerfully.
Ron shook his head. 'No, everything is done.' He said bluntly.
'And we have something else we must do.' Hermione's expression was just as stony as her husband's. 'I gather you have a copy of what Fudge planted.'
Albus nodded. 'In my office.'
Ron and Hermione exchanged glances and a small smirk graced Hermione's face. 'This should fit in just nicely with what he have planned.' She said softly.
Ron grinned wickedly. 'Very nicely indeed.' He added.
Neville stayed with them at the house for several days after they returned from London. As they had left the Department of Magic they had run into Secretary Springs who had taken one look at Harry ensconced in Severus' arms and demanded softly to know what exactly had gone on.
Neville had quietly explained and the American had practically blown a blood vessel. His eyes had glinted menacingly and his fists had clenched, his anger radiating visibly. Only the fact that Harry was asleep stopping the man from letting loose a rant that promised to be of epic proportions.
Instead he nodded curtly to both Neville and Severus and murmured something about visiting the Department of Magical Co-operation before turning on his heel and stalking off. The next morning he had rang and instructed Neville to stay in Connecticut as long as he needed.
It took Harry several days to recover from the events of the trip and Severus and Neville both diligently followed him around like nursemaids until Harry finally yelled at them to stop and leave him in peace. As they sat for dinner one evening an owl flew in to perch beside Harry who almost fell of his chair in shock.
'I thought we were untraceable.' Harry said in surprise.
Neville laughed. 'That's George W. He's Secretary Springs personal owl.' Neville explained. 'Quite a legend around the Department actually. He called him that to annoy the Muggle President and from what I've heard, it works rather well too.'
Harry snorted, taking the proffered scroll and handing the owl a bit of roast beef. George W hopped up onto Harry's shoulder and nuzzled his cheek gently, hooting calmly.
'What is it with you and owls anyway?' Severus asked sarcastically. 'That white menace was exactly the same when you got close to her. Almost took anyone's hand off if you weren't there though.' The last part was added with no small amount of bitterness.
Harry just shrugged and smirked offering the owl another bit of beef. He had missed having an owl. Hedwig had always listen to him and looked after him. When she had died he had vowed never to get another but maybe it was time to rethink that decision.
'Aren't you going to open it?' Neville gestured to the scroll sitting on the table. Harry nodded, grabbing the parchment and cracking the seal.
Dear Harry,
Just a short note to express once again my sorrow at the events of three days ago and again, I wish there had been more I could have done. I hope you are indeed feeling better as Mr Longbottom informs me.
I have also enclosed a little clipping from your Daily Prophet that arrived yesterday that I think you should read.
Any way, once again I apologise and look forward to seeing you soon.
Kindest regards,
Carmichael.
Harry smiled and handed the note to Severus who laughed. 'The man apologises almost as much as you.' He quipped. Harry reached over and smacked him before unfolding the newspaper clipping.
'Oh my god.' He breathed as he took in the headline.
'What is it?' Neville asked curiously. Harry blushed deeply as he turned the paper to face them.
'BOY-WHO-LIVED AT CENTRE OF DIPLOMATIC CONFRONTATION' the headline screamed.
'Bloody hell.' Neville swore. 'What else does it say?'
Harry handed the paper over to him and nervously folded his hands in his lap as Neville began to read out loud.
'The Boy-Who-Lived arrived back in the United Kingdom yesterday to a chilly reception from our Minister of Magic. Harry Potter, who disappeared just two weeks ago returned by international Portkey only to be arrested on sight. Sources inside the Ministry say that while the arrest wasn't planned, Minister Fudge made a decision that it was required.' Harry gave a derisive snort and Neville went on.
'The Minister called for a full hearing of the Wizingamot, but before any questioning could really begin several events occurred. Firstly it was revealed that after some rough handling from several Aurors escorting him, Mr Potter had sustained several broken ribs. Albus Dumbledore who seemed to be speaking for Mr Potter, called for a medi-wizard, but before one could be called the hearing was interrupted by the American Secretary of Magic, Carmichael Springs who ordered the release of Mr Potter stating in no uncertain terms that he was an American citizen here under diplomatic status and he had the paperwork to prove it.' Neville took a breath, glancing at the two men at the table.
'The entire incident almost nullified the Treaty of International Magical Co-operation between our nation and the United States. The question is,' he went on. 'Can we do anything to return Mr Potter to his rightful home? Does he even want to return after what happened? Is he worth the trouble such a diplomatic disagreement with the Americans could cause? And most of all, will we ever find out whether the Dark Lord is really gone?'
'And that is the real question they want an answer to?' Severus growled. Harry closed his eyes before standing suddenly. Severus and Neville could hear the enormous release of breath as Harry pushed the pain down and limped outside to stand on the balcony, looking out over the calm water, the lights twinkling from across the Sound.
'Severus, he needs you.' Neville said softly, rising from the table and disappearing into his guest room down the hall.
Severus sighed, dropping the letter and standing up. He moved almost silently through the door, causing Harry to jump as he slid his arms around the younger man's waist and pulled him back against his chest. He felt the younger man sob catch in his throat and spun him around to hug him tightly.
'Harry, it will end. One day, I promise it will.' He said softly. Harry shook his head.
'No, it won't. They all know we're here now and they will come looking for us.' He mumbled.
Severus clasped his shoulder and grasped his chin, forcing the green eyes to meet his own. 'They won't find us, Harry. We're untraceable remember. I don't think Carmichael will take any chances, do you?'
Harry's eyes softened. 'No.' he whispered.
Severus sighed, caressing the cheek under his fingers. 'Relax, Harry. Please forget all this and just relax.'
Harry reached up and wrapped his arms around Severus' neck and kissing a trail slowly across his chin. 'Make me forget, Severus. Please.' He whispered. Startlingly bright black eyes stared deeply into green before Severus crushed his mouth over the soft pink mouth in front of him. Without breaking contact he gently lifted Harry into his arms and carried him through the house and upstairs.
From the guest room window at the far end of the house, Neville sighed and pulled the blind closed, silently thanking every deity he could think of for Severus Snape.