Chapter 6 – Visitors, good and bad
As Harry and Severus finally retired to bed very late that evening, or the next morning really, many witches and wizards in the United Kingdom were waking, eager to see what the day would bring. After the revelations in yesterday's editions of the Daily Prophet and the Quibbler many were wondering what the response from the Minister would be. Would they even have the same Minister by the end of the day?
A still fuming Cornelius Fudge sat in his office, the door heavily locked and warded as he threw document after document into the fireplace. Until he heard from his people in the United States he didn't know what step to take. Those blasted Weasleys had pre-empted him, letting out the stories of his dealings and betrayals before he could discredit them. If he tried now, it would only be worse.
All he could do now was destroy everything he could lay his hands on.
Carmichael Springs also sat in his office. It was late, very late. Almost four in the morning in fact as the Secretary of Magic finally finished the last letter.
There certainly were some advantages to being the leader of the wizarding free world, he thought as he attached the secure missive to George W's leg, knowing it would be read immediately on receipt.
'Antony Viaires, Head of the UN Wizarding Council.' He told the owl who hooted softly before taking off out the window.
If everything went to plan then he would need to collect Harry and Severus tomorrow night and bring them back to New York so that they could meet with the UN Wizarding Council the day after.
He sat back with a sigh and reached again for the latest intelligence report regarding the now missing Death Eaters. He wasn't worried about the three witnesses they had. All three were under Fidelius charms but Harry's safety worried him greatly in spite of what he had told Harry's friends.
While he was untraceable to all but the American Department of Magic, Carmichael knew that there were some in the building that would reveal Harry's whereabouts for the right price and it was the thought of it that had made sleep elude him that night.
There was still no word on the two missing Death Eaters but another two had arrived just the day before and their magical signature had been located in and around the Washington DC area. Carmichael's heart sank again. It was no better on the second reading and he glanced up at the wizarding clock on the wall. Far too early, it said.
Sighing again he stood and walked to the window. It was still dark, streetlights and the occasional car headlights the only things shining through the gloom. He would go and see Harry this morning he decided, bring him back to a safe house if necessary.
Harry started awake, hissing softly as he sat up. Severus sighed and shifted in his sleep as Harry slid slowly out of bed. He summoned his cane and stood up, breathing heavily as tears sprung to his eyes. It always hurt a bit more when he hadn't been moving for a while.
It was still early, the sun just making an appearance and it was light enough to see by as he limped quietly from the room. His ears strained to pick up the noise that had woken him.
There.
A soft footstep sounded over the polished floorboards downstairs. Harry knew it could only be a wizard, there were too many muggle repelling charms on the house. He also knew it wasn't Neville as he wouldn't be creeping around. That left only one possibility, the question was, were they friend or foe. He heard another set of footsteps and a soft whisper and he knew. The intruders were opening doors along the hallway and Harry knew they would soon reach Neville's room.
He couldn't let that happen.
He took a deep breath and began stepping one step at a time down the stairs, the adrenaline seeming to curb the pain somewhat. He made it to the bottom without alerting the intruders and slowly peered around the corner. There were four of them, systematically sweeping the rooms in pairs. Harry knew they would be split far enough apart when they got to the far end of the hallway that he should be able to take out one pair silently before the other realised. The only difficulty was making sure he got the second pair before they reached Neville.
Silently he summoned his throwing knives and held them loosely. Thankfully he could throw just as well from either hand. He snuck quietly through the side doors of the sitting room and into the dining room, knowing that was the next room they would check.
He flattened himself against the wall in the shadows by the voluminous linen curtains and waited.
Within moments the door opened and two cloaked figures stepped into the room, one heading towards the far end, the other towards him. Barely moving he slowly lifted his arm and threw the first dagger. It landed true, right in the middle of his neck and with a soft gurgle the man crumpled to the floor. The other spun around and Harry quickly raised the other dagger, hurling it with all his might.
It missed.
The Death Eater raised his wand but Harry was quicker, the green of the killing curse erupting from his palm. Unfortunately both the sound of the dagger imbedding itself in the wall and the bright light of the killing curse brought the other two running and Harry had to quickly duck to avoid an Avada Kedavra that was sent his way.
A blasting curse from the second man blew an enormous hole out of the wall beside him, knocking out several load bearing beams and Harry shuffled as quickly as he could further into the shadows towards the door to the sitting room. The Death Eaters spread out, keeping him in a crossfire as hexes and curses flew through the air.
Harry dodged a Cruciatus, sending a blasting curse of his own back. He followed that up with a strong stunning hex. Again he missed. Sweat was beginning to pour from him as he ducked and dodged, trying to ignore the ever growing pain in his leg.
He smiled grimly as he heard a yell, his last slashing hex obviously reaching its target. He dared a look to his left, noting the second Death Eater was in just the right spot, and a powerful disarming curse sent the figure, flying backwards through the window and into the railing of the deck with a sickening crunch. He didn't get up.
Harry felt a moment's satisfaction before hearing the Cruciatus bellowed loudly. His head whipped around and he automatically darted sideways but it wasn't aimed at him, instead Neville, who had finally been roused by the noise, had burst in and caught the curse full on. It only lasted a moment however, as Harry's angry green eyes flashed and once again that horrible green light burst from his palm.
The entire duel had lasted less than a couple of minutes but to Harry it felt like he had been dueling for hours as he hobbled slowly over to Neville who was still shakily getting up from the floor just as Severus ran in.
'What on earth?' the potions master exclaimed.
'Death Eaters.' Harry breathed as he swayed on the spot. 'Have to get out of here. This end of the house is going to go.' As if to prove his point several walls around them gave an ominous creak and Severus, not waiting for an explanation, swept Harry into his arms and grabbed Neville's shoulder, propelling him out of the room towards the front door.
'Can't we just stabilize it?' Neville asked as he was pushed through the door.
'Not with all the wards and things. The magicks would react badly.' Harry whispered hoarsely. They barely made it down the front steps before the whole left hand side of the house gave a great shuddering groan and collapsed to the ground in a cloud of dust.
Harry, looking at what had been his last place of refuge, felt tears come to his eyes and he turned and buried his head in Severus' chest.
It was over. They had been found.
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That was how Carmichael found them less than half an hour later. Sitting numbly on the front lawn and staring at the half demolished home.
'Harry?' The Secretary of Magic practically leapt from the car before it had even come to a full stop.
'I put him to sleep.' Severus said quietly. 'He was in a lot of pain.'
'What happened?'
'From the little I could get out of Harry there were four Death Eaters apparently.'
'Where are they now?'
'Dead.' Severus said bluntly, not taking his eyes off the sleeping figure in his arms.
'Harry got them all.' Neville explained.
Carmichael well and truly understood the betrayed expression on the potions master's face.
'I'm sorry.' He said softly.
Severus shook his head, gently stroking Harry's cheek. 'It matter's not now.'
'We should get you both somewhere safe and Harry should see a medi-wizard.' Neville said firmly, standing and helping Carmichael to pull Severus to his feet. Neville tried to help by taking Harry but Severus would have none of it, holding tightly to the sleeping figure even as he climbed into the car.
'Davis, collect whatever belongings you can and bring me the bodies of those Death Eaters. We need to know exactly who they are. I'll leave the others with you. Apparate back when you have finished.'
The head Auror nodded. 'Yes, Sir.'
Carmichael cast one final glance up at the house before climbing into the car, sitting behind the driver with Neville as Severus, sitting on the other seat, cradled Harry in his arms, one hand gently stroking his cheek and a never ending murmur of words coming from his mouth.
Neither Carmichael, nor Neville could hear what he was saying but subconsciously Harry must have as the more he heard it the more relaxed he became, the pained grimace on his face easing until a soft smile graced his features. Only then did the monologue stop and Severus leaned his head back against the seat and pinched the bridge of his nose, a single tear escaping his tightly clenched eyes and running down his cheek.
The sun was shining brightly even if the day was quite chilly by the time they arrived back in Manhattan. Carmichael taking them back to that specially warded suite of rooms at the Hilton they had stayed in less than a month before. He checked them in and under a notice-me-not charm they snuck up to the suite.
The Secretary watched sadly as Severus placed Harry in bed and climbed in after him, pulling the tiny figure close and closing his eyes. He turned away when he felt Neville's hand land gently on his arm.
'We did everything we could.' Neville said softly.
Carmichael glanced once more at the two sleeping figures before looking back at one of Harry's oldest friends. 'Think of the worst possible outcome to what happened this morning, and then tell me that the fact that we can say we did everything we could, would allow you to live with yourself afterward had it actually occurred.'
Neville swallowed. 'I see your point.' He didn't know just how strong a Life Debt was but judging by the aggrieved expression on the Secretary's face the older man was definitely feeling it.
'I'm sending the Aurors, Mr Longbottom, as soon as Davis returns from Connecticut. Two will be stationed in the suite, two in the hall and another two in the lobby. If Harry doesn't like it, tell him to take it up with me.'
'Yes, Sir.' Neville sighed, knowing just how that conversation would go.
'I'll be in touch.' Carmichael said curtly before spinning and stalking from the room.
'Bloody hell.' Neville swore softly before moving to sit on the sofa. He would stay awake until the Aurors arrived.
George W was waiting for the Secretary as he walked back into his office. He scratched the huge eagle owl under the chin before plucking the heavily warded envelope off its leg. It was only just after ten o'clock but Carmichael was already tired. Mostly he was tired of a world that could be so cruel to a young man who was nothing but kind to everyone.
He had thought that the Unspeakable status would keep Harry safe, allow the young man to live normally, but it was not to be. In spite of how much Harry hated the thought, he was going to have to use a secret keeper.
Harry was loathe the place anyone he loved in what he perceived to be the immeasurable amount of danger one would undoubtedly be in as Secret Keeper to the Boy-Who-Lived, and if Carmichael was honest with himself, the position was most assuredly one that could break the strongest of men.
Whenever a future Dark Lord in training wished to prove his might he would go looking for Harry Potter. Killing the Boy-Who-Lived would certainly cement them as the premier Dark Wizard of the age as it was something even the great Lord Voldemort had been unable to do.
In other words, as much as Carmichael didn't wish it was so, Harry would be running for the rest of his life.
He quickly scanned the letter from the head of the UN and smiled. Just what he and Harry's two friends wanted. George W hooted at him and Carmichael looked up, waving his hand dismissively.
'Fine, go, but if he's asleep don't wake him up.' He said firmly and the eagle owl hooted softly before taking off out the window once more.
Carmichael grabbed his outer robes, which had lain discarded over the back of his chair since the night before and pulled them on as he headed out and down to IMC.
'Good morning, Paula.' He greeted the young witch who smiled back at him brightly.
'Good morning Secretary. Do you need a secure connection?'
Carmichael nodded. 'Yes, same address as last time please.' Paula nodded and disappeared into the side room and Carmichael waited.
Almost ten minutes later she returned and gestured for Carmichael to enter.
'Thank you, Paula.' He said politely before closing the door and feeling the wards seal themselves up tight.
'Secretary, how are you?' Hermione called from the fireplace.
'Have you seen Harry lately?' Ron chimed in.
'Is he alright?' Hermione added.
Carmichael held up his hands in surrender. 'Whoa, slow down.' He said quickly. 'To answer your questions. Tired. Yes, this morning, and no, he's not.'
Hermione assimilated the answers almost instantly. 'What happened?' By this time Ron had caught up and he frowned.
'It wasn't the articles, was it?'
Carmichael shook his head. 'No, Death Eaters.'
The two Weasley's faces drained of blood.
'What? How?' Hermione whispered faintly.
'Someone from here, unfortunately.' Carmichael sighed, the strain of the last twenty four hours beginning to show on his face.
'But he was safe. Untraceable, you said.' Ron blustered.
'To all but the Department, essentially he was. But someone from my staff sold him out.' The American Secretary looked to be taking the dishonesty of his people very personally indeed. 'We keep records of everyone with access to Unspeakable files and I can assure there will be a previously unheard of amount of Veritaserum being thrown around here this afternoon and when I find the one responsible the consequences will be dire.'
Ron looked pleased with this promise but Hermione just shook her head. 'How is Harry? Is he safe? What happened?'
The Secretary slumped slightly in his chair. 'He's safe for the moment, I have six Aurors guarding him, as for whether he is alright or what happened, I don't rightly know. I got a report early this morning that another two Death Eaters had arrived and their signatures had been recorded several times around the Capital, and as soon as it was light left for Connecticut. I arrived to find them sitting on the front lawn in their pyjamas and half the house demolished. Harry was in a forced sleep, according to Mr Snape he had been in a considerable amount of pain. Both Mr Snape and Mr Longbottom were in mild shock and all I could get from them was that there had been four Death Eaters in the house and Harry had taken care of it. I think that was all they knew.' Carmichael finished sadly.
'Merlin.' Hermione breathed.
'It never bloody ends for him, does it?' Ron swore.
'What now?' Hermione asked.
Carmichael sighed. 'No matter how strongly he feels against it he's going to need a Secret Keeper. There is no other way.'
All three were silent for several moments. Ron and Hermione had heard Harry's reasons against a Secret Keeper for him for many a year. The reasons had never changed and they were just as compelling now as they were then. Getting their friend to agree was going to be a battle.
'You know he will never pick anyone, don't you?' Hermione said softly. 'He'll say no one is protected well enough to keep them safe.'
'I'm protected very well. I could hold it.' Carmichael told them.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. 'What was the reason you owe Harry a Life Debt again?'
Carmichael blushed slightly. 'Point taken.' He said quietly. 'But there must be someone we can suggest to Harry.'
'What about a circle?' Ron asked.
Hermione turned and looked quizzically at him. 'A what?'
'A circle. I Keep for Harry, Neville keeps for me, Albus Keeps for Neville and Harry Keeps for Albus. That way it's an unbroken circle and because the entire circle is under a Fidelius charm within the circle, it can't be broken.' Ron finished quite smugly.
Hermione's eyes widened and Carmichael saw her arms appear in the flames and fling themselves around Ron's neck. 'Oh Ron, that's the smartest thing you've ever said.'
Ron blushed and Carmichael laughed. 'I'd have to agree with that.' He chuckled. 'From what Harry's told me, it's quite unusual for you to think outside the box like that, Mr Weasley.'
Ron shrugged out of Hermione's embrace. 'I'm not sure whether to feel pleased or insulted by that comment.' He said indignantly. Hermione snorted before suddenly becoming serious.
'Secretary Springs, is there anyway for us to see Harry?' she asked tentatively. 'Does he have a Floo connection where he is?'
Carmichael shook his head. 'No, he doesn't, but I can arrange an International Portkey for you in half an hour if you like.'
'Really?' Hermione breathed hopefully.
The American Secretary grinned. 'Be at your Ministry in one hour. Someone will be there to escort you.'
'Oh thank you.' Hermione gushed. 'Thank you so much.'
Ron rolled his eyes. 'Thank you, Secretary.'
Carmichael smiled. 'You're welcome. We'll see you soon.'
The Weasleys nodded and waved goodbye before shutting the floo connection down as Carmichael lifted the wards and left the room to arrange both the Portkey and the escort as promised.
Harry felt his consciousness return several hours later. He could feel the soft bed under him and Severus arms holding him tight and it all came flooding back. The Death Eaters. His house, destroyed.
They had found him.
Without his eyes opening tears began flooding down his cheeks to wet his hair.
'Shhh, Harry.' Severus crooned, immediately realising Harry was awake and pulling him tighter to him. Harry let out a heart wrenching sob and rolled over, burying his head in his lover's chest as Severus gently stroked his back.
'They won.' Harry sobbed. 'They took the one thing I had left that no one knew about and they destroyed it.'
'Harry, we can build another. I promise we will.' Severus said pleadingly.
Harry shook his head. 'I don't want another one. I've had enough.' He pushed away from the older man and sat up, gasping and grimacing as a sharp pain ripped through him. Trying to ignore it he stood and grabbing his cane limped towards the bathroom. 'What the hell did I ever do to deserve this life anyway?' he spat before the door slammed shut behind him.
Carmichael Springs was waiting for them when they arrived in Washington with their escort.
'Mr and Mrs Weasley, good to see you again, I'm just sorry that the two times we've met face to face have been because Harry's in trouble.'
Hermione sighed as they each shook the Secretary's hand. 'Story of his life I'm afraid.' She said sadly.
'So I seem to be finding out. No problems your end, I trust?'
'No.' Ron was grinning brightly and until he went on Carmichael didn't know why. 'When they found out it was a Portkey that had been organized by the American Secretary himself no less, the idiots in IMC couldn't fall over themselves to help us quick enough.' He laughed.
'Even offered us drinks while we waited.' Hermione snorted.
'As it should be.' Carmichael said primly but the two could see the amusement dancing in his eyes. 'Come on, I have a car waiting to take us to New York.'
'They're in New York?'
'Yep, let's go.'
The Secretary led them through a maze of corridors, collecting several Aurors on the way before taking a lift down to an underground garage.
'I always did love these liff things.' Ron mused looking around him.
'Liff?" Carmichael looked confused.
'Lift, idiot.' Hermione said rolling her eyes at him before turning to the Secretary. 'He means the elevator.'
'Oh.' The Secretary chuckled and Hermione could see several of the Aurors hiding smiles behind their hands.
They got into the large town car, the Aurors splitting between theirs and another car that preceded them and roared out of the garage and onto the street. Hermione looked out the window at the American capital in fascination as Ron and Carmichael talked softly.
The sun had dropped low in the sky by the time they arrived and the November chill was definitely in the air. Hermione pulled her coat around her tightly and they hurried through the door the doorman held for them. Carmichael walked swiftly through the lobby, nodding in greeting to the two Aurors stationed there before herding them into the lift for the trip to the top floor.
Another two Aurors stood guard either side of the door, snapping to attention and nodding politely to the Secretary as he walked up and knocked softly.
Davis opened it and nodded, letting the three walk through.
'Neville?'
'Hermione? Ron?' Neville looked up from his seat on the sofa in shock. 'What are you doing here?'
'Visiting you all of course.' Hermione said as if it was obvious.
'Secretary Springs firecalled us this morning and told us what happened.' Ron explained.
'Are you alright?'
Neville nodded. 'I'm fine. But, boy am I glad you two are here.'
'Why?' Carmichael couldn't help but ask.
'Harry and Professor Snape.'
'Are they still asleep?'
Neville shook his head. 'Oh no. Definitely not. In fact, I doubt anyone on this floor is still asleep had they been.'
'Oh no.' Hermione gasped. 'They didn't.'
'Oh yes they did.' Neville sighed. 'I don't know quite what happened. One minute they were asleep and the next I heard the bathroom door slamming and Professor Snape calling out this side of it. I gather Harry locked himself in, because the Professor continued calling out, quite nicely at first but then I think Harry said something, I don't know what and then Professor Snape resorted to some of his….. vocabulary…and there was a huge bang that sounded like half the bathroom exploded.'
'Oh dear.' Ron said softly. 'What happened next?'
'Professor Snape immediately tried to talk to Harry, to see if he was alright but Harry wouldn't answer. Eventually he got fed up and went downstairs. I believe he is in the bar drinking himself into a nice stupor.'
'And Harry?' Hermione asked, almost hesitant to hear the answer.
Neville sighed again. 'I managed to get him to open the door and then I sort of propelled him into another room and repaired the bathroom but he hasn't moved from there. George W came, but it was like he never even noticed.'
Hermione looked rather surprised and Carmichael made a mental note to tell her that Neville was not talking about the muggle President.
Neville went on without noticing her expression. 'He won't eat or speak or even acknowledge that someone is even there. He has been standing for hours, it must be killing him.'
'Where is he?'
'In the Library.' Neville gestured towards a door on the right and Ron and Hermione exchanged tentative glances before walking towards it.
They knocked out of courtesy before opening the door and stepping through. Both stopped at the sight before them. Harry stood by the window, still as a statue, one arm curled tightly around his waist, the other holding his cane, as he stared out into the ever growing dusk. The late afternoon sun shined onto his face, giving him an almost ethereal quality, however it also bore to emphasize the gaunt cheeks and hollow eyes. It was seeing their friend like this, in light cotton pants and a t-shirt that they were actually able to see just how much weight he had lost in the month since leaving England, and if horrified them.
'Harry?' Hermione said softly as they walked closer to their friend they noticed the dried tears on his cheeks. Gently Hermione reached out and grasped Harry's shoulders, turning him to face them. 'Harry?' she said again, choking back a gasp at the dull look in his eyes.
'Harry, mate, please say something.' Ron pleaded softly. Harry eyes filled with tears, several escaping to trickle down his cheeks, wetting them once again.
'I knew it couldn't work.' He whispered, his eyes screwing shut as he struggled to stop the tears. 'America, Severus, a normal life. It was nothing more than a dream and I should have left it that way.'
Hermione quickly pulled her friend towards her as Ron steadied him from behind. 'Just let it out Harry. You don't have to be so strong all the time.'
Harry shook his head, refusing to allow the tears to fall freely even as they dripped off his chin and onto the floor. 'Why is it so hard, Hermione?' he whispered. 'Why can't I just be normal? I should have gone with Tom, it would have been so much easier.'
It took a few seconds for Hermione to process what he just said and another second for her to reach up and slap him soundly. 'Don't you ever say something that stupid again, Harry Potter. You were not meant to die with Voldemort, you were meant to stay here with us, and the most important reason you were, is currently sitting in probably what can only be described as a miserable stupor down in the bar.'
Harry just stared at her wide eyed, his tears forgotten.
'She's right mate, Severus would be lost without you. He needs you as much as you need him.'
'Look.' Hermione went on. 'I know he probably said something awful to you but you need to look past that. You know he resorts to scathing sarcasm and insults when he's scared. I don't know what happened this morning but I imagine if it involved you and Death Eaters in the same place at the same time it probably scared the crap out of him. He needs you, Harry. We can work everything else out later but please, don't throw what you have, what you've both worked for, away.'
Harry dropped his eyes. 'You're right.' He said softly. 'I was very unfair to him. He was just trying to help.'
'Thank you.' Hermione said smugly, reaching into her bag. 'Now, I just happen to have a hangover potion with me.'
Harry lifted his head and gave Ron a wan smirk. 'She knows you well mate.'
Ron snorted. 'Too right she does.'
Hermione scowled at them and handed the potion over. 'Go.' She said firmly.
Harry nodded and clasping the vial in one hand he limped slowly from the room. He barely even noticed Carmichael, Neville and the two Aurors standing on the far side of the room as he bustled down the hallway and out the door.
'Follow him.' Carmichael nodded to Davis who took off after him.
Harry spotted the figure with long black hair bent over what had to have been his tenth or eleventh glass of scotch judging by the empty ones around him, and hobbled slowly over, lifting the vial and placing it on the table.
'I think you're going to need that.' He said softly. Severus' head shot up and Harry's heart dropped at the sight of the tired red rimmed eyes. 'God, Severus, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.' Harry whispered, his eyes shining with love.
Severus smiled. 'I know.' He said hoarsely. 'I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have said the things I did. I just felt so helpless.' The older man frowned slightly and reached up the stroke Harry's slightly bruised cheek. 'What happened?'
Harry shrugged. 'Hermione.' He said simply.
'Hermione's here?'
'Ron too.' Harry confirmed.
Severus gently ran his fingers over the cheek once more. 'Ouch.' He said with a small snort.
Harry grinned. 'She does have that mean right hook.' He conceded in amusement.
'Why did she smack you?'
Harry smile faded, instantly leaving Severus on his guard. 'I said something I shouldn't have.'
Severus frowned. 'What did you say?'
Harry hesitated before speaking. 'I said I should have gone with Tom.' He said, so quietly that Severus almost missed it. The potions master's eyes widened and his face drained of blood as several different images flashed through his mind. As if reading his thoughts Harry placed a hand on his shoulder. 'I wouldn't do that, you know. I wouldn't ever do that.' He said fervently.
'Harry, promise me, you won't ever say something like that again.' Severus pleaded.
Harry nodded. 'I promise Sev. I promise.'
Severus' looked intently at him as if searching to confirm that he was telling the truth, the onyx eyes boring into his own. Finally he looked satisfied and his expression softened.
'I love you, Harry.' He whispered, standing up and cupping Harry's face. He leant down and placed a soft kiss on the young man's mouth heedless of the scandalized muggles around them. Harry gave him a wry smile at the same time as wriggling his fingers and suddenly the muggles seemed fascinated by everything around them but the two men kissing passionately by the table in the corner.
'You're a wicked man, Potter.' Snape murmured into his ear, his breath causing Harry to shiver.
Harry glanced up at him, a sinful smirk on his face. 'I'll show you just how wicked later.'
Severus smirked back. 'Oooh, innuendo, from a Potter, no less.' He drawled.
Harry smacked him lightly before kissing him once again. 'Of course it will have to be much later as we have a suite full of guests waiting for us upstairs.' He said with a chuckle.
Severus groaned. 'You're right.'
'Why, may I have that in writing?' Harry interrupted.
This time it was Severus who smacked him. 'Come on you. Let us do what ever is required to get rid of these guests and then you have a promise to keep.'
Harry smiled as Severus took his arm and they slowly headed out of the bar and towards the lift. They stepped in the first available one and the doors closed. Harry sighed softly, knowing he was about to step willingly into an inquisition but also knowing that those who would be asking the questions about what transpired this morning also only had his best interests and his safety at heart.
This time it was Severus reading Harry's thoughts as he placed an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close, placing a soft kiss on the young man's temple. He needed no words. Harry knew exactly what he meant.
He was never alone.