Alia: (dressed in battle armor) Okay. So yes, I haven't updated in a good damn while. Life's been hectic okay. And yes I haven't been updating the website or my livejournal. Life's been hectic alright! But things should be getting back to normal. Or as normal as they ever were.
For those people still reading Second Chances, I have the next damn chapter summarized. Stop cheering and squealing. It's summarized. That doesn't mean too much when it comes to me. Also, I'm working on two hp stories. One has already been summarized. I'm not telling you about them. I don't even know if I'll ever get them up. I'm trying to concentrate on this story and the others I haven't finished. Pray on that one.
Good news. Someone is doing 'Time, Truth, and Sacrifice' in Hungarian. I'm still shocked that people liked that story but I enjoyed it so I might try to come up with another plot for a mystery story.
So anyway, I'm alive and here is the next part of the what-was-suppose-to-be-a-freaking-oneshot story. Hope you enjoy.
Oh and one last thing. A confrontation with a certain boy who lived should be coming up in a couple chapters.
Title: Expecting The Absolute Weirdest
Author: Alia
Part 1/1
Rating: R
Pairing: Severus Snape / Original Male Character; Severus Snape / Harry Potter
Spoilers: I'm not exactly sure...HBP spoilers (just not the way you would think)!
Warnings: slash, language, angst, humor?, AU
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Harry Potter. I would like to but JKR does and I don't think she's inclined to share.
Summary: Two men facing painful losses drown their sorrows, and make an already interesting rollercoaster much more interesting.
Author's notes: This is just a silly little story. I don't even know why I'm writing it. I think it may be one of those feel good stories. NO SAP. It makes me sick to my stomach. Ah well. Here goes.
/Am I right?/ Albus couldn't help but ask himself as he stood waiting for Alexius to appear. The words spoken by Severus's usually silent portrait haunted the Headmaster greatly. Usually Albus was the sort of man that knew he was taking the right direction. He always knew that with every decision he made there was a chance of unfortunate consequences. Dumbledore had always accepted those chances with a heavy heart.
Said heart was currently singing with a sickening dread. Albus found himself honestly scared about calling Alexius. Severus deserved to be happy after so many bad years and Alex was apart of that. He didn't know if he could face the potions master if he was a direct cause of their relationship's failure.
He shook his head. "No. Alex loves Severus too much to let him go." At least Albus hoped so. He didn't know Alex as well as Severus but both men sported their insecurities. "No." Dumbledore sighed at the intense whisper of reassurance. He squeezed his hands as he continued to pace at the gates.
Dumbledore breathed a sigh of relief when he saw a worried Alexius appear. As the man hurried toward him, the bearded man hoped that his decision was right. /Severus shouldn't be alone. We made that mistake last time and almost lost him./ "I see you received my message." He raised his hand slightly in welcome.
"Albus, Severus? Is he alright? The way the message sounded..." Alex wasn't happy with the frown on the Headmaster's lips at Severus's name.
The older wizard cleared his throat. "I promise you that Severus is physically well, Alexius. However, something happened-,"
"What?" Snapped Alex. He was growing more and more anxious to see his husband. "He was fine when we spoke yesterday."
"Yesterday," Albus started. He knew not to delay Alexius as it would only raise the man's ire. "He did not know that Harry Potter would be getting married on his birthday." Dumbledore watched as Alex straighted and the man's dark green eyes narrow.
A snarl crossed the pub owner's lips. "So he married that red-headed slut did he?" He snorted.
The headmaster had to hold himself back from automatically defending the former Miss Weasley. In all honestly, that was the growing consensus among the staff. Minerva, the girl's former head of house, hadn't been nearly as kind. She had been the one to find Severus not long after the situation had hit it's climax.
Dumbledore did admit to feeling surprised at the amount of venom in Alexius's voice and expression. He knew that Ginny had done wrong but this was a bit much wasn't it? Albus smiled mentally. /Responding to Severus's own feelings./
Albus nodded. "Yes. It was in the Prophet this morning. Apparently they had a very early wedding."
Disgusted, Alex looked at Hogwarts. "And it's bothering Severus? That's why you called me?"
"No, my boy." Albus tried to ignore the dark look Alex sent his way. "Severus's reaction was rather-. He didn't know how to react to the information."
Alex shrugged. "I'm sure he'll calm down soon. Potter is out of his life now."
Albus didn't say anything. The look on Alex's face told him that he should have heeded the warning issued by the portrait. Alexius was scared. The younger wizard was concerned that his husband was still very much in love with Harry Potter.
"This is fucking ridiculous! I'm worried over nothing!" muttered Alexius as he hurried down the halls toward the dungeons and Severus's rooms. His husband's quarters were rather deep into the castle so he had a few minutes to think as he continued toward his destination. Unfortunately the walk provided him time to think that he didn't want to use.
/So why if I'm worried about nothing, am I sick to my stomach?/ He slowed as he reached the dungeons and headed down the long corridor to Severus's quarters. /He loves me. I know that./ Severus had never said those exact words, thankfully because Alexius wouldn't have believed him, but he had always known the older wizard's feelings.
But Alex's self assurances didn't remove the fact that Severus had at one time loved Harry Potter. The potions master had planned to marry and start a family with the sniveling bastard until Severus found out about the Weasley girl. If Potter had kept it in his pants, he and Severus would still be together and Alexius would still be alone in Greece.
Alex clenched his jaw with a silent snarl as finally arrived at Severus's rooms. He was starting to become angry and frustrated at the idea that his husband was still in love with his ex. What he'd do if he saw that pained look on Severus's face...
He was honestly afraid to know. He loved Severus. This man was his husband, friend, confidant and a good deal more. Alexius had told Severus so many of his secrets and past. He'd fought to never open himself to anyone because he'd gotten sick of people fucking with him. And although they hadn't loved each at first, they cared now. So if Alex had to see his husband heartbroken over some bastard that wasn't worth Severus's time of day, he was really worried how far his anger would take him.
The snake in the portrait stared at him silently. Its upper body swayed lazily side to side in what would have been a hypnotic motion had the visitor been paying attention to it. Alex had to wonder if the damn thing knew what was going on, not that snakes were stupid or anything. He also had the feeling that the unknown man in the portrait knew everything that was happening. Because while the snake remained silent, the portrait sighed. "I see Dumbledore summoned you."
"Is he inside?" asked Alex sharply. He wasn't in the mood to deal with the damn portrait and whatever advice he wanted to give. The fists at his side tightened. And considering that his mood was going in a bad direction, he wasn't even sure he was ready to deal with Severus. Alex had a horrible temper, a result of past experiences.
The man remained silent and opened without Alexius giving him the password. Glaring, a million wild predictions running through his head as to how the confrontation was about to go, Alexius walked inside.
As the entrance closed, the man inside chuckled. Because really, those boys were so entertaining for him.
"What made you care for him? In the beginning." He received a long stare. "Was he that good looking?" He smirked.
The other man snorted. "No. No, I have to honestly say that he wasn't very handsome."
"So what made you care for him so much?"
"A lot of fucking guilt."
Alex gasped as he realized that he was finally standing in Severus's rooms. The haze of growing anger and frustration were fading fast to be replaced by the earlier emotion of fear. /What the hell was I thinking coming down here?/ He yelled at himself mentally. His hands trembled.
Sure he had been angry seconds ago, but now? Now that he was actually about to see his husband and face the emotions buried in those dark eyes? Alexius was scared.
He looked around the room, seeing no signs of his husband but an empty cup of tea and the wrinkled newspaper on the coffee table. Tilting his head a few degrees left, he listened for Severus and could hear the sound of running water. /A bath?/ He thought as he walked slowly to stand before the fireplace.
Turning his back to it, he looked down at the coffee table and slightly crumbled newspaper. It looked as if someone had squeezed it between their hands before tossing it aside. Alex leaned slightly and picked up the paper. He gently smoothed out the black and white Daily Prophet and read the large headline.
"Hero Marries Long Time Sweetheart." Alex shook his head as he watched the happy group of people in the Prophet's front page photo. Harry Potter stood there with a stupid grin on his face with his bride's hands in his own. Surrounding them were a large group of redheads, Hermione Granger, Remus Lupin and a few others. "You really are a pathetic creature aren't you, Harry Potter?"
He tossed the paper back onto the table but didn't remove his eyes. The sad orbs did find a new target and the emotion in Alex's eyes seeped into disgust and hatred.
He wasn't really a fan of red haired women after his wife. The woman had betrayed Alexius and then left to join his enemy while she was pregnant with Alex's unborn son. He hadn't even known she was pregnant until after she'd left. The horrible situation had left him resigned to a dead child until his lover had taken in the boy. His eyes saddened for a swift moment even as a small smile crossed his face.
Alex looked at Potter's happy face. Was it a mask or was the man really happy? Well the idiot had made his bed. /You keep her, Potter. And maybe one day you'll see it. She'll be killing you and you won't know it until it's too late./
"Alex?"
He didn't lift his head but continued to stare at the picture. /But thank you for being the broken coward that you are. I finally have something good in my life again. Even if it used to be yours./
"Alexius?" snapped the voice, starting to become concerned and impatient.
"Oh I'm sorry, were you saying something, Severus?" Alex looked up at his husband with an amused look.
Severus scowled at him, even as he finished buttoning his robes. "Aren't you early?" asked the potions master before he folded his arms.
"What? I can't come to see my husband on his birthday?" he asked with a growing grin.
He was replied with a disgusted snort. Severus walked over a pressed a small kiss to his younger spouse's lips, unknowingly calming the younger man. The professor looked down at the paper and sighed. But Alex heard annoyance and anger in that voice rather than the sad broken heart that he had expected.
"So you've read it?" Severus sounded resigned as he picked up the paper.
"Yes," Alex answered. He winced at the wariness in his tone because he knew it would be caught. The sharp look from Severus confirmed it.
"Whatever foolish thought you have going through your head, remove it."
"I don't know what you're talking about." He cursed at the emotion still be heard in his voice. The former auror simply couldn't stop being nervous.
Severus stared at him. "No. Of course you don't." The comment was soaked heavily with a mocking sarcasm that only Severus could manage.
"Severus-," Alexius started, not sure what he was about to say. He didn't know if he was on the offensive or defensive of their conversation. In fact he wasn't totally certain of what conversation they were having.
The older wizard tilted his chin up and stared at Alexius directly. "You think I'm upset about Potter don't you?" Severus's voice had gone flat.
Alex found that he was having a hard time meeting his spouse's eyes. "It's understandable isn't it?" He fidgeted and in the back of his head, he was surprised at the motion. He had been trained out of displaying exploitable emotions years ago. "The two of you were planning to marry. And Al- I mean you just-," /Shit./ It's a wonder he hadn't gotten killed long before now. Good thing his mentor was dead.
"Albus told you to come early. The truth, Alex."
For a moment, Alex honestly thought about lying but he did not want the argument to get even worse between him and Severus. For Merlin's sake, it was the man's birthday. No reason to make things worse.
Pressing his lips together tightly, Alex nodded sharply. "Yes, he told me." Seeing the potions master's eyes flash, Alex sighed. His shoulder slumped. "I was working on something at home when I got a message from the pub. Dumbledore had sent a message that something was wrong. I didn't know whether you were hurt or injured."
"So you came straight here?"
"I practically ran here, Severus." Alexius rubbed the back of his neck. "I met up with him at the entrance and from what he told me, I expected you to be laid up bawling your eyes out."
That earned him a look that forced the pub owner to take a step back. "Bawling my eyes out?" Severus said, grinding his teeth.
Alex gulped and put up his hands. "Okay, so I was exaggerating." He huffed. "I thought you'd be upset that- that everything was really final. Because now Potter's married."
Severus shook his head and looked at his husband like the man was an idiot. "Honestly, Alex."
"Severus, please remember what you told me." At the inquisitive look sent his way, Alex continued. "You told me what you were like after the situation with Potter came to light. You told me how much you loved that boy, and how much he had hurt you. What was I supposed to think?"
"That things between Potter and I were final when I decided to stay married to you."
His mouth hung wide as he stared at the now amused professor. He hadn't thought of that. Alexius hadn't thought not once that Severus would think of things that way. Yes, of course they were married and cared for each other greatly, but at the same time their marriage had been an accident and Severus had loved Potter to the point of starting a family with the man.
Chuckling softly, Severus lifted a hand and closed Alex's gaping mouth. He cupped his husband's chin. Dark green eyes stared into his. "I'm not sad that Potter is married, Alex. I couldn't care less now. His name only brings anger and humiliation to me. And yes," Severus nodded, "I did love Potter, but that was before he betrayed me and left me for Ms. Weasley simply because everyone wanted that fairy tale ending instead of the one he chose. Alex, Potter made his choice and I have made mine. I don't love him." Severus sighed. "I know you don't like the words, but I do love you, Alex."
Alexius lowered his eyes and grasped the hand holding him into both of his. He was shivering, feeling more vulnerable than he had in a very long time. It was like his whole world had been shaken by those last few words. The last time Alex had been so rocked by life was when he'd woken up married that first morning next to his new husband.
"Severus," Alex tried to swallow and found it difficult.
"No. Be silent and listen to me, Alex. I will not leave you. Do you understand? Not for anyone and certainly not for Potter. He can burn in hell as far as I'm concerned. Albus did not realize that I was furious today because that rotten coward had the nerve to marry on my birthday. It was done as one last slight at me and he knew what today's date was." Severus felt the rage from earlier that morning start to build again and took a deep breath. If he wanted his words to stick, he needed to concentrate on his worried husband.
"If your former lover showed up," Severus began. Alex's eyes widened as they snapped up to stare at Severus. "And no I didn't specifically mean 'him', but if he did come here, would you leave me?"
The sentence had barely finished before Alex shook his head furiously. "NO! No. God no! I would never-,"
"So stop thinking that I would leave you. Stop thinking that I want Potter anymore. And if you ever think that I'm pining away for that fool, I'll hex so that you'll feel it in your next lifetime. Do you understand what I am telling you? Alex?"
"I-I understand." A small smile was starting to crawl over Alex's face.
Severus scoffed before slipping his arms around his husband's waist. Alex leaned in and dropped his chin on Severus's shoulder. "Good. It's embarrassing being married to a complete imbecile."
Alex laughed into Severus's collar. "Sorry about that. I didn't think I was so insecure. Think it's left over from my ex?"
"Merlin only knows."
Alex leaned into Severus, allowing the older man to hold his weight. He kept silent for a while simply enjoying the moment and the knowledge that he now had about his other half.
He breathed in Severus, enjoying the warm, fresh scent coming from the professor. "Showering for your party?" he asked lowly.
Severus tensed before relaxing with a disgusted snort. "No. It's more like I lost my temper in my lab and broke a few unstable ingredients. It covered my robes and hair so I had to shower."
"Um..." Alex raised his arms from Severus's sides to wrap around his shoulders. "Does that mean you would have a problem with another shower?"
Severus rolled his eyes and pulled back to stare at his husband. "Is that all you think about?" he said exasperated. However, the raised eyebrow and a smirk pretty much gave Alex his answer.
The mood in the lounge area for the professors was rather somber. Everyone on staff knew about Harry Potter's latest stunt and no one was happy about it. After speaking to Alexius and his own doubts still plaguing him, Albus had said nothing more about the situation. The old wizard was actually doing a very good job projecting a jovial mood despite what had happened.
Albus was constantly moving around with the other professors and the house elves getting prepared for the birthday party. The cake was set on the center of a large table along with other favorites of Severus and his colleagues. Flitwick and Hagrid worked together putting up more decorations, while McGonagal and the others organized gifts and small games.
While the Headmaster's attitude helped relax the other professors, it still didn't pull the situation and the emotions tied to it from their minds. No one could stay attentive on their jobs long enough. Each of them were wondering just how Severus had taken the news. Of course they would all see the potions master at his own party, but most wondered if Severus was even in the condition to attend.
Poppy fussed with her clothes as she stood impatiently waiting for the party begin in the next hour. She did her best to ignore the smiles Albus sent her way and it wasn't working. He knew it wasn't working, which was why he was standing behind her, ready to grab her if she headed for the door. Dumbledore had told them all that Severus needed time to himself.
But Poppy had reached the point of ignoring Severus's wishes years ago.
She stepped forward only to be caught at the elbow. Pomfrey turned to see Albus shaking his head. "No, Poppy. Leave him be for now."
The mediwitch glanced around to see their nosy colleagues looking their way while failing to be properly discreet. "I know that's what he wants," she whispered. "But Albus, please remember that I am the one that had to treat him after that silly child's confession."
"I understand that, but he will be fine. Alexius is with him now."
Poppy winced. "Is that a good idea? I hope Alex doesn't get upset."
A pang of concern hit Albus as he wondered if things would turn out in his potions master's favor. He'd seen the flash of pain on Severus's face and the uncertainty in Alex's eyes. The two men were newlyweds that were still getting to know each other. But they would be fine.
"Poppy. If it would make you feel better, how about we go and fetch Severus from the dungeons?"
The witch nodded with a bright smile that held a hint of knowledge. Albus ignored the mischievous glint and escorted Poppy from the room.
"You do believe that he's fine, don't you, Albus?"
"Yes. I do not believe things to be as terrible as last time. He also has Alexius."
"Good. Severus deserves better than Harry Potter."
Albus couldn't quite stop the flinch. "Many would say it was the other way around."
She sighed. Once upon a time, she had been one of them. "There are very silly people in the world, Albus."
"It looks terrible." Alex mumbled. He stared warily at the small clay pot in his husband's hand. He didn't see Severus roll his eyes heavenward.
"Alexius, this ointment works perfectly."
"All your potions do." It wasn't a comment meant to flatter. Alex was simply stating a fact. He had yet to see anything Severus made fail.
A small curve of a smile was on Severus's lips. He continued. "And while it looks bad, it has a spearmint smell and if anyone wanted to know, for any nefarious reason," he gave his husband a hard look that was felt rather than seen. "It's tasteless. So you shouldn't have a problem with me using it."
Alex squirmed in his position over his husband, trying to discreetly shift his lower body away without any pain. "Do I really need it? I'm fine."
Severus scowled at the head laying on his shoulder, the man's head directed at his hand. The rest of Alex's body laid sprawled across Severus's, their legs tangling slightly. "So you don't mind flinching every time you have to sit? In front of MY colleagues?"
Dark green eyes looked at him as Alex raised his head and turned it toward Severus. The two men held the gaze before Alexius sighed. "No. The last thing I need is Hooch and Vector giggling at me. Those two are way too interested in our sex life."
"Exactly." Severus kissed his husband, switching the ointment to his right hand and rubbing Alex's scarred back with the other.
Alex closed his eyes and sighed feeling the warm hand run over the heavy ridge in his back. It didn't distract him from Severus opening the jar. "Can't I do it myself?"
The older wizard gave his husband a blank look. "As if you can reach back there so easily. We aren't that young anymore. At least you aren't."
Alex coughed and gave Severus a nervous look. "I um... I'm not sure about you reaching back there like that."
"Didn't bother you an hour ago."
Alex lifted his upper body with his arms and hovered over Severus with a glare. The man wasn't at all fazed. "You know what I mean."
"And I don't care. You do this to me all the time. At least my head isn't between your legs." Much to Severus's amusement, a bit of color appeared on his lover's face.
"THAT didn't bother you an hour ago."
"Of course not."
Alex dropped his head and laid back atop his husband. There were days you simply couldn't win.
For a long moment of time, it was quiet except for rustling sheets and few soft mummers. Severus had not finished before the knock at his portrait came. Alex turned over onto his back, his breath slightly elevated to glower at the empty doorway of their bedroom. "At least they didn't come straight in," he snarled softly.
Smirking, Severus rose and headed to the door. He stopped as a shirt struck the back of his head. The wizard turned to glare at his lover.
Alex closed the ointment and sat it to the side. He stared at Severus, ignoring the continuous knocking. "I don't need any of your colleagues ogling my husband."
Severus snorted. "I don't think you'd need to worry about that even if I walked out there naked." Severus threw on the shirt, then closed the top button of the trousers he'd been wearing. He walked out of the bedroom.
Alex sat up, crossing his arms over his knees. The hell he didn't have to worry. Now that he was eating properly and taking care of himself, Severus's body was healthy and strong. He knew that if nothing else, his husband would get his share of glances. Which was honestly the last thing Alex wanted.
/That reminds me./ Alex thought as he stood from the bed. He looked around for his clothing. /I better warn Severus that those idiots are coming./ If Severus thought the professors and Cook were interesting, he hadn't met Alex's old friends from the Ministry.
Those four idiots had been away in China for the last two years. Each had been located in a different region of the large country and it had been completely impossible to contact any of them. Not that he would have. Nevertheless, when they returned, they would hear about his marriage.
Alex's mind sent various images into his head about what could happen. He winced violently before quickly dressing. He really didn't want to think about that anymore.
He exited the bedroom without his robes or shoes and nodded at Poppy and Albus, each who greeted him with a pleasant call of his name. He glanced at the clock a little confused. "Has the party started early? I thought you were coming right before it started."
"Poppy had concerns." Severus answered, brushing a hand down his now buttoned shirt. He didn't bother voicing what those concerns were. Everyone knew. "Also, the party will begin early."
"Everyone is becoming a bit restless," said Albus. He smiled brightly, the shine in his eyes dancing as he watched Alex stand beside Severus. The two men had a bit of a glow about them. It relaxed Albus. The headmaster knew that both men were alright.
Pomfrey smiled. "So are you ready for your party, Severus."
He raised an eyebrow. "We both know this party is an excuse for the others to drink themselves into a stupor."
She smirked while Albus burst into laughter. Alexius looked a bit shocked. "You're joking?" He exclaimed.
Severus shook his head. "One hour. You'll see."
Alex could not believe what he was seeing. It wasn't possible. The odd bunch of professors were rather weird but this was a bit much.
Because Alex couldn't be watching Flitwick chase Miss Norris around the lounge with his wand, while shrieking about spading and her owner sobbed desperately in a ball in the corner. "My baby! My baby!" Filch wailed.
Because there was no way Hooch was laying on a table, in what was supposedly a seductive pose, singing a dirty muggle song she proclaimed to have heard from a student. And Sinistra and Pince couldn't be telling her to take it off. NO! That was not happening. Alex's mind couldn't contemplate that kind of horror.
Because the former auror did not hear Trelawney proposition Minerva of all people. The transfiguration professor who then loudly proclaimed that the wannabe seer wasn't man or woman enough for her. Sprout and Vector, both horrendously drunk, were not pointing and laughing at the two women. Well Vector was laughing. Sprout was sobbing and begging McGonagall to 'give poor Zyball a chance.'
Alex looked at Severus and Poppy, each who gave him understanding looks, before turning back to watch Albus Dumbledore try, and inevitably fail, at trying to drink Hagrid under the table.
The Hogwarts Headmaster was sprawled across the table with a large bottle of scotch in one hand and a wet stick beard covering his face. His robes had raised up a bit to display his bright turquoise socks. Hagrid was swaying slightly with a bottle in his hand that stood about two feet tall. Half of it was gone and Alex wondered what kind of moonshine the half giant had. It wouldn't be long before Hagrid had fallen flat on his arse.
Severus shook his head and stood. "I'll have your hangover supply ready by morning, Poppy."
The nurse nodded and smiled sweetly. "Just remember to give Albus and Hagrid a stronger dose." She waved at them as Severus guided his traumatized husband from the room. "Have a good night dears!"
The castle shook once on their trip back to the dungeons.
"What did you say?" he asked, surprised at the answer.
"I said that he was...assaulted."
"You said he was raped." He paused. "I know that can be traumatizing, but his reactions were that severe?"
"When you're repeatedly raped and beaten by more than a dozen men, I think traumatizing is something of an understatement."
TBC
Alia: Okay review. Seriously. REVIEW. Tell me your thoughts while I go on with my evil plans for this story. Should probably work on my youtube video though. (shrugs) REVIEW!!