A/N: Hey. So, second post of the day, I believe. Unless it's somehow third. My mind is all screwed up right now so I actually don't have any idea. I'm gone from home tomorrow nearly all day so there won't be an update tomorrow until late. I've got some annoying but necessary University preparation stuff to do and a driving lesson. I'm going to be in town all day and I'm not looking forward to any part of the day tomorrow. Anyways, hope you like the chapter and please review. Thanks. :]
Warnings: Nothing.
Two Weeks Later
Harry walked into the bedroom, pulling off his white Healer coat that made him look much like a Muggle doctor and tossing it on the chair in the corner. He was still staying in the dungeons with Severus. He had offered to return to his own rooms, afraid he was taking up too much of Severus' room, but the man had quickly told him that he was not leaving until he had been healed. Despite their declarations of love, they were moving slow. They hadn't moved past kissing and some light petting. They were slowly catching up on what they had missed with each other over the past five years.
Harry breathed deeply as he fell back on the bed, petting Lileen who had been dozing. It had been a long day. There had been an accident in a fifth year Defence class which turned into a fight, resulting in half the class needing medical attention. The professor had lingered around while he worked as well. He found that, as Minerva had said, Professor Finn was, indeed, nice but Harry was not oblivious to the way Finn acted around him. The man was always trying to talk to him and find ways to touch him, and was always sending him looks.
He shook his head and closed his eyes, remembering how Finn had been. The man had continuously stood close to him no matter how many times he told him to move and give him room. Finn had also tried to show his 'helpfulness' and 'knowledge' of Potions. Not only did he give Harry many wrong potions, but he also broke about half a dozen of them. He had had half a mind to hex the man.
Harry rolled over with a groan and buried his face in one of the pillows. He felt Lileen move and curl up beside his head, purring. He sighed. All he wanted to do was fall asleep and never wake up.
"Harry? Are you back?" he heard Severus call but said nothing. "Harry?" He listened as Severus walked into the bedroom. "Are you all right?"
Harry groaned loudly in answer and Severus chuckled.
"Bad day?"
Harry turned his head to look at Severus who was sitting on the side of the bed and looking down at him with a small smile.
He smiles so much more now than he did five years ago, Harry thought. Another reason he's not the same person either.
"The worst. There was a fight in Finn's fifth year Slytherin and Gryffindor class. Half the class needed medical attention. Also, Finn was irritating beyond belief, hanging around the hospital wing the entire time and trying to 'help' me," Harry said and Severus chuckled again, stroking the back of Harry's head.
"What did he do?"
"He wouldn't give me any room. He broke about seven potions and kept giving me the wrong ones. He kept touching my shoulder and my arm. He kept staring at me and every time I looked at him, he gave me this huge smile that I knew was supposed to be all lustful. I can see it in his eyes. He is just so…ugh!" Harry buried his face in the pillow again.
Severus looked down at the young man affectionately. "I have something that might make you feel better."
Harry turned to look at him again.
"I know how to break both spells," Severus told him and Harry turned his head more to see Severus easier.
"Really?"
"Really," Severus nodded. "We can do it whenever you want."
Harry sat up slowly, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. He supposed he had always known deep down that there was a decent chance Severus could figure out how to break the spells locking his voice away. However, he had never really thought about it too much. He had lived the past five and a half years without his voice and had lived contently, even with the knowledge that it could never be returned. Now he had the choice to regain his voice.
"Harry?" Severus broke into his thoughts.
"Sorry," Harry said. "I think I need some time to think about it."
Severus nodded. "Of course. Do you want any dinner?"
"No. I just want to go to sleep. Thanks though and thank you for all you've done. Since you know how to heal me, I can move back to my rooms," Harry said, feeling a little down at the thought of going back to his rooms where he would be alone.
"Yes," Severus said quietly, his voice lacking emotion, "I suppose so."
"Mind if I leave tomorrow? I think I'm too tired and irritated with Finn to do anything productive tonight," Harry said and Severus smiled.
"Of course, Harry. Sleep well," he said, kissing Harry's cheek before leaving the bedroom. Harry sighed as he watched him go and lay back down. His mind was spinning but, despite its preoccupation, it did not take long for him to fall asleep.
As agreed, Harry had brought his things with him when he left the next morning. The air between him and Severus had been melancholic but they had tried their best to ignore it. After quickly dropping his things off in his rooms, Harry walked down to the Great Hall for breakfast. He took his seat between Severus and Finn not long before the morning post arrived.
Harry watched the owls fly around, his mind drifting to Hedwig as it sometimes did when he saw owls. He missed his beloved owl. He had accepted her death but it didn't stop him remembering that she had flown in front of a Killing Curse meant for him. Many were surprised to learn the creature had done it. No one had ever heard of a regular owl, even a familiar, taking a deadly curse meant for her master. Harry was pulled from his thoughts when he felt a nip on his finger.
He shook himself and looked at the owl in front of him. It was an eagle owl and was completely black except for the odd white cross on its chest. Harry started grinning, making Severus look at him curiously. He knew this owl and he knew it well.
"Hey, Aries," Harry said, stroking the owl's feathers as he took the letter. "I've certainly missed you. How is he? Is he doing all right?" The owl hooted and nipped at Harry's fingers again, the gesture clearly affectionate. Harry smiled at the owl. "I suppose you were told to wait for an answer?"
The owl did an odd motion with his head that looked strangely like a shake in the negative.
"Just here for a visit then, are you?" Harry chuckled. "Take what you want," he said, gesturing to his breakfast. He opened his letter as Aries began taking food from his plate.
Harry!
It's been ages, kid. We hadn't talked in about a week before you left and we still haven't talked. Where've you been? I've been waiting for a letter, one to at least tell me you'd settled in. As it is, I have taken it upon myself to invite myself to stay with you for a while at this prestigious school of yours. I will tell you how long when I get there. As for when I get there, it'll be about three hours after you get this. I'll be bringing Benji and Milo as well but Milo will be leaving after a couple days.
Anyways, see you soon, kid.
Love,
Jack
Harry was grinning like mad by the time he had reached the end of the letter. Jack was coming to stay and was bringing his sons! He adored Benji and Milo. Milo was seventeen while Benji was twelve. Jack's late wife had had quite a lot of trouble conceiving which explained the large age gap between the two boys. His wife, Caritina Rivera, had died three years earlier after contracting a fatal wizarding disease. It hadn't been painful or anything. She had simply become very tired and went in her sleep one night. Harry had been devastated to learn the woman had passed away.
"What has you so happy you look as though you've been hit with several Cheering Charms?" Severus asked and Harry looked at him.
"A friend is coming to stay with me. He's coming today. Oh! You can meet him! I'm sure you two will get along amazingly," Harry said excitedly.
Severus raised an eyebrow in amusement at the way Harry was acting. The man was twenty-two years old and he was acting like a thirteen year old getting ready to have a sleepover with his best friends. "And who is this friend of yours?"
"Jack Catella. I met him in Spain and he was the one who told me my voice couldn't come back. He's been an amazing friend since. He's also bringing his sons," Harry said, still smiling widely. "This is his owl, Aries," he added, turning to look at the black owl who was staring intently at Severus. "He's always reminded me of Hedwig in some ways. He's really intelligent but a little cocky. As cocky as an owl can be anyways."
"He is a very handsome creature," Severus said and Aries cocked his head before bowing slightly and Harry laughed.
"See? Cocky and vain," Harry grinned, stroking the downy feathers. "All right, get out of here, Aries. Come back when Jack gets here," he said, shooing the owl away. Aries looked at him affronted before pecking his finger and taking flight. Harry rolled his eyes at the owl. "Bloody bird," Harry said. "Anyways, I need to get to the infirmary. I'll see you later."
Harry discretely squeezed Severus' leg beneath the table before standing up.
"See you at lunch, Harry," Severus said and Harry nodded, leaving the Great Hall.
Walking to the hospital wing, Harry found himself in a fantastic mood. While he was still strangely upset about leaving Severus' rooms, he now had Jack's visit to distract him. When he moved to Iceland, he hadn't seen Jack and the boys as often. He had babysat Benji a few times or just had the boys for a visit, but it wasn't the same. Jack was quite busy and so was Harry. Milo was going to university now while Benji was still in the first part of his education. He had missed the Catellas and was excited to see them again.
The three hours dragged by as Harry tried to find things to do. So far no patients had come in so Harry was at his desk looking through old files. He was looking at the students from his year and he couldn't help compare. The rate of students being in the hospital wing from 1991 to 1998 was loads higher than what it was now. The only other year whose rates were close was the year of Severus and the Marauders: 1970 to 1977.
Shaking his head, he looked up when he felt the wards shift and Lileen meowed. Getting to his feet, he walked out to the infirmary all ready to hear what mental thing had happened this time.
"Uncle Harry!" two boys shouted and Harry soon found himself being crushed by two different heights. Milo's arms were around his neck while Benji hugged his waist. He hugged the boys back.
"Benji, Milo. Oh, I've missed you guys," Harry said as they broke apart. "Milo, you just keep growing. You're taller than me now."
Milo Catella, the oldest of Jack's boys at seventeen had very short dark brown hair. His eyes were a deep blue and he had darker skin, looking as though he had just left the beach. He was definitely taller than Harry's six foot stature. Milo stood at six foot three now.
Benji was twelve and had taken Jack's sandy brown hair. It was also quite short and his brown eyes glimmered. He also looked like he had been visiting the beach. He was already taking Jack's height, standing at five foot one at twelve years old.
"Miss me too or should I come back later?" a deep voice said with a Spanish accent.
Harry looked past the boys and at Jack Catella. "Jack," he said and ran to hug the older man.
Jack's hair was about the length of Harry's and was a light, sandy brown. He had striking blue eyes and the same skin tone as his sons. He was six foot six and was thirty-six years old but looked to be about twenty-five.
"I'm so glad you're here, Jack," Harry smiled. "I've missed you and the boys so much."
"We've missed you too. These two haven't stopped going on about their Uncle Harry. I hadn't originally planned on bringing the boys but they overheard me making plans," Jack said with a look at Milo and Benji. The boys just grinned at their father. "I think they've spent far too much time with you."
Harry laughed. "That's your fault. You've allowed it."
"This is true," Jack nodded with a mock sigh of resignation. Harry grinned and rolled his eyes, pulling Benji to his side. "So this is your new place of employment," he said, looking around the infirmary.
"Yeah, this is it. This is Hogwarts," Harry said. "And this is the infirmary where I spent over half my Hogwarts days."
Jack chuckled. "From what I've seen, it's a very nice school. You'll have to give us the tour."
"Tomorrow's Saturday so we can then. I can bring Elijah in to take over for the day," Harry said.
"Elijah?" Jack asked curiously.
"Yeah, he's a seventh year Slytherin. He's studying to become a Healer and is trying to get an apprenticeship somewhere. He's taken over for me in here a couple times already. He's really talented," Harry told him.
Jack eyed him. "You're thinking of making him your apprentice, aren't you?" he said with a smile.
"I've been thinking about it, yeah, but I don't know if I can do it," Harry said, playing with Benji's hair.
"You had me as a mentor so what's the problem?" Jack said and they both laughed. "I'm sure you could do it, Harry. You should do it."
"I'll think about it a bit more but, thanks, Jack," Harry smiled.
"No problem," Jack said. "So how's your voice?"
Harry sighed and motioned for them all to sit on nearby beds. Harry and Jack sat across from each other with Milo and Benji sitting with Harry. "It's fine. Still gone. The voice box is working well; I haven't had any problems with it."
"You haven't had any side effects from the potion?" Jack asked.
"No, nothing. Everything's been fine," Harry said.
"But you're not telling me something," Jack said. "What's going on?"
"My friend is a Potions master, a fantastic Potions master and he's also amazing at Defence. He knows Dark Magic too. He's managed to give me the antidote to the potion and now, after over two weeks of him researching, he's figured out how to break both spells," Harry told his friend.
"Truly?" Jack said, clearly shocked. Harry nodded. "Harry, this is amazing. You can have your voice back. You could finally speak again."
"I know but…"
"But you've gone so long without your voice already," Jack finished.
Harry nodded. "And I've gotten used to the fact that I could never speak again but now I've got the chance to get it back. It's…I don't know."
"Scary? Overwhelming? Huge?" Jack offered and Harry smiled at him. "It is, Harry, and I understand. I've seen things like this all the time in my line of work. As you work longer, you'll see it too. This is a big thing, a huge decision. Even if it's just getting your voice back, it could ultimately change your life a little bit. It'll take some getting used to but I think you should take this. It's what you always wanted when we first met. I know you got used to not having your voice but I also know there's a part of you that wants it back and always has."
"I told him I had to think about it," Harry said.
"That's good. You're thinking it through first instead of just accepting it or rejecting it," Jack said, nodding in approval.
"Yeah, it's been a while since I've just rushed into something," Harry said. "I've learned." Jack smiled at him. "So how's school, boys?"
Both Benji and Milo had attended the all-boys boarding school that Benji was still attending; Escuela de Magia de Sevilla. Their school system was a little bit different in the way that they started school at ten instead of eleven. It was not required that they attended at ten years old, it was just an option. Both Benji and Milo had started at ten which meant they would be done at sixteen. As Milo had graduated the previous year, he had gone onto university to study to become a Healer like his father. Milo now attended Sevilla del Instituto Sanador, a university specifically for those wanting to be Healers. Benji was different and wanted to do something to do with wandlore. The Catellas lived just outside of the city of Sevilla in the countryside of the province of Sevilla in a lovely two story villa, smaller than most.
"I'm having trouble with Potions, as usual," Milo said. "It's the class I'm doing badly in."
"And it's not too bad. He's got an Acceptable right now. He's passing but he has to pass with an EE to continue on," Jack said.
"You'll get it, Milo. Remember, I've never been good at Potions either and I made it," Harry said.
"Yeah, but you got better at Potions. You were only horrible back then because of the teacher and the students who ruined your potions," Milo said. "I'm just bad at Potions in general."
"It's why he has to leave early. He's got a Potions test on Monday," Jack said and Harry nodded.
"Do you have a review with you, Milo?" Harry asked, getting an idea.
"Of course. I need all the review I can get," Milo said.
"I know someone who may be able to help you," Harry said with a smile.
Milo looked at him. "Really?"
"Yeah. I'll introduce you at lunch. I had planned on doing so anyways," Harry said and Milo grinned.
"Awesome. Thanks, Uncle Harry," Milo said, hugging him.
They stayed sitting on the beds and talking about everything until the remaining hour and a half had passed and the lunch bell rang. As they walked to the Great Hall, Harry pointed things out, telling about his own experiences with significant things that they passed. They were all deep in conversation when they walked into the Hall, Harry and Jack next to each other with Benji holding Harry's hand and Milo on Benji's other side.
"This is so different," Benji said, looking around, ignoring or oblivious to the way everyone was staring at them. "How are they split up here, Uncle Harry?"
Harry inwardly rolled his eyes at the whispers that broke out among the student body at the 'Uncle Harry'. "When students come here at eleven, they put on a hat called the Sorting Hat and they are sorted into the House that they best suit. The Houses are Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw."
"But why does no one sit at other tables?" Benji asked, frowning. "At my school we have circle tables for each year, that's how we're split up, but people are always at different tables."
"You'd have to ask them that, Benji. It was like that when I was at school here too," Harry said and Benji continued frowning. Arriving at the staff table, Harry walked to Minerva. "Minerva, could you extend the table next to Severus?"
"Perhaps this would be better," Minerva smiled and waved her wand. A circular table for five people appeared beside the staff table. "Who are your visitors, Harry?"
"Oh, right. This is Jack Catella and his sons, Benji and Milo. This is Headmistress Minerva McGonagall though she was my Transfiguration professor when I was a student," Harry said, introducing the four of them.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Jack said and Minerva smiled at him.
"Minerva, please, and it is very nice to meet you as well," she said. "I hope you all enjoy your stay."
"I'm sure we will," Jack inclined his head before walking over to the round table with Harry and the boys. The Catellas all took their seats and Harry was about to sit, leaving a space between himself and Jack when Severus walked into the Hall.
"Severus," Harry said, walking up to him. "Over here."
"What's going on?" Severus asked, eyeing the round table that Harry was leading him to.
"I have people I want you to meet and we are all going to have a table to ourselves so we can talk easier and freely," Harry said.
"Ah, your Spanish friend has arrived then?" Severus said and Harry nodded.
"All right, Severus, this is Jack Catella and these are his sons, Milo and Benji. Jack, Milo, and Benji, this is Severus Snape," Harry introduced them.
"Severus Snape?" Jack said, reaching out to shake Severus' hand. Harry nodded. "You are very well known in Spain."
"Am I?" Severus said, surprised, sitting down between Jack and Harry while Harry was between Severus and Milo.
"Yes. Your articles are always being used in the Potions classes and now with your book, it's the required book for any Potions class," Jack nodded.
"Well, it is because of Harry that I have a book on the market at all," Severus said, gesturing to Harry.
"So he told you of his alias then?" Jack said and Severus nodded. "Yes, he's done a lot under that name. I first knew him as Evan for the first couple weeks that I knew him."
"I must thank you for taking care of him over the past few years," Severus said and Jack smiled.
"It was my pleasure. He seemed so lost and alone," Jack said.
"Jack," Harry said, obviously embarrassed.
"I find that he has been helping me more than I've helped him, however," Jack said. "He's been so helpful with the boys."
"It's because of you that I got my Mastery, Jack," Harry said. "Besides, I love children, even these monsters."
"Hey."
"Uncle Harry."
The boys complained, affronted at the same time and Harry, Severus, and Jack laughed.
"I'm glad that he had someone while he was away," Severus said.
Jack smiled. "Yes, I heard a lot about you from him."
Severus looked at Harry who blushed and shrugged. "You're not the only one who's been talking to someone."
"I've also heard about the possibility of Harry regaining his voice. I'm assuming you are the friend who has figured it out," Jack said and Harry groaned quietly.
"Yes. As I'm sure you know…"
Harry shook his head as Severus and Jack got into a deep conversation. He looked at Milo and Benji who were staring at the two men. "We won't be getting anything out of them for hours now," he said with a smile and the boys laughed. For the rest of lunch, Harry talked with the boys while Jack and Severus carried on with their own conversation.
It wasn't until the end of lunch that Harry was finally able to get a word in. "Severus, I want to ask you something."
"What is it?" Severus asked.
"Well, Milo wants to become a Healer and, obviously, has to take Potions," Harry began before looking at Milo.
"I'm no good at Potions, sir," Milo said and Harry chuckled. "And I have a test in two days."
"He has his review with him so I was hoping you could help him," Harry continued and smiled at the man, knowing Severus could not always say no to his smile.
"He's not like Longbottom, is he?" Severus said and Harry rolled his eyes.
"I hope you realize that most people only did so horribly because you terrified everyone," Harry said with a grin. "But no, he's more like I was at the beginning of our training." Severus stayed quiet, thinking it over. "Please?" Harry said, leaning forward. "For me?"
Harry kissed Severus' cheek, glad no one else was in the Hall except for them and the Catellas. Severus growled low in his chest and Harry laughed quietly. Finally Severus sighed and said, "Very well. I'll help him."
Harry grinned and kissed Severus' cheek again. "Thanks, Sev'rus."
"You are a brat," Severus muttered and Harry grinned cheekily. "I have a class to teach. I will see you all at dinner."
"Bye, Severus," Harry said. "I have to get back to work. You can all hang out in the infirmary or in my rooms."
"Perhaps we'll go to your rooms and get settled," Jack said and Harry nodded.
"How long are you staying anyways?" Harry asked.
"A couple weeks," Jack said.
"You don't have to be at the hospital?" Harry said.
"I'm finally taking some holidays after eighteen years," Jack said, grinning.
"What about school?"
"Just told the school there was an emergency."
Harry shook his head, smiling. "You're ridiculous, Jack. Well, come on. I'll show you to my rooms."
A/N: So, you've met Jack Catella and his sons. They'll be in the story more later on, mostly just Jack but Benji will be there occasionally. Milo won't be really. Hope you liked the chapter and please review. Thanks again. :]