Chapter 24
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Sebastian walked carefully up the stairs to the Observatory, holding firmly onto the hands of the twins, who toddled to either side of him. He stopped on each step and waited for them to move up, as one of the house elves followed closely behind in case she was needed. They were having another of their special sleepovers with Papa and Harry.
He was so anxious to see what Auntie Cissa and the elves had planned for them. The first one had been a picnic on a huge blanket in the middle of the Observatory, complete with the S'mores Harry had promised, and then later that night, they'd slept in huge hammocks. The twins had had their own cots with protective spells. He'd seen tears in Harry's eyes, when he'd looked at all of it. They'd tried to see how many animals and shapes they could find in the stars, then Papa had taught them about the constellations.
Each sleepover after that had a different theme, making the night so much more fun, and Papa always managed to sneak in a lesson about something. Part of the fun was trying to guess what the newest theme would be. The other thing Sebastian found he looked forward to, was seeing Papa and Harry together. He could tell they really really liked each other, even if they didn't seem to realize it. They'd both told him they were friends, but he knew they liked each other lots and lots more than that, even if they said they didn't.
He knew they weren't pretending, just not seeing, like when Mr. Remus had been so busy looking for his glasses that he completely missed that they were on top of his head! He smiled at that memory. Mr. Sirius had laughed so hard he sounded like a big barking dog.
So, he was curious about what tonight's surprise would be. He'd heard Harry telling Papa that Unc'a Lucius had been smiling and acting 'oddly'--whatever that meant--all week. He knew they would have fun. They always did.
Papa said it was almost time for Samhain again. That made Sebastian happy because he always saw his Da on that night, but he didn't tell Papa because it would make him sad. And Papa had been happy again since he'd been spending so much time with Harry. Sebastian decided he would talk to his Da about Harry, again, this year. His Da would be pleased to see Papa happy again. Papa had missed Da so much--as much as he did, but he was sure his Da would want Harry to be part of their family, so Papa wouldn't be sad anymore.
They finally reached the landing and walked through the doors into the huge glass-encased room. Sebastian looked around, his eyes huge and his mouth open in a large 'O', as the twins squealed and clapped their hands.
Huge oak trees grew from the floor around the circular room, along it's perimeter. Their branches reached up toward the ceiling, out toward each other and into the center of the room. The leaves were the rich and brilliant reds, oranges, and golds denoting the time of year--a colorful canopy for their sleepover. There were large patches of grass and soft moss scattered between the large pieces of furniture, and in the center of the room, was a small circular stone fire-pit, surrounded by smooth stone benches. It was dusk, and he could see the beginnings of the night's stars peeking through the leaves overhead.
"Hello, Sebastian!" Harry's voice called cheerfully from the other side of the room. "I see you helped the twins up the stairs. Thank you, that was very kind of you."
"Winny helped, too."
"I see that. Thank you, Winny."
The elf smiled nervously and popped out of sight, as soon as the twins were in their magical playpen. Harry finished what he was doing and approached Sebastian, holding his arms out. The small boy launched himself at Harry with a howl of delight, and they hugged, before going over to see the twins. Harry leaned down and hugged and kissed each of them.
"How're my favorite little brother and sister doing tonight?"
They chattered and squealed at him for a few minutes before finally becoming distracted by some of the magickal toys laying nearby. Harry and Sebastian watched them for a while, until excited barking could be heard coming up the stairs. It wasn't long until all three dogs came barreling into the room, barking and yipping as they raced around the room. This sent the twins into another fit of squeals and giggles, and Sebastian slipped from Harry's arms to chase the Corgies around the room. Harry stood, his arm folded across his chest, as he watched the children and dogs, in amusement.
"If only there were a way to capture all that energy and lock it into a potion. It would be the most powerful elixir available to the elderly and infirm of the Wizarding World." A rich voice spoke behind him, as he noticed the warmth of another behind him.
Harry snorted in amusement and agreement, without turning around. "You mean to tell me that the great Potion Master, Severus Snape, hasn't found a way to bottle the energy of small children and dogs? But you can bottle fame, brew glory, and stopper death."
The last few words dripped with innocence. Harry could hear the amusement in Severus' voice, when he spoke again.
"Indeed. I shall add it to my list of items to accomplish in my lifetime, after curing Lycanthropy, the Hormonal Insanity of Teenagers, and the Hopeless Addiction to Lemon Drops suffered by unnamed Headmasters."
Harry turned, laughing aloud, and looked up at Severus, his eyes dancing. "Oh my. Setting yourself quite the list of impossible tasks! I believe trying to cure Albus would be quite hopeless."
The corner of Severus' mouth twitched and an elegant eyebrow rose. "Indeed."
Just then, all three dogs ran between Severus and Harry's feet, causing them to both take a step back. Severus reached out just in time to prevent a pursuing Sebastian from crashing into his legs.
"Enough, My Son. You will harm yourself, or one of us."
"Yes, Papa." Sebastian looked up at his father, then his gaze dropped to the floor, as Severus' hand grasped his shoulder gently.
Pulling his son to his side, he gave the boy a one-armed hug, which immediately earned him a brilliant smile. Turning to locate the dogs, he whistled once, then barked a command.
"Heel!"
All three dogs reacted immediately as if on a lead, stopping, turning and running to Severus. They all sat in a line next to him waiting for the wizard's next command.
"Basket!"
They immediately trotted over to the three dog beds under one of the trees and laid down.
"Most impressive, Severus." Harry nodded as he commented.
"Of course, they are much easier to train than recalcitrant teenagers... especially Gryffindors."
Harry's gaze darted to Severus' face, a look of surprise on his face. He was met with Severus trying desperately not to smile.
"Hmmm. Seems to me, some of that training wouldn't have gone amiss on some of your Snakes, Severus." He commented with a smirk.
Sebastian's head was turning back and forth as he watched the interchange between his two favorite adults. For the life of him, he had no idea what they were talking about. Their words sounds like they were picking on each other, but they were smiling. He was confused.
"Papa!" He waited until he had his father's attention. "Are you an' Hawwry teasin'?"
A soft hand stroked his hair.
"Of course, we are only teasing each other, Sebastian. We are friends after all, and friends do tease sometimes."
"Is that what Miss Mione does when she puts her hand on her side and shakes her finger at Mr. Gred and Mr. Forge?"
Harry snorted. "N-No, Sebastian. No, that's something else entirely."
Actually smiling this time, Severus led the two of them toward the seating set up nearby. "When Miss Hermione does that, the Mssrs. Weasley are usually in trouble."
"Ohhh..." Sebastian responded. He was well aware of the pranks the Weasley twins were capable of and how they very rarely avoided being caught by their wife.
Sebastian scrunched up his face in thought for a moment, "When they have kids, will they be like them? Always in twouble?"
Harry looked up at Severus. "For Moine's sake, I hope not."
"It would be too much to hope for, I'm afraid." His father answered with a stoic expression.
"At least you no longer teach, Severus. You won't have to suffer through another generation of Weasley's, just Mione's smarts."
"Merlin save me! More know-it-alls!" Severus gasped theatrically, his hand to his heart.
At that point, both Harry and Sebastian dissolved into uncontrollable giggles, which were soon copied by the twins in the playpen at their feet. At about that time, two house elves appeared with their dinner, treats for later, and the children's pajamas.
The beginning of the evening was spent eating something called chili dogs and American chips, or fries as they were called. Harry cut the frankfurters up into tiny pieces for the twins, mashing up the chili a bit, so they could enjoy them too. Both the chili dogs and the fries were a hit with the children.
Severus decided they were 'different' and 'an interesting culinary experience', which caused Harry to just shake his head. There had even been something called root beer, to drink. Harry mentioned that it was often served over scoops of ice cream, to make a float, and at the look on Sebastian's face, he promised they would try it at a future date.
After dinner was finished, a huge blanket, with Cushioning Charms, was laid out on the floor, and they spent the next couple hours, playing with the children, wrestling, tickling, chasing, and finally, cuddling and telling stories. The ingredients for the S'mores were brought out, and the magical fire kindled. After casting a ward around it that would keep the children at a safe distance, Harry began making the sweet treats. He made tiny ones so the children would think they were getting a lot even though they weren't. Severus even enjoyed the moderate-sized one Harry built just for him. Harry knew he had a sweet-tooth, though he'd never admit to it.
He sat back later and watched as Harry sat cross-legged on the floor, Sebastian leaning against him, and the twins in his lap. He was running his finger through the gooey warm melted chocolate and marshmallow of a large S'more, and letting the twins take turns sucking the sweet from his finger. Harry watched them closely, making sure the sweet wasn't too hot, or that they wouldn't get too much at once. Sebastian was licking his own fingers, having just finished the second one Harry'd made him.
Harry was so gentle and caring with them, his young siblings; who had almost become his own adopted children. And Sebastian was never left out. He was an integral part of all the activities. If a stranger walked into the room right now, they would assume all three children were Harry's, such a contented and domestic picture they painted.
"I think it's time for three little children to clean up and get ready for bed." Harry summoned a warm flannel, and began washing faces and hands.
"Winny!"
The small elf appeared right in front of where Harry sat with the children, and handed him a second warm damp flannel. "Is Master Harry ready for Winny to tuck the young Masters and Mistress into bed?"
"Please, Winny. Dotty already brought up their pajamas and plushies."
Summoning the sleepwear, Winnie helped Harry change the twins, while Sebastian, being a 'big boy', changed himself. When he was finished, he crawled into Severus' lap and handed him the brush so his Papa could brush his hair.
"Your hair is getting quite long, My Son. May it is time for a haircut...?"
"No!" Sebastian wrapped his arms over his head, effectively halting any brushing that was about to commence. "Wan' to have p'oper Wizard haiwr lik' you, Papa!"
Harry turned from where he'd been kissing his siblings goodnight, and eyed father and son, sitting on the floor. Approaching them, he squatted down in front of Sebastian, his own long braid falling forward over his shoulder.
"What's this? Sebastian, why are you not letting your Papa brush your hair?"
Huge distress-filled eyes looked up at him. "Papa wan's to cut my haiwr!"
Harry looked up at Severus, a questioning eyebrow raised. The older wizard only shook his head in the negative. When Harry's gaze became more piercing, Severus sighed.
"I only commented on how long his hair has gotten and suggested it might be time for a haircut."
Sebastian turned, as best he could with his arms still over his head, stuck out his lower lip and glowered at his Papa. Then he turned back to Harry.
"See!"
Harry reached over and gently pulled Sebastian's arms back down. "Now, let's discuss this calmly, while your Papa brushes your hair for bed."
Sebastian nodded and settled down, staring at his hands in his lap. Harry nodded at Severus who began to slowly brush his son's curls. Once, he was certain the boy was distracted, he looked back up at Severus again, biting his lip in an attempt to not grin in amusement. Severus quirked an eyebrow at him in curiosity.
"Now, tell me, why you wouldn't want your hair cut." Harry asked, looking back down at the boy who was now relaxing, his eyes closed.
"Wan'ta be a p'oper Wizard like Papa. P'oper Wizards have long haiwr." He answered, in a relaxed voice.
"And that is a commendable wish, but you do realize you are still very young, and the custom of growing the hair long doesn't usually take place until a Wizard is in his late teens?"
Sebastian opened his eyes and looked at Harry. "It is?"
"Indeed." Severus added. "I did not grow my hair long until after I met your Da, Sebastian. And I hadn't been a teenager in a very long time at that point."
Harry snorted under his breath, earning a harmless glare from the older wizard.
"I didn't grow mine long either until mine and the twins' adoption ceremony."
"Ohh! I remembewr!"
Harry leaned in close to Sebastian and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper, though Severus was still able to hear.
"I'll tell you a little secret. When I was a boy, my Aunt and Uncle hated my hair, because it would never lie down nice and neat. On more than one occasion, my Aunt would cut my hair--shave it short and very close to my scalp. But the next morning, when I awoke, my hair would be back to normal! Wild, unruly cowlicks and all!"
Black eyes widened. "Wow! How'd it do that?"
"My magic. While I slept, my magic would grow my hair back, because it knew I hated having it cut. It made both my Aunt and Uncle very angry, and they punished me several times, but finally they just gave up and left my hair alone. Of course, I didn't figure it all out until much later, after I found out I was a Wizard."
"Papa," Sebastian turned and looked up at Severus. "Can I do that? Make my haiwr grow?"
Severus glanced at Harry, as if to say, 'Now, see what you've done?', before answering.
"Only a very powerful Wizard can do things like that without a wand, especially when he doesn't even realize it. But, it can be done with a wand."
Harry interrupted. "That was how my hair grew for the ceremony. Sirius cast the spell on my hair before the Cleansing Ritual."
"Papa, I want'a keep my haiwr long, pwease."
"Long hair requires more care, which is why most Wizards don't grow it out until they are almost adults. Are you willing to do everything necessary to take care of it properly? With my help, of course."
Sebastian nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I will, Papa, I pwomise!"
"I'll help too when you are here, and I'm sure the elves, and your Aunt Cissa and Uncle Lucius will help too." Harry added with a smile.
"Yay!" Sebastian clapped his hands and gave them both a brilliant smile, that immediately morphed into a huge yawn.
"Ah, time for bed, My Son. He tapped the end of Sebastian's braid with his wand, securing it, then pulled the boy into a hug, kissing the top of his head. "Tell Harry Good Night, then off to bed with you!"
Winny waited nearby, folding back the covers over a bed that had been made on the floor next to the low cots the twins were currently asleep in. The pups were already curled into a 'puppy pile', on the foot of it, asleep as well.
Sebastian stumbled out of Severus' lap and into Harry's open arms. They hugged each other tight, and Harry kissed Sebastian's cheek.
"Wuv you, Hawwry." He mumbled as he stood.
"Love you too." Harry smiled, as he steadied the boy on his feet.
"Wuv you, Papa." Sebastian turned and smiled at his Papa before heading toward where Winny waited.
"I love you too, My Son. May your dreams be blessed."
They watched in silence as the elf helped Sebastian into bed then tucked him in. She hurried over to where they now sat on a bench together by the firepit.
"Master Sebastian is already sleeping. Can Winny get anything else for Masters? Masters' beds are already prepared. More pillows?"
"No thank you, Winny. We are fine. You need your rest too. Good Night." Harry smiled warmly at the little elf.
"Thank you, Master Harry!" She squeaked, before disappearing.
"You do realize bed is not where she is heading, but more likely back to the kitchens." Severus commented, as he banished Sebastian's brush back to his rooms.
"Of course. But I still enjoy showing them they are appreciated. They work so hard. I remember what that was like..." Harry's voice drifted off, as his hands clenched together in his lap, his memories taking over.
Warm fingers gently pried his hands apart, grasping them gently. He looked up to see Severus closer, looking at him, intense concern in his eyes.
"Harry. Stop, please. Let it go. That is your past. You now have a family who loves you and appreciates you--you--Harry--just Harry."
Swallowing hard, Harry looked up into dark worried eyes. "I know, Severus. But sometimes, those memories well up from nowhere and I wonder how I got here from there. How I got so lucky even with all the hardships I've suffered."
"Not lucky, Harry. Blessed by the Goddess and the Fates. What matters is you are here. Put the bad memories behind you, and don't dwell on them. You've learned their lessons."
"But how? How can I put them behind me?"
"Replace them with new ones. Happy ones. Your freedom and your renewed health. Your adoption by Cissa and Luc..."
"The twins."
"Sebastian..."
Harry smiled. "And...you?"
"I am not adverse to being a party to creating positive memories for you."
"Our walks in the gardens."
"Our conversations."
"You stayed by my side when I was recovering."
"I am your... friend."
"You helped rescue me from Colin."
"It is what friends do--when they care about you."
Harry's eyes widened minutely. "And, you care about me, then?"
"I--yes, Harry. I care."
Just then, Harry realized how close Severus was to him. He could feel the warmth of the older man's body against him. He looked up and Severus was gazing at him intently, his eyes full of emotion.
"Sever--"
He never got to finish what he was saying, because Severus leaned in and kissed him; a firm brush of lips. He only had time to gasp in surprise, before his mouth was taken again, more firmly this time. Warm arms wrapped around him and pulled him against Severus' body, firmly, yet gently, as he was kissed in a way he'd never before experienced. The few kisses he'd experienced in school, with the boys he dated, had been pleasant. Draco had been a good kisser, but there'd been no care or emotion with him. It'd all been mechanical.
But this! This kiss sent a jolt of magick, desire, and arousal through his body, like nothing else he'd ever felt. His soul sang and his magick danced at that moment. The feeling of finally coming home settled into his heart, and if he'd been able, he would have sobbed for joy. Severus' emotions--his feeling for Harry resonated in each brush of lips and swipe of tongue, and in how Severus held him.
When Severus realized--finally realized--he loved this young man, all he could think of was showing him. Hence the sudden kiss. Harry felt so right against him, like a piece that he'd been missing--missing since Davidh's death. Finally breaking the kiss, he laid his cheek against the top of Harry's head, his eyes closed, tears slipping down his cheeks. He could feel the wisp of Davidh's magic caressing him and giving his approval.
"I love you, Harry." He whispered. "I really do love you."
Harry reached up a trembling hand, and caressed the other man's cheek, "I know the love of a friend and finally, that of a parent. But that's all. I want to tell you I feel the same for you, but I don't know, because I have--never--experienced it." He looked very sad. "Show me what love is, Severus. Please. So I'll know if what I feel is indeed that love."
Tbc...