Chapter 28

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Almost a fortnight had passed since that night, where Severus had approached his family, making the request to court him, after which Harry had confirmed he was agreeable to Severus' desire to court him, and then watched everyone sign the Courtship Contract. It was odd that he hadn't been required to sign, but that had been the way in the Founder's time, and it was still done the same when this particular tradition was chosen.

He really didn't mind, since his parents--he still wasn't accustomed to having those, or, referring to Cissa and Lucius as such--and his Godparents, had questioned him quite thoroughly, assuring themselves that he wanted this, and was truly choosing this, freely. Being willingly given his own choice in things was still novel to him. He didn't know if he would ever become accustomed enough to it to just take it for granted.

Feeling a bit tired the last few days, he'd spent the previous day with the twins, just playing quietly with them, enjoying their company and sweet gestures of affection for their older brother. He reveled in this, his new life. Even when he was feeling a bit under the weather, he was still happy. Severus and Sebastian hadn't been visiting for a few days. Severus had some specialty potions to brew for a few of the Were's Remus was helping, and he'd promised Sebastian some one-on-one time.

Narcissa had planned to supervise the elves doing some baking today; pastries for a tea she had arranged for the following day to begin planning their bonding.

'Everyone knew he and Severus would bond,' she'd said. 'They just had to go through the motions of courting for tradition' sake. Severus loves you dearly, Harry, but as old-fashioned as he was raised, he wouldn't dare consider defying tradition.'

He'd tried questioning her about it but she only smiled, kissed his head, patted his hand lovingly, and advised him not to concern himself, before she hurried off to check some appointment or other she had scheduled. So, here he was, heading to the kitchens hoping for a cup of tea, maybe something herbal. His stomach was a bit unsettled this morning. Well, he had eaten very little the night before, so maybe that was it.

Making himself comfortable at the table, he greeted all the elves as they bustled around him amidst their preparations for the day's meals. A cup of chamomile tea quickly appeared, along with a small bowl of oatmeal with raisins, apples, and brown sugar.

"Here is the morning Prophet, Master Harry." Squeaked a young apprentice elf, as she handed him the huge scroll.

"Why thank you, Merry!" He smiled as he took it. "May I have some cream for my oatmeal too please?"

"Oh yes, Master Harry! Right away!" She snapped her fingers and a small pitcher appeared on the table. "Would Master like anything else from Merry?"

"Nothing else, thank you, Merry."

She dropped a small curtsy and ran off. He poured some of the cream in his bowl, then a little into his tea. Unrolling the Prophet, he glanced at the front page, and nearly spat the spoonful of oatmeal he'd just put in his mouth. He stared at the picture, read the caption, then looked at the picture again. It began noiselessly in his belly and got gradually louder, until bursting forth, he was giggling uncontrollably, causing several of the house elves to stop what they were doing and look at him.

Lucius strode into the kitchen, several parchments and a journal under his arm, a pair of stylish silver reading glasses perched on the end of his nose--something he wouldn't be caught dead wearing in public. But, here at home, with family, he felt comfortable wearing them. Sebastian told him they made him look like Gran'papa. At this he'd only smiled, and told the child he couldn't be a Grand-père without grandchildren. Sebastian had just smiled and darted upstairs.

He raised an elegant blond eyebrow at Harry, in surprise. "Merlin! What has you so amused this early in the morning?"

All Harry could manage was to point at the photograph on the front of the paper. He was still giggling too much for words. Lucius stepped behind his chair and looked over Harry's shoulder at the Wizarding Photograph that took up most of the first page. He shook his head.

"You'd think, at his age, he would have learned some discretion. Especially after that whole thing with that artist fellow."

Harry looked up, confused. "Who?"

Just then, Narcissa came breezing through. "Oh, you've seen it then."

"Yes, dear." Lucius sounded a bit disappointed.

"Well, Luc darling, at least it's not that Willy Wonka fellow, this time."

Harry's eyes widened. "Wha--Willy Wonka?!"

"Oh yes, dear! Albus has quite a history. Those around him have managed to keep most of it out of the press, thankfully."

"B-But..."

Narcissa turned around, a fresh teacup in one hand. "What's the matter dear?"

Lucius took a seat at the table, a smirk on his face. "I don't think he was aware of Albus'... inclination... Cissa."

Cissa slid gracefully into the seat next to her husband and sipped from her tea. "With his choice in robes, I find it hard to miss. He's is the quintessential Queen, after all."

"I find I quite resemble that remark, my dear Narcissa."

Everyone turned to see a smiling Albus Dumbledore, standing quite unashamed in the doorway, dressed in lavender robes with lime green and white swirls.

Poor Harry had been taking a sip of his tea and nearly snorted it. Lucius reached over and patted him on the back, until he quit coughing. Wiping the tears from his eyes, he looked up at his former Headmaster.

"Willy Wonka?"

"Ah.", Albus smiled nostalgically. "That was the 60's. Quite the 'colorful' decade."

"You mean 'psychedelic', don't you?" Lucius asked innocently, knowing humor dancing in his eyes.

"Ah, yes. Dear Willy... not all his creations were available to the public. The best were kept for personal use."

Narcissa cast a Warming Charm over Harry's meal. "Eat your breakfast, Harry. You need your nutrients."

"Yes, Cissa." He answered as he dipped up another spoonful of oatemeal.

Lucius snapped his fingers and an elf appeared with a cup of tea for the Headmaster, as he seated himself on the other side of Harry. After pouring obscene amounts of cream and sugar into his cup, he stirred it slowly, a small grin on his face, and a faraway look in his eyes.

"Albus?" Harry asked.

"Mmmm...?"

"What are you thinking about?"

A happy grin spread across his face. "Oh, just remembering a particularly fun evening. Willy had invited the Oompa Loompas--"

"Albus!" Narcissa snapped, in warning. "I don't think that is appropriate for polite conversation.

Harry's eyes darted back and forth, his mouth working, making him look like a landed fish. Lucius snorted. "Never mind, son. You don't want to know."

Then he turned to Albus again. "A confectioner, Albus? You're getting predicable in your old age."

"At least he's letting himself be led by his sweet tooth rather than other body parts, like most wizards..." Narcissa mumbled into her teacup.

Harry scooped up the last of his oatmeal and drained his cup. Standing, he excused himself, and headed quickly out of the kitchen. He could hardly wait to talk to Severus. His stomach was still queasy but he didn't notice it. When he reached his rooms, he closed the door behind him then settled himself in the cushioned window seat, and wrapped one of the throws around himself, his knees pulled to his chest as he leaned against the heavy leaded glass.

"Albus Dumbledore gay. Bugger, that explains so much!" He said to the empty room. He stared out the window for a while as his thoughts wandered over everything from the last few weeks.

He looked up at a knock on the door. "Come!" He called.

The door opened and Severus stepped through, a smile on his face. "Lucius tells me you may need someone to talk to. It seems you had an interesting conversation during breakfast this morning."

"That's a bloody understatement!" Harry threw off the blanket, and stood, rubbing his stomach. "Did you know that Albus is gay?"

Severus nodded.

"You could have told me."

"I thought it was obvious." He smirked. "Would you join me in the library? Tea is waiting. We must observe the proprieties of the courtship ritual."

He stepped back, clearing the way for Harry to proceed him out the door. Harry smoothed his shirt down and walked out the door. He turned and waited for Severus to join him, then they walked down the hall and back down the stairs together. Every few steps, their hands would brush, and Harry would smile. When they reached the library, the doors were already open and a small table had been set for tea, flanked by two comfortable leather chairs. The doors to the library remained open.

A low fire burned in the hearth, and Harry could smell the fresh flowers that had been placed on the other tables in the room. Mmm... he'd always loved the smell of roses. Though it seemed a bit stronger than usual. He looked around and didn't see any more arrangements than Cissa usually had the elves put in here. Odd. He shrugged to himself and curled up in one of the chairs, while Severus poured the tea.

"Would you like some sugar or milk in your tea?" Severus asked, as he poured chamomile tea into Harry's cup.

"No thank you. Plain is fine. My stomach's been a bit off today."

Dark eyes studied him with concern. Reaching across the table, Severus placed the back of his fingers against Harry's forehead. Harry leaned into the touch and sighed.

Narcissa swept into the room, followed by Lucius. Her tone was playful. "What's this now? Severus, tsk tsk."

"Yes, Severus." Lucius added. "Taking liberties? Cissa darling, this courtship may require the traditional chaperone, if Severus cannot behave himself."

Severus glared, as Harry stifled a smirk, thinking to himself, 'it was a bit late for that.'

"The two of you may kindly go bugger yourselves. Harry mentioned he hadn't been feeling well. I was only checking for signs of fever."

Narcissa's and Lucius' expressions turned from ones of mischief to immediate concern. Narcissa swept over to Harry and leaned down to check his eyes, feeling his forehead and cheeks for herself.

"Why didn't you tell us you weren't feeling well, my darling? I would have Firecalled the Healer immediately!"

Harry grabbed her hands and gave them an affectionate squeeze. "I'm fine, Cissa, really. My stomach's just been a bit off lately. If I thought there was more, I would have told you."

She leaned down and kissed the top of his head. "I don't know. I really should have either Hermione or Neville check you over. It is almost time for one of your checkups anyway."

"Come now, Darling. Let the boy be. Look, you've made him blush. Come sit down." He patted the sofa next to him. "You can work on some of that lovely needlework while I read my book, and leave Severus and Harry to get acquainted." He winked in their direction.

"Oh, very well." Narcissa commented as she settled down next to her husband. "I still think--"

Lucius leaned over and kissed her on the lips. "Hush now." He gave her a heated look.

A deep red color diffused her cheeks and she silently picked up the basket of needlework and set it on her lap.

Severus looked over at Harry and rolled his eyes. It was going to be a long afternoon.

Tbc...