Chapter 29
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Despite much ribbing and playful teasing from Lucius and Narcissa, Severus continued to court Harry in the traditional manner over the following weeks. They'd agreed it was best to just keep quiet and ignore the blonds. Adults their age shouldn't be allowed to have that much fun. Severus would just sigh and roll his eyes. Harry silently thought it was all amusing, but he didn't bother telling Severus that.
They'd taken more walks, sat in the library to read and discuss books they had in common, and even a few they didn't. Severus had taken him to the theatre in both Muggle London, and in Wizarding communities far from Wilshire. Lucius and Narcissa, or Sirius and Remus, most definitely accompanied them, then as chaperones. Sadly, Sirius was almost as bad as his cousins, but thankfully, Remus kept him in check.
Severus even took the time to find out what activities Harry had always wanted to participate in but had been denied in the past, whether by his Muggle relations, or by Draco. They'd gone to the zoo, both Muggle and Magical, where he'd encouraged him to take as much time as he'd desired at each and every exhibit that interested him. They'd gone to all the museums, including Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum.
He'd been particularly fascinated by that one. He found it odd though, when people around them occasionally pointed and whispered. He thought it was because they were a gay couple. There were still some backward people out there after all, mostly Muggles. That was, until he and Severus had entered the Literary and Film Exhibit Room. They hadn't been in there long, and the pointing and odd whispering had gotten more frequent.
Suddenly, he heard Severus gasp above him. The older wizard grasped him firmly but gently around the shoulders, steered him around and back out through the crowds and out of the museum. When he was finally able to turn around and look up at Severus, the man's face was white and his lips were firmly pursed. He was muttering incoherently about damn Muggle authors and their Wizarding relatives, and... something about doppelgangers? He'd have to ask Cissa or Lucius about that one. He never did get Severus to tell him what had upset him so.
Today, Severus had told him their destination was a surprise. He could sense his beloved was anxious, and in turn that engendered excited anticipation in himself. Knowing it would be grand whatever it was, he was not prepared for it; not at all. When they finally arrived, he couldn't help but think how jealousDudley would have been if he'd known. Ok, maybe a younger Dudley, but jealous all the same.
Westlands Activities Centre was beyond his wildest dreams. He stared around wide-eyed. Severus' smile was pleased and he chuckled at Harry's reaction.
"Well, what would you like to do first?" He asked, giving Harry a gentle push through the entrance.
"I-I-I've no idea!" Harry gasped. "I've never done any of this!"
"Well, that's about to change, my Harry." Severus whispered as he leaned down casually. He perused the pamphlets he'd been sent in advance. "There is no rush, since I have booked a day when they are usually closed."
One of the Centre's staff stepped forward. "Perhaps, you'd like to try the Clay Shooting first. It is quite the challenge, and my favorite. Something quite different than target casting with a wand." The young woman, obviously a witch, smiled warmly, and gestured to their left.
Harry followed her gesture and walked ahead to where another Staff member waited with the rifle and gear, and to explain everything. The young witch slowed to Severus' side, leaned toward him and spoke in a lowered voice.
"Mr. Snape, my father has asked me to assure you that additional security and privacy wards have been erected around the Centre on behalf of you and your--companion-- Mr. Malfoy--"
"You may refer to him as my betrothed, Miss Williamson, as he is that, or will soon be. I trust our confidences will be kept as well?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "Oh yes! Most definitely Mr. Snape! Gran sends her best also, and to thank you ever so much for the potions for her Arthritis. She is feeling much better."
"I am pleased she is doing well, and your discretion is most appreciated." He smiled at her as his gaze slid back to Harry. "Have the additional protection charms I requested, been cast on all gear and equipment Harry may choose to use?"
"Yes, Sir. Father cast them himself. But, he wouldn't find offense if you were to double-check them yourself."
"Very good. Thank you, Miss Williamson."
She nodded and headed back to the office, as he went to join Harry.
It didn't take long for either of them to get the knack of it, then it became somewhat of a competition between them to see who could hit more of the flying clay discs. Severus ended up winning by two hits, and kissed away Harry's pout, while the young male Staff member turned discreetly away, allowing them privacy, before taking thier weapons and gear.
Harry looked up at him, slightly flushed and dazed, when Severus ended the kiss, it was quickly replaced with a look of mischievous glee, as he darted from Severus' grasp.
"Let's go try the Go-Karts next!"
Severus followed after him, shaking his head, belied by the smile on his face. Severus thanked the Goddess repeatedly for cushioning and protection charms, as he watched his Harry zoom around the paved track as fast as the boy, Harry, had flown his broom during Quidditch. The look of pure joy on that face threatened to melt his heart, so he bit his tongue everytime he was tempted to admonish Harry to 'be careful'. He just tried to say a safe distance behind him.
The Quad-Biking had been harder, with such a large area to ride the four-wheeled motorbikes over. Severus tried to stay close, beside Harry if possible, silently reminding himself of the extra charms. He wouldn't have been surprised if he'd developed some white streaks in his hair by the time they pulled the bikes to a stop, cut the engines, and removed their helmets.
Severus wiped stray strands of his long hair away from his face. "Perhaps we should try the fishing next. I had an Uncle who quite enjoyed that." He suggested hopefully.
Harry looked a bit tired as he climbed off the bike, but he shook his head, determined. "Paintball." He declared, as he headed toward that area.
Severus followed, motioning toward Miss Williamson, who was heading toward them from another direction. She nodded, indicating all was set up as he'd requested. The playing area had been cut in half, since there were only two of them. They would be playing against two of the Staff who had been briefed ahead of time of the changes and extra precautions Severus had required. It was his desire that Harry have as much fun as possible with a minimum of injury. The boy'd already had enough pain and injuries for ten lifetimes.
As they geared up. Harry looked a bit disappointed.
"Harry?"
Green eyes met black. "Oh, I'm fine, Severus. I was just wishing Dudley were here so I could give him a little of what he gave me for so many years. Payback, yeah?"
"I believe an acceptable substitute can be found." Severus motioned and their opponents stepped out of the trees. Though not Polyjuiced, both you men held a fair resemblance to Dudley Dursley and his friend, Piers, though both were better looking. Harry looked from Severus to them and back, a slow devilish grin spreading across his face. The young men turned and disappeared into the trees. Once every snap, buckle, and zip had been secured and checked, Harry grabbed his weapon and ammo and took off into the trees, all signs of weariness gone, Severus on his heels.
Tbc...