Chapter 30
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The four men stumbled out of the trees two hours later, exhausted, and slid to the ground to lean against rock, tree, or log. They were covered with multiple splatters of neon-colored paint. Pulling helmets and goggles off, traces of paint still remained in places on their faces. Sweaty and tired, Severus looked over at his younger lover, and cocked an eyebrow in question.
A weary but brilliant wide smile was the response, as Harry ran a gloved hand through his hair, making it stick up, despite the majority of it still being tied back. "That, was bloody brilliant!" He turned to the two young men, "I hope I didn't hurt you too badly." "Sir," One of them answered. "We know just a little of your history, and am honored to have been able to allow you this experience."
The other grinned then winced, "Yeah, that. Though I will be happy to grow my beard and mustache back. Looking like that Dudley fellow is detrimental to my health, not to mention my social life with the birds! There was a reason I grew it in the first place!"
Harry began to giggle, then all three younger men broke into laughter. Severus smirked as he watched. His body was aching madly in several places. He suspected Harry had turned his weapon on him a few times. He thanked the Goddess that he'd had the forethought to brew a batch of Extra-Strength Bruise Paste and another of Pain Potion. He was going to need it, though he'd never tell Harry that. Every ache and pain had been worth it.
The young men rose, one helping the other to his feet, and turned to face Severus and Harry.
"It has been our pleasure and honor to serve two respected war heroes. You're time here will be our secret. Please excuse us, as we must clean and secure everything for the day."
"Thank you, and you are most welcome." Harry replied, reaching up to shake their hands before they both limped away.
"You will be the death of me, brat."
Harry crawled over to Severus, settling against him, and began pulling off his gloves and undoing the protective clothing.
"Love you too, git." He turned his face up for a kiss.
Severus was all too happy, though a bit slow, to comply. He reached over and pulled Harry to him, taking his lips in a thorough kiss. Harry's body relaxed more and molded into his as the kiss deepened. Then he pulled unexpectedly back and groaned, wrapping his arms around his middle.
"What's the matter, Harry?" Severus' tone was full of concern.
"Oh, it's my stomach again. While we played, I could ignore it."
That eyebrow went up. "And how long has you're stomach been upset today? And, why did you not inform me?"
Green eyes looked up at him sheepishly. "Um, it never really went away? Just comes and goes. Mostly in the morning, but sometimes during the day too. I think I'm just hungry right now. It's been a while since lunch."
"What lunch you did eat, you mean. You ate very little. It's advantageous that I brought some of your Nutrient Potion along." He produced a vial from a hidden pocket and held it out. "Drink. Then we are going to get you home, so either Hermione or Neville can check you over!"
"Ahhh, Severus!"
"Drink, Harry. I am concerned for your health." He sighed when Harry drank down the potion, then handed back the vial, sticking out his lip. Severus spoke again, his tone softening.
"Please don't be difficult. I couldn't bear it if you became ill, because I had been remiss in taking care of you."
The pouty lip disappeared and Harry threw himself into Severus' arms. "I'm sorry, Love. I will do as you ask. But please, call Nev. Hermione is expecting and she's quite bossy right now. Even the twins have been hiding from her!"
Severus chuckled. "Indeed! Very well. I will call Neville."
They accepted the Williamson's hospitality, showered, changed, and had a light meal, cooked by Gran of course. She tutted over Harry, fussing and trying to get him to eat more, saying he was going to need the energy. She smiled at him with a knowing glint in her pale violet eyes. Thanking the Williamson's and promising to send another order of potions, Severus gathered Harry up and they headed back to the Manor.
When they arrived, it was to find Sebastian waiting, along with Remus and Sirius. Lucius and Narcissa strolled into the room, as they were handing their cloaks to one of the house elves.
Sirius waved his wand toward them, which earned him a glare from Severus. "What did you do, Black?"
"Oh nothing, Severus. Only removed the traditional Chaperone and Monitoring Charms. Have to protect my godson's honor and virtue after all." He answered with a smirk. "Just because you are an honorable wizard, doesn't mean you aren't human. My godson is quite a catch after all."
Remus snorted. "Sirius! I can't believe you actually admitted that aloud!"
"Bugger!" He exclaimed. "I did, didn't I? Well, I refuse to acknowledge it if you repeat it to anyone!"
"Well, you are home just in time to join us for dinner!" Narcissa exclaimed happily.
"Everything is prepared and awaiting us. Come everyone! Harry, you and Severus can tell us all about your adventure today."
He nodded and followed Severus and the others, feeling suddenly very tired.
"I've had the elves prepare everyone's favorites tonight. It's been a couple of month s since we've enjoyed an evening like this. The weekend is upon us and we have the next two days to relax." She sat gracefully in the chair next to Lucius.
Severus sat on one side of the table, with Sebastian between him and Harry. Remus and Sirius sat across from them, next to Narcissa. With a wave of her hand, all the serving dishes uncovered themselves, the lids settling onto the table next to their dishes.
A small Shepherd's Pie Levitated to Harry's plate, as he watched everyone serve themselves their favorites. A small dish of Mushy Peas appeared next to his plate as Severus passed him a glass of cider. He dug in, taking small bites, enjoying the flavors of the lamb and vegetables, and the flakiness of the crust. That was until he looked across the table, to see Remus cutting into a small Haggis that sat proudly in the middle of his plate, next to helpings of tatties and neeps. He watched Remus take a large forkful and put it in his mouth, humming in delight.
Everyone looked up as Harry suddenly dropped his fork, slapped his hand over his mouth, and bolted from the dining room at a dead run. Remus opened his eyes and stopped chewing, following everyone's gaze.
"Wha-- Harry?"
"Bloody hell!" Severus exclaimed, as he dropped his napkin on the table and hurried after Harry.
Narcissa was right behind him. "Lucius, call the Healer."
Severus called over his shoulder. "Call Neville!"
"Call Neville, Lucius!" She repeated, as Sirius appeared at her side.
Sounds of loud retching could be heard through the closed door of the Main Guest Bath. Severus leaned close to the door.
"Harry. Let me in, please."
The only reply was the sounds of more retching. He turned and pulled his wand, intending to cast Alohamora, but a hand on his arm stopped him. He turned to look into pale blue eyes.
"Let me try Severus. You and Sirius go back to dinner and make sure Lucius summoned Neville, and not Hermione. The woman has been a right terror since she's be expecting, and needs her rest."
He looked back at the door briefly, worry in his eyes. "Very well...." He turned, and growled. "Come Black."
Once the men had gone and she could hear their voices from the dining room, she approached the door, casting a wandless Alohamora. Knocking lightly, she opened the door slowly.
"Harry dear, I'm coming in. Severus and Sirius have gone back to the dining room."
"Ohhh...din-ner!" And the sounds of retching began again, only now they were dry heaves.
She wet a flannel with cold water, and brushed the hair from his face, before wiping his forehead and neck. Once he'd finished being ill, she flushed the loo and encouraged him to sit on the closed seat, so she could wash his face with a fresh flannel and offered him cold water to rinse his mouth.
When he was finished, she cast a Mouth Freshening Charm on him, then crouched down in front of him, lifting his chin. Looking into the pale face, she sighed.
"When were you going to tell me, Cheri? You have a Mother here, now, to talk to. The courtship can be shortened."
He looked at her oddly. "It's only a stomach ache, Cissa."
"One that has been going on for weeks now. This is not the first time you have gotten sick, is it?"
"No. But Remus' dinner...the haggis… " He started turning green again and swallowed quickly several times. "It just looked... off."
"It's never bothered you before when Remus has enjoyed Haggis at our dinner table."
"Maybe it's just a flu bug or something. I'll be fine in a bit." He shrugged.
"Oh, I know you'll be fine, Cheri, but it will be more than a few days, or months. I know it is a private thing, but you could have spoken with Lucius, or Remus. I understand if you didn't want to tell your Godfather--what with his famous temper and all."
"What does my stomach have to do with the courtship? Cissa, I don't understand what you are talking about! I think I'll have a lie down. Suddenly I am not hungry anymore."
Narcissa sighed again. "Go ahead, My Child. I will send one of the elves to your rooms with some Peppermint tea to help settle your stomach. I think it's time you had a checkup."
She kissed him on the forehead, then guided him out into the hall, giving him a gentle shove toward the stairs. One of the elves appeared from the shadows and followed him up the stairs after a nod from her Mistress.
She lifted her skirts and moved gracefully back toward the dining room. "Men," She muttered to herself. "they are so charmingly clueless sometimes."
Tbc...