They had been back from Italy for a few weeks. The trip had he admitted not been as bad as he thought. When he let himself, he had actually enjoyed the country. It was just at night or when his husband touched him the real reason came flooding back to him. After his reaction the first night Lucius had remained above the boxers. He knew that would change even before the six months were up. But he had been grateful. He kept having flashbacks every time Lucius tried. It made it all the harder. He had done his best to avoid his husband in the day when they returned. Between the size of the manor and his husband's work that was not too hard. It was lonely though. It was not like he could turn to Draco for company. He was reminded that he would be forced to go Slytherin in the fall. But they were not about to just bond.
The day before his birthday he was surprised. He knew that his wedding would be another wonderful event. Lucius had invited all of Draco's friends to come. Harry could not wait. He was reminded of birthdays before last summer. He had pretty bad ones in the past. But he should have been home with his dads. Well he was home. And though he had allowed Remus to be there for his wedding for him, he had not forgiven either of them for putting him through this.
His surprise was Severus. He had found the stables had become his one spot. It was the one place no one disturbed him. He had not tried riding yet. But the big bay who kept him company the eve of his wedding had become his sounding board. He thought how pathetic he had become that a horse had become his confidant. But other then the odd letter from George he had no one else. His husband seemed to think he could convert Harry into the proper husband by keeping him locked away. There would be guests for the party but even they were all snakes,
Severus watched him. "You know your husband would teach you to ride if you asked him. You seem to be quite fond of horses."
Harry sighed. "I have never been a horse person but Bailey here seems to be the only one who I can talk to. I do not need my husband to ruin my one escape."
He turned his attention back to the horse. He had taken a curry brush. One of the stable hands had shown him how to brush the horse. The man had thought he was nuts. The Malfoys did not brush and feed their own horses and definitely did not muck out stables but Harry had tried it all. It seemed even more odd since he did not ride the horse. But it gave him something to do. He was not sure if the horse belonged to someone. With his luck it would be his husband's horse. But he thought that Lucius would likely have one of the bigger horses down the block. Bailey was big and quite powerful but he was quite the gentle horse.
Severus fed the horse a carrot. "I wanted to let you know George is coming tomorrow for your birthday and Fred if we can convince your husband to allow it."
Harry looked up in surprise. "I didn't think he would allow even George. It would defeat his purpose. He is trying to cut me off from my old life to brainwash me."
Shaking his head Severus never thought he would have sympathy for Harry but he did. He had from day one at the manor. He tended to agree with Harry. He had when he at his wedding had accused his dads and Lucius of slavery. He could see why Harry was feeling like that. And Lucius definitely seemed to strip Harry of his old life. He had limited Harry's contact to George. Lucius was hoping if Harry was forced to befriend the snakes that summer he might be happier in Slytherin in the fall. Severus had tended to think it would do the opposite and tried to tell Lucius that but his friend very rarely took anyone else's advice. Eve his brother's.
Severus stopped him. "Just get through the summer. Back at school even if Slytherin you will be able to hang out with your friends. Just make it through a month."
Harry pulled his hand free. "How many friends do you think I will have left when they find out who I am married to? Or that I will be seeker for Slytherin now?"
That was a surprise. Harry had been refusing to play quidditch at all. The constant threat of trying for a baby in January if he did not play, must have finally got to Harry. He knew Harry had bee battling between the fear of a baby so you and loyalty to his team. He thought Harry had made the right choice. And not simply because he wanted his team to win. They might have won even without Harry playing as long as Gryffindor lost him. Harry was just no where near ready to be a daddy.
Severus handed him another brush. "Are they really your friends then? I assume your true friends won't mind either way. And perhaps you'll make some new."
Harry started with the new one. "I guess Luna and Neville, and I hope Hermione yes. But friends in Slytherin? That is a joke. What Pansy or a goon?"
Shrugging Severus tended to think Harry might actually find he had something in common with them Harry and Blaise he thought would likely get along. Blaise was Draco's best friend but he would likely be a lot more open minded about welcoming Harry into their circle. The others Harry would definitely have to face some third degree before he might ear a place among them. He probably would have faced worse but the fact that he was a Malfoy might shield him from the brunt of it. Draco and Harry would be potions partners with he knew Harry definitely was not pleased about.
Severus handed Harry his OWL marks. "It came to your dads. Remus asked me to give them to you and to tell you he was proud of how well you have done."
Harry looked down at the results and found he had passed all but history and divination, an A in astronomy, O in DADA and charms and E in the rest. He knew E was not high enough to follow through with potions. He would have bee disappointed before. He had wanted to be an auror. But he doubted he would even be allowed a career. He was not sure he would have been an auror now the war was over but he would have liked the option.
Severus saw his look. "I have been convinced to allow students with an E for at least two years to continue. You have managed an E every year you took my class."
Harry shook his head. "Not as bad as your accused me of being I guess. It doesn't really matter. Being Lucius' little play thing probably does not require education."
Severus cut him off. "Your husband will allow you to work. I believe he would like you like Draco to come work for him. He will find you a position in his company."
He knew when Harry turned away in anger and stopped talking all together he said the wrong thing. He had meant to comfort Harry with the knowledge he would have the chance to work and have a life beyond the manor. But once again all he had done was reflect once again how much control his husband loved to hold over his life ad his every action and seeming thought as well. Harry saw once again another option and choice in hi life being taken from him by his husband.
Harry looked up when he gave up and was leaving. "Why does he want to destroy my life? He is your brother. Does he get some sick pleasure from it or something?"
Severus turned back to him. "I don't know Harry. I hope he will come to his senses for your sake. Don't let him get to you and you might kick some sense into him."
He had ever thought he'd give Harry such advice. But he did. Harry would never be happy if jut submitted. And he knew some where Lucius was hoping for a proper marriage. Narcissa never battled him. She just had flings on the side. If Lucius was ever going to learn he could not always have it his way someone was going to have to actually stand up to him and he knew Harry could more the do that. Lucius did not intimidate him as much s others. Maybe there was some hope for the two of them.