Author note: I had a few comments on Molly and security. It was mentioned she was working another person's shift and used their badge and altered her appearance. No one realizes it is Molly, and if asked, the nurse will say it was another orderly.
Chapter 22 Missing pendant
Harry was worried for he knew they would need to tell his dad something, for Remus would notice if Harry did not have his pendant, when he returned home. Harry did not want his dad to be any more worried then he already was, he and Dora were married and trying to have a baby, and Harry did not want to ruin that. Harry knew they had been considering not trying when Albus had still been around, thinking they needed to focus on Harry's safety, and they thought he was safe. They had known there would be some problems with his former friends when he got back to school, but they had never thought there would be trouble like this, it scared them. Harry knew someone had been in his hospital room; Severus finding out from the healer Harry had been wearing it when he was returned to his room. Severus had been asleep and had gone for some tea at one point, but the nurse had told him no one had entered. She had admitted though that she had been away from her desk, and there had been an orderly in the area, but they looked into the woman and she had worked for the hospital for two decades, and had no history, or connection to Albus.
It was two days before Harry was to return to school and the day before his dad returned home, when his brothers had come to visit, and they were worried about him. They were concerned when they had learned that Harry may have been hurt, and at the very least had been stolen from, when he had been in the hospital. They were concerned, even though they could not find any proof at the hospital, that their mother and brother had been involved. They knew Molly and Percy were out for blood over Albus, Arthur being sent to prison, and being forced to work in the hospital.
They were all in for a shock when Lucius came into the room and looked at Harry. "I have been told we need to come to the ministry. They have word for you."
Harry was shocked for Moody had warned them the pendant would be hard to find. "They have found my pendant? I thought Moody said it would take time."
Wishing he had some information, Lucius explained he did not have any, that he had been simply told that Harry should be brought to the ministry for they had some kind of information for them to speak about. Harry was excited, hoping they would have found the pendant, and sure if they had, they must have who had taken in, and perhaps Harry could find out why they had done it. Harry had experienced enough during his life that he knew well enough this was not an issue of simple petty theft and he needed to know if there was something he needed to be worried about out there.
When they came through the floo though Harry was surprised by who was sitting in the office, thinking this surely had to be some kind of joke. He saw his pendant though lying on the desk, but he still knew there was no way this was correct.
Harry looked at Moody who was behind his desk. "What is happening here Moody?"
Moody motioned for Harry to sit. "Miss Clearwater has not been arrested Harry, we questioned her under vertiserum. But the pendant was found in her possession."
Percy's former fiancé looked completely confused and scared, having no idea how the pendant had got there, and not even knowing who it belonged to. Harry had known she had been in love with Percy, but she had broken it off with him over what had happened, and he could not see her being a part of this. The twins had often commented how they could not understand why Penny was still with their prat of a brother, for she was far too sweet and good natured for someone like Percy.
Penny turned to him and swore that she had no idea how the pendant had got into her house, as Moody explained they had been tipped off, and had to look into it. The tip had been anonymous and unfortunately they had fond no magic or fingerprint traces of anyone else in the house. Harry assured her he never would have believed.
Penny was shaken. "Percy may have made a copy of the key. I was a fool; I actually believed he handed over the copies I gave him. I can't believe this."
Moody motioned for an auror to come in. "We will see to new locks and security for you Miss Clearwater. You have our apologies for this incident."
Penelope nodded and took off, after once again she apologized to Harry and assured him she had not had a part in this. When she was gone Moody explained that if Percy had used his key and gloves, there was no need for him to use magic, and there was no way for them to trace it. Harry was confused why they would try and set Penny up though, for though she had broken off her engagement, it seemed a pretty minor person. Lucius thought it likely had to do with the fact that the Burrow was heavily warded, and they cold not have tried to set up any of Harry's brothers, because of it.
Moody handed Harry back the pendant. "It has already been searched for any evidence. And I am sure you want to have it back to give your dad tomorrow."
Harry nodded and Lucius led him through the floo back to the house, assuring Harry they would keep looking for who took it, and unless something else happened, they would not have to tell his dad, for Lucius knew he was concerned about his dad and Tonks putting their life on hold.
Lucius turned to Severus when Harry had disappeared, his old friend having been watching. "Have you spoken to him about the kiss even since it happened?"
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Remus and Dora were happy and relaxed when they had come back, and they were happy to confirm they made a good start on a baby. Remus was relieved to see his son without glasses and doing well, and Harry gave him back his pendant, assuring his dad though he had missed him, he was fine. The others had all agreed, even Moody, not to tell he couple unless they had to do, and seeing the incredible mood the couple was in, and Harry when he was with them, they knew they had been right to do so. Andromeda had been the hardest one to convince not to tell them, for she hated keeping it from her daughter, but she had agreed in the end.
Harry spent most of the day with his dad and Dora, hearing about their amazing honeymoon, and seeing the wizarding photographs they had taken. The couple had been sent off for a vacation to Southern Spain, and they had an amazing time.
When the couple had headed off to bed Severus took his brother's advice and asked Harry to talk. When alone he said. "I am sorry about the kiss."
Harry stopped and looked at him, having thought about the kiss ever since. "I understand, you made a mistake, you didn't really want to kiss me. I'll forget."
Harry had been sure the man had just been trying to comfort him or something, there was no way he was interested in Harry, especially because of Harry's age. Severs was old enough to be his dad, why would he be interested in some kid. He knew they had got along better since the summer, and Severus did not think him a brat, but he was sure the man just cared about him because of Remus, and he should have known the kiss was a mistake.
Severus knew his mind and stopped him. "I meant the kiss, I wanted the kiss. I apologized because I am worried you feel pressured or something. That's all."
Harry blushed a bit when he heard that. "I kind of liked the kiss. I mean I guess I kind of wanted it for a while now, but I didn't think you could like me like that."
Assuring Harry the age did not bother him, he had been worried it would scare Harry, for Harry was his student, but it did not bother either. It was permitted in their world, where arranged marriages often found practically child brides, and for a teacher, as long as the student was sixteen. Severus had been fighting the urge to kiss Harry for he was certain it had been one sided, and he had not wanted to drive Harry away, for he cared deeply for him.
Severus reached out and kissed Harry again, this time more then a simple brush but still light. "If you have no problem with this, I would like to perhaps do it more."
Harry was still red and he was definitely not ready to kiss back but he nodded, feeling a bit shy and uncertain. "Yes."
Before he could stop Harry, Harry slipped out of the room, and he knew Harry was still a bit nervous about all of this. He knew Harry was honest, he did not mind the kiss, and had wanted more, but Harry had been through a lot in his life, and he had never really dated. He was also likely nervous about how others might react to it.
Severus was shocked when Remus appeared from the shadows. "I won't hex you unless you hurt my son. Friend or no friend."