Warnings: None.
Summary: Harry is finally able to go outside, but it's not enough for the freedom-loving man. Severus works on a plan to have him bond somewhere he loves despite being stuck in Grimmauld Place, and together they deal with Harry's fears of Severus leaving and search for answers on his curse. Drawing in this chapter on AO3, about halfway down under the same username and work title.
CHAPTER 13
Finding Freedom
The next day, Harry tested the curse while Severus was working in the basement. By the time Harry made it up to the attic without a trace of screaming, he was grinning. So at least he had the freedom to run wherever he needed to inside, but he longed to go outside again. To feel the sun on his face and the wind in his hair.
Now that he had truly made love to Severus, would the curse at least let him into the back lawn if not off the property? Would it let him out of Grimmauld Place altogether?
Harry didn't want to disturb Severus' work—and he thought he might not get an accurate reading on the curse if he brought Severus with him anyway—so he called Padma to help him for a moment, just in case something went wrong. If the curse activated and made him bleed again—or worse—Padma would know how to fix it.
Harry trembled as he cautiously opened the door to the back lawn, both Patil twins and Ginny Weasley at his back—Padma hadn't felt comfortable coming without her sister, and Parvati had been at home with her wife, as it was the Harpies' off season.
Ginny patted Harry's shoulder and cheered him on. "It's all right, Harry. We've got your back. If anything happens, I'm really good at healing injuries now. You get a lot of practice on the professional quidditch circuit! Anyway, between Padma and me, we've got you covered. Go on."
Shaking hard and bracing himself against pain, Harry stuck a toe out of the door. When nothing happened, he stuck his foot out, and then his leg, and then the rest of him. A wide smile broke out on his face as he took another step without consequence, and then another, and soon he was all the way at the edge of the property line and still in one piece.
He grinned and called, "I can go outside!"
"So we see," said Padma with a laugh. "Want to see if you can leave yet?"
"Yeah, but stay close."
Parvati shook her head. "I don't get a good feeling about it, Harry. I don't think you can leave."
Harry sighed. "Damn. After the escapade at Riddle House, I'm not about to test it. But still, at least I can go outside again. Merlin, I'd missed the sun."
Parvati patted his back. "I'm glad you can enjoy it again."
"Merlin, so am I. It's good quidditch weather today too."
Padma chuckled wryly. "Well, I don't think there's enough room out here for a quidditch match, but we can maybe try our hands at Muggle football."
Ginny laughed. "I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to use your hands in football, but it'd be a change from quidditch to be sure."
"I don't have a football," said Harry, disappointed. He thought for a bit and grinned. "But I do have a quaffle. It'll work, right?"
Ginny grinned back. "Yeah! It's not like it's charmed to fly or anything. Let's do it."
Harry nodded. "We need more people though. Think Lu and Neville are busy?"
Parvati shrugged. "I don't have any Sight on it, but it couldn't hurt to ask."
"Ron's off," said Padma. "He'd probably come."
"We'll invite Katie too," said Harry with a nod. "She can't really play right now but she might get a kick out of watching us all make fools of ourselves."
"So would George, if it comes to that." Ginny chuckled. "Come on, let's just invite everyone who can come by and make a day of it."
Harry beamed. "That sounds brilliant, Gin."
Severus came up from the basement after finishing his morning round of potions to an empty house. Panic crept up his spine, cold and tingling, until he heard the sound of Harry's laugh and realised his fiancé was all right. More laughter joined his mate's—Severus recognised Ron's guffaw among the chorus. So the redheaded troupe was in attendance.
With a chuckle, he washed up and followed the sounds of play to the back lawn. Harry had managed to go outside then. Severus doubted the younger man would be able to leave Grimmauld Place until they were fully bonded, but perhaps Severusmight return to his own shop soon, if only to check on the stock. It would be a good idea to test it, now that they had joined physically. The last step was to officially bond, but it would be easier to plan a ceremony if at least one of them could leave the premises.
Severus peeked through the conservatory windows, chuckling at the sight of Harry attempting to kick-dribble a quaffle around the lawn while a group of ragtag redheads and family charged after him. Harry looked so happy just to be able to go outside again, and Severus was thrilled for him, but inside, a seed of worry had taken root.
Harry had told Severus that he didn't care where they bonded so long as they got to spend their lives together, but the former spy wasn't a fool. He knew Harry hated this house and would prefer to start his life together with Severus elsewhere, especially with their mutual memories of Sirius Black tainting the place. And yet, just being able to go outside had brought Harry such obvious joy.
Maybe if he couldn't take Harry out of Grimmauld, he could bring the outside world to Harry?
Yes, he would do that, but how? He caught sight of Hermione, lounging on the sidelines of the game and laughing with Katie, and wondered if she might have any ideas. The woman was brilliant when it came to making Harry's most hare-brained schemes work—maybe she could help one of Severus' come to life, too. It couldn't hurt to ask, he supposed.
The redheaded crew and Harry cheered as Severus came onto the lawn, and a faint blush heated his face. Even now, their acceptance of him felt foreign at times. Harry was helping him adjust, but every so often he still wanted to look over his shoulder, just to check if their warm welcomes could possibly be meant for someone else. Even so, he was beginning to understand that once the redheads accepted a person into their clan, they were regarded as family. And between twelve sets of grandparents, four sets of parents, and the seventh grandchild on the way, the Weasley clan took family seriously.
At least the entire brood wasn't present today. Severus wasn't certain he could have made it across the lawn in one piece if they had all come to celebrate Harry's nominal victory over his curse.
Then his blush deepened when he realised at least six people outside of Harry and himself would know exactly what had granted this reprieve. Dear gods.
Draco smirked as he caught sight of his godfather and sauntered over to join the man. "You're looking quite … smug."
Severus groaned. "Smug is most definitely not the word for it."
"Oh? Wasn't it good then?"
"Silence, you insufferable little brat. I will not discuss this with my godson of all people. Merlin."
Draco laughed and clapped Severus on the shoulder. "Seriously, I'm happy for both of you. You've been dancing around each other for far too long. It was really getting old."
"So glad to have relieved your frustrations."
Draco snorted. "It sounds as though I'm not the only one who's had some relief lately."
Heat suffused Severus' cheeks. Merlin, he'd walked right into that trap, hadn't he?
Nevertheless, he smacked Draco on the back of his blonde head. "Enough. I will not pander to your prurient interest in my sex life."
Draco chuckled and rubbed his head. "Still stings, you know?"
"What does?"
"You've got a hell of a left hook."
Severus rolled his eyes. "I barely swatted you, you ignoramus."
"I love you too, Uncle Severus."
Severus laughed in spite of himself and led Draco to sit with Hermione and Katie. "Miss Granger, Madam Weasley, I trust you're doing well today."
Hermione's smile had a none-too-innocent twinkle. "I am indeed, thank you. And you?"
Severus sighed. "Well, at least you were more subtle in asking about my personal affairs than Draco."
Katie gave them a confused look. "Hmm?"
"Hmm indeed," said Severus with a wry look at Hermione.
Hermione chuckled. "Forgive me. I couldn't resist a little teasing. But seriously, how are you? Um, are you … okay?"
Severus smiled. "We are. Or at least, we are learning to be again."
Katie nodded and patted his shoulder. "You do look much better these days. Er … much happier, I mean." She gave him a sheepish smile and laid her hand back across her growing belly.
Severus gave her a soft smile. "I am happy. I may be healing his curse, but he is healing my soul."
"Literally," Draco said with a smirk.
Hermione ignored the prat and squeezed Severus' hand. "I'm glad, Severus."
"Thank you." Severus turned to watch the game, laughing as Ron stole the ball from Harry—with his hands—and incurred the wrath of both sides.
"Oi! You're not supposed to just grab it," said Percy with a scowl. "It's against the rules!"
"And Percy would know," said George with mock-gravity.
Percy swatted him, much like Severus had with Draco. "Cut it out, you prat. I just want to know if we're allowed to grab it or not."
"Why not?" Harry laughed and rubbed the back of his hair. "None of us have a clue how to play anyway. It's a shame Dean couldn't come—he could've taught us to play properly."
Severus sniffed. "He might have asked me. I am Muggle-raised as well."
Draco rolled his eyes. "You were working."
"True."
Harry laughed. "Well, who cares if we know the rules! We're all having fun anyway, right?"
Teddy cried enthusiastically, "Yeah! I'm having loads of fun! I always have fun with you." His smile dimmed. "I really missed you, Uncle Harry."
Harry gave him a grief-tinged smile. "I missed you too, Teddy." He hugged the boy and ruffled his vividly purple hair. "I'm so glad you can play with me again."
"Me too, Uncle Harry. Can we play some more football?"
"Yeah," Victoire chimed in. "I wanna try dribbling this time."
Teddy argued, "Me first!"
"Hey, I called it!"
"But I'm the godson so I go first."
"Well, I'm a lady and Mère says ladies go first, so there."
Dominique chimed in, "Wanna pway, wanna pway too!"
Harry chuckled. "Easy, you lot. We can take turns. Let's just—oh. Who has the ball?"
"That'll be me." Ron held the ball over his head—leaving it about ten centimetres higher than even Severus could reach—and barrelled towards a broken-down arbour at the back of the lot.
George called, "Oi! The giant's getting away with the ball!"
"After him!"
Neville's playful cry set everyone else in motion and Ron soon disappeared under a dogpile of nine redheads, four brunettes, a dreamy blonde, two Veela-haired children, and a purple-haired metamorphagus. Severus laughed himself silly at the sight.
Hermione snorted. "Animals, aren't they?"
He chuckled and wiped tears of mirth away. "Indeed, but they do seem to be having a good time."
"Harry is really an outdoors type of person," Katie said with a shake of her head. "Being trapped inside all the time must be difficult for him."
"Well, he can at least go out in the sunshine now," said Hermione with a sad smile. "And soon, he'll be free again."
His mirth subdued, Severus nodded. "So we hope anyway."
"So we know. The two of you are absolutely half-souled," said Draco with a wry smile. "I'm actually a bit jealous."
Severus fixed his godson with a piercing look. "From what Harry tells me, you have no reason to be. Or am I mistaken, Miss Granger?"
Hermione blushed. "Er … n-no. You're right."
"Hmm." Severus smirked at his godson. "So, how are you, little Draco?"
Draco smacked Severus on the shoulder. "I don't kiss and tell either, you git. At least not with her."
"As it should be," said Hermione with a sniff, "and I'd best not catch you bragging."
"Yes, dear."
Severus snorted. "I do not truly wish for the details. I only wanted to turn the tables on my too-curious-for-his-own-good godson."
Draco laughed. "Mission accomplished."
Severus chuckled and returned his attention to his fiancé for a while. Harry did look happy in the sunshine, and seeing him smile and laugh redoubled Severus' resolve to give him as much joy as he could.
"Hermione, I have a favour to ask you."
The woman gave him a curious look. "You do? You never ask for favours, Severus."
Severus shook his head. "Not for myself, no. But for Harry … I do not think he wants to be bonded here, Hermione. This place is full of such painful memories for him, especially since his godfather's spirit or memory or whatever is trapped in Harry's head has been so vociferously opposed to me, in the past and doubly so since the onset of the curse. I would like us to bond elsewhere, so he may have only happy memories that day."
Hermione frowned. "Severus, in an ideal world, I would too. I agree with you, he hates it here and would rather be bonded just about anywhere else, but what can we do? The curse has him bound to this place somehow."
Severus sighed. "I know. And until we finish breaking the curses on the books and search them for answers, it is unlikely we will find a way to also break the curse on Harry before the bonding. But I wondered, if we cannot bring Harry out of Grimmauld Place, is there a way to bring the outside world to him? Could we possibly recreate the environment of some location he loves—at least within the bounds of possibility? If so, we could bond wherever he wanted, but without actually leaving the property."
Hermione gasped. "Oh, Severus. That's … that's wonderful!"
"It's a lovely idea," said Katie with a nod, "but how in the world would you implement it? Magic could perhaps emulate the environment a bit, but to completely recreate a place so well Harry feels he's not at Grimmauld any longer—that would take some doing."
"But it might not be impossible," Hermione said, her brows drawn together in thought. "If we can just figure out what we need, maybe there's a spell that would meet at least most of our requirements. I could look in th—"
"That's it!" Draco leapt to his feet. "Hermione, you're a bloody genius!" He grabbed her up into a passionate kiss, garnering wolf-whistles from the players and squeals of mock-disgust from the children.
"Oh, go back to your game, you prats," said a blushing Draco.
George teased, "Why? It looks like you're having all the fun!"
Draco rolled his eyes and pointedly turned his back, making the footballers laugh. As soon as they had returned to the game, he grabbed Hermione's hand and tugged her to her feet. "Come on. We've got research to do. You look in the Black library and your special library. I'm going to search the manor and Hogwarts."
"Hogwarts?" Hermione frowned and resisted his tugging. "Draco, it might help if you told me exactly what we're looking for."
Draco stopped. "Shite. The morons over there distracted me."
Severus chuckled darkly. "Oh, I think that was not the only distraction."
"Shut it, you," said Draco with a blush. "Though you're right." He ran a hand through his hair and laughed sheepishly. "A-anyway, as soon as you mentioned requirements, 'Mione, I remembered the Room of Requirement at Hogwarts. If we could find the spell to create one like it, even for just a day or so, Harry could bond wherever he wanted. Then the limitations of the property wouldn't matter, because the room would change size and shape to meet his needs without changing the actual structure at all."
Hermione gasped. "Oh Merlin, that's perfect! Harry could even have the room build a little honeymoon suite so his first night with Severus could be spent somewhere nice, where he actually wants to be rather than a house he hates."
Draco shook his head. "Once they're bonded, Hermione, the location won't matter."
She shook her head. "The consummation is part of the bonding. I think they'll have to spend at least the first night here." She flashed Severus a grin. "Then you can go wherever you want for the rest of the honeymoon."
"If the curse breaks," Severus reminded her.
"It will," said Draco. "I'm sure of it."
"Either way," said Severus with a serious look, "I want to hear more about this room of yours. Please explain how it works and what you are hoping to achieve."
Hermione nodded and sat beside Severus once more. "All right. Well, you see, in our fifth year, we discovered this room on the seventh floor of Hogwarts …."
The time had come to purchase their wedding robes. For Harry, Madam Malkin had flooed into Grimmauld Place days ago with a giant book of fabric samples and an army of semi-sentient measuring tapes, but Severus wanted to order his own in person, and not from Malkin's. The modern style looked good on men like Harry, but they left Severus feeling too exposed.
Harry teased Severus about his buttons, but after the incident in fifth year and especially after seeing the worst of humanity in the Death Eaters' ranks, Severus needed those buttons as armour. Perhaps one day, he would branch out and try a robe with a more modern cut, but for his bonding day, he wanted to feel safe. Which would require a trip to Twilfitt and Tattings, and Madam Twillings did not make house calls.
The problem was convincing Harry to let him leave. Severus understood why Harry was afraid and did not blame him, but he really did need to go out for a bit. He needed to check in with Bethany too and check the shop inventory, but Harry was too terrified to let him go. At this rate, Severus might end up having to transfigure one of his older robes for his bonding. He would, if that was what it took to keep Harry happy, but he would rather not.
So, after a few deep breaths to compose himself and armed with the small locket he had asked Draco to purchase for him the night before, he gathered his courage and went in search of his fiancé. He found Harry where he thought he would—searching warded Black tomes out on the back lawn with whoever could help for the day. Percy and Ginny had come this time, but as soon as Severus stepped outside, the woman waved him over before he could speak to Harry.
Severus frowned and sat beside her, on a garden wall some distance away from the men. "Yes? Have you found anything?"
She smiled wryly. "Not as concerns Harry, no, but Parvati asked me to talk to you."
Severus gave her a bemused look. "Parvati? Why did she not talk to me herself? She was just here yesterday."
Ginny chuckled. "Well, she's a bit shy about these things. It's just, I'm taking a couple of years off from the Harpies, and we'd like to start a family while we can. So we'd like you to brew the Demaucariad Potion for us, Severus."
Severus winced. "Merlin, are you certain? That is a difficult brew for even a master, and the risks—"
"But the benefits of being a mother are even greater." Ginny patted his knee. "She says it's going to be fine, but only if you do it. You're the only one we'd trust with something that big anyway."
Severus swallowed a lump in his throat. "Then … I … I will do it. When would you like to begin taking it? Or will the other Madam Patil be the bearer?"
"Parvati this time. She says she'll be too old to risk it the next time we're ready."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "There is only a year of difference between the two of you."
"I said the same thing, but she said her body is older because of her Sight." She shrugged. "I don't understand it myself, but I've come to rely on her insight too much to doubt her."
Severus looked to Harry and nodded. "Wise woman. You did not tell me a timeframe."
"As soon as you're ready. We'd like to bring her into the world as soon as possible."
"Her? You already know the gender and you have not even attempted to conceive?"
Ginny laughed. "Perils of having a Seer for a wife."
"Indeed." Severus chuckled. "I am attempting to persuade Harry to let me leave the house for a bit. I need robes for the bonding. If he is able to release me for a few hours, then I will purchase the ingredients for your potion while I am out and begin work on it as soon as I return. If all goes well, it should be ready for you by dinnertime. Else, it may take a week or two to gather ingredients of the proper quality by proxy."
Ginny squealed and hugged him. "Thank you!" She kissed Severus' cheek, making him blush furiously. "Oh gods! I've got to tell Parvie!" She jumped up and down in excitement. "Oh, but you'll need money for the ingredients. Wait right here. I'll get you whatever you need—um, how much do you think? Any price is okay, just tell me what to get."
Severus chuckled. "Slow down, Madam Patil. Breathe."
Ginny grinned and smoothed her tunic down. "Right. I'm being a prat. Okay. The price?"
Severus gave her a wan smile. "Two hundred galleons. I apologise for the cost, but I am afraid phoenix tears do not come cheap without Fawkes to provide a free supply."
Her smile faded. "Oh. I … I hope he's okay."
"I am sure he is quite happily terrorising the life out of his next human," Severus said in an emotion-roughened voice.
Ginny squeezed his shoulder. "Go get Harry to give you a hug, Severus. I'm going to get your money. I'll be back in a mo."
Severus waved her off and went to sit with his fiancé.
Percy took one look at him and stood. "Harry, I'll go get us some fresh tea, all right?"
Severus gave the man a grateful look. Percy had certainly become more empathetic since the war. These days he focused much less on work and ambition and more so on the people who loved him in spite of his past mistakes. He had become a great ally for Harry while he'd been stuck here researching, happy to provide assistance on the days Hermione could not come. Since then, Severus had come to respect him greatly.
Harry looked up with a frown. "Okay, Perce. I'll be here."
"Yes, all right." Percy gave them a tentative smile and went into the kitchen, leaving Severus to kneel at Harry's feet and lay his head in his lover's lap.
Harry laid his book aside and ran his hands through Severus' hair. "What is it, love?"
"Ginevra asked me to make her a potion which includes phoenix tears. It made me think of Fawkes. And Albus."
Harry's breath hitched. "Oh. I'm sorry, love." He sighed and continued petting Severus' hair. "Merlin. I miss them too, even if Dumbledore was a manipulative wanker."
Severus made a sound somewhere between a sniffle and a snort. "He was at that, but he was also the closest thing to a father I have ever known."
Harry sank to his knees beside Severus and wrapped him into a gentle hug. "We'll talk about one of those drawings tonight, love. About you and Dumbledore. I think we both need to, if I'm honest."
Severus nodded and buried his face in Harry's neck. "Thank you."
"Mm, nothing to thank me for. I want to see you happy, sweetheart."
Severus gave a wry chuckle and moved back from Harry's embrace. "Merlin, that name. I am nothing of the sort."
Harry laughed softly and helped Severus into the seat beside him. "Are you okay?"
"Yes." Severus wiped his eyes and pulled the pendant from his pocket. "Harry, I have a gift for you that I hope will prove to be the answer to both of our problems, at least for the time being."
"Er … about Dumbledore?"
"No, no. There is little to be done about our past with him other than to talk about it and try to move on. No, I am referring to my need to leave the premises."
Harry paled and went rigid. "Sev … the curse."
"I know." Severus kissed Harry's forehead. "I have told you before, I will not leave you in suffering. If the curse starts when I leave, then I will return."
Harry shook his head hard, eyes wide. "That might work if you're just going next door, but if you're all the way in Diagon Alley, how will you know? I can't firecall and beg you for help if I don't know where you are and my mind is lost in the screaming anyway."
"That is why I have brought you a gift."
Severus showed Harry the pendant, a simple golden locket with Harry's favourite drawing of Severus, shrunken and set inside the frame—he had made a duplicate of it for Harry to hang wherever he preferred, of course.
"This is a warning system, Harry."
Harry ran a trembling finger over the drawing. "Oh, Sev. This is brilliant!" He smiled and looked up. "But what do you mean by a warning system?"
Severus draped the locket over Harry's head and opened it to show the drawing inside. "It has a monitoring charm and several unique spells to prevent you from removing it unless you are in your proper state of mind. This drawing was done by my hand and is of me, which links it to my core. It is also a drawing you are inordinately fond of, which links it to you. I have added another spell to strengthen both links and tie them to your state of being and my nerve endings. Should you become frightened or lost in your mind, this locket will let me know. I will feel it, no matter where I am, and know to come back to you immediately."
Harry traced his finger over the golden clasp. "It … it works anywhere?"
"Even if I should have the strange urge to visit South America and pluck some Brazilian mangoes from the shores of the Amazon, I will feel you if you become afraid."
Harry closed the locket and cupped it close to his heart. "You … you're sure?"
"Yes, beloved. I am absolutely sure."
Harry bit his lip. "A-and you're just going to Diagon Alley?"
Severus caressed Harry's cheek, hoping the touch would soothe him. "I will also need to gather ingredients for Ginevra's potion and check the shop, but yes. I intend to go to Diagon Alley and purchase my bonding robes and rings for the two of us."
Harry chewed on his lip and trembled, silent and shaking. His fear clamoured like sirens in Severus' ears, ringing cold and jarring up his spine, and Severus relented with a sigh. Harry simply wasn't ready.
"Never mind it, love. I will simply transfigure something and send Kreacher out for the ingredients."
Harry winced. "But you really want those robes."
"Yes, and I would like to have rings as well, but you are more important to me. If you cannot bear it, then it is not worth risking your health and trust."
Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "No. I have to … have to learn to be alone again. I have to be strong, or I'll never be able to work again at this rate." He clutched the locket hard. "Just, can we test it first?"
Severus gave Harry a tender kiss. "Of course. What did you have in mind?"
"Well, if you walk down the street, Percy can call you back if there's an emergency and the locket doesn't work. And I'm betting I'll be afraid enough for you to feel it, whether there's a catastrophe or not."
Severus nodded. "I feel it now. Are you ready?"
"Y-yeah." Harry led Severus through the house. "Percy, Severus gave me a monitoring locket so he can try to go out to London without leaving me helpless. We're going to test it."
Percy poked his head out of the kitchen. "Give me a second to fix the teapot and I'll come with you, just in case something goes wrong."
Harry gave him a wan smile. "Thanks."
Severus bowed his head in gratitude.
They waited at the front door for Percy, and once he had finished in the kitchen, all three men gathered on the front lawn, though Harry stayed close to the stoop, just in case.
Severus pointed down the row. "I'm going to walk five houses down. I will wait there for three minutes. If anything happens and I am not here immediately, run into the street and let me know, Percy. When I leave the lawn, I will not be able to see the house any longer and you cannot send a Patronus in the middle of a Muggle neighbourhood."
"Yes sir," Percy said with a nod.
In the interest of expediency, Severus did not bother to correct his too-formal form of address and simply apparated to the end of the street under Notice-Me-Not and silencing charms. He turned around, watching to see if Percy came into the road. Harry's anxiety jangled and rung in his ears, but as time passed and Percy did not appear, it slowly began to abate. Severus timed his absence to three minutes exactly and returned to the front lawn.
Harry was smiling. "Welcome back."
Severus went to the man and held Harry's cheek. "You were not hurt, love?"
Harry shook his head. "Not a whisper. Will you try apparating somewhere closer than Diagon Alley before you go shopping?"
Severus nodded. "Surrey?"
Harry grinned wickedly. "Please apparate directly onto 4 Privet Drive's lawn. Without the charms, this time."
Severus snorted. "If I were certain it was only your relatives living there still, I would without hesitation, but they may have other Muggles present who do not know of the magical world. Will you settle for sending your uncle a rather subtle curse by Muggle post?"
Harry chuckled. "What are you going to do to him?"
"Hmm. Perhaps render him unable to wear anything but plaid shirts, boots, and coveralls for six months? Or perhaps pink shirts and ripped denims."
Harry burst into laughter. "Oh Merlin. The last one—that's brilliant. Can you make it so Petunia is forced to wear denims too and tees with them? Especially ones with magic-friendly designs? Or, ooh! I've got it. Make them go Goth. They'll hate that!"
Severus chuckled along with his fiancé. "Done. And I shall even check on them a month from now and snap a photo or two."
Harry dissolved into giggles on Severus' shoulder. "Merlin, I love you."
Percy sighed. "You two—you do know I work for the department of Muggle-wizard relations, don't you?" When Harry just laughed harder, Percy shook his head. "Should I even attempt to dissuade you from this?"
"Nope," said Harry with a grin. "It's too good to pass up, and subtle enough that they'll think it's me getting them back but they won't be able to prove it. And this way, no one gets hurt."
Percy chuckled. "In that case, I suppose I can pretend I didn't hear anything."
"Thanks for that." Harry kissed Severus' cheek. "Go visit Missus Figg for a moment. Percy will send you a Patronus if the test fails."
"As you wish."
Severus kissed Harry lightly, then apparated to the hidden veranda in Arabella's back lawn, a holdover from the days of the Order and shifts spent guarding Privet Drive in secret. The batty old woman was outside with Snowy, Tufty, and Mister Tibbles' successor, Patches, reading a novel. She gave a little jolt when Severus appeared and almost knocked over a glass of lemonade.
"Mercy me!" She laid a hand over her heart and peered into the veranda. "Severus? Is that you?"
He waved and stepped into the lawn. "My apologies for startling you."
She smiled and waved him off. "Nothing Patches here doesn't delight in doing at least twenty times of a day." She frowned. "Is everything all right, Severus? Harry is still okay, isn't he?"
"That is why I am here. You have heard he's been cursed and that we are to be bonded at the end of spring?"
She gave him a bemused look. "I had, but I'm not sure what one has to do with the other."
"Harry and I … have a unique condition that allows my proximity to heal his curse. He has, as of late, gained some small freedom, and I am testing his ability to bear my absence before attempting to travel to Diagon Alley to shop for my bonding robes."
Arabella smiled brightly. "That's all right then. Would you like a spot of lemonade?"
Severus shook his head. "I need to remain alert in case Harry's charm activates, and I am only to stay a moment anyway. Thank you for the offer, though."
She chuckled. "Nothing at all. I am glad to see you looking so well, Severus. Love has done you a world of good."
Severus blushed and bowed his head in acknowledgement of her compliment. "It has brought me many things I had never hoped to experience."
"Well, it's about time you had some happiness, young man." She lifted her lemonade in a toast and sipped. "I reckon you should be getting back to Harry?"
He nodded. "I should indeed." A wicked grin crossed his face. "We are planning a bit of a subtle prank on the Dursleys. Do tell us if you notice any … changes in their usual patterns, will you?"
Arabella cackled. "With pleasure, dearie."
"Thank you, and also for your hospitality, madam. I will be on my way now."
She waved and went back to her novel, and Severus apparated back to Harry.
"Any problems?"
Harry shook his head and gave Severus a warm smile. "I think you're free."
Severus kissed his forehead. "Soon, pet, you will be free as well."
Harry laid his head on Severus' shoulder. "You know what, as long as I have you and my friends and family to keep me sane, it's really not that bad."
"Hmm. We shall keep working towards a cure regardless. You deserve to be free. Now, I'm off to find something for the ceremony. Take care of him, Percy, and please let me know the moment anything goes wrong if I do not respond."
"You have my word," Percy said, and Severus thanked him before heading on his way.
Harry had put on a brave face for Severus, but the moment the man left, fear came trickling back in. Severus had only been gone to the end of the street and Arabella's for a few moments. What if time apart decreased the potency of their soul-bond? What if time apart increasedthe potency of Harry's curse?
He shuddered and returned to his table on the back lawn, but he couldn't focus on the texts. He was so afraid the locket wouldn't work and he would fall to the curse that he could barely read the words before him at all.
Merlin, but he was tired of looking at dark magic anyway. They'd been at this for three weeks and had yet to find anything promising. Harry was beginning to think the curse was something Bellatrix had created herself. It wouldbe his luck.
A sudden shriek sounded close by, and Harry froze, terror surging through him. Was it the curse? Was it back?
Almost before the thought formed, Severus called from the front stoop. "Harry!"
Percy looked up, bemused. "Severus? He's back already?"
The front door slammed and, about the time Harry realised the shriek had been that of a child in play, Severus came bursting out the back door and caught Harry into his arms.
"Are you all right, pet? I felt your fear."
Harry gave a self-deprecating chuckle and buried his face in Severus' neck, breathing in comfort and safety from his scent. "I … I'm okay."
Percy frowned. "Harry, what happened? We were just reading, weren't we?"
"Er, yes. It's just, I heard the kids next door and—"
Another shriek interrupted him, the sound of a little girl at play with her brother, and Severus nodded in understanding.
"It wasn't the curse then?"
Harry sighed and shook his head. "Sorry I scared you. I just heard a scream and …."
"It's all right." Severus kissed Harry softly. "I am just relieved to find you well."
Harry wrapped his arms around Severus' waist. "I'm okay. I feel safer now."
"Because I came right away?"
Harry blushed. "Um … y-yeah. Sorry, love."
"Do not apologise. It is understandable." Severus stood straight again and kissed Harry's cheek. "If you are well, may I return to my shopping? I was in the middle of the jewellers' when your charm went off, and I do believe I have startled Mister Jasper thoroughly."
Harry chuckled. "Yes, yes. I think I'll be okay now. Thank you, love."
"Yes, thank you, Severus," said Percy, chagrined. "I didn't even know he was upset."
Severus shook his head. "It is not your fault, Percy. If the curse returns and the pendant does not work, you will know soon enough." He rubbed Harry's cheek. "I will be home soon. Try not to be afraid, pet. If anything happens, I will come."
Harry kissed Severus' palm. "I see that now. Go on, finish your shopping. Percy and I will be all right."
Severus bid them farewell again and left. Harry settled into his book again, relieved that Severus' quick return had alleviated his worries. He was able to concentrate on the words at last and set about his research with renewed purpose. The sooner he found this blasted curse, the sooner Severus could leave for five minutes without throwing Harry into a panic attack.
As much as he loved being with Severus every moment, it was time for both of them to have some freedom again. Harry missed his job and Severus couldn't manage his shop remotely forever. Harry needed to find the cure.
"Right," he muttered to himself. "Where are you, you nasty little bugger?"
Beside him, Percy snorted. "That's the spirit."
Harry sat in the living room with Hermione, reading through one of the last books in Regulus' secret stash. By this point, he'd learned more dark magic than he had ever wanted to, but Merlin, wouldn't he know his defence when he returned to the force? Well, at least until Dolohov was down. After that, Harry would let someone else take over and search for a less dangerous career. Ron would be a good leader for his team, and Harry would train him to take over before he moved on. The team would be in good hands, he was sure, and Severus would be able to relax once Harry was out of the field. Maybe he could work as a trainer instead.
Of course, Harry would have to find the curse and its cure before he could do any of that and he had begun to lose hope. The idea that someone as mad as Bellatrix could devise such a sophisticated spell on her own was farfetched in the extreme, but with every book added to the 'useless' pile, the possibility became more and more real.
Honestly, Harry was so tired of research he wouldn't have cared, but for the fact that without information on the curse, he couldn't know if bonding with Severus would actually solve his problems or not. He longed to escape Grimmauld Place. He was so bloody tired of its dreary décor and dark aura, and Merlin, wouldn't he killfor a pint! He wanted to be at home, puttering around his own study—or warming Severus' bed at Spinner's End—but until they found a way to break Harry's ties to Grimmauld Place, he was stuck.
With a sigh, Harry dumped the latest useless book in the pile and pulled out the next. He scanned the title and a thrill of recognition went through him. This was one of the books they hadn't been able to track before—a journal of Hieronymus Black. They had a record of the book in the Black Archives—unlike all the other cached books—so it was possible Regulus had simply forgotten to erase the title from the list like he had done for the rest. Regulus had rabbited away the book on Black bonds too, but it hadn't yielded any results. Maybe this time, Harry's infamous dumb luck would finally come through.
Merlin, he hoped so.
Harry's fingers prickled as he opened the book, whether from old magic or anticipation, he wasn't sure. Either way, he dug in, trudging his way through the author's less-than-stellar penmanship and egotistical ramblings.
Thirty pages in, he found his answers.
-o-
Priori Animae {Familial Soul Curse, incomplete}
I designed this spell to be used against unfaithful members of the Black Family. If the curse had been successful, its targets would have endured the memory of their sins for the duration of their lives; however, the curse is flawed.
Working as intended, the curse takes soul imprints of every Black Family member for the past five centuries and forces the target to hear their voices until they die. It also binds the target to the nearest ancestral Black home, the perfect revenge for a disloyal deserter.
-o-
Harry leapt up, excitement ringing through his veins. "Hermione! Severus! I think I found it!"
Hermione gasped and leapt up to sit beside Harry, and from the basement, Severus called, "Just a moment!"
Harry waited until Severus could put his potions in stasis and join them. The man raced up the stairs a half a moment later, still pulling off lab gear as he emerged from the house. He cast a quick cleaning spell on his hands and face, sat on the sofa beside Harry, and wrapped his arm around his lover's shoulders.
"All right, what have you found?"
Harry read aloud what he had already discovered for himself, then finished the rest of the entry.
-o-
Or it should have been the perfect revenge, but, alas! The curse is imperfect, and only works upon those with already-damaged souls. My research indicates only a person who has murdered in cold blood, encountered soul-sickness, or is half-souled will fall prey to it. A person with a whole soul would not be affected at all.
As the target must also be of the Black bloodline, the curse is of little use. Another failure! Soul-sickness and Dimidium Animae are exceedingly rare, and I am unsure I want my work to be used towards keeping a disloyal, murdering fool in the family.
-o-
Hermione scoffed. "Oh, like you're so much better, Mister I-Invent-Soul-Curses-for-Fun."
Harry chuckled. "True. But this is it, isn't it? This is the curse?"
"I believe it is," said Severus with a smile. "And that is good news. Because when we bond, you will have a complete, undamaged soul again, Harry, as well as the strength of my own added to yours. The split between our souls will fuse and, without a break, the curse will have no foothold."
Harry gave him a hopeful smile. "So … so you're saying that once we're bonded, I'll definitely be cured? And all the people trapped in my head—they'll be free for good?"
"So it appears. Since Bellatrix no longer bears the curse, when you are free of it, the soul fragments inside your head will be freed also."
Harry whooped and leapt into Severus' lap, taking him into a fierce kiss, potion-covered robes and all.
"Er … congratulations, Harry," said Hermione with a laugh. "I'm just going to … um, let the team know?"
Severus pulled back long enough to pant out, "And remove yourself from our immediate vicinity?"
"Yes, yes that!" She practically ran from the room, muttering under her breath. "Couldn't wait two minutes … honestly!"
Harry burst into laughter and called out, "Sorry, Hermione!"
"Never mind it," she called back. "Go celebrate. I'm going to let the others know you'll be okay soon."
"Thanks, sis."
"Just keep the shagging to a minimum when I'm on the same sofa, please?"
Severus chuckled into Harry's shoulder. "I believe I can safely make that promise."
They heard Hermione harrumph all the way from the living room before she flooed away.
Severus laughed openly. "That was … entertaining."
Harry smirked and straddled his fiancé. "I can think of something more entertaining. Want to … er, take the lead for me this time? Make me feel you all the way down to my toes?"
Severus' breath hitched and his eyes lit with fire. "Merlin, yes. Upstairs with you."
Harry went, grinning all the way.
