Harry had been at work all day but he had to make a trip to Scotland. He had made an appointment to speak with Horace. He was the only potions master Harry knew well enough to ask about such things. He thought there had to be some way that Severus could still work in the lab, even if he could no longer stand. Harry hoped the need would only be temporary but he thought it still required. There had to be a way to lift the man's spirits and perhaps inspire him to learn to walk again. And there were only two things that Harry knew the man cared about. And since he refused to see Draco and Lucius, than Harry would have to settle for potions. For now as he wasn't about to back down.
Horace was a bit surprised but he had been happy to have him. Unlike Severus he had never had anything against the boy. He hadn't thought Harry as incompetent in potions as Severus made him out to be at times.
Harry walked into his classroom. "Horace."
The man looked up. "Harry, how nice to see you my boy."
Harry thought it a change from Severus. "I must say I was a bit surprised you were still teaching."
Horace laughed. "Don't worry, not insulted. I haven't found a good replacement."
Harry thought of the obvious one. "I don't know if you have heard, but I have become a healer."
Horace led him into his office. "If you're looking for a job, you'll need to talk to Poppy. But I don't think she plans to retire for a few years."
Harry shook his head. "Actually, I was looking for some advice."
Horace called for some tea. "Advice?"
Harry nodded. "I have a patient, he is paralyzed."
Horace handed him a cup. "Okay?"
Harry took it. "He has had a deep love for potions. I thought perhaps to be able to give it back."
Horace looked up. "A potions' master?"
Harry didn't know how many there were. "No, more a hobby I believe."
Horace stood. "Though it would have limits, there are ways."
Harry watched as the man took out a book. "I don't want him blowing up his room."
Horace laughed. "Not unless he is doing potions with you."
Harry pointed out. "I don't recall any accidents in yours."
Horace handed him the book. " I only had the pleasure of you for two years. Though I think Severus may have exaggerated."
Harry looked at the book and saw what the man was talking about. There were even spells to be used, to make it more stable and safe. Harry was a bit surprised Severus wouldn't have thought about it. He mentioned it to Horace but simply the fact he had never heard of it before. Horace directed his attention to the book, and Harry realized he was one of the authors. But it had been published abroad and not common around here. It had not been used, as there was not a huge demand for potions labs that were accessible. Harry thanked the man for the book.
Harry made a stop on his way to meet Teddy and his grandfather. Andromeda was working late and the boys were having a boy's night out. Well as much as one they could have with Teddy. He stopped at the apothecary but the one on Knockturn.
The owner recognized him. "Lord Black, what can I do for you?"
Harry held the book. "I was hoping you could perhaps help."
The man took the book from him. "It seems a simple enough design."
Harry was relieved. "I would like it made as soon as possible. I will pay for it well."
The man put the book down. "It will take a few days. There are precautions you don't wish to rush."
Harry handed him some coins. "A deposit. I believe you know how to contact Black manor."
The man bowed. "Your adopted grandsire was among one of my best customers in my early days."
Harry was reminded it was more than an apothecary. "Thank you."
He ran into Ted and Teddy coming out of the alley. Ted was surprised. "What were you doing down there?"
Harry smirked. "I feel like I'm in school again. I just needed to stop at a shop."
Ted laughed. "Not the aurors. Teddy and I were about to go to the bookstore before we met you."
Harry took his son. "Well then I am glad I'm early."
Teddy beamed. "Book on snakes."
Ted laughed. "I have no idea why, but he has his heart set. He must have really liked the one from Draco."
Harry snorted. "I should have known who'd give my son such a book."
Ted reminded him as they went into the shop. "Draco is quite fond of Teddy and the other way around as well."
Harry watched his son as they were in the store. He knew the reason Teddy wanted a book on snakes and it had nothing to do with Draco. It had some perhaps but the new book wasn't about him. Harry had a feeling his son would insist on tagging along next weekend. He didn't think it was a bad thing as he thought it would actually do some good for the man. Maybe Harry could finally find out what others saw in the man.
Harry was with his son and Ted in the Cauldron when Ginny came in with Ron and Hermione. "Too late to hide?"
Ginny was red. "You keep standing me up and I….."
Harry glared at her. "You'll what? Besides I don't recall having plans."
Ginny was fuming. "I told you I made reservations."
Harry agreed. "And I told you a fancy dinner wasn't needed, I accepted your apology."
Ron wasn't happy. "You keep making a fool out of my sister."
Ginny glared at Teddy. "I won't be pushed aside for the brat all the time."
Harry looked at his son and back. "He is my Son."
Ginny put a hand on his arm. "I will give you real children, you know I have wanted to marry for a long time."
Harry pulled away. "Teddy is my real son. And if you keep this up, you will never see a ring."
Ginny looked like she was slapped. "You'd not break up with me. You know it."
Harry picked up his son. "I think we need to take a break from this relationship. Get our priorities straight."
Ginny fumed. "You are not breaking up with me. You can't."
Harry shook his head. "Not yet. A break."
Ron glared at Harry as Ginny stormed off. "You better make this right, or you know you're not welcome."
Harry held his son, and hoped he had been right. Teddy was his little boy even if he hadn't given birth to him. He hoped to have more children but that would never change what Teddy was for him. Teddy would always be his first child no matter what. Ted put a hand on Harry and suggested they go home. Harry decided they should leave but they went muggle for some peace and quiet.
Ted assured him. "You did the right thing. And those who really want you happy, will agree."
He had spent the whole week avoiding the floo. Molly, Ginny and Ron had all tried to call him, even Percy had. Bill and George had both kept out of it. He was reminded Charlie was coming home and he had been meant to be at a family dinner the following weekend. Though he liked Charlie and wanted to meet his boyfriend, Harry didn't think he could go. Not unless he decided to end the break from Ginny and apologize. He wasn't ready for it to end and he definitely wouldn't apologize. The girl needed to, both to him and to his son.
He usually didn't drop money but he had wanted the piece made quick and right. He wasn't disappointed as it was delivered by Friday. He had it sent to the school so Horace could test it and ensure it was correct. It was ready for Severus on Saturday.
Teddy was waiting. "I have my book daddy."
Andromeda looked up. "He was quite sure you were taking him."
Harry smiled. "I try and spend every weekend with him."
Ted nodded. "But as we remind you, you need some personal time as well."
Harry reminded him. "Ginny and I are on a break."
Andromeda gently pushed. "It might be a good time to test the waters elsewhere."
Harry sighed. "I'm not sure I am ready yet."
Ted clapped him on the back. "Those in the family who love you, will just want you happy."
Harry knew. "Part of me is worried to find out how many of those there are."
Andromeda switched topics. "Have you decided to let Teddy be a true Black, and a Slytherin?"
Ted saw his confusion. "She saw the new book."
Harry smirked. "It wasn't my choice."
Andromeda shrugged. "You know my nephew and grandson have become close."
Harry scooped his son up. "I do."
Ted called as he was about to leave. "If you're free, the Malfoys invited us over for dinner."
Andromeda added. "You had a good time last time. And they are family."
Harry agreed. "As long as it isn't some set up."
Lucius may have been single but he knew the man liked to meddle in lives. And Pansy definitely liked to play matchmaker when in school. He thought for a moment he might want to embrace them. They may be the only family he had if he broke up with Ginny. But he was reminded he had his son and the Tonks. He had barely known the couple before the end of the war but he couldn't imagine not having them now and not just for Teddy. Besides he had his friends, and he knew George would always be there for him.
Harry and Teddy headed for the coast. Harry had sent the gift on for the man. He hoped to convince Severus to go out to the beach for a bit even if not to help Teddy with a sandcastle. The fresh air would do him some good.
Severus didn't seem surprised when he saw them. "I see I was right."
Teddy showed him the book. "Got next one."
Harry smiled. "I thought after, that we would take you out."
Severus smirked. "Not going in public thanks."
Harry laughed. "Onto the beach. The elves tell me you have been using your chair more."
Severus didn't deny it. "I guess not being locked in one room has been nice."
Teddy clambered right back into his lap. "Read to me please."
Severus grunted as he took the book. "At least better manners than your father."
Harry sunk down on the bed. "He wouldn't let me read it to him though we bought in Monday."
Teddy looked at him. "Daddy no like snakes. Uncle Draco said."
Harry saw the pale look from Severus. "I like some snakes Teddy bear."
As he listened to them he thought about his power. He hadn't told his son as he had lost the ability to talk to snakes since the end of the war. The link had been through Voldemort and with him gone, the power seemed to vanish. He didn't really miss it though. It had made people doubt him and think him perhaps evil. He now had the world on his side, but he didn't need the power.
Severus did agree to go with them down to the beach. He argued he couldn't help Teddy with a sandcastle from his chair but Harry handed him his wand. He wasn't sure the man would but he did start to help with some spells.
Harry smirked when he saw the Slytherin crest. "How am I not surprised?"
Severus returned the smirk. "It's for your son. He loves Snakes so much."
Teddy clapped his hands. "I like. Make a dragon too."
Severus looked at the boy. "I assume your Dad has told you stories?"
Teddy grinned. "And Hagrid. Hagrid tell lots."
Severus looked at Harry as he made it. "Hagrid too?"
Harry shrugged. "He was close to my parents. And I had tea with him a lot in school."
Teddy was sad when they had to go in. "Come again please daddy."
Harry kissed him. "We will. I think he enjoys your company."
Severus grumbled though he didn't deny it. "Indeed."
Harry added. "I have a gift for him waiting in his room."
Severus wasn't pleased. "Should I head the other way."
Harry led him back into his room. "I think you'll like this one."
Severus stared at the new potions area set up. "No. I can't."
Harry showed him the diagram from Horace. "You can. It has been tested. I have the supplies you may need."
Severus went over the design and realized that it would actually work. He had heard Horace had been working on some kind of book. He was amazed that the boy had gone to all of this trouble for him. He knew Harry had been looking for a way to get him to try walking again. Severus had never thought to make potions again. Like walking, he had ruled it out long ago.
Severus called as Harry and Teddy were about to leave. He grudgingly said. "Thank you."
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