Chapter fifty-two: Malfoy Manor.
"What?" Harry asked, almost dumbfounded.
Severus knew this probably wouldn't go down well with the Gryffindor, but the offer was there. He would be attending without him if that was the case.
"Do I really need to repeat myself?" he drawled, moving back to his desk. He knew Harry and Draco weren't the best of friends, but honestly, they could learn a few things from one another.
Standing from his seat, Harry didn't really know what to say. He never thought Narcissa Malfoy would invite him over to dinner. What about her husband?
"What about Lucius? I'm sorry, but I don't want to go anywhere near him—even if he's a free wizard or not. He still tried to kill me and Ginny."
"Lucius will not be attending, I have been informed," stated Severus. Honestly, he didn't know if he'd attend if that was the case. He and Lucius were not on the best of terms. He could tolerate him, but that was as far as it went. He'd never forget that unlike him, Lucius had been a loyal (even if cowardly) Death Eater. He didn't take to that lightly—despite knowing what he'd got himself into in the past with his friendship.
"Oh…" Harry still didn't know, though. It meant Draco would be there. He really needed to thank Narcissa for what she did for him last year, but at the same time, he knew it was going to be awfully awkward. Especially with the relationship between him and Severus.
"Can I have the rest of the day to think about it and get back to you tomorrow? I just… I don't want things to be bad. I wouldn't want to ruin anything for you."
Severus frowned. "Why would you be ruining anything?" he asked, "I would be more than pleased if you attended with me."
Putting his hands together, he leant on the edge of his desk. "I am well aware of your relationship to Draco, but we are all of age here. Narcissa does speak highly of you, Harry, if you are concerned?"
"It's not that," Harry sighed, "It's… more Draco than anything. Are you sure he's comfortable with me being there? I mean, I wouldn't want to feel like I'm imposing or anything."
"Harry, you are both old enough to act maturely and put your differences aside. You are in a relationship with a Slytherin now. One that is much worse than Draco had ever been. A bully he had been, perhaps, but he has learnt the error of his ways. Believe me when I say that."
The night on the Astronomy Tower had changed Draco for the better. He was no killer. He was scared, a confused boy. He had learnt from his wrongs. He now knew what it was like to appreciate the smaller things in life.
Looking away for a moment, Harry nodded. "Alright. I'll go. But if I start feeling targeted or anything, I want to leave immediately, yeah?"
"I understand," nodded Severus. He didn't expect things to go pristine, but he wasn't expecting the worst, either. He and Narcissa were on good terms with one another. He figured Harry and Draco would just have to act like adults.
*****
"Really?" asked Hermione. "But… do you even really like Malfoy?"
"Yeah, we're the best of friends, Hermione, didn't you know that?" Harry said sarcastically. She gave him a condescending look and he shrugged. "I don't hate him… I mean, I know he's changed. I don't really know what into, but surely it's better than he used to be."
Hermione raised a brow and made a soft noise of disbelief. "Well, as long as he's not throwing around that people are Mudbloods…"
Harry frowned. "You know if he even mentioned it-,"
"It's alright, Harry. Actually, that was cruel of me, I shouldn't have even said that," Hermione admitted. She knew Malfoy had changed, they all did. The events of the last few years had made them all grow in one way or another.
"I'm sure it will be alright. Besides, you've been wanting to thank Narcissa ever since the Forest," she stated. "This will be good. You're moving up in your relationship by even considering it."
Yeah, he supposed he was. Harry hadn't really thought of it like that, but he was. Just like Snape with the Dursleys. Although that didn't exactly turn out for the best, did it? He hoped the same kind of thing wouldn't happen at the Malfoy's.
"You'll be fine. Snape loves you. If he knows you're feeling uncomfortable, he will get you out of there some way or another," the girl promised.
Harry nodded and for a moment they sat in the common-room for silence before he asked, "How's things with Ron?"
"Better?" suggested Hermione. She sighed, though. "I'm glad we're friends, Harry, but we'll never be anything more again. I think I'm done with boys for a while," she muttered.
Harry just smirked. "Yeah, we're pretty awful, aren't we?"
"Absolutely terrible!" Hermione said with a laugh.
Harry just grinned. "What about Viktor? Have you heard back from him yet?"
"Not yet. But that's alright. We're just friends as well," she stated purposefully.
"And what did you tell him? Did you tell him that you and Ron broke up?"
Hermione shrugged. "I don't see why it's any of his business, but he had asked in the letter before how we were going, so I told the truth. I just told him that we were just friends. I didn't get into details. He doesn't need to know those."
Harry nodded. A reasonable explanation. He supposed Krum didn't really need to hear about the finer details anyway.
Watching Harry, Hermione sighed gently. "Are you sure you're going to be alright for tomorrow? Snape wouldn't hate you if you didn't go. You know that, right?"
Of course he did, but he knew Snape would still be let down. The Malfoys may not be his friends, but that didn't matter. You still went with the person you loved, even if you didn't like it. He knew questions would arise, and he knew they'd be awkward. The least he could do was be there for Severus when it happened.
"Yeah, I know. It's alright, I'll be okay. Just going to be strange, that's all." He found himself suddenly surrounded by Slytherins. The Sorting Hat had been wrong about him, but what if he hadn't have asked to be in Gryffindor? Would he truly be a Slytherin?
Pushing the thoughts aside, he stood up from the lounge. It was going to be a long day tomorrow, so he should probably get as much rest as he could.
"I should probably get as much sleep as I can get, Hermione. Thanks for the talk," he smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night, Harry," said the girl, watching him head up the stairs to the boys dormitory.
*****
The following evening, Harry made his way down to the dungeons to meet up with Snape. Severus had sent him Fawkes with a letter attached to his leg, informing him that he'd gotten him something to wear for the night.
Harry had to admit, he would have felt embarrassed going to the Malfoys dressed in his daggy Muggle clothes. He didn't care much for it, but he knew Malfoy would probably sneer and say something about it. He didn't want to start the night off bad just because of his dress.
With Fawkes on his arm, the phoenix happily landed back on his perch in the Head of Slytherin's office as he opened the door and stepped inside.
Harry didn't know why he was expecting something different from Severus, but he was dressed in a usual nice looking dress shirt and black trousers. Nothing fancy (for him), just a casual wear. Maybe he just figured that the event was meant to be more… formal, considering it was with the Malfoys.
"Hey," he said happily as he walked in, "I got your letter." Obviously, as Fawkes had found his perch and was sitting upon it.
"Good evening," Severus replied. He extended his hand for Harry to take it, "You looked nice in black before, so I thought I'd get you something more permanent."
Harry took Severus' hand as he was led into the bedroom. On the edge of the bed was a very nice looking dress shirt. He had to admit, he felt a little awkward being dressed up. He usually had hand-me-downs. This had to have been pricy…
Severus' hand left his and he picked up the shirt. It was fine, very silky to the touch—though not silk.
"H-how much was this?" he asked. Snape only lived off a Hogwarts wage… although he didn't know exactly how much that was to be perfectly honest.
Severus put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "That doesn't matter. Put it on."
Looking over his shoulder, Harry felt a wave of uneasiness yet appreciation go over him. He didn't even work and he had more savings than Severus, probably. All that money that his parents had given him? It was sitting in Gringotts and building.
Feeling comfortable with Severus in the room, he removed his jacket and t-shirt before slipping the dress shirt over his shoulders. It was smooth against his skin, and he could feel the hairs on his arms prickle a little. This couldn't have been cheap.
Doing the buttons up, he put the collar down and turned around to face the Slytherin. He patted himself down a little. It felt good. He doubted he'd had anything as nice as this before—except maybe his dress robes.
Putting his hands onto Harry's shoulders, Severus nodded, taking in the Gryffindor. Yes, he looked very nice in dark colours. It really brought out those glorious green eyes of his.
"Well? How do I look?" asked Harry, swallowing as he tried to read Snape's expression. After all this time, he was still bad at reading him. Or Severus was just very good at hiding his emotions.
"You look… Well, I think it speaks for itself," he said softly as he leant in and gave Harry a tender kiss.
Feeling Snape's hands go around his waist, Harry leant into the kiss, his nerves somehow disappearing from his touch. Honestly, he wished the bond was around all the time—he'd never be nervous again! However, it did have its inconveniences—feeling his blood rush downwards.
Pulling out, Snape ran a finger through Harry's fringe. "Considering it's not formal attire, the black jeans should be more than acceptable," he noted, looking down as Harry was also wearing a pair of Converse shoes.
He had to admit, although Harry looked stunning dressed up, there was definitely something he found very attractive about his casual wear as well. Perhaps it was an 'opposites attract' thing, he didn't know. But just because he preferred to be dressed up certainly didn't mean he scolded Potter for being dressed down. Well… not all the time, anyway.
Looking down, Harry nodded. "Alright. Are you ready?" he asked, his nerves beginning to crawl around in his stomach again.
"As ready as I will be," muttered Severus. He headed over to the outside fireplace and grabbed the floo powder. "Remember, say it loudly and clearly. Malfoy Manor."
Harry nodded again before he saw Severus consumed by the flames. He waited a moment before grabbing the powder into his hands. Loudly and clearly, he spoke the address, the green flames swallowing him as well.
When they dwindled, he looked around, having appeared in the Malfoy Manor. This wasn't the first time he'd been here. He'd been here during the war, during Voldemort's reign. However, things were certainly cleaned up and fixed. Maybe even a little livelier.
The walls and floors were pristine, and he had time to take it all in. Malfoy was incredibly wealthy. At the same time, it made him feel uncomfortable. He wasn't of this stature. Even if he did have the money, he probably wouldn't choose something like this to live in. Something comfy and homey was more than perfect for him.
"Severus, Harry," said Narcissa, having expected them.
"Narcissa," Severus acknowledged.
"Hello, Mrs Malfoy," Harry added awkwardly.
Narcissa smiled and nodded, moving in gracefully. She was wearing a green tinted dress—silk. She moved in closely to Severus and gave him a very graceful looking embrace.
Harry watched the way Snape acted before her. To be honest, he knew he was reserved, but he seemed to relax around her. Even more so than Lucius…
Extending his hand, he shook hers, but she leant down to his embarrassment and gave him a very welcoming kiss on each cheek. He felt blood rush quickly to his face.
"There isn't any need to be shy around here, Harry," said Narcissa, smiling delightfully. "Come into the dining area. Dinner should be prepared soon."
Harry looked awkwardly at Severus, but Snape just nodded to him, making him tail behind him. He was led into an even larger room with a very spacious table in the middle. Already there were sweets and bread on the table for him to nibble at—and Draco Malfoy, who was standing to the side.
"Draco, please come and address yourself."
Malfoy nodded. "Severus. Potter." He sat himself down at the edge of the table, his mother sitting at the direct end.
"Please take a seat. The elves should be here any moment."
Severus took the seat that was next to Narcissa, so Harry sat beside him, the other half of the table empty. Draco was across from him, which made him feel even more awkward. Honestly, he wanted to get out of here already. This just wasn't his forte.
"So, tell me, how have things been, Severus? It's been a long time."
Almost a year, Severus realised. "Yes, things have been quite… complicated," he admitted. "Draco informed you that I received your letter?"
"Yes, he did," Narcissa nodded, giving a gentle smile to her son. She then turned to Harry. "I am very pleased you came, Harry. I wanted to thank you in person so many times. I didn't think it right going to Hogwarts, especially if it would make you uncomfortable. Honestly, after everything that had happened…" She drifted off.
Harry's lips parted a little. "I should be thanking you," he said softly after a moment. "You saved my life back then… You could have told…" He didn't say Voldemort's name in case it was taboo around the Malfoy Manor, "Well, you know."
Another very appreciative smile creased Narcissa's lips.
A few more minutes of Severus and Narcissa 'catching up' and the food was brought out onto the table. Harry tried not to look at Draco when the plates were filled with very high end looking food. A roast in the middle, covered with a very rich looking gravy. Then again, a Pureblood family like the Malfoys? Of course all of their food was going to be pricey.
Harry stayed silent most of the time. He didn't know what to say, to be honest. He had nothing against Narcissa, and he didn't really have anything against Draco anymore, but to call them friends? They were hardly that. The only reason he came here was to thank Narcissa and to not disappoint Snape.
The elves (there were multiple) cut the meat and gave a generous amount to each plate before disappearing. Harry couldn't stop the thought of Dobby coming into his mind. This was where he lived. This was where he was mistreated and abused by Lucius Malfoy. How many other elves had been abused beneath him?
However, when he saw Narcissa nod thankfully to one of them before they disappeared, he wondered just how much the Malfoys had changed. Was it just Lucius that had been a bad influence on the family name and his son?
Draco had changed, and he knew that. But just how much? How much was his mother willing to change their lifestyle now that Lucius clearly wasn't in the picture? Or was he? They were just taking a break?
When dinner was finished, they moved into another room—which seemed to be for sitting and entertainment. There was no Muggle television or anything like that, but Harry didn't expect there to be. The Malfoys were Purebloods and very cultural to their wizarding heritage.
Severus had moved to one of the couches adjacent to Narcissa's, and he could hear them talking amongst themselves. This meant he and Draco were stuck together.
Swallowing awkwardly, he looked over to the Slytherin who was staring at him with a not-so-amused look on his face.
"Think about stealing any of my belongings and I will know, Potter."
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm not here to argue wealth, Malfoy. I'm stuck here, just like you are. The least we could do is not make things even more awkward by starting an argument."
Draco seemed to stop and think for a moment before he leant back into his chair. "You and Snape, then? You're serious?"
Harry shrugged, as if it were obvious. "Trust me, if it weren't for Snape, then I'd not be here," he said with a laugh. He realised that may have come off as offensive, but Malfoy didn't object, he simply nodded once in agreement.
"You do know Severus and I go a long time back, yes? He's been like a member of the family since before I was born. My father and he were very close friends in school." Actually, Severus had been around a lot when he was young. He was almost like an uncle to him.
Yes, Harry knew all this. He'd seen Snape's memories. "Where is your father?" he asked, despite knowing it was going to be a touchy subject. Honestly, it just sort of came out because of Malfoy's know-it-all tone.
Malfoy stiffened a little. "He's out, not that it's any of your business," he added quickly. "My father does some very serious business for the Ministry now."
"I thought he got sacked…" Harry said with a raised brow.
Draco's hand tightened, but before he could say anything, Harry spoke again.
"Look, like I said, I'm not here to start an argument. Everything that happened between us in school is in the past for me. You once said that I could be your friend, a good and right friend when I came here. I declined then and there, but I've seen the better person you can be. Voldemort changed you. It changed us all. I believe we can start afresh." It may not be friends, but it was better than enemies.
Looking at the extended hand before him, Draco looked back up. It was no secret that they had been enemies in all of their school years besides the last. If he were a small man, he would decline the offer. But Potter was right. Things had changed. And he would not stoop to his own father's level. He was better than that.
Extending his hand, he shook it. "This doesn't make us best friends, Potter. I hope you know that. But I figure you're going to be around a lot more. I best get used to it." And in all honesty, he'd rather them be on mutual terms with one another than enemies again—not that he'd let Harry know that, though.
Harry smiled lightly before he leant back in his chair. "Good."
Settling back into his own seat, Malfoy relaxed. "You know, I never would have thought this. Us? Sitting together in my home? Honestly, I had doubts about you, Potter. Looks like you've started taking care of yourself a little more."
Harry didn't really know what that meant, but he supposed ever since he'd been with Snape, he'd certainly looked happier than the previous few years. And perhaps a little more dressed.
"Well, I guess you don't have much time to think about yourself when a psychotic wizard is trying to kill you…"
Draco just looked at the Gryffindor. It wasn't easy for him to just think that the past didn't happen. He'd been an awful person back then. Not just to Potter but a lot of others, too. He also didn't forget that Harry could have killed him a few years back. Then again, it wasn't like he hadn't tried to do the same thing either.
"I suppose…" he drawled, like it wasn't anything. The both of them went silent for a moment, and in the background, Severus and his mother could be heard talking amongst themselves.
"So you're selling?" asked Narcissa, eyes widening.
Snape shrugged. "Spinner's End has not been a home to me in a long time." Narcissa was well aware of his social status as a child. He was poor, beneath them in many ways. However, she'd always been very giving to him. Sometimes it bothered him, made him feel patronised and weak. She was a good woman, though.
Narcissa nodded. "Of course, Severus, I didn't intend anything otherwise. But where would you be looking? Somewhere near London? In the city or perhaps outside?"
"I've always enjoyed the seclusion of the world in Hogwarts, so I'd be looking for something with that same feel. Somewhere where I could work and not have prying eyes of Muggles," informed the Slytherin.
"Of course," said Narcissa, as if it were obvious that he couldn't be around Muggles. "If I hear of anything, I will certainly contact you. I'm assuming Harry would be moving in with you?"
Severus glanced at the younger man for a second as he was talking to Draco. "We have yet to speak of it seriously. But I have mentioned selling. I'd enjoy the company, and I'm positive his aunt and uncle would be more then pleased if he never returned…"
The witch's eyes lit up at the mention of that. "Severus, do you have any idea how positive this is of you? All those years of being such a vagabond. Of course, I always knew you weren't as daunting as you made yourself out to be, but this is good for you. You've moved on from…" She stopped.
"Lily, yes," Snape finished. Lucius and Narcissa knew about Lily when they had become friends. He'd always tried to make out it was over with and that he hated her because she was a Mudblood—and they'd used it as a ways to convince him they needed to be killed. He always figured Narcissa still knew, though. She was never fully for the hatred of Muggle-borns.
Moving forward in his seat, he placed his hands between his knees. "I have yet to get an honest answer. Dumbledore doesn't make sense and Minerva has been thrilled to harass me on 'feelings'. I've often wondered if Potter bonded to me simply because of his mother's blood. Perhaps I bonded to him that way, too. I've often questioned myself about this relationship. If it's… solid. If it's… true."
Narcissa moved forward in her own seat so they had a bit of privacy. Luckily, her son and Harry seemed to be distracted with one of the old magical toys Draco had had as a child—showing it off to the other.
"I know little about these bonds, Severus. But from what I've heard, or been informed of, Harry saved your life. Do you think that he would have saved it if you weren't supposed to end up together? You could have died that night, but you didn't."
Severus knew that. It still bothered him that Harry had just… saved him like that. He thought he was dead. He thought he was gone. And to wake up to Harry Potter? It all felt so strange. Was it really just meant to be fate? That they would end up together?
Perhaps him and Lily never were meant to be. He knew their friendship turned for the worst, but they still could have repaired it. If he hadn't have become a Death Eater, than Lily may have loved him back.
Did it really matter anymore, though? Why did he need to question it? He was done with that—or at least he thought he had been. No… he was. It didn't matter anymore. What mattered was his and Harry's relationship here and now. He guessed there would always be a part of him that never thought he was worthy of anyone else's time, though.
Severus had never had much confidence in anything—except his intelligence. Everything else? Especially when it came to others taking an interest in him? Never. He'd probably always feel insecure, no matter how many times Harry said he was special or whatever came out of that teenage mouth of his.
He feared that one day Harry would leave him, just like Lily had. He knew Harry wasn't Lily, but that didn't stop the fear from creeping into the back of his mind every now and again. They had so many differences, and in the end, he just feared it would tear them apart. He knew he wasn't the best person to get along with.
"I suppose…" he muttered, not wanting to argue the subject. No matter what anyone said, it would take a long time for him to come to terms with the fact that someone like Harry Potter had fallen for him.
Leaning back into his seat, he hid a yawn. The weekend had been long on him and he couldn't stay too late. Tomorrow was a school day, so the both of them needed to get back to Hogwarts.
"I am apologetic, Narcissa, but Harry and I must get back to Hogwarts, as well as Draco. It's is, after all, a school night."
Narcissa nodded. Severus was the professor, and he'd been the one to get the passes for them all to go out. She trusted him with her life, and her son's.
Seeing Severus stand from the corner of his eye, Harry looked up and stood himself as Severus motioned for him to move.
"It was a pleasure. I thank you for the invitation."
Narcissa smiled gently before giving him that graceful embrace once more. She turned to Harry and nodded, thankful that he took the time to come.
"Thanks for inviting me," Harry said.
"Draco, I will see to it that you are back at Hogwarts," said Severus, Draco saying a goodbye to his mother.
Narcissa followed them back to the fireplace before giving her son a final goodbye. "Once more, thank you for coming out, Harry. I hope to see more of you in the future. Who knows, perhaps you will have little Severus' and Harry's soon."
Both Severus and Harry went stiff at the mention of any child between the two of them. Harry turned a bright shade of red while Snape turned an off white.
"U-um…" Harry started.
Draco avoided all eye contact. "We have to get back to school, mother," he mumbled.
"Of course, Draco. I will see you later."
"Harry, Draco, please go ahead," Severus muttered, the two younger wizards doing so. They disappeared into the flames before he turned to Narcissa.
"I suppose children aren't going to be in the picture?" the witch asked.
Severus put his hands together. "Another question the media has brought to our attention. We have not yet spoken of it seriously. Mere mentions of it, but… Harry is quite young still. I don't think that a child is what he needs in his life right now." Potter could hardly look after his grades, let alone a living being… Even his owl was independent!
"His parents were quite young when they had him, too. You know that. Severus, you're not getting any younger…"
He knew that. But a child? It wasn't that he hated the thought of children—although most of them got on his nerves within mere seconds. But this was not his decision, nor something he honestly thought he'd be thinking of.
"Perhaps when Harry has finished training as an Auror. However, the subject is off the table for now. I'd advise not pressing the issue."
Narcisaa gave a respectful nod. "I understand."
"If you need anything, you know where to find me," Severus stated calmly—a hint towards Lucius not being there anymore. He didn't ask about him. Narcissa or Draco would inform him when they were ready.
"I'm alright. Draco… he's the one I worry for," she explained. "Please take care of him, Severus."
Snape nodded before he said a final goodbye, taking the floo powder and returning to his office.
Patting himself down, Draco gave a single nod to the professor. "Thank you for coming tonight. You know my mother appreciates your company."
Snape gave a nod. He made a mental note to speak to Malfoy when he could about his father.
"Your passes are almost up. The both of you need to return to your quarters."
And back to stern professor once again. Harry mentally sighed, but Draco was firm with taking the order. He said a goodnight to the both of them before he left the office. He, however, stayed behind and turned to Snape.
"Children? Really?" he asked, "Could tonight get any more awkward?"
Severus just shrugged. Narcissa did put up a fair point. He wasn't getting any younger, but Harry certainly wasn't at the age of having a child, either. He hadn't even finished school!
When Snape didn't say anything, Harry just looked at him, gawking. "Wait… you don't actually agree with her, do you? That we should… have a kid…"
"Of course not!" Snape scoffed, "You are hardly of age, Harry. I simply understand where she was coming from. She has a point."
"A point? What kind of point?"
"That I am not your age, nor am I going to get any younger," Severus bluntly stated. That seemed to shut the Gryffindor up, but it wasn't his intent. This wasn't a conversation he wanted to have tonight—or any time soon, so it was just as uncomfortable to him as it was to Harry.
Walking over to the younger wizard, he put a hand to his shoulder. "Harry, this is not a decision to take lightly, I am aware of that. Nor would I ever bring it up whilst you are undergoing study here at Hogwarts. However, that was not the only thing that Narcissa brought up."
Harry looked up in dread, swallowing hard. What else?
"I'm putting the house in Spinner's End up for sale."
What? Harry's eyes widened behind his round glasses, shocked and confused. Okay, he shouldn't be that shocked. He knew Severus hardly spent time there. He knew it was gloomy and not very pleasant, but where would he go? Stay here at Hogwarts? Surely not.
Tracing a hand down Harry's cheek, Snape lifted the Gryffindor's chin so they had eye contact again. "I am asking you, would you help me search for a new home? And, perhaps… if you would think about making it our home?"
Harry's lips parted. Was he asking him to move in with him?
Artist Comment:
Krum/Hermione? Draco/Hermione? Hermione/noone?