A/N: I'm happy for every feedback and constructive criticism but I will not respect straight out hate or trolls in the comments.

alice22: You will have to wait and see ;) It will be in the next chapter!

Lamatadora: Hello! Everyone wants a baby now!

PiffyEQ: I don't know yet and although there may be one in the very far away future they (meaning I) don't have to think about that yet.

ThePhoenixandtheDragon: I'm not sure about that yet. Blood adoption is just one of the many possibilities they have ;) Maybe there will be a sequel with one ;)

amb6675: I know how you feel ;) Usually I'm the crazy one reading 40 chapters in one go... Remus will make an appearance in the summer holidays for sure!

mizzrazz72: We all know Hermione when she sets her mind to something ;)

barbaravitoriatp: Obrigado. Sim, ela é estúpida e ela vai conseguir o que ela merece.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling - I just played a bit in her universe.

Thanks to miu-sama95 for prereading, betaing and helping with the storyline ;)

Chapter 18: Temporary Lodging

Words: 3290

Harry was having a bad day. It had started out alright but the longer it got the worse it got.

Now he was in some dark, damp hallway with no windows or doors. It looked exactly like the last five hallways he had walked down. They all looked the same and he had run so far that he had no idea how to get back anymore. He was well and truly lost.

Every hallway looked the same and the torches only lit up when he was close enough. Kind of like muggle motion detectors. He also couldn't use his wand since he was not in Hogwarts. So he had no way of even telling the time and for sure no way to find the right direction.

Harry was really having an awful day. There was no point in walking any further. He was cold and tired and only wanted his Dad to find him.

He gave up and sank down onto the cold stone floor. To conserve at least some warmth he curled up and fell into an exhausted sleep while tears still ran over his cheeks.

The sound of an alarm woke the Gryffindor fourth year boys from their sleep. Harry and Ron were curled up around each other and while Ron slept right through the alarm Harry had already been awake for some time. He had been memorizing every little detail of his beloved's face since he didn't know when he would see his boyfriend again this summer. When he heard the other three boys getting ready he started kissing every inch of his boyfriend's face to wake him.

'Wakey wakey.'

'Mhmmm… Don' wanna.' came the murmured reply.

'Come on, Ron. We have to get up otherwise we'll miss the train.' Harry tried to reason with him but the only response he got was being pulled even tighter against Ron's chest.

'Ron. Ron! Get up! NOW!'

'Alright, alright… I'm up. No need to yell.' the sleepy teen mumbled.

'Sorry, love. Now let me go so I can have a shower.'

After getting a kiss as payment Ron let Harry go and started getting ready as well.

The five boys were all nearly late for breakfast after getting up rather late and not anticipating how long it would take them to get the last of their possessions in their trunks. Breakfast was loud as usual but a sense of freedom was in the air. All students were looking forward to seeing their families again and enjoying their holidays. But the teachers were looking forward to their well deserved holidays as well.

After breakfast it took the four head of houses some time to herd their wards outside to carriages that would transport them to the train station. As usual it was pure chaos and the four adults accompanied the students to make sure really everyone was on the train before it left.

Hagrid met them at the train station to look after the thestrals drawing the carriages and to close the gates at the end. For once Severus was actually not annoyed at having to come here to supervise. He watched as his son boarded the train and found a compartment with his boyfriend and best friend.

Harry was sitting by the window and when Severus caught his gaze he gave him the tiniest smile and nod possible to wish him a pleasant journey. Harry gave a miniature wave back before turning his attention back to his friends.

Severus waited with the other teachers until the train left Hogsmeade before taking a carriage with them back to the school. The others were talking animatedly about their plans for the holiday but he wasn't actively participating.

'Severus! What are your plans this year?' Filius asked him and ripped him out if hiss thoughts.

'I was invited to a potions conference in South America. They wish for me to talk about some of the potions I have invented. I will be leaving as soon as possible for Rio de Janeiro.' He told them his cover story that he would also present to Albus if he asked.

'That sounds very interesting indeed.' Pomona chirped in. 'Maybe you get a chance to collect some ingredients and plant samples from the jungle!'

'Maybe. I will only get my schedule when I arrive there.'

'It will be good for you to get away for some time.' Minerva added. 'Always staying in the dark dungeons all summer long can't be healthy. Who knows? Maybe you'll come back with a tan.'

That got all four teachers to laugh. Seriously. Severus Snape with a tan? Even the Potions Master himself had to laugh at the image.

Back at the castle the teachers split up to do their individual work before they would have the first staff meeting in the afternoon.

Severus went down into his lab to check the last batch of potions he had started this morning. Everything was in order and Severus worked on them until he had to let them simmer for some time again. He had to get started on packing his things.

Just as he was passing through the living room the fire in the fireplace flared and the head of Trevor Yaxley appeared.

'Severus? Are you there?'

'I'm here, Yaxley. What is the matter? You shouldn't call me here.' Severus said while walking over to the fireplace to talk to the other man.

'I know but it is an emergency of sorts. I got the houses as you told me but something happened.'

'What happened?' Severus asked after noticing that Trevor was fidgeting and talking around the problem.

'Well.. you want to move in this afternoon and it is not ready.'

'WHAT?! Why? You assured me it would be don!'

'Yes, well. Apparently the owner had not completely moved out yet and she slipped and fell. The old hag has been in St. Mungo's since Wednesday and I was only informed today when I went to get the portkeys.'

'Damn!' this ruined Severus carefully laid plans completely. 'It's not your fault, Trevor.'

'The other one is ready though. You could stay there for the time being and move into the original family home as soon as possible.'

Severus thought about Yaxley's suggestion and had to admit it was the most sensible decision they could make at the moment. Although it would ruin his anniversary surprise for his husband.

'Alright. Give Marvolo the portkey. It ruins my plans but we don't have any other possibilities right now. Tell him it's not the permanent residence and that I will explain everything tonight.'

'I will do that. Have a nice day, Severus.' Yaxley promised before the floo call was ended just as Severus alarm chimed. He needed to add the next ingredients.

Harry, Ron and Hermione were sharing their compartment with the other fourth year boys and it was as loud as it should be with Gryffindors. Hermione was sitting opposite Harry, engrossed in a book while her feet were in his lap.

Harry was leaning against the window while observing Ron and Neville playing wizard's chess. Neville was surprisingly good and Ron was having a much harder time than usually. Dean and Seamus had already lost in their little tournament as well as Harry and they had left in search of the twins for a bit of fun.

Harry didn't mind staying. He wanted to enjoy every second out of the last hours he had with Ron. Hopefully it wouldn't be too long until they could see each other again but he was preparing for the worst.

He must have fallen asleep because the net moment Ron was shaking him awake since they were nearly in London. The two teens spent the last half hour of the journey in a tight embrace, exchanging kisses while ignoring everyone around them.

At King's Cross they all got off and went in search of the Weasley parents. Nev, Dean and Seamus were the first to break from their group, having spotted their own parents. With shouted goodbyes they were gone.

The Golden Trio finally made out the red hair of Arthur and quickly made their way over to him and his wife. They were all hugged tightly by Molly while Arthur kept looking for the twins and Ginny.

'I'm so happy you are all here! I have missed you so much! Hermione, Harry you have to come to the burrow again this summer!'

'Mum! You only saw us on Monday!' Ron complained after nearly being squished to death.

'Yes but there was not enough time to catch up!' Molly said before pulling a present out of her pocket. 'Before I forget! Harry, this is for you. A little reminder to get you through the summer.'

Harry blushed at the attention but gingerly took the present and unwrapped it. It was the picture from the papers of him and Ron dancing.

'Thank you, Mrs. Weasley! This is … awesome!' Harry proclaimed with a huge smile on his face. He gave her another hug before showing the others the picture.

'It's Molly, Harry! How many times do I have to tell you? And it was no trouble at all. There is one waiting for you at home, Ron.' Molly said when she saw her son eying the picture.

Just then Arthur returned with the twins and Ginny and they had to take their leave as well. Ron and Harry were unwilling to part but after one last kiss Harry let go and the Weasley family used one of the floos on the platform to get back home.

That left Harry and Hermione to make their way through the portal into the muggle part of King's Cross. Hermione's parents were already waiting for her and after a hug and a promise of letter she was gone as well.

Harry made his way to the small cafe at the end of the platform to wait for Marvolo. He knew it would be some time until the wizard would make an appearance since there were still students coming through the portal. Thankfully Severus had the foresight to give him a few pounds.

Harry got himself an iced chocolate and settled down to wait. Earlier than he would have thought someone pulled the chair opposite him out and sat down. When Harry looked up he was met with a small smile.

'Hello Harry.'

'Hello, Marvolo. I would have thought you would come later.' Harry greeted the older wizard.

'Yes, well we won't be leaving right away. I wanted to talk to you about something.'

'Why here?' Harry wondered aloud. If Marvolo wanted something from him he could have waited until they were at the new house.

'Neutral environment.' Marvolo explained with a smirk. 'It also forces us to keep our tempers in check otherwise we would make a scene in a public place and we don't need that kind of attention.'

'Alright. Tell me. It must be something big that I won't like otherwise you wouldn't do it here.'

'It is, probably. I finally found out which terms I have to fulfil to claim my lordship.' Marvolo started explaining. 'I need to speak Parseltongue and I need to have an heir who also speaks Parsel.'

The older wizard didn't elaborate further, hoping that the teen would catch onto the meaning behind his words. He knew exactly when he got it because Harry's mouth dropped open but no words came out of it. He was just gaping at the Dark Lord. After a few seconds he managed to get his mind working again and asked the most important question he had.

'You mean me, right? I'm the only other known Parsel in Europe.'

'Yes. Would you become my heir?' Marvolo asked formally.

'No.'

'Why not?' The Dark Lord was not used to people refusing him and it was taking all his control not to snap at the teen.

'Oh I don't know… Let's start with you killed my parents, tried to kill me more than once and you didn't even say the magical word.'

'Harry, I already apologized for that in my letter and what in Merlin's name is the magical word?'

'What letter?' Harry asked surprised.

'I wrote you a letter to apologize. I thought it wiser than doing it personally. I dropped it off at Sev's chambers when I brought all the hose documents... '

'I never got it.'

'It must have been mixed up with all the papers.' Marvolo mused. Hopefully they could find it again. It had taken him hours to write it.

'What is the magical word? You never said.'

'Please. Have you never heard the phrase as a child?' Harry wondered.

'Will you PLEASE be my heir?'

'No.' came the instant answer again and Marvolo finally understood why Severus had been laughing at him. This was turning out to be a lot more difficult than he could have ever imagined.

'And, pray tell, why are you still refusing?'

'What do I get out of it?' Harry asked. He had an idea and planned to get the older wizard exasperated enough to agree to his terms.

'You get the Slytherin name! That in itself should be an honor! Not to mention all the money and prestige that goes with this name. You will also be under my protection officially.'

'Hmm…. I have two names already and I believe each one has more than enough money. I hate all the attention I already get and the biggest - and only - threat in my life used to be you! No deal!' Harry declared and crossed his arms over his chest while observing Marvolo who was doing his best to keep his temper in check.

'What do you want then?' The Dark Lord pressed out between his clenched teeth. This boy was the most infuriating person he had ever met.

'I want Sirius to be officially declared innocent and one free pass from you.'

'Sirius? Sirius Black? Why would you want him free?'

'He happens to be my Godfather who was wrongfully imprisoned because of the actions of one of your Death Eaters. I would like to have him in my life.' Harry calmly explained.

'And how should I do this?'

'Bring Peter Pettigrew to the Ministry so that they will have to officially accept that he faked his own death. I don't want them to even have the slightest chance to hide this.'

'Alright. That should be possible. I never liked the rat anyway and I have been looking to get rid of him for some time now. I just couldn't do it before I was resurrected.' Marcolo conceded.

'So Sirius gets freed and I have one free pass?'

'Yes. I will have Pettigrew delivered to the Ministry and pull some strings. Additionally you get one free pass for willingly being my heir.'

'Deal.'

The two wizards shook hands to seal their deal.

'Alright. Now that this is done, how do you feel about going to our new home?'

'Okay. I'm rather curious to see what Dad decided on. You don't know either, do you?' Harry asked.

'No. I only got the portkey a few hours ago from Yaxley. He said that there had been some troubles but he'll have it fixed as soon as possible and that Severus would explain tonight.' Marvolo relayed all the information he had.

The wizards got up to leave and Marvolo led them to a hidden waiting room from where they could use the portkey. When they got inside he locked the doors with a timed locking spell before turning back to Harry.

'Give me you things and I'll shrink them so you can put them in your pocket.'

Harry handed over his trunk and empty owl cage (Severus would bring Hedwig) and got them back in miniature form to put in his pocket. He was really nervous about taking a portkey again. It would only be his fourth and the last two were hellish at best. Marvolo saw him fidgeting and was reminded of Severus telling him of Harry's apprehension of taking portkeys.

'It's going to be alright, Harry. We are just going to our new house, nothing else. Nothing will happen, alright?'

Weirdly enough, this calmed the teen considerably and the shaking in his hands lessened.

'Alright.'

Marvolo got a piece of green and silver ribbon out of his pocket and held it out to Harry who raised an eyebrow at the colours.

'A bit Slytherin, isn't it?'

'I didn't pick it and in a way we are all Slytherins.' Marvolo defended himself but he couldn't hide the smirk that adorned his face.

Harry took one end of the ribbon without any further comments and Marvolo said the activation phrase.

'Slytherin's new house!'

Immediately they both felt a hook behind their navel and they were whirled away. The spinning got stronger and stronger before Harry suddenly fell down on a field rather heavily on his stomach.

This had been so much worse than the last time because of the drink he had had at the cafe and before he could even try to orientate himself he was puking his guts out. At least that's what it felt like.

'Harry! Are you okay?' Marvolo's concerned voice came from somewhere above him before he felt two strong arms feeling him to sit up.

'Just peachy.' the teen said. 'I hate portkeys.'

'I think I can understand why.' Marvolo said while clearing away the vomit with his wand. After a few more moments Harry felt ready to get up again and see where they were.

Behind them was a forest and in front of them was a beautiful meadow with no house in sight. There was neither a manor nor a castle.

'Erm… Where are we? Are we in the wrong place?'

'We are at the right place, Harry. We have to move past the wards to actually see the house.' the older wizard explained.

'Oh. So it's actually right in front of us?'

'Yes. I believe so. I can feel the wards. They begin a few metres in front of you.'

'Then let's go!' Harry exclaimed. The meadow and the woods reminded him of the manor property and he really wanted to have his own quidditch pitch. There hadn't been one at the castle and it also didn't have enough additional land to build one.

The two wizards stepped through the wards at the same time and for the first time in his life Marvolo couldn't contain his happiness.

'YES!' He shouted while a grin spread across his face. 'I love this castle! It will be perfect!'

Marvolo was so caught up in his elation that he didn't notice the disappointment on Harry's face. He only noticed when he turned to speak to the teen.

'Isn't it great, Harry? Harry? Everything alright?'

'Sure it's great… for you.' the boy began quietly before his voice got louder with each word. 'Of course he would pick the castle you want. My opinion never mattered to anyone. Or what I think. Of course it's bloody great for you and your Death Munchers with the dungeons and all that. I hate it! I hate you! I hate Dad!'

The last sentences were screamed right in Marvolo's face before the teen took off into the castle at a run.

'Harry!' Marvolo was too shocked to move at first and by the time he reached the entrance hall there was no sign of the teen anymore. He had no idea where Harry had run off to. That was not good but he couldn't do anything right now.

Marvolo sighed and made his way to the library to wait for Severus. Hopefully Harry would calm down and come back for dinner on his own.

TBC

I am leaving for my holidays today! We should still be able to get the updates done on time. They will just be in a different time zone than usual ;)

First posted on: 02. July 2017

Next update planned: 09. July 2017