Chapter 89 – Departures and Arrivals
Sunday was a day of departure for many of those who had come to Hogwarts less than a week ago seeking protection.
Most wizarding communities were now more or less back to normal. Of course, a number of wizard homes required some repairs to address damage done when the people who lived there fell asleep, but especially in communities where magical people lived closer together, a sense of safety was restored incredibly quickly. A few witches and wizards who lived in more remote locations also decided it was safe enough for them to return to their homes, especially if those homes happened to be protected by state-of-the-art warding. Being in the castle, beneath the strongest wards in the world and protected by many of the strongest witches and wizards, to say nothing of the company of Winter Land Vikings camped outside the castle, might make a witch or wizard feel safe, but the truth of it was, it was noisy and crowded. Many were pining for a return to their private, quiet lives.
The wizarding world was going to resume its normal functions in the next week, as well. Word had gotten around the castle that classes for students would resume on Monday, so the families of students who had been enjoying an unscheduled visit realized that the students were going to be getting very busy with their studies soon. The Ministry of Magic's rescue and restoration efforts were moving into high gear, too, and it was asking all of its employees to resume full-time attendance at their jobs next week. Even though floo travel rendered it no less convenient to travel to Ministry offices from Hogwarts than from any private home, knowing that you needed to put in a full day's work (and sometimes quite a bit more than that) made the need for quiet rest during non-working hours even more important, which served to highlight how difficult it was to get quiet rest in the busy and crowded castle.
Even the squibs were being mobilized. As expected, many were going to become caretakers at some of the larger buildings where large numbers of muggles had been moved for safe sleeping. Others, especially those with special skills and knowledge of the muggle world, were needed to repair and restore the muggle infrastructure. Some elements of that infrastructure had not failed yet, but would, and soon, if no efforts were made to maintain them, where others had already failed and corrective action needed to be taken to get them working again soon.
Arthur Weasley had happened to overhear a discussion among several squibs and a few of the wizards who had spent some time living among muggles about something that sounded particularly mystical to him, restoring the Power Grid. His enthusiastic questioning amused many who had for so many years taken it for granted that, if one threw a switch in the wall, a light somewhere went on; this was a man who, by virtue of his magic could do so many truly extraordinary things and he was all excited over a functioning light switch!
Whatever the reasons, the areas around the floos, as well as those places outside the castle walls best suited to the use of a port key, were busy all day.
The Great Hall had already shrunk by one whole row of tables between breakfast and lunch on Sunday, when Hermione joined her parents for a farewell luncheon. Michael and Anna sat side by side, across from their daughter, all leaning in to speak privately in the very public space.
"Oh, darling, we've so enjoyed the chance to spend some time in Hogwarts Castle! The book you lent us, the self-updating one about its history, has been invaluable. I'd never imagined we'd get to experience this," Anna said.
"And that book that Severus gave us for Christmas about the history of the wizarding world, that was another book I don't think we'd ever imagined would mean to much to us," Michael added.
Hermione smiled happily. It had never occurred to her that she'd have the chance to share her Hogwarts experience in any way with her family, but to discover that her parents did have some magic, and then to have them visit her here was more than she could have hoped for. "I'm just thrilled that you had the chance to see Hogwarts, and meet some of my friends. I know you met some of them at the Burrow this past Christmas, but it's not the same as seeing all this. I only wish I'd been able to spend more time with you. It was such a busy week."
Michael and Anna had been quite busy themselves helping out in the infirmary, where the medical training that they'd gotten as part of their dental studies was put to significant use. They did not know exactly what Hermione had been up to, but they did hear Professor Dumbledore mention that she'd been part of a very small group, including the headmaster and Severus, who'd come up with some spell of great importance to them. Even with the chance to be in the school with her, they realized that she was integrated into this strange world to a degree that they would never understand.
"It was still wonderful. You told us about the paintings that moved, but frankly, until that old man in the painting on the stairs wished me good day and complimented me on my dress, I just did not full comprehend what that meant. And ghosts. I have to admit, your father and I were a bit apprehensive when we heard about that, but I've had the most delightful chats with the Ravenclaw lady – she's been around a few times, and once she brought that fellow in the fancy old-fashioned clothing – Sir Nicholas, I think. Fascinating people."
"And we met some of your other friends and teachers, which was very nice. Minerva invited us to join her and some of the other professors for drinks one evening, and we had a wonderful time visiting with them. To see people transforming things into other things right before your eyes, or making things move with a wave of their wands is still amazing to me. And she turned herself into a cat! And, darling, I don't really believe I understand all the magic you did, but watching that big casting when you all sent that light into the earth, that was something I don't think I'll ever forget. You are obviously someone others look to for insight and assistance, and that makes me proudest of all."
Michael's look of admiration for his daughter was matched by the look on the face of his wife, and Hermione nearly burst with pleasure. Making her parents proud of her was always very important to her, and she was so glad that they now understood enough of this world to realize that she was doing things about which they could be proud.
"So, where will you be staying in London? And do you know what you'll be doing?"
"We know we'll both be working at St. Mungos hospital. I gather they have taken in quite a few muggles with injuries or illnesses and need some assistance with addressing some muggle conditions, understanding the general muggle approach to medicine. The administrator tells us that they are creating small flats for volunteers to use while they are working there; I believe he said they are attached to the hospital. We're told that there are magical connections between here and there, floos? But as we're not used to that sort of travel, the administrator recommended that we plan to stay there most of the time."
"We heard about the evening programs here at Hogwarts for squibs new to the magical world, and we want to come back here those evenings. Will you let us know when those are? Maybe we could have dinner with you, and then attend the program," Michael offered. Hermione smiled at her parents as she nodded agreement.
Her mother leaned in, a signal that some gossip was to be shared. "And, tell me, how is your friend Harry doing? We've heard all the talk about him being the king. How is he holding up?" Hermione smiled at that; her mother could never resist a little gossip, but did not want others to overhear her indulging in it.
"He is doing fine, Mom. His family and his friends are always here for him, and that's what matters to him to most. We are all working together to help him handle the things everyone looks to him to handle, and I think he likes that we make things normal for him."
"I overheard someone say that you taught Harry some of the spells he's been using," Michael commented, leaning in himself to join the private conversation.
"Believe it or not, that's where not being from the magical world worked to my advantage. We found books with ancient spells, and I worked them out and taught them to Harry and Ron, but when we tried to use them, only Harry could get them to work. One of the spells we worked on was something that is found in some well-known wizarding fairy tales. I found spells that only the king can use, according to the fairy tales, but I didn't know that, so we tried them. It turned out that the fairy tales were true. Harry was the only one who could make them work, because of who he is. And I worked with the Professors and some ancient texts that Harry translated for us to come up with some other spells we've used."
"I have to admit, I was a bit shocked about his being married, and to a professor," added Michael.
"Lots of people were shocked by that. It's a long story about what led to Harry's needing to get married right away at the start of term, what with the Minister of Magic wanting to adopt him and take him out of Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore had an ancient artifact, called the Marriage Stone, which is supposed to identify a person's soul mate. When he spoke Harry's name, the Stone identified Professor Snape. Everyone was horrified, but Professor Dumbledore seemed quite pleased. Shocking as it sounds, I think it's actually working out very well for the two of them. I think they are gradually finding that they have genuine feelings for each other – I would not rule out that they will yet fall quite in love. Harry has always wanted a family of his own, more than anything. He seems to be finding that with Severus, and even with Sirius and Remus. It's quite remarkable."
"Speaking of Remus – did we not hear that he's now a member of your government?" Michael wanted to know.
Hermione laughed at that. "You heard right. The Ministry went totally out of control last week, all sorts of craziness going on, and the result of that was that a number of members of the Wizengamot were replaced, following some ancient rules. A seat on the Wizengamot was claimed by one of the oldest werewolves, who was so impressed with the news of Remus' cure, he named Remus as his heir, and he asked Remus to take the seat. I told you in a letter that Remus' lycanthropy has been cured. Professor Snape was able to brew that potion in the book that Harry gave him, and it worked for Remus. You saw Professor McGonnagal transform into a cat? Well, Remus can now transform at will into a massive werewolf!"
Michael and Anna shared a look. This world is stranger than they'd ever imagined, and their daughter took it all so in stride.
Anna had one more question, as mothers often do. "And your friend Ron. How's he doing? How are things going there?"
Sadly, that was the one sore spot in an otherwise quite lovely lunch, and there was a bit of frost in Hermione's answer. "Ronald still has some growing up to do. He's a lovely person, and I hope we have a future, but he's so backward sometimes. We've had some issues recently, that's all."
"Well, he does seem like a fine young man, and he comes from a loving family, and that's important too. Give it time, Hermione. I think he'll be a keeper, in the long run."
That made Hermione feel better than she'd felt all day.
X X X X X X X X X X
Remus and Sirius arrived at the door to Severus' and Harry's rooms not too long before lunch. Severus stood aside with a pained look on his face to allow the two entry to their rooms, where Harry was sitting on the sofa with one of his translation projects in his lap, and Severus had been reading in an armchair, before this interruption. The two nodded their greetings to Severus as they entered.
"How are you doing there, Harry?" Remus asked, as he settled on the other end of the sofa.
"I'm developing my skills as a translator." That earned Harry a small smile from Severus, who had lingered at the door, looking rather ill at ease, rather than resume his seat. "I am trying to finish translating the notes written by Silvius Ventus that Lord Aventine gave us, on vampires. I've been working on the books that Mr. Malfoy shared before, because I assume he'll be wanting them back soon and we want that knowledge, but we promised not to remove them from the rooms in the tower, and I did not want to have to sit up there all day. At least these documents I can work on down here."
Almost in spite of himself, Sirius was curious. "What sort of stuff is in there?"
"Heavy-duty potions, which isn't surprising since these are a Potions Master's notes. Severus has been helping me. Sometimes the words translated individually don't make much sense without some context, so we discuss the words I see and figure out how they should be translated to make sense in English. Vampires did not come about as the result of a potion gone wrong in the first place; their condition is from a curse, so the potions angle seems to be more tangential than we saw with Slytherin's work on werewolves. Ventus did have some theories on potion therapies that would negate the impact of a vampire bite, which we are translating right now. From what I scanned on a first reading, I think he had some ideas for potions that would change the condition itself, but I'm not sure exactly how. We're working through the notes in order, and once the translations are finished, Severus will start his testing, or maybe get the Potions Masters Guild involved, if he's too busy."
Severus schooled his face to reflect boredom with this topic, although in truth, he was curious at the visit by the mutt and wolf, and wondering in particular at Sirius' most uncharacteristic interest in something as arcane as this centuries-old potions research.
Almost as if he sensed Severus' curiosity, Remus announced the reason for the Sunday morning visit.
"Madam Bones had sent an owl that she was reconvening the Wizengamot, and asked that all members assemble there on Sunday afternoon. Sirius and I discussed our options, which included us staying in Hogwarts and I would floo to the Ministry every day, but Sirius wants to get involved in some of the Ministry projects. So – we decided that we'll reopen the house on Grimmauld Place and move there for a bit."
Noticing Harry's crestfallen expression, Sirius added "It would be more convenient all around to clean out the musty old place now, and stay there. We can take the floo or a port key back to Hogwarts frequently to see you on weekends."
Severus noted Harry's sadness at the news, and while he was pleased to be rid of the two, he felt a flare of jealousy at the impact this clearly had on Harry. He suspected, but not with total certainty, that his own departure might result in some similar sadness, but that small uncertainty let the jealously and insecurity loose within him. He managed to restrain himself from making any comment that might be seen as rejoicing at the departure of the mutt and his wolf. Wanting to give Harry some privacy to say goodbye, he excused himself. "I have a potion brewing that will need some attention for a while."
As soon as Severus was gone, Sirius said "Harry, don't be so glum! We'll be back often, even if just to harass your bondmate." That earned him a small smile.
"And, I've already asked Madam Bones to make an exception to the rules governing floos in Ministry offices. She's going to have the floo in my office set up to allow a confidential connection to the Headmaster's office, so if it is necessary for you, or Albus or Severus to attend to a matter at the Ministry, you can arrive privately in my office, rather than through the bank of floos in the lobby." Harry perked up at that. While he'd not had to go to the Ministry all that often since all this started, the fuss that always accompanied his arrival in the public floos was high on his list of least favorite parts of a visit to the Ministry. It would be so much better to be able to arrive without all that fuss and bother.
"I'd like Severus to use that connection whenever he goes to the Ministry, after what happened on Tuesday, when he had to duel his way out of the place, with your help. I shudder to think what might have happened, if you hadn't been there to help him." It was clear to both men that the memory of those duels had bothered Harry, beyond the very impressive display of wandless magic with which he had ended those duels. His eyes betrayed his distress, as did his hands, which were presently twisting a corner of his robes into knots.
"Pronglet, did we not hear that Severus' has been teaching you to duel?" Sirius asked, trying to distract Harry from the maudlin turn his thoughts apparently had taken.
Harry did seem lifted a bit by that question. "We've spent some time in the Room of Requirement, and he's tried to teach me. I'm never going to be more than marginally competent, I certainly could never hope to duel for real. It's more a form of exercise, or a stress-reliever for me. I do enjoy the lessons, though."
Remus hid a smirk behind his hand. He'd seen some lessons in swordplay in his time, as an observer, not a participant, and realized what might be the attraction to Harry. The process of teaching another to duel involved surprisingly intimate physical contact. While Sirius had learned dueling to the extent that he was now a very accomplished swordsman, he'd learned very young, and probably never appreciated the kind of contact that was necessary when an adult taught another adult to duel. It would be frightening to be there when Sirius figured that out, he mused.
"So, Sirius, what sort of projects do you plan on getting involved in? Nothing that might require an animagus registration?"
Sirius chuckled at the reminder, and nearly blushed at his recollection of the aftermath, although Harry couldn't possibly know about his punishment for his romp with Voldemort. "I'm not sure. I probably won't get involved in the search and rescue or protect work, whatever they call it now. I'll talk to the Aurors, maybe one of the planning offices. I'll find something to keep me occupied."
Some time passed as the three chatted, making plans to visit, and when Remus and Sirius finally took their leave for London, it was well after lunch. Harry went looking for Severus, who was still in his potions laboratory. "Thanks for being nice to Sirius and Remus, Severus. I appreciated the chance to hear what their plans are, and to say goodbye to them."
Harry's thanks were punctuated by a loud growl from his stomach, prompting a snort from Severus. "It is time for a break, I think. And, we have missed lunch. I'll summon a house elf and have some sandwiches sent up."
Harry stretched his arms over his head and twisted a bit, as if he was stiff from too much sitting. "I could use a bit of a break and a walk. Instead of asking that some food be brought to us here, let's get some food from the kitchens."
Severus seemed confused by that suggestion, prompting a look of some surprise from Harry. "Haven't you ever been to Hogwarts' kitchens? They're fantastic, and you can get pretty much anything you want, any time of day."
"I've lived and worked in this castle for years, and I never realized that anyone but house elves can get into the kitchens. How on earth did you learn about this?" Severus asked.
"It never occurred to me that everyone didn't know. Ron knew, probably from the twins, who might have learned from one of their older brothers. He showed me, and I imagine a few others. I've run into people from other houses down there. Come on, it's interesting."
Severus really did not need much persuading. He was a bit peckish himself, although thankfully his stomach did not feel the need to advertise that fact. He joined Harry in a stroll along the corridors out of the dungeons and toward the Hufflepuff common room and dormitories, as Harry told him about the plans of Sirius and Remus. Severus was a bit surprised when they stopped in front of one of the less inspiring pieces of art that graced the walls of Hogwarts, a very ugly still life of a bowl of fruit, more surprised to see Harry reach out to tickle the pear in the bowl, and completely gobsmacked when a door suddenly appeared. He followed Harry through the door and down a flight of stairs, to a large, bustling kitchen.
The house elves were beside themselves with glee to see Harry arrive in their midst, which Severus rather expected, given how the little creatures seemed to worship the young man. What he did not expect at all was the remarkable excitement with which his own appearance was met – they seemed just as thrilled to have him in the kitchens.
"Come, Master Harry Potter, have a seat! And Master Harry Potter's Bondmate, you sit here!" one of the elves cried, as she (or maybe that was a he, Severus was never really able to tell) pushed them along to a table set up in a corner. It was the same size of the seating upstairs in the Great Hall, too big for the diminutive house elves, so apparently witches and wizards did come down here with some frequency. Severus was nonplussed – he'd been a professor in Hogwarts for nearly 15 years, and had been known to whatever house elf ever answered his summons as either Professor Snape or Potions Master Snape, and suddenly they can't call him by his own name? Here, he's referred to only as Harry's bondmate?
Harry noticed that, too, and was waiting for an explosion from said bondmate. He was relieved that Severus let it pass without comment, although Harry was sure he noticed.
"We missed lunch, and were hoping that you might have something for us to eat," Harry said hopefully as they slid into the seats to which they were directed. Both Harry and Severus were astonished with the quantity of food that appeared instantly before them. A full roast turkey, a leg of lamb, a selection of steaming vegetables, glasses of chilled pumpkin juice, fresh biscuits, and even a pudding for desert. Harry tucked in immediately, and encouraged Severus to do the same. Their selections were noted and remarked upon by the elves attending them, to the point that Harry was carefully taking a bit from all the dishes to be sure none of the elves were offended or thought that whatever dish they "represented" was not satisfactory. Once again, Severus saw an aspect of Harry in a new light. He could easily imagine Weasleys – any Weasley – down here shoveling the food they liked into their mouths as fast as they could, unaware of the house elves watching them with such interest. But Harry was aware of their attention and mindful of their feelings, and was now eating some things Severus was pretty sure he really did not like, just so the house elves were not offended! His view of Harry as a spoiled and self-absorbed prat had evaporated months ago, but there was a graciousness here that Severus had never imagined was possible in someone who carried the Potter name.
Harry was amused at Severus' reaction to the attention he was getting from the house elves. He'd even seen Severus take a small serving of Brussels sprouts, a vegetable he knew the man detested, because he'd caught on to the fact that it mattered a great deal to one of the elves that his dish was being eaten. He smiled warmly at Severus for that.
When Harry and Severus finally stood to leave, the house elves again advanced with fervent pleas that they return soon, and hopes that they'd really enjoyed the food that was prepared for them. To Harry's secret glee, just as much fussing and attention was directed to Severus as to him, although Severus was unrelentingly called "Master Harry Potter's Bondmate"
X X X X X X X X X X
To Ron's eternal embarrassment, a very pregnant Molly was among a small group arriving on Sunday to live in the castle. He did love his parents, really, he did, but honestly, at their age – pregnant! He couldn't even think about this without a massive blush on his face.
He, Charlie, Draco and Ginny had been out on the grounds to welcome them when she and Arthur arrived by portkey. Molly was delighted to see them all, and fussed just as much over Draco as she did over her own children, leaving Draco now as embarrassed as Ron. He'd never actually stood that close to a woman who was that pregnant before, and he was mortified at the experience of receiving a hug that pressed him into that enormous belly. Charlie, having had lots of experience with his mother being pregnant, found the reaction of his brother and Draco very entertaining. Ron tagged along with Charlie and Draco back to the common rooms, while Ginny escorted her parents up to the Infirmary, where arrangements had been made for Molly to stay. Molly really preferred staying at the Burrow, where all was familiar and comfortable, but Arthur did not want her home alone this late in her pregnancy, given all that was going on in the world. His concern was shared by Poppy, into whose care she was being entrusted that afternoon.
The two women embraced as Molly entered the Hogwarts Infirmary.
"Molly, you are looking wonderful – the very picture of health! I reviewed your mediwitch's report, all is going well with your pregnancy. Based on your history with the others, we might not have to wait the full nine months, so we'll keep close watch on you." She bustled Molly and the others along through the large room to some private rooms at the rear. "Here, we have a private room at the back what will be yours; if you'd like, we'll get the house elves to work on it a bit, make it look more homey. Looks like you have plenty of help to get settled in, so I'll leave you to it and stop by later."
Unlike her brother, Ginny was very happy to have her mother at Hogwarts. "Mum, I was so worried about you, all by yourself at the Burrow. All the girls are excited about having a baby born at Hogwarts, so you'll have lots of company and attention here." Molly looked very pleased about that. Many women might have preferred some peace and quiet, but after all those years, and all those children, in truth, Molly was having a hard time getting used to the peace and quiet that now pervaded the Burrow. The prospect of lots of children around her was the best aspect of moving into Hogwarts now.
"And Hermione was telling us about a muggle custom – a "baby shower" – it sounds like great fun and we're going to do it." To her father's look of alarm, she continued "No, there's no actual shower, like with water, involved. It's a party, where people get together to shower a new mother with good wishes and gifts for the baby. It will be wonderful, I know. Here, let me help you unpack."
Molly slowly levered herself into a hastily-transfigured arm chair, while Ginny and Arthur unshrunk her valises and began to unpack them, placing the contents into a small chest of drawers and closet.
X X X X X X X X X X
Dinner that evening was surprisingly loud for the last night before school restarting on Monday. Many families had gone home, and even a number of the squibs were now moved out to work on recovery projects, and the students seemed to have a great deal to say to one another. Harry had managed to arrive at the same time as his Gryffindor classmates, so he was spared the always-embarrassing attention he tended to attract when he arrived after they'd taken their seats.
As the group settled in and took their usual spots to await the appearance of the food, Hermione reported that her parents had departed to work at St. Mungos, and Ginny shared that her mum had moved into a room in the Infirmary. Harry knew to look at Ron's face as soon as she said that, and grinned as a deep blush spread across his friend's face. Ron was so wonderfully predictable!
"Sirius and Remus came to say good-bye this morning. They're moving to the house at Grimmauld Place, since Remus will need to start attending meetings at the Ministry, and Sirius wants to get involved in some things there. They figured it would be more convenient to live in the city, but they said they'll be back to visit on weekends." Hermione patted Harry's arm, expecting that the departure of his godfather and Remus would have been upsetting to him. On closer inspection, though, she realized that he did not appear nearly as distressed about that as she might have expected.
"You'll never guess who'd never been to the Hogwarts kitchens until today." Harry offered.
"I wondered where you were for lunch," Ron chuckled. "I can't imagine it was either Remus or Sirius. Somehow, I believe that the Marauders found that within a week of arriving at Hogwarts, even if none of them had older brothers to pass along the information." The twins had shared this secret with Ron within a few days of the start of his first year, and Ron assumed that Charlie had told them where it was when they started. Everyone listening to this conversation knew all about the kitchens.
Not hearing anyone guessing who was introduced to the kitchens today, Harry finally answered his own question. "Severus had never been there! When Sirius and Remus left, we'd missed lunch, and I suggested a walk down to the kitchens. I can't believe that someone who's lived in the castle for as long as he has never found the kitchens."
"Of course, as a professor, he just summons a house elf and has them bring him food if he is hungry when it's not mealtime" Seamus observed. "Did anyone ever see any Slytherins down there? I've run into a few Ravenclaws, and maybe a Hufflepuff or two, but I don't think I ever saw a Slytherin. Was he impressed?"
"It was actually pretty funny. The house elves kept insisting on calling him "Master Harry Potter's Bondmate," rather than Professor Snape. He did not complain or correct them, but I know he noticed. And you know how they sometimes watch what you eat, when they bring you platters? To see if you eat all the dishes, or don't touch something they've served you?" Actually, none of the others who'd been to the kitchens had ever paid that much attention to the house elves while they were there, but no one wanted to admit that. "Well, I realized that they were watching, and it appeared to bother a few that we weren't eating some of the dishes, so I made a point of taking something from all the dishes, so no one was upset." Hermione was beaming at him as he said that. "Severus caught on, and was doing the same. I know for a fact that he really does not like Brussels sprouts, and he had several because they were one of the dishes we were served."
"Master Harry Potter's Bondmate?" Ron giggled. "That must have gotten under his skin!"
"If it did, he didn't let it show. The house elves come out with the strangest things, don't they?"
X X X X X X X X X X
Sunday evening was a very pleasant time for Harry. He'd spent some time with his friends after dinner, and then a few more hours with Severus in their rooms working on his translations. He was surprised how patient Severus was in discussing some of the concepts that were appearing in Ventus' notes. This was seriously Potions Master-level material, far beyond Harry's grasp, but they were working their way through what was shaping up as a pretty good translation.
Harry was stretched out with his feet up on the sofa and the notes perched on his stomach as he read them, and Severus was in his favorite arm chair by the fire. Harry noticed that he'd put his feet up on the coffee table, and smiled to himself. Severus managed to look so reserved and formal most of the time, even sitting in his armchair as he usually did with both feet on the ground and his back stiff. It was so good to see him relaxed and looking comfortable like that.
Their quiet evening was interrupted by Albus' head appearing in the fire grate, asking if he might step through. Severus resumed his typical posture as he replied, "Of course, Headmaster."
A moment later, the green flames flared and Albus stepped into the room.
"Ah, working on the vampire research, I see. Excellent! How is that coming along?"
"We are making adequate progress. They are very technical notes, so a certain amount of interpretation and analysis has to go into the translation, but we are moving along."
Albus smiled warmly at the two of them. "Good, my boys. I've always suspected that something could be done to help those afflicted with vampirism, whether there is something that can cure them or at least enable them to live safely with the rest of us without the stigma of their condition. They have it far worse than werewolves."
"And all is well with you both? I did not see you at lunch today."
Harry answered, "Sirius and Remus came by to tell us they were opening the house at Grimmauld Place and to say good bye, and we ended up missing lunch. We went down to the kitchens and got something to eat there."
"That would explain why you ate so lightly at dinner, then, Severus. I noticed that you did not eat much."
Severus now looked concerned, and Harry felt the same. Why on earth had Albus come down to see them? To discuss eating habits? Albus noticed the looks Harry and Severus exchanged.
"I heard the house elves discussing the visit of Master Harry Potter and Master Harry Potter's Bondmate to the kitchens this afternoon, and was curious about how that came about. I just wanted to be sure that things are alright here."
Now Harry was wondering if there was a problem with wizards visiting the kitchens – maybe that was forbidden? "We learned how to get to the kitchens from Ron's brothers, and have been going down there when we've missed a meal, or were hungry between meals, since first year. It's not just Gryffindors who go down there – we've seen people from other houses, as well. Is that a problem?"
"Oh, my goodness, there's no problem with students or faculty stopping down for food, although if we detect a pattern of unhealthy or overeating, we'd have to address that. I was struck by the reference to Severus as "Master Harry Potter's Bondmate" and thought to check to see that all was well."
"We're fine, sir. I noticed that they called Severus that when they welcomed us to the kitchens. We did not question them about it. They are always coming up with strange phrasing; I figured this was just another instance. Why would it mean that things are not well?"
Albus looked at Harry with an odd expression on his face. He knew that Harry was one of very few wizards who actually paid attention to house elves. Harry knew many of them by name, and often took the time to stop and speak to them. He generally treated them with the same courtesy as he showed to witches and wizards, which was most unusual. What Albus did not know was whether Harry understood the very unique grasp of magic that house elves had, and the great value of taking the time to listen to them. They often saw things that other magical beings, like wizards, could not see.
"They are very sensitive to things that are far too faint for most of the rest of us magical creatures to notice. They pick up on small things, and actually have an uncanny ability to understand how the small things fit into the larger picture. Remember, they were calling Voldemort "He Who Would Walk Alone" for quite a while before he actually cast the sleeping spell, and in retrospect, wasn't that an amazing feat of foreboding? The reference to Severus as your bondmate suggests that the bond has become more prominent, or at least they have sensed some difference."
Harry looked rather unconcerned about that information, but Severus looked a bit thoughtful. He clearly had something on his mind, but showed no sign of being prepared to speak about it right now. However, from Albus' perspective, whatever had resulted in this change in the bond did not appear to be anything that represented a reason to be worried that these two, his favorite boys, were in any difficulty.
After Albus took his leave, wishing them both "sweet dreams" (to Severus' everlasting annoyance), Severus moved from his seat in the armchair to the sofa, and Harry set aside the book they had been translating. "Severus, you did seem to be surprised by the Headmaster's observation about our bond. What do you think is going on?"
"I don't know. I will think on this a bit more, and might discuss it with Albus, ,maybe. When I awoke on Saturday morning, I did feel something slightly different, and I thought that it involved my magic in some way. That did not make any sense at the time, so I put it out of my mind. But now to hear Albus state that our bond has deepened, I am wondering if there has been some meaningful shift." With a very sly smirk, he added "I wonder if it had anything to do with the activities in which we engaged Friday night."
Harry looked horrified and embarrassed. "No, Severus, others can't know about that! That's private!"
"Of course, silly boy, they don't know details about what we did, but it does appear that in the process of doing it, we have strengthened our bond in some way. It's nothing for you to worry about, unless of course you had hoped not to move toward a matured bond."
Harry recognized the reference to his very ill-considered discussion of annulments, a conversation he'd regretted almost since the moment he'd broached the subject. In truth, he enjoyed Severus' company and found the man attractive. He felt no burning desire to sever his relationship with the man as soon as he reached seventeen. His destiny might or might not include a great love, and it was quite within the realm of possibility that his great love could actually be Severus. He'd come to believe that the Marriage Stone might actually know what it is talking about in identifying soul mates. It did bother Harry so, that Severus continued to be pained by thoughts that Harry wanted to be rid of him, when he had been nothing but a brilliant bondmate all along. He couldn't think of a better way to respond to the hurt reflected in that last thought shared by Severus than by showing the man that he did value their connection, and was looking forward to maturing their bond further. Harry slid across the couch, and put his arms around Severus. With a surprised glint in his eyes, Severus gently pulled the younger man into his arms, and accepted a deep and very insistent kiss from his bondmate, a kiss that left him breathless.