Chapter 118 – Happy Times
It hadn't been necessary for Petunia to ask for Harry's help in getting back to Privet Drive. To her family's great relief, the principal had announced at Friday night dinner that things seemed to be returning to normal in the muggle world now. If people wanted to return to their homes, it appeared that they could do so safely, secure in their ability to buy food at the local stores, petrol at the stations, and have the usual services available to them. She spoke to the little professor who'd hosted the people who had lived in dormitories, and the Dursleys were among the first issued a portkey to return home.
On Saturday morning, Petunia found her valise in her bedroom when she awoke. Vernon and Dudley had no suitcases, of course. It occurred to her that neither had even commented on the fact that the clothing they removed at night was right next to their beds the next morning, laundered, pressed and repaired, if necessary. Had they suspected magic? Had they even noticed?
As she gathered up what clothing and toiletries she'd brought with her, and the few small trinkets she'd bought on her visit to Hogsmeade, she found her leftover wizard money from the stash of big gold coins Harry had given her. She held them in her hand, pondering their heavy feel and strange symbols. Ought she leave them here in the tent? Give them to a professor or someone in charge to be returned to Harry? Or maybe take them with her, just in case? She knew there would be hell to pay if Vernon stumbled upon them back at Privet Drive, but something drove her to slip them into her toiletries case.
Professor Sprout arrived just moments after she'd put her packed valise in the hallway and joined Vernon and Dudley, looking out a huge bay window at the lake shimmering in the distance.
"Ah, good, you're all here. I've got your portkey, this is going to get you right back to Number 4, Privet Drive in Little Whinging. I gather this is new for you?" the little witch asked, looking from one to the other.
The silence that greeted her question was answer enough. "Alright, then. This is your portkey," she continued, offering up a small bottle cap of some sort. "Once you have all your items in hand, you all touch this at the same moment, say 'No. 4, Privet Drive,' and off you go. You'll be there in a few seconds. Expect a brief moment of feeling squeezed – it passes quickly, and then you're home."
Vernon looked highly suspicious of all this, but the opportunity to get out of this freak school as incentive enough for him to go along with it. He gallantly took the valise for Petunia, and the little professor handed him the bottle cap. Petunia and Dudley each touched the cap, and together they spoke "No. 4, Privet Drive."
With that, the Dursleys were gone from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
X X X X X X X X X X
Hermione was one of the earliest at breakfast that Saturday morning, having the Gryffindor table almost entirely to herself as she enjoyed her oatmeal. Her research on magical transference had been going very well. She'd exhausted the material available in the Hogwarts Library early in the week, and had gone through the specialty material that Madam Pomfrey kept at hand in her own small library in the Infirmary by the middle of the week. To her great pleasure, Madam Pomfrey was able to secure an invitation for her to use the Ministry of Magic Medical Research Library, which boasted one of the largest collections of historical medical archives and records in the world.
Mediwizards in England traditionally bequeathed their records to the Library on their deaths, so there was a very extensive historical record of all manner of observations, diagnoses and treatments. Records pertaining to living witches or wizards were spelled to obscure their names, but once the person about whom the record was created had died, their name was included, as well. That was very important to Hermione's research, as she was seeking to connect events that were not recognized as related when they occurred. The medical information was part of it, but there was usually a news article, or sometimes a criminal matter associated with the event that was equally critical to her work. Fortunately, the Ministry of Magic General Library was housed just one floor away from the Medical Research Library, and Hermione was becoming well known to the staffs of both.
Hermione used the floo still open near the Ministry annex at Hogwarts to get to the Ministry of Magic Medical Research Library, but was unable to stop at her designated floo so she was bounced, and ended up back at Hogwarts. Not entirely sure what happened, she next tried the public floos in the Ministry entryway, which were open at all times. She certainly was not alone in the Ministry that Saturday morning, but when she arrived at the second level, the location of the Medical Research Library, she found it closed. A quick trip to the third level, and the General Library, confirmed that while the General Library was open on Saturday morning, the Medical Research Library closed all weekend in the summer.
Resisting the urge to pout, Hermione used the few hours that the General Library was open that day to pursue a few leads she'd gathered from her research on Friday, before the staff informed her at noon that they were closing and would reopen on Monday morning.
She joined her friends at lunch on the lawn, and found plans under way for a party the next evening to celebrate Harry's birthday. Of course, she knew it was his birthday, and a big one – 17, the age of majority in the wizarding world – and of course she'd bought a gift for him some time ago. She thought it odd that Harry was sitting right there as they planned his party, but he explained, "Sirius asked Ron to organize it, and suggested that he ask me who to invite and such. I never actually had a birthday party like this, so it's great to be part of the prep, not just be surprised when I show up."
Harry was surprisingly easy-going, as his friends tossed out ideas for decorations and food, pretty much agreeing to whatever seemed to please the others. He initially was adamant, however, that just his good friends be invited, and that it be in the Gryffindor common room.
"I feel funny enough having a party, guys," he told them as he prepared to take a bite of his fried chicken. "I don't like making a big deal of myself, you know. Just my friends should be there, or it will make me feel awkward."
Seamus was having none of this. "Harry, lad, people want to share this with you. Folks from all the Houses have been asking me, all of us, are we doing something for your birthday. Everyone wants to be a part of it, to regard themselves as your friend. You do realize, don't you, that everyone in school during the years you were here, is going to be telling everyone they meet for the rest of their lives, that they knew you as a student?"
Harry blanched at the thought, and Seamus smiled broadly. "Listen, lad, you just leave the planning to old Seamus here. I'll take good care of ya."
As much as Harry thought that was probably a very bad idea, it did take him off the hook. With a small smile and a slight shrug, Harry turned his attention to the chicken and potatoes on his plate.
After lunch, the noisy group split apart as everyone went off to their preferred afternoon pursuits. Ron culled Hermione from the group and took her aside for a quiet word.
"C'mon, Mione. There's something in the castle I'd like to show you, since you're stuck here for the day what with the libraries closing early."
He escorted her up the lawn and into the cool confines of the castle. They chatted easily as they walked, and she really wasn't paying attention to where they were heading. When the reached a rather plain door set into a long expanse of empty wall, it hit her. "Oh, the Room of Requirement!"
Ron pushed open the door and beckoned for her to enter.
She gasped when she saw what the Room had provided for her and Ron. A beautiful, airy, shaded cottage porch looking over the lake was before her, with a large wicker couch positioned to take maximum advantage of the view. Ron took her hand and led her to the couch, pulling her down to sit next to him, his arm around her shoulders. She giggled with delight at this romantic gesture, wondering what was behind the door off the porch that was just slightly ajar.
She did not have long to wait to find out. After some further small talk, Ron pulled Hermione in for a deep, wonderful kiss. All her resentment over the uncomfortable aftermath of her own failed attempt to seduce Ron dissolved in the jumble of feelings that coursed through her. She snuggled close to him, and returned his kisses with enthusiasm. When kisses were no longer enough for either of them, Ron stood and took her by the hand to help her to her feet, and led them into the cottage.
On the other side of that door, was the biggest, most inviting four-poster bed, with a window looking out at the lake. Turning her to face him, Ron lifted her face to his with his hand. "Mione, with you, it had to be special, something we'll both remember forever. I'm sorry if you didn't want to wait, but this is how I see us expressing our feelings for each other."
Tears actually began to well up in her eyes. For every moment of frustration or annoyance she had experienced with Ron, there were times like this that just cemented him in her eyes as the best guy in the world. This was perfect – it was romantic, sincere, private, calm. She needed a moment to be sure her voice would not fail her, before she was able to reply. "Ron, I've known you were the one for a while, and I admit, I wish we could have done this sooner, but this – this is amazing. It's totally right. Thank you so much!"
The kissing resumed, while hands worked feverishly to undo shirt buttons and jeans zippers, and feet kicked off shoes and socks. When they were down to underwear, a brief moment of modesty intruded, and they quickly slipped into the bed. The sheets were the softest Hermione had ever felt, cool against her skin. A few more moments of mutual exploration and they were finally comfortable enough to wriggle out of their remaining clothes.
Ron was as gentle and caring as Hermione had dreamed he would be on this first time for her. She had to agree that this bed was far superior to a patch of ground next to one of the greenhouse walls, with no worry that anyone would overhear their moans and whispers. Their coupling was slow and unhurried, and she forgot the momentary discomfort as she was swept away with pleasure.
Hermione had to resist the urge to giggle with happiness as she and Ron stretched out, side by side in the large bed, he for a nap and she to admire the view of the lake. This had been everything she'd dreamed it would be, and so much more. For once, waiting for the right time had been the best decision.
This was by far the most glorious afternoon of her entire life.
X X X X X X X X X X
Harry learned that his aunt, uncle and cousin were gone from Hogwarts that night. Professor Sprout had mentioned seeing the loathsome family off via portkey that morning, and Severus shared the news with Harry when they returned to their rooms at the end of that evening.
"They did not bother you, after that first encounter, did they, Harry?" Severus asked, noticing with some concern that Harry showed no emotion when given the news.
"Actually, I just ran into them one other time. I returned a little kid I'd worked with on his training broom to his mother in the middle of the week, and she happened to be standing with them. Vernon was his usual hateful self, but when he went to smack me, I froze his arm in mid-air. Used wandless, too," he added, obviously pleased with himself about that. "I told him I never wanted to see him again, and you know what? I meant it."
Severus watched Harry's face for any sign that the encounter was less benign than described. Even before the events of this year, it had always been apparent that Harry wore his emotions on his face, and now that he'd had so much more opportunity to observe him up close, Severus felt very confident in his ability to read the inner feelings of his bondmate. And it appeared he was telling the truth; there were none of the telltale signs, now so familiar to Severus, that Harry was distressed. A welcome, and very positive development!
Minerva had mentioned, as if Severus might not have realized this, that Sunday was Harry's birthday and several of his friends had asked if a space other than the Gryffindor common room might be available for a party. The attendees included members of all Houses, guests and a number of adults, such as Sirius and Remus, so she was giving them the use of one of the reception rooms near the Great Hall. Harry was aware of the party, so she wanted to be sure that Severus did not make his own plans that might interfere with their party.
Severus had bristled at that comment. He was a bit put out that Harry had not mentioned this to him, although in truth it wasn't clear exactly when Harry had been informed. He wasn't even sure that he actually wanted to be there himself. It was just her assumption that Harry would not wish to include him in such a celebration that galled him. Although, now, as Severus poured himself a small brandy and Harry sifted through the mail that was stacked on the desk in the sitting room, he wondered what Harry was thinking about that.
Severus settled into his usual chair with a journal, and Harry grabbed a butterbeer from the kitchen and stretched out in his usual place on the couch.
With a fairly melodramatic sigh, Harry answered his bondmate's unspoken question. "I learned this afternoon that my friends here are hosting a party tomorrow evening for my birthday." He peered at Severus to gauge his reaction to that news. He recalled a conversation not all that long ago when Severus had predicted such a party would be held, unfortunately in connection with testy words they'd exchanged on the subject of Harry getting an annulment of their bonding when he turned 17. Severus' face remained neutral. As Harry thought on it, given the range of negative emotions that often flared across that face, neutrality was not a bad sign, actually.
Harry desperately wanted to solidify his relationship with Severus, but was constantly fearful of pressuring the man into something he didn't want. He wished he had some way of looking into Severus' heart. The last thing he wanted to do was to make a decision to bind them more strongly than they already were bound, if Severus longed to be free of him. Clearly, this was not something that could just be brought up in casual conversation. Might there be some sign of Severus' feelings if the subject was something like the party?
"I want you to come to the party with me, Severus. Will you?"
With those few words, Severus' world was set to rights. Harry saw it – a very brief, but nonetheless obvious, look of relief appeared on his face, before he carefully schooled his expression back to neutral. Oh, he'd still posture and fuss, because that's what Severus did, but he was relieved to be included. It bothered Harry slightly that Severus had not already known how significant he was to him – there was no way Severus was not going to be asked to accompany Harry to this party, and yet he seemed not to have realized that. But this still served to show Harry that Severus did care for him, and wanted to celebrate his birthday with him.
"I suppose it is expected," Severus replied with an almost sour note in his voice, but he quickly realized Harry wasn't buying the act. "Minerva mentioned that her Lions were planning something for you. She didn't want any plans I made with you to interfere."
Harry shook his head – he could imagine the way his Head of House would have put that. It certainly explained a good deal of Severus' sour mood this evening.
He checked the time on the clock on the bookcases near the mantel – it was nearly midnight. As soon as the clock struck midnight, he would be 17 years old. He sipped his butterbeer as he waited for the new day to begin. As soon as midnight came, he put down the half-finished drink, and shifted to sit on the edge of the coffee table in front of Severus' chair. He'd made up his mind what he wanted to do, and despite butterflies in the pit of his stomach, had decided to take the direct approach, risking rejection or ridicule, but hoping for a good outcome.
"Severus, I need a word with you, if you don't mind."
Not entirely certain what was going on in that beautiful head, Severus put aside the journal through which he was leafing, and set down his brandy. He gave Harry his full attention. Had Harry not already asked him to accompany him to the party, he might have expected bad news, but he still was not entirely certain as to what was on Harry's mind.
"I am now officially 17 – the clock just passed midnight," Harry said as he nodded toward the clock and took Severus' hands in his own. "I have made up my mind about certain things that involve you. Actually, I made up my mind quite a while ago, but you were adamant that I had to be 17 before you would accept my decision. I have no intention of undoing our bonding. You are stuck with me, as I think you knew you would be. And I have every intention of maturing our bond tonight."
A slight smile crept onto Harry's face as he said that, a slight sign of his embarrassment, knowing what the "maturing" involved. But this was not a night for embarrassment or for holding anything back. For something he would have found unimaginably horrible less than a year ago, this had become the most anticipated and significant night of his life.
"Come, I want to go to bed."
Harry stood, and pulled Severus to his feet, allowing his bondmate to pull him into a hug, which evolved into a soul-searing kiss. In the back of his mind, Harry marveled that, for once, no argument or discussion was needed – Severus was complying with his request!
It felt like mere seconds and they were in their bedroom, peeling off their clothes and clambering onto the bed. As they broke from a particularly breathtaking kiss, Severus finally spoke. "Are you sure about this, Harry? Yes, you are of legal age now, but this is a step, once taken, that cannot be undone without significant disruption and damage. I don't want you to do this if you have any reservations, any doubts at all."
Harry smiled warmly at Severus' very typical show of concern for him. The man probably never even realized this, but his persistent focus on what was best for Harry only made Harry love him more. Severus had turned out to be the embodiment of everything Harry had ever hoped to find in someone he could love. It still surprised him, that he'd actually found such a powerful love, and for such an unexpected person. But he was certain that it was love that he'd found, and he wasn't giving it up for anything.
"I have no doubts, Severus, none at all. The Marriage Stone found my soul mate, and it is my incredibly good fortune to be bonded to him now. I want that bond to be as strong and unbreakable as it can be, and that's what I've wanted for a good while now."
Harry pulled Severus back into a brief, gentle kiss this time, and then pulled away, waiting for Severus to take the next step.
Severus was shocked at how nervous his felt, almost like it was his own first time. He wanted this to be special, memorable, wonderful for Harry. With care, he prepared Harry for what was to come, wanting to minimize any possible discomfort that he might experience. He took his time, and showed a patience no one would have believed was in him. And it wasn't easy, given that their magic was practically pooling on their skin, blending and tingling, and occasionally throbbing, with each touch. When it was finally the right moment to consummate their bonding, Severus still moved gently and slowly, watching Harry's face carefully to be sure he was not hurting him in any way.
Harry was surprised how his body reacted to the intrusion. He'd learned about the mechanics of gay sex from Charlie Weasley, but nothing prepared him for the waves of sensations, the pure pleasure that he felt with each gentle push and firm stroke. He had no idea what part of him, just inside there, was sending these pulses, but he'd never felt or expected anything like it. This was heaven.
Harry's face never betrayed even a flicker of discomfort. Bliss – that was the only word Severus could find to describe the expression Harry wore. Severus imagined a look of similar joy and contentment was on his own face. He'd never experienced a pleasure so total, so complete before, sexual stimulation enhanced and amplified by the magic of soul mates. Neither lasted very long, before their pleasure exploded. Severus slid slowly from Harry, holding him fast, and allowing Harry to cling to him, too.
In the glow of the aftermath of their release, neither noticed that there was an actual glow, a slightly golden light, that suffused the air around them.
The two held each other tight, kisses resuming as soon as their breathing was back to normal, gentle strokes and caresses placed wherever their hands could reach. Severus' release had been a powerful one, and as much as he might not wish to admit it, he was older than Harry. As their post-coital explorations continued, Harry's body responded as one might expect of a 17 year-old, even as Severus remained limp.
Harry wasn't sure of the protocol in matters such as this, but his hormonal urges took complete control of his body. He wanted to experience everything tonight, and the prospect of sharing the overwhelming sensations he'd just had with Severus drove his actions. Everything that Severus had done to him felt wonderful, so he resolved to duplicate this all for Severus' pleasure.
Severus felt Harry's firmness, and groaned as Harry became more persistent in his caresses, and as his kisses progressed to nips and licks. Severus was so swept up in the sensations Harry was creating that he never reacted when Harry had pushed him onto his stomach. He noticed, but was past the point of speech to protest, when Harry gently began the process of preparing him, as he'd just prepared Harry. He felt Harry maneuvering atop him, pressing against him. As much as he could not have imagined this happening, he arched his back strongly when he felt Harry gently pressing into him.
It had been many years since Severus had allowed someone to penetrate him, and if asked, he would have said he did not enjoy this role at all. Tonight, his body completely betrayed that sentiment. With each stroke, his prostate pulsed with wonderful, almost painful, pleasure. Harry's magic pouring into him as part of the lovemaking heightened his awareness of everything, and contributed its own special pleasures. His groaning became louder and more uninhibited, which seemed to increase Harry's pleasure, until they reached a second crescendo, with Harry spilling into him and collapsing atop him at the same time.
The golden glow that surrounded them grew brighter, and began to shimmer.
Severus wanted to face Harry, to hold him tight as he drifted off to sleep. Harry had already succumbed to the experiences he'd had this night and was asleep himself. As Severus maneuvered them around to the position he wanted for sleep, he opened his eyes briefly. He was shocked to see the light. It seemed to come as much from him as from Harry. There was no physical sensation associated with it. He waved his hand in front of him, and noticed that the light moved from that motion as if it was water, but it did not dim. Once Severus was settled on his back, holding a very spent and sleeping Harry, he pondered the light, wondering what it was, what it meant. As he felt Harry's heart beat against his own chest, and his deep and regular breaths feathered across his chest, the calming effect finally claimed Severus as well, and he fell off to sleep.
X X X X X X X X X X
Albus' eyes opened with a start. Something dramatic had happened to the magic in the castle. That was definitely a pulse of magic he'd felt, a very strong one, enough to wake him from a good, sound sleep. He arose and went to his office, sitting at his desk in his nightshirt, as he began the process of sifting through the various wards that protected the castle.
He determined quickly that there had not been an attack, his greatest fear when he felt a pulse like that. As he calmed down, he was still perplexed as to what might have occurred to create this. The various other wards he studied eventually allowed him to conclude that nothing was imperiling the residents of the castle, some comfort but still not an explanation.
Albus would have liked to confer with one of the deceased Headmasters whose portraits graced the walls of his office, but at this hour, every single one of them was sound asleep, snoring softly in their portraits. He finally thought to summon a house elf, and to his surprise, Dobby answered his summons. The little creature was in tears, and trying desperately to blot them with the tea towel he wore as he answered the Headmaster's call.
"Professor Headmaster Dumbledore! How may Dobby be of assistance, sir?" Dobby finally blurted out.
"What is wrong, Dobby?" Albus replied, showing some concern for the distraught elf.
Dobby started crying harder. "Oh, what a wonderful man! The Professor Headmaster even notices an elf, and inquires if all is well! Kind Professor Headmaster! It is no wonder that Master Harry Potter shows us such courtesy, being taught as he was by kind, courteous Professor Headmaster."
Clearly, this was not a night to exchange pleasantries with the overly emotional elf. Perhaps a direct question could snap him out of it, and get an answer? "I felt a pulse of magic this evening, Dobby, strong enough that it woke me from a sound sleep. The wards are all in place, and indicate no attack or impact from outside the castle. I thought it possible that the elves noticed the pulse and might be able to inform me as to what caused it."
Dobby loudly blew his nose on his garment, and blotted his weeping eyes one final time. "Oh, Professor Headmaster, all the house the elves are thrilled this evening! Our Master Harry Potter and his Beloved Bondmate have committed to one another, as we knew they would. Such joy!"
Albus leaned back suddenly in his desk chair, shock evident on his face. In just a moment, though, the shock gave way to a warm and very happy smile. He knew Severus had no intention of consummating their bonding until Harry was of age, and could make the decision himself as an adult. It had to be a good sign that Harry apparently waited only until the clock struck midnight, the first moments of his birthday, to make this decision.
And wait until Severus learned that he was no longer referred to as Master Harry Potter's Bondmate, but was now known as the Beloved Bondmate!
X X X X X X X X X X
Harry and Severus, uncharacteristically, did not get right up and dressed when they awoke on Sunday morning. They stayed in bed a while, limbs entwined, each pondering the step they had taken, and what it meant. When they finally stirred, each a bit sore in unusual places and both uncomfortably sticky, they shared a warm bath, before finally getting dressed and heading to the sitting room.
"Happy Birthday, Harry," Severus offered, as he bent over the coffee table preparing a cup of tea for his bondmate. "I suspect we might not find much time today for quiet talk, once the day begins, so allow me to give you your gift now."
Harry had just entered the sitting room, needing an extra minute to find his muggle-style trainers in the bottom of his wardrobe. He smiled excitedly at the mention of a birthday gift, and bounced onto the soft, only to wince at the discomfort he suddenly felt. Severus noticed the sudden frown, and smirked at Harry. He felt the same, of course, but knew better than to go bouncing into a chair like that.
Severus had experienced some trepidation about his gift. He had hoped that Harry would chose to consummate their bonding once he was 17, but worried nonetheless that he might opt to delay making a decision, or even seek an annulment. Despite his misgivings, he chose a gift that would make sense only if Harry wanted to stay with him, taking a leap of faith worthy of the Gryffindor he loved.
Severus had engaged the Heraldic Arts Bureau at Gringotts to create a Potter-Snape coat of arms. The artwork had been sent for his approval just a week ago, and Severus was very impressed. It was a new and distinct emblem, incorporating elements of the emblems of each ancient family but creating a coat of arms unique to him and Harry. At some point, this emblem would be carved into doors, mantles or headboards, engraved on notepaper, embroidered on linens, painted onto china. That was for the future. For now, Severus had Gringotts engrave the coat of arms onto a platinum disk, threaded with a chain.
The gift had been neatly wrapped in silver paper, tied with glimmering ribbon, and hidden by Severus in his lab until last night, when he'd moved it into the drawer of the desk in the sitting room. He retrieved it and offered it to Harry, who seemed very excited with the small package, ripping off the paper in anticipation.
Harry was a bit taken aback to see a box with the Gringott's logo on it beneath the shiny paper, as he only knew that firm as a bank. He looked with questioning wonder at Severus, who for once did not overreact.
"Yes, Gringotts is a bank, but they provide a number of other products and services. Bill Weasley works for them as a curse breaker, you know that. They actually have several commercial divisions," he explained.
When Harry finally opened the box, he was awed by the medallion he saw shining there, curious about the emblem engraved on it. He took the necklace out to better inspect the engraving.
"It's beautiful, Severus. I've never owned anything so special. Tell me about this engraving. Some of it looks familiar, but I'm not sure."
"It's a coat of arms for the Potter-Snape family. I commissioned Gringott's Heraldic Arts Bureau to create this for us, drawing elements from our individual family coats of arms, but something unique to us."
Harry was flabbergasted. Severus had obviously done this a while ago, long before the events of last night confirmed that their bond would endure. Such a leap of faith from the ultimate pragmatist! Romantic, even! Harry smiled at the thought, but knew better than to give voice to these inner musings.
"I'm not familiar with either of our family coats of arms, but this is fantastic. This is just ours? How does this work?" Harry asked instead.
"As Heads of ancient houses, we each have a family coat of arms. I've got the Snape emblem on some old books, and I think the Potter emblem is on the family lineage book Black gave me. If not, we can get an image of it for you to see. But this is a new one, created just for us. Gringotts has this coat of arms registered, so no one else will get this specific emblem, and if there is ever a question about whose emblem this is, their records will show it is ours. Here, let me get this on you."
Severus took the necklace from Harry and affixed it around his neck. As his arms were up and around Harry's head, Harry snuck his own arms around Severus' torso, and as soon as Severus had the necklace secured, pulled him in for a hug.
"Thank you, Severus. That's perfect. This is a perfect birthday, you know?" Harry whispered into his neck. Severus' arms were now around Harry, and he returned the hug with a squeeze.
"You are most welcome, Harry. I am delighted you're pleased," he said softly in reply, as he caressed the back of Harry's head with his hand.
X X X X X X X X X X
Severus congratulated himself on having thought to give Harry his gift when they arose, as the day did indeed become a raucous celebration once they left their rooms that morning.
Harry was surrounded by well-wishers as soon as he sat down at the Gryffindor table for breakfast, although after they'd gotten their own greetings out of the way, Harry's usual group of friends kept most of the hangers-on at bay.
What with an impromptu game of quidditch on the lawn, time flying over the lake, and the other activities enjoyed by the Gryffindors, Harry presented a moving target for most of the day, and was able to avoid too much fussing, until dinner was over and it was time to go to the party.
Albus had corralled Severus immediately after breakfast with an invitation to join him for a walk. After they'd exited the castle and were on the path leading toward the lake, Albus finally revealed his reason for asking to see him.
"My dear boy, I was awoken last night, probably about 2 am, by a very strong pulse of magic. I was fearful of an attack, of course, but the wards were fine. The portraits were all asleep, so I summoned a house elf; sometimes they sense things and have insights we can't capture. The house elves apparently were beside themselves in happy celebration, because, as they put it, 'Master Harry Potter and his Beloved Bondmate had committed to one another'."
Severus had stopped dead in his tracks with that observation, so Albus came to a halt himself.
"I gather that you and Harry have made some decisions, have you not?" he inquired gently.
Severus wasn't sure if he was embarrassed or furious, or maybe a bit of both.
"I cannot imagine that this is any of your business, Headmaster," he replied in his frostiest tones.
"Unfortunately, where Harry is concerned, Severus, the standards of privacy need to be recalibrated. The pulse of magic I detected was strong enough to wake me, all by itself, from a dead sleep. Granted, I'm more attuned to these things than most, but it was something I'd never experienced before. I would be surprised if there are not sages and seers around the world discussing this before the day is out, and we might even get inquiries from the Ministry, if not the press. I assume that your bond is now matured, is it not?" Albus hoped that Severus might respond better to a less delicate, more direct approach.
With a deep sigh, Severus did respond. "Harry will be beyond mortified if any of this gets out, you know that, don't you? He's intensely private. But yes, he did inform me, as soon as the clock struck midnight, that it was his 17th birthday, and he had decided that he wished for our bond to be matured, as he has no desire to annul it."
"I've known many witches and wizards who were bonded or married to their soul mates, but never two with the power that you two have, of course. Did you feel a pulse of magic last night, Severus? I am curious about that, and concerned."
Severus looked at the old man with a curious look of his own on his face. Concerned?
"I felt no pulse of magic, nothing of that sort. I was aware that a golden, glowing light formed around us. It seemed to be coming from both of us. I felt nothing – it did not hurt. If I moved my arm, it swirled about a bit, but it didn't dim or dissipate. I did not ask Harry if he felt it; I doubt he noticed, as he was asleep. It was gone when we awoke this morning."
Albus fixed Severus with a serious look, as he patted his back and got them moving along the path to the lake again. "I've never heard of a glow or light like that, Severus. I suppose it is possible that the light and the pulse I detected are connected. I will let you know what I hear beyond the walls of Hogwarts about this."
Severus continued on the walk with the Headmaster, imploring Merlin and any other protector or deity out there to prevent this from being commented upon by anyone other than Albus.
Unfortunately, at dinner, Albus did mention very quietly that he'd gotten two owls from the Minister herself that afternoon, regarding inquiries directed to the Ministry about changes in the magic associated with Harry and his bondmate. At this point, she was giving evasive answers, but wanted Albus to be aware that the conversations were going on out there.
Severus chose not to share any of this with Harry that evening as they prepared to head off to his party. Let him enjoy his day without worry or the intrusion of the world into his happiness.
It was Harry who summoned Dobby, to ask for a glass of chilled pumpkin juice.
"Master Harry Potter! Best wishes to you on your birthday! Dobby is honored to be of service to you or your Beloved Bondmate! What can Dobby do for you?"
Fortunately, Harry was really thirsty and focused on asking for some pumpkin juice, so the change in terminology in referring to Severus did not immediately register. He made his request, and the little elf winked off. When the glass of juice, together with a carafe of more juice spelled to remain cold and a platter of Harry's favorite biscuits, were placed on the coffee table, Severus wandered out of the bedroom, adjusting the cuffs on the shirt he was wearing, to see what Harry had asked for.
Harry put the empty glass down and was contemplating a biscuit when he saw Severus. "Did you hear that, Severus? You aren't Master Harry Potter's Bondmate any more. You now seem to be my Beloved Bondmate," Harry offered with a smile, in greeting.
Severus shook his head and took a seat, helping himself to a biscuit as he did so.
"Yes, I heard about this. I gather one of them referred to me that way to Albus, and he mentioned it to me."
"Why do they change names that?" Harry asked, as he selected a biscuit and refilled his juice glass.
"Albus has his theories, but I don't know that the elves themselves could explain it to you. According to Albus, house elves have an ability to sense things in magic that most of us wizards can't feel, and then, as you know, they have a most interesting way of phrasing things."
Harry was about to make a comment on that, when certain facts started to align in his head. He blushed crimson at the implications.
"Do they know . . . ?" was all he was able to get out.
For once, Severus accommodated an inarticulate, half-spoken question.
"It appears so. Albus said he was awoken from a deep sleep by a massive pulse of magic last night. The wards were fine, so he summoned a house elf to see if they knew anything. He was told that you and I, the Beloved Bondmate, had committed to one another."
Harry stared straight ahead in horror, mortification pulsing through his body.
"I didn't feel any pulse of magic, and I assume you did not either." Almost in shock, Harry just nodded his agreement with that observation, unable to speak.
"Were you aware that we apparently produced light, last night, Harry? I noticed it before we fell asleep. A golden light surrounded us. You were already sound asleep, and it was gone by the morning. The Headmaster had never heard of any such thing happening before."
Harry just blinked at that news. The Headmaster knew?
Severus took pity on the blushing, embarrassed young man. "I'm sorry, Harry. Our magic is extremely strong, yours and even mine to a much lesser extent, and our union creates ripples and pulses that others do detect. The house elves are very sensitive to this, so they are always aware of things, and I suspect Albus is almost as sensitive as a house elf. But be prepared. And don't be upset or embarrassed."
Before Harry could hang his head, as he was no doubt seconds away from doing, Severus stood and pulled Harry up to stand before him.
"You are a very special man, Harry Potter. Shoulders back, head high. You have nothing to be ashamed about, we've done nothing about which you should be embarrassed. Come, it's time for your birthday party."