Prince Consort

Chapter 23

"Harry!" Remus called out, a relieved look covering his face, "How are you feeling?" he asked as his son entered his bedroom, well his and Sirius'. He didn't look like he had changed all that much, but he could smell Harry had gone through the change, his heartbeat was completely different and his scent was mingled with the stench of death. He paid no attention to it, he was surprisingly used to the smell now, and after only three weeks too.

"Bloody hell, you stink!" Harry grimaced, breathing out.

Remus laughed in amusement, "The same could be said for you as well," Remus said dryly, taking no offense, Harry would get used to his new senses. He could remember when everything smelt different for him too, he may have only been four but he did have small recollections of that time. He wasn't sure whether it was because he was a werewolf, or if it was merely just because of the traumatic time surrounding his memories. "How are you though?" he then asked again.

"Tired, but I'll be fine," Harry said with a smile, not sure whether to tell Remus about the Horcruxes or not. "Where is he?" he could smell Sirius in the room. He still wasn't sure what to make of it all, you'd think he'd have had plenty of time to think stuck in bed for six days, but the truth of the matter was he had hurt too much to think coherently, when he wasn't in pain he slipped to sleep.

"He was asked to take a walk I suspect the vampires knew you were coming," Remus explained, well more than knew. With Harry's emotions going to be all over the place for the next few days, he agreed wholeheartedly with the decision they made to keep Sirius away from Harry until it passed. Sirius wouldn't be able to cope with Harry being angry at him, even if he knew that Harry was just emotional due to the change and the intensity he would now feel things.

"Ah," Harry said grinning widely; he would need to thank them some way for that.

"How are you feeling in regards to the bond?" Remus queried, as Harry made his way over and sat on his bed.

"I don't feel anything different," Harry explained giving Remus a curious look.

Remus nodded unsurprised, with Harry being as powerful as he was, and Severus too, he had already been feeling things through the bond. He summarized it would truly flare up when they first slept with one another. Not something he wanted to think about, thank you very much. Worse still he would know, just as he knew they hadn't yet, he could smell it on Harry.

"Do you know what a Horcrux is?" seeing Remus stiffen he realized that yes, he evidently did know. "You do, don't you?"

"Why do you want to know about something like that?" Remus asked his own voice filled with warning. What was Harry reading? He knew he was as Ravenclaw as one could get without being in the house and actually a Slytherin...but really? Reading about Horcruxes? There were so few books that discussed them, hell they're mentioned only in passing as unmentionables never actually outright called Horcruxes in most books. Had he been reading more books from his vault? But as far as he knew Harry hadn't taken anything else from the Potter vaults.

"Harry?!" Remus stated sharply, "I want an answer!"

"I'm one," Harry said quietly, his fears showing on his face.

"WHAT?!" Remus barked, incredulity wafting from him - he could scarcely believe what he'd heard, he was tempted to think he had misheard him.

Harry winced in agony, clamping his fingers over his ears as they rang ferociously, and an immediate headache began to form. He glared at Remus in irritation; did he really have to shout so loudly?

"Sorry, how did you find out?" Remus asked, his heart pounding, as panic and fear coursed through him. How the hell was he a Horcrux it never said anything about a human container. He didn't ask who because quite frankly the answer was obvious - Voldemort. If he hadn't been a concern as it was, they were now dealing with a wizard who had apparently split his soul which would make him even more impossible to kill.

"Severus knew there was something wrong," Harry explained, "I was exhausted when I woke up, I think he realized something then and asked for a healer. Alfred found out, Remus I have a piece of that filthy bastard in me." green eyes wide with disgust and fear.

"Harry, don't panic, not yet, there might be a simple solution." Remus said his voice soft and soothing, "What are they doing about it?" knowing without a doubt that they were doing something about it. Getting Harry focused on something would hopefully take the edge of his panic and fear. He didn't like to see Harry so fearful, it had happened only one time (when he was kidnapped) and his wolf and he had gone ballistic about it.

"What you want to do," Harry snorted in amusement.

"Research?" Remus nodded, wondering if they needed help, he was very good at research if nothing else.

"Yeah," Harry replied, relaxing slightly, they would get this thing out of him, and he would panic if there wasn't an alternative found.

"You do look tired," Remus told him concerned, his amber eyes filled with worry.

"I am," Harry admitted he had to remain calm if he used any more magic it might be even more detrimental to his health.

"Where is he? I'd like to help," Remus asked, standing up, his son was in danger so damn right he was going to help. Although he couldn't read as fast as the vampire, he would be able to help and that was all that mattered to him right now.

"He's in the vault, I don't think people are allowed in there," Harry revealed plainly. "It's hermetically sealed, you wouldn't be able to be down there long." he doubted even a bubblehead charm would let you last longer, you'd eventually start suffocating. Although if he was honest he wasn't sure, it had been his first time in there.

"No," Remus grumbled grudgingly, "No, they don't allow those that aren't in the Coven, it's hermetically sealed more than normal, since vampires don't need to breathe so I wouldn't last ten minutes." they wouldn't remove the books for him to read either, they were very delicate. "This is good though, we're in the right place, I doubt there is anywhere in Britain with more books, more knowledge, which is exactly what we need."

"I guess," Harry nodded thoughtfully, he prayed they were right.

Remus smiled reassuringly at his son. "Oh, I got an invitation for the party," he added remembering it, to say it was fancy would be putting it lightly, they were obviously sparing no expense even for the paper - which he found utterly ridiculous but they did have money to burn, or maybe more money than sense. "I think your friends received one as well." at least Harry would never have to worry about money problems again, James had been such an idiot, he didn't know why his best friend had done such a stupid thing. Harry would have been content enough to make it do him, get a job after Hogwarts - he was smart enough to get one. Obviously, plans had changed now, but that was beside the point.

"But Severus just asked them to do it like an hour!" Harry gasped utterly surprised.

"They probably already had them written out," Remus grinned wryly.

Harry laughed and amusedly shook his head, not exactly surprised by that. Then he remembered what had happened before his change…then afterward. "Remus, my accepting him…does that mean the courting process is over?" he had read the customs book, but there was nothing definitively clear that said yes or no. He suspected the answer was no, that it wasn't over, but he just wanted to be sure.

"Technically the courting process is however long you both agreed, no matter what steps you've taken - unless you marry - not the handfasting process which is not the same as a marriage bonding ceremony - which of course nulls the courting process naturally," Remus told him thoughtfully.

Harry nodded, "I suspected as much," it was nice to be proven right.

"Wh-" Remus started only to be cut off by a knock on the door. His heart began pounding, praying that it wasn't Sirius returning already. "Come in!" Relief flooded through him when he saw it was just a vampire that walked through the door. It wasn't one he was familiar with either.

"Sir," squeaked the vampire nervously at Harry before facing Remus, "Mail came for you," he added, his lips twisting slightly as if he was offended at having to play an owl for the werewolf - or perhaps it was just because he had to deliver it full stop.

"Thank you," Remus answered sincerely, as he took the letter from the odd vampire. Who disappeared in a blink of an eye without as much as another word.

Remus looked at the letter, it was familiar he had seen it somewhere and quite recently. Sniffing it, he knew immediately why it was familiar - Tonks. Rolling his eyes heavenward wondering what she was wanting with him now. He wasn't going to join the order; surely she realized this after last time? Although it had been a rather pleasurable evening if he remembered correctly. Smirking in devious amusement he opened the letter ready to get amusement out of the Order's pathetic attempts to recruit him - although why they'd do that when Dumbledore was in so much trouble he did not know.

Unfortunately, it wasn't, no instead he felt himself paling drastically as his eyes nearly popped out of his head. What the fuck! How could the woman be so careless! She was an Auror for Merlin's sake she should have made sure she used the spell afterwards to make sure nothing came of their night. How could he have been so careless? He should have made sure she used that damn spell. Fuck, he was a werewolf for Merlin's sake! The kid could take on his condition.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked staring at Remus worried.

"I um…don't know," Remus replied automatically still dazed.

"What does it say?" Harry demanded becoming concerned, ready to teach out for the letter.

"Tonks is pregnant," Remus told him, causing Harry to stop in mid-stretch and freeze. "Harry?"

"You're going to be a dad?" Harry gaped, two sides warring within him, part of him was ecstatic for Remus, the other more insecure part of him felt as though he was going to die, feared being abandoned above all else.

"You will always be my son, my first Cub," Remus stated vehemently. Grasping a hold of Harry, he squeezed gently "Believe me, Harry; I never wanted this to happen…if the child is infected…I'll never forgive her for being so stupid!"

Harry gazed at Remus, the amber eyes were sincere and the scent was truthful. He felt extremely undeserving of Remus' loyalty that he would choose him over Sirius and him over his own child. What had he done to deserve it? He just hoped one day that he could repay Remus for the love he had given him. For choosing him. "The baby could not have a better dad, you'll be great, I just know it," he said, smiling at him, before hugging him, silently thanking him for his words and congratulating him.

Another knock at the door had Remus cursing "What now?" he thought beyond irritated as he reluctantly withdrew from his son, how did he make Harry realize that nothing would change? That he would always be his son? Merlin, he could kill the Dursley's right now, despite the fact he'd stayed with him for years, what the Dursley's had done hadn't been magically wiped away - he was still insecure whether he showed it or not. "Come in!"

Corin bowed to Harry in respect before stating, "My Lord would like to see you both,"

"Where?" Harry asked, standing up hope brewing in him had a solution been found already? Could it really have been that easy to find?

"Your private quarters," Corin informed them.

"Okay, we will be right there," Harry said, already moving out of the room, going at a human pace - which he found extremely difficult but trying to stay in line with Remus made it easier.

The walk up to Harry and Severus' private quarters was silent, to say the least, Remus still in shock by what he had just learned. Harry began to worry about what the news would be when they got there. Perhaps it wasn't even about the Horcrux after all Remus had been asked to come.

Harry quickly reached for the door before Corin could, he hated the fact they tried to do everything even open and close doors behind him. He hadn't grown up having everything done for him, and wasn't used to it, everyone else here was and he prayed he didn't - he didn't want to lose himself to this grandness. He certainly would try his best to keep himself from becoming overwhelmed or worse converting to a person that assumed they'd do everything for him. He found both Alfred and Severus in the room, both looked grim but determined - this must be about the Horcruxes after all.

"Is everything alright?" Harry asked keeping his apprehension to himself. "Did you find something already?"

"There are two ways to remove it," Severus explained, he didn't like either way very much.

"How do you remove it then?" Harry asked.

"If I may?" Alfred inquired, asking his Lord for permission, as soon as Severus nodded curtly, he began speaking once more. "The first is the only way forward; it's a basic transferral spell, which of course will transfer the soul piece from you into a container of our choosing. I am not going to lie, Harry, it will be extremely painful, it has been part of you for such a long time, there's even a chance that part of your magic might go with it."

"Part?" Remus rasped out, eyes wide with horror.

"Just the magic that has imbued in the Horcrux, it attached itself to him, to his magic, depending on how big the soul piece is…it might not be significant but I cannot make that promise and keep it." Alfred told Harry an apologetic note in his tone.

"And the second?" Harry muttered sitting down on the bed, not even glancing when he felt Remus' hand fall to his shoulder offering him comfort. The thought of ending up a squib, which might not have been said - it was certainly implied - they didn't know what the hell would happen, well he felt sick. Squibs weren't thought of much in magical society, they were pariahs, outcast from magical society the second they found out. If it happened to him…he would be alone, swallowing thickly thinking of everyone in his life, closing his eyes, as much as he desired to be selfish, he could never do that to his family. Just how the hell had he ended up in Slytherin?

Alfred reluctantly answered Harry's question, "To get it out of you without the transferral spell would be death." which of course would never happen, his Lord would never allow it - to allow his mate to be killed was suicide, not just in vampire society but suicide on its own.

"So why didn't it self-destruct when Harry was changed?" Remus was perplexed.

"It didn't self-destruct, if anything it became a bigger threat," Alfred admitted, "This has to be dealt with immediately."

"A threat?" Harry yelped, eyes wide, "How?" he didn't even want to consider the implications of that statement.

"There is a possibility of possession, or the soul activating, which will fight with yours until one wins," Alfred answered tensely.

"It's only a little piece! Surely it couldn't possibly overwhelm a full soul?" Remus cried out anxiously, glancing at Snape to find him staring out of the window his arms crossed over his chest. Harry seemed in pretty much the same state, only he was staring at the floor his eyes glazed. He wouldn't lose his son, not like this, he absolutely refused. He would rather love Harry as a normal son than a dead one. He didn't care whether Harry had magic or not, he wasn't like the other wizards who only cared about preserving the magic in their damn pureblood lines.

"That's what Severus thought;" Alfred sighed sadly, "Unfortunately the evidence is irrefutable,"

"Evidence? What evidence there's only one person who's ever done anything like this and he didn't do it against a person!" Remus argued.

"That's probably what the Ministry wants you to think," Harry couldn't help but snort derisively. "That and Dumbledore, do you know how many books he's had pulled from the library during his tenure of Headmaster?"

"Forty-five and counting," Severus answered drolly turning around; it was times like this he was forcefully reminded of where exactly his mate had been placed - in Slytherin. It was always quite the argument in Slytherin about the books being taken out; it had been going on for generations.

Harry nodded not able to smirk or smile - the effort I would require was too much for him. He felt defeated and dispirited, after all the fighting; his hard work…had it all come down to his? Why? He just wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out, stay in a permanent state of hibernation. Dropping his head into his palms, what was he going to do? Even as he thought it he knew what he had to - he just didn't want to. The thought of losing his magic was terrifying, he'd only known about magic for six years but it was a lifetime to him.

"Leave," Severus demanded, barely glancing at either of his 'guests' his focus was on Harry who was trying to make himself as small as possible on the bed.

Remus was about to protest before Alfred shook his head and guided the werewolf from the room. "Let's go, I'm sure they have a lot to discuss," he spoke with conviction and kindness. He could only imagine what he was going through hearing this, especially seeing as he considered Harry a son.

Once the door clicked shut, Severus went over to Harry and placed his hand under his chin forcing his mate to look at him. His eyes were glazed, defeated they practically screamed 'why him' a question that he himself was asking. "The choice is up to you, Harry, I will stick by whatever you choose to do." as any mate would. He wanted to get the damn Horcrux out of him, the urge to order it was very strong. He didn't like the fact that there was any part of Voldemort in his mate, yet he knew if he did this Harry would never forgive it. So he was taking a step back and allowing Harry to choose himself, he hadn't realized how difficult it would be until Alfred began speaking.

"But…my magic," Harry whispered half terrified-half horrified. It wasn't something he would wish on his worst enemy, it was part of you; to lose it was to lose your identity.

"I know," Severus said quietly, "I know," he repeated himself, wishing that he could somehow sweep this under a rug and forget about it, but unfortunately that wasn't possible. He had been in control of his life for so long, that he found the unknown quite frankly worrisome. He so badly wanted to tell Harry that everything would be alright, but he would never do his mate the disservice of potentially lying to him. It seemed though that he was contemplating the first idea, not that he would let him consider the second one. Looking down when Harry leaned against him he began to card his fingers through Harry's hair. This wasn't a decision that could be made lightly, yet the depressing thing was that there was really no alternative.

Harry closed his eyes and pressed himself further into Severus, "Do it." he said shakily if he lost his magic…becoming a vampire would quickly become his biggest mistake - it wasn't easy to kill a vampire or yourself if you were one. Living an extremely elongated life knowing what he was missing? It would be the worst torture ever. He felt shaky a sick but he refused to budge from his decision.

"Are you sure?" Severus asked calmly, he would search high and low if he truly thought there was any other way go to. Yet he knew if there was no other answer in Prince Vault, there wouldn't be one anywhere, the vaults held the earliest documents on record perfectly preserved. Nowhere in the world other than perhaps Egypt and Rome held documents this old, but they were in museums.

"No," Harry chuckled without humor.

Severus remained silent, knowing sometimes that it was best to let them digest everything without empty platitudes.

"What would you do?" Harry asked, his voice slightly muffled, but Severus' hearing was better than any humans so he had no trouble whatsoever in hearing exactly what Harry said.

"Me?" Severus mused thoughtfully, "I would go through with it, in my own way spitting Voldemort, that and the thought of anyone controlling me is repugnant. I would rather do things on my own terms, like you though I wouldn't hope for the best, think the worst."

"How painful will it be?" Harry whispered, he knew pain, intimately, from a very young age hell he'd been self-diagnosing himself when he was hurt, whether it was a sprain, strain, or a broken bone. He had just gone through six says of immense pain to be changed into a vampire.

"Truthfully? I cannot say with any certainty, it wasn't a diary or journal we were reading, it was a book, it didn't describe how bad it could be." Severus answered honestly. "All it said was that to extract it is a painful experience."

"Great," Harry replied glumly, very grateful for Severus' presence right now, somehow just having him there was making him feel better, no empty platitudes or promises that everything would work out.

"I will do everything in my power to make sure it doesn't take your magic," Severus vowed vehemently.

"What do you mean you will?" Harry asked moving away to stare at Severus.

"We are bonded, Harry, not just on a physical level but a magical one as well, there's a part of you in me now," Severus explained. "Not like being married, that is a whole other bond."

"So you can feel the Horcrux?" Harry asked perplexed his forehead scrunched up as he thought on it, it didn't sound right otherwise he wouldn't have needed Alfred. This morning seemed so long ago; he wondered when he would stop taking body blows and be able to feel again.

"No, but with this spell, I will be able to, I will be removing it, Alfred will be helping, it will take both of us to say the spells," Severus explained, it would probably be the hardest thing he'd ever have to do - but he would do it. Stepping back giving Harry some room, Merlin this wasn't what he wanted to be doing after the change had occurred.

Harry nodded pensively.

Severus reached down and brought Harry's face up again, "If you want to wait a while until you're sure it is what you want I will not stand in your way." his tone was soothing.

Harry vehemently shook his head, "No, I want this over with before I change my mind and run." his green eyes glinted in a way that made Severus realize that he was serious. If he didn't do this there was no doubt he would run, he wouldn't put his family in danger…and despite how things had started…he would never put the vampires in danger, they had done nothing but protect him - even if it exasperated him - no, he couldn't let anyone be harmed.

Severus arched an eyebrow in surprise by the determination and resolution that poured from Harry. Run, well he hadn't contemplated Harry wishing to do that. From what he had seen so far, by his words and watching him his family meant everything…which was probably precisely why he'd do what he would. Well, it was time to get that Horcrux out, he wasn't about to let his mate go out there on his own, not without someone to protect him. He would do whatever it took to keep his mate safe, as would his people. It wouldn't take long for them to warm to Harry, just seeing him made those that had met him so far want to protect him against everything - and they found it impossible to stay annoyed at him - too impressed with him to be annoyed more like Severus thought in wry amusement.

"I cannot give you anything until the ritual has been completed, do you understand?" Severus warned him, "I sincerely wish it wasn't the case, but we need you awake and aware as well as alert."

"I figured as much," Harry said nodding grudgingly.

"Would you like Remus here? It won't interfere with the ritual," Severus asked, he hated the thought of Remus helping his mate - it was his job, his duty and right. He would rather Harry was hurt less and someone helping than him suffering on his own and flailing everywhere potentially hurting himself further. Sure it wasn't easy to hurt a vampire, but they still felt pain like everyone else.

"He's going to be a dad," Harry said impassively.

Arching an eyebrow in surprise, it couldn't possibly be Black not even a werewolf would be able to tell so soon…which meant it was someone else. "And you are worried things will change between you?" Severus stated, already knowing the answer.

"Wont it?" Harry said, at least partly it would, but he would never grudge his dad the prospect of another child.

"People have more than one child; it doesn't mean they love one child more than the other. You aren't just Remus' son; you are his cub, not even another child, even his own will lessen the bond between both of you. Wolves have more than one cub, and they protect them all and would do so to their death. There's nothing more important to them, and whether you or he choose to believe it or not - Remus will always think like a wolf. Not even denying that part of himself will help." Severus told Harry firmly, hoping to ease at least some of Harry's worries, he might not display it but he suspected part of Harry was worried things would change.

Something loosened in Harry's chest, something he hadn't even realized that was required, "Thank you," he had needed that after a day like this.

"It's the truth," Severus said, his mate was very easy to pacify, at least he was talking to him about his worries, it gave him a sense of accomplishment that he'd been able to help him.

A shaky sigh left Harry's lips, he prayed to a Merlin he didn't believe in to let him keep his magic, he would rather be dead than lose it. "Let's do it."

Severus stalked back over to the door, his face completely impenetrable; the only thing that gave away the building fury in his veins was his eyes. He loathed what he was about to do, having to do, even if it meant saving him and preventing Harry from being destroyed by the Dark Lord's soul somewhere down the road. Harry's consent meant a lot to him; it didn't suddenly make everything suddenly easier. "Get in," he stated tersely.

Alfred said nothing as he walked passed; he knew this wasn't the right time for anything like that. He knew Severus all too well, ever since he had become a fledgling, he'd quickly surpassed all he had expected of him. He was inordinately proud of him; there is no doubt about that. Although in all honesty, he could be a little calmer with his emotions. He didn't think he'd seen Severus so angry before, not even through all the trials he had endured to reach the top and reclaim his rightful place. Then again he was being forced to hurt his mate, potentially turn him into a squib or at least less magically powerful…it was bound to be the hardest thing he'd ever do in his life.

"You cannot touch Harry until we give you permission to do so," Alfred informed Remus, seeing him clutching Harry's hand in some sort of comfort. "If there's any contact it will screw up the ritual…in ways we don't even want to comprehend." his tone guarded and serious.

Remus closed his eyes, slumping resignedly, he squeezed Harry's hand harder and said "I'll be right over there, I promise, I'm not going anywhere." dropping it feeling utterly destroyed, praying to whatever deity that looked over them that they take his own magic, not Harry's. That he would do anything they wanted if they would just save his son, to allow him to keep his magic.

"Try and stay in the middle of the bed," Severus informed Harry, his terse tone softening as he regarded his mate with pride and barely concealed worry. Flicking his finger, the soft glow surrounding the bed gave Severus the knowledge that his magic had worked. Harry was going to be in agony, he wasn't going to have him falling off the bed as well - not that he would break bones but anything to make this easier. Thank Merlin they'd found this when he was a vampire, it meant he would heal quicker - hopefully.

Harry said nothing his mind a panicked chaotic mess as he warred within himself, part of him wanted to run and run far than lose his magic. The other part wanted to protect his family and get this over with regardless of the consequences. One could say his Slytherin side was competing with his Hufflepuff side.

"Try and relax," Alfred soothed, hopefully, it would make it infinitesimally easier.

Harry choked a ludicrous sarcastic laugh out as he moved up the bed, using his feet to propel himself, relax? He might bloody lose his magic! There was no way in hell he could bloody relax.

Alfred moved and placed a cheap trinket (a worthless locket) on the bed beside Harry to direct the Horcrux into once they got it from him.

"We are going to start now," Severus warned, before raising his wand, feeling his stomach tightening in knots, he almost wanted to leave the room rather than do this - or worse witnesses it. He stiffened his resolve; he'd rather have this than the Dark Lord using Harry's body, powers and looks to further his cause. Harry would be blamed for it all; they wouldn't even blink at the insinuation since he was a 'Slytherin'. Nobody deserved that to happen to them, least of all his mate. The thought of him being lost to the Dark Lord's soul was enough.

"Prehendo alveus concarnatio fragmen excerptum extraho dismoveo!" pouring all the power into it, watching as it slammed into Harry, not even a second later, the scream he let out was deafening, this was way beyond just 'excruciating pain'. Severus grunted, almost brought to his knees as he felt a backlash of the pain.

"Prehendo alveus concarnatio fragmen excerptum extraho dismoveo!" Alfred chanted, also pouring all he had into it, helping Severus remove the Horcrux from his mate. His spell hit the young vampire, and he too could feel a backlash of pain but he overcame it, determined to remove the soul piece.

The door burst open; apparently, Harry's screaming was heard even over the silencing spells.

"DON'T!" Remus shouted his arms spread out stopping the vampires from doing anything. "They're trying to help him! They're helping him!" Breathing raggedly, he repeated himself again. "He's going to fine, they're trying to remove something dangerous." not that he thought they would hurt Severus - he was their Lord and leader, but he didn't want to take the chance of them acting first thinking later. He believed Alfred when he said if anything went wrong well…it wouldn't be good.

Corin backed out immediately, knowing that her Lord would not be hurting his mate unless there was a good reason. She made sure that the others went with her, she didn't want to risk them screwing up whatever was going on.

Remus sighed slumping against the door, wincing in agony, rubbing at his temples. It was horrifying that he couldn't go and comfort his Cub; at least his wolf wasn't going mad inside him. It must understand the importance of this, pressing his hand over his ears, trying to mute the sound, as hopelessness consumed him, causing tears of frustration to leak out of his eyes. Forcing himself to move back over to the chair, despite the noise, he wanted to comfort his Cub just as soon as he was given the all clear to do so.

Gasping in terror when a green glow began to emit from Harry all over from head to toe, glancing up at the two wizards - they weren't overly concerned so maybe it was supposed to happen? He didn't know, but he prayed and prayed for a favorable outcome.

Harry's back was arched like a human bridge, continuing to scream his agony to the heavens. The Golden magic began to fight with the green, easily taking over it, before two additional colors of gold - well one was more yellowish in color came into it helping to beat back the green until the sickly color was gone. As soon as it was Harry went completely lax, his screams cut off and he just lay there his chest unmoving.

"HARRY NO!" Remus shouted, lurching forward, "Breath, Goddamn you! BREATHE!" not even thinking of using magic, too terrified that he was losing Harry, and he couldn't lose him, not like this.

"Perpurgo!" Alfred chanted clearing Harry's airways magically giving him a nudge to breathe solely to calm the werewolf down - not sure how much of him was actually there right now. "Do remember he is a vampire, he doesn't need to breathe." he added trying to calm the half insane wizard, get him to react rationally.

The red colour Remus went at that proclamation answered Alfred's worries, it appeared as if the wizard had kept very good control over his wolf. He merely nodded; not wanting to make too much noise, his gaze never wavered from his cubs face.

Severus sat down on the other side after dismantling the wards he'd set up, his black eyes filled with worry. So many things could have gone wrong, but he had felt the soul piece being ejected, and they'd fought to get it into the locket. Brushing his hair out of the way of his face, allowing one of his hands to clutch at Harry's. "Harry? Please squeeze my hand," he commanded soothingly.

Harry after a few tense moments squeezed his soul mates hand.

Opening the drawer Severus took out the potion, yanking out the stopper with his teeth, he pressed the vial against Harry's lips. Harry opened his mouth and drank the pain relief. Any remaining tenseness in his body disappeared. "Rest for a while," Severus murmured soothing him.

Harry gave one short nod, not even opening his eyes worn beyond endurance. What might have only been a few minutes to them, felt like hours to Harry.

Now it was to the three others to worry about Harry's magic or the possibility of it being the lack of it while Harry was blissfully unaware of the struggles and strife the unknown was bringing them.

"Now we wait," Severus said grimly remaining where he was. "I would much appreciate it if you left me alone with my mate." actually asking instead of demanding, it was how badly shaken he was with what had occurred.

Alfred immediately left the room, with one last worried glance back before the door clicked closed behind him. Remus however, looked deeply conflicted, he understood the urge for a newly mated pair, especially if one was hurt to wish to remain together alone. On the other hand he was also a creature, this was his cub. "You'll let me know when he wakes?" it was more of a plea than question.

"Yes," Severus agreed, although he felt somewhat reluctant about it.

Remus closed his eyes in relief, "Thank you," he whispered, knowing it was completely Severus' choice; no amount of begging would have changed his mind if he truly didn't want to do it.

"Now, please, go." Severus said his face still impassive but there were cracks beginning to show - showing that he was affected more than Remus could even fathom.

Remus bowed his head before getting off the bed, hearing a clunk he looked down and absently picked up the locket and placed it on the nightstand. He could feel the presence of dark magic in the locket, the Horcrux had been successfully removed - hopefully Harry would still have his magic. Some was better than none at all, even if he preferred him not to be even remotely affected by it. He closed the door behind him and lost sight of Harry completely.

"I am sorrier than you'll ever know," Severus whispered, stroking Harry's face with his index finger. He swore he would never become his father, or have a relationship as volatile as his parents. Yet he'd hurt his mate, Merlin the backlash he'd felt had nearly brought him to his knees, he couldn't begin to imagine what the full brunt had been like. He looked so peaceful, unburdened of the worries that his magic could be gone. He prayed it wasn't for both their sakes, if Harry didn't have magic he was going to end up even more territorial than ever. He knew it even just thinking it for a moment, and Harry would resent him for it but he wouldn't be able to stop himself. So yes, for both their sakes, unfortunately they wouldn't know until his core replenished - if it ever did. He'd used it all to help both himself and Alfred remove the Horcrux.

Standing up he moved to the other side of the bed and lay down with his mate, he didn't care about the other things he had to do - he had been doing his duty for the past however many years, he can afford to take one day to just spend with his mate nothing else was more important. Wrapping his arm around Harry, bringing them impossibly closer, he closed his eyes and just listened to his breathing.

There we go! Getting close to all new chapters! R&R please