Author note- Hey friends, New chapter here for you. I also wanted to let you know that the pairings and content warnings have been updated on chapter one to accurately reflect the whole story. I hope you all enjoy this new chapter. Leave me a review and let me know what you think.
Chapter 55
Boggarts and Graves
Harry rolled his shoulders as he scrubbed the floor in the laundry room. Yesterday had been a lot. He'd gone straight to the guest room when he'd gotten back. He didn't want to talk to Snape, and he didn't want to run into Malfoy. He'd quickly buried the books from Sirius and Remus in his trunk and retrieved Regulus' journal.
He'd lost himself in the pages. He was finally getting close to the end. Yet, he still hadn't discovered what it was that he'd destroyed in the chamber. Regulus' writing was full of suspicion and concern. The war was truly getting worse, and Harry knew that he'd died before the end.
Harry had stayed up all night reading. When the morning came, he'd gone down and made breakfast avoiding talking to anyone. He was upset at Snape and didn't feel inclined to share anything else with him. Honestly, he didn't feel like talking to anyone about anything ever again. He couldn't trust them to keep it to themselves.
He'd promised George that he wouldn't tell Fred about the kiss. However, somewhere in his mind he'd promised that he wouldn't tell anyone. It had been private, and the more Sirius had dug yesterday the angrier it had made him.
Kissing George had been comforting in a way he didn't know such a thing could be. It had also brought up a lot of feelings that he didn't know how to address. He supposed that was what Sirius and Remus were trying to help him with, but he didn't want to talk it out. It was private and he intended for it to stay that way.
It was pouring rain today and Snape had set them cleaning tasks. The back hall mostly. The laundry room, second bathroom, and the cupboard under the stairs. Malfoy was currently in the cupboard.
Harry was thankful not to be cleaning in there. The laundry room wasn't too bad. He had cleaned it before. When he was done, he would start tackling the bathroom.
Snape had handed him a bottle of Doxycide saying that he thought a pest had moved in. Harry had nodded and taken the bottle. He helped clean plenty last summer at Grimmauld. Doxies weren't a big deal.
Harry waved his hand over the wash rag and cleaned it.
He stood and stretched his back. Looking around the room he felt content with the cleanliness level.
When he stepped into the hall his jaw dropped a little. Malfoy had taken everything out. The hall was full. Harry wondered if he'd complained for no reason about how small the space under the stairs was, or if Snape had some kind of extension on his.
Harry moved a couple of boxes and made his way across the hall to the bathroom. His mop bucket in hand, he walked to the middle of the room. He set the bucket down and pulled a bag from his pocket. Then ruffled the curtains over the window and was unsurprised to find several doxies. He sprayed them and watched them fall to the ground. He turned and walked to the bathtub. Grabbing the shower curtain, he gave it a shake and once again sprayed down the doxies.
There was a knocking sound in the cupboard next to the tub. He stepped closer. Probably more doxies. He reached out and opened the door then gasped as a dementor emerged.
Harry dropped the bottle in his hand and took several steps back, tripping over the bucket and landing on the floor. He scooted back until his back hit the wall.
He could hear his mother and father in his head. The terrified scream and the manic laughing. He could hear the sound of his uncle's belt whistling through the air and the sickening slap. He could hear another voice telling him to stay quiet and be a good boy.
His body shook as the dementor closed in on him.
Draco was standing hunched over in the closet trying to move boxes around. He was getting cobwebs in his hair when he heard a squeak of a door and then something getting knocked over. A high pitch whine followed.
Draco stood up straight and knocked his head on the steps. He backed out of the closet door and avoided tripping over anything that was in the hall. Severus had packed the cupboard to the brim.
"Potter?" Draco called.
When there was no response, he shuffled a few things and made a path to the next door. Draco caught sight of Potter first. His eyes staring wide. He was whimpering and shaking.
"Potter." Draco called again as he stepped into the room.
There was a flutter of black in the corner of his eye. He spun around and found his mother dead on the floor.
"MUM!" Draco screamed as he collapsed to his knees and stared at the unblinking eyes of his mother.
"Mum! Mummy! No!" Draco sobbed.
Severus had been working quietly in the potions lab when he heard something heavy fall upstairs. He cast a stasis spell over the cauldron and quickly made his way back upstairs. The boys had been working quietly all morning. He was thankful to have a quiet day. Apparently, it wasn't meant to last. He just hoped the boys weren't fighting.
When he reached the door of the kitchen, his way was blocked by boxes that had been drug out from under the stairs.
"Draco." Severus called.
Severus could hear something but not a voice. It sounded like crying.
He pulled his wand and banished the boxes to the sitting room before making his way down the hall. He glanced in the laundry room and found nothing. When he looked into the bathroom, he was shocked by the sight.
Harry was curled up tight against the wall. His head was buried in his knees and his arms wrapped tight around his legs. He was rocking himself softly. When Severus stepped into the room, he nearly tripped over Draco who was laying on the floor sobbing in front of what looked like his dead mother.
There was a crack, and what had moments ago been Narcissa Malfoy, was now a replica of Draco. The replica was dead, his wide unseeing eyes stared at the ceiling. Blood covered his throat and chest.
"Riddikulus!" Severus shouted, waving his wand at the form.
The shape changed to a younger version of Draco, very much alive, and covered in chocolate.
Severus let out a forced chuckle and the Boggart scampered back into the linen cupboard.
Severus closed the door and cast a locking charm on it. He would remove the thing later.
He turned back to the distraught boys.
Draco was sobbing on the filthy floor and crying for his mother. Harry was making soft whimpering sounds and just rocking himself.
"Draco, Harry, it's okay. It was just a boggart. Your both all right." Severus said kneeling next to Draco.
He gently put his hand on Draco's back and rubbed soothing circles, but he only cried harder.
Severus looked to Harry who had not responded at all to his name.
Severus waved his wand and conjured his patronus.
"I need you to come to my house. Go to Lupin." Severus commanded.
Remus floo'd into the sitting room of Spinner's end. Sirius followed through just a moment later.
"Hello." Remus called.
Severus' patronus had come charging up while they had been working on the wards with Bill. He'd told them to go, and they had both shifted into their Animagus forms and run full speed back to the cottage.
Remus noticed all the boxes sitting around the room and wondered what was going on.
He walked into the hall and found Severus walking towards them.
"What's going on?" Remus asked.
Severus face was pale, and he looked terribly upset.
"The boys were working on cleaning. It was there punishment for running off the other night. One of them stumbled across a Boggart. I think Harry. However, when I came up and found them the boggart had definitely taken the form meant for Draco. I banished it back to a closet, but the boys are not okay." Severus explained as he made his way back down the hall. He stepped into a bathroom and Remus and Sirius stopped in the doorway.
Remus heart broke at the sounds of Draco's cries and Harry's whimpers.
"We should get them out of here." Remus said quietly.
Severus nodded and started helping Draco off the floor.
Remus walked around them and over to Harry.
"Harry." Remus called.
Harry murmured something and then made another whining noise.
"What?" Remus asked softly.
Remus leaned closer and caught the murmur as clear as day.
"Rick trick, Rick trick." Harry mumbled over and over.
Remus shook his head at the nonsense.
"Come on Harry. Let's get you out of here." Remus said, reaching out for Harry's arm.
Harry's whole body began to shake the moment Remus' hand landed on him.
"Shhh. It's okay. It's just me. It's Remus. Harry can you please look at me." Remus said softly.
Harry peaked above his knees. His eyes were red and a fresh wave a tears crashed down his face.
"It's okay. Come on." Remus said holding out his hand for Harry to take.
Slowly Harry took it and Remus stood, pulling Harry up. Harry was shaky on his feet as they walked out of the bathroom and into the kitchen. Remus could hear Draco still crying. It sounded like they'd gone into the sitting room.
Harry broke away from Remus and walked to the stove and set the kettle. Remus looked to Sirius who was frowning in concern.
When Harry was done making the tea he brought three mugs to the table and then sat down. He wrapped his hands around his mug like he was freezing.
Remus sat to one side of Harry and Sirius sat on the other.
"Harry, are you alright?" Remus asked softly.
Harry mouthed something Remus couldn't make out. He thought it might have been the same thing he'd said earlier.
Harry shrugged and then nodded.
"I'm fine." He said quietly, as he stared into his mug.
"Harry, you really don't seem all right. Can you tell me what happened?" Remus asked.
"Dementor. There was a Dementor in the closet." Harry said flatly.
Remus shook his head although Harry wasn't looking at him. He sent Sirius a concerned look before focusing back on Harry.
"It was a boggart, Harry. It's gone now. Severus locked it up." Remus explained.
Harry nodded.
"Okay." Harry mumbled; his voice almost seemed childish to Remus.
Harry sat staring at his mug mouthing the same thing over and over again. Remus shot Sirius a worried look.
"Harry, what are you saying?" Sirius asked.
Harry startled and looked up at them like he had forgotten they were there. He looked back and forth between them a few times and shook his head.
"Nothing." Harry whispered.
Remus reached into his pocket and pulled out a small chocolate bar and slid it across the table to Harry.
"Chocolate will help you feel better. It may not have been a real Dementor, but the feeling is similar." Remus said, with a gentle smile.
Harry gave him a confused look and then looked down at the sweet laying in front of him. He stared at it for a long time before he shook his head and picked up his tea.
They sat in heavy silence for a long time. The only thing to break the silence was the sound of one of them sipping their tea and setting the mug back on the table.
"Harry, you know how to banish Dementors and Boggarts. I know you do. I taught you myself. Can you tell me what happened?" Remus asked quietly.
Harry shrugged. He gave Remus a sad look before staring into his nearly empty mug.
"I could hear something bumping around. Thought it was more doxies. I wasn't expecting it. Tripped. Then…Then…" Harry mumbled before trailing off and muttering very quietly to himself.
Remus bit his lip and watched Harry.
"What is it, Harry?" Remus asked softly.
Harry shook his head.
"Nothing. I'm fine." Harry dismissed.
Harry's head turned to the doorway.
"Is that Malfoy?" Harry asked with concern.
They could hear soft crying. Remus nodded.
"He also ran into the boggart and is rather upset." Remus said.
A pained look crossed his face.
"His mum." Harry said, nodding as if just remembering.
Harry stood abruptly and walked out of the kitchen. Sirius stood and Remus shook his head. Malfoy didn't need them all over the top of him.
Harry walked on shaking legs down the hall. When he got to the doorway he looked into the sitting room. Snape and Malfoy were both sitting on the couch. Malfoy was twisted at the waist and was clinging to Snape. His face buried in Snape's chest. His body was shaking as he sobbed.
Harry's heart clenched at the sight. He hated what this war was doing to everyone. Snape had his arms wrapped around Draco and his face was contorted in pain. His eyes flicked up and caught Harry watching them.
Harry swallowed hard and made his way in front of the couch. He knelt near Malfoy's feet. With a shaking hand he reached out and laid his hand on Malfoy's knee.
"She's not dead." Harry said softly.
Malfoy flinched slightly at the unexpected contact and voice.
He pulled away from Snape and looked at Harry. His face was red and blotchy, and his hair was a mess.
"Your mum. I told Professor Snape; I saw them leave the same night you did. A portkey, I think. They looked a little rough, but they were okay. I promise Draco they haven't found them. I've been in his mind. He's still looking for them, but he hasn't found them." Harry said earnestly.
Malfoy's bottom lip quivered a little and he blinked back the tears in his eyes.
"Are you sure?" He asked, his voice wavering a little.
Harry nodded.
"As sure as I can be. I'm sorry you stumbled into the boggart. I didn't know it was there. I thought it was more doxies." Harry said contritely.
Malfoy nodded.
"It's not your fault." Malfoy said wiping his face.
Harry pulled his hand away from Malfoy's knee and set it in his lap.
With a quick nod he pulled himself to standing. He rolled his shoulders and tried to steady himself. When he pulled on his shield a little and felt no pain, he was relieved. He knew he wasn't supposed to be putting it up, but how could he not. This mess was all his fault.
He felt horrible and he needed to refocus. He'd messed up again and needed to finish his task.
He walked out of the room and left Malfoy and Snape alone.
Walking down the hall, he past the kitchen and headed back to the bathroom. He picked up the bag and started bagging up the doxies. Tossing the bag next to the door, he grabbed the spray and began cleaning the walls. He needed to stay busy. His thoughts were spinning. The guilt was trying to drown him again. All of this was his fault. All this pain. He needed to figure out how he was supposed to defeat Voldemort.
"Harry?" Sirius called from the door.
Harry looked over his shoulder and saw Sirius standing in the door.
"What?" Harry asked quietly as he turned back to his task.
Harry heard footsteps come into the room. He forced himself not to flinch as Sirius' laid his hand on his shoulder. With a sigh, he turned around to face Sirius.
"What are you doing?" Sirius asked.
"Just finishing my task." Harry said with a shrug.
"Harry, I'm sure Snape doesn't expect you to keep working on this." Sirius said.
Harry shrugged.
"It's fine." Harry said.
Sirius studied him critically for a long time.
"I'm worried about you Harry." Sirius said. Concern thick in his voice.
"I'm fine Siri. Just startled myself." Harry said, forcing himself to smile at Sirius.
Sirius looked doubtful.
"Really. You and Moony should go. I'm sorry you guys had to come." Harry said, shaking his head.
He was a burden. They shouldn't have had to come. Remus was right, he knew how to handle Boggarts and Dementors. He had disappointed Remus.
He bit his tongue a little to keep himself from crying. Sirius had said they wouldn't leave him. But every time he disappointed them, he felt like it would be for the last time. That they would leave, and he'd be alone again.
Sirius gripped Harry's shoulder tighter.
"Will always come if you need us, Harry. I know you don't believe that right now, but I hope we can prove that to you. Your stuck with us now." Sirius said with a reassuring smile.
Harry swallowed hard and pulled on the wall a little more. To his relief the wall blocked out more of the racing thoughts.
Harry nodded.
"Can I have a hug before I go?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded and allowed Sirius to pull him in. He didn't lean in this time. He didn't return the hug. Everything he had said to Sirius yesterday was true. He felt abandoned by them, and he didn't know if that feeling would ever leave. For now, he would protect himself from falling into the trap of thinking he could rely on them, lest they disappear from his life again.
"Come say goodbye to Remus." Sirius said, releasing Harry from the hug.
Harry nodded and followed Sirius back to the kitchen.
The three of them stood quietly for a moment before Harry broke the silence.
"Day after tomorrow is the full moon. I hope it goes all right." Harry said, looking to Remus.
Remus smiled at him and nodded.
"I hope so too. So far everything has worked out perfectly." Remus said.
Harry gave him a half smile and nodded.
"I'm glad." Harry said.
"We'll see you later, pup. Make sure you get some rest. You look tired." Sirius said patting him on the shoulder again before following Remus out.
Harry sighed and headed back to the bathroom to finish the job.
Severus stood in the kitchen Monday morning sipping his coffee. The boys were off restriction now and he wasn't sure how today would go. Once Draco had settled last night, he'd helped Severus make dinner. Harry had finished cleaning the bathroom and to Severus' surprise and concern, finished cleaning the cupboard under the stairs.
Severus had told him he didn't need to, but he'd just brushed it off. Severus had shrunk the boxes that he didn't intend to get into any time soon and stored them in a single box. Harry had stored it at the back of the cupboard and then organized the rest neatly.
Harry had made a list of the repairs needed in the bathroom, and after eating a couple bites of dinner he'd asked to be excused.
Draco had asked for a dreamless sleep and Severus had easily obliged.
The sun wasn't up yet but he'd had a tough time sleeping. He heard a creak on the stairs and watched as Harry came into the kitchen. He was dressed and freshly washed. Severus hadn't heard the shower and wondered if Harry had cast a silencing charm.
"Morning." Harry said softly as he made his way to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup.
"Good morning." Severus replied.
Harry looked exhausted and he wouldn't meet Severus' eyes.
"Should I start breakfast?" Harry asked quietly.
"If you want to. I'm happy to do it." Severus answered.
Harry shrugged. His eyes stayed fixed on the floor. Severus noticed Harry pulling on the sleeve of his shirt and gritting his teeth. They needed to find a better way to help Harry.
"May I see your hand?" Severus asked.
"I'd like to see if were making improvement with the nerve potion. You should be about out, and I'd like to brew it today if we need to keep using it." Severus said holding out his hand.
Harry looked through his fringe and nodded.
He set his hand in Severus hand.
"If it's too much trouble, don't worry about it." Harry said softly.
Severus gripped Harry's hand slightly tighter. It broke his heart that Harry constantly dismissed his own needs. Severus would happily brew any potion Harry needed. He would happily do anything to help him.
"I do enjoy brewing." Severus said.
He turned Harry's hand this way and that. Noticing that while the tremor was still present it wasn't nearly as bad as before.
"Have you noticed improvement?" Severus said pushing Harry's sleeve up and bending his wrist around.
"I can write longer now. It used to be about an hour before the shaking got too bad to continue." Harry said softly.
Severus nodded. He was relieved not to notice any fresh marks on the boy's arm.
He released the hand and waited for Harry to give him his other hand. Severus repeated the motions and once again checked Harry's wrist which was also clear.
Severus nodded.
"I think you should continue the potion for the next month. If this progress continues though you should be able to stop before school starts." Severus said.
Harry's jaw tightened as he straightened his sleeves.
"You could have just asked." Harry bit out before walking around Severus and heading to the fridge to begin breakfast.
Severus closed his eyes and sighed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. I was just concerned." Severus said, turning to face Harry.
Harry glanced over his shoulder and shook his head.
"Then say that instead of lying to me." Harry said quietly.
Severus sighed. He knew Harry felt lied to about their conversation. He truly had not meant to break Harry's trust. Though he doubted he'd be able to get it back. It had been a miracle that he'd gotten it in the first place.
"Harry, I didn't speak with Lupin to embarrass you or expose you. That man poses a threat to you and your next guardians should know that." Severus said firmly.
"I didn't tell them anything else we talked about or anything that we hadn't discussed beforehand. This was about your safety. I gave him a shortened version. Just enough so that he understood the situation." Severus tried to justify.
Harry sighed.
"Okay." Harry said quietly.
Harry was clearly anything but okay with what had happened. He just wanted this conversation to end.
Severus nodded and walked to the table. He would just have to hope that Harry would eventually see that it had been shared for his safety.
Draco was in his room working on his charms homework when he heard Potter return. He'd been gone all day. He wasn't sure how to feel about everything that had happened in the last few days. It had been a lot. Potter was nothing like he'd expected, and he found himself drawn to him. He wanted to learn more about him. Severus had been right. He wasn't anything like he was at school.
Draco had seen Harry preform amazing feats of magic. He was outstanding at wandless spell casting. He was a Animagus, which was fascinating and terrifying, Draco thought with a shiver. He was a metamorphmagus, who's base form Draco found beautiful. He wondered why Potter chose to hide what he really looked like.
He closed his book and climbed off of his bed. He headed down the hall to Potter's room. Severus hadn't insisted on them having there mandatory chats this weekend after everything had happened. Draco had missed their chats. They'd gotten along well at the street fair, and he hoped that things could continue to improve.
Draco raised his hand and knocked on Potter's door.
There was a shuffling inside and then the door opened. The black kitten charged out and rubbed all over his legs. Draco reached down and picked up the kitten and cradled him to his chest.
"What's going on?" Potter asked, watching the cat rubbing his face against Draco's chest.
"I um…I just wanted to thank you for telling me about my mother. About my parents. I didn't realize how heavy it was weighing on me." Draco said.
Potter nodded.
"I'm sorry you weren't told earlier. Snape shouldn't have lied to you." Potter said setting his jaw.
Draco shook his head. He'd noticed the tension between Severus and Potter, but he didn't understand what had happened.
"He didn't lie to me. He told me last night that he didn't tell me because he didn't want to give me false hope. He didn't know that you knew they hadn't been found." Draco said defensively.
Potter looked down and nodded.
"Sorry, that's my fault." Potter whispered.
Draco shrugged.
"Not really. You didn't know that I hadn't been told. Just don't hold it against Severus. I think he's gotten pretty attached to you. I don't know what happened, but after you left this morning, he just kind of moped around here until he disappeared to the lab." Draco said.
Harry sighed and ran his hands through his hair.
"Listen Potter…" Draco started before Potter cut him off.
"Harry's fine. I hate all this formal last name bullshit. We went into a fight together, blind to what might happen, and we had each other's backs. I think you can call me Harry." Potter said honestly.
Draco studied him for a long time and nodded. He realized he would like to hear Harry call him by his name as well.
"Draco." Draco said holding his hand out like they were just meeting for the first time.
Harry smirked and then took Draco's hand and shook it.
"What did you do with your day?" Draco asked.
Harry shrugged and walked back into his room and sat on his bed. Draco hesitantly followed and sat on the old desk chair.
"Went to work." Harry said blandly.
"Where do you work?" Draco asked curiously.
It was summer break, and he didn't know anyone that had a summer job. The Potter name carried weight behind it and he was sure he didn't have to work. Though he'd seen the way Harry had helped everyone in town and wondered if it was just something he enjoyed doing.
"The Book Nook and the grocery store." Harry answered.
Draco nodded in thought.
"How long have you been with Severus?" Draco asked.
Harry sighed.
"I've been in Cokeworth about seven weeks. And staying with Snape a little over a month." Harry answered.
Draco's brows furrowed.
"Do you live here? I mean before you were living with Severus?" Draco asked.
Harry shook his head.
"No." Harry said shortly.
They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes. The cat squirmed and jumped out of Draco's arms before jumping onto the bed. It bumped Harry's hand until he pet him. Then it curled up and fell asleep on the bed.
"What's his name?" Draco asked.
"Edgar. I found him arguing with a Raven. It felt fitting." Harry mused.
Draco shook his head in confusion at the nonsense.
Harry smirked and climbed off the bed before opening his trunk and rifling around for a moment. He pulled out a book and walked over to Draco.
Draco looked down at the cover.
"The complete stories and poems of Edgar Allen Poe," Draco read.
He flipped open the front cover and was surprised to see that the book was a few decades old, and had been printed in the states.
"You can read it if you like. It's muggle but it's surprisingly good." Harry said with a shrug.
Draco nodded.
"I need to start dinner." Harry said before turning and shrinking his trunk and dropping it in his ruck sack, then shrinking that as well and putting it in his pocket. The effortless wandless and silent magic was extraordinary.
Draco stood.
"I'm sorry about going through your things. I didn't mean any harm. I just was trying to understand why you were here." Draco said honestly.
Harry shrugged.
"It's fine. I forgive you." Harry said before walking out of the room.
"Do you want some help with dinner?" Draco asked.
Harry stopped and looked at him in surprise.
"Sure." Harry said with a nod.
Draco followed Harry to the kitchen. Harry washed his hands for an unreasonable amount of time and finally dried them.
Draco was confused but proceeded to wash his own hands.
"What would you like me to do?" Draco asked.
Harry shook his head to get his hair out of his eyes. In this form his hair had started to get long as well although it was just mostly messy and in his face.
"You know you could just change your hair. You look better the way you went to town. It seems more like you." Draco said with a smile.
Harry smiled and blushed a little.
Draco's heart did a summersault. He wished he could explain his recent infatuation with Potter, but he just found the other boy fascinating.
Harry shrugged.
"Why don't you cut the vegetables while I brown the meat." Harry said, ignoring the comment about his appearance.
Draco nodded and set to work on the task Harry had set him.
Severus groaned and stretched his back. He'd spent the day bent over a cauldron trying to get all of Harry's potions brewed. He wanted to make sure he had enough to get him through the next month. He could pick it back up when they returned to school, but it seemed likely that he'd be leaving in just a few days and he wasn't sure he would see him again this summer.
Severus sighed. He knew it was for the best. Especially with how Harry was feeling right now. He needed a guardian he could trust. Despite his best effort, that apparently wasn't him.
He shook his head. This would be the best for them all. It would give him more time to focus on Draco. He needed guidance now more than ever. He was going to need help before he returned to school. Severus wasn't entirely sure what precautions to take with Draco when they returned. He would be faced with the children of a lot of Death Eaters. Children that had been his friends.
He bottled the last of the potions and labeled them quickly. He could hear the sound of cooking upstairs and guessed that Harry was starting dinner.
He would let the potions cool and give them to Harry tomorrow.
He quickly washed his hands and made his way upstairs. When he opened the door, he did so slowly as to not startle Harry.
Severus heard talking as he opened the door and was surprised to see Draco leaning casually on the counter next to the stove. His arms were crossed, and he seemed to be telling Harry a story about something that happened when he was a young child.
Harry laughed and Severus smiled at the sound. It was nice to hear Harry happy.
"Do you remember that Severus?" Draco asked, looking over.
Severus raised his eyebrow.
"What am I meant to be remembering?" Severus asked, walking over, and taking a seat in his chair.
He caught Harry glancing over his shoulder at him.
"When we went on that one trip. You took me into the woods. I think it was outside of a town and we were collecting potions ingredients, and we ran across all the pixies." Draco asked animatedly.
Severus gave him a sad smile. He did remember that trip. They had been outside Godric's Hollow. It had been Lily's birthday and he had been stuck with Draco for the day. He'd wanted to lay flowers at her grave and had decided to take Draco with him.
Severus sighed.
"Yes, I remember. What do you remember about that trip?" Severus asked cautiously.
Draco's brows creased. Harry turned and looked at Draco before focusing back on the food.
Draco's eyebrows shot up and he shot a worried look at Harry and then back to Severus.
"I um…Why were we there?" Draco asked in confusion.
Severus smiled softly.
"It was Lily's birthday and I wanted to lay flowers. Do you remember going to the cemetery?" Severus asked quietly.
Harry spun around with a confused look. Draco shook his head.
"No, I don't. I…I remember the statue." Draco said softly. He glanced sadly at Harry and then away.
"You… you know where they're buried?" Harry asked brokenly.
Severus nodded. He'd not thought about the fact that Harry's relatives had likely never taken him to his parents' graves.
Harry bit his lip and spun back around to the ignored pan of food.
"Shit." Harry cursed softly as he moved the pan off the burner.
Severus noticed Harry was shaking and stood and slowly approached.
He could see over Harry's head and noticed that a small spot had burned. The meal wasn't ruined, and it looked delicious.
"I'm sorry." Harry said.
It was obvious even without being able to see his face that he was holding back tears.
"Draco, will you set the table please." Severus said.
Draco looked at Harry with concern before nodding and turning to pull down plates.
"Harry. It's okay. The food is fine. I'm not upset, and we're all going to sit down and eat. All right?" Severus said softly.
Harry looked at him and nodded hesitantly.
Severus jaw clenched. Harry was afraid. He'd thought they had moved past some of that, but Harry had been getting worse over the last week.
"I do know where your parents are buried, as do Lupin and Black. One of us can take you there if you'd like. I also know where your grandparents are buried. There's a small cemetery just outside of town and I can take you if you'd like to go. I…I'd rather not take you to your mother's old house, but I can tell you how to get there. I'm sorry that this has been overlooked." Severus said earnestly, keeping his voice low.
Harry's eyes shined and he nodded before swallowing.
"I'd appreciate that. I've been to the house. But I'd like to see where they are buried." Harry said softly.
Severus nodded.
Harry bit his lip and looked up at the ceiling trying to blink back tears.
"My aunt told me there wasn't enough of them left to bury. She said there friends had them cremated and thrown away. I never asked again. I was afraid of what the answer might be. I saw a flicker of what I think was there funeral when…when Remus let me look at his memories but I… I didn't know how to ask. What if I was wrong?" Harry said. His voice wobbled and Severus was sure he was moments from crying.
He reached out and set his hand on Harry's shoulder and gently rubbed back and forth with his thumb.
The story was heartbreaking. He wondered how old Harry had been when he had been told that horror story.
"We can go tomorrow if you like." Severus said.
Harry nodded and a single tear fell down his cheek.
Harry wiped it away and pulled away from Severus' hand.
Severus watched as Harry quickly walked out of the kitchen. A moment later he heard the bathroom door close and then silence.
Severus sighed and quietly moved dinner from the stove to the table and took his seat with Draco.
"I'm sorry. I forgot. I wouldn't have brought it up." Draco said softly.
Severus sighed and nodded. Draco couldn't have been more than six when they'd gone. He was sure he had just been telling the part of the trip a six-year-old would remember. A colony of Pixies jumping out of a bush and trying to burrow into their coats to get warm.
"How come he doesn't know where they're buried?" Draco asked softly.
Severus shook his head and said nothing.
Draco continued to stare.
"His guardians are abusive, aren't they? Is that why he's here?" Draco asked, thankfully keeping his voice down.
Severus wasn't surprised Draco had considered the situation and come to that conclusion. Unfortunately, the right one. Draco was smart and observant. He was also friends with at least one if not more abused children in Slytherin.
"Draco you know I'm not going to answer that question." Severus said giving him a firm look.
Draco's jaw clenched.
"I can tell. The way he behaves. It was really bad. I don't know how things were going before I came here, but he's been getting worse all week. I don't think he's sleeping. Clearly, he's not eating." Draco commented before he sighed and served himself.
Severus closed his eyes. He wished he knew what to do for Harry. He wasn't even sure what was causing the decline. The visions had obviously been a significant factor this week, but these weren't the first he'd had. Something else was clearly going on.
Harry dressed in his nicest outfit. It still wasn't very nice, just a pair of black jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt but it's what he had. He stood looking at himself in the mirror, trying to ignore Voldemort's magic swirling in and out of his forehead. It was disgusting. He hoped he would find an answer soon.
He was near the end of Regulus journal. He needed to take a break from it last night. The content was upsetting and after the conversation in the kitchen he'd needed something else. Something that didn't have to do with war and death. He'd grudgingly dug to the bottom of his trunk and pulled out the book's Sirius and Remus had given him.
The first book had been quickly discarded. It was clearly intended for someone younger and mostly just talked about the physical and emotional changes the human body goes through during puberty. It was all things he'd learned in his healing books or figured out on his own.
He'd flipped to the table of contents and found nothing he felt he didn't know about. He'd quickly glanced at one chapter, but after feeling boiling embarrassment at the description of what a 'wet dream' was he'd slammed the book closed and considered burning it.
The rest of his reading hadn't gone much better. His body had warred between painful levels of embarrassment, slight arousal, and crushing levels of shame and guilt.
He'd eventually put everything away and retrieved one of his novels and read until he passed out some time around two.
They'd had a quiet breakfast. Snape had said he needed to go to town, and would be willing to walk to the cemetery with him if he wanted to go this morning. He said they could go to Godric's Hollow but that they should go closer to sunset. Snape was worried that someone may be keeping an eye on the area, and he hoped they'd go unnoticed if they went later in the day.
Harry ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Draco was right. His hair looked better in his base form. It had been nice to hear that he looked more like himself, but he'd been hesitant to shift. He was leaving for town now though, so it felt more natural to do so. He let his appearance shift and sighed. It was becoming increasingly comfortable to just be in his own skin.
He gently ran his fingers through his long hair and then headed for the door.
When he opened the bathroom door, he was surprised to find Draco standing across the hall next to his bedroom door.
Draco smiled and it took Harry by surprise. He frowned slightly.
"What?" Harry asked warily.
"You look nice." Draco said.
Harry felt his face heat up and looked away from Draco.
"Um…Thanks'." Harry muttered and walked into the hall.
He noticed that Draco was also dressed in all black. Though he was dressed much nicer. Dress pants and a long sleeve button down.
"Are you going with us?" Harry asked.
"If you don't mind." Draco said.
Harry considered for a moment. He hadn't expected Draco to come but he didn't really mind.
"Sure." Harry said and headed downstairs.
They met Snape at the front door. He was dressed somewhere between the two of them. Black jeans but a nicer shirt.
Snape gave him a tight smile and he looked at the ground. This was becoming uncomfortable. He shuffled foot to foot and ran his hand through his long hair.
"Shall we?" Snape asked.
Harry nodded and they all headed out.
Severus sighed as they made it to the entrance of the cemetery. It was at the opposite end of town past the Mill. The walk was pleasant. The sky had been grey and gloomy, and a breeze had kept them cool. Harry and Draco had made quiet conversation as they walked.
When they had walked through the business neighborhood, Harry had asked to stop at the nursery. They didn't have cut flowers, but Harry had bought a small potted mini rose that was blooming with soft yellow buds.
Severus and Draco had respectfully waited outside, and they hadn't talked more once he'd come back out.
"There graves are over in that row." Severus said pointing off to the left.
Harry nodded and headed in that direction. Draco went to follow, and Severus set his hand on his shoulder. He wanted to give Harry some space.
Harry walked away for a few steps and stopped before turning and looking at them.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Severus asked.
Harry's brows creased and he shrugged before looking down and mumbling something.
Severus couldn't hear him over the wind and gave Draco's shoulder a squeeze before dropping his hand and walking to Harry.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you." Severus said softly.
Harry looked up at him and bit his lip.
"I…I don't know their names." Harry said softly before looking away. A slight blush coloring his cheeks.
Severus sighed. He would really love a few minutes alone with Petunia. He couldn't believe her callousness.
"Rose and Jonathan Evans." Severus said.
Harry nodded and smiled at the small rose in his hand.
"Come on, I'll show you." Severus said softly.
When they found the headstone Severus stopped. He allowed Harry to go ahead. He placed the roses between the Evans names on the stone.
"Can you tell me anything about them?" Harry asked.
Severus cleared his throat and nodded.
"Rose was tall and thin. She had blonde hair and blue eyes. She loved to bake and garden. She was an exceedingly kind and loving woman. She was a wonderful mother and often took in the neighborhood strays." Severus said with a soft laugh.
"Your mother had a habit of bringing home whatever she found. A cat, a wounded bird, an abandoned blind dog. And one time a little abused boy who didn't want to go home." Severus said quietly.
"Rose would have kept us all." Severus said swallowing hard.
He hadn't thought about Lily's family in a long time.
"Jonathan was also rather tall. He had dark red hair and green eyes. He worked at the mill until it closed. He found work as a handyman afterwards and charged people a fair price to keep their businesses up and running. He loved his wife and his daughters more than anything. He was fiercely protective. He was very skeptical of the magical world when Lily first told him. The look on his face when we got to Diagon was utterly amazed. Lily told me once, she found her father reading through her school text books while she was home on break. She sat with him and told him everything she could. He was endlessly curious." Severus said.
Harry had tears shining in his eyes when Severus finished.
"Thank you." Harry said softly.
Severus watched as Harry pulled something from his pocket and placed it next to the roses. It looked like paper.
Harry turned and nodded.
They made their way out of the cemetery and started to walk back.
"I'm going to go see Mary." Harry said.
He wasn't ready to go back to Snapes yet and he felt like if he went back and just sat, he'd drive himself mad.
"Very well. Be back by six. I'll make dinner and then we can go." Snape said.
Harry nodded and headed to the Book Nook.
Harry opened the door to the Book Nook. He wanted to look for a few books. He'd had a thought about Severus' vampire nourishment potion and wanted to see if he could find a book.
Harry came to an abrupt stop when he looked into the shop and found a tall blond man standing behind the counter. He seemed to be in his fifties. The alarming part other than where he was, and that Harry had never seen him, was that he had an aura.
Harry just kept staring at the wizard standing behind the counter. He couldn't see Mary anywhere.
"Hello." The man said with a bright smile.
Harry did not smile back. He debated between running back out the door and searching the place for Mary.
The man stepped out from behind the counter and walked towards him. Harry stepped back.
"Mary stepped out for a bit. Can I help you find something?" The man asked sending him another smile.
Harry glared and shook his head not taking his eyes off the man. He kept an eye out for a wand but never saw one.
"Where is she?" Harry growled.
The man raised a surprised eyebrow and stopped approaching him.
"I'm not sure that's any of your business." The man said, his voice thick with confusion.
Harry glanced around. It didn't appear that anyone else was in the shop.
He was probably being overly sensitive, but he liked the Book Nook because it felt safe. Finding a wizard he didn't recognize from town standing in the shop did not make him feel safe.
"Push up your sleeves." Harry said with a hard edge to his voice.
The man's face was confused for a moment before morphing into disbelief.
"I'm not one of them. How dare you come in here accusing me of something like that." The man hissed.
Harry raised his hand.
"Let me see your arms." Harry said again.
The man huffed and pushed his sleeves up, shaking his head. He held out his arms, palms up. Harry waved his hand and cast a finite to ensure there wasn't a glamour present. When nothing appeared Harry shoulders relaxed.
"I'm sorry. It's not been a good summer." Harry said apologetically.
The man nodded and pushed his sleeves back down.
"I've never seen wandless magic in someone so young. You must be very powerful." The man said.
Harry didn't acknowledge this. Even if this man wasn't a Death Eater that didn't mean he wasn't a threat.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked cautiously.
"Watching the shop for my mother while she does her shopping." The man said.
Harry blinked a few times and felt his cheeks heat.
"Your John?" Harry asked.
The man nodded.
"And you are?" John asked.
Harry brought a hand to his face before running it through his hair.
The bell on the door rang and Harry looked over his shoulder.
"Oh Max! I'm so glad you're here." Mary said walking around Harry.
"Hello." Harry said quietly.
"What's wrong dear?" Mary asked.
Harry shook his head, embarrassment glowing across his cheeks.
"I see you've met my son. John, this is Max. This is the young man I was telling you about. He's the one who's shaped up the shop so nicely. He did all that work on my house too." Mary smiled brightly.
Harry wished the ground would just swallow him whole. This was horribly embarrassing. He might have done all that for Mary, but he hadn't known her son for two minutes and had already accused him of being a Death Eater.
John stepped forward and held out his hand.
"Thank you for all you've done. I really appreciate it. I wasn't sure how she was going to manage after dad died. She says you've been a god send. As for earlier, it's nice to know she has such a strong defender. How did you know?" John asked.
Harry bit his lip and stepped forward and took the man's hand, giving it a quick shake.
"I can see it." Harry said softly.
John looked surprised.
"What's happening?" Mary asked in confusion.
"I wasn't expecting not to find you in the shop. I'm sorry, I made a pretty wild accusation. I…um…I should go." Harry muttered.
Marry huffed.
"Don't be ridiculous. Go take a seat while I make tea." Mary said to Harry.
Harry lowered his head and walked over and took a seat. He folded his hands in his lap and stared at them.
Mary came over a few minutes later followed by John who was carrying the tea tray and one of the chairs from the back.
Harry sprung up from his seat and took the tray and set it on the table between the two armchairs. He then turned and took the chair from John and sat in it.
John raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he took a seat in the armchair.
Mary fussed and handed them each a cup of tea.
"Now, why are you trying to flee my shop? I haven't seen you all weekend and now here you are dressed like you've been to a funeral." Mary asked, turning her attention to Harry.
"Sorry ma'am. I just…um…well your son is…" Harry sighed and rubbed his face.
He knew that Mary must know about the magical world if her son was a wizard. but knowing that changed a lot for Harry. Mary must actually know who he is. Not just Lily's son. That twisted something in him. Was this just another instance of someone trying to be close to the boy who lived? Though he reasoned she had been kind to him when she only knew him as Max Underhill.
"I think what the kid is trying to say is he didn't realize I was a wizard, and stumbling upon one in the shop took him by surprise." John said taking a sip of his tea.
Harry nodded and stared and his clasped hands.
"I see. Well, I suppose I haven't been completely honest with you. After so many years of not talking about it I tend to stick to the story everyone here knows. I didn't mean to lie to you." Mary said softly.
Harry just shrugged. He was used to people lying to him.
"Does Snape know?" Harry asked.
Mary shook her head.
"Not that I'm aware of. I didn't learn that he was a wizard until my son came home with a newspaper from your world. It had a picture of him in it. It was announcing his position as Hogwarts potion master. He wasn't living here then. When he came back, we just fell back into our old routine. I let him tell his stories just like I always had." Mary said softly.
Harry felt like the top of his head was going to blow off. The Wixen world was a mess. How were Wixen or people aware of the Wixen world supposed to communicate that in the muggle world. Harry sighed.
"I am sorry. I'm not sure it would have made any difference. I'm not a witch. John was the first in our family to be born magical. Both of his children are, but my daughter and Maggie aren't." Mary tried to explain.
"It's fine. I understand. I'm glad your son has come back. I know you've been missing him." Harry said and gave Mary a soft smile.
She returned the smile, but he could see the sadness in her eyes.
"John, would you give Max and I a few minutes?" Mary said to her son.
John nodded.
"It was nice to meet you Max." john said with a smile.
Harry returned the smile, though his was very forced.
When John had disappeared into the back of the store Harry turned to Mary.
"I know you Max, you're over thinking this revelation. Don't. I don't engage with that world at all. My son and grandchildren might be magical but as far as I'm concerned, they are just people. You are just a kid. I was heartbroken when I learned that your mother had passed. I heard it through the grapevine in town. I knew your world was at war. My son had left the country with his family by then." Mary explained.
"I heard all that tosh about a magical baby ending the war. I thought it was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard. Don't let the world tell you who you are, or who you're supposed to be." Mary said.
Harry bit his lip and fought back tears.
Harry nodded. He wished he could believe that. Everyone believed he was the one who was supposed to end the war. How could he not?
"Now, I hope you understand I wasn't trying to hide this from you. I just didn't see it as necessary to talk about. We aren't in that world and as far as I'm concerned, you're just the sweet kid Maggie brought to help me around the shop." Mary said with a smile.
Harry smiled back.
"Thank you." Harry said softly.
Mary nodded.
"Does…um Does he know who I am?" Harry asked, glancing to the back of the store.
Mary shook her head.
"Like I said, as far as I'm concerned, you're Max." Mary said.
Harry nodded. It was safest that way.
They sat in comfortable silence and finished there tea. Harry glanced at the clock over the counter. He still had a little while, but he'd hoped to look for a book.
"Are you expected back soon?" Mary asked.
Harry shook his head.
"No, but I was hoping to look for a book before I had to head back." Harry answered.
Mary smiled.
"Well don't let me keep you. I need to make sure my son hasn't wreaked havoc on my back room." Mary joked.
Harry smiled and stood.
He put his teacup in the tray and then carried it to the back. John was kicked back in a chair reading a book.
"It was nice to meet you. Your mum speaks fondly of you. I know she's been waiting for you to come." Harry said.
John lowered the book.
"It was nice to meet you too." John said.
Harry was able to find the book he was looking for fairly quickly. He paid Mary and told her he was glad that her son had come. Mary smiled and told Harry she planned to close the shop for the week and just enjoy some time with him. Harry had smiled and told her that he hoped she had a nice holiday.
He made his way back to Snapes earlier than expected and dove into the book he'd bought.
Harry stumbled as they apparated into an empty side street. He looked around and noticed that the town was small and quiet.
He had shifted his appearance again and now looked like he had in Surrey. More like Remus, with light hair and hazel eyes. Snape had taken Polyjuice and looked very plain. He had brown hair and brown eyes. He was shorter than his true height and had worn basic muggle clothing.
Harry followed Snape as they wove through a few short blocks. The sun was low in the sky and the long shadows gave the quiet village an eerie feeling.
When they reached the cemetery Harry stopped and just looked around. He'd never really been to a cemetery before and now he'd been twice in one day. It was a lot to take in, and somehow more final than it had ever seemed. His family was gone.
A small voice in his mind told him that he still had Remus and Sirius, but he pushed that thought away.
"Come on. We shouldn't linger." Snape said.
Harry nodded and followed Snape. They walked for a while and then Snape suddenly stopped. Harry looked around and quickly found the reason. They had found the headstone.
Harry swallowed thickly as he read the words carved into the stone. He wanted to reach out and touch it. Say something maybe. However, all words were stuck in his throat.
He clenched and unclenched his hands. What did one say at the grave of their parents?
He and Snape stood side by side and said nothing.
Harry allowed his wall to completely fall and felt the wave of emotion crash over him. He wanted to scream about the unfairness of having to grow up without them. The cruelty he had faced all his life. He wanted to rage about how their selfless act was so selfish. How they had left him alone to face all of this.
He wanted to bang his fists into the ground and scream at the heavens. How could they make sure so many people could have been his guardians and then not told anyone? They had left too much up to chance.
He wanted to sob and tell them he loved them. That he missed them and wished he could be with them. He wanted to vent all that he had gone through this summer and how screwed up he felt.
In the end he just stood there. Staring, unseeingly at the headstone. It was nothing more than a rock. And beneath the dirt were only their bodies. He thought coming here would help him somehow, but it wasn't.
"My hour is nearly up." Snape said softly beside him.
Harry startled from his thoughts and turned to face the man. He realized to his embarrassment that his face was covered in tears.
He absently wiped them away and nodded at Snape.
He took one last glance at the headstone before following the man back through the cemetery.
They apparated from in front of the cemetery and landed in the back garden of Spinners end. Snapes Polyjuice potion had worn off and Harry quickly switched back to Boy-who-lived form.
Severus sighed as he stared at the back of his house. Harry hadn't said a single word the whole time they were gone. He felt like he had gone through all the stages of grief in the last hour. This time was so much more painful than it had been in years. Being with Lily's son as he saw her grave for the first time was a fresh kind of hell. He had been painfully aware of how badly he had let her down. Even more than he'd ever known.
He glanced at Harry and tried to come up with words of comfort. He had nothing.
It was just past eight now and the full moon would be rising in less than two hours. He wondered if Harry might find comfort in the mutts.
"Did you go to their funeral?" Harry asked suddenly, his voice horse and whispery.
"Not officially. I was there, but I did not join the others." Severus said softly. He hadn't been able to face those who had come to mourn them. He had been drowning in guilt. Ready to throw himself in the grave too.
Harry nodded.
"Was I there?" Harry asked quietly.
Severus' lips pinched tightly, and he shook his head.
"No, Albus moved you the night they died." Severus answered.
Harry bit his lip and looked up into the sky a little.
"I'm sorry." Severus whispered.
Harry shrugged his shoulder and sighed.
"Did you know Mary was aware of the magical world?" Harry asked unexpectedly.
Severus raised his eyebrow at the seemingly random comment.
"No, though I'm not surprised. She's made comments over the years that implied she might know. Did she tell you?" Severus asked.
Honestly, he wasn't all that surprised. Mary was old enough to remember when more Wixen lived in Cokeworth.
"Her son was in the shop today. He's a wizard." Harry commented.
Severus nodded in thought. He'd only met John a handful of times. He hadn't lived in Cokeworth since he was a child.
"How do you feel about that?" Severus asked in slight concern.
Severus knew that Harry was already on shaky ground and hoped that finding this out hadn't upset him more.
Harry shrugged.
"It just is, I suppose." Harry said.
Severus sighed and nodded.
"We should go in." Harry said.
Severus sighed. He wished Harry would talk to him. He knew Harry was still hurt but he worried that he was bottling too much up again.
"Would you like to speak with Lupin or Black? The full moon is still a while off." Severus asked.
Harry bit his lip and Severus watched him. He shrugged his shoulder a little and finally shook his head.
"I'm sure they would like to see you." Severus said softly.
He wished Harry was better at asking for what he needed and wanted. He was sure that Harry would like the comfort.
"I'm sure I'll see them soon. I don't want to drag them away from whatever there doing." Harry said softly.
Severus sighed.
"I don't think they will mind." Severus tried.
Harry shook his head.
"Very well." Severus said.
They walked in silence to the back door and into the kitchen.
Severus froze when he heard voices. He pulled his wand and glanced at Harry. His eyes were wide, and his body was stiff.
"Stay behind me." Severus mouthed.
Harry nodded and they made their way down the hall to the sitting room where it sounded like the voices were coming from.
Severus sighed as he approached.
It was Albus and Draco.
"It's the headmaster." Severus said quietly, stowing away his wand.
Harry gave him a wary look.
"Would you like me to verify?" Severus asked.
Harry nodded and Severus nodded back.
They stepped into the sitting room and Severus pulled his wand once again.
"Severus." Albus said in greeting.
Severus nodded and looked from Albus to Draco. They seemed to be chatting over a cup of tea.
"What is the location of the former Order Headquarters?" Severus asked, holding his wand up slightly, though he was not truly pointing it at Albus.
Albus raised a white eyebrow and glanced at Harry standing next to him.
"Number twelve Grimmauld place." Albus said calmly.
Severus saw Harry shoulders relax.
"Good evening, Harry. Mr. Malfoy and I were just having a cup of tea. Would you both like to join us?" Albus said calmly.
Harry shook his head. Severus knew the boy was about to go lock himself away in his room.
Albus nodded.
"Very well. I came to borrow Professor Snape for a while. I trust you two can behave while he's gone." Albus said standing from his chair.
Harry and Draco both looked to Severus before nodding.
"I'll need just a moment Albus." Severus said.
"No problem, my boy. I need to collect Minerva as well. Just floo to my office when you're ready." Albus said straightening his robes.
Severus nodded and Albus disappeared through the floo.
"Are you alright?" Severus asked Draco.
"I'm fine. We were just talking about school. I never realized how circular the old man can talk." Draco said, standing and stretching his back.
Severus snorted.
"Yes, he can. Did you tell him where we were?" Severus asked.
Draco shook his head.
"No, just said you two were out on an errand." Draco answered.
Severus nodded. He was glad he wouldn't have to explain taking Harry to Godric's Hollow. It wasn't exactly safe.
"Very well, I suspect I will have a long night. I expect you both to be in bed at a reasonable hour. Do not leave this house." Severus said clearly, giving both boys a firm look.
They nodded.
"If I am not staying in the headmaster's office I will floo you to let you know. I do not suspect this to be an Order meeting so if something happens call there first." Severus instructed.
Again, they nodded their understanding.
Severus left the sitting room and went to his bedroom. He quickly changed out of the muggle clothing and dressed in his normal term time attire, sans his robes. It was warm enough today to go without.
He smiled at the small pile of presents on his dresser. After Harry had headed to the book Nook, he'd gone to a few of the shops and picked up a couple of birthday gifts. He'd mentioned to a couple of shop owners that 'Max's' birthday was tomorrow and they had gifts for him too. Severus suspected they were the gifts they'd offered when they'd been at the street fair.
Black and Lupin hadn't specified when they planned to collect Harry tomorrow, but he hoped they could have a small acknowledgment of his birthday over breakfast in the morning.
Draco had also picked out a gift with Severus's help.
Severus sighed and exited his room. He was not looking forward to Harry leaving. Though he supposed his summer would likely be quieter without the green-eyed walking disaster.
Draco came out of his room as Severus closed his door.
"Is he okay?" Draco asked quietly, indicating Harry's closed door.
Severus sighed.
"I doubt it. Please keep an eye on him." Severus said softly.
Draco nodded.
"Please try and stay out of trouble." Severus added as he turned and headed down the stairs.
Draco debated for only a moment before he went to his room and collected his deck of exploding snap cards. He hadn't seen any in Harry's trunk and assumed he didn't have them stashed away in his bag.
The last few days had been some of the strangest of his life and he wondered if it felt that way to Harry as well. Perhaps if they did something normal it would help make them both feel better.
Draco knocked on Harry's door and waited.
There was a strange noise somewhere between a gasp and a choke from the other side of the door and he hoped he hadn't caught the other boy in a compromising moment. Although the thought did things to his body.
"Just a minute." Harry called.
Draco took a deep breath and steadied himself. He wasn't trying to get with Potter. He just wanted someone to spend some time with. If something happened it was only a happy coincidence.
Harry opened the door and to Draco's pleasant surprise, he was in base form.
"Decided to take my advice, I see. You do look better like that." Draco said with a smirk.
Harry blushed and shook his head.
"I…Um…I don't know. Just more comfortable like this…I guess." Harry said shyly.
Draco smiled.
"Wanted to see if you were up for a game of snap." Draco said, holding up the cards.
Harry seemed to consider for a moment and eventually nodded.
"Sure." Harry said, walking back into his room.
"Don't suppose you have any of that vodka left?" Draco asked casually.
He could use a drink to settle his nerves. After the boggart incident he'd felt off.
Harry nodded and pulled the small silver flask from his pocket.
"I was just having a sip. I thought you were Snape." Harry confessed.
Draco laughed.
They settled onto the floor and played their game, casually passing the flask back and forth. Harry seemed to be relaxing and Draco was surprised at how happy and funny he could be.
Draco was fairly buzzed when he finally decided to call it a night. Harry had thanked him for the game and softly closed the door behind him.
When Draco finally laid down in bed, he considered the evening. He wondered if he actually stood any chance at wooing Harry. The more he had gotten to know him the more wonderful he seemed.
Draco snuggled into his bed and closed his eyes.
Harry smiled as Draco left. The company and game had been a pleasant change to his evening. His thoughts had been circling and he'd already taken a few sips from the flask when Draco had knocked. He figured playing with Draco would be a nice distraction, and it had been.
Draco didn't seem much like the person he had known at school. He was less haughty and more friendly. He'd learned that he loved animals and loathed Transfiguration. They weren't important details, but they were somehow.
He was sure Ron would fall over dead if he ever told him that he and Malfoy had developed a tentative friendship.
Harry chuckled as he sat on his bed. He wasn't sure what to do with himself now.
He grumbled as he climbed back off his bed and opened his trunk. With a sigh he pulled out the books from Remus. He didn't want to read them. He was content to remain ignorant, but he didn't want to disappoint them.
He sat hard on his bed with a huff and opened the first book. He hoped with a little alcohol in his system it might not be quite so embarrassing to read.
He quickly discovered that he was wrong. Not only had the book been on same-sex relationships, specifically men but it was clearly a compilation of various authors. Some were informative and others vague but were both doing weird things to his body.
He flipped to the next section and began to read. This author had a much different take. His views were remarkably similar to what he had heard all of his life from his uncle.
Harry had felt waves of shame for how he had felt reading the other sections and disgusted with himself for what he had done in the past. Remus had tried to say that what had happened wasn't the same as a relationship, but this author seemed to disagree.
He gripped the page a little too tightly and noticed he was wrinkling it. A tear slid down his cheek and landed on the page.
He closed the book and blinked back more tears.
He didn't want to feel like a freak and that was exactly how reading this was making him feel.
He collected the books and shoved them back to the bottom of his trunk. His stomach rolled and he fought back a wave of nausea.
With a deep breath he pulled out Regulus journal and the Dark arts books. He found comfort in the other boy's writing and hoped that reading it would help him settle. The subject matter was upsetting, but the connection he felt made him feel less alone. It was what he needed right now. To not feel so alone.
He took another sip of his flask and settled back on his bed to read.