Date night went well, Harry and Severus had enjoyed seeing a movie together and eating dinner afterwards. The two got to talk casually without anyone giving them odd looks or questioning their relationship. With how they both appeared to others, Harry looked to be at least twenty while Severus shaved years off by looking in his mid-twenties. No one thought of them any different than a normal gay couple on a date.
Severus and Harry always had their wedding bands hidden from sight to avoid questions or if someone caught them together from their own world, but the two of them could see right through the spell. The evening ended with cuddling on the couch after getting home and Harry giving Severus a massage, this time allowing Harry to touch his bare skin to enjoy the massage fully with lotion or oil.
Severus hadn't been sure but he decided that night he loved Harry's hands working his shoulders, arms, neck, and back. The first time, Severus had refused to remove his shirt, but that was also before they were married and that had ended with Severus getting a blowjob from Harry.
Nothing went farther than the massage and a little making out, then the cuddling in front of the fire on the couch. Harry nearly fell asleep against Severus, but when he felt himself dozing off, he gave Severus a kiss on the cheek and went off to his room for bed. Severus wasn't far behind in going to sleep later, but wishing that Harry had stayed against him.
The next morning came and easily recognized as New Year's Eve. The last day of the year 1996, and it marked that Harry had only a year and a half left of his schooling. Six months left of sixth year, then still nine months more for seventh. Harry really needed to work on how to take down Voldemort, and perhaps a plan for his life when the dark wizard was finally gone. Severus and Harry had a nice breakfast together, and lunch.
The two were currently sitting together in the sitting room, both reading. Harry had a notebook next to him, though, more research on the spell Voldemort created for the dark mark. Severus admired the boy's persistence and drive to figure out the mystery and Harry might very well be able to decipher it all as he'd already made the discovery of Voldemort creating a spell that applied the dark mark.
The fireplace flames shifted a bit as Severus looked over and saw Lucius's face. "Hello, Lucius."
"Greetings, Severus and Harry, if he's there with you in the room." Lucius replied.
"He's here, just zoned in his reading. What can I do for you, Lucius?" Severus asked.
"Oh, nothing at all my friend. Narcissa and I have allowed Draco to hold a party tonight at the manor to bring in the new year. Draco is contacting his other friends to let them know, so I am doing the honors of inviting Harry over, and you as well, of course." Lucius stated.
"Harry, think you can drag yourself away from all that long enough to attend?" Severus teased.
"Hey, I'm doing all this for you…" Harry muttered. "And yes, I can. What time, Mr. Malfoy?" He inquired.
"6:00 pm. And Harry, Draco says you can invite your other close friends from Gryffindor and the one Ravenclaw. As long as they don't start anything. They're free to apparate to the gates with parents…Severus has the address if you need to give it to them." Lucius informed.
Harry considered the idea; he did want to see a couple of his friends. He put the past behind him with what happened in fourth year, but hadn't really hung with anyone since as they were all still trying to get his forgiveness. "Thank you for the allowance, Mr. Malfoy. I'll think about it…" Harry responded softly.
"It's entirely up to you, Harry. Draco just didn't want you to think that he only figured the people in Slytherin were your only friends. He knows you have others and is trying to include them for you." Narcissa spoke up now, not that her face was seen.
Harry nodded and went back to reading the passage he had been before. "We'll be there, Lucius. Thank you for the invitation." Severus stated. "See you tonight. Oh, any dress code?"
"Casual, but not street casual. Robes not required." Lucius remarked.
The call ended when Severus nodded, then the potions master looked over to his now very quiet husband. "Everything alright, Harry? You got very quiet after Lucius extended the invitation to your old housemate friends." Severus questioned.
"I don't know how much I trust them after fourth year's abandonment." Harry answered lightly.
"I thought you said you forgave everyone," Severus asked.
"And I did, that doesn't mean I've forgotten. It doesn't mean the trust was restored…When you break trust, it takes a long time to earn back. I know they all apologized for what happened, but aside from a couple random run-ins during fifth year…We haven't gotten back to what we were. Sadly, I don't think that's even possible. I'm always going to be wondering deep down when is the next time they decide to walk away for something I had nothing to do with…" Harry informed in a calm tone.
"I suppose that's fair, but Harry…It's still worth it to give them a chance. Forgiveness, like trust and communication, is a two-way street." Severus told him. "It's not all on them to restore things, it's on you as well."
"How?" Harry wondered.
"Well, the ones seeking forgiveness and to fix things have to take the first step. Admit their fault, apologize. But then the giver of forgiveness has to acknowledge a mistake was made and allow for those seeking to be given the chance to fix things. You have to be willing to trust them or what's the point of them earning it back. You can't live in fear, Harry." Severus told him.
"Yes, it could happen again…But don't fool yourself into thinking that it's inevitable that it will. You have to take a step forward here too. Give them a chance to show you they're still the friends they were when you met them. We too, Harry, had to overcome troubles between us to get where we are now. To give things a chance and both put effort in. Like you told me, our past…Water under the bridge. Now, do the same for them." The man added.
"I suppose so…" Harry agreed. "Okay, I'll invite them. Well, those I was close to…"
"Excellent." Severus smiled calmly as Harry leaned over and kissed his lips softly, then pulled back. "What was that for?"
"For being so helpful and insightful. Thank you." Harry answered.
"You're welcome." Severus responded. "You know that in a large setting of people, we have to maintain as we always have. I'd invite Remus too, so he can be acting as your supervision to a party. But then what will you say about why Sirius isn't there?"
"Maybe that he's sick…O-Or visiting mom and dad in Godric's Hollow? I elected not to go?" Harry shrugged. "I don't know. I really hate not telling people the truth. I understand the ruckus it would cause, but honestly…No one can break this union between us but us."
"You remember how Remus reacted, Harry…Imagine that but ten-fold. We don't need that breaking out at the Malfoy's." Severus informed.
"I know…But what if they already know? Arthur works at the ministry, surely it's circulated?" Harry said.
"It may have, but either way…I say don't draw attention to it and then we're covered either way. If your friends knew, I'm sure you'd have gotten a letter by now. And knock on wood, but I'm really surprised no one from the ministry or any of the Hogwarts staff has said anything if they do know." Severus remarked.
"Or everyone's just keeping quiet because there's nothing they can do, Severus. And we're not breaking any rules, as you said. What happens after hours doesn't constitute teacher and student to a married couple." Harry reminded.
"I've considered that as well." Severus agreed. "Still, let's not tempt the fates. Now, it's about 3:00 pm…Perhaps you should extend that invitation out so they have time to decide and prepare if agreeable."
"I will, just thinking…" Harry stated.
"About?" Severus pushed.
"Visiting Sirius, or…Maybe inviting him tonight." Harry confessed.
"You said on Christmas you weren't ready to see him yet." Severus pointed out.
"I can't avoid him forever though…Even when he recovers, you know he'll want to take me back into his custody and he can't because I'm bonded to you. It'll break his heart and might relapse him completely to know I married you to get away from him." Harry sighed.
"Harry, if he truly loves you…He'll understand the same way you told Remus that you didn't have a choice. It was the only way, even Lucius told me that when I went there to explain what Draco walked in on us doing." Severus said firmly, but not in a cold or angry tone. "Yes, it might shock and hurt him. It might make him mad, but don't let him make you feel like what you did to get him the help he needs and keeping yourself away from abusive relatives was wrong."
"I know. I know, Severus…But I can't just ignore him and if we want this to keep working, Sirius has to make appearances in mixed company. He can't be locked away in St. Mungo's and us keep using the excuse he's on a mission for the Order, or sick, or in Godric's Hollow. Dumbledore will catch on eventually, if, again, he doesn't already know. I'm sure if he does, he would have said something by now, even just a reminder of the rules." Harry informed.
"If I go inviting the Weasley's, Hermione…There will be questions as to why Remus is always speaking on Sirius's behalf, the length of time Sirius has been away because Remus isn't supposed to have custody of me. You saw his temper, that's the inner wolf being protective over its cub. In this case, me. That's why he can't have me, Severus. If anyone finds out Remus has had me all this time, major problems. Sirius is going to have to make an appearance tonight, just to pacify the curiosity of why he hasn't been around for months…"
"If he does anything to you tonight, Harry…Mark my words," Severus said, not needing to finish the sentence or threat because Harry already knew Severus would handle Sirius himself. "You still haven't told me what he did…I know he saw you as James, but I feel like there's more. I won't push you to tell me if you're not comfortable doing so…"
"I'm just not ready to talk about it…" Harry glanced down.
"You told Draco. I know he knows, he told me he knew what happened." Severus argued lightly.
"He saw the letter I wrote to Remus…I didn't tell him." Harry informed. "I wrote a letter and left it on my nightstand. The guys were rough housing when I was in the shower and the letter ended up on the floor. Draco picked it up and read it. He admitted that he did and I wasn't upset with him. He wanted to know if it was trash or not."
"Just…Merlin, I don't want to ask this, Harry…But he didn't touch you inappropriately or anything, did he?" Severus inquired. "Please, just give me that, at least?"
Harry shook his head. "No, he didn't touch me like that."
Severus sighed some. "Alright. I won't ask you to tell me what happened. But will you tell me when you're ready to discuss it…"
"I will," Harry nodded.
"Good. Thank you." Severus relaxed some. "I suppose you now have much to do before the party. I will reach out to Lucius about your plans so that the family is aware."
"Thanks." Harry took a breath. "I guess I'll start by inviting the others and if they all agree…I'll be taking a trip to St. Mungo's for Sirius. I'm heading to Grimmauld to contact everyone."
"I'll be here. Oh. Address to the house, only to give if they're in agreement to go. Malfoy Manor. Wiltshire. That's all they should need to know to apparate to the gates. They won't be able to go beyond that until one of the Malfoy's opens the gate for them, it's heavily warded." Severus informed.
"Understood." Harry committed the information to memory. "See you later." Harry gave the man a kiss on the cheek before heading upstairs to get some things and then he returned downstairs to leave via the fireplace and go to Grimmauld.
. . .
It was about 5:30 pm when Harry finally reached St. Mungo's through the fireplace at Grimmauld. The first thing Harry did when he got to his godfather's home was look for Remus, but found the man not there. Harry assumed he was either already with Sirius, or busy with something else. Harry went right ahead with contacting Hermione, then the Weasley's, and finally, Neville and Luna.
Harry also reached out to Dean and Seamus. It took some time for everyone to get back to Harry with their reply, but it was a firm yes from all of them. Harry suspected most of the agreement was because they knew they'd never get close to Harry again if they were hating on the Slytherins. After Harry got his answer, he did let Severus know and now Harry was preparing himself to floo to St. Mungo's to see his godfather, and maybe Remus, if he was there.
Harry took a deep breath as he stepped in the floo at Grimmauld and held his hand up with the powder in it. "St. Mungo's Hospital." Harry spoke clearly as the flames swallowed him up and he appeared in the fireplace at the hospital. Harry dusted himself off from ash and walked forward to the main desk.
"Patient or visiting one?" The welcome witch asked from behind the desk.
"Visiting. My godfather, Sirius Black…" Harry stated calmly.
"And you are?" The woman didn't even look up at him.
"Harry Potter…" Harry replied.
Now, the woman had his attention. "Oh, Mr. Potter! So sorry. Yes, here to see your godfather. Do you know what floor he's on?"
"I know he's been staying here since the end of June for mind healing…I assume fourth floor?" Harry mentioned.
"Yes. Let me just get you signed in and a visitor pass." The witch said as she filled out a few things, then gave him a pin-on badge. "You're all set."
"Thank you." Harry turned to head for the elevator. He got inside and pressed the four button, then tried to relax himself as the elevator moved upwards. When the doors opened, Harry went to the desk to his left to find another receptionist witch. "Hi, can you tell me what room Sirius Black is in?"
"Name and relationship?" The female asked.
"Harry Potter, and godson." Harry informed.
"Thank you," She dragged her finger down a clipboard. "Room eleven, on the right."
"Thanks." Harry smiled before he walked down the corridor to his right and watched the numbers until he reached eleven. Harry took a deep breath before he peeked through the window to find Remus inside with Sirius. Harry put his hand on the handle and turned it until the door opened, then he stepped into sight of the males.
"Harry!" Sirius exclaimed as he got up from the chair. Remus also stood, but to keep Sirius from charging Harry, mouthing the words easy.
"Hi, Uncle Siri…" Harry closed the door behind him.
"I've missed you, pup," Sirius said gently. "A-And I'm so sorry about what happened…"
"I know you are, Sirius…" Harry replied. "I've missed you too."
"I-I'm glad you decided to visit." Sirius smiled some. "I-I promise I'm working hard in my sessions to get better, to come home."
"I'm…Happy to hear that, Sirius. But I'm not really here for a visit." Harry stated.
"Has something happened?" Remus questioned now.
"No," Harry shook his head. "Draco is throwing a New Year's Eve party tonight at Malfoy Manor, all our friends will be there…Including the ones I had in Gryffindor. Some, not all. The ones I was close to. It's their chance at redemption for the events of fourth year…" He explained. "The problem is that particular group knows I reside with you, Sirius…Or that's what they believe as no one knows you're in here. No one knows what happened except Remus."
He continued calmly after a moment. "I can't go to the celebration alone, so I need you to escort me there as my guardian. Remus is covering for a lot of why you're never around, but there has to be appearances of you or people are going to question. The minute anyone finds out you're not actually at Grimmauld with me, Dumbledore sends me back to the Dursley's."
Harry eyed Remus to not say a word about the truth. The story was just to keep up with the cover Harry was with Sirius still. "Where are you staying?..." Sirius asked.
"I called in the debt Professor Snape owes my father. I'm staying there under the radar…" Harry informed. "And yes, he's taking good care of me. We had a long talk about him being an ass and got over our differences." He added. "So…I need you out for the night, or just until after the party ends…Play the role. You're here of your own choice, you can leave by such as well. And you can be readmitted in a couple hours. There's no law against it, I checked."
"Well…Of course, Harry. A-Anything for you." Sirius nodded.
"Remus, you can come too…" Harry informed. "Party starts at 6:00 pm, casual dress. Not street casual, but not robe formal either."
"It's almost six o'clock now…We should get moving." Sirius smiled, knowing his godson was still hurt by what had happened.
Harry reached into his bag and pulled out a change of clothes for Sirius. "We're going right to the manor, I'll give you the address for apparating…" Harry stated.
Not wanting to risk Harry being upset, Sirius went to change in the bathroom and then the three of them exited the room and went to the desk to get Sirius temporarily signed out. It was allowed under family emergencies, they'd hold Sirius's room for twenty-four hours, that meant Sirius could be out all night if he wanted as long as he returned this time tomorrow to readmit himself. Sirius would be back in the morning. Exiting the hospital, they went to an apparition point close by as Harry revealed the address and after all linking up, they were gone.