Esclavitud *Now Complete*

Chapter 11 Who is your Master?

Mimi popped Severus and Ron into the sitting room. Ron gave a new meaning to the phrase ‘seeing red’. He was yelling at the top of his lungs, “Where is he? Where is he?” as he ran up the steps two at a time. He burst the door open. Charlie went for his wand, but Ron yelled “Expeliamus” and before Charlie knew what was going on Ron had him against the wall and his wand pointed at his older brother’s head. “Tell him! Tell him, now!” warned Ron.

“Harry please, get him off of me. He’s gone mad,” pleaded Charlie.

“Tell him Charlie or you will never have the equipment necessary to cheat again,” warned Ron.

What was Ron on about? Why was he so upset? He never understood why Charlie had made him promise that he would never tell Ron about their relationship. He always hoped that Ron would be happy for him.

“Harry! Please! Get him off!” but Harry was too stunned to react; did Ron say ‘cheat’?

“Oh rich, do you really believe that Harry would hurt me. I’ve got news for you big brother I am one of the two people that Harry will never hurt. Now stop stalling and tell him the truth, now!”

“Ron please let him go you are hurting him. We can talk about this. Just let him go,” pleaded Harry.

Ron didn’t even turn to look at him. He was on his brother with all his weight and was not about to let him go, “Charlie, this is your last warning, tell him or be prepare to be my second sister.”

Charlie seeing that Harry was not going to come to his rescue decided to turn to the elf in the corner, “You, elf, do you know who I am. I am as good as your Master; free me.”

“Harry Potter Sir says Severus be my Master. Mimi listen to Severus,” Mimi said then looked up at Snape, “Severus, should I free the mean Weasley?” Severus bowed his head and moved his head in a negative answer.

Ron tightened his grip on his brother and dug his wand into the older Weasley’s forehead “Charlie!”

“All right, I’ll tell him. Just… give me some time alone with Harry so I can explain.”

“NO! You will tell him now or I will.”

“All right …” said the reluctant redhead and looking at Harry, “I am married.”

“And…” prompted Ron.

“And… she is expecting… my baby.”

Ron instantly let go of his brother dropping Charlie’s wand. He could see all the blood drain from Harry’s face. He followed Harry to the chair in front of the fire where Harry let his weight fall onto the old seat. Ron could see Charlie through the corner of his eyes. Charlie was grabbing his clothes and wand and heading down to the floo. Ron brought his attention back to his longtime friend and knelt by his side, “You listen to me Harry, and you listen to me carefully. You and Hermione are the only two people out of the Weasley Clan that I would give my life for, but if after knowing the truth you ever fall for Charlie’s charms again I will never speak to you again.” Harry didn’t seem to be listening he was simply looking into the fire. Ron stood up and went to Severus. He grabbed him by the elbow and guided him into the guest room. When they came back, he told Severus “Take care of Harry,” and left.

Severus approached Harry and knelt by his side hoping that he would receive a touch, a caress. The touch never came and they stood in that position till daybreak when Kreacher and Mimi popped into the bedroom.

“Harry Potter Sir, breakfast is served,” said Kreacher.

Harry was far from hungry, but he knew he had to feed Severus. So he went to the bathroom and took care of his morning needs. Then he told Severus to go do the same. Severus wrapped his hand around the charm that was dangling from his neck and when he saw it change color he entered the bathroom. Harry thought of explaining to Severus that he did not have to use the charm when he was around, but didn’t have the energy to speak. He just wanted to get the feeding over so he could go back to his room.

Down at the dining room table Harry sat waiting for Severus to take his place, but he just stood there. Harry realized that the pillow wasn’t in its place and asked Kreacher for it. Kreacher snapped his fingers making the pillow appear and then grumbled something under his breath. Harry motioned for Severus to take his place.
Severus closed his eyes took a deep breath and knelt next to the green eye Gryffindor. When the first morsel of food was placed before him he hesitated, but opened his mouth and ate. It was not until the third bite when Severus could not help it and began to throw up. Harry was in shock. Mimi and Kreacher were immediately by Severus side vanishing the vomit and giving him some water.

“Oh Merlin, this is all I need, your pregnant aren’t you?” asked Harry falling besides the sick man “I am so sorry, Severus. I was so sure I cast the contraception spell every time…”

“No Master Harry, I have not turned; I am not with child,” said Severus still holding on to the floor with one hand and holding his stomach with his other hand.

“OH… right… it is to be expected that you get sick after so many days without solid food.” He took his slave in his arms “Severus, I promise you this will never happen again. From now on it is only the four of us Mimi, Kreacher, you and I. We are a family and I am going to take good care of you. You are going to be the most conceded slave in the Wizarding World. Well, until we find a cure.” Harry could not understand why Severus was crying then it hit him, “Oh, I know what you need, lets go upstairs and tend to your needs…” but at that very moment the floo flared up with Ron’s head in it. Permission was granted and Ron stepped into the sitting area.

“How are you feeling mate?

“I’ll survive.”

“That’s good to hear. I came to get Severus. You might have asked for a week off, but I have to go to work in a couple of hours.”

“Get Severus? What are you on about?” asked a very puzzled Boy Who Lived then it dawned on him.

“Ron you git, you forgot to give him back. Rrrrrr come on then get it over with.”

But Ron simply gestured to Severus to join him. Severus moved towards his new master.

“Ron, what are you doing? You know this was simply supposed to be while I couldn’t take care of him so lets have it. Make him repeat the words.”

“No Harry, I am sorry, but I do not take my responsibilities as lightly as you do.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I am responsible for Severus now and I will not have him starve again the next time you decide to have a holiday with one of your lovers.”

“Ron that’s not fair. Charlie was the only man I ever loved. We have been lovers since I was fourteen.”

“Oh, so you cheated on Ginny?”

“What? No! You don’t understand that was Charlie’s crazy idea. He thought that if Ginny and I got together he and I would have more time together. But I couldn’t go through with it. I came clean with her. I could not tell her who he was, but I did tell her my preference for blokes.”

“Harry don’t you see the power that Charlie has over you? What’s to say that he doesn’t come back and convinces you to take him back, what happens to Severus then?”

“Ron you can’t honestly believe that I would take him back, that I would do anything to jeopardize a home, a child, a family.”

“Sorry Harry, but that is not a risk I care to take. Severus is my responsibility now, it is my job to take care of him and make sure he does not go through a night like last night again,” said Ron as he and Severus walked into the floo and disappeared.


***


Harry went to the Weasley household to plea his case with Hermione, “Hermione, I can’t believe he is doing this to me. I trusted him. He said he would take care of Severus if I couldn’t and now he won’t give him back.”

“I am sorry Harry, but I have to agree with Ron, Severus is safer with us.”

“You have to be kidding. Hermione! Do you understand what he has to do to meet Severus’ needs?”

“Yes Harry I know. Remember, I did the research. But you weren’t here last night when the professor arrived starved and shacking. Harry, you waited way too long before you send him to safety. You were the one that said you wanted this responsibility and let’s face it Harry, you failed him.”

Harry looked down in shame. He had failed Severus. He had failed him for a man that was not even worth it. He had no excuse. He would have to go home without Severus. Goodbyes were said and soon Harry was walking out of his floo where Kreacher and Mimi where waiting. They took one look at him and knew that he had failed his mission to get Severus back. Kreacher looked at him with a hateful glare and popped out of the sitting room. Mimi’s eyes swelled up with unshed tears and taking a deep breath she also popped out of his sight.

Harry found himself in an empty room and the fact that he deserved it didn’t make it any easier to bear. He looked into the fireplace and was shocked to realize that he was not hoping for Charlie’s head to pop up. Instead he was hoping for Ron’s head to show up. For Ron to say that he understood Harry’s actions and that he would give Severus back. But no face ever showed up that night.

***

When Friday rolled around, Harry wasn’t sure if his friends would show up, but soon his fears were place to rest when the floo flared up. Permission was granted and Ron was the first one through followed by Hermione who got a peck on the lips, as it was now their ritual. Then Harry was greeted by a wonderful vision, Severus. Ron had brought Severus along. Harry had no idea why, but this made him happy. He stepped forward to great and hug, Severus. The Potions Master looked to his master for permission, permission that was granted with a nod. Harry felt a pang in his stomach when he saw this, but knew there was nothing for it.

“Severus, would you like to see Kreacher and Mimi? They have been missing you greatly,” said Harry looking at Ron for any signs of disagreement.

“I would like that very much, Master Harry,” said Severus also looking to his master for acquiescence.

“Go Severus, find the little imps, but make sure they don’t neglect and burn the food,” granted Ron.

Severus passed the dining area and disappeared through the kitchen door. Harry was suddenly impressed with a spec on the floor.

“So, can we expect you back to work on Monday?” asked Ron trying to make light conversation.

“Huh? Oh… Yeah… Sure,” managed Harry.

“Ron was telling me that you still have loads of vacation days that you can take if you need the time,” interjected Hermione.

There was an awkward silence when they all realized that they were still standing in the middle of the sitting area. Severus walked in on the uncomfortable scene.

“Master Harry, Kreacher says that dinner is ready and it will be served when you wish for it,” announced Severus.

“Oh… Thanks, Severus.” He looked to his guest and asked, “Hungry?”

“Mate, when have you ever known me not to be?” grinned Ron and it was then when Harry understood that Ron was not the enemy. That he could never be the enemy.

Harry looked at Hermione, who also smiled and said, “You did ask a dumb question.”
And just like that they found themselves smiling and it felt good.


At the table they each took their usual chairs only this time Severus knelt besides Ron. And it was Ron not Harry who fed Severus. It pained Harry too much to look so he focused on a piece of meat on his plate and grabbed the napkin with too tight of a grip. When Ron noticed how upset Harry was becoming he said, “If you prefer, I won’t bring him again.”

“What?” asked Harry then when he saw Ron motion towards Severus he said, “No… no, don’t be daft. Kreacher and Mimi would be very upset if they didn’t get to see him. No… bring him… bring him every time you visit. He was beginning to feel comfortable here. He probably misses the place.”

Hermione’s eyebrow shot up in a doubtful expression and Ron was bewildered by Harry’s need to elaborate on his answer.

As the guest were getting ready to floo out Harry remembered something, “I almost forgot, Ron. I have something that I guess belongs to you.” He called for Mimi who popped up in front of them. “Mimi, the money bag please.” The little elf removed it from around her neck and gave it to Harry “Thank you Mimi,” and he gave the bag to Ron.

“What’s this about?” asked a puzzled Ron.

“Severus made that money selling his potions to Hogwarts and some shops and since the curse won’t allow him to have it and Hermione will not consent to him keeping Mimi, you should have the money.”

“What? NO! This is Severus’ money I can’t take it.” He looked at his wife for help.

“Harry, maybe Mimi can keep it. And although I will not have an elf in my house; she is more than welcome to visit Severus and continue to take him to Hogwarts,” offered Hermione.

“Yeah, mate, although he won’t be able to brew. We don’t have space for a lab at our house,” elaborated Ron.

“Well, maybe, and if you do not mind, Severus could come here during the day and brew. You know, while we are at work. I am sure he will welcome the opportunity to do something during the day when nobody is home. It’s just a thought,” offered Harry a bit cheaply.

“I really think that would me a great idea,” said Hermione and then looked at Severus, “What do you think, Severus? Would you like that?

Now it was Severus’ turn to obsess over the spec on the floor. He nodded and said, “That would be suitable,” he said in a subdue tone. “I am very grateful of my master and mistress’s generosity for this slave,” he ended.

“Severus, you do understand that like Harry, we only want to see you content,” Hermione felt the need to clear this up with her ex-professor.

“Yeah Severus, what ever you need just ask,” added Ron, then he turned to Harry “and about Severus coming here when you are not here, that’s not necessary. I mean he can come here when you are home. It is not my intention to keep you apart. You have for the most part always been very good to him,” cleared Ron.

“Thank you Master,” said Severus stunning all that were present, especially Harry. Harry’s mind started wheeling: did Severus miss him? Was Severus longing to be by his side? Did he miss the hugs as much as Harry did? Did he forgive his actions?

Ron must have been think along similar lines because he added, “Severus, you don’t have to ask permission to come to this house and visit Harry and the elves; is that clear?”

“Yes Master and thank you again. Master is most kind to this slave.”

“Severus, I actually have a present for you if that is all right with Ron?” said Harry looking to his friend.

Ron waited to see what he was committing to as Harry picked up what looked to be like a stack of slates.

“I made this for you. You know now that you don’t have Mimi all the time. It’s like a book but made out of slates and I thought that everyday Ron could bring the book to work and I will update it for you with some of your favorite verses,” said Harry as clearly and concisely as possible.

Severus looked at Hermione and then looked away quickly. He did not want her to speak so he headed her off, “Thank you Master Harry, this is a very thoughtful gift and one that I will cherish,” his words having the desired effect of silencing Hermione.

Something had just transpired between Severus and Hermione, but Harry had no way of knowing what it was and decided not to give it much thought. Goodbyes were said and the guest disappeared into the floo.


A/N
Well, apparently my last chapter caused a ‘bit’ of a commotion. You should know by now that some things, unpleasant as they might be, have to occur for other more pleasant things to happen. It was not my intentions to upset any of my wonderful readers. I hope you all continue to read and review and as always if you do not have time to review please rate my story. It only takes a click.

OH and by the way 113 reviews. Wow!!!! Thank you so much. I love it!

Moon of the Sea