How Severus Spends His Summer Hols

A/N: This chapter jumps around a bit since there is a good deal going on in Hols right now. I hope we’ve not confused you terribly. And yes, Harry is being a prat.


Grant listened from the kitchen as Severus spoke with Damon. Their son was worried about his young husband. Harry had learned of the death of his adopted family member back in England and was now desperate to go home.

Max had made it plain that Harry should not be allowed to travel alone due to his advanced pregnancy and now Severus was trying to find someone that could travel with Harry at least as far as England if not on to the Burrow. Since Harry was unable to use a port key or apparate, he and his travelling companion would be flying on a wizarding friendly airline.

Having applied for political asylum, Severus was unable to take Harry back to England and now he was hoping the older couple would be able to help him come up with a solution on how to get Harry safely to the Weasleys.

Grant had excused himself from the conversation, still a little vexed from Harry’s behaviour on Thanksgiving, but now listening in; he thought he might be able to help. He could always get one of the doctor’s from the hospital to help cover hours at the clinic.

Pushing the kitchen door open quietly, he walked in and sat down on the arm of Damon’s chair. “I could go along to make sure he’s alright,” Grant said, picking up his husband’s hand and running his own fingers over it lightly, “if it’s alright with you, of course.”

Damon blinked in surprise and looked up at his husband. Grant had expressed a desire not to interfere in Harry’s business and he wondered just exactly what the man’s motivation was. He’d give him a way out to prevent any flare-ups. Harry was on edge enough as it was and the last thing he needed was a hysterical pregnant person and an over emotional husband, spatting like cats.

“I don’t know, Pet. You are filling in for Max and he won’t be back until Friday when the nanny starts. You can’t just close up shop, Grant.” Damon looked across the room at Severus and Harry. Knowing there was no one else available, he sighed. “What about a paid companion?”

Grant shrugged his shoulders. “It was only a thought. I can always get one of the doctors from the hospital to cover the hours. They owe me some favours.”

Severus smiled and patted Harry’s knee. “There you are Harry, Grant can go with you and you’ll have someone familiar to you.” He looked at Damon and shook his head. “Harry needs to leave as soon as he can and it would simply take too long to hire someone to go with him that I would trust.”

Damon nodded and sighed. He looked between the two men and wondered if this wasn’t exactly what they needed to work out the differences between them. Fourteen hours on a plane with Muggles; how much damage could they do? “Alright, I’ll make the reservations. The two of you get packed. We are leaving for Pittsburgh in two hours.”

Grant nodded and stood up to go back to their bedroom to call the hospital. He could tell by the look on Harry’s face that the young man was going to be a treat on the trip.

Severus stood and offered his hand to Harry. “We’ll be back as soon as possible Damon. Thank you Grant.”

Damon nodded and stood as well. “I’m sorry to hear about your family, Harry but we’ll get you to them soon. Be careful.”

Harry stood and looked from his husband to Damon, there were no words he could find to tell them he’d rather travel with Draco Malfoy than with the small man in the other room. “Thank you,” he managed civilly as he turned for the door. “He won’t need to stay with me the whole time, he should see London while he’s there.”

Damon nodded and looked at Severus. He could understand a bit of what Harry was going through; he’d felt the same way when he’d had to retrieve Rachel. He didn’t quite know what to say so he sighed. “I’ll suggest that to him, Harry. Maybe you could show him some of Wizarding London as well.”

“Maybe, there’s not much to see,” Harry said as he took his husband’s hand. He simply wanted to drop Grant at the Leaky Cauldron and then go onto the Burrow; maybe if he were lucky, Grant would wander down Knockturn Alley. “I’ll mention it to him on the way. Severus, we should go, I still need to pack.”

Severus nodded and settled his hand at Harry’s back propelling him out the door. “Thank You Damon, we shall return soon.”

Opening the truck door for his husband, Severus helped the younger man inside then jogged around, sliding behind the wheel. “Would you like to tell me what the problem is Harry?”

He started the truck and immediately began to back out of the drive.

“There’s no problem Husband, I just want to get there,” Harry said as he looked out the window and bit his tongue.

Severus grunted as he pulled back out on the highway and headed for Copperhead Road. “I can understand that but you looked like you wanted to say something while we were making plans. Why didn’t you?”

He turned onto the road, navigating the gravel and snow carefully as he peeked over at his little husband.

“I don’t want Grant to try to mother me. I think he’d be happier staying in London rather than going to the Burrow. You know how crowded it will be and he’ll not know anyone,” Harry said, wanting it to come out as sounding reasonable and not catty.

Severus pursed his lips as he thought about what Harry had said. He nodded slowly. “I suppose your concerns are valid but Grant has only offered to help and you yourself wanted to go. The means have been provided and I expect you to be appreciative that it was done quickly.” He looked over at Harry for a moment then turned back to the drive as it wound up the mountain.

“I am not stopping you from going but consider the facts that everyone’s schedules have been rearranged to accommodate your family emergency.”

Severus looked over at Harry as he put the truck in gear, parking beside Harry’s Jeep. “Families spat from time to time, Harry but I have learned they band together in times of need. That is what Grant is offering to you.”

Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes as he opened the door of the truck. “Yes Sir, I understand and I shall show him the respect he deserves,” he said as he climbed out of the truck and swallowed down his anger at being lectured to.

“I’m sorry to have caused so much trouble for everyone, would it be better if I simply did not go?” he asked as he paused at the bottom step of their porch.

Severus narrowed his eyes at Harry’s tone. He grabbed his husband’s arm, helping him up the steps to the back door. “There is no need to be a prat about this, Harry. I understand you are upset about the accident and therefore I will allow some of your cheek. However, if I were Grant I certainly wouldn’t want to be around the whinging when nothing but concern was displayed for you and your well being.”

“Yes Sir,” Harry murmured softly as he bowed his head. He would do his best to be civil to the other man and hopefully Grant could respect the fact he was able to take care of himself.

@@@@@

Richard Montgomery looked around the small house he’d been renting for the past two years. His bags were packed for the week long trip across the country. He had wondered if he shouldn’t just fly but then decided he didn’t want to be dependent on Davy or Greg for his transportation around the small town where the couple had moved.

He couldn’t believe his spoiled rotten friend had moved out to the country, in the mountains no less. To the little town he had read about so much but had yet to visit. He shook his head and looked up at the clock.

The east coast was three hours ahead of him and if he remembered correctly, Davy was an early bird even if Gregory wasn’t. Smiling, he walked out into the freezing cold and loaded up his bags in the car.

Stamping the snow off his feet in the mudroom, Richard shivered as he came back into the house. He sank his long, lanky frame down onto the sofa, propping his feet up on the coffee table and ran a hand through his grey hair. He reached for his coffee and drank down the hot liquid as he contemplated taking his briefcase and laptop.

His research here was finished but he needed to finish off his paper work and write up his dissertation on Fleymann’s and Muggle fertility drugs.

Richard was proud of himself and his life’s work. This one had only been one of many cases that had him travelling the country to help someone. This time, he’d successfully seen to it that another couple had their dream fulfilled, a child born to a parents who had been trying unsuccessfully for several years. He hoped that the information gathered in this case could be used to help other’s afflicted with Fleymann’s and infertility problems.

He sighed and decided to go ahead and call his friends to let them know he was setting out.

Hearing the telephone ring, Davy stepped off of the treadmill where he was doing his morning jog since it was stupid cold outside. Casting a look to the closed bedroom door, he picked up the telephone before it could wake Gregory on his day off.

“Hello?”

Richard grinned as he recognized Davy’s voice. “Morning, Davy. I figured you’d be up at this time. Gregory’s ass still burrowed in the bed?”

Smiling as he realized who had called, Davy sat down on the edge of the sofa. “Yeah, he’s asleep. This is his only day off and I promised him to kill anyone that tried to get him to come in. What are you doing up so early?”

Richard laughed. “Such is the life of a doctor, always on call.” He sipped his coffee and leaned back into the sofa. “I’m just about ready to head out for ya’ll’s place. It’s a little over twenty-six hundred miles so it will take me about six days. I should be there next Friday at the latest.”

Davy nodded to himself. “Are you still going by the same route you emailed me? You know you really should fly.”

“Yeah and let’s hope the computer has the damned directions right. I’m taking my GPS as well.” Richard grinned. “I was just debating on flying again this morning but the roads are clear from here on through and it’ll be nice just to take my time and drive it. It’s a beautiful trip so I am not too fussy about it.”

“Call and let us know how you are doing along the way, if you don’t, Greg won’t shut up,” Davy said with a laugh. “I’ll try to make sure I’m home all day Friday in case you need help finding us, but we’re pretty easy.”

“I will. You have my cell number, right?” Richard laughed and rattled off his number. “You keep him in line, Davy and don’t let him drive you insane about me coming.” He sighed and looked up at the clock. He’d need to be going soon if he was to keep to his schedule. It wasn’t set in stone but it might help keep Gregory off Davy’s back about him. “I’ve missed ya’ll so it will be good to relax after all the work I’ve been doing.”

“Be careful Rich, don’t rush if the weather turns bad, okay?” Davy said as he stood back up and moved to the kitchen to start a simple breakfast. “Call tonight, okay?”

Richard smiled. “Always the caretaker, aren’t you Davy?” he chuckled softly. “I’ll be alright and I’ll call ya’ll later. Take care, man.”

“You too, now get on the road old man,” Davy chuckled before hanging up the telephone and pouring out a bowl of cereal.

@@@@@@@

Max yawned as he delivered his son back to the nursery. He'd had the nurses on notice not to take little Max in to see Allie. His wife’s news after the baby had been born had shocked him as well as created concern for the well being of the newborn. He had hoped it was just the hormones talking but after the nurses had returned with little Max to find out if they had wanted the baby circumcised, Allie had broke down, crying and almost screaming for them to take the baby out of her room.

Max had had her sedated and asked for a separate room for himself and the child. He sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed, before kicking off his shoes and laying down on the creaking hospital bed. He rubbed his face thinking about all that had happened.

Damon had arrived, and they had talked or rather Damon had talked and Max had listened, numb to his surroundings, but taking in the comfort of the older man. Arrangements had been made and Damon had promised to help his mother to look into a nanny for the children as well as seeing his parents to his house. Sarah was taken care of for the moment and so he just had to deal with little Max and Allie.

He yawned again, wondering if Jo Velden would take his case for the divorce. Allie was already asking to begin the proceedings and that thought just made him even more tired. He'd put on a good face for Severus and Harry when they had arrived to see little Max late Friday afternoon. His pride in his son had over shadowed the terrible ache in him that had begun to settle in his heart. But now all that had paled to what he had found a few moments ago.

Allie was gone. Completely gone. Her room had been cleared out and she had discharged herself. He had called home to warn his mother and father of her possibly showing up.

His father had informed him that Allie had already contacted them. She was coming by the house later to get her things and didn't want to see anyone so they were taking Sarah to the zoo in Pittsburgh for the day. He curled in on himself as the past years began to crowd over him, immersing him in the memories of happier times. Biting his lip, he closed his eyes and ached, his grief coming off him in waves as he mourned for his children's loss and his marriage to the one person he had thought he would love forever.

@@@@@

Roaming around the empty house after he and Damon had returned from taking Harry and Grant to the airport in Pittsburgh, Severus found himself inexplicably lonely. Snorting softly to himself at this perceived notion that he needed someone around him, he sat down in his chair, picking up the book he'd been reading over the past few evenings.

Telling himself that he would enjoy the time he'd have to himself, Severus opened the book and stared at the print until the words began to swim together. Setting the book to one side with a sigh, he stared out the front window at the snow flurries that had began sometime that afternoon. He wondered where Harry was now and if he was managing all right, if he and Grant had come to an understanding and were getting on well.

He briefly considered going down to the shop and working to take his mind off of missing his little husband, but he knew if he turned on the lights in the building, he'd have townspeople wanting to know if they could pop in to purchase something they'd forgotten on Wednesday. Severus didn't feel like being nice to the public, staying away from the shop would be a better idea.

Picking up the phone, he punched in the number for Cutty's and waited until one of the waitresses answered and informed him that Damon was playing poker in his office with some of his friends. Not wanting to disturb the man, Severus hung the phone up and with a grin, decided that he'd go see Max and the baby once more.

Seeing little Max made Severus all the more excited and anxious about the impending arrival of his daughter. He hoped however that Allie would come to her senses and not follow through on her ridiculous decision. How could a parent leave their children without warning? He didn't understand and frankly didn't know if he could be civil to the woman if he ran into her.

Going to the kitchen, he quickly made a couple of sandwiches to take with him to the hospital, remembering his friend's appetite and how he complained regularly about the food served there at Blue Ridge.

Once at the hospital, Severus made his way up to the nursery waiting room, wondering if he'd find Max there, not wanting to go to Allie's room.

Max rolled over on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He knew he should get up and get his son, take him home and start anew, living their life without Allie. He just couldn't make himself do it though. Sighing, he decided to go ahead and get up; maybe a shower would make him feel better. He padded out to the nurses station and waited for her to hang up the phone so he could make certain they didn't bring Little Max to him while he was indisposed.

Severus rounded the hall corner and smiled as he spotted his friend standing at the nurses’ station. "Max, hey, how's the little man?" he asked as he walked up to the man and clapped him on the shoulder.

Max flinched then turned to look at his best friend. He gave Severus a weak smile and sighed. "He's good, man, I just left him for a nap. How's Harry? You all get him and Grant off alright?"

"They both left the ground alive, so I'm hoping they both arrive alive," Severus chuckled as he shook his head. "I brought you some sandwiches. You alright?" He eyed his friend and personally thought the man looked like shit.

Max shook his head and snorted. "Thanks man, for the food and no, I'm not alright. Allie's gone."

Severus stared at his friend for a moment, not comprehending the words he'd just spoken. "What do you mean, gone?" he asked slowly. "You mean dead?"

"It would be easier if she was, I think." Max shook his leonine head. "No, she packed her bag and checked herself out of the hospital. I don't know where she is. Dad was the last one to talk to her."

Severus wasn't sure what to say, how to offer comfort to his friend. "How can I help? Do you want me to look after the baby while you shower?" he asked, he'd noticed Max had been holding his gym bag and reckoned that the man had been headed for the staff locker room.

Max shrugged. "I don't know. I just want to forget about it for a while." He looked at the floor and swallowed. "Little Max is safe with the nurses for right now." He looked up at his best friend. "You can walk with me if you like."

"Sure," Severus said, setting the sack of food up on the nurses' desk for them to set in the refrigerator before he turned and put his hand on his friend's shoulder once again. "So who do you think will need to be carried off the plane when they get to London?"

Max shook his head. "Neither of them; the marshals will take care of them then let's hope you aren't going to have to pick them both up at the Embassy." He leaned into Severus' hand and swallowed. "Speaking of which, how are you doing with the little man being gone? How long do you think Damon's going to last with Grant being gone?"

"I miss him more than I thought I would to be honest with you," Severus said, a note of frustration in his voice. "I should have been the one to go with him. I don't know about Damon, he was lost when he stayed with us. Do you think I should ask him to stay with me?" They made it to the locker room and Severus followed Max in, sitting down on one of the wooden benches, stretching his long legs out in front of him.

Max set his bag on a bench and began to strip out of his clothes. "He'll be back soon enough. How long are they going to be gone?"

"At least the next ten days, maybe longer. I told Harry to enjoy the time with his family, he's not seen them in some time," Severus said as he leaned back against a bank of lockers and got comfortable. "He misses the UK, you know."

Max raised his eyebrows. "Ten days? Damn Sev, you may have to get Damon to stay with you if he was as lost as you say he was last month." He folded his clothes and grabbed his shave kit, heading for one of the shower stalls. "I can imagine he does miss it. It must have been quite a culture shock and he didn't get to say a proper goodbye to everyone."

He turned on the water and stepped under the spray, letting the hot water wash over him. He rubbed his face then leaned against the wall. Sliding down to the floor and biting his lip, Max tried not to scream out his frustrations. Being jolly with his friend wasn't doing a damned thing for him but he'd listen to Sev if the man needed it. He cleared his throat as the water ran over him. "Think Grant will go through the same thing when they land?"

Severus heard the strained quality of Max's voice and wondered if his friend was going to be able to keep it together. "I don't know. Damon said he packed the biggest jar of instant tea he could find in his luggage after he realized he wouldn't find iced tea there," he called, trying to keep a semblance of normality to the awkward situation.

Max gave a little laugh that, even to him, sounded a little hysterical. "You'd think he'd want to try a little of the local faire." He placed his hands over his face, his breath hitching as he tried to calm himself. "Look Sev, I... I don't think..." He stopped, took a deep breath and looked up at the ceiling. "Thanks for coming to see me and little Max."

Severus was off the bench and pushing open the shower stall door, kneeling down to wrap his arms around his shaking friend. "It's going to be alright, I've got you," he murmured, unmindful of the hot water soaking his clothes and boots. He rocked his friend in his arms, resting his head atop Max's as he tried to soothe his friend.

Max shook his head. "How'm I going to tell...", he bit his lip trying not to lose it completely. ”Oh gods. How do I tell Sarah? And little Max? How can I raise two kids all on my own?" He clutched at Severus then pulled away, wiping the water from his face. "I'm sorry, Sev." He covered his face with his hands. "Sorry."

Pulling Max back to him, Severus curled around him protectively. "You'll never have to do any of this on your own Max. You have all of us here and you know we'll be right there with you," he murmured. "You have nothing to be sorry for; you've done nothing wrong, nothing at all. You didn't do this."

@@@@@@@@@

Damon shook his head as he looked around his office and the remains of the poker game. He separated out the chips and cards then placed them back in their proper places in the tournament box. Occasionally Cutty's would host a poker, dart or pool tournament, setting aside a pot for the winner from the entry fees. It was fun and usually a large enough pot was accumulated to entice lots of watchers. It was time for host one again soon he thought as he snapped the case shut. Grant liked to watch.

He sighed as he placed the kit back in his closet and stretched as he grabbed his jacket and prepared to leave. Looking at the clock over his door he hoped his little husband had made it to the ground safely. He and Harry should have arrived by now and he checked his cell phone, making certain the battery was full so he wouldn't miss Grant's call.

Grant looked out of the plane window, he'd woken a few minutes earlier as the flight attendant had moved around the first class cabin. Looking over, he saw Harry was still asleep. He tiredly rubbed a hand over his face and reached for the in flight telephone, pulling out his credit card so he could call his husband. Having no idea what time it was at home, he was hoping Damon would be awake. Dialling the number, he waited, smiling at the flight attendant as he set a glass of orange juice down beside him.

Damon's cell rang through the forwarded call from the house as he was climbing into his truck. Not recognizing the number he frowned and flipped open the phone as he closed the truck door, "Speak, it's your nickel." He started up the truck, casting a warming charm to tide him over until the heater kicked in.

"What would a galleon get me?" Grant asked softly, his voice purring in his husband's ear as he looked out the small window into the greying dawn.

"A bucket full of trouble and some spending money." Damon chuckled. "Hey Pet, I was just thinking about you. How's the flight going? Where are you?"

Grant smiled. "It's going alright, I just woke up. I have no idea where we are, somewhere over water I think, it's still pretty dark out," he said as he shifted and brought the foot of his seat up again to a reclining position. "How are things going there?"

Damon sighed. "It's going, Pet. Gregory came in special today to release little Max. He should be home with Max and his parents. I talked with Patricia, Max’s mom, today too. She's got the nanny candidates narrowed down to just three and Max is meeting them on Monday. He wants to come back to work as soon as possible; doesn't want to wait until Friday." He paused and sighed. "Allie left today."

"What do you mean, she left? She signed herself out of the hospital? Where is she?" Grant asked his forehead furrowed in confusion as he sipped at his juice. "She didn't take the baby, did she?"

"She just left. I don't know where she's gone. She checked herself out before Gregory showed up and left Max holding everything. Sev's was with him earlier but all the Sorens minus Allie are at Max's place now." Damon backed out of the parking lot and began to drive home carefully on the icy road.

"Merlin," Grant muttered closing his eyes. "Do you need me to come right back?"

"No, I think I got it under control for now, Pet. Sev's coming over tomorrow and we are going over to Max's to help put new wards on the house and change the locks. Maxwell senior finished up the baby bed and nursery today before Max and little Max came home." Damon sighed. "I want you to try and relax. Enjoy yourself over there."

"How is Max holding up? How long are his parents staying?" Grant asked as he looked over to where Harry was stirring in his sleep. "Sev missing Bit?"

"Sev is missing Bit something fierce. He hasn't said anything but I can tell. Kathy told me he called while we were having the game and I know he was up at the hospital most of the day with Max." Damon shook his head and turned on to their drive. "Max on the other hand, well I don't know about him. Patricia and Maxwell, I think, are staying until the next weekend but they might come back for Christmas. I'll find out more tomorrow."

"Tell Sev that Harry is doing alright, he's slept almost the entire way over," Grant said as he looked down at his watch. "I should let you go to bed baby, I didn't realize how late it is for you." He shifted in his seat and pushed the blanket he'd been using down to his lap, stretching one arm over his head.

"I'll pass it on to him, Pet. You both be careful." Damon parked the truck but left it running until he finished talking to Grant. "You know I'm going to be up for a bit so it's alright. I love you Injun."

"I love you too, but I have no idea how expensive it is for me to call like this," Grant said, pulling the tie from the end of his braid and shaking his hair out to brush and rebraid it for the day. "I don't want you to kill me when we get the bill."

Damon chuckled. "I'll just take it out of you allowance. You and Harry have fun, Pet. Take care, My Grant." He hung up the phone and rested his head on the steering wheel before shutting the truck off. He looked up at the house a lone light on in the kitchen, but no Grant.

He slid out from behind the wheel and slowly walked up to the house. He let Baby out for her constitutional and watched her frolic in the early morning. The moon glinted on the snow and flashed on the silver protection charmed dog tag as Baby ran back up to him. She barked and Damon bent, scooping her up and holding her to his chest.

After closing and locking the door, he fed her a treat and carried her to the bedroom, stroking the soft skin of Baby's ears before he set her on the bed. He smiled as she stomped up to her pillow in the headboard, turning around three times before lying down to watch him.

Damon stripped down to his boxers and crawled up into the bed, pulling Grant's pillow to him as he waved his wand and turned off the lights. He sighed, pressing the pillow to his chest in the darkness, Baby's soft snuffles carrying him through the rest of his night.

@@@@@@

Harry sighed as the airplane taxied down the runway at Heathrow airport in London. The fog was just burning off the city as the plane came to a stop. He was back home again or as much as he considered England to be his home. Soon he’d be with Ron and Hermione, Molly offering him a cuppa and he stood, removing his jacket and stretching. It was considerably warmer in England than it had been when they had left the states.

He was ready for a shower, a change of clothes and elevenses. Merlin, he hadn’t realized how much he had missed being here even with all the bad memories; this was his home. He looked down at Grant. “Thanks for bringing me back.”

Somewhat startled, Grant looked back up at Harry, he hadn’t quite expected to be ditched while still on the plane. “Um… right. No problem Harry. Would you mind telling me how to find the Wizarding part of London before you go?” he asked as they waited to disembark.

Harry looked at Grant and nodded. “We’ve to go through Customs first, so hurry up. We’ll have a bit of a wait.” He grabbed his carry on and stepped out into the aisle, waiting for Grant to move.

Trying not to feel overwhelmed, Grant stood, slinging his bag over his shoulder as he walked to the exit. He’d manage just fine, he knew he would. After all, he’d managed Japan and hadn’t spoken the language, hadn’t he?

“Do I take a cab or what? I’m sorry to be asking, but I’d really rather not be stuck here at the airport for the next week,” Grant said as he followed the signs that were visible only to Wizarding folk.

Harry looked back at Grant and nodded. “Ron and Hermione should be able to drop you off at the Leaky. It’s in Muggle London and has access to Diagon Alley. There’s a Gringotts there as well as several shops. Tom makes a wicked sarnie and soup for tea as well as rooms to let above the tavern.”

Grant nodded, making mental note of what Harry was telling him. “You know when our return flight is, right?” he asked as he stood in the queue for Customs, placing his bag on the conveyer. His checked bag would be waiting somewhere on the other side.

Harry reached into his jacket pocket and found his tickets. “It’s printed on the tickets, yeah? I’ll give you the floo address for The Burrow as well as Ron and Hermione’s. We’ll pick you up on the way back to Heathrow.”

Grant nodded and with one slim finger, pointed out the return date and time on Harry’s ticket. “Don’t worry about the floo address Harry, I won’t bother you while you are with your family. I’ll make my way back to Heathrow and meet you there. I’m not sure yet where I’ll be staying,” he said as he turned his attention to the man in front of him that was going through his bag and demanding to see his passport.

Ushered through, Grant collected his baggage and smiled as he saw several books at a kiosk for wizards. Stopping, he purchased guides to both Muggle and Wizarding London, glancing through them as he waited on Harry.

He looked up as the other man approached him. “Do you want me to cancel your glamour? It says I can take the Knightbus anywhere I need to go, so I’ll use that to get to where I’m going, okay?”

Harry looked at Grant and smiled. “Yeah, alright then. All you have to do is stick out your wand and it will show up. Last time I rode it was seven sickles for a ride unless you want chocolate.”

He looked around the terminal for Ron and Hermione. “Leave the charm for now, I’ll have Ron or someone else do it later.” Spotting his friends he dragged Grant over to them, dropping the man’s arms to be swept up in Hermione’s embrace.

Grant nodded and smiled to Harry’s friends, looking around and becoming aware of the wide-eyed stares from several children. With a sigh, he tapped Harry’s shoulder and cleared his throat.

Harry pulled back from clapping Ron on the back and turned to look at Grant. “Ready? Ron said it’s all right to drop you at the Leaky. The Bus has gone up to eleven sickles and you’ll need to go to Gringotts for the currency exchange.”

He turned to Hermione and smiled at her then looked back at Grant. “Ron’s gone to get my luggage then we can go.”

“That’s alright Harry, Damon gave me plenty of money before I left. I’ve got the sickles for the fare. I’ll see you a week from Tuesday back here at the airport. Take care,” Grant said softly as he pulled the strap of his messenger bag up more on his shoulder and picked up the handle to his suitcase before pulling it along behind him to the exit where he could see others boarding the violently purple coloured bus.

Harry watched Grant go then turned to Hermione, hugging her once again. “Merlin, I’ve missed you. How’s Molly? When can you take the glamour off me? My stomach itches something terrible.”

Hermione smiled and then looked to where Grant was disappearing into the crowd. “Where is he going?” she asked, turning back to Harry as she pulled her wand and cancelled his glamour. “Merlin Harry, you are HUGE!”

Harry shrugged and shook his head. “Don’t know, don’t care.” He didn’t even glance to see where Grant had gone, just ran his hand over his stomach and smiled at her. “I know, right. I’m as big as a house. She’s been restless since we landed. Want to feel?”

He looked around. “What’s taking Ron so long? I only had the one bag.”

Hermione glanced at his belly and stuck her hand in her pocket. “No offence Harry, but that’s a little odd for me,” she said. “Why isn’t he coming to The Burrow with us? Molly was hoping to meet him.”

Harry sighed and rolled his eyes. “Don’t know and I don’t care, Hermione. I’ve been on a plane for two days it seems like and I am so ready for a real tea and to see Molly and everyone again.”

Hermione glared at her long time friend for a moment. “Does he even know where he is going?” she demanded as she started towards the exit to catch Grant. “I can’t believe you Harry, honestly.”

Harry caught sighed of Ron floating his bag behind him and motioned him to move faster. “Hermione… I told him about the Knightbus and he bought a guide. Let him be. He’s a grown man, how much trouble can he get into? He’s such a… a Ravenclaw.”

Hermione glared back at Harry and continued on. “I’ve never seen you be this rude Harry, you know better, I know you do. I thought you liked Grant, I know he likes you,” she muttered as she stopped in exasperation, watching the Knightbus pull away with Grant onboard. “Tell me he at least has our floo address to firecall.”

Harry stared at her. “Hermione… he’s my mother-in-law.” He hissed as if this explained everything. “He didn’t want any floo addresses so let him be.” He turned and looked as Ron finally caught up with them. “Can we go now?”

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Harry and smacked his arm. “You didn’t even ask him to stay at The Burrow, did you? You just let him walk away not knowing anyone or where he’s going. Honestly Harry, I’m very disappointed in you,” she hissed as she pushed past both men and stalked to the car park.

Harry shook his head and looked at Ron, “You know you were right all those years ago. She is mental.” He smirked. “No offense, mate.”

Ron blew his breath out and looked after his wife. “What did you do to set her off?”

Harry feigned innocence. “Not a bloody thing. I mean really, would you like to have your mother-in-law eaten by Fang?”

He started after Hermione, tugging on Ron’s arm. “Let’s go, I’ve missed Molly and the twins. Charlie and Bill are there too right?”

Ron stopped in his tracks and looked around. “Where’s Grant? And why would I feed Hermione’s mum to Fang? She’s a good woman. Harry, what have you done?”

Harry stopped and sighed, hanging his head for a moment before looking up at his tall friend. “I didn’t do anything, Ron. I thanked him for ferrying me to London, told him how to get to Wizarding London and sent him on his way. He seemed to be glad to have the time to himself and we’ve plans to meet on next Tuesday to return to the States.”

Harry shook his head. “Hermione’s mum has never interfered in your relationship or anything? What about Molly?”

The red head looked down at Harry, his face flushing in something close to anger. “He’s family Harry, and you’ve just let him go off alone. Of course they stick their noses in our business, its part and parcel, we know how much they care and just want to help us.” Ron eyed Harry as if he didn’t know him anymore. “Come on, ‘Mione’s waiting.”

He started walking the same way she had, leading Harry’s baggage behind him.