How Severus Spends His Summer Hols

Severus smiled as Asphodel and Bezoar both jumped down from the cab of his truck and began to sniff along the ground. Taking a breath and looking around the peaceful wintry countryside he hoped Harry was alright and things weren't too crazy with the Weasleys. He opened the kitchen door and stuck in his head. "Damon! You awake?"

Damon laid on the sofa, Baby resting on his stomach as he dozed lightly in the late afternoon. His long fingers stroked Baby's slick fur then pulled back as she stood up on his tummy. Her little lips pulled back in a snarl as the truck pulled up in the drive and Damon smiled. He heard Severus' voice call out and grinned even wider. "In here, Sev!" He set Baby on the floor and rolled onto his side to watch. "Go get 'im girl."

Severus stepped into the warm kitchen, smiling as Baby raced in and began to bark. "Hush now you little heathen. I've a potion that needs something like you," he said with false menace as he opened the refrigerator and set the beer inside of it.

"Damon, what are you doing?" Severus asked as he scooped up Baby and walked into the living room with her and dropped his lanky frame down into an armchair.

Damon rolled his eyes at the little dog as she licked Severus' fingers. "Some watch dog you are," he murmured softly then cut his eyes to Severus. Sitting up, he sighed and reached for his glass of tea. "I was watching the game earlier but I fell asleep when someone crawled up onto my stomach to make a nest." He took a long drink and sighed then eyed Severus. "What are you doing?"

"I just left Max's place. I simply can't believe Allie cleared out all of her things while his parents were out. He's brought the baby home though and has little Max settled into the nursery," Severus said as he stroked the little dog's head.

"I thought you might be lonely without Grant's constant chatter, so thought to keep you from rambling about alone," the tall man said, not really wanting to admit he was lonely as well.

Damon grunted and shook his head. "I'm glad Cynthia and Maxwell are there with them. I should go by and take the gifts Grant had bought now that they are somewhat settled. I don't know what's come over that girl but we'll be there for Max and the littles every step of the way." Sighing, he leaned back into the couch and smirked at Severus. "You are lost without Harry, aren't you?"

Severus arched a brow and looked at his father. "Does it show that badly?" he asked with a chuckle. "How about you?"

Damon chuckled as he nodded and smiled at Severus. "I am so glad for the peace and quiet but damnit I miss having breakfast ready for me."

Severus nodded. He understood completely. After the first hour of working in the cellar setting up his private workroom, he'd decided it was too quiet and soon had the television and radio on for noise. "Have you heard anything from Grant?" he asked as he set Baby down on the floor, watching her as she jumped back up on Damon and made herself comfortable.

"Not since early this morning. They are both probably sacked out with jetlag. I remember when Grant came to Japan. He slept for nearly two days after the trip." Damon's fingers stroked the slick fur once again and scratched at Baby's ears. He smiled at Severus. "I take it you haven't heard from Harry? Is that why you are so restless?"

"Some, I suppose," Severus sighed. "The house is just so quiet and I want to know he's alright. I set the floo at my house to forward here. Hope you don't mind." He stretched out his long legs and stared at the logs burning in the fireplace, almost willing the flames to go green.

"That's fine. Your room is always open if you want to stay here until they come back." Damon sighed. "Harry's a grown man, Sev. I think he can take care of himself. You have to trust that he can and that if he can't Grant would let us know. I'm certain his family over there would as well."

"Thanks Damon," Severus murmured quietly, he didn't want to admit it, but he'd been hoping the man wouldn't mind if he stayed. "I brought the boys with me, I hope you don't mind."

Damon snorted. "If Asphodel pisses on my boots he will be lunch tomorrow."

"He's been good lately. I don't know why he doesn't like you. You must have done something to him," Severus teased as he got to his feet. Going back into the kitchen he opened the backdoor and gave a sharp whistle. In a few moments two black and tan balls of energy ran into the warm house, their low slung bodies shaking snow everywhere.

"I did nothing to the hound. The other one don't act like that. You just got a rotten dog." Damon grunted as Bezoar came running into the room and jumped onto his lap with Baby. The little wiener dog tried to curl himself between Damon's stomach and Baby for warmth, shivering quite hard for such a small animal. Baby nipped at him, barked sharply and then settled down again when Bezoar turned around and touched noses with her.

Shaking his head, Severus patted his knee and smiled as the bigger puppy jumped up onto his lap. "Good boy Asphodel," he murmured as he stroked his small dog. "What's on television and do you want to order pizza for later?" he asked as he stretched back out as he had been with the dog on his lap.

Damon looked over at Severus. "Pizza? Are you insane? Grant packaged me up some meals in the freezer. All we have to do is go and thaw one out. There's pot roast, meatloaf and gravy steaks with all the fixin's in there. And that was just what I found in the little freezer. There ain't no telling what's in the deep freeze."

Severus snorted softly. "What you aren't telling me is that Grant called Mario's and told them under no circumstances to either deliver or let you order a pizza," he chuckled.

Damon scowled. "He told Tom not to cook any fried foods for me too, the little dictator."

Severus' deep, rich laughter filled the living room and soon all three dogs were barking as he finally quieted down. "I'll go pick it up."

Damon grinned. "Pick me up some pale ale while you are at it, would you?" He shifted the dogs on his lap and dug out his wallet, holding out a couple of bills to Severus.

"It's already in the refrigerator," Severus grinned as he waved the money away. "I took the liberty of ordering a pizza before I got out of the truck, just wanted to be certain you'd want to share it. It'll be ready in half an hour."

Damon nodded and picked up his wand, summoning two bottles from the fridge. He propped his feet up on the coffee table and twisted the top of his bottle after floating the second to Severus. "A bribe huh? So I'd let you stay." He chuckled at the younger man and shook his head. "Harry's got you so wrapped Severus. Never thought I'd see the day."

"No, truth be told, I didn't want to eat your cooking or mine," Severus teased as he opened his own bottle and took a sip. "Still weak."

Damon chuckled as he swallowed down some of the ale. "Just because we don't drink tar in a bottle doesn't mean it isn't any good. You know there's Guinness on tap at the bar if you want that. We could open up the back room. Maybe call Davy and Gregory. Hell, even Jason might like to come as well, see if they'd want to play some darts or pool. Been thinking I should run another tournament here real soon. That always brings in some good business and money."

"Going to let Grant play in a dart tournament?" Severus questioned as he thought of the way the small man had beat everyone in the bar the last time he'd played.

"Hell no, I won't make any damn money if he does." Damon grinned as he finished off the ale and set the bottle aside. "Besides, I figure to try out Greg and Davy for the ball team this spring. Reganne will be here by then. Think you and Harry will be up for playing this year?"

Severus thought about the question for a moment. "When does the season start again?" he asked, still petting Asphodel who'd now rolled over onto his back and was being a shameless slut for the man's attentions.

"Early training starts in April. I think our first game against the Wheeling Warriors is in May." Damon shook his head. "I am hoping Max will still play and we have to replace Allie as well as Jamie and Chris. Oh, and Tom's oldest as well; James went off to West Virginia University in Charleston. He's decided to major in forensic science. The Feds want to recruit him to their Wizarding division."

Nodding in approval at the news of his friend's son, Severus scratched at his arm. "I think Harry would enjoy it and I'll play as well. What about Grant?"

Damon snorted and summoned another bottle of ale from the fridge. "Grant hates sports. Besides, by that time he'll be flitting around his gardens doing spring planting and such." He eyed Severus. "Are you all going to put in a garden out there?"

"I would like to put in a small garden for some of the ingredients I need for the shop. But as for vegetables, I'm not sure. Harry's not really said anything more about it," Severus mused as he sipped from his bottle. "Are you certain Grant won't want to play?"

Damon nodded. "Let me know and I'll hook up the tiller to the tractor and bring it down there for you to break the ground." He leaned back on the sofa and propped his feet up on the coffee table. Sighing, he looked at Severus. "Can you actually see Grant out there with us on the diamond?"

Chuckling, Severus shook his head. "No, not really. Grant is too house proud to do something that he might get dirty," he laughed as he took the puppy off his lap and started to stand. "I'll let you know about the garden, but I can't imagine needing something as large as a tractor to break the ground." He thought about the garden Grant put in every year and knew he didn't want anything even half as big. "I'll be back in a few. Do you want anything aside from the pizza?" he asked as he stood and pulled his truck keys from his pocket.

Damon shook his head, a slight pang in his heart as he pictured his little husband filthy from the garden and sweaty in nothing but short jean shorts. Groaning at the mental image, he looked up at Severus and smiled, offering him the money again. "You can let me pick up the tab for some more ale. I'm gonna need it tonight, I think."

"It's on me tonight, Da," Severus said with a smile. He knew he was going to need liquid courage to get through the night without his Harry next to him as well. Giving the older man a small nod, he left the house to retrieve their meal and drinks.

@@@@@@@

Stan Shunpike meandered down the aisle passing out the chocolate and looked at the man sitting on the bed next to the last window. “Here now, where are you supposed to be?”

“Somewhere called the Leaky, I think,” Grant said with a shrug. “I was trying to get to Wizarding London, but I think I’m lost.”

Stan’s eyes bugged out and he shouted at Ernie. “Ernie, turn around, we’ve one here that needs to go back to London. The Muggle looking bloke needs to go to the Cauldron.” He looked back down at the man and smiled a snaggletooth grin at him. “We’ll have you back right soon there mate. We’re in Hogsmeade now so it won’t be but just a bit more.”

Grant rolled his eyes and nodded. He was getting damned tired of being stared at by the other wizarding folk. It seemed like he was one of the few not in robes. “Will we be here for any length of time?”

Stan shrugged. “All depends on the crowd at Hogsmeade. Might have to go up to Hogwarts but you never know.” Grant nodded and looked out the windows excitedly; he’d heard so much about the area from Severus. Taking hold of his bags he quickly exited the bus and wandered a short way down the street.

His eyes wide open Grant stared around at the young people that were wandering about in packs and staring back at him. Alright, he nodded to himself, he needed a robe. Grant walked along, smiling as he recognized some of the places Severus had spoken of and couldn't resist as he came upon Honeyduke's.

His boy had made a habit of sending him their chocolates and he dearly loved them. Unfortunately for Grant, Stan Shunpike was in a bit of a dither and forgot about the small American wizard that needed to get to the Leaky Cauldron. As the last of the rambunctious travelers boarded the Knight bus, Stan signaled to Ernie that they were ready to go. The bus disappeared with a pop leaving the small man inside Honeyduke's.

Coming out of the candy shop, Grant looked back up the street and grimaced when he realized the bus had left without him. Unsure of when the next bus would be, the little man followed a small pack of older children to an establishment with the sign 'The Three Broomsticks' hanging above the door. Smiling as he realized that this was another of Severus' old haunts, Grant pushed his way inside and took a seat alone at one of the small tables.

Soon it felt as though every eye in the place was on him and an older woman that had a no nonsense air about her approached him. "Hello," Grant said, with what he hoped was a friendly smile on his face.

Rosemerta eyed the Yank as she wiped the table and offered him a menu. "Afternoon."

Grant took the menu and bit his lip nervously as he looked around. He knew he looked like a Muggle and wondered if that was going to be a problem. "I just got off of the bus and it left without me. Is it a problem that I'm in here?" he asked softly, his fingers rubbing nervously along the edge of the menu in his hands.

"You can always call the bus back later, Yank." Rosemerta placed a hand on her hip and stared down at the little man. "Are yeh here to cause a problem? You don't look no bigger than the third years that come in from Hogwarts. So as long as you aren't starting a bar brawl I don't mind accepting your Galleons." She laughed and smiled at him.

Grant shook his head quickly. "No ma'am, I won't cause any trouble. I know some people that lived not far from here and they've told me a good deal about Hogsmeade and I just wanted to see it," he murmured softly and pushed his glasses up on his nose. "Do you have Diet Coke?"

Rosemerta blinked. "Yank, this is a pub and an inn. We've no diet coke whatever that may be." She tapped the menu, "We've Firewhisky, Gillywater, mulled mead, red currant rum and butterbeer."

"Butterbeer please," Grant said quietly, he remembered Harry saying something about drinking it while on school trips to Hogsmeade with his friends. He looked up at the woman. "That's not very strong is it? Maybe I should have something stronger?"

"It's good if you like butterscotch. Most of the Hogwarts crowds enjoy it." Rosemerta smiled at him and nodded at his package from Honeyduke's. "You have a sweet tooth, Yank? If you do, that'd be alright or I can get you a cherry syrup and soda."

"Butterbeer will be fine, thank you," Grant said as he looked down at the package from Honeyduke's. "I don't suppose you'd have a telephone here, would you?" He needed to try to call home and let Damon know he was alright and enjoying himself.

Rosemerta shook her head. "If that's something Muggle as well, I've no idea what you're talking about. We use the floo here." She pointed over to the large hearth. "But you'll not get any privacy there, Yank. Whole pub will hear ya. You want that butterbeer iced or hot?"

Grant nodded, looking over to where she was pointing. "Iced please, if it's not any trouble. How much is it to make an international floo call?" he asked as he pulled his money pouch out of his pocket and looked at her expectantly.

Rosemerta blinked and thought about the question. "You'd have to purchase the floo powder, Yank. It's fifteen Sickles a scoop and for an International call, depending on the country, you'd need two to three scoops I'd think. So round about three Galleons give or take a few Knuts."

Grant nodded and soon had five of the large gold coins dug out of his pouch and passed them to her. "This will take care of the drink as well?" he asked, waiting to see if he could put his money away yet.

Rosemerta nodded and scooped up the golden coins then deposited a couple of Knuts and Sickles in their place. "Yank, for that price I'll let you use my own floo in the back. Follow me to the bar and I'll hand over your drink."

"Thank you," Grant said gratefully leaving the change on the table. He stood and took the handle of his bag once again and followed the woman to the bar.

Rosemerta nodded and placed a bottle on the bar then opened it with an old bronzed church key. She tapped it with her wand, chilling and serving it as ice formed on the outside of the bottle and smoke wafted off the top. "Right this way, Yank." She led him back up the stairs to a room and opened the door. "Here you are. If you want the room for the night that'll be another two Galleons. That includes breakfast."

"Thank you," Grant said softly as he smiled at the woman and then turned to the hearth of her private floo. "I'll try not to take long." As soon as he heard the door close, he crossed the room and was on his knees in front of the flames.

Remembering what she'd said about it taking at least three scoops of the powder, Grant tossed it in and as soon as the flames turned green, he stuck his head in. "Damon Wolffe, Wolffe's Den, Echo, West Virginia, United States," Grant said clearly and waited.

Damon sat on the sofa awaiting Severus's return, one hand raised, a squeaky fluffy toy clutched in his fist poised for flight. The two weenies and Baby stood at his feet at the ready waiting for the toy to fly. The flames flared in the fireplace and Grant's voice filtered out to him. He jumped. The toy went flying and the dogs took off after it, barks and the tapping of toenails on the hard wood floor sounding loud in the near empty house. Damon scrambled to the fireplace and stuck his head in. "Pet?"

Grant smiled as he saw his husband's face in the flames. "It's me. How are you?" he asked as he leaned further in, he didn't want the man to know he was nervous or upset at what had happened.

"I'm alive still." Damon smiled. "I have been waiting to hear from you, Grant. Did you and Harry just get out of Customs?" He looked up at the clock and shook his head.

Grant shook his head. "No sir. Harry is with his friends and I've... been doing a little sightseeing. I'm sorry; this is the first chance I've had to reach you."

Damon frowned slightly and nodded. "So long as you are all right, Pet. Are you having a good time?"

Grant nodded quickly and smiled again. "Yes, it's a beautiful country. Do you know if Sev is at home?" he asked, hoping to be able to reach him and find out how to get to where he needed to be.

Damon cleared his throat not wanting to tell the other man Sev had gone for junk food. "He'll be back here in a few moments. Whatcha need Severus for? Is Harry all right?"

Grant watched Damon and then narrowed his eyes. "Did you con him into getting you a pizza?" he asked suspiciously. "I just had some questions for him. The last time I saw Harry, he was fine."

"Hell no. Would I do something like that?" Damon grinned at his husband. "You don't need Severus anyway. You got me." he laughed, trying to distract his little husband from the topic of his diet.

"I hope you at least had vegetables put on the thing," Grant huffed with a shake of his head. "Do you know how I can get to Wizarding London from Hogsmeade?" It was worth a try. Sometimes Damon amazed him with what he actually knew.

Damon stared at him. Surely he hadn't heard right. "Why are you in a different country than the one I sent you to? Where the hell is Harry?"

"I... Harry is with his family, he's alright," Grant said quickly, wishing he'd waited for Severus.

"Well, that's fine and dandy for Harry but I am a bit concerned with you now. How in the hell did you get to Scotland without someone noticing?" Damon scowled and then took a deep breath trying to calm himself. There wasn't anything he could do just yet with several thousands of miles and an ocean between them.

"I took this purple bus from the airport and when they said we were in Hogsmeade I asked if they'd be there for a little while. The guy said they would be, so I got off the bus to see some of the places Severus told us about," Grant explained and then took a deep breath. "The bus left without me though."

Damon hung his head then looked back up at Grant for a moment. He rubbed his face. "All right, if I remember Severus' stories correctly all you have to do is stick your wand out and light it up for the bus. It was the Knight Bus you got on, correct?"

Grant nodded, "That's what the guide book says. But I don't know the name of the place I'm supposed to be going to. You aren't angry are you?"

Damon groaned. "You are looking for Diagon Alley. That should be in your guide book as well. I don't remember what all is there; it's been quite a few years since I was in Britain. Something about a cauldron, I think was the gateway." he sighed as he looked at his husband. "I can't say that I am angry as it was an honest mistake and you aren't in little pieces. But you should have been paying closer attention, Pet."

"I'll do better Sir, I promise," Grant said softly. "Should I call you when I arrive?" He was worried he was running out of floo powder.

Damon nodded. "Yeah or better yet, since you are safe where you are at, don't move. Why not just call Harry and have him or one of the Weasleys come and get you?"

Grant hung his head and sighed. "I don't know how to call him," he mumbled, feeling his face flush. "I can just get back on the Knight Bus."

"What do you mean you don't know how to call him? You called me!" Damon exploded. "Are you fucking lost in Scotland?"

Grant flinched at Damon's outburst, fighting the instinct to pull his head from the flames. "I know where I am Master," he whispered, his eyes closed.

Damon stared at Grant and took a deep breath. "I understand that Grant." He said softly, trying to stay calm as his hands curled into fists on his knees. "What I don't understand is why you can not call Harry after you have just made one international floo call?"

"I don't know the floo address of his family," Grant said softly, raising his dark eyes to look into Damon's piercing blue ones. "I didn't want to intrude."

Damon's mouth opened and shut a few times then he shook his head. "Wait a minute. What do you mean you didn't want to intrude? Did you just leave Harry at the airport?" Stunned at his little husband's actions, he sighed. "Grant, I know Harry has been a little shit the past few days but what possessed you to do that?"

Grant shook his head, afraid that Damon wouldn't understand what had happened. "No Sir, Harry was with his family. I made sure he was with his family and he told me I could stay in wizarding London so I got on the bus."

Damon arched an eyebrow. "Oh, he told you that you could stay in London then, now did he?" He wasn't certain he was getting the entire story out of his husband and the information he was getting wasn't making him any happier. Nor was it doing his blood pressure any good. Taking a deep breath he sighed again. "What am I going to do with you, Grant?"

Grant nervously wrung his hands, wanting to find the words that would make his husband happy again. "Damon... Harry didn't need me there to mother him. He was with his family and remember, I said that I might stay by myself," he said, hoping that that would help.

Damon closed his eyes and rubbed his face for a moment before looking at his husband. "That doesn't mean I wanted the two of you to go off your separate ways immediately. You are in a strange country, Grant. Not to mention that as a medical professional you know of Harry's history if something, Merlin forbid, were to happen. Not that I don't trust the Weasleys or anything, but Severus was expecting you to see to Harry as well."

Grant hung his head once more. He knew Damon was right. He never should have left Harry. "I'm sorry, Sir. I'll try to find him. I know the family's last name," he said as he noticed the flames beginning to flicker. "Damon, I think the floo powder is about to run out. I'm at a place called The Three Broomsticks right now, but I'll try to find Harry."

"Grant..." Damon opened his mouth to say something else and the flames flashed the normal shades of orange and red. He cursed slamming his fist into the hearthstones. "Shit, shit, shit," he sighed and hung his head only looking up as one of the puppies nudged his leg with the fluffy toy.

Grant scooted back from the hearth and took a deep breath before slowly getting back to his feet. He had to find a way to find Harry and his family. Picking up his untouched butterbeer and taking the handle of his bag in his other hand, he made his way slowly back into the public room of the inn.

The table he had been sitting at was now occupied and he searched around the room until he found another spot tucked back in the corner. Seating himself, he finally took a sip of the butterbeer and closed his eyes. Damon was going to kill him when he got home. He looked up as the same woman approached to stand over his table.

"Excuse me, but I've lost someone and I'm not sure how to find him," Grant said, hopeful that she might know Harry and maybe his family.

"Is he a Yank as well? You might have to go to the Ministry, I suppose. It's in London. Just stick out your wand when you exit the pub and the Knight Bus will come for yeh. Did you want another beer or the room?" Rosemerta dried her hands on her apron and waited.

Grant shook his head. "No, he was a student at Hogwarts, his name is Harry Potter. I seem to have lost him."

Rosemerta's eyes widened and she stared at the man. "Bloody Hell, Harry Potter you say. I haven't seen him in several months. He was in here all the time as a student then after when he became a professor." Her eyes narrowed as she looked the other man over. "Last I heard he had left Hogwarts with Professor Snape. Who are you and what do you want with Harry?"

"My name is Grant Wolffe. My husband and I know both Severus and Harry. We live only a few miles from them in West Virginia. I've flown over with him and he went to stay with his family, the Weasleys, and I don't know how to find him," Grant said, hoping the woman would believe him and maybe be able to help him.

Rosemerta eyed the American stranger uncertain as to whether or not to reveal all that she knew. "I know the Weasleys. You stay here while I check with them to make certain. I got my eye on you, Mister Grant Wolffe." She glared at him for a moment before turning and disappearing behind the bar.

@@@@@@

Severus came back into the warm kitchen, this time bearing pizza and ale. "Damon, I'm back. Do you want me to bring the food in there?" he called out as he shut the kitchen door behind him, grinning down at the puppies that came running to greet him.

Damon sat on the sofa, head leaned back and his eyes closed. In the time between Grant's floo call and Severus' return he'd managed to finish off the ale Severus had brought and started on a mason jar of moonshine. "Yes, and please tell me you brought more beer. Lots of it." His voice slurred slightly as he reached down and slammed back another shot of shine. "Lots of it, 'cause you're gonna need it."

One brow rose in curiosity as Severus entered the living room and looked at Damon. "Did something happen whilst I was gone?" He eyed the jar of clear fluid and took a deep breath. Whatever it was, it had the older man upset.

Damon opened one glazed blue eye and stared up at Severus. "Harry and Grant are lost in Britain somewhere."

Severus set down what he was carrying on the coffee table. "What?" he asked softly as he stared at Damon. "Lost? How?"

Damon closed his eyes and heaved himself up on the sofa. "I don't know. The fucking idiots got separated somehow and Grant got on the Knight Bus while Harry went with the Weasleys." He poured another shot of moonshine into his glass and downed it.

"Grant's in Scotland, I think. Some place called The Broomtree Sticks and those fuckers at the Embassy won't give me a portkey over there until he's been reported missing by his party," Damon snarled and tipped some more alcohol into his glass.

Reaching over, Severus carefully plucked the moonshine from Damon's hand. "You've had enough of this for the moment. Let me see if I can get it all sorted. You say Grant was at 'The Three Broomsticks', perhaps?" he asked as he crossed over to the fireplace and picked up the antique ginger pot that Grant kept the floo powder in. Kneeling down, he threw in an appropriate amount and called out, "Molly Weasley, The Burrow, Ottery St. Catchpole, England."

Molly was just leaving the kitchen with several plates as the fire flared. She turned wondering who would be ringing at this time then smiled as she recognized Severus's green face in the flames. She set the plates down and bent to the hearth, sticking her head in the flames. "Severus! Lovely to see you dear. How are you? We were terrible disappointed when Harry told us your Grant didn't want to stay with us. I thought Americans were supposed to be of the friendly sort."

Severus smiled tightly and nodded. "Hello, Molly. Too be very honest, I'm not exactly certain why Grant isn't with Harry at the moment. Would it be too much trouble to speak with my husband for a moment?"

Molly blinked and frowned slightly. "I'll go see if he is awake just yet. Poor dear was awfully tired when he arrived. Pregnancy and jet tag is a terrible combination. Wait just a moment, Severus." She pulled her head out of the fire and left the kitchen, going below stairs to wake up her dark haired adopted Weasley boy.

Harry was awake when Molly came downstairs to let him know Severus was fire calling. Making his way as quickly as he could to the parlour, he knelt down in front of the flames and smiled at his husband. "Hello Severus. How are you doing? Do you miss me yet?" he teased playfully.

"We will reserve how I am faring until I find out some answers from you, little one." Severus cleared his throat. "Why is Grant in Scotland?"

Harry's eyes widened at Severus' words. "He's where?" he asked softly, wondering how on earth Grant had bodged up the simple bus trip to the Leaky Cauldron. "Is he there on purpose?"

"I have no idea, Harry. He flooed here telling Damon that you were separated and that he was lost. Then when I call to inquire as to what is going on Molly informs me that Grant didn't want to come with you. Care to explain to me what is going on Harry." Severus pulled his head out of the flames to have a slight discussion with Damon, shushing the older man's drunken concerns then stuck his head back in. "I apologize for the interruption. Your explanation, Harry?"

Harry cringed at his husband's angry tone and looked at the ashes of the fireplace. “He said he was staying in London.” He answered softly. "Told me he didn’t want the floo address of where I would be and then he got on the Knight Bus."

Severus sighed. "Did you at least try to give them to him, Harry? I understand you not wanting to be watched over like a small child but you just loosed Grant on the Wizarding world of Britain knowing full well that he'd never been there before. How would you have liked it if someone had just left you to your own devices once we set foot on American soil? I really can not understand why you allowed this to happen. What do you have to say for yourself Harry?"

Harry looked up at Severus’ face, cringing once more at the look directed at him. “I’m sorry? I tried to get him to come with Ron and Hermione to drop him at the Leaky but he boarded the Knight Bus in London at Heathrow. You know I can’t go near the bus. And he said he knew what he was doing. You know how he is!"

"You think you are sorry, is that what you are saying?" Severus arched an eyebrow. "Yes, I do know how he is and I know you as well, my Harry. Grant is a stranger in an even stranger land and you let him go off on his own."

"What was I supposed to do? Chase him across the terminal?" Harry asked hotly, his temper beginning to show. He was tired and it wasn't his fault Mr. Perfect Grant had gone and got himself lost because he was too dense to wait long enough to let Ron drop him off. "We offered to give him a ride, but he wouldn't hear of it."

"Watch your tone with me, Harry. Think carefully before you answer this time, little one. Why would Grant not hear of it? What did you say to him to make him leave like that? Grant knows better than to just go traipsing off somewhere he's never been before Harry." Severus eyed his little husband, his fingers tapping out a rhythm on the hearthstones as he waited for Harry's answer. He had a feeling it was not going to be pretty.

Harry pursed his lips, biting back his words as he took a deep breath. "I thanked him for flying over with me and he said he'd meet me back at Heathrow before our flight home. He asked me where to go and I told him the Leaky. When we met up with Ron and Hermione, he said he was going to take the bus even after I told him we'd give him a ride."

Severus sighed. Harry's answer hadn't provided him with the cause of the problem but he knew it was still there. He eyed his little husband. "I suggest that you retrieve Grant from The Three Broomsticks and bring him back to the Burrow. Molly has already informed me that she was disappointed not to make his acquaintance. I expect a floo call when the both of you are together. Do not disappoint me in this matter, Harry."

"He wouldn't listen to me, Husband," Harry said softly. He didn't like having the other man upset with him and Severus was right, something could have happened to Grant. "I tried, but he wouldn't listen."

"He wouldn't listen or you were not hearing, Harry? One of the two happened and I am going to hope the two of you can work it out amongst yourselves without any more influence from either myself or Damon. Do I make myself clear?" Severus wanted to reach through the fire and hold his little husband close. He longed to tell him everything was going to be all right, but he knew something had to be done. This episode was just too much in a string of petulance that the younger man had been displaying.

Harry nodded contritely. "I understand, Husband. I'll try to make everything alright, but what do I do if he won't stay?" he asked softly as he looked up into his husband's dark eyes. "What if he's angry with me and won't stay?"

Severus met his husband's gaze. "Then I suggest you convince him, at the very least, to come to the Burrow for a short time so he knows how to return to you if there is a problem." He sighed heavily and watched Harry for a moment. "Can you at least try to get along with him for my sake? I don't understand what he has done to make you so upset, my Harry."

"I just can't be him and be all perfect like he is," Harry said sadly and bit his lip. "He didn't trust me to be able to fix a meal, Husband. It was like he was expecting me to fail. Like I can't take care of you."

Severus frowned. "No one is asking you to be perfect Harry nor have I informed you of any lack of care. There is none, I can assure you. And I am quite happy with you the way you are. I expect that what we have is a failure in the lines of communication. However, if all you can focus on is that bloody turkey then you shall never have to put yourself out again by fixing a meal, Harry."

"Severus!" Harry cried in exasperation. "You don't understand. It's not just the fecking turkey, it's everything. You tell me that these people are there to help me and when I need help and try to call one of them, no one has the time to explain anything. They just tell me 'we'll take care of it for you, Harry.' Do you know how that makes me feel?"

Tears were coursing down Harry's cheeks now and he swiped at them with the sleeve of his robe. "Grant calls me constantly to make sure I'm alright, which is fine, I know he worries. But then he starts in with telling me how to do everything. It doesn't matter if I'm cleaning the bloody toilet or trying to cut up vegetables for your dinner. He lets me know I'm not doing it properly, not doing it his way." Harry stopped and shook his head, staring into the flames. "I'm sorry Husband for my outburst. It won't happen again," he said softly, twisting his hands in the soft material of his robe.

Stunned, Severus sat there momentarily thinking about his husband's words. He swallowed and licked his lips before speaking. "Thank you for telling me this, Harry. I hadn't realized that Grant was bothering you so much. I shall put a stop to it immediately."

Harry raised his hands and then let them drop back to his knees. "No Husband, please... I just want people to see me as Harry, not as a Grant failure. I like Grant, he's been wonderful to me, but I'm not him and I will never be him. I'll never be able to be that perfect for you."

Severus cleared his throat. "No one expects it of you, Harry. I have only ever asked you to be yourself." He eyed his little husband. "Have you ever considered the fact that Grant is trying to help in his own way? That he might be trying to pass on things he has learned to be easiest for you?"

“You are taking his side, Severus.” Harry sighed. “If he wants to help and I am not supposed to be made out to be him then why do I have to learn from his mistakes? I don't want to be some houseproud wife. That's not who I am. I don't care if club soda takes the stains from the porcelain, the stains don't bother me."

"I am not trying to take his side Harry. I am trying to play Slytherin's advocate as my family growls and gnashes their teeth around me." Severus covered his face for a moment trying to maintain his composure. He schooled his features and looked at his husband again. "I love you just the way you are, Harry. I don't think you need to be telling these things to me. I really think you and Grant need to sit down and talk these things out."

Harry nodded; certain talking to Severus had done nothing but anger the other man. "Yes Husband. You said he's at The Three Broomsticks? Do you think he knows how to floo? I can't go get him, but maybe Ron could."

Slightly irritated Severus sighed. "Yes, Harry he can floo and before you turn that impertinent tone on me again, I think you should also remember that however Muggle Grant seems, he is a wizard as well. Kindly keep that in mind when you are making your own demands for being thought of as a person and not just my husband."

Hurt shone in Harry's eyes as he looked back at Severus. "I didn't know if he could or not Husband. I've never seen him do it and he's never spoken of it," he said softly.

"Harry..." Severus reached into the fire and held out a hand to his small husband. "Several injustices and miscommunications have befallen the both of you and I think that once the two of you sit down and try a little understanding, you will find that Grant is a very likeable person. Please try for all of our sakes. He just wants to be part of your life and offer you the gift of family just like the Weasleys have."

Harry looked at Severus and placed his smaller hand in his husband's. "I'll try Severus, I promise. I don't like being like this and I don't know how to stop being so angry at everything. Doctor Marsha says it's alright to get angry, but I always feel like I'm doing bad if I get angry," he murmured and took a shuddering breath.

Severus squeezed Harry's hand and stroked the back of it with his thumb. "It is perfectly fine for you to be upset or angry, Harry. Your anger is something we will have to work through with time and patience. I understand quite what it is like to be young and angry with the world in general." He sighed and eyed his little husband." I will always listen to your concerns if they are presented to me respectfully. I can not help you if you keep them bottled up. This is what I am here for, my Harry."

"Thank you Husband for letting me speak," Harry said with a grateful smile. "Is Damon furious with me?" He was a little worried about facing his father-in-law.

Severus looked back over his shoulder at the older man who had finally calmed down and appeared to be sleeping on the sofa. For all he knew the man had finally passed out. He turned back to his husband. "I want to remind you that I will always be here for you, Harry. Anytime you need to tell me something." He snorted softly then continued. "I think Damon is a bit, I wouldn't say upset, but rather disappointed with the pair of you. I shall talk to him on your behalf, Harry."

"It's not Grant's fault," Harry said softly and then sighed. "I was a bastard to him. I'll make it up to him."

Severus nodded. "Just try and work it out between the two of you. I don't like seeing my loved ones at odds, Harry. You and Grant mean the world to me. I would hate to have to choose between you." He let go of Harry's hand and reached out to stroke the younger man's face, hoping to reassure him. "I would chose you over them if I had to make the choice, but please do not force the issue. Remember that I love you, my Own."

Leaning into the man's touch, Harry closed his eyes for a moment. "I love you too and I'll not make you choose, I promise," he murmured softly as he rubbed his cheek over the long fingers. "I'll fire call The Three Broomsticks immediately."

Severus nodded, smiling at Harry as he rubbed his cheek. "Thank you, Harry. I am trusting to you settle this peacefully between you and Grant. Try not to destroy the Burrow. I don't think Molly would appreciate it. Please pass on my condolences and apologies that I disturbed her during this time."

"I shall, Husband. Are you doing alright there without me? Will you be staying at home or with Damon?" Harry asked as he shifted his weight, his legs starting to go numb from kneeling for so long. He was going to have to ask for help to hoist his bulk up from the floor.

"I will be perfectly fine, Harry. Bez, Del and I will be keeping Damon company while you and Grant are away. Damon needs all the help he can get while Grant is with you." Severus watched Harry fidget and smiled at him. "You may reach me here or at the shop if you have need. Take care of yourself, little one, and stay safe."

Harry smiled back at his husband and nodded. "Yes sir, I'll make sure to take care. I'll call as soon as I have Grant and I'll have him call Damon," he said as he started to reach for the pail of floo powder next to the hearth to floo The Three Broomsticks. "Goodbye Husband, I love you."

Harry pulled back out of the fire and hung his head for a moment trying to decide just exactly the best way to retrieve the older man. Tossing more powder into the grate he leaned back in and called out for The Three Broomsticks.

Madame Rosemerta smiled back at Harry. “Hello there, it’s good to see the likes of you. You didn’t lose something, now did you, Harry?” she teased.

Harry smiled at the older woman. She looked as good as she always had while he’d been growing up. “I am afraid I have, Madame Rosemerta. Might I speak with him, please?”

The woman nodded and soon Grant was kneeling down with his head in the flames. “Oh… hello Harry,” he said softly, his expression rather dazed.

Harry looked at Grant then sighed. “Grant… I would like to extend the invitation to you to come to my family’s home. Can you step through or do you need someone to come and retrieve you?”

Grant’s face sobered as he listened to Harry. “You don’t need to send anyone for me Harry, but thank you. Would I be able to get to where I was supposed to be from there?” he asked.

“You can, but there are some people here I would like you to meet.” Harry said softly. “You would not be putting anyone out here and have been extended an invitation to stay. Will you step through…please?”

Grant nodded. “Alright Harry, but would you mind stepping away, I don’t want to stumble into you by accident,” he said, gathering a handful of floo powder.

Harry nodded. “Let me get Ron to help you with your luggage, send it through first. This is The Burrow, make certain to say it clearly as these old fireplaces can sometimes have hiccups.”

He pulled out of the fire and called for Ron before sticking his head back in. “Are you certain you don’t need someone to help you?” He’d never seen Grant act this way. Harry hoped he’d not done anything too irrevocable.

Grant made a shooing motion with one hand and then in the next instance, he stepped out into the parlour of the Burrow. He looked at Harry for a moment before he spoke. “I may not be a strong wizard, but I’ve flooed before,” he said with a little smile. “Did you have a good trip with your friends?”

Grant carefully bent to set his bag back upright, having let it fall as he'd come through the Floo system. "I probably should have shrunk these, I wasn't thinking," he mused to himself, avoiding looking at Harry.

Harry nodded. He had tried to tell Grant just that before he had flooed but once again no one had listened to him. "It was a fine trip. Did you have fun seeing almost the entire UK?"

Grant sighed, putting a hand on Harry’s arm for a moment. “I didn’t call Damon to get you in trouble; I just needed to know how to get to where I was supposed to be. I just wanted you to know that,” he said, removing his hand and straightening his braid.

Harry eyed him for a moment. "Sev knows now too. He wants us to call him." He bit his lip. "I don't think Damon's in the best of moods."

Grant sighed; he wasn't expecting his husband to be jumping for joy. "I'll take care of Damon, I don't want you to worry about him, okay?" he said softly and then looked around the room he was in. "I'll floo him when I get to where I'm going. I can get there from here, can't I?"

Harry nodded again. "Molly has extended the invitation for you to stay here with me, Grant. Severus asked that we call him when we were together as well. So, you don't have to go to London."

Grant shook his head and then looked at Harry. "I'll meet your family Harry, but you know as well as I do that you don't want me here," he said quietly. "Where are they? I'll say hello and then be on my way."

Harry shook his head. "All right but don't say I didn't warn you." he murmured softly and lead Grant from the kitchen to the parlor. "Molly, is there space for two more at the table?"

Molly looked up and smiled at Harry and then looked over to the newcomer. "Of course Harry dear, why don't you take him and get him settled. I'd planned for him to share the room with you, I hope you don't mind," she said as she waved her wand and another setting appeared at the long table.

Harry nodded knowing Severus would want him to work things out with Grant. He looked at Grant suddenly brightening to have the chance to watch Grant, demi-goddess of Echo, go up against the unsinkable Molly Weasley. "Molly, this is one of my father-in-laws, Grant Wolffe.

He turned to the small man beside him. "Grant, this is Molly Weasley." He smiled at her. "She's my adopted mum."

Grant smiled warmly at the buxom woman and extended his hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Mrs. Weasley, although I do wish it could be under better circumstances," he said softly. "I would like to extend condolences from my husband and myself for your family's tragic loss."

Molly stood and grasped the small hand. "Thank you and welcome to the Burrow. It's nice to finally meet you as well, Mr. Wolffe." A pained look came across her face. "It's not an easy thing to outlive one of your children." She let go of the man's hands and gestured to the chair. "Please sit and have something to eat. I know Harry must be starving with that babe growing so fast."

Grant nodded and took the seat she motioned to. "I'm sorry to be putting extra work on you. I'll be going after the meal though," he said as he waited for Harry to sit down.

Shaking his head, Harry sat down at the table. He bowed his head trying to hide the smirk on his face, as he dished up some potatoes on his plate then passed them to Molly.

Molly looked up at the other man setting the potatoes down on the table with a clatter. "You are not adding to my burden and most certainly will not be leaving after the meal. You are more than welcome to stay. As a matter of fact, I was just telling Severus it was quite a disappointment not to greet you when you first arrived."


"Thank you for the kind offer Mrs. Weasley, there was no disrespect intended to you. I simply thought Harry would benefit from time spent with his family without a stranger in the midst of things," Grant said with a small smile.

Molly made an indignant noise. "And what are you? Are you not his family across the pond now? You took in my Ron when he made the trip so that makes you an honorary Weasley as well." She looked over at Harry then back at Grant, shaking the wooden serving spoon at the two of them, ploughing ahead in what she perceived to be the problem. She'd thought quite a bit while Harry had been talking to Severus on the floo. Severus had quite a vocal range on him when angered.

"I'm not so senile as to not remember what it was like for Arthur, Merlin rest his soul, and I, when his mother was still amongst us. Family is like that; no matter how many hens are in the house one of them is going to have problems."

Grant clenched his jaw for a moment, not wanting to tell the woman to mind her own business. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. Ron is a very nice young man; he was no trouble at all. It was very nice to meet you, but really, I should be going," he murmured as he stood and looked down at Harry. "What is the name of the place I'm supposed to be at again?"

Harry looked up at Grant then across the table to Molly and back to Grant. "Grant, sit down," he whispered. "Please."

"Mister Wolffe, thank you for the kind words about my son but I know better of my Ron; he's a heathen just like the rest of the brood. Sit and finish your dinner. If you are still unhappy after then I'll chuck you out the front door myself." Molly passed Harry the plate of chicken.

Grant sat with a shake of his head. He had no idea why Harry was being difficult about this, the boy couldn't wait to see the last of him only hours earlier. "Yes, Mrs. Weasley, thank you." As the food was passed to him he took a small amount of each dish before beginning to eat.

"It's very good Mrs. Weasley, is that rosemary on the chicken?" he asked as he carefully cut another bite from the fowl on his plate. He looked over to make certain Harry was eating well. "Harry, did you have any of the vegetables?"

Molly nodded, her new chicks now coming into line. Merlin she'd missed having people in the house. "Only way to roast a chicken, deary. My own mum taught me that way. If you like, I'll teach you the spell before you and Harry return to the States."

She looked over at Harry's plate. "Yes, Harry make certain to eat lots of greens. Babies need all the nutrients they can get or they'll be taking them from your own body next. Have some more sprouts, dear." She looked over at Grant. "You too, Mr. Wolffe. I never understood the American way of being so thin. A good strong wind will blow you away here. Can't have that happening."


Harry arched an eyebrow and looked at the large pile of potatoes and mushies on his plate. Seething slightly he took the bowl of bright green vegetables and dished a few onto his plate.

"Thank you for the offer, Mrs. Weasley, but I don't use magic when I cook," Grant murmured softly, choosing to pass on the extra food. "It is rather good though." He looked over at Harry, noticing the younger man seemed a little out of sorts.

"Harry, you should be careful how much of the spinach you eat, no more than a bite or two," Grant cautioned, a wary eye on Molly Weasley.

Molly snorted. "That spinach is filled with folic acid, just what you need while pregnant Harry. Eat as much as you like. You've put on a goodly amount of weight but you still need more."

"Yes, it may be filled with folic acid, but it is also full of nitrates from the ham that has been cooked with it," Grant said with a tight smile. "Go easy on them Harry, it will affect your blood pressure."

Molly glared at Grant. "I beg to differ with you Mister Wolffe, I've blood pressure problems myself and that spinach is magi-steamed. The ham was only added last as a bit of flavouring. There's also vitamins A and K in the spinach. Both good for the eyes as well."
Harry watched silently as Molly let Grant have what for. Strangely, he felt no sense of satisfaction in what was happening.

"My apologies Mrs. Weasley, I was only concerned for his health," Grant said softly and went back to eating, his eyes on his plate. He was looking forward to just getting out of there.

"As am I, Mister Wolffe. I get a bit carried away when it comes to my family and Harry's been part of that from when he was just a mite. I bore and reared six strapping boys and a sassy lass for my Arthur. It's nothing to just add you and Severus into the bunch." Molly smiled at them

Grant nodded silently, once again reminded of what he had not been able to do for his husband. After a moment, he pushed his plate away. "I fear I don't have much appetite. If you don't mind, I'll start your dishes for you before I go," he said as took a sip of his water.

"Mister Wolffe, please have a seat. There's a magic brush in there to do the dishes while we eat. If it's the jet tag catching up why don't you have a lie down. Harry'll be happy to show you to the room I've prepared for you both." Molly reached over and patted Harry's hand.

Harry looked up at Grant and nodded. "We've still to floo Severus as well. Are you certain you don't want to eat anything else?" he asked the older man softly.

Grant gave Harry a small smile. "Don't worry about me Harry, I'm alright. Thank you Mrs. Weasley, I may take you up on the offer of a lie down in a few moments," he said as he smiled at her as well. He was tired, that was the truth, all the travelling had taken it out of him and the mental stress wasn't helping anything.

Grant continued to pick at his food, managing to get half of it down by the time the others at the table had finished. While they were eating, he had opportunity to look around the room and marvel at all the magic that was used for so many things. It was so different from home.

Molly smiled at the two men and stood from the table. "I'm so glad you've decided to stay with us Mister Wolffe. Would you like some pudding?" She drew her wand and banished the dishes from the table to the kitchen. "I've made a treacle tart."

Grant looked over to what the woman was holding. He'd heard of a treacle tart, but had never had it. "Thank you Mrs. Weasley, this is something I've not had," he said as he smiled over to Harry and then mouthed silently. "I'll be gone soon, don't worry."

Harry frowned and nodded slightly. "You really don't have to leave." he mouthed back at Grant then held up his plate to Molly. "Thanks, Molly. I've not had one of these since we left Hogwarts."

Molly smiled as she watched them; still certain something was going on between the two men. She could smell discordance in her house like an egg gone foul. She hoped they would work it out soon or she would have to step in again.

Grant only shook his head slightly before picking up his fork and trying a bite of the dessert. "It's very good Mrs. Weasley, very rich and sweet," he murmured as every tooth in his head begged for mercy from the sticky sweet attack.

Harry grinned at Grant. "Think Damon would like this? I know Sev does." He dug into the tart and then hummed before taking a large drink of his milk.

Molly sat down and smiled. "Thank you deary. It's very rare that I make it; goes right to my hips, I tell you, but I knew Harry loved it."

Grant chuckled as he thought of his husband. "I'd have to make two Harry, one for him and one for everyone else," he said with a laugh and then turned to Molly. "My husband has a notorious sweet tooth and a taste for anything bad for him."

Molly chuckled. "My Arthur was like that. He loved his puddings and his Muggle tinkering. Why, one year, my boys took his auto and went to rescue Harry from that awful Muggle family. Twasn't Harry's fault but Arthur was on probation for a month for that flying car." She smiled fondly at Harry then looked at Grant. "Are the Yanks just as secretive as the Ministry?"

Grant shook his head. "Not really. Most of the time we kind of stay below the radar, but we watch what we do in front of most Muggles depending on where we are. In Echo it's a mixed community so no one really cares. There are several communities like that and some all wizarding communities as well," he explained as he carefully took another bite and chewed. "You'll find that in some areas no one will raise an eyebrow, but in others you have to be careful because they'll burn you at the stake in a heartbeat. Oh... and California is just... odd."

Molly nodded. "I've always wanted to see the Colonies. I suppose I shall just live vicariously through Harry and Severus." She turned and smiled at Harry. "Listen to me chattering on and on. You two dears need your rest. Go on, go have you a lie down. I'll have breakfast ready in the morning before you wake."

She banished the empty plates to the kitchen and stood. Pressing a kiss to Harry's hair, she walked from the room leaving the two men to themselves. "Good night, dearies."

Grant watched her go, stifling a yawn behind his hand and then looked at Harry. "I suppose we should get the fire call over with," he said as he pushed his chair back and waited for his son-in-law.

Harry nodded and looked up at Grant. "You are going to stay, right? I don't fancy having her find out you've gone and disappeared in the night."

"Don't worry Harry, I'll leave her a note if I go," Grant said softly as he walked back into the room with the fireplace. "Where is Severus at?"

Harry stepped up to Grant, pulled him out of the parlour and led him down the stairs to their room. "Molly put us down in Charlie and Bill's old room. There's a loo and a hearth down here so we'll have privacy." He looked back at Grant and smiled. "I'm sorry I was a prat this morning, Grant."

Grant nodded tiredly as he carried his luggage down the stairs. Maybe a nap wouldn't be a bad idea. "It's alright Harry, I understand," he said as they entered the bedroom and he sat down on the bed that was still made. "Do you want to talk to him first or what? I should probably talk to Damon as well."

Harry sat down on the bed, shrugging his shoulders and scratching his stomach. "I've already spoken to Severus." He looked at the floor. "I think Severus was lonely. He tried to make it out that Damon needed help but somehow I am just not seeing that. I mean he was lost while you were separated but he's back at his home now. Maybe it was just a bad idea for me to come here."

"Severus will be fine Harry, don't worry about him. There is no telling what those two will get up to while we're gone. It's understandable that you wanted to be here. This is your family and something horrible happened," Grant said as he toed his shoes off. "I'll go ahead and talk to Damon to make sure he knows I'm alright and not wandering Europe like an idiot." He laughed softly as he pushed himself off the bed and went over to the fireplace, tossing in the floo powder.

"Damon Wolffe, Wolffe Den, Echo, West Virginia, United States," Grant said clearly as he leaned into the green flames.

Damon glared at Severus, now truly pissed that the younger man had tried to slip him a sobering potion and hide his shine. He'd commenced drinking again although he'd hid it in the soda he'd fixed to go with the pizza. A pleasant buzz was fueling him now as well as the all meat pizza. Seeing the flames flare green he carefully heaved himself off the sofa and shakily sank to his knees. "Bout damn time you called again, Injun."

Grant looked at Damon carefully judging the man's mood. "I'm sorry it took me so long sir," he said as he gave the man a small smile. "Are you alright?" He shifted on his knees and watched Damon closely.

"I am better now that you are where you are supposed to be." Damon snapped. "What in Merlin's name possessed you to traipse all over Britain? Is Harry all right?"

"Harry is fine sir," Grant answered, unconsciously bringing his palms to rest face up on his thighs. "I got confused and didn't know where I was going."

Damon nodded. "That's why you were supposed to stay with Harry. I thought you said you bought a guide book. How in the hell did you get fucking lost with a goddamned guide book?"

Grant swallowed hard and licked his lips. "I... I don't know how I got lost, Master," he said, shame evident in his voice. "You've always said I shouldn't be allowed to wander. You were right, Master."

"You are damned right you shouldn't wander; you need a fucking leash. I knew something was going to happen. You scared the hell out of me, Grant and I couldn't do a damned thing about it." Damon shook his head and leaned out of the fire to take a drink of his soda.

"Your boy is sorry Master," Grant said, feeling his face colour at the dressing down. "I was never in danger..." He stopped speaking and looked down at his knees.

Damon scowled. "That is beside the point, Grant. You should have known better than to let yourself get separated from Harry like that. There is no telling what could have happened to you. Either one of you. Severus trusted you to watch over Harry and you've let both of us down now."

"I did watch over him Master and he was safe with his family," Grant began, trying to defend himself. "Harry is fine, nothing bad happened to him."

Damon growled. "That is beside the point, Grant. You know what kind of shape the boy is in and regardless of the fact that he was with his family, he was your responsibility. And like I already told you, you are a doctor and know his history and condition if something were to happen. I am sorely tempted to bring your ass back tonight regardless of whether you like to portkey or not."

"But he didn't want me there," Grant whispered under his breath and then took a deep breath. "Yes Master, your boy is sorry he disappointed you. You know what is best for your property."

Damon eyed him. "Don't give me that bullshit when you don't mean it, Grant. I know you. You are a stubborn little Injun."

Grant looked into Damon's blue eyes. "What do you want me to say? That I fucked up? I know I did and nothing I can do will ever fix it. I did what I thought was right in the situation. You weren't there Master."

Damon narrowed his eyes at his husband. "Don't you take that tone with me, boy. You know what I meant. I know you aren't stupid and there's no need to act like it Grant. There was a better way to handle that and you know it."

"I'm sorry Master," Grant said softly and hung his head. He hated dealing with Damon when the man had been drinking and the fact he was angry just made things even more difficult. "What do you want me to do now? Should I get ready to leave?"

"I don't know. Them bastards at the Embassy wouldn't give me a portkey to find you because you hadn't been reported missing as yet. It's going to take a few days for me to obtain an International portkey one as well." Damon scowled. "But whatever you do, do not leave that house where you are now and do not let him out of your sight. Merlin forbid something should happen to him over there. You know he can't use magic while he's pregnant."

He slammed his fist on the hearthstones. "Goddammit, Grant you know this and it pisses me off even more to have to tell you this shit again like you are some three year old child. You know better. What the fuck has come over you? Have you got a case of the stupids or something?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me," Grant whispered, not daring to flinch as Damon yelled in his face. "I'll stay here sir."

Damon scowled and shook his head. "I'm tired and just too angry to deal with you like this, Grant. You want to wallow in self-pity, then fine do so. I don't want to hear it. Go to bed. I know it's got to be late over there and you certainly didn't get any rest after the flight."

Grant nodded. "Yes Master. Good night, sir," he said softly. "May I call you in the morning?"

Damon sighed. "I suppose. Let's hope you have an attitude adjustment sometime between now and then. We will finish this when you and Harry get home."

He rubbed his face and looked at his little husband, reaching out almost as if to touch Grant. "I love you, Grant. Please try to remember that and not get yourself splattered all over the fucking British countryside."

"I love you too," Grant said softly and scooted back to give himself enough room to bow low to the ground, pressing his forehead to the hearthstones to show his Master his submission. "Your boy will do better, Master."

Damon nodded at his little husband. "All right Grant. We'll see. Just go on to bed and we'll talk more about this later."

Grant nodded and got to his feet so that Damon could see he was getting ready to go to bed. "Goodnight sir," he called as the flames began to change.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Grant unzipped his bag and pulled out Damon's pyjama top before looking up and realizing Harry was still in the room. "I'm sorry for my behaviour Harry."

Harry blinked, swallowed hard and nodded as he stared at Grant for a moment. "Morgan used to talk to me like that at first." he said softly.

Grant paused as he was undoing the buttons on his shirt. "What do you mean, Harry?" he asked as he finished his task and then pulled the garment off and folding it carefully before he set it in his suitcase. Sitting down on the edge of the bed he pulled the hair tie from the end of his braid and undid the plait with nimble fingers.

"Talk to me like I was nothing," Harry whispered and looked at the floor. "Why didn't you tell him it was my fault? Why did you let him think that you were the only one to blame?"

Grant shrugged as he began to brush out his long hair. "He was upset and needed to blame someone for it. You didn't need to deal with it."

Harry scowled at Grant. "That's just what I am talking about. Who are you to tell me that I don't need to deal with something? I'm not some little child that can't do anything Grant. Merlin, when is everyone going to get a clue that I just want to be treated like everyone else? I'm not made of glass."

Grant stopped brushing and looked at Harry. "I'm sorry, I'll be sure not to do it again," he sighed as he tossed the hair brush back in his bag and loosely re-braided his hair before setting his suitcase on the floor. Undoing his trousers, he let them fall to his ankles and then stepped out of them before folding them and laying them on top of his suitcase.

As he started to pull the covers back on the bed, he stopped and turned back to Harry. "I just didn't want him to yell at you."

Harry sighed and began undressing. "Maybe that's what I want to happen, Grant. So I can yell back at them as well, so I can actually say how I feel and not get my teeth knocked in over it. Or better yet be patted on the head like some pup." He jerked back the blankets on his bed.

"There, there Harry, we've taken care of it. No need to worry your cracked head about it." his voice sing-songed the phrases as he tilted his head from side to side.

"You want to tell people what you think, Harry? Fine, then tell me what you think. I know you don't like me, so you don't have to pretend anymore," Grant snapped, everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours piling up on him until he just couldn't stand it any longer.

Harry turned around and looked at Grant. "Oi! So you do have some teeth? I thought you were an all prim and proper house boy for Damon." He sat down on the bed and smirked. "It's not that I don't like you, I do. But I'm not you. I'm not perfect and I can't be."

"I'm far from perfect Harry, far from perfect. No one has asked you to be perfect and if they do, tell them to shove it," Grant growled softly as he glared at the younger man.

"All right then." Harry glared at the other man. "Shove it, Grant."

"I've never asked you to be perfect, you little...," Grant swallowed the last of his sentence and clenched his teeth.

Harry arched and eyebrow. "Oh no? 'Harry chop the courgettes just this way on the diagonal. No, no, Harry, pour the bloody soda in the toilet to help bleach the porcelain.'," he snorted. "You tell me these things as if I haven't a bloody clue how to do anything and that you know it all and it has to be exactly done Grant's way only. Merlin knows, Harry will fuck it up if Grant doesn't step in and take over."

Grant stared at Harry, a gobsmacked look on his face. "I don't do that!" he protested hotly.

On a roll now, Harry continued. "You do too, you little control freak. How else am I supposed to make it unless Grant's right there to tell me how to do things. Got to have it perfect for Severus as if I hadn't been taking care of him perfectly well the past three years on my own. Nope! It wasn't done the Grant way so it has been bollixed up six ways from Sunday."

Grant swallowed and realized Harry was telling the truth. Looking down at his hands, he chewed his lip for a moment. "I'm sorry, I guess I just wanted to help you not mess things up like I did."

Harry stared at Grant. His anger, in one way, fading away to nothing but in another way it was just as irritating that Grant would end up being the rational one, the one who was perfectly behaved and never did a thing wrong to displease anyone. "That's just it though Grant. I'm not you. How could I make those same mistakes? I'm Harry and believe you me, I have made some pretty big fuck-ups all on my own."

Grant shook his head. "No... I meant mistakes in taking care of the house and...," he stopped speaking for a moment, his shoulders slumping. "You're right, you don't need to know any of that, you come from this." He waved his hand around indicating all the magical things in the house.

Harry looked around the room. "This what? Magic?" he snorted. "Boy, are you mistaken. I didn't even know I was a wizard until I was eleven. I slept in a cupboard under the stairs until then as well. You should know that, you saw some of it when Severus was in my mind."

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes trying to remember everything from that night, everything he'd heard. "'You'd never seen anything quite so…fucked up in all the years you had been doing Dreamwalks.' That phrase sticks out most in my mind. I tried to tell Damon I knew you all thought I was insane but he didn't listen either." He blinked and looked over at Grant giving him a grim smile. "I know though and that's the worst part isn't it?"

Grant's eyes widened as he looked at Harry. "What do you know?" he asked carefully, unsure of where this was going or what mental state the younger man was in.

Harry met Grant's eyes. "That I'm mental. You all think it. I know you do. That I'll slip back if I'm not watched. That's why you don't like me," he whispered softly "That's why you don't think I am good enough for Severus so I have to be remade over. Be perfect just like you." The light in Harry's eyes slowly began to fade as he continued to stare forward.

"You think I don't like you?" Grant asked curiously. "Harry, don't you know how much we love you? I think you are the best thing that has happened to Severus. I don't want you to be like me."

Grant stood and crossed the room to sit down next to Harry on the bed. He picked up the younger man's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm not perfect Harry."

Harry never moved as Grant sat down beside him. "Boy knows he's worthless. Boy knows he is a disappointment."

He slid down to the floor to his knees, bowing low trying to protect his belly as if he unconsciously knew it would be the first to take whatever damage was to be done. "Boy is sorry, boy is rubbish." He stuck his fingers in his mouth to quiet himself, body still braced and waiting for the blows to fall.

Grant stared in horror as Harry went to the floor. "No," he whispered as he knelt down next to the young man. "Oh no, Harry."

Grant gently laid a hand on Harry's back and began to rub his skin through his shirt. "You aren't a disappointment, not at all."

"It's stupid and worthless. It knows its rubbish and should be out in the dustbins. Stupid, broken come sack." Harry's fingers pulled at his lip, his nails digging into the thin skin and drawing blood as he murmured the words over and over again. "Not even a proper wizard to get pregnant like Master wants."

Grant pulled Harry's hand away from his mouth and gave the boy a shake. "Harry! Look at me. I want you to listen to me," he said firmly. "Who am I, Harry? Who am I?"

Harry's head rocked with the shake then he stared straight ahead right through Grant. He bowed his head again. "This thing doesn't know. Doesn't have the right to know."

Grant closed his eyes for a moment trying to think. Damon was going to kill him and he would hand the man the rope for his noose. He deserved it.

"Please Harry, come back," Grant murmured as he pulled the boy to him and wrapped his arms around him. "Can't you feel the baby moving in you? Can't you feel what you and Severus have created?"

Harry began to rock in Grant's arms, murmuring nonsense. His hand drifted back to his mouth and he bit into one hand. The other turned into a claw and began digging into the naked skin of his leg. "No good for anything," he hissed softly.

Grant grabbed both of the boy's hands in his, giving them a good hard squeeze. "Harry!" he barked gruffly, "Listen to me, I want you to focus on me, do you understand?"

Harry's eyes rolled in his head and his mouth curled into a grimace. He groaned, closed his eyes and squeezed Grant's hands. "Boy always listens," he whispered softly.

Grant breathed a small sigh of relief as he was getting some sort of favourable response from Harry. "Good boy Harry, such a good boy," he said calmly as he rubbed his thumbs over the skin of the younger man's hands. "Can you feel the baby moving in your belly?"

Harry nodded his eyes still blank. "One day boy will make a baby for Master."

Grant took Harry's hands, guiding them down to cover the swell of his belly. "What do you feel Harry? Tell me what you feel," he said softly, trying to bring Harry around as gently as he could.

Harry swayed as he sat with his hands on his stomach. "Baby?" He blinked and pressed his hands to his stomach. "My baby?"

"Yes Harry, your baby. You and Severus have a little girl coming, doesn't that make you happy?" Grant said gently as he moved Harry's hands over his belly, hoping to ground the young man. "Can you feel her move?"

"Severus?" Harry's eyes were still glazed as his fingers palpitated over his stomach. "Severus's baby. Mine and Severus's baby. Not his."

"That's right Harry, that bastard can never hurt you again. You're safe now and no one will ever hurt you again," Grant said softly, pressing a kiss to Harry's forehead and letting his hands go to pull the younger man to him in a hug.

Harry cradled his stomach as he felt the lips grace across his forehead. He leaned against the other man and breathed deeply as tears began to run down his cheeks. The gentle scent of vanilla and musk filled him and he sighed. "Grant..." He covered his face and swallowed hard as he began to sob.

Grant rocked Harry in his arms, one hand stroking the dark, unruly hair as he murmured softly. "It's alright Harry... shhhh.... it's alright." Over and over again, he whispered as the younger man cried. "I'm right here, I've got you."