How Severus Spends His Summer Hols

Harry closed up his suitcase and sat down on the edge of the bed. He had enjoyed seeing the Weasleys once again even though the circumstances hadn't been the best. He looked over at his mother-in-law and smiled. He was also glad they'd come to an understanding between the two of them as well.

Ron would be arriving to take them to Heathrow for the trek home tomorrow and he sighed. He missed Severus and had a longing for the other man that he couldn't quite explain and wondered if Grant was also having the same problem. He was just ready to get home and back to Severus, his skin almost itching with the need to touch him. He stood and looked over at Grant again. "I'm ready to go now. It was nice here but I miss home."

Grant looked up from where he'd been sitting on the edge of his bed, studying his shoes. "I'm ready to go home too. If either one of those menaces thinks about coming near me again, I will not be held responsible," he said in a soft growl. He'd been woken up to the silly whooping of the twins dancing through the room, treating Grant to their impression of a war dance.

Harry grimaced and was once again glad he'd hidden Grant's wand in his bag. Molly had gotten on to the twins but they still had gotten on both of their nerves more than once. "They've gone back to work. I'm sorry they annoyed you so. I agree, it used to be funny when I was younger but now it just makes me want to turn them over my knee. I never thought I'd ever say that either because they were most always the comic relief while I was at Hogwarts." He scowled and stood, heaving his bulky body up from the bed. He looked at Grant and sighed. "Thank you for coming with me and all that you did. I really appreciate it." he whispered softly.

Grant reached out and took Harry's hand, gently pulling him down to sit next to him on the bed. "Thank you too Harry," he murmured, wrapping an arm around the younger man's shoulders and giving him a hug. "I shouldn't have let them get to me, but I'm just a little crabbier than usual, I suppose I just miss Damon."

Grant knew exactly what was wrong with him, having found the darkening birthmark during his shower two days ago. Knowing he'd be a little irrational, he'd done his best to stay to himself and not snap at the people around him.

Harry nodded, he'd felt the same way since this morning. It felt good to be in close contact with the little man and he sighed as he leaned on Grant. "I miss Severus too. It's almost like I'm missing a part of me but then again I feel Reganne and it's not so bad."

He looked up at Grant and smiled weakly. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

Grant nodded; he understood how Harry was feeling. "Sure Harry, what is it?"

"Is it the Fleymann's? I noticed my birthmark was a little sensitive this morning while towelling off. What's going to happen?" Harry had never felt anything like this before and he was extremely curious as to whether or not Grant was feeling some of the things he was as well. How much different was it for the older man? "I don't mean to upset you but I can't exactly ask Molly about this." He looked down at their feet and curled his feet together.

Grant nodded. "You're right in your assumption. You'll get like this four times a year, once every season for a few weeks. At least I do, I'm not sure of anyone else," he said and sighed, really hating talking about the subject, but he'd told Harry he would.

"For me, I get really irritable and irrational at times, I crave sugar and sex," Grant chuckled, feeling his own face heat. "Sorry, I'm sure you didn't want to hear that." He pulled Harry closer to him and sighed at the relief he felt just having the younger man's body next to him.

Harry flushed at the information and snuggled closer to Grant. If the older man could share then he would as well. "I remember something like that happening in June. Severus had taken me to a club and it seemed like someone had given me a potion. I was terrible. We argued for a bit after we got to our room then... well... let's just say that I realized I really, really like making up after an argument." He flushed again then shook his head as he looked at Grant, not wanting to move from the comfort but craving something as well. "I really want some chocolate too. Molly's biscuits are still upstairs. I hid some behind the breadbox. Shall we see if they are still there?"

Grant laughed as he leaned back and grabbed at his carry on luggage, pulling it to him; he unzipped it with one hand. "We don't need to go upstairs," he chuckled, pulling out a carrier bag filled with chocolate sweets, setting them on his lap. "I know what I'm like and have to keep a constant supply with me or people get hurt."

He thought about what Harry had said as he unwrapped a piece of fudge and popping it into his mouth. "From what I've read, and you have to understand that so little is known about Fleymann's that this could be wrong, but from what I've read, the symptoms get worse when you find the person you are compatible with. For you, it's Severus and for me, it's Damon. But our bodies are trying to carry on the life cycle, doing everything possible to get pregnant," he explained while chewing.

Harry picked up a chocolate frog and held tightly to it while he pulled off one of its legs then popped it in his mouth. He hummed and thought about what Grant had said. "But I'm already pregnant. I can't get anymore pregnant now, can I? Do you have the information at home? Might I read it when we get back? Severus tried to find some information for me once we figured out I was a carrier but it was mostly stuff about how this was a great honour and duty, stuff like that. It just made me feel more like a freak."

He contemplated the frog again and bit its head off this time.

"No, you can't get pregnant again, but your body is still having the hormonal dump. I did it when I was pregnant the last two times in Japan, but for some reason it wasn't too bad the first two times," Grant said as he mutilated his own frog thoughtfully. "I have a few journals that you are welcome to read over, Max may be able to get more information for you, but he's in the same boat as we are."

Harry nodded and reached for a piece of fudge. Grinning, he looked at Grant. "I almost feel rather naughty eating this when I know there is good food prepared upstairs. But this feels right. Is that part of it too? Should we duck back into Diagon Alley before going to the airport? I have an extra carry-on bag we can take with us."

He heaved himself up and opened his suitcase, shaking out the small carry on to show Grant. "Molly shrunk all my things I brought back for Severus so I didn't need this but I think we can load up for the flight and drive. I'll have to talk to Severus about importing some chocolate cause I never remember it tasting that good before."

Grant laughed. "Damon gets onto me all of the time when I'm like this. All I want are sweets and he makes me eat healthy food as well." He looked down at his supply and then at Harry's bag.

"I think you might be right, do you think they would mind if we wanted to stop for more chocolate? Oh, and we need to find peanut butter cups somewhere," Grant said with a laugh. "I can kind of claim they are healthy with the peanut butter in them."
Harry nodded. "Honeydukes makes a peanut butter and chocolate fudge that is almost to die for. Ron will stop for us because he knows somehow. He's all the time bringing something home for Hermione." He stopped and looked at Grant.

"That's what this is, isn't it? It's just like Hermione's monthlies only it's not." He trailed off and sighed. "Never mind, I'm sorry. They might have the peanut butter cups in the duty-free shop at Heathrow, the rest we can get in Diagon Ally. I think there's something about the Wizarding chocolate though. We need to tell Max about this. He'll listen, won't he? Oh and can we take some for Jason?"

Grant clasped his hand over Harry's and sighed in commiseration. "Yeah, in a way it is, but at least we don't bleed. At least I've never heard of anyone that did," he said with a sad smile. He well remembered what it was like when his body first began to go through all of the odd changes.

"Any combination of chocolate and peanut butter is wonderful and I think you might be right about there being something about Wizarding chocolate. I'm sure you've noticed, it's not available often at home and when it is, everyone buys as much as they can. Do you know how much we can take home with us? Maybe we can mail some before we go?" Grant said thoughtfully. Muggle chocolate paled in comparison to what he was nibbling on from Honeyduke's.

"I am not certain how much we can take with us. Want to phone Heathrow and find out if there's a duty and a limit? I bet if we leave Molly, or even Hermione, some Galleons they can send us more. We can also mail a box home as well now." Harry paused, thinking about something then grinned.

"Think Severus would mind if I represented the shop and talked to the manager at Honeydukes about setting up a contract with Mortar and Pestle? It will get more people into the shop as well as us having first pick when the stock comes in."

"We can call or we can just eat the excess?" Grant said with a laugh. "I'll be happy to leave someone some money and I'm going to ship a couple of boxes of candy home as well, maybe mark the box as incontinent supplies to keep Damon out of it."

Laughing at his own little joke, Grant nodded to Harry. "I don't think Severus would mind if you talked to them, or at least got the name of the person in charge of shipping. It would be great to be able to have this in Echo."

Harry laughed, thinking about labelling his box the same way. Severus had a wicked sweet tooth at times and he loved Honeydukes's dark chocolate fudge. He had picked up two boxes and was sorely tempted to try that as well to test their theory on the Wizarding chocolates; however, he resisted and would get his own box later. "All right then it's settled, we are on a mission. Let's floo Ron and tell him to come this afternoon. We can shop some more and use the post before we get on the plane in the morning."

He smiled at Grant. "We've to stick together; they'll never know what hit them."

Grant grinned wickedly at his son-in-law. "Should we stop at Gringott's again?" he asked laughing.

Harry chuckled and nodded. "I'm in the mood to hear Sev's charge card weep a bit, I think."

@@@@@@@@

Margaret finished folding the last load of laundry, pleased with herself at the job she'd done with the Wolffe's home. It had taken some time for her to come to terms that she would never be with Damon, but she had begun to see a gentleman from Elkins a week earlier and hoped something good would come of it.

She looked up at the sound of gravel crunching in the driveway and wondered if Damon was going to be civil or not.

Damon sighed and got out of his truck, confused about his meeting with the man who had unknowingly helped him with Grant through out the years. He wasn't certain what to make of the information as he made his way up to the porch, stopping to rub Baby's and Bezoar's head. He let the dogs in the back door and smiled softly as he smelled the clean smell of the house. Merlin, he had missed Grant more than he thought if the simple smell of cleanser had him wishing the man was there to greet him. "Hello? Sev, you here yet?"

Margaret stepped out of the laundry room with the basket of clean clothes and shook her head. "He's not here Damon. Here, all the laundry is done up, you can put it where it goes, right? I wasn't sure who had what, so good luck," she said, setting the basket on the table.

Damon nodded and pulled out his wallet, pulling out several bills and holding them out to her. "Thank you, Margaret. I hope you'll take this for your time at least. I appreciate it."

The woman ignored the man's hand. "There's fresh groceries in the refrigerator, charged to your account at Clangman's. I didn't touch your bedroom, that's yours to deal with," she said and levelled a stare at Damon.

"You should have your ass kicked for letting the house get like this. I aired it out as best I could, but he'll still be able to tell you've been smoking in here," she said with a shake of her head. After cleaning the house, she was glad she'd never hooked up with Damon after all. "Keep it clean until he gets here, that's all I ask." She reached past him for her coat and purse to leave.

"Wait just a goddamned minute." Damon glared at the woman, shoving the money at her again. "Look, I know what you have accomplished was a miracle in and of itself and I am trying to show you that I appreciate it. Take this for your time; get yourself a manicure or something on me. I've already compensated Fannie for taking you away from the inn." He smiled at her. "You did a good thing and I thank you for doing so. You didn't have to, especially when you found out who it was for. I know how you feel about Grant."

Margaret pulled back from Damon and shook her head. "Look, he helped me when Doctor Sorens was out, I'm glad to help him. Keep your money," she said pushing his hand away gently. "Don't let him know it was me that cleaned if it's going to piss him off."

"He'll know anyway and I'll deal with that. You've already told me I should be ashamed and he'll make certain that I am." Damon pushed the money at her again. "I don't let debts build up, Margaret Farnsworth. I appreciate the work and the time it took and you deserve to be compensated. Toss it out the window as you leave from here if you want but I want you to have because it's the right thing to do."

Margaret gave an exasperated sigh, taking the money finally from the man. "I want you to know you are just as frustrating as you were in school Damon," she grouched, trying not to laugh. "You can tell Grant that I don't want you anymore."

"I try." Damon smiled at her and nodded. "Yes ma'am, I'll be certain to tell him and thank you again, Margaret." He walked her to the door and opened it for her. "Be careful heading back into town. It's supposed to be nasty tonight."

As Margaret pulled out of the driveway, she met Severus pulling in, giving him a wave as she turned onto the road. Severus parked his truck next to Damon's and stepped out into the snowy drive. The three dogs greeted him as he opened the back door and stepped into the warm kitchen.

"Damon?" he called out, taking off his scarf and hanging it on a hook behind the door, his jacket following after shaking the light film of snow from it.

"In here!" Damon called out to Severus as he finished putting up the laundry. He magicked the basket to follow him back tot he laundry room and smiled at his son as he entered the kitchen. "You make it in all right? How bad is it getting?"

Severus scowled at the mention of the weather and shook his head. "I get the impression it is going to be worse than the forecaster predicted. I passed Margaret as I was pulling in. The house looks nice," he said, looking around before walking into the living room and settling on the sofa to pull his boots off.

"Damon, why in Merlin's name do I keep Jason working at the shop?" he asked as he dropped the first heavy boot to the floor and shook his head. The young man had insisted on a near duplicate of his ruined coat, refusing to even consider something that would have been warmer even if it had been a bit more expensive.

Damon stowed the laundry baskets and grabbed two sodas from the fridge, frowning as he thought about what Severus said. "Did something happen?" He passed the soda to Sev and sat in his recliner. "You do realize that he'll be acting a bit out of sorts right? Just bear with him for a few weeks and he'll straighten back out."

"He's frustratingly stubborn," Severus growled, that afternoon, he'd offered to drive the younger man home only to be told that Jason was perfectly capable to get home on his own thank you very much. "I'm beginning to think this is a trait of people that live on this mountain."

Damon laughed. "That's a bit of the kettle and the pot, don't you think? I seem to remember someone being just as stubborn when they first arrived here as well." He took a long drink of his soda. "How's he doing anyway? Were you able to find out anymore from him or Max?"

"Not really, Jason simply says he's well and Max won't say anything," Severus replied with a sigh, opening his own soda. He drank for a moment and then looked at Damon. "What is that boy going to do after his baby is born?"

Severus didn't want to admit to being worried about his employee, but he was. He had no idea how the younger man was going to make it with a child.

Damon shrugged. To be honest he had no idea what Jason was going to do. "People are becoming single parents more and more. All we can do is try to offer support and hope if he'll take it. We can't do anymore than that if he won't accept it." he sighed and scowled. "Celia told me the Summers aren't even acknowledging the baby or Jason. His sister is the only one that talks to him. That does nothing but piss me off but we can't do a damned thing about it."

Severus only shook his head, he knew all too well what it was like to be on bad terms with one's family. "What could he have done so terribly wrong?" he murmured as he stared into the flames of the fire Damon had started earlier.

Damon set down his soda and looked at Severus. "From what Celia tells me, the Summers sent Jason off to school to finish his education. He come back pregnant, unmarried and refused to get rid of the child or to reveal who the father was. Old man Summers nearly had a heart attack and banished Jason from the big house there in Wheeling." He shrugged and shook his head. "I know it sounds old fashioned and it's no excuse for the way they are treating him but that's how it is in these old mountains. Personally, I can't blame him for breaking away from it. Damn hillbilly hypocrites, all of them. Especially since that other boy of theirs knocked up Jeb Wilson's girl then took her to Charleston to get an abortion."

Severus listened, shaking his head; he couldn't imagine banishing a child of his loins for having a child out of wedlock. Children were not to be ashamed of, no matter the circumstances. "More fool they then, they've lost an opportunity to welcome part of their family into the world and to help shape its world," he murmured in disgust.

Damon nodded. "It happens all the time, I'm afraid. The Summers are big movers and shakers in Wheeling." he shook his head. "I brought some chicken fried steaks and potatoes home from the bar for supper. You hungry?"

Severus nodded, still thinking about Jason, his thoughts slowly turning to those of his little husband, realizing that if they had not married, Harry would have been treated much in the same way at home in Britain. "Has Grant let you know what time they are flying out in the morning?" he asked as he got to his feet to go into the kitchen.

Damon stood and followed Sev into the kitchen taking containers out of the fridge. He piled on the mashed potatoes and gravy, then placed a large fried steak beside them and added more gravy. "He called the bar earlier. The plane leaves at eight in the morning British time and arriving in Pittsburgh at around three something if there aren't any delays. They are staying at someplace called the Leaky tonight and taking a cab to Heathrow in the morning. They went and did the pre-flight this afternoon." He looked back at Severus. "You want greens too?"

"Not particularly," Severus said as he held his plate out for the green mass to be forked on. "Grant is still planning to drive from the aeroport? We don't need to meet them?"

Damon chuckled and spooned up some bacon and greens to the plate. He cast a warming charm over it and smirked. "Careful it's hot." He repeated the spell for his own plate then sat down at the table, summoning some more sodas from the fridge. "He is planning on it. I called and got him a Durango so it's got four wheel drive and the safety features. I told him to stop if it gets too bad or they are tired." He scooped up some potatoes and blew the steam away. "You ready for Harry to come home? Did you get what I told you to?"

"I attempted to, but it seems as though we aren't the only ones looking to lay in a supply of chocolate," Severus said in exasperation. "All that was left at Clangman's were only a few bags of chocolate chips."

He sat down at the small table in the kitchen and waited for his food to cool a moment before cutting into it. "Do you really think Jason will be affected as well?"

Damon shook his head and shrugged. "This being so close to Christmas I don't doubt it was almost gone. We need to get to Wheeling before it gets too nasty then. Having that chocolate is the only thing that's going to save your ass. Better take some to the shop as well. Who knows what's going to happen when you get the two of them together."

Dark eyes looked at Damon, a look of trepidation coming over Severus' face. "Perhaps I should close the shop..."

Damon looked at him. "Best to try and keep on the same routine. I don't think Harry and Jason will be quite as bad as Grant cause they are both pregnant but you never know. Grant always seemed milder when we were in Japan but it was still bad enough. Let's just see what happens and make certain you are prepared." He reached over and grabbed the bread and wrapped the rest of his steak in it then stood. "Come on we can take your truck. It'll do better in the snow if it gets worse."

"Why not Elkins?" Severus asked as he reluctantly made his meat into a sandwich as well. "That would be closer, wouldn't it in this weather?"

"We can try there but seeing the close vicinity of the town may give us the same problem." Damon grabbed his jacket and waited for Severus to put on his own.

Whistling for the dogs, he shut the three of them up into the laundry room, making certain there was food and water enough for them. "You are certain that going to purchase chocolate is vital?" Severus asked, once again wondering just how bad Harry would be. "He's never been particularly irritable before."

Damon looked at Severus and shoved the last of the sandwich in his mouth as he flicked his wand at their dishes, cleaning them and putting them away. "He's never been pregnant and truly safe and secure in love until now has he? It makes a big difference Sev and it took fifty years for me to figure that out."

"And that will make him irrational and beastly now?" Severus questioned shaking his head; this was not something he'd planned on having to deal with when Harry had told him he thought he was pregnant.

Damon frowned. "Look son, I know a lot of things have been changing for you. There are things that he don't understand working in his system and he needs you to be there for him. Not as his Dom but as his husband. You got to take the good with the bad. You'll have your children but you will also get the hormones. It takes time to adjust and I am trying to help you out. The only other one you are going to get more information from is Doctor Richard Montgomery."

Severus nodded, wishing now that he'd gone up to Max's office before he'd left the shop, he would have like to read over the journals before Harry returned home. Leading the way out to his truck, Severus slid behind the wheel and turned the key to start the big engine.

"Perhaps I should ask if Harry would like an opportunity to speak to Doctor Montgomery while he's here," the lanky man mused as Damon got himself settled in before he put the truck into gear, turning it around to head out. "I assume Grant won't speak to him?"

"Grant will most likely try to run him out of town once he figures it out. He's been keeping the hospital board from trying to solicit him." Damon frowned and closed the door then buckled his seat belt. "You can ask him to speak with Harry but from what I understand he's very exclusive and expensive to see. He's only visiting Gregory and Davy."

"He seemed personable enough at lunch," Severus said as he turned out onto the main road, frowning at the slush already packing down on the road. "This is a bloody mess."

Damon frowned and held on to the door handle. "We can turn back if you like but I know I don't have enough stuff to share with both Harry and Grant. I made two pounds of frosting and bought an entire case of peanut butter cups. You are welcome to half of it if you like but we are going to need more. Grant won't be back on keel until just before Christmas. I have no idea how Harry is going to react."

Severus thought for a moment, stopping the truck in the middle of the deserted road. "Can't we floo to Mother Wolffe's and go from there?" he asked, pondering the safety of driving in the nasty weather, he didn't have much experience with hazardous driving.

Damon nodded. "We can, I didn't even think about that. Go ahead and turn around and I'll call her. She'll be glad to see us either way. I been meaning to check on her but she was out with the Garden Club today while I was in town."

@@@@@@@@@@

Gregory’s little Saab slipped through the slushy streets until he pulled up in front of their duplex. Wrapping his scarf around him, he got out and was nearly bowled over as Davy met him at the door and hugged him.

"Merlin, I'm glad you made it home all right. It's nasty out there." Davy pressed his lips to Gregory's throat then backed away when Sarah tugged on his jacket.

Gregory shook his head at his husband, waved to Rich and picked up little Sarah, squeezing her gently. “Hello Sarah, your dad should be along shortly.” He turned with the small child in his arms to watch Davy and Rich. “Davy’s silly isn’t he? Did you help with dinner?”

Richard returned Gregory’s greeting and shook his head at the man. "I see you still haven't him trained properly, Davy."

“I’m working on it, but you know how he is,” Davy chuckled as he moved over to embrace his husband again.

“Missed you,” he murmured in Gregory’s ear as he took Sarah so he could go change. “Max called and said he might be late, something to do with Allie.” He laughed as he bounced the little girl in his arms.

Sarah beamed at Gregory and nodded her head. “I helped. I got to open the can,” she said proudly.

Gregory made a face. “Can?” he asked worriedly. He looked at his husband then cut his eyes at Richard. “Please tell me we aren't having Spagettios.” He shrugged off his jacket and hung it on the tree by the door then walked across the room. “Let me change and I’ll get us something to drink.”

Sarah squirmed down out of Davy’s arms and followed after Gregory. “Yep, there’s O’s in the can. We have Kool-Aid and juice, Uncle Greg,” she chirped as she grabbed his hand.

Gregory raised his eyebrows and looked at his husband as he swung Sarah up into his arms. “Come on, you can tell me about the rest of your day while I change.” He went into the bedroom and closed the door.

Richard watched all the happenings and shook his head. He sat down on the sofa and smiled at Davy. “You didn’t really make Spagettio’s for dinner, did you? Are you fucking with Greg’s head?”

Davy smirked as he bent to pick up some of Sarah’s toys, tossing them into the basket in the corner. “I made Spagettios, but they are Sarah’s. I’ve got real food for us. I'll start it after Max comes for Sarah.” he replied as he flopped down in his easy chair and stretched.

Richard chuckled. He looked back at the closed bedroom door then to Davy. “How’s he dealing with Max? I’m really surprised you seem to be all right with having the man’s child here.”

Davy shrugged noncommittally. “Greg gets upset sometimes. I think Max still sees him as the bright eyed, impressionable kid he was and wants him to still be that for him. I don’t know, I don’t think Max has done anything too stupid,” he said with a wave of his hand. “I don’t mind Sarah at all, she’s great. If Max gets out of line, I’ll say something to him.”

Richard nodded. “I know Max really fucked with Gregory’s head and I’d hate to see the two of you having problems.” He grinned at Davy. “Get him pregnant soon.”

“If I could find a potion to use that didn’t taste like something a yak puked up, I’d slip it in his coffee,” Davy smirked with a grin. “We’ll get around to it Rich, don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of chances to corrupt our kids.”

Richard smiled. “Let’s hope so. I had thought he’d gone back on his word earlier when he told me about Harry Potter. For a moment there I had thought you were the pregnant one.”

He settled back into the couch. “I hear it was quite a shock to meet him. I’ve seen press photos from when I was in the UK. Can’t say I see any resemblance.”

Davy just raised an eyebrow at that. “It was interesting to meet the man. He’s nice though, we spend some time together,” he said. “What can I get you to drink?”

Richard shook his head. “I don’t care. Whatever you have on tap is fine.” He watched Davy walk to the kitchen and turned to face him. “Greg said he’d introduce us sometime. So what is for dinner, really?” He looked at his fingernails, studying his hands. “I really hope you’ve given up on your matchmaking now that you have so many other projects going on. Working, knocking Greg up, running a halfway house for tricycle motors, cavorting with celebrities…”

Davy rummaged through the refrigerator, looking around the door to grin. “Greg gets those artesian micro brewery beers. You know, the ones with names like ‘Two Dead Dogs Fucking’, ‘Frog Humpers’ and the like. I have no idea if it’s drinkable, but you can try,” he said as he tossed a brown bottle with a violent green label to his friend. “I picked up some steaks to put on the grill outside.”

He came back into the living room with a bottle of water for himself and settled back down comfortably. “My mission in life is to see you married,” he smirked as the doorbell rang.

Getting up to answer it, he found Max standing on the other side stamping his feet in the cold. “Hey Max, come in for a minute, I’ll get Sarah for you,” he said as he opened the door wider.

Max nodded and stepped through, shaking the snow from his hair. “It’s really starting to come down again.” He stopped and set little Max's carrier down on the floor. “Where’s Gregory?” He hung his jacket up, picked up the baby and walked into the living room.

Davy smiled tightly. “He’s probably getting ready for his shower, did you need him?” he asked as he went to the bedroom to collect Sarah.

Max sat down in Davy’s chair, setting the sleeping child on the floor once more. "It can wait. I just wanted to ask him something." He looked at the grey haired man then back at Davy. "How are you doing Richard? I didn't know you were staying with them. I’ve been hoping for a chance to talk with you about your work. It’s helped me greatly with a few patients.”

Richard smiled. “Had a great tour of your town earlier and I must say I love it here already. I’m glad the research has been of use to you. I’ll tell you, I’ve got an interest in this area. Your hospital here has more Fleymann’s births than any other hospital in North America. The population here and in the surrounding counties have more persons afflicted with Fleymann’s than anywhere other than a small village up in Northern Manitoba, but there, only two percent have given birth. Here though, it seems to be a mecca for those afflicted,” he said as he leaned forward, warming to his subject, his face becoming animated and alive as he spoke.

Max nodded. “There are at least twenty cases in advanced Fleymann’s here because of the town itself. There is such a large mix of Wizards and Muggles here and it’s very accepting of alternative lifestyles. Blue Ridge has taken the time to scout out the best doctors in fields with even the slightest bit of interest with Fleymann’s. There’s an entire ward just for the cases that arrive here.”

He scooted forward in his chair, availing himself of the information source in front of him. “I’ve two active pregnancies going on at this time and one patient in what I believe is menopause. I’d really like to get your opinions on the cases if you have time.”

This area of his practice had been something he’d wanted to look more into just to help out Harry and Grant but he was certain neither man would subject themselves to an inquisition although he was certain Grant knew of the man’s work. He’d tried for years to get Grant to talk about it but with no success.

Perhaps now though he could coerce the older man into an intellectual discussion.

Richard perked up as he listened. “You’ve a patient in a menopausal state? Extraordinary. How old is he and what symptoms is he presenting? What treatment have you gone with? Have you tried increasing his oestrogen levels?” he asked as he leaned forward as well, his hand automatically going to his pocket for his notepad and pen. This was a treasure trove of information. “And there is a history of live births?”

The wheels in Richard’s mind were turning furiously as he thought that Echo may just be his next home; right in a Fleymann’s hotbed of activity.

Max nodded. “Seventy year old, Native American male. Hormonal influxes, disruptive sleep patterns, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, hair loss and irritability. I started him on a low dose HRT and it seems to be working out well. Patient had one live premature birth but the infant didn’t survive. One stillborn and two lost during the first trimester. It was later determined that a weak cervix was the cause.”

He stopped for a moment and thought. “The patient was seeing an herbalist at the time and he had caught on to the weakened cervix but nothing they had at the time could aid in the prevention of the losses.”

Richard was busily scribbling notes when Davy coughed from where he’d been standing in the doorway of the bedroom listening. He had a look of disgusted disbelief on his face as he set Sarah down on the floor.

“How could you, Max? Grant is your friend.” he spat almost angrily as he stared at Max.

Max looked up and raised an eyebrow at Davy. “I dare because I hadn’t used his name and I would do anything to help ease his suffering.” He motioned his little girl over and scooped her up on to his lap. He sighed and looked at Richard then shook his head. “Confidentiality seems to be something you are lacking in Davy.”

Richard shook his head and smiled up at Davy. “I never heard a name spoken by either of you, Davy. I apologize for talking shop while in your house though.” He turned back to Max. “Perhaps I could come by your office sometime in the next few days?” he asked as he closed his notebook and set it on the coffee table.

“I just think you need his permission first,” Davy said softly as he turned to go into the kitchen. He didn’t like hearing his friend reduced to symptoms and statistics.

Max rolled his eyes and nodded to Richard. “I would enjoy that. If you know where Gregory's office is, then you can find me down the hall from him. Just call and speak with Jennifer. She can tell you when I have some time in my schedule.” He stood and set Sarah on the floor as he reached for their jackets.

He bundled the little girl up while he continued to chat with Richard. “Greg has my cell number as well, so anytime you have a moment. I’ll make time to help out one of my oldest friends.”

Davy snorted to himself while he was in the kitchen, he had half a mind to call down to the bar and tell Damon exactly what Max had done. He sliced through the vegetables he’d removed from the refrigerator with quick strokes, dumping everything in a sauté pan with butter to sweat. He would ask Greg later on and see what he thought.

Richard stood as well and shook Max’s hand as the man said goodbye and left with his children. With a sigh, he made his way to the kitchen and stood watching Davy cook for a moment.

“I just think he should have asked before he started telling you,” Davy muttered as he crushed several cloves of garlic.

Richard said nothing for a moment. “Doctors often discuss patients with other doctors. Surely you remember the times Gregory and I have sat up all night talking.”

“But you weren’t discussing someone that looked at you like a son. Someone that is your friend,” Davy muttered again as he shook his head. He knew Richard made sense, he just didn’t like it.

Richard rubbed his face and turned to retrieve his drink. He sat down and took a long sip of the dark microbrew before speaking. “I’m not saying I don’t agree with either of you but, if there was something you could do to help your friend by revealing a bit of his history then would you do so?”

Davy set his knife to the side and rested leaned his knuckles on the cutting board for a moment. “I’m not going to say anything more, Rich. I don’t think it was right and nothing you can say can or will convince me otherwise. Now I’d like to have a nice evening with you and my husband, so we should change the topic,” he said curtly before he reached for his bottle of water.

Richard nodded. “One last thing, I didn’t like his words to you there at the end and I apologize if it was because of the subject.” He suspected it wasn’t but he offered his sympathy and threw in his lot with Davy. He’d say something to the new doc if it happened again.

Dumping the garlic in the pan and giving everything a toss, Davy set the pan back on the burner. “Don’t worry about it. Max thinks I’m a brainless babysitter that’s stolen his man,” he sighed as he put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. “I’m getting used to his little snide remarks.”

Gregory walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen. “Who’s making snide remarks and where’s Sarah?” He bent and got a beer from the fridge and kissed Davy’s cheek before settling at the table with Richard.

“Max picked her up a few minutes ago while you were changing,” Davy said as he set a plate of antipasto on the table between the two men and then going back to his cooking. “Could you turn the grill on for me in a few minutes so I can cook the steaks?”

Gregory plucked up a piece of prosciutto and popped it in his mouth, frowning. “Alright. Are you certain you still want to grill in the snow?” He stood, walked to the patio and opened the sliding glass door. Leaning out, he checked the propane tank and turned the knob on the gas grill. Once finished, he closed the door, leaving the vertical blinds open.

Davy nodded. "How else am I supposed to cook these steaks properly?"

Gregory shrugged, conceding the point to his husband. He sat back down and looked at Richard. “What happened?” he asked softly. He knew Max had been a bit caustic towards Davy lately and had spoken to the other man about it.

Max had waved it away saying Davy was overly sensitive but Gregory wasn’t so certain anymore.

Richard leaned in close. “I’m afraid it’s my fault. Max and I started talking shop and Davy voiced his opinion that Max needed to have permission before he discussed case histories. Max was a bit highhanded in his remarks about Davy’s concerns,” he replied as he leaned back in his chair and plucked a few green olives from the tray, popping them into his mouth and chewing. He always loved to have dinner with his friends; no one he knew cooked better than Davy.

Gregory looked at his husband and stood, going over to him and wrapping his arms around the other man. “I apologize that he was rude to you. I’ll talk to him again.” He nuzzled the back of Davy’s neck and kissed his cheek, looking back at Richard. "Max is going through a lot right now."

Davy smiled and leaned back against his husband. “It’s alright, I’ve gotten used to him. Don’t say anything; it’ll just cause more trouble.” He took the marinating meat from the dish it had been resting in, placing it on the hot grill while standing with the door partially open. Davy looked up at the ominous clouds still rolling in and bit his lip.

“Did anyone think to try to call Jason?” he asked as he looked back to Gregory and Richard, who were busy destroying the antipasto.

Gregory paused, his hand full of kalamatta olives and looked at his husband. “I talked to him before he let Sev’s shop. I offered him a ride but he insisted on walking. He said it was good exercise.” He got up and looked out the door.

The snow was falling steadily and the clouds were dark and heavy with the promise of more. “He should be home by now, would you like me to call and check on him before we eat?”

Davy frowned and shook his head. “I’ll do it,” he said as he picked up the telephone and quickly dialled the small trailer letting it ring and ring before hanging up after the line went silent.

“He didn’t answer and the phone went dead,” Davy murmured as he tried to dial again.

Richard looked from Gregory to Davy and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't understand what the fuss is over Jason? I mean he seemed nice at lunch, am I missing something?" he asked as he sipped at his beer.

Davy pushed away from countertop he’d been leaning against. “Jason lives alone, doesn’t drive, walks all over the place, won’t ask for help and lives in something that the Beverly Hillbillies would condemn,” he said with a frown. “The little shit wouldn’t ask you to piss on him if he were on fire.”

Gregory nodded. “He’s become part of the little family here and we are all looking out for him. There’s something in the water here that makes you become a busybody after a few months.”

Richard laughed softly. Growing up in a small town outside of Amarillo, he well knew what it was like to be part of a tight knit community. He thought about the small man he'd talked to that day at lunch and felt something inside of him tug at his conscious; he needed to be sure he was alright.

"How far does he have to walk? Would he possibly still be walking now?" he asked as he slowly peeled the label from the beer bottle.

"I'm not certain." Gregory went into the bedroom and retrieved his cell. He'd call Severus to see if the man had taken him home. "Jason’s little trailer butts up against The Wolffe's property. You met Damon at the bar today, and both he and his husband have taken to seeing if Jason needed anything. Jason also works in Sev's shop so he might have dropped him off. Only thing we can do is check."

He flipped on the television to the Weather Channel and waited for someone to answer the phone.

Severus pulled his mobile out of his coat pocket. Opening it, he walked out of the kitchen of Mother Wolffe's house and into the quiet of the living room. "Severus Snape."

"Severus, this is Gregory. Sorry to bother you like this but I need to ask a couple of questions. Where are you and is Jason with you? It's starting to get nasty out there and we were wondering about Jason." He looked out the window and frowned as the snow began to fall thicker.

Severus brought a hand up to run through his black hair as he looked out the big picture window of the living room. "I'm currently in Wheeling Greg and no, Jason isn't with me," he said. He and Damon had arrived to find Mother Wolffe agitated and now her son was busy trying to calm the woman down.

Gregory frowned. Severus wouldn't get back in time to check on Jason if the weather were to get as bad as they were calling for. "I am guessing he didn't allow you to give him a ride either. Do you think he might still be walking? It's coming down pretty heavily out here and the weatherman is calling for another twelve inches. Are you safe?"

"No, he slipped out of the shop before I could stop him, saying he needed to stop at the market. I don't know if he'd be walking yet or not," Severus said with a frown. "Damon and I are at his mother's, not certain how long we'll be here though."

Gregory shook his head. With both Damon and Severus out of the picture then he would have to check on Jason himself. "You might be there all night if what they are saying is true. Can you tell me how to get up to Jason's place and we'll go check on him?"

Severus nodded, unaware Gregory couldn't see him as he thought about the best way to get into Jason's place. "You are familiar with going to Damon and Grant's correct? There is a small road about one mile before their drive on the left. It is unmarked, but there is a fence that begins right after it that marks the beginning of Damon's property. I would imagine it would be hard to find in this weather," he explained, wondering if Damon may have an alternative way in to Jason's.

Gregory hummed. "Finding Damon and Grant's is no problem and I'd really like to make certain Jason is well. Just the one road before Damon's place then? Jason doesn't need to be up on the mountain all alone especially with him being that unwieldy."

"I agree with you, he has no business up there. Yes, one road before their drive begins, but Greg, I wouldn't even attempt to drive in to his place if I were you. My truck barely makes it in optimal conditions," Severus said as he walked back towards where Damon was speaking to Celia. "Hold on a moment, I'll see if Damon has a better idea for you."

Severus coughed quietly and nodded to Damon during a break in the conversation. "If I might speak with you for a moment Damon."

Damon excused himself from Celia for a moment to see to Severus. He'd used one of Severus's potions to calm his mother down from her episode. She'd been waiting on his father to come home and demanded Damon to go and get him from some woman's home he didn't even recognize. It had clenched something in his chest to dose her to calm her down before she hurt herself and possibly one of them as well. Sighing, he looked at Severus and smiled grimly. "What's happened now? Please don't tell me it's Grant and Harry."

Severus shook his head, saddened to see Damon so disheartened. "No, it isn't them, but it seems no one can reach Jason. Would you know of a different way to get into his place other than the excuse for a road he walks?" he asked, leaning against the wall and watching the older man.

Damon frowned. "You can go through the back of my property on the south side and through the hollers right up to Jason's trailer. Why isn't he answering the phone?"

"Apparently the landlines are down in Echo and the weather is worsening. I have Gregory on the telephone. Would it be easier to go the way you've suggested, rather than trying to walk in?" Severus asked.

Damon shrugged. "Might be, the property is pretty much cleared back there. Except for the trash pile there aren't any major obstructions until you get past the fence. Then it's just trees and the lows, the creek will be frozen over by now if not completely dry."

Severus handed his mobile over to Damon. "I'll let you explain it then, they'll have a better chance of not finding themselves in Pennsylvania," he said with a snort. He had been known to get lost with fairly simple directions and didn't want to risk anyone's safety.

Damon shook his head as he brought the mobile to his ear. "Gregory, listen up There's a tractor in the barn that you can use to ride back through the pasture. Just follow the fence line out and turn right at the big tree that was struck by lightning. You’ll go down and cross a dry creek bed and then turn left. Follow that creek bed until you get to a big stand of oak trees, you should be able to see the smoke from Jason’s stove from there. Make sure you don’t end up in the old trash pit, so stay clear of it, it's right next to the fence.” he explained.

Gregory listened to Damon and rolled his eyes. "Hold on a moment and let me get something to write this down, alright?" he said as he walked over to Davy's shopping list and tore a fresh sheet of paper off and picked up the pen. "Okay, so follow the fence and turn right at a tree that was hit by lightning, cross a creek and turn left, follow that until I find oak trees and look for smoke, stay out of the trash." He wrote all of this down while shaking his head; didn't Damon Wolffe realize he was a city boy?

Damon laughed. "You got it, Doc. Cut the fence line and you can drive the tractor a bit further into the woods. They'll shelter it from the winds then you can walk to Jason's place. Think you can handle it, Yankee boy or should I call Max?"

Gregory frowned. "I think I can take care of this Damon, there's no need to take Max away from his kids," he said, a little curter that what he'd meant to. "We will all fit on this tractor then?" Personally he wondered if letting Max take care of this wouldn't be a better idea, but he didn't want anyone thinking he was too soft to look after someone.

Damon cleared his throat, wondering what exactly had gotten the younger man's hackles up. "No need to be a smart ass boy. I was just teasing." He looked outside and shook his head. It was starting to come down hard in Wheeling as well apparently by the looks of things. "There's a wagon already hooked up to the tractor. I just had some hay and straw brought in, so you can pad it with that. There are also some of Grant's quilts in vacuum storage bags out there too. Look under the tarp where the cross is. Take them as well if you need them and be careful."

"We will and thank you for letting us use your tractor," Gregory said, "We'll let you know when we've got him. Oh, do I need to bring gas out for the tractor?"

Davy picked up the directions his husband had written down and shook his head. "Oh hell no, let him call Max," he hissed angrily.

Gregory glared at his husband and shook his head. He pointed over to the table and motioned him away so he could finish listen to Damon.

Damon arched an eyebrow, just barely hearing the hissed conversation on the other side. "You shouldn't need any but if you do there's a large barrel with some at the back of the barn before you go out the other set of doors." he paused and looked at Severus. "You certain you don't want me to call Max for you? The two of you boys wouldn't have no problems getting Jason down off the mountain."

Davy stomped over to the table, glaring at his husband. He knew Gregory had no clue about a tractor, neither did he for that matter.

"No Damon, don't call Max, I can handle this. You and Severus be careful returning home," Gregory said quickly, giving Davy a glare of his own.

Damon cleared his throat again. "All right then son, you be careful as well. Call us when you get settled. If you need them or the weather's too bad to drive back down, there's a key to the house in the barn. It'll let you in the back door at the kitchen."

Richard watched the interaction between the two men, a grin desperately trying not to curl his mouth. He bowed his head as his body shook with silent laughter. This he just had to see.

As soon as Gregory ended the call, Davy was on his feet. "A tractor? What in the hell do you know about a tractor? Have you ever SEEN a tractor?" he demanded angrily. "What is wrong with letting Max handle this? Are you trying to prove you have bigger balls or something? Let me tell you, you don't. I've seen both pair and he has you beat!"

Davy paced angrily, his hands waving in the air as he ranted to his husband.

Gregory glared at his husband then looked at his best friend before suddenly laughing aloud. He wrapped his arms around his waist and shook his head, holding a hand out to Davy. "Calm... down..." he started laughing again, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Davy looked at the other two men, both laughing. "Screw both of you then," he snapped angrily. He had a point, Gregory didn't know anything about being in the country and this wasn't the time for him to learn. "Just because I don't want to have to be rescued by the state police doesn't make it funny."

Gregory wiped at his cheeks and took a step closer to his husband. He wrapped his arms around the other man and held him for a moment. "That's good because you aren't going. I want you to stay here. Richard can drive the tractor."

Richard laughed out loud, micro brew spraying the table. He shook his head and mopped up the mess with the napkins Davy had set on the table. “I'm sorry Davy, but I can drive a frigging tractor. Where are we going?” He was curious to see why this man had everyone so up in arms. There was a story here and he didn’t have all the facts.

Davy rolled his eyes. "I'm outnumbered, aren't I?" he muttered.

Gregory nodded. "You are, so pack us something to eat while I change." He pressed a kiss to Davy's mouth and untangled himself, handing the directions to his friend. "Welcome to Mayberry RFD, Richard. I'm certain you'll fit right in."

Davy did as he was told, making sandwiches from the steak and making several thermoses of hot coffee to take with the two men even though he still thought this was a spectacularly bad idea from every angle. "Are you certain you won't call Max? He at least knows the area," he said, trying one last time to talk some sense into his stubborn husband.

Gregory narrowed his eyes as he pulled his Burberry overcoat off the tree. "You want to watch the children while I go up the mountain with Max then stay the night at Damon and Grant's place?"

Davy shook his head. "No," he said softly. "I just don't want anything to happen to you. I don't know what I would do if it did." He reached out and took the coat from his husband and held it open for him.

Gregory watched his husband for a moment then leaned in and pressed a kiss to his mouth before sliding his arms into his coat. He turned and waited for Davy to finish buttoning him up. "We'll be careful. If the cell towers go out we should still be able to use the walkie talkies on our phones to communicate. If not, I'll floo you from Damon's house. He said we could stay the night there if it got too bad."

"Alright. Do you want me to put some clothes in a back pack for you?" Davy asked as he slowly buttoned the man's coat and hoped it would be warm enough. "You still have your gloves, right?"

Gregory nodded. "I've got my gloves and I put on two of your heavy sweaters as well. If you want pack a couple for Jason to bundle up in for the ride back."

He looked over at Richard. "You have some chains just in case? We've snow tires on the Saab but you never know."

Davy nodded, going back to their bedroom to see if he could find anything large enough for Jason to wear.

"Yeah, there are chains in the trunk. How far are we going?" Richard asked as he moved to get his winter gear as well. Unzipping one of his suitcases, he pulled out thermals and thick wool socks. "Give me a minute to change, okay?"

Gregory nodded and gathered up the thermos and food, shoving it in an insulated bag. "Damon and Grant's house is about five miles out of town. Then we have to go back through their property and up the mountain."

Richard nodded as he walked out of the room to change, he wanted to get on the road before it got worse outside and any chance of getting the young man to safety would be gone.

Davy turned to look at his husband and raised an eyebrow. “Just make sure you call me as soon as you get to Damon and Grant’s and then call again when you get Jason,” he said softly, he’d argue later, right now time was important. “Be careful driving.”